This is a good video interview to watch. Short, sweet and full of direct thoughts from the heart and knowledge. I pray for Ven Tenzin Palmo’s long life and continued dharma success.
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21 Responses to “I Don’t Eat My Friends” – by Tenzin Palmo
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Jacinta Goh on Apr 1, 2022 at 10:51 am
This video posted in Rinpoche’s blog, was definitely one of the reasons why I have given up eating meat during 2013-2014. I thank Jetsunma for this.
Nowadays we can access to variety of food, we have plenty of delicious choices to sustain our health. Knowing that animals suffered greatly even way before they arrive to the slaughter house, we should think again is it necessary to cause so much pain and kill them just to satisfy our taste bud.
Animals are living being, they can love and feel the pain like we human do. They deserve our love and care. When comes to food, we can be healthy and have compassion meal. Just as Ven Tenzin Palmo Jetsunma said, animals are friends, we don’t consume our friends.
Thank you for sharing this video of Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo on vegetarianism. What she has said is very logical and makes a lot of sense. To her, it is very simple, she sees animals as one of us and she sees them as her friends that is why she doesn’t eat them.
Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo said another reason she doesn’t eat meat because no one wants to be slaughtered and be eaten, including animals. This is so true! Animals are not born with the life goal to be killed and eaten so what gives us the right to do that to them? Besides, the fear the animals have to go through before getting slaughtered is horrible, it is really unnecessary to inflict this type of suffering to the animals just to satisfy our tastebuds.
Eating eat is actually eating a dead body if we think deeper. Since we have a choice, why choose to eat meat? The biggest animals in the world, the elephants are vegetarian, if elephants can survive on a vegetarian diet, why can’t we? Let’s be kind and stop eating meat.
I agree that we should never eat animals. We have many options to eat healthy and vegetarian. On top it is very bad for our bodies to eat meat. We should remember that animals need to be slaughtered before we have the meat in our supermarkets. The conditions are very disturbing how the animals are killed and the horror that animals have to suffer is unimaginable.
Please remember this when you choose your next meal and go vegetarian and if possible vegan so that more lives get saved and we can stop the killing and educate people to stop this animal cruelty.
Animals are not things, they are sentient beings and feel pain just as we do.
Wonderful clear explanation by Ven Tenzin Palmo on adopting a vegetarian diet. Tenzin Palmo’s beautiful words ( Animals are my friends and “I don’t eat my friends” )To go on a vegetarian diet can be a fantastic entry into experiencing better health which has been linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular risk factors and other health related disease as well.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this video.
I remember first coming across the quote “Animals are my friends…and I don’t eat my friends” from reading about the life of George Bernard Shaw. At that time, it was a rather interesting concept which I readily agreed but on hindsight failed to really appreciate the depth of such quote. It was easy for me then to consider myself as not cruel to animals simply because (i) I had generally observed a meatless diet; and (ii) any occasional meat I consumed was limited to the acceptable poultry and not animals deemed as exotic (eg shark fin, foie gras etc) or as pets (eg dogs, rabbit etc).
Deeper perspectives as pointed Tenzin Palmo such as the failure to really comprehend that a life is a life regardless of current form; the failure to practice compassion when one is ignorant and indifferent to the pain, harm and suffering caused (with the continued support of meat consumption) etc were things I had not addressed my mind to then.
It was after coming across Rinpoche’s teachings which spelt out the uncomfortable truths especially on the hypocrisy behind professing to be kind or compassionate yet continuing to entertain a meaningless and harmful habit of eating meat that prompted me to stop. And I remain forever grateful for that.
Thank you for this sharing which was a good refresher for me.
What Tenzin Palmo says here resonates with everyone who has gone vegetarian for reasons of compassion.Tenzin Palmo’s words “I don’t eat my friends”, show how she and many who are vegetarians view animals as fellow sentient beings, who have feelings like humans, and who clearly feel pain and physical suffering in the same way that humans do. Hence how can we eat the product of the terror and trauma that accompany the killing of every one of the animals that becomes the food on the dinner platter? Furthermore, Tibetan Buddhism teaches that all sentient beings have been our mothers. How can we eat our mothers?
The story of the monk accepting and eating the finger of the leper that had fallen into the food he had offered the monk, illustrates very graphically and clearly how firm and entrenched was Lord Buddha’s ruling of not discriminating against whatever type of food was given to the monks. Hence the issue of the monks in Buddha’s time eating meat has everything to do with this ruling , as the circumstances were such that it was the only option. Today, circumstances have vastly changed. There are sufficient vegetarian options – fruits, vegetables,grains and other vegetarian options in most places.In India and Nepal, where the Tibetans are living in exile, lentil is in ample supply.
Hence, in a situation, where you are very much in charge of what you eat, then there is no question about not going vegetarian. If you still subscribe to the meat-eating culture, it is a conscious choice. Your eating meat is encouraging the killing of animals for the meat industry. As long as there is sustained meat consumption and demand, then the meat-producing industry, with its endless horrendous slaughtering of animals, will continue to thrive.
Fortunately, there is growing popularity to adopt veganism as a lifestyle for health reasons.
Great interview. Ven Tenzin Palmo was very clear on why we should avoid eating meat. It is not in line with compassion and Bodhicitta as meat was a living being before it became meat. It had no wish to suffer, feel pain, terror and die. Nowadays, food supply is abundant so we no longer have excuse to eat meat.
Further, the pain and terror experienced at point of slaughter would have generated a lot of negative energy which may leave its residue in the meat and cause negative energies in us too if we consume it.
Buddha in his time was not specifically vegetarian in the sense that if meat was given in his alms bowl on his begging rounds, he will eat whatever that was put into his bowl so as not to practice discrimination.
I found the example given was gross but relevant. It’s about a leper offering food to a monk but unfortunately one of his fingers fell into the bowl. The monk ate it anyway. Karmically, the monk is pure.
Also, from a Buddhist perspective, if we believe in reincarnation, then as taught by the Buddha, everyone has been our mothers before. So, how can we eat our mothers? That was kind of powerful. And, of course, from another point of view is that Ven Tenzin Palmo regarded animals as her friends and so why would she eat them?
Are there any significance in the act of highly attained Lamas eating meat? Are there any unrevealed spiritual reasons behind it? Is it a liberation of sort for the animal whose meat end up in the stomach of an enlightened Lama rather than being on the plate of someone else?
I like the way how she explains that in Tibetan Buddhism every being was once our parents. It is a very weak explanation on how people would kill for meat because they feel weak. I do not believe that by not having meat you will feel weak and not well. All these are all psychological effects through our thoughts.
I love Tenzin Palmo and what she said… “Animals are my friends and I don’t eat my friends. I don’t particularly like someone to kill and eat me, I don’t think anyone wants to be slaughtered and killed and eaten!”
I think most the society in general have a disassociation with the reality that animals are a living sentient being just like us who can feel pain, suffering, kindness and compassion. Most of us even if we are so called animal lovers, we love animals because our sentimental values, not because we look at them as a friend or another living sentient being. Hence this is why the huge un-addressed hypocrisy of loving animals (as pets) and eating animals (none pets) is perfectly normal in our concept some how.
But the reality is not so and we need to start looking deeper and wider because there is consequences from such an action. This is probably why we hear more and more cases of cancer patients more than before, say 10 years ago. When I was working in an organic shop before, I was amazed how many people were cancer patients or recovered patients and they totally change their lifestyle of meat diet completely due to their illness. The thing is isn;t is so much better to change now then wait for it to happen because it may be too late? I guess if you don’t care about animals and their feelings, how about at least caring for your life the right way?
