Press meets me!
On the 17th of October, I was invited to hold a press conference. The media wanted to know more about the pastorship vows that I will be conferring onto 3 people on my birthday next week. How kind of the press to be interested and I was glad to share with them.
Early that afternoon, I had been with a few contractors and architects. We were walking around Kechara Forest Retreat (KFR) to identify where the Ladrang should be, as well as the area for expansion of the temporary abode. I have been staying at KFR for the past few days, overseeing the construction as it is in full swing now.
While walking around, I blacked out under the mid-day sun. We had climbed to the top of the hill at 1pm, when I suddenly felt dizzy and had to quickly sit down on the ground. When I opened my eyes, everything appeared white… I apologized to the contractors and architects, and made my way back to the cabin where I rested for half an hour. After finalizing a few details with them, I made my way down to KL for the press conference… I was so glad I can make it to the Press after the blackout… it was exhaustion, not eating and also very hot sun.
When I arrived at the gompa at around 5pm, there were 22 people from the press, from 10 publications: New Straits Times, Sin Chew Daily, Nanyang Siang Pau, Oriental Daily, China Press, Red Tomato, Mun Sang Poh, The Charm magazine, Ming Guan Feng Shui and Special Weekly.
I gave an explanation on why I came to Malaysia in the first place, what pastors and pastorship vows are about and why I want to give back to my home, Malaysia, through the building of KFR.
After talking for a while, I opened the floor to a few questions by the press… and they really asked some real good questions!! It was clear that they had done their research and “studied up” on my pictorial biography! I answered their wonderful questions after clear contemplation.. there were a few who expressed interest in KFR, so I invited them up for a personal tour. Hehe
After answering questions from the press, I presented 600 kg of rice to a nun named, Ani Yeshe Dolma. She represented Padmasambhava Children Loving Association in Klang.
Ani Yeshe Dolma is a fully ordained nun who has decided to devote her life towards taking care of orphans in Malaysia. After receiving Kechara’s gift, she humbly requested for the Kechara pastors to provide consultation for the orphans who have had an abusive upbringing… I felt that it was a very sincere request. Ani truly wants to help the children both physically and emotionally… Pastor Susan will be liaising with her to follow up on a program.
Do take a look at the pictures below for now, I will be adding a video when it’s ready – so do come back for it!
Tsem Rinpoche
600 kg of rice. I pray that none of these children will ever go hungry.
One of the first to arrive! Ani Yeshe Dolma (right) reading the Peace book.
Kechara House front desk: (l-r) Sock Wan, Cynthia & May. The uniforms look good!!
Senior photographer Khor Ming Xiang from Nanyang Siang Pau.
Managing Editor Iring Tan from The Charm magazine. On the right is Sharon Saw, Director of Kechara Communications Centre. Sharon’s dept handles all of the press and media.
C. Premananthini from the New Straits Times.
Deputy photo editor Khoo Kay Hean from Oriental Daily being handed
his press kit by Pastor Kok Yek Yee..
The press slowly filling in the seats…
When I arrived, I did a quick dedication before we started. This is to set the correct motivation for the press conference.
Those sitting in front are from the Padmasambhava Children Loving Association. A few representatives came to receive the food donation.
My usual “get personal with the audience” style hehehe
James (background) was there to translate into Chinese for the Chinese press.
Explaining about our plans for Kechara Forest Retreat (KFR).
James was a very good translator that day.
During the Q&A session.
Ani Yeshe Dolma accepting the 600kg of rice. The children’s association gave a token of
appreciation, thank you very much!
Exchanging gifts hehe
Senior Reporter Wong Mei Fen from Red Tomato. I gave her our Kechara greeting cards… she looked like a creative person who would appreciate it.
Ani Yeshe Dolma asking a few questions.
Executive Editor Sian Teik Kim from Red Tomato.
I invited this beautiful lady to the Kechara Forest Retreat. She would enjoy what we’re doing up there very much.
C. Premananthini from the News Straits Times.
Managing Editor Iring Tan from The Charm magazine.
Assistant Editor Tan Chee Yong from Red Tomato.
Features reporter Cleo Chia Siew Ting from Oriental Daily.
Features editor Hoo Sue Ling from Nanyang Siang Pau.
