Profound Patsy
I will heed Rinpoche’s advice: “Control the anger till there is nothing to control. You can control your food intake, walking, urinating, defecating, spending, entertainment so why not anger”. All of us except the holy attained Masters have anger.
I used to get upset and angry when my expectations were not met, but having learned the dharma, I have learned to control my anger and impatience. Anger is not pleasant and due to my selfishness I have hurt others. I will now strive to control my anger and improve myself to be a better person. Through all these years in dharma, I have found that there is no point getting upset or angry and have learned to accept it. By letting go of my anger, I have become happier. I like the Zen proverb: “A donkey carrying a pile of holy books is still a donkey.” If we believe religion is good, we should take the teachings to heart and apply into our lives and transform to be a better person. If the Buddha can be enlightened so can we if we apply the holy teachings into our lives. By putting effort into it we see results. Most people claim to be well versed in dharma, but knowing yet not applying is useless.
“Integrity is the foundation of development of the mind into higher states of thinking and existence. Be kind to everyone and be tolerant.” Integrity is very important because when we have strong moral principles, whatever promises or commitments we made, we have to keep to it and doing it right when no one is looking. This will propel us to push ourselves out from our comfort zones. “Everyone comes with a baggage: doubt, fear, loss. Find someone who loves you enough to help you unpack.”
Thank you, Rinpoche, for your love and care. Your profound teachings have helped many like me to learn, unlearn and relearn that has brought tremendous change for the better into our lives.- From Patsy Gooi
( Patsy left this wonderful comment that is simple yet profound after reading the latest blog post: DO YOU WANT TO HEAR THE TRUTH? – https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=60275 )
(REMEMBER: If we are holding onto anger against anyone for any reason, we collect negative anger energy and karma every minute as we hold the anger. We are teaching no one a lesson because do we have such integrity to teach on that level? Every minute the anger is held is karma collecting every moment for more anger to come to us in the future, till we cannot control it anymore. Being angry and holding onto anger is the most powerful self destructive force we can do unto ourselves. Being angry at people does not teach them anything. It just teaches everyone around us what an angry bitter person we are and we are not doing much about it. And when and if we let go of the anger, we want the other party to be instantly fine and forgive us and pretend nothing happened. We expect a lot of others. They are not allowed to show any anger or express how they felt. They just have to take it. We can never compartmentalize as we think we can because the brain is connected from one ‘chamber’ to another by neurotransmitters that send anger messages back and forth. It makes us behave and act in ways that make us not us anymore. We can gain a disease called ‘lung’ where we abide in anger always. I’ve met people like that where they are in the state of perpetual anger and they have to take special Tibetan herbal medicine for 3-5 years daily to ‘heal’ it because it has become physical. Anger disturbs the channels within us till anger becomes a part of us making us very unpleasant to be with. Tsem Rinpoche)
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Patsy is one of the nicest people I have ever met in the last 20 years. I’ve known her for around that long I think. She is stable, kind, open and logical. You can always talk with her. When you deal with her yes is yes and no is no. You don’t ever have to second guess what she is really thinking inside because what you see is what you get. She is not pretentious at all. She does not crave limelight, attention and praise. She is happy living her life peacefully and practising Dharma and in the past taking care of her family. How refreshing.
She gets angry and upset like anyone else, but she holds no grudges. No diva fits and no temperamental issues. You don’t have to avoid her or be afraid to be around her. You never have to tiptoe around her because she is even minded and open to talk always. I’ve never heard anyone says Patsy cuts them off, she didn’t speak to them or showed an unpleasant demeanour. She does not hold grudges at all especially if the person dealing with her is logical and sincere. Even if they are not, she holds no grudges. Amazing.
You know, Patsy has never said in the over 20 years I’ve known her I can’t do this anymore or I quit or stop what she is doing. She never threatens anyone. She never tells me I quit. Amazing again. It shows how stable her mind is and how once she commits, she is firm. This is really a mind that has thought things out, stable, mature and reliable. Being stable is being kind to loved ones and people who believe in you because they can rely on you. Giving others reliability and keeping your word is integral in our relationships with others. It’s called integrity. When someone has integrity, we can go all the way with them or they will go all the way and achieve. I like reliable people so much. Someone who will achieve results. Some people are not reliable because they let momentary anger, moods, ‘friends’, peers, money, face and their projections of others affect them. What they promise may not have weight and they habituate themselves to just quit when something doesn’t go right. They should stick it out and find a better way and in that way everyone grows. They are difficult to be with because they always toy in their minds with quitting. You can’t say anything with them because they threaten to quit or just ignore what you say. You have to be at their beck and call and only will reply to what they like to hear. This habit is so damaging to themselves because no one will tolerate this for long. It works at first, then wears out. I guarantee wherever they go, this will go with them. They say yes and then it becomes no. They can threaten to quit or talk about it with everyone around them over and over non-stop. They influence others badly sometimes, they further strengthen their negative habituations and they bring pain to those who trusted them. But the pain will fall on them sooner or later. Then they need people to go ‘talk’ to them and make them feel better again and not quit. Give them some time and then they do it again. Of course all of us have our ‘moments’, but what is important is not to let those moments become permanent. We have to have integrity and turn our unstable minds around and we can do it! To say quit is a powerful negative mantra that hurts. Don’t hurt others. Why enjoy hurting others? Our pain doesn’t go away when we inflict pain and the momentary attention we get when we threaten quit fizzles fast. We have to learn to control our minds, our moods, our anger and especially our expectations. Our expectations our are biggest enemy. We have to realize that already. Our expectations of others is exactly what brings on so much anger. They are who they are and you have to accept and help. If you cannot help, why should they make you quit? Nothing more unpleasant than to work with people who always threaten to quit. Patsy is one of the many stable and reliable friends with integrity I have in my life and I thank her for this very much. I really find working with integrity a pleasure. 
