Lama Zopa Rinpoche News

Lama Zopa Rinpoche arriving at Tsum Valley, Nepal, April 10, 2023. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.

Our precious guru is sitting in meditation at Kopan Monastery. 

Rinpoche had been up in the mountains in the Tsum Valley since Monday, and had to be brought down urgently as Rinpoche was experiencing altitude sickness.

On arrival back in Kathmandu this morning, Rinpoche stopped breathing.  The main doctor at Karuna Hospital tried for some time to revive Rinpoche, but that was not  successful.  Rinpoche entered meditation at about 9.30am Nepal time, today Thursday April 13th.

His Holiness has been informed, and is giving advice.

The lama gyupas and monks are taking turns in sessions offering Cittamani Tara with Rinpoche, as advised by His Holiness. Other pujas and prayers are being offered here in Kopan.

Khadro-la has advised that this is a most important and precious time for students.  Khadro-la went on to advise that the best thing for the students to do at this time is to practice bodhicitta in particular, as well as impermanence in the context of the lamrim, and then also as much as one can to help fulfil the guru’s holy wishes.

Khadro-la insisted that we should take this opportunity to try to achieve all or some of the lamrim in our own practice.  Meditating and praying to the guru to receive his blessings and guidance is very important. And to try as much as possible to complete Rinpoche’s projects and holy wishes, so already to generate that wish that we’ll be able to do that.

Please pray and dedicate for Rinpoche to be reborn as quickly as possible in a place where he can be very quickly recognized and be of most benefit to sentient beings.

Please keep trying to fulfill Rinpoche’s holy wishes, especially to practice impermanence and bodhicitta in the context of the lamrim.  Fulfilling the gurus’ holy wishes is a very important part of inviting the guru to return.

As you know, Rinpoche was the embodiment of bodhicitta, and always stressed the importance of remembering impermanence, and the essential need to put the teachings into practice.  This is what we can do for our precious guru now – please try to follow Rinpoche’s heart advice. We can all connect with the guru and receive the guru’s blessings in this way – NOW is a very important time for this.

Our hearts are breaking, we take all our support from Rinpoche’s teachings, and the guidance of His Holiness and our teachers, and in our FPMT family.

Big love

On behalf of Ven Roger Kunsang
FPMT International Office

We will send out updates as they become available. 

Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), is  Tibetan Buddhist organization dedicated to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation and community service.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche greeting participants of the Kopan November Course, Kopan Monastery, Nepal, December 2022. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

Since our last update, Lama Zopa Rinpoche spent beneficial time in India and Nepal in October and November, including a moving visit with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Rinpoche also visited Tashi Chime Gatsal Nunnery in Bigu, Nepal where he gave ordination vows for forty-five new nuns and participated in a ceremony for their new gompa. Rinpoche then taught at the fifty-third Kopan November Course at Kopan Monastery throughout December, and received a long life puja on behalf of the entire FPMT organization. Rinpoche engaged in a variety of other auspicious activities, benefiting and blessing sentient beings in any way possible along the way.  

We invite you to read more about some of these activities below and to join us in rejoicing about how Rinpoche inspires us all to live a full and beneficial life. 

His Holiness the Dalai Lama with Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Ven. Roger Kunsang, and other monks, November 2, 2022. Dharamsala, India. Photo courtesy of the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

A Most Auspicious Meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama

On November 2, 2022, Rinpoche, accompanied by Ven. Roger Kunsang, Geshe Ngawang Sangye, Ven. Tendar, and Ven. Topgye; had a private audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama in His Holiness’s residence in Dharamsala, India. Ven. Roger commented about the meeting, “From the time His Holiness came into the room, His Holiness showed the aspect of being very pleased with Rinpoche and taking time with the meeting, very happy. Everything was very comfortable and easy. His Holiness was really making clear His Holiness’s appreciation for Rinpoche’s activities for the benefit of sentient beings. This was the mood of the meeting.” During the meeting, His Holiness thanked Rinpoche for bringing Buddha’s teachings to the West, and accepted Rinpoche’s request that FPMT offer His Holiness a long life puja. You can read more details about this auspicious event.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche gave ordination over two days, with explanation, to forty-five new nuns at Tashi Chime Gatsal Nunnery, Nepal. November 18, 2022. Photo by Ven. Lhundrup Topgye.

Visit to Tashi Chime Gatsal Nunnery, Bigu, Nepal

On November 14, Rinpoche ceremoniously arrived at Tashi Chime Gatsal Nunnery in Bigu, Nepal. Since 2009, the Supporting Ordained Sangha Fund and some kind donors has been sponsoring the nuns of this Kagyu nunnery to complete one and often two 100 million mani retreats (100 million recitations of the mantra OM MANI PADME HUM) each year, including sponsoring the cost of food for all who participate. In addition to sponsoring the retreats, grants have also been offered for medical expenses and other needs at the nunnery over the years.

