Meeting Rinpoche 20 Years Ago

By | Apr 3, 2017 | Views: 1,974

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Early Life 

My name is Chia Song Peng. I was born to a large family of 10 siblings in a small village in Johor called Muar. My family were very simple people. My mother worked hard to keep the family fed, tending to the farm that belonged to my father’s family while my father worked in Singapore for long periods of time.

Much of my childhood was influenced by the care of my grandfather, my mother and my siblings. It was my grandfather who took on the role of teaching me to read and disciplining me when I was mischievous. My father played very little role in my life and usually came home only during Chinese New Year, to my grandfather’s displeasure. My grandfather was a strict, traditional Chinese man. However, seeing how dedicated my mother was to the family, he left all his wealth and property to her and my elder brothers after he passed away; a very rare occurrence in a Chinese family.

I remember a tough but joyful childhood with my family. We were very poor, so poor that my mother’s hard work could barely put food on the table for everyone. We reached the point that my parents considered giving a few of us up for adoption. I was told that when I was five years old, I was supposed to be adopted by my childless uncle, but I refused to go as I was old enough to know that he was not my parent. While I was never very close to my father due to him always being in Singapore, my brothers were loving and kind. They were the father I never had.

When you’re born into a family such as mine, tending to the farm is the norm. I started helping my mother pick vegetables from a very young age. We would wake up at dawn and head out to the farm when the time is right for picking. When I was in Primary 4, I got my first paid job to earn my own pocket money. My mother was an incredible woman who I admire and love very much and I just couldn’t bear to see her working so hard for so many years. I felt that as a son, I should lessen her burden by earning what little I could at that time, instead of taking pocket money from the family.

Time passed quickly and I soon graduated from high school (Form 5). At that time, my best friend and I received sponsorship to further our studies in Singapore in an Engineering course. Both of us left for Singapore and enrolled in college. However, it wasn’t long before I decided to quit my studies and enter the job market. I found that engineering was not my interest, and on top of that my poor command of English made it very difficult for me to catch up with my classmates. So I dropped out of college and took up a job just to earn money.

A few years passed and my best friend graduated from college and landed a great job that paid well. I was so happy for him; after all we grew up together in the same village. It was a great joy to see someone I personally know from my hometown having a bright future ahead of him. However, no one could predict that just months after graduating, he would get into a fatal motor accident and pass away.

 

Turning Point

My friend’s sudden death shocked me greatly, although I didn’t realise until later just how much his passing impacted my life. Whilst I previously had a nonchalant approach to life, his death made me begin to examine my life and I realised that I didn’t want to live a meaningless existence.

A few weeks after that, I quit my first job at which I had been working for a few years, and took up a job that I knew absolutely nothing about, to be a chef. I thought that this was the first step to live a more challenging life, to engage in something with the reward of new experiences and skills, and at the same time have a secure job. After all, a chef is highly employable.

Having no culinary experience except for some exposure to the industry as my father and brothers were chefs, I started in the lowest kitchen position – an assistant chef. What I thought would be a new exciting experience ended up being a repetitive job that involved killing fish every single day. Of course, it was not something that I enjoyed doing but at that time, I did not think too much about it. It was just part of the job and a step towards my goal of being a chef.

I was satisfied with my new job. I made many new friends and I knew I had a good future ahead. Everything went smoothly until one day, one of the restaurant’s chefs failed to turn up for work after visiting his hometown for the weekend. We were worried and soon found out he was in a coma due to a terrible accident.

We barely knew each other but I felt the need to offer my help. I remembered my neighbour, Ms. K, talking about a monk who helped her paralysed husband regain mobility. Thinking that there was no harm trying, I contacted my neighbour, explained the situation to her and requested her to ask for help, all of which she kindly did.

I received a reply and instructions on how I could help my colleague. According to the monk, who I was told was a master of divination, my colleague’s consciousness was wandering outside his body. This was the cause of his coma. I was told to recite Green Tara’s mantra and to call for my friend’s consciousness to return to his physical body. At that time, I had no idea what a mantra was. Although I was a Buddhist and had some interest in the subject, my exposure and knowledge of Buddhism was limited. However, with faith in this monk whom I had never met, I pocketed the paper with the mantra written on it and took a bus to Johor Bahru to visit my colleague in the hospital.

When I arrived, my colleague’s mother was in his room. By that time, he had been in a coma for a week. I introduced myself and told her I had received some instructions from a Tibetan Buddhist monk to help her son. We chanted the mantra together. My colleague’s mother was illiterate so she just followed my lead as best as she could. Not knowing how many times we should chant, we just continued until we felt it was enough. I can’t remember exactly how long we chanted, maybe about an hour or two. After the visit, I returned to Singapore.

The next day or perhaps the day after, I received news that my colleague had woken up from his coma. At that time, I thought, Wow! The mantra is effective and the monk’s diagnosis of my colleague’s condition was accurate. To soothe my worries, I made another trip to Johor that weekend. There, I was told that he had suffered a serious head injury which caused memory loss, and could not recognise anyone except for his mother. When I entered the room, his mother asked her son if he remembered me. To our surprise, not only did he recognise me but he even remembered my name! He could only remember the two people who had chanted Green Tara’s mantra when he was in a coma… I was surprised and thought, this couldn’t be just a coincidence!

I returned to Singapore that day with a happy heart. Although my colleague’s injuries were severe and half his body was paralysed along with a broken arm and leg, I was nonetheless happy that he was on the road to recovery.

 

Meeting the Lama

Although I had received help from the Tibetan Buddhist monk, I had never met him face to face. That all changed when the monk, His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche, decided to visit Singapore before returning to Gaden Monastery in India.

At that time, I was living in a three-bedroom HDB flat with my sister and her husband. Our neighbour, Ms K, had been tasked to arrange for Rinpoche’s stay. She approached my sister to ask if she could rent two rooms in our apartment for Rinpoche’s assistants, to which my sister happily agreed. A few days before Rinpoche and his assistants arrived, we spring cleaned the apartment and emptied out the two rooms.

I remember sitting in my sister’s living room when Rinpoche first arrived around mid July 1997. Rinpoche visited my sister’s apartment briefly to check out the rooms prepared for his assistants, making sure that they had everything they needed for their short stay in Singapore. It was my first time seeing Rinpoche in person, and the first thing that struck me was Rinpoche’s physique. I had never seen anyone so tall in my life! I had also developed a preconceived notion about Rinpoche – that he was clairvoyant, so I had better keep my thoughts in check when I was in his presence!

The meeting was brief, just a smile and exchange of greetings, after which Rinpoche retired to his room in Ms. K’s apartment. People often ask me what my first impression of Rinpoche was. Based on that first encounter with Rinpoche in that apartment, I always say that Rinpoche is a caring person, as he took care of the people around him and put others’ needs before himself.

My sister was later gifted with three photos of Tibetan Buddhist high lamas – H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama, H.E. Kensur Jampa Yeshe and H.E. Lati Rinpoche. Rinpoche said,

“It is important to put photos of high lamas in our homes, because that way we make a karmic connection with them to meet them in the future.”

When Rinpoche arrived in Singapore, I was still working for the restaurant and, in the absence of my colleague, had been promoted to the position of chef by default. Working for a restaurant meant long hours and hard work – many people do not realise how much time it takes to prepare their meals. On a daily basis, I would leave my sister’s house as early as 8am and return home after 11pm. I thought my working hours were long but I was wrong. I would soon discover a person who worked longer hours than I could imagine, and he was not even paid to do so.

The very next day after Rinpoche arrived, people started flocking to Ms K’s apartment even before I left for work. I peeped in that morning and saw many people sitting in hall, waiting for their turn for an audience with Rinpoche. That night, when I returned after 11pm, Rinpoche was still engaged in audiences.

During those three to four weeks, Ms K’s and my sister’s apartment doors were rarely closed. The sheer number of people that came in and out, and the need for Rinpoche’s assistants to run back and forth between the two apartments would have made locking the doors very impractical.

Although Rinpoche was staying just next door and so many activities were going on in both apartments, my daily routine remained unchanged. I felt like a ghost standing in the middle of a busy street in Tokyo. Rinpoche’s assistants were constantly buzzing around, attending to Rinpoche’s instructions and personal needs. However, they occasionally had some free time especially when Rinpoche was engaged in a long audience, and it was during this time that I befriended them and got to know more about them as well as Rinpoche. It got to a point when I felt very comfortable around them and knowing how busy they always were, I volunteered to help in whatever way I could.

The number of people that came to seek audience with Rinpoche was incredible, especially for a relatively young and unknown monk. I would say that 99% of the people who came had major problems in their lives. After all, this is samsara and we are all trapped with myriad problems whether we realise it or not. The majority of the time, people came to seek advice for personal problems revolving around family or business matters.

However, there were also genuine cases which could only be resolved with divine assistance, for instance, spirit possessions. I never saw how Rinpoche exorcised spirits, but I saw a struggling lady forcefully carried into Rinpoche’s audience room by a few people. Her facial expression was inhuman, presumably possessed by a harmful being that caused her to inflict self-harm. While the possessed woman was in the room, I heard Rinpoche shouting repeatedly at the top of his lungs “GET OUT! GET OUT!” It was so loud that I could hear Rinpoche’s voice from my sister’s apartment. The young woman later walked out of Ms K’s apartment and as she stood at the corridor, she called her mother to inform her that she was fine.

 

Receiving Vajrasattva

With so much activity going on between the two apartments, I became curious. One day, after I had returned from work and showered, I decided to hang out in Ms K’s apartment for a while to see what exactly was going on.

It was past midnight when the last guest finally left and Rinpoche’s assistants rushed to serve dinner. Again, due to his tight schedule and the need to meet people, Rinpoche would often skip meals to help these individuals who came all the way to receive divination and spiritual advice.

As Rinpoche’s assistant went in through the open door, I caught a glimpse of Rinpoche from the hall. I didn’t meant to peep! It was just curiosity and perhaps reflex that my eyes followed the activity in the house.

The first gift I ever received from Rinpoche was a picture of Vajrasattva and his holy practice

The first gift I ever received from Rinpoche was a picture of Vajrasattva and his holy practice

Rinpoche must have seen me sitting in the hall too, and when his assistant exited the room, he passed me a Buddha image. I had never seen this Buddha before; he was definitely not Shakyamuni which was the only Buddha I was familiar with at the time. I asked “Who is this?” and Rinpoche’s assistant said he didn’t know.

After dinner, Rinpoche walked out of the room with two large bags filled with assorted fruit. We all stood up as a sign of respect when Rinpoche entered the hall and when Rinpoche saw me, he said cheerfully, “Oh you’re here! This is for you”. Rinpoche handed me one of the bags; inside there were easily 40 to 50 fruits which had been offered to Rinpoche that day.

Rinpoche sat with us in the hall and I finally got the chance to meet this mysterious divination master. We talked for a while and Rinpoche asked me to share my story, so I told Rinpoche about my life and career. After chatting for some time, Rinpoche asked me an unexpected question. “Have you ever thought of being a monk?”

The question caught me off guard but it reminded me of how I was inspired to become a monk after watching a TV program about the Buddha’s Enlightenment when I was still in school. I felt so drawn to it that I thought to myself, “I want to be just like that when I grow up.” So, I knew the answer to Rinpoche’s question but when?  “Yes, I do think of being a monk, but not at this very moment,” I replied after thinking briefly.

Rinpoche smiled and seemed happy with my reply. “Good, when the time comes, you will be a monk,” Rinpoche said.

Due to the nature of my job as a chef which involved a lot of killing, Rinpoche introduced me to the practice of Vajrasattva. He explained the practice and mantras in a very simple way so that I, a beginner in Buddhism, could understand. Later, Rinpoche instructed his attendant to bring him a statue. It was so oxidised you could barely recognise what Buddha it represented.

Rinpoche showed me the statue and said,

“This is Vajrasattva. I want you to polish this statue and as you remove the dirt, recite his long mantra and visualise that all of your negative body karma is being stripped off as well. Once you’re done, bring it back to me and I will bless the statue for you.”

Although it was my first time receiving spiritual advice, I did not find the instructions strange. After all, I had enough Buddhist imprints to understand that there were benefits to symbolically bathing a Buddha statue. I happily accepted the task and soon found out that it was not easy to polish a severely oxidised statue! It took me three weeks to complete the polishing.

 

Taking Refuge

Engaging in purification practice within Tibetan Buddhism requires us to apply the Four Opponent Powers. In order to do that, one needs to take refuge with a qualified Buddhist teacher to enter the path of Dharma. I did not find it unusual that I needed purification practices. My job involved killing animals and anyone with a sound spiritual foundation would acknowledge the negativity of such actions. Thus, it was only natural that purifying these negativities was essential for my spiritual path.

When I learned the requirements, I requested Rinpoche to take him as my Lama. In fact, I was excited to have Rinpoche as my teacher after seeing so many people receive Rinpoche’s effective spiritual assistance. But Rinpoche knew I was an infant when it came to Buddhism and that I had no idea what Taking Refuge with a Guru is all about. I just thought it was a formal ceremony that makes you a Buddhist just like being baptised in church. Because of my lack of knowledge, Rinpoche told me to wait and later sent one of his assistants to give me a full explanation of what Taking Refuge is all about.

After I understood the meaning of Refuge, Rinpoche’s assistant said,

“Rinpoche has agreed to accept you as his student. But out of so many people who have met Rinpoche, you’re the only one taking refuge! You’re the only one that’s going to take refuge with Rinpoche.”

When I heard that, I thought perhaps it would be better to wait for more people so that we could do the Refuge ceremony together. After all, Rinpoche was so busy and I didn’t want to inconvenience him just for one person. I expressed this to Rinpoche’s assistant but received the reply, “Rinpoche said if you’re not interested in Taking Refuge, then you don’t need to.”

I felt my stomach fall to the floor and quickly said, “No, that’s not what I meant. Of course I want to Take Refuge.”

“So you want to Take Refuge?” the assistant asked.

“Yes,” I replied firmly.

A day was set and of the many people in attendance, only three people received permission to Take Refuge with Rinpoche.

 

The First Dharma Teaching

Rinpoche’s initial plan was just to stop in Singapore for a while, but the stay was unexpectedly extended. Due to this, Rinpoche decided to give a Dharma talk each weekend. A total of three Dharma talks were organised and I attended all of them. The Dharma talks were scheduled on weekends to allow more people to attend. As the host, Ms K arranged everything, from planning the dates to inviting the attendees.

In the early days, Rinpoche was very much like a wandering monk. As he wasn’t affiliated with any Dharma centre in Singapore and the plan to give Dharma talks came up so suddenly, it was decided that the teachings were to be held in my sister’s apartment, as it was the larger of the two.

The day before the teachings, we would be busy setting up the two apartments for the Dharma talk. We moved all the furniture in my sister’s home to one corner so that there would be space for people to sit. We also arranged some chairs at the back for the elderly and even had a video camera hooked up to a live feed in Ms K’s apartment, just in case attendance exceeded our expectations.

The first Dharma teaching I received from Rinpoche was about ‘Death, the Process of Death and Impermanence’. I still remember vividly how packed my sister’s apartment was as people started pouring into the rooms and Ms K’s house due to a lack of space in the hall. However, I was lucky and got to sit near Rinpoche where I could listen to the talk clearly, uninterrupted. We had only spread the news of Rinpoche’s Dharma talk by word of mouth, so the large turnout was unexpected. More than 100 people had come for the talk! Thinking back, we were so naïve and at the same time lucky. We had absolutely no idea that such large gatherings were ‘illegal’! Thank goodness we had understanding neighbours that did not put up a fuss.