Reporter Jacqueline Khoo from Special Weekly.
Advertisement sales specialist Ashley Tang Phaik Kwang from Sin Chew Daily.
Advertisement Sales specialist Kelvin Loh from Nanyang Siang Pau.
Features reporter Pai Yin from Mun Sang Poh.
Freelance features writer Jonah Foo from Ming Guan Feng Shui. Jonah listened attentively and was always seen taking down notes!
Wong Wai Shyan from Sin Chiew Daily, and Sim (middle), an ex-reporter.
Sim was very respectful. I hope that she will benefit a lot from the books.
Joseph (left) and his beautiful mother. Joseph’s father recently passed away… Kechara House arranged for a memorial at the gompa.
A few final shots.
Kechara House to hold pastor ordination event
22 October 2012 | last updated at 11:08PM
PETALING JAYA: Kechara House, a Tsem Tulku Buddhist organisation, will hold the second Buddhist Pastor Ordination and Refuge ceremony on Wednesday.
Tsem Tulku Rinpoche (right) handing over bags of rice to Ani Yeshe Dolma (second right) from Padmasambhava Children Loving Association members. Pic by Mohd Yusni Ariffin
The ceremony is being held in conjunction with Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s 47th birthday at the Kechara House, Jalan PJU 1/3G, SunwayMas Commercial Centre.
A range of activities has been lined up, including video screenings, a vegetarian dinner, Kechara Kids Choir performance and prayers for Tsem Rinpoche.
The Buddhist pastor ordination ceremony was first introduced by Tsem Rinpoche to bridge the gap between monks, nuns and lay people.
Tsem Rinpoche said that even though pastorship is new to Buddhism, the vows taken by the pastors are based on the teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni.
He said he will ordain three pastors this year, and that after the ordination, the pastors will be able to conduct classes and perform special Buddhist rituals.
“As a lay person holding vows, pastors make the dharma accessible to more people by giving them guidance and sharing knowledge.
“Pastors are ordinary people who have gone the extra mile in dedicating their lives to sharing the dharma.
“They have committed themselves to pursuing spirituality and encouraging it in others,” said Tsem Rinpoche.
“I know what it’s like to have very little, and I want to share what I have with those in need.
“It is not about celebrating my birthday, but more about celebrating the spirit of giving,” said Tsem Rinpoche, who is the founder and spiritual adviser of the organisation.
He said the organisation will have a retreat in two years’ time.
Catering exclusively to Malaysians, the yet-to-be-built Kechara Forest Retreat is intended to be a spiritual camp to help purify the mind, body and soul.
The retreat will include meditation classes, as well as a tour of an organic farm to educate people about healthy eating and saving the environment.
Based in Chamang, Bentong, Pahang, the total cost of the retreat project is about RM28 million.
The organisation will hold a fund-raising event for the project and seeks the help of the public for donations.
At the ceremony, 109 rice bags were also donated to the Padmasambhava Children Loving Association in Klang.
The association is a home for underprivileged children.
Those who wish to make donations can call Kechara House at 03-7803 3908.
For details, they can also visit www.kechara.com.
Kechara House to hold pastor ordination event – Central – New Straits Times -http://www.nst.com.my/streets/central/kechara-house-to-hold-pastor-ordination-event-1.160208
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[…] Yesterday was my 47th birthday. As with last year, it was a full day of celebration that came in conjunction with the Pastor Ordination Ceremony. The ceremony was an event that the press was interested about… just a week ago, 12 press publications came to ask a few questions about it. […]
i hope that this causes Kechara to grow and plants seeds of Dharma into peoples minds so that when they see a Kechara poster or add they will go “i read that somewhere” . good job Rinpoche and please have a long life to spread the dharma.
