News
June 2020
June 5, 2020
05
His Eminence Ling Rinpoche was invited as the Chief Guest to provide a Welcome and Introduction to the 7th Annual Saka Dawa Interfaith Conference, hosted by Kurukulla Center (FPMT) in Boston, Massachusetts USA.
May 2020
May 21, 2020
21
Today is famously regarded in the Elders’ lineage as the holy anniversary of the Incomparable Lord Buddha’s birth, Enlightenment, and Parinirvana. It is a precious opportunity for us followers of the Buddhist teachings to align all our behaviors over the next twenty-four hours with our Teacher’s instructions and to engage in virtue and abandon negativity through recalling the story of His Eminence’s life and His Eminence’s exalted activities of body, speech, and mind.
Furthermore, this time is an opportunity for us to continue developing our inner mental continuum as a means for taming and controlling our conduct. In fact, it is taught that the ultimate intent and goal of the Buddha’s teachings is to show us that the primary means by which we are to become proper adherents of the teachings, in conjunction with maintaining a vast altruistic motivation, is nothing other than to strive in taming the mind.
In particular, it is now widely recognized that the methods for training the mind, as found in the Buddhist teachings are like an excellent medicine that generates mental happiness and tranquility for all individuals—whether they accept the Dharma or not. We should all, therefore, make efforts to engage in activities that benefit others with a thought of heartfelt compassion. To sustain this unremittingly throughout our day to day lives is, I believe, extremely important.
As His Holiness, the Dalai Lama states in his prayer known as “The Resounding Drum of Truth” (Smon tshig bden pa’i rnga sgra):
For all those who suffer from the misery of poverty, oppression, and torture,
Beset by harm, pestilence, or an imbalance of the elements,
May all their hardships and obstacles, outer and inner, be fully pacified,
And may they revel eternally in the glory of every happiness and bliss.
With sincere prayers that all this will come to pass exactly as is expressed in these words.
Ling Rinpoche
7th May 2020
New Delhi, India
May 18, 2020
18
His Eminence Ling Rinpoche led prayers for those impacted by COVID-19, in support of Global Prayer Week – Virtual Vesak 2020, which is organized by the International Buddhist Confederation in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
The world needs the power of prayer to heal and recover not just from the pandemic, but also from the causes that lead to contagion, calamities and the destruction of nature. Let’s join Buddhists and other faiths all around the world in this Global Prayer Week. Let us offer our collective prayers for peace to the victims of COVID-19 and their families, full recovery to those infected, and strength to everyone at the front line of efforts to stop the pandemic.
May 17, 2020
17
His Eminence Ling Rinpoche was requested to speak on the special occasion of the Virtual Vesak 2564th Buddha Purnima Celebration & Global Prayer Week, organized by the International Buddhist Confederation in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
May 3, 2020
03
His Eminence was recently interviewed by Voice of Tibet where he spoke on several topics, ranging from COVID-19, his current activities to sharing inspiring advice about how we can use this time positively for transformation and hopeful guidance to the Tibetan communities.
Interviewer: The pandemic Covid-19, originated in Wuhan – China and has spread around the world, indiscriminately affecting people from all walks of life. As the world is facing such a crisis, some view it from a religious perspective, in recognizing the impermanent nature of our life. Today we have invited His Eminence Ling Rinpoche to talk about how we can learn from this experience. Rinpoche is being interviewed from Delhi – India.
His Eminence: Tashi Delek to all the listeners and viewers, greetings to all – Tibetans and other listeners who have joined us today. I would like to thank Voice of Tibet for inviting me to come on their show today and talk about the current situation.
Interviewer: How are you Rinpoche? Are you staying in Delhi at the moment?
His Eminence: Yes I am. I was touring New Zealand during the month of March and I was supposed to continue on to Australia but as the situation escalated with Covid-19 I had to cut my visit short and return to Delhi. I have been staying in Delhi and I am in good health.
Interviewer: I would like to seek Rinpoche’s advice regarding the current situation. Being a high Lama, Rinpoche is likely to be spending his time studying and practicing in his private residence. The situation many of us are facing at the moment is being forced to isolate at home. Can you advise us on how to view our current state?
