Anagarika Dharmapala: The Revered Buddhist Revivalist

By | Feb 19, 2018 | Views: 3,964

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(By Tsem Rinpoche and Pastor Adeline)

Formerly known as David Hewavitharne, Anagarika Dharmapala (Sinhalese: අනගාරික ධර්මපාල) of Sri Lanka was one of the most revered Buddhist revivalists and writers of the 20th Century. He was well known as a significant reformer of Buddhism in Sri Lanka as well as one of the founding fathers of non-violent Sinhalese Buddhist nationalism. He was also one of the pioneers who revived Buddhism in India after it had been completely destroyed there, and the first Buddhist to preach the Dharma in Asia, Europe, and North America in modern times.

Together with Madame Helena Petrovna Blavatsky and Colonel Henry Steel Olcott, Anagarika Dharmapala (henceforth referred to as Dharmapala) played a crucial role in the transmission of Sri Lankan Buddhism to the West. He also inspired a mass movement of South Indian Dalits, including the Tamils, to embrace Buddhism ahead of B.R. Ambedkar.

Dharmapala founded the Maha Bodhi Society of India in 1891, spoke at the 1893 World’s Parliament of Religions, and restored many sacred Buddhist monasteries and temples. In the latter stages of his life, he entered the order of Buddhist Sangha and was known as Venerable Sri Devamitta Dharmapala.

The Theosophists of 1893. Anagarika Dharmapala is seated on the front left.

The Theosophists of 1893. Anagarika Dharmapala is seated on the front left.

 

Early Life

On 17 September 1864, the leading light of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist Renaissance Movement, who was destined to spur on the people of Sri Lanka, was born into the Hewavitharne family, a rich and influential devout Buddhist family in Matara, Colombo. His father, Don Carolis Hewavitharne of Hiththetiya, was the owner of a furniture shop and his mother, Mallika Dharmagunawardhana, was the daughter of the richest merchant of Ceylon at the time, Andiris Perera Dharmagunawardhana. His given name was Don David Hewavitharne and his two younger brothers were Dr Charles Alwis Hewavitharne and Edmund Hewavitharne. Sri Lanka at that time was known as Ceylon, a British colony, and so the three brothers were educated according to the English schooling system. Dharmapala attended Christian College in Kotte; St Benedict’s College in Kotahena; St Thomas’ College in Mutwal and the Colombo Academy (Royal College).

Don Carolis Hewavitharne and Mallika Dharmagunawardhana

Anagarika Dharmapala’s parents, Don Carolis Hewavitharne and Mallika Dharmagunawardhana

Although educated in Christian schools, Dharmapala’s ideas were shaped by and conformed with the Buddhist way of life. In 1874, when he was only 10 years old, he attended a great debate between the Buddhist monks Venerable Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thera and Migettuwatte Sri Gunananda Thera, and Christian missionaries in Ceylon. Sometime later, the Founders of the Theosophical Society, Madame Blavatsky and Colonel Olcott, heard about the debate and wrote to the monks to inform them that they would travel to Ceylon to help with the Buddhist cause in the interest of universal brotherhood. Dharmapala wrote:

“The letters from Colonel Olcott and Madame Blavatsky were translated into Sinhalese and widely distributed. My heart warmed towards these two strangers, so far away and yet so sympathetic, and I made up my mind that, when they came to Ceylon, I would join them.

They did come to Colombo a few years later, when I was sixteen. The Buddhists entertained them royally. I remember going up to greet them. The moment I touched their hands, I felt overjoyed. The desire for universal brotherhood, for all the things they wanted for humanity, struck a responsive chord in me. I began to read their magazine… I pondered on the conversations I had had with the two Theosophists. I made up my mind not to entangle myself in the net of worldly desires. I would endeavour from then on to devote my life to the welfare of others. Exactly how I was to carry out my resolve, I was not certain, but I felt that somehow the way would be found in the writings of Madame Blavatsky.”

Source: The Esoteric World of Madame Blavatsky, by Daniel H Caldwell

 

Spiritual Imprints

It was in 1875 in New York that Madame Blavatsky and Colonel Olcott founded the Theosophical Society. Both were very sympathetic to what they understood about Buddhism and even declared themselves to be Buddhists. They even took Buddhist refuge vows and precepts from a prominent Sinhalese bhikkhu in 1880 when they arrived in Ceylon. It was at this time that the 16-year-old Dharmapala had the opportunity to meet them, an event that drew him into a life of religious dedication.

