The Lost City of Kota Gelanggi – In Malaysia

May 3, 2019 | Views: 23,807

(By Tsem Rinpoche)

The lost city of Kota Gelanggi is now located amidst dense jungles of the southern Malaysian state of Johor, near a forest reserve managed as Linggiu Reservoir. The site is an area around 140 square kilometres (54 square miles) of the forest reserve surrounding Sungai Madek and Sungai Lenggiu.

The lost city of Kota Gelanggi is an ancient archaeological site located in the deep, dense tropical jungle of Johor state, Malaysia. It is speculated to be the first capital of the ancient Empire of Srivijaya and is one of the oldest Kingdoms in South East Asia’s Malay Peninsula. It is possible that the ancient lost city is even older than Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Borobudur in Indonesia. The site was brought to the public’s attention as a “discovery” in a Malaysian press by Raimy Che-Ross, who was an independent researcher with an academic background in political science, anthropology and art history.

According to Raimy Che-Ross, it was an old Malay manuscript that was once owned by Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of Singapore, that led Raimy Che-Ross to believe in the existence of the ancient city in Johor. The presence of the city was indicated in Malayan folklore for over four centuries. His findings were published in the Journal of the Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society in 2004 and on top of that, he managed to identify unusual patterns of vegetation in the alleged site of the ancient city. A remote sensing satellite image taken by the Malaysian Centre for Remote Sensing (Macres) has revealed possible structures which match aerial photographs taken by Canberra-based independent researcher Raimy Che-Ross. The image has also shown that the apparent structures are much more extensive than previously thought.

It is reported that the lost city of Kota Gelanggi in Johor could possibly be the unidentified temple shown in a thousand-year-old illustration from Nepal, in “The Perfection of Wisdom in 8,000 Lines” (Astasahasrikaprajnaparamita).

 

1,000-year-old image of temple may be that of Kota Gelanggi

BY TEOH TEIK HOONG AND AUDREY EDWARDS

PETALING JAYA: The lost city of Kota Gelanggi in Johor may be the unidentified temple shown in a 1000-year-old illustration of an unknown place in the region, a Cambridge University expert said.

R.C. Jamieson, Keeper of Sanskrit Manuscripts at the University of Cambridge, Britain, said the origin of the illustration which showed a former Buddha, Dipamkara, making a gesture of reassurance and holding a fold of his robe at his shoulder in a temple in Java had yet to be verified.

“However, we must bear in mind that Java then might not have been just the present island alone. At the time of The Perfection of Wisdom in 8,000 Lines (Astasahasrikaprajnaparamita) manuscript, the term encompassed Sumatra and part of the Malay peninsula.

“The manuscript states that the image was taken around 1015 A.D.,” he said in an e-mail interview from London.

Dipamkara with two attendants, found in an illustration from the manuscript kept at Cambridge University.

RELIGIOUS PORTRAYAL: Dipamkara making a gesture of reassurance and holding a fold of his robe at his shoulder while two attendants make the gesture of explanation and hold a blue lotus in an illustration from the manuscript kept at Cambridge University.

The palm-leaf manuscript got to Cambridge from Nepal and the main text was in Sanskrit, Jamieson added.

The illustration also shows two attendants who are bodhisattvas (deities) making the gesture of explanation and holding a blue lotus, among other items, while standing in a temple between some trees.

Jamieson said whether or not the illustration was that of the lost city of Kota Gelanggi, it was worth a detailed investigation.

He said: “If they were the one and the same, it would be a fabulous discovery. If they are not, the work is still valuable and the style of the illustrated building and remains could still be very similar.”

He expressed his willingness to assist in any expedition to verify the lost city initiated by the Museum and Antiquities Department.

Jamieson said the history of such places was important in the history of religion, trade, and international contact at the time and in many other spheres.

“I feel sure something has been found and the only sensible thing is to examine it in a scholarly fashion,” he added.

A website located at www.edlis.org/pow depicts many illustrations from the book.

Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2005/02/06/1000yearold-image-of-temple-may-be-that-of-kota-gelanggi/

The current map of Southeast Asia. The Srivijaya Empire is circled in red (click to enlarge)

The current map of Southeast Asia. The Srivijaya Empire is circled in red. Click to enlarge.