45,895,000,000 (45.9 billion) chickens
2,262,000,000 (2.3 billion) ducks
1,244,000,000 (1.2 billion) pigs
857,000,000 (857 million) rabbits
691,000,000 (691 million) turkeys
533,000,000 (533 million) geese
515,000,000 (515 million) sheep
345,000,000 (345 million) goats
292,000,000 (292 million) cows and calves (for beef and veal)
65,000,000 (65 million) other rodents (not including rabbits)
63,000,000 (63 million) pigeons and other birds
23,000,000 (23 million) buffaloes
4,000,000 (4 million) horses
3,000,000 (3 million) donkeys and mules
2,000,000 (2 million) camels (and other camelids)
TOTAL: 52,794,000,000
United States: 9,116,248,000
The numbers only include land animals slaughtered for food for which records were taken. They do not include the billions of marine animal killed each year. They do not include the millions of animals killed in laboratories, fur farms, animal shelters, zoos, marine parks, or circuses. Nor do they include the animals killed by human negligence, blood sports, abuse, or extermination attempts.
From the same website:
“Quote by The Great Dzogchen Yogi, Kyabje Chatral Sangye Dorje Rinpoche:
‘Meat, the sinful food, is not permitted according to the three vows: the vows of individual liberation, the Bodhisattva vows and the tantric vows.
‘Thus Buddha stated: “I have never approved, do not approve, and will never approve of a meat diet.”
‘He declared: “My followers must never eat meat.” ‘
I posted this on youtube & embedded it on my blog to create awareness. Youtube banned the video with a COMMUNITY GUIDELINES WARNING saying it is too graphic and shocking and breaks their rules. If I get three warnings they block all my videos. I appealed saying, I didn’t post to shock or be gory BUT TO CREATE AWARENESS……. THEY REJECTED THE APPEAL.
I couldn’t believe how they do not want to help such a good cause and help create awareness of this horrible dog meat trade. I appeal to everyone to please have this video tweeted and facebooked everywhere to create awareness. I was very sad to see what is happening to the dogs and VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH YOUTUBE. Please help the dogs I beg you.
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for posting this heartwarming interview of Venerable Tenzin Palmo.
I have been watching this video on this my last night in Spain and now know that I shouldn’t ever be apologetic or shy about being vegetarian, as i have tended to be a few times here in Spain,as family members had to search for places which offered vegetarian food.It was worth all their effort as Tenzin Palmo has so beautifully put it.
Ven Tenzin Palmo from the Drukpa tradition has been a vegetarian for 40 years. She has given clear answers and explanations during the short interview with Andre Kalden. There are two types of Tibetans of which the older generation who lives in Tibet cannot go on vegetarian because of circumstances and environment. Tibet is a very cold country. And you cannot grow any vegetable on the land. So they have only to depend on yak meat and milk. The other type of tibetans that are brought up in India are much easier for them to go vegetarian. As lots of vegetables are grown in India like lentils and dhal which are very good supplement for meat. Tibetan buddhism teaches us to practice compassion and bodhicitta. Then how can we eat another sentient being who has been our friends or our mothers in past lives. She said one of the first Tibetans to become vegetarians are the nuns and monks in the large monasteries in South India.
Absolutely love this interview! She hits the nail on the head. Perfectly articulate with very valid points and all said in a very calm and matter of factly manner. I agree that the issue of being vegetarian is not one of not eating meat for the sake of not eating meat. One has to understand that in this day and age we do have a choice and have no excuse… in that we do not need to go out and hunt for our next meal. Times have changed and I reckon so must our mindset.
This is especially so as a Buddhist because it really contradicts the essence of what we belief in. As Venerable Tenzin Palmo so aptly puts it in the end of the video: “it doesnt seem to fit in with the whole idea of compassion and Boddhicitta… does it?”
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this video. I will post this in my facebook for sure!
The venerable Jetsunma has been known to be open and frank – true enough, we have to be honest with ourselves to progress, especially if we say that we are Dharma practitioners.
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The Eerie Enigma of the Mothman are refer to the legendary, humanoid, winged creature as said by the locals as where is was been sighted. Since then it had sparking a blend of fear and fascination among the locals in the Point Pleasant, West Virginia area. This creature became an eerie symbol of fear, tragedy, and fascination for decades to come since the stories are so enduring and pervasive . The first reported encounter in 1966 in West Virginia and to the most recent one in 2024 in Kane, Illinois. In the quiet town of Point Pleasant, West Virginia, the mysterious creature had igniting one of the most puzzling legends in American folklore. Witnesses described this creature standing over seven feet tall, with a wingspan that could rival a small aircraft, glowing red eyes, and a human-like figure. This interesting, could it be real no one knows, there’s something out there for sure.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama is considered the incarnation of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara and therefore he is an enlightened being. H H Dalai Lama has strongly discouraged the practice of Dorje Shugden worship within Tibetan Buddhism. Dorje Shugden is a prominent deity in the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Many highly attained Lamas have been relying on this Powerful Protector for centuries and even Dalai lama previously do propitiate Dorje Shugden . It cannot be wrong and its wrong to view it as a form of “spirit worship”. All his previous 9 reincarnations practiced with devotion, all of the Dalai Lamas teachers practiced Dorje Shugdan as well . The Tibetan community is torn over this issue and this has been the cause of much suffering and unnecessary prejudice. Dalai Lama is without doubt an enlightened being that surely cannot be tricked by a spirit. Dalai Lama did composed a praise to Dorje Shugden while at Dungkar Monastery . Interesting article , may more people read this and to understand better regarding this controversy. In 2020, the Dalai Lama made a Uturn by saying we can practice Dorje Shugden . Thats’ wonderful and relief for many practitioners.
Thank you Rinpoche for this great sharing.
Butön Rinchen Drup, 11th Abbot of Shalu Monastery, was a 14th-century Sakya master and Tibetan Buddhist leader. Butön Rinchen Drup a Tibetan great scholar and translator, known for systematizing the Tibetan Buddhist canon containing the Indian scriptures based on the spoken words of the Buddha. He also compiled the Tangyur collection that contains the Indian and Tibetan commentaries of these teachings. He wrote a famous text, the History of Buddhism in India and Tibet, which many Tibetan scholars utilize in their study till today. He remains to this day as one of the most important Tibetan historians and Buddhist writers in the history of Buddhism and Tibet. He was not merely a capable administrator but he is remembered to this very day as a prodigious scholar and writer and is Tibet’s most celebrated historian. After his death he strongly influenced the development of esoteric studies and psychic training in Tibet for centuries. Interesting biography of a great scholar.
Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David with folded hands.
nspiring a Tibetan Parliament representing the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, spoke bravely for the need to stop discriminating against Dorje Shugden practitioners. Tenpa Yarphel, a Tibetan MP speaking confidently for the sake of Tibetan unity. Tibetans in exile have also been particularly divided over the issue of the two Karmapas and the very damaging Dorje Shugden conflict. For someone who dare to speak for the sake of peace with the intention of moving forward to a better future. Tenpa Yarphel spoke up against the continuing discrimination of people based on their beliefs. For over more than 20 years those Tibetans especially those Dorje Shugden practitioners suffered from the lack of employment opportunities to discrimination. A wise decision of Tenpa Yarphel speaking up the truth of the Tibetan sufferings. They are not allowed in Tibetan hospitals, or apply jobs in the Tibetan civil service or even entering shop or hotels and so on. Tenpa Yarphel’s statement, paints a thousand words of reality. A big hand applaud to this brave man .
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.
Losar is the Tibetan New Year, a festival that marks the beginning of the year on the Tibetan calendar. It is celebrated among the Tibetan community all over the world recently. Losar marks the beginning of the Tibetan calendar year a time for family gatherings, religious ceremonies, and feasting because of its long history and rich cultural traditions. The celebrations will last for 15 days whereby the first three days being the most important day for them and widely celebrated festival on the Tibetan calendar. During theTibetan New Year, Panglung Oracles are known to enter a trance state, of the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden. This practice is considered a significant part of the Losar celebrations within the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, providing guidance and blessings to those seeking their wisdom. People often consult the Panglung oracles to receive predictions, advice, and blessings for the coming year. Dorje Shugden will also give teachings while in trance of an oracle.
Reading this old blog again where back in 2022, the Great Protector Dorje Shugden gave an inportant message to everyone of us. We should take it seriously practising good virtues, such as prostrating ,making offerings and practise the holy Dharma. Everyone should always be kind-hearted and doing our best to cultivate loving-kindness, compassion and bodhicitta.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this precious advices.
