Lama Zopa Rinpoche full length teachings
This podcast presents full-length teachings given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche. It focuses on older teachings that have not yet been published as video and on major retreats Rinpoche led over the years. The episodes are mostly unedited in content, though the sound quality is often improved. Video counterparts are available through the FPMT RAN page at fpmt.org.
Episodes
30 The Extensive Benefits of Offerings and Prostrations Practices 18-Sept-2004
This teaching was given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Lama Tsonkhapa Institute in Italy as part of the Ganden Lha Gyama retreat between September 3-30, 2004.00:03:33 Remembering the suffering of sentient beings in samsara, we should strive to achieve enlightenment as quickly as possible to liberate them. Practicing guru yoga, as past yogis did, enables achieving enlightenment in one brief lifetime.00:0
29 Rinpoche Leads the Motivation for Lama Tsongkhapa Guru Yoga Practice 18-Sept-2004
This teaching was given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Lama Tsonkhapa Institute in Italy as part of the Ganden Lha Gyama retreat between September 3-30, 2004.00:00:00 Rinpoche leads the motivation for the practice.00:18:15 Rinpoche leads the practice of Lama Tsongkhapa Guru Yoga.Find out more about Lama Zopa Rinpoche, his teachings and projects at https://fpmt.org/
28 How Suffering Comes About and How to Practice to Overcome It 17-Sept-2004
This teaching was given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Lama Tsonkhapa Institute in Italy as part of the Ganden Lha Gyama retreat between September 3-30, 2004.00:00:00 The stanza "To not commit any unwholesome action, engage in perfect wholesome action, and subdue one's mind - this is the teaching of the Buddha" contains the Four Noble Truths.00:16:06 The minute when one cherishes the I, one has a proble
27 Good Heart, Bodhichitta, Emptiness, and Guru Devotion in Daily Practice 16-Sept-2004
This teaching was given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Lama Tsonkhapa Institute in Italy as part of the Ganden Lha Gyama retreat between September 3-30, 2004.00:00:00 The purpose of the preliminary prayers is to pacify obstacles to achieving full enlightenment and the complete qualities of cessation and realization, for oneself and others.00:11:14 Lama Tsongkhapa emphasized bodhicitta in every teaching.
26 Oral Transmission of Some Mantras and Explanation of Their Benefits 16-Sept-2004
This teaching was given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Lama Tsonkhapa Institute in Italy as part of the Ganden Lha Gyama retreat between September 3-30, 2004.Find out more about Lama Zopa Rinpoche, his teachings and projects at https://fpmt.org/
25 Seeing Beyond Appearances: Realizing That the Guru is the Embodiment of All Buddhas 15-Sept-2004
This teaching was given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Lama Tsonkhapa Institute in Italy as part of the Ganden Lha Gyama retreat between September 3-30, 2004.00:00:00 Even if you practice tantra with great hardship for eons, you cannot achieve enlightenment if you make mistakes in devoting to the guru.00:03:06 Rinpoche mentioned the story about Milarepa recognizing Padampa Sangye who had manifested as a
24 Emptiness Meditation, Prayers, and Pujas for Eliminating Obstacles 15-Sept-2004
This teaching was given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Lama Tsonkhapa Institute in Italy as part of the Ganden Lha Gyama retreat between September 3-30, 2004.00:00:00 Rinpoche dedicates the recitation of Heart Sutra for the health and stable life of Ribur Rinpoche and tells a short story about how he met and received teachings from Ribur Rinpoche.00:12:30 The group recites the Praise to Buddha Shakyamun
23 The Story of Attainments of Gen Jampa Wangdu and Importance of Making Offerings 15-Sept-2004
This teaching was given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Lama Tsonkhapa Institute in Italy as part of the Ganden Lha Gyama retreat between September 3-30, 2004.00:00:00 Rinpoche shares the story of the incredible attainments of the ascetic monk Gen Jampa Wangdu.00:31:25 Rinpoche explains the importance of making good quality offerings and the benefits of various offerings according to scriptures.00:53:00
22 Generation of Intense Regret Over Negative Karma and Purification Practice 14-Sept-2004
This teaching was given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Lama Tsonkhapa Institute in Italy as part of the Ganden Lha Gyama retreat between September 3-30, 2004.00:00:00 Preliminary prayers and Rinpoche leads the motivation and practice of Four Immeasurables.00:14:45 Rinpoche leads the practice of Lama Tsongkhapa Guru Yoga and leads the motivation for extensive offerings.00:35:12 Rinpoche gives a commentar
