Sacred & attained Nuns of Gebchak Nunnery

Jun 28, 2012 | Views: 6,098

(By Tsem Rinpoche)

Dear friends,

I came across this and was extremely inspired. Here’s a Gebchak nunnery with 400 nuns (largest in Tibet) that are focused on life long retreats and intense practice. They receive their practices then go into deep meditational retreats gaining high attainments and visions of various Buddhas. They commit themselves to their temple/nunnery and remain there. During the long retreats of three years, three months and three days, you are not allowed to cut your hair by tradition. Seeing the length of hair growth on the nuns, you can see they have been in secluded extended retreats. It’s only after completion of retreat the hair is cut.

Please take your time and read through this post. Read through each of the nun’s stories, their interviews and their backgrounds and how they came to Gebchak Nunnery. You will be blessed just to hear how powerful these lady practitioners are. How they can devote their lives to intense practice and so strong guru devotion in this day and age we claim is so hard to engage in intense spiritual practice.

May everyone be blessed and become like these holy daughters of Buddha who have seen the true nature of their minds and therefore liberated. May Gebchak Nunnery grow and get the support they need.

Tsem Rinpoche

 


 

Ani Lama Sherab Zangmo

 

The Great Yogini, Ani Lama Sherab Zangmo. © Karen Harris, 2007.

Ani Lama Sherab Zangmo was a resident nun and meditation teacher at Gebchak Gonpa. Often referred to as “The Great Yogini of Gebchak Gonpa”, Sherab Zangmo was famed among the lamas in Eastern Tibet for her high realization. She passed away in the autumn of 2008 with many signs of an accomplished practitioner. She spent 70 years in unbroken meditation practice since first coming to Gebchak Gonpa when she was 16 years old. She was the last remaining from the earliest generation of nuns at Gebchak Gonpa, and was integral in rebuilding the Nunnery in the late 1980′s and in the revival of its unique system of Buddhist practice for women. Sherab Zangmo was extraordinary in many ways: for the spontaneous enlightenment she gained through devotion to her guru, Tsang-yang Gyamtso[1]; the profound simplicity of her teachings; and her flexibility in the face of challenging conditions.

Sherab Zangmo guided the younger nuns of Gebchak Gonpa in their practice right up until the moment of her passing. As she neared the moment of her death she laughed as she encouraged the nuns, and narrated the clear visions of buddhas that were appearing before her. Read more about her passing below.

Lama Sherab Zangmo’s repeated teaching was this: “Knowing one thing, everything is liberated” – by knowing the mind through practice, everything is liberated.

An interview with Ani Lama Sherab Zangmo & Wangdrak Rinpoche

[Wangdrak Rinpoche requests Sherab Zangmo for mind-teaching and meditation instructions. She was 85 years old at the time of the interview.]

Wangdrak Rinpoche with Ani Lama Sherab Zangmo, 2007.

 

Sherab Zangmo: What can I say? I don’t know, Rinpoche!

Wangdrak Rinpoche: Please, it will benefit practitioners.

Sherab Zangmo: [She recites a verse.]

From the very beginning the mind’s nature is empty,
Practice naturally, free from fabrications.

Pray strongly to one’s lama, keeping one’s mind at all times in an undistracted state of devotion, faith, and pure perception.

Wangdrak Rinpoche – Question: What is the antidote when a lot of conceptual thoughts arise? How should we meditate?

Sherab Zangmo: Do not try to stop conceptual thoughts, but let them arise. Know their nature by praying to the lama, understanding that the lama’s mind and one’s own mind are inseparable. Rest in the nature of the thoughts and in this way they are transformed.

It’s impossible to stop conceptual thoughts that arise, and if you try to stop them they will only increase. See the very nature of the thoughts as they arise, pray to the lama, and rest in meditation.

[Throughout the whole interview Sherab Zangmo is continuously chanting a prayer to Tsang-Yang Gyamtso while spinning her prayer wheel.]

Sherab Zangmo: I was 16 or 17 when I first came to Gechak. At that time the Nunnery and all of the nuns were under the care of the first Wangdrak Dorje. The first Tsang-Yang Gyamtso and Tsogyal Rinpoche had both passed away by then and I never got to see them.

In the beginning of the Cultural Revolution the remaining nuns and local nomads in the area were forced to live together in tight communes. During those days I would sit in meditation up on the mountain in the daytime and return to the camp to sleep at night. After our local commune broke up I lived in my brother’s home and pretended as though I had no legs and couldn’t walk. In this way nobody forced me to work and I was able to continue my practice quietly within my mind. In 1988 when some religious freedom was regained I got up out of bed and surprised everyone by doing circumambulations around Dzong-go Ling! From then on I continued my meditation practice in a cave near the Nunnery.

Wangdrak Rinpoche: Really she is someone who has spent her entire life in meditation practice. Even though she is in her 80′s now, her intelligence and clarity of mind have not degenerated. She experiences no suffering or discomfort in her mind whatsoever, even though her body has some sickness. She is extraordinary!

She doesn’t give lengthy teachings; just a few essential words are enough. If the meaning was elaborated vast amounts could be explained. As it is taught, “Knowing one thing, everything is liberated”. By knowing the mind through practice, everything is liberated.

Sherab Zangmo:

[Sherab Zangmo recites a verse of supplication to Wangdrak Rinpoche.]

Outwardly a master of all tantras, statements and instructions,
Inwardly accomplished in the channels, winds and essences,
He who has attained the realization of Samantabhadra,
At the feet of Wangdrak Dorje, I pray.

Wangdrak Rinpoche – Q: In the old days did the nuns at Gebchak have shaven heads? I heard that it was a pure vision of Tsang-Yang Gyamtso that the nuns wear their hair slightly grown out, because they were practitioners of Secret Mantrayana.

Sherab Zangmo: Yes, the nuns all wore their hair slightly grown out. But I don’t think this tradition is written down anywhere.

Wangdrak Rinpoche: Gebchak Nunnery has an exceptional system of practice, unlike other nunneries, and the practice of the Gebchak nuns themselves is exceptional. Adeu Rinpoche has praised Gebchak Nunnery and said that it is difficult to find other nunneries with the same caliber of practice.

Sherab Zangmo is now the last nun remaining from the early generation of nuns at Gebchak. We are very fortunate to have this chance to visit with her and receive her teaching.

Sherab Zangmo: Before when I meditated I thought that I was practicing samantha[2]. When I discussed my meditation experience with my lamas they told me that it wasn’t samantha, but spontaneous recognition of the nature of mind.

[She recites another verse.]

Maintain the original natural state,
Practice free from conceptualizations.

Wangdrak Rinpoche: All Dharma is included within these two lines.

Sherab Zangmo declines to teach any Dharma. She says she has nothing to explain about what is or isn’t the true nature of mind. When we understand the true nature without stopping what arises in the mind, praying wholeheartedly to the lama whose mind is inseparable from our own, while constantly developing love and compassion for all beings… this is the Dharma.

These instructions are the same as what she taught last year.

Sherab Zangmo:

Keep one’s independence through one’s own practice of maintaining the natural state of the mind,
Protect the wishes of others through the practice of love and compassion.

Wangdrak Rinpoche: When it comes to practice, besides these two lines nothing else needs to be said. There are many stories of beings who realized spontaneously, for example that of King Indrabhuti who was liberated simply through receiving an empowerment, or Aryadeva’s realization when Nagarjuna hit him on the head with a shoe. For them, besides these simple introductions nothing else needed to be explained. When put into words there are many texts of the Buddha’s teachings, but all of these are not needed in order to realize. “Knowing one thing, everything is liberated”.

[1] Tsang-Yang Gyamtso: the founder of Gebchak Nunnery. The first Tsang-Yang Gyamtso was a heart disciple of the first Drubwang Tsoknyi Rinpoche.
[2] samantha: calm-abiding meditation.

Note: This interview was conducted in July, 2006, at Gebchak Gonpa. Translation by Tenzin Chozom.

[Extracted from: http://gebchakgonpa.org/gebchak-nuns/interviews-with-nuns/sherab-zangmo/]

 

Ani Lama Sherab Zangmo Passes Away

By admin | Published: February 25, 2009

Ani Lama Sherab Zangmo, the Great Yogini of Gebchak, in 2007.

The great yogini of Gebchak Gonpa, Sherab Zangmo, passed away in the autumn of last year at the enlightened old age of 86 or so. She had been unwell for some time, but then seemed to recover and was strong and in high spirits for some days. During these days she gave meditation teachings to the nuns and often sang the prayer “Calling the Lama From Afar.”  Near the time of her death her complexion lightened, and her face and body became youthful and small like a child’s. She told those who were with her that she could see Jetsun Tara clearly before her, and that she was now going to Dewachen, the Pure Land of Amitabha. She counseled the nuns to serve their lamas well and to live in harmony with each other, and told them not to worry, and that all would go well for them in the future. The sky remained like a morning sky, bright and clear for the whole day of Sherab Zangmo’s death, and she remained in tukdam meditation for six days afterwards.

Forty-nine days after her passing, Sherab Zangmo was cremated at Gebchak Gonpa, with the great yogi Pema Drimey, Gebchak Wangdrak Rinpoche, and all the Gebchak nuns performing the ceremony. The sky was clear blue and the temperature unusually warm on this day, in a season of constant inclement weather. After the ceremony, many white crystalline relics of different shapes were found in her ashes.

Very sadly, four other nuns passed away as well at Gebchak Gonpa over the last year. Oser Chomtso, who was in her 50s, Choying Paldron, an elderly nun, Kunzang Jinpa, in her 20s, and Pema Palmo, also in her 20s, passed away from various sicknesses. Their deaths are a great loss, and more so of a tragedy because each of them likely could have survived had they had proper medical treatment.

The death of the young Pema Palmo, however, is another story with cause for inspiration. She passed away in the first year of a three-year retreat, in the small retreat house where 25 nuns live side by side in their meditation boxes. After her death, Pema Palmo remained for seven days in tukdam meditation and had other amazing occurrences accompanying her death, which the other nuns in the retreat all saw and experienced.

Being so remote and removed from easy access to proper medical care, the nuns at Gebchak Gonpa have always been resolved to bear with and sometimes die from illnesses that could be easily treatable in the modern world. This has been the way of life and death for most Tibetan people in the past.

With the help of the Gebchak lamas, the nuns, the local medical community, and sponsors like you, the aim now is to set in place a system of regular check-ups, providing health care training for a few of the nuns, recognizing the symptoms of disease, and monitoring that the nuns follow through with necessary treatment.

Please keep the Gebchak nuns in your mind and prayers, and remember their dedicated practice towards enlightenment for the sake of all beings. There are still places in this world where human beings reach their full spiritual potential, and the benefits very positively reach each one of us. However, these nuns need our continued support to be able to continue their practice.

Wangdrak Rinpoche and all the nuns at Gebchak Gonpa wish you a very blessed and joyful Tibetan New Year!

Very best wishes,
Tenzin Chozom

[Extracted from: http://gebchakgonpa.org/sherab-zangmo-passes/]

 


Takme Wangmo

[Takme Wangmo was 70 years old in 2006.]

I first entered Gebchak Nunnery when I was 12, during the time of Chodrak Gyamtso (the second Tsang-Yang Gyamtso[1] Rinpoche). Now I stay in the Jig-se[2] retreat division.

When I was about 18 years old I began my three-year retreat, during which we practiced a sadhana[3] of Guru Rinpoche along with tsa-lung and trul-kor[4]. A profound experience from the practice occurred for me and I had a clear vision of the eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche. As a result of this vision my mind was deeply transformed.

Immediately following my three-year retreat the Cultural Revolution occurred and Gebchak Nunnery was completely destroyed. Most of the 700 nuns there at that time were killed or eventually starved to death. I managed to escape and fled to Lhasa, where I stayed with my family. Of course we weren’t allowed to do any visible Dharma practice during this time … But I relied on the Three Jewels in my mind and continued my practice internally, and in this way there were no obstacles for me.

When some religious freedom was regained in the late 1980′s, my family and I returned to Gebchak. About 30 older Gebchak nuns like me returned to help rebuild the Nunnery. We taught the new nuns the former traditions of practice – how to practice the Trolo sadhana (wrathful Guru Rinpoche), the manner of practicing in retreat, the chanting tradition and so forth. Nowadays there are only about seven of these white-haired, older nuns left at Gebchak. The rest have passed away.

 

Question: You and your family suffered greatly during the Cultural Revolution, and many of your loved ones were killed. How have you dealt with sorrow and anger?

Tamke Wangmo: Yes, there was a lot of suffering. Some of my relatives were killed, some died from starvation, but I understand that the nature of life is impermanent. I rely on my meditation practice and I don’t feel anger.

 

Q: Now, what is the essence of your practice?

Tamke Wangmo: My yidam is Jig-se**[5]. Basically my practice is to pray to my lama, knowing that my lama’s mind and my own mind are inseparable, and to meditate on the awareness nature of mind.

When I was a young nun in Gebchak, the senior nuns who had accomplished their deities would go straight to the buddha-field when they died and remain in samadhi[6] for several days afterwards. That’s not all. In those days the nuns would practice tsa-lung and trul-kor sitting on the tops of high cliffs above a nearby river, and some of the nuns could fly across the river due to the power of their yogic accomplishments.

 

Q: How do you think Gebchak Nunnery can preserve this pure and profound lineage of accomplished nun-practitioners?

Tamke Wangmo: The nuns here are practicing the lineage of Ratna Lingpa, and both in and out of retreat the practice is maintained very well. But in order to maintain this practice lineage the food, clothing and shelter at this Nunnery are presently insufficient. We are all nuns, females, and the lamas of Gebchak are all still young, and therefore it is difficult for us to generate financial income. The nuns need improved conditions, particularly more food, so that they can remain in practice and in retreat year after year, day after day, dedicating their lives solely to accomplishing the Dharma. This is my hope. But I don’t know what the future will bring. How wonderful if it is possible, as it will allow this Dharma practice to continue.

As Milarepa said:

The meditator in retreat on the mountain
And the benefactor who provides his or her sustenance
Share the mutual karma to reach buddhahood at the same time
Due to the blessing of the heart of dependent-arising.

How wonderful it would be!

[1] Tsang-Yang Gyamtso: the founder of Gebchak Nunnery. The first Tsang-Yang Gyamtso was a heart disciple of the first Drubwang Tsoknyi Rinpoche.
[2] Jig-se**: an aspect of Yamantaka which is the wrathful aspect of Manjushri, the Buddha of Wisdom.
[3] sadhana: Skt -’Means of accomplishment’, Tib – སྒྲུབ་ཐབ།. Tantric liturgy and procedure for practice. The typical sadhana structure involves a preliminary part including the taking of refuge and arousing bodhichitta, a main part involving visualization of a buddha and recitation of the mantra, and a concluding part with dedication of merit to all sentient beings.
[4] tsa-lung and trul-kor: yogic methods which lead to the control of the internal channels and the vital energy
[5] yidam: personal meditational deity.
[6] samadhi: meditative absorption.

Note: Interview conducted in July, 2006, at Gebchak Gonpa. Translation by Tenzin Chozom.

[Extracted from: http://gebchakgonpa.org/gebchak-nuns/interviews-with-nuns/takme-wangmo/]

 


Urgyen Chodron & Chemchok Palmo

Both Urgyen Chodron and Chemchok Palmo are Gebchak nuns and were in their late 30′s at the time of the interview in 2006. Urgyen Chodron is the ritual master that travels to other branch nunneries to teach nuns. Chemchok Palmo is also a ritual master and leads most of the twenty great prayer ceremonies (drubchens[1]) that take place at Gebchak throughout the year. Both nuns are considered by Wangdrak Rinpoche to be very strong practitioners who will become known in the future as “Ani Lamas”.

 

An interview with Urgyen Chodron, Chemchok Palmo & Wangdrak Rinpoche

Urgyen Chodron

Urgyen Chodron: I came to Gebchak Nunnery when I was 13. I had two older relatives already at the Nunnery – one died at age 95 and the other is Sherab Zangmo[2], who is now about 85. When I was a young girl my parents wanted me to join Gebchak Nunnery, and I wanted to become a nun myself. I knew that I would enjoy being a nun. I have made the promise to stay at Gebchak Nunnery until I die.

When I first came there were about 40 or 50 old nuns with white hair. The previous Ngaksam Rinpoche was here at that time, and well as the old Lama Tenchok. Lama Lodro Wangchuk was here but he passed away in the autumn of my first year at Gebchak. The senior nun Ani Palmo taught all of the nuns the yogic practices of tsa-lung[3], and Sherab Zangmo gave the nuns mind and meditation teachings.

The first practices I did were the 500,000 preliminaries (prostrations, refuge prayer, Vajrasattva, mandalas, and guru yoga). At that time there was no big building for the 16 retreat divisions, each group did their practice in separate little houses. There were about 30 other new nuns doing the preliminary practices with me at the time. For one month we all slept in the two main temples and did our practices there together. After finishing them I became the junior chant master for three years, and then the senior chant master for four years – altogether for seven years. After being the chant master I stayed in Vajrakilaya retreat for seven months, and after that my three-year retreat began. I really enjoyed this time in retreat, I felt very happy. To tell you the truth, I enjoyed being in retreat more than coming out!

There were twenty nuns in the three-year retreat house together. The first year of the retreat was a little difficult because we had to learn all of the chanting and meditation practices. The second year was more enjoyable because I’d become familiar with the meditation practices and my own mind. By the third year I enjoyed the retreat so much. We practiced six sessions every day and night, with almost no breaks except fifteen minutes or so to eat our meals. Throughout the three-year retreat we also did over a million prostrations in between our meditation sessions. We had no boards for these prostrations, we just covered our knees and hands and prostrated on the dirt ground in the basement of the retreat house. Each day we at least did 1000 to 1500 prostrations.

At that time there were two retreat houses: one for the Vajrakilaya retreat and the other for the three-year retreat. When the new retreat division building went up the old Vajrakilaya retreat house was torn down and since then a new one hasn’t been rebuilt. Akong Tulku sponsored the new building for the retreat divisions.

My mind transformed while I was in retreat. I didn’t want to come out when the retreat was finished. Although the practices were hard physically, in my mind I was very joyful. Before I did my three-year retreat I had a lot of wild emotions and distractions. But during the retreat these emotions were pacified and transformed into the five wisdoms.

Now my retreat division is Guru Drakpo [Wrathful Guru Padmasambhava]. Every morning from 6 until 8 o’clock each retreat division holds a practice session of meditation and prayers. There is a big room downstairs in the retreat division building where all the nuns do their daily practices of trul-kor[4] and tsa-lung. We have to do these yogic practices everyday throughout our whole lives.

Gebchak Nunnery’s practice of specialty is tsa-lung, and it is practiced here according to the unique teachings of the first Tsang-yang Gyamtso[5]. Tsang-yang Gyamtso wasn’t a scholar, but wrote these practice commentaries from his pure vision and meditative realization.

Wangdrak Rinpoche & Chemchok Palmo at Gebchak Nunnery.

Wangdrak Rinpoche: Now the Nunnery’s practice lineage is completely in tact. All the practices of tsa-lung, trul-kor, the 20 drubchens, and all the original traditions of the Nunnery have been passed down by the senior nuns to the young nuns. At present they are all being upheld.

