A Poem to My Teacher…
His Holiness Kyabje Zong Dorje Chang
Alone With Memories
(my actual poem)
Sadness and loneliness
are my forced friends,
Living in lands forever foreign
as I have no home…Sounds of my guru’s damaru
evokes a time long gone,
As it plays in my head
all day long…My guru’s memory I projected
onto my daily life,
Keeps me going in a place I am
forced to call home…Tragic am I living in a
time that has passed,
A memory that I must wake from
although I resist…My work and burdens hasn’t any end,
Yet have to trudge on, onto where?
Is there any respite from my hopes and optimism?
Or is it better to accept reality which is cynicism?I long for my youth not for the
false hopes it promised,
But to hear the sound of my
Glorious Guru playing his divine music
on his damaru again…To be warmed by his wisdom,
blessed by his strength…And to feel hope again…
A hope that hangs in there,
But often slips away…again…Written by Tsem Rinpoche
Then one of my student’s son, Gavin, surprised me by arranging the music, playing the piano and making a beautiful song from the poem!
I was like, “Wow…the kid’s got talent…” Some of the words from the original poem he rearranged for the sake of the song. But it evokes my feeling for my Guru for sure. When I listen to this, I think of Zong Rinpoche…
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/APoemToMyTeacher.mp4
Sadness and loneliness
are my forced friends,
Living in lands forever foreign
as I have no home…
Sounds of my guru’s damaru
evokes a time long gone,
As it plays in my head
all day long…
My guru’s memory I projected
onto my daily life,
Keeps me going in a place I am
forced to call home…
Tragic am I living in a
time that has passed,
A memory that I must wake from
although I resist…
Alone with memories
My work and burdens hasn’t any end,
Yet have to trudge on, onto where?
Is there any respite from my hopes and optimism?
Or is it better to accept reality which is cynicism?
Alone with memories
Alone with memories
I long for my youth not for the
false hopes it promised,
But to hear the sound of my
Glorious Guru
Playing his divine music
on his damaru again…
To be warmed by his wisdom,
blessed by his strength…
Alone with memories
My work and burdens hasn’t any end,
Yet have to trudge on, onto where?
Is there any respite from my hopes and optimism?
Or is it better to accept reality which is cynicism?
Alone with memories
Alone with memories
And to feel hope again…
A hope that hangs in there,
But often slips away…again…
(Above) His Holiness Zong Rinpoche and myself in Yucca Valley, California. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche was conferring Vajra Yogini empowerment with full commentary which I attended. I was also one of Rinpoche’s private assistants during his stay here.
His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche was very affectionate to me all the time. His attendant told me that I was very lucky as he rarely touches people.
This photo is of Kyabje Rinpoche walking with me in Chinatown, Los Angeles. Rinpoche enjoyed shopping. On this trip Rinpoche bought a birthday gift for me which was a Chinese opera puppet. I was so honoured, surprised and treasured the blessed gift.
Tsem Rinpoche
Tibetan ‘Ah’ syllable found on the inside of the skull of the 2nd Zong Rinpoche, Zongtrul Tenpa Chopel (1836-1899 AD) after his cremation ceremony
I was 18 years old when this was taken back in 1983 in Los Angeles, California. Here I am in this photo with my most precious root guru, His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche. He has profoundly changed my life for the better forever. Not a day goes by I don’t think about him, love him, miss him and yearn for his presence and teachings.
I meditate on him in my heart every single day. He was everything that a high Tibetan lama is said to be and more. From the moment I heard his name before meeting him from a friend who had met him already, faith instantly arose in me. Instantly faith arose in me. I did 100 prostrations to his picture everyday until I met him. I wanted to make a spiritual karmic connection with him so that when I met him, I can receive many teachings and that is why I made the prostrations.
No other spiritual teacher although all of them were great has this sort of meteoric impact on me. It’s unexplainable. 30 plus years down the line, my faith, respect and trust in Kyabje Zong Rinpoche is unshakable. I will always follow and practice what he has taught me and given me. I will never abandon my teacher or any practice he has given me no matter what obstacles come my way.
No matter if my life is threatened, or I am disliked or segregated for following his instructions, I will never abandon any of his teachings. No other teacher will ever have me change my practice I have received from Kyabje Zong Rinpoche. May I meet Kyabje Zong Rinpoche in all my future lives too and come under his care. I forever bow to him and place the crown of my unworthy head to his feet. I will follow, meditate, trust and believe in my guru always.
