Lama Zopa Rinpoche says that the reason to have meetings is to help with wisdom. Many people have different ideas, so that helps generate a broader view.

Rinpoche talks about the importance of Sangha as role models. He says learning the words is incredible, but without practice, it’s like a tape-recorder. When someone has meditated on lamrim, they can teach with experience.

Rinpoche introduces the main topic of discussion about caring for aged Sangha by suggesting that there should be several places organized in different countries rather than only one place. He then invites people to express their ideas. Eecie Hursthouse (director of Amitabha Hospice Service) discusses the three different needs of elderly Sangha (spiritual, physical, and social needs). Mary, a district nurse, talks about her experiences and the aged care support services available in Australia. Ven. Roger Kunsang talks about his preference to die alone. Ven. Tardo expresses her agreement with Ven. Roger. Ven. Yeshe Khadro gives some examples of people who have died and their experiences. Ven. Chonyi talks about the enormous variation in what people want when they’re dying and the need for financial support. Ven. Lhundrup agrees with Ven. Roger and talks about the building facilities that older Sangha may require. Ven. Pende discusses the building facilities at Nalanda Monastery for the purpose of supporting aged Sangha. Several other speakers contribute to the discussion by sharing their personal experiences and suggestions.

Following this, Rinpoche gives a presentation about how to have a peaceful death. He illustrates the importance of Dharma practice for a peaceful death by sharing several personal stories, including stories about Gen Jampa Wangdu and his realizations. Rinpoche says that protecting our karma during our lifetime is what makes death peaceful and fearless. Protecting our karma means not harming other sentient beings. Thus, the best preparation for death is to practice the good heart in everyday life.

Rinpoche concludes by reminding students to meditate on how everything comes from the mind. This understanding will then lead to knowledge of what is a false view and what is a correct view. Rinpoche emphasizes that this is an extremely important meditation for both old and new students.

From April 10 to May 10, 2004, Lama Zopa Rinpoche gave extensive teachings during the Mahamudra Retreat at Buddha House in Australia. While the retreat focused on Mahamudra, Rinpoche also taught on a wide range of Lamrim topics. This retreat marked the beginning of a series of month-long retreats in Australia. Subsequent retreats were held in 2011, 2014, and 2018, hosted by the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo.

Find out more about Lama Zopa Rinpoche, his teachings and projects at https://fpmt.org/