The location of Kota Gelanggi in Malaysia (click to enlarge)

The location of Kota Gelanggi in Malaysia. Click to enlarge

 

History

According to history, Kota Gelanggi is located at the upper reaches of the Johor River and the main fort is made of black stone. It was speculated that the name “Kota Gelanggi” derives from the Malay mispronunciation of the Thai word Ghlong-Keow or “Box of Emeralds”. It is reported that this ancient city was the 12th city of the lost Naksat Cities from the Siamese folklore. The Naksat cities were a group of twelve interlinked cities of the ancient Malay Kingdom of Tambralinga. These cities functioned as the outer shield surrounding the capital city, Nakorn Si Thammarat. They were connected by land so that they could assist each other in the event of surprise attacks.

According to ancient Tamil inscriptions, the city was raided in 1025 A.D. by the South Indian Chola Dynasty conqueror Rajendra Chola I, after he had destroyed the Malay Kingdom of Gangga Negara.

Information on Kota Gelanggi can also be found in the Sejarah Melayu (Malay Annals), edited and revised by Tun Seri Lanang, the Bendahara (equivalent to the prime minister of a sultanate) of the Royal Court of Johor in 1612 A.D.

Ancient Chinese manuscripts have indicated the existence of the lost city of Kota Gelanggi, or known as Klang Kiu, as a city of shining black stone, according to a Chinese history expert.

The city was mentioned in the book “Strange Countries” from the Cambridge Library Rare Books Collection, and had an illustration of a bell adorned by two Buddhas, lotus flowers and birds, which was said to have existed in the city, that has a stupa-like multi-tiered structure. It was mentioned that the structure was 32 zhang high (106.67 metres or 349.97 feet) and was surrounded by 300 graves.

According to Prof. Dr. Tan Ka Kheng, who has been researching for several years, ‘The city was an important point for trade’, and the scriptures had indicated that this city was somewhere in the peninsula. Another sketch from the manuscript had a picture of a Buddha and a Hindu deity on an altar and a worshipper paying homage to them and this could also be from the lost city which was also called Pulau An. Pulau An meant peace and took four nights by boat to travel from Majapahit in Java then. Chinese maps dating 1600 A.D. had mentioned the existence of the ancient city in the peninsula. Artefacts found downstream from the site in Kota Gelanggi, which were being kept by the Johor Heritage Foundation, confirmed that the city was a trading post.

Apart from that, Kota Gelanggi was also a centre of sacred learning. Raimy Che-Ross said that Hinduism and Buddhist statues and figurines may exist and there is also a possibility of finding epigraphic inscriptions (writings on granite).

 

About Srivijaya Empire

Borobudur Temple in East Java, Indonesia. Click the picture to read the article "Buddhist Kingdoms in Indonesia".

Borobudur Temple in East Java, Indonesia. Click the picture to read the article “Buddhist Kingdoms of Indonesia”.

The Srivijaya Kingdom was a Buddhist kingdom that dominated a substantial part of Malay-Indonesian archipelago, Indonesia from 650 to 1377 A.D. It was regarded as an important centre for the expansion of Buddhism from the 8th to the 12th century.

The information about the Srivijaya Kingdom is mostly found in the form of stone inscriptions written in ancient Malay language, as found at the Kedukan Bukit, Talang Tuwo, Telaga Batu and Kota Kapur inscriptions. According to the inscriptions, the city of Palembang, Sumatra was possibly the centre of the Srivijaya Kingdom, and this is evident by a rectangular enclosure encircled by a moat, forming a fort known as the Bamboo Fort.

The inscriptions also tell a story of a war chief named Dapunta Hyang, who waged war against his rivals and managed to gather support from the neighbouring cities along the Musi River. Eventually, this led to the formation of the Srivijaya Kingdom. Dapunta Hyang became the founder and the first king of the Srivijaya Kingdom. The Srivijaya Kingdom and its kings were influential factors in the spreading of Buddhism as they established and spread the religion in the places they conquered like Java, Malaya and so forth.

 

VIDEO: Reenactment of Life in the Srivijaya Empire

Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/SriwijyaEmpire-4.mp4

The Srivijaya Kingdom enjoyed prosperity due to its strategic location for maritime trading which provided a link between China, Southeast Asia and India. In addition, its proximity to the estuary of the Musi River made the soil in the area fertile and ideal for farming. The Chinese often referred to the Srivijaya Kingdom as Jinzhou, or the “Gold Coast” because of the great reserves of gold found in the kingdom.

