One of my long time friends and students, Margaret Lee is very talented. She is from Hong Kong and currently resides in Malaysia. Through the years, she has offered me many thangkas and paintings which she painted herself. I encouraged her to explore thangka painting when I first met her in the year 2001 and she took it on.
Each thangka she has painted and of what deity was my request except Reclining Buddha and Buddha in Meditation in asterisks*. Those two was Margaret’s own wonderful idea to paint.. I have all of them within my collection except Reclining Buddha and Buddha in meditation. All eleven paintings below was hand done by Margaret. Amazing!!
She has made some thangka paintings according to traditional Tibetan style and out of her creativity, she also painted modern, new age style of her own. I would like to share some of her works with all of you. Please scroll down below slowly and feast your eyes on the incredibly talented works of Margaret. I treasure each painting so much!!
We have reproduced the paintings for people to invite and they are available in Kechara Paradise Outlets printed in high definition ready to be framed!!!
I love these thangkas and Margaret REALLY DID A SPECTACULAR JOB!! Can you imagine the time, energy, effort and care put into each painting??? Margaret really gave it her all!!!!
Fantastic!! Thank you Margaret!!
Tsem Rinpoche
Click on image to enlarge
Standing Tara – 3ft x 2 ft. Click on image to enlarge
Yamantaka with Tsongkhapa and 2 heart sons, Manjushri and Shakyamuni at the top; Kalarupa and Setrap on the bottom – 3 ft x 2 ft. Click on image to enlarge
Manjushri ( I love Manjushri so much. I keep this painting in my bedroom)I really cannot stop staring at this painting Margaret has done. This is my favorite Manjushri painting in the whole world – 4 ft x 3ft. Click on image to enlarge
Dream Tara-This practice confer knowledge of the future during dreams. This form of Tara is said to give indications to one’s questions in dreams if the practice is done correctly – 4 ft x 3 ft. Click on image to enlarge
Headless Vajra Yogini – I saw this picture in a shop in Kathmandu. The owner only had one and didn’t want to part with it. So I took pictures and emailed to Margaret to paint it and it came out exaclty as the one in the shop!! Fantastic!!! – 1 ft 4 inches x 2 ft. Click on image to enlarge
One of the 5 visions of Tsongkhapa, with children. Tsongkapa appeared in 5 main visions to Kedrub Rinpoche. This is one of the visions Margaret has painted – 3 ft x 2 ft. Click on image to enlarge
Buddha in meditation – 2 ft x 2 ft 8 inches. Click on image to enlarge
Reclining Buddha – 3 ft x 2 ft 8 inches. Click on image to enlarge
Tsongkhapa (Very modern and appealing for children) – 2 ft x 3 ft. Click on image to enlarge
Vajra Varahi here painted by Margaret with Naropa on the bottom left is absolutely haunting. What a spectacular painting. Talk about talent!! I love the background, colors and the mood it sets. Very haunting and alluring Buddha Vajra Varahi doing the dance of subjugating samsara from our minds – 2ft 10 inches x 2 ft 2 inches. Click on image to enlarge
White Tara- Sweet and beautiful – 2 ft x 2 ft. Click on image to enlarge
A Word From The Artist
“An assignment from my Guru, H.E. Tsem Rinpoche, to frame up an old poster of the Buddha of Wisdom, Manjushri, miraculously put me on the joyful path of creation. I started to paint my very first thangka with acrylic on wood in 2001 and have since been engaging in painting retreats. Some painting retreats took up to 11 months, yet the tremendous joy and serenity that I feel after each retreat is beyond words. I humbly fold my hands to my kind Guru who has helped me to explore my creative potential and to find my inner strength and beauty.” ~ Margaret Lee
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Sarassitham on Dec 16, 2021 at 12:35 am
Thank you for the sharing, those painting are lovely. Margaret is very talented, she has unique ideas. I love seeing all her painting, those are marvellous, colourful and creative. I can see that she truly put in a lot of effort, time and energy to finish her painting. She must also have a lot of dharma knowledge to draw and paint all these Buddha images. It’s always great to hear about artist process.
When I try to look for a Lord Manjushri’s image, it leads me to this post. It’s fantastic all the images. Apart from Lord Manjushri, I like the Vajra Sarahi, Reclining Buddha and Headless Vajra yogini images. To look at the Buddha images will leave you a feeling of peace, not to mention how much peace a painter will fell while painting a Buddha’s image.
Lovely paintings ,done a creative artist .Those paintings beautifully drawn look alive which to me is stunning.Magaret is truly a visionary grifted artist of her own style. I can imagined the time , energy, effort spent on each piece of painting which done beautifully. wonderful to know now that all her paintings which is printed in high definition ready to be framed are for invite at kechara outlets. I love the Manjushri and Dream Tara very much which look so beautiful.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing .
What is fantastic about the first Vajrayogini painting at the very top of this blog post, is how complete it is. Imagine the merits of having a painting like this, and making offerings to it every day. When you see a thangka like this, it helps you to understand a little better the tradition and purpose of thangkas, which is that it is a meditational aid for the practitioner, to help them to visualise the deities during their practice. My other two favourites from this post are Yamantaka and the Headless Vajrayogini…I have a thing for wrathful deities! Hehehe
Searching for Dream Tara pictures and found this article. It is so beautiful and awesome!
Margaret is very talented. May Dharma be with her always.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing and instructed the painting to be done.
Margaret
some hidden painting that I have to discover , certainly love your color blending and so details, I am sure you will paint some more in the future for the pleasure of all of us JM
When I went through the pictures of Thanka pictures painted by Margaret I cannot help but think I want to comment about her paintings again. The second time I saw her paintings again I sort of change my perception. I am not good in looking at combination of colours in paintings. But looking at the colours Margaret apply to her paintings give me a sense of peace, calmness and serenity. I like the painting of Vajrayogini and her entourage. Being able to paint is an asset especially when painting of Holy Beings and B uddhas. You get two in one benefits. One you get knowledge of all the different deities you are painting. And the other you will accumulate so much merits.
W-o-W, thanks for sharing this, amazing stuff, with this special touch of female sensitivity! I must admit, my favourite is the one with the one of five Tsongkapa visions.
I would like to tell Ms. Lee that I am great adorer of the arts and especially her work, and that I wish her to receive much merits and beneficial happiness through her arts.
Seeing these pictures I can be happy for her, as in my own trials to paint (and calligraphy) I always found myself being far too perfectionistic to be happy with my results, so I started doing photography to search and reproduce a viewpoint of ultimate beauty that already exists somewhere in this world.
Margaret’s painting of BUDDHA IN MEDITATION caught my eye when I was at one of Kechara’s outlets at 1 Utama. It’s modern, colorful, vibrant yet simplicity is very ideal for anyone to place it in their homes, offices … basically anywhere! My family members, the kids, visitors simply loves the painting. Another beautiful and talented lady in Kechara. How fabulous!
Margaret Lee one of long time friend and student of Tsem Tulku Rinpoche is from Hong Kong and now staying in Malaysia. She has offered many Thangkas and paintings to Tsem Rinpoche which she has painted thru the years. When Rinpoche met Margaret for first time in 2001, he had sensed that Margaret would be a good painter and he encouraged her to explore into Thangka Painting. She agreed and now she has made traditional Tibetan style Thangka painting which she has created herself. She has also made new age style paintings on her own. Rinpoche confesses that she treasures each and every one of Margaret’s talented paintings very much.
Kechara Paradise outlets are reproducing the painting for people to invite home. Margaret has put her time, energy, effort and care into each painting she really gave it her all.
Looking at the Dream Tara invoke a sense of dreaminess. Does the moon and the sun in the background represent a time to rise and a time to sleep? Are the flowers behind the halos slowly releasing its fragrant to gently ease us into reposeful slumber while the clouds under her feet represents soft downy feathered pillows to pamper our contour when we are finally in dreamland? Just looking at how beautiful the Tara’s face is painted makes me wanna stare at it all day long.
Oh how I love this painting. Did Rinpoche said it resides in his bedroom? Umm…I’ll wait until he’s asleep..hehe.
They says a picture says a thousand words. I says Margaret paintings says a million words. : ). Margaret painting and depictions of Buddhas is absolutely breath taking. She spents so many hours , days and nights to complete anyone of them and to the precise accuracy and correct iconography.
Anyone that first came to kechara will defintely notice painting 1st as it is the most easiet to be associated with. Margaret has so much merits from previous life and current life to be able to draw up such amazing paintings. I myself really like it alot.
Thank you margaret for your truly blessed and amazing work. With much guidance and blessing from Rinpoche.
When I first saw the Vajrayogini thangka with lineage gurus & various deities from Tsem Tulku website, I thought to myself, Wow! This Margaret lady is really talented!! That was before I got to know her and speak to her personally. Later on when I saw in Ladrang, the other paintings such as Tsongkapa (modern), Reclining Buddha, Standing Tara, and the White Tara, it really blew my mind!! These are really top quality art pieces!! One of my favorite is the Vajra Varahi (Is Vajra Varahi a form of Vajrayogini?). I saw this picture in the gift room and instantly fell in love with it. I can feel that painting is painted with immense concentration and determination. It is very detail, and the painting looks very alive. While looking at the picture I asked Shin, is Margaret a professional painter? Or is she an art teacher? Shin told me that Margaret was neither a painter nor an art teacher. Rinpoche saw her talent, encouraged her and she started to produce superb Buddha paintings ever since.
I love Buddha statues and paintings very much, it was the intricate details of the Buddhas statues and the Thangkas that was in KP 1U that caught my attention and drew me closer towards Buddhism. I often go KP 1U and KP SS2 to check if there are any new statues every now and then. I find much peace just by seeing and being with Buddha statues and art work. I have great respect for Margaret’s work. But that is not all that she’s good at!! Hehe….. Recently while rehearsing with the Wonder Girls and the Swans (we got really CUTE swans.) I got to know Margaret in person and found that she’s also really talented in dancing!!! She choreographed our dance steps and showed us from A-Z on how to move our “plank like body” to the song. It was really awkward at first, but Margaret patiently guided us through each steps and slowly, we saw improvements. Now the planks got moves!! It is really a pleasure knowing her and getting to learn things from her. I really appreciate her taking the time and effort to teach us the steps and for all the wonderful pictures that she’s painted and offered to Rinpoche. May Margaret paint more beautiful and meaningful Buddha paintings in the future.
Thank you, Rinpoche for sharing the pictures with us and for giving us such a great dance instructor.
🙂
With much love and respect,
Joe Ang
Looking at the pictures over the screen, I am already in awe. When I saw one of Margaret’s paintings in person (I think it was the Standing Tara), I was speechless. The intricacies, the delicate details, the magnificence of the painting was breathtaking. So refine was each line, that I could feel and sense the care and patience put into each stroke in the painting. It must have taken a long time to complete each one, but the talent and creativity that Margaret has in art is undeniable. What is more surprising is the fact that she didn’t know she had these abilities in her. It was through Rinpoche’s encouragement that she found the artistic tendencies in herself. I cannot imagine the immense joy that you felt with the completion of each painting. An extremely talented individual. Amazing work, Margaret.
Aunty Margaret’s paintings are exquisite. She is like the Leonardo Da Vinci of this century. She works very hard in Kechara. All the beautiful art work shows that she has an extremely steady hand and she is very left-brained and through the paintings you could see an artistic and colorful and optimistic side to her. She does all the lovely paintings for the glorious Dharma. So that people can appreciate what KSA can provide and she will be on of the few inspirations for the future generations of Kechara House to paint image of Buddha’s. I have gotten slight information about the headless vajrayogini. I asked Uncle Albert about the various Vajrayogini’s. He said one of the most rare ones were the headless one. Is this actually correct? May I have a larger explanation of the headless Vajrayogini please, thanks.
Rinpoche always know and has his own way to brings out our talent, which we might not know we have such a great hidden talent, which we can benefits a lot of people, one of the example is Margaret. I was truly surprise and amaze on Margaret’s painting work, and now I notice that, a lot of those painting hanging around Kechara House, Ladrang, KP Outlets and others Kechara Departments are Margaret hardworks.
Besides of being a good painting artist, Margaret also a good Chronographer for Performance, one of the best works she has does is the Last year Karaoke Event (Swan Legs, Dreamgirls) at Kechara Oasis and also this year Kechara Charity Dinner Event (Wonder Girls & Swan Legs)
Absolutely stunning works! My personal favourite is the Reclining Buddha. And, I also get to work on a negative quality after viewing these paintings: jealousy! Sadly, the only thing I’m good at painting are walls…
Margaret, these paintings are simply divine (I tried to sound arty there, hope I managed it!). They completely reflect your devotion to Rinpoche, and for that alone you should be celebrated, but as an artist, how incredible you are! These awesome works are so very inspiring and very alive – such amazing representations of the Buddhas!
Congratulations on such wonderful success, and may you have many more! 🙂
Kind regards,
Sandy
The first time I saw Margeret’s painting is when the first week I join Kechara Outlets, it is during the Thangka exhibition in Sunway Pyramid.
When they set up a section at a corner for her painting, they told me it is a creation of Margeret, so I was like thinking who is she, how does she look like?? Her painting is really beautiful; she is very talented and creative.
Not only that, she did not let her talent divert her motivation, she is using it for Dharma, she is very dedicated to her dharma work, I’m glad to see Margeret using her to spread dharma.
I’ve heard that every single piece of painting do represent the Artist’s feeling, when you look at the painting, you will know how their feeling that moment is. But from Margeret’s painting, I what I can see is ‘peace of mind’.
Much more than a great artist, Margaret is ever ready to lend a sympathetic ear. A caring and warm person, Margaret is a shining example of how every student should be. And the wonderfull results of having guru devotion. Thanks for the beautifull pictures Margaret !
Margaret is really talented and creative. The thangkas paintings she has done are amazingly gorgeous. I can see that she truly put in a lot of effort , time and energy. She must also have a lot of dharma knowledge to draw and paint all these Buddha images , when one looks at them , they are so real and lively and I still remembered when I was staying in kechara hostel tara room sometimes end of last year , I can feel as if the picture of standing tara is present in the room. Thanks to Margaret Lee in promoting dharma to the guests who come and stay in kechara hostel. Her work is very inspiring.
Such wonderful thangkas and paintings!! Not to mention Margaret’s god-gifted talent, totally cannot differentiate the painting whether is painted by the professional thangka painter! Rinpoche is certainly of great compassion, requested Margaret to paint them and now its reproduced and available for invitation. I read from the Kechara website saying, by painting the thangka or any holy image of the Buddha can generate good karma too! Wonderful! I wished one day I can acquire the skill to paint such gorgeous paintings. Indeed it needs both talent and patience. Thanks again Rinpoche for sharing such great picture indeed have instill peace in my mind just looking at the Dream Tara as well as the Manjushri painting.