21 The Benefits and Meanings of Mantras for Blessing the Speech and Other Mantras 14-Sept-2004
This teaching was given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Lama Tsonkhapa Institute in Italy as part of the Ganden Lha Gyama retreat between September 3-30, 2004.00:00:00 Rinpoche explains the benefits and meanings of several mantras: mantras for blessing the speech, Chenrezig mantra, and other mantras. By reciting these mantras, the negative karma of anyone who sees, touches oneself or hears one's voice ge
20 Lama Zopa Rinpoche Leads the Practice of Prostrations to Thirty-Five Buddhas 14-Sept-2004
This teaching was given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Lama Tsonkhapa Institute in Italy as part of the Ganden Lha Gyama retreat between September 3-30, 2004.00:00:00 Lama Zopa Rinpoche leads the motivation for the practice of Confession of a Bodhisattva's Downfalls to the Thirty-Five Buddhas.00:10:45 Rinpoche does the practice of Confession of a Bodhisattva's Downfalls to the Thirty-Five Buddhas with s
19 The Meaning of Blessings and Lama Tsongkhapa's Extensive Contributions 13-Sept-2004
This teaching was given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Lama Tsonkhapa Institute in Italy as part of the Ganden Lha Gyama retreat between September 3-30, 2004.00:01:45 Rinpoche leads a reflection on the nature of samsara and three types of suffering.00:08:03 Why do we need to take refuge in the Three Jewels? Guru, Buddha, Dharma and Sangha have the perfect power and qualities to liberate oneself and all
18 Prayers and Specific Dedications to Be Recited During Retreats 12-Sept-2004
This teaching was given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Lama Tsonkhapa Institute in Italy as part of the Ganden Lha Gyama retreat between September 3-30, 2004.00:00:59 Reading Lamrim prayer leaves a positive imprint of the whole path to enlightenment in a few minutes.00:27:45 Rinpoche tells how deity retreats have been set up. Rinpoche included certain prayers and specific dedications to be recited at th
17 The Meaning of Negation in Heart Sutra and the Object of Negation 12-Sept-2004
This teaching was given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Lama Tsonkhapa Institute in Italy as part of the Ganden Lha Gyama retreat between September 3-30, 2004.00:00:01 Rinpoche tells about the meaning of negation in the Heart Sutra. "No" doesn't mean that things do not exist, it is negating the way phenomena appear - as truly existent from their own side. Understanding this point helps not to fall into e
16 Motivation for Receiving Jenang of Lama Tsongkhapa Guru Yoga 11-Sept-2004
This teaching was given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Lama Tsonkhapa Institute in Italy as part of the Ganden Lha Gyama retreat between September 3-30, 2004.00:00:01 To receive the jenang (permission to practice) of a deity from the four-class Tantra, one needs to first receive the initiation of that class of Tantra.00:06:31 Even though one has received a precious human body, it can be stained by desir
15 Lama Tsongkhapa's Holy Mind Embodies Manjushri, Vajrapani, and Chenrezig 11-Sept-2004
This teaching was given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Lama Tsonkhapa Institute in Italy as part of the Ganden Lha Gyama retreat between September 3-30, 2004.00:00:01 The Migtsema prayer, composed by Lama Tsongkhapa, is the king of prayers that embodies the essence of the 84,000 teachings of the Buddha.00:33:40 At Lama Tsongkhapa's birthplace Kumbum, a tree grew from his birth blood with 100,000 images
14 Overcoming Obstacles with Logic: Transforming Suffering into Cause of Happiness 11-Sept-2004
This teaching was given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Lama Tsonkhapa Institute in Italy as part of the Ganden Lha Gyama retreat between September 3-30, 2004.00:00:01 Lama Zopa Rinpoche explains the meaning of protector prayers and the motivation for doing protector prayers dedicating them for success in Dharma activities around the world for benefiting sentient beings.00:11:04 The fundamental Buddhist
13 Realizing Emptiness Leads to Great Compassion and Prayers from Lama Chopa Practice 10-Sept-2004
This teaching was given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Lama Tsonkhapa Institute in Italy as part of the Ganden Lha Gyama retreat between September 3-30, 2004.00:00:01 The mind is obscured by many superstitious thoughts, like attachment, anger, and self-cherishing, which are based on grasping at an exaggerated object.00:06:47 While everything is empty of true existence, the ignorance projects true existe
