167 Responses to You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me | 你还未见识我的真本色

1. 

   sik kafalı hasan on Jun 14, 2019 at 12:20 pm

   Undeniably believe that that you said. Your favorite reason seemed to be on the web the easiest factor to be mindful of.
   I say to you, I definitely get annoyed whilst other people think about issues that they just don’t
   recognize about. You managed to hit the nail upon the highest
   as neatly as outlined out the whole thing without having side-effects , people can take a signal.

   Will probably be again to get more. Thanks

   Reply
2. 

   Joy Kam on Dec 15, 2018 at 11:25 am

   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

   

   Reply
3. 

   JOY KAM on Oct 31, 2018 at 1:48 pm

   View
   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

   

   Reply
4. 

   Martin Yeoh on Aug 4, 2018 at 10:15 am

   Wow, If Guru was a METALLICA fan, I’ll be blessed…lolz

   Reply
5. 

   Valentina Suhendra on Jul 26, 2018 at 8:06 am

   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

   

   

   Reply
6. 

   Pastor Shin Tan on Jul 20, 2018 at 11:39 am

   Tsem Rinpoche at Kechara Forest Retreat, Bentong, Malaysia

   

   Reply
7. 

   Ymaki on Dec 18, 2017 at 6:31 am

   I am a new visitor of your blog. I love reading your life stories as they are so relatable. Your stories of survival, trials and tribulations, but ultimately perseverance, are very inspirational. I enjoy looking at the old photos, too. Thank you for sharing them and your stories.

   Reply
8. 

   Valentina Suhendra on Apr 2, 2016 at 12:20 pm

   Dear Rinpoche

   I could feel a lot of emotions as I could relate to this post very much. I don’t know why some people are so miserable and like to put other people down. I have plenty of these experience myself – but I think the best way is just to ignore them and continue to pursue your dreams.

   Valentina

   Reply
9. 

   terri on Apr 29, 2014 at 2:10 pm

   dear rinpoche. Firstly I am commenting on my smartphone so I am sorry for typos. I can relate to somuch of what you say. I have had such a struggle to just seek the dharma and it has left me very confused and sad. I try but I do not have your strength. I hope someday to meet you. If people put you down to my face I will have so many examples to tell them of your kindness. People who I chat with from your ctr have been so kind to me. I hope KFR will happen. Malaysia is not a Buddhist country but there are many smart people there. If it built as an international place maybe more people can help. I am kind of a poor girl right now but if you ever need a place to crash here in California you can come by. I worry about you and feel sad when I see you eating microwave foods. I don’t have money and I am prolly a bit daft but icare about what happens to you.

   Reply
10. Tidbits that touched me | Tsem Rinpoche on Jan 15, 2014 at 10:43 am

    […] https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/me/you-havent-seen-the-last-of-me.html « 109 […]

    Reply
11. 

    Cliff on Mar 10, 2013 at 10:48 pm

    Thank you Rinpoche for sharing such an intensely powerful blog post, I could feel every heart felt emotions pouring out from every word I read. It is truly inspiring to see Rinpoche triumph through thick and thin. It is truly amazing to see Rinpoche having stood his ground through all those who tried putting Rinpoche down. I cannot imagine how much Rinpoche has gone through because from the mere thought about it I don’t think I would be able to go through the same.

    “But I mind that I wasted my life not even trying and fearing the unknown because of what others said or believed.” This really caught my attention, there have been many times I wanted to give up on something (and most of the time I have) has only left me to regret not trying and pursuing what I wanted. But as I grow up, I am constantly reminded to not give up and to not quit so easily because it would only leave you disappointed with yourself and you’d end up regretting your decision to quit. Thank you for always inspiring everyone to keep working hard, never give up hope, don’t let peoples harsh insincere words put you down.

    “I am still standing. Not to prove them wrong, but to prove me wrong.” These words really moved me to the core. It is a constant battle with oneself’s mind, where one side of you would only want to give up and believe what others want to stay about you just so you would not succeed what they could not. As the other side just wants to not to only prove them wrong but more importantly prove yourself wrong and that you can do it, because end of the day its more important of what you think about yourself than what others think about you.

    Rinpoche’s current achievements and great future potential achievements only goes to show how true these words are. I really hope those who have put down, insulted, disbelief, cheated, lied, ran away from Rinpoche in the future come to KWPC once its up and strong for their benefit for purifying their karma and be a base for their transformation of becoming a better human being.

    I really enjoyed reading such a powerful post that not only lets us learn more about you but also encourages us to not let others make us feel belittled but to stand strong for our goals. I really hope Rinpoche’s biological mother and step mother would come one day to visit to only receive more love and care from Rinpoche.

    Thank you for being such a great teacher and inspiration to us all.

    I wish for Rinpoche’s long life, clear of obstacles to only continue to spread the wonderful dharma. I hope Rinpoche is well.

    Reply
12. 

    Wan Wai Meng on Feb 27, 2013 at 12:59 am

    It was rinpoche determination and never say die attitude that many of us have gotten the buddha dharma. Without Rinpoche many of us are still wondering in this desert of samsara looking , looking yet not finding

    Reply
13. 

    Lim Han Nee on Feb 22, 2013 at 12:07 pm

    Rinpoche’s years of tremendous suffering, from birth to his teenage years and throughout his entire life, showcase the life of a Bodhisattva in this twenty-first century, who deliberately chose to take all manner of suffering into his Path.

    As a human, he would have undergone all the suffering and felt its great sting at every turn. Yet his indomitable will to take on all sufferings of beings around him and to give them back peace and happiness, fueled by great compassion, caused him not to give up. To give up was to give up believing that all beings have a potential for Buddhahood(ultimate peace and happiness).

    Rinpoche’s not giving up carries a valuable ultimate lesson. There is no other way to attain that ultimate peace than tread the Path of A Boddisattva, as he has done.

    Thank you Rinpoche from the bottom of my heart.

    Reply
14. 

    Jean Ai on Feb 22, 2013 at 2:21 am

    I know I commented on this ages ago, but reading it again got me thinking about how Rinpoche has survived all of these years. Even back then when Rinpoche faced so much hardship, basically the key to Rinpoche’s survival was to adapt. Adapt to your parents’ moods until it becomes unbearable; adapt in LA to work three jobs to survive; adapt in Gaden although it’s a foreign land, to learn the Dharma.

    There’s a common link between Cher and Rinpoche, which is adaptability and the ability to evolve to survive. Likewise with Rinpoche’s other favourite artiste, Madonna who is the queen of reinvention. She has stayed current and popular because of her ability to adapt.

    So learn, unlearn and relearn…it all makes sense now!

    Reply
15. 

    patsy on Feb 21, 2013 at 12:30 am

    It is said that those who make it in life are those who believe in themselves. Despite having being pushed and looked down by many, it did not drag Rinpoche down instead it propelled Rinpoche to work even harder to prove them wrong.

    KWPC will not be a dream but a reality! Rinpoche mentioned before that alone we can’t, but together we can, so it will not be impossible for KWPC to manifest as despite what some people say, there are still many people who believe in Rinpoche’s vision and will come forth to be part of this vision.

    Reply
16. 

    Milly on Feb 20, 2013 at 5:33 pm

    Rinpoche’s childhood years were very lonely and traumatic at times. One can imagine this little boy yearning for loving and comforting arms to hold him close. Many children with this type of environment do no grow up to be stable and contented adults when they grow up. Rinpoche has extraordinary great qualities that he is able to be what he is today even with such troubled growing up years. And due to the circumstances Rinpoche experienced while growing up, Rinpoche always cares for the welfare for all beings as he knows how the “pain” is like. Even animals are being rescued from pet shops to ease their suffering. Due to Rinpoche’s perseverance and dedication to his gurus, Rinpoche is now a great lama and spreading the holy Dharma internationally.

    Reply
17. 

    jennifer on Feb 17, 2013 at 4:47 pm

    Dear Rinpoche,

    As i read your article, i just could not hold back my tears and at certain parts of the story, i have to remind myself to breathe , as i was just all choked up with emotions.

    The word ‘hardship’ is an understatement that Rinpoche had endured since his childhood. No one would have ‘survived’ what Rinpoche went through – terrible difficulties at almost every stage of the life.

    If it had happened to us, we would have turned out to be very horrible, mean and nasty people , with enormous emotional baggages and issues that we would drag all around us, making everyone around us miserable! We would probably have blamed the whole world for our attitude and make everyone ‘pay’ for what the world ‘did’ to us.

    Rinpoche held no grudges, no anger nor bitterness. Rinpoche is truly the personification of Compassion, Unconditional Love and Forgiveness.

    This clearly proves that Rinpoche is indeed a highly Attained and Enlightened Being, many times a high Lama in his previous lifetimes. His dedication to Buddha is unwavering, his single mindedness pursuit of the Dharma is totally inspiring and his devotion to his Gurus Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen and to Zong Rinpoche is exemplary.

    I have read the book ‘The Promise’ many times ( cried at the very same passages each time ) but reading this article , for the very first time, written by Rinpoche himself , brought forth a flood of tears. These are tears of gratitude to Rinpoche, for being with us , for loving us unconditionally, for teaching us and guiding us constantly. For showing us a perfect example to emulate.

    Thank you so very very much. Words cannot express the gratitude and love we have for you Rinpoche.

    With deepest respect and much love always,
    Jennifer

    Reply
18. 

    Andrew Boon on Feb 17, 2013 at 1:08 am

    A powerful song filled with emotive energy and lyrical strength… eclipsed only by Rinpoche’s such heartfelt and inspirational emotions in words. One is drawn into Rinpoche’s turbulent and emotional past only to emerge in the now with a sense of pride and renewed hope… that all isn’t really that bad if we believe in ourselves and hold our head high with integrity!

    Reply
19. 

    Joy on Feb 16, 2013 at 10:28 pm

    The song and lyrics to what Rinpoche has gone through, throughout the years of many challenges to spread Dharma to everyone who say Rinpoche cannot, we cannot is most apt. Rinpoche has always advice us, the way to shut those negative “cannots” is to work really hard and prove not to anyone but oneself, you can and in this way, you will stop those who say we “cannot” from talking!

    This personal heart trenching story of Rinpoche’s struggles are an inspiration because from what Rinpoche have gone through, Rinpoche followed Rinpoche’s heart and persevered. And we can take this an example and apply in our lives with all our struggles and suffering.

    Despite what Rinpoche’s parents said, friends and family who turn against Rinpoche, though very hurt, Rinpoche did not give up, which shows us that with determination, we can succeed especially in the pursuit of a bigger vision. Rinpoche also showed the true meaning of Guru Devotion by following the Dharma and going all the way, and how this is the utmost important and sacred for it leads to our own spiritual growth and enlightenment. Only we who are ignorant create obstacles and barriers for ourselves to grow, we can only see with our limited polluted visions which is full of defilements, but a our qualified Guru helps us see through beyond this life.

    I am so glad I followed my inner instincts and heart, because despite what people tell me and not getting positive support, in the end it is my life that I am living not theirs and yes I CAN.

    Reply
20. 

    Philip Yong on Feb 16, 2013 at 6:53 pm

    Rinpoche’s live story is not ordinary at all. While many people have complained that they world is against them, I do not think they have experienced the pain and agony that Rinpoche has gone through for all his life. It is literally like the UNIVERSE against Rinpoche.

    One important point to note is that Rinpoche has never got to live the life he wanted. He is always put in situations he is most uncomfortable with but Rinpoche accepts these situations with an open heart very compassionately just so he can do more to benefit all sentient beings, including silly us. Nothing Rinpoche does is for himself.

    Another point to note is that Rinpoche values kindness very much. Whatever kindness shown to Rinpoche, no matter how small or big, Rinpoche will never forget unlike many of us who are always ungrateful despite Rinpoche being the kindest person to us.

    Rinpoche’s determination and will to succeed also surpasses all of us. Personally, I have never seen someone so determined like Rinpoche before. Despite all the difficulties he has experienced, Rinpoche never takes no as an answer. Whenever there’s an obstacle in front of him, he will find a way to overcome that obstacle no matter what. And if the obstacle remains, Rinpoche will just take another route to this goal. Nothing and no one can stop Rinpoche from achieving his goals because these goals of Rinpoche’s are never for himself.

    Reply
21. 

    David Lai on Feb 16, 2013 at 6:16 pm

    Woah! There’s a lot of responses here and I think this is my second comment but I can’t really find it as it is embedded somewhere in the middle of the list of responses to this blog post. I think people resonate with the struggles that Rinpoche went through to pursue Dharma and benefitting others instead of oneself. I think this is a brilliant view of Rinpoche’s true intention.

    It has always been an inspiration to many especially in coming to understand what drives Rinpoche so that we can also apply the same reasons into our own practice. What’s amazing is that even through so much difficulty, Rinpoche never gave up on his practice and even he had that mind even when he was very young. It shows that this came from the merits of previous lives. Once can say that Rinpoche definitely was very practiced in his previous life. Besides being an inspiration piece, such recollections show you directly the proof of reincarnation

    Reply
22. 

    Linda on Feb 16, 2013 at 1:28 pm

    Thank you Your Holy Eminence for taking the time to write about your
    life story until now. Even though it isn’t, it feels like it was written just for me. You have been truly a continual inspiration for
    me, giving me the courage to become Vegetarian for life(now Vegan),
    give up smoking (now a little electronic sigarettes)-from 1 pack a day, end a long unhealthy relationship (25 years), plans to re-enter
    the workforce after 10 years caring for various family members, save
    money to be able to come to Malaysia to thank you personally, and
    follow my first dream to become maybe a Buddhist Nun. This of course
    needs further contemplation I think. I haven’t even begun to try
    practicing the Bodhisattva Vows. Also, I do the Daily Sadhana. If it weren’t for you and all at Kechara, I really don’t think I would
    have made all these changes. I am living proof of how really successful you are. And I being only one sentient being. Please write your autobiografy. Thank you again Your Holy Eminence, without
    you, I don’t think any of the changes would have occurred. And of course, I have a simple but beautiful altar.
    Linda

    Reply
23. 

    Zla'od on Feb 16, 2013 at 9:11 am

    Tsem Rinpoche has been unusually open about his life and emotions, and I appreciate his reminiscences very much. We are approximately the same age, though our experiences (and musical tastes!) are nothing alike.

    Questions that arise:

    (Par 6) I understood from another post that Tsem Rinpoche was recognized as a tulku by Zong Rinpoche, but kept this secret while at Ganden, until he revealed it to the guru under which he was studying to become an oracle. (I’ll have to hunt for the source.) Not that the two accounts are necessarily contradictory, but they do raise the question of exactly how this recognition occurred.

    (Par. 7) This seems to be a reference to Zong Rinpoche and the Dorje Shugden controversy.

    (Par 8) I wonder what center this was, and what their side of the story is?

    (Par. 9) Same concern as above.

    (Par. 10) I assume the main obstacle to KWPC is money. How much money are we talking about? And can this an amount that can be realistically supported by a congregation the size of Kechara, or would it have to grow first? Of course this would depend on the wealth and generosity of its members…

    Reply
    • 

      Seng Piow on Feb 16, 2013 at 10:48 am

      Hi Zla’od, thank you for your interest in Rinpoche’s life story, his struggle and achievements. Yes, Rinpoche has always been very open about his life story, and we are very grateful for Rinpoche’s frankness, because we can learn a lot from his life story and be inspired by it, and by applying the attitude and mental strength that Rinpoche displayed while dealing with different stages of his life, we can also overcome difficulties and find ultimate happiness. Rinpoche is truly a great teacher in real life, not only on throne.

      Regarding your question on Rinpoche’s recognition, actually it is not only Zong Rinpoche that recognized Tsem Rinpoche as a tulku, but there were many more, see here: http://www.tsemtulku.com/biography/india/recognition-enthronement.html

      Therefore there were a series of “recognition” events occuring by different parties before Rinpoche was officially recognized and enthroned.

      Regarding question 7, Tsem Rinpoche has not 1 but 14 gurus, and almost each of them has their own “controversy”, therefore it many not necessarily mean Zong Rinpoche.

      Question 8 and 9, it definitely happened in the way Rinpoche mentioned it, and the close students of Rinpoche knew the complete story, but Rinpoche is always compassionate, therefore, despite the treatments he received from those people back then, Rinpoche never publicly named those people who turned against him, Rinpoche was never vengeful nor hold grudges, there is not a single iota of these negativities in him, but Rinpoche chose to move on and with incredicle persistence and resilience in Dharma, he single-handedly rebuilt his “Dharma career” again, and again, and that’s how we have the wonderful Kechara today. By not talking about who did this and that before, but by his success in rising up again after being put down and betrayed, already showed you who has the ultimate truth.

      A few years ago, some of the people who betrayed Rinpoche back then, came to formally apologize to Rinpoche. The others, let’s put it this way, they would have had their side of story told already if they really have something righteous to say.

      Question 10, I would conservatively estimate the cost of building KWPC to be USD 100 million, the support will come not only locally but worldwide, because KWPC will be an international healing center, and Tsem Rinpoche’s students actually span across the globe, because Rinpoche is a very popular and highly sought after Dharma teacher such that he has many students, both phyisically and “virtually”. So KPWC will definitely manifest.

      Once again I am glad to see that you ask interesting questions about Rinpoche because you take interest in his unusual and inspiring life story.

      Thank you.

      Seng Piow

      Reply
      • 

        Zla'od on Feb 18, 2013 at 7:21 pm

        And thank you, Seng Piow!

        Reply
24. 

    ysun on Aug 22, 2012 at 8:17 am

    Dear Rinponche, thank you for sharing, it inspire me to help and benefits others in my own small way. It inspire that no matter what hardship we are going through, as long as we believe we are doing the right thing it will all turn into positive action. Thank you for setting Kechara. I have learned a lot from this blog and people from Kechara.

    Reply
25. 

