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Lama Zopa Rinpoche showing relics to Ling Rinpoche, Aptos, USA, August 2018. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab
We hope you will enjoy the September FPMT International Office e-News.
This month we bring you:
- The Date for the Official Long Life Puja for Lama Zopa Rinpoche
- Highlights of Advice from Lama Zopa RInpoche
- Problem Solving in the FPMT Organization
- News About the First Teacher Development Service Seminar
…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.
Geshe Lobsang Jamphel with students at Centro Shiwa Lha, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 2018. Photo courtesy of Centro Shiwa Lha.
FPMT center Centro Shiwa Lha in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, hosted Geshe Lobsang Jamphel, abbot of Nalanda Monastery in France, in July 2018. Ruth Saldanha, event production volunteer, shares the details of Geshe Jamphel’s visit.
Geshe Jamphel graciously accepted our invitation to teach Chapters 1 and 2 of Bodhicharyavatara (A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life) over the course of two weekends in July.
Geshe Lobsang Jamphel with volunteers Marcio Saraiva, Nakedia Carvalho, and Ruth Saldanha at Centro Shiwa Lha, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 2018. Photo courtesy of Centro Shiwa Lha.
This is a text that has been studied since the eighth century, when it was written by the Indian scholar Shantideva (Shiwa Lha in Tibetan). It’s a classic of Buddhist philosophy studied by all schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
We were expecting Geshe Jamphel to give teachings on the last two weekends of the school holiday, July 21-22, and July 28-29. These were Saturdays and Sundays. But luckily for us, he decided to teach on the Fridays, too.
Centro Shiwa Lha recently moved to a listed 19th-century house, which was renovated and recently opened as the new home of the center. The value of our new place is that activities can be accommodated more comfortably.
We have a new meditation room that holds about sixty people. We even have a small yard with trees and a lawn. Upstairs are guest accommodations. We hope to be able to host a resident teacher soon.
Geshe Lobsang Jamphel with Yuri Pinto at Centro Shiwa Lha, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 2018. Photo courtesy of Centro Shiwa Lha.
We had a wonderful retreat with Geshe Jamphel, attended by twenty-five students. In addition to helping us absorb the meaning of the path to enlightenment, Geshe Jamphel told us the story of Shantideva.
His words were translated from Tibetan into Portuguese by Susana Montero. In this way we could hear the melodious sound of the Tibetan language. It had a special meaning to us since our center is named after Shantideva.
The lessons were given on Chapter 1 (Bodhichitta), and Chapter 2 (Confession). Geshe Jamphel also gave a talk on “Leading a Meaningful Life.” He offered refuge vows and a White Manjushri empowerment during the red moon eclipse.
We are so fortunate to have him come here for the second year in a row.
Geshe Lobsang Jamphel teaching students at Centro Shiwa Lha, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 2018. Photo courtesy of Centro Shiwa Lha.
For more information about Centro Shiwa Lha visit their website:
https://shiwalha.org.br/
To watch Geshe Jamphel’s teachings visit Centro Shiwa Lha’s YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOkh7XIVXcJX6jzIig3T4zg
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.
Foundation Service Seminar, Jamyang Buddhist Centre, London, UK, August 2018. Photo by retreat participants.
The Foundation Service Seminar (FSS) is the “FPMT immersion retreat.” It provides essential information and nourishment for all serving, or wishing to serve, in the FPMT organization.
The FSS Retreat is key to deeply understanding the FPMT organization and the attitude we seek to cultivate as we offer service in the organization. This experiential retreat helps us actualize the advice that service is practice, practice is service, and how to always enjoy and rejoice when offering service.
Foundation Service Seminar, Jamyang Buddhist Centre, London, UK, August 2018.
Foundation Service Seminar, Jamyang Buddhist Centre, London, UK, August 2018.
Sixteen FPMT students from across Europe graduated from the most recent FSS, held at Jamyang Buddhist Centre in London, UK, from August 3-8, 2018.
Foundation Service Seminar, Jamyang Buddhist Centre, London, UK, August 2018.
The retreat was facilitated by Charlotte Elliott and Annelies van der Heijden.
Charlotte said of the retreat, “The group dynamic was great. As one person mentioned, we started as strangers, but soon formed into an FPMT family.”
Annelies added, “Is was a great joy, pleasure, and honor to share all of my FPMT experiences with very sincere devoted students—some from afar—who took so much time, and made such a big effort to join and participate with great enthusiasm in our FSS. This was moving and very inspiring to me.”
