Ucheyma: The Severed Head Goddess Vajra Yogini

By | Nov 25, 2018 | Views: 32,243
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(Top to bottom): H.H. the 7th Panchen Lama, Ucheyma (Severed Headed Vajrayogini), Vajra Varnani (green assistant), Vajra Vairocani (yellow assistant), Dorje Shugden and Citipati. Click for high-resolution image or click here for more high resolution Buddha images.

(By Tsem Rinpoche and Pastor David Lai)

Ucheyma’s (Tibetan; Sanskrit: Chinnamasta) awe-inspiring depiction as a self-decapitating goddess has inspired generations of practitioners since the introduction of tantric practice in ancient India. Her practice had migrated north to Tibet, where she is known as Dorje Neljorma Ucheyma. Both Ucheyma and Chinnamasta literally mean, “she whose head is severed.” Her practice has inspired a Hindu counterpart who is part of the ten Mahavidyas, avatars of Devi, the Mother Goddess. There are a number of temples dedicated to this goddess throughout India.

“An ordinary person couldn’t ever survive if their head was severed. The body would just go lifeless. In this extreme symbolism, Vajrayogini shows that by cutting off the ego, samsara goes lifeless. This rare form of Vajrayogini expresses that divine life can be achieved even if the head (ego) is severed.”

Homage to the Divine Lady,
Whom out of compassion,
emanates in myriads of forms
in this degenerate age to subdue our various minds.
Using the energy of desire, She attracts us to Her form,
then brings us to full liberation.

慈悲化现种种微妙相
末法世中降伏繁杂心
善用欲望摄见佛母身
而后令得圆满解脱境
故我顶礼至尊圣佛母
愿我世世不离无头母

May we never be separated from the Noble Headless Lady.

– Tsem Rinpoche

 

Her Terrifying Form

The iconography of Buddhist deities, like their posture and the colour of their skin, is imbued with deep meaning. In fact, every deity represents an enlightened activity which primarily counters a particular delusion. For example, Green Tara sits in the Lalitasana posture with one leg folded on the lotus seat while her other leg is outstretched and hanging down, sometimes supported by a lotus flower. This is like someone who is sitting but has one leg positioned, always ready to arise in order to assist others. This denotes that her general activity is peaceful but her outstretched leg represents her readiness to assist and her swiftness in coming to the aid of her devotees.

Vajrayogini Naro Kechari, on the other hand, is in the alidhasana posture, in the “attitude of drawing the bow,” with her left leg bent and the right leg straight. This means that she is poised and ready to do battle with our delusions and negative karma. The colour of the deity generally represents a particular delusion that the deity counters. For example, Green Tara’s green-hued skin means that her practice counters jealousy. Vajrayogini, with her bright coral-hued skin, shows that she counters desire. The practice of these deities usually targets one particular delusion as a means of eradicating all other delusions. Therefore, the eradication of that one delusion is like a doorway for the deity to gain access to the entire house, representing all other delusions.

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The Goddess Chinnamasta is in reality the Headless Vajrayogini or Ucheyma. Click to enlarge or click here for more high resolution Buddha images.

One of the most authoritative sources for the correct iconography of Ucheyma in the Buddhist tradition is found in the Rinchen Lhantab collection of sadhanas compiled by His Holiness the 7th Panchen Lama Tenpai Nyima (1782-1853). In page 238 of her sadhana, Ucheyma, referred to as Buddha Dakini, has orange-hued skin. Her right leg is straight, stepping on Kalarati while her left leg is bent, stepping on Bhairava.

On the left of Ucheyma is her attendant Vajravarnani, who is green in colour. Her left leg is extended and she holds a ritual chopper in her right hand and a skullcup in her left. On Ucheyma’s right is Vajravairocani who is yellow in colour. Her right leg is extended and she holds the same implements as the other attendant. All three deity-figures are adorned with crowns of five dry skulls and wear a garland of fifty fresh heads around their necks. They are standing in the middle of a blazing wisdom fire.

Ucheyma’s right hand, extended downwards, holds a curved ritual chopper and her left hand holds aloft a blood-filled skullcup. She holds a khatvanga (tantric ritual staff) on her left shoulder. Her head is severed and sits in the skullcup. The three severed blood vessels at the trunk of Ucheyma’s neck spurt three jets of blood that flow into the mouth of her own decapitated head that she carries in her left hand and the mouths of her two attendants.

H.E. Tsem Rinpoche explained that the three represent the three root delusions and that the practice of Ucheyma purifies the psychic poisons of ignorance, hatred and desire. This purification leads to the attainment of the three bodies of a Buddha – the truth body, the enjoyment body and the emanation body. In other words, the severance of the ego via her tantric path leads to the purification of all delusions and ultimately, to the attainment of Buddhahood itself.

Another depiction of Chinnamasta. Not only does Chinnamasta's form depict her divine nature, but she also shows us that after we remove our egos, contrary to conventional thinking we do not die. Like her body can exist without her head, we can exist without our egos. Click to enlarge.

Another depiction of Chinnamasta. Not only does her form depict her divine nature, but she also shows us that after we remove our egos, contrary to conventional thinking we do not die. Like her body can exist without her head, we can exist without our egos. Click to enlarge or click here for more high resolution Buddha images.

The main symbolism of the headless Vajrayogini is not about non-attachment to the body as some might assume. It is about the clean and complete removal of the ego – the grasping at a self or individual identity. Generally, our self-identity is connected with our face more than any other part of our body. We usually recognise a person when we look at his or her face. Our ego is thus strongly associated with our face. Hence, Ucheyma uses her ritual knife to decapitate herself. This indicates that her practice eradicates the ego.

The Severed Head Vajrayogini or Ucheyma, surrounded by the other forms of Vajrayogini. Click to enlarge or click here for more high resolution Buddha images.

The Severed Head Vajrayogini removes all afflictive mental constructs by removing their root cause, the belief in a separate self or ego. We have feelings of attachment or aversion to people and circumstances because we have an ego to please, gratify and protect. However, in reality, this self or ‘I’ is illusory and does not really exist. Therefore, Ucheyma reveals this truth with the dramatic decapitation of her head. In this act, she also demonstrates that, without the ego, one is still able to live and function. Not only live, but live even better. Live a life of truth. Free from false projections. She does this not through the divine powers of a Buddha but through direct perception of emptiness and egolessness.

Contrary to what some people might think, the eradication of the self does not destroy individualism, our personality or turn us into mindless people. In fact, the eradication of the ego makes us more vibrant, compassionate and aware of the suffering of others. In other words, we become much warmer, kinder, forgiving, tolerant, conscientious, generous, and contemplative individuals. Basically, we are a joy to be with. Therefore, the cutting of the ego or the ‘I’ brings us closer to our true self, the Buddhanature within.

 

Origins of Her Tantra

The practice of Ucheyma is one of the important lineages of the tantric Buddha Vajrayogini. Vajrayogini’s cycle of teachings can be traced to the Chakrasamvara Root Tantra where she is described in Chapters 47 and 48. The Chakrasamvara Tantra in turn was taught by Buddha Shakyamuni who manifested in his mystical Tantric aspect of Buddha Vajradhara in order to teach the tantric system. Therefore Vajrayogini’s practice is classified as one of the Highest Yoga Tantras, which means that her practice can directly confer enlightenment within a single lifetime.

H.H. Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche’s personal Vajrayogini statue inside his retreat cave. Click on image to enlarge.

Vajrayogini’s meditative practice, in general, utilises desire which is the most potent delusion in our realm of existence. Furthermore, her simple form of one face, two arms and two legs reflects the relative simplicity of her practice and yet, it has the most effective potential to bestow high attainments. According to the Chakrasamvara Tantra, Vajrayogini’s mantra is hailed as the ‘King of Mantras’ because it can bestow attainments merely by recitation alone. Her tantric system is therefore regarded as the most suitable for modern practitioners who have very little perseverance and time for the extended practice of other higher tantric systems.

In addition, Vajrayogini is well-known to bring practitioners to her pure realm of Kechara Paradise if they engage in her practice sincerely. Ascension to her pure realm is desired because it is a special place emanated from her mind where all our needs are provided for and where there are no distractions to our practice, because everything in her realm is generated for practitioners to gain realisations. In other words, Kechara is the perfect place to take rebirth so we can continue our practice uninterruptedly on our path to Buddhahood.

It is said that it will take the laziest of practitioners 14 lifetimes to ascend to the outer Kechara Paradise. Here, the outer Kechara Paradise refers to her physical pure realm. For those within Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche’s special lineage of Vajrayogini in the form of Naro Kechari, the deity herself promised Pabongka Rinpoche that those who receive her initiation within four generations of Him will take only seven lifetimes to ascend to the outer Kechara Paradise. However, if we are a diligent practitioner we can achieve inner Kechara Paradise, also known as enlightenment, within this lifetime itself.

 

The Lineage of Her Practice

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The Headless Vajrayogini is sometimes known as Trikaya Vajrayogini because her two attendants are her emanations. Click to enlarge or click here for more high resolution Buddha images.

According to Taranatha’s Rinjung Gyatsa collection of practices and sadhanas, the lineage of this practice stems from the Mad Princess Mahasiddha Laksminkara. Her sadhana is also included in the Rinchen Lhantab by the 7th Panchen Lama, Tenpai Nyima. She is also included as one of the practices mentioned in the old biographies of Krsnacharya and the two sister mahasiddhas, Mekhala and Kanakhala. However, there are no current lineages that can be traced back to these mahasiddhas, which means that their lineage did not survive to this day.

Pages 1175 to 1176 of the Rinjung Gyatsa by Taranatha includes a description of the Severed Head Goddess’s lineage. The lineage begins with Vajravarahi who transmitted it to Cham Laksminkara, and from the latter it was passed to Virupa the Younger, Avadhutipa, Dongdarpa, Sonyompa Gyalwa Jin, Sonyompa Sanggye Jin, Balpo Pandita Deva Akarachandra, Hungdu Karpo, Dragpa Varendraruchi, Chel Lo Kunga Dorje, Kyi Konchog Bar, Je Gyaltsa Rinpoche, Tropu Lotsawa, Lhachen Sowang, Tropu Sonam Sengge, Yangtsewa, Buton Rinchen Drub (also known as Buton Chenpo) and so forth.

By understanding the lives of the lineage masters and how highly attained they were, we can see just how powerful Ucheyma’s practice must be, as well as the tremendous spiritual blessings she can bestow. For such great masters to have held her lineage and promoted her practice, they must have known the incredible potential that she can have in transforming our lives. Below are some brief descriptions about a few of the notable masters within the lineage.

Cham Laksminkara

Cham Laksminkara. The main surviving lineage of Chinnamasta in Tibet can be attributed to her. Click to enlarge.

Cham Laksminkara. The main surviving lineage of Ucheyma in Tibet can be attributed to her. Click to enlarge or click here for more high resolution Buddha images.

Also known as the “Mad Princess”, the Mahasiddha Laksminkara was initiated into the practice when Vajravarahi appeared to her in the form of Ucheyma. You can read more about Laksminkara below.

