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Showing Respect to Holy Objects

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Practice books, Kopan Monastery, Nepal, March 2017. Photo by Ivan Siarbolin.

Practice books, Kopan Monastery, Nepal, March 2017. Photo by Ivan Siarbolin.

Holy objects and Dharma materials represent and contain the teachings of the Buddha and thus protect against lower rebirth and reveal the path to enlightenment. Therefore, they should be treated with respect. Below is advice taken from Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s teachings about how to treat holy objects and Dharma materials in various contexts.

Showing Respect to Dharma Images and Texts

Dharma images, which include images of holy beings, deities, and other holy objects—such as temples, stupas, and prayer wheels, which all represent the Three Rare Sublime Ones—and Dharma texts, which contain the teachings of the Buddha, and include phones, tablets, laptops, and hard drives containing Dharma, should not be stepped over or put in places where students’ feet or buttocks will point at them. They should not be put on the floor or on a bed without a cloth underneath. They should be covered or protected for transporting and kept in a high, clean place separate from more mundane materials. Other objects, including statues, stupas, ritual implements, malas, reading glasses, and so forth, should not be placed on top of Dharma books and devices containing Dharma materials. Avoid licking the fingers to turn the pages of Dharma texts.

Morgan Finnell's "smile" slogan tattoo, Vermont, United States, July 2018. Photo courtesy of Carina Rumrill.

Morgan Finnell’s “smile” slogan tattoo, Vermont, United States, July 2018. Photo courtesy of Carina Rumrill.

Tattoos

It is best not to get tattoos of holy beings, deities, holy objects, mantras, sacred syllables, or Dharma words or quotations in Tibetan or any other language because it is easy to lay on top of them, take them into the restroom, and get them dirty.

Instead, if a student wants to get an inspiring tattoo, then it is better to get a tattoo of a meaningful slogan or saying that people can read and understand, as this will have more impact and the tattooed student won’t create the negative karma of being disrespectful to the Dharma. These slogans and sayings should not be Dharma quotes or teachings taken from sutras, tantras, or commentaries.

If a student already has a Dharma-related tattoo, the student should not cover up the tattoo with another tattoo, which is considered disrespectful. Students should simply do their best to treat the tattoo with respect.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche signing a poster, Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa, Pomaia, Italy, October 2017. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche signing a poster for Geshe Tenzin Tenphel, Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa, Pomaia, Italy, October 2017. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

T-Shirts, Bags, Mugs, and Other Souvenirs

It is best to avoid printing holy beings, deities, holy objects, mantras, sacred syllables, or Dharma words or quotations in Tibetan or any other languages on t-shirts because students lie down on them, wear them into the restroom, wash them with dirty underwear, and do not regard these as representations of the Buddha or Dharma. It is also best to avoid having bags with similar designs on them as students often put them on the floor. Similarly, it is best to avoid having mugs with similar designs as people put them in their mouths and store them with mundane objects.

If a student treats a t-shirt with respect and doesn’t lie down on it or wash it with other clothes, Lama Zopa Rinpoche says it is OK to have a holy image or word, such “Buddha,” on a t-shirt.

Students can print slogans on t-shirts and souvenirs that make people think about Dharma but should avoid using Dharma images and words. Instead, students could consider having images of non-religious objects, for example, a smiley face.

In general, logos are OK. However, if the center logo contains a vajra, for example, that is considered a tantric implement and a holy object. The eight auspicious signs should also be treated with respect as Dharma and should not be embroidered on cushions to sit on, for example, or painted on the ground for when a lama arrives at a center.

The names, signatures, and hand writing of Lama Yeshe and other gurus are considered Dharma and should be treated with respect.

Distributing Holy Objects

Holy objects, such as prayer wheels, Dharma books, statues, images of gurus and deities, mantra rolls to go inside prayer wheels, double dorje brocade for thrones, stupas, and dorje and bell sets, should never be produced and distributed with a mind believing they are being “sold.” However, it is OK for one to collect money to cover the costs of materials and the time spent creating and distributing these holy objects.

Promotional Materials

It is OK to have holy images on posters and brochures as their purpose is to attract people to Dharma teachings. Moreover, these materials are usually placed up high and are not posted in the restroom or placed on the floor. When using Dharma images in promotional materials, it is best to not crop the image in such a way that the head or body of the holy being or deity is cut off.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche arriving to teach, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, May 2018. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche arriving to teach, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, May 2018. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

Special Considerations for Khatas and Prayer Flags

Khatas, because they often have Dharma words, mantras, and the eight auspicious symbols woven into them, and prayer flags, should be treated with the same respect as other holy objects. It is best not to put khatas featuring Dharma words, mantras, etc. on the table in front of the teacher as this is where tea cups, clocks, and texts are placed. Using khatas without Dharma images and words on them is ideal.

Disposing of Holy Objects

Lama Zopa Rinpoche quotes Lama Tsongkhapa as saying that disposing of holy objects can easily become “giving up the Dharma” and disrespectful if one isn’t very careful with one’s thinking.

If it is necessary to dispose of printed Dharma materials, they should be burned rather than thrown in the trash or recycled. When burning Dharma texts, visualize that the letters transform into an A and the A absorbs into one’s heart. Imagine burning blank paper. As the paper burns, recite OṂ ĀḤ HŪṂ or the Heart Sutra, while meditating on emptiness. 

Green Tara tsa-tsa, Nalanda Monastery, Rouzegas, Labastide-Saint-Georges, France, March 2018. Photo by Harald Weichhart.

