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Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition
The FPMT is an organization devoted to preserving and spreading Mahayana Buddhism worldwide by creating opportunities to listen, reflect, meditate, practice and actualize the unmistaken teachings of the Buddha and based on that experience spreading the Dharma to sentient beings. We provide integrated education through which people’s minds and hearts can be transformed into their highest potential for the benefit of others, inspired by an attitude of universal responsibility and service. We are committed to creating harmonious environments and helping all beings develop their full potential of infinite wisdom and compassion. Our organization is based on the Buddhist tradition of Lama Tsongkhapa of Tibet as taught to us by our founders Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche.
- Willkommen
Die Stiftung zur Erhaltung der Mahayana Tradition (FPMT) ist eine Organisation, die sich weltweit für die Erhaltung und Verbreitung des Mahayana-Buddhismus einsetzt, indem sie Möglichkeiten schafft, den makellosen Lehren des Buddha zuzuhören, über sie zur reflektieren und zu meditieren und auf der Grundlage dieser Erfahrung das Dharma unter den Lebewesen zu verbreiten.
Wir bieten integrierte Schulungswege an, durch denen der Geist und das Herz der Menschen in ihr höchstes Potential verwandelt werden zum Wohl der anderen – inspiriert durch eine Haltung der universellen Verantwortung und dem Wunsch zu dienen. Wir haben uns verpflichtet, harmonische Umgebungen zu schaffen und allen Wesen zu helfen, ihr volles Potenzial unendlicher Weisheit und grenzenlosen Mitgefühls zu verwirklichen.
Unsere Organisation basiert auf der buddhistischen Tradition von Lama Tsongkhapa von Tibet, so wie sie uns von unseren Gründern Lama Thubten Yeshe und Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche gelehrt wird.
- Bienvenidos
La Fundación para la preservación de la tradición Mahayana (FPMT) es una organización que se dedica a preservar y difundir el budismo Mahayana en todo el mundo, creando oportunidades para escuchar, reflexionar, meditar, practicar y actualizar las enseñanzas inconfundibles de Buda y en base a esa experiencia difundir el Dharma a los seres.
Proporcionamos una educación integrada a través de la cual las mentes y los corazones de las personas se pueden transformar en su mayor potencial para el beneficio de los demás, inspirados por una actitud de responsabilidad y servicio universales. Estamos comprometidos a crear ambientes armoniosos y ayudar a todos los seres a desarrollar todo su potencial de infinita sabiduría y compasión.
Nuestra organización se basa en la tradición budista de Lama Tsongkhapa del Tíbet como nos lo enseñaron nuestros fundadores Lama Thubten Yeshe y Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
A continuación puede ver una lista de los centros y sus páginas web en su lengua preferida.
- Bienvenue
L’organisation de la FPMT a pour vocation la préservation et la diffusion du bouddhisme du mahayana dans le monde entier. Elle offre l’opportunité d’écouter, de réfléchir, de méditer, de pratiquer et de réaliser les enseignements excellents du Bouddha, pour ensuite transmettre le Dharma à tous les êtres. Nous proposons une formation intégrée grâce à laquelle le cœur et l’esprit de chacun peuvent accomplir leur potentiel le plus élevé pour le bien d’autrui, inspirés par le sens du service et une responsabilité universelle. Nous nous engageons à créer un environnement harmonieux et à aider tous les êtres à épanouir leur potentiel illimité de compassion et de sagesse. Notre organisation s’appuie sur la tradition guéloukpa de Lama Tsongkhapa du Tibet, telle qu’elle a été enseignée par nos fondateurs Lama Thoubtèn Yéshé et Lama Zopa Rinpoché.
Visitez le site de notre Editions Mahayana pour les traductions, conseils et nouvelles du Bureau international en français.
Voici une liste de centres et de leurs sites dans votre langue préférée
- Benvenuto
L’FPMT è un organizzazione il cui scopo è preservare e diffondere il Buddhismo Mahayana nel mondo, creando occasioni di ascolto, riflessione, meditazione e pratica dei perfetti insegnamenti del Buddha, al fine di attualizzare e diffondere il Dharma fra tutti gli esseri senzienti.
Offriamo un’educazione integrata, che può trasformare la mente e i cuori delle persone nel loro massimo potenziale, per il beneficio di tutti gli esseri, ispirati da un’attitudine di responsabilità universale e di servizio.
Il nostro obiettivo è quello di creare contesti armoniosi e aiutare tutti gli esseri a sviluppare in modo completo le proprie potenzialità di infinita saggezza e compassione.
La nostra organizzazione si basa sulla tradizione buddhista di Lama Tsongkhapa del Tibet, così come ci è stata insegnata dai nostri fondatori Lama Thubten Yeshe e Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
Di seguito potete trovare un elenco dei centri e dei loro siti nella lingua da voi prescelta.