The sixteen graduates also enjoyed the retreat, adding the following remarks:
Foundation Service Seminar, Jamyang Buddhist Centre, London, UK, August 2018.
“I was very impressed by the information presented. I could never have imagined how big and beautiful the FPMT organization is!”
“It was inspiring to see and feel that we are many changemakers in FPMT, using our skills to build up a culture of compassion and peace, and benefit others.”
“It was enjoyable and informative, giving a valuable and rare opportunity to connect with others offering similar service.”
“It has helped me understand my role in the organization, and how I can better integrate my spiritual journey with service in the center.”
“I recharged my spiritual batteries.”
For more information on the Foundation Service Seminar and to find out how to register for future events, visit the FPMT Service Seminar webpage:
https://fpmt.org/education/training/
Lama Zopa Rinpoche is the spiritual director of the Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), a Tibetan Buddhist organization dedicated to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation, and community service.
Ven. Tenzin Legtsok speaking about the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination at The Guhyasamaja Center, Fairfax, VA, US, July 2018. Photo by Ven. Losang Dondrub.
Ven. Losang Dondrub, spiritual program coordinator at The Guhyasamaja Center, an FPMT center in the Washington, DC, US, metro area, shares details about Ven. Tenzin Legtsok’s visit to their center.
On Saturday, July 21, and Sunday, July 22, 2018, The Guhyasamaja Center had the good fortune to host FPMT registered teacher Ven. Tenzin Legtsok, an American monk in the geshe program at Sera Je Monastic University in south India. Our treasurer, Jeff Nye, had previously requested Ven. Legtsok to teach at our center next time Ven. Legtsok was in the area. We were delighted he was able to accept our invitation.
We had about a dozen students join us in the gompa for the weekend course. On Saturday we met from 6-8 p.m. and on Sunday from 10:30-12:30 p.m. and then again from 2-4:30 p.m. The course incorporated lectures, meditations, and question and answer sessions.
Over the course of those two days Ven. Legtsok happily took on the task of explaining the profound teaching of the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination. Although this material could seem very technical or even dry, Ven. Legtsok found many ways to make it relevant and accessible to our lives. He was able to skillfully navigate a subject that would be very foreign to most Westerners in a way that really bridged the cultural gap by combining modern Western concepts with this ancient Buddhist wisdom.
He showed great skill in leading meditations and contemplations that helped us really begin to generate deeper insights into the nature of cyclic existence, its origins, and most importantly how we can bring about its cessation.
Ven. Legtsok showed us great kindness by taking time out of his break from his studies to travel to us so we could receive these teachings. We wish him well during the remainder of his studies, which he is engaging in for the benefit of all sentient beings. We look forward to being able to host him again at our center.
For more information about The Guhyasamaja Center visit their website:
http://guhyasamaja.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.
H.E. Ling Rinpoche ringing the Namgyalma bell on a tour of Land of Medicine Buddha, Soquel, California, US, August 2018. Photo by Ven. Tenzin Khentse.
Margaret Kim, center director of Gyalwa Gyatso (Ocean of Compassion) Buddhist Center in Campbell, California, US, reflects on His Eminence the 7th Kyabje Ling Rinpoche’s recent visit to Northern California. Margaret helped organize Rinpoche’s visit, including the events held at San Francisco Bay Area FPMT centers Vajrapani Institute, Land of Medicine Buddha, Tse Chen Ling, and Gyalwa Gyatso (Ocean of Compassion) Buddhist Center.
H.E. Ling Rinpoche at Vajrapani Institute, Boulder Creek, California, US, August 2018. Photo by Ven. Tenzin Khentse.
It was with great honor and profound joy to have hosted the illustrious, His Eminence the 7th Kyabje Ling Rinpoche for three weeks, beginning on August 15, 2018, during Rinpoche’s historic first North American West Coast tour.
Geshe Ngawang Dakpa and H.E. Ling Rinpoche at Tse Chen Ling, San Francisco, California, US, August 2018. Photo by Ven. Tenzin Khentse.
H.E. Ling Rinpoche turned the wheel of Dharma in Northern California at the invitation of four San Francisco Bay Area FPMT centers. Rinpoche also visited with FPMT spiritual director Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Kachoe Dechen Ling, Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s home in Aptos.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche showing H.E. Ling Rinpoche around his home in Aptos, California, US, August 2018. Photo by Ven. Tenzin Khentse.