Everyone universally likes Patsy. She is steady and consistent with no mind games. When she makes a mistake as we all do, she just says sorry and rectifies it. If you get upset with her, you must be having your own issues, because her apologies are genuine and she hides nothing. She is one of those people okay with being wrong and does not worry about losing face! She is wrong, she is wrong and that’s it. Simple. So many worry about face at the expense of their karma, spirituality and friendship with others. Face is a useless object of refuge that makes us act in ways that actually demean us and drag us down. Being wrong and apologizing does not demean us but makes us honest and real. When Patsy comes across difficult people, she is very patient. If she can help, she helps, if she cannot, she does not harm them or show them unpleasantness. I’ve observed this for two decades of her. She is one of the Kecharians I can honestly say have digested the teachings I’ve shared and put the Buddha’s teachings deep inside of her. She applies the teachings. This is so ‘rewarding’ for me as someone who shared Dharma with her and others. Even if she is angry or upset, you can talk to her and she never takes harsh steps or cut you off. People who cut other people off and just hold a grudge are perhaps near ‘lung’ disease coming on. I’ve stayed in her gracious house with her understanding husband a few times and she is the most gracious host and very detailed. A pleasure to be with. She is mature, steady, kind, even tempered and genuine.
I’ve asked her to open a Kechara outlet in Penang as well as feeding the homeless. We have a Kechara Soup Kitchen in Penang, North Malaysia. She also holds meditation classes, pujas and light teachings as well as running the Dharma outlet and Kechara Soup Kitchen. Do you know she never brings me any issues from these three activities. I am sure she has issues but she always solves it herself. You never hear her complain or make an issue. She just solves it. She does this all for free to serve humanity and never asks money or stipend either. For Patsy, Dharma work is Dharma practice! Her hard work and graciousness has won over her husband’s support of her activities. He is a nice man and loves his wife very much. She does her Dharma work and he supports her however he can from his capacity. Beautiful.
A little secret. I’ve never visited her current Kechara Dharma outlet or Kechara Soup Kitchen premises in Penang at all although it’s a part of our Kechara of course. I just trust Patsy to run it. She found the donations, the premises and time and she just does it because she believes in Dharma and benefiting others. She starts it up herself. Kechara’s policy is if we start a department, the head of the department will find the sponsors, secure locations and open as this is their Dharma works and contribution. The head office of Kechara does not lend funds or give to the opening of a department. So all departments in Kechara are suggested, started and created by the individual heads of departments.
Patsy told me she just wants to use the rest of her life in beneficial ways with Dharma work and practice. She sure proves what she says. I never visit because I want her to accomplish it and feel good and also be a shining example to others in Kechara and around the world. A ‘simple’ housewife, mother and student of Dharma can absorb the Dharma, transform and even open up various beneficial departments in Kechara. She is an inspiration. Others can do it too if they trust in good works, consistency and our Dharma protector. I am very happy to have her in my life and privileged to have her as a friend too. She is someone when I think of, puts a smile on my face. I love her, respect her and believe in her. She is a good friend and Dharma student.
Thank you Pasty always!
Patsy leading Dharma class and pujas in Kechara Penang
Patsy running Kechara Soup Kitchen in Penang
Patsy leading Kechara Soup Kitchen in Penang to give food to the homeless
Patsy’s act of kindness is featured in local newspaper
Kechara Paradise Dharma outlet in Penang Times Square
Kechara Paradise Dharma outlet in Penang Times Square
Related posts:
Patsy and KSK Penang: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/kechara-13-depts/patsy-ksk-pinang.html
A brief background of Patsy: https://www.kechara.com/pastors/
Some nice thoughts on integrity to share:
People with integrity do what they say they are going to do. Others have excuses.
Thanks for visiting this post. I hope my sharing has inspired you as it did me.
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There is so much to say in response to this article, but a simple THANK YOU Patsy and THANK YOU Tsem Rinpoche will have to do. This article means so much to me. I am currently working very hard to battle my anger issues brought on by a dysfunctional upbringing. The Dharma’s words, Patsy’s words and Tsem Rinpoche’s words have helped me gain better weapons in my battle against anger, on this day and days to come. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
I love you ALL at Kechara center!
Dear Jennifer,
Thank you for your comment. I’m glad to hear that Rinopche’s and Patsy’s words have helped you in your battle against anger. Here are some other posts that I’d like to share with you and hope that they will benefit you.
