Support Offered to the Family of Dromo Rinpoche

Lama Zopa Rinpoche with the family of Dromo Rinpoche.

April 2013: The Lama Zopa Rinpoche Bodhichitta Fund is offering a small amount of annual monetary support to the family of the incarnation of Dromo Geshe Rinpoche who are very much in need of basic needs and support.  Rinpoche met with the family recently while in South India and offered to help. The young Dromo Rinpoche is now studying Drati Khangtsen at Sera Je Monastery.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama with Dromo Rinpoche, 2013.

US$30,000 Offered to Central School for Tibetans Kitchen

Students of Central School for Tibetans.April 2013: Lama Zopa Rinpoche and the Lama Zopa Rinpoche Bodhichitta Fund recently donated US$30,000 for the complete renovation of a school kitchen at the Central School for Tibetans in Bylakuppe in South India.

The school was established in 1971 and caters to children of nearby Tibetan settlements. The school has 350 students and 32 teaching and non-teaching staff.  Over the years the The kitchen in desperate need of renovation. school has constantly achieved good academics. Besides emphasizing excellence in its academic program, the school stresses equal importance on the all around development of the students. Activities such as sports, literary activities, music, dance, and more are offered. 

The school also emphasizes the preservation and promotion of Tibetan culture and positive values among the students through a series of initiatives including inviting eminent speakers and participating in various functions and festivals in the settlement. In 2010 His Holiness the Dalai Lama met with the children from this and other Tibetan schools in the area.

100,000 Guru Rinpoche Tsog Sponsored

Dakinis making offerings during 100,000 Guru Rinpoche Tsog.This is the second year that the Lama Zopa Rinpoche Bodhichitta Fund partially sponsored a very successful 100,000 Guru Rinpoche Tsog offering puja that was held in Switzerland. US$28326.91 was offered toward this puja.

We received this message from organizers about the amazing event:

Two  participants of 100,000 Guru Rinpoche Tsog.“The puja was graced by the presence of His Eminence Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche and ritual masters from Namgyal Monastery, khenpos, geshes, lamas, monks from all the schools of Tibetan Buddhism, representatives of His Holiness The Dalai Lama in Switzerland, the President and Vice President of the Tibetan Community in Switzerland, the President of the Tibetan Women’s Association and over 130 Tibetans and Western Dharma practitioners.

"The puja took five days and it also provided a platform for theyounger Presiding Lama at 100,000 Guru Rinpoche Tsog.generation of Tibetans to experience an aspect of our rich ancient culture and tradition.

"What a blessing, what an honor and what a joy it was to have all these great masters and practitioners come together with single pointed devotion and aspiration for the long life of His Holiness The Dalai Lama and for world peace.

Food offered to participants in the 100,000 Guru Rinpoche Tsog

"At this moment, we would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude and thank you for your kind generosity and support toward the successful accomplishment of this grand prayer in the beginning, middle and end. Without your help this would not have been possible.

"We pray through the acquired root of virtue: may the precious doctrine of Lord Buddha flourish far and wide throughout the world. May His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Avalokiteshvara in person, your Eminence and all the other lineage holders' lotus feet remain stable and may all of your holy wishes be spontaneously fulfilled.

"May peace prevail in the world, may the cause of Tibet be actualized through the policy of middle path that is mutually beneficial for both Tibet and China and may Tibetans living inside and out of Tibet reunite and all enjoy the new glory of perfection. May the Rigzin Dungdrub (Maha Guru Boomtsok) spread all over the world, bringing benefit to all sentient beings."

US$39,302 Offered To Gaden Jangtse Samlo Khangtsen

Lama Zopa Rinpoche blessing the new gompa of Gaden Jangtse Samlo Khangtsen, January 2013.April 2013: Lama Zopa Rinpoche and the Lama Zopa Rinpoche Bodhichitta Fund offered US$39,302 to Gaden Jangtse Samlo Khangtsen: US$30,077 was for a new roof and US$9,225 went toward a new altar.

