Ven. Longlian: Modern China’s Most Outstanding Bhiksuni

By | May 21, 2021 | Views: 610

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(By Tsem Rinpoche and Pastor Shin)

Venerable Longlian was awarded the title of “The Foremost Bhiksuni of Contemporary China”, a rare public recognition made out of great respect for a nun who lived a life of remarkable achievements. Her biography, “Today’s Preeminent Nun: The Story of Dharma Master Longlian” (当代第一比丘尼: 隆莲法师传) is a bestseller in China.

One of the best-known students of Master Nenghai, a religious leader of modern China, she was the former chairwoman of the Buddhist Association of China. Relics were found after her cremation, a testament of her spiritual achievements. In 2009, a commemoration ceremony organised to celebrate the 100th anniversary of her birth drew a large crowd, and her memorial never falls short of visitors and pilgrims on auspicious days of the Buddhist calendar.

 

Early Life

Ven. Longlian’s family background was the foundation of her spiritual life and it also paved the way for her academic excellence. Both her paternal and maternal grandfathers were accomplished educators. Her father, You Fuguo (游辅国) was the superintendent in the education department of Sichuan province before being appointed a county magistrate.

Born on 2nd May 1909 in Leshan city, Sichuan province, Ven. Longlian, whose name before ordination had been You Yongkang (游永康), was tutored at home by her maternal grandfather and aunt. A bright and talented child, she was fluent in Chinese poetry, and could read and write well by the age of four. She started to recite scriptures and Buddha’s name since young, and frequented temples with her mother and grandmother.

A chance meeting with the Buddhist monk Da Yong (大勇) when she was 11 led her to proclaim that one day, she too would don the same yellow robes. You Yongkang inherited her grandfather’s library when she was 13. There, she found and read books on Pure Land Buddhism. It left a deep and lasting impression on the young girl and she became a firm believer. From that moment on, she started to practise vegetarianism.

Books on Pure Land Buddhism by Master Ying Guang (印光) that Ven. Longlian first encountered, which left a deep impact on her

Books on Pure Land Buddhism by Master Yinguang which left a deep impact on Ven. Longlian

Ven. Longlian was not a normal student. While enrolled at Jiading Superior Elementary School, she studied high school mathematics on her own and learnt English through correspondence courses. Later, she continued her studies at home after her grandfather passed away.

In 1927, she became a teacher at Leshan Girls School, while simultaneously preparing to enter university. In 1931, her family relocated to Chengdu and she became a teacher at Chengdu Girls’ Middle School. In 1932, her father was appointed a county magistrate in Gulin and she moved there with him to act as his personal secretary.

Master Changyuan whom Ven. Longlian took the Bodhisattva vows from

Master Changyuan, who gave Ven. Longlian the Bodhisattva vows

She returned to Chengdu in 1934 and took the qualifying examinations for the government civil service. She was the first woman ever to pass the civil service examinations and was employed as a teacher of language and algebra at the Chengdu Middle School. In 1936, she won first place in the examinations for the county magistrate position. However, she did not become the first Chinese female magistrate due to her refusal to go through military training and live in official housing. Instead, she became a translator-editor at the Editing and Translating Secretariat of Sichuan province.

Ven. Longlian studied voraciously – everything from poetry to Chinese medicine – with famous teachers, although her main focus was Buddhist thought and philosophy. She took the Bodhisattva vows from Changyuan (昌圆), a master of the Pure Land tradition in a private ceremony in 1938 as she missed the collective ritual at Aidaotang (爱道堂) due to her father’s opposition. She was given the religious name Longjing (隆净).

 

Receiving Teachings from the Masters

Ven. Longlian frequented Shaocheng Foxueshe (少城佛学社), the Buddhist Studies Society founded in 1916 by Gong Xueguang (龚学光), who later became known as Ven. Nenghai (能海) after he was ordained. Ven. Longlian attended many lectures here and took many notes. Her notes were later published as books, such as Shedashenglun shu lüeshu (摄大乘论疏略述), “Outline of the Commentary on the Compendium of the Great Vehicle”.

She was always there, taking notes on my teachings. From the very beginning, I was able to see what a talented woman she was. […] When I went back to Chengdu, in September of the same year, she gave me the first part of her notes to correct and evaluate. […]

Since I did not find any mistakes, I encouraged her to continue her work. In a couple of months, she sent me the complete work. […] I think that the gifts and intellectual capacities of You Yongkang are rather unique.

– Wang Enyang (王恩洋), Buddhist scholar
[From the preface to Ven. Longlian’s Shedashenglun shu lüeshu (摄大乘论疏略述)]

Having met many Tibetan lamas who were on their way to China, and Chinese monks who were leaving for or returning from Tibet, Ven. Longlian developed a huge interest in Tibetan Buddhism. She learnt the Tibetan language with Ven. Fazun (法尊), and also attended his teachings on Trimsika or Weishi sanshi lun (唯识三十论).

