How Shall I Answer?
What is your opinion:
I was wondering. I was born in Taiwan. I am half Tibetan and half Mongolian (My mother is Mongolian and father is Tibetan). I grew up in Howell, New Jersey, America. I don’t speak Tibetan very well. I don’t speak Mongolian (forgotten). I speak basically English. I live in Malaysia. So what am I? Am I Tibetan, Mongolian, American or what shall I say when people ask me?
It doesn’t matter to me, but it matters to many people who ask me. So it’s just polite to answer nicely and in a way that doesn’t confuse them which often they do get confused… LOL. I even get asked by storekeepers and taxi drivers all the time. So what is the best answer?
Tsem Rinpoche
Myself in Bodhgaya, the holiest of holies.
Senior monks in Gaden presenting me with good wishes and body, speech and mind offerings..1996
Myself in front of my house with my teacher H.E. Kensur Rinpoche Jampa Yeshe. Rinpoche lived with me in my house in Gaden.
I often purchased books necessary for study by the monks in Gaden and gifted them with it as many could not afford it.
With His Eminence Kyabje Lati Rinpoche
Drepung Loseling Sharpa Choeje Lobsang Tenzin, His Eminence Kensur Rinpoche and myself in Gaden.
Representatives of the various depts in Gaden Monastery presenting me with offerings.
In Penang, North Malaysia
In Kechara House, Malaysia
At the beach in Kelantan, Malaysia
*******
I posted the same question to people on facebook as I was interested in how people would answer. Within a short time people kindly responded. I found entertaining, interesting and some funny…I wanted to share…..
I know I am human and a citizen of the world. But for practicality sake when I travel or even in the city where I live, I get asked all the time what I am? What race? What country? What nationality? What shall I answer?
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1984 Los Angeles-Left to right: Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, monk assistant to Zong Rinpoche and the 18-year-old Tsem Rinpoche prior to ordination. Read more- https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/category/me
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A poem inspired by seeing a picture of my teacher, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche…
In the sport of correct views,
all that is correct is just a view,
without permanence or substance.
As long as we hold onto views,
our sufferings are gathered
to be experienced without end.
Without the strong methods of emptiness
and compassion, bereft of merit,
we sink deeper without respite.
To arise from this samsara is but
a dreamscape on the deluded mind.
Therefore seek the guru, who confers the yidam,
hold your vows and fixate on liberation
free of new creations. Free of new experiences as
there are none.
~ Tsem Rinpoche
Composed in Tsem Ladrang, Kuala Lumpur on July 7, 2014
I was walking past a second hand shop on Western Ave selling old things. They had a Japanese-style clay Buddha which was beige in colour on the floor, holding the door open. I thought the shopkeeper would collect a lot of negative karma without knowing if he kept such a holy item on the floor as a doorstop. So I went in to talk to him, but he didn’t look like he wanted to talk or that he even cared. So I asked him the price and he said US$5. I purchased it so he did not collect more negative karma. I was 17 years old and that was in 1982.
I escorted my new Buddha home and washed it lightly and wiped it. I placed it on my altar and was happy with the Buddha. I would do my meditations, prayers, sadhanas, mantras and prostrations in front of this shrine daily. When I left for India in 1987, I could not bring this Buddha along and gave it to a friend. It was a nice size and I made offerings to this Buddha for many years in Los Angeles. In front of the Buddha I placed His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s photo. I remember I was so relieved that the price was affordable. But US$5 that time was still expensive for me but worth it I thought. But I was happy to have brought the Buddha home. Tsem Rinpoche
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com
Tsem Rinpoche at Kechara Forest Retreat, Bentong, Malaysia
Interesting question…frequent asked by many who do not Rinpoche.Well…To me it does not matter where and what.???..As i was young, people always ask me too just because i am dark skined ,not for a chinese and i do not look any way . A lot of questions asked.What is important is how we make use our life meaningful to be someone compassionate, kind,caring through learning and practicing Dharma.
