The Hidden Nature of Trolls

Apr 27, 2017 | Views: 3,447

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Long before trolls became synonymous with abhorrent pot-stirring sociopaths on the Internet, they were popularly known as mythical creatures who roamed the ancestral lands – mountains, forests, bridges, etc. Many parts of the world have tales of troll-like monsters deeply rooted in their culture but trolls are undeniably most prevalent in Scandinavian mythology and folklore.

 

Overview

T0.1_Asbjornsen_and_Moe's_Norske_folkeeventyr_1874_book_cover

Book cover of an early edition of Asbjornsen and Moe’s Norske Folkeeventyr

Since time immemorial, trolls have heavily featured in Scandinavian folk tales, so much so that they have become part of Scandinavian heritage. Take Norway for example. In the 1830s, two guys named Asbjornsen and Moe, who were pretty much the Norwegian version of the German Grimm Brothers, scoured the whole of Southern Norway in a quest to compile tales from native folklore. A large part of the stories collected were about trolls.

Like the Grimm Brothers, they enjoyed huge success with their compendium of folk tales and their compilation is still a staple for Norwegian children today. In fact, trolls are so ingrained in Norwegian culture that it is common to see not only troll statues or miniatures at every other corner but also places and facilities named “Troll”. It really does say a lot that the only car ever produced by Norway was named the Troll.

 

Origins

T0.2 Ymir

Ymir suckles from the cow Auðumbla while she licks Búri from the ice in a painting by Nicolai Abildgaard (1790) inspired by the Prose Edda narrative

Ironically, despite being so infamous, little is known about the origins of trolls and their history remains rather ambiguous. That being said, there are two prevailing tales which are frequently repeated as the genesis of trolls. One is gleaned from bits and pieces of old Norse legends whilst the other is derived from records of early Christian missionaries.

According to countless tales in Norse mythology, the first troll was “Ymir”, the oldest creature of the Norse universe. Ymir hailed from the Jotuns, thus trolls are also said to be descended from the Jotun. The Jotun were a race very similar to the Titans of ancient Greece.

Like many mystical creatures, their appearance varies depending on which story one reads. In some accounts, the Jotun are certainly troll like, with multiple heads, deformed bodies and claws as well as fangs. However, there are equally contrasting descriptions of the Jotun as being aesthetically beautiful. They were sworn enemies of the Norse Gods and legend has it that they are destined to face each other in an epic battle to settle the score once and for all on Judgement Day.

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Illustration of Thor, Norse God of Thunder hurling his mystical hammer at a Jotun

However, trolls did not share their forefathers’ enthusiasm for a bloodbath with the Norse Gods. On contrary, they were the ones who no longer cared about fighting a battle of good versus evil on Judgment Day. In fact, early Scandinavian folklore tends to highlight the trolls’ preference for isolation over picking fights, and their tendency to avoid contact especially with humans. Some even go on to describe how trolls hate being disturbed, to the extent of gobbling up anyone unlucky enough to stumble upon them.

A darker account of the origins of trolls can be found in a Christian demonological doctrine written by the Bishop of Linkoping, Erichus Johannes Prytz around 1632. It set out the premise that trolls were fallen angels – angels who had been expelled from heaven and:

“landed in the mountains are called mountain trolls, the ones in forests are called forest trolls, forest nymphs, elves and so on and so forth.”

Based on this theory, trolls are alluded to as being devious in nature with no proper fixed form. They essentially assume whatever form necessary to lead people to damnation, be it as alluringly beautiful or hideously sly creatures.

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Statue of a fallen angel

 

Appearance

Following the conflicting trend of their ancestry, descriptions of trolls are also divided, from being plain and repulsive to having enchantingly beautiful physiques.

Across Scandinavian folklore, male trolls are predominantly described as having a human-like form but with one or more grotesque features, e.g. a big protruding nose, a big belly, long breasts, deformed bodies, disproportionate limbs, enormous feet, a crooked back or even several heads. For instance, folktales in Ebeltoft, Denmark describe trolls as man-eating ogres with humps on their backs and wearing pointed red caps. In Gudmanstrup, Denmark, which is a couple of miles away from Ebeltoft, trolls are described as giants devoid of humps and wearing long black clothes. In certain regions of Scandinavia, trolls are said to be smaller, almost dwarf-like and more sinister looking.

To put things into perspective, the following are some common artistic impressions of trolls based on Scandinavian mythology and folklore.

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Troll2

Troll3

Troll4

In the case of female trolls or “trollkoner”, there are some who look like their male counterparts but in general, Trollknoner are usually described as being hauntingly beautiful but with a catch. Such beauty either comes with a hidden abnormality or is merely an illusory front to a hideously deformed appearance.

A perfect illustration of this is the “Huldra” or “Tallemaja” in Swedish, who are troll-like women living in the woods. Described as being enchanting and wildly beautiful, the Huldra looks exactly like a female human being but for a long cow’s tail (or at times, fox tail), which she would naturally hide upon meeting any human. In some tales, her back is said to be a hollowed-out tree or covered in tree bark.

Huldra

Illustration of a Huldra

Some legends claim that the Huldra is friendly if approached properly. On a good day, she might even offer advice such as where the best fishing spots are located. In others tales, she is an evil seductress who either entraps young men to marry her or leads them to a horrible death.

The existence of the Huldra can be traced all the way back to the time of Adam and Eve. According to legend, Adam and Eve had many children after being cast out from the Garden of Eden. One day, while Eve was bathing all her children, God came to visit. For some reason, Eve felt compelled to lie to God about having finished bathing her children. She even hid those who were still dirty.

Upon hearing Eve’s answer, God proclaimed, “Then let all that is hidden, remain hidden.” The unlucky hidden children became “De Underjordiske” (the ones living underground), lost souls condemned to live under the surface of the earth. Huldra is said to be one of the De Underjordiske, but for reasons undisclosed, she remained above the ground albeit confined mostly to the forests.

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Illustration of a Nisse

Some insist that there is a third category of trolls at play, namely the “Nisser” or “Tomte” in Swedish. They are humanoid and dwarf-like but with none of the grotesque features. Some say that the Nisser are not trolls per se but a type of ancient ancestral spirit. However, due to early inaccurate romanised translations, they debuted as trolls or goblins to the English-speaking world and have since been stuck with that categorisation.

In essence, the Nisser are usually responsible for the protection and welfare of the farmstead and its buildings. They are described as older, little men about the height of a young child, although they can change their size at will, from that of a five-year-old child to a thumb. They are also said to have the ability to become invisible.

According to Swedish folklore, Nisser are often garbed in ragged clothes, usually gray or navy blue, but sport bright red caps on their heads. The folktale also advises that it is better to leave them dressed that way. The story goes that upon being provided new clothes by a farmer’s wife (out of kindness), a Nisse deemed himself too elegant to perform any more farm labour and thus disappeared from the farm.

Stockholm Tomtar

Statue of a Nisse/Tomte in the streets of Stockholm, Sweden

The Nisser require very little in exchange for taking care of the farm, its livestock, the welfare of the farmer and his family. They demand only the respect as well as the trust of the farmer and a bowl of “Julegrot” (Christmas porridge) with butter on Christmas Eve. It is commonplace for farmers to place bowls of rice porridge on their doorsteps for the Nisser, just like how cookies and milk are put out for Santa Claus. The Nisser are also said to fulfil the role played by Santa Claus in Western Christmas traditions i.e. delivering presents to the family on Christmas Eve.

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Illustration of a Vittra

Another deserving creature worth a mention is the “Vittra” from Sweden. Although technically not categorised as a troll, in the north of Sweden, the Vittra is considered the equivalent of the troll and Tomte of the south.

The Vittra is said to prefer living underground tending to cattle rather than meddling in human affairs. However, they have been known to surface and “borrow” cattle from time to time, usually under a cloak of invisibility. The good news (for the owner) is that the “returned” cattle usually had the ability to give more milk, believed to be a sign of gratitude from the Vittra.

However, they are also known to be very vindictive if offended or disrespected, and will do whatever it takes to make their target miserable, to the extent of conjuring accidents that can harm or kill. Interestingly, one can tell the mood of a Vittra from its appearance. They will often be red if unhappy and white if they are in good mood.

 

Interesting Characteristics

Despite their different categorisations, the following are some common characteristics attributable to trolls.

