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Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Teachings on Thought Transformation during the Time of COVID-19 and Practice Advice
How to Practice Dharma during the Coronavirus Pandemic
Since the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, Lama Zopa Rinpoche has been offering teachings on thought transformation (lojong). In them, Rinpoche urges us to use these difficult times to develop our Dharma practice.
While offering advice, oral transmissions, and instruction on practice, Rinpoche emphasizes the opportunities available to us to transform our minds using the Buddha’s teachings. By looking at the pandemic with Dharma in our minds, our daily practice of bodhichitta and wisdom can be quickly developed so that we can be most beneficial.
Find specific practice advice for the coronavirus from Lama Zopa Rinpoche below.
Find advice from His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Rangjung Neljorma Khadro Namsel Dronme (Khadro-la), plus updates and free online learning opportunities on the page Resources for the Coronavirus Pandemic.
Video Teachings
Lama Zopa Rinpoche recording video teachings from his room at Kopan Monastery, Nepal, April 2020
We’ve collected all of the Thought Transformation Teachings videos recorded in English and translated into Chinese, French, Italian, Russian, and Spanish. They are organized by year:
Find English transcripts for the videos.
Find MP3 audio files of the teachings in English, French, Italian, and Spanish.
Read a summary of Rinpoche’s thought transformation teachings given in 2020 in the Mandala 2021 article “The Time to Practice Is Now: Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Thought Transformation Teachings During the Time of COVID-19.”
In addition, each video has its own page, where you can find a summary of the teaching and links to the transcript and relevant materials.
Thought Transformation Teachings 137: Tonglen is the Main Practice
Lama Zopa Rinpoche Thought Transformation Video Teaching | October 24, 2022 -
Lama Zopa Rinpoche continued his video teachings on thought transformation from Amitabha Buddhist Centre, Singapore in August and September, 2022. Here is a summary of the most recent teaching recorded on September 14, 2022: By not harming others, we are … Read more » Practice Materials
Over the course of the video teachings, Rinpoche mentions many specific prayers, mantras, sutras, practices, and other materials. You can find links to them below. The FPMT Foundation Store also offers many of these practice materials, including MP3s, in the page “Practices COVID-19.”
Rinpoche has already assembled booklets of advice on daily practice, bodhichitta mindfulness, and wisdom realizing emptiness, which can be useful whenever. But during this pandemic, Rinpoche’s advice in these materials, which compliment his video teachings, can be even more powerful.
Tonglen is the Main Practice (Video 137, September 14, 2022)
The Benefits of Experiencing Suffering (Video 136, September 10, 2022)
The Great Difference Between Taking and Not Taking Vows (Video 135, September 7, 2022)
In Your Life as a Couple, Practice Good Heart (Video 134, September 3, 2022)
How to Make Your Life Happy (Video 133, August 16, 2022)
Whatever Happens in Your Life, Be Happy (Video 132, August 14, 2022)
The Purpose of Living Life as a Couple (Video 131, August 13, 2022)
Anger Destroys Your Happiness (Video 130, August 10, 2022)
Dharma Is Any Action That Becomes an Antidote to Delusion (Video 129, August 6, 2022)
The Foundation of Thought Transformation Is to Understand the Kindness of Sentient Beings (Video 128, June 26, 2022)
The Foundation of Thought Transformation Is to Stop Harming Others (Video 127, June 25, 2022)
Your Main Practice in Life Should Be Cherishing Others (Video 126, June 13, 2022)
The Real Refuge Practice Is Cherishing Sentient Beings (Video 125, June 12, 2022)
Having Taken Refuge, What to Abandon and What to Practice (Video 124, June 11, 2022)
Taking Refuge Is Not Merely Reciting Words Like a Robot (Video 123, November 3, 2021)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- The text Lama Zopa Rinpoche is teaching on in this video comes from Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand by Pabongka Rinpoche (Wisdom Publications, 2006).
- Dedication verses
It Is Good to Know About the Bön Religion (Video 122, October 23, 2021)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- The text Lama Zopa Rinpoche is teaching on in this video comes from Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand by Pabongka Rinpoche (Wisdom Publications, 2006) chapter “Day Twelve,” pp. 371—374, starting from the outline “Taking Refuge Owing to One’s Beliefs.”