So Rinpoche’s back ground is not important,but what is important is what Rinpoche do,help and teachings taught which is beneficial to all sentient beings.Through Rinpoche’s Dharma teachings on blogs has helped many people world wide to be a better person.
Thank you Rinpoche for all you have done ,bringing Dharma teachings to us in Malaysia.May Rinpoche ‘s teachings shine brightly forever.
Everyone has a name, background and a story to tell. Hence, it is common for people to ask this question. Upon knowing then we will start to form a perception, an expectation or label of this person. This is normally how our brain are geared to. But is this correct? No matter what our background is importantly is how we live our life. Rinpoche has showed us that no matter what challenges he endures, he never give up dharma but continue to pursue learning and teaching dharma so more people can get the benefit.
Thank you Rinpoche for all your guidance.
Thank you, Rinpoche for sharing this question here. This is an interesting question given Rinpoche’s multi-racial background. While Rinpoche can choose to answer ‘Tibetan’, ‘Mongolian’, ‘American’, ‘Malaysian’ or a myriad of any of the above, it is the question bearers’ mind who need to contemplate this question further. How would the answer affect our view of this wonderful, compassionate and erudite lama? What do we expect Him to say when we ask that question? If the answer does not meet our expected answer, will we discount our evaluation of Him? Will we then say “nay, He is not that great” or”wow, I think he is better than I thought?” Are our judgment and perception already pre-set regardless of the answer to this question? Or we will let the answer determine how we are going to judge this person?
We are all human I’m born & raised in UK to Polish parents, Dad was born in Italy to Polish parents who settled in UK after WW2, his stepfather was multilingual Belarusian Tatar, Mum’s family hid Jews in WW2, she came to UK in the 60’s, my Stepdad is German born Polish raised in Belgium, & I spent over a decade in China – we all have stories
You’re a man, a vigorous hybrid of a man, there is no king without a slave ancestor, no slave without a royal ancestor, & (to the transformers theme song) we’re all EMANATIONS! Buddhas in disguise . . .
Can you please speak us more aboit Milarepa?I saw your vid on youtube and it fascinated me,tell us please about his powers how did he achive them where can we read more about his meditation technique?How did he meditate…
thanks in advance
Dear Landi,
Welcome to Tsemrinpoche.com and thank you for your comment. May I ask how did you come to know about Tsemrinpoche.com?
Here are some links to information about Milarepa on the blog:
1. Milarepa’s Cave
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/great-lamas-masters/milarepas-cave.html
2. Our Neurotic Mind
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/our-neurotic-mind.html
In this video, H.E. Tsem Rinpoche speaks about our neurotic mind, as well as sharing the life story of Milarepa in his quest for enlightenment, including the hardship and how he finally received the initiation of Heruka Chakrasamvara.
– Is this the video you watched before?
3. Nyanang Phelgyeling Monastery (now relocated to Nepal) has the rare statue of Milerapa which was created by his own disciple Rechungpa. The statue was created in the life time of Milarepa.
Here is more information about the monastery and you can see a bigger picture of the statue: http://www.dorjeshugden.org/temples/phelgyeling-monastery
Hope the above information is helpful.
Regards,
Pastor Shin
Dear Rinpoche,
This is a very interesting question looking at Rinpoche’s background. Rinpoche could be a Royal person, a poor kid, a lost child, a person being abused, homeless, a workers, an artist, a builder and even a model! Rinpoche could be anything in this earth. But, whatever position Rinpoche in, I noticed Rinpoche never leave Dharma. Dharma is in Rinpoche since baby until now. When Rinpoche was a baby, monks came and wanted to enthrone Rinpoche.
Rinpoche could be famous in worldly. But, because of devotion to Rinpoche’s guru, Rinpoche be a Dharma teacher. To be a dharma teacher is not easy. It needs a lot of effort, courage, especially a Dharma teacher who openly supporting Dorje Shugden.