12 Rejoicing in Lama Tsongkhapa's Qualities and Guru Yoga Meditation 10-Sept-2004
This teaching was given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Lama Tsonkhapa Institute in Italy as part of the Ganden Lha Gyama retreat between September 3-30, 2004.00:00:07 Lama Tsongkhapa practiced Dharma and completed the path, unstained by the three types of worldly dharma: black worldly dharma, mixed worldly dharma, and white worldly dharma. This means unstained by attachment clinging to this life, unstai
11 Extensive Offerings: Benefits and How To Do the Practice 09-Sept-2004
This teaching was given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Lama Tsonkhapa Institute in Italy as part of the Ganden Lha Gyama retreat between September 3-30, 2004.00:00:00 Rinpoche gives an extensive teaching on benefits of offerings. As taught by Manjushri to Lama Tsongkhapa, the quick path to enlightenment involves purifying obstacles, collecting merit, and one-pointedly requesting the guru’s blessings, an
10 No One Achieved Enlightenment Without Hardships and Blessing the Speech Practice 08-Sept-2004
This teaching was given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Lama Tsonkhapa Institute in Italy as part of the Ganden Lha Gyama retreat between September 3-30, 2004.00:00:01 Our delusions have no beginning, so we cannot expect to achieve realizations or enlightenment quickly or easily. No one achieved enlightenment without hardships, without practicing three types of patience. We must plan to practice for many
09 How to Practice of Lama Chopa 8-Sept-2004
This teaching was given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Lama Tsonkhapa Institute in Italy as part of the Ganden Lha Gyama retreat between September 3-30, 2004.00:00:01 Lama Zopa Rinpoche guides Lama Chopa practice.00:09:15 Rinpoche guides taking refuge in the Guru and three precious gems to be protected from the sufferings of samsara and the lower realms. One should generate bodhicitta to achieve enlight
08 Purifying Negative Karma and Power of Regret 8-Sept-2004
This teaching was given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Lama Tsonkhapa Institute in Italy as part of the Ganden Lha Gyama retreat between September 3-30, 2004.00:00:01 Generate strong regretfulness to make negative karma thinner and limit its power. The more regretfulness generated, the more negative karma is purified.00:01:09 Phenomena affect each other through dependent arising. Reciting the names of t
07 Motivation for and How to Begin the Retreat 7-Sept-2004
This teaching was given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Lama Tsonkhapa Institute in Italy as part of the Ganden Lha Gyama retreat between September 3-30, 2004.00:00:01 Before beginning a deity retreat, generate the proper motivation. Remember the impermanence of life by reflecting on how great beings of the past have passed away, leaving only their teachings and stories behind.00:16:57 No matter who we a
06 How to Recognize Incredible Fortune and Devote to the Guru 7-Sept-2004
This teaching was given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Lama Tsonkhapa Institute in Italy as part of the Ganden Lha Gyama retreat between September 3-30, 2004.00:00:00 Preliminary prayers by students.00:15:25 As realizations of the three principal aspects of the path are dependent on the root, the realization of the guru devotion, the guru yoga, Rinpoche will teach on Calling the Guru from Afar before go
05 Lama Zopa Rinpoche on Benefiting Sentient Beings Through Various FPMT Projects 6-Sept-2004
This teaching was given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Lama Tsonkhapa Institute in Italy as part of the Ganden Lha Gyama retreat between September 3-30, 2004.00:00:36 Rinpoche emphasizes the urgent need to receive funding to complete the Maitreya Project statue and benefit sentient beings.00:02:24 Rinpoche discusses the importance of supporting Sangha in various monasteries around the world by providing
04 The Importance of Guru Devotion for Realizations 6-Sept-2004
This teaching was given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Lama Tsonkhapa Institute in Italy as part of the Ganden Lha Gyama retreat between September 3-30, 2004.00:00:54 Lama Zopa Rinpoche introduces Calling the Guru from Afar, a profound text by Phabongka Rinpoche that contains lamrim and tantric path.00:02:53 Without a guru, one cannot achieve realizations and enlightenment, even if one knows many texts
03 Why Tantra is a Quick Path to Enlightenment 5-Sept-2004
