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News About Ösel
Occasionally Ösel shares his thoughts and experiences on his Facebook page. In this update, he pleads with us to shift our minds from oriented toward gaining wealth, self enjoyment and power, toward taking care of the earth and its inhabitants.
Tenzin Ösel Hita. September 2013, Land of Medicine Buddha, California, USA. Photo by Ven. Thubten Kunsang.
Today I woke up with a very strong feeling in my being. I felt that Mother Earth is suffering immensely and whatever we are doing every day, if it is not to help Earth get better, there won’t be a planet for us to live in 50 years from now. If these atrocities keep happening then we have no possibility of life, of practicing loving-kindness or Dharma. But worst of all, the opportunity for all the sentient beings who will be born in the future on this planet will become null.
The strong karma we are creating by egoistically focusing on wealth, self enjoyment, and power is keeping alive the ignorance in our beings. This karma is creating a vortex of energy which is drowning Planet Earth and everyone else. The planets may look lifeless from our perspective, but this is just like the perspective that bacteria and ameba have of our individual self. We are composed by millions of living organisms. They don’t understand what we are going through, but they are affected by our emotions and experiences even though they don’t know why or have the capacity to understand.
The main reason why I’m talking about this is because I saw it so clearly this morning. The doctor prescribed me a double dose of the strongest antibiotics due to an infection that suddenly appeared on my leg for no particular reason. After a week it kept growing, no clear cause of why it started, it just popped out by itself. Even with antibiotic cream it kept getting worse. The doctor said it is very dangerous if the infection gets into my bloodstream.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche with Ösel. October, 2013, Aptos, California. Photo by Ven. Thubten Kunsang.
So I’ve been taking antibiotics for two days now and last night i had the two pills on an empty stomach. This morning i was so dizzy and weak, I couldn’t stand up. I felt that my little infection is so small compared to what happens every day on this planet just because people are chasing continuously after wealth, power and self-enjoyment. This is the direct cause of so much suffering everywhere, and I believe very strongly that each of us can make a huge difference if we just try to be more conscious of our actions and our thoughts. Personally i am thinking of studying permaculture and starting work for the planet. To sleep near the earth and be far from all these distractions and chaos created by society. It doesn’t make sense to burn down your own home while you are in the office struggling with what society expects of you. The true richness is inside of us, the true wealth is inside of us, the real understanding of what our potential is. We are not here to make money and pollute the planet, we are here to evolve and help the planet improve. Each individual has the power to do this, and it is our job to make this a reality. Already there are many people involved in this movement, and I really want to help this energy flower everywhere.
Thank you for participating and please keep up the good work.
Take care and Big love. osel
On September 29, 2013, Tenzin Ösel Hita read the following words of praise to Lama Zopa Rinpche during a long life puja offered to Rinpoche at Land of Medicine Buddha, Soquel, California, USA.
Video of Tenzin Ösel Hita Offering Praise to Lama Zopa Rinpoche
Tenzin Ösel Hita’s Praise to Lama Zopa Rinpoche
Dearest spiritual friend and guide, Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche, you are so precious to us in so many different aspects. From so many angles in life, do you benefit us constantly with no break, no rest, no sleep.
Dear Lama Zopa-la, we are so grateful for your presence in this planet. We are so lucky to be able to share this space and time with you.
Since the beginning, you have dedicated your life fully to improving peoples’ spiritual lives, even though I’m sure you would love to spend many years in a Lawudo cave deep in meditation. Thank you so much for choosing to stay with us and guide us towards our inner potential.
We know how each and every action you do is dedicated to helping sentient beings – every thought, every breath; every sip of water you take is dedicated to sentient beings. We are so lucky to have you in our midst. You inspire us to be better people, and your presence gives us motivation to follow your example. You are constantly helping so many sentient beings from so many different dimensions. It is amazing to see your work in this world.
Please stay with us for as long as it takes all sentient beings to reach enlightenment. We are willing to follow your advice and work hard to accomplish your dreams, which, of course, are always focused on benefiting in the greatest way, in this life and the next.
We all thank you so much from the depth of our hearts; we wish you success in all of your vast visions present and future.