Rinpoche is determined in dharma practices. Every stage of Rinpoche’s life the dharma is there. This is very rare for most people.
Now Rinpoche have gave dharma free on cyber. Become a cyber Dharma teacher and gave people an authentic dharma knowledge to helps many people in this world.
I thank you Rinpoche for showing us how to be a human. A beneficial, compassion and wisdom human being that could have a chance to liberate ourself.
With folded hand,
Freon
I need ur help am facing prkblems n difficulties for many years
Dear Ashwin,
How can I help you? Please let me know more details.
Thank you.
Pastor Shin
Dear Rinpoche,
Is nice to read about your past background history.Does it important about your background to qualify as Rinpoche? The most important things is effort you turn the dharma wheel ans benefits sentient being. Tsem Rinpoche blog really help me in mind transform to be a better person. Dharma work is always emphasized by Rinpoche.By doing dharma work without wordly motivation is always promote by Rinpoche.
Thanks Rinpoche for sharing.
I think your just going to have to keep confusing people sometimes, dearest Rinpoche. To me, You are Tibetan, then American, then Mongolian, Malaysian ect…
That’s how I relate to you. I think your answer should probably depend on who is asking. If a Malaysian asks you, Maybe say Malaysian, or say Malaysian first, then…
Dear Rinpoche,
Those who ask are curious and any answers will create further questions. I think the answer that might help those curious folks would be A UNIVERSAL CITIZEN wishing to create a compassionate world.
Not only sound like a question stopping answer but also to my mind a true description of Rinpoche. On further questions, then Dharma can be imparted.
I would say you are an ethnically mixed American (mixed Asian American), who spent 20 years in Malaysia. I feel your citizenship influences your answer. Being ethnically mixed and having been raised there with immigrant parents is really, deeply typical American. Now you know how it is to be perceived as a racial minority and majority, but you unique ‘just like everyone else’ (lol, but true.)
Sir, I can see aura or energy on the statue which I pray, and even have the burning incense move to the centre point(nose) of the statue. Can you please predict who am I? Thank you.
对我来说并不重要，仁波切是什么国籍，仁波切是谁。仁波切就是我的上师，这才是最重要的
感恩仁波切您给予我们很多很多的开示与教诲，其实我们许多的问题，只要我们在仁波切的博客里细细的浏览着，我们会发现，许多我们心中的问题，在仁波切的博客里，早已经给了我们答案，带着佛法带着爱的答案
感恩仁波切 祈愿您长驻在世，常转法轮
I was searching for a photo of Venerable Lati Rinpoche, one of my refuge gurus, and am in tears of joy to find this one here which includes Your Holiness as well May i download it and print it for my shrine.
May All Beings Feel Thee Boundless Love Of The Buddhas,
Oya
Dear Oya,
Of course you can download. You can download any photo you like. Anyone can. I put it here to share. Tsem Rinpoche
Dear Rinpoche, I think that being American, Malaysian or Tibetan are just mere labels in life and lack meaning. Everyone is part of one major race, the human race. I think Rinpoche is part of the human race but more specifically of the Enlightened variant. So, it does not matter to me what race Rinpoche is, Rinpoche is my guru no matter what. Nationality does not matter in the case of spirituality.
Dear Rinpoche,
Rinpoche is a Tulku. So I think it does not matter if Rinpoche is a Tibetan, Mongolian or America. Rinpoche has an identity of a Buddha hence even Rinpoche were born in India or China, It does not make any different to Rinpoche. Rinpoche will still fullfil His mission of this life to teach and spread the Dharma and safe countless people’s mind. I met Rinpoche in this life in Kechara and my life had changed for better after I took refuge in Rinpoche. One thing does matter to me is, I can continue to be Rinpoche’s students in my next life.
Love, Julia
American Tibetan. People usually refers where they from/who they are by nationality and if prompt further their race. It is typical in Asian culture to follow the man’s side, hence American (nationality) Tibetan (father’s race).