Before they enter the three-year retreat the nuns have faith and belief. But during the three-year retreat they practice the Three Roots[6] and the Six Yogas[7], and from their meditative experience they develop a very strong, unshakable faith in the practice.

During the three-year retreat the five negative emotions become transformed, not by rejecting them but by realizing their wisdom nature.

Urgyen Chodron: When we are in retreat there are no particular times for meditation; we constantly maintain our practice. We chant along with visualization and contemplation of the meaning, and we meditate on the inseparable prana[8] and mind. During the stage of mantra recitation the lama is visualized above the head, during the stage of accomplishment the lama is at the throat, and during the stage of activities the lama’s mind and one’s own mind merge as one.

 

Chemchock Palmo

Question: What are the differences between the practices in the 16 retreat divisions and those in the three-year retreat?

Chemchok Palmo: The yidams [deities] are different, but the practices of trul-kor and tsa-lung and the fundamentals are the same.

If one hasn’t received the transmissions of trul-kor and tsa-lung, you are not allowed to view these yogic practices. If you happen to see them without having received the transmissions, there is a danger that the Dharma protectors will cause harm to your eyes and limbs.

After you’ve received the transmission, teachings, and permission you may practice these yogas. Trul-kor and tsa-lung are hidden, secret teachings.

Q: What would be your heart advice to other Buddhists in foreign countries?

Urgyen Chodron: Have faith in the lama, have belief and certainty in the lama’s instructions, have the compassionate mind to benefit all other beings, and have renunciation of samsara.

Chemchok Palmo: Abandon harming others.

 

Q: Do you pray to be reborn in a male body in your next life?

Chemchok Palmo: There is no male or female in enlightenment. Once you’re a Dharma practitioner it is joyful and there is no difference for monks or nuns. I don’t think that a fully ordained monk is superior and I’m worse off. I just think that accomplishing the Dharma is joyful.

In the past there have been nuns at Gebchak Nunnery who have attained the rainbow body. Gebchak is a particular place for women to accomplish the Dharma. Here is a well known story: Many years ago at the place called Kilakar some lamas were giving a Dharma teaching to the nuns. Two older nuns named Tendron and Yendron were in retreat some distance away at Gyarong. From their hermitage they took on forms as small birds and flew to Kilakar to receive the teachings. They flew around the lamas and with their beaks they tugged at the lamas’ ears. The lamas knew who they were. These two nuns later attained rainbow bodies.

 

Q: At that time how many Gebchak nuns were there?

Urgyen Chodron: There were many. And many nuns could miraculously cross the Kyichu River without need of a bridge. These miracles came through the yogic accomplishments of the Sang Tri Rig Nga[9] – such as emanating from the state of dream yoga.

Wangdrak Rinpoche: Gebchak Nunnery must seem like another planet to these visitors! You can see the meditation practices and bodhicitta here are very good. Please introduce Gebchak Nunnery to others and tell them what you’ve seen and heard here.

Urgyen Chodron: During the winter there is not even one day break, we are continuously staying in drubchens. Besides these 20 drubchens we also have various other ritual ceremonies for removing obstacles.

 

Q: What are the benefits of these drubchens?

Wangdrak Rinpoche: We begin each drubchen by going for Refuge to the Three Jewels and contemplating the Four Immeasurables. Then is the main practice of generating the deity, followed by mantra recitation along with the inner, outer and secret visualizations. We make many offerings to the Three Jewels, and at the end of the drubchen we make a proper dedication of the merits for the temporary and ultimate happiness of all sentient beings. In this way we are accumulating merit and wisdom and accomplishing the three bodies of a buddha. All the chanting of the drubchens is performed together with contemplation of the meaning.

Chemchok Palmo: It is said that Gechak Nunnery is a second Zangdog Palri[10]. Whoever sees the Nunnery and witnesses the practice here feels joy. Even hearing about it brings joy. Coming here is like taking the first step towards buddhahood.

[1] drubchen: Great accomplishment practice; a sadhana practice undertaken by a group of people which goes on uninterruptedly for seven or more days.
[2] Sherab Zangmo was a highly accomplished nun who was known as the Nunnery’s “Ani Lama”.
[3] tsa-lung: the yoga of channels and energies.
[4] trul-kor: yogic methods which prepare for the practice of the internal channels and the vital energies.
[5] Tsang-Yang Gyamtso: the founder of Gebchak Nunnery. The first Tsang-Yang Gyamtso was a heart disciple of the first Drubwang Tsoknyi Rinpoche.
[6] Three Roots: guru, yidam (personal meditational deity), and dakini.
[7] Six Yogas: Six Yogas of Naropa: tummo, illusory body, dream yoga, clear light, bardo, and phowa
[8] prana: the wind element; vital energy.
[9] Sang Tri Rig Nga: the Six Yogas of Naropa as practiced according to the revealed treasure of Ratna Lingpa.
[10] Zangdog Palri: the Glorious Copper-colored Mountain; the pure land of Guru Rinpoche.

Note: Interview conducted in July, 2006, at Gebchak Gonpa. Translation by Tenzin Chozom.

[Extracted from: http://gebchakgonpa.org/gebchak-nuns/interviews-with-nuns/urgyen-and-chemchok/]

 


Karchug, the visionary nun

 

Karchug with Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo in 2007.

 

I have lived at Gebchak Nunnery for 25 years. I was 14 years old when I first came here, and besides me there were only about 12 other new nuns here at that time. The previous Ngagsam Tulku was here then. Now his reincarnation is at Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok’s monastery, and he must be 16 or 17 years old. Lama Lodro Wangchuk, Lama Tencho, and Achen were also here at Gebchak when I first came.

Last year, for five days before Wangdrak Rinpoche came to the Nunnery I could see the protectors and local deities were all preparing for his arrival, and I knew that he would be coming soon. Also last year, while Wangdrak Rinpoche was giving a teaching to the nuns on Tsang-Yang Gyamtso’s commentary of the Bodhisattvacharyavatara there was an enormous parasol floating over Rinpoche’s throne, and all of the nuns listening to the teachings were adorned with white silk katas. It was marvelous, but the other nuns couldn’t see this. Outside the main entrance of the temple the two smoke-offering vessels were overflowing with white yogurt.

Usually there is a Mani drubchen[1] every year. Last year’s was exceptional. The giant torma[2] offering melted like butter in to the skull cup below it, and I could hear the Hayagriva torma[3] was neighing.

This year for ten days before Wangdrak Rinpoche came the protectors and local deities were preparing for his arrival with even more elaborate displays. There were three rows of deities forming a circular parade in the sky and the whole Nunnery was resting on a giant lotus throne. All around it were victory banners and the Eight Auspicious Symbols, and it appeared more resplendent and luminous than usual – like Zangdog Palri[4] itself.

At another time when the nuns were all gathered in the temple Tsoknyi Rinpoche, Tsang-Yang Gyamtso Rinpoche and Wangdrak Rinpoche all appeared on elevated thrones, although they were actually in Nepal and other places. They explained that they were not able to come in body because they had to be elsewhere. And they declared Gebchak Nunnery to be an extraordinary, wondrous place of great blessings. I saw all of the nuns chanting the feast offering songs and offering music to the lamas, and the temple appeared more majestic and vivid than usual.

Before any prayer ceremonies that we have in the temple, the protectors and other deities have performed them a day or so in advance of us. This happened before the Yeshe Tsogyal prayer ceremony that we recently did. During all the drubchens and ritual ceremonies that we have the deities, dakas and dakinis, and protectors are all present in the temple, and the main yidam[5] of our practice in front of the mandala.

This year, more than ever before, I have seen many amazing signs and occurrences. Tsering Che-nga [the Five Sisters of Long Life; female protectors] appeared, and during our Om Mani Padme Hum accumulation retreat the great compassionate bodhisattva was clearly present in the temple, along with so many buddhas and bodhisattvas – I couldn’t count them. The same thing happened during our Vajrakilaya drubchen. No thangka painter on earth, no matter how talented, could paint how magnificent all these deities appeared.

There is no Zangdog Palriother than this very Nunnery. As far as I see it, aside from Gecbhak Nunnery and the way of life here, there is no other way to some separately existing Zangdog Palri. Tsang-Yang Gyamtso said that Gebchak Nunnery is the second Zangdog Palri – the heavenly one is in the Akanishta pure realm, and the earthly one is here.

In my visions I’m able to see what fortune or misfortune lies ahead for the Nunnery. If I see obstacles approaching for people, I let them know what rituals and practices to do in order to avoid them.

I don’t want to be anywhere else but here, spending my time practicing these unique teachings. I made a promise to the previous Ngagsam Rinpoche, before he passed away, that I will spend my entire life practicing here at Gebchak Nunnery. To me this is a pure land.

 

[1] drubchen: a “great accomplishment practice” where a particular sadhana practice is undertaken by a group of people. It goes on uninterruptedly for seven or more days. “Mani drubchen” would be a great prayer ceremony of accomplishing the practice of Chenrezig.
[2] torma: sacrificial sculptured cakes made according to the type of deity to which they are addressed.
[3] Hayagriva: the Horse-headed One; the wrathful aspect of Amitabha.
[4] Zangdog Palri: the Glorious Copper-colored Mountain which is the pure land of Guru Rinpoche.
[5] yidam: personal meditation deity.

Note: Interview conducted in July, 2006, at Gebchak Gonpa. Translation by Tenzin Chozom.

[Extracted from: http://gebchakgonpa.org/gebchak-nuns/interviews-with-nuns/karchug/]

 


Yeshe Zangmo

[Yeshe Zangmo was 34 years old in 2006.]

Yeshe Zangmo: I entered Gebchak Nunnery when I was nineteen. My first retreat was to complete the 400,000 preliminary practices. After that I did the mantra accumulation retreat of Vajrakilaya[1], and then 100 sets of Nyung Naes[2]. And then I began my three-year retreat. It’s been five or six years now since I completed it.

My practice group is that of Dorje Trolo [Wrathful Padmasambhava], and I am presently the drubpon [retreat leader] of this retreat division. This means that I have to recite the daily protector prayers, which takes about three hours. So far I’ve been the drubpon for two years, and I have one year left. All of the nuns in my retreat division take turns holding this responsibility for three years.

All of the nuns in my retreat group live together happily, as we’ve spent so much time together.

 

Question: Why did you first become a nun at Gebchak Nunnery?

Yeshe Zangmo: I knew that samsara is meaningless and I was happy to become a nun. My parents supported me in coming here. Gebchak is the most famous for its practice among all the monasteries and nunneries in Nangchen.

 

Q: During all the years of intensive retreat practice that you’ve done, has your mind transformed?

Yeshe Zangmo: Yes, it has transformed!

 

Q: How so?

Yeshe Zangmo: In a good way. My mind has turned from samsara and I know now that samsara is no good. I only ever think to stay here at Gebchak Nunnery, and my mind is happy.

Wangdrak Rinpoche is very kind. Because of his kindness in providing us food, Gebchak Nunnery is a very joyful place. I only want to stay here at Gebchak Nunnery.

 

Q: What is your main practice?

Yeshe Zangmo: Meditation. My personal deity is Dorje Drolo.

 

Q: Why is samsara meaningless?

Yeshe Zangmo: Samsara has no happiness, only suffering, and so there is no joy. There are the sufferings of heat and cold in the hell realms, hunger and thirst in the hungry ghost realm, stupidity and exploitation in the animal realm … in every place in samsara it is all suffering. It’s the same for the gods and demi-gods. All of the six realms are suffering. Aren’t they??

 

Q: And yet you say your mind is so happy. You have poor facilities here – the food is not so good, nor are the buildings, the weather is freezing cold in the winter, and every night you stay in a meditation box. If most people saw your meditation box and the conditions that you live in, they would be aghast and see it as suffering! So why are you so happy?

Yeshe Zangmo: Because my mind is happy.

 

Q: When you were a child did you hear many teachings about the sufferings of samsara?

Yeshe Zangmo: I heard these teachings from my root lama, Pema Drimey, after I came to Gebchak Nunnery.

Yeshe Zangmo: Do you still have your parents? [The interviewer nods yes]. If you have no parents it is sad. I have an older brother and sister, two younger brothers and a younger sister. I’m in the middle. None of them are monks or nuns. They come once a year to bring me tsampa, wheat and rice.

 

Q: Do you have any money?

Yeshe Zangmo: No. I plan to stay at Gebchak until I die. I don’t think about going anywhere else.

 

Q: How is your health?

Yeshe Zangmo: It’s good, except for my eye. Since I’ve been at Gebchak Nunnery I have read the Kangyur twenty times, together with the rest of the nuns. Now my eyes give me problems. The electricity is not good.

 

Q: Are you afraid of death?

Yeshe Zangmo: Yes, I’m afraid. I could die today, or tomorrow – nobody knows. So I’m afraid.

 

[1] Vajrakilaya: Tib – རྡོ་རྗེ་ཕུར་པ།, a wrathful deity embodying enlightened activity. This deity is noted for being the most powerful for removing obstacles and destroying non-compassionate forces.
[2] Nyung Nae: a two-day purification of Chenrezig. On the second day the practitioner may not speak, eat, nor drink anything, and on both days many hundreds of prostrations are performed.

Note: Interview conducted in July, 2006, at Gebchak Gonpa. Translation by Tenzin Chozom.

[Extracted from: http://gebchakgonpa.org/gebchak-nuns/interviews-with-nuns/yeshe-zangmo/]

 


Kunzang Pantso

I first came to Gebchak Gonpa when I was 15 and now I am 23. In my very first year here I had the job of looking after the yaks. After that I completed two sets of preliminary practices, and then I spent a year doing 100 sets of Nyung Naes[1]. Then I did the accumulation retreat of Vajrakilaya[2], and once I finished that I began my three-year retreat. It has now been a little over three years since I finished my three-year retreat.

My yidam[3] is Vajrasattva[4], and I currently have the responsibility of being the leader in my retreat division.

 

Question: How did your mind change in your three-year retreat?

Kunzang Pantso: I developed complete renunciation of samsara. Thinking about the sufferings to come in the future, I now feel an unshakable resolve to get out of samsara. My mind can no longer be discouraged toward this goal.

 

Q: When you were a young girl, what were your thoughts before becoming a nun?

Kunzang Pantso: I liked the life of a nun, and I didn’t like samsara. Due to Tsang-Yang Gyamtso’s[5] compassionate blessings, I was inspired and entered Gebchak Nunnery with the wish to stay in retreat.

 

Q: Did your parents support you in this decision?

Kunzang Pantso: Yes, as well as my siblings. I have three younger brothers – one is a monk at Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok’s monastery, another is at Achen Rinpoche’s monastery, and the youngest is at home with my parents. My family is very religious.

 

Q: Has it been difficult doing all the intensive retreats and practices you have done so far – for example, never being able to leave the three-year retreat house, or sharing such a small space with the 18 other nuns in retreat with you, or not sleeping more than three hours a night?

Kunzang Pantso: No, it was never really difficult. As long as I remembered the Dharma and my future lives, I remained happy.

 

Q: Why do you have such s strong renunciation of samsara? What are its faults?

Kunzang Pantso: All the higher and lower six realms of samsara are by their nature suffering, and there is no real freedom until we reach the spiritual level of no return. Only then will there be no more suffering rebirths in samsara. I strongly pray to my root lama, Tsang-Yang Gyamtso Rinpoche, with the great aspiration to reach this level.

 

Q: The physical conditions at Gebchak Nunnery are quite difficult. Your food is not very good, neither are the buildings. You never get to go on any holidays, you have to be separated from your parents, and the weather becomes extremely cold. What is the reason why you are so happy?

Kunzang Pantso: Because I’ve got this precious human life. I’ve met with an authentic lama, and I’ve received practice instructions from him and from my other teachers. I really feel how precious this life of Dharma is.

 

Q: Do you have complete faith that you can become liberated from samsara?

Kunzang Pantso: Yes, I do.

 

Q: And this state of liberation from samsara, what is it like?

Kunzang Pantso: Once you reach the level of no return, you can go to Dewachen[6] where you don’t need to wander in samsara, and there you can quickly get enlightened.

If your mind is attached to samsara, then that is where you will stay. If you’re not attached to samsara, then you can get free and go to the true happiness of buddhahood.

 

Q: What qualities do enlightened beings have to accomplish the benefit of others?

Kunzang Pantso: They have great blessings to help others. I pray to reach the same state of enlightenment myself.

 

Q: Isn’t it difficult living everyday in your meditation box? Doesn’t your body ache?

Kunzang Pantso: No, it doesn’t, due to the kindness of the Three Jewels. Our system of practicing in meditation boxes was set out by Tsang-Yang Gyamtso, and so it is very blessed.

In the beginning it was difficult to sit like that and my knees hurt, but then after two or three months it became fine, and now I can sit like that for as long as I want.

 

Q: Nowadays you practice continuously in your Vajrasattva retreat division. What would you say is at the heart of your practice?

Kunzang Pantso: Mainly the Four Reversals, the four thoughts that turn the mind from samsara: the rarity of a precious human rebirth, death and impermanence, the inevitable results of karma, and the faults of samsara. Mainly I think about these in my practice sessions. If you don’t have these thoughts then your attitude in your practice is no good. We need to practice with an understanding of impermanence, how rare human life is, and so forth. First we must meditate on these thoughts, and based on them we can practice Dzogchen and Mahamudra. These Four Reversals are really at the heart of my practice.

 

Q: Can you tell me more about the reasons your mind is so happy? Is it because you have the faith that you are going to buddhahood?

Kunzang Pantso: Yes, I have this faith and happiness. If you have the faith that you can achieve buddhahood, then you can achieve it. If you don’t believe that you can achieve buddhahood, then you can’t achieve it, can you?

 

Q: How did you develop such a faith?

Kunzang Pantso: From my lamas Tsang-Yang Gyamtso and Pema Drimey, and from my spiritual teachers like Khenpo Kargon – from all of them I learned about the suffering nature of samsara, the preciousness of human life, impermanence and so forth, and that through good practice we can go to a Buddhist pure land in our next life.

 

Q: How many nuns are there in your retreat division? Does it ever disturb you living in the same room everyday and night with so many other nuns? Like for example, if others are talking while you’re trying to meditate?

Kunzang Pantso: No, not at all! The nuns here are all [gives the thumbs up gesture]! Among the nuns here at Gecbhak there are never any disputes. This is due to Tsang-Yang Gyamtso’s compassionate blessings.

 

Q: Now Gebchak Nunnery is quite poor, and in the future it will have to depend on relationships with many sponsors from modern, foreign countries. There is a big difference between the simple way of life here in Nangchen and that of the outside, developed countries where the pace of life is so busy and materialistic. How can Gebchak’s lineage of pure practice be preserved in the future?

Kunzang Pantso: In order to preserve Tsang-Yang Gyamtso’s lineage, his special system of practice that he established, each nun has to fulfill the instructions of the lama. If the teachings of Tsang-Yang Gyamtso are practiced and upheld by each nun, then his lineage will remain unbroken in the future, which is good. Otherwise, the lineage will be broken, won’t it? Therefore, all of the nuns now practice and pray strongly to maintain the practice in their future lives. And they pray that by Tsang-Yang Gyamtso’s compassionate blessings his lineage will remain forever and continue to flourish. All of the nuns pray in this way. It depends on the nuns themselves; as it’s taught that the teachings of the Buddha depend on the sangha, it depends on all of the nuns. The 84,000 teachings of the Buddha need to be upheld by the nuns, the sangha. If the nuns, the sangha, practice well, then the teachings of the Buddha, the lineage of Tsang-Yang Gyamtso will remain pure and grow ever greater.