我非常坦白的说，我们需要经费来建 “克切拉禅修林”。所有的一些都是为的你我，为了大家。这个禅修林，不只是一个建筑物，这标榜着我们未来“心灵”的发展。禅修林是一个让我们认识自己，培养正面思考的地方。
我们保护国土，保护环境，是不是时候我们也要为下一代的“健康思考”，“心灵健康”献出一份力？就算我们保住了世界，但人心却忘了栽培，那么社会问题还是一定会存在，因为我们治标不治本。你认为呢？
Thanks Rinpoche for staying in beautiful Malaysia to benefit all Malaysian and all sentient beings. And rejoice for the media that coming to meet Rinpoche and get know more Rinpoche, Kechara House and KFR. I truly wish that Rinpoche, KH and KFR and be fully promote by media to get more peoples know about KFR, hence sponsors will come from other places…
My father read the news and he is very happy with what we are doing, donating rice to the needy. Rinpoche is the one who teaches me to be generous and kind. In fact, doing Dharma work with good motivation is the best thing to contribute back to the society! Even my father is interested in what Kechara’s Pastors are doing. 🙂
All of us in Malaysia are lucky to have Rinpoche to teach here and contribute back to the society here, especially the Buddhist society in Malaysia! People from press have shown us how much they crave for Dharma(or I would say the teachings of love and compassion) and there is a lot of questions regarding spirituality in their head. I’m very happy because they asked the questions, as the media people and the media are one of the medium that spread the teachings of love and compassion! Thank you Rinpoche for always patiently teaches us and answer some of our funny questions. Thank you Rinpoche for showing up for the press conference even though Rinpoche was not well.
And I thank Ani Yeshe Dolma for taking care the kids who lost their parents and their beloved ones. We definitely need more pastors in Kechara to extend our help out to more people.
Rinpoche conquers the press.
The media were absolutely bowled over by Rinpoche during the press conference. I felt that although rinpoche arrived late due to the heat stroke, they “forgave” him completely by the end of the session. Many members of the press were particularly interested in rinpoche’s childhood experiences after having read his biography, The Promise. This event attracted the most press so far compared to any other Kechara event, to my knowledge.
I was happy to know that the media people were also interested in our Kechara Village and Kechara Forest Retreat projects, and some were fortunate enough to be invited for a private tour of the facilities once it has been built. Am really looking forward to that.
We are blessed in Malaysia to have Tsem Rinpoche to give us the Dharma and many precious Buddhist teachings for 20 years. Rinpoche has always care for those who are less fortunate and never fail to smile in front of us even he is not well. Rejoice for all the media members to receive blessings and gifts from Rinpoche. Thank you Rinpoche for stay with us and continue to turn the Dharma wheel.
[…] Yesterday was my 47th birthday. As with last year, it was a full day of celebration that came in conjunction with the Pastor Ordination Ceremony. The ceremony was an event that the press was interested about… just a week ago, 12 press publications came to ask a few questions about it. […]
[…] Yesterday was my 47th birthday. As with last year, it was a full day of celebration that came in conjunction with the Pastor Ordination Ceremony. The ceremony was an event that the press was interested about… just a week ago, 12 press publications came to ask a few questions about it. […]
Rinpoche is a person who act on his words, when he says he want to feed the people who is hungry, he’ll do it, there is always no if, but, and can’t, to Rinpoche, everything can. Can doesn’t mean you have to do the first time right, you can fail while doing it, but the motivation is not giving up, fail, do again, fail, do again until we get it right, the key is, at least we tried our best for achieving it.
When Rinpoche started Kechara, there are many obstacles, Rinpoche face many difficulties for the past 20 years, with the people outside, with students, etc. But he never give up, he always do 120% to push everyone and he make sure he pushes himself 200%, he always make sure he showed a good example as a leader, Rinpoche will never slack on his Dharma work, never even once, That’s Rinpoche.
Because of Rinpoche’s consistent effort, today Kechara is able to help so many people, giving out food to feed so many people, helping them physically and emotionally and spiritually.
Rinpoche’s compassion never end, as for us, giving up with little difficulties we face is a shame, it will only show how selfish we are, because in Dharma, it is not about ourselves, it is benefiting others.
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for always share and show us the right path we should walk, thank you Rinpoche for what I have today.
With folded hand _/\_
Albert
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing with the press on Kechara & KFR. RInpoche is not well on that day but still came for the conference.
When more press are aware of Rinpoche, Kechara, it will be helpful for getting more supports for Kechara Projects after they spread the news to the public.
Great job Comm Team & Pastor YY for arranging and inviting the Press to the press conference.
Rinpoche’s selfless motivation to benefit every sentient beings are an extraordinary example to everyone.
