International Office News
August 2026

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FPMT International Office is Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s office.

Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche teaching at Royal Holloway College, UK, 1975. Photo by Dennis Heslop. From the LYWA Collection.

Happiness Comes from the Mind, Not from Outside

By Lama Zopa Rinpoche

All human beings and even the tiniest of creatures desire happiness and freedom from suffering. But our biggest problem is that although we desire happiness, we don’t know what actually causes it; although we don’t want suffering, we don’t know what causes that either. That’s our biggest problem. Most living beings, no matter how much they wish for happiness, spend most of their time destroying the cause of happiness; and no matter how much they do not want suffering, they constantly rush to create its cause. All this comes about because sentient beings lack method and wisdom.

Earth’s original human inhabitants did not have minds as negative and cruel as those of today. As a result, the actions of their speech and body were not as violent and harmful as those of the people we see around us now, and life was much more peaceful then. But gradually, as their delusions of anger, attachment, pride and jealousy arose more frequently and strongly, their minds became increasingly cruel, negative and harmful, and the actions of their speech and body became more violent and destructive. And no matter how much we have progressed in external development since those times, life has simply become busier and more dangerous; no matter how many material things, such as nuclear weapons have been developed, instead of bringing true peace, all they have brought is more danger. However, we can’t blame external things for all these problems; the actual cause is the internal factor—the unhealthy, dissatisfied mind, attachment, hatred and so forth. Even though people have undertaken external development with the expectation that it will bring happiness, that’s a wrong conception.

Happiness does not arise principally from external things but from the internal factor, the mind. For example, people who have all the material things they need and desire—gourmet food, beautiful clothing, a luxurious apartment and so forth-are not necessarily happy. They get unhappy and depressed because they feel dissatisfied and don’t know why; and since they also don’t understand the meaning of human life, some of them think there’s nothing left to enjoy, get completely despondent and kill themselves.

All such problems come from the mind, the internal factor, attachment. Instead of bringing satisfaction and happiness, all these desirable external things bring only more dissatisfaction. Similarly, with respect to the suffering that arises from problems caused by other people-enemies, family members, countrymen—even if we were to kill all the other human beings on earth, even all other living beings, and remain here alone, still we would not experience happiness or peace. Stopping suffering and receiving happiness does not depend on making all other humans, all other living beings on earth, non-existent. Since doing so would not bring peace or happiness to the mind it shows that this is not the right method, not the way to receive happiness. By being alone with no other people, friends or other living beings around, we would feel lonely and very unhappy. Those problems also arise from within, from the internal factor, attachment.

Even when we get the material objects or close friends we desire, after a while we get bored and lose interest. That also comes from the internal factor, the dissatisfied mind, attachment. Our physical body dying, becoming non-existent, does not mean that our suffering is over; the mind does not stop when the body does. Even though our body no longer exists, our mind is still in suffering—as long as our mind is under the control of the delusions of ignorance, attachment and anger, it is not free from suffering. The delusions themselves are the worst suffering, the root of every problem people and animals experience; The delusions are like the root of a tree if there were no root there’d be no branches, leaves or fruit, which produce more seeds. So if there were no root of the delusions-ignorance, attachment and hatred-there wouldn’t be any of the problems that we and other living beings experience, such as sickness, old age, death and so forth.

Excerpted teaching from Lama Zopa Rinpoche from Freedom Through Understanding. Edited by Nicholas Ribush, Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive. You can also read this book online, access translations, watch on YouTube and experience the teachings in multimedia format. 

Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), is a Tibetan Buddhist organization dedicated to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation and community service.

Shakyamuni Clinic staff engaging with the community during the outreach program

Shakyamuni Buddha Community Health Care Centre | Maitri Charitable Trust | Lamp of the Path | Patient Care Trust | Tibetan Heart Foundation | Integrated Indigenous Tribal Children’s Ministry of India | REWA Tibetan Youth Center | Thank you!

The Shakyamuni Buddha Community Health Care Centre in Bodhgaya, India, had an exceptional year in 2025, serving 39,065 people through its clinic, mobile outreach, health camps, and education programs – surpassing its annual target of 36,000. Its mobile clinic brought essential healthcare and medicines to five remote villages, while special initiatives included large-scale health camps, blood pressure screening, and menstrual hygiene programs supporting women and girls. The clinic also strengthened preventive health education and reopened its Community Dental Clinic after a two-year closure. In 2026, the Clinic will focus on expanding dental services, strengthening women’s health programs, supporting undernourished children, and increasing preventive care through mobile outreach. The US$29,400 grant from the FPMT Social Services Fund will support these initiatives and essential operational costs, including staff salaries, medicines, and facility expenses.

Photo report from Maitri on their TB Program activities

MAITRI Charitable Trust in Bodhgaya, India, continues to provide deeply compassionate, practical care for mothers, children, and people affected by tuberculosis in some of the region’s most underserved communities. In 2025, its work reached far beyond the clinic walls: MAITRI detected and managed 525 new TB cases, collected 252 sputum samples from seven collection points, supported an average of 82 TB patients each month with food rations, and carried out wide-reaching TB awareness efforts in 1,535 villages through wall paintings, community outreach, school engagement, and World TB Day activities. For mothers and children, the team registered and followed hundreds of patients, delivered 221 healthy babies, provided 21 anti-tetanus vaccinations, completed 21 tubectomies for women in their third pregnancies, and offered regular checkups, blood tests, supplements, milk powder, cerelac, legumes, and sanitary pads to vulnerable women and children. What makes MAITRI’s work especially moving is the way it combines medical treatment with nutrition and consistent human support. The clinic continues to face several challenges, including growing healthcare needs among elderly women in nearby villages, rising living costs, delays in government TB services, and ongoing needs for staff support and building maintenance.  In 2026, MAITRI will continue strengthening its outreach, hospital services, staffing, and infrastructure to meet growing community needs. To help sustain this essential work, the FPMT Social Services Fund has awarded US$55,000 toward MAITRI’s annual operating needs. This support will enable the organization to continue providing compassionate, lifesaving care to some of the region’s most vulnerable families.

LOP’s Soup Kitchen beneficiaries celebrate the new year with a special lunch

For more than 22 years, Lamp of the Path (LOP) Community Center, the flagship social service project of FPMT Mongolia, has been a place of warmth and hope for vulnerable families living in the ger districts of Ulaanbaatar. Guided by Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s vision of compassion in action, LOP offers practical care to people facing poverty, homelessness, illness, and social isolation, while creating safe and nurturing spaces where children can learn, grow, and flourish. In 2025, LOP served 14,199 hot meals through its year-round Soup Kitchen, delivered 1,920 meals to homebound families, distributed more than 9,000 items of warm clothing, provided regular medical check-ups and tuberculosis screening, and harvested 9,000 kilograms of vegetables to nourish beneficiaries while generating income to sustain its programs. Its growing Mahayana Children’s Program continued to expand, offering educational activities and healthy snacks for children from disadvantaged families.  To help sustain these essential services, the FPMT Social Services Fund has awarded US$27,203 toward LOP’s annual operating needs in 2026. This support will help ensure that some of Mongolia’s most vulnerable community members continue to receive nourishment, care, friendship, and hope throughout the year.

PCT’s free medical camp

For more than a decade, Patient Care Trust (PCT) has been a lifeline for Tibetan refugees and vulnerable Himalayan communities, ensuring that those facing serious illness can access high-quality specialized healthcare regardless of their financial circumstances. Working in partnership with some of India’s leading government hospitals, PCT helps patients overcome the barriers of poverty, distance, language, and complex medical systems with compassion and practical support. In 2025, PCT reached a remarkable milestone by assisting 10,506 patients through a range of healthcare initiatives. These included 4,832 free ophthalmology outpatient consultations, 2,698 patients treated through free medical camps in Mundgod, 2,064 Tibetan schoolchildren receiving free vision care in Himachal Pradesh, 567 people screened through community eye care surveys, and 345 patients receiving ongoing monthly medical assistance. Building on a new three-year partnership with AIIMS Delhi, PCT has also expanded its capacity to provide care through its Majnu-ka-Tilla center and a network of Delhi government dispensaries, laying the foundation to reach up to 20,000 patients annually in the coming years. In 2026, PCT will continue expanding its services through its strengthened partnership with AIIMS Delhi and ongoing outreach to underserved communities. To support this vital work, the FPMT Social Services Fund has awarded US$10,000 toward PCT’s annual operating needs. This contribution will help ensure that thousands more patients receive care they deserve.

THCT’s cardiac outreach: CPR training session for monks

The Tibetan Heart Charitable Trust (THCT) continues to bring lifesaving cardiac care and preventive health education to Tibetan and Himalayan communities across India and Nepal, ensuring that distance and financial hardship do not prevent people from receiving essential healthcare. Through free cardiac screening camps, health awareness programs, and compassionate patient support, THCT is helping communities detect heart disease early, build healthy habits, and respond confidently to medical emergencies.  In 2025, THCT organized cardiac outreach camps across eight regions, providing more than 2,000 health screenings for more than 920 participants and delivering 12 heart health awareness sessions. The Foundation Home in Hubli also provided accommodation for more than 80 patients undergoing treatment, ensuring that vulnerable patients and their families had a safe place to stay during difficult times. Beyond cardiac services, the Trust provided support for patients requiring oncology, orthopedic, neurosurgical, pulmonary, and other specialized treatments, embodying its commitment to holistic patient care.  In 2026, THCT plans to expand its outreach through additional cardiac screening camps, preventive health education, and CPR and Basic Life Support training across Tibetan settlements in India and Nepal. To help sustain this vital work, the FPMT Social Services Fund has awarded US$2,500 toward THCT’s annual operating needs.