This teaching was given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Lama Tsonkhapa Institute in Italy as part of the Ganden Lha Gyama retreat between September 3-30, 2004.00:01:57 It is extremely important to practice Guru Yoga, which involves developing compassion, power, and wisdom. This enables one to do perfect work for all sentient beings.00:27:23 By doing Lama Tsongkhapa Guru Yoga practice, one establishes the
02 How to Generate the Awakening Mind 3-Sept-2004
This teaching was given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Lama Tsonkhapa Institute in Italy as part of the Ganden Lha Gyama retreat between September 3-30, 2004.00:00:00 Rinpoche leads the motivation and protector prayers.00:26:00 Rinpoche gives a commentary on a quote from Lama Tsongkhapa about giving up the essenceless activities, like casting the husk, and practicing Dharma.00:51:00 Rinpoche explains th
01 The Best Solution for World Peace is Practicing Dharma 3-Sept-2004
This teaching was given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Lama Tsonkhapa Institute in Italy as part of the Ganden Lha Gyama retreat between September 3-30, 2004.00:04:23 Lama Zopa Rinpoche thanks the organization and Lama Tsongkhapa Institute for providing the facilities and course.00:08:46 To achieve enlightenment, we need to engage in both study and retreat. Dromtonpa explained, “While I am listening, I
Whatever Happens in Your Life, Be Happy - Teaching #132
Lama Zopa Rinpoche continued his video teachings on thought transformation from Amitabha Buddhist Centre in Singapore in August. Here is a summary Thought Transformation video #132, offered on August 14, 2022: Make your suffering into the best happiness, Rinpoche urges us. All of the pain we face in life came from our mind—our self-cherishing thought&nbs
14 Transcending Materialism and Ego 01-May-2003
The purpose of our life is not just to accumulate wealth or power. These pursuits alone cannot bring true satisfaction or happiness. In fact, the more we chase after material wealth without a good heart, the more we experience inner misery and dissatisfaction. Power, without the intention to benefit others, can be dangerous and lead to harm for oneself and others. Fame and reputation also do not f
12 Embracing Guru Puja for Spiritual Progress 29-Apr-2003
Guru Puja (Lama Chöpa) encompasses the essence of both sutra and tantra. This practice is the quickest way to achieve enlightenment. Lama Zopa Rinpoche recommends studying His Holiness the Dalai Lama's commentary on Guru Puja, which provides a clear and effective explanation of this essential practice.Taking vows, specifically the bodhisattva vow and tantric vows, helps eliminate obstacles and cr
11 Transformation Through Mantras, Holy Objects, and Moral Conduct 27-Apr-2003
There is great positive transformation through the power of mantras, holy objects, and moral conduct. This power comes from the compassion of Buddha, who provided these methods for sentient beings to purify negative karma, accumulate merit, and progress on the path to enlightenment quickly. The more we understand the suffering of samsara, the more we can appreciate the kindness of Buddha in offeri
10 Khunu Lama Rinpoche and Taming the Mind 25-Apr-2003
The great bodhisattva Khunu Lama Rinpoche, a profound scholar and yogi had extensive knowledge of Buddhist scriptures and teachings. His Holiness the Dalai Lama received extensive commentary on the Bodhicharyavatara from him. Lama Zopa Rinpoche attributes the origins of FPMT chanting practices to Khunu Lama Rinpoche.Khunu Lama Rinpoche's teachings became widely known, with people seeking blessin
09 Chenrezig Sadhana Commentary 24-Apr-2003
We can precede the Chenrezig visualization by calming techniques and breathing exercises, reciting prayers and reflecting on the kindness of Guru Shakyamuni Buddha. Buddha made immense sacrifices for the benefit of all sentient beings, practicing morality, charity, perseverance, concentration, and wisdom for three countless great eons. Integrating Lam Rim meditation with deity meditation and mant
08 Breaking the Cycle of Samsara: Eight Mahayana Precepts and Chenrezig Sadhana 24-Apr-2003
Our current bodies carry the seeds of disturbing thoughts and defilements, and they perpetuate samsara. The continuity of these aggregates, including consciousness, never breaks, constantly circling from one life to the next. The general suffering of samsara includes the impermanence of everything, the unsatisfactory nature of desires, and the inevitability of leaving our bodies behind.Sentient be
07 Integrating Wisdom and Compassion into Daily Experience 23-Apr-2003
Everything we perceive, from objects to colours, is a result of the mind labelling and imputing meanings onto them. By recognizing the imputed nature of phenomena and the contradiction between appearance and reality, we can prevent the mind from solidifying mistaken beliefs and contributing to delusion, attachment, and other negative emotions. By focusing on wisdom and understanding the ultimate n
