Guan Yin Day

Dec 6, 2016 | Views: 6,604

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I have always admired Chenrezig (Tibetan) or Guan Yin in all her manifestations in Buddhism because of what she represents. When I was younger, I meditated a lot on compassion and recited a lot of mantras, and I can say that Chenrezig is one of the few Buddhas that I always prayed to and worshipped.

Before coming to Malaysia, I always had a fascination with the Chinese form of Guan Yin. I remember having a line drawing of Guan Yin and placing it on my altar when I was still living in the United States. I used to read about Guan Yin in books by John Blofeld. I had no idea at that time that I would end up here in Malaysia, establish Kechara, and share the Dharma amongst the Buddhist community here. I was delighted to find that Guan Yin was so widely worshipped amongst the Malaysian Chinese Buddhist community, and I have since learnt more about Guan Yin, her origins, her history, the background of her worship, and of the celebration of Guan Yin Day.

Hence, I would like to share with all of you some information about Guan Yin, her celebrations, a few of her famous temples, and how you can go about visiting them. It is my wish that this article will direct you toward inviting a Guan Yin home and engage in Her powerful prayers in the future. I hope that with this article, you will develop a deeper appreciation of the festivities surrounding Guan Yin as it is celebrated in Malaysia by the Buddhist community.

Tsem Rinpoche

 


 

The Goddess of Mercy, Guan Yin is regarded by the Chinese to be both a Buddhist and Taoist deity. In the Mahayana Buddhist tradition, she is venerated as a bodhisattva that embodies the Buddha’s compassion. Throughout her various manifestations, Guan Yin is considered the most popular bodhisattva in northern Asian countries that practises Mahayana Buddhism.

The worship of Guan Yin was so popular and efficacious that she was even brought over into Taoist practice, where she is regarded as an immortal and is, by far, one of the most popular Chinese deities. She is often depicted as a lady shrouded in white robes, and her likeness is represented in traditional scroll paintings and white porcelain statues. It is generally accepted amongst the Chinese Buddhists that the deity Guan Yin originated from the Indian male Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, whose worship was brought into China via the Silk Road during the transmission of Buddhism into China. Hence, Guan Yin is sometimes depicted both as a man and woman, which symbolise transcendence over gender, labels and the self-cherishing ‘I’.

 

Lotus Sutra

“Universal Gateway”, Chapter 25 of the Lotus Sutra

“Universal Gateway”, Chapter 25 of the Lotus Sutra

The earliest record of Avalokiteshvara or Guan Yin was mentioned in the Lotus Sutra, which is known as Saddharma Pundarika Sutra in Sanskrit. Guan Yin or Avalokiteshvara was mentioned in the 25th chapter of this ancient Sanskrit text. Within this chapter, her sacred name was explained as ‘The One Who Perceives the Cries of the World’. This reflects the direct translation of her full Chinese name, Guan Shi Yin.

This chapter praises Avalokiteshvara as one of the highest beings in the Buddhist pantheon. Within this chapter, it says “If one were to pray with true devotion to Avalokiteshvara for a moment, one would generate more blessings than if one worshipped with all types of offerings and to as many gods as there are in the grains of sand on the shores of Ganges River for an entire lifetime”. Using this text as a basis, Avalokiteshvara grew to become one of the most important deities within Mahayana Buddhism.

Guan Yin painting in the Mogao Caves, Dunhuang

Guan Yin painting inside the Mogao Caves, Dunhuang

Interestingly, the Lotus Sutra also contains an explanation on the ability of Avalokiteshvara to take on various incarnations in order to benefit sentient beings. Within the text, it was mentioned that Avalokiteshvara had the ability to manifest in the form of worldly gods, including Indra and Brahma, all-powerful Kings or Chakravartin, Dharma Protectors such Vaisravana, any form of Buddha, any gender, age, human or non-human form in order to teach the Dharma to sentient beings.

There are many traditions in China and other East Asian countries that have added many distinctive characteristics and legends to Avalokiteshvara and Guan Yin. Within China, Guan Yin was originally depicted as a male bodhisattva in early Chinese art, and therefore depicted with chest-revealing clothing, and sometimes depicted with a light moustache. Later Chinese art depicted Guan Yin in the female form. Due to explanations in the Lotus Sutra and so forth, some practitioners believe that Guan Yin is androgynous, or perhaps without gender.

 

The Legend of Miao Shan

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In China, Guan Yin was originally worshipped in a male form but eventually came to be worshipped in a female form as the Goddess of Mercy. This transformation into a female deity took place during the Northern Song dynasty (960-1126 CE) and is tied with the emergence of the legend of Miao Shan.

Historically, the cult of Miao Shan first emerged from Xiang Shan Si (Fragrant Mountain Monastery) via an inscription written by Jiang Zhi Qi (1031-1104 CE) in 1100 CE. The Fragrant Mountain Monastery has been known for its magnificent statue of Guan Yin with a thousand arms and a thousand eyes, also known as The Great Compassionate One (Da Bei). In Jiang’s writings, he identifies the Fragrant Mountain Monastery as the location of Guan Yin’s manifestation, where she revealed herself in her Great Compassionate form with a thousand arms and eyes, neatly joining the Miao Shan legend with the image of Guan Yin enshrined in the monastery. He went on to claim that the relics of Miao Shan were enshrined in a stupa, thus establishing Fragrant Mountain Monastery as a popular destination for pilgrims.

According to a written account of that period by scholar Zu Xiu, who wrote a chronicle of Buddhism in 1164 CE, Guan Yin was said to have been reborn as the Princess Miao Shan. Her father was a king whose name was Miao Chuang Yen, while her mother was named Pao Ying, who bore three daughters, the eldest Miao Yen, the second Miao Yin, and the youngest Miao Shan.

When Miao Shan was conceived, the queen dreamt that she swallowed the moon. When the child was about to be born, the earth shook, and wonderful fragrance and heavenly flowers rained down from the celestial realms above. Miao Shan was born clean as if she had already been washed by celestial beings. Her body bore holy marks that were noble and majestic. The people were amazed and some said that these were signs of an incarnation of a holy being. Although her parents were amazed by these signs, they had other plans in store for her.

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The bodhisattva grew up to be a chaste, humble, and saintly girl in court. She was predisposed towards the Buddha’s teachings, and even brought her ladies-in-waiting into Buddhism. Her father, a tyrant king, had plans to marry her off to a rich man in order to dissuade her from her spiritual inclinations, but when he told her that she would be marrying the wealthy man, she replied that she would only obey her father’s command if the marriage would ease three misfortunes.

Out of curiosity, the father asked what the three misfortunes were. She explained that the first misfortune was the universal suffering of old age. The second misfortune was the suffering of falling ill. The third misfortune was the inevitable suffering of death itself. The princess declared that if her marriage could not ease any the three sufferings, then she would rather retire to a life of seclusion and spiritual practice.

Enraged by her terms, the king ordered for her daughter to be put into hard labour at the royal gardens, and her food to be rationed in order to break her. Despite this, she would not give in. Her mother and sisters tried begged her to reconsider, but to no avail. Then, her mother and sisters pleaded with her father, and the king eventually relented and allowed her to enter White Sparrow Monastery, but he also ordered the nuns to ensure that Miao Shan was given the toughest work.