The four Bay Area FPMT centers each warmly welcomed H.E. Ling Rinpoche with over-capacity crowds. During Rinpoche’s visits, Rinpoche bestowed several initiations and taught the Dharma. People who did not know much about Rinpoche walked away feeling strong connections to this holy being.
H.E. Ling Rinpoche at Land of Medicine Buddha, Soquel, California, US, August 2018. Photo by Ven. Tenzin Khentse.
Rinpoche also shared Rinpoche’s wisdom and compassion at other Northern California centers as well—the Gyuto Foundation, Sera Jey Foundation, Ananda Center, and Tibetan Association of Northern California.
H.E. Ling Rinpoche with Tenzin Osel Hita, who attended the teachings at Gyalwa Gyatso (Ocean of Compassion) Buddhist Center, and Margaret Kim, Campbell, California, US, August 2018. Photo by Ven. Tenzin Khentse.
The Silicon Valley corporate offices of Google, Apple, and the video game company Electronic Arts each invited Rinpoche to visit and give a talk, which Rinpoche did.
H.E. Ling Rinpoche touring Google’s virtual reality department, Mountain View, California, US, August 2018. Photo by Ven. Tenzin Khentse.
In addition, Rinpoche gave a public talk at the University of California, Berkeley, sponsored by the four Bay Area FPMT centers. Rinpoche also generously engaged in numerous other activities to benefit beings.
H.E. Ling Rinpoche with students at Gyalwa Gyatso (Ocean of Compassion) Buddhist Center, Campbell, California, US, August 2018. Photo by Kurty Wong.
H.E. Ling Rinpoche’s visit to Northern California has been a downpour of blessings. We are immensely grateful for Rinpoche generously teaching us and we pray for Rinpoche’s long, healthy life so all of Rinpoche’s aspirations are quickly fulfilled. Please swiftly return to us, Rinpoche!
Bay Area FPMT center directors Mer Stafford, Heidi Oehler, and Margaret Kim offering the mandala to H.E. Ling Rinpoche before his departure from California, US, September 2018. Photo by Ven. Tenzin Khentse.
Rinpoche will also visit Washington State and Portland, Oregon, in the US, where Rinpoche will participate in events organized by Sravasti Abbey, the Northwest Tibetan Cultural Association, and Maitripa College, including an interfaith dialogue. Rinpoche will also visit FPMT center Centro Khamlungpa in Guadalajara, Mexico.
For more information about H.E. Ling Rinpoche’s North American tour, see:
http://www.lingrinpochenorthamericavisit2018.org/
To learn more about H.E. Ling Rinpoche, visit Rinpoche’s website:
http://lingrinpoche.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.
Volunteer serving tea during the 100 Million Mani Retreat, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, June 2018. Photo by Ianzhina Bartanova.
One of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Vast Visions for the FPMT organization is to sponsor 100 million OM MANI PADME HUM retreats around the world. Rinpoche has said, “[I would like] for the organization to establish 100,000 recitations of 100 million OM MANI PADME HUM mantras. This can be retreats of 100 million recitations, so 100,000 different retreats in different parts of the world and where it is happening, then for it to happen regularly, each year.”
FPMT center Ganden Do Ngag Shedrup Ling organized their first Mani Retreat in 2013 with assistance from the FPMT Practice and Retreat Fund. Led by Lama Zopa Rinpoche that year, it was the first big retreat he had led since he manifested a stroke in 2011. They have been organizing and self-sustaining a Mani Retreat annually ever since, recently completing their sixth annual retreat. Center director Ianzhina Bartanova shares a summary of the retreat:
100 Million Mani Retreat, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, June 2018. Photo by Ianzhina Bartanova.
The whole FPMT family has already rejoiced five times with us upon the completion of the Mongolian 100 Million Mani Retreat. This year has not been an exception as we recently and successfully completed the retreat for the sixth time! It is our sincere hope that we will be able to continue this meritorious event until samsara ends. We believe even after the current management steps down, the next generation will take it over, continuing to bring happiness and peace to the Mongolian community.
We want to give an idea of what it means to run a 100 Million Mani Retreat in Mongolia.
Graphic created by Ianzhina Bartanova.
This is just an overview. It is difficult to describe the endless support and help required to organize the retreat, together with all of the efforts made by the many participants. We want to especially thank the senior citizens who participated in the retreat. Some of our retreatants have difficultly walking but somehow managed to sit in the gompa, doing the practice for up to eleven hours.
