Hi there Tyler,

As Tsem Rinpoche mentioned in the video, different practices are associated with different materials that are used to make malas. For example, if you do Chenrezig’s practice, it is good to use crystal malas. However, you do not need to only use crystal for Chenrezig’s practice. You can use any material. In fact, you can even use a bone mala if you want. Rinpoche has mentioned before that any mantras you recite when using a bone mala, blesses the mindstream of the animal whose bone you are using.

Yes bone malas are generally used for wrathful practices, but that is only for those who have the appropriate initiations and have done the retreats to be able to engage in those practices. Most people have not done these, however they can use bone malas if they wish. Rinpoche was recommending that we don’t engage in wrathful practices, as this actually takes a lot of commitment and very close and strict guidance form your teacher.

Since this issue is causing apprehension in your mind, then I would suggest that you use another type of mala, such as bodhi seed, sandalwood or even those made from semi-precious stones like quartz or lapis lazuli. I hope this helps.

Hello Kevin,

Of course you can paint images of Setrap or any enlightened being for that matter. In fact, make such images generates a lot of merit, because you are creating representations of a holy being. Once you have finished, you should make sure to treat the image with as much respect as possible. Perhaps you can frame it and place it on your altar if you have one?

No matter what you use to paint or the style you use, what is important is to get the iconography of the deity correct as best as possible. Of course, it’s better if you use the best materials you can afford. The key here is sincerity to learn about Setrap’s form and iconography and then to paint as accurately as possible to the iconography.

You can see some images of Setrap in a gallery here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/downloads/buddha-images.html

You can also perhaps get different ideas about how you would like to paint from this page, which is actually many different versions of the Protector Dorje Shugen: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/art-architecture/which-dorje-shugden-style-is-your-favourite.html

Before you start painting each time, make a strong motivation and after completing your painting sessions, you should dedicate the merits of creating a representation of Setrap to whatever you wish for.

You should paint in an area that is clean and neat. And if possible, when you paint you should chant Setrap’s mantra. Doing this will create an incredibly strong connection with Setrap, which will help in both your secular and spiritual life.

Wishing you well in your creative endeavours, and please do send us a picture of the finished painting. We would love to see it. Thank you.

Dear Chen,

Stupas can be made out of any material. Traditionally, in Tibet, the are often made out of stone. However, is it not the material that the stupa is made out of that makes it holy. It’s is actually what goes inside a stupa. They are actually made to house holy objects, mantras, scriptures, relics, etc. Do you have any such items available where you live?

Dear Tyler,

Yes there are things that you can do to create the karmic causes to receive teachings from him in the future. First, you should try to find out if he has a name mantra. If he is a high tulku (reincarnation) then he may have a name mantra that you can recite to create a closer connection to him.

Secondly, depending on which lineage of Tibetan Buddhism he is part of, there will be a general Guru Yoga practice associated with that lineage. You can engage in practice of that particular Guru Yoga, with the strong thought that the deity figure in that Guru Yoga is actually one and the same with your Guru. That will also create a strong connection with not only your Guru but also the particular linage of Tibetan Buddhism he practises. Depending on the situation, your Guru himself may have his own Guru Yoga. For example, here in Kechara, after Tsem Rinpoche entered Parinirvana, the lamas composed a Guru Yoga practice centered around Tsem Rinpoche himself for students to practice.

Another prayer that you can recite is Calling the Guru from Afar. However, different lineages have their own prefered version to use. So you should follow the version as practiced in that specific lineage.

You can also connact that Guru’s centre or Monastery online to find more information about what you can do. Perhaps, your teacher may even be able to give teachings online.

If your teacher is a Gelugpa, then it would be good for you to follow the Lamrim teachings. These are teachings core to the Gelug tradition. In fact, these teachings it states that you can take refuge under a Guru from your heart in front of an altar properly set up and with offerings. Then from that day onwards you can consider that teacher to be your Guru. From then one, you should develop strong Guru devotion towards your teacher.

If your Guru has published materials, you should try to get hold of them, study them and practice them to the best of your ability.

All of these will help in creating a close connection with your teacher.