US$65,187 Offered to the FPMT Puja Fund

Long life puja offered to Lama Zopa Rinpoche in Taiwan, March 2013April 2013: Lama Zopa Rinpoche and the Lama Zopa Rinpoche Bodhichitta Fund offered US$65,187 to the FPMT Puja Fund, which sponsors ongoing pujas at the great monasteries in India and Nepal, with over 9,000 Sangha participating. All the pujas are dedicated for the  long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and to the success of all the FPMT centers, projects, students, benefactors and those serving the organization in any way. Some of this offering was accumulated from what was offered to Rinpoche at the recent long life pujas in Singapore and Taiwan.

Long life puja offered to Lama Zopa Rinpoche in Singapore, March 2013Through the sponsorship of ongoing pujas, creating merit through the practices, as well as making offerings to the more than 9,000 sangha who participate in the pujas, the FPMT Puja Fund is very important to the success and removal of obstacles to the whole organization.

US$15,720 Offered to Food Fund for 35 Students at Ngari Institute in Ladakh

Ngari Institute of Buddhist Dialectics in Ladakh, India. April 2013: The Lama Zopa Rinpoche Bodhichitta Fund was very happy to be able to offer US$15,720 for food offered in 2013 to 35 students studying at Ngari Institute of Buddhist Dialectics in Ladakh, India.

Ngari Institute of Buddhist Dialectics in the Himalayan Kingdom of Ladakh in a small village called Saboo. The campus is spread over 20 hectares of deserted land which eventually will be turned into an oasis of learning.

Students of Ngari Institute of Buddhist Dialectics enjoying food offering. The main aim of this organization is to empower and enrich the poor and needy remote area students by imparting a combined learning of both modern scientific knowledge and ancient Buddhist wisdom. It was founded by the Ladakh alumni of Sera Jey Monastery in South India. In 2007 Geshe Lharampa Tsewang Dorje was invited to take full responsibility for this project.

Geshe Tsewang Dorje eagerly accepted and began to gather resources needed to start the construction of hostels for girls and boys, a library, and the primary classroom building. Classes are now in session.

Students of Ngari Institute of Buddhist Dialectics in Ladakh, India.

In 2010 Geshe Tsewang Dorje appointed a group to search out children who would otherwise miss educational opportunities, especially orphans and extremely poor children in the remote area, which runs between Tibet and Ladakh. These children will now be able to receive a modern education as well as learn about Tibetan Buddhism and their own culture.

There are now 35 children (ages 6-14 years old, both boys and girls) staying in the hostel and attending the school from different parts of Ladakh and the border of Tibet. The Ngari Institute is taking care of all their daily needs, offering free room, board, covering their tuition fees, books and clothing allowances, and access to medical care. The students are following the standard government educational curriculum during the day and learn about Tibetan Buddhism and culture during after-school hours.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche was very happy to support this extremely beneficial project and to be able to offer the entire cost of the food fund for the 35 students and staff, three meals a day for the whole year. In addition, the money is also covering the cost of the students' shelter, clothing, basic education, and training in nutrition and hygiene.

To rejoice and to learn more about the Ngari Institute of Buddhist Dialectics

Update and "thank you" from Bigu Nuns Doing Two 100 Million Mani Retreats in 2013

Some of the Bigu Nuns undertaking 100 Million Mani Retreats.April 2013: Lama Zopa Rinpoche just received this message from the Bigu Nuns who are currently doing their 2^nd 100 Million Mani Retreat:

The Bigu Nuns wanted to send their heartfelt thanks to Lama Zopa Rinpoche and donors who are supporting them and caring for them like their own lovely children.

 

The nuns wanted to say that they would have no other food or support if Lama Zopa Rinpoche had not requested them to offer the 100 Million Mani Retreats each year and support them during the retreats.

Some of the Bigu Nuns undertaking 100 Million Mani Retreats.The Geshe who is guiding them during the retreats and offering lam-rim teachings said this is 100%  true. I have been with them now for two years and I know their condition and how much these retreats have supported them. We have now also been able to build a kitchen for them and it is almost complete. On  behalf of the nuns and myself, again, thank you so much for helping the Bigu Nunnery.

You can learn more about the 100 Million Mani Retreats offered by the Bigu Nuns every year.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche offers $100,000 toward new classrooms at Sera Je Monastery

April 16, 2013: Lama Zopa Rinpoche and the Lama Zopa Rinpoche Bodhichitta Fund are very happy to offer US$100,000 toward new classrooms being built at Sera Je Monastery, India. (Photos, right, from April 2013.)

