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As we last reported on November 14, FPMT Inc. has received a report from an individual representing three women who have outlined allegations of sexual misconduct on the part of Dagri Rinpoche. This report contains what we believe to be allegations of misconduct by a teacher at FPMT centers, in violation of FPMT policies. After receiving these allegations, we have hired FaithTrust Institute to assist us in taking appropriate steps to conduct a fact-finding assessment of these complaints.
FaithTrust Institute is a national, multifaith, training and education organization based in Seattle, Washington, USA. We invited FaithTrust to conduct this assessment as they are experienced in helping religious organizations, including Buddhist communities, respond to spiritual leader abuse and sexual boundary violations. Further we believe that using an independent organization to conduct the assessment will encourage people to speak more freely.
Anyone who may have experienced or witnessed harm from Dagri Rinpoche in his role as spiritual teacher at FPMT centers, is invited to contact FaithTrust Institute. You can report your experience via email and, if you choose, participate in a confidential phone/Skype interview. All information will be held in confidence by FaithTrust Institute in the course of the assessment and report.
To contact FaithTrust Institute send an email to their confidential email address: confidential@faithtrustinstitute.org.
FaithTrust Institute will promptly follow up with you via email. If you prefer to be called, please indicate a phone or Skype number.
At the conclusion of the fact-finding and interview phase, FaithTrust Institute will provide the Board of Directors of FPMT Inc. with a confidential review and assessment of the findings, along with recommendations for next steps that FPMT Inc. can take related to the findings.
FPMT Inc. takes this matter very seriously and will not tolerate any retaliation against anyone who comes forward. Harm and abuse by a spiritual teacher is antithetical to our community. We strive to be transparent as we respond to these allegations, and plan to keep the FPMT community updated during each phase of our process with FaithTrust Institute.
If you want to contact the FPMT Inc. board regarding this, please email Andrew Haynes: chairofboard@fpmt.org.
If you have questions about the interview process or want to speak with FaithTrust Institute, please contact Emily Cohen via the confidential mailbox listed above or call +01 206-634-1903.
Sera Jey Monastic University, Bylakuppe, Karnataka, India, August 2019. Photo by Marieke van Vugt.
Neuroscientists Marieke van Vugt, PhD, and Amir Moye, MSc, visited Sera Je Monastic University in South India on August 7-21, 2019, to continue their research into the brain functions of debating monks. Ven. Tenzin Gache, a Sera Je geshe program student and resident of Shedrup Zung Drel Ling (Sera IMI House), an International Mahayana Institute monastic community, and Marieke van Vugt, PhD, assistant professor, Cognitive Modelling Group, University of Groningen in the Netherlands, share the story.
Starting in 2016, Marieke van Vugt of University of Groningen, Netherlands, and her colleague Amir Moye from the University of Bern, Switzerland, have been coming to Sera Je to examine the brains of monks as they debate. Originally Marieke connected through the nonprofit organization Science for Monks with Geshe Ngawang Norbu, director of the Sera Je Science Centre, who encouraged her to take on this project.
Marieke van Vugt and group at Sera Je Monastic University, Bylakuppe, Karnataka, India, August 2019. Photo by Amir Moye.
Geshe Ngawang Norbu pointed out that just as scientists test meditating monks they should likewise examine the state of monks debating because debate at advanced levels becomes a kind of analytical meditation. In their first joint paper with the Sera Je Science Centre monks, they introduced this form of meditation to the scientific field. A second paper is currently under review and, based on the brain activity of debating monks, suggests that monastic debate helps to cultivate attention.
Of course debate is likely to have many more effects. In an attempt to measure those effects the team also subjected more and less experienced monks to a battery of tests routinely used in the Western psychology laboratory. However, the results of those studies were fairly confusing. This prompted Marieke and Amir to begin thinking about designing tasks grounded in the monastic education system (rather than a Western modern education) that would demonstrate these positive changes in an observable fashion.
Sera Je Monastic University, Bylakuppe, Karnataka, India, August 2019. Photo by Marieke van Vugt.
Marieke realized that as a part of this undertaking she and Amir would need to become more familiar with the system of debate. Thus during her most recent visit, she requested Ven. Tenzin Gache and Ven. Losang Donyo, two American monks studying at Sera Je, to give basic instruction in the fundamentals of debate—in English.
Ven. Tenzin Gache and Ven. Losang Donyo put together a short course syllabus and over the course of several weeks taught Marieke and Amir about the basic debates that monks learn in the initial months of the monastic education program. However, they soon recognized that these scientists had much greater fluency with scientific systems of thought, and therefore training in debate using modern scientific paradigms allowed them to quickly incorporate more complex subjects.
Ven. Tenzin Gache and Amir Moye debating at Sera Je Monastic University, Bylakuppe, Karnataka, India, August 2019. Photo by Marieke van Vugt.
This video is an example of one of the attempts to use the traditional debate format to discuss an issue in modern cognitive science: the nature of mindfulness.
Watch Ven. Tenzin Gache and Amir Moye debate in this YouTube video:
https://youtu.be/ThoFSuJWOmg
To learn more about the International Mahayana Institute visit the website:
http://imisangha.org
Supporting Sangha, which includes the Supporting the Ordained Sangha Fund, is part of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Vast Visions for FPMT:
https://fpmt.org/fpmt/vast-vision/#ordainedlay
FPMT.org and Mandala Publications brings you news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings, and events from over 160 FPMT centers, projects, and services around the globe. If you like what you read, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.