 

Intellectually Challenged or Cunning Tricksters

In general, large trolls are portrayed as brutish and less intellectual while human- and smaller-sized trolls are more sophisticated than their bigger counterparts. Thus, gigantic trolls are usually made out to be stupid and dangerous. They are also constantly being outsmarted by the heroes.

The tale of the “Three Billy Goats Gruff” demonstrates that even goats are capable of outwitting trolls. The story tells of how the two weaker goats managed to cross the bridge by tricking the troll into not eating them and instead, to wait for the last goat on the pretext that he was the plumpest of them all. In fact, the last goat was the strongest of the lot and best placed to defend against the troll. The troll ended up being gutted to death by the last goat when the troll tried to eat it.

Three Billy Goats Gruff

There were once three Billy Goats who lived in a meadow at the foot of a mountain, and their last name was Gruff. There was the Big Billy Goat Gruff, and the Middle-sized Billy Goat Gruff, and the Little Billy Goat Gruff. They all three jumped about among the rocks in the meadow and ate what grass they could find, but it wasn’t very much.

One day the Littlest Billy Goat Gruff looked up at the high mountain overhead, and he thought to himself, “It looks as though there were a great deal of fine grass up on the mountain. I believe I’ll just run up there all by myself, without telling anyone, and eat so much grass and eat so much grass that I’ll grow to be as big as anybody.”

So off the Little Billy Goat Gruff started without telling his brothers a word about it. He ran along, tip-tap, tip-tap, tip-tap, until at last he came to a wide river, with a bridge over it.

Now the Little Billy Goat did not know it, but this bridge belonged to a great, terrible Troll, and the little goat had not gone more than half-way across when he heard the Troll shouting from under the bridge.

“Who’s that going across my bridge?” shouted the Troll in his great loud voice.

“It’s me, the Littlest Billy Goat Gruff!” answered the Little Billy Goat in his little bit of voice.

“Oh! it’s the Littlest Billy Goat Gruff, is it? Well, you won’t go much farther, for I’m the Troll that owns this bridge, and now I’m coming to eat you up.” And with that the Troll looked up over the edge of the bridge.

When the Little Billy Goat Gruff saw him, he was very much frightened. “Oh, dear, good Mr Troll, please don’t eat me up,” he cried. “I’m such a very little goat that I would scarcely be a mouthful for you. I have a brother who is a great deal bigger than I am; wait till he comes, for he’d make a much better meal for you than I would.”

“But if he’s much bigger than you are he may be tough.”

“Oh, no, he’s just as tender as I am.”

“And a great deal bigger?”

“Oh, yes, a great deal bigger.”

“Very well then, I’ll wait for him. Run along!”

So the little goat ran on, tip-tap! tip-tap! tip-tap! across the bridge, and on up the mountain to where he was safe. And glad enough he was to be out of that scrape, I can tell you.

Now it was not very long after this that the Middle-sized Billy Goat Gruff began to think he’d like to go up on the mountain too. He did not say anything about it to the Great Big Billy Goat Gruff, but off he set, all by himself—trap-trap! trap-trap! trap-trap! After a while he came to the bridge, where the Troll lived, and he stepped out upon it, trap-trap! trap-trap! trap-trap!

He’d barely reached the middle of it when the Troll began shouting at him in his great, terrible voice:

“Who’s that going across my bridge?”

“It’s me, the Middle-sized Billy Goat Gruff,” answered the Middle-sized Billy Goat in his middle-sized voice.

“Oh, it is, is it? Then you’re the very one I’ve been waiting for. I’m the Troll that owns this bridge, and now I’m coming to eat you up.”

At that the Middle-sized Billy Goat Gruff was in a great fright. “Oh, dear Mr Troll, good Mr Troll, please don’t eat me up! I have a brother that’s a great deal bigger than I am. Just wait till he comes along, for he’d make a much better meal for you than I would.”

“A great deal bigger?”

“Yes, a great deal bigger.”

“Very well then, run along and I’ll wait till he comes. Only the biggest goat there is is fit to make a meal for me.”

The Middle-sized Billy Goat was not slow to run along as the Troll bade him. He hurried across the river and up the mountain as fast as he could go, trappity-trap! trappity-trap! trappity-trap! And just weren’t he and his little brother glad to see each other again, and to be safely over the Troll’s bridge, and up where the good grass was!

And now it was the turn of the Big Billy Goat Gruff to begin to think he’d like to go up on the mountain too. “I believe that’s where the Little Billy Goat Gruff and the Middle-sized Billy Goat Gruff have gone,” said he to himself. “If I don’t look out they’ll be growing so fat up there that they’ll be as big as I am. I think I’d better go and eat the long green mountain grass too.” So the next morning off he set in the pleasant sunshine. Klumph-klumph! klumph-klumph! He was so big you could hear his hoofs pounding on the stones while he was still a mile away.

After a while he came to the bridge where the Troll lived, and out he stepped on it, klumph-klumph! klumph-klumph! and the bridge shook and bent under his weight as he walked. Then the Troll that lived under it was in a fearful rage. “Who’s that going across my bridge?” he bellowed, and his voice was so terrible that all the little fish in the river swam away and hid under the rocks at the sound of it.

But the Big Billy Goat was not one bit frightened.

“It’s me, the Biggest Billy Goat Gruff,” he answered, in a voice as big as the Troll’s own.

“Oh, it is, is it? Then just stop a bit—for you’re the one I’ve been waiting for. I’m the Troll that owns this bridge, and now I’m coming to eat you up!” and with that the great grey Troll poked his head up over the bridge, and his eyes looked like two great mill-wheels, and they were going round and round in his head with rage. But still the Big Billy Goat was not one bit frightened.

“So you’re a Troll, are you! And you own this bridge, do you? And now you’re going to eat me up? We’ll just see about that:

“I have a forehead as hard as stone,
And I’ll mash you all up, body and bone!”

When the Troll heard the Big Billy Goat talk to him that way he bellowed so that the Middle-sized Billy Goat and the Little Billy Goat heard him all the way up on the mountain where they were. He jumped up on the bridge and put down his big, bushy head and ran at the Billy Goat, and the Big Billy Goat put down his head and ran at the Troll, and they met in the middle of the bridge. But the Billy Goat’s head was harder than the Troll’s, so he knocked him down and thumped him about, and then he took him up on his horns and threw him over the edge of the bridge into the river below, and the Troll sank like a piece of lead and never was seen or heard of again.

But the Big Billy Goat went on up the mountain; and you may believe that his two brothers were glad to see him again, and to hear that the great wicked Troll was gone from under the bridge.

And after that they all stayed up on the mountain together, and the smaller goats ate so much grass and grew so fat and big that after a while no one could have told one Billy Goat from the other.

There are also tales in which trolls employ trickery to lure humans to their lair to do their bidding. A typical example of this is the Huldra.

Brunnmigi

Illustration of a Brunnmigi

Trolls can also be cruel tricksters. Take for example the “Brunnmigi”, a peculiar class of troll whose only claim to fame is peeing into wells and fountains. Whilst the classic Norse legend is unclear as to why the Brunnmigi adopted this behaviour, they somehow managed to convince the Great Sea-King Hrolfr and his men to voluntarily gather and drink water from a well that the Brunnmigi were soiling.

 

Vindictive and Vain but (interestingly) with Integrity

Many folktales reveal how heroes have capitalised on the vanity of trolls in order to escape. One popular example is the tale of “Boots Who Ate a Match With The Troll”. In essence, the hero, Askeladden, escaped the troll by boasting of his ability to cut open his stomach to make room for more food. Of course, unknown to the troll, Askeladden only slit open the backpack which he had worn in front of his chest earlier. Too proud to be outdone, the troll proceeded to slit open his own stomach and perished from the self-inflicted wound.

Boots Who Ate a Match With the Troll

Once upon a time there was a farmer who had three sons; his means were small, and he was old and weak, and his sons would take to nothing. A fine large wood belonged to the farm, and one day the father told his sons to go and hew wood, and try to pay off some of his debts. Well, after a long talk, he got them to set off, and the eldest was to go first. But when he had got well into the wood, and began to hew at a mossy old fir, what should he see coming up to him but a great sturdy Troll.

“If you hew in this wood of mine,” said the Troll, I’ll kill you!”

