Rinpoche’s Health – Official Updates and Practices

April 2 2012

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 05:03:53 -0700

Dear Friends,

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

Thank you everyone for all your support and kindness.

roger

Advice for Rinpoche's Quick Recovery

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 07:28:01 -0800

March 8th 2012

Dear Friends,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

March 5 2012

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 04:59:52 -0800

Dear Friends,

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

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

Thank you,

roger

Dec 24 2011

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 13:48:25 -0800

Rinpoche meeting His Holiness the Dalai Lama in December 2011

Lama Zopa Rinpoche during long life puja held at Tushita

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

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

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

Rinpoche's Response to Recitations Accomplished

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:58:16 -0800

December 13th 2011

Dear Friends,

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

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

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

Love roger

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

December 7 2011

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:09:00 -0800

Dear Friends,

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

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

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

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

MANY thanks, and all good wishes,

Claire

Claire Isitt

Center Services Director

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

www.fpmt.org

November 20 2011

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 01:24:46 -0800

Dear Friends,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

roger

October 5 2011

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 07:05:13 -0700

Dear Friends,

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

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

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

roger

Prayer Offered for Rinpoche's Recovery

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 09:37:49 -0700

September 22 2011

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

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

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

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

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

English

A4 booklet

letter-size booklet

French

A4 booklet

Spanish

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

September 20 2011

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 08:24:49 -0700

Photos of Rinpoche in Kopan Monastery, Nepal

(click on the photos to enlarge them)

Photographs by Piero Siriani

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

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

September 4 2011

Sun, 04 Sep 2011 07:34:39 -0700

Dear Friends,

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

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

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

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

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

roger

August 31 2011

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 23:48:26 -0700

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

Video Links:

Eating with right hand

Using right hand to write

Turning prayerwheel with right hand

Walking with assistance

Walking around Boudha stupa

August 13 2011

Sat, 13 Aug 2011 06:38:22 -0700

Dear Friends,

Now it is nearly 4 months since Rinpoche had a stroke, we are doing our best in changing circumstances to keep the discipline of physio and physical exercises going as well as medication for the control of the diabetes and blood pressure. In terms of Rinpoche's progress it is slow but continues to be positive. There is more use of the right arm and leg, the arm is taking longer but according to doctors this is expected. The speech seems to be improving slowly also and Rinpoche uses chanting prayers as the exercise for the mouth rather than what the speech therapist normally gives. The difficult and complicated chanting takes quite a bit of effort but seems to be working ... and of course much more inspiring (to Rinpoche) than the normal phrases.

We have had a new leg brace made which allows Rinpoche better leg movement when walking, so now we use part of the high quality brace made in Australia (A$2,000) with the brace made here (3,200 rs ... about $35 dollars) and it seems we have a good arrangement for the next phase of development in helping the right leg. The right arm and hand is more complicated and depends a lot on Rinpoche using it as much as he can ... to retrain it, so if you get something signed by Rinpoche and you can't read it... then you know it has been signed by Rinpoche.

Thank you to everyone for all your understanding and support in so many ways,

roger

August 8 2011

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 13:36:16 -0700

Lama Zopa Rinpoche turning a prayer wheel with great effort using his right hand. Rinpoche does 3 koras at Boudhanath stupa walking (with help), and then does 7 koras in the wheelchair, each time stopping to turn the prayer wheel, using his right hand.

July 29 2011

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 05:04:06 -0700

Dear Friends,

Rinpoche is doing well with his recovery. Now the main emphasis is on keeping a strict daily discipline of exercise, massage specializing in clearing the blockages for helping to restore normal use of the right side) and physio work. The discipline in the past has been interrupted here for various reasons ... now we need to be even more strict as we have been warned that the optimum time for restoring Rinpoche's physical condition to normal is quickly passing ... the next few months are critical.

Rinpoche has a full day of exercise etc. starting with the physio coming at 7.45 am ... there are some breaks through the day for Rinpoche to do prayers etc. ... then in the evening Rinpoche does korwa at either Swoyambhu or Bodha stupa... Rinpoche believes this is one of the best activities for purification as well as physical exercise, of course it gets interrupted sometimes due rain ... monsoon, still sometimes Rinpoche does korwa in the rain.