The 7th Changkya Khutukhtu Lobsang Pelden Tenpe Dronme, the highest authority of Tibetan Buddhism in Inner Mongolia who gave Ven. Longlian the Anuttarayoga Tantra initiations of three main Gelukpa deities

The 7th Changkya Khutukhtu Lobsang Pelden Tenpe Dronme, the highest authority of Tibetan Buddhism in Inner Mongolia who gave Ven. Longlian the Anuttarayoga Tantra initiations of the three main Gelugpa deities

She received teachings from Sherap Gyatso (1884-1968) and studied with two Tibetan scholars, Geshe Yeshe and Dongben (东本). She also received initiations of the three main Gelugpa tantric deities – Vajrabhairava, Guhyasamaja and Chakrasamvara – from Changkya Khutukhtu, one of the highest authorities in the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism.

Of all her teachers, the one who had the most impact on Ven. Longlian was Ven. Nenghai (能海). He returned to Sichuan and moved to Jincisi (近慈寺) after a few years of retreat in Wutaishan in 1937. Ven. Longlian became his close disciple and studied extensively with him. Ven. Nenghai bestowed upon her the highest yoga tantra teachings of Vajrabhairava, and she was the only woman to have received this knowledge from the great master.

Ven. Longlian remained in Chengdu when her family moved back to Leshan during the war with Japan, continuing her studies in the Tibetan language and in Buddhism. She later moved to Aidaotang and when Ven. Nenghai returned to Chengdu from his last Lhasa pilgrimage, Ven. Longlian and a group of nuns and laywomen went to Jincisi to listen to his teachings daily. As the two-hour travel time and long hours of lectures began to take a toll on her, she decided it was time for her to fully commit herself and become ordained.

Ven. Nenghai (能海), who had the most impact on Ven. Longlian's learning and life

Ven. Nenghai had the most impact on Ven. Longlian’s learning and life

Ven. Longlian was ordained at Jinlongsi, and later received the complete bhiksuni ordination in Wenshuyuan (文殊院), a famous monastery in Chengdu. As there was already another bhiksuni named Longjing, You Yongkang’s name was changed to Ven. Longlian. She was also accepted as Ven. Nenghai’s disciple in the same year, and given the Dharma name Renfa (仁法).

Wenshuyuan, a famous temple in Chengdu where Ven. Longlian was ordained

Wenshuyuan, a famous temple in Chengdu where Ven. Longlian was ordained

 

Studies and Writings

Ven. Longlian was hired to teach Buddhist literature at Lianzong Women’s Institute of Studies, and in 1942, she was promoted to the position of the Dean of Studies. She still attended Ven. Nenghai’s teachings when her schedule permitted. She also met You Yunshan (游韵珊), who later became an influential Buddhist nun named Xiaoyun or Hiuwan (晓云). They felt a close affinity to each other as they shared the same surname, were both well-educated, and also revered the same master.

Ven. Fazun gave teachings on Tsongkhapa’s commentary on the Madhyamakavatara (入中论) in 1943. One of Ven. Longlian’s best known works, entitled “Explanation of the Madhyamakavatara”, Ru zhonglun jiangji (入中论讲记), was produced based on these teachings. This work is now one of the textbooks for many Buddhist institutions in China, being the only complete Chinese translation of the original text.

In 1945, Ven. Longlian and Dingjing (定静), one of her close friends who lived with her for most of her monastic life, moved to a shelter near Jincisi before they were instructed to live in Tiexiangsi (铁像寺), which later became a Sino-Tibetan nunnery.

Dingjing (定静) on the right, one of Ven. Longlian's lifelong friends and her close companion

Dingjing (定静) on the right, one of Ven. Longlian’s lifelong friends and her close companion

She then went on summer retreats in Taipingsi (太平寺) and Cisheng’an (慈圣庵), studying and practising with Ven. Nenghai between 1947 and 1949. These were said to be the most joyful periods of her life.

Ven. Nenghai invited the vinaya master, Master Guanyi (贯一) from Baoguangsi (宝光寺) to impart the six rules of siksamana to the resident novices in Tiexiangsi. This was to be a step leading to Ven. Longlian’s full ordination.

Master Guanyi explained the rules of “dual ordination”, or ordination conferred by the two sangha orders, where nuns should receive the precepts of complete ordination from ten bhiksunis acting as nun-masters, and then from ten ordained monks, representing the bhiksu community.

This set of procedures was originally brought from Sri Lanka to China between 433 and 434 CE, but it was no longer practised there, and nuns were only conferred the vows by ten bhiksus. Ven. Longlian felt a deep desire to revive this tradition and her efforts finally made this a reality in 1982.

Ven. Longlian had a habit of organising her notes and then printing them out to help other practitioners, and these notes were often published as independent works. Most of her works were based on Ven. Nenghai’s teachings from the 1940s to the 1950s, but included teachings by other teachers.