When the lad heard that, he threw the axe down, and ran off home as fast as he could lay legs to the ground; so he came in quite out of breath, and told them what had happened, but his father called him “hare-heart”. No Troll would ever have scared him from hewing when he was young, he said.Next day the second son turn came, and he fared just the same. He had scarce hewn three strokes at the fir, before the Troll came to him too, and said:

“If you hew in this wood of mine, I’ll kill you.”

The lad dared not so much as look at him, but threw down the axe, took to his heels, and came scampering home just like his brother. So when he got home, his father was angry again, and said no Troll had ever scared him when he was young.The third day Boots wanted to set off.

“You, indeed!” said the two elder brothers; “you’ll do it bravely, no doubt! you, who have scarce ever set your foot out of the door.”

Boots said nothing to this, but only begged them to give him a good store of food. His mother had no cheese, so she set the pot on the fire to make him a little, and he put it into a scrip and set off. So when he had hewn a bit, the Troll came to him too, and said:

“If you hew in this wood of mine, I’ll kill you.”

But the lad was not slow; he pulled his cheese out of the scrip in a trice, and squeezed it till the whey spurted out.

“Hold your tongue!” he cried to the Troll, “or I’ll squeeze you as I squeeze the water out of this white stone.”

“Nay, dear friend!” said the Troll, “only spare me, and I’ll help you to hew.”

Boots and the troll eating
Well, on those terms the lad was willing to spare him, and the Troll hewed so bravely, that they felled and cut up many, many fathoms in the day. But when even drew near, the Troll said:

“Now you’d better come home with me, for my house is nearer than yours.”

So the lad was willing enough; and when they reached the Troll’s house, the Troll was to make up the fire, while the lad went to fetch water for their porridge, and there stood two iron pails so big and heavy, that he couldn’t so much as lift them from the ground.

“Pooh!” said the lad, “it isn’t worth while to touch these finger-basins. I’ll just go and fetch the spring itself.”

“Nay, nay, dear friend!” said the Troll; ” I can’t afford to lose my spring; just you make up the fire, and I’ll go and fetch the water.”

So when he came back with the water, they set to and boiled up a great pot of porridge.

“It’s all the same to me,” said the lad; “but if you’re of my mind, we’ll eat a match!”

“With all my heart,” said the Troll.

For he thought he could surely hold his own in eating. So they sat down; but the lad took his scrip unawares to the Troll, and hung it before him, and so he spooned more into the scrip than he ate himself; and when the scrip was full, he took up his knife and made a slit in the scrip. The Troll looked on all the while, but said never a word. So when they had eaten a good bit longer, the Troll laid down his spoon, saying:

“Nay! but I can’t eat a morsel more.”

“But you shall eat,” said the youth; “I’m only half done; why don’t you do as I did, and cut a hole in your paunch? You’ll be able to eat then as much as you please.”

“But doesn’t it hurt one cruelly?” asked the Troll.

“Oh,” said the youth, “nothing to speak of.”

So the Troll did as the lad said, and then you must know very well that he lost his life; but the lad took all the silver and gold that he found in the hill-side, and went home with it, and you may fancy it went a great way to pay off the debt.

Askeladden

Depiction of a scene from the tale of “Boots Who Ate a Match With The Troll”

Capitalising on their vanity works even when dealing with trolls of a higher intellect. This is apparent in a folktale from Tiveden. A boy on a fishing trip was down on his luck when he chanced upon a Huldra. Upon noticing a fox’s tail sticking out below the maiden’s skirt, he bowed deeply and said politely in a soft voice, “Milady, I see that your petticoat shows below your skirt“. The maiden thanked him gracefully and shuffling her tail back under her skirt, she told the boy to go fish on the other side of the lake. From that day onwards, the boy never failed to catch a fish every time he threw out the line. This was the Huldra’s reward for his politeness.

This is possibly the origin of the strong belief that if by chance you notice a tail or hairy feet etc. under the dress of a Huldra, you should discreetly and politely make her aware of this in order to be generously rewarded.

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A Nisse with a bowl of its favourite food, porridge

Naturally, if you are rude, offensive or have somehow managed to upset a troll, you would have to pay for it one way or another. A drastic example of this can be seen in the tale of a starving servant girl who ate the porridge set out for a Nisse. Obviously upset from being deprived of his porridge, the troll took his revenge by causing the servant girl to dance ceaselessly until she died.

Another interesting troll trait gleaned from folklore is that they will keep their end of the bargain even when they are on the losing end. This can be seen in the story of Esbern, who was facing huge problems in his romantic life. The father of the girl he loved would only consent to their marriage if Esbern first constructed a rather large church. Whilst mulling over his dilemma, he chanced upon a troll who agreed to build the church for Esbern. The catch was that the troll would get Esbern’s eyes and soul if Esbern could not discover the troll’s name by the time the job was done.

Things looked bleak for Esbern – the construction of the church was almost completed and he had exhausted all his avenues but still was not able to uncover the troll’s name. Luckily for him, at the last minute, he revealed his dilemma to the girl he loved and she proceeded to pray for him. Her prayers worked as Esbern then overheard the troll’s wife singing to her baby, and the lyrics included the name of her husband. Esber wiped the smug smile off the troll’s face when he correctly gave the troll’s name upon completion of the church. Frustrated by the turn of events, the troll left in a huff whilst Esbern enjoyed his happily ever after.

 

Magical Powers and Shapeshifting

bauer_stone troll by John Bauer

Stone troll by John Bauer

It is clear from Scandinavian folklore that certain trolls have magical powers. To name but a few;

  • Nisser have the ability to change their size at will
  • Huldras are believed to have the power of hypnosis at their disposal
  • Nisser and Vittra have the power of invisibility
  • Trolls are said to be able to travel on the winds
  • Trolls can sneak into houses undetected
  • Some trolls can transform themselves into logs or stubs. It is said that if you take out your knife and cut into them, they will run away as they cannot stand the touch of steel.
  • Some trolls can morph into animate objects like cats, dogs or snakes and even inanimate objects like a rolling ball of synthetic fibres
  • Some trolls can inflict illnesses on people. Whilst usually a form of retribution, some randomly shoot magical projectiles laced with diseases.
  • It is also said that trolls have a special influence on children, hence the belief that children’s clothes are not to be left outside at night lest the trolls gain access to their minds.

The magical powers of trolls also encompass the creation of monsters. A vicar, Mogens Pedersen, recorded in 1635 that two trolls were responsible for the creation of Storsjöodjuret, a huge serpent-like sea monster said to be dwelling in Lake Storsjön, the 5th largest lake in Sweden. Legend has it that the trolls Jata and Kata were brewing a potion in their cauldron on the shores of the lake. They didn’t really know what they were doing but after years of brewing, a black sea serpent leapt from the cauldron and dived into the lake. It is said to have grown to an enormous size, entirely surrounding the island of Frösön. To date, there have been over 200 reported sightings of the creature, and a group has been established to investigate reports from witnesses and to collate information on the monster.

lake Storsjön

Lake Storsjön

 

Aversion to Sunlight

With a few exceptions, trolls generally have a strong aversion to sunlight. They are said to turn to stone when exposed to sunlight, thus it is no wonder that certain trolls avoid sunlight like the plague. In fact, many rocky outcrops around the Scandinavian mountains are said to be attributable to trolls. To name but a few;

  • Trold-Tindterne (Troll Peaks) – The stone crags of Trold-Tindterne in central Norway are said to be two armies of trolls that once fought a great battle until sunrise caught them and turned them to stone.
Trollpeak

One of the stone crags of Trold-Tindterne (Troll Peaks) in central Norway

  • Hvítserkur – Legend goes that Hvítserkur, found at the Vatnsnes peninsula in North-West Iceland, is actually a petrified troll. The troll was en route to tear down the church bell of a nearby convent when he got caught by daylight and turned into stone.
hvitserkur-the-troll-of-north-west-iceland-1

Hvítserkur in North-West Iceland

  • Reynisdrangar – The basalt rock formations known as Reynisdrangar in Iceland are said to be former trolls who were caught in the sunlight as they tried to drag their ship ashore and were turned forever to stone.
Famous Reynisdrangar rock formations

Reynisdrangar in Iceland

 

Hidden Treasures

troll-and-treasure.teach

Hidden treasures

It is generally accepted that trolls who lived in the mountains were wealthier than their forest-dwelling counterparts. Laying one’s hands on these treasures was one of the chief rewards of getting the better of trolls.

