Not by chance
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Dear friends, It is so fortunate I have the good karma that I took rebirth in dharma, near my great masters and to become a monk. I always contemplate how lucky I am to have taken this human form and come across dharma.
Just think when I was seven years old in Howell, New Jersey, I was living ten mins away from a living Master Kensur Lobsang Tharchin who was a direct disciple of His Holiness Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche, HH Trijang Rinpoche and HH Zong Rinpoche.
What are the chances of that??? In Howell, New Jersey of all places!! I don’t think it was a coincidence, but it was the culmination of the little bit of dharma I must have done in my previous lives as ordinary silly persons. Whatever the karma I created to be among these masters, their lineage and teachings, I am doing my best to replicate in this life, so my next life will have the same fortune. I don’t want to revert back to being empty handed in my next life…
Can you imagine, in 1979 Howell, New Jersey His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited our temples there. I was 14 years old. And I had the incredible chance to feast my samsaric eyes on His golden face. I was just 14 years old and I didn’t go to India to see Him, but His Holiness came to Howell, New Jersey where I was living ten mins away!!! Then I also recieved the 8 Verses of Thought transformation teachings/commentary from His Holiness Dalai Lama at that time and oral transmission of Om Mani Peme Hung. I cried and cried and was overwhelmed at that time. I could not believe and still cannot I recieved teachings from Chenresig Avalokitesvara Himself. I had painted a four armed Avalokitesvara painting with my self composed (silly me) prayer written on the back and offered to His Holiness directly..I was working on this painting for weeks and composed a prayer I carefully wrote out on the back of the painting. The painting was almost double A4 size.
From deep inside of me, I knew this was the right thing for me to practice what His Holiness has taught. I knew this is what I wanted for the rest of my life.
I hope so much I can collect the people, resources and situations to bring these teachings and other teachings to thousands around the world in the near future. I might be throwing stones at the target in the dark because I am not qualified, but I have the passion to share what I know from my heart sincerely.
Please remember, all of us didn’t come across the dharma by accident, we created the causes. So let’s use this life to destroy as much attachments and it’s imprints as possible. Not to increase what is empty of real meaning. I fold my hands to the incomparable Tsongkapa, Dalai Lama, Pabongka, Trijang and Zong Lama beings. They appear as flesh and blood people, but in actual reality have gone to bliss aeons ago. May we never be far from Nagarjuna’s view and the presence of these great beings life after life until our own liberation.
With folded hands and tears streaming,
Tsem Rinpoche
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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
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
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Tsem Rinpoche at Kechara Forest Retreat, Bentong, Malaysia
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It is silly of me to think that everything happened by itself without knowing we created the causes for it, though we might forgotten what we’ve done in the previous life, but definitely we have done something for ourselves to be in the Dharma path. For my age, I’m indeed very fortunate to be able to learn and work full time in a Dharma environment. I fold my hand and thank you Rinpoche for your kind teachings all these years, though I have not been here long but I’m learning. I would like to humbly seek your permission to practice The Eight Verses of Thought Transformations. Namtse!
Thank you, Rinpoche. There are no accidents. It is surely not by chance I met the Dharma, Kechara and Rinpoche. We have to appreciate all that has been given to us and not take anything for granted. _/\_
Every single person that come into my life has a reason. Good or bad depends to my our karma. It may seem bad and sad from the beginning but then turn up good and happy or the other way round. One thing for sure, I must have been done something very good in my past life. Hence this life I meet can meet the holy being like Rinpoche in this life.
Buddha put a group of people who wanted to practice dharma together and started a Sangha community so that the His students can help each other, take care of each other and enjoy the Buddha’s teachings together. In this life I have met many dharma brothers and sisters in Kechara. I am fortunate enough to be here with them.
I do believe we not where we are by chance! Nothing happens by sheer random chance. How many chances do we have in samsara to meet lamas who speaks what we understand, get dharma that suits the people of this age. The probability is almost zero, so that puts in perspective of what we have and what we stand to lose if we don’t put all into it.
I have been told many times how fortunate I am to meet Dharma, and this article makes me think what I could have done in my precious lives that contributes to this, even though I come to know Dharma at age what I see to be relatively late.
But still, as compared to many others, I still count myself lucky, for even though I may have come to know Holy Dharma a bit late in my self, I am learning Dharma now. Dharma has given me many explainations on things that I find hard to understand in lives.