Lama Zopa-la please live a long life. And rest a bit when you can.
Thank you for guiding us relentlessly – without rest, without tiring.
Thank you for helping us purify, for sparking interest into investigating our own egos and ignorance.
Thank you for making us see how mistaken we are.
Please continue helping sentient beings, and live a long life, with no obstacles.
Thank you, Rinpoche, for your kindness and dedication.
We love you Lama Zopa-la.
Thank you so much.
Ösel (right) with his teacher Geshe Gendun Chompel (middle), and his partner, Mai (left).
The Lama Zopa Rinpoche Bodhichitta Fund recently offered US$14,463 for the roof repair of Tenzin Ösel Hita’s teacher, Geshe Gendun Chompel. Ösel requested that Lama Zopa Rinpoche help in this way because the roof was very old and extremely hot in the Summer, making it very difficult for anyone to remain inside.
Ösel is still taking teachings from Geshe Gendun Chompel, and said this about those teachings in 2013, “It is so wonderful to hear the Dharma in such simple and clear terms, while clearing so many doubts I’ve had during a long time of my life. Understanding the teachings without having to clarify with anybody but myself. I’m so grateful for the understanding and help I have received. Thank you for the time to find myself, thank you for the patience and dedication, dearest Gen-la. You are like my Father and Mother, and will always be in my heart.”
H
A short video clip was captured of this moving mandala offering.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche, who was unable to be in Portland, sent His Holiness a letter and a video offering.
Ösel also gave a talk to participants of the North American Regional Meeting which was taking place at Maitripa College during the same weekend.
Please enjoy Tenzin Ösel Hita speaking to participants of the annual lam-rim course at Kopan Monastery in November-December 2012.
“Lam-rim is the basis of Dharma. If you can get a good understand of lam-rim then you have enough for your whole life time. That is why this November course is very important. It is historical. Keep that in mind and try not to get stressed. Keep a light-hearted, light mind.”- Tenzin Ösel Hita, Kopan Monastery, November Course 2012.
Tenzin Ösel Hita in Kopan Monastery, Part 1: Life Story
Tenzin Ösel Hita in Kopan Monastery, Part 2: Relationships
Dear Family,
Please keep your focus as much as you can in your everyday life; every moment we have, every aspect of life is essential for our evolution. Keep the joy in your heart and spread the positive vibes. Point your path to awakening this child in each and every one of us.
Thank you very much and take care everyone.
Big love,
Ösel
You may read the entire 2012 FPMT Annual Review in eZine or PDF format online.
These days I’m at Sera Monastery studying with my dear Gen-la (Teacher) Geshe Gendun Choephel. It is so wonderful to hear the Dharma in such simple and clear terms, while clearing so many doubts I’ve had during a long time of my life. Understanding the teachings without having to clarify with anybody but myself. It has been 10 magical days here, and another week to go! I’m so grateful for the understanding and help I have received.
Thank you for the time to find myself, thank you for the patience and dedication, dearest Gen-la. You are like my Father and Mother, and will always be in my heart.
Estos dias estoy en el Monasterio de Sera estudiando con mi querido Genla (Maestro) Genshe Gendun Choephel. Está siendo maravilloso escuchar el Dharma en unos términos tan simples y comprensibles, mientras se me aclaran muchas dudas que he tenido durante mucho tiempo de mi vida. Entendiendo las enseñanzas sin tener que clarificar con nadie mas que mi mismo.
Han sido 10 dias mágicos aquí, ¡¡Y me queda otra semana todavía!! Estoy tan agradecido por la comprension y ayuda que he recibido.
Gracias por el tiempo para encontrarme a mi mismo, gracias por la paciencia y dedicación queridísimo Genla. Eres como mi Padre y Madre, y siempre estas en mi corazón.
Occasionally Ösel shares his thoughts and experiences on his Facebook page. In this update, he gives us a some wisdom to consider in the face of the changing year.
Give yourself time and space, think less, breathe deeply, feel your body, sense our vibration, and be your true self who is inside of you and always aware.
