Rinpoche, for those of us who are not ready to give up sex, is it better to have a boyfriend or girlfriend (in which the people are attached to one another), or to give up attachment in favor of a “friends with benefits” or “no strings” relationship? Also, I read somewhere that it goes against tantric vows to have sex with anybody who doesn’t believe in tantra. Is that true? Thank you, and Happy Valentines Day!
Finally, a section for you to clarify your Dharma questions with Kechara’s esteemed pastors. Just post your question below and one of our pastors will provide you with an answer.
Note: This section of H.E. Tsem Rinpoche’s blog is meant for Dharma questions or questions related to Kechara and our lineage. If the question is not relevant or out of our scope, we will respectfully request you to seek an answer on a more relevant platform. Before posting your question, we would also like to suggest that you look through some of the older posts (or do a search on this blog) before you post a question as your question may have been already answered in an older post.
Browse through previous question submissions and learn from the Pastors’ answers. Click on the different page numbers or arrow buttons to view older questions.
Question asked by Rita
Question asked by Terry
Dear Rinpoche, is believing in Buddhism (reincarnation, karma, enlightenment, etc.) like believing in Bigfoot or UFO’s? Sometimes it seems like there’s no way to really know the truth. I mean, philosophically, any of this stuff can be argued either way. Some people claim to be authorities, but they disagree about practically everything. If we try to figure out the answers for ourselves, we might search forever without getting anywhere. But you got somewhere, Rinpoche. How did you decide what to believe, and who to trust?
Question asked by Zhengdao
After watching your DVD, “Buddhism Begins at Home,” I am still unclear on certain aspects of the arrangement of a home altar. I understand that the main votive elements are a Buddha statue in the center, and a scripture and stupa on either side. Are there any guidelines as to which Buddhas are more appropriately used as this central image, and which are better represented in some other way, e.g. as thangkas? Also, how should photographs of the Dalai Lama and one’s teachers be positioned in relation to the other votive elements? Thank you very much!
Question asked by Anne Huang
Dear Rinpoche, you and the Dalai Lama both say you don’t want to convert people. And yet, practically all of your followers (and many of his) are, in fact, converts—from Christianity, the Chinese folk religion, and/or Chinese Buddhism. If your followers are committed to follow your advice, and your advice is to remain within their original religions, then why don’t more of them go back? And for that matter, why does Kechara actively recruit people who are not from a traditional Tibetan, Mongolian, or Himalayan Buddhist background?
By the way, if you’re wondering how many unanswered questions you have left, by my count there are 35: 2 on page four (by Devon and Maxwell), 2 on page three (Audrey and possibly Jonis), 20 on page two (all), and 11 on page one (be sure not to overlook Doreen Teoh and “i” at the bottom). Note that the addition of this question (and all subsequent ones) will shift the page numbers slightly.
Question asked by Blaine
In “Gurus for Hire…” you warn against criticizing other people’s gurus. Does this mean that in disputes involving lamas and laypeople, we ought never to side with the laypeople? That seems unfair—as if being a lama (or having a lama on one’s side) should exempt one from what would otherwise be fair criticism. Moreover, it denies Buddhism the capacity for ethical self-examination that has invigorated other religions.
Question asked by Craig Milford
In an interview with Lati Rinpoche (link below), the interviewer observed that “amongst many Gelugpa centres around the world today, there is a trend to practice only the Solitary Yamantaka and the Vajrayogini of the Naropa Tradition or more commonly called the Naro Kachod.” I did not know this, and it makes me wonder: why these two deities in particular? How did this happen? (I do not mean to criticize—on the contrary, I am attracted to these same deities.) Rinpoche, could you please explain this? Thank you!
Reference: http://www.4ui.com/eart/142eart1.htm
Question asked by Ruth Weinberg
Sir–I am aware of only a handful of female tulkus, geshes, or lamas in Tibetan Buddhism, and none at all among Gelugpas. (The popularity of female deities has had little if any effect on this basic sexism.) However, you could improve the situation–and incidentally, attract attention to your organization—simply by declaring, now, that your future incarnations will be female. What do you say?
Question asked by Chris Anton
Dear Rinpoche,
Could you please explain why the Buddhist teachings never seem to address the question of how the fundamental ignorance (avidhya)appeared in the first place. From what I understand, this issue is either dismissed as an idle question (the parable of the man hit by a poisonous arrow) or is regressed ad infinitum from previous life to previous life, sort of turtles all the way down. In my opinion, a problem cannot be fully remedied unless its fundamental cause is fully understood.
Question asked by Rafael Ruiz
Beloved Rinpoche,
How to keep on practicing and being positive when the external obstacles seem endless? I know it could just be a manifestation of my karma, but then I feel helpless to do anything. I want to overcome my Karma and become a Buddha to help others, but don't know what to do anymore. Can you recommend a practice for me?
Your student from afar
Rafael
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Meet the Pastors
Serving the community. Tirelessly
Combining the responsibilities of the ordained and the appearance of a layperson, pastors are the connection between the sangha and the everyday practitioner. They are ordinary people who have taken an extraordinary step in dedicating their lives towards sharing the Buddhist tradition. As laypeople holding vows, pastors will make the Dharma accessible to more people, giving them guidance and sharing knowledge. The pastors are usually present at Kechara House and available for consultation anytime. For more information, contact house@kechara.com.
Pastor Chia (sangha to be)
As a pastor, Chia will dedicate his life to befitting others through spreading the works of Tsem Rinpoche and Dharma to many people, through the use of pujas, rituals, counseling and sharing of his knowledge.
Ordained as a Pastor in 2011, Chia Song Peng has had a rich and varied Dharma career. He has held a core position with the Kechara Paradise retail outlets, served as a personal attendant to Tsem Rinpoche, embarked on various pilgrimages and received initiations into higher yoga tantric practices. He is accomplished in many pujas and has a deep understanding of the Dharma.
As a pastor, Chia has dedicated his life to befitting others through spreading the works of Tsem Rinpoche and Dharma to many people, through the use of pujas, rituals, counseling and sharing of his knowledge.
When Chia first met Tsem Rinpoche, he was asked if he wanted to become a monk, however even though this was his aspiration he informed Tsem Rinpoche that he would do so at a later date. For Chia, as he has is already in the Dharma full-time, it would be best if he became ordained. Tsem Rinpoche has reminded Chia from time to time to work towards becoming a monk and he promised that he would do so in the future.
Kechara began from nothing to become a growing Dharma organisation with major projects such as Kechara Forest Retreat, so Chia thinks that this is the perfect time to become ordained as a monk. Recently Tsem Rinpoche asked Chia again if he would like to be ordained, this time Chia said yes.
Pastor Khong Jean Ai (sangha to be)
Jean Ai wishes to become a vessel that holds the teachings of Lama Tsongkhapa to benefit future generations, inspiring others to live by the Buddha’s teachings.
Jean Ai met His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche as a young child and through her parents' involvement with Kechara over the years, she has never known a life without His Eminence. Jean Ai was a regular volunteer of Tsem Ladrang during her childhood and teenage years. After graduating with a BSc (Hons) in Psychology from the University of Warwick in the UK and working at the London Probation Service, she returned to Kuala Lumpur to join Tsem Ladrang's e-division. There she managed kechara.com, responsible for the weekly Kechara e-newsletter, including content generation and editing. Since then she has joined His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche’s writing team, responsible for executing Rinpoche’s personal instructions and managing his correspondence.
Having visited a nunnery in India in 2004, Jean Ai remembers noticing how happy and purposeful everyone was. She had a feeling of familiarity and the sight of the robes comforted her. Immediately, Jean Ai messaged her mother who told her to ask Rinpoche’s advice. Rinpoche told her to complete her secular education so that when she taught the Dharma her words would carry the credibility and weight of a university degree, something she completed with the motivation that some day she wanted to become a nun.
Through her ordination as a nun, Jean Ai wishes to become a vessel that holds the teachings of Lama Tsongkhapa to benefit future generations, inspiring others to live by the Buddha’s teachings. Through this she hopes to repay the kindness of her parents and her Guru. Above all she wants to abide in a state free of suffering, and she wants this for others as well.
Pastor Shin Tan (sangha to be)
For Shin, this is a great step forward to being fully committed to the cause of others and repaying others’ kindness through sharing the Dharma with others.
Before joining Kechara, Shin worked as a lecturer and provider of content and e-learning content solutions for various start-ups. Whilst providing training to educators teaching students in English for Specific Purposes (ESP) at various colleges, she was invited to attend a Dharma talk given by His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche at Kechara House. This event rekindled her interest in Tibetan Buddhism, as she recalled the joy of accompanying her parents to teachings as a teenager.
Joining Kechara Media & Publications in 2006 as a volunteer, Shin assumed a full time position there as a Marketing Executive, with the aim of making His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche’s teachings available to more people around the world. Shin is now a member of the Tsem Ladrang Team, who takes care of His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche’s secular matters, enabling Rinpoche to focus on teaching the holy Dharma.
