Guest Contributor – Jim Yeh
Article submitted by Jim Yeh
[TO BE VOTED ON! The article or video with the most number of views by 21 April 2013 will win a Manjushri statue!]
Submitted article for “BLOG COMPETITION: Invite back a Manjushri statue!” – https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/kechara-13-depts/blog-competition-invite-back-a-manjushri-statue.html]
August 12th, 2012. 5:50 AM
As I speed at 165 km/hr on the 407 highway, I thought to myself “I don’t care if I die today.” I hated and loathed my life, my work environment, the people around me. I wondered why I am such a screw up and why nothing has worked out for me in the past 5 years. It felt like the whole damn universe is against me. Boo-hoo. Somehow, I knew that fire inside me has fizzled out.
Yep. This is the kind of man I was. A very flawed man, a perfect example of someone Rinpoche would love to mock at during his various teachings. My colleagues saw me as someone who is quiet and shy, little did they suspect, that I’ve been dishing out judgement on them in the quiet comfort of my troubled mind all along. Close friends and family saw me as a selfish, immature and stubborn brat who is growing increasingly petty as the years pile on. Ouch. Well, they aren’t completely wrong. My passion was to do whatever it takes to avoid people.
I wasn’t sinking, I’ve already sunk.
January 9th, 2013. 6:45 AM
Months flew by and my situation remained stagnant.
At the office, while I wasted time at my cubicle and brooded about why I am still stuck in a rut, the voice inside my head tells me to check out this blog site my sister Mavis has been harping on and on about constantly for the past 3 years. I began to type “Tsem Rinpo-…” on google and the search autofill guided me to the blog site.
I explored the site and stumbled upon a post titled “Designing and Spirituality.” Hmm. The graphic designer in me became curious. I clicked on it and began to read.
I paused a moment after reading the last paragraph and realized that I felt the same way about my career as a graphic designer, at anytime it would go kaput. I continued reading.
“What? That’s all it took to turn Eric Choong’s life around?” I thought. “Everything changes but nothing changes?” I didn’t quite get it. I wanted more details. I needed to know more.
I began to search the blog site frantically and found the video titled “Nothing Changes. Everything Changes.” The title appeared familiar to me and I recalled, that couple of months ago my brother Erik asked me to watch this video, much to my chagrin, I never did.
I make the effort and watch the video intently this time. An hour later, something inside my mind switched back on.
January 19th, 2013. 1:00 AM
I am still wide awake. Intently watching the video on the “Condensed Tsongkhapa practice for Happiness & clear mind.” Who is Tsongkhapa? How come I never heard of him before?” I thought. It takes a full week for me to watch all 4 videos and digest what Rinpoche taught.
The very next day, I decide to see how many days I can go on without consuming animal flesh.
January 29th, 2013
At work, I began to greet all my colleagues with a smile. I happily took on more responsibilities and slaved away with more diligence than usual. Outside of work, I attempted to get in touch with people I’ve avoided for over a year.
Since January 19th, no animals were harmed in the making of my meals. I remain determined to stay vegetarian . My occasional cravings for meat makes me think “Damn, I can’t go to that sushi place I love so much again.” But I quickly silence that voice by reminding myself why I do this.
In the evening, I visited the Humane Society of Canada website and committed myself to set aside funds to donate to the organization on a monthly basis. I then proceeded to visit Vajrasecrets.com to make the same commitment when the Lamps for Life and Slice of Heaven promotions grabbed my attention, I immediately made a sponsorship on the butterlamp and dedicated it to my family. Few days later, I sponsored the Slice of Heaven and dedicated it to Rinpoche and my loved ones.
I finally memorized Lama Tsongkhapa’s mantra and ordered an 8” Lama Tsongkhapa statue. I began to recite the mantra consistently everyday.
February 11th, 2013
At the office, I cleared out the trash on my cubicle book shelf and made space for a Lama Tsongkhapa thangka instead (which was given to me by my sister Amy), accompanied by smaller statues of Shakyamuni and Kuan Yin. Now my colleagues get curious whenever they pass by my cubicle, some eventually stop and ask me what they are. I converse with them about dharma when I gauge that they are genuinely interested.