There are so many mixed and crossed culture marriages nowadays since technology has brought about easy travel and migrations. In future decades, there could be whole generation whose heritage is from more than one country and race. What then should we call these people?
Imagine if at some point every Chinese marry a different race, would the Chinese race become extinct and entire new races come to be……
U can ask them that they want a long answer or short answer?
If long answer: i was born in few places, such as Taiwan in this life , Nepal in my previous and ………on and on and on…………and on…….
Short answer: I am holding America passport, born in Taiwan , don’t speak mandarin …………and on………(this is consider short)
Hahaha, I think u need and looking for a short answer in order to answer it all…..hahaha
Only u know how:)
This is indeed quite funny! I find it funny and I think that the various answers to the question does bring all sort of reaction from various people. My initial impression of this is that this was some sort of existential question about reality. I guess it is in some ways. Who we are, are just mere labels we impute upon ourselves based loosely on our identity that has arisen from various factors.
I remember reading a story about an ancient Indian king who offered a robe to Manjushri, the Bodhisattva student of Buddha Shakymuni. Just when he offered the robes on the shoulders of Manjushri and the bodhisattva disappeared. This caused the king to look all over for Manjushri. Midway through the search, the king suddenly gained realization into the nature of reality – emptiness of inherent existence. Just when the realized this, Manjushri re-appeared and gave him one of the most profound teachings. This is as far as I could remember of this story and I tried looking around for the exact story but have not found it so far. This story somehow reminds me of what Rinpoche is doing here by asking who do we think he is.
Ohh I found the actual story. Here it is:-
Bodhisattva Manjushri appeared as the disciple of Buddha. However, he had great power to help sentient beings. Sometimes people would come to Buddha for help and advice but Buddha would refer them to Manjushri because they had a stronger karmic link with him. Some had such a strong connection with Manjushri that through his blessings and skill they were able to develop very powerful realizations with almost no effort on their part.
One such person was King Ajatashatru, who had committed two particularly negative actions, killing his father and raping a fully-ordained nun who was also a Superior being. The consequences of such actions are horrendous. King Ajatashatru developed strong remorse for his negative actions and requested Buddha to give him a special method for purifying them. Buddha taught the Sutra for Eliminating Ajatashatru’s Regret and then suggested that the king seek the help of Bodhisattva Manjushri.
Immediately upon hearing this advice, Ajatashatru developed strong faith in Manjushri. He invited Manjushri to his house for a banquet and after the meal he rose to offer Manjushri a very expensive cloak, but just as he was presenting the garment Manjushri disappeared. The king was left wondering, ..Who is Manjushri? Where is Manjushri?’ By thinking in this way he realized that he could not find a real, truly existent Manjushri, and he came very close to understanding emptiness. Since Manjushri had disappeared, the king decided to try the cloak on himself, but as he put it round his shoulders he started asking the same questions about himself, ..Who am I? Where am I? Who is the king? Where is the king?’ Being completely unable to find a real, truly existent self or truly existent king, he achieved an understanding of emptiness. He then entered into meditation and quickly attained a direct realization of emptiness, becoming a Superior being on the path of seeing.
According to the Hinayana teachings, a person who has committed one of the five actions of immediate retribution cannot become a Superior being in that same life, but the Mahayana viewpoint is different. As a result of Manjushri’s blessings, King Ajatashatru was able to purify his heavy negative karma and achieve the path of seeing. Manjushri performed many other special actions such as this.
after cleveland amory,founder of black beauty ranch,an animal sanctuary,had rescued a number of wild burros about to be culled he appealed for people to adopt these burros claiming that they make the best pets in the world. sometime later he rescued a number of goats and then he appealed for people to adopt them claiming that goats make the best pets in the world. when an interviewer then asked him ” you said burros were the best pets in the world but now you say goats make the best pets in the world . just which is it ?” without hesitation cleveland’s reply was ” whichever animal we happen to have more of for adoption … ” so i think the answer is whichever answer serves a purpose … if i were the one asking , to receive a long autobiographical answer would have been an honor and whether i am confused or enlightened would not have mattered at all !! i will just ask again …
Dear Rinpoche,
To me it does not really matter because as long as Rinpoche is someone that know his Dharma Knowledge, to me whether Rinpoche is a I was born in Taiwan. I am half Tibetan, half Mongolian or Malaysian.
