January 25, 2009

2009 Tibetan and Chinese New Year

After my retreat in mid December, I went back to Kopan Monastery and the first thing I did was to see Phuntsok Rinpoche. He immediately asked me why I didn’t call to wish him happy birthday which was in October. I told him I was in retreat. It seems many people called to wish him plus there was a celebration organized for him in Kopan Monastery. I felt very happy and touched with his complaint, as this only showed his love, care and concern for me and every single moment while I was in retreat, I felt his blessings with his enlightened mind.

I had a wonderful time with him for two whole weeks and I was extremely overjoyed with his enthusiasm and interest in his studies. For your information, he started school beginning of this year and he is doing very well. He loves school and his English language has improved tremendously that he is now able to communicate with others directly. In fact his vocabulary and pronunciation is better than mine.

He is also more matured, able to memorize different prayers and practices, Tibetan language, mathematics, science ...etc. subject which I never had a chance to study. I am so happy with his progress. He continues to love living in the compound of Kopan Monastery. In one recent incident during the visit of LDC group, they invited him and other young lamas for lunch. It was a Friday morning but he gently declined due to school. Our little lama said “Lunch is not important as my school”. I must admit I’m so impressed.

Khen Rinpoche and I was outside the Kopan coffee shop and we both tried to convince him to take a day off from school for lunch with the LDC group but he still insisted lunch was not important and decided to stay in school. The other little lamas ended up joining us and Phuntsok Rinpoche ended up having potatoes for lunch.

Later that day when I went back, he asked me if I enjoyed lunch. I replied ... “Of course I did, we had lunch in Hyatt Kathmandu. How about you?” Little Phuntsok Rinpoche replied “Of course I did... I enjoyed my potatoes”.

He’s grown up, still chubby, playful but lots of interest in study. He’s also very cute, very loving and very funny. Every body loves his unique character...I love it too. ;-D

I just want to share this with all students and friends of Tenzin Phuntsok Rinpoche who cares for him and who’s interested to know how he is doing. He is happy and doing great.

On behalf of Phuntsok Rinpoche, I like to wish everyone and pray, may the coming Chinese and Tibetan new year be filled with good health, prosperity, laughter, happiness and enlightenment.

I have organized extensive pujas and prayers offering during this great Mulam Festival in Nepal, the 15 days of Buddha’s miracle merit multiplying day which is solely dedicated for the long life and fulfilment of all the holy wishes of His Holiness Dalai Lama, Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Khen Rinpoche Lama Lhundrup, Tenzin Phuntsok Rinpoche, all holy beings and students, friends and supporters of the Great Mahasiddha Geshe Lama Konchog.

Happy new year.
Geshe Tenzin Zopa