Humbly,
Tsem Rinpoche
这是我与我的至宝根本上师，至尊嘉杰宋仁波切于1983年在加利福尼亚洛杉矶拍下的合照。当年我18岁。他深刻地改变了我的生命，永恒地使我的生命变得更美好。没有那么一天，我不想起他，不珍爱他，不思念他，或是不切盼他的出现与教诲。
每一天，我都在心中忆念嘉杰宋仁波切。他拥有人们眼中一个西藏高僧该具备的一切条件，甚至拥有更多。我从一个曾拜见嘉杰宋仁波切的朋友口中听见宋仁波切的殊胜名字，自那一刻起，我虽未见过仁波切一面，但信心即刻油然而生。在见到仁波切之前的每一天，我都向着他的法照顶礼一百遍，我想跟他结下法缘，那么等到见到他的时候，我能接受到大量的教诲。这是我每日顶礼的原因。
其他所有上师固然殊胜，但没有一个像嘉杰宋仁波切那样对我造成犹如陨星撞击般的影响。这种感受无从解释。我对嘉杰宋仁波切的信心、敬重和信任，三十余载从未动摇。他教过我的，给过我的，我都会一直跟从并且实修。
我永远不会背弃我的上师，或是背弃他赐予我的任何修行，不管我眼前出现什么阻难。即使我因为遵从他的指示而面对生命威胁，或遭受厌弃或排挤，我仍然不会背弃他的任何一个教诲。没有任何一位上师能够动摇嘉杰宋仁波切赐予我的修行。祈愿我生生世世都能遇见嘉杰宋仁波切并得到他的引导。我永世顶礼于嘉杰宋仁波切足下。我将永远遵从上师的教诲，忆念他，信任他，相信他。
谦卑的詹杜固仁波切
སྤྱི་ལོ་༡༩༨༣ ལོར་ལོས་ཨེན་ཇེ་ལེ་ས་ཀལ་ལི་ཕོ་ནི་ཡ་(Los Angeles, California.) ནང་ང་ལོ་ ༡༨ ཡིན་པའི་སྐབས་ཀྱི་འདྲ་པར་རེད། འདྲ་པར་འདི་ནང་ང་དང་བདག་གི་རྩ་བའི་བླ་མ་༧སྐྱབས་རྗེ་ཟོང་རྡོ་རྗེ་འཆང་ལྷན་དུ་ཡོད། སྐུ་ཉིད་ཀྱི་གཏིང་ཚུགས་པའི་སྒོ་ནས་བདག་གི་མི་ཚེ་གཏན་དུ་བསྒྱུར་བར་འཕྲིན་ལས་བརྩོལ་ཡོད་པས། བདག་གིས་སོ་སོའི་རྩ་བའི་བླ་མར་དགའ་བ་མ་སྒོམ་པ་དང་། མི་དྲན་པ། ཁོང་གི་སྐོར་མ་བསམ་པ། ཁོང་གི་མདུན་ནས་སློབ་ཁྲིད་སོགས་ཞུ་འདོད་མེད་པ་ཉིན་གཅིག་ཀྱང་མེད།
ཉིན་ལྟར་བདག་གིས་ཁོང་ཡིད་ལ་སྒོམ་གྱི་ཡོད། ཁོང་ནི་བོད་པའི་བླ་མ་མཁས་པ་ཞིག་ལ་ཚང་དགོས་པའི་ཡོན་ཏན་བླ་ན་མེད་པ་དང་ལྡན། བདག་གིས་ཁོང་མ་མཇལ་གོང་དུ་བདག་གི་གྲོགས་པོས་ཁོང་མཇལ་ཡོད་པས་ངའི་གྲོགས་པོའི་རྒྱུད་ནས་ཁོང་གི་མཚན་ཐོས་པ་ད་སྐབས་བདག་གི་སེམས་ནང་ལམ་སང་དད་པ་སྐྱེས། ཁོང་མ་མཇལ་བར་བདག་གིས་ཁོང་གི་སྐུ་པར་ལ་ཉིན་ལྟར་ཕྱག་ཚར་༡༠༠ འཚལ་གྱི་ཡོད། གང་ཡིན་ཟེར་ན། ཁོང་དང་ཆོས་ཀྱི་འབྲེལ་བ་ཡོང་བ་དང་ཁོང་མཇལ་ནས་ཆོས་མང་པོ་ཞུས་ཐུབ་པའི་ཕྱིར་ངས་ཕྱག་འཚལ་དགོས་དོན་དེ་འདྲ་ཡིན།
བདག་གི་དགེ་བའི་བཤེས་གཉེན་རྣམས་ཁྱད་པར་དུ་འཕགས་པ་ཡིན་ཡང་བདག་ལ་༧སྐྱབས་རྗེ་ཟོང་རྡོ་རྗེ་འཆང་ནི་ཤིན་ཏུ་བཀའ་དྲིན་ཆེ། འདི་གསལ་བཤད་བྱེད་མི་ཐུབ། ལོ་ ༣༠ རྗེས་ལའང་༧སྐྱབས་རྗེ་ཟོང་རིན་པོ་ཆེ་མཆོག་ལ་ངས་དད་པ། རྩི་བཀུར། ཡིད་ཆེས་སོགས་གཡོ་བ་མེད་པ་རེད། ཁོང་གི་གནང་པའི་མཉམ་ལེན་དང་སྦྱོང་བརྡར་སོགས་བདག་གིས་དུས་རྟག་ཏུ་ཉམས་ལེན་བགྱིད། བདག་གི་ཆོས་ཉིད་ཀྱི་ལམ་དུ་བར་ཆད་ཆེ་ཆུང་གང་འདྲ་འཕྲད་ཀྱང་བདག་གི་དགེ་བའི་བཤེས་གཉེན་ཀྱིས་གནང་པའི་མཉམ་ལེན་དེ་དག་དུས་ནམ་ཡང་འདོར་གྱི་མིན།
བདག་གི་མི་ཚེར་ཉེན་ཚབས་བཟོ་ནའང་། བདག་ལ་མ་དགའ་བ་བྱེད་ནའང་། ཡང་ན་བདག་གི་བླ་མའི་བཀའ་སྒྲུབ་པའི་ཕྱིར་བདག་དང་འབྲེལ་ཐག་གཅོད་ནའང་ཁྱད་མེད་བཞིན་བདག་གིས་བླ་མའི་བཀའ་དུས་ནམ་ཡང་མི་འདོར། ༧སྐྱབས་རྗེ་ཟོང་རིན་པོ་ཆེ་སྐུ་མདུན་ནས་ཐོབ་པའི་མཉམ་ལེན་དང་བདག་གི་དད་པ་དམ་ཚིག་བླ་མ་གཞན་སུའང་ཞིག་གིས་འགྱུར་མི་ཐུབ། བདག་གི་ཚེ་ཕྱི་མར་ཡང་༧སྐྱབས་རྗེ་ཟོང་རིན་པོ་ཆེ་མཇལ་བ་དང་ཁོང་སྐུ་མདུན་ནས་བྱམས་སྙིང་རྗེ་ཐོབ་པའི་རེ་སྨོན་ཡོད། ཁོང་གི་ཞབས་ཀྱི་པད་མོར་ཐུག་ཏེ་དུས་རྟག་ཏུ་གུས་ཕྱག་འཚལ། བདག་གིས་སོ་སོའི་བླ་མ་རྗེས་སུ་བཟུང་ཞིང་། ཡིད་ལ་སྒོམ་ཞིང་། རྒྱུན་དུ་དད་པ་དང་ཡིད་ཆེས་བགྱིད།
གུས་པས་ཚེམས་སྤྲུལ་སྐུ་ནས།།
Precious Footage of His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche
A master of sutra and tantra, His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche performed countless holy deeds and gave thousands of Dharma teachings during his lifetime, some of which were filmed for the benefit of sentient beings in the future. Thanks to those recordings, we are able to present you with some very precious footage of Kyabje Zong Rinpoche’s activities. Be blessed as you listen to the holy voice of the Buddha that is Zong Rinpoche.
Admin
Disclaimer: This footage is presented for strictly educational, non-commercial purposes only. No profit is being made from the display of the footage.
Venerable Lama Yeshe’s Cremation
This video shows the integral role that His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche played in the funeral of his close student, Venerable Lama Yeshe. A highly accomplished tantric master and lifelong Dorje Shugden practitioner, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche led and advised Lama Yeshe’s students on the proper funerary and cremation rites befitting a practitioner of Lama Yeshe’s qualities and attainments.
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/LamaYesheCremation.mp4
The Basis of the Spiritual Path
In this teaching translated by Venerable Geshe Namgyal Gangchen of Drepung Monastery, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche gives a teaching on the nature of cyclic existence, the first of the Four Noble Truths as taught by Buddha Shakyamuni, as well as the six realms of suffering.
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/BasisSpiritualPath.mp4
The Principles of the Spiritual Path (Part 1 of 2)
In this teaching translated by Venerable Geshe Namgyal Gangchen of Drepung Monastery, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche gives a clear explanation on the Three Principal Aspects of the Path: renunciation, bodhicitta and the right view of emptiness.
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/PrincipleSpiritualPath1.mp4
The Principles of the Spiritual Path (Part 2 of 2)
In this teaching translated by Venerable Geshe Namgyal Gangchen of Drepung Monastery, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche gives a clear explanation on the Three Principal Aspects of the Path: renunciation, bodhicitta and the right view of emptiness.
