Lama Tsongkhapa Day
Lama Tsongkhapa Day is the celebration of Lama Tsongkhapa’s parinirvana, when he passed away and left his earthly body. This auspicious occasion falls on December 25, 2024.
Je Tsongkhapa (1357–1419) is the founder of our lineage, the Gelug tradition. A great reformer of Buddhist doctrine, Tsongkhapa clarified the texts and composed a number of treatises, among which are several lamrim works setting out the complete path to enlightenment.
Ven. Robina Courtin will lead us in the meritorious practice of Lama Chöpa and explain the significance of this celebration. Practicing together vastly increases the positive energy generated. Together we will dedicate these practices to achieving the same realizations as Lama Tsongkhapa: attaining full awakening so that we can be of the best possible benefit to all sentient beings.
We encourage you to make a special offering on your altar, especially light offerings (electric lights, candles, etc.), which are recommended by Lama Zopa Rinpoche. During our virtual celebration, you can visually share your light offerings and rejoice in the collective merits.
Prayer Requests
You are welcome to request a dedication. Please email prayers@shantidevanyc.org by December 24, 2024 and indicate “Lama Tsongkhapa Day” in the subject line.
May the Buddhadharma flourish and spread forth to all sentient beings in the ten directions!
Additional Materials
- Lama Chopa and Tsog Offering eBook & PDF
(Note: Please download via FPMT Foundation Store: https://shop.fpmt.org/Lama-Chopa-and-Tsog-Offering-eBook-PDF_p_1949.html)
- Chanting the Names of Noble Manjushri eBook & PDF
(Note: Please download via FPMT Foundation Store: https://shop.fpmt.org/Chanting-the-Names-of-Noble-Manjushri-eBook-PDF_p_2336.html)
Recording
This is a playlist. To jump to a particular session, click the playlist icon (near the top-right corner) of the video frame to select video.
About the Teachers
Venerable Robina Courtin has worked full-time for Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s organization, the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition, since her ordination in the late 1970s. Over the years she has served as editorial director of Wisdom Publications, editor of Mandala Magazine, executive director of Liberation Prison Project, and as a touring teacher of Buddhism. Her life and work with prisoners have been featured in the documentary films Chasing Buddha and Key to Freedom. Venerable Robina is known for her straightforward and energetic teaching style, helping people discover the potential of their own minds with clear explanations about Tibetan Buddhism and how to apply it to their lives.
Visit her website at https://www.robinacourtin.com.
A physics graduate from MIT, Venerable George Churinoff earned a Masters degree in Buddhist studies from Delhi University, India. He took ordination in 1975 and studied the Geshe Studies Program at Manjushri Institute, England, where he also served as Spiritual Program Coordinator. Venerable George was instrumental in founding the FPMT Masters Program at Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa in Italy, where he also served as Program Coordinator. After studying and teaching there for eight years he spent several years at Tushita Centre in Delhi, followed by three years as Lama Osel Rinpoche’s English curriculum tutor at Sera Je Monastery in South India.
Venerable George has done many retreats in the sutra and tantra traditions and taught extensively in FPMT centers all over the world. He taught the FPMT Basic Program as resident teacher at Dorje Chang Institute, New Zealand and at Land of Medicine Buddha, USA. Venerable George now resides in Asheville, NC and has recently completed a 3-year retreat.
