Lama Zopa Rinpoche News

Lama Zopa Rinpoche teaching at Amitabha Buddhist Centre, Singapore, August 2022. Photo courtesy of ABC Facebook page.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche has been offering very precious teachings on thought transformation and lamrim from Amitabha Buddhist Centre (ABC), Singapore. Teachings started on August 1 and will continue for the whole month. The teachings on thought transformation have been given to students in Russia and are a continuation of the teachings given from Kopan Monastery on June 25 and June 26 and also are part of the ongoing thought transformation series of teachings which Rinpoche began in 2020. 

All are welcome to join live online from anywhere in the world. These teachings are being livestreamed on Lama Zopa Rinpoche and FPMT’s Facebook pages and FPMT’s YouTube channel (with transcript and without transcript).

The teachings are being translated in Chinese, Russian, Spanish and Italian. Some sessions will also be translated also to Indonesian, French, and Portuguese. For those needing translation, you can join via Zoom details which are on the ABC Facebook page.

If you wish to listen to the teachings in English please listen on YouTube, as the Zoom session is limited to 1,000 viewers and we would like to ensure that all students who need translation will be able to get a seat.

We will also be offering the full-length videos, transcripts, and summaries of these teachings following the live events. 

Please subscribe to the FPMT YouTube channel to get notified when the stream starts.

• Learn how to GET NOTIFIED when a stream starts. 

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.

We are delighted to share information about Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s upcoming teachings and initiations at Amitabha Buddhist Centre (ABC), Singapore this month. The first part of this program will be streamed live, and we invite you to join students around the world who will be taking advantage of this most precious opportunity! 

Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s August Program 

August 6-16, 2022: Teachings on thought transformation, lamrim, and Lama Chöpa commentary. These teachings, including the initial sessions of the Lama Chöpa commentary, will be open to all without any prerequisites, and will also be streamed live on FPMT Facebook and YouTube. 

August 19-23: Five-Deity Heruka Initiation. Available onsite at ABC only. 

August 26-28: Heruka Body Mandala Initiation. Available onsite at ABC only. 

Information about registration, prerequisites, practice commitments, and other information can be found on ABC’s recent newsletter. Specific times of teachings are listed on the flyer above, and please do note that the times are listed according to local time in Singapore. 

Watching the Livestream of the August 6-16 Teachings:

Please subscribe to the FPMT YouTube channel to get notified when the stream starts.

• Read how to GET NOTIFIED when a stream starts.
• Pour savoir comment recevoir une notification quand le live commence, cliquez ici.
• Para saber como recibir una notificación cuando comienza la transmisón, pulsa aquí.
• Leggi come ESSERE INFORMATO quando comincia la diretta streaming.
  

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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.

Rinpoche receiving the oral transmissions from Geshe Thupten Rinchen, April 23, 2022. Photo by Ven. Thubten Tendar.

Since our last update, Lama Zopa Rinpoche has remained in Nepal before traveling to Singapore for a simple medical procedure, engaging in a variety of auspicious activities, including maximizing every moment of merit-multiplying Saka Dawa and continuing to offer teachings to a variety of audiences. Rinpoche ordained new Sangha at Kopan Monastery in May, offered a mandala at the inauguration of a new building for the Nepal Buddhist Gelug Association on June 8, and visited the Karuna Hospital on June 21 offering advice on death and dying to the staff. Rinpoche met with Telo Rinpoche at Kopan May 9 and with the incarnation of Trulshik Rinpoche on May 16.

We invite you to read more about some of these activities below and to join us in rejoicing in the compassionate service Rinpoche offers every day, inspiring us all to live a full and beneficial life. 

Rinpoche’s Health Update

Most Secret Hayagriva tsog kong offered to Lama Zopa Rinpoche for his long life, Kopan Monastery, Nepal, June 24, 2022.

