FPMT Community: Stories & News

FPMT spiritual director Lama Zopa Rinpoche with CPMT 2014 meeting participants in the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 2014. Photo by Steve Alberts.

What will participants remember most about CPMT 2014? Judging by the feedback they provided, it’s getting a big dose of inspiration from an intense week of connecting with FPMT spiritual director Lama Zopa Rinpoche, the international FPMT community and FPMT’s distinctive Wisdom Culture. It seemed for everyone in attendance that the warmth of CPMT’s “family feeling” filling up the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, where the meeting was held, eclipsed the chilly meeting venue.

Offering khatas to Lama Zopa Rinpoche at the beginning of CPMT 2014, Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, Photo by Ven. Thubten Kunsang.

Here are a few positive things that stood out for CPMT meeting participants:

• “Rinpoche’s presence! Getting to interact with everyone over to course of the conference due to inclusive group work.”
• “Getting to ‘reboot’ my inspiration in working for FPMT and serving sentient beings.” 
• “Hearing the stories of Ven. Gyatso (Adrian Feldmann) and other long-term students who were there from the beginning.”
• “I liked very much the group discussions and that Rinpoche came to some of the sessions.”
• “Putting faces to emails. “
• “Learning what other projects are happening was very inspiring. The [Vast Visions that] are up and running expands my perspective considerably.”

A space heater and a small group discussion at CPMT 2014, Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 2014. Photo by Ven. Thubten Kunsang.

Claire Isitt, FPMT Center Services director and coordinator of CPMT 2014 commented, “What a wonderful CPMT meeting that was. Some said the best so far. We were supremely blessed with lots of time and advice from Lama Zopa Rinpoche, who also joined in some of the small group discussions. The meeting venue was completely inspiring – and the cold kept us alert! I’m enormously grateful to all who worked so hard to make the meeting so beneficial – the CPMT committee, the host team and volunteers, our wonderful facilitator, the presenters (including the wonderful older students who gave the very inspiring Wisdom Culture evening talks), small group facilitators, Ven. Joan Nicell for transcribing, the AV team who enabled so many to be present for Rinpoche’s talks via livestream – and all who made it to Bendigo, Australia, to participate in our amazing international meeting. Wow, wow, wow!”

According to the 88 meeting participants who completed the “CPMT 2014: Evaluation and Feedback” survey, the most common criticism of the event can be summed up as follows: “Too much happening, too little time to let things settle in.” The seven-day meeting’s schedule was full of talks by Lama Zopa Rinpoche, presentations and small group discussions, which for many didn’t leave much time for reflection or lengthy in-depth discussion. Other critical comments reflected some of the difficulties of hosting a large meeting in what is in essence a construction site – the unheated accommodations and meetings space combined with the cold temperatures of Australia’s early spring and the reliance on portable sanitation facilities drew many comments.

Participants from the Southeast Asia region at lunch, CPMT 2014, Australia, September 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.

But despite it all, participants overwhelmingly said that they would encourage others to attend the next CPMT. Here are a few things they would say to a center director or SPC considering whether to go:

• “Do join because is highly inspirational and informative and gives lots of ideas to implement in one’s own center.”
• “I would encourage them strongly as it is critical to align them with FPMT globally so there is a strong sense of the entire FPMT mandala, otherwise center personnel can feel they are operating in a vacuum.”
• “You’d be crazy to miss it! Having direct advice and input from LZR [Lama Zopa Rinpoche] is so, so, so special.”

The meeting minutes and other reports from CPMT will be made available as they are completed. Watch the CPMT e-group for updates.

The morning sun at the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia, September 17, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.

Mandala 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 on Mandala, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.

You can find more coverage of CPMT 2014 on our blog.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche being led to the long life puja in the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion by (from right) Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi, FPMT CEO Ven. Roger Kunsang, Thubten Shedrup Ling director Gyatso, FPMT Board of Directors secretary Paula de Wys, FPMT Australia coordinator Helen Patrin and FPMT Center Services director Claire Isitt, Australia, September 19, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.

The CPMT 2014 meeting came to a close on Friday, September 19, with a moving long life puja for Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Meeting participants, volunteers from Atisha Centre and Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, monks from Thubten Shedrup Ling and other community members harmoniously created a beautiful gompa inside the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion for the puja.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche entering the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion for the long life puja, Australia, September 19, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.

Mallika Krishnamurthy distributing tea during the long life puja, Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 19, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.

During the reading of the praises for Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 19, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.

