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Rinchen Jangsem Ling receiving an award for most candles lit in an event. Photo courtesy of Malaysia Book of Records
The grounds of Rinchen Jangsem Ling retreat center (RJL) in Triang, Malaysia, were illuminated by 102,647 tea lights during its recent 100,000 Light Offerings to Thousand-Armed Chenrezig on the evening of December 6, 2025, breaking a record for the most tea lights offered in any event in Malaysian history. FPMT ESEA Coordinator Selina Foong shares the story:
December 2025 was truly an extraordinary month for Rinchen Jangsem Ling (RJL). With beloved guest teacher Geshe Tenzin Zopa presiding over numerous events including pujas, Ngondro teachings, and a Chenrezig retreat, every single day rained a torrent of blessings on the large and devoted audience who had congregated at RJL from all over the country and, indeed, the world. An undoubted highlight of this special time was the evening of December 6, when more than 100,000 candles were lit for world peace, the swift return of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s unmistaken reincarnation, and the happiness of all dear sentient beings.
On that balmy evening, the expansive grounds of RJL truly came alive with the glow of 102,647 candles, to be exact. What an amazing sight it was – this vast ocean of light, charged with prayers, love, and hope! Even though several major works such as the 1,000 Buddha Wall and Giant Prayer Wheel are still in their early construction stages, the setting was just magical – with the glorious Kwan Yin, Medicine Buddha & Namthose marble statues, the majestic Namgyalma Stupa, and the lush Bodhi tree (descended from the original bodhi tree in Bodhgaya, and which had been brought to RJL and planted by Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche himself at the grand opening in April 2005).
The grounds of Rinchen Jangsem Ling, Malaysia, December 6. Photo courtesy of Malaysia Book of Records.
The 2,000 or so visitors started arriving from early afternoon, to enjoy the wonderful camaraderie of making offerings, wandering through the grounds, enjoying the beautiful views, and partaking in free meals. The joy and excitement was palpable. By the time dusk fell and Geshe Tenzin Zopa walked up to the giant Chenrezig thangka together with RJL center director Ven. Sonam Yeshe and RJL resident sangha Ven Thubten Jampa to begin the evening’s proceedings, the gravity of the occasion was apparent. This was no ordinary event.
After a powerfully inspiring speech, Geshe-la led the sangha and all visitors on a long and winding circumambulation route around RJL. Eventually returning to their seats, everyone then witnessed the official Malaysia Book of Records award ceremony, for the most number of candle lights lit at a single event. Wow! To celebrate, a a grand fireworks display lit up the night sky in jubilation.
Aerial view of the grounds of Rinchen Jangsem Ling, Malaysia on December 6. Photo courtesy of RJL Facebook page.
What a huge success this event was … and even the weather was perfect, which was a wonder in itself. In retrospect, hardly anyone could believe that in the thick of monsoon season and with black clouds looming, it had managed to stay bone-dry throughout the event, enabling the candles to be lit…and that immediately after the event concluded when people started making their way back to their cars, the drizzle began! Lightly at first as auspicious rain, before turning into a full-on downpour.
Congratulations to RJL! May all negativities be washed away, may all meriits increase, and may all sentient beings have every happiness and be free from all suffering.
Grateful thanks to Selina Foong for this inspiring story, and to Rinchen Jangsem Ling for hosting such an incredible event. We welcome the submission of news stories from those within the FPMT community. This can be a story about something you have personally completed or accomplished, about someone else who has done so, or about the FPMT center, project, or service of which you are a part. Ideal submissions will give readers reasons to rejoice, share ideas, and create connections between those in the international community. Have something to share? Please let us know!
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.