Earlier this month, Rinpoche traveled to Singapore for a simple medical procedure. Rinpoche is recovering well from this procedure and students around the world participated in the advice given by Khandro Kunga Bhuma for Rinpoche’s health at this time. We also invite you to rejoice in the various practices that have been done and planned for Rinpoche’s health this year:

• A White Tara long life puja was offered on March 11, 2022, at Kopan Monastery. This special long life puja involved seven days of preparation led by Khandro-la with the Kopan monks.
• In March, Khandro-la advised that students recite Chenrezig and White Tara mantras for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s health, for the fulfilment of all their wishes, and for the benefit of all in the FPMT organization. Incredibly, during the most meritorious period from Losar up to and including the last of the Days of Miracles, Chotrul Duchen, a total of 12,719,479 mani mantras and 1,759,396 White Tara mantras were offered by FPMT students and centers around the world. 
• In May, Khandro-la advised FPMT students to recite refuge and bodhicitta prayers, and FPMT students and centers around the world have been offering these prayers.
• An all-day Most Secret Hayagriva tsog kong, was offered by the Kopan Lama Gyupas and senior monks and nuns of Kopan on June 24, 2022.
• 17,417 pounds of cockles were liberated for Rinpoche’s health by Ven. Drachom at Amitabha Buddhist Centre, Singapore.
• Three separate long life deity thangkas were painted and consecrated in one day in July 2022.
• Painting for the three main stupas in Kathmandu was offered in July 2022.
• One horse and ten sheep were liberated in Mongolia in July 2022.
• Lama Chopa long life puja will be offered at Kopan Monastery at the end of the November lamrim course.
• Guru Rinpoche bum tsog and raising of the great thangka of Guru Rinpoche at Kopan Nunnery will happen at the end of 2022. 

Teachings

Lama Zopa Rinpoche offering Milarepa initiation, April 6, 2022. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

On April 6 Rinpoche offered a Milarepa initiation and teachings to a small group of senior Kopan monks, senior Khachoe Ghakyil Ling nuns, Western sangha, and some lay students. We invite you to watch the teaching that Lama Zopa Rinpoche offered prior to the initiation. A full transcript of this teaching is also available. 

Rinpoche gave four teachings to students attending the 2022 Vajrasattva retreat at Kopan Monastery: an introductory teaching on March 30 and three subsequent teachings on April 26–28. You can find all the videos and a combined transcript of these teachings on our page “Teachings for 2022 Vajrasattva Retreatants at Kopan Monastery.

In May the Lama Zopa Rinpoche Essential Extracts Podcast was launched. This podcast captures the essence of Rinpoche’s teachings and each fifteen-to thirty-minute episode is edited and condensed from a longer teaching by Rinpoche and focuses on a single topic. New episodes are released every other Monday and previously published episodes are available as well.

Rinpoche continued offering teachings on refuge to a group of Chinese students via Zoom from Kopan Monastery in June and we will offer these teachings on video with transcripts as soon as they become available.

Rinpoche offered two teachings to Russian students via Zoom from Kopan Monastery at the end of June and we will offer these teachings on video with transcripts as soon as they become available. A third teaching is planned for this group and Rinpoche has indicated that these are complimentary to and a condensed teaching on the thought transformation series that Rinpoche has been giving for the last two and a half years.  

Following Rinpoche’s discharge from the hospital in Singapore for the medical procedure, Rinpoche joined the Amitabha Buddhist Centre (ABC) community in Singapore for their special celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 87th birthday with puja. Prior to the puja Rinpoche shared, “So thank you very much. Due to all your prayers I’m feeling better. The operation was like a short sleep. I fell asleep, then finished! It was very efficient.”

Lama Zopa Rinpoche meeting Russian neuroscientists at Kopan Monastery, Nepal, May 2022. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

Scientists Studying Meditation 

A group of Russian neuroscientists spent time at Kopan Monastery conducting studies on the monks with respect to meditation and brain waves. Rinpoche met and spoke with them as well. We will be sharing details about this interesting study very soon! 

Geshe Thubten Rinchen Lungs

Rinpoche had requested precious oral transmissions (lungs) from Geshe Thubten Rinchen—a great hidden yogi and the main teacher of Sera Mey and Tashi Lhunpo monasteries—several times for the benefit of the Kopan community. From April 15—May 9, 2022, Geshe Rinchen fulfilled Rinpoche’s request and several hundred Kopan monks and nuns, as well as a few others from various locations, received the lungs which were a transmission of parts of the five great texts that are the curriculum of Sera Je Monastery and some of the other great monasteries. You can read more about these lungs.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche watching His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s teachings on Saka Dawa, June 14, 2022. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

Saka Dawa

On the merit-multiplying day of Saka Dawa, celebrated on June 13 this year, Rinpoche filled every moment with the opportunity to be as beneficial as possible. He attended a teaching with His Holiness via Zoom, attended tsog at Namgyal Jyangchub Choeling Monastery, turning two prayer wheels at once, with 3 trillion mantras in each. He also blessed water and Vaseline with mantras, for those who are sick and continued writing out the Prajnaparamita sutra late into the night.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Khandro-la, and Kopan Sangha doing Palden Lhamo puja at Kopan Monastery, May 30, 2022. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.