Madame Helena Petrovna Blavatsky and Colonel Henry Steel Olcott

Madame Helena Petrovna Blavatsky and Colonel Henry Steel Olcott

Three years later in 1883, the 19-year-old Dharmapala had already mastered the foundations of Christian theology and knew more than half of the Bible by heart. Dharmapala used this knowledge to highlight the hypocrisy he perceived in his missionary instructors. That year, a mob of Sri Lankan Catholics attacked a Buddhist procession, which prompted him to leave school. It was then that he turned his intellectual pursuits to Buddhism instead. Not long after that, he found himself studying under the two great and influential Buddhist leaders of the time, Venerable Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thera and Migettuwatte Sri Gunananda Thera. As a result, he developed great devotion towards Buddhist monks and this can be seen in one of his autobiographical notes, where he states:

“In contrast to my wine-drinking, meat-eating, and pleasure-loving missionary teachers, the Bhikkhus were meek and abstemious. I loved their company and would sit quietly in a corner and listen to their wise discourse, even when it was far above my head.”

Source: The Bible and Asia, by R. S. Sugirtharajah

Dharmapala began to read The Theosophist and other Theosophical books and, over time, became even more attracted to the works of Madame Blavatsky. On 3 February 1884, during Colonel Olcott’s visit to Ceylon, he signed the young Dharmapala up as a member of the Theosophical Society. In December that same year, the young Dharmapala was asked to travel to Chennai to assist with Madame Blavatsky and Colonel Olcott’s work. When his father refused, Dharmapala recounted:

“Madame Blavatsky faced the priests and my united family. She was a wonderful woman, with energy and will-power that pushed aside all obstacles. She said, ‘That boy will die if you do not let him go. I will take him with me anyway.'”

Source: The Biographical Process: Studies in the History and Psychology of Religion, by Frank E. Reynolds and Donald Capps

Indeed, Madame Blavatsky took Dharmapala to Adyar, Chennai in India without his father’s permission. Once, when he was in Adyar, he expressed his willingness to devote his life to the Theosophical cause. Instead, Madame Blavatsky advised him to learn Pali and work for the welfare of humanity. She told him not to take up the study of occultism.

Upon returning from India, he lived at the Theosophical Society Headquarters. Two years after that, in 1886, when Colonel Olcott and C.W. Leadbeater travelled to Ceylon, Dharmapala was working as a junior clerk and had already acquired a sound knowledge of the English, Sinhalese and Pali languages. In addition, he had also mastered the Buddhist scriptures.

Not long after, Dharmapala accompanied Colonel Olcott and Leadbeater on their tour throughout Ceylon, dedicating his time towards the welfare of Buddhism and the Theosophical Society. By that time, Dharmapala had his parents and uncle all working alongside Colonel Olcott to revive Buddhism, including introducing the Buddhist flag as a unifying symbol, and supporting Buddhist schools.

In 1889, Dharmapala travelled to Japan with Colonel Olcott in an effort to create an ecumenical “International Buddhist League”. From Japan, they travelled to Singapore, Hong Kong, Saigon, and Shanghai. The trip was hard on Dharmapala’s health. When winter hit Japan that year, Dharmapala had to be hospitalised due to severe rheumatism. After returning to South Asia, Dharmapala and Colonel Olcott established the Maha Bodhi Society in 1891. The trip to Bodhgaya was inspired by an earlier visit there in 1885 by Sir Edwin Arnold, the author of ‘The Light of Asia’. In accordance with the advice of Weligama Sri Sumangala Thera, Sir Edwin had advocated for the renovation of the site and its return to Buddhist care. Dharmapala resolved to restore Bodhgaya to its former status as a Buddhist holy site and began an international campaign that was to last until his death in 1933.

Sir Edwin Arnold, author of ‘The Light of Asia’

Sir Edwin Arnold, the author of ‘The Light of Asia

 

Buddhist Revival

Colonel Olcott was very devoted to the Buddhist education cause in Ceylon, and made countless trips there. As a result, he eventually set up more than 300 Buddhist schools in the country, some of which are still in existence today. It was during this period that David Hewavitharne decided to change his name to Anagarika Dharmapala. In Pali, Anagarika means ‘homeless one’ while Dharmapala means ‘Dharma Protector‘. An Anagarika is a midway status between an ordained member of the Sangha and a layperson.

In accordance with Buddhist practice at that time, Dharmapala took the Eight Precepts (to refrain from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, wrong speech, intoxicating substances, eating after noon, entertainment and fashion, and sleeping on luxurious beds), making these commitments for life. These Eight Precepts were commonly observed by Ceylonese laypersons on days of observance but not for life. Dharmapala was the first anagarika who was celibate and a full-time Dharma worker in modern times. It is said that he actually took the vows of celibacy when he was eight years old, and held them all his life.

Anagarika Dharmapala

Anagarika Dharmapala

After he changed his name and took his vows, he changed his attire to a yellow robe that was not of the traditional bhikkhu pattern, and kept his hair. Having renounced the wealth, position and comforts of secular life, Dharmapala began his spiritual work, travelling around the world and becoming a role model for lay activism among modern Buddhists. He is also viewed as a Bodhisattva in Ceylon.

