Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje’s Explosive Special Message

Mar 9, 2018 | Views: 12,276
Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje as recognised by Tai Situpa Rinpoche and the Chinese government

Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje as recognised by Tai Situpa Rinpoche and the Chinese government

This special message from Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje was played during the 35th Kagyu Monlam festivities held in Bodhgaya, India. While this is not unusual, the meaning behind his message was.

The Karmapa is the highest incarnate lama and the head of the Karma Kagyu sub-sect of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism; and the Kagyu Monlam is the lineage’s major prayer festival held annually in Bodhgaya, India, which is the site where the Buddha gained Enlightenment.

From watching the Karmapa’s special video message, it is apparent that he is deeply unhappy and even alludes to the fact that he is preparing to step down as the Karmapa. During his 37-minute-long speech, he expressed grievances and frustration at his current situation and the negative acts of his previous changtsos (attendants), in an honest declaration. It almost appears as though he has lost confidence in those around him due to their behaviour. Moreover, although his followers believe him to possess the same attainments as his predecessors, he says he feels like an ordinary practitioner of the Buddhist path, which could be an indication of his humility or a sign that he is genuinely very unhappy.

He spoke at length about his difficulties in receiving a proper education as many of his teachers lived far away, scattered throughout India. Taking into consideration the fact that they prioritised managing their various Dharma organisations over tutoring or guiding him, long term learning became relatively impossible, which makes him not fully qualified to be who he is, and so he feels that he is deceiving the public.

He wanted so much to further his studies that he even considered pursuing a ‘degree’ in a Gelugpa monastery, as the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism is known for the excellence of its educational institutions and monastic curriculum. However, this was deemed inappropriate for a Karma Kagyu lama.

The Karmapa dedicated a large part of his speech to his spiritual yearnings, which were evident when he spoke about how he disliked politics and that he did not know how to operate with a political agenda. He also talked of his uneasiness when used by certain parties for political aims. Clearly, he was alluding to being manipulated by the Tibetan leadership, as mirrored by his current official residence, Gyutö Tantric College — a Gelugpa monastic institution — which is located an arm’s reach from the Tibetan leadership’s headquarters in Dharamsala, India, and directly under their control.

In particular, he expressed displeasure with the fact that he is nominally called the Karmapa or the head of the sect but in reality, he is merely used for his incarnation status. He intimated that most of his instructions and advice goes unheeded, which frustrates him and causes him to feel ineffective as the head of a sect.

Furthermore, the Karmapa spoke about reconciliation within his own sect, the mending of relationships between the ladrangs, and the uniting of Karma Kagyu lamas polarised by politics and the negative agendas of certain parties. This is why he met with His Eminence Shamar Rinpoche (or Shamarpa), in an attempt to resolve lingering issues with the lama’s recognition of the other Karmapa candidate, Trinley Thaye Dorje.

Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje, as recognised by His Eminence Shamar Rinpoche according to tradition. Here, Trinley Thaye Dorje is pictured with his consort, Rinchen Yangzom.

Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje, as recognised by His Eminence Shamar Rinpoche according to tradition. Here, Trinley Thaye Dorje is pictured with his consort, Rinchen Yangzom.

For those who may not be aware of the issue, Trinley Thaye Dorje was recognised as the 17th Karmapa by the authorised Karma Kagyu Lama Shamar Rinpoche, but the lama directly below him, Tai Situ Rinpoche, recognised Ogyen Trinley Dorje as the 17th Karmapa instead, even getting an endorsement for his candidate from His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Because of this, the Karma Kagyu split into two factions, with one part supporting Shamar Rinpoche’s choice of Trinley Thaye Dorje and others supporting Tai Situ Rinpoche’s choice of Ogyen Trinley Dorje. To this day, the conflict goes on as to which candidate is the real Karmapa. The situation has become so serious that both camps hurl insults at each other and one side wishes to completely remove Shamar Rinpoche’s name and supplication prayers from the Karma Kagyu lineage masters, thus erasing him completely.

Some say that if the Tibetan leadership did not interfere or “help” in the selection of the Karmapa, this situation would not have happened because throughout history, it is traditionally the Shamarpa who recognises the Karmapa. After the Karmapa, the Shamarpa is the highest ranking Karma Kagyu lama.

In an attempt to improve the situation, Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje advised that all Karma Kagyu practitioners are on the same side, and it would be a tremendous mistake to create further division within the sect by focusing on the two Karmapa issue. It is very good that he is saying this but the fact still remains that the issue is unresolved. There are still two Karmapas, and both factions cannot agree on who is the genuine Karmapa.

He also forewarned his followers not to create problems for the recognition of the Shamarpa incarnation, otherwise the Karma Kagyu sect would be further divided. It is possible that both factions will try to recognise their own Shamarpa incarnation as he has passed away recently. If both sides recognise their own Shamarpa, the resulting situation will really bring the Karma Kagyu school down because the divide between the warring factions will grow even bigger. Two Karmapas, two Shamarpas — who is the real one?

These problems mirror the issues currently facing the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism, particularly in relations to the Dorje Shugden controversy. Just as how Shamarpa’s incarnation lineage was banned for many decades because he went against the wishes of the Tibetan leadership, Dorje Shugden lamas are facing the same stigma due to their refusal to give up their faith and beliefs. The Gelugpas have been divided into two camps by the Tibetan leadership, with one side believing in Dorje Shugden and the other side attempting not to believe. Although Dorje Shugden’s practice is 400 years old, the Tibetan leadership’s interference has created two factions, just like what is happening with the Karma Kagyus.

Furthermore, the split in the Karma Kagyu school due to the two Karmapa issue is similar to the split in the Gelugpa school due to the Tibetan leadership’s negative propaganda campaign against Dorje Shugden. Thus I applaud Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje for speaking openly about the challenges that he faces as it helps more people to understand the intricacies of Tibetan politics and how religion is sometimes used to further political agendas.

For those who may not know, the Karmapas and Shamarpas have historically shared an intimate connection of recognising and tutoring one another, lifetime after lifetime, just like the Dalai Lamas and Panchen Lamas. Furthermore, the Karmapas are known to be of the same mindstream as H.H. Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche’s incarnation lineage. In fact, the previous 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje would seek out His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, who is very familiar with the Kagyu teachings in his own right, for sharing sessions from time to time. The 16th Karmapa also made a prophecy about Dorje Shugden during a visit to Nepal in 1976, saying:

“Although the time is a little early, in the future you will definitely need to rely on this deity (Dorje Shugden).” – His Holiness 16th Karmapa

This incident was recorded by H.E. Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche and you can read more about it here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/great-lamas-masters/the-prophecy-of-the-16th-karmapa.html

At the end of the day, this honest video by Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje has tremendous implications as it discredits the Tibetan leadership who have been promoting him. If he says he is not qualified or does not feel he is the Karmapa, this is equivalent to saying the Tibetan leadership who endorsed him are wrong too. Furthermore, for the Tibetan leadership to lose control over such a high-profile figure as the Karmapa is a loss of credibility in the eyes of the public. This is a hypothetical supposition. In addition, the very fact that Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje is expressing his deep unhappiness, his feeling of lack of freedom, the tremendous difficulties he has experienced for the last 18 years since he set foot in India, his depression, his sense of hopelessness and lack of life choices shows you that perhaps the Tibetan leadership and some members of his controlling managers (changtsos) have abused him, damaged him, hurt him, and made him do many things that he didn’t want to do, which has resulted in him fighting back and rebelling now. And the only reason they made him do that is perhaps for political and financial gain which, on their part, we would assume to be selfish motivation. Indeed, if this is the case, they have definitely misused the Karmapa line of incarnations, who are known to be highly beneficial to sentient beings. I myself have tremendous faith and confidence in the previous 16th H.H. Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje.

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LEFT: H.E. the 14th Shamar Rinpoche Mipham Chokyi Lodro (1952–2014)
The line of Shamarpa incarnations are the second top-most incarnations after the Karmapas within the Karma Kagyu school of Buddhism. He has the special duty to recognise each Karmapa as they come, and conversely the Karmapas will recognise the Shamarpas. If, for any reason, the Shamarpas are not around during the recognition then it will fall to the regents below him. This particular Shamarpa recognised Trinley Thaye Dorje as the undisputed incarnation of the previous Karmapa. Trinley Thaye Dorje was born in Tibet, whisked away into India and he is fully authorised by Shamarpa as per centuries-old tradition as a genuine Karmapa. Shamarpa was very firm and very confident in investigating the letters left behind by the previous Karmapa and the mystical signs he had received himself.

RIGHT: The 12th Tai Situpa Rinpoche Pema Tönyö Nyinje Wangpo (1954-)
Tai Situpa Rinpoche, along with the other Karma Kagyu regents, would only be involved with the recognition of the Karmapa if, for any reason, the Shamarpa was not living or available. According to the Shamarpa, the current Tai Situpa Rinpoche in collusion with the Chinese government recognised Ogyen Trinley Dorje as the Karmapa in Tibet and had a daring escape to India. Since then, Ogyen Trinley Dorje has been endorsed by the Tibetan leadership as the correct Karmapa, alienating the Karmapa recognised by Shamar Rinpoche. This naturally has created an extremely damaging rift between Karma Kagyu followers in Tibet and around the world, creating two camps who hurl insults at each other. Much violence, storming of temples and legal issues have arisen due to this break in tradition for the recognition of the Karmapa. Until now, many believe Ogyen Trinley Dorje not to be the real Karmapa but dare not speak against the Tibetan leadership for fear of insulting His Holiness the Dalai Lama. But you will not see one single photo of His Holiness the Dalai Lama together with the Shamarpa’s choice of Karmapa. This is the current situation.

The Tibetan leadership also have a history of recognising incarnations of famous Dorje Shugden lamas on their own, without consulting senior Dorje Shugden lamas as per established protocol and tradition. As a result, we end up with two incarnations of the same lama, one of which grows up practising Dorje Shugden while the other doesn’t, for example in the cases of H.E. Domo Geshe Rinpoche, H.E. Kundeling Rinpoche and so forth. In other words, the ‘duplicate’ incarnation chosen by the Tibetan leadership grows up supporting their policies and agendas while the ‘genuine’ incarnation (identified according to tradition) and his followers suffer as a result of this confusion. Furthermore, the very reason the Tibetan leadership does this is they hope that very famous lamas who practise Dorje Shugden will be controlled and influenced into not practising Dorje Shugden in the form of their new incarnation, and thereby invalidate the lineage. What the Tibetan leadership in exile accuses China of doing – enthroning a second “fake” Panchen Lama and invalidating the one chosen by His Holiness the Dalai Lama – is exactly what the Tibetan leadership is doing in exile. They are invalidating the actual incarnations chosen by the authorities of the Dorje Shugden lineage and nullifying them via duplicate ones. What is very strange though, is that the CTA so willingly recognises the Chinese-backed Karmapa candidate as the rightful 17th Karmapa, when everything else about them is about rejecting anything that is related to China. Since they entered into exile in 1959, they have vilified anything Chinese-related as evil or bad. For example, they refuse to recognise the Chinese-identified candidate for the 11th Panchen Lama, calling him the “fake” one, and have recognised their own candidate. Yet, when it comes to the Karmapa, this rule that “everything related to China is bad” no longer applies. Who is the pot calling the kettle black now? Who is the hypocrite now?

The Karmapa’s video could give other incarnations chosen for political reasons the courage to express self-doubt and to step down from their positions because they do not wish to deceive the public as Ogyen Trinley Dorje courageously mentions. I’m not saying that either Karmapa is a ‘duplicate’ in any way. But if ‘duplicate’ incarnations all spoke up like the Karmapa, it would be further proof that nothing is sacred to the Tibetan leadership, and they would even be willing to abuse religion to further their own political agendas.