    Milly on Jul 7, 2012 at 11:46 pm

    Rinpoche’s childhood right till the early years of his monkhood were tough. Any other person of weaker disposition would have given up and taken the easy route. But not Rinpoche whose determination in wanting to be a monk was so strong and he pushed and persevered despite all obstacles. Rinpoche is so kind to openly share his thoughts and the challenges he faces with us. It is also sad that some people cheated Rinpoche and or had ulterior motives by joining the centre. They do not know the repercussions in cheating the Sangha. If only they had read the “Wheel of Sharp Weapons”.

    Reply
26. 

    Ugyen on Jun 27, 2012 at 10:29 pm

    Rinpoche,
    You were the rays of my sun when I felt the dark clouds shroud me, I was so broken and felt so lost when I came across your teachings on the Youtube, you were literally my angel who gave me all the hope and aspirations.
    Today, I ain’t that firm yet I atleast know what I want…thank you very much and words will fall short of expressing my gratitude for all your kindness..All I can offer you is my prayers for all times for your good health and great work

    Reply
27. 

    Sheryl KH (JB) on Jun 27, 2012 at 3:55 pm

    It is amazing for how much pains and tears that Rinpoche has to contain within himself to persevere with what he believes in. If that is not strong good qualities and imprints within Rinpoche, we will have not Tsem Tulku Rinpoche now.

    When odds are all against us, it is very easy to give up. Making up excuses are easy, because after which we dont have to take up any efforts.

    Not many people like to face hardships, but hardships can grow people a lot more faster. I prefer these people over those who are born with golden spoons in their mouths. Many times they talk too much and do too little, if any at all.

    The hardships that Rinpoche has been through make himself an extraordinary and precious being. We are extremely lucky to have you.

    Reply
28. 

    Rena Wong on Jun 24, 2012 at 11:54 pm

    Rinpoche was an innocent child. He did not let his mom’s action towards him affect his love for his mother. He did not lost out his love for his mother and is waiting for her still. He rises to be proud of himself and not as a reminder to his mom of her pain. So great is Rinpoche’s love for his mom.

    Many of us can relate to his preciaments but how many of us can endure. Rinpoche have shown us that he believes in himself and continue his practice and his lineage to show his loyalthy to his guru despite acquisations and rumours. Rinpoche have shown the way to endure by practicing great compassion and guru devotion which has benefited all beings. He takes suffering to himself.

    With great respect to Rinpoche and humbly, I pray for the manifestation of KWPC. We must not let our obstacles shunned us from doing more to benefit people. We must overcome all obstacles and ensure that KWPC manifest as soon as possible. I sincerely wish for KWPC’s success & I will be a part of it.

    Thank you Rinpcohe for your great teachings. Your teachings have helped many people to be a better person and have meaningful life. Please stay in Malaysia to continue to teach the Dharma.

    At your exalted feet, I prostrate & pray humbly

    Reply
29. 

    claire Briard on Jun 20, 2012 at 4:27 pm

    Dear Rinpoché, when I read your life, I feel I am reading mine !
    I had almost exactely the same life… My mother gave me up when I was five years old, because she divorced and didn’t want me anymore, I was like a kind of obstacle for her to enjoy life.. I was raised by many adoption family, going there and there, some people who could not love me as my parents, treat me bad, some as a little slave when I was six. I didn’t go to school and worked all day in a farm. they forced me to watch animals being killed and after that I had to cook them for the family. I had to wash my clothes in the rivers, and take the animals in the forest for them to eat, I had to look for tree food in the forest with a very big bag; and the people who were “taking care” of me told me if I didn’t full up the bag totallty, I will not be authorize to come back home… later it s a french catholic nun who came to look for me; send by my grand-mother, who were an angel in my life.
    later on, after four years in a adoption family my father came back to look for me. I didn’t know him as I was 14 years old. he was drinking alcool, and didn’t want me to go out , I had to be the slave family again. doing all the house cleaning and never allowed to have fun. he used to shout a me and beat me up. and I run away from the house at 16 , as I was still at school and a good student! he was too hard with me. often he was slapping me the face, or pulling my body all over the house while he was just holding my hair; closing me in the water closet and putting my head in the toilet.. so I find myself on my own in the street at sixteen. I had to find jobs, which I did. the polie was looking for me because I had left the house too young.
    I met people in the cinema business ,I wanted to be an actres; and a lot of professional in the business believed in me to become one. I had many serious offer to become an actress but when I discovered the other side of it, I refused. then I met many very rich man, who were all falling in love with me. thet wanted me ,they offered me millions just to be their girlfriend. I refused because I knew I was going to lost my freedom, as I knew i was looking for something deeper than money and power. something that could liberate me from all this suffering and this craziness. this is only the beginning of my chilhood. later on I had others problems when I met the father of my child , Jules a boy. I will tell about it later on if you don’t mind. all my best for you Rinpoché and everyone who will read this line. because now I found the dharma and Rinpoché has been helping me a lot with my practise. I thank him very much to have help me that way and showing me the right path. all my best. May Buddha testify all your good actions you ve been doing all around you: we are all so proud of what you do for the peoples. thank you.

    Reply
30. 

    Paul Yap on Jun 19, 2012 at 11:32 pm

    Fear and loneliness is really our biggest enemy, they ates us up when we have nothing and is nothing at all. Believing ourself and not giving up keep us moving on. Understanding the nature of existence, karma and delusion will eventually surpassing oneself

    Reply
31. 

    nani on Jun 19, 2012 at 8:30 pm

    so much tuching heart.

    Reply
32. 

    Amos Leong on Jun 17, 2012 at 9:24 pm

    TTR has and always will be unique…the immense struggles and persecution going on and the endurance to go through all of these, I feel really touch by your stories and am inspired by it, my so called problems are nothing and will carry on the good fight of faith and discipline irregardless of what people may think or say of us, end of the day what matters most is what happens inside of us…do we crumble or do we grow.. thank you TTR for your love and dedication, I love your teachings, may the buddhas BLESS u..

    Reply
33. 

    wei Theng on Jun 15, 2012 at 8:28 pm

    “Times are hard but
    I was built tough
    I’m gonna show you all what I’m made of”

    Dear Rinpoche, your inner strength is so strong and your work all the way towards what you believe in.
    You are so compassionate despite all the obstacles and problems that you faced but you still go all the way in Dharma & never stop giving and thinking for the benefit of others.

    I am very grateful i have you as my Guru. I will follow you all the way and may I serve you life after life and benefiting others..

    Reply
34. 

    ericchoong on Jun 15, 2012 at 7:17 pm

    ” 我猜想，这正是你不管从事什么都能生存下来的秘诀。珍惜你的传统，清楚自己的立场，并且与时并进，不可停滞不前。世界不会为你停留。你必须奋起直追……。被抛在后头，听起来很轻松，然而却不是个你愿意停留的境界……”

    ” 然而，不是我不被允许放弃，就是我不容许自己放弃，”

    ” 当我第一次看见他的时候，我完全把他观想成胜乐金刚，并对此深信不疑。25年后的今天我仍然这样认为……。”

    ” 我有本身的需要、本身的心识、个人的业力，以及寻求灵修的方法。如果我根据本身的业力来选择我的上师，你就无权批评我的抉择，我的需要和我的上师。我就是我，我的上师适用于我的业力状况 。”

    ” 我的精神导师曾告诉我要忍耐，再努力，将这些挫折当成是修行，不放弃并坚持下去。”

    ” 是的，许多时候我觉得自己快崩溃了，没有什么可以让我依靠；许多时候我被推到了临界点，就快屈服了……但我没崩溃……许多时候我不认为我能够做到，也不想去做。死亡相对简单，而活着却令人恐惧。我活着，是因为我不可以死。我的身体和心灵都不能死。我强迫自己努力，是因为我不可以失败。我曾经失败，也曾获得成功。”

    读过仁波切的这遍文章开示后，再次启发我内心修行的层次。仁波切教导我何谓虔诚心，如何的坚

    持和对上师有著如此强烈的信心。然而，尊贵的转世活佛，其实他可以选择转世到无困难的环境修

    持佛法，或者自幼时就被认证引进佛寺接受佛法教育。。。但是，仁波切却选择艰难的转世来到这世

    上，从小生活历经困难，充满许多障碍，经历千幸万苦，看尽了人情泠暖。

    但是至到现在他还坚持维持自己的心灵品质，绝不半途而废，因为他对上师的虔敬心，就是信守承

    诺，尽力修持。这种高尚的品质，使我望尘莫及。。。

    读完这遍文章开示，也给我了解到无论身处在佛法世界或世俗世界里。。。都是一样。如果有一个坚

    定的心和永不放弃的心，那生活会有好的改变。环境也会随着心态而改变。

    Reply
35. 

    Christine Wang on Jun 13, 2012 at 11:41 pm

    Thank Rinpoche for sharing the personal experience with us! What Rinpoche has gone through was so difficult- hard to imagine a high lama as dear Rinpoche had to endure those nonsense blame from others–families, friends, monks who supposed to be the “supporting team”. And it’s shocking to know there are people who would cheat on Rinpoche to get money! How sad! I am sorry those people betrayed Rinpoche and treated Rinpoche so bad… while Rinpoche is always helping them.

    Most people would have given up and went down in life if that’s what happened to them. But with faith and belief, nothing could stop Rinpoche. We are human and sometime we feel sad, angry, upset, disappointed…we indulged in our feelings but with faith and believe we can stand up again and move on. For those who don’t believe us and criticize what we do, let them be. As Rinpoche said, they don’t know us. They don’t know who we are! And they don’t know how Rinpoche has helped us! How Dharma has changed us!

    Whatever we want to achieve, we have to walk the way ourselves. We are lucky to have Rinpoche to lead us and point the right direction…yet we ( I ) don’t listen or don’t follow! We (I ) are so attached to the samsara world and all these samsara activities appeared easy and fun while Dharma work is difficult. Rinpoche said before- Dharma is doing what we DON’T like to do. Dharma journey is NOT easy. We just have to keep moving on, keep pushing ourselves whenever we fall. We can’t expect others to prepare things nicely for us or get solutions for us. WE have to make it work ourselves.

    Regards,
    Christine

    Reply
36. 

    Li Kheng on Jun 13, 2012 at 1:31 am

    Thank you Rinpoche for, once again, using Rinpoche’s life to teach us the Dharma.

    It is very sad that Rinpoche has to go through so much terrible experiences because of the unimaginable volume of collective negative karma of the people around Rinpoche. It is actually disgusting to know that an enlightened being like Rinpoche has to come to our low level to save us from ourselves. If we have learnt any Dharma, we would know with clarity and certainty that our time is short and very limited to purify the negative karma we have accumulated. Thus, we should be urgent to practice the Dharma completely and immediately with the intention to purify our negative karma to enable us to continue practicing Dharma, to create the cause for Rinpoche to stay with us and for to cause the manifestation of KWPC. Rinpoche has taught that there are several specific purification acts that we can engage in, they include pujas, taking vows, daily sadhana, engaging in opposing actions (example, if we are miserly, we oppose this act by developing generosity).

    Rinpoche’s life story is truly inspiring. However, besides being inspired, we must show our sincerity by taking action. If we are not certain about what action to take: go to the KWPC office and ask the committee what you can do to contribute. There is always something we can do and every effort, big or small, is vital to cause the manifestation of this vision.

    Afterall, Rinpoche is not building KWPC for Rinpoche, Rinpoche is building KWPC for us. Thus, if we do not take ownership and do what it takes and create the karma to have KWPC manifest, KWPC cannot manifest.

    Reply
37. 

    Wan Hong on Jun 13, 2012 at 1:01 am

    To reflect upon Rinpoche’s experiences and the hardships he have gone through to be close to the Dharma is to feel how abysmal and insignificant the effort that I have put into in pursuing Dharma.

    Rinpoche’s life experiences is a reminder and a lesson to us all to appreciate and to seek the Dharma with utmost commitment and sincerity.

    Reply
38. 

    KYC on Jun 12, 2012 at 11:02 pm

    I’m glad Rinpoche stood his ground and did not give up in spite of the bad experiences in the early days. Rinpoche’s whole life is a great teaching about perseverance and faith in one’s guru.

    Reply
39. 

    Melissa Lee on Jun 12, 2012 at 2:58 pm

    I can’t help but I was moved to tears whenever I read this article again and again.

    Rinpoche has again shown to us the truth of samsara, the truth of life. No one could be spared from suffering, whether you are a prince, a highly reincarnated lama, a rich man, a poor man, a layman, someone who are beautiful or ugly. Living in samsara you are bound to be cheated, hurt or betrayed by someone who are suppose to be close and dearest to you and someone you trusted most. And all the obstacles that you may be facing especially when you want to do something good to others.

    But Rinpoche has also shown to us how to live life the most meaningful and most beneficial way is by caring and showing compassion to others. By his living example, he shows us the way to stay focus, be strong, be patient, never give up, be forgiving, be dedicated and perseverance to gain happiness spiritually but also the way to liberate us from samsara. Have faith and believe in him and he will show us the way through his teachings and his actions. And through his story, he shown us how we can get the best and most out of our life.

    People are ignorant of the truth of the universe, the truth of living. People are short sighted, they cling to materialistic attachment that give them short term happiness, they do all things to cheat or hurt others to satisfy their own selfish benefits, needs and pleasure that make them feel happy temporary. But your compassion make you come back life after life to suffer, to share and help us to find the way, the meaningful way to happiness in this life and the way to eternal happiness from liberating us from samsara.

    Thank you very much, Rinpoche for showing us the right way. I am sure more and more people will be benefited from your teachings and your untiring efforts will not be wasted.

    Reply
40. 

    lanse on Jun 11, 2012 at 12:03 am

    Rinpoche’s life story is a great teaching itself. I don’t think anyone of us has been denied and put down so many times in our lives. From a baby to a recognized reincarnated high lama, Rinpoche had been put down so many time, even His lineage has also become a target for others to criticize. So unbelievable and unbearable.

    I thank you for Rinpoche’s kindness for going through so many hardships just for the sake of all sentient beings. Thank you Rinpoche for manifesting in this way just to show us what a human being can achieve if he really makes up his mind.

    It is a great reference and encouragement for each one of us especially when we are facing difficulties in life. If someone who was so underprivileged since young can achieve something so great, we certainly have no excuse saying that we can’t overcome our own little hardship in life.

    Reply
41. 

    Sofi on Jun 8, 2012 at 12:16 am

    Cher seems to be singing what Rinpoche’s been thru. After reading Rinpoche’s post, so many thoughts went thru my head and emotions felt. First and foremost, sadness that Rinpoche had to go thru so much in this human life…most of the bad (some good) experiences that could possibly befall any human in this world. I think all of us had experienced one part or another but definitely not all of it. Whilst we had gone thru the choices which brought suffering due our samsaric satisfaction of self/ego, Rinpoche had always kept to the choice to walk the path of Dharma.
    There are so many similarities for all attained Lamas, like Buddha, they gave up a life of status, wealth and comfort to walk the path to Enlightenment. No doubt Rinpoche could have had all those if he had been the son as per Boris & Dana (his adopted parents) wanted, but it will be at the great cost of giving up Dharma. So great is his compassion that even now he is still suffering, mentally and physically, for us all. Always thinking and planning of ways to help us create more merits to overcome our enemies…ourselves.
    During our recent discussion, it was asked why a highly attained being who has vast amount of merits had to live such a suffering live. From what I understand, there is certainly no need for Rinpoche to suffer or for the matter, to come back to the samsaric world. He could have just chosen to be reborn in a fabulous environment, to have everything at his beck n call, or to even stay in the heavens! As a Boddhisatva, he must have chosen to take on this tremendous amount of sufferings, just before he passed away in his previous life as Tsem Kentrul Thubten Lamsang, out of compassion for us, ignorant being (well, definitely me). Living this life to shut us up when we complain about our own sufferings…..no one can match his…. and he had shown us by example that no matter the situation, with clear vision (as in aim, not clairvoyance) and courage, we are able to overcome the obstacles. It is all in the state of mind…. it is wrong views, ignorance, stupidity, indulgence, etc that helps with wrong choices.
    As seen here, Rinpoche’s imprints are super strong even from such a young age, when I was probably still playing with guli(s), rubber bands/seeds, pick up stones….(no money to buy dolls and such ah). I just wonder how many lifetimes do I have to wander thru to gain this and will I be able to walk the same path as him for others… I am always thinking I would like to benefit others, benefit others but… always from the comfort of my life. Even knowing and fearing what comes after death, am I able to give up everything to really benefit others? With all my learnings for the past 2 years, am I even a step closer to that?
    Building KWPC (Kechara World Peace Centre) is really a huge project that involves lots and lots of efforts and support (physical, mental and monetary), but I trust Rinpoche when he says it can be done. After all, look at other magnificent monasteries in Tibet, China, India, US…etc. It is everyone putting in the effort to bring about these. Rinpoche had brought so much light into my life (and my family’s too) with his teachings, which I truly hope to repay by spreading the benefits to others too. I am stepping out of my comfort zone to approach others, to share Rinpoche’s teachings, my experiences and to seek out potential sponsors to support Rinpoche’s vision… whatever ways to connect them to Rinpoche, Kechara and most of all, to the Dharma.
    With all that we’ve learnt of Rinpoche, learnt from his teachings, experienced from his generosity (his gift to me that moved me the most, was when he prayed for my mom at her funeral. There and then, I realized how compassionate Rinpoche is. I cried, not for my mom, but for his being there in person for my mom, myself and my family…I am not heartless but understood that controlling emotions helps my mom to let go/detach easier, whom I love too dearly to keep her around to suffer), transforming ourselves for the happier life (no matter how minute), we should by now understand that Rinpoche is not here for him, but FOR US!!!! So why are we not helping ourselves???? Are we going to wait and allow the window of merits to close for us??? I have so many thoughts of how to help Rinpoche, Kechara and others…as usual, always just thoughts, no action. Guess I had better bring my thoughts into action fast.
    My apologies for being long-winded (lucky for you I have to go home from office now) or if in anyways I’ve offended with my words, but I truly hope that we are able to justify Rinpoche’s pain/sufferings and perseverance (plus his strong and continual Guru devotion, which he had shown always…even being here in Malaysia…thank goodness for me).
    All I can say now is THANK YOU RINPOCHE and follow thru next with my actions.