Pemayangtse Monastery is a Buddhist monastery in Sikkim, India that is part of the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. It is one of the oldest and most famous monasteries in Sikkim. It is home to Dorje Shugden, a spirit in Tibetan tradition. The monastery is one of the oldest and most famous in Sikkim. Pemayangtse Monastery in Sikkim, founded by Lhatsun Namkha Jigme of the Nyingma tradition. One of the earliest modern academic references to Dorje Shugden. Stunning sculptures, paintings and ancient scrolls can be found in the Monastery. Interesting story behind this monastery,as described by Lieutenant Colonel Laurence Austine Waddell a British explorer, collector and author. Through the years of travelling in India, Sikkim and areas on the borders of Nepal and Tibet, after doing research on Tibetan Buddhist religious practices he made a stunning discovery. He discovered that Dorje Shugden existence in the Nyingma monastery as written in his book, which confirmed that Dorje Shugden been worshipped in the Nyingma as well . Not only worshipped in the Gelug lineage but held prominence in the Nyingma tradition too. Interesting read.
Thank you Rinpoche for this great sharing.
Inspiring read, revisit again to refresh about an important lama. Venerable Geshe Thupten a Tibetan great scholars and master who founded Tibetan schools in exile. He who had upheld the lineage of Lord Buddha’s liberating teachings and his practice of Dorje Shugden. Even though in exile Geshe Thupten Lama worked tirelessly for the Tibetan government yet just because he did expressed his views openly, and bravely regarding banning the practice of Dorje Shugden. After serving the Tibetan government for so many years, Geshe Thupten Lama is threatened and branded a Chinese spy. He left to the USA and wrote The Supreme Path to the Trikaya where he commented detailed explanations on the practice of the Six Paramitas or the Six Perfections, and other beneficial Dharma treasures.
Thank you Rinpoche for this great sharing.
Historically, the Panchen Lama was second only to the Dalai Lama in spiritual authority within the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
The 10th Panchen Lama, believed to be an emanation of Amitabha himself. The 10th Panchen Lama saw auspicious signs after completing the prayer text or Sungbum to Dorje Shugden. He had strong feelings that Dorje Shugden has been working hard to protect the Buddha Dharma in general and especially the lineage of Lama Tsongkhapa . Like thousands of other great beings, the Panchen Lama had relied on Dorje Shugden, been practiced in his monastery, Tashi Lhunpo until his end. Hundreds thousands of people would his attend public discourses each time.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this precious texts with us. May everyone be blessed by this powerful composition by H H Panchen Lama propitiating the compassionate Dorje Shugden.
Tales of supernatural creatures like Bigfoot, aliens, trolls, little people are always my reading interest. Came across this old blog about Dark Watchers so interesting.
The Dark Watchers known by early Spanish settlers as Los Vigilantes Oscuros. Is a name given to a group of entities in California folklore purportedly seen observing travellers along the Santa Lucia Mountains. The earliest written accounts of the Dark Watchers date back to the 1700s, when Spanish colonists called them los vigilantes oscuros. According to Chumash folklore, the Dark Watchers are shadowy figures that stand atop the lofty heights, silently observing the land below. The Dark Watchers are mysterious, tall, shadowy figures that have been reported in California for centuries. They are often described as wearing cloaks and hats, and are said to appear around twilight. Whatever scary it looks we have Dorje Shugden to protect us. Even though there are spirits every where seen or not seen by our naked eyes we should leave them un disturb as it is. I do believe its existence every where day and night.
Thank you Rinpoche sharing this with us.
Revisit this blog again and again as its such an interesting blog with awesome stories to share. All about a great Gelugpa lama . Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was a scholar, an abbot, a Dharma teachers and he was also a healer. He was an important Gelugpa lama and a contemporary of the 5th Dalai Lama. Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen was the erudite high lama who arose as the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden, regarded as an emanation of the Wisdom Buddha Manjushri. During the era of the Great Fifth Dalai Lama, Dorje Shugden took rebirth in the form of a very special incarnate lama. Just imagine at the age of 2 or 3, he was already speaking and playing with ritual instruments and having clear visions of meditational deities and enlightened beings. Apparently, he had also received many direct visions of deities and exalted Gurus from a very young age. Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen and the 5th Dalai Lama shared a very respectful and close relationship. As results there’s jealousy among officers of 5th Dalai Lama resulting in the murder of Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen. As an apology to Dorje Shugden for the murder the 5th Dalai Lama crafted a statue and even composed an apologetic prayer. He also built a chapel Trode Khangsar dedicated to recognize Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen as a Dharma protector,Dorje Shugden in Lhasa.
I have the opportunity to visit this Scared Trode Khangsar years back . Reading this blog always remind me of my trip.
Thank you Rinpoche for this interesting sharing. May more people able to visit this Trode Khangsar.
Buddhism is one of the recognized religions in Indonesia, with a long history in the country. The largest Buddhist temple in the world, Borobudur, is located in Central Java. Buddhism arrived in Indonesia in the sixth century. The history of Buddhism in Indonesia is closely related to the history of Hinduism. The Indonesian archipelago has, over the centuries, witnessed the rise and fall of powerful Buddhist empires. A number of Buddhist sites and artifacts related to Indonesia’s historical heritage can be found in Indonesia. As such the 8th century Borobudur mandala monument and Sewu temple in Central Java and numerous statues or inscriptions from the earlier history of Indonesian Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms. Interesting read. Many Buddhist sites, stupas, temples, and manuscripts were lost or forgotten with since the arrival of Islam. Once a year, thousands of Buddhists from Indonesia and neighboring countries flock to Borobudur to commemorate the national Waisak Day. The Borobudur Temple Compounds is one of the greatest Buddhist monuments in the world, and was built in the 8th and 9th centuries AD. The monument was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991.
Thank you Rinpoche , interesting sharing. Hopefully I could visit this great monument in future
The Lizard Man is a legendary, seven-foot-tall, red-eyed, scaly-skinned reptile that is said to live in the swamps of South Carolina. The legend of the Lizard Man has been around since 1988. The Lizard Man of Scape Ore Swamp ,also known as the Lizard Man of Lee County is an entity said to inhabit the swampland of the region. A large, green, lizard-like creature emerged from the shadows. Many others have claimed encounters with the legendary Lizard Man. The Lizard Man has been the subject of much publicity in the press, on the radio, television and even in movies. The lizard man myth brings curious travellers from across the globe into town, searching for the prehistoric beast lurking beneath the swamp. Ancient Historical Accounts of Lizard man sound interesting after reading it. I do believe in legends as there’s many unseen beings whereby is not seen by our naked eyes. Many others have claimed encounters with the legendary Lizard Man, leaving a mark on the small, agricultural town.
Thank you Rinpoche and Cindy for this interesting sharing.
Historically Langmu monastery was the center of local religion, culture, economy and politics. Langmu Monastery is one of the most popular wild destinations in Sichuan as it provides excellent travel experience in nomads Tibet.It is a group of monasteries built at the border of Sichuan and Gansu Province. Founded in 1748 AD Constructed in 1748, belongs to Tibetan Buddhism. After years of extension and development, the temple today is composed of ten affiliated temples . It is a destination for strenuous pilgrimages and fascinating . A river, Bailong River, separates the township into two parts, one part in Gansu and another one in Sichuan. Wow Langmu monastery is a place where one can experience both Tibetan Buddhism and Islamic culture. Langmu Monastery is one of the largest to practise Dorje Shugden. That’s wonderful Kechara did sent to Langmu Monastery 600 sets of Dorje Shugden collateral in the Tibetan language. The monastery also ordered from Kechara an entire set of statues of Dorje Shugden.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.
