Heroic Red Tara (Suryagupta Lineage)

Jan 3, 2016 | Views: 10,991

(By Tsem Rinpoche)

In the language of ancient India (Sanskrit), Tara literally means ‘Savioress’. She is a female Buddha with a particularly long history of being worshipped by many great Indian and Tibetan masters.

The practice of Tara originally descended from ancient India during the time of the great Indian Buddhist institutions. In the monasteries and temples of Bodhgaya, Nalanda, Varanasi (Sarnath Park) and numerous other sites of Northern India, one can find numerous images of Tara still surviving. Within Tibet itself, Tara in all her manifestations is found virtually in every major shrine and monastery. Many of these ancient images have shown many miraculous signs in the past to many great masters. These bear testament to the popularity of the worship of Tara.

Within Hinduism, Tara is also worshipped in her wrathful form as one of the ten Mahavidyas of the goddess Durga. It is likely that the Hindu Mahavidya Tara was historically derived from the Buddhist Tara but Hindus incorporated her wrathful manifestation into the Hindu pantheon.

The earliest known image of Tara can be found today on the walls of Cave 6 within the rock-cut Buddhist monastic complex of the Ellora Caves in Maharashtra (7th century CE). According to archaeology, the worship of Tara was established during the early period of the Pala Empire in Northeastern India (8th century CE).

The wall relief carving of Tara in the Ellora Caves dates to the 7th Century. This is the earliest known image of Tara.

 

Praise to the Twenty-One Taras

The twenty-one Taras according to Lama Atisha's tradition where all 21 Taras are visualized as the same Tara but in different colors and with slight variations of facial expressions, gestures, attributes and specialities. Click on the image to enlarge.

Scripturally, the earliest text on Tara is the ancient Praise to the Twenty-One Taras which is included within the Kangyur (the collection of the spoken words of the Buddha). Therefore, it is evident that this praise was originally spoken by Buddha Shakyamuni himself and was later recorded down by one of his disciples from memory. Each of the twenty-one Taras that the Buddha specifically named within the praise actually corresponds to a particular emanation of Tara. Each of these emanations possesses a different aspect of the same female Buddha Tara.

Even the color of each Tara represents the type of activity that the particular Tara embodies. Green Tara represents swift activity and the embodiment of all the other activities, White Tara represents pacification of diseases and longevity, Yellow Tara represents increase and abundance in inner and outer wealth, Red Tara represents the activity of control and power while Blue or Black Tara represents wrathful activity.

Within Tibet, two Indian traditions of the Twenty-One Taras have been disseminated. One tradition stems from the great master Dipamkara Srijnana Atisha who travelled to Tibet to teach. Another was from an older lineage stemming from the Mahasiddha Suryagupta.

The twenty-one Taras according to the Suryagupta lineage. In this lineage, each of the twenty-one Taras manifests in different forms with different numbers of faces, arms, and widely differing gestures and attributes. Click the image to enlarge.

Both traditions are valid and have their own authentic lineage lamas, sadhanas, corresponding mantras and also completely different iconography for each of the twenty-one Taras. The Suryagupta lineage of twenty-one Taras is older and, generally, has more complicated iconography based on the visions of the Mahasiddha Suryagupta.

The entire practice of Atisha’s twenty-one Taras is traditionally bestowed in a single initiation.  On the other hand, Suryagupta’s twenty-one Taras are bestowed an initiation for each of the deities not including the main form of Green Tara. Hence, there are twenty-two initiations included in the Suryagupta lineage of the twenty-one Taras.

 

The Tara-siddha Suryagupta

Very little is known of the Tara-siddha Suryagupta who is also known by the name of Ravigupta. This siddha received the practice of the twenty-one Taras directly from Tara herself. He is called the Tara-siddha because his main practice was Tara and he gained his attainments through Tara.

Suryagupta was born in Kashmir and was reputed to have built up to twelve Dharma centers between Kashmir and Magadha (India). His first guru was the famous master Nagamitra. He was said to have practiced Tara for the last seven lifetimes prior to that lifetime.

According to the Tibetan scholar-translator Taranatha, Suryagupta lived during the time of Chandrakirti, Chandragomin, Shantideva, Acharya Dharmapala (better known as the Mahasiddha Virupa) and so forth.  According to one source, Suryagupta’s connection with Tara began at a famous temple in Kashmir. The image of Tara at this temple was famous during that time for being endowed with miraculous powers. Lepers who came from all over to worship at this shrine were said to have been cured of their ailments. At that time, the Acharya Suryagupta was a great scholar steeped in the knowledge of the five sciences. He was particularly noted to be an adept in Tantra as well. He caught leprosy and so, he traveled to the temple and built a meditational hut to the West of that shrine propitiating Tara.

After three months of intense practice, Tara appeared to him and asked, “What is your wish?” And the Acharya requested to be healed of leprosy. Tara granted his request but left him with a small sore on his forehead.  The Acharya realized this and asked, “What was the reason for not curing the sore on my forehead?”

Tara replied, “You were once a hunter in a previous life, you killed many animals and you even set fire to a forest as well. Consequently, you had to take rebirth in hell for 500 rebirths and this is your last rebirth. That sore is the last vestige of the karma of killing.” After that Tara bestowed an initiation on the Acharya and gave him a sadhana, which was accompanied by some verses of praise. Tara proclaimed, “Whomever practices this sadhana, I shall grant siddhis (spiritual attainments).”   

 

The Heroic Red Tara

Pravira Tara (Tibetan: Rab tu dpa’ ba’i Sgrol ma) or the Heroic Tara is the first of the twenty-one Taras featured in the Suryagupta lineage. Therefore, this Tara corresponds to the first verse of the Praise to the Twenty-One Taras, which is called ‘Praising Tara according to Her History’.

Homage to Tara, The Swift One, The Heroine,
Whose eyes are like a flash of lightning,
Who arose from the opening of a lotus,
Born from the tears of the Protector of the Three Worlds.

The first verse pays homage to Tara for her qualities of swiftness as she is sometimes called the activities of all the Buddhas. It is said that if one takes heartfelt refuge in Tara, one does not need a Dharma Protector as Tara’s blessings and protection are swift enough to eliminate outer and inner obstacles.

She is praised as a heroine, which means that she has ‘conquered’ herself, which is an epithet for a fully awakened Buddha.

She has the sight of a Buddha, which means that she is able to see into the past, present and future simultaneously.  In seeing, she comes swiftly to one’s aid ‘like a flash of lightning’. The later part of the verse refers to a legend that Tara was born from a lotus that grew from the tears of the Bodhisattva of Compassion, Avalokiteshvara, who is also known as the Protector of the Three Worlds – form, formless and desire. The tri-cosmic realms here refer to different plains of existence that the Buddha had described in his teachings.

According to legend, the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara once contemplated the sufferings of beings in the lower realms and attempted to use his powers to remove them from suffering. However, he soon realized that as soon as suffering beings were removed, more beings took rebirth to replace those that were removed. It was apparent that there were no fewer suffering beings than when he first started.

The great Bodhisattva soon realized the futility of rescuing beings in this manner and wept great tears of sorrow. A beautiful lotus bloomed from the tears of the Bodhisattva and within the lotus stood Tara. She comforted the Bodhisattva and vowed to assist Avalokiteshvara in benefitting sentient beings. Thus, the first verse calls to mind this creation story of Tara and this verse also corresponds to the Heroic Tara.

Those who are engaging in the sadhana or practice of the 8-armed Red Tara will be able to turn back the power of others. This Tara is red in color which corresponds with the activity of control. In the case of this specific red Tara, one gains the ability to deflect the negative influence of harmful individuals with authority or influence. This practice can generate the merits to successfully negotiate worldly dealings in the legal and business fields, or in the administration of a secular organization. This Tara can also be propitiated to help one subjugate difficult individuals who pose obstacles to our practice or our work to spread the Dharma.

