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.

Dear Terry,

What deep questions:

1. Re UFO’s, bigfoot, etc…i just listen to the simple ppl who are eye witnesses who do not want anything and they just share what they saw. What is there not to believe?

2. In regards to Dharma, it is so hard to explain. I just believed since I was very young. No one had to convince me nor cajole me. It came from deep within and from another part of my mind I can’t explain. It will be different for anyone. The process of belief is so different for everyone. It is hard to pinpoint one single formula and method. I am sorry for that. You have to find your way, but a good start is consistency in your dharma studies…TR

Dear Bertram,

I do wish I went to a University, but not that deep of regrets that I didn’t. I was very set as a child not wanting to go to University.

I did not go for the geshe degree but it does not mean I have not studied. There’s were many things I noticed in the Geshe system I did not want to be involved with. There were a few Geshes that inspired me and many that did not. In regards to the degree, that does not matter to me so much. Teachers such as Lama Yeshe, Lama Zopa, etc never went for their Geshe degree.

The path for the spiritual education is so different for everyone. Some have very ‘little’ education and go so far. Some have so much and disrobe. And then there are the few who have great spiritual education and get very far also. It is different. We have to find the one that is right for us and not be swayed by the names and awards involved. After all, it is for our spiritual growth.

Dear Greg,

Interesting question…thanks.

Yes, this was the name I used when I modelled.

I had few students go online and search for interesting names. I wanted something ethnic and different and short and easy…so one of my students found Kai online which means Ocean in Hawaiian. I liked it very much..It was easier introducing myself to the various ppl who I went for casting call as Kai then TSEM TULKU RINPOCHE….lol.

Dear Zhengdao,

1. You can use a thangka or statue or both. Either is fine.
2. A traditional Gelug altar is Tsongkapa in the centre, Shakyamuni on the left (as we look at the altar) and Tara is on the right. In front you can put pictures of your teachers as you like as they are all the same in your meditations.

3. Or if you prefer, you can just put one single statue such as Tsongkapa or Shakyamuni to represent all the Buddhas.

Don’t be so worried, you will not go wrong…..

TR

Dear Anne,

When I speak, I speak from my heart and if it comes out eloquent and ppl wish to follow that is their choice. If what I say makes sense to them, then it is not up to anyone to say what they can and connot do as that is conversion also. I do not speak to convert, but I speak to share. So either I don’t speak at all, or when I speak, I don’t speak well? I cannot control their minds. Sorry if this upsets you so much.

TR

Dear Izabella,

I do not think you need to rush into anything right now. What is important is to find the right path for you. If you observe your mother and she is a good person or doing her best to become better, then perhaps the Buddhist teachings was beneficial for her and therefore something to respect. And maybe something good for you also. It is powerful when a child does prayers or migtseyma for a parent. It benefits the parents alot. Good luck.

I am a Dratsang Tulku (Monastery Tulku).
Thanks

Dear Blaine,
When I say one should not criticize others gurus, that is a general statement to help us watch our speech. To avoid hurting the sentiments of other centres/traditions and students.

Very often in the last 30 years I have come across ppl in one centre criticizing another lama or centre when they know nothing about the other lama/centre. My advice is for that. To not criticize other lamas/centres and traditions.

As for disputes involving lamas and lay people, I withhold comments as each case is individual and I have no right to comment. Furthermore I do not know the circumstances involved.

We have registered with the Govt of Malaysia (ROS). We have their approval and permissions. We are proud to be in Malaysia and to be under the Malaysian Government that is democratic, respects all religions and allows their practice.
In Malaysia, the highest law of the land for Dharma centres is the Malaysian Govt. To respect the Malaysian Govt we only abide by their governance.

I can’t recall anymore….sorry.

Dear Craig,

To make a long story short, yet complete, these are the deities that Lord Tsongkapa practiced Himself.

Tsongkapa practiced many deities, but he kept Yamantaka surpreme of his practices along with Heruka, and Guhyasamaja and recommended it to his followers.