Circumambulating the Kopan Monastery Altar, Boudha Stupa, Swayambhunath

Lama Zopa Rinpoche circumambulating the stupa at Kopan Monastery. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

Often Rinpoche circumambulates six times, dedicating each circuit to each of the six realms. Rinpoche also has explained this essential advice when circumambulating: Visualize that all the numberless buddhas, Dharma, and Sangha in the ten directions are in front of you in the form of the stupa as well every single holy object—statue, stupa, scripture, relic, etc.—that exists in every universe anywhere and think that all of these are your root guru integrated into one. You can also visualize the stupa taking the form of the Guru Puja merit field, or a deity such as Chenrezig or Vajrasattva, with the awareness that this is your root guru. The most important thing, Rinpoche stresses, is to always keep the mind in devotion seeing all the holy objects you are circumambulating as a manifestation of your root guru. This is the most skillful meditation for the purification to become most powerful and to collect the most extensive merit. It’s the same meditation whether you are circumambulating a stupa or in your shrine room.

 Pujas and Practices

Rinpoche participated in many pujas and practices with others including:

• Yamantaka sadhana recitation with Kopan Lama Gyupas and Geshe Rinchen for the benefit of all beings and to remove all obstacles.
• Tara puja at the special Tara Temple in Kathmandu in April with Geshe Tenzin Zopa, Geshe Thubten Sherab, and the Kopan monks and nuns.
• Lama Chopa Tsog was completed several times at Kopan Monastery and Khachoe Ghakyil Nunnery.
• Palden Lhamo Puja was done with Khandro-la and Kopan Sangha twice in May
• Lama Chopa Puja was done on the occasion of Khyongla Rato Rinpoche passing away on May 24.

We invite you to see more photos of Rinpoche in our April–June 2022 photo album:
https://fpmt.org/teachers/zopa/gallery/nepal-april-june-2022/

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 joined the ABC community in Singapore for a special birthday celebration and puja for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, following Rinpoche’s discharge from the hospital for a simple medical procedure, July 6, 2022.

On Friday we shared the news that Lama Zopa Rinpoche was in Singapore for a simple medical procedure, and Khandro Kunga Bhuma (Khandro-la) advised on particular practices for students to engage in at this time and for a period following the procedure.

We are delighted to share Ven. Roger Kunsang’s most recent update from today:

This morning Rinpoche was discharged from the hospital here in Singapore. The doctor was very pleased with the results of the procedure.

 Rinpoche says he is feeling very well and a little bit lighter!

 Sincerely,

roger

Following his discharge from the hospital Rinpoche joined the Amitabha Buddhist Centre (ABC) community in Singapore for their special celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 87th birthday with puja. Prior to the puja, Rinpoche talked with the group and offered a short teaching. Rinpoche shared, “So thank you very much. Due to all your prayers I’m feeling better. The operation was like a short sleep. I fell asleep, then finished! It was very efficient.” 

All are welcome to watch this event which was livestreamed: 

We encourage all students to please continue with the recommended prayers and practices advised by Khandro-la until July 15:

1. Animal Liberations

Liberating Animals from the Danger of Death
Available from the FPMT Foundation Store: shop.fpmt.org/Liberating-Animals-from-the-Danger-of-Death-PDF_p_1115.html

2. Tara Mantra and Tara Praises 

Tara Praise and Mantras
Available from the FPMT Foundation Store: shop.fpmt.org/Tara-Praise-and-Mantras-PDF-_p_3582.html

Abbreviated Praise to the Twenty-one Taras
Available from the FPMT Foundation Store: shop.fpmt.org/Abbreviated-Praise-to-the-Twenty-One-Taras-PDF_p_3466.html

3. Vajrasattva Mantra to be recited as much as possible

A Short Vajrasattva Meditation Purification with the Four Opponent Powers
Available from the FPMT Foundation Store: shop.fpmt.org/A-Short-Vajrasattva-Meditation-Purification-with-the-Four-Opponent-Powers-eBook-PDF_p_1223.html

4. Padmasambhava Prayers

Recitations of The Prayer to Guru Rinpoche that Spontaneously Fulfills All Wishes (Sampa Lhundrupma)
Available for download: https://fpmt.app.box.com/s/d09kz5j5gzk1z0eggx8dr5hfaqt565lz

Recitations of The Supplication to Guru Rinpoche Clearing the Obstacles on the Path (Barchey Lamsel)
Available for download: https://fpmt.app.box.com/s/rmlbbci39tsyihe2lt00gf50iwuv8kxw

Students can also recite the long life prayer that Khandro Kunga Bhuma composed for Lama Zopa Rinpoche in 2016.