Rinpoche led an opening ceremony for their new gompa with Drukpa Rinpoche, offered Amitayus initiation, Vajrayogini initiation, and ordination for forty-five new nuns.

Young Kopan monks singing, “happy birthday” to Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Kopan Monastery, December 3, 2022. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

A Birthday Celebration at Kopan Monastery

On Rinpoche’s birthday, December 3, the Kopan community, joined by monks and nuns, locals, and November Course participants, offered a Sixteen Arhats long-life puja to Rinpoche, and organized a joyous celebration for FPMT’s spiritual director. The events included many performances of song, traditional Tibetan dances, and prayers. FPMT centers, projects, and services around the world also held their own celebrations and offerings for this special occasion.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche teaching at the fifty-third Kopan lamrim meditation course, Kopan Monastery, Nepal, December 9, 2022. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

Teachings at the Fifty-third Lamrim Meditation Course at Kopan Monastery

Rinpoche arrived back at Kopan Monastery on November 9. On November 25, after a two-year break due to the pandemic restrictions and safety concerns, 175 students started the fifty-third lamrim meditation course (also known as the November Course) at Kopan with Geshe Tenzin Namdak serving as retreat teacher. Geshe Namdak is a Dutch senior monk who completed his Geshe degree at Sera University in India in 2017. Geshe Namdak is the first Westerner to complete the full course of studies at Sera Je Monastery and also to sit for the final geshe examination there, a tremendous achievement.

On December 7, Rinpoche began teaching at the November Course and offered sixteen teachings through December 25, concluding with a jenang (permission to practice) of Vajrasattva. The teachings were livestreamed on YouTube for all to join. All of these teachings are also available as edited videos, which are added to the Lama Zopa Rinpoche Teachings from Kopan 2022 page with summaries of the teachings as they become available. 

During this time, Rinpoche also offered course participants a refuge ceremony on December 23; course participants went on  pilgrimage to the Swayambunath and Boudhanath stupas on December 24. Rinpoche also took this opportunity to meet with quite a few representatives of FPMT centers who were attending the November Course.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche with IMI Sangha on Lama Tsongkhapa Day at Kopan Monastery. Photo courtesy of Kopan Monastery.

Pujas, Prayers, and Practices

Rinpoche is continuously engaging in pujas, prayers, and practices to benefit all sentient beings and benefit all variety of external conditions, including the elements, as extensively as possible. 

Rinpoche spent time at Tushita Meditation Centre, Dharamsala, from October 30 to November 5 where Rinpoche led Lama Chopa tsog with 102 students and visitors in attendance, protector prayers, and prayers to Ksitigarbha.

His Eminence the 102nd Ganden Tripa Rigzong Rinpoche passed away at the age of 95 on December 8, 2022. Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi, and the Kopan Lama Gyupa offered Yamantaka self-initiation at news of the passing of this great lama, who was one of Rinpoche’s gurus.

A Sixteen Arhats long life puja was offered for Rinpoche at Khachoe Ghakyil Ling Nunnery on December 15, prior to a celebration honoring eight nuns who completed their Geshema degrees in 2019 and 2022. 

This year Lama Tsongkhapa Day fell on December 18. The day started at Kopan Monastery with a 1,000 Offerings to Maitreya Buddha puja offered by Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi, and all of the sangha at Kopan. After a lunch for more than 35 IMI sangha members, Rinpoche led everyone around the Guhyasamaja sand mandala in the Lama Gyupa gompa, explaining the incredible benefits you get just from seeing the mandala. All of the sangha at Kopan then offered a heartfelt and powerful Heruka Lama Chopa with extensive light offerings made outside.

On December 22, Rinpoche led Chod tsog at Boudhanath stupa with Yangsi Rinpoche, a few nuns from Khachoe Ghakyil Nunnery, and Umze Geshe Sherab from Kopan Monastery.

Among many ongoing practices, Lama Chopa tsog, Wealth Vase puja, and Guhyasamaja self-initiation were offered at Kopan Monastery while Rinpoche was there. 

Lama Zopa Runpoche during the long life puja offered to Rinpoche at Kopan Monastery, December 21, 2022. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

Long Life Puja for Rinpoche

A long life puja was offered by the entire FPMT organization to Rinpoche on December 21, at Kopan Monastery. This puja was offered in accordance with the advice of Khandro Kunga Bhuma (Khandro-la), and is part of a collection of practices offered for Rinpoche’s health and the well-being of the entire FPMT organization.

