Rejoice in Tushita’s Activities & Students 2024
February 2025
Hello & welcome to our (biannual) Rejoice Newsletter!
The 2024 season has come to an end and wow wow wow – we have hosted so many extraordinary visitors, teachers, courses and events.. It’s truly inspiring and a great source for rejoicing!!
We started our season and the Tibetan New Year in early and rather chilly February with 3 different courses at the same time and a huge surprise on top of it!!
While running our popular “Days of Miracle” program with one and sometimes even two teachers every day online and in person, we also hosted our annual Pre-Ordination Course AND our first Introduction to Buddhism courses of the season.
What a wonderful surprise to welcome precious Rigsel Rinpoche, Phuntsok Rinpoche and Rinzen Rinpoche, together with 12 Kopan monks, staying at Tushita to receive ordination with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. On the day when Phuntsok Rinpoche received his full ordination, Rinpoche kindly agreed to give his first teaching at Tushita! What an amazing way to start the new year!
Previously, we had been so incredibly fortunate to have Lama Zopa Rinpoche in residence every year around this time. Although we missed Rinpoche dearly in bodily form, there was a deep sense of conviction that Rinpoche had sent us all these special beings and blessings, and our hearts were filled with much joy and gratitude.
The season continued to be packed with special events: we were honoured and delighted to welcome for teachings Samdhong Rinpoche for the first time, Ling Rinpoche, Yangten Rinpoche and Serkong Tsenshab Rinpoche. Jhado Rinpoche kindly made time to visit for tea, and for the very first time in this life the Yangsi of Denma Loche Rinpoche and Choden Rinpoche came to Tushita!
We organised special courses with Geshe Lhakdor, Geshe Dorji Damdul (who came twice!!), Geshe Kelsang Wangmo and for the second time our intro course in Hindi led by Kabir Saxena, Kailash Bouddha and Geshe Drakpa Jinpa. We offered a series of 8 Nyung Nays, many introductory and intermediate courses, short non-residential courses and daily drop-in sessions!
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Losar & Days of Miracles
2024 season started with a special program on Losar, February 10, the Tibetan New Year: the first Drop-in Guided Meditation of the season, recitation of Golden Light Sutra, visits to our teachers Ling Rinpoche, Yangten Rinpoche, Serkong Tsenshab Rinpoche, Guru Puja and the first session of our Days of Miracles program, with Venerable Robina Courtin online on Zoom: “Big Love” Remembering the Kindness of the Guru – Inspiring Stories about Lama Yeshe!
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Days of Miracles 2024
dedicated for the Swift Return of our Precious Guru Lama Zopa Rinpoche
Online:
Venerable Robina Courtin, Venerable Thubten Chödron, Venerable Sangye Khadro, Paula Chichester, Venerable Tenzin Drolma, Venerable Tenzin Namjong, Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo, Yangten Rinpoche, Geshe Kelsang Wangmo, Venerable Lhundup Jamyang, Geshe Tenzin Zopa, Geshe Tenzin Legtsok.
Hybrid:
Venerable Thubten Wangdu, Phuntsok Rinpoche, Venerable Lozang Drolma, Geshe Lhakdor, Serkong Tsenshab Rinpoche
👉 Watch here all the teachings from the Days of Miracles 2024
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The Unmistaken Child at Tushita
An extra but very special guest this year was Phuntsok Rinpoche, who gave his first talk at Tushita, on February 20, on “The Value of Studies in the 21st Century”, during the Days of Miracles.
Later on the same day we moved back to Zoom for a session of “Questions and Answers” with Geshe Tenzin Zopa!
Phuntsok Rinpoche is the recognised reincarnation of the Tibetan Mahasiddha Geshe Lama Konchog, who passed on in 2001. His early life and discovery as a reincarnated lama by his closest disciple Geshe Tenzin Zopa is documented in the 2008 documentary film Unmistaken Child.
👉 Watch here Phuntsok Rinpoche’s first teaching at Tushita!
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Novice Monk and Nun Ordination in Dharamsala!
On February 17, 2024, His Holiness the Dalai Lama ordained 72 Monks & Nuns, including Rigsel Rinpoche, the reincarnation of the beloved abbot of Kopan Monastery, Khensur Rinpoche Lama Lhundrup Rigsel and 3 of our Pre Ordination Course participants!
We rejoice so much!
On February 20, His Holiness offered Gelong Ordination to Phuntsok Rinpoche, Rinzen Rinpoche and to 10 Kopan monks which we were hosting here at Tushita!
After the ordination, the two Rinpoches enjoyed a beautiful sunny day in the snow – the first time for Rigsel Rinpoche! Rinpoche was so excited and happy!
