My Precious Teachers
My gurus (click to enlarge)
I met my first teacher His Eminence Kensur Rinpoche Lobsang Tharchin in Howell, New Jersey at the age of 7 that was back in 1972. Since then, I have had the great fortune to receive teachings from some of the most incredible and attained beings this world has ever seen.
As we did not have the merits to meet with Buddha Shakyamuni Himself, it is through our gurus that we are connected to the Dharma. It is one thing to study the Dharma from books but through our teachers, deeper understanding and realisations can come because they train and guide us on the path. That is why when we recite the refuge prayer three times every day, we recite NAMO GURU BEH first because in Buddhism the guru is both the pinnacle and foundation of all attainments and good qualities that we can develop. Since we did not have the fortune to meet Shakyamuni Buddha in person, we can still learn His holy teachings from our learned gurus. Hence the guru is very important in our spiritual learning, progress and meditations. Sometimes our teachers advices can seem to contradict with each other, but we still need to respect all of them. We need to pick the advice that suits us the best and not fault the teacher the advices we could not follow through.
When I was in Gaden Monastery, because I didn’t have space to display each of my teachers into a frame, I decided to combine them into one collage and frame them for my shrine. I still have this collage with me. For most people it is good enough to have one teacher. But when we are in the monastery or our teachers have passed, we might sometimes need to have various teachers. But in most cases one teacher is enough.
Puja in Gaden Shartse Monastery with H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche on the throne, Kyabje Lati Rinpoche and Kyabje Zemey Rinpoche. Click on image to enlarge.
Below are some stories of my 16 teachers from whom I have had the merits to receive teachings and instructions from. I had relayed the to stories to Pastor David and he compiled and wrote them for me. My teachers are not ordinary beings and they are not only great in their knowledge but also in their deeds and actions. Some of these faces you will be more familiar with, and others you will not be but to me, how famous or well known they are does not matter. In my mind, all of my teachers are equal and I treat all of their instructions to me with equal respect. Every single one of them has moved me very, very much and their instructions have changed my life tremendously. Having said that Kensur Lobsang Tharchin Rinpoche, Venerable Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, Kensur Jampa Yeshe Rinpoche, Kyabje Lati Rinpoche had very strong impact on me. But I see all my teachers ‘dissolve’ into His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and see him as them and they are all embodied in him. So when I see His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, I see all my gurus embodied in him. I take His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche as my root teacher and the lineage I follow and have followed for 30 years now. I feel a very strong draw and very deep faith in His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche from the very first time I heard his name from a fellow Dharma student.
May I never be separated from such incomparable masters in life after life.
Tsem Rinpoche
His Eminence Kensur Rinpoche Lobsang Tharchin
Sera Mey Monastery
The great master Kensur Rinpoche Lobsang Tharchin arrived in America in 1971, one year before Tsem Rinpoche arrived in 1972. Kensur Rinpoche would become Rinpoche’s first teacher in Howell, New Jersey and was instrumental in his early formative years. A direct disciple of His Holiness Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche and an accomplished master of the Vajrayogini Tantras, Kensur Rinpoche was the Guru who bestowed refuge on the young Rinpoche along with many other teachings and initiations, including the highest Annutara Yoga Tantras of Heruka and Vajrayogini.
His Holiness 97th Gaden Tripa Kyabje Ling Rinpoche
Drepung Loseling Monastery
Rinpoche was only 11 or 12 years old when he received the oral transmission of Gaden Lhagyama and a commentary on the Migtsema mantra from His Holiness Kyabje Ling Rinpoche at Rashi Gempil Ling in Howell, New Jersey.
Prior to the audience with Ling Rinpoche, the young Rinpoche plucked a rose from the garden at home without his mother’s knowledge to offer to this great master, having read in a book that one could offer flowers to lamas to make a good connection. When it was Rinpoche’s turn to receive a blessing from Ling Rinpoche, he made three prostrations and took the rose out of his pocket. To his dismay, it had already wilted but having no other choice, Rinpoche placed his head on Ling Rinpoche’s lap, abruptly tossed the flower onto his lap and swiftly walked away, hoping his parents did not notice him making the offering.
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama
In 1979, His Holiness arrived in America to give teachings in Washington and New Jersey. Many Tibetans, Mongolians and Americans were in attendance, including the young Tsem Rinpoche who received the oral transmission of the six-syllable mantra of Chenrezig, Om Mani Padme Hum, and a teaching on the Eight Verses of Thought Transformation. It was also His Holiness who ordained Tsem Rinpoche in Dharamsala, India in October, 1987 and gave him the ordination name Tenzin Zopa.