 

Q: Do you have a wish that in the future, once you feel you’ve accomplished the Dharma, you may teach the Dharma to others?

Kunzang Pantso: Yes, yes I do. Now I’m not able to teach others in this way. But I pray to the Buddha that in the future I may be able to teach and benefit all my mother sentient beings, and lead them to perfect buddhahood. Once I’m a buddha myself, this is my plan. All sentient beings of the six realms have at one time or another been our father or mother. All beings are our mothers! But under the power of karma they are being born again and again in samsara.

 

[1] Nyung Nae: a two-day purification of Chenrezig. On the second day the practitioner may not speak, eat, nor drink anything, and on both days many hundreds of prostrations are performed
[2] Vajrakilaya: Tib – རྡོ་རྗེ་ཕུར་པ།, a wrathful deity embodying enlightened activity. This deity is noted for being the most powerful for removing obstacles and destroying non-compassionate forces.
[3] yidam: personal meditational deity.
[4] Vajrasattva: Tib – རྡོ་རྗེ་སེམས་དཔའ།, A sambhogakaya buddha who embodies all of the five or hundred buddha families. He is also a support for purification practice.
[5] Tsang-Yang Gyamtso: the founder of Gebchak Nunnery. The first Tsang-Yang Gyamtso was a heart disciple of the first Drubwang Tsoknyi Rinpoche.
[6] Dewachen: Amitabha’s pure land of Great Bliss.

Note: Interview conducted in July, 2006, at Gebchak Gonpa. Translation by Tenzin Chozom.

 

[Extracted from: http://gebchakgonpa.org/gebchak-nuns/interviews-with-nuns/kunzang-pantso/]


Gebchak Nuns

About the nuns

Spiritual Training

Senior Gebchak nuns, 2007.

Gebchak Gonpa is unique for its intensive retreat system, which includes a three-year retreat for all nuns followed by entry into one of sixteen retreat groups where they remain in practice for the rest of their lives. This retreat system and all Gebchak meditation practices are based on sixteen Volumes composed by the first Tsang-Yang Gyamtso. These Volumes outline detailed instructions on the Six Yogas of Ratna Lingpa, with adaptations of these yogas for the female body, including eight volumes of meditations that the nuns continue to practice today in intensive group practices. These are: Hayagriva, Troma Nagmo, Tamdrin Nagpo, Tamdrin Marpo, Garuda, Varjapani, Yamantaka, and Yeshe Tsogyal. To this day the nuns continue to read and follow these texts.

For the nuns’ practice teachings including Tsa-lung and other yogas, as well as Dzogchen meditation, the senior nuns provide instruction. All the official monastic posts are filled by nuns, such as the role of Vajra Master, chant leader, disciplinarian and bursar. A committee of nuns decides regulatory matters by consensus.

The nuns rely on and request their Gebchak lamas for necessary empowerments, spiritual guidance, as well as their welfare. Gebchak Gonpa has strict rules in order to maintain their spiritual endeavors with purity and integrity. As the nuns are not permitted to leave the nunnery for extended periods of time, the nuns depend on outside support.  Wangdrak Rinpoche oversees their spiritual training and holds responsibility for their food, health care, and material well-being.

[Extracted from: http://gebchakgonpa.org/gebchak-nuns/]

 


 

About Gebchak

 

Gebchak Gonpa at 14,000 ft.

My prayer is to preserve and protect this female lineage of Gebchak Gonpa. My request to people throughout the world is to pray for the Gebchak lineage to be entirely preserved in the future.
– Wangdrak Rinpoche.

 

In the remote mountain highlands of Nangchen (ནང་ཆེན།) in Eastern Tibet, there exists an extraordinary lineage of female spiritual practitioners at Gebchak Gonpa – the largest nunnery in Tibet and heart of a renowned meditation tradition unique to women.

The Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (yellow) lies within Qinghai province, China. Nangchen county (pink) is in the south.

Gebchak Gonpa is the mother nunnery of dozens of branch nunneries scattered throughout the region. It stands strong as a model community of more than 350 yogini-nuns exemplifying kindness, peace and joyful adherence to spiritual practice for the benefit of the entire world.

Many great Buddhist masters praise Gebchak Gonpa as being unrivaled in its spiritual training. Its nuns are famed for their accomplishments in profound yogas and meditation, while their compassion and dedication to the Dharma is remarkable.

One great master, Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, praised the accomplishments of the Gebchak yogini-nuns. His memoirs, Blazing Splendor, has a chapter dedicated to them.

 

Founding

 

Tsogyal and Tsoknyi Rinpoches, Pema Drimey & Wangdrak Rinpoche with Gebchak retreatants.

Men and women have an equal right to enlightenment, but for women that right often went unrecognized. The first Tsoknyi Rinpoche instructed his heart disciple, Tsang-Yang Gyamtso, to build nunneries so that women would have the opportunity to devote their entire lives to spiritual practice.

Tsang-Yang Gyamtso was a vanguard in Tibetan culture for taking the radical step to establish a community for women where they could gain full confidence in attaining enlightenment. He founded Gebchak Gonpa in 1892, adapting practices in the Ratna Lingpa tradition to specifically suit the female body.

At that time Gebchak Gonpa was the only nunnery of its kind. Women from every school of Tibetan Buddhism traveled from all over Tibet to be admitted. The nunnery grew to over 800 nuns. To this day Gebchak Gonpa retains its true non-sectarian character, where the nuns pray with devotion to masters of all lineages.

[Extracted from: http://gebchakgonpa.org/about/]

 


A feminine tradition

 

Wangdrak Rinpoche talks about the Gebchak system & the importance of the feminine:

 

Wangdrak Rinpoche in Nangchen.

At the time Gebchak Gonpa was founded [in 1892] there were quite a few monasteries for monks, but no nunneries existed for women to practice Dharma. So the first Tsangyang Gyamtso built Gebchak Gonpa. His root lama was the first Tsoknyi Rinpoche.

Tsangyang Gyamtso, Wangdrak Rinpoche, Ngaksam Rinpoche . . . there were several masters who together established the tradition of Gebchak Gonpa. They built Gebchak Gonpa because in having Buddha Nature, there is no difference whatsoever between male and female. Buddha Nature is equally present in everyone, and whoever practices the path can reach enlightenment – all male and females are exactly the same in this.

Despite this, however, conditions didn’t exist back then for females to practice Buddhism; their rights and opportunities were not equal to those of monks. So out of compassion, love, and a great need, Gebchak Gonpa was built specially for women to practise. Many nuns came to join and at its height, in the late 1950’s, there were over seven hundred nuns in Gebchak Gonpa. There are many stories from those days of great nuns who gained accomplishment and enlightenment, and the Nunnery became renowned throughout Tibet.

Then from around 1956 to 1981 some events occurred and Gebchak Gonpa was emptied. In 1981, when religion resurfaced, the old nuns returned and began to rebuild and reestablish Gebchak Gonpa and its tradition – and today there are 340 nuns.

 

Entry to the 16 retreat divisions at Gebchak.

 

Today the Nunnery’s practice system and traditions are exactly the same as they were originally; they haven’t degenerated or been changed at all. There are two three-year retreat centres, followed by entry into one of 16 retreat divisions. At Gebchak Gonpa they do intensive meditation and yoga practice. They spend their entire time practicing; they don’t engage in critical study, comparing texts, or various activities.

In Tibet Gebchak is still regarded as a unique, outstanding nunnery. How will it be in the future? I don’t know. Times are really changing and it’s something that concerns and worries me. For now, though, it is still very good.

As well, in the area surrounding the Nunnery the nuns are a great help to many people. How so? When you dedicate yourself to deep Dharma practice you can truly realize the Buddha Nature, and through that comes extraordinary compassion, love, and an open mind. With these qualities the nuns have a strong motivation to benefit others. They’re able to give counsel and insight and genuinely help a lot of people.

I believe that even globally there is great benefit from doing such genuine meditation and dedicated retreat.

Because these days in society there’s so much progress in technology and resources, and with that come a lot of distractions. People can never find enough time to stop and do meditation practice and retreat. People need to work full-time, in order to make a living, and they have very little free time. At Gebchak Gonpa there are no phones, no TVs, no computers, etc. The nuns stay their whole lives in meditation practice and they realize extraordinary qualities of the mind, just like Milarepa – the great Tibetan yogi. So it’s very important.

These days in the world there are many forms of spirituality and many people who teach about them, but a lot of it is mere talk. People who actually practice and realize the essence of being, the Buddha Nature, are very rare. Because nobody has time, right?

At Gebchak Gonpa … they can realize the originally pure Buddha Nature of mind. With this realization comes a joy and strength of mind, which in turn inspires others to do the same.

They realize clearly how everybody wants to be happy, nobody wants to suffer; they have a profound motivation in their mind-stream to help others and the prayer for all beings in the world to have peace and well-being. The nuns make sincere prayers for world peace.

 

Nuns in retreat.

I believe their prayers are truly effective, because of the mind they pray with… At Gebchak Gonpa last year a few nuns passed away. As they were dying they were thinking, “My whole life I’ve meditated and practiced Dharma. I know the nature of my mind. I’m not afraid of dying.” They have confidence and even joy when they die!

Likewise some doctors came and told these nuns they would die in two or three days, but they had the mental strength to stay vibrant and alive longer. Like this, extraordinary qualities develop if you’re really able to do genuine practice.

If you respect Gebchak Gonpa as a unique place where the nuns have such rare conditions for practice, please pray that it may be preserved in the future as well.

I have the hope that Gebchak Gonpa’s traditions can continue to be upheld like they were in the beginning. Nowadays, though, material conditions are rapidly developing everywhere. There are more things to see, to compare, more things to want . . .But I have the aspiration and the resolve to preserve Gebchak’s traditions as much as I’m able to.

The main thing – whether within religious practice or not – is to have love and care and to try to help others. In helping others it’s necessary to have some kind of potential and confidence. That confidence comes from knowing the true nature of your own mind, the pure Buddha nature. We need to know that we have it! If we can realize this Buddha nature we will have uncommon courage and strength of mind to accomplish vast benefit for others. We can work and be of great benefit to others.

Moreover at Gebchak Gonpa the lineage of practice is a female lineage.

 

Nuns performing ritual prayers.

For example, the protectors include Ekadzati and Palden Lhamo [female protectresses]. The personal ‘yidam’ deities practiced are Arya Tara and Vajravarahi [female buddhas]. And when it comes to the yoga practices they are from an entirely female lineage practice, uniquely adapted for the female body. The nuns are still thoroughly upholding this lineage; it’s not been lost or mixed at all.

Before people thought that men had higher status than women, and that if males did Buddhist practice they would reach a higher level than females. There were no practice opportunities provided for females.

But now that’s not the case at all; there are unique practices for women. For example, the most essential practice teaching in Tibetan Buddhism is the Khandro Nyingtik, a female lineage that means “The Heart Essence of the Dakinis” – a teaching given directly from the dakinis [female embodiment of enlightened energy]. We should all know this – what are female lineages.

As it’s explained in the context of the earth in the following verse,

“The female is like the earth, like the elements;
Like the earth, it is the basis for all qualities.”

The verse likens the female body to the earth. Being like the earth, if we have a good relationship with the earth and a good relationship with the feminine, there will be peace and balance in the world. Diseases, famine, epidemics, fighting . . . there isn’t peace in the world now because the earth elements are disrupted and the earth goddesses displeased. They mainly come about due to this imbalance, don’t they?

 

View from Gebchak Gonpa.

In Tibet we believe in these female spirits – dakinis, earth goddesses and so forth. We believe that if we’ve disturbed or aggravated them, we must do confession and purification ceremonies to appease them. We perform confession and feast offerings, and when the dakinis are pleased the environment will be peaceful. Prayers that we make to the dakinis have a special power to come true. The dakinis have also made prophecies about these things in their symbolic language.

At Gebchak Gonpa the yoga practices are from a female lineage, which bring closer, more direct accomplishment for women. There are these unique qualities of the feminine and a female lineage of practice.

My prayer is to preserve and protect this female lineage of Gebchak Gonpa. My request to people throughout the world is to pray for the Gebchak lineage to be entirely preserved in the future.

Recorded on October 24, 2010 at Xining, Qinghai (gateway city to Nangchen, Tibet).

[Extracted from: http://gebchakgonpa.org/about/feminine-tradition/]

 


Nunnery of yoginis

Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche (1920-1996) was one of the outstanding Tibetan Buddhist teachers of his generation. Born into a family with some of the greatest masters and fascinating figures in Tibetan history, he was inspired to spend over 25 years meditating in various caves and holy places throughout Tibet.

Blazing Splendor is a book of Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche’s memoirs. In this book there is a chapter entitled, “The Nunnery of Yoginis”. He tells “one story that people should definitely hear”. This story is his recollection of the Gebchak nuns and lamas when he visited Gebchak Gonpa as a boy. It provides a valuable record of Gebchak Gonpa from around the 1930s together with Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche’s extraordinary insights.

Excerpts from “The Nunnery of Yoginis”:

Tsang-Yang Gyamtso, the founder of Gebchak Gompa, had passed away long before my stay there as a child. Tsang-Yang Gyamtso had been born into an important local family and was rich, powerful, and quite arrogant. As a young man he had enjoyed hunting. In those days rifles could shoot only one bullet at a time. One day he saw a herd of deer in a valley. Taking aim, he hit a fawn. Its mother turned toward him and, letting out a pleading cry, continued to guard the rest of the herd.

As she stood there looking straight at him, Tsang-Yang began to have second thoughts, “Oh no! She knows I am going to kill her and yet she lingers there to save her fawn. I am a true murderer!”

As he reflected on this a deep sense of self-loathing welled up within him. He flung down his rifle and smashed it with a large stone. Next he threw away his knives and daggers; unleashing his horse and yak, he set them free. At a villager’s house along the way, Tsang-Yang told the owner where he had left his horse and that the man could have it.

Then he set off on foot with only one thought in mind, “I must meet Lama Tsoknyi!”

At this time the first Tsoknyi was the lama at Nangchen palace’s main temple. That morning Tsoknyi had told his attendant, “A man will probably come to meet me today, a stranger. Let me know the moment he arrives!”

At mealtime, Tsoknyi asked, “Has anyone come yet?”

The attendant replied, “No one special, just this frazzled, tired-out guy. I gave him some food and a place to rest. No one important has come, only him.”

“That’s the one!” exclaimed Tsoknyi.

“I told you to notify me right away. Bring him up here immediately.”

As soon as they met, Tsang-Yang Gyamtso said, “I have completely given up the aims of this life. Now my only goal is to practice the sacred Dharma from the core of my heart. Please accept me as your disciple.”

“Very well;” Tsoknyi replied. “If that’s what you really want, you must start from the beginning. I will teach you only if you follow my instructions while you stay in retreat.”

Tsang-Yang Gyamtso was then given a small hut on the hillside. It’s still there; I’ve seen it myself. After a while Tsoknyi told him to stay in that hut and not come back for three years. Tsang-Yang readily accepted. Noble beings make faster progress than others during a three-year retreat. The story goes that after those three years, he had attained a very high level of realization.

Tsoknyi himself was an incarnation of Ratna Lingpa, one of the major revealers of terma treasures. I was recognized as an incarnation of Chöwang Tulku, who was also one of the first Tsoknyi’s disciples.

Under Tsoknyi’s guidance, Tsang-Yang Gyamtso became an eminent practitioner. He was also very bold and intrepid. For example, once he traveled to the lower part of Kham to visit both Khyentse and Kongtrul. Upon meeting Kongtrul, he insisted on being given a complete set of the wonderful new collection of sacred scriptures that he heard Kongtrul was about to publish. Because of his audacious tenacity, Tsang-Yang was the first lama to receive a printed version of the Treasury of Precious Termas from Old Kongtrul himself.

Tsang-Yang Gyamtso became an outstanding master, and had between five and six hundred disciples who showed signs of accomplishment. These disciples themselves had innumerable disciples who were able to benefit beings in countless ways – I personally met many of them.

~~~

One day, Tsoknyi told Tsang-Yang, “Your forte in benefiting beings lies in building nunneries. Female practitioners are often not valued, and so they have a harder time finding proper guidance and instruction. Therefore, rather than keeping a congregation of monks, you should take care of nuns. That is your mission.”

Tsang-Yang followed Tsoknyi’s command and built two major nunneries, one of which had thirteen retreat centers. His benefit for beings became broader than his master’s. Most of the nuns practiced the revealed treasures of Ratna Lingpa, which include Hayagriva as well as the peaceful and wrathful deities. Each retreat center focused on a different cycle of these treasures.

 

Gebchak’s main abbey had thirty-six connected nunneries. Some of these had as many as four or five hundred nuns each, while even the smallest had about seventy. On the other side of the valley was a gompa for male tokden meditators, literally, “realized ones,” with their hair tied up on the top of their heads—many of whom actually were quite realized. But I noticed some of them covered up their lack of realization by putting on pretentious airs.

Looking down through the valley, you could see at least twenty large stupas. This entire valley was unique, but you only realized how unique when a great master was passing through. Then, as far as the eye could see, the landscape became a sea of red robes. Another time it became visible was once a year when the nuns would put up prayer flags by the thousands. When they were done and the wind blew, the entire mountain seemed to come alive.

 

The head lama had made a rule that there should be no loud talking outside. The nuns could talk to one another in a low voice. But if they wanted to call someone, they couldn’t yell. They had to clap their hands and beckon the person with a wave. Even with so many nuns living on that mountainside, I always felt it was totally quiet.

Each nun would sit in a little box about one square meter—only slightly larger than her. The boxes lined the walls, with a space in the middle, so that about sixteen nuns could reside in an average room. The program was to practice throughout day and night. Upon entering a practice center, a nun would take her seat in a box containing a stuffed mat. After that there was no more lying down—not even to sleep!

I visited these rooms, which were on average the size of my small living quarters here at Nagi. Each room would have an altar with the representations of body, speech, and mind. One or two of the senior nuns would keep the schedule. In the early hours before dawn, a gong would be rung. In the center of the room was a small hearth for keeping the teapot warm and, sometimes, the soup. There was no fixed duration for this kind of retreat, but many nuns would stay for life.

The nuns’ simple way of practice deeply impressed me. I felt it would be a meaningful way to spend one’s life.

~~~

When I was a bit older, I returned with my father to Gebchak when he was invited to teach a group of two hundred nuns who were quite adept at yoga. Whenever he taught there, in the evenings his room was always packed with fifty or more nuns asking additional questions.

Many of these nuns displayed signs of accomplishment, such as the inner heat of tummo. Once a year, on the night of the full moon of the twelfth month of the Tibetan calendar, there was a special occasion to show their mastery in the tummo practice of inner heat called “the wet sheet”. In the eight directions around the practice center nuns lit fires to melt snow where the sheets would be soaked. At this time of the year it was so cold the wet sheets would instantly freeze upon being pulled from the cauldron. Despite the bitter cold, many local people would come to witness the ceremony, often bringing their children along as well.

