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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.
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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
Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Kopan Monastery, March 2023. 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
- An Update from the FPMT Inc. Board of Directors
- Geshe Tenzin Legtsok receives geshe degree
- Rejoicing in offering to 10,000 ordained Sangha on Chokhor Duchen
- News about events, opportunities, and resources for your study and practice
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.
Geshe Tenzin Legtsok at Sera IMI House, Sera Monastery, India. Photo courtesy of Geshe Tenzin Legtsok.
Ordained by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 2001, Geshe Tenzin Legtsok is an American Buddhist monk who just completed the Geshe Studies Program at Sera Je Monastic University in Karnataka, South India. This means he has studied the five classic Indian Buddhist treatise from the Ornament for Clear Realizations by Maitreya Buddha to the Vinaysutra by Gunaprabha and their Tibetan commentaries in the tradition of ancient Nalanda University.
Geshe Legtsok is the first US citizen and first Western monk from Kopan Monastery to receive the geshe degree from Sera Je Monastery; joining several other Westerners and non-Tibetan/Himalayan monks to receive geshe degrees before him. This is an auspicious result of mutual appreciation between two distinct cultures that didn’t have much interface before. As Geshe Legtsok notes, “In the past fifty years the Tibetan monastic community has become much more open and supportive of non-Tibetans studying in their midst and now point to them with pride. Also, interest in the Tibetan lineages of Buddhism has grown steadily during that time.”
Born in Virginia, US, in 1973, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts from Kenyon College in 1995. Asking himself the question, “What makes for the most happy and meaningful life?” compelled him to major in philosophy during college and gradually led him to study meditation and philosophy with teachers among the exiled Tibetan communities in India and Nepal from 1999 until the present.
In a recent interview, Geshe Legtsok shared:
Until about five years ago I was never really concerned with attaining the geshe degree. My interest was always just to learn and practice in the way the geshe program affords. When I was a new monk, I just wanted to meditate and wasn’t very inclined to study Buddhist philosophical topics. But as I learned more about the lamrim and lojong teachings it gradually dawned on me that if I wanted to actually develop realizations on the path to enlightenment like the past saints of ancient Nalanda University, Nagarjuna, Shantideva, Chandrakirti, and others, then I had to study the texts they’ve composed detailing the path they had practiced. Also, I figured, if I wanted to become like my own teachers, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Khensur Lama Lhundrup, and so forth, then I would have to study and practice as they have. This drew me into the geshe program. My own natural curiosity and experience of benefit from studying sustained me from year to year. About five years ago I was ready to leave the program and dedicate more time to retreat, written translation, and service. At that time Lama Zopa Rinpoche advised that it would be more beneficial to finish the entire program and attain the geshe degree, so I continued on until the end.
Geshe Legtsok receiving khatas and gifts from classmates and friends on July 13, the day after completion of the graduation ceremonies.
Nineteen years ago Geshe Legtsok joined the Kopan House at Sera Monastery. which is a large community of sixty monks who are all from Kopan Monastery. Since the former abbot of Kopan Monastery Lama Lhundrup (1941-2011), was Geshe Legtsok’s main teacher at the time he joined Sera, he joined Sera Kopan House and became part of Kopan Monastery. He stayed at Kopan House for the first four years at Sera, but due to his belief that Western monastics should support one another in the program at Sera, he moved into Sera IMI House which was founded by Western FPMT monks at Sera for that purpose. He remained in that community throughout the subsequent years of his study and also remained part of Sera Kopan House participating in functions and upholding responsibilities there.
Geshe Legtsok explains the meaning of the term “geshe” in the following way:
Many people think “geshe” means you are a Buddhist scholar whereas that is not the case. Literally “geshe” means “virtuous friend” and was a term that, in former times, Tibetans organically came to use for a person whom they felt embodied the qualities of a worthy spiritual teacher. This was the case with the Kadampa Geshes for example, similar to the way Lama Yeshe came to be called “lama.” There was no formal procedure by which one received the title geshe then. More recently, the Gelug monasteries have created formal criteria by which a monk is awarded the title geshe; the main criteria is that the candidate follows the discipline of the monastery for a certain number of years, from twenty to twenty-five depending on the monastery. One may study or one may serve the monastery doing various kinds of work during that time, as is the case with many geshes.
Geshe Tenzin Legtsok (far right) reciting a thesis on the five great treatises during the debate examination. Photo courtesy of Geshe Legtsok.
