Su Shi: The Song Dynasty Poet and Chan Buddhism Enthusiast

By | May 27, 2018 | Views: 3,429

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(By Tsem Rinpoche and Pastor Adeline Woon)

Su Shi (苏轼), also known as Su Dongpo (苏东坡), lived from 8th January 1037 to 24th August 1101. He was a prominent figure in the Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE) as well as a poet, calligrapher, writer, painter, gastronome, pharmacologist, and statesman. His father Su Xun (苏洵) gave him the name Shi (轼) after an ornate armrest usually fixed on the front section of Chinese carriages, as a reminder to the boy to pay heed to how he appeared in public.

Likewise, his father named his brother Su Zhe (苏辙) after wheel tracks left by carriages, to imply that the boy should leave a good impression on others and in his life. Apart from his given name, Su Shi was also known by his courtesy name Zizhan (子瞻), meaning “little forward-looking one”, and his pen-name Dongpo Jushi (东坡居士), meaning “east slope householder”. However, he is most commonly referred to as Su Dongpo.

As a statesman, Su Shi was a significant political figure in the Song Dynasty. He was associated with historian and politician Sima Guang (司馬光), and went against the New Policy Party led by Wang Anshi (王安石), a notable Chinese economist, statesman, chancellor and poet. Known for his expressive style, Su Shi’s writings provided clarity of understanding for Song Dynasty topics such as travel and the iron industry. Both his father and brother were also famous scholars.

In addition, Su Shi’s poetry enjoyed a long period of popularity and influence in China, Japan, and other nearby countries, as well as in English-speaking parts of the world through translations by Arthur Waley and others. In the field of Chinese arts, Su Shi is often thought to be “the leading personage of the 11th century”, and had a famous Hangzhou dish named in his honour, Dongpo pork.

 

Life and Family

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Su Shi was born in Meishan (眉山), in what is now known as Sichuan province near Mount Emei (峨眉山), one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China which is associated with the Bodhisattva Samantabhadra. He attended the local village school led by a Taoist teacher for his early education until his mother took on the responsibility of educating him at a later date.

Su Shi’s first marriage took place when he was just 17, and he had a total of three wives throughout his lifetime. His first wife was Wang Fu (王弗, 1039-1065 CE) who married him when she was just 16. She was a brilliant and quiet lady from Sichuan who passed away at the age of 29 on 14th June 1065 CE after bearing Su Shi his first son, Su Mai (苏迈). Su Shi was heartbroken at the loss of his wife and wrote a memorial for her (亡妻王氏墓志铭) that spoke of Wang Fu’s outstanding qualities as a wife. She was an extremely virtuous woman, who often advised him on the integrity of his acquaintances when he was an official.

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In 1075 CE, 10 years after Wang Fu’s death, Su Shi composed the poemTo the Tune of the Rivertown Man” (江城子), after dreaming of her while in Mi Prefecture. This poem remains one of his most famous works.

《江城子》

十年生死两茫茫 不思量 自难忘
千里孤坟 无处凄凉
纵使相逢应不识 尘满面 鬓如霜
夜来幽梦忽还乡 小轩窗 正梳妆
相顾无言 惟有泪千行
料得年年肠断处 明月夜 短松冈

English Translation

To the Tune of the Rivertown Man

The year Yimao, 1st month, 20th day:
recording a dream I had last night

Ten years – dead and living dim and drew apart.
I don’t try to remember but forgetting is hard.

Lonely grave a thousand miles off,
cold thoughts – where can I talk them out?

Even if we met you wouldn’t know me,
dust on my face, hair like frost –

In a dream last night suddenly I was home.
By the window of the little room
you were combing your hair and making up.

You turned and looked, not speaking,
only lines of tears coursing down –
year after year will it break my heart?
The moonlit grave, its stubby pines.

In 1068 CE, two years after Wang Fu’s death, Su Shi married Wang Runzhi (王閏之, 1048-93 CE) who was Wang Fu’s cousin and 11 years his junior. She spent the next 15 years with Su Shi until her death in 1093 CE, going through many ups and downs with him especially during his career in officialdom and political exile. Su Shi praised Wang Runzhi for being a fair and understanding wife who treated his three sons equally, including the eldest borne by Wang Fu.