Book Release Event for Rinpoche’s New Book in Nepali

Rinpoche recently authored a new book in Nepali, titled The Effects of Smoking and Living a Healthy and Happy life. Kopan Nunnery hosted a public book release, which drew over 600 guests, including dignitaries such as Mr. Gagan K. Thapa from the Nepali Parliament’s House of Representatives. Music was offered by renowned singers Raju Lama and Ani Choying Drolma during the event. This book is a mixture of life advice and also details the harms of smoking tobacco, citing Padmasambhava’s advice, as well as modern science. 

Lama Zopa Rinpoche blessing a turtle and rabbit, with friends on the new land for Tushita Meditation Centre, New Delhi, India, November 6, 2022. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.

Blessing Beings Everywhere

Rinpoche’s care for animals is legendary, and he uses every opportunity to bless and benefit sentient beings of all shapes and sizes, wherever he goes. While traveling, Rinpoche recited mantras and lamrim prayers to the dogs of Osel Labrang at Sera Je Monastery in October; and while in Delhi in November, Rinpoche recited “The Foundation of all Good Qualities” as a blessing for a turtle and a rabbit and then touched the texts to their heads.

Teachings with His Holiness the Dalai Lama

On December 27, Rinpoche left Nepal for Bodhgaya to attend teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the Kalachakra Teaching Ground in Bodhgaya, India. His Holiness began on December 29, offering a two-day teaching on Nagarjuna’s Commentary on Bodhicitta. On December 31, His Holiness conferred a jenang blessing of the Twenty-one Taras. On January 1, a long life puja was  offered to His Holiness by the Gelug International Foundation, the organization representing the entire Geluk Tradition, at the Kalachakra Teaching Ground, in the place of the Buddha’s enlightenment.

We invite you to see more photos of Rinpoche in our India & Nepal October–December 2022 photo album:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/wQAPmuSsYjnBm6Ey9

Lama Zopa Rinpoche is the spiritual director of the Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), a Tibetan Buddhist organization dedicated to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation and community service.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche teaching at the Kopan lamrim meditation course, Kopan Monastery, Nepal, December 9, 2022. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

As a reminder, an official long life puja will be offered on behalf of FPMT centers, projects, services, study groups, and students for Lama Zopa Rinpoche, on December 21, at Kopan Monastery, Nepal. This second long life puja in 2022 will be offered in accordance with the advice of Khandro Kunga Bhuma (Khandro-la), and is part of a collection of practices offered for Rinpoche’s health, and the well-being of the entire FPMT organization.

The puja will be live streamed on the main FPMT Youtube livestream page and the FPMT Facebook page, starting around 8:30am in Nepal (2:45am GMT).

Please note: in our December FPMT Monthly e-news, we incorrectly shared the date of this puja as being December 22. The correct date is December 21 and we apologize for any confusion this has caused. 

Our prayers have tremendous power, and we invite you to join us by rejoicing in the puja being offered, generating your own prayers for Rinpoche’s health and long life, or making an offering toward the expenses associated with the pujas and practices for Rinpoche’s health and long life.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche is the spiritual director of the Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), a Tibetan Buddhist organization dedicated to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation and community service.

For all sessions and information about Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s livestreamed teachings during the fifty-third Kopan November Course, which continues until December 26, please visit: https://fpmt.org/media/streaming/lama-zopa-rinpoche-live/

Lama Zopa Rinpoche at the celebration of his birthday, with Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi, Ven. Roger Kunsang, and others at Kopan Monastery, Nepal. December 3, 2022.

Birthday Celebration

On Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s birthday, December 3, the Kopan community, joined by monks and nuns, locals, and November Course participants, offered a Sixteen Arhats long-life puja to Rinpoche, and organized a joyous celebration for FPMT’s spiritual director, which included many performances of song, traditional Tibetan dances, and prayers. During the celebration, Lama Zopa Rinpoche shared and explained some extremely impactful quotations, including this verse from Padmasambhava:

However much effort you put into worldly activities, they never finish.
If you put effort into holy Dharma, you quickly finish the work.
Although samsaric works are good at the beginning, in the end they fail.
If you practice holy Dharma, the result never goes down.

And verses on bodhicitta, including this from Lama Atisha in the Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment:

If the merits of generating bodhicitta
Were to take form,
They would fill the whole sky
And be even more than that.

Please enjoy this video of Rinpoche’s message as well as the ceremonies and festivities offered at Kopan Monastery in celebration of Rinpoche’s birthday:

FPMT centers, projects, and services around the world also had their own celebrations and offerings to Rinpoche on his birthday, including, for example, this video prepared by Chenrezig Institute, Australia, and this video offered by Institut Vajra Yogini, France. 

Traditional Tibetan dance offered during the celebration of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s birthday, Kopan Monastery, Nepal, December 3, 2022.