There are several different ceremonies associated with one receiving the geshe degree. One is a public debate examination during which the geshe candidate recites a text from memory in front of the monks still in the study program, and then answers in response to various debates. The other main ceremony is a “thanks offering” which the new geshe makes to the entire community of monks.
On the day of Geshe Legtsok’s main ceremonies there were two other monks becoming geshes. The three of them together offered breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and they each offered twenty rupees to each monk in the monastery. This is according to the monastery rules in order to keep the expense reasonable. The spirit of the offering is to thank the entire community for the training and support they have provided during the program, and, as Geshe Legtsok explained, “to create roots of merit to bring success in one’s practice and activities serving sentient beings going forward.” One also makes offerings to the smaller communities within the monastery of which one is a member. As a member of Tsawa Khangtsen, Sera Kopan House, Sera IMI House, and Kopan Monastery and Nunnery, Geshe Legtsok made offerings of a meal and monetary offering to each member of those communities as well, which, as Geshe Legtsok explains “was possible due to gifts from many generous friends and family members.”
Geshe Legtsok with his father during the khata offering day following the graduation ceremony.
When asked what the geshe degree means to him personally and professionally, Geshe Legtsok explained:
It’s hard to say what the geshe degree will mean professionally. Helping to make Buddha’s teachings available to others is not something in which you should be seeking fame and career advancement. Had I not received the geshe degree, similar opportunities for teaching and translation would probably still arise. But having the title is a succinct way to reference the training program I’ve completed and denotes an official seal of approval. Personally, the most important thing is to have fulfilled Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s wish that I receive the degree. If Rinpoche had advised me not take the geshe degree then to follow that advice would have been most meaningful. Also, it’s rewarding to know that my other teachers are pleased that I’ve finished the entire program and achieved official recognition of that. My classmates, family, and many others in the Buddhist world have expressed joy that I’ve been awarded this honor. It’s good to bring them a little happiness. Perhaps it also shows others that there is this life path available.
Although in one way completing the geshe program is a culmination of years of study and contemplation, more importantly it is a beginning of the real work to deepen one’s practice through meditation and serving the Dharma and sentient beings. I think that would be the best way to repay the infinite kindness of my spiritual teachers, friends, and family who have provided so much support in reaching this small milestone. If I have a few more years in this precious human rebirth to spend in this way I’ll be most grateful.
The entire FPMT community rejoices at Geshe Legtsok’s achievement and offers him every success imaginable!
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.
FPMT Inc. Board of Directors, Kopan Monastery, June 2023. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.
Video: Meet the FPMT Inc. Board of Directors
Following the 49 day period of Rinpoche’s passing, FPMT Inc. board members took the opportunity while together at Kopan to greet the FPMT community in a video, offering FPMT students a chance to meet each board member, learn a little about their background, and hear them express their commitment to fulfilling Rinpoche’s wishes during this new, transitional time for the organization. It also offers a glimpse into the non-stop activities at Kopan during this period, for those who were unable to attend in person.
We are pleased to share this recent update from the FPMT Inc. Board of Directors:
An Update from the FPMT Inc. Board
Dear Friends,
It has been a little over a month since the last Board Update and so it is definitely time to let you all know what we have been doing. Also, it seems that not everyone in the FPMT organization is aware of who or what the FPMT Inc. Board is, so here follows a short explanation of these two points. More information can be found on the FPMT website.
The ‘we’ here refers to the FPMT, Inc. Board of Directors, which was constituted in March 2021 as selected by Lama Zopa Rinpoche. A notable exception is Ven. Thubten Pemba, who was a Board member many years ago. Some months back Rinpoche indicated that it would be beneficial if Ven. Pemba were to re-join the FPMT Inc. Board of Directors and very recently he was formally requested, and he has agreed, to do so. We are very happy to welcome him back!
Lama Zopa Rinpoche was a member of the Board until his passing in April 2023; now we are six members:
- Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi -abbot of Kopan Monastery,
- Thubten Pemba – co-director of Cham Tse Ling in Hong Kong, he previously served on the FPMT Board for 18 years,
- Roger Kunsang – Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s assistant for 37 years, CEO of FPMT International Office,
- Dale Davis – a long-time student; she worked for INGOs in Nepal from the 1990s,
- Karuna Cayton – serving the FPMT since 1975, professional psychotherapist and executive coach,
- Paula de Wys – chair of the Board, has served the FPMT in various capacities since the 1970’s.
Responsibilities of the FPMT Inc. Board of Directors
During Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche’s lifetime the Board felt responsible to make the vision of both Rinpoche and Lama Thubten Yeshe a reality in this world.
With Rinpoche no longer with us physically, that feeling of responsibility has become even stronger.