SDP044《東坡寒夜賦詩圖》局部

On one occasion, their youngest son made Su Shi angry as he did not understand his father’s unhappiness during his political exile. Wang Runzhi scolded Su Shi for his silliness, which prompted him to write the poem “Young Son” (小兒).

《小兒》

小兒不識愁 起坐牽我衣
我欲嗔小兒 老妻勸兒癡
兒癡君更甚 不樂復何為
還坐愧此言 洗盞當我前
大勝劉伶婦 區區為酒錢

English Translation

My Young Son

My young son knows no grief:
he tugged at my garment upon sitting upright.

I was just about to lose my temper
when my old wife chided the boy for being silly.

“But my husband’s sillier than the son,” she said.
“Why not just be happy?”

I sat upright, embarrassed by her words;
she placed a washed wine cup before me.

She’s far better than Liu Ling’s wife
who got mad with her husband for spending on wine!

Wang Runzhi passed away when she was 46, having borne Su Shi two sons, Su Dai (苏迨) and Su Guo (苏过). After overcoming his grief, Su Shi wrote a poem in her memory and expressed his wish to be buried with her. On her second birthday following her passing, Su Shi wrote her another poem called “To the Tune of ‘Butterflies Going After Flowers’” (蝶戀花).

《蝶恋花》

泛泛東風初破五
江柳微黃 萬萬千千縷
佳氣郁蔥來繡戶
當年江上生奇女
一盞壽觴誰與舉
三個明珠 膝上王文度
放盡窮鱗看圉圉
天公為下曼陀雨

English translation

To the Tune of ‘Butterflies Going After Flowers’

A wafting east breeze breaks on the Fifth’s dawn.
Willows by the Yangtze, yellow-wan,
interweave in its tens of thousands.

A festive air comes luxuriantly to these patterned gateways.

Once a wondrous lady was born along this stream:
with whom shall I raise this wine-cup, on her birthday,
though she’s now deceased?

Three offspring pearls, all placed lovingly on her lap,
like Wang Wendu.

I release countless carps,
watch them squirm lazy,
uncomfortably, away
as the Lord of Heavens lets down Datura rain.

Later, Su Shi married his third wife, Wang Chaoyun (王朝云, 1062-1095 CE), who had been his handmaid since she was about 11 years old. Once illiterate, she taught herself to read. She was a former Qiantang singer and probably the most famous of Su Shi’s companions. At one point in time, Su Shi’s friend Qin Guan wrote a poem called “A Gift for Dongpo’s Concubine Chaoyun” (赠东坡妾朝云) to praise her beauty and lovely voice.

Su Shi himself dedicated a number of his poems to Wang Chaoyun, including “To the Tune of the ‘Song of the South’” (南歌子), “Verses for Chaoyun” (朝云诗), “To the Tune of ‘The Beauty who Asks One to Stay’” (殢人嬌·赠朝云) and “To the Tune of ‘The Moon at Western Stream’” (西江月). Wang Chaoyun remained a faithful wife until she passed away due to illness on 13th August 1095 CE, at Huizhou. Wang Chaoyun and Su Shi had a son together, who died in infancy. His name was Su Dun (苏遁) and he was born on 15th November 1083 CE. After Chaoyun’s death, Su Shi never married again.

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Works and Exile

The development of poetry during the Song Dynasty included works by the social critic and pioneer of a “new subjective style” Mei Yaochen (1002–1060 CE); the eccentric yet brilliant Mi Fu (1051–1107 CE); the premier Chinese female poet Li Qingzhao (1084–1151 CE); and of course the politically controversial yet renowned master Su Shi. Although Chinese poetry sprang from the Liang Dynasty (502–557 CE), and developed further during the brief existence of the Southern Tang Kingdom, it was most popular during the Song Dynasty. This popularity was due to works by Song Dynasty poets, of which Su Shi is still remembered as one of the most famous.

