FPMT Community: Stories & News

Lama Zopa Rinpoche, India, 2010. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.

Our October e-News is now available!

This is a very special issue with many important and inspiring announcements including:

• New advice from His Holiness the Dalai Lama regarding the swift return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche
• A moving obituary of Lama Zopa Rinpoche with photo gallery of 300+ photos
• Updates on two precious stupas being built for Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Lawudo and Kopan Monastery
• Recently shared teachings of Lama Zopa Rinpoche
• A teaching by Lama Yeshe
• A recent report from the FPMT Inc. Board of Directors
• 458 Buddha statues offered to His Holiness the Dalai Lama
• Health care and essential services offered in 2023
• A report on the 2023 Light of the Path Retreat at Kopan Monastery
• New opportunities and resources for your study and practice

and much more!

Please read this month’s e-news in its entirety. 

Have the e-News translated into your native language by using our convenient translation facility located on the right-hand side of the page.

Visit our subscribe page to receive the FPMT International Office News directly in your email inbox.

Participants in the 2023 Foundation Service Seminar Retreat at Kopan Monastery.

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 explores how to best offer our skills and qualities in service. Participants investigate the purpose and mission of the FPMT organization, what it means to be an FPMT center, project or service: and how that vision translates into action for individuals.

We are so pleased to share this report from participants in the 2023 FSS Retreat held at Kopan Monastery from September 21-26, 2023. 

FSS facilitators Annelies van der Heijden and François Lecointre.

The Foundation Service Seminar held at Kopan Monastery, Nepal, from September 21-26, 2023, was a great success!

Led by experienced FSS facilitators Annelies van der Heijden and François Lecointre, it was more diverse than usual with about forty participants from countries as far spread as Australia, Canada, Sri Lanka, France, Hungary, Germany, India, Malaysia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Russia, Switzerland, and USA. These included five senior Kopan monks and five senior Kopan nuns, all of whom were attending an FPMT seminar for the first time. Ven. Roger Kunsang, Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s long-time assistant and FPMT CEO, and two other FPMT Inc. board members, Dale Davis and Karuna Cayton, contributed to some of the sessions.

The initial sessions of the first day set out the purpose of the seminar itself; the FPMT organization in terms of who we are and what we do as well as how we differ from other organizations, and also briefly introduced the Inner Job Description (IJD). The remaining days were structured around the four means of drawing sentient beings: giving, speaking kind words, teaching according to the level of the student, and practicing what we teach. But the main point of the seminar can aptly be summed up in: “Service as Practice—Practice as Service.” We were reminded that guru devotion (serving sentient beings is serving the guru) is the best way to purify our karma and accumulate merit, and that this is exactly what happens when we work as directors, SPCs, and so forth for the FPMT centers, projects, and services!

Participants engaging in one of the FSS exercises following a presentation.

Annelies’ and François’ presentations were peppered with inspiring quotes by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Lama Yeshe, and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, which participants took turns to read out loud from the screen. After each part of the presentation, participants were divided into small groups or pairs to discuss topics such as how to take karma into consideration when solving problems, how communication works within centers and with the wider community, and how to connect center students with Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche. These workshops allowed people working in many different kinds of centers and in many different roles to interact with each other and become aware of the variety of challenges our different realities face. The monks and nuns of Kopan listened attentively and actively engaged in the discussions throughout the seminar, with the nuns in particular often sharing their ideas and thoughts. These interactions, which were much appreciated by all, were a highlight of the seminar.

Participants engaging in an activity following a presentation.

In the section on “giving,” we learned about FPMT Ethical Policy and how we can protect people from abuse, how we can be more welcoming in our centers, and the many ways in which we and FPMT Inc. and affiliates can practice generosity, including by supporting the many charitable projects initiated by Rinpoche. In the section on “speaking kind words,” we looked at how to speak kindly and respectfully so as to embody compassion and wisdom, how to give feedback in a constructive way, and how to create harmony in our center.

In the section on “teaching according to the level of the student,” we learned about the many FPMT courses and programs available to host in our centers, the many prayers and practices that have been published according to Rinpoche’s advice, and the many translations available of all these programs and materials.

A Kopan nun packaging incense at the nunny’s incense factory.

In the section on “practicing what we teach,” we looked again at how our service to Rinpoche and the FPMT is our practice, how seemingly difficult people help us practice Dharma, and how to avoid Immersion Aversion—a negative critical mind that has become averse to people and the Dharma.

Apart from our group practice in the mornings and the extensive light offerings in the stupa garden at Kopan we also attended a wonderful Guru Puja at the Nunnery. Their kindness and hospitality, like at Kopan Monastery, is such an inspiring example for all of us. During the Guru Puja we could recognize Rinpoche’s advice, like pausing at the section of rejoicing.