Our request to those who would like to visit Rinpoche is ... please not in the next few months, of course if it was just 1 or 2 visits it would be fine but many would like to visit and then the schedule goes out the window as Rinpoche will not say no... he very much focuses on others.

Thank you very kindly to everyone for your understanding,

roger

July 13 2011

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 03:09:10 -0700

Dear Friends,

Over the last week Rinpoche hasn't been regular in the physio and exercise, I guess it was a bit of an experiment from Rinpoche's side but also due to business with other programs. The physio came this morning (after 1 week absence) and confirmed that generally the muscles lost their tone and this is due to not exercising them regular and many times in the day. So again it requires a lot of discipline mostly from Rinpoche's side to keep moving/training the muscles in every part of the right side ... even all the facial ones ... as over the last week even the speech has deteriorated. For a diabetic the physio says it is more difficult as the muscles become fatigued quicker, so requires more repetition for shorter periods also rest in between. And even Rinpoche can walk the 3 kms around Swayambhu much of that time can be that he becomes lazy in the way the right leg is used ... swinging it from the hip rather than bending at the knee in a forward action. So we have to have Rinpoche stop regularly rest and then start again ... working quality rather quantity.

Then the need to focus on balance and coordination ... as well as speed to react with the right muscles. All this has to be worked into normal daily actions all the time and this requires most of all Rinpoche's participation and cooperation. It is hard for Rinpoche as he is not so familiar and disciplined with physical exercise ... as well it requires more effort and repetition for a diabetic ... interspersed with short periods of rest.

This morning the physio (he is very good and Rinpoche listens to him!) came at 7-45 am (his normal time for a session) ... he expects Rinpoche to be rested in the morning ... but in fact Rinpoche has been doing prayers/meditating most of the time thru the night... so not rested ... the body is a little tired and not responding well to the exercises ... so change of strong habits ... again not easy.

Rinpoche finished a 10 day course of acupuncture a week ago and will not continue more at this time.

Khadro la is back in Nepal and is doing massage and her physio style ... similar to the physio but more aggressive! Interesting to see the similarities ... Khadro la is very confident in what she does and Rinpoche seems to respond well.

In the background we have 4 western doctors overseeing from a distance Rinpoche's progress with the blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Blood pressure is getting better (with western medication) and is reasonable now; also the sugar levels are better but using insulin injections 3 times a day.

The big challenge at present and for the next several months is the discipline with regular physio and exercise through the day, every day, so Rinpoche needs the space and conditions to do that. This is the reason why Rinpoche has not been accepting appointments. Still Rinpoche puts effort into the necessary organizational work and responsibilities which he has a lot of energy for.

Thank you to everyone for all your support in so many ways.

roger

June 29 2011

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 09:36:29 -0700

Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Khenrinpoche Lama Lhundrup at Kopan Monastery, Nepal. June 2011.

(click on the picture to see a larger version)

June 23 2011

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:36:13 -0700

Dear friends,

Rinpoche is doing well and still in Nepal. Rinpoche is walking without aid now though someone has to walk close behind in case Rinpoche stumbles. Rinpoche has to drag the right leg a little and use his hip a little to swing his leg around to make a step but quite an improvement as he is independent. When we leave the gompa and return he has about 57 steps go down and up ... that is hard and needs a lot of care to manage.

Right arm has more movement now but hand still has no energy to hold anything and arm has little energy to support in normal activity.

Speech is slowly improving right side of mouth little movement.

Rinpoche’s day is quite full, starting at 6:30 am practicing movement, 7:45 am physio session, then massage, afternoon is movements and then acupuncture and every evening is circumambulation of Bodha stupa or Swayambhu. So quite a full day.

Rinpoche is quite happy and eager with trying to get back to normal physical health. Many times a little too eager! Sense of humor seems even better than before, especially about his own situation ... Sometimes he bursts out laughing about trying to do some exercise and it isn't working.

Love

roger

Long Life Puja - photos

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 12:16:23 -0700

Photos taken during the long life puja offered to Lama Zopa Rinpoche in Kopan Monastery, Nepal; June 10 2011

The main lamas attending the puja are Dhakpa Rinpoche, Dagri Rinpoche, Serkong Dorje Chang, Khen Rinpoche Lama Lhundrup, Khadro la and Lhatsung Rinpoche (a lay lama).

