Lama Zopa Rinpoche News and Advice

Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Washington D.C., USA, August 2014. Photo by Merry Colony.

Today we are sharing this heartfelt message of gratitude to Kopan Monastery and the entire FPMT organization and students of Lama Zopa Rinpoche from the FPMT Board of Directors.

The FPMT Board of Directors would hereby like to express its profound gratitude to all at Kopan as well as the International Office, centers, projects, services, and students throughout the world for the extraordinary efforts that were made from the moment that Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche manifested the appearance of passing away until the present day, and which are continuing even now.

The tireless efforts and devotion shown by all have been truly astonishing. There are no words to express how people all over the world took comfort and found strength in the prayers and practices that were done continually in Rinpoche’s room and in the gompas
of the monastery and nunnery of Kopan. At a time when all of Rinpoche’s disciples were grieving and in pain, and many were unable to come to Nepal to pay their respects and be together, all the tireless efforts that were made benefitted them enormously. Thousands of people, both in Nepal and all over the world, have been inspired by the prayers, practices, and all that was done. For this, we would like to express our sincere and deep gratitude.

Also, in Dharamsala, at the Long Life Puja for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the excellent training and skill of the Kopan sangha was obvious to all and recognized at the highest levels. The puja pleased His Holiness and for this, too, we would like to express our deepest gratitude.

One week ago today, the day long Heruka Lama Chopa puja marking the 49th day of the passing away of our holy guru was held. It was an extraordinary puja led by Kopan’s outstanding umze and chanted by hundreds of geshes, lama gyupas, monks, geshemas, nuns both Himalayan and non-Himalayan, and attended by even more hundreds of those who came to pay their respects to Rinpoche.

That day was the culmination of your efforts, boundless devotion, dedication, and the respect that has been evident since the moment of Rinpoche’s passing. It was a unique event, fitting the occasion perfectly. We believe that this puja would have pleased the mind of our holy guru and so for this, too, we express our profound gratitude.

There are also others in the world who deserve great thanks for all they have done in the past two months. When Rinpoche first passed away, all those at the International Office worked day and night to gather information and share it with the rest of us so that we could be kept up to date about what was happening as quickly and thoroughly as possible. With the time differences always a challenge, they managed to inform us and share advice, prayers, and images so that no one needed to feel left out or left behind. It was a truly admirable and remarkable feat, and our gratitude is great here, too.

The number of centers and students worldwide who dropped everything to come together to pray and practice for Rinpoche is beyond measure. So many people reported feeling the presence of Rinpoche, feeling the strong connection with him, which made the deep feeling of loss transform into an even stronger commitment to work to fulfil Rinpoche’s wishes.

As people supported each other there was a sense of how fortunate we have been to be Rinpoche’s disciples, and how important it was and is to retain this sense of community and commitment. To all the offices, centers, projects, and students in the world who did practices for Rinpoche and continue to recite the Swift Return Prayers we extend our deepest gratitude.

So, from the bottom of our hearts, we sincerely thank you. We are grateful to every one of you.

The FPMT Board of Directors

Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), is 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 and Geshe Thubten Rinchen, Boudhanath, Nepal, April 13, 2022. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.

May 31 marked the forty-ninth day since Lama Zopa Rinpoche showed the aspect of passing away. A very moving and powerful puja occurred at Kopan Monastery with all the Kopan monks and nuns, hundreds of non-Tibetan students, and many Sherpa and Nepalese individuals. 

Heruka Lama Chopa with Tsog offered on the 49th day of Lama Zopa Rinpoche showing the aspect of passing away, May 31, 2023, Kopan Monastery, Nepal. Photo courtesy of Kopan Monastery

During these 49 days following Lama Zopa Rinpoche showing the aspect of passing away, an extraordinary amount of prayers, condolences, and support as well as visits to Kopan, have come from all the traditions of Tibetan Buddhism and from monasteries, organizations, high lamas, Nepalese government officials, and individuals offering prayers for Rinpoche’s swift return and sharing many moving tributes to Rinpoche’s extraordinary qualities and many beneficial activities. All the great monasteries in India offered prayers, especially at Sera Je Monastery. All the monks of Sera Je gathered every day during the first week and then every seven days following; and the  abbot of Sere Je, Khen Rinpoche Geshe Tashi Tsethar, also flew up to Kopan to offer prayers directly on the occasion of  the thirty-five days since Rinpoche showed the aspect of passing away. Students from around the world came to Kopan to join in many auspicious activities at this time including the prayers for Rinpoche’s swift return occurring 24 hours a day in front of Rinpoche’s holy body, the long life puja for His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala and subsequent audience with His Holiness, and the special Heruka Lama Chopa with Tsog puja occurring every 7 days up to the 49th day of Rinpoche’s passing. 

Just hours after Lama Zopa Rinpoche entered his final meditation on April 13, 2023, Sera Mey Geshe Thubten Rinchen Rinpoche spoke to the Kopan sangha and students of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, offering heartfelt words of sadness, praise, and encouragement for the future. 

Geshe Thubten Rinchen Rinpoche was a close friend of Lama Zopa Rinpoche from an early age, and mentioned this to some of the Kopan sangha that same day, “From 1961, Lama Zopa Rinpoche and I stayed together in this place called Buxa for about seven years. There were many monks there, but among them Rinpoche and I lived together very intimately as part of a small group of monks. We stayed there close together, so I really know him and understand him.”