The nuns were naked underneath the large sheets, except for short pants. I forgot if they were wearing boots or not; they may have been barefoot. Those without any tummo experience found the cold almost unbearable; they would get stiff legs and frozen toes as the night wore on. For ordinary people it was virtually impossible to even take a few steps wearing only shorts, let alone a wet sheet.

The nuns began at midnight by singing the beautiful melody of supplication while walking one full circumambulation of the monastery complex covering the hillside, which was quite a long distance. The nuns wearing the sheets would walk slowly during the song. They were singing and asking for the blessings of Tsoknyi, Tsang-Yang and the other masters of the lineage, as they continued to circumambulate until dawn. They begin at midnight, at first the sheets are not soaked; the nuns merely walk while practicing tummo.

Halfway through the night, their sheets are lightly moistened from the water in the cauldrons and you begin to see a wisp of vapor from the heat of their tummo. Then the time would come to completely soak their sheets, immersing them longer in the cauldrons. Sometimes the vapor from the line of nuns would be like a bank of mist drifting down the mountain. You could see beads of sweat on their bodies while the rest of us were standing there shivering. I saw this with my own eyes several times. There were about eight hundred nuns participating. Of these, around two hundred had some degree of mastery in tummo; only these nuns would soak their sheets in the water cauldron.

It is incredibly inspiring and moving to watch such a procession and I haven’t heard of this happening on such a scale anywhere else in Tibet or Kham. Those nuns were quite impressive. Upon passing away, a great many of them remained in samadhi and some even left relics in their ashes.

I feel that this is one story that people should definitely hear.

Acknowledgment:

Reproduced for this website with kind permission from Rangjung Yeshe Publications. For English and Chinese versions of the entire book, please see www.rangjung.com

Schmidt, Erik Pema Kunzang and Marcia Binder Schmidt, 2005. “Chapter 16: The Nunnery of Yoginis” In Blazing Splendor: The Memoirs of the Dzogchen Yogi Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche. Compiled, translated and edited by Erik Pema Kunzang and Marcia Binder Schmidt, with Michael Tweed. Excerpts from pages, 157–62. Rangjung Yeshe Publications.

[Extracted from: http://gebchakgonpa.org/gebchak-nuns/nunnery-of-yoginis/]

 


Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo’s letter

Wangdrak Rinpoche with Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo in Tibet. Photo: Karen Harris.

 

In 2007 at the invitation of Khenpo Wangdrak Rinpoche, I visited Gebchak Gonpa, a Nunnery situated in a remote region of Nangchen, East Tibet, and renowned for its yogini nuns.

These women have devoted their entire lives to practicing the Dharma, and in particular the yogic disciplines of tummo (psychic heat) and deity practices. The 400 nuns sit in small meditation boxes lining the walls of their dormitories and they do not lie down to sleep. Their dedication to meditation practice is a deep inspiration because they are both highly accomplished and at the same time friendly, unassuming and happy.

 

Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo with a Gebchak nun. Photo: Karen Harris.

It is rare in this world to come across such committed women whose renunciation is heartfelt and at the centre of their lives. They are very fortunate that their Lamas are devoted to instructing and supporting these nuns in every way.  The Lamas appreciate that these women are upholding their tradition in an exemplary way which is an encouragement for us all. It is of vital importance – especially in this day and age – to have realised women who can hand on their direct experience into the future.

It is easy to read about the Dharma and attend some courses and retreats embedded in the midst of our daily round, but to dedicate one’s whole life to disciplined practice is not common.  Therefore these courageous nuns deserve our respect and support for enabling them to continue their profound path of practice.

Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo
Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery, India
April 15, 2011

[Extracted from: http://gebchakgonpa.org/gebchak-nuns/tenzin-palmo-letter/]

 


More Images

Tantric retreats.

2 beautiful nuns enjoying the sunshin.

Reciting Tibetan scriptures.

Gebchak Gonpa, 14,000 ft above sea level.

 

[Extracted from: http://gebchakgonpa.org/]

 

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84 Responses to Sacred & attained Nuns of Gebchak Nunnery

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  1. Samfoonheei on Oct 25, 2022 at 4:02 pm

    The remote mountain highlands of Eastern Tibet are home to a unique tradition of female spiritual practitioners. Gebchak Nunnery, a community of more than 350 nuns, has been praised by many great Buddhist masters for its rigorous training in Dzogchen meditation and yogic practices. Ani Lama Sherab Zangmo a resident nun and meditation teacher was always referred to as the Great Yogini of Gebchak Gonpa. She was famed among the lamas in Eastern Tibet for her high realization who had spent 70 years in unbroken meditation practice. She was the last remaining nun from the earliest generation of nuns that came to Gebchak Nunnery. She was extraordinary in many ways for the spontaneous enlightenment she gained through devotion to her guru, the profound simplicity of her teachings and her flexibility in the face of challenging conditions. She had guided many younger nuns of Gebchak Gonpa in their practice right up until the moment of her death. Interesting read of a great Lama.
    Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.

  2. Samfoonheei on Apr 15, 2021 at 4:25 pm

    In the remote mountain highlands of eastern Tibet, there exists a unique lineage of female spiritual practitioners at Gebchak Gonpa. A nunnery of more than 350 from all the Tibetan schools of Buddhism came to study and practice Dharma, upholding rigorous meditation and yoga practices. Gebchak’s yogini nuns are famed for their accomplishments in profound yogas and meditation. These women have devoted their entire lives to practicing the Dharma. Interesting read of those Gebchak’s yogini nuns lives, as stated in the post.
    Sadly, during the cultural revolution the Gebchak Gonpa was destroyed and the remaining nuns were dispersed. Yet many of them continue preserving their unique female yogic tradition who had survived the Cultural Revolution. Today, new generations of nuns and lamas are preserving Gebchak’s practice lineage rebuilt and re-established Gebchak Gonpa, despite extreme physical hardships.
    Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.

  3. Tsa Tsa Ong on Mar 5, 2020 at 1:26 pm

    This is a wonderful article, it is so fortunate to read and have a little insight on how these great nuns in Gebchak Nunnery live their practice through meditation and retreats. Its an inspiring to read about what the nuns has been doing the whole life, apart from renunciation from family to become a nun. They are serious with their practices, put lot of effort, energy, time etc into the practice and it brought result. Thank you Rinpoche and blog team for sharing this interesting article ????

  4. sportspirits.eu on Nov 13, 2019 at 8:31 pm

    Michael prepared to admit you’re linked to Fireball? Michael can be fireball’s son. Someone actually needs to get help coping with their obsession with Fireball.

  5. Steven on May 31, 2019 at 3:09 am

    Dear Tsem Rinpoche and Kechara sangha,
    I read Milarepa’s songs and biography before.

    These highly attained nuns are no less attained than the great keys in was.

    I found it deeply moving to read about such pure lifelong practice.

    I felt very moved and inspired to support them financially with a , however small, either one time or monthly donation to provide for food and basic needs.

    I would also encourage others who read this inspiring story about such devout practitioners to make a small donation. I hope it is ok to share the donation link of Wangdrak Rinpoche’s site:

    http://gebchakgonpa.org/donate/food-health-care-fund/

    If you can’t donate, consider sharing it with a dharma friend or on social media perhaps.

    I would appreciate if his eminence could assist all of us in the following too :

    Wangdrak rinpoche mentioned he hopes people pray for the continuation of the nunnery.

    Are there any specific sutras, prayers or practices that are especially bemeficial that we could recite and dedicate for the preservation of the monastery?

    Thanks in advance

    Steven

  6. Samfoonheei on Jul 23, 2017 at 10:05 am

    Interesting article…..It is the home of a spiritual lineage of female practitioners, a unique nunnery of about 400 nuns and the heart of a renowned practice tradition. Their practices come from the Kagyu and Nyingma schools within the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.spiritual practitioners at Gebchak Gonpa.It is the largest nunneries in Tibet and heart of a renowned meditation tradition unique and outstanding to women.Its nuns are famed for their accomplishments in profound meditation, while their compassion and dedication to the Dharma is remarkable.Reading of each unique nun’s stories their interviews and their backgrounds and so forth were interesting and inspiring.They hold on their Guru Devotion firmly from the moment they entered the nunery till the end of their lives.
    Thank you Rinpoche for sharing these interesting article .

  7. Jacinta Goh on Jun 14, 2017 at 5:25 pm

    Dear Rinpoche,
    Whenever I need a boost of inspiration, I will search for articles about Buddhism practices, Lama and sangha. I have read this previously and will continue to read it again. I like those traditional practices especially from Tibet. Intriguing!

    Thank You Rinpoche.

  8. andrew on Apr 1, 2013 at 6:28 pm

    only for recognition that the story has been trasnferred from mouth and digitally trascribed to both my eye and ear other than this have no comment because one can not improve on sufferring for perfection more than this

  9. Koh Hee Peng on Nov 25, 2012 at 11:35 pm

    Should our prayers are sincere, the merits collected would e vast, and if we do not want the merits to be wasted by anger,etc, is best if we dedicate the merits to the flourishing of dharma to.create the cause of not being separated from.dharma in.our future rebirth. Our dedication would also.help.create causes.for.dharma.to.grow without much obstacles.

  10. tsemtulku on Sep 19, 2012 at 9:59 pm

    These were sent to my assistant Beng Kooi, I thought to share it here. Thank you Anila Chozom. I am honoured to share the lives of these holy nuns with the world.

    Tsem Rinpoche

    ______________________________________

    Thank you for your help forwarding the email to His Eminence.

    I’m Tenzin Chozom and I’ve worked for Gebchak Gonpa since 2007 – as translator to the abbot, Wangdrak Rinpoche, and as secretary to the Nunnery’s fundraising projects. I’ve never lived within Gebchak Nunnery, only visited several times. I’ve lived in India since 2000 in Drukpa Kagyu and Nyingma nunneries (Dongyu Gatsal Ling near Dharamsala, and Tsogyal Shedrubling in Bylakuppe). Presently I’m studying Indian Philosophy at an Indian university in Varanasi.

    Thanks again and best wishes in your work,
    Chozom

    ________________________________________
    Dear Tsem Tulku Rinpoche,

    We found your June posting on the Gebchak nuns (while searching for a bardo teaching) and want to say thank you for taking inspiration and drawing attention to the nuns among your students and friends. The Gebchak nuns are so remote and their renunciation so pure, people don’t hear much about them except for the noise we try to make on their behalf. So thank you for your support and sharing.

    Thank you for your blog and teachings as well. They never fail to provide the hearty laugh and kick in the pants needed when I’m feeling blue!

    With all best wishes,
    Ani Chozom

  11. Pradip on Aug 15, 2012 at 2:38 am

    I am interested to join your monastery. How can I join Budhist Monoastery. Anybody can help me pls.

  12. Lim KH (JB) on Jul 14, 2012 at 5:27 am

    “Sherab Zangmo: Do not try to stop conceptual thoughts, but let them arise. Know their nature by praying to the lama, understanding that the lama’s mind and one’s own mind are inseparable. Rest in the nature of the thoughts and in this way they are transformed.
    It’s impossible to stop conceptual thoughts that arise, and if you try to stop them they will only increase. See the very nature of the thoughts as they arise, pray to the lama, and rest in meditation.”

    Thanks Sherab Zangmo’s advice that we are hardly to control or stop conceptual thoughts but we may stop them to increase by strong Guru Devotion and doing meditation. For us, our Guru always beside us so i think we have a good chance to transform our mind from conceptual thoughts by Guru Devotion. Its rather than we go meditation in cave.

    All nuns in Gebchak Nunnery hold their Guru Devotion until their last breath, then how much we do??? I respect them from my bottom of my heart and i wish that Gebchak Nunnery will always get what they need and always grow.

  13. Ethan Chu on Jul 13, 2012 at 3:32 am

    Upon reading this post, it is inspiring to know that there are many out there who is preserving Buddhadharma. Based on the interviews, most of them entered the nunnery since a very young age and never looked back ever since. They have dedicated their entire lives meditate, we can say it is this and that practice but the ultimate practice is so that they can benefit others.

    It is inspiring to read through their thoughts and experiences. The answers that they gave proved such clarity and wisdom, it must have come from their practice. Particularly I like the fact that enlightenment is for everyone, not whether you are a nun or a monk or what race.

    Just like what Chemchok Palmo said below:

    “There is no male or female in enlightenment. Once you’re a Dharma practitioner it is joyful and there is no difference for monks or nuns. I don’t think that a fully ordained monk is superior and I’m worse off. I just think that accomplishing the Dharma is joyful.”

  14. sarahyap on Jul 11, 2012 at 11:53 pm

    This is a wonderful article, it is so fortunate to read and have a little insight on how these great nuns in Gebchak Nunnery live their practice through meditation and retreats. Looking at how these great nuns put aside all worldly concerns just to practice the Dharma is so inspiring. They too have faced so many obstacles but they never let these difficulties affect their Dharma practice.

    I particularly like what Urgyen Chodron said “practice were hard physically, in my mind I was very joyful”. I too wish and aspire towards reaching such a peaceful state of mind through practising the Dharma tirelessly like how these Gebchak nuns have done for so many years.

  15. Phillis Chin on Jul 11, 2012 at 3:19 pm

    This is very inspiring! I respect very much of all the Gebchak’s nun! VERY!! They devote their lives time to Dharma, no matter how bad is the situation they are facing/going through, before or after at Gebchak Gonpa. All these ladies are truly amazing, strong determination to Dharma and extreamly storng guru devotion!! While reading this story, I feel sad about the condition at Gebchak Gonpa and Tibet. As Ani Lama Sherab Zangmo mention, the nuns at Gebchak Gonpa have always been resolved to bear with and sometimes die from illnesses that could be easily treatable in the modern world. This has been the way of life and death for most Tibetan people in the past. I believe even now….
    I have never seen, heard nor know there’s similar monastery like those at Tibet. Similar as, the monk’s, nuns have such strong determination to Dharma! Especially the different retreat system in every of the monastery in Tibet. Although is very harsh in Tibet, but I rejoice for every of them sincerely.
    Thank You Rinpoche to share Gebchak’s nunnery info here, Thank You!!

  16. sweekeong on Jul 9, 2012 at 3:27 am

    Wow. It is amazing there is a female lineage of Buddhist masters in modern times. Truly amazing and inspiring to me. What is awesome they have an official website and a blog to update everyone of us across the web. Wangdrak Rinpoche is the main support to the nuns in order for them to concentrate on their practices. 🙂

  17. Thierry on Jul 7, 2012 at 6:53 pm

    These nuns show:

    Incredible resilience
    Incredible determination
    Incredible faith in the 3 jewels
    Unshakable conviction in the 3rd Noble Truth
    Inspiring motion of the 4th Noble Truth

    This is not just about retreats, this is about renunciation, it is about a commitment that goes beyond a life-time, a commitment motivated by a great compassion towards all that suffer anywhere.

  18. KH Ng on Jul 6, 2012 at 4:06 pm

    Reading these stories and interviews really inspire me to do more for the Dharma. Our “sacrifices” are really insignificant to say the least. Their practices are pure and their discipline are not even a discipline to them. It is a way of life to them on the path of pure happiness. A few things that stick out in my mind is the verse, “From the very beginning the mind’s nature is empty,
    Practice naturally, free from fabrications.” and the fact that they do not lie down to sleep.

  19. winnie on Jul 4, 2012 at 10:22 pm

    看了这些故事和照片,想起仁波切教导我们的一番苦心。我尊敬这些女尼的修持精神和她们的一生奉献在学习佛法,实践佛法上更希望她们的将来可以运用在日常生活中和利益更多的人。最后愿她们这些女尼早日修成佛果!

  20. JP on Jul 4, 2012 at 2:58 am

    It is very inspiring to know that there are still people who dedicate their entire lives in meditation and gaining attainments as a result. The practice is very focused with one lama and one deity. It is “simple” and specifically catered to women practitioners.

    It’ll be great if there are more facilities similar to this nunnery for people to dedicate their entire lives to meditation retreats. When more people gain attainments, these attained people will be able to help others more effectively.

  21. Pastor Yek Yee on Jul 4, 2012 at 12:41 am

    Through my heart, I really want to say thank you to those nuns because of them then Dharma can continue in this planet. The determination of their mind make the lineage not going to stop even though the Guru not here.

    No TV, no handphone, no computer, no laptop…what they have only Dharma. Their live is so simple compared with mine one. But their achievement in their live is far higher than me. Their live is to serve Dharma, no matter what happen. In this century people like me don’t know what meaning or purpose of life and spiritual, all I know is make myself live in good condition. This is more important than other stuffs. It is very sad but that is true.

    Yes, I inspiring by all the nuns. Thank you of their effort. However I found out they are no complain, absorb everything happen to them, always ready for Dharma. These is all qualities we need if we want others to respect us, work with us. It seems not easy to achieve but it still can be achievable. All depends on myself. The choice I need to choose…what choice I choose that is what result I get. I am contemplate more…while I read.

    Last, thank you for Rinpoche shared with me this post. It is an opportunity let’s me think more deeper!

  22. Karen C. on Jul 3, 2012 at 11:37 pm

    My deep respect to these nuns. The complete guru devotion and dedication to Dharma are so strong that no matter how poor their living condition is, they accept it happily because all these outer obstacles are not an obstacle for them. They are not attracted to the samsaric temptation but stay focus in their retreat and practices, this shows how firm their minds are. The nuns’ renunciation from samsara is indeed inspiring and they lead by example, I truly respect them a lot.

  23. Alex C.J.Tan on Jul 3, 2012 at 10:26 pm

    “Knowing one thing, everything is liberated” – by knowing the mind through practice, everything is liberated. The nuns certainly understand the precious meaning behind this simple and yet powerful teaching.

    When we realize the importance of our goal and pursue it wholeheartedly, whatever difficulties we face can be overcome. In the case of Ani Lama Sherab Zangmo, she pretended to be handicapped for almost 30 years in order to continue with her practice during the Cultural Revolution.

    In these modern days, despite our technological advancement, our minds have remained relatively stagnant. It would be wonderful if more people are curious about mind development and transformation.

  24. Elena on Jul 3, 2012 at 10:09 pm

    What an incredible account of incredible nuns. I think Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo said it the best: “It is rare in this world to come across such committed women whose renunciation is heartfelt and at the centre of their lives.”

    It’s 2012 and whilst the rest of us allow ourselves to be carried away by samsara (I say allow because it’s a choice), these nuns made a conscious decision to say no, enough is enough, and this life is not all there is.

    I admire them for their perserverance which to me is a reflection of their Dharma practice. People whose beliefs are even the tiniest bit lesser than these nuns will not be able to undertake the practices that these nuns have. Who in today’s world can do 3 years, 3 months and 3 days of retreat in a tiny space where you can’t even lie down to sleep? (haha even the way I write makes it sound like what they did was a sacrifice, but the nuns don’t view it that way!)

    Actually, these nuns show me that Rinpoche has been teaching real Dharma – perseverance, commitment and guru devotion are the keys to successful spiritual practice. And the nuns remind me so much of Tara actually…girls CAN do it. I hope one day Malaysia will see the same kind of practitioners achieving the same (or greater!) attainments.