Dharmapala’s commitment to a spiritual life was exemplified by his application to Helena Petrovna Blavatsky’s School of Discipleship, the Esoteric Section of the Theosophical Society, on 4 January 1891. Dharmapala marked this date in his diary as the day he began a new life. On 3 March 1891, his certificate of admission arrived with a letter from Bertram Keightley, Madame Blavatsky’s representative at the esoteric school in India, which stated:

“Your progress and development will be determined by the quantity and quality of the work you do for the Theosophical Society and the Masters, and your future status in the school will solely depend thereon.”

Source: http://theosophy.wiki/w-en/index.php?title=Anagarika_Dharmapala

On 8 May 1891, Madame Blavatsky passed away in London and Dharmapala marked her passing in his diary with the poignant words, “My beloved teacher is no more.

Dharmapala journeyed to remote villages in Ceylon to see for himself how the handicapped and local villagers were forced to suffer without proper roads, houses, schools and hospitals. Not long after, he became convinced that the greatness of a nation depended solely on the happiness and contentment of its rural folk. To Dharmapala, it was a fact. He dreamed of the day when Ceylon would gain independence, in order to breathe life back into local religion and the pristine glory of the Sinhala race. It was for these ends that Dharmapala served the Dharma in many ways. The most outstanding was the active part he played in reviving Buddhism in Ceylon and his contribution to the nationalist movement. He campaigned for these causes amidst tremendous difficulties without giving up.

In 1893, Colonel Olcott sponsored Dharmapala’s invitation to attend the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago as a speaker representing Theravada Buddhism. With his erudite knowledge of the Dharma, Dharmapala and the Japanese Zen master Soyen Shaku inspired the first wave of interest in Buddhism amongst European-Americans. Dharmapala also gave lectures at the Parliament and during the Theosophical Congress, which was held around the same time.

The 1893 World’s Parliament of Religions held on the shore of Lake Michigan, Chicago, was the largest and most spectacular event among many other congresses in the World’s Columbian Exposition.

The 1893 World’s Parliament of Religions held on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago, was the largest and most spectacular event among many other congresses in the World’s Columbian Exposition.

A description of Dharmapala was published in the St. Louis Observer on his memorable presentation at the 1893 World’s Parliament of Religions:

“With black curly locks thrown from his broad brow, his clean, clear eyes fixed upon the audience, his long, brown fingers emphasising the utterances of his vibrant voice, he looked the very image of a propagandist, and one trembled to know that such a figure stood at the head of the movement to consolidate all the disciples of Buddha and to spread the light of Asia throughout the world.”

Source: Buddhist Faith in America, by Michael Burgan, J. Gordon Melton

Dharmapala sailed to England a month before the Congress in July and was warmly greeted by Sir Edwin Arnold, C.W. Leadbeater, Bertram Keightley, and the young C. Jinarajadasa. Sir Edwin hosted Dharmapala in his house and when he journeyed to London, he stayed with Annie Besant. Mrs. Besant was furious to discover that he planned to travel by third class to New York, and so she upgraded him to first class instead. Dharmapala and Mrs. Besant arrived in the United States on September 2, after which Dharmapala continued to Chicago by train.

Dharmapala with Colonel Olcott and Annie Besant at 1893 Congress

Dharmapala with Colonel Olcott and Annie Besant at the 1893 Theosophical Congress

After the Congress, he spoke about “The World’s Debt to Buddha” and “Buddhism and Christianity” at the Parliament and both talks captivated people’s attention. Dharmapala skilfully ignited a desire to learn more about Buddhism amongst Western audiences, and his talks included references to science, Christianity and the European Enlightenment. He explained that the Buddha had denied the existence of a creator, and told his audience that science was preparing Western minds for Buddhist teachings. He remarked:

“Accepting the doctrine of evolution as the only true one, with its corollary, the law of cause and effect, he condemns the idea of a creator and strictly forbids inquiry into it as being useless.”

Dharmapala also added that Buddhism was “a comprehensive system of ethics and a transcendental metaphysics embracing a sublime psychology.” During the two-day congress organised by the Theosophical Society, Dharmapala was the appointed representative of the Ceylon Section of the organisation. He spoke twice, with 4,000 people present for his second talk, and gave a general presentation of Theosophy. His opening words were:

“Brothers and Sisters — A philosophical exposition of this grand subject of Theosophy is not within my province. Abler minds are here to give a Theosophic exposition of that beautiful subject. I am here as a Buddhist. I come to attend the religious Congress as such; but I am here to-day to express my deepest sympathy, my deepest, I should say, allegiance to the Theosophic cause, simply because it made me respect my own religion. And now look: there are Brahmans here on this platform, and here are my sweet sister, Mrs. Muller, and my brother Chakravarti, one a Brahman and the other a Christian, and by the study of Theosophy she loves it just now more than she used to do.”

Source: Dawn of Religious Pluralism: Voices From the World’s Parliament of Religions, 1893. Edited by Richard Hughes Seager.