A scale replica of the Maitreya Buddha statue to be built, Kushinagar, India, 2013. Photo by Andy Melnic.
The creation of Holy Objects for World Peace is an important aspect of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s charitable work as carried out by FPMT Inc. More specifically, Rinpoche envisions the creation of many statues of Maitreya Buddha around the world. Currently, there are two separate FPMT projects to build very large Maitreya Buddha statues in India, one based in Bodhgaya, Bihar, and one based in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh.
The project to build a Maitreya Buddha statue in Kushinagar is overseen by the Maitreya Project Trust (MPT). During the week of November 12, Indian newspapers were reporting that the Uttar Pradesh cabinet had approved the cancellation of the Memorandum of Understanding/Lease Agreement between MPT and the Uttar Pradesh government. This action concerns 250 acres of land that the Uttar Pradesh government has offered to the project.
The director of the Maitreya Buddha Project Kushinagar, which is the project overseen by MPT, said that the news of the cancellation came as a complete surprise to the project and that they first learned about the cabinet’s action through a Times of India article. The article quoted government officials claiming that the MPT had breached the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The Maitreya Buddha Project Kushinagar updated FPMT Inc. about the status of the project and the work that has been done related to the MOU (see below). The project strongly disputed the government officials’ claims. Their update outlines how the project has been engaged in consistent work to meet the terms of the agreement and the requirements of other government agencies. The project also points out that the MOU included a requirement of a 90-day notice period should the UP government terminate the MOU, which has not been observed.
Since 2016, when the land agreement between the MPT and the Uttar Pradesh government was signed, the project has built a fence around the project’s land. There has been a feng shui evaluation undertaken by an international team, which will be integrated into the master plan. And senior Geshes and Sangha have conducted a ground breaking ceremony on the land.
In addition for several years now, humanitarian activities have been ongoing, including the distribution of blankets and mosquito nets. A mobile medical clinic sponsored by the project has also been serving people in need in rural areas.
The Maitreya Project Trust is currently working to get a complete understanding of the current situation and remains committed to creating a large Maitreya statue in Kushinigar and setting up social and education programs in connection with it.
Key points from the Maitreya Buddha Project Kushinagar update are outlined below:
- The Uttar Pradesh cabinet’s decision regarding the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) came as a surprise to the Maitreya Project Trust (MPT), who first learned about the decision through a Times of India article. There was no prior official communication of this given to MPT, despite one of the MOU’s provisions requiring that the government issue a legal termination with a 90-day notice period.
- MPT strongly disagrees with the reported statements of the Uttar Pradesh government officials that say that MPT breached the terms of the MOU.
- Since the signing of the MOU in August 2016, MPT has been in touch with the administrative authorities frequently, working with them to complete the process of transferring the land.
- MPT succeeded in getting the authorities to survey the land in April 2018, with this survey completed in June 2018.
- On completion of the survey, MPT became aware that out of the 250 acres of land that was supposed to be conveyed to MPT as part of the MOU, only 176 acres were acquired by the government while 74 acres were not acquired.
- Another issue uncovered by the survey was that the 176 acres acquired by the government and conveyed by way of lease deed to MPT were not a contiguous piece of land. The remaining 74 acres are made up of 187 lots still in the possession of other owners and are interspersed throughout the acres the government had conveyed to MPT in the lease deed.
- MPT raised these issues with the local authorities in June 2018. They were told that once they completed installing fencing around the outer boundary, the remaining land would be granted to the project. This fencing of the 250 acres was completed in September 2018. When they were informed of this, the local authorities reaffirmed their commitment to MPT that the transfer of all the land would then be completed.
- The local authorities also wanted MPT to start the construction phase of the project. While waiting for the land transfer to be completed, MPT worked with India’s leading design and engineering company. The architect for this firm told MPT that they would not be able to conceive a master plan as the land was fragmented and that no project could easily be implemented when other land owners were interspersed throughout the project area.
- Another step taken during this time was to try to secure the required approvals and clearances from the Airport Authority and the archeological departments. MPT was informed by these bodies that MPT would need to submit a master plan along with all our development designs for us to be able to get the approvals. They also informed MPT not to start any work without their approvals.
- The local authorities were then informed of these updates with another request for them to resolve any remaining issues with the land handover so that MPT could finalize the master plan design and submit the design to the Airport Authority and the archeological departments for approval. Again, the local authorities requested work to be begin despite the protocols outlined by the other authorities.
- In April 2019, in an attempt to keep the project moving, MPT met with the local authorities again requesting them to facilitate granting to MPT at least 20 out of the 187 plots not handed over to allow the statue construction work to begin. The authorities assured MPT that this would happen and based on this assurance, MPT completed all geotechnical studies and also appointed various other vendors to facilitate the commencement of the statue work. MPT also reached a final stage of discussion with the statue manufacturer, architect, engineering firm, and main contractor. However despite the assurances received, even these 20 plots were not transferred by the local authorities.
- MPT was very disappointed to read the newspaper articles that said that MPT breached the MOU. MPT is actively working to understand what has led to the cabinet’s decision and to resolve issues with the local authorities.
FPMT News brings you updates from Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings, and events from more than160 FPMT centers, projects, and services around the globe. If you like receiving these updates, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports this work.
Tenzin Ösel Hita giving a talk at the Wotel, Miami, Florida, US, August 2019. Photo by Marcelo Paez.