- Dedication verses
Rely on a Mind That Is Upset with Samsara (Video 121, October 12, 2021)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- The Foundation Store offers many resources for your practice of refuge
- Dedication verses
You Tie Yourself to Samsara (Video 120, October 7, 2021)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- The Foundation Store offers many resources for your practice of refuge
- Dedication verses
The Sutra ‘Going for Refuge to the Arya Three Rare Sublime Ones’ (Video 119, October 5, 2021)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- The Foundation Store offers many resources for your practice of refuge
- Dedication verses
The Merits of Taking Refuge Don’t Fit in the Three-Thousand-Fold Galaxies (Video 118, September 30, 2021)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- The Foundation Store offers many resources for your practice of refuge
- Dedication verses
Don’t Think Taking Refuge Is Something Easy (Video 117, September 27, 2021)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- The Foundation Store offers many resources for your practice of refuge
- Dedication verses
If You Go for Refuge to Buddha, Buddha Definitely Guides You (Video 116, September 26, 2021)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- The Foundation Store offers many resources for your practice of refuge
- Dedication verses
Making Offerings to Boudha Stupa (Video 115, September 25, 2021)
What to Think When You Are Depressed (Video 114, September 14, 2021)
From Where Depression Comes: How to Deal with the Nature of Depression (Video 113, September 11, 2021)
There Is Nothing More Sublime Than Practicing the Higher Training of Morality (Video 112, August 19, 2021)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Prayer for the Flourishing of Je Tsongkhapa’s Teachings PDF
- Find resources to support your study of lamrim
- Learn more about FPMT’s Holy Objects Fund
- Dedication verses
Being Sangha Is Not a Trip (Video 111, August 17, 2021)
The Most Important Practice Is to Control Your Mind (Video 110, August 14, 2021)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Shantideva’s Bodhicaryavatara Color PDF translated by Toh Sze Gee
- Eight Verses of Thought Transformation eBook & PDF by Langri Tangpa
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Don’t Let Your Mind Go Berserk (Video 109, August 11, 2021)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- The Eight Prayers is a collection of prayers which is commonly recited in the Gelug monastic communities for the recently deceased. King of Prayers, the extraordinary aspiration of the prayer of Samantabhadra, is commonly recited to bring benefit to those who are sick or have just passed away, and for the success of a virtuous project.
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
By the Force of Habituation, You Uncontrollably Engage in Nonvirtue Again (Video 108, August 10, 2021)
- Read the transcript of Rinpoche’s teaching
- Watch the video
- You can learn about the international FPMT community of monks and nuns by visiting the International Mahayana Institute website.
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Being Attached to Sex Has Not Freed You from the Oceans of Samsaric Sufferings (Video 107, August 6, 2021)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- You can download the cards Rinpoche mentioned in the teaching from the Foundation Store: Phagpa Chulung Rolpai Do Mantra and Six Syllables of Clairvoyance Mantra PDF and Buddha’s Teachings on Our Lives PDF.
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
A Zillion Thanks to the Sangha for Reciting Manis During the Pandemic (Video 106, July 31, 2021)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Links to the oral transmission texts:
- The Vajra Speech of Mahasiddha Thangtong Gyalpo: The Blessed Prayer Known as “Liberating Sakya from Disease”
- The Vajra Speech of Mahasiddha Thangtong Gyalpo: Words of Truth Pacifying the Danger of Weapons
- The Speech of Mahasiddha Thangtong Gyalpo: A Request to Pacify the Fear of Famine
- King of Prayers
- Homage to Tathagata Amitabha and Buddha Amitayus, A Brief Prayer to Be Reborn in Sukhavati
- The Array of Sukhavati Pure Land
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Beauty Is in the Eye of the Beholder (Video 105, July 30, 2021)
Renounce the Thought of Seeing Samsara as a Beautiful Park (Video 104, July 25, 2021)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Links to Lama Chopa practices and commentary
- For more on bodhichitta and understanding ignorance, see Cultivating Mindfulness of Bodhichitta in Daily Activities and Recognizing the False I by Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Practicing Morality Is Easy When You Know Real Pleasure Is a Hallucination (Video 103, July 22, 2021)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Links to Lama Chopa practices and commentary
- Foundation of All Good Qualities (eBook & PDF) by Lama Tsongkhapa
- Find more resources for lamrim study, including links to Lamrim Chemno by Lama Tsongkhapa
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
The Higher Training of Morality Is the Foundation for Helping Sentient Beings (Video 102, July 20, 2021)
Rejoice and Enjoy Your Life as a Sangha! (Video 101, May 2, 2021)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Learn more about the monks and nuns of FPMT, including opportunities to offer support and information on Sangha communities and how to become a monk or nun
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
The Sangha Are the Real Heroes Because They Are Defeating the Delusions (Video 100, April 20, 2021)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Learn more about the monks and nuns of FPMT, including opportunities to offer support and information on Sangha communities and how to become a monk or nun
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Western Monks and Nuns Are the Real Heroes and Heroines (Video 99, April 29, 2021)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Learn more about the monks and nuns of FPMT, including opportunities to offer support and information on Sangha communities and how to become a monk or nun
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
The Last Session of the Sutra of Great Liberation Oral Transmission (Video 98, April 13, 2021)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Find videos with Rinpoche giving the oral transmission of the Sutra of Great Liberatation
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Don’t Just Squeeze Your Mind Thinking ‘I’m Going to Die’ (Video 97, April 5, 2021)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Find videos with Rinpoche giving the oral transmission of the Sutra of Great Liberatation
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Some Ways in Which Rinpoche Is Benefiting People (Video 96, March 28, 2021)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Find videos with Rinpoche giving the oral transmission of the Sutra of Great Liberatation
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Everything You Do with Bodhichitta Benefits the Six Realm Sentient Beings (Video 95, March 26, 2021)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Find videos with Rinpoche giving the oral transmission of the Sutra of Great Liberatation
