The Future of FPMT: Thoughts from Young FPMT Notables

Mandala‘s recently released issue (October-December 2010) features six notable young people associated with FPMT, ranging from the ages of 6 to 25.

The youngest of these, Tenzin Phuntsok Rinpoche (the recognized reincarnation of Geshe Lama Konchog) and  Kundrol Rinpoche (recognized as the former Geshe Lobsang Jamyang), share advice, opinions, messages to former students and memories from their previous lives in “Young Lamas Have Their Say.” These heartwarming interviews are worth sharing with others, especially with those fortunate enough to meet these young tulkus in Kopan Monastery in Nepal.

The others – Ling Choktrul Rinpoche, Cherok Lama, Osel Hita and Gomo Tulku – are a fascinating and well-spoken group of men, each with his own distinct and charming personality. You might feel closer to one or another, but it is clear that all the interviewees are worth reading in “Roundtable Discussion With FPMT Young Notables.”

We’d love to hear what you think about what you’ve read, so please feel free to leave a comment.

4 comments

  1. Hi Michael,

    Thanks for the update. I rejoice at the focus there is on the young teachers, the only thing I would point out, and there is probably nothing to do about it, but it seems a shame that there are no women amongst the FPMT young notables. I would have thought that by now maybe we would have some female role models to look out for. Maybe they are hidden? Maybe Mandala can make an effort to discover them?

    Best wishes and love,

    Esther G.

  2. When I talked with my 16 years old son about the intention of Osel Hita to not be labeled. He promptly said : Of course ! Without labels is much more easy to comunicate.
    Then i thought… that´s it. The new generation understands and for them those Young Notables are talking.

  3. In response to Esther G.’s valid observation that “Roundtable Discussion With FPMT Young Notables” was lacking any female participants:

    Yes! The FPMT family if full of many notable women (lay and ordained) — center directors, board members, FPMT-registered teachers, and editors of Mandala! However, you’ll notice that “Roundtable Discussion With FPMT Young Notables” featured young notable tulkus. Unfortunately, recognized female tulkus are rare within Tibetan Buddhism in general and the FPMT specifically. Moreover, they tend (so far) to keep lower profiles. So I really encourage everyone to really show female tulkus with the organization support and help them connect with the FPMT in any way possible!

    You’ll be happy to know that the next issue of Mandala (January-March 2011) will feature a similar roundtable with four of FPMT’s many ordained women. It should be a great conversation.

  4. Hi Michael,

    Thanks for your reply and I am glad to hear that the next issue will include some notable FPMT women, which as you mention, there are many.

    I understand that the article above refers to recognized tulkus. However as I read it the topic title states: “Roundtable Discussion With FPMT Young Notables” not “Roundtable Discussion With FPMT Young Tulkus or FPMT notable tulkus” hence my observation.

    A big hug, and yes please, let’s give voice to young female notables.

    Esther G.

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