His Eminence: We are indeed facing an unbelievably serious situation with the Covid-19 virus and it is disheartening. It affects us badly as human beings – so many are suffering. It is an infectious disease and even if one hasn’t contracted this virus, still it brings fear, worry and distress in our communities. It affects us on a personal level and on a community level. Globally it creates havoc in our lives – financially and otherwise. It is really dismal. We need to make prayers and to do whatever we can to help.
However, when I look at it on a personal level, I assess my situation as a monk. Apart from having something to attend to from time to time, I mostly stay indoors. Thinking about the current situation, albeit bleak, there is still a way to approach it with a broad and spacious mind. We are in Samsara and what keeps us in Samsara are karma and afflictive states of mind. The Buddha, the Bhagavan, has clearly said that the result of karma and afflictions is suffering. Samsara is a state of misfortune. The result of karma and afflictions is not happiness or wholesomeness. This is what the dharma tells us, so finding this situation to be shocking or inconceivable is irrational.
Interviewer: How do you spend your time during this unusual circumstance?
His Eminence: (Laughing) there are not many things I can do at the moment. During the last couple of years, I have been traveling a lot. I traveled extensively to the U.S., Europe, Asia and other countries. Though I try to spend my time training in virtue, still there is a lot of time spent traveling, meeting people and giving Dharma teachings, so I don’t have a lot of time to spend by myself. Now under the current situation, I get to spend more time in leisure, reading texts and doing my recitations. I exercise and have time to do other things as well. I can do my prayers, reading and recitation and even exercising in a relaxed manner! So, on a personal level, I find my mind to be more peaceful and at ease at the moment.
Interviewer: Yes – I agree with Rinpoche. So many of us have more time at hand now. We find different ways to make use of time. There are many things I see now on the internet: some take to cooking new things, learn other skills, etc. How can we use this time to bring about a transformation?
His Eminence: We live in different places. Some of us live in India and some overseas. People say they have no free time to relax; that they don’t have enough time to spend with their family and friends. We complain so much about not having time. Being in lockdown now, we have free time. It’s important to stay healthy. Mentally we can expand our mind, read books – history and the like. We can exercise. We can listen to recordings of teachings and talks. There are areas we haven’t explored before. For example – taking up painting if you haven’t done it before. You can improve your cooking skills. There are so many ways we can improve our general knowledge. Similarly, we can teach a variety of topics. Usually we think that we don’t have enough time to do all these things but now that we find ourselves confined at home there are so many things we can do. We can save time; we don’t have to waste so much time. We can learn, practice and train in so many things at home: painting, cooking, increase our general knowledge and more. I think it is up to us now to appreciate this opportunity that we have and not to let it slip. We need to make sure we do not waste the time we have now.
Interviewer: The Covid-19 crisis affects so many people indiscriminately – regardless of your financial status, gender, age, physical state. What is the most important thing we can learn from it?
His Eminence: The pandemic affects all of us regardless of one’s ethnicity, skin-complexion, religion, nationality or gender. As human beings we are all affected by it. His Holiness the Dalai Lama often says that we create divisions with respect to nationality, religious background, ethnicity, complexion. We waste so much time being divisive, and we create additional problems. Looking at the current situation, we can recognize our equality as human beings. We are the same as other human beings and yet we fight and quarrel with each other. We can see this throughout history and in current affairs. This divisive approach between “us” and “others” is a great mistake. We can recognize now the equality of all of us – all living beings are the same in seeking happiness and in wanting to avoid suffering. It is our common goal. I think that this is the most important thing we can learn from this situation.
Interviewer: I agree with Rinpoche – the most important thing we can learn is how we are all the same in seeking happiness and not wanting suffering. I would like to thank you for that. We have many people that have joined us on this live-stream, more than 400 people are currently tuned in, many are sending you greetings, flowers etc.
His Eminence: I am happy to meet you and the many friends from all over the world that have joined us. Thank you for the greeting, the emojis – flowers. I shall always keep you in my prayers!