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
The Numberless Buddhas Are Giving You the Oral Transmission (Video 94, March 21, 2021)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Find videos with Rinpoche giving the oral transmission of the Sutra of Great Liberatation
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Make Prayers by Means of the Six Remembrances (Video 93, March 19, 2021)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- The Wish-fulfilling Gem Enhancing the Buddha’s Doctrine, a Method for Making Offerings and Prayers to Guru Shakyamuni Buddha and the Sixteen Arhats by Yeshe Gyaltsen
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Make Offerings Thinking You Are Offering Them to Your Guru’s Pores (Video 92, March 16, 2021)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Lama Chopa and Tsog Offering: A Method of Practice According to the Instructions of Lama Zopa Rinpoche
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Make Offerings on the Anniversary of Your Guru’s Passing Away (Video 91, March 10, 2021)
The First Vital Point Is Recognizing the Object to Be Refuted (Video 90, December 16, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- For more from Rinpoche on the object to be refuted, please see Recognizing the False I
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Everything That Appears to You Is Created by Your Ignorance (Video 89, December 9, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
With Mindfulness of Emptiness, Your Whole Life Becomes a Birthday Party (Video 88, December 5, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Cultivating Mindfulness of Bodhichitta in Daily Activities by Lama Zopa Rinpoche
- Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva by Togme Sangpo
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Even by Hearing the Title of ‘Sutra of Great Liberation,’ You Say Goodbye to Depression (Video 87, November28, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
When the Real I Is Totally Gone, You Have Entered the Path Pleasing the Buddhas (Video 86, November 23, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- For more from Rinpoche on the object to be refuted, please see Recognizing the False I
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
What Makes a Table a Table? (Video 85, November 18, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- For more from Rinpoche on the object to be refuted, please see Recognizing the False I
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
How Does the Merely Labeled I Exist on the Aggregates? (Video 84, November 11, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Sutra of Great Liberation on Lhabab Duchen (Video 83, November 7, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- For more on the four holy days of Guru Shakyamuni Buddha, see Practice on Merit Multiplying Days and Eclipses
- Find videos with Rinpoche giving the oral transmission of the Sutra of Great Liberatation as well as other oral transmissions
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
The Whole World Exists in Nothing More Than Mere Name (Video 82, November 6, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Understanding Emptiness Is Learning the Truth about Your Life (Video 81, November 2, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Three Principal Aspects of the Path by Lama Tsongkhapa
- For more from Rinpoche on the object to be refuted, please see Recognizing the False I
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Whatever You Are Doing, It Should Become Meditation on Emptiness (Video 80, October 30, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- For more from Rinpoche on the object to be refuted, please see Recognizing the False I
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Holding the I as Real and Most Precious Is the Most Frightening Garbage (Video 79, October 28, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- For more from Rinpoche on the object to be refuted, please see Recognizing the False I
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
The Reasons You Need to Meditate on the Right View (Video 78, October 24, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
‘I Is Empty, Emptiness Is I’ Shows the Meaning of ‘Dependent Arising’ (Video 77, October 21, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Find links to the Heart Sutra, the Diamond Cutter Sutra, and other sutras
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Having Even a Little Faith in Emptiness Is So Fortunate (Video 76, October 16, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
The Root of All the Suffering in the World Is Ignorance (Video 75, October 14, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- For more from Rinpoche on the object to be refuted, please see Recognizing the False I
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Anyone Who Listens to ‘Sutra of Great Liberation’ Gets the Most Unbelievable Merits (Video 74, October 12, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
‘Sutra of Great Liberation’ Is Exactly What Is Needed at This Dangerous Time (Video 73, October 9, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Practice Now Because You Can Die Anytime! (Video 72, September 25, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- The Heart’s Utmost Need: Persuading Oneself and Others to Remember Impermanence and Death by Phabonghka Rinpoche
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings (Update September 22, 2020)
What to Do When This Happens to You? (Video 71, September 20, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- The Heart’s Utmost Need: Persuading Oneself and Others to Remember Impermanence and Death by Phabonghka Rinpoche
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
This Is Going to Happen to You! (Video 70, September 16, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- The Heart’s Utmost Need: Persuading Oneself and Others to Remember Impermanence and Death by Phabonghka Rinpoche
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Meditating on Impermanence and Death Is the Best Medicine for All Mental Problems (Video 69, September 11, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Find more resources on lamrim study
- The Heart’s Utmost Need: Persuading Oneself and Others to Remember Impermanence and Death by Phabonghka Rinpoche (previously known as Heart Spoon)
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
The Ten Innermost Jewels Show What Holy Dharma Is (Video 68, September 8, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Ten Innermost Jewels of the Kadampas, by Zhabkar Tshogdrug Rangdrol, translated by Lama Zopa Rinpoche
- Rinpoche’s other recent teachings on the ten innermost jewels of the Kadampas
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
The Seven Limb Practice Is the Basic Practice for Achieving Enlightenment (Video 67, September 4, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- You can learn more about seven-limb practice and making offerings in Rinpoche’s online teaching series Living in the Path. (The modules “The Seven-Limb Prayer” and “Making Offerings” are freely offered, however students will need to created an FPMT Online Learning Center account to access them.)