Towards the end of the Karmapa’s speech, he requested his followers to abide by the wishes and instructions of the future head of the Karma Kagyu School, whoever that may be. This is another hint that he could be planning to step down from his position as the head of the lineage. This would not be easy for him to say or do as he has tremendous responsibilities to the other high Karma Kagyu lamas, monks, sponsors and lay followers. For the Karmapa to make such a speech really tells you a lot about what he has suffered.

I am sympathetic to the Karmapa’s situation. Someone of his calibre should not be used to advance mundane secular agendas and power plays. Instead he should be free to share, teach and preserve the Dharma, which is the reason such high beings reincarnate in the first place — to continue the work of their previous lives.

Whether Ogyen Trinley Dorje is or isn’t the Karmapa is not very important for me. But from his speech, he seems to be a true spiritual practitioner. Whether he is the genuine Karmapa or not, is not for me to say. I am not a Karma Kagyu lama nor do I have the ability to check the mind of such a great being. However, simply from his actions and thoughts, he strikes me as a very devoted, spiritual and kind practitioner, who wants to learn, study and practice Dharma without being embroiled in political matters as he has been forced to do, it seems, by the Tibetan leadership. It is nice to see such a refreshing attitude in a lama of our time. His words and actions match what he says he wants – a healing of his lineage; and peace, love and compassion for all sentient beings.

In the end, only time will tell what the consequences of his speech will be. Whether he steps down or not, he could be the catalyst for healing the Karma Kagyu rift. Even taking into account all that he has expressed in his video, none of it discredits him as a good person. His motivation to practice the Dharma and help others comes across sincerely when you listen to what he says. Perhaps, both Karmapa candidates can mend the Karma Kagyu rift by working together hand in hand, and return the Kagyu lineage to its former glory in order to spread the Buddhist teachings to even more people to benefit them.

Tsem Rinpoche

 

Special Message from Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje (English)

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

 

Special Message from Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje (Chinese)

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

 

Special Message from Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje (Tibetan)

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

 

Transcripts 文本

Today is the last day of the 35th Kagyu Monlam Chenmo. And so, just as I have requested of him, this year His Eminence Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche has gone to unfathomable efforts to come and preside over the Kagyu Monlam. My original plan was that Rinpoche only needed to attend a few of the most important events and did not need to come to everything but Rinpoche has, whenever he has been able, come to preside over the sessions whenever he could without missing a single day. This is extremely kind of him, so on the behalf of all the monastics and the lay people who have attended the Monlam, I would like to express my deepest thanks to Rinpoche.

Likewise, Kyabje Mingyur Rinpoche showed us the kindness of giving meditation instructions during the pre-Monlam teachings. And then, since then, during the time of the Kagyu Monlam, Rinpoche has also put in a lot of effort to come to many different events, both large and small. So, I would like to once again thank Rinpoche on behalf of everyone.

This year even though I was not there, everyone in the Monlam organising committee has taken on the responsibilities for their individual teams and co-operated, working together, just the same as they would if I were there. The results their work has produced are no different than how they would have been were I there, so I would like to take this opportunity to give my heartfelt thanks to Lama Chodrak, foremost amongst the Monlam workers and all the other workers as well. Thank you very much.

Likewise, the monks and nuns from the various monasteries, despite the fact that the weather has been very hot, they have been very exemplary and praiseworthy in all respects during this Monlam in terms of their motivation, conduct and everything else, even in the heat. So, I would like to also say thank you very much to all of you as well.

Likewise, the faithful people who have come from foreign countries, this year there have been many changes in the Monlam dates. This has caused you difficulties financially. Once you have arrived here, the weather has been hot and that gives you even more difficulties. But all of you participating makes the Kagyu Monlam into an international event. I think it shows that no matter where in the world we are from, our wishes are in unison, our wishes for world peace are in unison. Our wishes that all sentients be happy are in unison and so I would like to thank you all deeply.

Likewise, the place where we hold the Monlam is the sacred site of Bodhgaya, the noble land of India. The government of India, the federal government as well as the state government of Bihar and the local administration have all provided a great deal of assistance. Likewise, the administration of the Mahabodhi temple has also continually supported us not only in the past but also in the present, so I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation and thanks to all of them.

Till today, at first, I didn’t think I needed to say too much. But now I would like to take this opportunity to say a few things and I think that maybe it will bring a little bit of benefit. So, the main thing to talk about is that many people have been asking when the next Kagyu Monlam, the 36th, will be held. They are also asking that the time be fixed and not changed. Quite a few people have said this and generally from our point, we have gone to a lot of effort to have a definite schedule that didn’t change but sometimes there are events with other Lamas, other great Lamas and Monlams from other lineages that are being held at the same time and when they conflict with each other then it is not very easy for us or for them. And for that reason, we have had to postpone or change our dates for such reasons several times. Even though we have not wanted to reschedule there have been situations where we have no choice but to do so. But we are doing everything we can to avoid having to change our dates in the future. In the next few days, we will have meetings to decide on a fixed time for the Monlam. We will have free discussion about the schedule in the meetings and do our best to make a decision as soon as we can. And once we have decided, we will announce it immediately over the internet so that everyone can make advance preparations to come to the next Monlam. So we will try our hardest to inform you as soon as we can.

This year I did not really have the opportunity to attend the Monlam in person. However, as I have already said, the Monlam has been excellent and well-organised, no different than if I were there. And when I think about it, I was recognised as the Karmapa at the age of seven. And then at the age of 14, I was separated from Tibet and came to the noble land of India. Thinking about how it was when I went from being a little boy who didn’t really understand what a Karmapa is to being brought and put on the Karmapa’s throne and gradually having to take the responsibilities that entails, from my perspective, the Karmapa has a history of over 900 years and there have been 16 incarnations. To have qualities and abundant realisations such as they did and activities such as theirs, I don’t even have the confidence that I can hope for such. And I don’t, for myself, really believe that it will ever happen. But because I have received the blessings of the Karmapa to some degree, I have done my best. I have done my best but I am an ordinary person. So, no matter how much/hard I try, there are many situations where that is not enough, where it is beyond me.

Many people think to themselves that being the Karmapa, you know, is like some incredible thing but for me, that hasn’t happened. Even if I am the Karmapa, the situation is still that I really need to try hard. Gyalwa […] said, “Even the rebirth, the reincarnation of a Lama or a Tulku, should spend 12 years of purification, practising meditation to purify their remaining obstacles. It is necessary to practise meditation and accomplishment and retreat”. So, even if one is a Tulku or a reincarnation of a great Lama, you have to put in such efforts. For me, I don’t have any reasons or any basis to say that I am the reincarnation of any great Lama and since I am an ordinary person, I have to put in incredible effort even more than other people. But no matter how much effort I make, it is never enough, it is never ok. It never really reaches a level where it is sufficient. And for one side, this is because people have such high limitless hopes in me. On my own part, I do my absolute best to try to live up to them. And I do this with as much as I can with a pure motivation.

When I was little, a lot of people came to give me advice. They’d say, “You have to be really careful.” There are many people who have said to me, “You’re the Karmapa, so you have to be your best.” So many people said this but for my own part, I never had the motivation that I should compete with everyone else said to be the Karmapa and therefore be careful.

From my own point, I have had a pure motivation, whatever I am, making my best efforts no matter what. Even when I was studying in Tibet, in terms of my education, my tutors, my teachers and my tutors, the way they paid respect and so forth, were not the greatest. And once I arrived in India, one reason I came to India was to study and to receive the Dharma lineages, that is why I came.

So once I arrived, it should have been better than it had been in Tibet, but in terms of my education, there were many gaps. From one perspective, the fault was my own for being too lazy. And also, I am pretty smart and since I am pretty smart, no matter what I study I immediately get a little bored and think, “I get it.” Then I immediately feel disinterested. In addition to that, the Lamas and Khenpos whom I’ve studied with, we invited the best Lamas and Khenpos amongst our Kagyus but the best Lamas and Khenpos have their own monasteries, their own Dharma centres that they have to maintain and take care of, they have activities. Hence, they could not spend all of their time with me. So, for these reasons, sometimes I would have classes, sometimes I would not and this happened frequently.

In the past, I had the thought that if I went to a Gelugpa monastery, matriculated so to speak and followed the curriculum, I would have become a good scholar. But later when I thought about it, if I had gone to a Gelugpa monastery and gone through the studies, on the one side, there would have been nothing wrong with it. But on the other, since I have the title Karmapa, if the Karmapa were to go to a Gelugpa monastery to study, people would say that. Then in the future, if someone with the title of the overall head of the Kagyu were to do this, it’s like there would be a bit of a problem that would happen, historically.

So, I‘ve had many different discussions with Gelugpa geshes but I’ve never matriculated in a Gelug monastery. So, this is one issue. My own studies have not all been that high quality or good. Mainly what I know has come from me taking interest and putting the effort into it. I’ve never had any properly organized, thorough education. So, that’s one issue.

So, another issue is that, when I was recognized as Karmapa when I was seven, so I was just a little boy. From the time I was little, I grew up in Tsurphu Monastery. And when I was little, all the people around me were adults. So I had to do whatever they told me to. And I couldn’t say what I needed to do.

At first, of course, I didn’t know what I needed to do. And in addition to that, other than listen to them, I never had any freedom to say what I should do or should not do. Actually, when I was little, I did have a lot of hard times. For example, in terms of power, it’s the changtso who had all the power. And when people would come to give me gifts, they first of all had to take them to the changtso, the changtso would take them out and open all the gifts first. And those people were suspicious that there might be a bomb or poison or something like that. So, they would take them out and check to see whether, they take the gifts out to make sure that there was no bomb or poison. And once the gifts had been taken away, they were never brought back, almost all of them.

Also people would come and give money and say it was for me to give my parents. Those who knew my situation would give the money surreptitiously. At that time, there were always a lot of people around, right? So without knowing, they woul quickly slip it under my cushion, slip it under my cushion secretly. That’s what it was like. So, that’s what it was like when I was little.

I never really felt that I had any freedom of my own. And then I came to India. See, when I came to India, India is a free country, a democracy. So I’d hoped that once I arrived, I could do what I wanted. That was my hope. But when I first got to India, none of us had any knowledge about India. And at that time, the people who advised me, the people… my guides, the people who advised me, even though they definitely had pure motivation, there was none who was able to guide me, who was a hundred percent reliable. They didn’t know how things were done. So I had no one to guide me. So when we first began discussions with the Indian government, there was disharmony and disagreement in the discussion and this probably caused some suspicions. In any case, I’ve spent 18 years in India. And during this time, I have had continually difficulties and hassles as you all know. They said that I was sent by the Chinese or that I was a Chinese spy.

Many things have happened. But even though many things have happened, I still have done what I could. And the reason why I stayed up until now is because I feel like I must not give up on the teachings, the Kagyu teachings. Likewise, I’ve thought to myself that this is for the benefit of Tibet, for the benefit of all sentient beings. Thinking in this way, I stayed.

Also from another perspective, when I arrived in India, it was very fortunate. I had the fortune to meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama and hear his teachings. I had many opportunities to receive profound Dharma teachings from Jamgon Tai Situ Rinpoche and Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche. Likewise, I’ve had the opportunity to receive profound Dharma teachings from Tengyur Rinpoche, Bokar Ripoche and Yongzin Thrangu Rinpoche. And I feel that all of this has been very, very fortunate. Where I live is at Gyuto Monastery and the heart sons, they live elsewhere. Situ Rinpoche lives in Sherab Ling, Gyaltsab Rinpoche lives in Sikkim. There’s never been a place for all to spend an extended period of time at the same place. It’s like we’ve all been scattered.

When I read the lives of the previous Karmapas, the Karmapas and their heart sons all stayed together. Wherever they went, they were together. Whether its by teaching Dharma, or by taking care of each other. It was like, at that time, they all took care of each other but this has never happened with me. And for me, this is something I feel very disappointed about.