Su Shi and his younger brother, Su Zhe, had a good and close relationship. When Su Shi was 19, both of them passed the highest-level civil service examinations and achieved the Jinshi degree, a prerequisite for high government office positions. His accomplishments at such a young age drew the attention of Emperor Renzong and Ouyang Xiu (欧阳修), an influential statesman. Ouyang Xiu was already an admirer of Su Xun, Su Shi’s father, and had sanctioned his literary style at court. Impressed with Su Shi as well, he became the young man’s patron.

Su Shi on the left, Ouyang Xiu on the right

Su Shi on the left, Ouyang Xiu on the right

In 1057 CE, during the Jinshi examinations, Ouyang Xiu required the candidates to answer questions on the Confucian classics in prose according to an ancient style not frequently used. He did this without prior notice to determine how educated the candidates were. The Su brothers gained high honours for what were deemed impeccable answers and achieved celebrity status as a result. In Su Shi’s case, he repeated his exceptional performance in subsequent degree examinations in 1061 CE.

Su Shi was often separated from his loved ones due to his work as a government officer. When he was serving as the Prefect of Suzhou in 1078 CE, Su Zhe was able to join him for the mid-autumn festival, which inspired him to write the poem “Mid-Autumn Moon” sung to the tune of “Yang Pass”, that reflected the preciousness of time spent with family.

《中秋月》

暮云收尽溢清寒
银汉无声转玉盘
此生此夜不长好
明月明年何处看

English translation by Red Pine

Mid-Autumn Moon

As evening clouds withdraw a clear cool air floods in
the jade wheel passes silently across the Silver River
this life this night has rarely been kind
where will we see this moon next year?

From early 1060 CE and throughout the next 20 years, Su Shi held a variety of government positions throughout China, with the most notable being in Hangzhou where he was responsible for constructing a pedestrian causeway across the West Lake. It was eventually named the Su Causeway in his honour. He also served as a magistrate in Mi Prefecture, which is today located in Zhucheng County of Shandong province. When he became Governor of Xuzhou in 1078 CE, he wrote a memorial in which he highlighted the troubling economic situation in the Liguo Industrial Prefecture. This prefecture was extremely important for the Chinese iron industry, and was on the verge of becoming a hotbed for rebellion.

Su Shi was also seen to be at odds with the political faction headed by Wang Anshi. Once, he wrote a poem that criticised Wang Anshi’s reforms, focusing on the government’s monopoly of the salt industry. The dominance of the reformist faction at court gave the New Policy Group the ability to deport Su Shi for his alleged political crimes. One of the claims they made was that Su Shi had criticised the emperor, when in fact his criticism targeted Wang’s reforms. Wang Anshi himself played no part in the action against Su Shi; in fact he had retired from public life in 1076 CE. Before this event occurred, Wang Anshi had even established a cordial relationship with Su Shi.

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Su Shi was first exiled between 1080-1086 CE. He was sent to Huangzhou in Hubei to work a post which carried only a nominal title and no government stipend. This left Su Shi poverty stricken. It was during this period that he began practising Buddhist meditation. With help from a friend, Su Shi built a small residence on a parcel of land in 1081 CE, on a farm called Dongpo (‘Eastern Slope’). It was from the name of this farm that he adopted his literary pseudonym. He grew fond of the area that he had been banished to, and many of his best poems were written during this period. He also produced his most famous piece of calligraphy, “Han Shi Tie” (寒食帖) while at the small residence.

In 1086 CE, Su Shi and all other banished statesmen were recalled to the capital due to the ascension of a new government. However, Su Shi was banished a second time between 1094–1100 CE to Huizhou, which is now in Guangdong province, and Hainan Island. In 1098 CE, the Dongpo Academy in Hainan was built on the site of the residence that he lived in whilst in exile.

Although court ministers were split into rival factions due to political bickering and opposition, they sometimes came together in moments of non-partisan cooperation. An example of this was when Shen Kuo (沈括, 1031–1095 CE), a prominent scientist and statesman, and one of Wang Anshi’s most trusted associates and political allies, befriended Su Shi.

