Mandala Magazine Jul-Sept 2012

BLISSFUL RAYS OF THE MANDALA IN THE SERVICE OF OTHERSBLISSFUL RAYS OF THE MANDALA IN THE SERVICE OF OTHERS

T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I CA T I O N O F T H E F O U N DA T I O N F O R T H E P R E S E R VA T I O N O F T H E M A H AYA N A T R A D I T I O N

JULY - SEPTEMBER 2012

T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I CA T I O N O F T H E F O U N DA T I O N F O R T H E P R E S E R VA T I O N O F T H E M A H AYA N A T R A D I T I O N

TEACHING A GOOD HEART:FPMT REGISTERED TEACHERSTEACHING A GOOD HEART:FPMT REGISTERED TEACHERS

MandalafpmtJULY - SEPTEMBER 2012

Wisdom Publications

JOURNEY TO CERTAINTYThe Quintessence of the Dzogchen View: An Exploration of

Mipham’s Beacon of CertaintyAnyen Rinpoche

Translated and edited by Allison Choying Zangmo

Approachable yet sophisticated, this book takes the reader on a gently guidedtour of one of the most important texts Tibetan Buddhism has to offer.

“Anyen Rinpoche flawlessly presents the reader with the unique perspective thatbelongs to a true scholar-yogi. A must-read for philosophers and practitioners.”—Erik Pema Kunsang, author of Wellsprings of the Great Perfection and compiler of Blazing Splendor

Wisdom Essentials

INSIGHT INTO EMPTINESSKhensur Jampa TegchokEdited by Thubten Chodron

A former abbot of Sera Monastic University, Khensur Jampa Tegchok here unpacks with great erudi-tion Buddhism’s animating philosophical principle—the emptiness of all appearances.

“Khensur Rinpoche Jampa Tegchok is renowned for his keen understanding of philosophy, and ofMadhyamaka in particular. Here you will find vital points and reasoning for a clear understanding ofemptiness.”—Lama Zopa Rinpoche, author of How to Be Happy

“This is one of the best introductions to the philosophy of emptiness I have ever read.”—José Ignacio Cabezón, Dalai Lama Professor andChair, Religious Studies Department, UC Santa Barbara

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THE NUMERICAL DISCOURSES OF THE BUDDHAA Complete Translation of the Anguttara Nikaya

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From the preeminent Pali scholar comes the much-anticipated fourth volume of definitivetranslations of the Nikayas. We are pleased to extend a special offer:

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HEART ADVICE: THE BODHISATTVA ATTITUDEby lama zopa rinpocheedited by sarah thresherFREE

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July - September 2012 MANDALA 5

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8

fpmt MandalaCONTENTS

JULY - SEPTEMBER 2012 ISSUE 56 MANDALA (ISSN10754113) is published quarterly by FPMT, Inc., 1632 SE 11th Ave,Portland, OR 97214-4702, USA. Printed by Journal Graphics, Portland, Oregon, USA. Periodicals postage paid at Portland OR.POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mandala, 1632 SE 11th Ave, Portland OR 97214-4702

COVER: From left, Lama Lhundrup, Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Lama Yeshe posing for a photo next to Kopan Hill, Fourth MeditationCourse, Kopan Monastery, Nepal, 1973. Photo courtesy of Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive.

MANDALA TALKAn audio interviewwith Ven. Thubten Chodronon editing the new bookInsight into Emptiness

DHARMA REALITIES“Bistro Blinds: CreatingProtection for the Mind”By Ven. Chonyi Taylor

ROAD TO KOPAN“She’s Not Lookingfor Another Man”By Ven. Karin Valham

PHOTO GALLERYFPMT Around the World

… additional photos, advice,personal stories and more atmandalamagazine.org!

28

44

6 FROM THE EDITOR

8 TEACHINGS AND ADVICE

16 PRACTICING DHARMA INDAILY LIFE

COVER FEATURE20 Teaching a Good Heart:

FPMT Registered Teachers

28 EDUCATION

32 DHARMA ANDTHE MODERN WORLD

34 YOUR COMMUNITY

44 FPMT NEWS AROUNDTHE WORLD

59 FPMT DIRECTORY

32

ONLINE HIGHLIGHTSMandala publishes EXCLUSIVE ONLINE articles, photos and audioeach issue to supplement our print publication.Visit mandalamagazine.org.

The July - September 2012 issue includes …

6 MANDALA July - September 2012

From the EDITOR

Mandala is the official publica-tion of the Foundation for thePreservation of the MahayanaTradition (FPMT), an interna-tional charitable organizationfounded more than thirty yearsago by two Tibetan Buddhistmasters: Lama Thubten Yeshe(1935-1984) and LamaThubten

Zopa Rinpoche. FPMT is now a vibrant international community with anetwork of over 150 affiliate centers, projects, services and study groups inmore than thirty countries.

Editorial PolicyRecurring topics include: Buddhist philosophy; Education; Ordination andthe Sangha; Buddhism and Modern Life; Youth Issues; FPMT ActivitiesWorldwide; Lama Yeshe and his teachings; Lama Zopa Rinpoche and histeachings; His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his teachings, among many othertopics.

Writers, photographers and artists, both amateur and professional, areencouraged to submit material for consideration. Mandala currently does notpay for publishable content; we credit all photos and other work as requested.

Mandala is published quarterly and is available via the Friends of FPMTprogram. Additionally, the publication is supplemented by online storiespublished exclusively at: www.mandalamagazine.org

Friends of FPMT is a donor program composed of Friends workingtogether to support FPMT’s global activities.

To learn about Friends of FPMT levels and benefits, contact us or visit:www.fpmt.org/friends

Mandala is published in January, April, July and October.

Managing Editor and PublisherLaura [email protected]

Assistant Editor,Advertising & SalesMichael [email protected]

Art DirectorCowgirls [email protected]

Friends of FPMT ProgramTrevor [email protected]

FPMT, Inc.1632 SE 11th Ave.Portland, OR 97214-4702Tel: 1 503 808 1588Fax: 1 503 232 0557Toll free USA only1 866 241 9886

FPMT Board of DirectorsSpiritual DirectorLama Zopa Rinpoche

Board MembersKhen Rinpoche Geshe ChonyiVen. Roger KunsangVen. Pemba SherpaOsel HitaKaruna CaytonAndrew HaynesPeter KedgeTim McNeillTara MelwaniAlison MurdochPaula de Wijs-Koolkin

www.mandalamagazine.orgwww.fpmt.org

ABOUT MANDALA

DEAR READER,

The constellation of qualified teachers within FPMTinspires no small amount of awe. This issue ofMandala takes a look at FPMT registered teachers,

including exploring some of the considerations that comeinto play when bestowing the label of teacher. But ourcoverage of FPMT teachers only gives a small glimpse intowhat is one of the outstanding aspects of FPMT – thescores of resident and traveling Tibetan geshes and non-Tibetan Sangha and lay teachers who share the Dharma at159 FPMT centers, projects and services worldwide.FPMT’s international network of experienced and knowl-edgeable teachers supports the needs of beginning studentsas well as experienced practitioners, encourages harmoniousconnections and facilitates the growth and flourishing ofthe FPMT community. We rejoice in these riches!

On a personal level, I feel a deep sense of gratitude tothose who have spent time explaining the teachings of

Buddha to me. But more than the academic knowledge,the care and gentle kindness of my teachers inspires meto be nicer and more thoughtful with everyone I meet.Their faith and dedication to Dharma moves me toexamine and deepen my own practice. The confidence Ifeel that my teachers have in me – the belief that I canreally change myself – helps me confront those areas inmyself where I feel stuck. I can hear my teachers saying,“You can do it. You’ve got buddha-nature. You canchange.” And I’m willing to take on life’s challenges.

I’d like to thank formerMandala editor Carina Rumrillfor all the wisdom and guidance she has given me overthe last year as well as for her tireless service to Mandalamagazine. Carina is now offering her many skills and talentsto other departments within FPMT. We wish her the best.

With love,Laura Miller

by Anam Thubten160 pp. • $16.95 • paperback

“Enlightenment is always available, even in this very ordinary moment. It is something extraordinary that ordinary people can witness whenever we are ready.”—

Mandala ReadersSave 30% when you enter discount code MAND112

at checkout!Offer expires 11/1/12.

Shambhala Publications

SNOW LION JOINS SHAMBHALAWe’re delighted to announce that Snow Lion

Publications, for more than three decades one of the premier publishers of books on Tibetan Buddhism,

has now become part of the Shambhala family, adding their hundreds of highly regarded titles to our list. In joining forces, we look forward to continuing to

bring you the very best in Tibetan Buddhist teachings.

Shambhala.com/SnowLion

A New Commentary on the Heart Sutra

by Karl Brunnhölzl160 pp. • $16.95 • paperback

Karl Brunnhölzl guides practitioners through this “crazy” sutra to the wisdom and compassion that lie at its core.

“These two volumes of Gone Beyond are a groundbreaking work and a great treasure

for Western Buddhism.”—

The Prajñaparamita Sutras, The Ornament of Clear Realization, and Its Commentaries in the Tibetan Kagyü Tradition

translated and introduced by Karl Brunnhölzl876 pp. • $54.95 • hardcover

688 pp. • $44.95 • hardcover

These two volumes contain the commentaries by leading Kagyü teachers, translated for the first time in English.

- - - -

NEW!

VOLUME 1: A Summary of the General Path

by Craig Preston240 pp. • $39.95 • paperback

“I can’t think of a better way for English speakers to learn classical Tibetan than to study Preston’s book. It’s top notch and easy to follow.” — ,author of Buddhism for Beginners

VOLUME 2: Buddhist Tenets

by Craig Preston344 pp. • $45.00 • paperback

“This is the type of book I wished was available when I was learning Tibetan.”— , Associate Professor of Buddhist Philosophy

NEW!

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Teachings and ADVICE

LAMA YESHE’S WISDOM

By Lama Yeshe

Lama Yeshe, Waikanae, New Zealand, 1975. Photo by Ecie Hursthouse.

The characteristic nature of all of Lord Buddha’s teach-ings and methods is psychology and knowledge wisdom.And what he taught was not just theoretical but practicaland based on experience.

In general, theories and ideas are inadequate if they lackthe key of understanding. We need to know how to putthem into practice. Because of this, theTibetan tradition hasalways emphasized the importance of passing the experien-tial lineage, not just the theories, from guru to disciple, and

in this way the living teachings of the Buddha have comedown to us today.

There are four different schools of Tibetan Buddhism

but their similarities are far greater than their differences.They all contain the complete methods for reaching enlight-enment, from beginning to end, and all practice tantric yoga,the Vajrayana. But while they all have the same methods,some emphasize certain meditation techniques over others.That’s the main difference. But they’re all equally Mahayanaand all practice both Paramitayana and Vajrayana.

While the Hinayana, the Southern school of Buddhism,contains neither the practices of the Paramitayana nor those

of the Vajrayana, it in no way contradicts the Northern, orMahayana, schools. Lord Buddha sometimes said “yes” andsometimes said “no.”

The Mahayana offers people many different ways of practicingDharma. ... What matters is mental attitutde.

DIFFERENT PEOPLENEED DIFFERENT METHODS

ADVICE FROM A SPIRITUAL FRIEND

We can understand what he meant by looking at how askilled physician treats a patient.When somebody is sick, thetreatment can vary during the course of the illness. Forexample, at first the doctor may recommend fasting, butlater, as the person recovers, the doctor may recommendmeat and other heavy foods. When that happens you don’tget angry with the doctor for contradicting himself: “First yousaid ‘no,’ now you’re saying ‘yes’! Don’t you know what you’redoing?” No – rather you think how kind and wise he is.

It’s the same thing with Lord Buddha’s teachings.Different people need different methods. For example, I’ma monk. I took my vows on the basis of my own decision.Strictly interpreted, according to the vinaya rules, I’m notsupposed to stare at women’s faces. I can look at men butnot at women.

The Mahayana view qualifies this. For monks, justlooking at women isn’t the problem; it’s looking at themwith an attached, grasping mind, with craving, emotionaldesire. That’s what disturbs you. You can’t say that justlooking automatically means you’re sick. It depends on yourmind.

Similarly, Lord Buddha never said that monks can’ttouch women, just like that. He never proscribed anyactions without explaining why and under what conditions.Lord Buddha’s vinaya psychology is incredible. Heexplained in minute detail with what kind of mind, whatkind of attitude, you should avoid doing this or that. Henever, ever said, “You can’t do that because I said so.”

There’s a profound psychology behind all his teachings.So, monks cannot touch women with craving desire

and nuns can’t touch men with craving desire. Doing somakes you lose conscious awareness. That’s the danger. Ifyou have the power to stop your finger from burning, youcan stick it into a fire. But if you don’t and your finger willburn, why stick it into a fire? That’s all Lord Buddha issaying. Anyway, whether or not something will burn whenit’s put into a fire depends on what kind of material it is. It’snot automatic that whatever’s put into a fire will burn.

So you can see that there’s no contradiction betweenthe Hinayana and Mahayana schools of Buddhism. Andwith respect to the four Tibetan schools, there’s no suchthing as “this one takes this kind of precept, that onetakes a different kind.” All four schools take the sameprecepts.

Also, it’s not necessary that everybody who wants topractice Buddhism takes ordination as a monk or nun. TheMahayana offers people many different ways of practicingDharma. In particular, the Mahayana does not emphasizeexternal signs of practice; those are not important. Whatmatters is mental attitude. On the other hand, the Hinayana,or Theravada, school does emphasize physical actions – howyou act and so forth. Some of their rules are very strict anddefinitely needed. But none of this is contradictory.

Excerpted from a seminar given by Lama Thubten Yeshe inChristchurch, New Zealand, June 14, 1975. Courtesy of the theLama Yeshe Wisdom Archive. Edited by Nicholas Ribush.

The verses in chapter 1 [of Bodhisattva Attitude: How to Dedicate Your Lifeto Others] are from the great bodhisattva Shantideva’s Guide to theBodhisattva’sWay of Life, and are to be recited first thing in the morning afteryou have generated a bodhichitta motivation for life. They explain how youare going to dedicate your life to others by cultivating the bodhisattvaattitude. We need this kind of attitude in order to open our minds towardothers when working at a center, in the family, in the office, in the

BODHICHITTA MEANSWANTING TO BE USEDBY OTHERSBy Lama Zopa Rinpoche

Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Bendigo, Australia,May 2011. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.


government and everywhere. If you can generate thismotivation in the morning and then try to live in itthroughout the day, your life will become really wonderful.This is the best practice.

Having given this body to sentient beingsTo use however they want that makes them happy,Whether they always kill me, criticize, beat me or whatever,It is totally up to them.

This is saying, “I have given this body to be used bysentient beings in whatever way makes them most happy.”This is very, very important. You must have this thought topractice or to actualize bodhichitta. I often hear people say,“Oh, these people are just using me!” Even sometimes atmeetings in our centers I hear this. That is because they

are not practicing bodhichitta. One time I wrote a letter toa center saying, “Bodhisattvas want to be used by sentientbeings.” That is what the bodhisattvas’ attitude is. Theyactually accept it. The worldly mind thinks that being usedby others is bad, the worst thing, but bodhisattvas aremost happy to accept this. If you want to achieveenlightenment, you have to practice bodhichitta, and thisis exactly what the bodhisattvas’ attitude is. Their happiestpractice is to be used by sentient beings. It is what they arealways looking for.

I heard that KadampaGeshe Potowa was always happy tofind an opportunity to serve others. These are not ordinarybeings; they have actualized bodhichitta, the three principalaspects of the path to enlightenment, tantric realizations, all ofthat.Whenever other people askedKadampaGeshe Potowa todo a puja for them, he was unbelievably happy to do so.

Our motivation should always be to be used by othersfor their happiness. If you are going to practice bodhichitta,this is what you have to accept. If what you want is toliberate sentient beings from the oceans of samsaric sufferingand enlighten them, you need to achieve enlightenment. Ifyou want to achieve enlightenment, you need to practicebodhichitta. The bodhisattvas’ attitude is to always totallydedicate their lives day and night to be used by othersentient beings for their happiness. This is what they areseeking and wishing for all the time. You have to know that.

If you feel like that, there is the opportunity to graduallybecome closer and closer to bodhichitta and have the real-ization. If you are able to change your mind into an attitudewishing to be used by others for their happiness, this isexactly what the bodhisattva attitude is.

Excerpted from Bodhisattva Attitude: How to Dedicate Your Lifeto Others, edited by Ven. Sarah Thresher. Bodhisattva Attitude isLama Yeshe Wisdom Archive’s first book from its Heart Adviceseries dedicated to preserving and sharing Lama ZopaRinpoche’s experiential “heart advice.” The first print run – 6,000copies – is offered freely to the public at www.lamayeshe.com.


If what you want is to liberate sentient beings from the oceans of samsaricsuffering and enlighten them, you need to achieve enlightenment. If you

want to achieve enlightenment, you need to practice bodhichitta.

“Khensur Jampa Tegchok Rinpoche had the idea for this book in his mind for manyyears,” writes Ven. Thubten Chodron, editor of the forthcoming book Insight intoEmptiness. Based on teachings on emptiness given by Khensur Rinpoche and translatedby Ven. Steve Carlier, Insight into Emptiness presents an expansive collection ofimportant points elucidating emptiness based on many sources from the Gelug tradition.We’re pleased to offer a short excerpt from chapter three, “Enthusiasm for Emptiness”:

ENTHUSIASMFOR EMPTINESS

INSIGHT INTO EMPTINESS

Khensur Jampa Tegchok Rinpoche.Photo by Agostino Fabio.



Worldly people are attracted to objects and people theyfind beautiful and desirable. They feel greatly drawn tothem, yearn for them, and think about them a great deal.As Dharma practitioners, we cultivate a similar feelingabout emptiness.We want to understand it and think aboutit as much as we can. When we hear someone say, “thewisdom realizing emptiness,” we smile inside and feel so

happy, just like a worldly person does when he hears thename of the person he is attached to.

Another attitude we want to cultivate in relation to theunderstanding of emptiness resembles that of a person witha well-paying job. This person does not give up her jobbecause she sees its benefits. Even if she has to work hardand undergo many difficulties, she does so happily. Simi-larly, Dharma practitioners feel so happy to learn, think andmeditate on emptiness that they don’t want to stop. Theyare happy to bear any difficulties that might arise in theirendeavors because they see its benefits.

We cultivate great confidence by understanding that therealization of emptiness will enable us to uproot ignorancecompletely and thus cut the root of cyclic existence that hascaused us to suffer for beginningless lifetimes.We feel joy atthe idea of forever banishing ignorance, afflictions and thecontaminated karma that causes samsaric rebirth. Our liveshave a deep sense of purpose, so that no matter how diffi-cult, we will not give up our efforts to try to understand andrealize emptiness.

When we meditate on bodhichitta, we make thestrong determination, “I myself am going to lead all beingsto enlightenment.” Will we actually be able to do this, evenafter we become a buddha? Probably not, because somesentient beings have stronger karmic connections withother buddhas. But even if we are not able to actually leadall sentient beings to enlightenment by ourselves, there isno disadvantage in cultivating that determination. Havingsuch a determination makes all the activities we do moti-vated by it – the practices of purification, accumulation ofmerit, the six perfections, the four ways of gatheringfollowers and all our virtuous activities – much morepowerful.

For example, a medical student may make the strongdetermination, “I am going to cure all the illness in theworld when I become a doctor.” Even if she is not able todo this, all her activities of caring for the sick will be morepowerful because she has this intention. In the same way, awarrior who vows to wipe out all enemies no matter whatit takes will put everything he has into the fight due to his

powerful intention. Similarly, with strong compassion andbodhichitta for all sentient beings, our ability to progressalong the path and work for the benefit of others willincrease dramatically.

© Thubten Chodron, 2012. Reprinted from Insight into Empti-ness with permission from Wisdom Publications, 199 Elm Street,Somerville, MA 02144 USA. www.wisdompubs.org

Khensur Jampa Tegchok Rinpoche studied at Sera JeMonastery in Tibet for 14 years before fleeing his homeland in1959. He has taught extensively at Nalanda Monastery inFrance, Land of Medicine Buddha in California and in theMasters Program at Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa in Italy.