A complete list of the long life prayers for Lama Zopa Rinpoche is available to all. 

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.

Visit our Long Life Puja Fund page to learn more about the purpose of long life pujas and opportunities to offer support for them.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Kopan Monastery, May 2022. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

Every year Ven. Roger Kunsang, on behalf of the FPMT organization, consults Khandro Kunga Bhuma to determine what practices should be done to help create the conditions for Lama Zopa Rinpoche to have a long life and good health for the coming year. Khandro-la also offers advice as necessary for Rinpoche’s health. Rinpoche is now in Singapore for a simple medical procedure and Ven. Roger has just shared some new advice from Khandro-la which all FPMT centers, projects, services, and students are being asked to engage in as soon as possible and to continue over the next two weeks for Rinpoche’s health:

Current Advice for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Health

1. Animal Liberations

Liberating Animals from the Danger of Death
Available from the FPMT Foundation Store: shop.fpmt.org/Liberating-Animals-from-the-Danger-of-Death-PDF_p_1115.html

2. Tara Mantra and Tara Praises 

Tara Praise and Mantras
Available from the FPMT Foundation Store: shop.fpmt.org/Tara-Praise-and-Mantras-PDF-_p_3582.html

Abbreviated Praise to the Twenty-one Taras
Available from the FPMT Foundation Store: shop.fpmt.org/Abbreviated-Praise-to-the-Twenty-One-Taras-PDF_p_3466.html

3. Vajrasattva Mantra to be recited as much as possible

A Short Vajrasattva Meditation Purification with the Four Opponent Powers
Available from the FPMT Foundation Store: shop.fpmt.org/A-Short-Vajrasattva-Meditation-Purification-with-the-Four-Opponent-Powers-eBook-PDF_p_1223.html

4. Padmasambhava Prayers

Recitations of The Prayer to Guru Rinpoche that Spontaneously Fulfills All Wishes (Sampa Lhundrupma)
Available for download: https://fpmt.app.box.com/s/d09kz5j5gzk1z0eggx8dr5hfaqt565lz

Recitations of The Supplication to Guru Rinpoche Clearing the Obstacles on the Path (Barchey Lamsel)
Available for download: https://fpmt.app.box.com/s/rmlbbci39tsyihe2lt00gf50iwuv8kxw

In addition, Ven. Roger reports that pujas are being arranged in monasteries and nunneries in India and Nepal for Rinpoche’s health at this time.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche during the long life puja offered to him, March 11, 2022, Kopan Monastery. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

Completed and Planned Practices for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Health in 2022

We also ask you to join us in rejoicing in the following which has been completed and planned for Rinpoche as advised.

• A White Tara long life puja was offered on March 11, 2022, at Kopan Monastery. This special long life puja involved seven days of preparation led by Khandro-la with the Kopan monks.
• In March, Khandro-la advised that students recite Chenrezig and White Tara mantras for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s health, for the fulfilment of all their wishes, and for the benefit of all in the FPMT organization. Incredibly, during the most meritorious period from Losar up to and including the last of the Days of Miracles, Chotrul Duchen, a total of 12,719,479 mani mantras and 1,759,396 White Tara mantras were offered by FPMT students and centers around the world. 
• In May, Khandro-la advised FPMT students to recite refuge and bodhicitta prayers, and FPMT students and centers around the world have been offering these prayers.
• An all day Most Secret Hayagriva tsog kong, was offered by the Kopan Lama Gyupas and senior monks and nuns of Kopan on June 24, 2022.
• 17,417 pounds of cockles were liberated for Rinpoche’s health by Ven. Drachom at Amitabha Buddhist Centre, Singapore.
• Three long life deity thangkas will be painted and consecrated in one day in July 2022.
• Painting for the three main stupas in Kathmandu will be offered in July 2022.
• One horse and ten sheep will be liberated in Mongolia in July 2022.
• Lama Chopa long life puja will be offered at Kopan Monastery at the end of the November lamrim course.
• Guru Rinpoche bum tsog and raising of the great thangka of Guru Rinpoche at Kopan Nunnery will happen at the end of 2022. 

