In August 2005, thirty fortunate people from around the world gathered at Kopan Monastery for the first FPMT Foundation Training in Rituals. This training provided in-depth instruction on Lama Zopa Rinpoches method of leading the practices that he most often recommends for FPMT centers and students. The training was led by Venerable Sarah Thresher, who generously shared her considerable experience leading these practices in retreat with Rinpoche, as well as the private instruction she has received from him. Khen Rinpoche Lama Lhundrup, the abbot of Kopan, gave profound teachings on the need for ritual, as well as advice for FPMT centers on how best to utilize ritual for success. Kendall Magnussen gave instruction in altar set-up and other aspects of ritual practice. Finally, Venerable Thubten Jinpa, an accomplished monk from Kopans Tantric College and frequent attendant to Lama Zopa Rinpoche, gave several engaging teachings on tantric practice.

This data CD includes MP3s of rich materials presented at the training with teachings on each practice by Lama Zopa Rinpoche. It is a wealth of information for those wishing to learn more about these essential practices. Specifically the program includes: Lama Tsongkhapa Guru Yoga, 4 Mandalas to Chittimani Tara, Heruka Vajrasattva Tsog, Lama Chopa (the whole puja with tsog as well as verses 1-22 with extensive meditations and verses 1-16 led by Lama Zopa Rinpoche), Calling the Guru From Afar meditation and explanation, Lama Sangye food offering, and Lama Zopa Rinpoches long life prayer.

The more extensively and properly we do ritual practice, the more powerful the positive merit we accumulate. Creating very strong merit helps us meditate properly and achieve realization. If we dont have enough virtue or merit, even if we try to meditate, we wont have any realization.

Every major tradition has its own unique way of doing the mudra, the chant, and so forth, and that is always established by the master. Similarly, within the FPMT centers, establishing the tradition of performing rituals according to the instructions of Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche would be the most significant thing we could do. This will help the center and the whole organization to become special.

Khen Rinpoche Lama Lhundrup

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