In addition, folklore suggests that one should not be too hasty in disposing of worthless things given by a troll. As trolls lived in a mirror-like world, what was dirt on one world would be gold on another – so that worthless thing might just later turn out to be a priceless treasure.

 

Beyond the Scandinavian sphere

 

Philippines: Duwende Puti and Duwende Itim

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Illustration of a Duwende

These tiny humanoid underground creatures comprise of “Duwende Puti” and “Duwende Itim”. They are polar opposites in that Duwende Puti are kind creatures who bring about good luck. Duwende Itim on the other hand are mean folk who love to play pranks on humans. However, both are adamant about respecting nature. Whilst they generally keep to themselves, they will make themselves known when their environment is disturbed.

For example, someone who kicked an anthill on or near the home of a Duwende Itim would be punished with a myriad of ailments from twisted mouth to swollen testicles. In contrast, a kindly farmer who took care of his plot would be rewarded by the Duwende Puti with a greater abundance of crops than usual. According to folklore, reciting “Tabi-tabi po” aloud before entering what might be their space is the best way to avoid offending the Duwende.

 

Germany: Dwarves

In German mythology, dwarves more or less occupy the same position as the Scandinavian troll. They are usually described as subterranean beings who dwell in the mountains and in the earth, and are associated with smithing, mining, and crafting. It is believed that they can become invisible and are often hostile. However, like trolls, they can do good deeds in return for kindness.

 

Japan: Oni

Oni

Statue of a Japanese Oni

The Oni is humanoid in form with grotesque unnatural features. They are often described as hideous, gigantic creatures with sharp claws, wild hair, and two long horns growing from their heads. The colour of their skin varies but is commonly depicted as red or blue. Wearing tiger skin loincloths and carrying an iron club (Kanabo), they generally go around terrorising people.

 

Greenland: Troll

In the folktales of the Inuit people of Greenland, trolls are huge, hairy beasts with enormous bellies that drag on the ground as they walk. They roam around the uninhabited hills looking for unsuspecting travellers to capture with their long dagger-like fingernails and eat.

 

Malevolent or Benevolent?

If one were to comb through Scandinavian mythology and folklore, it appears that prior to the introduction of Christianity, trolls were not inherently seen as evil. They had similar temperaments to human beings and although they could wreak more havoc when offended, they were not stigmatised with links to the devil.

In fact, trolls were viewed as neutral beings in the sense that they were neither out to get humans nor was it their primary objective to harm although they would not hesitate to do so to satisfy their needs. However, some trolls are believed to be fiercely protective of nature and to show great affection for animals.

 

Protectors of the Environment

Troll folklore shows that some trolls are very protective of the forest. In fact, they are portrayed as protective nature spirits defending the forest against human greed.

A classic example is the popular Norwegian tale of “Boots who ate a match with the troll” where the troll repeatedly said “This is my forest. No chopping in my forest. I’m gonna eat you up” before gobbling up the first two victims. Granted, the troll did have a vested interest in protecting its home, but the folktale also emphasised its respect for nature.

Bysen_possible

Illustration of a Bysen

The Baltic island of Gotland is said to be home to a ghostlike troll i.e. the Bysen. They are said to be humans who committed some crime during their lifetime and now are condemned to walk the earth forever. These dwarven grey creatures roam the forests with an axe, carefully chopping trees or branches and generally maintaining and protecting the forests. They make life difficult for forest workers with a range of tricks including turning over timber loads, causing machinery to malfunction and delaying transports of timber.

These protective traits are also apparent in Norwegian, Danish and Swedish folktales relating to charcoal kilns built in forests. Charcoal kilns were not only fire hazards but also disruptive and a threat to forest creatures. One story tells of a Huldra seducing a lonely charcoal burner, thus preventing him from guarding the kiln’s fire and causing the destruction of the entire kiln.

Huldra and charcoal burner_Svenska folksagner(1882)

Huldra and charcoal burner by Svenska Folksagner (1882)

There is another version involving a worker who rescued a beautiful maiden lost in the forest. He brought her back to his forest cabin, located next to a charcoal kiln, for a night of passion as his reward for rescuing her. The maiden’s only condition was that he not look out of the window while they were intimate. He looked anyway and was shocked to discover that she was none other than a Huldra and was extinguishing the kiln’s fire with her tail while distracting him. He ran away and never returned.

Yet another variation tells of a fair maiden who showed up one late evening at the doorstep of a worker in charge of guarding the fire at a charcoal kiln in the forest. In exchange for food and shelter, the maiden agreed to the worker’s demand that she bed him on two conditions. The first was for him to never tell another soul of their night of passion and the other was for him to not look out of the cabin window while they were together. The rest of the story is the same except that he returned to the site the next morning, only to discover that the charcoal kiln and his forest cabin were completely destroyed.

Huldra are also often said to be connected with Frau Holda (or Frau Holle), the German protectress of agriculture and the goddess of women’s crafts.

TimmeHolda2

Early sketch of the German protectress of agriculture and goddess of women’s crafts, Frau Holda, entitled Frau Holda’s Paradise

There are also numerous tales of trolls taking action against those disrespecting or disturbing nature. An example is the Scandinavian tale of a man named Jon. Jon spent his days fishing to the point of excessiveness. One day, as he was fishing, he heard a cry coming from the mountain.

Can I borrow your pot?”
What do you want with that?” a voice replied from the other side of the lake.
I want to cook Jon, who always fishes in the lake.

The lake voice agreed to the loan of his pot on condition that he got Jon’s boat. When Jon heard the first voice replying “You will get both his shoes and his boat”, he quickly left the lake never to return.

These phenomena are not limited to the wilderness. Lack of respect for the land such as irresponsible farming is also subjected to the ire of trolls. Nisser in particular have a tendency to punish lazy farmers with misfortune, as can be seen in a number of Scandinavian folktales, especially if the farmer is lacking in care or disruptive to the troll’s work for the household and farm.

 

Animal Activists

Trolls could possibly be the earliest advocates of animal rights. There are a number of folktales which reveal their care for animals and their non-tolerance of animal abuse. One such prominent illustration is the tale of “The Nisse Who Stole Fodder”. In short, a farmer lamented about not having any hay left for his farm animals when he heard an untraceable voice assuring him of hay supply. After a few days, he noticed his animals were thriving although they had no food. As it turns out, a Nisse was helping the farmer by fetching hay for his animals every night.

nisse and horse

Depiction of a Nisse lovingly feeding a horse

In some places, trolls are also believed to have the power to bless or heal animals. This is most likely fanned by stories that tell of animals (mostly cattle and sheep) under the care of trolls which yield bigger and better produce e.g. the case of cattle being enhanced after being “borrowed” by Vittra. There are even tales of people attempting to steal these animals or bargaining with trolls for the right to interbreed these animals with normal livestock to produce a more profitable breed.

 

Post-Christianity

It would not be farfetched to say that the diminishing influence of trolls is commensurate with the growth of Christianity in Scandinavia. The early Christians first adopted a strong stance and focused on demonising the trolls. However, when it became clear that the local beliefs were deeply entrenched, they changed tack. Disparagement thus became one of the main ways used by Christians to devalue the value of the old, pagan beliefs.

Slowly but surely, reverence for pagan beings such as trolls was chipped away through changing the way they were portrayed. From powerful ancient beings, they became harmless low-brow creatures. For instance, the dangerous and powerful mountain troll as depicted in the Poetic Edda (the leading source of Norse mythology) was made easy to fool by heroes such as Askeladden in subsequent folktales. As a result, trolls were systematically driven farther and farther away from the human sphere and reduced to intangible fantasy beings.

 

Conclusion

Present day depictions of trolls range from cute to off-beat to downright sinister. From neon-haired troll dolls with jewelled belly buttons to the inherently evil servants of Sauron, Dark Lord of Mordor, modern trolls have completed departed from their folkloric roots and mutated into a different kind of supernatural creature.

However, stories get told and retold and it is possible that people will eventually be reminded of the primal force of these creatures of legend. After all, trolls and other mythological creatures are in essence evidence of our ancestors’ vivid encounters with nature elementals. Some may write trolls off as products of the imagination, but always bear in mind that they be none other than a remnant of a long-lost reality.