 

Iconography of the Heroic Tara

We visualize Heroic Red Tara and the details of her iconography during our practice to plant powerful blessings of Tara in our mind stream. Her iconography can be slightly complicated for some people and therefore, having a statue, a thangka or a drawing would be helpful to aid in one’s visualization. Below are general explanations of the meaning of her gestures (mudras) and the implements that she carries. Her eight arms carry the following implements:

Vajra and Bell in the Mudra of Joy – The vajra represents method or compassion and the bell represents the realization of Emptiness. It is explained that one would not be able to identify where the sound of the bell comes from and where it goes. This is often used as an analogy for the Emptiness of inherent existence. Tara carries both implements crossed above her head in what is known as the joy of Dharma. Joy is described in the text as a quality of a Bodhisattva’s perseverance in benefiting sentient beings.

Bow and Arrow – The bow held in the left wisdom hand and the arrow held with the right hand of method or compassion combines to ‘project’ skillful means. Thus, they collectively represent Tara’s skillful means or her ability to use our situation to liberate us and bring swift attainments.

Dharma Wheel – The Dharma wheel represents the Buddha’s teachings and also the spiritual authority of a chakravartin or a universal monarch. Thus, Tara wielding the Dharma wheel signifies her dominion over all beings.

Conch Shell – The conch shell was used as a horn trumpet in ancient times to proclaim the Dharma throughout the land where the conch shell is blown. This signifies the spread of the Dharma, the subjugation of ignorance and the victory of Buddha’s teachings.

Wisdom Sword – The wisdom sword is a blade of wisdom that signifies the ability of Tara to cut through our negative karma, obstacles and ignorance.

Vajra Noose – The vajra noose represents the binding of all harmful beings and obstacles that harm our spiritual practice. On an inner level, the noose represents the ensnaring of the ego and the binding of Tara’s higher wisdom.

 

The Sadhana of the Heroic Red Tara  

The following is the sadhana of Heroic Red Tara according to the lineage of Suryagupta. At the beginning of each section is a commentary, which is not to be recited but to be read prior to engaging in the practice. The commentary includes explanations of the section as well as a guide to any visualizations that need to be done. 

 

REFUGE

[Buddhist refuge is the spiritual reliance upon the Three Jewels as a foundation for higher teachings and practices. The Three Jewels consist of the Buddha, Dharma (the teachings) and Sangha (the spiritual assembly). The Guru is included because the Guru is the inspiration for our faith in the Buddha, the channel through which we receive instructions and teachings in the Dharma that transforms our lives, and the gateway to an entire spiritual community of monastics and lay practitioners who continue to bless us with inspiration. So, when we recite the refuge formula, we invoke the blessings of the Three Jewels to empower our practice.]

 

Taking Refuge

NAMO GURU BEH 
NAMO BUDDHA YA 
NAMO DHARMA YA 
NAMO SANGHA YA 
(Repeat 3x)

I take refuge in the Guru 
I take refuge in the Buddha 
I take refuge in the Dharma 
I take refuge in the Sangha 
(Repeat 3x)

 

Generating Bodhicitta

SANG GYE CHO DANG TSOG KYI CHOG NAM LA 
JANG CHUB BAR DU DAG NI KYAB SU CHI 
DAG GI JIN SOK GYI PAY SO NAM KYI 
DRO LA PAN CHIR SANG GYE DRUB PAR SHOG 
(Repeat 3x)

I take refuge until I am enlightened in the Buddhas, the Dharma and the Sangha. 
By the positive potential I create by practising generosity 
And the other far-reaching attitudes, 
May I attain Buddhahood in order to benefit all sentient beings. 
(Repeat 3x)

 

JE TSONGKHAPA’S GURU YOGA (GADEN LHAGYAMA)

[We visualize Lama Tsongkhapa and our Guru as one while reciting the Guru Yoga and Migtsema. This taps into the merits and blessings of the lineage so that our practice of Red Tara becomes successful.]

 

Invocation

GA-DEN HLA-JI NGON-JYI THUG-KA NEY 
RAP-KAR SHO-SAR PUNG-DEE CHU-DZIN TSER 
CHO-KYI GYEL-PO KUN-CHEN LOZANG DRAG 
SEY-DANG CHE-PA NE-DIR SHEG-SU SOL

From the heart of the Lord of the Gaden devas (Maitreya Buddha) emerges a brilliant white cloud, 
Like a great mass of fresh yoghurt. 
Atop sits Tsongkhapa all knowing, King of Dharma; 
We request your coming to this place along with your great disciples.

 

Requesting to Stay

DUN-JYI NAM-KHAR SING-TI PEE-DEE TENG 
JE-TSUN LA-MA JYEH-PI DZUM-KAR CHYEN 
DAG-LO DE-PE SO-NAM SHING-CHOG TU 
TAN-PA JYEH-SHIR KAL-DJAR JUG-SU SOL

My Lord Guru is seated before me upon a lion-throne, lotus and moon cushion. 
His body is white and he smiles blissfully. 
Please remain many eons and serve as the great merit field for the growth of my mind’s faith, 
And for the increase of Lord Buddha’s teachings.

 

Prostration and Praise

SHE-JYEH CHON-KUN JAL-WEY LO-DO THUG 
KAL-ZANG NA-WEY JYIN-JUR LIK-SHEY SUNG 
DRAG-PI PEL-JYI HLAM-MER DZEY-PI KU 
THONG-THO DRAN-PI DON-DHAN LA-CHAG TSAL

His omniscient wisdom-mind encompasses all that is existent. 
His voice is a profound teaching, which ornaments the ear of the fortunate pupil. 
His body’s beautiful radiance evokes wondrous admiration. 
To Lama Tsongkhapa whom merely viewing, hearing or contemplating earns one great merit, I make prostration.

 

Offering

YIH-WONG TCHO-YON NA-TSOG ME-TOG DANG 
DRI-JEM DUG-PO NANG-SAL DRID-CHAB SOG 
NGO-SHAM YIH TUL TCHO-TIN GYA-TSO DI 
SO-NAM SHING-CHOG CHE-LA CHO-PA BUL

I present to you, great field of merit, Tsongkhapa, 
Beautiful offerings, water, a display of flowers, fragrant incense, butter-lamps, 
Perfumes and more both physical and mental offerings, 
Vast as the clouds and wide as the ocean.

 

Confession

DAG-GI TO-MEY DU-NEH SAG-PA YI 
LU-NGAG YIH-KYI DIG-PA CHI-JYI DANG 
CHEY-PA DOM-PA SUM-JI MI-TUN SHO 
NYING-NEH JO-PA TRAH-PO SO-SOR SHAG

The unwholesome actions of body, speech and mind, 
which I have accumulated over a measureless period, 
especially actions contrary to the three vows (Vinaya, Bodhisattva, Vajrayana), I regret extremely 
From the depths of my heart, and I reveal each and every such action.

 

Rejoice

NIK-MI DU-DIR MANG-THO DRUP-LA TSON 
CHO-JYED PANG-PI DAL-JOR DON-YO SHYE 
NGON-PO CHEY-KYI LAP-CHEN DZE-PA LA 
DAG-CHAG SAM-PA TAG-PEH YI RANG NGO

We totally rejoice in your magnificent achievements, my Lord, 
Who received numerous teachings and performed the practices with utmost diligence, 
Who abandoned the eight worldly objectives and made the most meaningful use
Of the eighteen opportune conditions during these degenerate times.

 

Request to Turn the Wheel of Dharma

JE-TSUN LA-MA DAM-PA CHEY-NAM KYI 
CHO-KU KA-LA CHEN-TI TIN-TIK NEY 
JI-TAR TSAM-PI DUL-SHIH DZIN-MA LA 
ZAB-JI CHO-KYI CHAR-PA WHAP-TU SOL

All you holy Gurus, unerring in conduct, 
May you precipitate a rain of realisation of Bodhicitta and 
Shunyata from the clouds of all-knowing compassion which fills the Dharmakaya sky, 
Providing for the field of disciples precisely what is needed.

 

Requesting to Remain

NAM-DAG WO-SAL YING-LEY JING-PA YI 
ZUNG-JUG KU-LA CHAR-NUB MI-NGA YANG 
THA-MAL HNANG-NGOR ZUG-KU RAG-PA NYI 
SEE-THEE BAR-DU MI-NUB TAN-PA SHUG

May the Vajra body of Tsongkhapa created from the purity of clear light, 
Free of the rising and setting of cyclic existence but 
Visible to the ordinary viewer only in its unsubtle, physical form
Stay on unchanging, without waning, until Samsara ends.