On Thursday, August 15, 2019, Tenzin Ösel Hita gave an evening talk “A Taste of Buddhism: One Big Love” at the Wotel in Miami, Florida, US, hosted by the FPMT study group in Miami, Namdrol Ling Study Group. On Saturday, August 17, Ösel gave an afternoon talk “Inner Creativity: How to Overcome Attachment” at Thubten Kunga Ling Center, the FPMT center in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Maria Cersosimo, Namdrol Ling Study Group co-founder and coordinator, and Nicole Zito, Thubten Kunga Ling Center director, share the story.
We rejoice in the visit of Tenzin Ösel Hita to Miami! The event was a huge success with seventy-five people registered, a record for our little study group! The majority of the crowd were non-Buddhists, and the event took place in the totally secular environment of an advertising agency.
Ösel gave a very sincere, straightforward talk, covering Buddhist values, the importance of a daily meditation practice, and simple tips in order to lead a happier life. His sense of humor was present during the talk, and overall his joyful and humorous energy kept the crowd hooked, even the children in the audience. There were questions from the audience, including some from the kids, that he answered very truthfully and humbly.
As the co-founder and director of Namdrol Ling Study Group, this has been such a precious and memorable experience. I received many messages and thanks from the attendees, telling me how grateful they were for the opportunity to have met him. We hope Ösel can come back soon!
Tenzin Ösel Hita with volunteers Cynthia Zak, Alejandra Paez, co-founder and director Maria Cersosimo, co-founder Ana Paula Ruano, and volunteer Claudia Regazzio at the Wotel, Miami, Florida, US, August 2019. Photo by Marcelo Paez.
The auspicious visit to Thubten Kunga Ling by Tenzin Ösel Hita was surely one to remember and will go down in our center’s history. We were sold out and had reached our building’s maximum capacity within a few weeks of announcing this precious visit, and we had less than two months to prepare. We worked together to make this a most special day for the center and the community, and to honor the lives, service, kindness, and love of Lama Thubten Yeshe and Tenzin Ösel Hita.
Tenzin Ösel Hita with Anthony Sherbondy at Thubten Kunga Ling Center, Deerfield Beach, Florida, US, August 2019. Photo by Carly Zito.
Teams of volunteers began mentally and physically preparing for the big event weeks ahead of time. We invited two Lynn University film students from nearby Boca Raton, Florida, to record the event. We are very grateful to Yaren and Brian for volunteering their time and efforts. Adrienne donated and arranged an abundance of flowers, and Sonny offered dinner to Ösel, both of which were lovely offerings of generosity and kindness.
Ven. Lhundub Tendron, the FPMT resident teacher at Thubten Kunga Ling, opened the August 17, 2019 event at 1 p.m. with a meditation on interdependence and emptiness. Ösel arrived at 2:30 p.m. and spoke for one-and-a-half hours on “Inner Creativity: How to Overcome Attachment.” He walked into a room packed with enthusiastic students, both old and new, of different backgrounds and ages, but with one thing in common: a very strong connection to Dharma and to him.
Tenzin Ösel Hita with George Propps at Thubten Kunga Ling Center, Deerfield Beach, Florida, US, August 2019. Photo by Nicole Zito.
Ösel shared about the insight and wisdom he has gained along his path. He spoke about his time spent in the monastery, how he puts the Dharma into practice in his daily life, and how his teachers continue to have a major influence in his life.
The talk was very light and humorous, and his words touched the hearts of everyone who attended this special event. The energy at the event was slightly euphoric. Many beings came together that afternoon as strangers and left as friends.
We had seventy-one guests, twenty-six volunteers, three board members, and five sponsored students attend the event. Many of our guests came from out-of-town: two students came from Washington, DC, two students came from North Carolina, three from the west coast of Florida, five from central Florida, and over ten students from Miami. A handful of these visitors were students of Lama Yeshe’s in the 1970s.
Tenzin Ösel Hita with Nicole Zito at Thubten Kunga Ling Center, Deerfield Beach, Florida, US, August 2019. Photo by Carly Zito.
We received such positive feedback from this event. Everyone said they were honored to meet Ösel, that they look forward to staying connected with him, hope he will return again, and wish him the best along his journey ahead. Students loved his humor, the way he addressed “spiritual bypass,” his way of sharing life’s lessons, and his Bob Marley and Bruce Lee quotes!
Ösel’s unique style—the way he shares his own experiences and wisdom to bridge the gap between the East and West—helped us connect with our own experiences. We were reminded that our own inner wisdom and disturbing emotions serve as a constant platform for introspection, reflection, and self-growth. Change is possible and is up to each individual person.
Watch Tenzin Ösel Hita’s talk at the Wotel:
https://youtu.be/qzc4DAz1IYw
Watch Tenzin Ösel Hita’s talk at Thubten Kunga Ling Center:
https://youtu.be/pjqXZnbHZXM
FPMT.org and Mandala Publications brings you news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings, and events fromover 160 FPMT centers, projects, and services around the globe. If you like what you read, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.
H.E. Ling Rinpoche at Shantideva Meditation Center, Brooklyn, New York, US, July 2019. Photo by Leonard J. Wilson.