- 欢迎 / 歡迎
简体中文
“护持大乘法脉基金会”( 英文简称:FPMT。全名:Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition) 是一个致力于护持和弘扬大乘佛法的国际佛教组织。我们提供听闻,思维,禅修,修行和实证佛陀无误教法的机会,以便让一切众生都能够享受佛法的指引和滋润。
我们全力创造和谐融洽的环境, 为人们提供解行并重的完整佛法教育,以便启发内在的环宇悲心及责任心,并开发内心所蕴藏的巨大潜能 — 无限的智慧与悲心 — 以便利益和服务一切有情。
FPMT的创办人是图腾耶喜喇嘛和喇嘛梭巴仁波切。我们所修习的是由两位上师所教导的,西藏喀巴大师的佛法传承。
繁體中文
護持大乘法脈基金會”( 英文簡稱:FPMT。全名:Found
ation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition ) 是一個致力於護持和弘揚大乘佛法的國際佛教組織。我們提供聽聞, 思維,禪修,修行和實證佛陀無誤教法的機會,以便讓一切眾生都能 夠享受佛法的指引和滋潤。 我們全力創造和諧融洽的環境,
為人們提供解行並重的完整佛法教育,以便啟發內在的環宇悲心及責 任心,並開發內心所蘊藏的巨大潛能 — 無限的智慧與悲心 – – 以便利益和服務一切有情。 FPMT的創辦人是圖騰耶喜喇嘛和喇嘛梭巴仁波切。
我們所修習的是由兩位上師所教導的,西藏喀巴大師的佛法傳承。 察看道场信息:
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Realize that the nature of your mind is different from that of the flesh and bone of your physical body. Your mind is like a mirror, reflecting everything without discrimination. If you have understanding-wisdom, you can control the kind of reflection that you allow into the mirror of your mind.
Lama Thubten Yeshe
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The Foundation Store is FPMT’s online shop and features a vast selection of Buddhist study and practice materials written or recommended by our lineage gurus. These items include homestudy programs, prayers and practices in PDF or eBook format, materials for children, and other resources to support practitioners.
Items displayed in the shop are made available for Dharma practice and educational purposes, and never for the purpose of profiting from their sale. Please read FPMT Foundation Store Policy Regarding Dharma Items for more information.
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FPMT Community: Stories & News
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January e-News Out Now!
We hope you enjoy our January FPMT International Office e-News!
This month we bring you news about:
- Updates to Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Teaching Schedule
- Time to Empty Your Merit Box!
- 2019 LPP Calendar Available to Order
…and more!
Have this translated into your native language by using our convenient translation facility located on the right-hand side of the page. French and Spanish speakers will find the FPMT International Office News translated each month in the “Bienvenue” and “Bienvenidos” tabs on the FPMT homepage.
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.
23
Lama Zopa Rinpoche visited Madrid, Spain, from October 16 to November 3, 2018. The visit was organized by FPMT Hispana. The FPMT Hispana community shares the story.
FPMT Hispana will host Rinpoche in Madrid again from April 26-29, 2019. Rinpoche is scheduled to give the White Umbrella (Dukkar) great initiation.
It was May 2018 that we got the news that Lama Zopa Rinpoche could come to Spain in October. We didn’t hesitate for a moment, and said, “Yes, we can organize it.” We had four months to prepare for a visit that we had been waiting for in Spain for many many years.
We worked tirelessly, sometimes day and night. We managed to have everything ready the day Rinpoche arrived in Madrid.
On October 16 many people were waiting in the Madrid airport for Rinpoche’s arrival. There was so much joy and happiness in the air, and people brought many flowers. Some traveled four or five hours by car or bus to see Rinpoche before returning the same night and going to work the next day.
It felt like a dream having Rinpoche in Madrid. He took care of everyone in such a kind way, as a mother takes care of her child. When you are around Rinpoche you can feel this endless flow of love and wisdom, and you know you are in the best hands.
He taught October 19-21 and the following weekend, October 26-28, in a conference hall in Madrid with more than 600 people each weekend coming from every corner of Spain, other places in Europe, and even a few from the United States and Mexico.
Rinpoche gave us amazing teachings during these two weekends. As the planned White Umbrella initiation didn’t happen, he gave us the opportunity to create merit organizing everything, and we had the opportunity to request it again.
Rinpoche spend some time with Tenzin Ösel Hita and his son, Norbu, and was also visited by FPMT resident geshe Geshe Lamsang, the resident teacher at FPMT center Centro Nagarjuna Valencia.
Rinpoche also had time to visit some places around Madrid. He got to walk around Retiro Park where he made new friends, connecting so easily with everyone as always, and bringing smiles to people’s faces.
Rinpoche also made time to have dinner with FPMT Hispana center directors, spiritual program coordinators, and registered teachers, giving advice to each about their centers and the organization.
On the last day in the airport, Rinpoche was incredibly generous, spending time with all the people that had gone to the airport to see him. He gave some spontaneous teachings to all the students sitting around him in a cafe in the airport.
Those three weeks felt like a dream in many many ways, and we will keep working for it to be repeated soon.
Enjoy more photos from Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s visit to Madrid, Spain:
https://fpmt.org/teachers/zopa/gallery/spain-october-2018/
For more information about FPMT Spain, visit their website:
http://fpmt-hispana.org/
Watch video recordings of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s teachings from his 2018 European tour, which includes Spain, Germany, and Switzerland, and also find audio recordings of translations of the teachings in several languages as well as English language transcripts here:
https://fpmt.org/media/streaming/teachings-of-lama-zopa-rinpoche/europe-tour-2018/
For information about Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s 2019 activities, visit Rinpoche’s schedule:
https://fpmt.org/teachers/zopa/schedule/
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.