Thank you so much Rinpoche for sharing facts and stories of a great lama of the past. There is an interesting fact that, Pabongka Rinpoche actually transmitted all the knowledge and teachings to Trijang Rinpoche, the private tutor of the current 14th Dalai Lama.. How auspicious and special is the bond is? I love and respect the Dalai Lama to the core and we can see there is a direct link in between. Pabongka Rinpoche, Geshe Lobsang Tarchin, a direct disciple. One of the Tsem Rinpoche’s guru Geshe Lobsang Tarchin and this show the direct lineage of Tsem Rinpoche’s teachings. Malaysia certainly is of great fortune that having Tsem Rinpoche to stay here and spread the Dharma.. Once again I should mention again, may I have sufficient good karma, to meet Tsem Rinpoche personally, certainly there is a lot a lot of teachings to learn from.
Margaret is a student of Rinpoche for many years and also a very dear dharma sister to me. It’s just so amazing the talent that she has in painting. I love all the paintings that she has done..i like every one of them that i can’t even pick a favorite. All the Buddha paintings that she has done is so intricate with precise details. Can u imagine the amount of patience & effort put into all these paintings that she has produced? She inspires us through her Guru devotion whereby when your Lama gives you an assignment, you will just follow and get it accomplished no matter how tough it is. It shows the level of her transformation & maturity throughout the years of guidance from Rinpoche. Now Kechara House can proudly say that we have our in-house thangka painter in Malaysia. Although she is born in HK, she is very much a Malaysian and has made Malaysia her home.
As Rinpoche always believe, spiritualism can be connected via art and his vision for us to have the 1st Tibetan Art established in South East Asia, “Kechara Saraswati Art” (KSA), which is one of the 12 departments in Kechara Buddhist Organization. Many art activities are conducted at KSA such as painting statues, painting thangkas, sewing mala bag, sewing thangkas, pearl beading class, flower arrangements & etc. Kechara is indeed a very unique Buddhist organization where we recognize different people with different talents. For more info on KSA, do log on to: http://www.kechara.com/arts/.
Margret has been a longtime disciple of Rinpoche and she has been a very stable one too. I heard that she is a Hong Kong citizen and has moved to Malaysia because she can be closer to Rinpoche. She is a very nice lady and i had no idea she was the one who painted those pictures! Some of them looked so modern and contemporary that it didint look like a traditional thangka at all but a modern rendition of the Yidam.
Painting images of the Buddha creates the causes for a beautiful or attractive body in the next life (this life too late wat) and this is important when it comes to attracting people to listen to the Dharma. It was said that the Buddha looked very attractive and this helped to get some people to be interested in the Dharma, and the same was also said with Atisha. So looking pretty is not just for enjoyment, but can also be for Dharma! I wish i could paint like her and paint nice Buddha thangkas so that i will have a gorgeous body in my next life 😛
Margaret truly has the gift of a master artist. She may have been a master artist in her previous incarnation and Rinpoche had forseen that lurking talent in her. Whenever Kechara Care showed visitors around Kechara House, we always show them paintings painted by Margaret. They would comment “they are beautifully painted with such minute details and are they for sale?”
Rinpoche knows how to nurture hidden talents in his students but he would not let us know in advance. I heard he would suddenly give a student an assignment to complete and watched how the person bored fruit as a result.
It showed Rinpoche is using skillful means to nurture his students to help them learn how to benefit others in dharma.
Terima Kasih Rinpoche!
Pssst! Margaret…do you take art disciples? LOL
I must say that those sample pieces here are fab and worthy of sharing.
In particular, I loved the image of the White & Dream Tara, it was like tugging at my heart as I stared more into it…kinda like one image of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva I saw back in ’86 that refused to leave my mind until I took refuge/precepts in the Chinese Mahayana Trad in ’99.
Oh and the wrathful Yamantaka…how did you managed to make Him look so peaceful? Yours is the first image of Him that is smiling at me! LOL
Sadhu! and keep up the good work! Thanks to Rinpoche’s guidance and your due diligence!
When I first saw Margaret’s painting years ago. I can’t believe it. I thought only Tibetan can paint such a beautiful thangka. Look at how detail and fine the painting. I will want to have many many Magaret’s painting in my house. Not only that. Margaret id also an Interior Designer cum contractor for Kechara who has been single handedly budget, design and overseeing the renovation for 2 Kechara new departments which is Kechara Care and E- division.
Margaret is also a very nice sister to be with. I love listening to her when she talked about her life in dharma from that day she met Rinpoche. I feel good to have Margaret as my dharma sister, so much to learn and so much inspired.
I am flabbergasted, are they for real? You mean our Margaret did that? Wow, such talent shouldn’t be kept like hidden gems, they should be celebrated. These paintings are stunning. We have many talented people in our midst. Another great artist I can think of is Lily Ng. It takes a very skilful Guru to pick out what’s best in a student and then hone it and the results become masterpieces. That is their personal practice and their works of art are the results of their practice. What a lovely way to develop and express one’s spirituality. By looking at these lovely pieces of art, which are representation of the enlightened mind, many people can benefit.
I remember when I first saw the 8 Verses of Training the Mind that Margaret did for Kechara House 1. I was so amazed because I never knew that she had it in her, and I remember how touched and excited Rinpoche was to hang the verses up in the gompa.
What I find incredible about Margaret is that she wasn’t trained as a painter. All it took was belief in her guru for talent like this to show itself. Margaret’s example shows us that when we trust and believe in our guru, even if we don’t believe in ourselves, good things will come. Our guru is our method of focusing outwards, to stop us from indulging in our selfish “I can’t do this, I can’t do that” which has held us back all of our lives.
Margaret, the gal from Hong Kong, has been with Rinpoche through thick and thin.
Rinpoche told us that when he was in difficult time, Margaret gave a car to him without being prompt.
She has gone through ups and downs on her own spiritual journey. What I learn from Margaret is – it’s not about how hard one falls but how fast one bounces back. Whenever she is assigned a project by the Guru ; no matter how difficult, how impossible it appears to get done, Margaret would embark on the “impossible” task head on and she would accomplish it.
Besides her many talents, this is the quality in Margaret that I admire the most.
Thank You so much Rinpoche, for posting Margaret’s paintings on the blog.
I always like her painting very much. She is REALLY TALENTED. I came to know Margaret since year 2001. We used to hang up together. One day she told me and Henry that Rinpoche asked her to do painting. During that time she was totally disagreed with Rinpoche. Because she has not done this before.
I remembered very well, she even used the word like‘OH JESUS, HOW I’M GOING TO DRAW THIS? WHICH I’VE NEVER DONE THIS BEFORE’ She repeated again and again.
Henry and I told her that, Rinpoche DEFINITELY KNOWS THAT YOU CAN DO IT! Why not us? THAT’S WHY YOU ARE CHOOSEN.
After she came down and considered, she took up a very short period of drawing class, and THAT’S WHEN HER SPIRITUAL JOURNEY BEGAN AS PAINTER. CONGRATULATIONS TO MY DEAREST FRIEND MARGARETA….!!!
WONDERFUL THING IS, RINPOCHE KNOWS EACH EVERY ONE OF HIS STUDENTS ABILITIES. RINPOCHE WILL DO HIS BEST TO BRING US UP! THANK YOU RINPOCHE FOR ALL YOUR PATIENCE, CARE AND LOVE TO US AS YOUR STUDENT. THANKS RINPOCHE..
Love,angel
Judging by the number of comments here, Margaret certainly has a big fan base. Congratulations Margaret! I was around when Tsem Rinpoche asked Margaret to do the first thangka. It was to be an image of Manjushri. I remember vividly Margaret’s expression yet she completed it without any and ,ifs or but. Next was thangka of Yamantaka. The day when Margaret brought it to the old ladrang in Bandar Utama, the both of us did King Of Prayers together. Till today, i am still amazed by Margaret’s talent which she probably would not have discovered it herself if Rinpoche hadnt put her on her first thangka retreat. Continue painting to enlightenment our dear Margaret! 🙂
Margeret is real artist; our in house thangka painter. I have no doubt about what she can paint thangka again and again as her assignment under rinpoche instruction. She produce many beautiful thangkas offer as the gift for rinpoche for many years. She patiently completed all the assignment without any complains, all the task she treat it as her personal retreat.
I personally like the Manjushiri and Vajrayogini mandala thangka she draw. Beside that the tradition style thangka painting, I also like the margeret modern art Buddha painting. Some of her painting has reproduced as the poster and gift card available sales at the Kechara outlet.
Beside of that, Margeret also is our Kechara organization interior designer. Under her supervisor, many kechara department has nicely done up. Her artistic talent has offer up to contribute to Kechara organization. I praise her devotion to rinpoche and hard work for the organization.
Regards,
Chia
Margerat’s talents not only with paintings. She is multi talents equipped with creativity and passions. To me, she is a super woman that always produced results. These paintings are the results shown.
I like the Vajravarahi the most, the colours macthed perfectly with the background and moods..etc
The picture tells thousand words
“Vajra Varahi doing the dance of subjugating samsara from our minds”
My second favourite will be The Vajrayogini thangka with lineage gurus & various deities.
and The Headless Vajra Yogini also one of my favourite, i set this picture as screen/wallpaper for my mobile phone, to remind myself CUT DOWN MY EGO ALWAYS…(to me, it works though)
How kind that our Guru helped Margerat to explore her creative potential and to find her inner strength and beauty!
Just a thought. In such a short time, Margaret was able to produce such intricate thangka painting where the iconography and details were even difficult to make out from an 8R photo. The only explanation is that Margaret’s abilities and talents is purely the result of many previous lifetimes of performing the same action over and over again.
Talents are not god-given. It cannot be. That would be unfair.
Talent comes purely from our hardwork.
You know what that means? That means everyone can produce the same results as Margaret if we practice and put many hours and effort. Even if we can’t achieve the same results this lifetime, it can be achieved next life or next next life. This goes with everything else we do.
I like all the paintings, both modern and traditional. My favourite is the Vajra Yogini with the entourage and various deities. Margaret has an eye for detail and it is difficult to tell the reproductions from the original paintings. This attention to detail is useful when it comes to the facial expressions and the iconography of the deities in thangka paintings. I have a feeling that as Margaret progresses in her spritual practice, her paintings will become better and better. Her art will reflect her spirituality. I think it is very important for artists who paint Buddhas and religious themes to practice well and have realisations. Their art will reflect that and benefit people who contemplate or buy their paintings.
Just to add onto something that I saw…kids from the Kechara Saraswati Art’s classes might be the next Margaret Lee!! 🙂 It’s nice to see kid’s starting to paint tsatsa at such a young age as it enables them to visualize Buddha’s a lot better. Perhaps if the artistic streak in them doesn’t flourish as they might want…they could be teachers in iconography!! http://www.kechara.com/arts/classes/classes-and-workshops/
When I first saw some of Margaret paintings I really thought that she’s an artist (a professional one) because the painting was so beautiful. Later I found out that she actually doesn’t realize her talent in arts initially and there was a request from Rinpoche to paint a drawing (her first painting work, Manjushri)…..guess what she paints it just like a “professional”, so nice. Since then she has been continue producing numerous of gorgeous deities’ art pieces. She really shows us and proofs to us that her strong faith to Rinpoche and her great guru samaya brought her to find her potential. With her great sense of art & design Margaret has also been involved in dept. renovation. She is managing from acquiring the shoplot/premises until the completion of the overall renovation. She has put what she learn (dharma) into practice and this is how she’s able to manage it well.
Rinpoche is so skillful in helping people to realize their potential and this will definitely inspire more people to have stronger faith to the Lama.
Nicholas
I really find Margaret’s work have soo much passion in them that they come to life. The energy from the effort put in gives it emotion.
When I first saw the Vajravarahi I was taken aback by the eyes, though this picture does not do it justice when you see it in real life you will agree she is staring right through you to your soul. The subdued colors, the muddiness of this work, yet the striking eyes really catches your attention.
Each of her works are like this, a rollercoaster of emotions in such a varied collection, she really does need to have an exhibition!
Margaret, your painting is just simply awesome!
I love the reclining Buddha, the colours and lines you apply is very contemporary and modern, and in a way suitable for any house’s décor. I can feel the Buddha is resting peacefully with his eyes closed. It sends out positive energy to whoever standing in front of your painting.
What a nice way of sharing Buddhist art for every family, business premises either hotel, restaurant, spa etc etc to enjoy and bask in its sacred energy… in a beautiful manner. I hope you keep on painting more and more, perhaps one day you will have your own gallery that showcase all the wonderful art pieces you have created, and indirectly promote Lama Tsongkhapa’s teachings to the whole world!
Paul
Margaret is extremely creative. Not only she can paint such exquisite pieces shown above, anything that needs creative input is her forte. My favourite of all her pieces is the Dream Tara. When I first saw it, I thought it was one of the most spectacular painting I have ever seen, so much detail, colour and the image is so alive. It is so amazing that we have such talented artist amongst us. Her other talent is renovations. She simply knows what matches what, where to place things so that it doesn’t look cluttered or out of place, what colour scheme is suitable for each place, purpose and person etc. I love Margaret’s creative sense….
Oh yes Joy, I did make a 2 ft clay buddha shakyamuni statue for Rinpoche. I had no idea of 3D sculpture when Rinpoche hinted me in 2003 that he would like to have something like a natural stone shakyamuni statue to be placed in his outdoor garden. I went and searched around and found an Art academy that taught clay sculpture.
I went 3 times a week , 3 hours each time and spent 3 months to complete the statue. During the first firing of the statue and the lotus base, the lotus base cracked. My clay teacher said that I was lucky that it wasn’t the statue which cracked during firing, otherwise I would have ended up spending another 2 more months to make a brand new one.
The second firing of the lotus base was perfect. I offered it to Rinpoche immediately. I still have a few photos of my first clay buddha creation which I can show you.
Rinpoche always skillfully give us many chances to practise the core esscence of vajrayana, Guru devotion. be it getting his favourite food, running his errands to big projects like opening a vegetarian restaurant.
Long time student Irene Lim also single handedly raised funds, renovate Kechara Oasis and executed Rinpoche’s vision of having a vegetarian restaurant in just a few months time after Rinpoche expressed to her that he would like her to embark on this porject. Irene too has no prior experience in any food and beverage business.
Another example, David Lai, our dear darling star, Liaison of Kechara Media Publication (KMP), writer of “There is no way but up”, also followed through Rinpoche’s instruction to finish his book and is now on his way to become a very successful and famous writer that will bring dharma to benefit many in the 21st century.
All the above thanka is incredibly beautiful. My four favorite thanka in the above is, first the Vajrayogini thangka with lineage gurus & various deities as the details of the thanka is very fine and for some one who have never try painting such a big piece is consider extremely good. Second is Rinpoche favorite Manjushri thanka that has attracted many people. Third is the Reclining Buddha as the color and method use is special and daring. Forth is the Dream Tara as every time I see it I feel a sense of closeness.
Margaret did a one fine job in all her work in the above and not only that, her talent has expanded into many directions like helping the renovation of our various departments and also decoration.