Retreatants reciting mantras during the 100 Million Mani Retreat, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, June 2018. Photo by Ianzhina Bartanova.
Words are not enough to thank the Sangha for their kindness and patience. No one picture can truly show their devotion and faith. Please join us in rejoicing in the merits of every sentient being. In Mongolia you have 105,628,900 mani reasons for rejoicing!
Volunteers Oyunbaataar, Dulmaa, Amaraa, Dagir, Odgerel, and Iveel with Ani Choden, Ani Baljid, Ani Kunkyen, Ani Nyima, Ani Gyalmo, and Ani Dechen at the 100 Million Mani Retreat, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, June 2018. Photo by Ianzhina Bartanova.
For more information about Ganden Do Ngag Shedrup Ling visit their website:
http://www.fpmtmongolia.org/shedrub-ling-center/
The Practice and Retreat Fund provides grants and sponsorships for students engaged in retreats such as 108 nyung nä retreats, 100 million mani retreats, recitations of sutras, and long term retreat:
https://fpmt.org/projects/fpmt/practice-and-retreats-fund/
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.
Foundation Service Seminar participants, Milarepa Center, Barnet, Vermont, US, July 2018. Photo by Jackie Verley.
The Foundation Service Seminar (FSS) is the “FPMT immersion retreat.” It provides essential information and nourishment for all serving, or wishing to serve, in the FPMT organization. The FSS Retreat is key to deeply understanding the FPMT organization and the attitude we seek to cultivate as we offer service in the organization. This experiential retreat helps us actualize the advice that service is practice, practice is service, and how to always enjoy and rejoice when offering service.
Drolkar McCallum, FPMT North America regional coordinator, reports about a recent Foundation Service Seminar (FSS) held in Vermont, US.
A successful FPMT FSS Retreat was held July 19-23, 2018, at Milarepa Center in beautiful Barnet, Vermont. The gathering drew twelve participants from eight centers across the United States and Canada for five full days of sessions on skillfully offering service within the FPMT mandala.
Foundation Service Seminar facilitators Sarah Brooks and Drolkar McCallum, Milarepa Center, Barnet, Vermont, US, July 2018. Photo by Dawn Holtz.
I co-led the FSS Retreat along with fellow FSS registered facilitator Sarah Brooks, Mahamudra Centre’s spiritual program coordinator.
A collection of FPMT directors, spiritual program coordinators, board members, and study group coordinators participated in the seminar, organized around the Four Means of Drawing Sentient Beings.
Foundation Service Seminar at Milarepa Center, Barnet, Vermont, US, July 2018. Photo by Sarah Brooks.
Graduates went home inspired by Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s vast vision and compassion and wisdom, and the amazing efforts of the FPMT family over the years to build and strengthen our organization to continue to harmoniously fulfill the wishes of our dear founders, Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
Foundation Service Seminar at Milarepa Center, Barnet, Vermont, US, July 2018. Photo by Sarah Brooks.
Participants really enjoyed our time together. Here are a few things they had to say:
“I loved the Foundation Service Seminar and the mix of practice, lecture, and exercises with partners. What a joy it was to have skillful teachers and inspiring Dharma friends all working to implement Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s vision for the FPMT mandala.”
“I really appreciated the information and inspiration that we can take back to the center to help us.”
“I appreciated the overall summary of FPMT. It helped me see my place in the organization, which would have taken much longer if I had to rely on self-study and daily experience.”
“Seeing the big picture—it’s really really big!”
Sarah and I made a video slideshow about the FSS at Milarepa Center. You can watch it on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/tf33wSBXvLI
For more information on the Foundation Service Seminar and to find out how to register for future events, visit the FPMT Service Seminar webpage:
https://fpmt.org/education/training/
Lama Zopa Rinpoche is the spiritual director of the Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), a Tibetan Buddhist organization dedicated to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation, and community service.
His Eminence Ling Rinpoche, Paris, France, May 2018. Photo by Olivier Adam.
“Harmony among the major faiths has become an essential ingredient of coexistence in our world,” says His Holiness the Dalai Lama. “From this perspective, mutual understanding among these traditions is not merely the business of religious believers—it matters for the welfare of humanity as a whole.”
His Eminence the Seventh Kyabje Yongzin Ling Rinpoche recently addressed the importance of interfaith dialogue in a short video presented by Maitripa College. The thirty-two-year-old Rinpoche shared his thoughts on the relevance of interfaith dialogue.