June 10 2011

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 04:37:12 -0700

Dear Friends,

Rinpoche is now in Kopan , arrived 2 days ago. Today there is a special long life puja for Rinpoche. Then over the next 2 weeks a number of pujas.

Rinpoche's walking is improving but still the right foot does not have much movement in the toes. The right arm has a little movement, there has not been much improvement in the speech. Hoping to see more improvement over the next few weeks while here. It is a time to focus on Rinpoche's health as much as possible. Again Rinpoche is saying it will take time to heal. What is good is that Rinpoche has a little independence now ... he can move around a little without support ... but still a little shaky.

roger

More Photos

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 11:41:26 -0700

Lama Zopa Rinpoche recovering in Australia with Khadro la, Osel and Gomo Rinpoche

Rinpoche at the Great Stupa with Friends

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 09:53:40 -0700

May 29th - Rinpoche's first time out publically, introducing Khadro la, Osel and Gomo Rinpoche to the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Bendigo, Australia.

June 3 2011

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 22:07:46 -0700

Dear Friends,

Khadro la has been with us for the last 7 days and has been helping Rinpoche a lot with the right side that is partially paralyzed. Khadro la has been very helpful in explaining what is happening as she can actually see the subtle aspects of the body that normally ordinary people cannot see. So from her direct experience of seeing the subtle energy blocks etc she has methods for helping the body to regain its normal functions. It's quite amazing to see her working very confidentially and with such determination.

For the past few weeks Rinpoche has been continually saying to us that "the paralysis will take time to heal ... it won't happen soon". Rinpoche would add .. "no matter what medicines or methods are used etc until the karma is finished my situation won't get better". There has been slow improvement with the right arm and muscles in the mouth ... causing the slur and difficulty in speech. The right leg has improved so that Rinpoche can walk short distances unaided but needing someone nearby incase he stumbles.

Rinpoche says he has to focus a lot on exercising the right side of the body over the next months and until then will not be able to do any public Dharma activities ... this means we will have to cancel all Rinpoche's public program thru the remainder of 2011.

Rinpoche's blood pressure is still high, it is proving difficult to get it down. Rinpoche is on insulin now and the doctors are ok with the present sugar levels.

Khadro la has given very good advice for the near future and said it's important for Rinpoche to have rest and be in a healthy environment.

Rinpoche received a surprise visit from Osel and Gomo Rinpoche , they flew from Europe to be with Rinpoche for a several days ... very nice to have them around... their mission they said is "to bring love".

Thank you to everyone for all the prayers and well wishes ... please continue ... they are still very much needed.

roger

May 25 2011

Tue, 24 May 2011 12:01:29 -0700

Dear Friends,

Rinpoche circumambulates 3 times a day the relics for 30 mins. This requires no encouragement at all ... it's done with enthusiasm! Then needs to rest ... which is the same after each physio therapy session. Now Rinpoche needs only a little support when walking short distances , longer distances a wheel chair is needed.

Last Thursday after the brace was fitted to Rinpoche's right leg by the Prosthetist Orthotist ... Rinpoche said "when I came back from having the brace fitted I had a rest and dreamt of His Holiness, after the dream I was able to move 3 fingers (right hand) that I wasn’t able to move before and also I could read mantras quicker, so a little bit better, slight, but can’t tell how long". This was good news as not much was happening with the right arm, now there is a little more movement in certain directions ... still a long way to go with the arm.

Speech is also slowly improving ... still a slur. With all the exercises for leg, arm and speech it doesn't take long for Rinpoche to tire ... for the short time before tiring he does well, then tiredness sets in and the excises become difficult as no strength.

Rinpoche has not started acupuncture or Chinese medicine ... saying according to his mo seems need to delay a little longer before starting.

I would think now we will settle into a routine for the next month or 2 focusing on the physio and lots of rest.

Thank you

roger

May 20 2011

Mon, 23 May 2011 09:17:31 -0700

At Ease in Bendigo

Ven Roger Kunsang's latest blog.