Ven. Thubten Chodron has served as resident teacher atAmitabha Buddhist Centre in Singapore and at DharmaFriendship Foundation in Seattle. She is founder and abbess ofSravasti Abbey, a Buddhist monastery in eastern WashingtonState in the United States. In addition to editing Khensur JampaTegchok Rinpoche’s book Transforming Adversity into Joy andCourage, she is the author of Buddhism for Beginners andother Dharma books.

When we hear someone say, “the wisdom realizing emptiness,”we smile inside and feel so happy, just like a worldly person does when

he hears the name of the person he is attached to.

You can read an excerptexplaining the DiamondCutter Sutra’s simile of thecloud and listen to an audiointerview with Ven. ThubtenChodron about editingthe book.

Visit mandalamagazine.orgfor these stories and more.

MORE FROM INSIGHT INTOEMPTINESS ONLINE!



Do you have confidence in your doctor? I rarely finddoctors I feel I can trust to get to the root of myproblem. Maybe I doubt that their medicine is

beneficial or I feel that the healthcare system is dysfunctional.The few times I have felt confidence in a doctor, it iswonderful, and I get well much quicker. Even if thesituation is poor, the doctor’s qualities of skill and knowl-edge and our positive relationship lead to results beyond allexpectation.

It’s similar with teachers, isn’t it? Remembering schooland university, how often I couldn’t learn from my teachers!

Their lack of knowledge, skill as teachers, ability to convinceme that their subject was meaningful, or somethingmissing in our relationship often led to disappointment.However, in a few cases our intelligences and aspirationsconnected, and even if the circumstances were not ideal,something special in the relationship enabled me to learn.

How about spiritual teachers? If our mind is opened toa deeper understanding of how things are, it’s working.Something between the teacher and ourselves helps thishappen. It is as if the teacher has a hotline to our inner being,relating effectively with our questions, anxieties and needs.This may happen even if we never get to meet personally. If

it’s right, we connect even across a crowded hall.Clearly, this is a two-way street. Not simply intrinsic

qualities of the teacher, but equally our own openness, arein play here. We both wish for maximum benefit andpossess buddha-nature. One of the pair has developed thecapacity to facilitate the opening-up the other requires inorder to learn. But the relationship is a respectful meetingof minds. Otherwise, it doesn’t work.

It’s nice if we get to have personal conversations, butthese don’t always have to be out loud. If we are open andthe teacher has a good heart, these conversations can

happen at an intuitive level. This depends on the teacher’smotivation and purity, as well as our own receptivity.

If the teacher lacks compassion or ethics, there is anuncomfortable feeling. It seems as though he or she is in it forhim or herself. There is an exploitative atmosphere aroundthat teacher. If the situation is unhealthy, best not getinvolved. A healthy relationship isn’t about smiles or evenfeeling noticed. Sometimes we can learn from a teacher whoignores us. The issue is whether or not our mind benefits.

Is the teacher working on him or herself? Are they stillpracticing what they teach? It can happen that someonelearns and practices when young, then begins a “career” as

Once, Geshe Wangchen, the resident teacher at FPMT’s London center inthe 1980s, asked His Holiness the Dalai Lama for advice about teaching.

His Holiness replied simply, “You practice yourself!”

A TEACHER TELLS US WHY

THE BENEFITS OF OPENNESSQUESTION:

What should I know about the relationshipbetween a student and a spiritual teacher?

ANSWERED BYANDY WISTREICH



Teachings and ADVICEa teacher and sails with the winds of adulation from thestudents. This isn’t very good is it? Once, GesheWangchen,the resident teacher at FPMT’s London center in the 1980s,askedHis Holiness the Dalai Lama for advice about teaching.His Holiness replied simply, “You practice yourself!”

Is the teacher humble enough to listen to the students?It’s hard to judge, but it is evident in a kind of openness tothe students’ reality, recognized in the way a good teachercommunicates, listening with the heart. If you are percep-tive as a student, you can tell when this is happening.

What are the student’s responsibilities to the teacher? I

have mentioned openness more than once, meaning prima-rily to not prejudge the teacher or the teachings, but toexamine them dispassionately.Test the teachings against yourcommon sense, prior knowledge and experience. Sometimesthere isn’t time for this during the teaching, so check up later.

Maybe you think you have heard the teachingbefore, but if your mind is unbiased, this isn’t so becauseeach teaching is a fresh presentation. If it doesn’t workfor you, try not to blame the teacher. There is a mutualresponsibility, and it is safer to think that way. This isblame-neutral.

Try not to load expectations onto the relationship orpressure the teacher into being something you are lookingfor. Try to be open and sensitive to whom you are with.Each teacher is different. There is no fixed model.

As your trust and confidence grow, over time (and dogive this as much time as possible) you will allow the teacherto touch on deeper and deeper aspects and corners of yourmind, including areas you have been protecting for a longtime because of issues from the past. As your heart opens inthis process, you become increasingly vulnerable to youruncontrolled emotions, so wild projections and misjudge-ments can explode.

If the teacher is skilled, he or she will help you throughsuch experiences. From your own side, you have to workhard to tame your mind and recognize your projections forwhat they are. Emerging from such times successfully reallystrengthens the relationship.

However, sometimes this doesn’t happen. You mighteven spend years in limbo without faith in your teacher,

having to process your stuff on your own. This period canbe very fruitful as you come to recognize what the rela-tionship is and what role each plays in it. There is no needto junk the relationship – to reject the teacher – just becauseof such estrangement. By continuing to work on yourself,you can emerge stronger and re-engage with the teacher ina new way.

In Glasgow in 2005, His Holiness the Dalai Lama saidthat nobody may authorize a teacher except for the students.He said that it is the students who make the teacher. I findthis very helpful. As a teacher I try to see myself as a servant.

I try to realize that as a group we have an ongoing karmicrelationship, and this time it happens to be me in the roleof teacher. In the future or the past, another one was or willbe teaching.

As Geshe Tashi from Jamyang Buddhist Centre inLondon always says, the teaching situation is actually a sharing.It is a sharing among equals. Usually, the teacher knowsmore, or is more experienced than the students, but it isn’talways so. Each member of the group has his or her ownstrengths and weaknesses.

Of course, at a certain level it becomes beneficial to seethe teacher as all-knowing, but this is a very highly devel-oped perspective that takes time to develop.We should notgrasp at or rush this experience, or we will trip over later.Maybe it won’t come at all. We can still benefit from theteachings.

Perhaps the key to a successful relationship betweenstudent and teacher is mutual respect and open-minded-ness. It takes courage on both sides, but in every aspect ofthe spiritual journey, courage is at least as important asintelligence. We should bring our best to the relationship,deal with our disappointments in a mature way and allowourselves to grow through our time together. �

AndyWistreich has been teaching in FPMT centers for 30 years.He is an FPMT registered teacher, available to teachDiscoveringBuddhism, the Basic Program and to lead Kalachakra andother retreats. Before retirement he worked in education as adrama teacher, college senior manager and civil servant. Heholds a master’s degree in education. He lives in southwestEngland with his wife, Shan Tate, their four sons having grownup and left home.

As your trust and confidence grow, over time (and do give this as muchtime as possible) you will allow the teacher to touch on deeper and

deeper aspects and corners of your mind, including areas you have beenprotecting for a long time because of issues from the past.

Practicing Dharma in DAILY LIFE


PRAYER FOR THE FLOURISHING OFJE TSONGKHAPA’S TEACHINGS

In March, Ven. Roger Kunsang, Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s attendant and CEO of FPMT, checkedwith Khensur Denma Locho Rinpoche as to what could be done by FPMT centers, projects, servicesand students to help with Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s quick recovery. In addition to a few pujas, DenmaLocho Rinpoche advised that students “should really strive to fulfill Rinpoche’s advice,” “try to seethe [positive] qualities in others and try to work harmoniously” and “take the difficulties [and]hardships upon [themselves] and do the work wholeheartedly.”

Denma Locho Rinpoche also highly recommended that all students recite Prayer for the Flourishingof Je Tsongkhapa’s Teachings (Lo-sang gyäl-tän-ma). Mandala is pleased to make this prayeravailable as this issue’s Featured Practice.

Lama Tsongkhapa and his two disciples, holy objects in Maitripa College’s Jokhang, Portland, Oregon. Photo by Marc Sakamoto.

FEATURED PRACTICE


Though he’s the father, producer of all conquerors,As a conqueror’s son, he produced the thought of upholdingThe conqueror’s Dharma in infinite worlds. Through this truthMay the conqueror Losang’s teachings flourish!

When of yore before [Buddha] IndraketuHe made his vow, the conqueror and his offspringPraised his powerful courage. Through this truthMay the conqueror Losang’s teachings flourish!

That the lineage of pure view and conduct might spread,He offered a white crystal rosary to the Sage,Who gave him a conch and prophesied. Through this truthMay the conqueror Losang’s teachings flourish!

His pure view free of eternity or destruction;His pure meditation cleansed of dark fading and fog;His pure conduct practiced according to conquerors’ orders:May the conqueror Losang’s teachings flourish!

Learned, since he extensively sought out learning;Reverend, rightly applying it to himself;1

Good, dedicating all for beings and doctrine:May the conqueror Losang’s teachings flourish!

Through being sure that all scriptures, definitive andInterpretative, were, without contradiction,Advice for one person’s practice, he stopped all misconduct:May the conqueror Losang’s teachings flourish!

Listening to explanations of the three pitakas,Realized teachings, practice of the three trainings –His skilled and accomplished life story is amazing.May the conqueror Losang’s teachings flourish!

Outwardly calmed and subdued by the hearer’s conduct,Inwardly trusting in the two stages’ practice,He allied without clash the good paths of sutra and tantra:May the conqueror Losang’s teachings flourish!

Combining voidness, explained as the causal vehicle,With great bliss, achieved by method, the effect vehicle,Heart essence of eighty thousand Dharma bundles –May the conqueror Losang’s teachings flourish!

By the power of the ocean of oath-bound doctrine protectors,Like the main guardians of the three beings’ paths –The quick-acting lord,2 Vaishravana, Karma-yama –May the conqueror Losang’s teachings flourish!

In short, by the lasting of glorious gurus’ lives,By the earth being full of good, learned, reverend holdersOf the teaching, and by the increase of power of its patrons,May the conqueror Losang’s teachings flourish!

Translated by Martin Willson, Nalanda Monastery, August 1985.Taken from Rites and Prayers,Wisdom Publications, London, 1985.Lightly edited by FPMT Education Services, June 1999.

PRAYER FOR THE FLOURISHING OF JE TSONGKHAPA’S TEACHINGS(LO-SANG GYÄL-TÄN-MA) By Gung-tang Tän-päi Drön-me

Buddha Days

July 23 – Lord Buddha’s first teaching

August 2 – Lord Buddha’s conception (alternative)

The FPMT Foundation Store offers for sale the LIBERATION calendar, a traditional Tibetan lunar calendar includingauspicious days and more, produced by Liberation Prison Project: shop.fpmt.org

Full and New Moons

(Tibetan 15th and 30th days)July 3, 19

August 2, 17, 31September 16, 30

1 Literally, “… since he rightly applied the meaning of what heheard to [his own] continuum …”2 Mahakala


Practicing Dharma in DAILY LIFE

REJOICE!

A Liberation Prison Project student in Australia, theanonymous P513, has been reading the 21-chapter versionof theGolden Light Sutra about twice each week, thoroughlywashing himself and cleaning his cell before the practice.P513 also abstains from smoking, a habit he’d like to stop.All this preparation and practice is done for Lama ZopaRinpoche, and P513 mentions he cannot thank Rinpocheenough for suggesting this practice because the practicehas been nothing but transformative. The practice has sochanged him that others ask, “What has happened? Whyare you different?”

LPP chaplain Anna Carmody shared this news withLama Zopa Rinpoche and this was Rinpoche’s joyfulresponse:

Thank you very, very, very much for your news about theprisoner (P513). I am very, very happy to hear what he isdoing when reading the Golden Light Sutra and how it haschanged him – that is exactly the purpose of reading it. Pleasegive my thanks to him [a] billion, zillion, trillion times notonly for reading the Golden Light Sutra, but that he haschanged and become a better human being – that is exactly thepurpose of reading theGolden Light Sutra. I am very happy.

Thank you very, very much. �

“Buddha in Golden Light.” Photo by Edward Dalmulder. CreativeCommons (Flickr: Edward Dalmulder)

P513 AND THEGOLDEN LIGHT SUTRA

Early morning on February 5, 2012, the 14645 Jammu-bound Shalimar Express derailed near the Kala Bakra rail-way station in India. Miraculously, none of the traincarriages fell over and no one was killed. Drolkar Maree,former spiritual program coordinator of Chenrezig Instituteand long-time student, was on the train heading back toher home in McLeod Ganj when the accident took place.

“I was doing my prayers [the night before] and whenI was reciting a few pages from the Vajra Cutter Sutra, Iwas thinking how Rinpoche had said the Vajra CutterSutra can protect you when flying,” Drolkar recalled.“I happened to think that the text would protect us onthe train and I remembered that Rinpoche said we really

need to have faith in this, so I did. When I woke up at3:00 A.M., the train had stopped as apparently one of thefront carriages had derailed. But a disaster had beenaverted as the driver stopped the train in time so thatnone of the carriages actually toppled over.”

When Lama Zopa Rinpoche heard this story, heasked that it be shared widely.

The Vajra Cutter Sutra can be found freely on fpmt.org in 10different languages. Also, fpmt.org makes the Tibetan avail-able in a format suitable for being cut out, assembled andworn on the body.

www.fpmt.org/teachers/teachings/sutras/vajra-cutter-sutra.html

VAJRA CUTTER SUTRA FOR PROTECTION WHILE TRAVELING

Lama Zopa Rinpoche comments that in addition to many otherbenefits, “[The Golden Light Sutra] is very precious; it bringspeace and happiness and is very powerful to stop violence. Itgives incredible protection to the country from violence, etc. Byhearing this text, one’s karma gets purified.”

You can learn more about the Golden Light Sutra and itsbenefits, download a copy for yourself, or even find a versionsuitably small enough to wear on the body for protection byvisiting: www.fpmt.org/teachers/teachings/sutras/golden-light-sutra.html


W E A L L H AV E A W O R D F O R G E N E R O S I T Y:

慷慷慨慨 ggeenneerrøøssiitteett vvrriijjggeevviigghheeiidd ssuuuurreemmeeeellssuuss kkaaggaannddaahhaanngg--lloooobbhhààoo pphhóónngg 寛寛大大なな ggéénnéérroossiittéé ggeenneerroossiittàà GGrrooßßzzüüggiiggkkeeiitt щедрость

ggeenneerroossiiddaaddee kkeemmuurraahhaann ggeenneerroossiitteett ggaavvmmiillddhheett GGeenneerroozziittaatteeaa

Practice generosity with your own International Merit Box kit, now available in eleven languages.Email [email protected] for more information and to obtain your own Merit Box kit, or visit

www.fpmt.org/meritbox If you are already an International Merit Box participant, thank you for practicing generosity today, and throughout the year, in support of FPMT projects worldwide.

THE INTERNATIONAL

MERIT BOX PROJECT


Teaching a GOOD HEART

In every practitioner’s life, there comes a moment whenshe knows that she has found her spiritual guide. It canlook a lot of different ways. Some people have mysticalvisions or weep. Others simply find that one day, aftermany years of observation, they feel comfortable saying,“That person over there? Yes, he’s my teacher.” Andalthough the look of this moment is as varied as there arepeople, a common emotional experience follows swiftlyon its tail: a sense of purpose and inspiration, a feelingof coming home, a certainty of being on the righttrack.There is no doubt that a qualified spiritual teachercan change a person’s life.

But how dowe knowwhen a teacher is capable of guidingus along the path, inspiring us with their discipline, helpingus understand the teachings and promoting harmony in ourcommunities? At FPMT, the label “teacher” indicates a personpossessing several indispensible qualifications: academicsuccess, solid meditation practice, an attitude of service,ethical behavior and loving kindness. Also FPMT teachershave an appreciation of the organization’s history and uniqueteaching lineage, which helps build a sense of family andcohesion amongst their students. FPMT’s teacher registrationprocess seeks to ensure as much as possible that teachers atFPMT centers, projects and services meet these criteria.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche teaching during the Fourth Meditation Course, Kopan Monastery, Nepal, 1973. Photo by Lynda Millspaugh,courtesy of Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive.

Teaching a Good Heart:

FPMT REGISTERED TEACHERS

Sincere and good hearted, this is an extremely important quality for teachers [so theycan be] a very good model for students and an inspiration for their studies – inspira-tion to have deep, clear understanding of Dharma – and for inspiration to practice.– LAMA ZOPA RINPOCHE, TSE CHEN LING, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, USA, APRIL 2007


Meeting the instructional and inspirational needs of thetens of thousands of students who visit FPMT centersrequires care and consideration. While it’s true that thelabel “teacher” is a dependent arising and relies on astudent considering an individual as a teacher, from theside of the FPMT organization, the teacher designationalso demands that one works to maintain pure lineageinstruction, provide a good example to students and fosterharmony in centers.

At the 1980 Council for the Preservation of theMahayana Tradition (CPMT) meeting, Lama Yeshe said,“When we are organizing the education program weshould choose the right teachers, ones who give goodvibrations and do not create disorder and conflict.” LamaZopa Rinpoche shared this sentiment when he advised thata teacher “always places the most emphasis on harmonyamongst the students and the center, who considers thattheir main job is taking care of the students, helping thestudents in whatever way they can. If the teacher really paysattention to people, so that they can see the teacher has astrong wish to help people, this is highly beneficial for thecenter.”

The actual process of teacher registration in the FPMThas developed over the years as the organization has grownand matured. Khensur Rinpoche Lama Lhundrup Rigsel,the former abbot of Kopan Monastery who passed away inSeptember 2011, understood the need for an organizededucation system within FPMT and offered support for itsdevelopment.

At the 2002 CPMTmeeting held inTaos, NewMexico,USA, Lama Lhundrup advised, “Since our organization hasbecome a very important one, we must establish a solid,well-disciplined and definite system to provide Dharmaeducation to the students of the organization. If the differentteachers and individuals who come to the centers to teachDharma, express and set up their own systems, programsand rules, then we will not have anything to hold up as ourown system and it is going to be a mess.

“Hence, a system has been set forth by the late, match-lessly kind Lama Thubten Yeshe, and followed andgradually developed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche over the pastfew decades,” Lama Lhundrup continued. “They havecarried out careful observation on students’ situation andthorough investigation on what subjects are most suitableand beneficial for students to learn.”

In January 2011, FPMT International Office updatedthe teacher registration process in accordance with LamaYeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s advice and with inputfrom senior teachers, center directors and spiritual programcoordinators. The process is aligned with recognized goodpractice for teacher certification. Requirements includegraduation from an FPMT standard education program orsimilar program – these programs all include the fouraspects of academic study, meditation practice, service andethical behavior. Also required are experience within theFPMT organization, appropriate references and a commit-ment to uphold the FPMT Ethical Policy (see page 24). Inaddition, registered teachers are expected to continuedeveloping professionally and to keep up-to-date with the

I do take the Dharma seriously and make sure [I know about the teachers] I taketeachings from – always. That’s why I love FPMT. I know that if a lama or lay teacheris teaching in any FPMT center, they are fully approved to do so and I know what Ihear there will be accurate and in line with my heart guru, Lama Zopa Rinpoche.– VICTORIA RAINONE,DISCOVERING BUDDHISM ONLINE DISCUSSION FORUM

A System for Dharma Education

Left to right: Lama Lhundrup, Lama Zopa Rinpoche and LamaYeshe, Fourth Meditation Course, Kopan Monastery, Nepal,1973. Photo courtesy of Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive.



organization’s development, particularly as new advicecomes from our spiritual director, Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

Within the registered teacher classification system –which includes ordained and lay men and women – thedesignation of Foundational Buddhism teacher means thatone is authorized to teach introductory programs such asFoundations of Buddhist Thought,Discovering Buddhism andLiving in the Path. More than 135 non-Tibetan Sangha andlay people are categorized as Foundational Buddhismteachers. Their educational backgrounds include having aDiscovering Buddhism or Foundation of Buddhist Thoughtcertificate, studying in the Masters Program, or havinggraduated from the Basic Program, the Masters Program orMaitripa College’s MA program.