- Light Offering Practice
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Lama Zopa Rinpoche Offers Oral Transmission of “The Flowing Water of the Ganga” (Video 66, September 1, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- The Flowing Water of the Ganga: A Thorough Praise of the Thirty-Five Sugatas by Ngulchu Dharmabhadra
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
All the Buddhas Manifest as the Guru in Ordinary Aspect to Guide You (Video 65, August 29, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- The Array of Sukhavati Pure Land: A Concise Mahayana Sutra
- Many of the stories Max Mathews refers to can be read in Big Love: The Life and Teachings of Lama Yeshe.
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
With Awareness of the Kindness of the Guru, You Generate Respect (Video 64, August 23, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
The Work of Seeing the Guru as a Buddha Has to Come from Your Side (Video 63, August 20, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Why and How to Take Blessings from a Holy Being (Video 62, August 18, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
The One Mistake Is Not Remembering Impermanence Death (Video 61, August 16, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- The Heart’s Utmost Need: Persuading Oneself and Others to Remember Impermanence and Death by Phabonghka Rinpoche
- Rinpoche discusses the difference between worldly dharma and holy Dharma in the transcript of the teaching “Transforming the Mind into Guru Devotion and Renouncing the Eight Worldly Dharmas.”
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Living in the Ten Innermost Jewels Is the Method to Achieve Happiness (Video 60, August 13, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Ten Innermost Jewels of the Kadampas
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Subdue Your Mind by Meditating on Death and Impermanence (Video 59, August 11, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand by Phabongka Dechen Nyingpo
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
For Ordinary Beings, the Meditation on Death and Impermanence Is the Most Important (Video 58, August 9, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- King of Prayers
- Chenrezig Mantra and Request
- Chenrezig Longest Mantra
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Fulfilling the Guru’s Wishes and Advice Is the Most Enjoyable Thing in Life (Video 57, August 6, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Advice to Correctly Follow the Virtuous Friend with Thought and Action: The Nine Attitudes of Guru Devotion
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
If You Don’t Collect Merits Nothing Will Happen in Your Mind (Video 56, August 3, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
The Benefits of Keeping Vows and the Shortcomings of Degenerating Them (Video 55, July 27, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
- You can find practices mentioned by Rinpoche in the FPMT Foundation Store
- For more on mantras, see our Mantras resource page
Wake Up—Don’t Waste the Four Holy Days of Guru Shakyamuni Buddha (Video 54, July 24, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- For more on the four holy days of Guru Shakyamuni Buddha, see Practice on Merit Multiplying Days and Eclipses
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
How Sangha Can Protect Themselves (Video 53, July 21, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- More information on the monks and nuns of FPMT
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Attachment Causes You to Lose Your Precious Human Life (Video 52, July 20, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
By Habituating Yourself with Negative Karma, You Do It Again and Again (Video 51, July 18, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Attachment to Pleasure Cheats You (Video 50, July 12, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Remember Bodhichitta When You Are Dying and the Sangha Are the Real Heroes (Video 49, July 9, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
The Benefits of Taking the Ordination of Renunciation and Protecting Morality (Video 48, July 5, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
This Perfect Human Body Is So Precious Because You Can Use It to Keep Even One Vow (Video 47, July 2, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
When You Realize Impermanence, Dharma Becomes Easy (Video 46, June 29, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Without Self Discipline, It’s Like You Throw a Bomb on Your Life (Video 45, June 24, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Sutra of Golden Light resource page
- Recognizing the False I by Lama Zopa Rinpche
Buddhism Has So Many Ways to Rescue Us from Suffering (Video 44, June 22, 2020)
- Read the transcript of Rinpoche’s teaching
- Watch the video
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
This Perfect Human Rebirth Is So Precious Because You Can Use It to Generate Loving Kindness (Video 43, June 19, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- The four immeasurable thoughts are recited in many practices. You can find them in Daily Prayers.
