April 15, 2023

I am deeply saddened by the recent media coverage of a short video clip of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama with a young boy who sought affection from His Holiness during a public event on 28th February 2023.

Throughout his life, His Holiness has worked solely and tirelessly for the welfare and benefit of others in his homeland of Tibet and around the world. At 87 years old, as the longest serving religious leader of our time, and as a Nobel Peace Laureate, His Holiness has been a peerless and exemplary embodiment of compassion, non-violence, selflessness, and wisdom. His Holiness has demonstrated remarkable commitment to promoting international, inter-faith and inter-personal harmony, peace, and friendship.

His Holiness has been an icon of compassion and has made an unparalleled positive impact throughout the world with his kindness and pure morality, promoting a sense of the oneness of humanity. As we all know, His Holiness is loved and respected for his unfailing humility and informal displays of human connection and affection.

It saddens me profoundly that a small video clip, deliberately edited with negative intentions, can so easily influence the minds of the population at large. This incident highlights a serious danger in our society, a growing tendency to accept without question the images and messages presented to us through the media, without carefully investigating and critically analyzing the underlying motives, agenda and broader context that might inform our understanding and response. Unless we are careful, we may be easily exploited by parties seeking to disingenuously influence public opinion.

I share the feelings of all those who have been affected by the recent allegations, which are baseless. The truth will prevail and His Holiness will continue to be a beacon of hope and peace in the world. I pray for His Holiness’s long life and for his infinite compassionate activities to continue to benefit humanity.

Sincerely
Ling Rinpoche

April 13, 2023

Dear Students and Friends of Kyabjé Lama Zopa Rinpoche,

It is with the deepest sadness that I offer my condolences on the passing of the incomparable Kyabjé Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

Kyabjé Lama Zopa Rinpoche had a close personal relationship and received many teachings from my predecessor H.H. the 6th Kyabjé Ling Rinpoche throughout his lifetime.

I have had a very close spiritual and personal relationship with Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche throughout my own lifetime, from birth up until now, so this news is unbelievably sad and shocking to hear.

For all of us who are Kyabjé Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s disciples, this is the greatest teaching our Lama can give – the teaching of impermanence. Therefore, we must not be discouraged or lose hope. We can feel even more encouraged to put Rinpoche’s teachings into practice and to continue working towards the swift fulfilment of Rinpoche’s pure and vast aspirations and prayers.

Please take this opportunity to rejoice in how incredibly fortunate we have been to receive Kyabjé Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s teachings and blessings, and to witness the profound example of Rinpoche’s amazing life and accomplishments. This can inspire us to continue with our practice and not to be discouraged.

I offer my deepest, heartfelt condolences to all of you who are grieving now, all around the world, especially all the students, staff, volunteers and friends of Kyabjé Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s FPMT organization. Please join me in praying for Rinpoche’s swift return!

With my love and prayers.

Ling Rinpoche
Vienna Austria
13th April 2023

April 11, 2023

On 11th April, H.E. Ling Rinpoche gave teachings on Atisha’s Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment and a Gang Loma Commentary for the Lucerne Tibetan Community, successfully concluding Rinpoche’s tour of Switzerland.