  25. Jeffrey Yee on Jul 3, 2012 at 6:05 pm

    It is true that nuns and female practitioners have not been given equal rights to study the Dharma. There is a set of rules that must be followed strictly by nuns e.g. to stay 6-hours journey away from monks, the most senior nuns must sit behind the junior monks in teachings etc. How compassionate are the great lamas like Tsangyang Gyamtso, Tsoknyi Rinpoche and Wangdrak Rinpoche to provide the facilities and resources that caters specially to the nuns of Gebchak Nunnery. The result: largest nunnery in Tibet with more than 350 nuns who have dedicated their lives in preserving a unique lineage.

  26. Joe Ang on Jul 3, 2012 at 5:27 pm

    Having read this article regarding Gebchak Nunnery and stories of Ani Lama Sherab Zangmo and a few other nuns (Takme Wangmo, Urgyen Chodron, Chemchok Palmo, Karchung the Visionary nun, Yeshe Zangmo and Kunzang Patso), it felt like I was brought on a journey to a mystical land so pure in its Buddhist teachings and practice. It is really inspiring how Ani Lama Sherab Zangmo and these nuns dedicate their lives to practice Dharma. Ani Lama Sherab Zangmo spent 70 years in unbroken practice of meditation since age 16, this requires massive discipline and integrity especially during the time of Cultural Revolution where spiritual leaders and practitioners was being hunted down and persecuted.

    The nuns of Gebchak nunnery who were interview all seem very contented and happy just being able to do their practice. It is all they want! Takme Wangmo who should be 76 year old this year, spoke about how the Gebchak nunnery was destroyed, friends, family members and relatives were abused and killed during the Cultural Revolution. A person must be extremely strong and devoted in her faith to be able to go through all that and went back to rebuild Gebchak Nunnery. If not for those few very devoted nuns, Gebchak Nunnery wouldn’t have existed till today.

    Urgyen Chodron spoke about her first practice which was 500,000 preliminaries (prostrations, refuge prayer, Vajrasattva, mandalas, and guru yoga). Wow! And that is just preliminaries! Though she spoke a little about the ill equipped facilities of the nunnery, but it seems she’s truly happy because she has achieved much realization during her retreat.

    “My mind transformed while I was in retreat. I didn’t want to come out when the retreat was finished. Although the practices were hard physically, in my mind I was very joyful. Before I did my three-year retreat I had a lot of wild emotions and distractions. But during the retreat these emotions were pacified and transformed into the five wisdoms.” – Urgyen Chodron

    All the nuns interviewed (Takme Wangmo, Urgyen Chodron, Chemchok Palmo, Karchung the Visionary nun, Yeshe Zangmo and Kunzang Patso ) have very strong Guru devotion and common realization, which is complete renunciation of samsara. By thinking about the endless cycle of suffering, they developed unshakable resolve to get out of samsara and a mind that won’t be discouraged towards that goal.

    I am amazed with the ability of Karchung the Visionary nun. She must be highly attained to be able to see and hear things that normal people can’t! Imagine seeing protectors, deities and other celestial beings and all the beautiful emanations. With the rigorous training and practices in Gebchak nunnery, I have no doubt that many nuns would have very high attainments and a certain level of clairvoyance. It is most fortunate for one to be born in a place where the Buddhist practice is so pure and without external distractions. The only thing is that the facilities at Gebchak nunnery need to be improved so the nuns will get proper food, clothing, shelter and most importantly medical treatment. It is sad to know that due to lack of medical facility many died of sickness which could have been treated.

    Joe

  27. Pastor Susan on Jul 3, 2012 at 5:02 pm

    The Gebchak nun stories are truly incredible. Not just one or two but so many of them are incredibly accomplished. We don’t need to look further how Buddhas are created…just read this story and if need be, go visit Gebchak Nunnery!

    I love looking at the pictures and seeing how happy they are makes me happy! I love the way they share their experiences, so sincere and full of joy and faith. I love reading about how disciplined they are, about the many miracles, about achieving the rainbow body, about their devotion to their teachers.

    Seeing how much they accomplished makes it all possible that anyone of us can also accomplish too when practiced sincerely with guru devotion.

    I thank Rinpoche very much for all the teachings and practices and the examples such as this story of Gebchak nuns to inspire us. Any accomplishment achieved will be the greatest offering to my lama for his care and love he has shown me..and i intend to offer the best to my lama. Wouldn’t you do the same too?

  28. william on Jul 3, 2012 at 4:42 pm

    Beautiful to see that this ancient tradition still continues till today and there are so many devoted nuns still going on retreats and practicing. The crux of it is that Guru devotion is utmost important. They all visualise their guru/lama when they go on retreats to gain attainments and realisations. Some of the realisations are like having visions of Guru Rinpoche and other Buddhas, attaining rainbow bodies and the ability to cross rivers when there are no bridges.

    “Knowing one thing, everything is liberated” is very profound and simple. Liberation comes when we realise the one thing that is important to us and that is our mind. Having the mind of faith to achieve Buddhahood and keep on practicing will cause happiness in our lives.

    It is good to know that this practices are still alive and there are younger generations who are following the footsteps of the older generation. Thank you Rinpoche for sharing.

  29. Datuk May on Jul 3, 2012 at 3:26 pm

    This is so inspiring, I wish I did not lead my life till now in such a hopeless manner. However, I am still fortunate to have found the Dharma.

    May I if I am fortunate enough to reincarnate and be a nun with all elements to practise the Dharma.

    What truly inspires me is that these nuns practised through faith and concentration on their Guru. And all their experiences are in today’s age. Therefore under any circumstances we can practise the Dharma to benefit others.

  30. Sharon Saw on Jul 3, 2012 at 2:42 am

    Dear Rinpoche,

    Thank you for sharing this post. What struck me was the Guru devotion of the nuns; everything is surrounding their teacher.

    Sherab Zangmo said, “Do not try to stop conceptual thoughts, but let them arise. Know their nature by praying to the lama, understanding that the lama’s mind and one’s own mind are inseparable. Rest in the nature of the thoughts and in this way they are transformed.”

    The dedication of these women to true dharma practice is also astounding. From such young ages, they could renounce by realising that samsara was suffering and hence they found their peace of mind.

    My favourite quotes are from Kunzang Pantso, who said it was never really difficult. “As long as I remembered the Dharma and my future lives, I remained happy. Because I’ve got this precious human life. I’ve met with an authentic lama, and I’ve received practice instructions from him and from my other teachers. I really feel how precious this life of Dharma is.”

    Another nun, Yeshe Zangmo was asked why she was so happy despite the poor facilities and she replied so simply, “Because my mind is happy.”

    Even though we have so many modern conveniences so many of us are unhappy , which really shows that it is our mind that liberates or restricts us.

    Lastly, it is inspiring to read that these nuns achieved accomplishments as a result of their meditational practices. Some could even see deities. These are nuns who are still alive, or recently passed, not some ancient historical yogis or yoginis who could perform these magical feats. This means that if we are committed to our Lama and our Dharma path, accomplishments and attainments are definitely possible.

    • Su Ming on Jul 3, 2012 at 4:00 pm

      I read this article twice. I am so amazed that such place assisted. I have heard stories about nunnery else where in both Tibet and also India but it was never revealed to us how intense/powerful their practices were in this day and time. In my eyes, it is such good news to know that these nunnery still exist.

      I agree with you Sharon that the interviews with the nuns are inspiring. Most of them when they were young already knew they wanted to be out of samsara. Their imprints must be so strong from their previous life : to be born in that conducive condition whereby they can advance into the dharma so easily.

      Please watch this video of Wangdrak Rinpoche (Presentation about Gebchak Nunnery) who was in America to raise funds for the orphanage of Gebchak Nunnery and other facilities after the earthquake. (Video at the bottom of the article).

      http://acelebrationofwomen.org/?p=24565

      Thank You

  31. Carmen on Jul 2, 2012 at 10:59 pm

    Reading this, what struck my mind was that the nuns are practising everything that the Lamrim states, with guru devotion at its forefront. A nun by the name of Kunzang Pantso said that her heart practices are:

    “Mainly the Four Reversals, the four thoughts that turn the mind from samsara: the rarity of a precious human rebirth, death and impermanence, the inevitable results of karma, and the faults of samsara….We need to practice with an understanding of impermanence, how rare human life is, and so forth.”

    I do remember reading all these in the Lamrim – The four noble truths to turn the mind away from samsara. From knowing the suffering that is caused in samsara, like these holy nuns they are determined to renounce from samsara because of its worthlessness.

    Then there’s the rarity of obtaining a precious human life, which is explained at the very beginning of the Lamrim that our human life is more precious than we could ever imagine because it is our chance to practise the Dharma and make sure that we take control of our own future lives. This is one’s shot at liberation for we don’t know where we will be going next, but what we know is that we can, through our actions in this life, do all that it takes to benefit our future.

    What struck me is that Rinpoche has taught all of us this before, and constantly reminds us to meditate on death, for it is the only certain thing in life. Everything that the nuns meditate on, has been told to us by Rinpoche in one way or another thus I find the quote from the same holy nun so apt:

    “Because I’ve got this precious human life. I’ve met with an authentic lama, and I’ve received practice instructions from him and from my other teachers. I really feel how precious this life of Dharma is.”

    These holy nuns are such an inspiration, and I do hope that Gebchak Nunnery is preserved for the benefit of all sentient beings for the many generations to come. I have not heard many stories, achievements and attainments about nuns, I mostly hear about monks so this is real inspiring and refreshing, that enlightenment is the same regardless of gender. There is no difference between monks or nuns.

    Also, being able to enter the nunnery at such an early age, be dedicated, devoted, hardworking, consistent and focused on their practise is really admirable and inspiring, when I myself find it so hard to even sit still and meditate for 10 minutes… My mind jumps from “what I have to do”, to “what am I going to eat”, to reacting to every single sound that I hear.. imagine the nuns meditating for the entire day, sleeping for 3 hours each day upright, and in a room with 18 other nuns. Wow. What good karma they have to be born in an environment which strongly encourages and is conducive to them to devote strongly to spiritual practise, and without being tainted by the delusions of samsara; achieving liberation and high attainments in this very lifetime alone.

    Their faces highlights a state of joy and serenity,…that they are extremely at peace and happy to do what they are doing and be where they are.

    Their message to bringing world peace is aligned to that of ours here in Kechara and our vision with Kechara World Peace Centre. How amazing that like Gebchak Nunnery, Kechara is also full of female energy, and that the core vision of highly realized Dharma practioners, like Rinpoche, is to bring peace to everyone through spirituality and eventually from that, world peace.

    Thank you Rinpoche for this splendid and inspiring article.

    Love,
    Carmen

  32. nicholas on Jul 2, 2012 at 10:49 pm

    Wow! It’s so inspiring. Reading through the interview most of the common qualities that you can notice from the nun is their great guru devotion. Pray strongly to one’s lama, keeping one’s mind at all times in an undistracted state of devotion, faith, and pure perception.

    Being in the retreat is such a happy moment. The nuns enjoy the retreats and mind transformed during this retreat period. They are really real and pure practitioners that can really commit their whole life in doing retreat to gain realization and attainments. There is no gender boundaries but just devotion, realization and attainment.

    My deeply respect to the nuns and is a great reminder for me even facing such a tough condition but they still continued to their practices.

    One more thing that really struck me was the consistency of nun upheld the practice and the lineage of Tsang-Yang Gyamtso for the growth and future generation.

    “If you’re not attached to samsara, then you can get free and go to the true happiness of buddhahood.”

  33. Sean Wang on Jul 2, 2012 at 10:12 pm

    Dear Rinpoche:

    Thank you for sharing these wonderful stories.

    This is really inspiring and humbling. I completely bow down to their accomplishments through actions of guru devotion which is an undeniable bond between guru and student. This proves that women are even more capable in achieving a state of enlightenment than most men. Actually, enlightenment is genderless, anyone can attain it. However, due to the evils of man, men decided to be the dominant gender. But know the tables are turned and women are much more successful than men in both secular and spiritual ways.

    Another thing I respect these nuns for is that they are able to endure such harsh conditions. Most laymen would turn away from spirituality if they notice even a possibility of leaving their comfort zone. That makes me lose my faith in humanity. However, after reading these touching stories, it feels as if my faith in humanity has been restored. Their ability to be able to continue their Dharma practice in these harsh conditions also shows that they have a really powerful mind. Minds like these are great minds. I aspire to be able to achieve such a beautiful state of mind. If more people were like these nuns, there would be less emotional suffering in this world.

    Also, faith plays a massive role in these nun’s lives. If they do not have faith in their practice, they would have most probably given up by now. But, they didn’t. We must all have faith like theirs. With faith comes devotion.

    Once again, thanks for sharing this.

  34. lucy yap on Jul 2, 2012 at 9:58 pm

    The nuns story is a classic example of dedication and tenacity. Gebchak nuns is unique for it’s retreat system.Many do three year, nine year or even lifetime retreat.They are staying centered and engaged in their bodhisattva practice of inner transformation despite drastic changes in their surrounding Tibetan community.
    Their passion to preserve their unique spiritual tradition in a rapidly changing modern world remains unshaken and this is possible because they are sustained by the compassionate support from sponsors.The compaassion, dedication and wisdom of the nun radiates as a bacon of hope and a force of change to the rest of the world.
    Thank you Rinpoche,for sharing this inspiring post with us.

  35. David Lai on Jul 2, 2012 at 5:08 pm

    Wow! It’s just simply amazing that such powerful practitioners still exists in today’s world. These nuns are exceptional practitioners because they carry such a rare level of practice and I think it is good that someone is promoting them and making their story well known because it will inspire many practitioners.

    I really think many of these yoginis are living Bodhisattvas or at least at a high level of realization. I don’t really know how to gauge but its pretty obvious from the way they talk and how they explain the teachings. The serenity they found with their practice and their simple way of life is just incredible because that’s so rare these days.

    Also, these nuns are the living proof that the Tibetan meditational methods work and all the Tantric practices do have result if we are consistent and we put our effort towards developing the practice.

  36. Christine Wang on Jul 2, 2012 at 12:41 am

    It is a very powerful interview. These nuns have such a difficult living condition while they seemed very happy! Their lives are simple while their faith is strong. Their words are sincere and their mind is not waving…single concentration to practise dharma and do retreats.

    We are surrounded by samsara yet we surrender to all kinds of “nice” things that make us ” happy”. Our living condition is so different to the one in Gebchak Nunnery. And at beginning when I look at the pictures, the first thought came to my mind was ” how can they live there? I can’t!” But after reading their interviews, I realized their living condition is better for Dharma Practitioners. Less distraction from samsara.

    I enjoy the short simple quotes from Ani Lama Serab Zangmo. We often ask for more teachings when so many wise words were told already by Rinpoche yet we don’t practise but still keep asking for more teachings. From the time we wake up, all kinds of delusion start to come to our mind and yet do we really check on our mind often? We can’t transform if we just let the wrong views arise and even allow the wrong views to lead us to wrong speech and wrong deeds. Sadly, sometime we don’t even know if they are wrong views or not. We have to practise daily to deal with our mind and make peace with them. As Serab Zangmo said” See the very nature of the thoughts as they arise, pray to the lama, and rest in meditation. ”

    Christine

  37. Cynthia Ng on Jul 1, 2012 at 11:03 pm

    感谢仁波切的分享,这群尼姑都在她们年纪轻轻就把她们的一生奉献于实践佛法,实在太鼓舞人心了。。这群尼姑是多么的圣神,她们完全奉献于佛法,也很有强烈的上师依止心。她们很清楚方向与目的是为了要达到证悟,也了解快乐是源自于思维转换而非世俗的追求。

    从她们面上看到的是无忧无虑的,我感到很随喜这群尼姑能在那样的环境下进行闭关,大家互相扶持,互相修行,从而达到修行的最高境界=证悟。

    这也劝勉我们只要我们严守戒律,一心一意的听从上师的指示,身为俗人的我们也可以向她们一样!我诚心祈愿Gebchak尼姑庵以及所有的尼姑能够继续把佛陀教诲以及难得的修行生生世世的传下出,利益众生已达证悟。

  38. June Kang on Jul 1, 2012 at 5:23 pm

    Is a very inspire article, few things attract me :

    1. Guru Devotion
    They had shown us for enlightenment guru devotion is important.
    Ani Lama Sherab Zangma –spontaneous enlightenment she gained thought
    devotion to her guru
    Urgyen Chodron mentioned have faith in the lama, have believe and certainty in the lama instruction.
    Other also mentioned about it but the above two is in my mind after finished reading.
    2. Intensive Practice
    Lesson I learned is enlightenment required intensive practice.. From their meditation experience they develop very strong, unshakable faith in practice. Through intensive retreat practice, their mind transformed.
    That is really amazing that their five negative emotions become transformed not by rejecting then but by realizing their wisdom nature.
    3. A Happy Mind
    Yeshe Zangmo mentioned she has a happy mind therefore she would not feel suffering event thought the physical conditions at Gebchak Nunnery are quite difficult and food is not very good, neither are the buildings.
    A happy mind can really overcome all the suffering we faced.

    I still has some point I cant digest- means don’t understand, but I am very happy Rinpoche share this article for us to learn. Thank you Rinpoche

  39. Valentina Suhendra on Jul 1, 2012 at 4:30 pm

    This is a very inspiring story. While reading this, I admire these nuns so much.
    They have devoted their lives to practice Dharma. They have renounced the convenience
    Of modern lives. I think they are more free than I am in the truest sense.

  40. Monteiro Neto on Jul 1, 2012 at 12:39 pm

    Dear Rinpoche,

    I can truly say that this is THE most inspiring article that I have ever read in this life. The nuns at the Gebchack Gonpa are not only wonderful Dharma practitioners, but also, VERY strong women. I deeply admire them for their tenacity, faith in the Dharma, and utter conviction that heir liberation will be attained.

    One of the nuns states that just seeing images of hearing about the Gonpa brings happiness and joy. That is exactly what I felt. The images of the nuns, the Gonpa, and the Tibetan landscape made me want to be there, and it is now my wish to visit this holy place in tis lifetime. I will definitely work towards gaining merits for this trip to happen.

    It is so inspiring and empowering to read about haw the nuns are devoted to their practice, which makes ours shun in comparison to theirs. I no longer have any doubts that attainments and liberations can be accomplished in this lifetime. That is what this female Mahasiddhas just taught me – pure Dharma.

    I pledge to support the monastery until my last breath in this life. I do that not for me, but in recognition of the devoted and genuine practice of these amazing yoginis.

    Love,

    Neto

  41. Julia Tan on Jul 1, 2012 at 8:32 am

    Thank you Rinpoche for posting this very beneficial and inspiring article that can benefit so many. I love reading everything about them, at the same time I am touched by their sincerity to Dharma and their Guru. They live in such harsh condition and with little to live on but very devoted into their intense practice.

    I am very touched particularly what Yeshe Zangmo said. She said samsara has no happiness and only suffering, and so there is no joy. She also mentioned it is the same in everywhere as long as we are living in samsara. How true this is. The most important thing is the mind must be happy.