That shows that if we have full faith in our Lama/Guru he will always bring out the best in us without us knowing.
Thank you Rinpoche for bringing out the best in us.
Yes! I agree Margaret is a super duper woman with multi-talents and it takes Rinpoche’s divine eye to unveil her talents and set her rolling with so many beautiful paintings. Margaret certainly collects so much merits painting these enlightened images.
I love the painting of the deity Yamantaka. It is so incredibly beautiful and wrathful. It is detailed with 9 heads, 34 arms holding different implements and standing astride with 16 legs. Wow! it makes me perspire just looking at Yamantaka. I wonder how Margaret has the patience to paint Yamantaka the most difficult deity.
It is definitely worth the value at Kechara Paradise outlets.
I remembered the first time Margaret painted her 1st painting to Rinpoche, which is a replica of Rinpoche’s personal Manjushri thangka. It amazed me her talent was definitely inborn and the painting just captivated everyone. Then Rinpoche started giving her one after another assignment to paint many more deity images as you can see above and her passion just grew and grew.
But what I admire most about Margaret, knowing her for about 10 years now, is not so much her talent in painting but her strong will and determination to get something done. I also like her courage, to be able to go through any challenges thrown on to her and the will to learn new things. Besides painting she’s even made a clay Buddha Shakyamuni statue for Rinpoche before!
Margaret you are like a “big sister” and through thick and thin you’ve stuck it through, being loyal and I think these are the beautiful qualities you have and it has manifested in your beautiful paintings – your Kechara Family!
When are you going to start giving us lessons is KSA??? 🙂
Margaret’s paintings are truly awesome! By someone who has no thangka painting experience! Just by merely reproducing from a photo taken or picture. I truly admire what Margaret can do to produce such pieces with added creativity to it and making more appealing to younger generation as well. All her paintings were reproduced in prints for all to have them. They are available at all Kechara Paradise outlets (www.kechara.com/shopping) and online (www.kechara.com/eshop). Oh Yes! Similar prints are also available on postcards too! They can be collection items for all to keep and as gifts.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing all these beautiful paintings with us.. 🙂
Dear Margaret
You really amazed me with your paintings. Back in 2001 when you were so new in dharma, if I am not mistaken we were all in Singapore with Rinpoche, you stayed up all night talking to Rinpoche and the next day you told Ruby and me that Rinpoche gave you an assignment to paint Manjushri . You freak out! But you have trust and faith in Rinpoche and you did it! Rinpoche could see the creative potential within you and this is the best retreat for you to overcome some rough patches in your life. Amongst all your paintings, I loved the Vajrayogini with lineage gurus and various deities. You didn’t give up even though it took you so long to complete. Like what Jean Mei said, you are a “thangka master” in a modern woman body!
Patsy
I have known Margaret for a good 18 years now, from when she was single and jet-setting from Hong Kong to Malaysia to oversee her branch office. Way back then, nobody knew that this little dynamite would one day be able to produce such wonderful pieces of art.
I remember when she first started attending art classes : she would be buying pieces of unfinished wooden items and painstakingly create beautiful pieces. The first finished work-of-art that I saw was a wooden 4-legged stool, painted with a very bright, sunny sunflower on the stool seat that she gifted to a friend.
Dear Wan Wai Meng,
It would be an honour for me to share my spiritual journey through arts to those who are inclined in this field. Rinpoche has healed me through arts and I am without any hesitation to share my experience with any of you.
I sincerely hope for those who have a chance to see any of my paintings be filled with harmony, peace and serenity. Indeed one of the motivations behind all these painting retreats was that a dharmic seed be planted to those who see the deities and hopefully one day, they would also have the good fortune to embark on their spiritual journey.
Love,
Margaret
i’m very admire in Margaret, not only in her talent but also for her faith and trust in Rinpoche who she fully beleives and trusts even tho she does not really know she can paint it or not but she just go all the way and made it completed. Margaret actions reflect her devotion which inspire other.
I personally like the Vajrayogini thangka very much as it is very special and informative, from the thangka i able to know the leneage lama on the way down.
We are very fortunate to have it available at kechara Paradise outlets, it printed in poster size and also in canvas A4 size which you can have it brocade by Kechara Saraswati Art (www.kechara.com/saraswati) same as the traditional thangka.
Thank to Rinpoche kindness and thoughful to allow us to reprint and have it available for us to invite the holy mother home.
Yes indeed Margaret is an extremely talented lady. Her paintings are really lively and they look as if they are jumping out towards anybody who lays eyes on them. Her strokes are so intricate and her colours are striking.
Margaret’s talent is not only constraint in painting art pieces. She is also into renovation and interior decorations. She is currently handling the renovation of the new premises for our departments single handedly.
She is also a loving mother of 2 teenage boys. It might not be easy juggling between her boys and the renovation crews, but due to her dedication towards Rinpoche and Kechara, she’s giving it her all in handling all these.
I’m really happy for Margaret who had come a long way to who she is today. A lady who is capable of handling any assignments given to her and carrying them out to the finish line!!! Go Margaret go……
Yes, I totally agree with JP – Margaret should have a an ART EXHIBITION – may be in the new KC Lounge. OMG, that would be so cool and she tell us the stories of how each painting came to be conceived. My absolute favourite is standing Vajra Varahi. I loved it from the moment I saw it. Alluring and haunting – exactly like what Rinpoche wrote!
I was totally amazed when I first realised that Margaret could paint so well! Margaret told me that she herself didn’t even know she could paint when she received the assignment from Rinpoche. I was astounded when I heard that because the amount of details in her painting were incredibly amazing and difficult even for an accomplished painter!
This really blew my mind because it made me realise how extremely insightful and skillful Rinpoche is in helping his students realise their potential. Furthermore, the painting retreat has so many benefits for the retreatant on a spiritual level.
It’ll be great for Margaret to exhibit her paintings and share with the public her realisations from this retreat. It’ll be very inspiring and educational!
I especially love the Headless Vajrayogini. As you know it’s on my desktop wallpaper. 🙂
It’s amazing how you can paint both traditional and modern styles. Not many people can.
I look forward when one day you will conduct classes in KWPC.
Dear Margaret,
Seeing all your paintings in the post cards and also hanging at Kechara House, I can’t help to wonder that these paintings could grace residences of the well to do in any part of the world.
What these paintings do for me are,
1) Some of the paintings inspire serenity,
2) Pure joy due to the vibrant interplay of the colors,
3) Inspires me that you have so much focus and an eye for detail.
My hope is that you will eventually conduct art classes and bring others to this form of practice that is healing,calming and much other benefits as you have experienced. I do look forward to your work now and in the future.
Never expected a girl from Hongkong can be a thangka master.Trust in our Guru to bring out the potential in us. i have a photograph of one of Margaret’s painting of Vajrayogini with lineage gurus and various deities blessing my home now. A holy image as an art piece yet have blessings. Margaret, keep on painting and don’t let your brush stay dry !!! Patsy
She’s Picasso, Van Gogh and Warhol rolled into one! Margaret, I’ve said it once and I will say it again: You are a multi-talented, multi-tasking Wonder Woman!
You told me the story of how Rinpoche revealed your artistic talent to you, and for me, it was a sign of Rinpoche’s clairvoyance and also his care for you, knowing that this medium of expression would bring you so much fulfillment and joy. Those who would like to know Margaret’s story, please watch this video starting from 8:28 – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsPtTrd_tT4
I love love love love the modern sleeping Buddha and the spectacular Dream Tara.
There have been so many comments of this Manjushri painting from people who have visited KMP. People are amazed when we share how Rinpoche recognized Margaret’s talent without her even knowing she had such talent.
The first painting I remember seeing was the Tsongkhapa piece. I was blown away…that’s when I started to ask Margaret how long she’s been painting and found out she’s never painted and how she related stories of what Rinpoche told her to do and how her journey of expressing her spirituality started.
Margaret, thank you for trusting in Rinpoche and picking up the brush!
I can assure all that living in a house full of these paintings, that Buddha assuredly watches over us 24/7! On a more serious note, I truly believe Margaret is one of the most creative individuals I have ever met (the anti-me). Her focused attention to detail and her remarkable scope of vision are inspiring and exhilarating. We all have special, unique talents given to us and it is life’s purpose to not only find out what they are, but to put them to beneficial use. Margaret is certainly doing that. Special thanks to Rinpoche for helping to guide her on that path.
It makes me feel so humble to know that many of you like and appreciate my paintings. Indeed I painted every single piece without any other motivation but to follow Rinpoche’s instruction. I realised only later than that Rinpoche’s painting assignments to me was in fact a retreat for me. At that time, I was very new to the Dharma and going through some personal problems, and I could not imagine what I would feel if I have to sit down and chant millions of mantras. Rinpoche’s skillfull means of imparting this method on me was more than applicable as he probably saw through me that I adore beautiful objects of arts.
Yes, I remembered I did freak out when Chia came to me one day and showed me a 8R size VY photo with all the lineage gurus and the dakinis and deities on it and told me that Rinpoche would like me to dupliace this photo to a painting as large as possible. Chia said that this photo was taken from the thangka hanging in H.H. Dalai Lama’s audience room in Dharmsala and Rinpoche liked it very much and wanted me to reproduce one. I took a look and I couldn’t even see the faces let alone the hands and fingers of those 30 plus lineage gurus floating on the clouds. I spent a total of 11 months to complete this sacred Vajrayogini painting and it was hung at Rinpoche’s audience room for quite some time.
With this, I agree totally with what Li kheng said, when one places 100% faith in your Guru, couple with consistent effort, concentration, results will show. Without Rinpoche’s guildance, i wouldn’t be what I am today. To paint is not even in my dictionary.
I am truely grateful to Rinpoche.
To answer Ivy question, I am using acyrlic medium all these while and all these paintings were done in this medium.
I love to paint more in the future and share the power of Spirituality through arts. I hope my “Fans” will still be there!
Like what Rinpoche quoted, Never say you can’t do, becasue that’s not the real you speaking. Just go all the way!
Love,
Margaret
Hello Li Kheng, Kechara has so many talented people from all ages and background. And everyone in Kechara has a role to play with their talent and skills for the outer and inner growth. Margaret is an example of this thus this is her results of her strong faith and loyalty to Rinpoche.
Ditto! There has been so many comments of this Manjushri painting from people who have visited KMP. And people are amazed when we share with them how Rinpoche recognising Margaret’s talent without her even knowing she had such talent. Margaret, thank you for trusting in Rinpoche and picking up the brush!
Thank you, Rinpoche for sharing some of the beautiful paintings by Margaret. I have always loved her Vajrayogini paintings. Especially the headless ones, because they remind me of Frida Kahlo. They are not morbid, although they depict the harsh, crude and gore of life. Somehow, in all of Margaret’s paintings, I sense an under current of love. Over time, I just believed that the love arises from her love and belief in Rinpoche. Margaret said many times that it was Rinpoche who recognised and brought out the ‘painter’ in her. And I have always thought that is the most beautiful thing. Rinpoche has always seen the best in each of us and have helped all of us in bringing out that very best in ourselves. I am truly happy that Margaret can express her spirituality through her talents in arts. That’s the power of trusting one’s Guru, and going all the way. Now, everyone can also enjoy and appreciate these paintings. May they always continue to bring joy and plant the seeds of Dharma in everyone who sees them. Thank you so much, Rinpoche. Thank you so kindly, Margaret for never giving up.
When i first saw Margaret’s painting years ago. I can’t believe it. I thought only Tibetan can paint such a beutiful thangka. Look at how detail and fine the painting. I will want to have many many Magaret’s painting in my house.
Margaret not only a talented artist, she is also a very nice sister to be with. She is always care about people around her. I love listening to her when she talked about her life in dharma. i feel good to have Magaret as my dharma sister…
Hi Paris, your comment reminds me of Shantideva’s teaching on the vast possibility of our minds. If we dare and if we trust the great teachings of our Lord Buddha, nothing is impossible…our minds have not limits.
All we need to do is i) have faith in our Guru who is the pure vessel containing and generously sharing the precious teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni and ii) make consistent effort.
The power of both the Buddhadharma and conscious and sincere effort will bring beneficial results as in the example set by Margaret!
Hi Girlie, you are so right! With so many responsibilities, Margaret manages to uphold her Dharma practice. She is a living example that we can get committed Dharma NOW when we are young and life is in full swing. It is simply a choice…and Margaret has certainly chosen with wisdom and courage. In fact, from Margaret’s example, I learn that we bring most benefit and can make the most difference in this world when we are still young and active.
Congratulations Margaret and thank you, Rinpoche for creating another powerful and beautiful medium to spread Dharma in all ten directions.
Margaret is amazingly talented and hardworking. Her paintings are both serene and magnificent. And her contribution towards kechara House is very inspiring. I rejoice for her.
Margaret is so talented, in more than one way.
She is the second person from KH that my friend Andrew met (that was in KP Sunway), and I remember that after the meeting Andrew said to me: “Now, I understand why you like this center, the people there are grounded and nice to be with.”
Margaret is so artistic! Awesome paintings! Margaret can express Dharma very well through these paintings. We can see the purity of her mind by looking at the Buddha images that she had painted.
Some of these paintings currently grace the rooms in our Kechara Guest House. Many of our overseas or local guests had praised the talented Margaret’s works.
Guests staying at the Kechara Guest House had the extra advantage of receiving the blessing of the Buddha images in the rooms where they stayed. This benefit is not available in other commercial hotels! Come stay at and experience for yourself Kechara Guest House.
Thank You Rinpoche for inspiring Margaret to paint and for sharing these great paintings with us.
And all of you think that she only paints and imparts her artistic talent to ID? She’s also a great cook! And she has managed to juggle her hectic schedule as a modern mum in between her painting and ID responsibilities. Much she has learned from Rinpoche and put into practice.
P/s : She’s now also busy with the “gals” rehearsing for our charity dinner on 18 July.
-Girlie-
Yes, I agree with Jamie’s comments and I do remember when Rinpoche assigned Marg to paint, she flipped her tops! But now, after more than 10 paintings, look what you are capable of and have done!
Keep up with the painting and reno work in Kechara! Dave Paprocki must be proud of you 🙂
Henry Ooi
you know what makes these paintings even more special is a little unknown fact: Margaret shared with some of us before that when she was first given the assignment, she really didn’t think she could do it; she didn’t think she could paint!
But she had faith in what Rinpoche had told her, and just got her head down and painting – and the first beautiful painting she came out with was the Manjushri, which is just so spectacular and really a testament of what we can accomplish if we just have faith in our Lama and the potential he sees within us.
I love these paintings! Margaret is extremely talented – and in more ways than one. She is now helping Kechara with the multiple renovation projects that we are undergoing as we move to the next level… She helped with the renovations of KH2 and KMP too… and now she has completed E-Div and our next Kechara Paradise outlet.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing these paintings with us… Kechara is so full of talented people but i do believe that it is Rinpoche’s blessings which brings out the best in all of us.