 
Source/references:

  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troll
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nisse_(folklore)
  • https://owlcation.com/social-sciences/troll-of-norway
  • http://users.skynet.be/fa023784/trollmoon/TrollBlog/trollblog.html
  • http://powderroom.kinja.com/a-brief-history-of-trolls-1704983550
  • Christian Demonology And Popular Mythology, Gábor Klaniczay, Éva Pócs, Eszter Csonka-Takács, CEU Press, Central European University Press, 2006
  • http://www.mythicalcreaturesguide.com/page/Huldra
  • http://www.ingebretsens.com/culture/traditions/legend-of-nisse-and-tomte
  • http://www.snowintromso.com/blog/2016/12/norwegian-trolls-and-folklore
  • http://www.hf.uio.no/ikos/english/services/knowledge/norwegian-folklore/folktales-and-legends/
  • http://users.skynet.be/fa023784/trollmoon/TrollBlog/files/category-troll-painters.html

 

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32 Responses to The Hidden Nature of Trolls

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  1. Bradley Kassian on Feb 18, 2022 at 11:56 pm

    Well not exactly Trolls persay the Little People found across North America could easily fit in with their legends. Somoe European Trolls/Dwarves/Gnomes also came with the earliest settlers. So finding tales around North America is quite common. IF you look in certain Scanadanavian regions where they settles like Minnisota, you’ll find lots of tales there.

    Native American
    Chaneque – Aztec
    Alux – Maya
    Geow-lud-mo-sis-eg – Maliseet
    Ircinraq – Yup’ik
    Ishigaq – Inuit
    Jogahoh – Iroquois
    Mannegishi – Cree
    Memegwesi/Memegawensi/Memengweshii/Pa’iins – Anishinaabe
    Nimerigar – Shoshone
    Nirumbee or Awwakkulé- Crow
    Nunnupi – Comanche
    Pukwudgie – Wampanoag
    Yehasuri – Catawba
    Yunwi Tsundi – Cherokee
    Canotila – Lakota[
    Popo-li or Kowi Anukasha – Choctaw

  2. S.Prathap on Mar 4, 2020 at 3:03 pm

    This is the first i learn about troll, is very interesting and i believe it exists and surprising that reading the part they help peoples who are kind to them, they are kind too and not so scary as what I think.
    Trolls are associates as beings of Scandinavian folklore.A large number of different mythological creatures continue to live on in Scandinavian folklore.They have different shapes,habitat and filthy features .Thank you for sharing this article

  3. Sharon Ong on Jun 17, 2017 at 11:07 pm

    I like the idea of trolls being guardians of nature and animals. I do believe that they exist just the way there are spirits and hungry ghosts. Just because the normal human eye cannot see these trolls doesn’t mean that they do not exist.

    This post reminds me very much of the Malaysian version of “Orang Bunian” who are said to look like indigenous people but are normally invisible. When appeased, they can grant wishes like increase of wealth and good business. But when they or their homes are disturbed, they may retaliate. This is probably why there have been many cases of people getting lost in jungles as Orang Bunian are believed to make people confused and are unable to find their way out of the jungle.

    Whether one believes in their existence or not, it is always a good idea to be mindful of one’s actions especially when out in nature, like mountains, jungles, rivers and lakes.

  4. Joy on Jun 17, 2017 at 5:39 pm

    After reading this story about trolls, I definitely believe in them and I do think that they exist because stories are usually based on sightings and experiences. I am glad they have some positive characters and not just negative one. What stood out was that they are natural protectors of the environment and also animal activists. This is what I like about them. I suppose if you give them respect and respect their environment, they will not harm you and disturb and can even help you, like the story of Nisse helping the farmer fetch hay for his animals!

    I believe they are just like us, humans, some are good and some are bad. But in general if we keep the environment clean and respect the land, they would not harm us and we can all co-exist. I guess they slowly disappear like what the article said when the Christianity or the Church started their influence to dominate and control people by getting them converted and to abandon their pagan beliefs. Not only do they ask them to abandon it, they even condemn them and create a misconception that they are all demonic, which I think is sad and untrue as we can read from the stories above.

  5. Wah Ying on Jun 17, 2017 at 5:19 pm

    Thank you for this interesting post on Trolls. I always amazed at supernatural beings like tree spirits, forest spirits, mountain spirits and so forth mentioned in folklore and animation movies by Hayao Miyazaki especially. I am not sure they exist or not but I am not totally do not believe some supernatural beings are just made up. However, what we not able to witness by our own eyes do not mean they never exist. Rinpoche’s blog posts on supernatural beings and things do open up my mind.

    Legends or stories on trolls told in this post are indeed interesting to read on; and I found they are closely connected to nature, live in the wild. If we believe in there are beings live in the wild, may be they have different appearances and legends come with them for different culture around the world, one would be more alert and have more “respect” to our Mother Earth, more humble and not to think that human owns and can manipulate the nature as we wish. Thanks for the blog post. I enjoy it.

  6. Stella Cheang on Jun 16, 2017 at 9:23 pm

    This is an interesting article that opens my eyes to a forest creature that is ascribed with an ambivalent characteristic. They are fiercely loyal to what they believe in, but at the same time, they eluded the standard humanistic values, which is cunning and brutal depending which folklores they appeared in. Which reminds me of the other mystical creature, Yeti, who exist in the Himalayans, Russia, Mongolia USA, Canada and other countries. It goes to show that these mystical creatures if they exist, they operate with a different set of values and principles. To co-exist in harmony, it is necessary for us to be attentive to their survival traits, values, and principles so that we do not offend them unnecessarily.

  7. justin on Jun 16, 2017 at 12:39 am

    For me trolls exists and i still believe that there are a lot of things in nature that we still do not know about our mother earth. Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this article about Trolls, which previously unheard of for me. I have heard of Orge etc. but not trolls before. It is beyond my imagination of the nature of trolls. Thank you again.

  8. Raj Kumar on Jun 14, 2017 at 8:57 am

    Good morning Dear Rinpoche?
    And Dear all ?
    First of all thank you so much for this story about trolls,
    I am really not know so much about trolls,

    But This is a very interesting article about trolls to read
    I really doing enjoying to reading about this trolls story.
    Thank you.
    With folded hands
    Raj Kumar.

  9. Pastor Antoinette on Jun 14, 2017 at 8:13 am

    This is a very interesting article. I did not know very much about trolls except the trolls in Walter Moers fantasy books.

    I like the idea that the trolls are protecting the forests and nature and also feeding the animals like in winter. It reminds me of the nagas and that we should be respectful when we are in the forest and near lakes. Here is the link for more information on nagas: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/apology-to-the-naga-realm.html

  10. Mingwen on Jun 14, 2017 at 7:44 am

    Never say never!

    We have yet to fully discovered the Earth, things are happening without our acknowledgment. No way for us to reject and firmly say certain things do not exist in Earth.

    Be open and we will receive more , but wr should always stay curious and check out things

  11. Tek Lee on Jun 14, 2017 at 3:58 am

    Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this article. Wow, it has so many types of Troll. The troll I have in mind is the one that I first saw in movie Lord Of The Rings. They are gigantic, grey in colour, slow in movement, and I still remember one of them stabbed a spear on Frodo’s chest 🙂 I thought they were only appear in movie and some sci-fi novel.
    After reading this article, it is actually quite commonly believe and folklore in the Scandinavian, even in Asian countries like Japan and Philippines. But unlike Big Foot, it doesn’t have any picture or video that support its existence, maybe their time was way much earlier than big foot. It makes it sound like myth. But it’s interesting to know they are so many types of troll 🙂

  12. June Kang on Jun 14, 2017 at 2:18 am

    Is interesting to visit Tsemrinpoche.com. You can always find article talking about others beings. Lots of us will not purposely going to search and learn all this but this website always make us so easy to access to learn more of others things besides Buddhism.

    This is the first i learn about troll, is very interesting and i believe it exists and surprising that reading the part they help peoples who are kind to them, they are kind too and not so scary as what I think.

    Thank you for sharing.

  13. Pastor Albert on Jun 14, 2017 at 2:13 am

    Another being that we have long heard but never seen before, all these beings has been told since hundreds of years ago, after so many generations, how many percent of the stories are still accurate? Or has it been changed?

    But for me, I do believe about there are other beings in this planet that we have not seen or they are actually much more intelligent than human, whether are they same as the pictures above or not I have no idea, but they definitely exist.

  14. Pastor Chia on Jun 14, 2017 at 1:57 am

    This is my first time encounter the troll history and background from this article.Thank you for sharing all the interesting stories. Just like those hidden creature in this world. I do beliave their existance and be kind to them. What i like about troll story is they are also protector for enviroment and care for animal. Which make me not fell bad about this creature nature even they stay in the dark side. Is better for the mainkind to be more concesious and respect all the living being exitance.