Arjia Rinpoche is one of the most prominent Buddhist teachers and lamas to have left Tibet. He was recognized by 10th Panchen Lama as the 20th Arjia Danpei Gyaltsen, the reincarnation of Je Tsongkhapa’s father. He has trained with lineage teachers, such as the 14th Dalai Lama, the 10th Panchen Lama, and Gyayak Rinpoche. He had received many sacred teachings and ritual instructions from these great lamas. He was forced to leave his monastery and attend a Chinese school, yet secretly continued to practice and study with his tutors during the Cultural Revolution . Arjia Rinpoche went into exile and escaped to the United established a Buddhist Center for Compassion and Wisdom. Throughout his life, Arjia Rinpoche was tutored by specialized teachers in the area of Buddhist philosophy, sutra and tantra teachings, as well as in Buddhist art and architectural design.Since then Rinpoche has been giving teachings throughout the United States, Canada, Taiwan, India and Guatemala.
For the sake of harmony and unity of the Tibetans , Rinpoche has advised the Tibetans to stop discriminating against Dorje Shugden practitioners. Arjia Rinpoche’s message of peaceful is consistent with the spirit of Buddhism and even spirituality in general. The ban against Dorje Shugden was imposed in 1996 and since that time, the has cause sufferings among the Tibetans in exile. No one should be discriminated against due to their religion or spiritual path. Dorje Shugden people, should be allowed choice of religion and be involved in the preservation of the Tibetan culture.It was during the 10th Panchen Lama’s Maha-Parinirvana 30th Anniversary, Arjia Rinpoche spoke bravely on fulfilling the Panchen Lama’s wishes.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.
nspiring story of Togden Yanga Rinpoche a master who are so devoted to dharma, doing long retreat for life. Togden Yanga Rinpoche, born in 1923, emerged as a prominent figure in the Drikung Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. His life’s journey was marked by profound dedication to spiritual practice and teaching. An acclaimed Yogi, Terma revealer and Scholar, residing in his native Ladakh.. He went into retreat for life,spending his life achieving liberation and enlightenment. Rinpoche has tirelessly helping sentient beings with his infinite compassion and enlightened activity.
Interesting blog thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.
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Concept: Tsem Rinpoche Technical: Lew Kwan Leng, Justin Ripley, Yong Swee Keong Design: Justin Ripley, Cynthia Lee Content: Tsem Rinpoche, Justin Ripley, Pastor Shin Tan, Sarah Yap Admin: Pastor Loh Seng Piow, Beng Kooi
I must thank my dharma blog team who are great assets to me, Kechara and growth of dharma in this wonderful region. I am honoured and thrilled to work with them. I really am. Maybe I don't say it enough to them, but I am saying it now. I APPRECIATE THESE GUYS VERY MUCH!
Tsem Rinpoche
About Rinpoche
Name
H.E. Tsem Rinpoche
Root Guru
H.H. Zong Rinpoche
Ordained by
H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama
Affiliations
Pukhang Khangtsen, Gaden Shartse Monastery
Founder and Spiritual Advisor, Kechara House Buddhist Association Malaysia
President, Tsem Rinpoche Foundation, Inc.
Honorary Doctor of Psychology, The Open International University
Hear the holy voice of Kyabje Zong Rinpoche giving advice on the practice of Dorje Shugden to those who had received the life-entrustment initiation. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche wanted to make sure those present received the maximum benefits from their practice, and that they kept their practice well. LEARN MORE >>
In Tibetan Buddhism, it is always said that whatever we practice must come from an enlightened source to be beneficial in our spiritual journey. As such in this video, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche shares with us the history and reincarnation lineage of Dorje Shugden to explain how great this Dharma protector is through the examples of his previous lives, showing us his powerful spiritual attainments. LEARN MORE >>
Dear everyone... This is a good condensed talk I gave on Guru Yoga of Tsongkapa. This is the one you should share with others when they are interested in a not too lengthy explanation. It is the perfect practice for everyone who wants simplicity yet effective blessings. You can share this with more people, it will be good.
"If you say you don't have money to help a animal shelter, why then do you have money to buy meat?"
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Eating animals is not our God-given right, but being kind to them is."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"What makes us good humans is not how we abuse animals, but how much we allow them to live and be happy freely."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"We need another and wiser and perhaps a more mythical concept of animals.... We patronize them for their incompleteness, for their tragic fate of having taken form so far below ourselves. And therein we err, and greatly err. For the animal shall not be measured by man. In a world older and more complex than ours they moved finished and complete, gifted with extensions of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren, they are not underlings; they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendour and travail of the earth."
~ Henry Beston, The Outermost House
"Not eating animals is only unnatural when we are not used to it."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
MOTIVATIONAL QUOTES
"We may encounter defeat, but we must not be defeated."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"What you are today, is the choice you made yesterday."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"You think you can choose your life? What an ego trip!"
~ Lama Yeshe
"If TODAY you are dissatisfied, you must make the changes to create different results for TOMORROW."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
SPIRITUAL QUOTES
“Meditating on Dorje Shugden while reciting his mantra will open the gateways to higher dimensions, blessings and protection.”
~ Tsem Rinpoche
“If one does the recitation of the Lama Tsongkhapa guru yoga prayer for even one month using one of the visualizations for great or clear or quick wisdom, one will definitely see development of that wisdom. It is proved by experience. There is no doubt that by doing the Lama Tsongkhapa guru yoga practice one can meet Lama Tsongkhapa’s teachings from life to life. And furthermore, it gives one the opportunity to be born in the pure realm of Lama Tsongkhapa, Tushita, whenever death happens.”
~ Pabongkha Rinpoche
"I was 18 years old in 1983. That was a very special year as I met His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and received innumerable precious teachings and empowerments from Him at Thubten Dhargye Ling Centre in Los Angeles, California. It was the best time of my life. A time that seems so magical and surreal to me. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche is Heruka Buddha and I met Heruka."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"If being me offends you, maybe I'm not the problem."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Never abandon your spiritual teacher no matter how many inner obstacles you need to overcome."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Actions to force something to be permanent makes all the karmas arise."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"The dharma is not easy to listen to… because some people take it as criticism. But Dharma should not be just feel good only for the moment but for deeper contemplations."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Whether we do work and suffer but for others or we do work and suffer for ourselves, either way we have to suffer. That is the nature of samsara. So let us suffer for others and then suffering has meaning."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Those who really want the dharma to grow within themselves and to grow for others should never fear hard work, timing, difficulties, struggles, disappointments because it is for a good cause. Working for Dharma is not a prison or work, but it is purely spiritual practice. It is purely collection of merit and purification. Actually not doing dharma work is the real prison."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"His Holiness Zong Rinpoche stressed the need to continue to practice even when we come up against obstacles, and that we should continually review our progress. He stated that a happy, luxurious life was like a good dream, and that obstacles and difficulties were like a bad dream. We should give them no significance, but simply carry on working towards real, everlasting happiness."
~ Ngala ’ö-Dzin Tridral
"Things in samsara always go wrong. That's its nature. Don't be surprised."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Knowledge never quenches the thirst, only application."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
LIFE QUOTES
"I pity men who occupy themselves exclusively with the transitory in things and lose themselves in the study of what is perishable, since we are here for this very end-that we may make the perishable imperishable, which we can do only after we have learned how to approach both."
~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
"Money amplifies negative characteristics and that can cause problems.
To walk away from that was actually very easy. I didn't even consider it."
~ Angeline Francis Khoo
"I shall not commit the fashionable stupidity of regarding everything I cannot explain as a fraud."
~ Carl Jung
"There is a devil there is no doubt, but is he trying to get into us or trying to get out?"
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"If you love someone, show it by being honest, respectful & honorable with them."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see."
~ Henry David Thoreau
"If I can just be the way I am & you the way you are & we accept each other, world peace is near."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"I am Asian, you are some other beautiful color. Together we make diversity so beautiful."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"It's amazing how some people have never met me or know who I am, but based on a few things they read here & there & rumours, they have formulated a new personality for me & all the things I've never done they passionately speak about....I find it funny and entertaining now. I guess we can't spend our lives fighting rumours...we just have to work hard & then rumours get proven wrong on it's own as a by product. No point explaining repeatedly. Just do our work & show results!!"
