Light offerings at Boudhanath Stupa at night, with Khen Rinpoche and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, December 2016. Photo by Lobsang Sherab.

The great stupa of Boudhanath in Kathmandu, Nepal, was extremely important for Lama Zopa Rinpoche. It was in Boudha that Rinpoche first settled upon returning to Nepal in the late 1960s with Lama Thubten Yeshe. While staying at Samtenling Monastery, located behind the circumambulation path around the stupa, Lama Yeshe could see a hill from the monastery and felt drawn to it. Later that hill would become Kopan Monastery, the first FPMT center established by Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

Whenever Rinpoche returned to Kopan, he would often circumambulate the Boudha Stupa in the evenings together with a couple of attendants, while making offerings and reciting prayers and mantras. By the time the circumambulations were completed, a crowd would often have formed, following Rinpoche around the stupa. At the very end, Rinpoche would lead everyone present in offering five-colored khatags to the stupa, followed by extensive dedications.

During the second COVID lockdown in 2021, Rinpoche, together with other high lamas, including Tsoknyi Rinpoche, Mingyur Rinpoche, Khadro Rinpoche (Rangjung Neljorma Khadro Namsel Dronme), and the abbots of Shechen Monastery and Kopan Monastery, reconsecrated the three great stupas of Nepal—Swayambhu, Boudha, and Namo Buddha—for the benefit of all sentient beings. At the end of the consecrations and after taking the bodhisattva vow, Rinpoche led the assembled lamas in an offering practice based on the offering objects described in chapter three of The Legend of the Great Jarung Kashor Stūpa

Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Gen Tenpa Choden, and Ani Jangsem offering five-colored khata to the Boudha Stupa with prayers, Nepal, February 2021. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.

The Benefits of Making Offerings to the Boudha Stupa

After COVID ended, Rinpoche continued to perform the offering practice to the Boudha Stupa, and the practice grew increasingly elaborate over time. Rinpoche himself performed the practice at the stupa several times in a room with extensive offerings located on the circumambulation path, and at least twice from his room in Kopan. Rinpoche would quote the Great Guru, Padmasambhava, on the benefits of serving the great stupa of Boudha:

“Listen! Great king, generate strong devotion. All the buddhas and bodhisattvas of the three times actually absorbed into and abide in this holy object of the holy mind. Any requests and prayers made to the great stupa will be effortlessly and spontaneously accomplished; it is like a wish-granting jewel. The benefits for any transmigratory being who, with a totally pure attitude, prostrates to it, circumambulates it, or makes offerings to it cannot be expressed or counted even by the numberless past, present, and future buddhas.”

Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Khadro Rinpoche at Boudha Stupa, Nepal, November 2019. Photo by Harald Weichhart.

To collect “the most unbelievable merit” when making offerings to the stupa, Rinpoche says in Offerings to the Boudha Stupa, “Think that all these offerings belong to sentient beings and then, on their behalf, make offerings to the stupa. It is not just a stupa. To me, for example, it’s in essence His Holi­ness the Dalai Lama, which means it’s all the past, all the present, and all the future buddhas. You can think like that for whoever your own root guru is, which means your root guru is all the three-time and ten-direction buddhas. […] There’s no question how much merit you will collect with each offering you make to the stupa while thinking that in essence it is your root guru. You collect the most unbelievable merit, and it becomes purification as well. Please think this with any offering you make to the stupa, and then offer it on behalf of all sentient beings.”

Eventually, Ven. Sarah Thresher requested Rinpoche to compose a formal offering practice  for his students to use. Rinpoche responded by suggesting that she transcribe one of the extensive practices he had led at Kopan and compile a booklet from that. After Rinpoche showed the aspect of passing away, Ven. Joan Nicell completed the transcript that Ven. Sarah had initiated and, with the help of Ven. Ailsa Cameron, arranged it into a practice format so that the practice could be done during the forty-nine days of prayers in Rinpoche’s honor. The resulting practice booklet, Making Extensive Offerings to Boudha Stupa, also lists the specific benefits of making each kind of offering.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche offering wish-granting jewel to the Boudha Stupa from his room in Kopan Monastery, September 2021.

Rinpoche’s Offering Room at the Boudha Stupa

The offering room was originally set up and continues to be maintained by Dechog, a Chinese lay student of Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Dechog started off by arranging many offerings on tarpaulins laid out along the circumambulation path of the stupa, and then spending hours offering them. Eventually, with the help of some Chinese students, he rented a disused restaurant overlooking the stupa where he could permanently set up his extensive array of offerings. Rinpoche rejoiced greatly in Dechog’s offerings of huge water bowls and large butter lamps and his insistence on offering only the finest quality substances and, over time, Rinpoche contributed many auspicious offerings and statues to the offering room.