As regional inspector of Zhejiang, Shen Kuo had presented Su Shi’s poems to the court sometime between 1073 and 1075 CE. These poems were the ones that led politicians Li Ding and Shu Dan to accuse Su Shi of harbouring abusive and hateful sentiments against the Song court, which led to Su Shi’s first banishment. Yet, Su Shi did not think ill of Shen Kuo’s actions, and his lack of ill will allowed their friendship to flourish in later life.

most famous piece of calligraphy, Han Shi Tie (《寒食帖》)

Su Shi’s most famous piece of calligraphy, Han Shi Tie (寒食帖)

After a long period of exile, Su Shi received a full pardon in 1100 CE and was then posted to Chengdu. However, he died in 1101 CE in Changzhou, Jiangsu Province at the age of 64 while en route to his new assignment. He gained even greater popularity after his death, as people sought out his calligraphy works and built shrines in his honour. He has also been depicted in various artworks, such as in Li Song’s (1190–1225 CE) painting of ‘Su traveling in a boat‘, known as ‘Su Dongpo at Red Cliff‘. The painting was inspired by Su Shi’s poem about a 3rd century Chinese battle. Similarly, the areas which Su Shi visited were soon festooned with stone inscriptions informing travellers and locals that the great Su Shi had been at those very locations. When Su Shi died in 1101 CE, his brother Su Zhe buried him alongside his second wife Wang Runzhi, according to his wishes.

 

Su Shi and Chan Master Foyin

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Su Shi enjoyed close friendships with many eminent monks and masters of the time, who in turn maintained their relationships with him. In 1079 CE, when Su Shi was in Huangzhou County, he began reading the Buddhist classics voraciously and developed a close relationship with the renowned Chan Master Foyin Liaoyuan. The two left many famous records of their conversations, including detailed questions and answers relating to Chan Buddhism. Below are some of these accounts.

 

Eight Worldly Winds

This is one of the most famous exchanges between Su Shi and Master Foyin, and has been mentioned in many works including Garma C Chang’sThe Practice of Zen”. When Su Shi took office in Guazhou, above the Yangzi River, Master Foyin was based at the Gold Mountain Temple, on the opposite bank.

One day, Su Shi had a powerful experience during meditation and immediately composed a verse:

“I pay homage to the supreme ones in the sky, whose brilliant rays radiate in the billion-fold universe; not being blown by the winds of the eight worldly concerns, I sit steadily on the golden lotus.”

稽首天中天
毫光照大千
八风吹不动
端坐紫金莲

This poem appeared to praise the enlightened Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, but in fact it implied that he himself would no longer be affected by the eight worldly concerns, and had achieved spiritual realisation. Satisfied with himself and his work, he cheerfully asked his servant to send it to Master Foyin for his approval and validation. Upon reading the poem, the master gave a two-word remark and asked the servant to give it to Su Shi.

Su Shi was confident that Master Foyin would offer some sort of praise for his work, and was anxious to receive his reply. When the servant returned, Su Shi saw that all Master Foyin wrote was,

“Break wind! (放屁)”

Flushed with anger, Su Shi immediately took a boat across the river, ready for an argument. To his surprise, the master was waiting for him at the front gate of the temple.

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As soon as he reached the master, Su Shi confronted him:

“I see you as my friend and confidante. You don’t need to acknowledge my realisation, but how can you be so disrespectful?”

The master replied calmly, “What did I say?” Su Shi showed the two words to the master. Having looked at it, the master burst into laughter and said:

“Not blown by eight winds but blown across the river by a fart.”

八风吹不动
一屁弹过江

With little effort and a few strokes of his pen, Master Foyin showed Su Shi that he was not as spiritually advanced as he claimed to be. If he had overcome the eight worldly concerns, he would not have gotten angry at the words “break wind” and crossed the river just to confront the master. Ashamed but wiser, Su Shi departed quietly. This event proved to be a turning point in Su Shi’s spiritual development. He vowed to be more humble, and not a person who simply boasted of possessing virtue.

 

The Jade Belt of Su Shi

One day, Master Foyin was giving a lecture on the Buddhadharma at Jinshan Temple. The lecture hall was packed when Su Shi finally arrived. Master Foyin remarked:

“It’s all packed. There’s no seat for you.”