Green Tara tsa-tsa, Nalanda Monastery, Rouzegas, Labastide-Saint-Georges, France, March 2018. Photo by Harald Weichhart.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche recommends that images of holy beings, deities, and holy objects, even on khatas and prayer flags, not be burned. Ideally, if undamaged, they should be put in a stupa. If damaged, they should never go into stupas as doing so affects the minds of people who circumambulate them. Instead, put them high up in a tree inside a well-sealed structure, something like a bird house, so that the images are protected from the weather and do not end up on the ground.

Undamaged CDs, video cassettes, DVDs, etc. containing Dharma images and texts can placed in stupas. Do not put damaged or broken holy objects, such as tsa-tsas, inside stupas or statues. Instead, repair the holy objects, or, put unrepairable holy objects into tsa-tsa houses. Ensure that the objects are stored in such a way that they do not get dirty.


Through comprehensive study programs, practice materials, and training seminars, FPMT Education nourishes the development of compassion, wisdom, kindness, and true happiness in individuals of all ages.


Death and Dying Materials from FPMT

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Medicine Buddha statue at Buddha Amitabha Pure Land, Washington, US, June 2015. Photo by Chris Majors.

Medicine Buddha statue at Buddha Amitabha Pure Land, Washington, US, June 2015. Photo by Chris Majors.

It is difficult to accept the inevitability of our own deaths or the deaths of our loved ones. And although avoiding death is not possible, it is possible to prepare for death and equip ourselves with tools to help those around us engage with their own deaths in the most beneficial way. 

Essential Advice for Students

Lama Zopa Rinpoche had repeatedly taught that Medicine Buddha practice, such as the Medicine Buddha Puja, the Wish-Fulfilling Jewel, is the main spiritual activity to engage in before, during, and after death. FPMT now makes available Medicine Buddha ritual sets to help students better practice according to Rinpoche’s advice.

Rinpoche has recommended as an additional essential practice to recite Eight Prayers to Benefit the Dead, which is usually recited by Gelug monasteries to benefit those who have recently died.

Essential Advice for Centers

All FPMT centers, projects, and services are encouraged to have a least one student who has done the Heart Advice for Death and Dying course and knows how to use the Liberation Box, a collection of tools for the time of death.

Heart Advice for Death and DyingHeart Advice for Death and Dying

This package is a collection of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s essential advice and commentaries for the time of death and for finding the deepest fulfillment in life. Teachings by Lama Zopa Rinpoche include, “The Nine-Point Meditation on Death,” “The Process of Dying,” “Preparing for Death,” “Practicing the Five Powers,” “Caring for the Dying and the Dead,” “Essential Activities at the Death Time,” and “Mantras to Benefit the Dying and Dead.” This collection also includes an MP3 CD of eleven hours of teachings on death by Ven. Sangye Khadro. In addition to the book and CD, this material is also available as a structured study program.

Heart Advice for Death and Dying is available as a hardcopy book, ebook, and FPMT Online Learning Center program, and as hardcopy and digital programs for hosting centers.

Liberation Box

This collection of tools for the time of death has been assembled according to Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s advice and contains powerful methods for ensuring a fortunate rebirth for those who have died or are in the process of dying. It is available as a hardcopy collection in English, French, or Spanish; or in an English-language digital edition.

Liberation Box

Liberation Box, hardcopy collection with optional books

Heart Practices for Death and Dying

This condensed resource book, available in hardcopy and digital formats, provides the heart practices to do at the time of death, including the Medicine Buddha puja and the traditional eight prayers done in Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. This collection also contains the most powerful mantras to say for those who are dying or who have died, teachings on their precise benefits, as well as a sheet of mantras to place on the body of one who has died. It contains precious texts to benefit the minds of those who are dying by relieving pain and purifying negative karma.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche with ‘How to Enjoy Death,’ Osel Labrang, Sera Monastery, India, December 2015

Lama Zopa Rinpoche with ‘How to Enjoy Death,’ Osel Labrang, Sera Monastery, India, December 2015

Rinpoche’s Latest Book on Death and Dying

How to Enjoy Death

A unique new collection, How to Enjoy Death: Preparing to Meet Life’s Final Challenge Without Fear, brings together all the extensive commentary from Lama Zopa Rinpoche as well as a number of essential prayers, practices, and other materials that Lama Zopa Rinpoche has compiled over the years, skillfully edited by Ven. Robina Courtin.

“We Buddhists all know about death and impermanence, but when death comes into our lives we often panic and don’t know what to do to help,” said Ven. Robina. “Rinpoche lays out all the instructions so clearly, one step at a time, for how to help our loved ones: what to do in the months and weeks before death, what to do in the hours before death, at the time the breath stops, and in the three days as well as the forty-nine days after death, including transforming our loved one’s ashes into a holy object.”

All of the practices one needs to be prepared to face death are included, making this an essential reference for Tibetan Buddhist practitioners, caregivers, hospice workers, and chaplains.

Resource Page

The FPMT Death and Dying: Heart Practices and Advice webpage is kept up to date with all of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s latest advice and materials concerning death and dying.


Through comprehensive study programspractice materials, and training seminars, FPMT Education nourishes the development of compassion, wisdom, kindness, and true happiness in individuals of all ages.

Rinpoche Encourages All Students to Keep Copies of Lama Atisha’s Protection Stupa

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Lama Atisha’s Protection Stupa

Lama Zopa Rinpoche recently encouraged all students to keep copies of Lama Atisha’s Protection Stupa in their homes and offices to protect them from heavy mental pollution:

“My dear students looking for liberation and enlightenment for sentient beings,

“It is extremely important to have an image of this stupa with mantras because its benefits of giving protection come from Lama Atisha of Nalanda, where there were 300 great scholars and holy beings.