16
Land of Joy, an FPMT center in Northumberland National Park, UK, hosted their annual ten-day lamrim retreat November 2-11, 2018, led by FPMT registered teacher Ven. Mary Reavey. Retreatant Sheri Lim and fellow retreatants share about the experience.
Everyone had a fulfilling ten days at the lamrim retreat led by Ven. Mary Reavey at Land of Joy in November. The ten retreatants were from all walks of life, different countries, ages, and stages in their lives and in their understanding of the Dharma, but the environment at Land of Joy and the wonderful teaching by Ven. Mary created a warm and friendly space for everyone to grow and share together. Excellent food and care by Land of Joy volunteers made for an amazing stay—certainly no lack of biscuits and cheese!
Group retreats are a great way to take time out from our worldly lives and look inward, but in the company of others who also want to learn. As a result of being led by an incredible teacher whose depth of knowledge is inspiring and motivating, each person can get what is useful for them individually and carry it with them into their lives. Whether it’s varying our meditation practice, better understanding karma or emptiness, or feeling better about dying, this retreat allowed us to explore the Dharma more deeply.
As we all said our goodbyes at the end of the retreat, it was clear that it has left us with a stronger commitment to expand our learning and practicing of the Dharma. We hope to see each other again at FPMT centers and future retreats!
For more information about Land of Joy, visit their website:
http://landofjoy.co.uk/
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.
- Tagged: lamrim, land of joy, ven. mary reavey
9
Each year Dorje Chang Institute, an FPMT center in Auckland, New Zealand, organizes a Yamantaka Jangwa Puja. Venerable Gyälten Wangmo, spiritual program coordinator, shares about the most recent puja which took place on August 25, 2018.
Our FPMT resident teacher Lharampa Geshe Thupten Wangchen kindly performs a Yamantaka Jangwa Puja every August.
The first part of the Jangwa Puja is for the living. Geshe-la encourages people to attend in person if possible. This includes rituals to help purify obstacles, illness, disease, and more.
It is very participatory. At one part people absorb impurities, illnesses, and pains into handfuls of dough. At another point people rinse their mouths and impurities with the ritual vase water, which is then spit out into a bowl containing everyone’s handfuls of dough.
People also have the opportunity to come up to Geshe-la’s table and exhale all of their negativities onto a scorpion made of black sesame seeds. This scorpion is then symbolically burnt up, and then at one point people stand up to do prostrations to the Buddhas.
The next section of the Jangwa Puja is for those who have passed away at any time in the past. In advance of the puja people register the names of those who have passed away, including relatives, friends, workmates, or anyone they wish to include in the puja. They also have the option of submitting a photo of those who have died.
A small placard is created for each one that includes a traditional drawing on the front with the name on the lotus and photo of the deceased above. On the back is the prayer:
“Bhagavan Manjushri-Yamantaka’s hosts of deities, grant your blessings so that this person who has passed away purifies all of their negativities, obscurations and imprints accumulated in many lifetimes without beginning, and attains complete, perfect enlightenment swiftly.”
Each small placard is placed on a skewer, and then all of the skewers are stuck into a large lotus.
During the second part of the Annual Jangwa Puja, Geshe-la then performs a series of rituals similar to the above to help those beings purify negativities, have good rebirths—especially in a pure land—and to meet with all conducive factors for happiness.
Audience members then have the opportunity to stand up and do prostrations on behalf of their loved ones.
At the very end, all of the placards are offered into a small fire. While this is happening Geshe-la does prayers and rituals, and the audience members make strong prayers that they all be reborn in a pure land or at least receive a perfect human rebirth with all advantages for creating the causes for happiness and enlightenment.
Participation in this annual puja is gaining momentum. It seems that people really appreciate having something they can do that not only benefits themselves but is something helpful and positive they can do for those with whom they have a connection. It offers a formal opportunity to do something meaningful for loved ones who have passed away even a while ago.
I feel this is rare in the West. Sometimes it is palpable how much people appreciate the chance to helped deceased loved ones.
For more information about Dorje Chang Institute, visit their website.
http://www.dci.org.nz/
You can find advice on practice for death and dying here:
https://fpmt.org/death/
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.
- Tagged: death and dying, dorje chang institute, geshe thupten wangchen, jangwa puja, ven. gyalten wangmo
2
Ianzhina Bartanova, director of FPMT center Ganden Do Ngag Shedrup Ling in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, shares about an August 2018 fourteen-day pilgrimage the center organized to holy sites in Mongolia. This is a short excerpt from Ianzhina’s published online story, The Karmic Bond That Connected Us All in Mongolia.
Ganden Do Ngag Shedrup Ling placed an advertisement in the January-June 2018 issue of FPMT’s Mandala magazine inviting readers to join us for an August 2018 pilgrimage to the holy sites in Mongolia. It was the first pilgrimage for Western Buddhists organized by Ganden Do Ngag Shedrup Ling. Three courageous students from Bulgaria, Holland, and the US arrived in Mongolia in mid-August for the eleven-day pilgrimage, which later expanded into fourteen days.
The capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, is impressive: tall modern buildings, busy traffic, expensive cars on the roads, fancy restaurants with international cuisine including vegan and vegetarian options, comfortable hotels, and smiling people.
But the real jewels of our pilgrimage were the Mongolian monasteries, some of which were destroyed and then restored. A few survived the Communist purges of the 1930s, and are home to some hidden artifacts which were buried in the ground. Like the canvas for a masterpiece, Mongolia’s natural environment provided a framed backdrop for the holy sites, which appear like beautiful jewelry.