According to the statutes of FPMT Inc., with the passing of Lama Zopa Rinpoche the FPMT Inc. board takes on his legal responsibilities. Rinpoche expressed clearly that we also have a moral, or as he put it a ‘mental’, responsibility to help guide the organization and help to fulfill its mission. We take this responsibility and commitment to Rinpoche seriously indeed and will continue to do our utmost to fulfill Rinpoche and Lama’s wishes and put their vision into practice. We know that everyone in FPMT centers, projects, and services has the same motivation.
In our previous message sent to the FPMT community it seems we were unclear on the meaning of a statement made by Rinpoche. We quoted Rinpoche, with reference to the FPMT Inc. Board, saying, “You know what I want. You know what I think.” As was pointed out to us after we distributed the Update, this statement could be misunderstood. Because we did not provide the full context, it could be construed that the Board was claiming that it understood Rinpoche’s holy mind. We apologize if this is how our statement was interpreted. To be clear, Rinpoche’s statement was made in a final meeting where we had been discussing succession plans and the future of the organization. This discussion had been going on for months, if not years. After the Board attempted to get further clarification on the future direction of the organization, Rinpoche said, in order to let us know that we did not need to discuss this any further, that he had expressed his thinking on the topic. Once again, our sincere apologies for any confusion on this matter.
Not One Successor
The question is sometimes asked, “With Rinpoche’s essential role why would he not appoint a successor?”. After years of consideration, Rinpoche expressed many times that he did not want one person to take on the position of his successor, a position built on 40 years’ experience in the organization. However, he ensured that for important matters we could consult with H.H. the Dalai Lama, who has generously offered to assist with counsel and advice. As Rinpoche reflected on the future of the organization he felt a group of esteemed spiritual teachers would be of great value by providing spiritual guidance and advice to the centers and students. While Rinpoche began to speak with a number of teachers, this ‘Advisory council of teachers’ has not yet been formally constituted. We will, of course, let you know when it has been formalized.
Some Recent Activities of the Board
To give you an idea of some of the many things that were worked on during the last weeks, here is a short list of points:
- At the special request of the Board of Kopan Monastery, and on behalf of all FPMT students, we have requested His Holiness the Dalai Lama to please advise if there are further practices for Rinpoche’s swift return. These practices would be in addition to long life prayers written by His Holiness, Jhado Rinpoche, Lelung Tulku, Khadro la and others that are recited by students all over the world.
- We have been working with International Office (IOF) to create a new Resident Geshe and Teachers Committee that will come with recommendations for these important positions. As in the past, the responsibility for finding suitable teachers will continue to be performed by IOF in collaboration with the new committee, which will consist of both Himalayan, non-Himalayan, lay and monastic members whose mutual experience will inform the final decision or recommendation.
- We have also been working on a clear answer as to how new directors will be appointed. Although it was often seen as Rinpoche’s decision, the decision to appoint someone as the director of a center was, and still must be, taken by the local board of that center. IOF guides and advises in this process. Rinpoche was able to check the karmic suitability of the person whose name was submitted to him, but the present Board does not have that expertise. Therefore, what is done at the local level is even more important than before. The name, or names, of candidate(s) are then submitted to IOF – as was always done – and then to the Board. At each level we will check in various ways as to the suitability of the person as a director and we will weigh in on a recommendation. However, the final decision was, and still is, the responsibility of the local board.
- A committee, under the guidance of Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi has been formed to search for the reincarnation of our holy guru Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche. It is still very early to begin to look for Rinpoche’s reincarnation, but not too early to make preparations to do so. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has expressed on several occasions that he will be involved in the process of finding the reincarnation and later in helping to educate the child, for which we are extremely grateful.
Contact, Support
The FPMT is a spiritual organization dedicated to the liberation from suffering of all sentient beings. With Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche as our Spiritual Director there was no doubt about his dedication to others. With Rinpoche no longer with us physically, we are looking at how to express this important aspect of the organization and to find practical ways of supporting students as well as the FPMT centers, projects, services and students spiritually as well as administratively. We will keep you informed as we progress and welcome your ideas and suggestions.
As an organization the FPMT, with its centers, projects, and services, has grown in an amazing – and organic – way during the last 50 years. Our shared challenge now is to keep the organization healthy and to continue to develop and evolve it in accordance with Lama and Rinpoche’s wishes. We hope to hear from you soon, and rest assured that comments and suggestions sent to the Board will be treated as confidential.