“The purpose of keeping an image of this stupa in your house or in your room is to protect you from the mental pollution, not yet discovered in the West, from those who, in particular, have broken samaya with their guru, belittled their guru, given rise to heresy or anger towards their guru, or who, after making a Dharma connection through receiving a lung, commentary, initiation, or vows, gave up their guru. These create so much mental pollution, which is the heaviest negative karma.

“If you meet, talk to, or receive teachings from that person, or bring other people to a place where that person has been, your mind gets polluted. You lose your spiritual achievements, your mind becomes more negative, it becomes more difficult for you to achieve realizations, and you get reborn in the lower realms. It is very dangerous.

“Also, the places where that person has been become polluted. The previous Kyabje Zong Rinpoche told us, during the First Dharma Celebration, that even the tap water in a place where that person has been becomes polluted. If you drink it, you get polluted, you lose any spiritual progression you have made, your mind degenerates, and you go to the lower realms.

“The external pollution from a car doesn’t cause you to be reborn in the lower realms, but this pollution does.

“You can also wear the image of this stupa as a protection amulet so that wherever you go, you are protected from this pollution.

“This is very important. It would be good for every FPMT center, service, and project to have this image in its gompa, office, or other public rooms, and on every level of its buildings.

“If you are new to Buddhism and don’t understand this, it doesn’t matter; just keep it in your room for the benefit of other people.”


Lama Atisha’s Protection Stupa is available as a PDF download and as pre-folded amulets through the Foundation Store. Proceeds from the sale of the download go to FPMT’s Stupa Fund, which supports Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s vast vision of constructing 100,000 stupas around the world for world peace.
https://shop.fpmt.org/Lama-Atisha-Protection-Mantra–Downloadable-PDF_p_1432.html

Read more about the history of the image and its benefits in Mandala‘s January-June 2017 article “Lama Atisha’s Protection Stupa to Keep Away Heavy Mental Pollution”:
https://fpmt.org/mandala/archives/mandala-for-2017/january/lama-atishas-protection-stupa-to-keep-away-heavy-mental-pollution/

Through comprehensive study programs, practice materials, and training seminars, FPMT Education nourishes the development of compassion, wisdom, kindness, and true happiness in individuals of all ages.

New from Lama Zopa Rinpoche! A Brief Meditation-Recitation on Guru Medicine Buddha

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Students can now find A Brief Meditation-Recitation on Guru Medicine Buddha, written and arranged by Lama Zopa Rinpoche, on the Foundation Store as a PDF. Rinpoche encouraged FPMT to make the text “immediately, immediately” available for the benefit of students around the world. Anyone can practice the text, with slight modifications for students without initiations.

A Brief Meditation-Recitation on Guru Medicine Buddha begins with requests to the Medicine Buddhas composed by Rinpoche and follows with recitation of their holy names; recitation of either—or all of—the long, middle-length, or short Medicine Buddha mantra; and recitation of the mantra of Tathagata Stainless Excellent Gold and other dharani-mantras, extracted from the Fifth Dalai Lama’s The Wish-Granting Sovereign: A Ceremony for Worshiping the Seven Sugatas. The practice concludes with prayers, requests, and dedications also authored by Rinpoche.

Rinpoche has consistently taught that Medicine Buddha practice is beneficial for anyone who is dying, sick, injured, or who has already died, and for success in general.


Find A Brief Meditation-Recitation on Guru Medicine Buddha on the Foundation Store:
https://shop.fpmt.org/A-Brief-Meditation-Recitation-on-Guru-Medicine-Buddha-PDF_p_3121.html

Through comprehensive study programs, practice materials, and training seminars, FPMT Education nourishes the development of compassion, wisdom, kindness, and true happiness in individuals of all ages.

Live with Compassion Poster

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In 2009, a design competition was held to find a poster that perfectly captured Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s “Live with Compassion” quote. Rinpoche personally selected the design from Amitabha Buddhist Centre’s Kennedy Koh as the winner. After a few small modifications, the image was made available to students around the world.

Recently, Lama Zopa Rinpoche visited FPMT International Office and saw the poster hanging on the lobby wall. Rinpoche pointed to the compassion poster and mentioned that International Office should promote it all over the world.

Available through the Foundation Store, the Live with Compassion poster is best printed at a maximum height of 24 inches (60 cm). One idea is for students to print the image on bookmarks or t-shirts. Students should keep in mind that such items become holy objects and should be treated with respect according to tradition.


Find the Living with Compassion poster on the Foundation Store:
https://shop.fpmt.org/Live-with-Compassion-Poster–PDF_p_3074.html

Through comprehensive study programs, practice materials, and training seminars, FPMT Education nourishes the development of compassion, wisdom, kindness, and true happiness in individuals of all ages.

Vajra Cutter Sutra Resource Page

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Lama Zopa Rinpoche giving an oral transmission of the Vajra Cutter Sutra on Vulture's Peak, India, March 2014. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche giving an oral transmission of the Vajra Cutter Sutra on Vulture’s Peak, India, March 2014. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.

Did you know there is a Vajra Cutter Sutra resource page on FPMT.org? The page features translations of the Vajra Cutter Sutra (also known as Diamond Cutter Sutra or Diamond Sutra) into ten languages; links to audio CDs, MP3 downloads, and online courses; and a special dedication prayer written by Mipham Rinpoche that is recommended by Lama Zopa Rinpoche. The page even features an amulet-sized version of the sutra in Tibetan, suitable to be worn on the body.

In the Vajra Cutter Sutra, Buddha and a gathering of monks and bodhisattvas are in Shravasti in North India. Subhūti, one of the disciples, asks Buddha, “Bhagavān, how should one who has correctly entered the bodhisattva’s vehicle abide, how practice, how control the mind?” The sutra captures Buddha’s answer, touching extensively on the “wisdom gone beyond” and concluding with the famous verse: “As a star, a visual aberration, a lamp, an illusion, dew, a bubble, a dream, lightning, and a cloud—view all the compounded like that.”