Venerable Geshe Tsultim Gyeltsen
Gaden Shartse Monastery
After running away from home, Rinpoche studied under Venerable Geshe Tsultim Gyeltsen, who founded Thubten Dhargye Ling dharma centre in Los Angeles. Considered an emanation of Lama Tsongkhapa by many of his devoted students, Geshe-la was a spiritual father to Rinpoche during the difficult years in Los Angeles. It was Geshe-la who formally introduced Rinpoche to the practice of Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden. Most importantly, it was Geshe-la who introduced Tsem Rinpoche to his Guru, His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, thus changing Tsem Rinpoche’s life forever.
His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche
Gaden Shartse Monastery
His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche was one of the greatest Tibetan Buddhist masters of the 20th Century and the root Guru of Tsem Rinpoche. Not only did Zong Rinpoche recognise Rinpoche to be a Tulku, but he was also influential in Rinpoche’s decision to become ordained as a monk. Although their time together was short, merely six months, it was enough time for Rinpoche to receive many core teachings and initiations, including Yamantaka, Vajrayogini, Cittamani Tara, Heruka, Avalokiteshvara Ngesung Kundrol, Hayagriva, White Tara, Je Tse Zin Ma, and the practice of Zong Rinpoche’s personal Dharma Protector, Dorje Shugden.
His Holiness 98th Gaden Tripa Jetsun Jamphal Zhenpen
Gaden Jangtse Monastery
Rinpoche received the initiations of 13-Deity Yamantaka and Manjushri from His Holiness the 98th Gaden Tripa Jetsun Jampel Shenphen, whom he first met in Thubten Dhargye Ling, Los Angeles. Rinpoche recalls that His Holiness cried whenever he spoke about the suffering of others, similar to the ever-weeping Bodhisattva Sadaprarudita in the Prajanaparamita Sutras.
Upon learning that Rinpoche wished to become ordained, His Holiness advised him to recite the Heart Sutra daily, saying, “The essence of the teachings is embodied in the Heart Sutra. So, every single day until you become a monk, you should recite the Heart Sutra to alleviate obstacles, in order that you can successfully go to India to become a monk.”
His Holiness Kyabje Pabongka Choktrul Rinpoche
Sera Mey Monastery
In 1987, Rinpoche arrived in Gaden Shartse’s Shabtenkhang (puja house) in Dharamsala on the same night as the Abbot of Gaden Shartse at the time, Khen Rinpoche Jampa Yeshe, and His Holiness Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche. Learning that Pabongka Rinpoche was staying in the room next to his, Rinpoche gathered some vitamins he had brought from America, a khata and a small kuyong (monetary offering) and offered these to Pabongka Rinpoche.
The young Pabongka Rinpoche advised Rinpoche, “Whenever you travel, always remember that your Guru and your Protector are one. When you recite the mantra of your Protector, remember he is your root Guru.” Tsem Rinpoche also received the oral transmission of Medicine Buddha’s mantra from Pabongka Rinpoche, who advised him to engage in this practice every single day while visualising Medicine Buddha and the Guru as one.
His Eminence Kyabje Lati Rinpoche
Gaden Shartse Monastery
His Eminence Kensur Lati Rinpoche was the disciple of His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche and His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche. He was the Abbot of Gaden Shartse Monastery for eight years and remained a pillar of the monastery throughout his life. His wise counsel was highly sought-after in the monastery and he gave Rinpoche much personal advice, teachings and divinations.
It was Kyabje Lati Rinpoche who insisted that the 27-year-old Rinpoche travel abroad to teach and raise funds for the building of much-needed monk quarters for Phukhang Khangtsen, and who cried tears of joy when Rinpoche returned successfully from Malaysia.
In 2010, Rinpoche dreamt of Kyabje Lati Rinpoche blessing him in a Tantric manner, which was the final blessing from this great master before he entered clear light.
His Eminence Kensur Jampa Yeshe Rinpoche
Gaden Shartse Monastery
Rinpoche first met His Eminence Kensur Jampa Yeshe Rinpoche at the Gaden Shartse Shabtenkhang in Dharamsala. The saintly Kensur Rinpoche was the abbot at that time and would eventually be the one to formally recognise and enthrone Tsem Rinpoche as a Tulku through the traditional process of requesting the Dharma Protector to take trance in the Oracle of Gaden.
Rinpoche served Kensur Rinpoche as a secretary and assistant during his tenure as abbot. Rinpoche also single-handedly brought Kensur Rinpoche’s diabetes under control, ensuring all food was regulated, medication given on time, schedules were not too taxing and personal attendants were trained to care for the lama. Rinpoche also invited Kensur Rinpoche to live in Tsem Ladrang, and planted flowers and trees so that it would be lush and pleasant for his lama. Over time, Rinpoche became famous for his great acts of devotion towards his Guru.
