Considering herself born to extremely understanding parents, Jean Ai confesses to being accident-prone as a young child, worrying her family by getting into all sorts of scrapes with scars to prove it. When she was not falling over, her nose would be buried in books, soaking up all of the life lessons that Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl could possibly provide.
A non-conformist by nature, her early ambitions included police officer, human rights lawyer, politician and Greenpeace volunteer. A trip to the oceanarium developed her teenage obsession of becoming a marine biologist. Her spare time thereafter was dedicated to studying the anatomy of cetaceans and the like. Her dream, however, was swiftly put to rest once she realised that proficiency in Chemistry was a requirement of the job, and her distinct disinterest in the subject proved to be an insurmountable stumbling block.
Upon her guru H.E. Tsem Rinpoche's advice, Jean Ai pursued a BSc (Hons) in Psychology from the University of Warwick. Having grown up under the Dharma umbrella however, Buddhism was never far from her life. Her predominant teenage memory is being taken to the Dharma centre to attend hours of pujas and talks that she could not comprehend. Undeterred by the strange happenings around her, she thought, “Well, if you can’t understand ‘em, join ‘em and learn more. Then, maybe one day you will understand.”
And "join em" she did. After a year working in London, Jean Ai returned to Malaysia to join Kechara on a full time basis. She now serves H.E Tsem Rinpoche directly as a member of Tsem Ladrang, and as an editor with the writers' team.
Having had the fortune of meeting Rinpoche when she was just 11 years old, the ‘Growing up with Rinpoche’ series captures Pastor Jean Ai’s growth under Rinpoche’s guidance. In this series, she recounts some of Rinpoche’s myriad Dharma activities to benefit sentient beings. Rinpoche’s life was about taking pain away from people,...
So we went public with our Dorje Shugden practice in 2014 but how did it come to be? Except for a small handful of people with Rinpoche at the time, most do not know. Here's that story...
Having had the fortune of meeting Rinpoche when she was just 11 years old, the ‘Growing up with Rinpoche’ series captures Pastor Jean Ai’s growth under Rinpoche’s guidance. In this series, she recounts some of Rinpoche’s myriad Dharma activities to benefit sentient beings. This was essentially what Rinpoche’s life was like. The...
Having had the fortune of meeting Rinpoche when she was just 11 years old, the ‘Growing up with Rinpoche’ series captures Pastor Jean Ai’s growth under Rinpoche’s guidance. In this series, she recounts some of Rinpoche’s myriad Dharma activities to benefit sentient beings. Our Chinese New Year (CNY) ‘Orphans’ Dinner. That was...
Having had the fortune of meeting Rinpoche when she was just 11 years old, the ‘Growing up with Rinpoche’ series captures Pastor Jean Ai’s growth under Rinpoche’s guidance. In this series, she recounts some of Rinpoche’s myriad Dharma activities to benefit sentient beings. Rinpoche was never one to do things by halves....
Having had the fortune of meeting Rinpoche when she was just 11 years old, the ‘Growing up with Rinpoche’ series captures Pastor Jean Ai’s growth under Rinpoche’s guidance. In this series, she recounts some of Rinpoche’s myriad Dharma activities to benefit sentient beings. First of all, what is tsok (Sanskrit: ganachakra)? According...
Having had the fortune of meeting Rinpoche when she was just 11 years old, the ‘Growing up with Rinpoche’ series captures Pastor Jean Ai’s growth under Rinpoche’s guidance. In this series, she recounts some of Rinpoche’s myriad Dharma activities to benefit sentient beings. I still remember when this photograph was taken. Our...
Having had the fortune of meeting Rinpoche when she was just 11 years old, the ‘Growing up with Rinpoche’ series captures Pastor Jean Ai’s growth under Rinpoche’s guidance. In this series, she recounts some of Rinpoche’s myriad Dharma activities to benefit sentient beings. Rinpoche had a different kind of relationship with Dorje...