As long as a Lama like Rinpoche knows what is right what is wrong, what to do, what not to do, knows the right and wrong answers and excels in his Debates i would gladly accept Rinpoche as my Guru.
Nationality and all that does not actually matter at all.
Love
Jutika
我个人觉得上师的国籍为何并不重要，重要的是我们在今世有缘接触到仁波切，接受仁波切的教导，才是真正重要的。而且，从仁波切的传承就可以知道他的成就非凡，而且他的上师都是很有名声的得道高僧，有此可证他所传授的佛法都是正确的，所以仁波切的身世并不重要，而重要的是他所有的品格都是至高无上的，所以我个人会以仁波切的教导为我的修行目标，也希望透过学习仁波切的佛法，可以去帮助更多需要帮助得人。
I really do wish “I am human” didn’t sound so imperious, or “I am a citizen of the world” didn’t sound so cheesy! But as someone who is fortunate enough to go out with Rinpoche from time to time, I can understand where Rinpoche is coming from. I think Rinpoche should say “Malaysian”. I have a few reasons but mostly it comes down to this two, that Rinpoche has been here for so long already and Rinpoche is planning for a future here. Also, the majority of the people whom Rinpoche meets already know Rinpoche is American, Tibetan, Mongolian, etc. To say that Rinpoche is Malaysian will make them happy to hear, kind of like, “Oh, he’s here to stay, he is one of us now.”
To keep it short and simple, Rinpoche can say that Rinpoche is a Malaysian coz Rinpoche have been living here for quite some time and now a PR.
But to me, Rinpoche will always be the kindest, most loving, most compassionate and most important! My Guru!
I would describe Rinpoche as a highly reincarnated lama of mixed parentage, born in Taiwan, raised in USA, continued dharma practice in Gaden Shartse monastery and now a permanent resident of Malaysia. But because Rinpoche has been staying in Malaysia for most of your life I think it would be apt to call you a Malaysian Lama.
My Answer is same with Han . Rinpoche is a highly reincarnated Lama, was born in Taiwan, raised up in USA, became monk in India Gaden monastry after met his root guru Zong Rinpoche, he was assigned by his guru came to Malaysia to spread Dharma teaching and help people free from suffering .
For the best way to know more details of Rinpoche , I will giving this blog address to them http://blog.tsemtulku.com ,let them read and understand clearly.
People can label us for whatever reason they wish to, according to their view. Taxi drivers wants to know where we are from to identify us with a country if they wish to scam on us.
Where we are from or what our origins are does not matter the least. What is important, is the Mind that is behind all the labels.
If that person possess a beautiful, helpful, kind, generous, caring, loving, attentive and listens well kind of MIND – then it would not matter to me who or where that person comes from. It is the quality of mind, that matters most. Not which country we are from, color or race.
Rinpoche, you are my Guru, the clear light in my life..
In this day an age there really should not be any distinction as most lines are blurred anyway as from the advent of transoceanic travels the migratory aspect has really shifted the borders.
But purely for those who have to know with some certainty to satisfy their curiosity, I would humbly say:
If the person was asking merely to strike a polite greeting (e.g. taxi drivers, etc):
“I am American” – as it would infer to the cosmopolitan aspect of America and thus would not even prompt further prying.
If the person was asking to start a genuine conversation and find out more:
“I am American of Mongolian and Tibetan descent living in Malaysia” – this would then open the ‘flood gates’ for further interesting conversation I am sure!