 

Dedication

DAG-SOG JIN-NYEH SAG-PA GE-WA DEE 
TAN-DANG DRO-WA KUN-LA GANG-PHAN DANG 
CHE-PA JE-TSUN LO-ZANG DRAG-PA YI 
TAN-PI NYING-PO RING-DU SAL-SHEH SHOG

May this merit accumulated by myself and others, 
Beneficially serve all sentient beings and the Buddhadharma 
And especially may the essential teachings of 
The unerring master Tsongkhapa, become clear and enduring.

 

Mantra of Je Tsongkhapa (Migtsema)

MIG-MEY TZE-WEY TER-CHEN CHENREZIG 
DRI-MEY KHYEN-PI WANG-PO JAMPAL YANG 
DU-PUNG MA-LU JOM-DZEY SANG-WEY DAG 
GANG-CHEN KE-PEY TSUG-GYEN TSONGKAPA 
LO-SANG TRAG-PEY SHAB-LA SOL-WA DEB 
(Recite 21x or more, depending on time)

Je Tsongkhapa, crown jewel of the holy Masters of the Land of Snows, 
You are Avalokiteshvara, great goldmine of Compassion untainted by ego’s delusion. 
You are Manjushri, great Master of stainless wisdom. 
You are Vajrapani, great subduer of all the gatherings of demons.
At your feet, famed Lobsang Drakpa, I humbly bow
And earnestly request that all sentient beings achieve Enlightenment. 
(Recite 21x or more, depending on time)

 

Dissolving Je Rinpoche into Ourselves

PAL-DAN TSA-WEY LA-MA RINPOCHE 
DAG-SOG CHI-WOR PE-ME DAN-JUG LA 
KA-DRIN CHEN-PO GO-NEY JE-ZUNG TE 
KU-SUNG THUG-KYI NGO-DRUP TSAL-DU SOL

Dear worthy root Guru, please ascend the lotus seat 
Atop the head of myself and the other beings, 
And in your great kindness please remain with us. 
Bestow upon us the blessings of your body, speech and mind.

 

PAL-DAN TSA-WEY LA-MA RINPOCHE 
DAG-SOG NYING-KHAR PE-ME DAN-JUG LA 
KA-DRIN CHEN-PO GO-NEY JE-ZUNG TE 
CHO-DANG THUN-MONG NGO-DRUP TSAL-DU SOL

Precious, noble, root Guru, please occupy the lotus seat 
Within our hearts and in your great kindness remain with us. 
Please grant us your blessings 
For our temporal success and for the supreme attainment.

 

PAL-DAN TSA-WEY LA-MA RINPOCHE 
DAG-SOG NYING-KHAR PE-ME DAN-JUG LA 
KA-DRIN CHEN-PO GO-NEY JE-ZUNG TE 
JANG-CHUB NYING-PO BAR-DU TAN-PAR SHUG

Beloved, noble, root Guru, please occupy the lotus seat 
Within our hearts and in your great kindness remain with us. 
Please stay on until we achieve 
The great goal of Enlightenment.

 

SELF-GENERATION AS HEROIC RED TARA

[If one has received the initiation of Red Tara, the description below is the visualization of ourselves as the deity Red Tara. How this is done is that we visualize that our perspective has altered to that of the seed syllable OM in the heart of Red Tara, looking out. In other words, we have become one with the seed syllable OM and we imagine looking out from the syllable.

If one does not have the initiation, we visualize Red Tara as an external deity. We can read the description to engage in the visualization and extend the visualization during the mantra recitation. The reason for the generation as Red Tara is to get closer to Tara and gain her attainments and eventually become one with her.]

 

From the sphere of Emptiness on a yellow lotus and moon seat appears a red OM syllable. OM completely transforms into me as Venerable Heroic Red Tara. My body is red in color with one face and four pairs of arms. My first two hands hold a vajra and a bell and are joined at my crown to proclaim the Dharma in the mudra of great joy.  The second pair holds an arrow and a bow.  The third pair holds a wheel and a conch. The fourth pair holds a wisdom sword and a noose. I have a peaceful expression and sit in the vajra posture. I am clothed in silken garments and adorned by precious ornaments, with a halo of moonlight behind my body. A white OM marks my crown, a red AH my throat and a blue HUM my heart.

 

Praise

Homage to you, the Swift One, the Heroine,
Whose eyes are like an instant flash of lightning,
Who arose from the open corolla
Of the lotus face of the Lord of the Three Worlds.

 

Reciting the Mantra

At my heart is a moon disc marked by the syllable OM, with the mantra circling clockwise around the circumference of the disc.

OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SARVA TRE DATU VASHAM KURU SOHA
(Recite 21x, 108x or as much as possible)

 

DEDICATION

[The recitation of the dedication verses is to seal the merits accrued while engaging in Red Tara’s practice so that the results of virtuous deeds do not get destroyed by a moment of anger. The merits accumulated are necessary for understanding the Dharma, transforming the mind and gaining spiritual attainments.]

Completion Dedication

JANG-JUB SEM-CHOK RINPOCHE
MA-KYE PA-NAM KYE-GYUR CHIK
KYE-PA NYAM-PA ME-PA YANG
GONG-NA GONG-DU PEL-WAR SHUG

May the precious Bodhi-mind,
Where it is not born arise and grow
May that born have no decline
But increase forever more.

 

TONG-NI TONG-WA RINPOCHE
MA-KYE PA-NAM KYE-GYUR CHIK
KYE-PA NYAM-PA ME-PA YANG
GONG-NA GONG-DU PEL-WAR SHUG

May the precious Emptiness
Where it is not born arise and grow
May that born have no decline
But increase forever more.

 

DAG-SOG JIN-NYEH SAG-PA GE-WA DEE
TAN-DANG DRO-WA KUN-LA GANG-PHAN DANG
CHE-PAR JE-TSUN LO-ZANG DRAG-PA YI
TAN-PI NYING-PO RING-DU SAL-SHEH SHUG

May this merit accumulated by myself and others
Beneficially serve all sentient beings and the Buddhadharma
And especially may the essential teachings of the unerring Master Tsongkhapa,
Become clear and enduring.

 

Prayer by Je Tsongkhapa

KYE-WA KUN-TU YANG-DAK LA-MA DANG
DRAL-ME CHO-KYI PAL-LA LONG-CHO CHING
SA-DANG LAM-GYI YON-TEN RAP-DZOK NA
DORJE CHANG-GI GO-PANG NYUR-TO SHUG

In all my rebirths may I not be parted from perfect Gurus,
Let me enjoy the abundance of the Dharma!
Perfecting the quality stages and paths
May I quickly attain the rank of Vajradhara Buddha.

 

Dedication of Virtue

GE-WA DI-YI NYUR-DU DAK
LA-MA SANG-GYE DRUP-GYUR NA
DRO-WA CHIK-KYANG MA-LU PA
DE-YI SA-LA GO-PAR SHUG

By this virtue, may I quickly
Realize Guru-Buddhahood,
And transfer each sentient being
Into that Enlightened state.

 

CHO KHI GYAL PO TSONG KHA PA
CHO TSUL NAM PAR PHEL WA LA
GEK KI TSHAN MA ZHI WA DANG
THUN KYIN MA LU TSHANG WAR SHOK

May all conducive conditions arise
And all obstacles be pacified,
In order to increase infinitely,
The doctrine of the spiritual king, Tsongkhapa.

 

DA DANG SHEN GI DU SUM DANG
DRIL WA TSOK NYI LA TEN NAY
GYA WA LO ZANG DRAG PA YI
TAN PAR YUN RING VAR GYUR CHIG

By the merits of the
Three times of myself and others,
May the doctrine of Lama Tsongkhapa
Blaze forever.