I became more active on Rinpoche’s blog chat corner. I get acquainted with Sharon Saw, Wai Meng, Freon, Paris, Kwok Wai and many others including the blogchat bully….Joy Kam (Haha.)
February 19th, 2013
A parcel for me arrives at the office and instantly I knew it was from Tsem Ladrang , I quickly ran to the front desk and picked it up. Upon opening the package, I felt ecstatic to find dharma books and two very beautiful Shakyamuni pendants enclosed, a generous gift to my sister Mavis and myself from His Eminence himself! I get no work done for the next hour due to my sheer excitement.
February 21th, 2013
A second parcel from Tsem Ladrang arrives for me at the office. His Eminence has gifted me with more dharma books and dvds. As my excitement level rose, my productivity level fell again. No mortal man can continue to work after receiving such generosity from His Eminence.
March 17th, 2013. 2:30 AM ( Present day )
As I type away in my den. I reflect and think about all the positive changes that have occurred in my life, changes that have only manifested after I practiced what Rinpoche taught.
My social circle has expanded and I actually look forward to social gatherings once more. My diligence at work has earned me a significant increase in my salary and my colleagues grew to enjoy my company. Instead of staying up late at night filling my head with the scum of the internet, I now stay up late to absorb more of Rinpoche’s video teachings. My life has become a lot less directionless now, I know where to focus my energy on, rather than dispersing them haphazardly in all the wrong places. I feel prepared to endure and overcome obstacles without showing a “black face” to people around me. And when I really do need some advice, I know I can count on the the full might of the people of Tsem Landrang, who are always ready, willing and patient.
Can you guess who Roland is? I’ll give you a hint, it’s me!
Rinpoche’s dedication to help everyone tirelessly has made his aura radiate halfway across the globe and rekindled my fire. I don’t fully understand how his teachings somehow carry a sense of command that magically makes me want to absorb, understand and practice dharma earnestly, but I feel very happy and fortunate that I have just the right amount of merits to understand his teachings.
Wow. I am actually happy. And I know I’m not the only one who has benefited from Rinpoche’s blog.
Thank you Rinpoche, from the very bottom of my heart.
I will see you all in May!
[DISCLAIMER: The above timeline is an approximation and may not be entirely accurate due to the author’s lack of timeline recalling skills. Please don’t sue or disqualify me :)]
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Although this article competition is no longer eligible for a voteThe, but I couldn’t resist to put my comment on this…Somehow I felt that I am like you … At one time, I also thought of disguising myself in the blogchat (but in the end, I didn’t)…However, I still find myself a bit reluctant to ‘surface’ myself in blogchat other than the usual weekly chat every Wednesday.Do you know what, up until now I also keep a timeline with me in my little secret diary…After reading yours, little did I know that there are people out there,as silly as me (oops,I am not tryng to say that you are one!)
Hi Jim Yeh, I am very glad your life have made a 180 degrees turn for the better. You have shown to us so much that we have much power to transform ourselves individually. We are indeed very fortunate to be able to hear, and put into action the wonderful Dharma teachings from Rinpoche into our daily life. It is from our own will, motivation and then applying it which will bring benefit to ourselves first, and then to the people around us. I am very happy that you have shared your experiences of your journey with us, giving inspirations and hopes to others who are in similar situations.
Hi Jimmy,
After reading your story it really touch me and I didn’t know what you went through. But seeing how you transformed and how happy you are now really makes me happy 🙂
I guess now and then we get the sad bug and we all need a reminder to pick ourself up again (as I get that too). Thank you so much for the reminder, sharing and helping everyone around you.
now you’re a happy buggie :B (I need to switch the switch back on positive again thank you!)
And thanks to Rinpoche for helping, accepting, and guiding people from all walks of life.
[…] Jim Yeh […]
Dear Jim,
I’m glad that meeting with Rinpoche’s teachings has created a sea change in your life and your relationship with people. From a bitter and negative person, you transformed into a happy person with a more positive attitude.Your perception of people and situations around you changed for the better.You became more charitable and more caring.
You realized a care for beings who can’t speak for themselves – animals. You practiced the Dharma of non-harming of animals by becoming a vegetarian.