Together with the pilgrims, we visited approximately ten monasteries, took in a few natural sights, and made some visits related to Buddhist museums. When developing the itinerary, we recognized the importance of sharing some cultural aspects and traditions so our guests could have a richer experience of Mongolia. Therefore, we included some secular activities such as a traditional music show and a sightseeing visit to the largest Genghis Khan equestrian statue. …
Read Ianzhina’s full online story, “The Karmic Bond That Connected Us All in Mongolia,” and view more of her photos online:
https://fpmt.org/mandala/in-depth-stories/the-karmic-bond-that-connected-us-all-in-mongolia/
For more information about Ganden Do Ngag Shedrup Ling, visit their website:
http://www.fpmtmongolia.org/shedrub-ling-center
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.
28
Lama Zopa Rinpoche visited Tushita Meditation Centre in Dharamsala, India, from August 29-September 8, 2018. Ven. Tenzin Kunphen, spiritual program coordinator, and Maria Nobuko Corrales, assistant spiritual program coordinator share the story.
In August 2018 our Dharma wishes came true with our precious spiritual director Lama Zopa Rinpoche coming to Tushita, kicking off the second half of the 2018 season! Rinpoche arrived at night on August 29 through a plume of incense to an array of candle light offerings and a large group of eager students ready to greet him. We were thrilled to present Rinpoche with his updated and expanded living quarters, which he described as a “wish-fulfilling room!” It was possibly the sweetest compliment Rinpoche could give us for our efforts. We beamed with happiness for his enjoyment.
The 110 students of our Introduction to Buddhism course had the great fortune on August 31 to receive a teaching from Rinpoche after their celebratory picnic, marking the culmination of their efforts. What an auspicious way to complete their course! Rinpoche distributed blessed pills from Tibet and holy water brought from Mount Kailash to every student. Their big smiles broadcast their appreciation of this special opportunity.
The next day Rinpoche shared more blessed pills and water with our local staff and visitors before slowly circumambulating the main gompa while explaining the significance of the mantras and images painted on the outside of the hall. Rinpoche explained that just seeing the mantras (which are painted in red and gold) creates merit and reciting them creates even more.
As Rinpoche continued on his circumambulation, he came to many of our monkey “landlords,” to whom he offered prayers and blessings. Later on we greeted the arrival of the precious Dagri Rinpoche who came to visit Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
On September 2, Rinpoche welcomed Khadro-la (Rangjung Neljorma Khadro Namsel Drönme) to Tushita for a visit. Rinpoche later demonstrated great generosity in inviting all of Tushita’s staff, volunteers, and visiting Sangha to an appreciation lunch with the precious Khadro-la. We all walked together through the monsoon forest into the village next door—Dharamkot, also known as “Little Israel”—where we enjoyed a delicious vegan buffet at a popular local restaurant. Again, grins abounded as hearts and bellies were filled, and all rejoiced in all our efforts and accomplishments.
We all happily attended His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s four days of public teachings at his temple September 4-7. On September 5 we held an extraordinary Guru Puja with our guru himself, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, seated on his throne. We were again blessed with the presence of Khadro-la. The Guru Puja included a condensed long-life request for Lama Zopa Rinpoche, in which both Khadro-la and Tushita offered mandalas. We earnestly pray for Rinpoche’s long, healthy life and for all of his Dharma wishes to be instantly fulfilled!
The next two days Rinpoche provided teachings—open to everyone—and began the transmission of the Sutra of Liberation, which we hope he will continue upon his next return. We were so grateful that Rinpoche made time to offer these precious teachings to us with his schedule already so full. Once again, Rinpoche demonstrated to us his tireless efforts and devotion to benefit all beings.
On September 8 we bid Rinpoche farewell with eager hopes for a quick return to Tushita!
For more 2018 highlights, see Tushita News December 2018:
http://tushita.info/news/news-december-2018/
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.
- Tagged: dharamsala, lama zopa rinpoche, maria nobuko corrales, tushita meditation centre, ven. tenzin kunphen
26
Monks have held the Jang Guncho for centuries. The first Nuns’ Jang Guncho took place in Dharamsala, India, in 1995. An annual event, the Nuns’ Jang Guncho is an opportunity for nunneries to gather together to train in and practice debate. The 2018 Nuns’ Jang Guncho took place at Khachoe Ghakyil Ling Nunnery (Kopan Nunnery), a FPMT nunnery in Kathmandu, Nepal. Ani Choesang, a Kopan nun since 1994, from Chobhar, Kathmandu, Nepal, and Ani Dhekyong, a Kopan nun since 1997, from Solu Khumbu, Nepal, share about the 2018 Nuns’ Jang Guncho and the Geshema Graduation ceremony held at their nunnery.
The Nuns’ Jang Guncho (annual winter debate session) was established in 1994 under the guidance of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. It is being supported by the Tibetan Nuns Project and Central Tibetan Administration’s Department of Religion & Culture. This year was the 24th annual Nuns’ Jang Guncho.