 

Auspicious Dedication

NYIMO DELEK TSEN TELEK
NYIME GUNG YANG DELEK SHIN
NYITSEN TAKTU DELEK PEL
KON CHOK SUM GYI JIN GYI LOB
KON CHOK SUM GYI NGOR DRUL TSOL
KON CHOK SUM GYI TRA SHI SHOK

At dawn or dusk, at night or midday,
May the Three Jewels grant us their blessing,
May they help us to achieve all realisations and
Sprinkle the paths of our lives with various signs of auspiciousness.

 

Dedication for the Guru’s Long Life

JETSUN LAMA KU TSE RABTEN CHING
NAMKAR TRINLEY CHOG CHUR GYE PA DANG
LOBSANG TENPE DRON ME SA SUM GYI
DRO WE MUNSEL TAKTUR NE GYUR CHIG

May the holy teachers have long lives.
May the enlightened activities be fully displayed in the ten directions, and
May the brightness of the teachings of Lama Tsongkhapa
Continuously dissipate the veil of darkness covering the beings of the three realms.

 

Dedication for the Long Life of H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama

GANG RI RAWE KORWAI SHING KHAM DIR
PEN DANG DEWA MALU GYUNG WAI NE
CHENREZIG WANG TENZIN GYATSO YI
SHA PEI SITHAI BARDU DEN GYUR CHIG

In this holy Land surrounded by snow mountains,
You are the source of all benefit and happiness
May your lotus feet, O powerful Chenrezig, Tenzin Gyatso
Remain in this world until the end of existence.

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16 Responses to Heroic Red Tara (Suryagupta Lineage)

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  1. Moon Chan on Feb 23, 2021 at 6:14 pm

    I like Tara because the first mantra I learnt was Om Tare Tu Tare Soha. I did not know there were restrictions for women to practice Buddhism until I found some history. Tara is an enlightened female Buddha, I like her gentle energies. The others form of Tara such as Red Tara kind of added masculine energy, I feel feminine energy is nurturing but also very powerful. She has ‘conquered’ herself and every women have the inner strength to do it.

    It blow my mind to see one involved to practiced Tara for the seven lifetimes, it shows how much you are connected to certain beings. I really love the story that Tara replied to Suryagupta about his sore on his head. I’ve always heard people say spiritual guides are with us always, even for many life times. Like Suryagupta, he was guided along his path to enlightened.

  2. Tsa Tsa Ong on Sep 6, 2018 at 10:31 pm

    I enjoyed reading this story about Heroic Red Tara (Suryagupta Lineage). I always love Tara and can feel my strong affinity with Tara. Thank you very much Rinpoche and blog team for sharing this article on Red Tara practice.??

  3. Pastor Loh Seng Piow on Jun 15, 2018 at 10:57 pm

    This incredible White Tara was discovered in Indonesia. It is said to be 800 years old and made by Nagarjuna. A local person Mr. Supriyono dreamed of a bluish red dragon surrounding the village and splashing down into the well before finding Her. This beautiful White Tara was discovered in Indonesia. See video: – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96dW0Ms1oR0

    ^7E132885F3932C14F92E8495F8504AECDA528CDDCF1370E02E^pimgpsh_fullsize_distr

  4. Freon on May 25, 2017 at 5:05 pm

    Dear Rinpoche,

    I like this Heroic Red Tara. To me She looks so beautiful and stunning with the implements She carry. She looks strong and yet gentle.

    Story of Tara inspire me to do more in Dharma, work for sentient beings and do not fear the harm that the people we help might turn against us.

    Tara become Buddha with the female body, have shown to us nothing is impossible if we want to achieve enlightenment. The factors that stopped us is our own doing. Tara have been a hero not because she conquered others but herself. This is a very powerful message i get from this article.

    Thank you Rinpoche for this beautiful story of Tara and about Heroic Red Tara

    With folded hand
    Freon

  5. Fong on Jun 25, 2016 at 4:42 pm

    Thank you, Rinpoche for this posting. I always find the 21 forms of Tara a bit confusing. Sometimes, I see Taras with 2 arms and sometimes more. Guess, that means that I have to read and learn up more about Tara.

    But, I like Tara because I feel that I need not wish to be male or be like a male to practice and achieve something. She is a Buddha, an enlightened female Buddha.

    This article definitely has helped in my knowledge of Red Tara. But, I guess I have yet to find out more about the other forms of Tara as there is not very much out there in the internet about the other forms. The more common forms of White Tara and Green Tara are more accessible in the internet. as suggested in the article, there are more than 1 Red Tara.

    But, thank you for the information that this is a practice that can be done without initiation though the visualisation for those with initiation is generate the deity, Heroic Red Tara as a Yidam.

    Thank you again for the beautiful images of the Heroic Red Tara.

  6. gary foo on Jun 16, 2016 at 11:50 pm

    There’s something about this Tara thats made me very atracted tothis form and to start reciting her mantras and create thatnrelationship with her in addition to the daily sadhana 🙂 thank you Rinpoche for introducing this form to us and allowing us to tap into Taras blessings.

  7. Alice Tay on Jan 14, 2016 at 2:38 pm

    感谢仁波切在此分享有关二十一度母之一,红度母。

    每位度母不同的颜色都是她们特定的象征与化身来救度众生。例如绿度母可以迅速帮助我们消除烦恼痛苦,达成心愿。持修白度母可以帮助我们健康长寿。而这位红度母象征着权威与力量。

    根据Suryagupta的传承有记载有关红度母的持修法。而当时这位高成就者,Suryagupta,就是持修度母的法门,而达到至高的成就。

    在Suryagupta努力与积极的持修度母法门,他如愿的可以看见度母和他的麻风病也因此被度母医治好。但度母告诉Suryagupta,他的额头上的疮不能被消除。因为此疮是来自于Suryagupta前几世所造下的杀业所致的。

    因此,我们可以理解到不管我们持修任何法门,要达到一定的成就并不是不可能。而这只在乎于我们的坚信、坚持、耐力,还有必须要相信与了解因果。

  8. Paul Yap on Jan 7, 2016 at 10:40 pm

    Tara is widely practiced among the Buddhist and Hindus. This shows her popularity among the devotees, perhaps she has answered the prayers and has grant swift assistance whenever needed.

    I found this 8 arm Heroic Red Tara very fascinating and attractive. The implements hold in her hands shows that she has various methods to bring people to dharma and give assistance, perhaps this is one of the reasons she can act like a protector as well. She also promised whoever practice her sadhana, she will grant them siddhis.

  9. Pastor Shin on Jan 7, 2016 at 8:32 pm

    Tara is one of the most popular deities in the Tibetan Buddhist pantheon. Tara was often associated with the two historical wives of the first Buddhist king of Tibet, Songtsen Gampo. His wife from imperial China, Princess Wencheng was said to be an incarnation of White Tara, while the king’s Nepalese wife, Princess Bhrikuti was an incarnation of Green Tara.

    What was posted in this article regarding Suryagupta’s meeting with Tara reminded me of the two mentions in “The All-Pervading Melodious Drumbeat: The Life of Ra Lotsawa”. First was the same story of Suryagupta mentioned in this text (Suryagupta is also known as Ravigupta) and the other one of Chandragomin.

    When Ra Lotsawa was visiting Vajrasana (the seat of Buddha @ Bodhgaya), northeast of the sacred site was a deity shrine of the goddess Tara in five forms, the first of which faces east. Behind the shrine to the west was the thatched hut built by Ravigupta (Suryagupta). When Ravigupta was practising there, something marvelous happened: the face of Tara and the shrine face turned west and spoke to him.

    In the southwest was the so-called Shrine of Lokesvara, and inside was an image of Avalokiteshvara at the centre of the nine-deity retinue. This was the image that had actually spoken to Chandragomin and taught him the Dharma. There was also the blessed image renowned as Tara the Unadorned. The story goes that there was an old woman who had a beautiful daughter. She had no money for her daughter’s wedding, so she went to beg around until eventually she reached Nalanda. When she heard about the famous scholar Chandrakirti, she went to beg from him. Chandrakirti told her he was a simple monk and did not have much, he suggested that she try Chadragomin, who lived nearby. As Chandragomin only had the clothes he was wearing, Chandragomin prayed to the painting of Tara on the wall. Tara came to life and took off her own adornments and jewels, gave to Chandragomin, who then joyfully handed them to the old woman.

