December 2025 Lhagsam Newsletter

Since 2015, Lhagsam has evolved from a small study group into a Center (2023), offering a place of refuge to study, meditate, and reflect through Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism. Enjoy these dharma reflections from a few of our founding members — Jeff, Sandra, and Theres. Their insights celebrate our growing community and ongoing dharma activities.

Jeff warmly recollected a special time: “Here is a photo of the very first teaching that I received from Geshe Sherab in 2015 at Lhagsam, before it even had the name “Lhagsam.” In fact I call him the ““Godfather of the Lhagsam Center in Zurich”” as he was the very first teacher to teach there before the center existed.

I recall him saying that it would be good if we consecrated the center, so he asked me to bring rice on the second day of the teachings. As I was picking up Geshe-la, I suddenly remembered that I had forgotten the rice. I was sweating and silently praying that he wouldn’t ask about the rice and would simply forget. As we were driving, my sweat increased until he asked, “”Do you have the rice?”” “”No Geshe-la, I don’t. I forgot it.”“ He kindly replied, “”No problem, we can do it without the rice. No big deal.”“ What a kind teacher to forgive my lack of mindfulness. This is my memory of the first moments of Lhagsam starting to flourish into an amazing center, full of harmony and love.”

Sandra kindly shared these memories: “Lhagsam became my spiritual home. In 2017 at Kopan monastery, I found my spiritual path, for the first time in my life. And I wouldn’t have been able to continue on this path without Lhagsam. Listening to teachings and discussing them with this wonderful community of amazing people became the highlight of my week. What I’ll never forget: How in 2017 we organised Venerable Robina Courtin’s first public talk in Zurich! It was amazing how smoothly we all worked together to make this wonderful event happen, with 100 people in attendance.”

Theres thoughtfully expressed her sentiments: “Do you know this blissful feeling of being surrounded by happy people that share your values, outlook on life, and the commitment to dedicate time to creating a center of inspiration and support for countless sentient beings? It feels like having a heart that overflows with gratitude and the wish to repay the kindness of all who are involved – the founders, all fellow volunteers, all the people who participate in our events, and most of all our precious teachers!”

Fulfilling the wishes of Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Lhagsam has become a place of dharma inspiration for our flourishing community and continues to nurture wisdom, compassion, and love for the benefit of all sentient beings.