Dharmapala brought the teachings of the Buddha to the Western world in a manner like never before through his talks. Needless to say, his work in America brought him international recognition and he made a deep impression on his Chicago hosts:

“No one who saw him then could ever forget the noble and Christ like beauty of the noted Sinhalese Buddhist and friend of H.P.B., Dharmapala. Tall and almost luminously ascetic, robed classically in spotless white, he was a lodestone to the throngs who swarmed into those meetings. Merely to look at him was a revelation of character and spiritual attainment.”

Leoline Leonard Wright, “Vignettes from the World’s Congress of Religions”

In a well-attended public ceremony in Chicago, he led the first American to accept Buddhism. It was held under the auspices of the Theosophical Society. The individual was Mr. C.T. Strauss, a Jewish haberdasher and member of the Theosophical Society delegation, who would later become an author and leading expositor of Buddhism in the West. Dharmapala visited Brooklyn, New York after Chicago where he met more members of the Society, attended some meetings, and gave a talk at the Aryan Theosophical Society. He also visited San Francisco on his way back home where he met more members of the Theosophical Society and gave them a public lecture that resulted in favourable comments in the West Coast newspaper.

Mary Elizabeth Mikahala Robinson Foster

Mary Elizabeth Mikahala Robinson Foster

Dharmapala made a good impression on the people he met and was described as a person of “gentleness, sincerity, and devotion”. When he stopped by Honolulu, the Hawaiian Theosophists greeted him warmly. There he met Mary E. Foster, a descendant of King Kamehameha, who later became a major donor to his causes. She had emotional problems and Dharmapala counselled her using Buddhist techniques. In return, she granted him an enormous donation of over one million rupees (equivalent to over $2.7 million as of 2010, but worth much more due to lower costs of goods and services in India).

At the World’s Parliament of Religions, Dharmapala also encountered important people in his life such as D.T. Suzuki, a brilliant Japanese scholar who was married to Theosophist Beatrice Lane Suzuki, and Dr. Paul Carus of the Open Court Publishing Company. He also became very friendly with Swami Vivekananda, and had great praise for the swami’s impact at the Parliament.

Dharmapala returned to America in 1896, invited by Dr. Paul Carus and again in 1902-1904, where he travelled and taught widely. He was in demand as a speaker, particularly after his notable performance in Chicago in 1893. During his 1896-1897 trip and subsequent visits to the US, he gave lectures to both Buddhists and Theosophists. Chicago Branch members wrote in December 1896:

“The last few months we have had the advantage of having with us three ‘wise men from the East’, the well-known Buddhist bhikshu, Anagarika H. Dharmapala, Virchand Ghandi, B.A., and Saalan, who are instructing us in Hindu philosophy, etc. and have been giving Sunday evening lectures on lines practically identical with Theosophical teachings.”

Source: http://theosophy.wiki/w-en/index.php?title=Anagarika_Dharmapala

On 30 October 1896, Dharmapala responded to a request by Dr. J.D. Buck to schedule a lecture, stating:

“I have received your kind note. I am sorry I have engagements accepted all through November. Early December I may or may not remain in Chicago.

You ask me “What would your price or terms be?” A follower of Buddha charges no price; he gives freely and abundantly. He lives for the world and works without expecting reward of any kind. Wherever I am asked to go, I go.

Source: http://theosophy.wiki/w-en/index.php?title=Anagarika_Dharmapala

During a visit to Boston in December 1903, Dharmapala attended a class by William James, a well-known American philosopher and psychologist, at Harvard University.

“I tried unobtrusively to reach the back of the lecture-hall to hear the great teacher of psychology, but it is difficult for a man in a yellow robe to be inconspicuous in America. Professor James saw me and motioned for me to come to the front of the hall. He said: ‘Take my chair, and I shall sit with my students. You are better equipped to lecture on psychology than I am.’ After I had outlined to his advanced class some elements of Buddhist doctrine, he turned to his students and said, ‘This is the psychology everybody will be studying twenty-five years from now.'”

Source: The Uses of Variety: Modern Americanism and the Quest for National Distinctiveness, by Carrie Tirado Bramen

In addition, Dharmapala’s portrait was featured as the frontispiece of The Chicago Vegetarian during his stay in that city. His article ‘The Best Food for Man’ was also printed in the work.

Dharmapala eventually separated from Colonel Olcott and the Theosophists because of the Colonel’s stance on universal religion. As pointed out by scholar David McMahan:

“One of the important factors in his rejection of theosophy centred on this issue of universalism; the price of Buddhism being assimilated into a non-Buddhist model of truth was ultimately too high for him.”

Source: The Making of Buddhist Modernism, by David L. McMahan

Dharmapala also stated that Theosophy was “only consolidating Krishna worship. To say that all religions have a common foundation only shows the ignorance of the speaker; Dharma alone is supreme to the Buddhist.”

At the same time, the differences between Colonel Olcott and Dharmapala seemed to be about their priorities. Colonel Olcott’s first priority was to spread Buddhist teachings, while Dharmapala prioritised the struggle to regain control of the temple at Bodhgaya, the sacred site where Lord Buddha Shakyamuni attained enlightenment, which at the time was under the control of a Hindu sect.

