Statement on GDBS closure of FPMT Study Group

January 2026

Impermanence at Work

It is with great regret and heavy hearts that we/I write to you today to announce that Gendun Drubpa Buddhist Society has made the painful decision to close our FPMT study group in January 2026. 

We truly rejoice in all that we have accomplished over the past 20+ years from the date of our first “official” visit from FPMT teacher Venerable Robina Courtin in Marilyn and Barrie Dickson’s home to hosting teachers in our very own Buddhist centre to our recent zoom teachings with our dear Geshe Sherab in partnership with our sister centre Thubten Norbu Ling in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  

Our very small, dedicated group has hosted Venerable Robina several times, Jon Landaw, Venerable Drimay, Venerable Rene Fusi, Dr. Jeffery Hopkins, Resident Teacher Venerable Tenzin Chogkyi, Geshe Sherab (5 times) Gen Don Handrick and several other distinguished FPMT teachers.  To them we say THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts for giving us the gift of the dharma and traveling to our far-flung little dharma group. 

The dharma gifts you have given our community have changed our lives and shown us the path. We will continue to follow it. 

As many of you know, Gendun Drubpa Society built a stupa under the direction of Ven. Chonyi as Lama Zopa Rinpoche requested and we have taken great care of it over the years since. 

Going forward, our Stupa of World Peace and Environmental Harmony will be the new focus of our tiny society as we work to ensure that it survives for future generations to enjoy. 

We are very truly grateful to you for your support over these many years.  

We did good things together!

This was not an easy decision to make. The reality is that the advanced age of our dedicated long-time volunteers and a lack of interest in what we have been able to offer tells the story.  

If you have made financial contributions to GDBS in past, we want to acknowledge you as well.  You have played a huge part in the success of GDBS and hopefully will consider remaining a supporter as we endeavour to move our focus to providing upkeep for the Stupa of World Peace and Environmental Harmony. 

Yours in the dharma, 

The GDBS Board and Management Team of Gendun Drubpa Buddhist Society.