Despite the chilly temperature inside the Great Stupa during the meeting, participants in CPMT 2014 appeared satisfied with the meeting’s accomplishments and happy to have been able to spend time with each other, renewing old friendships and creating new. The CPMT committee, who organized the seven-day meeting, felt the meeting was an overall success. Minutes from the entire meeting will be made available. 

The A/V team worked tirelessly to not only record the entire meeting but also to make sure that Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s teachings during CPMT were webcast around the world and are available as video recordings on the CPMT Livestream page. Ven. Joan Nicell performed her magic, instantly transcribing Rinpoche’s words on to a projected screen. Transcriptions of Rinpoche’s teaching will also be made available as they are ready.

After a brief interlude, Lama Zopa Rinpoche will be leading the month-long Bodhicaryavatara and Rinjung Gyatsa retreat, September 25-October 23, at the Great Stupa. Rinpoche’s teachings will be webcast live on the retreat Livestream page.

Camera man Peter Lane filming the very end of the long life puja, Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 19, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.

You can find Mandala‘s coverage of CPMT 2014 on our blog.

Mandala 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 on Mandala, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.

Selina Foong and Candy Tan, Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.

Day 6 of the CPMT 2014 meeting began with morning prayers beautifully led by Ven. Gyatso. After breakfast, Sarah Brooks led a morning motivation drawing from the Inner Job Description. At the end of the short reflection, she asked participants to set a goal for how they will benefit beings for the day and write it down so that at the end of the day they can check to see how they’ve done.

Helen Patrin led the morning session on “Keeping the FPMT Wisdom Culture Alive,” the last presentation for the meeting. Helen reminded us that Wisdom Culture is the “foundation of the Foundation of the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition. … The wisdom and compassion that they have taught us over the years is infused into everything that we do.” Vens. Kunphen and Paloma Alba read out the nine key points of FPMT Wisdom Culture.

Robert Schwabe, Vens. Tenzin Tsapel, Tenzin Kunphen and Chantal Carrerot, CPMT 2014, Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.

There were three small group discussion periods about Wisdom Culture and supporting one’s respective center, project or service. Here are a few of the ideas shared with the large group about what Wisdom Culture is:

• The “family feeling” – the warm feeling of connection – that you experience at any center or project you visit
• A combination of the traditional teachings and an unconventional style, which gives a strong foundation and the freedom to explore in our local environments
• A rich oral tradition of sharing stories and senior students leading by their good example
• A safe path that is inclusive and open, depth and richness that is a living tradition
• Wisdom Culture is about harmony within ourselves and at centers

Dozens more ideas came from the small groups for supporting Wisdom Culture, including sharing videos of Rinpoche and Lama Yeshe. An example of this could be this video posted by the Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive called “Bringing Dharma to the West – Lama Yeshe: How We Started Teaching Westerners”:

Just before lunch, François Lecointre gave an update on the Maitreya Loving Kindness Tour (formerly the Heart Shrine Relic Tour) complete with a photo presentation of the tour visiting different parts of the world. François shared Rinpoche’s advice on the purpose of the relic tour and explained how the tour, which is a collection of many holy relics from Buddhist masters including the Buddha himself, travels to many different kinds of places. In addition to Dharma centers, the relics visit hospices, prisons, museums and so forth. So far the holy relics have visited 68 countries.

Following a brief financial report on the meeting, all presenters from the previous days were invited to the front to recap their session and describe what comes next.

Claire Isitt and Sandra Stubbings going over the agenda on Day 6 of CPMT 2014, Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 18, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.

“We’ve come from a humble beginning,” Ven. Roger said, referring to Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s initial teachings while penniless monks, to the group of more than 100 sitting inside the Great Stupa. “We’ve achieved a lot and working together we can achieve a lot more.”

After a break for a group photo with Lama Zopa Rinpoche, there was a Lama Chöpa tsog with Rinpoche. Following that, Rinpoche gave the closing talk for the meeting, which focused on practicing bodhichitta. A video recording of Rinpoche’s talk is available on the CPMT Livestream page.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche walking to the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion with Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi and Vens. Roger Kunsang, Sangpo and Sherab, Australia, September 19, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.

“So if you really are practicing Dharmas, especially the Mahayana teachings … put all the blames to one, that is the ‘I,’” Rinpoche said. “There’s not someone else [to blame]. You are practicing Dharma, so blame the ‘I’, the self-cherishing thought. … Let go of the ‘I’, where all the suffering and obstacles come, let go of that and cherish others. [That is] where all the happiness comes from including enlightenment – all the success”.