This is an interesting post. I guess people ask because we are all fixated with labels and in our mind we have already imputed certain opinion and perceptions onto those labels. When we ask about a person’s identity, I guess it is because we feel a need to be able to place them in one of the many boxes we have created and tagged in our thought matrix. To us, everyone and everything must be able to fit into one of those boxes, otherwise we may not feel comfortable. Our mind is such that every phenomena has to match our projections and expectations. Under normal circumstances, rarely do we expand our mind to accomodate things that are unknown and instead we try and squeeze and contort all we come across into a base singularity of our own limited experience.
Rinpoche is an American, a Mongolian, a Taiwanese, a Tibetan and a Malaysian all together and yet none of them because Rinpoche is anything but atypical. I doubt if Rinpoche allows himself to be defined by any of those labels and neither is he not any of them.
Neither do any of us have to limited by, and behave in a manner for which we have been tagged.
Rinpoche has great aura and speaks with an accent. Hence many people will be curious to know of Rinpoche’s nationality. If Rinpoche is not in a hurry, Rinpoche can say you are a Tibetan American now residing in Malaysia. This will lead to more curiosity and they will ask further questions. It opens the door for Rinpoche to exchange conversation with them and indirectly, be able to share the Dharma or help them in what they need.
If Rinpoche is in a hurry, then Rinpoche can just say you are an American. Most people will not ask further once they hear this as there are so many foreigners living in America so it is nothing strange.
Rinpoche is what people think you are. It is not the nationality that matters. It is the role Rinpoche has played in a person’ life. You are a Buddha, a guide, a father, a mother, a friend, a teacher, a philosopher, a psychiatrist. Ultimately, you are here to make a positive impact on our lives.
The suggestions from Facebook are very interesting. I think that if Rinpoche has the time and is in the mood to do so, Rinpoche can give a more lengthy reply like: I’m American of Tibetan and Mongolian descent and am now residing in Malaysia.” But if Rinpoche is in a hurry, Rinpoche can say, “I’m a Tibetan living in Malaysia.”
When I first read about this question posted by Rinpoche Facebook and this blog, it seems like a “joke” or fun thing to me, about how diverse is Rinpoche’s identity. But after question has sinked in, I realised it not just a random question, and it is a teaching on “self”.
There are so many times I am so attached to labels. I’m a Chinese, I am a Buddhist, you are atheist, etc. These are mere labels which we put onto ourselves, and it actually is not important.
IMHO, if we start letting go small things such as labels, we still start to have a change to become less grasping of self and become enlightenment.
hehe how plain it would be to say that you were “just” American, or “just” Chinese or whatever. Far more interesting to be exactly as Rinpoche described above – a truly global citizen of the world! I have thought it’s quite interesting how much important we attribute to “what” a person is though – as if it would have a significant bearing on our friendship or relationship with them. And how easy it is for us to label people and subconsciously stereotype them by these labels, even without consciously wanting to do so.
I remember reading some writing on sexuality / gender once that explained that our identities are so firmly determined from the moment we are born – as we come crying into the world, they announce immediately, “It’s a girl!” or “It’s a boy!” and that shapes entirely how we are expected to be for the rest of our lives. That goes with everything else too – whether we are Chinese or Indian, or perhaps both, a Chindian, whether our mothers are single, or even what our parents work as!
Something Rinpoche has reminded us constantly is that it’s not about what we are but what we do – for that is probably what will have the most lasting and meaningful impression and impact on the world around us. And THAT would be something worth talking about!
Dear Rinpoche I think should call Taiwan borned Mongo-tibetanYank hehehe. Actually it doesn’t really matter what races we are as we have the same karma to born in this world and to be human, all we need to do is to be harmony, compassionate, loving to all, as we are all brothers and sisters that born in different colours and different countries and cultures. Afterall we are A FAMILY!!
