Since i met you here on facebook Rinpoché, I stopped eating meat; you had a very good impact on me and practise, this has changed me a lot your presence and “dharma teaching in everyday life”.
This is funny, but now animals are more closer to me..cats and dogs used to Like me already, and now it worst..they come to me all, as if they feel they are safe with me..I feel in harmony with nature, and feel i have so much more respect for the all of it; in stopping eating meat.
Second thing, I think all the time that I- maybe like a little drop of water in the ocean- but if one+one+one+one,ect….stop eating meat, well at this end it will make a difference: that logical and for sure.
When people ask me why I stopped eating meat, I ask them if they like animals: they say “yes” my dogs and cats are my friends! so i ask them:”do you eat your friends???”” “I don’t” !. and they says to me “but I like the animals!!!!” and I answer :” that what you think, but if you really like them you will stop eating meat I believe”you don’t like them enought..!!!”
I tell them to imagine that the pig or cow they eat could be their domestic animal with a cute little name, living in their house, day to day, being their compagnon, and they will never want to eat him or her…as they won’t never thing of eating their dog or cat!!!! When I said that to some chidrens meat eater last time, they all stay in silence, and some of them just undesrtand suddenly what I meant, because sometimes chidren are more open than adults….
(This is Claire Briard message to me on a comments sections of the facebook. I was so thrilled to get her message and how she has stopped eating meat…I wanted to share this. Thank you Ms. Briard for taking a stance, being true to yourself and being kind to animals that have every right to live in peace without us eating them)
I am so happy for your new path of being loving to animals,
Sincerely, Tsem Rinpoche
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Samfoonheei on Apr 5, 2021 at 2:58 pm
Inspiring comment by Claire Briard who only met Rinpoche on facebook gave up eating meat. It has since changed his life and she have so much more respect for the all animals. She did wonderfully by encouraging her friends and anyone she met to go meatless. Beautiful message . Do not harm animals , give them a chance to live.
Thank you Rinpoche this sharing.
Beautiful and inspiring comment by Claire Briard which I do enjoyed reading . Wise decision she has made after getting to know Rinpoche through Rinpoché’s Facebook. Social Media indeed plays an important part and has an powerful impact on all of us. It has changed her life and she stopped eating meat since then. She even sent out messages to people to stop eating me. That’s wonderful. I do enjoyed listening to the song dedicated to her. Choose to be on vegetarian is the right choice. Do not harm them ,give them a chance to live and be love.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing.
Life is sometimes very strange. I used to eat a lot of meat and would always complain when there is not enough meat on the dinner table.
Almost 2 years ago, I saw this message on http://www.kechara.com (Kechara’s spiritual guide is Tsem Tulku Rinpoche) web page which says, “If you are a Buddhist, you should be vegetarian. No IF, No BUT.” After seeing this image, I started my vegetarian diet from that day onwards.
To me, letting go of meat not only generate compassionate, more importantly for me, is letting go of my attachments…
I sincerely thank Rinpoche for this special message and got me starting vegetarianism. 🙂
Thank you so much Rinpoche.I forgot to say, that as say Buddha , our life is so very short on earth; that we should do the best of it for this little time. So we don’t need to hurt animals to live, we should respect every living thing on earth, with no exceptions, because they must be here for a reason, like all of us.
We don’t need to eat meat to stay alive, you can live a entire and beautiful life without a single piece of meat put in your mouth.
We will live healthier life and more peacefull life without had to kill and make suffer and bleed a poor living being who has feeling exactely like us. Animals have childrens, family as well, they have to feed and care for their baby, and protect them, same as us. they are sensitive beings, just like us.and they just want to live their entire Life to the end , without being killed for a false pleasure of contentment…
Observe any animal living in a farm now : they live in total fear of humans, from their birth..to their death. they have not an isntant of love or peace for themselves! in theil short life taken away by man, they only experiment one feeling : fear…and very intense physical suffering to end up their poor life : do you think we would like it if it happens to us ::being born in fear, with no love ; and being killed very young for our skins or flesh: I think we all agree that we we will think it s unfair and very cruel! and that exactely what’s man do!!If animals could speak…in one word, they will comdemn our souls for eternal endless hell to treat them the way we do!!
Let ‘s respect the animals as they respect us : they could attack us, or bit us , or some of them, they could even eat us…but they don’t because they feel the compassion and the love deep inside themself more than some of us I suppose, but they can’t tell. it is for us to guess…
Let them the animals live in peace, and lives their whole life entirely, naturally.Let them have a family, and share love and affection with their loved ones and be free to enjoy life; like we ourselves we ‘d love to enjoy life too.
They have a lot to teach us.
Instead of treat them with no respect, we should try to listen to each message each one of them has to deliver to us…it talks about Love and Compassion…:)
Claire
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KECHARA FOREST RETREAT PROGRESS UPDATES
Here is the latest news and pictorial updates, as it happens, of our upcoming forest retreat project.
The Kechara Forest Retreat is a unique holistic retreat centre focused on the total wellness of body, mind and spirit. This is a place where families and individuals will find peace, nourishment and inspiration in a natural forest environment. At Kechara Forest Retreat, we are committed to give back to society through instilling the next generation with universal positive values such as kindness and compassion.
Momo is a dumpling made of all-purpose flour and filled with either meat or vegetables. Inspired by Tibetan dumplings, the dish is a very popular Nepali street food. It is one of my favourite foods. Last year while in Kathmandu I am fortunate given the opportunity to learn and made vegetarian Momos.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing as it reminds me of trip there visiting some of the Holiest sites and trying my hand making momos then.
Bouddha, also known as Boudhanath, is a stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal which is located about 11 km from outskirts of Kathmandu. Its massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal and the world. The Boudhanath Stupa pyramid is coated with over 60 pounds of gold, is one of the largest and one of the most significant Buddhist monuments in the world. This great Stupa is home to precious relics and this semi-circular structure stands out with its majestic mandala, recognized by UNESCO in 1979 as a World Heritage Site. The Boudhanath is the most sacred sites in Tibetan Buddhism outside of Tibet, reflecting the cosmological tenets of Buddhism. Was there last year June joining thousands of pilgrims circumambulate the stupa.