His Eminence the 7th Kyabje Ling Rinpoche visited North America from June to August 2019 and engaged in many activities including teaching at US FPMT centers Shantideva Meditation Center in Brooklyn, New York, Milarepa Center in Barnet, Vermont, and Kurukulla Center in Medford, Massachusetts. On July 31 Rinpoche taught the Eight Verses of Mind Training at Shantideva Center, sponsored by Himalayan Elders Project; from August 9-10 Rinpoche taught “The Importance of Private Retreat in the Development of Your Dharma Practice” and “How to Develop Bodhicitta and Emptiness” at Milarepa Center; and from August 16-18 Rinpoche taught The Bodhisattva Jewel Garland by Atisha and gave the Amitayus Long Life Initiation at Kurukulla Center. Jennifer Kim, Shantideva Center board member, and Dawn Holtz, Milarepa Center director, share the story.
H.E. Ling Rinpoche taught on the Eight Verses of Mind Training at Shantideva Center as part of Rinpoche’s North American tour, which has been part of Rinpoche’s Sentient Being tour—visiting the world of us sentient beings who are trapped by the mental afflictions that create suffering situations for ourselves and others.
Like others who make world tours, Rinpoche is a bit of a rock star. Recognized as the reincarnation of the senior tutor of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Rinpoche is well-known and the visit was much anticipated.
H.E. Ling Rinpoche at Shantideva Meditation Center, Brooklyn, New York, US, July 2019. Photo by Leonard J. Wilson.
Yet unlike a stereotypical rock star, Rinpoche highlighted the greatness of others instead of highlighting Rinpoche’s own. Rinpoche repeatedly emphasized the kindness of others. Without our mother caring for us in the womb and looking after us day and night, and without the unnoticed beings who provide our food, shelter, and necessities for survival, we could not be here today. The only reason we are here is because of the love and care from others. Sentient beings are also essential on our path to Buddhahood. Without them we could not practice the six perfections. For instance, if we give charity to others we usually consider ourselves the benefactor. But if looked another way they are our benefactors, giving us the opportunity to practice Dharma and benefit from it. If we are given harm by others we usually consider ourselves the victim. But if looked another way they test the strength of our own wisdom and our willingness to help.
Rinpoche also offered advice on how to subdue our own minds, the aim of Buddha’s teachings. Rinpoche warned us about the bias we often have for those within our social class, nationality, religion, or ethnicity. Rinpoche reminded us of our current state, fraught with uncertainty, as we might be in another existence before the sun rises tomorrow. Rinpoche also shared advice for how to respond to the habitual delusions that arise in our minds, especially when we are provoked by others who remind us of our karmic role in a situation and blindly create suffering for themselves in the future.
While sharing this wisdom of the eleventh-century master Geshe Langri Tangpa, Rinpoche said that these eight verses are easy to read but difficult to practice. Rinpoche also provided an oral transmission of the verses and suggested that we should take them up as our main practice to subdue our minds. Our bodhisattva rock star has shared the song, and now it’s up to us to practice the tune. With gratitude, we hope to create harmony with our practice and create the causes to see Rinpoche again soon.
H.E. Ling Rinpoche teaching at Milarepa Center, Barnet, Vermont, US, August 2019. Photo by Dawn Holtz.
Milarepa Center was incredibly fortunate to host His Eminence the 7th Kyabje Yongzin Ling Rinpoche on August 8-10, 2019. Rinpoche arrived on the afternoon of Thursday, August 8, and departed after lunch on Saturday, August 10.
With its beautiful and serene private landscape, Milarepa Center was able to offer Rinpoche and attendants Ven. Tenzin Khentse and Geshe Lobsang Yonten a retreat atmosphere during their stay. Rinpoche, Ven. Tenzin Khentse, and Geshe Lobsang Yonten enjoyed walks on the beautiful land and surrounding areas, and a sailing trip on a local lake.
As a very small and simple center hosting such a highly realized and amazing being was far more than we could have ever imagined. Months and months of planning were involved, especially since we are in a rural area that does not have access to a lot.
Almost immediately upon Rinpoche’s arrival we could feel the blessings raining down, and the energy in the air was electrifying. It was a very special time for us. There were no teachings scheduled for the first evening of Rinpoche’s arrival, so we were able to enjoy some very special and private time with Rinpoche, just relaxing and talking in the dining room. Rinpoche and I even traded eyeglasses to see who had the stronger prescription (we were pretty even!), and Rinpoche joked with me that my glasses “look ancient, like from a museum!” Many many laughs were shared during the visit; we were so incredibly fortunate.
H.E. Ling Rinpoche and Dawn Holtz at Milarepa Center, Barnet, Vermont, US, August 2019. Photo by Meri Stiles.
Rinpoche gave the first teaching at 7 p.m. on Friday evening titled “The Importance of Private Retreat in the Development of Your Dharma Practice.” This teaching was requested to coincide with advice given from Lama Zopa Rinpoche in 2017 for Milarepa Center to focus on offering students a private solitary retreat facility. With Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s advice currently being at the forefront of our operations, we made a request that His Eminence Ling Rinpoche offer a teaching on the importance of private retreat in developing one’s Dharma practice.
During that particular teaching Rinpoche spoke about the extreme importance of study, and also having a conducive environment in which to engage in both practice and study. Rinpoche also spoke about how the environment here at Milarepa Center is very very good for this and that there are many very happy nagas present here, which is why our land is so beautiful and feels so incredibly prefect for retreat.
