Why we shouldn’t say bad things of other centres
(By Tsem Rinpoche)
In order to make the holy Dharma grow we need to have more inter-center (at our respective countries) communications, support and harmony. For example if one center is having a dinner, garage sale, or event, another center’s representative should offer donations, congratulations, and emotional support. When another center is doing well, we must all rejoice and be happy. Because we are all in the same family. And if other members or other centers have contributed to the growth of our centers, we should mention, rejoice and make sure always that the members in our center are informed now and in the future so that it encourages inter-center support in the future. It is not necessary that we attend ceremonies of other centers when their teachers arrive as we have our own teachers, commitments and practice. But we should definitely NEVER NEVER criticize, infer, create gossip, or slander the other center’s teachers, practice, lineage or activities. It is said in the holy Lam Rim composed by the King of Dharma Manjunatha Tsongkapa that if we criticize any form of Dharma, the negative karma accumulated is equivalent to killing 1,000 Buddhas. Just think of the karma of killing just an insect, which we as Buddhist try to be aware and not do so, imagine killing a Buddha. Of course killing a Buddha is not possible but it is a hypothetical example of the gravity of that kind of action.
If we create schismatic talk and we are successful in preventing others from going to their teachers, or create doubt in their mind regarding their teachers, stop them from going to a certain center, or cause them to abandon their teacher and practice… how can we gain any attainments???? The negative karma is very strong and multiplies daily. If we are the cause for others to lose faith in their teacher and practice, then how can our own faith (the cause of all attainments in the tantras) increase, be stable in our own teachers? How can we harm another’s faith and hope our faith will remain stable? Those who gossip and carry on with criticisms can become unstable in their mind and always change their minds to achieve nothing. If our samaya (commitment and faith) is not stable in our own teacher then how can any understanding, attainments, and spiritual growth manifest in our mindstream??? We should think about that point carefully.
Those who speak ill of our/others’ teachers, practice and lineage, be they ‘high’ monks, lamas, or ordinary students, we must be aware of them and let it pass into one ear and then out from the other. Have compassion for that person, do not engage or ask any more questions and smile and let it go. If others comment that there is something wrong with our teachers and practice that we have already forged a samaya with, then what can stop others from saying they can be wrong also even if they may be high ranking monks or simple students. When does it stop?? Either all the gurus are to be respected and the bond between them and their students held sacred or we must be a perfect omniscient living Buddha to criticize, judge and talk negatively and check who is ‘genuine’ and not ‘genuine.’ Would a perfect Buddha do that anyways? Who in true Buddhistic practice can run around proclaiming they are a living Buddhas and condemn others? People who are incredible examples of selflessness such as Mother Teresa proclaims herself to be a simple nun or a pencil in God’s hand. H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama always says that he is just a simple Buddhist monk although more than fourteen million Buddhists of the Tibetan Tradition believe him to be Avalokitesvara. Panchen Lama who tirelessly worked for others never called himself Amitabah although so many believed him to be.
So once we are able to criticize another practice, teacher, tradition, deity, center, temple, church, student, etc. then we leave ourselves open for criticism and schism, because in the end who is right and who is wrong?? Leave people in peace. When we criticize another tradition/practice/teacher it also shows that we are perhaps highly insecure about what we are doing so we need more people doing what we are doing to feel ‘right.’ Or give us security maybe? Only study, reading, practice, holding vows and attending Dharma talks to get knowledge is what will really give us security in our practice based on sound logic. A person like that never criticizes others but rejoice, because when you reach a higher state of practice and knowledge, you see the oneness/sameness of the goal, only method differ and rejoice at the skillfulness of the masters in offering diversity to different sentient beings. We would never want to harm another being. Otherwise one would create the karma of being separated from one’s own teacher and teachings, unable to practice and gain results, anger and fear increase in the mind and great insecurities due to resultant karma of schismatic actions of speech and mind. People who have taken refuge or accepted another to be their teacher or practice, we must encourage them towards what they have already committed.
When we appoint ourselves as the ‘spiritual police’ to ‘take action’ against the people following ‘wrong’ lamas and ‘wrong’ practices, we create something very dangerous. We create tremendous disharmony, doubt and aggression. We breed and justify intolerance which is the opposite of Lord Buddha’s infallible Dharma. We must search into ourselves and check the level of our own practice, our motivation. If our motivation and practice is supreme and perfect, then very skillful methods are extremely necessary to guide others. People’s spiritualities are very delicate and must be handled with care combined with compassion. Do not criticize their practice, teacher or tradition in any way. You just need to police yourself. Just remain in your practice and resolve to gain full enlightenment to benefit them in the future. Spiritual policing should be left to Mahakala, Setrap, Palden Lhamo, or maybe other Enlightened Beings perhaps.
