Monla Khedrup Rinpoche

Whatever work we do for the benefit of others, especially in public service, will never be free from praise or criticism. No matter how much effort, sincerity, and strength we put into making something perfect, there will always be someone unhappy with it, someone who misunderstands, judges, or speaks against us. That is simply the nature of samsara and human perception.

If we spend our lives trying to please everyone, we will only exhaust ourselves. You cannot control another person’s mind, words, or reactions, but you can work with your own mind. That is the real practice.

So continue doing what you truly believe is right. Be honest with yourself, keep your intention pure, and walk with patience and resilience. Sometimes criticism itself becomes a teacher, helping us grow stronger, wiser, and more compassionate.

The result may not appear immediately, but genuine effort and authentic virtue always bear fruit one day. And when they do, that fruit naturally becomes a benefit for many beings.

I am deeply grateful to those who have the courage to criticize me. Through your words, I am able to recognize my shortcomings, learn from my mistakes, and continue refining myself. At times, your criticism teaches me patience, resilience, and deeper understanding. In that way, you become not an adversary, but a true teacher.

Dear Friends,

As we step into the auspicious Fire Horse Year, I extend my warmest wishes for a joyful and blessed Losar to each of you.

The past year has been filled with many meaningful moments and some of the most important milestones of my life. In the Wood Snake Year of 2025, the 20-year master plan for Sangchen Ogyen Tsuklag began to take shape, alongside the strengthening and consolidation of the Khedrup Foundation team. The construction of retreat centers in Trongsa and eastern Bhutan, made possible through the generosity of our donors, has created new opportunities for practitioners to deepen their path. At the same time, initiatives such as the Dharma Design Lab and the Religious Leadership Workshop have opened new pathways for the Dharma to flourish in the 21st century. My appointment as the Nyingma Kutsab of Bhutan was another profound responsibility, marking a new chapter in our collective commitment to preserving and serving the Dharma.

With this strong foundation now in place, we have reached a point where we can begin shaping enduring visions together, supported by our dear friends and volunteers around the world. These aspirations are deeply important, and in the year ahead we will continue to nurture and expand them. For this reason, the year we are entering holds special significance—it is a pivotal moment for all that we aspire to accomplish.

This work is not driven by personal gain, but is dedicated to the continuity of the Buddha Dharma and to the benefit of all sentient beings.

As we begin this new year, may we cultivate aspirations to benefit one another, and may peace, harmony, and happiness flourish in all our lives.

Tashi Delek.

Life is as brief as a flash of lightning. In this short span, we play countless roles. At times we fall into the traps of others, and at times we set traps ourselves. This is karma something we can clearly see and reflect upon.
Even more fascinating is the mind itself. The mind traps the mind, and the mind also frees the mind. Nothing can imprison the mind except the mind itself, and nothing can liberate it either.
Isn’t this remarkable? This is why we believe in enlightenment, because everything comes back to the mind.