Below is the advice offered by Geshe Thubten Rinchen Rinpoche, to the monks and nuns of Kopan and to students of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, on April 13, 2023 at Kopan Monastery:

Hello, I thought to send one or two words to you all. This is the one called Thupten Rinchen of Sera Mey Monastery, Tsangpa Khangtsen. You are all probably familiar with me. The thing I want to speak about is the very sad and tragic news that I heard today at about one o’clock in the afternoon, that the one with a great altruistic mind, Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche, has passed into parinirvana. I heard this very sad, disheartening news today.

At that time, in my mind I became like a person who’s gone blank. Then, as I gradually reflected on his enlightened deeds and activities over all these years, my grief became greater and greater. There’s nothing to be done, really. But thinking foremost of Rinpoche’s main secretary, Venerable Roger, and all the other staff and monks and nuns at Kopan Monastery, I thought to offer a few words of condolence. I’m nobody to say anything, but, from this afternoon when I first heard until now tonight, about 10:00 pm, I’ve been reflecting on what’s happened. Finally, an intention to say something came. Uncontrollably, my mind has been as if going in circles. I can’t help but say something. Please don’t be upset with me.

There is the future in general, but then too I wouldn’t really know what to say. In any case, thinking of the enlightened deeds and activities of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s holy body, speech, and mind, just the deeds and activities of this holy life are truly something beyond comprehension. In general, the way he has benefited the Buddha’s teachings by spreading them to many foreign countries where they did not exist before, and continues to do so, and especially with regard to the teachings of the Riwo Ganden lineage, is truly something amazing. Rinpoche has spread these teachings widely to many places where they had not spread before. We all know about this.

In my observation, although there are many veritable holy lamas, among them the activities to serve and spread the Buddha’s teachings that are the most extensive and most widespread are just those of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche himself. This is what I think. Therefore, he has been inconceivably kind to us. In addition, as we can directly see, Rinpoche has been incredibly kind in supporting the Great Seats and countless particular groups within those. You may not believe it, but when I heard the news this afternoon, thinking of what an inconceivably kind and great holy being has passed away, I became immeasurably sad and inexpressibly grief-stricken. I thought to send a message then, but have been thinking about it until now. Now I can’t help but say a few words. Apart from offering this message, I have no other aims.

Venerable Roger and all of you have, from a very young age, lived at Kopan, Jangchub Choling Monastery, following the discipline and serving the monastery until becoming advanced in age. There are many senior monastics in your community. In any case, to all of you, headed by these elders, I have a few words of hope and thoughts to share. There’s no need for me to say that for a long time all of you have sincerely served Rinpoche. But at this time, Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s unfinished deeds need to be continued. Some of the projects I know about are construction of a Guru Rinpoche statue and the project in Kushinagar, and there are other similar projects yet to be completed, right? Although Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche is no longer with us now, still, I request you to please bring these types of projects, these unfinished holy deeds of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, to completion. An incarnation will definitely come.

It’s certain that you all are very downhearted at this time, however, there’s no benefit in just remaining downhearted. Whatever the case may be, what I want to say is that it is extremely important to make every effort to continue with the unfinished works of Lama Zopa. So, I request and pray that you will do this. Certainly, you are sad at heart, and I’m together with you in feeling great sorrow. I want to let you know this. This is primarily to all the staff.

Regarding Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, there are the deeds of his holy body, speech and mind. As for the holy deeds of his body, from this morning they have become like a dream. We will not have the fortune to meet him in person again. Similarly, as to the holy deeds of his speech, we can no longer hear his speech. However, in regard to the deeds of his holy mind, the deeds of his holy mind are the most important. With regard to the geshes and students at Dharma centers in many different countries, remembering the kindness of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, they will surely consider what to do. From my side, I sincerely request that, remembering Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s kindness, they should, if possible, increase the Dharma, social service, and other works of Rinpoche more than before; but if they cannot manage this, at least continue to sustain the various works Rinpoche has initiated as they exist now without letting them decline. It is very presumptuous of me to say this, but please don’t feel irritated.

Then, at this time, in my opinion, in Nepal, Ogmin Jangchub Choling and also the nunnery, Kachoe Ghakyil Ling, these two monasteries are not insignificant. Rather, they currently engage in studies of both sūtra and tantra. Therefore, you need to remember again and again what are the deeds of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s holy mind and his heart’s intentions. In general, this is an extremely sad and unfortunate situation such as I have probably never experienced. Definitely, intense grief will arise. But when it arises, some may think, “Now there’s nothing to be done. Our refuge is gone, he has passed away. [Geshe Thubten Rinchen Rinpoche is overcome and cries briefly] There’s no point in anything now.” On one hand, it’s not sure that this is entirely untrue, right? However, if one just thinks in this way, it is fundamentally not all right. If you ask why, it’s because the heart intention of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche is what?

During our very own lifetimes, on this land where these monasteries now stand, there was nothing before, barely even a house. Now, a great monastic community with a union of study and practice of both sūtra and tantra has been well established. Compared to this great deed and enlightened activity, there’s none higher. Recognizing this, you need to continue this great deed and intention of Rinpoche’s holy mind to the best of your ability. I have no more significant request than this.

You need to generate enthusiasm and make effort even more than before to not let the unified study and practice of sūtra and tantra decline, but rather increase it more and more. To sustain this work is extremely important. As I’ve already said, of course one will be downhearted, but there’s no sense in remaining like this. If one just thinks, “Now there’s nothing to be done,” then there is no offering of practice and no offering of pleasing the guru. Rather, recognizing that there’s no higher offering to Lama Zopa Rinpoche than fulfilling his sacred intentions, all the monks now in the monastery need to pull together and consider what is the best way forward to sustain this work. This is one thing I humbly request of you.