Margaret – do keep painting! 🙂
Am completely gobsmacked!!!! Truly amazing talent and what and eye for detail!!!! When I first met Margaret in the KP Sunway outlet, she humbly mentioned she painted “a few” paintings… I never knew they were actually this elaborate and such beautiful masterpieces!
Goes to show yet again, how Rinpoche brings out the best in us and that we need to trust fully!!! Thank you Margaret for your talents and your always kind and gentle demeanour and thank you Rinpoche for sharing and being with us and just being YOU.
Much love from Belgium…. Andrew
That is so wonderful job done by Margaret. I like painting very much, personally. Margaret’s painting is amazing. When you look at her painting you can feel some energy into the painting. Each of her paintings full of her passionate towards art and Buddha.
If you like art you can seem Margaret as example, explore youself in art then through art make your spiritual journey gain high attainment.
I like Margaret’s painting because i can feel something real in her artwork. I believe when someone used their talented such as drawing, writting and so forth into his or her spiritual journey; that will be a brilliant ideal lifesytle in this modern day.
Awesome! Magaret is super talented!!! It only shows that she has the patience for something so fine and details as a person. Truly artistic and wonderful work! Keep it up Margaret!
They look extremely stunning, when i first saw them in the Ladrang. I thought they’re done by some Thangka master from Nepal . They’re so detail, even the tiny fingers of “small” size linage gurus on “Vajrayogini thangka with lineage gurus & various deities” is in the right proportions. Margaret is truly amazing !! LOVE LOVE !!
Wow, I’m extremely impressed with Margaret’s paintings. Extremely, extremely impressed – almost in awe to be honest. The proportions and colours that were used is really beautiful. Even the modern paintings doesn’t seem cartoon-y at all. I felt like I’ve seen a few of them before, especially the Manjushri painting..then i realize that the Manjushri painting is printed on a card pinned up right in front of me!
absolutely loving the contemporary injection into the masterpieces! my personal favourite up-to-date is the Manjushri (which KMP is lucky enough to have a copy of in the office)! thank you Rinpoche for recognising Margaret’s wonderful talent and having her share it with us… you rawk, Marge!!
Wow! Margaret is truly talented. I love her artwork especially Vajrayogini and Manjushri. They are traditional and yet have very modern colours. I saw prints of many of these artwork are available for sale at Kechara Paradise. In Kechara Media and Publications (where I work), we have the Manjushri print framed and hung in our office.
The Buddha told the king:
“To produce an image of Buddha is a worthy deed, and good fortune obtained thereby is, without exaggeration, such as I have explained.”
(‘The Sutra on the Production of Buddha Images’, Link: http://www.fodian.net/world/0692.html )
Sadhu! to Rinpoche & Margaret for sharing this with all of us!
I share Rinpoche’s special affinity for Lord Manjushri.Since young, among all the Buddhas, I am always attracted to images of Wen Shu pusa.Margaret’s painting skills is an eye opener.May her creativity and artistic talent continue to develop through inspiratiion and blessing from Rinpoche and use it to serve Dharma.
So Wonderful! The white tara is very unique, NEEDS to be placed in KP asap hehe. Margaret pls provide art classes soon 😀
Thanks Rinpoche for sharing this.
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KECHARA FOREST RETREAT PROGRESS UPDATES
Here is the latest news and pictorial updates, as it happens, of our upcoming forest retreat project.
The Kechara Forest Retreat is a unique holistic retreat centre focused on the total wellness of body, mind and spirit. This is a place where families and individuals will find peace, nourishment and inspiration in a natural forest environment. At Kechara Forest Retreat, we are committed to give back to society through instilling the next generation with universal positive values such as kindness and compassion.
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.
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,
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lama Tsongkhapa was an influential Tibetan Buddhist monk, philosopher and tantric yogi, whose activities led to the formation of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism . Lama Tsongkhapa was hailed as the second Buddha by contemporary Buddhist masters of his time. Famous for reviving Buddhism in Tibet and revered for elevating the Dharma to all its present glory. Hence having a 12 ft Lama Tsongkhapa Statue at new Kechara Gompa (Prayer Hall) is indeed a blessing. Its truly beautiful. Merely by looking at it is a blessing .
Thank you Rinpoche and team effort making it possible.
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Concept: Tsem Rinpoche Technical: Lew Kwan Leng, Justin Ripley, Yong Swee Keong Design: Justin Ripley, Cynthia Lee Content: Tsem Rinpoche, Justin Ripley, Pastor Shin Tan, Sarah Yap Admin: Pastor Loh Seng Piow, Beng Kooi
I must thank my dharma blog team who are great assets to me, Kechara and growth of dharma in this wonderful region. I am honoured and thrilled to work with them. I really am. Maybe I don't say it enough to them, but I am saying it now. I APPRECIATE THESE GUYS VERY MUCH!
Tsem Rinpoche
About Rinpoche
Name
H.E. Tsem Rinpoche
Root Guru
H.H. Zong Rinpoche
Ordained by
H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama
Affiliations
Pukhang Khangtsen, Gaden Shartse Monastery
Founder and Spiritual Advisor, Kechara House Buddhist Association Malaysia
President, Tsem Rinpoche Foundation, Inc.
Honorary Doctor of Psychology, The Open International University
Hear the holy voice of Kyabje Zong Rinpoche giving advice on the practice of Dorje Shugden to those who had received the life-entrustment initiation. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche wanted to make sure those present received the maximum benefits from their practice, and that they kept their practice well. LEARN MORE >>
In Tibetan Buddhism, it is always said that whatever we practice must come from an enlightened source to be beneficial in our spiritual journey. As such in this video, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche shares with us the history and reincarnation lineage of Dorje Shugden to explain how great this Dharma protector is through the examples of his previous lives, showing us his powerful spiritual attainments. LEARN MORE >>
Dear everyone... This is a good condensed talk I gave on Guru Yoga of Tsongkapa. This is the one you should share with others when they are interested in a not too lengthy explanation. It is the perfect practice for everyone who wants simplicity yet effective blessings. You can share this with more people, it will be good.
"If you say you don't have money to help a animal shelter, why then do you have money to buy meat?"
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Eating animals is not our God-given right, but being kind to them is."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"What makes us good humans is not how we abuse animals, but how much we allow them to live and be happy freely."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"We need another and wiser and perhaps a more mythical concept of animals.... We patronize them for their incompleteness, for their tragic fate of having taken form so far below ourselves. And therein we err, and greatly err. For the animal shall not be measured by man. In a world older and more complex than ours they moved finished and complete, gifted with extensions of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren, they are not underlings; they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendour and travail of the earth."
~ Henry Beston, The Outermost House
"Not eating animals is only unnatural when we are not used to it."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
MOTIVATIONAL QUOTES
"We may encounter defeat, but we must not be defeated."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"What you are today, is the choice you made yesterday."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"You think you can choose your life? What an ego trip!"
~ Lama Yeshe
"If TODAY you are dissatisfied, you must make the changes to create different results for TOMORROW."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
SPIRITUAL QUOTES
“Meditating on Dorje Shugden while reciting his mantra will open the gateways to higher dimensions, blessings and protection.”
~ Tsem Rinpoche
“If one does the recitation of the Lama Tsongkhapa guru yoga prayer for even one month using one of the visualizations for great or clear or quick wisdom, one will definitely see development of that wisdom. It is proved by experience. There is no doubt that by doing the Lama Tsongkhapa guru yoga practice one can meet Lama Tsongkhapa’s teachings from life to life. And furthermore, it gives one the opportunity to be born in the pure realm of Lama Tsongkhapa, Tushita, whenever death happens.”
~ Pabongkha Rinpoche
"I was 18 years old in 1983. That was a very special year as I met His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and received innumerable precious teachings and empowerments from Him at Thubten Dhargye Ling Centre in Los Angeles, California. It was the best time of my life. A time that seems so magical and surreal to me. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche is Heruka Buddha and I met Heruka."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"If being me offends you, maybe I'm not the problem."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Never abandon your spiritual teacher no matter how many inner obstacles you need to overcome."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Actions to force something to be permanent makes all the karmas arise."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"The dharma is not easy to listen to… because some people take it as criticism. But Dharma should not be just feel good only for the moment but for deeper contemplations."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Whether we do work and suffer but for others or we do work and suffer for ourselves, either way we have to suffer. That is the nature of samsara. So let us suffer for others and then suffering has meaning."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Those who really want the dharma to grow within themselves and to grow for others should never fear hard work, timing, difficulties, struggles, disappointments because it is for a good cause. Working for Dharma is not a prison or work, but it is purely spiritual practice. It is purely collection of merit and purification. Actually not doing dharma work is the real prison."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"His Holiness Zong Rinpoche stressed the need to continue to practice even when we come up against obstacles, and that we should continually review our progress. He stated that a happy, luxurious life was like a good dream, and that obstacles and difficulties were like a bad dream. We should give them no significance, but simply carry on working towards real, everlasting happiness."
~ Ngala ’ö-Dzin Tridral
"Things in samsara always go wrong. That's its nature. Don't be surprised."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Knowledge never quenches the thirst, only application."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
LIFE QUOTES
"I pity men who occupy themselves exclusively with the transitory in things and lose themselves in the study of what is perishable, since we are here for this very end-that we may make the perishable imperishable, which we can do only after we have learned how to approach both."
~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
"Money amplifies negative characteristics and that can cause problems.
To walk away from that was actually very easy. I didn't even consider it."
~ Angeline Francis Khoo
"I shall not commit the fashionable stupidity of regarding everything I cannot explain as a fraud."
~ Carl Jung
"There is a devil there is no doubt, but is he trying to get into us or trying to get out?"
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"If you love someone, show it by being honest, respectful & honorable with them."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see."
~ Henry David Thoreau
"If I can just be the way I am & you the way you are & we accept each other, world peace is near."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"I am Asian, you are some other beautiful color. Together we make diversity so beautiful."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"It's amazing how some people have never met me or know who I am, but based on a few things they read here & there & rumours, they have formulated a new personality for me & all the things I've never done they passionately speak about....I find it funny and entertaining now. I guess we can't spend our lives fighting rumours...we just have to work hard & then rumours get proven wrong on it's own as a by product. No point explaining repeatedly. Just do our work & show results!!"
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"There's a difference between patience and laziness. Patience comes from respect while laziness from disrespect of others."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Although outwardly we have so much, we have so many conveniences, inwardly we have become more unhappy, so, acquisition is not the secret to happiness. The more we get, the more we have, the more unhappy we become."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Before we experience any pain, we already had a fixed view of how things should be. When the experience we encounter contradicts our views, then the pain arises. The pain arises due to our fixed views not so much the experience itself. So the secret is changing the views. Re-educating ourselves on our views."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"You know since very young, for better or worse, I always did the things that others told me not to do. I wasn't really good at following the rules. Even now with how I share Dharma and my practice, I just do it the way I think it should be done but I do it sincerely. Not what others tell me what I can and can't do."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Love me or hate me, both are in my favor... If you love me, I'll always be in your heart... If you hate me, I'll always be in your mind."
~ William Shakespeare
"One isn't necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can't be kind, true, merciful, generous or honest."
~ Maya Angelou
Devotional Songs
Sung by Mary Fewel Tulin, these mystical songs in praise of the guru originate from the Sikh tradition. Yet, they are applicable to all traditions for those who want to venerate their guru.
The Known and unknown are both feared,
Known is being comfortable and stagnant,
The unknown may be growth and opportunities,
One shall never know if one fears the unknown more than the known.
Who says the unknown would be worse than the known?
But then again, the unknown is sometimes worse than the known. In the end nothing is known unless we endeavour,
So go pursue all the way with the unknown,
because all unknown with familiarity becomes the known.
~Tsem Rinpoche
Photos On The Go
Click on the images to view the bigger version. And scroll down and click on "View All Photos" to view more images.
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
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!
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
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
4 years ago
Fragrant organic Thai basil harvested from our very own Kechara Forest Retreat farm!
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.
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
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.
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.
4 years ago
One of the most recent harvests from our Kechara Forest Retreat land. It was grown free of chemicals and pesticides, wonderful!
5 years ago
Third 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)
5 years ago
First picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal.
Height: 33ft (10m)
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
5 years ago
Very powerful story! Tibetan Resistance group Chushi Gangdruk reveals how Dalai Lama escaped in 1959- https://bit.ly/2S9VMGX
5 years ago
At Kechara Forest Retreat land we have nice fresh spinach growing free of chemicals and pesticides. Yes!
Fresh eggplants grown on Kechara Forest Retreat's land here in Malaysia
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
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. 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
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
Wandering Ascetic Painting by Nirdesha Munasinghe
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
5 years ago
This is pretty amazing!
First Sri Lankan Buddhist temple opened in Dubai!!!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
DON'T MISS THIS!~How brave Bonnie survived by living with a herd of deer~ https://bit.ly/2Lre2eY
5 years ago
Global Superpower China Will Cut Meat Consumption by 50%! Very interesting, find out more- https://bit.ly/2V1sJFh
5 years ago
You can download this beautiful Egyptian style Dorje Shugden Free- https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
5 years ago
Beautiful high file for print of Lord Manjushri. May you be blessed- https://bit.ly/2V8mwZe
5 years ago
Mongolian (Oymiakon) Shaman in Siberia, Russia. That is his real outfit he wears. Very unique. TR
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
5 years ago
Manjusri Kumara (bodhisattva of wisdom), India, Pala dynesty, 9th century, stone, Honolulu Academy of Arts
Click on "View All Photos" above to view more images
Videos On The Go
Please click on the images to watch video
4 years ago
Pig puts his toys away
Animals are so intelligent. They can feel happiness, joy, pain, sorrow, just like humans. Always show kindness to them. Always show kindness to everyone.
5 years ago
Always be kind to animals-They deserve to live just like us.
Whales and dolphins playing with each other in the Pacific sea. Nature is truly incredible!
5 years ago
Bodha stupa July 2019-
Rainy period
5 years ago
Cute Tara girl having a snack. She is one of Kechara Forest Retreat’s resident doggies.
5 years ago
Your Next Meal!
Yummy? Tasty? Behind the scenes of the meat on your plates. Meat is a killing industry.
5 years ago
This is Daw
This is what they do to get meat on tables, and to produce belts and jackets. Think twice before your next purchase.
5 years ago
Don’t Take My Mummy Away!
Look at the poor baby chasing after the mother. Why do we do that to them? It's time to seriously think about our choices in life and how they affect others. Be kind. Don't break up families.
5 years ago
They do this every day!
This is how they are being treated every day of their lives. Please do something to stop the brutality. Listen to their cries for help!
5 years ago
What happened at Fair Oaks Farm?
The largest undercover dairy investigation of all time. See what they found out at Fair Oaks Farm.