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/PrincipleSpiritualPath2.mp4
Melodies of the Ensa Ear-Whispered Chod Lineage
At the request of Venerable Geshe Tsultim Gyeltsen in 1983 at Thubten Dhargye Ling in Los Angeles, USA, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche recited and taught the Ensa Ear-Whispered Chod practice from memory. These melodies are chanted according to prayers known as: Cutting through Self-grasping; Dedicating the Illusory Body as Ganachakra; and the Ganachakra Offering according to Chod practice. Zong Rinpoche chose to present the melodies of certain verses of these prayers and remarked that there may come a time when Chod melodies are taught according to this recording.
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/ZongRinpocheRecitesChod.mp4
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The ever lasting relationship and closeness of our Lama Tsem Rinpoche with Kyabje Zong Rinpoche is simply unbreakable and inspirational. Meaningful poem and very touching poems wrote by Rinpoche tell us more ,how much Rinpoche had missed his Guru and expressing how he felt a day without thinking of his Guru. The lyrics of the song made from the poem below by Gavin Gooi……. touching poem. Rinpoche had so much respect, faith and trust in Kyabje Zong Rinpoche is unexplainable and unshakable.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing. Nor matter what happened we should never, never leave our Guru.
Come across this poem when I was looking into something for reading. The wording is this poem have brought so much pain of losing of my own guru.
Dated today 14 November, my guru, H.E Tsem Rinpoche have passed into nirvana and everyday seem I miss him more. Just by missing him is not enough and is just an emotion, If my guru will to advise me, he will just say- proof my love for Him by transformation.
Yes, it is true that by continued what my guru was working on, what he wishes us as student to do have brought me a taste of still staying close to him, although he have gone.
Transformed the emotion of missing into action to benefit others, which my guru always wanted us to do.
Thank you Rinpoche for always guiding me
Missing you a lot, with folded hand
Freon
Be loyal to your guru. Be close to your guru. Be honest with your guru. Never give your guru excuses but always accomplish your assignments that your guru has given you. Be loving, devoted and sincere with your guru. If you conduct yourself in this way, you will see positive transformations in your mind. ~ Tsem Rinpoche
1984 Los Angeles-Left to right: Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, monk assistant to Zong Rinpoche and the 18-year-old Tsem Rinpoche prior to ordination. Read more- https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/category/me
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A poem inspired by seeing a picture of my teacher, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche…
In the sport of correct views,
all that is correct is just a view,
without permanence or substance.
As long as we hold onto views,
our sufferings are gathered
to be experienced without end.
Without the strong methods of emptiness
and compassion, bereft of merit,
we sink deeper without respite.
To arise from this samsara is but
a dreamscape on the deluded mind.
Therefore seek the guru, who confers the yidam,
hold your vows and fixate on liberation
free of new creations. Free of new experiences as
there are none.
~ Tsem Rinpoche
Composed in Tsem Ladrang, Kuala Lumpur on July 7, 2014
Be blessed with these rare videos featuring explanation and advice about Dorje Shugden practice by His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche in his own voice. The teaching was requested by Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, one of the earliest masters who taught Tibetan Buddhism in the West.
Video 1: H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche Explains Dorje Shugden Initiation and Benefits (With English Subtitles)
Kyabje Zong Rinpoche was an erudite scholar, ritual master and practitioner of the highest degree from Tibet. At the request of Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, one of the pioneers who taught Tibetan Buddhism in America, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche gives clear explanation and advice about the life-entrustment initiation of Dorje Shugden and how to go about the practice and get the maximum benefits in this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzFMvlxAqtc&feature=youtu.be
Video 2: H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche speaks on the History and Lineage of Dorje Shugden (With English Subtitles)
In this video, an erudite scholar, ritual master and practitioner of the highest degree from Tibet, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche talks about the incarnation lineage of Dorje Shugden and how the practice arose, with examples of Dorje Shugden’s previous lives that reveal his powerful spiritual attainments and contributions. This very rare teaching was given at the request of Kyabje Zong Rinpoche’s student, Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, one of the pioneers who taught Buddhism in the West to many disciples since the 1970s.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIzKSJgK618&feature=youtu.be
For more information: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/great-lamas-masters/kyabje-zong-rinpoches-advice-on-dorje-shugdens-practice.html
I was walking past a second hand shop on Western Ave selling old things. They had a Japanese-style clay Buddha which was beige in colour on the floor, holding the door open. I thought the shopkeeper would collect a lot of negative karma without knowing if he kept such a holy item on the floor as a doorstop. So I went in to talk to him, but he didn’t look like he wanted to talk or that he even cared. So I asked him the price and he said US$5. I purchased it so he did not collect more negative karma. I was 17 years old and that was in 1982.
I escorted my new Buddha home and washed it lightly and wiped it. I placed it on my altar and was happy with the Buddha. I would do my meditations, prayers, sadhanas, mantras and prostrations in front of this shrine daily. When I left for India in 1987, I could not bring this Buddha along and gave it to a friend. It was a nice size and I made offerings to this Buddha for many years in Los Angeles. In front of the Buddha I placed His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s photo. I remember I was so relieved that the price was affordable. But US$5 that time was still expensive for me but worth it I thought. But I was happy to have brought the Buddha home. Tsem Rinpoche
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com
Tsem Rinpoche at Kechara Forest Retreat, Bentong, Malaysia
Beautiful picture of His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche. It is amazing I was able to meet him and learn from him. It was such an amazing opportunity. Tsem Rinpoche
The picture below was taken in Gaden Shartse Monastery’s main prayer hall during Lama Chopa puja. In the front row is His Holiness Gaden Trisur Jetsun Lungrik Namgyal when he was the abbot of Gaden Shartse Monastery. Next to him is His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and His Eminence the young Tsem Rinpoche. Sitting behind wearing the hat is Venerable Geshe Lobsang Phende as head chant master.
H.E. the 25th Tsem Rinpoche is very devoted to his root guru, H.H. Zong Rinpoche.
Do watch this short video of H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche ?