1952 was an important year for Ven. Longlian. On the spiritual side, she received further instruction from Ven. Nenghai on the Vajrabhairava practices. He also wished for her to develop her translation ability and skills, and had her translate several Buddhist documents.

These included the Lü dumu si mantu yigui, “Green Tara Four-Mandala Sadhana” (绿度母四曼荼仪轨), which was recently published for the first time in the collection of Fozang jiyao (佛藏辑要) vol. 19 by the Bashu publishing house. Another work was the Pilu yigui shouyin (毗卢仪轨手印), “Mudra of the Vairocana Sadhana”, concerning Vairocana tantric practices. One of the most significant translations was the Ru pusa xing lun guangjie (入菩萨行论广解), “Exposition of the Bodhicaryavatara”, which again is the only complete translation of the work in Chinese.

At the request of Zhang Yisun (张怡荪), the director of the Humanities Department at Sichuan University, Ven. Longlian worked as an assistant Tibetan translator on the compilation of the Zang-Han dacidian (藏汉大辞典), “Great Tibetan-Chinese Dictionary”.

The following year, she was appointed a member of the Research Institute of Culture and History of Sichuan and tasked to write explanations of Du Fu’s poems in a colloquial style that would appeal to the general public.

In 1955, she was appointed to the National Council of the Buddhist Association of China and in 1956, she was the only woman on the editorial board of the volume on Chinese Buddhism of the Encyclopaedia of World Buddhism. It was recorded that Zhou Enlai (周恩来), the first Premier of the People’s Republic of China was very impressed with her work.

She also worked on compiling and editing the religious chapters of the Sichuan Provincial Gazetteer in 1960 and 1961. She was appointed a member of the Permanent Council, and the Vice Secretary-General for the Buddhist Association of China in 1962. A few months later, she was elected to the two same positions of the Sichuan Buddhist Association, and this led to her involvement in the People’s Political Consultative Conference of Sichuan.

Ven. Longlian moved to Beijing due to these appointments, and registered herself at Tongjiaosi (通教寺). She developed a close relationship with the abbess, Tongyuan (通愿), who was influential and well-known in the north of China.

The move to Beijing gave her the opportunity to study and practise with Ven. Nenghai at Wutaishan for a few months in 1957 – 1959. Ven. Longlian wrote on Ven. Nenghai’s teachings on the Guru Puja (Lama Chöpa in Tibetan) and Abhisamayalamkara, which later were published as the “Explanation of the Contemplation Techniques in the Offering to the Master”, Shangshi wushang gongyang guanxing fa jiangji (上师无上供养观行法讲记), and the more theoretical work “Notes on the Ornament for the Clear Realisation”, Xianguan zhuanyan lun biji (现观庄严论笔记). She also learnt how to mould Buddhist statues in the Tibetan tradition with Ven. Nenghai.

During the Cultural Revolution, she was forced to participate in criticism meetings and political classes for religious leaders in Sichuan, and was then sent to a labour camp. With the help of a friend, she managed to get transferred to a sewing workshop in Wenshuyuan. She suffered a nervous breakdown not long after and was relieved from work.

She moved to Aidaotang with her mother and her good friend, Dingjing, and got by with her government salary and support from other nuns and the public. Both Ven. Longlian and Dingjing were forced to wear lay clothes and grow out their hair but they secretly carried on with their religious practices.

Aidaotang, of which Ven. Longlian later became the abbess

Aidaotang (爱道堂), of which Ven. Longlian later became the abbess

When the government’s attitude towards religion softened in the late 1970s, Ven. Longlian resumed wearing monastic robes and shaved her head again. At a meeting of the Buddhist Association of China, she proposed to restore the damage to Tiexiangsi and to establish a Buddhist college for nuns there. The Sichuan Bhikshuni Institute for Buddhist Studies, Sichuan nizhong foxueyuan (四川尼众佛学院) was officially founded in 1983, with Ven. Longlian as its director.

 

Dual Ordination

In 1981, Ven. Longlian met the Minister of Culture of Sri Lanka in Beijing and was tasked with re-establishing the procedure for full ordination of Sinhalese nuns. She scheduled the ceremony for 1982 and prepared a translation of the Dual Ordination ritual procedures in English for the occasion.

Although no Sinhalese nun was able to attend the ceremonies held in Tiexiangsi and Wenshuyuan in January 1982, this was the first nun ordination in China for 25 years. A group of ten bhiksunis acted as ordination masters, assisted by a group of monk ordination masters. The dual ordination rule was then established for almost every bhiksuni ordination in China.

Dual ordination in Chengdu in the year 1982

Dual ordination in Chengdu in 1982

Ven. Longlian was elected as a member of the editorial board for Fayin, the official journal of the Buddhist Association of China. She also became the Chairwoman of the Buddhist Association of Sichuan.