Then, to speak bluntly, after the 16th Karmapa passed away, we had a great rift in our Kamtsang lineage. I don’t need to say anything anymore about the old situations. But because of this, we have had some disagreements among the ladrangs. Many things have happened since I arrived in India. Some of you know, some don’t. There has been a lot of disharmony among the ladrangs and this has also caused me a lot of worries.

On one occasion, I invited Jamgon Tai Situ Rinpoche and Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche to come to Delhi, both Rinpoches are like the moon and the clouds in the sky. They are not stained by any faults but those who are underneath them, their attendants, I told them to tell their attendants, their people under them, that we have had a great disaster in the Kamtsang lineage. Such has never happened before. We’ve had a huge conflict. We’ve had a terrible violation of samsara, please do what you can to avoid that again. This is what I asked both Rinpoches. And they promised to do as I asked. Actually, to make such a request is like teaching Avalokiteshvara the Mani mantra, you shouldn’t have to say […] but I was too petty, too small minded and asked.

Also thinking that maybe it would be of benefit to the Karma Kagyu teachings, I went to see Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche. And when we were arranging a meeting, on our side shall we say, there were people who’d said it would not be okay to make a bad connection. Quite a few people said this. Some who were nearby said this vociferously. But I ignored that and I went to meet Shamar Rinpoche. And when we met, there was no really specific result that you could point to.

But now, Rinpoche has passed away, and I do feel a bit of comfort in my mind, that at least I was able to meet Rinpoche and tell him what I thought. So, this gives me a little bit of comfort. In general, we all know how important the Shamar Rinpoche has been in the history of the Karma Kagyu. But in the last few years, in the last couple of decades, so many events have occurred that many people say we should not recite long life prayers for Shamar Rinpoche and that we should remove the Shamar Rinpoches from our lineage supplications.

But I think that that is really not seeing the important points, because Shamar Rinpoche is not just the recent 14th Shamar Mipham Chokyi Lodro. The Shamar Rinpoche is a part of the ultimate lineage of our Karma Kamtsang, the lineage from Khedrup Drakpa Sengge to the present. It is not the name of a single person, it is not a single person.

No matter how much people say that the actions of the current Shamar Rinpoche were wrong, I think that we must not paint the activities of the entire Shamar lineage black. For this reason, I think that we must have a positive way of thinking about Shamar Rinpoche. I think we need to think about Buddhism in general and the lineage in the future.

Now Shamar Rinpoche has passed away and it is extremely important that there be no problems regarding his reincarnation. We have another situation or we say there are two different reincarnations. It will harm the Kamtsang in general and in future the Kamtsang will split into two factions, looking at each other as enemies and that would not be good in any way at all.

From the depths of my heart, I think we can have reconciliation. And I am doing a few things to bring that about. But it’s not something for one person to do. It’s so crucial that we remember that both sides need to be open. If we continue to always say bad things about each other and criticise each other, if we continue to do that, I do not think it will turn out well.

Our teachings, the Kamtsang are the same. Our Gurus are the same. The colour of our hats is the same. But if despite this we continue to cling to our own factions, no matter how right we are, we’ll have such bias towards our own sides that we will work for ourselves, to win for ourselves to defeat the others. So taking this on would be like a complete mistake. There’ll be nothing good about it. So, we often say there is the Shamar side and that there is the Situ side. There’s one side or the other. Actually we aren’t on the Situ Rinpoche side, we aren’t on the Shamar Rinpoche side. We are all on the Karma Kagyu side.

Otherwise, we’re filled with our own afflictions, the three poisons; we engage in partisanship and jealousy and at the same time say… and while we still do that we still… how to say… and if at that point we say I’m on Vajradhara’s side. There’s no benefit to that at all.

So these people say I’m pure, he’s pure, he’s a pure Kagyupa. But they’re not pure. But whether one is pure or not comes down to the practice we have in our mindstreams. It does not come down to whose side we are on. I think this is something we all need to keep in mind.

Another thing is that I’m in America. I spent many months abroad, the last six months in America. There are probably a lot of people who explain the reasons why I stayed abroad for such a long time. But independent of anyone else’s explanations, what I’d like to say is that the main reason I am staying abroad is that when I had a medical exam in Germany, they told me that I had a medical problem. So then I had an elderly attendant and for his sake I had to go to America and once I arrived there, I had to follow up on the medical problem they had told me of in Germany, and so that is one of the reasons.

Another matter is that, you know, for many years I’ve never had the opportunity to really rest — to rest both the body and the mind. Once I get back to India, there’ll be a lot of busy-ness and frenetic-ness so I would not be able to rest. So, I have stayed here to rest.

So, I stayed here because I’m thinking of the long term. Probably many people have said that I’m staying for my own personal benefit or that I had some insidious plan, but that is not it at all.

In brief, people think that I’m decisive and that whatever I’m doing, they say, “He’s the Karmapa,” so of course they’ll take it as definitely the case but for me, it’s not like that. No matter what decision I make or what action I do, there’s a lot I have to give up.

For my own part, I’ve done everything I could up till now. Everything I’ve done, I have done with a pure motivation. I’ve had a pure motivation but people will make things up. There are many people who make things up out of dislike, so there is nothing to do about that.

But amongst ourselves, there are many people who give incorrect explanations because they either do not know or do not understand what my real intentions are. Especially now that I’m staying in America, even the people I am around here have had a lot of anxiety. Likewise many people all over have had a lot of anxiety. And I have actually myself been quite downcast and depressed. This is because when other people look at what I have tried to do, they take it as a matter of course, but for my own part, I have had to give up a lot. None of it has been easy.

And even though it hasn’t been easy and when I ignore that and keep pushing ahead, if those around me do not believe in me then there’s no reason for me to pretend and keep going. So for that reason, I have been depressed.

But when you think about it from the perspective of the future, from the time of the first Karmapa, Düsum Khyenpa to the present, the Gyalwa Karmapa has been a Lama who has engaged only in Dharma activities, not one who has been involved in politics.

And now we’re at a critical time for the Snow Land of Tibet — we have come to a point where it is important to put efforts into both Dharma and politics. So for this reason we definitely need a political leader or a political guide. But for me, I don’t know how to give any political direction. I don’t know how to do this but since I have the title of Karmapa, it would not be appropriate.

Likewise, in terms of the dharma, the way I think to myself is that one does politics to accomplish short-term aims and benefit. Now, political people, they’re always changing. And also, politics means dividing into factions and then dividing into groups then trying to find profit and benefit.

But Dharma, Dharma means not divide into factions but instead bring benefit to all sentient beings who are as limitless as space. Its duration is that people don’t change posts immediately. Dharma is for protecting ourselves in this and in future lifetimes and for guiding ourselves in this until hereafter.

So the way Dharma and politics work is completely different. Since I have the responsibility of being a religious leader, I can only contend in the direction of the Dharma. When I was in Tibet, I was worried that I would have to get involved in politics. Once I arrived in India, I’ve always thought that if it came to me having to do political activities, I would not have the skills to do it, I wouldn’t know how to do it and I have no wish to do so. This is another important point for people to take into consideration.

In brief, from my own perspective, I don’t have such qualities of abundant realisations as the previous Karmapas had. If I, even though I lack those, were to continue to pretend, to deceive people, I feel I will be accumulating severely negative karma.

I have no feeling of delight, no thought of ‘I’ll get rich’ or have power or that many people like me, I don’t have any such… feel like there’s nothing that I can have such pride or confidence in. So sometimes I think there’s no point. There’s no point to continue deceiving others.

Sometimes I think it would be better to just live as an ordinary person, an ordinary Dharma practitioner. I sometimes think that and especially recently I felt this strongly.

This is because I have worked hard for many years but I can’t work hard all by myself. A single pillar can’t hold up a single building, can it? Everyone needs to work hard and help out. We say that everyone has to have people who take care of them. If you’re taking care of somebody, you need other people to take care of you.

Without any support for yourself, there’s no benefit to teaching and helping beings all by yourself. We Buddhists believe in karma – cause and effect. We believe in the view of inter-dependence. Inter-dependence means that in all situations, no matter what they may be, occur because of multiple causes and conditions. There’s nothing that can be accomplished with a single cause or a single condition. This is something that everyone needs to take into consideration.

In brief, our Kagyu lineage in general, and in particular the Karma Kamtsang, it’s like we’re a big family. It’s like a big family and in this family, the Gyalwa Karmapa is like the father of the family. But the father can’t take all the responsibility alone. The support of all the family members is needed.

Likewise, if you think about the history of the Kagyu lineage, and in particular the Karma Kamtsang, there have been many losses. For example, when the Mongol Gushen invaded, their armies razed many Karma Kamtsang monasteries and many lineages of practices and explanations were lost. Such terrible events have occurred and later after 1959, there was the Cultural Revolution.

So now we have an opportunity for the teachers to revive and flourish and so I’d like to ask everyone, to ask everyone to take this opportunity as your own and to make efforts.

Sometimes people don’t seem to understand how I think. They seem to be unable to understand my perspective. It’s quite possible this will happen. But the way i think, the most important thing is, I’m not saying that I can see far into the future or that I know how to think about the long term; but as much as I can, I try to take a long term view as I work.

It’s possible that some people cannot take such a long view but the leader, so called, if you’re going to be a leader… Once you believe in the leader, even though you may not understand all their plans and decisions, it is important to believe in them and support them.

But I’m not saying you must support me. I’m not asking for you to understand me. I’m not asking you to understand me. Instead I’m saying this is a general thing, no matter who the leader may be in the future, people need to keep this in mind.

So I leave it here today. I have spoken about several different issues and if I’ve made any mistakes or if I’ve said anything inappropriate, I beg your pardon.

So now whatever merit has been gathered during this Kagyu Monlam Chenmo, please dedicate for His Eminence Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche to live long and for his wishes to be accomplished spontaneously, to be able to soon set foot in Tibet and turn the vast and profound wheel of Dharma.

Likewise, for the masters of all lineages to live long, for the Sangha of the ten directions to be harmonious and have pure discipline and so forth as described in the great aspiration which is next. So please, everyone make such aspirations and dedications.