 

Virupa the Younger

Also known as the “Eastern Virupa”, he is not to be confused with the famous Mahasiddha Virupa from whom the lineage of Lamdre (the Path and its Fruit) teachings of the Sakya tradition is said to descend and who was posthumously recognised as an earlier incarnation of the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden.

Virupa the Younger was in fact the teacher of the famed yogini Sukhasiddhi, whose teachings became incorporated to form the core of the Shangpa Kagyu tradition. Virupa the Younger is also famous for having been a primary lineage holder of various Vajravarahi practices and in particular, the Severed Head Goddess or Ucheyma. According to the master Taranatha, in his Book of Seven Mystic Revelations, Virupa the Younger later became the disciple of the older Virupa.

 

Avadhutipa

Avadhutipa, a Mahasiddha who was known to be tremendously kind to children. Click to enlarge.

Avadhutipa, a Mahasiddha who was known to be tremendously kind to children. Click to enlarge or click here for more high resolution Buddha images.

The Mahasiddha Avadhutipa was an Indian king who came to follow the teachings of the Mahasiddha Damarupa. Eventually, he renounced his kingdom in order to practise a path free from extremes. He was a Mahasiddha who was tremendously kind to children, and was known to spend his time playing in the streets with them. He also transmitted the Lamdre teachings to the Indian Pandit Gayadhara, who is famed for later transmitting them in Tibet.

 

Dongdarpa

Dongdarpa was from the Indian kingdom of Magadha and at an early age gained a strong desire to enter religious life. Having heard that Avadhutipa was residing in Bengal and had attained enlightenment, he disguised himself as a monk and went to meet the master. Following Avadhutipa for three years, he was initiated into the practice of Vajravarahi and had a clear vision of her.

After leaving Avadhutipa and while residing at Jalandhara, he heard about a tirthika who was to engage in a contest with the monks of Vikramasila Monastery in both philosophy and supernatural powers. The monks had difficulties in finding a scholar who could defeat the tirthika, and so, learning of this, Dongdarpa travelled to the debate and volunteered himself just as it was about to begin.

Deciding to challenge Dongdarpa with supernatural powers, the tirthika emanated a poisonous, shimmering snake to destroy him. Having attained mastery of the Vajravarahi practice, Dongdarpa transformed his head to resemble the sow head commonly depicted atop Vajravarahi’s head. Making the sound “thik”, he swallowed the snake in one single gulp. Thus he defeated the tirthika, who then converted to Buddhism according to the tradition of the time, when those defeated in debate or contests of supernatural powers would convert to the tradition of the victor. Dongdarpa is not only known for his propagation of the main Vajravarahi practice but also the Ucheyma practice as well.

 

Sonyompa Gyalwa Jin

Sonyompa Gyalwa Jin was once a great king who, after raising his son Bhojadeva to take his place on the throne, proceeded to the forest, accompanied by his retinue, to become a renunciate. There he chanced upon Dongdarpa, who stared at the king for a prolonged time. Angered at Dongdarpa’s insolence at staring for so long, the king ordered his retinue to kill the yogin. Dongdarpa however, pronounced several discourses on the Dharma and the king was subdued and took up meditative practice. He became known as Sonyompa or “alms-gatherer” and attained supernatural abilities through his practice.

 

Sonyompa Sangye Jin

Sonyompa Sangye Jin was Sonyompa Gyalwa Jin’s attendant. Together they travelled to Nepal where they begged for alms at the door of a man named Mahe Bharo, who sent his servant to give them food and wine. When she poured wine into Sonyompa Sangye Jin’s skull-cup, she was astonished to see it boil. She hurried back to report to Mahe Bharo, who developed great faith in the masters and went out to give them both alms himself.

 

Balpo Pandita Deva Akarachandra

Balpo Pandita Deva Akarachandra was the son of a Nepali monk and is regarded as a reincarnation of King Arshadhara who was the father of Mandarava, one of the two principal consorts of Guru Rinpoche. Also known as Sunyatasamadhi, Balpo Pandita Deva Akarachandra was one of the pupils of Maitripa together with the likes of Dipamkara Srijnana Atisha and the famed translator Marpa.

 

Hungdu Karpo

According to the Blue Annals, a historical survey of Buddhism in Tibet, Hungdu Karpo’s given name was Punyakarabhadra and his formal name was Varendraruci. He was a Newari who, amongst other things, had aided Ngok Lotsawa Loden Sherab in translating five texts. Loden Sherab himself was known as a prolific translator and the master who brought the practice of the Dharma Protector Setrap from Bodhgaya in India to Tibet. Hungdu Karpo was an expert in the Vajravarahi cycles of teachings, including the Ucheyma practice.

 

Chel Lo Kunga Dorje

The translator Chel Lo Kunga Dorje was the son of Ngok Jo Tsultrim Sherab and his wife Dardze. Sadly, his father died when he was only seven months old. It is said that at the age of six, he was able to recite the Manjushri Namasamgiti text from memory. Later in life, although he wanted to become a monk, being an only son, he was expected to continue the family line. At the age of 25, he married and had three children. However, his aims of a spiritually-fulfilled life came to fruition when he founded a monastic educational institution at Zhung Treuzhing which became a primary centre for tantric teachings for many subsequent generations of the Kagyu tradition.

 

Je Gyaltsa Rinpoche

Together with his brother Kunden (1148-1217), Je Gyaltsa Rinpoche founded the Tropu Kagyu lineage, one of the eight minor Kagyu lineages. He also founded Tropu Monastery which became the seat of the tradition. Although asked to marry, he slowly gained his father’s permission to remain single. He had 82 teachers who were mainly from the Kagyu lineages; prominent lamas from the Nyingma tradition; two who were the direct disciples of Padampa Sangye in the Zhije lineage; as well as teachers of Chöd, a practice closely associated with the Vajravarahi cycles of practice.

 

Tropu Lotsawa

Tropu Lotsawa, who invited the Kashmiri pandit and last Abbot of Nalanda Monastery in India, the great Shakyashri Bhadra, to Tibet. Click to enlarge.

Tropu Lotsawa, who invited the Kashmiri pandit and last Abbot of Nalanda Monastery in India, the great Shakyashri Bhadra, to Tibet. Click to enlarge.

Tropu Lotsawa was an early progenitor of the Tropu Kagyu lineage and nephew of Je Gyaltsa Rinpoche. He became the abbot of Tropu Monastery and was a prolific translator of Buddhist scriptures, holder of lineages, host to important Indian Buddhist teachers and the creator of religious monuments. Once, after travelling to Nepal, he requested the Indian tantric master Mitrayogin to travel with him to Tibet. Mitrayogin’s teachings would go on to have a great impact on Tibetan Buddhism. He also invited the Kashmiri pandit and last Abbot of Nalanda Monastery in India, the great Shakyashri Bhadra, to Tibet. During Shakyashri Bhadra’s decade-long stay in Tibet, Tropu Lotsawa translated for this great master, earning him the impressive title of “Lotsawa,” an honorific term used to refer to a respected translator.

 

Buton Rinchen Drub (Buton Chenpo)

Buton Rinchen Drub who enacted countless incredible deeds, including the compilation and organisation of the Kangyur (spoken words of the Buddha) and Tangyur (commentaries of the teachings).

Buton Rinchen Drub enacted countless incredible deeds, including the compilation and organisation of the Kangyur (spoken words of the Buddha) and Tangyur (commentaries of the teachings). Click to enlarge or click here for more high resolution Buddha images.

By far the most famous of the later followers of the Tropu Kagyu tradition and the lineage holders of the Ucheyma practice was Buton Rinchen Drub. Originally a resident of Tropu Monastery, he later moved to Zhalu Monastery where he became the institution’s 11th Abbot. Buton Rinchen Drub is remembered to this day as a prodigious scholar, author and Tibet’s most celebrated historian. He is credited with having compiled and organised the Kangyur collection that contains the Indian scriptures based on the spoken words of the Buddha, and the Tangyur collection that contains the Indian and Tibetan commentaries of these teachings.

Within his biography, Buton Rinchen Drub is also known by the epithet “Thamche Khyenpa” which literally means ‘the Omniscient One’. This refers to his reputation for very clear clairvoyance arising from his tantric practice. His biography is littered with various examples of his clairvoyance which became the basis of this epithet. Though Buton Rinchen Drub is commonly known for his practice of the Kalachakra Tantra, he was one of the key lineage holders of the Ucheyma practice as well.

 

The Headless Yoginis and Their Teacher, Krsnacarya

Due to the amazing feat they performed for their guru, the sister-mahasiddhas Mekhala and Kanakhala are known as the Headless Yoginis. Their story begins as the two unmarried daughters of an elderly widower in the ancient town of Devikotta in India. From a young age they developed a notorious reputation in the town for their schismatic ways and the nasty tricks they played on the townsfolk.

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According to his biography, the Mahasiddha Krsnacarya proliferated the practice of the headless Vajrayogini. Click to enlarge or click here for more high resolution Buddha images.

The years rolled by and their father was finally able to marry them off into the families of fishermen in a faraway seaside village. These families did not know any better as news of the sisters’ exploits had not reached their ears. However, it did not take long for these families to realise that their acceptance of the sisters as brides was a big mistake. The sisters continued their nasty behaviour in their new homes especially with their husbands, who would tell the sisters off ceaselessly but to no avail. Even their neighbours began to hate them and had the most vicious things to say about them.

For years, they made everyone’s lives miserable and complained incessantly to each other. One day, Kanakhala, the younger of the two, suggested that they run away in order to escape their unhappy marriages but Mekhala, speaking with unusual wisdom and insight, said, “You know, I think we actually deserve what we get because we are the authors of our own fate. It is not going to be different anywhere else because we take ourselves with us. There is no escape after all.

At exactly that moment, the guru Krsnacarya arrived in town with a large retinue, amid a flurry of activity, great fanfare and the miraculous sound of damaru drums. On the spur of the moment, the sisters ran out and prostrated at his lotus feet, begging for teachings and instructions. The great master initiated them and instructed them in the practice of Vajravarahi which unites both wisdom and compassion, the two wings of enlightenment.

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This line drawing depicts the dramatic moment when the Mahasiddhas Mekhala and Kanakhala decapitated themselves as an offering to their Guru, the Mahasiddha Krsnacarya. Click to enlarge or click here for more high resolution Buddha images.

Taking the instructions to heart, the two sisters meditated diligently for 12 years and achieved a high level of spiritual attainments. Later, they decided to pay a visit to their guru in order to request for more teachings. After searching for a while, they found him. Humbly, they prostrated themselves and walked reverently around him in the manner of paying their respects according to ancient Indian custom. Krsnacarya received them warmly but it was quite obvious that he could not recall who they were. The sisters told him the story of their original meeting and that he had initiated them into the practice of Vajravarahi.

All of a sudden, Krsnacarya sternly demanded, “If I have given you initiation and you are my students, then why haven’t you brought me any offerings?” In response, the sisters offered their service and in unison asked their guru what he desired of them. Krsnacarya immediately replied, “Offer me your heads!”

