Cinquant'anni insieme

Cinquant'anni insieme is a spiritual gathering in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, held at Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa in Pomaia, Tuscany, to mark fifty years of the institute. It centres on a large Lama Chöpa puja, the consecration of a new stupa dedicated to Lama Zopa Rinpoche, and a day of thanksgiving for the people who helped the institute grow. It is open to longtime practitioners and to newcomers alike.

What to Expect

The gathering is built around one main day, with an evening of arrival before it and a morning departure after it.

The day begins at 9:00 AM with a large Lama Chöpa puja, a time for collective practice, reflection and gratitude toward teachers. At 11:30 AM the new stupa dedicated to Lama Zopa Rinpoche is consecrated. A communal lunch follows at 12:30 PM, free for all registered participants.

At 3:00 PM there is a historical conference on the institute's fifty years, together with a thanksgiving ceremony honoring those who contributed to its development. The day closes with an aperitivo and an informal celebration, a chance to talk with people who have been part of this community for decades and with those who are only now meeting it.

The Setting

The event takes place at Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa in Pomaia, in the Tuscan countryside of Italy. Registered guests can stay on site in the institute's dormitory and managed lodging. Accommodation is free and includes full vegetarian board, from the evening before the main day through breakfast the morning after it. It is subject to availability and confirmed at registration.

The programme follows this rhythm:

- Evening before: arrival and check-in for overnight guests.
- Main day: puja, stupa consecration, lunch, conference and thanksgiving, then the aperitivo.
- Following morning: breakfast, checkout and departure.

Before You Go

No prior experience with Buddhist practice is required. The gathering is designed to welcome both experienced practitioners and people coming for the first time.

The programme is offered in Italian and English. Meals are vegetarian.

Included:
- Admission to all scheduled events and ceremonies, including the stupa consecration
- Lunch on the main day, free for all registered participants
- Free overnight accommodation with breakfast on the final morning, for registered guests and subject to availability

Not included:
- Meals beyond that lunch and the final breakfast
- Transportation to and from the venue

Plan your own travel to Pomaia, and register in advance, since both the lunch and the lodging are arranged for registered participants.