 

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今天是第35届祈愿法会的最后一天。这次在大众的殷切祈请之下,五世嘉察仁波切不辞辛劳的前来主持噶举祈愿法会。本来的想法是请仁波切参加主要的几座法会就好,不需要全程都参加。但是,仁波切只要有时间就参加,可以说一天都没有缺席的亲临到会场主持法会,这实在是莫大的一个恩德。因此,我谨代表全体与会的僧俗大众要至诚的感谢嘉察仁波切。

还有怙主明就仁波切从前行课程开始,就慈悲给予禅修的指导。而且在祈愿法会进行期间,仁波切也不辞辛劳的参与了大大小小各种活动。因此,我也在这里代表大家谢谢明就仁波切。这次的祈愿法会工作小组呢,虽然我不在现场,但大家承担起自己各组的责任,然后尽心尽力的,大家合作的让法会顺利举行,就跟我在的时候一样。因此,我在这里要谢谢祈愿法会工作组的主要负责人喇嘛曲扎为主的所有的工作组的同仁们,谢谢你们。

还有来自各个寺院的僧众尼众们,虽然这里天气真的非常炎热,但大家还是不怕这个炎热的,依旧是带着值得大家赞叹的这种清净的动机和行为前来参加,所以我要谢谢所有的僧众们、尼众们,谢谢你们。还有就是各位来自世界各地的具信弟子们,这次法会的时间更改了好多次,造成不少人在旅费上、经济上的一个困难,再加上来到这里发现这个天气很炎热,大家都一起忍受下来。我们虽然来自不同的地方,但大家都忍受了下来,这代表什么呢?代表我们拥有共同的一个心愿,我们祈愿世界和平,祈愿众生得到喜乐的心愿,都是一致的。因此,也非常非常感谢你们的参与。

还有,我们举办法会的地点是位于圣地印度的菩提迦耶。所以因此,对于印度政府也好,比哈尔邦当地这里的政府,还有当地的县政府等等,很多人都给予了协助。再加上正觉大塔协会, 其实从过去以来一直给予我们这个支持,所以也借此机会,一并的谢谢他们。

本来呢,觉得这次不需要讲太多话,本来这么觉得。但我想借此机会还是说一些我的想法吧,或许是比较好的。首先我想说的是,很多人都在问下一届,就是第36届祈愿法会是什么时候举行,也都希望不要更改时间了。事实上呢,我们都尽力的想要保持原定计划举行,不要更改这个时间。但时常,偶尔会和其他教派长老的一些活动,或者是其他教派的祈愿法会撞期。所以这样,我们双方都会在法会的举行上会有一些问题的。因此,我们几次都选择做决定更改或延迟祈愿法会的时间。我们实在不想这么做,但实在是迫不得已的。但希望未来能够不要再这样改来改去了。

那至于确定的,确切的,以后制订的这个法会的时间,我们会在之后的会议中做讨论。有任何的决定和时间,会尽快的将决定公布在这个网站上。那这样我想大家就能尽早为前来参加法会做准备的。

我这次没办法亲自来到法会现场,但就像之前说的,我觉得这次法会就像之前我在现场一样的圆满和顺利。

有时候我自己想一想,我从7岁起被认证为噶玛巴。之后14岁,我离开了雪域西藏来到印度。直到现在,我看到我的成长过程,回想起来,我从一个不知道到底什么是噶玛巴的一个懵懂的小孩,然后到坐在了噶玛巴的法座上,慢慢承担起一些法王的责任。

有时回想起我这一路走来,让我比较深刻的认识到什么是噶玛巴。原来这是一个拥有900年历史,历经了16代传承的,殊胜的这样一个传承。我完全不敢想像自己能够具有和他们一样的这种断证功德或佛行事业。我觉得我完全不可能做到跟他们一样,甚至连这个想法都不敢想。

我也从来不觉得自己可能做到跟他们一样,但我猜想应该是噶玛巴名号的一个加持吧,让我还是有那么一点勇气,尽力去做了一些事情。但毕竟,我还是一个凡夫,一个普通人,所以无论再怎么努力,还是感觉有很多地方不是很圆满,不尽人意。

很多人以为只要拥有了噶玛巴名号,就什么都很好,都很顺利,应该都很厉害了。但以我个人的经验来说,并不是这样的。就算我真的是噶玛巴好了,也还是一样,跟所有人一样,我得努力去做到。古仓巴大师曾经说,就算是一个转世的上师,为了清净过去的这种恶业,还是要至少闭关、修持12年。所以,就算是一个地位崇高的一个上师的转世,也还是要努力修持,努力去做的。就我个人来讲,我自己是完全说不出一个道理或引据,说自己就是某某人的转世。

所以,总之我知道自己就是一个普通人。所以任何事情,我都要更加努力,甚至要比别人付出更多的努力才行。但是呢,无论我再怎么努力,总是还是有些不圆满的地方。总是觉得哪里做得不够好。一方面来说,或者是因为别人对我的要求和期待实在太高太高了。就我个人来说,那种期待对我来讲也是敦促自己要更加的努力。

然后,我的这种自我敦促,其实是一个很简单的动机而已,也没有什么特别目的。虽然小时候总是有人会提醒我,你要小心喔!你要更努力喔!因为你知道现在说自己是噶玛巴的人很多的,所以你要更努力。但是,就我个人来讲,我努力的目的,我这么做的目的,并不是为了跟谁比较。所以,我并不是被迫的。因为别人也叫噶玛巴,所以我要做得比他好。我并没有这样。我觉得,我就是以真实的自己尽力去做到最好。就是这样吧!

过去我在西藏的时候,在我的学习跟教育上,我身边并没有一个特别好的老师,或者好的教育的这种学习的安排。到了印度之后,虽然我的初衷是为了接受这个佛法传承,接受这个佛法的教育。照理来讲,应该是要比西藏更好的,但自己在学习上,感觉到还是荒废了不少。一方面来讲,是自己太过懈怠。但我还算是一个脑筋不差的人吧,总之学了很快就懂,但也因为这样,也学过马上就觉得无聊。所以,这是一个原因。再加上一个原因是,为我上课的上师,不管是堪布噶举,有许多出名的上师和堪布,也并不是没有邀请他们来为我上课,但是的确他们也都很繁忙,因为他们都有自己的一些责任,譬如说要管理寺院,譬如要到处弘法,管理各中心等等,所以他们也没有办法把全副的心思都放在我的教育上。所以我的课程,我的学习也会变得有时候有,有时候没有。

我曾经其实动过一个念头,就是如果我能到格鲁派的僧院、寺院里面去。怎么说,好好的接受这种正规的,次第的佛学教育的话,应该就会成为一个很有学问的人吧。

但是想一想,如果去到那样的地方,去格鲁派学习也没有什么不好,但是毕竟我的身份是,具有了噶玛巴的名号嘛,如果,就会变成,别人会说噶玛巴是在格鲁派接受教育的。这个对整体噶举的名声来讲吧,这在历史上也是不太好听的,不太好的一件事,不太好的。当然,我跟格鲁派的格西们也时常会碰面讨论佛法的。但是我并没有真的到僧院,他们格鲁派的学校、学院去学习。

这就是我在学习上的一个过程,一个体验,所以我的学习教育也没有真的做到很好。总之前面我要讲这么多,我想说的是,这一路走来,我就尽量靠着自己的一个努力,自己的力量而努力,我并没有进到任何正规的教育体系去学习过。

这是一个部分。在另一个部分来说呢,我被认证为噶玛巴是在7岁,那时候年纪还很小,之后就是在楚布寺当中成长,当时在我身边的大部分都是一些成年人,年长的人,因此,我也没有什么选择吧,大人们怎么说吧,我就,他们会告诉我要做这个、要做那个,乖乖的听话,就那样去做吧。

本来在那样的环境,我也没有机会真正知道一般孩子是该做什么、不该做什么的。所以,就只能照着大人的话去做。其实,小时候我也算受了蛮多苦吧,例如所有权力都控制在总管的手上。我记得小时候只要拿到什么样的礼物呢,都要,就别人会送我一些东西嘛,都要先交给总管他们检查,因为当时我们也会担心礼物中会不会有什么炸弹或毒药,所以,为了检查安全吧,都要先交到总管过目,但大部分礼物基本上都是给了总管之后,就没有下文了。或者别人有时候也会给我一些供养金吧,有时是要特别给我父母亲的。那一些知道我的情况的人呢,他要给我钱,他首先不会直接给,他会先在我身边东晃西晃,走来走去,因为我身边很多人嘛,然后趁别人不注意的时候,突然把钱塞到我的坐垫下面。所以,他们只能这样子偷偷的给我这个钱。

所以从小,我其实并不知道什么是自由,也从来没有这种自由的感觉过。到了印度之后呢,我们知道印度是民主自由的一个国家,所以也抱着希望,以为来到这里就能够比较自由。刚到印度的时候,还记得那时候真的是完全的人生地不熟的,当时也没碰到很好的,真的很有经验的,譬如说帮助我们的顾问吧,虽然很多人帮我们都带着热忱,但是好像他们在处事经验上不是很有经验。所以,也或许就是一开始没有做得很好,顾问一开始没做好,所以一开始就让印度政府在沟通上对我们有些怀疑了。总之呢,在印度就这样子呆了18年,各种问题和麻烦可以说真的没有一天停过。这个情况大家应该都是知道的,比如说他们怀疑我是中国派来的,是中国的间谍等等。但无论是什么样的,对我的说法,我都忍了下来,为什么我一直忍到现在?可以说,这是因为不想放弃佛教吧,也不想放弃噶举的教法吧,还有放不下在藏地的同胞,还有一切众生吧。我想可能就是因为我带着这样的一种执着,一种想法吧,才忍受了下来。

当然另一方面来讲,能够来到印度也是很有福气的,因为能够见到如意宝尊者,听到他的法教,也有福气跟随大司徒仁波切、国师嘉察仁波切,听闻甚深经典。还有天噶仁波切,波卡仁波切和创古仁波切等等长老,我有机会跟随他们,听闻到很多甚深的法教。我觉得这是很有福报的事情。

但是呢,我只能住在上密院,像法子们都住在不同的地方,像大司徒仁波切住在智慧林,嘉擦仁波切住在锡金,大家一直都没有机会真正住在一起。多数时间都是分散各地的。我们看到过去历代法王的历史,记载到各个法子,其实他们从很小就生活在一起,而且跟法王是在一起的。

无论是到各个地方也都一起去, 当然有佛法的活动也都是一起的。所以,相互之间是可以说总是互相照顾着的。但是这种情况却没有发生在我这一世身上,对于这一点,我也是感到挺失望的,难过的。

实话来讲,其实在第16世法王圆寂之后,我们冈仓里面是很不融洽的,发生了很大的纷争,那些糟糕的事就不多说了。

但现在更是有点雪上加霜,就是各大寺院办公室也有一点不融洽,在我来到印度之后发生了很多事情,你们有的人知道,有的人是不知情的。总之对于这样各个法子办公室不融洽的状况,我也很担心。

所以有一次我还特别迎请大司徒仁波切和嘉擦仁波切两位前往德里。当然,两位仁波切是像无云的明月一般的清净,无有瑕秽的。我是请求他们来,请求他们两位能够慈悲,对于侍者、总管多加开示管教,也看在噶玛冈仓过去已经发生那么多问题,也犯了很大的三昧耶戒,所以请慈悲开示下面的人不要那样下去了。他们两位当然是慈悲的,都接受了。但是我还是觉得很不好意思,因为我这样的一个请求就像教导观音菩萨如何念诵六字大明咒一样。其实我想太多,我多言了吧!

另外还有一件事就是,我想对于噶举教法有些帮助,所以我曾经会见了一次夏玛仁波切。当然,对于那次的会面,这边有一些人的说法是,当时的会面很不顺利,很多人都在这么说。我身边的人也这样到处在说。但他们怎么说,对我是没什么差别的,没什么关系,因为自己是带着为了教法的和合的一个发心安排了会面。虽然和夏玛仁波切的会面,说不上来达成了什么样的结果,但是现在夏玛仁波切也圆寂了,自己能够在他生前跟他会面,直接将自己的想法跟仁波切做一个报告吧!毕竟自己还是比较安心了吧!