Tonglen Is the Main Practice - Teaching #137
Lama Zopa Rinpoche continued his video teachings on thought transformation from Amitabha Buddhist Centre, Singapore in August and September, 2022. Here is a summary of the most recent teaching recorded on September 14, 2022:By not harming others, we are creating the cause for peace in the future, Rinpoche explains. If we fight those who harm us in this life, it creates the cause to fight them agai
The Benefits of Experiencing Suffering - Teaching #136
Lama Zopa Rinpoche continued his video teachings on thought transformation from Amitabha Buddhist Centre in Singapore in August and September. Here is a summary of the teaching offered on September 10, 2022:During Rinpoche's September 3 teaching (#134: In Your Life as a Couple, Practice Good Heart), Rinpoche offered the oral transmission for Lama Tsongkhapa's Utilizing Suffering in the Path t
The Great Difference Between Taking and Not Taking Vows - Teaching #135
Lama Zopa Rinpoche continued his video teachings on thought transformation from Amitabha Buddhist Centre in Singapore in August and September. Here is a summary of the teaching offered on September 7, 2022:The most important Dharma, Rinpoche teaches us, is compassion. If you are becoming kinder and more compassionate, this means you are practicing Dharma.Rinpoche discusses the importance of taking
In Your Life as a Couple, Practice Good Heart - Teaching #134
For those of us living as a couple in relationships, we need to practice having a good heart. With body, speech, and mind, we have incredible opportunities to collect good karma. If we dedicate our own lives to serving others, to create happiness and reduce suffering in others, then we influence our companions to gradually do the same. This is really offering so much help to them, helping them to
How to Make Your Life Happy - Teaching #133
Lama Zopa Rinpoche continued his video teachings on thought transformation from Amitabha Buddhist Centre in Singapore in August. Here is a summary of the teaching offered on August 16, 2022:Rinpoche offers some of the history of how he began teaching courses at Kopan Monastery in Nepal and how the FPMT organization began (starting at 28:12).Real happiness comes from a good heart, Rinpoche reminds
The Purpose of Living Life as a Couple - Teaching #131
Lama Zopa Rinpoche continued his video teachings on thought transformation from Amitabha Buddhist Centre in Singapore in August. Here is a summary of the teaching offered on August 13, 2022:To live life as a couple, you need wisdom and compassion, Rinpoche teaches us. If we don't have this, life together is so much suffering, so many problems. This is due to thinking in the wrong way—with the self
Anger Destroys Your Happiness - Teaching #130
Lama Zopa Rinpoche continued his video teachings on thought transformation from Amitabha Buddhist Centre in Singapore in August. Here is a summary of the teaching offered on August 10, 2022:It is very important to understand how anger destroys your happiness. By getting angry at a bodhisattva, our merits are destroyed, we will be reborn in hell, and realizations will be delayed. And by getting ang
Dharma Is Any Action That Becomes an Antidote to Delusion - Teaching #129
Lama Zopa Rinpoche continues his video teachings on thought transformation from Amitabha Buddhist Centre in Singapore at the request of Telo Tulku Rinpoche, Ganden Tendar Ling FPMT Buddhist Center, Aryadeva FPMT Study Group, and the Save Tibet Foundation in Russia. Here is a summary of his August 6, 2022 teaching:Most of the world is suffering, Rinpoche reminds us. Whether rich or poor, there is s
The Foundation of Thought Transformation Is to Understand the Kindness of Sentient Beings - Teaching #128
Lama Zopa Rinpoche continues his video teachings on thought transformation. Here is a summary of a teaching given on June 26 from Kopan Monastery, Nepal, at the request of Telo Tulku Rinpoche, Ganden Tendar Ling FPMT Buddhist Center, Aryadeva FPMT Study Group, and the Save Tibet Foundation in Russia. The first kindness of sentient beings is that they are the source of all past, present, and f
The Foundation of Thought Transformation Is to Stop Harming Others - Teaching #127
Lama Zopa Rinpoche continues his video teachings on thought transformation. Here is a summary of a teaching given on June 25 from Kopan Monastery, Nepal, at the request of Telo Tulku Rinpoche, Ganden Tendar Ling FPMT Buddhist Center, Aryadeva FPMT Study Group, and the Save Tibet Foundation in Russia. The foundation of thought transformation is to stop harming others, Rinpoche explains. When anythi