Outside the completed orphanage building

The Integrated Indigenous Tribal Children’s Ministry of India (IITCMI) is dedicated to giving orphaned and homeless children from indigenous and tribal communities in Manipur a safe place to call home. More than simply constructing a building, the organization is creating a nurturing environment where vulnerable children can grow with security, education, healthcare, and hope for a brighter future. The orphanage project, made possible through the generosity of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and the Social Services Fund, is now nearing completion. In 2025, additional funding supported the construction of the kitchen, dining hall, electrical wiring, lighting, and other essential fittings, bringing the shelter significantly closer to opening its doors. The project now has its core infrastructure, accommodation facilities, and safety measures in place, with approximately 85% of the construction completed.  As the project enters its final stage, the greatest need is no longer the building itself but transforming it into a true home. Essential furnishings – including beds, blankets, cupboards, storage racks, and other basic household items – are still needed to ensure every child has a comfortable and safe place to live. To help complete this final phase, the FPMT Social Services Fund has awarded US$7,000 toward IITCMI’s 2026 needs. This support will help furnish the orphanage and bring the project across the finish line, enabling orphaned and homeless children to move into a permanent home where they can experience safety, care, and the opportunity to build a brighter future.

REWA participants cleaning the Rajpur Tibetan Old People’s Home as part of a community service initiative

REWA Tibetan Youth Center continued to provide rehabilitation, vocational training, and life-skills support to Tibetan youth and young adults affected by addiction and social challenges in Northern India. During the first half of the year, 19 participants enrolled in the program and 14 successfully graduated, gaining practical skills to support their long-term recovery and independence. REWA’s holistic approach combines addiction recovery with education and vocational development. Participants received training in Basic English, computer skills, sewing, guitar-making, and life skills, alongside daily physical wellness activities designed to build confidence, discipline, and healthy routines. The Center further expanded its impact through substance abuse awareness programs in Tibetan schools and military training institutions, mental health workshops for young entrepreneurs, and community service initiatives that inspired participants to contribute meaningfully to society. Several former participants continue to demonstrate the long-term impact of REWA’s work. Graduates who once struggled with addiction are now maintaining sobriety, supporting their families through employment, and mentoring others on the path to recovery. Some have even joined the REWA staff team, using their lived experience to guide and inspire current participants. In 2026, with the support of a US$5,000 grant from the FPMT Social Services Fund, the REWA Tibetan Youth Center strengthens its ongoing initiatives to empower young people and provide the skills, guidance, and support needed to build healthier, more stable, and fulfilling futures. 

Thank you!

Every consultation, warm meal, rehabilitation session, medical outreach, safe shelter, and act of kindness described in this report was made possible through the compassion and generosity of those who support the FPMT Social Services Fund. Together, these projects are relieving suffering, protecting lives, restoring dignity, and creating hope for thousands of people who might otherwise be left without support.

We warmly invite you to rejoice in the generosity of all the sponsors whose kindness made these grants possible, in particular Unione Buddhista Italiana (U.B.I.), whose support enabled us to offer assistance to three of the projects described above, and in the dedicated staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries whose efforts brought these compassionate activities to life. May every act of generosity and service continue to flourish, bringing ever greater benefit, healing, and happiness to countless beings!

If you would like to be part of this meaningful work, please consider supporting the FPMT Social Services Fund. Together, we can continue to extend our reach and uplift even more lives in the years to come.

The FPMT Social Services Fund. established to support Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Vast Visions for the FPMT organization, focuses efforts primarily in India, Nepal, Tibet and Mongolia. Funds help children, the elderly, sick, and very poor.

Ksitigarbha statue at Buddha Amitabha Pure Land, WA, USA

Over the years, Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche offered various pieces of advice for prayers and practices to turn to when facing natural disasters. In light of the recent earthquakes in Latin America—in Venezuela on June 24, 2026 and in Colombia on August 10, 2026, as well as recent fire emergencies in Southern Europe, North Africa, and North America—we share the following collection of Rinpoche’s advice, offered in the hope that it may be of benefit.

“Buddha Ksitigarbha is another unbelievably powerful practice for success, I think especially when there’s an earthquake but also when there is any danger of fire, water, earth or wind. If there are any of those dangers, it’s very good to recite this Buddha Ksitigarbha mantra. It’s extremely powerful. You make offerings to Buddha Ksitigarbha and then make the prayer. It’s one hundred million times more powerful for success than praying to other bodhisattvas. If you read the Ksitigarbha sutra, it brings unimaginable benefit for sentient beings.” – Lama Zopa Rinpoche 

All are welcome to download the Ksitigarbha Practice eBook & PDF. Please also listen to Lama Zopa Rinpoche reciting the mantra. 

To follow the complete list of prayers and practices suggested by Lama Zopa Rinpoche over the years:

• Advice from Lama Zopa Rinpoche: Earthquakes 
• Lama Zopa Rinpoche Advises Urgent Practices for Pacifying an Earthquake in California 
• Tsunami and Earthquakes 
• Mitigating Severe Conditions of the Elements
• Preventing Earthquakes
• The Practice of Ksitigarbha to Avert Danger and Purify Obstacles
• Natural Disasters
• Sutra Golden Light for earthquakes, natural disaster and wars

• Kshitigarbha Practice to Pacify Earthquakes

More Ksitigarbha Resources:

• Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva
• Kṣitigarbha Ten Wheels Mahāyāna Sūtra from the Great Collection

Through the generosity of a dedicated benefactor, each FPMT center, project, and service around the world has been offered a Ksitigarbha statue. We are deeply grateful for this generous offering and for the support it provides to the FPMT family. We invite all centers, projects, and services that have received a statue to share a photo with us, if you haven’t already, so we can celebrate and showcase these precious statues throughout our community. 

Lama Zopa Rinpoche teaching extract from The Path to Ultimate Happiness: Lamrim Teachings from Kopan 2009  No. 42, Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive publications

Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT) is a Tibetan Buddhist organization dedicated to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation, and community service.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Buddha Amitabha Pure Land, Washington, US, June 2018. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche often spoke about solar and lunar eclipses, which are considered auspicious for practice and provide opportunities to accumulate merit manyfold. As stated in the vinaya text Treasure of Quotations and Logic, the karmic results of actions are multiplied by 700,000 times on lunar eclipses, and 100 million times on solar eclipses. 

Rinpoche pointed out that the multiplying effect of eclipses occurs regardless of whether the eclipse is partial or full. Rinpoche advised, however, that the merit-multiplying effect does not last the whole calendar day and as such, merit-making activities should be carried out during the occurrence of the eclipse. Therefore, to use the opportunity for practice, students should check for the timing of the eclipse in their own location. Such information may be found at timeanddate.com and similar websites.  

Please refer to our Practice during Solar and Lunar Eclipses page for advice from Lama Zopa Rinpoche about which prayers and practices are most beneficial on this occasion. 

Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), is a Tibetan Buddhist organization dedicated to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation and community service.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s book How to Practice Dharma: Teachings on the Eight Worldly Dharmas deals with the eight worldly dharmas, essentially how desire and attachment cause us to create problems and suffering and how to abandon these negative minds in order to find perfect peace and happiness. This excerpt below is from Chapter 8, “Turning Away from Worldly Concern.” 

Happiness Starts When We Renounce This Life

By Lama Zopa Rinpoche

The terms “renouncing this life” or “renouncing suffering” both mean renouncing the mind that is the cause of the problems, the thought of the eight worldly dharmas. Therefore “Dharma” includes even pragmatic, transient techniques to stop attachment from arising. This is the actual Dharma, the method that immediately solves our confusion and mental illness. Bringing clarity and lack of confusion to our mind is the best way of bringing happiness to our life. Renouncing suffering doesn’t mean we’ll never have stomach or knee pain, a headache or a cold. It doesn’t mean wishing to be free of all pain but wishing to be free from the very cause of all suffering.

It has been the experience of these great yogis that we don’t have to wait until our future lives to experience this happiness. As soon as we stop the dissatisfied mind, immediately—immediately—there’s the result, happiness.

At first we might be nervous about letting go of desire because we normally equate desire with happiness. In fact, it’s exactly the opposite. As soon as we let go of desire we achieve inner peace, satisfaction and happiness; we become independent. Before, we were dictated to and controlled by desire but now we have achieved real freedom.

We can see in the biographies of the great yogis Tilopa, Marpa, Milarepa, Lama Tsongkhapa and many of those other highly realized beings whose holy minds passed into enlightenment how, even without material possessions, they generated great tranquility and peace and through that were able to realize the great achievements of the path. They didn’t have even the scent of the eight worldly dharmas about them but by completely renouncing desire for this life, they received everything—the best reputation, perfect surroundings and sufficient material comfort.

In Milarepa’s Hundred Thousand Songs he often says how renouncing this life’s worldly activities automatically stops all the thousands of problems associated with the worldly life and brings great bliss.

Without any possessions at all, he led an ascetic life in solitary places. Although he lived like an animal, he spent his life in great happiness, his mind always peaceful, without confusion or problems. He didn’t have even one sack of tsampa but lived on nettles alone. Living without food, clothing or reputation didn’t cause him any problems because of his Dharma practice. He achieved all the high realizations and then enlightenment in that one lifetime, all due to the power of his pure Dharma practice of renouncing suffering, renouncing this life. His mind was incomparably happier than that of the king who has great power and many bodyguards, soldiers and weapons.

Therefore, it’s completely wrong to think that Dharma only brings happiness in future lifetimes but not in this one. We experience peace and happiness the very moment we begin to practice and live in the Dharma. We feel its effects immediately. Continue to read the full Chapter. 

From How to Practice Dharma: Teachings on the Eight Worldly Dharmas, by Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Chapter 8. Edited by Gordon McDougall and published by Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive.