Offering of saffron at Boudha Stupa.

After Dechog offered a set of keys to Rinpoche, the room gradually became known among FPMT students as “Rinpoche’s offering room at Boudha.” A simple throne, sponsored by a group of Chinese students, was set up for Rinpoche to use whenever he did the offering practice there. Rinpoche would lead the practice himself, reading from his copy of The Legend of the Great Jarung Kashor Stūpa and explaining the benefit of each offering, followed by the recitation of the Offering Cloud Mantra, with instruments being played while visualizing the offerings being made.

In January 2022, Lama Zopa Rinpoche gave advice on how to make the best use of the offering room so as to collect “the most unbelievable merit” when making offerings to the stupa. This advice, which was published as Offerings to the Boudha Stupa,was also printed, framed, and hung in the room as a reminder to students.

Students Perform the Offering Practice

Besides performing the offering practice once during the forty-nine days after Rinpoche’s passing, it has since been done at major FPMT gatherings in Kathmandu: following the Light of the Path retreat at Kopan in 2023, the Heart Sutra retreat in 2024, and the CPMT meeting in 2025, and most recently in March 2026 when a number of FPMT students visited Nepal for the inauguration of Khadro Rinpoche’s new monastery.

Students participating in this extensive practice have been deeply moved. Maria Damsholt from the FPMT Center for Wisdom and Compassion in Denmark, who took part in the March 2026 offering practice, shared: “It is a very beautiful offering practice to do. It felt exactly like making offerings and prayers with Rinpoche himself—because it really is in the spirit of Rinpoche. Thank you so much for letting me practice with you. I intend to buy as many offering substances as possible so that we can do it in Denmark too.”

Rinpoche making offerings at Boudha Stupa, Nepal, July 2021. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

Claudia Czuba from the FPMT center in Vienna was so deeply inspired that she purchased jewels and medicines in Boudha in 2025 and performed the practice twice in Austria. She said, “We did this offering practice at Panchen Losang Chogyen center in Vienna by setting up an offering table with a big picture of the Boudha Stupa and nicely arranged offerings. It is a simple yet very powerful practice, and also very joyful. To arrange beautiful offerings, visualize them as extensively as possible, share them with all sentient beings, and offer them to the stupa indivisible from the guru makes the heart and mind very happy. It seemed like people felt the ‘skies of merits’ they created with this practice. And, for sure, it pleased the holy mind of our precious guru Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche.”

Malaysian monk Ven. Sonam Yeshe was equally inspired and is planning to bring the practice to Rinchen Jangsem Ling Retreat Centre in Triang, Malaysia. He shared, “Experiencing the elaborate offerings in front of the holy Boudha Stupa for the first time was profoundly moving. It felt incredibly special to participate in the same ritual that Lama Zopa Rinpoche performed so many times at the stupa. I couldn’t help but imagine how beautiful it would be to replicate these elaborate offerings at Rinchen Jangsem Ling, Malaysia. By facilitating a program where participants take turns performing the offerings themselves, we can provide a highly engaging and meritorious experience that resonates with all those who attend.”

We invite all of Rinpoche’s students and centers to do this offering practice to the Boudha Stupa from their homes or centers and in this way help preserve Rinpoche’s very special practice lineage while at the same time creating skies of merits!

Resources

In September 2021, Rinpoche recorded a Thought Transformation Teaching video entitled “Making Offerings to Boudha Stupa” in which he speaks about performing a tsog offering practice at the Boudha Stupa and the benefits of making offerings to stupas. You can follow along with the offering practice by watching the video.

Find Offerings to the Boudha Stupa as a PDF in the Foundation Store.
Find Making Extensive Offerings to Boudha Stupa as a PDF in the Foundation Store.

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.

Arriving at Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa – photo courtesy ILTK

Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa (ILTK) renews its tradition of offering a residential FPMT Basic Program (BP) in English and in Italian, also available online! This three-year BP is a once in a lifetime chance to enjoy residential study of this much acclaimed in-depth FPMT program, completed over a relatively short period of time, while living at beautiful ILTK, in the rolling hills of Tuscany, in welcoming and warm-hearted Italy!

Geshe Tenzin Tenphel, resident teacher at ILTK since 1998.

