Dear Vuong Luc Duong,

Traditionally speaking depicting only the head of the Buddha or an enlightened beings is not considered to be good, especially as you said that it looks like the Buddha has been decapitated. Such images aren’t really used for religious purposes but more by interior decorators, etc. Within Buddhism, one of the commitments of taking Refuge is to view any image of the Buddha as the Buddha himself, so it should be respected. Using Buddha images just for interior decoration therefore is not recommended for Buddhists, especially when not placed respectfully.

That being said, busts of the Buddhas are okay, because it doesn’t look like they have been decapitated, it is just a representation of their torso and head. For example, we have busts of Dorje Shugden here in Kechara: https://www.vajrasecrets.com/dorje-shugden-bust. However, again, these are not used for interior decoration purposes but religious purposes and to be put on altars, or places respectfully in your home. I hope this helps.

Dear Anonymous,

I’m not completely what it is that you are asking, as in what sort of reply you are looking for. According to Buddhism, money or having material items will not lead to lasting happiness. They are temporary and fleeting. So from the results side, only chasing after money will not lead you to have a fulfilled life. You will not actually be happy, and neither will those around you be happy. When you focus on spiritual transformation and become a better person, on your journey towards enlightenment, then you will be happy. You look inwards and are in charge of your own destiny rather than at the mercy of simply chasing after money. I hope this helps.

Dear Vui Ve,

Thanks for your message. Yes, if you promised someone that you will not burn candles due to fire hazard, then you need to stick to your promise. Otherwise, you can talk to that same person again and try to find a comprise when burning candles, for example heat proof casing, etc.

Actually, when offering lights, its not 100% necessary to offer real candles. In fact, nowadays many Buddhists including Tsem Rinpoche and most Kecharians in fact offer electric candles in our homes. It’s actually the offering of light that is the offering, not the candle itself, so using electric candles is more than acceptable. In fact it is encouraged, because of the fire hazard if we are not careful when offering candles.

You can email Care@Kechara.com, or WhatsApp +60 10-302 0999 our hotline (messaging only). Our team can help answer your questions, or you can ask to be put in contact with a Pastor, and they will assign the conversation to us. I hope this helps. Thank you.

Dear Luna,

Yes, anyone can become enlightened. Whether you are Buddhist or not. The prime example of this is the historical Buddha Shakyamuni himself. He was not a “Buddhist”, but he attained enlightenment. Buddhism follows the path and methods that he taught to attain that state. But even within Buddhism, we do not believe that we practice the only path to the state of enlightenment.

That would actually negate the power of the enlightened beings, who teach paths according to the time, place, and propensities of beings. So, there can be many paths towards enlightenment. Buddhists follow the path as taught by Lord Buddha, because that is a sure, tried and tested manner to achieve higher states of consciousness and enlightenment itself. However, it is not the only way. I hope this helps.

Dear Gerry,

There can many different signs, for example the types of dreams the parents have, the childbirth itself, the way the child acts and behaves. Sometime they clearly tell their parents who they are, etc. Most have a natural affinity towards Dharma and Dharma practice. Some chant mantras without every having heard them. Others can recite Dharma texts in their entirety after only hearing or reading them once. Some have signs on their body resembling signs on the body of their previous reincarnation, etc. They can remember people that they knew in their previous life and intricate details of events as well. They can recognise items that they used etc.

However, the defining factor for the recognition of the reincarnation of high lama is actually done by other high lamas, and also, in the case of our lineage, through Dorje Shugden in trance of an oracle. I hope this helps.

Dear anonymous,

That’s a good question. There are two ways to help the global warming problem. One is to make prayers and engage in practices that are for healing and calming natural environmental energies. Engaging in prayers like this and using those energies to bless the environment is very good. Such practices include Medicine Buddha, Lama Tsongkhapa, Manjushri Nagarakshasa, etc. There are many.

However the most important spiritual practice is actually to change our behaviour. That is the real meaning of spiritual practice, to change our every day behaviour to be more harmonious with the environment, as much as we can be while living in urban environments. That includes becoming vegetarian or vegan, stop using animal products, cut down our waste, cut down energy needs, etc. Not only that, but living a conscious and healthy lifestyle. That way we can contribute to helping solve the issue. However, if it’s only me and you doing this, then it’s not going to have much of an impact. So we need to gently educate others about the nature of global warming as well. The more people that live a conscious lifestyle, the more we can help the global warming situation. I hope this helps.