You can order a print copy from the Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive online store. You can also read this book online, access translations, or order the audiobook from Audible.com. LYWA Members can download the ebook for free.

Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), is a Tibetan Buddhist organization dedicated to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation and community service.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Kopan Monastery, November 2020. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

December 3, 2025, marked what would have been the 80th birthday of Lama Zopa Rinpoche. To honor his profound and enduring legacy, Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive (LYWA) has launched a special project to honor the Lamas’ legacy for future generations: a series of video interviews with Rinpoche’s students from around the world, capturing the heart of his teachings through the personal experiences of those who knew him closely.

Inspired by the interest generated by a similar project released in 2025 by LYWA and Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa to mark the 90th birthday of Lama Yeshe — watch the interviews here —   LYWA is once again collaborating with two students — Fabiana Lotito and Carlota Pinheiro — this time to interview Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s students.

Through these conversations, students are sharing their treasured memories and reflecting on how meeting Rinpoche impacted their Dharma lives. The heart of this project is connection: offering future generations a personal sense of who Lama Zopa Rinpoche was through the voices of those who had the precious opportunity to know and learn from him. The benefit that future students can receive from his timeless wisdom and compassion — especially in these times — is beyond measure. 

Lama Zopa Rinpoche teaching at the Four Kadampa Deities Retreat, Institut Vajra Yogini, France, 2003. Photo by Ven. Thubten Kunsang.

Interview sessions are still open. If you wish to help preserve Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s legacy for future generations and were fortunate enough to have known him, please consider taking part. The interviews will be released in autumn 2026 and the short Zoom call interviews will continue throughout 2026. For contact and more details read Honoring the Lamas’ Legacy For Future Generations.

#50FPMT  If you are a pioneer student of FPMT, we warmly invite you to take this opportunity during the 50th FPMT anniversary to share your cherished memories of our beloved Lamas. Your story may be featured in a dedicated article on the FPMT blog. Discover more about the 50 FPTM anniversary

Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT) is a Tibetan Buddhist organization dedicated to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation, and community service.

Lama Yeshe at Chenrezig Institute, 1975. Photo Credit Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive

In this teaching from 1976, Lama Thubten Yeshe gives a commentary on The Inseparability of the Spiritual Master and Avalokiteshvara: A Source of All Powerful Attainments, a practice composed by His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama when he was just nineteen years old. Avalokiteshvara — Chenrezig in Tibetan — is the buddha of compassion. Lama Yeshe gave these teachings at Chenrezig Institute in tropical Queensland, Australia:

 [Avalokiteshvara] is referred to as … [the] distinguished, divine owner of the world. This is true, because if you actually have the power of universal compassion, of Avalokiteshvara, you can own the whole world; you can control the minds of all sentient beings. 

Perhaps you think this is impossible. It is possible! . . . . 

Remember when Lord Buddha was meditating, many mischievous beings armed with weapons appeared, trying to destroy him. Well, his weapon was true love, samadhi love. The power of his concentrated, universal love conquered the beings who were trying to harm him. Remember this. Then you will understand how it is possible for the universal, loving compassion of Avalokiteshvara to conquer the entire world. 

Anyway, the whole world already depends on love, doesn’t it? We all need love. You live for love. So you can see how you can interpret this as saying that Avalokiteshvara, who is universal compassion and love, has already conquered all mother sentient beings. In this way, we say that Avalokiteshvara is the owner of the world. It sounds simple but check beyond the words and you will know more deeply what I mean. It will make more sense. 

Nowadays, political people use loving words and appear to act kindly, but inside, their minds are full of quarreling. It’s unbelievable. Actually, they derive their philosophy from higher thought, but they misuse it. Many people think such politicians are intelligent, but they steal divine ideas and employ them in a dirty way while saying, “I have this intelligent idea” . . . . 

We often talk about loving kindness, but if we are not careful, if we don’t understand the true meaning of love, we’ll say, “I love you, I love you,” but will not really be sincere because we will actually be wanting something for ourselves when we say it. Check up. In fact, we’ve been doing this for countless lives. We’ve been using artificial words and actions of loving kindness that have nothing to do with our real heart, our inner nature, cheating others and ourselves. It’s one of the ways we tell lies. There are a hundred thousand ways to lie; this is one of them. So, you can see that it is extremely difficult to give true love to others. 

True love starts within you. You can see this in people. At first, they are not so clear, but gradually, they begin to understand themselves better, to comprehend their own feelings and actions, and slowly they learn to take more responsibility for themselves. Thus, they gradually open up. First, truth opens within them; they have love and compassion for their own situation. Then love and compassion naturally grow for others. This is true compassion. Actually, the process is very profound. 

True love is unchanging, and the reason for true love never changes. Although you may change your color, your clothes, your environment, the reason is always there, always the same. But we use such illogical, transitory reasons for our usual love. “I love you because your skin is so beautiful.” Maybe this is a silly example, but check up. It is like that. Skin is constantly changing, so your love is constantly changing. There’s nothing solid there. The deep, underlying reason for love and compassion—our humanness, our fundamental equality—never changes, whatever the circumstances. This is not philosophy, fabrication or mythology. Actually, it’s science. 

Excerpted from a teaching from Lama Yeshe given at Chenrezig Institute, Australia, July 5–16, 1976, published in Big Love, p 518, and in Lama Yeshe’s book Becoming the Compassionate Buddha. 

Continue reading the excerpt or watching the video or listening to the audio recordings on Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive. 

Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), is a Tibetan Buddhist organization dedicated to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation and community service.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche at 100 Million Mani Retreat, Mongolia, August 15, 2013. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.

Since launching on May 17, 2026—the first day of Saka Dawa month—the  FPMT Global Mani Retreat  has brought together students of Lama Zopa Rinpoche from around the world to help fulfill one of Rinpoche’s most cherished wishes: “This is one of my dreams, to have 100 Million Mani Retreats each year and for it to continue forever, even after I die, even after the people living now die. Those who are working, offering service now—to continue even after they die; to continue for as long as the country exists.” – Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

We rejoice in the inspiring response from the international FPMT community and in the growing accumulation of OM MANI PADME HUM recitations dedicated to the benefit of all sentient beings.

Photo: Khen Rinpoche Geshe Thubten Chonyi opening of the FPMT Global Mani Retreat from Amitabha Buddhist Centre, Singapore, May 17, 2026

More than 700 participants joined the Global Mani Retreat’s opening session on May 17, where Khen Rinpoche Geshe Thubten Chonyi, abbot of Kopan Monastery and Kopan Nunnery, offered teachings on the Four Immeasurables and the benefits of reciting the Mani mantra. Before Geshe Chonyi’s teaching, Ven. Roger Kunsang, Senior Advisor to FPMT, offered opening remarks on how close the 100 Million Mani Retreat is to Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s heart. 

Ven. Roger Kunsang emphasized the importance of generating a strong motivation before every retreat session and recommended Teaching from the  Mani Retreat by Lama Zopa Rinpoche. To support practitioners, the Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive has released a revised second edition as a PDF and eBook, with a printed edition forthcoming. The retreat website also includes recordings of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s teachings from the 100 Million Mani Retreat held in 2000.

In this book, Lama Zopa Rinpoche explained why this retreat is so important:

“It is also good to ask yourself, ‘Why do I have to do this?’ There are two reasons. One very important reason is that sentient beings do not want suffering and want happiness. The other reason is that this is the purpose of your life. It is for this purpose that you put so much effort into surviving in every hour, every minute, of your life. The conclusion is that there are two reasons: this is what sentient beings need, so you should help them; and this is the meaning of your life. 

“You then think of as many sufferings as you can that are happening in the world. Think of all the wars that are happening right now in different countries. Then think of all the problems experienced by individual people. Think of all the cancer and AIDS. Millions and millions of people are experiencing cancer, AIDS and other sicknesses. Think of those who are in hospital experiencing various sicknesses. Think of those who are having heart attacks right now. Think of those who are in comas. So many people are having operations right now, and it’s unsure whether they are going to survive or die today. Also, think of all the sick people at home. Then think of the people experiencing poverty, famine and unemployment. Reflect on all those things.

“There are so many who are suffering. Even if you haven’t studied Dharma, you know of so many problems that the world is experiencing or that individual sentient beings are experiencing. There are oceans of problems just among human beings. There are so many that you can think about. Even if you have never studied or meditated on lamrim or read Dharma books, you know of so many sufferings that people are experiencing. 

“Reflect also on the sufferings of animals, those that you can see, that you remember or that you know about. Wish to free them from all those problems and for them to never ever experience problems again, which is the ultimate happiness of liberation. Think, ‘To bring them all temporary and ultimate happiness, I’m going to do the meditation-recitation of Compassion Buddha.’

“I am talking here particularly for new people. Of course, those who have studied and know the lamrim can meditate very deeply and elaborately following the lamrim outlines, which include all these sufferings. There is so much that you can meditate on.”

From Teaching from the  Mani Retreat by Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

A Growing International Practice

Chenrezig Group Practice sessions have continued since the retreat’s launch. On May 23, Charok Lama, representing South Asia, spoke on the inner meaning of the Mani mantra. On May 31, Ven. Sarah Thresher joined from Rinpoche’s historic cave in Lawudo, in the special presence of Rinpoche’s sister, Anila Ngawang Samten. On June 5, Ven. Thubten Dechen, representing FPMT East and Southeast Asia, spoke on the meaning of compassion—one of the two aspects, along with wisdom, of the awakened mind. On June 21, Ven. Thubten Kalden, representing FPMT Latin America, emphasized the importance of realizing Rinpoche’s wishes through this practice, reinforcing our motivation to develop compassion.

His Eminence Ling Rinpoche teaching during the Global Mani Retreat, July 5.