Please join the entire FPMT community by engaging in these powerful advised practices for the long life and health of our most precious spiritual director, Lama Zopa Rinpoche. 

Students can also recite the long life prayer that Khandro Kunga Bhuma composed for Lama Zopa Rinpoche in 2016.

A complete list of the long life prayers for Lama Zopa Rinpoche is available to all. 

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.

Visit our Long Life Puja Fund page to learn more about the purpose of long life pujas and opportunities to offer support for them.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche with Khandro Kunga Bhuma, Kopan Monastery, Nepal, March 2022. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.

Every year FPMT CEO Ven. Roger Kunsang, on behalf of the FPMT organization, checks with Khandro-la (Khandro Kunga Bhuma) to determine what practices should be done to help create the conditions for FPMT’s Spiritual Director, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, to have a long life and good health for the coming year. In addition to the pujas and practices already advised, Khandro-la’s recent observation is that there are still obstacles to Rinpoche’s health.

Ven. Roger shared, “Khandro-la is therefore strongly advising students to continue to offer practices dedicated for Rinpoche’s good health, and now specifically to recite refuge and bodhicitta prayers. We sincerely request students to start this now or as soon as possible, and to continue over the coming two months. Individual students can offer this practice themselves, and we encourage centers to organize group practice sessions for this.”

We appreciate everyone’s swift engagement with these recommended prayers, dedicating strongly for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s health and very long life.

Taking Refuge and Generating Bodhicitta

Sang gyä chhö dang tshog kyi chhog nam la 
Jang chhub bar du dag ni kyab su chhi 
Dag gi jin sog gyi päi tshog nam kyi 
Dro la phän chhir sang gyä drub par shog

I take refuge until I am enlightened
In the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Supreme Assembly.
By my merits of generosity and so forth,
May I become a buddha to benefit transmigratory beings. 

From FPMT Education Services’ Daily Prayers.

* Lama Zopa Rinpoche advised to replace sö nam (Tib. gsod rnams) in the third line with tshog nam (Tib. tshogs rnams), in accordance with His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s advice, and to translate tshog nam as “merits,” rather than “accumulation” or “collections.” Rinpoche explains that the two types of merits are the merits of virtue and the merits of wisdom, which are often translated as the “accumulation of merit” and the “accumulation of wisdom,” respectively.

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 Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s explanation of the prayer for taking refuge and generating bodhicitta, students can follow the Living in the Path module “The Refuge and Bodhichitta Verse” (free, registration require). In it, Lama Zopa Rinpoche unpacks each word of these deceptively simple four lines to reveal their great profundity and tells us how to meditate on the whole path to enlightenment while reciting it.

The Long Life Puja Fund always contributes to long life pujas offered to Lama Zopa Rinpoche. You can also learn about the many Charitable Projects of FPMT and discover how the various funds and projects are benefiting others.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche offering a Milarepa initiation in Shavapuri Village, Nepal, April 6, 2022. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

The great yogi Milarepa (1040-1123) is one of the most revered figures in Tibetan history and among all sects of Tibetan Buddhism. Milarepa’s guru was the famous translator, Marpa (1012-1097), himself the main disciple of Naropa (1016-1100).

Marpa taught Milarepa through a variety of seemingly futile tasks. One famous story records that Milarepa was instructed to build a large tower out of nearby boulders. Once the tower was complete, he was asked to tear it down and rebuild it in another location. Once this task was complete, he again was instructed to tear it down and rebuild. Other stories account for Marpa’s teachings on enduring and persevering through hardships. Milarepa’s devotion to his guru enabled him to progress on the path quickly. 

Statue of Milarepa that was brought to the initiation by Ven. Drachom. Photo by Ven. Sarah Thresher.

On April 6, Lama Zopa Rinpoche offered a Milarepa initiation and teachings to a small group of senior Kopan monks, senior Khachoe Ghakyil Ling nuns, Western sangha, and some lay students. The occasion of this initiation was for Ven. Tenzin Drachom (Fred Cheong), a long-time Singaporean student who required the initiation prior to engaging in personal retreat. The initiation was offered in Shivapuri Village, an eco-resort and conservation farm a short distance northwest of Kopan Monastery. The resort is located within the beautiful hills of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, which is a protected area for a diversity of wild animals.  