    Reply
42. 

    verontung on Jun 7, 2012 at 5:34 pm

    谢谢仁波切的不离不弃及大爱的精神，你总是可以让人相信只要坚持，事情就一定可以成功！很多时候我们也都忘了仁波切也只是个凡人，但凭着信念与佛法的帮助，相信自己的实力可以战胜任何的障碍。太多的时候我们会选择平凡且平静的度过生活，并离不开安全的生活作息，只要一遇到困难就会退缩和放弃。直到来到了克切拉遇见了仁波切我知道努力不放弃后所得到的果实将会是更大、更甜的！我很谢谢我的父母从来都不曾放弃养育我家的全部“化骨龙”！感恩！真心的希望仁波切可以有日和生母团聚。

    Reply
43. 

    Judy Lam on Jun 7, 2012 at 1:46 pm

    Dear Rinpoche: Thank you for sharing Rinpoche’s life story with us. Most ordinary people would not be so frank as to include the unplesant memories. What striked me most is how Rinpoche talked about his mother “She lost out on my love but I am waiting for her still”. I cannot imagine a child growing up without parental love in the most difficult circumstances, and yet yearn to have a reunion with his mum still. How forgiving can that be? I hope that the one day will come, and we will rejoice with Rinpoche.
    Many people would have given in to temptations – Rinpoche being in LA has many offers that would enable Rinpoche to gain material wealth, and yet Rinpoche did not bow to pressure and give in just for temporary gain. Why would people put Rinpoche down those early days when Rinpoche has so many qualities that most ordinary people may not have – love for mankind, honesty, compassion, guru devotion, never give up, forgiving & so on?
    Once again, thank you for opening your heart to us Rinpoche, and we should not take that for granted. Rinpoche’s suffering in the early days would be worth it if we all accept and realized how we must change as a person, and each play a part in making Rinpoche’s dreams come true.

    Reply
44. 

    Khoo Hou Haw on Jun 7, 2012 at 12:10 pm

    Thanks Rinpoche for sharing. When I was reading this, I kept thinking of the 8 Verses of Mind Transformation and The 9 Attitudes of Devotion to the Guru. I think Rinpoche chose to go through all these suffering so that we can learn that teaching of the 8 Verses of Mind Transformation is very true that the results is there. By just looking at Rinpoche, I have totally no doubt on this teaching. I wanted so much to involve in the KWPC and I am prepare to risk everything I have just to lay a brick on the KWPC land. I am saying this although honestly I may be totally ready to let go of everything now, but I have memorised the 8 Verses of Mind Transformation and I am reciting it a few times a day. I want to train my mind to be totally understand the 8 verses although I am not a very bright person but I am practising it on my daily live, while driving, while dealing with difficult people. I sincerely thanks Rinpoche for giving such a wonderful teaching to us. May Rinpoche live long to turn the Dharma Wheel and the manifestation of KWPC.

    Reply
45. 

    Leann Lim on Jun 7, 2012 at 3:52 am

    看着这文章时，心情也跟着故事的情节起伏，当故事的主角被奚落，受尽委屈时，就感到难过，但他被信任时，又莫名的感到安慰。而不敢相信的是这故事是真真确确的发生在仁波切身上。而 曾经试过想象这一切是发生在自己的身上，往往到一半时，就不敢再想下去了，因为觉得自己应该都活不下去了。

    从小时候，在没有母爱的情况，被遗弃，遭受生理心灵上的虐待，到年少时期的自尊心受创，被贬低，侮辱，觉得自己毫无价值可言，却可以一直坚持的相信自己是值得被爱，也值得拥有爱。很佩服仁波切即使遇到物质金钱的诱惑，尤其在那样的困境下，那是何等的煎熬，想必心灵承受非一般的挣扎，但因为仁波切一直的坚持，清楚明白自己的立场，奋斗目标而成功的稳定住了。
    即使到后期的不被信任，被欺骗，驱逐，失去任何的支持也好，但仁波切一样的明白自己的方向，并没有被打倒，而得到今天的成就。

    这让我明白很重要的一点， 不管做任何事情，要明白自己的立场，目标一致，并清楚知道自己的价值在哪里。那么无论面对任何的指责，批评，困难都不会动摇，会好好的给自己站起来。

    看完文章，也突然让我想起小时候的一些事情…因为小时候家里很穷，又是来自一个大家庭，所以大约四，五岁就已经开始到邻居家打工，现在有些人听了，就觉得很可怜，但其实我一点都不觉得可怜，反而很庆幸自己很早出来体验着生活，让自己更早学会独立，体谅和明白事理，我的童年很快乐很值得……虽然这只是一个发生在我身上小小的故事，却也让我明白这并不负面，只视乎什么心态看待吧…所以文章一开始写说可能这些故事‘咋看下’很负面，但我并不觉得…觉得就是因为有这些经历，生活的体验，那生命就更丰富，也成就了今天伟大的上师仁波切。

    真的很感激仁波切愿意与我们分享他过去的一切，或许不堪，但也让我们更深层的去思考生命的价值在哪里，可以为KWPC做些什么？因为我们也深信KWPC一定会成立，仁波切可以做到，大家也可以做到！也祝愿仁波切早日被允许和母亲联系，常寿及常转法轮…合十_/\_

    Reply
46. 

    choisheem on Jun 7, 2012 at 12:19 am

    Dear Rinpoche,
    This is such an inspiring life story. Even with all the lure of money, glamour and an easy life, Rinpoche still turn down all the temptations and chose the difficult and tough path. Because of this, Kechara House is here today. If you were to pursue the Hollywood life, many of us would not be here today doing something to benefit others. It is real sad if young people were to waste their lives living to only satisfy their own selfish needs. If no one were to guide them, they would also grow up to have greed and selfishness in them and would not hesitate to use anyone (including monks) to achieve their greed for money and power. May everyone be able to learn and practice the lessons from this article.

    Reply
47. 

    Denise Kuek on Jun 6, 2012 at 11:00 pm

    I just came back from Su Ming’s sharing about this article, is really inspire me. this is a reminder for me to be positive and persistence when i meet any difficulty and dont let the negative emotion bring me down..and i will do more to let others know KWPC project, such as share with my friends, bring them to come kechara, always mention Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s greatness to them etc..dear Rinpoche, i believe you can do it, let us work together..KWPC will come true!

    Reply
48. 

    pat on Jun 6, 2012 at 10:25 pm

    “Never see the last of me”…….. felt very happy hearing it cos knowing Rinpoche will not give up on anything or anyone or us or me……..Rinpoche went through so much hardship but still managed to stay clear minded. I salute and truly respect Rinpoche for making all the right choices from young till now. Hope we will also make the right choices in life with Rinpoche’s guidance so that our spiritual path is smooth and safely reach our destination……

    Reply
49. 

    Han on Jun 6, 2012 at 10:05 pm

    “不是我不被允许放弃，就是我不容许自己放弃，到底是哪一个，我也无法确定。肯定是有个“守护天使”在守护着我……。” ～ 詹度固仁波切

    这篇文章，字里行间，流露了仁波切对上师的依止心及对佛法的信念是永恒不变。。。无论发生任何不幸的遭遇，仁波切对佛法的不放弃是深受肯定的，换成我，也许早已放弃。。。

    今天，我因为仁波切的教诲而加入佛法事业，那么对上师的依止心与对佛法的信念也必需是要具备，同时也要
    以行动、以成绩、以努力协助仁波切。每当我深思当初加入佛法事业的情景时，我不晓得自己可以在佛法事业上成就什么，更不知道我可以协助仁波切什么，希望凭着对仁波切的依止心，像仁波切所说的以行动、以成绩、以努力参与建立克切拉世界和平中心的大型疗愈中心！

    Reply
50. 

    Chris Tan on Jun 6, 2012 at 10:02 pm

    这篇文章让我们看见过去的仁波切在生活上所遇到种种的困难，由于仁波切的坚强与恒心使到拥有今天的仁波切。换着是我，也许我早已放弃了。既然仁波切可以凭自己的毅力与恒心去克服渡过种种的障碍。我深信我也能像仁波切那么地一样。

    “没有人可以阻碍我们前进的步伐，能阻碍我们的人，就是我们自己！”没有人能随随便便成功！生活中不能没磨难，前进路上少不得阻碍，它可是我们成才的催化剂。奥斯特洛夫斯基的一句话：”人的生命，似洪水在奔流，不遇着岛屿、暗礁，难以激起美丽的浪花?

    我非常认同仁波切的这一句话 “即使尝试了、失败了，我也没损失什么”。至少我们尝试了，总好过什么都不干就口口声声说这个不行那个不行，给自己一大堆的烂理由，这只有让自己更加的失败。

    Reply
51. 

    Louise Lee on Jun 6, 2012 at 7:20 pm

    如何才是美好的童年？
    如何才是美好人生？
    幸福家庭，就会有好孩子吗？有谁敢肯定，会培育出人才？
    是人才，是否能贡献社会？

    仁波切就是很好的证明！每天都在生活在非常负面的环境，那仁波切不是应该怨天怨地呢？仁波切是不是应该放弃人生呢？

    小时候，　我生活在小富家庭。从满了爱，也生活无忧。　但是爸爸在我７岁时离开了我们。刚开始妈妈很焦急。不知如何是好，　日子还是要过。　妈妈很快的就习惯起来了！

    当学校假期，妈妈就会把我送到干爹的餐馆工作。我人小小　（９　岁）的就会泡茶，　洗碗碟，　上菜。那我的命，　很苦吗？　

    其实不是的，家里是过的去。妈妈不想我们习惯打开手，就拥有一切。学会靠自己！

    妈妈在我１５岁，　也走了。但是我还是可以生活。我不依赖！

    如今，我看到现在的小孩，我觉得妈妈给我的教育，　我很幸福！

    有过去，只要不放弃就会见到艳阳天！　：－）　如今我还在寻找着，　我的艳阳天！

    仁波切一步一步的耕耘，　我们现在享用着这些果实。我们更不应该停下脚步，我们必须与人分享，让更多的众生收益！

    谢谢您，　仁波切！　我不是你的小孩，但是您用你的一生去爱护我们！

    Reply
52. 

    JP on Jun 6, 2012 at 5:32 pm

    Not ever giving up is a common trait in all successful people both secular and spiritual. Just like Mother Theresa who had many challenges, both outer and inner obstacles, Rinpoche continues to persevere for the happiness of others. Rinpoche’s selflessness is inspiring and rare in our communities.

    Reply
53. 

    PhillisChin on Jun 6, 2012 at 5:05 pm

    I am very sure that many people out there will think that: Rinpoche can go through whatsoever difficulties thing’s, because he is incarnate Rinpoche………. This is so wrong ………….. No matter who you are, we all have feeling’s… No exception even Rinpoche……..
    I am very admire the persevere that Rinpoche has.
    Rinpoche is the most inspired person that i have meet! I understand Rinpoche situation’s. I really hope that Rinpoche can meet whoever he want’s to….

    Thank You Rinpoche
    (with folded hand)

    Reply
54. 

    Jill Yam on Jun 6, 2012 at 4:35 pm

    ‘You haven’t seen the last of me’ reflects Rinpoche’s determination to remain in the Dharma no matter what the circumstances is. Despite all the hardship, pain and loneliness, Rinpoche shows everyone that His Eminence can do it.

    This indicates that through sheer perseverance and strong determination one can achieve one’s goal. We are so blessed to be in Kechara.

    Reply
55. 

    HelenaC on Jun 6, 2012 at 4:18 pm

    Thank you Rinpoche for revealing your early life story. Very sour and sad after reading it. But you are truly an inspiration and a mentor to all of us.
    Because Rinpoche stands very firmly on what he wants in life and have the faith and strong guru devotion makes Rinpoche strong and firm. Thank you for not giving up, Rinpoche’s work has benefited so many and all sentient beings. I am very fortunate to meet my spiritual guide.
    Thank you Rinpoche for the post, is very inspiring. I always believe that self pity is leading us to failure!
    Spiritual path never be easy but never let people put us down, stand firm and strong! Fear is scary but do it anyways!!

    Thank you.
    With folded hands,
    Helena

    Reply
56. 

    Cindy on Jun 6, 2012 at 4:10 pm

    Dear Rinpoche, thank you for sharing this story with us, I love this song and also I love this singer Cher when i was young but now no time to listen to her song now.

    Reply
57. 

    Andrew James Boon on Jun 6, 2012 at 3:55 pm

    How poignant and touching a sharing which in a way can apply to us all. Just reading this post and hearing the song seems like the song was written just for Rinpoche.

    What is extremely touching and inspiring is, through all the hardships and obstacles along the way, Rinpoche never did give up. I am sure Rinpoche had times when Rinpoche thought about it but never acted upon it and it is precisely this resilience and integrity that has in turn manifested as something positive for us all.

    Through Rinpoche’s diligence and pursuance with strong integrity, we are all benefiting from this selfless action.

    I cannot even imagine what would happen if Rinpoche did give up at any one point. We would still be roaming loss in samsara and oblivious to the suffering we are incurring to ourselves and others around us. We are still in samsara but at least now we have a light at the end of the tunnel.

    Thank you Rinpoche for showing such a supreme example of integrity and selflessness. Much love… Andrew

    Reply
58. 

    Yvonne Yap on Jun 6, 2012 at 3:53 pm

    Dear Rinpoche, because of the passed , it make Rinpoche more strong and unique, when face any hard problem also can solve it very easily, it all from Rinpoche’s experience .

    It remind us , any problem also will pass, the important is have we take it or leave it .

    Thank you Rinpoche teaching. Thank you very much!

    Reply
59. 

    sengpiow on Jun 6, 2012 at 3:53 pm

    it all sounds like a nice and inspiring story, but if we put ourselves in Rinpoche’s shoes, most of us would have stopped and beated down at Point number 1, but Rinpoche just kept going and going to 2, 3, 4, to 10, and counting, this is how we recognized a high being, a Bodhisattva, we don’t need rainbows and auspicious dreams, we recognized a Bodhisattva by real life experience, how much he can take and how much he can suffer for the sake of others, this is how we can tell with conviction that HE IS A TRUE BODHISATTVA.

    Reply
60. 

    Jeffrey Gan on Jun 6, 2012 at 3:05 pm

    Dear Rinpoche, You’re an inspiration to us. After reading this,what Rinpoche has gone through was really tough yet Rinpoche has stood up and never let the let downs, disappointment and pain to pull you down. You’re an inspiration to me, now i think back all that I’ve gone through I thought i could not get up, but you could no matter how hard it is, you did and will always do. Thank you Rinpoche. Thank you for the music too!

    Reply
61. 

    yenpin on Jun 6, 2012 at 2:01 pm

    仁波切令人心酸的出生和孤单的童年生活，意味着他的一生也要面对许多挑战
    少年时的仁波切有着一颗坚持的心和坚强立场，没有被外来的假象诱惑而做出不道德的行为，在那么差的环境还抱着坚强的立场与坚守尊严直到找到佛法皈依处。

    仁波切的生平的故事告诉，当我们遇到任何的挫折与失败或苦难，我们不应该放弃，造福他人，只要放下心中的愤怒，忘记过去，以及要有强烈的依止上师心和认真的修持佛法，任何的不满和埋怨将会迎刃而解。

    Reply
62. 

    Shin Tan on Jun 6, 2012 at 12:38 pm

    我们每一个人都在寻找快乐， 往往想避免烦恼或困难， 常常想如果生活中的困苦少一点，那我会更快乐。 仁波切是一为活生生的例子，告诉我们无论经过多少的挫折，因为心中有目标，有理想， 我们还是会快乐及积极的往目标前进。 对，虽然挫折重重，失败屡屡，但是这并不能阻止仁波切。

    仁波切跟我们的差别就是因为仁波切实践佛法，在困苦中变得更强。 仁波切超越自私狭小的思想，“为其他人而活”， 所以不缺推动力、 自信、勇气和内在的平和。 有人说， 这境界太高，但是我们不是看到有很多单身父母为了孩子而发奋图强，或者为理想而冲刺的人们吗？希望我们也像仁波切一样， 以佛法为中心， 以利他的目标而活， 活得更快乐。

    Reply
63. 

    Paul Yap on Jun 6, 2012 at 11:13 am

    Despite all the hardship and obstacles through the years, Rinpoche still rise above and against all the odds, and made who he is today. This has set a good example to all of us who claim impossible to practise dharma and walk the path. And in fact, it was been very inspiring to many listening and understand that poor childhood is not an excuse for us to fail, we should rise above and our life, and every life as meaningful as possible

    Reply
64. 

    yurie on Jun 6, 2012 at 10:29 am

    thank you for the lesson through your story. its very interesting and i learned alot from it.
    you are a very strong person! and the song is awesome!

    Reply
65. 

    Cynthia Lee on Jun 6, 2012 at 6:46 am

    Rinpoche’s life story coming from Rinpoche’s own writing himself really touches me and left me feeling emotional to the point I have to keep reminding myself that Rinpoche is a Tulku, he can control his rebirth. Why does Rinpoche chose to take rebirth in such a tormented situation? Why waste all these years going through the samsaric life when Rinpoche could have chosen to take rebirth in a conducive condition to pursue dharma such as being born in a spiritual alike family and study in the monastery since childhood. The only reason must be that to set an example for us who have similar life condition. To show us that when things gets difficult, it’s not a reason for us to run away, qive up and be difficult just because we had a bad life. Perseverance is the key.

    To be able to endeavour all this difficulties and not sidetrack, Rinpoche must have very very strong imprint and is a highly attained Tulku. To Rinpoche, all these sufferings is nothing in compared to not being able to pursue dharma since before till NOW when there are so many obstacles that arises from the negative karma of those around Rinpoche.

    All the suffering that Rinpoche has endured is purely for the motivation of pursuing, teaching and sharing the dharma.

    Reply
66. 

    Jean Mei on Jun 6, 2012 at 5:29 am

    In this 10 part blog post, what stuck out the most for me was Rinpoche’s maturity. From a young age, Rinpoche displayed such maturity in thought. Knowing that there is more to life than what Rinpoche had seen so far was one thing, but Rinpoche has this all-rounded sense of maturity to see further ahead and to think deeper.