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Pre-Ordination Course
Five committed and enthusiastic participants attended the Pre-Ordination Course led by Geshe Legtsok from February 12 to 29!
Three of our participants received getsul ordination from His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the 17th February 2024 and the other two received Gelong ordination on the 20th of February.
We rejoice so much in their achievements and we hope they will keep their vows purely and spread the dharma in all directions!
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Prayers for Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Swift Return
During the Days of Miracles, the Rinpoches, Kopan monks, Geshe Legtsok, and the POC participants prayed for the Swift Return of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche – reciting the Names of Manjushri and other prayers in Rinpoche’s room at Tushita.
Anniversary of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche Showing the Aspect of Passing Away
On April 13, 2024 we commemorated one year since Rinpoche showed the aspect of passing away.
We were so honoured and fortunate that Kyabje Serkong Tsenshab Rinpoche accepted our request to attend this special Guru Puja for the commemoration of the first anniversary of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche showing the aspect of passing away. Light offering in the morning and all-day program of prayers in Tibetan were performed by the monks from Gyudmed Monastery and meditators from the area.
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Special Guests Teachers
Yangten Rinpoche:
The Essence of Dharma Wisdom and Practicing Dharma in Everyday Life
February 25, 2024
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H.E. Ling Rinpoche:
The Foundation of All Good Qualities
March 24, 2024
On March 24th, His Eminence 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗶𝗻𝗽𝗼𝗰𝗵𝗲 visited Tushita to teach on 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 by Lama Tsongkhapa. A visit eagerly and joyfully awaited by many people! Following a brief introductory talk in English, Rinpoche gave a profound and inspiring teaching in Tibetan with English translation by Teresa Bianca.
Our main gompa was filled with guests from all around the world as well as our Introduction to Buddhism Course participants for most of whom being their first time connecting with Ling Rinpoche.
After a delightful lunch with Tushita’s staff and volunteers, Rinpoche left Tushita greeting everyone lined up outside to receive his blessings.
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Serkong Tsenshab Rinpoche:
The Essence of the Buddha’s Teachings
May 17, 2024
👉 Watch here Serkong Tsenshab Rinpoche teaching on “The Essence of the Buddha’s Teachings”!
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Samdhong Rinpoche:
The Tradition of Buddhist Philosophy and It’s Practice in Daily Life
(in Hindi)
May 17, 2024
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Serkong Tsenshab Rinpoche:
How did Buddha Repay the Kindness of His Mothers?
Teaching on Lhabab Düchen – November 22, 2024
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Special Guests Visiting Tushita
Jhado Rinpoche
It was so special to receive Jhado Rinpoche at Tushita for a chai in Lama Yeshe room!
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Tenzin Gyalten – Choden Rinpoche Yangsi and Denma Locho Rinpoche Yangsi visiting Tushita for the first time!
On June 13 we had the special opportunity to visit Choden Rinpoche’s Yangsi and invited him to Tushita! A few days later, we welcomed both of them at Tushita.
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Venerable Roger’s visit at Jampaling Elders’ Home, Dharamsala
👉 Read more on FPMT’s website!
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The nuns attending the Non-Himalayan Nuns Conference visited Tushita for lunch and a teaching by Geshe Dorji Damdul
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Residential Courses
In 2024 our various residential courses and retreats were attended by a total of 2040 students!
We also welcomed 5 experienced Buddhist practitioners to do their own personal retreats in one of our retreat huts.
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Courses with Special Teachers
Geshe Dorji Damdul:
Fearless Wisdom for Deeper Meaning of Life
March 5 – 14, 2024
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Annual Course with Geshe Lhakdor:
The Heart Essence of a Happy Mind
April 16 – 22, 2024
👉 Watch here Geshe Lhakdor’s teachings
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Geshe Dorji Damdul:
Study Retreat on Bodhisattva Shantideva’s Wisdom Chapter 9 of Bodhicharyavatara
June 30 – July 08, 2024
Long anticipated and fully booked out for months in advance, the course with Geshe Dorji Damdul on
on Bodhisattva Shantideva’s Wisdom Chapter 9 of Bodhicharyavatara was a huge success! All 132 extremely dedicated and enthusiastic students, including 2 geshes, 9 other sangha and 44 Russians, were incredibly fortunate to receive teachings and guidance from Geshe la.
Geshe la’s highly energetic and engaging teaching style – from 5.45 in the morning to sometimes 10.00 in the evening!! – was deeply inspiring and heart warming to experience!
We hope to welcome Geshe la soon for a continuation of the teachings on the 9th Chapter requested by our board member Dr Anita Dudhane!
