What I Think of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama?
Final confirmation of my reincarnation status was acknowledged by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. I was formally enthroned as the 72nd reincarnation of the Abbot of Gaden Shartse Monastery. His Eminence Kensur Jampa Yeshe Rinpoche (far right) is one of the attained masters who recognised my reincarnation status and confirmed with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. This picture was taken when I was formally introduced as newly-recognised tulku to His Holiness the Dalai Lama by Kensur Jampa Yeshe Rinpoche.
Dear friends,
Some years back I gave a talk on my feelings about His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. This sharing was recorded and transcribed. The transcript of the video “What I Think of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama?” is here and I share with you. My gratitude towards His Holiness is beyond words as always.
Tsem Rinpoche
Transcript
(Transcribed by Daniel Kraepel)
Tibetans are old and ancient culture, and it is rich in language, dance, song, writing, arts and crafts. And it is a unique civilisation, idolised and talked about and has always been very mysterious for people for many centuries. Today, in the general population of the world, if people associate Tibet, they automatically associate it with the lamas, the Tibetan masters, the teachers and saints and ascetics, the Mahasiddhas, the great monasteries such as Gaden and Drepung, Sera, Tashi Lhunpo, Gyuto, Gyume and they indelibly associate Tibet with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
Tibet and His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama are inseparable and very much connected. Due to the Tibetans moving to many parts of the world, to many countries and to different cultures, it is still known for its religion; it is still known for its ancient science of the mind, because Tibetans living in isolation for over a thousand years has its advantage and disadvantage. And I’d like to mention that the advantage was, because of its geographical isolation it was very much able to perfect all the teachings of the Lord Buddha from all forms, from Sutrayana and Tantrayana, completely; and Tibet has developed past and present and will develop many great erudite masters and teachers. And Tibetan Buddhism is well known all over the world being embraced by thousands and thousands and thousands of people, yearly. And I heard it’s the fastest-growing religion in the United States.
Rashi Gempil Ling, the first Kalmyk Buddhist temple in the United States and where I received teachings from His Eminence Kensur Rinpoche Lobsang Tharchin
So therefore, there’s a reason for this. There are many reasons, but I’d like to mention some of the top reasons. The first time I met His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama was in Howell, New Jersey, which is a couple of hours away from Trenton, the capital of New Jersey, and that’s where I grew up. And he came to the Mongolian-Kalmyk temple there called Rashi Gempil Ling. And the abbot there was His Eminence, the great Sera Mey Abbot Emeritus Kensur Rinpoche Lobsang Tharchin-la, who was an erudite master, a great Abbot of Sera Mey Monastic University – a scholar, a practitioner, a living yogi whom when we stayed around him and observed him, can find no faults whatsoever. I received my first teachings and my first practices all from this great master… whose name I find very difficult to mention, whose kindness to me I can never forget. He was a Tibetan master living among the Mongolians there, the Mongolians are known as Kalmyks and the adopted family that I lived with were Kalmyks, Kalmyk Mongolian people.
And so, they had a few temples there and one of the temples there was called Rashi Gempil Ling where they had a lot of images and statues and thangkas and very beautiful items that they had brought over from their homeland, which is a Russian republic called Kalmykia. And these Kalmyk-Mongolian people traveled over to the United States in World War 2 as refugees and reestablished their culture.
Geshe Wangyal’s centre in Washington, New Jersey
Rashi Gempil Ling, Nitsan and Tashi Lhunpo, there were three temples in that vicinity all belonging to the Kalmyk-Mongols. And in North Jersey, in Washington, New Jersey there was Geshe Wangyal, a Mongolian scholar, master, Geshe from Drepung. His meditational retreat centre in Washington, New Jersey, who coincided together with our master and invited His Holiness the Dalai Lama to visit in Howell, New Jersey and Washington, New Jersey. Needless to say, it was one of the most incredible moments in my life. It was one of the most exciting moments of my life. It was one of the most looked-for moments of my life because I remember although I was 11 years old, I was very, very excited and even when I think about it now, I’m very excited! His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a dream for all Mongolians to see his golden face just once. There’s a saying in Mongolian:
“To see the golden face of the Dalai Lama once before one passes away will ensure that one will not take rebirth in the three lower-realms.”
That is how much faith the Mongolian people have in him.
My mother’s heritage is Mongolian of the Torghut tribe. My father’s heritage is Tibetan from Golok, Tibet. And my father was a monk before, and he gave back his robes and he had a family and he resided in Taiwan. This is where I was born, I was born in Taiwan and then adopted over to the United States.
So, when we heard the announcement that His Holiness was coming it was incredible, it was just incredible! And lots of preparations. The Mongolians from the tri-state area which is Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, New York and New Jersey… all gathered to wait for the arrival of His Holiness. And I remember being tremendously excited! So, already a few weeks before we were set to meet His Holiness, I painted a picture of the Four-Armed Avalokiteshvara. I painted it myself, I drew it, I painted it and on the back of this picture I wrote a prayer beseeching His Holiness to live long, that his activities would grow. And I composed a prayer with my own little child-like mind that I can never be separated from His Holiness in this life and in future lives. And what was incredible was when I prepared that, I prepared that gift because I was a kid, I didn’t have any money, I didn’t have anything else to prepare or to offer to His Holiness and I wanted to make a connection.
Geshe Wangyal and His Holiness the Dalai Lama
So, when His Holiness came we were so blessed, he came to Rashi Gempil Ling Temple and we all went to receive his blessings; it was so crowded, there were so many people, there were reporters, there were TV stations, it was just incredible! This was back in 1979, his first visit. After that His Holiness went to the north, to Washington, New Jersey where Geshe Wangyal the great Mongolian master has a large retreat centre and a large piece of land on a hill, because Washington, New Jersey is set at the tail-end of the Appalachian Mountains, which is the eastern chain of mountains of the United States. So, North Jersey was quite hilly, had waterfalls and very pleasant and very green and mountainous. So, his centre was on a mountain with an artificial lake and Geshe Wangyal had a beautiful place set up for him and beautiful altar and a fabulous wonderful outdoor throne, dais and sitting area to receive His Holiness’s teachings. So, the Mongolians chartered three large buses and we all took a journey to Washington, New Jersey. I can’t remember, it was a few hours’ ride, two to three hours, because I was quite young around 11, and we went up to Washington, New Jersey.
Just before His Holiness came out to sit on the throne, a very beautiful light rain appeared. And then a rainbow appeared, I was there. It was very bright and a rainbow appeared and then out came His Holiness, walking past throngs of people… and wow, and we sat down, His Holiness sat down, and we prostrated and His Holiness proceeded to give us teachings on The Eight Verses Of Thought Transformation by Geshe Langri Tangpa. And it was the first time I ever heard of those teachings, but it made a tremendous impact on me. I revere His Holiness tremendously, and I’ve revered him and have great faith in His Holiness, my whole life even up to now.
So to receive The Eight Verses of Thought Transformation, in my mind I thought he is Avalokiteshvara. Of course I can’t explain that to other people, or to the scientist or to the educated people, but that’s what I believe and I still believe that, that His Holiness is Avalokiteshvara. And I thought to receive teachings that are on mind transformation and changing of the mind, from Avalokiteshvara himself, how auspicious that is, I thought to myself.