In 1982 and 1988, she was a member of the People’s Political Consultative Conference of Sichuan, and in 1985 and 1988, a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.

In 1987, she was elected vice-chairwoman of the Buddhist Association of China and honorary chairwoman of the Buddhist Association of Sichuan. She received many awards, including a prize by the Japanese Buddhist Association for Preaching the Dharma in 1980 and 1985.

Ven. Longlian also met with foreign delegations, including those from Bhutan, Myanmar, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and the United States.

As she aged, Ven. Longlian was affected by health issues and relinquished many of her official appointments to focus on her duties at the Institute of Studies and on the ordination of nuns.

In her 90s, she was still conducting courses at the Institute, teaching the scriptures and attending religious ceremonies during the weekends at Aidaotang, while staying at Tiexiangsi. Today, Aidaotang is known as a prominent location for Pure Land rituals and ceremonies in the Chengdu area, while Tiexiangsi remains “the only Tibetan nunnery in Han territory”.

Ven. Longlian’s dedication to the education of nuns is admirable, and she was still teaching in her 90s

 

Passing

After miraculously surviving and recovering from a stroke in 1996, Ven. Longlian moved to Aidaotang from Tiexiangsi for easier access to medical care. She made a pilgrimage to Emeishan in 1998, and participated in the bhiksuni ordination ceremonies at Baoguangsi and Aidaotang in 1999 and 2003. She also performed the role of nun-master at the tonsure ceremony in 2004 and on her 96th birthday in 2005, gave siksamana precepts.

Ven. Longlian passed away peacefully on 11th November 2006 in Aidaotang. Her relics were divided into four parts. One each was sent to Mount Emei, to Tiexiangsi and to Aidaotang. The last relic was taken to Wutaishan where a stupa was later built.

Apart from her profound Buddhist studies and practice, gained from having studied with many acclaimed Buddhist masters, Ven. Longlian also had a strong background in classical culture. This was reflected in her poetry as she composed more than 1000 poems, full of scholarly citations and references to Chinese classical literature.

Her scholarship and erudition was so well recognised that she was named “The Foremost Bhiksuni of Contemporary China” (中国当代第一比丘尼) by Comrade Zhao Puchu, a religious and public leader who promoted cultural progress and religious tolerance in China. He was known for his role as the President of the Buddhist Association of China and also one of the most renowned Chinese calligraphers.

Below are some pictures from Ven. Longlian’s funeral and her relics.

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The stupa where one part of Ven. Longlian's relics was kept, in Wutaishan

The stupa in Wutaishan where one part of Ven. Longlian’s relics are kept

 

Legacy

Ven. Longlian inspired countless adherents, including Buddhist scholars, academics, ordained monastics, and members of the public. Below are some of the tributes to her outstanding life and legacy.

 

1. From Comrade Zhao Puchu, a religious and public leader in China

In Chinese, "The foremost Bhiksuni of Contemporary China", calligraphy by Comrade Zhao Puchu who bestowed Ven. Longlian with the title

“The Foremost Bhiksuni of Contemporary China” – Chinese calligraphy by Comrade Zhao Puchu who bestowed Ven. Longlian with the title

 

2. From Chen Mowu, a famous Chinese artist and scholar

Compassion for All Beings, Paving the Path on Earth – My Thoughts on Ven. Longlian

Author: Chen Mowu

Ven. Longlian, the first Bhiksuni of modern times, is a sacred bodhisattva in the hearts of her devotees. A legendary talented woman in the eyes of common folk, to me, she is a bold character who truly loves the world and paves the path for others.

Contemplating what I read in The Platform Sutra, “Prajna is often present, not different from the intrinsic nature”, “Within the intrinsic nature, all Dharma is seen, all Dharma is within the intrinsic nature,” and “The Buddha arises from intrinsic nature”, Ven. Longlian has gone through the course of nearly a century. She demonstrated her character that follows the course of nature, as well as her indomitable spirit to go through hardship.

 

PART 1

Ven. Longlian, a native of Leshan, Sichuan, was born on March 13, 1909 of the lunar calendar. In her early years, her grandfather gave her the name Dechun. Later on, her ailing aunt gave her the name Yongkang. To express her view of gender equality between men and women, wishing to show her great dissatisfaction with the name given by her father that reflects the feudal idea of men’s superiority over women, she named herself Ming Yan.

Ven. Longlian was a gifted child and could recognise the words “Yan” and “Can” before she could speak. In the early years, when “Gong You Tang” had a pair of calligraphy for the doors, she was able to identify the two words “Yan”, “Can”.

From the age of 3, she began to learn the quatrains of Tang, and she was able to recite them fluently. When she was a little older, the elders taught her in rotation without a permanent teacher, and she wore a boy’s wear since young. When she was 13, she attended Leshan Girls’ Primary School, where her grandfather was the principal of the school at that time, she also changed from wearing boys’ clothing to wearing clothes for girls.