Shin states that when she decided to join Kechara full time, she had already decided to be of some benefit to others and spend the rest of her life doing only that. Working closely with His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche, seeing his tireless effort in helping others and spreading the Buddhadharma through the Gaden tradition despite tremendous challenges has made her realise that the next logical step is to become ordained as she has the opportune conditions to study with her Guru. For Shin this is also a great step forward to being fully committed to the cause of others and repaying others’ kindness through sharing the Dharma with others.
Pastor Adeline Woon (sangha to be)
Since finding her spiritual home here in Kechara, Adeline has made dharma work her life’s mission and wishes to dedicate herself fully towards the benefit of others.
Adeline stumbled across His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche's blog towards the end of 2010 and has been following his blog and Facebook page ever since. Since graduating from Dharma Drum Buddhist College Taiwan with a Masters of Arts in Religious Studies in July 2012, she returned to Malaysia and joined Kechara as a Senior Education Executive. Adeline was attracted by His Eminence’s straightforwardness and impressed at Kechara's growth under his guidance. To Adeline, His Eminence is someone who walks the talk, keeps his promises and sincerely cares for others displaying an excellent example of guru devotion, qualities that she seeks to develop herself.
Since finding her spiritual home here in Kechara, Adeline has made dharma work her life’s mission. It was in May 2013 that she officially requested His Eminence for ordination as a nun to dedicate her life fully for the dharma. According to Adeline, become ordained means that she is being true to her calling to live according to the dharma and be of benefit to others.
This however can only be achieved by meeting and studying under her root Guru. Adeline has been fortunate enough to have met with hers - His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche.
Pastor Niral Patel (sangha to be)
It is Niral’s motivation for full ordination to better himself, learn the teachings of our lineage in order to preserve them for future generations. He wishes to benefit others, just as he has benefited and is still benefiting from Tsem Rinpoche’s explanation of the Dharma.
Niral was born and raised in the UK, having graduated with a BA in Anthropology, he was working as a Financial Administrator for a Serviced Apartment & Hotel company as well as a Management Services company before stumbling across His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche’s Youtube channel, entirelyby accident. It was through His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche’s teachings that he began to understand the importance of practicing the Dharma, in order to benefit himself and others around him.
Having been in contact with one of Tsem Rinpoche’s long time students in the UK, he was encouraged to visit Kechara in late 2012 for a 10 day visit. At the end of the visit Tsem Rinpoche requested Niral to come to work at Kechara, to which he agreed.
Niral moved to Malaysia in February 2013 to work as an education coordinator at Kechara House, assisting the Education Division in the creation and implementation of the new education syllabus, teaching teenagers during the Kechara Sunday Dharma School. Ever since meeting Tsem Rinpoche, he has always been encouraged by Tsem Rinpoche to do more Dharma work and strive to better himself. It is with that in mind, that Niral has requested monastic ordination.
It is Niral’s motivation for full ordination to better himself, learn the teachings of our lineage in order to preserve them for future generations. He wishes to benefit others, just as he has benefited and is still benefiting from Tsem Rinpoche’s explanation of the Dharma.
Pastor Tan Gim Lee (sangha to be)
Gim Lee’s main focus is to guide and help anyone who steps through Kechara’s doors through Dharma sharing, counselling, performing pujas and other Buddhist services. She wishes to repay Rinpoche’s kindness by spreading Lama Tsongkhapa’s holy teachings and inspiring others on the spiritual path.
She discovered Kechara by chance in 2006 and started to participate Kechara's activities almost immediately especially the retreat to collect 10 million Migtsema recitations. In April 2006, when Gim Lee met H.E. Tsem Rinpoche and first listened to his teachings, she wept uncontrollably. Though she could not understand it at the time, she had finally found her perfect teacher. She is especially touched by Tsem Rinpoche's compassionate method of teaching by setting his own examples.
Having joined as a staff of Kechara House responsible for housekeeping in 2009, Gim Lee is now one of Kechara House's Front Desk Managers predominantly based in the retreat centre in Bentong, Pahang. She also teaches the Sunday Dharma Class and moderates Dharma discussions on Tsem Rinpoche's blog chat.
The many teachings she has received from Tsem Rinpoche have changed her priorities in life. She found answers to her questions about the purpose of life, and she has realised that the way to overcome the sufferings of pain and anger is by following the path of compassion and wisdom as taught by Lord Buddha. These realisations have led to her request to be ordained as a Sangha member.
As pastor now, and later as a Buddhist nun, Gim Lee's main focus is to guide and help anyone who steps through Kechara's doors through Dharma sharing, counselling, performing pujas and other Buddhist services. She wishes to repay Rinpoche's kindness by spreading Lama Tsongkhapa's holy teachings and inspiring others on the spiritual path.
Pastor Loh Seng Piow (sangha to be)
Loh Seng Piow developed a strong wish to help Rinpoche in spreading the Dharma to the world. With that determination, Loh Seng Piow chose not to pursue his PhD degree in Cambridge University (for which he had been offered a place), resigned from his research job, and joined Tsem Rinpoche as full-time Dharma worker, and has never looked back since.
Back in 2001, Loh Seng Piow had no inkling of just how involved in Dharma he would become. As a Masters degree-holder in Engineering, Loh Seng Piow was working as a research engineer in Singapore when he met His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche. Rinpoche’s talk left a strong impression on him and after a few encounters with Rinpoche, Loh Seng Piow started developing websites for Rinpoche and Kechara.
Loh Seng Piow was trained in science, but soon realised that there were many questions that science could not answer. At the same time, he also felt that science and technology are not the solution to human problems, as humans are much better off compared to thousands years ago, yet the problems in this world are still the same, if not more, and we do not seem to be happier than our ancestors.
Loh Seng Piow soon realised that the Dharma is the ultimate solution to human problems, and that the methods used by His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche are very suitable for this modern era. Loh Seng Piow developed a strong wish to help Rinpoche in spreading the Dharma to the world. With that determination, Loh Seng Piow chose not to pursue his PhD degree in Cambridge University (for which he had been offered a place), resigned from his research job, and joined Tsem Rinpoche as full-time Dharma worker, and has never looked back since.
Meeting Rinpoche was a very refreshing experience for Loh Seng Piow, as he never knew Dharma could be so unconventional yet maintain its essence. As Rinpoche’s personal attendant, Loh Seng Piow has had many incredible moments with Rinpoche and considers himself extremely fortunate because he sees real Dharma in action, both on and off the throne. It challenges him to practice Dharma 24/7. In this way, Rinpoche has blown away his old and persistent way of thinking, which was very much focused on the outer rituals of Dharma.
Having seen that Tsem Rinpoche truly embodies what he teaches, Loh Seng Piow is convinced beyond doubt that it is possible to develop our minds to a higher state, and ultimately achieving enlightenment. All these factors have propelled Loh Seng Piow to take a step further in his Dharma career to become ordained as a pastor in order to be even more effective in sharing and disseminating the Dharma to benefit others.
Pastor Yek Yee
Naturally an introvert, Yek Yee has transformed what was once her weakness into her strength; making what was once impossible now eminently possible.
Independence was forced upon Kok Yek Yee from the tender age of nine, when she had to juggle between work and school to make ends meet. Always the introvert, Yek Yee had few friends and had difficulty expressing herself. So it was unexpected when she chose a career in journalism.
Yek Yee excelled as an award-winning reporter with Guang Ming Daily and Nanyang Siang Pau. Her articles garnered her a fanbase, and in writing, she found an outlet for the thoughts and feelings that she could not verbalise. However, despite her success, Yek Yee was not satisfied. Temporary happiness was not what she was looking for – success, money, relationships, or fame was not the key.
In her search for happiness, Yek Yee met H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, who told her “don’t retaliate with your speech, but use your power of writing to express yourself”. This led her to join Kechara Media & Publications as a writer; subsequently she was appointed Senior Editor as well as a Liaison to His Eminence.
Yek Yee now holds a core role in Kechara Care, giving advice, tours, counseling and teachings to whoever walks through their doors. Through courage and determination, she has transformed what was once her weakness into her strength; making what was once impossible now eminently possible.
As a Pastor, her patience and open-mindedness developed through her journey with Kechara will bring comfort and solace, and her new-found ability to nurture and teach others will bring hope to many.
Pastor Lanse Chiah
Having been a Pastor for a year, Lanse wishes to continue with her integral duties by renewing her vows again.
Lanse graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from Jinan University in Guangzhou, China in 1999 and became a part-time lecturer for several years, teaching western medicine in a Traditional Chinese medical college in Kuala Lumpur.
For a long time, Lanse remained an atheist, subconsciously searching for a spiritual guru as she sought answers to questions she harboured in her mind, questions that had led her into a state of depression during her time at university. As such, she would often read philosophical books in her search for answers.
