How one can redeem oneself for the past sins committed in this life?

Dear Psstors,

Good afternoon. Just wonder whether the Sutta below, reportedly of Siddhartha Gautama, is still valid holding true today as it was during his time:-

Kalamas Sutta
“Regard all sentient beings as equal to your dear mother.” – Buddhist maxim, a Tibetan saying.
An often-quoted Buddhist scripture, the Kalama Sutta, sometimes called the Buddha’s Charter of Free Inquiry, tells the story of a group of villagers who belong to the Kalama tribe. The Kalamas are vexed by a constant procession of monks, priests, and yogis who traipse through their town, each espousing a universal doctrine while disparaging all the others.
“Venerable sir, there is doubt, there is uncertainty in us concerning them,” the Kalamas tell the Buddha. “Which of these reverend monks and Brahmins spoke the truth and which falsehood?”
To which the Buddha responds:
"It is proper for you, Kalamas, to doubt, to be uncertain; uncertainty has arisen in you about what is doubtful. Come, Kalamas. Do not go upon what has been acquired by repeated hearing; nor upon tradition; nor upon rumor; nor upon what is in a scripture; nor upon surmise; nor upon an axiom; nor upon specious reasoning; nor upon a bias towards a notion that has been pondered over; nor upon another's seeming ability; nor upon the consideration, 'The monk is our teacher.' Kalamas, when you yourselves know: 'These things are bad; these things are blamable; these things are censured by the wise; undertaken and observed, these things lead to harm and ill,' abandon them.”

Learning occurs only once students have verified the truth FOR themselves – WITHIN themselves and BY themselves.

A guided advice on its exact status is much appreciated.

Thank you and have a great day.

Dear Pastors, Be kind enough to disentangle the Gordon Knot below
All acquired assumption aside, Prince Siddhārtha Gautama, in accordance to scriptural text, has been reported to have pointed out: "Yo kho Vakkali dhammaṃ passati so maṃ passati" O Vakkali, whoever sees the Dharma, sees me [the Buddha]. Appearing twice in that statement was only the word “SEE’ with no explicit or implied indication of other needful. Dharma is the Sankit descriptive term for ‘the true nature of things as they are’ or ‘reality as it is’. Have the actual goings-on, by whatever quarter so interpreting, since the time passage after that particular specific statement, with their invented systemized approaches been in harmony with what Gautama had pointed out or could there be a contradictory divergence or a fall-out from that clarion call Gautama had made. Is ‘seeing’ the end result of and being brought about by any cultivation or practice? Could it be that freedom is the seeing of the reality of what is as what is – where interfering and intervening obstacles, hindrances, blockages, the in-between images (the products of thought) are not? Will any reactive response of crystallized thought of the known ever lead to that field of the unknown where thought cannot enter? Can disorder brings about order?

Another observable aspect of life is the ongoing contradiction and the perpetuation of it, the more of the same. While most ascribed that human beings are the crowns of creation, their very behavior may betray that the existing human condition is more inclined towards a cosmic joke – a divisive contradictory contradiction contradicting itself. Is not a sammāsambuddha one who finds out for himself. Or it refers to the finding out through another, a mandatory cannot do-without dependence on any established channel and media of whatever kind, the emerged competitive intermediary, each holding fast to their proclaimed purported superiority, the Showers of the Way or the mysterious Key that unlock the door to the Eternal, the Immeasurable. It has and is it not still happening in the marketplace? On one breath we profess to what is construed as of eternal value but the next breath we trample on, mutilating and corrupting its every essence which brings to mind “What man touches, man destroy.”
May the blessings be.
With regards and have a nice day.
Allan

Dear Rinpoche,
Is it really ok, to practice the mantra of Kalarupa without any sort of permission. I wouldn't like to do so, but since you posted about the practice, I have felt quite drawn – to take it as a main focus – or practice. Somehow it seems like it might be a good idea, as I do have some experiences of sensing ghosts etc.. I wonder what you would think about this. . or do you think something else would be better ~ with many thanks . very much for your time

HELLO PASTORS
may i know what is the function for黄财神宝瓶and what is taboo for it thank you