Just as I’ve requested the monks, I request the same of all the nuns of Kachoe Ghakyil Ling. All of you will surely be sad and feel as if stricken by an inconsolable grief. However, there’s no point in just dwelling in this. Rather, just as I’ve said to the monks, some may say that now there’s nothing to do and no point to stay in the monastery and then think to leave. This may occur, but this is a totally mistaken path. Not only that, instead of accomplishing Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s intentions, it becomes not following his wishes.

Therefore, although the deeds of Rinpoche’s holy body and speech have come to an end, it is extremely important to know the wishes of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s holy mind and strive to accomplish them. His intention is as I said before. From nothing to just a small nunnery, to now a great community of nuns has been established, and not only that, engaged in the unified study and practice of both sūtra and tantra. Not only has this been established, but as a fruit of these efforts it is the first monastery to produce geshemas, something that didn’t even exist in name in Tibetan not long ago. You all know this. For this to happen Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche worked incredibly hard with great determination. Seeing this and taking it to mind then, although at this time you may be disheartened in some moments, you should not give up, thinking “Now I’ll leave the community and just go off some place to live alone.” It’s possible you may be small minded like that. If you do that, then, as I said to the monks, it is not fulfilling Rinpoche’s holy wishes and is not an offering of practice. Therefore, I request you to think well what it is to accomplish Rinpoche’s heart intentions, choose the right path, and not follow a mistaken path. It’s up to each individual person to consider this well. There’s nothing better to do than this. Consider what is the intention of Rinpoche’s enlightened mind, understand and strive to accomplish that. If you do this then it is an offering of pleasing and bringing joy to the lama. There’s no better offering. So I earnestly request you to make such offerings of pleasing the guru and fulfilling his instructions. My speaking in this way is very presumptuous, but please don’t be irritated. It is my sincere opinion. The main thing is to serve.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche has passed away now—you know that. But although he has passed away, he was an inconceivably great spiritual teacher, as you all know well. He was a great practitioner of the altruistic wish to accomplish the welfare of others and took great interest in studies as well. We have directly seen this. At this time, in order to fulfill his wishes and also to benefit ourselves, whether as an organization or in our own room, we should recite the Guru Puja, placing Lama Zopa Rinpoche at the very center of the merit field in clear light, make offerings, and from among the offerings focus on the offering of practice. There’s no need for me to tell you, actually. Until now all of you have taken Rinpoche’s advice to heart, engaged in studies and practice and made offerings of pleasing the guru very well. Nonetheless, we are all afflicted sometimes by faults of body, speech and mind, and sometimes see faults in the lama. At such times we should accumulate recitations of the Confession of Moral Downfalls in order to purify negativities and obscurations arising from the body, speech and mind being afflicted by negative karmas. I have personally seen how beneficial it is to confess and practice restraint in this way.

Rinpoche’s enlightened deeds and activities of this life have finished, but we can hang our hopes on praying that an unmistaken reincarnation of the lama swiftly appears who is able to continue the work of his previous life in just the same way, and we can request to once again enjoy the nectar of his holy speech turning the wheel of Dharma as before. In addition, we can request that in that life he remain long to benefit transmigratory beings. Remembering how kind Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche has been to us, we can make such requests while recalling all of Rinpoche’s kind deeds. Please consider these suggestions.

We can clearly visualize the sacred venerable guru, Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, then think, “Just as he engaged in enlightened deeds, so too may I personally continue to sustain those deeds.” We should meditate like that. I think this is the best way to pray and the best way to serve now that Rinpoche has passed into parinirvana. I think this is the best thing to do. With the idea that this might be helpful to you all, I’ve offered these words. If you agree, then please act accordingly.

Finally, to summarize, this great monastery of Kopan monks and nuns has been established; to put it concisely, at this time of sorrow, there’s a real danger that you think, “How unfortunate! There’s nothing to be done now. It’d be better to go off to some other place.” If you follow such thoughts, it is not making an offering of fulfilling Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s advice, it is not remembering his kindness, and it will lead to the destruction of his kind enlightened activities. Therefore, when such thoughts arise, recognize them as just the result of grief and don’t follow them. Rather, strive to accomplish Rinpoche’s intentions even more than before. Please continue to study and practice at least as well as now, and if possible improve upon the present. Not only that, but do not leave study at the mere level of listening and contemplation, but take all the meanings gleaned through these into meditative practice and generate realizations. Offer this as a personal commitment and actually practice accordingly. I implore you to do this. This is the best offering of practice, the best offering of pleasing the lama, and the best way to commemorate the life of the lama. Don’t take my word for it. All of you should reflect yourselves on what are the holy wishes of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, and there is nothing for you not to understand. I pray that you will do this. I urgently request you to consider things in this way.

Likewise, at your monastery there is Khen Rinpoche and the scriptural teachers. I implore them to take care to give pertinent advice and that it not become just idle talk but is put into practice. My final request is this. Please don’t feel irritated that these words are too many or are inappropriate. Thank you.

Translated by Ven. Tenzin Legtsok with assistance from Sera Je Geshe Ngawang Sangye at Kopan Monastery, Nepal, on April 22, 2023. Edited by Ven. Ailsa Cameron. 