Having had the fortune of meeting Rinpoche when she was just 11 years old, the ‘Growing up with Rinpoche’ series captures Pastor Jean Ai’s growth under Rinpoche’s guidance. In this series, she recounts some of Rinpoche’s myriad Dharma activities to benefit sentient beings. This past week, I had the honour of hosting...
Having had the fortune of meeting Rinpoche when she was just 11 years old, the ‘Growing up with Rinpoche’ series captures Pastor Jean Ai’s growth under Rinpoche’s guidance. In this series, she recounts some of Rinpoche’s myriad Dharma activities to benefit sentient beings. One afternoon, Rinpoche called a group of us over....
Having had the fortune of meeting Rinpoche when she was just 11 years old, the ‘Growing up with Rinpoche’ series captures Pastor Jean Ai’s growth under Rinpoche’s guidance. In this series, she recounts some of Rinpoche’s myriad Dharma activities to benefit sentient beings. These sessions were always very important and precious for...
This week, I would like to share with everyone a very special view that few have been privileged to experience. It was from this view that we would learn about and be exposed to all manner of things...
One of Rinpoche’s absolute favourite activities is making offerings to the Buddhas on altars and onto the statues themselves. No matter where Rinpoche is or where Rinpoche lives, the most important thing is the altar.
“It’s amazing all of this could’ve arisen from one mind” is a statement I often hear people utter about Rinpoche. They cannot believe just how involved Rinpoche is, and how Rinpoche cares about everything right down to the smallest detail...
Having had the fortune of meeting Rinpoche when she was just 11 years old, the ‘Growing up with Rinpoche’ series captures Pastor Jean Ai’s growth under Rinpoche’s guidance. In this series, she recounts some of Rinpoche’s myriad Dharma activities to benefit sentient beings. Did you know that every single offering, piece of...
As a young boy, His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche loved to draw and paint like any other child but unlike most kids, he was especially inspired to paint Buddha images. Whether it was in art class at school or at home during his free time, painting Buddha forms came very naturally to the young Rinpoche...
Having had the fortune of meeting Rinpoche when she was just 11 years old, the ‘Growing up with Rinpoche’ series captures Pastor Jean Ai’s growth under Rinpoche’s guidance. In this series, she recounts some of Rinpoche’s myriad Dharma activities to benefit sentient beings. Rinpoche is never interested in secular activities just for...
Having had the fortune of meeting Rinpoche when she was just 11 years old, the ‘Growing up with Rinpoche’ series captures Pastor Jean Ai’s growth under Rinpoche’s guidance. In this series, she recounts some of Rinpoche’s myriad Dharma activities to benefit sentient beings. Anyone who spends time in the lama’s mandala will...
Having had the fortune of meeting Rinpoche when she was just 11 years old, the ‘Growing up with Rinpoche’ series captures Pastor Jean Ai’s growth under Rinpoche’s guidance. In this series, she recounts some of Rinpoche’s myriad Dharma activities to benefit sentient beings. I think most people do not realise how common...
Having had the fortune of meeting Rinpoche when she was just 11 years old, the ‘Growing up with Rinpoche’ series captures Pastor Jean Ai’s growth under Rinpoche’s guidance. In this series, she recounts some of Rinpoche’s myriad Dharma activities to benefit sentient beings. After someone updated about a nearby glamping resort, a...
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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.
Revisit this article ,reminds me of the great memories visiting this spiritual and historic years ago with the blessing of our Guru . Tibet, China is one of the highest cities in the world and serves as a major center for Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims. Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monasteries, Barkhor Street, Gaden Monastery, few other Monasteries and beautiful sacred lakes. indeed worth visiting. I have the opportunity to on a pilgrimage going those sacred Monasteries. We did visited the famous Potala Palace former residence of the Dalai Lama and now is an UNESCO World Heritage site . This unique residence is an architectural marvel of wood, earth, and stone. Potala Palace is the most recognisable landmark in Lhasa where many tourist and pilgrims will visit .Reading this very informative post ,many going there will be much easier.