The Srivijaya Kingdom was also famous as the centre for the practice of Vajrayana Buddhism, the Tantric school of Mahayana Buddhism. According to the Talang Tuwo Inscription (684 A.D.), the king was a religious ruler who associated himself with the power of a Bodhisattva. Srivijaya did not leave many Buddhist archaeological remains but it had become the Buddhist learning centre for the scholars and monks, especially in the city of Palembang.

Evidence of the Srivijaya Kingdom’s existence can be traced from the 7th century. A Tang dynasty Chinese monk, I-tsing wrote that he visited the Srivijaya in 671 A.D. for six months to learn Sanskrit grammar and the Malay language before continuing his journey to study Buddhism at the renowned Buddhist university of Nalanda, in Bihar, India. Upon finishing his 11 years’ worth of learning at the university, he returned to the Srivijaya Kingdom on his way back to China.

He stayed in Palembang for two years to translate various original Sanskrit Buddhist scriptures into Chinese. He returned to China, in 689 A.D. in order to get some paper and ink because he could not find them in Srivijaya. He returned to Srivijaya in the same year. In 695 A.D., he returned to China and brought back approximately 400 translated texts of Buddhist teachings with him. He also wrote two travel diaries entitled “A Record of Buddhist Practices Sent Home From the Southern Seas” and “Buddhist Monk’s Pilgrimage of the Tang Dynasty” to sum up his 25 year-long adventure in the Srivijaya Kingdom and India.

“… Many kings and chieftains in the islands of the Southern Ocean admire and believe in [Buddhism], and their hearts are set on accumulating good actions. In the fortified city of Bhoga [Palembang, the Srivijaya’s capital] Buddhist priests numbered more than 1,000, whose minds are bent on learning and good practices. They investigate and study all the subjects that exist just as in the Middle Kingdom [Madhya-desa, India]; the rules and ceremonies are not at all different. If a Chinese priest wishes to go to the West in order to hear (lectures) and read [the original scriptures], he had better stay here for one or two years and practice the proper rules and then proceed to Central India.”

Source: – From I-tsing’s “A Record of Buddhist Practices Sent Home from the Southern Sea”, also known as the Nanhai Jigui Neifa Zhuan.

The Srivijaya Kingdom was a learning centre for Buddhism that produced many notable Buddhist scholars, including Suvarṇadvipa Dharmakīrti, an illustrious 10th century Buddhist master of Lojong and Bodhicitta. He was known as the teacher of Atisha Dipamkara Shrijñana who went to Srivijaya to study under Suvarṇadvipa’s guidance for 12 years.

The decline of the Srivijaya Kingdom began in 1025 after Rajendra Chola, the Chola king from Tamil Nadu in South India, launched a series of foreign raids on this Kingdom. He was attracted to the great wealth of the Srivijaya Kingdom. King Rajendra’s continuous attacks greatly weakened the Srivijaya’s domination, and it eventually resulted in the formation of smaller regional kingdoms such as Kediri, which focused their economic activities on agricultural produce instead of coastal trading. The weakened Srivijaya Kingdom was finally defeated by the Majapahit Kingdom, with its predominantly Hindu culture.

 

VIDEO: Why Did the Cholas Invade the Srivijaya Empire?

Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/WhyDidTheCholasInvadeTheSrivijayaEmpire.mp4

 

The Perfection of Wisdom in 8,000 Lines (Astasahasrikaprajnaparamita)

According to John K. Miksic in “Three Mountains in Malay History”, the Astasahasrikaprajnaparamita from Nepal that was published in the year 1015 A.D. was copied and adorned with depictions of famous statues and sanctuaries.

Among them, three Buddhist images from the Malay realm are mentioned: a Dipangkara (Dipamkara) from Java, a Lokanātha on Valavati Mountain in Kedah, and another Lokanātha at Srivijayapura (Schoterman 1986: 12). Dipangkara (Dipamkara) is an image of Buddha in protection mudra (symbolic gesture), which may have been a sort of guardian deity for sailors. Lokanatha is an esoteric Buddhist deity. At that particular time period, Java might not have been just the present island alone, but encompassed Sumatra and part of the Malay peninsula. Some scholars or experts are of the opinion that the Dipangkara illustration was that of the lost city of Kota Gelanggi.

The illustration of Dipangkara (Dipamkara) from the palm-leaf manuscript of Astasahasrikaprajnaparamita of the 1015 A.D. This image could be that of the lost city of Kota Gelanggi.