The Saturday morning teaching that Rinpoche gave was titled “How to Develop Bodhichitta and Emptiness.” The program was attended by a mix of lay and ordained students from both near and far, including local Tibetans from the Burlington, Vermont, area as well as a few local Sherpa families. Both talks were very well attended.
For more information about H.E. Ling Rinpoche’s schedule, visit Rinpoche’s website:
http://lingrinpoche.info/
For more information about Shantideva Meditation Center, visit their website:
https://shantidevanyc.org/
For more information about Milarepa Center, visit their website:
http://milarepacenter.org/
FPMT.org and Mandala Publications brings you news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings, and events from over 160 FPMT centers, projects, and services around the globe. If you like what you read, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.
Spring Retreat with Geshe Thubten Rabten at Atisha Centre, Myers Flat, Victoria, September 2019. Photo by Andy Melnic.
In 2019, Atisha Centre, an FPMT center in Myers Flat, Victoria, Australia, offered their annual Spring Retreat with Geshe Thubten Rabten, the center’s FPMT resident geshe, from September 12-17. The theme of this year’s retreat was In Praise of Dependent Arising by Lama Tsongkhapa. Andy Melnic, spiritual program coordinator, shares the story.
The Spring Retreat was excellent! About twenty-five people attended altogether. Geshe Thubten Rabten taught each of the five days, giving a commentary on Lama Tsongkhapa’s In Praise of Dependent Arising.
Gen-la has been teaching this subject for most of this year as the main topic of our fortnightly Study Group. He completed that course in August. The repetition of In Praise of Dependent Arising, this time taught in a condensed form over five days, was a great recap for those who attended this year’s Study Group. For other attendees this retreat was a fantastic introduction to the subject of dependent arising.
Gen-la presented the heart of the subject while also incorporating the entire lamrim teachings into his commentary. He is a very skillful teacher.
Minji, Katy, and Pei preparing a meal in the Atisha Centre kitchen, Myers Flat, Victoria, September 2019. Photo by Andy Melnic.
The daily meditation and discussion sessions were facilitated by the energetic Ven. Jampa Choepal, a resident of nearby Thubten Shedrup Ling Monastery and prayers were led by Ven. Tenzin Tsapel, who is establishing a nunnery nearby.
Everyone had a great retreat and the feedback was glowing! Our great cook, Katy, and her catering team surpassed themselves. The weather was great, and the food was healthy and delicious. The karma was just right!
For more information about Atisha Centre, visit their website:
https://atishacentre.org.au/
FPMT.org and Mandala Publications brings you news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings, and events from over 160 FPMT centers, projects, and services around the globe. If you like what you read, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.
Ven. Anshu Negi with Class 1 students at Fulchater School, Fulchater Village, Gaya District, Bihar, India, July 2019. Photo courtesy of MAITRI Charitable Trust.
In July 2019, FPMT project MAITRI Charitable Trust in Bodhgaya, Gaya District, Bihar, India, made a new offering of Dharma education at MAITRI Fulchater School. Since 1999, MAITRI and Fulchater Village in Bihar have been working together to operate a thriving primary school. Also in July, MAITRI celebrated the thirtieth anniversary of its Leprosy Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Centre, which was the only organization authorized by the government of Bihar to run the National Leprosy Eradication Program in three provinces of Gaya District from 1989 to 2002. Since then MAITRI has been collaborating with Bihar State Health Services. MAITRI’s director, Adriana Ferranti, shares the story of these activities.
On Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s request, MAITRI started a program of Dharma education at Fulchater School. On July 12, Ven. Anshu Negi, a classroom teacher at Maitreya School, a project of Root Institute for Wisdom Culture, offered preliminary breathing and meditation exercises at Fulchater School. Since Ven. Anshu visited Fulchater School in the morning, only the younger children were at the school. The following Friday, Ven. Anshu went for the afternoon shift, so she was able to benefit the older children.
Kiran Lama offering clothes and sandals at MAITRI Charitable Trust, Bodhgaya, Gaya District, Bihar, India, July 2019. Photo courtesy of MAITRI Charitable Trust.
Thirty years ago, on July 17, 1989, MAITRI Leprosy Centre began offering service in the province of Bodhgaya. On July 17, 2019, we called some long-time and newer patients together to commemorate that day. It was a simple and unpretentious event at MAITRI graced by the presence of our friend and trustee, Mr. Kiran Lama. We shared some food and offered clothes and special sandals. It made it all so worthwhile.
For more information about MAITRI Charitable Trust, visit their website:
http://www.maitri-bodhgaya.org/home/
For the seventh year, due to the kindness of a benefactor, the FPMT Social Services Fund has been offering substantial grants to MAITRI in support of their incredible and compassionate work and service.
FPMT.org and Mandala Publications brings you news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings, and events from over 160 FPMT centers, projects, and services around the globe. If you like what you read, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.
Director of Vajrapani Institute Heidi Oehler, Director of Tara Redwoods School Pam Cayton, and Osel at Lama Yeshe’s cremation Stupa at Vajrapani Institute. August 4, 2019. Photo by Jacie Keeley.
This summer Tenzin Osel Hita (the recognized incarnation of Lama Yeshe) gave a number of Dharma talks in FPMT centers and study groups in the United States. Starting in August Osel visited and spoke at Vajrapani Institute, Land of Medicine Buddha, Gyalwa Gyatso, and Tse Chen Ling, in California; and then traveled to Florida where he spent time at Namdrol Ling, in Miami, and Thubten Kunga Ling, in Deerfield Beach.