If we separate another person from their teacher causing them to abandon the teacher-student samaya and bring them to our teacher/practice, according to the 50 Verses of Guru Devotion, that person and us would never gain any attainments. They came to our practice from the wrong methods-creating doubts in and abandoning their teachers. We may be able to negatively influence them in the beginning, but as they gain more and more knowledge in the Dharma, our negative words will have less and less of a hold on the other person as they study the Dharma more. In fact, the person might lose confidence in us and in worst cases forsake their refuge which is bad for them and extremely detrimental to ourselves. Any teacher, traditions, student and writings that castigate, defame or criticize other teachers, traditions and students we must be wary of as they can prove extremely detrimental to our own spiritual growth. People who like to carry tales from one centre to another centre or criticize other teachers/centres create the most detriment to the growth of the Buddha Dharma. Observe these people and how intolerant they may sometimes become even if their motivation was initially good. Every Buddhist lineage, tradition and teacher have the right to exist, form and benefit others. We don’t need any councils, groups, or authority to look over them. Who would listen in today’s day and age anyways? It just creates negativities. If these ‘authoritarian’ groups exist, they must consist of very learned students, well practiced members, and have their three doors well subdued, unbiased and non-denominationally based. Otherwise these groups can cause great detriment to the growth of Buddhism in their individual societies, even if these groups have good intentions. If a centre is breaking the law, then the law will take care of them. You do not need to be the spiritual law, but just cultivate true Buddha qualities with the short time you have left. You can benefit more if you become highly attained, than to procrastinate your practice to spiritual policing of others with current limited abilities. Spiritually policing others would be a detriment to our own practice as it takes time away from our development. When we are accomplished, then we would have much more effect on others. If you see ‘wrong’, it should motivate you to practice, transform and become attained faster. Everything can motivate you. Just use it in the right way. To spiritually police others at this time would not be time well spent because we can use the time to practice and become a Buddha. As a Buddha would benefit much much much more to skillfully steer wrong to right.
On a practical basis, one teacher, one centre and one lineage would be physically and practically impossible to suit/accommodate everyone and their temperament. So if you have ten centers for example, in the city, then there is a higher chance that more people can come across the Dharma in that city as opposed to just having one center. I often get students of other centers consulting me, asking for divinations, advice, clearing of Dharma points, or just to meet me. But I always encourage them towards their teacher, practice and center and discourages them to join my place unless it’s general gatherings at their insistence. Their teachers are more than good enough and what I have might not suit them and that’s ok. It’s not that I don’t welcome them, but I want to create stability and consistency with their practice in their minds. But I always ask, what do we want from that person? Do we want them to gain attainments, knowledge, realizations so that their lives can be happy and they can transform to be of benefit to others? Or just increase the membership of our own centers for financial gains, profits or simply to look good? If our motivation is the prior, then we should encourage them to what they have already committed themselves to. Because once they gain knowledge and realizations causing a transformation of that person, it doesn’t matter anymore what tradition they came from, they simply benefit others. Isn’t that Buddha’s intent? If so, that should be our own intent. We want to create Buddhas no matter what methods to tread to attain this sacred goal.
Therefore inter-center harmony is crucial to the growth of the Buddha Dharma in today’s world. If we do not wish to help another centre, then that is ok for whatever reasons we have, but do not harm another centre in any way. Remember, karma is for everyone. We should consider if we wish the holy Dharma to grow so that it can be of tremendous benefit to the contribution of inner peace which leads to outer peace. If so then my thoughts here are very applicable to wherever we live in the world. Because Buddhism is a renowned world religion and it will only grow. In countries where traditionally Buddhism have not taken root, it is establishing itself by way of centers, that turn into temples and eventually into institutions of great learning. Wherever Buddhism thrives, it serves as great addition to the peace and harmony of that city or country due to its emphasis on non-harm, non-killing and peaceful agenda of cooperative human social interaction. It also stresses very much on the peaceful interactions and inter-religious harmony. So it would be very important for the thousands of Dharma centers throughout the world to continue to grow, expand and fulfill their functions as contributors to inner and eventually outer world peace. These thoughts have been penned specifically from my wish for harmony between the various beautiful Buddhist traditions, and also inter-religious harmony.
This write-up is not meant to hurt anyone or hint at anyone or group, nor is it to accuse, it is just my thoughts on inter-center harmony. I could be right or wrong, but it’s my thoughts. In today’s world, tolerance, compassion and forgiveness are very much needed especially from those who are supposed to be spiritual. These qualities are not unique of religion, but should be the uniqueness in religious practitioners.
Tsem Rinpoche
(First published October 2013)
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Whoever the guru may be, it is our faith that gives us the result. Have faith in our Guru, in his teachings and in our Guru’s words. Without our Guru none of us can cross over to the shore. We can succeeds in spiritual life by looking on guru. Without the blessings and compassion of a true guru, the path of liberation , we are no way. We should not create negative karma , speaking bad about other centres, their teachings and so forth. All religions teaches us more or less the same to be mindful , harmony , promotes better understandings among centres.
Thank you Rinpoche for this teachings.
Timely reminder for us the important of us having strong faith in our guru. As long as we are being mindful as we speak of others. How we speak and whatever subjects we speak has a powerful effect on the way we affect each other. Buddhism taught us tolerance, compassion and forgiveness, There’s a natural law of karma , to those who hurt others and speaks against other centres. Do not criticize their practice ,teacher or any things negative of them, just let it be. We should not create negative karma for ourselves.
What Goes Around Comes Around ,,,,,,,there is a saying.
We should instead promotes better understandings among centres. Practically all religious traditions are the same. Peace and harmony could only be maintained when there’s unity among all interfaith communities.