1. Anger
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/inspiration-worthy-words/anger.html
2. A method to release anger
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/inspiration-worthy-words/a-method-to-release-anger.html
(we received good feedback that this methods help some people to release anger)
3. The Buddha & the Angry Young Man
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/external-article/the-buddha-the-angry-young-man
4. Our Neurotic Mind
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/our-neurotic-mind.html
(“How and Where our NEUROTIC MIND appears, and Why it appears?”)
All the best and hope to see more of your comments/ sharing.
Pastor Shin,
Thank you so much for those additional links to help quell anger. The more methods I can find to try the better. I look forward to looking at these in the coming week. I hadn’t found methods that really seemed to help me until I found Rinpoche’s YouTube channel and website.
I was on a search for information, regarding Malas, when I found Rinpoche’s YouTube video on Rosaries. It was this Rosary video that led me to him, and finally to successful ways in improving my anger and myself as a whole. It was because of Rinpoche’s truth and teaching style that I was drawn to him. He drew me to this website where I became able to make comments and share (which I will definitely be doing more of for sure).
Thank you for always being so welcoming here! This welcoming, and loving, atmosphere allows those of us who are in pain to feel comfortable in coming back here to continue to seek help in ending our suffering. I am in a comfortable blanket of soothing virtue when I go to any Tsem Rinpoche resource on the internet.
Thank you, again, Pastor Shin Tan!
-Jennifer
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you this post. It was nce to learn that there are people like Mrs. Patsy, someone with integrity and commitment. I do hope very much that I can be like her, both in commitment and integrity, so that when I set out to do something for the betterment of others, I will not quit or give up. I really hope that I will grow up with a strong and logical mind and always think about improving myself for the benefit of others. 🙂
Thank you.
Your humble student,
Keng Hwa.
I’ve been visiting Kechara Penang with my parents and from there i met Soon Huat, Patsy and Seow Family .Feeling proud that Kechara have a integrated leader like Patsy. She incharge all the on-going project in Penang by heself and at the same time active in all Kechara event in KL.
I felt her compassion and patience in dharma , she is kind to gather kecharian and share dharma together. We had a great sharing with Seow Family who visited Penang last year. Kechara is just like a Dharma Family.
Thanks Rinpoche for all the encouragement given to the students. By having a kind, passion, integrated student like Patsy. Kechara is growing swiftly.
Although I’m not really close to Aunty Patsy but I do know that Aunty Patsy is really a kind person. Just like Rinpoche has said, I have never seen Aunty Patsy being angry even for once. She has been taking care of the Kechara Outlet in Penang and as well as the KSK (Kechara Soup Kitchen) in Penang. I have never run a shop before (Because I’m only 15 years old) but I know that taking care of two outlets is extremely hard, it takes a lot of effort and energy to maintain them. Sometimes, you won’t even have time to stay down at home and relax, if you run two outlets then you will understand what I’m talking about. But I’m happy for her, she surely will have good rebirths in her future lifetimes.
Patsy is a friendly Dharma sister who always has a big smile on her face. Her sincere message to Rinpoche shows that she really takes her Guru’s advice to heart. She is being very honest to admit her issue with anger, which all of us have too, and taking the steps to change and improve.
Patsy is a great example of a sincere Dharma practitioner. She showed to many how she just followed through with Rinpoche’s wishes to open a Dharma outlet and to feed the homeless in Penang. Now we can see the wonderful results, her dharma and charitable activities have benefited many people in Penang. As Rinpoche mentioned, in the 20 odd years that Rinpoche knows her, she had always work at solving all the problems herself and never push her responsibilities to others.
Her never-say-quit determination, her hardworks and devotion to Rinpoche are all very admirable, and it is truly inspiring.
Thank you Rinpoche for this very profound teachings.
_()_ Pastor Gim Lee
Congratulations to Patsy for putting dharma into action and impact on others lives. I remember once, Rinpoche sent a message about integrity: Integrity is what we do when nobody is watching.
Patsy has quietly and consistently build a base for Dharma work in Penang to benefit the people there over the years. I understand how challenging it is to build a “satellite” Dharma center, maintain it and make it successful. It certainly takes a powerful lady to accomplish what Patsy did.
Patsy also redefines powerful. I used to relate power to something forceful, loud, dominant etc. However, whenever I see Patsy, she is gentle, soft and patient. This makes me think of the power of kindness and generosity and goodness. They really can move mountains, not by force but by moving the hearts of others and enrolling them to be a part of a vision.
Thank you for this post. It is inspiring to know that we have a hero amongst us!
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank You for sharing this post. Yes, anger is very destructif and it needs to be rooted out as it will only increase if not controlled. Anger is “the most powerful self destructive force we can do on ourselves”!
There is nothing to loose and everything to gain by stopping anger. Anger will not help to make our expectations be fulfilled but it will make others stay away from us. “We collect negative anger energy and karma every minute as we hold the anger!”. This is very scary.
To read about Patsy and her Dharma work is very pleasant and inspiring. Thank you Patsy for your comment, your good works and for bringing Dharma to many.