The Dharma talk blew my mind away; Rinpoche described the process of death so clearly. For most of us, death is just about a missing heartbeat, but there is so much more to it when explained in a spiritual sense. It was during this talk that I realised I was still holding on to my friend’s death which happened over a year ago. I was still bitter about losing my best friend because I failed to understand the nature of impermanence and that death is not the end.

I felt a huge burden lifted off my shoulders. Who would have thought that understanding just a little about death could bring so much relief? We often think that listening to such a morbid topic will leave us heavy and depressed but in truth, it is the exact opposite.

This Dharma talk was one of the most important moments in my life as it shaped the decisions I made and gave me a strong conviction of how Dharma could help relieve the sufferings of others when delivered skilfully.

 

Heading to India

A few days before Rinpoche was scheduled to leave Singapore, Rinpoche asked me if I would like to visit his monastery. I was taken aback by the question as it came so suddenly. In my mind, I wanted to follow Rinpoche but at the same time I had other responsibilities. I answered, “I don’t know…”

Rinpoche must have realised my inner conflict so he advised me, “If you want to go to Gaden, make a prayer.” Which I did.

Not having time to waste, I went to my manager the next day to apply for leave. He asked the basic questions that any employer would ask and I said “I’m going for a pilgrimage to India for about two weeks”. Immediately my manager said “No,” and a long debate began.

“Why not? I still have leave that was brought forward from last year.” But he said I could not bring it forward.

“How about I take two weeks of unpaid leave?” Still, my manager refused to budge. So I played my ultimate card.

“If that’s the case, then I’ll resign!” Incredibly, my manager said I could not resign! I couldn’t believe my ears. I was getting desperate because I truly wanted to follow Rinpoche to Gaden. I had just met my Guru and I couldn’t bear to be separated from him so soon just because of my job. Knowing that Rinpoche would be leaving Singapore soon left me with deep sadness (for lack of a better word), and I didn’t want this new-found spiritual journey of mine to hit a roadblock so I was determined to go. I collected myself and attempted once again to reason with my unreasonable manager.

“On what conditions would you allow me to leave? I have already made up my mind to go to India.” At this, knowing that I’d be going either way, my manager softened up and allowed me to go on the condition that my salary would be held back and I gave him a $1,000 deposit, which I could get back when I returned to Singapore.

I agreed to the terms, paid the $1,000, put my resignation letter on his desk and happily waltzed back home to pack for my first ever pilgrimage to India. Along with some clothes and necessities, I brought with me my newly polished Vajrasattva statue that Rinpoche had gifted me. Rinpoche had told me to bring it to India and that he would request Kensur Rinpoche to bless the statue. I was eager to meet Kensur Rinpoche as Rinpoche had been telling us how great his Guru was. Rinpoche’s care and appreciation for his teachers left a deep impression on me.

The next time I saw Rinpoche was when we were about to take off. One of Rinpoche’s assistants, Irene, came up to me and asked “So, you’ve resigned. Rinpoche said if that’s the case, you can stay in India longer.” I asked “How long?” but I never got a reply.

There were 17 of us travelling with Rinpoche to India on that trip. We couldn’t get a direct flight to Hubli so we landed at Mumbai and from there, took local transportation to Gaden Shartse. It was a tedious and tiring 26-hour journey and by the time we arrived at the monastery, we were drained and had not slept for two days. The first thing that crossed our minds was to take a shower and sleep!

Rinpoche took one look at us and said, “We’ve reached a holy place. This is Lama Tsongkhapa’s monastery. Before you enter, set a good motivation and make three prostrations.” The mood changed immediately and everyone was reminded of why we were there in the first place.

As I stepped into the monastery grounds, I felt that I had come home.

 

Tsem Ladrang in Gaden

Sponsors and students escorting Rinpoche back to Gaden Monastery in India.

Sponsors and students escorting Rinpoche back to Gaden Monastery in India.

Rinpoche brought us to his house, Tsem Ladrang, in Gaden. I was told that the house was built and offered to Rinpoche by his father. Rinpoche lived in a small room as he had offered the best one to his Guru, Kensur Rinpoche.

The news of Rinpoche’s return to Gaden spread quickly amongst the monastic community and villages alike. For the next three days, throngs of villagers came to the Ladrang to greet Rinpoche. From the number of visitors, I realised that Rinpoche was a beloved and respected Lama in the community. They brought with them a variety of offerings, coconuts, fruits, etc. which meant a lot knowing how poor they were. Not long after Rinpoche’s return, the Abbot of Gaden Shartse Monastery also visited Rinpoche in Tsem Ladrang.

When the Abbot arrived, every single monk in the Ladrang disappeared. According to Tibetan tradition, one does not crowd around a high lama (unless it is an official ceremony) as a sign of respect and reverence. At the time, I was new to Tibetan Buddhism and barely understood monastic hierarchy or protocols. So, although it did strike me as odd that the monks went into hiding, I did not think much of the fact that the Abbot came to visit a Lama who had just returned.

Rinpoche was very well known and loved by the Tibetan refugees in India

Rinpoche was well known and beloved by the Tibetan refugees in India

It was only later after learning more about monastic protocol did I realise that this was outside the norm. The Abbot had made an exception because he was extremely pleased that Rinpoche had been raising funds to help the monastery, Sangha, khangtsens and even the Tibetan refugee camps, and he knew that Rinpoche was extremely busy. Observing such events in Rinpoche’s life gave me much insight into his selfless deeds which, out of humility, were rarely spoken about.

It was also during this visit that the monks of Gaden offered a Long Life puja (tenshug) to Kensur Rinpoche. Simple explained, the offering of tenshug is the epitome of one’s filial piety towards one’s spiritual father. It was a grand and elaborate puja which Rinpoche had planned for months, not just the preparations but also finding the sponsorship for the expenses.

Kensur Rinpoche had been quite ill in previous years, so the offering of tenshug was very timely. Prior to visiting Gaden, I had only heard about Kensur Rinpoche through Rinpoche, who had nothing but praise for this great scholar. When I finally had the chance to meet Kensur Rinpoche for the first time, I was overwhelmed with emotion. I firmly believe that a great being’s energy and motivation can affect the people around them, and that was exactly how I felt in his presence. It was difficult not to be moved to tears in the presence of this elderly high lama who radiated compassion.

A group photo with Khensur Rinpoche after the Tenshug ceremony

A group photo with Kensur Rinpoche after the tenshug ceremony

I felt truly fortunate to be present during the tenshug puja. The ceremony went smoothly and during the completion of the religious rites, Kensur Rinpoche wore his pandit’s hat. Remembering what Rinpoche had told me previously, that when the lama wears the pandit’s hat he represents the founder of our lineage, Lama Tsongkhapa, I made a wish that my parents too could have the fortune to meet the Dharma in this lifetime.

After 10 days, most of the people who came with us to Gaden had returned to Malaysia and Singapore. Rinpoche was still busy most of the time but he kept me occupied, giving me instructions to do my meditations with Kensur Rinpoche whenever I had time.

I would wake up early in the morning and enter Kensur Rinpoche’s room at around 5.30 am to meditate. Kensur Rinpoche hardly slept and whenever I entered the room in the wee hours of the morning, he would already be deep in meditation. So I would sneak in quietly, make three prostrations and hide in a corner of the room to do my meditations and prayers. Rinpoche would also assign spiritual practices for us to do for the rest of the day. Because we were so new, we were asked to do the preliminary practices in Tibetan Buddhism. Every day we would do thousands of water offerings at the shrine in Rinpoche’s Ladrang and make hundreds of prostrations outside Kensur Rinpoche’s room.

A month went by very quickly and it was time to return home. I had left Singapore in such a hurry that there were many loose ends I needed to tie up, especially since I had quit my job abruptly. Going to the monastery was one of the best decisions I had made so far. It totally changed the way I looked at my life and I was left with a sense of peace.

 

Return to Singapore

When I returned to Singapore in September 1997, the first thing I had to do was to cancel my work permit. I had resigned from the restaurant but they were keen to re-employ me as their new branch would be opening the following year. I thought to myself, why not?

I had a few months on my hands until I started my new job and I was excited to spend it all on Dharma activities. Back in Gaden, one of the projects that Rinpoche was occupied with was opening a new Dharma centre with a few Singaporeans. Rinpoche had also found a big sponsor to build a proper ladrang for Kensur Rinpoche. Rinpoche did so much work simultaneously but of course at that time we knew nothing about it; only with the passing of time did we see the fruits of Rinpoche’s labour.

By the time I got back to Singapore, they had already formed a committee and found a place in Holland Village for the new Dharma centre. For the next two months, we renovated the place so it would be ready before Rinpoche’s scheduled return on 31st December 1997.

While the committee did most of the paperwork such as registering a new Buddhist society, I did the physical labour in the centre. Painting the walls, moving furniture, cleaning and setting up the new centre was more my forte.

Rinpoche arrived at midnight and brought with him many sets of Lama Tsongkhapa and sons as gifts for the new centre. There were so many items and I have no idea how Rinpoche managed all of it by himself. We were so glad to finally have a centre, a proper place where Rinpoche could teach the Dharma. Gone were the days when we had to cram 100 people into two apartment units. Now that we had a centre, Rinpoche no longer needed to stay in Ms K’s house because three rooms were sectioned off for Rinpoche and his assistants.

The altar in our centre in Singapore, and the many Lama Tsongkhapa and sons statues brought by Rinpoche from India

The altar in our centre in Singapore, and the many Lama Tsongkhapa and sons statues brought by Rinpoche from India

Under the circumstances, I ended up becoming Rinpoche’s unofficial attendant. My daily duties were to take care of Rinpoche’s needs such as preparing his food, drinks and taking care of the centre. As the work stretched around the clock, I temporarily lived in the centre’s second bedroom.

News of Rinpoche’s return to Singapore began to spread and very soon, more and more people were ringing us up to make an appointment to meet with Rinpoche. In a matter of days, Rinpoche needed an assistant or secretary to manage his daily itinerary, a task I could not manage at that point of time. Communicating with Rinpoche in English was already a daily challenge; arranging his schedule and communicating with sponsors and visitors would be even more difficult.

Being Rinpoche’s close aide is not a job for the faint of heart. You must be selfless in giving your time to help others, as Rinpoche does daily, and quick on your feet. You must be familiar with the various practices within the tradition and be able to contact the monasteries if pujas are needed. Documenting each individual case is also essential, so that the advice given is not forgotten and a point of reference is available in the event the petitioner needs more advice. On top of this, keeping in touch with sponsors and visitors is part of the job. These are but a few of the tasks shouldered by Rinpoche’s secretary. Needless to say, Rinpoche does even more than any of his assistants.

Although Rinpoche now had a centre and a group of committee members, the most essential component that would allow the Lama to function at full force was missing – a good, dedicated assistant. Fortunately, Rinpoche had a few close friends in Malaysia and started making phone calls to fill that gap.

The very next day an elderly lady arrived in Singapore; she was the person that Rinpoche had called. Mama Jen was a personal friend of Rinpoche’s and despite not being affiliated with the Dharma centre, she dropped everything she was doing and came to assist Rinpoche. She was one of the few students who had met and assisted Rinpoche during his first trip to South East Asia in the early 90s. I was relieved to hear that she had the required skills, exposure and knowledge to be a good assistant.

With the increasing activity in the centre, my work as Rinpoche’s attendant also changed. Oftentimes, Rinpoche would have audiences with guests until the wee hours of the morning. As I was the one who locked up at the end of each day, I would stay on until the last visitor left… whatever time that was. I would also prepare food and drinks not only for Rinpoche but for his guests as well, as some audiences would stretch for up to five to six hours over lunch or dinnertime.

Often, audiences would also last longer than predicted and later appointments would have to be cancelled or postponed, to their disappointment. People often wondered why Rinpoche spent so much time with his visitors. Shouldn’t they just get their divination or advice and be on their way? However, Rinpoche always used the small window of opportunity to instil some Dharma into the minds of the people he was meeting. Likely, Rinpoche knew that this could be the only time they’d encounter the Dharma.

There would also be days that were particularly hard on Rinpoche. After a stretch of long audiences, Rinpoche would fall ill due to lack of sleep and rest. Rinpoche often spent hours talking and convincing people why it was important for them to do a little Dharma practice to solve their problems. By the end of the day, Rinpoche’s jaws would be aching and I would give him a massage to relieve the numbness and pain. I saw how much effort Rinpoche put into each and every person who walked through the door, regardless of their background, status or situation. To this day, I have never seen anyone practice equanimity as perfectly as Rinpoche did.

Putting on Rinpoche's robes. Rinpoche took this photo and had it printed out for me. It has served as a good reminder of my motivation to take on the robes in the future.

Putting on Rinpoche’s robes. Rinpoche took this photo and had it printed out for me. It has served as a good reminder of my motivation to take on the robes in the future.

Most of the time, I would be hanging around outside the room, ready to attend to any requests from Rinpoche. People often shared very personal information with Rinpoche, so privacy and discretion was important. However, it was not always all about work and from time to time we would have precious moments to spend with Rinpoche. On one occasion, Rinpoche made me wear his robes! At that time, it was all fun and games and I did not give much thought to it. But in hindsight, that incident subconsciously strengthened my wish to be ordained.

Shortly after, the Malaysian Dharma centre moved to Sea Park. After the renovation was completed, Rinpoche was invited to the opening ceremony to consecrate the centre and to stay for the coming Chinese New Year celebrations. So, we only stayed in Singapore for a few weeks before heading up north to Malaysia. As Rinpoche’s personal attendant, I travelled with Rinpoche. It was my first time visiting Rinpoche’s Dharma centre in Kuala Lumpur. To be honest, I didn’t even know the centre existed until I met a few of its members in Gaden.

When we arrived, Rinpoche was greeted with great warmth and devotion from his students. We went for lunch together and everyone was “fighting” to be the one serving Rinpoche. I was so impressed to see such genuine students. After all, how we treat our teacher is a direct reflection of our respect for the Dharma.

 

New Year’s Eve

On the evening of Chinese New Year eve, while I was sitting idly in the middle of the centre’s hall, Rinpoche walked out of his room and looked around the centre.

“Where’s everyone?” Rinpoche asked, as he looked around for signs of people besides the two of us.

“I don’t know, Rinpoche,” I said.

It was getting dark, and for some unknown reason, the electricity had gone off. So we took out some candles to light up the hall and the bathroom as Rinpoche wanted to take a shower.

“I feel like I’m back in Mundgod! Except that I’m trapped in a centre with no lights and electricity,” Rinpoche said jokingly.

Logically, the centre should be buzzing with activity on the eve of Chinese New Year in preparation for the big day. However, Chinese New Year’s eve is also an important day for most Chinese as it is when all family members gather once a year for a grand feast. Year after year, Rinpoche would be left all alone on this day.

Rinpoche then suggested that we clean the altar and decorate the statues. From a cabinet, Rinpoche took out some clothes for the Buddhas called pangden and tule. The committee had been afraid to put the clothes on the Buddha images. Most Buddhists in Malaysia come from a Taoist background and there is strong superstition against touching deity statues for fear of offending them and causing misfortune for the family. Of course, this is a misconception.