The aerial view of this Boudhanath Stupa is magnificent indeed. Looking merely at the pictures is a blessing.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.
Shanti Stupa in Pokhara was built by Nipponzan-Myōhōji monk Morioka Sonin with local supporters under the guidance of Nichidatsu Fujii, a Buddhist monk and the founder of Nipponzan-Myōhōji
A famous site where locals as well as foreign tourists will go there throughout the year. One have to climb 400 steep steps to get to the Pagoda, it was worth the climb, as its situated on the Anadu Hill at the height of 1100 meters.
Shanti Stupa shrine was built as a symbol of peace designed to provide a focus for people of all races and creeds, and to help unite them in their search for world peace. It has also become a tourist attraction as it provides a panoramic view of the Annapurna range, Pokhara city and Fewa Lake. The white pagoda has two tiers for tourists and religious visitors to circumambulate. Its location on the hilltop provides a splendid view of sunrise and sunset for visitors. Hopefully I could visit this amazing Holy site soon.
Thank you Rinpoche for this great sharing
Its an old blog yet its hold many wonderful memories for The Tsem Ladrang team , I am sure. They are the ones who found a beautiful house in the hills of Naranthan in Kathmandu, Nepal. The place is serene and peaceful with beautiful mountains ranges. Looking at the old pictures its breath-taking and brilliant. The Ladrang is surrounded by scenery of outstanding natural beauty. Having a spacious yard, guest quarters, butterlamp house, to mention a few. The Ladrang has a spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and Kathmandu Valley.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing and teachings.
Buddhist Pilgrimage in Nepal is the best trip that takes us to the spiritual centers where Buddhism’s practices and meditations emerged. Nepal is popular for its Buddhism practices and itself is the birthplace of the originator Gautam Buddha. This beautiful Himalayan nation hosts the amazing Buddhist trails, monuments and stupas. It’s the place where the Buddha meditated and the Buddha enlightened the people with wisdom. Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, boasts many caves, stupas, and monasteries that are associated with Bodhisattvas, Buddha and Siddhas. The cave of Naropa and his guru Tilopa is beside Pashupatinath temple, bank of the holy Bagmati River. All these caves is considered as the holy site and Buddhist pilgrimage sites as the caves is the place where Naropa received training, teachings and had visions of Vajrayogini.
I am fortunate to have visited this Holy caves while at Kathmandu last year.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing .
The Lord Buddha was born in 623 BC in the sacred area of Lumbini, southern Nepal.Lumbini is one of the world’s most important spiritual sites for the Buddhist pilgrims from around the world. The site is a popular place of Buddhist pilgrimage for many yearly. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. The tranquility, aura and peace that we would experience in Lumbini makes it among the most holy places to visit in the world. I am fortunate going to this holiest place of Buddha birthplace last year with my Dharma brothers and sisters .It is the place where, according to Buddhist tradition, worth visiting
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.
Very interesting and informative article. In most cultures, women is consider as lower in status compared with men. Ancient times in India, man took the lead while women is seconded. But times has changed for the better where women are not degraded in society. They receive equal recognition, appreciation, and stature, yet in countries and places around the world, women are still viewed as inferior and treated accordingly. But in Buddhism women have been increasing in number and has proven that many of them have gained full enlightenment in a female body. In Buddhism is concerned there’s no discrimination toward women ,both men and women are equal. There‘s many female Mahasiddhas and Yoginis as in this blog. May it inspired many more to come. Interesting article and its great sharing knowledge.
Thank you Rinpoche with folded hands,
Sleep paralysis is a feeling of being conscious but unable to move. It occurs when a person passes between stages of wakefulness and sleep. During these transitions, one may be unable to move or speak for a few seconds up to a few minutes. Some people may also feel pressure or a sense of choking. Sleep paralysis is a temporary inability to move or speak. It’s not harmful and should pass quickly, but at times can be frightening. It can affect anyone but is most common in young adults and they might have hallucination. The scary facts about sleep paralysis is those who suffer from it have said it felt like someone was choking them on their chest so they could not breathe.
As for me I have not experience as such before as least i know now what i can to do.
Thank you Vinnie Tan for sharing. Interesting read of these stories related to sleep paralysis.
nteresting as this texts been composed after being inspired to do so . That’s interesting as this nature are traditionally considered exceptionally potent in their blessings if the claim of divine inspiration is authentic. According to the account in the introduction, the author composed this text after being divinely inspired to do so. It’s a very rare kind and its acceptance been recognised and received praise by very high lamas of our tradition. Reading this article tell us all of how powerful Dorje Shugden when we invoke in our prayers.
Interesting read of the short biography of Ven. Geshe Kunchok Gyaltsen, the author of Mass of Vajra Fire.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.
That’s wonderful Rinpoche has composed prayers in English so as everyone could recite and practice. For beginners is such a meaningful insights and perspectives without commitments and initiation. Moreover each prayers is for a specific blessing that helps practitioners to gain attainments and overcome obstacles. Easy and simple for everyone to start off.
We are fortunate that everything Rinpoche did brought tremendous benefit to all sentient beings. Whatever prayers Rinpoche has composed are especially potent with blessings.
Thank you Rinpoche and writers for this sharing.
A great article , revisit this again of Tibetan Lamas and their dogs. As now I have a pet doggie with me, I came to understand more of them . Dogs are the most amazing creatures, they give us unconditional love. For me, they are the role model for being alive. Buddhists believe dogs also have the potential to become enlightened and can teach us about responsibility, love, and other Buddhist principles. The Q & A by Sandra Klein’s interview with the Venerable Gonsar Rinpoche gave us a better understanding and very informative of Tibetan dogs under Lamas care. ccording to the Buddha Dharma, all sentient beings have Buddha nature — from ants to humans. Though we often look at dogs as wonderful companions an teach us to embrace Buddhist principles. They, themselves, embody many of these principles.
Thank you Rinpoche for this great sharing.