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
This Perfect Human Body Is So Precious Because You Can Use It to Make Offerings (Video 42, June 16, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Resources on Holy Objects
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
You Create Greater Merits by Prostrating to a Holy Object Than by Seeing It (Video 41, June 12, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Advice for Prostrations from Lama Zopa Rinpoche
- Resources on Holy Objects
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
This Perfect Human Body Is So Precious Because You Can Use It to Do Prostrations (Video 40, June 9, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Cultivating Mindfulness of Bodhichitta in Daily Activities by Lama Zopa Rinpoche
- Advice for Prostrations from Lama Zopa Rinpoche
- Resources on Holy Objects
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Always Remember the Benefits of Correctly Following the Virtuous Friend (Video 39, June 7, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Big Love: The Life and Teachings of Lama Yeshe, recently published by Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Do Your Best in This Life! (Video 38, June 5, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand by Phabongka Dechen Nyingpo
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
One Day Only Our Names Will Be Left (Video 37, June 5, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Advice for Saka Dawa Duchen (Video 36, June 4, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- “Lama Zopa Rinpoche Describes the Multiplying Effects of Saka Dawa”
- Learn more about lamrim practice
- Find links to the sutras mentioned in this video and additional resources related to sutra recitation
- Find links to the mantras mentioned in this video and additional resources related to mantra recitation
- Chenrezig practice
- Vajrasattva practice on the FPMT Foundation Store
- Tsog practice on the FPMT Foundation Store
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
How to Avoid Wasting Your Life and the Sufferings of Pretas (Video 35, June 1, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- A Brief Meditation-Recitation on Guru Medicine Buddha
- Offering Water Charity to the Pretas
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Jealousy Comes from I-Grasping Ignorance, and We Are All in the Process of Dying (Video 34, May 26, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Lama Zopa Rinpoche Offering the Eight Mahayana Precepts on Video (Video 33b, shortened version of May 25, 2020 video)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Practice booklet Ritual for Taking the Eight Mahayana Precepts
- Living in the Path, an FPMT Education program, offers a free module on the eight Mahayana precepts, which includes additional text, video, and audio materials
Taking the Eight Mahayana Precepts in Particular for Those Who Died from the Coronavirus (Video 33, May 25, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Ritual for Taking the Eight Mahayana Precepts
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
You Need to Know Your Own Suffering, and Happiness and Suffering Depend on Your Interpretation (Video 32, May 22, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
The Way to Practice Lojong Is to Stop Disliking Suffering and Generate Happiness (Video 31, May 20, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
The Benefits of Bearing Hardships to Follow the Guru and Another Message from God (Video 30, May 18, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Find links to the mantras mentioned in this teaching (Six Syllables of Clairvoyance mantra, Chenrezig mantra, and Padmasambhava mantra) and many others on the Mantras page.
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
God’s Message and the View of the Self-Cherishing Thought (Video 29, May 15, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Everyone Needs to Take Care of and Subdue Their Mind (Video 28, May 14, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Dedication Verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Happiness and Suffering Depend on How You Think (Video 27, May 11, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Engaging in the Deeds of a Bodhisattva (Bodhicharyavatara) by Shantideva
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Transforming the Mind into Guru Devotion and Renouncing the Eight Worldly Dharmas (Video 26, May 9, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- The Door to Satisfaction by Lama Zopa Rinpoche
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Debate, Study, and Meditation Are for the Purpose of Subduing the Mind (Video 25, May 5, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
To Serve the Guru and Sentient Beings You Need to Know the Lamrim (Video 24, May 2, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Engaging in the Deeds of a Bodhisattva (Bodhicharyavatara) by Shantideva
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Happiness Comes from Abandoning Desire (Video 23, April 29, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Ten Innermost Jewels of the Kadampas by Zhabkar Tshogdrug Rangdröl
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
The Ten Innermost Jewels of the Kadampas and Give Up Desire (Video 22, April 28, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Engaging in the Deeds of a Bodhisattva by Shantideva
- Ten Innermost Jewels of the Kadampas by Zhabkar Tshogdrug Rangdröl
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
The Very Beginning Dharma Is Giving Up the Attachment Clinging to This Life (Video 21, April 26, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Recognizing the False I (PDF, .epub, .mobi) by Lama Zopa Rinpoche
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
If We Had Been Careful of Karma, There Would Be No Reason for the Virus to Happen (Video 20, April 25, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
If You Don’t Remember Impermanence-Death, Your Life Becomes a Trip (Video 19, April 22, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- The text for the Sur practice referred to in this teaching is forthcoming.
- Recognizing the False I (PDF,.epub, .mobi) is a commentary written by Lama Zopa Rinpoche with a set of short meditations to help students identify the object to be refuted—what Rinpoche calls “the false I”—during reflections on emptiness.