An In-Depth Buddhism teacher is able to instructadditionally in some of theBasic Programmodules and perhapseven Masters Program subjects. There are more than 60non-Tibetans in this group. These teachers hold certificatesfrom the Basic Program orMasters Program, or have studiedat Tibetan monasteries, the Institute of Buddhist Dialecticsor in a Ph.D. program.TheTibetan geshes who are residentin centers also teach In-Depth Buddhism. In addition,many teachers have authorization from Lama Zopa Rinpocheto give refuge and 20 non-Tibetan teachers are certified tolead retreats of one-month or longer depending on theirexperience.

With the process of registering teachers, FPMT Inter-national Office is working to help centers meet the diverseneeds of students, while offering the assurance that onlytruly qualified teachers are invited to FPMT centers,projects and services around the world. Response to theupdated policy has been positive. FPMT InternationalOffice maintains the ever-increasing list of more than 135registered teachers.

“WOW! To all those involved in ascertaining thequalifications of this incredible list of current registeredteachers across FPMT – thank you and well done,” wroteVen. Lindy Mailhot, director at Chag-tong Chen-tongCentre in Tasmania, Australia. “It is such a clear indicationof how far the organization has come in 30-odd years – tohave such a huge list of qualified teachers bringing theDharma to the world is truly amazing.”

The path of Dharma is progressive. Our instructionalneeds as beginning students are necessarily different thanthe guidance we will seek as advanced students. FPMT isalso an organization with students of different ages

From top:

FPMT geshes meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Sarnath,India, December 2006

Participants in the FPMT Education Conference, where theDiscovering Buddhism program was conceived, Istituto LamaTzong Khapa, Italy, April 2001.

Symposium at Maitripa College, Portland, Oregon, USA,December 2010. Photo by Marc Sakamoto.


coming from a wide variety of cultural and educationalbackgrounds. Perhaps in recognition of the wide varietyof experiences and spoken languages with whichstudents arrive at FPMT centers, Lama Yeshe advised in1983, “The spiritual leaders of the centers have to havesome kind of sympathy for the feelings of the individu-als in their daily life ... how to deal with them ... how toheal them.”

FPMT teachers include erudite scholars specialized intransmitting the main philosophical texts as well as plain-spoken practitioners skilled at bringing the teachings of theBuddha into our hyped-up-21st-century lives. Collectivelythese teachers along with spiritual director Lama ZopaRinpoche are able to guide us from introductory topicsthrough profound realizations, helping us make our livestruly beneficial.

Quotes from Students about Their Teachers[The teacher] held my hand and I felt such an over-powering sense ofprotection, like I did when I was a very small child andmymother huggedme. …Now I often hear his voice in my head when I am full of doubt orfeel tired or make excuses. Very clearly his voice rings out: ‘It’s for allsentient beings.’ – MICK DICKINSON, TOKYO, JAPAN

They give us the invaluable gift of Dharma teachings and are theepitome of control and moderation. They are so patient with our lazinessand questions. They travel half-a-day each way every week just to giveus teachings. They teach from their own experiences and give us suchsubtle, deep and authentic insights into the Dharma. In short, they arethe buddhas who come to guide us so skillfully. May their teachingsendure and many, many sentient beings be led by them.– SHANTI YAJNIK, BANGALORE, INDIA

Lama Zopa Rinpoche with Ven. RogerKunsang at Root Institute, Bodhgaya, India,January 2012. Photo by Kalleen Mortenson.

• Lama Zopa Rinpoche gives advice on the attitude to have when serving in aDharma center

• Discovering Buddhism teacher Thubten Yeshe (T.Y.) discusses what you can do if you livefar away from a Buddhist teacher

• Maitripa College’s Prof. Jim Blumenthal introduces us to the Nalanda masters andtheir impact on the shape of Buddhism in Tibet

• RevisitMandala’s 2010 coverage of FPMT-registered teachers, including historicalaccounts of early FPMT teacher training and profiles of FPMT’s Tibetan geshes

• Adele Hulse recounts her first encounters with Lama Yeshe in an excerpt from Big Love,the forthcoming biography of Lama Yeshe

Find these stories at mandalamagazine.org.

Visit Mandala Online to read more!



“FPMT is extremely fortunate, unbelievably fortunate thatwe have many qualified teachers,” Lama Zopa Rinpochetold students at Tse Chen Ling in San Francisco, California,in 2007. “[They] have extensively studied Buddhist phi-losophy, the whole path to enlightenment, the four nobletruths. And [they] are not only scholars but are living inpractice; that is an extremely important model for us. …So we are very fortunate, they are not just scholars in words,but beings who are actually living the practice.”

In these remarks, Rinpoche is referring to the impres-sive number of qualified teachers who are currently giving

instruction at some of the 159 FPMT centers, projects andservices worldwide. There are currently 53 teachers residentin centers, 39 of whom are Tibetan geshes. In addition,FPMT centers are able to invite more than 135 FPMTregistered teachers with diverse histories, languages andexperiences to their centers – and these numbers are alwaysincreasing! The variety and quality of these registered teachersmeans students from a wide range of backgrounds can havethat truly remarkable experience of finding a spiritual friendthat speaks to them. Creating this kind of connection is animportant aspect of the FPMT organization.

Ethical ConductProper ethical conduct is a heart value within all parts ofFPMT. As one of the three higher trainings, ethical conductis a key aspect of Dharma practice, but appropriate actionalso ensures the effectiveness and functionality of a Dharmacenter.

“A fundamental responsibility to ourselves and to theFPMT community is to create a supportive, harmoniousand safe environment for Dharma practice,” states theFPMT Ethical Policy. “In this, we are caretakers of thecommunity’s well-being and share a responsibility to fosteran environment of integrity and respect.”

To meet these ends and to fully support compassionateservice and spiritual development, all FPMT registeredteachers and introductory class facilitators – as well ascenter, project and service directors, spiritual programcoordinators, board members and other staff – are requiredto sign and uphold the FPMT Ethical Policy.

The five precepts form the basis of the FPMT EthicalPolicy. (The five precepts are not to kill, steal, indulge insexual misconduct, lie or take intoxicants.) The policyalso covers relationships, right speech, finances and non-discrimination. In addition, there are specific policies forFPMT teachers’ behavior which cover confidentiality,qualification and appropriate relationships.

Actions contrary to these principles of conduct could leadto a person being suspended from facilitating classes orremoved from the FPMT teacher registry. The Ethical Policyis displayed in all centers alongwith information on the center’sgrievance procedures. The policy is also included in staff andvolunteer trainings. The organization also offers furtherguidance to FPMT registered teachers on appropriate behavior.

The complete FPMT Ethical Policy is available on the FPMTwebsite: www.fpmt.org/images/stories/organization/FPMT_Ethical_Policy.pdf

FPMT is Extremely Fortunate

From left: Lama Yeshe teaching at Seventh Meditation Course, Kopan Monastery, Nepal, 1974; Lama Yeshe and student, ManjushriInstitute, England, 1976; International Mahayana Institute monks and nuns with some lay friends, Kopan 1974. Many of the earlySangha have become FPMT registered teachers. All photos courtesy of Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive.


This rich assembly of teachers makes sense when weconsider where Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpochemade contact with their early Western students: first inIndia and hippie-saturated Kopan in Nepal, later inAustralia and New Zealand, Europe and North America.These Western spiritual seekers were inspired by theirprecious teachers to create Dharma centers in their owncountries, facilitating the spreading of the Buddha’s teachings

throughout the world. Lama Yeshe and Lama ZopaRinpoche also traveled throughout Asia. In later years,especially because of Rinpoche’s efforts, centers haveblossomed in Mongolia, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore,Taiwan, Malaysia and Indonesia. Today, FPMT hascenters, projects, services and study groups in 39 countries,including Mauritius, Israel, Colombia, Argentina andBrazil.

As the number of centers, projects, services and study groupsgrows, there is an ever-increasing need for qualified teachers.Happily as more centers offer the full standard educationprograms, such asDiscovering Buddhism, Basic Program andMasters Program, more students are becoming certified,which is the first step in becoming eligible to apply to beregistered as a teacher!

FPMT centers and study groups can cultivate newteachers by encouraging suitable and experienced local stu-

dents to lead meditation and introduction to Buddhismclasses. These students can be labeled “Dharma friend,”“introductory class leader” or “facilitator” in order to clearlydistinguish them from FPMT registered teachers. Thecenters hold responsibility for monitoring, supporting andtraining these individuals, and for encouraging them tocomplete one of the standard education programs.

The future of Dharma depends on qualified teachers.And the preservation of the Gelug tradition rests, in part, with

FPMT CENTERSWITH RESIDENT

TEACHERS

More than 40 FPMT centers in Australia, Denmark, England, France, Germany, India, Italy,Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland,Taiwan and the United States are home to 53 FPMT resident teachers.See the FPMT directory on page 59 for a listing of all FPMT centers, projects and services as well as for centers with residentteachers. Or go online for the most up-to-date listing: www.fpmt.org/teachers/resident.html

Growing New Teachers



the continuing activities of LAMA YESHE and LAMA ZOPA RINPOCHEover many lifetimes to come by requesting your legal advisor to include a bequest toFPMT in your will or trust.

SAMPLE BEQUEST LANGUAGE:I give, devise, and bequeath to the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition, Inc.,a California Non Profit Corporation, with offices at 1632 SE 11th Avenue, Portland, Oregon, 97214, USA____ percent (_____%) of my residuary estate; and/or the sum of _____ dollars ($_____).

Gifts of stocks, bonds, life insurance proceeds, real estate and other assets may also be donated in your will or trust.

For more information, contact Chuck Latimer at FPMT International Office: Tel. +1 (503) 808-1586;Email: [email protected]. Or visit: www.fpmt.org/projects/office/planned-giving.html

FPMT, INC. 1632 SE 11TH AVE. PORTLAND OR 97214 WWW.FPMT.ORG

Support

“Within our organization, the Foundation for thePreservation of the Mahayana Tradition, there arenumberless projects through which you can make yourbelongings most beneficial for sentient beings and theteachings of the Buddha. . . . The aim of the projects isto illuminate the world from darkness, ignorance andsuffering.” – LAMA ZOPA RINPOCHE

FPMT’s commitment to training and supporting teachersable to keep the lineage teachings authentic.

As Lama Zopa Rinpoche consistently emphasizes, themotivation behind all of our actions should be our personalcommitment to the path of the bodhisattva. “The best answeris to learn Dharma – and to meditate – especially how todevelop wisdom and compassion towards other sentientbeings,” Lama Zopa Rinpoche advised in November 2011.“We each have full responsibility to free all sentient beingsfrom suffering and bring them to full enlightenment. There-fore, we need to achieve full enlightenment and so we needto practice Dharma. Therefore, we need a place where thereis a teacher and facilities to practice. Now we can see howimportant the Dharma center is. We should know howfortunate and lucky we are having different Dharma centerswith teachers.”

We are indeed fortunate that so many opportunitiesexist within FPMT for us to receive Dharma instructionand to work on developing our compassion and wisdom.Our teachers offer us support and inspiration so we can

change ourselves, seeking not only our own enlightenment,but working to become truly helpful to others. In the fu-ture, may we all become skillful teachers of Dharma andbring peace and happiness to all beings. �

To learn more about FPMT study programs visit:http://www.fpmt.org/education/programs.html

Lama Zopa Rinpoche with a young Tibetan girl in Boudha, Nepal,February 2012. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.

FPMT programs available online!Online Learning Center

Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition

Video teachingsAudio teachings and meditationsWritten transcriptsReadingsDaily practices

•••••

Online Learning Center programs include:

FPMT Media Center:High-defi nition streaming video of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Light of the Path teachings

are available in English, French, Spanish, Chinese, and German.

Mindfulness exercises for daily lifeKarma yoga exercisesOnline quizzesOnline discussion forumCompletion certifi cate

•••••

Individual modules available from the FPMT Foundation Store: http://shop.fpmt.org OR become a Dharma Supporter Friend of FPMT and receive free access to all online programs and a subscription to Mandala magazine: www.fpmt.org/friends

FREE! Discovering Buddhism module two, How to MeditateFREE! Living in the Path module one, Motivation for LifeFREE! See online Site User Guide for other free courses

•••

http://onlinelearning.fpmt.orgThe Online learning Centre is an absolutely, wonderful incredible resource. Truly, what a gift! Thank you. – Mary, Canada, August 2010

Buddhism in a Nutshell Meditation 101Death & Dying Living in the Path Basic ProgramDiscovering Buddhism Special Commentaries


EDUCATION

FPMT EDUCATION SERVICESFPMT Education Services is the education department of FPMT International Office and develops study programs, practicematerials, translations and trainings designed to foster an integration of four broad education areas: study, practice, service andbehavior. These programs and materials are available through the FPMT Foundation Store, the FPMTOnline Learning Centerand FPMT centers worldwide.

A Very Precious Thing

In order to create a common terminology for Tibetan-to-English translations for publications and written materialsproduced for FPMT study programs, FPMT EducationServices is currently compiling a standardized glossary ofterms. This glossary will be of great benefit to students ofFPMT programs that utilize translations done by a varietyof translators. This glossary is not a dictionary and will notinclude all Tibetan terms, but will instead include termsthat currently have multiple translations in English. TheseTibetan terms and their varied English translations willbe considered and discussed online by members of theLotsawa Rinchen Zangpo Translation Team (LRZTT),which comprises all FPMT and FPMT-affiliated translatorsand editors.

The LRZTT will also decide which translation of eachTibetan term they prefer and deem the most appropriate,taking into consideration the various contextual usages ofthe term in question. Following this, the terms will bereviewed by the FPMT Translation and Editorial Board(TEB), a group of senior translators, and ultimately ratifiedby Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

The FPMT Standardized Glossary is a continuation ofthe rich discussion of translation instigated at the FPMTInternational Translation and Editorial Meeting at IstitutoLama Tzong Khapa in May 2011.You may read a full report on the May 2011 conference byvisiting fpmt.org and searching for “Taking Up the Challengeof Translating Buddhism.” To learn more about FPMT EducationServices, visit www.fpmt.org/education.

FPMT Standardized Glossary Project From FPMT Education Services staff

The FPMT has lots of strength to contribute in the area of translationdue to the early establishment of Dharma centers that brought greatmasters and yogis as well as geshes to the West. From the side of thestudents, there are many who have an interest in learning the Buddha-dharma as well as the Tibetan language. This is a very precious thing.Then there are teachers who are well trained in Dharma subjects – notonly in one country, but in many FPMT centers throughout the world.Many of them are geshes who, to a certain extent, are able to commu-nicate directly in the language of the country. If each of those countrieswere to start translating in an organized fashion, it would be of hugebenefit. This is because there are students who are totally inspired, whounderstand another culture and the language, and teachers who knowthe subjects of the texts in depth and also understand the cultural aspectsof the original texts. Then, between the teacher and the student there is a spiritual relationship, a Dharmarelationship. All this is so precious. And this is not only in one place within the FPMT – it is all around the world.

Extracted from a talk given by Maitripa College’s Yangsi Rinpoche at the FPMT International Translation and Editorial Meetingat Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa in May 2011.

Yangsi Rinpoche, Istituto Lama TzongKhapa, Italy, May 2011

By Yangsi Rinpoche


Universal Education for Compassion and Wisdom is an FPMT programof secular education for people of all ages and cultures.

It seems appropriate to the theme of teachers in this issue of Mandala tointroduce an exciting new phase of development in our work – previouslyknown as Universal Wisdom Education, but now renamed by our HonoraryPresident Lama Zopa Rinpoche (for the final time, he assures us!) as UniversalEducation for Compassion and Wisdom (UECW).

In December 2011, on a warm and sunny evening at Root Institute inBodhgaya, India, Rinpoche generously gave a 90-minute interview on thesubject of UECW to filmmaker Matteo Passigato. Ven. Roger Kunsang,CEO of FPMT, commented on the interview afterwards: “Rinpoche hasgiven something really clear. … I don’t think you can get much clearer. Ofcourse, you can go into the details, but you’ve got it there. I don’t think youcan consider: that’s it. Because, of course, things will gradually get revisedand evolved – you would want to do that, right? But this is the basis. It doesmake it clear enough for everybody.”

During the interview, Rinpoche gave an inspiring explanation of eachelement of UECW’s new name:

Announcing Universal Education forCompassion and Wisdom By Allison Murdoch

Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Root Institute,Bodhgaya, December 2011. Photo by Ven.Roger Kunsang.

The purpose of this education, to spread this education, is to make the people’s minds morecompassionate. If one person in the world, in the country, in the family, generates morecompassion – wow! – what less harm to living beings in all the universe, in this world, in thecountry, in the family! With more compassion, one does less and less harm, and more correctwisdom can develop.

… Why it’s called “universal”? Everybody needs universal education – even ants, even lice.Everybody needs universal compassion and wisdom education. Everyone with a mind wantshappiness and does not want suffering. What the tiny insects have to learn and have to practiceis compassion and wisdom, not only you and me.

... Wisdom is acting correctly. From correct actions, happiness comes. If the action is notcorrect, then suffering comes. That’s the result, the effect of the action. If that action is negative,suffering comes to you and to others who are numberless. Wisdom is very, very important –unbelievably important. If there is correct wisdom, happiness to you and happiness tonumberless other beings comes. But where does correct wisdom come from? It comes from thecompassionate mind.

... Then there is “education.” There is something to learn. Certainly, anybody who wantshappiness must learn how to get it. That’s the explanation of the name.

UNIVERSAL EDUCATION FOR COMPASSION AND WISDOM

MAITRIPA COLLEGE

Venerable Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche (r), Spiritual Director of FPMT, with Yangsi Rinpoche (l), Geshe Lharampa & President of Maitripa College; ~ Photo by Marc Sakamoto

Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies (MA) ~ 44 Credits

Master of Divinity (MDiv) ~ Now 72 Credits!

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Continuing Education & Distance Learning (Online) Classes Available

EDUCATION

As the interview progressed, Rinpoche gave a clean-clearoutline of the practices, subjects and methods that will makeup Universal Education for Compassion and Wisdom.

Rinpoche made it clear that the 16 Guidelines for aHappy Life program – which has been one of the mainactivities of The Foundation for Developing Compassionand Wisdom (FDCW), the FPMT international projecttasked by Rinpoche with putting all this precious adviceinto action – should continue. We also hope to incorporatethe essays of the former “Essential Education CoreCurriculum” into the area of “Philosophy” (“Science ofMind”) as outlined by Rinpoche.

In a dialogue with Rinpoche following the interview, itwas agreed that the elements of the name would bearranged as Universal Education for Compassion andWisdom, providing a direct connection to the originalname given by Lama Yeshe: Universal Education.

All this represents an exciting new phase of develop-ment for FDCW. To help guide this process, the board of

FDCW has set up a strategic framework of advisorygroups, initially in the four areas of content, training andaccreditation, implementation, and communications.Each advisory group will work closely with the relevantmember of the FDCW team and will enable a widergroup of FDCW supporters to contribute their knowl-edge, skills and experience to the development of UECW,to help it to flourish and achieve its aspirations in a cre-ative, transparent and effective manner, and to ensure thatUECW is developed in accordance with the wishes of HisHoliness the Dalai Lama, Lama Yeshe and Lama ZopaRinpoche. �

If you would like more information, please visitwww.compassionandwisdom.org and sign up forour regular newsletters.