Without a moment of hesitation, the sisters miraculously produced brilliant swords of pure awareness from their mouths, severed their heads and offered them to their guru. As they did so, their decapitated heads sang a song of their attainments as symbolised by their offering. Krsnacarya was overjoyed at their offering and level of attainments. In response, he sang:

Look at these two great yogini-sisters!
They have arrived at their destination with joy.
Now is the time to let go of what you have achieved,
And set out to bring this joy to others instead.

Thereafter, Krsnacarya restored their heads back onto their bodies perfectly, without even the slightest scar on their necks. In humility and gratitude for the Dharma they had received, the sisters once again prostrated before their guru and touched his feet in reverence. It is said that at that very moment of gratitude, the sisters purified the last vestiges of negativity and attained the siddhi of Mahamudra or enlightenment.

From then on, the sisters were known as the Headless Yoginis and it was due to this incident that they were associated with Ucheyma. Perhaps the sisters had also received the practice of Ucheyma from their guru, although this is not mentioned in their biography. However, in the biography of Krsnacarya it is mentioned that he gave the Ucheyma initiation and teachings seven days before he passed away and entered the Paradise of the Dakinis. As for the sisters, they worked tirelessly for many years in order to benefit sentient beings and when their time came, they rose up to enter the Paradise of the Dakinis in their own bodies.

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Ucheyma – the awe-inspiring image of ‘She Whose Head is Severed’. Click to enlarge or click here for more high resolution Buddha images.

Click on image to enlarge

Mahasiddha Krsnacharya and Dorje Shugden. Click for high-resolution image or click here for more high resolution Buddha images.

 

The Mad Princess Laksminkara

It is said that within the Dakini realm of Oddiyana, King Indrabhuti was the ruler of the kingdom of Sambhola while King Jalendra ruled the neighbouring kingdom of Lankapuri. In order to secure an alliance between both kingdoms, Indrabhuti betrothed his sister, Laksminkara to Jalendra’s son.

Princess Laksminkara

The lineage of the Headless Vajrayogini is said to have originated from the Mahasiddha Laksminkara

At that time, Laksminkara was only seven years old but she was already exhibiting all the signs of an extraordinary being. She was a beautiful and intelligent child who received teachings from the master Kambala and others. The years rolled by and when she turned 16, it was time for her to get married. She was sent in a royal procession to the Kingdom of Lankapuri. Up until that time, she had lived a sheltered life in the palace and she was terrified of what would happen to her as she started her new life. At this point, she only thought of engaging in her meditative practices.

The departure of the royal procession was delayed and they arrived late at the palace gates of the strange new city. They were not allowed to proceed and were informed by astrologers that it was an inauspicious day to enter the palace. Thus, they had to spend the night outside the palace gates. The princess felt apprehensive about her new environment and as the night progressed, she fell into a depression. As she observed the hustle and bustle of ordinary people, she became even more depressed when it dawned on her that this strange new city was full of people who had never heard of the Buddha’s name.

When dawn came, she was finally allowed to enter the palace. Just before entering, a hunting party rode past with a dead deer slung over one of the horses. The head of the party was a fine young man dressed in princely regalia soiled with the blood of that same deer. Shocked to find out that this prince would be the one she was to marry, she gave away her entire dowry, locked herself in her chambers and did not see anyone for 10 days. During that time, she decided that her only escape from this marriage was to pretend that she was insane. She tore her clothes, smeared oil on her body and raved like a mad woman. She did all this while secretly engaging in her sadhanas in her heart. When the prince came to see her, he was dismayed and ordered the court physicians to attend to her illness but to no avail.

She continued to rave and create havoc until she found an opportunity to escape from the palace. She made her way to a charnel ground that became her home for the next seven years. During that time, the king’s latrine sweeper became her disciple and served her faithfully. When she gained realisations, she bestowed tantric initiation upon him. The sweeper practised diligently and he too gained realisations without anybody in the palace noticing.

One day, King Jalendra went out to hunt in the fields near the palace and somehow he got separated from his retinue. He wandered aimlessly in the forest in search of his companions. Suddenly, in the distance, he caught sight of Laksminkara seated on a jewelled throne, her body aglow with radiance. Faith arose in the king’s mind as he remained there transfixed all night watching the spectacle in her cave.

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This old Tibetan thangka of the Headless Vajrayogini bears testament to the proliferation of her tantra in Tibet. Click to enlarge or click here for more high resolution Buddha images.

The next day, his hunting companions finally found King Jalendra and they escorted him back to the city. The king however, could not stop thinking about the radiant yogini. Somehow, he found himself returning to the cave whenever he got the chance to escape his palace duties. One day, he summoned enough courage to enter the cave and prostrated himself before the yogini. In the beginning, the yogini Mahasiddha was doubtful of his true intentions but eventually, she was taken by the king’s persistence. He spoke movingly, declaring his belief in her as a Buddha. He begged earnestly for instructions. She pondered over his request and finally, she told him that he could not be her disciple as his guru should be one of his own sweepers. He was instructed to observe them closely to discover his real guru.

The king returned to the palace and remembered the yogini’s instruction. He began to observe all his sweepers carefully and not long after, he discovered his true guru. He invited the sweeper to his throne room and placed him on the throne. Then he prostrated to him and requested instructions from the sweeper yogin. His sweeper guru was pleased with his humility and bestowed upon him the initiation by the transfer of the guru’s grace. Then, the yogin instructed the king in the generation and completion stages of the sadhana of Vajravarahi.

The yogini Mahasiddha Laksminkara and her sweeper-yogin disciple performed innumerable miracles for many years before they both ascended into the Paradise of the Dakinis. The main surviving lineage of Ucheyma in Tibet is attributed to her. It appeared that she was initiated into the practice from a vision of Vajravarahi in the form of Ucheyma.

 

The Hindu-Buddhist Origins

There are many scholars with opposing views on the origins of Ucheyma or Chinnamasta. One of the more reputable ones is Benoytosh Bhattacharyya (1897 – 1964), an Indian scholar and specialist in the history, theory and practice of Buddhist tantra. He was interested in tracing the influence of Buddhist tantra on Hinduism. By examining the various sadhanas in traditional collections like the Sadhanamala, he introduced the theory that the practices of Tara, Chinnamasta and Manjughosa had their origin in Buddhism.

With regards to Chinnamasta or Ucheyma, Bhattacharyya examined the meditations, mantras and iconography found in Hindu and Buddhist liturgies. He compared the Buddhist Sadhanamala (circa 1165 CE), the Hindu Chinnamastakalpa (uncertain origin) and Kshnananda Agamavigisa’s Tantrasara (17th century). When comparing the descriptions of the deity, he came to the conclusion that the deity in the Buddhist and Hindu texts are essentially the same, except for a few minor differences. He noted that the Hindu Chinnamasta wore a snake as a sacred cord around her neck and that she stood on a copulating couple named Rati and Kama.

Caption

A statue of the Headless Vajrayogini in the Hindu tradition

Furthermore, Bhattacharyya went on to compare the mantras of both traditions only to find Buddhist precedence. Within the Buddhist Sadhanamala, the name of Chinnamasta was Sarvabuddhadakini and the attendants were Vajravairocani and Vajravarnani. On the other hand, the Hindu Tantrasara referred to the deities with the same names but omitted the title “Buddha” and the prefix “Vajra” probably due to their strong association with Buddhist Tantra. Therefore, they became known as Dakini, Vairocani and Varnani. Furthermore, Sarvabuddha in the Buddhist text became Sarvasiddhi in the Hindu text.

In the Hindu Chinnamastakalpa text, Sarvabuddha was written as Sarvabuddhi instead while maintaining the prefix “Vajra.” Therefore, he concluded that the mantra was derived from a Buddhist source. Essentially, Bhattacharyya examined the differences between the iconography, the dates of the various texts and the mantras of both traditions before concluding that Ucheyma or Chinnamasta was of Buddhist origin.

 

Practising in a Charnel Ground

Ucheyma, like many other tantric practices, is often performed in a charnel ground. A tantric yogi, instead of adorning the body with perfume and nice clothes, takes the ashes of the deceased and smears his entire body with them as a sign of renunciation of the senses. Then, he proceeds to the charnel ground and sits on top of a corpse to do his practice. He holds a damaru (hand drum) and a skullcup filled with sacred inner offering.

In India and Tibet, charnel grounds are unlike their modern equivalents of the neatly manicured cemeteries that we have today. They are frightening places with dead bodies lying all over, chopped up and ready to be fed to the vultures. They are also places that are haunted by the spirits of the deceased, many of whom are very attached to their former bodies. This is combined with the energy of the charnel ground where countless family members, loved ones and friends of the deceased have come to mourn. This adds to the negative energy of the place.

Caption

Headless Vajrayogini probably began as a practice amongst yogins and sadhus who meditated in the charnel ground. Click to enlarge or click here for more high resolution Buddha images.

It is precisely for this reason that the charnel ground is the ideal place to practise according to the old tantric tradition. In this place, our ego is brought to the fore because we are in a state of fear. When our ego is exposed, it can be worked on and be eliminated through our practice. If we examine ourselves deeply, we will understand that we are frightened of such places because of our instinct for self-preservation. If we have real refuge or we hold our vows, we shouldn’t be afraid in the first place.

Hence, tantric practices like Ucheyma are commonly practised under such conditions. The living tradition of meditating in the charnel ground is still being practised especially in Tibet. It is also practised in other Buddhist countries like Thailand where monks meditate on bones. The purpose of meditating in charnel grounds is to develop deep renunciation in order for one’s practice to be successful. In fact, some lamas do not need to physically be in the charnel ground because they can transport their minds there and live in total renunciation.

 

Conclusion

Ucheyma, otherwise known as Chinnamasta or the Severed Head Vajrayogini is not a major Vajrayogini lineage today unlike the Naro, Indra and Maitri Kechari traditions but she continues to capture the imagination of practitioners just as she did in ancient India. Hence, she is one of the few Buddhist deities that have been appropriated by the Hindu pantheon, where she is known as one of the ten Mahavidya goddesses.

Nevertheless, most scholars agree that her worship originated from Buddhism. To this day, there are many temples in India dedicated to her as her worship in the Hindu tradition is still very much alive. The Buddhist practice of Ucheyma is also still very much alive and is popular with certain pockets of Tibetan followers. Thus, this practice which centres on the sacred act of cutting the ego as portrayed by Ucheyma continues to live on in both traditions.

 

Sadhana Prayers

A sadhana is a daily set of prayers, mantras, offering verses, visualisations, meditations and verses of praise engaged in by practitioners to identify themselves with a Buddha deity (yidam). In this case, the Ucheyma sadhana is meant for practitioners to become one with her. That means the practitioner can attain her qualities of great bliss and emptiness via her meditative practice.

Ultimately, all of us have the primordial clear light mind which is our Buddhanature within, that has long been buried by innumerable lifetimes of negative karma and obscurations. With practice however, we can uncover this Buddhanature through tantric practices such as that of Ucheyma. The practice begins with replacing our ordinary self-identity, whose nature is false and leads towards negative karma and suffering, with the radiant form of Ucheyma, whose qualities of great bliss and emptiness lead us to the sublime state of pure Buddhahood.