His Eminence Kyabje Gangchen Rinpoche
Sera Mey Monastery
His Eminence Kyabje Gangchen Rinpoche is well known to be the emanation of the Medicine Buddha and the incarnation of the Mahasiddha Darikapa. When Rinpoche first met Gangchen Rinpoche on the streets of Thamel, Kathmandu in 1987, he did not know that this lama would profoundly shape the course of his life. Gangchen Rinpoche has verbally recognised Rinpoche as the reincarnation of a great master and advised him to share his life story with others. Gangchen Rinpoche has also transmitted many esoteric teachings and initiations to Rinpoche, including the practices of Loma Gyonma and Black Manjushri.
His Eminence Lama Zopa Rinpoche
Sera Jey Monastery
When Tsem Rinpoche was in Nepal preparing his travel documentation for India, he consulted Lama Zopa in Kopan Monastery for advice on overcoming certain obstacles. After Rinpoche explained his predicament, Lama Zopa performed a divination and advised Rinpoche to return the next day for a Red Sengdongma initiation.
The next day, Rinpoche returned to Kopan only to discover that Lama Zopa had spent the entire night doing a Dorje Shugden puja for Rinpoche. He then told Rinpoche that the initiation was not necessary. Not long after, Rinpoche’s visa application was approved.
Rinpoche would meet Lama Zopa Rinpoche several more times over the years. On one occasion, Rinpoche was in Tushita Meditation Centre in New Delhi when he heard that Lama Zopa was there as well. When they met, Lama Zopa exclaimed, “Every time you show up, I’m about to do a Dorje Shugden puja. Would you like to join me?” Rinpoche declined politely because he already had prior engagements he could not refuse. However, Rinpoche would never forget what Lama Zopa said that day.
His Holiness Sharpa Chöje Jetsun Lobsang Nyima
Gaden Shartse Monastery
His Holiness Sharpa Chöje Jetsun Lobsang Nyima, the “Dharma Lord of the East”, was an accomplished master of the Vajrayogini Tantras. Rinpoche would serve this great lama by cutting his nails, filing the base of his feet, washing and perfuming him with Dettol, and washing his clothes.
Despite his esteemed position, the 70-year-old Sharpa Chöje Rinpoche would attend all the teachings given by his Guru, His Eminence Kensur Lati Rinpoche, even though Lati Rinpoche’s monastic rank was lower than his. When Rinpoche asked Sharpa Chöje Rinpoche why he attended all the teachings, the lama explained, “I must plant Dharma imprints in my mind for the future.” His humility had a deep impact on the young Rinpoche’s mind.
His Eminence Denma Locho Rinpoche
Drepung Loseling Monastery
Rinpoche received innumerable teachings and initiations from the great master His Eminence Denma Locho Rinpoche who hails from Drepung Loseling Monastery. Rinpoche vividly recalls a private audience with this great master, during which the lama advised, “You must do White Tara practice. You must do it very strongly. Don’t forget to do White Tara practice.”
When Rinpoche asked Denma Locho Rinpoche why he recommended White Tara, revealing that his previous incarnation, Gedun Nyedrak, had entered clear light while in a White Tara retreat, the lama laughed loudly and said, “If I didn’t know that, I wouldn’t be a Tulku, would I?”
Suddenly, the Lama hit Rinpoche very hard on the head. Knowing it was a blessing to remove obstacles, Rinpoche folded his hands and bowed his head to accept the blessing from the clairvoyant Lama.
His Eminence Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche
Drepung Gomang Monastery
Another of Rinpoche’s Gurus in Nepal was the erudite master, His Eminence Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche, from whom Rinpoche received teachings on Lama Tsongkhapa’s entire corpus of written works. Dagom Rinpoche taught for eight hours a day, and it took three months to transmit all 18 volumes of Lama Tsongkhapa’s writings. The teachings were conducted in Drepung Monastery where there was no electricity, Rinpoche would fan Dagom Rinpoche for the entire duration of the teachings to keep his Guru comfortable.
In 2004, Rinpoche travelled once again to Nepal on pilgrimage with a group of Malaysians. On that trip, Rinpoche received teachings from Dagom Rinpoche on the iconography of three High Lamas, who were the previous lives of Dorje Shugden, and an explanation of how to include Dorje Shugden in the Gelug lineage tree. In accordance with Dagom Rinpoche’s instructions, special thangkas were painted and are now part of Rinpoche’s private collection.
His Eminence Drigung Kyabgön Rinpoche
Jetsun Lobsang Chozin
His Eminence Drigung Kyabgön Rinpoche is a lay high Lama of the Kagyu School, an accomplished master of the Chakrasamvara Tantras and one of the most highly regarded divination masters in Tibetan Buddhism.