At the end of the seminar we were again invited to visit the nunnery and see their incense factory. This is an excellent example of the fifth pillar (revenue generating activities) as part of Rinpoche’s Vast Visions.

Thubten Kunkhen, Rigsel Rinpoche’s attendant and also the manager of the big stupa project at the nunnery was so kind to update us about this very impressive and special project. On advise of Lama Zopa Rinpoche a big stupa (similar to the Mahabodhi Stupa in Bodhgaya, India) is being built in memory of Khenrinpoche Lama Lhundrup who has been so instrumental, not only for Kopan but especially for the development of Kopan Nunnery. Thubten Kunkhen expects the Stupa project to be finished around 1,5 year from now. Please rejoice in this most wonderful and amazing project!

Teachings of Lama Zopa Rinpoche shown on the big screen to participants of the 2023 Light of the Path retreat. Photo by Kira Dane.

We are delighted to share the below joyous report offered by Kopan Monastery at the conclusion of the Light of the Path 2023 retreat. Please join the entire FPMT community in rejoicing that students of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, old and new, completed this auspicious and profound retreat at the heart of the FPMT organization: Kopan Monastery. 

Originally meant to be a continuation of five teaching events with Lama Zopa Rinpoche that began in 2009 in North Carolina, US, the Light of the Path (LOP) 2023 at Kopan Monastery in Nepal became a retreat for Rinpoche’s students to honor his life and teachings as well as the practice lineage he had so carefully passed on to us over more than fifty years.

Approximately 160 people, including a core group of senior sangha and lay people, from 30 countries attended the retreat which occurred September 4-17 this year. 

Geshe Legtsok, the Light of the Path 2023 retreat leader. Photo by Kira Dane.

Ven. Siliana Bosa translated the entire event into Italian, Ven. Paloma Alba into Spanish, and Meida Cheng into Chinese. Several French speakers, including Ven. Chantal Dekyi, Ven. Tenzin Gendun, and Ven. Tenzin Kunzang, took turns translating for a French monk. Each day began with How to Make Your Lives Meaningful, a short lamrim and lojong practice Rinpoche has specifically compiled to help all his students begin the day with a bodhicitta motivation, followed by the practice of prostrations to the Thirty-Five Buddhas.

Large photo of Lama Zopa Rinpoche overlooking the 2023 Light of the Path retreat. Photo by Kira Dane.

During the second week of the retreat, we met a half hour earlier to take the eight Mahayana precepts dedicated to the pacification of war, famine, disease, and harm caused by the four elements. Geshe Tenzin Legtsok, the LOP retreat leader, and Vens. Amy Miller, Thubten Pema, and Ailsa Cameron kindly took turns leading us in these practices. The entire group then moved to the Chenrezig Gompa where the actual LOP retreat was being held in the presence of a huge photo of Rinpoche, in front of which beautiful offerings had been set out.

Before breaking for breakfast, we did Lama Chopa Jorcho up to and including the extensive bath offering with several groups of three taking turns to carefully enact the ritual offering to the figures in the merit field. Lama Chopa continued after breakfast with more beautiful chanting in Tibetan led by Ven. Thubten Dechen from Malaysia, whose voice was described by many as “heavenly,” while Ven. Joan Nicell lead parts of the practice in English and provided occasional comments on the practice based on Rinpoche’s teachings.

After lunch, retreat participants had time to rest, enjoy a cappuccino in the Kopan café, and spend time in Rinpoche’s room receiving the blessings of his holy body relic before meeting once again for the afternoon meditation sessions. Prior to the retreat, Ven. Joan and Ven. Ailsa Cameron had prepared a booklet of meditations extracted from Rinpoche’s teachings on the topics of bodhicitta mindfulness, guru devotion, perfect human rebirth, the lower realms, refuge, and karma. These written meditations along with short videos of Rinpoche, one of which was shown each day, formed the basis for the three meditation sessions.

Some participants of the Light of the Path 2023 retreat.

Geshe Legtsok began the first meditation session of the day by leading us in a short seven-limb practice and a glance meditation on the whole lamrim, before skillfully setting out the context of the actual meditation. Ven. Rene Feusi led the next two sessions, sometimes taking the opportunity to elaborate on topics close to his heart based on his many years of experience in meditation. Old and new students alike benefitted greatly from his gentle and inspiring guidance.

Ven. Pemba Sherpa during the 2023 Light of the Path retreat. Photo by Kira Dane.

The evening sessions alternated walking meditations based on Rinpoche’s teachings with traditional protector practices led by Ven. Angie Muir, and stories of Rinpoche shared by senior sangha, such as Gen Pemba, Ven. Dondrub, and FPMT board members, including Khen Rinpoche Chonyi, the abbot of Kopan; and Ven. Roger Kunsang, Rinpoche’s invaluable assistant and CEO of FPMT Inc.