Do continue with Tsongkapa’s practice for happiness and a clear mind,and continue to chant the Migtsema which is so calming and stabilizing. Do continue to listen to, and read/view Rinpoche’s teachings on the blog and in his books and reap the many benefits.
We, in Kechara, look forward to meeting you in person when you come to visit.
Jim; thank you for sharing your story. I have been fortunate enough to witness some of your transformation and am inspired every day to see all the good that you do. You are a kind, considerate person with a great sense of humour. You should be very proud of the work that you’re doing. Both for yourself and the others that you benefit.
Congratulations on the changes you have made and continue to work on.
It is a pleasure to know you and share in your learnings.
Hi Jim, I rejoice for your transformation. I respect your persistance to be full vegetarian. I still try my best to cut down my meat intake, maybe i will skip any meat in my dinner from today onward at home.
Frankly, I am in the dip of my career now. However, somehow, I feel calm and protected when I do puja. The Rinpoche’s quote really give me a lot of confidence to continue my life and motivate me to do my best in my life. Thanks again Rinpoche.
Thanks for the sharing Jim. Glad that you found your pathway to happiness through Dharma. May your story give me me courage to take the path less traveled and I would be able to find peace within myself and be content with live as it is. Thank You.
Dear Jim
So beautifully written! I am glad that Rinpoche’s teachings have benefited you! You are a happier and better person now because you followed and applied Rinpoche’s teachings into your life! You have found your Guru!
It is always inspiring to read how Rinpoche’s blog and teachings have changed and benefited someone’s life and no matter where one is, if it’s applied there will be transformation. You have set that example to inspire others that going online to Rinpoche’s teachings can be beneficial.
I wish you all the best in your spiritual practice and never give up this precious dharma for samsaric pleasures. Keep it up!
Hi Jim,
very glad to know that Rinpoche’s teaching has brought so much happiness to you. You are so fortunate to have a sister that kept pushing you to read Rinpoche’s blog. On top of that you must have the merits to receive the teaching’s Rinpoche.
Dear Jim,
So nice to know that Tsem Rinpoche’s teachings had changed your mind and chose to become a happier person. I know how’s life could be living Hong Kong. You are very fortunate to have a sister that kept reminding you to read Rinpoche’s blog. Not many people has the merits to receive Dharma that taught by such a kind Guru.
Dear Roland? Jim? :p
Thank you for “exposing” your practise diary to us and sharing so much personal details! I’m sure looking forward to meeting you in May and invite you to please come to visit us anytime now, hehe!
Your transformation has once again prove to many that dharma is the way to go! To practise the dharma and transforming the mind is really the only thing matter in our life. If our life is so important to us, why not take charge of it, right?
Looking at the many gifts, especially the books you have received from Rinpoche, it is obvious that you are ready to absorb dharma for the better! I strongly believe that dharma will continue to benefit you and your siblings, and wish the very best for all of you!
Take care and continue be inspired by Rinpoche,
adeline
Dear Jim,
Hahaha… Happy now? Well I am Happy for you! Thank you for submitting your inspiring story, glad you did with a bit of push in the right direction lol! I guess what is inspiring is always seeing how Rinpoche’s blog and teachings have changed someone’s life for the better. Know this that Rinpoche’s love for everyone is unbiased and no matter how far away his students may be, what matters is when we take on the teachings, internalize it and use it to benefit ourselves and others. I like your story because it was a bad situation/mind set that switched to become positive. Your are hero in your own right and it is awesome to see you here. Keep up your practices and keep learning here! See you around Jim.
Hi Jim, tis a well written and illustrated article. Thanks for sharing your story on how Rinpoche and his teaching turned ur life around. Having chatted with u a while back, u were so positive and cheerful. It will b good to meet u during ur visit in May. I remember when I first started visitng Rinpoche’s blog, I would listen to his video teachings while working (wt headphones). Funny how the particular teachings will match my questioning mind at that particular moment. Cheers!
Dear Jim Yeh,
I enjoyed your honest opinion and I am glad that Joy and everyone else took the time to help you with your personal issues. I rejoice that the blog has such an impact on you and that you have found new meaning and new perspective in which to work on yourself. It is the same for everyone else I am sure. There’s just an incredible store of wisdom packaged in very neat and engaging articles here on Rinpoche’s blog. Thank you for submitting this little article and I do hope when you are free that you can come down to KL and we can all go for a nice meal. Hehe!