Thank you Rinpoche for this profound teaching.
All the salient points from this article are logical for us to apply, not only in refraining from criticizing other Dharma centre but also not to partake or encourage others to do so. It was laid down in the Lam Rim as well as the 50 Stanzas of Guru Devotion that we should regard our Guru as the ultimate and singular cause of our spiritual attainment. Therefore, it is only logical that a person will not gain attainment when he/she disparages the Guru. If we are the cause of this action because of our criticism, instigation, schism, false allegation and baseless accusation towards his/her Guru or Dharma center, then we are the direct cause to the person breaking their Samaya. The karma, of course, is imaginable heavy.
If the person is unhappy for certain reasons, confused or has doubts in his/her practice, Guru’s teachings or the center. Even while these emotional are made clear to us yet we use our words to further fuel their doubts and confusion by uttering words of discouragement towards their teacher and center; we are directly the cause of degenerating Buddha Dharma. Needless to say, the karma is heavy.
I am very grateful that our Guru, Tsem Rinpoche, so compassionately shares this teaching with us.
Dharma centers that help others to become better people, have activities that people can learn and eventually transform bring benefit to the people they serve. Hence other dharma centers also deserve our support and help we can render to them.
Dear Rinpoche, thank you for the article it is very needed to all of us.. Yes Rinpoche In order to make the holy Dharma grow, we need to have more inter-center communications, support and harmony . For example, if one center is having a dinner, garage sale or event, another center’s representative should offer donations, congratulations and emotional support very import and promote each other, the very resion we go dharma centers is to learn and spread Buddha teaching.
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for reminding us the important of us being kind and unbiased towards other buddhist centres, gurus or linages. It is one of the 5 heinous crimes to create a schism in community of sangha. It is a negative action that has serious unimaginable repercussion that we should be mindful of always. Who are we to judge when highly attained saints like Dalai Lama who is the emanation of Chenrezig do not.
Chris
1) Rinpoche writing “‘high’ monks, lamas” gave me pause to think. At the point of death, monks and lamas are not exempt from rebirth in the three lower realms if their ranks are not accompanied by practice. So the only ‘high’ that matters is that you are high in your thinking and practice, and not in your rank.
When Rinpoche tells stories about the great masters in the monasteries, it’s not just the scholars and ranking lamas that move and inspire Rinpoche, but those without name and fame who are sincere in their faith and practice. I still remember the story of an ordinary monk who only relies on Lama Tsongkhapa and Migtsema as his practice, which was given to him when he was younger to combat his depression. Then there is also the story of Gen Nyima who relied solely on Yamantaka and didn’t know how to do any other pujas.
2) motivation is important. Criticism is okay when the motivation is constructive, to amend something for the better AND to do something about the situation you are criticising. The types of people that the world admires are those who criticise and challenge the status quo, AND combine their criticism with peaceful action.
Mother Teresa’s social action was a criticism of the lack of care and medical aid for lepers. Mandela criticised the apartheid status quo and combined it with his peaceful 27-year incarceration. Aung San Suu Kyi criticised the junta and combined it with her stoic house arrest. Gandhi challenged British rule and combined it with his ahimsa methods.
All of these people criticised AND used themselves and their lives as examples for the ideals they are standing up for.
Our lamas are the same. They criticise our body, speech and mind so we stop these actions that damage and hurt others mentally, physically and spiritually. They become part of the solution by teaching us the Dharma (i.e. an alternative method of life so we benefit others) by official teachings, by action, by method, by example.
But criticising to be right, criticising without offering a solution and criticising without being part of the solution does not garner respect or even make people like you.
3) if we spent as much time on introspection as we do in looking for faults in others, we would be Buddhas already. Are we free from criticism ourselves to warrant looking at others over and above looking into our minds?
To criticise without good reason and become the ‘spiritual police’ that Rinpoche wrote about doesn’t just run the risk of damaging other people’s spirituality. It can damage ours too when we indulge in our unruly minds in this way.
Considering the pervasiveness of our deluded thinking, it’s best not to indulge in our unruly minds and let it run riot. So we should refrain from criticising because we never know the nature of the object we are criticising. What happens if the object we are criticising happens to be a Buddha? We would never be able to discern this with our deluded thinking; it would just be best not to criticise at all since we can’t afford to accumulate anymore negative karma.
4) the fact there is something to criticise points to a few concepts about the nature of existence. First, that there is duality because what you think is perfect and free from criticism may not necessarily appear that way to others. Second, the fact we feel words are hurtful is an indication of how strong our ego is to view these words as negative criticism rather than just feedback.
So if we want to criticise, we should consider if there is an inherent fault in the object we are criticising or if the fault lies with our perception. Take Dorje Shugden for example – the information about him, when examined logically and free from bias, shows us that this being is a Buddha. Buddhas are beings who are without karma, therefore they do not have the karma to be criticised.
So why is there criticism of them? Because the fault lies in the perceiver having the karma to see faults in the Buddha, in order to criticise them.
5) having said that, we also have to consider the source of criticism. Rinpoche wrote about the importance of good friends and I definitely agree with this.
Do our friends criticise us and put us down, so they feel better about themselves? Or do they criticise us because they want us to improve?