And so, the teachings were about 3 to 3.5 hours. It was incredible, because we received all the teachings on The Eight Verses and the oral transmission from His Holiness; and he also gave us the oral transmission of the mantra OM MANI PADME HUM and he encouraged us to recite The Eight Verses of Thought Transformation along with the mantra. And believe me, I did it, I recited that every day as His Holiness has taught us to. And after the teachings with His Holiness, we were so blessed because although there were thousands of people there – thousands – His Holiness stood up, by where his residence was up there, in the retreat centre, together with Geshe Wangyal, and he greeted each one of us… and it took hours and hours and hours to meet every single person, but we did, we actually got up there, we were able to touch His Holiness’s hand.
We were able to receive a red blessing string that he had blessed and I tied around my neck, I never took it off. And I personally I got to offer the Four-Armed Avalokiteshvara painting that I had made to His Holiness. And His Holiness was so kind, when he turned it around and he saw that there was some writing, and he started to read it… and then when he read it half-way through I folded my hands and I said,
“Please don’t read it now, please read it later because there are so many people waiting behind, but thank you so much!”
And I remember during the teaching, and also during that time when I offered the Avalokiteshvara painting I could not stop crying, it was very difficult for me to control my emotions. I can’t explain why. All I know was during the whole teaching for 3.5 hours I felt tears streaming down my face, non-stop. I felt I was in front of a person who was not ordinary. This was what I felt in my little child’s mind. So, after offering the picture to His Holiness, it was very emotional, I was so moved and I was so incredibly overwhelmed by His Holiness’ presence, and I prayed that I may never be separated from His Holiness, never be separated from his presence, never.
This picture was taken of myself meeting His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Washington, New Jersey. I met His Holiness the Dalai Lama after he gave us teachings on the Eight Verses of Thought Transformation and I requested His Holiness directly to ordain me and he said come to India. I did go and was very happy. In December 1987, His Holiness ordained me in Dharamsala, North India. What a great day it was for me. I was so happy, honoured and appreciative to His Holiness for his kindness towards me and vast amount of beings.
Consecutively, His Holiness visited the United States, there are other many great masters in the United States, such as the great Domo Geshe Rinpoche in New York; the great Khyongla Rato in New York; the great Kensur Lobsang Tharchin Rinpoche in New Jersey; the great Geshe Sopa in Wisconsin; the great master and Mahasiddha Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen-la in Thubten Dhargye Ling in Los Angeles, which is still there. And very often the great Mahasiddha Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa would be in Vajrapani Institute in Northern California. There are many great masters. And then I heard there was also the great Zasep Rinpoche in Canada. And all these lamas work very very hard and tirelessly to teach Dharma and explain Dharma, with no ulterior motive to be in the United States. And so from different places and great lamas in Europe, great visiting lamas like His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche who had visited the United States a few times at the invitation of Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen and Lama Yeshe.
There are great masters in Europe and great masters in America. So, you can see that Tibetan Buddhism was starting to take a foothold, but it was still seen as foreign, and strange, and it was still seen as odd. For Europeans or Americans at that time to take on Tibetan Buddhism was quite odd because they have their own culture, they have their own faith. But these great lamas, and many that I had not mentioned, tirelessly worked and spread the Dharma.
My root guru His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche (centre) with his illustrious students, Venerable Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen (left) who was also my teacher, and Venerable Lama Yeshe (right).
But each time His Holiness came, there was something special. There are many high lamas in Tibetan tradition, many high lamas, not just high in rank or hierarchy, but high in attainments, but none as special as His Holiness who can transcend borders, cultures, religions, people; who can meet scientists, doctors, teachers, lawyers, ministers, presidents, prime ministers, the Pope, Mother Theresa, and ordinary people like me. And that it was perfectly natural for His Holiness to meet them and talk to them and have dialogue, have interfaith services, scientific dialogue. He’d be perfect in every situation. His Holiness is extremely learned, very advanced in his meditation, very, very monkly, holding his vows perfectly; a perfect Hinayana monk on the outside; a perfect Mahayana practitioner on the inside; and secretly, an attained Tantric mahasiddha, a perfectly attained Mahasiddha with great siddhis. And for incarnations after incarnations, come back in perfect form to teach and share the Dharma. And in this day and age to transcend all borders, cultures, people, races, thoughts and education, to be able to relate to everyone personally, was a great boost to Tibetan Buddhism’s growth in the world.
People respect His Holiness for his knowledge and his down-to-earth approach, his directness and his incredible hard work and his incredible dedication to peace, culminating in His Holiness winning the Nobel Peace Prize. He touched millions of people’s lives in the world today. Personally I feel that, Tibetan Buddhism is well-respected, not seen as a cult, it is a valid religion, it is growing very fast and it is especially accepted among the intellectuals and the educated, I think its acceptance is due solely to the kindness of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. I think it is His Holiness’s hard work, down-to-earth approach, and his non-stop touring, his non-stop teaching and his non-stop effort into meeting, talking, speaking, dialoguing interfaith with so many people in so many countries; that Tibetan Buddhism has a very good logical, clear, sound and authentic, genuine basis, genuine respect from the world, due to His Holiness.
I have the honour to meet His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in Los Angeles again here pictured above.
My given name is Tenzin Zopa, Tenzin Zopa was the name given to me by His Holiness when I took ordination from him in December 1987. My reincarnated name is Tsem Tulku (Rinpoche) of Gaden Shartse Monastery, but we Tibetan lamas, myself included, have a place to go in the world and are in demand and people request us to give teachings, and people respect us and people sponsor us and take care of us, and people in fact assist us in so many ways, yes I think that so many high lamas and Geshes and teachers and masters all have worked very hard, but I think that we couldn’t have grown as big or be as well known or be as well-accepted if it wasn’t for His Holiness’s work. And I feel, very much, that we Tibetan lamas, someone like myself, can go to different countries and be recognised in my robes, they accept it. And whether they are actually Buddhist or not, but they know about Tibetan Buddhism and they respect and that Tibetan lamas have a place to go is solely due to his kindness of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
So my point is, we have so many things to thank His Holiness and to be appreciative to His Holiness for, we have so many things. Many things! That if I was to mention could go on for days, but the one thing I would like to mention is that Tibetan Buddhism is growing in the world; it has prestige, it is respected, it is accepted by the elite, accepted by the stars, it’s accepted by the ordinary people, it’s accepted by the professionals, and it’s growing, becoming stronger and it’s benefiting millions of people around the world. I think it’s due largely in part by His Holiness’s prestige, by His Holiness’s logic and his acceptance in the world. And I think His Holiness is accepted and loved and respected by the world because His Holiness relates to everybody as a human being with a kind heart, with depth, in-depth knowledge of Buddhism. I think he’s one of the greatest scholars alive today on Tibetan Buddhism or Buddhism in general. To me, when I see His Holiness the Dalai Lama, I think that if Buddha Shakyamuni was alive it would be that kind of impact. I think seeing His Holiness the Dalai Lama today is the equivalent to seeing Buddha Shakyamuni 2500 years ago. So, I’m fine, I’m teaching Tibetan Buddhism, I’m not a scholar, I don’t know much, but I am teaching Tibetan Buddhism, and I have friends and students and supporters and help. And, when I say Tibetan Buddhism, there is no doubt about that, because that comes from the kindness of His Holiness and his prestige.