“The Vajra Cutter Sutra is unbelievable,” Lama Zopa Rinpoche teaches. “It is one of the most profitable practices, because the root of all sufferings, yours and others, is the ignorance holding ‘I’ as truly existent—even though it is empty of that; and the ignorance holding the aggregates as truly existent, even though they are empty of that. The only antidote to cut that, to get rid of that and through which to achieve liberation, the total cessation of the suffering causes—delusions and karma—is the wisdom realizing emptiness. This is the subject of the Vajra Cutter Sutra, emptiness. So, each time you read it, it leaves such a positive imprint. Without taking much time, without much difficulty, it is easy to actualize wisdom.”


Find the Vajra Cutter Sutra resource page and other sutras on FPMT.org:
https://fpmt.org/education/teachings/sutras/vajra-cutter-sutra/
https://fpmt.org/education/teachings/sutras/

Find the Vajra Cutter Sutra in various formats in the Foundation Store:
https://shop.fpmt.org/search.asp?keyword=vajra+cutter+sutra&search=

Through comprehensive study programs, practice materials, and training seminars, FPMT Education nourishes the development of compassion, wisdom, kindness, and true happiness in individuals of all ages.

‘The Eight Mahayana Precepts,’ a Living in the Path Module

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In the complimentary Living in the Path module “The Eight Mahayana Precepts,” Lama Zopa Rinpoche shows us the importance of taking and keeping these special one-day vows based on the Mahayana motivation of bodhichitta. If you have not previously received the lineage of the eight Mahayana precepts from a teacher, Lama Zopa Rinpoche has given special permission to take the lineage from him via the video “Actual Ceremony for Taking the Precepts,” which is part of the course materials.

“Taking the eight Mahayana precepts is another way to make life meaningful, to take its essence all day and night, by taking vows,” Lama Zopa Rinpoche has taught. “It is so simple. It is just for one day. Just for one day. It makes it so easy. It’s not for a lifetime.”

In this short introductory video to the module, Ven. Paloma Alba explains the reason for taking the eight Mahayana precepts and the benefits of keeping them. 

Watch “Taking the Eight Mahayana PreceptsAn Introduction” on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/wDSbB3DHnsA


Ven. Paloma Alba (Tenzin Chokyi) did her first Buddhist course on the island of Ibiza in the Balearic Islands in 1982 and ordained in 1986. Since then she has offered service in a variety of FPMT centers in Spain, where she has also taught extensively. She is currently tutor for the FPMT Basic Program at Centro Nagarjuna Valencia in Valencia, Spain. Ven. Paloma is an FPMT registered teacher.

Living in the Path is an online lamrim course taught by Lama Zopa Rinpoche available through the FPMT Online Learning Center:
https://onlinelearning.fpmt.org/course/index.php?categoryid=5

Through comprehensive study programs, practice materials, and training seminars, FPMT Education nourishes the development of compassion, wisdom, kindness, and true happiness in individuals of all ages.

New Abbreviated Vajrayogini Self-Initiation and Tsog Practices!

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Students can now find two new Vajrayogini texts—Quick Path to Khechara: An Abbreviated Daily Self-Initiation of Vajrayogini Naro Khechari and A Pleasing Uncontaminated Feast: An Abbreviated Tsog Offering of the Venerable Vajrayogini, the Powerful Lady Naro Khecharithrough the Foundation Store.

Quick Path to Khechara is an abbreviated self-initiation manual composed by the Eighth Kirti Rinpoche, Rongpo Choje Lozang Thrinle Gyatso. As the text is very brief, it is recommended that students first familiarize themselves with Phabongkha Dechen Nyingpo’s extensive Vajrayogini self-initiation ritual in FPMT’s The Intermediate Practices of Vajrayogini.

In order to engage in this practice, a student must have completed a 100,000-mantra Vajrayogini nearing retreat of enabling actions together with the concluding peaceful burning offering ritual.

A Pleasing Uncontaminated Feast is an abbreviated tsog offering text written by Phabongkha Dechen Nyingpo. Being shorter than his extensive tsog offering ritual, and longer than Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s extremely abbreviated composition, this text is convenient for use as a medium-length version.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche presiding over tsog, Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Bendigo, Australia, April 2018. Photo by Veb. Lobsang Sherab.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche presiding over tsog, Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Bendigo, Australia, April 2018. Photo by Veb. Lobsang Sherab.


Through comprehensive study programs, practice materials, and training seminars, FPMT Education nourishes the development of compassion, wisdom, kindness, and true happiness in individuals of all ages.


‘Making Offerings,’ A Living in the Path Module

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In the complimentary Living in the Path module “Making Offerings,” Lama Zopa Rinpoche gives inspiring explanations on how to take the essence of our precious human life by making offerings to the guru and the Three Rare Sublime Ones—the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.

“If you offer to a statue of Buddha, or a scripture, or a stupa, or a picture, no matter how big they are, no matter how small they are, if you offer to them one grain or one tiny flower… Even if it is without a bodhichitta motivation, even without Dharma, neither bodhichitta nor renunciation to achieve liberation from samsara, nor the motivation to achieve the happiness of future lives, not even thatwithout any Dharma motivation; even if the motivation is totally black, totally the eight worldly dharmas, seeking the happiness of this life, nothing elseif you offer one grain or one tiny flower to a holy object, no matter how big or small it is, the minute you offer it you collect [merit] and it becomes the cause of enlightenment. Immediately, it becomes the cause of enlightenment,” Lama Zopa Rinpoche teaches in the module.