Rinpoche arrived at Shivapuri Village at 11 a.m. for the initiation preparation while the attendees had lunch, kindly sponsored by Ven. Drachom. The teachings started around 3 p.m. with Rinpoche offering profound commentary on “Milarepa’s Hymn,” including the advice that the way to really enjoy happiness in this life is by giving up desire.

According to Ven. Thubten Khadro, who was in attendance, “Rinpoche also taught on the benefits of taking this initiation, which includes being reborn as a disciple of Milarepa and receiving direct teachings from him, and by virtue of reciting Milarepa’s mantra seven times daily, one won’t be reborn in the lower realms. Rinpoche also read ‘Calling the Guru from Afar,’ a prayer composed by Jamyang Chokyi Lodro, as a motivation for the initiation. The initiation itself was short and concluded with a blissful tsog that included vegan cakes!”

We invite you to watch the teaching that Lama Zopa Rinpoche offered prior to the Milarepa initiation. A full transcript of this teaching is available. 

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 to him, Kopan Monastery, Nepal, March 2022. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

Since our last update, Lama Zopa Rinpoche has remained in Nepal, engaging in a variety of auspicious activities, including doing a personal retreat. Rinpoche also was offered a long life puja, met with important people and lamas, offered prayers and pujas during the Fifteen Days of Miracles, created merit in relation to holy objects, attended the inauguration of a new dialysis clinic, and offered two new teachings. We invite you to read more about these activities below and to join us in rejoicing in the compassionate service Rinpoche offers every day, inspiring us all to live a full and beneficial life. 

Long Life Puja

Lama Zopa Rinpoche with the Sherpa dancers following the long life puja offered to Rinpoche at Kopan Monastery, Nepal, March 11, 2022. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

A long life puja was offered on behalf of the entire FPMT organization to Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Kopan Monastery, Nepal, on March 11. The puja was a joyful occasion that included lama and Sherpa dances in the courtyard and a picnic in the stupa garden. There were several days of preparatory practices done by Kopan monks and nuns leading up to the long life puja. On the day of the puja, Kopan Abbot Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi, Yangsi Rinpoche, Losang Namgyal Rinpoche, Rigsel Rinpoche, Kopan monks and nuns, and many others were in attendance.

Teachings and Advice

From Kopan Monastery, Rinpoche offering a talk to Sangha at the beginning of a three-month Vinaya course helded at Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa, Italy, March 2022. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

On February 25, Rinpoche offered timely advice regarding practices to reduce the war in Ukraine and to help stop violence and suffering. Rinpoche also arranged a number of powerful pujas, such as controlling fire pujas, wrathful fire pujas, and Drugchuma (Sixty-Four Offerings to Kalarupa).

Rinpoche also gave two teachings recorded on video recently, which we’ve shared in blog posts complete with summaries:

• The Western Sangha Are the Real Heroes, a teaching Rinpoche offered at the beginning of a three-month course on the Vinaya being held at Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa.
• Why Buddhism Is So Important, a teaching Rinpoche offered to the Vajrasattva retreatants at Kopan Monastery.

Meeting with Important Individuals

Lama Zopa Rinpoche meeting with Geshe Jampa Tsundue, resident teacher of Lobsang Dragpa Centre in Malaysia, at Kopan Monastery, January 2022. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.

In early January, Rinpoche invited Khadro-la (Rangjung Neljorma Khadro Namsel Drönme) for lunch at a nice resort outside of Kathmandu with breathtaking panoramic views of snow-capped mountains. While there, Rinpoche and Khadro-la also offered prayers and pujas. Later in January at Kopan Monastery, Rinpoche met with Geshe Jampa Tsundue, resident teacher of Lobsang Dragpa Centre, Malaysia.

Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Phuba Chhbe Sherpa (Bikkhu Thubten Jikdol), Chairman of the National Planning Commission of the Ministry of Education, and Dr. Biswo Nath Poudel, Vice Chairman, discussing education topics during a visit to Kopan Monastery, Nepal, February 23, 2022. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.

Rinpoche met the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the National Planning Commission of the Ministry of Education in February. They spoke about many subjects, such as the Mount Everest School at Kopan Monastery, education within monasteries, Dharma education, as well as secular education focusing on compassion and kindness. 

Lama Zopa Rinpoche with Lama Ngawang Chokyab at Kopan Monastery, Nepal, March 13, 2022. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.