Ultimately, I will not be able to take away anything at all when it comes to the end of myself, with Dharma, I hope I can reborn in a conducive condition to learn and practice Dharma again.
We are also feel very fortunate to meet Kechara in beautiful Malaysia. We have meet our Guru here, we have a Gompa not too far with us, we also have Kechara Johor Bahru that is just 10 minutes from my house.
Thanks Rinpoche for bring Dharma to us, we will do more practice and Dharma works to create more merits for present and future life to keep on connected to Dharma with fold hands _/\_…
Whatever that has led me to Rinpoche and Kechara, whether it was an imprint, a blessing or others’ care shouldn’t matter as much as what I do with this rare opportunity from now on and to continue to create the causes to be connected with Dharma again. To create a continuity for this mind of mine to go to a next higher state next life and next till the perfect state. Every next lifetime should be a step up the ladder and not one step down. I will continue to assist Rinpoche in bringing Dharma to others so that others are able to have the opportunity to create the same causes which will help to alleviate their sufferings.
‘all of us didn’t come across the dharma by accident, we created the causes’..so we should let more and more people to come across dharma, listen dharma and applying it, so they can create their own dharma cause..
Our spirituality and spiritual lives can begin when we meet someone we feel inspired of, giving us the sense of we can transform our ourselves, our attitude, and to live fully as a human being. I felt very fortunate to meet Rinpoche and the great people here in Kechara. Without it I would have had gone through this life searching for answers nonstop. They are passionate and sincere in helping others and spreading Dharma hand-in-hand.
Thank you Rinpoche for the teaching.
Yes, i am indeed so lucky to have the chance to be close to you and Kechara. i felt it so much especially when i see people around me that do not have the chance to practise or listen to Dharma at all.
With the merits to be closed to Dharma & you this life, the only way i can do is to learn more and do more while i still have the chance.
I bow down low to Rinpoche and may i have the merits to serve you, be with Dharma & bring Dharma to people life after life.
After I attended Lamrin teaches by Pastor Ngeow, (Pastor Ngeow delivered the teaching very clearly). I understand more about Karma. Since then I believe that lots of things happened in our life is not by chance. It is our karma. And the great karma I created for the past life is I meet Riponche this life and I am not going to waste it.
Thank you Rinpoche always be kind to a monster like me.
In deed not by chance, Sheryl led me to Tibetan Buddhism when I was having a difficult time with my boss.
Again she led me to Rinpoche’s blog when I was feeling lost …She’s like my spiritual guide ^_^ and I thank her from the depth of my heart.
Nonetheless people who come into Dharma must have the merits that they have accumulated in their past lives to be able to practice and learn.
Hence, let’s not waste this opportunity, I hope to continue my practice in my next life and in my next next life and in my many lifetimes to come. May I not be parted from perfect gurus and continue to learn and attain the state of Vajrahara.
The personal encounter with a spiritual teacher is always a turning point in one’s life. Like in the life stories of the mahassidhas who have had experienced some sort of preliminary discontment or life-crises before meeting with their personal guru, yet they have attained realisation from their Dharma practices of Buddha’s teachings. The mahassiddhas who come from all walks of life, representing men and women, kings and beggars, young and old, monks and laymen, have shown that no matter what our initial status is, it is possible to reach the highest human condition to produce the desired results, basing on perserverance and diligence. Each of them is said to have their particular attachments, delusions and hang-ups just like us. In conclusion Rinpoche said, “That means, we can be eventually just be like them if we apply ourselves.” Thank you Rinpoche, for your marvellous and beneficial teachings for all.
When I reflect on how much I had to go through before chancing upon rinpoche’s blog and you tube teachings, it really didn’t come by chance. It was a really difficult period in my life and while I was googling to read more about Khensur Rinpoche Jampa Yeshe ( the first lama I met when I first came into Tibetan Buddhism) when he passed on, I was led to a blog post where Rinpoche wrote about this great lama. I remember praying to Khensur Rinpoche for guidance as I have his photo on my atlar and it seems that he led me to the Guru….