There’s more online! You can watch the complete interviewwith Lama Zopa Rinpoche about Universal Education forCompassion and Wisdom – including an extensiveexplanation of the importance of compassion – atmandalamagazine.org.


FPMT relies on the generosity of Friends and donors like you to achieve its mission – thetransmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching,meditation and community services. A gift membership to Friends of FPMT is another way topractice generosity and may be made by going online to www.fpmt.org/friends/giftmembership.

We appreciate having you as a Friend and thank you for your ongoing support of our programs.

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Artwork by Lama Zopa Rinpoche


Dharma and the MODERN WORLD

PRESERVING THE LINEAGE FUNDWhen one receives an oral transmission (lung) orinitiation from a qualified Buddhist master, one isreceiving the teachings of the Buddha in their originalform, passed from master to student through genera-tions in an unbroken continuum. The Preserving theLineage Fund provides the means through which theMahayana teachings can be transmitted fromTibetanlamas to their students by sponsoring initiations andoral transmissions that Lama Zopa Rinpoche hasidentified as essential for the preservation of theDharma.

The Preserving the Lineage Fund helps bring theperfect unbroken Dharma to practitioners and newaudiences around the world. As the last remaininggeneration of Tibet-born lamas leaves us, it is essentialthat we provide as many means as possible for thelineage holders to pass on the teachings they havereceived.

This April marked the fifth year that the Preserv-ing the Lineage Fund supported a series of initiationsgiven by His Holiness the SakyaTrizin at his monasteryin Dehradun, India. This is a rare and utterly preciousopportunity to receive the entire collection of initiationsfrom the Sakya Trizin called Wangya Norbu Tangwa(Garlands of Jewels of Hundreds of Initiations). Preservingthe Wangya Norbu Tangwa has become a matter ofurgency as the lineage of the initiations had completelydied out in the Gelug tradition.

The Preserving the Lineage Fund offered break-fast, lunch and dinner to more than 800 Sangha –including about 65 Gelug lamas – attending theseinitiations as well as the sponsorship of His Holinessthe Sakya Trizin’s household and attendants.

Enabling this important series of initiations is thefirst priority of the Preserving the Lineage Fund. Asthis series comes to a close, the fund will continue tooffer support for initiations and oral transmissions inaccordance with Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s wishes.

Formore informationabout this fundor tomakeadonation,please visit: www.fpmt.org/projects/fpmt/PLF

FEATURED PROJECT

Sponsoring Yearly Initiations and Oral Transmissions

His Holiness the Sakya Trizin blesses Lama Zopa Rinpoche at theWangya Norbu Tangwa event, Dehradun, India, April 2012. Photocourtesy of Sakya Drolma Phodrang.

WINNERS OF DECIPHERING THEGURU’S GROCERY LIST CONTEST!

After manifesting a stroke in April 2011, Lama ZopaRinpoche has been striving to increase mobility anddexterity in the right side of the body, particularly in hisright hand. Rinpoche has made huge progress; but onenight, he wrote a nearly undecipherable grocery list forhis attendants, somehow having “lost” (they cameback the next day) all his improved writing skills. In theApril-June 2012 issue of Mandala, we challengedreaders to imagine being one of Rinpoche’s attendantsattempting to make sense of that list. We’re happy toannounce that Ven. Ingrid Nordzin, Hilsa Ayonayon,and team Robyn Brentano and Bill Kelly had the threemost accurate entries. We’re sending them a copy ofVen. Roger Kunsang’s photo “Rinpoche Writing Outthe Long Amitayus Mantra.” Thanks to all those thatparticipated!

You can find the puzzling grocery list and the answer key onmandalamagazine.org.


American monk Ven. Nicholas“Nicky” Vreeland has beennamed abbot of Rato Dratsang

Monastery in India, marking the firsttime a Westerner has been appointedabbot of a Gelug monastery. Ven.Nicholas began studying TibetanBuddhism with Khyongla Rato Rin-poche in 1977 at The Tibet Center inNew York City. In 1985, he became amonk at Rato Monastery and receivedhis Geshe degree there in 1998. Sincethen, Ven. Nicholas has served as thedirector of The Tibet Center. He willnow split his time between RatoMonastery and The Tibet Center.

During Ven. Nicholas’ investiture,which took place in Long Beach,California, in April 2012, His Holiness the Dalai Lama toldhim, “Your special duty is to bridge theTibetan tradition andtheWestern world.” Ven. Nicholas’ official enthronement asabbot at Rato Monastery is July 6, 2012.

LamaZopaRinpoche responded to a note fromKhyonglaRinpoche sharing the news of Ven. Nicholas’ appointment.Lama Zopa Rinpoche writes:

Nicky’s actions have been that of a serious andproper disciple of [Khyongla] Rinpoche. He has builtRato gompa with so much thought and research, hedeserves to be the abbot. I am really happy to hear thisnews. Being appointed by His Holiness [the DalaiLama] is being appointed by all the buddhas andbodhisattvas. I think it is really fantastic and sendNicky my CONGRATULATIONS.

I always remember seeing him in the same robes,year after year ... sort of faded, old, washed robes. Ithink this shows renunciation.Je Tsongkhapa established the original Rato Monastery

near Lhasa in the 14th century. Rato was reestablished in1983 in a Tibetan refugee settlement in the south Indianstate of Karnataka under His Holiness the Dalai Lama’spatronage. Today there are approximately 100 monks atRato.

Ven. Nicholas has edited His Holiness’ books An OpenHeart: Practicing Compassion in Everyday Life and the recent

A Profound Mind: CultivatingWisdom in Everyday Life. Heis also an internationally recognized photographer. Sales ofhis photographs have helped finance the rebuilding of RatoMonastery. �

For information on Rato Monastery, seewww.ratodratsangfoundation.org. To learn more aboutThe Tibet Center, visit www.thetibetcenter.org.Ven. Nicholas’ photographs can be found online atwww.nicholasvreeland.com.

DALAI LAMA APPOINTSFIRST WESTERN ABBOT

Ven. Nicholas Vreeland, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Khyongla Rato Rinpoche,Long Beach, California, April 2012. Photo by Richard Gere.

MORE MANDALA ONLINE!Read more stories online from this issue’s Dharmaand the Modern World section:

• Kopan’s Ven. Thubten Khunphel writes about whathe’s doing to help street kids in Kathmandu

• Popular alternative health expert Dr. Lai Chiu-Nanshares a basic energy exercise from Taiwan

• Susan Dolkar writes about losing half of her bodyweight and gaining back her health

• Parenting insights from Creating CompassionateCultures founder Pam Cayton

• Sarah Shifferd dissects the world of online dating

Find these stories and more atmandalamagazine.org.


Your COMMUNITY

Tushita at 40Getting Older, Getting Wiser By Gillian Boll, Tushita Meditation Centre staff

The approach of one’s 40th birthday seems a good timeto review: Where am I and how did I get here? Whathave I learned? Where am I going? And how can I use

the time ahead to its fullest advantage? After all, the insightsgained by asking these questions affect not only oneself, butthe many people involved in and touched by the decisionswe make. If this is true for individuals, then such a reviewis all the more important when the celebrant is a busyDharma center in India!

Tushita Meditation Centre is located in the forestedhills above McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala, the-home-in-exileof His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Many readers ofMandalawill be familiar with Tushita, many may even have beguntheir Dharma path here; it has long been a place from wherepeople start their spiritual journey.

The property that became Tushita was purchased byLama Yeshe on October 9, 1972. In the last 40 years, it hasevolved from “Tushita Retreat Centre,” to running occa-sional courses on Buddhist philosophy, to its present state:

FPMT’s busiest center. As Lama Zopa Rinpoche saidrecently, “Tushita is wonderful. There is wonderful workbeing done here, so many students, more than any othercenter. It’s amazing.”

In 2011, more than 9,000 people from all over the worldparticipated in our packed 10-month program of residentialcourses, retreats and drop-in sessions, with many more herefor personal retreat and special events. This is the peak of adramatic rise in student numbers in recent years. Between2009-11, student numbers on our staple 10-day “Introductionto Buddhism” courses increased by 40 percent.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche has also increasingly been spendingtime here. At the time of writing, Rinpoche had spent threeof the previous six months in residence at Tushita and wasabout to return for another stay. During this time he hasclosely witnessed the work of the center and its attempts tobalance accessibility with a conducive retreat environmentand concludes that “Tushita is fulfilling exactly the needs ofthe people.”

From left: Tushita’s Main Gompa; All introductory courses at Tushita include group discussion.

FEATURED CENTER


We can reflect: How did we get here?What lessons havewe learned?We lay all merit at the feet of our spiritual guidesand celebrate the foundation-laying done by so many pastDharma-wallahs. But Tushita’s increased popularity is alsodue to present-day Tushita doing what it does very well.

2008 was a pivotal year: former director DrolkarMcCallum miraculously brought the building of the newMain Gompa and the Medicine Buddha Gompa above thedining hall into fruition before handing over leadership tocurrent director Linda Gyatso. These new gompas, inaddition to the extant Vajrasattva Gompa, made for threeviable teaching spaces, and our spiritual program coordi-nator (SPC) Ven. Kunphen was eager to fill them!With herschedule of parallel courses, group retreats and dailyguided meditation sessions, all three gompas are now in usealmost continuously. Moreover, our resident teacher (aposition currently filled by Ven. Tony Beaumont) gives theprogram more continuity. A former long-term volunteerwho has witnessed Tushita’s growth during Ven. Kunphen’stenure writes, “The program has become so comprehensiveand well thought out since Kunphen took over as SPC, itreally is benefitting a lot of people.”

Students regularly offer extremely positive, heartfeltfeedback, but teachers are also affected byTushita’s amazingalchemy. Masters Program graduate Glen Svensson speaksfor many of our course leaders when he says that “teachingat Tushita is definitely one of the most rewarding experi-ences that I have had in my life.” Ven. Rita Riniker spent17 years at Tushita and explains that “the participants of

the courses are in general much more relaxed than they arein theWest. Most of them travel long term, so they have lefttheir work, studies and private life behind, and their mindsare much more spacious and receptive to absorb theteachings.” International Kalachakra Network founderAndy Wistreich adds, “I have been teaching Dharma forabout 30 years, but I’ve never had whole groups of suchhigh quality students. I think it is because the place itself doeshalf the work for you, because it is so blessed and powerful.”

And people take the experience with them when theygo – often straight to other FPMT centers! Ven. Rita shares,“Years later, in all four corners of the world, you meet peopletelling you that you were the first person introducing themto the Dharma and that they had then continued in theirhome country.”

Our popularity hasn’t grown in isolation; increasedinternet exposure has connected us to a much wider worldonline and the Dharamsala region in general has seen ahuge rise in tourism in recent years. The local villages arealmost unrecognizable to those who haven’t visited in sometime as building work continues with an astonishing paceand McLeod Ganj turns into a bustling café culture. Theaccelerated rate of change has raised many importantquestions about sustainability as greater and greater pressureis put on the local environment and natural resources.

Tushita is being forced to ask itself similar questions:Where are we going and how can we travel wisely? Thesharp upturn in student numbers is breathtaking, but alsounprecedented and unpredictable. Director Linda Gyatso

From left: Ven. Kunphen, spiritual program coordinator; Linda Gyatso, director, with son Norbu.


Your COMMUNITY

explains our remarkable challenge, “We want to satisfy thehunger for Dharma, but we have to be sensible. How canwe offer as much as we can, but not so much that it goesbeyond what we are capable of?”

While we plan further expansion, we face finiteresources of money, professional support and space. Tushitais a small property. We have been able to increase thenumber of residential students by maximizing the space wehave now by turning singles into doubles, doubles intotriples and a room intended for a visiting geshe into aneight-bed dorm. But this in turn puts pressure on infra-structure: the water supply, kitchen and dining room space,toilet and shower facilities.

Human resources are also in shortage! While the every-day tasks around the center are done by local staff, Tushitais highly dependent onWestern volunteers. This leaves keypositions vulnerable to sudden changes and the center hassuffered from a lack of continuity in management and ofavailability of qualified teachers and meditation leaders.Without being certain of capable, long-term support, thepacked schedule and large numbers of students can put agreat burden on those who remain, significantly limitingany free time for personal practice and consequentlychallenging group harmony.

To an enormous extent these problems don’t have easysolutions within our control. Mother India is an excellentteacher of the art of surfing life’s vicissitudes. Few other placeshelp you to identify and re-negotiate your boundaries ofpatience, time and expectation as vividly. It’s partly whyIndia’s spiritual soil is so fertile. If demand continues to growwithout us having developed a stable network of teachers,

meditation leaders and volunteers, and the right people andresources to bring further building work to fruition, then theonly choices open to us are tough decisions about activelylimiting the numbers of students and courses.

Such is our dilemma, for getting older also forces us toengage with the truth of impermanence, a reality all themore vivid for those of us living in areas like the Himalayas,so sensitive to environmental change and prone to naturaldisasters. Another difficult question for Tushita’s future is:Since so many visitors are drawn to this area by His Holi-ness the Dalai Lama, what will happen when (hopefully dueto being able to return to Tibet!) he is no longer resident inMcLeod Ganj? Linda is reminded of advice she was given:“Lama Zopa Rinpoche said that right now Dharamsala is awish-granting jewel. But he really stressed the imperma-nence of that, and told us to use this opportunity to itsfullest advantage.”

The trick for all of us, especially those approaching asignificant birthday, is to keep impermanence always inmind but not be overwhelmed by it. ForTushita to continueto facilitate the most beneficial activity possible, we must berealistic about how much we can do, by evaluating the skillsand resources we have at our disposal. It’s equally importantfor us to appreciate and rejoice in what we have, while wehave it. And this is how Tushita intends to use the next 40years: to its fullest advantage.

Visit Tushita online at www.tushita.info.

Read more online about the history of Tushita, including anexcerpt fromAdele Hulse’s forthcoming Lama Yeshe biographyBig Love and an archive piece from Mandala. Go tomandalamagazine.org.

From left: Introduction to Buddhism class, April 2012; Some of Tushita’s teaching staff at Lama Yeshe’s stupa.


Your Prayers and Dedications “Have Power”

Sixty-three-year-old former attorney Bob Brintz, a student of LamaZopa Rinpoche from Texas, United States, lives with ALS (LouGehrig’s disease) and is almost completely paralyzed. Bob cannot

speak, takes food through a tube directly connected to his stomach andrequires mechanical ventilation in order to be able to breathe. In orderto write to Rinpoche and request formally Rinpoche as his teacher, heused a computer that allowed him to type using just his eyes. In his letterto Rinpoche, Bob writes that his introduction to the Dharma in 2007was “transformational.”

Rinpoche sent Bob a six-page letter in response giving encourage-ment and sharing some spiritual advice:

… [L]ive your life with the understanding that others are the mostprecious, kindest and wish-fulfilling. Then your life is naturally to helpothers, to stop even the smallest suffering of others. Your everyday life becomes like that. There’s always great happiness in yourmind and you live your life for others, even praying for others. You cannot stop world wars or big problems like that, but at leastyou can pray and then dedicate your prayers and that will help, they have power. It is said in the teachings, the Piled ThreePrecious Rare Sublime Ones Sutra (kon chog sum tseg pai do), “All phenomena arise due to conditions, they depend on thetip of the wish.” This way your mind is always in a state of happiness. That’s really the best psychology. It’s the best meditation andthe best psychology. Keep your mind always happy. …

Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s complete advice to Bob along with Bob’s initial letter can be found on mandalamagazine.org as part ofthis issue’s exclusive online content.

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Bob Brintz with his wife Susan, daughter Carrieand son Ben

Your COMMUNITY


His Holiness the 9th Bogd Jetsün Dampa Rinpoche, 80, died in Ulaanbaatar,Mongolia, March 1, 2012, after prolonged illnessThe Khalka JetsünDampa is recognized as the spiritual head of Buddhism inMongoliaand as part of a lineage tracing itself back to Taranatha, a famous scholar of the Jonangschool of Tibetan Buddhism. Although recognized as a child in 1936, complex politicalsituations in Asia forced his identity to be hidden until its public announcement in 1990by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. After Lama Zopa Rinpoche received the informationfrom the Ganden Abbot inMongolia regarding Jetsün Dampa’s death, Rinpoche wrotethe following message in response:

According to normal view, we see that His Holiness the 9th Bogd JetsünDampa Rinpochehas passed away.We know Buddha has no disturbing obscurations so it is impossible for him toexperience death. If Buddha stayedwith us forever, sentient beings would not regard his teachingsas precious and laziness would arise as well. So to realize how precious the Buddha’s teachingsare, the Buddha showed the aspect of passing away. Similarly His Holiness the 9th Bogd JetsünDampa Rinpoche has chosen to show the aspect of passing away.

His Holiness the 9th Bogd Jetsün Dampa Rinpoche has mentioned in the past that he will reincarnate in Mongolia andfrom a young [age] will become a brilliant Buddhist monk – adopting this way of learning the extensive Buddhadharma in orderto preserve and spread it throughout Mongolia, to have the pure Buddhadharma in many monasteries throughout Mongolia.In this way, everyone will enjoy the happiness of Dharma in Mongolia.

We should all pray and look for this good future. My advice is to pray to LamaTsongkhapa and recite the Migtsema mantra.Thank you very much, and I will also pray.

More information can be found at: http://tibet.net/2012/03/01/obituary-his-eminence-the-ninth-khalkha-jetsun-dhampa/

PhotocourtesyofTagtenLabrang

Geshe Konchog Lhundup, 82, died in Venray, the Netherlands,February 8, 2012, of natural causesBy Koosje van der KolkGeshe Konchog Lhundup, the first resident geshe who taught at Maitreya Instituutfrom 1984 until 1991, passed away on his bed and was found by his students, whohad to break into his house. We think this was Geshe-la’s way of going back to Tibet.

When he turned 80, his students organized a great thank-you celebration forhim at Maitreya Instituut. He expressed his wish to go back and live in his home inKham, Tibet. Years before, he had visited his home and had revitalized the temple.Attempts by his students to get a visa for him to permanently go back to Tibet,however, did not succeed.

Geshe Konchog Lhundup played an important role is consolidating MaitreyaInstituut. Under his enthusiastic guidance, the first solid group of Dutch students was

introduced to Tibetan Buddhism. In this way, he ripened their minds, preparing them to enter the study program startedin 1992 under the guidance of our second resident geshe, Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen.

Geshe Konchog Lhundup later became the main teacher for many other Buddhist centers in the Netherlands.After his retirement, Geshe-la visited Maitreya Instituut Emst to teach, attend ceremonies or sometimes just for a visit.

He continued to teach his own students and did pujas with them in his house. After his 80th birthday, Dutch Buddhisttelevision broadcasted a documentary about his life in the Netherlands, Passant in Oranje. Geshe-la was a strong personality– a real Khampa – kind, laughing and proud. Maitreya Instituut will always be grateful for the role he played in theflourishing of Buddhadharma in the Netherlands.Passant in Oranje is avaible freely online: http://player.omroep.nl/?aflID=10099319

OBITUARIES


Lama Zopa Rinpoche requests that “students who read Mandala pray that the students whoseobituaries follow find a perfect human body, meet a Mahayana guru and become enlightenedquickly, or be born in a pure land where the teachings exist and they can become enlightened.”Reading these obituaries also helps us reflect upon our own death and rebirth, prompting us tolive our lives in the most meaningful way.

Advice and Practices for Death and Dying is available from the Foundation Store (http://shop.fpmt.org)

Gunjiimaa Ganbat, 35, died inUlaanbaatar, Mongolia, April 1,2012, of multi-drug resistanttuberculosisBy Thubten Gyatso (Adrian Feldmann)and Khulan Dembereldorj

Thubten Gyatso met Gunjiimaa soonafter arriving in Ulaanbaatar inNovember 1999. “At a meeting overlunch at Millie’s restaurant, next doorto the half-finished building HarveyHorrocks had bought for the newcenter, I was immediately impressed –first by her famous smile and then byher immaculate English,” Gyatsoremembers. “She was a 22-year-olduniversity graduate working for anonline news agency. She agreed totranslate my talks to about 60 laypeople in the basement gompa atBakula Rinpoche’s monastery. Soonafter, I realized that I needed a full-timetranslator/assistant and, when I askedGunjiimaa if she would leave her jobto work for the center, she replied thatthis was what she had been praying for.”

