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Lama Zopa Rinpoche News and Advice
Lama Zopa Rinpoche preparing for Amitabha long life initiation at Gyalwa Gyatso Buddhist Center, Campbell, California, October 13, 2013. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.
Gyalwa Gyatso Buddhist Center in Campbell, California, hosted Lama Zopa Rinpoche who gave teachings and Amitabha long life initiation on Sunday, October 13. The preliminary teachings were streamed live over the internet from Gyalwa Gyatso. The video of the teachings can still be watched online for four more weeks.
Learn more about Lama Zopa Rinpoche, spiritual director of the Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), and Rinpoche’s vision for a better world. Sign up to receive news and updates.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche with Tenzin Ösel Hita, Kachoe Dechen Ling, Aptos, California, October 7, 2013. Photos by Ven. Roger Kunsang.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s home in California is Kachoe Dechen Ling in Aptos. While he’s staying there, Rinpoche has many visitors. Tenzin Ösel Hita, who is studying at a nearby college, visited Rinpoche recently and the two of them kicked around a soccer ball. Rinpoche’s assistant Ven. Roger Kunsang commented, “It’s exercise time with the soccer ball … you have to be creative to get Rinpoche to exercise!”
Tenzin Ösel Hita and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, kicking the soccer ball for exercise, Kachoe Dechen Ling, October 7, 2013
Ven. Roger shared some more photos of a just a few of the people that Rinpoche has been seeing at his home in Aptos, California.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Dagri Rinpoche at lunch, Kachoe Dechen Ling, Aptos, California, US, September 24, 2013
Dagri Rinpoche gave Lama Chöpa commentary September 27-October 6 at Land of Medicine Buddha in nearby Soquel, California. During his time in California, he saw Lama Zopa Rinpoche often.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche with Dr. Don Brown and Dr. Robbie Watkins, director of Kadampa Center in North Carolina, US, Kachoe Dechen Ling, October 5, 2013
Lama Zopa Rinpoche with Dunia Cárcamo Pérez, director of Khamlungpa Center in Zapopan, Mexico, Kachoe Dechen Ling, October 2, 2013
Lama Zopa Rinopche checks out Tenzin Ösel Hita’s new car, Aptos, California, US, October 7, 2013. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.
Tenzin Ösel Hita recently visited Lama Zopa Ripoche to show Rinpoche his new car. This autumn, Tenzin Ösel moved to California to continue his studies and needed a car to get to class. Rinpoche and many others helped sponsor the car for Ösel.
When Rinpoche came to see the vehicle, he had several Namgyälma mantra decals ready to put on it. Once the decals were in place, Rinpoche pretended to take the car for a test drive. (In actuality, Rinpoche doesn’t drive.)
About the photos, Rinpoche’s assistant Ven. Roger Kunsang said, “Rinpoche getting the feel of the car … for the first time this life. Rinpoche said he would never drive this life … if he did … the next life would come very quickly!”
Lama Zopa Rinpoche pretends to drive Tenzin Ösel Hita’s new car, Aptos, California, US, October 7, 2013. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.
Mandala brings you news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings and events from over 160 FPMT centers, projects and services around the globe. If you like what you read on Mandala, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche doing Dzambala offering before lunch at Kachoe Dechen Ling, Aptos, California, US, October 4, 2013. Photos by Ven. Roger Kunsang.
When FPMT spiritual director Lama Zopa Rinpoche is in California, he lives at Kachoe Dechen Ling in Aptos on California’s central coast near Santa Cruz. Life at Kachoe Dechen Ling is very busy for Rinpoche and the resident Sangha who live there. Rinpoche’s assistant Ven. Roger Kunsang captures in photos some of the activity going on at Kachoe Dechen Ling over the past few weeks.
Vens. Sangpo, Sherab and Tsering rolling mantras and filling the statues offered to Rinpoche at the long life puja, Kachoe Dechen Ling, October 5, 2013
Sangha making dinner for Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Dagri Rinpoche, Kachoe Dechen Ling, October 4, 2013
Lama Zopa Rinpoche wishing everyone “Big Love!” Kachoe Dechen Ling, September 24, 2013
Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Vens. Pemba, Sherab and Tsering doing puja at Kachoe Dechen Ling, September 22, 2013
Lama Zopa Rinpoche with Ven. Tsering late at night circumambulating the stupas in front Kachoe Dechen Ling, September 14, 2013
Lama Zopa Rinpoche sorting through his texts, Kachoe Dechen Ling, September 13, 2013. “All these we carry in four big heavy suit cases everywhere we go!” Ven. Roger said about the texts.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche after arriving back in California from Mongolia, September 13, 2013
Mandala brings you news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings and events from over 160 FPMT centers, projects and services around the globe. If you like what you read on Mandala, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.