Living with my wife, whose world is meticulously painted with the hues of OCD, is a journey that intertwines the essence of love with the complexities of the human mind. Her relentless pursuit of cleanliness and order, transforming even the most negligible corner into a testament of organization, often dances on the fine line between admiration and frustration. The sight of her steering clear from trash bins as if they were labyrinths of chaos, serves as a poignant reminder of the battles she fights within. Yet, it’s through these very battles that I’ve learned the profound language of patience and the unspoken strength of support. Therapy, in its gentle embrace, has been a beacon of light for her, guiding her through the stormy seas of OCD. It has not only offered her solace but has also unveiled the strength of her spirit, teaching us both the beauty of resilience. As she journeys through the pathways of healing, I stand by her, a testament to the power of love and the enduring promise of hope. Together, we navigate the complexities of her world, discovering that within the challenges lie opportunities for growth, understanding, and an unbreakable bond. https://www.mindfullyaliveonline.com/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/
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.
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,
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.
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Concept: Tsem Rinpoche Technical: Lew Kwan Leng, Justin Ripley, Yong Swee Keong Design: Justin Ripley, Cynthia Lee Content: Tsem Rinpoche, Justin Ripley, Pastor Shin Tan, Sarah Yap Admin: Pastor Loh Seng Piow, Beng Kooi
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
About Rinpoche
Name
H.E. Tsem Rinpoche
Root Guru
H.H. Zong Rinpoche
Ordained by
H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama
Affiliations
Pukhang Khangtsen, Gaden Shartse Monastery
Founder and Spiritual Advisor, Kechara House Buddhist Association Malaysia
President, Tsem Rinpoche Foundation, Inc.
Honorary Doctor of Psychology, The Open International University
Hear the holy voice of Kyabje Zong Rinpoche giving advice on the practice of Dorje Shugden to those who had received the life-entrustment initiation. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche wanted to make sure those present received the maximum benefits from their practice, and that they kept their practice well. LEARN MORE >>
In Tibetan Buddhism, it is always said that whatever we practice must come from an enlightened source to be beneficial in our spiritual journey. As such in this video, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche shares with us the history and reincarnation lineage of Dorje Shugden to explain how great this Dharma protector is through the examples of his previous lives, showing us his powerful spiritual attainments. LEARN MORE >>
Dear everyone... This is a good condensed talk I gave on Guru Yoga of Tsongkapa. This is the one you should share with others when they are interested in a not too lengthy explanation. It is the perfect practice for everyone who wants simplicity yet effective blessings. You can share this with more people, it will be good.
"If you say you don't have money to help a animal shelter, why then do you have money to buy meat?"
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Eating animals is not our God-given right, but being kind to them is."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"What makes us good humans is not how we abuse animals, but how much we allow them to live and be happy freely."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"We need another and wiser and perhaps a more mythical concept of animals.... We patronize them for their incompleteness, for their tragic fate of having taken form so far below ourselves. And therein we err, and greatly err. For the animal shall not be measured by man. In a world older and more complex than ours they moved finished and complete, gifted with extensions of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren, they are not underlings; they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendour and travail of the earth."
~ Henry Beston, The Outermost House
"Not eating animals is only unnatural when we are not used to it."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
MOTIVATIONAL QUOTES
"We may encounter defeat, but we must not be defeated."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"What you are today, is the choice you made yesterday."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"You think you can choose your life? What an ego trip!"
~ Lama Yeshe
"If TODAY you are dissatisfied, you must make the changes to create different results for TOMORROW."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
SPIRITUAL QUOTES
“Meditating on Dorje Shugden while reciting his mantra will open the gateways to higher dimensions, blessings and protection.”
~ Tsem Rinpoche
“If one does the recitation of the Lama Tsongkhapa guru yoga prayer for even one month using one of the visualizations for great or clear or quick wisdom, one will definitely see development of that wisdom. It is proved by experience. There is no doubt that by doing the Lama Tsongkhapa guru yoga practice one can meet Lama Tsongkhapa’s teachings from life to life. And furthermore, it gives one the opportunity to be born in the pure realm of Lama Tsongkhapa, Tushita, whenever death happens.”
~ Pabongkha Rinpoche
"I was 18 years old in 1983. That was a very special year as I met His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and received innumerable precious teachings and empowerments from Him at Thubten Dhargye Ling Centre in Los Angeles, California. It was the best time of my life. A time that seems so magical and surreal to me. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche is Heruka Buddha and I met Heruka."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"If being me offends you, maybe I'm not the problem."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Never abandon your spiritual teacher no matter how many inner obstacles you need to overcome."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Actions to force something to be permanent makes all the karmas arise."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"The dharma is not easy to listen to… because some people take it as criticism. But Dharma should not be just feel good only for the moment but for deeper contemplations."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Whether we do work and suffer but for others or we do work and suffer for ourselves, either way we have to suffer. That is the nature of samsara. So let us suffer for others and then suffering has meaning."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Those who really want the dharma to grow within themselves and to grow for others should never fear hard work, timing, difficulties, struggles, disappointments because it is for a good cause. Working for Dharma is not a prison or work, but it is purely spiritual practice. It is purely collection of merit and purification. Actually not doing dharma work is the real prison."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"His Holiness Zong Rinpoche stressed the need to continue to practice even when we come up against obstacles, and that we should continually review our progress. He stated that a happy, luxurious life was like a good dream, and that obstacles and difficulties were like a bad dream. We should give them no significance, but simply carry on working towards real, everlasting happiness."
~ Ngala ’ö-Dzin Tridral
"Things in samsara always go wrong. That's its nature. Don't be surprised."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Knowledge never quenches the thirst, only application."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
LIFE QUOTES
"I pity men who occupy themselves exclusively with the transitory in things and lose themselves in the study of what is perishable, since we are here for this very end-that we may make the perishable imperishable, which we can do only after we have learned how to approach both."
~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
"Money amplifies negative characteristics and that can cause problems.
To walk away from that was actually very easy. I didn't even consider it."
~ Angeline Francis Khoo
"I shall not commit the fashionable stupidity of regarding everything I cannot explain as a fraud."
~ Carl Jung
"There is a devil there is no doubt, but is he trying to get into us or trying to get out?"
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"If you love someone, show it by being honest, respectful & honorable with them."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see."
