April 24 2013

Espanol
Italiano
Francais

Dear Friends,

Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s health still continues to improve very gradually, there is still no interest from Rinpoche’s side to do any exercise but that seems to be the way Rinpoche has chosen.

At the beginning of every year I usually check with one or two high Lamas if there are any prayers or pujas we need to do to remove obstacles for Rinpoche’s health and long life. This year I have received the advice to do many prayers and pujas.  These are being organized at Kopan Monastery, Sera Je Monastery, Ganden Shartse Monastery, Jangchup Choling Nunnery, Kopan Nunnery and also Ganden Jangtse Samlo Kamsen.

Khadro-la (Rangjung Neljorma Khadro Namsel Drolma) is advising FPMT centers, projects, services and students to also help. I would like to support Khadro-la’s request for students and centers to do the following as much as you can so that we can continue to have Rinpoche with us for a very long time to come.

Khadro-la specifically mentioned the following: “as much as possible if FPMT centers and students can please do”:

-        Liberate many animals

-        Hang Tendil Nyersel prayer flags in all FPMT centers, projects and services

-        Recite Most Secret Hayagriva mantra

-        Offer long life pujas to Rinpoche with the 5 dakinis

Khadro la said “The most important is good samaya from the students’ side.  Whoever is doing the puja, prayers or practice, it should be done well, with good motivation and meditation”.

Please see the full list of pujas and practices to do below, and then please can you send in what you have done to Claire at International Office at the end of each month and we will offer that to Rinpoche.

These prayers and pujas done sincerely from the heart do make a difference … please help.

Love roger

The full list of pujas and practices to do and which are being done:

1. Animal Liberation – do as much as possible, either yourselves or by donating online to Amitabha Buddhist Center, who does substantial animal liberations every two weeks. Text available here and in Essential Buddhist Prayers, vol 2.
2. Tendil Nyersel prayer flags should be hung in all FPMT centers, projects and services. Kopan Monastery are kindly making these prayer flags and once they are ready (in about a month’s time) will send out information on how to order the prayer flags.
3. Recite Hayagriva mantras as much as possible.
4. Offer long life puja(s) to Rinpoche through the 5 Dakinis. FPMT will request Khadro-la to offer a long life puja to Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Also when Rinpoche visits FPMT centers during the year, good to offer a long life puja with the 5 dakinis.

Practices being done at monasteries (can be done personally too):

5.      Read the longest version of the Golden Light sutra x 67     
6.      Recite 100,000 praises to Tara within Tara pujas
7.      Dor.de Kelsang x 67
8.      Dukchuma as much as possible
9.      Dukka x 1000
10.    Mamo Trukung x 2
11.     Gyal sod Tsen sod

(Mensaje de Roger, asistente de Lama Zopa Rimpoché.  

Traducción al español por Alejandro García)

------

Queridos amigos,

La salud de Lama Zopa Rimpoché aún continúa mejorando muy gradualmente. Rimpoché todavía no tiene ningún interés en hacer ejercicio, peroparece que eso es lo que Rimpoché ha decidido.

Por lo general, a principio de cada año consulto con uno o dos Lamas superiores si hay oraciones o puyas que debamos hacer para eliminarobstáculos para la salud y larga vida de Rimpoché. Este año recibí el consejo de hacer muchas oraciones y puyas. Éstas se han organizado en elMonasterio de Kopan, el Monasterio de Sera Je, el Monasterio de Ganden Shartse, el Convento de Jangchup Choling, el Convento de Kopan ytambién [el Colegio Monástico de] Ganden Jangtse Samlo Kamsen.

Khadro-la (Rangjung Neljorma Khadro Namsel Drolma) aconseja que también los centros, proyectos, servicios y estudiantes. Me gustaríarespaldar la petición de Khadro-la de que los estudiantes y los centros realicen las siguientes prácticas tanto como puedan para que podamoscontinuar teniendo a Rimpoché con nosotros por mucho tiempo.

Khadro-la específicamente mencionó que “por favor los centros y los estudiantes  realizaran las siguientes prácticas tanto como fuera posible”:

ñ  Liberación de animales

ñ  Colgar banderas Tendil Nyersel en todos los centros, proyectos y servicios de la FPMT

ñ  Recitar el mantra de Hayagriva Muy Secreto

ñ  Ofrecer puyas de larga vida para Rimpoché con las cinco dakinis

Khadro-la dijo “Lo más importante es el buen samaya de parte de los estudiantes. Quienquiera que esté haciendo puyas, oraciones o prácticas,debe hacerlo bien, con buena motivación y meditación”.