Hello Tyler!

Yes, you can engage in Lama Tsongkhapa’s Guru Yoga as much as you like. The best is to engage in it every day. Even in one day, you can do it as many times as you like.

If we have the time during the day, it’s best to do it slowly with all the visualisations and more Mig Tse Ma mantra recitation. But this can be difficult since we all live quite busy lives. In that case, you can do as much as you can do according to how much time you have. The key to receiving the most benefit from the practice is to be consistent in the practice and do it every day. But don’t start off doing too much. Build up your practice slowly and gradually. Over time things like the visualisation will be easier. Start off by just reciting everything. Then when you are familiar, you can slowly start to include the visualisations.

If you want to do it more than once in a day that is also great. The more you build a connection with Lama Tsongkhapa by engaging in the practice, the better it will be for you. You should aim to do it at least once a day though, because that will build up consistency.

Tsem Rinpoche has shared a commentary to the practice before. You can watch it here if you haven’t already seen it: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/me/tsongkapas-daily-practice-video-commentary.html

Within Kechara, Lama Tsongkhapa’s Guru Yoga forms part of the standard daily practice for all students. The other practice included is that of Dorje Shugden. This daily practice is known as the Diamond Path. If you like, you can get yourself a copy of the text here: https://www.vajrasecrets.com/diamond-path

I hope this helps. If you have any other questions, please do let us know. Thanks!

Dear Sandra,

Losar is on Tuesday 21st February in 2023. Thank you.

Dear Jason,

Thank you for your question. It’s good to read that you have been practising Lama Tsongkhapa’s Guru Yoga. It’s one of the best practises that we can engage in and has many, many benefits.

When we first start to use visualisation, it can be quite difficult. When starting out, it can be overwhelming to do the entire set of visualisations. So it’s better to start small and then slowly over time as you get used to visualisation, to gradually increase it.

In the sense of the Guru Yoga, you can start by visualising Lama Tsongkhapa. If you are not familiar with his form, then you familiarise yourself with his form and get as clear an image of Lama Tsongkhapa in your mind when you are doing the practice.

Then over time, once you have this image clear in your mind, you can then move on to the rest of the visualisations according to each verse. You can start getting the visualisations clear in your mind for 1 verse first, then slowly over time, increase to cover each of the other verses.

We can all visualise, we are very good at it in fact. For example, when we day dream. It’s because we are using our minds to do something that it hasn’t done before or doesn’t usually do, that we find it hard to do. The answer to this is simple, start small and then increase over time. As with anything we do in life, we need to start small and then work at it and apply effort until we can do something effortlessly. I hope this helps. Thanks.

Dear John,

These days the internet is a great tool, even if you don’t know of any Dharma centres around where you live, there may be one or two. Try searching to find a centre. You can always find a guru online too. For example, you have the website of Tsem Rinpoche who is the guru of many people all over the world. They follow his teachings as presented here on this website and taught in the Kechara Buddhist Organisation.

When you come across a guru that you have affinity towards or whose presentation of the Dharma attracts you, you need to know the best way to approach a guru-disciple relationship. This is one of the topics covered in Tsem Rinpoche’s book, Gurus For Hire, Enlightenment for Sale. This is a great book to read to understand what Guru Devotion is about and all about the correct dynamics between students. Here is a link to a review of the book: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/students-friends/gurus-for-hire-enlightenment-for-sale-a-review.html

Hello Tyler,

Yes, you can use a bone mala to recite any type of mantra. There is teaching by H.E. Tsem Rinpoche all about different types of malas and how to use them. It’s a very interesting teaching and it’s not something that is usually discussed in so much detail.

You can find the teaching here: https://youtu.be/srI1vH6bGXg

I hope this helps! Thank you.

Dear Monar,

Here is a link to an article showing you how to bless your image yourself called “How to Bless Buddha Images Yourself” tsemrinpoche.com/?p=181873. You can follow the procedure there.