From 2027 to 2029 this BP provides daily teachings supported by review classes, meditation sessions, discussion groups, quizzes, and written tests. Graduation follows in 2030, upon program completion with the BP review and final exam, and the three-months lamrim retreat. The program includes short retreats for each subject, helping students to relate the BP subject matter to practice and to daily life. Online students share in everything the program offers by means of recordings and the full range of course materials provided.

The FPMT Basic Program was designed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche for students who wish to move beyond introductory courses, allowing for a commitment to deeper study and sustained practice. FPMT Education Services administers the review and final exam, and issues the BP Completion Certificate. Graduates serve in many roles and functions throughout FPMT, and are eligible for FPMT teacher registration.

At ILTK, students are instructed in the nine BP main subjects by the two resident Lharampa geshes. Geshe Tenzin Tenphel, resident teacher at ILTK since 1998, much appreciated for his love for debate, the clarity of his presentations, and his humorous style, has also taught the previous five BPs. FPMT Masters Program teacher, Geshe Jampa Gelek, resident teacher at ILTK since 2012, customarily teaches the tantra subject of the BP at ILTK.

Two excellent, gifted and highly qualified interpreters, both experienced graduates of the FPMT Translator Program, LRZTP, interpret directly from the Tibetan: Shahar Tene for English and Filippo Centrone for Italian. Shahar, who also completed the BP himself at ILTK, also serves as BP Teaching Assistant and Online Tutor for this BP.

As a BP student at ILTK one enjoys the rich academic environment provided by the residential FPMT Masters Program running alongside the BP. The two resident geshes also teach a variety of other courses, some of which may be of interest to BP students as well.

Please watch a short video of Geshe Tenphel introducing the FPMT Basic Program

You can find more information about this FPMT Basic Program on the Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa’s website 

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.

H. E. Chöden Rinpoche’s Mastering the Six-Session Guru Yoga, Wisdom Publications

Available in August 11, H. E. Choden Rinpoche’s Mastering the Six-Session Guru Yoga offers an illuminating commentary on one of the foundational daily practices of the Gelug tradition, accompanied by essential supplementary materials to support practitioners on the path. With contributions by Gyalten Khen Rinpoche and Ven. Tenzin Gache, this new volume from Wisdom Publications guides readers in maintaining the commitments of anuttarayoga tantra while deepening their understanding of this profound practice.

Drawing on a rich lineage of teachings—including excerpts from commentaries by Akhu Sherap Gyatso (1803–75) and Khenchen Namkha Tenkyong (1799–?), an oral commentary by Khen Rinpoche Geshe Gyalten, detailed explanations of the vows, illuminating reflections on the eight-line praises, and metered translations designed to support recitation—this book brings together everything needed to engage the practice with clarity and confidence. The result is a truly invaluable resource for practitioners of anuttarayoga tantra.

Pre-order is available through Amazon. 

His Eminence Choden Rinpoche

His Eminence Choden Rinpoche was born in eastern Tibet in 1930 and was recognized as a young boy as the reincarnation of the previous Choden Rinpoche. When he was fifteen, he enrolled at Sera Jé monastic college, where he excelled; he completed all the study necessary for the highest degree of geshe lharampa, was renowned as one of the great Tibetan teacher-yogis of our modern era, and was chosen as a debate partner for the Fourteenth Dalai Lama when His Holiness was taking his geshe exams. After the Chinese takeover of Tibet, Rinpoche entered solitary retreat, in which he stayed for nineteen years. In 1985 the Dalai Lama asked him to leave Tibet to teach in India and Nepal. He taught students in the geshe program at Sera Je for many years, as well as offering teachings all over the world. He passed away in 2015.

Discover more about Choden Rinpoche from Mandala 2000, “The Life of a Hidden Meditator.” 

Ven. Tenzin Gache

Ven. Tenzin Gache is originally from Boston and graduated from Tufts University in 2005. During his college years he became a student of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Choden Rinpoche. In 2006 he ordained with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and has lived and studied at Sera Jey Monastery since that time. He is the director of Sera IMI House and an FPMT registered teacher.  He is currently in the intensive exams to qualify for the title of lharampa geshe. Ven. Gache translated His Eminence Choden Rinpoche’s book,  Mastering Meditation: Instructions on Calm Abiding and Mahamudra which was published by Wisdom Publications in 2020.

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.

We are delighted to share an opportunity for students to explore the Buddhist science of mind on their own terms. Buddhist Mind Science: Activating Your Potential is an introductory FPMT course that blends Buddhist wisdom with modern science to uncover the roots of suffering and happiness, build a practical meditation toolkit, and activate your inner potential for warmheartedness and wisdom.