    The maturity in Rinpoche’s thinking really reflected how Rinpoche reacted towards the absence of love and affection by showing more love, how Rinpoche displayed such reverence towards high lamas because Rinpoche understood their value, how Rinpoche fended for himself when Rinpoche left home, how Rinpoche reacted to back-stabbing friends etc etc

    Rinpoche, you are the living example of how not to be spiteful, revengeful, angry, depressed, pissed off, intolerable etc etc even after going though multiple terrible experiences.

    Many children are neglected by their parents and are told not that they will amount to nothing, many are suppressed by society, many are cheated, abused, lied to, betrayed… Rinpoche had all that thrown at Rinpoche, and yet has because the inspiration many, many have found ‘salvation’ in.

    How can that be? Seems pretty impossible, but it’s so cool and humbling to have met and be under the household of someone who has achieved such great compassion through adversity.

    Reply
67. 

    Bryan on Jun 6, 2012 at 3:28 am

    Thanks for sharing all this to us and the public. I heard some of the story, some not. But that’s one thing is for sure, Rinpoche didn’t came from a comfort journey like most of us did.
    If we believe the profile Dharma system, the monastery education system, we must believe a lot of attained holy beings choose to take rebirth in many different forms to spread the Dharma to benefit many. Some of them are in this world some of them are not. Tsem Rinpoche is one of them who choose to take rebirth into our realm again and again to benefit us. I don’t have any third eye which can tell previous of future lives, nor am I a fanatic. I trust Rinpoche simply because Rinpoche is approved and appointed by the monastery also I have seen how Rinpoche “works”. I’m very lucky to work under Rinpoche’s ladrang, which I have witnessed how much Rinpoche have to deal with everyone.
    Still remember when I first across Tsem Rinpoche’s story I have doubts, I was thinking aren’t a “Rinpoche” should be able to choose what they want to manifest, why this Lama choose to be reborn in this situation, or is this lama just another “fake monk” who trying to earn money with the name of Buddha? Come on, if we have a chance to choose, don’t we just want to be reborn in a situation of free of suffering and pain? Who will actually want to experience the pain and overcome it?
    I was in shock when I first heard Rinpoche’s story. Until now I still see them happened in front of my eyes. None of us will be able to tolerate or overcome it without a tint of “sourness”, but Rinpoche does. Who will allow someone who cheat and cheat hanging around us? Who is able to treat these cheaters as family sincerely? Rinpoche does.
    Rinpoche have used his whole life experience what we experience. Mean no disrespect, luckily my teacher is not a Lama who sits on high throne give teaching and meditates, they are all good but I need a Lama who truly understands our world. I do not receive Dharma teaching from Rinpoche only when he’s on throne, Rinpoche is teaching us Dharma every minute, even when Rinpoche is joking.
    We want to practice compassion, kindness, forgiveness, sharing, integrity and etc. but do we want to learn from a book or someone who really doing it? We need more time, more sacrificed and effort to get a better car, better job, or better partner. But what are we willing to give if we want to be a better person? Even a highly attained being like Rinpoche need to go thru all the pain to be a better person, I don’t think we are exception.
    KWPC is a place where will provide us the situation, the environment for us to be easier to be a better person. All of us want to be in there but how many of us have started to do something about it? Rinpoche already set up the system, all we need to do it put in our effort and help in whatever way we can. If we already got benefit from Rinpoche in any kind of form, it’s time for us to give something back. Rinpoche have enough disappointment, if we do not do something about it now, we will add more disappointment in Rinpoche this life time. We must promote and help KWPC to manifest. Do you think a stupid make-up artist like me can build KPWC? Or bring KWPC to the world? I can’t but I do whatever I can to help. Are you ready to help when someone need help? Don’t say no, because we hope to get help too when we are down.

    Kechara World Peace Center
    http://blog.tsemtulku.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/me/world-peace-by-tsem-tulku-rinpoche.html

    Kechara Forest Retreat
    http://blog.tsemtulku.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/kechara-13-depts/kechara-forest-retreat.html

    Reply
    • 

      MayOng on Jun 7, 2012 at 10:17 am

      Dear Bryan
      I prefer a Lama who truly understands us and our world and teaches us through actual life experiences and how to go through living better using Bodhisattva qualities and methods shown to us in the Lamrim and dharma. Tsem Rinpoche is Lamrim and Lamrim is in Rinpoche. If we students of Kechara are not convinced ourselves of this, why should we stay. It is because we love the dharma and the benefits it can bring us – happiness.

      Reply
68. 

    bengkooi on Jun 6, 2012 at 1:36 am

    Throughout his life, Rinpoche has faced so many problems and obstacles to his work to turn the wheel of dharma. Of course, Rinpoche will always be humble, and claim these are caused by his own negative karma. However, as students, or even mere observers, we know it to be true that Rinpoche has no negative karma; it is instead our own negativity, and the negative karma of people of this time that causes these obstacles to arise.

    “Along the path to great things lie great obstacles.” I kinda made that up on the spot, inspired by Rinpoche’s life story. It is a lesson to all of us that no matter how big our problems may seem to be, Rinpoche went thru a lot worse and came out on top, so who are we to complain???

    Reply
69. 

    Tom on Jun 5, 2012 at 11:05 pm

    This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.

    – Dalai Lama

    Reply
70. 

    Cynthia Ng on Jun 5, 2012 at 6:42 pm

    难以想象仁波切的孩童成长期需要经历及面对这么多的痛苦与无助，我感同身受，感谢仁波切用切身的经历与痛楚来教化无知的我们。

    因为仁波切亲身父亲的过失而自小就要承受被亲身母亲遗弃，仁波切感受她内心的痛，仁波切感到自豪的是他今日的成就足以令他亲身母亲感到欣慰。自小要面对养父母的信心打击，还要遭受无辜的怒打，虐待，仁波切都默默承受这些种种的不公平对待，但是仁波切还是从容的接受它。

    少年时的仁波切有着一颗坚持的心，把持着自己的坚强立场，没有被外来的假象诱惑而做出不道德的行为，在那么污浊的环境还抱着一份专注与坚守尊严直到找到佛法皈依处，对我而言可以在当时的情况下不受片刻的诱惑真的太难了，这些周遭的事情发生质的当下年轻人出深思。

    仁波切的生平故事告诫了我们不管与到任何的挫折与苦难，只要放下心中的愤怒，忘记过去，以及要有强烈的依止上师心和认真的修持佛法，任何的不满和埋怨将会迎刃而解。

    在还没查证事情的真相之前是不允许用我们的无知去判断事情的好坏和做任何的评语，因为我们没有智慧，知识和修行。胡乱的批评和判断只会制造痛苦给别人。

    在仁波切的身上我学习到要有强烈的依止上师心，信念，任何上师给予我们的指示和劝告一定不可置疑的去完成它。这样可以让我们在修行以及人生道路上更快的有成绩，甚至让我们达到证悟。我心里不好受的是仁波切却遇到对他不忠的学生，欺骗和利用仁波切来达到他们的利益。

    感谢仁波切用个人的人生历练来做为我们的借镜，仁波切所经历的却是我们要去面对和改变的，仁波切赤裸裸的告白确是希望我们深思和转化。 仁波切用他的一生来传播佛陀教言，要把它流传百世利益众生让更多人获益无穷，KWPC绝对是会很快的实现，KWPC并不是个“梦”。

    Reply
71. 

    abby F on Jun 5, 2012 at 4:20 pm

    我们都知道生命中有不断的失败和挫折，只是看着现在的仁波切，我完全没有办法想象过去他所经历的一切。

    最让我意外的是当仁波切到甘丹寺出家后，一切都不是顺利无碍的。在被认证为转世高僧前，仁波切也得经历被人污蔑、伤害的日子！仁波切也经历了我们口中的“委屈”。那此时此刻我又凭什么去埋怨自己的遭遇呢？我的上师同样经历了常人会面对的挫折，但他可以将负面的转变成正面的，还利用正面的元素，带给众生慈悲和关爱。

    我的话听起来或许是陈腔滥调，但是我的重点就只是：人生中的挫折不是要让你停滞不前的东西，而是让你学会跨越它，突破它。只要凭着对三宝不动摇的信心，菩提道肯定在前方。我感谢我的上师，不厌其烦地分享自己的经历，他不是为了炫耀自己有多少的能耐，但透过这些分享让我们看到，吃得苦中苦，方为人上人。

    Reply
72. 

    Wan Wai Meng on Jun 5, 2012 at 4:03 pm

    Rinpoche’s life is an inspiration for anyone, and despite all the abuse, difficulties that others gave to Rinpoche, he remained so determined and stoic to keep his dreams and what he wanted to achieve. How many of us can have such a life and still remained unaffected by the trials and tribulations. Rinpoche your story will inspire many not to give up what they feel they must do to be part of this great universe.

    Reply
73. 

    Su Ming on Jun 5, 2012 at 2:53 pm

    For those who like to know more about this post ,Kechara Care has been conducting both English and Chinese sharing session for the past 1 week and we will doing more session this week.

    What Rinpoche has written is just a drop in the ocean what Rinpoche had to endure to benefit others.

    Come and join us for this sharing session :-
    Contact Sock Wan : sockwan@gmail.com or 012 208 1597

    .

    Reply
    • 

      MayOng on Jun 7, 2012 at 10:04 am

      Dear Su Ming

      Your sharing of this blog post last night in KC Lounge had given us an insight into the sufferings Rinpoche had to endure all his life since the day he was born. His life was not only inspiring but I really liked the 4 points you pointed out, especially in relation to Guru Devotion of Tsem Rinpoche to Trijang Rinpoche and Zong Rinpoche. Your talk was very good and pray for more friends and members to come to listen and attend.

      Reply
74. 

    Jace Chong on Jun 5, 2012 at 2:22 pm

    Thanks Rinpoche for writing the post revealing what Rinpoche feels throughout the years.

    What Rinpoche faced were huge challenges and the words of “putting down” by a lot of people.

    The words from other people towards us really have power to put us down or lift us if we keep concentrate on that, but that’s not permanent as they are not us, they do not know who we really are, maybe they do not know what they really want too.

    Like what Rinpoche did, we should always listen to what the real us speaking inside of us, to go beyond what people think about us, and to live the real us, and dare to dream.

    Rinpoche’s wills and dreams are not personal things but serious project to benefits countless sentient beings. Seeing the big picture, we should play the best of our part to contribute for our next generations, there’s nothing more important than this.

    Dear Rinpoche, thanks for being “you” to go through all these until today. It will be meaningless for Rinpoche to go through all these if KWPC and other wills of Rinpoche didn’t manifest.

    May all Rinpoche’s wishes come true by we transforming ourselves to be better _/\_

    Reply
75. 

    Theresa Tang on Jun 5, 2012 at 1:26 pm

    Thank you for such a good inspiration blog post Rinpoche. Life is so though and yet Rinpoche got through all the difficulties and did so many good things to benefit other people. A person whom i really respect

    Reply
76. 

    joey wong on Jun 4, 2012 at 10:59 pm

    Dear Rinpoche,

    the entire post really made me think deeper of the so called difficulties that i faced, they were nothing in comparison to Rinpoche’s difficulties. It helped me to realize that if I was in Rinpoche’s shoes, I would not be able to go through all those and i suddenly felt that all my excuses for achieving things melt away

    Thank you so much for sharing this Rinpoche

    Reply
77. 

    Irene Lim on Jun 4, 2012 at 6:18 pm

    Rinpoche’s deep compassion is the reason behind his passion and belief in what he stands for. He is genuinely a precious one who reincarnate life after life for the benefit of others. He is selfless and true to the cause.

    Rinpoche has all the merits for KWPC to arise but the delay is due to the karmic forces and obstacles of people who would be showered with the benefits of KWPC. Much purification is required from people who wish for KWPC.

    Reply
78. 

    Karen C. on Jun 4, 2012 at 3:49 pm

    Rinpoche’s remarkable life journey is a real inspiration for all of us to realize how fortunate we are now. For a normal person, one would have already given up in life if one were to experience all the hardships and sufferings Rinpoche had gone through. Without unwavering faith to his guru, persistency and compassion of Rinpoche, we would not have Kechara today. Many wouldn’t be benefitted.

    This post is not about poor me stories or to challenge those who have left. To me, this is a teaching by itself which filled with love & compassion that can defeat the fear inside us which stopped us from moving on. May many can be inspired by reading this great post and start changing their perspective towards life.

    Reply
79. 

    jamiekhoo on Jun 4, 2012 at 1:57 pm

    It actually frightens me to think of how many obstacles there have been in Rinpoche’s journey, and all the more so that if Rinpoche decided to give up at any one of those many, many junctures throughout his life, none of us would even be here to read this and write our comments.

    After writing this post, Rinpoche came downstairs and spoke to a few of us about the post. He reminded us that the things he has talked about here is only the tip of the iceberg, just the scratching of the surface of a much, much larger pool of what he had to go through. The obstacles were constant, a daily affair and a part of every decision he made. What struck me hardest was that even when Rinpoche finally made it to the monastery – a life long dream – thousands of other issues arose to make his life difficult there and take him away. What did go right for so many years?

    I am struck over and over again by Rinpoche’s tenacity, his never taking no for an answer and never giving up – on himself or on anyone around him. Even people who have given him immense problems, betrayed him or went against him, remains in his thoughts – he thinks constantly of how he can find a way to reconnect with them, to help them again. So you see, it’s not just about pushing on past the obstacles; it’s also about him overcoming those odds AND finding ways to always help people along the way.

    I had spoken to Rinpoche once about the subject of giving up and running away. After asking me why I am still here, why I don’t run away, he answered me this: just very simply, “I cannot stop caring. I just can’t. It’s like a kind of a ‘curse’ on me or something, I don’t know what it is. I just can’t stop caring – if I know someone is in trouble, in pain or needs helps, I won’t be able to sleep. I’ll go crazy until I know they’re okay. I just can’t leave.”

    This is how it’s been his whole life – you need only speak to the people who knew Rinpoche, when he was 6, 16, 26, and now, and they will all tell you the same thing about Rinpoche and about how dearly, how constantly and devotedly he cared about people.

    So there are two constants here – kindness and never giving up. This is precisely what Rinpoche has always taught: that in focusing out on helping others, you will always find the strength you need to go on, you will never ever truly give up because you understand, at some point, that it isn’t about you. It’s about the other person, always about the other person.

    If we all stopped for a moment in the middle of all our own anxieties, doubts, pains and thought for a moment of what we are doing for others, it could just be that much needed remedy to move forward. I guess it’s always easier to quit when it’s just about yourself. Who cares what the rest of the world thinks, right? Well, no, not really. Caring about the rest of the world is precisely what could get us out of all the self-created miseries we love to wallow in and to plunge on ahead just the way Rinpoche did – not only throughout this lifetime but through every lifetime. What Rinpoche is doing now, pushing ahead in places so fraught with obstacles, is just what he was doing in his previous life.

    And another thing: we come back doing what we did before. We don’t even have to look back that far to a previous life. If we only think of what we were doing 10 years ago, we’ll understand why we’re doing the things we’re doing now. Rinpoche also spoke about this recently. So if we want to know what we’ll be like in 10 years, look at what we’re doing now. This post – everything that Rinpoche has had to endure – is this teaching too. He had to learn how to push past difficulties when he was only 6 and plough on ahead. This helped him gain the strength at 16, to overcome even greater obstacles. Which led to him dealing with the difficulties at the monastery when he was 26, and then again when he’s in Malaysia at 36… at each time, the obstacles may have gotten tougher, but so had Rinpoche. So had his perseverance, his devotion to his practices, his determination, his compassionate wish for the world. What were WE doing when we were 6, 16, 26, NOW?

    Reply
80. 

    David Lai on Jun 4, 2012 at 12:19 pm

    We are very fortunate that Rinpoche would sometimes share his obstacles and problems to us. I believe this list is just the tip of the iceberg of the many other problems and obstacles he receive from other students that are just too private to reveal here. It is immensely amazing that a person can take all this suffering and turn it around to benefit others.

    I believe that a person like Rinpoche who is able to create the worse situation into best of situations (benefitting others), he must have a Bodhisattva-like (immensely beneficial) mind. When I compare my own list and that of his, I feel I have not done enough and that I have it all too easy. I think this list is a list that I/we should read from time to time to realize how fortunate I am and how little I do for others.

    It is not an easy realisation but it is nonetheless inspirational and uplifting if we read it the right way. We have so many problems and yet we do so little about it except complaining a lot. Time to work it out!

    Reply
81. 

    DR on Jun 4, 2012 at 9:41 am

    …For years in my teenage days I hated looking in the mirror. I disbelieved when people complimented me on anything about me that they saw as good. I thougth they just said it because they felt sorry for me. I didn’t like the way I looked, sounded, moved, acted, appeared..because I was not good enough…

    Now here is a good one by Christina Aguilera – Beautiful

    Don’t look at me

    Everyday is so wonderful
    Then suddenly
    It’s hard to breathe
    Now and then I get insecure
    From all the pain
    I’m so ashamed

    I am beautiful
    No matter what they say
    Words can’t bring me down
    I am beautiful
    In every single way
    Yes words can’t bring me down
    Oh no
    So don’t you bring me down today

    To all your friends you’re delirious
    So consumed
    In all your doom, ooh
    Trying hard to fill the emptiness
    The pieces gone
    Left the puzzle undone
    Ain’t that the way it is

    You’re beautiful
    No matter what they say
    Words can’t bring you down
    Oh no
    You’re beautiful
    In every single way
    Yes words can’t bring you down
    Oh no
    So don’t you bring me down today

    No matter what we do
    (No matter what we do)
    No matter what we say
    (No matter what we say)
    We’re the song inside the tune
    (Yeah, oh yeah)
    Full of beautiful mistakes

    And everywhere we go
    (And everywhere we go)
    The sun will always shine
    (The sun will always, always, shine)
    And tomorrow we might awake
    On the other side

    Reply
82. 

    karen leu on Jun 3, 2012 at 11:11 pm

    Reading the stories of Rinpoche’s childhood and the challenges gone through, I have lost my words to comment… To face all the hardship which Rinpoche has gone through, and I look at the people around, and including myself, I think majority of the people would have already given up ways earlier.
    The article has given me a boost for what I think so called “a challenge, or difficulty” for my own life. It becomes nothing when I compared it with any of the single hardship Rinpoche has gone through!
    Thankyou

    Reply
83. 

    mayy on Jun 2, 2012 at 7:53 pm

    Life in many ways for many of us differs in going through tribulations of life. Some are easy some are difficult. Either we rise to occasions or we fail which ever way we chose it to be. How would the end results be, falls on our own hand. Rinpoche stood firm, grounded, persevered and trusted on what he believes and went all the way. See what Kechara has achieved so far. Yet still we can grow much more. Alone we may not achieve it but together we can to reach that final destination.