“Here, when [this text] talks about offerings becoming virtue and the cause of enlightenment, it doesn’t depend on the motivation being virtue. In these exceptional cases, like circumambulation and making offerings to even statues, stupas, or pictures of Buddha, it immediately becomes the cause of enlightenment. That means it becomes the cause of the happiness of future lives, not just the happiness of one life but hundreds of thousands of happinesses in future lives, such as a good rebirth and many things. It becomes many happinesses of future lives, then ultimate happinessliberation from samsara; all happiness and, as I mentioned before, enlightenment.”

Watch “Offerings Cause Enlightenment” on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/2tlAmIvSYqg


“Making Offerings” is available on the FPMT Online Learning Center:
https://onlinelearning.fpmt.org/course/view.php?id=119

Living in the Path is an online lamrim course taught by Lama Zopa Rinpoche available through the FPMT Online Learning Center:
https://onlinelearning.fpmt.org/course/index.php?categoryid=5

Through comprehensive study programs, practice materials, and training seminars, FPMT Education nourishes the development of compassion, wisdom, kindness, and true happiness in individuals of all ages.

Chanting the Names of Mañjushri

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Chanting the Names of Mañjushri, which is called Mañjuśrīnāmasaṃgīti in Sanskrit, is available as a PDF and in ebook formats on the FPMT.org sutra page.

Over 160 verses comprise the text, which is categorized as a tantra, but can be read by anyone without restrictions. This praise of Manjushri was taught by Buddha Shakyamuni at the request of Vajrapani. It is a central text in all Tibetan traditions and is often recited and memorized by students.

Students can also find on FPMT.org links to an alternative translation of the text by Buddhist scholar Alex Berzin and links to an audio recording of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s commentary and oral transmission of the text on the Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive.


PDF and ebooks formats of Chanting the Names of Mañjushri can also be acquired through the Foundation Store.

Through comprehensive study programs, practice materials, and training seminars, FPMT Education nourishes the development of compassion, wisdom, kindness, and true happiness in individuals of all ages.

Lhabab Duchen Is on October 31

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Image from rigpawiki.org

Lhabab Duchen, one of the four great holy days of the Buddhist calendar, takes place this year on Wednesday, October 31.

Lhabab Duchen celebrates Guru Shakyamuni Buddha’s return to Earth from the god realm Thirty-Three after teaching Dharma for several months to the gods there, including his mother, Mayadevi, who had died a week after Buddha’s birth and been reborn there. As a merit multiplying day, the karmic results of actions done on this day are multiplied 100 million times. This amazing result is sourced by Lama Zopa Rinpoche to the vinaya text Treasure of Quotations and Logic.

Specific advice from Lama Zopa Rinpoche for practices to do on merit multiplying days can be found on FPMT.org, including advice to recite the Sutra for Remembering the Three Jewels. (Advice for merit multiplying days can also be found in French.) If you choose to recite the Sutra of Golden Light on this special day, you might like to report your recitations using the facility on the FPMT website, which you can find on the Sutra of Golden Light reporting page.

Please keep in mind that according to the late Kyabje Choden Rinpoche, one of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s gurus, the observation of auspicious days should be according to the date in India, not the date in one’s home country. Therefore, when Lama Zopa Rinpoche is not in India, Rinpoche celebrates merit multiplying days and other auspicious dates according to the time in India.

Special thanks to the Liberation Prison Project for preparing a Tibetan calendar with information on holy days and other important dates for avoiding or engaging in various activities.


Through comprehensive study programs, practice materials, and training seminars, FPMT Education nourishes the development of compassion, wisdom, kindness, and true happiness in individuals of all ages.

Hundreds of Tushita Meditation Centre Students Meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama

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tushita-meditation-centre-students-from-introduction-to-buddhism-march-26-to-april-4-2018-with-his-holiness-the-dalai-lama-by-office-of-his-holiness-the-dalai-lama

His Holiness the Dalai Lama with March 26-April 4 Introduction to Buddhism students, Dharamsala, India, March 2018. Photo courtesy Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Ven. Tenzin Kunphen, spiritual program coordinator, and Maria Nobuko Corrales, assistant spiritual program coordinator, Tushita Meditation Centre share an update from Dharamsala, India.

After completing a record-breaking 2017, we are enjoying a year of record-breaking of another sort: teachings and audiences with His Holiness the Dalai Lama!

tushita-meditation-centre-students-from-courses-insight-into-emptiness-april-12-20-2018-and-introduction-to-buddhism-april-11-20-2018-with-his-holiness-the-dalai-lama

His Holiness the Dalai Lama with April 11-20 Introduction to Buddhism students and April 12-20 Insight Into Emptiness students, Dharamsala, India, April 2018. Photo courtesy Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

In late March we received an invitation specifically for the students in our Introduction to Buddhism course to come to His Holiness’s temple for a private teaching. This being a first for Tushita, we were overjoyed to facilitate this precious opportunity for our students.

tushita-meditation-centre-students-from-introduction-to-buddhism-may-18-to-27-2018-with-his-holiness-the-dalai-lama-by-office-of-his-holiness-the-dalai-lama

His Holiness the Dalai Lama with May 18-27 Introduction to Buddhism students, Dharamsala, India, May 2018. Photo courtesy Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

This also marked the first time Tushita students as a group were able to have their photo taken with His Holiness.

Our fortune then continued with public audiences in April, May, and June!

tushita-meditation-centre-students-from-introduction-to-buddhism-june-5-to-june-14-2018-with-his-holiness-the-dalai-lama-by-office-of-his-holiness-the-dalai-lama

His Holiness the Dalai Lama with June 5-14 Introduction to Buddhism students, Dharamsala, India, June 2018. Photo courtesy Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

On April 16, 2018, while meeting with Indian and foreign tourists at the main Tibetan temple courtyard in Dharamsala, to our greatest delight, His Holiness specifically mentioned Tushita. He advised that our students should study Shantideva’s A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, especially chapters six and eight.