Long Life Puja

An official long life puja will be offered on behalf of FPMT centers, projects, services, study groups, and students to Lama Zopa Rinpoche, on December 21, at Kopan Monastery. This second long life puja in 2022 will be offered in accordance with the advice of Khandro Kunga Bhuma (Khandro-la), and is part of a collection of practices offered for Rinpoche’s health, and the well-being of the entire FPMT organization.

Current Teachings at Kopan Monastery’s November Course

Lama Zopa Rinpoche started teaching at Kopan Monastery as part of the 2022 lamrim meditation retreat (known as the November Course). These teachings are being livestreamed so that everyone can receive them, please explore all the ways you can engage in these teachings both live and following each teaching. 

Lama Zopa Rinpoche is the spiritual director of the Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), a Tibetan Buddhist organization dedicated to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation, and community service.

Yesterday Lama Zopa Rinpoche officially started teaching from the fifty-third lamrim meditation course at Kopan Monastery in Nepal. In this teaching Rinpoche discussed the importance of the lamrim teachings and he stressed to the participants how meaningful it is for them to have come to Kopan for this course in order to learn about the mind. 

These teachings are being livestreamed with transcription so that everyone can receive them. Subscribe to the FPMT YouTube channel to get notified when new videos are uploaded or a livestream starts. Livestreams are also announced on Telegram as well as Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Facebook page, and the FPMT and Kopan Monastery Facebook pages. Livestreams can also be watched without a transcript for those who prefer that format. Additionally, we will also be blogging about the teachings and providing final videos, transcripts, and summaries of the topics Rinpoche is covering regularly, so if you haven’t yet, subscribe to our FPMT Daily News blog email list!

Lama Zopa Rinpoche meeting students from Spanish speaking countries who are doing the November course, Kopan Monastery, Nepal, November 30, 2022. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche is the spiritual director of the Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), a Tibetan Buddhist organization dedicated to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation and community service.

For all sessions and information about Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s livestreamed teachings, please visit: https://fpmt.org/media/streaming/lama-zopa-rinpoche-live/

Lama Zopa Rinpoche, November 2022. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s birthday is celebrated on December 3. We invite you to join the entire FPMT community as we rejoice in another year of Rinpoche’s compassionate and inspiring life, and transformative teachings. 

A celebration for Rinpoche will begin at Kopan Monastery, first thing on December 3. Early in the morning a long life puja (Namgyal Tsechok) will be offered to Rinpoche. During this puja a monetary offering will be made to all of the monks and nuns in attendance on behalf of the entire FPMT organization. In the afternoon, lunch will be offered to all at Kopan including local people from the area, and November Course participants. After lunch, traditional entertainment will be offered including skits and Sherpa dance. We will share photos and more details of this joyous event after the occasion. 

Please join the entire FPMT community, including students and friends around the world, in offering sincere prayers for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s long and healthy life. (All are welcome to download Long Life Prayers for Lama Zopa Rinpoche.)

Rinpoche, on behalf of all the six-realm sentient beings who rely on you—please, please live long!

Lama Zopa Rinpoche is the spiritual director of the Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), a Tibetan Buddhist organization dedicated to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation, and community service.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama meeting Lama Zopa Rinpoche in Dharamsala, India. November 2, 2022. Photo courtesy of the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

On November 2, 2022, Lama Zopa Rinpoche had a private audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama in His Holiness’s residence in Dharamsala, India. Rinpoche was accompanied by Ven. Roger Kunsang, Geshe Ngawang Sangye, Ven. Tendar, and Ven. Topgye.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, and Ven. Roger Kunsang, Dharamsala, India. November 2, 2022. Photo courtesy of the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Ven. Roger commented about the meeting, “From the time His Holiness came into the room, His Holiness showed the aspect of being very pleased with Rinpoche and taking time with the meeting, very happy. Everything was very comfortable and easy. His Holiness was really making clear His Holiness’s appreciation for Rinpoche’s activities for the benefit of sentient beings. This was the mood of the meeting.”

Geshe Ngawang Sangye provided the following report of the meeting:

“We arrived at the meeting hall at 7:45 a.m. while His Holiness was giving a public blessing and another meeting. Just after the general public blessing His Holiness came into the hall and He was very, very happy to meet with Rinpoche. His Holiness said, “Lama Zopa, Lama Zopa, My trustworthy longtime friend.” His Holiness  blessed Rinpoche several times and Rinpoche offered five colored khata offerings. After that, Roger-la and all of the attendants offered khatas. His Holiness was holding Rinpoche’s hands and thanking Rinpoche for bringing Buddha’s teaching to the West. After this Rinpoche requested His Holiness for permission to ask some questions. His Holiness replied, “Ask anything, no rush.” Rinpoche then asked some questions about the FPMT and in relation to the future of the organization. Rinpoche also asked about a future book project he is working on about the practice of compassion. His Holiness showed the aspect of being very pleased about Rinpoche spreading this practice around the world and then gave a very special meditation to be included in the book. Rinpoche requested if His Holiness would accept a long life puja offered by FPMT and His Holiness immediately accepted the long life puja.” [We will share details about this long life puja as soon as they become available.]