The illustration of Dipangkara (Dipamkara) from the palm-leaf manuscript of Astasahasrikaprajnaparamita of the 1015 A.D. This image could be that of the lost city of Kota Gelanggi.
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Excerpts & Gallery

Apart from “The Perfection of Wisdom in 8,000 Lines”, which may possibly contain the illustration of Buddha Dipamkara from Kota Gelanggi, we have also made available some samples of other ancient scriptures, texts and excerpts from the Cambridge University Library to share with you. May you be blessed by viewing or reading these texts.

Astasahasrikaprajnaparamita, The Perfection of Wisdom in 8,000 Lines from Sri Hlam Monastery, Nepal, Year 1015

Amongst the many Buddhist works in the collection at Cambridge University Library, this is a very important Sanskrit palm leaf manuscript, about a thousand years old, and is thought to be one of the oldest dated illustrated Indian manuscripts in the world. Below are some illustrations from this precious manuscript.

This copy that comes is thought to be the earliest dated illustrated manuscript from Nepal, written there in the year 1015. A selection of illustrations from this manuscript is shown here, on the theme of pilgrimage. It is remarkable that in the year 1015, colour illustrations of images, buildings and places from such a wide geographical range could be seen: Sri Lanka, China, Bihar, Orissa, Gujarat, Bangladesh, Maharashtra, Tamilnadu, Pakistan, Mumbai, Java. Some sites depicted remain unidentified, some can be visited to this day.

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Astasahasrikaprajnaparamita, The Perfection of Wisdom in 8,000 Lines Sri Hlam Monastery, Nepal, 1015. (Add.1643). Another important Sanskrit palm leaf manuscript, almost a thousand years old, is also a Perfection of Wisdom in 8,000 Lines (Astasahasrikaprajnaparamita) but this one comes from Nepal and is thought to be the earliest dated illustrated manuscript from that country, written there in the year 1015. A selection of illustrations from this manuscript is shown here, on the theme of pilgrimage. It is remarkable that in the year 1015 colour illustrations of images, buildings and places from such a wide geographical range could be seen: Sri Lanka, China, Bihar, Orissa, Gujarat, Bangladesh, Maharashtra, Tamilnadu, Pakistan, Mumbai, Java. Some sites depicted remain unidentified, some can be visited to this day. Click to enlarge

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Perfections – Seven female Paramitas, all seated Indian style, framed by ornate curtains, with tassels hanging between the panels. Prajnaparamita is in the centre. Add.1643: cover. Click to enlarge

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Bodhisattvas – Seven bodhisattvas are depicted: a yellow Maitreya, the future Buddha; a green Samantabhadra; a yellow Candraprabha; a red four-armed Avalokitesvara Sadaksari; a red Jaliniprabha; a green Gandhahasti and a yellow Sagaramati. Add.1643: cover. Click to enlarge

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Sri Lanka. A yellow Jambhala in Sri Lanka, holds his mongoose vomiting jewels. He sits Indian style on a cushion on a lotus throne, supported by a throne back of some sophistication, his right leg hanging down, his right arm in the gesture of giving but holding a citron, a fruit a little larger than a lemon. He has two female attendants, a yellow Vasudhara and a white Tara. In the background there are mountains and woods. Add.1643 : folio 80 verso, right panel

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China. A green Samantabhadra in China, sitting astride his fine white elephant with a red trunk. He is making the gesture of teaching, while holding a golden sceptre. He is in a halo, with trees and mountains in the background. Add.1643 : folio 127 recto, left panel

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Bihar. The ornate white Asokan stupa at Radhya (northern Bihar). To the right is its one storey monastery with a green monk wearing a red robe seated on the veranda. On the far left there is a white pillar surmounted by a half bird, half human, king of the birds, a garuda. Both the monk and the bird are making a gesture of honouring. A curtain and garlands hang from the sky. The architectural detail is exquisite. The pillar can be visited to this day, though the distinctive top has not survived. That makes this illustration all the more valuable both in showing what was once there and as an identification aid if a top was ever found. Add.1643 : folio 127 recto, right panel

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Orissa. An ornate green and gold stupa in Odradesa (northern Orissa). Its red parasol is unconnected to the stupa and appears to be floating in the air, but presumably it is attached to the cave ceiling. A yellow monk in a red robe, shoulder uncovered, honours the stupa, and to the left are four bodhisattvas — possibly a red Amitabha, a green Samantabhadra, a yellow Maitreya and a blue Vajrapani. Two small stupas are in the background. There is a border of stones at the front and some sort of balustrade on the left, perhaps a cave temple door. Add.1643 : folio 169 recto, left panel