一般来说,夏玛仁波切在我们冈仓噶举历史上的地位,大家你们都知道的;但是近十几年来因为发生很多事情,我们这边甚至不再念诵夏玛仁波切的长寿祈请文,甚至有人建议,要将他从传承祖师的祈请当中去名。

但我觉得这些作为都偏离了焦点,都是不对的,因为什么呢?不仅是这一世,第14世夏玛仁波切米庞确吉罗卓,历代的夏玛仁波切,都是噶玛冈仓实修传承当中重要的祖师,从第一世札巴森格到现在都是的。因此我们应该把焦点放在实修传承,而不是某个人的名字,或者某个个人的作为身上。

总之,不管多少人批评这一世夏玛仁波切的所作所为,但我觉得历代夏玛巴的佛行事业是无法被污蔑的。因此我觉得我们都应该要好好重新看待这个夏玛仁波切这件事情。这么做不仅是为了整体佛教,也是为了噶举教派的延续。

如今夏玛仁波切都圆寂了,他的转世我觉得更是应该要顺利无碍的。不然再纷争下去,未来又出现什么,出现什么两个夏玛仁波切了。这对冈仓噶举是很大的伤害的。

未来搞不好甚至出现两个冈仓噶举呢?而且相互的仇视,这是非常非常不好的一件事。所以我真的是发自内心,希望大家和睦,我也真的尽力去做了许多事,但这不是靠一己之力就能完成的事,而是需要双方的一个包容,跟体谅的。我觉得这是非常重要的,不然互相一直的指责下去,总是互相的批评下去。我觉得这是不好的一件事。
我们呢,都属于同一个冈仓传承,也都出自同一个师门,拥有一样颜色的法帽。所以彼此之间如果带着的是强烈的这种偏执,无论各自说得再对好了,再好也会因为我们的偏执,这些话语只会造成更多的问题,不会有更好的结果。

另外有的时候,大家可能也听说,有些人会说我是司徒派的,或者那是夏玛派的这样的说法。事实上我们哪一派都不是的,我们是属于冈仓噶举这个教派。

我常常觉得如果一个人内心充满了烦恼、充满了强烈的这种偏执、嫉妒的心,就算他在说我是金刚总持派好了,那也实在不会好到哪里去。还有现在很多人喜欢说,我才是清净正统,他不是,我是正统的噶举派,他们不是。但正不正统、清不清净取决于自己有没有修行;不是取决于你是属于哪一个派别或组织的。所以我希望大家一定要把这一点放在心上。

还有一个我想说的是,我这一次待在国外的时间比较长一些,待在美国也有快六个月了吧!这样到处也流传很多说法,为什么我要留在国外等等。但不管他们怎么说,最主要我这一次待在国外比较长的时间,首先是开始到德国的时候,因为我检查了身体,有一些状况出现。在之后呢,是因为探望我的老侍者,所以我到了美国,接着呢就继续留在了美国。因为之前在德国检查身体发现有一些问题,所以我就继续留在美国做一些进一步的身体检查。所以这就是为什么我一直延期的原因。

还有一个留在国外的原因是,其实这么多年来我真的都没有什么时间好好休息,所以想要休息一下身心,不然一回到印度又是好多好多事情等着要处理,那实在没有办法休息。所以我觉得这一段时间的……一个我的修养吧,其实事为了长远而着想的,没有任何私人的,或者不好的打算,并没有的。完全是没有的。

总而言之,很多人的想法是……很多人对于我的决定也好,或者对于我的一些做法作为都会想说,反正他是噶玛巴吧!都是理所当然的,都很容易的。但对我来讲,真的不容易。我身为噶玛巴,我所做的任何一个决定或者一个做法, 其实我都要考虑很多,而且我要做很多牺牲的。但真的,从头到尾,我是一直带着一念善心和热忱吧!但是,当然总是会有很多人喜欢闲言闲语吧!但这也没办法。但真正让我感到比较难过的是,有些自己人也不了解我的想法,甚至对我有些误解。

就像这次尤其我在美国的一些身边的人,也对我有很大的一些误解。总之很多人都有这样的想法,对于这一点我感到真的非常失望和难过。因为真的大家好像对于我所做的是理所当然,都不知道我每一个决定和做法是不容易的,是有很多牺牲在里面。所以我常想如果我再这么辛苦,但身边的人还不相信我,那或许我也不用再这样子坚持了吧?再这么执着下去了吧?总之呢我是很难过的,但无论如何,我们有时候要放长远来看。

首先看过去噶玛巴的传承,从杜松虔巴开始到现在,一直都是专注于佛法,从来不碰触任何政治。但是现在雪域西藏的局势是,这个……一个关键的时刻,这个时刻我觉得我们都应该同时在佛法和政治上出点力,因此我们一定是要在政治上有一位非常好的领导者,一个带领者,但是我自己是完全没有能力承担政治的事情。我知道自己完全没有这个能力,而且因为我有噶玛巴的名号,所以已经没有资格去做任何的政治的事情,因为历代的噶玛巴都不碰政治的。

而且我还发现一点就是政治和佛法的差别,就是政治是能够帮助人们得到一些暂时的利益和快乐。时间上来说也是瞬息万变的。而且政治主要的一个目的是要……就是它会分党分派,所以是在达成不同政党各自的利益。但佛法不是这样的,佛法谈的是一切众生,它不谈任何党,任何偏私都没有,而且时间也不是暂时。佛法谈的不止今生,还谈到是多生多世要引领众生,让众生有一个依靠。所以我感觉政治和佛法这两者完全是不同的事情,所以我的本分、身份就是佛法的责任。所以我就应该继续做好本份的事情。当时我在西藏就是因为担心会有政治这样的责任所以才来到印度的。因此我想来到这里,我不仅没有能力承担政治责任,当然也更没有想要承担什么样政治责任的。所以我希望也说明这一点也让大家知道。

总而言之,就我个人来说,我完全没有过去这些历代噶玛巴这种断证的功德。因此常觉得我还这样装模作样的继续欺骗大家的话,时常觉得自己是在造很大的恶业。所以因此对于我这个身份带来的权势或财富,或者别人的恭敬,我是丝毫没有任何沾沾自喜的这种傲慢。所以我时常会这样想:“唉,这样欺骗下去实在没什么意义,还不如当个普通人比较好。”尤其最近的这一阵子我特别会有这样的想法。因为一方面来说,我感觉自己努力了很多年了,但好像都是我一个人在做。就像房子只有一根柱子,那当然是不行的,那是需要很多人一起努力来共同承担不是吗?平常我们也需要有人一起嘛,齐心协力的。如果完全没有别人的支持,弘扬佛法也好,利益众生也好,靠一个人的力量是不可能达成的,尤其佛教说因果,相信缘起,相信所谓的众缘和合,没有什么事情是一个因,一个缘就能够成就的,没有这种事情。

所以希望大家也要有这样的认识。总之我们整体噶举派或者说噶玛冈仓噶举派,这像是一个大家庭。噶玛巴就像是父亲,所以整个家庭不能只靠父亲一个人扛的不是吗?而是每一个家庭成员的责任。

我们回顾过去的历史。整体噶举尤其是冈仓噶举派真的经历了好多好多的劫难,比如说过去被这个蒙古军这个固始汗的这个摧毁、各个寺院都被摧毁了。而且教学、实修的传承也受到了中断,很大的破坏而中断。还有59年之后的文化大革命。所以现在终于是可以说噶举教法在兴盛的一个难得的时候,所以我觉得我们真的要共同来努力,把握这个难得的机会。

当然有时候,有人会不理解我的想法,也不知道他为什么要这么做,我觉得这没有关系。比较重要的是什么呢?当然我也不敢说自己是一个看得比较远,或者想得比较深的一个人吧!但我的确我自己总是会带着比较长远的心来做事的,但有的人就是没办法想那么远吧!无论如何,我想说的是,我们选择了要依靠某位人,相信他是主事者,跟随他。有时虽然我们没有办法马上了解这位领导者他的想法和做法,但是选择相信和给予支持是很重要的。

我不是要各位支持我啊,我说这段话也不是为了要各位理解我,而是无论未来主事者是谁,领导者是谁,我们都应该给予相信和一种支持。我想今天就讲到这里吧!说了很多,如果有任何错误或者不对的地方,都请各位原谅。这次祈愿法会有任何的功德都回向给如意宝尊者长寿住世,心意圆满。也祈愿不久之后尊者的莲足可以很快的踏上雪域藏地,广大的弘扬佛法。同样也希望我们也一起回向给无分别教派的大师们,长寿住世,还有回向给十方的僧团,戒律都能清净,心意和合,接着请大家跟着继续的祈愿文来发愿,谢谢大家。

 

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Addendum

Below is a documentary by Rishi Jindal exploring the debate around the death and reincarnation of His Holiness the 16th Karmapa. Made in the early 1990s, the film offers a rare glimpse into the views put forth by His Eminence Shamar Rinpoche regarding the recognition of Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje.

 

Karmapa Controversy Part 1

Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/SharmapaOnKarmapaIssue001.mp4

 

Karmapa Controversy Part 2

Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/SharmapaOnKarmapaIssue002.mp4

 

Karmapa Controversy Part 3

Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/SharmapaOnKarmapaIssue003.mp4

 

Karmapa Controversy Part 4

Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/SharmapaOnKarmapaIssue004.mp4

 

Open Letter to H.H. the Dalai Lama by Shamar Rinpoche

Click on image to enlarge

Source: http://www.karmapa-issue.org/arguments/letter_dalai_lama.htm. Click on image to enlarge.

Click for high-resolution image

Guru Rinpoche (central figure)

Green Tara (left), Dorje Shugden (right), Wrathful Dorje Drolo (bottom left), Garuda (bottom right)

Despite contemporary misconceptions about the pairing of Guru Rinpoche and Dorje Shugden, a number of important antique thangkas depicting both deities on the same painting do exist. Unfortunately, Guru Rinpoche’s wrathful manifestation of Dorje Drolo in recent times is often mistakenly depicted stepping upon a monk-like figure wearing a round hat representing Dorje Shugden, thus reinforcing the wrong notion that Dorje Shugden is a spirit. However, this does not alter the facts of older antique thangkas that showcase Dorje Shugden as an authentic enlightened Dharma protector.

 

Click for high-resolution image

Buddha Amitabha (largest central figure)

Guru Rinpoche (top tier), 4-armed Chenrezig (2nd tier), White Tara (3rd tier), Dorje Drolo (4th tier), 4-armed Mahakala (5th tier), Palden Lhamo (6th tier, left), Dorje Shugden (6th tier, right)

There are allegations that Dorje Shugden is a Gelug Dharma Protector and that he will not protect those who worship Guru Rinpoche or those of other traditions. This is not true as Dorje Shugden is an enlightened being and therefore, he will protect all beings regardless of whether they worship Guru Rinpoche or not.

 

Click for high-resolution image

Buddha Shakyamuni (central figure)

Guru Rinpoche (top left), Lama Tsongkhapa (top right), 4-face Mahakala (bottom leftmost), Dorje Shugden (bottom, 2nd from left), Palden Lhamo (bottom, 3rd from left), Dorje Drolo (bottom, 4th from left)

Dorje Shugden arose specifically to protect Lama Tsongkhapa’s uncommon view of emptiness, which is the Buddha’s highest teachings on wisdom. However, he is a an enlightened being and he can still be relied on by practitioners of any other lineages or traditions. There is no limit or restrictions to an enlightened being’s compassion and skillful means to benefit sentient beings.

 

Click for high-resolution image

Vajravarahi (largest figure)

Buddha Vajradhara (top right), Mahakala Panjaranatha (middle row right), Mahakala Bernagchen (bottom left), Dorje Shugden (bottom right)

In Tibetan Buddhism, Vajravarahi or Dorje Phagmo in Tibetan is a wrathful form of Vajrayogini, who in turn is associated with the Chakrasamvara Tantra. In terms of iconography, she is the female counterpart of Heruka Chakrasaṃvara and is widely practised in many Tibetan Buddhist traditions but principally relied on within the Kagyu tradition. According to the Kagyu lineage, Buddha Shakyamuni is believed to have arisen as Buddha Vajradhara in order to teach the Tantras. Furthermore, the first Karmapa Dusum Khyenpa (1110 – 1193 CE) is said to have achieved great spiritual attainments through her practice. On the other hand, Mahakala Bernagchen is the principle protector of the Karmapa line of incarnations.

 

Click for high-resolution image

Kalachakra (central figure)

Buddha Shakyamuni (top left), Dorje Shug (bottom left), Dorje Shugden (bottom middle), White Tara (bottom right)

Kalachakra means Wheel of Time or “time-cycles” and is also a Tantric deity or yidam of Vajrayana Buddhism. The name also represents complex meditation practices contained within the Kalachakra Tantra literature. The meditations contained in this tantric system has the great ability to bring one to complete enlightenment. According to the Kalachakra Tantra, Buddha Shakyamuni taught the Kalachakra Root Tantra in Dharanikota (near modern-day Amaravathi) in south-eastern India to the first king of Shambhala.