This year the Nuns’ Jang Guncho was hosted by Kopan Nunnery in Nepal, and it was the second time here. About 710 nuns, 17 teachers, and some lay women from ten nunneries in India and Nepal gathered for one month-long training session in Tibetan Buddhist philosophy. We intensively studied the subject pramana (valid cognition) and the commentary of Shree Dharmakirti, Parmanavartika, for a month in preparation for the debate.
The nunneries represented this year were Dolma Ling Nunnery and Institute (Himachal Pradesh, India), Jamyang Choling Institute (Himachal Pradesh, India), Geden Choeling Nunnery (Himachal Pradesh, India), Jangchub Choeling Nunnery (Karnataka, India), Jangsem Ling (Himachal Pradesh, India), Jampa Choling Institute (Himachal Pradesh, India), Karma Samten Ling Nunnery (Pharping, Kathmandu, Nepal), Yangtchen Ling (Himachal Pradesh, India), Thukche Cho Ling Nunnery (Swayambhunath, Kathmandu, Nepal), and Kopan Nunnery.
This year’s Nuns’ Jang Guncho started on October 3 and ended on November 3.
Most days we followed the same schedule.
We woke up at 4:45 a.m. and then memorized from 5-6:30 a.m. After breakfast, we had philosophy class from 7-9 a.m. followed by morning prayers and one-on-one debates from 9-10:30 a.m. Classes then debated with each other for one hour and then we had a lunch break.
After lunch, we had four and a half hours of philosophy classes followed by dinner at 5:30 p.m.
After dinner, we recited prayers for half an hour followed by a big debate between two nunneries from 7-8 p.m. Then we had a thirty-minute break before we debated one-on-one for another hour. The final organized activity of the day was from 10-10:30 p.m. when classes debated with each other.
We hold two full-night debate celebrations during every Nuns’ Jang Guncho. This year the full-night debate celebrations took place on October 20 and November 2.
During each full-night debate celebration we debated from 6-10 p.m. We had four debates on October 20 and four debates on November 2.
On October 20 we assigned one class each from four nunneries to take the role of defender and assigned one class each from four nunneries to take the role of debater. The four classes in the role of debater then debated with the four classes in the role of defender.
We selected different groups of nuns for the four debates on November 2.
The nuns engaged in debate in front of everyone who was attending the Nuns’ Jang Guncho. Many other geshe-las and monks from different monasteries in Kathmandu—including Kopan Monastery— came to watch the full-night debate celebrations. We celebrated the last full-night debate celebration on November 3 in the presence of our venerable abbot, Khen Rinpoche Geshe Thubten Chonyi.
The debate and discussion offers great opportunities to explore experiences and skills. The practice of debate combines logical thinking with a deeper understanding of Buddhist teachings. That will help nuns to preserve the Dharma and spread Buddha’s teachings in the modern world.
After the conclusion of the Nuns’ Jang Guncho we held a two-day celebration on November 3-4 during which we celebrated the Geshema Damcha, the final step in the geshema ceremony rituals. “Damcha” is the term given to the answering in the debate process.
Every nun from each nunnery debated during the two days of the Geshema Damcha celebration. The nuns debated on the subjects of the five major texts of Buddhist philosophy.
On November 5 we celebrated the Geshema Graduation Ceremony 2018 at Kopan Nunnery. This year ten women became geshemas; seven of the new geshemas are from Jangchub Choeling Nunnery (Karnataka, India) and three are from Dolma Ling Nunnery and Institute (Himachal Pradesh, India).
On behalf of the entire Kopan family, we would like to extend huge congratulations to all the geshemas. We pray for them to have long lives, good health, and happiness. May their Dharma wishes be fulfilled without any obstacles.
You can find more information about Kopan Nunnery on their website.
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.
- Tagged: ani choesang, ani dhekyong, debate, dolma ling nunnery and institute, geden choeling nunnery, geshema damcha, geshemas, jampa choling institute, jamyang choling institute, jang gunchoe, jangchub choeling nunnery, jangsem ling, karma samten ling nunnery, khachoe ghakyil ling, khen rinpoche geshe chonyi, kopan nunnery, nuns jang guncho, thukche cho ling nunnery, tibetan nuns project, winter debate, yangtchen ling
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Gendun Drupa Centre, an FPMT center in Martigny, Switzerland, hosted Lama Zopa Rinpoche from November 14 until December 4, 2018. The center’s spiritual program coordinator, Séverine Gondouin shares the story with help from Caro Solloso and Sophie Lacroix.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche arrived in Anzère, a village of beautiful chalet homes in the Alps mountain range on Wednesday night, November 14. Caro Sollaso, who was helping out at the house, was there when Rinpoche arrived. She said, “The arrival of Lama Zopa Rinpoche at the chalet was impressive. He arrived by night, with candlelight and rose petals on the ground. It was magical.”
“Rinpoche is a very approachable person who is very much interested in others,” Caro said. “He wanted to know everything about the place and our country. Rinpoche was laughing with us at the table. During each meal he would ask us a lot of questions about ourselves. He also gave us a small teaching after each meal that was tailored to us. Rinpoche is so simple and so incredibly kind. We even got to watch the making of the tormas.”
“Rinpoche loves animals a lot. Although he is vegan, he asked for cheese to share with my dog Shiva during the meals. He changed the names of the animals who were with us at the chalet, saying that it was better for them to have Dharma names. Sophie’s cat’s name was changed from Shatwa to Mahamudra. My dog Shiva became Bodhichitta,” Caro said.