After dinner, participants prepared for the next day’s long life puja for Lama Zopa Rinpoche, transforming the meeting space inside the Great Stupa into a proper gompa.

Offerings to the Guru Rinpoche statue in the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 2014. Photo by Ven. Thubten Kunsang

You can find Mandala‘s coverage of CPMT 2014 on our blog.

Mandala 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 on Mandala, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.

Vajrapani Institute’s main gompa. Photo via vajrapani.org.

Vajrapani Institute in Boulder Creek, California continues its experiment with “no-fees” Kopan West lam-rim retreats, the next scheduled for November 21-30, 2014 and taught by FPMT-registered teacher Glen Svensson. Kopan West is a 10-day introductory lam-rim course modeled after the successful Kopan November retreats held in Nepal since the early 1970s.

In 2013, the center piloted a new generosity-based system for covering the retreat’s costs, abandoning the traditional fee-centered model. They told participants they would not be charged and asked them at the end of the retreat to instead reflect on what they had gained and make a contribution to next year’s attendees. 

“The teachings from Kopan West continue to impact me as I apply Buddhist practices in my daily life and has inspired me to further study,” said Sahar Bintamal, a November 2013 retreatant. “My attendance at Kopan West would not have been possible without the donation/generosity model. I feel honored that my donation will support another student to experience the lam-rim teachings in the coming year.”

Mandala 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 on Mandala, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.

Gelek Sherpa painted Lama Yeshe’s cremation stupa, Vajrapani Institute, Boulder Creek, California. Photo via vajrapani.org.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi with Vens. Roger and Sangpo outside of the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 2014. Photo by Ven. Thubten Kunsang.

The morning of Day 5 of CPMT 2014, FPMT spiritual director Lama Zopa Rinpoche offered an Amitayus long life initiation. Rinpoche gave a penetrating teaching on emptiness and the merely labeled ‘I’ before offering the initiation. The teaching can be watched as a video recording on the CPMT Livestream page.

Harald Weichart operating a camera during a teaching by Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 2014. Photo by Ven. Thubten Kunsang.

In afternoon session, “Aging Care,” Ven. Damcho from the Chenrezig Nuns Community and Isabel Arocena, from Tushita Centro de Retiros, talked about meeting needs of those in our community facing the challenges of chronic illness and aging. Situations vary from country to country and individual to individual, but one of the main points to come out of the session is that individuals can be making initial preparations for their own future spiritual care. This can include examples like writing down your wishes for the practices and prayers to be done at your death and like recording yourself reciting your daily practice for a time when you might not be able. They shared a few examples of how people currently requiring support are managing and receiving the support from the community and friends. An open question and answer session followed.

After dinner, Ian Green, director of the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, spoke to the group about how the Great Stupa came to be – from Lama Yeshe’s initial instructions given in 1981, to Lama Zopa Rinpoche choosing the type of stupa, to traveling to Tibet to measure the Gyantse Stupa, which the Great Stupa is modeled on, to the present day when the stupa rises 26 meters above the ground, with 22 meters to go. Ian shared the Master Plan based on Lama Yeshe’s vision for the site, which includes a hotel, restaurant, museum, nunnery, lay housing, a primary school and elder care facilities. In 2000, the land for the stupa was cleared. In 2003, the first concrete was laid and Lama Zopa Rinpoche visited. In 2007, His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited and consecrated the large Guru Rinpoche statue and blessed the site. In 2013, the steel framework for bumpa was installed on the top level and 20,000 tourists visited.

CPMT 2014 meeting, Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 16, 2014. Photo by Ven. Thubten Kunsang.

Ian also talked about the Jade Buddha for Universal Peace, a project that he has developed from its beginnings as a huge boulder of gemstone quality jade to a 2.7-meter (9-foot) tall carved Buddha statue, which has visited 80 cities in 18 countries and drawn 7.4 million people to its exhibitions. The Jade Buddha will have its final home inside the Great Stupa.

Ian Green sharing about the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 17, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.

Since Ian has raised literally millions of dollars for these projects, he shared his rules of fundraising:

• People give to people (integrity is of highest importance)
• Nothing beats face to face
• Honor your benefactors (permanent and visual recognition)
• Database is wish fulfilling tree (prune, nurture, patience)
• Fundraising is a numbers game

Ian recalled that Lama Zopa Rinpoche had once told him, “The greater the merit; the great the obstacles.” More recently Rinpoche said that the Great Stupa was like an big jet plane that had been going down a long runway and was not taking off. 

Mandala will continue sharing updates and photos from the CPMT 2014 meeting as the meeting continues.