Highly clairvoyant, Drigung Rinpoche recognised Tsem Rinpoche as a Tulku upon sight, and issued an official proclamation on his personal letterhead. Drigung Rinpoche also has complete mastery of his psychic winds. Rinpoche has personally witnessed a very drunk Drigung Rinpoche enter a room, close the door and emerge completely sober after a short meditation session.
Drigung Rinpoche was also well known for his ability to train Oracles. Before he was officially recognised as a Tulku, Tsem Rinpoche travelled to Leh, Ladakh to train as an Oracle under Drigung Rinpoche, undergoing numerous strict retreats in order to clear and prepare his psychic channels to accommodate the immense energy of the Dharma Protector. Rinpoche wished to become an Oracle because he thought he could best serve the Dharma and people in this manner. However, when he was officially recognised as a Tulku by the monastery, Rinpoche’s plans to become an Oracle came to an abrupt end.
His Eminence Panang Rinpoche
Drepung Loseling Monastery
His Eminence Panang Rinpoche was an extremely learned hermit monk from Trehor Khangtsen of Drepung Loseling Monastery who lived and meditated up in the mountains. He was requested to give a month-long oral transmission of important philosophical texts such as the Ornament of Clear Realization to the entire monastic assembly, including Rinpoche, and he would come down to the monastery from his mountain abode every single day without fail, wearing ragged robes that he refused to change.
Rinpoche observed that Panang Rinpoche would always recite prayers soliciting the blessings of the Gurus stemming from Buddha Shakyamuni in India all the way down to the current Tibetan Gurus before every teaching, and as he recited their names, he would fold his hands high on top of his head in a gesture of deep reverence.
Rinpoche was so inspired by this humble yet supremely accomplished lama who reaffirmed his own aspirations to engage in long retreats that he prayed to become just like him.
Teachers I admire but did not take teachings from:
His Holiness Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche (Kyabje Dechen Nyingpo) of Sera Mey Monastery
His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche of Gaden Shartse Monastery
His Eminence Guru Deva (Sogpu Rinpoche) of Drepung Gomang Monastery
Mahasiddha Lama Yeshe of Sera Je Monastery
Jolenpa Gen Nyima of Gaden Jangtse Monastery
50 Verses Of Guru Devotion
By Ashvagosha
- Bowing in the proper way to the lotus feet of my Guru, who is the cause for me to attain the state of a glorious Vajrasattva, I shall condense and explain in brief what has been said in many stainless tantric texts about Guru-devotion. (Therefore) listen with respect.
- All the Buddhas of the past, present and future, residing in every land in the ten directions, have paid homage to the Tantric Masters from whom they have received the highest initiations. (Is there need to mention that you should too?)
- Three times each day, with supreme faith, you must show your respect to your Guru who teaches you (the tantric path), by pressing your palms together, offering a mandala as well as flowers and prostrating (touching) your head to his feet.
- Those who hold ordination vows, if (your Guru) is a layman or your junior, prostrate (in public) while facing such things as his scriptural texts in order to avoid worldly scorn. But in your mind (prostrate to your Guru).
- As for serving (your Guru) and showing him respect, such as obeying what he says, standing up (when he comes) and showing him to his seat — these should be done even by those with ordination vows (whose Gurus are laymen or their juniors). But (in public), avoid prostrating and unorthodox actions (such as washing his feet).
- In order for the words of honour of neither the Guru nor the disciple to degenerate, there must be a mutual examination beforehand (to determine if each can) brave a Guru-disciple relationship.
- A disciple with sense should not accept as his Guru someone who lacks compassion or who is angersome, vicious or arrogant, possessive, undisciplined or boasts of his knowledge.
- (A Guru should be) stable (in his actions), cultivated (in his speech), wise, patient and honest. He should neither conceal his shortcomings, nor pretend to possess qualities he lacks. He should be an expert in the meanings (of tantra) and in its ritual procedures (of medicine and turning back obstacles). Also he should have loving compassion and a complete knowledge of the scriptures.
- He should have full experience in all ten fields, skill in the drawing of mandalas, full knowledge of how to explain the tantras, supreme faith and his senses fully under control.
- Having become the disciple of such a protecting (Guru), should you then despise him from your heart, you will reap continual suffering as if you had disparaged all the Buddhas.
- If you are so foolish as to despise your Guru, you will contract contagious diseases and those caused by harmful spirits. You will die (a horrible death) caused by demons, plagues or poison.
- You will be killed by (wicked) kings or fire, by poisonous snakes, water, witches or bandits, by harmful spirits or savages, and then be reborn in a hell.