Across seven self-paced modules, you will journey from understanding what leads to lasting happiness, through the workings of the mind and emotions, to embodying compassion and wisdom in everyday life — reflecting and discovering for yourself along the way.

The online course is now available at our Online Learning Center, and you can purchase the enrolment keys at the Foundation Store.

Each Buddhist Mind Science module consists of lectures, readings, meditations, exercises, and quizzes. Students can complete some or all of the components of each course as they wish and are interested. A Certificate of Achievement for each module is issued upon completion of all requirements.  

This course was previously available only at FPMT centers. Please read more about this new opportunity for self-paced, at-home learning. 

Please explore all of the FPMT courses and programs available to you. 

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

Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Lama Yeshe in a tent at Syangboche, Solu Khumbu, Nepal, 1972. Photo courtesy of Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive.

The Fifteen Days of Miracles commemorate the special time when Guru Shakyamuni Buddha showed miraculous powers in order to subdue six tirthikas, or non-Buddhist teachers, who lacked faith in him, and to inspire more faith in his followers. It begins on Losar (February 18, 2026) and culminates on Chotrul Duchen (March 3, 2026), the full moon on the lunar calendar.  

All fifteen days are merit multiplying days, when the merit of virtuous actions performed on each of these days is multiplied by 100 million, according to the vinaya text Treasure of Quotations and Logic.

Practice Advice | Swift Return Prayers for Lama Zopa Rinpoche | Gelug Monlam |
Anniversary of Lama Yeshe’s Passing | Offerings on Losar

Practice Advice from Lama Zopa Rinpoche

 Lama Zopa Rinpoche offered extensive advice for how to make the most of these great holy multiplying days. Of particular note:

• Take the eight Mahayana precepts: Students can receive the lineage of these precepts from a specially produced video of Lama Zopa Rinpoche offering them in May 2020.
• Recite the Sutra Remembering the Three Jewels

Rinpoche also suggested any of the following, as one is able:

• Perform the Guru Shakyamuni Buddha puja. A beautiful and deeply inspirational puja. The puja text is formatted with hyperlinks for smooth navigation, so that individuals can easily do the core practice and any additional ones as their time allows. (This puja was performed with Khandro Kunga Bhuma on Vesak Day 2022 at Losang Dragpa Centre in Malaysia, with its resident teacher, Geshe Jampa Tsondu, as chant master. You can watch this online, starting at 6:10 in the video.)
• Recite sutras, such as Vajra Cutter Sutra, Sutra of Golden Light, and Sanghata Sutra
• Undertake Nyung Nas
• Perform self-initiation, for those who fulfilled the necessary prerequisites
• Perform Lama Chopa, and at either the beginning of the practice or during the lamrim section, you can meditate on emptiness
• Recite other prayers, such as Chanting the Names of Manjushri, and King of Prayers
• Recite the names of the Thirty-Five Buddhas, with prostrations
• Recite Vajrasattva mantras
• Recite OṂ MAṆI PADME HŪṂ with bodhichitta
• Meditate on emptiness and dependent arising
• Meditate on bodhichitta
• Practice tonglen
• Practice rejoicing in the good deeds of others
• Liberating animals

Of course, any other meritorious activities often advised by Lama Zopa Rinpoche are also good to do on these days. If you choose to recite the Sutra of Golden Light on these or other days, please remember to report your recitations in the Sutra of Golden Light reporting page. 

Swift Return Prayers for Lama Zopa Rinpoche

Swift Return Prayers held at the Buddha’s place of enlightenment in Bodhgaya 2025. Photo by Rohini Bobis.

In April 2025 a message from His Holiness the Dalai Lama was shared concerning Lama Zopa Rinpoche. In this message, His Holiness confirmed that, according to his observation, the reincarnation of our most precious spiritual director, Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, has taken birth in Nepal.

Any Dharma activities done on these multiplying days, please do take the opportunity to continue reciting the swift return prayers of our most precious Lama Zopa Rinpoche, also dedicating all of the merit for Rinpoche’s reincarnation to have good health, a sharp mind, and good conditions for the fulfillment of all Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s works and wishes. And of course, the main point in relying on the guru is practicing what the Guru taught and filling His holy wishes. Please consider organizing your Losar activities around this aim—to join forces around the world in order to generate as many powerful prayers as possible for the recognition of Rinpoche’s unmistaken incarnation.  Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Swift Return Prayers

There are many events and activities being organized around the world for powerful prayers dedicated to Rinpoche’s swift return during this merit-multiplying period. 

One precious opportunity that is available for all to join is once again being organized by Root Institute. Powerful prayers will be recited for the return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche at the seat of enlightenment under the bodhi tree at the Mahabodhi Stupa, Bodhgaya.