Mandala 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 on Mandala, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.

Ven. Roger Kunsang and Ven. Holly Ansett during a presentation on Day 4 of CPMT 2014, Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Victoria, Australia, September 16, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.

Day 4 of the CPMT 2014 meeting began with Lama Zopa Rinpoche leading the morning motivation in the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion. (A video recording of this is available on the CPMT Livestream page.) It was the perfect start to a busy and chilly day.

After breakfast, the North America regional coordinator Drolkar McCallum shared her experience with the Inner Job Description (IJD), explaining how she’s “fallen in love” with doing the practice. She then led participants through a short reflection on listening, part of the developing skillful communications section of the IJD.

Vens. Siliana, Trisha and Paloma outside the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 16, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.

Ven. Roger Kunsang, CEO of FPMT, and Ven. Holly Ansett, FPMT charitable projects coordinator, spoke on Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Vast Visions and the Five Pillars of Service. “The organization is about giving value or meaning to an individual’s life — giving us a clear understanding of our purpose of being,” Ven. Roger said as a way of orienting his presentation. “That’s what we do. That’s who we are. You can’t underestimate it. And I haven’t found anything better to do. The difference we’ve made in the world up to today, I’d say, it’s huge.” Lama Zopa Rinpoche arrived as Ven. Roger talked about the importance of Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche to the work of FPMT and the importance of everyone offering service to FPMT and to the Lamas.

Linda Gyatso speaking on Day 4 at CPMT 2014, Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 16, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.

Ven. Holly Ansett presented Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Vast Visions for FPMT, describing the story behind it and its development with Rinpoche adding in commentary throughout. Ven. Holly described how much amazing work has already been done to actualize Rinpoche’s expansive wishes.

Linda Gyatso, the new director of the Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom, introduced the organization. Linda explained that FDCW helps to develop and promote Universal Education for Compassion and Wisdom, the secular education programs and initiatives that have grown out of a vision articulated by Lama Yeshe.

After a tea break, Ven. Roger offered more insight into the importance of good local governance, emphasizing the critical role of a well-organized and educated local board of directors. He then discussed how the Five Pillars of Service are a way of translating the vast visions into goals to which centers can aspire that engage their communities most broadly. The Five Pillars are:

• Dharma
• Universal Education for Compassion and Wisdom
• Social and/or community service
• Interfaith activities                                                 
• Revenue generation activities

He explained that this isn’t new in the sense that many centers, projects and services are already engaged in many of these pillars.

Francois Lecointre, director of Institut Vajra Yogini (IVY) in France; Denise Macy, director of Land of Medicine Buddha (LMB) in California, US; and Fabienne Pradelle, director of Vajrapani Institute in California, explained how the work of their respective centers matches up with the Five Pillars.

Wendy Cook, Ven. Lindy, Matthew Poxon during tea break on Day 4 at the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 16, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.

After a tasty lunch, three panelists addressed an issue critical for the development and growth of centers, projects and services in the session “Developing Fund Raising and Revenue Generation.”

Hup Cheng Tan, center director of Amitabha Buddhist Centre in Singapore, explained how ABC makes extensive offerings, hosts festivals and creates many, many activities for students to make offerings and to offer sponsorships. For many present, the scope and results of ABC’s activities were mind blowing. Hup Cheng also mentioned that ABC has a retail shop and used feng shui when designing their building, but emphasized that generosity and merit generation were at the heart of their revenue generation work.

Harald Weichart helps change the fuel for the space heaters at CPMT 2014, Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 16, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.

Tony Steel, center director of Vajrayana Institute, Sydney, Australia, explained how the center started to organize and host large conferences as a form of revenue generation, specifically “Happiness & Its Causes,” which has had His Holiness the Dalai Lama as a featured speaker, and also the conference “Mind & Its Potential.” Tony explained that he has drawn on his background in business while leading the center’s work in this area. As a way to evolve, Vajrayana is trying a new initiative: organizing exhibition events that generate money through selling sponsorships and exhibition space. They are currently working on one focused on wellness.

Sarah Brooks, spiritual program coordinator of Kadampa Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, US, explained how Kadampa Center operates on a donation only basis. She explained that at first the center tried raising funds by asking for a specific donation at events, but now they have no suggested donation, letting attendees decide their level of contribution. They also offer opportunities to sponsor teachers, pujas and holy days. Since they’ve moved to this model, they have been receiving more donations than before. The center also encourages students to set up a regular, automatic monthly donation, instead of trying to raise money with once a year type fundraising campaign. The center also makes sure to emphasize the practice of generosity and to show sincere gratitude to donors and active community members.

