Appreciation Shrine – Tsem Ladrang USA
Over the years, since I was instructed by my teacher Kyabje Lati Rinpoche to go to Asia, and specifically Malaysia, to disseminate the Dharma to people who are ready and karmically connected, there have been incredible people every step of the way who have contributed to the works of the Dharma: printing, painting, traveling, facilities, food, advice, help, filming, cleaning, washing, working, volunteering, finances, sponsorship and outright loyal friendship. Contributions does not necessarily infer money only but any contributions. There has been tremendous setbacks and massive obstacles, but through it there were people who stood by. I can never forget them. There have been many, many people who have done all that, past and present, and they will come in the future also. Not only did they contribute to the Dharma growing through Kechara, but through Kechara it has reached millions of people. They have also assisted my personal well-being with their sponsorship and their contributions in so many ways and I am grateful for that.
Here in the *Ladrang in the USA, I have created this corner to dedicate to every single person who has done so, past, present and future. I am someone who always remembers whatever everyone has done, and this is my way of showing my gratitude and appreciation for their kindness. I will have offerings made here daily to the Buddhas, in dedication to all of the people past, present and the future who come and contribute in any way, shape and in any form. These people know who you are-Thank You!
The offerings will be dedicated to their life and lives, their happiness, their future positive rebirths, their enlightenment, their awakening and their spiritual progress, and most importantly peace, harmony and good fortune. I do this happily and in great gratitude, from the depths of my heart because without gratitude, we will never consider where we come from, who gave us what and how we became who we are. Everything I have and Kechara came from the dedication, contributions of so many people and they must be remembered, honored and prayers made for them. These people come primarily from Malaysia, Singapore, America, Asia and North America. So many kind people in especially Malaysia must be remembered here. Malaysia has been my biggest benefactors for most of my works. Thank you Malaysia and all friends who have contributed. Even while here in the USA for the last six months, there were a few outstanding people who offered and contributed their help.
Sometimes we can have a relationship with people and later, we don’t have a relationship with them. But still we have to remember that even the people we don’t have a relationship with have contributed something to our personal growth. So we have to focus on the good, and not the negative. No one only gave us bad. So this is the Appreciation Shrine for all these people, specially created to generate merits for their spiritual life, happiness and family. This Appreciation Shrine in in my ladrang here in the USA.
Not only will we be making offerings of light and incense daily, but I will also give food to the birds and animals here next to the Appreciation Shrine, and dedicate it to them because feeding animals is a wonderful way of increasing life and making sure that they always receive the resources they need in the future. I often release and feed animals to dedicate to others. For example taking vegetarian vows and dedicating the energy from that to our gurus and loved ones or sick friends is powerful.
To all of the people who have contributed to my well-being and the Dharma works both physical and online, nothing I do could have been possible without your kindness and generosity so I am humbly and deeply indebted. May everything written in the special sutra called the King of Prayers be bestowed on all these people. May everything the Superior Bodhisattva Manjushri and Buddha Tsongkapa in their prayers for sentient beings come true for these and all people. May all goodness come forth. Sarva Mangalam.
Much gratitude, much care and much appreciation,
Tsem Rinpoche
*Ladrang in Tibetan means a lama’s private residence and office. For more information about the rest of the Ladrang, please click here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/me/tsem-ladrang-usa.html
A close-up of one of the two dedication plaques.
Chinese translation:
致所有在过去、现在、未来为克切拉做出贡献的
功德主、学佛弟子、义工、员工、朋友和支持者们，
我在此回向，让你们享有极度的安宁、快乐、爱与光明，我祈愿你们生生世世都受到圣者们的加持和保护，受到十方诸佛的加持，直到开悟成佛。
我由衷地将此成就的所有功德，如《普贤行愿品》中所提到的，回向给所有人。
至诚之爱，
詹杜固仁波切
2014年5月14日
A close-up of the second dedication plaque. I had composed the messages on both plaques, and instructed that they be hand-painted and easy to read
Chinese translation:
此佛坛与供养品所成就的莫大功德将回向给在我心中过去、现在和未来的所有马来西亚人和新加坡人们。
因为他们的出现，我才能够以我有限的方式谦卑地将佛法弘扬到全世界。
深切的感恩，
詹杜固仁波切 合十
I purchased this Buddha to specially dedicate to my landlord Gail, her family and especially her mother Gladys who was a Buddhist and lived in this house for many years. This Buddha is here on this shrine and dedicated to Gladys' memory. May all goodness bless Gladys and her family always. Thank you.