We all owe quite a lot to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. We owe quite a lot. What we owe him is beyond words, beyond comprehension. Everything stems from His Holiness and the Tibetan faith growing, it’s prestige growing comes strictly from His Holiness. And what I like about His Holiness very much is, although, he is a fully attained master, he is humble, he doesn’t play on that, he doesn’t show off, he’s simple, he always manifests as a wonderful monk. He helps, he gives, and his whole life has been totally devoted to the growth of Tibetan Buddhism.
Among many other works that he does, I am overwhelmed by His Holiness… overwhelmed. I have received many teachings and initiations from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and if His Holiness ever come to your city, your area, or you have a chance to attend, you must attend His Holiness’s teachings. It is the same… if I say so in my humbleness, in my humble thoughts, it is the same as attending Shakyamuni’s teachings. No one in the world has more knowledge than the Dalai Lama, and not only is His Holiness a repository of all the ancient holy teachings of Lord Buddha, that has been preserved in Tibet, but he is also a master of Sutra and Tantra and also a master lineage holder of all the four valid traditions of Tibetan Buddhism; which is, Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug. He is a master lineage holder of all four.
We have everything, we are alright… Tibetan Buddhism is growing, due to solely His Holiness’s kindness. I pray every day as in our centre, every day, “His Holiness may live very, very long, and His Holiness’s actions may grow and that what he wishes for and what he dedicates for will be fulfilled without any obstacles“. I’m indebted to His Holiness and if I may say so with humility and with some shame that I am a lowly student of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, but I will serve His Holiness by holding my vows, by practising Guru Devotion, by doing my commitments and prayers and sadhanas and by teaching Dharma to the best I can and to transform my mind as much as possible. So, I dedicate the activities of my centre to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and I also dedicate my website to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. May His Holiness live very long, may his wishes come true, and may we never be separated from His Holiness in this life and all future lives:
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s Long-Life Prayer
GANG RI RAWE KORWAI SHING KHAM DIR
PEN DANG DEWA MALU GYUNG WAI NE
CHENREZIG WANG TENZIN GYATSO YI
SHA PEI SITHAI BARDU DEN GYUR CHIGIn this land walled around by snowy mountains
You are the source of all happiness and goodness
Lord Chenrezig, Tenzin Gyatso, your Holiness the Dalai Lama
Fix your lotus feet firmly until samsara ends.
What I Think of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama?
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
I’m Requesting Ordination in 1987
I was fortunate some kind person took this video of myself requesting directly for ordination from His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Washington, New Jersey over 27 year back. I was so excited and elated to be able to see His Holiness and touch his holy hand in this video. His Holiness immediately accepted by request to be ordained as a monk. For more information: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=19322
For more interesting information:
- I am worried H.H. Dalai Lama is ill | 达赖尊者身体欠安，我甚感忧心
- An Open Letter of Appeal to His Holiness the Dalai Lama (April 30, 2018)
- Appeal to H.H. the Dalai Lama
- The Fourteenth Dalai Lama & Dorje Shugden | ༧གོང་ས་ཆེན་པོ་སྐུ་འཕྲེང་བཅུ་བཞི་པ་མཆོག་དང་རྡོ་རྗེ་ཤུགས་ལྡན། | 十四世达赖尊者与多杰雄登
- H.E. Kensur Rinpoche Jetsun Jampa Yeshe (1928-2011)
- Will the Dalai Lama agree with this?
- Why is she putting the Dalai Lama down?
- Our Lama vs the Dalai Lama – The Underlying Reasons For the Ban
- Dorje Shugden: My side of the story | 多杰雄登：我这方面的说法
- The Promise – Tsem Rinpoche’s inspiring biography now in ebook format!
- My Previous incarnation
- Tsem Rinpoche’s heritage in China
- Tsem Rinpoche’s Torghut Ancestry | 詹杜固仁波切的土尔扈特血统
- My Childhood in Taiwan…Revisiting…
- My Short Bio in Pictures
- It Wasn’t Easy in New Jersey, but My Cousins/Aunts Helped…
- Fotomat and Me | 我和Fotomat
- Tsem Rinpoche in an American ‘Tantric Dress’!!!
- Kyabje Zong Rinpoche Cuts My Hair
- I’m Requesting Ordination in 1987
- Why I Conceived of Kechara Soup Kitchen or KSK
- How Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen changed my life
- The Cowshed That Was My Home in Gaden
- Kyabje Zong Rinpoche with Lama Yeshe and Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen
- Dharma Work, Attitude & TDL | 佛法工作、态度及图登达杰林佛法中心
- Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen’s special thangka | 属于格西簇亲格而辛的非凡唐卡
- My Precious Kyabje Zong Rinpoche statue
- His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche’s Precious Teaching Collection
- Short sharing about Kyabje Zong Rinpoche | 关于嘉杰宋仁波切的简短分享 | ༧སྐྱབས་རྗེ་ཟོང་རྡོ་རྗེ་འཆང་གི་སྐོར་བགོ་འགྲེམས་མདོར་བསྡུས།
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wow what a nice reminder to see the picture of rashi gempil ling before they took me away and put me in the loony bin for half my life. Was listening to Geshe Michael Roach the other day on youtube and he is saying it is better not to respond to haters on the internet and not defend yourself instead understand that it comes from you and try to fix the causes for example if you have your lama always getting mad at you then it is because you disturbed the minds of your teachers and fellow students despite what you do to make the public happy. So if I were to go back to where my mind was disturbed or I disturbed someone elses mind it would have to be when I stopped taking my medication in the hospital many years ago because my mind was disturbed and I could not handle it anymore and I tried to get out of taking it by cheeking my meds from a video I saw on scientology. Yet this clearly was not the answer because that only exaccerbated the situation and made it worse. I was only listening to what the psychiatrist told me or what in my mind I thought she told me because she sat me down and wanted to find out if I had a mental illness or not and I quoted her a quote from the Dharma which says when meditating on the highest wisdom any disperation between samsara and nirvana is realized as an evil spirit. Yet i was just paraphrasing. This was not quite exactly how the quote went yet close enough. So what i thought i heard her say was that if i was just going to think about not taking them i might as well not take them then. So when the lady at the fron desk told me to go sit down and watch t.v. I tried but I was experiencing such side effects that I was unable to concentrate on the program this is when I heard the voice of the psychiatrist not too long after telling me this in my head and I did not think too much of it yet maybe this would be better in the paranormal section anyway…so I tried to stop taking the medication without anyone knowing yet I did not feel right about it so eventually I would just lay there and take shots until finally after about a year or so of this the nurses got tired of shooting me with needles they poured the medication down my throat and it gave me special powers. I had a vision of being enveloped in some sort of white light and it was like my third eye was opened. Years later actually my third eye really did open yet it was after like seven years of taking no medication and practicing very dilligently. I was faster, smarter, and stronger than everybody else. And I guess they weren’t liking that so when covid hit they tried to give me shots for it as well and then they illegally took my apartment away which is a negative deed. Of course they will never admit to it. Then they kept me in a homeless shelter and gave me covid rather than letting me move into my new apartment. I had a number of other opportunities I also was denied could this be because of my dorje shugden practice. Surely it must be my good karma ripening. And being purified. Because I have been willing to go through all of this for my practice of dorje shugden. I was working for chcs over ten years ago and I think i have said this before where I said quote on quote i will wipe you off the face off the earth forever. Seems to have come true. I was talking to the psychiatrist yesterday though and told her i would be willing to give my life so seven billion people could live which would outweigh the twenty million people who died from the genocide. Did not seem to change her mind about the medication. I said it would be a win. Im catching up with my Arya Tara prayers right now with the Garchen Institute. I called my Lama before I came back to the hospital and he left to go serve in the monastery in India and all