Watch His Holiness mention Tushita on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/DwM-_ECgpaM?t=20m13s

In the first half of 2018, we have already welcomed over 750 students from all over the world for our popular ten-day Introduction to Buddhism courses. Almost all of these courses were completely full, with additional students on waiting lists hoping to get a space in the course.

tushita-meditation-centre-introduction-to-buddhism-course-may-18-to-27-2018-students-posing-for-a-group-photo-taken-by-tushita-staff

May 18-27 Introduction to Buddhism students with Ven. Tenzin Kunphen, Ven. Tony Beaumont, and Maya, Tushita Meditation Centre, Dharamsala, India, May 2018. Photo courtesy of Tushita Meditation Centre.

In May we had our largest course, in which we managed to squeeze 122 students!

Even our February course (the first of the season, at the end of our cold winter) had an unusually high turnout.

tushita-meditation-centre-introduction-to-buddhism-course-february-20-to-march-1-2018-students-posing-for-a-group-photo-taken-by-tushita-staff

February 20-March 1 Introduction to Buddhism students with Ven. Tenzin Drolma and Maya, Tushita Meditation Centre, Dharamsala, India, May 2018. Photo courtesy of Tushita Meditation Centre.

For those unable to participate in our residential program, we have non-residential programs too. Six days a week we offer morning meditations, which are ever-popular. One day this May we had a whopping 150 students join our morning meditation session! We have also been happy to offer twice-weekly Dharma movie days and regular pujas.

tushita-meditation-centre-introduction-to-buddhism-course-june-20-to-june-29-2018-students-posing-for-a-small-group-photo-in-the-dining-hall-taken-by-tushita-staff

June 20-29 Introduction to Buddhism students, Tushita Meditation Centre dining hall, Dharamsala, India, June 2018. Photo courtesy of Tushita Meditation Centre.

In the short breaks in between residential courses, we were delighted to offer six two-day short courses on How to Meditate led by Shahar Tene, which typically attract around 100 students. These have been a wonderful addition to our program for students unable to commit to a full ten-day Introduction to Buddhism course, as well as a helpful supplement for students before or after their ten-day courses.


For more 2018 highlights, see Tushita News July 2018:
http://tushita.info/news/news-july-2018/

To learn about Tushita Meditation Centre’s student demographics, visit their 2017 report:
http://tushita.info/news/who-are-tushitas-students-nationality-2017/

FPMT.org and Mandala Publications brings you news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings, and events from over 160 FPMT centers, projects, and services around the globe. If you like what you read, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.

New! Two Prayers by Dharma King Songtsen Gampo Translated by Lama Zopa Rinpoche

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Statue of Dharma King Songtsen Gampo created by Bertrand Cayla, Jokhang, Portland, Oregon, United States, 2011. Photo by Marc Sakamoto.

Statue of Dharma King Songtsen Gampo created by Bertrand Cayla, Jokhang, Portland, Oregon, United States, 2011. Photo by Marc Sakamoto.

Two prayers by Dharma King Songtsen Gampo have been translated by Lama Zopa Rinpoche and are now available on FPMT.org.

Prayer to Chenrezig, Compassionate-Eye-Looking One and Prayer of Auspiciousness from the Mani Kabum both come from the Mani Kabum, a collection of teachings attributed to King Sontsen Gampo and focused on Chenrezig.

Dharma King Songtsen Gampo (c. 605-650), traditionally considered an emanation of Chenrezig, is the first of the three great Dharma kings, and is credited with introducing the Dharma to Tibet.


Prayer to Chenrezig, Compassionate-Eye-Looking One and Prayer of Auspiciousness from the Mani Kabum are also available by donation through the Foundation Store:
https://shop.fpmt.org/Prayer-to-Chenrezig-Compassionate-Eye-Looking-One-PDF_p_3137.html
https://shop.fpmt.org/Prayer-of-Auspiciousness-from-the-Mani-Kabum-PDF_p_3136.html

Through comprehensive study programs, practice materials, and training seminars, FPMT Education nourishes the development of compassion, wisdom, kindness, and true happiness in individuals of all ages.

New! Torma Offering to the Landlord Spirits (Zhidag Torma)

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The Torma Offering to the Landlord Spirits (Zigdag Torma) is a common ritual, often done in the context of other more extensive practices such as self-generation sadhanas, burning offerings, land consecrations, and Dharma protector pujas.

The torma offering placates the many spirits who live and own the land around us and beyond, requesting them to create favorable conditions for our practice and activities. Although the practice may be recited by anyone, a tantric initiation into any of the four classes of tantra is required to do the practice in full as the offering can only be blessed on the basis of having self-generated as a deity.


Find Torma Offering to the Landlord Spirits (Zigdag Torma) and other practices by donation in the Foundation Store:
https://shop.fpmt.org/Torma-Offering-to-the-Landlord-Spirits-Zhidag-Torma-PDF_p_3164.html

Through comprehensive study programs, practice materials, and training seminars, FPMT Education nourishes the development of compassion, wisdom, kindness, and true happiness in individuals of all ages.

‘Atisha’s Light of the Path,’ A Living in the Path Module

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In the complimentary Living in the Path module “Atisha’s Light of the Path,” Lama Zopa Rinpoche  briefly recounts the life story of Atisha and the circumstances under which Atisha composed Light of the Path to Enlightenment, and then explains the three capable beings and how to ensure that our actions become Dharma.