Everyone can join online or offline by downloading the free prayer book, From the Seat of Enlightenment. Root Institute will be livestreaming the prayer session daily 5-6 pm Indian time on their YouTube channel. Updates and news will also be posted on their Facebook page. The prayers are part of Root Institutes’ Festival of Lights and Merits with extensive offerings of lights, flowers and various pujas and practices available for sponsorship. This year, they are also hosting a 100,000 water bowl offering retreat at the stupa. 

Kopan Monastery and Nalanda Monastery host Gelug Monlam

During the Fifteen Days of Miracles, many Tibetan monasteries hold a Great Prayer Festival, which originates from Lama Tsongkhapa.  Kopan Monastery has continued to host the Great Prayer Festival on behalf of the FPMT annually since 1998.

According to the wish of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Nalanda Monastery in France will be hosting its third annual Gelug Monlam from February 28 to March 4. A Monlam Chenmo Prayer Book is available for centers or students who wish to host their own Prayer Festival or recite some of those prayers during this period.

Anniversary of Lama Yeshe’s Passing Away

Lama Yeshe at Chenrezig Institute, Australia, 1975. Photo donated by Wendy Finster, courtesy of the Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive.

Losar is a special time for the FPMT organization as it commemorates the anniversary of FPMT founder Lama Yeshe’s parinirvana at dawn of Losar in 1984. Lama Zopa Rinpoche advised to offer extensive Lama Chöpa with tsog on this special day.

 Rinpoche’s advice for a short Tibetan text, translated and with commentary by Rinpoche, Advice for the Anniversary of the Guru’s Passing Away, explains the importance of making offerings on the anniversary of the passing away of one’s guru.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche requested that centers host annual events on Losar day to introduce new students to Lama Yeshe. These events might include students who knew Lama Yeshe sharing their favorite stories, watching videos of Lama teaching, or reading stories about Lama. Of course, students are also encouraged to share stories of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, particularly now that Rinpoche has shown the aspect of passing away, this is a wonderful opportunity to keep these stories of our founders alive.

Additionally, according to the wishes of Rinpoche, on the anniversary of Lama Yeshe’s passing each year (Losar), gold will be offered to the Lama Yeshe statue at Kopan Monastery. This has now been occurring since 2022 and will be ongoing, in order to honor Rinpoche’s request. FPMT affiliates which have statues of Lama Yeshe are also encouraged to offer gold in this way every year, or as you are able.

Offerings on Losar

During the fifteen days of Losar, the FPMT Puja Fund will be sponsoring recitation of Kangyur, recitation of Guhyasamaja root text, Medicine Buddha Puja, and 1,000 sets of offerings to Namgyalma and recitation of the Chanting the Names of Manjushri (Jampal Tshen Jo) for the swift return of our precious Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, as well as many additional pujas and prayers. The Puja Fund will also be making monetary offerings to all the sangha, to Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s gurus; and offering saffron, new coat of paint, umbrella, and new robes to holy objects in India and Nepal. Gold will also be offered to the statue of Lama Yeshe at Kopan Monastery. Please consider sharing information about this vast offering and extensive prayers that have been specifically set up by Lama Zopa Rinpoche for the benefit of the whole organization and all beings.

Rejoice!

Please join us in rejoicing in all the meritorious activities happening within the FPMT organization and around the world on this auspicious merit-multiplying period!

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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 giving the oral transmission of the Sutra of Great Liberation, Kopan Monastery, Nepal, March 2021. Photo by Lobsang Sherab.

Sutras are records of teachings given by the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni. The Buddha’s discourses were memorized by his disciples and later written down in various languages, the most complete collections of teachings being in Pali and Sanskrit. Because sutras contain the actual words spoken by the Buddha, by reproducing that speech ourselves during recitations our voice becomes a conduit for the spread of Buddha’s teachings in the world. A special set of sutras called dharmaparyayas or “transformative teachings,” including the Sanghata Sutra, function to transform those who hear, recite or write out them in particular ways, in the same way as meeting a buddha in the flesh.

“I am very happy to hear that you immediately rushed to read the sutras. That made me so extremely happy. That means you are truly a very devoted student, maybe not quite truly existent. Please keep reading the sutras, even one line or one page a day. It has so much meaning,” Lama Zopa Rinpoche once wrote to a student, who had written to Rinpoche after he sent her three sutras. 

“Reading the sutras will help you so much. It is the easiest way to direct your life toward enlightenment and toward enlightening all sentient beings, so it has so much benefit, even benefit for your nose.”