Heruka Lama Chopa puja seven days after Lama Zopa Rinpoche showed aspect passing at Kopan Monastery with H.E. Gaden Tri Rinpoche, Jetsun Lobsang Tenzin Rinpoche, and all Kopan monks and nuns, April 20, 2023. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

On May 31, Heruka Lama Chopa with Tsog Offering will be performed at Kopan Monastery on the occasion of the 49th day since Lama Zopa Rinpoche showed the aspect of passing away. 

During these 49 days, an extraordinary amount of prayers, condolences, and support as well as visits to Kopan, have come from all the traditions of Tibetan Buddhism and from monasteries, organizations, high lamas, Nepalese government officials, and individuals offering prayers for Rinpoche’s swift return and sharing many moving tributes to Rinpoche’s extraordinary qualities and many beneficial activities. All the great monasteries in India offered prayers, especially at Sera Je Monastery. All the monks of Sera Je gathered every day during the first week and then every seven days following. FPMT students from all over the world have come to Dharamsala last week for the long life puja for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and many of them have now made their way to Kopan.

These last few days prayers are continuing very intensely at Kopan Monastery with nonstop prayers in Rinpoche’s room plus many other pujas and prayers in the various gompas by Kopan monks, non-Tibetan students, and visiting groups of local lay people. This evening, May 29, students are offering an all night Tara Purification ritual from sunset to dawn.

Everywhere around the world, FPMT centers are organizing pujas for the 49th day on May 31 and students are encouraged to check with their local center for information. Students are also welcome to participate and follow along with everything occurring at Kopan Monastery by utilizing the information and links below. All are welcome to join the livestream of this special puja.

Prayers and pujas have been offered 24 hours a day, seven days a week for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s swift return in front of Rinpoche’s holy body, Kopan Monastery, Nepal. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

Materials for the Heruka Lama Chopa with Tsog Puja

Starting at 8:30 a.m – 5:30 p.m. (Nepal time), Calling the Guru from Afar will be recited and then Heruka Lama Chopa with addition of the prayers to the mahamudra lineage gurus. In the evening, the monks at Kopan Monastery will recite the root texts Ornament of Clear Realization and Entering the Middle Way. The texts needed for the Heruka Lama Chopa are:

• Heruka Lama Chopa with Tsog
• Heruka Lama Chopa Supplementary Prayers

Additional information about the booklet of supplementary prayers:

• Praises to the Twenty-One Taras is often recited before the start of the puja.
• Heart Sutra and the prayer for dispelling hindrances is recited right after the first tea break. The Heart Sutra is recited extremely quickly.
• Song of Immortality, a long life prayer for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, is recited at the beginning of the second session and later on in the puja. (The monks and nuns recite this from memory)
• Atisha’s Prayer: A Light Offering is recited at the end of Heruka Lama Chopa.  (The monks and nuns read this from a pecha-format print out)
• If there is time, the light offering may be followed by Chanting the Names of Noble Manjushri. (The monks and nuns recite this from memory.)

The Swift Return Prayers are recited before the lunch break and again near the end of the puja. The prayer by His Holiness is usually recited three times followed by the prayers composed by Jhado Rinpoche and Rangjung Neljorma Khandro Tseringma.

We have created photo galleries of inspiring images of some of the group prayers, pujas, and practices done in Kopan Monastery; as well as monastic institutions and communities, FPMT centers, and at the sites of holy objects and gompas: fpmt.org/teachers/zopa/gallery-prayers-for-swift-return/

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

His Eminence the 12th Jamgon Kenting Tai Situ Rinpoche offering prayers and a heartfelt conversation with Lama Zopa Rinpoche, in front of Rinpoche’s holy body.

On May 14, 2023, His Eminence the 12th Jamgon Kenting Tai Situ Rinpoche, visited Kopan Monastery to pay his respects to Lama Zopa Rinpoche and offer prayers in front of Rinpoche’s holy body. The Tai Situ lineage is one of the oldest reincarnation lineages in the Kagyu school and H.E. Tai Situ Rinpoche is also considered to be an emanation of the bodhisattva Maitreya. 

H. E. Tai Situ hadn’t been in Nepal for over thirty years, but came for one day to visit one of his gurus who is very sick in the hospital. Thousands of people were waiting for him at the airport when he landed in Nepal. When he arrived at Kopan Monastery to pay respects, there was a huge storm, including hail and lightning, and some felt this was a very auspicious sign, as if the elements were acknowledging the pure samaya between the two lamas.

H. E. Tai Situ took his time in the gompa, telling stories for those in attendance in a very warm way. When he entered Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s room, he stayed standing in front of Rinpoche’s holy body for a long time, having what seemed to be a direct conversation with Rinpoche, as though he was right there.

We now have an edited video to share with you, complete with English subtitles, of this heartfelt talk with Lama Zopa Rinpoche: https://youtu.be/aI9T9sHtcxA

His Holiness the Dalai Lama entering the Main Tibetan Temple for the long life puja offered to him by the FPMT organization, May 24, 2023. Photo by Tenzin Choejor, courtesy of DalaiLama.com.

Three hundred and fifty members of the FPMT organization, including 150 who joined the event from abroad, participated in the hugely successful long life puja offered to His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, India, on May 24, 2023. 

FPMT board members took part in offering a mandala, as well as the traditional long life offerings. Meanwhile, a procession of 114 FPMT students, monastics and lay-people, filed through the temple with offerings including some of the 400 Shakyamuni Buddha statues which were offered at the puja. Six hundred additional statues will be offered to His Holiness as soon as they are completed, as well as two life-sized Namgyalma and Padmasambhava statues. 