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"There's a difference between patience and laziness. Patience comes from respect while laziness from disrespect of others."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Although outwardly we have so much, we have so many conveniences, inwardly we have become more unhappy, so, acquisition is not the secret to happiness. The more we get, the more we have, the more unhappy we become."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Before we experience any pain, we already had a fixed view of how things should be. When the experience we encounter contradicts our views, then the pain arises. The pain arises due to our fixed views not so much the experience itself. So the secret is changing the views. Re-educating ourselves on our views."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"You know since very young, for better or worse, I always did the things that others told me not to do. I wasn't really good at following the rules. Even now with how I share Dharma and my practice, I just do it the way I think it should be done but I do it sincerely. Not what others tell me what I can and can't do."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Love me or hate me, both are in my favor... If you love me, I'll always be in your heart... If you hate me, I'll always be in your mind."
~ William Shakespeare
"One isn't necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can't be kind, true, merciful, generous or honest."
~ Maya Angelou
Devotional Songs
Sung by Mary Fewel Tulin, these mystical songs in praise of the guru originate from the Sikh tradition. Yet, they are applicable to all traditions for those who want to venerate their guru.
The Known and unknown are both feared,
Known is being comfortable and stagnant,
The unknown may be growth and opportunities,
One shall never know if one fears the unknown more than the known.
Who says the unknown would be worse than the known?
But then again, the unknown is sometimes worse than the known. In the end nothing is known unless we endeavour,
So go pursue all the way with the unknown,
because all unknown with familiarity becomes the known.
~Tsem Rinpoche
Photos On The Go
Click on the images to view the bigger version. And scroll down and click on "View All Photos" to view more images.
5 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
5 years ago
108 candles and sang (incense) offered at our Wish-Fulfilling Grotto, invoking Dorje Shugden's blessings for friends, sponsors and supporters, wonderful!
5 years ago
Dharmapalas are not exclusive to Tibetan culture and their practice is widespread throughout the Buddhist world - https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=193645
5 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
5 years ago
Fragrant organic Thai basil harvested from our very own Kechara Forest Retreat farm!
5 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.
5 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
5 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.
5 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.
5 years ago
One of the most recent harvests from our Kechara Forest Retreat land. It was grown free of chemicals and pesticides, wonderful!
6 years ago
Third picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal.
Height: 33ft (10m)
6 years ago
Second picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal.
Height: 33ft (10m)
6 years ago
First picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal.
Height: 33ft (10m)
6 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
6 years ago
Very powerful story! Tibetan Resistance group Chushi Gangdruk reveals how Dalai Lama escaped in 1959- https://bit.ly/2S9VMGX
6 years ago
At Kechara Forest Retreat land we have nice fresh spinach growing free of chemicals and pesticides. Yes!
Fresh eggplants grown on Kechara Forest Retreat's land here in Malaysia
6 years ago
Most Venerable Uppalavanna – The Chief Female Disciple of Buddha Shakyamuni - She exhibited many supernatural abilities gained from meditation and proved to the world females and males are equal in spirituality- https://bit.ly/31d9Rat
Mahapajapati Gotami, who was the first nun ordained by Lord Buddha.
6 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.
6 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.
6 years ago
Wandering Ascetic Painting by Nirdesha Munasinghe
6 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
6 years ago
This is pretty amazing!
First Sri Lankan Buddhist temple opened in Dubai!!!
6 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
6 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
6 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
6 years ago
Part 2-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
6 years ago
Part 1-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
6 years ago
The great Protector Manjushri Dorje Shugden depicted in the beautiful Mongolian style. To download a high resolution file: https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
6 years ago
The Mystical land of Shambhala is finally ready for everyone to feast their eyes and be blessed. A beautiful post with information, art work, history, spirituality and a beautiful book composed by His Holiness the 6th Panchen Rinpoche. ~ https://bit.ly/309MHBi
DON'T MISS THIS!~How brave Bonnie survived by living with a herd of deer~ https://bit.ly/2Lre2eY
6 years ago
Global Superpower China Will Cut Meat Consumption by 50%! Very interesting, find out more- https://bit.ly/2V1sJFh
6 years ago
You can download this beautiful Egyptian style Dorje Shugden Free- https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
6 years ago
Beautiful high file for print of Lord Manjushri. May you be blessed- https://bit.ly/2V8mwZe
6 years ago
Mongolian (Oymiakon) Shaman in Siberia, Russia. That is his real outfit he wears. Very unique. TR
6 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
6 years ago
Manjusri Kumara (bodhisattva of wisdom), India, Pala dynesty, 9th century, stone, Honolulu Academy of Arts
Click on "View All Photos" above to view more images
Videos On The Go
Please click on the images to watch video
5 years ago
Pig puts his toys away
Animals are so intelligent. They can feel happiness, joy, pain, sorrow, just like humans. Always show kindness to them. Always show kindness to everyone.
6 years ago
Always be kind to animals-They deserve to live just like us.
Whales and dolphins playing with each other in the Pacific sea. Nature is truly incredible!
6 years ago
Bodha stupa July 2019-
Rainy period
6 years ago
Cute Tara girl having a snack. She is one of Kechara Forest Retreat’s resident doggies.
6 years ago
Your Next Meal!
Yummy? Tasty? Behind the scenes of the meat on your plates. Meat is a killing industry.
6 years ago
This is Daw
This is what they do to get meat on tables, and to produce belts and jackets. Think twice before your next purchase.
6 years ago
Don’t Take My Mummy Away!
Look at the poor baby chasing after the mother. Why do we do that to them? It's time to seriously think about our choices in life and how they affect others. Be kind. Don't break up families.
6 years ago
They do this every day!
This is how they are being treated every day of their lives. Please do something to stop the brutality. Listen to their cries for help!
6 years ago
What happened at Fair Oaks Farm?
The largest undercover dairy investigation of all time. See what they found out at Fair Oaks Farm.
6 years ago
She’s going to spend her whole life here without being able to move correctly. Like a machine. They are the slaves of the people and are viewed as a product. It’s immoral. Billions of terrestrial animals die annually. Billions. You can’t even imagine it. And all that because people don’t want to give up meat, even though there are so many alternatives. ~ Gabriel Azimov
6 years ago
Our Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir speaks so well, logically and regarding our country’s collaboration with China for growth. It is refreshing to listen to Dr. Mahathir’s thoughts. He said our country can look to China for many more things such as technology and so on. Tsem Rinpoche
6 years ago
This is the first time His Holiness Dalai Lama mentions he had some very serious illness. Very worrying. This video is captured April 2019.
6 years ago
Beautiful Monastery in Hong Kong
6 years ago
This dog thanks his hero in such a touching way. Tsem Rinpoche
These people going on pilgrimage to a holy mountain and prostrating out of devotion and for pilgrimage in Tibet. Such determination for spiritual practice. Tsem Rinpoche
6 years ago
Beautiful new casing in Kechara for Vajra Yogini. Tsem Rinpoche
6 years ago
Get ready to laugh real hard. This is Kechara’s version of “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane!” We have some real talents in this video clip.
6 years ago
Recitation of Dorje Dermo‘s mantra or the Dharani of Glorious Vajra Claws. This powerful mantra is meant to destroy all obstacles that come in our way. Beneficial to play this mantra in our environments.
6 years ago
Beautiful
Beautiful sacred Severed Head Vajra Yogini from Tsem Rinpoche's personal shrine.
6 years ago
My little monster cute babies Dharma and Oser. Take a look and get a cute attack for the day! Tsem Rinpoche
6 years ago
Plse watch this short video and see how all sentient beings are capable of tenderness and love. We should never hurt animals nor should we eat them. Tsem Rinpoche
6 years ago
Cruelty of some people have no limits and it’s heartbreaking. Being kind cost nothing. Tsem Rinpoche
6 years ago
SUPER ADORABLE and must see
Tsem Rinpoche's dog Oser girl enjoying her snack in her play pen.
We were told by Uncle Wong he is very faithful toward Dorje Shugden. Dorje Shugden has extended help to him on several occasions and now Uncle Wong comes daily to make incense offerings to Dorje Shugden. He is grateful towards the help he was given.