In July the same year, when her grandfather passed away, she ended her school life and, with the help of her father, she embarked on a path of self-study. Ven. Longlian has been a vegetarian since the age of 3, following her grandmother’s diet.

It is said that a man surnamed Xiong (the teacher of Ven. Longlian’s father), who was never married, took care of and educated his younger brother till adulthood, then left his job to live in “Bear Cave” in the countryside, with many of the local relatives and friends viewing him differently.

As he had many visitors and couldn’t bear the disturbances, he lived in seclusion in Buddhist monasteries. He was afraid that the mountains were not secluded enough, and with no way to escape his growing reputation, he went wandering to Leshan, living in Wuyou Temple and became a regular visitor to the You’s residence.

When Ven. Longlian’s father went on a business trip to Shanghai, Mr. Xiong entrusted him to meet Master Yinguang to ask about a location for his practice. As Master Yinguang was away, Ven. Longlian’s father wrote a letter to express his enquiry about this.

Later on, in Master Yinguang’s reply of thousands of words: “If one can completely let go, then anywhere is a place of practice.” From then on, Xiong Gaoshi stopped his travel, and Ven. Longlian was even more determined to follow the path of Buddhist practice. If her grandmother was the first person to lead her to learn Buddhism, then Xiong Gaoshi was the second person who influenced her to the practice of learning Buddhism.

At the age of 11, Ven. Longlian arrived at Wuyou Temple with her father, and when she learned that Venerable Da Yong was visiting the mountain, she waited next to the “Guang Yi Pavilion.” When she saw Ven. Da Yong dressed in golden yellow haiqing robes, moving past gracefully on the mountain path, her faith was inspired and arose.

Due to the convergence of causes and conditions, Ven. Da Yong’s figure left a strong Buddhist imprint on her, leaving her with a longing in life (for ordination). She declared that she would don such robes when she grew up.

At the age of 13, after the death of her beloved grandfather, she came across an introductory book to the Pure Land sect written by Zhang Shicheng of the Qing Dynasty while sorting out a large number of books and documents left by her grandfather.

After reading it, she was impressed by the state of this passage:

“Transient life is like a dream, everything is empty. Everyone knows it, also talks about it, yet still seeking fulfilment all day long, never awaken, generally harbouring the thought that one will turn into ashes after death, or thinking that it is no big deal since one will reincarnate once one passes, and there’s nothing to really worry about… the suffering is endless.”

In order to liberate oneself from this suffering, she set foot on the secluded path of Buddhism and never looked back. At that time, unlike many monks, she was not, on the surface, seeking a way out of the cyclic existence of life, nor did she try to escape life’s challenges by taking ordination. Whether it was sagacity or her destiny, they are inseparable from her pure childlike self and the timelines of the causes and conditions.

Therefore, from my understanding, Ven. Longlian’s wisdom and affinity with Buddhism is self-arising, in line with the causes and conditions.

 

PART 2

“Buddhism is a life-saving virtue while Buddhist studies are the mother of salvation.”
Sun Zhongshan

Buddhism is self-confidence, not superstition, is positive rather than negative, is in line with the world rather than abandoning the world, is incorporating kindness and not a stand-alone virtue.

“Shakyamuni is a great philosopher, he has given us a lesson on the problems we usually are unable to solve in life.”
Lu Xun

In 1931, Ven. Longlian went with her father to the capital city of Chengdu for her first trip away from her hometown. With the help of her father’s friends there, she taught Mathematics at the Chengdu County Middle School for Girls for the first time in her life, making a modest contribution to help her family. At the same time, her talents started to show.

Ven. Longlian had been diligent and studious all her life. She studied poetry, painting and Buddhism from Liu Yubo and Liu Suyuan. She took part in the examination for ordinary administrators and higher education administrators in Sichuan Province, and topped the list on both attempts.

It can be said that this article is similar to another article she wrote in her teenage days, “the theory that a country must weaken or destroy itself before others could humiliate or destroy it”, or that it can be called a sister article. The previous article explains Ven. Longlian’s view of how a country can strengthen its political power. If a country was to survive, it must first consolidate the regime itself. The next article details how to consolidate: those in power must have the public in mind. That is, she said in her article, “when a country is falling apart, and the people are in deep trouble, the aspiring gentleman will appear to save the day and reason for disorder.”

 

PART 3

The Buddha is someone who is enlightened, and human beings are Buddhas who are not yet enlightened. The Dharma can enlighten the world, but it cannot change the existing state of the world. Although the Buddha can lead all living beings away from suffering, it is still up to them to make subjective efforts to determine whether or not they will be liberated.

Ven. Longlian was a woman of extraordinary wisdom. She saw that around her were rulers who were oppressive, corrupt, contrived, and trying to cheat or outwit each other, and for a small, pure and civilised woman like her, she couldn’t change this ugly society, yet she had to maintain her integrity, so what can she do?