Rinpoche has told us before that when we get into a relationship, our partners should push us to greater spiritual heights. The union should be one that benefits one another’s spiritual practice, instead of furthering our samsara. I think this can also be taken to mean any kind of relationship and not just a romantic one. Since we have a choice of friends and limited time to practise, we should choose to be with people who encourage our practice and not drag us down.
My old chinese mate always say to me dont worry be happy.
Thank you Rinpoche for this profound teaching. Just to share some of my thoughts as below:
1. Motivation
If everyone has good motivation with the great virtues to benefit others and to gain realisation from their transformation, we should rejoice and happy. Never have the intention to criticize or prejudice but to respect the other gurus, practice, lineage or activities.
2. Guru devotion
We should have strong faith to our guru as well as encourage others towards their teacher that they feel suit to them. It is very important for us to have a guru to help and enable us to have stability,consistency and persistency in practice and eventually gain attainments.
3. Believe in karma
Believe in karma and no one can escape from the karma. It is clearly indicated in holy Lamrim composed by the King of Dharma Manjunatha Tsongkapa that if we criticize any form of Dharma, the negative karma accumulated is equivalent to killing 1,000 Buddhas. As such, we should appreciate that by holding vows, many actions are refrained which are actually to help us to purify negative karma and clear obstacles.
In today’s free World, it is said that we should have full freedom to practice as and when, where or how we like!!! No religion is advised to denigrate or ever criticise one another’s religion, lest it snowballed into something big and damaging, as many could have seen in history. All religious leaders should create harmony within their own religious community and everyone they meet. Any abuses, immoral and wrong usages of power of influences may lead to chaos, unnecessary destructions, damages or even loss of lives. Therefor, strong sense of intellegience and wisdomised control should be excercised to create more needed peace, blissful happiness and harmony amongst all religious prcatitioners. Everyone should have full freedom to practice and live their lives democratically in accordance with their religious beliefs and behaviours. Om Mani Padme Hung.
Thank you Rinpoche for the teaching. We should be more sensitive and aware of this issue as it can caused very serious karma. We do not wish anybody or anybody from other centre come to criticize us or creat gossip so do us not to do the same to others. Generally among the Buddhism community should not have critism and schism. I will always bear in mind of the seriousness karma incurred. Thank you Rinpoche.
Wow, didn’t know that the karma for criticising Dharma is so heavy! Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this!
Dear Rinpoche,
Buddhism universally teaches us to seek attainment, enlightenment and also to be out of this samsaric world.
Any dharma center will be guiding us along the same path, so all dharma centers would be the same and we should not criticise and spread rumours of other centers.
Thank you Rinpoche for your clarification and motivation. In Buddhism we should be more compassionate and patience.
With folded hands
Dear Rinpoche?
We should rejoice when there is more Dharma inter-centre or Temples growing in our community. Every tradition, lineage of form have the right to exist and benefit others.
Its important we do not create schismatic talk or criticisms causing people to abandon their teachers and practice. Those who gossip and carry on with criticisms have unstable mind and in secure of them self. In doing so, one will generate very strong negative karma & it multiplies daily.
We should continue to study, read, practice, holding vows and attend Dharma talks to get knowledge is what will really give us security in our practice based on sound logic. We must constantly remind ourself to put Dharma into practice to achieve inter-harmony with all beings and apply it wherever we are.
Thank you Rinpoche for constantly teaching & reminding us to practice Dharma, have guru devotion and ‘one teacher, one centre & one lineage’ as these will encourage each Dharma centres to flourish ahead.
With folded hands
Rena
Dear Rinpoche,
Your teaching here is indeed very penetrative and thought provoking. I am now fully aware of the logic behind the principle of One Lama, One Center.
The key is that as we practice Dharma, what’s our motivation? To Benefit Others. So whichever method we use, as long as it is to benefit others, it has to be the right path.
Thank you Rinpoche for the wonderful clarification and clairvoyance of this teaching.
Humbly yours,
Lum Kok Luen
When I was reading this article it reminds me of a uneasy experience I had at a coffee shop while I was having my meal. There was this senior guy sitting there with a group of youngsters wearing the same t-shirt but I can’t make up what is written on their t-shirt as they are a few tables away . He was talking very loudly and was saying bad things about a monk (I have no idea who is is talking about). His talk makes me feel very uneasy and even though I am on a different table and never know who this guy is , I quickly finish my meal and left . I felt that by doing so he has indirectly cause some people (he speaks so loudly that the entire coffee shop could hear him) to have negative perception of Buddhism . Also how he has influence this group of youngsters . This article is so true and yes we have to support and respect other centers and not say negative things of others. All for One and One for All in name of Buddhism.
Thank you Rinpoche for yet another good article. With Folded Hands.