This rift grew further and resulted in Colonel Olcott’s resignation from the Maha Bodhi Society and Dharmapala’s resignation from the Theosophical Society in 1905. However, Dharmapala always held a connection with Madame Blavatsky’s teachings. In July 1925, he wrote to Christmas Humphreys saying that Madame Blavatsky was “the messenger of the Masters of Trans-Himalayan Lodge” and that he was a member of the Blavatsky Association in London. He said he wished “to see through it the spread of such teachings as were given by H.P.B. as she received them from the Masters” and added he thought there were “quite a number of Theosophists who were inclined towards the Buddha Dhamma.”

 

Religious Contributions

An English Letter Written By Srimath Anagarika Dharmapala in 23rd June 1902 to a Friend in Japan

A letter written by Anagarika Dharmapala in English to a friend in Japan, dated June 23, 1902

Dharmapala was fearless in his manner, independent in spirit, and his dynamic personality shone forth radiant energy which enthralled both national and international audiences. Wherever he went, large crowds assembled and listened to him with rapt attention. His vibrant voice resonated and inspired listeners with its magical effects. His masterful oratory spread across the country calling for Buddhist resurgence, Buddhist unity and national awareness.

He was at the forefront of national and Buddhist movements for 47 years. His weekly publication, Sinhala Bauddhaya, was a powerful organ of Buddhist opinion, which guided and inspired the nation’s religious and national campaigns. Besides these, he addressed thousands of meetings and published numerous articles in national and international journals. Whenever he wrote, he was a force to be reckoned with. However, Dharmapala’s personal correspondence shows his true form – warm and genial in friendship and devastatingly critical of himself.

Sir Edwin Arnold, author of ‘The Light of Asia’, had previously published articles in the Telegraph in 1885 that drew attention to the Bodhgaya Temple. At the time, it had been abandoned and was in deplorable condition. In January 1891, accompanied by the Japanese priest Kozen Gunaratna, Dharmapala embarked on a pilgrimage in 1891 to the recently restored Maha Bodhi Temple at Bodhgaya, India where Siddhartha Gautama – the Buddha – had attained Enlightenment.

He was shocked to discover the temple in the hands of a Saivite priest, the Buddha’s image transformed into a Hindu icon, and Buddhists barred from worship. Spurred on by Sir Edwin Arnold’s writings, he developed a strong urge to take action and began a movement of non-violent agitation. He wrote in his diary:

“As soon as I touched with my forehead on the Vajrasana a sudden impulse came to my mind. It prompted me to stop here and take care of this sacred spot so sacred that nothing in this world is equal to this place where Prince Sakyasinha gained Enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree.”

Source: http://theosophy.wiki/w-en/index.php?title=Anagarika_Dharmapala

Statue of Anagarika Dharmapala in Kolkata College Square

Statue of Anagarika Dharmapala in Kolkata College Square

The Maha Bodhi Society at Colombo was founded on 31 May 1891. The High Priest of Ceylon, H. Sumangala, became President, Colonel Olcott was Director and Chief Advisor, and Dharmapala was General Secretary. The new Society solicited contributions to maintain a staff at the site, and convened an International Buddhist conference at Bodhgaya in October 1891. The following year, its offices were established in Calcutta (now Kolkata) and a journal, ‘The Maha Bodhi’ began publication in 1892, with Dharmapala serving as its editor for many years.

One of the Maha Bodhi Society’s primary aims was the restoration of Buddhist control at Bodhgaya’s Maha Bodhi Temple, the chief of the four ancient Buddhist holy sites. To accomplish this, Dharmapala initiated a lawsuit against the Brahmin priests who had controlled the site for centuries.

After a protracted struggle, his battle was successful only after Indian Independence (1947) and 16 years after Dharmapala’s passing (1933), with the partial restoration of the site to the management of the Maha Bodhi Society in 1949. It was then that the temple management of Bodhgaya was entrusted to a committee comprised of equal numbers of Hindus and Buddhists. A statue of Anagarika Dharmapala was erected in College Square near the Kolkata Maha Bodhi Society in recognition of his life and works.

Anagarika Dharmapala (seated-centre) at the Mahabodhi Society Headquarters in Calcutta

Anagarika Dharmapala (seated-centre) at the Mahabodhi Society Headquarters in Calcutta

While living in England in 1893, Dharmapala contacted William Rhys Davids, founder of the Pali Text Society, for advice about the temple. Over the course of a number of years, the Maha Bodhi Society succeeded in restoring the ancient Buddhist shrines at Bodhgaya, Sarnath and Kushinagar. Substantial donations by Hawaiian Theosophist Mary E. Foster facilitated this work.

The Society was effective in raising awareness of the Buddhist heritage of India and Ceylon, and increasing the knowledge of Buddhism in the Western world. During his years with the Society, Dharmapala established Upasana Centres, libraries, schools, colleges, orphanages and hospitals in India and Sri Lanka to serve the general public. He was also a strong advocate of independence in both India and Sri Lanka.