我个人相信有前世，今生以及来世。要遇到佛法并不容易，要遇到好的上师更是难上加难。我今生有幸，能遇到克切拉佛教中心，遇到一位很好的上师詹杜固仁坡切，使我在修行的道路上，少走很多冤枉路，希望自己能努力朝着修行的道路走，付出行动，改变自己，让自己的修行有所成就，这才不会辜负上师对我们的期。各位同修，我们在证悟的顶峰见，加油加油加油。
Thank you Rinpoche for coming into my life. I just cannot imagine what life would be without Rinpoche and Dharma. And thank you all our compassionate Lineage Masters who lives after lives kindly take on the task the torch of life. This is profoundly moving and bring tears to my eyes.
It is not by chance :-
a) My family and I moved to PJ from Penang three years ago and met Rinpohe and Kechara’s family.
b) I meet and receive teaching’s from HE Tsemtulku Rinpoche, and a Guru who speaks the language that I understands and able to practice it by doing dharma work at Kechara.
c) my children meet the dharma at a young age
d) my dad in law received blessings and imprints from Rinpoche.
Thank you, Rinpoche for this great reminder, with folded palms.
Rinpoche,
Thanks for the great teachings. I must have done something right in my past life to be able to be near to Dharma, fortunate to receive teaching from Rinpoche that gives me more clarity in the purpose of life and pursuit of happiness and most of all able to answer all my silly question that fit logically in place.
with folded arms,
thank you
After reading all the sharing especially from Rinpoche, I pray that in this very short precious life I will have the wisdom, courage and discipline to gain as much merits as possible that the next reincarnation, I will meet the Dharma young and be totally immersed in it to create happiness and joy for myself and all other beings who come in to my space.
As a matter of fact, I wish that in my next life, if I can be a human being I will be a person of robes, a nun or monk.
It is beautiful to read about Rinpoche’s life and how he met his lineage Gurus. I have heard many times before but each time I am still overwhelmed. Never once in a moment that Rinpoche is not thinking of others, both the living and the deceased. I will be a good student and practitioner because when I come back next life I want to be next to my Guru. I will not want to waste any time indulging in the meaningless “importance” of samsara which I have learnt now is futile, and bears painful consequence.
Yes, Rinpoche mentioned to me before that it’s not coincident for me to meet the dharma here. At first I did give some thought about it but later as my journey sail on and seeing the changes and the benefits the answer seems like reflected out.
Not sure what I have done in my previous life to be able to meet Rinpoche and receive the dharma teaching and love from Rinpoche in this life, but for sure I have done something meritorious to be able at this very fortunate and opportune condition meeting the Buddha of this time.
For us that having such a great & rare opportunity must not waste it and just like Rinpoche said, “let’s use this life to destroy as much attachments and it’s imprints as possible” and may we go all the way to bring the doctrine of lama Tsongkhapa teaching as far as we could benefits all beings.
Rinpoche’s story is very touching. It was certainly not by chance that Rinpoche met all those great masters in America. Rinpoche did not have to go to meet them. They went to meet Rinpoche. I think this says a lot about causes created in past lives. Great masters continue to do their work to benefit sentient beings life after life. How fortunate to be able to meet them and be able to serve them life after life.
“Please remember, all of us didn’t come across the dharma by accident, we created the causes. So let’s use this life to destroy as much attachments and it’s imprints as possible. Not to increase what is empty of real meaning. I fold my hands to the incomparable Tsongkapa, Dalai Lama, Pabongka, Trijang and Zong Lama beings. They appear as flesh and blood people, but in actual reality have gone to bliss aeons ago. May we never be far from Nagarjuna’s view and the presence of these great beings life after life until our own liberation.”
I like this paragraph very much. Yes, Rinpoche always said all of us come across Dharma or meet Rinpoche, it is not coincidence…must be something good we had done in our previous life. This is very nice to share with people we meet.
That is good conversation with new friend who just join us. When I first heard about this message in one of the Rinpoche dharma talk, I really so excited how beautiful Rinpoche deliver this wonderful message to me and open my mind Buddhism is not bore but so fun and so profound & powerful!
8 Verses of Thought Transformation is a very good thing to practice in order to change our thinking, perceptions and interpretations. The teachings are very beneficial for us to reduce our ego too 🙂
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing your story of meeting Dharma.
When Rinpoche told me (in Thailand) that there is no accident that I meet Dharma again in this life, I believe 100%. I cannot stop tearing, and as if I remembered my previous life’s promise, it felt so real. I do believe that I must have collected some merits in my previous life to meet Dharma and be with a Guru so near.
Talking about the odds, there is only one Rinpoche living in Malaysia, and I am so near him! I have the chance to listen to a qualified High Lama to give Dharma talk, right here in Malaysia, how lucky I am?
