Question asked by Anonymous
Hello I have a few questions, please answer them, and thank you in advance. In a recent video posted on Tsem Rinpoche's youtube account, Rinpoche says he "bought" his way into having a certificate that verifies him as being a genuine Rinpoche. Was he just joking around? I would like to know his creditials and validity. Besides that, I wanted to know the process of becoming a monk at Kechara. Can I immediately become one? Or is it a lengthy process. What questions would be asked in order for me to become a monk?
Dear Anonymous,
Thank you for your question. Tsem Rinpoche often used to joke about this. Actually, this joke was Rinpoche’s way of being humble. Humility is a key to practice, especially within our Gelug tradition.
Rinpoche was in fact recognised as a tulku by many high lamas and formally enthroned on May 31, 1990 at Gaden Shartse Monastery in South India. This is all recorded down in Rinpoche’s biographies, with pictures, etc. You can read more here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/me/tsem-rinpoches-inspiring-biography-now-in-ebook-format.html
Becoming a monk in Kechara is not an immediate process. Tsem Rinpoche was quite strict when it came to those who want to be ordained, as Rinpoche had seen many people take ordination and then give back their vows later on, because they decided that the ordained life was not for them. So, Rinpoche created a system of ‘Sangha-to-be’ Pastors in Kechara. These people aspire to be monks or nuns, and hold lay vows and have various duties within the organisation, as well as their own individual practice. They train to live like they are ordained so they understand what the life of a monk or nun actually is. After a couple of years, once they are ready, then they can apply to become ordained.
Hope this helps to answer your question.