“Gunjiimaa was sharing a roomwith her mother, father, two youngersisters and a brother. The room con-tained a toilet, wash basin, couch andlittle space for anything else.Hermotherslept on the couch and everybody else onthe floor. All of Gunjiimaa’s wages wentto support the family, which I sooncame to know well. One of the manydelightful memories I have of Mongoliais taking the three beautiful sisters to afast-food place after Dharma talks.”

“She used to interpret all ofGyatso’s teachings at Ganden DoNgagShedrub Ling, atmany different prisons,in the countryside, at Dolma LingNunnery, many other places and fordifferent audiences,” reflects KhulanDembereldorj on Gunjiimaa’s extensivework. “It was always nice to hear theDharma words of the teacher througha person with such a warm heart. Shetranslated one of the first Dharmabooks published by FPMT Mongolia,The Perfect Mirror byThubten Gyatso.She also translatedTransforming Problemsinto Happiness, Vajrasattva Practiceand Daily Purification by Lama ZopaRinpoche, Tibetan Buddhism by HisHoliness the Dalai Lama, and thescripts for a 26-part TV series calledReviving Mongolian Buddhism.”

“Her skill at translation, her con-stantly cheerful presence, and herdevotion to Lama Zopa Rinpoche weresources of inspiration for the hundredsof people at the center,” Gyatso con-

tinues. “She was a great companion;her explanations of Mongolian culturaltraditions enabled me to communicatethe Lam-rim in ways the people couldunderstand. One time, after LamaZopa Rinpoche had addressed the en-tire Mongolian cabinet, the prime min-ister said to him, ‘Your translator isexcellent, she didn’t miss a word.’”

Margot Kool, 61, died in Zwolle,the Netherlands, March 13, 2012,of a strokeBy Koosje van der Kolk

In December 1979, Maitreya Instituutwas officially established by Margot,her husband Jan-Paul Kool and Paulade Wijs, and for 14 years, Margotserved as its secretary. In the early days,teachers such as Lama Yeshe and


Tsenshab Serkong Rinpoche stayed inMargot’s mother’s house in Huizen;they greatly enjoyed the homey atmos-phere. It was in that house that thefirst plans were made for the MaitreyaInstituut’s programs and for MaitreyaMagazine.

After a period in which premiseswere rented in Burghum, MaitreyaInstituut moved to Maasbommel.Margot was closely involved in all thecenter’s activities. It was Margot whofirst invited Dagpo Rinpoche to comeand teach in the center in 1983. Shealso helped to decide on the purchaseof the Maitreya Instituut in Emstwhere she lived and worked andparticipated in all sorts of activitiessuch as receiving the young Osel Hita.Later in August 2004, she organizedthe festivities for the 25th anniversaryof Maitreya Instituut.

“Margot had the wonderful abilityto make everyone feel completely athome,” sharesAlexanderBerzin, “whetherin her mother’s home, her own home orat one of the Maitreya centers. Bycreating a warm, loving atmosphere inwhich everyone could feel welcomedand comfortable, she helped to nurturethe growth of Dharma in Holland.”

Not many people know that shealso translated and wrote a great dealfor Maitreya Uitgeverij (MaitreyaPublications) and was very good at it.

In recent years, she regularlyorganized the animal liberations atMaitreya Emst and also instigated theperformance of the ritual in Amster-dam, thereby helping to save the livesof countless animals such as sheep,chickens and, especially, worms.

Even after she devoted herself to herteacher, Geshe Ngawang Zopa, whoinspired her to practice the Dharmaintensively, she remained closely involvedwithMaitreya Instituut. In the midst of

all her activities for the organization andcaring for her beloved brother, she wassuddenly torn from this life.

In all her coming lives may sheagain meet precious spiritual teachers.

Marianne Baillieu, 72, died inMelbourne, Australia, February 8,2012, of cancerBy Adele Hulse

Marianne was born in Stockholmto Danish parents and moved to

New Zealand and then Melbourne,Australia, where she established theRealities Gallery, which showed mainlyAustralian artists and was the first toshow works from the Papunya Abor-iginal artists. It was at the gallery thatMarianne met Max Redlich (Ven.Thubten Gelek), who later wrote toher from Kopan Monastery invitingher to come for teachings.

“On meeting Lama Yeshe for thefirst time I was totally awed by hispresence. His wonderful teachingswere so full of laughter, while I hadbeen used to a very strict conservativeChristian style,” Marianne told meduring a 2011 interview for a book onher art. “I felt a close connection withhim. He showed me that looking atyour own mind is the important thing;

that your ego is what gets in the way ofclear realizations. We have to lose thatego in order to realize universal energyand consciousness. Lama Yeshe’s pres-ence was so alive, effervescent andstimulating. He seemed like an embod-iment of something greater than life aswe know it; it was as if something waspassing through him that he was able topass on to other people. I wanted toknow more.”

On October 21, 1979, Tara Insti-tute’s new Guru Shakyamuni Buddhastatue was formally consecrated in apuja held at Realities Gallery. “Thewhole gallery was transformed into abeautiful gompa. Lama Yeshe came upto me afterwards and held my hands.We had always had a lot of eye contact.Again I felt the presence of somethinggreater than his body going throughme, some outer-space energy. I stillremember his presence,” Mariannesaid.

In 1982Mariannemet Lama Yesheagain at the Dalai Lama’s Januaryteachings in Bodhgaya. “We walkedabout – a quite normal thing – but itfelt extraordinary. We were sittingoutside in the sun, and while he waslooking at me the pupils of his eyesbegan getting wider and darker with-out there being any change in the light.He was doing it. I watched this for atime and caught a feeling of some hugepower he could draw on. He couldchange himself to suit any situation.

“All his advice to me was in thesense of acting with mindfulness; tobelieve in myself, be compassionateand do good things. He believed inmy passion for the world of art, forseeing the world as a glorious place,delighting in the glory of nature andthe beautiful things of life. I had adream in early 1984 of Lama Yeshesitting in lotus position just above an

Your COMMUNITY

Photo courtesy of Ian Baillieu


open fire and laughing. He wassaying, ‘This shows you I will alwaysbe around, I will not pass away.’Next thing I heard he had died, buthe is still with me.”

His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s1992 visit to Melbourne, followinghis Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, wasgreeted with enormous public enthu-siasm.Marianne curated an exhibitionat the National Gallery of Victoria inhis honor. “I stood outside the gallerywaiting for His Holiness to arrivewhen he stopped and grabbed myhand. I was surprised,” she recalled.“When I was later introduced as thecurator he laughed and said, ‘Youagain!’ He knew I was involvedbefore he was told.”

Marianne closed her gallery andbecame an artist in her own right.She became a friend of RupertSheldrake whose theory of morphicfields proposes that holding concen-trated collective consciousness inpeople and animals can produceeffects, which may be good or bad.In other words, simultaneous concen-trated energy can make a difference.Inspired, Marianne arranged a world-wide simultaneous 15-minute periodof meditation and prayer for worldpeace and non-violence in resolvingall conflicts. His Holiness the DalaiLama chose the date and the exacttime of day. The first simultaneousprayer was held on February 13,1991. It was a chance to send a flashof love around the world and peoplejoined in delightedly. This wasfollowed by similar 15-minutesimultaneous prayers on March 8,1994 and May 7, 2003, as chosenby His Holiness. Altogether millionstook part in these events, which,while simple to experience, took anenormous amount of dedication

and hard work to set up.In 1995 monks from Gyuto

Tantric College were beginning totour Australia and were soon regularguests in Marianne’s home, whereshe showed them wonderful hospi-tality. “I play the Gyuto monks’chanting a lot. I wake in the nightthen fall asleep listening to them.They were my lifeline when I washaving chemotherapy, the mostpeaceful cleansing wave that washedover me with a feeling of love andcompassion for all beings,” she said.“I have no anxiety about being deadbecause of this ongoing feeling thatmy spirit is something beyond thisbody, which doesn’t last. So what! Iwill be sorry to leave grandchildrenand children behind, but everyonehas to do that.”

Scott Affleck, 48, died in Taos, NewMexico, United States, January 17,2012, after chronic illness relatedto Lyme diseaseBy Don Handrick

Scott was born to Bert and PatsyAffleck on December 15, 1963,

in Abilene, Texas. Scott spent hisearly years there as well as in upstateNew York and later in El Paso. In1986, Scott received a scholarship toSt. Anthony’s College at OxfordUniversity in England. In his firstyear there, he became sick. As hiscondition worsened, he eventuallymoved to his parents’ home in Dallaswhere they cared for him. Over thenext two decades while his illnessprogressed, no one could figure outwhat was causing it.

In 2000, Scott moved to Taos,partly due to the suggestion of hisgood friend Barry Crossno, who wasworking there at the FPMT Inter-national Office. Two years later,Scott met Ribur Rinpoche, an eventthat changed his life, and he prac-ticed Tibetan Buddhism from thenon. Scott was greatly appreciated inthe Education Department of Inter-national Office where he volunteeredfor several years. His jovial characterand joyful attitude while doingwhatever was asked of him endearedScott to all the staff and establishedfriendships that lasted until hispassing.

Sometime later, when he waspretty much homebound and bed-ridden, Scott finally learned he wassuffering from Lyme disease. Fol-lowing extensive genetic testing, itwas found that his body containeda specific cell indicating he wouldnever recover.

Over the last five years of hislife, I advised Scott on his practicewhen I came up from Santa Fe toTaos to teach at Ksitigarbha Center.Their center director, Reg Blount,also provided Scott much assistance.Scott felt a strong connection toAmitabha and made strong prayersto be reborn in Dewachen.


Michael King, 63, died in South-hampton, United Kingdom, February15, 2012, of unknown causesBy Ven. Losang Tendar

Your COMMUNITY

Photo courtesy of Nalanda Monastery

There is more from

Your Community

online. Swedish nun

Ven. Karin Valham

describes arriving at

Kopan Monastery in

1974. Tibetan-American

student Tenzin Ludup

share’s his experience

attending the 2011

November Course at

Kopan. Read these

stories and more at

mandalamagazine.org.

From the early 1980s until the mid-’90s, MikeKing lived as a monk at Nalanda Monastery inFrance. Although he left France, I had been intouch with him by e-mail since 2005. He gave feed-back on our newsletters often: “Loved studying themap/plans for the future at NalandaMonastery. It’slooking positive; but having been involved in thedigging of the current (or has a newer one beenbuilt?) septic tank, I have one recommendation:Please make sure it is big enough!”

Mike also often offered donations and itemsto our projects. The last years of his life he workedat a media center. Despite having invited Mike afew times to visit Nalanda again, he didn’t make it.Nalanda Monastery performed a special puja forhim, and we hope he will have a good rebirth andbe able to meet the Dharma again. �

A correspondence coursethat provides astructured approach todeepen your knowledgeand practice of TibetanBuddhism.

Established in 1999 and recentlyupdated, it has over 600 graduatesworldwide. This precious two-yearcourse offers study, supportive tutors,Q & A sessions, meditation, learningactivities and online discussion.

Geshe Tashi Tsering, JamyangBuddhist Centre’s resident teacherand course creator, is renowned formaking Buddhism accessible andrelevant to modern day life.

Courses start every 4 months inJanuary, May and September. Formore information and to apply, visit:www.buddhistthought.org

This course is part of theFoundation for thePreservation of the Mahayana

Tradition www.fpmt.org

FBT graduates can continue theirstudies by joining Geshe Tashi's LamrimChenmo correspondence course

TheFoundationof Buddhist Thought

Osel Hita News

Osel Hita, joined by GomoTulku,gave a talk at Istituto LamaTzongKhapa in April 2012. Osel emphasizedthe importance of harmony at centersand of thinking kindly about people.He also suggested that centers planactivities that get them out togetherand help create a sense of community.This was the first time Osel had

addressed students at a WesternDharma center in more than a decade.

Listen to Osel's talk atwww.fpmt.org/fpmt/osel.html

InternationalThis year’s “FPMT Annual Review2011: Cherishing Life” is availableonline. With great joy and heartfeltthanks, FPMT International Officeinvites you to read its collection ofaccomplishments and highlights,with our strong wish that it becomesthe cause for all ofLama Zopa Rinpoche’swishes to manifestwithout delay and thathis life be long andstable. Rinpoche’sAnnual Review lettercan be read separatelyin English, Chinese,French, Italian,Japanese and Spanish.

www.fpmt.org/fpmt/international-office.html

Lama YesheWisdom Archivepublished in March the long-awaitedBodhisattva Attitude, by Lama ZopaRinpoche, the first book in our newHeart Advice series. The next book inour Publishing the FPMT Lineageseries, How to Practice Dharma:Teachings on the EightWorldly Dharmas,also by Rinpoche, goes to the printersoon. In the meantime, we workedwith Meida Cheng to accomplish theofficial publication in China ofRinpoche’s The Secret of Happiness,


FPMT News Around the WORLD

Lama Zopa Rinpoche NewsIn April, FPMT spiritual director Lama Zopa Rinpocheattended theWangya Norbu Tangwa (Garlands of Jewels ofHundreds of Initiations) initiations with His Holiness the SakyaTrizin in Dehradun, India. Dhakpa Rinpoche and DagriRinpoche also attended. [See page 32 for more information.]

In May, Lobsang Sangay, the Kalon Tripa (Prime Ministerof Tibet) visited Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Tushita MeditationCentre in Dharamsala, India. They had a private meeting, afterwhich Rinpoche took the Kalon Tripa on a guided tour of thecenter.

Rinpoche’s attendant and CEO of FPMT, Ven. RogerKunsang, reported on Rinpoche’s health in April: “Rinpoche is

doing well. …The main thing is that there is still progress. Rinpoche is more independent, using the right handmore and the right leg is stronger. … Rinpoche’s speech is very clear when speaking Tibetan. In English if hedoesn’t make effort, there is a slight slur. But when teaching and Rinpoche focuses on the pronunciation, it is clear.”

Find updates on Rinpoche at www.fpmt.org/enews

Osel Hita giving talk at Istituto Lama TzongKhapa, Italy, April 2012. Photo byPiero Sirianni.

Cover of FPMT Annual Review 2011

Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Dagri Rinpoche, Dehradun,India, April 2012. Photo courtesy of Sakya Drolma Phodrang.


translated from an as yet unpublishedmanuscript prepared by Ven. AilsaCameron. We are working on gettingmore of Rinpoche’s and Lama Yeshe’steachings published in China in thisway. – From Nick Ribush

www.lamayeshe.com

The sixth Lotsawa Rinchen ZangpoTranslator Programme beginsOctober 1, 2012, with an applicationdeadline of June 30. Unlike previouscourses, this one is open to studentscommitted to becoming an interpreterin an FPMTDharma center as well asfreelancers without such a commit-ment. This course offers training incolloquial and literary Tibetan as wellas Dharma terminology and method-ology of interpretation. – From ClaireBarde

http://lrztp.blogspot.com

FPMT Regional andNational OfficesThe Australian National Officecontinues to work towards regional-ization. We are working on improvingour organizational structure toenhance our support of FPMTInternational Office and all thevarious Australian FPMT activities aswell as to uphold the vision of theunique FPMT lineage for many,many lifetimes. We held our annualgeneral meeting (AGM) via telecon-ference for the first time. I believe wemay have set a new record for thefastest AGM in FPMT history – 15minutes! Later this year we will hostGeshe Thubten Sherab from KopanMonastery for three months when hewill visit seven Australian centers.– From Helen Patrin

www.fpmta.org.au

There’s has been much imperma-nence at work in theMexicoNational Office. We rejoice in theyears of service offered by EdgardoMolina, Moya Mendez and Ven.Norbu (Lourdes Castro) the out-going president, national coordinatorand treasurer respectively. We alsorejoice in the new people taking onthis important work: Cesar Quiroz,Karla Ambrosio and Roberto de laRosa! – From Cesar Quiroz

www.fpmt-mexico.org

The North American RegionalOffice is preparing to celebrate theFirst Annual FPMT North AmericaCompassion Day on July 6, 2012!Compassion Day is a celebration ofHis Holiness the Dalai Lama’sbirthday and an opportunity for us tocome together and cultivate harmony,loving kindness and compassion inour lives. Visit compassionday.org formore information.

FPMT North America will holdits second annual meeting in Santa Fe,New Mexico, hosted by ThubtenNorbu Ling, November 2-4, 2012.Directors, spiritual program coordina-tors, board members, center managersand teachers are all invited to attend.– From Amy Cayton

www.fpmtna.org

AustraliaNEW SOUTH WALESVen. Lozang Yonten joins the team atKunsang Yeshe Retreat Centre as avisiting teacher. We’re delighted thatshe has accepted to take on the roleand bring her experience, knowledgeand fresh personality to the moun-tains. Receiving her bhikkshuni vowsin Taiwan in 2011, Ven. Yonten is anFPMT registered teacher and

completed her five-year Basic Programexams earlier this year having studiedunder the direction of Khen RinpocheGeshe Tashi Tsering at ChenrezigInstitute. – From Ven. Tencho

www.kunsangyeshe.com.au

Vajrayana Institute (VI) was blessedwith a visit of Choden Rinpoche overthe Easter weekend. Rinpoche taughton tantric grounds and paths andconferred a Vajrasattva initiation. Weheld an animal blessing ceremony inApril around our stupa to welcomeour animal friends to the center andto leave positive imprints on theirminds. During the April to Juneperiod, we organized three non-residential retreats: our annuallam-rim retreat with T.Y., aVajrasattva retreat with Ven. Robinaand a vipassana retreat with Ven.Antonio. VI’s new conference,“Young Minds,” is being held in Juneto focus on the vital issues facing ouryouth. – FromWai Cheong Kok

www.vajrayana.com.au

QUEENSLANDGarden of Enlightenment’s workon the entrance gate and the new artstudio and workshop at ChenrezigInstitute was held up due to a ratherbad run of wet weather. The sitepreparation for the workshop is nowcompleted, next we pour the concreteslab and then take delivery of theshed. Further funding is required tohave the shed erected and the powerconnected. We would like to thankthe Enlightenment Project forPurification and Merit for helpingus along with the funding for theworkshop. – From Garrey Foulkes

www.chenrezig.com.au/content/ view/42/146/


FPMT News Around the WORLDVICTORIAVen. Robina Courtin swept intoAtisha Centre and engaged over 60students during a weekend teachingon karma and emptiness. For twovery full days, Ven. Robina taughtwith her customary clarity andcompassion. One student describedher experience: “Ven. Robina’sdetailed, clear and concise explana-tions on mind, our ego grasping andthe causes and antidotes of sufferingwere incredibly accessible and didmuch to demystify some of theculturally loaded representation ofthese concepts.” We are delightedVen. Robina has accepted our requestto lead a week’s retreat in 2013.– From Cherry Rattue

www.atishacentre.org.au

The Jade Buddha for UniversalPeace toured Taiwan in May. Thetour was organized by the ChineseBuddhist Temple Association ofTaiwan which has over 200 membersrepresenting the major temples ofTaiwan. FromTaiwan, the Jade Buddhatravels to Thailand where it will tourfive cities commencing with Bangkokon June 15. – From Ian Green

www.jadebuddha.org.au

While the Great Stupa of UniversalCompassion is still only half of itstotal height, the bottom half is startingto become “solid” as contractors erectbalustrades, walls, stairs and windows.This work is expected to be completeby November at which time the GreatStupa will be at “lock-up” stage. Workon the top half of the Great Stupa willproceed during late 2012 and 2013.– From Ian Green

www.stupa.org.au

WESTERN AUSTRALIAHayagriva Buddhist Centre isexcited to announce that the visa forGeshe Ngawang Sonam has beenapproved for two years, meaning hewill be coming to Australia to take upthe position of resident geshe at thecenter. Six years ago Rinpoche advisedthe center that it would be beneficialto have a resident geshe in addition toVen. Thubten Dondrub, our residentteacher. After several hindrances, wehave managed to carry out Rinpoche’sadvice. We are all looking forward toGeshe Ngawang Sonam’s arrival inJune. – From JohnWaite

http://hayagriva.org.au

AustriaPanchen Losang ChogyenGelugzentrum welcomed Ven.Sangye Khadro, who taught thesecond part of her seminar on hand-ling emotions, and Alexander Berzin,who discussed correct understandingas the basic necessity of learningDharma. Ven. Birgit Schweiberercontinued herMadhyamakavataracourse with two intensive weekends,and Stephan Pende Wormland gaveinsights in the relationship betweenBuddhism and psychology.– From Erich Leopold

www.fpmt-plc.at

BelgiumOn her fifth visit to ShedrupZungdel Study Group, Ven. RitaRiniker shared a big treasure with us:“The Eight Verses for Training theMind.” In June, we are very happy tohost the monks of Sera on theirEuropean Peace Tour. In August, weare offering a Universal Education forCompassion and Wisdom summercamp for children 6-10 called“Discover the Treasure in YourHeart.” – From Marguy Krier