Great to read this tonight….Thankyou Rinpoche, just what I needed to hear, Lili
Thank you Rinpoche for this important teaching . We really need to be mindful of our actions especially those from our speech so as not to create negative karma for ourselves and create disharmony among fellow Buddhists or Dharma centers
Yes, it is always exited for me to see others center are growing and this shown that dharma is spreading and more people will get benefited. I think if I ever come across any people who talk bad another center, I would listen to their complaint first. Then ask them what do they expected? Check their intention that they are trying to gossip or they really have some better ideas which can be suggested for improvement. I think if we care enough, by listening and trying to keep them back on track is a practice too… Good and bad situation are always there for us to practice dharma. If good things come, we shall realise the impermenance , if bad things come we shall be more patience or forgiving…
“In order to make the holy Dharma grow we need to have more inter-center (at our respective countries) communications, support and harmony.” These 3 key points are the ones that will bring us all together, without them, we will fall apart. Nothing will go smoothly if we do not communicate efficiently and clearly between each other. Without any support from anyone, it’s obvious that many things will not work as smooth. Being harmony within the center is utmost important. Who doesn’t want t work or be in a place that’s harmonious and peaceful and everyone gets things done quickly.
As a Buddhist, we should never criticize others, what more to say other Dharma centers, who are in fact practicing Dharma and spreading the Dharma. Just that they have a different method or way to do it. If we don’t feel that it’s suitable for us, we don’t have to go around telling people bad things about it. Everyone has their own way of doing things and we should all respect the different methods used. As Rinpoche mentioned, how can one practices compassion, harmony, tolerance.. etc in the centre and the next thing you know, criticizing and bad mouthing other centers? Why not use our time to practice Dharma more, instead of going around talking negative things and creating schism of other centers. As Rinpoche said, it creates an unstable mind for us as well. So it does not benefit either way. We are all here to achieve the same goal, to spread the Dharma. Thank you Rinpoche for the wonderful teaching _/\_
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and which I totally agree with your said.
Every dharma center/teachers/ leaders have their own ways to convey dharma knowledge of what Buddha Shakyamuni thought way back of more than 2500 years ago to his follower/ students and passed down the teaching but only in different method way of teaching which having the same goal.
I had this experienced when I was young and even now that some students/follower of other center demoralizing by saying that “this dharma center teaching different lineage which is not pure linage” or “that guru lineage is not pure and creates some method that is not in the tradition”
In my personal opinion,understanding and realization is in need that every guru teaches different method to reach students mind for them to understand about buddhism and dharma about in different method that some of other students/follower that couldn’t accept nor they don’t understand it. Somehow or rather the “GOAL” of it is the same is to eliminate sufferings, to have deeper realization and greater compassion towards all sentient beings in practice to reach enlightenment.
Rinpoche had given me a strong impact to clear my doubt in Buddhism and have a stable mindset to follow what Rinpoche taught. I’m so grateful to met you in this life to practice deeper in Buddhism and praying to all lifetime to follow you. Wishes Rinpoche to have long life,teach and spread the dharma. I would like to thank that person who brought me in here “Thank you Helena Chin!”
Buddhism is a religion that promotes peace, love, harmony, compassion, tolerance, acceptance and respect of even other faith as all religions teaches good things. So it is only right that we should accept and support different teaching methods of different schools of buddhism as the goal is the same – that is liberation and enlightenment. Every centre and guru has their own ways to reach out to different levels of students as different methods appeal to different ppl. Thus we should help and support in whatever ways we can so more ppl will benefit from buddha’s teachings. Religion should make us more compassionate, accepting, patient and not to be bias. Rinpoche’s advice is so logical and is without any agenda. If all the centres will to adopt this good guideline, there will be much peace and inter-center harmony and the dharma will flourish.
We should never criticize or talk bad about other centers as all centers are set up for the same reason- for dharma to spread and flourish. We should rejoice at the fact that more centers are establishing and so more people can benefit from Buddha’s teachings. Different teachers or lineages have different methods of teachings but they are all the same, therefore once again we should not criticize their practice, teacher or lineage.
Totally agree with Rinpoche on this one. there are many dharma centers with many teachers and approaches,all leading to dharma and enlightment. at the same time although there could be some masquerading as dharma teachers but they really have bad intentions, we do not possess such wisdom to know if its true. sometimes its just another enlightened teacher method of dealing with its student. so best just keep quiet and dun try to be a spiritual police. We can offer the other person a different perspective of the dharma we are practicing but we cannot talk negative of his/her current teacher/organisation. through our actions motivated by compassion and guided by wisdom, the others can judge if they want to join us and follow our lineage.
Thank you Rinpoche for the detailed explanation on why we shouldn’t not talk bad about other centres / gurus / lamas. I guess everyone including myself have to be very alert and careful about our speech / comments. If we do not know how to answer on a certain topic, the best way is to smile and keep silent rather to say something that will hurt others which will create negative karma in us and giving others a bad impression on us. Thank you 🙂
“Wherever Buddhism thrives, it serves as great addition to the peace and harmony of that city or country due to its emphasis on non-harm, non-killing and peaceful agenda of cooperative human social interaction.”
“To spiritually police others at this time would not be time well spent because we can use the time to practice and become a Buddha. As a Buddha would benefit much much much more to skillfully steer wrong to right.”
The Buddha has 84,000 ways to teach the dharma to reflect the diversity of our minds. That probably shows me how different we all are, and how different the methods are. It does not say which is better or best on it’s own but what is best suited to our minds. So, who am I a “mere mortal”, to judge or condemn others.
Thank you again, Rinpoche for reminding me that the mountain peak stays the same, only the path up the peak is different with different scenery along the way.