“All the 84,000 teachings, which come in three levels, all are integrated. [The three levels] created so much confusion in Tibet, but Atisha integrated all of this very simply, like lunch; like food made and set on the table for you to eat, so all you have to do is eat. Lama Atisha integrated them all in a few pages, very simply. He made it very clear how all this—the Hinayana, the Mahayana Paramitayana, the Mahayana Secret Mantra Vajrayana—is a graduated practice for one person to achieve enlightenment. There is nothing contradictory for that person. Everything is advice. Everything is practice. All three levels are a graduated practice for one person to achieve enlightenment, presented very simply in a few pages.”

Watch “Like Lunch on the Table” on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/YNpKGPSFjvY


“Atisha’s Light of the Path” is available through the FPMT Online Learning Center:
https://onlinelearning.fpmt.org/course/view.php?id=134

Living in the Path is an online lamrim course taught by Lama Zopa Rinpoche available through the FPMT Online Learning Center:
https://onlinelearning.fpmt.org/course/index.php?categoryid=5

Through comprehensive study programs, practice materials, and training seminars, FPMT Education nourishes the development of compassion, wisdom, kindness, and true happiness in individuals of all ages.


Updated! Calling the Guru from Afar and the Nine Attitudes of Guru Devotion

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Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Tushita Meditation Centre, Dharamsala, India, September 2018. Photo by Simon Houlton.

Students can find updated versions of Calling the Guru from Afar (Extensive and Brief Versions) and Advice to Correctly Follow the Virtuous Friend with Thought and Action: The Nine Attitudes of Guru Devotion on FPMT.org. Updates include new preferred translations by Lama Zopa Rinpoche and the creation of standalone ebook formats.

Both versions of Calling the Guru from Afar are heartfelt requests for blessings from the guru to realize all the stages of the path to enlightenment as well as a meditations on the guru’s nature. The extensive version was composed by Phabongkha Rinpoche, author of Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand, at the request of Ven. Losang Rabyä. The brief version, Lama Zopa Rinpoche suggests, was composed by Kyabje Trulshik Rinpoche’s root guru, Rongphu Sanggye (Ngawang Tenzin Norbu, 1867–1940/42).

In order to learn the tune to chant the extensive version, students can find two audio recordings of the prayer: one by Lama Zopa Rinpoche and one by Ven. Dechen, a new recording from the retreat in Bendigo, Australia during March-May 2018.

Advice to Correctly Follow the Virtuous Friend with Thought and Action: The Nine Attitudes of Guru Devotion was compiled by the ascetic mahasiddha Tshogdrub Rangdröl and translated by Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Its verses accord with the teachings in Lama Tsongkhapa’s Lamrim Chenmo on correctly devoting to the virtuous friend with the nine attitudes.


Calling the Guru from Afar, including the audio recording of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s chanting, and Advice to Correctly Follow the Virtuous Friend with Thought and Action: The Nine Attitudes of Guru Devotion are available by donation through the Foundation Store:
https://shop.fpmt.org/Calling-the-Guru-from-Afar-Extensive-and-Brief-Versions-eBook-PDF_p_988.html
https://shop.fpmt.org/Calling-the-Guru-from-Afar–Download_p_2221.html
https://shop.fpmt.org/Advice-to-Correctly-Follow-the-Virtuous-Friend-with-Thought-and-Action-The-Nine-Attitudes-of-Guru-Devotion-eBook-PDF_p_3171.html

Through comprehensive study programs, practice materials, and training seminars, FPMT Education nourishes the development of compassion, wisdom, kindness, and true happiness in individuals of all ages.

‘Offering Food and Drink,’ A Living in the Path Module

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In the complimentary Living in the Path module “Offering Food and Drink,” Lama Zopa Rinpoche gives teachings on taking the essence of a perfect human life by making offerings of whatever food and drink we consume.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche is well known for the extensive visualizations, offering prayers, and dedications he does before eating and drinking. In fact, the actual eating and drinking seem of little importance to Rinpoche, whereas what is important to him is to use the food and drink he is about to consume as an opportunity to create the most extensive merit possible. In this teaching, Rinpoche begins with an extensive motivation based on the three principal aspects of the path. The actual visualization and prayers of the food offering practice are based on how Rinpoche himself does them, although apparently condensed, given that Rinpoche says, “Personally, I do like this, just to say a little bit.”

Watch “How I Offer Food – Motivation, Part 1” on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/FuYQhA3Cs_c


“Offering Food and Drink” is available through the FPMT Online Learning Center:
https://onlinelearning.fpmt.org/course/view.php?id=123

Living in the Path is an online lamrim course taught by Lama Zopa Rinpoche available through the FPMT Online Learning Center:
https://onlinelearning.fpmt.org/course/index.php?categoryid=5

Through comprehensive study programs, practice materials, and training seminars, FPMT Education nourishes the development of compassion, wisdom, kindness, and true happiness in individuals of all ages.

Lama Tsongkhapa Day (Ganden Ngamchoe) Is on December 2

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Lama Tsongkhapa (1357–1419) is the founder of the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism.

Lama Tsongkhapa (1357–1419) is the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism

Ganden Ngamchoe, literally “Ganden Offering of the Twenty-Fifth Day,” or Lama Tsongkhapa Day, is a celebration of the anniversary of Lama Tsongkhapa’s parinirvana. It is celebrated on the 25th day of the 10th month of the Tibetan calendar. This year, Lama Tsongkhapa Day falls on Sunday, December 2.

There are many practices you can organize to celebrate and create merit on this special day!

The main practice, recommended by Lama Zopa Rinpoche, is Lama Chopa. If you are unable to arrange Lama Chopa, Lama Tsongkhapa Guru Yoga is also recommended.