Taranatha, who was a prolific author and eminent scholar. Chinnamasta's practice is included in his Rinjung Gyatsa, a compilation of 305 deities' practices and images. Click to enlarge.

Taranatha, who was a prolific author and eminent scholar. Ucheyma’s practice is included in his Rinjung Gyatsa, a compilation of 305 deities’ practices and images. Click to enlarge or click here for more high resolution Buddha images.

The sadhana of Ucheyma can only be practised by those who have already been initiated into her practice through an initiation ritual, where the lama leads one into her mandala abode and implants the seed of Bodhicitta and the accomplishment of Ucheyma’s path within one’s mindstream. Without initiation, practising the sadhana will have no effect.

Though Ucheyma’s practice is not widespread, there exists a few different versions of her sadhana (daily practice) which transforms a practitioner’s mind and leads them to enlightenment. The first text presented below is included in the Rinjung Gyatsa cycle of teachings. The Rinjung Gyatsa is a collection of sadhanas and initiations of 305 unique meditational deities spanning all four classes of Buddhist Tantra. The text was compiled by Jetsun Taranatha of the Jonang tradition and includes practices from all major Tibetan traditions.

Jetsun Taranatha was a prolific writer and eminent scholar, who authored the famed History of Buddhism in India, a survey of Buddhism’s development in the sub-continent as well as its transmission into Tibet. He also founded an important Jonang monastery in the Tsangpo Valley, which propagated his lineage. Having studied under a great many Tibetan masters and two Indian gurus, he sought to collect all the practices he had received into one collection. Thus, the Rinjung Gyatsa text was created. In the section dealing with the various forms of Vajravarahi, Ucheyma is included, thus providing evidence that her practice was an efficacious one that Taranatha thought worth preserving in his text for future generations.

The 7th Panchen Lama Tenpai Nyima, a statesman and attained practitioner who included Chinnamasta's practice in his completion of sadhanas known as the Rinchen Lhantab. Click to enlarge.

The 7th Panchen Lama Tenpai Nyima, a statesman and attained practitioner who included Ucheyma’s practice in his collection of sadhanas known as the Rinchen Lhantab. Click to enlarge or click here for more high resolution Buddha images.

The second text is from His Holiness the 7th Panchen Lama Tenpai Nyima’s collection of practices known as the Rinchen Lhantab. It is also known as the 7th Panchen Lama’s Sadhana-Mala, which means “Rosary of Practices”. The many highly illustrious Panchen Lamas are known not only to be great statesmen, but spiritual masters of the highest calibre. Notably, the 7th Panchen Lama acted as Regent of Tibet, enthroning both His Holiness the 9th Dalai Lama Lungtok Gyatso (who died young at the age of nine) and His Holiness the 10th Dalai Lama Tsultrim Gyatso.

The holy Panchen Lama based his collection of sadhanas on another earlier work, also attributed to Jetsun Taranatha. Taranatha, in turn, had based his collections on an earlier Indian collection which derived from the two older collections known as the Sadhanasamuccaya and Sadhanasagara. Both of these collections have their origins in the Tantric section of the Tangyur, or the commentarial treatises of the Buddhas teachings.

The prayers below are shared so you can appreciate the lineage, authenticity and potency of this practice. They should only be recited by those who have received the initiation of Vajrayogini.

 

From Rinjung Gyatsa (Deities of Tibetan Buddhism)

RinjungGyatsa-1a

From the Rinjung Gyatsa (Deities of Tibetan Buddhism). Click to enlarge.

RinjungGyatsa-2a

From the Rinjung Gyatsa (Deities of Tibetan Buddhism). Click to enlarge.

RinjungGyatsa-3a

From the Rinjung Gyatsa (Deities of Tibetan Buddhism). Click to enlarge.

 

From H.H. the 7th Panchen Lama’s Rinchen Lhantab

RinLhan1

From the Rinchen Lhantab. Click to enlarge.

RinLhan2

From the Rinchen Lhantab. Click to enlarge.

RinLhan3

From the Rinchen Lhantab. Click to enlarge.

RinLhan4

From the Rinchen Lhantab. Click to enlarge.

RinLhan5

From the Rinchen Lhantab. Click to enlarge.

TRANSLATION

“…Buddha Dakini, orange in colour, the right leg straight pressing on Bhairava and Kalaratri. The right hand holds a curved knife extended out. The left holds upward a blood filled skullcup. Held against the left shoulder is a white katvanga staff – representing method. On the left is Vajra Varnani, green, with the left leg extended, curved knife in the right [hand] and a skullcup in the left. On the right is Vairochani, yellow, with the right leg extended, curved knife in the right [hand] and a skullcup in the left. All three have a crown of five dry skulls, a hanging garland of fifty fresh heads and the five mudras, standing in the middle of a mass of blazing fire.”

– His Holiness 7th Panchen Lama Tenpai Nyima (1782-1853)

Source: Rinchen Lhantab, p. 409-411

RinLhan6

From the Rinchen Lhantab. Click to enlarge.

RinLhan7

From the Rinchen Lhantab. Click to enlarge.

RinLhan8

From the Rinchen Lhantab. Click to enlarge.

 

Downloadable Texts

Disclaimer: The texts below were sourced from legitimate book-hosting services offering these texts for free download. They are made available here for purely educational, non-commercial purposes.

Rinchen Lhantab Sadhana-Mala (Volume 1) ཡི་དམ་རྒྱ་མཚོའི་སྒྲུབ་ཐབས་རིན་ཆེན་འབྱུང་གནས་ཀྱི་ལྷན་ཐབས་རིན་འབྱུང་དོན་གསལ། (yi dam rgya mtsho’i sgrub thabs rin chen ‘byung gnas kyi lhan thabs rin ‘byung don gsal) by His Holiness the 7th Panchen Lama Tenpai Nyima (click to download PDF)

Rinchen Lhantab Sadhana-Mala (Volume 2) ཡི་དམ་རྒྱ་མཚོའི་སྒྲུབ་ཐབས་རིན་ཆེན་འབྱུང་གནས་ཀྱི་ལྷན་ཐབས་རིན་འབྱུང་དོན་གསལ། (yi dam rgya mtsho’i sgrub thabs rin chen ‘byung gnas kyi lhan thabs rin ‘byung don gsal) by His Holiness the 7th Panchen Lama Tenpai Nyima (click to download PDF)

Deities of Tibetan Buddhism by Martin Willson and Martin Brauen (click to download PDF)

 

Photo Gallery

 

References

Click to download PDF

Vajrayogini: Her Visualization, Rituals, and Forms
Author: English, Elizabeth
Year of publication: 2002
Publisher: Wisdom Publications (USA)

Ucheyma or Chinnamasta is mentioned on page 94 where she is also called Trikayavajrayogini. ‘Trikaya’ literally means ‘Three Bodies’ in reference to the trinity consisting of the severed-headed main deity together with her two attendant deities.

There is also an explanation of the origins of her lineage along with the names of lineage masters and a brief explanation of her practice and sadhana.

 

Click to enlarge

Chinnamasta: The Aweful Buddhist and Hindu Tantric Goddess (Buddhist Tradition Series)
Author: Benard, Elisabeth Anne
Year of publication: 2010
Publisher: Motilal Banarsidass (India)

This book has an interesting discussion on the Buddhist-Hindu origins of the Ucheyma Tantra on page 12 onwards.

Much of the book dwells on the sadhanas and the various tantric practices surrounding the Ucheyma tantric system.

Sukkhasiddhi. Click on image to enlarge or click here for more beautiful thangkas.

Click on image to enlarge

Kandarohi, Vajra Yogini and Dorje Shugden. Kandarohi is one of the Four Heroines of the Cardinal Directions from Vajra Yogini’s mandala and is known as the “Goddess of Action”. Click on image to enlarge or click here for more beautiful thangkas.

 

For more interesting information:

 

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Pastor David Lai
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About Pastor David Lai

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, giving frequent teachings and writing on his blog www.davidlai.me.
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14 Responses to Ucheyma: The Severed Head Goddess Vajra Yogini

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  1. Ummamageswari on Jun 26, 2019 at 3:42 pm

    Thank you so much for this article. Ucheyma’s inspiring depiction as a self-decapitating goddess has inspired generations of practitioners since the introduction of tantric practice in ancient India.

    In fact, every deity represents an enlightened activity which primarily counters a particular delusion. It is true that the Ucheyma’s practice purifies the psychic poisons of ignorance, hatred and desire. This purification leads to the attainment of the three bodies of a Buddha – the truth body, the enjoyment body and the emanation body. Thank you.

  2. Valentina Suhendra on Apr 3, 2019 at 5:43 am

    Starting on Vajra Yogini now. Practicing Vajra Yogini without initiation.

    Find out more- https://bit.ly/2JjTTXp

    https://video.tsemtulku.com/chat-videos/2019/04/chat-1554237623.mp4


  3. Pastor Loh Seng Piow on Mar 17, 2019 at 11:19 pm

    Dear friends around the world,

    Many people have asked how to connect with Sacred Diamond Dakini Vajra Yogini without initiation and formal commitments. I have explained how to do so here: https://bit.ly/2JjTTXp

    Any form of Vajra Yogini you worship leads to the same benefit. All her forms are just her wisdom manifesting for different karmic propensities at different time periods.

    Please be blessed with these beautiful pictures of Ucheyma (Severed Head Vajra Yogini) from my personal shrine. Read more on this sacred form.- https://bit.ly/2QghvhS

    May you all be blessed and ascend to Kechara Paradise.

    Humbly, Tsem Rinpoche

    ——————————————————————————

    致世界各地的朋友:

    人们曾无数次问我:如何在没有受灌顶和誓言的情况下,跟殊胜的金刚空行母——金刚瑜伽母结缘。我已经在此文中跟大家解释:https://bit.ly/2JjTTXp

    不管我们供奉以哪种形象示现的金刚瑜伽母,所得的益处是一样的。她以无上智慧,顺应不同时代众生的业力而示现不同形象。

    衷心希望我佛坛上的“乌切玛”(断首金刚瑜伽母)像的这些庄严相片能加持你的心续。更多关于这一殊胜法相的资料,可在此阅读:https://bit.ly/2QghvhS

    祈愿你获得加持,日后能登克切拉净土。

    詹杜固仁波切敬启
    https://video.tsemtulku.com/videouploads/comment-1552835913.mp4


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  4. Pastor Loh Seng Piow on Mar 17, 2019 at 11:17 pm

    Dear friends around the world,

    Many people have asked how to connect with Sacred Diamond Dakini Vajra Yogini without initiation and formal commitments. I have explained how to do so here: https://bit.ly/2JjTTXp

    Any form of Vajra Yogini you worship leads to the same benefit. All her forms are just her wisdom manifesting for different karmic propensities at different time periods.

    Please be blessed with these beautiful pictures of Ucheyma (Severed Head Vajra Yogini) from my personal shrine. Read more on this sacred form.- https://bit.ly/2QghvhS

    May you all be blessed and ascend to Kechara Paradise.