FPMT Board members Ven. Roger Kunsang, Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi, and Paula De Wys offering a mandala to His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the long life puja, Dharamsala, India, May 24, 2023. Photo by Tenzin Choejor, courtesy of DalaiLama.com.

While speaking to the audience, His Holiness commented:

“These long-life prayers are being offered today by the FPMT, an organization with many centers around the world that has for quite some time been led by the late Zopa Rinpoche. A very trustworthy person, Rinpoche has recently passed away and I pray that his reincarnation will be able to serve the Dharma and sentient beings in his next life. …

“Zopa Rinpoche really did his best. He worked immensely hard for the teachings and to benefit sentient beings. I hope his reincarnation will also be a proper custodian of the Dharma and pray that that may be so. You should do the same.”

A view inside the main temple during the long life puja offered to His Holiness the Dalai Lama by the FPMT organization, May 24, 2023. Photo by Tenzin Choejor, courtesy of DalaiLama.com.

FPMT centers around the world viewed the livestream with their communities and arranged beautiful offerings for the event. Kathy Vichta, from Chenrezig Institute, AUS, shared, “What a glorious and very moving event! We watched it live at Chenrezig Institute in the gompa. It was beautifully filmed and it was so good to have the entire puja translated into English for us. The photos really express how joyous and wonderful it all was! A true offering to Lama Zopa Rinpoche. May His Holiness live long and be healthy!”

Offerings at Land of Medicine Buddha, CA, USA, which were made during the long life puja for His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala.

For many years Lama Zopa Rinpoche had made the request to offer a long-life puja to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on behalf of FPMT. Please join the entire FPMT community in rejoicing that this puja has been offered on Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s behalf. Tremendous thanks to everyone who made this possible with their kindness and generosity, and to all who participated in person as well as online during the event. 

You can read more about this long life puja: https://www.dalailama.com/news/2023/offering-prayers-for-his-holiness-the-dalai-lamas-long-life

More photos of this precious event are available: www.dalailama.com/pictures/long-life-prayer-offered-by-fpmt

You can watch a full video of this joyous occasion: www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjM6XOl9aGY

You can follow important news about His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the official website of His Holiness:
https://www.dalailama.com/news

His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the occasion the laying of the foundation stone for The Dalai Lama Centre for Tibet and Indian Ancient Wisdom on the Maitreya land in Bodhgaya, India. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

On May 24, 2023, FPMT has the incredibly precious opportunity to offer a long life puja to His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Namgyal
Monastery, Mcleod Ganj, India. All are welcome to attend in person or also join online: www.dalailama.com/live

Live webcasts will be available in Tibetan, Chinese, Vietnamese, Russian, German, Mongolian, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Italian, French and Spanish.

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

We are very happy to share with you the text that will be used in this long life puja for His Holiness. All are welcome to download this text and follow along during the event. 

The 1,000 statues of Shakyamuni Buddha which will be offered to His Holiness are well underway being created, as well as the two life-sized Namgyalma and Padmasambhava statues. These statues are being filled, gold gilded, and the faces are being painted in preparation for the offering. During the actual puja we will have more than 400 of the 1,000 statues to offer, and the remaining statues will be offered to His Holiness as soon as they are completed.

Kopan monks filling 400 of the 1,000 statues which will be offered to HIs Holiness the Dalai Lama during the long life puja on May 24, 2023.

Kopan monks filling 400 of the 1,000 statues which will be offered to HIs Holiness the Dalai Lama during the long life puja on May 24, 2023.

We very much hope that everyone can attend this heartfelt long life puja offered to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in person or online, and participate in this precious offering. 

You can follow important news about His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the official website of His Holiness:
https://www.dalailama.com/news

Singer Lhamo Dukpa offering a song to Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Bhutan, June 2016. Photo by Ven. Losang Sherab.

We are happy to share these beautiful tunes in Tibetan of two swift return prayers for Lama Zopa Rinpoche by the Bhutanese artist Lhamo Dukpa. These versions are for the inspiration of students. 

Lama Zopa Rinpoche met singer Lhamo Dukpa in Bhutan in 2016. When she heard of Rinpoche’s passing, she offered beautiful tunes of the swift return prayers composed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Rangjung Neljorma Khandro Tseringma. 

Ven. Roger Kunsang was moved by this offering and requested her to record it professionally in a studio, which was kindly sponsored in Bhutan. 

We invite you to listen to these audio recordings here, or by downloading them to listen to whenever one wishes. 

This audio features the tunes in Tibetan-language of A Prayer for the Swift Return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche composed by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso: 

This audio features the tunes in Tibetan-language of A Lamenting Wail, A Supplication for the Swift Return of the Supreme Lord of Refuge, Lama Zopa Rinpoche by Rangjung Neljorma Khandro Tseringma (p.12):

These tunes are also available as free downloadable MP3s:

• A Prayer for the Swift Return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso – MP3 Download
• A Lamenting Wail, A Supplication for the Swift Return of the Supreme Lord of Refuge, Lama Zopa Rinpoche by Ranjung Neljorma Khandro Tseringma – MP3 Download

Prayers for the Swift Return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche are available for download in several languages: https://fpmt.org/teachers/zopa/updates-regarding-rinpoche/#swiftreturn 

You can watch a video of Lhamo Dukpa recording and singing A Prayer for the Swift Return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. 