he said he wanted from me was my practice. So now from my last post you know I am serious about my Dorje Shugden practice. As Tsem Rinpoche has said though before also Dorje Shugden was only a small part of his practice. I was doing prayers to dorje shugden for about seven hours a day regularly on youtube for a while. Now I might just say some mantras. Guess my level of practice is not where it was before. Yet Tsem Tulku said that Dorje Shugden is not a replacement for medication it is in addition to medication. Unfortunately though on these medications it is so hard to do anything due to the side effects even watch t.v. Lama Zopa said when he was alive that if you are in the hospital it is okay if you can’t do all your practices. You just try your best. It looks like they are planning to put me in another group home so maybe you will be hearing more from me on the blog if that is the case we will see. I use an amulet so when they give me the needle injection i hold in slightly above my body so only the karmic body gets the needle. I wish Tsem Tulku could have given some advice as far as what to do when coming off the medication. He also said though that it makes no sense if you do not finish your treatment so if you are suppose to take a needle injection for whatever then you need to keep taking it until it is done. I do not know for this treatment how long that could be. However when I was in the group home before I had to go back to court to fight it and win to get off of it because it made me gain so much weight i had to use inconstancy pads to go to the bathroom. Once again unfortunately I am in the same situation again and I may have to refuse the medication in the group home and try to get back to court again so I can regain my rights as right now apparently the state can do whatever it wants and I have no say about it including my medication finances and place to live. So this is not fair to say the least. I think the only think I really have any power over is my practice. And at this point it might be only spinning a prayer wheel. I have a one hour limit on the computer I was just told. Good thing that is about how long my Arya Tara prayer is. So I take my practice very seriously but I am glad that I have a sangha that does youtube livestreams of practices through the garchen buddhist institute who have said that you don’t have to follow the dalai lama. So they are pretty open to dorje shugden practice i would guess. Yet at this point I am limited in my abilities and freedom to practice which I am sure also what many people are going through due to the ban and everything it seems like they have had it out for me. They tried poisoning me and overmedicating me to get me to take my life. I had to have the fpmt and Lama zopa pray for me and not long after he died. Perhaps he took my karma on himself so i could live. that is how i look at it. he was one of the few people who even though did not practice dorje shugden still would say at least be careful with your gurus and do not give them up even though they practice dorje shugden as dorje shugden could be an arya bodhisattva. I studied pretty much all of the material from fpmt in all their online books i printed them off in the hospital and went through all of the materials which gave me a pretty good foundation in the teachings even though I did not go through the teachings from acip except maybe one course. I was not there to learn anything though at diamond mountain university i was just there to serve others. So it was not ever a question about learning anything. I did learn though that science is not correct. And helping people even by accident proves more effective than what science explains. It is sad Tsem Tulku Rinpoche is gone because we do not have nearly enough information from him im sure if he were still around there would be a lot more teachings. So we have lost so much lately with all these great masters passing away. Yet it is our duty to carry on the lineage so that the teachings of the dharma may spread which is my only reason for being alive. As long as I am alive may my life be dedicated to spreading the Dharma and the practice of dorje shugden and the fpmt and acip and the drikung kagyu tradition and that of his holiness the dalai lama and all of my holy teachers including tsem tulku rinpoche. I feel this is the real reason for my life here on earth and if I cannot do this than I am not fulfilling my true purpose. I pray that we can set our difference aside concerning dorje shugden and let people practice whatever they want and not have one guru say that they cannot and have to listen to another guru say something different. Creating a schism in the sangha. I pray that the shallow sciences stop making it impossible to practice buddhism and that the Buddha Dharma continues to grow for many years to come until finally Maitreya Buddha arrives. To rekindle the Dharma teachings. RIght now the world is in so much chaos Sadhguru is saying for the next three or four years things are going to be really difficult so we should be ready for whatever is to come because of the solar flares there will be potential for us to cause much harm to ourselves or others and it will depend how we use this energy whether we will live in peace or in disharmony. So that may also have something to do with it. Im sure from the HIndu perspectice which is also valid and should be included perhaps that will help with the dorje shugden controversy. Anyway I am praying that everyone can put their difference aside concerning dorje shugden and do as the dalai lama has said which is to send love to dorje shugden. And that dorje shugden is not a harm to the life of his holiness or the tibetan cause and that dorje shugden does not need to be a cause for seperatism anymore and we can help to heal the divide in the tibetan community as far as dorje shugden is concerned and that we can pray to dorje shugden to help us all with this as clearly now more than every we need dorje shugden as was said by the past karmapa that there would come a time when we would need him. ALso his holiness has said that it is not true that he said not everyone could not practice dorje shugden. and since i consider myself a mind emanation of trijang rinpoche that would include me that can practice it since trijang rinpoche can. and i ought to be able to give the practice out to whoever needs it and pray to dorje shugden i know this is not much of a prayer but since for a little while i was not practicing surely i need a little extra help from dorje shugden so if all kecharians can please send some extra positive energy my way from dorje shugden i will appreciate it for sure. Tsem tulku also said that dorje shugden is like a headlight on your bicycle. It is just in case you get stopped at night if you are riding your bike you will be okay. you can make it safely to wherever it is you are going no questions asked. Such is dorje shugden no questions asked he will get you to where you are going as long as you have faith in him and are making offerings to him he will as long as you keep your samaya with him. The worse thing you can do is try to get someone to break their bond with their holy master or guru deity dorje shugden. Yet clearly this has been what has happening and I don’t agree with it. I think if we are dorje shugden practitioners than we need to not let anyone take our practice away from use because dorje shugden is also the guru and we cannot go against the guru even lama zopa said this. so since dorje shugden is the guru we also cannot go against what dorje shugden says. So if anyone follows what I say please also do what dorje shugden says. Which is what tsem rinpoche has given me as my practice i give to you all as well to practice dorje shugden for the rest of your lives faithful dorje shugden practitioners. Just dedicate the merit to Tsem Rinpoche I ask for nothing in return as Tsem Rinpoche asked for nothing for giving the practice to me. I will let Tsem Rinpoches reincarnation figure it out. Yet as I have been left with the practice of Dorje Shugden from Tsem Tulku to do for the rest of my life I now leave it with you all to do for the rest of your life as my time left on this earth will not be much longer. So the greatest thing I can give to you is the greatest thing that was ever done for me which was thanks to Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, I give you the practice of Dorje Shugden for the rest of your lives. I pray that within the next seven lifetimes we may all be able to reach Buddhahood together. Sarrva Mangalam May goodness prevail Om swasti
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
Tsem Rinpoche first met His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in the US when the Dalai Lama went to the US to give teachings. Tsem Rinpoche at that time told the Dalai Lama he wanted to become a monk. The Dalai Lama told him to go to India to see him for ordination.