Interviewer: The Covid-19 crisis seems to be the greatest challenge we are facing now. There are many that have contracted the virus and many that have not. Some people’s lives are in danger. Many have lost their sources of income and many are anxious and worried. What advice will you give someone who has contracted the virus and for one who has not contracted it?
His Eminence: We are all concerned about those who have contracted this virus. Contracting it is bad but there is a way to recovery. There are so many people who have recovered, this disease is not incurable. There are elderly people or those with pre-existing medical complications such as high blood pressure or diabetes that have recovered. So even if you have contracted it, your situation is not hopeless! Even if you have contracted it, it doesn’t mean you will necessarily die. You should always stay hopeful. It’s not that I’m just trying to soothe you, it is in fact true! There are those in their 90s and even 100 that have recovered, so do not lose hope. Many scientists and health workers are working hard every day on finding treatments. There is hope. It’s not a tiny bit of hope but a great hope! There are also some who do not go to hospital and take care of their health at home. They practice social-distancing properly and take the proper treatment and naturally overcome it. So many have recovered in this way. Do not be too worried – stay hopeful! Do not be pessimistic and lose heart.
Interviewer: I am an ordinary person and I do not know much about the Dharma. This current situation still makes me recognize that my life is not permanent or stable. I let my life go by and all of a sudden this happens, and I can now see how things like that are possible. So many people have a similar experience. What dharma advice can you give us with regards to planning for the future?
His Eminence: (Laughing) From a Dharma perspective we are told that samsaric affairs have no essence whatsoever! We spend our time mostly being busy with food, clothing and social interactions. Most of our time is spent on trying to find happiness and joy in this life and we work so hard to make that happen. We spend our life accumulating wealth and possessions, reputation, spending money; and we work hard in that vein. We fight and quarrel with others, look down on some and flatter others. From a Dharma perspective – none of these have any essence. We have attained such a good body in this life, and it is a result of accumulating merit and good karma in previous lives. It is such a shame if we put it to waste.
It is hard to practice for 24 hours a day or at any single part of the day. There are still things we need to attend to. Yet, we still need to appreciate the Dharma and to lead our life based on the principles of the Dharma. I am not saying that you need to meditate every day. What I mean is that we need to act in the way the Buddha instructed us. The Buddha said: “Subdue your mind thoroughly, this is the teaching of the Buddha!”. The main thing we need to do is subdue our mind. If you do it well, you will be able to control your physical, verbal and mental behavior. The main thing is to correct our mind. For that we need to understand the nature and the faults of the afflictions and to attempt to tame our mind. An indication for having tamed our mind is the transformation of our physical, verbal and mental behavior; Becoming a kind-hearted human being, with love, compassion and patience. These will be great assets for this world regardless of the spiritual path you follow. Even if you follow no religion at all you can still see how this is valuable for living a good life. This is what we need to study. You might have the idea that practicing the Dharma is for old people or an old-fashioned thing to do, but it is not like that at all! Dharma practice is not solely about benefiting others but something that improves your life too and makes it happier. Understanding that, please try as much as you can to develop an understanding of the Dharma and to put it into practice. I am certain we can all do that.
Interviewer: We are all going through this crisis and there are also serious environmental issues we have been battling with. Can you give a simple advice not as a Buddhist lama but as a simple person?
His Eminence: (Laughing) Being a simple person or someone having the title of Lama – the most important point is that we always have opportunities to study. Even when you are stranded at home you can do it. Studying is important. We can accomplish our own purpose and the purpose of others with that. I am not saying you have to always carry with you books and papers wherever you go. There are many ways to study. You can learn through discussing things with others. You can listen to teachings. There are lectures you can listen to on general topics such as health, economics, etc. There are so many things and ways to study! You can do this.
There are other things people use to calm their minds – games and the like, and it’s also ok. Painting, the arts – if you have any talent it’s important you develop it and not to neglect it.
Interviewer: These were the points I wanted to discuss with you today. Is there any advice regarding the current situation you would give to the Tibetan people?