Vajra Yogini was kept as his most secret practice. It was so secret, that no one knew He was practicing till after His parinirvana.

Also during the degenerate age (now) Kyabje Dechen Nyingpo or Pabongka Dorje Chang recommended highly we practice Vajra Yogini. The practice is shorter than the Yamantaka, Heruka, etc but complete. The visualizations are simpler, shorter and less but just as effective. Vajra Yogini is highly recommended.

I do not mind if my future incarnations will be female. It might be more effective. The problem is I have no control of my future incarnations yet. Thanks.

Dear Chris,

At our level all fundamental causes cannot be understood. We have to accept that for now. Understanding the timelessness, and the infinitude of a mind is beyond our comprehension for the moment.

What is important is not to stand at the shore of Japan gazing across the pacific looking for the coast of California. We will never see it no matter how much it is described to us. Right now deal and learn with what is in front of you, master it and then move onto to the next level. When that is done, then gradually you will be able to perceive what was at first the unperceivable or infinitude.

Only on the third watch and fourth watch of the night was the historical Buddha able to perceive all causes and it’s inter-relatedness as it was too infinite. Too far back.

I hope this helps.

Chakras are not individual. You may share it with whomever you like. Thanks.

Is your question what was the first teaching I ever received in the Monastery?

I guess that would have to be Ngo Do Gyen…Maitreya’s Oranament of Clear Realization.

Dear Chandrashekhar,

When I was growing up, I did have a unrealistic, magical and idealistic view of Tibet. As I got older, went back to my people/culture and starting living with them, I was at first very proud I was Tibetan. As I got to live with my ppl more and more, I was very shocked at how many of my projections and views were shattered.

I had talks with senior Tulkus who had given my explanations of how things REALLY are as opposed to my views and I found them hard to accept at that time decades ago…. I thought it could not be that way.

Many things that happen in the Monasteries, with monks, the politics, culture were shocking to me. Shocking to the core. I decided to move on…and that every culture has features in it that are shocking and Tibet was no exception. Tibetans are Buddhist but in no way better than anyone else.

If you know it is bad to steal and you still do it..then it is worse than a thief who didn’t know stealing is bad. Similarily, if you are a Buddhist and you know the law of cause and effect and you still commit negativities, that is more negative than usual.
I have done my best to come to terms with my ppl and realized they are like any other ppl on earth. But the Buddhism in Tibet was/is exceptional that is for sure. Some of the exalted lamas of Tibet are extraordinary also.

Thanks for your question…

No problems and issues at all with mantras. You can recite them in any combination or order you wish. They can only bless, never harm.

There are certain states of existence, once you get there, you are bound by the rules of that realm. Such as with the animals….if we can help some of them be vegetarian of course it is good.

Dear Rafael,

It is hard to face the results of our karma daily. It is sometimes hard to accept all of it is our karma especially if we come from a culture that is use to blaming everything outside of us as the cause of our unhappiness. You have your cultural upbringing and personal ignorance working against you in your dharma practice…I sympathize as I have the same problems….as do with many pioneer Buddhists. It’s just part of the path.

Do not expect quick results…a few drops in the ocean with red dye daily will not change the color of the ocean to red in short while, but eventually.

Reading, studying and contemplating on the dharma will definitely give you more strength over time. Be easy on yourself, don’t try to be enlightened quickly although the aspiration should be so.

Practices such as 100,000 Vajrasattvas, 35 Confessional Buddhas, Prostrations, mandala offerings and Samaya Vajra mantras will be extremely helpful in regards to your question.

Do charity works, focus on the less fortunate, listen to other ppl’s problems, take up a cause such as for the homeless or animals welfare and go all the way with it. Focus out. Focus out continuously not denying the inner but to bring perspective to what we have is good…to appreciate what we have more and use it fully for spiritual advancements.

Be happy, be well, pursue your spirituality with wisdom, patience and knowledge. I offer my prayers for you.