The frightened nuns put her to work on many different chores – fetching wood and water, working with the pestle and mortar in the kitchen, and tending to the temple’s vegetable gardens. Under her care, the vegetables were bountiful even in winter, and a spring miraculously welled up just next to the kitchen. Years rolled by, but Miao Shan was steadfast in her conviction. When the king heard reports of the miracles of the thriving vegetable garden and wellspring, he flew into a rage. He barked for soldiers to retrieve her head and to kill all the nuns.

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When the soldiers arrived at the temple, a fog suddenly appeared and blanketed the whole temple. When the fog cleared, the soldiers searched everywhere, but Miao Shan was nowhere to be found. It was said that a benevolent spirit hid her in a nearby mountain, and the spirit moved her several times before she finally found herself on Fragrant Mountain, where she dwelt, surviving on fruits from the nearby trees and drinking from a stream.

Time passed, and the king eventually contracted a virulent disease until he could no longer sleep or eat. He was in a lot of pain, his body was covered with sores, and the court physician was unable to cure him. A monk appeared and offered to cure the king but his method would require the arms and eyes of one free from anger. The king uttered a sigh of despair as he found this to be an impossible task. The monk then told the king, “On Fragrant Mountain, in the south-west of your majesty’s dominion, there is a bodhisattva engaged in spiritual practices. If you send a messenger to present your request to her, she would definitely comply.”

The king quickly commanded the chamberlain to make the necessary arrangements. When a party arrived and made the request to Miao Shan, she said, “My father insulted the Three Jewels, and he persecuted and suppressed the Sangha when he executed innocent nuns. He is experiencing the negative karma right now.” Then she gouged out her eyes and severed her arms. She offered them to the envoy and she requested that the messenger to relay her exhortation to the king to turn towards virtue and no longer be deluded by false doctrines.

When the two items arrived at the palace, the monk quickly made them up into medicine. The king took the concoction and instantly recovered. He generously rewarded the monk-physician. But the monk refused and told him, “Why do you thank me? You should be thanking the one who provided the arms and eyes for your cure.” Suddenly he was gone and the king realised it was divine intervention. He ordered for his coach and he went with his queen and two remaining daughters to Fragrant Mountain to personally offer his gratitude to the bodhisattva.

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Upon their arrival and before they could even speak, the queen already recognised her own daughter, Miao Shan. They found themselves choking with tears. Miao Shan said, “Does my lady remember Miao Shan? Mindful of my father’s love, I have repaid him with my arms and eyes.” Upon hearing these words, her parents embraced her and wept. Just when the queen was about to wipe Miao Shan’s tears with her tongue, a divine spectacle unfolded before their very eyes. Heavenly clouds encircled them, divine music of celestial musicians could be heard, the earth shook, and flowers rained down from the celestial realms above.

Miao Shan transformed into the Thousand Arms and Thousand Eyes Guan Yin and she hovered majestically into the air. Attendants numbering in the tens of thousands appeared, singing praises of her compassion, and their songs shook the mountains and valleys. Suddenly, the bodhisattva reverted back into Miao Shan as she departed. It was said that the king, queen, and the two sisters made a funeral pyre, preserved the holy relics that emerged, and constructed a stupa on the same mountain to house the relics.

 

Iconography

Guan Yin was popularly represented in male form Chinese religious art before the Song dynasty (10th -13th century CE). The representation of Guan Yin as both genders during this period and after was attributed to the explanation mentioned in the Lotus Sutra, in which Guan Yin could appear as both male or female in order relieve the suffering of sentient beings, along with the unique ability to bestow children on those who are barren.

The older depiction of Kuan Yin as a male bodhisattva with moustache

The older depiction of Kuan Yin as a male bodhisattva with moustache

This exemplified compassion and kindness of a bodhisattva to the ancient Chinese masses. She became known as the mother goddess and patron of expecting mothers and seamen, which led her to become more popularly depicted as the female figure that we are all familiar with today. Today, the Bodhisattva Guan Yin is ubiquitously depicted as a benevolent, white-robed female figure, similar to the graceful Indian two-armed Avalokiteshvara Padmapani or Holder of the Lotus.

Nevertheless, towards the end of the Song period, there were still depictions of Guan Yin as a youthful male figure dressed in Northern Song style robes and seated gracefully. He is usually posed looking downwards, which is meant to symbolise his ever watchfulness upon the suffering of sentient beings. This image has since evolved into the female figure dressed in flowing white robes adorned with refined jewellery to represent her spiritual attainments. She holds a porcelain vase containing sacred water in her left hand, and with her right hand she holds a branch of a willow tree. Weeping willow is a Chinese symbol for compassion, because the branches of the willow tree are soft and yet, they are able to withstand severe thunderstorms that normally uproot other harder and thicker trees. The willow branch is also depicted hanging from the mouth of the vase.

Guan Yin has an image of Buddha Amitabha placed at the crown of her head, signifying the veneration of the spiritual guide. She is usually depicted as a solitary figure, sometimes riding on top of a dragon while traversing the southern seas of China, sometimes accompanied by a white parrot.

In the Precious Scroll of the Parrot, a story is told of the parrot that became a disciple of Guan Yin. During the Tang Dynasty, a small parrot was said to have ventured out in search of food for its mother but a poacher captured it. Parrots were kept as pets during the Tang Dynasty period. When it managed to escape, the bird discovered that its mother had already perished. The parrot grieved for its mother and performed for her funeral. Her death inspired the parrot to become a disciple of Guan Yin. In popular depictions, the parrot is usually white in colour and is depicted as standing to the right of Guan Yin, with clasping either a pearl or with prayer beads in its beak. This parrot has since becomes a symbol of filial piety.

 

Thousand-armed Kuan Yin

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Another popular form of Guan Yin is the Thousand-armed Guan Yin, and her origin can be traced to the Karandavyuha Sutra. In this sutra, Avalokiteshvara is hailed as “The One with a Thousand Arms and a Thousand Eyes”, and is sometimes described as being superior to all the Buddhas and gods in the Indian pantheon.

Another popular Buddhist legend, as narrated in the Complete Tale of Guan Yin and the Southern Seas, presents Guan Yin as vowing never to rest until she had freed all sentient beings from samsara, or the Sanskrit cycle of death and rebirth. After struggling to comprehend the suffering of sentient beings, her head split into eleven pieces. It was said that Buddha Amitabha appeared at this point and healed her by turning each broken piece into a face that perceive the cries of all sentient beings. Upon hearing these cries, Guan Yin attempted to reach out to these suffering beings, but found that her arms shattered into a thousand pieces as well. Buddha Amitabha then appeared again, and gave her a thousand arms to reach out and aid those who suffer.

 

Guan Yin and her acolytes

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Guan Yin is also often depicted as flanked by two children or two warriors. The two children are her acolytes; the girl is known as Long Nü and the boy is called Shan Cai. Shan Cai is the Chinese name for a disabled Indian boy by the name of Sudhana. He travelled to Potala in order to study under Guan Yin, who put him to the test by conjuring 3 sword-wielding bandits who came charging at the bodhisattva. The chase came to an end when the bodhisattva jumped off the cliff and the boy without thinking, hobbled over the cliff to save the bodhisattva. Fortunately, he was saved by Guan Yin, who went on to heal his feet and restore his appearance as well. Guan Yin then taught him the entire Dharma. In another tale, the daughter of a naga king took on the form of a carp, and was caught in a fisherman’s net. Struggling in the net and about to be sold by the fisherman, she let out a cry to the heavens and Guan Yin heard her plea for help. Guan Yin dispatched Shan Cai to bargain for the fish’s release, but he was quickly out-bided by many who guessed that the flesh of this strange fish would grant immortality.