~ Henry David Thoreau
"If I can just be the way I am & you the way you are & we accept each other, world peace is near."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"I am Asian, you are some other beautiful color. Together we make diversity so beautiful."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"It's amazing how some people have never met me or know who I am, but based on a few things they read here & there & rumours, they have formulated a new personality for me & all the things I've never done they passionately speak about....I find it funny and entertaining now. I guess we can't spend our lives fighting rumours...we just have to work hard & then rumours get proven wrong on it's own as a by product. No point explaining repeatedly. Just do our work & show results!!"
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"There's a difference between patience and laziness. Patience comes from respect while laziness from disrespect of others."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Although outwardly we have so much, we have so many conveniences, inwardly we have become more unhappy, so, acquisition is not the secret to happiness. The more we get, the more we have, the more unhappy we become."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Before we experience any pain, we already had a fixed view of how things should be. When the experience we encounter contradicts our views, then the pain arises. The pain arises due to our fixed views not so much the experience itself. So the secret is changing the views. Re-educating ourselves on our views."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"You know since very young, for better or worse, I always did the things that others told me not to do. I wasn't really good at following the rules. Even now with how I share Dharma and my practice, I just do it the way I think it should be done but I do it sincerely. Not what others tell me what I can and can't do."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Love me or hate me, both are in my favor... If you love me, I'll always be in your heart... If you hate me, I'll always be in your mind."
~ William Shakespeare
"One isn't necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can't be kind, true, merciful, generous or honest."
~ Maya Angelou
Devotional Songs
Sung by Mary Fewel Tulin, these mystical songs in praise of the guru originate from the Sikh tradition. Yet, they are applicable to all traditions for those who want to venerate their guru.
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
Click on the images to view the bigger version. And scroll down and click on "View All Photos" to view more images.
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
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!
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
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
4 years ago
Fragrant organic Thai basil harvested from our very own Kechara Forest Retreat farm!
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.
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
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.
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.
4 years ago
One of the most recent harvests from our Kechara Forest Retreat land. It was grown free of chemicals and pesticides, wonderful!
5 years ago
Third 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)
5 years ago
First picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal.
Height: 33ft (10m)
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
5 years ago
Very powerful story! Tibetan Resistance group Chushi Gangdruk reveals how Dalai Lama escaped in 1959- https://bit.ly/2S9VMGX
5 years ago
At Kechara Forest Retreat land we have nice fresh spinach growing free of chemicals and pesticides. Yes!
Fresh eggplants grown on Kechara Forest Retreat's land here in Malaysia
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
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. 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
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
Wandering Ascetic Painting by Nirdesha Munasinghe
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
5 years ago
This is pretty amazing!
First Sri Lankan Buddhist temple opened in Dubai!!!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
DON'T MISS THIS!~How brave Bonnie survived by living with a herd of deer~ https://bit.ly/2Lre2eY
5 years ago
Global Superpower China Will Cut Meat Consumption by 50%! Very interesting, find out more- https://bit.ly/2V1sJFh
5 years ago
You can download this beautiful Egyptian style Dorje Shugden Free- https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
5 years ago
Beautiful high file for print of Lord Manjushri. May you be blessed- https://bit.ly/2V8mwZe
5 years ago
Mongolian (Oymiakon) Shaman in Siberia, Russia. That is his real outfit he wears. Very unique. TR
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
5 years ago
Manjusri Kumara (bodhisattva of wisdom), India, Pala dynesty, 9th century, stone, Honolulu Academy of Arts
Click on "View All Photos" above to view more images
Videos On The Go
Please click on the images to watch video
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.
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!
5 years ago
Bodha stupa July 2019-
Rainy period
5 years ago
Cute Tara girl having a snack. She is one of Kechara Forest Retreat’s resident doggies.
5 years ago
Your Next Meal!
Yummy? Tasty? Behind the scenes of the meat on your plates. Meat is a killing industry.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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
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.
5 years ago
Beautiful Monastery in Hong Kong
5 years ago
This dog thanks his hero in such a touching way. Tsem Rinpoche
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
Beautiful new casing in Kechara for Vajra Yogini. Tsem Rinpoche
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.
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.
5 years ago
Beautiful
Beautiful sacred Severed Head Vajra Yogini from Tsem Rinpoche's personal shrine.
5 years ago
My little monster cute babies Dharma and Oser. Take a look and get a cute attack for the day! 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
5 years ago
Cruelty of some people have no limits and it’s heartbreaking. Being kind cost nothing. Tsem Rinpoche
5 years ago
SUPER ADORABLE and must see
Tsem Rinpoche's dog Oser girl enjoying her snack in her play pen.
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.
5 years ago
Tsem Rinpoche’s Schnauzer Dharma boy fights Robot sphere from Arkonide!
5 years ago
Cute baby owl found and rescued
We rescued a lost baby owl in Kechara Forest Retreat.
5 years ago
Nice cups from Kechara!!
Dorje Shugden people's lives matter!
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).
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.
6 years ago
Chiropractic CHANGES LIFE for teenager with acute PAIN & DEAD LEG.
6 years ago
BEAUTIFUL PLACE IN NEW YORK STATE-AMAZING.
6 years ago
Leonardo DiCaprio takes on the meat Industry with real action.
6 years ago
Do psychic mediums have messages from beyond?
6 years ago
Lovely gift for my 52nd Birthday. Tsem Rinpoche
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” 💔💔
7 years ago
Bigfoot sighted again and made it to the news.
7 years ago
Casper is such a cute and adorable. I like him.
7 years ago
Dorje Shugden Monastery Amarbayasgalant Mongolia's Ancient Hidden Gem
7 years ago
Don't you love Hamburgers? See how 'delicious' it is here!
7 years ago
Such a beautiful and powerful message from a person who knows the meaning of life. Tsem Rinpoche
7 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
7 years ago
This video went viral and it's a must watch!!
7 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
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.
Scroll down and click on "View All Questions" to view archived questions.
Sirius asked:Dear pastors, Im currently trying to start my ngondro practice. I want to follow the instructions of Tsem Rinpoche. My question is what preliminary practice should we focus on first? If there was a proper order. The practice that I'm already doing everyday at night is Vajrasattva, but I'm missing the rest. Please give me advice. pastor answered:Dear Sirius,
Thanks for your question. We are really happy to read that you want to engage in ngondro practices. We do have an article about ngondro here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/preliminary-practice.html The article includes sample prayer texts for the retreats, etc. However, the article does not include the full prayers text for each, visualisation guides, associated contemplations, etc.