    Ra Lotsawa himself also have experience of Tara appearing to him. One day when Ra lotsawa was travelling to Kyosang, Langlap Jangchup Dorje who was a Vajrakilaya master caused a lighting shower of nailing daggers to strike the very spot where he was walking, killing many of his attendants. Ra Lotsawa performed the defensive rite of expulsion but he failed to suppress the attacks. As he thought about hwhat to do next, Tara appeared in emerald-coloured brilliance and adored with precious ornaments, she told Ra Lotsawa that extremely fierce paranormal attacks cannot be suppressed by expulsion rites alone, but to use meditative absorption that is devoid of inherent existence, combined with the secret expulsion. She also spoke about 8 additional oral instructions/teachings that are required that have not been translated in Tibet, and for Ra Lotsawa to go to Nepal and translate them into Tibetan.

    Thank you for sharing the practice of Heroic Red Tara with the world. May many come under Mother Tara’s protection and blessing.

  10. Sharon Ong on Jan 6, 2016 at 10:29 pm

    Dear Rinpoche,

    Thank you for this interesting read about Red Tara who I see as a divine superheroine and I love her ability to help subjugate difficult individuals who pose obstacles to our practice or our work to spread the Dharma. I particularly like her iconography where her womanly form carries implements that represent her ability to powerfully bind and subjugate our negatives.

  11. Uncle Eddie on Jan 6, 2016 at 1:43 pm

    Our Heroic Red Tara, which literary means “savioress” in ancient India, has a long story of being worshipped by many great Indian and Tibetan Masters. According to Archaeology, worshipping of Tara was established in the early period of the Pala empire in northern India in the 8th century. As shown in this article, the earliest known image of Tara was found on the walls of “rock-cut” Buddhist Monastic complex of the Ellora caves in Maharashtra in the 7th century. Red Tara has received verses of praises for her good qualities and swiftness in her work well done. She is also been praised as a Herione, meaning she has “conquered” herself, and posseses the sight of a Buddha, where she is able to see into the past, present and future simultaneously. Last but not least, the later part of the verse refers to that, Tara was born from a Lotus that grew from the tears of the bodhisattva of compassion, Avalokiteshvara, who is also known as the protector of the three worlds – form,formless and desire. Our Heroine Red Tara, being red in colour, corresponds with the activity of control, gains ability to deflect the negative influence of harmful individuals, with authority or control! Our Heroic Red Tara can also be propitiated to help one to subjugate difficult individuals who post obstacles to our practices or our work to spread the Dharma. She has her own perfect qualities to use to draw us into Dharma for the benefit of furthering Dharma in serving others. How intersting, informative and inspiring! Thank you Rinpoche for the sharing. Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha.

  12. Pastor Henry Ooi on Jan 6, 2016 at 12:07 am

    This article is provides very good information on Red Tara including nice images. The more popular are Green Tara and White Tara, and now this article enhances the popularity of Red Tara. Thank you, Rinpoche.

  13. Sarah Yap on Jan 4, 2016 at 10:11 pm

    An incredibly interesting article.

    I must say, I’m not particularly attracted to the Buddha Tara, though I know she is magnificent, but the Tara from Suryagupta’s lineage is fascinating and I find her particularly beautiful.

    I do wonder however why the change in the iconography. Perhaps it is difficult for practitioners to visualize 21 Tara in 21 entirely different forms which has led Lama Atisha to compassionately renew the 21 Tara practice we have commonly today? Not sure if this is the real reason but it sure is interesting.

    Also, I wonder if there are any difference when it comes to practicing Red Tara from Lama Atisha’s lineage, and practicing Red Tara from Mahasiddha Suryagupta’s lineage? I know all Buddhas are one, but the formation of these 2 different lineages must be born from a slightly different purposes which leads to some differences. Of course ultimately both practices can lead us to Enlightenment.

    Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this article.

    • Pastor David Lai on Jan 5, 2016 at 4:50 pm

      Dear Sarah,
      You have very interesting questions. The difference in iconography is probably reflected in the practitioners of that lineage. Perhaps, the more complicated iconography of the older Suryagupta lineage reflected the affinity, karma, merits and abilities of the older practitioners of that time. The simpler iconography once again reflects those of the new generation of practitioners.

      Red Tara is a very generic term and could mean any of the few Red Taras in the 21 Taras of the Suryagupta lineage and also a few in the Atisha’s lineage. This particular Red Tara has a name and she is the Heroic Red Tara and has a particular purpose. Not all Red Taras have the same function as her and I am sure there is a Red Tara in the Atisha’s lineage with the same function but even if they do not have the same purpose, they should still come under the activity of magnetizing or control.

  14. Joy on Jan 3, 2016 at 11:49 pm

    Ok ok Rinpoche knows I am pretty biased when it comes to Tara… anything associated with her, I love it! hehe. So thank you Rinpoche and wonderful blog team/writers/researchers for putting up this write up on Tara in general, her story and adding the Heroic Red Tara teachings and practice for all. Now whenever we need to teach or explain something about Tara, we can come here. This blog is truly like a Dharma resource centre. I did not know adding her sadhana/praise and mantra was that amazingly simple!

    I guess the reason why I love Tara is because of Rinpoche who introduced me to her and how Rinpoche explained to me she was just exactly like “Mother Mary” and yes up till today I do believe that she probably is, manifesting in different forms in different time for different minds. Why not?

    Besides that I love Tara because she gives women hope and strength because in many society women are often looked upon as the lesser, weaker and inferior gender even up till today, women are still trying to stand up be heard and have equal standing in social and economic grounds. So a Buddha in female form is definitely uplifting and sort of got me liking Vajrayana Buddhism. It sounded (in my small silly mind) to me like the “FAIREST” religion where there is “equality” 🙂

    It is amazing how the Buddhas are so compassionate to manifest in so many different forms, focusing on different issues and aspect of our problems to help us out of samsara. For instance this amazing 8-arm Red Tara has the ability to deflect the negative influence of harmful individuals with authority or influence. Wow! Many people with such problems will be able to do her simple practice, rely on her with faith and not only solve their problems but be connected to the Dharma eventually. How skillful the Buddhas are.

    I saw/read something really beautiful on FB which I thought explains about Tara, or any Buddhas actually, very appropriately well by Tenzin Palmo:

    “Sacred art, an image of Tara, for example, is not just something that we admire on a wall, or even something we think of outside of ourselves. All these manifestations are really just the reflection of our ultimate nature.”

    And there she sits with a painting of Mother Mary what a coincidence?

    I suppose all pure enlightened divine energy are from the same source. Their outer appearance shows us what we can achieve if we practice well, and what we need to do and work on harder in order to be one with our yidam.

    12469502_423186174472643_7389668500337365727_o

  15. Chris Chong on Jan 3, 2016 at 2:00 am

    Dear Rinpoche,

    Thank you for sharing this amazing post on the history and practice of the rare Heroic Red Tara.

    From this post I have learnt

    1. The practice of worshipping Buddha Tara had existed even in the ancient indian buddhist institute time. She was so popular back then where many major monasteries and shrines have her image and she was even worshipped in Hinduism.

    2. There are 2 lineage of Tara practices, Suryagupta lineage and Atisha’s lineage. Both of them are valid and Suryagupta’s lineage is actually older and more complicated in iconography.

    3. Heroic Red Tara practice mainly is to gains the ability to deflect the negative influence of harmful individuals with authority or influence.

    Chris

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  • Brent
    Tuesday, Mar 26. 2024 04:47 PM
    Living with my wife, whose world is meticulously painted with the hues of OCD, is a journey that intertwines the essence of love with the complexities of the human mind. Her relentless pursuit of cleanliness and order, transforming even the most negligible corner into a testament of organization, often dances on the fine line between admiration and frustration. The sight of her steering clear from trash bins as if they were labyrinths of chaos, serves as a poignant reminder of the battles she fights within. Yet, it’s through these very battles that I’ve learned the profound language of patience and the unspoken strength of support. Therapy, in its gentle embrace, has been a beacon of light for her, guiding her through the stormy seas of OCD. It has not only offered her solace but has also unveiled the strength of her spirit, teaching us both the beauty of resilience. As she journeys through the pathways of healing, I stand by her, a testament to the power of love and the enduring promise of hope. Together, we navigate the complexities of her world, discovering that within the challenges lie opportunities for growth, understanding, and an unbreakable bond. https://www.mindfullyaliveonline.com/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/
  • 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.