https://video.tsemtulku.com/chat-videos/chat-1508414004.mp4
Lama Yeshe was a very devoted student of His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche. Lama Yeshe very much loved and respected Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and was the first lama to invite Kyabje Zong Rinpoche to the west. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche gave vast amount of empowerments, oral transmissions, teachings and sogtae of Dorje Shugden to many of Lama Yeshe’s senior students. Towards the end of Lama Yeshe’s fruitful life, he was in the hospital and physically shutting down. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche was giving teachings in Switzerland and was requested to fly in which Kyabje Zong Rinpoche most graciously did. Here in this picture is Kyabje Zong Rinpoche doing special prayers for his student Lama Yeshe. Lama Yeshe was already partially paralyzed, but true to a meditation master, his mind was extremely clear and bright. You can see Lama Yeshe leaning towards Kyabje Zong Rinpoche in deep respect and devotion. Lama Yeshe practiced all the lineages, yidams, protectors such as Dorje Shugden given to him till the end of his life. He never gave up on any of his practices as he has great devotion to Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and his other lamas. Lama Yeshe’s samaya with Kyabje Zong Rinpoche was so pure, intact and perfect till the end. A great inspiration.~Tsem Rinpoche
耶喜喇嘛是至尊嘉杰宋仁波切的忠诚弟子。耶喜喇嘛十分敬爱嘉杰宋仁波切，他是第一位把宋仁波切邀请到西方弘法的上师。嘉杰宋仁波切曾为耶喜喇嘛的许多资深弟子传授灌顶、口传、教诲和多杰雄登托命灌顶。在耶喜喇嘛即将走完丰富人生旅程之际，他躺在医院病床上，身体已经逐渐衰败。当时正在瑞士弘法的嘉杰宋仁波切被邀请前去探望他，宋仁波切欣然答应了。这张照片显示嘉杰宋仁波切正为弟子耶喜喇嘛进行特殊的法会。耶喜喇嘛那时已经处于半瘫痪状态，但作为一位禅修大师，他的心识却极度清醒。在这张照片中，可见耶喜喇嘛以无限的敬意和依止心，把身体倾向宋仁波切。耶喜喇嘛终其一生都修持上师所传授的传承、本尊、护法修持如多杰雄登法门等。他从不放弃任何上师所传授的教法，因为他对嘉杰宋仁波切和其他上师均拥有极大的依止心。耶喜喇嘛由始至终都对嘉杰宋仁波切保持清净、完整和完美的三昧耶。这真是一个启发人心的典范。～詹杜固仁波切
I was 18 years old when this was taken back in 1983 in Los Angeles, California. Here I am in this photo with my most precious root guru, His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche. He has profoundly changed my life for the better forever. Not a day goes by I don’t think about him, love him, miss him and yearn for his presence and teachings. I meditate on him in my heart every single day.
He was everything that a high Tibetan lama is said to be and more. From the moment I heard his name before meeting him from a friend who had met him already, faith instantly arose in me. Instantly faith arose in me. I did 100 prostrations to his picture everyday until I met him. I wanted to make a spiritual karmic connection with him so that when I met him, I can receive many teachings and that is why I made the prostrations. No other spiritual teacher although all of them were great has this sort of meteoric impact on me. It’s unexplainable.
30 plus years down the line, my faith, respect and trust in Kyabje Zong Rinpoche is unshakable. I will always follow and practice what he has taught me and given me. I will never abandon my teacher or any practice he has given me no matter what obstacles come my way. No matter if my life is threatened, or I am disliked or segregated for following his instructions, I will never abandon any of his teachings. No other teacher will ever have me change my practice I have received from Kyabje Zong Rinpoche.
May I meet Kyabje Zong Rinpoche in all my future lives too and come under his care. I forever bow to him and place the crown of my unworthy head to his feet. I will follow, meditate, trust and believe in my guru always.
Humbly,
Tsem Rinpoche
这是我与我的至宝根本上师，至尊嘉杰宋仁波切于1983年在加利福尼亚洛杉矶拍下的合照。当年我18岁。他深刻地改变了我的生命，永恒地使我的生命变得更美好。没有那么一天，我不想起他，不珍爱他，不思念他，或是不切盼他的出现与教诲。每一天，我都在心中忆念嘉杰宋仁波切。他拥有人们眼中一个西藏高僧该具备的一切条件，甚至拥有更多。我从一个曾拜见嘉杰宋仁波切的朋友口中听见宋仁波切的殊胜名字，自那一刻起，我虽未见过仁波切一面，但信心即刻油然而生。在见到仁波切之前的每一天，我都向着他的法照顶礼一百遍，我想跟他结下法缘，那么等到见到他的时候，我能接受到大量的教诲。这是我每日顶礼的原因。其他所有上师固然殊胜，但没有一个像嘉杰宋仁波切那样对我造成犹如陨星撞击般的影响。这种感受无从解释。我对嘉杰宋仁波切的信心、敬重和信任，三十余载从未动摇。他教过我的，给过我的，我都会一直跟从并且实修。我永远不会背弃我的上师，或是背弃他赐予我的任何修行，不管我眼前出现什么阻难。即使我因为遵从他的指示而面对生命威胁，或遭受厌弃或排挤，我仍然不会背弃他的任何一个教诲。没有任何一位上师能够动摇嘉杰宋仁波切赐予我的修行。祈愿我生生世世都能遇见嘉杰宋仁波切并得到他的引导。我永世顶礼于嘉杰宋仁波切足下。我将永远遵从上师的教诲，忆念他，信任他，相信他。
谦卑的詹杜固仁波切
སྤྱི་ལོ་༡༩༨༣ ལོར་ལོས་ཨེན་ཇེ་ལེ་ས་ཀལ་ལི་ཕོ་ནི་ཡ་(Los Angeles, California.) ནང་ང་ལོ་ ༡༨ ཡིན་པའི་སྐབས་ཀྱི་འདྲ་པར་རེད། འདྲ་པར་འདི་ནང་ང་དང་བདག་གི་རྩ་བའི་བླ་མ་༧སྐྱབས་རྗེ་ཟོང་རྡོ་རྗེ་འཆང་ལྷན་དུ་ཡོད། སྐུ་ཉིད་ཀྱི་གཏིང་ཚུགས་པའི་སྒོ་ནས་བདག་གི་མི་ཚེ་གཏན་དུ་བསྒྱུར་བར་འཕྲིན་ལས་བརྩོལ་ཡོད་པས། བདག་གིས་སོ་སོའི་རྩ་བའི་བླ་མར་དགའ་བ་མ་སྒོམ་པ་དང་། མི་དྲན་པ། ཁོང་གི་སྐོར་མ་བསམ་པ། ཁོང་གི་མདུན་ནས་སློབ་ཁྲིད་སོགས་ཞུ་འདོད་མེད་པ་ཉིན་གཅིག་ཀྱང་མེད།
ཉིན་ལྟར་བདག་གིས་ཁོང་ཡིད་ལ་སྒོམ་གྱི་ཡོད། ཁོང་ནི་བོད་པའི་བླ་མ་མཁས་པ་ཞིག་ལ་ཚང་དགོས་པའི་ཡོན་ཏན་བླ་ན་མེད་པ་དང་ལྡན། བདག་གིས་ཁོང་མ་མཇལ་གོང་དུ་བདག་གི་གྲོགས་པོས་ཁོང་མཇལ་ཡོད་པས་ངའི་གྲོགས་པོའི་རྒྱུད་ནས་ཁོང་གི་མཚན་ཐོས་པ་ད་སྐབས་བདག་གི་སེམས་ནང་ལམ་སང་དད་པ་སྐྱེས། ཁོང་མ་མཇལ་བར་བདག་གིས་ཁོང་གི་སྐུ་པར་ལ་ཉིན་ལྟར་ཕྱག་ཚར་༡༠༠ འཚལ་གྱི་ཡོད། གང་ཡིན་ཟེར་ན། ཁོང་དང་ཆོས་ཀྱི་འབྲེལ་བ་ཡོང་བ་དང་ཁོང་མཇལ་ནས་ཆོས་མང་པོ་ཞུས་ཐུབ་པའི་ཕྱིར་ངས་ཕྱག་འཚལ་དགོས་དོན་དེ་འདྲ་ཡིན།