You can also download any of our Dorje Shugden images to print out as well if you want. Here is an article that has many different types of images for you to choose from. You can download all the images there in high resolution to put on your altar. https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=144924

The standard version of the prayers is called the Diamond Path (available here: https://www.vajrasecrets.com/diamond-path). However, this may be too long for you when you are first starting out prayers to Dorje Shugden. Here is a short daily prayer: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=61394. This however doesn’t not include the tea offering prayer. That is included in the Diamond Path prayer.

In regards to setting up an altar, this video is very comprehensive: https://youtu.be/yx7CBiKnMOU

If you want to know more about Dorje Shugden or various aspects of his practice, which includes different types of offerings, see this page: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=66785. I hope this helps!

Dear Le Nhat Khang,

Thank you for your question. Dorje Dragden is the speech emanation of Pehar Gyalpo (also known as Nechung). You can read more about Pehar here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=100558. The article covers many aspects, include the relationship with Dorje Shugden.

Pehar is not considered to be an enlightened protector. He is an unenlightened protector, though he is very beneficial. According the to teachings we have received from Tsem Rinpoche, it is better to rely on enlightened Dharma Protectors however.

Hence, Rinpoche did not share any prayers, practices, mantras etc of Nechung’s practice. So unfortunately, I cannot help you in this matter. Traditionally, practice of unenlightened Dharma Protectors is only undertaken under the strict instruction, practice and guideline of a qualified teacher. The require you to have taken higher tantric initiations and deity practices to be done daily, before you can practice unenlightened Dharma Protectors.

Regards Kyabje Ling Rinpoche’s Prayer to five enlightened Dharma Protectors (Palden Lhamo, Mahakala, Kalarupa, Vaishravana and Dorje Shugden) you can find this here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=86074. You can engage in this prayer which includes Serkym. However, the text is in Tibetan. There is no English translation that we know of yet. I hope this helps. Thank you.

Dear Jason,

Thanks for your question. It’s nothing to worry about. It could be due to any number of reasons from simply your subconscious processing things when you are sleeping, all the way to clearing of obstacles. The key is not to let it affect you too much. Remember it’s just a dream. Though it may have evoked quite an emotional response, it’s okay. Just try to accept that you had that experience and then move on. The key is not to dwell on it, because when you do, you will be caught up with thinking that maybe it was a sign, or maybe it was something else, etc.

One thing for sure is that of course you should continue your practice of Setrap. He is an enlightened being, so nothing bad will happen when you practice Setrap. It’s quite the opposite in fact, since he is a Dharma Protector, his function and practice will only help you in a beneficial way.

Continue with your practice and you shouldn’t have such terrifying nightmares again. If they do happen, they will be less intense and few and far between. You can even chant one mala (which is 108 times) of Setrap’s mantra just before sleeping for protection from nightmares and bad dreams. I hope this helps. Thank you.

Dear Luke,

Yes, many of the Buddhas have purelands. When you practice those deities strongly to create a connection with them, practice the Dharma to transform your mind and also generate merit, you can take rebirth there.

Lama Tsongkhapa’s practice is a great example. It includes a practice known as Powa (Mind Transference). This is where, through practice, the consciousness is guided to take rebirth in a pure land. While almost all Powa practices require tantric initiation. Lama Tsongkhapa’s Powa does not require initiation and can be practiced by everyone. This practice allows you to take rebirth in Gaden Heaven (also known as Tushita). The current ruler of Gaden Heaven is the Buddha Maitreya.

The following video teachings may be of interest to you:

A Brief Explanation of Tantra and Pure Lands https://youtu.be/hFxKXLKdQoU

Yes! We Can Go To Pure Land While Still Having Negative Karma
https://youtu.be/v6nRFYNF0MA

The practice of any Buddha can take us out of samsara. But what makes higher tantric practices such as Vajra Yogini special is that this can be achieved in this very lifetime. Other practices, depending on how much effort you put in to your practice and transformation take longer, meaning it can take many lifetimes. However, this is also the case with Vajra Yogini practice. If you don’t put in the practice and mind transformation, it is not guaranteed that you will transcend samsara in one lifetime.