Ven. Holly was then invited to briefly list all of the incredible merit-generating activities that are being done through the FPMT Puja Fund. All present took a moment to rejoice in the beneficial activities being supported by this fund.

Jane Willis and Miffi Maximillion from Langri Tangpa Centre outside of the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 16, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.

At this point, the session was opened up to questions and sharing from the audience. Andy Wistreich from Land of Joy, a project to create a retreat center in the UK, announced that the project is completing the purchase of the property that they had found in northern England. In July 2014, Rinpoche visited and blessed the land.

“You create the merit and the money will come,” Andy explained. “It’s very important to not worry about money; worry about merit.” He continued that if you or your center asks Rinpoche a very specific question about creating merit for your project, you will get very specific advice. And if you properly carry out the advice, the money will come. He also said that Land of Joy hopes to employ a generosity model.

Denise Macy, from LMB, described some of her experiences with undertaking large projects and talked about a recent fundraising campaign. Members of the LMB community turned their very large prayer wheel continuously for 24 hours and exceeded their fundraising goals. She emphasized the importance of a “can do” attitude and a willingness to take a risk.

Ven. Chantal Carrerot and Drolkar McCallum leading a presentation on International Mahayana Institute with Lama Zopa Rinpoche listening on, CPMT 2014 Day 4, Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.

Miffi Maximillion, spiritual program director of Langri Tangpa Centre in Brisbane, Australia, explained the center’s popular “prostrate-a-thon,” in which participants took pledges for doing prostration for world peace. She said they saw the event primarily as a merit raising event and had “heaps of offerings” in the center during the event. In addition to creating merit, Miffi said the event also created a great community feeling.

Ven. Chantal Carrerot director of International Mahayana Institute (IMI) and Drolkar McCallum led a presentation on IMI, the community of FPMT’s monks and nuns. Ven. Chantal described the more than 40-year history of IMI and their invaluable contribution to building the international FPMT mandala; they were the “pioneers.” As of today, IMI had 280 Sangha members in 29 countries who are in retreat, studying, teachings and offering service. Participants talked with partners at their tables about the centers, projects and services that they knew of that have benefited from Sangha involvement. There were no shortage of instances to discuss. Then everyone took a few minutes to rejoice in all the activities of IMI Sangha members. 

Drolkar then described current and future projects to support Sangha, drawing attention to the Lama Yeshe Sangha Fund. Afterwards, small groups gathered to discuss issues on Sangha and reported back to the large group.

IMI Sangha members meeting with Rinpoche during the small group discussion period at CPMT 2014 Day 4, Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 16, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.

Drolkar also led the end of day reflection, asking participants how they did with their practice of listening. “Was your listening unbiased? … Was it patient? … Did you listen with interest?” she asked. Lama Zopa Rinpoche, who had observed in most of the day’s meeting, led the dedication.

After dinner, Ven. Paloma Alba and Gun Cissé shared their stories about meeting the Dharma as part of the evening’s Wisdom Culture program. Like previous evenings’ presentations, despite the draft and chill in the stupa, their stories warmed the audience with laughter and inspiration.

Ven. Paloma and Gun Cissé sharing their stories of meeting the Dharma, Day 4 CPMT 2014, Australia, September 16, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.

Mandala will continue sharing updates and photos from the CPMT 2014 meeting as the meeting continues.

Mandala 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 on Mandala, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.

Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi, Ven. Paloma Alba, Ven. Sherab and Teddy Tulku on top of Hanging Rock, Victoria, September 15, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.

Day 3 of CPMT 2014 began, as each day does, with morning prayers before breakfast. Then, promptly at 8:45 a.m., the meeting part of the day started. First up, Helen Patrin, FPMT Australia coordinator, shared her experiences using the Inner Job Description (IJD), which she has been practicing for many months as part of the Foundation Services Seminar facilitator registration process. Helen then led the group through a brief reflection on developing skillful communication (from the IJD) so that one’s work for FPMT can be as beneficial as possible. The day before, Lama Zopa Rinpoche reminded participants what that work is. Rinpoche said during the open question section, “This [the FPMT] is not a company or a worldly life organization. It is not a political or government organization. This is purely to serve sentient beings.”

Tom Truty, director of FPMT Education Services, and Claire Isitt, Director of Center Services, gave a short presentation on the FPMT teacher registration process, which was drawn from Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s advice and guidance. They also covered new initiatives to support and further develop teachers. The presentation was followed by small group discussions on ways to support and develop new and existing teachers, which were reported back to the large group. The discussions were very productive based on the many and varied ideas that were shared.