Enjoy the elevation of consciousness, the alignment of the planets is a special occasion, and a time for celebrating, rejoicing and enforcing our moral code/conduct. Even though this is an amazing time for all of us, we should treat every moment like that. In this way, we can achieve a continuous flow of wellbeing in our existence.
Enjoy the next three days, and if some disaster does happen in some part of the world, let us pray for their wellbeing in this and many lives.
Let us together be attuned with a higher level of frequency in relation to all the positive emotions and energies; in such a way that it affects the whole collective memory of the entire planet. Take care and be love, family.
Onelove
Occasionally Ösel shares his thoughts and experiences on his Facebook page. In this update, he gives us a potent reminder about how special each day is.
Today is such an amazng day because it is 12-12-12! But apart from that, it is still an amazing day! Why? Because we’re alive! Just like every day! If we meditate every day like today, then every day is amazing!
So don’t wait for a special date, just being the self is enough to call it a special day. Big love, Family! Wish you all the best, don’t worry, be happy and love every moment, because it is magic!
Hoy es un dia increíble! Porque es el 12-12-12! Pero aparte de eso, aun así es un día increíble!! Porque estamos vivos! como cada día!! Si meditamos cada día como hoy, entonces cada día es maravilloso!
Así que no espereis para una fecha especial, solo siendo el Ser, es suficiente para llamarlo un día especial. Grande amor familia!! Deseando a todos lo mejor, no os preocupéis, sed felices y amad cada momento, porque es magia!
A new film by Osel Hita and Matteo Passigato, Being Your True Nature, will be available for viewing on December 8, 2012. Filmed in France in August 2011, Being Your True Nature introduces a new form of education, Universal Education, that enables people of all ages, cultures and traditions to lead a happy and meaningful life and be of service to others.If you are interested in supporting this project, you can find out how here.
November 2012
Dear Family,
First of all I would like to say hello to everybody working so hard every day for the benefit of sentient beings through the organization of FPMT. I understand that many of you have extra jobs in order to maintain your family and basic needs in life. Also many of you work as volunteers part time, apart from all the other work you have to cope with. It is very hard, and inspiring. I truly admire every one and each of you for all the effort, dedication and consistency that keeps the organization going.
Around a month ago, I attended an FPMT board meeting in California. This is the fourth Board meeting I have attended in the last three or four years. Each time of participation, I gain a deeper insight and understanding of the incredible scope of activity that FPMT is undertaking around the world every day.
In the last few days I have had the privilege to attend the highly professional and inspiring FDCW (Foundation for the Development of Compassion and Wisdom) meeting in Kuala Lumpur. FDCW’s mission is to help children, youth and adults of all cultures and traditions to develop their innate capacity to be kind and wise, and contribute to peace in the world.
As I learn more about FPMT from these perspectives, my respect, and profound appreciation for Lama Zopa Rinpoche and the whole community grows exponentially.
What has taken place since Lama Yeshe’s passing in 1984 in my view is completely miraculous and inspiring.
I have nothing but the greatest admiration and gratitude for everyone that has taken part in this wonderful and positive development.
It will take me some time to really grasp everything that Rinpoche accomplishes with the tireless support of Venerable Roger who works to handle all the tasks 24/7/365 days a year every year supported by Venerable Holly, and the amazing International Office staff.
Most people cannot possibly realize the myriad activities IOF undertakes in support of Lama Zopa Rinpoche. IOF develops multi language education programs, practices, and prayers, translates sutras, trains translators, finds Geshes and western teachers, and develops policies and guidelines based on 40 years of experience. IOF helps Rinpoche guide international projects, like the Amdo Eye Hospital in Tibet, the building of statues and stupas. IOF manages Sera Je Food Fund, supports young tulkus, and the expenses of 650 monks for the annual Gelug Exams. IOF manages the Lama Tsongkhapa Teacher Fund assisting 110 main teachers, and providing allowances for Abbots and ex Abbots. IOF publishes Mandala magazine and newsletter updates on FPMT global activities.
The list goes on and on and the above is just a small taste of the way IOF closely follows Rinpoche and supports Rinpoche’s every wish as much as possible.
My admiration for, and thanks to them have no bounds.