Lanse first came to know of Kechara in 2007, through her friend of over 10 years, Pastor Yek Yee. She was surprised to see a complete transformation in Pastor Yek Yee, whom she had always known as a non-spiritual person. The first book by Kechara that Lanse chanced upon was the Chinese version of Be Greedy. Naturally, Lanse was skeptical at first, thus she read the book in an attempt to find mistakes with the philosophy. However, she couldn’t find any and was left impressed by how logical the explanations in the book were.
In March 2009, Lanse joined Kechara Media & Publications (KMP) part-time to carry out Chinese translation and help with transcription. The following year, she contemplated upon whether to pursue a full-time medical or a Dharma career, finally deciding on the latter. Lanse came to realise that, although both careers share the same motivation of easing people’s sufferings, she felt that her work in Dharma could lead to a greater contribution for the sake of all sentient beings in a deeper, spiritual sense.
Having been a Pastor for a year, Lanse wishes to continue with her integral duties by renewing her vows again.
Pastor Han Nee
It was not until she witnessed how Rinpoche brought peace and comfort to her dying mother, that she realised she also wanted to touch others with the Dharma.
Lim Han Nee, a mother of two, is a retired secondary school principal. She retired in December 2000 after a 30-year career in education. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Education at Leicester University in the UK, at the end of 2001.
After gaining her master’s degree, Han Nee considered further options of embarking on a doctorate in education or spending her years in retirement, travelling and visiting family. At the same time, she was also in search of her spiritual path. She had begun exploring Theravadan and Chinese Mahayana Buddhism for answers to questions she had.
In December 2004, Han Nee attended a teaching retreat on the topic of the Lamrim and White Tara held by His Eminence Gelek Rinpoche. As the retreat proceeded, she found her questions were being answered. Then in June 2005, Han Nee was introduced to Kechara by her sister, where she met her spiritual guide, His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche, who has recently told her that she must go all the way in the Dharma for the benefit of others.
Han Nee had been a school guidance counsellor for nearly twenty years. However, it was not until she witnessed how Rinpoche brought peace and comfort to her dying mother, that she realised she also wanted to touch others with the Dharma.
A member of Kechara’s Puja Team, who conduct sponsored pujas in Shabten Khang, Han Nee is also a member of the Education Division with the portfolio of Content Development. Apart from this, Han Nee is also a member of the weekly Kechara Chat Time team.
Pastor David Lai
In 2014, with a sincere wish to benefit others, David decided to be ordained as a Buddhist pastor to continue serving the spiritual needs of the organisation.
David Lai has been a student of His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche for over a decade now and was one of the founding members of Kechara. He joined Kechara as a full time staff in 2005 and has been working in various departments beginning with the Kechara Paradise outlets.
Right from the beginning, David had been advised by His Eminence to go into writing. Overcoming various hurdles, David finally began his literary career with the publication of his first book and autobiography, There’s No Way But Up in 2009. The book charts his spiritual journey from his childhood and culminates in the meeting with His Eminence.
The positive feedback from this book led him to write various other publications like Vajrayogini and Other Power Places in Nepal – a pilgrim’s guide of Nepal, Tales My Lama Told Me – a book on short stories and Conversations in Love – a book on relationships. These books continue to inspire and bring people onto the Dharma.
Besides writing, David has found his passion in sharing the Dharma since his earlier days working in the Kechara Paradise outlets. Over the years, David has received innumerable teachings from His Eminence, ranging from public teachings to personal instructions and advice. He is known to passionately share these teachings whenever he can and to whomever he meets. In 2014, with a sincere wish to benefit others, David decided to be ordained as a Buddhist pastor to continue serving the spiritual needs of the organisation.
Pastor Henry Ooi
After following Rinpoche as a Dharma student for all these years, learning and practicing the Dharma, Henry knows the importance of the pastors’ role in Kechara founded by Rinpoche. He wants to become a pastor to serve Rinpoche, to serve Kechara, and to serve the public.
Born in 1952 in Penang, Henry moved to Kuala Lumpur in search of work after he finished his Form Five studies in 1969. He worked at different types of jobs and it was when he was jobless in 1997/8 that he met His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche at the house of his cousin, Ruby (now Dato’ Ruby Khong), when Rinpoche was giving a dharma teaching. At that teaching Henry was awed by how Rinpoche taught Dharma with simple yet profound explanations.
With the kind guidance, teachings and Dharma practices by Rinpoche including instruction to engage in their first spiritual retreat, Henry and his wife Angel started a small business that soon became profitable. A few years later after Kechara House Buddhist Association was founded, Rinpoche started to enrol students as liaisons and that was when Henry and Dato’ Ruby offered themselves. Later more students were elected as liaisons that saw the birth of Liaisons Council. The Liaisons Council is now known as the Board of Directors of which Henry is one of its members.
Currently Henry is the Project Director, overseeing the construction and completion of projects in the Kechara Forest Retreat. Prior to this appointment he was the Head of Department in Kechara Paradise retail outlets of which he served for about ten years. He still remains as its company director as well as director for most of the companies within Kechara. He served one term as vice president of Kechara House Buddhist Association from 2012 to 2103.
After following Rinpoche as a Dharma student for all these years, learning and practicing the Dharma, Henry knows the importance of the pastors’ role in Kechara founded by Rinpoche. He wants to become a pastor to serve Rinpoche, to serve Kechara, and to serve the public. As he aspires to be a monk as he grows older, being a pastor of Kechara will pave the way for his aspiration. Henry believes that as one gets older in life, one should have already prepared for the imminent, death. And what a beautiful death it will be, to die in Kechara Forest Retreat in a monk’s robes. This is the kind of death that Henry wants. But before the imminent death happens, Henry wants to continue working in Kechara Forest Retreat, serving the community and whoever comes into it in whatever way he can. And when he is not physically anymore to serve others, he will request instructions from Rinpoche to enter into retreats in Kechara Forest Retreat.
Pastor Patsy Gooi
All that Patsy wants now is to spend the rest of her life doing dharma work, dharma practices and being of benefit to others.
Formerly a full time housewife with plenty of free time, Patsy had the great fortune to visit Gaden Monastery and meet H.E. Tsem Rinpoche almost twenty years ago. That one week stay in the monastery changed her view of life. Prior to that, she had no spiritual inclinations but meeting Rinpoche stirred something inside her, and she realised that there was more to life than just eating, sleeping, shopping and having fun. Rinpoche’s approach to dharma was logical and practical but most importantly, he stressed that we should always focus out and work towards benefitting others. Rinpoche made dharma easy to understand and his advice was and still is, to “change inwardly, not outwardly.”
In 2009, after years of practicing and applying what she had learned from Rinpoche’s teachings, Patsy decided to set up a Kechara retail outlet in Penang to share the dharma with others. She knew that Rinpoche’s teachings were very applicable to the people of our time and that his activities would benefit others just as they had benefited her. She also wanted to repay the kindness of her Guru who had constantly helped and guided her. Today, Kechara Paradise Penang is not just a dharma shop but also organises puja sessions, animal liberation and dharma talks.
In 2010, again with Rinpoche’s blessings, Patsy set up the Kechara Soup Kitchen Activity Center in Penang. Saddened to see the plight of the homeless and urban poor on the streets, Patsy decided to practice “compassion through action” as taught by Rinpoche in the most active way she knows. Today, together with her team of volunteers, Patsy feeds the homeless and urban poor four times a week and provides basic food provisions to many hardcore poor families on a monthly basis.
All that Patsy wants now is to spend the rest of her life doing dharma work and dharma practices, and that she may be of benefit to others.
Pastor Albert Ratchaga
In 2008, Albert Ratchaga began working as a part timer in Kechara Paradise, but as he learned more about the works of Rinpoche and Kechara, Rinpoche’s kindness and compassion touched him deeply. He realised that his work gave his life more meaning and decided to join Kechara full time.
Through his work as a sales executive, Albert was able learn more Dharma from Rinpoche's teachings and use this wisdom to assist those who entered his store to overcome their problems, thus improving their lives.
Albert soon developed a deep wish to follow in Rinpoche’s footsteps and in 2016 was ordained as a Pastor to continue benefitting and serving others.
BLOG CHAT
Dear blog friends,
I’ve created this section for all of you to share your opinions, thoughts and feelings about whatever interests you.
Everyone has a different perspective, so this section is for you.
Tsem Rinpoche
SCHEDULED CHAT SESSIONS / 聊天室时间表
SUNDAY
8 - 9PM (GMT +8)
4 - 5AM (PST)
UPCOMING TOPICS FOR NOVEMBER / 十一月份讨论主题
NOTICE:
Weekly Blog Chat discussion pause from November10th to December 8th, 2024.
Resume on December 15th (Sunday) 8 pm (GMT +8).
Resume on December 15th (Sunday) 8 pm (GMT +8).
Please come and join in the chat for a fun time and support. See you all there.
Blog Chat Etiquette
These are some simple guidelines to make the blog chat room a positive, enjoyable and enlightening experience for everyone. Please note that as this is a chat room, we chat! Do not flood the chat room, or post without interacting with others.
