Accidental Buddhist, hesitant writer and fortunate student of H.E. Tsem Rinpoche. He's been there, done that and seriously cannot think of a better place to be than Now.
Martin's ability to partake in all earthly pleasures ruined by CS Lewis' quote:"I sometimes wonder whether all pleasures are not substitutes for joy." You can find more of his writings on his blog www.martinmkc.com.
Recently, the Tibetan Journal of Literature featured a compelling article by Dr. Christopher Bell shedding light on the Yellow Book, a pivotal work in the Dorje Shugden saga.
Dated July 26, 2023, Bell’s commentary delves into the intricacies of a 1973 publication by H.E. Kyabje Zemey Rinpoche titled Swelling Roar of Amassed Clouds of Nectar...
(By Tsem Rinpoche and Martin Chow) In December 2015, the international news group Reuters published what it claimed to be an investigative piece titled ‘China co-opts a Buddhist sect in global effort to smear Dalai Lama’. Four short paragraphs into the article and it became clear that Reuters had no intention of being impartial...
This is the hatred that this nun has expressed on Tsem Rinpoche's Facebook page. Rinpoche has not harmed her in any way. The only reason Rinpoche is subjected to such abuse is because...
The Modern Diplomacy article below alludes to the CTA being the same old feudalistic government, albeit with a new coat of paint and some labels by which it proceeds to regard itself as a democratic government...
(Oleh Tsem Rinpoche dan Martin Chow) Prolog Ketika pemerintahan Tibet mengeluarkan larangan terhadap praktik Dorje Shugden lebih dari 20 tahun yang lalu, alasan utama yang mereka kemukakan adalah bahwa praktik Pelindung ini dianggap mengancam nyawa Yang Suci Dalai Lama ke-14 yang sangat dicintai. Mereka juga menyatakan bahwa Dorje Shugden mengganggu upaya masyarakat Tibet...
It has been 58 years since His Holiness the Dalai Lama trusted Dorje Shugden with his life and made a perilous journey out of Tibet. The spread of the glorious Dharma in the past half century could not have happened without the 14th Dalai Lama.
One of the first things I was introduced to when I came to Kechara all those years back was the Lamrim, specifically Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand by the great Buddhist saint, Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche. In the Lamrim, the Dharma is described as the medicine, the Guru as the skillful doctor, and...
It is almost impossible to find a teacher that makes it his purpose of living to make sure we succeed in life and even beyond this life. Truly, this is one aspect of Tsem Rinpoche that is unlike any teacher or indeed anyone you would come across in your life...
Martin has been a student of His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche since 2010 and in that time he has had the privilege of closely witnessing how Rinpoche works, the unfathomable things Rinpoche does for people quietly, how lives have miraculously changed because of Rinpoche’s Dharma and what drives Rinpoche. As someone who came to the...
(By Tsem Rinpoche and Martin Chow) The Buddhist belief in ’emanation’ can be a somewhat complex concept to grasp. The term originates from the word ’emanate’ or ‘to come out from a source’. That word itself comes from the Latin emanare meaning ‘to flow from’. A Buddhist emanation is an animate or inanimate form...
Martin has been a student of His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche since 2010 and in that time he has had the privilege of closely witnessing how Rinpoche works, the unfathomable things Rinpoche does for people quietly, how lives have miraculously changed because of Rinpoche’s Dharma and what drives Rinpoche. As someone who came to the...
Martin has been a student of His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche since 2010 and in that time he has had the privilege of closely witnessing how Rinpoche works, the unfathomable things Rinpoche does for people quietly, how lives have miraculously changed because of Rinpoche’s Dharma and what drives Rinpoche. As someone who came to the...
Martin has been a student of His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche since 2010 and in that time he has had the privilege of closely witnessing how Rinpoche works, the unfathomable things Rinpoche does for people quietly, how lives have miraculously changed because of Rinpoche’s Dharma and what drives Rinpoche. As someone who came to the...
When the historical Buddha, Prince Siddhartha Gautama, achieved enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodhgaya, he came to be regarded as a perfect being. As such, his physical body was said to bear the marks and signs of this perfection. His perfect physical body was the direct result of three aeons of cultivating virtues...