Similarly I thank most deeply and sincerely all the directors, the board and committee members, the volunteers, and everyone who helps past, present, and future, in all the centers and projects – activities as diverse as teaching and organizing teachings, leading retreats, providing hospice care, preparing educational materials, archiving, providing
monastic education, secular universal education, publishing, translation, media and communications, and the solid governance, finance, and administration that such a global scale demands.
I have already been able to visit many centers and recently was able to participate in the European Regional FPMT meeting. My intention is to keep on doing so. I hope to spend as much time as possible with Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Venerable Roger, as well as deepening my traditional philosophical studies, and learning more about media communications and finance.
Whilst the positive aspect of what has been achieved in 30 years is overwhelming, there are some areas that I find concerning. I have mentioned before the importance of recognizing, appreciating, and showing respect and concern for everyone who has made today’s success possible. Again I would like to stress that in my view every center and project should clearly display the names of everyone who has carried the load in some way whether it be as a director, manager, cook, gardener, or some other position, a donor, or volunteer. These people are the real Foundation and truly the “F” in FPMT.
While our goal is to benefit as many living beings as possible, and while the scope of that is so vast, we must not allow that to blind us to our immediate responsibility of showing appreciation, kindness, and concern for each other and each other’s welfare within our own community. Unfortunately sometimes our rapid growth has caused a number of situations where we haven’t measured up in this respect.
It is my intention to make sure that in the next phase of FPMTs growth we focus on looking after each other. Some of our teachers and students who pioneered the early days of our development are now in their 60s and 70s. While one of our priorities is education for the youth of our world today, as our organization matures, we also have to take care of those who have contributed so much and who are now reaching the stage where they require care and consideration.
For a long time I have also been concerned that so far the organization has relied almost exclusively on donations. The generosity that has been responsible for where we are today is mind blowing and beyond words. Without it FPMT would not be what it is today. However I feel strongly that for the long-term ever expanding development that must take place, we have to think strategically about also generating additional sources of income through business and other commercial activity. This can also provide jobs and employment opportunities so people can earn a living and still have time for practice and study.
I believe it is possible to develop a business model on a positive and moral basis that ensures that business to benefit all parties – owners, management, staff, customers, and the wider community.
I have been spending a lot of time thinking about how to do this and I am trying in my way to explore a number of possibilities along these lines. Like creating Eco lodges where there is available very healthy vegetarian food, Eco friendly and organic grown vegetables, yoga and non-religious courses and meditation, for people outside our community, as a window of introduction to Buddhism. It is essential to have a healthy body in order to fully practice dharma. So we would make that opportunity available, and in exchange have a solid income to support the centers. It is now becoming very fashionable today, to eat healthy organic foods, spend time in nature, and exploring inside oneself through yoga and meditation.
When we are involved day-to-day work with all the difficulties and challenges we face, it is hard to step back and see the big picture and take pride in what we have achieved together. Attending Board meetings and the European Regional meeting has given me the luxury of beginning to see what an incredible job Lama Zopa Rinpoche has done. This in turn is based on the perfect inspiration His Holiness the Dalai Lama provides everybody, which helps us to learn about the true nature in each and every one of us.
The lineage from which we draw our understanding and inspiration is unsurpassable. The real scope of Mahayana in the widest sense is so vast and really can bring such benefit that the potential is almost incomprehensible. That gives us an equally huge responsibility to execute this task to the absolute best of our ability.
Within our FPMT community there is a vast pool of talent and skills that is equal to this task. We have to find better ways to draw more on the expertise that is available, to focus it where it can do the greatest good.
We have to approach this task practically continuously, untiringly and yet from time to time we must pause to measure the way in which we act to ensure that we don’t leave anyone behind.
I really look forward to meeting everyone as my travels allow, and I am really looking forward to the next Board meeting and another chance to learn and hopefully in a small way input into the plans for the next 30 years of our development.
Sorry if this became long – my main point is to thank everybody so much from the bottom of my heart.
Thank you so very much everyone!!
Take care, and keep up the good work!!
Big love
Osel
“Satisfaction and Challening Your Limits” Video Part 1