These stories made us both laugh and cry as we remembered and celebrated the life and activities of our unique and beloved guru. The retreat concluded with a joyful tsog offering and heartfelt thanks from Ven. Thubten Khadro, SPC and organizer of the event, to all who had contributed to making the retreat a success.

Throughout the two-week retreat, participants remarked again and again how harmonious the retreat was and how they had felt the strong presence and blessings of Rinpoche. Ven Amy Miller said, “I think the blessings of coming together like this and doing the practices that Rinpoche wants, in the style that Rinpoche likes, was fantastic as well as a way to bring Rinpoche back quickly.”

Jim Hagan, who had done the 1973, 1976, and 1978 one-month Kopan courses, said, “The retreat was powerful. For me, Rinpoche was here. This is Rinpoche’s mandala. Everywhere you look, you see Rinpoche’s footprint.” He also urged everyone to come to the next LOP saying: “By coming here, your guru devotion is supporting Rinpoche. Because Rinpoche created this Light of the Path, I think it is important for people to come.”

From all of us at Kopan: We hope to see all those who came this year and many more of Rinpoche’s students at the next Light of the Path retreat at Kopan Monastery which will be held during the first two weeks of April 2025.

The retreat materials, recordings, and photos from the Light of the Path 2023 can be found here. If you would like to support the offering of these resources, you are welcome to make a donation here. 

Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), is a Tibetan Buddhist organization dedicated to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation and community service. 

Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Victory Stupa at Lawudo in process.

Anila Ngawang Samten, Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s sister, is constructing an eight level, 12-foot high and 11-foot wide Victory Stupa at Lawudo Gompa, Nepal, for the swift return and success of all Lama Zopa Rinpoche and FPMT’s projects.

We are so pleased to share an update on this stupa from  Ven. Nyima Tashi Sherpa, a relative of Lama Zopa Rinpoche; and Ven. Tsultrim, a Swiss nun who has been at Lawudo since Spring 2022. 

The Victory Stupa at Lawudo Gompa is being constructed according to the profound visionary instructions of Trulshik Rinpoche and carries significant implications for the global FPMT community, as well as for all sentient beings.

Ani Ngawang Samten has been unwavering in her dedication to preserve Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s legacy and fulfilling his aspirations. With a heart full of wisdom and compassion, Ani Ngawang Samten committed herself to ensuring that Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s rebirth occurs swiftly, while simultaneously upholding the visionary goals of FPMT. This extraordinary dedication extends to her ceaseless puja rituals conducted at both Lawudo and Thubten Choeling Monastery in Solukhumbu, and her recent request for a full reading of the Kangyur at Thubten Choeling Monastery to safeguard the construction of the stupa.

Ani Ngawang Samten and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Lawudo Retreat Centre, 1976. LYWA collection.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche with Ani Ngawang Samten, Kopan Monastery, 2018. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsag.

Ani Ngawang Samten has consulted with esteemed lamas within the Lawudo area, including Kerok Lama Ngawang Tsultrim Rinpoche, Charok Tenzing Tinley Rinpoche, and Khapa Pema, all of whom have been trained in the instructions for constructing this profound stupa by Trulshik Rinpoche, in order to ensure their support and receive their expert guidance for this monumental endeavor.

Various holy and precious objects which will reside in Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Victory Stupa.

The Victory Stupa, as per Trulshik Rinpoche’s instructions, stands as a beacon of spiritual transformation for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s students and the FPMT family. This magnificent structure, adorned in red, black, and white; symbolizes love, the transcendence of ignorance, and the purity of purpose. It is a sanctuary for the perfect practice, equanimity, wisdom, diversity knowledge, and compassion.  This sacred endeavor holds the power to nourish the very essence of these qualities in the hearts of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s devoted students and FPMT practitioners, fostering a radiant transformation that transcends time and space. It houses essential articles, substances, mantras, and potent tsa tsa elements that serve to shield our universe from conflict, scarcity, and natural calamities rooted in the earth, water, fire, and wind elements.

Amitayus statue from Rinpoche’s cave which Anila offered to Rinpoche during a long life puja in Lawudo, which will reside in Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Victory Stupa.

In addition, it is Ani-la’s wish that in accordance with the Mahayana tradition of reincarnation, since Lama Yeshe’s mind stream is also so precious to us, that this stupa help dispel ignorance, and protect and preserve the holy mind of Lama Yeshe so that Lama Osel can help to benefit the world.

Holy and precious objects which will reside in Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Victory Stupa.

Furthermore, illuminating the sanctity of this project is Rinpoche’s dear childhood friend, Ngawang Nyendak, a Thame monk who has steadfastly performed regular practices, such as incense pujas  for FPMT at Lawudo over the past eight years. His continuous efforts, including the powerful fortune-hooking puja after Rinpoche’s parinirvana, stand as a testament to the profound dedication that supports this sacred initiative.

Set of 10-inch statues of the Buddhas of the Five Types which will reside in Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Victory Stupa.