6 years ago
Tsem Rinpoche’s Schnauzer Dharma boy fights Robot sphere from Arkonide！
6 years ago
Cute baby owl found and rescued
We rescued a lost baby owl in Kechara Forest Retreat.
6 years ago
Nice cups from Kechara!!
Dorje Shugden people's lives matter!
6 years ago
Enjoy a peaceful morning at Kechara Forest Retreat
Chirping birds and other forest animals create a joyful melody at the Vajrayogini stupa in Kechara Forest Retreat (Bentong, Malaysia).
7 years ago
This topic is so hot in many circles right now.
This video is thought-provoking and very interesting. Watch! Thanks so much to our friends at LIVEKINDLY.
7 years ago
Chiropractic CHANGES LIFE for teenager with acute PAIN & DEAD LEG.
7 years ago
BEAUTIFUL PLACE IN NEW YORK STATE-AMAZING.
7 years ago
Leonardo DiCaprio takes on the meat Industry with real action.
7 years ago
Do psychic mediums have messages from beyond?
7 years ago
Lovely gift for my 52nd Birthday. Tsem Rinpoche
7 years ago
This 59-year-old chimpanzee was refusing food and ready to die until...
she received “one last visit from an old friend” 💔💔
7 years ago
Bigfoot sighted again and made it to the news.
7 years ago
Casper is such a cute and adorable. I like him.
7 years ago
Dorje Shugden Monastery Amarbayasgalant Mongolia's Ancient Hidden Gem
7 years ago
Don't you love Hamburgers? See how 'delicious' it is here!
7 years ago
Such a beautiful and powerful message from a person who knows the meaning of life. Tsem Rinpoche
7 years ago
What the meat industry figured out is that you don't need healthy animals to make a profit.
Sick animals are more profitable... farms calculate how close to death they can keep animals without killing them.
That's the business model.
How quickly they can be made to grow, how tightly they can be packed, how much or how little can they eat, how sick they can get without dying...
We live in a world in which it's conventional to treat an animal like a block of wood.
~ Jonathan Safran Foer
7 years ago
This video went viral and it's a must watch!!
7 years ago
SEE HOW THIS ANIMAL SERIAL KILLER HAS NO ISSUE BLUDGEONING THIS DEFENSELESS BEING.
This happens daily in slaughterhouse so you can get your pork and Bak ku teh. Stop eating meat.
ASK A PASTOR
A section for you to clarify your Dharma questions with Kechara’s esteemed pastors.
Just post your name and your question below and one of our pastors will provide you with an answer.
Scroll down and click on "View All Questions" to view archived questions.
Kenny asked:Hello Pastors!
I have question about:
I had check some Tibetan Astrology Site about our marriage but the results come out quite bad and not good for us to marriage as a couple.
I'm quite sad and I don't know what to do.
What's we can do to resolve this? Or what should we think to calm our worry?
Thank you so much.
pastor answered:Dear Kenny,
Thank you for your question. Tibetan astrology is only a guide. Within the Buddhist system, astrology shows the general manifestation of how karma has manifested for a person. But that does not mean it is set in stone. On the contrary, things can change. That is due to karma. Karma is not fixed, it can be changed, purified, exhausted or overpowered by other types of karma or spiritual merits. That is why in Tibetan astrology there are always methods proscribed to overcome a particularly negative astrological situation.
If the calculator you used was a genuine one, they should have given advice about what to do in the exact situation. If they did not here is some general advice that can be used to make the situation better:
Marriage or being in a relationship with someone takes effort, care and affection. The main way to ensure a good relationship and overcome negative astrological influences is actually through our own effort and transformation. We cannot remain the same as we are now, otherwise the outcome predicted by astrology will come true. If we put effort into transforming ourselves to be better people and actively working on creating a lasting and open relationship, due to our effort we will be successful in creating a good relationship. You create the karma to be successful through your own efforts. Tsem Rinpoche has given an incredible teaching called "Ingredients for a Successful Relationship", you can watch the teaching here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/students-friends/ingredients-for-a-successful-relationship.html
In addition to that, there are certain practices you can engage in to help counter negative astrological effects.
Generally speaking, Green Tara is extremely effective in help to create the best conditions for familial harmony and good relationships. You can set up a small altar to her in your house, make offerings and engage in her practice.
However, if you want to be more specific you can engage in the practice of your birth deity. This is a deity that you have an affinity due to the time of your birth. If you don't know your birth deity, you can find out here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/tibetan-astrology/tibetan-astrology.html.
Alternatively, you can engage in the practice of a Dharma Protector such as Dorje Shugden. You can also engage in either the practices of Trakpo Sumtril or Black Manjushri who are very effective in helping overcome negative astrological influences.
Deity practice will help on the spiritual side to overcome this, but remember that they are aids to the main method which is transformation of ourselves and actively working to create a good and lasting relatationship. If you have any other questions about this, please do let us know.
March 3, 2025 00:32
Rolf Lorenz asked:Hello I am living in the UK age 65, I am so worried my memory is failing , I am currently praying to White and Green Tara as well as Medicine Buddha, can you suggest if there is any one deity which may be more help to me to help not get dementia or Altzheimers please, thank you so much I am so worried. Blessings and kindest wishes, Rolf Lorenz email lorenz.rolf@gmail.compastor answered:Dear Rolf,
The deities you are praying to now are very good. Both White Tara and Medicine Buddha are actually healing deities. White Tara is also considered a long-life deity as well.
If you were given the practices by a guru, then you should contact them to see which one you should concentrate on.
If you don't have a guru, then in my opinion you should focus mainly on one particular deity and practice properly to get the full benefits of the practice.
For Medicine Buddha, the practice is explained here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/prayers-and-sadhanas/medicine-buddha-practice.html
For White Tara (which is shorter in length and less complicated) we have the practice explained here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/healing-practices-for-infectious-diseases.html (Even though the article is framed to help heal infectious diseases, she helps in all manner of healing and creating the causes for a long and healthy life.)
If you are open to focusing on another deity instead, the practice of Shize is very good as well. Shize is an emanation of Dorje Shugden, who is a Dharma Protector. He himself is an emanation of Manjushri who is known as the Buddha of Wisdom and great for things like increasing and stabilising memory. Shize's speciality is for healing and long life also.
I recommend him as Dharma Protector practices also help to overcome any obstacles that we may be facing faster than meditational deities. If you are already having signs of a failing memory, then this practice may be more effective right away.
If you are not experiencing too many signs of failing memory, then you should focus on either White Tara or Medicine Buddha. But focus specifically on one of deity, so that you can create a very strong relationship with them, so that they can help you more.
I have experience with both Medicine Buddha and White Tara practices, both are very effective when engaged in consistently and with faith.
I hope this helps you. Do let us know if you have any other questions.
Khang asked:Hello Pastors!
I have a question:
I would like to combine Ucchusma's sang offering into my daily Dorje Shugden sang offering. How i can do this? Or do we have to practice separate these two practice?
Thank you so muchpastor answered:Dear Khang,
Thanks for your question. In relation to this, we should clarify that there are two types of sang that are listed in various articles on our website.
The first is the "Sang Offering" to Dorje Shugden. This is specifically an offering of smoke. The details are provided here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/prayers-and-sadhanas/incense-offering-to-dorje-shugden.html
This is a specific offering. So if you are using sang to do something else, you will need to do it separately from the sang offering.
The second is the "Cleansing Sang", which is using sang to clear a specific area, your home for example, from negative energies and to bring positive energies into the area. This is not considered an offering (although when you do some of the associated visualisations, you are treat it like one). The main purpose of this is actually cleansing. The mechanism that makes the cleansing sang work is actually the burning of Protector Rice. It is not an offering because the sang is a vehicle that you are using to release the energies of the Protector rice. That is why you don't offer any sang offering prayers during this. Similarly this would be done separately from a sang offering.
As outlined in this article: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/one-minute-story/stories-from-a-chela-cleansing-sang-visualisations using Ucchusma's mantra for cleansing sang is way to purify negative karma and obscurations internally by breathing in the smoke sang that has protector rice already burning. In this case, you are coupling the energies of the Dharma Protector (through the burning rice), with the purification mantra of Ucchusma for double effect.