May 18 2011

Wed, 18 May 2011 08:56:27 -0700

Dear Friends,

Lama Zopa Rinpoche has been discharged from the hospital and is now resting comfortably in a private home nearby the hospital. Rinpoche is now an outpatient at the hospital and will be going to the hospital 3 times a week for physio.

At Rinpoche's request we have researched Doctors of Chinese medicine. From many names Rinpoche chose one and on consultation with the doctor will start treatment very soon. Both the western and Chinese treatment will be compatible, no conflict .

At "home" Rinpoche is very comfortable and relaxed and I think feeling much more at ease. Khadro la will be arriving soon and will be helping Rinpoche over the next few weeks.

Again many thanks for all the support and prayers by so many.

Thank you

roger

Out on a Limb: On the Road in One Place

Sat, 14 May 2011 05:40:00 -0700

Ven.Roger Kunsang's blog regarding the last 18 days.

May 13 2011

Thu, 12 May 2011 23:16:46 -0700

Dear friends,

Rinpoche is doing well in the physio morning and afternoon. Rinpoche's sugar levels are improving he is now on insulin. Blood pressure is now close to normal. Rinpoche still gets fatigued quickly which doctors say is normal in this kind of situation, so a lot of rest is required.

Rinpoche wants to leave the hospital soon (would then become an outpatient). That may happen next week if all goes well.

Again many many thanks for everyones prayers and support.

roger

May 12 2011

Wed, 11 May 2011 22:30:32 -0700

Dear Friends,

Yesterday went well with Rinpoche , the physio's were happy with Rinpoches progress in the pool and the gym. Quite a bit of joking and laughing going on.

Rinpoche is always keen to get into the pool by himself but hasn't been allowed, always the physio says no ... You have to be lowered into the pool by hoist. This morning the main physio says Rinpoche can try get out of the pool himself ! Rinpoche is really keen to try... We are half way through the hydro therapy ... Rinpoche enjoys the pool.

roger

I am enjoying the hotel.....

Tue, 10 May 2011 08:42:04 -0700

Tiny message written by Rinpoche, with his left hand, in hospital, that says "I am enjoying the hotel, 5 or 10 star hotel"

May 9 2011

Mon, 09 May 2011 12:51:45 -0700

Dear Friends,

Last night Rinpoche spoke for a little while and his speech had definitely improved. Then this morning he went for 1 hour in the pool for hydro therapy, in the afternoon physio again in the gym for 1 hour ... the physio's say he has improved quite a bit. Now you can see quite a difference so it seems there was a real need for rest!

Rinpoche also spoke a little of the prayers he has been doing while in hospital ... for the other patients around him, for all the future patients that will come to the hospital, for the patients that will use the room he is using in the future, for the patients who will use the bed sheets he has been using, the pillow slips etc ... extensive prayers!

roger

May 8 2011

Sun, 08 May 2011 05:14:54 -0700

Dear Friends,

A few days back Rinpoche had what the doctors said appeared to be a continuation of the stroke ... this sometimes happens with stroke patients ... in fact for the 1 month after having a stroke there is a 50% chance of another stroke. This is one of the key reasons for being in the hospital ... to gain control over the blood sugar levels and blood pressure which are seen to be the conditions for a stroke if they are not at this time strictly controlled. Also to have the close monitoring which is necessary at these times. The doctor (who is a stroke specialist, looking after Rinpoche) says that usually patients are kept in the hospital for 4 to 6 weeks after a stroke.

Rinpoche is continuing with his physio therapy in the pool and gym, but this has been interrupted due to Rinpoche being very tired/exhausted ... another thing the doctor says happens a lot with stroke patients.

Rinpoche will start hydro therapy again tomorrow, as well as physio in the gym tomorrow afternoon if the doctor feels he has rested enough. If all goes well and the therapy can continue then Rinpoche could be able to move around a little by himself in 1 or 2 weeks. Then Rinpoche can leave the hospital and become an outpatient (continue the therapy at the hospital under the same doctors and physio therapists while staying at home).

Rinpoche also wants to try Chinese medicine, acupuncture etc. when his situation is more stable.

