Center History Amendments
Telling the story of FPMT has been no simple matter. We’ve learned that if you ask three different people the details of a situation that occurred 20+ years ago, you’ll likely receive three different (and possibly contradictory) interpretations of the same memory, even when all three were there in the flesh when the event (or events) happened! Because of this we sincerely apologize to anyone who feels important details of FPMT’s history have been left out or overlooked. And PLEASE do send me any amendments you have. We certainly want to get all of the stories correct.
Some additions/amendments to last issue’s history on FPMT centers:
Aryatara Institut: FPMT activity spread to Germany through the efforts of a psychologist named Jena Bruer. Jena started a meditation group in Munich in the late 1970s and then invited Konchog Sherab (known as Dieter Kratzer) to give courses in Germany from 1977-1980. Lama Yeshe directed Konchog Sherab, “You go Germany, you start center.” And thus, Aryatara Institut was founded. In our history of the Aryatara Institut we indicated that Sylvia Wetzel was responsible for instigating efforts for the center. While Sylvia has been hugely influential on the success of the center, in fact, she arrived after the center was already founded.
Amitabha Buddhist Center: In 1986, Lama Zopa Rinpoche sent Konchog Sherab to Singapore to start a center. Konchog Sherab established a large base of students interested in Buddhist teachings. Ven. Thubten Chodron followed and established Amitabha Buddhist Center (ABC). Ven. Sangye Khadro arrived next and made Singapore (and ABC) her home. Our history of ABC does include all of these key players but it seems our chronology of who arrived first wasn’t quite correct.
Losang Dragpa Center: Mandala incorrectly noted Jangsem Ling Retreat Center as the first FPMT center to be established in Malaysia in 2003. Tremendous apologies to those dedicated students responsible for establishing Losang Dragpa Center, founded in 1995.