In a most auspicious development,  a precious tooth relic of Lama Zopa Rinpoche will be invited to Lawudo Gompa on the merit-multiplying day of Buddha’s return from the deva realm, November 4, 2023, Lhabab Duchen. This auspicious occasion aligns with Ani Ngawang Samten’s decision to consecrate both the renovated stupa of Lawudo Lama Kunsang Yeshe and the stupa of Lama Zopa Rinpoche. The construction of the stupa began on July 11, 2023, and is now nearing completion. The stupa is 12-feet high and 11-feet wide, and has eight levels. It is located at Changtang Gombu, 200 meters below Lawudo Gompa on a well-used track and occupies a position where it dominates the landscape and can be seen from around the valley and is in a natural spot for sitting, prayer, and circumambulation.

Central channel of the Victory Stupa surrounded by tsa tsas.

Some of the holy and precious objects which will reside in Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Victory Stupa.

Eight levels of the Victory Stupa:

• The first level has different types of weapons to shield our universe from conflict and war.
• The second level has various nutritious grains to save the world from scarcity of food and famine.
• The third level contains the central channel surrounded by 400,000 to 500,000 tsa tsas of different types. Also surrounding the central shaft are various powerful mantras.
• The fourth level is “Rinpoche’s palace.” It contains various precious items that belonged to Lama Zopa Rinpoche, such as a set of complete robes used at Lawudo, a bell, dorje and damaru, a crystal rosary used by Rinpoche during long life retreat at Maratika, etc. There are also texts used by or books with Rinpoche’s teachings. Additionally, there are various offerings in Rinpoche’s palace, including a mandala set and a set of offering bowls containing the eight substances with the conch shell placed first as an auspicious gesture by Anila Ngawang Samten to be able to receive teachings from the Yangsi.

Mantras which will go inside Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Victory Stupa.

• The fifth level contains a 14-inch Amitayus statue from Rinpoche’s cave which Anila offered to Rinpoche during a long life puja in Lawudo.
• The sixth level contains a set of 10-inch statues of the Buddhas of the Five Types from the main Lawudo Gompa.
• The seventh level contain a holy body, speech and mind offering—a 10-inch statue of Guru Shakyamuni, an 8-inch statue of Guru Rinpoche and an 8-inch Enlightenment Stupa from the cave along with a text belonging to Rinpoche from the old library.
• The top level is the symbolic Victory Banner which crowns the stupa.

Ani Ngawang Samten’s constant presence in Lawudo for over 55 years has granted her profound insights into the challenges faced by individuals journeying from all corners of the world. With deep empathy, she ardently wishes for all those who visit Lawudo–whether for retreat, meditation, pilgrimage, or a simple day’s excursion–to be bestowed with the blessings of these sacred objects. Anila envisions Lawudo as a sanctuary where the weary souls of visitors find solace, healing, and relief from the burdens of discouragement, depression, fear, anger, and frustration inherent in the human experience.

Furthermore, Ani Ngawang Samten fervently prays that the serene grounds of Lawudo become a wellspring of compassion, renunciation, and liberation from delusions. The very essence of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s tireless efforts and unwavering dedication to building Lawudo Gompa in 1967/68 is embedded within the mud, timber, and stones that comprise this blessed place. Ani Ngawang Samten believes that Lawudo Gompa is an invaluable haven for devotees of Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

May the construction of the Victory Stupa at Lawudo Monastery bring boundless benefits to all sentient beings, while propelling Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s vision for FPMT toward a future unencumbered by obstacles.

Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), is a Tibetan Buddhist organization dedicated to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation and community service. 

Lama Zopa Rinpoche in the Kurukulla Center gompa, Boston, US, August 2018. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

This month’s e-news brings you important news, updates, and causes for rejoicing including:

• Teachings of Lama Zopa Rinpoche from the 2023 Vajrasattva Retreat
• A teaching by Lama Yeshe
• Essential support offered to 1,500 students in India and Nepal in 2023
• New advice booklet: Circumambulating Holy Objects at Home
• FDCW’s Growing Compassionate Hearts Conference
• Opportunities to offer service
• Changes within the organization

and much more! 

Please read this month’s e-news in its entirety. 

Have the e-News translated into your native language by using our convenient translation facility located on the right-hand side of the page.

Visit our subscribe page to receive the monthly FPMT International Office e-News directly in your email inbox.

Geshe Thubten Sherab with his newly published pilgrimage book.

A pilgrimage book by Geshe Thubten Sherab, Headmaster of Kopan School, has been published by Lumbini Buddhist University and Kopan Monastery, and sponsored by Lama Zopa Rinpoche. This book was inspired by Rinpoche and crafted with his guidance. This recently published edition was volume one of two and covers the sacred sites of the Kathmandu Valley and Lumbini.