The Appreciation Shrine, featuring Shakyamuni, Medicine Buddha, Kuan Yin and Tara. Offerings of candles and incense are made here everyday in dedication to Kechara and her benefactors
Many of these wonderful candleholders, pedestals and manis came from a nice shop in Malibu
A close-up of the Appreciation Shrine. I personally created this shrine, buying the candle holders, plants, stones and inviting the statues myself (we rented a U-Haul truck!)
Every single day, incense and candle offerings are made and dedicated to Kechara's benefactors
Precious crystals, mani stones and aspirational prayers are offered to the Buddhas everyday, on the sponsors' behalf
These are the qualities I wish for my benefactors to develop and to realise
May Kechara's sponsors have long life, good health and always be reborn into places where there is Dharma
Bird seed is placed next to the Appreciation Shrine. This plants imprints in the birds' mindstreams when they come to eat. Also, in feeding animals, the merits thus generated are dedicated to the long lives of Kechara's sponsors
The Appreciation Shrine by night
Please support us so that we can continue to bring you more Dharma:
If you are in the United States, please note that your offerings and contributions are tax deductible. ~ the tsemrinpoche.com blog team
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing your very beautiful shrine with us. I love the beautiful setting. It’s very creative,with beautiful plants and flowers. I wish to use these beautiful pictures for Dharma social media to complement with Rinpoche’s Dharma quotes._/\_
Very beautiful appreciation shrine……beautifully set up created by our Precious Guru in appreciation to all that have sponsored ,volunteered, gardening and so forth to Tsem Ladrand USA then.
I love the Buddha Statues and the surrounding area….simplely so beautiful and peaceful by looking at those photos.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing , specially dedicated to all Kechara’s benefactors.
Dear Rinpoche,
The surrounding environment feel good and nature.
Enjoy the nice weather and take good rest.
Forever Thankful to you.
Steven
Dear Rinpoche,
That is a very wonderful appreciation shrine that Rinpoche has set up!
The shrine is totally beautiful and I love how all the items on the shrine go well with the Buddha Statues and I especially love all the stones with the Chinese and English words engraved on to it!
it is really thoughtful for Rinpoche to always remember the sponsors of the Tsem Ladrang.
Thank you Rinpoche for remembering and appreciating the kind sponsors of the Tsem Ladrang U.S.A.
With Much Love
Jutika
That is a beautiful shrine. I think that making the choice to make this shrine was a fantastic idea. It’s good that many people have come together to offer things to Rinpoche. I hope that this shrine increases in the future. Thank you for sharing the pictures and information with is Rinpoche. I hope that Rinpoche will continue to share more things from Rinpoches time in the USA with us.
Thanks Rinpoche for the sharing.
I like the outdoor shrine concept very much. I would like to set up an outdoor shrine outside my house too.
Hope that i will be able to find a suitable stand to put outside my house. And of course i will put my favorite Tara on the shrine, hehe.
Thank you Rinpoche for the lovely pictures of this beautiful appreciation shrine.Appreciation Shrine is very beautiful and filled with care and love.Thank you for the teaching on appreciation and gratitude,I will keep on mind the kindness of others.
This is so beautiful and heartfelt ~ we want to make a dedication shrine too~
Love and Appreciation
Oya
Dear Rinpoche,
The appreciation shrine is so beautiful and I feel so blessed because You always teach us in every action. This is such a good reminder. All your thoughts are directed to benefit all beings and all benefactors to Kechara.
Like David Lai comments, Rinpoche teaches that the cause to receive is by giving and generosity.
The Buddha statues, setup, plants and flowers and the meaningful words are just perfect. Yes nothing is written in stone.
And the Ladrang with the beautiful surroundings looks great and cosy. So good to find such a good place where Gladys lived happy and caring for so long. I hope you feel very at home.
Much gratitude and deep appreciation.