[email protected]

CanadaGendun Drubpa Centre’s annualgeneral meeting in March was thefirst event held at our new center.We celebrated with a potluck dinnerand then tended to business. Inreviewing the entire year, it wasastounding how much has beenaccomplished. Regular DiscoveringBuddhism classes and communitymeditation classes have begun. Wehave our first weekend intensive inJune. – From Dianne Noort

www.gendundrubpa.com

Lama Yeshe Ling Centre continuesto grow in so many ways! We areseeing growth in center attendance,in volunteer time and skills offered,and in classes and workshopspresented locally by our skilledfacilitators, including teleclasses ledby founding director Dekyi-LeeOldershaw. We are also makingprogress in the development of theCanadian Hub for Universal Educa-tion for Compassion and Wisdom.In April, we hosted Ven. AmyMiller, who gave a public talk and aweekend workshop titled “Peacefrom Chaos, A Tibetan Buddhist

Michael Lim, Singaporean friend of JadeBuddha; Ian Green, director; and Jung-ChihLin, secretary general Chinese Buddhist TempleAssociation of Taiwan, March 2012


Approach to Making Sense of YourLife.” – From Deborah Seigel

www.lamayesheling.org

DenmarkTong-nyi Nying-je Ling is growingand more volunteers are coming tothe center, allowing us to extend ourofferings. With an eye towardsbringing the Nordic/Baltic regiontogether more, our resident teacherStephan Pende Wormland will leadthree retreats in Denmark, one inIceland and one in Finland. Oursummer program is filled withvisiting teachers, including Ven.Robina and Ven. Paula Nyingje.We are also so happy to host againAlan Wallace offering a vipassanaretreat in June here in lovelyCopenhagen! – From Karen AnneKrogh Nielsen

www.fpmt.dk

FranceHaving a workshop to create hugethangkas has long been one of LamaZopa Rinpoche’s wishes. After manyyears of planning and discussionswith Swiss artist Peter Iseli, this proj-ect is becoming a reality at InstitutVajra Yogini. Major building renova-tions are now underway to transformthe institute’s former general work-shop into an appropriate atelier.Rinpoche’s wish is to bring thistradition to the West and help makethangkas for centers, projects andservices around the world, including

the Maitreya Project. The workshopwill be 8.5 meters (28 feet) tall.Rinpoche’s first order is a 21 Tarathangka that will be 14 meters (46feet) high and 9 meters (30 feet) wide!For now, the causes and conditionsseem to have come together andRinpoche’s vision should soonbecome a reality. – From FrançoisLecointre

www.institutvajrayogini.fr

Nalanda Monastery is preparing athree-month retreat as part offinishing the Basic Program 2008-2012 as well as commencing the newBasic Program and the newMastersProgram, which both will start in2013. We hope to organize anotherretreat with Khadro-la and also towelcome Khensur Rinpoche LosangTenzin. In addition, Nalanda isorganizing the Sera MonasteryEuropean Peace Tour. A group ofnine Sera monks will do mandalaconstructions, pujas and lama dancesas well as consultations. More detailscan be found at www.seratour.org.

In the meantime, we arepreparing for our new building project.In June and July, we will do land-scaping, including a new lake, roadand reed bed. In September, if we havesufficient funds, construction willbegin. – FromVen. Losang Tendar

www.nalanda-monastery.eu

GermanyIn March, Dagri Rinpoche conse-crated Aryatara Institut’s new 21Tara statues that had recently arrivedfrom Kopan Monastery. They tooktheir place on the altar in the courseof a Tara puja with a Green Tarainitiation. This joyful project tookover a year to accomplish, includingthe rolling of mantras for the statuesand fundraising. It was a truly special

occasion and we hope will facilitatethe beneficial growth of the center.– From Sabine Hueppelshaeuser

www.aryatara.de

This springDiamant Verlagpublished the German edition ofKathleen McDonald’s Awakening theKind Heart (Das gütige Herz, einMahayana-Meditationsbuch). Also avery kind volunteer helped us withtranslating Lama Yeshe’sWhen theChocolate Runs Out. The project wehave in the pipeline at the moment isa book by Khensur Jampa Tegchok,based on a teaching on the two truthshe gave at Kushi Ling Centre in Italyin 2009. We are looking for volunteerswho could transcribe the Englishtranslation of these fantastic teachings– a job that could help immensely toimprove one’s understanding ofemptiness. We are also looking forsponsors for this project. If you areinterested, please contact us [email protected]. – FromClaudiaWellnitz

www.diamant-verlag.info

IndiaIn February atMAITRI CharitableTrust in Bodhgaya, we had ourannual ABC (Animal Birth Control)camp: in a little over three weeks,126 street dogs were sterilized – 80females and 46 males – and releasedafter complete recovery. Our animalcare clinic provided treatment to 36dogs, one goat, one cow and onecamel from the local community.

Thangka workshop at Institut Vajra Yogini underconstruction

Camel being treated for sores, March 2012.Photo courtesty of MAITRI Charitable Trust.


FPMT News Around the WORLDIn March, World TB Day was

celebrated with processions of thestudents of MAITRI’s three villageschools through 25 surroundingvillages. Two teams of MAITRI fieldworkers toured the district by jeep,visiting 143 villages, raising aware-ness by addressing the population byloudspeakers. Given the increasingindigence of a large part of the popu-lation, MAITRI boosted its activitiesunder its humanitarian aid program,specifically in the provision of treat-ment, supplements and food tomalnourished children and TBpatients. – From Adriana Ferranti

www.maitri-bodhgaya.org

The wonderful news from RootInstitute is the opening ofMaitreyaSchool on the auspicious day of April11 with the blessings of Lama ZopaRinpoche. Maitreya School is aprimary school operated by RootInstitute for Wisdom Culture on thepremises of the original MaitreyaProject UE School. The school isstarting small, with just 60 kinder-garten and class 1 students. It is run onBuddhist principles and the childrenare taught meditation and mantra. Weare fortunate in having found goodteachers with open minds, who are alsoreceiving Universal Education forCompassion andWisdom training.– FromVen. Thubten Namgyal

www.rootinstitute.com

Sera Je Monastery enjoyed a winterholiday, but the Sera IMI Housemonks certainly didn’t slow down. Therigorous academic program keeps uswell-occupied during the year, so anumber of monks seized this valuabletime to engage in memorization andmeditation retreats. In addition,two monks traveled to Dharamsalato organize and help teach thePre-Ordination Course at TushitaMeditation Centre for Westernersordaining with His Holiness. Mean-while, we continued our regularteaching schedule at the FPMT studygroup in Bangalore, Choe Khor SumLing, including an all-night Tarapractice with more than 20 attendees.The new academic year began at SeraJe with a powerful, monastery-wide10-day Hayagriva approximationretreat, with more than 250 millionmantras recited. Re-energized, webegan the year fresh and excited withtwo of our monks newly joining thedebate program this year. – FromVen.Gyalten Lekden

[email protected]

It is a time of change at TushitaMahayana Meditation Centre. Theempty spot of spiritual program coor-dinator has been filled for the secondtime by Ven. Losang Tenpa (Kabir),now back in his birthplace Delhi,having spent last year in Mumbai. Inearly March, we were delighted that

Lama Zopa Rinpoche spent the Dayof Miracles with us. Ven. Ailsa, ourindefatigable manager, transformedour dormitory into a pure land forRinpoche’s residence. We recentlyconcluded a five-day course intro-ducing Mahayana Buddhism toHindi speakers from the neighboringstate of Uttar Pradesh. They were veryreceptive and appreciative. – FromVen. Kabir Saxena

[email protected]

ItalyIn 2007, Geshe Jampa Gyatso, thethen resident geshe of Istituto LamaTzong Khapa, founded AssociazoneDare Protezione, which is a lay andnon-religious body that helps peoplereceive qualified spiritual assistance atthe end of life. The association isengaged in a project approved by theTuscan region to build TizianoTerzani Hospice, named after aTuscan journalist who was a man ofpeace and sacrificed himself forhuman rights.

Participants at public course, April 2012, Delhi,India. Photo by Ven. Kabir Saxena.

Land where Tiziano Terzani Hospice is planned to be built, Castellina Marittima, Italy. Photo by Piero Sirianni.




From Dare Protezione, the FPMTstudy group Casa del Buddha dellaMedicina was born, the name beinggiven by Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Casadel Buddha della Medicina supportsthe hospice project and collaborateswith Dare Protezione. We are creatinga website that explains the studygroup activities and are looking forpractitioners and supporters to joinus. – From Francesco La Rocca

www.associazionedareprotezione.it

After three years, Centro MuniGyana has a new center located inthe historical part of Palermo inSicily. It has been quite difficult tofind a location with a great room fora gompa that is not too expensive.To help inaugurate the center, wereceived teachings from GesheTenzin Tenphel from Istituto LamaTzong Khapa. We also hope to beginthe Basic Program and we continueour Discovering Buddhism programand our twice weekly meditations. –From Lucia Geraci

www.centromunigyana.it

In March 2012, Dagri Rinpochecame to Centro Studi Cenresig inBologna to teach the four immeasur-ables and to give the Green Tarajenang. The event was well attendedand a success thanks to the goodorganization of the staff of volun-teers, many of them very young!Some people took refuge withRinpoche and many of them receivedthe jenang. We are waiting for thearrival of 21 Tara statues from KopanMonastery that he advised us wouldbenefit the center. – From MarcoCastaldi

www.cenresig.org

Our resident teacher Geshe DondupTsering returned to Kushi LingCentre from a two-month vacationin India and started teachingimmediately at our annual, one-weeklam-rim Easter retreat. PatrickLambelet and Claudia Wellnitzassisted retreatants, leading medita-tions and discussion groups in Italianand German. We are beginning tostudy Lama Tsongkhapa’sMiddleLam-rim in our Basic Program.– From ClaudiaWellnitz

www.kushi-ling.com

Japan

Do Ngak Sung Juk (DNSJ ) wasvery happy to host Geshe ThubtenSherab from Kopan Monastery fromFebruary 16-March 5. Students werevery pleased with the teachings,attending them not only in Tokyobut also traveling to Osaka to hearGeshe-la, too. Geshe-la’s weekendteachings included a Mitrugparetreat, which was recommended tous by Lama Zopa Rinpoche. DNSJalso arranged its second animalliberation. Because this wonderfulpractice is quickly growing in ourcommunity, another is schedulednear Saka Dawa. Other DNSJactivities include a small grouppursuingMeditation 101 andDiscovering Buddhism. Our global,virtual activities – twice a month

sutra reading and mani recitation –continue to prosper. Please join us!– From Doc O’Connor

www.fpmt-japan.org

LatviaGanden Buddhist MeditationCentre is looking forward to tworetreats in June and July: a weekendretreat on mindfulness with StephanPende Wormland in the calmingatmosphere of the Ganden Centre inRiga and then an eight-day GreenTara retreat with Ven. LobsangNamgyel, July 18-25 in Mazirbe,near the Baltic coast. In June, we alsostart “Buddha Child,” an hour forfamilies with children of joyful play,drawing, singing, peaceful meditativetasks and Buddhist discussion.– From Agnese Bishofa

www.ganden.lv

MalaysiaChokyi Gyaltsen Center (CGC) hasreceived many blessings. First, LamaZopa Rinpoche helped us manifest ourcenter in Penang. Then, Rinpoche sentus Ven. Osel. Then, Rinpoche sent a

Students of Do Ngak Sung Juk with GesheThubten Sherab. Photo by Doc O’Connor.

Chokyi Gyaltsen Center’s newest Tara statue.Photo by Bobby Yeoh.

Books Meditation supplies Study programs Videos Practice books Ritual objects

Visit our website for information about special promotions.http://shop.fpmt.org/

fpmt �e Foundation Store

FPMT Foundation Store off ers a vast selection of Buddhist study materials, high quality thangkas,

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lharampa geshe, Geshe Deyang, fromSera Je in April 2011 to serve as ourresident geshe. Not long after thearrival of Geshe Deyang, our bene-factors donated gold-painted, life-sizestatues of Tara, 1000-armed Chenrezigand LamaTsongkhapa and his twodisciples. For now, CGC is prettycomplete, especially with the recentarrival of Lotsawa Rinchen ZangpoTranslator Programme graduateZangmo, as our new interpreter.– From Daniel Yeoh

www.fpmtcgc.blogspot.com

As an added aid to the home volun-teers and to enhance the quality ofits services, Kasih Hospice Care,Malaysia (KHC) is launching apilot program of animal-assistedtherapy. Volunteers visit patients intheir homes with pets based onmedical data that shows animals canuplift the spirits of patients. When apatient’s mind feels lighter, it mayfoster an emotional environment ofopenness and facilitate a moremeaningful dialogue between thehospice volunteer and the patient.For this pilot program, KHC isworking with a professionalorganization called the Dr. DogProgram. – From Yeo Puay Huei

www.kasihfoundation.org

Buddha’s enlightenment day iscelebrated twice a year at LosangDragpa Centre, once on Vesak Day(which is a national public holiday inMalaysia) and also on Saka Dawaitself. A long stream of visitors anddevotees joined in the Vesak“Bathing the Buddha” ceremonypresided by Dagri Rinpoche. We alsohad an incense puja, followed by anarray of different types of offerings:

flowers, candles, crystal jewels andprayers as well as sponsoring Sangharobes and contributing to theSera Food Fund and to KhensurRinpoche Lama Lhundrup’s stupa atKopan Monastery. It was a 10 A.M.to 10 P.M. program of non-stopprayers, Dharma talks and sheer joy.– From Yeo Puay Huei

www.fpmt-ldc.org

MauritiusDharmarakshita Study Grouphad our first group outing in April toLe Morne Beach in the southwest ofMauritius. Our purpose for thisget-together was to help the studygroup members get to know eachother better, since few students stayto socialize after teachings and medi-tation sessions. – From Vimla Koonja

[email protected]

MexicoAt Bengungyal Center, we arebeginning to work with prisoners inAguascalientes. We are sharing withprison staff a course on working withafflictive emotions. This activityallows us to bring the Dharma to

more than 200 people. Ven. GesheLobsang Khedup, our resident teacher,has been requested by ConcordiaUniversity to teach in a course calledTranspersonal Psychology I fordoctoral students in humanistpsychologies. – From Rogelio Pallares

http://aguasmedita.com

Vajrapani Tibetan Buddhist StudyGroup organized a concert and

workshops with Hungarian musicianJeszenzsky Istvan called “Healers forPeace,” where we read a message forour beloved Ven. Lobsang Dawa.About 100 people sang mantras inunison like OM MANI PADME HUM.We hope this concert will help bringpeace and joy to the hearts of allsentient beings! – From Blanca ElsaBolaños Elizondo

[email protected]

Yeshe Gyaltsen Center in Cozumelcelebrated the first year of residenceof our spiritual program coordinator,Ven. Losang Nyingje, who came inApril 2011 and leads introductoryclasses and meditation. Ven. Nyingjewas ordained four years ago at

Students from Dharmarakshita Study Group, Mauritius, April 2012


Nalanda Monastery in France, wherehe studied the Basic Program. Hewent to Nepal to finish his ngöndroand then returned to Mexico uponadvice from Lama Zopa Rinpoche to“bring the Dharma to Mexico.” Thefollowing spring Ven. Nyingje wasinvited by our center to help with theHeart Shrine Relic Tour, duringwhich several students asked him tostay and be “our monk.” As a youngMexican, the students find it veryeasy to relate to him. His classes areclear, relevant and also fun. Ven.Nyingje comments that the more hefocuses on serving others, the morestudents seem to come through thedoors! – From Moya Mendez

www.fpmtcozumel.org

MongoliaFPMT Mongolia has a new websitethat shares the fascinating history ofBuddhism in Mongolia as well as thestory of FPMT Mongolia. The newsite also includes all the Mongoliacenters, projects and services. You canfind FPMTMongolia on Facebookand watch videos about our activitieson our FPMT Mongolia YouTubechannel. We are adding new videosevery month. – From Massimo Corona

www.fpmtmongolia.org

Ganden Do Ngag Shedrub Lingopened the Dharma Store. It’s theonly place in Ulaanbaatar whereBuddhist devotees can purchasereligious items, including thangkasand statues. We are keeping clearaccounts of the profits, which willonly be used to sponsor the printingof a book or for similar religiouspurposes. – From Massimo Corona

www.fpmtmongolia.org/fpmtm/ shedrub-ling-center/

The Golden Light Sutra Center inDarkhan was established in 2004. We

are hoping to build a center thissummer on land donated in 2003 bythe local government to FPMTMongolia. One of our recent projectswas to print 5,000 Golden LightSutras in Mongolian. We are tryingto distribute them to as many homesas possible. Traditionally, all Mongo-lian families had this text in theirger, a traditional family tent-likedwelling. The text at that time,however, was only in Tibetan. Nowpeople can read it in their ownlanguage and work to reviveBuddhism in Mongolia as it wasbefore communist times.– From Gordon Parlin

www.fpmtmongolia.org/fpmtm/ golden-light-sutra-center/

Lamp of the Path has seen anincrease in the number of peoplebenefiting from our soupkitchen, which provides thebasic necessities to Ulaan-baatar’s poor and homeless,including hot meals five days aweek. This means our healthclinic also has been seeing morepatients. We provide free medicalcare and our Children DevelopmentProgram to the Children ProtectionInstitutions and State Orphanage.We continue to seek funding forthese projects. Students from theInternational School in Ulaanbaataroffer volunteer services. And aqualified volunteer nutritionistfrom Australia provides usinformation on healthy food for

the people we serve.– From David Szeto www.fpmtmongolia.org/fpmtm/ lamp-of-the-path-ngo/

NepalWith Lama Zopa Rinpoche spendingtime at Kopan Monastery in Nepal,the Animal Liberation Sanctuary isseeing more rescued goats. At themonastery, we currently have eightcows and bulls, 18 goats and twosheep. We have 13 goats at KhachoeGhakyil Nunnery. The building ofthe Animal Liberation Sanctuary onnearby land is almost complete. Aftermany years of planning and fund-raising, the rescued goats and sheepwill soon be moved to moreappropriate quarters. We also have abuilding for a resident caretaker anda quarantine area with a shelter and afield for new or sick animals. – FromTania Duratovic and Phil Hunt fpmt.org/projects/other/alp.html

Kopan Monastery has been verybusy for the last few months withintroductory courses. More peoplethan ever are coming to learn aboutBuddhism and about changes theycan make in their lives. At themonastery, the school term hasstarted again with quite a few newmonks joining the monastery. Theywere ordained by Jangtse Chöje afterthe Mönlam teachings in March. The

Dashka, Zulaa and Tsend of Golden Light SutraCenter, April 2012. Photo by Odgerel.

The stupa for Khensur Rinpoche Lama Lhundrup. Photo byVen. Thubten Kunkyen.