Members of the Rabgayling Tibetan settlement offering a butter lamp. Hunsur, south India, April 14, 2023. Photo by Rabgayling Tibetan Settlement Office.

We are happy to share two new photo galleries to visually document some of the prayers and pujas being offered for the swift return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche. 

One gallery is photos from Kopan Monastery and Nunnery, including photos from the Kopan group doing prayers in Swayambhunath; the other gallery includes photos from other monasteries and communities in India and Nepal.

We will add to these galleries frequently, so check back often for inspiration and rejoicing. 

Prayers for the Swift Return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche – Kopan Monastery & Swayambhunath Stupa: 
https://fpmt.org/teachers/zopa/updates-regarding-rinpoche/tributes-and-condolences/prayers-for-the-swift-return-of-lama-zopa-rinpoche-kopan/

Prayers for the Swift Return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche (India, Nepal, and other communities):
https://fpmt.org/teachers/zopa/updates-regarding-rinpoche/tributes-and-condolences/prayers-for-the-swift-return-of-lama-zopa-rinpoche-other-monasteries/

His Eminence Ganden Tri Rinpoche presiding the prayers by the Sera Jey Sangha, April 13, 2023. Photo by Sera Jey Monastery.

Lay people doing daily prayers at Rachen Nunnery, Tsum, Nepal.

Sangha and lay students on pilgrimage from Kopan Monastery to Swayambhu, Nepal, April 23, 2023, to offer prayers for the swift return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

Lay people doing daily prayers at Rachen Nunnery, Tsum, Nepal.

As a reminder, we also have created a page dedicated to the tributes and condolences we continue to receive from great lamas, friends, and monastery officials around the world. 

We also have resources for those wishing to offer their own prayers for the swift return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, including A Prayer for the Swift Return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, composed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, currently available in seven languages. 

We will continue to send out updates as they become available, and these will be collected on this updates page.

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

Kopan monks, nuns and students offering Heruka Lama Chopa with Tsog on the fourteenth day of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s passing. Photo courtesy of Kopan Monastery FB page.

Today we share some essential updates and reminders about important upcoming events. 

Long Life Puja for His Holiness the Dalai Lama

The long life puja being offered to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on May 24 in India continues to be a major event for us all, as it is the fulfilment of one of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s holy wishes.  We hope that many will be able to participate in this extremely auspicious event in person or via livestream. We will bring you information regarding the livestream details soon.

49th Day after the Passing of Lama Zopa Rinpoche

On May 31, Heruka Lama Chopa with Tsog will be offered at Kopan Monastery on the occasion of the 49th day since Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s passing. All are welcome to join the livestream of this special puja. As a reminder, this livestream of the prayers and pujas happening continuously for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s swift return is available for all to join: https://www.youtube.com/c/fpmtinc/live

Light of the Path Retreat and Foundation Service Seminar

Due to practical considerations, Kopan Monastery will host the Light of the Path Retreat for the dates and length originally planned which are: September 3 – 17, 2023.  Kopan will soon put out an update on this retreat which we will share as it is available.  We are happy to share that the Foundation Service Seminar scheduled at Kopan following the retreat will also occur on the dates originally planned: September 21 – 26. 

We will continue to send out updates as they become available, and these will be collected on this updates page.

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

Prayers continue 24 hours a day in front of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s holy body, and also on every inch of Kopan Monastery.

We’re pleased to share this letter from Khenrinpoche Geshe Chonyi, Abbot of Kopan Monastery and member of the FPMT Inc. board. Khenrinpoche has sent this letter, in Tibetan, English, and Chinese for those with a connection to Lama Zopa Rinpoche, on the sad occasion of the seven days since Rinpoche’s passing.

As everyone knows, Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, in order to free us from the grasping at permanence, has taken the aspect of passing into parinirvana. Undoubtedly, many are deeply concerned and wondering what is happening now. Therefore, I would like to briefly explain the current situation.

Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche was invited to attend a Dharma function in the Tsum region of Nepal. There, several local groups were celebrating the one-hundredth year of declaring the Tsum Valley as a non-violence area and promoting vegetarianism, as well as their formal commitment to continue in the same way for another hundred years. Rinpoche went as requested to grace this function and bestow a Hayagriva initiation to the faithful.

The elevation of this area is 3,700 meters (12,000 feet) above sea level. Due to some signs of altitude sickness, Rinpoche decided to return to Kathmandu and Kopan Monastery earlier than planned. Around 9:30 a.m. on April 13th, sadly, Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche showed the aspect of passing away here at Kopan Monastery. As soon as Rinpoche began his clear light meditation, we informed His Holiness the Dalai Lama who advised that students engage in the practice of Cittamani Tara, recitation of The Essence of Eloquence by Lama Tsonghapa, and perform the self-initiations of Heruka and other deities. Accordingly, all of the disciples and ordained sangha began these practices immediately. Likewise, we have received letters of prayer, condolence, and advice from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, His Holiness the Karmapa, His Holiness Sakya Trichen, and from various other lineage lamas. For this we express our deepest gratitude.

On April 14th, around 10:00 p.m., when monks reached the point in the Guhyasamaja sadhana of the four goddesses evoking the deity to arise from dharmakaya song, Rinpoche arose from his clear, light meditation. This was reported to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Rinpoche’s other teachers from whom we sought guidance. They advised that, as Lama Zopa Rinpoche has done extensive deeds for the Dharma, and has thousands of disciples from all over the world, it would be good to preserve Rinpoche’s holy body in order that his many disciples can gradually come to pay respects. Therefore, we are now in the process of preserving Rinpoche’s holy body according to traditional practice.