The Sera Je Monastery Secretary, Geshe Thupten Monlam, explains that the classroom will initially be used for debate classes so the monks won’t be disturbed by rain and or too  much sun.

The classrooms will also primarily be used to teach subjects such as science and other fields of knowledge within the monastic curriculum. This is a direct request from His Holiness the Dalai Lama and is a long term objective of Sera Je Monastery to be in line with the vision and recommendations of His Holiness The Dalai Lama in integrating this kind of study into the monastic education

The classroom building facility is planned to be complete in time for the upcoming visit of His Holiness The Dalai Lama in July 2013. 

Supporting the Next Generation

It is a high priority of Lama Zopa Rinpoche's and of the Lama Zopa Rinpoche Bodhichitta Fund to offer support directly and indirectly towards the next generation of Dharma teachers.

This support can be annual offerings toward food expenses or donations toward projects or specific needs, such as contributing to the building of the incarnation's monastery, labrang (house), geshe degree etc.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche helps in whatever way he can to support the next generation of teachers who will continue to hold the lineages and pass on the Dharma.

Next Generation Dharma Teachers

Lama Zopa Rinopche with Tenzin Osel at Kopan Monastery Dec 2012.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche taking transmission from Serkong Tsenshab Rinpoche, with Ven. Tsenla and Ven. Yeshe Khadro offering tsog. Bodh Gaya Jan 2012.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche with Tenzin Phuntsok Rinpoche Kopan Monastery 2012.

Serkong Tsenshab Rinpoche, Bodh Gaya Jan 2012.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche with Zong Rinpoche.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche with Serkong Dorje Chang in Kopan Monastery 2012.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche with Domo Rinpoche in India Dec 2012.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche with His Eminence Ling Rinpoche, Bodh Gaya Jan 2012.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche with young Ribur Rinpoche, India 2012.

Charok Lama with young tulkus of Kopan Monastery Feb 2006.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche with young Sengye Rinpoche.

Update to Nyung-Nä Retreats

First day of Nyung-Nä Retreat at Institut Vajra Yogini, France.March 2013: In November, 2012 we reported that Lama Zopa Rinpoche was sponsoring students to do 108 Nyung-Nä retreats at Institut Vajra Yogini, France, from November 18, 2012 to June 20, 2013. We are happy to provide you with an update on this retreat!

The Lama Zopa Rinpoche Bodhicitta Fund has just offered 4,800 EUR toward the first half of the retreat. The students are now halfway through the 108 Nyung Näs. Nine students registered at various points but several canceled due to various reasons.

Nyung-Nä thangka painted by Peter Iseli. There are now five students completing this retreat and others continue joining the retreatants for one Nyung Nä or more, sometime even for only one session.

Four persons did 16 Nyung Näs including Madeleine Maso who is 90 years old.

Five other people did 8 Nyung Näs and about 50 others did one or more Nyung Näs.

In short: 65 participants in total have participated in one or more Nyung-Näs and almost 500 individual Nyung Näs have been accumulated since mid-November!

Please rejoice in the merit created and because this contributes to one of Lama Zopa Rinpoche's vast visions for the entire organization!

You can read about Lama Zopa Rinpoche's advice regarding the incredible power of doing Nyung-näs on the Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive's Online Advice Book.

Offering towards Tashi Lhunpo Health Care Center

The Tashi Lhunpo Health Care CenterFebruary 2013: The Lama Zopa Rinpoche Bodhichitta Fund and the Tibetan Health Services Fund donated US$5,677 (300,000 irs) towards the Tashi Lhunpo Health Care Center. The Tashi Lhunpo Health Care Center is extremely important in providing quality health care since 1992 to the monks of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery and local Tibetans and Indians in the area.

Young monks waiting in line at the health care center. Lama Zopa Rinpoche was very inspired by their work and wanted to make this donation.

We just received this kind message from Tashi Lhunpo Health Care Center regarding how the donation is being used:

 “First of all we would like to convey our heartfelt greetings and gratitude for your kind support. Because of your financial support we were able to buy sufficient medicine, and also hepatitis syringes which are very expensive.”