EXPANDBe friendly
Remember that these are real people you are chatting with. They may have different opinions to you and come from different cultures. Treat them as you would face to face, and respect their opinions, and they will treat you the same.
Be Patient
Give the room a chance to answer you. Patience is a virtue. And if after awhile, people don't respond, perhaps they don't know the answer or they did not see your question. Do ask again or address someone directly. Do not be offended if people do not or are unable to respond to you.
Be Relevant
This is the blog of H.E. Tsem Rinpoche. Please respect this space. We request that all participants here are respectful of H.E. Tsem Rinpoche and his organisation, Kechara.
Be polite
Avoid the use of language or attitudes which may be offensive to others. If someone is disrespectful to you, ignore them instead of arguing with them.
Please be advised that anyone who contravenes these guidelines may be banned from the chatroom. Banning is at the complete discretion of the administrator of this blog. Should anyone wish to make an appeal or complaint about the behaviour of someone in the chatroom, please copy paste the relevant chat in an email to us at care@kechara.com and state the date and time of the respective conversation.
Please let this be a conducive space for discussions, both light and profound.
KECHARA FOREST RETREAT PROGRESS UPDATES
Here is the latest news and pictorial updates, as it happens, of our upcoming forest retreat project.
The Kechara Forest Retreat is a unique holistic retreat centre focused on the total wellness of body, mind and spirit. This is a place where families and individuals will find peace, nourishment and inspiration in a natural forest environment. At Kechara Forest Retreat, we are committed to give back to society through instilling the next generation with universal positive values such as kindness and compassion.
For more information, please read here (english), here (chinese), or the official site: retreat.kechara.com.
The Kechara Forest Retreat is a unique holistic retreat centre focused on the total wellness of body, mind and spirit. This is a place where families and individuals will find peace, nourishment and inspiration in a natural forest environment. At Kechara Forest Retreat, we are committed to give back to society through instilling the next generation with universal positive values such as kindness and compassion.
For more information, please read here (english), here (chinese), or the official site: retreat.kechara.com.
Join us for the annual Ullambana Festival on Saturday August 10th at Kechara Forest Retreat and make the most of ...
Join us this weekend for SPIRITUAL SATURDAY in Kechara Forest Retreat! SATURDAY, 13 JULY 9.00 am Cook for the community ...
How To Clear Disturbances by Pastor Niral - Monday 8. July 2019 at 9 30pm in Kechara House, Jalan PJU ...
Kechara Pastor Tat Ming is conducting a blessing prayer for a traveling tour bus at our holy place, Kechara Forest ...
Kechara Pastor Tat Ming is conducting a blessing prayer for a traveling tour bus at our holy place, Kechara Forest ...
Kechara Pastor Tat Ming is conducting a blessing prayer for a traveling tour bus at our holy place, Kechara Forest ...
Kechara Pastor Tat Ming is conducting a blessing prayer for a traveling tour bus at our holy place, Kechara Forest ...
Kechara Pastor Tat Ming is conducting a blessing prayer for a traveling tour bus at our holy place, Kechara Forest ...
Kechara Pastor Tat Ming is conducting a blessing prayer for a traveling tour bus at our holy place, Kechara Forest ...
Join us this weekend for SPIRITUAL SATURDAY in Kechara Forest Retreat! SATURDAY, 6 JULY 9.00 am Spring clean Tara's abode ...
Dear Members & Friends, Please be INFORMED that the venue for the monthly DS puja will alternate between KFR and ...
Join us this weekend, Saturday, 29. June for SPIRITUAL SATURDAY in Kechara Forest Retreat! From 9.00 am to 2.30 pm. ...
Kechara House Puja Team performed an urgent Dorje Shugden puja and offered candle lights to Protector Dorje Shugden yesterday. May ...
Highlights of SPIRITUAL SATURDAY 22June 6月22日 Clean Dorje Sh ...
Highlights of SPIRITUAL SATURDAY 周六修行游亮点： 22June. 6月22日
Inner Peace Retreat in June 2019 in Kechara Forest Retreat. More info: http://bit.ly/2GvGl7A
Group picture of the end of the Inner Peace Retreat, June 2019. More info: http://bit.ly/2GvGl7A
Inner Peace Retreat Day 2: Debrief & Closing More info: http://bit.ly/2GvGl7A
Inner Peace Retreat Day 2: Debrief & Closing More info: http://bit.ly/2GvGl7A
Inner Peace Retreat Day 2: Debrief & Closing More info: http://bit.ly/2GvGl7A
Inner Peace Retreat Day 2: Sensory Discovery with Herbs More info: http://bit.ly/2GvGl7A
Inner Peace Retreat Day 2: Sensory Discovery with Herbs More info: http://bit.ly/2GvGl7A
Inner Peace Retreat Day 2: Sunrise Meditation More info: http://bit.ly/2GvGl7A
Inner Peace Retreat Day 2: Sunrise Meditation More info: http://bit.ly/2GvGl7A
Inner Peace Retreat in Kechara Forest Retreat, Day 1: Expression Through Art More info: http://bit.ly/2GvGl7A
Inner Peace Retreat Day 1: Walking Meditation at Tara Walk More info: http://bit.ly/2GvGl7A
Inner Peace Retreat Day 1 Meditation in Nature next to the Dream Manjushri Learn more about the Dream Manjushri here ...
Inner Peace Retreat, Kechara Forest Retreat, Day 1: Walking Meditation in Nature More info: http://bit.ly/2GvGl7A
Inner Peace Retreat Day 1: Walking Meditation in Nature More info: http://bit.ly/2GvGl7A
Inner Peace Retreat Day 1: Enjoy Your Delicious Lunch More info: http://bit.ly/2GvGl7A
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Messages from Rinpoche
Scroll down within the box to view more messages from Rinpoche. Click on the images to enlarge. Click on 'older messages' to view archived messages. Use 'prev' and 'next' links to navigate between pagesUse this URL to link to this section directly: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/#messages-from-rinpoche
Previous Live Videos
About Rinpoche
Name
H.E. Tsem Rinpoche
Root Guru
H.H. Zong Rinpoche
Ordained by
H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama
Affiliations
Pukhang Khangtsen, Gaden Shartse Monastery
Founder and Spiritual Advisor, Kechara House Buddhist Association Malaysia
President, Tsem Rinpoche Foundation, Inc.
Honorary Doctor of Psychology, The Open International University
Must Know
Featured Authors
Devotional Songs
Sung by Mary Fewel Tulin, these mystical songs in praise of the guru originate from the Sikh tradition. Yet, they are applicable to all traditions for those who want to venerate their guru.
Mere Vich Na Guruji Gun Koi
Likhan Valya Tu Hoke
Recommended
Photos On The Go
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5 years ago
According to legend, Shambhala is a place where wisdom and love reign, and there is no crime. Doesn't this sound like the kind of place all of us would love to live in? https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=204874
5 years ago
108 candles and sang (incense) offered at our Wish-Fulfilling Grotto, invoking Dorje Shugden's blessings for friends, sponsors and supporters, wonderful!
5 years ago
Dharmapalas are not exclusive to Tibetan culture and their practice is widespread throughout the Buddhist world - https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=193645
5 years ago
One of our adorable Kechara Forest Retreat's doggies, Tara, happy and safe, and enjoying herself in front of Wisdom Hall which has been decorated for Chinese New Year
5 years ago
Fragrant organic Thai basil harvested from our very own Kechara Forest Retreat farm!
5 years ago
On behalf of our Puja House team, Pastor Tat Ming receives food and drinks from Rinpoche. Rinpoche wanted to make sure the hardworking Puja House team are always taken care of.
5 years ago
By the time I heard about Luang Phor Thong, he was already very old, in his late 80s. When I heard about him, I immediately wanted to go and pay my respects to him. - http://bit.ly/LuangPhorThong
5 years ago
It's very nice to see volunteers helping maintain holy sites in Kechara Forest Retreat, it's very good for them. Cleaning Buddha statues is a very powerful and effective way of purifying body karma.
5 years ago
Kechara Forest Retreat is preparing for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations. This is our holy Vajra Yogini stupa which is now surrounded by beautiful lanterns organised by our students.
5 years ago
One of the most recent harvests from our Kechara Forest Retreat land. It was grown free of chemicals and pesticides, wonderful!
5 years ago
Third picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal.
Height: 33ft (10m)
5 years ago
Second picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal.
Height: 33ft (10m)
5 years ago
First picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal.
Height: 33ft (10m)
5 years ago
The first title published by Kechara Comics is Karuna Finds A Way. It tells the tale of high-school sweethearts Karuna and Adam who had what some would call the dream life. Everything was going great for them until one day when reality came knocking on their door. Caught in a surprise swindle, this loving family who never harmed anyone found themselves out of luck and down on their fortune. Determined to save her family, Karuna goes all out to find a solution. See what she does- https://bit.ly/2LSKuWo
5 years ago
Very powerful story! Tibetan Resistance group Chushi Gangdruk reveals how Dalai Lama escaped in 1959- https://bit.ly/2S9VMGX
5 years ago
At Kechara Forest Retreat land we have nice fresh spinach growing free of chemicals and pesticides. Yes!