As a lover of Chan philosophy, Su Shi enthusiastically and wittily replied:

“Well, since there’s no seat for me, I will have to take your body of the four great elements and the five heaps as my seat.”

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Knowing that Su Shi was having a philosophical discussion with him, the master answered,

“Mr. Su, I have a question for you. If you can answer my question, then you can take my body as your seat. But if you can’t, we will keep your jade belt as a souvenir here in the temple.”

Su Shi had always been a pompous man, so he accepted the wager. He was confident that he would be victorious. Master Foyin then asked:

“The four great elements and the five heaps do not constitute an ‘essence’. So, where are you going to be seated?”

Su Shi did not know how to respond. According to Buddhist cosmology, the physical body is made up of the four great elements that manifest in the body’s solidity, fluidity, heat and motion. None of these are tangible, therefore impossible to be seated upon. Su Shi lost his jade belt to Master Foyin that day and because of this, the belt remains in Jinshan Temple to this day.

 

Buddha and the Cow Dung

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One day when Su Shi and Master Foyin were meditating, Su Shi thought that he had gained spiritual attainments. Upon completing his meditation, he asked Master Foyin, “What did you see in me when I was meditating?” Master Foyin looked closely at him for a moment and said,

“Your body was glittering like a Buddha.”

Upon hearing that, Su Shi was over the moon and laughed heartily. Master Foyin then asked Su Shi, “What about me, how did I look?” Su Shi liked to tease the earnest Master Foyin and said,

“You looked like a pile of cow dung.”

Master Foyin replied, “That means I need to put more effort into my practice.” Having taken advantage of Master Foyin, Su Shi went home and chuckled about the incident to his younger sister. His smart sister said, “My dear brother, this time you have lost to Master Foyin.” “Why is that?” Su Shi asked.

“Master Foyin saw that you looked like a Buddha because there is Buddha in his heart, and thus everything looks like Buddha to him. When you said Master Foyin looked like cow dung, imagine what was in your heart!”

 

Notable Achievements: Poetry

《赤壁賦》 (Chibifu), "The Red Cliffs" written by Su Shi during his first exile

“The Red Cliffs” written by Su Shi during his first time in exile. Click to enlarge.

Around 2,700 of Su Shi’s poems have survived the test of time, along with 800 written letters. Su Shi excelled in the ‘shi‘, ‘ci‘ and ‘fu‘ forms of Chinese poetry, as well as prose, calligraphy and painting. The bulk of his poems adhere to the ‘shi‘ style, but his poetic fame rests largely on his 350 ‘ci‘ style poems. Su Shi also founded the Haofang school, which cultivated an attitude of heroic abandon.

Some of his notable works include the First and Second Chibifu (赤壁賦, The Red Cliffs, which were written during his first time in exile); Nian Nu Jiao: Chibi Huai Gu (念奴嬌·赤壁懷古 Remembering Chibi, set to the tune of Nian Nu Jiao); and Shui Diao Ge Tou (水調歌頭, Remembering Su Zhe during the Mid-Autumn Festival). The two earlier poems were inspired by the Battle of Chibi, a 3rd century naval battle during the Three Kingdoms era, and the third was inspired by his brother.

In both his written works and his visual art, he combined spontaneity, objectivity and vivid descriptions of natural phenomena. Su Shi wrote many essays on politics and governance, including his famous work, Liuhoulun (留侯論). His popular, politically charged poetry was often the reason he was the victim of wrath shown by supporters of Wang Anshi. He also wrote poems on Buddhist philosophy, one of which was commented on extensively by the founder of the Japanese Soto School of Zen, Eihei Dogen, in a chapter of his work, “Shobogenzo“, entitled ‘The Sounds of Valley Streams, the Forms of Mountains‘.