It was released on September 11 in the presence of Kopan’s Khenrinpoche with more than 150 people in attendance including Nepal government officials, Culture Minister, members of parliament, representatives from the three yanas, professors from Lumbini University, and representatives of various Nepali communities. The event was held at the Hyatt Hotel, where Rinpoche wanted it, and according to those in attendance it was joyous, featuring a generous feast for all to enjoy.

Invited guests of the book launch holding their copies of Geshe Sherab’s new pilgrimage book.

This volume is almost 200 pages and took three years to complete. Rinpoche’s wish was for it to be published in both Tibetan and Nepali. The Tibetan version had 500 copies printed and 1,000 copies were printed in Nepali. This work will also be translated into English.

With around 45 different sites covered in this volume—all of which Geshe Sherab has visited—the book includes photos of each site, an extensive bibliography, and index including all sources and references.

The book is divided into three sections: the sites related to the Buddha (those from Lumbini and surrounding), those related to the Bodhisattvas (Sutrayana), and the Tantrayana sacred sites. Geshe Sherab explained, “The reason for the divide in this way was very significant. This will allow people to have a clear understanding of these categories and those sites with the history.”

The history of the book project dates back to the early 2000s. Geshe Sherab was in Bodhgaya with his brother’s family and they visited some pilgrimage sites. They knew nothing about many of these places and Geshe Sherab felt he was not able to help them fully understand the history and significance of these places. He looked for a book to help guide their exploration and could not find one, so the thought occurred to him that he could write a book about Buddhist sites in India.

He began to research, visiting libraries and going on pilgrimage when he had the opportunity. He finally published a book in 2004, Gyakar Nangpi Neshed Rabsal Donmye and offered a draft copy to Lama Zopa Rinpoche who was very inspired and carried it with him afterward. He told Geshe Sherab, “Now we need to do a book on Nepali pilgrimage sites, too.” Rinpoche showed a bit of concern that many sites were vanishing and there was no real reference book and the history was hard to find. Due to these concerns, he asked Geshe Sherab to write this book.

Having just been appointed the headmaster of Kopan School, he didn’t have much time. At the end of 2019, Rinpoche offered to sponsor the printing, so initially, Geshe Sherab began to collect all the sites in Nepal and found there were around 52 sacred Buddhist sites in the country. Geshe Sherab shared, “When I showed it to Rinpoche, he was laughing and laughing and finally he said, ‘OK, first finish Kathmandu Valley.’ So, I did Kathmandu Valley along with the Lumbini areas.” He consulted both Nepali and Tibetan sources which makes the book really unique as it’s the first of its kind. He combined both sources, trying to fill gaps in the timelines and to reconstitute the history of each place by taking from both sources. He researched in many different libraries and some archeological departments. As a result, the book not only provides stories like you would find in a travel book, it also contains all the references to the various sources.

From time to time, Geshe Sherab would consult and discuss his work and progress with Lama Zopa Rinpoche. In particular, the book draws from Rinpoche’s advice on what to do in these various places, what practices to engage in, etc.  

At the end of 2022, Geshe Sherab passed a draft copy to Rinpoche. Geshe Sherab shared, “One day Rinpoche called me up. When I went to see him, I was a little scared. As I entered his room and he looked very happy, I felt so relieved! Rinpoche said, ‘This is wonderful that the book is finished but what is this cover photo?’ It was an old historical photo of the Swayambunath Stupa. Rinpoche said we need to change it and asked Sherab (Ven. Lobsang Sherab, who serves as a photographer for FPMT) to provide me a nice Swayambunath Stupa photo. Which you’ll see on the cover of the book.”

Rinpoche told Geshe Sherab that it is good to translate into other languages but emphasized the importance of having it published in Nepali, sharing that until now we have been focusing more on the West but now, we also need to focus on local areas in Nepal and promote the Dharma here.

Rinpoche also advised that now we have to organize, “a grand release for the book.” Geshe Sherab explained, “I was thinking maybe we could do it when Rinpoche’s book on non-smoking releases at the Kopan nunnery. But Rinpoche had another plan. He said, ‘We’ll do it at the Hotel Hyatt and we will invite all like-minded scholars and government officials!’ I was just scratching my head.”

During the event on September 11, Geshe Sherab shared the story of the book and a professor from Lumbini University gave a talk about the book in Nepali. Additionally, Dr. Khenpo Jorden, a teacher of IBM Center from the Sakya tradition, who received his PhD from Harvard, gave a talk and praised the research.

The event was very successful and people were very happy, “All because of the blessings and kindness of Rinpoche,” says Geshe Sherab.

Geshe Sherab is projecting about three years to complete the second volume. When the English translation of this first volume is available, we will share this news. 

Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), is a Tibetan Buddhist organization dedicated to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation and community service.

His Eminence Jhado Rinpoche at Nalanda Monastery with Sangha. Photo by Capucine Redon.