Patsy has a very kind heart. Her mantra is “JUST DO IT HUM PET”. Being able to do that showed that Patsy has strong Guru devotion and having clean Guru samaya with Rinpoche. She trusted and believed to Rinpoche’s teachings. She put Dharma into her life, take action and go all the way. She is sincere, care and cherished for those who have come through the door of Kechara. Dharma has brought her happiness and she wished everyone to become happy just like her. What Patsy has been practicing seems simple yet profound because she goes all the way for Dharma. One lady, takes care of the second Kechara in Penang. So much she has done, never she claimed once that she had done so much but committed herself more and more to serve others. Only those that have keep Rinpoche’s teachings into hearts being able to do so. That again it’s time to check ourselves, what have we done for others. Have we practice what our Guru had taught us. Have we come out from our comfort zone just like Patsy and go all the way to serve others? Are we still stuck ourselves in the route of the samsara?
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing the beautiful story of our profound Dharma sister, Patsy.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing about Patsy. It is really not easy to run 2 departments at the same time. Penang is a place with very high rental on their property. I can imagine beside managing these 2 departments, Patsy will also need to manage the fund raising and volunteers, this is truly not easy. Her determination and integrity that she learnt from Rinpoche is a great example of when someone place full trust in their Guru and follow the guru’s teachings and instruction, a lot can be achieve. Rinpoche has always teaching us that by letting go of our comfort zone, laziness, selfishness, we can transform to be a powerful and reliable person. Patsy is definitely one of the best example.
Thank you Rinpoche has sharing Profound Patsy in the blog sharing wonderful story about lovely Patsy story.” Integrity is the essence of successful.” upon reading this verse,lead me think about Patsy what she has done for so many years. Her faith to Dharma amaze me, her commitment toward the Dharma work never less and keep growing until today Kechara Penang having Soup Kitchen, outlet and study group all come from Pastsy hard work. Her integrity and devotion toward Rinpoche inspire many of us keep continue doing dharma work. She is one of old student of Rinpoche showing people with her dharma practice by keeping commitment bring many result to benefit many people at Penang.Wish and pray for her success and continue benefit many people at the future.
Regards,
Pastor Chia
I have seen many people hold on with their anger and causes so much unhappiness and bitterness to themselves and people around them. The end result of holding anger is just loneliness and the continuation of anger will make one up to the point where Rinpoche mentioned before, ‘out of control’. Every single thought, word and action is just anger even if we speak nicely to them. It’s sad to be in such situation as the continuous anger becoming a nature habituation which will just make people away from us.
Being so hold up on our selfish expectation will not bring us anyway further but just ruins our life and with others. Blaming others is just an excuse for us to nurture our ego and continue to be more angry to push all responsibilities to others instead of taking it up and make a change from us.
Being able to learn the dharma it is a great opportunity for us to see and understand our sickness and how much anger we have. The Guru is just like the doctor who’s not just showing how severe our sickness is but also prescribe the medicine for us to heal us with dharma.
Patsy is a great example that has listened to the doctor strictly and follow through all the way the prescription given by Rinpoche that make a change in her life. I had a chance to stay and work with Patsy and she is really straight forward lady with no mind game and always has much of care for others. Her consistency in her work is what i admire and inspired me. ‘No complaint but just do it’. She will only think of how to make things beneficial for others. All these shows in her work and she really go all the way with what Rinpoche teach her and can be witness from the result of her work.
Being a person like her which able to control her anger and always put others ahead of her will always be as happy as her as all of us can see. She indeed a great dharma practitioners that shows what the great teaching that Rinpoche has thought.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing about Patsy and it really inspire me.
Patsy is the best sister anyone can ask for. We have both gone through so many ups and downs together, hand holding each other when we start something new, giving each other moral support when we are down. We may be many years different in age, but share the same taste of food, clothes and friends!
Anyone who has the good fortune to cross her path will definitely agree with me that she is a very supportive person and never say no to a request. More than half our lives as sisters have gone by and I pray that we will meet again, hopefully as sisters again to continue our spiritual practice again together.
Being angersome is NO fun! End up being bitter and angry at every little thing. My expectations and projections tear me apart! Like what Rinpoche said, it is the most powerful self destructive force and I agree 110%! The worst part is that the other person doesn’t even know it. I was at my most angersome state before I met Rinpoche and Dharma. Being able to read and learn what Rinpoche taught, have changed me so much! I believe without the blessings I would have became much worse!
Patsy is a wonderful person to work with. She is smart and she knows what she wants and need to do. Like what Rinpoche said, she give NO problem at all. I am honored to be able to work with here side by side during Kechara Paradise time. I respect her very much for being able to do so much as a student, mother and volunteer! Single handedly coming up with her ideas and time for everything to do with Kechara!
Thank you Rinpoche for the beautiful sharing!
“Being angry and holding onto anger is the most powerful self destructive force we can do unto ourselves.”
This is so powerfully true. Whatever object, situation or person I’m angry at would not suffer but I suffer. It’s like someone cutting into the lane I was driving on and I honked and yelled at the driver. No matter how hard and how long I honked the driver would have driven off. I could continue honking and yelling but that driver could not hear. And I still could not let go of the anger but relayed the incident to the first person I met, the second, the third. Instead of letting it go so my anger can subside I fueled it more by holding onto it and relaying it to people I met. But that driver who I was angry at would probably had gone for a nice meal, gone home, showered and happily enjoying the rest of the day. But I’m still suffering because I did not want to let go of it.