His Eminence: I would like to extend my greetings to the Tibetan people. So far, I have heard of only a couple of Tibetans that have died as a result of Covid-19. It is possible that some Tibetans living overseas have contracted the virus. I am thinking about you all and as I said earlier – we all have a great hope. This disease can be overcome so be relaxed and maintain a happy state of mind. We all follow His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s advice in that vein.
Still in terms of being prepared for the situation – make sure that you prepare for the worst-case scenario. Do not be too relaxed and become negligent because this situation is serious. Stay relaxed and happy and take care of your health. It is a serious disease but there are many things that we can do – many things that are still in our hands. Stay healthy and do not neglect your well-being. In India we are in lockdown. In other countries the lockdown state is different. Some people still shake hands or hug. I would recommend avoiding that for the time-being. People will understand if you choose to refrain from doing that. This is not an ordinary time. Follow the advice of the medical staff wherever you are. You can use your time to listen to teachings given by His Holiness the Dalai Lama or other Dharma masters and make sure you don’t waste time on unwholesome activities. Later on, when the lockdown rules ease you will be able to look back at the time you’ve spent in self-isolation and appreciate the things that you have done and studied.
The state of Tibetans living in India and abroad is good compared to the poorest people in India. Take care of those around you – those who do not have food and the sick. Help them in whatever way you can. Continue to work for the sake of others. It is important to help others particularly at this time of crisis. I would request you to consider this.
I pray that disturbances of sickness and disease will be pacified in the world and that happiness and well-being will return to our lives. The prayers you make are genuine ones. You can pray for quelling the many challenges we face in the world: natural disasters such as earth-quakes and storms; famines and plagues and so forth. If you make such prayers, they will certainly bear fruit. His Holiness The Dalai Lama makes such prayers and has advised us accordingly.
Thank you and Tashi Delek!
3rd May 2020
April 2020
April 15, 2020
15
To all my Dear Friends in Australia,
I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation for your kind invitation to attend the Festival of Tibet in Brisbane. I regret that due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, I am unable to be with you in person at this event, which makes an important contribution to international Tibetan community development and to raising the profile of Tibet’s unique cultural tradition in the context of Australia’s multi-cultural society.
I hope and pray that you are all keeping safe and well. My congratulations to you all for your ability to adapt so quickly and effectively to the rapidly changing circumstances leading to this online gathering today. I am writing from India and would like to reassure everyone that I am in very good health.
I have been praying for all beings who are suffering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and particularly for those who have tragically lost their lives. This global crisis has left millions experiencing illness, grief and extreme hardship. We have all been required to drastically change our lives to prevent the spread of the virus.
In Australia, the standard of living is generally quite high, and the health care system is world-class. Nonetheless, every precaution must be taken to prevent the disastrous situations we are sadly witnessing in other highly developed nations. The Australian Government has made a very swift and encouraging response to protect its citizens by introducing social distancing regulations and by providing substantial income support to those in need.
I feel confident that the leaders of your great country are doing everything in their power to minimize the impact of the pandemic on the Australian population.
I feel deeply grateful to all those courageous people in Australia and around the world who are making great personal sacrifices and placing themselves and their families at risk in order to alleviate the suffering of others, including health care workers, teachers, police, grocery store workers, public servants and all those who continue providing essential services at this time. It’s also important to remember that countless people are caring for others at home, such as providing vital practical and emotional support to their loved ones, neighbors and strangers.
I would like to encourage everyone to continue helping and supporting each other, to overcome this difficult situation together.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time,
Ling Rinpoche
15th April 2020
April 7, 2020
07
His Eminence Ling Rinpoche is praying for all beings everywhere who are suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic. This global crisis leaves millions of people experiencing illness, bereavement and extreme hardship due to a loss of income and livelihood.
While there is little practical support Rinpoche can offer at an international level, His Eminence feels particularly moved by the plight of India’s poorest people at this time and wishes to contribute to relief efforts.
India has provided a home to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and a large population of Tibetans who have sought refuge in this great country. India is also His Eminence Ling Rinpoche’s home. Rinpoche is therefore making a donation to the Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM CARES FUND), to be used for containment and relief efforts against the coronavirus outbreak in this country, and toward similar pandemic-like situations in the future.