FPMT centers in Europe were very honored to welcome His Eminence Jhado Rinpoche to Germany, Spain, Italy, France, Switzerland, Austria, and Sweden from March-June 2023. This is cause for major rejoicing! 

Séverine Savignan shares the details with us:

From March until June 2023, Rinpoche traveled tirelessly to give teachings, initiations and advice to students in many European centers, touching hearts in all the centers he visited through his extreme kindness and deep wisdom. Rinpoche was traveling with his two attendants, Geshe Tashi-la and Ven. Gonpo-la, who were extremely kind and helpful to staff and volunteers in preparing the teachings and initiations, wherever they needed guidance.

The European tour started in Germany where Rinpoche landed on March 20.

In Munich, at Aryatara Institute, March 22-23, Rinpoche taught on The Four Noble Truths and the Eight Verses of Mind Transformation. The translation was done by Ven. Geshema Kelsang Wangmo from Tibetan to English and Ven. Thubten Drolma to German.

In Spain, Rinpoche was extremely kind in accepting to visit four centers, including smaller ones which would have lesser opportunity to host such a qualified lama. The coordination was handled by Roger Mas Quintana and Irina Hueso who drove Rinpoche around Spain.

In Pamplona, Luz de Nagarjuna Center, March 25-26, Rinpoche taught on the Song of Four Mindfulnesses and gave Chenrezig jenang.

In Nagarjuna Madrid Center on March 28, teachings on Refuge were given, as well as the actual Refuge and Bodhisattva vows. On the March 29, Rinpoche gave the Green Tara initiation.

In Nagarjuna Granada, on March 31-April 1, teachings on the Thousand-Armed Chenrezig jenang were given by Rinpoche.

In Nagarjuna Alicante, on April 4, Rinpoche taught on the Song of Four Mindfulnesses.

On April 5, Palden Lhamo initiation was given to the center representatives. During a visit to Kopan Monastery, Jessica Pastor, the Center Director, had asked Lama Zopa Rinpoche for advice and practices for the center. Lama Zopa Rinpoche then recommended Palden Lamo practice. The initiation was therefore requested to Jhado Rinpoche, and he kindly accepted to grant during his visit.

The translators in Spain were Karen Molina and Katy Delmundo.

The tour then moved on to Italy,

Starting on the Island of Palermo, In Muni Gyana Center, from April 7-11, Rinpoche taught “The Wish-Fulfilling Jewel of the Oral Tradition: Instructions on Identifying the Shared View of Reality” by Khonton Peljor Lhundrup, then gave the Solitary Hero Yamantaka initiation.

His Eminence Jhado Rinpoche at Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa, Italy, April 2023. Photo courtesy of ILTK Facebook page.

In Pomaia, a beautiful village home to Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa (ILTK), Rinpoche gave the Guhyasamaja initiation over three days. Rinpoche was welcomed and hosted by the two Tibetan resident teachers, Geshe Tenphel and Geshe Gelek.

Translation in Palermo and Pomaia were done by Fabrizio Pallotti and Ven. Legtsok from Sera Je.

 On April 18, the land where Lhungtok Choekhorling Monastery was built was blessed and Rinpoche gave the oral transmission of the Holy Names of Manjushri, Manjushri Namasamgiti.

In Bologna, Centro Studi Cenresig, on April 22-24, an Introduction to Tantra was given, as well a teaching on the Sutra of the Eight Buddhas of Medicine, the explanation of the puja, and finally the Eight Buddhas of Medicine jenang was given. The translation was by Andrea Capellari.

The tour in France began in Paris, at the Espace Charenton for Kalachakra Center, on April 29-30. Rinpoche gave the Kalachakra initiation, which had been requested by Ven. Elisabeth over many years. The translators were Ven. Steve for English and Sylvain Berthet for French.

His Eminence Jhado Rinpoche, Institut Vajra Yogini, May 2023. Photo by Tsanka Photography.

In Lavaur, at Institut Vajra Yogini (IVY), home of the 108 Nyung Na yearly retreat conducted by Ven. Charles, Rinpoche first gave the Thousand-armed Chenrezig wang on May 4-5, followed by the Commentary on the Nyung Na practice on 6-7. Rinpoche paid a visit to the Nyung Na practitioners and gave them appreciation and encouragement. Translation was by Ven. Gyurme in English and Katy Delmundo in French.

On May 9 evening, Rinpoche gave an online teaching from IVY to Jamyang London Buddhist Center students on the Seven Point Mind Training. The translation was done by Geshe Namdak.

In Nalanda Monastery, teachings on Mahamudra were given on May 11-12, then Rinpoche gave Solitary Hero Yamantaka initiation May 13-14. 

On May 15 Rinpoche ordained nine Getsuls, and thirteen new Gelongs, which is extremely rare and unique in the West. This brought the total number of Sangha in Nalanda to a unique height of almost 60 Sangha on the day of the ordination, “which might be one of the biggest gatherings of Western Sangha in the West,” according to Nalanda Monastery. 