- Never disturb you Guru’s mind. Should you be foolish and happen to do this, you will surely boil in hell.
- Whatever fearful hells have been taught, such as Avici, the Hell of Uninterrupted pain, it is clearly explained that those who disparage their Gurus will have to remain there (a very long time).
- Therefore, exert yourself wholeheartedly never to belittle your Tantric Master who makes no display of his great wisdom and virtues.
- (If from a lack of awareness you have shown disrespect) to your Guru, reverently present an offering to him and seek his forgiveness. Then in the future such harms and plagues will not befall you.
- It has been taught that for the Guru to whom you have pledged your word of honour (to visualize as one with your meditational deity), you should willingly sacrifice your wife, children and even your life, although these are not (easy) to give away. Is there need to mention your fleeting wealth?
- (Such practice of offering) can confer even Buddhahood on a zealous (disciple) in his very lifetime, which otherwise might be difficult to attain even in countless millions of eons.
- Always keep your word of honour. Always make offerings to the Enlightened Ones. Always make offerings also to your Guru, for he is the same as all the Buddhas.
- Those who wish (to attain) the inexhaustible (state of a Buddha’s Wisdom Body) should give to their Guru whatever they themselves find pleasing, from the most trifling objects to those of best quality.
- Giving (to your Guru) is the same as making continual offerings to all the Buddhas. From such giving, much merit is gathered. From such collection comes the supreme powerful attainment (of Buddhahood).
- Therefore, a disciple with the good qualities of compassion, generosity, moral self-control and patience should never regard his Guru and the Buddha Vajradhara as different.
- If you should never tread even on (your Guru’s) shadow, because the fearsome consequences are the same as destroying a stupa, is there need to mention never stepping on or over his shoes or seat, (sitting in his place or riding) his mount?
- (A disciple) having great sense should obey the words of his Guru joyfully and with enthusiasm. If you lack the knowledge or ability (to do what he says), explain in (polite) words why you cannot (comply).
- It is from your Guru that powerful attainments, higher rebirth and happiness come. Therefore, make a wholehearted effort never to transgress your Guru’s advice.
- (Guard) your Guru’s belongings as you would your own life. Treat even your Guru’s beloved (family) with the same (respect you show for him). (Have affectionate regard for) those closely around him as if they were your own dearest kin. Single-mindedly think (in this way) at all times.
- Never sit on the (same) bed or seat (as your Guru), nor walk ahead of him. (At teachings do not) wear your hair in a top-knot, (a hat, shoes or any weapons). Never touch a seat (before he sits down), or if he happens to sits on the ground. Do not place your hands (proudly) on your hips or wring them (before him).
- Never sit or recline while your Guru is standing (nor lie while he is sitting). Always be ready to stand up and serve him skillfully in an excellent manner.
- In the presence of your Guru, never do such things as spit, (cough or sneeze without covering your mouth). Never stretch out your legs when at your seat, nor walk back and forth (without reason before him), and never argue.
- Never massage or rub your limbs. Do not sing, dance or play musical instruments (for other than religious purposes). And never chatter idly or speak in excess (or too loudly) within the range of (your Guru’s) hearing.
- (When your Guru enters the room) get up from your seat and bow your head slightly. Sit (in his presence) respectfully. At night, at rivers or on dangerous paths, with (your Guru’s) permission, you may walk before him.
- In the direct sight of his Guru, (a disciple) with sense should not (sit) with his body twisted around, nor lean (casually) against pillars and such. Never crack your knuckles, (play with your fingers or clean your nails).
- When washing (your Guru’s) feet or his body, drying, massaging (or shaving) him, precede such actions with (three) prostrations and at their conclusion do the same. Then attend (to yourself) as much as you like.
- Should you need to address (your Guru) by his name, add the title “Your Presence” after it. To generate respect for him in others, further honorifics may also be used.
- When asking for your Guru’s advice, first announce why you have come. With palms pressed together at your heart, listen to what he tells you, without (letting your mind) wander about. Then (when he has spoken), you should reply, “I shall do exactly as you have said.”
- After doing (what your Guru has told you), report (what has happened) in polite, gentle words. Should you yawn or cough, (clear your throat or laugh in his presence), cover your mouth with your hand.
- If you wish to receive a certain teaching, request three times with your palms pressed together, while before him on your (right) knee. (Then at his discourse), sit humbly and with respect, wearing appropriate clothing that is neat (and clean, without ornaments, jewelry or cosmetics).
- Whatever you do to serve (your Guru) or show him respect, should never be done with an arrogant mind. Instead you should be like a newlywed bride, timid, bashful and very subdued.
- In the presence of (the Guru) who teaches you (the Path), stop acting in a conceited, coquettish manner. As for boasting to others what you have done (for your Guru), examine (your conscience) and discard all such acts.