Sutra Recitation for World Peace

Lama Zopa Rinpoche said about the Sutra of Golden Light, “This text is very precious; it brings peace and happiness and is very powerful to stop violence. By hearing this text, one’s karma is purified.” Rinpoche made a personal vow to propagate the Sutra of Golden Light and give oral transmissions of it in many parts of the world. Having the sutra recited as much as possible was also one of Rinpoche’s Vast Visions for FPMT. Rinpoche has said, “I would like to make this request with my two palms together, to please recite the Sutra of Golden Light for world peace as much as you can.”

At this time, with the world in trouble in many ways, actions taken toward world peace are desperately needed. 

Please visit our webpage dedicated to the recitation of the Sutra of Golden Light where you will find many resources and links, including:

• PDFs of the sutra in fifteen different languages
• Audio and video of Lama Zopa Rinpoche offering an oral transmission of the sutra
• Advice from Rinpoche on the benefits of reciting the sutra
• Instructions on how to dedicate your recitations and how to report them
• Stories from students about experiences reciting the sutra

“The holy Sutra of Golden Light is extremely powerful and fulfills all one’s wishes, as well as bringing peace and happiness for all sentient beings, up to enlightenment. It is also extremely powerful for world peace, for your own protection, the protection of your country, and the world. Also, it has great healing power for living beings in the area in which you are reciting.” — Lama Zopa Rinpoche

We have compiled resources to help you engage with all of the sutras we make available. 

Updates: We have recently made minor updates to two important sutras: Vajra Cutter Sutra and Sutra of Great Liberation.

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.

Line drawing of Naropa by Andy Weber.

FPMT Education Services is pleased to present this volume of teachings on the six yogas of Naropa by Gyume Khenzur Rinpoche Lobsang Jampa, A Detailed Commentary on the Practice of the Six Yogas of Naropa. Lama Zopa Rinpoche held Khenzur Rinpoche and his mastery of tantric topics such as Vajrayogini and the six yogas in high regard. It was Rinpoche’s personal request that Khenzur Rinpoche’s teachings on the six yogas be made available.

Khenzur Rinpoche kindly granted permission for us to publish these teachings. His wish is that these teachings are only made available to students who have received a great highest yoga tantra initiation (wang) such as Chakrasamvara, Guhyasamaja, Yamantaka, Hevajra, or Kalachakra.

Lorne Ladner, who had attended many of Gyurme Khenzur Rinpoche’s teachings on this topic and meticulously took copious notes, generously accepted this project and following Khenzur Rinpoche’s advice, compiled and edited them into this book. With Khenzur Rinpoche’s permission, Lorne supplemented the six yogas book with materials from Rinpoche’s other teachings, particularly, teachings on the five stages of the completion stage of Guhyasamaja, and the completion stage of Yamantaka, mahamudra, and tantric stages and paths.

Khenzur Rinpoche’s source for these teachings was primarily Lama Tsongkhapa’s A Guide to the Profound Path of the Six Yogas of Naropa Endowed with Three Convictions. Khenzur Rinpoche also often based his explanations on Source of the Attainment of Great Bliss by Nagtsang Lozang Tenpa Dargye. According to Lorne, despite Khenzur Rinpoche already having a deep and personal understanding of these practices, Khenzur Rinpoche reviewed different commentaries and practice manuals on the six yogas by various Kagyu and Gelug masters before giving the teachings.

With its step-by-step instructions, clear explanations, and appendices, this manual is a wonderful reference and guide for those interested in practicing the six yogas of Naropa.

Kyabje Jhado Rinpoche will be giving teachings on the six yogas of Naropa at Maitripa College in Portland, Oregon, this month. 

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

Lama Zopa Rinpoche blessing a buffalo that he named Bodhichitta, Kopan Monastery, August 2021. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

Several years ago Lama Zopa Rinpoche requested Geshe Tenzin Namdak to translate sections of Geshe Thubten Soepa’s book on vegetarianism, Dharma Discourses on Abandoning Killing, Harming and Consuming the Meat of Innocent Sentient Beings, titled ‘The Melody of Willows Bending in the Wind,’ published by Sera Jey Library in 2018.

Benefiting all sentient beings, including insects and animals, was a Vast Vision of Lama Zopa Rinpoche for the FPMT organization which has a number of animal projects including the Animal Liberation Fund, Animal Liberation Sanctuary and MAITRI Charitable Trust. Many centers host regular animal blessings in parks and public places.

 We are pleased to report that earlier this year Geshe Namdak kindly completed this request with Dharma Discourses on Vegetarianism, and we are very happy to share it with you via the Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive.