    KWPC may sound and seems to be a big dream. But hey…has anyone in this world never dream for what they wish and want to be or to achieve? Dreams will be just a dream if there’re no plans and actions. Achievement and success will not be achieved if we just wait and laze around or depend on others! Never at all.

    In fact, what Rinpoche has gone through is an example for all including myself to contemplate and be inspired to be a successful person. Thank you, Rinpoche.

    Reply
84. 

    Carmen on Jun 2, 2012 at 6:29 pm

    I feel that one of the greatest triumph in life isn’t about how much you make (for some of us, none but easily handed down to us), how successful you are, or how many houses around the world you have.. It is about how you overcome yourself from the past to the present to bring hope to others now and tomorrow.

    Rinpoche has had a life many would not be able to survive. And even if they did, many would choose not to achieve and find the meaning of life. Many would reflect the bitterness, anger, loneliness that they experienced and inflict the same upon others. Some would end up questioning ‘why’ their entire life, blaming others. Some would make it to become successful businessmen and women. And very few will end up using their suffering to help others, so that others would not feel what they have felt. Rinpoche is one of those shining light, my shining light.

    It amazes me how much “obstacles” Rinpoche has towards practising the Dharma, since a child. And even till today, the “obstacles” from our side causes our guru to “face” it along with us too. Never once did Rinpoche give up, even when it was just easier to. Rinpoche’s perseverance, tremendous strength and courage always serve as an inspiration to me when I think I cannot do anything. To see Rinpoche’s qualities in him today shows me that whatever has happened to you cannot serve as an excuse for you to not excel further in life or do more, to not be kind to others or inflict pain and suffering onto others. Ultimately, it is your mind and you have control over your own mind. With everything, there is a choice.

    Thank you Rinpoche.

    Reply
85. 

    wah ying on Jun 2, 2012 at 4:14 pm

    This post was born with a song but extended to stories of Rinpoche’s childhood, teenager and life in Gaden, dreams came true and dream yet to manifest. There were trials, temptations, difficulties faced and overcame; and a dream of building a world peace center to benefit more.

    I were not there in Taipei, LA or India, but am presence for the episode of building a peace center here, in Malaysia. How much effort and time I wish to put in, is still “in time” for me to decide and get into action. Is one’s choice to make. Make it before it’s too late.

    Reply
86. 

    Pastor Yek Yee on Jun 2, 2012 at 4:14 am

    从我认识仁波切的第一天到今天为止，仁波切所度过的每一天，都是为别人而活，完全没有自己。每回见到仁波切，我总有一种由心底引发出来的内疚感，然后很自责地问自己，为什么我做不到仁波切的十分之一呢？身为他的弟子，我当之有愧。恶习难改的我，站在上师面前，总因如此更感万倍的羞惭。

    仁波切到这里超过十五个年头，行事低调的他，辅助过无数在苦难中的人。但是，仁波切所受过的苦难，在这里却没有人真正可以帮上忙。仁波切很少将自己所受过的苦痛，告知人；自己却无时无刻地别人的苦痛而扛下来。这就是仁波切！

    如果仁波切活在古时候的武林世界，我可以想像仁波切宛如手握长剑，立在广大的沙漠上，一脸英气，为受欺凌的百姓仗义，锄除所有的奸臣。

    今天的廿一世纪，高大的仁波切拿著手提电脑，在网络上推扬良善的讯息，借著这些好讯息，开啟人们的心灵。以往，人会病，但多病在身躯；如今病的人有增无减，却病在心灵深处。解不开的心，往往在仁波切纯净的发心，为了让他们健康平安，仁波切经已在他不知觉中，想著将自己和仁波切融为一体。

    仁波切的爱与关怀源自于他的了悟和真诚！仁波切此生转世在这样的出生背景，似乎也在告诉大家，他和我们并没有差别，但他却不吝嗇！

    Reply
87. 

    Nadia on Jun 2, 2012 at 3:29 am

    Dear Rinpoche, I used to think you had to be burnt to a crisp before you can rise from the ashes. You have to feel pain and hardship to be able to feel such compassion. Perhaps that is why there are so many rags to riches stories out there. So many wonderful stories of people overcoming tremendous odds. Just like you have. Perhaps its because they are so extreme that we are attracted and inspired by these stories. But I don’t think that anymore. I think anyone can be the best they can be and then some with the right teacher coupled with the right attitude. Good begets good, that is what my mother taught me. You have been an amazing teacher and it shows in your students. They glow with a certain ‘goodness’. But its not just what they say or how they say it. It is backed with a lot of conviction as well. You have created an ethereal world here at Kechara and your students are a testament to your teachings. And the beauty of it…..is that most of them are regular ‘Joe’s’ like me. I’m not even sure why I am writing this post…..I just feel the need to share some love……at 3.31am. I know….I’m odd that way 🙂

    Reply
    • 

      lewkwanleng on Jun 7, 2012 at 11:58 am

      LIKE 🙂

      Reply
88. 

    Lim KSJC on Jun 2, 2012 at 12:43 am

    Dear Rinpoche, i had read this post more than 3 times but i dun no how to comment. I m commentless due to the past of Rinpoche and so sad but until TODAY u still to choose to benefit more peoples. It really show that like what always Pastor Ngeow told us ” A PURE MIND” thinking. I heard a lot that peoples told us their suffer, past story but normally is regarding how suffer when they are poor then how they manage to conquer it to make their life better now.

    But Rinpoche story and vision really deeply hit my heart because ur story is totally compassion and always keep ur Guru devotion to keep on to benefit more. I really hope that i able to achieve at least 1% of ur compassion. I will start from to make my Guru devotion stronger and stronger then only can make it.

    The word ” IMPOSSIBLE” always arise in our ignorance mind, but i think if we have enough Guru devotion as Rinpoche the word will be “I-M-POSSIBLE”.

    At this moment i will pray more to let me can be one of the small contributor for KWPC. Thanks Rinpoche for sharing this blog from my bottom of my heart with fold hand.

    Reply
89. 

    kwok wai on Jun 1, 2012 at 7:40 pm

    Thank you , Rinpoche for sharing your inner most thoughts with us here.

    For once i am at a loss for words to express , this blog post about your past is so powerful, that it left me speechless ! All i can say is that i have met many people who had a hard life in the past , BUT none of them can rise above it all in the way that you have. You are truly an extraordinary person to say the least.

    A part of me cringe in horror to imagine the pain and suffering you had endured and at some parts i gritted my teeth in anger from the horrible deeds done to you. Ultimately , i realized that it was the fact that you endured and rose up against all odds that made you who are today, our rinpoche, our guru.

    Reply
90. 

    Davin on Jun 1, 2012 at 2:54 pm

    Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this inspiring life story. I am very touch by Rinpoche determination and perseverance towards dharma and Rinpoche love and compassion to benefit others. May Rinpoche live long and continue to guide us.

    Reply
91. 

    sweekeong on Jun 1, 2012 at 11:17 am

    I was born in a normal family without much trials and tribulations. I have never thought of Dharma and pursuing it when I was young but has a little bit of fascination with Buddha and wise sages. Life is pretty much easy compare to your circumstances. Dear Rinpoche, may I, someone with very little courage, be like you.

    Reply
92. 

    Gim Lee on Jun 1, 2012 at 3:00 am

    I feel that this song by Cher reflected how Rinpoche felt; the song also tells what Rinpoche wants to say to those people who were ungrateful and ran away after receiving all his kindness as well to those who tried to discredit all the good works of Rinpoche due to jealousy and hatred.

    This is Rinpoche’s promise – he will build the powerful healing institution KWPC and he doesn’t want to be slowed down by students who don’t want to commit to go all the way with him.

    Rinpoche showed by his examples that no matter how difficult and how bad the situation is, as long as we have faith in our Guru and persevere, one day we will succeed.

    We, the students, must also show good examples so as to inspire others to join us then we can help make KWPC manifested faster. We must be consistent and show intergrity then other people will believe and support us.

    Reply
93. 

    Lim Tat Ming on May 31, 2012 at 5:54 pm

    Dear Rinpoche,

    Cher had sung the song so well. It is such a powerful song. The song aptly describes how Rinpoche had dealt with life challenges. It is Rinpoche’s unwavering and strong guru devotions, love, kindness and compassion for others that have kept you going all this while.

    Thank You for sharing with us many remarkable and personal reflections of Rinpoche. Anyone who reads this post would surely be inspired and touched by them.

    Venerable Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen’s love and trust in you and the opportunity to serve His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche for six months would be the greatest things that have ever happened despite all the negative setbacks in Rinpoche’s life.

    Finally, Rinpoche’s inner strength and confidence in continuing this life journey is greatly attributed to strong reliance of and faith in the Guru and the Three Jewels.

    Reply
94. 

    David Loh on May 31, 2012 at 4:27 pm

    Can’t imagine going through all that in just ONE lifetime!

    I guess when you are good looking, people will be jealous of your good looks; when you are rich and blessed with the luxuries of life, you will be such an eyesore to people; when you are smart, people can’t stand you and when you work very hard people thinks you have other ulterior motives or you just want to show off!

    We are but just miserable beings in this rut of cyclic existence.

    To go through and rise above all these purification in life shows that our Guru is really a formidable force to reckon with. Of course we wont see the last of our beloved guru!

    Sincerely hope that the rest of us can rise through the occasion and never look back in regret especially when we walk our path.

    Yes dream big! Why not? Nothing is really impossible and not achievable if we put our heart and soul and mind to it. This world is still a huge stage and everyone has a part to play. So, play. KFR and KWPC will manifest!

    Reply
95. 

    Victor Phang on May 31, 2012 at 1:33 pm

    Dear Rinpoche,
    Really difficult to comment in this post because the more I read, the more I feel shame on what I have done so far to support KWPC… basically I have done nothing… really nothing for KWPC!!! Yes, you are absolutely right, I don’t know how other people think but I myself feel I’m incapable to provide any contribution to the development of this mega center so I still run around the circle and “trying” to survive in Kechara. I scare to step out drastically of the comfort zone that I’m enjoying now in Kechara to do more. I’m taking my own sweet time to do a bit more at a time. Very safe, secure and comfortable!

    You overcame all the past experiences, incidents and obstacles and become a monk to serve others. Sadly to know what your previous close friends and students did on you. Like Dalai Lama said – if we don’t love someone but at least we don’t hurt them.

    A mega project, need mega strong mind but if most of our minds stays stagnant, comfort, lack of confident then forever KWPC stuck in drawing paper.

    I want to do more, pray more and learn more to contribute beyond what I think I can do now! Being consistent is not enough but MUST drastically grow now! I respect you deep in my heart.

    Thank you for opening up my mind every time I read your update here.
    Take very good care, We can do and we want to do!
    With love,
    VP

    Reply
96. 

    lucy yap on May 31, 2012 at 12:51 pm

    Rinpoche shows the power of compassion,determination ,perseverance, love and gratitude can move mountains!
    It can dissolve all negativity in our lives on matter what form it had taken.
    Never giving up in order to achieve our dreams is essential to uour being able to live out our dreams,much like our childhood literary heroes.Therefore,regardless of the pitfalls,or the challenges we may encounter in our lives,know that we get the final say and living out our life story.
    A beautiful and moving song from the movie ‘Burlesque’by Cher which is very inspiring.
    Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this nice and powerful post with us.

    Reply
97. 

    Jeffrey Yee on May 30, 2012 at 11:35 pm

    Dear Rinpoche,

    I realize that I would have given up every time if I were to put myself in all the hardships that Rinpoche has endured. What touched me most are the results that Rinpoche has shown even after being put through countless of disappointments and bad times. All this out of pure compassion and kindness to benefit all sentient beings – a great Bodhisattva.

    The work that we do in Kechara is tailored towards assisting Rinpoche in spreading the Dharma, but how many of us can actually set the same pure motivation to benefit others? I don’t have that yet but I always keep in mind that everything I do and endure, I do it for Rinpoche and my Dharma family. Currently this is what keeps me going.

    I can roughly recall one of my favourite quotes from Rinpoche: “If you really understand what Dharma work is about, you will be happy to do more and always ask for more”

    After reading this post, I did some searching around the blog and found this – http://blog.tsemtulku.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/me/dharma-work-attitude-tdl.html – in which i was super lazy to even take a glimpse at it back then. I think I should read this from time to time now.

    Thank you for being a great inspiration to me Rinpoche.

    Reply
98. 

    Julia Tan on May 30, 2012 at 10:20 pm

    Dear Rinpoche,

    All the hardship that Rinpoche had gone through since Rinpoche were born, it’s not what a normal person can endure. No matter how hard the journey was, Rinpoche bear it all and move on with a golden dream to become a monk. Rinpoche always said, we need to be firm with our dream. When Rinpoche’s dream had achieved, another difficult journey started. I can only say Bodhisatva chose to reborn and grown up in a difficult condition in order to serve others.

    This is not the first time I read about Rinpoche’s life’s story. I do not want to be just being touched or moved by Rinpoche’s story. I want to be able to bear whatever difficulties that comes to me, with unmovable faith in Rinpoche and be firm and tough to carry on what I believe, what all of us believe, what we Kecharian believe. KWPC is not just a dream. Rinpoche not only shows us who Rinpoche is yet as a role model for us to follow and believe that WE CAN! Every hardship and failier in our lives are the best training base for us to improved and go closer to our dream.

    We love you Rinpoche.

    Reply
99. 

    justin cheah on May 30, 2012 at 9:58 pm

    Dear Rinpoche,

    Thank you for posting this up. It was really an inspiring story for everyone. It is of pure strong determination of not giving up and to succeed despite all the setbacks.

    As one of the many quotes by Rinpoche, “We may encounter defeat but we must not be defeated”. To read this and contemplate it may seems to be very easy but one who actually went through it will be able to tell it is not so easy at all. And there is this element of Fear, like everyone else who have this Fear of losing, fear of coming out of comfort zone, fear of not able to achieve in life and so much more.

    Rinpoche has always have the belief that kept Rinpoche going to this level despite all the setbacks and this post is a very good post to show many on how to let go of our pasts and just move forward with strong devotion and determination to achieve what we aspire for.

    Thank you Rinpoche again for everything and may Rinpoche have long and healthy life. Please take care.

    justin

    Reply
100. 

     Norbuhave on May 30, 2012 at 8:02 pm

     A live Bodhisattva at our midst and we fail to cherish Him. Attained beings vow to be born in the harshest conditions and darkest places in the world to be able to help more, yet we refuse their liberation. Only by putting our mind and speech into actual deeds do we allow ourselves to be free.

     Thank you Rinpoche, please accept my vow to push myself to benefit beings. I know, for now, these mey seem empty words but please allow me to spend the remaining hours and minutes I have to fulfill it; one second of good thinking, one drop of good words and one pinch of good acts at a time.

     Reply
101. 

     MayOng on May 30, 2012 at 5:49 pm

     Bodhisatvas will choose to return into situations and places where there is much suffering for them to continue their work to show their students that in human form, they can endure that much of pain and suffering in the most adverse of circumstances.

     Lay person like us may give up hope to continue our dreams and passion in the present life if they had to go through the same tribulations Rinpoche had. Rinpoche did not let any of his past memories of pain affected his goals in life. He persevered and never gave up hope that his dreams may come true one day. I do pray to have that same strength like a vajra to ensure Rinpoche’s vision is realized.

     Reply
102. 

     JG on May 30, 2012 at 5:40 pm

     Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this inspiring life story. Is not easy to go thru all this in such a young age and hardship from childhood till now. Rinpoche consistantly love all of us and always forgiving towards everyone. Rinpoche persistent determination to spread dharma and remarkable devotion to every of his Gurus,which elaborate meaningfully in “The Promise”. Thank you Rinpoche, rejoice for “The Promise”~~

     Reply
103. 

     Uncle Eddie on May 30, 2012 at 12:10 pm

     None of us have gone through the same problems and delimas of what Tsem Rinpoche had undergone, yet no matter what, Rinpoche has stood his grounds. At one point-of-time, it was said due to overly hard-pressed pressures, Rinpoche nearly accepted defeat to return back to the US from Gaden for good…”but with the thought of wanting to attain enlightenment for the sake of all beings”, and without all those practices he had done to be defiled by the stains of the eight wordly concerns (like he always taught and reminded us), he decided to venture on without graspings to successfully achieve what Kechara House is today, to benefit all beings far and wide. At your feet, Rinpoche I humbly thank you for showing us your way on how to practise for the welfare of all beings irrespective. You are indeed a great goldmine of Compassion! OM MANI PADME HUM.

     Reply
104. 

     Joy on May 30, 2012 at 12:03 pm

     I like point no. 7 the most. It stuck out cos in this modern day and age, we kind of experience this ourselves from our family and friends when we say we want to work/do Dharma. It gives courage and strength. But of course Rinpoche’s experience is far more dramatic and traumatic. But what is empowering is how Rinpoche uses the negative experiences, the accusations, the put downs etc. as strength for forgiveness, to come out stronger, to work harder, to prove them all wrong by being more devoted and loyal to the Gurus, to be successful and even more kinder. That is something we can home and practice.