Although in actuality, Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche is already a fully enlightened buddha, in order for all of us disciples to accumulate merit and purify negativities; and for the swift return of an unmistaken reincarnation, for seven days we are performing the following prayers twenty-four hours per day: the self-initiations of Yamantaka, Guhyasamaja, and Heruka, Vajrayogini self-initiation, recitations of the Essence of Eloquence, the three root texts (The Ornament of Clear Realizations, Entrance to Middle, and Treasury of Knowledge), Medicine Buddha puja, Heruka Guru Puja, and others.

During this time, many lamas who were close to Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche and many lay people are continuously coming to pay respects and make offerings. Likewise, we offer thanks to the Great Monastic Seats of Sera, Drepung, Ganden, and the Upper and Lower Tantric Colleges, many other Gelukpa monasteries in Nepal, and other monasteries as well as lay associations who performing prayers in solidarity.

For the entire forty-nine-day period, we will perform the following prayers for twenty-four hours daily: special rituals related to preserving the holy body, Yamantaka and Vajrayogini self-initiations, Guru Puja, recitation of Praise of Dependent Origination, Chanting the Names of Manjushri, the King of Prayers, The Ornament of Clear Realizations, Entrance to Middle, and the swift return prayer composed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Finally, to all faithful disciples who have a connection with Rinpoche, whether direct or indirect, I sincerely request you to come together to fulfill all of Rinpoche’s advices whole heartedly, and complete the unfinished projects that remain until the unmistaken reincarnation of Rinpoche comes and again takes responsibility to continue Rinpoche’s enlightened activities.

ln the future we’ll keep you abreast of developments as they arise.

Geshe Thubten Chonyi, Abbot of Kopan Monastery and FPMT Board Member

Please read the PDF version of Khenrinpoche’s letter:

English | Tibetan | Chinese

We recently shared the schedule of current prayers and pujas happening around the clock at Kopan Monastery for Lama Zopa Rinpoche, all are welcome to join the livestream on these continual activities. 

We will continue to send out updates as they become available, and these will be collected on this updates page.

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

Khenrinpoche Thubten Chonyi and Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche at Kopan Monastery amidst the continual offering of prayers for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s swift return. April 18, 2023. Photo by Kopan Monastery School.

Continued Prayers for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Swift Return

Prayers and pujas are continuing twenty-four hours a day at Kopan Monastery in front of Rinpoche’s holy body and also in the gompa for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s swift return. Monasteries, nunneries and FPMT centers around the world also continue with prayers and pujas.

“Every inch of Kopan is in prayers around the clock,” as reported from the monastery. We are pleased to continue to share the livestream of prayers happening (with occasional breaks). You will find it to be much better quality than the stream we offered initially, and all are invited to connect with what is being done at Kopan in this way: https://www.youtube.com/c/fpmtinc/live

Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, a Nyingma lama very close to Lama Zopa Rinpoche, visited Kopan this morning, joining the prayers in Rinpoche’s room. You can read Chokyi Nyima’s heartfelt letter written upon receiving the news of Rinpoche’s passing. We are happy to share this short video of the prayers happening today, joined by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche:

https://youtube.com/shorts/J0eBjsY3j2g?feature=share

Tenzin Osel Hita is at Kopan and spoke to students gathered today. Ganden Tri Rinpoche, head of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, arrived at Kopan today.

This is the current schedule of daily prayers and pujas being offered and livestreamed, according to the local time in Nepal:

1. 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Dung Choe practice by senior Sangha 
2. 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Yamantaka Solitary Hero Self-Initiation 
3. 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. various practices (Lamrim Meditation, Tendrel Toepa (In Praise of Dependent Origination), Calling Guru from Afar, Prayers for the Swift Return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche by international students)
4. 7:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Vajrayogini Self-Initiation 
5. 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. Guru Puja, Tendrel Toepa (In Praise of Dependent Origination), Manjushri-nama-samgiti (Chanting the Names of Manjushri), King of Prayers, Abhisamayalamkara (Ornament of Clear Realizations), Mulamadhyamakakarika (Root Verses on the Middle Way), Prayers for the Swift Return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche by monks and nuns.

Every seventh day there will also be Heruka Lama Chopa with Tsog at Kopan Monastery. Those dates are: April 19 and 26; May 3, 10, 17, and 24; and May 31.

Prayers around the clock continue at Kopan Monastery for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s swift return. Photo by Alison Murdoch.

Important Events

On the forty-ninth day after Rinpoche stopped breathing, which is May 31, Heruka Lama Chopa with Tsog will be offered at Kopan Monastery.

Before that, we have the very significant long life puja offered to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on May 24 in India. We’re hoping that many will come to this long life puja (or watch it livestreamed), as this puja will be exceptionally poignant and significant as it is a fulfilment of Rinpoche’s holy wishes.

On Khenrinpoche Geshe Chonyi’s advice, we’re planning to amend the already scheduled Light of the Path Retreat at Kopan (currently scheduled for September 3-17, 2023), and make it a month to come together for focused study and celebration of Rinpoche’s teachings, giving the opportunity to go deeper into and actualize the teachings Rinpoche has so kindly given us. We have such a wealth of teachings from Rinpoche, this will be a special opportunity to actualize them together. There will be senior FPMT registered teachers leading meditations and Khenrinpoche, Ven. Roger Kunsang, and others sharing life stories. It is likely that students will be able to come for any period of time within the Light of the Path month, depending on available accommodation at Kopan.