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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

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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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    5 years ago
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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.

Scroll down and click on "View All Questions" to view archived questions.

  • March 28, 2024 05:40
    Jason asked: Continuing from the previous answer, how do we liberate ourselves from samsara if it’s impossible to not create further karma while existing in samsara? If we create karma just be existing, that means that we will keep reincarnating over and over again so it seems like we’re stuck in the cycle
    pastor answered: Dear Jason, You've asked a very interesting follow-up question. Generally speaking, yes if you are in samsara, then you are always creating more karma. That's why the goal of Buddhists is to be liberated from samsara. The Buddha and other enlightened beings achieved this and the practice of Dharma itself is geared towards achieving this. I'll try to explain it here, hopefully I can do so in such a short space. So, normally there is no way out of samsara, but when you practice the Dharma there is. Remember in my previous reply to you, I mentioned that there are differing levels of severity of karma? Some are heavier, some lighter, etc. When practising the Dharma, you reduce the amount of karma that you produce. When you have less effects of karma, due to less negative karma itself, you can focus more on the spiritual practices that lead to liberation. I'll take the examples of the Refuge vows. There are 10 of them, split into three categories related to the body, speech and mind. First is the body, which includes to abstain form killing, as killing creates negative karma. The in the speech section, it includes to abstain from lying. This is harder to do. What is easier - to abstain from killing another human being, or lying to another person. The easier one is not to kill. Hence, you train yourself in this manner, working from those actions that are easiest to avoid, working up to those that are harder. For example in the mind section, one of the vows is not to covet something that another person has. But this is harder to do than either not lying or not killing. In other words, in our spiritual practice, we reduce the karma that we create though the actions of our body, speech and mind. Since we have less karma, we suffer less. And then finally, we are get to really subtle levels of karma, which are like residue in our mindstreams. But it's still there. In order to get out of samsara, you need to realise what we call emptiness (which is way to complicated to talk about here). In other words, the very path of the Dharma is to reduce the karma we create, starting with the easiest and working up to the hardest, which is where it becomes the easiest to understand emptiness. This who journey is a process, that's why teachings such as the Lamrim are indesipensible as it shows us the actual way to practice. Normally, we are stuck in Samsara. But when we practice the Dharma and ultimately realise emptiness (there are many, many steps in between) we are able to get out of samsara completely. This may sound confusing, which is why in Buddhism study, understand and practice is very important. We have Dharma classes available, where you can learn and find out more: https://www.kechara.com/learn/dharma-classes/ I hope this helps.
  • March 27, 2024 06:10
    Jason asked: People-especially family put certain expectations on us and when we refuse, it causes them a lot of stress and anger and we make them suffer…. my family wants me to marry and have kids but I don’t want to be tied down to Samsara any further and just explaining that I want to shave my head drives my mom crazy and she starts speaking to me in a very loud and forceful manner saying that she doesn’t care what I have to say and that she knows better than me so she will do whatever it takes make me have a family even if she ends up becoming a villain in my eyes because it’s for my own good so that I won’t be alone and lonely when I’m old. When we say no to people, especially to people who care about us and want the best for us, do we accumulate negative karma from causing them emotional turmoil and pain
    pastor answered: Dear Jason, Thank you for your question. In essence, any action that causes another person harm or suffering whether physical or emotional generates negative karma. But karma is complicated and not as simple as we usually think about it. There are differences in level of severity of karma created, some can be very light and some can be heavy. These are due to the variables when creating karma, such as motivation, the actions, your feelings after it, etc. This can all be found in teachings that talk about karma, especially the Lamrim teachings. In Buddhism we teach that we need to avoid the creation of negative karma for sure. But simply by being stuck in samsara, there is actually no way out of creating karma. That is why Buddhists seek to be free from samsara altogether. Only when we are free from samsara, are we free from the creation of karma. In relation to your situation, if you are young and rely on your parents, for now you should try not to do things that are create division or disharmony within the family environment. That itself if the practice of the Dharma. Then later, when you are independent you can make more of an informed choice about what you want to do. Even in your current situation, you can practice the Dharma, it is not necessary to become a monk or nun to progress on your spiritual path. Dharma can be practiced in any environment, and actually practising towards our family is the best. When we transform our minds and our behvariours and they see just how beneficial this transformation is, this is the best way to show them that Dharma is good. This was a piece of advice that Tsem Rinpoche used to tell people in family situations all the time. I hope this helps you.
  • March 26, 2024 02:28
    Rojal Poudel asked: How can I meet my guru? Does one need a guru for initiation for tantra and other stuff on the path to enlightenment? Does one need a guru to attain enlightenment?
    pastor answered: Dear Rojal, Thank you for your question. In regards to meeting your guru, there are many different ways. These days you can meet your guru online as well. For example, many people did not meet Tsem Rinpoche personally, but they consider him to be there guru. You may find this article interesting: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/the-guru-protocol-a-guide-to-knowing-who-your-guru-is.html In regards to tantra, yes, one definitely needs a qualified guru to bestow initiation and teach us the path of practice once you have initiation. In regards to our tradition, it is also considered necessary to have a guru to attain full enlightenment. Hope this helps. The article lined above will definitely help to answer some of your questions on a deeper level. Thank you.
  • March 25, 2024 10:35
    Rojal Poudel asked: How can you deepen your spiritual progress while sleeping? I heard some people can go to pure lands and get teachings directly from Buddha’s, Bodhisattva’s, and Dharma Protecters. Are these possible from Lucid Dreaming and Astral Projection?
    pastor answered: Dear Rojal, Thank you for your questions. It's always nice to see you here wanting to learn more. Yes it is definitely possible to deepen your practice in your sleep. This is done during practice of Highest Yoga Tantra, after receiving initiation and progressed along generation stage practice. This would obviously include everything before receiving such iniation such as having a basis and grounding in the Three Principle Aspects of the Path and the Lamrim teachings. In this practice you are able to use sleep to engage in meditation. This would need you to be able to lucid dream before hand. The ability to lucid dream itself can be developed a number of ways, but the most common is single-pointed mediation concentration during waking life. This is also known as Shamatha meditation. But in this case, the object of your meditation should be a mental one, rather than a physical one. The best would be a visualisation of the Buddha. All of this is outlined in the Lamrim teachings in the section on developing concentration. In terms of Astral Travel, yes it is definitely possible, and again there are different methods to go about this. Again this should be done only after having received the appropriate intiations and teachings from your guru. However, there are quite a few dangers involved with this. As Tsem Rinpoche mentioned before, the two main ones is that your consciousness is not able to return to your body and two that a spirit can take possession of your body if your protection is not strong and you have not invoked a Dharma protector to help with protection aspects. Another thing about astral travel, is that even if learn how to do it, it is not necessary that you can actually visit pure lands or receive teachings, etc. This is because, to do this, would require a lot of merit. So there are many things and practices to develop merit before you should engage in it. Often times, people who claim that they have received teachings or visited purelands, actually haven't though they may think that they did. It could simply be a projection of one's mind and in some serious cases perhaps even due to spirits mascarading. If you would like to learn lucid dreaming, please look into the teachings of single-pointed concentration normally. The ability of lucid dreaming comes naturally for those who progress in their shamatha meditation. As for astral travel practices, I would advise not to engage in such practices unless you receive the appropriate initiations, teachings from and under the strict supervision of a qualified guru. Hope this helps.
  • March 24, 2024 01:17
    Dirji asked: How can I see my kaytsa
    pastor answered: Dear Dirji, We are sorry, but we do not understand your question. Perhaps because you asked using the english phoenetics of the word. If possible, please post again using either the English translation of the word or using the Tibetan script, so that we can help you properly. Thank you.
  • March 23, 2024 12:11
    Marc asked: What is the direct translation of Tsem Rinpoche’s name mantra? Thank you 🙏🏽
    pastor answered: Dear Marc, Thank you for your question. You can find a translation of the meaning of Tsem Rinpoche's name mantra on Kechara's Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=683136630510067. Hope this helps. Thank you.
  • March 22, 2024 20:27
    Rojal Poudel asked: I am about to leave everything behind. I am tired of this life where I do the same thing everyday. I see everything but dharma as an illusion. I want to attain some sort of realization so that I can benefit other sentient beings. I am very inspired by the story of Milarepa, who gave up everything to learn dharma. Even the Buddha gave up comfort and luxury in search for this supreme truth. I also want to follow the Please tell me what I should do.
    pastor answered: Dear Rojal, We can understand that you feel this way, and seeing the illusion of life should definitely motivate us to want to achieve something more spiritual. In the past when people asked Tsem Rinpoche the same question, he used to tell people a couple of things: > The first is that there are two methods to deal with our spiritual path. The first is to physically renounce everything and go into the wilderness, like Buddha Shakyamuni and Milarepa did. To cut yourself from everyone and everything and meditate continuously for years until you achieve realisation. But this is very hard to do in our day and age. We still need to have contact with people, there are the necessities of life to think about. Rinpoche said we need to think about things from a practice angle also. It takes a very great level of practitioner with an immense store of merit to be able to do this successfully. > The second method is to keep living within our a community and use them as a support for the transformation of the mind and spiritual progress. For example, that it why we have monasteries and nunneries, or Dharma centres and organisations to help with spiritual practice. This method is more measured, but you can still gain the same results. This is the more practical method. Especially according to the Mahayana path of practice, Bodhisattvas need to practice certain qualities in our minds and we progress towards enlightenment. Such qualities include the Six Perfections, but if we are not around others, how do we practice them? In order to practice generosity, we need others to be generous towards. In order to practice patience, we need others to be patient towards. In order to practice morality and ethics, we need to be in situations to be able to practice our vows. Enlightened beings like Buddha and Milarepa were able to do all of this in their minds during meditation but as mentioned before they were already high level pracitioners with immense merit. For example, Buddha Shakyamuni had three countless aeons of consistent practice life time after life time until his achieved enlightenment. > Another thing that Rinpoche shared, that while understanding the drawbacks of life and the benefits of becoming enlightened, a lot of the time what happens these days is that it is mixed up with emotion due to the challenges of life. People are looking for an escape, but not an escape from samsara into enlightenment, but simple an escape from their current problems. The need for escape, known as renunciation in Buddhism, is not to simply escape samsara, but developed in a certain way through contemplation and meditation. When we have such feelings, we should analyse them to see if they are in accord with the teachings and the methods of developing true renunciation. Many people also have a unrealistic way of thinking about physical renunciation and the spiritual path in general. Most people think it is easy, but it is not, is difficult because we need to deal with our minds, our emotions, our traumas, etc, from countless lives. If we don't have a firm foundation in Dharma practice and transformation before we attempt something like Buddha Shakyamuni or Milarepa, we will give up after a while because we find it too hard. And perhaps give up spiritual practice because the path did not actually match our expectations. So the key is to be as realistic as possible about our spiritual path. So our advice, rather than give up everything, as you may have family or other responsibilities, is to use your current situation to transform your mind, to practice the teachings right now in life, so that you can start progressing along the spiritual life. The best way to do this is to practice the Lamrim teachings, which give you a firm roadmap of how and what to practice in a sequential manner. Giving up everything is not necessary to make real progress on the spiritual path, as outlined in the Lamrim, but sustained and consistent practice is the key. Then use the situations in your life to actualise that transformation. We hope this helps.