Here are some additional prayers and practices recommended by Rinpoche for students to recite as they are able:

English:

The Thousand Offerings to Lama Tsongkhapa

Extensive Offering Practice by Lama Zopa Rinpoche

“Glory of the Triple Ground” (“Palden Sasumma”) by Ven. Gelek Pel Sangpo

“A Hymn of Experience” by Lama Tsongkhapa

“Destiny Fulfilled” by Lama Tsongkhapa

“Prayer for the Flourishing of Je Tsongkhapa’s Teachings” by Gungtang Tanpai Dronme

Lama Tsongkhapa’s Secret Biography by Khedrub Je

“Dependent Arising: A Praise to the Buddha” by Lama Tsongkhapa

“The Abbreviated Points of the Graded Path” by Lama Tsongkhapa

Statue of Lama Tsongkhapa at Kachoe Dechen Ling, Lama Zopa Rinpoche's home in California, 2015. Photo by Chris Majors.

Statue of Lama Tsongkhapa at Kachoe Dechen Ling, Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s home in California, 2015. Photo by Chris Majors.

French:

French materials, including “Prière pour le développement de Lama Tsongkhapa” and Hymne au Bouddha Shakyamouni pour son enseignement sur la production dépendante,” are available through the Service de traduction de la FPMT.

Tibetan:

The Thousand Offerings to Lama Tsongkhapa

“Palden Sasumma” (“Glory of the Triple Ground”)

Lama Tsongkhapa’s Secret Biography

On FPMT.org, you can read a teaching by Lama Zopa Rinpoche about how to carry out these practices on Lama Tsongkhapa Day.


Learn about how to celebrate Lama Tsongkhapa Day on FPMT.org:
https://fpmt.org/teachers/zopa/advice/lamatsongkhapa/

Through comprehensive study programs, practice materials, and training seminars, FPMT Education nourishes the development of compassion, wisdom, kindness, and true happiness in individuals of all ages.

Learn How to Chant Lama Chöpa

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Lama Zopa Rinpoche presiding over Lama Chöpa. The five dakinis are also shown with the Jade Buddha for Universal Peace in the background. The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Bendigo, Australia, May 2018. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche presiding over Lama Chöpa. The five dakinis are also shown with the Jade Buddha for Universal Peace in the background. The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Bendigo, Australia, May 2018. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

Students can find audio and video recordings of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Ven. Thubten Dechen chanting Lama Chöpa, an essential FPMT practice, on FPMT.org.

During a 2014 retreat in Australia, Rinpoche taught fast-paced, medium-paced, and slow-paced tunes for Lama Chöpa, all of which are available for download or to watch online.

Ven. Thubten Dechen’s audio recordings took place over two sessions during the retreat in Bendigo, Australia during March-May 2018 and are now available online. Page references within the recording refer to the FPMT Retreat Prayer Book, 2016 edition. Lama Zopa Rinpoche frequently recommends students to learn from these recordings.

Ven Gyalten Wangmo Ven Thubten Dechen The Great Stupa

Ven. Gyalten Wangmo and Ven. Thubten Dechen offering the long life prayer composed by Khadro-la (Rangjung Neljorma Khandro Namsel Drönme) to Lama Zopa Rinpoche during the long life puja, Bendigo, Australia, May 2018. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.


Students can find Ven. Thubten Dechen’s audio recording of Lama Chöpa tunes and other Lama Chöpa resources in the Foundation Store:
https://shop.fpmt.org/Lama-Chopa-Tunes–MP3-Download_p_1645.html
https://shop.fpmt.org/search.asp?keyword=lama+chopa&search=

Through comprehensive study programs, practice materials, and training seminars, FPMT Education nourishes the development of compassion, wisdom, kindness, and true happiness in individuals of all ages.

Updated! Buddhist Meditation 101 and Buddhism in a Nutshell

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Two introductory online FPMT education courses—Buddhist Meditation 101 and Buddhism in a Nutshell—have recently been revised and are now available to new students as well as to all current and past online course participants. The courses are taught by FPMT registered teachers Ven. Connie Miller and Ven. Amy Miller, respectively.

These online course materials are now available to be listened to or read directly online—whether on a smartphone, tablet, or computer—in addition to still being available as downloadable MP3 and PDF bundles.

Materials in Buddhist Meditation 101 have been reorganized to make them easier to navigate. Students begin the course with the session outline to get an overview of the topics and meditations covered in the session. Later, they can listen to the audio recordings or read the transcript of the teachings; listen to or read guided meditations; make some notes at the end of each meditation session in their meditation journal; and then contemplate the teachings more deeply by thinking about the questions found in the points for reflection. Students who wish to do so can share their comments on the points for reflection with a course elder and can also discuss their thoughts with other students on a discussion forum.

Buddhist Meditation 101 screenshot from the FPMT Online Learning Center

Buddhist Meditation 101 screenshot from the FPMT Online Learning Center

Buddhism in a Nutshell has also similarly been restructured. In addition, the teachings and guided meditations are also accompanied by readings and meditations from the book Buddhism in a Nutshell: Essentials for Practice and Study. This book, which includes many wonderful teachings by Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Lama Thubten Yeshe, is available to all course participants.


Find more information about Buddhist Meditation 101 and Buddhism in a Nutshell in the Foundation Store:
https://shop.fpmt.org/Buddhist-Meditation-101-Online_p_2332.html
https://shop.fpmt.org/Buddhism-in-a-Nutshell-Online_p_2596.html

FPMT centers, projects, and services are encouraged to host these two introductory courses using these online course materials. For more information about how this might work for your group, please contact the Foundational Program Coordinator at fpc@fpmt.org.

Through comprehensive study programs, practice materials, and training seminars, FPMT Education nourishes the development of compassion, wisdom, kindness, and true happiness in individuals of all ages.

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