I am really happy that I meet Rinpoche and Dharma, at the best of my capability to contribute what I have learnt in the past.
If you have the good merit like me, have the chance to meet Dharma and REAL Guru, please do whatever you can to learn from the Guru, and to get involved in the projects together!!
Dear Rinpoche,
When I had the extreme fortune to follow the Bio Team to the States, many thoughts unravelled in my mind. The biggest one was the question, really.. what are the chances of Rinpoche being 10 minutes away from Rashi Gempil Ling and Kensur Lobsang Tharchin Rinpoche. Then the more we interviewed, the more we found out, the more I understood, it seemed as if Rinpoche’s path back to the monastery was always meant to be. Even though Rinpoche went through so much in life, the Dharma, was always burning fervently within Rinpoche. Looking back, it is almost unbelievable how Rinpoche’s path has unfolded.
When Rinpoche went from New Jersey to LA, Rinpoche did some research and went to look for a centre, thinking the College of Oriental Studies would be able to help. Professor Leo Prudent from the college pointed Rinpoche towards TDL and Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, and it was here in LA that Rinpoche stayed and served the centre, and met HH Zong Rinpoche. It is mindblowing how it happened.. but I now know that nothing is by coincidence. Because if it was to be dictated by coincidence and chance, then what dictates who this “chance” or “coincidence” happens to? Why you and not me?
As I learn more about imprints, reincarnation, karma and merits, I understand how deeply seeded the Dharma is within Rinpoche, to continuously uphold Rinpoche’s works from previous lives, and coming back to do what has been left off from the last. Our attitudes, behaviour, actions, likes and dislike will be mirrored from life to life, as so evidently proven to us by Rinpoche. As I learn more, I know that all happenings cannot be solely based on chances; it must’ve been carried forth from something. With every action, there is a reaction.
Since I have been so fortunate to even hear Dharma and be near Rinpoche IN MALAYSIA and in this time of desirous age, I will continue to carry on the doctrine of Lama Tsongkhapa and Rinpoche’s works, nailing away my silly habituations and replacing it with qualities that would lead us to success, as illuminated by Rinpoche. Thank you Rinpoche.
Love,
Carmen
Thank you, Rinpoche, for sharing about your finding a Dharma center, your meeting with the Dalai Lama and great Masters, their teachings and the Dharma at such a young age.
On my part, I am glad I have found a most awesome Spiritual Guide, in Rinpoche, and a wonderful Dharma Center in Kechara. I might have found you late, but I still believe it was due to tremendous past merits. I must endeavor to make most precious use of time in Dharma.
I can feel Rinpoche’s heartfelt message from this post. Makes me reflect on my own silly life. While Rinpoche’s chasing after Dharma, I am chasing after samsaric pleasures. I am so ashamed. Just from reading this post, I can totally feel Rinpoche’s strong samaya with His precious Gurus. How wonderful to be able to meet so many learned Lamas at such a young age. This only proves how strong Rinpoche’s past live imprints are. I want to have this sort of strong karmic imprint too. Only way to do so is by keeping the samaya clean.
May Rinpoche live long and healthy to inspire many,many other people who are still swimming in the sea of samsara. May Rinpoche’s wishes and visions manifests now.
In all lives may I never be parted from my perfect Guru.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing your feelings with all of us. I totally agree with you that all of us (every single one of us) didn’t come across the dharma by accident, we created the causes. Maybe last life or maybe many many lifes back then. And you reminded us to use this life to destroy as much attachments and it’s imprints as possible and not to increase what is empty of real meaning. And i will bear this in mind all the time.
Dear Rinpoche, you fold your hands to the incomparable Tsongkapa, Dalai Lama, Pabongka, Trijang and Zong Lama beings. And here, i fold my hand to you sincerely, Rinpoche my guru.I know Rinpoche has been always reminding us to do more, to practice more and to push ourselves further when come to Dharma. I know that Rinpoche is doing all these for our own good for us to grow and learn fast as time is running out. I really appreciate and feel grateful to have you as our guru.
Again, thank you Rinpoche. Take good care 🙂
Dear Rinpoche,
From whatever little dharma I know, I am sure that it is not an accident that I have come to learn the dharma from Rinpoche who was found by a living Master, ordained by Chenrezig himself who came to meet Rinpoche in Howell, and was taught by many living Buddhas, and deeply loved by Zong Rinpoche, who is Heruka himself. Rinpoche is too humble, but we the students know that we are in the presence of a supremely Holy Being.