     Here Rinpoche shows us pure Guru devotion and faith does not sway under any corcumstances and pressure in which we can follow. “I will stick to my guru and will continue all the practices he gave me no matter what you say. And I forgive you for saying what you say. I forgive you. But forgiving you doesn’t mean I believe your opinions”.

     “I committed to him and will stay committed..You will not criticize my spirituality and path..you have no right..So I will stay firmly with my teacher, the practices he passed to me and I will share with others. You cannot stop me because I am firm and sure”.

     No one has the right to criticise or judge anyone’s spiritual path! It is our very choice and right.

     Reply
105. 

     Siong Woan on May 30, 2012 at 11:48 am

     One of my ex-bosses told me this: If I have to choose to be born in a difficult environment or a rich family, I would opt for the formal – because hardship is the best training!

     I dont totally agree with him because hardship can make or break a person, totally dependent on how the person react to his or her situation. Some people work hard to come out from the situation because they want to be successful but other just simply give up!

     In Rinpoche’s case, he held onto his believe and go all the way to make sure he gets what he wanted, No amount of resistance from family members can make him change his mind.

     This is the best motivational story to share in schools..

     Reply
106. 

     Wan on May 30, 2012 at 12:16 am

     Other people could run away when facing with these difficult situations. There were so many obstacles that Rinpoche had to over come in order to fulfill his wish in spiritual path of becoming a monk which brought many benefit to other worldwide.

     As the result of today clearly shows that what Rinpoche had determine to do along with the actions of hard work, effort, patience, devotion in the past is the right path.

     Rinpoche turn the difficulty to positive thought and did along the way, and Rinpoche never ever hurt them back in return.
     I believe this is come from many lives of virtuous practice with a very strong mind which Rinpoche has develope it.

     Reply
107. 

     Doreen on May 30, 2012 at 12:14 am

     Despite the turmoil, resistance, hardship, jeoulously that Rinpoche has gone thru from childhood, monk hood and being a GURU, Rinpoche has always persistently wish well, forgive and have empathy towards everyone that have come in contact with Rinpoche. Rinpoche has not give up, but continue to stay tall and high, believe the strength and good in whatever teachings that he receives from the monastery and his guru..

     Why did Rinpoche never give up, why is Rinpoche always so determined? Why? We should think of the why? Is it because for Rinpoche’s own fulfilling wish or is it for the benefits of others….like us

     Reply
108. 

     June Kang on May 29, 2012 at 11:51 pm

     Dear Rinpoche
     I just finished checking the “the Promise” on Chinese version. Although this is second time reading, but the felling is so different from first time. I do not how to use words to describe it. But it gives me strength to support the KWPC project. Whenever facing any difficulties, i would motivate me by Rinpoche’s story and make KWPC come true.

     May KWPC manifest as soon as possible

     Reply
109. 

     Tenzin Kyabsum on May 29, 2012 at 5:34 pm

     This is such a emotional post, Rinpoche. I’ve never met someone so strong and persistent in what they believe in. It’s stories like this that makes us reflect on what we are doing with our lives and where we came from. Saying that Rinpoche is an inspiration is an understatement of the millennium. What Rinpoche had to go through isn’t exactly a walk in the park. Yet Rinpoche stayed true to himself and stood by what his beliefs despite what other people said.

     Like a lotus blooming from the muddy water, Rinpoche grew up to be such a wonderful, kind and compassionate person. Instead of being unhappy, Rinpoche took these obstacles and turned it into something positive and look at the bright side of it.

     When I read this post, it really made me feel unhappy because of kind and compassionate Rinpoche is after all that Rinpoche went through during his childhood. Truly remarkable journey.

     Rinpoche stood by his beliefs and look at where Rinpoche is now. So many people far and wide loves and respectes Rinpoche so much. A Buddha indeed.

     May Rinpoche be able to meet Rinpoche’s mother and may she be wherever she is..

     And in all lives may I NEVER be parted from my perfect Guru.

     Love always,J

     Reply
110. 

     Sharon Saw on May 29, 2012 at 5:26 pm

     Dear Rinpoche,

     Thank you for sharing this post. Even though I am familiar with the stories, they never fail to inspire and move me. Rinpoche’s life story has so much meaning and impact on people because of various reasons.

     A lot of people think that Rinpoches live in a golden throne in the monastery and are not in touch with lay people’s problems and issues. Rinpoche’s hardships which Rinpoche endured and overcame is unique – Rinpoche knows what it was like to struggle to pay rent, to get a job, to please parents, to be criticised, to be robbed, to be homeless etc. Everything Rinpoche has experienced is something lay people also experience so Rinpoche teaches not just from Rinpoche’s innate wisdom and learning but from personal experience also.

     I have also had people ask that if Rinpoche can control Rinpoche’s rebirth, why would Rinpoche choose to be born in such circumstances. Even though Rinpoche would not say so, in my mind, I think that this is the very Bodhisattva heart that is in Rinpoche – and that Bodhisattvas all pray that they are born in the worst circumstances so that they can benefit those who are really suffering. Some people may think that they are not suffering – they have a roof over their heads, families, jobs. Some people even think they are very fortunate because they have great wealth. However, if we are spiritually poor, we might as well not have any of the above which trick and trap us into thinking that we are not suffering.

     Perseverance no matter what the obstacles are is one of the key teachings which Rinpoche constantly reiterates. With the instant gratification which the internet generation is addicted to, perseverance is sorely lacking in today’s society. As soon as something is difficult, people more often than not, decide to quit, not realising that we cannot quit our karma. Even if we commit suicide, unfortunately, we still cannot escape. In fact, it gets worse. It’s just that out of ignorance, we think we can escape. Rinpoche uses Rinpoche’s own experiences to show us how we should always stand by what we have promised to do and that is the only way to live.

     KWPC will manifest. In fact, over the past couple of weeks, i have told a few people about KWPC and they were excited about it. A friend even told me that she didn’t think it was a difficult project to do. I guess it is simply how we look at it. If we think it is impossible, it will be. Wishing and doing nothing will not get us anywhere, so I will play my part, whatever it takes.

     WIth folded hands,
     Sharon

     Reply
     • 

       Sharon Saw on Feb 16, 2013 at 8:50 pm

       This comment was made around 9 months ago, and that friend whom i mentioned in my comment who was excited about KWPC and said that she didn’t think it was a difficult project to do was Moh Mei. Just to share with Rinpoche’s blog readers that she first heard about KWPC in May last year, when she was visiting from Singapore. In June, she quit her job as one of the top telecommunications engineers in Asia (the only Asian specialist in her company) and moved to Malaysia to join Kechara. She is now working full time at Kechara Forest Retreat (http://retreat.kechara.com), which is part of KWPC, and says she has never been happier. This is the power of Rinpoche’s vision and how inspiring Rinpoche is. When more and more people realise that Rinpoche is here for our benefit, more and more people will join and support. You can too 🙂

       Reply
111. 

     Mei Fong on May 29, 2012 at 3:43 pm

     Rinpoche determination and devotion are truly amazing and inspiring. Despite many unfavourable conditions, Rinpoche never give in and keep on going. Thank You Rinpoche for all your wonderful teachings and the opportunity to be a part of it.

     Reply
112. 

     deborah on May 29, 2012 at 3:36 pm

     Dear Rinpoche
     Working on “The Promise” had already given me an insight into your painful life. It’s sad and frustrating to see good people suffer. I can only learn from you and your compassion and tenacity in handling such situations and triumphing above it all.

     Reply
113. 

     Pastor Susan on May 29, 2012 at 1:32 am

     Sometimes when i feel down, I like to read biographies of great men and women. It reminds me again that every human being has problems! No one is an exception. No problem is so unique throughout the existence of mankind that it cannot be overcomed. Whatever I am going thru, someone else has gone thru it and risen above it. And whatever anyone else is going thru, someone out there have triumphed over it victoriously.

     Rinpoche’s story is one that is inspiring to spiritual aspirants who faces many different obstacles to get on the path, remain on the path and travel the length of the journey to greater heights. It resonates with people who may not be spiritual but wishes to overcome challenges to achieve their goals..whatever it may be.

     So often we assume that dharma centres are the most conducive place to provide support. Guess what? This may not be the case because we all have our own issues and we bring them into the centre. Rinpoche had a tough childhood because his parents didn’t agree to him pursuing monk-hood but the challenges actually got more “sophisticated” in each institution/centre Rinpoche went to in the US, in the monastery in India, etc.,

     Rinpoche did not allow the restrictions from his family to stop him, the prejudices, jealousies, accusations from people in these centres and monastery to deter him. Why should he? Why should we?

     How much do you want to pursue happiness for yourself and for others? For Rinpoche, it’s at all cost!

     What would it be for us?

     Reply
114. 

     Erickksiow on May 28, 2012 at 11:13 pm

     Thank You Rinpoche for sharing your childhood and your thoughts to all of us.

     After reading the childhood and thoughts from Rinpoche, Rinpoche is inspiring me so much. When difficulties and obstacles came to Rinpoche, Rinpoche will still faced it and never ever give up. In my life, Rinpoche is the person that touched my heart very deeply, Rinpoche hardworks, efforts, cares, never give up and Guru devotions did showed me a very good example. I wish to follow Rinpoche not just in this lifetime, i want to follow Rinpoche footsteps and that will be in many many lifetimes. ( just to benefit others )

     Best Regards : Erickksiow

     Reply
115. 

     Datuk May on May 28, 2012 at 10:59 pm

     Dear Rinpoche,

     What struck me most in Rinpoche’s generous sharing of the trials and tribulations in Rinpoche’s life is that Rinpoche would want to have tried than to have done nothing at all.

     I may not be deserving but I will stick around until the end to do whatever I can to prove that Rinpoche’s dream will come true. A Dream not from self satisfaction but the benefit of healing so many of the samsaric delusions that we all suffer from.

     May KWPC manifest as soon as possible.

     Reply
116. 

     mitra on May 28, 2012 at 10:22 pm

     kwpc is our heart. we all wish to grow fast and rinpoche dream coming true.realy tuch heart when read this blog and i also like song.

     Reply
117. 

     su an on May 28, 2012 at 9:51 pm

     Dear Rinpoche,

     Thank you for choosing to take rebirth under the circumstances you went through, to show us how that WE CAN achieve what we set out to achieve, with the right motivation and focus, despite the most unfavourable conditions we could be in.

     I remember Rinpoche once said that in this case, being born into an unloving family, having to go through poverty and abuse is the result of good karma compared to being born with a silver spoon in our mouths, for look where Rinpoche is now and where are we now? Rinpoche has clearly shown us by example that we make the choices. We control our lives. We are the ones ultimately responsible for ourselves, bad parenting or otherwise.

     There’s a saying: whether we think we can or cannot, we are right.

     We CAN get KWPC up! No matter what people say, no matter what obstacles come our way, I will stay on with Rinpoche and Kechara until KWPC is not merely a drawing on paper, but a solid dream come true.

     With folded hands,
     Su An

     Reply
118. 

     Darren on May 28, 2012 at 7:14 pm

     Thank you Rinpoche for sharing early life experiences. It was an inspiring for everyone. People now days keep complaining and demand on everything for their own convenience yet Rinpoche childhood and early life experience in Malaysia was really tough. I think not everyone will be so determined to achieve on a goal with so much influences and obstacles.

     Reply
119. 

     Pastor Chia on May 28, 2012 at 5:27 pm

     Dear Rinpoche, since i met you,i had heard from your past regard your family. I also went to Taiwan biography team to research your childhood story. I was sad for many time listening your childhood story, how you get treated, many difficult and problem you facing, you never give up.

     Some of the incident we had gone through the difficulty together specially in the previous sponsor have threatened rinpoche with physical violence. Get your name in the black list at immigration and verbal black mouth rinpoche to put you down.

     Despite all, you never giving up and continue teaching Dharma.Prove to people you are real rinpoche not just have the title. You given people so many kindness, give hope for the helpless people.
     Your virtue action has show us how dharma can overcome everything and anything. Your give some much courage for many people including myself has benefit us tremendous. We able face any challenge at the future when the problem and difficulty arise. Must appreciated and thank you for the sharing at the blog.

     with folder hand.
     pastor chia

     Reply
120. 

     Wendy Loh on May 28, 2012 at 5:14 pm

     When I was reading this blatantly honest, provoking and emotionally arresting article by Rinpoche, I only had one thought in my mind – Rinpoche’s immense love for humanity i.e. his students, friends and even family members, most of which Rinpoche trusted and cared for and yet the same group of people brought so much of hurt and betrayal to Rinpoche. However one thing never changed. Rinpoche is still here teaching, guiding and hoping that the people’s minds would transform and hearts would open. Rinpoche did not giving up and each time you bullishly bounce back only to be stronger and better.

     Thank you for not giving up on humanity, when many times we have disappointed and hurt you.

     With folded hands,
     Wendy

     Reply
121. 

     sarahyap on May 28, 2012 at 4:35 pm

     Dear Rinpoche,
     Thank you for sharing a little bit about your life when you were younger and also some of Rinpoche’s thoughts about how everything is shaping up. I have always believed it is important for students to know about their Guru’s life.

     I must admit, reading about Rinpoche’s younger days pains me as there were so many challenges that Rinpoche had to go through (and still going through now…) but it also inspires me deeply, on how Rinpoche always faced them and never looked back to the deceptive beauty of samsaric life.

     Rinpoche’s life certainly is colorful… although it is not always one of cheerful colors, as people constantly put down, and even let down Rinpoche. But like all great people destined to create great deeds, the difficulties experienced never really deter the determination to success… in Rinpoche’s case, to bring benefit to all sentient beings.

     I came across a quote by Dale Carnegie… he said “Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no help at all”. I would have said this quote is one to pacify people’s minds during difficulties… that is until I know Rinpoche, a true living example of a great accomplisher and more when things were bad.

     Reply
122. 

     KH Ng on May 28, 2012 at 4:03 pm

     It is through Rinpoche’s compassion that he manifest a life that mirrors the sufferings of all of us in this age. All the varieties of sufferings were lived out so that we may see that if he can overcome it so can we. And he actually suffers the sufferings.

     At the same time he lived and goes through the practices of the Lamrim, from Guru Devotion all the way to the perfections to again show us the way.

     Thank You Rinpoche for your loving kindness and compassion. You have many with you who believe in your goals including KWPC. We all believe it will come true. I am in. We work hard towards your vision.

     With folded hands.

     Reply
123. 

     Joe Ang on May 28, 2012 at 3:53 pm

     Dear Rinpoche,
     After reading this blog post, it reminded me again on how Rinpoche kept on going no matter how impossible the situation may seem. Everything you went through for the Dharma and to give the Dharma is a constant reminder of how fortunate am I, to have you as my kind Guru and to receive teachings directly from you. I have received so much from you and really have nothing to give in return, other than changing myself to become a better and stronger person (inside).

     Thank you for reminding me that, it is easy to give in to temptations, easy to surrender and listen to what others criticizes about us, and even easier to give up. But the results are predicted and already known! We fail! Without even trying. So why not just do it? And show to them, it can be done. No matter how much these self proclaimed fortune tellers distrust and look down on us. We do it and prove to ourselves, that we are in control of our situation.

     I feel very sad and painful to read what Rinpoche wrote about being an illegitimate child and not wanted, and as a reminder of pain for Rinpoche’s mother. Rinpoche, you have shown us so much love, patience and kindness, although you suffered much pain and hurt. You chose to come back, no matter what, to lead and guide us.

     I am very honoured and thankful to you for allowing me to be a part of Kechara and to contribute my very small service to the Dharma.

     Joe

     Reply
124. 

     Lim Han Nee on May 28, 2012 at 2:48 pm

     In this post, Rinpoche has revealed more fully ( by updating us on your experiences in India and in Malaysia) how much torment and suffering you have had to endure from all directions all the way, from the moment you were born until the present – including the betrayals and the appallingly vindictive actions of malicious and narrow-minded people.

     Rinpoche’s staying power is remarkable; but understandably so, as it is fuelled by great love and compassion and a powerfully strong desire to benefit others in every possible way.

     In “The Wheel of Sharp Weapons” , it is stated that peacocks willingly take the poisonous plants in the jungle as their food. So likewise, Bodhisattvas and those embarked on the Bodhisattva Path, take suffering into their path of practice so as to develop Bodhicitta and the Six Perfections. Without taking the experience of great suffering into the Path (as the Great Masters like the Dalai Lama, have reminded us) , it will be most difficult, if not impossible, to cultivate Bodhicitta and the Perfection of great virtues like Moral Discipline,Giving,Patience, Joyous Effort, even Concentration and Wisdom.

     Hence, Rinpoche’s patient and cheerful acceptance of such tremendously great suffering and taking all into his Path of Practice has generated an inconceivably great store of merit. Combined with the similarly inconceivably great accumulation of merit he has brought from his previous lives(from untiringly spreading the Dharma in remote areas and building monasteries and temples, as well as going into a lifelong retreat for the Long Life of the 13th Dalai Lama,and other such highly meritorious deeds), Rinpoche has created sufficient cause for KWPC to manifest.

     Unfortunately(except for a small number of earnestly dedicated ones) we (his students ), on our side, have failed to push ourselves out of our comfort zones and rigid ‘close-box’ thinking, and do our part by determined committed mind transformation and reach out, sky-like,to become selflessly engaged in the Bodhisattva Path and create great merits and causes for KWPC to manifest. If KWPC does not begin to manifest soon, the karma for it to manifest may disappear or be pushed to a distant future , to manifest in some other place perhaps…

     Reply
125. 

     henry ooi on May 28, 2012 at 2:31 pm

     Against all odds and adversities, Rinpoche has benefited Malaysians and others globally.

     Today, Kechara has more than 100 full time paid staff, not counting the many volunteers.
     Kechara has many departments/divisions offering various dharma activities, studies and practices.
     Kechara has many buildings, some owned and some leased, in KL, PJ, and Penang.
     Kechara owns lands to build KWPC and Menara Kechara with ongoing efforts to procure more lands for Kechara Forest Retreat.

     Past and on-going events have brought dharma to countless from the public who visited the events. Rinpoche’s blog and Facebook, Kechara website and Facebook are reaching out to many more in Malaysia and abroad.