The Maha Bodhi Society of India continues to this day in Kolkata, and related organisations have been established in Bangalore, Chennai, Colombo and elsewhere. Maha Bodhi Society centres were set up in various Indian cities and have successfully raised awareness of Buddhism amongst the Indian people. As a result, many educated Indians of all castes in South India have become Buddhists. Due to Dharmapala’s efforts, Kushinagar, the site of the Buddha’s parinirvana once again became a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists, as it had been many centuries ago.

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Dharmapala, Science, and Protestant Buddhism

Coined by scholar Gananath Obeyesekere, the term ‘Protestant Buddhism’ is often applied to Dharmapala’s form of Buddhism. It is protestant in two ways:

  1. It is influenced by Protestant ideals such as freedom of conscience, freedom from religious institutions, and focus on the individual’s internal experiences.
  2. It is in itself a protest against claims of Christian superiority, colonialism, and Christian missionary work aimed to weaken Buddhism.

“Its salient characteristic is the importance it assigns to the laity,” according to Gananath Obeyesekere. It arose among the new, literate middle class centred in Colombo.

The term ‘Buddhist modernism’ is used to describe forms of Buddhism that suit the modern world, usually influenced by the European Enlightenment, often adapted by Asian Buddhists as a counter to claims of European or Christian superiority. Buddhist modernists only emphasise certain aspects of traditional Buddhism. Some of the characteristics of Buddhist modernism include:

  1. Importance of the laity as opposed to the ordained Sangha;
  2. Emphasis on spontaneity, creativity, and intuition;
  3. Consistency with (and in anticipation of) modern science;
  4. Rationality and de-emphasis of supernatural and mythological aspects;
  5. Democratic, anti-institutional character; emphasis on meditation over devotional and ceremonial actions.

Dharmapala matches these descriptions, and is an excellent example of an Asian Buddhist modernist, perhaps also a paradigmatic example of Protestant Buddhism. He was particularly concerned with presenting Buddhism as consistent with science, especially with the theory of evolution.

 

Ancient Monasteries at Sarnath

Venerable Sri Devamitta Dharmapala (Anagarika Dharmapala after entering the order of Buddhist Monks)

Dharmapala was also known as Ven Sri Devamitta Dharmapala

Dharmapala last visited Ceylon again in 1931 when he founded the Anagarika Dharmapala Trust. He entered the holy order of ordained Bhikkus, taking the name Sri Devamitta Dharmapala upon returning to India. He received the higher ordination, ‘Upasampada’ in January 1933.

Dharmapala passed away on 29 April 1933 at Mulagandhakuti Vihara, the Buddhist temple he built at Isipatana, Sarnath, near Benares. It was here that he lived as a monk, and it was also the location where the Buddha had first preached after his Enlightenment.

Dharmapala’s last words were:

“Let me die soon. Let me be reborn. I can no longer prolong my agony, I would like to be born again twenty-five times to spread the Buddha Dhamma.”

Source: http://theosophy.wiki/w-en/index.php?title=Anagarika_Dharmapala

 

Survey of Writings

Most of Dharmapala’s works are collected in ‘Return to Righteousness: A Collection of Speeches, Essays, and Letters of the Anagarika Dharmapala’, edited by Ananda Guruge of the Colombo Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs, and published in 1965.

As the founder and editor of the journal of the Maha Bodhi Society for many years, Dharmapala regularly submitted articles to popular newspapers such as The Buddhist and Sinhala Bauddhaya to advise people on how to lead a pious and meritorious life.

His writings can also be found in early Theosophical journals while The Union Index of Theosophical Periodicals lists several articles by or about Dharmapala. Apart from that, he also wrote many other books and pamphlets. Many of Dharmapala’s works are available in Sinhalese. Below are his English-language publications in chronological order:

 

Downloadable Books

 

The World’s Debt to Buddha (1893)

worldsdebtbuddha

This paper was read to a crowded session of the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago on 18 September 1893. During this early stage of his career, Dharmapala’s main concern was to make Buddhism palatable to his Western audience. This talk is full of references to science, the European Enlightenment, and Christianity.

While presenting Buddhism in these familiar terms, he also hinted that it was superior to any philosophy of the West. In addition, he spent considerable time discussing the ideal Buddhist polity under Asoka and the Buddha’s ethics for laypeople.

Download Free PDF Version

 
thelifeandteachingsofbuddha

The Life and Teachings of Buddha

  • Published: 1912
  • Publisher: G.A. Natesan & Co (Madras)
  • Language: English

Download Free PDF Version

 
theconstructiveoptimismofbuddhism

The Constructive Optimism of Buddhism (1915)

Buddhism was often portrayed in the West, especially by Christian missionaries, as pessimistic, nihilistic, and passive. One of Dharmapala’s main concerns was to counter such claims, and this concern is especially evident in this essay.