His Holiness the Dalai Lama with Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Ven. Roger Kunsang, Geshe Ngawang Sangye, Ven. Tendar and Ven. Topgye, Dharamsala, India, November 2, 2022. Photo courtesy of the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Ven. Roger shares that the meeting was extremely positive and His Holiness offered Rinpoche a beautiful Buddha statue and strongly emphasized for Rinpoche to keep the statue with him always.

Please join the entire FPMT community in rejoicing in this most auspicious and precious meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama! 

His Holiness the Dalai Lama meeting Lama Zopa Rinpoche in His Holiness’s residence in Dharamsala, India. November 2, 2022. Photo courtesy of the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

For more on His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his beneficial activities, please visit DalaiLama.com.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche is the spiritual director of the Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), a Tibetan Buddhist organization dedicated to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation and community service.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche visiting students in Singapore, July 2022. Photo by Sengsiong Photography .

Since our last update, Lama Zopa Rinpoche offered very precious teachings at Amitabha Buddhist Centre, Singapore, in August and September. Some of these teachings have been part of the ongoing thought transformation series, and some were various talks given on particular occasions to specific groups. Following his visit in Singapore, Rinpoche traveled to India to receive teachings from Togden Rinpoche and Jhado Rinpoche at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Bylakuppe, India. In addition, Rinpoche engaged in a variety of auspicious activities, benefiting and blessing others with Rinpoche’s tireless compassionate action. 

We invite you to read more about some of these activities below and to join us in rejoicing about how Rinpoche inspires us all to live a full and beneficial life. 

Lama Zopa Rinpoche leading a Most Secret Hayagriva tsog kong puja at Amitabha Buddhist Centre, Singapore, September 4, 2022. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

Offering Teachings and Blessings

Rinpoche began teaching at Amitabha Buddhist Centre (ABC) in Singapore in August. While at ABC, Rinpoche offered numerous teachings on thought transformation, recorded as videos 129-137 in the ongoing thought transformation teaching series, which began in the early days of the pandemic in 2020. Other teachings included topics such as: You are So Fortunate to Meet the Lamrim Teachings, With This Human Rebirth You Can Be Happy Day and Night, The Kindness of the Buddha is Limitless Like the Sky, Advice for Generating Peace in the World, and other teachings that we are making available regularly. Rinpoche also offered Heruka Five-deity and Heruka Body Mandala initiations while at ABC and led a Most Secret Hayagriva tsog kong as well as a Lama Chopa puja for Chokhor Duchen (“Wheel-Turning Day”), on August 1. Rinpoche offered a teaching during the puja, titled The Kindness of Buddha is Limitless Like the Sky. 

While in Singapore in September, Rinpoche also benefited the beings in the ocean by leading practices for them, as well as blessing many bottles of water over many days and then putting those in the ocean with Namgyalma mantra boards which purifies any being in the water. Rinpoche strongly encouraged this practice to bless those living in water around the world. This is now being done regularly in oceans and lakes in the United States, Singapore, Nepal, and other countries. 

In South India, Rinpoche was joined by the Gyudmed Monastery abbot and monks at Rabgayling Tibetan Settlement, Hunsur, on October 16 to consecrate the beautiful forty-two foot stupa that Rinpoche sponsored for elders in the home at the settlement. Rinpoche offered a teaching to the local population on the benefits of reciting mantras, seeing stupas, and circumambulating holy objects.

On October 17, Rinpoche began teaching in Tibetan on lojong and offered advice to Sere Je Drati Khangtsen after paying a visit to the monastery’s newly renovated main office, and these teachings will continue in future years. The next day, October 18, Rinpoche began offering teachings in Tibetan on The Foundation of all Good Qualities by Lama Tsongkhapa at Sera Je Tsawa Khangtsen which will also continue in the future. 

You can find Rinpoche’s recent teachings here: https://fpmt.org/media/streaming/teachings-of-lama-zopa-rinpoche/

Lama Zopa Rinpoche blessing the beautiful stupa at Rabgayaling Settlement. Photo courtesy of Gyudmed Monastery Facebook page.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche receiving offering procession during long life puja at Amitabha Buddhist Centre, Singapore, September 11, 2022. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

Long Life Pujas

On September 11, a few days before Rinpoche’s departure, ABC offered a beautiful long life puja for Rinpoche in thanks for the precious teachings Rinpoche offered during his three-month stay in Singapore.