Patsy is honest to write of her anger and what she wants to do about it because she wants to be happy and not suffer like me as what I wrote earlier. What Rinpoche wrote here I can attest to it because I worked with Patsy in Kechara retail outlet in Penang.
Thank you Rinpoche for such a nice sharing. It is very tough to be on the Dharma journey and such sharing is incredibly inspiring ! Rejoice for all the wonderful work and transformation that Patsy has done !
We should use our precious human life to develop our spiritual practice and life more like Patsy! Opening a center like KSK to bring Dharma across to others is not easy, but Patsy has done just that! She look the perfect example of what we should follow and to achieve, so as to fulfill whatever rigid promises or commitments we may have made to the people closest to us like our guru! As the saying goes, “People with integrity do what they say they are going to do. Others have excuses.” As for Patsy, Rinpoche said, “She sure proves what she says”. She truly is an inspiration for all of us to follow. Thank you Patsy, for being the shinning example to us all at Kechara and the World over. You really have done us proud at Kechara!
Wow what a lovely lady and true student to Rinpoche. May all your students be as hard working and embody all your teachings like Miss Patsy, Rinpoche. Congratulations on your achievements so far Miss Patsy. May you always make your Rinpoche happy.
Thank you Rinpoche for the kind sharing on Ms Patsy.I do not know her that well .But I am sure ,she is a patient and focus person who never waste any minute of her precious human life. She is ever willing to share her dharma knowledge with anyone who is curious or willing to know more on dharma knowledge.
When we are fortunate to meet her at any Kechara event.We would feel her compassion to assist or to introduce the dharma to the newcomers.
Anyone who meet her for the first time ,would sense the sincerity in her approach and the constant eye contact with a gentle smile.
Ms Patsy would be the perfect example to follow ,if we sincerely wish to develop and make a dharma center grow.Her commitment and determination to help all those in need should be applauded.
Thank you Ms Patsy for your generous contribution towards materializing the Kechara Soup Kitchen in Penang amongst the others challenging Dharma related works.
Dear Rinpoche,
Some people like Patsy do so much with no complains, mood swings and excuses. She just do it and don’t waste time creating drama, wasting time complaining or being depressed. From my observation, being negative is more time-consuming than being positive! I know people who call their friends to complain for 3 hours! Not only they are wasting their own time, they are wasting other people’s time. How considerate is that?
Why not spend the time to gain deeper wisdom and realisation and collecting merits from just doing dharma work well? I realise that things will definitely be difficult, hence the complains, mood swings and wanting to quit. But to continue with integrity is the key to succeed. I’ve observed this in Patsy as well. Thank you for sharing the same thoughts for us all to be inspired so that we can surpass difficulties.
What a wonderful role model to follow. The fact that all the department heads have to collect all their own funding and locations and countless other things is utterly humbling.
I realize that my struggles are so small in comparison to these feats which must be so far outside of anyone’s comfort zone, tasks which are completed perfectly by people like Patsy.
Something about this story made me very emotional, thinking about my time in Dharma, and all the time I’ve wasted. How I could be doing much bigger things by now if I had followed my practice properly. I struggle sometimes to practice for 35 or 45 minutes. More than sometimes.
I think I can do better now. I’m not that old yet, however I do feel somewhat stuck in my old habits. Reading about Patsy’s success in transforming her mind gives me hope. Commit. Follow through. Be successful. I can!
I do not know Patsy in person but it is very inspiring to read about Patsy’s dharma work. In my mind, Patsy is a role model as she demonstrated qualities of integrity, compassionate, perseverance, resourcefulness (and many more qualities) that I can learn from – the qualities that will make her be successful in any field she chooses but Patsy chose to give her all to Dharma to benefit sentient beings.
Thank You very much Patsy for being a role model to novice like myself.
I’m indeed very lucky to be under the guidance of Patsy and as mentioned by Rinpoche,Patsy is a very straightforward person and she is like a motherly figure to the Penang Kechara.She cared for each of us and sometimes I felt that she can even read people’s mind because she is very observant and she knows what you are thinking.Patsy is extremely strict to us but her intention is good.Thanks to Patsy for bringing Dharma into my life and for everything that she has done for all of us.
I’ve been with Kechara Penang for not very long time but long enough to know Patsy a little. As mentioned by Rinpoche, Patsy never complained that she is tired, she wants to quit. She just do it. She is meticulous, precise, strict , on time and the list goes on. The strongest imprint i got from Patsy is her “strictness” in carrying our dharma works. She accepts no nonsense. To see from a broader view, she is training us to be serious in what we do and do it right. Also training us to be able to handle situations in a better manner.
I truly appreciate that Rinpoche and Patsy brought Kechara to Penang for us to learn and practice the dharma.
Thank you.
Anger is something that destroy our life and our peace, I agree with what Patsy has share all this inflicting emotion will not be able to overcome if there is no Dharma . Thank you Rinpoche for continue teaching the Dharma to us if is not Rinpoche many of us will be continue control by our negative emotion, and thank you Patsy for sharing this inspiring write up.