Long life puja for Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Land of Medicine Buddha, California, US, September 29, 2013. Photo by Chris Majors.
Photographer Chris Majors captured in vivid and glorious detail the long life puja offered to FPMT spiritual director Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Land of Medicine Buddha in California. You can see all of his photos from the festive and beautiful day on Chris’ Flickr page.
Dakini dance at long life puja, Land of Medicine Buddha, California, US, September 29, 2013. Photo by Chris Majors.
The long life puja, held on Sunday, September 29, 2013, included the special dance of the five dakinis in accordance with advice given by Khadro-la (Rangjung Neljorma Khadro Namsel Drönme) for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s health and long life.
Tenzin Ösel Hita (in gold) greets Dagri Rinpoche while Yangsi Rinpoche and Geshe Ngawang Dakpa look on, Land of Medicine Buddha, California, US, September 29, 2013. Photo by Chris Majors.
Dagri Rinpoche, Yangsi Rinpoche, Geshe Ngawang Dakpa as well as Tenzin Ösel Hita all attended the puja, which was offered by FPMT Inc. Board of Directors and FPMT North America with logistical support from local FPMT centers and projects. Tenzin Ösel is the recognized reincarnation of FPMT founder Lama Yeshe. For the puja, he composed and read praises for Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
Tendil Nyersel prayer flags at Land of Medicine Buddha, California. Photo by Chris Majors.
In addition to hosting the long life puja, Land of Medicine Buddha hung dozens of Tendil Nyersel prayer flags. FPMT centers, projects and services are encouraged to continue to do the practices for Lama Zopa Rinpoche as advised by Khadro-la, which include hanging the Tendil Nyersel prayer flags as well as reciting Most Secret Hayagriva mantra and organizing animal liberations. More information is available on the page “Rinpoche’s Health – Official Updates and Practices.”
If you’ve hung Tendil Nyersel flags at your center, send your pictures to Mandala!
Mandala brings you news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings and events from over 160 FPMT centers, projects and services around the globe. If you like what you read on Mandala, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.
From left: Dagri Rinpoche, Yangsi Rinpoche and Lama Zopa Rinpoche listening to Geshe Ngawang Dakpa, Land of Medicine Buddha, California, US, September 29, 2013. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche was joined by Dagri Rinpoche, Yangsi Rinpoche and Geshe Ngawang Dakpa for the lunch offered after the long life puja for Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Land of Medicine Buddha in California, US, on Sunday, September 29, 2013.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche continues his stay in California. Dagri Rinpoche was teaching a course at Land of Medicine Buddha. Yangsi Rinpoche, president of Maitripa College in Portland, Oregon, flew to California to attend the puja. Geshe Dakpa is the resident teacher at Tse Chen Ling in nearby San Francisco.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche visiting H.E. Choden Rinpoche, San Jose, California, September 30, 2013. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.
During late September, both Lama Zopa Rinpoche and His Eminence Choden Rinpoche were in the Bay Area of California. Lama Zopa Rinpoche visited with His Eminence on September 30 in San Jose.
Mandala brings you news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings and events from over 160 FPMT centers, projects and services around the globe. If you have news you would like to share, please let us know.
Rinpoche pointing out to Dagri Rinpoche where Lama Yeshe lived. Rinpoche’s house is “by chance” only a few miles away. “It wasn’t planned, it just happened like that!” Aptos, California, September 28, 2013. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche has been in the United States for the last three weeks, staying at Kachoe Dechen Ling, his home in Aptos on California’s central coast. On September 28, Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Dagri Rinpoche, who was in California offering teachings at Land of Medicine Buddha, went out on a local pier to bless all the sentient beings in the ocean.
While in California, Lama Zopa Rinpoche regularly goes to the ocean with specially made Namgyälma mantra boards that are lowered into the water to bless all the beings. You can read more about the Namgyälma mantra and blessing the animals in the ocean on Mandala.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche holding ropes attached to mantra boards blessing beings in the ocean, Aptos, California, September 14, 2013. Photo by Ven. Thubten Kunsang.
If you like what you read on Mandala, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.
Tenzin Ösel Hita greeting Lama Zopa Rinpoche with Ven. Pemba Sherpa in the background, Land of Medicine Buddha, California, September 21, 2013. Photo by Chris Majors.
Read to FPMT spiritual director Lama Zopa Rinpoche by Tenzin Ösel Hita, the recognized reincarnation of FPMT founder Lama Yeshe, during the long life puja for Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Land of Medicine Buddha, Soquel, California, USA, on September 29, 2013.
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.
