David is a lay Buddhist pastor of Kechara and a longtime student of H.E. Tsem Rinpoche. Initially a reluctant writer, he now finds himself writing for a living and has published four books including his autobiography, There's No Way But Up and Conversations in Love.
David is a lover of Buddhist art and whenever he can, he shares his knowledge of the Dharma with everyone. Read more of his writings on his blog www.davidlai.me.
(By Tsem Rinpoche and Pastor David) According to The Clear Mirror of the Royal Genealogies (Gyalrab Salwai Melong) attributed to Sakyapa Sonam Gyaltsen (1312-1375 CE), the great Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo (617-47 CE) decided that he had to make various statues of his yidam (tutelary deity) to be of benefit to sentient beings within...
(By Tsem Rinpoche and Pastor David) Tulku is a Tibetan term for the ‘emanation body’ (Sanskrit: Nirmanakaya) of an enlightened being. This refers to one of the three main types of manifestations of an enlightened being who deliberately takes rebirth within samsaric existence in order to benefit sentient beings. In Tibet, the recognition of...
Within the lineage of Dorje Shugden’s incarnations, none is more illustrious than Panchen Sonam Drakpa. In that lifetime, he became the 15th Gaden Throne Holder and the Abbot of the Three Seats...
(By Tsem Rinpoche and Pastor David) Introduction The Dorje Shugden controversy began when the Dalai Lama made successive attempts to wrongly assert the nature of the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden to be a harmful spirit. He had since issued numerous statements to the effect of banning the practice of Dorje Shugden. The following...
(By Tsem Rinpoche and Pastor David Lai) Dear friends, I was given a book called ‘Niguma, the Lady of Illusion’ recently. Although I have read bits and pieces about this dakini’s life online in the past, I did not really know much about her. Hence, reading this book was to be my first serious...
(By Tsem Rinpoche and Pastor David) www.davidlai.me A month ago, I was with Tsem Rinpoche and a bunch of other people in a car. In a conversation about China, Rinpoche suddenly asked us, “Why is Buddha Amitabha so prevalent in China?” Silence ensued for a few moments as everyone struggled to recall what they...
At the dawn of time, mankind lived in fear amidst primitive conditions. The world seemed to be controlled or influenced by powerful higher beings or gods...
Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen is perhaps one of the more notable previous lives of Dorje Shugden. In this incarnation, he is said to have made the promise to arise as a Dharma Protector to protect the precious teachings of his teacher Lama Tsongkhapa, thus laying the foundation for Dorje Shugden to manifest later, in another...
(By Tsem Rinpoche and Pastor David) His Holiness the 11th Panchen Lama Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu recently bestowed the Kalachakra initiation at his New Palace near Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Xigaze (Shigatse), southwest of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. This is the first Kalachakra initiation to be held publicly in Tibet/China in the last...
(By Tsem Rinpoche and Pastor David Lai) Sakya Pandita Kunga Gyeltsen is commonly referred to by his abbreviated name, ‘Sapan’. He was one of the most famous 13th Century Tibetan spiritual masters and scholars of the Sakya tradition. Sakya Pandita was not his name but a title attributed to him due to his scholarly...
(By Tsem Rinpoche and Pastor David) Dear Friends, Cittamani Tara is one of Kyabje Zong Rinpoche’s three main practices that was conferred upon H. E. Tsem Rinpoche in Thubten Dhargye Ling in 1984. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche mainly practiced Heruka Cakrasamvara, Vajrayogini and Cittamani Tara intensely throughout his life and this is therefore one of...
(By Tsem Rinpoche and Pastor David) Dear friends, It is a well-known fact that Dorje Shugden has a long history of association and practice within the Sakya School of Tibetan Buddhism. In fact, Dorje Shugden was first enthroned and propitiated within the Sakya School before becoming a widespread protector practice within the Gelug tradition....
In the language of the Karuk natives, Mt Shasta is known as Úytaahkoo or ‘White Mountain’. It is an active volcano located at the southern tip of the Cascade Range in the Siskiyou County of Northern California. With an elevation of 14,179 feet (4321.8 m), this mountain is the second highest peak in the...