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Coronavirus Leaves Us No Choice But to Develop Compassion and 80,000 Eons of Benefit for Making Charity (Video 18, April 21, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Khunu Lama Rinpoche’s Verses in Praise of Bodhichitta (published in English as Vast as the Heavens, Deep as the Sea)
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
- More advice on practicing bodhichitta in everyday life, read Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Cultivating Mindfulness of Bodhichitta in Daily Activities
All the Problems in the World, Including the Coronavirus, Are Telling Us to Practice Dharma (Video 17, April 19, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Khunu Lama Rinpoche’s Verses in Praise of Bodhichitta (published in English as Vast as the Heavens, Deep as the Sea)
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
If You Want to Guide and Help Others, Exchange Yourself with Others (Video 16, April 16, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Khunu Lama Rinpoche’s Verses in Praise of Bodhichitta (published in English as Vast as the Heavens, Deep as the Sea)
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Use Pleasure and Suffering to Achieve Enlightenment and Experience the Virus for Numberless Sentient Beings (Video 15, April 15, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Khunu Lama Rinpoche’s Verses in Praise of Bodhichitta (published in English at Vast as the Heavens, Deep as the Sea)
- Dedication verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings
Don’t Make Your Life Garbage and the Buddha’s Teachings Are Unbetraying (Video 14, April 14, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Shayamuni Buddha’s name and mantra can be found on our “Mantras” page
- Recognizing the False I (PDF, .epub, .mobi), a commentary written by Lama Zopa Rinpoche with a set of simple meditation techniques for identifying the object to be refuted— what Rinpoche calls “the false I”—during reflections on emptiness
- Dedication verses from Nagarjuna’s Jewel Garland, v. 483–485
Sentient Beings Come before God and Mantras to Benefit Others (Video 13, April 12, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Mantras to recite for the dying
- Find Guru Shakyamuni Buddha’s name and mantra, Holy name of Buddha Rinchen Tsugtor Chen, and other mantras on FPMT Education’s Mantra page
- Dedication verses from Nagarjuna’s Jewel Garland, v. 483–485.
- More links on death and dying
The Conclusion Is to Subdue One’s Own Mind (Video 12, April 11, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
The Four Causes of Unknowing and the Four Dharmakaya Relic Heart Mantras (Video 11, April 9, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Links to the Four Dharmakaya Relic Heart Mantras
- Dedication verses from Nagarjuna’s Jewel Garland, v. 483–485
- More on how the Four Dharmakaya Relic Heart mantras are used with holy objects in the booklet Filling and Blessing Statues
Bodhichitta Is the Most Eminent and the Five Powerful Mantras (Video 10, April 7, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Five Powerful Mantras
- Links to other mantras mentioned in this video
Your Generating Bodhichitta Helps Every Sentient Being and the ‘Lung’ of a Short Medicine Buddha Practice (Video 9, April 6, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- Follow along with the lung of A Brief Meditation-Recitation on Guru Medicine Buddha
All of One’s Suffering Comes from Wishing Happiness for Oneself (Video 8, April 5, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- The Array of Sukhavati Pure Land: A Concise Mahayana Sutra
- A Brief Meditation-Recitation on Guru Medicine Buddha
- The Benefits of Three Buddhas’ Holy Names
Introducing the Merely Labeled I and Self Cherishing / Advice to Help the Dying (Video 7, April 4, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- The Array of Sukhavati Pure Land: A Concise Mahayana Sutra
- Chenrezig mantra and request
- Find links to more mantras and resources to support death and dying
Lama Zopa Rinpoche on Tonglen Practice (Video 6, April 2, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
Lama Zopa Rinpoche on Tonglen and Emptiness (Video 5, April 1, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video
- His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Avalokiteshvara Guru Yoga
- Nölsang (Incense Ritual by the Great Master Padmasambhava Called “The Divine Blue Water Clearing Away Contamination).
Lama Zopa Rinpoche: Introduction to Lojong and Tonglen (Video 4, March 30, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video “Introduction to Lojong and Tonglen”
- His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Avalokiteshvara Guru Yoga
- Nölsang (Incense Ritual by the Great Master Padmasambhava Called “The Divine Blue Water Clearing Away Contamination)
Lama Zopa Rinpoche Offers Oral Transmission of Verses for the Eight Auspicious Noble Ones to Bring Success (Video 3, March 29, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video ”Motivation and Oral Transmission for Success”
- Follow the oral transmission of the Verses for the Eight Noble Auspicious Ones
Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Advice to a Person Who Is Dying (Video 2, March 25, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video “Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Advice to a Person Who is Dying”
- Find the mantras to recite for the dying discussed in this video
- Find additional resources for the dying and other mantras on FPMT.org
New Video Advice from Lama Zopa Rinpoche on Coronavirus with oral transmissions of mantras and prayers advised by Rinpoche (Video 1, March 19, 2020)
- Read the transcript
- Watch the video “Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Advice for Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)”
- Rinpoche gives the following oral transmissions:
- Vajra Armor mantra (This mantra is recommended in “Advice to Protect Yourself and Others from the Coronavirus” from Rinpoche.)