The ngondro practices are extended retreats, so unless you have had practice doing shorter retreats, I suggest you start by doing shorter retreats. For ngondro practices to be complete, you need to do 100,000 repititions of a the particular practice. You must do at least 1 full retreat session a day, with the requisite altar setup, offerings, full prayer recitation, etc.
Traditionally, the first ngondro practice to be done is the refuge ngondro. In 2022, we ran an online programme for those wishing to complete their refuge preliminary at home. While the programme has finished, all the materials, prayers texts, visualisation guides, contemplation guides and references are still available for people who wish to complete their refuge ngondro. There is a small fee associated with access to this. You can find some information about the programme here: https://www.kecharaforestretreat.com/practice-weekend-refuge/. If you would like access to the materials, you can contact care@kechara.com with your request to join the Refuge Practice Group.
However, please note that there are prequisities for joining the group, such as having completed Level 1 of our Lamrim course. Ngondro practices in our tradition are not beginner level practices, hence require some knowledge of the teachings before hand. If you have attended Lamrim courses at other Dharma centres, please indicate so in the email.
Hope this helps. Please do contact us on the above email if you have any further questions regarding this. Thank you.
Jason asked:The basic description of a boddhisatva I’ve read is “a person who is able to reach nirvana but delays doing so out of compassion in order to save suffering beings”. This doesn’t quite make sense to me since if they reach nirvana, they should have even greater capacity to help others so it doesn’t make sense to delay their enlightenment. I was wondering if the pastors could clarify on this issue. pastor answered:Dear Jason,
Thank you for your question. The path of a Bodhisattva, is actually quite vast, and the description you've seen is a simplification. The path of the Bodhisattva is explained is many different texts, for example it is explained in the higher scope teachings of the Lamrim, the Sutra of the Ten Bhumis, the Bodhisattvabhumis, etc. I'll try to give a simple overview here.
The very basis of the Bodhisattva path is what is called 'bodhichitta.' This is the motivation or mindset of achieving enlightenment so that you can bring all other sentient beings to the state of enlightenment. In other traditions, the goal of attaining enlightenment is for oneself alone. In the Bodhisattva path, which belongs to the Mahayana vehicle, the goal to achieve enlightenment is not for ourselves but for the sake of others. Once, you have generated this mindset, you are a Bodhisattva.
But there are differing levels of Bodhisattvas. There are ten levels, known as the ten grounds, of a Bodhisattva. So you progress in your Dharma practice of benefiting others and improving yourself for the sake of others, along these ten levels. Once you reach the 10th level, you are essentially enlightened, but you remain in the form of a bodhisattva rather than leaving your body and entering full enlightenment. The reason for this, is your motivation is not just for yourself but all other sentient beings who are still suffering.
When you achieve nirvana, you are in a state of bliss. Since you are in that state, you can remain there for a very long time without helping sentient beings. Hence Bodhisattvas remain to help all sentient beings instead of staying in that blissful state, due to their motivation for all senient beings to achieve that state of bliss themselves. I hope that this helps to answer your question. If not, you can refer to the teachings I mentioned at the begining.
Though not directly related to your question, you might find this short video teaching by Tsem Rinpoche interesting:
Why Bodhisattvas Are Like Peacocks
https://youtu.be/OHXULhL-UHo?si=FG80TpQACuYhbsCm
April 14, 2024 13:11
Kams asked:If a part of Buddhism is accepting reality as it is, rather than how we want it to be, I find it contradictory because human nature is innately selfish and basically "survival of the fittest" and all that. Of course, Humans have evolved to be intelligent and aware. But doesn't that make living by a code of ethical conduct denying our animalistic nature? thus denying the reality of the selfish human nature? I am simply curious about this and would like an answer. Thanks!pastor answered:Dear Kams,
Nice to see you here, you've asked a very interesting question. In Buddhism, when we talk about accepting reality as it is, this is in a very specific way, and usually not the way we think of when we read or hear the phrase 'accepting reality.'
Accepting reality here means not thinking about things as inherently existing. When we think about existence in this manner, it is not correct, because nothing in existence is static, it is ever moving, ever changing. To use a very common Buddhist term, it is impermenant. From the Buddhist perspective the understanding and living by impermenance is very important. I'll give a an example of this. In life, we go through ups and downs, times we are happy and times we are sad. And sometimes, this can be an emotion upheveal. When we experience happy times, we want them to last, we want to always feel that way, so when things go wrong, or not how we want them to be, we get upset. But if we live by impermanence during those happy times, we cherish them more, we live in the moment of being happy rather than wanting it to last. Similarly, when things go wrong, we know that eventually things will get better, because even sadness and all the negative experiences we have in life are impermanent. So 'accepting reality' is a very broad definition, but in Buddhism, it's actually very specific to certain things.
But your question touches on a very important point, and that is what you call our 'selish nature.' In Buddhism, this selfishness comes from karma and delusions. It's the way we naturally operate as humans. But as humans, or any type of being bound by the law of karma within samsara (existence) we create more negative karma and delusions. This only leads us to have this type of nature in future lives as humans, or leads us to suffer in lower rebirths such as the animal or hell realms, or leads us to have pleasures in the god realm. However, no matter what happens, we are still stuck because samsara is a cycle fueled by karma and delusions.
The goal of Buddhists is to transcend/escape this system altogether. We won't be bound by such selfish natures any more and since we are not bound by that, we are free from all types of suffering that occur within existence. Suffering itself is a very big part of the Buddhist teachings. In fact it was the first thing that the Buddha ever taught. But this was not done to make us depressed. It was done to make wake up to our current state within existence and then do something about it.
Here are some video teachings by Tsem Rinpoche that may explain things better:
Karma's Job is to Make You Suffer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycNTf-W1mLA
How Wrong Projections Bring Us Suffering (with subtitles)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vICsghJhjqU
The Cycle of Wrong Perception & Wrong Experience
https://youtu.be/EXyhGaXBtK8?si=KktuiuZLd7y4SST4
Karma & Impermanence
https://youtu.be/sL5qn54rPlM?si=0-DwTs-QzKDxA_BX
Hope all this helps to answer your question.