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Guan Yin intervened by projecting her voice, saying “A life should belong to one who tries to save it and not one who tries to take it.” Frightened and embarrassed by their shameful actions, the fish was given to Shan Cai who brought it back to Guan Yin. Guan Yin returned the fish to the ocean and the naga king’s daughter assumed her original form and was reunited with her father.

In gratitude, the naga king sent his granddaughter, Long Nü, to offer a pearl of light to Guan Yin and, overwhelmed by her compassion, she offered herself to be her disciple. Thus, both Shan Cai and Long Nü would often be depicted as acolytes of Guan Yin. This story is also the inspiration for the depiction of the Fujian Guan Yin as a maiden dressed in Tang period attire carrying a basket of fish.

Another popular form of Guan Yin arose along the coastal areas of Southern China and was worshipped amongst seamen and fishermen. This form of Guan Yin, along with others that were catalogued in late 16th century Chinese encyclopaedias, was also depicted in the line drawing of the novel Golden Lotus from the same period.

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In other depictions involving the two warriors, one of the warriors standing with Guan Yin is the general Guan Yu of the late Han dynasty, who is known as Qie Lan or the Bodhisattva Sangharama. He is featured in the Chinese classical epic Records of the Three Kingdoms, and was known to have sworn before the Zen patriarch Zhi Yi (founder of the Tien Tai school) in order to protect the Buddha’s teachings along with its monasteries.

The other warrior accompanying Guan Yin is Wei Tuo or the Bodhisattva Skanda. Wei Tuo is believed to be an incarnation of the Bodhisattva Vajrapani, and was believed to have been one of the generals who protected Miao Shan on her escape from the palace and away from her cruel father. According to one account, both the general and Miao Shan were murdered at the hand of Miao Shan’s cruel father and he became a bodhisattva to continue protecting Guan Yin.

 

Guan Yin as the attendant to Buddha Amitabha

Buddha Amitabha is depicted in the middle with Guan Yin on his right side and Bodhisattva Mahastamaprapta on his left side

Buddha Amitabha is depicted in the middle with Guan Yin on his right side and Bodhisattva Mahastamaprapta on his left side

In Chinese tradition, Guan Yin is also one of the bodhisattva figures popularly depicted alongside Buddha Amitabha along with the Bodhisattva Mahastamaprapta. This trinity is known as the Three Saints of the Western Pure Land, and they are depicted as the central figures in the pure land of Sukhavati. In addition to that, she is also depicted alongside other bodhisattvas and buddhas, sometimes flanked by the two previously-mentioned warriors, who manifest as bodhisattvas to protect the temple and the faith.

 

Kuan Yin Day

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There are generally three celebrations associated with Guan Yin: her birthday, the day of her enlightenment, and the day she left home. Her birthday is celebrated on the 19th of the second lunar month, her enlightenment day is celebrated on the 19th of the sixth lunar month, and the day she left home is celebrated on the 19th of the ninth lunar month.

On Guan Yin’s birthday, devotees observe a vegetarian diet in remembrance of her compassion and kindness. They visit temples or major shrines to offer incense, flowers and food – usually fruits, special festive cakes or vegetarian dishes. Another popular offering is to add oil into the oil lamps on Guan Yin’s shrines in order to keep the flames burning. Devotees seeking to have a child would offer prayers, incense and offerings to the Guan Yin, and when they do get a child, the child would be placed at the feet of Guan Yin to be spiritually adopted by her, as it is believed that she will bless the child with longevity.

As for people from monastic orders, they celebrate the day by reciting the Universal Door chapter of the Lotus Sutra. This chapter is an extensive praise of the bodhisattva’s boundless compassion and kindness, of her ability to liberate sentient beings from the seven types of calamities, her ability to grant the two types of requests, and her ability to transform herself into the thirty-two manifestations.

 

Guan Yin Temples in Malaysia

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After Islam, Buddhism is the second largest religion in Malaysia, with 19.2% of Malaysia’s population identifying themselves as Buddhist. However, some estimates push that figure higher to 21.6% when the figure is combined with other Chinese religions. Buddhism is mainly practised by the Malaysian Chinese population in Malaysia, as well as by other ethnicities, such as Malaysian Indians, and Malaysians of Siamese Burmese, and Sri Lankan descent.

The majority of Malaysian Buddhists are great devotees of Guan Yin and have established great Guan Yin temples throughout Malaysia. The following are a few examples of Guan Yin temples in Malaysia.

 

Kuan Yin Temple Kuala Lumpur

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This temple was built in 1888 by the Chinese community and dedicated to Guan Yin. The temple architecture is evidently Chinese with a touch of Baroque, and while it has been recently refurbished, many of its older elements remain. In the main prayer hall stands the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni on the main shrine, with a statue of Guan Yin of the Southern Seas on his right, and the Thousand Armed Guan Yin on his left. Other statues on the shrine are the Kshitigarbha, also known as the Earth-store Bodhisattva, and Di Zang. Opening Hours are between 7am to 5pm daily.

Historically, this temple started as a Hokkien Chinese place of worship. Stories tell of a Chinese cemetery built near the grounds of what is now known as Stadium Merdeka, and the temple offered a place of solace for visitors to the cemetery. Around 1920, the British administration declared the temple as a place of worship, and ceded the rights over to the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Hokkien Association. Unfortunately, it suffered damages from two fires in 1963 and 1989, but was renovated and restored on both occasions.

 

Getting to the Kuan Yin Temple

The temple is located across from Bulatan Merdeka and is situated next to Stadium Merdeka at the tail end of Petaling Street. One can get to Petaling Street, and then park and walk over to the temple. The Maharajalela Monorail Station is conveniently nearby, and offers more easy access to the temple.

Kuan Yin Temple

Address:
Jalan Maharajalela
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia

 

Places to stay near the Kuan Yin Temple

  1. Cosmic Boutique Hotel
    Address:
    No. 21 & 23
    Jalan Maharajalela
    Chinatown
    50150 Kuala Lumpur
    Malaysia
    Phone: +60 3 9226 3339
  2. OYO Rooms Maharajalela Monorail Station
    Address:
    21 Jalan Maharajalela
    Chinatown
    50150 Kuala-Lumpur
    Malaysia
    Phone: +60 17 7584 3417
  3. Grid 9 Hotel
    Address:
    9 Jalan Maharajalela
    Chinatown
    50150 Kuala Lumpur
    Malaysia
    Phone: +60 3 9226 2629

 

Kun Yam Thong Temple, Kuala Lumpur

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Kun Yam Thong Temple is also known as the Dharma Realm Guan Yin Sagely Monastery. This temple was built in 1880 and was originally named Deng Bi An Temple until it was taken over by the Dharma Realm Buddhist Association in 1993, and then renovated and reopened in 2006. High-rise office towers, hotels and shopping malls surround the temple, making it a quiet oasis in the middle of the bustling city.

The main prayer hall, called the Great Jewelled Hall has a shrine with three giant golden Buddha statues, each weighing one tonne. They are the Buddha Shakyamuni, the Medicine Buddha, and the Amitabha Buddha. Aside from the shrine, there is a famous food hall at the back of the temple that serves healthy and tasty vegetarian meals for a nominal fee. The temple also has a library and bookstore for those seeking a little bit of knowledge.