Ven. Siliana Bosa and Andy Melnic picking up lunch for getting on the bus for Hanging Rock, Atisha Centre, Australia, September 15, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.

Claire Isitt and Drolkar McCallum, FPMT North America regional coordinator, led the second morning session, reviewing the aspects that comprise good local governance. The small group discussions that followed offered participants the opportunity to reflected on how to handle some of the difficulties that arise at centers on occasion and how good governance structures can help avoid situations were problems escalate.

Hiking under the Hanging Rock at Hanging Rock, Victoria, Australia, September 15, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.

For lunch, most of the 114 meeting participants filled two highway buses for an afternoon picnic at Hanging Rock. The outing provided a needed break. Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi went on the picnic and explored the picturesque site, smiling  as he climbed on the rocks and got to know new people. Highlights included a refreshing walk to the top of Hanging Rock, climbing around in the pillar rock formations, seeing some of Australia’s distinctive wildlife, including wallabies and crimson rosellas, and casual conversations with old and new friends from around the world.

Teddy Tulku with Françoise Majesté-Larrouy and Olga Planken at Hanging Rock, Victoria, Australia, September 15, 2014. Photo by Tom Truty.

Hanging Rock, Victoria, Australia, September 15, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.

After returning to the Great Stupa and having a delicious soup dinner, participants gathered to listen to Gyatso (Adrian Feldmann), director of Thubten Shedrup Ling Monastery, who shared his story of getting hooked by Dharma in the early 1970s at Kopan and his work for the Lamas and FPMT that followed. Despite the chilly temperatures in the Great Stupa, Gyatso held the audience completely enraptured, receiving a  hearty and warm round of applause at the end of the long day.

Mandala will continue sharing updates and photos from the CPMT 2014 meeting as it continues.

Mandala 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 on Mandala, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Phillipa Rutherford, Ven. Kaye Miner and Drolkar McCallum reporting back from group discussion, CPMT 2014, Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 14, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.

After a day of being blessed with many hours of teachings and advice from Lama Zopa Rinpoche on Day 1, participants were geared up for a full day of presentations and small group discussions on Day 2 of the CPMT 2014 meeting. To open the morning session François Lecointre, director of Institut Vajra Yogini gave a summary of the Inner Job Description, sharing his experience working with it and talking about the sections on “Bodhisattva Attitude,” the “Six Perfections,” and “Developing Skillful Communications.”

Lama Zopa Rinpoche arriving at the CPMT 2014 on Day 2, Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 14, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.

Next FPMT Inc. board member Paula de Wys spoke during the session “Organizational Structure — Forward Planning.” She offered heartfelt gratitude to three people who recently step down from servicing on the FPMT Inc. Board of Directors: Tim McNeill, who offered more than 25 years of service; Alison Murdoch, whose most recent term was 9 years; and Peter Kedge, who has served on the board since its inception during the time of Lama Yeshe. Paula then outlined a proposal for a new FPMT Advisory Council, which is an idea brought forward by the FPMT Inc. Board.

Center Services director Claire Isitt and FPMT Australia coordinator Helen Patrin gave a brief talk on the FPMT Regional and National Offices and the exciting progress that is being made with the regionalization strategy, which was presented at CPMT 2009. As the group was breaking for morning tea, FPMT spiritual director Lama Zopa Rinpoche arrived.

After the break, Rinpoche and participants gathered in small groups to discuss several questions drawn from the morning presentations on the Advisory Council and the Regional and National Offices. Each small group reported back to the large group key points of their discussion, which focused mostly on initial responses to the Advisory Council idea.

Reporting back after small group discussion on FPMT Education Programs, CPMT 2014, Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 14, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.

After lunch, Tom Truty, director of FPMT Education Services, gave a presentation on the work of his department. Tom described FPMT Education Services as having four limbs: translation work, practice materials, training seminars and programs. Rinpoche arrived during the presentation and stayed to participate in the small group discussion that followed, focusing on FPMT Education Programs.

Director of FPMT Education Services Tom Truty speaking at the CPMT 2014, Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 14. Photo by Laura Miller.

After a report back to the large group, there was a tea break. It was evident from the ideas shared by the small groups that there are a lot of ideas and energy around the education programs and their further development and implementation.

Next, Lama Zopa Rinpoche had an open discussion, taking questions from participants, which he replied to in his characteristic animated and engaging manner. Questions came about supporting monks, the FPMT Basic Program, Tenzin Osel Hita, advice on bringing money into centers and what students can do to for Rinpoche’s long life.