Hacer estas oraciones y puyas sinceramente y de corazón sí marca una diferencia... por favor ayuden.

Con amor,

roger

La lista completa de puyas y prácticas a realizar y que se están realizando:

1.    Liberación de animales: realícenla tanto como sea posible, ya sea ustedes mismos o por medio de un donativo en línea al Amitabha Buddhist Center, donde quincenalmente se realizan importantes liberaciones de animales. El texto está disponible aquí y en el Libro de oraciones, vol. 2.

2.    Banderas de oración Tendil Nyersel: deben colgarse en todos los centros, proyectos y servicios de la FPMT. El Monasterio de Kopan amablemente está produciendo estas banderas de oración. Una vez que estén listas (aproximadamente dentro de un mes) les enviaremos información de cómo ordenarlas.

3.    Recitar tantos mantras de Hayagriva como sea posible.

4.    Ofrecer puya(s) de larga vida a Rimpoché a través de las cinco Dakinis.

La FPMT le pedirá a Khadro-la que ofrezca una puya de larga vida a Lama Zopa Rimpoché. También es bueno que cuando Rimpoché visite los centros de la FPMT a lo largo del año, se le ofrezca una puya de larga vida con las cinco dakinis.

Prácticas que se están realizando en los monasterios (también pueden hacerse de manera personal):

5.    Leer la versión más larga del Sutra de la luz dorada x 67      

6.    Recitar 100,000 alabanzas a Tara dentro de las puyas de Tara

7.    Dor.de Kelsang x 67

8.    Dukchuma tanto como sea posible

9.    Dukka x 1000

10. Mamo Trukung x 2

11. Gyal sod Tsen sod

Italiano

Cari Amici,

la salute di Lama Zopa Rinpoce continua a migliorare gradualmente pur non esistendo ancora un interesse da parte di Rinpoche di fare qualsiasi esercizio tra quelli prescritti... ma questa sembra essere la via che Rinpoche ha scelto.

All'inizio di ogni anno, di solito controllo con uno o due grandi Lama se ci sono delle preghiere o puje che dobbiamo fare per rimuovere gli ostacoli alla salute e alla lunga vita di Rinpoche. Quest'anno ho ricevuto il consiglio di fare molte preghiere e puje. Queste sono state organizzate al Monastero di Kopan, di Sera Je, Ganden Shartse, Jangchup Choling Nunnery, a Kopan e anche a Ganden Jangtse Samlo Kamsen.

Khadro-la (Rangjung Neljorma Khadro Namsel Drolma) consiglia ai Centri, Progetti e Servizi FPMT e anche agli studenti di impegnarsi anch’essi in queste pratiche. Vorrei quindi appoggiare la richiesta di Khadro-la agli studenti e ai Centri di fare quanto è possibile in modo di continuare a beneficiare della presenza di Rinpoche per molto tempo a venire.

Khadro-la ha espressamente detto: "è importante che i centri FPMT e gli studenti possano eseguire il più possibile":

- Liberazione di molti animali

- Appendere le bandiere di preghiera Tendil Nyersel in tutti i centri FPMT, progetti e servizi.

- Recitare il mantra molto segreto di Hayagriva

- Offrire puje di lunga vita a Rinpoche con le 5 dakini

Khadro la ha aggiunto "La cosa più importante è mantenere buoni i samaya (impegni) da parte degli studenti. Chi sta facendo le puje, le preghiere o le pratiche, dovrebbe farle bene, con una buona motivazione e buone meditazioni ".

Si prega di consultare l'elenco completo delle puje e pratiche da fare al link sotto indicato, e poi per favore potete inviare quello che avete fatto a Claire presso l'Ufficio Internazionale FPMT alla fine di ogni mese in modo da poterle offrire a Rinpoche.

Queste preghiere e puje fatte sinceramente dal cuore fanno la differenza ...Vi preghiamo di aiutare in tutto questo.