Antoinette
Dear Rinpoche,
The Appreciation Shrine is solo beautiful. I love how warm it feels. I can totally imagine Rinpoche making sure every stone and Buddha were placed perfectly. And this is how much Rinpoche appreciates everyone who has contributed in all ways to the Dharma. I love the plaques… Thank you for always teaching us and in this instance about Appreciation. Please take care Rinpoche. Li Kim
It’s very extremely beautiful,thanks Rinpoche for teaching us how to show our appreciation and gratitude towards everyone that has once entered our paths in life..This eventually taught me the importance to remember everyone that has contributed in the progress of our life..I will always remember the kindness of my guru and I hope Rinpoche wiill be in good health..
For everything that Rinpoche had received, I have observed that Rinpoche had done 2-3 times more towards creating the cause to receive. Rinpoche taught that the cause to receive is planted in generosity or in giving. Since Rinpoche had practiced the Dharma and gave so much, it has created the cause for Rinpoche to receive so much as well. Rinpoche would also never forget a kindness shown and the shrine is just a great example of this.
Dear Rinpoche thank you for sharing all these beautiful picture with us. I love all the decor in the shrine it look so peaceful especially at nite when all the candles lite up it look like a real Buddha land.
Oh my….so beautiful and nicely done on the appreciation shrine. Love it!! very meaningful and blessed with all the cares and blessings from Rinpoche. The rock engraving idea is superb. simple and nice and raw 😉
Thank you Rinpoche for your devotion to your Guru to stay on and benefit so many of us. Appreciate Rinpoche’s kindness and unconditional love to all of us.
May Rinpoche stays well, healthy and live long to continue turn the wheel of Dharma. We miss you!
Love from home,
Helena
Dearest Rinpoche,
Thanks for Rinpoche kindness always to dedicate Merits to all of us no matter we who we are, where we stay and how much we have support to Rinpoche works and projects…
May Rinpoche stable health and long life (with folded hands)
We also wish that through the Appreciation Shrine may generate Merits for all Rinpoche wishes come true hence continue turn the wheel of Dharma…
Thank you Rinpoche sharing the nice and beautiful photos of “Appreciation Shrine”.I will keep in mind we must always remember the kindness of others.
The Ladrang looks cosy, comfortable and conducive, and the Appreciation Shrine that radiates with deep gratitude, appreciation, care, love, hope and joy is beautiful, and perfect. The plaques, the text/font/colours/design reminds me of the plaque Rinpoche drew for our very first Kechara Paradise outlet, and subsequently, when we all painted Rinpoche’s cabin when we all lived in containers at Kechara Forest Retreat.
Thank you for this post, it’s very nice to see Rinpoche, and also, to know that Malaysia has been good to Rinpoche and Rinpoche’s works. I know Rinpoche will never ever forget any form of kindness shown, as Rinpoche till today remembers the kindness many before has shown, and continue to have them in Rinpoche’s thoughts and prayers and sending gifts and help to them when needed. Reading this touches me deep.
I remember Rinpoche’s teachings to showing gratitude and being appreciative. Showing gratitude and appreciation is a great way for people to surround themselves in your presence and for you to be happy. Why is that? Because you lower your own focus on yourself, and you remember the kindness others has shown to you, and they too will feel happy that you remember. You can bear more and do more for the person, above and over your own personal agendas, because you have gratitude for someone. It is extremely important to have gratitude for the mind to be able to not always take but also return the kindness shown.
Read here for another powerful teaching on gratitude: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/gratitude-makes-us-happier.html
Thank you Rinpoche, for being a role model to us on how to gain freedom in our own minds through our own choices. Its in our own hands and like the sun, moon and star for a vessel lost at sea, Rinpoche illuminates the way for us.
Forever thankful,
Carmen
I was very touch to see what Rinpoche has setup to appreciate all the help Rinpoche has gotten. There’s so much sincere and unconditional care, love and unbroken promises from Rinpoche to continue to guide and take care of others. It is not a shrine that is only meant for decoration but a place that is being setup for all to continue to be blessed with the positive energy and thereby be liberated from self misery. It is a very powerful place solely for the goodness of others. Thank you Rinpoche!
I rejoice! This shrine is absolutely wonderful! It is great to be thankful to all of the people that contributed. However, we should all be more thankful as Rinpoche is the one who gave us the most important thing of our life – The Dharma.