    Humbly, Tsem Rinpoche

    ——————————————————————————

    致世界各地的朋友:

    人们曾无数次问我:如何在没有受灌顶和誓言的情况下,跟殊胜的金刚空行母——金刚瑜伽母结缘。我已经在此文中跟大家解释:https://bit.ly/2JjTTXp

    不管我们供奉以哪种形象示现的金刚瑜伽母,所得的益处是一样的。她以无上智慧,顺应不同时代众生的业力而示现不同形象。

    衷心希望我佛坛上的“乌切玛”(断首金刚瑜伽母)像的这些庄严相片能加持你的心续。更多关于这一殊胜法相的资料,可在此阅读:https://bit.ly/2QghvhS

    祈愿你获得加持,日后能登克切拉净土。

    詹杜固仁波切敬启

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  5. Tsem Rinpoche on Feb 13, 2019 at 7:40 am

    I had this beautiful statue painted in antique gold color. Tsem Rinpoche

    Painted3

    Painted2

    Painted1

  6. Raghubir Singh PIRTA on Dec 26, 2018 at 1:21 pm

    Great introductory information, largely unknown to me! My deep regards to the venerable master.

  7. Wai Meng Wan on Dec 22, 2018 at 11:27 pm

    This is quite a long and comprehensive information about Ucheyma, the Buddhist masters who relied on her and how it benefits us.

    Her practice touches a lot on cutting the ego out, and eliminating it as that is the fastest way to achieve enlightenment, achieving egolessness.

  8. Paul Yap on Dec 16, 2018 at 2:37 pm

    I find the practice of Ucheyma is very unusual and fascinating. Unlike most other deities who holds different mudras and implements, Ucheyma is probably the only deity who severed her own head, and drinks her own blood. Most Buddhist practices are targeting in getting rid of the 3 poisons, in hope of achieved enlightenment. Ucheyma’s practice are aiming the same but by severed her own head, signifying removing of all afflictive mental constructs by removing their root cause, the belief in a separate self or ego. I remember some of the prayers stated inside Heart Sutra, which share some common meaning. Whenever i was feeling down and negative, i would always think of Heart Sutra, and some sense of peace will arise. I guess it will takes many life long practices to achieve the state of Ucheyma, and hopefully everyone will reached that.

  9. Bradley Kassian on Dec 1, 2018 at 9:51 am

    This was a long post to read on Ucheyma: The Severed Head Goddess Vajra Yogini. A lot of information to extract and very detailed. Thank you Pastor David for writing this up. I’ve enjoyed reading about her.

    • Bradley Kassian on Dec 1, 2018 at 9:52 am

      I do apologize for not writing a longer comment but it was a lot to digest. Thank you still though.

  10. TsaTsa Ong on Nov 29, 2018 at 10:41 pm

    Wow!! This is a very long but interesting story and practice . I can’t imagine myself being headless, i’m sure everyone will definitely runaway from my!? But it would be a different story if our minds are egoless. Love this part of the write up …“If I have given you initiation and you are my students, then why haven’t you brought me any offerings?” In response, the sisters offered their service and in unison asked their guru what he desired of them. Krsnacarya immediately replied, “Offer me your heads!”
    Without a moment of hesitation, the sisters miraculously produced brilliant swords of pure awareness from their mouths, severed their heads and offered them to their guru. Thank you very much Rinpoche and Pastor David for sharing this interesting practice ????

  11. Chris on Nov 26, 2018 at 10:36 am

    Vajryogini is a tantric deity from the Mahaannutarayoga tantra which is a group of teachings that is so potent that they can lead us to enlightenment in just 1 lifetime if we practice it correctly and have a qualified spiritual guide to guide us. Her practice is the most powerful at this age because her practice targets the desire in us and use it to guide us to enlightenment.

    In this age, our actions are mostly driven by desire. That is why her practice is the most potent now. Her mantra is also known as the king of mantra according to Guhyasamaja Tantra because we can gain attainments just by reciting it. No other mantra has the same ability to do so. There are many forms of Vajrayogini and one of it is Ucheyma, the severed head goddess Vajrayogini.

    This is the most special form of Vajrayogini to me because in this form Vajrayogini decapitates her head and there is 3 spurts of blood coming from her neck which goes into her own decapitated head, and her 2 yogini entourage. This is a very rare and unusual form. Her severed head represents ego and through her practice, we are able to cut off our ego.

  12. Jacinta Goh on Nov 26, 2018 at 5:50 am

    It must be due to their effectiveness that these Buddhist practices are preserved through writing by these great Masters. I believe many will be benefited from this practice as it is said that even mere recitation of Her mantras, one will be able to gain attainments and eventual entering Her paradise to practice Dharma uninterruptedly. However, it’s best to know more about Dharma and the reason of her manifestation in this terrifying form. For this, I thank Rinpoche and Pastor David for the explanation above. Even without the explanation given, just by looking at the picture, one can immediately notice how “severe” this practice is in order to save ourselves from the quicksand of samsara. Instead of hurting and harming others, we should sever our EGO, the main source of suffering.

    It goes on to show that the body can exist without the head, and hence we are capable to live on without the ego, even better in that way! The three shots of blood as explained by Rinpoche, it represents the three root delusions that purifies the psychic poisons of ignorance, hatred and desire aka the famous Buddhist termed as the three poisons. I do hope I am able to read more about this practice in future.

  13. Edwin Tan on Nov 26, 2018 at 3:55 am

    Dear Rinpoche and Pastor David,

    Thank you for taking the time to research and wrote such detailed article of Ucheyma. She is beautiful and I am always fascinated by her. Especially when Rinpoche shared about her years ago.

    I am glad I am able to learn more today about her lineage.

    I like the idea of severing the head as a symbol of severing our ego. Ego has always been the culprit for many arguments, conflicts and war. I sincerely pray that we may all learn to humble down ourselves and let go of our ego.
    Indeed, I truly believe “without the ego, one is still able to live and function. Not only live, but live even better”. This needs not say more if we all put to heart the practice of letting go of our ego.

    Many great names are written in the article it is such blessing to know of their names.

    Thank you very much.