FPMT News Around the WORLDstupa for Khensur Rinpoche LamaLhundrup is going up very swiftly inthe stupa garden, where the stupa ofGeshe Lama Konchog is also situated.

At the same time, the plans for a verylarge stupa at Khachoe GhakyilNunnery are coming close to comple-tion. This one will be a replica of theMother Stupa in Patan, Nepal. Thenunnery is awash with buildingactivities. The gompa is nowcompleted on the inside, the buildingwith one hundred rooms is nearlycomplete and work is progressingsmoothly on the new kitchen anddining room. A new group of nuns isgoing to the Tara temple in Varanasi,India. The conditions there are quitedifficult during summer with tempera-tures reaching above 40 °C (104 °F).

After attending the Mönlam teachingsin Kopan, all the geshes and monksreturned to Thubten Shedrup Lingin Solu Khumbu for another year ofstudy and practice. An additionalgeshe has now joined the smallmonastery to teach philosophy to theolder monks. The monks now go tothe local school for “worldly” subjectsand study philosophy and prayers inthe afternoon at the monastery. Thehostel under construction for the localchildren will be finished soon andthen children from the surroundingareas can attend the Buddhist schoolthat is nearby.

The year at Rachen Nunnery andMuGompa in Tsum started officially inmid-April, with the return of monksand nuns from the Kathmandu Valley.The education of the monks and nunsis progressing well, with a new geshejoining the teaching team for moreintensive study of philosophy. A“collect rubbish” drive at the end oflast year improved the looks of thenunnery compound; many trees were

planted at the same time. Two solarshowers will be added this year both atRachen and Mu Gompa. An expan-sion of the medical facility at Rachenwill allow out-patients to stayovernight. The exterior building of thenew gompa is nearing completion,followed by the building of an altar fortexts and for the 5-meter (16.5-foot)statue of Guru Rinpoche that is beingtransported by helicopter. – From AniFran Mohoupt

http://kopanmonastery.com

http://kopanmonastery.com/nunnery.html

[email protected]

fpmt.org/projects/other/tsum.html

The NetherlandsMaitreya Instituut is very pleasedto welcome Geshe Sonam Ngodrupand his interpreter Ven. JamyangKhedrup in September. GesheSonam Ngodrup, a young geshelharampa from Sera, will becomeour second resident geshe. Geshe-lataught for some time in France atNalanda Monastery. Ven. JamyangKhedrup interprets Tibetan/English. He came originally fromCanada and qualified as aninterpreter through the LotsawaRinchen Zangpo TranslatorProgramme. – From MaitreyaInstituut

www.maitreya.nl

RussiaThe Aryadeva StudyGroup in St. Petersburgreceived its name andblessing from Lama ZopaRinpoche in 2003. Sincethen, the group has hadongoing educationalprograms, includinghosting Geshe JampaDakpa as resident teacher

from 2003 to 2009, who taught onlam-rim, lorig and 400 Verses ofAryadeva. The Aryadeva StudyGroup organized three visits ofKirti Tsenshab Rinpoche. Duringthese visits, Rinpoche gave anumber of initiations and deepteachings on Kalachakra and theSix Yogas of Naropa. In 2009, thegroup started to study DiscoveringBuddhism. The program is led byAndrey Terentyev, a translator forHis Holiness the Dalai Lama, aneditor and publisher of Russiantranslations of classical Buddhisttexts, and FPMT registered teacher.– From Vasiliy Repin

www.aryadeva.spb.ru

SloveniaChagna Pemo Study Group had thegreat honor to host Dekyi-LeeOldershaw, who visited Slovenia fortwo days in April to lead three Trans-formative Mindfulness workshops. InMay, His Holiness the Dalai Lamavisited Slovenia and several from ourgroup attended the three-day teach-ings together.– From Mirjana Dechen

[email protected]

SpainWe again are able to open TushitaRetreat Center, following the wishes

The boundary wall of Rachen Nunnery, Tsum, Nepal.Photo by Ven. Tenpa Choden.


of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and honoringthe work of Kiko Segura, formerdirector of Tushita who passed awayin November 2011. Kiko left amongrainbows and we re-opened Tushitaamong rainbows. For our opening,Geshe Jamphel gave the Vajrasattvainitiation and we did some retreatsessions with him. We are grateful toeveryone at Nagarjuna Barcelona fortheir continuous help. – From IsabelArocena Mancisidor

www.budismotibetano.net/tushita/

TaiwanIn April, Jinsiu Farlin organized anincense puja on a hilltop led byresident teacher Geshe Gyurme.Nearly 60 members participated inthis outing, which also included apicnic and the hanging of prayer flags.Geshe Gyurme continues his regularclasses three times a week, teachingLam-rim Chenmo, Ornament of ClearRealization and Lama TsongkhapaGuru Yoga. The Heart of the Path wastranslated to Chinese by Ven. SophiaSu and is available through JinsiuFarlin.

In requesting Lama ZopaRinpoche’s long life, FPMT Taiwanbegan a project of printing 5,000copies of Golden Light Sutra in

Tibetan to offer to all monks in SeraMonastery and Tashi LhunpoMonastery as well as offering a 9-foot(3-meter) tall Medicine Buddhastatue to Sera Je’s main prayer hall.– From Ven. Thubten Osel

www.fpmt.tw

United KingdomJamyang Bath Study Groupcontinues to grow and to develop awonderful team of volunteers. Wehosted Geshe Tashi Tsering for twoweekends over the last year. InFebruary, Geshe Tashi taught onrefuge and 12 people took refuge forthe first time in a simple and verybeautiful refuge ceremony. We havealso been fortunate to host Ven. AmyMiller twice and have Ven. SangyeKhadro coming in July. – From AnneSwindell

www.jamyangbath.org.uk

At Jamyang Buddhist Centre,Geshe Tashi Tsering completed hisexperimental teachings workingdirectly with extracts from theBuddhist sutras and the Indiancommentaries. He is now working upsome experimental teaching modulesfocused on the three higher trainings,beginning with ethics and workingwith extracts from the Indiancommentaries. We continued to offerDiscovering Buddhism onsite and toprovide the support for the Founda-tion of Buddhist Thought online. TheDay of Miracles celebrations werevery inspiring with the inside of themain temple looking very beautifulbathed in sunlight. We are all lookingforward to His Holiness the DalaiLama's June visit to the UK.– From Mike Murray

www.jamyang.co.uk

On April 14, Jamyang CoventryStudy Group welcomed Geshe TashiTsering for an inspiring one-dayteaching on refuge. It was Geshe-la’slast visit in 1999 that inspired thethen Coventry Buddhist Group toform links with the FPMT, eventu-ally becoming an FPMT study groupin 2009. Geshe Tashi’s teachings areavailable on Jamyang Coventry’s newYouTube channel. – From Ven.Lobsang Dawa

www.coventry-buddhists.com

The Land of Joy project will create aretreat community in the UK. Webegan 2012 with a donation of£100,000 (US$160,000) – ourlargest so far. The donor said, “It iswith great joy that I am able tocontribute energy and money to thiswonderful project, which hopefullywill blossom soon and become asource of inspiration and enlighten-ment for many generations ofspiritual journeymen.” Land of Joy’snew brochure, “Be the Change …Grow the Seeds of Inner & OuterPeace,” invites everyone to dedicatetheir positive energy to help nurturethe vision, make financial contribu-tions of any size and “like” Land ofJoy on Facebook. – From AndyWistreich

www.landofjoy.co.uk

Geshe Tashi Tsering, April 14, 2012. Photo byVen. Lobsang Dawa.

Geshe Jamphel visited Tushita Retreat Center,April 2012. Photo by Gloria Bochaca.


Saraswati Study Group continues tomake lots of new connections withpeople curious about the Dharma.Visiting teachers are very importantin helping us maintain and increaseour group energy. We look forwardto both Geshe Tashi Tsering and Ven.Sangye Khadro’s teachings in July.We are planning to run Buddhism ina Nutshell for the first time in theautumn. – From Neil Atkinson

www.saraswati.org.uk

In February, Togme Sangpo StudyGroup began meeting. Located inthe Findhorn Community, a spiri-tual community in Scotland open toall traditions, our aim is to hostBuddhist practice, study and retreat.We had our first course, Meditation101, which went very well. We havean ongoing practice group thatmeets for a monthly session oflam-rim and Green Tara practice,inspired by a retreat with Ven.Nyingje. Group member Tony Davisjoined the FPMT UK meeting inLondon. Next steps include thecourse Buddhism in a Nutshell, aweekend retreat and fundraising.– From Margo van Greta

[email protected]

United StatesCALIFORNIALand of Calm Abiding (LCA) isblossoming. In accordance withLama Zopa Rinpoche’s wishes, we’vebeen working to develop LCA into afacility for serious long-term individ-ual retreat. Already, this vision iscoming to fruition! Two monasticswill embark on long retreat here verysoon. Meanwhile, our team of volun-teers has worked wonders, clearingjunk from the land, improving solar

panel set-ups and refurbishing retreatcabins. – From Catherine Slocock

http://landofcalmabiding.org

We are delighted to report that Landof Medicine Buddha’s (LMB) GreatPrayer Wheel is complete, thanks tothe effort of Tom Flynn (LMB’s director in 2001), Sally Barraud, Ven.Chosang and generous benefactors.Our Great Prayer Wheel contains at aminimum 170 billion, 425 millionand 600,000 mantras plus five sets ofeach of the following: the Kangyurand Lama Tsongkhapa, Gyaltsab Jeand Khedrup Je’s collections ofworks. You can view photos onLMB’s Facebook page. – FromDenice Macy and Team LMB

www.landofmedicinebuddha.org

Tara Home is honored to welcomeanother resident, who is from theHindu tradition, to our hospice care.Although our sister religion sharesthe values of peace of mind and goodkarma at the end of life, our deathrites differ markedly. Buddhistsbelieve the consciousness may remainin the body doing important workeven after it is pronounced clinicallydead; therefore, we do not touch thebody of the deceased for as many asthree days. On the other hand, in anact of purification, Hindus gentlyclean the entire body soon after deathoccurs. We are happy to provide anopportunity for both sanghas to worktogether ensuring the most beneficialpassing. – From Nicole MacArgel

www.tarahome.org

MASSACHUSETTSApril saw the arrival at KurukullaCenter of a complete set of theBuddha’s teachings and the commen-

taries by Indian Buddhist masters.These texts are in Tibetan pecha style.Resident teacher Geshe NgawangTenley worked steadily throughoutthe week to wrap them in the tradi-tional Tibetan cloth covering toprotect the pages. The texts are nowin Geshe-la’s room, a companion tothe set in our gompa. Accompanyingthe texts were statues of the SixteenArhats, the most illustrious disciplesof Shakyamuni Buddha. As is thecustom, mantras will be printed, cutand rolled and then placed insidethese statues. – From DebraThornburg

www.kurukulla.org

Wisdom Publications, Inc. ispleased to announce the November2012 release of The NumericalDiscourses of the Buddha: A CompleteTranslation of the Anguttara Nikayatranslated by Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi.This is the much-anticipated fourthvolume of The Teachings of theBuddha. In April, Tim McNeill,Wisdom’s director, attended theLondon Book Fair where he met withliterary agents as well as editors fromaround the world interested inacquiring foreign language rights toWisdom titles. In June, Tim andother Wisdom staff members attendBook Expo America where wepresent our upcoming titles to bookbuyers and avid readers. AuthorDinty W. Moore signs copies of hisnew book, The Mindful Writer.– From Lydia Anderson

www.wisdompubs.org

NEW MEXICOThubten Norbu Ling ended 2011with an amazing visit from the HeartShrine Relic Tour. The relics were on



display at the Immaculate Heart ofMary Retreat and Conference Centerand drew a wide selection of peopleof many faiths and dispositions andfrom well beyond Sante Fe. InJanuary, Ven. Robina Courtin cameto Santa Fe and led a very successfulTara retreat with 60 participants,who gathered from across the state.Thubten Norbu Ling rejoices thatVen. Angie Muir is joining us in Juneas spiritual program coordinator.– From Rowena Mayer

www.tnlsf.org

OHIOTheManjushri Study Groupcelebrated its first anniversaryduring Losar by participating in theworldwide recitation of the SublimeGolden Light Sutra and by offering aShakyamuni and Medicine Buddhapuja on the Day of the Miracles.Seven of our study group memberssuccessfully completed the Buddhismin a Nutshell course last year.Currently, we are reviewingMeditation 101. We also felt veryhonored and privileged to host theHeart Shrine Relic Tour last fall,which drew about 400 people. Forthe opening ceremony we had a

dynamic multicultural group fromthe community representing diversefaiths. – From Julie Thomas

http://manjushristudygroup. blogspot.com

VERMONTFebruary broughtMilarepa Center100 precious volumes of the Kangyur,the complete Tibetan discourses ofthe Buddha, offered by Ven. DagriRinpoche last year. A small group ofus organized a traditional greeting ofthese precious texts with Lawudoincense offerings billowing into themountain air, recitations of prayersand mantras, and a recording of LamaZopa Rinpoche chanting OM MANI

PADME HUM. You can see videosand photos on ourFacebook page. Inaddition, we enjoyeda wonderful mid-February retreat,spending timemeditating on andexploring the natureof the mind. – FromVen. Amy Miller

www.milarepa center.org

VIRGINIAGuhyasamaja Center is continuingto offer the two-year DiscoveringBuddhism program. We have a stronggroup of consistent participants whoare doing the retreats, studying theirhomework, memorizing brief textsand engaging in the preliminarypractices of Vajrasattva meditationand prostrations to the 35 Buddhas!In late March and early April, wehosted a group of monks from Gandenmonastery who performed pujas,chants and dances as well as made asand mandala. We’ve also successfullycompleted a fundraising drive, raisingenough for a down-payment towardsthe purchase of a stable home for ourcenter. – From Lorne Ladner �

www.guhyasamaja.org

Gyumed Khensur Rinpoche Losang Jampa with students fromGuhyasamaja Center.

Maitreya Buddhas Around the World!In March 2012, Lama Zopa Rinpoche offered 27 Maitreya Buddha statues toFPMT centers, projects and services that wished to have one. The life-sizestatues are scale replicas of the 500-foot-tall Maitreya statue planned to bebuilt in Kushinagar, India, by the Maitreya Project. Mandala has collected photosof the statues in their new homes in an online photo gallery. If you’d like yourcenter’s Maitreya statue included, email your photo to [email protected].

View the photo gallery with this issue’s online content at mandalamagazine.org.

A Maitreya statue arrives at Centre Kalachakra, France, April 2012


Chod

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FPMT DIRECTORYThis directory is a listing of centers, projects and services worldwide which are under the spiritual direction of Lama ZopaRinpoche and the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT). You can find a complete listing with

address and director/coordinator information on the FPMT website: http://www.fpmt.org/centers/directory.htmlPlease contact [email protected] with any updates to your listing.

Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpochec/o FPMT International Office

FPMT International Office1632 SE 11th AvenuePortland, OR USAwww.fpmt.orgTel: (1) (503) 808 1588

Projects of FPMTInternational Office include:Amdo Eye CenterFPMT Puja FundLama Tsongkhapa TeachersFundSera Je Food FundStupa Fundwww.fpmt.org/projects

INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS

International MahayanaInstituteSan Francisco, CA USAwww.imisangha.org

Lama Yeshe Wisdom ArchiveLincoln, MA USAwww.LamaYeshe.comTel: +1 (781) 259 4466

Liberation Prison ProjectAshfield, Australiawww.liberationprisonproject.org

Lotsawa Rinchen ZangpoTranslator ProgrammeDharamsala, Indiahttp://lrztp.blogspot.com/

LKPY: Loving KindnessPeaceful YouthUnley, SA Australiawww.lkpy.orgTel: +61 (4) 0695 0726

Maitreya Project Internationalwww.maitreyaproject.org

Universal Education forCompassion and WisdomLondon, United Kingdom

www.essential-education.orgTel: +44 (0) 20 7820 9010

FPMT REGIONAL ANDNATIONAL OFFICES

Australian National Officewww.fpmta.org.auTel: +61 (2) 4782 2095

Brazilian National [email protected]: +55 (47) 9127 3314

European Regional Officewww.fpmt-europe.orgTel: +31 (0) 20 627 3227

Italian National [email protected]

Mexico National Officewww.fpmt-mexico.orgTel: +52 (987) 869 2222

Nepal National [email protected]: +977 (1) 442 4091

North American (USA andCanada) Regional [email protected]: +1 (831) 334 2777

South Asian Regional [email protected]

Spanish National Officewww.fpmt-hispana.orgTel/Fax: +34 (91) 445 6514

Taiwan National Officewww.fpmt.twTel: +886 (2) 2523 0727

FPMT CENTERS, PROJECTSAND SERVICES

ARGENTINA (Tel Code 54)

Yogi Saraha Study GroupBuenos [email protected]: (11) 4541 7112

AUSTRALIA (Tel Code 61)

New South Wales

Enlightenment for theDear AnimalsDenistone Eastwww.enlightenmentforanimals.orgTel: +61 (2) 9808 1045

Kadam SharawaBuddhist InstituteCopacabanawww.kadamsharawa.orgTel: (0402) 688 620

Kunsang Yeshe CentreKatoombawww.kunsangyeshe.com.auTel: (02) 4788 1407

Vajrayana InstituteAshfieldwww.vajrayana.com.auTel: (02) 9798 9644Resident Geshe:Geshe Ngawang SamtenResident Teacher:Wai Cheong Kok

Queensland

Chenrezig InstituteEudlowww.chenrezig.com.auTel: (07) 5453 2108Resident Geshe:Geshe Lobsang JamyangResident Teacher:Ven. Tenzin Tsepal

Projects of Chenrezig Institute:The Enlightenment Projectfor Purification and [email protected]

The Garden of Enlightenmentwww.chenrezig.com.au/content/view/42/146

Cittamani Hospice ServicePalmwoodswww.cittamanihospice.com.auTel: (07) 5445 0822

Karuna Hospice ServiceWindsorwww.karuna.org.auTel: (07) 3632 8300

A project of Karuna Hospice:Karuna Bookswww.karunabooks.com.au

Langri Tangpa CentreCamp Hillwww.langritangpa.org.auTel: (07) 3398 3310

South Australia

Buddha HouseTusmorewww.buddhahouse.orgTel: (08) 8333 2824

De-Tong Ling Retreat CentreKingscotewww.detongling.orgTel: (08) 8559 3276

Tasmania

Chag-tong Chen-tong CentreSnugwww.chagtong.orgTel: (03) 6267 9203

Victoria

Atisha CentreEaglehawkwww.atishacentre.org.auTel: (03) 5446 3336

The Great Stupa ofUniversal CompassionMaiden Gullywww.stupa.org.auTel: (03) 5446 7568

Shen Phen Ling Study [email protected]

Tel: (02) 6059 8104

Tara InstituteBrighton East

www.tarainstitute.org.au

Tel: (03) 9596 8900

Resident Geshe:

Geshe Lobsang Doga

Thubten Shedrup LingEaglehawk

www.tslmonastery.org

Tel: (03) 5446 3691

Western Australia

Hayagriva Buddhist CentreKensington

www.hayagriva.org.au

Tel: (08) 9367 4817

Resident Teacher:

Ven. Thubten Dondrub

Hospice of Mother TaraBunbury

www.hmt.org.au

Tel: (08) 9791 9798

AUSTRIA (Tel Code 43)

Panchen Losang ChogyenGelugzentrumVienna

www.fpmt-plc.at

Tel: (1) 479 24 22

BELGIUM (Tel Code 32)

Shedrup Zungdel StudyGroupBurg Reuland

[email protected]

BRAZIL (Tel Code 55)

Centro Shiwa LhaRio de Janeiro

www.shiwalha.org.br

Tel: (21) 9322 0476



CANADA (Tel Code 1)

Gendun Drubpa CentreWilliams Lake, B.C.www.gendundrubpa.comTel: (250) 398 5681

Lama Yeshe Ling CentreOakville, Ontariowww.lamayesheling.orgTel: (905) 296 3728

CHINA (Tel Code 852)