བདག་གི་དགེ་བའི་བཤེས་གཉེན་རྣམས་ཁྱད་པར་དུ་འཕགས་པ་ཡིན་ཡང་བདག་ལ་༧སྐྱབས་རྗེ་ཟོང་རྡོ་རྗེ་འཆང་ནི་ཤིན་ཏུ་བཀའ་དྲིན་ཆེ། འདི་གསལ་བཤད་བྱེད་མི་ཐུབ། ལོ་ ༣༠ རྗེས་ལའང་༧སྐྱབས་རྗེ་ཟོང་རིན་པོ་ཆེ་མཆོག་ལ་ངས་དད་པ། རྩི་བཀུར། ཡིད་ཆེས་སོགས་གཡོ་བ་མེད་པ་རེད། ཁོང་གི་གནང་པའི་མཉམ་ལེན་དང་སྦྱོང་བརྡར་སོགས་བདག་གིས་དུས་རྟག་ཏུ་ཉམས་ལེན་བགྱིད། བདག་གི་ཆོས་ཉིད་ཀྱི་ལམ་དུ་བར་ཆད་ཆེ་ཆུང་གང་འདྲ་འཕྲད་ཀྱང་བདག་གི་དགེ་བའི་བཤེས་གཉེན་ཀྱིས་གནང་པའི་མཉམ་ལེན་དེ་དག་དུས་ནམ་ཡང་འདོར་གྱི་མིན།
བདག་གི་མི་ཚེར་ཉེན་ཚབས་བཟོ་ནའང་། བདག་ལ་མ་དགའ་བ་བྱེད་ནའང་། ཡང་ན་བདག་གི་བླ་མའི་བཀའ་སྒྲུབ་པའི་ཕྱིར་བདག་དང་འབྲེལ་ཐག་གཅོད་ནའང་ཁྱད་མེད་བཞིན་བདག་གིས་བླ་མའི་བཀའ་དུས་ནམ་ཡང་མི་འདོར། ༧སྐྱབས་རྗེ་ཟོང་རིན་པོ་ཆེ་སྐུ་མདུན་ནས་ཐོབ་པའི་མཉམ་ལེན་དང་བདག་གི་དད་པ་དམ་ཚིག་བླ་མ་གཞན་སུའང་ཞིག་གིས་འགྱུར་མི་ཐུབ། བདག་གི་ཚེ་ཕྱི་མར་ཡང་༧སྐྱབས་རྗེ་ཟོང་རིན་པོ་ཆེ་མཇལ་བ་དང་ཁོང་སྐུ་མདུན་ནས་བྱམས་སྙིང་རྗེ་ཐོབ་པའི་རེ་སྨོན་ཡོད། ཁོང་གི་ཞབས་ཀྱི་པད་མོར་ཐུག་ཏེ་དུས་རྟག་ཏུ་གུས་ཕྱག་འཚལ། བདག་གིས་སོ་སོའི་བླ་མ་རྗེས་སུ་བཟུང་ཞིང་། ཡིད་ལ་སྒོམ་ཞིང་། རྒྱུན་དུ་དད་པ་དང་ཡིད་ཆེས་བགྱིད།
གུས་པས་ཚེམས་སྤྲུལ་སྐུ་ནས།།
Wow beautiful and meaningful this precious poem wrote by Rinpoche.And the lyrics of the song made from the poem below by Gavin Gooi is fabulous. Could not beliveve it from a poem to a lovely songs. Nice to hear and i love listerning each and every words said….very touching poem from sadness to happiness expressed .Rinpoche’s Guru Devotion and the love for His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche .
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing .
H.E. the 25th Tsem Rinpoche’s guru devotion is legendary. As His students, it is almost embarassing for us to realise that what we consider as Guru devotion. By Rinpoche’s standard of Guru Devotion, we do not even qualify to be His students. Due to Rinpochine’s bodhichitta, we have the privilege to call ourselves His students.
I have always loved this poem Rinpoche wrote on His Root Guru, HH Zong Rinpoche, and I take this opportunity to post it again for all to experience the beauty of this poem.
Dear Rinpoche,
This is very touching poem Rinpoche _/\_, Thank you for sharing Lah. I am so fortunate to have got to read and meet your wisdom that transforms my mind every day.
[…] https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/me/a-poem-to-my-teacher.html […]
Dear Rinpoche,
The photo of His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche holding your hand along Chinatown has a profound impact on me. Every time I look at that image it brings me close to tears. Okay, I admit not just close to tears, it has made me cried. Your Guru devotion has touched me deeply.
I humbly ask His Eminence for compassion that I may have the blessing to become your student one day and to have the liberated mind to practice Guru devotion in the manner which you have towards all your Gurus.
wonderful……expressions put into lines…..lovely..la your holiness
You made various nice points there. I did a search on the matter and found a good number of folks will go along with with your blog.
This is such a beautiful creation, it goes so deep with sadness and joy together! Much gratitude always!
I am deeply move by those photos, this poem and this music! My heart is full of gratitude and joy to have meet you on line and thank you so much for your kindness, caring and generosity! Thank you for your continual work no matter how you feel.
Im fortunate enough to have a copy of His Holiness Zong Rinpoche’ s extensive commentary on Vajrayogini’s practice. By far its 1 the most detailed and accurate commentary that i hold dearly by heart.
Totally can understand your longing towards ya GURU, Tsem. I think of what you’ve done for Kechara and the world, His Holiness Zong Rinpoche would be very delighted !
You go Gal ! No more tears .. HUGS:P
Me parece conmovedor el poema que rinpoche le dedica a Zong rinpoche,pero creo que es un sentimiento de lo mas natural ya que es su guru raiz y un maestro perteneciente a una familia de ngakpa,ademas tiene el linaje cho de la tradicion de Ganden,abad de GANDEN … Yo no he conocido a Zong rinpoche pero es mi INSPIRACION, muchos dias pienso si fuese chico y monje me gustaria ser como el y si lo hubiese conocido creo que me sentiria muy triste .No he conocido a Zong rinpoche pero gracias a que buscaba informacion sobre el llegue a una foto en la que estaba cogido de la mano de TSEM TULKU y me dije que esa persona debia ser un ser especial,tenia curiosidad por saber quien era, busque informacion sobre TSEM TULKU y asi llegue a este blog y a esta maravillosa organizacion que es Kechara.Gracias a Rinpoche y a todos los miembros de Kechara por hacer posible que la distancia no sea un obstaculo para tener informacion sobre Dharma.