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Introduction to Buddhism
This year we organised 16 Introduction to Buddhism courses in English, 10 of them led by our resident teacher Venerable Thubten Wangdu, 2 courses by Venerable Tenzin Thegchog, 2 courses by Venerable Thubten Drolkar, 1 by Glen Svensson, 1 by Venerable Amy Miller. A total number of ~1500 students attended these introductory courses! Rejoice!
103 students attended the 10-day Introduction to Buddhism in Hindi from 19 to 28 June 2024, led by Kabir Saxena and Kailash Bauddha, the Hindi interpreter of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and Geshe Jinpa as special guest teacher!
During the course, the students learned about Buddhist philosophy with Kabir Saxena, studied the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva with Kailash Bauddha, learned about how to apply the teachings in their day to day lives with Geshe Jinpa, and meditated on all the discussed topics.
The last two days of the course were very special: they all had the wonderful chance to visit the 6th Kyabjé Ling Rinpoche’s Holy Body at His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s temple and the Dalai Lama Library and Archive. The course finished with a first-time teaching at Tushita from Samdhong Rinpoche, the first elected Prime Minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile, great scholar and wonderful teacher – in Hindi, and with translation in English for the westerners present in the gompa by Kabir Saxena. The students also had the wonderful chance to listen to a teaching in Hindi from Samdhong Rinpoche – for the first time ever at Tushita!
Visiting the 6th Kyabjé Ling Rinpoche’s Holy Body at His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s temple and the Dalai Lama Library and Archive
Samdhong Rinpoche: The Tradition of Buddhist Philosophy and It’s Practice in Daily Life (in Hindi)
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In 2024 we offered 3 intermediate and 1 advanced courses, attended by 117 students.
Intermediate Courses
Transforming the Mind: The 7-Point Mind Training
Venerable Thubten Wangdu
Wisdom and Compassion: The Seven-Point Mind Training
Venerable Thubten Wangdu
Preparing for Death with Confidence and Compassion
Venerable Amy Miller
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Annual Advanced Course
Annual Advanced Course with Geshe Kelsang Wangmo:
The Two Truths
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Group Retreat Practices
Series of 8 Nyung Nays
May 7 – 24, 2024
This year we hosted a series of 8 Nyung Nay retreats wonderfully led by Venerable Thubten Drolkar, which were attended by 17 people. They did a total of 54 Nyung Nays! Rejoice!
Shamatha and Vipashyana – Calm Abiding and Special Insight
led by François Schick
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Short Courses
823 enthusiastic students joined our 11 non-residential courses this year!
How to Meditate
led by Venerable Thubten Drolkar
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Drop-in Sessions
Drop-in Guided Meditations
Monday – Saturday 9:00am
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Teachings and Meditations on the Buddhist Path to Peace with David Marks
Monday – Friday 9:00 – 10.30 am IST
Sep 2 – 11, 2024
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Monthly Pujas by the Gyume Monks
Dharma Movie Days
Screening of “Wandering ..but not lost!”
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Tushita’s snow lions
Pema & Tashi, our beloved guards of the centre and of the beautiful flowers, got a new makeover!
Our precious guru Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, while staying for a few weeks nearby at Tso Pema, in 2016, very kindly offered us two beautiful snow lions. We named them Pema & Tashi and as Rinpoche advised, our “new meditation leaders” are now greeting our many visitors and students and “talk about the mind to Westerners and Indians”.
You can watch a short video of Rinpoche offering the lions to Tushita on our website, in the news section from 2016: here.
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Flowers
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Tushita Team Annual Picnic & Adventure Day 2024!
❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
At the beginning of October we had our annual picnic & adventure day – a great Tibetan custom nobody likes to miss!
Full of anticipation, our Indian, Tibetan and Western staff and volunteers, Tushita friends and some monks from Gyume monastery (Tushita has a close connection with) left in the morning and drove for around one hour to a beautiful hill spot in the Dhauladhar Range. We were received with delicious chai and pakoras and fully energized went straight into action… There were so many things to enjoy like swimming in the natural pools, bungee slingshot jumping, ATV rides, bull riding, playing various games like cricket, badminton and trust-building activities with the whole team!
Some of us got in trouble with the geese, some of us got sunburns, some of us danced until late in the evening around the campfire, some tried to learn how to swim, some turned out to be best at all games!
After a good night sleep in comfortable big tents and a hearty breakfast, and with a heavy heart we had to say good bye.. But surely, there will be soon another picnic adventure coming up and we will return again for more fun to have!!!
Thank you so much everybody for a really fun picnic day at this beautiful location!!
Special thanks to Deepak ji & Pema la for organising everything perfectly!! 🙏🙏🙏
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Thank you all so much for rejoicing with us & see you very soon for all our next activities in the next year!
Thank you from all our hearts