  • March 21, 2024 00:44
    Jason asked: I listened to Tsem Rinpoche’s dharma talk and was inspired to be patient and kind towards other. For a while I felt like my mind had transformed and I started being more proactive in helping others and making sure to complete my responsibilities as perfectly as I can to not burden others and taking the initiative to help people that I see are struggling with their work but recently I have been feeling like I’m actually harming others instead of helping them by being kind because I feel like I’m enabling their bad behavior and rude attitude, especially one person in particular that I have to work with. No matter how much I help and show kindness, they don’t seem to change…and now I feel like a pushover for smiling and helping them even though they don’t show any appreciation or respect for it and instead take advantage of me and push even more of their responsibilities on me. I’ve been having thoughts that my kindness and patience has just become a cover for fear of confrontation now. What should I do? I feel like I’m gonna lose control and lash out even though I try to focus my mind on how the people around me must be struggling
    pastor answered: Dear Jason, Thank you for your question. We are very happy to hear that Tsem Rinpoche's Dharma talks have inspired you, especially to practice patience and kindness towards others. Please do keep it up, the benefits of both qualities are immense and are central to spiritual transformation. We should always try our best to practice both patience and kindness, but sometimes practising it in the way we think may not be the best option. For example, in the case that you mentioned, it is not having the right effect on your own mind and also you are enabling your co-worker to exhibit negative behaviours as well. In this case, actually practising kindness would not be to become a pushover, taking more responsibilities, etc. This isn't beneficial for your or the co-worker. So here, practising kindness would actually be not to allow the person to do such things, but it should be practised with patience and not out of emotion. So you would do this in a very skilfful manner. The best would be to have a talk with your co-worker in a very calm manner and explain how you are feeling and how they are making you feel in the work environment, and try to sort out the situation before it progresses. Especially since you are having such thoughts of anger and the posibility of lashing out. Practicing kindness and patience is not at all become a push over or allowing others to skip out on their responsibilities, etc. We really hope this helps. Thank you.
  • March 20, 2024 14:49
    Sok asked: Hello respected pastors. Is Kusha grass same as Durva grass? How to obtain kusha grass?
    pastor answered: Dear Sok, Kusha grass and Durva grass are two different types of grass, they are not the same. Kusha grass is also known as halfa grass, big cordgrass, or salt reed-grass. Its scientific name is Desmostachya Bipinnata. In shape, each blade of grass is long and straight. Durva grass is also known as bermuda grass. Its scientific name is Cynodon Dactylon. In shape, each blade looks segmented and has smaller leaves sprouting from it. You can google the scientific name to see the difference between the two. Generally, they can be bought at Indian religious stores if there are any nearby where you live. Alternatively, if you live in Asia, you can buy a traditional grass broom, which you can substitue for the Kusha grass. It is a close relative of Kusha grass and the lamas have said that it can be used as substitue if you cannot find the actual grass. I hope this helps. Thank you.
  • March 19, 2024 20:56
    Bhavisha asked: How to know wheather specific LOCAL deity is enlighten or not?
    pastor answered: Dear Bhavisha, Local deities are not enlightened. They are sentient beings who look after or take care of a specific area. There are different names for these types of beings, such as local deities, Land God, Landowner deities, etc. They belong to the God Realm, but as other beings in the god realm, they are not enlightened. Hope this helps.
  • March 18, 2024 09:57
    Rojal Poudel asked: What comes after attaining samatha or calm abiding meditation?
    pastor answered: Dear Rojal, Nice to see you back here! Shamatha is a tool, basically through this meditation you develop single pointed concentration. But after developing that, you use it to engage in Vipashyana meditation, otherwise known as Special Insight. Different traditions have different version of Special Insight. In our tradition, we use this type of meditation to analyse what we call "emptiness." The teachings on the emptiness are the actual teaching that leads to enlightenment. All other teachings or practices help to prepare your mind to be able to do this. Shamatha comes in, because the topic of emptiness is so deep, that we need single-pointed concentration to analyse it. If we don't have this type of concentration, we will not be able to understand emptiness. Hence, shamatha and vipashyana meditation are used in tandem to achieve enlightenment. This may seem a little abstract. The Lamrim teachings go into this in a lot of detail. They can be found in the chapters dealing with the Concentration and Wisdom as part of the Six Perfections in the Great Scope sections of the Lamrim. Hope this helps. Thank you.
  • March 17, 2024 23:16
    Jonathan Tan asked: Hi Dear Pastor, I am curious if H.E 25th Tsem Rinpoche had any heart disciples (son/daughter) Is there a difference between heart and root disciples?
    pastor answered: Dear Jonathan, Thank you for your question. There is no one heart disciple of Tsem Rinpoche. This usually refers to specific person who carries on the teachings and practices of a particular teacher. Tsem Rinpoche wanted something different for Kechara, hence we carry on his teachings and practices as a group, rather than one specific person. Rinpoche trained his students, who are either Sangha, Pastors or senior students in various ways of continuing his teachings, especially through the work that they do. In this way, we continue Rinpoche's teachings as a group rather than any one heart disciple. Hope that this helps. Thank you.
  • March 16, 2024 01:18
    Sirius asked: Hi dear pastors, I'd like to get recomendations on how to improve my actual sadhana. My morning starts by taking refuge and making offerings to the three jewls, followed by Lama Tsongkhapa's Guru Yoga. After this I usually study Lam Rim, and other Dharma Texts. During the afternoon I meditate for a about an hour or so, and somedays I do the Dorje Shugden sadhana given by Rinpoche. Finally at night I finish my day by doing Vajrasattva meditation and confession to the 35 Buddhas. What else can I do to improve my sadhana? What practices would you recomend me to do? Do you have recomendations on texts I could read? I would like to add that I live in Argentina, and I do not have any buddhist temple near sadly, so I cannot go there to practice, learm or collab. I would appreciate advice on this. Thank you in advance.
    pastor answered: Dear Sirius, Thank you for your question. In terms of practice, you are doing a lot. We are very happy to read that you are doing all these beneficial practices. They will be very beneficial for you. What you are doing is very good already, the only thing that I would say is to make the Dorje Shugden sadhana consistent as well as the others. If you are doing the short Diamond Path sadhana, it includes the Vajrasatta meditations, so you don't have to do it separately. We just have some points to help you improve your practice: > First is whenever you do any of the practices, is it vital to make sure you take refuge, generate bodhicitta and practice the four immeasurables before each session. And then at the end of the session, make sure to dedicate. This seals the merit generated from your practice. This is very important as if we don't have the correct motivation at the beginning and dedicate it at the end, since the merit is not sealed, the positive potential is destroyed when we have disturbing emotions, especially anger. > The second is to be consistent in your practices and do them daily. If you cannot be consistent with the practices you are doing at the moment, then reduce what you are doing to make it simple, for example just the Diamond Path (which includes Tsongkhapa's Guru Yoga anyway). Then once you are consistent daily, later you can slow add in other practices and become consistent with them. > The third is to keep revising the teachings on these practices, understand the motivation, deepen your visualisations, etc. > In regards to your meditation, if you are doing breathing or concentration meditation, again, revise the teachings again and again to make your practice stronger and understand where you are on your meditational path. > You can also spend some time every day, maybe five or ten minutes contemplating the Lamrim teachings step by step. This itself is extremely transformational and will propel you along the spiritual path. In regards to what else to study or read, here is a very good article: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/books-that-are-a-must-read.html If you consider Tsem Rinpoche to be your spiritual teacher, there are thousands of hours of teachings on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoTg0Wc5q3Gnz8ej3ETCdMQ You can watch and re-watch them to deepen your understanding and practice. I hope all of this helps.
  • March 14, 2024 05:53
    Alby asked: Hi, I was just wondering if spirits or ghost can possess Buddha statues and haunt the owner of the statue? I heard that before inviting a statue of the Buddha into your house, it has to be blessed by monks first. Is this a necessary requirement?
    pastor answered: Dear Alby, The physical form representations of the Buddhas, including statues, are very special as each form of a Buddha represents not only the path to enlightenment, but the state of enlightenment itself. In fact, even just seeing a Buddha image plants imprints in our minds that will open when the conditions are right, to help us further along our spiritual path. So they are powerful and protective in and of themselves, as long as they have been created according to correct iconography. This last point is very important. That being said, images or statues are just pieces of metal or clay, etc. When statues are consecrated, they actually become the embodiement of the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma and Sangha). That's why making offerings and doing any virtuous activity (even cleaning them) generates merit for your spiritual journey. As embodiments of the Three Jewels there is no way that they can be possessed by spirits that haunt the owner of the statue. Traditionally, statues are made to be hollow and then filled with certain mantras and holy items, then consecrated. Following the traditional method will be the most effective to bless your statue properly. If your statue is hollow, at Kechara we offer a service to fill your statue properly with the correct mantras, etc. The service is part of Kechara Saraswati Arts. You can find out more here: https://www.kechara.com/services/buddhist-art/ We also have DIY kits available if you cannot send your statue in and would like to do it yourself: https://www.vajrasecrets.com/mantra-rolls-complete [Please note these mantras are inserted into specific parts of the statue, you can contact Vajrasecrets through the website to get more information on how to fill the statue yourself] https://www.vajrasecrets.com/mantra-rolls-anywhere [These mantras can be inserted anywhere within the statue] If you cannot do any of these, then at the very least, you should insert something into the statue so that it is not completely hollow. This can be a piece of paper with the mantra OM AH HUM written on it (either Tibetan or English is fine). Then roll this up and place in the statue. Otherwise you can use a pearl or semi-precious stone, etc. While statues themselves have protective power, when they are left empty there is a certain type of spirit that come to reside inside a statue as it is completely hollow. It's a spirit that likes hollow places. However, this type of spirit is not usually malicious or harmful. But that is one of the reasons a statue is never left hollow. Once the filling is done, the traditional ceremonies of consecration known as Soongdrup Puja (to bless the insertion items) and the Rabney Puja (to fully consecrate the statues) are performed, which we also offer https://www.vajrasecrets.com/rabney-soongdrup-consecration-puja-fund For those who cannot have the pujas done for whatever reason, you can actually bless the statues yourself. A comprehensive guide and the prayers necessary for doing this are available here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/prayers-and-sadhanas/how-to-bless-buddha-images-yourself.html Given all of this, yes there is a type of spirit that can inhabit statues, but only if they are completely empty and not consecrated (whether by a monk, lay practitioner, yourself, it doesn't matter). But this type of spirit cannot haunt the person, etc, in that sense. It simply resides in the statue. The reason why statues are blessed or consecrated is so that they embody the Three Jewels, they become immense objects of merit making and protection from spirits, negativity, etc. So, if you do have a statue or are thinking of an inviting a statue, the best would be to have it filled and consecrated properly. However, even if you cannot, you can do the blessing yourself. There is no need to worry about a statue being haunted if not consecrated by a monk before you invite it or bring home. In fact, if you have a personal practice, at the end of your practice you can dissolve your visualisation into the statue, to bless it. This actually makes your statue much more powerful than consecration alone. You basically bless your statue through your own daily practice. I hope this information helps. Thank you.
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CHAT PICTURES