 

Notable Achievements: Travel Literature

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Su Shi also wrote ‘day trip essays’ about his experiences while traveling. These belong to the popular Song-era genre of ‘travel record literature’ (游记文学, Youji Wenxue). In these accounts, he employed the use of narratives, diary-style records and prose. Although other forms of Chinese travel literature contained cultural, geographical, topographical and technical information, ‘day trip essays’ used environmental settings and events to convey philosophical or moral arguments, and often employed persuasive writing styles. For example, his essay titled “The Record of Stone Bell Mountain” investigates and evaluates the accuracy of ancient texts surrounding “stone bells”.

 

Notable Achievements: A Memorial Concerning the Iron Industry

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While acting as Governor of Xuzhou, Su Shi penned a memorial to the Imperial Court in 1078 CE. In it, he described issues in the Linguo Industrial Prefecture, which was under his administration at the time.

In a revealing passage about the Chinese iron industry, Su Shi speculated that the enormous workforce being employed, the competing provinces that had rival manufacturers seeking imperial favour, as well as the rise of local strongmen capable of raiding the industry, all had the capability of creating an armed rebellion.

It was clear by reading the text that the government officials in the various prefectures had to negotiate with the central government in order to meet the demands of varying local conditions. They were not supported by the central government, but had to persuade them to help improve the lives of their citizens.

 

Notable Achievements: Technology of the Song Dynasty

China’s Song Dynasty was an era of reunification after a brief period of conflict. As such, it developed a fresh and new form of high society. Several of its greatest poets were also capable government officials such as Ouyang Xiu, Su Shi and Wang Anshi. The ‘ci‘ form of poetry flourished as a few hundred songs became standard templates for all other poems with distinctive and variously set meters.

For centuries, the free and expressive style of Song high society has been compared to the majestic poems from the Tang Dynasty by critics engaged in fierce arguments over which dynasty had the best poetry. Additional musical influences during the Yuan Dynasty created the distinctive ‘qu‘ opera and spawned the ‘sangqu‘ form of poetry as an off-shoot.

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The sluice gate and flash lock for canals were invented during the ancient Han Dynasty (202 BCE-220 CE) of China. By the 10th century, the designs were improved upon in China with the invention of the canal pound lock, allowing different levels of water along separated and gated segments of a canal, which could be adjusted and controlled. This innovation allowed for larger transport barges to pass safely without danger of crashing upon embankments.

These improvements were praised by those such as Shen Kuo. In 1088 CE, Shen Kuo wrote in his Dream Pool Essays that, if properly used, sluice gates positioned along irrigation canals were most effective in depositing silt for fertilisation.

Su Shi, however, had arrived at a different conclusion, years earlier in 1060 CE. In his work Dongpo Zhilin, he wrote that the Chinese had perfected this method of moving silt centuries ago, but that the canal system was ineffective by the time of his writing. Although Su Shi made no note of it in his writing, the root of the problem was that the needs of agriculture and transportation conflicted with each other on a practical level.

 

Dongpo Pork

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There is a legend that states Su Shi invented the dish known as Dongpo Pork by accident, but there is no evidence for this. This dish went on to become a well-loved meal in later centuries. The story says that Su Shi once decided he wanted to make stewed pork. While he was cooking, an old friend arrived and challenged him to a game of Chinese chess. When they finished, Su Shi suddenly remembered his stew, by which time it had become extremely thick and coated the pork. Since then, the dish has been known as Dongpo Pork.

Lin Hsiang Ju and Lin Tsuifeng in their scholarly work Chinese Gastronomy included the recipe, “The Fragrance of Pork: Dongpo Pork“, and remarked that,

“…the square of fat is named after Su Dongpo, the poet, for unknown reasons. Perhaps it is just because he would have liked it.”

Su Shi himself had stated that he was never comfortable with killing animals for his dinner, and supported a vegetarian lifestyle. However, he had cravings for certain foods, such as clams, that he could not resist. After he was imprisoned, his views changed:

“Since my imprisonment I have not killed a single thing… having experienced such worry and danger myself, when I felt just like a fowl waiting in the kitchen, I can no longer bear to cause any living creature to suffer immeasurable fright and pain simply to please my palate.”