Greeting!!!! how can i contact rimpochee through email…i have some personal family problem i would like to request rimpochee to kindly help me…i tried all i can but in the end i am the victim…

May I know the location of H E Tsem Rinpoche's dharma centre in Malaysia? Am interested to attend his talks, and meet him in person. Thank you. Amitabh

Dear Pastors, I was thinking of taking refuge during Rinpoche's birthday. Is there any classes or any requirements that I need to fulfill before am allowed to take the refuge? Many thanks in advance for your time and reply. Have a great week!

how long to chakras last curare i have one from two years ago

can we consider Buddha as god or Buddha greater than god?

Dear Rinpoche, I am learning to be honest and see how dishonest I am
with my own self to begin with…I am always betraying myself saying one thing and doing another…I am learning to be honest it is so freeing and liberating why do I create a prison around me., why do I create my own hell .as I wish so much to be free and work for the benefit of all beings everywhere? Thank you eternally ~

I NEED YOUR HELP TO MAKE ME FIND RELIGION, I FIRST NEED TO UNDERSTAND AND GET ANSWERS TO MY DOUBTS TO BE ABLE TO HELP OTHERS. I HOPE YOU WILL DO YOUR BEST. THANK YOU.

Guru Rinpoche lived in the 8th century. During his life on earth through his great knowledge he helped in the spread of Dharma. When he died, I am sure he achieved nirvana? If he did achieve nirvana that means he does not exist, and if he does not exist how can he hear us when we recite his mantras or pray to him for protection?

In the puja room (Sikkim Buddhist tradition), Lord Buddha is placed in the centre, Guru Rinpoche towards the left and Lord Alokeshwara at the right.
I understand the significance of Lord Buddha in the centre: That the image / statue of Lord Buddha is to inspire us, as it is the reflection of ourselves; reminding us about our true self, that we all can achieve nirvana.

I do not understand, the image/ statue of Guru Rinpoche and Alokeshwara, you could say that they are the forms or character of Buddha, to inspire us to be compassionate and spiritual, if this is true then it is logical and makes sense, as they are also just reminders and inspiration of what we can be, and holds the same principle as the statue/ image of Buddha.

What gives me faith in Buddhist philosophy?
We can achieve nirvana through meditation and good karma, and become Buddha. The seed of our good Karma and bad Karma “sprouts” depending upon our actions, thus we control our own destiny and future births.

What really confuses me in Buddhist philosophy?
We can use certain mantras to cure our ill health or misfortunes, by praying to the various “Deities”, and like Doctors who are divided into various disciplines as per their purpose viz. Dermatologist, Cardiologist, Surgeon etc The Deities are also divided into various types as per their function: Eg. White Tara –for compassion, long life, healing and serenity; Red Tara; for magnetizing all good things, Black Tara associated with power; Palden Lhamo: the Protectress; etc.

So many gods? Are they all not Buddhas? And if they are, then why have they not achieved nirvana? And if they exist where in the wheel of life are they? Are they in the Realm of Gods?

I was told by H.E Zurmang Gharwang Rinpoche, that Guru Rinpoche does still exist and is guarding some evil spirits from coming to earth? If we pray to him, or recite his mantras he can hear us.
My question here would be, if Guru Rinpoche at present is guarding the evil spirits who otherwise if set free, would make hell on earth; then in that case, who was guarding them when
Guru Rinpoche was here on Earth?

The very existence of God and their powers to help us contradicts what H.E Tsem Rinpoche preached about “What is God, what is Buddha?” vide link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n79erzOJE6k ….when problem comes we pray from the depths of our heart to remove our problems…that means a person who is pious will have no problems….instant quick fix for problems we have created…. dear God please make them go away because I am your devout follower…if God would take away the problem all the lawyers would not exist anymore….

Furthermore “The Miracles of Tsem Rinpoche (True Story 10)” the incident of Steven’s recovery, seems to be contradicting the preaching of H.E Tsem Rinpoche “What is God, what is Buddha?” If what happened to Steven was not just a coincidence, if the incident is true, that in a way Lord Setrap and Medicine Buddha did help him, then didn’t Steven just get a “quick fix” to his greatest problem of dying? Despite his previous arrogance and no faith in spirituality?