I love your little shrine. You don’t have to make it an exclusive altar. You can place your little figurines that inspire you as a sort of offering to Lama Tsongkhapa. Anyway, here’s my office shrine which I kinda had little lego star wars figure offerings to Manjushri :- http://davidlai2.wordpress.com/2012/02/23/my-office-shrine/
Hi, Jim!
Must say that I thoroughly enjoyed your well written, humourous and heartwarmingly inspiring piece. I truly rejoice in your spiritual journey and transformation. Your honesty is refreshing and I particularly like this as I can easily identify with it – I don’t fully understand how his teachings somehow carry a sense of command that magically makes me want to absorb, understand and practice dharma earnestly, but I feel very happy and fortunate that I have just the right amount of merits to understand his teachings.
Best of luck in your practice and may you receive abundant blessings from the Triple Gems.
Dear Jim,
Congratulation! I enjoy reading your articles to see how you switch from the grey side to the brighter side.
I have the same feeling too when I first know Rinpoche’s teachings. The world didn’t change but when I switch my mind, I see a bigger world and there are so much wonderful things in the world.
I truly believe that Dharma is the truth as so many people benefited like you and me. May more people expose to Rinpoche’s teachings and change their life and make it a fantastic one =)
Dear Jim,
What a great write up… I must say, I really enjoyed reading your story and the wonderful experience you have – all of which started with Rinpoche’s blog. Thank you very much for sharing it with all of us, and with such detail along with great pictures!
I am glad that you are one of the many that have already benefited from Rinpoche’s blog. Rinpoche truly put a lot of time, care and effort into the blog, solely to reach out to others using the internet. The Ladrang people has seen how hard Rinpoche works, so much so that Rinpoche would make a video recording for the blog even though He is not well physically. My kind Guru would say “if making this video will benefit and change even one person’s life, it’s worth it”.
To read your testimonial about how the blog has benefited you, truly touched me.
Also, thank you for your kind donations to KFR! =)
Dear Jim,
Its wonderful to read what you have written. Your words have that certain energy that only happens when we have even the slightest Dharma coursing though our veins, instead of the dreaded toxins that we have self-induced all our lives. Imagine when the words of the Buddha free-flow in our lives and find expression in our work. What liberation that would be. For sure that is what the Guru wants for all of us.
I am glad you have found your Guru. I would rather think that you are merely reconnecting with Rinpoche for his words seem to find a familiar home in your mind and your joy reflect that well. Most of us here can identify with you. I hope in the following days, weeks and months Rinpoche’s words will take deep roots and spur the transformation that you have discovered, can be had.
Thank you for your testimony.
Dear Jim,
Nice to read about your story on how you come closer to Rinpoche’s teachings and have made quite some transformation within yourself.
I wish you much happiness in your further reading and practicing of Dharma. Wishing you happiness always.
Dear Jim,
I happy and rejoice on that you benefit from Rinpoche’s teaching, it’s not easy being vegetarian. I hope your spiritual journey will benefit others as well. 🙂
Nicely written brother.
We all rejoice for you and still can’t believe you’ve transformed the way you did. Yes, you’ve made our jaws drop in the process but in a good way. 🙂 You will be a constant reminder to us siblings and many others about how Rinpoche’s teachings have benefitted us all.
Hi, Jim Yeh,
Thank you for your sharing . i can felt your sincerity , happiness and transformation from reading the articles and the picture.Rejoice!May more and more people able to receive Rinpoche’s teaching and transform their life .
Dear Jim,
Rejoice, rejoice. I am happy for you that you have transforms. This is a very well written article , i smile, laugh, even tears rolling in my eyes as i see how you have transform. As for becoming vegetarian, lets us work hand in hand to promote to more people about vegetarian. I have been a vegetarian one year now. 🙂
Best regards
Freon
Dear Jim
Thank you for sharing your experience with Rinpoche and how his teachings has benefited you. I loved your article, together with the illustrated snapshots of chats! Your story will inspire others from all over the world that they will be able to benefit from Rinpoche’s teachings online too…
I’ve enjoyed chatting with you and I look forward to meeting you in May!