Also, in the case of being reborn in a pureland. That itself does not mean you are out of samsara either. Pure lands are manifested by the enlightened beings within samsara. They are not outside of samsara. Even if you get to a pure land, you have to receive teachings and then actually put them into practice. While a pureland is special however is that everything is geared towards the practice of the Dharma. There are no distractions, and we can spend 100% of our time and ability to putting the teachings into practice and transforming our mind. I hope that helps.

Dear Lenny,

Thank you for your question. I have clarified this matter with Pastor David. H.E. Tsem Rinpoche assigned Dorje Shugden to be the main practice of some students. This is because Dharma Protector practice was more suited for them, for various reasons. That’s being said the prayers and practice of Dorje Shugden is still as a Dharma Protector. There is no existing tradition of practising Dorje Shugden as a yidam, or meditational deity.

Hence, the reason why Dorje Shugden was considered to be their ‘yidam’ was because he was their main practice. There are some cases where a lama will assign a Dharma Protector as a students primary practice. These practices however will not include the elements of yidam (meditational deity) practice, because they are Dharma Protectors. I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Dear John,

Thank you for your question. There are many types of meditation. Most people may not know what meditation is. Many think that is it ‘clearing the mind’ or ‘experiencing nothing’. This is not the case according to Buddhist practice. In Buddhist practice, you actually focus on something during meditation. This can range from a physical experience, a thought or idea, a visualisation of the Buddhas, or the sounds of mantras, etc.

The most common form of meditation is breathing meditation. During this we sit down in meditation posture and focus on the sensation of breathing in and out. We focus on that sensation, without letting our minds wander about. Here is a great article about Mindfulness Meditation which focuses on breathing. It also has 100 guided sessions that you can follow along: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/inspiration-worthy-words/live-your-best-life-100-days-of-mindful-meditation.html

Walking meditation is doing the same thing, focusing on a particular thing but while moving instead of sitting down in full meditation posture. It’s done by focusing on breathing in and out while you walk slowly. Alternatively, you focus on the physical sensation of walking, eg. how your body feels as you walk slowly or the feeling of touching the ground with your bare feet. I hope this short explanation helps. A full explanation will be forthcoming in a book we which will be released later this year, all about various forms of meditation. Please do keep an eye out for it. Thank you.

Dear Andreas NS,

A big part of Dharma practice is learning how to react in certain situations. Generally speaking, Dharma practitioners help as much as possible. However, in this case is doesn’t mean that you give in to others people’s demands and become like a door mat. That is not what Buddhist practice is about.

Sometimes, we have to decline helping other people because they are taking advantage of us. But this must be done in a polite manner. It is not wrathful nor is it stoic. When you decline you should calmly express your opinion and why are cannot help at that moment. In addition, if you really cannot help that person how they need help and they won’t accept any other way of you helping them, then in Buddhism we are taught to pray for that person. Dedicate merits from your practice to that person so that they learn not to use people like that, that they develop compassion towards the people that they are using instead. In this manner, we also develop compassion for that person.

When we are in that situation, we may be overcome with anger or other emotions. The Dharma teaches us to be patient and compassionate towards others, but this doesn’t mean letting them use us. By praying for them, you are helping them because they are blessed by the enlightened beings and at the same time it also helps you to develop compassion for them, and so helps get rid of any negative emotion you may be feeling towards them. I hope this helps. Thank you.

Dear Danielk Szerdahelyi,

Thank you for your questions and for visiting our website. It’s nice to know you are interested and would like to learn more.

This section of the website is answered by the Kechara Pastors. Unfortunately, His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche passed into Parinirvana in 2019. You can read more by clicking this link: tsemrinpoche.com/?p=208164

Tsem Rinpoche has given many teachings which cover questions relating to the mind. You can click here to watch some very powerful teachings about the mind: tsemrinpoche.com/?p=41714

In regards to psychical health, there are many teachings that Tsem Rinpoche gave. Here is the link to one which describes how health is related to our karma: tsemrinpoche.com/?p=175424. There is also another teachings in which Tsem Rinpoche explained the Dharma protector practice of Shize, which is useful for healing. You can find an article about this practice here: tsemrinpoche.com/?p=102364.