5 years ago
She’s going to spend her whole life here without being able to move correctly. Like a machine. They are the slaves of the people and are viewed as a product. It’s immoral. Billions of terrestrial animals die annually. Billions. You can’t even imagine it. And all that because people don’t want to give up meat, even though there are so many alternatives. ~ Gabriel Azimov
5 years ago
Our Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir speaks so well, logically and regarding our country’s collaboration with China for growth. It is refreshing to listen to Dr. Mahathir’s thoughts. He said our country can look to China for many more things such as technology and so on. Tsem Rinpoche
5 years ago
This is the first time His Holiness Dalai Lama mentions he had some very serious illness. Very worrying. This video is captured April 2019.
5 years ago
Beautiful Monastery in Hong Kong
5 years ago
This dog thanks his hero in such a touching way. Tsem Rinpoche
These people going on pilgrimage to a holy mountain and prostrating out of devotion and for pilgrimage in Tibet. Such determination for spiritual practice. Tsem Rinpoche
5 years ago
Beautiful new casing in Kechara for Vajra Yogini. Tsem Rinpoche
5 years ago
Get ready to laugh real hard. This is Kechara’s version of “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane!” We have some real talents in this video clip.
5 years ago
Recitation of Dorje Dermo‘s mantra or the Dharani of Glorious Vajra Claws. This powerful mantra is meant to destroy all obstacles that come in our way. Beneficial to play this mantra in our environments.
5 years ago
Beautiful
Beautiful sacred Severed Head Vajra Yogini from Tsem Rinpoche's personal shrine.
5 years ago
My little monster cute babies Dharma and Oser. Take a look and get a cute attack for the day! Tsem Rinpoche
5 years ago
Plse watch this short video and see how all sentient beings are capable of tenderness and love. We should never hurt animals nor should we eat them. Tsem Rinpoche
5 years ago
Cruelty of some people have no limits and it’s heartbreaking. Being kind cost nothing. Tsem Rinpoche
5 years ago
SUPER ADORABLE and must see
Tsem Rinpoche's dog Oser girl enjoying her snack in her play pen.
We were told by Uncle Wong he is very faithful toward Dorje Shugden. Dorje Shugden has extended help to him on several occasions and now Uncle Wong comes daily to make incense offerings to Dorje Shugden. He is grateful towards the help he was given.
5 years ago
Tsem Rinpoche’s Schnauzer Dharma boy fights Robot sphere from Arkonide!
5 years ago
Cute baby owl found and rescued
We rescued a lost baby owl in Kechara Forest Retreat.
5 years ago
Nice cups from Kechara!!
Dorje Shugden people's lives matter!
5 years ago
Enjoy a peaceful morning at Kechara Forest Retreat
Chirping birds and other forest animals create a joyful melody at the Vajrayogini stupa in Kechara Forest Retreat (Bentong, Malaysia).
6 years ago
This topic is so hot in many circles right now.
This video is thought-provoking and very interesting. Watch! Thanks so much to our friends at LIVEKINDLY.
6 years ago
Chiropractic CHANGES LIFE for teenager with acute PAIN & DEAD LEG.
6 years ago
BEAUTIFUL PLACE IN NEW YORK STATE-AMAZING.
6 years ago
Leonardo DiCaprio takes on the meat Industry with real action.
6 years ago
Do psychic mediums have messages from beyond?
6 years ago
Lovely gift for my 52nd Birthday. Tsem Rinpoche
6 years ago
This 59-year-old chimpanzee was refusing food and ready to die until...
she received “one last visit from an old friend” 💔💔
6 years ago
Bigfoot sighted again and made it to the news.
6 years ago
Casper is such a cute and adorable. I like him.
6 years ago
Dorje Shugden Monastery Amarbayasgalant Mongolia's Ancient Hidden Gem
6 years ago
Don't you love Hamburgers? See how 'delicious' it is here!
6 years ago
Such a beautiful and powerful message from a person who knows the meaning of life. Tsem Rinpoche
6 years ago
What the meat industry figured out is that you don't need healthy animals to make a profit.
Sick animals are more profitable... farms calculate how close to death they can keep animals without killing them.
That's the business model.
How quickly they can be made to grow, how tightly they can be packed, how much or how little can they eat, how sick they can get without dying...
We live in a world in which it's conventional to treat an animal like a block of wood.
~ Jonathan Safran Foer
6 years ago
This video went viral and it's a must watch!!
6 years ago
SEE HOW THIS ANIMAL SERIAL KILLER HAS NO ISSUE BLUDGEONING THIS DEFENSELESS BEING.
This happens daily in slaughterhouse so you can get your pork and Bak ku teh. Stop eating meat.
ASK A PASTOR
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.
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.
March 13, 2024 20:25
Rojal Poudel asked:What does having a dream of an enlightened being signify?pastor answered:Dear Rojal,
Thanks for your question.
Generally, there are three types of dreams as described below. Most of us only experience the first type, unless we progress on the spiritual path.
1. Samsaric dreams: these arise from karma and karmic traces in the mind. This also includes emotions, memories, etc. The meaning we find in these dreams are imputed by the dreamer, and not inherent in the dream. This also applies to waking life. We impute meaning onto situations and circumstances, rather than the meaning being inherent to the circumstance. It is like reading a book. Words in the book are just marks on paper, however, because we use our sense of meaning, we make a meaning out of it. However, this is always open to interpretation. For example, if you tell your dream to two people, they can interpret the meaning very differently, even though you told them the exact same details.
2. Clarity dreams: These dreams occur when you are fairly progressed in meditational practices and can carry this into the dream state. These dreams arise not from the emotions, or memories, etc., but from more subtler forms of karma and delusions. However, just like in waking mediational practice, you are not affected by the images or thoughts that appear to you. You simply let them appear and then pass. At this stage you are aware that you are dreaming while in the dream.
3. Clear Light dreams: In the advanced tantric practices, there are teachings called dream yoga. The object of these is to achieve the clear light dreams, which are very difficult to achieve and take years and years of intense practice. The most important clear light mind that arises is actually at the time of our death, if we are trained enough in this very subtle state, we can actually control where we take rebirth. If we are more experienced in this state, then we can actually use it to meditate on the teachings and achieve enlightenment. Clear light dreams are a “lesser” type of clear light mind, that helps practitioners prepare for the time of death.
When we have an auspicious dream such as of our teacher, our practice, the Buddhas and enlightened beings, etc., even though this is auspicious, it is still more than likely to be just a samsaric dream. Because it is a samsaric dream most people would dismiss it as being just a normal dream arising from the subconscious. But it is a very auspicious type of dream, because it shows that the Dharma and virtuous imprints are beginning to take root in your life. When you learn the Dharma and more importantly put the Dharma into practice in your life and transform to become a more compassionate person, the Buddhas themselves will bless you.
Such dreams are indications that you are on the either planting very positive seeds into your mind, or seeds from previous lives are opening, or that you are on the right path of studying the Dharma and that the enlightened beings are blessing you to continue on your spiritual journey. Such dreams are your subconscious telling you that you are on the right path.
Usually when you have a dream of an enlightened being, it is usually one that you are familiar with. If it is not, then it could be due to imprints from previous lives. In any case, when you have an auspicious dream, don't hold on to it and tell everyone you have dreams of Buddhas. Instead, think to yourself, no matter what the reason, I am extremely fortunate to have been blessed to see the holy form of an enlightened being in my dream. And use that to fuel your practice of transformation.
I hope that this message helps.
Ree asked:Hello Pastors! If you see this, I want to say thanks for taking the time to answer my question.
Is Buddhism and Activism compatible? Green Tara's embodiment of "compassion in action" inspires me to speak out against injustices and social issues that are happening around the world right now. I want to make change and put my compassion for the suffering into action such as volunteering helping or donating to organizations that help the poor and needy, stray animals, etc.
Is this compatible with Green Tara's "activity" aspect? or does it mean something different? I am not a Buddhist so I don't know for sure. Still, I like what the goddess represents. That's all of my questions, thanks again!pastor answered:Dear Ree,
Thank you for your question. Buddhism and activism is definitely compatible, but in a very specific way. Though Green Tara is considered the embodiement of "compassion in action" and that she is associated with swift activity, the practice of compassion in action is much more broader in Buddhism, especially the Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions. It is bascially core to Bodhisattva practice, stemming from compassion in action helping beings physically, all the way to helping getting them enlightened. But Tara (all forms of Tara actually) embody this.
In Buddhism, we say that as a bird needs two wings to fly, we need two wings to reach enlightenment. These two wings are compassion and wisdom. So when we engage in compassionate activities, it must always been done with wisdom. For example, before you donate or volunteer in any organisation, make sure you know what they actually do and how they help those who are suffering.
As Buddhists, when engaging in activities helping those in need, injustices or social issues, we wouldn't just go with the crowd or jump head first into such activities. It always needs to be done with as much wisdom as possible, reasearch properly what is going on, try to understand both sides (even if you don't agree with the other side), and then engage in compassionate activities to help alleviate the suffering according to our capability.
Tsem Rinpoche always used to say the way to judge whether we should do something is to ask ourselves "Is it beneficial? Will it benefit someone?" Sometimes activism benefits, but some times it doesn't. So we need to be careful. In terms of charity work, we also need to be careful and do our homework before supporting that particular charity.
Once all of that is out of the way, and we engage in, say charity work, if the situation permits, we try to get involved in the charity we have chosen and actually volunteer our time. A lot of people simply donate or volunteer because it makes them feel good, but as Buddhists when we do so we have to be clear about our motivation.
Donating and volunteering should be conscious acts with compassion as it's basis, compassion while engaging in the actions with the goal of benefiting others and alleviating them of some form of suffering, whether physical, mental or spiritual. And these acts should add to our development of compassion, because we want to reach the ultimate spiritual form of it which is known as Bodhicitta - the mindset we operate from of reaching enlightenment ourselves so that we can help bring all other beings to the state of enlightenment as well.
This is actually what Green Tara represents, compassion in action (with wisdom) from the lowest form of compassion which is helping others physically, all the way up to leading them to enlightenment. Sorry for the length of the reply, but I really hope this helps you. Thank you.
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2 days ago
And here's Mr Wong of KSK Ipoh who dropped by to pray and offered some donation to the Chapel. Kechara Penang Study Group. Pic by Siew Hong & uploaded by Jacinta.
2 days ago
Today's puja (16/3/2024) ended around 420pm, Jacinta was the umze of the day. Pic by Siew Hong. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
6 days ago
Group photo taken after the last session, sealed with King of Prayers. Come and join us next time! Sayonara - 9-10th March 2024 - Kechara Penang DS Retreat by Jacinta.
7 days ago
Abundance altar! Fruits, flowers, Mee Koo (traditional Penang buns), Bee Hoon, sourdoughs and snacks are some of the offerings to Rinpoche, Buddhas & Bodhisattvas. Kechara Penang Dorje Shugden Retreat 9-10th March, 2024 by Jacinta.
7 days ago
Siew Hong, one of retreatants and an active member of Kechara Penang group proudly presented her torma to be used during the Kalarupa puja. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
7 days ago
Torma making was taught by Pastor Seng Piow and held one day before the retreat. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
7 days ago
Penang Dorje Shugden Retreat cum Puja, 9-10th March 2024 led by Pastor Seng Piow with 12 retreatants. Uploaded by Jacinta
1 month ago
The celebration ended with a Dorje Shugden puja, dedicated to all the sponsors, our loved ones and as well as for the happiness & good health for all sentient beings. May Rinpoche return swiftly too and taking this opportunity wishing all Happy Chinese New Year and Gong Xi Fa Cai from all of us, Kechara Penang Study Group. Uploaded by Jacinta.
1 month ago
Seen here, Pastor Seng Piow set off firecrackers - welcoming of the upcoming year with enthusiasm and positive energy. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
1 month ago
In this pic, Pastor Seng Piow is sharing Dharma with newbies ~ Sharyn's friends. It's always good to make light offerings at the beginning of new year. By making light offerings, you are able to dispel the darkness of ignorance and achieve wisdom. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
1 month ago
One the day of Losar (new lunar year), it is always beneficial for Buddhist practitioners to get together in making abundant offerings to Buddhas on the altar to usher in goodness, prosperity and well-being of our loved ones. It's more auspicious this year as Losar and the Chinese New Year begin on the same date, 10th Feb, 2024. Back in Penang, our Kechara members came together to decorate the altar with abundance offerings for Dorje Shugden puja @3pm. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
1 month ago
Mr. Dared Lim was offering water bowls on behalf of Kechara Ipoh Study Group. (Kin Hoe)
1 month ago
Jun from Ipoh was offering mandarin oranges to Mother Tara and The Three Jewels. (Kin Hoe)
1 month ago
Prior to our puja in Ipoh, Mr. & Mrs. Cheah Fook Wan were preparing for the offerings to the Buddhas. (Kin Hoe)
1 month ago
On Sunday afternoon, Kechara Ipoh Study Group has carried out Mother Tara prayer recitations in Ipoh. (Kin Hoe)
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
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.
2 months ago
Thaipusam in Penang. Some of the best shots. 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.
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.
2 months ago
Umze for the day was Siew Hong. She's just been with us for slightly more than a year now but she's proven her capability in leading the puja. Our Penang group members are so proud of her and her commitment in attending the weekly puja. Despite being eloquence and smart, she has beautiful chant as well. When she leads, make sure you are there to hear her chant for yourself! Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
2 months ago
Umze for the day was Siew Hong. She's just been with us for slightly more than a year now but she's proven her capability in leading the puja. Our Penang group members are so proud of her and her commitment in attending the weekly puja. Despite being eloquence and smart, she has beautiful chant as well. When she leads, make sure you are there to hear her chant for yourself! Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
3 months ago
Tara Recitation is on now at KISG - Wai Meng
3 months ago
Photo from Wan Wai Meng
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.
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
3 months ago
Today's (9/12/2023)Dorje Shugden puja led by Gordon. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
3 months ago
3 months ago
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
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
#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
Pic: Rinpoche Swift Return puja ~ 21/10/23 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
5 months ago
More pictures of the day! Kechara Penang Chapel & public blessings 3rd Oct 2023 by Jacinta.
5 months ago
Some pictures of the public blessings taken right after the puja was completed by the monks. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta. 3rd Oct 2023.
5 months ago
3rd Oct 2023, Tibetan monks came to Kechara Penang for chapel & public blessing, in conjunction with the arrival of H. E Tsem Rinpoche's holy statue. Thanks to Pastor Henry & Pastor Seng Piow, who guided us throughout the event. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
5 months ago
Tsem Rinpoche's holy statue is here! 3rd Oct 2023. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
5 months ago
29th Sept 2023. Kechara Penang Dorje Shugden puja adjourned at 4.30pm with 9 attendees. Thereafter, a Rinpoche Swift Return puja was completed too. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
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Thank you for the sharing, those painting are lovely. Margaret is very talented, she has unique ideas. I love seeing all her painting, those are marvellous, colourful and creative. I can see that she truly put in a lot of effort, time and energy to finish her painting. She must also have a lot of dharma knowledge to draw and paint all these Buddha images. It’s always great to hear about artist process.