As Geshe Soepa’s book was primarily aimed at a monastic audience and includes various debates concerning Vinaya and Vajrayana scriptures, Rinpoche indicated to Geshe Namdak that it was not necessary to translate the entire book; instead, the translation should focus on sections relevant to the general Buddhist community of lay people.

This text has many important points to consider, including, on “The Benefits of Avoiding Meat”:

“Unlike animals, humans have the freedom to choose what food we consume. Certain animals, by virtue of being born in the wild, must hunt other beings for survival. In contrast, humans can maintain a healthy diet without meat and various scientific studies suggest that there may be unhealthy aspects associated with meat consumption.”

You can download Dharma Discourses on Vegetarianism, translated by Geshe Tenzin Namdak from the Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive and also access more teachings from Geshe Soepa regarding protecting the lives of animals.

Please rejoice that these teachings, which support Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Vast Vision, are now available, thanks to this translation from Geshe Namdak!

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 Tsongkhapa with his two main disciples.

Ganden Ngamchoe, literally “Ganden Offering of the Twenty-Fifth Day,” or Lama Tsongkhapa Day, is a celebration of the anniversary of Lama Tsongkhapa’s parinirvana. It is celebrated on the twenty-fifth day of the tenth month of the Tibetan calendar. This year, Lama Tsongkhapa Day falls on December 14, 2025.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche encouraged FPMT centers, projects, and services to engage in a variety of practices on Ganden Ngamchoe to celebrate and create merit. Of course, students are more than encouraged to engage in these practices individually as well, however one is able. Rinpoche also gave advice and suggestions for practices that can be done according to your time and ability. They can be found on the FPMT webpage Practices for Ganden Ngamchoe, Lama Tsongkhapa Day. 

You will also find links to resources in English, French, Tibetan, Spanish, and other languages, and specific advice given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche for the 2019 celebration of the 600th anniversary of Lama Tsongkhapa’s parinirvana.

A traditional offering on Lama Tsongkhapa Day is light offerings. Lama Zopa Rinpoche says,

Just as many people use lots of lights during Christmas and at marriages, we too should use lots of lights on Lama Tsongkhapa Day… Students at the center can hang up as many Christmas lights as possible. You can hang lights around the center buildings, like a net of light offerings that cover a whole wall, outside and inside. The lights can be white or different colors. Or you can hang lights over the trees and bushes or in the garden around the center.

By offering lights to Lama Tsongkhapa, merit fields, and so forth, we create the cause of enlightenment, of liberation from samsara, and of the happiness of future lives. Also, success will happen in this life. Even if you hate happiness in this life, it will still come by the way. This is what you get from offering every single candle or Christmas light to the Guru Three Rare Sublime Ones.

The Extensive Offering Practice composed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche can be used.

Monks making light offerings at Kopan Monastery in Nepal on Lama Tsongkhapa Day, December 2020. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

We also wanted to take this opportunity to remind everyone about the precious advice we received from His Holiness the Dalai Lama to recite Chanting the Names of Noble Manjushri for the swift return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, which can be added to the Lama Tsongkhapa Day auspicious activities. We are delighted to share a beautiful recording of Ven. Tenzin Gendun reciting Chanting the Names of Manjushri. The video contains many precious photos of Lama Zopa Rinpoche as well. 

This is a very special and powerful day to recite any Swift Return Prayers one is able, for our most precious Rinpoche! Please also rejoice that on this special day, Lama Zopa Rinpoche began the tradition of offering lunch and dessert to all Sangha in IMI communities.

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.

Teachings at the start of the Nalanda’s second FPMT Masters Program, February 2024. Photo courtesy Nalanda Monastery.

The FPMT Masters Program in Buddhist Studies of Sutra and Tantra (MP) is FPMT’s most advanced education program, the realization of the vision of Lama Thubten Yeshe. Its mission is to provide a full-time, in-depth education for students of the Tibetan Mahayana tradition of Lama Tsongkhapa that emphasizes the integration of academic, practice, behavior, service, and training components. In addition to offering students a profound deepening of their Dharma understanding and practice, the program aims to provide the FPMT with highly qualified Western teachers of Buddhist theory and practice.

Nalanda Monastery, with its beautiful setting in the rolling hills of Southern France, extends an invitation to all interested students to join the teachings on the Madhyamakavatara, the next subject of their MP, starting February 2026.

Chandrakirti’s famous masterpiece, the Madhyamakavatara or Supplement to the Middle Way, explores in great depth the grounds, or levels of practice, of bodhisattvas. Its profound and detailed exposition of emptiness is the source of Lama Tsongkhapa’s unexcelled presentation of ultimate and conventional truth.