April 13, 2024 03:23
Lee asked:Hello Pastors!
I have a questions about one situations:
I knew life is impermanent but I have saw some situations that please, help me to clear the doubts.
An younger girl has been long time prayers to lord Dorje Shugden but one days, she got an severe cancer but she still strongly devote to lord Shugden.
But in the end that she still die in young age.
How we should look at the situations like this dear Pastors?
Does lord Shugden not help us to find a way or atleast, good doctors or good medicine to help us?
Thanks.pastor answered:Dear Lee,
Thank you for your question. I'm very sorry to read about this situation. It truly is very saddening whenever someone so young passes away. When things like this happen, as Buddhists we need to remember the teachings of the Buddha, not just impermanence. The main one to remember here is karma and rebirth. We were attached to people who have passed away, because we knew them very well in this life. But this is not the only life that the person has had, nor the only life they will have.
When we are born, what experiences we go through in life, and ultimately when we pass on is all due to our karma and their consequences. Daily sadhana practice and devotion is good on a general level, but when the conditions for certain karma to arise occurs, we are faced with very difficult situations due to the arising of karma. If we have had the time and effort to practice deeply, such conditions will not arise but for most people, they will. This is part of samsara and the reason we need to get out of samsara by becoming enlightened.
When such conditions arise, we need extra help to overcome these situations than just our faith and daily practice. That is where other practices come into play, such as pujas, offerings, life-extending practices such as animal liberation, etc. Because the ripening of that karma is strong, we need a stronger method to overcome it than just daily practice. When we are going through such situations, it is best to consult those who can advise on what to do. In our organisation here are the contact details: https://www.kechara.com/contact/
Dorje Shugden and other practices can definitely help with these sorts of things, but it depends on our effort. Since the karma is so strong, it takes effort to help overcome that karma. If we put in that effort by making more prayers, more offerings, doing pujas or other practices, then yes, Dorje Shugden is able to use the merit from those practices and to help us find good doctors, good treatments and make the treatments more effective than they would have been otherwise.
Unfortunately, sometimes that karma is too strong for a person to be ill or to pass away. In those cases, even though the person has passed, their faith, devotion and practice is still beneficial. Why? Because there are future lives. We only experience the loss of a person in this life, but we should think about their future lives also. That is a reason that prayers, pujas and other activities is so much stressed in Buddhism when a person passes on. They are to help that person in their next lives, as an extension of our love and care for them in this life.
In the case of the young girl who passed away, her prayers and faith will not go unanswered in the long term, for her next lives, but unfortunately the ripening of her negative karma was too strong in this life. Dorje Shugden and the Buddhas will definitely take care of her and benefit her in her future lives, all the way until she becomes enlightened.
Here is something that you can do to help the young girl for her future lives: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/something-simple-for-the-deceased.html
Impermanence, karma, rebirth, etc has all been explained by the Buddha and is in scripture, like the Lamrim. When we understand the Lamrim better, we are able to help our loved ones better not just in this life, but for their future lives too. I really hope this helps you. I will keep the young girl in my prayers as well.
April 12, 2024 19:13
Lo asked:Does chanting mantras affect our energy bodies? For example, Could chanting the Medicine Buddha mantra be sending a sort of healing/alleviating effect to our energy channels and in that way, replicating the healing in our physical bodies?pastor answered:Dear Lo,
Nice to see you back here. Yes, chanting mantra definitely effects our energy bodies. Mantras themselves are the form of the Buddhas in sound vibrations. Chanting mantras helps to affect energetical changes within our body for a particular purpose.
Each mantra of a deity has a particular benefit that we receive when chanting. For example, Medicine Buddha is healing & long life. Manjushri is wisdom and intelligence. However, these are just the immediate benefits from their practice. But each deity practice is capable of leading us all the way to enlightenment.
As we recite mantras, the vibrations or energy of that particular mantra pervades our energy body, effecting a change associated with that particular mantra.
Here are some tips on how to chant mantras correctly: https://www.kechara.com/chanting-mantras-correctly/
Here is a fantastic teachings on mantras by Tsem Rinpoche: https://www.kechara.com/chanting-mantras-correctly/
Of course, just simply reciting mantras has an effect, but if you engage in mantra recitation with focus and as part of the practice of that particular deity, the benefits are definitely much stronger. I hope this helps.
Thank you
April 11, 2024 20:37
Lo asked:if the earth were to not exist, would the "human realm" and "animal realm" be completely eliminated from the wheel of samsara?pastor answered:Dear Lo,
Thank you for your very interesting question. If the earth stopped existing, the human realm and animal realm would not be completed eliminated from samsara. This is because we are only talking about one planet called earth. According to Buddhism there are many, many more planets or what are called "World Systems" in the universe, not just our planet earth. Buddhist cosmology extends far beyond just our planet.
The six realms then, cover all sentient beings in existence, this include life on other planets, and therefore covers what we might call 'alien' life forms that are not of our planet. So on other planets, you have physical beings, just like us. They fall into either the human or animal realms as well. They may not physically look like us, but their experiences and the sufferings they have are the same as those of the human and animal realms. For example, we feel physical pain and pleasure, those on other planets who fall under the human realm category would feel physical pain and pleasure too. Same with emotions, levels of intellect between the human realm and animal realm, etc.
An example of different world systems is the story of the Buddha Tara. It is well known that she achieved enlightenment, not on our planet earth but on another world system. Another example, highlighting this is the Sutra Dispelling Darkness in the Ten Directions, which you can find here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/prayers-and-sadhanas/sadhana-prayers.html#chokchu This sutra is commonly recited to dispell obstacles related to travelling and safety while travelling. It references quite a few world systems and the enlightened beings who have manifested there.
The only way that the human and animal realms would be eliminated from samsara, is not that a single planet would cease to exist, but that all sentient beings become enlightened. That is why the enlightenment of all sentient beings is the aim of the Mahayana tradition, to which Tibetan Buddhism belongs.
I hope all of this answers your question.