Watch H. E. Ling Rinpoche on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOD32lsEKno
The previous Ling Rinpoche was one of the most renowned Buddhist masters of the twentieth century as well as the senior tutor of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama. (For more, see “The Life of My Teacher: A Biography of Kyabje Ling Rinpoche,” from Mandala July-December 2018.)
Next month, H.E. Ling Rinpoche will be participating in an interfaith dialogue, “Spirituality and Humanity: An Interfaith Conversation about Creating Harmonious Society and Healthy Leadership.” Maitripa College organized the event, which takes place September 8 at the University of Portland in Portland, Oregon, US.
H.E. Ling Rinpoche’s visit to Portland is part of a larger North American tour. His Eminence arrived in California last week to begin the tour, which includes visits to all four San Francisco Bay Area FPMT centers. Vajrapani Institute in Boulder Creek hosted His Eminence August 17-19. His Eminence is at Land of Medicine Buddha in Soquel August 21, Tse Chen Ling Center in San Francisco August 28-29, and Ocean of Compassion Buddhist Center in Campbell August 31-September 1. His Eminence will also be hosted by Centro Khamlungpa in Mexico September 12-19.
Ven. Elisabeth Drukier, director of Kalachackra Centre in Paris, at an event with H.E. Ling Rinpoche, Paris, France, May 2018. Photo by Olivier Adam.
His Eminence has been greeted by FPMT students around the world, including at Hayagriva Centre in Perth, Australia; Kalachakra Centre in Paris, France; and Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa, in Pomaia, Italy.
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, Washington State, USA, June 2018. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab
We hope you will enjoy our latest e-News, out now!
This month we bring you:
- New Advice and a New Book from Lama Zopa Rinpoche
- New Opportunities to Rejoice with us:
Millions of Mani Mantras Recited
A Fruitful Foundation Service Seminar
…and more!
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.
Bob Sharples leading a Healing Meditation Group session at Tara Institute, Brighton East, Victoria, Australia, July 2018. Photo by Llysse Velez.
Social or Community Service is one of FPMT’s Five Pillars of Service. The Social or Community Service pillar sits with the other four Pillars of Service—Dharma, Universal Education for Compassion and Wisdom, Interfaith activities, and Revenue-generating activities.
Llysse Velez, center manager of Tara Institute (TI) in Victoria, Australia shares that Bob Sharples, a long-time TI member and volunteer has been recognized by the Australian government for service to the community health as a psychologist.
Bob Sharples was recently awarded a Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division. Established in 1975 by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, the award recognizes Australians and other persons for their outstanding achievement and service.
Bob Sharples. Photo courtesy of Tara Institute.
Nominations for the Order of Australia award come from the community. Bob was nominated by people who attend TI’s Healing Meditation Group. Bob has been running the group on a voluntary basis for twenty-seven years at the request of Lama Zopa Ripoche. About thirty-five people attend each session.
We are all thrilled as Bob is an extraordinary person who has benefited countless people in the Healing Meditation Group.
One of our Healing Meditation Group participants wrote us to say, “Bob was instrumental in setting me on the right path. I am sure this has allowed me to live with cancer, and stay alive and well now for nineteen years. Bob and Tara Institute are both deserving of all the accolades heaped upon them.”
Sandra Kinread, who assisted Bob with the Healing Meditation Group as a volunteer for fourteen years, said, “Each twelve-week course is structured and framed against the backdrop of Buddhist ethics, and yet is delivered in a most dynamic and non-proselytizing, interactive way.
“People walk through the doors of Tara Institute having received one of life’s curve balls. It can’t be underestimated the value of interaction with others who are struggling with very serious health conditions and prognoses. The immediate understanding, empathy, and bonding that occurs is very powerful and transformative.
“Bob has the ability to hold empathically a group of diverse people whilst tending to their individual needs with good humor, kindness, and compassion; it is really a testament to his generosity of spirit, skill, intelligence, and long experience.
“It takes a special person to be able to support and sustain others through that experience over such lengthy periods. He is never mawkish, sentimental, or condescending; rather he uses his enormous breadth of learning, as well as his immense professional and life experience to benefit others. He has such a love of life and the natural world. This is reflected in his use of poetry in some of the meditations.
“I have always said that Bob is a person on this earth doing what he was meant to do. The Healing Meditation Group spearheaded by Bob is a sanctuary for all the people who attend it.”
