Foundation Service Seminar in Guadalajara, Mexico, February 2018. Photo courtesy of Gilda Urbina.

FPMT service seminars provide support and training to those offering service, and those wishing to offer service, within FPMT centers, services, and projects. The seminars help develop a shared understanding of the FPMT mission set out by Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, and a firm basis to serve effectively and joyfully within the organization.

Gilda Urbina, Foundation Service Seminar registered facilitator and FPMT Mexico National Coordinator, shares her story about the recent Foundation Service Seminar that took place in Mexico in February 2018:

We had the great opportunity to participate in the Foundation Service Seminar (FSS) in Guadalajara, Mexico. It was attended by twenty-six volunteers from four centers and five FPMT study groups in Mexico.

It was facilitated by François Lecointre, a senior FSS registered facilitator and director of Institut Vajra Yogini. His kind and lovely presence helped to create a relaxed and yet attentive environment. With his help, Mar Portillo and I, as facilitators-in-training felt confident and motivated to keep on learning the “know how” of this noble activity.

Foundation Service Seminar facilitators François Lecointre, Gilda Urbina, and Mar Portillo in Guadalajara, Mexico, February 2018. Photo courtesy of Gilda Urbina.

In an environment of great harmony and joy, we analyzed and deepened our understanding of the valuable information offered to us through the FSS. Through observing the groups, I could see there was a spirit of teamwork and collaboration.

While working in the groups, participants were able to review the functioning of their FPMT center or study group, recognize areas of opportunity, and generate new ideas to further professionalize their work.

Foundation Service Seminar in Guadalajara, Mexico, February 2018. Photo courtesy of Gilda Urbina.

I could see that the people attending the FSS have a deep devotion to Lama Zopa Rinpoche, as well as a desire to contribute to his Vast Visions. Together, we reached specific conclusions regarding actions we can take that are consistent with the four skillful means to draw beings to the Dharma.

Through participating in the FSS, we gained clear ideas for how we can better welcome and engage new people who come to FPMT centers and study groups.

We also reviewed the Inner Job Description, which is an invaluable tool reminding us to go within ourselves and keep practicing, so we can benefit others through example.

Foundation Service Seminar in Guadalajara, Mexico, February 2018. Photo courtesy of Gilda Urbina.

When we heard about the amazing activities performed by FPMT centers, projects, and services around the world we were all inspired, and rejoiced.

Moreover, the information offered about FPMT programs and to teach according to the level of the student was an excellent aid for those of us organizing the teaching program at FPMT centers and study groups.

Foundation Service Seminar in Guadalajara, Mexico, February 2018. Photo courtesy of Gilda Urbina.

In summary, the FSS was an invaluable learning experience where the family feeling was always present. All agreed that these tools will definitely help us as we strive to professionalize our internal work; our work for the centers and study groups; and encourage us to work in a harmonious environment.

I am so grateful to be a part of the FPMT family.

For more information on the Foundation Service Seminar and to find out how to register for future events, visit the FPMT Service Seminar webpage:
https://fpmt.org/education/training/

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