On October 14, a long life puja and “Expression of Gratitude” award was offered to Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Sera Je Monastery. This special event was to honor Rinpoche for the many decades of support Rinpoche has shown to the monastery, including the 25+ year accomplishment of the Sera Je Food Fund, which is now a full endowment covering the monastery’s yearly food expenses for over 2,000 Sangha. About this event, Sera Je monk Ven. Tenzin Legtsok, shared:

“This was a rare occasion when literally all of the monks of Sera Je came together from the youngest school boys up to the ex-abbots, the most senior monks from Buxa, all the geshes, tulkus, geshe program students, and monastery staff. Among the eminent lamas in attendance were the two former abbots of Sera Je, Khensur Rinpoche Lobsang Delek and Logoan Tulku Tenzin Choesang, the ex-abbot of Namgyal Monastery, Jhado Rinpoche, the current abbot of Sera Mey Monastery, Geshe Tashi Tsering, the abbot in waiting of Gyume Monastery, Geshe Ngawang Sangye and others. There were also representatives from the local Tibetan government. Everyone was there. Just the presence of so many monks was a powerful and palpable expression of their sincere respect for Rinpoche and their deep gratitude for His support over so many years. Every monk I spoke to was very happy that the monastery had decided to organize this long life puja and award ceremony for Rinpoche. Inside, the prayer hall was filled to overflowing with geshes and senior monks in the late years of the Geshe Studies Program such that the younger monks and school boys all had to sit outside.”

You can read more about this very special long life puja and recognition of Rinpoche’s beneficial activities. 

Lama Zopa Rinpoche being presented “Expression of Gratitude” award during long life puja offered by Sera Je Monastery, Bylakuppe, India, October 14, 2022. Photo Courtesy of Sera Je Monastery Facebook page.

Attending Teachings

From Singapore, Lama Zopa Rinpoche flew to India to receive teachings himself, arriving at the Bangalore airport late in the evening, September 19. Rinpoche was received at the airport by eminent Sangha from the various monasteries in South India. These dignitaries included the Abbot of Sera Je Monastic University, Geshe Tashi Tshethar, the Chant Master (Lama Umze) of Gyume Tantric Monastery, Geshe Ngawang Sangye, the Chief Administrator of Sera Je Monastery, Geshe Ngawang Jangchup, and the Secretary and Chief Mentor of Sera Je Drati Khangtsen. They all offered khatas to Rinpoche and requested blessings. Rinpoche spent about an hour at the airport talking with the monastery leaders over tea.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche offering the thanking mandala to Togden Rinpoche at the conclusion of teachings at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, South India. October 12, 2022.

Beginning on September 22 through October 12, at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, Bylakuppe, India, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, along with over 1,000 ordained Sangha, including high lamas, received a number of initiations and commentary from Togden Rinpoche. The teaching event started with the Thirteen-Deity Yamantaka, Guhyasamaja, Heruka, and Heruka Body Mandala initiations. Togden Rinpoche then offered the oral transmission and commentary of The Harbor of the Ocean of Great Bliss, a commentary of the creation and completion stages of Heruka practice in the Ghantapa lineage, that had been given by His Holiness Trijang Rinpoche, one of the tutors to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in 1975. Togden Rinpoche received the teaching at that time directly from H.H. Trijang Rinpoche. Lama Zopa Rinpoche recently sponsored the publication of that commentary in Tibetan.

During the same time in late September, Rinpoche also attended teachings given in the afternoon by Jhado Rinpoche at Tashi Lhunpo on The Three Pith Instructions. 

Lama Zopa Rinpoche was very happy to sponsor both of these precious teaching events. This included making offerings every day to the 1,000 Sangha in attendance, offering three meals a day to all, plus offering tea and bread during the teachings. Due to the kindness of two generous benefactors, Rinpoche was able to cover all the costs of sponsorship for these most valuable events. 

On October 2, Rinpoche received teachings online from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, on chapter two of Dharmakirti’s Commentary on Valid Cognition, a teaching that was offered by His Holiness at the request of a group of Taiwanese Buddhists.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche meeting with the 104th Ganden Tripa, H.E. Lobsang Tenzin Rinpoche, September 21, 2022. Photo by Ven. Lhundrup Topgye.

Meeting with High Lamas and Monastery Leaders

During his trip to South India, Rinpoche met with a number of leaders and high lamas from the great monasteries in the region. On September 21, Rinpoche met with the current throne-holder of the Gelug lineage, His Eminence the 104th Ganden Tripa Lobsang Tenzin Rinpoche. Earlier Rinpoche met with Sera Mey Abbott Khen Rinpoche Geshe Tashi Tsering, the former longtime resident teacher at FPMT-affiliate Jamyang Buddhist Centre in London, England. On September 23, Rinpoche visited with Khenchen Pema Sherab from Namdroling Monastery.