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  • SamFoonHeei
    Tuesday, Apr 22. 2025 07:16 PM
    H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche (1905-1984 AD) was a highly realized Gelug Lama known as a strong, detached and wrathful lama. He was famous as a sharp analyst and master of philosophical debate, as well as a powerful Tantric practitioner. Disciple of Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, junior tutor of the 14th Dalai Lama. Famous as a sharp analyst and master of philosophical debate, as well as a powerful Tantric practitioner. Rinpoche traveling tremendously to many monasteries, doing rituals, and giving many initiations, transmissions and commentaries, and instruction in the profound and extensive dharma . As in this blog Kyabje Zong Rinpoche explains on many rare and precious teachings. Thousands of Westerners have received teachings from him, both in the West and in India. HH Kyabje Zong Rinpoche was the Guru of many great masters.
    Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/great-lamas-masters/kyabje-zong-rinpoche-explains-on-many-rare-and-precious-teachings-with-translation.html
  • SamFoonHeei
    Tuesday, Apr 22. 2025 07:08 PM
    Religious discrimination remains a significant issue globally, impacting various aspects of life. The Dorje Shugden controversy in Tibetan Buddhism involves accusations of religious discrimination against devotees of the Poweful Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden. Dorje Shugden was a powerful Protector associated with the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. H H the Dalai Lama previously practice Dorje Shugden’s practice but somehow later discouraged the practice, citing concerns about sectarianism ,its perceived role as a spirit. Dorje Shugden’s practitioners have reported feeling ostracized and discriminated against by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and those supporting the Dalai Lama. The controversy has divided the Tibetan community and has been a source of contention and tension. CTA had breached the rights of every Dorje Shugden practitioners to what they pray . Many families are torn apart by this. Dorje Shugden people had to break away from their monasteries .Religious freedom and human rights are interconnected. Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion regardless of race and faith. Religious freedom is one of the most fundamental of human rights. The discrimination that Dorje Shugden practitioners are experiencing today has similarities to other historic bigotry and prejudices such example was the African American Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s,and the Women’s Suffrage Movement. Racism affects virtually every country in the world. It denies people their full human rights just because of their colour, race, ethnicity, descent or national origin. The most prevalent discrimination that we see today are national origin and race discrimination. May there be peace,unity, harmony and based on compassion, acceptance and universal freedom of religious choice without discrimination or recriminations of any kind.
    Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/comparisons-of-the-dorje-shugden-ban-with-historic-persecutions.html
  • SamFoonHeei
    Tuesday, Apr 22. 2025 07:04 PM
    The Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala, India is said to be thousands of years old, built in the Dravidian style, and houses more secrets than most people can ever dream of. That’s interesting. This temple is a legendary secret chamber that has remained unopened for centuries. Legends and local beliefs it is protected by powerful deities and a curse. The door is said to be sealed with a mystical spell, and it is believed that anyone attempting to open it without proper rituals will face grave consequences, having met with mysterious deaths or terrible misfortune. Locals had warns that attempting to open Vault B without proper rituals and respect for the deities could unleash untold calamities and misfortune. Stories abound of previous attempts to open the vault had failed that resulted in terrifying visions and other supernatural occurrences, and tragic fates for those involved. Some believe that the vault contained ancient treasures , wealth and divine relics . Previously temple workers reportedly tried to force open the door, resulting in the terrifying experiences described in legends. It’s not just a place of worship but also a vault of mysteries. Modern attempts using technology have also failed to open the door, as if some force is protecting it. Every attempt to open Vault B has failed. The door remains closed, and no one know of the contents within, whether wealth, divine relics, or something else entirely, are unknown to the world . No one dare to try opening it since at least the 1880s recording to reports. Interesting article .
    Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/science-mysteries/the-mysterious-door-of-vault-b-padmanabhaswamy-temple.html
  • SamFoonHeei
    Tuesday, Apr 15. 2025 03:58 PM
    Revisit this interesting truth where not many people knew the actual story behind . With great effort and research finally the story unfolded. In Tibet, Oracles play, an important part in principal roles assisting governmental decision-making and providing intelligence revelation, religion, doctrine, and prophecy. To this day the Tibetan government still believe and rely in Nechung Oracle. When Nechung oracle took trance, it is actually spirit Nyatrul who has causes problems and misprophecies. Nechung is bound by oath to protect the Dharma. Nechung prophecies are unreliable, most probably given by Nyatrul spirit to the Tibetan government. Such as wrong medication given to the 13 th Dalai Lama as prescribed by the Nechung Oracle. Another misprophecies was during the British invasion. If it was really Nechung who took trance of the Oracle, these types of misprophecies would not have happen. As mentioned in the 6th Dalai Lama biography, we cannot trust or rely on Nechung’s prophecies. It was said that Nyatrul not Nechung who created the problems and harm to Dorje Shugden . It must have told HH the Dalai Lama to ban Dorje Shugden .
    Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor Jean Ai for this interesting article.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/dorje-shugden/the-spirit-nyatrul-magic-mischief-and-misery.html
  • SamFoonHeei
    Tuesday, Apr 15. 2025 03:55 PM
    In Tibetan Buddhism, water offerings, particularly the seven or eight bowls offering, are a common practice used to express gratitude, cultivate merit, and purify the mind. The seven bowls represent essential aspects of offerings and can be offered daily, along with other items like flowers, incense, and lamps. Water offerings are probably the most common offering made in Tibetan Buddhism. Offering any item of value to the three jewels is the antidote to greed and attachment and helps to cultivate generosity. It is a powerful practice that can help us develop positive qualities such as generosity, devotion, and selflessness. By making water offering, we are creating good karma for ourselves and all sentient beings in the future. Great explanations and teachings all about water offerings.
    Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/making-water-offerings-to-the-buddhas.html
  • SamFoonHeei
    Tuesday, Apr 15. 2025 03:54 PM
    H.H. Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche (1878–1941), also known as Dechen Nyingpo Jampa Tenzin Trinlay Gyatso, was one of the great lamas of the twentieth century. was a highly influential teacher in Tibet and a prominent lama in the 20th century. He was the root guru of the present Dalai Lama’s tutors and many other Tibetan lamas who brought the Dharma to the West. His teachings, particularly his book “Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand,” are significant in the Gelugpa tradition until this days.He was the root guru of the present Dalai Lama’s tutors, Kyabje Ling Rinpoche and Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, and a teacher to many other Gelug lamas who fled Tibet. He had brought the Dharma to the West after 1959. His teachings covered various aspects of the Tibetan Buddhist path, including the seven-point mind training and the stages of the path to enlightenment. Rinpoche’s teachings are so famous that thousands of people would come from far and wide to attend. He was an extraordinary master for the Heruka Body Mandala and the Vajrayogini practice. Wow ……one of the many famous stories been told of how Heruka actually appeared to Pabongka when he visited Cimburi in Tibet and how Heruka image spoke to him. Interesting biography of a great master of all times.
    Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/great-lamas-masters/h-h-kyabje-pabongka-rinpoche-1878-1941.html
  • SamFoonHeei
    Tuesday, Apr 15. 2025 03:53 PM
    The practice of Sangha in Buddhism involves building and cultivating a supportive community of practitioners who engage in shared spiritual practice, often focusing on mindfulness and concentration. This community provides mutual support, guidance, and encouragement on the path of self-discovery. The Sangha is not just a gathering of people; it’s a collective energy of mindfulness and compassion that benefits all members. It provides a supportive environment for individuals on their spiritual journey, offering guidance, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. Sharing experiences and insights within the Sangha can accelerate the learning process.
    Thank you Thich Nhat Hanh for sharing and explaining all about the insight of sangha. Great sharing .
    Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this article by Thich Nhat Hanh.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/the-practice-of-sangha.html
  • SamFoonHeei
    Sunday, Apr 6. 2025 07:23 PM
    Wat Rong Khun better known as the White Temple, is a Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai province, Thailand. The gold symbolizes how people focus on worldly desires and money. The white building represents the idea to make merit and to focus on the mind. It is owned by a succesful Thai businessman who opened it to visitors in 1997. Awesome….This temple stands out through the white colour and use of pieces of glass that sparkle in the sun. The white colour signifies the purity of Buddha while the glass symbolizes Buddha’s wisdom. Located 3 hour drive from Chiang Mai built to honour and pay tribute to sacred Buddhist figures. Over time, temples grew in prominence and is one of the famous temples to visit in Thailand. I have visited years back its simple stunning temple which truly love the design and architecture .
    Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/the-white-temple-in-thailand.html
  • SamFoonHeei
    Sunday, Apr 6. 2025 07:22 PM
    Sak Yant, a traditional Thai tattooing practice, involves sacred geometrical and animal designs. Its often accompanied by Pali phrases, and is believed to offer power, protection, charisma, and other benefits to the wearer. Sak Yant tattoos are deeply rooted in Buddhist and spiritual beliefs, with each design and symbol carrying specific meanings and purported powers. Many designs are believed to provide protection against evil spirits, misfortune, and danger. Sak Yant tattoos are traditionally applied by monks or masters using a needle and ink, and the process is often accompanied by chants and blessings. I personally have not seen one yet . Sound interesting.
    Thank you Rinpoche and L Kim for this sharing.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/science-mysteries/the-power-of-sak-yant.html
  • SamFoonHeei
    Sunday, Apr 6. 2025 07:18 PM
    Jojo Struys is a travel and wellness personality, accredited yoga instructor, speaker and author. She visited Bangsar of Kechara outlet for a feature with Star Property. With her visit hopefully more people will get to know more of our Kechara . She had made a video with and Pastor David Lai all about Buddhist Arts. She openly admitted interested in Buddhist art . Buddhist art pieces have given her home a contemporary edge. Art was important to Buddhist religious life. It was not only part of ritual and worship but also served to transmit religious ideas, and artistic styles between cultures. Do agree with her statement ,…..if you want to change your life, change the way you think, because everything begins with you.”
    Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this article.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/kechara-13-depts/jojo-struys-goes-shopping-at-kechara-paradise.html
  • SamFoonHeei
    Tuesday, Mar 25. 2025 03:18 PM
    n their theoretical model, rudeness has this impact on our ability to think because it engenders negative sadness, anger. Researchers have found that common negative behaviours can spread easily and have significant consequences. The best way to avoid rude people is to meet their acts of rudeness with kindness. Exposure to neurotoxins in society is not new. Children today are raised in an environment that is much different from those days. Nowadays they are exposed to behaviours, profane language, hostilities and stress from which we adults, raised a generation ago. Studies have shown that children exposed to serious psychological trauma during childhood are at risk of suffering increased psychiatric disorders. Interesting read.
    Thank you Rinpoche.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/current-affairs/rudeness-is-a-neurotoxin.html
  • SamFoonHeei
    Tuesday, Mar 25. 2025 03:15 PM
    Revisit this blog again . Reading comments in this blog Rich people have substantial assets and income, providing a sense of security and freedom from financial worries. Owning high-end cars, designer clothing and everything they want with their money. Rich people often have more time for leisure, hobbies, and travel, allowing them to pursue interests and experiences. They may live in large, luxurious homes and have or apartments, often in desirable locations and having personalized services. The fundamental difference in mindset between the rich and the poor is, the rich have understood a very simple principle money makes money. Rich people see money as an opportunity, while poor people see it as something to be earned. Poor people work hard for their money. It is the heart that makes a man rich. He is rich according to what he is, not according to what he has. Not he who has much is rich, but he who gives much. The primary difference between rich people and poor people is how they handle their wealth. My thought been rich in this world it is not what we take up, but what we give up, that makes us rich.
    Thank you for sharing Rinpoche.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/current-affairs/rich-people.html
  • SamFoonHeei
    Tuesday, Mar 25. 2025 03:13 PM
    Found this old post …disturbing. Having a name especially a Bar linked to Buddha to be disrespectful towards Buddhism. After much controversy the owner had it removed. The Buddha Bar located in Sabah by a young owner which opened without much thought had many people complaining. Later was forced to have its controversial name changed to ‘Peacock Garden’ and had apologised for the controversial name. As a devout Buddhist, the name ‘Buddha Bar’ which serves alcohol, is disrespectful to the revered Buddha.
    Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/current-affairs/buddha-bar.html
  • SamFoonHeei
    Tuesday, Mar 25. 2025 03:12 PM
    Siberia, considered the heartland of shamanism inhabited by many different ethnic groups, and many of its peoples observe shamanistic. Many of the indigenous communities reclaiming their traditional spiritual and healing practices . Interesting. Siberian shamanism is often called Tengerism, involves various rituals, including drumming, chanting, trance states, and offerings to nature spirits and ancestors. This religious practice has deep roots in Siberia and Central Asia in recent years with roots in the Turkic and Mongolic cultures. Many who have been live in a remote part of Russia, have preserved their shamanic traditions due to their isolation. Many customs of Tengrism are still been practiced where they emphasizes a deep respect for nature and its various spirits, including those of the earth, water, and mountains. They do believe in the continued existence of souls and the importance of honouring their ancestors.
    Thank you Rinpoche sharing this ancient religion.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/current-affairs/interesting-siberia.html

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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!

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The Unknown

The Known and unknown are both feared,
Known is being comfortable and stagnant,
The unknown may be growth and opportunities,
One shall never know if one fears the unknown more than the known.
Who says the unknown would be worse than the known?
But then again, the unknown is sometimes worse than the known. In the end nothing is known unless we endeavour,
So go pursue all the way with the unknown,
because all unknown with familiarity becomes the known.
~Tsem Rinpoche