When I try to look for a Lord Manjushri’s image, it leads me to this post. It’s fantastic all the images. Apart from Lord Manjushri, I like the Vajra Sarahi, Reclining Buddha and Headless Vajra yogini images. To look at the Buddha images will leave you a feeling of peace, not to mention how much peace a painter will fell while painting a Buddha’s image.
Lovely paintings ,done a creative artist .Those paintings beautifully drawn look alive which to me is stunning.Magaret is truly a visionary grifted artist of her own style. I can imagined the time , energy, effort spent on each piece of painting which done beautifully. wonderful to know now that all her paintings which is printed in high definition ready to be framed are for invite at kechara outlets. I love the Manjushri and Dream Tara very much which look so beautiful.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing .
What is fantastic about the first Vajrayogini painting at the very top of this blog post, is how complete it is. Imagine the merits of having a painting like this, and making offerings to it every day. When you see a thangka like this, it helps you to understand a little better the tradition and purpose of thangkas, which is that it is a meditational aid for the practitioner, to help them to visualise the deities during their practice. My other two favourites from this post are Yamantaka and the Headless Vajrayogini…I have a thing for wrathful deities! Hehehe
I’m in love.
Searching for Dream Tara pictures and found this article. It is so beautiful and awesome!
Margaret is very talented. May Dharma be with her always.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing and instructed the painting to be done.
Margaret
some hidden painting that I have to discover , certainly love your color blending and so details, I am sure you will paint some more in the future for the pleasure of all of us JM
When I went through the pictures of Thanka pictures painted by Margaret I cannot help but think I want to comment about her paintings again. The second time I saw her paintings again I sort of change my perception. I am not good in looking at combination of colours in paintings. But looking at the colours Margaret apply to her paintings give me a sense of peace, calmness and serenity. I like the painting of Vajrayogini and her entourage. Being able to paint is an asset especially when painting of Holy Beings and B uddhas. You get two in one benefits. One you get knowledge of all the different deities you are painting. And the other you will accumulate so much merits.
W-o-W, thanks for sharing this, amazing stuff, with this special touch of female sensitivity! I must admit, my favourite is the one with the one of five Tsongkapa visions.
I would like to tell Ms. Lee that I am great adorer of the arts and especially her work, and that I wish her to receive much merits and beneficial happiness through her arts.
Seeing these pictures I can be happy for her, as in my own trials to paint (and calligraphy) I always found myself being far too perfectionistic to be happy with my results, so I started doing photography to search and reproduce a viewpoint of ultimate beauty that already exists somewhere in this world.
Margaret’s painting of BUDDHA IN MEDITATION caught my eye when I was at one of Kechara’s outlets at 1 Utama. It’s modern, colorful, vibrant yet simplicity is very ideal for anyone to place it in their homes, offices … basically anywhere! My family members, the kids, visitors simply loves the painting. Another beautiful and talented lady in Kechara. How fabulous!
Margaret Lee one of long time friend and student of Tsem Tulku Rinpoche is from Hong Kong and now staying in Malaysia. She has offered many Thangkas and paintings to Tsem Rinpoche which she has painted thru the years. When Rinpoche met Margaret for first time in 2001, he had sensed that Margaret would be a good painter and he encouraged her to explore into Thangka Painting. She agreed and now she has made traditional Tibetan style Thangka painting which she has created herself. She has also made new age style paintings on her own. Rinpoche confesses that she treasures each and every one of Margaret’s talented paintings very much.
Kechara Paradise outlets are reproducing the painting for people to invite home. Margaret has put her time, energy, effort and care into each painting she really gave it her all.
Looking at the Dream Tara invoke a sense of dreaminess. Does the moon and the sun in the background represent a time to rise and a time to sleep? Are the flowers behind the halos slowly releasing its fragrant to gently ease us into reposeful slumber while the clouds under her feet represents soft downy feathered pillows to pamper our contour when we are finally in dreamland? Just looking at how beautiful the Tara’s face is painted makes me wanna stare at it all day long.
Oh how I love this painting. Did Rinpoche said it resides in his bedroom? Umm…I’ll wait until he’s asleep..hehe.
They says a picture says a thousand words. I says Margaret paintings says a million words. : ). Margaret painting and depictions of Buddhas is absolutely breath taking. She spents so many hours , days and nights to complete anyone of them and to the precise accuracy and correct iconography.
Anyone that first came to kechara will defintely notice painting 1st as it is the most easiet to be associated with. Margaret has so much merits from previous life and current life to be able to draw up such amazing paintings. I myself really like it alot.
Thank you margaret for your truly blessed and amazing work. With much guidance and blessing from Rinpoche.
When I first saw the Vajrayogini thangka with lineage gurus & various deities from Tsem Tulku website, I thought to myself, Wow! This Margaret lady is really talented!! That was before I got to know her and speak to her personally. Later on when I saw in Ladrang, the other paintings such as Tsongkapa (modern), Reclining Buddha, Standing Tara, and the White Tara, it really blew my mind!! These are really top quality art pieces!! One of my favorite is the Vajra Varahi (Is Vajra Varahi a form of Vajrayogini?). I saw this picture in the gift room and instantly fell in love with it. I can feel that painting is painted with immense concentration and determination. It is very detail, and the painting looks very alive. While looking at the picture I asked Shin, is Margaret a professional painter? Or is she an art teacher? Shin told me that Margaret was neither a painter nor an art teacher. Rinpoche saw her talent, encouraged her and she started to produce superb Buddha paintings ever since.
I love Buddha statues and paintings very much, it was the intricate details of the Buddhas statues and the Thangkas that was in KP 1U that caught my attention and drew me closer towards Buddhism. I often go KP 1U and KP SS2 to check if there are any new statues every now and then. I find much peace just by seeing and being with Buddha statues and art work. I have great respect for Margaret’s work. But that is not all that she’s good at!! Hehe….. Recently while rehearsing with the Wonder Girls and the Swans (we got really CUTE swans.) I got to know Margaret in person and found that she’s also really talented in dancing!!! She choreographed our dance steps and showed us from A-Z on how to move our “plank like body” to the song. It was really awkward at first, but Margaret patiently guided us through each steps and slowly, we saw improvements. Now the planks got moves!! It is really a pleasure knowing her and getting to learn things from her. I really appreciate her taking the time and effort to teach us the steps and for all the wonderful pictures that she’s painted and offered to Rinpoche. May Margaret paint more beautiful and meaningful Buddha paintings in the future.
Thank you, Rinpoche for sharing the pictures with us and for giving us such a great dance instructor.
🙂
With much love and respect,
Joe Ang
Looking at the pictures over the screen, I am already in awe. When I saw one of Margaret’s paintings in person (I think it was the Standing Tara), I was speechless. The intricacies, the delicate details, the magnificence of the painting was breathtaking. So refine was each line, that I could feel and sense the care and patience put into each stroke in the painting. It must have taken a long time to complete each one, but the talent and creativity that Margaret has in art is undeniable. What is more surprising is the fact that she didn’t know she had these abilities in her. It was through Rinpoche’s encouragement that she found the artistic tendencies in herself. I cannot imagine the immense joy that you felt with the completion of each painting. An extremely talented individual. Amazing work, Margaret.
Aunty Margaret’s paintings are exquisite. She is like the Leonardo Da Vinci of this century. She works very hard in Kechara. All the beautiful art work shows that she has an extremely steady hand and she is very left-brained and through the paintings you could see an artistic and colorful and optimistic side to her. She does all the lovely paintings for the glorious Dharma. So that people can appreciate what KSA can provide and she will be on of the few inspirations for the future generations of Kechara House to paint image of Buddha’s. I have gotten slight information about the headless vajrayogini. I asked Uncle Albert about the various Vajrayogini’s. He said one of the most rare ones were the headless one. Is this actually correct? May I have a larger explanation of the headless Vajrayogini please, thanks.
Rinpoche always know and has his own way to brings out our talent, which we might not know we have such a great hidden talent, which we can benefits a lot of people, one of the example is Margaret. I was truly surprise and amaze on Margaret’s painting work, and now I notice that, a lot of those painting hanging around Kechara House, Ladrang, KP Outlets and others Kechara Departments are Margaret hardworks.
Besides of being a good painting artist, Margaret also a good Chronographer for Performance, one of the best works she has does is the Last year Karaoke Event (Swan Legs, Dreamgirls) at Kechara Oasis and also this year Kechara Charity Dinner Event (Wonder Girls & Swan Legs)
Absolutely stunning works! My personal favourite is the Reclining Buddha. And, I also get to work on a negative quality after viewing these paintings: jealousy! Sadly, the only thing I’m good at painting are walls…
Margaret, these paintings are simply divine (I tried to sound arty there, hope I managed it!). They completely reflect your devotion to Rinpoche, and for that alone you should be celebrated, but as an artist, how incredible you are! These awesome works are so very inspiring and very alive – such amazing representations of the Buddhas!
Congratulations on such wonderful success, and may you have many more! 🙂
Kind regards,
Sandy
The first time I saw Margeret’s painting is when the first week I join Kechara Outlets, it is during the Thangka exhibition in Sunway Pyramid.
When they set up a section at a corner for her painting, they told me it is a creation of Margeret, so I was like thinking who is she, how does she look like?? Her painting is really beautiful; she is very talented and creative.
Not only that, she did not let her talent divert her motivation, she is using it for Dharma, she is very dedicated to her dharma work, I’m glad to see Margeret using her to spread dharma.
I’ve heard that every single piece of painting do represent the Artist’s feeling, when you look at the painting, you will know how their feeling that moment is. But from Margeret’s painting, I what I can see is ‘peace of mind’.
Much more than a great artist, Margaret is ever ready to lend a sympathetic ear. A caring and warm person, Margaret is a shining example of how every student should be. And the wonderfull results of having guru devotion. Thanks for the beautifull pictures Margaret !
Margaret is really talented and creative. The thangkas paintings she has done are amazingly gorgeous. I can see that she truly put in a lot of effort , time and energy. She must also have a lot of dharma knowledge to draw and paint all these Buddha images , when one looks at them , they are so real and lively and I still remembered when I was staying in kechara hostel tara room sometimes end of last year , I can feel as if the picture of standing tara is present in the room. Thanks to Margaret Lee in promoting dharma to the guests who come and stay in kechara hostel. Her work is very inspiring.
Such wonderful thangkas and paintings!! Not to mention Margaret’s god-gifted talent, totally cannot differentiate the painting whether is painted by the professional thangka painter! Rinpoche is certainly of great compassion, requested Margaret to paint them and now its reproduced and available for invitation. I read from the Kechara website saying, by painting the thangka or any holy image of the Buddha can generate good karma too! Wonderful! I wished one day I can acquire the skill to paint such gorgeous paintings. Indeed it needs both talent and patience. Thanks again Rinpoche for sharing such great picture indeed have instill peace in my mind just looking at the Dream Tara as well as the Manjushri painting.
Thank you so much Rinpoche for sharing facts and stories of a great lama of the past. There is an interesting fact that, Pabongka Rinpoche actually transmitted all the knowledge and teachings to Trijang Rinpoche, the private tutor of the current 14th Dalai Lama.. How auspicious and special is the bond is? I love and respect the Dalai Lama to the core and we can see there is a direct link in between. Pabongka Rinpoche, Geshe Lobsang Tarchin, a direct disciple. One of the Tsem Rinpoche’s guru Geshe Lobsang Tarchin and this show the direct lineage of Tsem Rinpoche’s teachings. Malaysia certainly is of great fortune that having Tsem Rinpoche to stay here and spread the Dharma.. Once again I should mention again, may I have sufficient good karma, to meet Tsem Rinpoche personally, certainly there is a lot a lot of teachings to learn from.
Margaret is a student of Rinpoche for many years and also a very dear dharma sister to me. It’s just so amazing the talent that she has in painting. I love all the paintings that she has done..i like every one of them that i can’t even pick a favorite. All the Buddha paintings that she has done is so intricate with precise details. Can u imagine the amount of patience & effort put into all these paintings that she has produced? She inspires us through her Guru devotion whereby when your Lama gives you an assignment, you will just follow and get it accomplished no matter how tough it is. It shows the level of her transformation & maturity throughout the years of guidance from Rinpoche. Now Kechara House can proudly say that we have our in-house thangka painter in Malaysia. Although she is born in HK, she is very much a Malaysian and has made Malaysia her home.
As Rinpoche always believe, spiritualism can be connected via art and his vision for us to have the 1st Tibetan Art established in South East Asia, “Kechara Saraswati Art” (KSA), which is one of the 12 departments in Kechara Buddhist Organization. Many art activities are conducted at KSA such as painting statues, painting thangkas, sewing mala bag, sewing thangkas, pearl beading class, flower arrangements & etc. Kechara is indeed a very unique Buddhist organization where we recognize different people with different talents. For more info on KSA, do log on to: http://www.kechara.com/arts/.
Margret has been a longtime disciple of Rinpoche and she has been a very stable one too. I heard that she is a Hong Kong citizen and has moved to Malaysia because she can be closer to Rinpoche. She is a very nice lady and i had no idea she was the one who painted those pictures! Some of them looked so modern and contemporary that it didint look like a traditional thangka at all but a modern rendition of the Yidam.
Painting images of the Buddha creates the causes for a beautiful or attractive body in the next life (this life too late wat) and this is important when it comes to attracting people to listen to the Dharma. It was said that the Buddha looked very attractive and this helped to get some people to be interested in the Dharma, and the same was also said with Atisha. So looking pretty is not just for enjoyment, but can also be for Dharma! I wish i could paint like her and paint nice Buddha thangkas so that i will have a gorgeous body in my next life 😛
Margaret truly has the gift of a master artist. She may have been a master artist in her previous incarnation and Rinpoche had forseen that lurking talent in her. Whenever Kechara Care showed visitors around Kechara House, we always show them paintings painted by Margaret. They would comment “they are beautifully painted with such minute details and are they for sale?”
Rinpoche knows how to nurture hidden talents in his students but he would not let us know in advance. I heard he would suddenly give a student an assignment to complete and watched how the person bored fruit as a result.
It showed Rinpoche is using skillful means to nurture his students to help them learn how to benefit others in dharma.
Terima Kasih Rinpoche!
Pssst! Margaret…do you take art disciples? LOL
I must say that those sample pieces here are fab and worthy of sharing.
In particular, I loved the image of the White & Dream Tara, it was like tugging at my heart as I stared more into it…kinda like one image of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva I saw back in ’86 that refused to leave my mind until I took refuge/precepts in the Chinese Mahayana Trad in ’99.
Oh and the wrathful Yamantaka…how did you managed to make Him look so peaceful? Yours is the first image of Him that is smiling at me! LOL
Sadhu! and keep up the good work! Thanks to Rinpoche’s guidance and your due diligence!