Rinpoche prays that charities such as the PM CARES Fund will have every success in providing essential care and support to those people in most urgent need. Rinpoche extends his sincere, heartfelt appreciation to the Government of India for their efforts to contain the spread of the virus and save lives.
His Eminence feels deeply grateful to all those who are making personal sacrifices to alleviate the suffering of others and His Eminence encourages everyone to continue helping and supporting each other as much as possible, to overcome this difficult situation together.
Yongzin Lingtsang Labrang
New Delhi
7th April 2020
February 2020
February 29, 2020
29
At the beginning of February, His Eminence Ling Rinpoche gave the Leaf Clad Goddess (Parnashavari) Initiation in Taichung, hosted by Drepung Loseling Taiwan. Parnashavari (Sanskrit) or Lomagyuma (Tibetan), dispels ignorance and protects from disease – in particular those of a contagious nature. This Initiation was widely requested due to the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) and it was live-streamed in this instance for thousands of students.
His Eminence Ling Rinpoche’s tour of Taiwan continued at the Bliss and Wisdom Monastic Community where His Eminence was warmly welcomed by the Abbot, monks and dignitaries. His Eminence gave a talk, blessed the monastery and visited and blessed the new building site. His Eminence then visited and paid respects to a highly revered Vinaya Holder in Taiwan – Venerable Guo Ching of Cheng Chueh Monastery in Nantou. His Eminence was kindly greeted by Venerable Guo Ching and all the Abbots and monks, and His Eminence enjoyed a discussion with Venerable Guo Ching about promoting peace, loving kindness and compassion in the world. On the final day of his Taiwan visit, His Eminence had a special meeting and gave advice to members of Drepung Loseling Association of Taiwan, before being wished a heartfelt farewell at the airport by many kind hosts, friends and students, on his departure from Taiwan.
From 6th -14th February, His Eminence Ling Rinpoche visited Japan. The trip commenced in Kyoto, where His Eminence was very well received by the Abbots and Sangha at four World Heritage Temples. His Eminence then visited Tokyo where His Eminence gave a special audience and talk for Tibetans and supporters of Tibet, at the Office of Tibet in Japan. His Eminence gave a public talk about the benefits of the Tibetan Buddhist understanding of the reincarnation process, and about his own relationship with the Ling Rinpoche lineage and with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. His Eminence also gave teachings on “Compassion Meditation and Practice” at Gogukuji Temple, Tokyo.
On 27th February, His Eminence arrived at Auckland Airport, New Zealand, where His Eminence was very warmly welcomed by representatives from local Buddhist Centers and members of the Tibetan Community in NZ.
January 2020
January 31, 2020
31
At the beginning of the new decade, His Eminence Ling Rinpoche traveled to Kaohsiung City in Taiwan, where His Eminence gave two days of teachings on the “Transmission from the Holy Mouth of Manjushri on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment” (Lamrim Jampal Yelung) and bestowed the White Manjushri Initiation. His Eminence visited the largest and most famous Buddhist monastery in Taiwan – the Fo Guang Shan Temple and was warmly received by the second Abbott of the Monastery (Head of International Relations). They enjoyed a long discussion about Buddha Dharma before visiting and paying respects at the Buddha’s relic shrine in the temple, where Rinpoche made strong prayers for countless beings affected by tragic fires in Australia.
In Kaohsiung, His Eminence Ling Rinpoche visited ‘To I Plants Life Association’ (an environment protection group), and His Eminence gave teachings on the “Three Principal Aspects of the Path” at Middle Way Center, and the “Eight Verses of Mind Training” for Drepung Loseling Association. His Eminence also visited and blessed the land for a new Drepung Loseling Taiwan Dharma Center. At Kaosiung Medical University, His Eminence gave a talk for doctors, nurses and hospital staff, on “When Medicine Met Buddhism: Wisdom Between Living and Death,” organized by Kaohsiung Doctors’ Medical Association.