     Compared all these to the early years when I first met Rinpoche, I opine these are great achievements for Rinpoche who humbly calls himself a no-body.

     KWPC will manifest based on what Rinpoche has achieved, is achieving and will achieve. But Rinpoche will need many more people to come forth and offer their services, resources, contacts and professionalism to make KWPC a reality.

     Like Rinpoche said, alone we cannot build KWPC but together, we can.

     Reply
126. 

     sockwan on May 28, 2012 at 2:12 pm

     Rinpoche’s life story is not beautiful at all. However,despite all the difficulties Rinpoche faced in his early life and now, Rinpoche has never blamed anyone for the miseries he was (is) going through. Rinpoche stays clear-minded all the time, knowing what he wants and going all the way for it, GIVING UP is NOT AN OPTION. It is Dharma and Rinpoche’s guru that make him a positive and strong person.

     Rinpoche uses his own life experience to tell us anyone can be a good and useful person despite the bad experiences in life. It is our choice, external factor is not the determinant of our success or failure. We determine our own success.

     Notice that Rinpoche has no anger in him when he talks about his life, how people mistreat him, this is an indication that he has completely let go and move on. Instead of being pulled down by miserable life experience, Rinpoche use it to inspire people, to benefit us. Our lives can be inspiring to others also, when we are able to expose our past and use our past as a teaching to share with people, this is when we have truly let go, truly embrace Dharma and karma.

     Reply
127. 

     Albert Ratchaga on May 28, 2012 at 10:05 am

     This is not the first time i hear about Rinpoche’s story, but everytime when i heard of this again, about Rinpoche’s past, how his parent treat him, the step parent that beat him up, make him clear the snow behind the house, lock him in the room, threaten the sangha till Rinpoche has to leave the temple, etc, I still feel that it is so amazing for Rinpoche to go through all these hardship, it is not easy and it never be easy, for anyone who went through all these, I’m sure they will collapse in no time, or changed to be someone that are difficult. But Rinpoche did not, he is still who he is, he never take revenge, never get on somebody to release his anger, worse still, he has no anger for them, can you imagine what type of person he is?

     Even if someone can go through all these, look at what Rinpoche been through in Malaysia, look at how kind he is to the students and how they cheated him at the end. Can you cheat someone who are so kind to you? even if you are cold, you do not respond to someone’s kindness to you, but how can you cheat them? It doesn’t sound right somewhere.

     I’ve seen how people cheated Rinpoche’s money and despite of this, Rinpoche still care for them, give them chance, when I saw this, i was really like ‘OMB’, how can Rinpoche be so kind? Frankly speaking, I can’t, but can you?

     Rinpoche ran away with just USD 50 in his pocket, sleeping on the street, being bullied, seriously, I’m sure he has faced all these difficulties that no one here could ever imagine. If for someone who are a little bit less of determination, passion, sincerity, they would not have made it, more over Rinpoche is the type of person that will go all the way once he accepted the challenge, when he believe that it is the right path for him, he will never let anything hold him on. can you see the faith he has in Dharma?

     I love this song, it is so encouraging, if you think you are depressed due to the difficulties you have, listen to this song and read this article again, you will realize the difficulties you face now is just so minor.

     This part of the song reminded me so strongly about Rinpoche, no matter how many times he fall down, he will still stand up again and move on.

     I’ve been brought down to my knees
     And I’ve been pushed way past the point of breaking
     But I can take it
     I’ll be back
     Back on my feet

     Reply
128. 

     nicholas on May 28, 2012 at 7:58 am

     So much disappointment, hardship and hurts that Rinpoche endure throughout Rinpoche live and Rinpoche never give in for others to let Rinpoche down.

     Rinpoche persistent to learn Dharma since young from New Jersey till LA was so remarkable. Rinpoche never compromise with any samsaric wealth to exchange for dharma. Just imagine if Rinpoche were to become an escort or an actor?

     Rinpoche believes in Dharma & believe in Rinpoche’s Gurus have made Rinpoche so persevere despite so many negative comments, accusation, jealousy from others just make Rinpoche move forwards because Rinpoche has all faith in them and it show great result. This great guru devotion from Rinpoche actions was recognized by so many high Lama and the monks in the monastery. We as student learn so much from Rinpoche actions too.

     Rinpoche life in Malaysia earlier was another bad experience but Rinpoche turn it to another positive to continue Rinpoche journey to spread the Dharma. It definitely hard for Rinpoche which have to face all these problem alone. Even though Rinpoche has thought of leaving but Rinpoche never want to break his promise to his Guru that asked Rinpoche to come Malaysia to benefit the people here. I strongly believe that it must be for a bigger reason.

     Rinpoche great compassion can never be question. Even though those people left but Rinpoche always concern about them. Rinpoche just like a mother that always cares and loves.

     Rinpoche life journey was not just a story to be told but a journey that to wake us up, to make us realize that perseverance, consistency, faith and trust to our Guru, integrity to anything we do is the key for us to bring happiness to others. KWPC is not a dream. The realization mentioned are what we need for KWPC. Following Rinpoche advice and instruction is the key of success. It will be hard but what in life that we want to achieve without hardship? Let’s join this big ship to sail all the way to make the greatest thing in your life to create the legacy for the future, make something that you will benefit yourself and others for live after lives. Let ‘s join force to build the KWPC.

     I’m no body, since I’m no body, if I try and fail I lose nothing.
     Why don’t just do it!

     Reply
129. 

     tenzin llhamo on May 28, 2012 at 12:28 am

     Dearest Rinpoche, I truly respect everything that Rinpoche have gone through and still going through. All the pain, hurt and sadness that Rinpoche received since birth. For someone to endure so much and still persevered is someone who can show everyone that Rinpoche can. Never give up and never give in to rumors and lies. Because of Dharma, Rinpoche stayed strong to benefit all that Rinpoche come across. I learned that from Rinpoche when everyone around me put Kechara down and tell me to get a real ‘job’ but they don’t know and I too will not give up because I always remind myself what Rinpoche went through and I can do it too. Thank you for persevering, Rinpoche for without it, I wouldn’t have what I have now. Rinpoche, Kechara and my Dharma family.
     May Rinpoche’s mother read this post and see how much Rinpoche have done and waiting for her to be in contact again.

     Reply
130. 

     Junior on May 27, 2012 at 11:59 pm

     Amazing and inspiring.thank you for the beautiful music.

     Reply
131. 

     Sam on May 27, 2012 at 10:26 pm

     With folded hand, thank you Rinpoche for sharing your life story with us. Thank you for reminder how fortunate each and everyone of us for having a condusive conditions to learn and practice Dharma. We always complain how we suffer in our daily life and how difficult it is. But as compared to yours, our suffering are just so tiny. I respect your perseverance for not giving up on what you believe and faith. Without your determination, i am sure we will not be able to have a wonderful guru like you.

     I like Cher’s lyrics especially this one; “I’m not going nowhere,
     I’m staying right here” Just like you, you sacrifice from a monk who stays at forest meditating and come to Malaysia to spread Dharma. Thank you for not giving up on us.

     With folded hand, thank you Rinpoche.
     Take good care.

     Reply
132. 

     pastor on May 27, 2012 at 8:34 pm

     It has been said that the spiritual path is a lonely path. Reading Rinpoche bio, from an outer perspective, this rings so true when his closest family members reject him. If that is the case, I can imagine how much lonelier the path is from an inner perspective. As a realized being, Rinpoche’s pure mind is different from majority of this universe’s beings, if not quite the opposite. While he understands us perfectly, we don’t understand him and the extent of his activities deeds. Instead of helping , we would often become his obstacles.
     Despite our failings, the depth of our negativities, the disappointments caused to him, Rinpoche remains the most reliable object of refuge for us, his unworthy students . If that is not the boundless compassion of the Buddhas as written in the scriptures I don’t know what else is.
     We have every reason to rejoice at his liking for the spirit of Cher’s song . May we never never see the last of Rinpoche . I will stay right here with Rinpoche and Kechara till the cows come home.

     Pastor ngeow

     Reply
133. 

     Yoke Fui on May 27, 2012 at 6:05 pm

     Rinpoche’s perseverance , tenacity and his single mindedness in pursuit of his goal to benefit others are always inspirations to me.

     The traumas and hardships absorbed by Rinpoche from birth are uphill battles right from the start of his bodhisattva’s journey in this life. How kind is Rinpoche to show by his own examples of transforming
     adversities into the path !

     Rinpoche’s Guru Devotion is always being praised by the sangha at Gaden Monastery. All the monks always nod their heads with respect whenever they talk about the manner in which Rinpoche served his Gurus tirelessly at Gaden.

     It pains me to see Rinpoche being disappointed and let down times and again by the very people he wishes most to benefit and protect. Just like the powerful lyrics of Cher’s song, I believe Rinpoche together with the students that have stuck by him will bring KWPC to fruition. If we believe we can, we can – you haven’t see the last of us .

     Reply
134. 

     Adrian Cho on May 27, 2012 at 4:56 pm

     Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this wonderful and meaningful post..

     What I had learn from this post is, no matter what happen and what situation we have, we must always don’t give up, we must always keep our promises and always be responsibility.
     Rinpoche really have a Great compassion, care, love, kindness and strong Guru Devotion.
     It is really inspiring me and fully respect it..
     We are so lucky, that we had Rinpoche teaching us Dharma, guidance us, always care all of us and we can be a family of Kechara.
     Really appreciate it much…..

     Reply
135. 

     Jasline Tay (MBF) on May 27, 2012 at 3:30 pm

     Dear Rinpoche,

     Thank you for your sharing. Yesterday on our way back, Hee Peng & myself we were discussing how much you have been through to manifest Kechara and how great Kechara it is today and this morning, you share with us the journey. Call it coincidence!

     Your life story is very inspiring it will definitely benefits many when your book is published. Many a time people only look at the success that a person has achieved but never considered the hardship that a person need to go through to achieve the success.Someone ever told me before that a spiritual journey is never easy and there bound to be lots and lots of obstacle to prevent you from going onto the spiritual journey.

     The hardship that you been through reflects exactly how people who wants to embark on ths path would be experiencing and how you are able to overcome. You are an example to all. However, at times we would be blinded by the “devil” inside us or the “devil” that may appear could be someone very close to us to prevent us from doing the right things due to our attachment to them. Hence, through the devotion, the trust, the faith and the belief that you have in your gurus pull you through all. It reflects exactly why when we take refuge in the 3 jewels Namo Guru Beh is so important.

     Thank you Rinpoche once again for your sharing as always, very inspiring KWPC will manifest just like Kechara.

     Reply
136. 

     patsy on May 27, 2012 at 3:23 pm

     Reading this post brings back memories of those days when Rinpoche first came to Malaysia and the difficulties and obstacles Rinpoche had to endure. Those were difficult times, very difficult times yet Rinpoche never gave up. Rinpoche is a shinning example of how strength, faith and integrity plus hard work and determination brings results. Without Rinpoche’s perseverance, determination and commitments, we would not have KECHARA.

     Those who make it in life are those who believe in themselves. For those who push us down and look down on us, we should work our way up and prove them wrong. Heartaches will never drag us down, it will propel us to work harder to overcome it.

     Thank you, Rinpoche, for sharing this post with us and thank you for being with us.

     Reply
137. 

     Adrian Cho on May 27, 2012 at 1:56 pm

     Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this wonderful and meaningful post..

     What I had learn from this post is, no matter what happen and what situation we have, we must always don’t give up, we must always keep our promises and always be responsibility.
     Rinpoche really have a Great compassion, care, love, kindness and strong Guru Devotion.
     It is really inspiring me and fully respect it..
     We are so lucky, that we had Rinpoche teaching us Dharma, guidance us, always care all of us and we can be a family of Kechara.
     Really appreciate it much…

     Reply
138. 

     John Woo on May 27, 2012 at 1:02 pm

     Dear Rinpoche,

     It moves my heart reading this posting. Like they said, don’t judge a book by its cover. Rinpoche’s earlier life experiences taught Rinpoche to be street smart. Thank you very much for your perseverance in face of these obstacles. It goes to show that, when one has the determination to achieve great things, great obstacles will arise. These will serve as test for our determination and perseverance. And it is by no means an easy feat for a normal person to overcome. Rinpoche guru devotion’s is unsurpassed, adhering to gurus’ advice and teaching is of utmost importance and to follow diligently.

     Thank you Rinpoche, for being steadfast in your own methods in bringing Dharma to us today. With your experiences and training from the monastery, it has proven that our Malaysian way does not always work and we need to have an open mind to other methods in growing the Dharma. Submitting to the guru, listening, contemplating and practicing with devotion enable ones to benefit others and to progress in spiritual quest.

     Time and again you have displayed compassion to us, normal and helpless sentient beings. You are a living example of a living Buddha with limitless compassion. Please continue to guide us, helpless sentient beings, in this degenerate age.

     I fold my hands and bow to your feet.

     Humbly,
     John

     Reply
139. 

     Seng Aun on May 27, 2012 at 11:24 am

     Dear Rinpoche,

     Thank you for sharing your past memories and Cher’s amazing video.

     Cher has a great talent in singing and acting that I’ve admired very much. Her outrageous costumes and heart-stopping performances are not to be missed. I’m glad you love her too.

     You haven’t seen the last of me. I love this song, it’s a classic. The lyrics of this song truly does describe the trials and tribulations of Rinpoche’s life.

     If one has the karma or is destined for greatness, nothing can stand in the way.

     All the best to you, Rinpoche.

     Reply
140. 

     Girlie on May 27, 2012 at 10:11 am

     When I first met Rinpoche, I had the feeling that here was this person with such a presence. Never did I doubt what plans He had in mind.

     Rinpoche’s sad childhood and struggles growing up shows His determination to reach out with his care and love.

     Reply
141. 

     tsemtulku on May 27, 2012 at 10:07 am

     ALL the hardships that Rinpoche been through makes who he is today. A person with steel determination , sharp thinking , perseverance and witty more like a street fighter. He never gives up no matter what he comes accross not now , not in the future. This whole blog post is mind blowing and bending for Him to put it down in writing shows total letting go of the past , no simple man can do that. If any of the above happens to any one of us we might not evenr survive it let alone triumph upon all and achieve what we sees today. The part that really hit me the most is where Rinpoche says even his so called students cheated him of his money , love and care for them. How hurtful must it be for Rinpoche at that time. So you see whatever Rinpoche does from long ago till now , says , thinks , advices all are so consistent, its not just from the point of Buddhisht teaching, its buddhist teaching + all the life experiences that are way so much difficult and tougher than anyone been through.-From CkLiew
     ***************
     (Thank you CK, I see you can think on a deep level on various dimensions. TR)

     Reply
     • 

       James Long on May 28, 2012 at 11:07 am

       Yes, CK thinks very deep and sincere. Many people sees Rinpoche life story will think that : ” Ya, he is a Rinpoche, that’s why he can make it.” But before Rinpoche being recognized, Rinpoche has been thinking different and being very mature.

       Rinpoche being kind, forgiving, tenacious, passion in Dharma are not started only he was being recognized as Rinpoche, all these started before that. The point is whether or not we are a Rinpoche or reincarnation of a saint, we still have the same chance to be a better person, why deny it simply because we are lazy?

       Not matter what situation Rinpoche is always the same, method different but never the love towards everyone changed. People who even cheated Rinpoche, time to time Rinpoche will ask other close student, how they are, are doing fine and some cases, think of how to bring them back to Dharma.

       This is the songs I love and I can listen over and over again in the car when this movie was hot. When people do not believe in your dream and think you can’t make it, why let them be the decision maker of your life?

       Reply
142. 

     Jay Jae on May 27, 2012 at 9:09 am

     Dear Rinpoche,

     Like what Rinpoche explained about Cher, Rinpoche is really a Lama version of Cher. Rinpoche keeps up with the times and never lets the age-old essence of Gaden, Buddha’s teachings, Tantras inside of Rinpoche is still the same.

     Rinpoche has long fought one war which is to believe what His Gurus have told Him and go all the way with it regardless of all the obstacles that may arise. The fact that Rinpoche believed in His Gurus, it means Rinpoche believed in himself and it is because of this, we are here today receiving every bit of benefit from Rinpoche.

     What really stuck out inside this post was the amount of obstacles which Rinpoche had to go through in order to be who Rinpoche is today. Yet Rinpoche stood through and through and made the best of everyone Rinpoche meets. And I believe this will carry forward to the future and the realization of Rinpoche’s goals and dreams!

     Thank you again Rinpoche for the many things that you’ve done and most of all thank you for pulling through all those hard years, for without them, there wouldn’t be Kechara and all the other wonderful departments sprung from your inspiration and loving care.

     much love,
     Jay Jae

     Reply
143. 

     Valentina Suhendra on May 27, 2012 at 8:35 am

     Dear Rinpoche

     This particular post touched me deeply. It really teaches us to stand our ground and do as what we believe. I have no idea why some people do like to put us down and sometimes go to some extend to proof that they are right. It is amazing! Perhaps it is to boost their confidence (which apparently the have none) and to make them feel good for awhile.

     I believe these types of people can only play tricks on our mind if we let them. They want to bring us down to their looser levels, which I think is quite pathetic. But perhaps for some of them, it is a representation of who they are inside and it’s a cry for help.

     I think reading all your life stories, one thing really stuck out. You always stand your ground and what you belive in. You don’t believe what other people say. That is the most profound examples that I take from you.

     Much love and care

     Valentina

     Reply
144. 

     lewkwanleng on May 27, 2012 at 8:11 am

     I have heard about some of Rinpoche’s above stories before. When I first heard about them, at that time, I asked, why is Rinpoche’s life so difficult? I thought all Rinpoche is supposed to have collected a lot of merits which will have a good life?

     From what I learnt through my spiritual journey, it is not about how easy or how difficult someone’s life that matters, it is how we make of it that matters. For example, a person can be born in a very rich family and he is very attached to the money and wealth, and all his life, he works so hard just to hang on to the money; on the other hand, a person can be born in a very rich family, and seeing people suffer because of poverty, he uses his money to help them. Both are born in the rich family, but what the two person make of it are totally different.