This teaching is very apt for the Dharma scene here in Malaysia. There are many nominal Buddhists in Malaysia but not many who understands the Dharma and practice. Hence, when a group of sincere practitioners come together to set up a center, they may not have the Dharma in mind at all times. Also because they are not a Sangha member who had put in their all to study, practice and uphold the Vinaya vows, they do not have the Dharma as the best interest in mind when they engage in monastics who teach. This is very sad and there are quite a few cases where lay and monastics clash for custody over a Dharma center. I hope many will read this sharing and will change their ways so the Dharma will grow even more and practitioners become great meditators and masters.
Thank you Rinpoche for your sharing of thoughts.What you mention is very true.The most important component in any society or spiritual practitioner is the practice of Tolerance,compassion and forgiveness.
Harmony and inter communal understanding should be the primary objective of any spiritual center.
Who are we to comment on others when we can not overcome the demon within oneself let alone teach others what is right.
Thank you Rinpoche for your teachings about inter-center harmony. Since there are many Buddhist traditions in our country, we should be more alert of our mind and motivation when we meet with other Buddhists from other center and other traditions. May all the Buddhist centers will bring more harmony and peace to every sentient being in this world.
As Rinpoche teaching, “Peace” is the ultimate goal for all Dharma center and religion. We should respect each other hence to reach the ultimate Goal…
Harmony is the keyword for us to generate Respect with each others!
Yes Rinpoche did mention before that if we take someone from their gurus and center then we better be ready to step up and lead those people towards enlightenment. We should not be so haughty to think we know everything. UNless we are so confident that we ourselves are enlightened. If we are not we should not try to take others from their gurus and their centers.
Dear Rinpoche
Thank you very much for the teachings and reminder here of one center one teacher. It is a relationship of trust in my teacher. I do not denied that I do meet friends from other centers in cooking classes and other activities. This is because I want them to know I already have my teacher and share Rinpoche’s blog with them. I make myself clear that I have my center and my own teacher and his teaching suits me fine. I do not wish to be seen as “unfaithful” ungrateful to my teacher. Also I remembered Jay Jae taught us that if we go to other centers it is stealing from a center so i do not wish to steal.
When my friends invite me for their activities I do contribute to them but I do contribute food and/or money to their activities to support them in their activities of offerings with a motivation of dharma to grow and benefit more beings.
Thank you very much Rinpoche for all your kindness and teaching all these dharma etiquettes. _/\_
Aother great teaching by Rinpoche that he has continuously reminded us to not criticise other religion or buddhist centres. I never really understood how people could behave towards other centres when they themselves are practicing to be spiritual. Being a buddhist it is already bad enough causing gossip, criticism, infer or slandering other centres yet they still do it. If they do not feel what a centre is doing or a teacher is teaching, accept that it is not right for them and move on to find what they are looking for and not spread schism on that centre about the centres doing or the teacher. Buddha’s teachings has always been about benefiting others that is what all Buddhist centres is about, how they do it is entirely up to them, if you do not agree with how they do it don’t have to get invovled but don’t have to criticise what they are doing to others. Look into yourself to how many people you have benefited from constantly changing centres and criticising about them to others and look at how has it benefited yourself. Practising spiritualism shouldn’t be about slandering other centres or teachers. I agree with what Rinpoche says, it creates an unstable mind. If you’re not happy about a centre just remain quiet and continue your journey for spiritualism. If you have nothing good to say don’t say anything at all. Thank you Rinpoche for your teachings. I enjoyed reading it very much.
Rinpoche is right. We shouldn’t say bad things about other centres, they are trying to achieve the same goal as us. Which is to spread the dharma. We should not judge them or compare them to us. They are all the same. Thank you for sharing this information with us Rinpoche.
谢谢仁波切分享了这篇文章，这也是我常常在外听到的事情。每当遇到这情形我都尽量少说，一来怕遭口舌之非，二来是怕对方遭口业。可是当你沉默，对方却以为你词穷而咄咄逼人！这就好像wylfred Ng 所说：就是考验我们的修为的时候了。祈愿大家福慧增长。
rinpoche tomorrow im sending you 108 malas one mala for each month of a 108 month retreat in your beloved kechara forest mountain. go in with your 108 students and in nine years all 108 of them will become enlightened and 109 of you can come out. close the gate let nothing in plant trees at the entrance and in nine years you may all decide never to come out. kechara machine can survive on its own now . you know all centres should help each other what about the 100 or so rigpa centres where none of the young female students in the inner circle are safe from sexual predation. the answer is inside us not outside, in fact everything lives in side the mind and taming ones mind is all that need to be done and no better place than in the mountains. Good luck up there you do a great job and i know it will be more beneficial to have 109 enlightened kecharians rather than just one and you can all do it in just 108 months . good luck
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this important teaching.I still remember one of Rinpoche’s teaching ” Different practices for varied minds are necessary.So never criticise other’s pratices.Respect is a sign you are practising” It’s really good advice for all of us,we should never criticise,create gossips,schisms or jealous of other centre !!!
互相尊重，对于一个修行者而言，是非常重要的。透过尊重，我们能够制造和谐的能量，况且不同的佛堂或不同的宗教都是劝人走向善的道路，所以我更应该鼓励现代的人，多多参与适合自己的宗教活动，让自己的心灵得到提升与满足，这样一来，人生才能活得更圆满。。。
Agreed! We must choose those which suit us NOT force to choose or participate which is extremely good but not suit us at all, it’s really PRESURE!