An extremely precious teaching was bestowed on July 5, 2026, by His Eminence Kyabje Yongzin Ling Rinpoche to the international FPMT family—a rare and incredible opportunity to receive the oral transmission and commentary of The Source of All Attainments: The Yoga of the Inseparability of the Guru and Avalokiteshvara. His Eminence emphasized the importance of compassion, and of continuing to benefit others through its practice.

Chenrezig Group Practice sessions continued on Saturday, July 18, during Chokhor Duchen, when Geshe Yeshe Kunga of Kopan Monastery reminded participants that this practice is especially important at a time when the world is in crisis, offering the opportunity to generate more compassion. Then, on Saturday, August 1, the day of Chenrezig’s enlightenment, Geshe Tenzin Zopa, representing Australia and New Zealand, gave a generous teaching on the guru yoga practice. Basing his explanations on the prayer Calling the Guru from Afar, he offered further teachings that brought greater depth and meaning to the prayers.

Thank you!

We rejoice for all the centers and students that have joined the retreat so far, and we sincerely thank all the teachers and kind leaders of the online sessions and most to everyone offering service  behind the scenes, and involved in making the Global Mani Retreat such a success, a special thanks to  the incredible dedication of Retreat Coordinator Selina Foong.

We warmly invite everyone to continue participating in this precious accumulation of compassion and merit. The next online teaching will take place on Sunday, August 9, when His Eminence Serkong Tsenshap Rinpoche will  bestow the precious teachings on bodhichitta.

FPMT Global Mani Retreat 2026

As Lama Zopa Rinpoche wrote in his invitation to join the retreat.

“Because we have met the Buddhadharma, and especially this method—the practice of the Compassion Buddha and recitation of his mantra—it is easy to purify negative karma and collect extensive merit and thus achieve enlightenment. We are unbelievably fortunate.”

To keep up on all details related to this six month Global MANI Retreat, please refer to our webpage, and join the Facebook Group. 

Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT) is a Tibetan Buddhist organization dedicated to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation, and community service.

Teachings from the Medicine Buddha Retreat. Lama Zopa Rinpoche 2009, published by Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive

First published in the March–May 2002 issue of  Mandala magazine, “An Open Letter to a President” was later included in Teachings from the Medicine Buddha Retreat, published by Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive and edited by Ven. Alisa Cameron (2009). The book contains extensive teachings given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche during a 2001 Medicine Buddha retreat at Land of Medicine Buddha in Soquel, California.

Below is an excerpt from this remarkable open letter, written to then U.S. President George W. Bush following the September 11 terrorist attacks. In it, Rinpoche offers a Buddhist perspective on war and its causes, while presenting practical methods to help reduce conflict and cultivate peace in the world—guidance that is relevant to people of every faith and background.

A Spiritual Response to Wars and Violence

Dear Mr. President,

Since war was declared, some people have been protesting against it and clamoring for peace. But if what those people really want is peace, then they should first come up with a clear practical idea how to stop the terrorist attacks in the United States and other countries. Otherwise, you shout for peace and let the United States be completely destroyed by terrorists? This is like the saying in Tibetan Buddhist texts: “A blind yak eating grass.” Or the Western saying: “To throw out the baby with the bath water.” So many people are suffering now due to lack of awareness of what will come in the future. The problem is that common ordinary people are limited in what they can see, because of the lack of development of the mind. They do not have the power to see beyond, to read the minds of the terrorists and those in training. If Government intelligence had the power to see beyond, then they could foresee future dangers. They could see the harm in the minds of all those harmful people and terrorists. They could see what damage they could do to the United States and the whole world. War is what ordinary people in the world regard as the solution. The problem is that war, even if it is won, is like medicine that has side-effects. It may temporarily help the situation but afterwards there will be continual complications. Why? Because the people you defeat generate hatred towards you and in future generations they harm you back. In the natural law of actions, called karma in Sanskrit, the action of harming leaves an imprint on the mental continuum and that imprint is like a seed. When it ripens later, the person experiences the result of receiving harm from others. I understand that the situation is very difficult and that the American public is very angry but there are ways to solve the problem other than by going to war. It is possible that these terrorists can be overcome by spiritual power rather than by using military power. War costs so many lives and so much money. Even one missile can be so expensive, costing millions of dollars. When spiritual power is used to solve the problem, it saves all this expense and costs hardly anything.

Buddhism, and especially Tibetan Buddhism, has so many methods to help bring peace and happiness to sentient beings. If the Government were interested in the possibility of using spiritual methods to solve the current problems, they would need to consult with the spiritual head of each of the different traditions. Then practices could be done for a few months of a year in order for them to be effective. This way is not like military war, which makes some people happy and some people upset. These practices are unseen, so they do not irritate or upset anybody; that means also nobody gets angry and plans to retaliate.

A War Without Anger

Lama Zopa Rinpoche in New York, US, July 2016

Another solution would be to have a war without anger, something that appeared violent but actually became positive. Just because something looks violent, that alone does not necessarily define it as negative, because there are actions that outwardly appear to be violent but in reality are most positive, pure and for inner peace. Buddhism is based on not harming others and on benefiting others. But when an evil being is harming him or herself and greatly harming many others and the world, then in Mahayana Buddhism great saints called bodhisattvas, who have the qualification of unbearable compassion, take the life of that being. They completely sacrifice themselves to happily experience whatever suffering consequences may come from taking that life, such as suffering in a hell realm. They do this in order to benefit that sentient being, to stop them from engaging in harmful actions, and also for the peace and happiness of others. When there is greater benefit to take the life of an evil being than not to, the Buddha permitted great saints who are qualified to do so. Particularly in Mahayana Buddhism, the Secret Mantra, Vajrayana, on the basis of unbearable compassion, cherishing those evil beings, tantric wrathful action is done: the consciousness is split from the body and transferred to a pure land where there is no suffering. In reality, even though an externally wrathful or violent action is used, it does not harm the evildoer, it only benefits them. The wrathful aspect of mind is without any anger— the thought of harming others. An example is when a child is very naughty and the parent has no peaceful means left to control it. The parent will then scold the child with a wrathful mind because this is the only way to control it so that it will have a good, successful future.

These terrorists’ minds are trapped in so many heavy iron cages of wrong views that they cannot even see these views are wrong and their actions harmful. Their negative thoughts and actions caused so many thousands of people to be killed and so many firemen to sacrifice their lives to save others. Because of this, they will have to suffer for thousands of eons. From negative actions suffering results, from positive actions happiness arises, so it is unimaginable how much harm the terrorists did to themselves, to the US and to the rest of the world.

Reincarnation 

Numberless people have realized that reincarnation exists and that there is life both before and after this one. At the time of death the body finishes, but the mind continues; this is reincarnation. Reincarnation is not only Buddhist philosophy and experience; Christianity also talks about reincarnation because they talk about a heaven and hell after this life. That which experiences heaven and hell is not the body but the mind, therefore reincarnation exists. The Bible also talks about resurrection. In this world there are believers and non-believers. An example of this is when the US put a man on the moon: some people in the East could not accept or understand how that was possible. Another example is the satellite interviews that we see on the television: one person is talking to somebody else who is thousands of miles away but can be clearly seen on the screen. Some primitive people would not believe this is possible. As the mind continues after death, the negative thoughts also continue, so these terrorists will go on to harm others again and again without end until their negative emotional thoughts are  ceased. 

Negative thoughts, such as anger and the dissatisfied mind of desire, are the chronic disease of the mind and the main cause of suffering. If the people in this world do not put effort into making the mind better, into ceasing the negative thoughts, then even when the body is destroyed and disintegrated, the mind, which does not cease, will continue alone with all these thoughts. Ceasing negative emotional thoughts is the ultimate solution—especially ceasing them by generating loving kindness, compassion and the ultimate good heart, which cherishes and benefits others.

For Peace and Happiness Live in Pure Morality

I am sure that for most religions, each one has something good to offer mankind. Any religion that offers a complete method should bring sentient beings to ultimate happiness—the cessation of all negative thoughts, the afflicted emotional mind including the seed of it. If your religion harms others, it harms yourself. Then there is no meaning to have religion. It is better to have no religion at all. My suggestion and contribution for the present and future peace and happiness of America and the world is that people living in pure morality and especially the Sangha should read or recite the text called The Sutra of Golden Light. This is one of Shakyamuni Buddha’s most precious holy teachings, and reading it has benefits like the infinite sky. It also helps eliminate other problems, including economic difficulties, and stops natural disasters such as earthquakes, storms, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes and so forth. 

The Government could ask Buddhist monks in America to recite this text [The Sutra of Golden Light] for two to three years. Lay people and also non-Buddhists who have an open mind can also read it. Then there will be so much benefit for the country.

Prayers Can Help to Stop or Reduce Wars 

Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Rinpoche)

So here I am simply offering suggestions. There is a powerful short meditation on the Healing [Medicine] Buddha, which came from the enlightened yogi called Padmasambhava. The practice is to avoid catching sicknesses from others or, if one has already been infected, to be healed. It was recommended by another spiritual person who predicted that it could be very beneficial in protecting from the disease anthrax. The Mantra Purifying All Negative Karma and Defilements not only protects from anthrax, but also if one can recite it daily, it will be a very good protection from life danger caused by earthquakes, fire, tornadoes, hurricanes, water and so forth the dangers of the four elements. There are another two short mantras against anthrax, sickness and so forth, as well, which are proven to have healed cancer. When natural disasters occur, Christianity might say that it is God’s punishment. 

However, all I am saying here is that it is worth asking religious institutions and meditation centers to pray, and not only organizations but even individuals, because by praying they can help to stop or reduce these things. It may not be the case every time, but perhaps some times.