Rejoice to the volunteers (also kind sponsors) who cleaned the Gyenze Chapel and made abundant offerings to Gyenze. ~ Alice
yesterday
Rejoice to the volunteers (also kind sponsors) who cleaned the Gyenze Chapel and made abundant offerings to Gyenze. ~ Alice
Offered beautiful flowers abundantly to Gyenze. ~ Alice
yesterday
Offered beautiful flowers abundantly to Gyenze. ~ Alice
Offered beautiful flowers abundantly to Gyenze. ~ Alice
yesterday
Offered beautiful flowers abundantly to Gyenze. ~ Alice
Our weekly Dorje Shugden Puja @ 23/3/2024 . William, as the umze is seen here burning incense powder as we are about to recite the Sangsol Prayer to Dorje Shugden composed by Ganden Serkong. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
4 days ago
Our weekly Dorje Shugden Puja @ 23/3/2024 . William, as the umze is seen here burning incense powder as we are about to recite the Sangsol Prayer to Dorje Shugden composed by Ganden Serkong. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
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 weeks 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 weeks 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.
2 weeks 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.
2 weeks 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
2 weeks 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
2 weeks 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
2 weeks 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.
2 months 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
2 months 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.
2 months 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.
2 months 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)
2 months 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)
2 months 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)
2 months 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)
2 months 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.
3 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.
3 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.
4 months ago
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.
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.
5 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.
6 months ago
More pictures of the day! Kechara Penang Chapel & public blessings 3rd Oct 2023 by Jacinta.
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Dorje Shugden
Click to watch my talk about Dorje Shugden....