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aryadharmashakyamuni

The Arya Dharma of Sakya Muni, Gautama, Buddha or, The Ethics of Self Discipline

  • Published: 1917
  • Publisher: Maha Bodhi Society (Calcutta)
  • Language: English

Download Free PDF Version

 

Great Sayings of Anagarika Dharmapala

greatsayingsofanagarika

  • Published: 1964
  • Compiled by Bhikshu Sangharakshita and Buddhadasa P. Kirthisinghe
  • Publisher: Buddhist Publication Society (Kandy, Ceylon)
  • Language: English
  • This booklet was published as a tribute to the Birth Centenary of the late Venerable Anagarika Dharmapala. The sayings reproduced here have been collected by Bhikshu Sangharakshita from the Vols. XVI, XIX, XXI, XXIII, XXV, and XXVII of the Maha Bodhi journal. They were first published separately in 1957 by the Maha Bodhi Society of India, Calcutta.

Download Free PDF Version

The texts above were sourced from legitimate book-hosting services offering these texts for free download. They are made available here for purely educational, non-commercial purposes.

 

Other Writings and Lectures

 

The Kinship between Hinduism and Buddhism

This lecture was delivered in the Town Hall at Calcutta on 24 October 1892.

  • Published: 1893
  • With Henry S. Olcott
  • Publisher: The Maha-Bodhi Society (Calcutta)
  • Language: English

 

History of an Ancient Civilization: Ceylon under British Rule (1902)

  • Published: 1902
  • Language: English
  • Los Angeles

 

The Psychology of Progress, or, The Thirty-Seven Principles of Bodhi

  • Published: 1912
  • Publisher: The Maha-Bodhi Society (Calcutta)
  • Language: English

 

Desire in Buddhism

  • Published: 1917
  • Language: English
  • This is primarily a criticism of the morals of Christian Europe, European colonialism, and Christian missionaries.

 

Buddhism in Its Relationship with Hinduism

  • Published: 1918
  • Publisher: The Maha-Bodhi Society (Calcutta)
  • Language: English

 

Message of the Buddha

  • Published: 1925
  • Language: English
  • In the later stages of his career, Dharmapala’s vociferous anti-Christian tone was more evident. Dharmapala must be understood in the context of British colonisation of Ceylon and the presence of Christian missionaries there. This work is a good example of ‘Protestant Buddhism’ as described above.

 

Evolution from the Standpoint of Buddhism

  • Published: 1926
  • Language: English

 

Basic Buddhism

  • Published: 1945
  • Publisher: All-Ceylon Buddhist Students’ Union (Sydney)
  • Language: English

 

Return to Righteousness, A Collection of Speeches, Essays, and Letters of the Anagarika Dharmapala

  • 1965
  • Edited by Ananda W. P. Guruge
  • Publisher: Anagarika Dharmapala Birth Centenary Committee, Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs (Colombo, Ceylon)
  • Language: English

 

Legacy and Conclusion

Dharmapala, who had nothing but love for his country and religion, had a truly international outlook. He was a colossus who rejected the barriers of race, creed and nationality. His activities were not simply confined to the land of his birth; he inspired men and events of other countries as well. His untiring struggle in India to acquire the holy site of Bodhgaya for the Buddhists is an outstanding example of his principles, which transcended barriers of race and nationality. He went about his onerous tasks with great zeal, and all that he uttered came from a sincere heart burning with patriotism and religious fervour.

AD007

With his enthusiasm and tireless efforts driving his human frame to lengths beyond common endurance, in a noble life dedicated to national and religious causes after seeing the plight his people had fallen into — their religion neglected, their lives dispirited and drifting into something alien and unnatural — Anagarika Dharmapala became an inspiration for his compatriots today.

In 2014, India and Sri Lanka issued postage stamps to mark the 150th anniversary of Dharmapala’s birth. A road has also been named in his honour as ‘Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha’ (Anagarika Dharmapala Street) in Colombo.

 

Anagarika Dharmapala

Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/Anagarika.mp4

 
Sources:

  • http://www.anagarika.dharmapalappa.lk/home_en.htm
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anagarika_Dharmapala
  • http://www.londonbuddhistvihara.org/Dharmapala.htm
  • https://tricycle.org/magazine/anagarika-dharmapala/
  • http://theosophy.wiki/w-en/index.php?title=Anagarika_Dharmapala

 
For more interesting information:

 

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Pastor Adeline Woon
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About Pastor Adeline Woon

Adeline Woon is a Buddhist Pastor and a Sangha-to-be in Kechara who enjoys learning and sharing the Dharma with others. Due to her deep interest in Buddhism from a young age, Adeline enrolled herself into the Dharma Drum University in Taiwan, where she graduated with a Master in Religious Studies in 2012.
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5 Responses to Anagarika Dharmapala: The Revered Buddhist Revivalist

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  1. dutapoker on May 27, 2018 at 6:39 pm

    It’s actually very complicated in this busy life to listen news on TV, thus I just use the web for
    that reason, and take the most recent information.