François Lecointre concluded the afternoon session, leading a reflection on the activities of the day and the Inner Job Description. Following dinner, Paula de Wys gave the evening’s Wisdom Culture talk, describing her experience of meeting Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinoche back in the early days at Kopan. (You can read Paula’s story in our “Road to Kopan” series.)

Mandala will continue sharing updates and photos from the CPMT 2014 meeting as it continues.

Ven. Chonyi Taylor and Ven. Joan Nicell outside of the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 14, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.

Mandala 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 on Mandala, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.

Rinpoche prostrating before offering the body, speech and mind mandala to a photo of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the throne, Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 2014.

The first day of the CPMT 2014 meeting got off to a blessed start. Representative of the Jaara people, the native Aboriginal tribe of the Bendigo, Victoria, area, performed a smoke ceremony and traditional dances and offered Lama Zopa Rinpoche a traditional sacred gift, representing a connection between the Jaara and the people of the FPMT.

Ven. Gyatso, director of Thubten Shedrup Ling Monastery, which is one of the three FPMT centers hosting the CPMT meeting, welcomed FPMT spiritual director Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi, who is the present abbot of Kopan Monastery and resident geshe at Amitabha Buddha Centre. Gyatso recalled how Lama Yeshe had been on the property many years earlier and had pointed out where there was to be a stupa, a monastery, a retreat center and other facilities. And now, Gyatso said many of these things have become or are becoming actualized.

Liam Chambers, director of the Atisha Centre, another of the hosting centers, spoke next, inviting participants to envision an organization “where everyone is being the best that they can be.” He then challenged all present to actually be the best that they can be at the meeting and out in the world. He also recognized the 30 years of work and service offered by people to create and sustain Atisha Centre.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche offering a khata to the Guru Rinpoche statue at the Great Stupa, Australia, September 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.

Judy Green welcomed participants on behalf of the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion. The vast interior of the stupa serves as the venue for the meeting. She also recalled how 33 years ago Lama Yeshe had drawn in the sand his vision for the complex of centers and said, “We’ve done our best to fulfill Lama’s wishes.” She shared how His Holiness the Dalai Lama had blessed the site of the stupa in 2007, saying he saw it as a future gathering place for interfaith and scientific dialogues.

The meeting’s facilitator, Sandra Stubbings, was introduced. Sandra is both a professional facilitator and former SPC of Chang-tong Chen-tong in Tasmania and has completed the 16 Guidelines training (a Universal Education in Compassion and Wisdom program). She has also helped FPMT Australia with its national meetings.

The majority of Day 1 was blessed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche, offering inspiration and advice. In the morning session, Rinpoche gave the motivation for the meeting, which can be watched online. After lunch Rinpoche gave a second talk, speaking on the evolution of FPMT and the special qualities of Lama Tsong Khapa’s teachings, among other things.

Ven. Paloma Alba sharing ideas from the discussion she had on preserving the Gelug tradition, CPMT 2014, Australia. Photo by Laura Miller.

The day also had many opportunities for participants to talk to each other, including a lunch-time meeting of the national and regional coordinators attending the meeting, who discussed ideas for how to best share and disseminate the information and experience of the CPMT 2014 meeting. After Rinpoche’s afternoon talk, participants had lively and engaged discussions with partners on how to better learn and practice in order to preserve the Gelug tradition, which was a question suggest by Rinpoche. Before going to dinner, ideas on this were shared with the larger group and everyone seemed to have had fruitful discussions.

Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi speaking at CPMT 2014, Australia. Photo by Laura Miller.

After dinner, Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi talked about his experience becoming a Kopan monk at the age of 12 in 1974. Khen Rinpoche described life as Kopan and how he was part of the first group of Kopan monks to study at Sera Je. After completing his geshe degree, he said that Lama Zopa Rinpoche asked him to become the resident geshe at Amitabha Buddhist Centre in Singapore in 1999. Khen Rinpoche said that at the time he thought he would “just try it for a year;” the center just celebrated his 15th year as resident geshe.

Khen Rinpoche was asked to become the abbot of Kopan Monastery in 2011, after Khensur Rinpoche Lama Lhundrup manifested advanced cancer. Khen Rinpoche shared how Kopan Monastery has grown over the years and what it offers now. There are about 380 monks and 400 nuns at Kopan and its sister nunnery Khachoe Ghakyil. They receive education in English, science, math and other topics as well as a Buddhist philosophy and other traditional topics. Kopan and Khachoe Ghakyil serve as a source of current and future geshes for FPMT centers around the world, with about 15 geshes so far coming from Kopan. To close, Khen Rinpoche said very humbly, that he was speaking “just as an example of how Kopan benefits people.”