Furthermore, Dorje Shugden for many lifetimes as great translators and lineage holders had been responsible for the dissemination and preservation of the Kalachakra Tantra in Tibet. According to the long fulfilment puja (kangsol) text, Dorje Shugden at the beginning of the puja is called forth from the mystical land of Shambhala, the last great stronghold of the Kalachakra lineage and practice on earth.

Click on image to enlarge

H.H. the 1st Karmapa Dusum Khyenpa. Click on image to enlarge or click here for more beautiful thangkas.

Click on image to enlarge

His Holiness the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje. Click on image to enlarge or click here for more beautiful thangkas.

 

For more interesting information:

 

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33 Responses to Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje’s Explosive Special Message

DISCLAIMER IN RELATION TO COMMENTS OR POSTS GIVEN BY THIRD PARTIES BELOW

Kindly note that the comments or posts given by third parties in the comment section below do not represent the views of the owner and/or host of this Blog, save for responses specifically given by the owner and/or host. All other comments or posts or any other opinions, discussions or views given below under the comment section do not represent our views and should not be regarded as such. We reserve the right to remove any comments/views which we may find offensive but due to the volume of such comments, the non removal and/or non detection of any such comments/views does not mean that we condone the same.

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  1. Jacinta Goh on Dec 17, 2023 at 9:31 am

    Rinpoche, here is the recent development between the two Karmapas and I believe it carries the message of peace, discarding differences by working together and spreading love & compassion :
    A joint statement regarding the reincarnation of Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche.

    https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02DwsbhbEMJk3d1FESLjroZCCPbrigTXcYs7M5eXYaF3panWhm1SG39TjKMnk9EMrfl&id=100044308395589&mibextid=Nif5oz

    Definitely those so called ‘Shugdenpa and Non-Shugdenpa’ can work in in the same manner too. Life is too short too, live the best.

    FB_IMG_1702776317187

  2. Samfoonheei on Oct 14, 2020 at 1:26 pm

    A special message by Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje the 17th Karmapa and the highest incarnate lama during the 35th Kagyu Monlam festivities held in Bodhgaya, India. He is also the head of the Karma Kagyu sub-sect of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. In his video he voice out to his unhappiness, expressing grievances and frustration at his current situation .For someone like him who sent out such a message indicate that the current situation is really bad. A honest declaration which he brought out over a number of issues such like his difficulties in receiving a proper education, reconciliation within his own sect and so forth. In his final message he advised his follower to unite and not to create problems for the recognition of the Shamarpa incarnation issues. Other wise the Karma Kagyu sect would be further divided.
    Same goes to the Dorje Shugden controversy, where the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism have been divided into two camps by the Tibetan leadership. The Tibetan leadership’s interference in politics with religion has caused the split then. Interesting read.
    Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.

  3. Samfoonheei on Jun 30, 2020 at 2:13 pm

    Lama Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje has been recognized and enthroned as the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa. He is a scholar and meditation master, as well as painter, poet, songwriter and playwright. Listening to his message in Bodh Gaya, tells us all how he felt been under the supervision of Tibetan Leadership. He is then not able to perform well as a spiritual leader, as been used by the Tibetan Leadership involving politics. He spoke with courage, of his difficulties he is facing and own experienced of mistreated by the Tibetan Leadership. When politics get involved with religion it becomes complicated and it causes disharmony and harm to many. May Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje continue with his crusades of spreading dharma in the Kargyu lineage. May the differences between all karma Kagyu practitioners be restored and reconciliation .
    Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.

  4. Yee Yin on Mar 9, 2019 at 5:32 pm

    Thank you Rinpoche for sharing with us the video of the Karmapa Ogyen Trinley. It is very sad that a high lama like the Karmapa is manifesting depression and unhappiness. His depression and unhappiness is not due to personal reasons but due to the fact that he is not able to do what he wants, i.e., to spread Dharma and become a Dharma teacher.

    The reason why the Karmapa escaped from China to India because he thought he could learn from those high lamas who have left Tibet. He thought he could get a better education and be equipped with the knowledge he needs to spread Dharma. He came to India with a dream but it turned out to be a nightmare.

    The CTA welcomed the Karmapa because they want to groom him to become the successor of the Dalai Lama and want him to be involved in politics. He did not get the education he wants and his movement is under strict control. His wish to benefit people is so strong that he manifested unhappiness and depression. This is what the CTA does to Buddhism, instead of preserving a lineage, they destroy a lineage.

  5. Pastor Adeline Woon on Aug 22, 2018 at 11:58 pm

    Medicine Buddha puja encourages healing of all levels – physical, mental and emotional healing for those in need.

    High resolution file of this thangka is available for download for all dharma practitioners around the world and for those who just want sacred images in their environment. Enjoy, be blessed and share this with others.

    Here is the link to free download of this image and many other images: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/downloads/buddha-images.html?nggpage=7

  6. Samfoonheei on Apr 23, 2018 at 11:24 am

    Sad to watch and listening to a message from a great Lama, Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje who is the highest incarnate lama and the head of the 900 year old Karma Kagyu lineage . He recently delivered an unusual message to his thousands of his followers from across the globe. during an annual prayer ceremony in Bodh Gaya, India. As a prominent Tibetan Buddhist religious leader , he openly expressed his life-long struggle to meet the demands that come with his leadership role . He spoke in a clear unhappy tone that his wish to resolve sectarian divides within his lineage and the people. May the differences between all karma Kagyu practitioners be restored and reconciliation of a friendly relationship . Hope Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje will continue to turn the Dharma wheel of the sake of his thousand followers around the globe.

  7. Wai Meng Wan on Apr 16, 2018 at 2:28 am

    Karmapa Ogyen Trinley, is very courageous and direct to express himself publicly. I think the Karmapa has no more recourse hence he has to open up publicly to the world to explain all the challenges he is going through.

    Imagine Chenrezig expressing his unhappiness, that is the extent of what Karmapa is talking about. If the Karmapa Ogyen Trinley, works on bringing harmony and reconciling between all karma Kagyu practitioners this can only benefit everyone. I rejoice the Karmapa Ogyen Trinly is thinking for the betterment of everyone and considering many angles.

  8. Sock Wan on Apr 10, 2018 at 12:40 am

    Karmapa is really a very humble lama, he knows clearly his role as a spiritual guide and would like to do his best to perform his job. But due to political circumstances, he claim he doesn’t have what it takes to become a good spiritual leader. This is the first time I have heard what how he feels and what he really thinks living under the supervision of CTA. There is a lot of dissatisfaction expressed towards CTA is his speech. For his to step up to say it out loud, he must have thought it through and he really cannot tolerate it anymore. Not only CTA is not able to give what they have promised to the Tibetans, they are not even putting effort to protect the most precious jewel of Tibet, ie Buddhism. They are not able to provide the environment and condition for a high lama to continue to learn so that they are qualified to teach and spread Dharma. What benefits does CTA bring to its own people and their culture? They are doing more harm than preserving it.

    I feel sorry for Karmapa. I hope he will not lose hope and continue to turn the wheel of Dharma and continue to teach. I have heard that lama sometimes choose to enter into clear light at a very young age because the environment they are in is not conducive for them to fulfil their mission of spreading the Dharma. I hope this will not happen.

  9. Su Ming on Apr 3, 2018 at 8:51 am

    I watched this video several times with the Tibetans and dharma friends. I still find it very thought provoking that Karmapa himself actually came came out with this recording. Most Tibetans are not surprise at this video as most know that Karmapa has been used as a political tool for CTA. And if you are a real monk, you will never just accept with the charade.

    What he mentioned in the video is true, many of my Tibetans friends know how political CTA has made the Karma Kagyu lineage with the introduction of the 2nd Karmapa and how CTA has used this Karmapa for their own selfish reasons. Same with the Dorje Shugden ban. How they are so fond of dividing their own people!

    Karma does exist and now is biting back hard on CTA. I wonder what is their next move? Have tea with Karmapa to change his mind?

  10. Vivian Ong on Mar 24, 2018 at 12:43 am

    This Karmapa issue is exactly the same like the Panchen Lama. Why need to recognised your own Karmapa or Panchen Lama? What is the difference? Why the Tibetan government wants to drag the monks n monastries into politics? Can’t they just leave them alone.m? In this article specifically mentioned about the unhappiness of Ogyen Trinley. This is the first time I read about monk talking about how unhappy they are. I personally think that this is a serious matter that the Tibetan government should solve and not creating more division and separation among the people.

  11. Tek Lee on Mar 23, 2018 at 1:23 am

    It’s already sad to see that a government involved religion into politics. It’s even more sad to see that the government force the Karmapa to involve in politics. How can a government force a monk to be involved in politics? We can see that the Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje is already frustrated to speak this up to against CTA. We all know what will be the consequences if one speaks against CTA. Yet, The Karmapa still speak it up. Can see that nowadays more and more Tibetan are getting frustrated with their own government CTA. Really hope that CTA start bucking up now, and they should change their way of governing, instead of only splitting their own Tibetan people into groups. Or else, they wuill really loose support from their own people. They are not groups that work together, they are groups that fight against each other. In that case, how can Tibetan be united?

  12. Pastor Albert on Mar 22, 2018 at 10:40 pm

    First of all, for a Lama to speak up in the public like what Ogyen Trinley did is not easy, after so many years, now he finally chose to speak up, For CTA to interfere in religion matters is not something new, look at what they have done towards Dorje Shugden practitioners, it is really sad to see this where Karmapa Ogyen Trinley have to come out to speak about his challengers and difficulties, if it is not being pushed to this state, Im sure he wont be saying anything as long as he can still perform his duty as a lama.

    He is not interested in politics, he never want to be involved in politics, Im sure many lamas are the same, they just want to be a lama and continue to pursue their Spiritual practice instead of involving in this meaningless politics, but sad to see that they have no option, they cant avoid, they are being pulled into it and cant escape.

    I really Hope CTA can stay away from religion and just focus on their duty as a government, to help and to take care of the citizen’s welfare and nothing else.

  13. Anne Ong on Mar 22, 2018 at 9:33 pm

    This is indeed a very sad message from Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje. It is with a heavy heart to read this article and the message from the great Buddhist master of the Karmapa tradition. He almost seems exasperated with the situation around him; his own practice, his duties/responsibilities, the Karma Kagyu conflicts, his aspirations, the future of his lineage, the politics etc. His message was delivered calmly but with clear unhappiness on many subject matter. Sadly all these negativities can create the causes for the Lama to leave. I hope that the Central Tibetan Administration stops all their power plays and stops interfering with religion. Thank you Rinpoche and blog team for this article.?

  14. Andrea Lai on Mar 22, 2018 at 4:30 pm

    The speaking up of Karmapa Oygen Trinley could clearly tells how corrupted, power controlled was CTA on their people. More sadden was, CTA putting spirituality into politics which is not encourage. I hope may the conflict of Karma Kagyu lineage will be solve and pass on to next generation.

  15. Pastor Chia on Mar 22, 2018 at 8:59 am

    What CTA has done using their power intervance other sect divine them Kargyu sect, controling Karmapa Orgye Trinley Dorje , it just the clear example how CTA has using their power to control tibetan in exile , spiritual leader, monks and poor tibetans. That is how CTA has been using political to suppress dorje shugden practitioner. I am glad Karmapa Orgye Trinley Dorje speak up about his own experince how CTA has treated him badly at Tibet in exile. I hope Karmapa Orgyen Trinley can be save and continue to teach dharma under Kargyu lineage.