Geshe Gyaltsen and Venerable Jamyang at the conclusion of the first term of Nalanda’s MP. Photo courtesy of Nalanda Monastery.

Renowned for his accessible explanations, Geshe Jamphel Gyaltsen, Nalanda’s resident MP teacher, will base his teachings on Lama Tsongkhapa’s commentary Illumination of the Thought, a fascinating and enlightening text.

MP Teaching Assistant, Venerable Lhundub Jamyang, teaches four review classes per week, encouraging investigation, proper understanding, commitment to practice, and sharing. She also provides questions for the discussions. With students offering presentations, leading meditations, and attending various workshops, this is a rich and deeply engaging MP.

MP students and staff enjoying a picnic, October 2025. Photo courtesy of Nalanda Monastery.

This is a last chance to immerse oneself in this subject at MP level for many years to come. Please be encouraged, (or encourage your study inclined friends and students), to consider going to France and making use of this unique opportunity which starts February 2026, in English and in French, with residential and online options. Please read more for further information and to register.

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

For twenty-seven years, the Liberation Prison Project has been producing the Liberation Tibetan calendar to support their work helping people in prison with their Buddhist practice. The calendar is a beautifully crafted guide grounded in authentic Tibetan lunar astrology and presents Tibetan lunar dates along with solar and lunar eclipses and over thirty kinds of auspicious and inauspicious days for spiritual practice, information on Buddha Days as well as appropriate days for performing Medicine Buddha and Tara pujas, putting up prayer flags, doing fire pujas, tsog offerings, and various activities.

This calendar is a reliable resource for FPMT students around the world. The calendar is prepared by astrologer Paksam Ngawang Thartho based on the Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institutes calendar, with additional advice from Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Geshe Ngawang Dakpa.

The 2026 Liberation Tibetan calendar, year of the Fire Horse, is available now as a printable PDF.

Liberation Prison Project (LPP) envisions a world where every incarcerated person has access to the transformative power of the Dharma. LPP empowers individuals on their spiritual journey of exploration, learning, and personal transformation through Buddhist study and mentorship.

Shakyamuni Buddha statue inside the Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya, India. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.

Lhabab Duchen, one of the four great holy days of the Buddhist calendar. As a reminder, this special day occurs this year on November 11. 

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

Specific practices recommended by Lama Zopa Rinpoche for merit-multiplying days can be found on the fpmt.org website on our “Practice on the Four Great Holy Days” page.

Specific practices recommended by Lama Zopa Rinpoche for merit-multiplying days include:

• Taking the eight Mahayana precepts—students can receive the lineage of these precepts from a specially produced video of Lama Zopa Rinpoche granting them
• Reciting the Sutra Remembering the Three Jewels

The translated Sutra of Great Liberation, which Lama Zopa Rinpoche extolled the immense benefits of engaging in, is another sutra that can recited on this special day.

In accordance with the advice of Ven. Choden Rinpoche, one of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s teachers, Lama Zopa Rinpoche observed all the auspicious dates in the Buddhist calendar by Indian Standard time, instead of any other local time.

Of course, in any activities done at your center during Lhabab Duchen, please do take the opportunity to dedicate all of the merit generated for the swift return of our most precious Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Please read the latest advice offered by His Holiness to continue reciting Chanting the Names of Noble Manjushri as well as Migtsema.

Offerings on Lhabab Duchen 

On Lhabab Duchen the FPMT Puja Fund will be sponsoring numerous pujas including the recitation of the Prajnaparamita Sutra, Lama Chopa, Medicine Buddha Puja, Drugchuma and Chanting the Names of Manjushri. The stupas of Boudhanath and Swambyunath in Nepal will be freshly painted and the umbrellas will be offered at the pinnacle of each stupa. A new set of robes will be offered to the Buddha statue in the Mahabodhi temple in Bodhgaya. Additionally, animals will be liberated, sutras recited and printed, and offerings will be made to all of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s gurus and to all the IMI Sangha communities in FPMT. 

Please consider sharing information about these offerings and extensive prayers that have been specifically set up by Lama Zopa Rinpoche for the benefit of the whole organization and all beings. Rinpoche mentioned many times that he wishes for “the pujas being sponsored and offered on each of the four Buddha days to continue forever, or for as long as the monasteries and nunneries exist.” 

Please join us in rejoicing in all the meritorious activities happening within the FPMT organization and around the world on this auspicious merit-multiplying day!

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.