Your Main Practice in Life Should Be Cherishing Others - Teaching #126
Lama Zopa Rinpoche continues his video teachings on thought transformation from Kopan Monastery in Nepal, offered to students from China and Malaysia via Zoom on June 13.All of the 84,000 teachings of Buddha are included in the advice to not harm sentient beings and to benefit them, Rinpoche explains. If we harm sentient beings, we can’t benefit them. All of the suffering we experience ourselves,
The Real Refuge Practice Is Cherishing Sentient Beings - Teaching #125
Rinpoche offered this teaching to students from China and Malaysia via Zoom on June 12, 2022 from Kopan Monastery, Nepal.By taking refuge in the Dharma, we should stop harming sentient beings, Rinpoche reminds us. And more than that, we should benefit them. In fact, the real refuge practice is cherishing sentient beings. If we take care of them the most, if we cherish them the most, that is the be
Having Taken Refuge, What to Abandon and What to Practice - Teaching #124
Rinpoche offered this teaching, recorded on June 11, 2022, at Kopan Monastery in Nepal for a group of students in China and Malaysia. Numberless buddhas of the past, present, and future can see our suffering and that we need happiness, Rinpoche explains. They want to help, they want to guide us. However, from our side, if we don’t rely on them by going for refuge, all of their power together canno
Taking Refuge Is Not Merely Reciting Words Like a Robot - Teaching #123
Lama Zopa Rinpoche continues teaching on refuge in this new video. Rinpoche explains how “taking refuge is not only reciting words." He offers the example of a robot, which does not have a mind and which only recites words without feeling. Rinpoche then talks about the many ways we can benefit numberless sentient beings by taking them around holy objects and having holy images and mantras for them
It Is Good to Know About the Bön Religion - Teaching #122
Lama Zopa Rinpoche continues his teachings on refuge from Kopan Monastery in Nepal. In this video Rinpoche reminds us that understanding the topic of refuge is so important because it can take a whole life of studying or even many lifetimes to understand it. Rinpoche offers commentary on Phabongkha Rinpoche’s teachings on refuge from Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand as discussed in “Day Twelve”
Rely on a Mind That Is Upset with Samsara - Teaching #121
Lama Zopa Rinpoche continues teaching on refuge. Quoting from Lama Seringpa, Rinpoche explains how we should immediately cast away our self-cherishing thought, which creates all our suffering. Then we should immediately cherish others, from whom we received ultimate happiness. We must also understand the three types of suffering--the suffering of pain, the suffering of change, and pervasive c
You Tie Yourself to Samsara - Teaching #120
Lama Zopa Rinpoche continues teaching on refuge, emphasizing that refuge is not something simple that you hear and chant. Instead, one has to understand the four noble truths extensively and also understand the qualities of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Rinpoche explains that it is extremely important to understand what ties us to the suffering of samsara. When we fully understand how karma and delu
The Sutra “Going for Refuge to the Arya Three Rare Sublime Ones” - Teaching #119
Lama Zopa Rinpoche continues teaching on refuge, emphasizing how important it is to not belittle the guru with whom you have made a Dharma connection. Quoting the Fifth Dalai Lama, Rinpoche explains that what you see as mistakes by the guru are actually your own mistakes. Instead, you should see all that the guru does as positive. You should also be very careful about from whom you take refuge. Ri
The Merits of Taking Refuge Don't Fit in the Three Thousand Fold Galaxies - Teaching #118
Lama Zopa Rinpoche continues discussing refuge in this recent teaching, reminding us that there are many ways in which we can help others, even with limited experience with and understanding of the path. For example, we can build holy objects and offer Dharma books and teachings to others, which helps them purify mistakes, create merit, and dispel ignorance. About the benefits of taking ultimate r
Don’t Think Taking Refuge Is Something Easy - Teaching #117
Lama Zopa Rinpoche continues discussing refuge in this new video, reminding us that we must be careful about the objects in which we take refuge and making the point that it is best to go for refuge to Buddha. When you are dying, in order to not be born in the lower realms, to purify negative karma, to obtain a higher rebirth, Rinpoche says emphatically, "Rely on Buddha!" To free you from samsara,