 

Sources:

  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Su_Shi
  • https://cn.hujiang.com/new/p486974/
  • http://zhongguogudairenwuzhi.blogspot.my/2012/03/su-shia-writer-poet-artist-calligrapher.html
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_the_Song_dynasty
  • https://books.google.com.my/books?id=sEo1DwAAQBAJ
  • http://en.lingyinsi.org/list_299.html
  • http://shaolin.org.cn/templates/EN_T_newS_list/index.aspx?nodeid=297&page=ContentPage&contentid=15269
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_literature

 

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.
Pastor Adeline Woon
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14 Responses to Su Shi: The Song Dynasty Poet and Chan Buddhism Enthusiast

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  1. S.Prathap on Jun 18, 2020 at 4:30 pm

    A great poet who wrote poems to express his own feelings. His poetry has a long history of popularity and influence in China and well known in the English-speaking parts of the world through the translations.
    One of his writing as stated above stood out to me is he supported a vegetarian lifestyle and no more killing animals for his dinner after when he was sentenced to imprisonment.Thank you for sharing this article.

  2. Jacinta Goh on May 27, 2019 at 6:53 pm

    Dear Rinpoche and Pastor Adeline,

    If mandarin is my native language, I think I will learn to appreciate his poetry and story more. Have watched the dramas about him before but nothing sort of Buddhism related. I learnt about him a little more through this article.

    Thank you for letting us know the relationship between him and his Teacher. I learnt that he was quite arrogant about his “little successes” here and there but his ego was quickly brushed off by his Guru at that time. What a skilful mean! I guess Buddhism is all about experiences and he was able to express himself more through poetry. The impact is bigger through this manner as the depth of connection between words and rhythm is deeper than words alone. Just look at “Di Zi Gui” and how it has impacted many people at that time and including today’s children.

    I’m glad he has connected with Buddhism durinv his lifetime and brought about a change in his thoughts and his lifestyle too, such as meditation, accepting the sufferings of the animals and supported vegetarian lifestyle.

    Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor Adeline.

  3. Tsem Rinpoche on Nov 23, 2018 at 5:23 am

    This is a divination (‘mo’) text composed by Dorje Shugden himself while in trance of the senior oracle of Gaden Shartse Monastery. It is highly accurate. It is for people who have good samaya with Dorje Shugden and are free of the 8 worldly dharmas to be of benefit to others in divining the future.

    Tsem Rinpoche

    DS-MO-choyang.pdf

  4. Pastor Adeline Woon on Jul 28, 2018 at 6:00 am

    Nice short video of a new LED signage reminding us of who we can go to for blessings in case of need: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBwrkaKUoH0

  5. Joy Kam on Jul 26, 2018 at 3:16 am

    Listening to the chanting of sacred words, melodies, mantras, sutras and prayers has a very powerful healing effect on our outer and inner environments. It clears the chakras, spiritual toxins, the paths where our ‘chi’ travels within our bodies for health as well as for clearing the mind. It is soothing and relaxing but at the same time invigorates us with positive energy. The sacred sounds invite positive beings to inhabit our environment, expels negative beings and brings the sound of growth to the land, animals, water and plants. Sacred chants bless all living beings on our land as well as inanimate objects. Do download and play while in traffic to relax, when you are about to sleep, during meditation, during stress or just anytime. Great to play for animals and children. Share with friends the blessing of a full Dorje Shugden puja performed at Kechara Forest Retreat by our puja department for the benefit of others. Tsem Rinpoche

    Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbzgskLKxT8&t=5821s

  6. Alice Tay on Jul 6, 2018 at 1:42 am

    We can find Su Shi’s poet and writing are very unique and make us to think deeper. One of his writing as stated above stood out to me is he supported a vegetarian lifestyle and no more killing animals for his dinner after when he was sentenced to imprisonment. I remember Rinpoche said before, sometimes we may need to go through something, then we will understand and gain realization from the incident. For this instance, the suffering that Su Shi has gone through was actually a good change for him to become a vegetarian.

    Besides, after reading this post, I only came to know one of the pleasant songs 《但愿人长久》 with the meaningful lyrics is extracted from one of his poetry《水调歌头》. ?

    Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor Adeline for sharing this interesting post of Su Shi.