Sophie Lacroix, the owner of the chalet where Rinpoche stayed in Anzère, said, “It was an extraordinary week with him.”
“Rinpoche arrived in the land of cows, mountains, and chocolate. We were there—a few students—in the night, waiting for this incredible being that Switzerland had been waiting to come for so long. We didn’t know if his visit was a dream or reality,” Sophie said.
“Some prayers flags were flapping by the light of some candles, in a silence that predicted the incredible. And suddenly, two headlights appeared in the dark. We couldn’t see anything but we knew he was here, this precious being, this jewel, this inspiration.”
She continued, “There he was. He got down from the car with tranquility, serenity, and wisdom. We were there in the mountains—1,600 meters (5,249 feet) high—with Lama Zopa Rinpoche. I held my breath wondering ‘Will he like the place?’ I opened the door of the chalet and I heard ‘Nice!’ Finally I could breathe.”
“The first thing Rinpoche did,” Sophie said, “was sit down in an armchair and give blessings to the small dog Shiva. Everyone took possession of his room: Rinpoche, Ven. Roger Kunsang, Ven. Holly Ansett, Ven. Lhundup Topgye, Ven. Lobsang Sherab, and Ven. Anet Engel. Then it was time to see the parade of luggage. This was also incredible.”
“It was like living life in another dimension. The offering prayer before the meals took ten minutes,” Sophie recalled. “The soup that was once warm had become cold—no problem—each moment was dedicated for the benefit of all beings!”
“When the meal ended everyone there had things to do, but Rinpoche stayed there to teach us again and again. Ven. Anet cooked for us, and each meal was a masterpiece. Patience was required because the schedule was unknown. Each meal was a tsog prepared with care and attention. These were beautiful teachings of how to live our everyday life—every moment for others,” Sophie concluded.
On Friday evening, November 16, everyone was ready to listen to Rinpoche’s teachings. Rinpoche generously taught that whole weekend at the Baladin Center in Savièse, Switzerland, demonstrating great compassion for us all. He emphasized the importance of developing a good heart, cherishing others—the source of all happiness—and to change the purpose of our lives from self-cherishing to serving others.
Rinpoche also deeply taught on the nature of the mind, clearly perceiving objects, and how the “I” is merely labeled—a mere name—not existing from its own side. He taught that there is no real mind at all, that it never exists the way it appears to us, but is an extremely subtle phenomenon.
He instructed that we should clean the dust—the defilements—on the surface of the mirror so that the mirror can give a reflection. Rinpoche taught we should see the “I” on the “I” so that there isn’t anything to hold onto any longer. Look at the dream as a dream. Unify emptiness and existing without contradiction.
Rinpoche encouraged us to bring all sentient beings to enlightenment and to keep the mind in the right view, free from hallucination. He also talked about the importance of developing a good education in schools. Rinpoche said that we should focus our awareness on ending the harm we cause to ourselves and others. We usually take care of the body but not the mind. Rinpoche suggested that we help children keep their minds healthy, positive, and virtuous to benefit themselves and the world. He also insisted on practicing satisfaction.
Rinpoche emphasized that we should not keep what we learn on an intellectual level, but that we should actualize the teachings and experience them in our hearts. This way our practice becomes holy Dharma, not with a motivation attached to this life—to the eight worldly dharmas—but that we renounce. That will bring incredible peace and happiness, and also all that we do will become Dharma.
Last but not least, Rinpoche talked about devotion to the guru. To take care of our mind—this is the way to follow one’s guru’s advice and fulfill the guru’s wishes. This is the way to receive blessings. Rinpoche spoke about his own teachers who inspire him so much, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Panchen Rinpoche, and Khadro-la (Rangjung Neljorma Khadro Namsel Drönme).
We also did a Lama Chöpa tsog together on Saturday. The following day Rinpoche offered the Chenrezig Ngensong Kundrol initiation.
The Swiss nun Ven. Losang (Rita Riniker) offered a review class on Saturday and Sunday morning. People were delighted by her teachings, presence, and inspiration. We thank her a lot as she did that job with all her heart. This really touched people, opened their hearts, and awakened their wisdom as well.
About two hundred people attended Rinpoche’s teachings hosted by our center. This was made possible thanks to the generosity of many people including the Gendun Drupa Center committee, who began to prepare this event months in advance, and thirty-six volunteers, who helped with food; arranged Sangha accommodation; made carpooling arrangements; organized the altar, shop, and welcome desk; and helped with the technology.
We are also thankful to French language translator Ven. Lobsang Detchen, Italian language translator Ven. Siliana Bosa, German language translator Ven. Birgit Schweiberer, and Ven. Joan Nicell, who was transcribing from Nepal. We appreciate the audio team—Alexis Benelhadj, Harald Weichhart, and Antoine Janssen— as well as the donors, who helped us cover the event’s costs. We thank them all deeply from our hearts.
On Monday, November 19, Rinpoche met with the Gendun Drupa Center committee for a lunch in Martigny. It was an opportunity to thank everyone for their work. The atmosphere was cheerful, filled with gratitude and love.
Rinpoche then taught two evenings at Gendun Drupa Centre in Martigny. We met that second evening because it was Sophie’s birthday, and Rinpoche wanted to offer a Lama Tsongkhapa Guru Yoga and tsog. Rinpoche also took the opportunity to bless our center and consecrate it.