She had to persevere to keep her body in society and to let her mind enter the path of the Buddhist kingdom.

She firmly believed that the Buddha kingdom is not in heaven but in the human world. Wherever Buddhism is transmitted and wherever Buddhism is propagated, there is a Kingdom of Buddha that corresponds to the history and culture of the region.

Leshan, Ven. Longlian’s hometown is a place where Buddhist culture has been spreading for a long time. It contains countless sites of historical and cultural heritage, and there were also puzzles left because of man-made destruction, natural disasters and the downfall of dynasties.

To solve these mysteries, Ven. Longlian read history, geography, Chinese, mathematics, medicine, sculpture, poetry, calligraphy and painting, English and Tibetan, advocated running a school, wrote books and learned, translated scriptures and preached, and promoted Buddhism.

In the eyes of the world, Ven. Longlian is a true nun. She is an ordained Sangha, a nun, master, great master, and even a living bodhisattva. In my eyes, she is a mortal with great compassion, great kindness, great sense of enlightenment, highly intelligent and blessed with profound knowledge.

She is a virtuous scholar and one of the world leaders of the Buddha’s kingdom. She propagates the teachings of Buddha, preaches the sutras and talks about the path without being enigmatic, and she always incorporates “teaching” in her life, teaching through labour, through ordinary life and hard work, to lead her believers to the path of enlightenment. Therefore, she is a centenarian who deserves the heartfelt support and love of the world and her believers.

The existence or absence of the Buddha-nature is the foundation of whether all living beings can become Buddhas. The spiritual methods and paths of various schools of Buddhism are also the guiding lights to support sentient beings to attain the fruits of the path.

The complementary and contradictory aspects of the Samathavipa Syana of Tian Tai school of Buddhism, the Dharmalaksana School’s “Transforming Consciousness and Gaining Wisdom”, and Tantric Buddhism’s “attaining Buddhahood with the present body”; the conflict between Zen Buddhism and Pure Land Buddhism, and the struggle between Sudden and Gradual enlightenment in Zen Buddhism etc., the most influential being the inquiry of Sudden and Gradual enlightenment.

Ven. Longlian was initially influenced by her grandmother to learn Buddhism. She first studied the Pure Land sect and, later, when she converted to Buddhism, her master Changyuan was also of the Pure Land sect.

However, in the 1940s, most of the great masters who went to Chengdu to give lectures or practice were of the Tantric tradition. Therefore, Ven. Longlian gradually accepted the method of practising Tantra.

In the Tantric view, spiritual practitioners could attain the state of enlightenment with their current body, born of their parents. From the Pure Land point of view , practitioners need to follow the methods of “holding and chanting the name of the Buddha” for an extended period of time consistently before they can take rebirth in the Western Paradise, in accordance to the vows of Amitabha Buddha, till the day the flower blooms and they get to see Buddha Amitabha directly, only then are they on the path to enlightenment, and even then, the fruition of their result can only come in their future life.

In the words of Master Huineng, the sixth Chan patriarch, “The Buddha Dharma is for this world. There is no enlightenment apart from this world. To seek Bodhi apart from this world is like seeking for horns on the rabbit.” It means that Buddhism cannot be separated from the society; once it is separated, it is not possible to achieve enlightenment through practice (of Buddhism).”

Therefore, Ven. Longlian felt that instead of calling her believers to go to the Western Paradise to become Buddhas, it was better to propagate Buddhadharma in the real world, and to promote the pure land in the human realm.

She thinks that it is necessary to focus on one school of Buddhism, but to also read other scriptures and to study Buddhism extensively. The key is to learn from whoever that has knowledge, and not to hold on to any label. The key is to study the fundamentals. Ven. Longlian is not only thinking and saying so, her actions reflect her belief.

Since abandoning her post as a senior official in the government in 1937, she took ordination under the Pure Land Master Ven. Changyuan, and went on to study with Wang Enyang, Ven. Fazun, Ven. Nenghai, Awang Khenpo and other teachers. She became a nun in Chengdu’s Aidaotang in 1941, and received precepts in February 1942 at the Chengdu Wenshuyuan. She successively translated “Exposition of the Bodhicaryavatara”, “The Mandala and Sadhana of Green Tara” and part of the Vairocana practice and ritual and so on.

In 1943, she was appointed the Academic Director of the Lianzong Women’s Institute of Studies and in 1949, transmitted the Siksamana vows in Chengdu’s Tiexiang Si. She also took part in the compilation of the Tibetan and Han Dictionary sponsored by the Institute of Liberal Arts of Sichuan University, the World Buddhist Encyclopaedia of Sri Lanka, and the religious section of the Sichuan Provincial Gazetteer and the Great Encyclopaedia.

In 1953, she was appointed a member of the Sichuan Provincial Museum of Literature and History, and joined the Chinese Buddhist Association in 1955. She was appointed to various positions such as Committee Member, member of the Executive Council, Deputy Secretary-General and Vice President.