—
Video of Tenzin Ösel Offering Praise to Lama Zopa Rinpoche
The long life puja for Lama Zopa Rinpoche was offered by FPMT Inc. Board of Directors and FPMT North America with logistical support from local FPMT centers and projects. The long life puja included the dance of the five dakinis in accordance with advice given by Khadro-la (Rangjung Neljorma Khadro Namsel Drönme) for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s health and long life.
Photos from Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s visit to Land of Medicine Buddha can be found on photographer Chris Majors’ Flickr page.
Mandala brings you news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings and events from over 160 FPMT centers, projects and services around the globe. If you have news you would like to share, please let us know.
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.”
Lama Zopa Rinpoche has been commenting very specifically this year about the need for FPMT students to actualize the lam-rim teachings and achieve realizations. Rinpoche’s main wishes are to organize a special group of lam-rim retreatants and to encourage others to follow a year-long lam-rim meditation schedule:
”Now what is needed are people who will sacrifice their lives, as they did in India, Tibet and Nepal, not just to study the Dharma like at a college or university, but to actualize the teachings in a monastery or isolated place. In Tibet, the mountains were full of caves like ants’ nests, where people would go to practice without distraction This is how Buddhism really comes alive – when it is not just words, not just scholars, but really living Buddhism. When study and realization come together, Buddhism will really last. Wow, then like an ocean in the heart and the mind, it will spread and be preserved. Otherwise, if it is just like learning in a college, it won’t last long. That’s like throwing tsampa on water: It stays on top and doesn’t sink – it is shallow. For Buddhism to really be preserved in the West as it was in Tibet and India, we need people who will sacrifice their lives to completely actualize in the heart what was explained by the Buddha We need to realize all of this in our hearts in the West.”
One of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Vast Visions for FPMT is for some FPMT centers to display huge thangkas and host festival days.
The beautiful appliquéd thangka of Guru Rinpoche. The thangka will be displayed during 1,000 Padmasambhava tsog offerings in India and Nepal and during special occasions.
A close up of Guru Rinpoche as depicted in this large thangka.
In 2011 Lama Zopa Rinpoche through the Lama Zopa Rinpoche Bodhichitta Fund commissioned a 55 ft x 40 ft high stitched appliquéd thangka of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). The thangka will be displayed during 1,000 Padmasambhava tsog offerings in India and Nepal and during special occasions.The total cost of the thangka was US$75,000 and was fully sponsored by an incredibly kind benefactor.
In the middle of the thangka is the Padmasambhava merit field. The right side has eight aspects of Padmasambhava and the left side displays Padmasambhava’s pure land.
In 2012 Rinpoche went to see the progress of the thangka which was quite incredible.
It was blessed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the Jangchup Lamrim 2013 teachings.
The following advice was given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche regarding specifics for this Vast Vision:
“I would like for there to be many thousands of offerings in front of the thangkas as well as offering banners. People could sit facing the thangka, or sit like they would in a puja. Extensive offerings can be set up and practices such as offering bath, prostrations, extensive offering practice etc. Students can recite the Seven Limb Prayer and offer a puja.
The beautiful appliquéd thangka of Guru Rinpoche.
“During the festival day in the beginning the centers could give some introduction to Buddhism, then also to lead a deity puja (according to what thangka is being displayed). Then people can offer music, dances, etc., to the thangka (and also for everyone to enjoy). In this way many people make a connection to the deity and connect to Dharma. Also many people who would not normally come to the centers will come: people with children, the elderly, neighbors.
“The idea is for many people to offer music to the Buddha, offer dancing, offer singing, etc. The main thing is making the offering to Buddha. By offering to Buddha then it is something so meaningful, instead of just entertainment.
“The centers can have a large umbrella above the thangka (yellow or orange color cloth). Also can have a procession up to the place where the thangka is displayed.
“The center could advertise the festival day widely and invite people outside the center.
“My wish is for the big centers in FPMT to have these large thangkas. This is a way to leave imprints for all these people [who see them], for enlightenment.
“Then also to have tea, food, a little bit like a party. Can be a buffet, but to offer delicious food. Then people always remember that and for sure they will come next time. They will ask, ‘When will it happen again?’
“The festival days can be within the first day or Losar or the 15th day of Losar (Day of Miracles). On that day the merit is multiplied, so therefore every offering and practice you do, any virtue you do, increases one hundred million times. So if the festival is done on one of those days.
“Other ideas: people can do three circumambulations around the thangka, centers could organize to have a horse carriage so that children can go around the thangka in a horse carriage. Then the horse also collects merit. Any animal that comes on that day makes their life meaningful. Children can go around on the horse carriage and all the people that can’t walk, they can still go around too.
“This tradition comes from Tibet, where they would display a very, very large thangka on a mountainside, or on the wall once a year.