Sommario
30 years of pilgrimages with Lama Gangchen in a new book
Colonia, the new guesthouse: the renovation work has begun
Mass Self-Healing: an initiative by the sangha for the sangha
30 years of pilgrimages with Lama Gangchen in a new book
How can we share the magic of travelling in the company of a healing lama? Three years of hard work have gone into compiling these stories and photographic reports, and now, at last, this precious treasure is available to all of us, thanks to the dedication of Lama Caroline and Cosy Back, editors of the three-volume set. If you’ve walked with Lama Gangchen towards a stupa in Tibet, taken part in a ceremony in a Mongolian yurt, or climbed the steps of Borobudur at dawn, this book will help you relive the emotions of those moments. If, however, you haven’t travelled with him, it will let you imagine being there thanks to the accounts of those who experienced them first-hand.
The three-volume book recounts 30 years of pilgrimages to the most sacred Buddhist sites across 15 Asian countries—including Tibet, Nepal, Mongolia, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and China—as well as many other journeys across the five continents.
The introduction highlights the precious nature of these journeys: being in the company of Lama Gangchen in the countries where he had karmic connections due to his past lives was a truly unique experience. Those who took part can attest to his special ability to unlock the ancient wisdom and the special healing and blessing energies of those places.
Cosy shares another memory: the care he showed for everyone. Lama Gangchen paid special attention to each person, especially those who were ill or had a disability, doing everything possible to ensure they could make the kora around a stupa – even if in a wheelchair – or climb the steps of a temple. No one was left behind. He provided for those who couldn’t afford a plane ticket and those in need were kept close by. The introduction reads: “Many people have received enormous benefits from these journeys, overcoming anxiety, fear, and illness.”
When Lama Gangchen arrived in the West, he realised how much technological and material advancement was out of step with spiritual progress, and that this dynamic had led to an unhealthy imbalance in individuals and the environment. For this reason, he wanted to reconnect people with ancient sacred sites and spread methods that could bridge the gap between modern and ancient times.
So, why go on a pilgrimage?
Lama Gangchen offers us a concrete answer: the blessings of sacred places help us find a solution to our constant dissatisfaction, fulfil our virtuous aspirations, and to rediscover the energy for our inner journey. Because, as Cosy explains: “Sacred buildings were built in places where special natural conditions exist, where we witness miracles, where important events in the lives of great saints occurred, and where their relics are preserved.”
Whether you wish to travel in your imagination, plan your next trip, or remember special moments spent with Lama Gangchen on pilgrimage, this book is now at your fingertips.
Cosy Back, Caroline Gammon (written, compiled and edited by), 2025, Opening doors to ancient sacred sites to discover seeds of enlightenment, vol. 1, 2 and 3, Lama Gangchen Peace Publications, Italy.
The first printing was sponsored by Ruth Gschwendtner-Wolfle, who, in doing so, made a gift to the whole community of friends and disciples of Lama Gangchen Rinpoche, Lama Michel Rinpoche and Lama Caroline. The book is currently available only in English.
If you’re reading this news, you’re part of this story. Your curiosity, your friendship, and your support—even if only from the heart—help keep this place alive.
Colonia, the new guesthouse: the work has begun
For those familiar with the history of this building — which you can read about in the fifth and seventh editions — this is news that deserves a moment’s attention. Work began in February: there’s a crane, scaffolding, excavators, trucks driving back and forth, workers going up and down the structure, and technicians conducting inspections. The Colonia was the first home for many people who, having arrived in Albagnano, were seeking a change in their lives and found Dharma here. Soon, it could be that same home for you, reading these lines and wishing to stay just a few steps from the Temple.
For Kunpen Lama Gangchen, hospitality has never been a secondary concern: it is the condition that enables access to the path to inner peace possible. To allow people to listen to the teachings, participate in retreats and in-person practices, and enjoy the beauty of the lake, forest, and surrounding gardens, a place to stay is needed. Over the years, the number of people wishing to stay at the Centre has grown, especially during teachings and retreats, but accommodation has always been limited.
The new Colonia guesthouse will be a game-changer: 17 rooms with private bathrooms, 1 apartment, and a common room — providing 38 additional beds. The building will be powered mainly by renewable energy. The two large terraces with lake views will remain. There will be a lift for those with mobility difficulties.
Total estimated cost: €1.4 million. Part of this will be covered by the Centre, the remainder through a loan — which will be repaid with the proceeds of the future guesthouse and, above all, with the support of the community. Because — with our contribution — we can truly make a difference: the debt decreases as the sangha participates. This isn’t just a metaphor: it’s literally true. Every donation reduces the amount the bank has to transfer. Every contribution — small or large — brings the Colonia one step closer to opening.
We are not just collecting donations; we are creating the possibility for everyone to find what they are looking for: a place to stay within the Albagnano mandala. Would you like to be part of it too?
If you’re reading this news, you’re part of this story. Your curiosity, your friendship, and your support—even if only from the heart—help keep this place alive.
Mass Self-Healing: a sangha initiative for the sangha
You’ve probably experienced it yourself: when we’re struggling, the power of prayer and meditation when practised together multiplies the healing energy. Last year, the sangha went through a difficult period, and H.H. Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche — one of the two most important teachers of our lineage — recommended that we undertake certain practices. The sangha responded by participating and adding an additional initiative: the Mass NgalSo Self-Healing.
The first two sessions took place on 8 October 2025 and 11 February 2026. Mateo Garcia Mackinlay – one of the organisers – tells us that as many as 250 people were connected via livestream and there was a very special energy: “I always remember how Lama Gangchen Rinpoche used to have us practise together for hours and hours. Maybe we all do Self-Healing at home, on our own, but doing it together is something else entirely.” People connected from France, the Netherlands, Germany, Brazil, and elsewhere, across different time zones: “The challenge was finding a suitable time. I remember doing the math to accommodate everyone. In the end, there was even someone from Malaysia, where it was still night-time,” says Mateo.
“Practising together is the best medicine against the ego and clinging to one’s own individuality.” He continues: “Perhaps we don’t like how someone leads the Guru Puja, or we’re bothered by the breathing, whispering, or the noise of our neighbor’s mala during retreats. Practicing together forces us to confront our own mental poisons and see the other.”
Another mass initiative was also launched in recent months: the Tsog (Guru Puja) marathon. Lama Michel asked for 7 million recitations of Ganachakra to be completed by the anniversary of Lama Gangchen Rinpoche’s parinirvana. We are happy to announce that this goal has been successfully achieved thanks to everyone’s commitment. Mateo comments: “It’s beautiful to see this collective movement of the sangha.”
Want to know the next date of the Mass Self-Healing? Join this WhatsApp group to stay updated.
If you’re reading this news, you’re part of this story. Your curiosity, your friendship, and your support—even if only from the heart—help keep this place alive.