For more information about Tara Institute and the Healing Meditation Group at Tara Institute visit their website:
http://www.tarainstitute.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.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Birthday celebration, Réunion Island, July 2018. Photo courtesy of Gyaltsab Je Center.
Marc Salamolard, center director of Gyaltsab Je Center on Réunion Island east of Madagascar shares a summary of the celebration held for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s eighty-third birthday.
Réunion Island, July 2018. Photo courtesy of Facebook page Monks Reunion.
On Saturday, July 7, 2018, Gyaltsab Je Center, Tara Association, and Kalé-Kalé hosted a big celebration for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s eighty-third birthday. Tara Association and Kalé-Kalé are local nonprofit organizations that sponsor Tibetan youth and monks in India.
We were very pleased to welcome one hundred guests from the local community as well as five monks from Gyumed Tantric College in Mysore, India.
The first thing guests saw when they arrived at the party was a large banner on the roadside. We also showed our guests photos of His Holiness taken at different points throughout his life.
We performed a puja together and then watched a video about His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s life. We presented and then cut a beautiful birthday cake. All of our guests enjoyed the lunch that we offered, as well as the desserts, which were kindly brought by our guests. It was a very peaceful, joyful, and lovely day.
Watch a YouTube video Fatiha Naili made about our celebration:
https://youtu.be/UzhYZNlig4A
To learn more about Gyaltsab Je Center visit their website:
https://www.gyeltsabje.org
Lama Zopa Rinpoche is the spiritual director of the Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), a Tibetan Buddhist organization dedicated to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation, and community service.
Interfaith meditation retreat, Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa, Pisa, Italy, July 2018. Photo courtesy of Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa.
Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa (ILTK) in Pisa, Italy, celebrated His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s eighty-third birthday by hosting a three-day interfaith meditation retreat on universal compassion. Manuela Ferro, communications manager at ILTK, and Jeremy Luedtke share the details.
Held over the weekend of July 6-8, 2018, the retreat Giornate di meditazione sulla Compassione Universale focused on the meaning of universal compassion, its importance for all humanity, and its significance in life, at the time of death, and beyond.
The retreat was led by three religious leaders belonging to different traditions, united by the universal value of compassion—our resident teacher Geshe Tenzin Tenphel, Father Giancarlo Bruni, and Father Guidalberto Bormolini.
Interfaith meditation retreat speakers including Father Giancarlo Bruni in black, seated next to Geshe Tenzin Tenphel, Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa, Pisa, Italy, July 2018. Photo courtesy of Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa.
Many people participated in these experiential days of practice and contemplation. We spent the weekend reflecting on the idea that compassion, love, and kindness are qualities that belong to every person, regardless of faith.
The retreat included an optional twenty-four hour fasting practice. The representatives of the different religious traditions explained how this spiritual practice has been, and is still used in their respective traditions.
Interfaith meditation retreat, Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa, Pisa, Italy, July 2018. Photo courtesy of Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa.
Participants observed silence during the retreat to support their retreat experience. If it was necessary to speak, then participants embraced the idea of the “right word,” focusing on the practice itself, and on developing loving kindness and other qualities.
It was an event of reconciliation, and one of real and active profound compassion. In his book Toward a True Kinship of Faiths: How the World’s Religions Can Come Together, His Holiness the Dalai Lama says that compassion lies at the heart of all of the world’s religions. Also on this occasion, in reading passages from Christian mysticism, great parallels have been found with Buddhist practices.
Interfaith meditation retreat leaders Geshe Tenzin Tenphel and Father Guidalberto Bormolini in grey, Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa, Pisa, Italy, July 2018. Photo courtesy of Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa.
Giorgio Raspa, president of the Italian Buddhist Union (UBI), spoke at the opening of the retreat, bringing greetings from the Italian Buddhist community. He underlined how dialogue is no longer just for theologians, but now exists between people from different faiths, through the opportunity to practice together and show respect for each other.
We were inspired to offer this retreat as a gift and tribute to His Holiness the Dalai Lama in honor of his birthday because His Holiness has always had inter-religious dialogue at his heart.
We would like to thank everyone at ILTK who helped make this retreat possible.
For more information about Istituto Lama Tsong Khapa visit their website:
https://www.iltk.org/en/
To watch videos from the retreat visit:
https://www.iltk.org/en/media-eventi/meditazione_sulla_compassione_universale/
View photos of the retreat taken by Manuela Ferro and Ester Nuzzo:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/140688878@N02/sets/72157669012920707
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.