“In the Tibetan tradition, we always make offerings to the Buddhas during the new year. During Chinese New Year, we wear new clothes so it would be nice if we offer new clothes to the Buddhas too!”

Rinpoche started to dress the Buddhas and even did some needlework to alter the clothes! It was during sessions like these that I learned a lot from Rinpoche, and on this particular occasion, I learned how to dress the Buddhas beautifully and how to set up altars.

Clothes for the Buddhas, personally fitted by Rinpoche.

Clothes for the Buddhas, personally fitted by Rinpoche.

I was also impressed and surprised that Rinpoche could do this type of menial work. It wasn’t something that most monks could do. People often have a misconception that monks can do anything related to spirituality but that is untrue. Rinpoche is special; he is incredibly artistic and over the years, I have seen how he uses this talent for Dharma.

Rinpoche then placed the offerings on the altar and cleaned the centre as preparation for the next day. In actuality, these are not the duties of the Lama but the duties of the students and Dharma centre. However, as with all things related to Buddhism, Rinpoche enjoyed making offerings to the Buddhas. After we completed the preparations, we had an early night to brace ourselves for the next day.

Early in the morning of the first day of Chinese New Year, hundreds of people poured into the centre to receive blessings from Rinpoche. In the Tibetan tradition, the first day of the new years is spent greeting and giving good wishes to our Guru. For the local Chinese however, it is auspicious to receive blessings for their family from a monk in order to have a good year ahead. Both Tibetans and Chinese spend their new year in the temple but the differences in their motivation tell us a lot about their priorities. Malaysia truly was a barbaric place in terms of Dharma.

The last audience ended at midnight. It had been a hectic day especially since there was only Mama Jen and myself assisting Rinpoche. Those early years were a huge struggle since Malaysian students did not know the proper protocol of assisting and greeting the Lama, including myself. It may seem simple to have the Lama come to the centre to teach and give blessings but in reality, there is a lot happening behind the scenes that normal students do not see.

The next day, we left for Singapore once again as Rinpoche needed to prepare for the Open Day in the Singapore Dharma centre. However, I only followed Rinpoche as far as Johor before parting ways, as I had to go back to my hometown and celebrate the remaining days of Chinese New Year with my family. At that point, I thought I had bid farewell to my Lama and that it was the end of my duties as Rinpoche’s attendant. To my delight, I was wrong!

I spent two days with my family whom I loved very much. Time went by very quickly and by the fourth day, I had to return to Singapore to prepare for my new job. I was scheduled to begin my role as chef in the new restaurant within the week. However, I wanted to go to the Dharma centre to assist Rinpoche for the open day. After experiencing the busy schedule in KL, I thought I should lend a helping hand as it would be equally busy in Singapore.

However, the New Year celebrations in the centre did not go as planned. When I entered, the centre was empty with only Rinpoche and a few members sitting in the audience room looking solemn. A monk that had come with Rinpoche from the monastery earlier that year had gone missing.

The young monk had misbehaved and was unhappy when he was reprimanded by Rinpoche. His disappearance was a problem and it worried Rinpoche very much. We had no idea what had happened to him. Did he run away? Did he take a walk and get kidnapped? Was he lost? These questions played in our heads. At the same time, we hoped that he was fine and unharmed.

Not knowing how else to locate him, Rinpoche did a divination and found out that he was in Malaysia. Due to this unforeseen situation, the Chinese New Year blessing in Singapore was cancelled and Rinpoche rushed back to Malaysia to search for the monk. Knowing that he was in Malaysia was a huge relief because it meant that someone we knew had snuck him away quietly.

I was told to follow Rinpoche back to Malaysia. My immediate thought was, “I just came back from Malaysia and now I’m going back?!” On top of that, I was supposed to start my new job the very next day! But Rinpoche was in a pinch and I couldn’t leave my Guru over such petty concerns. So once again, I forsook my job and followed Rinpoche to Malaysia.

When we arrived in the KL centre, Rinpoche started calling everyone he knew to find out if the monk was with them. After countless calls, we finally found him. Later that day, the monk returned to the centre and apologised to Rinpoche for his misbehaviour. Rinpoche was truly disappointed with both the monk and the student who took the monk away. Shortly after, we sent the monk back to the monastery.

It was only after this incident that Rinpoche recalled the advice given by Dorje Shugden in trance. You see, Rinpoche would consult the oracle for advice before bringing any monk abroad. In the case of this monk, Dorje Shugden had advised not to bring him along. However, as there were very few monks in Rinpoche’s Ladrang who could speak English, Rinpoche brought him anyway out of desperation. The result was a foregone conclusion.

 

Becoming Rinpoche’s Attendant

I still wonder how I ended up being Rinpoche’s attendant. I could hardly speak English! Yet, after the incident of the runaway monk, Rinpoche officially requested me to be his attendant. The possibility of my being Rinpoche’s attendant had been in my mind for some time but I never thought I was ready to take on the job. It was too important for someone like me to handle!

But at that time, we were in a situation where the vacancy had to be filled. And so, I placed my insecurities aside and took on the responsibility. To be honest, I really didn’t expect Rinpoche would stay in Malaysia long term. I thought that Rinpoche would return to India after completing his ‘work’ here, and then I could find myself another job. But of course, once again, nothing turned out as planned.

Working as Rinpoche’s attendant is not only serving Rinpoche, but who and what he represents. Rinpoche represents the monks of Gaden Shartse and all his work ultimately benefits the monastery and our lineage. It was a precious opportunity to fill such a role, but I would be lying if I said I had no concerns about doing Dharma work full time. After all, Dharma work was not even considered a career choice back then. One of my main concerns was about sending enough money back home to support my parents. On top of that, I was unsure of how much longer my savings could sustain me on this path. Still, my priority was to ensure Rinpoche received the help he needed and I figured I would work the rest out along the way. Fortunately, out of Rinpoche’s compassion, Rinpoche had found a kind benefactor to give me a modest salary.

Living in the centre was not an ideal situation. Just like in Singapore, Rinpoche would be left alone with his attendants unless the members needed some advice from him. The committee were also far from being a harmonious bunch. They would fight over small and petty issues such as whose car Rinpoche would ride in or who would sit next to Rinpoche, and Rinpoche being a Dharma teacher would be displeased with their attitudes that bring no benefit to their spiritual path.

The Dharma centre, a public place of worship, also provided zero privacy for Rinpoche. People would freely come and go on a daily basis, and some would even sneak into Rinpoche’s room to ‘have a chat’. The attendants were available 24/7 but at times had to go out to run errands and such situations became unavoidable.

Finally, a few of Rinpoche’s older students and friends who were not affiliated with the centre grouped their resources to rent a house for Rinpoche in Bangsar. At last, Rinpoche could have more privacy and not be hounded by the centre’s members at their convenience.

 

The Arrival of an Oracle

Gangchen Rinpoche and Tsem Rinpoche in Singapore

Gangchen Rinpoche and Tsem Rinpoche

Around the same time, Rinpoche invited one of his teachers, H.E. Gangchen Rinpoche to visit which he did and blessed the new Dharma centre in Singapore at Rinpoche’s request.

“In the future, among your students, an oracle will arise!” Gangchen Rinpoche said.

From that point onwards, Rinpoche instructed me to do the short Protector puja and make offerings a few times each day. In a matter of days, Ms K. started taking trance of our Dharma Protector.

It was a busy time for Rinpoche. A new oracle was a huge responsibility; what’s more Rinpoche had to juggle his Dharma centres and the students. Once Ms. K began taking trance, the Protector’s entourage would keep entering her body and she would lose control. It is the norm for an oracle-in-training to have the deities entering his/her body repeatedly, as this functions to clear the channels. However, what was happening to Ms K was too intense, so much so that she had not slept for days due to multiple trance sessions. At her breaking point, they rushed her to Kuala Lumpur to meet Rinpoche out of desperation.

When she arrived, she was brought to the hospital where she was sedated. As Ms K’s screams would echo throughout the neighbourhood when she was in trance, Rinpoche also sent me to reassure the neighbours and to let them know that everything was okay. At the same time, Rinpoche hastened his plans to send Ms K for proper training in the monastery, as it was not feasible to train her in an urban environment.

Due to her condition, training alone would be a challenge. Rinpoche foresaw this and assigned me to assist her throughout her training period. So I packed my bags and flew to India, this time with only Ms. K.

 

In India for the Second Time

Myself with the monks of Tsem Ladrang in Gaden Monastery

Myself with the monks of Tsem Ladrang in Gaden Monastery

We landed in Bangalore and waiting for us in the arrival hall were monks from the monastery. Back in those days, having a car or van was a luxury that the monastery couldn’t afford, so the monks had arrived much earlier by public transportation.

On this trip, Ms K and I had brought along RM50,000 in USD. They were funds that Rinpoche had raised for the monastery to build a water pump and upgrade a local refugee school. So the first thing we had to do before going to the monastery was to change it to the local currency.

Changing currency in India can be quite tricky. If you don’t know reliable money changers, you can end up losing a huge sum through incorrect exchange rates. This would have been very bad for us – every cent mattered as the money rightfully belonged to the monastery. Moreover, the sponsors had worked very hard to earn the money that they had entrusted us to bring to the monastery. Rinpoche himself also put in many hours to find the sponsorship, so we could not take this task lightly.

Fortunately, the monk who accompanied us knew the correct exchange rates for USD to INR. Unfortunately, he didn’t know a good money changer, and so we were brought to one who gave us a less than desirable rate. After some discussion, we decided it wasn’t worth changing the money there and left, which turned out to be a bad move.

As we walked down the busy streets of Bangalore, all of a sudden Ms K took trance, looked behind us, pointed to a few people and shouted “RUN!” I was shocked, why would our Protector ask us to run? I turned around and realised that a few men from the money changer had tailed us.

Ms K looked like she was hysterical. I was huffing and puffing, dragging our luggage as well as Ms K, who was twice my size. Although the Protector had told us to run, I could hardly go any quicker. I knew that there was no way we could outrun our pursuers and get back to the safety of our hotel, so we rushed into a nearby restaurant and sat there. The monk that had come with us quickly went back to the hotel to pack up our things and found a cab to take us to the train station. We were tailed all the way until we got on the train. I sighed with relief; even though we did not exchange the money in Bangalore, we could still do it in Hubli before we arrived in the monastery.

Later when I had a chance to speak to Rinpoche, I told him of our dreadful adventure. But instead of the sympathy I was expecting, all Rinpoche said was “Our Protector is truly great.” I was taken aback, but I understood later that Rinpoche was not worried as he had full confidence that our Dharma Protector would watch over us closely.

The rest of the trip was, fortunately, uneventful. We arrived in the monastery safely and distributed the offerings we brought according to Rinpoche’s instructions.

Rinpoche had given many instructions for the oracle-in-training including going to receive blessings from different lamas and doing various rituals. And because I was sent to look after her, I went through the same training and received all the blessings and initiations that Ms. K did.

 

Training with the Oracle

Myself with the great master Gen Nyima

Myself with the great master Gen Nyima

Ms K’s training began almost immediately after we arrived in the monastery. We visited various Lamas in the monastery as per Rinpoche’s instructions and received various blessings and practices from them.

One of the great masters from whom Rinpoche wanted us to receive daily blessings was Gen Nyima, a well known meditation master who was also a close friend of Rinpoche’s. During our time spent with Gen Nyima, he would mumble some words inaudibly, and Ms K would perform different mudras similar to the Buddhas’ iconography. I did not know what Gen Nyima was reciting but I guessed they were mantras. Sometimes Ms K would look like she was holding a sword or a book.

On a daily basis, Gen Nyima would perform a water blessing for the both of us, a ritual specifically designed to clear the psychic channels of the body. This is essential for an oracle as only with a clear psychic channel can trances proceed smoothly and the oracle speak clearly.

We also visited Kensur Rinpoche and received the necessary initiations to engage in extensive retreats. Receiving initiation from Kensur Rinpoche technically means that Rinpoche and I are Dharma brothers, as we have the same tantric teacher. However, Rinpoche will never be just a Dharma brother to me, as I have received so much and learnt so much from Rinpoche. For this reason, I have always viewed Rinpoche as my Root Guru, as spiritually I have benefited from Rinpoche the most.

Myself with my tantric master Khensur Rinpoche, from whom I received my Buddhist initiations

Myself with my tantric master Kensur Jampa Yeshe Rinpoche, from whom I received tantric initiations

One of the retreats we engaged in was a Lama Tsongkhapa retreat, where we were required to recite a minimum of 100,000 mantras. We estimated that it would take us at least two months to complete the retreat. The beginning was tough on Ms. K. Very often, her retreat sessions would be interrupted by sudden trances from the Dharma Protector and these took a toll on her both mentally and physically. By the time my own retreat had reached midpoint, Ms K could barely catch up with her mantra counts. It was a cause for concern so we contacted Rinpoche to explain our difficulties. We got the answer, “Request the Protector not to come too often.” We did as we were told and true enough, the Protector stopped taking trance and Ms K could proceed with her retreat with much ease.

The Karana Mudra

The Karana Mudra

Before we could finish our retreat, Rinpoche returned to the monastery with a group of students from Singapore and Malaysia. I remember walking by the river near Drepung Monastery with Rinpoche and the group. Around midnight, Ms. K spontaneously took trance of the Protector. She had a fierce look on her face and gestured with the Karana mudra (to ward off evil) towards the river.

It was eerie. As we huddled around Rinpoche, Rinpoche told us stories about the hauntings that had occurred by that river. Our fears heightened when we heard the engine of a passing car stall when it attempted to cross the bridge over the river. It felt like a horror film! Looking at our scared and worried faces, Rinpoche burst out laughing and said,

“Don’t worry, my Protector will never allow these malicious beings to harm any of us.”

It was also around this time that a monk from Rinpoche’s Ladrang was having medical problems. Through Ms. K, the Protector advised that he should seek medical attention in Singapore. I was concerned because I knew Ms. K was far from completing her mantra count and the whole purpose of us coming to the monastery was so that she could engage in these retreats. Not long after, Ms. K flew back to Singapore with the sick monk without completing her retreat. On the other hand, I continued doing my retreat sessions alone.

Two and a half months after I arrived in the monastery, I finally completed my retreat. I was then instructed to return to Singapore to assist Ms. K as Rinpoche was worried about her.

I lived in my sister’s apartment which made it easier for me to attend to Ms. K’s needs while taking care of my duties at the centre. Ms. K assured me that she was doing her retreats and other meditational practices as instructed by Rinpoche. Unlike in Gaden however, I couldn’t be with her all the time so I did not know for sure if she completed her practices. However, I hoped that her trust and faith in Rinpoche were strong enough to carry out the instructions fully.

 

The Oracle’s Robes

The oracle robes in Kechara at present day

The oracle robes in Kechara in the present day

Two months after I returned to Singapore, I received instructions to go abroad again. One of Rinpoche’s students had offered a larger premises in Geylang, Singapore to be turned into our new Dharma centre. Rinpoche had made plans to invite large statues for the new temple as well as a new set of oracle robes for Ms. K.

