Lama Zopa Rinpoche's Online Advice Book

Dear Lama Zopa Rinpoche: Answers to life's problems from a Buddhist master.

Welcome to the Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive online book of Lama Zopa Rinpoche's free advice on a wide range of topics in the form of letters and short talks.  

CONTENTS

Benefiting Animals
Buddhist Practices
Compassion and Bodhicitta
Contemporary Issues
Death and Transitions
Emptiness
Family and Relationships
Holy Objects
Lineage Lamas
Meditation and Retreat Advice
Negative Emotions
Path to Enlightenment (lamrim)
Sangha (Monks and Nuns)
Sickness and Health
Sutras, Mantras and Root Texts
Working for the Dharma

Rinpoche received thousands of letters every year from people seeking guidance on a variety of issues. His advice is made available here in the Online Advice Book, so it may be of benefit to others.

You can browse through the topics listed in the Contents above, view and search the advice book, starting with the most recent additions, or go to our Teachings menu to refine your search. We've done our best to categorize the various advices given by Rinpoche, but the advice often relates to more than one topic. Use the tags and search function to find what you are looking for.

This online book is a work in progress, and new advices are compiled, edited and added here each month. Our special thanks to Ven. Holly Ansett, Michelle Bernard and Sandra Smith for their work in compiling and editing these advices.

Important Note on Context and Personal Safety

Lama Zopa Rinpoche's advice and guidance were given to specific individuals in particular circumstances and should be understood within their original context. They are not necessarily applicable to others or to different situations and we encourage you to consult a qualified lama before applying them. The advice is provided for informational purposes only and should be applied at your own discretion. We cannot guarantee particular results and and accept no responsibility for any harm that may arise. 

Nevertheless, Rinpoche has suggested that the advice is made available to give a general idea of ways to help others. In some cases, people experiencing difficulties may not have access to a qualified teacher, and experience has shown that they have found benefit in following Rinpoche's advice. When someone sees a piece of advice and feels strongly drawn to try it, Rinpoche said this may be the Buddha’s action guiding them toward a method that can help. All names have been changed to protect privacy.

Safeguarding Statement 

Personal safety and self-care are paramount. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, coercion, violence, exploitation, or any situation that feels unsafe, please seek support from an appropriate service in your region and, where appropriate, develop a safety plan.

Teachings on guru devotion and the teacher-student relationship can sometimes bring difficult experiences or unresolved issues related to past abuse or trauma to the surface. If engaging with the teachings or advice causes distress or raises concerns of this nature, we encourage you to seek support from a suitably qualified professional or support service.

Nothing on this website should be understood as condoning abusive, coercive, exploitative or harmful behaviour, including domestic and family violence, or as discouraging individuals from seeking support, establishing appropriate boundaries, or taking steps to ensure their safety and wellbeing.

Health Advice

The health advice provided on the LYWA website is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from a doctor or health care professional. Always contact your health care professional if you have health concerns. Do not disregard medical advice or delay seeking it because of information on this website.

You are also encouraged to visit the Lama Zopa Rinpoche Advice page on the FPMT website, which is updated regularly with advice on a variety of topics and practices. A selection of these advices was published by Wisdom Publications under the title Dear Lama Zopa. You can see their website to order a copy.

We welcome your feedback. Please email the Jen Barlow with your comments and suggestions. Thank you so much.