  16. June Kang on Mar 22, 2018 at 8:46 am

    来自Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje的这封特别贺词分享了他作为宗教领袖的个人的感想,因为政治因素,个人自由受到限制,当他谈到他不喜欢政治时,显而易见。他告诉我们某些政党为了政治目的让他成为他们的利用的工具获得他们个人利益,这些政党是西藏领导层,西藏领导层长久都在搞宗派分歧,西藏领导层的干涉已经创造了两个噶玛巴派系, 有如多杰雄登有400年的历史,但因西藏领导层的干涉已经创造了两个派系,所以Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje希望通过这贺词向其追随者解决宗派分歧,实在令人敬佩的。

  17. Pastor Henry Ooi on Mar 22, 2018 at 2:08 am

    It is interesting that Karmapa chose this event to air his concerns. To say he even thought of studying in a Gelug monastery sends out message that importance was not accorded for his studies by his lamas even though they were busy. And maybe his changtso was too ‘busy’ amassing power and money. Others may hear it that the Kagyu monastic education is not up to par with Gelug. Strange for Karmapa to mention it.

    To say what he said of his changtso so publicly shows he could have done his best but the changtso refused to change. It would be better to dilute the power of the changtso by adding more changtso and set up a trust fund. Perhaps his changtso relishes the power and money so much that he hints to others that when things go wrong especially in India, it was Karmapa’s decision. So, maybe relations with other ladrangs could be better if there are additional changtso. Perhaps the changtso is more interested in politics (power+money) than dharma and Karmapa knows it, is depressed, but can’t stop it apart from telling the changtso he doesn’t want to be involved in politics. In modern times (regardless if the person had lived in a monastery or not) it is inadvisable to entrust all the power and finance to one person. And he does not have his changtso and ladrang people’s support thus his “one pillar” example.

    The Karmapa’s declaration that he is not attained is humbling. I think Karmapa hopes his ladrang people will change after this speech so he can continue with dharma. Failing which, he hopes his talk will pave a better path for the next Karmapa. But I doubt his ladrang people will heed his advice because politics have already spread into the core of their being, just like the CTA.

  18. Pastor Antoinette Kass on Mar 22, 2018 at 1:47 am

    There is much disappointment that we can hear from the Karmapa chosen by the CTA, the Central Tibetan Administration. Instead of having his own monastery and Ladrang, what has happened to him? Being exploited for political reasons and not having the proper education to assume his responsibilities. It is indeed tragic to hear this.

    As with the Dorje Shugden issue, the Central Tibetan Administration has interfered with traditional and hundreds of years old Tibetan Buddhist traditions. This has caused much problems and harm. This is not correct as their politics should not interfere with religion. Buddhism is not for their political agendas but it is for us to apply and do our best to be of benefit to others. I hope that the Central Tibetan Administration stops all their power plays and stops interfering with religion.

  19. Justin on Mar 22, 2018 at 12:59 am

    Reading from this article makes me think that the Dorje Shugden saga seems very small compared to the grand scale of issues happening within Kagyu sect. It is all so political and I feel for this line of practioners and I don’t mean to be disrespectful. The dispute of the real Karmapa is not healthy and with this latest statement made by Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje is a strong indication of what it seems like CTA is loosing all the plot. More people are trying to get away from CTA’s control and speaking put against it.

  20. Julia Tan on Mar 22, 2018 at 12:28 am

    Lamas and monks which are sangha who we take refuse everyday at the first place should not involve in politics. That’s against Buddha’s teachings. Politics is dirty and full of currption! Politics stained the holy dharma.

    What makes Kamarpa Ogyen Trinley Dorje decided to speak up? Sad and frustration about hating each other among Kagyupas. Whether he is a real Kamarpa or not, I think what he said is real from his heart and he really want to put an end for this fraction of Kama Kagyu. He’s speaking out of compassion.

    It’s so sad and heartbreaking to see this. What would happen if Kamarpa Ogyen Trinkey refused to listen to those people around him which included CTA. Since young he’s being watched and used. He constantly got to be very careful. After being chosen as the golden child but why being left alone? It only showed that practices and teachings are not important for him but as long as he continues to do what he’s told to then he’s safe and look good on the throne.

    People being blinded by money and power, and forget about the purpose of reincarnation lamas which is come back again and again to teach and benefit all sentient beings. if the purpose is defeated then that will be no meaning for them to stay.

    I’m happy to see more and more high calibre lamas speaking up. This is a very good news indeed.

  21. nicholas on Mar 22, 2018 at 12:22 am

    It’s sad to see how politics intervene in spiritual that cause the damage in this pure practice. After reading the Karmapa Ogyen Trinley’s messages we can feel how vulnerable he is. Tibetan leadership doesn’t respect the tradition nor they embrace the true practice of Buddhism but just focus on power game. Separation after separation from one lineage to another, this is what the Tibetan leadership is creating. Where in the world you would see a leader keep dividing their people? Tibetan already in a very weak situation instead of unity Tibetan leadership is very keen to tear their people apart.

    I fully respect Karmapa Ogyen Trinley with what he said. He’s a true Dharma practitioners that not just focus on status but how he can best benefits others with the status he’s up holding. He willing to speak up to tell the truth of what he’s going through with honesty and this is not merely a complaint but a tragedy that he is trapped in by the Tibetan leadership.

    It’s shameful to see how Tibetan leadership treated a real Buddhist practitioner like Karmapa Ogyen Trinley which just mainly using him for political agenda. Tibetan leadership should really look into building his people and stop creating further damages.

  22. pammie yap on Mar 21, 2018 at 11:17 pm

    It is very sad to see such disturbing news. It is especially confusing when there are 2 Karmapas. Why is it that those in politics dabble in spiritual? It causes so much problems and confusion especially for those who do not understand. Much discrimination, segregation, hatred and division among people. CTA is suppose to help their people irregardless of religion. Mend their politics with other countries especially China. Not use their time to do poke into spiritual affairs.
    Just like in the case of Dorje Shugden. Telling people lies and giving illogical reasons to ban the practice. Why would they want to do that because all it does is create more conflict among their own people and others. I really wish that CTA would just stop messing around in spiritual affair and concentrate on their other issues which I feel is much more important.

  23. Joy Kam on Mar 20, 2018 at 10:55 am

    After watching Karmapa Ogyen Trinley’s message, it really made me respect him at a greater level. He really is a genuine Dharma practitioner and I felt quite sad for him and what he had to go through. It is just amazing how the Tibetan leadership would even dare to corrupt something as sacred as a lineage Lama’s incarnation. This is really too much! How can Tibetans do this to their own Lamas? Isn’t anything sacred to them, do they not believe in karma? Are they Buddhist? It is appalling what they have done and how much damage, schism and anger they have created just because of their own political agendas.

    I too hope that from Karmapa Ogyen Trinley’s speech, more duplicate created from the Tibetan Leadership and those that have been abused would speak up and speak out! It is time for the CTA to stop creating harm and destroying everyone’s spiritual path and lineage.

    I also hope from the Karmapa’s speech like what Rinpoche said, perhaps the two Karmapa’s can work hand in hand to repair the damages and mend the Karma Kagyu rift so it will return the Kagyu lineage to its former glory and from then on spread the Buddhism to benefit more people. ????

  24. Stella Cheang on Mar 17, 2018 at 11:49 am

    It is with a heavy heart to read this article and the message from the great Buddhist master of the Karmapa tradition. His incarnation status of the great heritage of the lineage put the Karmapa at a spot where he is surrounded by politics that come with conflict and deception. It is very unfortunate that a great incarnated master who is destined to dedicate his life to Buddhism and the spreading of authentic teaching, fell prey to the ugly clutches of politicians! This is the misfortune of the people, of his followers and students, as well as of all Buddhists. May all Lamas and Buddhist leaders forget the rifts from the past, look beyond the line that divides and look at the greater good by bringing authentic Buddhism to many more people! Thank you, Rinpoche, for this sharing.

  25. Sonam Phuntsho on Mar 15, 2018 at 1:41 pm

    What if both the Karmapa’s were the incaranation of the previous 16th?! I have read somewhere that the highly realized master have the tendency to get incarnated into two or more body because of their consciousness which is definitely in a higher level conpared to all who practise buddha dharma. For instance, as in the case of Jamyang Khentse Wangpo and Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpochhe.
    There could be a possibility that both of them could be the incarnation of the previous 16th.

  26. Carmen Koo on Mar 14, 2018 at 4:34 am

    I like what Karmapa Ogyen Trinley said that the way of Dharma and Politics is different. Politics is to accomplish short-term aims and benefit and politics means dividing into factions and then dividing into groups then trying to find profit and benefit. But Dharma means not divide into factions but instead bring benefit to all sentient beings. Dharma is for protecting ourselves in this and in future lifetimes and for guiding ourselves in this until hereafter.

    Being in such a position, where you have to be political and Dharmic both must be very tough, because they are contrary to one another, so it is hard to function. The Karmapa seems like he is being controlled politically and therefore his full Dharma potential cannot reach its optimum. Karmapa Ogyen Trinley sounds defeated and frustrated, and I feel sad for him because it seems like he wants to nurture his spiritual side but isn’t able to fully do so. He is longing for spiritual education, but yet not getting it eventhough he is the Karmapa.

    Whatever the Tibetan Leadership meddles in, they cause rift, segregation and separation. How unbuddhist of a culture ironically known for its Buddhism. I hope Karmapa Ogyen Trinley can find happiness and be able to fully dive into true spiritual practice.

    • Mingwen on Mar 22, 2018 at 8:30 am

      Just because of those selfish individuals, they make Buddhism upside down and causing so many problem within the circle and causing so much suffering for all the practitioners.

  27. Alessandro on Mar 12, 2018 at 5:43 pm

    A very interesting statement of the Karmapa and it comes at the same time when Karmapa thrinley thaye dorje announces that he and his wife are expecting a baby.
    A Karmapa of the past (I don’t remember exactly which one) gave up his monk vows as well and married had kids and this kids were tulkus.
    In the Kagyu community following Karmapa thaye dorje there is a lot of hope and excitement concerning the fact that the baby might be the rebirth of Shamar Rinpoche. And this would explain why Karmapa thaye dorje did all this. To me this is a pure example of the enlightened mind.

  28. graceleong on Mar 11, 2018 at 4:39 pm

    This is indeed a very sad message from Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje. He almost seems exasperated with the situation around him; his own practice, his duties/responsibilities, the Karma Kagyu conflicts, his aspirations, the future of his lineage, the politics etc. His message was delivered calmly but intertwined with clear unhappiness on many subject matter. Sadly all these negativities can create the causes for the Lama to “leave”. The Karmapa already said this in his message above that
    “Sometimes I think it would be better to just live as an ordinary person, an ordinary Dharma practitioner. I sometimes think that and especially recently I felt this strongly ”

    This is so similar to the conflict with the Dorje Shugden practice in the Gelugpa lineage. So much discrimination and sufferings created over the last 20 years against Dorje Shugden High Lamas and practitioners. The politics, the anti groups, the physical and verbal abuses, the survival of the practice in the future … all these negativities and uncertainties create many delusions in people’s minds.
    Is this all reflective of the great Buddha’s teachings ?? Definitely NOT !

    The current Karmapa rightfully said
    ” Our teachings, the Kamtsang are the same. Our Gurus are the same. The colour of our hats is the same. But if despite this we continue to cling to our own factions, no matter how right we are, we’ll have such bias towards our own sides that we will work for ourselves, to win for ourselves to defeat the others. So taking this on would be like a complete mistake. There’ll be nothing good about it. So, we often say there is the Shamar side and that there is the Situ side. There’s one side or the other. Actually we aren’t on the Situ Rinpoche side, we aren’t on the Shamar Rinpoche side. We are all on the Karma Kagyu side ”

    Dorje Shugden practitioners and non-practitioners are also from the same lineage, same color hat, same lineage Gurus, same Yidams and teachings. Why create conflicts to split up the “family” ?

    STOP all the conflicts if we want to keep our Gurus, our lineage and our practice in tact so that we can benefit many beings and achieve Enlightment . With folded hands.