    Just like Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo mentioned it in her letter that it is easy to read the Dharma and attend some courses and retreats but for one to dedicate her life to disciplined practice is not common. The quality of these nuns are extraordinary. My respect and solute to them on how they have offered their lives for Dharma is more than words that can describe.

  42. Wan on Jul 1, 2012 at 4:32 am

    Its an inspiring to read about what the nuns has been doing the whole life, apart from renunciation from family to become a nun. They are serious with their practices, put lot of effort, energy, time etc into the practice and it brought result.

    Their minds are so firm and their trust and devotion is beyond words and it lead to her realisation. Even thought it is in the degeneration time now, but it not the excuses for them to not practice and gain results. Its show that it doesn’t matter how the world will be, it depend on the mind to make it.

  43. yenpin on Jun 30, 2012 at 11:10 pm

    谢谢仁波切分享这故事。让我们知道在这世上还有很多人把一生奉献在学习佛法,他忍辱的精神和艰苦的修行,这些修女是,这些变质时代的英雄。我很高兴,他们的大师的献身精神和坚持是令人振奋的
    这些修女们对三宝有奉献,信任和奉献精神。这些妇女选择进入严格的闭关(如此严格,只有不平凡的人才会有这样选择),奉献自己的一生。用真诚的心灵,祈祷可以是有效的。

  44. Jace Chong on Jun 30, 2012 at 10:20 pm

    谢谢仁波切跟我们分享那么感人的真实故事,在我们现在这个五花八门的年代,这一群女尼还能那么坚持自己的信仰和传承,愿她们这一个传承能不间断地完整地流传下去。

    Inner heat of tummo实在令人大开眼界,相信她们的修行已经到了非常高的境界。

    以前我总是在想,到底做法会,打坐和观想等如何能够帮助这个世界?现在稍微明白一点就是,当我们用念力发愿的时候,真的有其功能。所以这些尊敬的女尼们的修持,他们的法会,他们的闭关等等,一定有非常强大的力量引导这个世界往好的方向走,能间接影响更多人修行佛法。

    就像其中一些女尼说的,我们所处于的娑婆世界实在没有任何的意义,唯有修行佛法才是投生为人最有意义的功能。

    希望Gebchak Nunnery日益壮大,愿她们身体健康长寿,早日修成正果!

  45. shelly tai on Jun 30, 2012 at 6:15 pm

    Shelly on 30june at 6pm
    Dear Rinpoche
    Thank you for sharing such a inspiring post after reading it i do devoloped a sense of happiness and relief,because i know by having a strong guru devotion everything will be ok.Thank you once again Rinpoche for all your precious teaching u have give to us.

  46. henry ooi on Jun 30, 2012 at 5:16 pm

    Someone who spent 70 years in unbroken meditation like Ani Lama Sherab Zangmo definitely had attainments yet remained humble. To me, attainments like flying, changing form into animals, seeing what others could not see, hearing what others could not hear, generating heat from the body in extreme cold conditions, are miraculous feats but to the attained masters, they are just side benefits of their real attainments. Even though some lived in poor conditions and had to endure physical difficulties, their minds remain happy. I wonder if I could. I like very much that Gebchak Gonpa is non sectarian hence nuns whose family of different sects are welcomed.

    These nuns are the real unsung heroes in the spread of dharma who dedicated their lives following instructions from their lamas.

    I cannot imagine living and committing a whole life to just doing practices and retreats. While those dedicated nuns carry on with their practices, I am carrying on with my samsara’s activities. It shows how weak my mind is.

  47. Girlie OOI on Jun 30, 2012 at 12:42 pm

    I concur with Lew that our present comfortable life is a distraction. These beautiful nuns are living in a place that is so remote yet they are always happy not allowing such material discomforts sway them.

  48. Yoke Fui on Jun 30, 2012 at 9:16 am

    I’m surprised that this nunnery is so well run and flourishing. I remember Tenzin Palmo said in her book ” Cave in the Snow” that the Vajrayana tradition has double standard regarding monks and nuns. Many higher teachings and practices are not open to the nuns and nuns are expected to serve monks at monasteries. Due to this unfairness, Tenzin Palmo decided to establish a nunnery herself.

    This post gave me a better understanding of the situation.

    I rejoice the attainments of these pure practitioners and their action is a statement to all the female practitioners that Buddhahood is available to everyone as long as you are a sincere student with a pure motivation.

  49. terri on Jun 30, 2012 at 8:23 am

    this is so wonderful, it is hard for me to read it. i am digesting it kind of slowly. i wish someday a place like this would exist in the United States.

  50. Lim Han Nee on Jun 30, 2012 at 12:47 am

    These lovely nuns and yoginis of Gebchak Nunnery,who have devoted their whole lives (from a young age) to disciplined and intense practice, are truly awesome and inspiring in so many ways.

    For one thing, they go on very long meditation retreats.Also,imagine them doing their intense practice, seated in a little box about 1 square meter, only slightly larger than themselves. They would be seated on a stuff mat in the box throughout the day and night for as long as their practice and retreat programs are on!

    There is also the way they maintain silence. There is no loud talking outside and they talk to one another in low voices. They cannot shout to one another. Hence, as is reported, even though this mountainside has so many nuns, yet there always appears to be total quietness.

    There is such strong Guru devotion as exemplified in the doyen of them all, Ani Lama, and seen in her advice:” Pray strongly to one’s Lama, keeping one’s mind at all times in an undistracted state of devotion, faith and perception”.

    Despite a tough environment with poor facilities and the freezing cold, they have such happy minds. To them,it’s like being in the Pure Land of Guru Rinpoche.How beautiful!It’s all from their practice and meditation.

  51. Han on Jun 29, 2012 at 11:55 pm

    Very Inspiring post, feel very blessed by just reading the post and seeing all the nice pictures of the nuns.
    The nuns really have strong determination and faith with their lama in their spiritual journey. They are very serious, focus and very committed in their practices. Many of them spent their entire life in meditation practice and achieved liberation in mind, very powerful !

    The Great Yogini – Ani Lama Sherab Zangmo’s wisdom words that’s make me contemplate more,
    “Understanding that the lama’s mind and one’s own mind are inseparable. “

    They have very Guru devotion, I love what Urgyen Chodron said :
    “Have faith in the lama, have belief and certainty in the lama’s instructions, have the compassionate mind to benefit all other beings, and have renunciation of samsara. “

  52. Leann Lim on Jun 29, 2012 at 11:19 pm

    谢谢仁波切分享这精彩的真实故事。让我们知道在这世上还有很多人把她们的一生奉献在学习佛法,实践佛法上。这让我想起密勒日巴-西藏最闻名的大瑜伽士,他忍辱的精神和艰苦的修行,让这尊者即生成就,实为‘实践佛法’的经典。 在看密勒日巴的故事,常有种错觉这是神话故事,但看了这文章后,突然觉得‘神话故事’是存在的。所以她们说得对,没有男女之别,只有佛法的知识,佛法的实践才是最重要的。从这些文章中,发现像我们平凡的人,其实实践佛法可以从信赖上师,相信三宝,跟从上师的指导,和平的相处,存有慈悲心,别伤害他人,及利益众生开始…虽然感觉这有些困难,但从这些让人敬佩的Anila的笑容中,感觉到佛法的真正美丽,开始觉得这都是有可能的,只在乎你想要达到的是什么…

  53. justin cheah on Jun 29, 2012 at 11:11 pm

    I have a lot of respect for these holy nuns, they remain very calm and happy although they have so little to live on. The terrains, weather, living conditions and facilities are not welcoming to them for retreat but they did not uttered a single word about being uncomfortable and just focused on their retreat.

    It made me think that is it because they were living in these condition that made them so humble and focused on their spiritual goals. I was particularly inspired by what Takme Wangmo have said in the interview statement. She was asked if she was angry over the Culture Revolution that occurred and made her relatives either killed or died of starvation. She replied with just a simple and yet profound answer, she understood all these arised from samsara and she won’t be angry about it.

  54. lewkwanleng on Jun 29, 2012 at 8:13 pm

    Reading this article and with a bit of contemplation,

    1) I always thought that I am very lucky to be born in a place where life is easy, air-condition is easy, lots of facilities and internet available for me. However, from a spiritual point of view, these are the main distractions to my practice.

    2) I can’t sit down and meditate for 20 minutes, and when I heard 3 years and 3 months, it kinda freaks me out. I asked myself, how can I do 3 years, and more of meditation? My mind is like monkey jumping from 1 topic to another.. However, having the fortunate to work with Tsem Rinpoche, and under His guidance, I can slightly control my mind. Those day I will never sit down and chant, but now I am doing my daily Sadhana with a bit of meditation. In due time, I hope I can start doing a whole day retreat and then 3 years retreat.

    3) Faith and Guru devotion is important. I need to rely on someone who has experienced the joy of liberation to guide me on what is the correct things to do.

    4) Female or male, there is no difference in terms of getting to Buddhahood.

    5) I live in a country where things are so easy, and yet i still complaint about the minute things. As in the interview with Yeshe Zangmo, when she is asked about the poor condition she lived in and the cold whether etc, she said she is happy because “my mind is happy”. To me, that is the most important message about this article.

    6) I rejoice for these nun because they are holding up and preserving the thousand years old lineage. If not because of their willing to go into retreats for the rest of their lives, we will not see these practices today.

    7) It amazes me to see that many of the nuns wanted to become nuns when they are in their teenage years. During my teenage years, I was only thinking about money and fun. Why is there such a big difference in thoughts? Is it because of society? It gives me strong motivation to instill Dharma to my kids, so that when they grow up, even in their teenage years, to cut down their attachments to samsaric pleasure and to teach them about serving others, have the courage to let go, etc. And I can only achieve this if I myself show a good example to them.

  55. sockwan on Jun 29, 2012 at 6:39 pm

    Amazing women, how they devoted they are to their Guru and Dharma. They all said the same thing about engaging in spiritual practice:
    1) with love and compassion, we can bring peace
    2) it is our mind that determines if we are happy, not the material stuff
    3) with strong guru devotion, we will be able to gain attainment

    I found this youtube video called ‘Blessings’, I think it is the same monastery. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqimgbbjrg4

    • su an on Jul 3, 2012 at 12:54 am

      Thank you Tsem Rinpoche. These nuns are absolutely incredible! Their accounts of the senior nuns’ accomplishments are mind boggling. Their responses to the questions are exactly what the Lamrim tells us, they are living and breathing the Lamrim! It is so saddening to know that the first nunnery was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, but also uplifting that despite all the hardship the nuns found their way back to each other and re-established the lineage and practice. They truly took on the responsibility of attaining enlightenment and because of that they were happy to go through whatever hardships there were to rebuild the present nunnery.

      I particularly found Kunzang Pantso’s responses more straightforward to absorb… e.g.

      “If your mind is attached to samsara, then that is where you will stay. If you’re not attached to samsara, then you can get free and go to the true happiness of buddhahood.”
      – We don’t feel that our samsaric lives actually gives us more pain than happiness, hence we don’t want to renounce it. It is like staying in a relationship that just cannot work, but we can’t bring ourselves to break it off even though we know it is unhealthy, because we think that there’s still a chance the other party can make us happy.

      “If you don’t have these thoughts then your attitude in your practice is no good. We need to practice with an understanding of impermanence, how rare human life is, and so forth.”
      – We are still not practicing properly because we still believe we are going to live forever, we will definitely be reborn as a human at any rate, we can’t imagine falling into the lower realms. Because of this we procrastinate in our practice. The nuns realize this and hence their practice is so joyful despite the harsh conditions, cramped space, lack of facilities and limited access to health support. They turned their environment into the most favorable condition to practice with their minds.

      “If you have the faith that you can achieve buddhahood, then you can achieve it.”
      – These beautiful nuns are showing us that Buddhahood, achieving high attainments is real and possible in this human form, in this life. We CAN do it if we believe… but do we really believe? I suppose our minds are still wishy washy about this.. we believe enough to start creating some minimal causes now but not enough to make the leap into true renunciation.

      Thanks Sock Wan for finding this video, it does look like it is the same nunnery! I would love to visit if there’s a chance. Meanwhile will support them by making donations via http://gebchakgonpa.org/donate/

  56. joey wong on Jun 29, 2012 at 4:09 pm

    It is very touching to read about the Guru devotion and the determination and the level of Dharma practice that these nuns have. My spine tingles with happiness and excitement because it shows that there are results from Dharma practice that are tangible and that can bring us to enlightenment. If this is not proof that retreats and Dharma practice does have results, what is?

    There is no words to describe how much happiness and awe I feel when i read about the nuns. As much as sometimes I feel that it is very hard or impossible to gain attainments fron this day and age, there is this group of nuns who do. You can see fron their faces that they are very happy and at peace with themselves, a face that is rare for people of our time.

    This does increase my faith in the Buddha’s teaching, once again! May the nuns be able to benefit infinite beings one day!

  57. Veron Tung on Jun 29, 2012 at 3:57 pm

    This is really really truly inspiring Rinpoche. I’m rejoice and respect their devotion and sheer focus of their practice.
    Even under such a harsh conditions they can just remain calm and tried a lot of ways to continue practice dharma in their mind, such as Sherab Zangmo.
    I have bookmarked this page and will keep reading it again and again. I would not say i have truly fully understand all the words of all they have said, but i will read and understand more everytime because this really benefits me in my dharma path.

    With hand fold, thanks Rinpoche for sharing this, and may Gebchak Nunnery grow to get all the supports they needed.

  58. Uncle Eddie on Jun 29, 2012 at 3:35 pm

    Though situated in a remote mountainous highlands of Nangchen in eastern Tibet of the southern province of China, “Gebchak Nunnery”, is known as the mother of all nunneries. It looks a very beautiful, serene, extraordinary and wonderous place of great blessings, as declared by the Lamas in the interview. It is said to contain a community of yogini-nuns exemplifying “kindness, peace and joyful adherence to spiritual practice for the benefit of the entire world”. It is also very gratifying to know that the nuns are famous for accomplishments in profound yogas and meditation through very hard efforts and inseperable Guru-devotion. May it continue to receive great blessings for its lineage to be preserved entirely for its futures to come. Thank you Rinpoche, for this invaluable sharing of your teaching.

  59. MayOng on Jun 29, 2012 at 1:58 pm

    May the nuns at Gebchak Nunnery continue their unbroken meditation practice to continue their lineage and be an inspiration to others. These nuns guru devotion to one’s lama are undisputed because it will lead them to liberation from samsara. To commit into the 3 years and 3 months retreat keep their mind in in-distracted state of devotion, faith, and pure perception.

    The mind is the key to liberation, from the quote “Knowing one thing, everything is liberated”. By knowing the mind through practice, everything is liberated. We have much, much to learn from them.

  60. DR on Jun 29, 2012 at 12:27 pm

    These nuns are the Unsung Heroes during these degenerate times. I am so happy that their stories are being shared on this blog. Their guru devotion and tenacity is awe inspiring.

    On several juncture when I was reading their stories, i did contemplate that whether being born in my situation is actually bad karma. They were born in a country where pursuit of spirituality is in the mass consciousness of Tibetans. Hence the whole system supports renouncing family life in pursuit of spirituality.

    Then i remembered Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo, who was raised in London and whilst in her teens she became a Buddhist. In 1964, at the age of 20, she decided to go to India to pursue her spiritual path.
    (her full story can be found in her biography Cave in the Snow, written by Vicki Mackenzie, published by Bloomsbury.). So the answer is not where one is born, but how serious we want to take our spiritual path.

  61. Doreen Teoh on Jun 29, 2012 at 12:16 pm

    Dear Rinpoche, I would want to be a nun at this life and now, but to be honest I am not able to do so at this moment. This what I need to accept, but I am practising and creating a cause this life to have a strong imprints and knowledge which I am able to carry in mind when i die. I do not need to have a given instruction then I start be nun, but if I know it benefits me, like dharma is an antidote for me, I shall practise it with full faith and devotion to my Guru, and Lama.

  62. Irene Lim on Jun 29, 2012 at 10:22 am

    This is my first time ever reading such renown nunnery producing so many accomplished practitioners and yoginis. It is certainly most inspiring and reminds me for sure if one is zealous, regardless of male or female, like the nuns of Gebchak Nunnery one can achieve and become accomplished in the practice. I believe these nuns are so meritorious to be born in the right place, time and conducive conditions for practice without much distraction of the modern age and samsaric desires and attachments.

    If they were to be viewed by our modern sophiscated perspectives and standards these nuns would be thought as primitive, uneducated and superstitious. It will be wonderful to share this story to the whole wide world that there is such thing as yoginis, attainments and enlightenment and that this is for real, is possible and can be developed.

    Apart from the story we read of Gebchak Nunnery, Tsem Rinpoche has similar plan to showcase Kechara Forest Retreat and Kechara World Peace Centre to manisfest with many accomplished yogi and yoginis. This will lead to refresh, remind, re-invigorate, preserve and keep in touch with our modern society that this ancient unbroken wisdom and practice transmitted from Tibet still exist in this world is indeed unfictitious but potently efficasious!

    We pray that all obstacles of Kechara be dispelled quickly and this plan will swiftly arise to benefit many.

    Much love

  63. Wan Wai Meng on Jun 29, 2012 at 4:12 am

    The story of the Gebchak nuns shows very much that no matter one is in a male or female body Buddhahood is possible for all. Their efforts in doing retreats and discipline is truly an example for all of us. How much efforts they put into what they are doing is how much they realize how important it is for them to strive for enlightenment.

    All the nuns show the real meaning of renunciation, the true meaning of it by their actions, a powerful pocket of spirituality amidst the forces of samsara.

  64. Sofi on Jun 29, 2012 at 3:20 am

    Wow, really a mind opener. What struck me the most is “the lama’s mind is inseparable from our own”, by Ani Lama Yeshe Zangmo. From this, I understand the strength of her guru devotion and her reliance on guru devotion to bring her realisations, even without having met with her guru. Her faith and trust is so complete.
    “Keep one’s independence through one’s own practice of maintaining the natural state of the mind, Protect the wishes of others through the practice of love and compassion”, makes me realise that my independence is really thru the state of my mind…to understand and be untouch by the circumstances. Thru this understanding, we are able to show our love and compassion by offering victory to those who needs it.
    All the testimonials showed very strong practises according to the Lamrim.
    This post really shows that attainments can be achieved and in this very life, if we are willing and surrender to our guru fully.

    • Sofi on Jun 29, 2012 at 3:23 am

      P.S. We really need to manifest KFR to benefit all!

  65. Milly on Jun 28, 2012 at 11:58 pm

    These holy nuns all have strong guru devotion and the wish to be out of samsara and the compassion to benefit other beings. I bow down to them and am awed by their strong commitment in their spiritual practice. Lets pray that Gebchak Gonpa will thrive in generations to come.

  66. KYC on Jun 28, 2012 at 11:56 pm

    I was very impressed and inspired by these Gebchak nuns who continue to uphold their lineage in spite of the difficulties they face. I read about this nunnery in a book entitled “Tibetan Buddhist Nuns” by Hanna Havnevik. The nuns here did intense retreats and their practices included fasting, prostrations, chulen, tummo and those who were highly advanced spiritually could walk through walls and locked doors. From the interviews in the article, it can be seen that the nuns take their practice seriously and many have realisations during their retreats. I hope the nunnery will receive support from sponsors so that these yoga and meditation trainings will be preserved and more women can be trained. Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo is well-known for her efforts to help women practitioners.