After working in the US for a few more years, Tsem Rinpoche went to Dharamsala and was ordained by the Dalai Lama. At that time, he was not recognised as a Tulku yet. The following years, Tsem Rinpoche stayed and studied in Gaden Shartse.
When Tsem Rinpoche was recognised as a Tulku, his teacher Khensur Jampa Yeshe took him to have an audience with the Dalai Lama to get the final approval/recognition from the Dalai Lama. Tsem Rinpoche respects the Dalai Lama a lot. Even though the Dalai Lama doesn’t agree with the Dorje Shugden practice, but Tsem Rinpoche never loses faith or respect in him. We should never disrespect the Dalai Lama, sometime high lama does thing that is beyond our comprehension.
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
His Holiness the Dalai Lama is well recognized and well known worldwide as the ‘Man of Peace’.He believed to be manifestations of Avalokiteshvara or Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion . Rinpoche has expressed his gratitude towards His Holiness beyond words as always. Rinpoche has received teachings and oral transmission from His Holiness. In fact, it was His Holiness who bestowed the final confirmation and recognition of Rinpoche’s status as the reincarnation. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has worked tirelessly for the Buddhadharma. Rinpoche ‘s feeling for His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama is un measurable even till today ,never have once forgotten and always wish for him. It will never change.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing .
H.E. the 25th Tsem Rinpoche is very devoted to his root guru, H.H. Zong Rinpoche.
I had the good fortune of sitting in on a four-day teaching by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in India in 2014. It was an ‘Intro to Buddhism’ course. What a great honour to learn the basics from him. I can relate to the emotions you felt. I had moments of pure joy and moments of feeling like I could cry. His energy is quite powerful, and he emanates peace. To this day, I feel a sense of peace when I rest my eyes on his kind face. I feel incredibly blessed that I had the opportunity to be in his presence in this lifetime. His path has not been an easy one, but he has accepted it with grace and he is teaching others how to work through their own suffering. May he live a long life.
I have seen Rinpoche talk about His Holiness privately, and I have seen Rinpoche talk about His Holiness publicly and in both environments, Rinpoche’s opinion does not change just because the size of the audience changes. Based on the facts (that His Holiness the Dalai Lama has worked tirelessly for the Buddhadharma for 80 years), Rinpoche has always nurtured us to have respect for His Holiness and it won’t change – to this day, we still recite a long life prayer in dedication to His Holiness at the end of every puja.
What inspires me greatly about this is Rinpoche’s commitment to practise guru devotion, which has developed into Rinpoche’s middle way treatment of this whole issue. What is that? It is to respect His Holiness as his teacher and vows preceptor, as well as keep the commitments Rinpoche made to Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and Dorje Shugden. I like this moderate method of reaction towards the issue because it avoids all of the extremes. I don’t know about you but I find being extreme very tiring.
The view does not encourage us to hate anyone, and we are not encouraged to bias one group of people over another. Everyone is treated equally and with the same respect. What is this view?
1) relying on Shugden does not automatically make you anti-Dalai Lama. They are not mutually dependent factors
2) that Dorje Shugden is a personal choice and if you find it’s not suitable for yourself, it’s fine just like how it’s fine if someone has a greater karmic affinity for Kalarupa over Palden Lhamo. Even Buddha Shakyamuni himself recognised that some people have greater karmic affinity with Manjushri than with himself, and so sent them to seek / request teachings from Manjushri. So for anti-Shugden people, there’s no need to be so violent in their disagreements against the practice; for some pro-Shugden people, there’s no need to be derogatory about other people’s guru
I wish more people would listen to Rinpoche’s message that this middle way of thinking is possible, and we don’t have to go on extremes. It is a message that has formed out of years of careful contemplation and observation, and Rinpoche checking his conclusions against his vows and his commitments: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=65988
The Dalai Lama continues to be an inspiration for all of us, with his range of extensive lectures and books no one can deny that the Dalai lama has made a huge impact for the Buddhism and spirituality of our world. May the Dalai Lama carry on reincarnating and turning the wheel of dharma for all migrators.
Thank you Rinpoche for your sharing on His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
It is very true that due to certain circumstance though unpleasant or by destiny. The Dalai Lama was able to spread the Tibetan buddhism to the world.His holiness do have a strong charisma to reach out to leaders of other religion to share the philosophy of buddhism and gain respect world wide.
We certainly hope that in time to come we too could meet up with the Dalai Lama in person to get blessed by him.But more over ,we wish to meet up with Rinpoche in Malaysia in the near future ,to be blessed by you Rinpoche in person.
We miss you…… But we know that you always stay close to us through social media..
Thank you Rinpoche.
In all humility, His Holiness The Dalai Lama often described himself as a simple Buddhist Monk. However, to the whole world over, His Holiness is highly regarded as an “icon of Peace and a living Buddha of compassion”. On the level of humanity, His Holiness first thought is on the promotion of Universal moral ethics such as compassion, patience, forgiveness, generosity,concentration and self-discipline. This was said to be his first commitment and he was quoted to have said, “without them, humanity cannot survive”. Yes, like Rinpoche said, “We all owe quite a lot to H.H. The Dalai Lama, especially on what he has always preached, “Today, more than ever before, life must be characterized by a sense of universal responsibility, not only nation to nation and human to human, but also human to other forms of life.” Truly a modern day living legend and saint, may His Holiness live a very, very long life to benefit all beings. OM MAI PADME HUNG.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing .I would really love to see the golden face of His Holiness the 14th. Dalai Lama just once.
Thank you Rinpoche and His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama for your kindness. We will transform our minds as much as possible to repay the kindness of Rinpoche, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and all great masters.
Carmen Khoo:
I came across this again, and each time it instills within me a sense of deep awe. Awe because I personally get to experience and see a then young boy, with his strong desire and direction, achieving something within him that he strongly knew and wanted. And it has been so till today – 38 years later.
Tsem Tulku Rinpoche met His Holiness Dalai Lama for the first time in 1979, at 11 years old. At 11, I was probably running around playing hopscotch, pick up stones, and going on holidays. At 11, Rinpoche was overjoyed and excited beyond words, to be able to meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama. At 11, Rinpoche painted a picture of 4-arm Chenrezig, with prayers which Rinpoche composed himself as an offering to His Holiness. How would anyone think of that, especially living in USA, where people lived to achieve the American Dream. But here was this young boy, dying to meet His Holiness, dying to learn the Dharma, and dying to be a ordained, to be of benefit to others. A special boy, I hear you say. Yes, indeed.
Rinpoche received his first teachings on The Eight Verses of Thought Transformation from His Holiness. Rinpoche received oral transmission of Chenrezig’s mantra, Om Mani Pedme Hum, from His Holiness. 11 years later, after his first meeting, Rinpoche was ordained by His Holiness in 1987. Tenzin Zopa was Rinpoche’s ordination name.
After, it was His Holiness Dalai Lama who acknowledge and gave final confirmation of Rinpoche’s reincarnation status and Rinpoche was recognized and enthroned as the 72nd reincarnation of the Abbot of Gaden Shartse Monastery, the same monastery Rinpoche hails from today.