In a nut shell, philosophy of Buddhism, which is based on “Karma” does not seem to blend well with the helping and forgiving Gods, which in itself is not shown in the wheel of life, where the Demi Gods and Gods cannot influence the fate and thoughts of us human mortals.
Christianity basically has one God worshiped: Lord Jesus, thus if Buddhism has so many Gods to worship, then wouldn’t it be easier for a layman to worship and please one god, rather than get confused about so many deities in Buddhism? (Just an example considering “Gods”, although I could argue about the “Karma” philosophy not being there in Christianity).

I am sure there is a simple convincing and logical reason why so many Gods are worshiped in Buddhism, why certain mantras are recited during certain pujas to please certain Gods.
Could you kindly then remove this cloud from my mind that prevents me from accepting some of the Buddhist philosophy? Could you kindly share with me and justify the existence of Deities and their correlation with “Karma”?

Hi Pastors,
When we are in bardo, are we still able to do our sadhana if we want to? Will we still remember what prayers/mantras we learnt when we were alive?
Thanks for taking the time to answer my question.

In the video "Lam Rim lineage surprise!" H.E. Tsem Rinpoche holds up what I think is a Lam Rim book. Can you give the name of the book and the ISBN number? I'd like to study/read the same books you are using in your classes.

Thank you,

Brian

I am a christian by birth. I live in a small town in Northeast India. I have read about Buddhism, and I follow the Dalai Lama religiously. I need to find an spiritual enlightenment, which i think only the ways and teaching of Buddhism, with its meditation and following the eight fold path, will free me from this worldly affairs of worthlessness. I need your advice. Please help me. yours sincerely, Longrangty

not only is the kechara village vision possible it will be but we must ensure all the big snakes have a home first and lets not cut down any trees is this correct ?

Dear Rinpoche, last year I wrote you about my Greek friend, who is still having trouble finding a job due to the economic crisis. (He has a Ph.D. in history and is interested in Buddhism.) He is very confused and depressed now, and wondering which country to try to move to (he is almost out of money), and whether he should go by himself or with his wife. Rinpoche, can you do your divination thing and help him out, or just give him some good advice? The last I heard he was trying to decide between Sweden, the Middle East, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, or Southeast Asia somewhere. Their long-term goal now is to settle down in Sweden, but you need money for that (and a family friend bailed out on them), so my friend wants to go somewhere, anywhere where he can make enough money to make the transition.(He also has a dog and a cat to think about.)Thank you Rinpoche, and please light a candle for him in your prayers.

Actual Buddhism is simple, it's just about "Buddha', I don't understand why there are so many forms of Buddha then: Alokeswara, Green Tara, White Tara, Guru Rinpoche, et al. Like Guru Rinpoche, when he was here in Earth, he practiced the path of Buddhism, later attained nirvana; therefore why do people still worship him and other such Deities? Or are they all in the God Realm? If they have already achieved nirvana, they do not exist and are not a part of the wheel of life, therefore they cannot hear us or help us. If the Deities we pray can help us where are they? Why haven’t they got nirvana? Every year there are various pujas done at my home, mantras are chanted by the lamas, but I cannot understand the concept of Deities in Buddhism, as it seems to contradict its very principal of everyone being a Buddha. Who are the Lamas praying to? Can someone help me with an answer or help me with a link.
My Email: noblestride@yahoo.com Thanks.

My life seems to be strike by misfortunes one after the other. I don't think that I'm a bad person, and I search God's answer and for mercy, but my life remains pathetically hopeless. I want to search for enlightenment. My email is peter_lim60@yahoo.com

Lord Setrap is an emanation of amitabha buddha and Lord Setrap is a buddha?
from what i heard wasnt Lord Setrap a demon that has been bounded by great Guru Padmasambhava to protect buddha's teaching? is it even possible?
how can one determine whther a deity is a bodhisatva or buddha? how is it that setrap is a buddha and the highly revere Kuanyin/avalokiteshvara was still a boddhisatva?