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Gujarat. A green Tara, in Tarapura in Latade | a (Gujarat), her right hand in the gesture of giving and her left arm bent holding a blue lotus. Her assistant is a bluish white bodhisattva, presumably a Tara. They are in a temple cut into the rock with a cupola and masonry. There are four other cave temples. One has a yellow monk, standing, in a red robe. The next has a white god (devata). The next has a seated Buddha, the last has a wrathful blue attendant wearing a stylish spotted dhoti, holding a club and a noose, perhaps Ugratara. To the left of the green Tara is a small
blue attendant riding a mule, presumably Kaladevi. Add.1643 : folio 169 recto, right panel

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Bangladesh. A white Avalokitesvara on Jaya Mountain in Samatata (eastern Bangladesh), seated Indian style, his right leg hanging down, his right hand in the gesture of giving and his left hand holding a pink lotus. He has two attendants, a green Tara and a red Marici making the gesture of remembering the Buddha, below two trees. Add.1643 : folio 193 recto, left panel

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Tamilnadu. A yellow Vasudhârâ in Kancinagara (modern Kancheepuram in northern Tamilnadu), with six arms, seated Indian style, her right leg hanging down. One hand is in the gesture of giving, the next holds a jewel, the next is in the gesture of remembering the Buddha, the next holds a book, the next a stalk, the next is holding a pink lotus. On either side green female attendants are each holding a full golden dish. All are in a temple, above which on each side is a small portico. Kancinagara was the capital for the south Indian Pallava dynasty (third century to tenth century) and was a renowned centre of learning and religious authority. Both Buddhism and Jainism, as well as Hinduism, flourished in the city. Political figures and scholars were frequent visitors. Bodhidharma, who is said to have introduced Dhyana Buddhism (Chan or Zen) into China in the sixth century lived there. The fifth century logician Dinnaga, is associated with the city as are many other well known figures. Add.1643 : folio 200 verso, left panel

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Pakistan. A wrathful red Marici in Uddiyana (the Swat valley, northern Pakistan), with three faces, white, red and blue, each with three eyes. She is swinging her eleven arms in a halo of flames. She holds a club, an elephant goad, a thunderbolt, an arrow, a sword, a red Asoka flower (Saraca indica), a bow, a thread, Brahma’s severed head, and a noose. She is making a threatening gesture (tarjani mudra) and is known for paralysing, bewildering and killing wicked beings. Indistinctly on the left there may be a twelfth hand, possibly between the thunderbolt and the arrow? MS Add.1643: folio 200 verso, right panel

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Bihar. A white stupa in Tirabhukti (modern Tirhut, northern Bihär), its cupola sitting on ten terraces with a golden top, banners flowing. Two green monks in yellow clothing honour the image. Add.1643 : folio 214 verso, left panel

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Mumbai. The ornate white Rhinoceros Horn stupa on the Black Mountain in Konkan (a rhinoceros horn is the symbol of a solitary pratyekabuddha, so called because he is a solitary being like a rhinoceros). The stupa is bordered by cave temple walls and monks’ cells are carved among the rocks. Three monks make gestures of honouring and a fourth holds a book. Presumably we are looking at the famous Kanheri Caves, not far north of Mumbai (Bombay), where the majority of the caves consist of small single room cells and the remains of several stupas can be seen. Add.1643 : folio 214 verso, right panel

 

Go to The Perfection of Wisdom (India)

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Astasahasrikaprajnaparamita, The Perfection of Wisdom in 8,000 Lines from Bihar, India, Year 997

Amongst the many Buddhist works in the collection at Cambridge University Library is a very important Sanskrit palm leaf manuscript, about a thousand years old, which has one of the most famous titles in the world literature — The Perfection of Wisdom in 8,000 Lines (Astasahasrikaprajnaparamita). It is thought to be the oldest dated illustrated Indian manuscript in the world, written in the year 997 and was produced during the reign of Mahipala I, the Pala king who, between 992-1042, ruled over what are now parts of northern India and Nepal. Below are some illustrations from this precious manuscript.