Together with one of Rinpoche’s new assistants, Ms L, we flew to South India where we had the oracle’s hat made and later travelled to North India, arriving in Delhi’s sweltering heat. Here, we visited factories that manufactured Buddha statues and ordered 10 three-foot statues to be brought back for our Dharma centres in Singapore and Malaysia. It was a tiring journey; we spent three days travelling by train as it was the cheapest mode of transportation.

Halfway through our stay in Delhi, we went north to Dharamsala at Rinpoche’s instruction. “Take a short break and go to Dharamsala. The weather is better further up north,” Rinpoche said. Rinpoche also advised me to make prayers and offerings for my parents whenever I visit monasteries. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned from Rinpoche over the years is to always focus out and care for others. Nurturing that selfless attitude starts by caring for the people closest to us, such as our parents and siblings.

When we returned to Delhi, we continued with our tasks. Ordering statues was just the beginning; searching for artists to paint the statues and tailors to sew the clothes was also in our bucket list. Anyone who has commissioned work from India will know of the potential problems if things are not well planned and fees are not mutually agreed upon.

After a long day of haggling, walking and talking, we returned as usual to our hotel in Delhi. That day however, things were different. The receptionist handed me a fax; it was from Singapore. My father had been diagnosed with 4th stage lung cancer.

The message left me with a heavy heart. Rinpoche had on countless occasions advised me to do more Dharma work to dedicate the merits to my father. Even Kensur Rinpoche had pulled me closer and told me to do Dharma and dedicate the merits to him; this happened right before I left Gaden on my first trip. I believe that both Rinpoche and Kensur Rinpoche knew through their clairvoyance that my father’s time in this world was short and wanted him to get the most out of it through me.

My father had not been well for the last few months. Prior to my trip to India, I brought him to the hospital for a check-up but left before the results were out. My siblings and I had also convinced our 70-year-old father to retire and return home to Johor, which he reluctantly did after the check-up. More recently when Ms. K took trance, the Protector told me to bring my parents into the Dharma especially my father. I had my suspicions that my father would have difficulties as there were so many signs. I just did not expect it to happen in a matter of months.

Everyone in the family knew the test results but did not know how to break the news to my father. At the same time, my father wanted me to return to Singapore and go with him to the hospital to get the results.

I called Rinpoche who was in Gaden. Telecommunication in India then was expensive and unreliable. The line was constantly disrupted but left with little choice, it was the fastest way of communicating besides telegram. Rinpoche immediately told me to pack my bags and return to Johor to care for my sickly father, the sooner the better. So I did. Later I received very detailed instructions on how to care for my father in a letter from Rinpoche. I took the earliest flight to Singapore the next day and arrived at my family home in Johor that night itself.

 

Spending Time with Dad

If you ask me what I had in common with my father, I would probably say our DNA. I hardly knew him as he was rarely present during my formative years. I remember Rinpoche asking me about my family and although I thought my father’s absence never affected me, that conversation revealed that I did have some bitterness and resented my father for his absence.

Rinpoche taught me to forgive and I am thankful for that as it was an important step in learning how to let go of disappointments and sadness. My father was wrong but it did not really matter anymore. I would think of the many lonely and difficult years my mother had to endure without much support, yet she stood by loyally and loved him till the end. I’m sure he was a good man in his own way, though I never got to see that side of him.

When I arrived at the hospital, it was clear that I would have to be the one to break the bad news to my father. As a 4th stage lung cancer patient in the 1990s, the doctor predicted that he only had six months to live at most. I was shocked; I didn’t expect him to have so little time left. My father had not even begun to enjoy retirement and he was already knocking on death’s door.

With my father’s medical report in hand, I travelled back to Johor to meet my father. How do you tell someone you care about that they’re going to die? I had no idea then and even today, I still can’t figure out what you can say to make the news more palatable. But regardless of how I felt, it was something that needed to be said and I broke the news as gently as I could.

Of course, like anyone finding out that they are going to die in a few months time, my father became very upset and worried. I also found out from my aunt that my father had deep regret and guilt for the many years he had been absent from our lives. Being the youngest child in the family, my father was particularly concerned about me. Perhaps due to this reason, he was not always supportive of my choice to pursue the Dharma.

“Why are you following a monk around? You should be working and saving up money to have a proper life!” He had once expressed such sentiments but did not pry further. In some ways, my father’s absence in my life was helpful because he would comment here and there, but never object strongly.

A few days after learning of his prognosis, my father asked me to contact Rinpoche so that he could Take Refuge. I was surprised; my father was a Buddhist but he was hardly a practitioner. Visiting temples on special occasions was the extent of his devotions.

I contacted Rinpoche and immediately, Rinpoche did some divinations for my father.

“He has a strong affinity with Medicine Buddha. Have him Take Refuge in Medicine Buddha, it will benefit him.”

Rinpoche then explained to me in great detail how to assist my father to take refuge; from setting up the altar, explaining the meaning of refuge, the vows he should take and also the practices he should engage in until the end of his life.

The refuge ceremony was arranged immediately, and there in front of the holy image of Medicine Buddha, my father took refuge and confessed all his negative actions through applying the practice of the Four Opponent Powers. I found out then that my father had been praying to Medicine Buddha all his life, as the central Buddha in the temple he frequented was this healing Buddha.

From that day forward, my father engaged in mantra recitations. Although he prayed profusely to the Medicine Buddha, his physical condition deteriorated very quickly. His body was beyond help; however he received tremendous spiritual healing. I witnessed my father’s mind strengthen as the days passed. His initial fears, anger and worries disappeared. Instead of worrying about the inevitable, he spent the remainder of his time preparing for death through spiritual practice. Eventually, he had to live on respiratory support and totally lost the ability to speak, but he continued to chant the mantras silently. Our family members were also very supportive and made offerings to the Buddhas and chanted mantras for our father daily.

A few weeks after, I received a call from Singapore that the statues we ordered from Delhi had arrived. I was torn between taking care of my father and receiving the new statues. However, I did not want to abandon my responsibilities at the centre. So I travelled to Singapore and left the care of my sickly father to my nine other siblings, hoping that I would only be gone for a few days.

Receiving the statues was quickly dealt with, but the preparations for the statues were a different matter entirely. We called all our members to volunteer and spent the next few days rolling mantras and organising the consecration.

I had initially planned to oversee the invitation of the new statues to our new centre in Singapore, but my trip was unexpectedly detoured to the centre in KL. There, we held a relatively large gathering where Ms. K took trance of our Dharma Protector who then blessed the centre and also consecrated the new statues.

As I stood next to the oracle in trance, assisting with the session along with other members of the Dharma centre, the Protector looked at me and asked, “Why are you still here? You are supposed to take care of your father!”

The Protector then took a packet of loose incense, blessed it and handed it to me.

“Go back now! When the time comes, recite my name and I will come and take him.”

I wasted no time, and went straight back to my family home in Johor. The Protector must have known that my father’s time was very short. Two weeks after I returned, my father passed away.

It’s ironic that I spent the most time with my father during the period when he was dying. Taking care of a terminally ill patient is a round the clock responsibility, and that was what I did. As the days passed, I could see my father slowly fading away. Occasionally, he would lose consciousness and be in a coma-like state.

Two days before his passing, all my relatives gathered at my father’s house. They had heard the news that my father would not live much longer and wanted to see him one last time before it was too late. I was worried that my father would be weak that day as he had been showing signs of extreme fatigue. Surprisingly, he was wide awake and looked incredibly well for a terminally ill person.

I had been trying to get my father involved with Dharma practice for many months now, but who would have guessed that it was illness that triggered him to start practicing Dharma? Although the duration of his practice was short, I noticed many positive changes. It was very nice to see my father chatting happily with the rest of the family. We all knew it was the last time we would meet in this life, and knowing this gave some the courage to enjoy every second of these precious moments, while for others it was almost impossible to contain their grief.

That evening when everyone was supposed to return to their respective homes, it was quite apparent that they were all reluctant to do so. Looking at his relatives, my father said with a big smile, “Don’t worry about me! I have taken refuge in the Buddha, I will be fine.” I was surprised that my father was in such a positive state of mind even in the face of death. Just less than two months after becoming a real Buddhist practitioner, he gained so much peace of mind, something that not everyone can achieve even after a lifetime of practice. As I watched the people who came to comfort my dying father be comforted by my father instead, I felt deep gratitude for Rinpoche’s help and advice. My faith in the Dharma strengthened as I saw clearly what a sincere practitioner can achieve with only a little bit of Dharma practice. That totally blew my mind away.

The next day, my father could no longer sit up or eat his meals. The following day, his condition worsened. I knew his time was close so I asked my sister-in-law to gather the siblings for the final vigil. I had given strict instructions in preparation for this moment and prohibited anyone from crying inside the room. A crying relative can be a bad distraction for one who is dying.

I held my father in my arms, feeling his long and heavy breaths grow scarce. I chanted Setrap’s mantra and kept reminding my father to think of Medicine Buddha. As the smoke from the burning incense was billowing, I felt a chill run down my spine and at that moment, I saw my father breathe his last. I think I must have held my father for two hours before he passed away.

I placed my father’s body respectfully on his bed and performed the funeral rites according to Rinpoche’s advice. I then made a call to Rinpoche to inform him about my father’s passing to which Rinpoche said, “Okay, we’re going to do a puja now.” I hung up after the short call and attended to the necessities of my father’s funeral.

Later that evening, Ms. K called to ask if everything was okay. It was during this conversation that she told me Rinpoche did a divination for my father and according to the results, my father had taken rebirth, this time as a female. I also learned that Rinpoche had just arrived in Singapore that day, and had just completed setting up the offerings when he received my call.

Everyone will have to face the inevitability of death someday. At the time of death, it doesn’t matter if you have millions of dollars in the bank or if you are surrounded by family and friends. None of these will ensure you a painless and peaceful death. But I believe my father had the best death possible and the great merits to pass away peacefully and to receive Rinpoche’s blessings and help.

 

Saying Goodbye

A picture of my father and elder sister

A picture of my father and elder sister

At that time, I still didn’t know much about Buddhism and about the 49-day bardo period that people go through after death before reincarnating into one of the six realms of samsara. But Rinpoche’s clear instructions and advice allowed everything to proceed smoothly for my family and most importantly, for my father. This incident not only gave me a chance to serve my father, but it also taught me how I could use the Dharma to help others.

Most of my family members were Taoists so we hired a local Taoist master for my father’s funeral rites. Through Rinpoche, we already knew that my father had taken rebirth in a new life so his funeral was more to help the living move on in his absence. Rinpoche had advised us to make prayers and offerings on behalf of my father so that he could accumulate merits for his next life. So, although we had hired the Taoist master to conduct the prayers, due to our blood connection with our father, it would be more effective if the family was involved in the prayers.

For this reason, I set up my own Buddhist altar and did pujas according to Rinpoche’s advice,

“Your karma with your father in this life has ended, but he is still your father. Do these pujas for him and dedicate the merits to his future life.”

I was initially worried that some family members would object. According to Chinese tradition, the funeral rites are a privilege usually reserved for the eldest son. However to my surprise, my brothers and the rest of the family were incredibly supportive and I was allowed to set up an additional Buddhist altar during the funeral. I am very glad that I was able to carry out Rinpoche’s advice without much dispute. Perhaps, seeing me care so closely for my father in the last two months of his life gave them the confidence that everything I did according to Rinpoche’s advice was 100% in the best interest of my father.

Looking back today on the events that took place in my life that year, I don’t know how I could or would have managed without Rinpoche. I still shudder at the thought of not being able to assist my father at the most important point of his life – his death – if I had not met Rinpoche just a year earlier. I am so glad that I had chosen the wiser path, a path that could bring benefit to my family in a deeper way. If I had to repeat everything, I would most certainly abandon my worldly job and choose to follow Rinpoche once again.

The funeral lasted for four days, after which I immediately made my way to Singapore to resume my duties as Rinpoche’s attendant after my long absence.

To be continued…
 

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Pastor Chia Song Peng
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About Pastor Chia Song Peng

Ordained in 2011, Pastor Chia has had a rich and varied Dharma career, holding core positions in the Kechara Paradise retail outlets, serving as Tsem Rinpoche's personal attendant and receiving initiations into higher yoga tantric practices. He has dedicated his life to befitting others through pujas, rituals, counselling and sharing his knowledge.
Pastor Chia Song Peng
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Latest posts by Pastor Chia Song Peng (see all)

23 Responses to Meeting Rinpoche 20 Years Ago

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  1. Jacinta Goh on Feb 12, 2021 at 1:39 am

    It’s the first day of Chinese New Year (Tibetan Losar). Just a while ago, families have gathered to enjoy their once a year reunion dinner. Somehow, this year the reunion was a bit different as Malaysia (as well as most of the world) is undergoing Covid 19 pandemic where strict rules. Anyway, that’s not what I wanted to share but rather to highlight what Pastor Chia has mentioned in this article with regards to New Year’s Eve.

    Somehow, I am always being reminded of how lonely Rinpoche was for not having reunion dinner. Thank you Rinpoche, thank you Pastor Chia, and especially those seniors in Kechara. Without your sacrifices, we won’t have KFR today. Thank you Rinpoche. The spiritual journey is indeed a long and lonely one but worth it.

  2. Meghna on May 19, 2020 at 5:17 am

    I was weeping throughout this.

    Incredibly touching, and so deep. Thankyou for writing this. Not only did I learn more about Rinpoche, I also learnt a lot about the incredible people in his life 🙂

  3. Steven on Jun 12, 2019 at 3:26 pm

    Reading your experience brought tears of beauty and devotion to my eyes. I deeply rejoice in your life of dharma.

    It is both beautiful and inspiring to read about your spiritual journey, the blessing of meeting and choosing to follow a precious guru, receiving and following up practices, advice. And finally to benefit others through dharma.

    This story has increased my faith in rinpoche, dharma and (his) sangha as well. I am glad you found all three jewels !

    Thank you so much for sharing

    Steven

  4. Jacinta Goh on Oct 4, 2017 at 9:31 pm

    Reading this for the second time is likened an energy booster for me. Thanks for the great details that Pastor has shared with us, especially the Protector’s part and how Rinpoche foresaw and managed everything from the beginning.

    Thanks again Pastor and yes, am still waiting and longing for Part 2 ?

  5. Joy on May 9, 2017 at 2:25 am

    I have been meaning to read this blog post by Pastor Chia and wow I am so glad I finally did! It was such a long read but it was so interesting and inspiring! Thank you, Pastor Chia, for sharing your story, your spiritual journey and giving us more insights and further love for our beloved Guru and Dharma protector.

    I cannot wait for you to write the 2nd chapter and the “to be continued…” is really giving a lot of suspense! Lol. Your story should very well be compiled into a book as it will inspire many I believe! You may not be a scholar but you have so much real life Dharma experiences to share that can bring so many to Dharma and I am so glad to read about the story of your dad and how Rinpoche and our Dharma protector helped you and him all the way until his final breath. It is amazing how light, accepting and peaceful he went. Not many even practising for life is guaranteed such a peaceful passing.

    Your sincerity shines through this story and when I first met you (now I kinda know which journey in your life you were in then). You were really very welcoming to me and Justin when we arrived in the centre in Singapore. Thank you so much! I rejoice and wish you very much great success in becoming a monk as you truly deserve it and thank you for serving our Guru so much when there was no one. I could imagine everything, it was as if watching a very adventurous movie. Please keep on sharing and keep on inspiring others.