 

Getting to the Kun Yam Thong Temple

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The temple is located on Jalan Ampang right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. It is between the Citibank tower and KLCC shopping centre, just a stone’s throw away from the MCA building. You can also get to the temple via the Ampang Park LRT station.

Kun Yam Thong Temple

Address:
Menara Citibank
165 Jalan Ampang
50450 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Phone: +60 3 2164 8055

 

Places to stay near Kun Yam Thong Temple

  1. Corus Hotel Kuala Lumpur
    Address:
    Jalan Ampang
    Hampshire Park
    50450 Kuala Lumpur
    Malaysia
    Phone: +60 3 2161 8888
  2. Le Apple Boutique Hotel (KLCC)
    Address:
    160 Jalan Ampang
    Kampung Baru
    55000 Kuala Lumpur
    Malaysia
    Phone: +60 3 2179 3777
  3. GTower Hotel
    Address:
    199 Jalan Tun Razak
    50400 Kuala Lumpur
    Malaysia
    Phone: +60 3 2168 1919

 

Kuan Yin Teng Temple Penang

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The Kuan Yin Teng Temple, or Kong Hock Keong temple, is one of the oldest Chinese temples in Georgetown, Penang, and has Guan Yin as its central deity. It was built in 1728 at the cost of 4,000 Spanish dollars, a huge sum for its time. It was one of the most magnificent Chinese buildings in Northern Malaya of its time, as most of the other Chinese temples of George Town had not been built by the various clans to rival it yet.

There are several accounts surrounding the Kuan Yin Teng Temple, although very little have been documented in official records. For example, during World War II, the Japanese dropped a bomb on the temple to destroy it. Through sheer luck or perhaps divine intervention, the bomb landed in the courtyard instead, and the temple was left unscathed. Other accounts described how a large number of Penangites took shelter in the Kuan Yin Teng Temple during the war as well.

 

Getting to the Kuan Yin Teng Temple

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The temple is located in Georgetown, at the intersection of China Street and Jalan Kapitan Keling (formerly known as Pitt Street).

Kuan Yin Teng Temple

Address:
Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling
George Town
10200 Penang
Malaysia

 

Places to stay near the Kuan Yin Teng Temple

  1. Palm Mansion Boutique Suites
    Address:
    76 – 88 China Street
    Georgetown
    10200 Penang
    Malaysia
    Phone: +60 4 261 3609
  2. Red Inn Court
    Address:
    35 B&C Jalan Mesjid Kapitan Keling
    George Town
    10200 Penang
    Malaysia
    Phone: +60 4 261 1144
  3. Queen’s Hostel
    Address:
    20 & 22 Queen Street
    Georgetown
    10200 Penang
    Malaysia
    Phone: +60 13 489 6218

 

Kek Lok Si Temple Penang

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The Kek Lok Si Temple (also known in Penang Hokkien for ‘Temple of Supreme Bliss’ or ‘Temple of Sukhavati’, and pronounced in Mandarin Chinese as Ji Le Si) is a Mahayana Buddhist temple situated in Air Itam in Penang. The temple complex faces the sea, giving it an impressive vista, and is one of the best-known Buddhist temples in Malaysia. It is also said to be the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia.

It is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists from the region, as visitors come from Hong Kong, the Philippines, Singapore and other countries in Southeast Asia. The temple complex was built over a period from 1890 to 1930, and was an inspirational initiative by Beow Lean, its Abbot. The most striking feature of the temple is the seven-storey Pagoda of Rama VI, also known as the Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas, with its 10,000 alabaster and bronze statues of Buddha, and a 30 metre (99 ft) tall bronze statue of Guan Yin.

 

Getting to the Kek Lok Si Temple

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At the corner of Jalan Air Itam and Jalan Pasar in Georgetown, you will see a big sign pointing towards the temple. Just follow the sign down Jalan Pasar, and when you come to an intersection, turn left. Not far down the road, you will see a small alleyway path to the left, and that leads to a set of stairs, which in turn leads to the main walkway. You will then have to walk up a set of staircases and corridors that are all surrounded by a series of souvenir shops.

Kek Lok Si Temple

Address:
86 S Jalan Kampung Pisang
Ayer Itam
11500 Penang
Malaysia
Website: http://kekloksitemple.com
Email: email@kekloksitemple.com
Phone: +60 4 828 3317

 

Places to stay near the Kek Lok Si Temple

  1. Vstay Guesthouse
    Address:
    134-K 1st Floor Jalan Paya Terubong
    Ayer Itam
    11600 Penang
    Malaysia
    Phone: +60 16 422 6879
  2. Fang Zu Ming Concept Guesthouse
    Address:
    1228 N3 & P3 Jalan Paya Terubong
    Air Itam
    Penang
    11060 Malaysia
    Phone: +60 19 477 7661
  3. Fastbook Hostel
    Address:
    1228L-3 Jalan Paya Terubong
    Ayer Itam
    11060 Penang
    Malaysia
    Phone: +60 19 477 7661

 

Click on image to enlarge

Three Saints of the Western Pureland – Amituofo, Dashizhi and Kuan Yin together with Dorje Shugden. Click on image to enlarge or for more high resolution thangka downloads click here.

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Buddha Amitabha and Kuan Yin together with Dorje Shugden. Click on image to enlarge or for more high resolution thangka downloads click here.

 
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36 Responses to Guan Yin Day

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  1. Katie Choong on Sep 5, 2018 at 9:38 pm

    Guan Yin is definitely a very familiar name amongst Malaysian Chinese yet I believed most of us have limited knowledge about it. Hence, thank you for the informative sharing. During our sharing session, I absolutely agree with pastor Henry. To cultivate compassion, we shall start with baby step. This is because simple actions are the hardest to act upon.

  2. Loh Yun Seen on Sep 5, 2018 at 12:05 pm

    Guan Yin has always been deemed as representation of compassion and his vow not to rest until he free all the sentient beings from samsara can be the best reflection of the compassionate nature of this Bodhisattva. I always of the view that the compassion shown by not only Guan Yin but also all others Bodhisattva or Buddha is something beyond our literal understanding. For us as sentient beings, we may praise a person as compassionate for his selflessness to assist others so that they can be relieved from their difficulties without expecting for anything in return. All these reliefs brought by this compassionate goodwill, however, are just short term and temporary in nature as they are not the true and final solution to all the sufferings faced by the sentient beings. The sentient beings being saved or helped are just receiving temporary reliefs from their sufferings and they definitely will be subject to other sufferings until the day they are freed from samsara. However, for Guan Yin as well as others Bodhisattva and Buddha, their compassion is always aimed to bring permanent and final reliefs to the sentient beings by freeing them from samsara whereby they will never give up such compassion even though it is, no doubt, the toughest task to be completed due to the deep-rooted bad habits of all the sentient beings. As such, I think that instead of just bringing temporary reliefs to our fellow sentient beings, we, as buddhist, shall be more diligent on our practice so that we can be ready and competent in one day to exercise this highest level of compassion that will bring the final reliefs to all the sentient beings.

  3. Pastor Chia on Sep 5, 2018 at 8:54 am

    Guan Yin among the bodhisattva have the most emanation around in samsara, it show how compassion his wish tn save the sentient being free from suffering. Upon reciting hiŕ name and mantra with faith. Those wio need help can be save. I always inspire my Kuan Yin selflessness wishes and acting to save others. That why most of Chinese Mahayana will pray to him.