Thank You Rinpoche for sharing the wonderful comments from Patsy. I definitely agreed with Rinpoche’s comments on Patsy. I have been knowing Patsy since 2009 and she was the first Kecharian I knew in Kechara. I remembered I walked in Penang Kechara Outlet for first time in 2009 due to curiosity. She welcomed me with great smile and introduce me the powerful Protector Lord Setrap. Since then she always message me the update of Kechara and invited me to join Setrap puja which was started on 2010. I was a lazy student and always gave a lot of excuses for not attending the puja. When I was off track and missing from puja for sometimes, she would message me to pull me back to track tirelessly to ensure I am still in Dharma path (until today, I still appreciate her effort of doing so or else I would not have a chance to learn Dharma in this great organization).
When Pastor Chia visiting Penang, she purposely asked me to talk to Pastor Chia and let Pastor Chia shared his experience, such as how he met Rinpoche and his experience in Kechara, with me to strengthen my faith. When I visited Wang Utama kechara Outlet, she asked Pastor Henry Ooi to talk to me and help me. Beside that, she tirelessly encouraged us to join blog chat and explaining the blog chat and article benefits to us, now I am addicted to the weekly blog chat and articles which are one of the main sources of my Dharma learning now.
When she got to know there was a Intensive Dharma class available in KH, she immediately recommended me to attend. I am glad I did join the class and get to know Pastors and great Dharma seniors. The class helped to build strong foundation of my Dharma knowledge.
I remembered vividly that she asked me to try to enter the main hall of Kechara House to attend Rinpoche’s talk during Rinpoche’s birthday in 2012 as there were still some empty seats. It is my turning point of Dharma path, I was inspired by Rinpoche’s teaching that night and since that day, I fully accept Rinpoche as my Guru and follow His teaching all the way without any doubt or hesitation.
Despite of her busy work of taking care of so many departments (KSK, Puja team and Outlets) in Penang, she still put the effort to taking care of us in such detail to ensure we are growing in spiritual path.
I just met Patsy this afternoon to say “Thank You” to her as I did not know what to say on what she has done to me to grow me in spiritual path except Sincere Thank You. Thank You Patsy.
When I first met Patsy I remembered she would come to Kuala Lumpur from Penang for our Pujas and other activities. She would sometime drive and sometime take the bus.
Being new in Kechara I would always observe Patsy, graceful and quiet and always doing whatever needs to be done.
The progress Patsy has made for the growth of Kechara in Penang is inspirational. And she did it single handedly.
Thank you, Patsy.
I have only known Ms. Patsy Gooi for few months only and reading HE Tsem Rinpoche’s comments of Patsy really open my eyes and reflect my thoughts of this incredible, oustanding and love to Patsy. I now understand the passion and kindness that drive Patsy to help fellow human beings. What HE Tsem Rinpoche’s description of Patsy is absolutely true and made me realized how lucky I am to have the opportunity to meet her and have her as a friend.
God bless.
Truly inspiring story of Patsy. I agree with Rinpoche , myself having known her for almost 4 years, I never heard her complain or say she quit. She solves her own issues and always manage to get things done. A very strong lady. She can be strict but when you understand her good intentions behind of her “strictness”, it is to push further towards Dharma and applying it. Patsy’s integrity and selfless dedication of her time and hard work towards Dharma and benefiting others should be acknowledged and will be a role model for others to follow suit. I am sure with profound Rinpoche’s online teachings and Patsy’s guidance, Penang Kechara will definitely grow. Thank you Patsy for giving us the golden opportunity to be in dharma path and ultimately transform our lives to be a better person. Thank you Rinpoche for publishing this article as to honor such a great integrity lady and to show us how lucky we are to have Patsy in managing and heading Penang Kechara & KSK.
As a secular school teacher, I have always been angry with my students if they do not perform as expected. And I am always questioning myself for reprimanding my students. Am I doing the right thing? I realized that my intentions are good but my approach may be wrong. Sometimes, because of anger, we tend to hurt the feelings of others and words uttered cannot be retracted.
Though my expectations are not being met, I should be more patient and tolerant because each and everyone is different, especially when I am dealing with a bunch of teenagers.
I have known Patsy not too long ago when I joined KSK Penang in January 2013 and I have seen her work day in day out. The amount of work and commitment she has put in KECHARA is tremendous. No one can do as much as she’s doing now single handedly. She’s a firm and no nonsense lady when it comes to her commitment to dharma work. I have worked closely with her and at most times I can’t keep up with her pace. Though she’s firm, she has a kind heart and she’s supportive and always willing to hear us out. As for myself, I thank her for giving me the opportunity to do more dharma work and transform my mind in becoming a better person.
As the leader of Kechara Soup Kitchen Penang, Patsy has shown true leadership qualities with a compassionate and committed heart in leading the group of volunteers to be more responsible and committed towards helping the poor and the homeless in Penang.
It’s not an easy task to lead Kechara Penang but her 24/7 commitment, integrity and true heart says it all.
Warmest regards,
Leonard Ooi
Through the constant increase in knowledge for dharma it allows us to understand and better control our anger and impatience. The reason being that through Dharma we would be able to see the true “ugly” side of ourselves and from there we would be able to know how to change ourselves for the better.