The Lamrim taught us, and I strongly believe, that it is extremely rare to be born human and be where dharma is being taught. I guess then, it is a once-in-an-infinity-of-lifetime opportunity to meet and be taught by Rinpoche who has given us more teachings than we deserve. In that I find my self worth.
May I not waste this life with Rinpoche.
就如人仁波切多年的朋友阿妮拉也提及，仁波切今生能够遇见、传法、感化那么多人并不是一世，而是许多世的祈愿。我们会在这里相遇也不是偶然，我很肯定多世以前我们已经许下承诺或发愿从事佛教事业。如果我们浪费了这一世的机会，何时我们才能再次投生为人，并生长在佛教兴盛的地方。祈愿我们生生世世不远离真上师。
Being in Kechara and doing Dharma work is the best thing that’s happen to me in my life!We are unbelievably fortunate to have Rinpoche with us in Kechara.
Rinpoche is extremely skilful in the way he teaches and able to make the teachings very effective.A Guru with great wisdom,immense compassion,patience and extremely humble.May I destroy as much attachments and it’s imprints as possible.There is nothing better to do in life than this.There is nothing happier than this!
Thank you Rinpoche,for this valuable sharing.
Dear Rinpoche:
With folded hands, thank you for your touching, encouraging and meaningful reminders, constant reminders & endless reminders to make sure we are always on the right path and appreciate what we have now. No one in this world other than you who always worry about our progress in Dharma, care about our spiritual development and searching whatsoever possible matters for us to get stronger “connection” with Dharma.
I can feel how strong you are pulling us to get closer and closer to Dharma. It is really sad to see although you are continuously, tirelessly and compassionately wanting/asking/begging/pleasing us to learn and practice Dharma but some people choose to run away just because they can’t let go their comfort zone.
Thank you very much and take very good care.
With love,
VP
Many of us might think we came to Kechara by chance. However, this “chance” is created by the causes we created in the past. After our initial meeting with the dharma,after checking out the Guru, the centre and the people , it is certainly by free choice that we decide to stay in the dharma or become a member of the Centre.
Why ? Because we tasted the benefits and we want to share with others.
Rinpoche has made Malaysia his home. The least we could do to repay his kindness is to put dharma in us, be a walking example of Rinpoche’s teachings and let those people that chance upon Kechara , stay in Kechara by choice.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this with us.
Yes, I believe strongly that we do not meet Dharma by chance but through creating the conditions to receive the Dharma. I know how difficult it can be to find the Dharma and a conducive place to practice.
We are so fortunate to meet Rinpoche and receive teachings that is from the pure lineage which can be traced back all the way to Buddha Shakyamuni himself. Along with the kindness of many people along the way, there is a wonderful Dharma centre that is conducive for us to practice the Dharma, and many Dharma brothers and sisters that support us on our spiritual journey.
Rinpoche’s method of using the internet and social media to spread the Dharma to people all over the world is so wonderful! Many people has benefited and will benefit from Rinpoche’s Dharma teachings online, especially now that it is archived so neatly and easily accessible on the blog.
Last Sunday’s talk in Kechara Lounge was on Reincarnation with articles taken from this blog. Some interesting questions were asked from the floor. I felt that after watching some of the videos shown, some new people in the audience would have their questions answered.
I find many interesting articles in the Science and Mysteries section on this blog.
Dear Rinpoche
I also believe that it was not by chance that I found Kechara through one of your senior students, Irene. She talked about you so passionately and supports your work till she captured my attention and came to find out more about you and your work. That was how it started.
Then I was captured by the activities and dharma studies Kechara had to offer to adults and children. It may be through virtues we generated in previous lives that we connect back to you or the other way round, the Guru found us and we continue together the unfinished work till we all become enlightened. The Buddhas and Guru had been kind to all who had the chance to meet up again through dharma.
In all lives may I never be parted from perfect Masters and enjoy the glory of dharma, perfecting realisations of the paths and stages, may I swiftly gain the state of Vajradhara.
With folded hands and silly student
Thank you Rinpoche for being here to guide and lead us. I was thinking about going abroad for work, but I could not leave my Guru and Kechara behind so I will stay put and learn and practice Dharma while I can.