Tibetan Buddhist Centers: Make Strong Prayers

I have a few suggestions of things people can do to save the place they are living in from billions of dollars of damage to buildings and also to save human beings from death. There is a practice of offering tea to the beings who control the weather and create disturbances. There is a tea offering prayer called Ablution to the Eight Powerful Worldly Spirits that is very effective. The practice itself is nothing—just reciting a short prayer mentioning their names and asking them not to create those disturbances.Praying very strongly to the female buddha Tara, who is like the Virgin Mary in Christianity, is also very effective in stopping dangers. She is the embodiment of all the buddhas’ actions and there is a mantra and a short and long prayer with Twenty-One Praises. Even relying upon and praying to Shakyamuni Buddha with a full heart, reciting his name and mantra and making strong requests for these dangers to be pacified will be very effective. The techniques are very simple but the result can be of great benefit to the area and to the country. Other things that can be done are to recite The Vajra-Cutter Sutra, The Sutra of Golden Light and The Heart Sutra, with meditation on emptiness. Another very powerful method that can be helpful is to pray to the Compassionate-Eye Looking One, Chenrezig, when these dangers are going to happen. Recite the mantra, have total reliance and make strong prayers. The Buddhist tantras are full of so many methods for overcoming all kinds of disasters, including war, and for purifying the causes, but of course their success depends on how qualified the people doing the meditation are. 

Even if there are no Buddhist centers in the area where the disasters are going to happen, it still may be possible for people in a Tibetan Buddhist center in another state to do the prayers. I want to emphasize that in situations where ordinary people cannot control disasters, they should rely upon spiritual means to prevent or reduce them. This does not just mean Buddhist methods but also those from Christianity, Hinduism, Islam or any other religion.

Develop Compassion and Practice Universal Responsibility

I have never heard any of the leaders, and others in the news, stress the need to take care of the mind, to guard the minds of the people living in the world. It is very clear that everything, good and bad, happiness and suffering, comes from the mind but there was not one word about the need to develop loving kindness and compassion. Nobody emphasized the need for everyone in the whole world to practice this. I only heard the word “compassion” twice and both times it came from President Bush, once in the context of “America is a compassionate country.” I was very happy to hear you and the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, mention precisely that you are not attacking Muslims or Islam but the terrorists. If the media could also present it this way, there would be much less anger and confusion. 

The media can cause many millions of people to get angry just by saying a few unskillful words. My final suggestion is that it would be so good if the whole world were to develop compassion, loving kindness and universal responsibility—to give special education on this in schools and at home for the parents to practice. This way, one child can bring so much peace and happiness into his or her own life and also to the family, country and over time to the whole world. Then, when that child becomes a mother or father, they can educate their own children to practice universal responsibility, loving kindness and compassion so that the good heart goes on and on, from generation to generation. Cherishing others and putting effort into developing a good heart in the office, at work, at home, everywhere—this is the ultimate method to stop terrorism worldwide. It is very important, before the cause has ripened into a result and the problem is being experienced, to practice loving kindness, universal responsibility, tolerance, forgiveness and kindness towards others, instead of being careless towards them and only cherishing oneself.

Nourish Interfaith 

Lama Zopa Rinpoche reciting Sangatasutra in NYC, US, July 2016. Photo by Roger Kunsang.

The reasons and explanations can be taken from Christianity, Buddhism, Islam and any other religion—anything that helps the mind to develop universal responsibility, compassion and loving kindness towards others. Historically we can see that even just one person who is influential but lacks a good heart, compassion and patience can cause millions of people and other sentient beings in the world to be killed. It is also important to have interfaith meetings, where all the religious leaders come together and pray, each according to their own traditional way. This should be made available for young people as well. 

If the youth of this world come together and pray together, it will contribute towards peace and harmony amongst the different religions in the world. I am writing this because I have particular concern for the American people. This country gives so much freedom for peace and happiness. I do not know why Mainland China cannot give the same freedom to the Tibetan people and others. Even though the methods I have explained here are taken from Buddhism, the tradition does not really matter, it is just a question of staying alive and saving others from danger. The main thing is how important it is for people to make use of these mantras and prayers. They have no side-effects and they can do no harm to the body or mind.

A Final Prayer

Finally, I dedicate the merits and I pray every day for the peace and happiness of all living beings, that everyone may generate loving kindness, compassion and the wish-fulfilling precious good heart. I pray that they may only benefit each other and that everyone’s heart may be filled with joy and bliss. I pray that the whole world may be filled with peace and happiness.

With my prayers and good wishes,

Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche

Lama Zopa Rinpoche strongly encouraged his students to pray for world peace as widely as possible. All are welcome to explore the collection of resources we recently shared, which offers advice on prayers and practices to follow when the world is in crisis and to help mitigate the threat of war. On March 31, 2026, His Holiness the Dalai Lama shared the following peace appeal:

Are you an FPMT student or center bringing practices for peace into your personal or group program? If so, we’d love to hear about it! 

Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), is a Tibetan Buddhist organization dedicated to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation and community service.

The News Roundup is a digest of short community highlights from FPMT centers and individuals around the world, as part of our ongoing effort to nourish the “family feeling” and bring back the “News Around the World”  and “News in Brief” sections previously featured in the print Mandala magazine that so many of us have missed! This list of stories is not exhaustive, —just a sample of all the great activities happening in the FPMT family worldwide. 

We hope that reading these highlights will inspire you to rejoice in the family feeling and good works happening in our global FPMT community!  If you would like to share photos or details from your center, we would be happy to include them in the upcoming edition.

Holy Objects  | Prayers & Practices | Teaching Tours & Visits | Milestones | Compassion in Action| International

Holy Objects

The Vajrayogini statue arrives at Institut Vajra Yogini. Photo courtesy of the Institut Vajra Yogini Facebook page.

(France) Institut Vajra Yogini at last welcomed the long-awaited arrival of its sacred Vajrayogini statue, a project years in the making. Modeled in three dimensions and painted by Bertrand Cayla following the recommendations of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, the statue was originally commissioned by François Lecointre and created under the direction of Nicolas Brun, with its final stages lovingly completed in recent months thanks to Venerable Tendar and Christophe Rotiel. The lotus base was filled with great care by Venerable Thubten and Venerable Gyaltsen, while Bertrand Cayla filled the body of the statue. Upon its arrival, the statue was blessed by Geshe Loden La and placed on the altar of the small second-floor gompa — an altar designed by Marcel Jolinon and built with the devoted help of his son-in-law and grandson. 

(Italy) Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa was honored to receive the auspicious blessing of His Eminence Ling Rinpoche, who kindly led the puja for the filling of the earth element for the Stupa of Enlightenment dedicated to Lama Zopa Rinpoche together with the resident geshe of the Institute. Geshe Zopa likewise consecrated the water vase for the water element with the resident geshe. Work on the stupa’s crown continues with the devoted support of volunteers from Stupa Onlus. The crown was consecrated by His Eminence Serkong Rinpoche on July 29. This was the final puja before the stupa’s full consecration on December 3, 2026. 

(USA) Kadampa Center announced a wonderful project for the fall: with the devoted help of volunteers, the center will completely repaint its beautiful stupa. 

The thangka arrives at The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion. Photo courtesy of The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion Facebook page.

(Australia) Chenrezig Institute was honored to inaugurate a new Thousand-Arm Chenrezig statue on July 11, fulfilling a wish Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche first expressed more than two decades ago. It took the generous support of sister center Amitabha Buddhist Centre (ABC) in Singapore, together with a new three-dimensional printing technique never before used to create sacred Buddhist art, to bring the statue from China to Queensland. Tara Meditation Centre‘s Kalachakra Stupa is nearing completion at its crown and will be shipped to Australia in approximately two weeks.  The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, home to one of the largest collections of sacred relics — including precious relics of Gautama Buddha — brought part of its collection on tour to the Sri Lankan Buddhist Monastery in Brisbane on the weekend of July 4–5, where three thousand people and twenty-five monks from various Buddhist traditions gathered in devotion to pray before the holy relics. Several more holy objects are on their way to the Great Stupa: the first of twelve huge fully brocaded thangkas depicting the Deeds of the Buddha has arrived from Nepal to grace the walls of the temple; the giant aura for the Kshitigarbha statue, nearly three years in the making, will soon be fixed in place; and a Baby Buddha statue — the same size and gold-leaf finish as the original in Lumbini, generously offered by the NRNA (Non- Resident Nepali Association) and the five municipalities of the Lumbini Buddha Circuit — is in production in Nepal to welcome guests at the main entrance. We rejoice with all who helped bring these blessings to life!

(India) The Maitreya Project in Kushinagar has reached a hopeful new stage. Building on land offered near two of Buddhism’s most sacred sites—the Ramabhar Stupa and the Mahaparinirvana Temple—the project is now moving forward on a clearly defined three-acre site, supported by a new partnership with the International Buddhist Confederation and the kindness of His Eminence Ling Rinpoche.  Plans for a Maitreya statue in Bodhgaya are also advancing, on land offered by Lama Zopa Rinpoche to His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 2020. Developed in coordination with the Dalai Lama Trust, the statue will be built above a gompa housing sacred objects gathered by Rinpoche, including life-sized statues of the Twenty-One Taras and Sixteen Arhats. Please read the full update on both of these projects. 

Prayers & Practices

FPMT Centers Celebrate the Ninety-First Birthday of His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama

The auspicious Ninety-First birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama was celebrated with joy throughout the FPMT mandala family on July 6. The day serves as an international “Day of Compassion,” honoring His Holiness’s boundless kindness with his favorite gift: our practice.

Kopan Monastery celebrates the 91st birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on July 6, 2026. Photo courtesy of the Kopan Monastery Facebook page.