His Eminence Ling Rinpoche’s tour of Taiwan continued in Taipei, where His Eminence gave teachings on the “Eight Verses of Mind Training” at Drepung Loseling Center, bestowed the Buddha Amitayus Long Life Initiation at Do-Ngag Chi-Lin Center (FPMT), the Orange Manjushri Initiation at Gaden Shartse Center and the Buddha Samaya Protection Wheel Empowerment at Gyuto Taipei Center.
His Eminence Ling Rinpoche continued a further two days of teachings in Taipei on the “Commentary from the Holy Mouth of Manjushri on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment” (Lamrim Jampal Yelung), with a White Tara Long Life Initiation, jointly hosted by Drepung Loseling Association of Taiwan, Do-Ngag Cho-Ling (FPMT), and Gaden Shartse Center. His Eminence led the students in reciting the “Eight Great Prayers” for the estimated one billion sentient beings who lost their lives in the Australian bush fires.
His Eminence also gave teachings on the “Three Principal Aspects of the Path” at Yilan Peacock Monastery, “How to Have a Happy Life According to Buddhist Teachings” at Denzhi Dharma Center, and His Eminence Ling Rinpoche blessed the new center building of Drepung Loseling Association Taipei.
On 25th January, His Eminence Ling Rinpoche presided over the Guru Puja tsok offering at Drepung Loseling Association Taichung, on the occasion of Chinese New Year. His Eminence spoke about the benefits and merits of the tsok offering practice and about the meaning of New Year.
In Taipei, His Eminence gave a special audience to the Gomang Monastery Center’s Geshes and members. His Eminence then gave the “1000 Deities Commentary” and the oral transmissions of the “Leaf Clad Goddess” (Parnashavari) and the “Three Principal Aspects of the Path to Enlightenment” at Thosam Norbuling Buddhist Center (Awakening Vajra), the “Seven Medicine Buddhas Initiation” and the oral transmission of the “Leaf Clad Goddess” mantra at Sera Jey Center.
His Eminence visited and blessed the Sherab Lophel Ling Center. His Eminence Ling Rinpoche also gave “Introduction to Buddhism” teachings and the oral transmissions for the Refuge Prayer and the “Leaf Clad Goddess” (Parnashavari) mantra, at Maha Muni Buddhist Center.
At Jiang Siu Zeng Guang Buddhist Center (Awakening Vajra) in Taichung, His Eminence Ling Rinpoche gave a commentary on Lama Tsongkhapa’s “In Praise of Dependent Arising”, then His Eminence gave a Commentary on the “Foundation of All Good Qualities” and blessed and opened the new Wisdom Growth Buddhist Center in Tainan.
December 2019
December 31, 2019
31
At the start of December, H.E. Ling Rinpoche was the Chief Guest at the “Bhumi Pujan” of Donyi Polo Khumko and Indigenous Faith Day celebration & foundation laying ceremony in Arunachal Pradesh. The event was attended by the Honorable Pema Khendu (CM of Arunachal Pradesh) and other Indian and international dignitaries.
From 7th – 25th December, H.E. Ling Rinpoche returned to his residence at Ling Labrang, Drepung Monastery in South India, for the 600th anniversary of the great master Je Tsongkhapa’s nirvana (1419-2019). Each day Rinpoche met with high Lamas and granted audiences to many visiting international guests and the public. Rinpoche gave a special audience and advice to Drepung Loseling’s newly graduated Geshes, visited Ling Khangtsen where the monks offered a short long-life puja, and attended the Long-Life Initiation of Je Lama Tsongkhapa given by H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet at Drepung Loseling Debate Courtyard.
On 7th December, H.H. the Dalai Lama granted a special audience and gave advice to H.E. Ling Rinpoche and the Loseling Tulku Association, and on 17th December H.H. the Dalai Lama presided over the ‘Conference on Aryadeva’s Four Hundred Stanzas Treatise in Commemoration of Je Tsongkhapa’s 600th Pairinirvana Anniversary,’ which was chaired by H.E. Ling Rinpoche at Drepung Loseling.
On the last day of the year, His Eminence Ling Rinpoche arrived in Taipei, where he was very warmly welcomed by Drepung Loseling Association of Taiwan and representatives from many other Gelugpa Dharma centers.