Thank you Guruji for sharing this with us. Your thoughts on this matter is very logical and I fully understand and agree with the message that this post is conveying.
Similarly, I sincerely wish that Buddhists should not criticize non-Buddhists and vice versa. Or even spiritual seekers of a different religion, we should never proclaim that our way is the only way and always be tolerant our others.
Keeping our own vows, practices is more important than policing another practitioner.
Because of your teachings Rinpoche, I have learned to accept any harsh words or situations as pure mind training exercises. Sure I mope for a bit, but I also learn, accept and move on.
Thank you very much Guruji!
Thank you for Rinpoche’sharing.it remind us the important of inter centre ‘s harmony, it should not be the way to criticize , jealous of other centre. We still in samsara and not yet enlightened, where is our quality to criticize other ? We should keep in mind karma always return. I will keep in mind of ” one teacher, one centre and one lineage”to ensure I follow all the way of Rinpoche ‘ teaching towards my spirituality path.
I remember a story about a person spitting at the Buddha, he was blaming Buddha for every single thing that happened to him and one day he was so angry that he looked up to the sky and started spitting, but of course his saliva came back down. The lesson is that, we can’t hurt the Buddha, the Buddha has no negative karma to be hurt and what goes around, comes around.
I really like and admire the fact that Rinpoche does not say or allow his students to say bad things to other centers. If a student says bad things about other centres, it is a two pronged sword, it hurts the other center and also defames you lama. When you say bad things about people, you are also creating negative karma for yourself, especially if you are talking badly of a lama.
To have harmony among centres is best as to improve the speed of the spread of Dharma. When centres are not quarrelling more people can benefit from the words of the guru.
our 5 finger also not same deference practice, deference buddha ,deference protector ,deference teaching way,but we all going same way to make grow buddha teaching.we cant complan what they are, we point to our self what we are ,what we have to do.i fully respect Rinpoche way to make dharma and make benifit to many people.
Thank you Rinpoche for this very important teaching. I remember that once I was listening to one of Rinpoche teaching in Guru For Hire Rinpoche did mention about for oneself to look for a perfect guru that person has to check through the lineage and the reputation of the guru or that lineage before he or she to take refuge, so it is our own duty to check first before we join that centers or that particular lineage therefore is very important to check first before join. Thank you Rinpoche for remind us again about guru devotion.
With Folded Hands
Shelly Tai
谢谢仁波切的分享。 也再次提醒了我们不可以批评其他的中心。
不过就算是我们不批评其他中心，其他人也也许会批评我们，那么我们又如何回应呢？
那时候就是考验我们的修为的时候了。 我们必须避免别人继续批评我们，以免那个恶业继续循环下去。
I am amazed by how Rinpoche explained in detail on inter-centre harmony. If we participate in those small negative talks of other centres, it will only reflect on ourselves and our centre. We should show our respect for other gurus and centres by rejoicing in their success. Thank you Rinpoche.
thanks Rinpoche!
A person who reaches a higher state of practice and with a good understanding of seeing oneness or sameness of goal, never critizes others, but rejoices at the skilfull methods of others in offering the diversity of differences of practice to sentient beings. They are said to be concentrating on policing themselves spiritually intheir own practice, through which to gain enlightenment by cultivating true buddha’s qualities with whatever available abilities left in themselves. Intercenter harmony is acknowledged to be the foremost requirement to boost the growth of Dharma in today’s world. If we cannot help, dont harm another in anyway! To make Dharma grow, more support, communication and harmony are greatly required. When other centers are doing well, all must rejoice and be happy, as all are in the same family! We should never,never criticise, condemn, create gossips, schisms or slander teachers, lineage or activities of any centres. As in the wisdomised words of our Guru, who said, “in today’s world, tolerance, compassion and forgiveness are very much needed especially, from those who are supposed to be spiritual.”
Recently there was a student from the Sakya tradition and she was attending rinpoche’s talks and even activities but now she is firmly set back in her own tradition and she thanks Rinpoche for the inspiration and her mind is stable and she is not confused. As rinpoche said how we leave others is an indication of our state of mind.
Ever since I met Tsem Rinpoche one of the strong messages in his numerous dharma teachings is what Rinpoche writes here.
Harmony among Buddhists is very needed for the dharma to spread and flourish. Tolerance and harmony among all religions is the key ingredient to create a better and happier world for us and our generations to live in.
this is gd advice for all of us. i think many of us will profit greatly from this advice. it will bring peace of mind and pure practice. it is a good guideline on how to interact with fellow buddhist and practitioners. Pure freedom mind and a lack of attachment or non-sectarianism/centeranism is the hallmark of real practitioners.
Good opinion firefly.Pure freedom of mind and lac of attachment or non-sectarianism/centeranism is good for cultivators so as they can find some peace when there is a need to do so.thats why many true cultivators go to mountains or caves or temple built near the mountains to get away from worldly/secular life.