I hope you find what you are looking for in the articles linked above. Thank you

Dear Le Nhat Khang,

Thank you for your question. We are very happy to read that you are making daily prayers to Ganapati. His practice is very beneficial and helpful.

In regards to the water offering to Dzambala, which is offered physically over his statue during the practice, within our tradition this is unique to his practice. The same sort of ritual is not used for other deities.

Even though it is not offered physically over Ganapati, you can by all means offer bowls of milk and water in front of your Ganapati image. This will actually have the same benefits because they are physical offerings to Ganapati. It’s just that you don’t offer it physically over the statue. I hope this helps. Thank you.

Dear Daniel,

Thank you for your question and encouragement. In general, if a Lama doesn’t have specific iconography, they are depicted in the same manner within our tradition. They sit in full-lotus posture, wearing monastic robes (if they were a monk) and the golden pandit’s hat particular to our tradition.

Their right hand is in the Dharma teaching mudra, and their left hand rests in their lap holding a long-life vase filled with nectar. If they are still alive they sit on a throne. If they have passed on, they sit on a lotus.

It also optional to depict them holding the stem of a lotus between the thumb and forefinger of their right hand. The lotus blooms at the level of their right shoulder. On top of the lotus is a Dharma text. And on top of that is a flaming wisdom sword.

If our lama practiced Tantra they are also depicted with a khatvanga staff resting on their left shoulder. For both Vajrayogini and Heruka practitioners this is quite important. Both Vajrayogini and Heruka hold khatvanga staffs. In the case of Vajrayogini’s iconography, the staff actually represents Heruka. In fact her practice is a condensed form of Heruka’s practice and she is in fact Heruka’s consort.

In short, there is no difference in how a Lama is depicted if they practiced Heruka or Vajrayogini. In fact, even if they practiced other tantric systems, this is the way of depicting them correctly.

Bodhicitta, wisdom, joyful effort and skilful means are all depicted within such iconography of a lama. In fact, not only these, but also all other enlightened qualities are covered as well.

Here is the link to a depiction of Tsem Rinpoche which shows the iconography: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/tsemrinpochethangka.jpg

Please note that this thangka was painted before Rinpoche passed into Parinirvana, so Rinpoche is depicted on a throne rather than a lotus. I hope this helps.

Dear Maxime,

You have asked a very good question. First, let me thank you for practicing compassion, first to the cat who needed your help and then for feeling sorry for the sentient beings that died to make the cat food.

In regards to samaya, there is nothing to worry about. You have not broken anything. You would only have broken samaya if you have taken a vow to be vegetarian and then ate meat yourself. If you would like to take the Vegetarian Vow, you can email Care@Kechara.com and ask to arrange one of the Pastors to give you the vow. This doesn’t have to be done in person, it can also be done online. This is depending on how serious you are in regards to being vegetarian.

In regards to the cat, unfortunately the rebirth it has taken means that it needs to eat meat. Cats are a type of animal that cannot survive on a vegetarian diet, they can get quite ill and even die if they don’t eat meat, due to how their bodies function. So, by feeding the cat, you really helped it. It was an act of compassion. If the cat keeps coming back and is in a similar state, it compassionate to continue.

Unfortunately, the food contains meat. There are some things that can you do. The first is to recite mantras and blow on the food before giving it to the cat. Through the power of the mantras, the mindstreams of the animals that died to make the food are blessed. Wherever they have taken rebirth, the Buddhas will bless them. Second, when the cat approaches you, you should recite mantras and blow on the cat to bless it also. The mantra should be recited out loud, so the cat can hear it. But gently.

Tsem Rinpoche used to bless animals like this all the time. There were three common mantras Rinpoche used for this. I have provided them below:

Medicine Buddha Mantra:
TAYATHA OM BEKANZE BEKANZE MAHA BEKANZE BEKANZE RANDZA SAMUGATHE SOHA

Manjushri Mantra:
OM AH RA BA TSA NA DHI

Dorje Shugden Mantra:
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA SOHA

Either of these will be very good. I hope this helps.