You Go for Refuge to Buddha, Buddha Definitely Guides You - Teaching #116
Lama Zopa Rinpoche discusses the importance of taking refuge in Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha while we have this precious human rebirth; explains why Buddha can definitely guide you, especially if you go for refuge to Buddha; and reminds us that cherishing others most is the path of the bodhisattva. Read more about his teaching here: https://fpmt.org/lama-zopa-rinpoche-news-and-advice/advice-from-lam
Making Offerings to Boudha Stupa - Teaching #115
Lama Zopa Rinpoche discusses the benefits of making offerings to stupas, in particular Boudha Stupa in Nepal. Then, joined by Kopan senior Sangha, Rinpoche leads an offering practice to Boudha Stupa, which with you can follow along. Rinpoche also offers commentary on verses from Liberation Upon Hearing: The History of the Great Jarung Kashar Stupa by Padmasambhava on the benefits of making of
What to Think When You Are Depressed - Teaching #114
In this new thought transformation teaching video, Lama Zopa Rinpoche offers insight into the nature of depression and provides methods to reduce it. Rinpoche emphasizes that our mistaken view of how the I exists plants the seeds for depression. By looking into how our mind labels things good and bad, when nothing exists from its own side, we can begin to see that there's no basis for depression t
How to deal with The Nature of Depression - Teaching #113
In this new thought transformation teaching video, Lama Zopa Rinpoche offers insight into the nature of depression and provides methods to reduce it. Rinpoche emphasizes that our mistaken view of how the I exists plants the seeds for depression. By looking into how our mind labels things good and bad, when nothing exists from its own side, we can begin to see that there's no basis for depression t
There Is Nothing More Sublime Than Practicing the Higher Training of Morality - Teaching #112
Lama Zopa Rinpoche continues offering teachings specifically intended for ordained Sangha, but everyone is welcome to benefit from Rinpoche's advice. He begins this video teaching, recorded on August 19, 2021, at Kopan Monastery in Nepal, by reminding us that we have received this perfect human rebirth with the freedom to practice Dharma qualified by the eight freedoms and ten richnesses. This reb
111 Being Sangha Is Not a Trip
Lama Zopa Rinpoche begins this teaching, recorded on August 17, 2021, at Kopan Monastery in Nepal, by reminding us that while we are so fortunate to have received this rare and perfect human rebirth, which is qualified by the eight freedoms and ten richnesses, death can happen at any time, even before this teaching ends.Therefore, the real purpose of life is not just to achieve liberation from sam
110 The Most Important Practice Is to Control Your Mind
Lama Zopa Rinpoche begins this teaching, recorded on August 14, 2021, at Kopan Monastery in Nepal, by reminding us of how fortunate we are to wake up in the morning with a perfect human rebirth that is qualified by the eight freedoms and ten richnesses. The life we have is like a candle flame in the wind or a bubble in the water, and can be stopped at any time by death. Rinpoche references verse 5
109 Don’t Let Your Mind Go Berserk
Lama Zopa Rinpoche begins this teaching, recorded on August 11, 2021, at Kopan Monastery in Nepal, by reminding us that we are so fortunate to have received a precious and perfect human rebirth. While it is precious, it is also fragile and can be ended at any time with death. In this precious life we have received teachings on how we should not harm any sentient being, and not just the ones we lov
108 By the Force of Habituation, You Uncontrollably Engage in Nonvirtue Again
Lama Zopa Rinpoche continues his teachings for ordained Sangha, which are open to all who wish to benefit from his advice. He explains in this video, recorded on August 10, 2021, at Kopan Monastery in Nepal, that trying on being Sangha, like trying different foods hoping they bring you happiness, is not being real Sangha. You can enjoy wearing the robes and trying them on, but if it is just like a
The Real Refuge Is Your Wisdom Realizing the Ultimate Nature
This podcast is from a teaching that Lama Zopa Rinpoche gave about Buddhist refuge for the graduation ceremony of the first cohort of Human Spirit, an Israel-based Buddhist-psychoanalytic training program over Zoom. Here’s a summary of Rinpoche’s teaching, which was offered on June 8, 2022, from Kopan Monastery in Nepal. All happiness and suffering come from the mind, not from the outside, Rinpoch
All About Vajrasattva
Lama Zopa Rinpoche gave this teaching to students attending the three-month Vajrasattva retreat at Kopan Monastery in Nepal on April 28, 2022.