It has been quite overwhelming the number of people from around the world offering well wishes, the pujas and prayers done by Monasteries, Centers and students, the offers of all sorts of help by so many. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE ... A HUGE THANK YOU ... please do continue.

roger

May 5 2011

Thu, 05 May 2011 06:33:19 -0700

Dear Friends,

The night of the 3rd wasn't an easy one for Rinpoche so in the morning in consultation with the doctor we cancelled the physio therapy sessions for the pool in the morning and the session with the physio in the afternoon. The doctor did some tests and thought Rinpoche had exhausted himself the day before in the physio sessions (it certainly was a full day ... and partly maybe Rinpoche being very enthusiastic). Rinpoche rested all day and thru the evening, being very quiet and doing prayers.

This morning (the 5th) the doctor cancelled the morning session in the pool and said the physio therapist would reevaluate Rinpoche this afternoon. Rinpoche this morning seemed much more rested.

The hospital is small well laid out and in a nice setting ... quiet. We plan this afternoon to take Rinpoche outside in a wheelchair for some fresh air and have some tea. In the evenings Rinpoche watches a little of the world and local news.

The doctor just came and had a relaxed chat with us about Rinpoche's condition ... and thinks best for Rinpoche to take an extra week in the hospital to allow more time for Rinpoche to be walking with some independence.

roger

May 3 2011

Tue, 03 May 2011 01:30:51 -0700

Dear Friends,

The weekend has been quiet, tomorrow morning Rinpoche will have his first therapy session in the whirl pool. Doctors say Rinpoche's progress is very good with his right leg. The right arm has still little movement ... they say the arm is always slower than the leg. The main concern for the doctors is the control of the blood pressure and sugar levels. This they say must be under strict control ... otherwise the danger of another stroke.

Rinpoche is committed to staying in the rehabilitation ward of the hospital for several more days and the doctors are very happy with this. This private hospital is working quite well for Rinpoche. The staff ... nurses and doctors are very good and always willing to take time to discuss Rinpoche's situation and future, it is the same with the nurses.

Rinpoche's food is cooked at the monastery and gets delivered 3 times a day ... as well we take the hospital food which is quite ok and integrate it.

Rinpoche can stand on his own for short period of time... but you have to be there in case he loses his balance ... tonight he stood alone in one spot for several minutes and did a short walk (assisted) ... which was pretty good ... but then had to lay down and rest ... fatigue happens quickly.

Its Monday morning and Rinpoche just finished his first time in the pool for hydro therapy, Rinpoche said it was "pleasant". It looked like Rinpoche enjoyed it ... went on for about 40 mins.

Love

roger

Videos of Rinpoche - April 30 2011

Sat, 30 Apr 2011 06:35:47 -0700

New short videos of Rinpoche in the hospital a few days after stroke:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9mX1wprIFw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baixwZYmpRw

Photo of Rinpoche - April 30 2011

Sat, 30 Apr 2011 06:35:54 -0700

Lama Zopa Rinpoche in hospital, with great difficulty putting hands in mudra of prostration during extensive offering practice.

Photograph by Holly Ansett

Ongoing List of Some of the Pujas Done

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 10:54:53 -0700

Ongoing list of pujas and practices dedicated to Lama Zopa Rinpoche's health and long life. Please click here.

His Holiness the Private Office sent a message to Sera Je requesting:

Extensive Hayagriva Tsog Kong for 2 days - all the monks of Sera Je
4 Mandala offering to Tara – all the monks of Sera Je
Recite 3 long life deity mantra – all the monks of Sera Je
Medicine Buddha mantra – all the monks of Sera Je
Extensive Hayagriva Tsog puja for one day by the special Hayagriva committee

Geshe Sopa

Offered 2 xMedicine Buddha puja
1 x Tara 4 Mandala Offerings Puja

Choden Rinpoche

Extensive Hayagriva Tsog with Geshe Ngawang Drakpa and all the students in the Bay area
Extensive Hayagriva puja by the Hayagriva committee at Sera Je Monastery x 7
Students to recite praise and mantra of Most Secret Hayagriva

Khadro la Namsel Dolma

Sera Je monks Tara puja and Extensive Hayagriva puja
Khadro la herself did many Tara pujas, Tsog offering, Tea offering, Incense offerings, water purification (dorje Namjom)
Extensive animal liberations and to count the numbers and to offer them to Rinpoche and request Rinpoche to live long.
For students to do Tara Puja, Tara mantra and Tara praises with extensive offerings
Medicine Buddha puja and practice