(By Pastor David Lai and Tsem Rinpoche) The great Buton Rinchen Drub (1290 – 1364) was one of the most erudite of scholars of Tibet. He was a prolific translator and is credited with having compiled the Kangyur collection that contains the Indian scriptures based on the spoken words of the Buddha, and the Tangyur...
Dear everyone, I have chosen to write about this topic for Rinpoche’s blog because it fascinates me and it is something that many people are drawn to. Generally, people are afraid and yet they are strangely attracted to the paranormal. It does not matter if you are living in the West or in the East;...
During the 2015 Gelug Conference, the Dalai Lama claimed that Dharma Protector Setrap had given mistaken prophecies to Dagyab Rinpoche as well as monks from Minyak Khangtsen of Drepung Loseling Monastery...
Pope Leo X's papacy was known for making Rome a cultural and political centre of Europe but at the expense of the papal treasury due to his lavish spending. He also failed to take the development of the Protestant Reformation movement seriously...
A spiritual lineage refers to a line of transmission of teachings from teacher to student that can be traced back to the Buddha or a widely accepted attained master...
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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.
Compassion is always in season. Nothing will benefit human health and increase chances for survival of life on Earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet. Until he extends the circle of compassion to all living things. Animals have moral status, and animal suffering matters. No need to explain more as different people have different view. Let them be and say what they want.
Thank you for this sharing.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing. Living a quiet life, often characterized by simplicity and a deliberate choice. A far away quiet environment can offer numerous benefits for one’s well-being and overall quality of life. Living a calm and simple life yet rich with inner meaning, personal growth, and a deep connection to oneself, one’s values . Those moment of quietness, free from the rush and noise of daily life, allows for self-reflection and a deeper understanding of our actions and their impacts. By taking a softer approach to living, we can focus more on our internal happiness, building our emotional health.
Since learning Dharma and putting into practice have taught me to live simplicity free from the rush and noise of daily life.
The act of liberating animals helps us to develop the nature of not harming others, creating the awareness of not eating animals for the sake of attachment to meat and thus promoting a vegetarian lifestyle. When one releasing lives brings blessings to the whole family, a multitude releasing lives brings divine protection. Among all merits, releasing lives is indeed supreme. Beyond financial generosity , we also practice the generosity of Dharma and the generosity of fearlessness. Releasing lives embodies all three types of giving in one noble act which we should make use of the opportunity to do more. The merits of animals liberation are truly unparalleled.
Reading this article by Daily Mail Reporter where a group of Tibetan Buddhists released 534 live lobsters into the Atlantic Sea. Rejoice Geshe Tenley and a group of Tibetan Buddhists releasing them one by one to freedom into the deep water.
Thank you Rinpoche .
With these simple and easy memes . More people will get to know the awesome benefits of Dorje Shugden. Dorje Shugden is a fully enlightened being, he manifests in a worldly form in order to assist us quicker. Just by recalling his abilities is a blessing. Dorje Shugden is the special protector emanation of Manjushri that will help everyone regardless of race and religion when one rely on it sincerely .
Thank you Rinpoche for all these creative, simplifying short memes.
Many people in Taman Desa Jaya, Kepong have cheated for a long time DATUK YIP KUM FOOK has been deceiving people, from starting a furniture business in Taman Daya to becoming the chairperson of the MCA there, but the Malaysian government has not known of the matter.
Today he is very rich having many houses and shop lots all over Kepong but the government is still silent, now he has a court case, he is a lawyer and he made or signed a fake land title to someone.