5 years ago
Fresh eggplants grown on Kechara Forest Retreat's land here in Malaysia
5 years ago
Most Venerable Uppalavanna – The Chief Female Disciple of Buddha Shakyamuni - She exhibited many supernatural abilities gained from meditation and proved to the world females and males are equal in spirituality- https://bit.ly/31d9Rat
5 years ago
Mahapajapati Gotami – the first Buddhist nun ordained by Lord Buddha- https://bit.ly/2IjD8ru
5 years ago
Sacred Vajra Yogini
5 years ago
Mahapajapati Gotami, who was the first nun ordained by Lord Buddha.
5 years ago
Mahapajapati Gotami, who was the first nun ordained by Lord Buddha. She was his step-mother and aunt. Buddha's mother had passed away at his birth so he was raised by Gotami.
5 years ago
Another nun disciple of Lord Buddha's. She had achieved great spiritual abilities and high attainments. She would be a proper object of refuge. This image of the eminent bhikkhuni (nun) disciple of the Buddha, Uppalavanna Theri.
5 years ago
Wandering Ascetic Painting by Nirdesha Munasinghe
5 years ago
High Sri Lankan monks visit Kechara to bless our land, temple, Buddha and Dorje Shugden images. They were very kind-see pictures- https://bit.ly/2HQie2M
5 years ago
This is pretty amazing!
First Sri Lankan Buddhist temple opened in Dubai!!!
5 years ago
My Dharma boy (left) and Oser girl loves to laze around on the veranda in the mornings. They enjoy all the trees, grass and relaxing under the hot sun. Sunbathing is a favorite daily activity. I care about these two doggies of mine very much and I enjoy seeing them happy. They are with me always. Tsem Rinpoche
Always be kind to animals and eat vegetarian- https://bit.ly/2Psp8h2
5 years ago
After you left me Mumu, I was alone. I have no family or kin. You were my family. I can't stop thinking of you and I can't forget you. My bond and connection with you is so strong. I wish you were by my side. Tsem Rinpoche
5 years ago
This story is a life-changer. Learn about the incredible Forest Man of India | 印度“森林之子”- https://bit.ly/2Eh4vRS
5 years ago
Part 2-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
5 years ago
Part 1-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
5 years ago
The great Protector Manjushri Dorje Shugden depicted in the beautiful Mongolian style. To download a high resolution file: https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
6 years ago
The Mystical land of Shambhala is finally ready for everyone to feast their eyes and be blessed. A beautiful post with information, art work, history, spirituality and a beautiful book composed by His Holiness the 6th Panchen Rinpoche. ~ https://bit.ly/309MHBi
6 years ago
DON'T MISS THIS!~How brave Bonnie survived by living with a herd of deer~ https://bit.ly/2Lre2eY
6 years ago
Global Superpower China Will Cut Meat Consumption by 50%! Very interesting, find out more- https://bit.ly/2V1sJFh
6 years ago
You can download this beautiful Egyptian style Dorje Shugden Free- https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
6 years ago
Beautiful high file for print of Lord Manjushri. May you be blessed- https://bit.ly/2V8mwZe
6 years ago
Mongolian (Oymiakon) Shaman in Siberia, Russia. That is his real outfit he wears. Very unique. TR
6 years ago
Find one of the most beautiful temples in the world in Nara, Japan. It is the 1,267 year old Todai-ji temple that houses a 15 meter Buddha Vairocana statue who is a cosmic and timeless Buddha. Emperor Shomu who sponsored this beautiful temple eventually abdicated and ordained as a Buddhist monk. Very interesting history and story. One of the places everyone should visit- https://bit.ly/2VgsHhK
6 years ago
Manjusri Kumara (bodhisattva of wisdom), India, Pala dynesty, 9th century, stone, Honolulu Academy of Arts
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Videos On The Go
Please click on the images to watch video
5 years agoPig puts his toys awayAnimals are so intelligent. They can feel happiness, joy, pain, sorrow, just like humans. Always show kindness to them. Always show kindness to everyone.
5 years agoAlways be kind to animals-They deserve to live just like us.Whales and dolphins playing with each other in the Pacific sea. Nature is truly incredible!
5 years agoBodha stupa July 2019-Rainy period
5 years agoCute Tara girl having a snack. She is one of Kechara Forest Retreat’s resident doggies.
5 years agoYour Next Meal!Yummy? Tasty? Behind the scenes of the meat on your plates. Meat is a killing industry.
5 years agoThis is DawThis is what they do to get meat on tables, and to produce belts and jackets. Think twice before your next purchase.
5 years agoDon’t Take My Mummy Away!Look at the poor baby chasing after the mother. Why do we do that to them? It's time to seriously think about our choices in life and how they affect others. Be kind. Don't break up families.
5 years agoThey do this every day!This is how they are being treated every day of their lives. Please do something to stop the brutality. Listen to their cries for help!
5 years agoWhat happened at Fair Oaks Farm?The largest undercover dairy investigation of all time. See what they found out at Fair Oaks Farm.
5 years agoShe’s going to spend her whole life here without being able to move correctly. Like a machine. They are the slaves of the people and are viewed as a product. It’s immoral. Billions of terrestrial animals die annually. Billions. You can’t even imagine it. And all that because people don’t want to give up meat, even though there are so many alternatives. ~ Gabriel Azimov
6 years agoOur Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir speaks so well, logically and regarding our country’s collaboration with China for growth. It is refreshing to listen to Dr. Mahathir’s thoughts. He said our country can look to China for many more things such as technology and so on. Tsem Rinpoche
6 years agoThis is the first time His Holiness Dalai Lama mentions he had some very serious illness. Very worrying. This video is captured April 2019.
6 years agoBeautiful Monastery in Hong Kong
6 years agoThis dog thanks his hero in such a touching way. Tsem Rinpoche
6 years agoJoin Tsem Rinpoche in prayer for H.H. Dalai Lama’s long life~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYy7JcveikU&feature=youtu.be
6 years agoThese people going on pilgrimage to a holy mountain and prostrating out of devotion and for pilgrimage in Tibet. Such determination for spiritual practice. Tsem Rinpoche
6 years agoBeautiful new casing in Kechara for Vajra Yogini. Tsem Rinpoche
6 years agoGet ready to laugh real hard. This is Kechara’s version of “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane!” We have some real talents in this video clip.
6 years agoRecitation of Dorje Dermo‘s mantra or the Dharani of Glorious Vajra Claws. This powerful mantra is meant to destroy all obstacles that come in our way. Beneficial to play this mantra in our environments.
6 years agoBeautifulBeautiful sacred Severed Head Vajra Yogini from Tsem Rinpoche's personal shrine.
6 years agoMy little monster cute babies Dharma and Oser. Take a look and get a cute attack for the day! Tsem Rinpoche
6 years agoPlse watch this short video and see how all sentient beings are capable of tenderness and love. We should never hurt animals nor should we eat them. Tsem Rinpoche
6 years agoCruelty of some people have no limits and it’s heartbreaking. Being kind cost nothing. Tsem Rinpoche
6 years agoSUPER ADORABLE and must seeTsem Rinpoche's dog Oser girl enjoying her snack in her play pen.
6 years agoCute!Oser girl loves the balcony so much. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTcoWpKJm2c
6 years agoUncle WongWe were told by Uncle Wong he is very faithful toward Dorje Shugden. Dorje Shugden has extended help to him on several occasions and now Uncle Wong comes daily to make incense offerings to Dorje Shugden. He is grateful towards the help he was given.
6 years agoTsem Rinpoche’s Schnauzer Dharma boy fights Robot sphere from Arkonide！
6 years agoCute baby owl found and rescuedWe rescued a lost baby owl in Kechara Forest Retreat.
6 years agoNice cups from Kechara!!Dorje Shugden people's lives matter!
6 years agoEnjoy a peaceful morning at Kechara Forest RetreatChirping birds and other forest animals create a joyful melody at the Vajrayogini stupa in Kechara Forest Retreat (Bentong, Malaysia).
7 years agoThis topic is so hot in many circles right now.This video is thought-provoking and very interesting. Watch! Thanks so much to our friends at LIVEKINDLY.
7 years agoChiropractic CHANGES LIFE for teenager with acute PAIN & DEAD LEG.
7 years agoBEAUTIFUL PLACE IN NEW YORK STATE-AMAZING.
7 years agoLeonardo DiCaprio takes on the meat Industry with real action.
7 years agoDo psychic mediums have messages from beyond?
7 years agoLovely gift for my 52nd Birthday. Tsem Rinpoche
7 years agoThis 59-year-old chimpanzee was refusing food and ready to die until...she received “one last visit from an old friend” 💔💔
7 years agoBigfoot sighted again and made it to the news.