Dear Vui Ve,

Thank you for your question. Actually, it would seem that way, but it depends on the situation and the person. One thing that we must remember, is that the Eight Verse are an internal process, it’s training your own mind, so it’s all about ourselves and how we react in certain situations. Maybe we do let them win a couple of times, but then we notice how they are behaving, so we don’t outwardly let them win, but actually internally we have let them win the situation. The sole intention of not letting them win outwardly was so that it helps change their negative behaviour. But this is a very difficult thing to do, as at our level such an intention is very difficult to achieve, it’s mixed with selfishness, etc, etc., even if we don’t realise it.

Tsem Rinpoche has given teachings about the Eight Verses which go into a lot of depth into why and how to practice them.

1. Compassion Conquers All
https://www.vajrasecrets.com/compassion-conquers-all

2. Eight Verse of Thought Transformation (video teaching)
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDA9EEA3D98364160

You should read/watch these to learn more. It will help your understanding greatly.

Dear Jake,

Consort practice is necessary within some tantric practices to attain the highest states. However, there are two methods of consort practice, one is a physical consort and the other is a visualised consort. Physical consort is practice is quite difficult, because first the practitioner themselves must have practiced the sutra path and then other aspects of tantric practices to be qualified enough to engage in consort practice properly. Those who are not sufficiently trained in these run the very real danger of either just increasing their desire/attachment or have the energies in their bodies go awry. Also, the consort themselves must have trained in the same way and should have certain qualities. Such people are very rare.

His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche was a monk, as are most Gelugpa lamas because Lama Tsongkhapa emphasised monasticism, following the tradition and sangha community of Buddha Shakyamuni. Hence, the visualised consort is emphasised rather than the physical consort. There are also other methods to achieve the same state even without the visualised consort. This actually depends on the system of tantra that you are practising. So, Rinpoche’s view was that physical consort practice is not necessary and it is actually quite difficult to due. Of course Rinpoche talked about practitioners who did and can do the practice, but it takes an exception type of person to do so, and of course, someone who is not a monastic.

That being said, if a practitioner’s aim is to take rebirth in Kechara Pureland, then consort practice is not necessary at all. Rinpoche mentions the prerequisites needed to attain Kechara Pureland in the introduction to this article: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/vajrayogini-the-powerful-divine-red-lady.html

The article also explains quite a lot about Vajra Yogini’s practice in general, which I think you may find an interested read. I hope this helps.

Dear Luna,

(1) In regards to your first question, it may appear to be disrespectful but in fact it is not. One thing you must keep in mind is that both Buddhism and Hinduism are both from India. So Buddhism’s emergence in India is intimately intertwined with the Hindu gods. While there have definitely been instances of historical antagonism between Hindus and Buddhists in the past, this was more due to political reasons. At the core, both religions are extremely inclusive and if you were to speak to those high sages/saints of either religion, then they will say the same thing.

In regards to the iconography of Buddhist deities, it is not that the Buddha is putting down a particular god. There is reason and story behind each and every Buddha, including those that step on gods. Actually most of the deities that step on figures, actually step on beings that are the embodiment of negativity and delusions. In some cases, they are however stepping on gods.

For example, take Heruka. He ‘steps’ on the highest god Mahadeva and the goddess Kalaratri. One day Mahadeva showed a very lustful and desirous attitude, and as the highest god in the universe, his energies pervaded all beings who became equally lustful and desirous. This prompted Buddha Shakyamuni himself to arise in a form that looked exactly like Mahadeva but with more arms and more radiance. Upon seeing this form of Buddha Shakyamuni, Mahadeva and Kalaratri offered themselves under Heruka’s feet, in acknowledgement that we should overcome lust and desire. They were not subjugated forcefully but offered themselves willingly.

While this may on the surface still seem disrespectful in that a Buddhist is saying that they offered themselves, so he is saying Buddhism is better than Hinduism, we need to look deeper. What if this display had a deeper divine meaning? The Buddhas and gods illustrating through their very actions the path that we must take to reach the ultimate goal of spiritual transformation and that the path involves the transformation of our ordinary desires? Similarly, each and every deity that steps on any being has a story and teaching. Even within Hinduism, the goddess Kali steps on Shiva. While this may seem derogatory to worshippers of Shiva, if we know and understand the meaning behind the depiction and story and what it teaches us about overcoming anger and remembering love; balancing emotions; not falling in to extremes of emotions, etc., then imagery is actually beautiful and shows us how to practice transformation.