  2. Anne Ong on Feb 28, 2018 at 10:51 pm

    Inspiring story of this great man, a writer , revivalist named Anagārika Dharmapāla. His thoughts had from very young been shaped by the Buddhist philosophy and way of life.Then being deeply touched and influenced by the 2 founders of the Theosophical Society, he then resolved to live a life of religious dedication. He has dedicated his whole life to national and religious causes. He has left inspiration for many generation till today. Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor Adeline for sharing this inspiring article .??

  3. Pastor Han Nee on Feb 26, 2018 at 5:38 pm

    Anagarika Dharmapala , the great Buddhist revivialist of the 20th century, who blazed the trail for the transmission of Sri Lankan Buddhism to the West, had made up his mind when he was 16 to devote his life to the welfare of others by fully renouncing worldly desires. His thoughts had from very young been shaped by the Buddhist philosophy and way of life.Then being deeply touched and influenced by the 2 founders of the Theosophical Society, he then resolved to live a life of religious dedication.

    At 19 , he turned his attention solely to his intellectual pursuits in Buddhism, after having studied under Christian missionaries up to that point.Then he took the 8 precepts for life, having taken his celibacy vows at the age of 8. Thus began his travels round the world and committment to his role of a lay activist. With his erudite knowledge of the Dharma, he became actively engaged in a series of lectures around the world, but mostly in the West.Because of his unique ability to place Buddhism in the path of science, he was able to convince his western audience that Science was actually preparing Western minds for Buddhist teachings.

    With sheer ingenuity , he spoke as follows:
    “Accepting the doctrine of evolution as the only true one, with its corollary, the law of cause and effect, (the Buddha) condemns the idea of a creator and strictly forbids inquiry into it as being useless.”
    Dharmapala also showed how the
    whole Buddhist ethical system and transcendental metaphysics engendered a powerful “sublime” and comprehensive psychology, making Buddhist psychology work with profound and far -reaching effects.

    He took the western world by storm. In 1903, after he gave a talk at Harvard University, upon the invitation of William James, a well-known American philosopher and psychologist, the professor told his students that ‘This is the psychology everybody will be studying twenty-five years from now”!

    Right to the end, he held that “Dharma alone is supreme to the Buddhists” and cannot be lumped together with the tenets of other religion, as having a common foundation.
    I applaud the single-minded focus of this great being in spreading the unerring truth of the Dharma of Lord Buddha.

    He will also be remembered for saving Bodhgaya for the Buddhists.

  4. Samfoonheei on Feb 24, 2018 at 11:39 am

    Inspiring story of this great man, a writer , revivalist named Anagārika Dharmapāla. He was the first global Sri Lankan Buddhist missionary and a pioneer in the revival of Buddhism in India. He was also one of the founding contributors of non-violent Sinhalese Buddhist nationalism and Buddhism. The saving of Bodhgaya for Buddhists from Hindu fundamentalists is his biggest and most notable contribution by Dharmapala. Bodhgaya is the place where Buddha attained enlightenment. It was Dharmapala that he restored stupas there. If not for Dharmapala, Bodhgaya today would have become a place of Hindu worship , Thousands of pilgrims and tourist from all over the world visits Bodhgaya today, which is one of the most sacred places for Buddhists’s world. He has dedicated his whole life to national and religious causes. He has left inspiration for many generation till today.
    Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor Adeline for sharing this inspiring article .

  5. Stella Cheang on Feb 19, 2018 at 8:30 pm

    The story of Anagarika Dharmapala is inspiring. He contributed to the revival of Buddhism greatly, and I am especially at awe with his work to regain “control” over Bodhgaya’s Maha Bodhi Temple from the Hindu Brahmins, who had controlled the site for centuries. This holy site is the chief of the four ancient Buddhist holy sites that are of utmost importance to Buddhist. Today, the site is entrusted to a committee with equal numbers of Hindu and Buddhist members. Even though the announcement of this outcome came 16 years after Anagarika Dharmapala’s passing, the success was his legacy.

    Anagarika Dharmapala’s intellectuality in Buddhism was not disregarded; he was one of the two speakers who inspired the first wave of interest in Buddhism amongst the heart of European-Americans who were deeply rooted in Christianity during to culture and upbringing. As a learned person, his writings on Buddhism give perspective from a philosophical, historical and also a practical point of view, making it relevant for many people of different intellectual level. I enjoy reading this article. Thank you for the sharing, Rinpoche and PAW.

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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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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.
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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
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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
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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
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Dharmapalas are not exclusive to Tibetan culture and their practice is widespread throughout the Buddhist world - https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=193645
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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
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Fragrant organic Thai basil harvested from our very own Kechara Forest Retreat farm!
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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.
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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
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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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    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
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    5 years ago
    Get ready to laugh real hard. This is Kechara’s version of “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane!” We have some real talents in this video clip.
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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.
7 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.
1 week 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
1 week 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
1 week 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
1 week 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....