Details on this Light of the Path Retreat are still being worked out, but we wanted to offer these updates now so that you can have all this in mind for planning what you would be able and most like to join.

(Please note: This means that the Foundation Service Seminar that was scheduled at Kopan in September will be postponed).

 Advice for FPMT Centers and Students

 The following practices are suggested by Khenrinpoche Geshe Chonyi for FPMT centers and students to do at this time. These are practices to be offered as one wishes, not everything here has to be done:

• Lama Chopa and Tsog Offering – every day, or every seventh day
• Eight Verses of Thought Transformation
• In Praise of Dependent Origination translation by Thubten Jinpa | translation by Gavin Kilty 
• Chanting the Names of Noble Manjushri
• King of Prayers
• Prayers for the Swift Return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, and other distinguished lamas

Swift Return Booklet

We are delighted that so many centers and students have made quick use of the booklet containing swift return prayers for Lama Zopa Rinpoche from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Khandro Kunga Bhuma, and others. We have made a recent update to this booklet and all are encouraged to download this most recent version: A Prayer for the Swift Return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche by His Holiness the Dalai Lama with additional prayers by other distinguished lamas

 We have also added various translations as well as the standalone of His Holiness’s swift return prayer; and we are adding translations of the other prayers in the booklet as standalones as they become available.

(Please note: This collection of swift return prayers is a work in progress and updated versions of the booklet will be released. Our aim has been to make these prayers accessible as soon as they are available. Further prayers may be added to subsequent editions of the collection and edits made to existing prayers.)

 News, Updates, Resources, Tributes

 As a reminder, we have created the Updates Regarding Lama Zopa Rinpoche page, where all news and updates we have shared are and will be collected.  On that page we’ve also added a link to translations to updates available, with our thanks to the translation services.

We have also made available a page sharing tributes and condolences from great lamas, friends, and monastery officials around the world.

From our Tributes and Condolences page we have recently added a link to an online student tribute page created by Amitabha Buddhist Centre, Singapore, for students to add their messages, tributes, and memories about Lama Zopa Rinpoche. We will share links to other online remembrance pages from FPMT centers as we receive them.

Please continue trying to fulfil 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.

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

Big love,

Your friends at FPMT International Office

We will continue to send out updates as they become available, and these will be collected on this updates page.

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

The main gompa at Kopan Monastery, April 15, 2023.

Today we share some important updates and newly available resources. Thank you for your continued prayers, offerings of support, condolences, and kindness. 

The Embalming Process

The embalming process for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s holy body has begun. We have a short video to share of the prayers taking place around Rinpoche’s holy body at the start of the embalming process.

Regarding the lamas helping to take care of the embalming of Rinpoche’s holy body, the “Nyingma lama” we referred to in yesterday’s update is one of Rinpoche’s teachers, Lama Ngawang Chokyung. We are exceptionally grateful for his guidance. Lama Ngawang Chokyung is very experienced in this method, and supervised the embalming of His Holiness Trulshik Rinpoche. The “ex-abbot of Gyumed” that we referred to is the present abbot of Segyü Dratsang, Khen Rinpoche Losang Wangdu. We are very grateful for all his care and assistance at this time.

Swift Return Prayer by His Holiness the Dalai Lama

With great rejoicing we have received a prayer which His Holiness the Dalai Lama composed for the swift return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche. This is available in English and Tibetan and has a particularly poignant colophon. For the convenience of students, we have compiled His Holiness’s prayer (starting on page 5), along with a small collection of additional prayers for Rinpoche’s swift return, composed spontaneously by other distinguished lamas with whom Rinpoche had a connection in this lifetime. It will be updated as we receive new compositions. Please download Prayer for the Swift Return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche by His Holiness the Dalai Lama with additional prayers by other distinguished lamas. This booklet is very user friendly with each prayer bookmarked and linked to from the contents page. 

Prayers Offered, April 16

The following prayers are being offered today, April 16, at Kopan Monastery:

• Vajrasattva bath offering
• Thirteen Deities Yamantaka self-initiation offered by Rinpoches, Khenrinpoche, Gyumed senior monks and Kopan lama gyupas
• Extensive Medicine Buddha puja offered by general assembly of monks and nuns
• Bodhicharyavarara recitations offered by senior nuns
• All Kopan monks and nuns together with all monks of the Gelug monasteries in Nepal are gathering in the afternoon to recite prayers
• Lay devotees come in various group to make offerings and prayers
• All monks and nuns together with international students are reciting Madyamulakarika in the evening 
• More pujas will continue all night

You can watch a livestream of the continued prayers and pujas at Kopan. 

Tributes and Condolences

We have received many tributes to Lama Zopa Rinpoche, and messages of support and condolence, including some prayers and practices offered for Rinpoche’s swift return, from lamas and monasteries around the world. You can read these on our new Tributes and Condolences page, which we’ve added to our Updates Regarding Lama Zopa Rinpoche page.

The monks of Sera Je Monastery gathering to offer prayers for the swift return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Photo courtesy of Sera Je Monastery.

Ongoing Practice and Dedication

Please continue trying to fulfil 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.

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

Big love,
Your friends at FPMT International Office

We will continue to send out updates as they become available, and these will be collected on this updates page.

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