April 10, 2024 20:53
Lisa asked:Hello Pastors:
I will visit Thailand soon and I knew that Thai People that they are very devoted to Buddha but beside of this, they also worship many many gods.
I have one questions about one famous site in Thailand called Erawan Chapel:
They worship Four-faced Bhrama called Phra Phrom and how do you think about this God? Is he mundane or supramundane Dharmapala? Is it safe to make a prayer or a wish infront of Him?
I have been practice and prayer to Lord Dorje Shugden for long time and sure that, I don't know any prayer to Phra Phrom or any deities outside Gelug Traditions.
So, can I use a pray to lord Tsongkhapa and a pray to lord Shugden infront of Phra Phrom?
Thank you so much.pastor answered:Dear Lisa,
Thank you for your question. Within Buddhism, one of the tenets of the faith is to only take refuge in those beings who are enlightened. As I am sure you are already aware, the god realm is one of the six realms of samsara, and sentient beings are born within these realms endlessly until and unless they become enlightened.
As you mentioned Phra Phrom is Four-Faced Brahma, who is a god. He is neither a mundane or supremundane Dharmapala. There may be others gods with the same name as Brahma, but Four-Faced Brahma/Phra Phrom is a worldly god. However, he is a very high-level god who is very much respected, but not prayed to in the sense of going to him for Refuge.
While this particular shrine is very famous as it is said he grants wishes, petitioners who go to him must promise to fulfil certain offerings, etc., if their prayers are fulfilled. If their wishes are fulfilled and the promised offerings not made on time, it is also well-known that they will be struck with misforunte because he has become angry at them. This shows, he is a worldly god, still in samsara although very high-level and very powerful. The enlightened beings on the other hand, do not get any with practitioners, because they have no anger.
However, given this, of course you can still visit the shrine. You can even make the traditional offerings that are available there, such as flowers, fruits, etc. This is not the same as making offerings to the enlightened beings, nor does it generate merit. It is more like giving a gift to someone you respect. You are basically paying respect to him.
If you are strong in your Buddhist practice, when there you would not ask him for anything, make any wishes, etc. You are simply giving him offerings as a mark of respect. When there, you can pray to Lama Tsongkhapa, Dorje Shugden, whichever enlightened being you like, but you are not praying to Four-Faced Brahma, but reciting the prayers of the enlightened beings. This will help bless the shrine itself with the energies of the enlightened beings, as well as yourself, just like reciting prayers to the Buddhas would naturally bless you and environment when recited normally.
I hope this answer helps.
April 9, 2024 13:37
Lee asked:Hello Pastors!
I have questions about:
For some circumstance due to images of Lord Setrap too wrathful for few person and they not used to this images yet.
Could we share the images of lord Tshangpa Karpo for this kind of person to worship and practice with reciting lord Setrap's mantra daily? Is it ok? As i knew lord Tsangpa is peaceful form of lord Setrap.
Therefore, we could see lord Tshangpa same as lord Setrap, couldn't we?
Thank you so much.pastor answered:Dear Lee,
Thank you for your question. Yes, you are correct that Tsangpa Karpo is the peaceful form of Lord Setrap. However, the form, the nature of the practice, the mantra, etc is different. While it is not wrong for a person to have Tsangpa Karpo on their altar and recite Setrap's mantra and/or prayers. It wouldn't be as effective as having the actual image of Setrap on the altar and engaing in the practice.
Traditionally, if you are engaging in the practice, you would have an image of that deity on the altar. While all the enlightened beings, whether in their meditational deity form or protector forms are all one and the same, the practice and the nature of the practice differs. So it's better to have an image of the actually deity/protector that you are practising on your altar, to 1) create merit in relation to making offerings to that deity or protector and 2) to act as a focal point for your practice.
Traditionally, for Dharma protectors, the images were covered when placed on the altar, one reason being that they are wrathful and not everyone is used to that. So perhaps you can give them an image that is covered.
Alternatively, if Setrap's form or mantra is too wrathful for them, perhaps a more peace deity that has similar protective qualities would be better for them. Such deities include Lama Tsongkhapa or even Green Tara. These are meditational deities rather than Dharma protectors, but they can have the same protective qualities as a Dharma protector when practiced well. But obviously this would depend on why that person was practicing Setrap in the first place. I hope this helps.
If you would like more private advice regarding this, you can email us at care@kechara.com, referencing this question and our reply. Hope this helps. Thank you.
April 8, 2024 11:17
Jay asked:What are the requirements, prerequisites, commitments and vows for Hayagriva practice? I recieved Hayagriva Empowerment from my root guru but he’s been slow to tell me what all the vows, commitments, prerequisites and requirements for the practice?
You all have such detailed and specific answers for Dorje Shudgen, Yamantaka and Vajrayogini; I was wondering what if there was a unique or different answer for Hayagriva;
Thank youpastor answered:Dear Jay,
Thank you for your question. As you have received empowerment into this incredibly powerful practice and therefore have a guru-disciple connection with your root guru, you should make offerings and request him/her to explain more about the vows, commitments, etc. This would be best. Sometimes, gurus adapt the commitments to suit the students, give the empowerment as a blessing without commitments, etc. So, we cannot comment on the exact vows, commitments, prerequisites and requirements as this will depend on the guru who gave you the empowerment.
That being said, there are also many different practices of Hayagriva, according to various lineages and even with the lineages there are versions of the practice belonging to the lower tantra classification and the higher tantra classification, so the vows and commitments, etc., also differ according to type of tantra.
In general for the requirements and prerequisites you can follow the general information on the following articles, minus those that refer to Vajra Yogini's practice specifically:
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/inspiration-worthy-words/starting-on-vajra-yogini-now.htmlhttps://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/vajrayogini-the-powerful-divine-red-lady.html
These are generally having strong guru devotion, and (if you are from the Gelug tradition) study and practice of the Lamrim & other teachings. If you are from another lineage, the teachings may be different. You will also need to have completed some of the Ngondro practices or Preliminary Practices which are extended retreats. But again, all of this would depend on the guru who gave you the empowerment.
If the empowerment you received is a lower tantra type of Hayagriva empowerment, then you would need to keep your refuge and bodhisattva vows as they would have been given as part of the empowerment.