I hope this helps to answer your questions.
Mat asked:Hello Pastor,
Is it required transmission, empowerment or initiation to recite the Vajrapani's mantra ("Om Vajrapani Hum", "Om Vajrapani Hum Phat")?
Thanks in advance.pastor answered:Dear Mat,
Thanks for your question. You do not need a transmission, empowerment or initiation to recite Vajrapani's mantra. Within the Gelug lineage as taught by Tsem Rinpoche the mantra is pronounced as "OM BENZAPANI HUNG". You can start reciting the mantra, no problem. In order to create to a strong connection with Vajrapani, you should recite the mantra daily with consistency.
Vajrapani is considered the Buddha of Skillful Means or the embodiment of the power of the enlightened beings. His practice is excellent. Known as Chagna Dorje in Tibetan, Vajrapani’s name literally means “Holder of the Vajra”. He is wrathful, appearing in the form of a yaksha being. With his right leg bent and left outstretched, he stands in pratyalidha posture. He holds a golden five-pointed vajra in his right hand and with his left hand held in front of his heart, he makes a threatening gesture at our delusions and negative karma. Vajrapani is also known as the Lord of Secrets and he bestows practitioners with a special aptitude to practise Tantra. He is well-known to pacify inner and outer maras. Inner maras are delusions and the self-grasping mind while outer maras refer to malevolent spirits and obstructing beings.
If you would like to pray to Vajrapani, or any deity, to create a closer connection with them and to benefit from their energies, it is advisable to set up a small shrine to them and make offerings daily, according to your means. You can get a small statue or image of Vajrapani and place on your shrine.
We have some images available for download that you can print and use if you like them:
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/one-minute-story/the-buddha-of-power-vajrapanihttps://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/one-minute-story/vajrapani-the-secret-lordhttps://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/one-minute-story/the-lord-of-secrets-vajrapani
Hope this answers your question! Thank you.
Bhavisha asked:Why Tsem Rinpoche said in one of his video that Manjushri helps 'temporarily'?
Why he used word 'temporarily'?pastor answered:Hi Bhavisha didi,
Nice to see you back here. Can you share the video and the timestamp that Rinpoche said this? There must be a wider context in which Rinpoche said this. We can check properly and get back to you.
In general however, I can think of a couple of reasons. The first is that in order to achieve complete enlightenment, we need to put in effort from our own side. It cannot be achieved solely on the reliance of a deity in the external sense. You must achieve the state of the deity through internalising the Dharma and transforming your mind through the teachings, developing Bodhicitta, etc.
The second could be that in order to achieve enlightenment in the shortest time possible, one would need to rely on the practice of a Highest Yoga Tantric deity.
In our lineage, we rely on Manjushri a lot, but in different forms. For example there is a saying in our lineage that our Guru is Manjushri (in the form of Lama Tsongkhapa), our Yidam is Manjushri (in the form of Manjushri or Yamantaka as a higher tantric deity), and our Protector is Manjushri (in the form of Dorje Shugden or Kalarupa). Manjushri is definitely important, so there should be a wider context in which Rinpoche was explaining that Manjushri helps 'temporarily.'
Hope that helps and looking forward to your reply. Thanks.
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This video posted in Rinpoche’s blog, was definitely one of the reasons why I have given up eating meat during 2013-2014. I thank Jetsunma for this.
Another mind blowing one was the Earthlings https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/animals-vegetarianism/earthlings.html
and of course the continuity of Rinpoche posting all these and vehemently opposing eating meat in between. For that, I’m grateful Rinpoche and His blog.
Nowadays we can access to variety of food, we have plenty of delicious choices to sustain our health. Knowing that animals suffered greatly even way before they arrive to the slaughter house, we should think again is it necessary to cause so much pain and kill them just to satisfy our taste bud.
Animals are living being, they can love and feel the pain like we human do. They deserve our love and care. When comes to food, we can be healthy and have compassion meal. Just as Ven Tenzin Palmo Jetsunma said, animals are friends, we don’t consume our friends.
Thank you for sharing this video of Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo on vegetarianism. What she has said is very logical and makes a lot of sense. To her, it is very simple, she sees animals as one of us and she sees them as her friends that is why she doesn’t eat them.
Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo said another reason she doesn’t eat meat because no one wants to be slaughtered and be eaten, including animals. This is so true! Animals are not born with the life goal to be killed and eaten so what gives us the right to do that to them? Besides, the fear the animals have to go through before getting slaughtered is horrible, it is really unnecessary to inflict this type of suffering to the animals just to satisfy our tastebuds.
Eating eat is actually eating a dead body if we think deeper. Since we have a choice, why choose to eat meat? The biggest animals in the world, the elephants are vegetarian, if elephants can survive on a vegetarian diet, why can’t we? Let’s be kind and stop eating meat.
I agree that we should never eat animals. We have many options to eat healthy and vegetarian. On top it is very bad for our bodies to eat meat. We should remember that animals need to be slaughtered before we have the meat in our supermarkets. The conditions are very disturbing how the animals are killed and the horror that animals have to suffer is unimaginable.
Please remember this when you choose your next meal and go vegetarian and if possible vegan so that more lives get saved and we can stop the killing and educate people to stop this animal cruelty.
Animals are not things, they are sentient beings and feel pain just as we do.
Wonderful clear explanation by Ven Tenzin Palmo on adopting a vegetarian diet. Tenzin Palmo’s beautiful words ( Animals are my friends and “I don’t eat my friends” )To go on a vegetarian diet can be a fantastic entry into experiencing better health which has been linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular risk factors and other health related disease as well.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this video.
I remember first coming across the quote “Animals are my friends…and I don’t eat my friends” from reading about the life of George Bernard Shaw. At that time, it was a rather interesting concept which I readily agreed but on hindsight failed to really appreciate the depth of such quote. It was easy for me then to consider myself as not cruel to animals simply because (i) I had generally observed a meatless diet; and (ii) any occasional meat I consumed was limited to the acceptable poultry and not animals deemed as exotic (eg shark fin, foie gras etc) or as pets (eg dogs, rabbit etc).
Deeper perspectives as pointed Tenzin Palmo such as the failure to really comprehend that a life is a life regardless of current form; the failure to practice compassion when one is ignorant and indifferent to the pain, harm and suffering caused (with the continued support of meat consumption) etc were things I had not addressed my mind to then.
It was after coming across Rinpoche’s teachings which spelt out the uncomfortable truths especially on the hypocrisy behind professing to be kind or compassionate yet continuing to entertain a meaningless and harmful habit of eating meat that prompted me to stop. And I remain forever grateful for that.
Thank you for this sharing which was a good refresher for me.
What Tenzin Palmo says here resonates with everyone who has gone vegetarian for reasons of compassion.Tenzin Palmo’s words “I don’t eat my friends”, show how she and many who are vegetarians view animals as fellow sentient beings, who have feelings like humans, and who clearly feel pain and physical suffering in the same way that humans do. Hence how can we eat the product of the terror and trauma that accompany the killing of every one of the animals that becomes the food on the dinner platter? Furthermore, Tibetan Buddhism teaches that all sentient beings have been our mothers. How can we eat our mothers?
The story of the monk accepting and eating the finger of the leper that had fallen into the food he had offered the monk, illustrates very graphically and clearly how firm and entrenched was Lord Buddha’s ruling of not discriminating against whatever type of food was given to the monks. Hence the issue of the monks in Buddha’s time eating meat has everything to do with this ruling , as the circumstances were such that it was the only option. Today, circumstances have vastly changed. There are sufficient vegetarian options – fruits, vegetables,grains and other vegetarian options in most places.In India and Nepal, where the Tibetans are living in exile, lentil is in ample supply.
Hence, in a situation, where you are very much in charge of what you eat, then there is no question about not going vegetarian. If you still subscribe to the meat-eating culture, it is a conscious choice. Your eating meat is encouraging the killing of animals for the meat industry. As long as there is sustained meat consumption and demand, then the meat-producing industry, with its endless horrendous slaughtering of animals, will continue to thrive.