Dear Tsem Rinpoche,
Thank you Rinpoche for working so hard for Dharma. By seeing the pictures, what i noticed is that all the reporters are very touched by Rinpoche’s presence and compassion. May this event will bring much more benefits to others through various media and press. May Rinpoche’s vision and mission is clear from obstacles and manifest swiftly.
Kechara Forest Retreats is the biggest thing that will be coming up for Kechara in the near future, it is very exiting and much resources and people are needed to do the project. So come and lend a hand for the future and contribute to the building of this KFR.
At the above conference, 109 bags of rice were haned over by Tsem Tulku Rinpoche to Aini Yeshe Dolma of the Padmasambhava Children Loving Association in Klang, a home for the underpriviledged children. “It is not about celebrating my birthday, but more about celeberating the spirit of giving. I know what’s its like to have very little, and I want to share what I have with those in need, said the Founder and Spiritual Adviser of the Organisation, Kechara House, Tsem Tulku Rinpoche. On the ordination of the three new pastors, Tsem Rinpoche has this to comment, “The pastors will be able to conduct classes and perform special Buddhist rituals. Vows taken by pastors are based on the teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni – As lay person holding such vows, pastors make Dharma accessible to more people by given them guiduance and sharing knowledge. They have committed themselves to pursuing spirituality and encouraging it in others.” Thanks for the sharing and caring Rinpoche.v
Rinpoche is very very kind, beside explains about Kechara Forest Retreat project, patiently listen to all the questions from the press and gave very good answers for each question even Rinpoche is not feeling well. We didn’t even realize Rinpoche was not feeling well that time as Rinpoche was smiling away.
It’s a very good event where the interactive among the media and Rinpoche is really good as the media seems to have study about Rinpoche before they attend the event.
Each of the media member received blessings and gifts from Rinpoche directly, how fortunate!!! Wish all the media members are blessed with peace and harmony.
Thank you Rinpoche for always giving Dharma, love and cares to all sentient beings no matter how much suffering you are having. Thank you!
Giving away some packets of rice may seems simple and easy, but that’s the necessity for many who need it.
What we have, even is little but by sharing we make the little something more special and meaningful. Whether is a packet of rice or secret of eternal happiness, Rinpoche is always willing and prepare to share with all.
Rejoice for media friends who met Rinpoche and getting some advice from Rinpoche. We hope they could spread the news of KFR and happiness to many out there. Thank you Rinpoche, and all the media and Kechara team to make this happens.
I was extremely surprised to see so many media people attended this press conference. The press appeared to be touched by Rinpoche’s charisma and presence. The presence I identify it as compassion which work in ways that people who meets a person which exudes pure compassion will not be able to ignore it. It doesn’t matter whether you are from the press, celebrity or any “ordinary” person, true kindness is the way to go. It touches people when you feel the care so strongly that makes you wanna cry.
Dear Rinpoche,
I am very happy to have taken refuge with Rinpoche on the auspicious 47th birthday of Rinpoche…. Thanks so much. The Dharma on the blog not only benefits we Malaysians but also people of the whole world. I have been searching for a Guru who can guide me in my cultivation and I am very lucky to find a Great Guru in Rinpoche,thanks Rinpoche for accepting us as the students…….
The message which Rinpoche conveyed last night which really touched me and gave me a blow was time is running short and the length of the time to my destiny is running short each day.
I would learn more dharma and do more dharma work and Rinpoche , please pardon me because I am still new and ignorant in many things and hope to learn fast and progress in the Dharma path swifter with Rinpoche and the Buddha’s blessings…
Wishing Rinpoche continue to turn the Dharma wheel in Malaysia and have long life and be healthy and happy always. Rinpoche is the loving and compassionate Guru to me always……
The strong support from the media for the press conference reflects the recognition of Rinpoche’s dharma work in Malaysia. More and more people are benefiting from Rinpoche’s teachings. The press conference provides an effective platform to spread the message about KFR. At the same time, we are also able to share our good fortune with Anila’s orphanage centre. Rinpoche is very compassionate and will always find ways not only to benefit Kechara but other spiritual centres or charitable organisations.