Asia (India)  Kopan Monastery, on the auspicious occasion of His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama’s Ninety-First birthday, offered the Sixteen Arhats Puja and an incense puja. At Sera Jey Monastic Institute, the administration was honored to organize a birthday celebration ceremony at Sera Jey Gatseling: Venerable Khensur Tenzin Jampa Chösang Rinpoche graciously served as chief guest, joined by Sera Jey’s council committee, department heads, khangtsens, and council members. The ceremony began with khatas reverently offered to a portrait of His Holiness, followed by tea and sweet rice, and a birthday cake-cutting presided over by Khensur Rinpoche; the chief guest and guests also planted 1,130 trees at Sera Jey Gatseling in his honor. Tushita Meditation Centre marked the day with drop-in meditation, a screening of the documentary Mission: JOY, a birthday cake, and a special puja led by resident teacher Venerable Tenzin Thegchog, with attendees reverently offering khatas and receiving blessings. Choe Khor Sum Ling Centre held a Vajra Cutter Sutra recitation and an extensive light offering, dedicated with devotion to the long life and continued teachings of His Holiness and the benefit of all sentient beings. We rejoice with our whole Indian sangha family! (Singapore) Amitabha Buddhist Centre celebrated with a puja graciously led by Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chönyi together with the sangha. (Taiwan) The Jinsiu Farlin community gathered together to offer their most sincere blessings and heartfelt devotion.

Pacific Region (Australia) Buddha House gathered to offer the prayers recommended by Lama Zopa Rinpoche for the long life and good health of His Holiness. Hayagriva Buddhist Centre celebrated with a group practice and the raising of 108 Guru Rinpoche prayer flags, followed by a puja. Atisha Centre remembered the kindness of His Holiness with long-life prayers, and Tara Institute prayed that he remain with us for many years to come; as Geshe Lobsang said at the start of the puja, even His Holiness’s mere presence is a precious blessing for the peace and stability of the world! (New Zeland) Dorje Chang Institute offered long-life prayers and recited one thousand OM MANI PADME HUM mantras

Geshe Tenzin Namdak and Ven. Wangyel welcoming precious holy relics into the gompa, Photo by JBC London Facebook Page.

Europe (UK) At Jamyang Buddhist Centre, Geshe Tenzin Namdak led a sutra recitation in the gompa with great devotion, including the Heart Sutra and the Chanting of the Names of Manjushri, offering prayers for His Holiness’s long life and good health. On this special day, Geshe Namdak and the community were also honored to welcome precious holy relics into the gompa, including robes of both the Fifth and Thirteenth Dalai Lamas. We rejoice in this auspicious blessing! (Netherlands) Maitreya Instituut held special guru pujas to celebrate His Holiness’s ninety-first birthday and to pray that he remain with us for many more years to come. We rejoice in this heartfelt wish! (Germany) Aryatara Institut celebrated with an animal liberation ceremony and a Chenrezig practice. (Austria) Panchen Losang Chogyen Gelugzentrum marked the day with a The Praise to the Names of Manjushri and a Lama Chöpa guru puja. We rejoice in this auspicious offering! (Switzerland) Longku Center and Lhagsam Tibetan Meditation Center celebrated with the recitation of the Avalokiteshvara guru yoga sadhana, offerings to His Holiness, a meditation on bodhicitta, and closing dedications and long-life prayers. Gendun Drupa Centre marked the occasion with a teaching kindly offered by Venerable Losang. (France) Institut Vajra Yogini celebrated the day in a truly special way, honored by the presence of His Eminence Serkong Rinpoche and Dr. Alexander Berzin, who were touring Europe together. After a long-life puja and tsog offering, a flag-raising ceremony was followed by a teaching graciously given by Dr. Berzin. To mark the occasion and conclude the Year of Compassion, Nalanda Monastery joined the Great Monlam in Paris, July 6–8, together with Geshe Jamphel, Geshe Gyaltsen, Geshe Norbu, and the monks and nuns of Nalanda Monastery. His Eminence Ganden Tri Rinpoche Lobsang Dorje, His Eminence Jangtse Chöje Gosok Rinpoche, and His Eminence Sharpa Chöje Rinpoche also graciously bestowed teachings and initiations during this deeply auspicious Great Prayer Festival. We deeply rejoice in the blessings of this extraordinary gathering! (Italy) Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa, Centro Ewam, and Centro Tara Cittamani offered a puja for the long life of His Holiness — that he may continue to grace us for a long, full, and stable life. Centro Lama Tzong Khapa in Treviso marked the day, Geshe Damdul and Lama Palden kindly offered the Meditation on the Two Bodhicittas as transmitted by His Holiness. (Spain) Centro La Sabiduría de Nagarjuna in Bilbao recited, with heartfelt devotion, the sadhana recommended by Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Sister centers Nagarjuna Valencia and Nagarjuna Granada celebrated with a Lama Chöpa tsog puja and a long-life puja for His Holiness, respectively, and sister center Tekchen Chö Ling offered five hundred prayer flags, an incense pot, and prayers to mark the auspicious occasion. We rejoice in the collective merit!

North America (Canada) At Lama Yeshe Ling, Geshe Sonam honored the day with a transmission of A Prayer to Kindle the Three Kinds of Faith Addressed to the Seventeen Great Panditas of Glorious Nalanda, composed by His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, and recited the long-life prayer for His Holiness. (USA) The FPMT North American Regional Office hosted a session to recite the Chenrezig practice with Gen Don Handrick, part of the FPMT Global Mani Retreat. Vajrapani Institute, following Rinpoche’s advice and led with devotion by Venerable Angie, offered the Prayer for the Long Life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Prayer that Spontaneously Fulfills All Wishes, Remembering the Kindness of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan People, and the Prayer for Tibet, concluding with a group khata offering. At Kurukulla Center, Geshe Tenley graciously joined the Tibetan community and local Dharma students to celebrate with a birthday cake.

Latin America (Brazil) Centro Shiwa Lha celebrated with a long-life prayer and the mantra OM MANI PADME HUM, honoring His Holiness’s steadfast commitment to peace and compassion. (Colombia) Centro Yamantaka celebrated with the resident teacher, offering prayers and renewing the heartfelt aspiration to develop wisdom and compassion for the benefit of all beings.

Chökhor Düchen

On this special day, the FPMT community also rejoiced deeply in the Sangha Jewel, celebrating International Sangha Day. Lama Zopa Rinpoche considered the sangha to be the real heroes, defeating the delusions; they are our guides, our inspiration, and a precious field of merit. We rejoice with all the monasteries and nunneries in the FPMT mandala, and with the International Mahayana Institute (IMI), which supports the worldwide FPMT sangha community.  

(International) On this auspicious day, the FPMT Puja Fund was pleased to sponsor numerous pujas, including a Guhyasamaja self-initiation, a Namgyalma long-life puja, and Drukchuma puja. The stupas of Boudhanath and Swayambhunath in Nepal were freshly painted, with new umbrellas offered at each pinnacle, and a new set of robes was reverently offered to the Buddha statue in the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya. Animals were liberated, sutras recited and printed, and offerings made with devotion to all of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s gurus and to the IMI sangha communities throughout FPMT — extensive practices established by Lama Zopa Rinpoche for the benefit of the whole organization and all beings. We rejoice in this precious day!

Offering from Root Institute during the auspicious occasion of Chökhor Düchen. Photo courtesy of the Root Institute Facebook page.

Asia (Nepal) Kopan Monastery commemorated the first turning of the Wheel of Dharma by Buddha Shakyamuni with ceremonies, prayers, offerings, and other merit-making activities; the sangha of Kopan Nunnery joyfully engaged in prayers, recitations, and Dharma practice. May the light of the Buddha’s teachings continue to illuminate the world, bringing peace, wisdom, compassion, and lasting benefit to all sentient beings! (India) Sera Lachi — the monks of both Sera Jey Monastic Institute and Sera Mey Monasteries — joined together in prayers in the main gompa, offering the Namgyalma Buddha puja, and in the protector room offered the Drukchuma puja ten times, dedicated to the long life, health, and protection from obstacles of the whole FPMT family —May the powerful prayers offered by the sangha on this auspicious day be swiftly actualized! Tushita Meditation Centre marked Chökhor Düchen with guided morning meditation, a screening of the film Life of Buddha, sutra reading, a public teaching by Venerable Thubten Drolkar titled “The Heart of Buddha’s Teachings,” a Medicine Buddha puja, and a light-offering ceremony with the sangha. Root Institute was honored to commemorate the holy day in Bodhgaya with a Festival of Lights and Merit: the resident nuns offered butter lamps, flowers, and prayer flags at the Mahabodhi Stupa, sponsored a guru puja and protector puja, and made offerings to the monks of Namgyal Monastery. (Singapore) Amitabha Buddhist Centre celebrated with a Sixteen Arhats puja. We rejoice with ABC! (Malaysia) The Chokyi Gyaltsen Center community celebrated with extensive offerings — eight-offering sets, tsog, flowers, and lights. Geshe Deyang led heartfelt prayers to Shakyamuni Buddha, followed by a Tara puja, warmly attended by many who joined together to offer devotion and accumulate merit.

Pacific Region (Australia) Buddha House began the day by taking the eight Mahayana precepts in the early morning, followed by Rinpoche’s morning motivation and prostrations to the Thirty-Five Buddhas, continuing with extensive offerings, the chanting of the names of Manjushri, and closing with a Shakyamuni Buddha puja. Tara Institute held a recitation of the compassion mantra, OM MANI PADME HUM, one thousand times, followed by In Praise of Dependent Origination by Lama Tsongkhapa, dedicating the merit to the long life of His Holiness. At Vajrayana Institute, Geshe Ngawang Samten led a guru puja and a practice session for the FPMT Global Mani Retreat.

The Nalanda Monastery community with Khen Rinpoche Geshe Wangdu on the auspicious occasion of Chökhor Düchen. Photo courtesy of the Nalanda Monastery Facebook page.

