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Membership in IMI

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With realization of one’s own potential and self-confidence in one’s ability, one can build a better world.

HH Dalai Lama

The IMI is a community of monks and nuns within the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana (FPMT) mandala. FPMT is based in the tradition of Lama Tsongkhapa as taught by our founder, Lama Thubten Yeshe and spiritual director, Lama Zopa Rinpoche. As members of the IMI community we accept the guidance of the Abbott and Spiritual Director of the IMI and FPMT, Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

The monks and nuns of the IMI community are spread throughout the world. Generally, the community includes students of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, teachers within the FPMT mandala of centers, and teachers of Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Many, but not all, members of the IMI community reside at or work for an FPMT center, FPMT projects or within an IMI monastic community.

The IMI is an association of ordained sangha who hold full (gelong/gelongma), novice (getsul/ getsulma) or rabjung ordination, and practice, study or offer service within the FPMT mandala.

The IMI is committed to taking care of its community by ensuring that:

  • IMI sangha are educated in Vinaya and Buddhist philosophy as a foundation for their spiritual development as well as in their role as spiritual guides to the larger Buddhist community.
  • IMI sangha have appropriate accommodation
  • IMI sangha have proper food and nourishment
  • IMI sangha have proper medical care
  • IMI sangha have the advice and guidance of senior sangha members
  • IMI sangha have a supportive environment and conditions for retreat
  • IMI sangha are cared for when sick and elderly
  • IMI sangha have supportive communities where their spiritual practice can be developed

Beginning in 2009, all newly ordained monks and nuns will be considered provisionary members in IMI until completing monastic training.

For any questions concerning IMI membership, please contact IMI at office@imisangha.org.