Khandro Chhochen

To recite 100,000 x Vajra Armor mantra - completed by students at Atisha Center
To recite Phurba Setop

Dagri Rinpoche

Students to do Long Life sutra –as much as possible

Oser Rinpoche

1,000 Offerings to Namgyalma
1,000 offerings to Medicine Buddha
King of Prayers betraying the death puja

Sera Je Abbott requested the Sera Je monastery to do

Heart Sutra puja and White Umbrella – by all the monks
Extensive Hayagriva puja – by all the monks
Medicine Buddha Puja – by all the monks
Tara Puja – by all the monks
2 days Hayagriva extensive puja by the special Hayagriva monks

This is just a few of the pujas and practices. Please click here for ongoing updated list.

How to View Lama Zopa Rinpoche

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 15:40:28 -0700

April 28 2011

Dear Friends,

Some students asked for help on how to view Lama Zopa Rinpoche while doing practice for Rinpoche’s health and long life, as they experienced some confusion between seeing Rinpoche with pure view as enlightened while also doing practice to help Rinpoche’s 'ordinary' ill-health.

I asked Choden Rinpoche, who is one of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s gurus, for advice on this point. Choden Rinpoche very kindly replied very quickly with the following advice:

“Students need to hold the view that the guru is holy Buddha, but he manifests ordinary appearance, like having a stroke. Just like Buddha Shakyamuni in reality he is enlightened, but he manifests ordinary appearance, like having a headache and back pain.

So when students engage in practices like Medicine Buddha and so forth for Lama Zopa Rinpoche to have a healthy and long life, students can do the practice while maintaining the view that the lama is Buddha, but dedicate the practice in order to pacify the ordinary appearance of having a stroke.”

Ven Roger Kunsang also commented:

“Your karmic projection is ill, the dharmakaya isn’t ill!
And we share a similar karmic projection. “

The Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive's April newsletter also includes some very helpful and relevant advice on this topic.

love Claire

April 28 2011

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 01:11:11 -0700

Dear Friends,

This morning was an early start for Rinpoche. The physiotherapist came to his room at 9 a.m. sharp and began Rinpoche’s training, helping him to understand how he can get out of bed by himself and into a wheel chair with the minimum amount of help.

Then the two therapists and I (with Rinpoche in the wheelchair) went to the gym. Sangpo and I had dressed Rinpoche in his swimming shorts and singlet. (This is the first time ever Rinpoche has gone to the gym, in gym style clothes.)

Rinpoche spent about one hour in the gym and the therapists were quite surprised by how eager and fast he was in learning to reuse his right leg again. The therapists are mainly concentrating on the right leg moving (the right arm has no movement at all, but that will come later). In the gym session Rinpoche was mainly learning how to help himself get onto the wheel chair and off and back on to the bed, and some simple walking movements.

Rinpoche still is not able to walk unaided but the process has started. At the end of the session the doctor and the two therapists were quite pleased with Rinpoche’s first session in the gym and his progress. Tomorrow they want to Rinpoche to go in the hydro pool to start exercises there. Later today Rinpoche will have a session with the speech therapist and the occupational therapist.

Both the therapists were surprised by how much Rinpoche was laughing and joking through the session. Rinpoche commented to the therapists that he thinks his progress is partly due to the 3,000 monks in Sera Je doing prayers.

Love

roger

April 27 2011

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 12:54:47 -0700

Dear Friends,

Today was the first day we could have access to key medical staff due to the Easter holidays.

The doctors have said no visitors for sometime as Rinpoche is exhausted and with the physio it is going to be very tiring for him.

Here in the private hospital now we have 2 doctors looking after Rinpoche and a good team of physiotherapists. Plus great support from the retreaters doing lots of prayers and pujas; Atisha Center and Thubten Shedrup Ling Monastery are always helping out.

The doctors say Rinpoche has a good chance of recovering with intensive therapy over the next several months ... maybe not fully recover ... that is still too hard to say, but they are feeling quite positive after today's tests.