In March, Rinpoche met with Lama Ngawang Chokyab, a Nyingma lama and disciple of Trulshik Rinpoche, at Kopan Monastery. Rinpoche also met with Serkong Dorje Chang at his monastery in Swayambhunath. 

Lama Zopa Rinpoche meeting with Serkong Dorje Chang at his monastery in Swayumbhunath, Nepal, March 13, 2022. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

New 3.5-foot (1-meter) tall Dzambhala statue being welcomed to Kopan Monastery.

Holy Objects

Rinpoche greeted a new 3.5-foot (1-meter) tall Dzambhala statue, which arrived at Kopan in January. Rinpoche personally welcomed the statue with prostrations, a five-colored khata offering, a mandala offering, and tsog. Rinpoche wrote a special letter to Dzambhala with prayers and requests for the organization and all beings, and offered this letter of requests to Dzambhala. 

Rinpoche made trips to Swayambhunath and Boudha stupas, offering teachings, prayers, and khatas with others. 

Lama Zopa Rinpoche writing out the Prajnaparamita Sutra, Kopan Monastery, Nepal, March 2022. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.

Rinpoche continued to write out the 8,000 verse Prajnaparamita Sutra in pure gold. Under Rinpoche’s guidance several students have been writing out the Prajnaparamita on archival quality rainbow paper, including Ven. Tsering, who is now based at Kopan Monastery and is writing out volumes from the 12,000 verse Prajnaparamita, as well as Jane Seidlitz in United States and Ven. Nina at Khachoe Ghakyil Ling Nunnery in Nepal.

Offering Prayers and Pujas

Rinpoche offered sur practice at night at Kopan Monastery in front of the 1,000 Buddha altar on the roof of Kopan’s main gompa. Rinpoche has explained that by offering sur practice, one will have success and be born in a pure land, and whatever work one is doing will be successful and not have obstacles.  

Most Secret Hayagriva tsog kong was offered at Kopan for Rinpoche’s long life and for the success of the entire organization on March 2. Rinpoche, Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi, and Kopan monks offered Palden Lhamo puja to start the new year auspiciously on March 3. Lama Chopa was also offered at Kopan Monastery on Losar. On the third day of Losar, Rinpoche led incense puja with Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi and senior Kopan monks on Kopan Hill, where they made strong prayers for all beings and to remove obstacles and bring success.

On April 2, Rinpoche attended a long life puja for Khadro-la. 

Long life puja offered to Khadro-la (Rangjung Neljorma Khadro Namsel Drönme), Kathmandu, Nepal, April 2, 2022. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche leading an incense puja on Kopan Hill with Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi and monks of Kopan Monastery, Losar, March 3, 2022. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

Maya Daya Clinic

Maya Daya Clinic, established in 1992 at the foot of Kopan Hill, is one way Kopan Monastery has been actively serving the local community. At the time it was created, there was very little medical care in the area, with doctors and pharmacies only accessible in Boudhanath, a forty-five minute walk away. The aim of the clinic was to provide basic healthcare for the local population, with a doctor and nurse available three days a week and regular access to medical supplies at the clinic’s pharmacy. In the years since then, the clinic has benefited thousands of local patients as well as the monks and nuns of Kopan and of other monasteries.

With the need for basic medical care in the local area now well covered by other clinics and pharmacies, Maya Daya Clinic, in cooperation with Karuna Hospital, is taking the next step in its development. As part of an expansion of Karuna Hospital, the clinic will be serving the local community by providing dialysis to those with chronic kidney disease in a comfortable and modern environment. This is an incredible achievement for Kopan Monastery to be able to offer support to the local community in this way. Through the leadership of Ven. Sangye Tenzin, government support has also been obtained for this clinic, which is desperately needed by the local population who will be able to receive dialysis for free.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche attended the inauguration of this clinic on March 5 with Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi. Rinpoche offered a statue of Buddha for the front of Karuna Hospital and also designed the beautiful image of Shakyamuni Buddha with mantras that you can see below in the photo. Please read more about this amazing project.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi attending the inauguration of the Maya Daya Clinic at Karuna Hospital on March 5, 2022. Rinpoche designed the image of Shakyamuni Buddha with mantras in the background. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

We invite you to see more photos of Rinpoche in our January–March 2022 photo album:
https://fpmt.org/teachers/zopa/gallery/nepal-january-march-2022/

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.