  7. Julia Tan on Jun 14, 2018 at 12:06 am

    Su Shi who commonly called Su Tong Bo, heard about his name but didn’t come across his story in such detail before. Thank you Pastor Adeline for the story. I found him very interesting and specially love the story of him debating with Master Fo Ying. He was arrogant about what his intelligent and knowledge in front of the Buddhist Master Fo Ying. But he cannot compete with Master Fong Ying who’s full of wisdom. Although in the prison he gained consciousness of realisation the suffering of the animals due to his own fear and became a vegetarian.

  8. Samfoonheei on Jun 12, 2018 at 11:50 am

    Su Shi (苏轼), also known as Su Dongpo was a man of multi-talent from a poet to calligrapher, writer, painter, gastronome, pharmacologist, and statesman. He was considered one of China’s greatest poets and was also an important figure in Song Dynasty politics. Wow…..a great poet who wrote poems to express his own feelings. His poetry has a long history of popularity and influence in China and well known in the English-speaking parts of the world through the translations.
    Interesting biography of a man of multi talent which I do enjoyed reading….his poetry was beautifully and meaningful written.
    Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor Adeline Woon for this sharing.

  9. Cynthia Lee on Jun 10, 2018 at 2:36 am

    This is a great article for the non-Chinese educated peeps like me as we do not study any of the wonderful histories of China. I really enjoyed reading it. Not only Su Shi was a man of many talents, he is also spiritual, faithful and virtuous.

    I especially like his spiritual experiences with his master and how the experience of being in prison has led him to realise that vegetarian diet is the way to go.

    “Since my imprisonment I have not killed a single thing… having experienced such worry and danger myself, when I felt just like a fowl waiting in the kitchen, I can no longer bear to cause any living creature to suffer immeasurable fright and pain simply to please my palate.”

  10. Wah Ying on Jun 8, 2018 at 5:30 am

    苏轼是许多人喜爱的诗人,甚至有人称他为全能型的文学家--他不仅擅长写散文、词,绘画和书法方面的造诣也不错。他为后人留下了许多好诗好词,他与佛印禅师之间的对话说明了他对佛法的接触与兴趣,无论如何“八风吹不动”佛偈透露了他对功名的看不透和放不下。然而苏轼面对逆境的达观却是文人少有的,文末提及苏轼在入狱时,因为人类食用动物禳其遭受的苦而戒食肉却予人很大的启发。

  11. Sarah on Jun 7, 2018 at 5:45 pm

    During the Song Dynasty, the prevalent forms of Buddhism were the Chan (Zen) School’s practices and the Jingtu (Pure Land) School’s practices. From the “philosophical” exchanges between the poet and the monk, we get a glimpse of Su Shi’s spiritual development under a Zen master.

  12. Anne Ong on Jun 6, 2018 at 9:58 pm

    This article reminds me of the old classic that we used to watch from hong kong TVB drama “So Tung Por” . And his famous So Tung Por meat that he created for himself to travel on his journey when he was a scholar. But can’t recall that he had three wives. ?Anyway, Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor Adeline for this wonderful old story.???

  13. wan wai meng on Jun 6, 2018 at 6:43 pm

    Wonderful about this poet, who lived in one of the high times of the Chinese Culture. I have heard of the story of the fart that moved Su Shi moved across the river with his fart to meet with Master Foyin. Still Su Shi’s exile was that opportunity to learn the dharma, naturally he was concerned about whether he had gain any realizations or not, hence he checked with Master Foyin.

  14. Stella Cheang on May 29, 2018 at 9:28 am

    Thank you, Pastor Adeline, for this wonderful article on Su Dongpo. The exchanges between Su Dongpo and Master Foyin are especially enjoyable, not only that, they are also educational. The witty exchanges greatly reminded me of what a wise person once told me; our reaction towards the actions of others is a reflection of our level of wisdom (ignorance). How true and how poignant. Becoming the master to our mind is indeed a deep and important practice.

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Blog Chat

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Tsem Rinpoche


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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

1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · »

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The Unknown

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

Photos On The Go

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

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

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