  4. June Kang on Sep 5, 2018 at 7:59 am

    Guan Yin is well known among the Chinese. Guan Yin is always related to compassion. Many of us think that compassion is difficult to do but it is actually a way of life and the difficulty is depend on how much we really care about others and ourselves. . Wie can always start with the very basic by not creating suffering to others, such like don’t blame others and taking responsibility, keep your promise. To me, everyone of us has a Guan Yin at home, our mother. The way of our mother taking care of us that is the the kindness of our mother which we can not repay back. Being kind to your mother is way of practicing compassionate also.

  5. Mingwen on Sep 5, 2018 at 7:44 am

    The motivation & life stories of all enlightened beings are just inspiring, it’s always to benefit others.

    Everything would need a starting point, to achieve compassion, we have to start with being kind. This small step will eventually bring us to our final destination.

    “If not now, when?” – Tsem Rinpoche

  6. nicholas on Sep 5, 2018 at 3:18 am

    Quan Yin is one of the most universally beloved of deities in the Buddhist tradition. Gun Yin is famous especially well known for her qualities of mercy and compassion. In Buddhism, labels are just labels, and the name of the Compassionate Bodhisattva is another imputed label that just helps us relate to the Enlightened concept in our daily lives. The articles gave such a great information about the background as well as the places where we can visit and pay homage to Buddha of mercy in Malaysia.

  7. Tek Lee on Sep 5, 2018 at 2:16 am

    Yes, in many Malaysian Chinese families, there are Guan Yin on their altar. Most of them are female form. But it doesn’t really matter Guan Yin (Chenrezig)’s gender was male or female. In Buddhism, emptiness doesn’t matter gender. But what we need to practice is Guan Yin’s compassion. All the while Guan Yin is well known for his great compassion. Compassion covers many things, but we can start bit by bit to practice compassion by volunteering in Kechara Soup Kitchen, or some other departments in Kechara.

  8. justin cheah on Sep 5, 2018 at 1:59 am

    My only adopted mother whom i don’t really know would be Guan Yin really. My health is not good when i was younger and little did i know, my mom ‘sent’ me for an adoption. To my own’s amazement, till now. i have been a healthy boy ever since. This Bodhisattva is probably the most popular point of worship amongst all the available deities and He/She is the embodiment of Compassion to many’s eyes but i am a little sceptical on how Guan Yin’s story came about.

  9. Pastor Henry Ooi on Sep 5, 2018 at 1:40 am

    Quite true, a big majority of Malaysians of Chinese origin know of Guan Yin. Like most of these Malaysians, I too at a young age, was spiritually adopted to Guanyin in the Kuan Yin Teng temple in Penang. And like most of these people, I did not know the origins of Guan Yin, nor Guan Yin’s gender manifestations until I met Rinpoche. This article provides much information from many sources and accounts in those countries mentioned here. The mantra of Guan Yin, Om Mani Padme (Peme) Hung (Hum), is probably the most chanted among Buddhists and Taoists.

  10. Andrea Lai on Sep 5, 2018 at 1:37 am

    Chenrezig is a Boddhisattva, who is representation as compassion. In my opinion, compassion included of being kind, selfless, patience and generosity. Kindness is a natural respond of sentient beings which we received from our mothers since we are born. As to be generous, we help people without any expectation, bad thoughts or agenda for the purpose of benefit them or lighten their burdens. Hence, when we look into ourselves and actually many of us were unaware of our bad habits as such habituation will lead to our laziness. So, to be compassion takes lots of patience, courage, motivation and action to achieve it. The practice will never easy.

  11. Julia Tan on Sep 5, 2018 at 1:33 am

    Almost every chinese house’s altar would have a Guan Yin statue. Children very often being offered to the god son of Guanyin when they are not well or naughty or difficult to rise. Normally very effective. Since very young I always believe that GuanYin is always there watching over all of us from up there like our mother.

    Guanyin represent compassion. Compassion is a very big word to me. Compassion must come with wisdom. Only those helping others with wisdom, constantly concern and help with a long term solution, ultimately without condition and agenda, selflessly guiding the path no matter what in order to get you out from suffering.

    We cannot miss out compassion which also called bodhicitta in our three principle path in order to achieve enlightenment.

  12. pammie yap on Sep 5, 2018 at 1:13 am

    The only statue we had when I was young was Guan Yin as mum really love Him. Back then, I loved going to statue shops to look at Guan Yin. So many different designs and materials to choose from. The one I invited when I was a teenager was made of jade like material and He is still on our altar until today.
    He is really easy to relate to as He looks very peaceful and kind for people to recognize and His mantra is super easy and short. Perfect for many who has problem to remember. But the most important is the result of His practice, to be able to cultivate compassion for sentient beings, just like Him. May we all aspire to be just like Him always.

  13. Datuk May on Sep 5, 2018 at 1:08 am

    Goddess of Mercy, Guan Yin is very well known among Malaysian Chinese whether they are Buddhist, Taoist or even of Christian faith. Personally even before I even known much about Buddhism, I have noticed the images of Guan Yin. At the last day of every lunar year, my parents would take take us to a temple with a huge statue of Guan Yin and would tell us to give thanks to her for all the help and mercies she had shown us for the past year and pray for her blessings for the new year.

    Due to Guan Yin’s vow to elevate sufferings, we would pray to her for blessings to help us through our bad times.

    This article has also shed light on my question as to why Guan Yin is depicted both as a male and female deity. Being at her high level of being, Guan Yin transcend gender .

    It is greatly appreciated for the education in this article and it is wonderful to know the facts to this merciful deity and be grateful for all her mercies towards sentient beings.

    Compassion conquers all.

  14. Vivian Ong on Sep 4, 2018 at 11:51 pm

    It is not easy to practice compassion. One need to be selfless in order to have that compassion. On the other hand, kindness is much easier to practice. Even with someone who is not so kind, over some time that person might become much kinder than before.

  15. wan wai meng on Jan 22, 2017 at 1:20 am

    The bodhisattva ideal as displayed by Guan Yin, was one of those factors that sparked my interest in the dharma. I think growing up in a Chinese family and environment,I have heard of Guan Yin possibly even earlier than even Buddha Shakyamuni.

  16. Vivian Ong on Jan 14, 2017 at 11:48 pm

    Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this article about Guan Yin. My late grandmother has been praying to her since I was small. We have been praying at the Guan Yin temple in Ipoh near the Kinta River for many years already.The temple has been there since 100 years ago. My sister and I took refuge in Guan Yin. At my home in Ipoh, my mum has a Guan Yin statue on the altar which she offer incense and water offering everyday to Guan Yin. I find this article very interesting to read as there are many of the histories and stories of Guan Yin that I have never heard before.

    With folded palms,
    Vivian

  17. freon on Jan 11, 2017 at 11:57 am

    Dear Rinpoche,

    Guan Yin have a long history in China’s culture. Seem, Guan Yin have actually melt into the local culture and bring dharma to many people. Many of Guan Yin story are related to daily life, such as save the fish and taught people to be kind towards animals.

    At Malaysia, many chinese families have pray to Guan Yin for many generation. Even though they do not know much about Dharma, but, to them Guan Yin is important and essential when come to make important decision in their daily life. Some people have even become vegetarian on the Guan Yin anniversary day. Guan Yin play an important part in daily life of Chinese could be seen on the temples they build, the temples years can be as early as chinese settle in Malaysia.