That young boy, at 22, who directly requested to be ordained by His Holiness in Washington New Jersey, had his dreams come true, and holding it close to heart till today. I am so appreciative to be able to witness and experience this in H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche and work closely with Rinpoche to bring meaning to others and more so, myself.
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/me/what-i-think-of-his-holiness-the-14th-dalai-lama.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=161C4xrnIf0
Without HHDL, there will not be Tsem Rinpoche. Without Tsem Rinpoche, my guru, there will not be Dharma in my life. If HHDL is important to my Guru, he is important to me.
The Dalai Lama having served as the political and spiritual head for Tibet, this is not an enviable position, it can be very dangerous to play the role of the Dalai Lama. Not to mention that during this time when the tibetan diaspora is spread all over the world the Dalai Lama’s role is very heavy indeed that he has to take care of the Tibetans spread across the globe.
The Dalai Lama through his lectures and meetups with many people around the globe has helped people to understand buddhism much more. Buddhism and buddhist does do owe a lot to His Holiness for his courage and enduring legacy.
Surely, the Dalai lama has certainly made Buddhism famous. But how buddhism owe to the dalai lama?? I am bit too confused! I invite you for a peaceful debate… Don mind.
Despite the fact that HH is already 79 years old, he is still travelling around the world propagating the ideals of peace and equality, advocating the welfare of Tibetans, and propagating the ideals of Tibetan Buddhism. HH is perhaps one of the most interesting and significant spiritual public figures of the modern era, and with respect,I think the best cover page model of Buddhism.
The Dalai Lama’s life path is endlessly uplifting as a humanitarian example and his role in modern history is difficult to overestimate. Through the kindness and blessings of my root teacher Tsem Rinpoche, I was able to meet HH a few years ago in Dharamsala, a meeting I will treasure forever.
[…] What I Think of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama? […]
As i can see from Rinpoche’s gesture in this rare and previous videos and the transcript here, He is sincerely devoted to HHDL all His life. I truly respect HHDL for what He has done to spread the Buddhadharma to so many countries in the world and is growing fast now. Thank you Rinpoche for sharing your thoughts with us.
Wow such a precious video! Its so cool taking a glimpse into Tsem Rinpoche’s past in a moving picture and audio of Rinpoche’s voice. From Rinpoche’s posture, tone of voice amd presence truly shows how much sincerity, humbleness and devotion Rinpoche has for HHDL and for the Dharma and I rejoice that Rinpoche was able to be ordained by HHDL.
I love Rinpoche’s account of the Dalai Lama. It reveals so much of Rinpoche’s own devotions to the Dharma more than his connection with the Dalai Lama. Obviously, he sees the Dalai Lama as more than just a mere monk or even as a deified Buddha but as a role model and one that I must say have successfully inspired Rinpoche in his spiritual endeavours. There are a few lamas that towers in Rinpoche’s mindscape and the Dalai Lama is certainly one of them.
It is incredible how a young Tsem Rinpoche would seek out such a wholesome and beneficial role model in the spiritual wastelands of America and even have the opportunity to meet and communicate his spiritual aspiration of wanting to be ordained. All of this must be in Rinpoche and was not cultivated like the rest of us. Perhaps, if we cultivate our spirituality well in this life, we would be like Rinpoche, starting young and way ahead in committing and charting out destiny to benefit others.
I’m felt so fortunate and blessing to watch the video that Tsem Rinpoche was requesting ordination from H.H. 14th Dalai Lama. Rinpoche so humble to touch H.H Dalai Lama’s hand. This was a valuable & unforgettable moment .
Thank you Rinpoche for this heart felt post!
I would aspire to meet with HH the 14th Dalai Lama and thank HH from the bottom of my heart for giving all of us the opportunity to be blessed by the Dharma and to practice the Dharma to the best of our ability. However, I would like to humbly add that I am already so very blessed to have met with Tsem Rinpoche whom I received the dharma and much kindness from.
Our root guru is epitome to our spiritual practice and salvation. Their untiring dedication to our growth and liberation is what fuels us through the challenges of samsara. If we are able to do only one thing, cherish our guru’s advise by our action.
That’s awesome , I cried my heart out<3
Thank You:)
The Dalai Lama is trying to destroy the Gelugpa tradition. Sincere students of HH Zong Rinpoche would never believe that their Guru couldn’t tell the difference between wordly spirits and a Buddha Dharma Protector. Shame on you for not standing up for Zong Rinpoches beliefs.
Vajra
Dear “Vajra”,
At the surface level, it may seem so and what you see is undisputable.
However, do apply the acid test and ask yourself this question – is the Gelug lineage growing or shrinking?
OM MANI PADME HUM
If you are saying that the ban on the Protector issued by tha Dalai Lama and its smear campaign against sincere DS practitioners and Lamas has had no adverse effects on the grotwh, flourishing or existence of the Gelugpa tradition you are sadly mistaken. Monasteries have been divides, families have been divides, monks have been attacked (i have spoken to them), Centre’s cannot hire romms to give teachings because DL followers spread lies about those who practise the Protector. If the Gelugpa is growing , it is not because of but in spite of the efforts of the DL to destroy it.
With respect,
Vajra
Dear Vajra, I have never met His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche, but from his vast amount of works physically in Kechara and also online, he has benefitted many people. He, you, myself and all beings have a choice of what spiritual path is chosen. You have not right to say he is not following the path of his teacher Zong Rinpoche. You should not judge or just assume. It does not make you represent your teacher Geshe Kelsang well. You should not say SHAME ON YOU to a monk/teacher/and practitioner like Tsem Rinpoche as you don’t know him and you should not simply assume. So you should show respect.
Please think about this, your bodhisattva and tantric vows and speak with wisdom, kindness and benefit.
Chandra
Dear Chandra, I agree with you. Thank you for sharing.
Dear Vajra,
Did you ever consider Tsem Rinpoche has received teachings from both Dalai Lama and Zong Rinpoche so both are his gurus? He mentions this in his teachings. Perhaps you have not any spiritual connection with Dalai Lama and you can say as you like. But for people who are students of both lamas, they are caught in a dilemma. Criticize either one, and they create demerits. So people like Tsem Rinpoche has to balance between a delicate tight rope. Tsem Rinpoche and hundreds of other students like him has to respect all teachers who they have received teaching from.
I think that is amazing and I think Tsem Rinpoche is very balanced.
I find Tsem Rinpoche criticizes none of his teachers or any other teachers. Tsem Rinpoche is a very good example of guru devotion, patience and practice. Good qualities for us to emulate.
The current incarnations of Zong Rinpoche and Trijang Rinpoche never criticize Dalai Lama or any lamas. I think those are good examples to follow.
I hope you find peace and liberation, Alison.
I understand what you all are saying, but sometimes it is time to speak out. It is just for me not possible to see how you can be a true disciple of Zong Rinpoche and a then also be a disciple of someone who says that Zong Rinoche was all his life a spirit demon worshipper. The two views are completely opposite. Anyways i don’t want to create a fuss, sorry if I have offended anyone, I just had to get it off my chest.
OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SOHA
Vajra
Thank you everyone including Vajra for an interesting exchange back and forth on this matter. I do like what has been said by Alison and believe me, Tsem Rinpoche has kept all his commitments with his Gurus. He will continue to keep his commitments and will never let that go. I have observe Rinpoche and have noticed for years that Rinpoche is consistent with what he says.
On the other hand, the justifications used to uphold such contrasting view of the protector deity may perhaps be a divine play of enlightened beings. We may not fully understand the actions of a higher being, whose actions may appear to harm but actually will bring about benefit in the long term. There are many mahasiddhas and lamas in the past who acted wayward but somehow managed to further the teachings and lineage. Perhaps, we are witnessing the unfolding of a divine drama and one day, the drama will unravel and we will behold the beneficial results of the drama. That’s how I would view this debacle. I hope it will help you.
Short answer is this: you’re wrong.
I see that you made three huge public attacks on two posts. One against Tsem Tulku ( “shame on Tsem Tulku” ) and two against the Dalai Lama ( the Dalai Lama trying to “destroy” the Gelugpa school ).
What is very destructive here is only your own statement. It doesn’t touch the Dalai Lama. Speaking as a tantric Buddhist guru, I will say you swallowed the holy hand grenade.
Fact is, most people ( most Gelugpas, most tantric Buddhists, etc. ) correctly see the Dalai Lama as defending and upholding and propagating the pure traditional Gelugpa lineage of Atisa and Tsongkhapa.
Neither Atisa nor Je Tsongkhapa ever heard of Shugden, and no one has to care about Shugden or any Shugden practitioners.
Pretty much everybody got sick of this Gelugpa nightmare years ago and as of mid 2015 the issue really no longer matters. The Dalai Lama won hands down. You’re flogging a long dead horse.
The central protector of all the many Mahayana traditions is Vajrapani in many different forms. That is, Kalacakra-Vajravega, Vajrakilaya, the Gelugpa Vajrapani-Hayagriva-Garuda, etc.
In the New Schools ( Sarma ), other major protectors are Mahakala ( built in to Cakrasamvara, etc. ), Hayagriva ( Padma Family ) and Yamantaka ( Buddha Family ). There are some others as well.
I strongly recommend Vajrapani as the foundational protector practice for all Mahayanists ( incl. Zen and Kung fu practitioners, Medicine Buddha and Pure Land practitioners etc. ). Of course, the choice of a protector depends on different factors. I have several and I am a dharmapala-guru.
The sectarian “New Kadampa” have formally burned all their bridges to the Gelugpa school and Tibetan Buddhist type sangha generally. I was reading Lama Tsongkhapa two days back but that Lamrim Chenmo book would be DISallowed ( ! ! ) in any New Kadampa center. Go figure!
Most people see that they get more and far better options by COMPLETELY leaving aside Shugden and New Kadampa. Also, most people cannot stand the many vicious and dishonest attacks on the Dalai Lama. I researched all this and sparred with Shugden people online in many threads. Manjusri was on my side.
Of course, once a person destroys their Mahayana vows and even Refuge then it’s really bad. I am not affected by any Shugden supporters. Best to not cause problems and so avoid vajra hell. Looks like quite a few people jumped off the cliff. The New Kadampa have no future. They burned all their bridges. I can and will counsel ex-NKT people.
I wish people would judge less and practise more. Whatever Rinpoche practises or does not practise is between him and his root guru, and no one is in the position to judge his sincerity. The fact Rinpoche to this day upholds his monk vows and has established not just one, but now TWO foundations to spread Lama Tsongkhapa’s lineage should be sincerity enough. Are we the perfect students to judge? Rinpoche has certainly done much more to keep his promises to his guru than many of us have done.
Rinpoche’s opinions of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and His Holiness Zong Rinpoche are not contradictory, since both lamas have played key roles in Rinpoche’s life and as their student, Rinpoche needs to respect both of them. So really, if you did not mean any offence, you would not turn something into an issue when there is none.
Where sometimes we have to speak out, sometimes exercising restraint in our speech is also equally important. The point is the end result which we wish to achieve, and employing the best (not right) method to accomplish that. So one little request if you do wish to leave your opinions here – please use your real name here, in the spirit of sharing and openness. If you have nothing to be ashamed about (of which I am sure you are not!), then remaining anonymous isn’t reflective of that.
Dear Vajra,
No matter what it is or how unhappy you are about the whole ban issue, you should not be criticising any monks at all. You do not know Tsem Rinpoche enough to be saying things like that.
By even saying such rude comments about the Dalai Lama who is the incarnation of Chenrezig is also very bad. How can you assure that the Dalai Lama is not trying to spread the Gelug lineage using the ban to create awareness and also curiosity in people that allows them to understand more and hence, find out about the Gelug lineage. How sure are you that this is not what the different Buddhas has arranged for us, allowing someone uncommon to arise?
All of us as disciples do not have the rights to criticise any high lama or even any monks or practitioners at all. By criticising another practitioner, what difference would it make you different from the rest that are harming those monks that are DS practitioners? The only difference is that you are bullying the non-DS practitioners. With that case, you would also be harming the lineage as you would be causing more differences among those that practice DS and those who do not practice DS. If this is the case, you would not be even considered as a true Buddhist practitioner! Where is the love, and compassion that we should have as Buddhists?
It is in fact that both Zong Rinpoche and the Dalai Lama has taught Tsem Rinpoche. Zong Rinpoche is indeed Rinpoche’s life, but Dalai Lama has also impacted Rinpoche in certain ways that we may not know. It is very difficult for Tsem Rinpoche. How would you feel if you were in Rinpoche’s shoes? Getting accused by some stranger online on your own blog that you do not respect your guru that is your everything?!
No matter if someone practices DS or not is not the main issue. The main issue is if the person, or in this case, the lama is doing good. Teaching and helping all that he can through different methods. Which is what Tsem Rinpoche is doing!
So what if one is a DS practitioner, if they do nothing and only criticise others about their believes creating doubts in others’ minds. Isn’t this going to make the situation worst? Moreover, creating schisms between the teacher and is one of the five deadly sins of creating the student! How would this reflect on yourself and your guru?
Do you know that based on your comments you can actually mislead people that are new to Buddhism and not allow them to learn Buddhism at all! Is this the main goal that we should aim to achieve? Definitely not!
What we should be doing is to spread the Dharma to as many people as possible! Why are you doing such things, criticising and creating schisms? This is not what a true practitioner should be doing!
If this is what a practitioner should be doing, why don’t I see Trijang Rinpoche, Pabongka Rinpoche, Ling Rinpoche, or any high lamas go running around criticising that all other lamas are wrong and they are correct?
Vajra, it is really rude of you to be making such comments about any monk that you have not even met them in real life and not even knowing how much they have done and sacrificed because of the ban! Do you know how many people you would turn away from Dharma just based on these silly comments that you have made?!
Not everyone thinks the Dalai Lama is Chenrezig…
Vajra
Not everyone does. But then again, not everyone believes in creationism (or, on the flip side, evolution). Should we hold that one opinion against them, and use that one opinion to form a blanket judgement about the person’s entire character? 🙂
So true. But if that one opinion is affecting millions, if that one opinion is breaking the law and if that opinion is creating disharmony in he society, will u still say so??