Yes Milly. The press are very supportive and we can clearly see why by the token that Rinpoche is always caring for everybody. Obviously they are aware of what Rinpoche has been doing for the community here. Rinpoche never stops caring.
The press conference was indeed very successful. The media was interested to learn about KFR, the pastor ordination and Dharma. They asked many good questions that led to Rinpoche giving a Dharma talk and this benefited those who attended the event and who will eventually watch it on YouTube. Rejoice! _/\_ Thank you, Rinpoche.
Rinpoche spreads the dharma in ingenious ways. Being invited to a press conference to talk about Kechara Forest Retreat, ordaining new pastors, a new Sangha and donation of rice to Ani, which are work in progression to bring dharma to the world for everyone to realize love and kindness.
I was at the above event and I could see that the reporters were impressed by Rinpoche’s answers to their questions. I think many of them are also looking for answers to their problems, both spiritual and temporal.The gift of rice to the children’s home was much appreciated by Anila. It’d good to follow up and see what else we can do.
Thank you Rinpoche for showing to us that we can help those in need by fulfilling their basic needs. Often it is the basic needs which we often over look ie food, clothing, shelter, utility expenses, and the most important emotional and spiritual support.
Thank you Anila for this many years of running the orphanage center. You are the pillar of support for these children who need help the most during their growing up age. Also thank you of those who have been kind to lend your support to Anila of all these years. It is an inspiration that we can do so much more to assist them to live a happier life. Everyone deserve love and happiness. 🙂
I was there witnessing the press conference. Rinpoche gave a very clear explanation on Kechara Forest Retreat, it is Rinpoche’s gesture of gratitude towards people in Malaysia. At the end of the press conference, Rinpoche as usual gave out a lot of gifts to the press, mostly Dharma books and small tsa-tsa. Many people because of the gifts start to have a better understanding of what Buddhism/Dharma is and start to look into themselves to find peace within. Rinpoche is spreading Dharma every single seconds.
Rejoice, rejoice! Bodhicitta in action! Dear Rinpoche, from the bottom of heart, I wish you would have perfect health and live long to turn the wheel of Dharma in this region.
Dear Rinpoche,
I believe everyone who had met you up to now has some sort of affinity or good karma to be connected to Dharma through you. Although in your bibliography, you mentioned that you refuse to come to Malaysia to raise fund 20 yrs back, i would still like to thank you very much for coming to Malaysia and benefit so many people here.
Kechara being the first Buddhist Organization to have Pastors will definitely set a certain benchmark in the religion society out there. I am not referring to the fame or glitters around a name but a benchmark of how more lay people can benefit other lay people out there.
I hope through this press conference, Kechara name will be more widely recognized and will benefit more people out there. The way Kechara can benefit people out there was very uniquely designed through the various departments being set up by Rinpoche with the aim to reach out to more people rather than just a conventional temple/prayers hall that people normally goes.
Yesterday was Rinpoche’s birthday (24th October) and i saw many layman, young and old, taking refuge besides the Pastorship Ordination event. It shows the “hunger” for Dharma is so strong. One wouldn’t take Refuge without knowing what Refuge is. So I too rejoice for those who took Refuge yesterday as they really know what they are getting into and know what they are doing.
Selfishly saying, i hope Rinpoche can continue to be with us to teach us further / higher teachings once we have mastered his basic teachings which he taught throughout his 20 yrs in Malaysia.
With folded hands,
Thank you
Dearest Rinpoche,
Thank you for choosing Malaysia is your home and teaching dharma here tirelessly at pass 20 years. Your wish to teach dharma has benefiting many people at Malaysia. Kechara organization not just bring dharma to people, under rinpoche guiding has created clarity department like KSK to helped people from the street and contribute community services to Malaysia society.
Rinpoche ordained lay people at Malaysian as the Buddhist Pastors, make people one step closer become monk or nun hood at the future. This system is easier to let people able to teach dharma close to their own culture and encourage people willing to take on their monk and nun hood.
Rinpoche build Kechara Forest Retreat center,it benefiting city people come here to release their stress , enjoying the nature and the same time develop spiritual practice by meditation calming our mind. Rinpoche are giving great opportunity and providing this place for many people who need mental vacation. All this happen because of rinpoche kindness and compassion.