Astasahasrikaprajnaparamita, The Perfection of Wisdom in 8,000 Lines Bihär, India, 997. (Add. 1464). Amongst the many Buddhist works in the collection at Cambridge University Library is a very important Sanskrit palm leaf manuscript, about a thousand years old, which has one of the most famous titles in the world literature — The Perfection of Wisdom in 8,000 Lines (Astasahasrikaprajnaparamita). It is thought to be the oldest dated illustrated Indian manuscript in the world, written in the year 997 and was produced during the reign of Mahipala I, the Pala king who, between 992-1042, ruled over what are now parts of northern India and Nepal. For the first time all the illustrations from this manuscript are exhibited. Click to enlarge

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Death of the Buddha at Kusinagara (near Gorakhpur, eastern Uttar Pradesh), his entry into final nirvana (parinirvana) beneath two sala trees (Shorea robusta). He is lying on his right side, his face facing this way, his right arm folded under his head, his left arm along the side of his body. Leaning over him is a yellow monk in a red robe, and seated leaning in front of him on one arm is another yellow monk in a red robe. There is a stupa in the background in the upper right, though it is not very clear. The legs of the couch are also hard to make out. Add.1464 : folio 226 verso, centre panel

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Green Tara. A green Tara, her right hand in the gesture of giving and her left hand on her hip, probably holding a blue lotus. She has two attendants, a yellow Marici, and presumably a blue Ekajata. Add.1464 : folio 226 verso, right panel

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Avalokitesvara on a lion throne. A white Simhanada Avalokitesvara, bare of all jewellery, seated on a lion. A red sacred cloth, rather like a sacred thread, holds his right leg in position. A lotus is on the right. Add.1464 : folio 227 recto, centre panel

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Mara’s daughters tempt the Buddha. The historical Buddha calls the earth to witness with his right hand, at Bodhgaya (Bihar). Mara, in the form of the god of desire Kama, shoots an arrow at the Buddha. The sensually beautiful daughters of Mara are attempting to distract his attention. When the Buddha was a bodhisattva on the verge of enlightenment, the evil Mara and his army began this final attack upon him. The Buddha stroked his head, then touched the seat on which he sat, and then the earth. The earth acted as his witness with a great earthquake, terrifying Mara’s followers, who ran away. An earthquake is a powerful symbol emphasising the impermanence of the world. Add.1464 : folio 2 recto, centre panel

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Heaven of the Thirty-Three Gods. The historical Buddha at Samkasya (western Uttar Pradesh), after descending from the Heaven of the Thirty-Three Gods where he had been teaching his deceased mother for three months. His right hand is making the gesture of giving and his left hand is making the gesture of explanation. A white Brahma, representing gods from the realm of form (rupadhatu), is on the left, his hair an ascetic’s crown of matted locks, a yellow Indra, representing gods from the realm of desire, is on the right wearing a three-crested crown. Both are honouring the Buddha. In 400, when Fa Xian visited India, this site was a significant centre of pilgrimage. He reports Asoka to have erected a Buddha image at the site. Could that image be the model for this depiction? Add.1464 : folio 128 recto, right panel

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Yellow Tara. A yellow Tara, her right hand in the gesture of giving and her left hand on her hip, probably holding a lotus. A green Tärä is on the right and seems to be holding a pink lotus, offering it. Nothing is clear due to the condition of the illustration. Add.1464 : folio 227 recto, left panel

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Manjughosa on a lion throne. A yellow Manjughosa, his hands making the gesture of teaching, seated Indian style on a blue lion, his left leg hanging down. Very indistinctly he has a blue lotus entwined around his arm. Even less clearly the lotus is bearing a book, which would be expected to be the Perfection of Wisdom. He has two attendants, bodhisattvas, a golden yellow Sudhanakumara making a gesture of honouring and a blue Yamari (a form of Yamantaka), short, chubby, with bulging eyes and orange hair, wearing a leopard skin dhoti. His posture might suggest he is leaning on a staff. Manjughosa’s mandorla is similar to that of the Buddha in the centre panel of this folio, even in detail like the hatching on the throneback cushion. The first panel of this folio also has a mandorla, though less pronounced in its present condition. Add.1464 : folio 2 recto, right panel

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Monkey. The historical Buddha seated under a tree in the mango grove at Vaisali (northern Bihar), holds a begging bowl full of honey, given by a monkey. The five other figures are all one character, the monkey climbing the tree to get the honey, the monkey offering the honey to the Buddha, the monkey dancing with joy until he falls to his death down a well (impaled on a tree stump in some versions), and the monkey flying in the sky, reborn in the Heaven of the Thirty-Three Gods. Add.1464 folio 127 verso, left panel