Hi Eminence Jhado Rinpoche at Nalanda Monastery, France, May 2023. Photo courtesy of Nalanda Monastery Facebook page.

In Switzerland, Martigny, in Gendun Drupa Center, on May 20-21, Rinpoche taught on “In Praise of Dependent Origination,” by Lama Tsong Khapa, and on the Chapter 8 & 9 of the Bodhisattvacharyavatara, by Shantideva. Translation was done by Katy Delmundo.

In Austria, Vienna, in Panchen Losang Chogyen Gelug Center, on May 27-28, a teaching on Nagarjuna’s Commentary on Bodhicitta Bodhicittavivāraṇa was given. The translation was again done by Ven. Geshema Kelsang Wangmo from Tibetan to English and Ven. Thubten Drolma to German.

The Tour ended in Sweden, Stockholm, for the occasion, the Yeshin Norbu Center rented the Museum of Ethnography. 

On Friday, June 2, a general talk was given on “How to practice Dharma in daily life,”  then on Saturday June 3, Rinpoche taught on Lama Atisha’s Bodhisattva’s Jewel Mala, and finally on Sunday June 4, a teaching on Refuge and the Refuge ceremony was granted to members of the center. The translation was done by Ven. Michael Yeshe.

Many special thanks to all the Country Coordinators, Directors, SPCs, staff, volunteers, translators, sponsors, various hosts and carers, students, and many Dharma friends for their amazing support in making this tour and auspicious events possible.

A very special thanks to Geshe Loden-la, resident teacher at Institut Vajra Yogini, who initially made the request to Jhado Rinpoche, on our behalf, to come and turn the wheel of Dharma in person in Europe.

Our hearts are full of gratitude, hopes, and prayers in order to welcome His Eminence Jhado Rinpoche again soon in Europe. 

Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), is a Tibetan Buddhist organization dedicated to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation and community service.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama will continue last year’s teaching on Chandrakirti’s “Entering the Middle Way” in conjunction with the “Autocommentary” at the request of a group of Southeast Asians at the Main Tibetan Temple in Dharamsala, HP, India on September 5-6, 2023. You can watch this livestreaming on YouTube. 

Webcasts also available in: Tibetan, Chinese, Vietnamese, Hindi, Korean, Japanese, Spanish, French, German, Russian, Italian, Portuguese, Nepali and Mongolian.

You can follow important and inspiring news about His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the official website of His Holiness:
https://www.dalailama.com/news

We invite you to follow the teaching schedule of His Holiness on the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s official website.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche in Maratika, Nepal, 2021. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab

This month’s e-news brings you important news, updates, and causes for rejoicing including:

• Recently shared teachings by Lama Zopa Rinpoche
• A teaching by Lama Yeshe
• An update from the FPMT Inc. Board of Directors
• Opportunities and resources for your study and practice
• Changes within the organization

and much more! 

Please read this month’s enews in its entirety. 

Have the e-News translated into your native language by using our convenient translation facility located on the right-hand side of the page.

Visit our subscribe page to receive the monthly FPMT International Office e-News directly in your email inbox.

Screenshot of the FPMT East & Southeast Asia Virtual Mani Retreat.

When FPMT East & Southeast Asia first planned a Virtual Mani Retreat for this year, it was intended to be on a small scale and to complement the main programs with Lama Zopa Rinpoche as part of his Singapore and Malaysia June-August visit. With Rinpoche showing the aspect of passing away, of course these plans were cancelled.  However, this led to the entire region coming together with the wish to organize something much bigger than originally envisioned, dedicated to the swift return of Rinpoche and the success of all of Rinpoche’s many projects. We are delighted to share that they were able to accumulate nearly 15 million recitations of OM MANI PADME HUM!

Retreat Advisor Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi launched the retreat on July 15 with special guest Ven. Roger Kunsang. Following that, a procession of eminent group session leaders each taught on a different part of the Chenrezig sadhana and led the group practice every weekend.

During this event, participants also (virtually) toured all of the major FPMT centers in East and Southeast Asia including Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Mongolia, and Indonesia; with hopes to visit Japan and Hong Kong in the future as well.

An auspicious highlight of the retreat for all was receiving the Chenrezig initiation from Chenrezig himself, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, from Leh in Ladakh.

This momentum will continue on August 26 with FPMT Mongolia’s 100 Million Mani Retreat, with sessions also available online via Facebook livestream; followed by an amazingly precious teaching by His Eminence Ling Rinpoche on September 17 to celebrate the conclusion of both retreats. 

Please join us in rejoicing at the accumulation of this incredible 15 million MANI recitations from East & Southeast Asia and for the upcoming accumulation of 100 million more in Mongolia!