    It is truly amazing to know how much Rinpoche did and what he went through throughout the years. And thank you for bringing us a few steps closer to getting to know our kind, generous, highly attained, selfless Guru!

  6. Anne Ong on May 3, 2017 at 10:22 pm

    Thank you Pastor Chia for sharing such an amazing journey on your spiritual path with Rinpoche. Your story was easy to read, with many interesting experiences that shows the attainments of Rinpoche and his compassion. How fortunate you’re with such great merits and strong affinity you had with Rinpoche for the past 20 years of this sincere and loyal friendship,and hopefully many more years to come. Hope to hear more from you again Pastor Chia._/\_

  7. Cynthia Lee on Apr 23, 2017 at 3:21 pm

    This is one long story but it’s well worth the read! I remembered Pastor Chia as one of the first few people I ever met in Kechara (Paradise) in SS2 approx 16 yrs ago. He was the one who taught me how to do mantra insertion. Until now, I never knew much about Pastor Chia except that he’s a long time, loyal student and experts in rituals and setting up altars. Now I know why.

    Pastor Chia is a great example of guru devotion. Someone who is willing to give up what most perceived to be important to pursue the dharma. This was truly touching. What also touched me was his care for his dying father due to Rinpoche’s kindness and guidance. This account really explained what one should do when someone close to you is terminally ill. I tear from happiness reading how in peace his father was towards the end. Something out of my own ignorant was not able to give to my own dad.

    I learned much from this article. Thank you to all involved.

  8. Stella Cheang on Apr 20, 2017 at 10:05 pm

    Thank you, Pastor Chia, for sharing with us the intense journey with Rinpoche since 1997. Rinpoche’s brand of compassion, generosity, genuine care and unwavering drive to share and spread Dharma was evident since those days. And I could only imagine the numbers of people who had benefited, saved and healed by Rinpoche throughout all these years. Yet Rinpoche never speaks about it openly for he cares for all his students, followers and friends unconditionally.

    It is very rare to have Rinpoche here in Malaysia & Singapore hence a great fortune for us students here. He is the guardian to Lama Tsongkhapa pure lineage of dharma and the protector of Vinaya and Guru Devotion. We must continue to create the cause and generate the merits for Rinpoche stay with us long so that we, along with many more people, can benefit from Rinpoche’s teaching.

    The learnings for newbies like us from Pastor’s Chia’s sharing is innumerous because it shows us thorough details of what it meant by a student’s faith in the Guru and the hard work needed to grow spiritually. Looking forward to the next part.

  9. CindyH on Apr 16, 2017 at 2:40 pm

    Reading such intimate details of Pastor Chia’s spiritual journey, I am reminded again of how fortunate we are to have Rinpoche here to continue turning the wheel of Dharma. Such candid sharing not only reflects Pastor Chia’s efforts which are inspirational, it also reveals that Rinpoche continuously infuses Dharma knowledge onto everyone and showers people who he comes across with loving kindness and generosity. It also really serves to drive the point that everything will fall into place when we sincerely follow our guru’s advice and instructions. Thank you for this sincere sharing.

  10. Darren on Apr 14, 2017 at 7:18 pm

    Thank you Pastor Chia for the sharing, so much blessing to have you with Kechara all these years. I believe your guidance and sharing on Dharma will benefit others greatly.

  11. William Chua on Apr 13, 2017 at 12:59 pm

    I can’t wait for part 2!!! Pastor Chia’s accounts on his encounter and stories serves as an inspiration to many. He is the most qualified to share as he has been with Rinpoche since the beginning. The stories gives us an understanding of the struggles he went through personally to be in the Dharma path and the benefits he has gained along the way. It also tells us that Rinpoche’s journey has not been an easy one to establish a Dharma centre here. Pastor Chia is always willing to share his experience with others, always with a smile!!

  12. Wylfred Ng on Apr 12, 2017 at 11:58 pm

    谢谢谢松平讲法师的分享。

    通过谢松平讲法师的分享我们可以大约知道仁波切早期在新马一带是如何弘法的。
    以前仁波切都没有佛教中心, 都是在弟子的家里给开示。

    不过到现在还是一样的就是仁波切对于弟子的关怀。 在谢松平讲法师面临父亲患癌、即将逝世的时候, 仁波切给了非常详细的指示, 也为谢松平讲法师的父亲做法会, 而且在谢松平讲法师的父亲去世后就直接为他做占卜, 并知道他已经转世。
    仁波切到现在还是一样, 无时无刻都为弟子着想。 而且根据仁波切的助理, 仁波切有时也会在弟子不知道的情况之下为他们订法会, 把功德回向给他们。 详情可以读
    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/guest-contributors/52-years-of-generosity.html

    希望谢松平讲法师的下一篇文章可以很快发布。 这些都是我们这些比较近代的弟子了解克切拉的发展的重要的资料。 通过阅读谢松平讲法师的分享, 我们可以更珍惜我们所拥有的, 无论是上师或是克切拉佛教中心。

    谢谢

  13. Echeah on Apr 10, 2017 at 1:32 am

    Pastor Chia, I truly enjoyed reading your dharma journey from when it all began up till today. I can’t wait for the next installment!

    Pastor has gone a long way with Rinpoche. With a blink of an eye, 20 years have already passed! So much has happened since then, so many have come and gone, but Pastor has stayed and made progress. How many of us, if we are still around after 20 years can demonstrate progress, or would we still be the same from when we started or worse?

    I am sure you had a very strong connection with Rinpoche from previous lives that you could just drop your job and follow and never looked back.

    Pastor was one of the founding members of Kechara and one of those who laid the ground work from humble beginnings to what Kechara is today. For that, I am really grateful and thankful. Thank you Pastor Chia.

  14. Vivian Ong on Apr 8, 2017 at 3:23 pm

    Thank you Pastor Chia for sharing your spiritual journey with us. I guess everyone has their story to share about how they began their spiritual path. Rinpoche is truly a selfless person. Rinpoche is always kind and compassion towards anyone he meets. We are all indeed very fortunate to be in the mandala of Rinpoche. Thank you Pastor Chia for making the decision to be a Sangha in the near future to benefit more people.

    With folded palms,
    Vivian

  15. Grace Leu (KHJB) on Apr 7, 2017 at 10:29 pm

    Dear Pastor Chia,

    Thank you for your sharing, it was touching my heart and learn more during the early time how Rinpoche to try all the methods to bring Dharma to everyone. It was once again show that how Rinpoche was care for other genuinely, without any agenda, with his kindness and compassion, we can received valuable teaching of Lama Tsongkhapa and Protector who really help us to overcome many difficulties in our life.

    Thanks for your determination to serving Rinpoche and learning all the knowledge especially how to handle the death which I received your guideline to help my late father in law on his last moment which I strongly agree without Rinpoche and Dharma, we really lost of ourself and don’t know how to handle the death in most beneficial way to the one we love.

    Especially I have lost the chance to assist my late mother who passed away before I encountered Rinpoche and Dharma, it was such a regret in my heart cannot show my care and released her fear during the last moment.

    You always inspired us and encourage us when we facing problems which you applied what you have learned from Rinpoche .

    Once again thanks for your sharing and looking forward on your continue part.

    Thank you.

    Grace Leu

  16. wan wai meng on Apr 7, 2017 at 3:25 am

    Thank you Pastor Chia, for your sharing, you have done so much work to assist Rinpoche and also also your family. The glimpse you gave on what Rinpoche was doing shows Rinpoche is always the same, always just benefitting others always sharing the dharma with much insight and wisdom. I rejoice so much for the time you had spent benefitting others, and prioritized the dharma over other works. Thank you for being there when Rinpoche first started out in Singapore and Malaysia with so much work, it couldn’t have been easy at all.

  17. Keng Nam on Apr 6, 2017 at 4:18 pm

    Thank you Pastor Chia for sharing this. Rinpoche is truly an erudite Buddhist Master in every sense. I am perticularly touched by the section dealing with death as at this moment I found out that a friend had suddenly developed pancreatic cancer at 4th stage and I have been told in confidence and don’t know how to extend my grief and support to my friend. I can only do my White Tara prayers and Mantra and dedicate it to my friend in the hope that a miracle can take place. But ultimately I know it is karma that has a hold on one’s destiny unless one has dharma.

    Om Mani Padme Hum

  18. Sofi on Apr 5, 2017 at 12:40 am

    Thank you Pastor Chia for such an amazing journey on your spiritual path with Rinpoche. Your story was easy to read, with many interesting experiences that shows the attainments of Rinpoche and his compassion. I too like you had been told of his clairvoyance and when I too thought I must be careful of what my thoughts are. As I read your story, I was thinking ‘wow, Rinpoche stopped in Singapore to pick Pastor Chia up on his way to India”. How fortunate, with such great merits and strong affinity you had with Rinpoche. Your story also show the great compassion he had for everyone in his hard work and care in giving us all the only thing that will help us at death and for future rebirth, the Dharma. He taught you to forgive and gave you practices to be able to help your father in his dying days and at point of death. In that one year, Rinpoche had created the causes for you to gain the merits to be dedicated to your father and loved ones, as well as to achieve your aspiration of becoming a monk. And you gave us a glimpse into how a new Oracle of Dorje Shugden prepares for the role. Now really look forward to reading your continuation. Thank you Rinpoche for sharing Pastor Chia’s story with us.

  19. Samfoonheei on Apr 4, 2017 at 4:48 pm

    Thank you Pastor Chia your spiritual journery experience is an inspiration to all of us .Such a beautiful one ,descibing to us how you met Rinpoche and the rest is a history.Pastor Chia you are at the right place at the right time.
    Its not easy to relate those sad moments you spent with your father before his passing.Pastor Chia, you did your best following Rinpoche instructions and advices.You have made a right choice.
    Thanks again Pastor ,hope we will not wait too long to read your second part of your spiritual journey.I do enjoyed reading these sharing.

  20. Jacinta Goh on Apr 4, 2017 at 3:07 pm

    Dear Pastor Chia,

    This morning before reading this article of yours, I was listening attentively to Pastor Yek Yee’s talk about Death and what we can do for those who have passed on. It left me thinking about my father and now reading this again, reminded me of what I’ve been through. When I am about losing faith in something that have bothering been me quite some time ago, this article restore back the faith in me somehow. I love how Pastor has narrated this story, making it more personal rather than having flowerish grammar that sometimes leaving me having question marks on what it’s being said.

    When Pastor touched upon the scenario on eve of Chinese New Year, it’s sad to know that Rinpoche being left alone. For us who have family, usually our family will come first. In one of the CNY eve’s, if I’m not mistaken Rinpoche gathered few of His students to adorn Lady Vajrayogini’s statue with glittering and shimmering stones and Rinpoche even gave a teaching for those who were not able to be with family on that day. Rinpoche must have felt that they were experiencing He’s been through previously.

    Speaking about reliance on Guru and Protector, Pastor Chia has showed me that we should rely on the advice given with No doubt. But sometimes, I do doubt about it and how Dharma work will turn my situation around? But I think there’s nothing in this world have assurance in anyway. Thank you Pastor Chia… I hope this ‘to be continued’ will be soon.

    Thank you

  21. Bradley Kassian on Apr 4, 2017 at 2:28 am

    Thank you Pastor Chia for you heartfelt sharing of your experience. It is a reminder to follow your guru’s advice and everything will fall into place. Please continue to share, you have a flare for writing 🙂

  22. Fong on Apr 3, 2017 at 4:20 pm

    Thank you, Pastor Chia for your heartfelt sharing of your journey and your background. I think many of us can relate to your experiences. I am a beginner in Buddhism and especially Tibetan Buddhism which i had only heard about here and there. This sharing has helped me tremendously to not be so harsh on myself and just do what i can and need to do for my own journey in dharma.

  23. Choong on Apr 3, 2017 at 2:41 pm

    Thank you Pastor Chia for documenting your experiences and sharing. Reading it has benefited me in one way or another and I am sure it will also do others. I look forward to more of your sharing.

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  • Samfoonheei
    Friday, Mar 15. 2024 07:31 PM
    Venerable Ajahn Chah was a Thai Buddhist teacher of the Buddhadhamma and a founder of two major monasteries in the Thai Forest Tradition. Well respected and loved as a man of great wisdom, he was also instrumental in establishing Theravada Buddhism in the West. Interesting life story, how he chose to leave the settled monastic life and became a wandering ascetic. Walking across Thailand, lived in forests, caves and cremation grounds while learning from the meditation monks of the Forest of various monasteries. He wandered through the countryside in quest of quiet and secluded places for developing meditation. He even lived in tiger and cobra infested jungles, using reflections on death to penetrate to the true meaning of life. After years of wandering, Venerable Ajahn Chah established a monastery where he taught simple, practice-based form of meditation, and attracted a numerous of students including western foreigners. He was one of the greatest Dhamma teachers of the modern era. His wise teachings have continued to guide thousands of people along the path of Dharma. Venerable Ajahn Chah’s teachings of the Thai Forest Tradition gradually spread across all over the world. Several of Ajahn Chah’s Western students have since established monasteries throughout the world. Just in Thailand itself, there are more than 300 branch monasteries in Ajahn Chah’s tradition. Ven erable Ajahn Chah used his ill health as a teaching point, emphasizing that it was a living example of the impermanence of all things and reminded people to endeavour to find a true refuge within themselves. The legacy of Venerable Ajahn Chah’s teachings and legacy continues into the modern age.
    Thank you Rinpoche for this great sharing.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/great-lamas-masters/venerable-ajahn-chah-the-forest-monk.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Friday, Mar 15. 2024 07:30 PM
    Wonderful blog written on the practice of Kalarupa for us to understand better. As an emanation of Manjushri, Kalarupa’s practice helps us to destroy ignorance and to develop wisdom overcoming our anger and suffering . Awesome Kalarupa manifested in multiple forms to help sentient beings who personifies enlightenment by the conquest of anger. Kalarupa also regard as one of the three main Dharma protectors of the Gelugpa is extremely fierce and ugly, and tames all kinds of spiritual ugliness. The fierceness of his iconography teaches us to remind ourselves that all the causes and effects of anger arising from ignorance are dreadful and distorted.
    Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor Antionette for this detailed sharing,