Tho our circumstances are different..i can relate to this poem..when my teacher Rinchen is with us in practice with his Damaru and bell..it feels like such a blessing…when he’s away and i look at his cushion and little table (we put a cup of tea on it when hes gone)..i can feel a deep sadness within that i will be parted from my precious teacher when death claims one of us..so i try to remember this and i know the best way to love him is to love all others the same way…if i could do that i would truly percieve a pure world..i will try..because thats how best to please him,by truly loving and cherishing all others and viewing them all as supreme..my love and respect for him urges me on to try to do this..thankyou for these beautiful words Rinpoche,they resonate deep within and i will try to transform my broken heart into a jewel..you always inspire me thankyou.andrew
I love the poem that you composed to your Guru the most. I am sure you missed your Guru very much. The lonliness and sadness you feel are real and is expressed in your poem. From what I have gathered in the biography of yourself. Your parents stopped you from practicing Dharma. But was compromised by teachings from your beloved Guru, When you arrived at Gaden Monastery it was Zong Rinpoche who had shared his home with you even though it was a cowshed. And had also nutured you as a mother who would nuture her own child. Definitely anyone would feel very scared and insecure finding themselves in a foreign country. Your Guru gives you that confidence and security to carry on with your life. When your Guru passed away you wrote this poem. I love the poem and lyrics that was composed very much.
When I first read Rinpoche’s poem to Rinpoche’s Guru, I cried, because it is so real. From that moment, I made a promise to learn as much as I can of the Dharma from Rinpoche to repay to a small degree what Rinpoche has to endure in order to benefit us.
In many instances, we, the students have disappointed Rinpoche in our slow inert and selfish ways and I truly regret our conduct.
I thank Rinpoche for all that Rinpoche has done for us and there is no way I can repay but to give it all for the manifestation of KWPC in order that more will benefit from Rinpoche’s teachings and resulting in a better world of love, care and great compassion.
To read this Poem and hear Gavin sing it is a mix feeling of sadness and joy. Rinpoche has always mentioned to us how much he felt so alone being here in Malaysia, away from the many other monks, Gaden, the monasteries and of course all the great masters and HH Zong Rinpoche. Through Rinpoche’s personal intimate sharing on how much Rinpoche misses Zong Rinpoche, I can clearly see how deep is Rinpoche’s Guru Devotion and love. Without the Guru there is no Dharma. Even though Rinpoche is sad, Rinpoche still teach us that no matter what to always keep your commitments to your Guru and samaya clean by not breaking your commitments and words of honor. I feel sad for Rinpoche and at the same time very blessed and lucky to have Rinpoche still with us. And may we be able to have the great honor and merits to invite the present Zong Rinpoche to grace and bless our lovely KWPC in the near future.
This poem really made me realise how much our Guru, Tsem Tulku Rinpoche is like any one of us. In a way, it reminded me of the once popular song, “One of us” by Joan Osborne with the line… “What if God was one of us.”
It really makes me realise that what we all go through in life is very much the same… A lot of pain and suffering and that the only way out is to actually suck it all up and face the music.
Rinpoche has shown us the courage and resolve through discipline. This is indeed very inspiring; he really stands out like a beacon of hope for all of us in Samsara. Having Rinpoche as a Guru and role model, has totally eliminated the chance for me to make any excuse for not pursuing my spiritual journey with 110% resolve.
To sum it all up, we are not alone.
The poem brings to my heart a deep sense of longing and yearning for a beloved Guru, for days spent with him, for the Guru’s love, guidance, wisdom and strength that was shown to Rinpoche. I felt that the poem also invokes the momory and nostalgia of another time – a time that Rinpoche was a student seated at the feet this very Enlightened Master in preparation for the time that Rinpoche becomes a teacher.
Perhaps Rinpoche knows that he should be in the present but having experienced such intense love from his Master, it is very difficult for Rinpoche not to remember and not to yearn with deep affection for his ‘Glorious Guru’. This is such a wonderful poem on Guru Devotion – an aspiration that I would truly like to strive towards.
Jennifer Khoo
(Jamie’s mum)
The memory of the Guru especially the sound of the Guru playing his divine music on his Damaru again and again has given the Poet inspiration to keep on living healthily in a world, foreign and beset with obstacles.
The Poet’s Guru has given Him the spiritual strength to face reality in Samsara. The Poet has met a lot of bitterness in His life but it is the divine thought of His Guru that has always given him hope to hang on to life.
The poem relates to the lives of many people including me. Living in Samsara will never make life a bed of roses. It always has its ups and downs. Most of the time, we encounter more bitter experiences than sweet ones. Our Guru, with His divine inspiration will help us to make life a better place to live for us. In times of obstacles, He is the one who will always be there.
Even our parents we love dearly will die but they will not leave behind for us the heritage of the Guru with His valuable lessons. He imparts to us. The lessons are precious and they help us to explain why we are here in Samsara with all the problems and how to solve these problems.
Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, our Guru’s root Guru had inspired Him to do the divine things that His Eminence Kyabje Zong Rinpoche did before. His affection for our Guru is always in our Guru’s mind. His gratitude to Him is never forgotten. Our Guru’s strong devotion to him should inspire us to emulate him more and more.
Mrs Chuah
The poem is very beautiful, it reflects H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s love and devotion to H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, and his longing to meet Zong Rinpoche again and again in all his future lifes.
Thanks to the talented Gavin Gooi, you have made a wonderful music arrangement and sang it out too with your beautiful voice; it really touches anyone who hear your song!
H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche has set a wonderful example of guru devotion. Guru devotion is the root of all attainment. As Buddha Shakyamui has passes to paranirwana, all of the Buddha’s future incarnation will manifest as our Guru and continue teach us dharma. H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche definitely see all his Guru same nature with the Buddha, we need to follow his teaching and act the same too!
PAUL
Rinpoche teaches guru devotion through his own devotion to his guru. I witnessed this for the first time at the official opening of KSA in December 2007. Rinpoche cried becaused he missed his guru so much. I think people who have lost their gurus understand exactly how Rinpoche feels. They share that deep longing for someone who had meant so much to them, who had given them strength to be what they are today. Although Rinpoche is a tulku, he is very human at the same time. He has his ups and downs, just like all of us. That’s what makes him endearing. But even when he’s down, he never loses sight of his purpose on earth. Rinpoche often tells us that he has all that he has now because of his devotion to his gurus.
I sensed Rinpoche’s deep lonliness being in a foreign land, even though he called Malaysia his home; his home is where his heart eblongs to, mother Gaden Monastery. I sensed Rinpoche’s deep sadness, his connection with his root guru, Zong Rinpoche, is beyond time and distance. I sensed Rinpoche’s deep frustrations, as if he was wading through thick mud .
No one can deny the strong and pure guru devotion that Rinpoche has for Zong Rinpoche. Those pictures we saw on the blog were kept by Rinpoche for years, they hold fond and dear memories for Rinpoche.
I also kept a little box that I put all the letters, cards, and photos that I have taken with Rinpoche since I met him. I like to take them out and read out every single card or little note that Rinpoche wrote for me at a particular time, look through the many photos that brought back great memories and laughter. Rinpoche put in so much care and love for each student and all he wishes is happiness for us and we will transform and be a better person. How can we not then?
Rinpoche’s little poem and song reflects the intense love for Kyabje Zong Rinpoche as his Lama and for the Dharma. There is nothing more poignant than to reflect the passing of someone that one loves so much. Hence, the only way Rinpoche can reconnect with Kyabje Zong Rinpoche is with the Sadhanas and mantras that was bestowed upon him many years ago.