All best wishes for every success,
Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi
Ven. Thubten Pemba
Ven. Roger Kunsang
Dale Davis
Karuna Cayton
Paula de Wys
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 about to enter the Jokhang temple in Leh, Ladakh, July 14, 2023. Photo courtesy of the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be offering teachings at Shewatsel Teaching Ground in Leh, Ladakh, India on July 21-23, 2023 at the request of the Ladakh Buddhist Association and the Ladakh Gonpa Association. The events will be broadcast live on the website of the Office of His Holiness, as well as on the Dalai Lama Archive Youtube channel. The teachings are translated live in Chinese, Vietnamese, Hindi, Korean, Japanese, Spanish, German, Russian, Italian, Portuguese, Nepali, Ladakhi, Marathi and Mongolian. Links to the webcasts in various languages can be found on the live webcast page for the teachings.
His Holiness will offer a two-day teaching on Gyalsey Thokme Sangpo’s 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva on July 21-22. On July 23 he will confer the Avalokiteshvara Empowerment followed by a short long life prayer offered to His Holiness offered by the Ladakh Buddhist Association and the Ladakh Gonpa Association.
The events schedule announced by the Office of His Holiness is below; all times shown are Indian Standard Time (IST):
July 21: 8:00am – 9:30am teachings on Gyalsey Thokme Sangpo’s 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva
July 22: 8:00am – 9:30am teachings on Gyalsey Thokme Sangpo’s 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva
July 23: 8:00am – 9:30am Avalokiteshvara Empowerment
We rejoice and hope you will be able to tune in to these wonderful events!
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.
A replica of one of the Twenty-one Tara statues from Rinpoche’s room in Kopan, June 28, 2023, Photo by Venerable Tenzin Tsultrim.
Recently, Amitabha Buddhist Centre (ABC) in Singapore completed an ambitious holy object project advised by Lama Zopa Rinpoche. The project added statues of all the Twenty-one Taras, each standing twenty-four inches high, to the altar in ABC’s beautiful gompa. This was completed in August 2021 and Rinpoche offered a teaching via Zoom during the consecration ceremony in October of that year. This project was recently further enhanced with the completion of an exquisite golden aura adorning each of the statues. ABC Director Tan Hup Cheng shares the story:
The advice to ABC to build the Twenty-one Taras was given by Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche as early as 1995. First, Rinpoche had advised ABC to buy land on which to build a dedicated temple. Secondly, for the main altar, Rinpoche had advised that the central image should be the One-thousand Armed Chenrezig surrounded by the Twenty-one Taras. I wrote down the advice and we designed a graphic of what the altar should look like and showed it to Rinpoche. In this picture, you can see Rinpoche standing next to Lama Osel when he was very young. The central figure of Chenrezig is surrounded by Twenty-one Tara statues together with statues of Shakyamuni Buddha and Lama Tsongkhapa and His Spiritual Sons.
The design of the main altar drawn by Tan Hup Cheng director of ABC Singapore in 2000 based on Rinpoche’s advice.
What was initially an advice given by Rinpoche became the cause for these ideas to develop and finally, be fully actualized. The printout you see here, drawn in 2000, is not far from the reality . As you can see, the marble altar that was a sketch has actually been created. The vision of a One-thousand Arm Chenrezig surrounded by Twenty-one Taras has all been realised. Amazing, amazing, isn’t it, how the words of our guru can be transformed into such a reality?
The altar in the main gompa at ABC Singapore, June 28, 2023, Photo by Venerable Tenzin Tsultrim.
Rinpoche had given the advice that the Tara statues for ABC would be a replica of the Twenty-one Taras in his room at Kopan Monastery, 24-inches high, in full gold, in that style. In 2018, we attempted to approach the artist in Nepal who had made that set of Tara statues, but he had passed away. Through the help of Tencho Lama, a Kopan Monk, another statue maker was found and he made a wax model of the 24-inch Tara statue. This was shown to Rinpoche and met his approval. The statue maker then proceeded to cast the full set of Twenty-one Tara statues. In 2020, the pandemic broke out and the production of the statues was delayed. It was not until August 2021, that the statues were completed and shipped to ABC.
To enhance the display of the statues, the artist Peter Griffin had advised that we should adopt a floating display effect of the statues. He proposed to construct the lotus seats for the Tara statues and filigree auras to enhance the statue. We accepted his proposal and he proceeded to construct the lotus seats. To support the lotus seats we had to make a special engineer-designed metal frame secured to the back wall. The background wall was painted with a special “ultramarine blue,” which gave the gold-colored statues a stunning effect. Electrical wiring was laid during the installation. Peter completed the gilded lotus seats and shipped them to Singapore for the consecration in October 2021. Our precious Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche consecrated the statues by Zoom from Kopan Monastery, as we were still in lockdown. It was not until April 2023 that the twenty-one auras were completed and shipped to Singapore. The gilding and painting of the auras was done at ABC and on June 20, 2023 the auras were fully installed with the help of Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi and the Kopan monks.