Dear Rinpoche
Definitely, another article worth translating for lamatsongkhapa.com
Valentina
One of the teachings that impressed me deeply when I first met Tsem Rinpoche was his completely adamant stance that one should not criticise other religions or other Buddhist schools/lineages/Dharma centres. It’s so easy to think that ‘our centre’ or ‘our religion’ is the best (which is why we chose it of course!) which becomes arrogance and ego, and ironically the very antithesis of Buddhism! As long as I have known Rinpoche, Rinpoche has been consistent in his strong advice to his students to respect other religions and Dharma centres, and its sangha members. If we cannot even care for our fellow Buddhists or other spiritual seekers, how can we care for all sentient beings?
Many people are very attracted to Rinpoche’s teachings, even those who already have teachers, and I have seen Rinpoche gently encourage them back to their centres and their teachers. If Rinpoche was out to get as many students as possible, he would do the opposite. Rinpoche walks the talk and is consistent in this. Rinpoche always says that he personally cannot look after all the Dharma students, so he sincerely rejoices whenever a Dharma centre opens and grows because that means that Dharma is growing. Different methods will appeal to different people and there will be those who are not attracted to Rinpoche’s style but another teacher’s style and Rinpoche is always happy about that.
I have the deepest respect for Rinpoche for this truly altruistic attitude which is without agenda. I believe that if we can adopt this attitude of not criticising, gossiping or schism towards our spiritual brothers and sisters, we can achieve harmony, which will naturally lead to world peace.
Dear Rinpoche,
It is true that we must respect each other and the choice of people whether they are Buddhist or not. We should rejoice that they have found a way to happiness by following their centre or their guru. Each centre and each guru has their own way to teach and attract its followers/student. It may suit some and not. All centres are here for a reason and that is to spread Buddhism and grow spirituality and we should help each other. This is also kindness as taught by Rinpoche. We should rejoice because Buddhism is growing.
We should help in whatever way we can if a person needs help whether spiritually or not. A dharma centre is a friend to another dharma centre because the vision/goal is the same i.e. lead people to liberation and ultimately enlightenment. So, friends should help friends.
As for being a spiritual police, I think we should look in our own backyard before we start to criticize others. No one gives us the right to do so. It is better to become friends than enemies.
With folded hands.
Dear Master of Buddhism,
I also believe there is no need spiritual police or group to guard religion especially Buddhism.Because Buddhism is so unique that it promotes harmony,tolerance and compassion although most of the time humankind fail to do so.If a true masters of buddhism come out of nowhere through his diligent cultivation,his fame will gradually rise although he do not wish so.A truely enlightened Master will not proclaim he is enlightened to all.People will gradually know whether he is genuine or not.Not by his own proclaimation but by acceptance of the peoples.May Rinpoche Live Long!My 2 cents opinion.
Dear Rinpoche,
In today’s world concerntrating on technology advancement,teachings of humanity and compassion must be given a chance to thrive in the society.If not,human is no different than animals.In my opinion, different buddhist centre is suitable for different people’s personality, lifestyle and their opinion and their destiny towards buddhism.Irregardless of their opinions and perspectives of buddhism, all buddhists should be given a chance to practice buddhism in a small way or big way so that everyone of them will ultimately gain liberation and enlightenment.Harmony within buddhist centres should be emphasise although sometimes as a human we cannot get rid all together of some small disharmony due to different personalities or peoples behaviour.The practice of harmony in dharma centres should be perfected so that every cultivators will gain enlightenment in due time.In the process of gaining enlightenment, there will definitely be some obstacles to test the cultivators such as demons influence because the cultivators practice goodness and virtue.If i am not mistaken,not even one great masters of buddhism gain enlightenment resulting for pleasureable environment but seeking ascetic practice and endure hardship.Amitofo.May Rinpoche Live Long!
Tsem Rinpoche has been the direct influence, inspiration and connection for a few dharma centers to open in Singapore and Malaysia. To date he has influenced or directly inspired Six dharma centers in Singapore and Malaysia to date to open. Some of the most learned masters/practitioners such H.H. Gaden Tri Rinpoche, Kyabje Lati Rinpoche, His Eminence Kensur Jampa Yeshe Rinpoche, Jangtze Jolenpa Gen Nyima, Geshes, few other tulks and monks has visited a few countries in this region due to Tsem Rinpoche. He has generously donated funds to them or their centres. Found sponsors and benefactors. Offered innumerable statues for their shrines, Dharma book for their libraries and even have visited their centres to give teachings to raise the membership of respective centers.
Because Tsem Rinpoche has a perfect command of English, combined with humor, foibles, anecdotes and sharp knowledge of Dharma and its practical application to today’s distracted and busy individuals, he appeals to many and promotes a non-denominational attitude. He has many visitors from other faiths that attends his talks or simply visits with Rinpoche, and he always encourages them to remain ‘faithful’ to their faiths and share understanding with each other to create religious tolerance/acceptance. Whenever there is a charity dinner or function Rinpoche is the first one to offer donations, buy tickets, send his students and centre members to go support the center without bias. He feels that the growth of any centre represents the growth of the general Buddha Dharma. So when we contribute to the growth of another center, Rinpoche feels we contribute to the growth of Dharma as a whole. Rinpoche stresses that he wishes Dharma to grow in the world.
These are a few thoughts I have penned through listening to skillful talks of Gaden Tsem Tulku Rinpoche.
A student…..SP