    Thank you Rinpoche for this article.

    With Folded hand,
    Freon

  18. Anne Ong on Jan 8, 2017 at 9:20 pm

    Thank you Guru for this wonderful and meaningful story about Kuan Yin. It’s truly meaningful to me because I was spiritually adopted to Mother Goddess Kuan Yin since i was born with so much health complications and karma problems. And it was Goddess Mother Kuan Yin who answered my prayers to find Peace and met with Dharma practice through our kind and helpful dharma brother from Ipoh. Thank you once again Rinpoche for this meaningful reminder to me _/\_

  19. Stella Cheang on Dec 27, 2016 at 9:04 am

    Guan Yin is a personality we are very familiar with from young. There are many tales and legends about the Guan Yin Bodhisattva that describe Guan Yin as the immortal Goddess of compassion, and Guan Yin is popular because of her compassionate nature. As we study more about Guan Yin, we will understand that Guan Yin is also known as Avalokiteshvara, and he is depicted in the Lotus Sutra as one of the highest beings in the Buddhist pantheon. How fortunate for us to have this article here sharing with us about Guan Yin so that we can understand more about this important deity within Buddhism. As well as the list of popular Guan Yin temples in Malaysia. My favourite is Kun Yum Thong Temple as it is nearby my office area where I can pop by during lunch time, plus the vegetarian meals there is a crowd puller. Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.

  20. Darren on Dec 13, 2016 at 3:03 pm

    There is so much information on Guan Yin but this article provided a detailed and much easier to understand. Nice temple in Malaysia and a must visit for everyone.

  21. Sharon Ong on Dec 13, 2016 at 2:06 am

    I have heard about Guan Yin manifesting in a male form previously but didn’t know much about this form. From this post, I learnt that this male form of Guan Yin was commonly featured in religious art during Song dynasty (10th -13th century CE).

    Another useful info I learnt from this post is the 3 important Guan Yin Days ie her birthday, the day of her enlightenment, and the day she left home.
    – Her birthday is celebrated on the 19th of the second lunar month.
    – Her enlightenment day is celebrated on the 19th of the sixth lunar month.
    – The day she left home is celebrated on the 19th of the ninth lunar month.

    Thank you for this informative post, Rinpoche.

  22. Uncle Eddie on Dec 12, 2016 at 5:34 pm

    I wish truly to thank Rinpoche whole heartedly for the sharing of this very informative, interesting and wonderful Guan Yin Pusa Blog-post. It really did enlightened me up with so much new knowledge and teaching that I have not heard before, like what Sock Wan has depicted in her blog comments! Like Sock Wan has said , yes in Buddhism, Buddhas appear in different physical forms depending on the local culture. But I would think that if, “until we are free from our Karmic obscurations, even if all Budhhas descended in front of us, we have no fortune to see the Holy body, adorn with the Holy sign and examplifications. Like one Lama whom I met some years ago did say, “We certainly do meet Buddhas, bodhisattvas, dakas and dakinis. It’s just that our heavy ordinary appearances and strong belief in our view block our seeing that they are Buddhas, bodhisattvas, dakas or dakinis, and because our mind is impure, our view of someone ordinary doesn’t prove that in reality they are like that!” Now back to our “most Holy, Supremely Peaceful and Meditative Guan Yin Pusa”. In all reality she truly shines with Bliss of virtue and she is often praised as “The Mother of all Buddhas”. She heals, blesses and averts grave dangers by the power of Pacification. Her all-forgiving softly smiling eyes always invoke instant faith and the deepest trust. On Guan Yin Day, one would witness scores of devotees generally observe three Celebrations i.e. (i) Guan Yin’s Birthday (ii) The day of her Enlightenment, and (iii) The day she left home. On Guan Yin’s Birthday, all devotees will observe a vegeterian Diet in rememberance of her Compassion and Kindness. They will also visit Temples, major Shrines to offer incense, flowers and food – usually fruits, special festive cakes, vegetarian dishes and performing the pouring of oil into Oil-Lamps on Guan Yin’s Shrines to keep the flames burning for long lives! As said, for people from Monastic order, the recitation of the Universal Door chapter of the long Sutra will be performed to protray an extensive praise of the Bodhisattva’s Boundless Compassion and Kindness etc., and her ability to transfer herself into the thirty-two Manifestations. May all sentient beings be blessed by Guan Yin Pusa saving Powers and be happy for all Eternity! OM MANI PADME HUNG.

  23. Sock Wan on Dec 11, 2016 at 1:08 am

    Thank you Rinpoche for sharing with us the story of Guan Yin (Chenrezig or Avalokiteshvara). In the past I have always thought Guan Yin is a female until I saw the depiction of Guan Yin in Tibetan Buddhism and also how Guan Yin was depicted in male form during Tang Dynasty.

    In Buddhism, Buddhas appear in different physical form depending on the local culture. For example Buddha Shakyamuni depicted in Thailand, China, Tibet, Japan, Korea etc are different. However, the iconography is always the same. Guan Yin in Tibetan culture may be male, in Chinese culture may be female but both represent the same quality. The Buddha can appear in different forms in different time and place but still representing the same quality. Guan Yin’s manifestion as a princess in China is not a folklore but it was mentioned in the Buddhist scripture. This has proven that a Boddhisattva has gone beyond gender or physical look, it will appear in any form with the sole motivation to benefit people.

    If we want to practice to be a Boddhisattva, we have to learn to be open minded and not fixated by gender or physical appearance. It is the mind that matters, not the physical form.

  24. Joy Kam on Dec 10, 2016 at 2:05 am

    Thank you for this lovely blog post especially the tales on Kuan Yin is most fascinating. I have heard of the story how Kuan Yin sacrifice her eyes and cut her hands for her father. We were told this and many other stories about her when I was a kid by my mom. It seems most mothers are familiar and very close to Kuan Yin. So even though my mom was of Catholic faith, she respected all other religions, have always taught us to do so and would even allow us to pick which religion we’d like to follow when we grew up.

    She would bring is to all the temples, Buddhist temples and Hind temples to visit and pay our respect. So reading this story of Kuan Yin again really bring back many nice fond memories of what my mom used to also tell us about her. She was like Mother Mary to my mother as both are female form and compassionate.

    After reading the story of how Kuan Yin sacrificed herself in the end eventhough her father was so cruel to her, is a huge lesson/teaching on forgiveness and true compassion. Only a Boddhisattva can do that. Also I now know more about her depiction in Chinese traditions; the significant two children. Now I know why the Nagas love and appreciate Kuan Yin; she saved their child from being killed! I also know now what the willow leaf in her vase symbolises, and why she has a thousand arm and multiple faces.

    Thank you so much for this blog post Rinpoche. I am sure there are many more legends and stories of Kuan Yin to inspire and teach us as she has been around for such a long time, and her/his stories are always inspiring and increases our faith another notch.

  25. Andrea Lai on Dec 10, 2016 at 12:40 am

    My mom adopted me to Guan Yin since I was a toddler. Never have I thought, I have strong faith with her.I dreamed of her many times. I could only remember her first appearance in my dream and the last.

    When I was young, I used to have dreams.It was once I have very horrible dreams.She appeared with her 2 acolytes. I remembered she murmured something and holding a small brunch and flick, then she disappeared leaving her 2 acolytes.