Europe (UK) At Jamyang Buddhist Centre London, Chökhor Düchen was honored with a sutra recitation led by Geshe Tenzin Namdak.(Germany) Aryatara Institut gathered from early morning to take the eight Mahayana precepts, followed by a Shakyamuni Buddha puja and Lama Chöpa with tsog. (Switzerland) Lhagsam Tibetan Meditation Center honored the day with a meditation on the four noble truths and the recitation of The Yoga of the Inseparability of the Guru and Avalokiteshvara. Longku Center marked the occasion with prayers from the Lhagsam Prayer Book, a meditation on the four noble truths, The Source of All Attainments: The Yoga of the Inseparability of the Guru and Avalokiteshvara, and closing dedications. (France) Nalanda Monastery was honored to welcome Khen Rinpoche Geshe Wangdu for a full day of teachings on this auspicious day: developing bodhicitta through the six causes and one effect, a commentary on Nagarjuna’s Homage to Buddha Shakyamuni, and a guru puja, during which the great thangka of Guru Shakyamuni Buddha, kindly offered by Amitabha Buddhist Centre, was also blessed. We deeply rejoice in this precious visit!

North and Latin America (Canada) At Lama Yeshe Ling, Geshe Sonam led a meditation on bodhicitta, followed by a ceremony for receiving the aspiring and engaging bodhisattva vows. Geshe Sonam also kindly gave the oral transmissions of Lama Tsongkhapa’s Three Principal Aspects of the Path, the Migtsema prayer and name mantra, and Shakyamuni Buddha’s mantra, concluding with dedication prayers and prayers for the unmistaken and swift recognition of the reincarnation of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche. (USA) The FPMT North American Regional Office hosted a recitation of the Chenrezig practice with Gen Don Handrick, part of the FPMT Global Mani Retreat, commemorating the anniversary of Guru Shakyamuni Buddha’s first teaching. Kadampa Center took the eight Mahayana precepts before dawn, followed by a Tara practice and, in the afternoon, a special online Chenrezig practice with Gen Don Handrick. At Kurukulla Center, Geshe Tenley kindly offered a twenty-four-hour Mahayana precepts ceremony and a Lama Chöpa guru puja. (Mexico) Centro Khamlungpa celebrated the holy day with a recitation of the Buddha Shakyamuni puja and a light offering.

Teaching Tours and Visits

(France) Institut Vajra Yogini had the great honor of welcoming His Eminence Serkong Tsenshap Rinpoche, July 2–4, who graciously bestowed teachings from the Lojong: Taking Suffering on the Path by Lama Tsongkhapa, with a commentary by Dr. Alexander Berzin, followed by two lectures on July 4–5 on ignorance and karma, and on dependent origination. After celebrating His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s birthday together with the Institut Vajrayogini community, His Eminence Serkong Tsenshap Rinpoche paid a visit to Nalanda Monastery on the same day, July 6. His Eminence also graced Centre Kalachakra with his presence, teaching for four days on key points of Chandrakirti’s foundational text, Entering the Middle Way, from July 8, with a commentary by Dr. Alexander Berzin, concluding his European tour.

Gyumed Khensur Rinpoche bestows a weekend of teachings and an initiation at Land of Medicine Buddha. Photo courtesy of the Land of Medicine Buddha Facebook page.

(USA) Land of Medicine Buddha was honored to host an extraordinary weekend of teachings and initiation with Gyumed Khensur Rinpoche. Overflowing with gratitude for Rinpoche’s profound wisdom, compassion, and generosity in sharing these precious teachings, the community gathered together for these practices for the benefit of all beings.

We deeply rejoice in the kindness of all involved in these extensive Dharma tours and the careful preparation they require. We look forward to sharing stories from these visits in the coming months.

Milestones

Graduation certificate ceremony for the Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo Translator Program. Photo courtesy of the Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo Translator Program Facebook page.

(India) Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo Translator Program (LRZTP): Congratulations to all the graduates! The online Tibetan-language course, running from 2021 to 2026, has come to a close. While graduates will receive their certificates by post, one student was able to receive hers in person on July 2 at LRZTP. She is also the recipient of a scholarship for Indian students and is completing an extra week of free personal classes at the school. Congratulations to all the graduates!! Tushita Meditation Centre‘s half-year report is out, and we rejoice with the whole community: 1,045 students have joined the center for residential courses and retreats, and 469 more for short courses, through mid-July this year. Rejoice, rejoice!

(Australia) On the weekend of July 18, the new Yeshe Gompa at Machig Labdron Nunnery was officially and joyfully opened and consecrated. Geshe Doga, Geshe Rabten, Geshe Lobsang Dorje, Geshe Tenzin Zopa, Geshe Jangchub, Venerable Dorje, the two Gyuto ritual masters Venerable Kedrub and Venerable Konchok, together with Venerable Tsapel and all the nuns of Machig Labdron and Venerable Cathy and Venerable Anna from Melbourne, conducted the rituals over three days, attended by many benefactors and friends of the nunnery. The first day featured speeches by Geshe Doga, Ian Green, Geshe Rabten, and Venerable Tsapel; Geshe Doga reflected with gratitude that the fruits of his forty-four years of teaching in Australia rest firmly on the generosity of Ian and Judy Green, particularly their donation of the land that now forms the basis of the Machig Labdron nunnery. Adding to the joy, Geshe Doga turned ninety-one on July 13; he was directly invited by Lama Yeshe to come to Australia and to Tara Institute. We rejoice for his forty years of service fulfilling the wishes of Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche! Congratulations!

Celebration of Geshe Doga’s 91st birthday at Tara Institute on July 13, 2026. Photo courtesy of the Tara Institute Facebook page.

Compassion in Action

Ganden Do Ngag Shedrup Ling presents gifts in honor of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s birthday to 50 mothers and their newborn babies in the postpartum ward. Photo courtesy of the FPMT Mongolia Facebook page.

(Mongolia) Ganden Do Ngag Shedrup Ling Center, in collaboration with Kunchab Jampaling Asral, presented gifts in honor of His Holiness’s birthday to fifty mothers and their newborns in the postpartum ward of Khüree Maternity Hospital. We rejoice with our Mongolian sangha in this compassionate offering! 

(Singapore) Amitabha Buddhist Centre, on July 4, partnered with the Chinese Development Assistance Council to distribute groceries to 250 low-income households across the heartlands of Singapore; each household received US$80 worth of donated food and groceries, including rice generously donated during the Vesak celebration. Thanks to the kindness and generosity of ABC’s members, friends, and sponsors, the early rounds of JINPA (Joy in Practicing Altruism) have been a resounding success since the program’s launch in April 2013. We rejoice with ABC in this compassionate service! Congratulations!

(Australia) Congratulations to Atisha Centre, which is developing a Centre for Universal Education, to be housed in a beautiful yurt village — the first yurt is now going up! We rejoice in this new and auspicious beginning!

(USA) Shantideva Meditation Center helped send five hundred local children back to school with essential school supplies for the fall term, partnering once again with Camp Friendship in Brooklyn, New York. We rejoice in this compassionate outreach! Congratulations!

(Colombia) We rejoice in the kindness and generosity of the Centro Yamantaka community, who came together to collect donations and food for people affected by the earthquake in Venezuela. On Sunday, July 26, together with resident teacher Geshe Lobsang Kunchen, community members delivered the donations to a nearby shelter. They also continue to dedicate prayers for the Venezuelan community, especially those facing the greatest hardship during this difficult time, with the heartfelt wish that conditions improve and that all those affected may find peace, stability, and happiness.

International FPMT Family 

In celebration of our fiftieth anniversary, the entire FPMT community has been participating in an unprecedented Global Mani Retreat — an inspiring collective offering of practice, harmony, and dedication to the awakening and benefit of all beings, helping to fulfill Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Vast Vision of accumulating 100 million mani mantra recitations worldwide.

The next major teaching of the retreat will be on August 9 with His Eminence Serkong Tsenshab Rinpoche who will be generously offering a teaching on bodhichitta! 

The next online practice sessions are with Venerable Amy Miller on August 15, and Venerable Tenzin Drachom on August 22. We rejoice with the whole FPMT mandala in this precious collective offering!

We Want to Hear Your Story! 

These highlights are sourced from the social media, newsletters, annual reports, websites, and WhatsApp groups of FPMT centers, projects, and services. If you would like to share your news and highlights with the wider FPMT family, we would be so happy to hear from you! 

In addition to these highlights, please also read longer community news stories and news from around the world!

Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), is a Tibetan Buddhist organization dedicated to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation and community service.

Nyima Khandu Tamang, a student at Sagarmatha School, proudly celebrates being the first-place winner at the Annual Academic Examination for Upper Kindergarten, April 2026.

Education remains one of the most powerful ways to transform lives, preserve culture, and create lasting opportunities for future generations. In 2026, the FPMT Social Services Fund (SSF) continued its commitment to supporting vulnerable students in some of the most remote and underserved regions of India and Nepal. Through partnerships with community‑run schools, monastic institutions, and early childhood initiatives, the SSF helped ensure access to quality education, daily care, nutrition, and stable learning environments rooted in compassion and ethical values. Across eight schools and educational initiatives supported in 2026, the impact of this work can be seen in diverse communities and learning environments. By the end of 2026, US$212,976 will have been offered from the Social Services Fund, reaching hundreds of children, monastic students, and educators.

Sagarmatha Secondary School | Rolwaling Sangag Choling Monastery School | Shree Sangka Dechholing Gonpa School | Sambhota Tibetan School CVP | Gaden Jangtse Monastic College | Ngari Institute of Buddhist Dialectics | Maitreya School |  TDL Baby Room | 
How to Help

In 2026, Sagarmatha Secondary School, situated in Chailsa, Nepal, continued to thrive as a place of learning, care, and achievement. The school currently serves more than 300 students, supported by a team of 16 teachers and two staff members.