When I first saw Margaret’s painting years ago. I can’t believe it. I thought only Tibetan can paint such a beautiful thangka. Look at how detail and fine the painting. I will want to have many many Magaret’s painting in my house. Not only that. Margaret id also an Interior Designer cum contractor for Kechara who has been single handedly budget, design and overseeing the renovation for 2 Kechara new departments which is Kechara Care and E- division.
Margaret is also a very nice sister to be with. I love listening to her when she talked about her life in dharma from that day she met Rinpoche. I feel good to have Margaret as my dharma sister, so much to learn and so much inspired.
I am flabbergasted, are they for real? You mean our Margaret did that? Wow, such talent shouldn’t be kept like hidden gems, they should be celebrated. These paintings are stunning. We have many talented people in our midst. Another great artist I can think of is Lily Ng. It takes a very skilful Guru to pick out what’s best in a student and then hone it and the results become masterpieces. That is their personal practice and their works of art are the results of their practice. What a lovely way to develop and express one’s spirituality. By looking at these lovely pieces of art, which are representation of the enlightened mind, many people can benefit.
I remember when I first saw the 8 Verses of Training the Mind that Margaret did for Kechara House 1. I was so amazed because I never knew that she had it in her, and I remember how touched and excited Rinpoche was to hang the verses up in the gompa.
What I find incredible about Margaret is that she wasn’t trained as a painter. All it took was belief in her guru for talent like this to show itself. Margaret’s example shows us that when we trust and believe in our guru, even if we don’t believe in ourselves, good things will come. Our guru is our method of focusing outwards, to stop us from indulging in our selfish “I can’t do this, I can’t do that” which has held us back all of our lives.
Margaret, the gal from Hong Kong, has been with Rinpoche through thick and thin.
Rinpoche told us that when he was in difficult time, Margaret gave a car to him without being prompt.
She has gone through ups and downs on her own spiritual journey. What I learn from Margaret is – it’s not about how hard one falls but how fast one bounces back. Whenever she is assigned a project by the Guru ; no matter how difficult, how impossible it appears to get done, Margaret would embark on the “impossible” task head on and she would accomplish it.
Besides her many talents, this is the quality in Margaret that I admire the most.
Thank You so much Rinpoche, for posting Margaret’s paintings on the blog.
I always like her painting very much. She is REALLY TALENTED. I came to know Margaret since year 2001. We used to hang up together. One day she told me and Henry that Rinpoche asked her to do painting. During that time she was totally disagreed with Rinpoche. Because she has not done this before.
I remembered very well, she even used the word like‘OH JESUS, HOW I’M GOING TO DRAW THIS? WHICH I’VE NEVER DONE THIS BEFORE’ She repeated again and again.
Henry and I told her that, Rinpoche DEFINITELY KNOWS THAT YOU CAN DO IT! Why not us? THAT’S WHY YOU ARE CHOOSEN.
After she came down and considered, she took up a very short period of drawing class, and THAT’S WHEN HER SPIRITUAL JOURNEY BEGAN AS PAINTER. CONGRATULATIONS TO MY DEAREST FRIEND MARGARETA….!!!
WONDERFUL THING IS, RINPOCHE KNOWS EACH EVERY ONE OF HIS STUDENTS ABILITIES. RINPOCHE WILL DO HIS BEST TO BRING US UP! THANK YOU RINPOCHE FOR ALL YOUR PATIENCE, CARE AND LOVE TO US AS YOUR STUDENT. THANKS RINPOCHE..
Love,angel
Judging by the number of comments here, Margaret certainly has a big fan base. Congratulations Margaret! I was around when Tsem Rinpoche asked Margaret to do the first thangka. It was to be an image of Manjushri. I remember vividly Margaret’s expression yet she completed it without any and ,ifs or but. Next was thangka of Yamantaka. The day when Margaret brought it to the old ladrang in Bandar Utama, the both of us did King Of Prayers together. Till today, i am still amazed by Margaret’s talent which she probably would not have discovered it herself if Rinpoche hadnt put her on her first thangka retreat. Continue painting to enlightenment our dear Margaret! 🙂
I like this pictures very much. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!
Margeret is real artist; our in house thangka painter. I have no doubt about what she can paint thangka again and again as her assignment under rinpoche instruction. She produce many beautiful thangkas offer as the gift for rinpoche for many years. She patiently completed all the assignment without any complains, all the task she treat it as her personal retreat.
I personally like the Manjushiri and Vajrayogini mandala thangka she draw. Beside that the tradition style thangka painting, I also like the margeret modern art Buddha painting. Some of her painting has reproduced as the poster and gift card available sales at the Kechara outlet.
Beside of that, Margeret also is our Kechara organization interior designer. Under her supervisor, many kechara department has nicely done up. Her artistic talent has offer up to contribute to Kechara organization. I praise her devotion to rinpoche and hard work for the organization.
Regards,
Chia
Margerat’s talents not only with paintings. She is multi talents equipped with creativity and passions. To me, she is a super woman that always produced results. These paintings are the results shown.
I like the Vajravarahi the most, the colours macthed perfectly with the background and moods..etc
The picture tells thousand words
“Vajra Varahi doing the dance of subjugating samsara from our minds”
My second favourite will be The Vajrayogini thangka with lineage gurus & various deities.
and The Headless Vajra Yogini also one of my favourite, i set this picture as screen/wallpaper for my mobile phone, to remind myself CUT DOWN MY EGO ALWAYS…(to me, it works though)
How kind that our Guru helped Margerat to explore her creative potential and to find her inner strength and beauty!
Just a thought. In such a short time, Margaret was able to produce such intricate thangka painting where the iconography and details were even difficult to make out from an 8R photo. The only explanation is that Margaret’s abilities and talents is purely the result of many previous lifetimes of performing the same action over and over again.
Talents are not god-given. It cannot be. That would be unfair.
Talent comes purely from our hardwork.
You know what that means? That means everyone can produce the same results as Margaret if we practice and put many hours and effort. Even if we can’t achieve the same results this lifetime, it can be achieved next life or next next life. This goes with everything else we do.
I like all the paintings, both modern and traditional. My favourite is the Vajra Yogini with the entourage and various deities. Margaret has an eye for detail and it is difficult to tell the reproductions from the original paintings. This attention to detail is useful when it comes to the facial expressions and the iconography of the deities in thangka paintings. I have a feeling that as Margaret progresses in her spritual practice, her paintings will become better and better. Her art will reflect her spirituality. I think it is very important for artists who paint Buddhas and religious themes to practice well and have realisations. Their art will reflect that and benefit people who contemplate or buy their paintings.
Just to add onto something that I saw…kids from the Kechara Saraswati Art’s classes might be the next Margaret Lee!! 🙂 It’s nice to see kid’s starting to paint tsatsa at such a young age as it enables them to visualize Buddha’s a lot better. Perhaps if the artistic streak in them doesn’t flourish as they might want…they could be teachers in iconography!!
http://www.kechara.com/arts/classes/classes-and-workshops/
When I first saw some of Margaret paintings I really thought that she’s an artist (a professional one) because the painting was so beautiful. Later I found out that she actually doesn’t realize her talent in arts initially and there was a request from Rinpoche to paint a drawing (her first painting work, Manjushri)…..guess what she paints it just like a “professional”, so nice. Since then she has been continue producing numerous of gorgeous deities’ art pieces. She really shows us and proofs to us that her strong faith to Rinpoche and her great guru samaya brought her to find her potential. With her great sense of art & design Margaret has also been involved in dept. renovation. She is managing from acquiring the shoplot/premises until the completion of the overall renovation. She has put what she learn (dharma) into practice and this is how she’s able to manage it well.
Rinpoche is so skillful in helping people to realize their potential and this will definitely inspire more people to have stronger faith to the Lama.
Nicholas
I really find Margaret’s work have soo much passion in them that they come to life. The energy from the effort put in gives it emotion.
When I first saw the Vajravarahi I was taken aback by the eyes, though this picture does not do it justice when you see it in real life you will agree she is staring right through you to your soul. The subdued colors, the muddiness of this work, yet the striking eyes really catches your attention.
Each of her works are like this, a rollercoaster of emotions in such a varied collection, she really does need to have an exhibition!
Margaret, your painting is just simply awesome!
I love the reclining Buddha, the colours and lines you apply is very contemporary and modern, and in a way suitable for any house’s décor. I can feel the Buddha is resting peacefully with his eyes closed. It sends out positive energy to whoever standing in front of your painting.
What a nice way of sharing Buddhist art for every family, business premises either hotel, restaurant, spa etc etc to enjoy and bask in its sacred energy… in a beautiful manner. I hope you keep on painting more and more, perhaps one day you will have your own gallery that showcase all the wonderful art pieces you have created, and indirectly promote Lama Tsongkhapa’s teachings to the whole world!
Paul
Margaret is extremely creative. Not only she can paint such exquisite pieces shown above, anything that needs creative input is her forte. My favourite of all her pieces is the Dream Tara. When I first saw it, I thought it was one of the most spectacular painting I have ever seen, so much detail, colour and the image is so alive. It is so amazing that we have such talented artist amongst us. Her other talent is renovations. She simply knows what matches what, where to place things so that it doesn’t look cluttered or out of place, what colour scheme is suitable for each place, purpose and person etc. I love Margaret’s creative sense….
Oh yes Joy, I did make a 2 ft clay buddha shakyamuni statue for Rinpoche. I had no idea of 3D sculpture when Rinpoche hinted me in 2003 that he would like to have something like a natural stone shakyamuni statue to be placed in his outdoor garden. I went and searched around and found an Art academy that taught clay sculpture.
I went 3 times a week , 3 hours each time and spent 3 months to complete the statue. During the first firing of the statue and the lotus base, the lotus base cracked. My clay teacher said that I was lucky that it wasn’t the statue which cracked during firing, otherwise I would have ended up spending another 2 more months to make a brand new one.
The second firing of the lotus base was perfect. I offered it to Rinpoche immediately. I still have a few photos of my first clay buddha creation which I can show you.
Rinpoche always skillfully give us many chances to practise the core esscence of vajrayana, Guru devotion. be it getting his favourite food, running his errands to big projects like opening a vegetarian restaurant.
Long time student Irene Lim also single handedly raised funds, renovate Kechara Oasis and executed Rinpoche’s vision of having a vegetarian restaurant in just a few months time after Rinpoche expressed to her that he would like her to embark on this porject. Irene too has no prior experience in any food and beverage business.
Another example, David Lai, our dear darling star, Liaison of Kechara Media Publication (KMP), writer of “There is no way but up”, also followed through Rinpoche’s instruction to finish his book and is now on his way to become a very successful and famous writer that will bring dharma to benefit many in the 21st century.
All the above thanka is incredibly beautiful. My four favorite thanka in the above is, first the Vajrayogini thangka with lineage gurus & various deities as the details of the thanka is very fine and for some one who have never try painting such a big piece is consider extremely good. Second is Rinpoche favorite Manjushri thanka that has attracted many people. Third is the Reclining Buddha as the color and method use is special and daring. Forth is the Dream Tara as every time I see it I feel a sense of closeness.
Margaret did a one fine job in all her work in the above and not only that, her talent has expanded into many directions like helping the renovation of our various departments and also decoration.
That shows that if we have full faith in our Lama/Guru he will always bring out the best in us without us knowing.
Thank you Rinpoche for bringing out the best in us.
Yes! I agree Margaret is a super duper woman with multi-talents and it takes Rinpoche’s divine eye to unveil her talents and set her rolling with so many beautiful paintings. Margaret certainly collects so much merits painting these enlightened images.
I love the painting of the deity Yamantaka. It is so incredibly beautiful and wrathful. It is detailed with 9 heads, 34 arms holding different implements and standing astride with 16 legs. Wow! it makes me perspire just looking at Yamantaka. I wonder how Margaret has the patience to paint Yamantaka the most difficult deity.
It is definitely worth the value at Kechara Paradise outlets.
I can’t agree more!! There is a bunch of cool and talented people working to spread Dharma at Kechara and guided by a living Boddhisattva.
I remembered the first time Margaret painted her 1st painting to Rinpoche, which is a replica of Rinpoche’s personal Manjushri thangka. It amazed me her talent was definitely inborn and the painting just captivated everyone. Then Rinpoche started giving her one after another assignment to paint many more deity images as you can see above and her passion just grew and grew.
But what I admire most about Margaret, knowing her for about 10 years now, is not so much her talent in painting but her strong will and determination to get something done. I also like her courage, to be able to go through any challenges thrown on to her and the will to learn new things. Besides painting she’s even made a clay Buddha Shakyamuni statue for Rinpoche before!
Margaret you are like a “big sister” and through thick and thin you’ve stuck it through, being loyal and I think these are the beautiful qualities you have and it has manifested in your beautiful paintings – your Kechara Family!
When are you going to start giving us lessons is KSA??? 🙂
Margaret’s paintings are truly awesome! By someone who has no thangka painting experience! Just by merely reproducing from a photo taken or picture. I truly admire what Margaret can do to produce such pieces with added creativity to it and making more appealing to younger generation as well. All her paintings were reproduced in prints for all to have them. They are available at all Kechara Paradise outlets (www.kechara.com/shopping) and online (www.kechara.com/eshop). Oh Yes! Similar prints are also available on postcards too! They can be collection items for all to keep and as gifts.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing all these beautiful paintings with us.. 🙂
Dear Margaret
You really amazed me with your paintings. Back in 2001 when you were so new in dharma, if I am not mistaken we were all in Singapore with Rinpoche, you stayed up all night talking to Rinpoche and the next day you told Ruby and me that Rinpoche gave you an assignment to paint Manjushri . You freak out! But you have trust and faith in Rinpoche and you did it! Rinpoche could see the creative potential within you and this is the best retreat for you to overcome some rough patches in your life. Amongst all your paintings, I loved the Vajrayogini with lineage gurus and various deities. You didn’t give up even though it took you so long to complete. Like what Jean Mei said, you are a “thangka master” in a modern woman body!
Patsy
I have known Margaret for a good 18 years now, from when she was single and jet-setting from Hong Kong to Malaysia to oversee her branch office. Way back then, nobody knew that this little dynamite would one day be able to produce such wonderful pieces of art.
I remember when she first started attending art classes : she would be buying pieces of unfinished wooden items and painstakingly create beautiful pieces. The first finished work-of-art that I saw was a wooden 4-legged stool, painted with a very bright, sunny sunflower on the stool seat that she gifted to a friend.
Dear Wan Wai Meng,
It would be an honour for me to share my spiritual journey through arts to those who are inclined in this field. Rinpoche has healed me through arts and I am without any hesitation to share my experience with any of you.
I sincerely hope for those who have a chance to see any of my paintings be filled with harmony, peace and serenity. Indeed one of the motivations behind all these painting retreats was that a dharmic seed be planted to those who see the deities and hopefully one day, they would also have the good fortune to embark on their spiritual journey.