Both evenings were so precious—having Rinpoche in our small center, with so many people who were meeting him for the first time. It was a great gift for all students. Everyone was so happy. We finished really late that Tuesday night, but it was not a problem. We carried the energy from the evening with us when we went to work the next day.
We also had a surprise to announce that night: Rinpoche, who planned to leave on Wednesday, decided to stay on at Sophie’s house and do a personal retreat of almost two weeks. We organized things very quickly, including visas and food. It was a great joy to be able to continue closely working for Rinpoche.
As he was still in Switzerland on his birthday, he was offered a delicious sugar and gluten-free cake baked by one of our students.
Rinpoche departed Switzerland for Nepal the following day, December 4, to teach the 51st month-long Kopan lamrim meditation course students. Many students came to the airport in Switzerland to say goodbye. Everyone was so enthusiastic, so grateful, and so inspired by Rinpoche’s visit to Switzerland. It will surely give a new wave of energy to our center and a greater understanding of the meaning of guru devotion.
Enjoy more photos from Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s visit to Switzerland:
https://fpmt.org/teachers/zopa/gallery/switzerland-november-2018/
For more information about Gendun Drupa Center, visit their website:
https://gendundrupa.ch/
Watch video recordings of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s teachings from his 2018 European tour, which includes Spain, Germany, and Switzerland, and also find audio recordings of translations of the teachings in several languages as well as English language transcripts here:
https://fpmt.org/media/streaming/teachings-of-lama-zopa-rinpoche/europe-tour-2018/
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.
- Tagged: caro sollaso, gendun drupa centre, lama zopa rinpoche, severine gondouin, sophie lacroix, switzerland
21
Season’s Greetings and Latest News!
Please find Season’s Greetings from Lama Zopa Rinpoche and all of us at Rinpoche’s Office, together with our latest e-News!
In addition to our Season’s Greetings, we bring you news of:
How to Give A Gift to Benefit Others
New Materials from Education Services
Rejoicing in Completion of the Thame Stupa Rebuild
Two New Online Stories from Mandala
…and more!
Have this translated into your native language by using our convenient translation facility located on the right-hand side of the page. French and Spanish speakers will find the FPMT International Office News translated each month in the “Bienvenue” and “Bienvenidos” tabs on the FPMT homepage.
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.
19
Marcel Bertels, director of Maitreya Buddha Project Kushinagar, shares an update about the project. This news comes from Kushinagar, India, where Shakyamuni Buddha entered into Mahaparinirvana.
Maitreya Buddha Project Kushinagar has now peacefully settled onto the 170-acre site made available on a perpetual lease by the Government of Uttar Pradesh. The site has been measured, clear boundaries established, and basic fencing has been completed.
A meditation-cum-experience center is currently under construction near the project offices, which are located opposite the Thai Temple Complex in the heart of Kushinagar.
Two possible locations for the main monument have been identified on the basis of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s observations as well the input of world renowned feng shui master Joey Yap.
In April and May of this year, master Joey Yap made detailed recommendations for the placement of the statue and the fundamental layout of the site. The soil surveys for these locations have been completed and the final position for the statue will be decided soon.
The short-listing of possible casting companies and general contractors is taking place at this point in time.
The design of the statue is ninety-nine percent completed. Some detailing of the face of the Maitreya Buddha statue will be submitted to Rinpoche for review, and this should be finalized shortly.
Rinpoche has signed off on the basic layout for the statue and throne. The statue itself will be 150 feet (46 meters) high and will be built on a platform 50 feet (15 meters) high, making for a total height of 200 feet (61 meters), which is equivalent to a twenty-story building.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been invited to give teachings on the land, and we are anxiously awaiting His Holiness’s acceptance.
The architecture and engineering for the project will be done by Stup Consultants. Stup Consulants is an international firm with over 1,200 professionals in more than 20 offices and global project locations in India and other countries. Moreover, Stup Consultants already has extensive familiarity in the construction of bronze statues.
While historically no large bronze statues have been constructed in India, the last decade has seen the building of several large bronze statues in India and Bhutan, ranging from 150 feet (46 meters) to 716 feet (182 meters). Even taller bronze statues to be built in India are now in the planning stages. Clearly all this construction activity of building large bronze statues has increased the knowledge base and that will simplify the work for Maitreya Project.
The team on the ground now consists of Ven. Kabir Saxena, Virginia Roche, and Marcel Bertels.
Virginia Roche, our executive director, has many years of experience in building, construction, and finance, and successfully established one of the larger construction and engineering companies in Muscat, Oman. She is responsible for the development of the Kushinagar site as well as issues related to design, engineering, and construction. She also handles all interactions with the Government of Uttar Pradesh.
Ven. Kabir Saxena is the chairman of Maitreya Project Trust and actively supports the project in many ways. Marcel Bertels is the overall director of the Maitreya Buddha Project Kushinagar. In addition to these three, experienced artist Peter Griffin is looking after all art-related issues.
With all our thanks to all past and future sponsors, benefactors, organizers and well-wishers.
For more information about Maitreya Buddha Project Kushinagar or to make an offering visit the website:
http://mbpkushinagar.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.