- Swift Fulfillment of Wishes in Dependence on the Great Jetsun Tsongkhapa
- The Vajra Speech of Mahasiddha Thangtong Gyalpo: The Blessed Prayer Known as “Liberating Sakya from Disease” (This prayer is recommended in “Advice to Protect Yourself and Others from the Coronavirus” from Rinpoche.)
- The Vajra Speech of Mahasiddha Thangtong Gyalpo: Words of Truth Pacifying the Danger of Weapons
- The Speech of Mahasiddha Thangtong Gyalpo: A Request to Pacify the Fear of Famine
- Prayers:
- Swift Fulfillment of Wishes in Dependence on the Great Jetsun Tsongkhapa
- The Vajra Speech of Mahasiddha Thangtong Gyalpo: The Blessed Prayer Known as “Liberating Sakya from Disease”
- The Vajra Speech of Mahasiddha Thangtong Gyalpo: Words of Truth Pacifying the Danger of Weapons
- The Speech of Mahasiddha Thangtong Gyalpo: A Request to Pacify the Fear of Famine
- Verses for the Eight Noble Auspicious Ones
- Mantras:
- Sutras:
- Practices:
- The Method to Transform a Suffering Life into Happiness (Including Enlightenment) with Additional Practices by Lama Zopa Rinpoche
- Avalokiteshvara Guru Yoga
- Nölsang (Incense Ritual by the Great Master Padmasambhava Called “The Divine Blue Water Clearing Away Contamination)
- A Brief Meditation-Recitation on Guru Medicine Buddha
- Dedication Verses from Nagarjuna’s Jewel Garland, v. 483–485 (Updated May 13, 2020)
- Dedication Verses for COVID-19 Crisis Teachings by Lama Zopa Rinpoche (Updated December 7, 2020)
- Ritual for Taking the Eight Mahayana Precepts
- Offering Water Charity to the Pretas
- The Flowing Water of the Ganga: A Thorough Praise of the Thirty-Five Sugatas by Ngulchu Dharmabhadra
- Light Offering Practice
- Other texts referred to in Rinpoche’s teachings:
- Verses in Praise of Bodhichitta by Khunu Lama Rinpoche (published in English as Vast as the Heavens, Deep as the Sea)
- Engaging in the Deeds of a Bodhisattva (Bodhicharyavatara) by Shantideva
- Shantideva’s Bodhicaryavatara Color PDF translated by Toh Sze Gee
- Ten Innermost Jewels of the Kadampas by Zhabkar Tshogdrug Rangdröl
- Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand by Phabongka Dechen Nyingpo
- The Heart’s Utmost Need: Persuading Oneself and Others to Remember Impermanence and Death (A provisional draft) by Phabonghka Rinpoche
- Three Principal Aspects of the Path by Lama Tsongkhapa
- Foundation of All Good Qualities by Lama Tsongkhapa
- Advice to Correctly Follow the Virtuous Friend with Thought and Action: The Nine Attitudes of Guru Devotion by Mahasiddha Tsogdrub Rangdrol
- Eight Verses of Thought Transformation eBook & PDF by Langri Tangpa
- Big Love: The Life and Teachings of Lama Yeshe
- More advice and resources to support your practice from Lama Zopa Rinpoche & FPMT Education Services:
- Cultivating Mindfulness of Bodhichitta in Daily Activities by Lama Zopa Rinpoche
- Recognizing the False I by Lama Zopa Rinpoche
- Living in the Path, an FPMT Education program, offers a free module on the eight Mahayana precepts
- Support for death and dying
- Advice for Prostrations from Lama Zopa Rinpoche
- Resources on Holy Objects
- Practice on Merit Multiplying Days and Eclipses
- Three Sets of Vows and Their Commitments
- Links to Lama Chopa practices and commentary
- More resources for lamrim study
Advice for Practices for the Coronavirus Pandemic
Lama Zopa Rinpoche in front of the main gompa at Kopan Monastery, Nepal, April 2020. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.
- Recite one mala daily, if possible, of Vajra Armor mantra
- Recite Black Manjushri mantra
- Recite The Vajra Speech of Mahasiddha Thangtong Gyalpo: The Blessed Prayer Known as “Liberating Sakya from Disease”
- Recite Swift Fulfillment of Wishes in Dependence on the Great Jetsun Tsongkhapa
You can receive the oral transmissions of most of the above mantras and prayers in New Video Advice from Lama Zopa Rinpoche on Coronavirus.
You can see this advice in detail on the page Advice to Protect Yourself and Others from the Coronavirus.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche has advised that individual students can do the following practices to protect from the novel coronavirus.
