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Khensur Rinpoche Lama Lhundrup Rigsel, Kopan Monastery, March 2011. Photo by Jo Hathaway.
On September 7, 2011, the beloved abbot of Kopan Monastery Khensur Rinpoche Lama Lhundrup Rigsel showed the aspect of passing away. On Sunday, August 26, in accordance with the Tibetan calendar, Kopan Monastery is commemorating the first anniversary of Lama Lhundrup’s passing with a day of pujas and practices. Kopan is inviting all FPMT centers and students to join in prayers on that day and to make strong requests for his incarnation to return soon.
You can read Mandala’s tribute to Khensur Rinpoche Lama Lhundrup, an account of his last days, photos, videos and reminiscences from students on our page dedicated to Lama Lhundrup. This page includes the prayer for his quick return, which is auspicious to recite many times on this occasion.
During the morning of August 26 at Kopan, the monks and nuns will perform extensive Medicine Buddha puja, with many additional prayers such as the eight Monlam prayers. During the day, the tantric monks will do Yamantaka self-initiation and senior nuns will do Vajrayogini self-initiation. In the late afternoon, an extensive Heruka Lama Chöpa tsog will be held with extensive offerings.
Stupa for Lama Lhundrup, Kopan Monastery, April 2012. Photo by Ven. Thubten Kukhen.
Based on Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s advice, several stupas will be built to commemorate Lama Lhundrup. The first one, built quickly to make it auspicious for the incarnation to return soon, will be finished by Losar 2013. It is on the grounds of Kopan Monastery and Lama Zopa Rinpoche has been invited for the consecration after the Tibetan New Year. In addition, a large stupa will be built in front of the new gompa at Khachoe Ghakyil, the Kopan nunnery. Offering for the anniversary puja and/or the stupa being built at the nunnery can be made through Kopan Monastery. (Click this link and mention in the comment box what the offering is for.)
With 158 centers, projects and services around the globe, there is always news on FPMT activities, teachers and events. Mandala hopes to share as many of these timely stories as possible. If you have news you would like to share, please let us know.