Con amore
Roger

Francais

 Santé de Rinpoché - Dernières nouvelles et pratiques

Le 24 avril 2013

Chers amis,

La santé de Rinpoché continue de s’améliorer très progressivement. Rinpoché ne montre toujours pas d’intérêt pour faire des exercices mais cela semble être ce qu’a choisi Rinpoché.

Habituellement, au début de chaque année, je vérifie avec un ou deux grands lamas s’il y a des prières ou des pratiques à faire pour lever les obstacles à la santé et la longue vie de Rinpoché. Cette année, ils m’ont conseillé que soient faites de nombreuses prières et poujas. Celles-ci sont organisées dans les monastères de Kopan, Séra Djé et Ganden Shartsé, dans les nonneries de Jangchoup Choling, Kopan et également à Ganden Jangtsé Samlo Kamsèn.

Khadro-la (Rangjoung Néljorma Khadro Namsél Drolma) conseille également aux étudiants, centres, projets et services de la FPMT d’apporter leur aide. Je souhaite exprimer mon soutien à la demande de Khadro-la d’effectuer les pratiques suivantes aussi souvent et autant de fois que possible afin que nous puissions garder Rinpoché près de nous pendant encore très longtemps.

Khadro-la a spécifiquement mentionné les pratiques suivantes « autant de fois que possible si les centres FPMT et les étudiants veulent bien le faire » :

- libérer de nombreux animaux,

- accrocher les drapeaux de prières Tendil Nyersel dans tous les centres, services et projets FPMT,

- réciter le mantra d’Hayagriva Extrêmement secret [HRIH VAJRA KRODA HAYAGRIVA HOULOU HOULOU HOUM PÈ],

- offrir à Rinpoché des poujas de longue vie avec les 5 dakinis.

Khadro-la a dit : « Le plus important est un bon samaya du côté des étudiants. Quelle que soit la personne qui les fait, les prières et pratiques doivent être bien faites, avec une bonne motivation et une bonne méditation. »

Vous trouverez ci-dessous la liste des poujas et pratiques. S’il vous plaît, veuillez indiquer chaque mois à Claire, au Bureau international, celles que vous avez faites et nous les offrirons à Rinpoché.

Ces prières et ces poujas faites du fond du coeur font vraiment une différence. S’il vous plaît, apportez votre aide.

Avec amour,

roger

December 20, 2012

From Kopan Monastery

Dear Friends

Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s health is good. The doctors seem satisfied with the blood pressure and sugar levels. Over the past couple of months Rinpoche hasn’t exercised as much (due to the busy schedule) so that has been disappointing and so not any noticeable improvement in the walking action. Now in Nepal Rinpoche has started again to do circumambulations of the stupa, which is very good and I hope this continues regularly while here.

While in India Rinpoche attended an Ayurvedic clinic for 7 days, this seemed to help his health in a general way. The doctor wanted Rinpoche to attend a full treatment program which would be for 21 days. Rinpoche was very reluctant to do for that length of time. The doctor there and the staff were very good. Maybe sometime in the future this can happen.

Rinpoche’s speech in Tibetan is very clear,  His Holiness Ling Rinpoche made this comment as well as other Lama’s. English language is also clearer.

Thank you,

roger

Sept 12 2012

From Nalanda Monastery:

Yesterday we have finished 1020 times the sixteen arhat pujas (about 920 were done by the monks).

We started immediately after the Chenrezig retreat with Khadro-la, and it took us almost two weeks of mostly five daily sessions.

We recited the Panacea of Pure Nectar and long life prayers for His Holiness and Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche after almost every session.

It was very nice and an honour that we could do it for Rinpoche’s health.

Hope Rinpoche will fully recover very soon, and we hope He might be able to teach again as much as He wants, in the way that He wants and wherever He wants.

And of course we hope He will have a very long life, and that we may be able to fulfil all His wishes.

April 2 2012

Dear Friends,

Rinpoche is doing well, progress is still slow but seems normal for this situation. The main thing is that there is still progress. Rinpoche is more independent, using the right hand more and the right leg is stronger we just need to focus on getting the action more correct. Rinpoche's speech is very clear when speaking Tibetan, in English if he doesn't make effort there is a slight slur. But when teaching and Rinpoche focuses on the pronunciation it is clear. Blood pressure and sugar levels are good for Rinpoche's situation, and the doctors are pleased. Long term Rinpoche doesn't want to have to take western medicine if possible, so in the long term we have to find other methods combined with a good lifestyle!

