On 12^th December we had a lovely graduation ceremony at the beginning of our usual study programme teachings. Five of our students were presented with certificates, having successfully completed FPMT’s Basic Programme final examination – a mammoth effort where all the major subjects of our study programme were examined over one big all-day exam.

We invited others to join us and quite a few came, filling our little temporary gompa. There were speeches about the wonderful progress the programme has made over the past ten years - of course emphasising how it is all due to the kindness and amazing wisdom of our dear teacher, Geshe Tashi Tsering.

Then Geshela passed out the beautiful certificates to the 5 successful students who are here now: Ven Margaret McAndrew, Ven Losang Lhagsam, Ven Tenzin Tsepal, Ven Losang Tsewang and yours truly. Also successful, but not able to share our lovely day, were Ven Tenzin Tsapel (now teaching in NZ) and Ven Lhundup Tendron (now back in the US also teaching). Our Director Anni Mountjoy made presentations on behalf of the community and Miffi Maximillion came all the way from Langri Tangpa (in spite of train derailments and threatening weather) to rejoice with us (and give more presents). It was a lovely happy afternoon, a milestone for the BSP and for all FPMT!