  15. Andrea Lai on Jun 14, 2017 at 12:39 am

    My first knowledge of troll was when I’m in searching for a present to my sister. I stumbled upon this tiny cute little toy with big round eyes, big button nose, a broad sweet smile and with an uprise hair with various colors. Back then, so little that I know.

    After reading this article, well, it has broadened up my horizon. From my understanding in this article, I think that troll could be have similarity like a naga as what been explained that if trolls been landed in mountain, they will be called mountain trolls, if forest, they will be called as forest trolls or forest nymphs. As example in the illustration of Huldra, a female troll as a form of beautiful human being, lure men who are ignorance with the purpose to prevent them from destroying their living environment, and reward those who show respect to her. Overall, trolls are compassionate and good nature being who wanted to be respected. Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this article.

  16. nicholas on Jun 14, 2017 at 12:17 am

    I first hear about trolls was from some tales in a story book. When I read about them from this articles it really so much to tell from various part of the world. There are many more living beings that we have not encountered but it doesn’t mean they don’t exist. I believe in their existence and what important is respect.

    We are not the only living being here and we all share the same place here in the universe and stay harmony and being compassion is key for peace.

  17. Vivian Ong on Jun 14, 2017 at 12:15 am

    Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this article. It is interesting to know that there are many types of trolls in every part of the globe. I’m not so sure about Malaysia, but so far from my childhood until now I have not heard anything about trolls in Malaysia. The trolls that we read or watch is the ogre and hobbit (if hobbits are considered trolls).

    With folded palms,
    Vivian

  18. Pastor Henry Ooi on Jun 13, 2017 at 11:43 pm

    Whether trolls or such creatures of similar descriptions exist or not, these tales told here are pretty interesting and entertaining. I guess every country has their own fairy tale or story told at camp fires, or during festivals especially for the children’s entertainment. Similarly, in Malaysia we do have our local stories. I’m not doubting their existence, just respectful of nature and those unseen beings, and tread with care.

  19. Esther Goh on Jun 13, 2017 at 11:13 pm

    Thank you Rinpoche for this very interesting article about Trolls. In the past I had always envisioned Trolls to be very mean ugly looking creatures as depicted in the story books. I was intrigued to learn that they come in different forms and demeanor. They possessed magical powers and can be kind and helpful if treated with respect. After reading this article I am convinced they did exist.

  20. Eric kksiow on Jun 13, 2017 at 10:37 pm

    I do believed it’s exist, i always wish to see “Them” ( Trolls or BigFoot ) and hope to communicate with them too.

    Thank you for the research of Trolls.

  21. pammie yap on Jun 12, 2017 at 10:34 pm

    I first came across the word troll, through reading. I love reading books of fantasy genre. I’d read and imagine how they’d look like. In the series of books that I have come across, trolls were often depicted as small notorious creatures and that was it. I was surprised to read of the different types of trolls in this post. That is why I find it wonderful to be able to see things at different perspective/view and not fixed. So many types of trolls! I believe that all beings want respect therefore the same for the trolls. Quite scary to read about the things they’d do to others for being disrespected. However, I like the part where they help the farmers and people who are kind to them and how they take good care of nature. Really interesting!

  22. Echeah on May 8, 2017 at 1:31 am

    The only trolls I’m familiar with are those lurking on the internet, LOL. Maybe they were real trolls in their previous lives, no joke! They come back this life to do what they do best, troll us on social media! I wonder why people invest so much time and energy to do that non-stop. They really must have some kind of past life imprint.

  23. Anne Ong on May 7, 2017 at 9:32 pm

    This is a very interesting topic about Trolls. Have watched the amination version of Trolls on dvd during Chinese New Year at Tek Lee’s parents house. It was very colorful and musical type. And didn’t there is so much background and history about Trolls. Thank you Rinpoche for this interesting folk tales about Trolls. It’s very educational.

  24. Jacinta Goh on May 7, 2017 at 9:18 pm

    I do not have any interest in these ‘Trolls’ thing, not until one day when Rinpoche posted that we should placed trolls statue/ sculpture at home as a gesture to invite them to stay and let them know that we are here for good. I kept thinking, perhaps it’s true that they exist! However, they are mostly depicted as evil in most stories, just like what this article has shared. To know that they actually have healing abilities, this might be a good reason to make friends with them. I wonder whether they are one of the elementals that have gone? Mentioned in one of the teachings about why Rain dances didn’t work, or perhaps I didn’t get the meaning correctly.

    Thank you Rinpoche for this article .

  25. Edwin Tan on May 2, 2017 at 4:41 pm

    Thank you for the well-researched and insightful article on trolls.

    As long as we don’t ever meet one, we will never know if they are beautiful and kind, or ugly and nasty.

    But if they are environment and animal activists and protectors.. I believe they are good-natured.

    With the advancement of technology, many depictions of trolls can be seen on the big screen, from Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings ugly trolls, to singing, kind and helpful trolls in Trolls movie.. I think even smurfs might be early adaptations of trolls or dwarves.

    I really learned a lot more from the article.

    Thank you.

  26. Paul Yap on Apr 30, 2017 at 10:28 pm

    I always believes the existence of mythical creatures. There are many unknown in the vast universe, different dimension and existence. The Trolls character inside the movie “Lord Of The Ring” were mostly huge and ugly, whereas Nisse were cute and small. Nisse reminded me the 7 dwarfs of snow white, which is cute and kind too.

  27. Pastor David Lai on Apr 29, 2017 at 9:53 pm

    This is indeed a very well researched article on Trolls. I love it very much and I read it with much relish. I found female trolls to be particularly interesting because they are somewhat different from their male counterpart. Female trolls are beautiful, seductresses and with a tail of a fox. This is somewhat reminiscent of the Chinese fox-spirit that seduces men.

    There are plenty of stories of fox spirits in Chinese folklore and they go somewhat along the lines of the western female troll. However, in the Chinese folk lore – they are really fox spirits in disguise to play trick or lure men to their doom. On the other hand, the female western troll seduces men in order to distract and destroy kilns and factories that processes wood from the forests. Whatever it is, there is this similarity.

    In general, I really like how trolls are portrayed to be guardians of the forests and protector of animals. It’s nice and probably closer to the truth that time and sceptical modern man has denied for too long.

  28. wan wai meng on Apr 29, 2017 at 5:06 pm

    When I played Dungeons and Dragons, when I was wee lad, Trolls were monsters that liked to wait in bridges, sometimes they could be found in caves toll. So they are quite known to ambush adventurers. And trolls had abilities to regenerate the only way you could have stopped it regeneration is using fire. So trolls to me playing the game, were monsters to be overcome and to take over their treasures because, of their habits of waylaying adventurers, they usually had a good horde of treasures.

    Really enjoyed reading this long piece on Trolls.

  29. Fong on Apr 29, 2017 at 1:12 am

    Thank you, for ever so delightful a story about trolls. Obviously, there’s a lot more to trolls than Shrek.

    It’s interesting there are kind trolls as well as very nasty trolls. Be it products of vivid imaginations of ancients or being of another time and realm, we have to treat them warily. After all, they have acquired a not so pretty reputation since time immemorial.

  30. Lim Han Nee on Apr 28, 2017 at 10:28 pm

    Thank you Rinpoche for this blogpost that gives an interesting and extensive account of trolls, their origin and their nature, and of the different kinds of trolls. They are not only confined to Scandinavian countries, although they feature mainly in the culture and folklore of Scandinavian countries.

    Although they did have some negative traits, they had not been inherently evil in legends and stories of them in earlier times. Once upon a time, they were revered as powerful mythical creatures, who were very much part of the mountains, forests and bridges of ancient ancestral lands.

    Some trolls even possessed magical powers.Generally, if you are respectful to them, they are nice to you. They return disrespect with nastiness. The bigger sized trolls are supposed to have a lower intellectual level. It is sad to read the stories of how they are tricked into killing themselves or being killed. They are essentially beings that are not out to harm,but if they are offended they will wreak havoc.

    Some trolls are believed to be fiercely protective of nature and the forests and to care much for animals. in fact, they are often portrayed as nature spirits who would defend the forest against human greed. There are stories of trolls taking action against those humans who disrespect or disturb nature. Trolls could possibly be the earliest advocates of animal rights! We can see this in a number of folk-tales that tell of their care for animals and their intolerance of animal abuse.