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/kalarupa.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Friday, Mar 15. 2024 07:27 PM
    Nepal is a very spiritual country, having a huge Dorje Shugden mural in Kathmandu, is indeed a big achievement for Kechara. Located on Charkhal Road in Dilli Bazaar, the mural can be found midway between our two Dorje Shugden chapels which are in Putalisadak and Chabahil. It is also very close to one of Kathmandu’s largest shopping malls. Many locals , tourist will be able to connect them to a powerful deity that is so closely associated with their culture. Well the mural not only beautiful but also full of symbolism and everyone merely by seeing it is blessed. Thanks to those talented artists and generous sponsors making it a success.
    Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/travel/spectacular-dorje-shugden-mural-in-kathmandu-nepal.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Friday, Mar 15. 2024 07:24 PM
    All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on. Letting go helps us to live in a more peaceful state of mind and helps restore our balance. A reminder for us all to go of attachment and meditating on impermanence and emptiness. We are to relinquish the domination of our ego and its habits to transform ourselves. A great reminder not to waste our previous life.
    Quoted Ceasing to do evil, Cultivating the good, Purifying the heart .
    Thank you Rinpoche for sharing such a meaningful teachings with folded hands.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/pointing-the-staff-at-the-old-man.html
  • james belich
    Friday, Mar 8. 2024 09:43 PM
    Winning the lottery was part of my dreams, I tried so hard to win big but all to no avail, until I came across Dr Lucas online who made my dreams come through and made me win 10 million dollars. I was a logistics manager who lives in Lancaster, S.C. and works about an hour’s drive away, in Charlotte, N.C., I stopped at a store to buy a scratch-off lottery ticket during my lunch break, because Dr Lucas gave me all the assurance that the numbers are not going to fail after I did all he asked me to do. Dr lucas is a powerful Dr that is on a mission to eradicate poverty from people’s lives and i have confirmed that by winning $10 million with the numbers he provided for me, it is my promise to tell the world about my experience with Dr Lucas and that’s what I’m doing now, you can win the lottery fast with the help of Dr Lucas he is tested and trusted Email: Drlucasspelltemple@gmail. com or WhatsApp +234 904 794 3567 he will help you.
  • james belich
    Friday, Mar 8. 2024 09:42 PM
    Winning the lottery was part of my dreams, I tried so hard to win big but all to no avail, until I came across Dr Lucas online who made my dreams come through and made me win 10 million dollars. I was a logistics manager who lives in Lancaster, S.C. and works about an hour’s drive away, in Charlotte, N.C., I stopped at a store to buy a scratch-off lottery ticket during my lunch break, because Dr Lucas gave me all the assurance that the numbers are not going to fail after I did all he asked me to do. Dr lucas is a powerful Dr that is on a mission to eradicate poverty from people’s lives and i have confirmed that by winning $10 million with the numbers he provided for me, it is my promise to tell the world about my experience with Dr Lucas and that’s what I’m doing now, you can win the lottery fast with the help of Dr Lucas he is tested and trusted Email: Drlucasspelltemple@gmail.com or WhatsApp +234 904 794 3567 he will help you.
  • lee
    Thursday, Mar 7. 2024 07:06 PM
    We are members of the Buddhist Temple in Taman Desa Jaya, Kepong, Kuala Lumpur and we have been issued membership by the president (DATUK YIP KUM FOOK), we are very sad because we are the foundation of this Temple

    Now we can know who is always messing with people, and he always cheats money and women, he even uses Buddhism to find money.

    Also, need to be careful with his brother-in-law (Simon Low Kok Meng) because he is a spy (CID) for DATUK YIP KUM FOOK and we will write some letters to AGONG SULTAN IBRAHIM IBN ALMARHUM SULTAN ISKANDAR as soon as possible.

    From Jesmond Yap, Kepong Baru…Kuala Lumpur
  • Phoenix the Shaman Elder
    Thursday, Mar 7. 2024 01:40 AM
    The matriarchal cultures of the grandmothers have specific symbolism of animism shamanism, such as the horse, especially the blue horse, and the deer. These are two main symbols of a shaman woman and you can find them in many cultural folk lore, especially the Russian, Slavic, Siberian, Nordic, Finland, and Norway. It’s nice to see the Matriarchal Shaman Animism diety represented in Chinese.
  • Samfoonheei
    Monday, Mar 4. 2024 06:59 PM
    An inspiring act of a selfless Lama feeding strays whether its night or day. Truly an example for us all to feed those lonely strays . Yes I do agree compassion starts with feeding strays. Reading this blog again to refresh myself to do more. Strays animals generally lead a life of poor welfare on the street. Feeding strays is a compassionate act.
    Thank you Rinpoche and Anila for this sharing.


    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/one-minute-story/rinpoche-through-my-eyes-compassion-starts-with-feeding-strays
  • Samfoonheei
    Monday, Mar 4. 2024 06:56 PM
    nteresting revisit this blog again as truly inspiring reading over and over again . There’s so many inspiring nuns and female practitioner coming from different back ground, leading a more spiritual life. They are practitioners dedicated their life to religious observance and their path is illuminated by the light of compassion. Going against all odds to become one. Their devotion radiates like a thousand stars in the night sky. Here at Kechara Forest Retreat, Bentong Pahang we too have inspiring practitioners .
    Thank you Rinpoche for this great sharing.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/inspiring-nuns-and-female-practitioners.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Monday, Mar 4. 2024 06:55 PM
    H E Tsem Rinpoche’s Sungbum project aim to preserve the teachings and practices that have been passed from teacher to disciple in an unbroken line beginning with Lama Tsongkhapa himself . History has taught us the importance of preserving Buddha’s stainless teachings. Its important to preserve and safeguard the Buddhist tradition for future generations.
    Tsem Rinpoche is a clear and effective teacher where his stories and teachings are endlessly entertaining and inspiring. The preservation is very much needed. We are so fortunate given a chance to be involved in such a meritorious project .
    Thank you.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/current-affairs/the-tsem-rinpoche-sungbum-project.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Monday, Mar 4. 2024 06:55 PM
    Demons are disembodied spirits, supernatural being or spirit and unseen beings. We know they do exist and I believe they do. They have no physical form to them whatsoever. Demons do definitely exist. They are intelligent beings who are evil malicious spirits and are all dangerous entities. Valak is not to be summoned capriciously by anyone as they are dangerous beings when we invoke them having to face a heavy consequence. There are spiritual practices that we can ask for help a ritual of the wrathful Manjushri in the form of Trakze. Having a doing the practice daily without fail, consistently, as this Trakze practice has been proven to be efficacious to break the hold the Valak and other spirits. All thanks to our Guru bringing this practice to Kechara Forest Retreat, Bentong Malaysia.
    Thank you Rinpoche for this wonderful sharing for us to understand better.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/science-mysteries/valak-the-conjuring-2-demon.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Monday, Mar 4. 2024 06:53 PM
    Wow ,reading all these powerful quotes had me realised much better of giving even I have little. May H E Tsem Rinpoche’s sincere advice to reach the far shore of liberation to everyone reading this blog. The most truly generous people are those who give silently without asking any in return. There is no exercise better than reaching and lifting people up. A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal. Well creating and lighting for others we naturally light our own way. Helping others especially those unfortunate ones, make us feel more positive about our own circumstances.
    Thank you Rinpoche for sharing all these powerful quotes.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/inspiration-worthy-words/the-power-of-giving-18-quotes-from-tsem-rinpoche.html
  • Aarati Bhatt
    Wednesday, Feb 28. 2024 12:47 AM
    I have tried mine and my friend’s horoscope and it results same in both of our case, and not just that I have tried this on various friends and this horoscope is showing same for maximum date of birth, I think this is a bug.
  • Samfoonheei
    Thursday, Jan 4. 2024 04:11 PM
    Lama Tsongkhapa was an influential Tibetan Buddhist monk, philosopher and tantric yogi, whose activities led to the formation of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism . Lama Tsongkhapa was hailed as the second Buddha by contemporary Buddhist masters of his time. Famous for reviving Buddhism in Tibet and revered for elevating the Dharma to all its present glory. Hence having a 12 ft Lama Tsongkhapa Statue at new Kechara Gompa (Prayer Hall) is indeed a blessing. Its truly beautiful. Merely by looking at it is a blessing .
    Thank you Rinpoche and team effort making it possible.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/kechara-13-depts/10-ft-tsongkapa-here.html

1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · »

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Technical: Lew Kwan Leng, Justin Ripley, Yong Swee Keong
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I must thank my dharma blog team who are great assets to me, Kechara and growth of dharma in this wonderful region. I am honoured and thrilled to work with them. I really am. Maybe I don't say it enough to them, but I am saying it now. I APPRECIATE THESE GUYS VERY MUCH!

Tsem Rinpoche

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The Unknown

The Known and unknown are both feared,
Known is being comfortable and stagnant,
The unknown may be growth and opportunities,
One shall never know if one fears the unknown more than the known.
Who says the unknown would be worse than the known?
But then again, the unknown is sometimes worse than the known. In the end nothing is known unless we endeavour,
So go pursue all the way with the unknown,
because all unknown with familiarity becomes the known.
~Tsem Rinpoche

Photos On The Go

Click on the images to view the bigger version. And scroll down and click on "View All Photos" to view more images.
According to legend, Shambhala is a place where wisdom and love reign, and there is no crime. Doesn\'t this sound like the kind of place all of us would love to live in? https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=204874
4 years ago
According to legend, Shambhala is a place where wisdom and love reign, and there is no crime. Doesn't this sound like the kind of place all of us would love to live in? https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=204874
108 candles and sang (incense) offered at our Wish-Fulfilling Grotto, invoking Dorje Shugden\'s blessings for friends, sponsors and supporters, wonderful!
4 years ago
108 candles and sang (incense) offered at our Wish-Fulfilling Grotto, invoking Dorje Shugden's blessings for friends, sponsors and supporters, wonderful!
Dharmapalas are not exclusive to Tibetan culture and their practice is widespread throughout the Buddhist world - https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=193645
4 years ago
Dharmapalas are not exclusive to Tibetan culture and their practice is widespread throughout the Buddhist world - https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=193645
One of our adorable Kechara Forest Retreat\'s doggies, Tara, happy and safe, and enjoying herself in front of Wisdom Hall which has been decorated for Chinese New Year
4 years ago
One of our adorable Kechara Forest Retreat's doggies, Tara, happy and safe, and enjoying herself in front of Wisdom Hall which has been decorated for Chinese New Year
Fragrant organic Thai basil harvested from our very own Kechara Forest Retreat farm!
4 years ago
Fragrant organic Thai basil harvested from our very own Kechara Forest Retreat farm!
On behalf of our Puja House team, Pastor Tat Ming receives food and drinks from Rinpoche. Rinpoche wanted to make sure the hardworking Puja House team are always taken care of.
4 years ago
On behalf of our Puja House team, Pastor Tat Ming receives food and drinks from Rinpoche. Rinpoche wanted to make sure the hardworking Puja House team are always taken care of.
By the time I heard about Luang Phor Thong, he was already very old, in his late 80s. When I heard about him, I immediately wanted to go and pay my respects to him. - http://bit.ly/LuangPhorThong
4 years ago
By the time I heard about Luang Phor Thong, he was already very old, in his late 80s. When I heard about him, I immediately wanted to go and pay my respects to him. - http://bit.ly/LuangPhorThong
It\'s very nice to see volunteers helping maintain holy sites in Kechara Forest Retreat, it\'s very good for them. Cleaning Buddha statues is a very powerful and effective way of purifying body karma.
4 years ago
It's very nice to see volunteers helping maintain holy sites in Kechara Forest Retreat, it's very good for them. Cleaning Buddha statues is a very powerful and effective way of purifying body karma.
Kechara Forest Retreat is preparing for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations. This is our holy Vajra Yogini stupa which is now surrounded by beautiful lanterns organised by our students.
4 years ago
Kechara Forest Retreat is preparing for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations. This is our holy Vajra Yogini stupa which is now surrounded by beautiful lanterns organised by our students.
One of the most recent harvests from our Kechara Forest Retreat land. It was grown free of chemicals and pesticides, wonderful!
4 years ago
One of the most recent harvests from our Kechara Forest Retreat land. It was grown free of chemicals and pesticides, wonderful!
Third picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal.
Height: 33ft (10m)
5 years ago
Third picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal. Height: 33ft (10m)
Second picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal.
Height: 33ft (10m)
5 years ago
Second picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal. Height: 33ft (10m)
First picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal.
Height: 33ft (10m)
5 years ago
First picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal. Height: 33ft (10m)
The first title published by Kechara Comics is Karuna Finds A Way. It tells the tale of high-school sweethearts Karuna and Adam who had what some would call the dream life. Everything was going great for them until one day when reality came knocking on their door. Caught in a surprise swindle, this loving family who never harmed anyone found themselves out of luck and down on their fortune. Determined to save her family, Karuna goes all out to find a solution. See what she does- https://bit.ly/2LSKuWo
5 years ago
The first title published by Kechara Comics is Karuna Finds A Way. It tells the tale of high-school sweethearts Karuna and Adam who had what some would call the dream life. Everything was going great for them until one day when reality came knocking on their door. Caught in a surprise swindle, this loving family who never harmed anyone found themselves out of luck and down on their fortune. Determined to save her family, Karuna goes all out to find a solution. See what she does- https://bit.ly/2LSKuWo
Very powerful story! Tibetan Resistance group Chushi Gangdruk reveals how Dalai Lama escaped in 1959- https://bit.ly/2S9VMGX
5 years ago
Very powerful story! Tibetan Resistance group Chushi Gangdruk reveals how Dalai Lama escaped in 1959- https://bit.ly/2S9VMGX
At Kechara Forest Retreat land we have nice fresh spinach growing free of chemicals and pesticides. Yes!
5 years ago
At Kechara Forest Retreat land we have nice fresh spinach growing free of chemicals and pesticides. Yes!
See beautiful pictures of Manjushri Guest House here- https://bit.ly/2WGo0ti
5 years ago
See beautiful pictures of Manjushri Guest House here- https://bit.ly/2WGo0ti
Beginner’s Introduction to Dorje Shugden~Very good overview https://bit.ly/2QQNfYv
5 years ago
Beginner’s Introduction to Dorje Shugden~Very good overview https://bit.ly/2QQNfYv
Fresh eggplants grown on Kechara Forest Retreat\'s land here in Malaysia
5 years ago
Fresh eggplants grown on Kechara Forest Retreat's land here in Malaysia
Most Venerable Uppalavanna – The Chief Female Disciple of Buddha Shakyamuni - She exhibited many supernatural abilities gained from meditation and proved to the world females and males are equal in spirituality- https://bit.ly/31d9Rat
5 years ago
Most Venerable Uppalavanna – The Chief Female Disciple of Buddha Shakyamuni - She exhibited many supernatural abilities gained from meditation and proved to the world females and males are equal in spirituality- https://bit.ly/31d9Rat
Thailand’s ‘Renegade’ Yet Powerful Buddhist Nuns~ https://bit.ly/2Z1C02m
5 years ago
Thailand’s ‘Renegade’ Yet Powerful Buddhist Nuns~ https://bit.ly/2Z1C02m
Mahapajapati Gotami – the first Buddhist nun ordained by Lord Buddha- https://bit.ly/2IjD8ru
5 years ago
Mahapajapati Gotami – the first Buddhist nun ordained by Lord Buddha- https://bit.ly/2IjD8ru
The Largest Buddha Shakyamuni in Russia | 俄罗斯最大的释迦牟尼佛画像- https://bit.ly/2Wpclni
5 years ago
The Largest Buddha Shakyamuni in Russia | 俄罗斯最大的释迦牟尼佛画像- https://bit.ly/2Wpclni
Sacred Vajra Yogini
5 years ago
Sacred Vajra Yogini
Dorje Shugden works & archives - a labour of commitment - https://bit.ly/30Tp2p8
5 years ago
Dorje Shugden works & archives - a labour of commitment - https://bit.ly/30Tp2p8
Mahapajapati Gotami, who was the first nun ordained by Lord Buddha.
5 years ago
Mahapajapati Gotami, who was the first nun ordained by Lord Buddha.
Mahapajapati Gotami, who was the first nun ordained by Lord Buddha. She was his step-mother and aunt. Buddha\'s mother had passed away at his birth so he was raised by Gotami.
5 years ago
Mahapajapati Gotami, who was the first nun ordained by Lord Buddha. She was his step-mother and aunt. Buddha's mother had passed away at his birth so he was raised by Gotami.
Another nun disciple of Lord Buddha\'s. She had achieved great spiritual abilities and high attainments. She would be a proper object of refuge. This image of the eminent bhikkhuni (nun) disciple of the Buddha, Uppalavanna Theri.
5 years ago
Another nun disciple of Lord Buddha's. She had achieved great spiritual abilities and high attainments. She would be a proper object of refuge. This image of the eminent bhikkhuni (nun) disciple of the Buddha, Uppalavanna Theri.
Wandering Ascetic Painting by Nirdesha Munasinghe
5 years ago
Wandering Ascetic Painting by Nirdesha Munasinghe
High Sri Lankan monks visit Kechara to bless our land, temple, Buddha and Dorje Shugden images. They were very kind-see pictures- https://bit.ly/2HQie2M
5 years ago
High Sri Lankan monks visit Kechara to bless our land, temple, Buddha and Dorje Shugden images. They were very kind-see pictures- https://bit.ly/2HQie2M
This is pretty amazing!