“Anger is not pleasant and due to my selfishness I have hurt others” I find this statement very true, it shows how our actions actually affects others in our lives that we have never thought so before. All because we are too focused on ourselves, we have never paused a moment to think how our reactions and actions may have hurt those around us. Our human nature is to not care anyone else apart from ourselves because of our selfishness, we would never think how it would affect the other parties emotionally or even physically when we pour our negative emotions out to others.
“Being angry and holding onto anger is the most powerful self destructive force we can do unto ourselves.” It also shows that through anger it would affect our lives and health. This is an every good example of how anger actually eats us up. Many of us would never have thought that anger would affect our bodies in very negative manner, we always feel that it is just a while and we would not affect anyone around us. However. the case is usually not like this as that anger would spread like cancer cells to the people around us. Making us undesirable to be with. It only acts as a barrier for us when we let that anger that we have take full control of ourselves.
In the article it reminds us the importance of being stable, as that is what would give others the credibility of ourselves. Only with that credibility and reliability, then only one would be able to be an achiever in life. Not just someone that let the day past without any goals in life.
Having a stable mind is very important as through that together with integrity, we would be able to achieve many things in life. When we quit, we would hurt those around us.
“Our expectations ours are biggest enemy” . Expectations are indeed the biggest challenge I believe many would face. However, we are not the directors of our own movies where things would just flow through like how we would want it to go like. It is seldom that things would be like what we want as people are usually not like how we would expect them to be. They do have their own characteristics as well. Not just like what we portray. Personally I feel that we should never be expecting something, reason being that when things fall below our expectations we would be upset. Why should we be putting ourselves through those emotional roller coasters? Through those roller coasters it would make us be a grumpier person that would not help in our overall health or even path that we want to pursue.
I agree with what Rinpoche has said about apologising would help us be honest and real. Personally I feel that it is not just that, but it would also teach one to be humble letting go that ego that we have. Although this is said very easily, sometimes it might be difficult for us to do because we have such big ego that we would not want others to see us in a state of “vulnerability”. However, what we have forgotten is that when we show that side to others, we would actually gain the respect from others because we are willing to admit our mistakes and turn the situation to something that would be beneficial.
Lastly I would like to say that I enjoy the quote “The things you do when no one’s looking are the things that define you” is very true. Only ourselves would know who we really are, we will never be able to lie to ourselves. Since that is the case, why should we even be wearing masks when we face others?
It’s been close to 2 months at Kechara Penang now. Witnessing how Patsy runs everything from Kechara Paradise Outlet Penang and Kechara Soup Kitchen Penang single handedly is no easy feat. Come weekends sometimes she would hop onto the plane to Kechara Forest Retreat, Pahang and returns to Penang only to dive straight into dharma works without going home. Uploading photos on the spot to social media and doing updates when everybody’s sound asleep. If she’s not superwoman I don’t know who is. The energy she has, multi-tasking, selflessness can put most young person to shame.
How lucky and fortunate I’m to be able to meet her.
She’s the kindest compassionate person I’ve ever met. Observing her doing nightly rounds on KSK, taking the effort to talk warmly to all the homeless clients, and even during KSK In-House distribution shows how caring she is for other’s welfare.
At times strict, but for good reasons too. Imagine if you’re running an organization, there’s so many people to handle, if a CEO does not provide strong leadership, the organization will be in chaos as so many people will want to do it their way. For eg. there would be occasions when Patsy is not around during KSK in-house distribution, KSK clients would be sneaky, misbehaved, rowdy and wanted “extra” helpings or try to get their hands on “extra” food, cutting queus or not returning recycled bottles in exchange for new bottled water. And sometimes volunteers would just give in or waver in their stand. But not with Patsy around. All volunteers and clients will adhere to instructions given. That is the hallmark of good leadership. Without it, nothing runs.
Being a meticulous and very detailed person too, especially if it concerns dharma works like pujas. For eg. even when 1 word is missed out printed on newly printed booklet for Dorje Shugden prayers she would point out and asked to proof read all before redoing the printout again. This shows a high level of integrity and trained mind just like what Rinpoche taught her. Maybe for others it might seem trivial or small matter. But because of her integrity, everything must be followed without “diluting” with “salt or pepper”. This is how the pure lineage is preserved right from Lama Tsongkhapa, to Pabongka Rinpoche to Trijang Rinpoche…etc etc down to our Guru H.E. Tsem Rinpoche. If any one of our Gurus along the lineage added “some salt and pepper” and not adhering strictly with integrity the teachings transmitted, imagine what we as students would received by now. How fortunate we Kecharians in Penang to have Patsy, a “heart disciple” directly taught from Rinpoche for over 20 years. We can learn so much from her.
On this article that touched on anger, Patsy would sometimes appear “angry” when things are not done properly. But to me, it’s not anger at all. Sometimes some of us needs to be reprimanded or told to do certain things correctly out of good motivation. Just like if our Guru reprimands us for not being lazy or do something correctly for our benefit so our spiritual practice can advance. How we “react” and what we “ say” after being “reprimanded” says a lot about our state of mind. It is said that highly enlightened practitioners while in meditation, even if there’s a loud gong strike within his ear, will be unmoved. Unstartled. Unaffected. Steady. Henceforth, to equalized all action, reaction to non-reaction is a real practitioner in the truest sense.
We still have a long way to go.