Osel Hita has long had the ambition to create intentional ecovillage communities fostering a sustainable lifestyle where community living is valued and practiced.
Osel speaking at Thubten Kunga Ling in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Photo by Jacie Keeley.
Land of Medicine Buddha, which has established itself as an environmentally conscious meditation and retreat center, was chosen as the host site for Osel to pilot some of his signature concepts in August. A four-day event (August 4-7) that Osel called “Being Your True Nature: A Being Experience and Habit Alignment” was a balance of personal reflection and renewal through connection with nature, meditation, Dharma talks, body movement, and healthy eating. Each participant was encouraged to connect with their true nature and innate wisdom in order to be of greater benefit to the whole world, or what Osel calls “collective consciousness.”
Osel was able to connect to hundreds of students while on this tour in the United States, and reports from those in attendance shared a common theme of transformation and elevated energy.
Osel is offering the following talks in England:
- November 28, 7pm-9pm: “Creating a Better Future” at Jamyang Buddhist Centre, London, England.
- December 1, 2pm-4pm: “A Chat with our Virtuous Friend” at Land of Joy, Northumberland, England.
- December 4, 6:30pm-4pm: “We are Bigger than our Problems” at Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds, Leeds, England
Please enjoy this public talk Osel gave at Gyalwa Gyatso in August:
The Big Love Fund was established to provide financial resources to support the educational endeavors of Osel. All are welcome to contribute any amount to this fund.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Russia, October 2019. Photo by Ven. Holly Ansett.
Welcome to our November FPMT International Office e-News!
This month you’ll find news about:
- Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Advice for Honouring Lama Tsongkhapa
- Featured Materials from FPMT Education Services
- 1,000 Statues for His Holiness Sponsored
- Fruitful FPMT Service Development
…and more!
Have the e-News translated into your native language by using our convenient translation facility located on the right-hand side of the page.
The FPMT International Office e-News comes from your FPMT International Office. Visit our subscribe page to receive the FPMT International Office News directly in your email box.
FPMT Inc. wishes to update the FPMT community on what actions are underway in response to allegations against Dagri Rinpoche and actions to improve safeguarding within the FPMT organization. Our previous updates on this are available here.
Dagri Rinpoche has not yet responded to inquiries from FPMT Inc. He remains suspended from the FPMT Tibetan Teachers List. His criminal case remains pending in the Indian Court system. We understand that the next scheduled Court proceeding will be held on December 2, 2019.
Since our last update posted on August 12, 2019, FPMT Inc. has received a report from an individual representing three women who have outlined allegations of sexual misconduct on the part of teacher Dagri Rinpoche. This report contains what we believe to be allegations of misconduct in violation of FPMT policies.
FPMT Inc. is committed to responding according to our policies and investigate possible misconduct by a trusted teacher within the FPMT organization. Therefore FPMT Inc. has contracted with FaithTrust Institute, a US, multifaith, training and education organization, to conduct an independent assessment regarding allegations against Dagri Rinpoche. FaithTrust was retained to conduct this assessment as they are experienced in helping religious organizations, including Buddhist communities, respond to allegations of abuse and sexual boundary violations. Further we believe that using an independent organization to conduct the assessment would enable people to speak more freely.
Women (or men) who may have experienced harm from Dagri Rinpoche will be able to report their experience to FaithTrust Institute. We will soon announce FaithTrust’s confidential mailbox, inviting those with concerns to come forward and take part in this assessment. Dagri Rinpoche will also be requested to participate and to respond to the allegations. When the assessment has been completed, FaithTrust will provide FPMT Inc. with their report and recommendations, which will form the basis for further action by us.
FaithTrust Institute will also conduct training for FPMT Inc. leaders on best practices for healthy boundaries in spiritual student/teacher relationships and best practice in responding to allegations of misconduct.
In addition a safeguarding audit is being undertaken for FPMT by the UK-based safeguarding charity Thirtyone:eight. Work began on this safeguarding audit in August, and we expect their report later this month. Our purpose in commissioning this audit is to invite this experienced safeguarding body to scrutinize the policy and guidelines related to protecting adults and children (safeguarding), which FPMT Inc. has provided for its affiliated centers, projects, and services. Any gaps and areas for improvement that the audit identifies will help us to improve the policies to better protect and support students and teachers.
FPMT Inc. is the international office responsible for providing policies and guidelines for implementation by its affiliated centers, projects, and services in 40 countries around the world. Each affiliate is an independent legal entity and is financed locally.
Nyung Nä Retreat at Rinchen Jangsem Ling Retreat Centre, Triang, Malaysia, July 2019. Photo courtesy of Rinchen Jangsem Ling.
In 2019 Rinchen Jangsem Ling Retreat Centre, the FPMT center in Triang, Malaysia, celebrated the month of Saka Dawa (June 4-July 2, 2019) by offering a Kuan Yin Retreat. (Kuan Yin is also known by the Sanskrit name Avalokitesvara and the Tibetan name Chenrezig.) The Kuan Yin Retreat was composed of two programs: a mani mantra retreat from June 16-July 14, and a nyung nä retreat from July 20-21. The mani mantra retreat is an annual event that began in 2008. Ven. Sonam Yeshe, center director, shares the story about the Kuan Yin Retreat.