Later that week Rinpoche visited with the abbot and manager of Gyudmed Tantric College. Rinpoche then met with Geshe Drugdra from Gyudmed, a teacher whom Rinpoche has received oral transmissions from recently. 

In October, Rinpoche met with the abbott of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, Khen Rinpoche Tehor Zeekgyab Tulku, and on another occasion, Oser Rinpoche. Rinpoche also had visits with the present reincarnations of three of his teachers, Choden Rinpoche, Domo Geshe Rinpoche, and the current tulku of Ribur Rinpoche.

Please Rejoice

Join us in rejoicing in all of these incredible activities, teachings, important meetings, and opportunities Rinpoche has created to benefit beings continuously and in the most expansive ways possible. 

We invite you to see more photos of Rinpoche in our Singapore & India July–September 2022 photo album:

Lama Zopa Rinpoche is the spiritual director of the Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), a Tibetan Buddhist organization dedicated to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation and community service.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche during the long life puja offered by Sera Je Monastery, Bylakuppe, India, October 14, 2022. Photo Courtesy of Sera Je Monastery Facebook page.

On October 14, a long life puja and “Gratitude Award” was offered to Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Sera Je Monastery. This special event was to honor Rinpoche for the many decades of support Rinpoche has shown to the monastery, including the 25+ year accomplishment of the Sera Je Food Fund, which is now a full endowment covering the monastery’s yearly food expenses for over 2,000 Sangha. 

Sera Je monk Ven. Tenzin Legtsok, shares the moving show of support to Rinpoche:

“This was a rare occasion when literally all of the monks of Sera Je came together from the youngest school boys up to the ex-abbots, the most senior monks from Buxa, all the geshes, tulkus, geshe program students, and monastery staff. Among the eminent lamas in attendance were the two former abbots of Sera Je, Khensur Rinpoche Lobsang Delek and Logoan Tulku Tenzin Choesang, the ex-abbot of Namgyal Monastery, Jhado Rinpoche, the current abbot of Sera Mey Monastery, Geshe Tashi Tsering, the abbot in waiting of Gyume Monastery, Geshe Ngawang Sangye and others. There were also representatives from the local Tibetan government. Everyone was there. Just the presence of so many monks was a powerful and palpable expression of their sincere respect for Rinpoche and their deep gratitude for His support over so many years. Every monk I spoke to was very happy that the monastery had decided to organize this long life puja and award ceremony for Rinpoche. Inside, the prayer hall was filled to overflowing with geshes and senior monks in the late years of the Geshe Studies Program such that the younger monks and school boys all had to sit outside.”

Lama Zopa Rinpoche arriving to Sera Je Monastery before the long life puja, Bylakuppe, India, October 14, 2022. Photo Courtesy of Sera Je Monastery Facebook page.

Sangha of Sera Je Monastery offering a long life puja to Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Bylakuppe, India, October 14, 2022. Photo Courtesy of Sera Je Monastery Facebook page.

The proceedings began with an hour of opening prayers, followed by processions of mandala offerings made by leaders of the monastery and each khangtsen (monastic community house), as well as the monastery school, healthcare center, and library. The Sangha of Sera Je then made extensive auspicious offerings, completing with the main mandala offering to Rinpoche coming from Sera Je abbot Geshe Tashi Tsethar. The abbot’s words to Rinpoche are recounted here by Ven. Legtsok:

“He began by recounting how difficult the situation was for the monks before Rinpoche began offering food. Money was extremely scarce and most monks struggled to get enough food to eat. As a result, many came down with illnesses or left. Seeing that this situation was a source of much suffering and a hindrance to the development of the monastic community, Khensur Rinpoche Lobsang Tsering requested Rinpoche to help sponsor food for the monks. That was thirty-one years ago. Since then, Rinpoche has continually provided funding for three meals per day enabling the monastic community to thrive.

“The abbot recounted how, wishing to ensure that the monks were provided with food far into the future Rinpoche endeavored on the monumental task to build up an endowment such that the cost of food would be covered by the interest from this fund. In 2017 FPMT offered this endowment of US$5.3 million. Again and again the abbot said that to express all of Rinpoche’s holy deeds would be impossible and totally beyond him. But to mention a few more he recounted Rinpoche’s support for building the current prayer hall when the old one had been outgrown, Rinpoche’s support over many years for the Sera Je School, for the healthcare center, the library, for the many khangtsens and private house groups, for other monasteries belonging to both the Geluk, Sakya, Nyingma, and Kagyu Traditions, as well as for schools, clinics, homes for the elderly and more in the Tibetan exile community as well as Nepal and India, not to mention building countless holy objects.