    It is sad to see that the earlier respect and reverence for pagan beings like trolls are being chipped away, as can be seen in the way they are being portrayed in later stories . Trolls are now disparaged: from being powerful and dangerous mountain beings in myths of old, they are now relegated to being depicted as low-brow creatures who are easily fooled and tricked. They are being reduced into mere beings of fantasy.

  31. Samfoonheei on Apr 28, 2017 at 3:37 pm

    Trolls are assiociates as beings of Scandinavian folklore.A large number of different mythological creatures continue to live on in Scandinavian folklore.They have different shapes,habitat and filthy features . There are also numerous tales of trolls told and retold.Trolls are also believed to have the magigal powers, which were folktales ,posses capabilities that are beyond human .What ever it was a remnant of a long-lost reality for sure. I do believe that there’s a very high chance trolls had existed in the past.
    Thank you Rinpoche for sharing ,i do enjoyed all the stories in these article even though it just folk tales.

    • Anne Ong on Apr 29, 2017 at 5:32 pm

      Hello Samfoonheei,

      I’m very glad to hear you enjoyed all the stories in this article. And I noticed you are also very active and enthusiastic in blog comments. Do try to keep up the good work. Reading Rinpoche’s blog posts really helps to build up our knowledge. Thank you very much for your comments.

      Anne Ong.

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The Kechara Forest Retreat is a unique holistic retreat centre focused on the total wellness of body, mind and spirit. This is a place where families and individuals will find peace, nourishment and inspiration in a natural forest environment. At Kechara Forest Retreat, we are committed to give back to society through instilling the next generation with universal positive values such as kindness and compassion.

For more information, please read here (english), here (chinese), or the official site: retreat.kechara.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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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