Every year Rinchen Jangsem Ling conducts a mani mantra retreat around the holy month of Saka Dawa so people can participate in the recitation of the mani mantra (OM MANI PADME HUM) and create a connection with the Buddhadharma. The retreat was conceptualized twelve years ago to engage as many people as possible in the recitation of OM MANI PADME HUM through joining weekend group recitations (including a Dharma talk) or performing the retreat in one’s own home. The latter is essential as Rinchen Jangsem Ling is in a rural area surrounded by palm oil and rubber trees, three miles (five kilometers) from Triang, the nearest small town, and it’s difficult to gather people to attend Rinchen Jangsem Ling’s regular program.
The mani mantra retreat is designed to be as simple as possible for everyday folks who might not be connected to Rinchen Jangsem Ling or even Tibetan Buddhism at all. OM MANI PADME HUM is a very easy mantra, and it is a Kuan Yin practice which many people enjoy. During the retreat I encourage participants to recite the mantra based on a lamrim motivation and with the motivation to benefit others. Many participants recite the mantra for their loved ones who are sick, have numerous personal problems, or for the benefit of their gurus and sentient beings. We encourage participants to make a motivation to benefit others by giving participants the opportunity to have a name inscribed on a plaque for every 110,000 mantras recited.
On average we have more than 250 participants from across Malaysia and overseas (Mexico, UK, Australia) participating in the mani mantra retreat every year. An average of thirty million mani mantras are recited every year.
Nyung Nä Retreat at Rinchen Jangsem Ling Retreat Centre, Triang, Malaysia, July 2019. Photo courtesy of Rinchen Jangsem Ling.
Rinchen Jangsem Ling also conducts a nyung nä retreat during the holy month of Saka Dawa.
In the past the nyung nä retreat was conducted in English and led by our present FPMT Southeast Asia regional coordinator Selina Foong. But due to the need to reach out to a wider Buddhist audience, which is a majority Chinese-speaking community, Rinchen Jangsem Ling held its first nyung nä retreat in Chinese (Mandarin) last year led by Malaysian nun Ven. Thubten Dechen.
Traditionally, any practices related to Kuan Yin (Chenrezig) resonate exceptionally well within the Chinese community and in particular the Chinese Mahayanist community. The practice of nyung nä is no exception.
Nyung Nä Retreat at Rinchen Jangsem Ling Retreat Centre, Triang, Malaysia, July 2019. Photo courtesy of Rinchen Jangsem Ling.
The nyung nä retreat became an instant hit, so much so that fifty-four people participated in this year’s retreat. Many of the participants were not only new to the nyung nä practice but were also new to Tibetan Buddhism. Nevertheless, many participants attended with great faith due to it being the Kuan Yin Retreat. We are all very much encouraged by this and hope to continue with this tradition every year at Rinchen Jangsem Ling.
Watch a video of the Nyung Nä Retreat on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/HCtym7uSaTY
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to Ven. Thubten Dechen, Rinchen Jangsem Ling staff, volunteers, and other Sangha members who led the prayers. We would also like to thank all those in attendance, especially our many many Dharma brothers and sisters from the FPMT center in Selangor, Malaysia, Losang Dragpa Centre, especially their director and staff who have been giving us all kinds of assistance. Due to the Guru’s unfathomable kindness and teachings, may we dedicate every merit created to the fruition of full enlightenment and to all FPMT centers so that we can most quickly and fully benefit all beings.
For more information about Rinchen Jangsem Ling Center, visit their website:
http://www.jangsemling.com/
FPMT.org and Mandala Publications brings you news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings, and events from over 160 FPMT centers, projects, and services around the globe. If you like what you read, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Tushita Meditation Centre staff at Tushita Meditation Centre, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, India, February 2019. Photo by Tushita Meditation Centre.
Tushita Meditation Centre, the FPMT center in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, India, enjoyed visits from Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Khyongla Rato Rinpoche in 2019. Ven. Tenzin Kunphen, spiritual program coordinator, and Maria Nobuko Corrales, creative project assistant, share those stories and more.
Our 2019 season started extra early on February 5 to coincide with the Tibetan New Year and the auspicious Days of Miracles. The weather at that time of year can make things difficult in Dharamsala, but we made the best of some serious snowstorms and power cuts and didn’t have to wait long for the miracles to happen. To our great delight we welcomed our Spiritual Director Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche for ten days later in February.
We also welcomed all the students who braved the middle of winter at Tushita to attend our first Introduction to Buddhism course of 2019. One of those students was Abdulwahab, who was our first student from Kuwait. Abdulwahab’s presence made Kuwait the 100th nation represented by students attending our residential courses. In July, we welcomed Douangluethay from Laos, our 101st nation. And in August, we welcomed Dolly from Kenya, our 102nd nation.
Dolly and fellow Introduction to Buddhism retreat students at Tushita Meditation Centre, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, India, August 2019. Photo by Tushita Meditation Centre.
We are so excited to have reached this momentous accomplishment and rejoice deeply in what it represents: the Dharma reaching the far corners of the planet. We are now aiming to reach the auspicious number of 108 nations at Tushita since we began keeping records ten years ago.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche arrived at Tushita after midnight on February 18, the last day of the first introductory course of the year. Beautiful snowflakes began to fall as Rinpoche greeted the shivering and excited crowd, seemingly blessing the land and the fortunate students who waited in the dark to warmly welcome Rinpoche.
Khyongla Rato Rinpoche and Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Tushita Meditation Centre, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, India, February 2019. Photo by Tushita Meditation Centre staff.