Rinpoche’s love for Kyabje Zong Rinpoche reflects Rinpoche love for the Dharma that seemed to be an innate quality within Rinpoche since his earliest years. Hence, although he was raised in an environment that had very little to very little Dharma, he would eagerly seek it out and practice. Faith in the Lamas and the Dharma just happened sponstenously for Rinpoche. What’s even more amazing is that he consistent about this. Everything he does now, like the departments of Kechara House have its roots in his earlier childhood.
Normally, when we read poem mostly related with relationship. When a high Lama wrote a poem must be more than circular love. Rinpoche is scholar; his poem is simple, direct and nice. When I read I can feel how Rinpoche miss his Guru Zong Rinpoche. If you read it from your heart this poem can make you cry. Even though Rinpoche wrote inner expression such as his lonely and emotional after his lovely Guru pass away. He feels sad because he lost a very great teacher in his life. He says met Zong Rinpoche is 5 top important events his life. From here, you know how much he love his Guru.
Reading through the poem and listening to the song triggered my emotional feeling. (reminded me to my late father), this poem shows how much Rinpoche miss his root guru Zong Rinpoche. Zong Rinpoche has been like a father and friend to Rinpoche and have changed Rinpoche life. Rinpoche’s has gone through a great experience serving Zong Rinpoche and developed a pure and strong guru devotion. Looking at the picture where Zong Rinpoche holding Rinpoche’s hand….this really shows how close they are………so sweet. Rinpoche always practice kindness and gratitude. We should learn & practice our gratitude to our Guru while we still can…our Guru is just like our mother. Never give up on us!
Dear Martin,
There’s not much I want to do in life other than what I am doing. I could have done other things and perhaps been successful at it I dare think so..but I didn’t. I chose to do what I am doing over 30 years ago and will stick to it.
Anything I acquire, get or even become well known will be used to bringing benefit to others. If I wanted benefit and fame for me for me, I should not be a monk or fat (hehe). I am committed to what I am doing because of what I experienced early on in life and other reasons also.
I want to make it here. Make it ‘big’ and use that ‘bigness’ to do alot. Watch my dear friend. I am going to use all of me for others. I don’t mind doing it. What else am I going to do with me??
Anyone who works with me, joins me or is involved with me, we are going down that same road together. The road of bringing whatever benefit we can to others. Join me…..let’s use the rest of our lives for something meaningful….I know you can relate….
In time, through your observation and intelligence you will see I mean everything I say and I will not ever be thwarted from that goal….
Much peace, happiness and good results for you,
Tsem Tulku
Dear Martin,
Forget about the protocals and rules my dear Martin. You just be yourself and speak your mind and be who you are.
I accept you as you wish to be.
I like you and that is all that matters.
Much care and good wishes to you. I want you to have a great reason to live, to exist and to be just who you are. You deserve it after so many years. Hang in there, it will get better and better. Seeing life, it’s happenings and what has happened through a wider and more open lens will bring the peace we all want.
You are going to be ok…watch and see. Watch and look forward to it. Stick nearby and I pray that all your pain comes to me..I mean it.
Your friend,
Tsem Tulku
I was looking through Rinpoche’s older posts and serendipitously stumbled across this precious gem. It’s been over two years since this post and each day I, like many others experience a bit more how one can develop such great devotion to one’s Guru. If we were to recall how we were, how we struggled with ourselves meaningless and how the Guru has created meaning out of all our lives and how he has cared for us and given us each a role to play in something that contains real value, it is overwhelming.
Never in my life have I come across anyone who prays that all my pain will go to him and over time, yes, the pain has become significantly less but only due to the kindness of my Guru. And to think that mine is not the only he has had to absorb. And so we have to ask ourselves if our devotion to our Guru is of a measure that can justify all that he has done for us. Again the best way to show our devotion is though a Dharma practice that is true and that which bear results.
“My guru’s memory I projected
onto my daily life, But to hear the sound of my
Glorious Guru
To be warmed by his wisdom,
blessed by his strength,
And to feel hope again…
A hope that hangs in there….”
I am newbie to Kechara to please forgive me if i speak out of turn.
I have yet to understand the “rules” and “protocols”…and yet the the aforementioned words touched me ever so deeply not because i have known Zong Rinpoche, but because i have had the great fortune to meet Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, and in the short period of time, Tsem Tulku is ever present in my daily life, i long to listen to his voice and words of wisdom, i am empowered to do better by His strength, and i am alive with Hope again.
As much as Zong Rinpoche, meant the world to Tsem Tulku, H.E Tsem Tulku Rinpoche and his love and teachings mean the world to me and He has changed my entire life.
It has only been weeks…but i guess you don’t need to eat a while bottle of jam to know its marmalade.
Thank you, Rinpoche…to be warmed by your wisdom and blessed by your strength…and whats is more, to be given life again by your love and compassion.
Tsem Rinpoche’s deep love and intense guru devotion to H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche is magnified through his love and care to his students by teaching dharma to all, be they near or far, in Kechara House or away. That is guru devotion.
Giving gifts, joking, hinting, poking fun at and praising students; being stern, at times scolding with ‘anger’, dispatching Tsem Ladrang’s staff to send students who are down with illness to the clinic and later making soup to be sent over, raising fund to cover students’ medical cost, and their family welfare…these are only some of the many skilful methods Rinpoche uses.
Rinpoche frequently speaks high regards and sings praises of Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and tears will well up in his eyes, a touching display of intense guru devotion.
HH Kyabje Zong Dorje Chang had been a father, friend, advisor, spiritual guide and guru to HE Tsem Rinpoche. It is due to Tsem Rinpoche’s relationship with his guru that he feels such strong bond even after the passing of HH Zong Rinpoche. In this, HE Tsem Rinpoche echoes his inner feelings of loneliness of living in a foreign land that is not his home and he has a long task ahead of him to accomplish for Kechara World Peace Centre.
Our hearts goes to HE Tsem Rinpoche for the loss but we can use this motivation to help Tsem Rinpoche to continue to spread the teachings of dharma to benefit the world.
Terima Kasih Rinpoche!
How lovely is it to have Rinpoche bare it all to us and the world and demonstrate what Guru Devotion is in its pristine form and indeed one can see Zong Rinpoche manifesting through Him.
I rejoice that Rinpoche had such a great teacher like Zong Rinpoche who had such a deep impression on Rinpoche where many others out there are without a guide or have been searching for such a one for decades or undecided…like myself.
If it’s any consolation, Zong Rinpoche lives on in Rinpoche’s teachings, thoughts and in the growth of Kechara as a whole.
“Living in lands forever foreign
as I have no home…..”
On one level…I recall the Buddha’s utterance in the Pali Canon:
‘O Housebuilder, you are found out,
no longer will you build this house again…”
On another level…Rinpoche, are we not Your home, Your family now?
To Rinpoche, with my hands clasped in anjali…
The image of Zong Rinpoche holding Rinpoche’s hands is so moving. This photo personifies the love Rinpoche so often shares in Rinpoche’s teachings, blog and website. In seeing this image, I reflect on the similar affection, kindness and generosity Rinpoche gives all of Rinpoche’s students in Kechara House. Rinpoche would always give out gifts to students after each Dharma talk. Rinpoche would send gifts “out of the blue”. The list goes on and on. Similarly, Rinpoche would make fun of students in an unmistakable affectionate manner.