Introduction “Hell is empty and all the devils are here.” – William Shakespeare A Brief History of the Devil The Devil, which is the universal symbol of all things wicked, heinous, corrupt and destructive is ever present in the awareness of the people of all cultures today. So common is the knowledge of the...
I have been a student of H.E. Tsem Rinpoche for almost 5 years and a practicing Tibetan Buddhist for about the same time. But this is not the first time I have regarded myself as a Buddhist. I was a ‘Buddhist’ when I was a child although in essence I was more of 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.
A card and hard disc from Sean Wang was truly a smart idea afterall. Nobody could imagine such idea but he did it. Placing thumb drives with millions and billions of Vajrayogini her holy mantra in Tibetan into the holy statue. Not only that drawing pictures too . Such a great idea whereby people come to make offerings, prostrate, circumambulate, collecting huge amount of merits for themselves and their love ones. Thanks to Sean Wang/
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing .
Reading this blog kindly reminded us of the most cherished people in our lives that’s our parents. Mother’s Day that is on this Sunday 12th of May and Father’s Day falls on the third Sunday in June. Teachers Day too important ……a day to honour and recognise their roles in our lives. Rinpoche always emphasised that we should not avoid the responsibility of repaying the kindness of the people who have helped us in our life. The only true way to honour and repay their kindness is to let them know that their kindness meant a lot to us . Do something good for them or someone else as this practice ultimately gives enormous power and possibilities for positive effects in many lives not just our own life. Simple saying thank you and expressing our appreciation can go a long way.
Reading all those powerful quotes by Rinpoche gives us a lesson and example.
Thank you Rinpoche and writers team for sharing
Achi Chökyi Drölma is the Dharma Protector of the Drikung Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. She also appears as a protector in the Karma Kagyu refuge tree as Achi Chodron. Although Achi has a particular committment to protect the Drikung Kagyu, she is recognized and practiced by all lineages of Tibetan Buddhism. To benefit the beings in samsara, she displays a limitless number of manifestations at different times and in different space dimensions. She vowed to protect the Drikung Kagyu lineage and its practitioners, removing inner and outer obstacles , a revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism, embodies the harmonious union of compassion, wisdom, and protective energy. a powerful wisdom-protector who guards and protects all sincere Dharma-practitioners to rely on her. She is also known for her power to confer wealth. She rose to protect Drikung Kagyu lineage while Dorje Shugden who rose to protect the Gelug teaching. Interesting read.
Thank you Rinpoche and Gen Lobsang Phuljung for this interesting write up
Dorje Shugden is a special Dharma Protector who quickly fulfils wishes and sincere prayers. He brings healing, harmony and peace; protects from harm and obstacles and attracts opportunities for success and growth. To promote the practice of Dorje Shugden, Kechara has came up a easy way for more people to understand the Powerful Practice. Presented in six different languages as such in English, Tibetan བོད་ཡིག, Chinese 中文, Hindi हिंदी, Tamil தமிழ், Nepali नेपाली so everyone could access. All those materials were distributed to visitors free of charge at all Kechara outlets. Looking at those pictures of visitors says all of how Kechara had spreads the practice of Dorje Shugden like wild fire. More people will get to know and understand the true stories and benefits of Dorje Shugden.
Thank you Rinpoche and writers for this great sharing.
For the last 60 years, the Tibetan Government-in-Exile has exploited, abused, marginalised and persecuted their people. For the first time in six decades, since the Tibetans first entered a life in exile, we are seeing more and more examples of ordinary Tibetans speaking up against this exploitation. In years gone past, Tibetans would never have dared to voice their objections to the leadership. They have been mixing religion and politics ever since. A majority of the Tibetans in India are stateless, and been sufferings quietly. Hundreds of thousands of Tibetans were killed during the Chinese invasion, prompting the young Dalai Lama to flee into exile in 1959. Because of all the exploitation the younger Tibetan generation are willing to express and speaking up.
Reading the commentary by a anonymous member of the Tibetan community tells us how those desperate Tibetans experienced all this while and to voice the truth. Interesting read. In order to achieve peace it is necessary to address the root of violence and conflict by having dialogue between the Chinese Government and the Tibetan Government.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing .
Coming up with these informative website is a great work of Rinpoche and writers team. With these website it had many people get to understand more of Tibetan Buddhism , great teachers teachings and of course all about the practice of Dorje Shugden. I am one of them , its was this website I got to know , learn, and understand about Tibetan Buddhism and Dorje Shugden.
Thank you Rinpoche with folded hands and writers team .
The legendary Ra Lotsawa Dorje Drak was born in the village of Nyenam,Southern Tibet amidst many auspicious signs of a high rebirth. Ra Lotsawa was a great tantric master and is one of the most controversial Buddhist teachers in Tibetan history who had used wrathful means to subjugate his opponents. One of the previous lives of Dorje Shugden is the renowned lama Ra Lotsawa Dorje Drak, Amongst his great deeds, Ra Lotsawa was known to have renovated many with Samye, Tibet’s first monastery. He also sponsored numerous new translation works, the copying and recitation of sacred scriptures, and the installation of Buddha statues. Interesting read of the biography of this great master. Ra Lotsawa Dorje Drakpa left behind a legacy of many great lamas, practitioners and preserving, as well as spreading this tantric system in Tibet.
Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David for this sharing.
Dorjé Shukden is a controversial Tibetan Buddhist protector deity, believed by some to be a wrathful spirit and by others to be an enlightened Buddha. The controversy that arose from this divided understanding over the last fifty years has impacted the Tibetan Buddhist community globally and continues to be relevant to observers and practitioners of Buddhism the world over. The Yellow Book, based on its cover. It was composed by Kyabje Zemey Rinpoche in 1970, but it was not published until 1973. Kyabje Zemey Rinpoche never intended for his book to be published but somehow it was published without his permission. According to the introduction, Kyabje Zemey Rinpoche authored this book in 1970 based on teachings given by Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, the junior tutor to the 14th Dalai Lama.The original intention of this book was to be complementary material to Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche’s book, Music Delighting An Ocean of Protectors, which was published six years before the Yellow Book. The Yellow Book did not circulate widely until several years later. It is a collection of cautionary tales and teachings but sadly some influential powerful officials and people who had corrupted the Gelug lineage . Interesting read.
I am looking forward to finish reading this book.
Thank you Rinpoche and Martin for this interesting sharing.
Firebirds are mythical birds found in the folklore of many cultures. They are often depicted as magical birds with feathers that glow like flames or the sun. The mythology surrounding firebirds varies between cultures, but there are some common themes. In Greek mythology, the mythical bird known for its ability to be reborn from its ashes, symbolizing immortality and renewal. It is often depicted as a beautiful and majestic creature with brightly coloured feathers and a long tail. Interesting read of the stories related to the mythology, legend and folklore in this blog.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.
Wow….such a stunning sacred image 1,000 Armed Avalokitesvara as gift from Joshua and family for Rinpoche . More so receiving it on Wesak Day is indeed wonderful. Merely looking at this stunning images is a blessing. Its such a meaningful and beautiful gift.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing
For thousands of years a mystical paradise land hidden within the Himalayan Mountains called Shambhala also known by many names. For many generations, people have attempted to search for this paradise land of spiritual evolution.According to the legend, Shambhala is a place of peace and happiness. The existence of Shambhala is mentioned in the old scripture. There are many legends associated with the location of Shambhala. There are many great meditators that have travelled astrally to this beautiful paradise place sharing and describe their experiences. Reading through this interesting article again and again to understand better.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.
Cham Dance is the traditional dance of Tibetans. It involves a series of masked dances, which are usually performed by monks and laymen, wearing colourful costumes. These dances are vibrant and lively and are performed during annual festivals. Dorje Shugden Cham dance is one of them, is said to have originated in the Himalayan range and by far the date and year are kept as a treasured secret to this date. The Dorje Shugden cham dance is rare but not an obscure lineage; there are certain monasteries in Tibet who have practised this dance for hundreds of years. Dorje Shugden Cham dance is a colourful and impressive performance, performed by Buddhist monks who practiced Dorje Shugden. The Cham dance is very powerful and through the dance which depicts the truth of Dorje Shugden.There are a few variations of accounts on the history and the lineage of Dorje Shugden, written by various attained lamas in the last 350 years. Collected works on Dorje Shugden written by His H H Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche considered the most accurate account. As describes clearly how Dorje Shugden for many lifetimes had manifested high level Mahasiddhas. Dorje Shugden and his entourage of thirty-two deities are all depicted in the Cham dance as a World Peace Protector. Interesting read.