First Sri Lankan Buddhist temple opened in Dubai!!!
5 years ago
This is pretty amazing! First Sri Lankan Buddhist temple opened in Dubai!!!
My Dharma boy (left) and Oser girl loves to laze around on the veranda in the mornings. They enjoy all the trees, grass and relaxing under the hot sun. Sunbathing is a favorite daily activity. I care about these two doggies of mine very much and I enjoy seeing them happy. They are with me always. Tsem Rinpoche

Always be kind to animals and eat vegetarian- https://bit.ly/2Psp8h2
5 years ago
My Dharma boy (left) and Oser girl loves to laze around on the veranda in the mornings. They enjoy all the trees, grass and relaxing under the hot sun. Sunbathing is a favorite daily activity. I care about these two doggies of mine very much and I enjoy seeing them happy. They are with me always. Tsem Rinpoche Always be kind to animals and eat vegetarian- https://bit.ly/2Psp8h2
After you left me Mumu, I was alone. I have no family or kin. You were my family. I can\'t stop thinking of you and I can\'t forget you. My bond and connection with you is so strong. I wish you were by my side. Tsem Rinpoche
5 years ago
After you left me Mumu, I was alone. I have no family or kin. You were my family. I can't stop thinking of you and I can't forget you. My bond and connection with you is so strong. I wish you were by my side. Tsem Rinpoche
This story is a life-changer. Learn about the incredible Forest Man of India | 印度“森林之子”- https://bit.ly/2Eh4vRS
5 years ago
This story is a life-changer. Learn about the incredible Forest Man of India | 印度“森林之子”- https://bit.ly/2Eh4vRS
Part 2-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
5 years ago
Part 2-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
Part 1-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
5 years ago
Part 1-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
The great Protector Manjushri Dorje Shugden depicted in the beautiful Mongolian style. To download a high resolution file: https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
5 years ago
The great Protector Manjushri Dorje Shugden depicted in the beautiful Mongolian style. To download a high resolution file: https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
The Mystical land of Shambhala is finally ready for everyone to feast their eyes and be blessed. A beautiful post with information, art work, history, spirituality and a beautiful book composed by His Holiness the 6th Panchen Rinpoche. ~ https://bit.ly/309MHBi
5 years ago
The Mystical land of Shambhala is finally ready for everyone to feast their eyes and be blessed. A beautiful post with information, art work, history, spirituality and a beautiful book composed by His Holiness the 6th Panchen Rinpoche. ~ https://bit.ly/309MHBi
Beautiful pictures of the huge Buddha in Longkou Nanshan- https://bit.ly/2LsBxVb
5 years ago
Beautiful pictures of the huge Buddha in Longkou Nanshan- https://bit.ly/2LsBxVb
The reason-Very interesting thought- https://bit.ly/2V7VT5r
5 years ago
The reason-Very interesting thought- https://bit.ly/2V7VT5r
NEW Bigfoot cafe in Malaysia! Food is delicious!- https://bit.ly/2VxdGau
5 years ago
NEW Bigfoot cafe in Malaysia! Food is delicious!- https://bit.ly/2VxdGau
DON\'T MISS THIS!~How brave Bonnie survived by living with a herd of deer~ https://bit.ly/2Lre2eY
5 years ago
DON'T MISS THIS!~How brave Bonnie survived by living with a herd of deer~ https://bit.ly/2Lre2eY
Global Superpower China Will Cut Meat Consumption by 50%! Very interesting, find out more- https://bit.ly/2V1sJFh
5 years ago
Global Superpower China Will Cut Meat Consumption by 50%! Very interesting, find out more- https://bit.ly/2V1sJFh
You can download this beautiful Egyptian style Dorje Shugden Free- https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
5 years ago
You can download this beautiful Egyptian style Dorje Shugden Free- https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
Beautiful high file for print of Lord Manjushri. May you be blessed- https://bit.ly/2V8mwZe
5 years ago
Beautiful high file for print of Lord Manjushri. May you be blessed- https://bit.ly/2V8mwZe
Mongolian (Oymiakon) Shaman in Siberia, Russia. That is his real outfit he wears. Very unique. TR
5 years ago
Mongolian (Oymiakon) Shaman in Siberia, Russia. That is his real outfit he wears. Very unique. TR
Find one of the most beautiful temples in the world in Nara, Japan. It is the 1,267 year old Todai-ji temple that houses a 15 meter Buddha Vairocana statue who is a cosmic and timeless Buddha. Emperor Shomu who sponsored this beautiful temple eventually abdicated and ordained as a Buddhist monk. Very interesting history and story. One of the places everyone should visit- https://bit.ly/2VgsHhK
5 years ago
Find one of the most beautiful temples in the world in Nara, Japan. It is the 1,267 year old Todai-ji temple that houses a 15 meter Buddha Vairocana statue who is a cosmic and timeless Buddha. Emperor Shomu who sponsored this beautiful temple eventually abdicated and ordained as a Buddhist monk. Very interesting history and story. One of the places everyone should visit- https://bit.ly/2VgsHhK
Manjusri Kumara (bodhisattva of wisdom), India, Pala dynesty, 9th century, stone, Honolulu Academy of Arts
5 years ago
Manjusri Kumara (bodhisattva of wisdom), India, Pala dynesty, 9th century, stone, Honolulu Academy of Arts
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Videos On The Go

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  • Pig puts his toys away
    4 years ago
    Pig puts his toys away
    Animals are so intelligent. They can feel happiness, joy, pain, sorrow, just like humans. Always show kindness to them. Always show kindness to everyone.
  • Always be kind to animals-They deserve to live just like us.
    5 years ago
    Always be kind to animals-They deserve to live just like us.
    Whales and dolphins playing with each other in the Pacific sea. Nature is truly incredible!
  • Bodha stupa July 2019-
    5 years ago
    Bodha stupa July 2019-
    Rainy period
  • Cute Tara girl having a snack. She is one of Kechara Forest Retreat’s resident doggies.
    5 years ago
    Cute Tara girl having a snack. She is one of Kechara Forest Retreat’s resident doggies.
  • Your Next Meal!
    5 years ago
    Your Next Meal!
    Yummy? Tasty? Behind the scenes of the meat on your plates. Meat is a killing industry.
  • This is Daw
    5 years ago
    This is Daw
    This is what they do to get meat on tables, and to produce belts and jackets. Think twice before your next purchase.
  • Don’t Take My Mummy Away!
    5 years ago
    Don’t Take My Mummy Away!
    Look at the poor baby chasing after the mother. Why do we do that to them? It's time to seriously think about our choices in life and how they affect others. Be kind. Don't break up families.
  • They do this every day!
    5 years ago
    They do this every day!
    This is how they are being treated every day of their lives. Please do something to stop the brutality. Listen to their cries for help!
  • What happened at Fair Oaks Farm?
    5 years ago
    What happened at Fair Oaks Farm?
    The largest undercover dairy investigation of all time. See what they found out at Fair Oaks Farm.
  • She’s going to spend her whole life here without being able to move correctly. Like a machine. They are the slaves of the people and are viewed as a product. It’s immoral. Billions of terrestrial animals die annually. Billions. You can’t even imagine it. And all that because people don’t want to give up meat, even though there are so many alternatives. ~ Gabriel Azimov
    5 years ago
    She’s going to spend her whole life here without being able to move correctly. Like a machine. They are the slaves of the people and are viewed as a product. It’s immoral. Billions of terrestrial animals die annually. Billions. You can’t even imagine it. And all that because people don’t want to give up meat, even though there are so many alternatives. ~ Gabriel Azimov
  • Our Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir speaks so well, logically and regarding our country’s collaboration with China for growth. It is refreshing to listen to Dr. Mahathir’s thoughts. He said our country can look to China for many more things such as technology and so on. Tsem Rinpoche
    5 years ago
    Our Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir speaks so well, logically and regarding our country’s collaboration with China for growth. It is refreshing to listen to Dr. Mahathir’s thoughts. He said our country can look to China for many more things such as technology and so on. Tsem Rinpoche
  • This is the first time His Holiness Dalai Lama mentions he had some very serious illness. Very worrying. This video is captured April 2019.
    5 years ago
    This is the first time His Holiness Dalai Lama mentions he had some very serious illness. Very worrying. This video is captured April 2019.
  • Beautiful Monastery in Hong Kong
    5 years ago
    Beautiful Monastery in Hong Kong
  • This dog thanks his hero in such a touching way. Tsem Rinpoche
    5 years ago
    This dog thanks his hero in such a touching way. Tsem Rinpoche
  • Join Tsem Rinpoche in prayer for H.H. Dalai Lama’s long life~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYy7JcveikU&feature=youtu.be
    5 years ago
    Join Tsem Rinpoche in prayer for H.H. Dalai Lama’s long life~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYy7JcveikU&feature=youtu.be
  • These people going on pilgrimage to a holy mountain and prostrating out of devotion and for pilgrimage in Tibet. Such determination for spiritual practice. Tsem Rinpoche
    5 years ago
    These people going on pilgrimage to a holy mountain and prostrating out of devotion and for pilgrimage in Tibet. Such determination for spiritual practice. Tsem Rinpoche
  • Beautiful new casing in Kechara for Vajra Yogini. Tsem Rinpoche
    5 years ago
    Beautiful new casing in Kechara for Vajra Yogini. Tsem Rinpoche
  • Get ready to laugh real hard. This is Kechara’s version of “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane!” We have some real talents in this video clip.
    5 years ago
    Get ready to laugh real hard. This is Kechara’s version of “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane!” We have some real talents in this video clip.
  • Recitation of Dorje Dermo‘s mantra or the Dharani of Glorious Vajra Claws. This powerful mantra is meant to destroy all obstacles that come in our way. Beneficial to play this mantra in our environments.
    5 years ago
    Recitation of Dorje Dermo‘s mantra or the Dharani of Glorious Vajra Claws. This powerful mantra is meant to destroy all obstacles that come in our way. Beneficial to play this mantra in our environments.
  • Beautiful
    5 years ago
    Beautiful
    Beautiful sacred Severed Head Vajra Yogini from Tsem Rinpoche's personal shrine.
  • My little monster cute babies Dharma and Oser. Take a look and get a cute attack for the day! Tsem Rinpoche
    5 years ago
    My little monster cute babies Dharma and Oser. Take a look and get a cute attack for the day! Tsem Rinpoche
  • Plse watch this short video and see how all sentient beings are capable of tenderness and love. We should never hurt animals nor should we eat them. Tsem Rinpoche
    5 years ago
    Plse watch this short video and see how all sentient beings are capable of tenderness and love. We should never hurt animals nor should we eat them. Tsem Rinpoche
  • Cruelty of some people have no limits and it’s heartbreaking. Being kind cost nothing. Tsem Rinpoche
    5 years ago
    Cruelty of some people have no limits and it’s heartbreaking. Being kind cost nothing. Tsem Rinpoche
  • SUPER ADORABLE and must see
    5 years ago
    SUPER ADORABLE and must see
    Tsem Rinpoche's dog Oser girl enjoying her snack in her play pen.
  • Cute!
    5 years ago
    Cute!
    Oser girl loves the balcony so much. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTcoWpKJm2c
  • Uncle Wong
    5 years ago
    Uncle Wong
    We were told by Uncle Wong he is very faithful toward Dorje Shugden. Dorje Shugden has extended help to him on several occasions and now Uncle Wong comes daily to make incense offerings to Dorje Shugden. He is grateful towards the help he was given.
  • Tsem Rinpoche’s Schnauzer Dharma boy fights Robot sphere from Arkonide!
    5 years ago
    Tsem Rinpoche’s Schnauzer Dharma boy fights Robot sphere from Arkonide!
  • Cute baby owl found and rescued
    5 years ago
    Cute baby owl found and rescued
    We rescued a lost baby owl in Kechara Forest Retreat.
  • Nice cups from Kechara!!
    5 years ago
    Nice cups from Kechara!!
    Dorje Shugden people's lives matter!
  • Enjoy a peaceful morning at Kechara Forest Retreat
    5 years ago
    Enjoy a peaceful morning at Kechara Forest Retreat
    Chirping birds and other forest animals create a joyful melody at the Vajrayogini stupa in Kechara Forest Retreat (Bentong, Malaysia).
  • This topic is so hot in many circles right now.
    6 years ago
    This topic is so hot in many circles right now.
    This video is thought-provoking and very interesting. Watch! Thanks so much to our friends at LIVEKINDLY.
  • Chiropractic CHANGES LIFE for teenager with acute PAIN & DEAD LEG.
    6 years ago
    Chiropractic CHANGES LIFE for teenager with acute PAIN & DEAD LEG.
  • BEAUTIFUL PLACE IN NEW YORK STATE-AMAZING.
    6 years ago
    BEAUTIFUL PLACE IN NEW YORK STATE-AMAZING.
  • Leonardo DiCaprio takes on the meat Industry with real action.
    6 years ago
    Leonardo DiCaprio takes on the meat Industry with real action.
  • Do psychic mediums have messages from beyond?
    6 years ago
    Do psychic mediums have messages from beyond?
  • Lovely gift for my 52nd Birthday. Tsem Rinpoche
    6 years ago
    Lovely gift for my 52nd Birthday. Tsem Rinpoche
  • This 59-year-old chimpanzee was refusing food and ready to die until...
    6 years ago
    This 59-year-old chimpanzee was refusing food and ready to die until...
    she received “one last visit from an old friend” 💔💔
  • Bigfoot sighted again and made it to the news.
    6 years ago
    Bigfoot sighted again and made it to the news.
  • Casper is such a cute and adorable. I like him.
    6 years ago
    Casper is such a cute and adorable. I like him.
  • Dorje Shugden Monastery Amarbayasgalant  Mongolia's Ancient Hidden Gem
    6 years ago
    Dorje Shugden Monastery Amarbayasgalant Mongolia's Ancient Hidden Gem
  • Don't you love Hamburgers? See how 'delicious' it is here!
    6 years ago
    Don't you love Hamburgers? See how 'delicious' it is here!
  • Such a beautiful and powerful message from a person who knows the meaning of life. Tsem Rinpoche
    6 years ago
    Such a beautiful and powerful message from a person who knows the meaning of life. Tsem Rinpoche
  • What the meat industry figured out is that you don't need healthy animals to make a profit.
    6 years ago
    What the meat industry figured out is that you don't need healthy animals to make a profit.
    Sick animals are more profitable... farms calculate how close to death they can keep animals without killing them. That's the business model. How quickly they can be made to grow, how tightly they can be packed, how much or how little can they eat, how sick they can get without dying... We live in a world in which it's conventional to treat an animal like a block of wood. ~ Jonathan Safran Foer
  • This video went viral and it's a must watch!!
    6 years ago
    This video went viral and it's a must watch!!
  • SEE HOW THIS ANIMAL SERIAL KILLER HAS NO ISSUE BLUDGEONING THIS DEFENSELESS BEING.
    6 years ago
    SEE HOW THIS ANIMAL SERIAL KILLER HAS NO ISSUE BLUDGEONING THIS DEFENSELESS BEING.
    This happens daily in slaughterhouse so you can get your pork and Bak ku teh. Stop eating meat.