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

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

Always be kind to animals and eat vegetarian- https://bit.ly/2Psp8h2
5 years ago
My Dharma boy (left) and Oser girl loves to laze around on the veranda in the mornings. They enjoy all the trees, grass and relaxing under the hot sun. Sunbathing is a favorite daily activity. I care about these two doggies of mine very much and I enjoy seeing them happy. They are with me always. Tsem Rinpoche Always be kind to animals and eat vegetarian- https://bit.ly/2Psp8h2
After you left me Mumu, I was alone. I have no family or kin. You were my family. I can\'t stop thinking of you and I can\'t forget you. My bond and connection with you is so strong. I wish you were by my side. Tsem Rinpoche
5 years ago
After you left me Mumu, I was alone. I have no family or kin. You were my family. I can't stop thinking of you and I can't forget you. My bond and connection with you is so strong. I wish you were by my side. Tsem Rinpoche
This story is a life-changer. Learn about the incredible Forest Man of India | 印度“森林之子”- https://bit.ly/2Eh4vRS
5 years ago
This story is a life-changer. Learn about the incredible Forest Man of India | 印度“森林之子”- https://bit.ly/2Eh4vRS
Part 2-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
5 years ago
Part 2-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
Part 1-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
5 years ago
Part 1-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
The great Protector Manjushri Dorje Shugden depicted in the beautiful Mongolian style. To download a high resolution file: https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
5 years ago
The great Protector Manjushri Dorje Shugden depicted in the beautiful Mongolian style. To download a high resolution file: https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
The Mystical land of Shambhala is finally ready for everyone to feast their eyes and be blessed. A beautiful post with information, art work, history, spirituality and a beautiful book composed by His Holiness the 6th Panchen Rinpoche. ~ https://bit.ly/309MHBi
5 years ago
The Mystical land of Shambhala is finally ready for everyone to feast their eyes and be blessed. A beautiful post with information, art work, history, spirituality and a beautiful book composed by His Holiness the 6th Panchen Rinpoche. ~ https://bit.ly/309MHBi
Beautiful pictures of the huge Buddha in Longkou Nanshan- https://bit.ly/2LsBxVb
5 years ago
Beautiful pictures of the huge Buddha in Longkou Nanshan- https://bit.ly/2LsBxVb
The reason-Very interesting thought- https://bit.ly/2V7VT5r
5 years ago
The reason-Very interesting thought- https://bit.ly/2V7VT5r
NEW Bigfoot cafe in Malaysia! Food is delicious!- https://bit.ly/2VxdGau
5 years ago
NEW Bigfoot cafe in Malaysia! Food is delicious!- https://bit.ly/2VxdGau
DON\'T MISS THIS!~How brave Bonnie survived by living with a herd of deer~ https://bit.ly/2Lre2eY
5 years ago
DON'T MISS THIS!~How brave Bonnie survived by living with a herd of deer~ https://bit.ly/2Lre2eY
Global Superpower China Will Cut Meat Consumption by 50%! Very interesting, find out more- https://bit.ly/2V1sJFh
5 years ago
Global Superpower China Will Cut Meat Consumption by 50%! Very interesting, find out more- https://bit.ly/2V1sJFh
You can download this beautiful Egyptian style Dorje Shugden Free- https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
5 years ago
You can download this beautiful Egyptian style Dorje Shugden Free- https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
Beautiful high file for print of Lord Manjushri. May you be blessed- https://bit.ly/2V8mwZe
5 years ago
Beautiful high file for print of Lord Manjushri. May you be blessed- https://bit.ly/2V8mwZe
Mongolian (Oymiakon) Shaman in Siberia, Russia. That is his real outfit he wears. Very unique. TR
5 years ago
Mongolian (Oymiakon) Shaman in Siberia, Russia. That is his real outfit he wears. Very unique. TR
Find one of the most beautiful temples in the world in Nara, Japan. It is the 1,267 year old Todai-ji temple that houses a 15 meter Buddha Vairocana statue who is a cosmic and timeless Buddha. Emperor Shomu who sponsored this beautiful temple eventually abdicated and ordained as a Buddhist monk. Very interesting history and story. One of the places everyone should visit- https://bit.ly/2VgsHhK
5 years ago
Find one of the most beautiful temples in the world in Nara, Japan. It is the 1,267 year old Todai-ji temple that houses a 15 meter Buddha Vairocana statue who is a cosmic and timeless Buddha. Emperor Shomu who sponsored this beautiful temple eventually abdicated and ordained as a Buddhist monk. Very interesting history and story. One of the places everyone should visit- https://bit.ly/2VgsHhK
Manjusri Kumara (bodhisattva of wisdom), India, Pala dynesty, 9th century, stone, Honolulu Academy of Arts
5 years ago
Manjusri Kumara (bodhisattva of wisdom), India, Pala dynesty, 9th century, stone, Honolulu Academy of Arts
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  • Pig puts his toys away
    4 years ago
    Pig puts his toys away
    Animals are so intelligent. They can feel happiness, joy, pain, sorrow, just like humans. Always show kindness to them. Always show kindness to everyone.
  • Always be kind to animals-They deserve to live just like us.
    5 years ago
    Always be kind to animals-They deserve to live just like us.
    Whales and dolphins playing with each other in the Pacific sea. Nature is truly incredible!
  • Bodha stupa July 2019-
    5 years ago
    Bodha stupa July 2019-
    Rainy period
  • Cute Tara girl having a snack. She is one of Kechara Forest Retreat’s resident doggies.
    5 years ago
    Cute Tara girl having a snack. She is one of Kechara Forest Retreat’s resident doggies.
  • Your Next Meal!
    5 years ago
    Your Next Meal!
    Yummy? Tasty? Behind the scenes of the meat on your plates. Meat is a killing industry.
  • This is Daw
    5 years ago
    This is Daw
    This is what they do to get meat on tables, and to produce belts and jackets. Think twice before your next purchase.
  • Don’t Take My Mummy Away!
    5 years ago
    Don’t Take My Mummy Away!
    Look at the poor baby chasing after the mother. Why do we do that to them? It's time to seriously think about our choices in life and how they affect others. Be kind. Don't break up families.
  • They do this every day!
    5 years ago
    They do this every day!
    This is how they are being treated every day of their lives. Please do something to stop the brutality. Listen to their cries for help!
  • What happened at Fair Oaks Farm?
    5 years ago
    What happened at Fair Oaks Farm?
    The largest undercover dairy investigation of all time. See what they found out at Fair Oaks Farm.
  • She’s going to spend her whole life here without being able to move correctly. Like a machine. They are the slaves of the people and are viewed as a product. It’s immoral. Billions of terrestrial animals die annually. Billions. You can’t even imagine it. And all that because people don’t want to give up meat, even though there are so many alternatives. ~ Gabriel Azimov
    5 years ago
    She’s going to spend her whole life here without being able to move correctly. Like a machine. They are the slaves of the people and are viewed as a product. It’s immoral. Billions of terrestrial animals die annually. Billions. You can’t even imagine it. And all that because people don’t want to give up meat, even though there are so many alternatives. ~ Gabriel Azimov
  • Our Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir speaks so well, logically and regarding our country’s collaboration with China for growth. It is refreshing to listen to Dr. Mahathir’s thoughts. He said our country can look to China for many more things such as technology and so on. Tsem Rinpoche
    5 years ago
    Our Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir speaks so well, logically and regarding our country’s collaboration with China for growth. It is refreshing to listen to Dr. Mahathir’s thoughts. He said our country can look to China for many more things such as technology and so on. Tsem Rinpoche
  • This is the first time His Holiness Dalai Lama mentions he had some very serious illness. Very worrying. This video is captured April 2019.
    5 years ago
    This is the first time His Holiness Dalai Lama mentions he had some very serious illness. Very worrying. This video is captured April 2019.
  • Beautiful Monastery in Hong Kong
    5 years ago
    Beautiful Monastery in Hong Kong
  • This dog thanks his hero in such a touching way. Tsem Rinpoche
    5 years ago
    This dog thanks his hero in such a touching way. Tsem Rinpoche
  • Join Tsem Rinpoche in prayer for H.H. Dalai Lama’s long life~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYy7JcveikU&feature=youtu.be
    5 years ago
    Join Tsem Rinpoche in prayer for H.H. Dalai Lama’s long life~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYy7JcveikU&feature=youtu.be
  • These people going on pilgrimage to a holy mountain and prostrating out of devotion and for pilgrimage in Tibet. Such determination for spiritual practice. Tsem Rinpoche
    5 years ago
    These people going on pilgrimage to a holy mountain and prostrating out of devotion and for pilgrimage in Tibet. Such determination for spiritual practice. Tsem Rinpoche
  • Beautiful new casing in Kechara for Vajra Yogini. Tsem Rinpoche
    5 years ago
    Beautiful new casing in Kechara for Vajra Yogini. Tsem Rinpoche
  • Get ready to laugh real hard. This is Kechara’s version of “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane!” We have some real talents in this video clip.
    5 years ago
    Get ready to laugh real hard. This is Kechara’s version of “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane!” We have some real talents in this video clip.
  • Recitation of Dorje Dermo‘s mantra or the Dharani of Glorious Vajra Claws. This powerful mantra is meant to destroy all obstacles that come in our way. Beneficial to play this mantra in our environments.
    5 years ago
    Recitation of Dorje Dermo‘s mantra or the Dharani of Glorious Vajra Claws. This powerful mantra is meant to destroy all obstacles that come in our way. Beneficial to play this mantra in our environments.
  • Beautiful
    5 years ago
    Beautiful
    Beautiful sacred Severed Head Vajra Yogini from Tsem Rinpoche's personal shrine.
  • My little monster cute babies Dharma and Oser. Take a look and get a cute attack for the day! Tsem Rinpoche
    5 years ago
    My little monster cute babies Dharma and Oser. Take a look and get a cute attack for the day! Tsem Rinpoche
  • Plse watch this short video and see how all sentient beings are capable of tenderness and love. We should never hurt animals nor should we eat them. Tsem Rinpoche
    5 years ago
    Plse watch this short video and see how all sentient beings are capable of tenderness and love. We should never hurt animals nor should we eat them. Tsem Rinpoche
  • Cruelty of some people have no limits and it’s heartbreaking. Being kind cost nothing. Tsem Rinpoche
    5 years ago
    Cruelty of some people have no limits and it’s heartbreaking. Being kind cost nothing. Tsem Rinpoche
  • SUPER ADORABLE and must see
    5 years ago
    SUPER ADORABLE and must see
    Tsem Rinpoche's dog Oser girl enjoying her snack in her play pen.
  • Cute!
    5 years ago
    Cute!
    Oser girl loves the balcony so much. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTcoWpKJm2c
  • Uncle Wong
    5 years ago
    Uncle Wong
    We were told by Uncle Wong he is very faithful toward Dorje Shugden. Dorje Shugden has extended help to him on several occasions and now Uncle Wong comes daily to make incense offerings to Dorje Shugden. He is grateful towards the help he was given.
  • Tsem Rinpoche’s Schnauzer Dharma boy fights Robot sphere from Arkonide!
    5 years ago
    Tsem Rinpoche’s Schnauzer Dharma boy fights Robot sphere from Arkonide!
  • Cute baby owl found and rescued
    5 years ago
    Cute baby owl found and rescued
    We rescued a lost baby owl in Kechara Forest Retreat.
  • Nice cups from Kechara!!
    5 years ago
    Nice cups from Kechara!!
    Dorje Shugden people's lives matter!
  • Enjoy a peaceful morning at Kechara Forest Retreat
    5 years ago
    Enjoy a peaceful morning at Kechara Forest Retreat
    Chirping birds and other forest animals create a joyful melody at the Vajrayogini stupa in Kechara Forest Retreat (Bentong, Malaysia).
  • This topic is so hot in many circles right now.
    6 years ago
    This topic is so hot in many circles right now.
    This video is thought-provoking and very interesting. Watch! Thanks so much to our friends at LIVEKINDLY.
  • Chiropractic CHANGES LIFE for teenager with acute PAIN & DEAD LEG.
    6 years ago
    Chiropractic CHANGES LIFE for teenager with acute PAIN & DEAD LEG.
  • BEAUTIFUL PLACE IN NEW YORK STATE-AMAZING.
    6 years ago
    BEAUTIFUL PLACE IN NEW YORK STATE-AMAZING.
  • Leonardo DiCaprio takes on the meat Industry with real action.
    6 years ago
    Leonardo DiCaprio takes on the meat Industry with real action.
  • Do psychic mediums have messages from beyond?
    6 years ago
    Do psychic mediums have messages from beyond?
  • Lovely gift for my 52nd Birthday. Tsem Rinpoche
    6 years ago
    Lovely gift for my 52nd Birthday. Tsem Rinpoche
  • This 59-year-old chimpanzee was refusing food and ready to die until...
    6 years ago
    This 59-year-old chimpanzee was refusing food and ready to die until...
    she received “one last visit from an old friend” 💔💔
  • Bigfoot sighted again and made it to the news.
    6 years ago
    Bigfoot sighted again and made it to the news.
  • Casper is such a cute and adorable. I like him.
    6 years ago
    Casper is such a cute and adorable. I like him.
  • Dorje Shugden Monastery Amarbayasgalant  Mongolia's Ancient Hidden Gem
    6 years ago
    Dorje Shugden Monastery Amarbayasgalant Mongolia's Ancient Hidden Gem
  • Don't you love Hamburgers? See how 'delicious' it is here!
    6 years ago
    Don't you love Hamburgers? See how 'delicious' it is here!
  • Such a beautiful and powerful message from a person who knows the meaning of life. Tsem Rinpoche
    6 years ago
    Such a beautiful and powerful message from a person who knows the meaning of life. Tsem Rinpoche
  • What the meat industry figured out is that you don't need healthy animals to make a profit.
    6 years ago
    What the meat industry figured out is that you don't need healthy animals to make a profit.
    Sick animals are more profitable... farms calculate how close to death they can keep animals without killing them. That's the business model. How quickly they can be made to grow, how tightly they can be packed, how much or how little can they eat, how sick they can get without dying... We live in a world in which it's conventional to treat an animal like a block of wood. ~ Jonathan Safran Foer
  • This video went viral and it's a must watch!!
    6 years ago
    This video went viral and it's a must watch!!
  • SEE HOW THIS ANIMAL SERIAL KILLER HAS NO ISSUE BLUDGEONING THIS DEFENSELESS BEING.
    6 years ago
    SEE HOW THIS ANIMAL SERIAL KILLER HAS NO ISSUE BLUDGEONING THIS DEFENSELESS BEING.
    This happens daily in slaughterhouse so you can get your pork and Bak ku teh. Stop eating meat.

ASK A PASTOR


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

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

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CHAT PICTURES

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