Photos On The Go

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According to legend, Shambhala is a place where wisdom and love reign, and there is no crime. Doesn\'t this sound like the kind of place all of us would love to live in? https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=204874
5 years ago
According to legend, Shambhala is a place where wisdom and love reign, and there is no crime. Doesn't this sound like the kind of place all of us would love to live in? https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=204874
108 candles and sang (incense) offered at our Wish-Fulfilling Grotto, invoking Dorje Shugden\'s blessings for friends, sponsors and supporters, wonderful!
5 years ago
108 candles and sang (incense) offered at our Wish-Fulfilling Grotto, invoking Dorje Shugden's blessings for friends, sponsors and supporters, wonderful!
Dharmapalas are not exclusive to Tibetan culture and their practice is widespread throughout the Buddhist world - https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=193645
5 years ago
Dharmapalas are not exclusive to Tibetan culture and their practice is widespread throughout the Buddhist world - https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=193645
One of our adorable Kechara Forest Retreat\'s doggies, Tara, happy and safe, and enjoying herself in front of Wisdom Hall which has been decorated for Chinese New Year
5 years ago
One of our adorable Kechara Forest Retreat's doggies, Tara, happy and safe, and enjoying herself in front of Wisdom Hall which has been decorated for Chinese New Year
Fragrant organic Thai basil harvested from our very own Kechara Forest Retreat farm!
5 years ago
Fragrant organic Thai basil harvested from our very own Kechara Forest Retreat farm!
On behalf of our Puja House team, Pastor Tat Ming receives food and drinks from Rinpoche. Rinpoche wanted to make sure the hardworking Puja House team are always taken care of.
5 years ago
On behalf of our Puja House team, Pastor Tat Ming receives food and drinks from Rinpoche. Rinpoche wanted to make sure the hardworking Puja House team are always taken care of.
By the time I heard about Luang Phor Thong, he was already very old, in his late 80s. When I heard about him, I immediately wanted to go and pay my respects to him. - http://bit.ly/LuangPhorThong
5 years ago
By the time I heard about Luang Phor Thong, he was already very old, in his late 80s. When I heard about him, I immediately wanted to go and pay my respects to him. - http://bit.ly/LuangPhorThong
It\'s very nice to see volunteers helping maintain holy sites in Kechara Forest Retreat, it\'s very good for them. Cleaning Buddha statues is a very powerful and effective way of purifying body karma.
5 years ago
It's very nice to see volunteers helping maintain holy sites in Kechara Forest Retreat, it's very good for them. Cleaning Buddha statues is a very powerful and effective way of purifying body karma.
Kechara Forest Retreat is preparing for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations. This is our holy Vajra Yogini stupa which is now surrounded by beautiful lanterns organised by our students.
5 years ago
Kechara Forest Retreat is preparing for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations. This is our holy Vajra Yogini stupa which is now surrounded by beautiful lanterns organised by our students.
One of the most recent harvests from our Kechara Forest Retreat land. It was grown free of chemicals and pesticides, wonderful!
5 years ago
One of the most recent harvests from our Kechara Forest Retreat land. It was grown free of chemicals and pesticides, wonderful!
Third picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal.
Height: 33ft (10m)
6 years ago
Third picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal. Height: 33ft (10m)
Second picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal.
Height: 33ft (10m)
6 years ago
Second picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal. Height: 33ft (10m)
First picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal.
Height: 33ft (10m)
6 years ago
First picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal. Height: 33ft (10m)
The first title published by Kechara Comics is Karuna Finds A Way. It tells the tale of high-school sweethearts Karuna and Adam who had what some would call the dream life. Everything was going great for them until one day when reality came knocking on their door. Caught in a surprise swindle, this loving family who never harmed anyone found themselves out of luck and down on their fortune. Determined to save her family, Karuna goes all out to find a solution. See what she does- https://bit.ly/2LSKuWo
6 years ago
The first title published by Kechara Comics is Karuna Finds A Way. It tells the tale of high-school sweethearts Karuna and Adam who had what some would call the dream life. Everything was going great for them until one day when reality came knocking on their door. Caught in a surprise swindle, this loving family who never harmed anyone found themselves out of luck and down on their fortune. Determined to save her family, Karuna goes all out to find a solution. See what she does- https://bit.ly/2LSKuWo
Very powerful story! Tibetan Resistance group Chushi Gangdruk reveals how Dalai Lama escaped in 1959- https://bit.ly/2S9VMGX
6 years ago
Very powerful story! Tibetan Resistance group Chushi Gangdruk reveals how Dalai Lama escaped in 1959- https://bit.ly/2S9VMGX
At Kechara Forest Retreat land we have nice fresh spinach growing free of chemicals and pesticides. Yes!
6 years ago
At Kechara Forest Retreat land we have nice fresh spinach growing free of chemicals and pesticides. Yes!
See beautiful pictures of Manjushri Guest House here- https://bit.ly/2WGo0ti
6 years ago
See beautiful pictures of Manjushri Guest House here- https://bit.ly/2WGo0ti
Beginner’s Introduction to Dorje Shugden~Very good overview https://bit.ly/2QQNfYv
6 years ago
Beginner’s Introduction to Dorje Shugden~Very good overview https://bit.ly/2QQNfYv
Fresh eggplants grown on Kechara Forest Retreat\'s land here in Malaysia
6 years ago
Fresh eggplants grown on Kechara Forest Retreat's land here in Malaysia
Most Venerable Uppalavanna – The Chief Female Disciple of Buddha Shakyamuni - She exhibited many supernatural abilities gained from meditation and proved to the world females and males are equal in spirituality- https://bit.ly/31d9Rat
6 years ago
Most Venerable Uppalavanna – The Chief Female Disciple of Buddha Shakyamuni - She exhibited many supernatural abilities gained from meditation and proved to the world females and males are equal in spirituality- https://bit.ly/31d9Rat
Thailand’s ‘Renegade’ Yet Powerful Buddhist Nuns~ https://bit.ly/2Z1C02m
6 years ago
Thailand’s ‘Renegade’ Yet Powerful Buddhist Nuns~ https://bit.ly/2Z1C02m
Mahapajapati Gotami – the first Buddhist nun ordained by Lord Buddha- https://bit.ly/2IjD8ru
6 years ago
Mahapajapati Gotami – the first Buddhist nun ordained by Lord Buddha- https://bit.ly/2IjD8ru
The Largest Buddha Shakyamuni in Russia | 俄罗斯最大的释迦牟尼佛画像- https://bit.ly/2Wpclni
6 years ago
The Largest Buddha Shakyamuni in Russia | 俄罗斯最大的释迦牟尼佛画像- https://bit.ly/2Wpclni
Sacred Vajra Yogini
6 years ago
Sacred Vajra Yogini
Dorje Shugden works & archives - a labour of commitment - https://bit.ly/30Tp2p8
6 years ago
Dorje Shugden works & archives - a labour of commitment - https://bit.ly/30Tp2p8
Mahapajapati Gotami, who was the first nun ordained by Lord Buddha.
6 years ago
Mahapajapati Gotami, who was the first nun ordained by Lord Buddha.
Mahapajapati Gotami, who was the first nun ordained by Lord Buddha. She was his step-mother and aunt. Buddha\'s mother had passed away at his birth so he was raised by Gotami.
6 years ago
Mahapajapati Gotami, who was the first nun ordained by Lord Buddha. She was his step-mother and aunt. Buddha's mother had passed away at his birth so he was raised by Gotami.
Another nun disciple of Lord Buddha\'s. She had achieved great spiritual abilities and high attainments. She would be a proper object of refuge. This image of the eminent bhikkhuni (nun) disciple of the Buddha, Uppalavanna Theri.
6 years ago
Another nun disciple of Lord Buddha's. She had achieved great spiritual abilities and high attainments. She would be a proper object of refuge. This image of the eminent bhikkhuni (nun) disciple of the Buddha, Uppalavanna Theri.
Wandering Ascetic Painting by Nirdesha Munasinghe
6 years ago
Wandering Ascetic Painting by Nirdesha Munasinghe
High Sri Lankan monks visit Kechara to bless our land, temple, Buddha and Dorje Shugden images. They were very kind-see pictures- https://bit.ly/2HQie2M
6 years ago
High Sri Lankan monks visit Kechara to bless our land, temple, Buddha and Dorje Shugden images. They were very kind-see pictures- https://bit.ly/2HQie2M
This is pretty amazing!

First Sri Lankan Buddhist temple opened in Dubai!!!
6 years ago
This is pretty amazing! First Sri Lankan Buddhist temple opened in Dubai!!!
My Dharma boy (left) and Oser girl loves to laze around on the veranda in the mornings. They enjoy all the trees, grass and relaxing under the hot sun. Sunbathing is a favorite daily activity. I care about these two doggies of mine very much and I enjoy seeing them happy. They are with me always. Tsem Rinpoche

Always be kind to animals and eat vegetarian- https://bit.ly/2Psp8h2
6 years ago
My Dharma boy (left) and Oser girl loves to laze around on the veranda in the mornings. They enjoy all the trees, grass and relaxing under the hot sun. Sunbathing is a favorite daily activity. I care about these two doggies of mine very much and I enjoy seeing them happy. They are with me always. Tsem Rinpoche Always be kind to animals and eat vegetarian- https://bit.ly/2Psp8h2
After you left me Mumu, I was alone. I have no family or kin. You were my family. I can\'t stop thinking of you and I can\'t forget you. My bond and connection with you is so strong. I wish you were by my side. Tsem Rinpoche
6 years ago
After you left me Mumu, I was alone. I have no family or kin. You were my family. I can't stop thinking of you and I can't forget you. My bond and connection with you is so strong. I wish you were by my side. Tsem Rinpoche
This story is a life-changer. Learn about the incredible Forest Man of India | 印度“森林之子”- https://bit.ly/2Eh4vRS
6 years ago
This story is a life-changer. Learn about the incredible Forest Man of India | 印度“森林之子”- https://bit.ly/2Eh4vRS
Part 2-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
6 years ago
Part 2-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
Part 1-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
6 years ago
Part 1-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
The great Protector Manjushri Dorje Shugden depicted in the beautiful Mongolian style. To download a high resolution file: https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
6 years ago
The great Protector Manjushri Dorje Shugden depicted in the beautiful Mongolian style. To download a high resolution file: https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
The Mystical land of Shambhala is finally ready for everyone to feast their eyes and be blessed. A beautiful post with information, art work, history, spirituality and a beautiful book composed by His Holiness the 6th Panchen Rinpoche. ~ https://bit.ly/309MHBi
6 years ago
The Mystical land of Shambhala is finally ready for everyone to feast their eyes and be blessed. A beautiful post with information, art work, history, spirituality and a beautiful book composed by His Holiness the 6th Panchen Rinpoche. ~ https://bit.ly/309MHBi
Beautiful pictures of the huge Buddha in Longkou Nanshan- https://bit.ly/2LsBxVb
6 years ago
Beautiful pictures of the huge Buddha in Longkou Nanshan- https://bit.ly/2LsBxVb
The reason-Very interesting thought- https://bit.ly/2V7VT5r
6 years ago
The reason-Very interesting thought- https://bit.ly/2V7VT5r
NEW Bigfoot cafe in Malaysia! Food is delicious!- https://bit.ly/2VxdGau
6 years ago
NEW Bigfoot cafe in Malaysia! Food is delicious!- https://bit.ly/2VxdGau
DON\'T MISS THIS!~How brave Bonnie survived by living with a herd of deer~ https://bit.ly/2Lre2eY
6 years ago
DON'T MISS THIS!~How brave Bonnie survived by living with a herd of deer~ https://bit.ly/2Lre2eY
Global Superpower China Will Cut Meat Consumption by 50%! Very interesting, find out more- https://bit.ly/2V1sJFh
6 years ago
Global Superpower China Will Cut Meat Consumption by 50%! Very interesting, find out more- https://bit.ly/2V1sJFh
You can download this beautiful Egyptian style Dorje Shugden Free- https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
6 years ago
You can download this beautiful Egyptian style Dorje Shugden Free- https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
Beautiful high file for print of Lord Manjushri. May you be blessed- https://bit.ly/2V8mwZe
6 years ago
Beautiful high file for print of Lord Manjushri. May you be blessed- https://bit.ly/2V8mwZe
Mongolian (Oymiakon) Shaman in Siberia, Russia. That is his real outfit he wears. Very unique. TR
6 years ago
Mongolian (Oymiakon) Shaman in Siberia, Russia. That is his real outfit he wears. Very unique. TR
Find one of the most beautiful temples in the world in Nara, Japan. It is the 1,267 year old Todai-ji temple that houses a 15 meter Buddha Vairocana statue who is a cosmic and timeless Buddha. Emperor Shomu who sponsored this beautiful temple eventually abdicated and ordained as a Buddhist monk. Very interesting history and story. One of the places everyone should visit- https://bit.ly/2VgsHhK
6 years ago
Find one of the most beautiful temples in the world in Nara, Japan. It is the 1,267 year old Todai-ji temple that houses a 15 meter Buddha Vairocana statue who is a cosmic and timeless Buddha. Emperor Shomu who sponsored this beautiful temple eventually abdicated and ordained as a Buddhist monk. Very interesting history and story. One of the places everyone should visit- https://bit.ly/2VgsHhK
Manjusri Kumara (bodhisattva of wisdom), India, Pala dynesty, 9th century, stone, Honolulu Academy of Arts
6 years ago
Manjusri Kumara (bodhisattva of wisdom), India, Pala dynesty, 9th century, stone, Honolulu Academy of Arts
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CHAT PICTURES