On February 25, Lama Zopa Rinpoche offered a long life puja for Khyongla Rato Rinpoche at Tushita. This was an incredibly special day in which we welcomed many lamas, geshes, and Sangha. We pray that Khyongla Rato Rinpoche and all our precious gurus have long and stable lives, connecting many hearts and minds with the Dharma. May all their holy wishes be fulfilled instantly.
Still dazzled by so many blessings, we started another introductory course and an intermediate course two days later. Straight after their arrival, these lucky students (joined by the participants of our Pre-Ordination Course and many visitors) were extremely fortunate to receive two afternoons of precious teachings from Lama Zopa Rinpoche on emptiness and guru devotion.
Geshe Tenzin Namdak returned to again lead the Pre-Ordination Course in support of eight new western Sangha members, Tushita Meditation Centre, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, India, February 2019. Photo by Tushita Meditation Centre staff.
Rinpoche even made time to meet with and give a teaching to all Tushita staff and volunteers before leaving Tushita on the morning of February 28, showing us how to use every moment to benefit sentient beings. May we become just like you, Rinpoche.
Tushita Receives Consecrated Vases Blessed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama
There are many natural disasters happening all over the world today due to environmental destruction. In order to protect life and stop these natural disasters from occurring, His Holiness the Dalai Lama advised that consecrated vases be distributed wherever needed. Representatives from His Holiness’s private office, Namgyal Monastery, Gyudmed Monastery, and Gyuto Monastery came together to consecrate these vases over seven days.
Puja at Tushita Meditation Centre, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, India, March 2019. Photo by Tushita Meditation Centre staff.
Tushita was kindly offered three vases. To our great surprise and delight, on March 4 ,the abbot of Gyudmed Monastery, Khen Rinpoche Geshe Lobsang Wangdu, and a few monks from Namgyal Monastery came to conduct a puja to place these vases here at Tushita on our main altar.
Blessed by His Holiness, these vases serve to protect those who come here from obstacles, sickness, natural disasters, and harm from other beings. It also serves as a blessing to receive timely rain and water. Wherever the vase is placed there will be prosperity and flourishing without any obstacles.
Khylonga Rato Rinpoche Teaches on Bodhichitta
Khyongla Rato Rinpoche, despite his busy schedule and advanced age, very kindly returned to Tushita on April 7 before leaving for his home in the US. Rinpoche gave teachings titled “Bodhichitta: The Mind of Enlightenment” with his long-time student Simon Houlton interpreting.
Khyongla Rato Rinpoche, students, and Nyingje Chenmo at Tushita Meditation Centre, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, India, April 2019. Photo by Tushita Meditation Centre staff.
This special event was attended by our 130 residential students from our introductory course and intermediate course on “Developing a Fearless Heart” as well as outside guests. All present were hugely inspired by Rinpoche’s bodhisattva-like qualities of a brave heart, deep humility, and quick humor. How fortunate we are to have these real life examples of amazing practitioners around to show us where the Dharma path is leading and that it’s really possible.
Towards the end of the event our Tushita canine matron Nyinje Chenmo snuck into the gompa to listen to the teachings. She circumambulated His Holiness’s throne as well as Rinpoche and enjoyed the attention of the amused audience before laying down right in front of Rinpoche. Rinpoche looked at her and, to our great surprise and delight, spoke of Nyinje Chenmo having a calm mind and being so fortunate to live at Tushita and see so many holy objects.
Pema Wangmo and Archhana Kombrabail at Nalanda, Bihar, India. Photo courtesy of Tushita Meditation Centre.
Tushita Welcomes Our First Female Tibetan Director
Early in the season we said farewell to acting director Archhana Kombrabail, who has served Tushita for the last two-and-a-half years in this role. We are grateful for all the energy, positive intentions, and beneficial actions she took on behalf of Tushita and all the students. Thank you so much, Archhana!
We are happy to welcome Pema Wangmo into the director role. Pema first joined Tushita in February 2017 as our friendly and ever-so-patient receptionist. With her particular skills and temperament Pema naturally transitioned to the role of center manager in mid-2018 before being appointed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche as director. We are so grateful for Pema’s dedication, hard work, and the kind heart she brings to the position.
Yeshe at Tushita Meditation Centre, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, India, October 2017. Photo by Tushita Meditation Centre staff.
Our Beloved Dog Yeshe
It is with a heavy heart that we relay the passing of our beloved dog Yeshe on May 22. Our canine friends fulfill a very important job description at Tushita. Yeshe was our ever-so-patient therapist with excellent listening skills for our students as they undertook their difficult inner work and also a loyal companion and best friend, delighting and supporting our staff and volunteers by keeping their blood pressure steady and taking them for regular walks.
Yeshe’s life is a lesson of love: she showed us all how we are interconnected and that we need each other for our survival and happiness, that throughout our lives we must support and benefit each other daily, and that we can practice generosity by accepting the help of others.
We miss you, dearest friend and loyal companion. But we are confident that thanks to Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s and so many people’s prayers you smoothly made the transition from Tushita to the real Pure Land.
This story was extracted from “Tushita’s News July 2019”, available on Tushita’s website:
http://tushita.info/news/news-july-2019/
For information about Tushita Meditation Centre, visit their website:
http://tushita.info
FPMT.org and Mandala Publications brings you news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings, and events from over 160 FPMT centers, projects, and services around the globe. If you like what you read, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.