To learn more about this project's history, mission and future plans please visit the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery's website.

Doctor giving check-up to the oldest monk, 105 year old Kachen Laktho, tantric teacher of the monastery.

Allopathy doctor giving check-up to monk patient.

A New Roof for Kopan Hostel in Sera Je Monastery

The roof of Kopan Hostel being repaired. February 2012: The Lama Zopa Rinpoche Bodhichitta Fund donated US$22,709 toward a much needed new roof for Kopan Hostel under Tsawa Khangtsen at Sera Je Monastery, India. Kopan Hostel is where all the monks of Kopan Monastery stay when they are studying in Sera Je Monastery.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Kopan House, offering light.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche with all of the monks at Kopan House, December 2012.

Continuous Lotus Lights in Mongolia

The Lama Zopa Rinpoche Bodhichitta Fund sponsors the electricity for lotus light offerings to all the holy objects on the altar at Idgaa Choizinling College in Mongolia. The lights are offered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

Light Offering Prayer

Composed by Lama Atisha

May the light of the lamp be equal to the great three thousand
worlds and their environments,
May the wick of the lamp be equal to the king of mountains –
Mount Meru.
May the butter be equal to the infinite ocean.
May there be billions of trillions of lamps in the presence of each
and every buddha.
May the light illuminate the darkness of ignorance of all sentient
beings
From the peak of samsara down to the most torturous hell,
Whereby they can see directly and clearly all the ten directions’
Buddhas and bodhisattvas and their pure lands.
OM VAJRA ALOKE AH HUM
E MA HO
I offer these beautifully exalted clear and luminous lights
To the thousand buddhas of the fortunate eon,
To all the buddhas and bodhisattvas of the infinite pure lands and
of the ten directions,
To all the gurus, meditation deities, dakas, dakinis, dharma protectors,
and the assembly of deities of all mandalas.

From "Extensive Offering Practice," by Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Available through the FPMT Foundation Store.

US$10,000 Offered to Khensur Rinpoche Lama Lhundrup Rigsel's Stupa

The Lama Zopa Rinpoche Bodhichitta Fund and the Stupa Fund recently donated US$10,000 toward the completion of Khensur Rinpoche Lama Lhundrup Rigsel's second stupa being built at Kopan Monastery.

Photo: Early stages of the construction of Khensur Rinpoche Lama Lhundrup's stupa.

From the Sutra Essence of Earth:

While there are the three rare sublime ones
Fulfilling the hopes without any effort
Like the unimaginable wish-granting tree and wish-granting jewel;
[But] believing the method to achieve happiness is something else

All the activities one attempts become only negative karma
And this precious human rebirth with qualified freedoms and richnesses,
Which is rarer than a wish-granting jewel, becomes meaningless and empty;
It becomes only a cause of harm;
This is more foolish than an animal.

Friend, by realizing this body, this life is like a water bubble
And material enjoyments like the dew on the tip of the grass
Attempt the white (virtuous) actions, offer to the three rare sublime ones (Buddha Dharma, Sangha)
And take the essence from this essenceless body and possessions.

Due to this merit may I and each and every sentient being respect
And make offerings to the three rare sublime ones;
By the happiness of the joyful occasion of listening, reflecting, meditating and practicing
May all the transmigratory beings’ wishes be completely fulfilled.

Colophon: Advice from Lama Zopa Rinpoche regarding having many holy objects. Scribe Ven. Holly Ansett, Buddha Amitabha Pure Land, Washington, USA, November 2003. Lightly edited by Ven. Thubten Labdron, May 2004.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche Donates $10,000 to Bless the Sentient Beings in the Ocean

The 5-by-7-foot (1.5-by-2.1-meter) Namgyälma mantra board is made from resin and fiberglass cast from a mold.Several year ago, Lama Zopa Rinpoche requested long-time student Pam Cayton to help get a Namgyälma mantra board made that could be used to bless the oceans and waters of the world (and thus all of the sentient beings living there-in!). While Pam has been fundraising for this important project, Rinpoche heard about a shortfall of funds needed for its completion. Upon receiving this news, he immediately donated US$10,000 toward the board's completion.

You can read more about this Namgyälma mantra board and Pam Cayton's efforts in this recent Mandala blog post.