This year, Lama Tsongkhapa Day (Ganden Ngamchoe) fell on December 7. This special day celebrates of the anniversary of Lama Tsongkhapa’s parinirvana. A variety of prayers and practices were undertaken on this auspicious occasion and many FPMT centers and...
Prayers for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s swift return at Sera Monastery Drati Khangtsen on Lama Tsongkhapa Day, December 7, 2023.
This year, Lama Tsongkhapa Day (Ganden Ngamchoe) fell on December 7. This special day celebrates of the anniversary of Lama Tsongkhapa’s parinirvana. A variety of prayers and practices were undertaken on this auspicious occasion and many FPMT centers and students used the opportunity to engage in prayers for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s swift return as well. At Kopan Monastery, extensive candle lights were offered, Kopan Lama Gyupa monks offered Guyasamaja Puja and constructed a sand mandala over three days, Chanting the Names of Noble Manjushri was recited continuously for the swift return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche as well as many other prayers, and visitors offered prayers in front of Rinpoche’s holy body.
Sera Je Monastery on Lama Tsongkhapa Day, December 7, 2023. Photo courtesy of Sere Je Monastery Facebook page.
We were also very moved to receive notice of Tibetan communities and Sangha engaging offering prayers in this way. As an example, at Sera Je Monastery Drati Khangtsen, India, as the monastery was illuminated with light offerings and with all monks in congregation, the Sangha recited prayers for Rinpoche’s swift return.
As a reminder, we received the very precious advice from His Holiness the Dalai Lama to recite Chanting the Names of Noble Manjushri continuously for a few months, for the swift return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s reincarnation, and all are very welcome to join this ongoing collective effort.
We invite you to view this collection of photo galleries of some of the initial group prayers, pujas, and practices done for the swift return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche in Kopan Monastery; as well as monastic institutions and communities, FPMT centers, and at the sites of holy objects and gompas.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche (1945-2023) was the spiritual director of the Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), a Tibetan Buddhist organization dedicated to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation and community service.
