FPMT News Around the World

Lama Zopa Rinpoche during Vajrasattva initiation, Boulder Creek, California, September 30, 2012. Photo by Dionne Wilson.

By Fabienne Pradelle, Director

It came and went like a dream.

We got “the call.” A date was set the following week. We posted it on the web and registrations started pouring in. Fast. Lama Zopa Rinpoche was going to give a Vajrasattva initiation [on September 30, 2012] at Vajrapani Institute and students were booking flights from all around North America.

Osel Hita and Yangsi Rinpoche at Vajrasattva initiation, Boulder Creek, California, September 2012. Photo by Dionne Wilson.

Then Yangsi Rinpoche got confirmed. And Osel Hita. And of course, Lama Yeshe is always there, present in all our doings. We had a bit of a Big Love Day déjà vu. The kind of déjà vu that is most welcomed.

Within days it became clear we couldn’t hold the event in Vajrapani’s gompa. Registration exceeded our hall capacity. We so wanted the blessings of the land so we let go. In the end, our local village, Boulder Creek, got the blessings.

Those of you who’ve been involved with organizing events with Lama Zopa Rinpoche will know what I’m talking about. There is a magic that happens, a blessing which manifests in a lessening of mental afflictions before and during the event. The mind is joyful and the heart warm. The team work is at its best and volunteers are fabulous.

Rinpoche was “wow wow wow!” We were told the event would end around 11 p.m. or midnight but Rinpoche kept having second, third and fourth winds. He motivated us with singular urgency not to waste our time and slay the demon of self-cherishing. From his lips it is heard and seen, that even “playing drums” can be turned into an activity that leads self and others to enlightenment.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Fabienne Pradelle at Vajrasattva initiation, Boulder Creek, California, September 2012. Photo by Dionne Wilson.

When thanked for manifesting as Vajrasattva for our benefit, Rinpoche laughed and laughed telling us he was only Mickey Mouse. No wonder Lama Yeshe visited Disneyland!

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