7 years agoCasper is such a cute and adorable. I like him.
7 years agoDorje Shugden Monastery Amarbayasgalant Mongolia's Ancient Hidden Gem
7 years agoDon't you love Hamburgers? See how 'delicious' it is here!
7 years agoSuch a beautiful and powerful message from a person who knows the meaning of life. Tsem Rinpoche
7 years agoWhat the meat industry figured out is that you don't need healthy animals to make a profit.Sick animals are more profitable... farms calculate how close to death they can keep animals without killing them. That's the business model. How quickly they can be made to grow, how tightly they can be packed, how much or how little can they eat, how sick they can get without dying... We live in a world in which it's conventional to treat an animal like a block of wood. ~ Jonathan Safran Foer
7 years agoThis video went viral and it's a must watch!!
7 years agoSEE HOW THIS ANIMAL SERIAL KILLER HAS NO ISSUE BLUDGEONING THIS DEFENSELESS BEING.This happens daily in slaughterhouse so you can get your pork and Bak ku teh. Stop eating meat.
ASK A PASTOR
A section for you to clarify your Dharma questions with Kechara’s esteemed pastors.
Just post your name and your question below and one of our pastors will provide you with an answer.
Scroll down and click on "View All Questions" to view archived questions.
- November 13, 2024 07:24Om asked: Dear pasor, In my country everyone is believed to be from kagyupas, almost all. Maybe few nyingmapas. My question is Lama tshongkapa is from which lineage and dorji shuden as wel. I never heard of lama tshongkapa and dorji shugden before. we practice dolma and gururimpoche prayers and manis only. And we also make yearly offerings to our local deities. Is vajra guru mantra a wrathful.?No reply yet
- November 1, 2024 01:14Paulo Sérgio asked: Dear Pastors, Om Mani Padme Hum 🙏🏻 When we invite a statue into our homes, they are hollow. We know that they need to be filled and consecrated. Here on Tsem Rinpoche's website, I have seen prayers for consecrating statues, but I have not found the method for filling them. Is there a method that ordinary practitioners can use to fill the statues? Practitioners who live close to their sanghas probably find it easier to do this, but that is not my case. 2 - I read somewhere that the practice of White Tara encompasses the 4 classes of Tantra. In the Gelug school, are there practices of White Tara in Highest Yoga Tantra? 3- There is a prayer by Gyalwa Gendun Drub in honor of White Tara titled "A Gem to Increase Life and Wisdom." Do you have it in transliterated Tibetan that you can share? Thank you for answering my questions. May you be greatly blessed. 🙏🏻🤍pastor answered: Dear Paulo Sérgio, Thank you for your question. 1. Our online store has small insertion kits available to help you fill your statues: https://www.vajrasecrets.com/products/diy-insertion-kit-for-statues On this page, scroll down to the section 'features' section, at the end of this section is a line that says 'Illustrated step-by-step guide' where there is a downloadable link to a PDF that outlines how to fill statues yourself. We also have loose mantras for insertion available here: https://www.vajrasecrets.com/products/mantra-rolls-for-statues Then you can use the prayers on this page to consecrate the statue: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/prayers-and-sadhanas/how-to-bless-buddha-images-yourself.html 2. In regards to White Tara, as far as I am aware there are no White Tara practices that belong to the Highest Yoga Tantra class. The only form of Tara that belongs to the Highest Yoga Tantra class is known as Cittamani Tara. You read more about her here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/cittamani-tara.html 3. Unfortunately, we do not have a transliteration of the A Gem to Increase Life and Wisdom prayer at this time. We only have the English translation, which is available here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/wp-content/uploads/prayers/AGemtoIncreaseLifeandWisdom.pdf I hope this helps. Thank you.
- October 31, 2024 00:12Seema Purohit asked: I have exam on 13 November. It is showing very bad day as per mawa. I am aged 41 and struggling. I failed 3 times. Can u suggest way to turn the tide. I am working hard but luck is never on my side.pastor answered: Dear Seema Purohit, Thank you for your question. Astrological influences do not necessarily mean that things on that day will go bad. There are methods that we can use to overcome any negative influences and make those days very successful and productive. First since this has to do with exams, you should be practical about it, make sure that you know the exam material well, make sure that you eat properly before the exams, and make sure that you remain calm before and during the exam. If you know the material well, if you are too nervous then it may cause you issues during the exam. From the spiritual angle, you can make offerings on your altar before your exam. Actually, it would be good for you to make offerings on your altar daily from now until then, to generate merit so that your exam will be successful. You can also engage in Dorje Shugden's mantra - OM BENZA WIKKI BITANA SOHA. Dorje Shugden a Dharma Protector who helps us to overcome obstacles and be succesful. He is an emanation of Manjushri, who is the Buddha of Wisdom. So, his practice is especially powerful for things to do with study, exams, etc. You can read more about Dorje Shugden here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/beginners-introduction-to-dorje-shugden.html Hope this helps. And you have our prayers for success in your exams.
- October 29, 2024 04:06Nelson asked: Tashi Delek Pastors! I have some questions about some things that may pastors help me understand: Today, I receive some gifts from a Dharma Friends that four small bags during his visit trips to Tibet: Tamdrin Dudtsi Mendrup or Hayagriva Holy Nectar Pills from Sera Ngakpa Tretsang. Mani Rilbu or Mani Blessing Pills from Drashi Gonkhang. Dorje Shugden Rilbu or Dorje Shugden blessing pills from Sampheling in Tibet. Kagye Drupchen holy nectar pills from Mindroling Monastery. What's is different between these three holy pills? How i should use or supply better these pills for anyone or my self? What's meanings of these pills and benefits of this? Thank you so much.pastor answered: Dear Nelson, You have received some very powerful and blessed holy pills from your friend. In general, all the pills are made from dried crushed herbs and holy items and then consecrated during long pujas, dedicated to a particular deity to imbue them with certain energies. Here is a little bit of information about them: Tamdrin Dudtsi Mendup - these pills are made from holy nectar and consecrated using the practice of Hayagriva, who is a wrathful emanation of Chenrezig (the Buddha of Compassion). Generally, any blessed item using the practice of Hayagriva is good for protection from spirits and nagas, negative forces or energies, etc. They are also good for healing illness and diseases, especially effective for any type of skin disease. Mendup pills are also specifically made for healing physical illnesses. Sera Ngakpa Dratsang is the tantric college of Sera Monastery in Tibet, where they learn and practice the different types of tantric systems within the Gelug lineage. Mani Rilbu - these are pills blessed with the energies of Chenrezig using the Mani mantra - OM MANI PEME HUNG. They are great for general healing and well-being and are very potent sources of the compassionate energies of the Buddha. Drashi Gonkhang is a protector chapel dedicated to Drashi Lhamo who is a form of Palden Lhamo. This chapel is affliated with Sera Monasery which is of the Gelug lineage. You can read more about Drashi Lhamo here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/drashi-lhamo-the-protectress-with-the-rolled-out-tongue.html Dorje Shugden Rilbu - are pills blessed with the energies of Dorje Shugden. They are are excellent for providing protection and swift assistance to overcome worldly and spiritual obstacles. Sampheling Monastery also belongs to the Gelug tradition and the Sangha there are known to be very strong practitioners of Dorje Shugden. It is also considered to be the home monastery of one the most important incarnation lineages within the Gelugpa tradition - the line of Trijang Rinpoches. Kagye Drupchen holy nectar pills - these are pills made from blessed nectar and consecrated using the Kagye practice, which is a practice incorporating eight different tantric deities. Mindrolling is also one of the most famous Nyingma lineage monasteries. It is one of the six Mother Monasteries of that lineage. I do not know much about the benefits of this rilbu as we practice the Gelug tradition in Kechara, and this practice belongs to the Nyingma tradition. While certain practices are shared in common throughout all traditions, the Gelug lineage does not have this particular practice. Here is some general advice of what you can do with the pills: > Insert into Buddha statues and stupas at the appropriate level to increase their blessings and positive potential. It’s said that if one has very good samaya with the guru, the holy rilbus placed in a stupa will miraculously multiply and grow. > Place a holy rilbu in your water bottle and drink throughout the day for general protection, healing and blessings. The water can be topped up daily until the pill has completely dissolved. > In times of need, a rilbu can be consumed on its own. Swallow it whole with water, or crush into powder and consume with water. > Dissolve in bathing water to relieve skin problems and for general protection. > Place in the mouth of a dying person or animal to help them pass on peacefully. > Place in the mouth of a deceased person or animal to help them take a better rebirth. The pills should be store in a cool, dry and respectful place when not using them, otherwise they might go bad depending on the climate where you live. I hope this helps. Thank you.