No matter what we are the needs are all the same..! which is LOVE AND CARE!
Rinpoche is a highly reincarnated Lama, was born in Taiwan, raised up in USA, became monk in India Gaden manastry after met his root guru Zong Rinpoche, he was assigned by his guru to come to Malaysia to spread dharma , and now he is a Malaysian PR.
I do agreed with Sharon that race and nationality is not so important in the scenario of Rinpoche.
To me, Rinpoche is global international high lama. and I am so fortunate to be one of his student,
Perhaps you could simply say that you are a Mongolian-American. That would be 3/4 true, and you wouldn’t have to constantly explain the difference between an Old Torghut and a Kamuck.
Another, slightly more complicated possibility would be to say that you have Mongolian and Tibetan ancestors, but grew up in the USA.
Dearest Rinpoche,
I think everyone’s answers is neither right nor wrong. Of course to us, Rinpoche will always be our larger than life Rinpoche. But I can understand how Rinpoche feels when posed this question by taxi drivers and people who have no idea who Rinpoche is. I guess if Rinpoche wanted a no hassle answer… it is easiest to say American or Tibetan American.
For those who knows Rinpoche well enough to know Rinpoche is a “Lama”, then best answer would be Tibetan Mongol American who is now residing in Malaysia 🙂 Pretty mouthful I am sure but it is the truth in a worldly sense. And if they still don’t get it, then just say I’m a Buddhist monk that grew up in America hence the American accent!
I do not feel that it really matters as to ‘how I shd answer people when asked this question’.
Our world today now is so different from few decades ago, where races and country of origin are more fixed. People now move around a lot, their footsteps are everywhere and so the next generations get more and more ‘mixed up’.
I feel that having a multiple identities can be a good thing too, as one is exposed more to whatever our world has to offer.
At the end of the day, if one is interested in knowing more about us, they will, if not, too much of the explaination is unnecessary for all parties.
This is what makes you special, Rinpoche, and even if you were strictly a tibetan and speak only tibetan and have only lived in tibet in all your lives, you will still be seen as special (and not confusing at all) in eyes of those who appreciate you.
Dear Rinpoche,
The next time someone asks Rinpoche, Rinpoche should say that Rinpoche is a Malaysian. If they probe further then story them of Rinpoche’s colorful background! Hehe Rinpoche should say that because Rinpoche has been in Malaysia the longest time compared to the other countries.. Hehe
Thank you, Rinpoche! 🙂
I also think that all these nationality/race/cultural epithets are merely labels.. but i know what Rinpoche means when people will always ask Rinpoche what Rinpoche is.
I think that if Rinpoche wanted to discourage curiosity, Rinpoche can just reply that Rinpoche is American. People are used to Americans of different backgrounds. If people know what Rinpoche looks like, it is not necessary to say Asian because they would know.
However, if Rinpoche would like to encourage talking further, then Rinpoche could say Rinpoche was American Tibetan, which would almost automatically lead people to ask so how does that work?
Rinpoche was born in Taiwan as Prince Iska Minh, raised up as a teenager as Burcha Bugayeff in America Howell New Jersey. Ordained and recognize as a Tsem Tulku Rinpoche.
H.H. 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso named as Lhamo Thonddup before being recognize as the reincarnation of H.H. 13th Dalai Lama.
I has stay and work different place and has many nick names, even some foreigner asked about my nationality. I would just reply i am Malaysian Chinese.
Point is what your name is and where you stayed or live is not important as our purpose is to apply the dharma and benefit who ever we meet. That is spiritual practice.
To me it does not matter what nationality Rinpoche is but who you are. You are my Guru and that’s what matters most:)
Nothing is by coincidence. How you have normally answered so far, is the best answer. It’s absolute feelings from spirit. Putting thoughts into how to answer deprives one’s essence of the soul.
It does not matter to me Rinpoche. You are my Lama and I took my refuge with you – that is what matter.