Love,
Margaret
Margaret Lee is painting her way to enlightenment. She engages in painting retreats, expressing her spirituality through art. I rejoice for her.
i’m very admire in Margaret, not only in her talent but also for her faith and trust in Rinpoche who she fully beleives and trusts even tho she does not really know she can paint it or not but she just go all the way and made it completed. Margaret actions reflect her devotion which inspire other.
I personally like the Vajrayogini thangka very much as it is very special and informative, from the thangka i able to know the leneage lama on the way down.
We are very fortunate to have it available at kechara Paradise outlets, it printed in poster size and also in canvas A4 size which you can have it brocade by Kechara Saraswati Art (www.kechara.com/saraswati) same as the traditional thangka.
Thank to Rinpoche kindness and thoughful to allow us to reprint and have it available for us to invite the holy mother home.
Yes indeed Margaret is an extremely talented lady. Her paintings are really lively and they look as if they are jumping out towards anybody who lays eyes on them. Her strokes are so intricate and her colours are striking.
Margaret’s talent is not only constraint in painting art pieces. She is also into renovation and interior decorations. She is currently handling the renovation of the new premises for our departments single handedly.
She is also a loving mother of 2 teenage boys. It might not be easy juggling between her boys and the renovation crews, but due to her dedication towards Rinpoche and Kechara, she’s giving it her all in handling all these.
I’m really happy for Margaret who had come a long way to who she is today. A lady who is capable of handling any assignments given to her and carrying them out to the finish line!!! Go Margaret go……
Yes, I totally agree with JP – Margaret should have a an ART EXHIBITION – may be in the new KC Lounge. OMG, that would be so cool and she tell us the stories of how each painting came to be conceived. My absolute favourite is standing Vajra Varahi. I loved it from the moment I saw it. Alluring and haunting – exactly like what Rinpoche wrote!
I was totally amazed when I first realised that Margaret could paint so well! Margaret told me that she herself didn’t even know she could paint when she received the assignment from Rinpoche. I was astounded when I heard that because the amount of details in her painting were incredibly amazing and difficult even for an accomplished painter!
This really blew my mind because it made me realise how extremely insightful and skillful Rinpoche is in helping his students realise their potential. Furthermore, the painting retreat has so many benefits for the retreatant on a spiritual level.
It’ll be great for Margaret to exhibit her paintings and share with the public her realisations from this retreat. It’ll be very inspiring and educational!
I especially love the Headless Vajrayogini. As you know it’s on my desktop wallpaper. 🙂
It’s amazing how you can paint both traditional and modern styles. Not many people can.
I look forward when one day you will conduct classes in KWPC.
Dear Margaret,
Seeing all your paintings in the post cards and also hanging at Kechara House, I can’t help to wonder that these paintings could grace residences of the well to do in any part of the world.
What these paintings do for me are,
1) Some of the paintings inspire serenity,
2) Pure joy due to the vibrant interplay of the colors,
3) Inspires me that you have so much focus and an eye for detail.
My hope is that you will eventually conduct art classes and bring others to this form of practice that is healing,calming and much other benefits as you have experienced. I do look forward to your work now and in the future.
Never expected a girl from Hongkong can be a thangka master.Trust in our Guru to bring out the potential in us. i have a photograph of one of Margaret’s painting of Vajrayogini with lineage gurus and various deities blessing my home now. A holy image as an art piece yet have blessings. Margaret, keep on painting and don’t let your brush stay dry !!! Patsy
She’s Picasso, Van Gogh and Warhol rolled into one! Margaret, I’ve said it once and I will say it again: You are a multi-talented, multi-tasking Wonder Woman!
You told me the story of how Rinpoche revealed your artistic talent to you, and for me, it was a sign of Rinpoche’s clairvoyance and also his care for you, knowing that this medium of expression would bring you so much fulfillment and joy. Those who would like to know Margaret’s story, please watch this video starting from 8:28 –
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsPtTrd_tT4
I love love love love the modern sleeping Buddha and the spectacular Dream Tara.
There have been so many comments of this Manjushri painting from people who have visited KMP. People are amazed when we share how Rinpoche recognized Margaret’s talent without her even knowing she had such talent.
The first painting I remember seeing was the Tsongkhapa piece. I was blown away…that’s when I started to ask Margaret how long she’s been painting and found out she’s never painted and how she related stories of what Rinpoche told her to do and how her journey of expressing her spirituality started.
Margaret, thank you for trusting in Rinpoche and picking up the brush!
I can assure all that living in a house full of these paintings, that Buddha assuredly watches over us 24/7! On a more serious note, I truly believe Margaret is one of the most creative individuals I have ever met (the anti-me). Her focused attention to detail and her remarkable scope of vision are inspiring and exhilarating. We all have special, unique talents given to us and it is life’s purpose to not only find out what they are, but to put them to beneficial use. Margaret is certainly doing that. Special thanks to Rinpoche for helping to guide her on that path.
It makes me feel so humble to know that many of you like and appreciate my paintings. Indeed I painted every single piece without any other motivation but to follow Rinpoche’s instruction. I realised only later than that Rinpoche’s painting assignments to me was in fact a retreat for me. At that time, I was very new to the Dharma and going through some personal problems, and I could not imagine what I would feel if I have to sit down and chant millions of mantras. Rinpoche’s skillfull means of imparting this method on me was more than applicable as he probably saw through me that I adore beautiful objects of arts.
Yes, I remembered I did freak out when Chia came to me one day and showed me a 8R size VY photo with all the lineage gurus and the dakinis and deities on it and told me that Rinpoche would like me to dupliace this photo to a painting as large as possible. Chia said that this photo was taken from the thangka hanging in H.H. Dalai Lama’s audience room in Dharmsala and Rinpoche liked it very much and wanted me to reproduce one. I took a look and I couldn’t even see the faces let alone the hands and fingers of those 30 plus lineage gurus floating on the clouds. I spent a total of 11 months to complete this sacred Vajrayogini painting and it was hung at Rinpoche’s audience room for quite some time.
With this, I agree totally with what Li kheng said, when one places 100% faith in your Guru, couple with consistent effort, concentration, results will show. Without Rinpoche’s guildance, i wouldn’t be what I am today. To paint is not even in my dictionary.
I am truely grateful to Rinpoche.
To answer Ivy question, I am using acyrlic medium all these while and all these paintings were done in this medium.
I love to paint more in the future and share the power of Spirituality through arts. I hope my “Fans” will still be there!
Like what Rinpoche quoted, Never say you can’t do, becasue that’s not the real you speaking. Just go all the way!
Love,
Margaret
Hello Li Kheng, Kechara has so many talented people from all ages and background. And everyone in Kechara has a role to play with their talent and skills for the outer and inner growth. Margaret is an example of this thus this is her results of her strong faith and loyalty to Rinpoche.
haha..you can say that again! Kechara has many talented people and many of the talents are actually uncovered and refined by Rinpoche.
Ditto! There has been so many comments of this Manjushri painting from people who have visited KMP. And people are amazed when we share with them how Rinpoche recognising Margaret’s talent without her even knowing she had such talent. Margaret, thank you for trusting in Rinpoche and picking up the brush!
Thank you, Rinpoche for sharing some of the beautiful paintings by Margaret. I have always loved her Vajrayogini paintings. Especially the headless ones, because they remind me of Frida Kahlo. They are not morbid, although they depict the harsh, crude and gore of life. Somehow, in all of Margaret’s paintings, I sense an under current of love. Over time, I just believed that the love arises from her love and belief in Rinpoche. Margaret said many times that it was Rinpoche who recognised and brought out the ‘painter’ in her. And I have always thought that is the most beautiful thing. Rinpoche has always seen the best in each of us and have helped all of us in bringing out that very best in ourselves. I am truly happy that Margaret can express her spirituality through her talents in arts. That’s the power of trusting one’s Guru, and going all the way. Now, everyone can also enjoy and appreciate these paintings. May they always continue to bring joy and plant the seeds of Dharma in everyone who sees them. Thank you so much, Rinpoche. Thank you so kindly, Margaret for never giving up.
When i first saw Margaret’s painting years ago. I can’t believe it. I thought only Tibetan can paint such a beutiful thangka. Look at how detail and fine the painting. I will want to have many many Magaret’s painting in my house.
Margaret not only a talented artist, she is also a very nice sister to be with. She is always care about people around her. I love listening to her when she talked about her life in dharma. i feel good to have Magaret as my dharma sister…
Hi Paris, your comment reminds me of Shantideva’s teaching on the vast possibility of our minds. If we dare and if we trust the great teachings of our Lord Buddha, nothing is impossible…our minds have not limits.
All we need to do is i) have faith in our Guru who is the pure vessel containing and generously sharing the precious teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni and ii) make consistent effort.
The power of both the Buddhadharma and conscious and sincere effort will bring beneficial results as in the example set by Margaret!
Hi Girlie, you are so right! With so many responsibilities, Margaret manages to uphold her Dharma practice. She is a living example that we can get committed Dharma NOW when we are young and life is in full swing. It is simply a choice…and Margaret has certainly chosen with wisdom and courage. In fact, from Margaret’s example, I learn that we bring most benefit and can make the most difference in this world when we are still young and active.
Congratulations Margaret and thank you, Rinpoche for creating another powerful and beautiful medium to spread Dharma in all ten directions.
Margaret is amazingly talented and hardworking. Her paintings are both serene and magnificent. And her contribution towards kechara House is very inspiring. I rejoice for her.
Margaret is so talented, in more than one way.
She is the second person from KH that my friend Andrew met (that was in KP Sunway), and I remember that after the meeting Andrew said to me: “Now, I understand why you like this center, the people there are grounded and nice to be with.”
Margaret is so artistic! Awesome paintings! Margaret can express Dharma very well through these paintings. We can see the purity of her mind by looking at the Buddha images that she had painted.
Some of these paintings currently grace the rooms in our Kechara Guest House. Many of our overseas or local guests had praised the talented Margaret’s works.
Guests staying at the Kechara Guest House had the extra advantage of receiving the blessing of the Buddha images in the rooms where they stayed. This benefit is not available in other commercial hotels! Come stay at and experience for yourself Kechara Guest House.
Thank You Rinpoche for inspiring Margaret to paint and for sharing these great paintings with us.
And all of you think that she only paints and imparts her artistic talent to ID? She’s also a great cook! And she has managed to juggle her hectic schedule as a modern mum in between her painting and ID responsibilities. Much she has learned from Rinpoche and put into practice.
P/s : She’s now also busy with the “gals” rehearsing for our charity dinner on 18 July.
-Girlie-
Yes, I agree with Jamie’s comments and I do remember when Rinpoche assigned Marg to paint, she flipped her tops! But now, after more than 10 paintings, look what you are capable of and have done!
Keep up with the painting and reno work in Kechara! Dave Paprocki must be proud of you 🙂
Henry Ooi
Bryan, she is a “thangka master”…just in a modern woman’s body from Kechara House! 🙂
you know what makes these paintings even more special is a little unknown fact: Margaret shared with some of us before that when she was first given the assignment, she really didn’t think she could do it; she didn’t think she could paint!
But she had faith in what Rinpoche had told her, and just got her head down and painting – and the first beautiful painting she came out with was the Manjushri, which is just so spectacular and really a testament of what we can accomplish if we just have faith in our Lama and the potential he sees within us.
These are beautiiful and really inspiring 🙂 Do you happen to know what medium she paints in?
Picasso from KECHARA…. : )
I love these paintings! Margaret is extremely talented – and in more ways than one. She is now helping Kechara with the multiple renovation projects that we are undergoing as we move to the next level… She helped with the renovations of KH2 and KMP too… and now she has completed E-Div and our next Kechara Paradise outlet.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing these paintings with us… Kechara is so full of talented people but i do believe that it is Rinpoche’s blessings which brings out the best in all of us.
Margaret – do keep painting! 🙂
Beautiful ! 😀
I find that Margaret’s painting has some kind of calming effect, even the wrathful deities like Yamantaka.
Am completely gobsmacked!!!! Truly amazing talent and what and eye for detail!!!! When I first met Margaret in the KP Sunway outlet, she humbly mentioned she painted “a few” paintings… I never knew they were actually this elaborate and such beautiful masterpieces!
Goes to show yet again, how Rinpoche brings out the best in us and that we need to trust fully!!! Thank you Margaret for your talents and your always kind and gentle demeanour and thank you Rinpoche for sharing and being with us and just being YOU.
Much love from Belgium…. Andrew
That is so wonderful job done by Margaret. I like painting very much, personally. Margaret’s painting is amazing. When you look at her painting you can feel some energy into the painting. Each of her paintings full of her passionate towards art and Buddha.
If you like art you can seem Margaret as example, explore youself in art then through art make your spiritual journey gain high attainment.
I like Margaret’s painting because i can feel something real in her artwork. I believe when someone used their talented such as drawing, writting and so forth into his or her spiritual journey; that will be a brilliant ideal lifesytle in this modern day.
Awesome! Magaret is super talented!!! It only shows that she has the patience for something so fine and details as a person. Truly artistic and wonderful work! Keep it up Margaret!
They look extremely stunning, when i first saw them in the Ladrang. I thought they’re done by some Thangka master from Nepal . They’re so detail, even the tiny fingers of “small” size linage gurus on “Vajrayogini thangka with lineage gurus & various deities” is in the right proportions. Margaret is truly amazing !! LOVE LOVE !!
Wow, I’m extremely impressed with Margaret’s paintings. Extremely, extremely impressed – almost in awe to be honest. The proportions and colours that were used is really beautiful. Even the modern paintings doesn’t seem cartoon-y at all. I felt like I’ve seen a few of them before, especially the Manjushri painting..then i realize that the Manjushri painting is printed on a card pinned up right in front of me!
absolutely loving the contemporary injection into the masterpieces! my personal favourite up-to-date is the Manjushri (which KMP is lucky enough to have a copy of in the office)! thank you Rinpoche for recognising Margaret’s wonderful talent and having her share it with us… you rawk, Marge!!
Wow! Margaret is truly talented. I love her artwork especially Vajrayogini and Manjushri. They are traditional and yet have very modern colours. I saw prints of many of these artwork are available for sale at Kechara Paradise. In Kechara Media and Publications (where I work), we have the Manjushri print framed and hung in our office.
The Buddha told the king:
“To produce an image of Buddha is a worthy deed, and good fortune obtained thereby is, without exaggeration, such as I have explained.”
(‘The Sutra on the Production of Buddha Images’, Link: http://www.fodian.net/world/0692.html )
Sadhu! to Rinpoche & Margaret for sharing this with all of us!
These are such an amazing paintings!
I share Rinpoche’s special affinity for Lord Manjushri.Since young, among all the Buddhas, I am always attracted to images of Wen Shu pusa.Margaret’s painting skills is an eye opener.May her creativity and artistic talent continue to develop through inspiratiion and blessing from Rinpoche and use it to serve Dharma.
So Wonderful! The white tara is very unique, NEEDS to be placed in KP asap hehe. Margaret pls provide art classes soon 😀
Thanks Rinpoche for sharing this.