    The last time I dreamed of her was 2 days before my grandmother passed away. She came as an old lady with long white hair and white robes.It was my first time encountered her face to face. The moment I look at her, I knew she is Guan Yin and she replied back with a smile. I remembered then, we have a very, very long conversation but I can’t recalled what are our conversation about.

    Thank you Rinpoche, for sharing this lovely story of Guan Yin.It helps me gain more knowledge of this compassionate deity.

    With folded palms,
    Andrea

    • Joy Kam on Dec 10, 2016 at 2:13 am

      Thank you Andrea for your comment. Wow that is very interesting to know that you have dreamt of Kuan Yin several times! She/He is a Buddha that is famous for showing clear signs to people all the time. Other Buddhas famous for giving signs are Tara, Lama Tsongkhapa, Setrap, and Dorje Shugden. So I am not surprised you had those blessed dreams, but still it is quite intriguing. Thanks for sharing. It goes to show that these enlightened beings really do exist!

  26. Thomas N on Dec 9, 2016 at 3:54 am

    Must see: Guan Yin movie (Chinese/English)
    https://youtu.be/8SD8nOGBA6k

  27. Jason on Dec 9, 2016 at 3:42 am

    Very sacred Guan Yin images. Mostly Chinese temples in Southeast Asia did worship Guan Yin.This meant Guan Yin already penetrated as a most popular deity. Most of Guan Yin statue appeared in female forms yet origin is male forms. Anyway, Guan Yin can manifest whatever forms to help all sentient beings.

    I really like thousand arm Guan Yin. She look very fascinated and magnificent. This can’t be expressed by words but I just got the strong feelings when I saw Thousand arms Guan Yin.

    Thank you Rinpoche shared the Guan Yin article. This is very informative articles.It really gain extra knowledge on Guan Yin after read this article.

    Jason

  28. Jen on Dec 8, 2016 at 10:30 pm

    Thank you Rinpoche for writing this article. I enjoy reading the story of Princess Miao Shan and learn about the different forms of Guan Yin Boddhisattva. This article also makes me learn more about Skanda because in temple in China, Skanda is enshrined at the back of Maitreya Buddha together with Four Heavenly Kings at both sides in the same hall. Somehow Skanda is related to and served as a general to protect Miao Shan.

  29. Pastor Han Nee on Dec 7, 2016 at 5:51 pm

    Thank you Rinpoche for bringing together, in this lovely article, the different stories and legends about Guan Yin, and how she is worshipped in this country. Most Malaysians, especially of the older generations, who are Buddhists have been brought up to revere Guan Yin as the Goddess or Deity whose compassion for all is as great as that of a mother for her child. Hence, we had grown up seeing her as our Divine Mother.

    In fact, many of us, Guan Yin devotees, had actually been “adopted” as Spiritual Children by Guan Yin.We were told by the nun who conducted the ceremony, that Guan Yin would be our Spiritual Mother until we reach the age of 18. The abbess of the Guan Yin temple in my hometown had explained that our adoption by Guan Yin meant that she would be very close to us as our Guardian and Protector all the way until we became adults.

    I love the stories and legends about Guan Yin’s compassion. The Legend of Princess Miao Shan, and her boundless compassion, sacrificing her eyes and her arms to cure her tyrant of a father, illustrates vividly the nature of the compassion of a Bodhisattva, be it Guan Yin/ Chenrezig or Manjushri or their emanations. I love hearing again and again the story of Avalokiteshvara’s head splitting into 11 pieces and his arms splitting into 1000 arms, through the force of his great compassion. Buddhas in their great compassion can emanate as male or female, and in different realms in samsara, wherever there is a need for them to relieve beings of suffering.

    I remember visiting Guan Yin temples on her three feast days of the year, and I still visit her temple whenever I travel to Penang with my husband , who to this day , is a Guan Yin devotee. Yes, the tradition of topping up the ever -burning oil lamps in the Guan Yin temple still holds strong to this day.

    I keep Guan Yin in my heart daily as I recite I mala of Om Mani to Her. My Guan Yin statue on my altar at home travelled to Sydney Australia to be with my best friend’s sister in the last days of her life. She died chanting Om Mani on her lips, as her mum and sisters and brothers here in Malaysia joined her in the chanting over skype.

  30. TekLee on Dec 7, 2016 at 1:20 am

    Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this beautiful article. Since young age, I came across Guan Yin. It’s a very popular Buddha among the Chinese. I’m always attracted by her grace and compassion look. I remember I watched Hong Kong series about Guan Yin also. But I never really read about Guan Yin. This article is beautiful and informative, as Rinpoche tells all the different stories about Guan Yin. I can feel her great compassion in the stories, especially the one that she cut off her arms and took out her eyes for her father. Now, knowing that anyone, friends and relatives has passed away, I will chant The Great Compassion mantra for them. As I joined Kechara, it allows me to know more about Chenrezig, and now read more about Chenrezig. It really gives me a feeling to invite Guan Yin / Chenrezig home. Thank you again Rinpoche, the story of Chenrezig is very beautiful. _/\_

  31. Samfoonheei on Dec 6, 2016 at 10:21 pm

    Good sharing and informative blogs of Kuan Yin temples in Malaysia.
    Origins of Kuan Yin been explained too. I do not know so much about it till i read these post…i only knew Kuan Yin as Goddess of Mercy.When i was young i used to follow my mother to temple to pray without knowing much..just as one one of a deity.On Guan Yin’s birthday, devotees observe a vegetarian diet in remembrance of her compassion and kindness.
    Thank you Rinpoche for sharing these beautiful post .

  32. Datuk May on Dec 6, 2016 at 7:04 pm

    Guan Yin is a deity which almost all Malaysian Chinese will know off whether they are Buddhist or Taoist or even Christians. When I was young, my grandmother would spend the 3 special Guan Yin’s days in meditation and silent retreat and would be vegetarian for a week before she would embark on the retreats.

    She would tell me to always pray to Guan Yin for mercy. And that she is known as the Goddess of Mercy.

    My mother also prayed to Guan Yin and she had a beautiful statue of Guan Yin wearing a colourful cape. This statue is made from porcelain. The statues are normally in white, as such I asked my mother why the colourful cape and her reply was she is a Guan Yin who travels. Indeed she did as my mother brought her with her when she migrated to Australia.

    Whatever legends we have heard so far are dots which this article joins and make whole.

    Thank you, Rinpoche for such a beautiful article on the most popular deity among the Malaysian Buddhists.

  33. Fong on Dec 6, 2016 at 10:56 am

    I remember growing up my mother would religiously bring me along to the local Guan Yin temple for prayers and offerings of light, incense, fruits and flowers on the 1st and 15th day of the lunar calendar. And she would always give some coins to drop into the donation box. It was always very busy and smoky on these days.

    This article has just brought back all those memories when my mother had the time to guide me in paying homage to Guan Yin Pusa, and to hold me by the hand so that I would not be swept away by the sea of people.

    Thank you, Rinpoche for the background on Guan Yin Pusa that we may understand how compassionate and kind she is. It’s interesting too how the practice of Chenrezig, in male form changed to Guan Yin Pusa in female form as this most compasionate of Buddhas, moved from Tibet to China.