Sangha from Kopan Monastery and Khachoe Ghakyil Nunnery doing prayers and practices in preparation for the long life puja for Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Kopan Monastery, Nepal, March 2022. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

A White Tara long life puja will be offered to FPMT Spiritual Director Lama Zopa Rinpoche on March 11, 2022, at Kopan Monastery in Nepal. Currently, the monks and nuns from Kopan Monastery and Khachoe Ghakyil Nunnery are doing seven days of practice in preparation for this special long life puja.

A long life puja offered to one’s teacher is a powerful opportunity to show devotion. The heartfelt prayers and praises along with the procession of symbolic offerings made to a spiritual guide create extensive merit. In addition, one is able to purify the mistakes that occur in relation to a teacher and to create the causes and conditions to continue to receive benefit from that teacher for a very long time. And, as Lama Zopa Rinpoche regularly mentions, offering long life pujas is a cause for one’s own long life.

We are pleased to share a short video of the long life puja preparations at Kopan Monastery:

The long life puja on March 11 will be offered to Lama Zopa Rinpoche on behalf of the entire FPMT organization. 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.

Visit our Long Life Puja Fund page to learn more about the purpose of long life pujas and opportunities to offer support for them.

For additional recent advice on mantra recitations to do for Lama Zopa Rinpoche, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and the entire FPMT organization see:
fpmt.org/lama-zopa-rinpoche-news-and-advice/mantra-recitations-for-his-holiness-the-dalai-lama-lama-zopa-rinpoche-and-fpmt

Ven. Roger Kunsang offering a mandala to Lama Zopa Rinpoche during the April 19, 2021 long life puja at Kopan Monastery

Every year Ven. Roger Kunsang, on behalf of the FPMT organization, checks with Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s gurus and/or Rangjung Neljorma Khadro Namsel Drönme (Khadro-la), to determine what practices should be done to help create the conditions for Lama Zopa Rinpoche to have a long life and good health for the coming year. 

The first offering to Rinpoche arranged this year will be a White Tara long life puja on March 11, 2022, at Kopan Monastery. This special long life puja will involve seven days of preparation led by Khadro-la with the Kopan monks. At a later date there will be a Most Secret Hayagriva tsog kong and a Guru Rinpoche bum tsog also offered according to the advice received. 

Khadro-la making an offering during a long life puja to Lama Zopa Rinpoche, April 2021. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

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.

For additional recent advice from Khadro-la on mantra recitations to do for Lama Zopa Rinpoche, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and the entire FPMT organization see: fpmt.org/lama-zopa-rinpoche-news-and-advice/mantra-recitations-for-his-holiness-the-dalai-lama-lama-zopa-rinpoche-and-fpmt

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.

The Long Life Puja Fund always contributes to long life pujas offered to Lama Zopa Rinpoche. You can also learn about the many Charitable Projects of FPMT and discover how the various funds and projects are benefiting others.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama meeting with Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Bodhgaya, India, January 2020. Photo courtesy of the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

At the beginning of each Tibetan year, Ven. Roger Kunsang requests advice for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s health and the success of the FPMT organization. This year  Rangjung Neljorma Khadro Namsel Dronme (Khadro-la) has advised that it would be extremely beneficial if FPMT students can recite Chenrezig and White Tara mantras for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s health, for the fulfilment of all their wishes, and for the benefit of all in the FPMT organization.

The request is to recite these mantras during the most meritorious period starting with Losar (March 3), and up to and including the last of the Days of Miracles, Chotrul Duchen, on March 18. Please dedicate using the FPMT dedication prayers (in the FPMT Essential Prayer Book and Complete Dedication Prayer Book), including the long life prayer for His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Whether you are doing them individually or as part of a group at your local center, project, or service; please keep track of the numbers of mantras you complete. You can send your individual recitation numbers on March 19 to Claire Isitt, and if you are connected to a local FPMT center, please send them your recitation numbers. Ven. Roger will then offer that accumulation of meritorious activity to Lama Zopa Rinpoche on behalf of us all.

• Chenrezig mantra:

OM MANI PADME HŪM (link to a short practice from Education Services)

• White Tara mantra:

 OM TĀRE TUTTĀRE TURE MAMA ĀYUR PUṆYE JÑĀNA PUSHTIM KURUYE SVĀHĀ (link to a short meditation from Education Services)

These practices are in addition to the long life puja being offered to Lama Zopa Rinpoche on March 11 (with seven days of preparatory pujas being offered). We will send more details and a reminder about this auspicious long life puja at the end of the week. 

His Holiness the 14th the Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. 

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.