Finally,
it’s only when our minds have absorbed and have realized what our Guru teaches ; from then on; everything we do, think, breathe, move and say will automatically become One with our Body, Speech & Mind… and Boddhichitta/compassion for others will develop. When we find ourselves become more and more selfless without the 8 worldly concerns, that’s when we do more and more for others, just like what Patsy is doing now without ever feeling tiresome, burdensome or a chore.
It is then we know we are on the correct path.
Patsy often reminds us to use our precious human life to develop our spiritual practice more and do more and also to do more dharma work.
Life is short.Everyday we wake up to a routine with an almost precise clockwork. Wake up-breakfast-commute-work-lunch-commute-home-dinner-entertainment-sleep. Repeat. And then death. We’re no different from animals/robots. Thank you Rinpoche and Patsy for giving us a platform in Penang to develop and practice our spirituality and dharma. It brings meaning to our lives.
Lastly,
“Integrity is very important because when we have strong moral principles, whatever promises or commitments we made, we have to keep to it and doing it right when no one is looking.”
The integrity of our dharma works/motivation starts AFTER we’ve finished the meditation, pujas or saddhanas. What we do after that depends very much on our integrity.
This is very profound. When-No- One- Is-Looking.
We’re indeed very fortunate to have someone like Patsy. She’s the perfect example of what we can achieve. And H.E. Rinpoche of what we can become. And the Buddha of what we strive to be.
Warmest Regards,
Donkey.
Kevin…. I couldn’t have agreed more. Yes, she definitely has earned a rightful place in this blog as she did those and more. As a mother myself, I believe I couldn’t have came out the things that she has done, and voila, she just did it! Imagine that I have to do all these and never complain. Opening a centre and KSK is easy but maintaining it is the worst part especially the financial part. Perhaps she is strict for good reasons just as you have mentioned. Imagine how many people she has to meet, whether she likes it or not to bring awareness to others about KSK and Kechara as a whole.
Of course there are ups and downs and there were times where she was strict and ‘enlighten’ us with her views but deep down, she just wanted things to be done or to get the message across. Put yourself in her shoes and you’ll know how difficult it is to bring Dharma to others. Others can quit but she cannot! This is a brutal fact.
Anger can really burn down many things including bridges that may be beneficial for us in future. I have to learn to control the anger in me too. Although it is it not obvious for others but I do have my escalated anger inside due to my EXPECTATIONS! With this post, I am hopeful for Kechara Penang. Acknowledgement from Rinpoche is the best confirmation for this. Thank you Rinpoche for seeing the potential in Patsy and that we have a spiritual home in Penang. A convenient place for many including me that live far away from Kechara House in KL and Bentong. Patsy, I am glad that I can learn from you and be a part of this team.
Yup, Kevin. Very much agreed with the facts that you have beautifully written. Being near to Dharma (Kechara Penang)with under guidance of Patsy, Dharma teaching from Rinpoche is one of the most graceful and opportune in this our precious lifetime, we should treasure it and held it close to our heart. I feel glad that meet up with Patsy and Penang Study group, honestly said, I feel so much change in myself.
Thank you so much Patsy and Rinpoche for bringing Dharma to the north of Malaysia, and people like me, being close to Dharma is best opportunity I ever had.
Hi Ann,
H.E. Tsem Rinpoche has touched many lives, including yours and mine.
If we feel that it has changed us, the best way to repay their kindness is to support and attend all Kechara Penang’s activities such as Pujas, Study Groups, KSK, Animal Liberation, etc CONSISTENTLY; so that the dharma can grow and attract more people.
Because it’s always to benefit all sentient beings.
Not only for us alone.
Pay it forward. And see it snowballs bigger. ^___^
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you so much for sharing such an inspiring story of Patsy. It has been always a great inspiration to see how kecharians work and their daily dharma actions in practice. They seemed so consistent and kind no matter when and where. To me this shows how rinpoche’s blessings have been penetrated into them. Lots of people are being benefited. Long Live Rinpoche and may continue to show us the path _/\_ Thank you
” Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned”- Buddha
I have seen anger and it is really unpleasant, scary in fact. I have seen how anger destroy/hurts the people around. I, myself have experienced anger ( still experiencing but hopefully a milder version as I go along), it does really take a toll out you. I get so worked up and at the end of the day, extremely bitter then when the guilt set in and the whole drama rama starts with a rainbow of emotions. And if grudges kicks in, it is an entire different TVB drama all together. Very tiring & I realised, very unnecessary. And you turn really ugly from within and it will show from the outside.
There was once a girl I know who had everything. She was pleasant to be with but once her anger took over, she was a monster. So much so that she consistently lash out at others that she is now all alone and extremely bitter. And the thing is, she cannot undo all her harsh words/treatment she has done to others cause not many people are forgiving in this world. Practically everyone she was close to have left her. She was a role model for myself and friends around her cause we saw how anger destroy her relationship with her family, friends & eventually herself.
Therefore, I have learned my lesson. Thank goodness with the constant teaching from Rinpoche, before I embarked onto the anger mode, I take a step back and only react or most of the time, I refrained and swallow..hehehehehe. Of course, it doesn’t mean that people can take advantage of you or the people you love.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing what Patsy wrote. And thank you Patsy for being an inspiration to many of us.