For all the blessings, I express deep gratitude to Zong Rinpoche for Tsem Rinpoche and I sincerely thank Tsem Rinpoche for Rinpoche’s generosity with the Dharma.
What beautiful and sad words! The longing and special relationship Tsem Rinpoche had with Kyabje Zong Rinpoche is simply amazing and inspirational. It inspires us as students to devote to Rinpoche in a similar manner.
Besides that I do think that Rinpoche’s exemplary devotion to his Lama reflects his own inner qualities of steadfastness, loyalty and wisdom. He must have received many crucial transmissions and teachings from Kyabje Zong Rinpoche that have changed the course of his life. In fact, I believe that it was Kyabje Zong Rinpoche that adviced a young Tsem Rinpoche many years ago that if he wanted to be an actor, he could and he would be very successful and if he became a monk, he would be exceptionally beneficial.
Thus, thanks to Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, Tsem Rinpoche was ordained and eventually became our spiritual guide. By remembering the qualities of my Lama, may I be able to have his level of devotion to his teacher too.
Reading the poem brings tears to my eyes.
I witnessed Rinpoche’s deep longing for his Guru, Zong Rinpoche during the 3-day teaching on “Guru Devotion ” at Damekhang in 2007.
It was the first time I saw a grown man showing his inner feelings so unabashedly. I didn’t feel embarrassment at all. Rinpoche’s openness touched my heart and I said to myself ” This is someone you can trust 100%, he’s got nothing to hide !”
May I have the devotion like my Guru does,
May I never let my Guru down,
May KWPC manifest to bring meaning to all our lives.
This is probably the most heart wrenching and emotional post in Rinpoche’s Blog. No matter how many times I read this poem, it brings tears to my eyes. I feel certain that it delivers this effect on all the readers, because it was written with so much love and sincerity. It was written by Rinpoche, and it feels as if the poem has been infused with all of Rinpoche’s deepest emotions. At the start of my spiritual journey, I found it so hard to understand what Guru Devotion was all about and why all the students would revere their Gurus so much. The Guru and student disciple relationship presents the ONLY ticket to our path of transformation. Without the Guru, there would be no one to guide, teach, advise and nurture us. There would be very little progress or no progress at all. There would be no one to help us cut through every of our negative habituations. And without severing our bad habituations, we will never be able to achieve any form of improvement at all. This is why our Guru will always be our Living Buddha. He is the one standing before us, giving us REAL knowledge and creating the path to our complete Enlightenment. The Guru IS our true salvation in each lifetime.
Rinpoche’s devotion to Song Rinpoche is so similar to other high lamas devotion to their gurus. Reading this poem brings new meaning, new experience and a glimpse of what guru devotion entails…So much love, gratitude, gratefulness, respect and it’s so heart wrenching to know Rinpoche never saw Zong Rinpoche again. Rinpoche started his journey as an ordained monk in Gaden without his beloved Guru around! Rinpoche worked so hard and kept his promise to his Guru. Rinpoche, thank you for sharing such an intimate poem, a great lesson in guru-student relationship. Really, who is the most important person I can ever have in my life…one that shows me the way to lasting happiness, one who can help me to bring such happiness to others as a way to repay the kindness.
The poem written by young Gavin so clearly reflects Rinpoche’s feelings – how He misses His Guru so much. He tells us how much he longs to be in the company of his guru again but physically he is no longer around, but he keeps HH Kyabje Zong Rinpoche close to his heart, never for a moment forgetting him. Memories of a dear person long gone … but not forgotten. I am reminded of my grandmother, someone strict yet fun to be around with. She was someone from the “old era” yet she saw the need to change – she even went to the extent to learn a few simple English words, just so that she could bring herself up-to-date. I miss her but I know that she has not completely left me.
Reading this poem is really heart breaking. I can feel Rinpoche’s sadness and loneliness. I can feel that Rinpoche feels very alone in a foreign land having the responsibilities that not an ordinary person can imagine. It’s heart breaking to know all that Rinpoche go thru. I am very grateful that Rinpoche is still here caring, teaching and guiding us despite deep down sadness, loneliness and missing Zong Rinpoche every single day. I thank Rinpoche for putting aside all personal comfort to be here with us. The sacrifice of a guru for his student is just like a mother for her child, in this case a mother for so many “children”.
Reading Rinpoche’s poem, I felt Rinpoche’s loneliness and sadness and how much Rinpoche misses Zong Rinpoche everyday.
Listening to Gavin’s composed ‘poem song’ is really heart wrenching! Rinpoche’s devotion to Zong Rinpoche is so strong and firm and it is a good example of guru devotion. This is such a wonderful song though it stirs up sadness in me and also a sense of admiration towards Rinpoche’s devotion towards Zong Rinpoche.
The pictures posted give a sense of closeness between Rinpoche and Zong Rinpoche and this cannot be cut despite time and distance. Looking at the picture of Rinpoche standing next to Zong Rinpoche, the radiant smile on Rinpoche’s face shows clearly how much love Rinpoche has for Zong Rinpoche.
May we have the merits for Zong Rinpoche’s current incarnation to grace and bless the opening of Menara Kechara & KWPC.
Thank you Rinpoche, i’m really glad that you liked the song and I hope I managed to convey the message from the poem correctly into the song.
Gavin
Rinpochela,
unfortunately I know exactly what you are feeling. There is no way to stop missing your Lama, even though he is with you all the time.
When your Lamas go to the Pure Lands the world seems to end.
I love your poem. I hope to get to meet you.
Ok, I’m crying like a baby – this is so beautiful and so sad. I’m glad you have such wonderful memories of him and the love you had for each other, despite your feelings of loss. Thank you for sharing this with us, Rinpoche. Namaste!
Here is a link to some wonderful audio teaching about the basics of Buddhism by H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche.
http://www.talkingbuddhism.com/info.php?title=23
softness kindness caring deep deep deep from the heart
deep longing
hidden heart and tears
infinite compassion
eternity
sing along very softly
again and again
melting and letting go
beyond
and between realities
Thank you Rinpoche for being who you are. Thank you for your presence with us
Dear shirley,
It is the same for me. Listening to the song makes me miss HH Zong Rinpoche so much that it is painful.
I have never stopped missing Him and I never will.
Tsem Tulku
This is too heart-wrenching to read, and just to hear it all in a song – it is like hearing the sounds of the heart crackling to pieces. I am very sorry but I could not listen it through. It just just too painful. May be at another day and time, I will make myself sit and listen it through and through. Thank you for sharing something to emotionally intense, Rinpoche. I am sure it was not easy to write the verses in the first place. The pictures are especially haunting, and yet truly beautiful.
You can see he loved you very much…beautiful…
The last picture you posted seems to capture the very essence of your beautiful relationship with Kyabje Zong Rinpoche. I love it.