(2) There is no stage beyond a fully enlightened being (known as Buddha). Just as within other Dharmic religions, there is no stage beyond Moksha/Mukti or becoming one with the divine.

(3) I believe you are referring to Mental Formations? This is indeed a very deep topic and one that I won’t be able to explain sufficiently here. The Five Aggregrates take quite a lot of explaining. You should attend classes or courses on the Lamrim or Abhidharma to learn more about this.

(4) It depends on the situation. If they person you are asking for money is okay that you can spend the money however you like, then it is fine, as long as that money itself was not made from a negative source. If you are asking for money and hiding the fact that you are going to spend it on Dharma items for fear of not getting the money, then it’s not an impure sources as such but is an act of deceit.

(5) Practice compassion. As the title of Tsem Rinpoche’s book says “Compassion Conquers All”.

Dear Gyoyo,

Thank you for your questions.

In regards to your first question, unfortunately we are not able to help you much with this. The practice of Zen as it exists today follows the ‘Sudden Enlightenment’ path, where as Tibetan Buddhism follows the ‘Gradual Enlightenment’ path. Hence, the practices are quite different. Within our tradition, we start from the very basics and then build on that foundation in our meditation over time. Hence, we train in very specific topics of contemplation in our meditation gradually and over time. In that manner, we actually have a very steady and tangible transformation over time. The is best taught in the Lamrim teachings.

At the moment, Kechara does not have any branches or centres in the USA, however here are some very qualified teachers in the USA at the moment:

> His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche
> His Eminence Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche
> His Eminence Achok Rinpoche
> Zasep Tulku Rinpoche

These are just to name a few. You can search online for contact details of their centres. I hope this helps.

Dear Ynze,

Here are some merit multiplying days for 2023. No, solstices do not count as merit multiplying days, although sometimes such days do fall on solstices.

Here are just some of important dates:

Losar: 21/02/23
Chotrul Duchen: 07/03/23
Wesak: 04/05/23
Chokhor Duchen: 21/07/23
Gaden Ngamchoe or Tsongkhapa Day: 07/12/23

I hope this helps. Thanks.

Dear Meg,

Yes it is okay to dispose them by burning them. You should tie them together with a Protector String and put some Protector Rice on top of them, then you can burn them. Make sure that they burn completely, everything should be complete ash.

If they have Buddha pictures on them, please dissolve them first, like how you would dissolve old Dharma text before respectful disposing it. Hope this helps.

Dear Vui Ve,

Yes they do count. Actually according to Buddhist psychology, on a surface level those thoughts may seem intrusive and come out of nowhere, but the are in fact still a part of your mind. The best way to deal with these thoughts, it to accept you had those thoughts, don’t dwell on them, but simply let them go. It is like mindfulness meditation. In fact, mindfulness meditation will help you tremendously. We have over 100 sessions of guided mindfulness meditation sessions available here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/inspiration-worthy-words/live-your-best-life-100-days-of-mindful-meditation.html I hope this helps.

Dear Dal,

What you are going through it part of life unfortunately, it is the law of karma. We may not know of our previous actions, but we all definitely have the causes to go through some form of suffering. We still need to experience that suffering, but when we are practising Dharma, due to our daily practice and mind transformation, the suffering will actually be less due to purification of negative karma. The only way to avoid all suffering, or get out of it altogether is to achieve enlightenment. That’s why Buddhist always aim for complete enlightenment.

Yes, you can talk to the Buddhas like your friends. For example, you need to talk about your emotions, etc. I have never heard that you can’t put sufferings in front of the Buddhas. To me that doesn’t actually make any sense, because Buddhas are the embodiment of ultimate compassion, they always see our sufferings anyway, and that is why they help us, so that we can overcome our suffering.

But do such things only when you need an emotional release, not all the time. The actual practice is to learn the Dharma and develop a calm mind, so that even if you go through any form of suffering then it does not elicit a such a strong negative emotional response in you. You develop a calm mind so that you can weather the storm of such incidents in your life. That way you are better able to deal with life’s situations. If you do it all the time, all you are doing is reinforcing your negative thoughts and habits. Even though the Buddhas will hear you, due to the strength of your negative thoughts, habits and karma, it will be hard for them to help you transform your life. Especially, if you are not actually practising the teachings which transform your mind, such as the Lamrim. I hope this helps.

