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Lama Zopa Rinpoche with the monks of Kopan Monastery, Nepal. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.
Each year on Chokhor Duchen, one of the four great holy days of the Tibetan Buddhist calendar, The Puja Fund sponsors pujas and offerings all over the world dedicated to the success of the entire FPMT organization. This year Chokhor Duchen takes place on Monday, July 16. The practices are done by up to 15,650 ordained Sangha and offerings are made to each in appreciation of their time and service. On these holy days the merit of any action is multiplied by 100 million — so this is not only an incredible support to the individual monks and nuns, it also is a way to invest in the monasteries and nunneries where the pujas and practices are offered.
Recently Lama Zopa Rinpoche commented, “Remember, all these monks are disciples of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, so if you have received teachings from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, because all these monks are disciples of the same guru, for you they are the pores of the guru.
“‘Pores of the guru’ does not only refer to the body, it refers to the disciples of the same guru. It also refers to the neighbors of the guru and, if the guru is lay, it refers to the guru’s husband, wife and children as well, and even the guru’s horse, dog, and belongings. ‘The guru’s pores’ refers to all these things.
“So think: ‘I am making offerings to the same guru’s pores.’ Then, no matter how many monks there are, no matter how much money-offering you make, or offerings of tea, bread, or lunch, you will get the same merit as actually having offered to numberless Buddhas, Dharma, and Sangha. You collect the same merit as having made offerings to them.
“It’s unbelievable, unbelievable, unbelievable!”
Robes offered to the Shakyamuni Buddha statue at the Mahabodhi Stupa in Bodhgaya, India, through the Puja Fund on every Buddha holy day. Photo by Andy Melnic.
All are welcome to participate in these incredible offerings including: Recitation of the Prajnaparamita (short, medium and long versions) by the monks of Gyurme Tantric College, recitation of the entire Kangyur by the nuns of Kopan Nunnery, extensive offerings for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s gurus and holy objects in India and Tibet, among many other virtuous activities, prayers and pujas which were advised by Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
Even offering one dollar to the Puja Fund for Chokhor Duchen (July 16) means that you are offering toward all of the activities being sponsored. Additionally, all are welcome to participate by rejoicing in the many pujas, practices, and offerings which will be offered.
The Puja Fund was established by Lama Zopa Rinpoche to provide resources for continuous pujas dedicated to the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and to the success of all the FPMT centers, projects, services, students, benefactors and those serving the organization in any way. You can learn more about the Puja Fund, or FPMT’s other extensive charitable activity.