- October 27, 2024 01:17Sayalbajracharya asked: Is it ok not to visualize the blue pipe in guruyoga of tsongkapa? Cause i usually think when he decends and eventually stops at the crown and dissolves when i request to further to sit at my heart i dont visualize the pipe cause it seem bit confusing to me .when he stops in middle i just think he reached the top of my crown and start the prayer. is it ok? pastor answered: Dear Sayalbajracharya, The dissolution of Lama Tsongkhapa, via the central channel into your heart is actually an integral part of the Guru Yoga practice. The reason being, is that when you engage in Guru Yoga, you want the guru to come and reside in your heart, and merge with your mind. It is the method in which we gain his blessings in order to transform our mind. That being said, visualisation can be difficult. So, don't worry, at that part just think strongly that he has entered your heart and merged with your mind, and that you have gained his blessing. You will still gain his blessings. However, as you practice more and over time, you can slow add in the visualisation once you are more comfortable with. I hope this helps. Thank you.
- October 18, 2024 00:55Thorim asked: Hello dear Pastors, Is there a mantra / visualisation specific to help to sleep? I try Bhaiṣajyaguru before going to sleep but it doesn't work for that Thanks :)pastor answered: Dear Thorim, Thanks for your question. Getting good sleep is very important. Medicine Buddha mantra is good for this, but should be recited very softly and slowly. Perhaps you are chanting too fast. You can try using it again to sleep, but focus on the sound of the mantra that you are making while you recite. Another mantra you can try is Dorje Shugden's mantra. Many people have tried it when their sleep is disturbed and it helps. Another thing you can try is breathing meditation or even Nine-Round Breathing before you sleep, you can learn more here: https://www.kechara.com/how-to-practise-nine-round-breathing-meditation/ You can also read and try the methods on this article. Tsem Rinpoche advised this for students who had trouble sleeping as the general advice was very good and people found it really helpful https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/current-affairs/10-sleep-mistakes-and-their-solutions.html There are tecnhiques and visualisations used during sleep, but those are actually meditational techniques unique to higher tantric practice. They are not specifically for being able to get to sleep or having sound sleep, etc. I hope this helps.
- October 17, 2024 00:01Lisa asked: Hello Pastors i have one question about Sangsol offering: In this article under here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/one-minute-story/stories-from-a-chela-incense-offering-that-saves-lives Which's part of the sangsol prayer that Rinpoche repeat many time la? I'm living in one small apartment without balcony and therefore, i can not done sangsol outdoor according to traditional sangsol ritual. Can i do sangsol offering at the altar or near to the wwindow? Does sangsol offering can help us purify our obstacles or negative karma? How we can do this? Do we need certain visualization for this purify our negative karma during we are offering sang? Thank you so much pastor answered: Dear Lisa, Thank you for your question. 1) If you want to repeat the prayer, then you repeat the section from the second "HUM" up to just before "KI KI SO SO, LHA GYEL LO!". The whole prayer is usually only done once, but if you can repeat that section multiple times if you would like. 2) Sangsol is traditionally done outside, but since you live in an apartment, you can offer the sang near your window. If you do at your altar, there will be too much smoke in your apartment. Sangsol is an offering, not a cleansing of your space using smoke. If you want to do a cleansing sang, you can find out how to do that here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/one-minute-story/stories-from-a-chela-cleansing-sang-visualisations and you can see a video on how to do it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swIkQ6mgYro 3) The Sangsol to Dorje Shugden is an offering and request for the Protector's assistance. It's usually done when in need to request for Dorje Shugden's help, for safety, removing obstacles, etc. The prayer helps to clear the negative effects of karma that is manifesting and causing obstacles or negative situations in our life, as well as providing protection from obstacles and negativities. This all comes from the merits generated from actually making the smoke offering and reciting the prayer. You don't need to do anything else specifically for this to happen. 4) The full visualisation for the prayer can only be done by those with tantric initiation. In general however, you can visualise Dorje Shugden (and if you can his retinue) in space in front of you. As you make the offering, he is very pleased. Then think strongly that he is helping you overcoming your specific obstacle or protecting you in general. Hope this helps. Thank you.
- October 9, 2024 01:50Terri asked: Tashi delek Pastors, At my workplace, I would like to know if there is a mantra I can recite in the mornings before hours of operation. I would like to help bring a more positive air to the environment. For the benefit of all sentient beings who walk in to the space. Thank youpastor answered: Dear Terri, Any mantra would be good to recite for this. However, I would recommend Lama Tsongkhapa's Migtsema mantra. This will be very, very good in creating a good environment. I hope this helps. Thank you.
- October 2, 2024 14:25Tshulthrim yoezer asked: Why did Buddha diedpastor answered: Dear Tshulthrim Yoezer, Thank you for your question. This is due to the nature of Samsara. Any one who is born will have to die. Anything that comes into existence will one day have to stop existing. As the Buddha took birth as a human, he need to give up his body and pass away. But because the Buddha was enlightened, this is not the same thing that happens to us. He became enlightened under the Bodhi Tree in Bodhgaya, but he was still in his human body, and so he had to pass away. His passing away is known as the Maha Parinirvana of the Buddha. I hope this answers your question.
- September 11, 2024 04:26Nona asked: Hello Pastors! I have questions about: What is different between 2 mantras of Lord Manjushri under here? Om Ah Ra Pa Tsa Na Dhi. Om Wagi Shvari Mum. Can I practices Chenrezig Ngesung Kundrol Sadhana without initiation? Do you have prayers text for Chenrezig Ngesung Kubdrol? Thank you so much.pastor answered: Dear Nona, Both mantras that you mentioned are mantras of Lord Manjushri. The mantras differ due to the particular form of Manjushri. Within our lineage, the Om Ah Ra Pa Tsa Na Dhi mantra is more prevalent because those particular forms of Manjushri are more prevalent in our practice. That is the difference. Yes, you can practice Chenrezig Ngensong Kundrol without initiation. However, since you do not have initiation, while you read the text, you generate the visualisation in front of you. You do not visualise yourself as Chenrezig. Doing so without the initiation will actually create obstacles for your spiritual path . The prayer text is not available online currently. They are only available in person at any of our Vajrasecrets outlets. You can contact them directly if you would like to get the physical copy: https://www.vajrasecrets.com I hope this helps. Thank you.
- September 10, 2024 10:29Jonathan asked: Good Day Pastors, Regarding the "Diamond Path Sadhana" if I choose to do the condensed version. Am i allowed to start with Gaden Llhagyama of the short version, but follow the condensed version for the protector practice? After the Guru Yoga of Lama Tsongkhapa, I would add Vajrasattva practice (https://resources.tsemtulku.com/prayers/deity-prayers/vajrasattvas-purification-practice.html), Chenrezig Ngesung Kundrol Sadhana, Tea Offering To Vajrayogini (https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/tea-offering-to-vajrayogini-for-the-1st-time.html) a short prayer to Shakyamuni and Arahant Sivali (from thai buddhist tradition please advice if i am doing this wrong) before I start the Condensed version of the protector practice. Please advice. /|\pastor answered: Dear Jonathan, Yes, you can start with the Gaden Lhagyama and then follow the consensed version of the protector practice from the Diamond Path. This will be very good as you will be building a stronger connection with Lama Tsongkhapa. For the remainder of the prayers, you can follow the following order if you would like, after Gaden Lhagyama, before Dorje Shugden practice: > Prayer to Shakyamuni and Arahant Sivali (though these are not from the Tibetan tradition, they are okay to include. However, please bear in mind, they are from a different tradition. It is more appropriate to use prayers from the tradition we are practicing, rather than reciting prayers from other lineages. However I have never seen an independent prayer specifically to the Arhat Saivala as he is known in Sanskrit.) > Chenrezig Ngensong Kundrol > Tea offering to Vajra Yogini. If you are doing all these prayers, however, it may take some time. If you have the luxury of time, then by all means, please go ahead. However, if you have a busy daily schedule, it is best to keep the prayers shorter and make sure you are able to do the prayers daily without fail. To have a daily practice that is consistent and sustainable is important. It will also prepare you for higher practices in the future, which you have to engage in daily without break, otherwise it breaks certain commitments. It is best to prepare ourselves for the future, this is what Tsem Rinpoche has recommended. Rinpoche advised never to miss our daily practices. It is a foundation needed for higher practices. I hope this helps.
- September 6, 2024 21:23Bhavisha asked: If I do short mantra of vajrasattva for purification purpose with total dedication and pure intention, will I get same effect as long mantra? I m really running out of time.pastor answered: Dear Bhavisha, Though it is the essence of the long mantra, the longer mantra will have more effect. Because it is actually very hard to recite with total dedication, pure selfless motivation, etc for it to be completely effective as the longer mantra. The effort you put into reciting the longer mantra will have much better effect. In fact, the short mantra is hardly used in prayers and puja. It's the longer mantra that is mainly used. I hope this helps.