One of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Vast Visions for the FPMT organization is for these retreats to occur.  Rinpoche explained, “[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.”

Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), is a Tibetan Buddhist organization dedicated to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation and community service.

H.E. Jhado Rinpoche with some of the participants of the 2023 Nyung Na at IVY.

Institut Vajra Yogini (IVY) in France has hosted its twelfth series of 108 Nyung Na retreats from November 2022 to June 2023. One of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Vast Visions for the FPMT organization was to sponsor people who make a serious commitment in this life to complete 1,000 Nyung Na retreats, and IVY kindly began to host the retreats every year to help fulfill this vision. For the last ten years, Lama Zopa Rinpoche has been sponsoring the food and accommodation for a number of people, each year, who undertake the 108 Nyung Na retreats, and in 2023, US$11,522 was offered toward the retreat. We are very happy to continue to offer support each year toward the retreats, in alignment with Rinpoche’s wishes. 

The Nyung Na retreat is a two-day intensive practice that includes taking the 24-hour Mahayana precepts every day, with the addition of complete fasting and silence every second day. There are three sessions of about three hours each day, including meditation, prostrations, and mantra recitation. It is a powerfully effective, experiential practice that can be done by anyone with respect and faith for the practice. Lama Zopa Rinpoche has highly praised Nyung Na retreat as a supreme method for transforming the mind.

Four people completed the full round of 108 Nyung Na retreats this year and around 50 people joined to do one or a few two-day retreats. Like last year, Ven. Charles, the retreat leader, offered the morning sessions online every day as well as one complete two-day Nyung Na retreat online once a month, so more students could participate from home. An incredible 600 Nyung Na retreats have been completed at Institut Vajra Yogini over this period by those practicing on site and at home online, although the exact count is difficult to know with the inclusion of the online retreatants. Please take a moment to rejoice!

There were the times when there were only six participants and sometimes around twenty people joined the retreat. The long-term participants enjoy doing this practice in a bigger group as Nyung Na retreats can be more powerful when more people participate, says Nicolas, the director of Institut Vajra Yogini.

Compared to the previous retreats held during the pandemic, it has been much easier to manage the retreat as the Institute did not need to organize COVID tests and follow the safety protocols. This was time-consuming previously, especially due to the high turnover of short-term participants, according to Nicolas.

This spring was especially difficult for the long-term participants, who used to receive personal advice and guidance from Lama Zopa Rinpoche. They did their practice in the midst of great loss and grief when Rinpoche showed the aspect of passing away.

It was a moment of joy when His Eminence Jhado Rinpoche, the former abbot of Namgyal and Gyuto monasteries, visited the Institute on May 4-7, 2023, and over four days conferred the Thousand-Arm Chenrezig initiation and offered a commentary on Nyung Na practice.

To continue fulfilling Rinpoche’s Vast Visions, Institut Vajra Yogini has already begun planning for the thirteenth series of 108 Nyung Na retreats, which will begin mid-November 2023 to mid-June 2024. The retreats are led in French but can be followed simultaneously in English and other languages. 

Please join us in rejoicing in twelve consecutive years of Nyung Na retreats at Institut Vajra Yogini. 

If you would like to support Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s wish to support these important retreats, you are welcome to offer any amount to the Practice and Retreats Fund

 If you are interested in joining the Nyung Na retreat, please contact Institut Vajra Yogini’s Center Director. 

Kopan Sangha greeting H.H the 42nd Sakya Trizin Rinpoche, Kopan Monastery August 4, 2023. Photo courtesy of Kopan Monastery.

On August 4, 2023, H.H the 42nd Sakya Trizin Ratna Vajra Rinpoche, eldest son of His Holiness Kyabgon Sakya Gongma Trichen Rinpoche, visited Kopan Monastery to offer prayers for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s swift return in front of Rinpoche’s holy body, including the eight volumes version of the Prajnaparamita, along with other texts recited by heart. 

H.H the 42nd Sakya Trizin Rinpoche offering prayers in front of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s holy body, Kopan Monastery, Nepal, August 4, 2023. Photo courtesy of Kopan Monastery.

A great number of  high lamas have offered their respects, condolences, tributes, and prayers after Rinpoche’s passing including some of the highest lamas of all four traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, and various other traditions and lineages. 

H.H the 42nd Sakya Trizin Rinpoche offering prayers in front of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s holy body, Kopan Monastery, Nepal, August 4, 2023. Photo courtesy of Kopan Monastery.

We invite you to rejoice in this auspicious visit and offering of prayers!

Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), is a Tibetan Buddhist organization dedicated to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation and community service.

We have been moved by the outpouring of kind and heartfelt tributes, condolences, and notice of prayers being offered for Lama Zopa Rinpoche from great lamas, friends, and monastery officials around the world: fpmt.org/teachers/zopa/updates-regarding-rinpoche/#tributes