Thank you Rinpoche great sharing.
Momo is a dumpling made of all-purpose flour and filled with either meat or vegetables. Inspired by Tibetan dumplings, the dish is a very popular Nepali street food. It is one of my favourite foods. Last year while in Kathmandu I am fortunate given the opportunity to learn and made vegetarian Momos.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing as it reminds me of trip there visiting some of the Holiest sites and trying my hand making momos then.
Bouddha, also known as Boudhanath, is a stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal which is located about 11 km from outskirts of Kathmandu. Its massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal and the world. The Boudhanath Stupa pyramid is coated with over 60 pounds of gold, is one of the largest and one of the most significant Buddhist monuments in the world. This great Stupa is home to precious relics and this semi-circular structure stands out with its majestic mandala, recognized by UNESCO in 1979 as a World Heritage Site. The Boudhanath is the most sacred sites in Tibetan Buddhism outside of Tibet, reflecting the cosmological tenets of Buddhism. Was there last year June joining thousands of pilgrims circumambulate the stupa.
The aerial view of this Boudhanath Stupa is magnificent indeed. Looking merely at the pictures is a blessing.
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!
1 week ago
Today we have an inaugural cancer free diet talk and info sharing by Mr. Ooi. Mr. Ooi is a Penangite and like any other man, he has a family to provide for. From colon cancer stage 4,he is now known as a cancer-free man. Learn more about his story and his acquaintance with Dorje Shugden here https://youtu.be/x7i-yXJBUwM?si=A-5O0udxjg52iS58
1 week ago
Kind-hearted sponsors sponsored these kuih-muih & flowers for today's puja @ 4th May, 2024. Should you wish to contribute these or sponsor our weekly puja, do contact us for more details. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
3 weeks ago
Pastor Seng Piow guides us on the flow of Dorje Shugden puja, its benefits, significant of Chanting the names of Manjushri and also explaining the dedication for the sponsors and to those in need before we start the puja as we have 2 newcomers today.
3 weeks ago
Two Pastors in da house! Double the merits, double the happiness. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
4 weeks ago
Mr. Cheah Fook Wan offered lights and incense to The Three Jewels prior to the puja in Ipoh. (KISG - Kin Hoe)
4 weeks ago
Kechara Ipoh Study Group has carried out Mother Tara prayer recitations on Sunday afternoon in Ipoh. (KISG- Kin Hoe)
1 month ago
Powerful Dorje Shugden puja @ Jalan Seang Tek, Penang. Every Saturday, 3 pm. Remove obstacles and grant blessings to fulfil wishes. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta. 6th April 2024
2 months ago
Rejoice to the volunteers (also kind sponsors) who cleaned the Gyenze Chapel and made abundant offerings to Gyenze. ~ Alice
2 months ago
Offered beautiful flowers abundantly to Gyenze. ~ Alice
2 months ago
Offered beautiful flowers abundantly to Gyenze. ~ Alice
2 months ago
Our weekly Dorje Shugden Puja @ 23/3/2024 . William, as the umze is seen here burning incense powder as we are about to recite the Sangsol Prayer to Dorje Shugden composed by Ganden Serkong. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
2 months ago
And here's Mr Wong of KSK Ipoh who dropped by to pray and offered some donation to the Chapel. Kechara Penang Study Group. Pic by Siew Hong & uploaded by Jacinta.
2 months ago
Today's puja (16/3/2024) ended around 420pm, Jacinta was the umze of the day. Pic by Siew Hong. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
2 months ago
Group photo taken after the last session, sealed with King of Prayers. Come and join us next time! Sayonara - 9-10th March 2024 - Kechara Penang DS Retreat by Jacinta.
2 months ago
Abundance altar! Fruits, flowers, Mee Koo (traditional Penang buns), Bee Hoon, sourdoughs and snacks are some of the offerings to Rinpoche, Buddhas & Bodhisattvas. Kechara Penang Dorje Shugden Retreat 9-10th March, 2024 by Jacinta.