In the next 2 weeks the doctors say they will have a better idea of the longer term outlook. The doctors do want Rinpoche to stay in the rehabilitation ward of the hospital for the next 2 weeks. Their biggest concern apart from the therapy is controlling the sugar levels and blood pressure ... if this doesn't happen they are very concerned Rinpoche will have another stroke and this could be far more serious ... although they say this was a serious one.

Khadro-la in Dharamsala is very eager to come to Australia to help Rinpoche using her own unique methods ... we are trying hard to get her here as soon as possible. Khadro-la has been on the phone every day giving advice and organizing pujas for Rinpoche.

All of Rinpoche's Gurus, many High Lamas and so many students have been doing prayers and pujas ... This is deeply, deeply appreciated, THANK YOU.

Rinpoche seems in very good spirits, laughing and joking a lot and entertaining the staff with short little comments on Dharma (that need to be translated), but tiring easily.

roger

April 25 2011

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 11:42:11 -0700

Dear Friends,

Lama Zopa Rinpoche entered hospital on Saturday 23rd April, now is the second day under observation. Yesterdays cat scan showed no bleeding or clot in the brain. There will be another scan to confirm that. Possibly Rinpoche will be able to leave the hospital tomorrow if doctors say ok.

Rinpoche's right arm and leg have lost some use, speech is slurred making it difficult to understand him, but this part got a little better today.

Doctors say Rinpoche will need intensive therapy for His right side and speech ... Hopefully to regain all or most use back. This can take several months but difficult to say.

Rinpoche's tour in Australia and Indonesia as well as his return to Nepal will have to be cancelled.

Practice Requested Dec 7 2011:

Recite the Golden Light Sutra (see posting above for more details)

This is the advice for practices that can be done, as advised by Khadro la and Choden Rinpoche:

1. Medicine Buddha puja ... with extensive offerings.

2. 4 Mandala offering to Tara ... as many as possible.

3. Most Secret Hayagriva mantra with supplication as much as possible:

Chinese
Portuguese

4. White Tara mantra with Lama Zopa Rinpoche's name

Chinese
Portuguese

With deep gratitude for all your support,

roger

April 24 2011

Sun, 24 Apr 2011 13:30:20 -0700

Lama Zopa Rinpoche is in hospital in Australia receiving treatment for a stroke.

All FPMT centers, projects, services and study groups are requested to offer Medicine Buddha puja with strong prayers for Rinpoche's health and long life.

All students are requested to do Medicine Buddha practice, and to recite the mantras of long life deities such as White Tara and Amitayus, with strong prayers for Rinpoche's health and long life.

Rinpoche's Schedule: Rinpoche's remaining teachings in Australia, and the program in Indonesia have been cancelled.

April 23 2011

Sat, 23 Apr 2011 06:00:00 -0700

Previous Updates from Ven Roger Kunsang:

Dear Friends,

Lama Zopa Rinpoche has been admitted to hospital, the medical staff have confirmed that Rinpoche has had a stroke and temporally lost some of the movement of his right side and his speech is impaired.

The hospital have requested that Rinpoche stay for a few days to observe and monitor him to ensure there are no further complications.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been informed of Rinpoche’s situation and high Lamas close to Rinpoche are doing pujas as well as Kopan Monastery.

Apart from Rinpoche’s right side and speech being affected, Rinpoche seems in good humor and is doing his prayers in the hospital (altar is set up with prayer wheel, thanka and texts)

Regarding practices – at this time the main practice is Medicine Buddha puja and to recite the mantras of the Long Life Deities such as White Tara and Amitayus.

Specifically I am requesting if Centers could organize extensive Medicine Buddha pujas or Medicine Buddha practice with many offerings and to do strong prayers for Rinpoche’s health and long life at this time.

Love

roger

April 22 2011

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 06:00:00 -0700

Dear Friends,

Yesterday I received some important advice from Khadro la that we need to do Medicine Buddha puja and recite the mantra of one of the Long Life deities such as White Tara and Amitayus for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s health and long life.

Specifically I am requesting if centers could organize extensive Medicine Buddha puja or Medicine Buddha practice with many offerings and doing strong prayers for Rinpoche’s health and long life.

Thank you everyone for your understanding and help and support, it’s very important at this time.

Love

roger