One of the year’s proudest moments was the school’s success at the 6th President Running Shield Inter-School Sports Event, where their students secured third position among 14 schools, winning 11 gold, 9 silver, and 7 bronze medals. Their performance reflected strong discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, celebrated through a felicitation program supported by Ward No. 7 and the local municipality.

Alongside sports, students actively participated in a wide range of extra-curricular activities, including chess, language, singing, quizzes, and creative competitions for younger children. These efforts were recognized in a joyful prize distribution program before the winter break. During the winter, a Winter Jacket Distribution Program ensured that students, teachers, and staff stayed warm and healthy. The jackets were generously sponsored through Dr. Detlev Gueck and Kopan Monastery, whose continued compassion makes a real difference in students’ daily lives.

In 2026 the Social Services Fund has committed US$50,000 to cover the school’s annual operating costs. This vital support ensures continuity of education for children in this remote Himalayan region, safeguarding access to free learning materials, qualified teachers, and a nurturing school environment.

The Rolwaling Sangag Choling Monastery School, nestled in the Rolwaling valley in Nepal, serves as a lifeline for local Sherpa children. This community-run, free school for 30 eager students is the only educational institution in the area, offering a warm and conducive environment where learning can thrive.

Students from Rolwaling School exploring the beautiful Pokhara on their pilgrimage journey to Lumbini,
January 2026.

Throughout the year, students were supported with regular food rations, school supplies, and clothing, ensuring consistent learning conditions. One senior student successfully completed primary education in Rolwaling and proceeded to further monastic studies in India, reflecting the school’s role in creating long‑term educational pathways.

Beyond academics, the school contributed actively to community well‑being. Initiatives in 2025 included yak protection activities, vocational training programs for women, leadership in local religious and cultural ceremonies, and participation in broader development efforts such as a clean drinking water project and progress toward a new health post building benefiting hundreds of villagers. Students also took part in an educational pilgrimage to Lumbini, strengthening cultural and spiritual learning.

The Social Services Fund has offered US$27,661 toward the annual operating costs for 2026, helping cover key expenses such as staff salaries, food supplies, educational materials, and daily operations. This support contributes to the school’s ability to continue serving children and families in the Rolwaling Valley with stability and care.

Shree Sangka Dechholing Gonpa School in Taplejung, Eastern Nepal, continues to offer a balanced education that integrates modern learning with moral values under the guidance of Kopan Monastery. Serving 172 students and supported by 16 dedicated teachers, the school provides an environment that encourages academic achievement alongside compassion, responsibility, and personal growth.

Shree Sangka Dechholing Gonpa School.

Students consistently demonstrate strong academic performance, including top district rankings in the SEE examinations, while also excelling in extracurricular life. Achievements in inter‑school football, quiz competitions, and cultural performances, together with regular sports activities, science exhibitions, motivational talks, and community service programs, help cultivate confidence, leadership, and teamwork. Well‑maintained facilities – including classrooms, laboratories, hostel accommodation, and a large sports ground – further support students’ learning and development.

For 2026, the  Social Services Fund has offered US$38,730 toward the school’s annual operating costs. This vital contribution supports teachers’ salaries and core operational needs, helping ensure continuity of quality education for students in this remote region.

Sambhota Tibetan School CVP Bylakuppe is located in the Tibetan Dickey Larsoe Settlement in Bylakuppe, Karnataka. Established in 1971, the school initially functioned as a branch of the Central School for Tibetans, Bylakuppe, becoming an independent unit in 1974 and receiving CBSE affiliation in 1991.

Students at Sambhota Tibetan School in Bylakuppe explore the history of Panchen Lama, April 2026.

In May 2018, the school was formally taken over by the Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society under the Central Tibetan Administration. Currently, it operates as a secondary school (Classes I-X) with three affiliated pre‑primary branch schools within nearby Tibetan settlements. Instruction is primarily in Tibetan at the primary level and English from middle school onward.

Sambhota Tibetan School in Bylakuppe currently serves 132 students, and for 2026, the Social Services Fund has offered US$5,275 in support of the school’s lunchtime meal program.

The Gaden Jangtse Monastic College, re-established in 1969 in Mundgod, South India, continues to uphold its commitment to academic rigor, spiritual grounding, and institutional continuity.

The ceremony marking the official start of the 26th Administration of Gaden Jangtse Monastery, April 2026.

The school currently supports approximately 500 monk students and employs 13 salaried teachers. Earlier in 2026, teachers at the school were honored with an audience with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, offering deep encouragement and inspiration, while the whole school community came together to offer prayers for the swift return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Alongside these spiritual activities, leadership continuity was ensured through the formal handover to a newly elected principal, and preparations for the academic session progressed with the purchase of textbooks and essential learning materials.

Behind the scenes, consistent support has ensured the smooth functioning of daily operations, including the regular payment of teachers’ salaries, which remains fundamental to educational quality and stability. For 2026, the Social Services Fund has offered US$31,378 to cover the school’s teacher salaries, sustaining the educators whose dedication lies at the heart of the school’s mission.

The Ngari Institute of Buddhist Dialectics in Ladakh, India, continues to be a place where education, ethics, and compassionate care come together for young people from remote and underserved communities. Guided by the vision of integrating ancient Tibetan wisdom with modern education, the Institute supports students not only academically, but also through daily care.

Students at Ngari Institute are honoring the third anniversary of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s parinirvana with heartfelt prayers, April 2026.

Following the winter break, students returned to campus with renewed energy and commitment. The Institute reported strong results in the 2025 government board examinations, with senior students progressing to institutions such as Delhi University, Mysore University, and the Dalai Lama Institute for Higher Education. In addition, three students successfully passed the CBSE Class 10 Board Examination at TCV School, Ladakh.

In the 2025-2026 academic year, six additional students were enrolled. Currently, the Institute supports 72 students, alongside 23 staff members, as well as 15 monk students, all living and learning within the Institute community.

At the heart of this work is the assurance that every student has access to basic daily needs. For 2026, the Social Services Fund offered US$28,264 to cover all food costs for the Institute’s students and staff.

The Maitreya Universal Education School in Bodhgaya, India, continues to provide free, value‑based education to children from some of the most underserved communities in the region. With nearly 280 students enrolled, many from extremely poor families, the school remains committed to nurturing both academic learning and emotional well‑being through a compassionate, child‑centered approach.

Children from Maitreya School on a fun bus trip.

A distinctive feature of Maitreya School is the deep integration of the 16 Guidelines into daily teaching. In recent years, this approach has been strengthened through teacher training, trauma‑informed classroom practices, and hands‑on learning activities that help children feel safe, supported, and engaged. Younger students, who make up about half of the school population, have shown especially encouraging progress in social‑emotional development, confidence, and curiosity.

Important milestones were achieved in 2025, including the school’s expansion to Class 9, the launch of Saturday Teacher Training sessions, and the introduction of meditation and yoga to support students’ mental wellbeing. The opening of a new library significantly enriched learning resources and contributed to measurable improvements in reading, writing, attendance, and overall student engagement. The addition of a morning snack program further strengthened learning by addressing hunger, helping students remain focused and responsive throughout the school day.

In support of this vital work, the  Social Services Fund offered US$29,400 toward the annual operating costs of Maitreya School for 2026. This contribution plays a key role in sustaining daily school operations and ensuring continuity of education for hundreds of children whose families would otherwise be unable to access quality schooling.

The TDL Baby Room in the Dickey Larsoe Tibetan Settlement, Bylakuppe, India, was established to meet a long‑standing need for safe, reliable early childhood care within the community. Created to support working parents – many of whom rely on daily wage labor or farming – the Baby Room provides a secure and nurturing environment where very young children can be cared for during the day while their parents pursue their livelihoods. From its beginning, the program has focused not only on supervision, but also on early socialisation, basic hygiene, nutrition, and age‑appropriate learning through play.

Sikyong Penpa Tsering visits Dickey Larsoe Tibetan Settlement in February 2025 (Photo courtesy of CTA)

Over time, the Baby Room expanded to operate across two locations, one within the main Dickey Larsoe settlement and another in the more remote Chowkur camp, where access to childcare and transportation is extremely limited. For families in Chowkur, the Baby Room has become especially essential; without it, parents are often forced to bring toddlers to fields or construction sites, putting children at risk and reducing household income. Today, the program serves 10 infants and toddlers, providing them with consistent care during the most critical stage of early development.

The Social Services Fund offered US$2,268 toward the TDL Baby Room Salary and Nutrition initiative, providing stability for the entire year. This support covers the annual salaries of two professional Ayas (professional caregivers), ensures that all enrolled children receive a healthy midday meal. Through this initiative, care and compassion reach children at the very start of life, helping families remain resilient and giving the youngest members of the Dickey Larsoe and Chowkur community a strong, supported beginning.

The schools and initiatives supported in 2026 reflect a shared dedication to serving those with the least access to opportunity – children in remote Himalayan villages, Tibetan refugee communities, under‑resourced rural neighborhoods, and monastic centers preserving ancient wisdom traditions. Across all eight projects, the support enabled essential outcomes: teachers’ salaries were secured, nutritious meals were provided, learning materials were supplied, and students were able to study in environments of safety, dignity, and care.

How to Help

We welcome any support to the Social Services Fund, which offers education to those who are truly vulnerable and in need in India and Nepal. We’re so grateful to everyone who helps make these grants possible each year!

The Social Services Fund, established to support Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Vast Visions for the FPMT organization, focuses efforts primarily in India, Nepal, Tibet and Mongolia. Funds help children, the elderly, sick, and very poor.