ASK A PASTOR


Ask the Pastors

A section for you to clarify your Dharma questions with Kechara’s esteemed pastors.

Just post your name and your question below and one of our pastors will provide you with an answer.

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View All Questions

CHAT PICTURES

And here's Mr Wong of KSK Ipoh who dropped by to pray and offered some donation to the Chapel. Kechara Penang Study Group. Pic by Siew Hong & uploaded by Jacinta.
2 days ago
And here's Mr Wong of KSK Ipoh who dropped by to pray and offered some donation to the Chapel. Kechara Penang Study Group. Pic by Siew Hong & uploaded by Jacinta.
Today's puja (16/3/2024) ended around 420pm, Jacinta was the umze of the day. Pic by Siew Hong. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
2 days ago
Today's puja (16/3/2024) ended around 420pm, Jacinta was the umze of the day. Pic by Siew Hong. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
Group photo taken after the last session, sealed with King of Prayers. Come and join us next time! Sayonara - 9-10th March 2024 - Kechara Penang DS Retreat by Jacinta.
6 days ago
Group photo taken after the last session, sealed with King of Prayers. Come and join us next time! Sayonara - 9-10th March 2024 - Kechara Penang DS Retreat by Jacinta.
Abundance altar! Fruits, flowers, Mee Koo (traditional Penang buns), Bee Hoon, sourdoughs and snacks are some of the offerings to Rinpoche, Buddhas & Bodhisattvas. Kechara Penang Dorje Shugden Retreat 9-10th March, 2024 by Jacinta.
7 days ago
Abundance altar! Fruits, flowers, Mee Koo (traditional Penang buns), Bee Hoon, sourdoughs and snacks are some of the offerings to Rinpoche, Buddhas & Bodhisattvas. Kechara Penang Dorje Shugden Retreat 9-10th March, 2024 by Jacinta.
Siew Hong, one of retreatants and an active member of Kechara Penang group proudly presented her torma to be used during the Kalarupa puja. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
7 days ago
Siew Hong, one of retreatants and an active member of Kechara Penang group proudly presented her torma to be used during the Kalarupa puja. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
Torma making was taught by Pastor Seng Piow and held one day before the retreat. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
7 days ago
Torma making was taught by Pastor Seng Piow and held one day before the retreat. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
Penang Dorje Shugden Retreat cum Puja, 9-10th March 2024 led by Pastor Seng Piow with 12 retreatants. Uploaded by Jacinta
7 days ago
Penang Dorje Shugden Retreat cum Puja, 9-10th March 2024 led by Pastor Seng Piow with 12 retreatants. Uploaded by Jacinta
The celebration ended with a Dorje Shugden puja, dedicated to all the sponsors, our loved ones and as well as for the happiness & good health for all sentient beings. May Rinpoche return swiftly too and taking this opportunity wishing all Happy Chinese New Year and Gong Xi Fa Cai from all of us, Kechara Penang Study Group. Uploaded by Jacinta.
1 month ago
The celebration ended with a Dorje Shugden puja, dedicated to all the sponsors, our loved ones and as well as for the happiness & good health for all sentient beings. May Rinpoche return swiftly too and taking this opportunity wishing all Happy Chinese New Year and Gong Xi Fa Cai from all of us, Kechara Penang Study Group. Uploaded by Jacinta.
Seen here, Pastor Seng Piow set off firecrackers - welcoming of the upcoming year with enthusiasm and positive energy. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
1 month ago
Seen here, Pastor Seng Piow set off firecrackers - welcoming of the upcoming year with enthusiasm and positive energy. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
In this pic, Pastor Seng Piow is sharing Dharma with newbies ~ Sharyn's friends. It's always good to make light offerings at the beginning of new year. By making light offerings, you are able to dispel the darkness of ignorance and achieve wisdom. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
1 month ago
In this pic, Pastor Seng Piow is sharing Dharma with newbies ~ Sharyn's friends. It's always good to make light offerings at the beginning of new year. By making light offerings, you are able to dispel the darkness of ignorance and achieve wisdom. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
One the day of Losar (new lunar year), it is always beneficial for Buddhist practitioners to get together in making abundant offerings to Buddhas on the altar to usher in goodness, prosperity and well-being of our loved ones. It's more auspicious this year as Losar and the Chinese New Year begin on the same date, 10th Feb, 2024. Back in Penang, our Kechara members came together to decorate the altar with abundance offerings for Dorje Shugden puja @3pm. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
1 month ago
One the day of Losar (new lunar year), it is always beneficial for Buddhist practitioners to get together in making abundant offerings to Buddhas on the altar to usher in goodness, prosperity and well-being of our loved ones. It's more auspicious this year as Losar and the Chinese New Year begin on the same date, 10th Feb, 2024. Back in Penang, our Kechara members came together to decorate the altar with abundance offerings for Dorje Shugden puja @3pm. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
Mr. Dared Lim was offering water bowls on behalf of Kechara Ipoh Study Group. (Kin Hoe)
1 month ago
Mr. Dared Lim was offering water bowls on behalf of Kechara Ipoh Study Group. (Kin Hoe)
Jun from Ipoh was offering mandarin oranges to Mother Tara and The Three Jewels. (Kin Hoe)
1 month ago
Jun from Ipoh was offering mandarin oranges to Mother Tara and The Three Jewels. (Kin Hoe)
Prior to our puja in Ipoh, Mr. & Mrs. Cheah Fook Wan were preparing for the offerings to the Buddhas. (Kin Hoe)
1 month ago
Prior to our puja in Ipoh, Mr. & Mrs. Cheah Fook Wan were preparing for the offerings to the Buddhas. (Kin Hoe)
On Sunday afternoon, Kechara Ipoh Study Group has carried out Mother Tara prayer recitations in Ipoh. (Kin Hoe)
1 month ago
On Sunday afternoon, Kechara Ipoh Study Group has carried out Mother Tara prayer recitations in Ipoh. (Kin Hoe)
Some of the best shots taken during Thaipusam in Penang. Swee Bee, Huey, Tang KS, Nathan, Choong SH and Jacinta volunteered. Wai Meng came all the way from KL to help out. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
2 months ago
Some of the best shots taken during Thaipusam in Penang. Swee Bee, Huey, Tang KS, Nathan, Choong SH and Jacinta volunteered. Wai Meng came all the way from KL to help out. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
Simple yet powerful ally ~ Bhagawan Dorje Shuden. Kechara Penang Study Group consists of Chien Seong, Hue, Choong SH, Tang KS, Swee Bee and Jacinta. Wai Meng came all the way from KL to help out. Uploaded by Jacinta.
2 months ago
Simple yet powerful ally ~ Bhagawan Dorje Shuden. Kechara Penang Study Group consists of Chien Seong, Hue, Choong SH, Tang KS, Swee Bee and Jacinta. Wai Meng came all the way from KL to help out. Uploaded by Jacinta.
Thaipusam in Penang. Some of the best shots. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
2 months ago
Thaipusam in Penang. Some of the best shots. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
Nothing beats having a sacred audience with our lineage lamas. It's not selfie or wefie, but we have the best 'groufie'!!! 20th Jan 2024, Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
2 months ago
Nothing beats having a sacred audience with our lineage lamas. It's not selfie or wefie, but we have the best 'groufie'!!! 20th Jan 2024, Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
Welcoming our lineage Gurus to our Penang Chapel today! Pastor Seng Piow explained the significance of having Guru Tree and introduced to us our lineage lamas, Buddhas, deities, protectors and etc.
2 months ago
Welcoming our lineage Gurus to our Penang Chapel today! Pastor Seng Piow explained the significance of having Guru Tree and introduced to us our lineage lamas, Buddhas, deities, protectors and etc.
Umze for the day was Siew Hong. She's just been with us for slightly more than a year now but she's proven her capability in leading the puja. Our Penang group members are so proud of her and her commitment in attending the weekly puja. Despite being eloquence and smart, she has beautiful chant as well. When she leads, make sure you are there to hear her chant for yourself! Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
2 months ago
Umze for the day was Siew Hong. She's just been with us for slightly more than a year now but she's proven her capability in leading the puja. Our Penang group members are so proud of her and her commitment in attending the weekly puja. Despite being eloquence and smart, she has beautiful chant as well. When she leads, make sure you are there to hear her chant for yourself! Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
Umze for the day was Siew Hong. She's just been with us for slightly more than a year now but she's proven her capability in leading the puja. Our Penang group members are so proud of her and her commitment in attending the weekly puja. Despite being eloquence and smart, she has beautiful chant as well. When she leads, make sure you are there to hear her chant for yourself! Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
2 months ago
Umze for the day was Siew Hong. She's just been with us for slightly more than a year now but she's proven her capability in leading the puja. Our Penang group members are so proud of her and her commitment in attending the weekly puja. Despite being eloquence and smart, she has beautiful chant as well. When she leads, make sure you are there to hear her chant for yourself! Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
Tara Recitation is on now at KISG - Wai Meng
3 months ago
Tara Recitation is on now at KISG - Wai Meng
Photo from Wan Wai Meng
3 months ago
Photo from Wan Wai Meng
A sea of yellow ~usually in Tibetan Buddhism yellow represents growth. We prayed that our Penang group will grow in terms of people, wealth and attainments too. _/\_ Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
3 months ago
A sea of yellow ~usually in Tibetan Buddhism yellow represents growth. We prayed that our Penang group will grow in terms of people, wealth and attainments too. _/_ Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
After Dorje Shugden puja @3pm, we had Rinpoche's Swift Return puja too. We laughed as Sis Swee Bee was commenting that Tang should smile ~ here's the reason why we laughed.  Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta Goh
3 months ago
After Dorje Shugden puja @3pm, we had Rinpoche's Swift Return puja too. We laughed as Sis Swee Bee was commenting that Tang should smile ~ here's the reason why we laughed. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta Goh
3 months ago
Today's (9/12/2023)Dorje Shugden puja led by Gordon. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
3 months ago
Today's (9/12/2023)Dorje Shugden puja led by Gordon. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
3 months ago
3 months ago
Dharma sharing by Hue before we proceeded with DS puja & Rinpoche Swift Return puja. Hue is one of the long time Kechara Penang members and he comes to puja regularly. He shared that he truly believes that Dorje Shugden and Rinpoche always there guiding him. He shared how sometimes DS will give him hints to avert troubles ahead or to alert him when he 'misbehaved'. Hope many will come to know more about this powerful Dharma Protector, Dorje Shugden aka DS. Having Dorje Shugden is like having a powerful ally that will protect us day and night. Just trust Him and have faith. Kechara Penang Study Group, 25/11/2023 by Jacinta.
4 months ago
Dharma sharing by Hue before we proceeded with DS puja & Rinpoche Swift Return puja. Hue is one of the long time Kechara Penang members and he comes to puja regularly. He shared that he truly believes that Dorje Shugden and Rinpoche always there guiding him. He shared how sometimes DS will give him hints to avert troubles ahead or to alert him when he 'misbehaved'. Hope many will come to know more about this powerful Dharma Protector, Dorje Shugden aka DS. Having Dorje Shugden is like having a powerful ally that will protect us day and night. Just trust Him and have faith. Kechara Penang Study Group, 25/11/2023 by Jacinta.
Kechara Penang Study Group had our weekly DS puja , led by our beloved sis Swee Bee and serkym by Mr. Lee. After that, we completed Swift Return puja also. 18th Nov 2023. By Jacinta
4 months ago
Kechara Penang Study Group had our weekly DS puja , led by our beloved sis Swee Bee and serkym by Mr. Lee. After that, we completed Swift Return puja also. 18th Nov 2023. By Jacinta
#Back2back 11th Nov 2023 Dorje Shugden puja & Rinpoche's Swift Return puja @Penang Chapel, 49 Jalan Seang Tek, Georgetown, Pulau Pinang. Every Saturday @3pm/5pm. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
4 months ago
#Back2back 11th Nov 2023 Dorje Shugden puja & Rinpoche's Swift Return puja @Penang Chapel, 49 Jalan Seang Tek, Georgetown, Pulau Pinang. Every Saturday @3pm/5pm. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
Pic: Rinpoche Swift Return puja ~ 21/10/23 Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
5 months ago
Pic: Rinpoche Swift Return puja ~ 21/10/23 Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
#Backtoback A few months back, Kechara Penang Study Group started to have two pujas consecutively on Saturday. Dorje Shugden puja @3pm and thereafter Rinpoche Swift Return puja. This can only be achieved due to the committed members from Penang. A big round of applause...... Pic : DS puja on 21/10/2023 Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
5 months ago
#Backtoback A few months back, Kechara Penang Study Group started to have two pujas consecutively on Saturday. Dorje Shugden puja @3pm and thereafter Rinpoche Swift Return puja. This can only be achieved due to the committed members from Penang. A big round of applause...... Pic : DS puja on 21/10/2023 Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
More pictures of the day! Kechara Penang Chapel & public blessings 3rd Oct 2023 by Jacinta.
5 months ago
More pictures of the day! Kechara Penang Chapel & public blessings 3rd Oct 2023 by Jacinta.
Some pictures of the public blessings taken right after the puja was completed by the monks. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta. 3rd Oct 2023.
5 months ago
Some pictures of the public blessings taken right after the puja was completed by the monks. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta. 3rd Oct 2023.
3rd Oct 2023, Tibetan monks came to Kechara Penang for chapel & public blessing, in conjunction with the arrival of H. E Tsem Rinpoche's holy statue. Thanks to Pastor Henry & Pastor Seng Piow, who guided us throughout the event. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
5 months ago
3rd Oct 2023, Tibetan monks came to Kechara Penang for chapel & public blessing, in conjunction with the arrival of H. E Tsem Rinpoche's holy statue. Thanks to Pastor Henry & Pastor Seng Piow, who guided us throughout the event. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
Tsem Rinpoche's holy statue is here! 3rd Oct 2023. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
5 months ago
Tsem Rinpoche's holy statue is here! 3rd Oct 2023. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
29th Sept 2023. Kechara Penang Dorje Shugden puja adjourned at 4.30pm with 9 attendees. Thereafter, a Rinpoche Swift Return puja was completed too. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
5 months ago
29th Sept 2023. Kechara Penang Dorje Shugden puja adjourned at 4.30pm with 9 attendees. Thereafter, a Rinpoche Swift Return puja was completed too. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
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Dorje Shugden
Click to watch my talk about Dorje Shugden....