Fortunately, there is growing popularity to adopt veganism as a lifestyle for health reasons.
Great interview. Ven Tenzin Palmo was very clear on why we should avoid eating meat. It is not in line with compassion and Bodhicitta as meat was a living being before it became meat. It had no wish to suffer, feel pain, terror and die. Nowadays, food supply is abundant so we no longer have excuse to eat meat.
Further, the pain and terror experienced at point of slaughter would have generated a lot of negative energy which may leave its residue in the meat and cause negative energies in us too if we consume it.
Buddha in his time was not specifically vegetarian in the sense that if meat was given in his alms bowl on his begging rounds, he will eat whatever that was put into his bowl so as not to practice discrimination.
I found the example given was gross but relevant. It’s about a leper offering food to a monk but unfortunately one of his fingers fell into the bowl. The monk ate it anyway. Karmically, the monk is pure.
Also, from a Buddhist perspective, if we believe in reincarnation, then as taught by the Buddha, everyone has been our mothers before. So, how can we eat our mothers? That was kind of powerful. And, of course, from another point of view is that Ven Tenzin Palmo regarded animals as her friends and so why would she eat them?
Are there any significance in the act of highly attained Lamas eating meat? Are there any unrevealed spiritual reasons behind it? Is it a liberation of sort for the animal whose meat end up in the stomach of an enlightened Lama rather than being on the plate of someone else?
I like the way how she explains that in Tibetan Buddhism every being was once our parents. It is a very weak explanation on how people would kill for meat because they feel weak. I do not believe that by not having meat you will feel weak and not well. All these are all psychological effects through our thoughts.
I love Tenzin Palmo and what she said… “Animals are my friends and I don’t eat my friends. I don’t particularly like someone to kill and eat me, I don’t think anyone wants to be slaughtered and killed and eaten!”
I think most the society in general have a disassociation with the reality that animals are a living sentient being just like us who can feel pain, suffering, kindness and compassion. Most of us even if we are so called animal lovers, we love animals because our sentimental values, not because we look at them as a friend or another living sentient being. Hence this is why the huge un-addressed hypocrisy of loving animals (as pets) and eating animals (none pets) is perfectly normal in our concept some how.
But the reality is not so and we need to start looking deeper and wider because there is consequences from such an action. This is probably why we hear more and more cases of cancer patients more than before, say 10 years ago. When I was working in an organic shop before, I was amazed how many people were cancer patients or recovered patients and they totally change their lifestyle of meat diet completely due to their illness. The thing is isn;t is so much better to change now then wait for it to happen because it may be too late? I guess if you don’t care about animals and their feelings, how about at least caring for your life the right way?
Very good video, thank you.
It would be nice to be completely non-harming.
Becoming vegetarian seems to be becoming more widespread and the standard in the world of Tibetan Buddhism.
I remember HH Karmapa a few years ago issuing a new policy of vegetarianism in all of his monasteries.
Here is an extract from one of his websites:
“At January 3, 2007, he made a strong statement against eating meat within his monasteries and centers. With immediate effect:
No meat is to be prepared in the kitchen of any Kagyu Monastery or Centre.
No one is to be involved in the business of buying and selling meat – for all of his students this practice must stop.
There is to be no killing of animals on Kagyu premises.
Karmapa is aware of monks in robes going to buy meat and does not want to see this ever again.”
I also remember that on a retreat with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Choling Rinpoche, all of the food was vegetarian.
Chadral Rinpoche is a famous vegetarian.
HH Gyalwang Drukpa is, also.
According to this website, http://www.moonpointer.com/bvf.php , these are the Global Slaughter Statistics for 2003:
45,895,000,000 (45.9 billion) chickens
2,262,000,000 (2.3 billion) ducks
1,244,000,000 (1.2 billion) pigs
857,000,000 (857 million) rabbits
691,000,000 (691 million) turkeys
533,000,000 (533 million) geese
515,000,000 (515 million) sheep
345,000,000 (345 million) goats
292,000,000 (292 million) cows and calves (for beef and veal)
65,000,000 (65 million) other rodents (not including rabbits)
63,000,000 (63 million) pigeons and other birds
23,000,000 (23 million) buffaloes
4,000,000 (4 million) horses
3,000,000 (3 million) donkeys and mules
2,000,000 (2 million) camels (and other camelids)
TOTAL: 52,794,000,000
United States: 9,116,248,000
The numbers only include land animals slaughtered for food for which records were taken. They do not include the billions of marine animal killed each year. They do not include the millions of animals killed in laboratories, fur farms, animal shelters, zoos, marine parks, or circuses. Nor do they include the animals killed by human negligence, blood sports, abuse, or extermination attempts.
From the same website:
“Quote by The Great Dzogchen Yogi, Kyabje Chatral Sangye Dorje Rinpoche:
‘Meat, the sinful food, is not permitted according to the three vows: the vows of individual liberation, the Bodhisattva vows and the tantric vows.
‘Thus Buddha stated: “I have never approved, do not approve, and will never approve of a meat diet.”
‘He declared: “My followers must never eat meat.” ‘
share with all of you a very good book online on vegetarianism with many quotations and logic reasoning… very convincing and touching…
http://www.gampopacenter.com/teachings/lamp-of-reasoning/index.html
I posted this on youtube & embedded it on my blog to create awareness. Youtube banned the video with a COMMUNITY GUIDELINES WARNING saying it is too graphic and shocking and breaks their rules. If I get three warnings they block all my videos. I appealed saying, I didn’t post to shock or be gory BUT TO CREATE AWARENESS……. THEY REJECTED THE APPEAL.
I couldn’t believe how they do not want to help such a good cause and help create awareness of this horrible dog meat trade. I appeal to everyone to please have this video tweeted and facebooked everywhere to create awareness. I was very sad to see what is happening to the dogs and VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH YOUTUBE. Please help the dogs I beg you.
Tsem Tulku
link: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4p1tk_dogs-china-raw-5_animals
This will make you smile sangs pa la.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yfbchq0xQmQ&feature=player_embedded.
ciao und besso
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for posting this heartwarming interview of Venerable Tenzin Palmo.
I have been watching this video on this my last night in Spain and now know that I shouldn’t ever be apologetic or shy about being vegetarian, as i have tended to be a few times here in Spain,as family members had to search for places which offered vegetarian food.It was worth all their effort as Tenzin Palmo has so beautifully put it.
Ven Tenzin Palmo from the Drukpa tradition has been a vegetarian for 40 years. She has given clear answers and explanations during the short interview with Andre Kalden. There are two types of Tibetans of which the older generation who lives in Tibet cannot go on vegetarian because of circumstances and environment. Tibet is a very cold country. And you cannot grow any vegetable on the land. So they have only to depend on yak meat and milk. The other type of tibetans that are brought up in India are much easier for them to go vegetarian. As lots of vegetables are grown in India like lentils and dhal which are very good supplement for meat. Tibetan buddhism teaches us to practice compassion and bodhicitta. Then how can we eat another sentient being who has been our friends or our mothers in past lives. She said one of the first Tibetans to become vegetarians are the nuns and monks in the large monasteries in South India.
Absolutely love this interview! She hits the nail on the head. Perfectly articulate with very valid points and all said in a very calm and matter of factly manner. I agree that the issue of being vegetarian is not one of not eating meat for the sake of not eating meat. One has to understand that in this day and age we do have a choice and have no excuse… in that we do not need to go out and hunt for our next meal. Times have changed and I reckon so must our mindset.
This is especially so as a Buddhist because it really contradicts the essence of what we belief in. As Venerable Tenzin Palmo so aptly puts it in the end of the video: “it doesnt seem to fit in with the whole idea of compassion and Boddhicitta… does it?”
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this video. I will post this in my facebook for sure!
Much love… Andrew
The venerable Jetsunma has been known to be open and frank – true enough, we have to be honest with ourselves to progress, especially if we say that we are Dharma practitioners.
i like the way she said they were “hypocritical”… hee hee …
very honest and with integrity. incredible nun!!!