Dear Vajra,
Not everyone thinks Geshe Kelsang is a valid teacher either. So what? We all have our karmic links to our particular teacher that others may not agree with. So best to remain respectful. I personally don’t care what others think of my guru because it’s between me and my teacher.
So by saying not everyone thinks Dalai Lama is Chenresig has no point in this debate because the issue is you ‘insulting’ Tsem Rinpoche unnecessarily without proper information. He is definitely devoted to his teacher. You have never met him nor spoken to him so you do not know or fully understand why he takes the stance that he does.
Dear Vajra,
I too am a student of Geshe Kelang Gyatso Rinpoche. But I must remind you to not chastise a sangha member (Tsem Rinpoche) even if you don’t agree with his views by saying “shame on you”.
Tsem Rinpoche I feel is doing the best he can with what he has to work with under the current situations. From his blog I can see he is extremely devoted to his teacher Zong Rinpoche. Tsem Rinpoche as a Tibetan living ‘under’ the shadow of the Dalai Lama and the pressures of his own Tibetan people must not be easy for Tsem Rinpcohe either. Let’s give Tsem Rinpoche some breathing space and rejoice for all he has done.
Amaravajra
I guess I just felt frustrated that Geshe Kelsang is one of the very very few Lamas who sticks out his neck and dares to defend his and his Guru’s beliefs whereas others who could do the same choose not to. Anyway there must be reasons for this that I cannot see. I apologise to everyone on this site for having spoken too strongly and to Tsem Rinpoche. I do rejoice in his activities and I too see how he is devoted to his Guru Zong Rinpoche and to Je Tsongkhapa and Vajrayogini. Again I shouldn’t have spoken the way I did, my apologies.
Vajra
Dear Vajra,
I couldn’t agree more about what Amaravajra told you.Tsem Rinpoche is extremely devoted to his teacher Zong Rinpoche and in fact , it is indescribable and way beyond our level to understand . It bring tears to his eyes whenever Rinpoche think/talk about his guru Zong rinpoche .
I believe that you devote to Geshe Kelsang Gyatso , But who are we to judge other lama ? And i would certainly not criticize them . Please support your guru with whatever you can do and at the same time please be mindful when you want to talk about others Lama.
As a student of Tsem Rinpoche, i am proud of myself to have a Guru like him and i also respect to all the teachers of Tsem Rinpoche.
Really appreciate that you apologize to other dharma brothers and sisters in this blog as it show that you are not narrow minded and a kind person .
上师Rinpoche 曾经授过教诲与灌顶自格鲁派大师，而其中一位就是第十四世达赖喇嘛。。。
在一次的机缘之下，通过堪殊强巴耶喜仁波切的请求，第十四世达赖喇嘛接见上师Rinpoche和同时鉴定上师Rinpoche在法定认证的三个转世。。。
众所周知，第十四世达赖喇嘛是一位在藏传佛教格鲁派最有影响力的人物。。有很多人认为法王是再世的观世音菩萨，因为他的慈悲，宽恕，包容等等，都希望每一个人快乐，平静，远离痛苦。。因此，他曾经被授予过很多荣誉。。。而最原先的是于1989年-诺贝尔和平奖，他成功的维护西藏自由与人民的历史文化遗产所做和平非暴力。。。
这些种种的认证与教诲自于众多鼎鼎有名的上师，是多么的殊胜。。。显然,上师Rinpoche 强调过传承法脉是多么的重要。。。
感谢上师Rinpoche 的分享。。。
I really respect His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama as he had contributed so much to Buddhism. I really wish I had the oppurtunity to meet his holiness.Thank you for sharing this article, Rinpoche.
Thank you Rinpoche for allowing us to revisit this post on your thoughts of HH Dalai Lama.
Rinpoche’s love for, and devotion to HH Dalai Lama, is evident in every line of this post. Rinpoche being so overwhelmed by the Dalai Lama, during the teaching the Dalai Lama gave on the Eight Verses of Thought Transformation and when he met the Dalai Lama, bespeaks the tremendous respect and reverence Rinpoche has for the Dalai lama even when he was a child.
HH Dalai Lama, as Rinpoche aptly puts it is (perhaps) singularly responsible for paving the way for Tibetan Buddhism to spread so swiftly in the West. HH Dalai Lama IS INSEPARABLE FROM TIBETAN BUDDHISM in the eyes of Westerners. Because of Him,great lamas have been able to grow and spread the Dharma with relative ease in the West.
Today, because of the Dalai Lama, Tibetan Buddhism is no longer seen as an ‘esoteric’ religion practiced by a small group. It is fast gaining popularity everywhere.
We. Kecharians, are fortunate that, with the blessings of the Dalai Lama, who had ordained Tsem Rinpoche,we have a great Spiritual Guide, whose wise and compassionate vision has shaped Kechara into what it is today.
There were few moments where Rinpoche paused himself before continuing to talk about H.H. Dalai Lama. It was these few moments that let me realised how highly, holy or simply how precious Rinpoche held H.H. Dalai Lama in his heart. The tone of speech was gentle and soft. It sounded very sincere to me. Thank you for showing us on how should we regards a guru in our heart!
His Holiness, The Dalai Lama, recipent of the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize, through his compassion shown, is internationally recognized as a spokesman for Peace, Non-violence, Human rights and an understanding among different cultures and religion. Since leading the Tibetan Government in exile in 1959 when China forcefully occupied Tibet in 1950, He is said to have worked hard to establish educational, cultural and religious institutions to preserve the tibetan culture. A well-known brillant scholar, his words and experience surpassed far beyond the academic! His life is believed to be dedicated to Peace, Human rights, Social changes and the total transformation of the human mind and sufferings of all mankind as well as nature! As said and recognized Worlwide, Dalai Lama’s ability to adhere to, embody and generate Buddhist principles under extreme adversity is the mark of a “True Bodhisattva”! A great many thanks to our Rinpoche for his revealing and sharing. OM MANI PADME HUM.
So true. Eventually it lead him to be a strong politician and disturbed his buddhist mind. And we end up having a strong politician who did a lot for we Tibetans and we loose our the Buddha the Dalai lama in the mist of politics. Today, the situation is different. He hung up his political seats and back to be a religious leader. I only hope and pray that he lift the ban and do the act of a Buddha. If we are fighting and protesting, it’s with the politician.
By worldly standards, HH the 14th Dalai Lama is a superhuman to me. Anyone who has watched a video, read a transcript, listened to an audio track, attended a teaching, met him in person or is aware of his daily routine would agree.
His wisdom, succinct worldview, ability to advise, coach, explain penetratively and enlighten makes him a world leader without peer.
Beyond accolades and the Nobel Peace Prize (can one win it more than once? 🙂 ), what I always wonder is how all his “work” will translate into a better future for the human race in general and the Tibetan people in particular. How his actions, minor or major, will ensure the further spread, practise and understanding of the Dharma.
I see some clues now and then, and I pray that within my (this) lifetime, there will be large and positive results to see for we are naturally worried for the next generation.
OM MANI PADME HUNG
Thank you, Rinpoche, for reposting this article. I am fortunate to have met and had a photo taken with HH The Dalai Lama when2 Rinpoche asked to go to Dharamsala a few years back.
I am not a Mongolian but would really love to see the golden face of His Holiness the 14th. Dalai Lama just once. 🙂
Thank you.