  34. Bradley Kassian on Dec 6, 2016 at 9:34 am

    Thank you Rinpoche for writing about Guan Yin. I’ve heard stories & sutras coming from tibet and India, but I never heard of the background of Guan Yin in China. It’s nice to read up on the bodhisattva/buddha of compassion. So highly honored and revered in so many cultures. I honestly never heard of Guan Yin Day. It’s not commonly celebrated across the water here. I like how On Guan Yin’s birthday, devotees observe a vegetarian diet in remembrance of her compassion and kindness.

    Namo Guan Shi Yin Pusa!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/inspiration-worthy-words/the-power-of-giving-18-quotes-from-tsem-rinpoche.html
  • Aarati Bhatt
    Wednesday, Feb 28. 2024 12:47 AM
    I have tried mine and my friend’s horoscope and it results same in both of our case, and not just that I have tried this on various friends and this horoscope is showing same for maximum date of birth, I think this is a bug.

1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · »

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

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The Unknown

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

Photos On The Go

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

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

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

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  • Pig puts his toys away
    4 years ago
    Pig puts his toys away
    Animals are so intelligent. They can feel happiness, joy, pain, sorrow, just like humans. Always show kindness to them. Always show kindness to everyone.
  • Always be kind to animals-They deserve to live just like us.
    5 years ago
    Always be kind to animals-They deserve to live just like us.
    Whales and dolphins playing with each other in the Pacific sea. Nature is truly incredible!
  • Bodha stupa July 2019-
    5 years ago
    Bodha stupa July 2019-
    Rainy period
  • Cute Tara girl having a snack. She is one of Kechara Forest Retreat’s resident doggies.
    5 years ago
    Cute Tara girl having a snack. She is one of Kechara Forest Retreat’s resident doggies.
  • Your Next Meal!
    5 years ago
    Your Next Meal!
    Yummy? Tasty? Behind the scenes of the meat on your plates. Meat is a killing industry.
  • This is Daw
    5 years ago
    This is Daw
    This is what they do to get meat on tables, and to produce belts and jackets. Think twice before your next purchase.
  • Don’t Take My Mummy Away!
    5 years ago
    Don’t Take My Mummy Away!
    Look at the poor baby chasing after the mother. Why do we do that to them? It's time to seriously think about our choices in life and how they affect others. Be kind. Don't break up families.
  • They do this every day!
    5 years ago
    They do this every day!
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    5 years ago
    She’s going to spend her whole life here without being able to move correctly. Like a machine. They are the slaves of the people and are viewed as a product. It’s immoral. Billions of terrestrial animals die annually. Billions. You can’t even imagine it. And all that because people don’t want to give up meat, even though there are so many alternatives. ~ Gabriel Azimov
  • Our Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir speaks so well, logically and regarding our country’s collaboration with China for growth. It is refreshing to listen to Dr. Mahathir’s thoughts. He said our country can look to China for many more things such as technology and so on. Tsem Rinpoche
    5 years ago
    Our Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir speaks so well, logically and regarding our country’s collaboration with China for growth. It is refreshing to listen to Dr. Mahathir’s thoughts. He said our country can look to China for many more things such as technology and so on. Tsem Rinpoche
  • This is the first time His Holiness Dalai Lama mentions he had some very serious illness. Very worrying. This video is captured April 2019.
    5 years ago
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    5 years ago
    This dog thanks his hero in such a touching way. Tsem Rinpoche
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    5 years ago
    Join Tsem Rinpoche in prayer for H.H. Dalai Lama’s long life~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYy7JcveikU&feature=youtu.be
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    5 years ago
    These people going on pilgrimage to a holy mountain and prostrating out of devotion and for pilgrimage in Tibet. Such determination for spiritual practice. Tsem Rinpoche
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    5 years ago
    Beautiful new casing in Kechara for Vajra Yogini. Tsem Rinpoche
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    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.
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    5 years ago
    Recitation of Dorje Dermo‘s mantra or the Dharani of Glorious Vajra Claws. This powerful mantra is meant to destroy all obstacles that come in our way. Beneficial to play this mantra in our environments.
  • Beautiful
    5 years ago
    Beautiful
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    5 years ago
    My little monster cute babies Dharma and Oser. Take a look and get a cute attack for the day! Tsem Rinpoche
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    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
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    5 years ago
    Cruelty of some people have no limits and it’s heartbreaking. Being kind cost nothing. Tsem Rinpoche
  • SUPER ADORABLE and must see
    5 years ago
    SUPER ADORABLE and must see
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    5 years ago
    Cute!
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  • Uncle Wong
    5 years ago
    Uncle Wong
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  • Tsem Rinpoche’s Schnauzer Dharma boy fights Robot sphere from Arkonide!
    5 years ago
    Tsem Rinpoche’s Schnauzer Dharma boy fights Robot sphere from Arkonide!
  • Cute baby owl found and rescued
    5 years ago
    Cute baby owl found and rescued
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  • Nice cups from Kechara!!
    5 years ago
    Nice cups from Kechara!!
    Dorje Shugden people's lives matter!
  • Enjoy a peaceful morning at Kechara Forest Retreat
    5 years ago
    Enjoy a peaceful morning at Kechara Forest Retreat
    Chirping birds and other forest animals create a joyful melody at the Vajrayogini stupa in Kechara Forest Retreat (Bentong, Malaysia).
  • This topic is so hot in many circles right now.
    6 years ago
    This topic is so hot in many circles right now.
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    BEAUTIFUL PLACE IN NEW YORK STATE-AMAZING.
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    Leonardo DiCaprio takes on the meat Industry with real action.
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    6 years ago
    Lovely gift for my 52nd Birthday. Tsem Rinpoche
  • This 59-year-old chimpanzee was refusing food and ready to die until...
    6 years ago
    This 59-year-old chimpanzee was refusing food and ready to die until...
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  • Bigfoot sighted again and made it to the news.
    6 years ago
    Bigfoot sighted again and made it to the news.
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    6 years ago
    Casper is such a cute and adorable. I like him.
  • Dorje Shugden Monastery Amarbayasgalant  Mongolia's Ancient Hidden Gem
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    Dorje Shugden Monastery Amarbayasgalant Mongolia's Ancient Hidden Gem
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    6 years ago
    Don't you love Hamburgers? See how 'delicious' it is here!
  • Such a beautiful and powerful message from a person who knows the meaning of life. Tsem Rinpoche
    6 years ago
    Such a beautiful and powerful message from a person who knows the meaning of life. Tsem Rinpoche
  • What the meat industry figured out is that you don't need healthy animals to make a profit.
    6 years ago
    What the meat industry figured out is that you don't need healthy animals to make a profit.
    Sick animals are more profitable... farms calculate how close to death they can keep animals without killing them. That's the business model. How quickly they can be made to grow, how tightly they can be packed, how much or how little can they eat, how sick they can get without dying... We live in a world in which it's conventional to treat an animal like a block of wood. ~ Jonathan Safran Foer
  • This video went viral and it's a must watch!!
    6 years ago
    This video went viral and it's a must watch!!
  • SEE HOW THIS ANIMAL SERIAL KILLER HAS NO ISSUE BLUDGEONING THIS DEFENSELESS BEING.
    6 years ago
    SEE HOW THIS ANIMAL SERIAL KILLER HAS NO ISSUE BLUDGEONING THIS DEFENSELESS BEING.
    This happens daily in slaughterhouse so you can get your pork and Bak ku teh. Stop eating meat.

ASK A PASTOR


Ask the Pastors

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

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

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

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

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