Mahayana Buddhist Assoc.(Cham-Tse-Ling)North Point, Hong Kongwww.fpmtmba.org.hkTel: 2770 7239

COLOMBIA (Tel Code 57)

Centro YamantakaBogotáwww.yamantakabogota.orgTel: (311) 251 0993

DENMARK (Tel Code 45)

Tong-nyi Nying-je LingCopenhagenwww.fpmt.dkTel: 33 13 11 08Resident Teacher:Stephan Pende Wormland

Projects of Tong-nyiNying-je Ling:The Center for ConsciousLiving and Dyingwww.cbld.dk

Dharma Wisdom Publishingwww.dharmavisdom.dk

FINLAND (Tel Code 358)

Tara Liberation Study [email protected]: (50) 353 2886

FRANCE (Tel Code 33)

Editions Vajra YoginiMarzenswww.vajra-yogini.comTel: (05) 6358 1722

Gyaltsab Je Study GroupIle de la [email protected]

Institut Vajra YoginiMarzenswww.institutvajrayogini.frTel: (05) 6358 1722Resident Geshes:Geshe Tengye andGeshe Tenzin Loden

Kalachakra CentrePariswww.centre-kalachakra.comTel: (01) 4005 0222Resident Geshe:Geshe Drakpa Tsundue

Nalanda MonasteryLabastide St. Georgeswww.nalanda-monastery.euTel: (05) 6358 0225Resident Geshe:Geshe Losang Jamphel

Thakpa Kachoe Retreat LandMarseillewww.thakpakachoe.comTel: (612) 918 949

FRENCH POLYNESIA (Tel Code 689)

Naropa Meditation CenterTahitihttp://naropatahiti.over-blog.com

GERMANY (Tel Code 49)

Aryatara InstitutMünchenwww.aryatara.deTel: (89) 2781 7227Resident Teacher:Ven. Fedor Stracke

Diamant VerlagKaltern, Italywww.diamant-verlag.infoTel: +39 (0471) 964 183

Tara Mandala [email protected]: 9951 90235Resident Teacher: Dieter Kratzer

GREECE (Tel Code 30)

Gonpo ChakdukLing Study [email protected]: (210) 762 7189

INDIA (Tel Code 91)

Choe Khor SumLing Study GroupBangalorewww.cksl.inTel: (80) 4148 6497

Maitreya Project [email protected]: (551) 2342 012

MAITRI Charitable TrustBodhgayawww.maitri-bodhgaya.orgTel: (631) 2200 841

Root InstituteBodhgayawww.rootinstitute.comTel: (631) 2200 714

Projects of Root Institute:Shakyamuni BuddhaCommunity HealthCare Centre

Maitreya School

Sera IMI [email protected]

Tushita MahayanaMeditation CentreNew [email protected]: (11) 2651 3400

Tushita Meditation CentreMcLeod Ganjwww.tushita.infoTel: (1892) 221 866

INDONESIA (Tel Code 62)

Lama Serlingpa BodhicittaStudy [email protected]

Potowa CenterTangerangwww.potowa.orgTel: (21) 9359 2181

ISRAEL (Tel Code 972)

Shantideva Study GroupRamat [email protected]: 3 736 6226

ITALY (Tel Code 39)

Casa del Buddha dellaMedicinaLivornowww.associazionedareprotezione.it

Centro Lama Tzong [email protected]: (0422) 300 850

Centro Muni GyanaPalermowww.centromunigyana.itTel: (0327) 038 3805

Centro Studi CenresigBolognawww.cenresig.orgTel: (347) 246 1157

Centro Tara CittamaniPadovawww.taracittamani.itTel: (049) 864 7463

Centro Terradi Unificazione EwamFlorencewww.ewam.itTel: (055) 454 308

Chiara Luce EdizioniPomaia (Pisa)www.chiaraluce.itTel: (050) 685 690

Istituto Lama Tzong KhapaPomaia (Pisa)www.iltk.itTel: (050) 685 654Resident Geshes:Geshe Tenzin Tenphel andGeshe Jampa Gelek

Projects of IstitutoLama Tzong Khapa:Shenpen SamtenLing Nunnery

Takden Shedrup Targye LingMonastery

Kushi Ling Retreat CentreArco (TN)www.kushi-ling.comTel: (347) 2113471Resident Geshe:Geshe Dondup Tsering

Sangye Choling Study GroupSondrio

www.sangye.it

Tel: (39) 0342 513198

Shiné JewelryPomaia (Pisa)

www.shinegioielli.it

Tel: (050) 685 033

Yeshe Norbu -Appello per il TibetPomaia (Pisa)

www.AdozioniTibet.it

Tel: (050) 685 033

JAPAN (Tel Code 81)

Do Ngak Sung Juk CentreTokyo

www.fpmt-japan.org

Tel: (070) 5562 8812

LATVIA (Tel Code 371)

Ganden BuddhistMeditation CentreRiga

www.ganden.lv

Tel: 2949 0141

Yiga Chodzin Study GroupRaunas novads

www.yigachodzin.lv

MALAYSIA (Tel Code 60)

Chokyi Gyaltsen CenterPenang

www.fpmt-cgc.blogspot.com

Tel: (4) 826 5089

Resident Geshe:

Geshe Deyang

Rinchen Jangsem LingRetreat CentreTriang

www.jangsemling.com

Kasih Hospice CareSelangor

www.kasih-hospice.org

Tel: (3) 7960 7424

Losang Dragpa CentreSelangor

www.fpmt-ldc.org

Tel: (3) 7968 3278


MAURITIUS (Tel Code 230)

Dharmarakshita Study [email protected]: 258 3054

MEXICO (Tel Code 52)

Bengungyal CenterAguascalienteswww.bengungyal.orgTel: (449) 973 5550Resident Geshe:Geshe Losang Khedup

Chekawa Study [email protected]/Fax: (452) 523 5963

Khamlungpa CenterZapopanwww.khamlungpa.org.mxTel: (33) 3122 1052Resident Geshe:Geshe Losang Khedup

Khedrup Sangye YesheStudy [email protected]

Tel: (443) 308 5707

PadmasambhavaStudy [email protected]: (6181) 711 102

Rinchen Zangpo CenterTorreonwww.rinchenzangpo.org.mxTel: (087) 1712 6873

Serlingpa Retreat CenterZitacuarohttp://calendarioretiroserlingpa.blogspot.com

Tel: (715) 153 9942

Thubten Kunkyab StudyGroupCoapawww.meditadf.blogspot.comTel: (552) 325 5861

Vajrapani Tibetan BuddhistStudy [email protected]: (958) 70989

Yeshe Gyaltsen CenterCozumelwww.fpmtcozumel.orgTel: (987) 869 2222

MONGOLIA (Tel Code 976)

All Mongolian centers,projects and services areaccessible through:www.fpmtmongolia.org

Drolma Ling NunneryUlaanbaatarTel: (11) 480 741

Enlightening MindUlaanbaatarTel: (11) 480 741

Ganden Do NgagShedrup LingUlaanbaatarTel: (11) 321 580

Golden Light Sutra CenterDarkhanTel: (1372) 28856

NEPAL (Tel Code 977)

Ganden Yiga Chözin BuddhistMeditation CentrePokharawww.pokharabuddhistcentre.com

Tel: (61) 522 923

Himalayan BuddhistMeditation CentreKathmanduwww.fpmt-hbmc.org

Khachoe Ghakyil NunneryKathmanduwww.kopannunnery.orgTel: (1) 481 236Resident Geshes:Geshe Lobsang Zopa,Geshe Tsering Norbu,Geshe Konchog Nodrup,and Geshe Losang Chodak

Kopan MonasteryKathmanduwww.kopanmonastery.comTel: (1) 482 1268Resident Geshes:Geshe Lobsang Sherab,Geshe Lobsang Nyendrak,Geshe Jampa Gyaltsen,and Geshe Tashi DhondupResident Teacher:Ven. Karin Valham

Projects of Kopan Monastery:Animal Liberation Sanctuarywww.fpmt.org/projects/other/alp.html

Mu GompaChhekamparwww.fpmt/projects/tsumResident Geshe:Geshe Jampa Tsundu

Rachen NunneryChhekamparwww.fpmt/projects/tsumResident Geshe:Geshe Jampa Tsundu

Thubten Shedrup LingMonasterySolu KhumbuResident Geshe:Geshe Thubten Yonden

Lawudo Retreat CentreSolu Khumbuwww.lawudo.comTel: (1) 221 875

THE NETHERLANDS (Tel Code 31)

Maitreya Instituut AmsterdamAmsterdamwww.maitreya.nl/adamTel: (020) 428 0842Resident Teacher:Ven. Kaye Miner

Maitreya Instituut EmstEmstwww.maitreya.nl/emstTel: (0578) 661 450Resident Geshe:Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen

A project of MaitreyaInstituut Emst:Maitreya Uitgeverij(Maitreya Publications)Emst

NEW ZEALAND (Tel Code 64)

Amitabha Hospice ServiceAvondalewww.amitabhahospice.orgTel: (09) 828 3321

Chandrakirti TibetanBuddhist Meditation CentreRichmondwww.chandrakirti.co.nzTel: (03) 543 2015

Resident Geshe:Geshe Jampa TharchinResident Teacher:Alan Carter

Dorje Chang InstituteAvondalewww.dci.org.nzTel: (09) 828 3333Resident Geshe:Geshe Thubten Wangchen

Mahamudra CentreColvillewww.mahamudra.org.nzTel: (07) 866 6851

ROMANIA (Tel Code 402)

Grupul de Studiu BuddhistWhite TaraJudetul [email protected]: 4829 4216

RUSSIA (Tel Code 7)

Aryadeva Study GroupSt. Petersburgwww.aryadeva.spb.ruTel: (812) 710 0012

Ganden Tendar Ling CenterMoscowwww.fpmt.ruTel: (926) 204 3164

SINGAPORE (Tel Code 65)

Amitabha Buddhist CentreSingaporewww.fpmtabc.orgTel: 6745 8547Resident Geshe: KhenrinpocheGeshe Thubten Chonyi

SLOVENIA (Tel Code 386)

Chagna Pemo Study [email protected]: (40) 573 571

SPAIN (Tel Code 34)

Ediciones DharmaNoveldawww.edicionesdharma.comTel: (96) 560 3200

Nagarjuna C.E.T. AlicanteAlicantewww.budismoalicante.comTel: (66) 387 124

Nagarjuna C.E.T. BarcelonaBarcelonawww.nagarjunabcn.orgTel: (93) 457 0788Resident Geshe:Geshe Losang Jamphel

Nagarjuna C.E.T. GranadaGranadawww.nagaryunagr.orgTel: (95) 825 1629

Nagarjuna C.E.T. MadridMadridwww.nagarjunamadrid.orgTel: (91) 445 65 14Resident Geshe:Geshe Thubten Choden

Centro Nagarjuna ValenciaValenciawww.nagarjunavalencia.comTel: (96) 395 1008Resident Geshe:Geshe Lamsang

O.Sel.Ling Centro de RetirosOrgivawww.oseling.comTel: (95) 834 3134Resident Teacher:Ven. Champa Shenphen

Tekchen Chö LingOntinyentwww.centrobudistaontinyent.esTel: (96) 291 3231

Tushita Retreat CenterArbúcieswww.budismotibetano.net/tushitaTel: (97) 217 8262

SWEDEN (Tel Code 46)

Tsog Nyi Ling Study GroupRanstawww.fpmt.seTel: (0224) 200 22

Yeshe Norbu Study GroupStockholmhttp://fpmt-stockholm.seTel: (0707) 321 793

SWITZERLAND (Tel Code 41)

Gendun Drupa CentreMuraz/Sierrewww.gendundrupa.chTel: (27) 455 7924Resident Teacher: Sixte Vinçotte


Longku CenterBernwww.fpmt.chTel: (31) 332 5723

TAIWAN (Tel Code 886)

All Taiwanese centers areaccessible through:www.fpmt.tw

Heruka CenterCiaotouTel: (7) 612 5599Resident Geshe:Geshe Tsethar

Jinsiu FarlinTaipeiTel: (2) 2577 0333Resident Geshe:Geshe Gyurme

Shakyamuni CenterTaichung CityTel: (4) 2436 4123Resident Geshe:Geshe Ngawang Gyatso

UNITED KINGDOM (Tel Code 44)

Jamyang Bath Study GroupBathwww.jamyangbath.org.uk

Jamyang Buddhist CentreLondonwww.jamyang.co.ukTel: (02078) 208 787Resident Geshe:Geshe Tashi Tsering

Jamyang BuddhistCentre LeedsLeedswww.jamyangleeds.co.ukTel: (07866) 760 460

Jamyang CoventryStudy GroupCoventrywww.coventry-buddhists.com

Khedrup Je Study [email protected]: (07789) 327054

Land of Joywww.landofjoy.co.ukTel: (07949) 595691

Saraswati Study GroupDraytonwww.saraswati.org.ukTel: (01458) 252463

Togme Sangpo Study GroupFindhornwww.togmesangpo.org.ukTel: (01309) 690926

Yeshe Study [email protected]: (01229) 885 329

UNITED STATES (Tel Code 1)

California

Gyalwa GyatsoBuddhist CenterCampbellwww.gyalwagyatso.orgTel: (408) 866 5056Resident Teacher:Ven. Losang Drimay

Land of Calm AbidingSan Simeonhttp://landofcalmabiding.orgTel: (831) 475 6018

Land of Medicine BuddhaSoquelwww.landofmedicinebuddha.orgTel: (831) 462 8383

Tara HomeSoquelwww.tarahome.orgTel: (831) 477 7750

Tara Redwood SchoolSoquelwww.tararedwoodschool.org

Tsa Tsa Studio / Center forTibetan Sacred ArtRichmondwww.tsatsastudio.orgTel: (415) 503 0409

Tse Chen LingSan Franciscowww.tsechenling.orgTel: (415) 621 4215Resident Geshe:Geshe Ngawang DakpaResident Teacher:Emily Hsu

Vajrapani InstituteBoulder Creekwww.vajrapani.orgTel: (831) 338 6654

Colorado

Lama Yeshe HouseStudy [email protected]: (831) 234 7963

Florida

Land for Nagarjuna’sSutra and TantraDharma Study [email protected]: (941) 745 1147

Tse Pag Me Study [email protected]: (813) 783 1888

Tubten Kunga CenterDeerfield Beachwww.tubtenkunga.orgTel: (954) 421 6224Resident Geshe:Geshe Konchog Kyab

Massachusetts

Kurukulla CenterMedfordwww.kurukulla.orgTel: (617) 624 0177Resident Geshe:Geshe Tenley

Wisdom Publications Inc.Somervillewww.wisdompubs.orgTel: (617) 776 7416

Montana

Osel Shen Phen LingMissoulawww.fpmt-osel.orgTel: (406) 543-2207

Nevada

Dharmakaya Study [email protected]: (775) 232 8067

New Mexico

Thubten Norbu LingSanta Fewww.tnlsf.orgTel: (505) 660 7056Resident Teacher:Don Handrick

Ksitigarbha TibetanBuddhist CenterRanchos de [email protected]

New York

Shantideva Meditation CenterNew Yorkwww.shantidevameditation.org

North Carolina

Kadampa CenterRaleighwww.kadampa-center.orgTel: (919) 859 3433Resident Geshe:Geshe Gelek Chodha

Ohio

Manjushri Study GroupYoungstownhttp://manjushristudygroup.blogspot.com

Oregon

Maitripa CollegePortlandwww.maitripa.orgTel: (503) 235 2477Resident Geshe:Yangsi Rinpoche

Texas

Land of Compassionand WisdomAustinwww.austinfpmt.orgTel: (512) 280 8687

Vermont

Milarepa CenterBarnetwww.milarepacenter.orgTel: (802) 633 4136

Virginia

Guhyasamaja CenterCentrevillewww.guhyasamaja.orgTel: (703) 774 9692Resident Geshe:Khensur Lobsang JampaRinpoche

Washington

Buddha Amitabha Pure LandRiversidewww.buddha-amitabha-pure-land.org

Pamtingpa CenterTonasketwww.tonasketbuddhist.orgTel: (509) 223 3003

What does it meanto be an FPMT Center,

Study Group,Project or Service?

If a center, project or service isaffiliated with FPMT, it meansthat it follows the spiritualdirection of Lama Zopa Rin-poche. It means that centersand study groups use FPMT’seducational programs andmaterial, created in the uniquelineage of Lama Yeshe andLama Zopa Rinpoche.

Each FPMT center, projector service is incorporated indi-vidually (is a separate legalentity) and is responsible for itsown governance and finance.

All FPMT centers, projects,services and study groupsfollow the FPMT Ethical Policy.

FPMT study groups aregroups which are using thisstatus as a probationary periodbefore a group becomes a legalentity and a full FPMT center,project or service.

FPMT study groups are notyet affiliated with the FPMT, andtherefore do not have the sameresponsibilities as a center orproject, financially or adminis-tratively.

Meditation Retreat 2012with B. Alan Wallace

presents

B. Alan WallacePresident, Santa Barbara Consciousness Institute, USA

Deepening one’s meditative practice

Learn about the essential guidelines to practice

Identify the pitfalls and the meditative experiences along the path

Realize the deepest potential of the mind

An extraordinary opportunity to join B. Alan Wallace on week-long meditation retreat.

Strictlylimited

places –book early!

www.vajrayana.com.au

Introduction to Dzogchen Retreat22 – 28 October 2012

Explore the View, Meditation and Conduct of the Great Perfection

Booking or enquiries: +61 2 8719 5136 or [email protected]

Himalayan High TreksCST 2085690-40

241 Dolores StreetSan Francisco, CA 94103, USAPhone (in US): (800) 455 8735

(415) 551 1005Fax: (415) 861 2391

www.dharmajourneys.com

PROFITS GO TO LIBERATION PRISON PROJECT. AN FPMT PROJECT SUPPORTING THE BUDDHIST PRACTICE OF PEOPLE IN PRISON WORLDWIDE. www.LiberationPrisonProject.org (415) 701 8500

2012 Nepal & India PilgrimageSunday, October 14 to Friday, November 2 from Kathmandu, Nepal

Visit the holy places of Lord Buddha in Nepal: Boudhanath, Swayambunath, Parping and Lumbini. In India: Sravasti, Kushinagar, Nalanda,

Vulture’s Peak, Bodhgaya and Sarnath. Daily practices and teachings. Includes a three-day retreat at Kathmandu’s Kopan Monastery.

Land cost from US$3800 plus air to Kathmandu, Nepal and returning home from Bodhgaya, India.Author Jon Landaw, Leader

PROFITS GO TO MILAREPA CENTER. A TIBETAN BUDDHIST CENTER SUPPORTING WISE PRACTICE THROUGH STUDY, MEDITATION AND SERVICE. www.MilarepaCenter.org (802) 633-4136

2013 India & Nepal PilgrimageSaturday, January 26 to Wednesday, February 13 from Varanasi, India

Visit the sacred Buddhist sites in India: Sravasti, Kushinagar, Nalanda, Vulture’s Peak, Bodhgaya and Sarnath. In Nepal: Boudhanath, Swayambunath, Parping and Lumbini. Daily practices and teachings.

Includes short retreats at Root Institute in Bodhgaya, India and Kopan Monastery in Nepal. Land cost from US$3350 plus air to

Varanasi, India and returning home from Kathmandu, Nepal.Venerable Amy Miller, Leader

“� e pilgrimage far exceeded my expectations due to

Ven. Amy and local guide Amber who were relaxed

and knowledgeable.”SANDI AND WILL MANSON

2007 India Pilgrimage

“I was very pleased with how easy the traveling was.

Super good organizationand leaders helped a lot.

I’d do it again in a minute!”SUSAN FARRAR

2011 India Pilgrimage

Lama Zopa Rinpoche has told us that it is important to do authentic practices on pilgrimage in order for it to be meaningful and productive.

Dharma Journeys Pilgrimages

Documents

Mandala Magazine Jul-Sept 2012