Anyone who knows DATUK YIP KUM FOOK AND SIMON LOW KOK MENG, please try to stay away from them because those people can eat you all, the first one they do very well with you but behind their back they will eat you, please be careful before getting caught up in that
A Chinese ghost marriage is a ceremony that unites a deceased person with a living or deceased person. The family of the deceased usually arranges the marriage. Despite its long history and unique practices, the original purposes of ghost marriages remain largely unknown. The ghost is a classical image in Chinese culture, have a history stretching back 3,000 years. This tradition dates back to the first Chinese dynasty, making it at least 2200 years old, while others even note that it’s roughly 3000 years old! Despite reports of it still being practiced in remote Chinese villages in China,Taiwan and certain Asian countries . Ghost marriages are acceptable and symbolic in especially in Taiwanese culture, with many social elements related to them. Interestingly enough Li Kim and team did a great research ,spoke to Professor Lin Mao-Hsien, a Taiwanese folklore scholar on these interesting tradition. Reading this article with a better understanding of the ghost marriages. The story of the man by the name Wu Wen-Da, who had been dreaming about a dead woman named Zheng Su Mei truly interesting.
Thank you Rinpoche and Li Kim .
Interesting account of the investigation of Supiyati an Indonesian woman’s body filled with needles, nails, and wires.
After many efforts to find a cure in their hometown never found any success, Dark Magic is an incredibly powerful form of witchcraft that draws on malevolent powers.Black magic is a belief system that is not supported by scientific evidence. However, psychologists and neuroscientists have studied magic to understand how it affects people’s perceptions and beliefs. Regardless of the path forward, the study and understanding of black magic will undoubtedly remain a subject of enduring fascination and scholarly inquiry.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.
The basis of the Buddha’s teaching is to be found in the Four Noble Truths. The Buddha teachings describe the nature of suffering and the path to its end. Suffering is unavoidable and affects everyone. Craving and ignorance lead to suffering. Whatever we do have consequences, so living in a way that minimizes harm can prevent future pain. Good to cultivate good qualities and abandoning non-virtuous thoughts and actions. Abandoning dishonest livelihood and living a life of right livelihood. Being kind and compassionate towards oneself and others. The Fourth Noble Truth is the truth of the Path that leads to the cessation of suffering.
Thank you Rinpoche and Genla for this profound teachings.
Dorje Shugden is a protector in Tibetan Buddhism, originally a minor protector in the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism. Later adopted by the Gelug school. Has been worshipped throughout history by several schools of Tibetan Buddhism. As a wrathful manifestation of Manjushri, the Wisdom Buddha, who grants wisdom, clarity, and concentration. A protector who fulfils wishes and prayers, brings material resources,healing, and protects from harm to those who sincerely rely on. Also helps us to clear obstacles, and attracts opportunities for success, growth and in many ways. Many practitioners have benefited ultimately for helping them stay on the spiritual path. Rely on Dorje Shugden consistently over times, we will see his graceful yet powerful assistance in our lives. The prayers is indeed very powerful and have me change my life.
Thank you Rinpoche for this simplified daily prayer. Easy and convenient for everyone.
The art and science of asking questions is the source of all knowledge. Part of being successful is about asking questions and listening to the answers. Asking questions is the first way to begin change. Knowledge shared is knowledge squared. A great way to learn by reading and asking various enlightened aspects of Tsongkapa. I am still learning even I have revisit this blog on and off. Still trying to remember names of great lamas.
Thank you Rinpoche for this post.
Thangka serve as important teaching tools depicting the life of the Buddha, various influential lamas and other deities and bodhisattvas. Thangkas have also traditionally been used as a teaching tool. Tsem Rinpoche received a precious and beautiful gift of Vajrayogini from Ms. Wahyu. She have taken months and did researched and painted it beautifully. Looking at it is a blessing.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this beautiful thangka of Vajrayogini and explaining to us
Born in 1905 in the village of Nangsang in the Kham province of eastern Tibet HH Kyabje Zong Rinpoche was a master of philosophical debate. He was a powerful Tantric practitioner, well known throughout the three great Gelug monasteries of central Tibet. Wow in an early stage of his childhood he performed various magical miracles such as able to invoke a female naga goddess in a nearby lake. A master of sutra and tantra, H H Kyabje Zong Rinpoche had performed countless holy deeds and gave thousands of Dharma teachings during his lifetime. A biography of a great Master who possessed an extraordinary memory and was renowned for healing activities. Zong Rinpoche was the Guru of many great masters. Interesting read of all the miraculous stories of Kyabje Zong Rinpoche.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing of a great Master
Revisit this blog again , to have a better knowledge and understanding of a great Master. With rare and beautiful thangkas and explanation tells us more and easy I would say it. Merely looking at those thangkas is a blessing as it very precious. We are fortunate able to see and reading a life story of a great Master. I will surely be back again reading and reading it over again.