Thank you Rinpoche and Stella for this sharing.
Manjushri is a bodhisattva who represents wisdom in Mahayana Buddhism. The Standing Buddha statue posture symbolizes the Buddha’s readiness to help and assist all sentient beings. This amazing standing Manjushri is located at the Manjushree Park at Chobhar, in Kathmandu, Nepal. Recording to legend it is believed to be the exact spot where Manjushri had cut Chobhar Hill and drained the water from an ancient lake. And that’s where Kathmandu valley is formed. Because of the spiritual significance the Standing Manjushri was built preserving Chobhar’s cultural and now is a tourist attraction. The legend of Kathmandu Valley is closely related to Manjushri as mentioned by the locals.
Visited this amazing Standing Manjushri years back. Merely by looking at it and circumambulating is a blessing.
Thank you Rinpoche for this wonderful sharing. May more people have the opportunity to visit such a Holy place.
Kiri Vehera is an ancient stupa situated in Kataragama, Sri Lanka. One of the most popular Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the country. It is known for its pristine white dome, where many locals, tourist and pilgrims visited these famous ancient Buddhist temple. Kiri Vehra, one of the most revered ancient stupas in Sri Lanka, as it believed to have been built in the 3rd century BC. Its now one of the most popular Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the country. This 12th-century stupa is commissioned by Queen Subhadda. Recording to locals Buddha Shakyamuni did visited this place and is said to be one of the sixteen sacred places in Sri Lanka. One of the eight Bodhi saplings is also situated in this meritorious land. That’s awesome. Recently a Bodhi saplings was given to Buddhist monks to bring back to Texas USA.
Interesting read of this scared place which is worth visiting.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.
Interesting article…. the Beishan Grottoes are ancient cliff carvings in Dazu District, China. Wow… such caves contain over 5,000 delicate, painted statues carved into a 500-meter-long slope. Its said to be created between 892 and 1172 AD, showing beautiful mixtures of Chinese folk life and Buddhist beliefs. These Dazu Rock Carvings were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. These carved sites have been recognized as protected cultural heritage sites, which contained more than 50,000 individual statues. The carvings represent the last great monument in the history of Chinese grotto art. Together with other grottoes of Dunhuang, Yungang, and Longmen, form a complete narrative of China’s grotto art history. The carvings are invaluable for their historical, artistic, scientific, and aesthetic significance. Interesting. Looking at those pictures in this blog is worth a visit there. Simply amazing.
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.
Dear blog friends, you can submit your photos to this section by sending an email to tblogpics@gmail.com. Include your message in the "Subject" field (up to 250 characters only). Be sure to include your name in the subject field too!
3 days ago
16th July had our weekly DORJE SHUGDEN Puja Kechara Kuantan Study Group Sam
6 days ago
Throwback 12th July dharma sharing, DORJE SHUGDEN Puja and blessings Kechara Kuantan Study Group Sam
1 week ago
11th July blessed day having Gen Lamsang Dharma sharing followed by DORJE SHUGDEN Puja Kechara Kuantan Study Group Sam
1 week ago
9 July had our weekly DORJE SHUGDEN Puja Kechara Kuantan Study Group by Sam
2 weeks ago
5th July had animals liberation activities. Kechara Kuantan Study Group Sam
2 weeks ago
2nd July had our weekly DORJE SHUGDEN Puja Kechara Kuantan Study Group Sam
1 month ago
18th June had our weekly Dharma sharing and DORJE SHUGDEN Kechara Kuantan Study Group Sam
1 month ago