Mandala will continue sharing updates and photos from the CPMT 2014 meeting as it continues.

Mandala 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 on Mandala, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.

Osel visiting Kachoe Dechen Ling, May, 2014. Photo by Ven.Thubten Kunsang.

Occasionally Ösel shares his thoughts and experiences on his Facebook page. In this recent update, he sends a message to his friends, reminding that we are all connected. Ösel is now living in Ibiza, Spain, after studying in the United States for the past year.

Each of us has our own path and existence. We are all experiencing the same reality within our own reality. YOU. If YOU know yourself well then you can understand everything. We are born alone, and we will die alone. Everything in between is momentary illusion. That is why it’s so important to know oneself and feel free of all mental slavery. Our mind can be our best friend, but if we are not careful the mind can become our worst enemy too. Every moment is magic, and we are all living the same moment! We are all connected and I love you all so much! Thank you for being who YOU are!! OneLove

Cada uno tenemos nuestro propio camino y existencia. Estamos todos experimentando la misma realidad dentro de nuestra propia realidad. TÚ. Si TÚ te conoces bien, entonces puedes comprender todo. Nacemos solos, y morimos solos, todo el resto es ilusión temporal. Por eso es tan importante conocerse a uno mismo y sentirse libre de la esclavitud mental. Nuestra mente puede ser nuestro mejor amigo, pero si nos descuidamos la mente puede llegar a ser nuestro peor enemigo. Cada momento es mágico, y ¡Todos estamos viviendo el mismo momento! Estamos todos conectados y ¡Os quiero a todos muchísimo! ¡Gracias por ser quien TÚ eres! Onelove

You can follow Ösel on Facebook.

The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 12, 2013. Photo by Ven. Thubten Kunsang.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche arrived for the five-day CPMT meeting at the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Australia on Thursday, September 11. The CPMT meeting begins on September 13, and Rinpoche’s opening talk on Saturday will be streamed live over the internet beginning at 10:15 a.m. local time (AEST, click here for time zone conversions). For up-to-date information on webcasts of Rinpoche while at the Great Stupa, visits the CPMT Livestream page.

Presenters preparing for the CPMT meeting while the A/V team test the projector, Great Stupa, Australia, September 12, 2014. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.

On Friday, September 12, the Great Stupa was aflutter with preparations. Flowers and water bowl offerings were being arranged. Meeting presenters were reviewing their talks. And the A/V team was setting up and testing microphones, cameras, speakers and a projection screen to ensure that all present – as well as anyone with an internet connection around the world – can see and hear Rinpoche.

Pik Pin Goh and Sally Ong from Losang Dragpa Centre beginning to set up water bowls in front of the Guru Rinpoche statue in the Great Stupa, Australia, September 12, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.

The CPMT meeting, which ends on September 19, is followed by a public talk on September 20 and the month-long Bodhicaryavatara and Rinjung Gyatsa retreat, September 25-October 23. The public talk as well as the retreat at the Great Stupa will also be live streamed.

Mandala will be covering the CPMT meeting with daily updates and new photos. 

Mandala 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 on Mandala, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.

Joop van Herk coordinates Cuppa & Company, a new ‘day-stay’ program by Amitabha Hospice Service. Photo from Facebook.

Director Ecie Hursthouse describes the new caregiver respite program at Amitabha Hospice Service in Auckland, New Zealand:

Amitabha Hospice is very pleased to offer our new “day-stay” program to people living with terminal conditions in Auckland. This new program, called “Cuppa & Company” is held once a week in our hospice. It offers companionship and camaraderie, art classes, music, reiki and other complementary therapies to our patients. The families and caregivers of the patients also benefit by receiving a regular break from what is usually 24/7 caring. Our volunteer coordinator Joop van Herk organizes Cuppa & Company.

The Level 1 NZ Buddhist Chaplaincy Course will be held again at Amitabha Hospice September 5-7 and facilitated by Ecie Hursthouse and Kala Dostal. This course, which is accredited by the NZ Buddhist Council, prepares successful applicants to help support practitioners from any Buddhist tradition (Theravada and Mahayana) in a health crisis. Completion of the course gives the qualification of “NZ Apprentice Buddhist Chaplain.”

Mandala 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 on Mandala, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.