- If you are (requested) to perform a consecration, (an initiation into) a mandala, a fire puja or to gather disciples and deliver a discourse, you may not do so if your Guru resides in that area, unless you receive his prior permission.
- Whatever offerings you receive from performing such rites as (the consecration known as) “Opening the Eyes”, you should present all these to your Guru. Once he has taken a token portion, you may use the rest for whatever you like.
- In the presence of his Guru, a disciple should not act (as a Guru) to his own disciples and they should not act towards him as their Guru. Therefore (before your own Guru), stop (your disciples) from showing you respect such as rising (when you come) and making prostrations.
- Whenever you make an offering to your Guru, or whenever your Guru presents you with something, a disciple with sense will (present and) receive this, using both hands and with his head slightly bent.
- Be diligent in all your actions, (alert and) mindful never to forget (your word of honour). If fellow disciples transgress (what is proper) in their behaviour, correct each other in a friendly manner.
- If because of sickness you are physically (unable) to bow to your Guru and must do what normally would be prohibited, even without (his explicit) permission, there will be no unfortunate consequences if you have a virtuous mind.
- What need is there to say much more. Do whatever pleases your Guru and avoid doing anything he would not like. Be diligent in both of these.
- “Powerful attainments follow from (doing what) your Guru (likes).” This has been said by (the Buddha) Vajradhara himself. Knowing this, try to please your Guru fully with all the actions (of your body, speech and mind).
- After a disciple has taken refuge in the Triple Gem and developed a pure (Enlightened) motive, he should be given this (text) to take to his heart (how to abandon his own arrogant self-will and) follow in his Guru’s footsteps (along the Graded Path to Enlightenment).
- (By studying the prerequisite trainings of Guru-devotion and the Graded Path, common to both the Sutra and Tantra,) you will become a (suitable) vessel (to hold) the pure Dharma. You may then be given such teachings as Tantra. (After receiving the proper initiations,) recite out loud the fourteen root vows and take them sincerely to your heart.
- As I have not made the mistake (of adding my personal interpretation) when writing this work, may this be of infinite benefit to all disciples who would follow their Guru. By the limitless merit I have gathered in this way, may all sentient beings quickly attain Buddhahood.
For more interesting information:
- The Zong Rinpoche category on my blog
- The Great Lamas & Masters category on my blog
- Complete Commentary on 50 Verses of Guru Devotion
- Brief Commentary on 50 Verses of Guru Devotion
- Dorje Shugden: My side of the story
- My First Guru in New Jersey
- Kyabje Zong Rinpoche Cuts My Hair
- His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang
- H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche’s biography
- Choose your guru always
- It’s been hard…
- I did something right
- A Poem To My Teacher…
- Gurus love their students
Please support us so that we can continue to bring you more Dharma:
If you are in the United States, please note that your offerings and contributions are tax deductible. ~ the tsemrinpoche.com blog team
Thank you, Rinpoche for sharing your precious guru. To have a precious teacher is very important for us to have an opportunity to learn Dharma.
Reading this inspiring post again , with much respect and getting to understand more. Guru devotion is indeed very important and plays an important in our spiritual journey. To advance further in learning and practicing Buddhism we must hold on guru devotion to our Gurus nor matter what happen. Rinpoche’s gurus are all highly erudite masters and Lamas, interesting to read each and every one of them even though its just a short read. Merely by reading it is a blessing. Rinpoche had received all the qualities and trainings , teachings from them. We are then to receive those precious Dharma teachings from Rinpoche. All due to Rinpoche ‘s the kindness and compassion we are able to receive it. A great teachings on 50 Verses Of Guru Devotion.
Thank you Rinpoche with folded hands for sharing this teachings
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing your memories and your precious and wonderful times with your guru. All the wonderful and precious times with your guru remains me of many things that passes through in our life journey. Your thoughts on writing up this article and giving us to read is extremely precious for me too. I gained some understand and some good info and ideas for us to follow.
I have been reading and sharing most of your thoughts, and articles with friends and family member. Your sharing are extremely amazing with powerful message beautiful teaching. Hope it will soon reach many more people around the world. A lovey and precious article to read. ?
1997 in Malaysia. Kyabje Gangchen Rinpoche and Tsem Rinpoche.
His Eminence Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche’s incarnation is in Lhasa visiting. He is visiting the 350-year-old Trode Khangsar chapel dedicated to Dorje Shugden. He is paying homage to the powerful statue of Dorje Shugden housed in this sacred chapel. Both the chapel and statue of Dorje Shugden were commissioned by His Holiness the 5th Dalai Lama. The Great 5th Dalai Lama also composed a prayer to be recited daily to Dorje Shugden.