Thank you everyone for all your support and kindness. 

roger

Advice for Rinpoche's Quick Recovery

March 8th 2012

Dear Friends,

Ven Roger recently checked with Ven. Denma Locho Rinpoche whether there was anything FPMT centers, projects and services and students can do to help with Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s quick recovery. Denma Locho Rinpoche kindly advised a few pujas, which we are arranging now, and then gave the following advice:

"The students and centers really need to work according to Rinpoche's wishes. Whatever Rinpoche has advised for the them to do, it’s important to follow Rinpoche’s advice. The main thing is that everyone in the organization should really strive to fulfill Rinpoche’s advice.

In order to be harmonious, generally, you should not look for any faults in others, but look for the positive, the inner qualities. Thinking negatively like, "He is bad, she is bad", will not lead to harmony. Try to see the qualities in others and try to work harmoniously.

Recite the prayer Losang gyal tan ma - The Prayer for the Flourishing of Je Tsongkhapa’s Teachings - well [for links to the prayer see below]. Please recite it well. If students can do that, that’s really great.

But the most important thing is not looking at each others’ faults but looking at the qualities of others.

Then, whatever responsibility you have in the center [project or service], do the work from your heart, put all your energy into that, take the difficulties/hardships upon yourself and do the work wholeheartedly. If the work is done well, this will benefit the teachings of the Buddha, and also it will bring about happiness and joy to all sentient beings."

The Prayer for the Flourishing of Je Tsongkhapa’s Teachings – letter booklet pdf

The Prayer for the Flourishing of Je Tsongkhapa’s Teachings – A4 booklet pdf

This prayer is also in Essential Buddhist Prayers, an FPMT Prayer Book, Volume 1.

March 5 2012

Dear Friends,

Rinpoche's condition has been steadily improving. Recently Rinpoche's brother Sangay offered Rinpoche an exercise bike. Rinpoche rides nearly every day 3 kms. I am hoping soon we can increase that to 5 kms. The right leg now is quite strong, the right arm still needs more effort to increase its functionality. Rinpoche's writing has improved and he can write short notes quite well.

The doctors are comfortable with Rinpoche's control of blood pressure and sugar levels, still not ideal but for Rinpoche's present condition they feel quite ok.

Thank you,

roger

Dec 24 2011

Rinpoche meeting His Holiness the Dalai Lama in December 2011

Lama Zopa Rinpoche during long life puja held at Tushita

Lama Zopa Rinpoche using right hand to write the long Amitayus mantra, for exercise

Lama Zopa Rinpoche walking without assistance, very carefully around Lama Yeshe stupa at
Tushita

Please enjoy this recent video of a teaching from Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Nalanda Monastery, 26 Oct 2011

Rinpoche's Response to Recitations Accomplished

December 13th 2011

Dear Friends,

Rinpoche is in retreat for a short time before the Kalachakra initiation. I just mentioned to Rinpoche that some students have between them recited the Golden Light Sutra more than 100 times. Rinpoche was very pleased.

As he sat down to start a session, Rinpoche said "so beneficial for those who recited ... amazing amazing benefits, can't imagine! ...  from my heart THANK YOU TO EVERYONE".

On Dec 16th there is a special long life puja being offered to Rinpoche by some of the high lamas here in Dharamsala, this is done over 3 days.

Love roger

PS from Claire: thanks again to all who recited the Golden Light Sutra as requested on Dec 7th.  As we have accumulated more than 88 recitations between us, no need to let me know any further recitations.  Thank you and big rejoicing!

December 7 2011

Dear Friends,

For Rinpoche’s health and long life, we have been advised it is very important for students to accumulate 88 recitations of the Golden Light Sutra.

There is no deadline but it would be helpful and very good to get these recitations completed soon.

We have made the Sutra of Golden Light available in various languages to read/download.

Please would centers, projects, services and individual students email me when you have completed any recitations, and I will keep a tally.

MANY thanks, and all good wishes,

Claire

Claire Isitt

Center Services Director

FPMT International Office (1632 SE 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97214, USA)

November 20 2011

Dear Friends,

Rinpoche has been in France and now India focusing on his health. With the help of Khandro la Rinpoche continues to improve. Everyone has been very understanding in giving Rinpoche the space for the necessary therapy.