Advice to Protect Yourself from the Coronavirus
As a motivation before reciting the two mantras, Rinpoche said it’s best if people can do The Method to Transform a Suffering Life into Happiness (Including Enlightenment) with Additional Practices, which is the daily morning practice Rinpoche has put together. That is best. But if that is too much, then do the lamrim motivation, which is just The Method without additional practices. [In other words, do the recitation on pages 7–14 of the booklet and stop at the Additional Practices, which begin with the “Blessing the Speech” section.] So at least do that part as a motivation before reciting the mantras.
Recite Vajra Armor mantra (receive the oral transmission online), which is a famous mantra for healing. You can do the entire Vajra Armor Protection Wheel if you want. Otherwise, just do the mantra:
Vajra Armor
HŪṂ VAJRA PHAṬ* / OṂ PADMAŚHAVARI PHAṬ / NÄN PAR SHIG / NĀGANAN / TADYATHĀ / SARVAVIRITA / HANA HANA / VAJRENA RAKṢHA RAKṢHA SVĀHĀ
*Lama Zopa Rinpoche often gives the oral transmission of the mantra with the additional syllables “HŪṂ VAJRA PHAṬ,” as was taught by Trulshik Rinpoche. These syllables are recited with each recitation of the mantra. There are other lineages of the mantra that do not contain these syllables.
Audio of Lama Zopa Rinpoche reciting Vajra Armor mantra:
Vajra Armor mantra (To download: right click, “Save Link As…”)
After you finish reciting the mantra, hold your hand in front of your mouth and blow the air up, so it goes into your nostrils.
- Then also recite Black Manjushri mantra. The Meditation-Recitation of Black Manjushri is also good to do if you want. Otherwise, just do the mantra:
OṂ TRA SÖ / CHHU SÖ / DUR TA SÖ / DUR MI SÖ / NYING GO LA CHHÖ / KHA LA JAḤ KAṂ ŚHAṂ TRAṂ / BÄ PHAṬ SVĀHĀ
Audio of Lama Zopa Rinpoche reciting Black Manjushri mantra:
Black Manjushri
Then at the end, do dedication prayers:
JANG CHHUB SEM CHHOG RIN PO CHHE
May the precious supreme bodhichitta
MA KYE PA NAM KYE GYUR CHIG
Not yet born arise.
KYE PA NYAM PA ME PA YI
May that arisen not decline,
GONG NÄ GONG DU PHEL WAR SHOG
But increase more and more.
GE WA DI YI NYUR DU DAG
Due to this virtue, may I quickly
LA MA SANG GYÄ DRUB GYUR NÄ
Become a Guru-Buddha,
DRO WA CHIG KYANG MA LÜ PA
And lead all transmigratory beings,
DE YI SA LA GÖ PAR SHOG
Without exception, to that state.
Due to all the merits of the three times collected by me, the numberless buddhas, and the numberless sentient beings, may all wars, sickness, famine, torture, poverty, and economic problems in the world, and all dangers of earth, water, fire, and wind, be pacified immediately, and may perfect peace and happiness prevail in everyone’s hearts and lives. May the Buddhadharma last for a long time, and may the sentient beings in this world meet the Buddhadharma and achieve enlightenment as quickly as possible.
Due to all the past, present, and future merits collected by me and all the merits of the three times collected by the numberless buddhas and numberless sentient beings, which are completely empty of existing from their own side, may I, who am completely empty of existing from my own side, achieve the state of full enlightenment, which is completely empty of existing from its own side, and lead all sentient beings, who are completely empty of existing from their own side, to that state, which is completely empty of existing from its own side, by myself alone, who is completely empty of existing from my own side.
Rinpoche advised the arrangement of a wrathful fire puja to be offered by Jhado Rinpoche in South India at Sera Je Monastery. This was done. Also a Most Secret Hayagriva tsog kong was offered at Kopan Monastery and at Sera Je Monastery, and a number of other pujas were arranged in India and Nepal.
Scribed by Ven. Holly Ansett, January 23, 2020. Posted on FPMT.org, January 25, 2020; updated, March 18, 2020.
Advice to Protect Others from the Coronavirus
Thangtong Gyalpo
Rinpoche says that in addition to the above advice people should also recite The Vajra Speech of Mahasiddha Thangtong Gyalpo: The Blessed Prayer Known as “Liberating Sakya from Disease” (receive the oral transmission online). The prayer comes from the great yogi Thangtong Gyalpo (1385–1464) and is for healing from disease.
While doing this prayer, students should look at an image of Thangtong Gyalpo. (The image of Thangtong Gyalpo below is from a thangka in Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s house.)
Rinpoche added, “the previous mantras are to protect yourself and others, but this prayer from Thangtong Gyalpo is to heal the disease in China and for it not to spread out to other countries. So it is to protect the country. And anyone in the world can recite this prayer.”
Posted on FPMT.org, January 28, 2020; updated, March 18, 2020.
Watch the video series Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Teachings on Thought Transformation during the time of COVID-19.
You can find more advice from Rinpoche, organized by topic, on the page Advice from Lama Zopa Rinpoche.