Tara statues on their lotus seats with auras, June 28, 2023, Photo by Venerable Tenzin Tsultrim.
During the journey of making the Twenty-one Taras, which took four years, one very important lesson we learned was to have full faith and trust in the guru’s advice. We adopted a “ Just Do It” mindset, and do whatever it takes to fulfill Rinpoche’s wishes. The result of doing so will be astounding, this project is an example of this.
If FPMT centers or study groups plan to set up a Twenty-one Taras altar, they are welcome to contact ABC Director Tan Hup Cheng for advice.
To help ensure the creation of holy objects around the world as advised by Lama Zopa Rinpoche, all are welcome to offer a donation of any amount to the Holy Objects Fund.
You can learn more about Amitabha Buddhist Centre, Singapore: www.fpmtabc.org
His Holiness meeting with Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Dharamsala, India, November 2, 2022. Photo courtesy of the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
On July 6, 2023, the world celebrates His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 88th birthday! We’ve collected several resources for students to use in their celebration of His Holiness and in their ongoing Buddhist study. FPMT International Office wishes His Holiness a very auspicious 88th birthday and sincerely requests His Holiness to live for a very long time and to continue bringing his universal message of compassion to the world.
Great Festival Celebrating His Holiness
Lama Zopa Rinpoche offered extensive advice on prayers and practices to do for His Holiness’s birthday, remarking that by doing these prayers and practices, students also benefit their own Dharma practice. You can find Rinpoche’s collected advice in the booklet How to Do the Great Festival of His Holiness’ Birthday in the Best Possible Way.
Long Life Prayers
The PDF booklet Prayers for the Long Life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Tibet contains prayers for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and for Tibet.
Praises and Requests
“Praises and Requests to His Holiness the Dalai Lama” is a collection of praises of, comments about, and requests for His Holiness by Lama Zopa Rinpoche found in the Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive Online Advice Book.
Online Teachings by His Holiness
Teachings by His Holiness are usually live streamed, and also available for viewing later as video recordings. The DalaiLama.com also has links to live web streams, scheduled events, summaries of events, and more. Look out for the two teaching events coming up in July, at Leh, Ladakh and Dharamsala, India!
During teachings, His Holiness often conducts the ceremony of generating the awakening mind, where he would urge students to meditate on the two types of bodhicittas. His Holiness himself does the meditation everyday, and he strongly encourages his Dharma friends to likewise do, and put effort into. You will find His Holiness’ typical advice on the practice in the FPMT booklet, The All-Encompassing Yoga Mind Meditation, which is a translation of an oral teaching given by His Holiness in June 2021.
Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara) Practice Materials
His Holiness is respectfully held as a manifestation of Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara), the buddha of compassion, by his disciples. At their request, His Holiness had composed these two Chenrezig guru yogas centering on the inseparability of the guru and Chenrezig:
- The Source of All Attainments: The Yoga of the Inseparability of the Guru and Avalokiteshvara – which incorporates the seven-limb practice and requests for blessings from the guru-deity for one to accomplish the path.
- Staircase to Potala Pure Land Guru Yoga – A Practice of Avalokiteśvara – a short Chenrezig guru yoga that references the Compassion Buddha’s pure land, was composed by His Holiness for our ease of practice.
Additional prayers to Chenrezig recommended by Lama Zopa Rinpoche can be found under Chenrezig Practices and Mantras, including the following:
- Request to the Supreme Compassionate One – a request prayer to Chenrezig that Lama Zopa Rinpoche recommended as inspiring and effective. “[This is] a very good prayer, in which you are expressing your mistakes,” Rinpoche explains. “You are trying to practice Dharma with your body, speech, and mind, but when you check, in reality, nothing has become Dharma. Nothing has become pure Dharma because your motivation has always been the eight worldly concerns.” This practice helps you to receive Chenrezig’s guidance, generate compassion for others, and purify heavy negative karma.
To further explore the practice of Chenrezig, visit the FPMT website for more information and materials.
Special Announcement: Today we received the news that His Holiness will visit the Main Tibetan Temple for his 88th birthday celebration on July 6 from around 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. where he will give some remarks to the public and view a few cultural presentations before returning to his residence.
Please read a recent statement from FPMT in support of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
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