     Likewise for Tsem Rinpoche. I figured that for Tsem Rinpoche to teach Dharma in this spiritual desert, he “has to” go through the hardship in his early years. Can you imagine if Rinpoche grow up in monastery, and when he come to this part of the world, I think He will be taken for a ride many times. Funny but true (I think). Also, in this spiritual desert, if Rinpoche were to grow up in monastery, we will conveniently use the excuse that, “Oh, you grow up in monastery, of course you can practice, we didn’t grow up in monastery, we can’t practice like you”. In a way, all the sufferings are “designed” for people like us, to show us that, even if we don’t grow up in monastery, we can still practice IF WE WANT TO.

     From the life stories of Rinpoche, it also shows that we should not give up in order to benefit others. While we take up the path of benefiting others, I am sure there will be people who will disappoint us and take advantage of us. I don’t have the compassionate to forgive people who “betrayed” me or took advantage of me, but seeing Rinpoche’s example of forgiving people and still wishing and praying for them is really an eye opener for me, and show as an example that, if I practice Dharma correctly, I too can have the compassion towards our “enemy”.

     As to KWPC, actually I seldom thought if we can make it. Why? In my mind, I told myself that if I follow my guru’s instruction, work hard, step out of my comfort zone, it will manifest. Of course I would like to see KWPC up in my current life. As such, I am determined to work hard to assist Rinpoche in whatever way to achieve it. I also pray that Tsem Rinpoche can live long to build this dream together.

     If you believe in Tsem Rinpoche, please come and join in the project. As Rinpoche said, not just wishes, but the willingness to step out side of comfort zone and work hard.

     I am ready to take on the challenge. Are you ready?

     Reply
145. 

     Martin Bosnev on May 27, 2012 at 6:32 am

     Dear Rinpoche, thank you for the beautiful music and for all of your activities !!! Thank you very very very much !!!

     Reply
146. 

     philyong on May 27, 2012 at 3:44 am

     Dear Rinpoche, THANK YOU very much for taking time to write this blog post. It was this blog that got me connected to the Dharma, Kechara and of course Rinpoche.Each and every post in this blog has its own teachings in it. This is one of Rinpoche’s many ways to help us understand the Dharma better and practice.

     I remember Rinpoche saying when we accept a Religion, we should apply it. I keep reminding myself each day of this. And each day I take some time off to read the articles in this blog to gain knowledge. Knowledge that I will never come across anywhere else. Below is what I have learned through this blog post.

     1. About Rinpoche’s mother who gave up on Rinpoche – Rinpoche had never held any hatred against Your mother. The love and care Rinpoche shows for Your mom is really inspiring in a way that I ask myself, what have I done for my parents who love me so much and raised me up to be able to have the luxuries I have today? They gave me everything they could possibly have..but I still take it for granted until this very day. As compared to Rinpoche who I am very sure will shower all your love and care towards Your mom if you get to meet her again. And I too hope and pray hard Rinpoche will connect with Your mother again.

     2. Regarding Your step parents – I have heard and read so much of the hardship Rinpoche had to go through with Your step parents. I too would definitely not conform if I was in the same situation, I would run away too. But I definitely would not be so kind and loving as Rinpoche. I think I would just leave and forget about them..after all, they’re only me STEP PARENTS. That is what I would think and done if I did not have Dharma. But now I know I would be terribly wrong to do that.

     It is my karma to be in such a situation. I should just accept it, forgive and move on. Move on to give care and love to others. If I had hold grudges and force myself to forget them, and then TREAT OTHER PEOPLE THE WAY I WAS TREATED, I am just being trapped by Samsara over and over again and will remain here forever.

     3. Regarding Rinpoche’s life in LA – Rinpoche’s persistent to practice the Dharma is really very very very respectable! I can imagine the amount of money Rinpoche would get being an escort and etc. But Rinpoche rather continue to live poor and work hard just so You can practice the Dharma and be who You are, where You are today. I am especially touched by this.

     All my life, I had the dream of becoming very rich just so I can live a comfortable life and have everything I want. But ever since joining Kechara, my perception of a comfortable life has changed. I no longer crave money (worldly sake) for I know it will bring me down lower in Samsara and get stuck here. What is a comfortable life after all? With more money, I will have more worries and problems. How comfortable can that be for me? But with the Dharma, I can do so much more not just for myself but for so many other sentient beings. Do I not gain tremendously by applyiing Dharma in my life?

     Though saying that, I would still like to be rich if I have the capability to. Why? So I can spend the money for the Dharma, for the manifestation of KWPC!

     4. Regarding Zong Rinpoche – Rinpoche’s Guru Devotion is well known every where. That is something really hard for me to match. But regardless, I will work towards having as much Guru Devotion as Rinpoche has for Zong Rinpoche. This also makes me understand to not judge a book by its cover. Yes, Rinpoche did not look anything like a monk in those days, but so what? It does not mean Rinpoche did not have the quality to be one. We often come across people and just brush them off based on our perceptions. Well, WHO ARE WE TO JUDGE?

     5. Rinpoche in Gaden – Again, Rinpoche’s sheer determination and dedication to the Dharma inspires me very much. No matter how much hardship Rinpoche went through and criticisms received, You kept your promise to Your Gurus to practice and teach the Dharma. This teaches me to not give up so easily. The moments I go through cannot be compared to what Rinpoche had went through. Who am I to complain life is unfair when I have all the ‘luxuries’ in life? And I am sure Rinpoche went through much more hardship than stated. I must stop complaining and start rejoicing for the things I have in life. When I do that, I will appreciate what I have and would want to do more for others in hope for their lives to be better, especially with Dharma knowledge.

     6. Rinpoche being reincarnations of High Lamas – Rinpoche had never once shown arrogance even though many of Rinpoche’s Gurus have confirmed Rinpoche is a reincarnation of Great Masters. Till today, Rinpoche remains humble. Even with the titles, Rinpoche would still go down to the slumps to feed the homeless, cook for students, hang around with students..without a single bit of arrogance. Even if Rinpoche does use the titles, it is for the benefit of many people.

     There is so much to say but in simple words, RINPOCHE’S PURPOSE IN LIFE IS TO SERVE OTHERS, NEVER FOR HIMSELF. That is why no matter how much hardship Rinpoche goes through on a daily basis, He could endure it all because He knows what He does is for others. As oppose if we live a life for ourselves only, we would give up easily because there isn’t any purpose we live for.

     Thank you Rinpoche for living this life the way Rinpoche did and experienced to SHOW US how we should be living! Rinpoche’s compassion is truly boundless as the all the hardship Rinpoche went through was to make us realize we can make it if we do not give up. There is a way out of this SUFFERING, if we are consistent, persistent, have integrity and work hard towards ETERNAL HAPPINESS. We just simply have to start by living for others!

     Reply
147. 

     Steve Tobias on May 27, 2012 at 3:14 am

     Thank you Rinpoche. This was very inspiring and familiar (to a lesser degree of course). I aspire to attain your joyous perseverance and patience. We perceive it as so hard to push through difficulties, and it’s just thinking of “me”, with no wisdom of the final results. In the US people expect men to be controlling, go after goals, leave others behind. I will never abandon friends or put others down. If we know what that feels like then it’s reason enough, even aside from the Bodhisattva vows.

     Reply
148. 

     oscar on May 27, 2012 at 2:41 am

     Dear Rinpoche,
     You will make it! I can envision KWPC and see many ppl doing their retreats and practices there! 🙂

     Reply
149. 

     william on May 27, 2012 at 2:36 am

     Dear Rinpoche,
     There has been a lot Rinpoche has gone through over the years to get to where we are now. Not an easy feat but Rinpoche continues on with Rinpoche’s gurus’ instructions because Rinpoche has perfect guru devotion. The trials and tribulations Rinpoche has gone through is a constant reminder to me that great things does not come in a silver platter and have to work hard for it. And Rinpoche’s determination is a great example and inspiration to me and everyone.

     What Rinpoche has gone through make my troubles and obstacles look so minute and insignificant. It gives me hope to trudge along and make myself better each day. Rinpoche’s dream of KWPC will come true with the help of many Kecharians who are committed.

     Thank you RInpoche for sticking with us even though there are so many heartaches and broken promises. Rinpoche’s determination is amazing!

     I love the lyrics of the song as it really says what Rinpoche feels and experienced all this while.

     Reply
150. 

     Mc on May 27, 2012 at 2:33 am

     Dear Rinpoche, I read the words that you wrote. They are soft and yet they penetrate deep. I played Cher’s song as I scrolled the page to look at your pictures and think about what I already know about your life from your bio and I think of the hardships you have been through, and I am profoundly moved.

     So often we see you as a High Lama, A Tulku and a Rinpoche and we forget that your holy mind chose to come back in a human frame together with all its frailties. And in that human body you faced tremendous outer obstacles but it would have been the inner obstacles that would have been harder. We forget that you hurt deeply as well, and you do feel sad and perhaps even fear and doubt. How you went through so much and not lose any of your kindness and love is truly something very special. But how lonely you must be at times

     Rinpoche, you are the living example of the strength we can all have when we live for the dharma. You are the living proof of the potential we all have. The potential to be good, and kind and loving and yet powerful.

     Thank you for this and for the privilege to be part of what you built in spite of so much difficulties.

     Reply
     • 

       Li Kim on May 31, 2012 at 12:50 am

       This is so true… We do on many occasions forget that Rinpoche is human too ( and I do not mean any disrespect). Rinpoche is back in human form for us to continue to spread the Dharma. And in this human form, Rinpoche has pain, doubt and disappointment.

       If you read about Rinpoche’s life and how he struggled to get to becoming a monk, it is admirable and only shows that with full determination and up keeping integrity of a promise made to his Gurus, he persevered and suffered. If it was many of us, we would have given up at point 2) where people ridiculed, insulted and abused Rinpoche. For many we would rather give up our dream and integrity than suffer and persevere.

       This post is not meant for us to see how great Rinpoche is, whom he is very much so, but for us to reflect and contemplate on the hardships we encounter in our lives and to focus on the purpose and not the problems, to get us to our final destination. In fact, this blog post is to inspire us and make us see that what we endure is only temporary and that if we focus on the bigger picture and purpose, we can do it. And that this mind set and attitude is a dally practice. We gain tremendous strength when we ride through hardships and difficulties and not give up. It makes us stronger and accomplished as a person.

       Reply
151. 

     Bean Lee on May 27, 2012 at 2:28 am

     Dear Rinpoche ,
     Thank you for it’s a reminder for us to have faith and determination to overcome any situation that may come.To realize and practice to apply what we’ve experienced and learned into daily life through contemplation on Lamrin which I’ve attended.I’m really glad and thankful especially to Rinpoche and not forgetting everyone(Dharma Brothers and sisters ) in Kechara for which i’m able practice Dharma not only in Kechara House but most importantly for being able to apply it to my daily life.

     Thank you for all your wonderful Teachings.

     Reply
152. 

     Natalie on May 27, 2012 at 2:06 am

     Dear Rinpoche, I had a few thoughts reading about your difficult life.
     1. I really hope your birth mother will reconcile with you. She is really missing out and has nothing to be ashamed of -the opposite her son is an incarnate Rinpoche who has helped and touched the lives of many!! What a great honour! I
     2. When I see your pictures, I think you don’t just look handsome but beautiful. Surprising your adopted mother didn’t see that.
     3. I was reading today a book by HH the Dalai Lama and the section was on cherishing our enemies as they help us practice the virtue of patience and therefore accumulate merit. One sentence struck me when HH said when our lives are too easy we become soft whereas difficulties help us develop inner strength so be thankful to the enemy, which is very applicable to your life.
     4. And finally there was a song on TV last night which I thought it sounded a bit like Dharma and I was reminded of it when reading how you have been wronged by others. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otuwNwsqHmQ
     Finally, thank you for sharing your inspirational life story and I’m glad we haven’t seen the last of you as I have become a big fan of this blog and your teachings on You Tube.

     Reply
153. 

     Sabina Giorgini on May 27, 2012 at 1:55 am

     Dear Rinpoche, you are unique, special and so amazing, I think that is why some people tried to put you down, you’re too much for them, too great, and they knew.

     I fold my hands to you and your Gurus who told you to teach, I am in a moment in which life itself put me down and you are my strength to endure and go on, my Refuge and my inspiration too. Thanks for this most meaningful post.

     Reply
154. 

     Ethan Chu on May 27, 2012 at 1:49 am

     Recently I read somewhere

     “If we throw our problems all in a pool and see someone else’s we’ll take ours back..”

     Our problems are incomparable compared to what Rinpoche had to endure. I am not even gonna said “been through”, it was not just so simple as been there done that and knowing how it felt like. I know Rinpoche is an extremely loyal person with great memory, Rinpoche would remember every single small little detail and feelings til this very day. It was that pain that Rinpoche vowed not to let another person feel; it was that drive, that hardship that pushes Rinpoche to strive to not to give up and want everyone to NOT experience the pain that Rinpoche experienced before. But ironically, how many actually do the same for Rinpoche?

     Many folded their hands with respect and say I will want to benefit all sentient beings but ironically, we can’t even benefit ourselves… If only we can be like 10% of Rinpoche, the world is coming to a better place.. But sadly, most of us can’t. REALLY? We can’t? See, we like to tell ourselves that, cause we are so use to just benefiting ourselves, everything we plan and plan is for our own gain.

     From childhood til now… Rinpoche has never swayed away from dharma, no matter how colourful the samsara world might seemed. Never the easy way out! I can’t imagine if I found myself a guru who uses the short cut! Oh well, what Rinpoche taught us is actually a “better short cut” from the samsara world if only they know!!!

     I particularly like what Rinpoche always say… don’t judge me, because simply you don’t know. Yes, life is too short to care what people think of us… No one can bring us down! If we all have this drive, KWPC is NOT a DREAM!!! It can happen!

     People, let’s make it happen. We can do it!

     Ethan

     Reply
155. 

     Elena on May 27, 2012 at 1:30 am

     Thank you for such a powerful blog post Rinpoche. It reminds me of all the times Rinpoche has told us the best revenge for anyone putting you down, and telling you that you can’t do something, is to succeed.

     For those who love you but had to put you down because of circumstances, they will be proud of you when you succeed. And for those who put you down because they genuinely did not like you, your success will make them think twice about putting anyone down ever again.

     And from Rinpoche’s example, success doesn’t mean walking all over people to gain material or reputation-based success. If you become mean, petty, bitter and miserly, you are continuing to let those people win because those qualities in the end will lead you to become lonely. It is better to become even more kind, even more generous, even more giving. In that way, you also succeed and win.

     And why fail and prove to those people that they were right?!

     What struck me the most about this post:

     1. the part about LA – being stuck in samsara, we have many things that can lead us off the path. Suffering can lead us off the path and discourage us from continuing with our spiritual practice. At the same time, temptations can also lead us off the path. That is the nature of samsara, but we can overcome those self-created obstacles by following the truth that Buddha taught.

     2. how alone Rinpoche was – when Rinpoche was ordained as a monk, Rinpoche didn’t have anyone there to congratulate him. Not that Rinpoche needed it, but it shows that at every step of the way, Rinpoche never got support in an easy way. Even now, Rinpoche doesn’t get this support easily. Still, it doesn’t discourage Rinpoche from continuing

     3. support and compliments are as useless as put-downs, if the words are not backed up by actions. People say Rinpoche is wonderful, Rinpoche is great but their compliments stop short of action. This lack of action is almost as bad as people putting Rinpoche down. But despite years of compliments and negative comments in equal measure, Rinpoche has achieved more than anyone has ever believed Rinpoche can

     4. Rinpoche’s success is a reflection of Rinpoche’s guru devotion, which has given Rinpoche the ability to persever through all the obstacles. Rinpoche always knew that he was on the right path because Rinpoche followed Rinpoche’s gurus’ instructions and practices…so the compliments and negative words don’t matter, because Rinpoche wasn’t acting for either. Having followed Rinpoche’s gurus’ instructions for decades, now everyone can see the benefits and results of such guru devotion

     5. when something is right and we know it is right, we should stick up for it all the way. It is like what Rinpoche said about the Dharma the other day – the Buddha didn’t teach anything that isn’t already happening. The Buddha’s teachings are all statements of what is ALREADY and ACTUALLY happening, and therefore it is the truth. Therefore, if something is the truth (e.g. our lama’s instructions) it doesn’t matter what people say about us and about what we do. Time and results will prove what is correct.

     6. whatever experiences we have, we have a choice for what results we want them to have. Either we use such experiences (e.g. people cheating us) as an excuse to hurt others, or we learn from such experiences and show even more kindness.

     Reply
156. 

     Don Buchwalter on May 27, 2012 at 1:29 am

     Your persistence and faith are amazing and inspiring! If only we could all be as strong and committed. With me, fear is my biggest enemy. Thank you for posting this – just reading through it has helped me to recognise that fear really CAN be conquered.

     Reply
     • 

       tsemtulku on May 27, 2012 at 1:34 am

       Dear Don,Fear is a big enemy for me too…fear of not accomplishing anything… that is why I just go and do it…TR

       Reply
       • 

         Don Buchwalter on May 27, 2012 at 2:24 am

         Thank you, Rinpoche.

         The fear of not accomplishing anything is very much alive in the US. Though, conversely, the idea of starting over once you reach a certain age – say, 40 – is almost terrifying.

         You have done amazing things. You decided what you wanted or needed to do, and you did it. I admire that a great deal. I’ve resolved to follow your example, but years of playing it safe has a way of sticking with a person.

         Anyway, that is my obstacle. Thank you for helping me to recognise it, and thank you for providing the push to actually do something about it.

         Bowing at Your Feet

         Reply
157. 

     WaiQueen on May 27, 2012 at 1:19 am

     Dear Rinpoche, You are a constant reminder that even when the going gets tough, to persevere and never give up something that you truly believe in. Thank you for having persevere throughout the years, without you, there would have been no Kechara. And without Kechara, I would still be a loss, wandering soul.
     With _/\_, Wai Queen

     Reply