Young friend, Sun Cheok Hong helped out after the puja ended. So Kin Hoe (KISG)
1 month ago
Our new visitors have come and joined us for Dorje Shugden puja in Kechara Ipoh. So Kin Hoe (KISG)
1 month ago
Throughout the puja, we have dedicated our accumulated merits for His Eminence the 26th Tsem Tulku Rinpoche's long life and good health, extends our prayers to those in need as well. So Kin Hoe (KISG)
1 month ago
Kechara Ipoh Study Group has carried out Dorje Shugden puja in Ipoh on Sunday noon. So Kin Hoe (KISG)
1 month ago
14th June dharma sharing, DORJE SHUGDEN Puja and blessings at Kechara Kuantan Study Group Sam
1 month ago
11th June had our weekly DORJE SHUGDEN Puja Kechara Kuantan Study Group Sam
1 month ago
7th Sunday animals liberation activities, saving thousands of lives Kechara Kuantan Study Group Sam
1 month ago
4th June had our weekly DORJE SHUGDEN Puja. Kechara Kuantan Study Group by the
1 month ago
4th June had our weekly DORJE SHUGDEN Puja. Kechara Kuantan Study Group by the
2 months ago
Pastor Albert giving us the Dharma Sharing in Kechara Ipoh Study Group on Saturday afternoon (23rd May). So Kin Hoe (KISG)
2 months ago
After the Dharma Sharing session, Dorje Shugden Puja was carried out and lead by Pastor Albert and Beng Kooi. So Kin Hoe (KISG)
2 months ago
24th May completed our DORJE SHUGDEN Mantras recitation Kechara Kuantan Study Group Sam
2 months ago
23rd May Group recitation of DORJE SHUGDEN mantras Kechara Kuantan Study Group Sam
2 months ago
21st May weekly DORJE SHUGDEN Puja, Kechara Kuantan Study Group by Sam
2 months ago
14th May had our weekly DORJE SHUGDEN Puja Kechara Kuantan Study Group Sam
2 months ago
Fwd: 10th May blessed day dharma sharing, blessings and DS puja Kechara Kuantan Study Group Sam
2 months ago
7th May evening had our DORJE SHUGDEN Puja Kechara Kuantan Study Group by Sam
3 months ago
30th April evening had our dharma sharing and DORJE SHUGDEN Puja Kechara Kuantan Study Group by Sam
3 months ago
26th April animal liberation activities Kechara Kuantan Study Group by Sam
3 months ago
Before our session ended today, Pastor Henry transferred the blessings onto us through the blessings of His Eminence Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, Lama Tsongkhapa and Dorje Shugden. So Kin Hoe (KISG)
3 months ago
Kechara Pastor Henry was sharing Dharma with us and gave us much insights on how to continue practicing Dharma without giving up easily. So Kin Hoe (KISG)
3 months ago
Through the blessings from our Guru, His Eminence Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, Kechara Pastor Henry and Kechara Umze Frederick Law have lead us in Dorje Shugden puja in Ipoh today. So Kin Hoe (KISG)
3 months ago
23rd April had Dharma sharing and DORJE SHUGDEN Puja Kechara Kuantan Study Group Sam
3 months ago
16th April evening had our weekly DORJE SHUGDEN Puja Kechara Kuantan Study Group by Sam
3 months ago
Emily offered fresh tea on Tsem Tulku Rinpoche's shrine. May our Guru lives long with good health. So Kin Hoe (KISG)
3 months ago
Mr. Cheah Fook Wan offered Serkym to The Three Jewels prior to Dorje Shugden puja. So Kin Hoe (KISG)
3 months ago
Mr. Mannance Wong has offered incense on behalf of everyone in Kechara Ipoh Study Group. So Kin Hoe (KISG)
3 months ago
Through the blessings from Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, Kechara Ipoh Study Group has completed our Dorje Shugden puja today. So Kin Hoe (KISG)
3 months ago
12th April having Anila with us Dharma sharing and DORJE SHUGDEN Puja Kechara Kuantan Study Group Sam kech
3 months ago
3 months ago
6th April cleaning of Gyenze Chapel Kechara Kuantan Study Group by Sam
3 months ago
5th March animals liberation activities Kechara Kuantan Study Group by the
4 months ago
2nd April blessed evening had our weekly DORJE SHUGDEN Puja Kechara Kuantan Study Group Sam