2 months ago
Siew Hong, one of retreatants and an active member of Kechara Penang group proudly presented her torma to be used during the Kalarupa puja. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
2 months ago
Torma making was taught by Pastor Seng Piow and held one day before the retreat. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
2 months ago
Penang Dorje Shugden Retreat cum Puja, 9-10th March 2024 led by Pastor Seng Piow with 12 retreatants. Uploaded by Jacinta
3 months ago
The celebration ended with a Dorje Shugden puja, dedicated to all the sponsors, our loved ones and as well as for the happiness & good health for all sentient beings. May Rinpoche return swiftly too and taking this opportunity wishing all Happy Chinese New Year and Gong Xi Fa Cai from all of us, Kechara Penang Study Group. Uploaded by Jacinta.
3 months ago
Seen here, Pastor Seng Piow set off firecrackers - welcoming of the upcoming year with enthusiasm and positive energy. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
3 months ago
In this pic, Pastor Seng Piow is sharing Dharma with newbies ~ Sharyn's friends. It's always good to make light offerings at the beginning of new year. By making light offerings, you are able to dispel the darkness of ignorance and achieve wisdom. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
3 months ago
One the day of Losar (new lunar year), it is always beneficial for Buddhist practitioners to get together in making abundant offerings to Buddhas on the altar to usher in goodness, prosperity and well-being of our loved ones. It's more auspicious this year as Losar and the Chinese New Year begin on the same date, 10th Feb, 2024. Back in Penang, our Kechara members came together to decorate the altar with abundance offerings for Dorje Shugden puja @3pm. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
3 months ago
Mr. Dared Lim was offering water bowls on behalf of Kechara Ipoh Study Group. (Kin Hoe)
3 months ago
Jun from Ipoh was offering mandarin oranges to Mother Tara and The Three Jewels. (Kin Hoe)
3 months ago
Prior to our puja in Ipoh, Mr. & Mrs. Cheah Fook Wan were preparing for the offerings to the Buddhas. (Kin Hoe)
3 months ago
On Sunday afternoon, Kechara Ipoh Study Group has carried out Mother Tara prayer recitations in Ipoh. (Kin Hoe)
3 months ago
Some of the best shots taken during Thaipusam in Penang. Swee Bee, Huey, Tang KS, Nathan, Choong SH and Jacinta volunteered. Wai Meng came all the way from KL to help out. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
3 months ago
Simple yet powerful ally ~ Bhagawan Dorje Shuden. Kechara Penang Study Group consists of Chien Seong, Hue, Choong SH, Tang KS, Swee Bee and Jacinta. Wai Meng came all the way from KL to help out. Uploaded by Jacinta.
3 months ago
Thaipusam in Penang. Some of the best shots. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
4 months ago
Nothing beats having a sacred audience with our lineage lamas. It's not selfie or wefie, but we have the best 'groufie'!!! 20th Jan 2024, Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
4 months ago
Welcoming our lineage Gurus to our Penang Chapel today! Pastor Seng Piow explained the significance of having Guru Tree and introduced to us our lineage lamas, Buddhas, deities, protectors and etc.
4 months ago
Umze for the day was Siew Hong. She's just been with us for slightly more than a year now but she's proven her capability in leading the puja. Our Penang group members are so proud of her and her commitment in attending the weekly puja. Despite being eloquence and smart, she has beautiful chant as well. When she leads, make sure you are there to hear her chant for yourself! Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
4 months ago
Umze for the day was Siew Hong. She's just been with us for slightly more than a year now but she's proven her capability in leading the puja. Our Penang group members are so proud of her and her commitment in attending the weekly puja. Despite being eloquence and smart, she has beautiful chant as well. When she leads, make sure you are there to hear her chant for yourself! Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
5 months ago
Tara Recitation is on now at KISG - Wai Meng
5 months ago
Photo from Wan Wai Meng
5 months ago
A sea of yellow ~usually in Tibetan Buddhism yellow represents growth. We prayed that our Penang group will grow in terms of people, wealth and attainments too. _/_ Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
5 months ago
After Dorje Shugden puja @3pm, we had Rinpoche's Swift Return puja too. We laughed as Sis Swee Bee was commenting that Tang should smile ~ here's the reason why we laughed. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta Goh
5 months ago
5 months ago
Today's (9/12/2023)Dorje Shugden puja led by Gordon. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.