If the empowerment you received is a higher tantra type, then you would need to hold tantric vows in addition to the refuge and bodhisattva vows. You can read more about the vows here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/students-friends/vows-the-roots-of-all-attainments.html
While we do have all of this information available on this website, it is better to request your guru to give you teachings on what the commitments are, if any, of the empowerment you received. You should take the information here as a basis to educate yourself on what they are, but in terms of practice, this is something that only your guru who gave you the empowerment can tell you.
I hope this helps you a little.
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5 days ago
Mr. Cheah Fook Wan offered lights and incense to The Three Jewels prior to the puja in Ipoh. (KISG - Kin Hoe)
5 days ago
Kechara Ipoh Study Group has carried out Mother Tara prayer recitations on Sunday afternoon in Ipoh. (KISG- Kin Hoe)
2 weeks ago
Powerful Dorje Shugden puja @ Jalan Seang Tek, Penang. Every Saturday, 3 pm. Remove obstacles and grant blessings to fulfil wishes. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta. 6th April 2024
3 weeks ago
Rejoice to the volunteers (also kind sponsors) who cleaned the Gyenze Chapel and made abundant offerings to Gyenze. ~ Alice
3 weeks ago
Offered beautiful flowers abundantly to Gyenze. ~ Alice
3 weeks ago
Offered beautiful flowers abundantly to Gyenze. ~ Alice
4 weeks ago
Our weekly Dorje Shugden Puja @ 23/3/2024 . William, as the umze is seen here burning incense powder as we are about to recite the Sangsol Prayer to Dorje Shugden composed by Ganden Serkong. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
1 month 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.
1 month 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.
1 month 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.
1 month 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.
1 month 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
1 month ago
Torma making was taught by Pastor Seng Piow and held one day before the retreat. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
1 month ago
Penang Dorje Shugden Retreat cum Puja, 9-10th March 2024 led by Pastor Seng Piow with 12 retreatants. Uploaded by Jacinta
2 months 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.
2 months 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
2 months 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.
2 months 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.
2 months ago
Mr. Dared Lim was offering water bowls on behalf of Kechara Ipoh Study Group. (Kin Hoe)
2 months ago
Jun from Ipoh was offering mandarin oranges to Mother Tara and The Three Jewels. (Kin Hoe)
2 months ago
Prior to our puja in Ipoh, Mr. & Mrs. Cheah Fook Wan were preparing for the offerings to the Buddhas. (Kin Hoe)
2 months ago
On Sunday afternoon, Kechara Ipoh Study Group has carried out Mother Tara prayer recitations in Ipoh. (Kin Hoe)
3 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
3 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.
3 months ago
Thaipusam in Penang. Some of the best shots. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
3 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.
3 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.
3 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.
3 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.
4 months ago
Tara Recitation is on now at KISG - Wai Meng
4 months ago
Photo from Wan Wai Meng
4 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.
4 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
4 months ago
4 months ago
Today's (9/12/2023)Dorje Shugden puja led by Gordon. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
4 months ago
4 months ago
5 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.
5 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
5 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.
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Inspiring comment by Claire Briard who only met Rinpoche on facebook gave up eating meat. It has since changed his life and she have so much more respect for the all animals. She did wonderfully by encouraging her friends and anyone she met to go meatless. Beautiful message . Do not harm animals , give them a chance to live.
Thank you Rinpoche this sharing.
Beautiful and inspiring comment by Claire Briard which I do enjoyed reading . Wise decision she has made after getting to know Rinpoche through Rinpoché’s Facebook. Social Media indeed plays an important part and has an powerful impact on all of us. It has changed her life and she stopped eating meat since then. She even sent out messages to people to stop eating me. That’s wonderful. I do enjoyed listening to the song dedicated to her. Choose to be on vegetarian is the right choice. Do not harm them ,give them a chance to live and be love.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing.
Life is sometimes very strange. I used to eat a lot of meat and would always complain when there is not enough meat on the dinner table.
Almost 2 years ago, I saw this message on http://www.kechara.com (Kechara’s spiritual guide is Tsem Tulku Rinpoche) web page which says, “If you are a Buddhist, you should be vegetarian. No IF, No BUT.” After seeing this image, I started my vegetarian diet from that day onwards.
To me, letting go of meat not only generate compassionate, more importantly for me, is letting go of my attachments…
I sincerely thank Rinpoche for this special message and got me starting vegetarianism. 🙂
Thank you so much Rinpoche.I forgot to say, that as say Buddha , our life is so very short on earth; that we should do the best of it for this little time. So we don’t need to hurt animals to live, we should respect every living thing on earth, with no exceptions, because they must be here for a reason, like all of us.
We don’t need to eat meat to stay alive, you can live a entire and beautiful life without a single piece of meat put in your mouth.
We will live healthier life and more peacefull life without had to kill and make suffer and bleed a poor living being who has feeling exactely like us. Animals have childrens, family as well, they have to feed and care for their baby, and protect them, same as us. they are sensitive beings, just like us.and they just want to live their entire Life to the end , without being killed for a false pleasure of contentment…
Observe any animal living in a farm now : they live in total fear of humans, from their birth..to their death. they have not an isntant of love or peace for themselves! in theil short life taken away by man, they only experiment one feeling : fear…and very intense physical suffering to end up their poor life : do you think we would like it if it happens to us ::being born in fear, with no love ; and being killed very young for our skins or flesh: I think we all agree that we we will think it s unfair and very cruel! and that exactely what’s man do!!If animals could speak…in one word, they will comdemn our souls for eternal endless hell to treat them the way we do!!
Let ‘s respect the animals as they respect us : they could attack us, or bit us , or some of them, they could even eat us…but they don’t because they feel the compassion and the love deep inside themself more than some of us I suppose, but they can’t tell. it is for us to guess…
Let them the animals live in peace, and lives their whole life entirely, naturally.Let them have a family, and share love and affection with their loved ones and be free to enjoy life; like we ourselves we ‘d love to enjoy life too.
They have a lot to teach us.
Instead of treat them with no respect, we should try to listen to each message each one of them has to deliver to us…it talks about Love and Compassion…:)
Claire