Thank you Rinpoche with folded hands.
Revisited this precious post again. Invaluable treasure indeed by just listening to the supreme path to enlightenment from HH Kyabje Zong Rinpoche an enlightened master. H H Kyabje Zong Rinpoche was a Gelug Lama and disciple of the third Trijang Rinpoche, junior tutor of the 14th Dalai Lama. A master of sutra and tantra whom was well known throughout the three great Gelug monasteries of central Tibet.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.
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Concept: Tsem Rinpoche Technical: Lew Kwan Leng, Justin Ripley, Yong Swee Keong Design: Justin Ripley, Cynthia Lee Content: Tsem Rinpoche, Justin Ripley, Pastor Shin Tan, Sarah Yap Admin: Pastor Loh Seng Piow, Beng Kooi
I must thank my dharma blog team who are great assets to me, Kechara and growth of dharma in this wonderful region. I am honoured and thrilled to work with them. I really am. Maybe I don't say it enough to them, but I am saying it now. I APPRECIATE THESE GUYS VERY MUCH!
Dear everyone... This is a good condensed talk I gave on Guru Yoga of Tsongkapa. This is the one you should share with others when they are interested in a not too lengthy explanation. It is the perfect practice for everyone who wants simplicity yet effective blessings. You can share this with more people, it will be good.
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2 days ago
6 days ago
9th February 2025
6 days ago
8th Feb 2025 Dorje Shugden puja at Penang Chapel. Every Saturday @3pm. Do join us if you're at Penang. We're located at 49, Jalan Seang Tek, Georgetown. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
6 days ago
Completed our weekly DS Puja led by Pastor Seng Piow ( 1st Feb 2025). Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
7 days ago
8th February 2025 doing Lama Chopa Guru Puja at Kuantan center with Pastor Seng Piow and Dharma brothers and sisters. .... Sam Foon Heei .. (Kuantan)
2 weeks ago
Xin Nian Kuai Le! Gong Xi Fa Cai! (29th Jan 2025) May the year of the snake brings us spiritual growth through having good health and increased wisdom. May Rinpoche return swiftly to guide all beings into Dharma path. Thanks to everyone for your participation. Without the support from each and everyone, there's no Kechara Penang Study Group. By Jacinta.
2 weeks ago
Gorgeous offerings of flowers, fruits snacks and drinks. This can only be achieved through the generosity and efforts all members and sponsors, especially to our dedicated Penang member Choong Soon Heng who organised this. May all beings have inner and outer peace. Uploaded by Jacinta 29th Jan 2025.
2 weeks ago
As H. E. The 25th Tsem Tulku Rinpoche has mentioned: The lunar New Year is an auspicious occasion when we renew ties and rekindle joy with our loved ones. Hence, happy to see many families gathered together to usher the Lunar New Year at Kechara Penang and also appreciation for the guests that came from afar for this joyous occasion. By Jacinta
2 weeks ago
People believe fireworks bring good luck and happiness. In welcoming lunar new year 2025, a burst of celebration with fireworks were set off at Kechara Penang Chapel too (sponsored by Mr. Ooi & family) . Kechara Penang members gathered around to enjoy this moment. Uploaded by Jacinta. 29th Jan 2025
2 weeks ago
Before puja, Pastor shared about consciousness beyond death, bardo and the stages of death. Hue and Betty (her brother) shared about the out of body experiences. These type of shared experiences offerred us opportunity to explore things from different perspectives. Thank you so much. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
2 weeks ago
Candles and flower were offered up during our puja. Thanks for taking up Penang Puja package this week. May sponsors' dedication be fulfilled and obstacles be cleared. Uploaded by Jacinta.
2 weeks ago
Saturday 25th Jan 2025, Kechara Penang Study Group completed DS puja cum recitation of Namasangiti led by Pastor Seng Piow. Uploaded by Jacinta
2 weeks ago
18th Jan 2025, DS puja at Kechara Penang led by William. Uploaded by Kechara Penang Study Group member Jacinta.