  29. Ex-Karma Kagyu follower on Mar 10, 2018 at 6:07 am

    I was in the Karma Kagyu sect for two decades and when the two Karmapa issue exploded and the in-house fighting occurred between the Sharmapa and Tai Situ camps, I left. Many left their centres. I quietly do my practice at home as I am older now but it was disheartening to say the least. How can ‘enlightened’ masters fight with each other?

    One thing I could not understand is why Dalai Lama interferes in the selection of Karmapa which led to the two Karmapas contending against each other. This is very confusing. Dalai Lama has no right to say anything within Karma Kagyu sect.

  30. Janet on Mar 10, 2018 at 1:47 am

    I pray all issues which divide people be resolved, and people can live together with peace & harmony.

  31. Datuk May on Mar 9, 2018 at 4:20 pm

    It is so saddening that H.H. the Karmapa is so disenchanted with his state in life. From what he said, through all the negative commotion and controversy, he still wishes that Tibetan Buddhists will find peace and harmony and that every one will join together to have the Dharma reach in 10 directions. This is such a noble motivation.

    This is a very informative article which explains clearly why High Lamas are subjected to political manoeuvring by CTA.

    This article also clarifies the misdeeds of CTA in the disruption of the holy lineages of Tibetan Buddhism.

  32. Karma Tara on Mar 9, 2018 at 9:37 am

    This is a riveting blog post almost like a who-dunnit-crime-thriller.

    Ogyen Trinley sounds deeply unhappy and depressed. For a person that is suppose to be teaching us how to be happy, he seems very unhappy. Very ironic.

    Tibetan leadership in exile are always accusing people of being this or that Chinese spy, but why do they recognize this Ogyen Trinley who is recognized by the Chinese government? And they don’t recognize the Panchen lama by the Chinese govt? Seems strange and unbalanced.

    CHINA-PROPAGANDA

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

Tsem Rinpoche

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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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Videos On The Go

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  • Pig puts his toys away
    4 years ago
    Pig puts his toys away
    Animals are so intelligent. They can feel happiness, joy, pain, sorrow, just like humans. Always show kindness to them. Always show kindness to everyone.
  • Always be kind to animals-They deserve to live just like us.
    5 years ago
    Always be kind to animals-They deserve to live just like us.
    Whales and dolphins playing with each other in the Pacific sea. Nature is truly incredible!
  • Bodha stupa July 2019-
    5 years ago
    Bodha stupa July 2019-
    Rainy period
  • Cute Tara girl having a snack. She is one of Kechara Forest Retreat’s resident doggies.
    5 years ago
    Cute Tara girl having a snack. She is one of Kechara Forest Retreat’s resident doggies.
  • Your Next Meal!
    5 years ago
    Your Next Meal!
    Yummy? Tasty? Behind the scenes of the meat on your plates. Meat is a killing industry.
  • This is Daw
    5 years ago
    This is Daw
    This is what they do to get meat on tables, and to produce belts and jackets. Think twice before your next purchase.
  • Don’t Take My Mummy Away!
    5 years ago
    Don’t Take My Mummy Away!
    Look at the poor baby chasing after the mother. Why do we do that to them? It's time to seriously think about our choices in life and how they affect others. Be kind. Don't break up families.
  • They do this every day!
    5 years ago
    They do this every day!
    This is how they are being treated every day of their lives. Please do something to stop the brutality. Listen to their cries for help!
  • What happened at Fair Oaks Farm?
    5 years ago
    What happened at Fair Oaks Farm?
    The largest undercover dairy investigation of all time. See what they found out at Fair Oaks Farm.
  • She’s going to spend her whole life here without being able to move correctly. Like a machine. They are the slaves of the people and are viewed as a product. It’s immoral. Billions of terrestrial animals die annually. Billions. You can’t even imagine it. And all that because people don’t want to give up meat, even though there are so many alternatives. ~ Gabriel Azimov
    5 years ago
    She’s going to spend her whole life here without being able to move correctly. Like a machine. They are the slaves of the people and are viewed as a product. It’s immoral. Billions of terrestrial animals die annually. Billions. You can’t even imagine it. And all that because people don’t want to give up meat, even though there are so many alternatives. ~ Gabriel Azimov
  • Our Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir speaks so well, logically and regarding our country’s collaboration with China for growth. It is refreshing to listen to Dr. Mahathir’s thoughts. He said our country can look to China for many more things such as technology and so on. Tsem Rinpoche
    5 years ago
    Our Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir speaks so well, logically and regarding our country’s collaboration with China for growth. It is refreshing to listen to Dr. Mahathir’s thoughts. He said our country can look to China for many more things such as technology and so on. Tsem Rinpoche
  • This is the first time His Holiness Dalai Lama mentions he had some very serious illness. Very worrying. This video is captured April 2019.
    5 years ago
    This is the first time His Holiness Dalai Lama mentions he had some very serious illness. Very worrying. This video is captured April 2019.
  • Beautiful Monastery in Hong Kong
    5 years ago
    Beautiful Monastery in Hong Kong
  • This dog thanks his hero in such a touching way. Tsem Rinpoche
    5 years ago
    This dog thanks his hero in such a touching way. Tsem Rinpoche
  • Join Tsem Rinpoche in prayer for H.H. Dalai Lama’s long life~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYy7JcveikU&feature=youtu.be
    5 years ago
    Join Tsem Rinpoche in prayer for H.H. Dalai Lama’s long life~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYy7JcveikU&feature=youtu.be
  • These people going on pilgrimage to a holy mountain and prostrating out of devotion and for pilgrimage in Tibet. Such determination for spiritual practice. Tsem Rinpoche
    5 years ago
    These people going on pilgrimage to a holy mountain and prostrating out of devotion and for pilgrimage in Tibet. Such determination for spiritual practice. Tsem Rinpoche
  • Beautiful new casing in Kechara for Vajra Yogini. Tsem Rinpoche
    5 years ago
    Beautiful new casing in Kechara for Vajra Yogini. Tsem Rinpoche
  • Get ready to laugh real hard. This is Kechara’s version of “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane!” We have some real talents in this video clip.
    5 years ago
    Get ready to laugh real hard. This is Kechara’s version of “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane!” We have some real talents in this video clip.
  • Recitation of Dorje Dermo‘s mantra or the Dharani of Glorious Vajra Claws. This powerful mantra is meant to destroy all obstacles that come in our way. Beneficial to play this mantra in our environments.
    5 years ago
    Recitation of Dorje Dermo‘s mantra or the Dharani of Glorious Vajra Claws. This powerful mantra is meant to destroy all obstacles that come in our way. Beneficial to play this mantra in our environments.
  • Beautiful
    5 years ago
    Beautiful
    Beautiful sacred Severed Head Vajra Yogini from Tsem Rinpoche's personal shrine.
  • My little monster cute babies Dharma and Oser. Take a look and get a cute attack for the day! Tsem Rinpoche
    5 years ago
    My little monster cute babies Dharma and Oser. Take a look and get a cute attack for the day! Tsem Rinpoche
  • Plse watch this short video and see how all sentient beings are capable of tenderness and love. We should never hurt animals nor should we eat them. Tsem Rinpoche
    5 years ago
    Plse watch this short video and see how all sentient beings are capable of tenderness and love. We should never hurt animals nor should we eat them. Tsem Rinpoche
  • Cruelty of some people have no limits and it’s heartbreaking. Being kind cost nothing. Tsem Rinpoche
    5 years ago
    Cruelty of some people have no limits and it’s heartbreaking. Being kind cost nothing. Tsem Rinpoche
  • SUPER ADORABLE and must see
    5 years ago
    SUPER ADORABLE and must see
    Tsem Rinpoche's dog Oser girl enjoying her snack in her play pen.
  • Cute!
    5 years ago
    Cute!
    Oser girl loves the balcony so much. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTcoWpKJm2c
  • Uncle Wong
    5 years ago
    Uncle Wong
    We were told by Uncle Wong he is very faithful toward Dorje Shugden. Dorje Shugden has extended help to him on several occasions and now Uncle Wong comes daily to make incense offerings to Dorje Shugden. He is grateful towards the help he was given.
  • Tsem Rinpoche’s Schnauzer Dharma boy fights Robot sphere from Arkonide!
    5 years ago
    Tsem Rinpoche’s Schnauzer Dharma boy fights Robot sphere from Arkonide!
  • Cute baby owl found and rescued
    5 years ago
    Cute baby owl found and rescued
    We rescued a lost baby owl in Kechara Forest Retreat.
  • Nice cups from Kechara!!
    5 years ago
    Nice cups from Kechara!!
    Dorje Shugden people's lives matter!
  • Enjoy a peaceful morning at Kechara Forest Retreat
    5 years ago
    Enjoy a peaceful morning at Kechara Forest Retreat
    Chirping birds and other forest animals create a joyful melody at the Vajrayogini stupa in Kechara Forest Retreat (Bentong, Malaysia).
  • This topic is so hot in many circles right now.
    6 years ago
    This topic is so hot in many circles right now.
    This video is thought-provoking and very interesting. Watch! Thanks so much to our friends at LIVEKINDLY.
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    6 years ago
    Chiropractic CHANGES LIFE for teenager with acute PAIN & DEAD LEG.
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    6 years ago
    BEAUTIFUL PLACE IN NEW YORK STATE-AMAZING.
  • Leonardo DiCaprio takes on the meat Industry with real action.
    6 years ago
    Leonardo DiCaprio takes on the meat Industry with real action.
  • Do psychic mediums have messages from beyond?
    6 years ago
    Do psychic mediums have messages from beyond?
  • Lovely gift for my 52nd Birthday. Tsem Rinpoche
    6 years ago
    Lovely gift for my 52nd Birthday. Tsem Rinpoche
  • This 59-year-old chimpanzee was refusing food and ready to die until...
    6 years ago
    This 59-year-old chimpanzee was refusing food and ready to die until...
    she received “one last visit from an old friend” 💔💔
  • Bigfoot sighted again and made it to the news.
    6 years ago
    Bigfoot sighted again and made it to the news.
  • Casper is such a cute and adorable. I like him.
    6 years ago
    Casper is such a cute and adorable. I like him.
  • Dorje Shugden Monastery Amarbayasgalant  Mongolia's Ancient Hidden Gem
    6 years ago
    Dorje Shugden Monastery Amarbayasgalant Mongolia's Ancient Hidden Gem
  • Don't you love Hamburgers? See how 'delicious' it is here!
    6 years ago
    Don't you love Hamburgers? See how 'delicious' it is here!
  • Such a beautiful and powerful message from a person who knows the meaning of life. Tsem Rinpoche
    6 years ago
    Such a beautiful and powerful message from a person who knows the meaning of life. Tsem Rinpoche
  • What the meat industry figured out is that you don't need healthy animals to make a profit.
    6 years ago
    What the meat industry figured out is that you don't need healthy animals to make a profit.
    Sick animals are more profitable... farms calculate how close to death they can keep animals without killing them. That's the business model. How quickly they can be made to grow, how tightly they can be packed, how much or how little can they eat, how sick they can get without dying... We live in a world in which it's conventional to treat an animal like a block of wood. ~ Jonathan Safran Foer
  • This video went viral and it's a must watch!!
    6 years ago
    This video went viral and it's a must watch!!
  • SEE HOW THIS ANIMAL SERIAL KILLER HAS NO ISSUE BLUDGEONING THIS DEFENSELESS BEING.
    6 years ago
    SEE HOW THIS ANIMAL SERIAL KILLER HAS NO ISSUE BLUDGEONING THIS DEFENSELESS BEING.
    This happens daily in slaughterhouse so you can get your pork and Bak ku teh. Stop eating meat.

ASK A PASTOR


Ask the Pastors

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

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

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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
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