“The abbot expressed how this immense work of generosity was not Rinpoche’s alone but has also been the work of Venerable Roger Kunsang, other FPMT International office staff, sponsors, and the hundred-fifty plus FPMT centers, projects, and all the benefactors and students. As the abbot spoke all were silent and one could feel the energy of gratitude build as the monks took to mind all that Rinpoche and FPMT have done for them and countless others. Voicing one kindness after another and looking out at the sea of geshes and monks in their yellow robes that Rinpoche’s generosity has enabled to grow so large, the abbot teared up and had to pause for a few moments to collect himself. So sincere was his deep appreciation.”

Lama Zopa Rinpoche receiving a stupa during long life puja offered by Sera Je Monstery, Bylakuppe, India, October 14, 2022. Photo courtesy Sera Je Monastery Facebook page.

The long life puja spanned over four hours, at the end of which Lama Zopa Rinpoche offered words of humility and then requested to informally share some advice. Ven. Legtsok summarizes some of Rinpoche’s words:

“The most important thing in studying in the monastery, Rinpoche said, was for it not to remain mere words but that it be accompanied by sincere practice. The essence of practice is to subdue the mind. To transform the mind into Dharma. If we do not subdue our minds and transform our actions into Dharma then the whole thing becomes a waste, another worldly endeavor with no benefit for ourselves or others.”

Rinpoche then offered further advice on methods to subdue the mind. The events concluded with the monastery disciplinarian offering a telling of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s life story and thanking Rinpoche, Ven. Roger Kunsang, and all the FPMT staff, centers, teachers, students, benefactors, and all the organizers of the event. 

Lama Zopa Rinpoche being presented “Expression of Gratitude” award during long life puja offered by Sera Je Monastery, Bylakuppe, India, October 14, 2022. Photo Courtesy of Sera Je Monastery Facebook page.

Awards Presented By the Monastery

The “Expression of Gratitude” award presented to Lama Zopa Rinpoche reads:

In honor of His Eminence Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s immense contribution to the preservation and promotion not only within the Buddhist community domain but across the globe, disseminating the wisdom and knowledge of the Buddha Dharma. In particular, Rinpoche has remained the principal patron and benefactor of Sera Je Monastery through significant support to major projects and programs, such as the Assembly Hall, annual All Gelug Institute’s Winter Debate, known as ‘”Jang-Gun-Choe;” annual All Gelug University Board Examinations, and the Sera Je Food Fund since 1991.

This Expression of Gratitude is hereby presented to H.E. Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, in recognition and profound appreciation of His Infinite kindness and philanthropic support to Sera Je Monastery, and in continuing his numerous spiritual, educational, and social development mission projects and programs.

Ven. Roger Kunsang was also recognized at this ceremony for his decades-long devotion to Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s vision with a “Expression of Appreciation” award. The award plaque reads:

In honor of Venerable Roger Kunsang for his commendable and enduring service in the capacity of personal secretary to His Eminence Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche and as CEO leading the FPMT, the centers, and its mission successfully over the years.

Sera Je Monastery has received immense contribution support from His Eminence Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche through FPMT’s programs during the last three decades.

This Expression of Appreciation is hereby presented to Ven. Roger Kunsang, in recognition and profound appreciation for his commitment and devotional service to His Eminence Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche and leading the FPMT successfully and particularly in the preservation and promotion of the Buddha Dharma and also towards social developmental welfare of communities and institutions.

Please join the entire FPMT community in rejoicing at this sincere offering of gratitude and well wishes for the long and healthy life of Lama Zopa Rinpoche from the Sera Je Monastery community on behalf of all who Rinpoche has been benefitting in so many numerous and expansive ways; and for acknowledging the tireless devotion and service of Ven. Roger Kunsang. 

Lama Zopa Rinpoche is the spiritual director of the Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), a Tibetan Buddhist organization dedicated to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation and community service.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche during a long life puja offered to him at Sera Je Monastery, Byalakuppe, India, November 2017. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

Sera Je Monastery is offering a long-life puja for Lama Zopa Rinpoche on October 14 at the Main Prayer Hall in the monastery, and presenting Rinpoche with a special “Gratitude Award” for the many decades of support Rinpoche has shown to the monastery, including the 25+ year accomplishment of the Sera Je Food Fund, which is now a full endowment covering the monastery’s yearly food expenses for over 2,000 Sangha.  

All are welcome to join in this auspicious event on Facebook or through an English translation on Zoom (Meeting ID: 837 8829 0095). 

We look forward to sharing photos and details from this special puja after the event. 

Lama Zopa Rinpoche is the spiritual director of the Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), a Tibetan Buddhist organization dedicated to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation and community service.