3 weeks ago
Throwback 31 December 2024 Kuantan group had our monthly animals liberation done, saved thousands of lives from pet-shop. ..Sam Foon Heei
4 weeks ago
Animals Liberation @ Kechara Ipoh Study Group - Guan Sun
1 month ago
Animal liberation took place at Gyenze Chapel, Kechara Forest Retreat. One of the birds flew out, and it seemed as if the bird was telling us, “I am free now.” ~ Alice
1 month ago
Through the blessings from our Guru, His Eminence Kyabje Tsem Rinpoche, Kechara Ipoh Study Group members have gathered on Sunday morning and carried out Animals Liberation activity with Medicine Buddha mantra recitations. So Kin Hoe (KISG)
1 month ago
11th Jan 2025 Kechara Penang Study Group weekly DS puja led by Pastor Seng Piow. Uploaded by Jacinta.
1 month ago
Puja attendees @ DS puja on 4th Jan 2025. First puja of the year. Happy New Year! Do come and join us every Saturday, 3pm at 49, Jalan Seang Tek, Georgetown. Aspire to benefit before we expire! Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
1 month ago
The men are in action! Spring cleaning at Kechara Penang DS Chapel before DS puja. Tang offered muar Chee and meals to some of the members. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta. 4th Jan 2025
1 month ago
4th Jan 2025 Spring cleaning at Kechara Penang DS Chapel @ 49, Jalan Seang Tek, Georgetown. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
1 month ago
4th Jan 2024, started off the year of 2025 with spring cleaning before Dorje Shugden puja. Kechara Penang Study Group uploaded by Jacinta.
1 month ago
The strong and powerful women that dedicated part of their lives in spiritual practice through attending weekly puja. 28th Dec 2024 Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
1 month ago
Kechara Penang Study Group's biggest support and backbone have been them ~ highly motivated, devotional and selfless men. Thanks and grateful having you guys. Kechara Penang Study Group last puja of the year 2024 (28th Dec) , by Jacinta.
1 month ago
Last puja of the year on 28th Dec 2024. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
1 month ago
Offerings offered during DS puja @Kechara Penang DS chapel. Uploaded by Jacinta.
1 month ago
#Throwback 30/11/2024 Kechara Penang Dorje Shugden puja cum Swift Return through recitation of Namasangiti. Uploaded by Jacinta
1 month ago
#Throwback 23/11/2024 DS puja completed. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
1 month ago
#Throwback 9/11/2024 Kechara Penang Study Group completed DS puja, led by William. Uploaded by Jacinta.
1 month ago
#Throwback 2/11/2024 Kechara Penang DS puja, every Saturday @3pm. Uploaded by Jacinta.
1 month ago
Through the blessings from our Guru, His Eminence Kyabje Tsem Rinpoche, Kechara Ipoh Study Group has carried out our first puja in 2025. So Kin Hoe (KISG)
2 months ago
#Throwback DS puja cum recitation of Namasangiti at Kechara Penang on 26th October 2024.
2 months ago
19th October 2024. Puja as usual at Kechara Penang Dorje Shugden chapel. Every Saturday @3pm. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
2 months ago
12th October 2024, our weekly Saturday puja attendees. #Throwback Kechara Penang Study by Jacinta
2 months ago
#Throwback Kechara Penang Activities for the month of October 2024. Dorje Shugden puja was done on 5th October 2024.
4 months 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
4 months ago
Pastor did dharma sharing on KFR retreat puja, purification after retreat and karma. Kechara Penang weekly puja. Pic taken by Siew Hong.
4 months ago
Under the guidance from Pastor Seng Piow, Kechara Penang Study Group members completed our weekly Dorje Shugden Puja. 28th September 2024 by Jacinta.
4 months ago
Sponsors' packages nicely decorated nd offered up on behalf. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
4 months ago
Completed Dorje Shugden puja cum recitation of Namasangiti on 14th September 2024. Kechara Penang Study Group, uploaded by Jacinta.