She was the Chairperson of the Sichuan Buddhist Association for its first term, a member of the standing Committee of the fifth Sichuan Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and a member of the sixth and seventh National Committee of the CPPCC. She was also Director of the Sichuan Bhikshuni Institute for Buddhist Studies.

Ven. Longlian devoted her life to the Buddhadharma, studied the Tripitaka extensively, cared for society with profound scholarship in the field of Tibetan and Chinese Buddhism, and was admired by devotees at home and abroad.

Ven. Longlian’s thoughts and theories, evolving in accordance with the development of the times, inheriting the tradition of Shakya and propagating the idea of “becoming a Buddha in this very body”, creating the general trend of ideological development and incorporating all types of Buddhist doctrines, developing the dialectical idealism without “deity” in Buddhism, has produced important research value and inspiration to the devotees and scholars of the present and future generations.

Her challenging and bumpy path of Buddhist learning and her application of great wisdom in life can be cited as exemplary in the Buddhist circle. I dare not comment on Ven. Longlian, and I beg for forgiveness from Ven. Longlian and her devotees if the above composition shows any disrespect as the above reflects only what I understood about Ven. Longlian.

Amitabha

Translated from: http://www.scybsf.com/view/150.html

 


 

About Chen Mowu

ChenMowu

Chen Mowu is a famous calligrapher. Originally from Kaixian County, Chongqing.

Among the many posts he holds, he is the Vice President of the Sichuan Calligraphers Association, member of the Sichuan Artists Association, member of the Sichuan Calligraphers Association, Director of the Sichuan Provincial Guild Institute, Director of the Chengdu Calligraphers Association.

His biography is featured in many collections, including the “Celebrities of Contemporary Chinese Art Circles”, “Dictionaries of Chinese Experts”, “Celebrities of the World Chinese Literature and Art Circles”, “Summary of Chinese Calligraphy”, and “Tutorials on Self-Study of a Fountain Pen”.

 

3. From Professor Chen Bing, a famous Buddhist scholar in China

The most touching aspect of Ven. Longlian is her Bodhisattva’s spirit of sacrificing herself to nurture the Sangha. I heard that she used to be an aloof intellectual and did not meet with people of low cultural levels. However, things completely changed after the economic reform period.

She was the Director of the Sichuan Bhikshuni Institute for Buddhist Studies and managed all the affairs. She taught classes at the institute, and although she was very busy, she still gave monthly lectures at Aidaotang and gave audience to visitors. Once, after a busy day, a group of lay practitioners came to meet her. Although the meeting could be arranged for the next day, she met these people on that night itself. She answered their questions and gave them advice in earnest words and with good intentions. She finally collapsed after the audience with a stroke and brain ischemia, and from then on, she was bedridden, but she was still very clear-headed.

It was mentioned that she said: “There is a huge gap in nurturing Buddhist talent, and there is a need to propagate the Buddhadharma, so I cannot go!” With a strong will, she extended her life and lived for more than a decade, including doing retreats and granting vows out of retreat.

Professor Chen Bing
Buddhist scholar, Sichuan University

 


 

About Professor Chen Bing

021

Chen Bing is a famous Buddhist scholar in China. He graduated in 1981 from the Department of Religion of the Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

He currently serves as a Professor and Postgraduate Supervisor of Sichuan University’s Institute of Taoism and Religious Culture, and is the director of Sichuan University’s Buddhist Culture Research Center. He is also a Research Fellow at the Institute of Buddhist Studies in China, a librarian at the Sichuan Provincial History Museum, and a member of the Standing Committee of the 12th CPPCC in Chengdu.

He is the author of “The Buddha’s Wisdom”, “Zen Buddhism and Eastern Civilization”, “A Guide to Freedom in Buddhism”, “Buddhist Life and Death”, and “Buddhist Psychology”. He has published more than 100 papers over the years and nurtured more than 70 master’s and doctoral students.

 

Recommended Reading

Exposition of the Bodhicaryavatara by Ven. Longlian

 

Sources:

  • Ownby, D., & Goossaert, V. (2017). Making Saints in Modern China. New York: Oxford University Press.
  • http://thanhsiang.org/ch/node/1849
  • http://www.phoer.net/people/l/longlian.htm
  • http://www.zgfxy.cn/Article/2011/12/27/15143128.html
  • http://www.scybsf.com/view/112.html
  • https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E9%99%88%E5%85%B5/2209284
  • http://www.scybsf.com/view/150.html

 

For more interesting information:

 

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About Pastor Shin Tan

Pastor Shin's journey in Kechara started with her being a volunteer of Kechara Media & Publications in 2006, realising that there is a more spiritual and fulfilling way of living after she watched a series of H.E. Tsem Rinpoche's teachings on DVDs.