- September 2, 2024 20:56Lee asked: Hello Pastors! I have questions about Daily Sadhana Practices: I saw a little bit different in the part of Protector practice in Short Daily Sadhana from https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/prayers-and-sadhanas/sadhana-prayers.html and Diamond Path prayers book. I saw from the website, It's without certain prayers from Diamond Path prayer book. Does it means something different from the text in website and DMP prayer book? Thank you so much. pastor answered: Dear Lee, Thanks for your question. Thank you for noticing. The text provided on this website is a shorter form of the Sadhana. The Diamond Path prayer book is for daily use and includes 2 different versions of the prayers. All three are valid. You can engage in either one. The only difference is the length of the complete set of prayers, that is it. Of course, the longer of the two versions in the Diamond Path is more effective when done daily than the other two as you are putting more of your time and effort into making a connection with Lama Tsongkhapa and Dorje Shugden to benefit from their spiritual energies. I hope this helps. Thanks.
- August 28, 2024 14:07Don asked: Hi pastor I accidentally stepped on my mala. Can it still be use ??😥😥pastor answered: Dear Don, Yes you can still use it, it was an accident. It's not ruined or anything like that. You can continue to use it normally. If you would like to, you can hold it over some incense smoke to purify it while reciting OM AH HUNG three times, and the next time you engage in mantra recitation or your daily sadhana, recite the mala blessing mantra seven times and blow on your mala before using it. The mantra is: OM RUTSIRA MANI PRAWA TAYA HUNG. That will increase the merits you generate from each mantra you recite while using your mala for that day. The mala blessing mantra can be done daily. In fact that is why it is included at the beginning of all of our prayers here in Kechara. Hope this helps. Thank you.
CHAT PICTURES
3 weeks ago
Look at how attentive of the members during Dharma talk. It is through hearing, contemplation and practicing Dharma, one is able to eradicate delusions and march towards liberation. 28/9/2024 Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
3 weeks ago
Pastor did dharma sharing on KFR retreat puja, purification after retreat and karma. Kechara Penang weekly puja. Pic taken by Siew Hong.
3 weeks ago
Under the guidance from Pastor Seng Piow, Kechara Penang Study Group members completed our weekly Dorje Shugden Puja. 28th September 2024 by Jacinta.
3 weeks ago
Sponsors' packages nicely decorated nd offered up on behalf. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
3 weeks ago
Completed Dorje Shugden puja cum recitation of Namasangiti on 14th September 2024. Kechara Penang Study Group, uploaded by Jacinta.
1 month ago
Known as Merdeka Day (31st Aug 2024), our Kechara Penang members celebrated this day with Dorje Shugden and his entourage by doing a DS puja together with recitation of Namasangiti. Uploaded by Jacinta.
1 month ago
24th Aug 2024, Kechara Penang Study Group members have completed weekly puja. A variety of kuihs and fruits were offered up on behalf of sponsors. By Jacinta
3 months ago
At the point of the passing, the only thing that will help us and our loved ones is the Dharma. Hence, try to chant mantra, do pujas, giving alms and etc during this period. Bereavement puja by Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
3 months ago
Bereavement puja by Kechara Penang Study Group. May the deceased has good rebirth and the family members find solace in the Three Jewels. Thanks to Rinpoche for He always taught us about practising compassion through action. By Jacinta
3 months ago
Thanks to Sharyn, the florist came and arranged on the spot! What a lovely and colourful bunch flowers attractively arranged to Buddha as offerings. 2nd Penang DS retreat of the year (2024), uploaded by Jacinta.
3 months ago
As usual, a retreat will not be complete without nice tormas. Pastor Patsy and our dear Penang members ~ Swee Bee, Tang, Jasmine and Siew Hong came together as a perfect and united team in completing it. Penang DS Retreat 17-18th Aug 2024 by Jacinta.
3 months ago
A picture that says all. Thanks to Pastor Seng Piow, 12 retreatants and 51sponsors that make this event a successful one. See you all in our next retreat. Kam Siah. A simple yet full of gratitude note by Choong, uploaded by Jacinta.
3 months ago
Offerings being set up, getting ready to start the first day of Kechara Penang Group's retreat. By Jacinta
3 months ago
As H. E. The 25th Tsem Tulku Rinpoche had mentioned a retreat is time taken away from our ordinary, daily, mundane activities specifically to focus on deeper meditation, deeper meditational practices to gain some benefits. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
3 months ago
Retreat started for the second half of the year, 17th Aug 2024. We have new participants and those regulars. Thanks to Pastor Seng Piow and Choong for organising it. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
3 months ago
10th Aug 2024. Kechara Penang Study Group completed DS puja, led by Siew Hong. Uploaded by Jacinta.
3 months ago
Thank you Pastor Seng Piow for the dharma sharing and leading today's puja 3rd August 2024. Pic by Siew Hong and uploaded by Jacinta.
3 months ago
Puja sponsorships packages of RM100, RM 50 and RM30. Really appreciate the continuous support for our Penang DS Chapel. 28/7/2024 By Jacinta
3 months ago
Completed weekly puja at Penang DS Chapel. 27th July 2024 by Jacinta.
3 months ago
For those Penang members who were back in Penang, instead of having a weekend off, they chose to go to Penang DS centre and did a DS puja for the benefits of all beings. 20th July 2024, Saturday. By Jacinta
3 months ago
So proud of Penang Kecharians for attending initiations given by Venerable Chojila at Kechara Forest Retreat, Bentong on 20th - 21st July 2024. Against all odds, many of us made it there. (Not in the pic Mr. Teo and Sunny) By Jacinta.
3 months ago
Wishing all sponsors' wishes be fulfilled and thanks for supporting our Kechara Penang Puja packages on 13/7/2024. By Jacinta
3 months ago
#throwback 13th July 2024, Kechara Penang Study Group completed DS puja. We have special guest that day, Paul, a long time senior Kecharian with his friends. By Jacinta
4 months ago
Beautiful offerings arranged by Choong. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
4 months ago
7/7/2024 Kechara Penang weekly puja completed. Kechara Penang Study Girup by Jacinta.
4 months ago
This week's puja offerings sponsored by a few people and we hope their wishes be fulfilled. Pic taken by Choong and uploaded by Jacinta.
4 months ago
29th June 2024. Kechara Penang Study Group completed weekly Dorje Shugden cum Manjushri Namasangiti. Pic taken by Choong and uploaded by Jacinta
5 months ago
Need a dose of spiritual nourishment or perhaps any spiritual protection? Do take up our Kechara Penang food/candles offering packages. Do not hesitate to contact our member Choong for more info. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
5 months ago
Different food offerings offered on Penang Kechara Chapel's altar behalf of the sponsors. May sponsors' wishes be fulfilled. Great effort from Choong Soon Heng, one of our Kechara Penang dedicated members who thought of this way for people to generate merits while clearing obstacles. Uploaded by Jacinta.
5 months ago
These are some of the offerings offered on behalf of our sponsors. We have different offerings packages which one can choose from or just simply sponsor our weekly puja in dedication to our loved ones. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
6 months ago
We hope you enjoyed our pictures, as much as we enjoyed our Wesak Day together in Penang. Let us carry the energy and enthusiasm we experienced so far and inspires many more. Happy Wesak Day! 22/5/2024 KPSG by Jacinta
6 months ago
Puja offering packages. Thanks to those who sponsored the puja. May all your wishes be fulfilled. KPSG by Jacinta
6 months ago
Colourful altar with plenty of offerings. We had DS puja with Praise to Buddha Shakyamuni as we celebrate this special day of Buddha's Birth, Enlightenment and Parinirvana. KPSG by Jacinta
6 months ago
Some of the activities done during the Wesak Day Celebration in Penang. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
6 months ago
Wesak Day Celebration in Penang!Buddha's Bathing Ritual. 22/5/2024 Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
6 months ago
11/5/2024 Saturday @3pm. After puja, all members helped out clearing the offerings and we shared out the blessed food offerings with our families, friends and even animals. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
6 months ago
11/5/2024 Saturday @3pm. Activities during puja. Members chanting Dorje Shugden mantras. We've completed Dorje Shugden puja cum Namasangiti. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
6 months ago
11/5/2024, Saturday @3pm. Activities : Offerings of khata to Rinpoche, garland of flowers to Dorje Shugden and a new Tibetan butterlamp being offered on the altar. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
6 months ago
Today we have an inaugural cancer free diet talk and info sharing by Mr. Ooi. Mr. Ooi is a Penangite and like any other man, he has a family to provide for. From colon cancer stage 4,he is now known as a cancer-free man. Learn more about his story and his acquaintance with Dorje Shugden here https://youtu.be/x7i-yXJBUwM?si=A-5O0udxjg52iS58
6 months ago
Kind-hearted sponsors sponsored these kuih-muih & flowers for today's puja @ 4th May, 2024. Should you wish to contribute these or sponsor our weekly puja, do contact us for more details. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
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If you ‘cannot’ ‘give up’ something, make sure the process in which you ‘acquire’ it does not harm anyone involved.
Choosing one person or no strings attached is up to the individual but always protect yourself and others.
If you were to be only involved with ppl who practice tantra, then you would not be going to the dharma centres for the right reasons. I think anyone with or without tantra beliefs is fine.