Beautiful Lama tsongkhapa Statue at Kechara Kuantan. Kechara Kuantan Study Group by Sam
3 days ago
Beautiful Lama tsongkhapa Statue at Kechara Kuantan. Kechara Kuantan Study Group by Sam
Pastor Seng Piow led the puja team members of the Kechara Penang group. Uploaded by Jacinta.
3 days ago
Pastor Seng Piow led the puja team members of the Kechara Penang group. Uploaded by Jacinta.
Completed Dorje Shugden puja at Penang chapel. 19th April 2025. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
3 days ago
Completed Dorje Shugden puja at Penang chapel. 19th April 2025. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
A beautiful day with blue clear sky to start off releasing fishes.Saving thousands of lives ..fishes birds and fishing baits.kechara kuantangroup Sam
3 days ago
A beautiful day with blue clear sky to start off releasing fishes.Saving thousands of lives ..fishes birds and fishing baits.kechara kuantangroup Sam
Yesterday had our weekly Swift return Puja for HE Tsem Rinpoche. Kechara kuantan group Sam
5 days ago
Yesterday had our weekly Swift return Puja for HE Tsem Rinpoche. Kechara kuantan group Sam
Periodically, tormas will be replaced with new ones by Choong Soon Heng. The teardrop and round shape specially made and prepared by Siew Hong. Due to their efforts, our puja is complete with the necessary offerings recommended by Rinpoche. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
6 days ago
Periodically, tormas will be replaced with new ones by Choong Soon Heng. The teardrop and round shape specially made and prepared by Siew Hong. Due to their efforts, our puja is complete with the necessary offerings recommended by Rinpoche. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
Various 'kuih-muih' offered to Buddhas, generating tremendous merits for both the recipients and sponsors. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
6 days ago
Various 'kuih-muih' offered to Buddhas, generating tremendous merits for both the recipients and sponsors. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
Completed Dorje Shugden @12th April, 2025. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
6 days ago
Completed Dorje Shugden @12th April, 2025. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
Offerings were prepared before Dorje Shugden puja started on Sunday, 13th April in Kechara Ipoh Study Group centre (Kin Hoe)
1 week ago
Offerings were prepared before Dorje Shugden puja started on Sunday, 13th April in Kechara Ipoh Study Group centre (Kin Hoe)
Mr. Mannance Wong offered lights on behalf of all in Kechara Ipoh Study Group before the start of the puja (Kin Hoe)
1 week ago
Mr. Mannance Wong offered lights on behalf of all in Kechara Ipoh Study Group before the start of the puja (Kin Hoe)
Come on, Smile! A quick and easy way to make others happy instantly before we start our puja today. 5th April, 2025 Dorje Shugden puja at Penang chapel. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
2 weeks ago
Come on, Smile! A quick and easy way to make others happy instantly before we start our puja today. 5th April, 2025 Dorje Shugden puja at Penang chapel. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
Today's flower offerings @5th April, 2025. Dorje Shugden weekly puja at Kechara Penang Chapel at No 49, Jalan Seang Tek. Uploaded by Jacinta.
2 weeks ago
Today's flower offerings @5th April, 2025. Dorje Shugden weekly puja at Kechara Penang Chapel at No 49, Jalan Seang Tek. Uploaded by Jacinta.
Here are some of the offerings to the Buddha @ 5th April, 2025. Uploaded by Jacinta
2 weeks ago
Here are some of the offerings to the Buddha @ 5th April, 2025. Uploaded by Jacinta
Mdm.Betty & Mr. Teo came very early for setting up & cleaning. Dorje Shugden puja @every Saturday 3pm. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
2 weeks ago
Mdm.Betty & Mr. Teo came very early for setting up & cleaning. Dorje Shugden puja @every Saturday 3pm. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
We gathered for a group photo after the Dorje Shugden puja ~29th March 2025. Kechara Pennag Study Group by Jacinta
3 weeks ago
We gathered for a group photo after the Dorje Shugden puja ~29th March 2025. Kechara Pennag Study Group by Jacinta
Deepest and most sincere gratitude for Irene's invaluable and precious Dharma sharing. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
3 weeks ago
Deepest and most sincere gratitude for Irene's invaluable and precious Dharma sharing. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
Welcome Irene Lim, most senior student of H. E. the 25th Tsem Tulku Rinpoche to our Penang chapel. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
3 weeks ago
Welcome Irene Lim, most senior student of H. E. the 25th Tsem Tulku Rinpoche to our Penang chapel. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
Offerings to Buddhas - 29th March. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
3 weeks ago
Offerings to Buddhas - 29th March. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
Pastor Seng Piow came again to lead our puja & Dharma sharing. It's so precious to share Dharma, even it's a short one, uploaded by Jacinga. 22nd March 2025
4 weeks ago
Pastor Seng Piow came again to lead our puja & Dharma sharing. It's so precious to share Dharma, even it's a short one, uploaded by Jacinga. 22nd March 2025
20250322 - Penang members chilling out after puja. It's good to touch base with everyone. After all, we only get to see each other during weekend puja. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
4 weeks ago
20250322 - Penang members chilling out after puja. It's good to touch base with everyone. After all, we only get to see each other during weekend puja. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
Puja packages taken up by 4 sponsors today - 22nd March 2025. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
4 weeks ago
Puja packages taken up by 4 sponsors today - 22nd March 2025. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
Focus and concentrate on chanting 'A Concert of Names of Manjushri'. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
4 weeks ago
Focus and concentrate on chanting 'A Concert of Names of Manjushri'. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
15th March 2025, weekly Dorje Shugden puja completed, led by William. Appreciate those regulars who consistently attend this puja without fail. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jaciga.
1 month ago
15th March 2025, weekly Dorje Shugden puja completed, led by William. Appreciate those regulars who consistently attend this puja without fail. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jaciga.
13th March 2025 Month of Miracles we had our weekly Swift Return Pujafor HE Tsem Rinpoche. Kechara Kuantan group Sam Foon heei
1 month ago
13th March 2025 Month of Miracles we had our weekly Swift Return Pujafor HE Tsem Rinpoche. Kechara Kuantan group Sam Foon heei
Sharyn, one of our longest and senior Penang members led the puja today. It's always good to have different members leading puja so that all of us can learn the proper skills in performing puja, with the intention of benefiting others always. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
1 month ago
Sharyn, one of our longest and senior Penang members led the puja today. It's always good to have different members leading puja so that all of us can learn the proper skills in performing puja, with the intention of benefiting others always. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
Dorje Shugden puja with recitation of Chanting the Names of Manjushri. This puja is performed every Saturday at Penang Chapel, Jalan Seang Tek (3pm). 8th March 2025 by Jacinta.
1 month ago
Dorje Shugden puja with recitation of Chanting the Names of Manjushri. This puja is performed every Saturday at Penang Chapel, Jalan Seang Tek (3pm). 8th March 2025 by Jacinta.
Three sponsored packages today, with merits accumulated from prayers being dedicated according to sponsors' wishes. 8th March 2025. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
1 month ago
Three sponsored packages today, with merits accumulated from prayers being dedicated according to sponsors' wishes. 8th March 2025. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
Yesterday 9 March 2025 in the month of miracles we had saved thousands of lives,...fishes .birds fishing baits, releasing them back to nature.Kechara Kuantan group Sam foon heei
1 month ago
Yesterday 9 March 2025 in the month of miracles we had saved thousands of lives,...fishes .birds fishing baits, releasing them back to nature.Kechara Kuantan group Sam foon heei
Our true nature!!! We're young, mature, fun and sometimes a bit silly bunch of Kecharians. Always giving, loving and bring benefits to others. Thanks for supporting us throughout the two-day retreat. Stay tune for more next time. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
2 months ago
Our true nature!!! We're young, mature, fun and sometimes a bit silly bunch of Kecharians. Always giving, loving and bring benefits to others. Thanks for supporting us throughout the two-day retreat. Stay tune for more next time. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
The goody-goody side of us after the retreat. Perhaps we have reached ten Bodhisattva level! Kechara Penang Study Group DS Retreat 1st - 2nd March by Jacinta
2 months ago
The goody-goody side of us after the retreat. Perhaps we have reached ten Bodhisattva level! Kechara Penang Study Group DS Retreat 1st - 2nd March by Jacinta
Not forgetting nourishing our body with healthy food and on the first day, we got to taste delightful dessert prepared by Chien Seong, also one of our senior Penang members. Kechara Penang Study Group Retreat by Jacinta.
2 months ago
Not forgetting nourishing our body with healthy food and on the first day, we got to taste delightful dessert prepared by Chien Seong, also one of our senior Penang members. Kechara Penang Study Group Retreat by Jacinta.
Tried Group-fie... But not very successful. Lol! Kechara Penang Study Group bi-annual retreat, uploaded by Jacinta
2 months ago
Tried Group-fie... But not very successful. Lol! Kechara Penang Study Group bi-annual retreat, uploaded by Jacinta
Tormas offering made by Dock Wan, one of the senior Kecharians from KL and close students of Rinpoche. Very delicate, a masterpiece! Uploaded by Jacinta
2 months ago
Tormas offering made by Dock Wan, one of the senior Kecharians from KL and close students of Rinpoche. Very delicate, a masterpiece! Uploaded by Jacinta
All together 19 retreatants, led by Pastor Seng Piow. There were few from KL and one from Indonesia. This pic was taken before the start of our retreat. Kechara Penang Study Group Retreat from 1st - 2nd March, uploaded by Jacinta.
2 months ago
All together 19 retreatants, led by Pastor Seng Piow. There were few from KL and one from Indonesia. This pic was taken before the start of our retreat. Kechara Penang Study Group Retreat from 1st - 2nd March, uploaded by Jacinta.
Flower offerings from sponsors and retreatants. This flower arrangement was made by Sharyn, one of our Penang members. 1st - 2nd March, Kechara Penang Group Retreat. Uploaded y Jacinta
2 months ago
Flower offerings from sponsors and retreatants. This flower arrangement was made by Sharyn, one of our Penang members. 1st - 2nd March, Kechara Penang Group Retreat. Uploaded y Jacinta
1st - 2nd March Kechara Penang Study Group DS Retreat by Jacinta.
2 months ago
1st - 2nd March Kechara Penang Study Group DS Retreat by Jacinta.
6 March 2025 Had our weekly Swift Return Puja for HE Tsem Rinpoche this evening, at Kechara Kuantan center. Sam foon heei Kechara Kuantan group
2 months ago
6 March 2025 Had our weekly Swift Return Puja for HE Tsem Rinpoche this evening, at Kechara Kuantan center. Sam foon heei Kechara Kuantan group
4 March 2025 cleaning of Gyenze Chapel yesterday evening Kechara Kuantan group Sam Foon heei
2 months ago
4 March 2025 cleaning of Gyenze Chapel yesterday evening Kechara Kuantan group Sam Foon heei
2 months ago
If you need DS help to clear some obstacles or perhaps just wanna support our Kechara Penang Group, do order our puja packages. By Jacinta
2 months ago
If you need DS help to clear some obstacles or perhaps just wanna support our Kechara Penang Group, do order our puja packages. By Jacinta
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Dorje Shugden
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