- Tagged: joey yap, maitreya buddha project kushinagar, maitreya projects, marcel bertels, peter griffin, ven. kabir saxena, virginia roche
14
Longku Center, an FPMT center in Bern, Switzerland, hosted Lama Zopa Rinpoche from November 12-14, 2018. Lama Zopa Rinpoche arrived from Munich, Germany, where Rinpoche was hosted by Aryatara Instituut. Brigitte Brunner and Andrea Meier, long-time students and members of Longku Center who co-organized Rinpoche’s Bern visit share the story.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche arrived late evening of November 12 from Munich, Germany, and stayed in Bern for two days before travelling on to Wallis, Switzerland. While offering welcome tea, Rinpoche talked about how important it is, if one encounters people who make our life difficult, to cherish them and to uphold them the most.
The next evening Rinpoche gave a very inspiring public teaching on recognizing and using our human potential, starting with how lucky we are not to be born as a tiger who has to kill others to survive. How fortunate we are to have attained a precious human rebirth, able to distinguish what is right and what is wrong, what brings happiness and what brings suffering.
Then Rinpoche taught on the importance of practicing patience and how everything comes from the mind. He explained how we can do this—looking at every action as merely labeled, like a hallucination or a dream. This was a very powerful teaching on emptiness!
We had two wonderful and very blessed days with Rinpoche in Bern. Our time with him was powerful, moving, and inspiring. We are very grateful to Rinpoche for his visit and his precious teachings.
For more information about Longku Center, visit their website:
https://longku.fpmt.ch/fpmt7/nc/home/
Watch video recordings of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s teachings from his 2018 European tour, which includes Spain, Germany, and Switzerland, and also find audio recordings of translations of the teachings in several languages as well as English language transcripts here:
https://fpmt.org/media/streaming/teachings-of-lama-zopa-rinpoche/europe-tour-2018/
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.
- Tagged: andrea meier, brigitte brunner, lama zopa rinpoche, longku center, severine gondouin, switzerland
12
Ven. Losang Tendar is the director of International Mahayana Institute, the FPMT community of monks and nuns. He shares about the annual rains retreat held at Nalanda Monastery, a FPMT center in Lavaur, France, from August 26-October 9, 2018.
A group of nineteen monks concluded Yarne—the six-week long yearly rains retreat—at Nalanda Monastery on October 9. This year’s retreat started on August 26, following several days of preparation and a thorough cleaning of the monastery.
Some of the monks who did the retreat are Nalanda residents. Others came to Nalanda as guests so they could join the retreat. The retreat was conducted under the guidance of one of Nalanda’s resident teachers, Geshe Jamphel Gyaltsen.
The monks who did the retreat were gelongs Geshe Gyaltsen (Tibet); Vens. Jesus Revert (Spain); Tenzin Gendun (UK); Tharchin (Germany); Losang Tendar (Netherlands); Tenzin Namse (Switzerland); Yonten (UK); Tsultrim (Italy); Thubten (Czech Republic); Thekshok (Israel); Gyaltsen (France); Gyatso (US); Thubten Gendun (New Zealand); and getsuls Wangchuk (Switzerland); Rigshok (Netherlands); Choedrak (France); Lektsok (UK); Tenzin (Sweden); and Jamyang (Croatia).
The Buddha encouraged the Sangha to come together at their monasteries during the summer months and to devote six weeks to joyfully and intensely engaging in practice and study. Sangha are encouraged to practice harmoniously and refrain from insults and conflicts.
Within the FPMT organization, Nalanda is the only monastery in the West that engages in the three activities that define a monastery. These activities are Sojong, the bi-monthly confession ceremony; Yarne, the beginning of the rains retreat; and Gaye, the end of the rains retreat ceremony. In our Western countries, where do you find this completely and regularly done? Maybe in a few places, but it certainly happens at Nalanda, and that makes Nalanda a very special place.
During this year’s rains retreat our retreat leader, Geshe Jamphel Gyaltsen, taught Vinaya classes using a text by Jetsun Chokyi Gyaltsen. FPMT registered teacher Geshe Losel (Graham Woodhouse) served as an excellent translator for two weeks.
In September, FPMT’s residential study programs—the Basic Program and the Masters Program—both of which are offered at Nalanda, resumed. Most of the monks are participating in one or the other, so they began classes again.
Also during the rains retreat, Ven. Jesus Revert, resident teacher at FPMT center Nagarjuna C.E.T. Granada in Spain, offered a five-day community lamrim retreat and gave a few inspirational talks to the whole Nalanda community. The monastery also organized an Open Day during the rains retreat, welcoming about 250 visitors to the monastery.
Ven. Jesus Revert said, “It was very joyous, to stay for these months together as monks—to study together and have exchanges—but to also have time to read my own books and engage in meditation sessions. I enjoyed the excellent conditions and the feeling of community.”
We thank all of our kind and generous supporters who enable us to engage in these activities.
To learn more about Nalanda Monastery, visit their website:
https://nalanda-monastery.eu/index.php/en/
To learn more about the International Mahayana Institute, visit their website:
http://imisangha.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.
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*powered by Google TranslateTranslation of pages on fpmt.org is performed by Google Translate, a third party service which FPMT has no control over. The service provides automated computer translations that are only an approximation of the websites' original content. The translations should not be considered exact and only used as a rough guide.Many times we mix our compassion with attachment. We begin with compassion, but after some time, attachment mixes in and then it becomes an attachment trip.