Rinpoche is being careful to follow a good diet and doing regular exercise (with some prompting).

Rinpoche is continuing with his western medication, in addition he is seeing a Tibetan doctor who is giving Tibetan medicine for paralysis. Rinpoche is also regularly going to a hot spring and having Tibetan treatment called "LUM" ... simply speaking is a special mixture of herbs in a hot bath.

One exercise that Rinpoche enjoys ...which surprised us all is ... soccer!

Kicking around a little ball ... it is good exercise and helps with balance and coordination ... Rinpoche gets a real kick out of this!

All the treatment outside of the western medical is guided by Khandro la. And Khandro la fully supports the western medical approach.

Thank you to everyone for all your support in so many ways, very much appreciated!

roger

October 5 2011

Dear Friends,

Rinpoche's treatment continues here in France. The flight from Nepal was smooth, it took some days of rest after the flight to recover. The treatment is going well, especially with Khandro la's assistance. We are hoping with 4 weeks of concentrated therapy Rinpoche will make some good improvement. The main focus is on the right arm and right leg.

While in Kopan Rinpoche did give some teachings to the monks and nuns. Rinpoche kept the teachings brief (for Rinpoche) ... about 2 hours and this worked well, if it was longer Rinpoche's speech started to get tired.

Thank you to everyone for all your support in many different ways, greatly appreciated.

roger

Prayer Offered for Rinpoche's Recovery

September 22 2011

Rejoice!  From his own side, Yang Teng Tulku has composed a prayer - Panacea of Pure Nectar - to offer to Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Yang Teng Tulku is a very knowledgeable young lama working in His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Private Office assisting with Dharma texts and so on.

In the colophon Yang Teng Tulku explains why he composed the prayer:

"I wrote it with heartfelt sincerity reflecting on how just wonderful it would be if the illness of the incomparable Lama Zopa Rinpoche—who, having extensively preserved and continuing to sustain, serves to bring to fruit on the contemporary, non-sectarian teachings of the Buddha in general and in particular those of our spiritual father, Tsongkhapa—were quickly cleared away."

Lama Zopa Rinpoche said that this prayer can be made available for students if they would like to read and recite it.

Panacea of Pure Nectar - a prayer for Lama Zopa Rinpoche composed by Yang Teng Tulku, 2011

English

 French

Spanish

NB: this should not be confused with the long life prayer for Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

September 20 2011

Photos of Rinpoche in Kopan Monastery, Nepal

(click on the photos to enlarge them)

Photographs by Piero Siriani

Rinpoche using his right arm to hold the conch during the puja during Khensur Rinpoche Lama Lhundrup's cremation

Rinpoche teaching - Rinpoche has given a few short teachings to the Kopan Sangha

September 4 2011

Dear Friends,

Rinpoche continues to progress steadily here in Nepal. Rinpoche's doctors have advised to now increase the medication for blood pressure which was started today. The blood pressure has been much better than prior to the stoke but now the doctors aim to bring it 130/80 range.

Rinpoche's sugar levels have also been much better and we will continue with Rinpoche taking insulin but the type of insulin is changing in order to have better control.

Movement of the right leg and right arm is a little better. The speech also is getting a little better.

Rinpoche is continuing the chanting of Chod in particular (also other prayers out loud)  for exercising the speech. Depending on the weather ... we get a lot of rain , Rinpoche does kora 3 or 4 times a week around Bouddhanath  and Swayambunath stupa (alternating). Sometimes it's in the rain. Swayambunath kora at the base  is 3 kms. Rinpoche walks the whole way. At Bouddhanath  Rinpoche does 4 circumambulations walking and then another 6 in the wheel chair. This is one exercise Rinpoche really enjoys. We usually do it late at night, no one else is around so it is really a nice and peaceful time. If we get to the stupa early enough we go to "Flavors" for tea , great "little" place where some of the waiters and waitresses are small people ... not more than 3 feet high.

Sincere thanks  to everyone for all your support in so many ways.

roger

August 31 2011

Some recent short video clips showing Lama Zopa Rinpoche's progress 4 months since the stroke. The videos show Rinpoche walking and using his right hand to eat and write.

Video Links:

Eating with right hand

Using right hand to write

Turning prayerwheel with right hand

Walking with assistance

Walking around Boudha stupa