Dagom Rinpoche’s previous lives were great masters, scholars and practitioners of Dorje Shugden. Now this new incarnation of Dagom Rinpoche is offering gold on the face of Dorje Shugden in homage and worship to this very sacred statue of Dorje Shugden housed in Lhasa for the last 350 years. This is a very traditional Tibetan method of paying homage to holy images, which is by offering gold with prayers.
The Tibetan leadership wrongly says if you practise Dorje Shugden you will take rebirth into the three lower realms. Hundreds of lamas from the Sakya, Kagyu and Gelugpa schools of Buddhism have practised Dorje Shugden and their incarnations returned. Many of the incarnations are recognised by His Holiness the Dalai Lama himself. So this shows if you practise Dorje Shugden, only benefits come and no harm will come. The very fact Dagom Rinpoche’s incarnation is back, is clear evidence that Dorje Shugden’s practice is beneficial.
May Dagom Rinpoche’s current incarnation live a very long life.
Tsem Rinpoche
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com
Youtube High resolution video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THbGknXcLbo
Trode Khangsar – A 400 year old Dorje Shugden Chapel in Lhasa | https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=92148
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尊贵的扎贡仁波切的现任转世正在拜访拉萨。他拜访了供奉给多杰雄登的一座拥有350年历史的护法殿”布旦康萨”。他在向这座神圣护法殿里的强大多杰雄登像顶礼。该座护法殿和多杰雄登圣像是由第五世达赖喇嘛指示而造的。伟大的第五世达赖喇嘛也亲笔撰写了多杰雄登的每日祈愿文。
扎贡仁波切的前几世都是伟大的上师，学者兼多杰雄登的修持者。现在扎贡仁波切的现任转世在为这尊已经安奉在拉萨350年的非常神圣的多杰雄登圣像的脸上供养金漆，以示顶礼和膜拜。这种供养金并祈愿的做法是西藏为圣像顶礼的非常传统的做法。
流亡藏人领袖们说如果你修持多杰雄登你就将投生三恶道，那是错误的。佛教派系——萨迦派、噶举派、格鲁派的上百名喇嘛们都修持了多杰雄登，而且他们也都转世回来了，而且有很多转世还是达赖喇嘛亲自认证的。这明显显示了如果你修持多杰雄登，是百利无一弊的。扎贡仁波切转世回来了，就已经是很确凿的证据显示多杰雄登的修持是有利的。
愿今世的扎贡仁波切健康长寿。
詹杜固仁波切
blog.sina.com.cn/zhandugu
拉萨400年历史的多杰雄登护法殿—布旦康萨- https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=92148
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videouploads/comment-1543075457.mp4
Wow…. this is where Rinpoche received all the qualities and training , teachings from. Interesting article for us to know some of the precious Guru short biography and all are highly erudite masters and Lamas. Truly inspiring . Its was through Rinpoche ‘s the kindness and compassion we are fortunate to receive the precious teachings . I have booked marked this blog and will read it from time to time to have a better understanding of those great Masters.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this wonderful article and remind us of the teachings on 50 Verses Of Guru Devotion.
Respect the teacher
Dear Rinpoche,
This is a very wonderful collection of your Precious Gurus. I always love to read about about high lamas and erudite masters.They are truly inspiring.I also love to read about Zong Rinpoche and Gangchen Rinpoche.
I have a photo of you Rinpoche and Zong Rinpoche on my altar. I love the sweet smile on Zong Rinpoche that makes me feel like i have known him before. And I am very blessed and very fortunate to have Rinpoche as my Guru in Malaysia. 🙂 When Rinpoche is happy, I feel happy too! 😀
Thank you Rinpoche with folded hands for all your wonderful teachings on this blog and youtube. _/\_
Rinpoche’s gurus are all attained masters, who focused on the proliferation of the Buddha Dharma. To hear and read about them is already a blessing to my mindstream.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing his precious guru’s information here. It is good to know our guru’s teachings are learnt and given by his all the gurus as listed here.
As we did not have the merits to meet with Buddha Shakyamuni, our precious guru, H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche is the only one who is capable and able to help us in spiritual path. Our guru is the only one and close to us and enable us to learn his teachings and qualities too.
In 50 Verses Of Guru Devotion, there are few verses are clearly stated that we should treat our guru same as the Buddha.
19. Always keep your word of honour. Always make offerings to the Enlightened Ones. Always make offerings also to your Guru, for he is the same as all the Buddhas.
20. Giving (to your Guru) is the same as making continual offerings to all the Buddhas. From such giving, much merit is gathered. From such collection comes the supreme powerful attainment (of Buddhahood).