  67. June Tang (KH-JB) on Jun 28, 2012 at 10:59 pm

    Thank you Rinpoche for sharing the post of Gebchak Nunnery.
    This is so inspiring,reminds us that nothing is impossible,men and woman have same equal right to enlightment.I respect them a lot,they overcome all the challenges and difficulties to spent their whole lives in retreat,meditate and pratice dharma.May we have the same merit to do so.May Gebchak Nunnery grow and get the support what they need!!

  68. Grace( KSJC ) on Jun 28, 2012 at 10:25 pm

    Thank you Rinpoche for the sharing to let us know that there is group of great nun how to practice for enlightenment path. regardless how difficult the life and outside condition, they have overcome it with calm mind and endure the suffering without complaining.i can felt that their happiness is truly and without any agenda. Their confidence and devotion towards guru samaya is my learning modal.

  69. Shin Tan on Jun 28, 2012 at 7:36 pm

    I felt tremendous joy after reading the accounts of Ani Lama and the many devoted nuns who spent their whole lives in retreat, and maintaining their practice despite the cultural revolution.

    When I read the descriptions by Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, it was as if I can ‘see’ the holy nuns doing practice in their community. What a great way to spend one’s life totally devoted to practice, and to have the great fortune to have entered nunnery and life long meditation from a young age.

    This is another great testimonial of practice, that even in this day and age, such great lineage that is made to suit women is still alive and being upheld by nuns who has strong renunciation, guru devotion, and dedication to meditation and nothing else. And I love the fact that they are non-sectarian and devoted to true practice.

    I pray that may this holy lineage continue to benefit many and may all of us develop great virtuous mind and devotion to Dharma practice like these holy nuns, so that we too may spend our lives in Dharma practice and gain attainments.

  70. Paris on Jun 28, 2012 at 6:59 pm

    Thank you Rinpoche. It excites me to the core and there’s a tremendous joy reading about these nuns and even just seeing the pictures. It’s true what Tenzin Palmo says, that “It is easy to read about the Dharma and attend some courses and retreats embedded in the midst of our daily round” but really quite another thing to engage in a whole lifetime of practice, maintaining that level of consistency and devotion until you die. It’s true that so few of us can do that.

    But seeing the example of these nuns prove that it is not impossible. It’s not that so few of us can do it, but that we choose not to. I’d like to hope, in a big way, that I can be there someday within this lifetime, to be practising in the same way – whatever that way may be determined by my own teacher.

    It’s quite incredible to see the old anis – to think of how many decades and how many millions of hours they have dedicated to practice. And then, it is also incredible to see the young anis – only in their 20s and 30s who have such a strong sense of renunciation and such a stalwart devotion to the path. It’s most incredible above all to think of this community of yoginis living together – the older anis passing down generations of practice to these new younger anis. It’s extremely heartening too, to see the strength of the female sangha alive in Tibet. I have heard some nuns talk about the difficulty of establishing an equal space within the monastic world for female practitioners – not because of any overt sexism, but because of the way that society has shaped itself around the male / female monastic communities. It is really good to know that the practices remain very much alive, powerful and steady in this community. Most of all, they show us how resilient they are – that even if they didn’t have much support, they would still be practising as best as they could anyway.

  71. Joy on Jun 28, 2012 at 5:05 pm

    Thank you so much Rinpoche for this wonderful inspirational post! It shows… yes women can do it… no excuse and Buddha says we can gain Enlightenment! We hardly see or come across such great Yoginis and nuns around here or anywhere easily… it is rare and often forgotten.

    I love the story on Sherab Zangmo… it was so simple… she just focused on her guru… like the post says – “extraordinary because for the spontaneous enlightenment she gained through devotion to her guru, Tsang-yang Gyamtso[1]; the profound simplicity of her teachings; and her flexibility in the face of challenging conditions.

    I also love Tenzin Palmo, she reminds me that there is really nothing impossible. I remembered many years back reading about Tenzin Palmo from a book called Cave In the Snow. It was such a moving bio of her written by Vicky McKenzie… every should read that book. It is amazing what she went through in a great retreat in the Himalayas in the snow! The challenges and difficulties she faced but the results, an awakening… Amazing devotion, focus strength, faith, and will power! I hope…… one day, me too <3

    • Li Kheng on Jun 30, 2012 at 11:10 pm

      I agree with you Joy, these amazing individuals are powerful examples for all of us.

      What struck me very much about Sherab Zangmo is the simplicity of her practice. In 2 sentences:

      1) “Keep one’s independence through one’s own practice of maintaining the natural state of the mind,
      Protect the wishes of others through the practice of love and compassion”

      and

      2) Knowing one thing, everything is liberated”

      she encompasses all that requires to be practiced.

      This prompts me to simplify my mind and let go of my perception that “many” things is required for any matter to carry weight.

  72. Pastor Ngeow on Jun 28, 2012 at 3:23 pm

    How inspiring! The answers and advice each of the nuns shared are blessings for our mind as they arise from realization and years of sacred selfless practice.One heartfelt common trait amongst them is their devotion to their gurus as whatever they say , the guru’s name is always mentioned.
    May the nunnery grow and fulfill all its objectives. There should be no more doubts that enlightenment is not gender biased.

  73. Sheryl - KH (JB) on Jun 28, 2012 at 3:11 pm

    Thank you Rinpoche for bringing information on Gebchak Nunnery to us. There is a massive amount of knowledge and inspirations contained within this article:

    By reading through this article, I learn:

    – The dedication, trust and devotion that these nuns have towards Three Jewels. Perhaps we can easily say due to the lack of other options, it is easier for women within Tibet than those in more developed countries to choose to take up Dharma path. Yet, I believe that there exist many other possibilities within Tibet that it perhaps is equally easy/possible for them to choose other paths. Yet, these women choose to enter into strict retreats (so strict that only unordinary human beings will opt to go through them) and dedicate their whole lives starting from their tender age towards enlightenment for the benefits of others. I guess I have to attribute this to strong imprints within their minds from their previous lives for them to choose to do this.
    – Total faith, belief, certainty and reliance towards own’s lama/Guru.
    – Physical conditions at Gebchak Nunnery are difficult. We can help to maintain this sacred and profound lineage through financial aids, which can help improving their health and living conditions so that they can fully dedicate their energy and time onto the path of enlightment. The benefactors and meditators share the mutual karma to reach buddhahood at the same time.
    – One can stay happy despite difficult physical conditions. It is about the mind, and the beliefs that one has towards his/her life aims.
    – Men and women have equal right to enlightenment. And because of Tsang-Yang Gyamtso, many women benefits in their spiritual journey.
    – With sincere minds, prayers can be effective.

  74. Paul Yap on Jun 28, 2012 at 3:00 pm

    I respect these nuns a lot, under such harsh conditions, many of them remain calm and continue practice dharma in their mind, this shows their devotion and true quality of a renounced person. Most of us grow up in a comfortable environment and almost everything is provided for, However we did not make use of the good conditions to benefit other, instead it becomes a trap for everyone chasing the material dreams, resulted in deeper sufferings and lost of hopes.

    I really like what Lama Sherab Zangmo’s repeated teaching: “Knowing one thing, everything is liberated” – by knowing the mind through practice, everything is liberated.

    I wish all of us can have the merits to realize that in this life time

  75. ugyen wangmo on Jun 28, 2012 at 2:40 pm

    Dear Rinpoche,
    This is very inspiring and as i my is doing Nyendro its sometimes difficult to deal with my thoughts and by going through the story of these amazing nuns it really helped me……
    so thank u beyond the earth and sky…..

  76. Lai on Jun 28, 2012 at 10:13 am

    Thanks Rinpoche for sharing this inspiring interviews, there is no difference whatsoever between male and female. Buddha Nature is equally present in everyone.

  77. Ethan Hoo on Jun 28, 2012 at 9:38 am

    This is so inspiring. I’m so humbled by their complete guru devotion and sheer focus of their practice. May their devotion inspire us all to do the same.

  78. Ivy on Jun 28, 2012 at 7:49 am

    This is so inspiring Rinpoche. I rejoice to see women so seriously devoted to practice. Thank you so much for posting this 🙂

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  • Brent
    Tuesday, Mar 26. 2024 04:47 PM
    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/
  • 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.

1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · »

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

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The Unknown

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

Photos On The Go

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

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

Always be kind to animals and eat vegetarian- https://bit.ly/2Psp8h2
5 years ago
My Dharma boy (left) and Oser girl loves to laze around on the veranda in the mornings. They enjoy all the trees, grass and relaxing under the hot sun. Sunbathing is a favorite daily activity. I care about these two doggies of mine very much and I enjoy seeing them happy. They are with me always. Tsem Rinpoche Always be kind to animals and eat vegetarian- https://bit.ly/2Psp8h2
After you left me Mumu, I was alone. I have no family or kin. You were my family. I can\'t stop thinking of you and I can\'t forget you. My bond and connection with you is so strong. I wish you were by my side. Tsem Rinpoche
5 years ago
After you left me Mumu, I was alone. I have no family or kin. You were my family. I can't stop thinking of you and I can't forget you. My bond and connection with you is so strong. I wish you were by my side. Tsem Rinpoche
This story is a life-changer. Learn about the incredible Forest Man of India | 印度“森林之子”- https://bit.ly/2Eh4vRS
5 years ago
This story is a life-changer. Learn about the incredible Forest Man of India | 印度“森林之子”- https://bit.ly/2Eh4vRS
Part 2-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
5 years ago
Part 2-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
Part 1-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
5 years ago
Part 1-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
The great Protector Manjushri Dorje Shugden depicted in the beautiful Mongolian style. To download a high resolution file: https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
5 years ago
The great Protector Manjushri Dorje Shugden depicted in the beautiful Mongolian style. To download a high resolution file: https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
The Mystical land of Shambhala is finally ready for everyone to feast their eyes and be blessed. A beautiful post with information, art work, history, spirituality and a beautiful book composed by His Holiness the 6th Panchen Rinpoche. ~ https://bit.ly/309MHBi
5 years ago
The Mystical land of Shambhala is finally ready for everyone to feast their eyes and be blessed. A beautiful post with information, art work, history, spirituality and a beautiful book composed by His Holiness the 6th Panchen Rinpoche. ~ https://bit.ly/309MHBi
Beautiful pictures of the huge Buddha in Longkou Nanshan- https://bit.ly/2LsBxVb
5 years ago
Beautiful pictures of the huge Buddha in Longkou Nanshan- https://bit.ly/2LsBxVb
The reason-Very interesting thought- https://bit.ly/2V7VT5r
5 years ago
The reason-Very interesting thought- https://bit.ly/2V7VT5r
NEW Bigfoot cafe in Malaysia! Food is delicious!- https://bit.ly/2VxdGau
5 years ago
NEW Bigfoot cafe in Malaysia! Food is delicious!- https://bit.ly/2VxdGau
DON\'T MISS THIS!~How brave Bonnie survived by living with a herd of deer~ https://bit.ly/2Lre2eY
5 years ago
DON'T MISS THIS!~How brave Bonnie survived by living with a herd of deer~ https://bit.ly/2Lre2eY
Global Superpower China Will Cut Meat Consumption by 50%! Very interesting, find out more- https://bit.ly/2V1sJFh
5 years ago
Global Superpower China Will Cut Meat Consumption by 50%! Very interesting, find out more- https://bit.ly/2V1sJFh
You can download this beautiful Egyptian style Dorje Shugden Free- https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
5 years ago
You can download this beautiful Egyptian style Dorje Shugden Free- https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
Beautiful high file for print of Lord Manjushri. May you be blessed- https://bit.ly/2V8mwZe
5 years ago
Beautiful high file for print of Lord Manjushri. May you be blessed- https://bit.ly/2V8mwZe
Mongolian (Oymiakon) Shaman in Siberia, Russia. That is his real outfit he wears. Very unique. TR
5 years ago
Mongolian (Oymiakon) Shaman in Siberia, Russia. That is his real outfit he wears. Very unique. TR
Find one of the most beautiful temples in the world in Nara, Japan. It is the 1,267 year old Todai-ji temple that houses a 15 meter Buddha Vairocana statue who is a cosmic and timeless Buddha. Emperor Shomu who sponsored this beautiful temple eventually abdicated and ordained as a Buddhist monk. Very interesting history and story. One of the places everyone should visit- https://bit.ly/2VgsHhK
5 years ago
Find one of the most beautiful temples in the world in Nara, Japan. It is the 1,267 year old Todai-ji temple that houses a 15 meter Buddha Vairocana statue who is a cosmic and timeless Buddha. Emperor Shomu who sponsored this beautiful temple eventually abdicated and ordained as a Buddhist monk. Very interesting history and story. One of the places everyone should visit- https://bit.ly/2VgsHhK
Manjusri Kumara (bodhisattva of wisdom), India, Pala dynesty, 9th century, stone, Honolulu Academy of Arts
5 years ago
Manjusri Kumara (bodhisattva of wisdom), India, Pala dynesty, 9th century, stone, Honolulu Academy of Arts
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    5 years ago
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    6 years ago
    Lovely gift for my 52nd Birthday. Tsem Rinpoche
  • This 59-year-old chimpanzee was refusing food and ready to die until...
    6 years ago
    This 59-year-old chimpanzee was refusing food and ready to die until...
    she received “one last visit from an old friend” 💔💔
  • Bigfoot sighted again and made it to the news.
    6 years ago
    Bigfoot sighted again and made it to the news.
  • Casper is such a cute and adorable. I like him.
    6 years ago
    Casper is such a cute and adorable. I like him.
  • Dorje Shugden Monastery Amarbayasgalant  Mongolia's Ancient Hidden Gem
    6 years ago
    Dorje Shugden Monastery Amarbayasgalant Mongolia's Ancient Hidden Gem
  • Don't you love Hamburgers? See how 'delicious' it is here!
    6 years ago
    Don't you love Hamburgers? See how 'delicious' it is here!
  • Such a beautiful and powerful message from a person who knows the meaning of life. Tsem Rinpoche
    6 years ago
    Such a beautiful and powerful message from a person who knows the meaning of life. Tsem Rinpoche
  • What the meat industry figured out is that you don't need healthy animals to make a profit.
    6 years ago
    What the meat industry figured out is that you don't need healthy animals to make a profit.
    Sick animals are more profitable... farms calculate how close to death they can keep animals without killing them. That's the business model. How quickly they can be made to grow, how tightly they can be packed, how much or how little can they eat, how sick they can get without dying... We live in a world in which it's conventional to treat an animal like a block of wood. ~ Jonathan Safran Foer
  • This video went viral and it's a must watch!!
    6 years ago
    This video went viral and it's a must watch!!
  • SEE HOW THIS ANIMAL SERIAL KILLER HAS NO ISSUE BLUDGEONING THIS DEFENSELESS BEING.
    6 years ago
    SEE HOW THIS ANIMAL SERIAL KILLER HAS NO ISSUE BLUDGEONING THIS DEFENSELESS BEING.
    This happens daily in slaughterhouse so you can get your pork and Bak ku teh. Stop eating meat.

ASK A PASTOR


Ask the Pastors

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

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

Scroll down and click on "View All Questions" to view archived questions.

