From June 10 to 14, 2026, Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa (ILTK) in Italy hosted a Foundation Service Seminar (FSS), bringing together twenty-four participants from across the FPMT mandala.

FSS Spring 2026 at ILTK

Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT)’s Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa (ILTK), Italy, organized a successful Foundation Service Seminar (FSS) on June 10–14, 2026.

In this edition twenty-four people took part in the Seminar, including students from the FPMT Masters Program, several members of the ILTK’s team, representatives of other Italian centers, plus volunteers from centers in the UK and Romania, a member of the FPMT International Office (IOF), and a monk of the Shasta Abbey.

The students were extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the international organization of which they are part, clarifying the FPMT structure, deepening their understanding of Rinpoche’s Vast Visions for FPMT, and the lineage story and history of our lamas. “The Seminar was really interesting, both for the opportunity to meet other people from Centres from all over the world, and for the invaluable knowledge that was provided.”

The Seminar was also an opportunity to hear stories from other centers in the group discussions and sharing moments; people reflected and found new solutions to old problems. “The how to manage difficult situations i.e. people we perceive as difficult was most useful.”

Students from all over Europe finally tasted what it meant to be part of an international family, and the honor to serve and fulfill the vision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and our lamas, in different countries but with the same motivation to benefit all sentient beings, realizing how fortunate they are. “It was a unique opportunity to realize that we are part of a much larger family—one that extends beyond the boundaries of individual centers and institutes and allows us to broaden our perspective. Shining a light on important themes such as motivation, collaboration, and wholehearted dedication is always a worthwhile practice,” shared Jessica Caciagli from ILTK’s team.

Meeting and connecting with others opened them up to listen to the precious stories of the FPMT pioneers, direct students of Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, giving another depth to the daily service that they are doing. Davide Lionetti, translator and FPMT Basic Program student, shared, “Most of all I appreciated the message of openness and the sense that we are all included in this Big Family. The Pamily Peeling I sensed wasn’t so much (or just) about belonging: it was a feeling that, from the point of view of the community, every person is ok as they are, with their different points of view and characteristics.”

In particular, this year the students participated in exercises, meditations, and games that made the seminar much more enjoyable, another way to engage and learn how to put the teachings into practice and remember them in day-to-day life, including how to be of service to others through work such as the Internal Job Description. “I’ll use every aspect, especially with colleagues, to be more of help for the center and in everyday life.” 

FSS Summer 2026 at ILTK

Maya Horev, FPMT Masters Program student, shared that she did her first FSS after ten years spent at various FPMT centers: “Once it began, I realized it encompassed not only a wide-angle view of the organization but also insights into how we relate to one another—how to work effectively as a team and how to truly see the person standing before us. To understand that everyone has a different character, abilities, and perspectives, and how we can successfully communicate with love, compassion, and wisdom. Furthermore, learning more about the organization’s activities in depth—and seeing how Rinpoche and Lama Yeshe’s long-term vision continues to manifest in so many ways—was truly moving. The seminar was incredibly significant for me, and I sincerely hope that every center holds one at least once a year. Because it certainly helps to remember why we are here and how to view and treat one another, and that is very meaningful.”

Ven. Siliana, an early FPMT student who attended several seminars as translator, shared that “This for me has been the most enjoyable FSS. For sure everyone at a center should do it.” Her sentiment was echoed by the rest of the group, who shared that they would definitely recommend the FSS, especially for people who live, work, and collaborate with a Dharma center: “Everyone who works and studies in a center should do the FSS.” 

Special thanks to the facilitators, Wendy Ridley and François Lecointre, for their knowledge, facilitation skills, and continued enthusiasm to serve FPMT and offer resources and tools to the centers.

Please watch an inspiring video about the FSS and learn more about the seminar and upcoming opportunities near you:

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.