Dear James,

According to the practice of tantra, if you have have taken initiation, then you definitely have a guru-disciple relationship with that particular teacher. Given that, you should protect and nurture that connection. In addition to that, if you really want to take Tsem Rinpoche as your Guru, you can do, but you tantric relationship with the original Guru still stands. Actually, you can think Tsem Rinpoche as being one with that Guru. As per the tradition of tantra, we need to view our teacher as Vajradhara. So he is a Buddha. If we have more than one Guru, we need to view them both as Vajradhara. So they are in essence, one and the same when it comes to our personal practice. I hope this helps.

Dear Jack,

No, you are not going crazy. There is no need to worry about this. It is probably because you are concentrating on the practice itself that you are seeing this. There is no need to worry about it. Thanks.

Hi Vui Ve,

In short, yes it is okay. Though traditionally, information about tantric deities was not shared openly, today we can find information about the deities in books and online. So, it is okay as long as you explain within the posts that in order to learn her method of practice, it requires initiation from a qualified guru (spiritual teacher), and that there are vows and commitments one must keep. That way, even if they are curious about her, they know they shouldn’t read her practice, etc.

Even Tsem Rinpoche, here on this blog has a category devoted to Vajra Yogini, it’s open and free for everyone to view and read: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/category/vajra-yogini. Anyone can read the posts, apart from one or two which require you to have tantric initiation to read. The reason why Rinpoche made those posts available is for people to make a connection to Vajra Yogini and prepare themselves to receive her initiation and practice in the future, and also for those who have her initiation and practice to have free access to resources for her practice. Hope this answers your questions.

Dear Sandra,

You’ve asked a wonderful question, showing you are very serious about your practice.

This is not something that is going to be easy. Because it’s all about developing mindfulness of our emotions during daily life. It’s easier to be in a virtuous state when engaged in sadhana, but as Rinpoche used to say, Dharma practice is not about the 1 hour spent on your meditation cushion, but the 23 hours when you are not on your meditation cushion. What Rinpoche meant by this is that the measure of your practice is how much you can control your mind in daily life, to make sure you don’t have negative emotions which will lead to created negative actions and instead to have positive or virtuous emotions, which will lead to create positive karma and merit.

So, it’s about mindfulness. You can develop this many ways. One way is to constantly learn the Dharma again and again, so you contemplate the effects of these emotions, and basically drill it in to your mind. Then when you have those emotions, you will automatically stop yourself from continuing with those types of thoughts because you know so deeply that it will cause you to have negative actions. Another way, is to practice mindfulness, which is formal meditation, this will help you in that you are able to see your mind more clearly. Here is a series of 100 mindful meditations, that you can use and follow along: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/inspiration-worthy-words/live-your-best-life-100-days-of-mindful-meditation.html

The best method would be to do these two things together, formal meditation sessions and more study of the Dharma. I hope this helps.

Dear FI,

Thank you for your question. Yes, lust/sexual misconduct is definitely one of the greatest causes of sorrow and distress in our degenerate times. There are many methods to deal with the this. Here are just a few:

> Meditation on death and impermanence (here is a related article: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/art-architecture/body-of-a-courtesan-in-nine-stages.html)
> Meditation on the ugliness of the body (both your own and those you are attracted to)
> Meditation on the shortcomings of such lust/sexual misconduct (meaning you contemplate the results – physically and karmically)

These are techniques to overcome this. However, such feelings of lust will manifest in the future if you have not dealt with desire or attachment itself. For this you need to go a little deeper into Buddhist practice. The Lamrim teachings, provide the method from the very beginning of the path, to the very end. This includes all the aforementioned meditations. And it does so in a way that is structured well to really transform your mind. You should study, contemplate and practice the Lamrim, if you really want to overcome lust and desire properly. I hope this helps.

Dear Anonymous,

It is possible to have more than one guru. However, according to tradition, you should always have one Guru who is known as your Root Guru. This is the main guru. This guru may then send you to another teachers for a particular teaching, etc. so that second teacher also becomes your Guru.

So having more than one guru is not really about which one you like, but more that your main guru sent you to get teachings from the second one.

In your case, it’s going to bit tough as you have a strong connection with both of them. So, I would suggest you take some time to think about it in more depth and then come to a decision. When you make your decision you should be firm with it and go all the way. Since, both gurus are of the Gelug tradition, the teachings from both of them will actually be the same, just the explanation may be a little different. Either way, if you follow their teachings you will be successful in your practice and spiritual journey. I hope this helps.