  • March 28, 2024 05:40
    Jason asked: Continuing from the previous answer, how do we liberate ourselves from samsara if it’s impossible to not create further karma while existing in samsara? If we create karma just be existing, that means that we will keep reincarnating over and over again so it seems like we’re stuck in the cycle
    pastor answered: Dear Jason, You've asked a very interesting follow-up question. Generally speaking, yes if you are in samsara, then you are always creating more karma. That's why the goal of Buddhists is to be liberated from samsara. The Buddha and other enlightened beings achieved this and the practice of Dharma itself is geared towards achieving this. I'll try to explain it here, hopefully I can do so in such a short space. So, normally there is no way out of samsara, but when you practice the Dharma there is. Remember in my previous reply to you, I mentioned that there are differing levels of severity of karma? Some are heavier, some lighter, etc. When practising the Dharma, you reduce the amount of karma that you produce. When you have less effects of karma, due to less negative karma itself, you can focus more on the spiritual practices that lead to liberation. I'll take the examples of the Refuge vows. There are 10 of them, split into three categories related to the body, speech and mind. First is the body, which includes to abstain form killing, as killing creates negative karma. The in the speech section, it includes to abstain from lying. This is harder to do. What is easier - to abstain from killing another human being, or lying to another person. The easier one is not to kill. Hence, you train yourself in this manner, working from those actions that are easiest to avoid, working up to those that are harder. For example in the mind section, one of the vows is not to covet something that another person has. But this is harder to do than either not lying or not killing. In other words, in our spiritual practice, we reduce the karma that we create though the actions of our body, speech and mind. Since we have less karma, we suffer less. And then finally, we are get to really subtle levels of karma, which are like residue in our mindstreams. But it's still there. In order to get out of samsara, you need to realise what we call emptiness (which is way to complicated to talk about here). In other words, the very path of the Dharma is to reduce the karma we create, starting with the easiest and working up to the hardest, which is where it becomes the easiest to understand emptiness. This who journey is a process, that's why teachings such as the Lamrim are indesipensible as it shows us the actual way to practice. Normally, we are stuck in Samsara. But when we practice the Dharma and ultimately realise emptiness (there are many, many steps in between) we are able to get out of samsara completely. This may sound confusing, which is why in Buddhism study, understand and practice is very important. We have Dharma classes available, where you can learn and find out more: https://www.kechara.com/learn/dharma-classes/ I hope this helps.
  • March 27, 2024 06:10
    Jason asked: People-especially family put certain expectations on us and when we refuse, it causes them a lot of stress and anger and we make them suffer…. my family wants me to marry and have kids but I don’t want to be tied down to Samsara any further and just explaining that I want to shave my head drives my mom crazy and she starts speaking to me in a very loud and forceful manner saying that she doesn’t care what I have to say and that she knows better than me so she will do whatever it takes make me have a family even if she ends up becoming a villain in my eyes because it’s for my own good so that I won’t be alone and lonely when I’m old. When we say no to people, especially to people who care about us and want the best for us, do we accumulate negative karma from causing them emotional turmoil and pain
    pastor answered: Dear Jason, Thank you for your question. In essence, any action that causes another person harm or suffering whether physical or emotional generates negative karma. But karma is complicated and not as simple as we usually think about it. There are differences in level of severity of karma created, some can be very light and some can be heavy. These are due to the variables when creating karma, such as motivation, the actions, your feelings after it, etc. This can all be found in teachings that talk about karma, especially the Lamrim teachings. In Buddhism we teach that we need to avoid the creation of negative karma for sure. But simply by being stuck in samsara, there is actually no way out of creating karma. That is why Buddhists seek to be free from samsara altogether. Only when we are free from samsara, are we free from the creation of karma. In relation to your situation, if you are young and rely on your parents, for now you should try not to do things that are create division or disharmony within the family environment. That itself if the practice of the Dharma. Then later, when you are independent you can make more of an informed choice about what you want to do. Even in your current situation, you can practice the Dharma, it is not necessary to become a monk or nun to progress on your spiritual path. Dharma can be practiced in any environment, and actually practising towards our family is the best. When we transform our minds and our behvariours and they see just how beneficial this transformation is, this is the best way to show them that Dharma is good. This was a piece of advice that Tsem Rinpoche used to tell people in family situations all the time. I hope this helps you.
  • March 26, 2024 02:28
    Rojal Poudel asked: How can I meet my guru? Does one need a guru for initiation for tantra and other stuff on the path to enlightenment? Does one need a guru to attain enlightenment?
    pastor answered: Dear Rojal, Thank you for your question. In regards to meeting your guru, there are many different ways. These days you can meet your guru online as well. For example, many people did not meet Tsem Rinpoche personally, but they consider him to be there guru. You may find this article interesting: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/the-guru-protocol-a-guide-to-knowing-who-your-guru-is.html In regards to tantra, yes, one definitely needs a qualified guru to bestow initiation and teach us the path of practice once you have initiation. In regards to our tradition, it is also considered necessary to have a guru to attain full enlightenment. Hope this helps. The article lined above will definitely help to answer some of your questions on a deeper level. Thank you.
  • March 25, 2024 10:35
    Rojal Poudel asked: How can you deepen your spiritual progress while sleeping? I heard some people can go to pure lands and get teachings directly from Buddha’s, Bodhisattva’s, and Dharma Protecters. Are these possible from Lucid Dreaming and Astral Projection?
    pastor answered: Dear Rojal, Thank you for your questions. It's always nice to see you here wanting to learn more. Yes it is definitely possible to deepen your practice in your sleep. This is done during practice of Highest Yoga Tantra, after receiving initiation and progressed along generation stage practice. This would obviously include everything before receiving such iniation such as having a basis and grounding in the Three Principle Aspects of the Path and the Lamrim teachings. In this practice you are able to use sleep to engage in meditation. This would need you to be able to lucid dream before hand. The ability to lucid dream itself can be developed a number of ways, but the most common is single-pointed mediation concentration during waking life. This is also known as Shamatha meditation. But in this case, the object of your meditation should be a mental one, rather than a physical one. The best would be a visualisation of the Buddha. All of this is outlined in the Lamrim teachings in the section on developing concentration. In terms of Astral Travel, yes it is definitely possible, and again there are different methods to go about this. Again this should be done only after having received the appropriate intiations and teachings from your guru. However, there are quite a few dangers involved with this. As Tsem Rinpoche mentioned before, the two main ones is that your consciousness is not able to return to your body and two that a spirit can take possession of your body if your protection is not strong and you have not invoked a Dharma protector to help with protection aspects. Another thing about astral travel, is that even if learn how to do it, it is not necessary that you can actually visit pure lands or receive teachings, etc. This is because, to do this, would require a lot of merit. So there are many things and practices to develop merit before you should engage in it. Often times, people who claim that they have received teachings or visited purelands, actually haven't though they may think that they did. It could simply be a projection of one's mind and in some serious cases perhaps even due to spirits mascarading. If you would like to learn lucid dreaming, please look into the teachings of single-pointed concentration normally. The ability of lucid dreaming comes naturally for those who progress in their shamatha meditation. As for astral travel practices, I would advise not to engage in such practices unless you receive the appropriate initiations, teachings from and under the strict supervision of a qualified guru. Hope this helps.
  • March 24, 2024 01:17
    Dirji asked: How can I see my kaytsa
    pastor answered: Dear Dirji, We are sorry, but we do not understand your question. Perhaps because you asked using the english phoenetics of the word. If possible, please post again using either the English translation of the word or using the Tibetan script, so that we can help you properly. Thank you.
  • March 23, 2024 12:11
    Marc asked: What is the direct translation of Tsem Rinpoche’s name mantra? Thank you 🙏🏽
    pastor answered: Dear Marc, Thank you for your question. You can find a translation of the meaning of Tsem Rinpoche's name mantra on Kechara's Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=683136630510067. Hope this helps. Thank you.
  • March 22, 2024 20:27
    Rojal Poudel asked: I am about to leave everything behind. I am tired of this life where I do the same thing everyday. I see everything but dharma as an illusion. I want to attain some sort of realization so that I can benefit other sentient beings. I am very inspired by the story of Milarepa, who gave up everything to learn dharma. Even the Buddha gave up comfort and luxury in search for this supreme truth. I also want to follow the Please tell me what I should do.
    pastor answered: Dear Rojal, We can understand that you feel this way, and seeing the illusion of life should definitely motivate us to want to achieve something more spiritual. In the past when people asked Tsem Rinpoche the same question, he used to tell people a couple of things: > The first is that there are two methods to deal with our spiritual path. The first is to physically renounce everything and go into the wilderness, like Buddha Shakyamuni and Milarepa did. To cut yourself from everyone and everything and meditate continuously for years until you achieve realisation. But this is very hard to do in our day and age. We still need to have contact with people, there are the necessities of life to think about. Rinpoche said we need to think about things from a practice angle also. It takes a very great level of practitioner with an immense store of merit to be able to do this successfully. > The second method is to keep living within our a community and use them as a support for the transformation of the mind and spiritual progress. For example, that it why we have monasteries and nunneries, or Dharma centres and organisations to help with spiritual practice. This method is more measured, but you can still gain the same results. This is the more practical method. Especially according to the Mahayana path of practice, Bodhisattvas need to practice certain qualities in our minds and we progress towards enlightenment. Such qualities include the Six Perfections, but if we are not around others, how do we practice them? In order to practice generosity, we need others to be generous towards. In order to practice patience, we need others to be patient towards. In order to practice morality and ethics, we need to be in situations to be able to practice our vows. Enlightened beings like Buddha and Milarepa were able to do all of this in their minds during meditation but as mentioned before they were already high level pracitioners with immense merit. For example, Buddha Shakyamuni had three countless aeons of consistent practice life time after life time until his achieved enlightenment. > Another thing that Rinpoche shared, that while understanding the drawbacks of life and the benefits of becoming enlightened, a lot of the time what happens these days is that it is mixed up with emotion due to the challenges of life. People are looking for an escape, but not an escape from samsara into enlightenment, but simple an escape from their current problems. The need for escape, known as renunciation in Buddhism, is not to simply escape samsara, but developed in a certain way through contemplation and meditation. When we have such feelings, we should analyse them to see if they are in accord with the teachings and the methods of developing true renunciation. Many people also have a unrealistic way of thinking about physical renunciation and the spiritual path in general. Most people think it is easy, but it is not, is difficult because we need to deal with our minds, our emotions, our traumas, etc, from countless lives. If we don't have a firm foundation in Dharma practice and transformation before we attempt something like Buddha Shakyamuni or Milarepa, we will give up after a while because we find it too hard. And perhaps give up spiritual practice because the path did not actually match our expectations. So the key is to be as realistic as possible about our spiritual path. So our advice, rather than give up everything, as you may have family or other responsibilities, is to use your current situation to transform your mind, to practice the teachings right now in life, so that you can start progressing along the spiritual life. The best way to do this is to practice the Lamrim teachings, which give you a firm roadmap of how and what to practice in a sequential manner. Giving up everything is not necessary to make real progress on the spiritual path, as outlined in the Lamrim, but sustained and consistent practice is the key. Then use the situations in your life to actualise that transformation. We hope this helps.
  • March 21, 2024 00:44
    Jason asked: I listened to Tsem Rinpoche’s dharma talk and was inspired to be patient and kind towards other. For a while I felt like my mind had transformed and I started being more proactive in helping others and making sure to complete my responsibilities as perfectly as I can to not burden others and taking the initiative to help people that I see are struggling with their work but recently I have been feeling like I’m actually harming others instead of helping them by being kind because I feel like I’m enabling their bad behavior and rude attitude, especially one person in particular that I have to work with. No matter how much I help and show kindness, they don’t seem to change…and now I feel like a pushover for smiling and helping them even though they don’t show any appreciation or respect for it and instead take advantage of me and push even more of their responsibilities on me. I’ve been having thoughts that my kindness and patience has just become a cover for fear of confrontation now. What should I do? I feel like I’m gonna lose control and lash out even though I try to focus my mind on how the people around me must be struggling
    pastor answered: Dear Jason, Thank you for your question. We are very happy to hear that Tsem Rinpoche's Dharma talks have inspired you, especially to practice patience and kindness towards others. Please do keep it up, the benefits of both qualities are immense and are central to spiritual transformation. We should always try our best to practice both patience and kindness, but sometimes practising it in the way we think may not be the best option. For example, in the case that you mentioned, it is not having the right effect on your own mind and also you are enabling your co-worker to exhibit negative behaviours as well. In this case, actually practising kindness would not be to become a pushover, taking more responsibilities, etc. This isn't beneficial for your or the co-worker. So here, practising kindness would actually be not to allow the person to do such things, but it should be practised with patience and not out of emotion. So you would do this in a very skilfful manner. The best would be to have a talk with your co-worker in a very calm manner and explain how you are feeling and how they are making you feel in the work environment, and try to sort out the situation before it progresses. Especially since you are having such thoughts of anger and the posibility of lashing out. Practicing kindness and patience is not at all become a push over or allowing others to skip out on their responsibilities, etc. We really hope this helps. Thank you.
  • March 20, 2024 14:49
    Sok asked: Hello respected pastors. Is Kusha grass same as Durva grass? How to obtain kusha grass?
    pastor answered: Dear Sok, Kusha grass and Durva grass are two different types of grass, they are not the same. Kusha grass is also known as halfa grass, big cordgrass, or salt reed-grass. Its scientific name is Desmostachya Bipinnata. In shape, each blade of grass is long and straight. Durva grass is also known as bermuda grass. Its scientific name is Cynodon Dactylon. In shape, each blade looks segmented and has smaller leaves sprouting from it. You can google the scientific name to see the difference between the two. Generally, they can be bought at Indian religious stores if there are any nearby where you live. Alternatively, if you live in Asia, you can buy a traditional grass broom, which you can substitue for the Kusha grass. It is a close relative of Kusha grass and the lamas have said that it can be used as substitue if you cannot find the actual grass. I hope this helps. Thank you.
  • March 19, 2024 20:56
    Bhavisha asked: How to know wheather specific LOCAL deity is enlighten or not?
    pastor answered: Dear Bhavisha, Local deities are not enlightened. They are sentient beings who look after or take care of a specific area. There are different names for these types of beings, such as local deities, Land God, Landowner deities, etc. They belong to the God Realm, but as other beings in the god realm, they are not enlightened. Hope this helps.
  • March 18, 2024 09:57
    Rojal Poudel asked: What comes after attaining samatha or calm abiding meditation?
    pastor answered: Dear Rojal, Nice to see you back here! Shamatha is a tool, basically through this meditation you develop single pointed concentration. But after developing that, you use it to engage in Vipashyana meditation, otherwise known as Special Insight. Different traditions have different version of Special Insight. In our tradition, we use this type of meditation to analyse what we call "emptiness." The teachings on the emptiness are the actual teaching that leads to enlightenment. All other teachings or practices help to prepare your mind to be able to do this. Shamatha comes in, because the topic of emptiness is so deep, that we need single-pointed concentration to analyse it. If we don't have this type of concentration, we will not be able to understand emptiness. Hence, shamatha and vipashyana meditation are used in tandem to achieve enlightenment. This may seem a little abstract. The Lamrim teachings go into this in a lot of detail. They can be found in the chapters dealing with the Concentration and Wisdom as part of the Six Perfections in the Great Scope sections of the Lamrim. Hope this helps. Thank you.
  • March 17, 2024 23:16
    Jonathan Tan asked: Hi Dear Pastor, I am curious if H.E 25th Tsem Rinpoche had any heart disciples (son/daughter) Is there a difference between heart and root disciples?
    pastor answered: Dear Jonathan, Thank you for your question. There is no one heart disciple of Tsem Rinpoche. This usually refers to specific person who carries on the teachings and practices of a particular teacher. Tsem Rinpoche wanted something different for Kechara, hence we carry on his teachings and practices as a group, rather than one specific person. Rinpoche trained his students, who are either Sangha, Pastors or senior students in various ways of continuing his teachings, especially through the work that they do. In this way, we continue Rinpoche's teachings as a group rather than any one heart disciple. Hope that this helps. Thank you.
  • March 16, 2024 01:18
    Sirius asked: Hi dear pastors, I'd like to get recomendations on how to improve my actual sadhana. My morning starts by taking refuge and making offerings to the three jewls, followed by Lama Tsongkhapa's Guru Yoga. After this I usually study Lam Rim, and other Dharma Texts. During the afternoon I meditate for a about an hour or so, and somedays I do the Dorje Shugden sadhana given by Rinpoche. Finally at night I finish my day by doing Vajrasattva meditation and confession to the 35 Buddhas. What else can I do to improve my sadhana? What practices would you recomend me to do? Do you have recomendations on texts I could read? I would like to add that I live in Argentina, and I do not have any buddhist temple near sadly, so I cannot go there to practice, learm or collab. I would appreciate advice on this. Thank you in advance.
    pastor answered: Dear Sirius, Thank you for your question. In terms of practice, you are doing a lot. We are very happy to read that you are doing all these beneficial practices. They will be very beneficial for you. What you are doing is very good already, the only thing that I would say is to make the Dorje Shugden sadhana consistent as well as the others. If you are doing the short Diamond Path sadhana, it includes the Vajrasatta meditations, so you don't have to do it separately. We just have some points to help you improve your practice: > First is whenever you do any of the practices, is it vital to make sure you take refuge, generate bodhicitta and practice the four immeasurables before each session. And then at the end of the session, make sure to dedicate. This seals the merit generated from your practice. This is very important as if we don't have the correct motivation at the beginning and dedicate it at the end, since the merit is not sealed, the positive potential is destroyed when we have disturbing emotions, especially anger. > The second is to be consistent in your practices and do them daily. If you cannot be consistent with the practices you are doing at the moment, then reduce what you are doing to make it simple, for example just the Diamond Path (which includes Tsongkhapa's Guru Yoga anyway). Then once you are consistent daily, later you can slow add in other practices and become consistent with them. > The third is to keep revising the teachings on these practices, understand the motivation, deepen your visualisations, etc. > In regards to your meditation, if you are doing breathing or concentration meditation, again, revise the teachings again and again to make your practice stronger and understand where you are on your meditational path. > You can also spend some time every day, maybe five or ten minutes contemplating the Lamrim teachings step by step. This itself is extremely transformational and will propel you along the spiritual path. In regards to what else to study or read, here is a very good article: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/books-that-are-a-must-read.html If you consider Tsem Rinpoche to be your spiritual teacher, there are thousands of hours of teachings on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoTg0Wc5q3Gnz8ej3ETCdMQ You can watch and re-watch them to deepen your understanding and practice. I hope all of this helps.
  • March 14, 2024 05:53
    Alby asked: Hi, I was just wondering if spirits or ghost can possess Buddha statues and haunt the owner of the statue? I heard that before inviting a statue of the Buddha into your house, it has to be blessed by monks first. Is this a necessary requirement?
    pastor answered: Dear Alby, The physical form representations of the Buddhas, including statues, are very special as each form of a Buddha represents not only the path to enlightenment, but the state of enlightenment itself. In fact, even just seeing a Buddha image plants imprints in our minds that will open when the conditions are right, to help us further along our spiritual path. So they are powerful and protective in and of themselves, as long as they have been created according to correct iconography. This last point is very important. That being said, images or statues are just pieces of metal or clay, etc. When statues are consecrated, they actually become the embodiement of the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma and Sangha). That's why making offerings and doing any virtuous activity (even cleaning them) generates merit for your spiritual journey. As embodiments of the Three Jewels there is no way that they can be possessed by spirits that haunt the owner of the statue. Traditionally, statues are made to be hollow and then filled with certain mantras and holy items, then consecrated. Following the traditional method will be the most effective to bless your statue properly. If your statue is hollow, at Kechara we offer a service to fill your statue properly with the correct mantras, etc. The service is part of Kechara Saraswati Arts. You can find out more here: https://www.kechara.com/services/buddhist-art/ We also have DIY kits available if you cannot send your statue in and would like to do it yourself: https://www.vajrasecrets.com/mantra-rolls-complete [Please note these mantras are inserted into specific parts of the statue, you can contact Vajrasecrets through the website to get more information on how to fill the statue yourself] https://www.vajrasecrets.com/mantra-rolls-anywhere [These mantras can be inserted anywhere within the statue] If you cannot do any of these, then at the very least, you should insert something into the statue so that it is not completely hollow. This can be a piece of paper with the mantra OM AH HUM written on it (either Tibetan or English is fine). Then roll this up and place in the statue. Otherwise you can use a pearl or semi-precious stone, etc. While statues themselves have protective power, when they are left empty there is a certain type of spirit that come to reside inside a statue as it is completely hollow. It's a spirit that likes hollow places. However, this type of spirit is not usually malicious or harmful. But that is one of the reasons a statue is never left hollow. Once the filling is done, the traditional ceremonies of consecration known as Soongdrup Puja (to bless the insertion items) and the Rabney Puja (to fully consecrate the statues) are performed, which we also offer https://www.vajrasecrets.com/rabney-soongdrup-consecration-puja-fund For those who cannot have the pujas done for whatever reason, you can actually bless the statues yourself. A comprehensive guide and the prayers necessary for doing this are available here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/prayers-and-sadhanas/how-to-bless-buddha-images-yourself.html Given all of this, yes there is a type of spirit that can inhabit statues, but only if they are completely empty and not consecrated (whether by a monk, lay practitioner, yourself, it doesn't matter). But this type of spirit cannot haunt the person, etc, in that sense. It simply resides in the statue. The reason why statues are blessed or consecrated is so that they embody the Three Jewels, they become immense objects of merit making and protection from spirits, negativity, etc. So, if you do have a statue or are thinking of an inviting a statue, the best would be to have it filled and consecrated properly. However, even if you cannot, you can do the blessing yourself. There is no need to worry about a statue being haunted if not consecrated by a monk before you invite it or bring home. In fact, if you have a personal practice, at the end of your practice you can dissolve your visualisation into the statue, to bless it. This actually makes your statue much more powerful than consecration alone. You basically bless your statue through your own daily practice. I hope this information helps. Thank you.
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CHAT PICTURES

Rejoice to the volunteers (also kind sponsors) who cleaned the Gyenze Chapel and made abundant offerings to Gyenze. ~ Alice
yesterday
Rejoice to the volunteers (also kind sponsors) who cleaned the Gyenze Chapel and made abundant offerings to Gyenze. ~ Alice
Offered beautiful flowers abundantly to Gyenze. ~ Alice
yesterday
Offered beautiful flowers abundantly to Gyenze. ~ Alice
Offered beautiful flowers abundantly to Gyenze. ~ Alice
yesterday
Offered beautiful flowers abundantly to Gyenze. ~ Alice
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.
4 days 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.
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 weeks 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 weeks 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.
2 weeks 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.
2 weeks 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
2 weeks 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
2 weeks 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
2 weeks 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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)
2 months 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)
2 months 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)
2 months 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)
2 months 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.
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.
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.
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.
4 months ago
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.
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.
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.
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.
6 months ago
More pictures of the day! Kechara Penang Chapel & public blessings 3rd Oct 2023 by Jacinta.
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Dorje Shugden
Click to watch my talk about Dorje Shugden....