21. Therefore, a disciple with the good qualities of compassion, generosity, moral self-control and patience should never regard his Guru and the Buddha Vajradhara as different.
47. “Powerful attainments follow from (doing what) your Guru (likes).” This has been said by (the Buddha) Vajradhara himself. Knowing this, try to please your Guru fully with all the actions (of your body, speech and mind).
Correction:
21. Giving (to your Guru) is the same as making continual offerings to all the Buddhas. From such giving, much merit is gathered. From such collection comes the supreme powerful attainment (of Buddhahood).
22. Therefore, a disciple with the good qualities of compassion, generosity, moral self-control and patience should never regard his Guru and the Buddha Vajradhara as different.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing these stories with us. I think my favourite stories are the ones of:
1) Rinpoche with Kyabje Ling Rinpoche (Rinpoche was a very cute and precocious child)
2) Rinpoche with Kyabje Zong Rinpoche (very warm and close, like two very close brothers from another lifetime meeting again today. Rinpoche’s stories of the experiences with Kyabje Zong Rinpoche are Dharma teachings on reincarnation and imprints coming to life)
3) Rinpoche with Kyabje Lati Rinpoche (the debate Rinpoche had with Kyabje Lati Rinpoche about coming to Malaysia, which is not include here, always makes me laugh)
4) Rinpoche with Kyabje Drigung Rinpoche (I always like hearing about Rinpoche’s time in Ladakh and the difficulties of being in retreat)
Some things that stood out for me when reading this blog post:
1) when I read about Rinpoche’s teachers, it helps me to understand Rinpoche better because this is where Rinpoche received all the qualities and training from. If Rinpoche is a reflection of Rinpoche’s teachers, then we as Rinpoche’s students are a reflection of our own teacher too
2) such high masters do exist and it is possible to go from nothing to something (attainments-wise, not ranking). That’s not to say that these masters were ordinary people. What I mean is that they took on a human form like we did. They had arms, legs, eyes, ears, nose, mouth like we do. Yet in their lifetimes they did things and created things and people and teachers that went on to benefit hundreds of thousands of others
3) that through practice, it is possible to achieve such a state of accomplishments. They had 24 hours a day like we do, yet their attainments were so much more based on how they used their time
This is a very precious blogpost because it documented some of the precious Guru whom His Eminence the 25th Tsem Rinpoche received teachings from. All the eight Guru mentioned here are of high caliber and they have been spreading and practicing dharma from pure lineage. The 8 Guru are either from Sera, Drepung or Gaden monastery; these 3 monasteries are the main monastery of the Gelug tradition.
For more info on the monastery of the Gelug tradition, please see here https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/great-lamas-masters/his-holiness-the-101st-gaden-tripa-rinpoche.html.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing with us the precious info, I will treasure it as it represents the pure lineage of my Guru and the teachings.
Humbly, bowing down,
Stella Cheang
correction:
16 not 8
“The 16 Gurus are mainly either from Sera, Drepung or Gaden monastery; these 3 monasteries are the main monastery of the Gelug tradition.”
Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David for compiling this post and sharing the introduction of 16 high lamas to bless us and plant Dharma seeds in our mind. Through the kindness and compassion of all gurus and high lamas, we are fortunate to receive the pure Buddha’s teachings and Dharma wisdom in our current age. Without the strong effort and full determination from the high lamas to learn, practice and teach the Dharma, we will not be able to hear even a word of Dharma. Indeed, we are blessed to have the opportunity to learn from Rinpoche and many seniors from our monastery. Thank you Rinpoche.
With folded hands,
kin hoe
This is a fascinating post that I have been waiting for sometime. I am extremely glad to read it finally.
I have only one teacher who is H.E. the 25th Tsem Tulku Rinpoche and while I thoroughly enjoy reading stories and biographies of erudite masters and high lamas, I have always felt strongly that one Guru is more than adequate. At least for me, it is.
If we have received any teachings from only one guru with whom our samaya is pure and unbroken, and if we hold our vows well and practice well that one teaching that we have received, then we would have received the teaching from Buddha Vajradhara himself.
Reading this post, I am again reminded how fortunate we have to have as our Guru, a holder of so many precious and pure lineages that Rinpoche has received from the Mahasiddhas and Yogis mentioned in this post. What is more, it feels like I have known these masters personally from having heard many stories told affectionately by Rinpoche about his Gurus.
Thank you Rinpoche for this post.
Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David for compiling all of Rinpoche’s gurus for us to study and know of the pure lineage.
It is true that my level it would have been very difficult to follow so many teachers and be able to hold onto all the precious teachings. Personally I am most grateful for having Tsem Rinpoche as my Root Guru and only Guru.