Dear Rinpoche,
The shrine is very beautiful. All images showed just how exquisitely and thoughtfulness put into setting up the Appreciation Shrine.
Rinpoche never forgets people’s kindness, and taught me how to look at what one had taught me [even though they may not have a relationship with me anymore] and to give thanks and appreciation to those who had and has been in my life.
Importantly, I feel it should be ME, us, placing an Appreciation Shrine in my home to show my gratitude for my guru, for always teaching me in all ways and manners – patiently, compassionately – so that I can properly receive Rinpoche’s blessings and understand the teachings and talks given.
Thank you.
Dearest Rinpoche, the Appreciation Shrine is very beautiful and filled with love, care, blessings and many more auspicious items. Thank you for your blessings and the teachings that you have given us in Malaysia and now are very beneficial to many people who are new in Dharma. I sincerely pray for Rinpoche’s long life and good health.
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for the lovely pictures of this beautiful appreciation shrine. I love how the plants and flowers, mani stones and precious crystals , the candle holder and the incense burner are arranged around the statues to create such harmony, peace and beauty.
Thank you for showing us how important it is that we repay the kindness of others.This appreciation shrine expresses so much care and love, in the show of gratitude and appreciation. It is appreciation of the highest form – daily prayers and offerings, daily food to the birds and dedicating all the merits of this to the benefactors and sponsors of Kechara, as well as to all the students and to all who have served and worked for Rinpoche and Kechara and contributed in every way to the spread of Dharma.
In repaying the kindness of my precious Lama, may I continue to give my full focus to serving the Dharma and my Guru,for the benefit of all. May Rinpoche continue to turn the wheel of Dharma to benefit countless beings.
The privilege is ours to have you as our Guru. To me you are undoubtedly a modern day ‘messiah’, an erudite master of spiritual practice. Everyone who has the fortune to have you grace their life for even an instant, has gain more merits than all the wonderful things they have done before they met you. Many may not understand some of the great works you have done (for them) due to their dualistic mind but many many more do an we are very very happy of the outcome. We pray for you good health and long life and for the wheel of dharma to constantly turn for all mother sentient beings. May we continue to be connected with you life after life after life until all our karma are exhausted…
Dear Rinpoche,
The appreciation shrine is beautiful and in response, I HAVE ALSO HUMBLY SET UP AN APPRECIATION SHRINE IN MY HEART DEDICATED TO MY PRECIOUS ROOT GURU, HE TSEM RINPOCHE, for giving me the Dharma and teaching me how beneficial it is to have a great Guru and learn to be the best of who I can be.
The journey is not complete, but with every small step each day, I hope that with the blessings from Rinpoche and the Buddhas, I will attain peace in this life and future lives. With deepest appreciation to my precious Guru.
Dearest Rinpoche, I just love your Appreciation Shrine. So beautifully done. More importantly, the sentiment behind this lovely shrine. I have discovered that being appreciative and thankful for every little blessings in my life makes me a happier person and not to take life or the people around me for granted. Thank you for the video and teaching on appreciation and gratitude. I think if more people have gratitude in their lives, there will be less people with negative attitudes. With folded hands.
Dearest Rinpoche
Thank you for sharing the photos with us. You look well and healthy. I enjoy looking at each and every single of the photos and appreciate the beauty of the shrine. It is soothing the eyes to look at the well-arranged shrine, the statue, pebbles, the plants/flowers are arranged beautifully and harmoniously. I rejoice at all Kechara’s benefactors’ hard work, kindness, support and dedication. It was so touching when I read this blog. I myself also have an appreciation shrine in my heart set up for my kind Guru, who is kinder than all the Buddhas. It is you Rinpoche , who not only gives me the right path for my liberation but also gives me opportunities to create merits and causes for my enlightenment. I do not have much to pay back for you kindness, but what I can do is to continuously support Kechara, remember your teachings, instruction, and to hold my refuge vows and 5 precepts vows strongly that were conferred by you.
With folded hands,
Keith
Rejoice! The Shrine is so beautiful and it’s wonderful that so many people have come together to contribute to Tsem Rinpoche’s work in anyway!