Abandoning Nonvirtue Is a Source of Happiness for You
Lama Zopa Rinpoche gave this teaching to students attending the three-month Vajrasattva retreat at Kopan Monastery in Nepal on April 27, 2022. Here’s a summary of Rinpoche’s teaching. If you want to know the truth of the world, the truth of yourself, and if you want to be free from the oceans of samsaric suffering, then you have to know the root cause of suffering, Lama Zopa Rinpoche explains. You
By Doing Vajrasattva, You Are Doing Exactly What You Need to Do
“Your coming here to do Vajrasattva, wow, that’s really what you need,” Lama Zopa Rinpoche told the students attending the three-month Vajrasattva retreat at Kopan Monastery in Nepal on April 26, 2022. In this teaching, Rinpoche discusses how our ignorance leads to attachment and anger, which make us miserable. By attending courses, studying, and meditating, we can come to understand how our our m
Why Buddhism Is So Important
Our minds are wrapped up in hallucination, Lama Zopa Rinpoche says in this highly charged teaching recorded on March 30, 2022. Speaking to students attending the three-month Vajrasattva retreat at Kopan Monastery in Nepal, Rinpoche says we must use the wisdom of Buddha’s teachings to see the truth, to recognize all the hallucinations we are wrapped up in. The world has so much suffering due to thi
Milarepa's Hymn Teaching in Shivapuri Village
On April 6, 2022 Lama Zopa Rinpoche offered this teaching to students prior to giving a Milarepa Initiation in Shivapuri Village, Nepal.
107 Being Attached to Sex Has Not Freed You from the Oceans of Samsaric Sufferings
Lama Zopa Rinpoche begins this video, recorded on August 6, 2021, at Kopan Monastery, reminding listeners that while this teaching is being given specifically for ordained Sangha, anyone is welcome to take the advice offered. If you haven’t spent your life with a good heart and a positive mind, Rinpoche warns, and instead spend your life trying this and that until life finishes, then you will go t
106 A Zillion Thanks to the Sangha for Reciting Manis During the Pandemic
Lama Zopa Rinpoche begins this teaching, recorded on July 31, 2021, at Kopan Monastery in Nepal, by referencing this quote by Thogme Sango in Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva:All sufferings come from desiring happiness for oneself.Full enlightenment comes from the thought of benefitting others.Therefore, exchanging one’s own happiness for the suffering of othersIs the practice of bodhisatt
105 Beauty Is in the Eye of the Beholder
Lama Zopa Rinpoche begins this teaching, recorded on July 30, 2021, at Kopan Monastery in Nepal, explaining that while he’s offering this teaching specifically to the Sangha at this time—to encourage them to keep their vows as those intent on the virtue that is nirvana—anyone is welcome to listen and benefit from the advice.The total cessation of obscurations, is nirvana, ultimate happiness. It is
104 Renounce the Thought Seeing Samsara as a Beautiful Park
Lama Zopa Rinpoche begins this teaching, recorded on July 25, 2021, at Kopan Monastery in Nepal, by reminding us that the perfect human rebirth doesn’t last long. This body is like a machine—breathing in and out—and can stop at any time. Why does the body keep working? Karma. How long the breath lasts is also due to karma. It can stop at any time, we have to remember this. Some students have even
103 Practicing Morality Is Easy When You Know Real Pleasure Is a Hallucination
Lama Zopa Rinpoche begins this teaching, recorded on July 22, 2021, at Kopan Monastery in Nepal, by reminding us of the motivation he established last session, particularly for the Sangha. He emphasized requesting the guru for blessings to be able to generate a strong wish to be liberated from samsara, quoting verse 87 of Lama Chopa. Rinpoche adds that for this teaching’s motivation, we can look t
102 The Higher Training of Morality Is the Foundation for Helping Sentient Beings
Lama Zopa Rinpoche begins this teaching, recorded on July 20, 2021 at Kopan Monastery in Nepal, discussing two important and powerful holy objects.First, Rinpoche discussed the three-story Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) statue being built in Maratika, Nepal, to pacify war, famine, and disease—and, of course, for all the six-realm sentient beings, who have been suffering from beginningless rebirths,
51 Merit, Morning Motivation, And Practice 04-May-2004
Lama Zopa Rinpoche explains that the purpose of visualizing the mandala is to attain those paths within one’s own heart. To collect the most extensive merit for this practice, Lama Tsongkhapa advised to do the visualizations clearly and visualize as many as possible.Rinpoche describes how to start the day with a bodhicitta motivation and a meditation on impermanence-death. We should think how wond
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