Losar is a time of transition for Tibetans. It always falls on the new moon in February, traditionally the time of the first spring thaw on the high plains of Tibet. It's the end of one yearly cycle and the beginning of another. The "Fire Pig" year is beginning at a time of significant change for the BSP programme and Chenrezig Institute.

Geshe-la has had a busy summer. In November, after BSP finished for 2006, he travelled to Chandrakirti Centre to conclude his cycle of teachings on Introduction to the Middle Way. In December, as requested by Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Geshe-la went to Sarnath in India for two weeks, to attend teachings from His Holiness the Dalai Lama and to take part in the long life puja offered to His Holiness by the FPMT. Afterwards he attended the FPMT geshe conference.

Sarnath is a very holy place for Buddhists because it is where Shakyamuni Buddha first taught the dharma following his enlightenment. Here in this photo, Geshe Tashi Tsering is doing kora (circumambulation) around the ancient stupa at Deer Park. It is a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists of every lineage.

Almost immediately on returning to Australia, Geshe-la taught a 10-day lam rim course. The gompa was packed, because now that Geshe Lozang Jamyang teaches the general programme, this was a rare opportunity for non-BSP students to hear Geshe-la teach.

It was also the last chance to hear Geshe-la's teachings as interpreted by Ven Lozang Zopa, his translator of seven years. After much postponing of his plans, Lozang Zopa is now finally on his way to India for a period of personal study and practice. His farewell was moving and joyful; no-one who spoke of all the ways he had benefited them personally, the BSP and Chenrezig Institute missed the chance to request him to please come back.

Lozang Zopa has been an inseparable part of students' experience of Geshe-la these past seven years. Here he is pictured in action at the end of the lam rim course at Chenrezig Institute in January 2007.

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