Today, as a Sangha-to-be and a Pastor of Kechara, Pastor Shin continues her pursue of spirituality through writing for tsemrinpoche.com, as well as promoting the lineage and Buddhadharma through Pastoral duties and online work in the thriving Kechara community.
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4 Responses to Ven. Longlian: Modern China’s Most Outstanding Bhiksuni

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  1. Samfoonheei on Aug 7, 2022 at 3:04 pm

    Interesting spiritual journey of Venerable Longlian one of the best-known students of a famous religious leader of modern China. Venerable Longlian was a talented child, at the age of four she could read, write well and was fluent in Chinese poetry. She even could recite scriptures and Buddha’s name and had visited frequently to templesqith her grandparents. Ven. Longlian studied everything from poetry to Chinese medicine under famous teachers at that time. Received teachings from Tibetan scholars as well and took initiations of the three main Gelugpa tantric deities, Vajrabhairava, Guhyasamaja and Chakrasamvara from Changkya Khutukhtu, who was one of the highest authorities in the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. She did composed more than 1000 poems, through her years.
    Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor Shin for this interesting write up of China’s most outstanding Bhiksuni.

  2. Samfoonheei on Aug 7, 2022 at 3:01 pm

    In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, monastic vows are for life. But somehow Ci’en temple in Zhejiang province offers three-month course and part-time vows recently. Situated in the luxurious forest, Ci’en temple a small temple remains its charm with impressive landscape and Buddhist culture. The Buddhist temple decided to offer admission to civilians who wanted to experience a monk’s life, only to be overwhelmed with applicants. It’s a small temple , hence only those were interested in Buddhism were given a chance. Participants of the program will live as monks in the temple free of charge. They will learn about Buddhist culture, read its scriptures and will also perform all Buddhist activities as arranged. It’s a good training ground to live as a monk or nun to cultivate minds.
    Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor Shin for this sharing.

  3. Samfoonheei on May 22, 2021 at 3:52 pm

    Interesting read of a great Buddhist scholar, author, researcher ,editor-translator…. Ven. Longlian. Venerable Longlian was awarded a rare public recognition with the title of “The Foremost Bhiksuni of Contemporary China”. Her high academic achievements are well known across the globe far and near. She had studied with many Buddhist masters including Tibetan lamas . Of all her teachers, who had the most impact on Ven. Longlian was Ven. Nenghai. Inspiring Buddhist scholar how she had achieved through difficult times and during the Chinese Cultural Revolution. Ven. Longlian studied voraciously – everything from poetry to Chinese medicine – with famous teachers. She was an author of numerous books and essays. Aside from her profound knowledge of Buddhism, she spoke English and Tibetan, which was rare in China. Was one of the compilers of A Great Tibetan-Chinese Dictionary…inspiring. She even learnt how to mould Buddhist statues in the Tibetan tradition with Ven. Nenghai. She did composed more than 1000 poems and also one of the most renowned Chinese calligraphers. Ven Longlian dedicated her whole life to Dharma that’s inspiring even at the age of 90 she still gave teachings. Venerable Longlian did fulfilled her wish to establish a Buddhist college for nuns . Ven. Longlian, the first Bhiksuni of modern times, as described by famous artist and scholar.Chen Mowu. Ven. Longlian had inspired countless adherents, many Buddhist scholars, academics, ordained monastics, and members of the public..
    Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor Shin for this interesting,inspiring write up. Beautiful pictures shared.

    • Pastor Shin Tan on May 25, 2021 at 5:52 am

      Thank you for leaving a comment Sam. Venerable Longlian’s life is amazing, her dedication towards the spread of Buddhadharma especially, amongst her other achievements of having been a great scholar, poet, and more. I was surprised to have found out about this great nun and am glad that I can share her story here on Rinpoche’s blog for more to know and rejoice about her great deeds 🙏.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Known and unknown are both feared,
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One shall never know if one fears the unknown more than the known.
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According to legend, Shambhala is a place where wisdom and love reign, and there is no crime. Doesn't this sound like the kind of place all of us would love to live in? https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=204874
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Dharmapalas are not exclusive to Tibetan culture and their practice is widespread throughout the Buddhist world - https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=193645
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One of our adorable Kechara Forest Retreat's doggies, Tara, happy and safe, and enjoying herself in front of Wisdom Hall which has been decorated for Chinese New Year
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Fragrant organic Thai basil harvested from our very own Kechara Forest Retreat farm!
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On behalf of our Puja House team, Pastor Tat Ming receives food and drinks from Rinpoche. Rinpoche wanted to make sure the hardworking Puja House team are always taken care of.
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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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    This dog thanks his hero in such a touching way. Tsem Rinpoche
  • Join Tsem Rinpoche in prayer for H.H. Dalai Lama’s long life~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYy7JcveikU&feature=youtu.be
    5 years ago
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    5 years ago
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Just post your name and your question below and one of our pastors will provide you with an answer.

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CHAT PICTURES

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