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Avalokitesvara. A white Avalokitesvara, his right hand in the gesture of giving, his left arm bent. He is wearing a loose meditation cord. There is an uncoloured lotus to his left. One of his attendants is a golden yellow Prince Sudhana, making a gesture of honouring, holding a book to his chest, and wearing a five leafed crown. The other seems to be a red Hayagriva, holding his staff. His gaze is towards Avalokitesvara, and he is short and chubby with a hair style associated with Gupta images from around the fifth century. Add.1464 : folio 2 recto, left panel

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Birth. Queen Maya, after giving birth to the historical Buddha. She stands under a sala tree (Shorea robusta) in the Lumbini grove near Kapilavastu (Tilaurakot, southern Nepal), supported by her sister. The child was born from her right side and is portrayed to the left, as a miniature Buddha, standing. The seven steps he took at birth are represented on the ground and Indra, wearing a three crested crown, offers a cloth to the Buddha. Add.1464 : folio 127 verso, right panel

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A former Buddha, Dïpamkara, in Java with attendant bodhisattvas each holding a blue lotus. A lotus symbolises Buddhist teaching because it is a beautiful flower which blossoms even in filthy water. 1015 CE MS Add. 1643: folio 2 verso

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The Hindu figure Krsna plays his flute to entice the cowgirls in an illustration from a seventeenth century kalâpustaka, a lavishly illustrated manuscript from Nepal. MS Add.864: folios 137 and 138

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Avalokitesvara. A white Avalokitesvara, his right hand in the gesture of giving, his left arm bent. He is wearing a loose meditation cord. There is an uncoloured lotus to his left. One of his attendants is a golden yellow Prince Sudhana, making a gesture of honouring, holding a book to his chest, and wearing a five-leafed crown. The other seems to be a red Hayagriva, holding his staff. His gaze is towards Avalokitesvara, and he is short and chubby with a hairstyle associated with Gupta images from around the fifth century. Add.1464 : folio 2 recto, left panel

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First teaching. The first teaching of the historical Buddha with his disciples at the Deer Park, at Sarnath near Varanasi (eastern Uttar Pradesh). The central figure is the Buddha seated Indian style, making the gesture of teaching. On each side are two disciples in red robes honouring the Buddha, two of the five ascetics who were the first disciples. At the front of the lotus throne there is a wheel of the law and two deer. Add.1464 : folio 127 verso, centre panel

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Mad elephant. Calming the mad elephant Nalagiri at Räjagrha (Rajgir, central Bihar). Devadatta, a cousin of the Buddha, had such pride and jealousy of his cousin that he provoked the crazed elephant Nälägiri to kill the Buddha. But without any weapons the simple presence of the Buddha calms the elephant, shown here enraged and then calmed. The fear of the two disciples is vivid as they cling like children to the Buddha. His shoulder is uncovered, he makes a gesture of reassurance and his left hand makes the gesture of explanation. The latter hand is evocatively echoing fire to the right, the essence of spiritual power. Springing from the five fingers of his right hand are five lions, simply drawn, looking somewhat equine, representing the teachings of the Buddha. Add. 1464 : folio 128 recto, left panel.

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Avalokitesvara. A six-armed white Avalokitesvara, making the gesture of giving with one right hand, making the gesture of explanation with another right hand, the other hands are not clearly distinguishable, though the final right hand is perhaps in the gesture of knowledge at his chest and the upper left hand seems to be holding something blue, and there is a pink lotus. One of his attendants is a golden yellow Prince Sudhana, not overly clear but presumably making a gesture of honouring, and maybe holding a book to his chest and wearing a five leafed crown. The other seems to be a red Hayagriva, perhaps holding his staff. His gaze is towards Avalokitesvara, and he is short and chubby with a Gupta hair style. He seems to be offering the pink lotus. Add.1464 : folio 226 verso, left panel

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The Lotus Sutra

The Lotus Sutra is one of the most popular and influential Mahayana sutras and the basis of numerous schools of Buddhism that were established such as Tiantai, Tendai and Nichiren. One of the most important ideas clarified by the Lotus Sutra is the principle of the equality of all people including women, “evil” people and others who are discriminated against in other teachings. Below are 2 Lotus SËtra palm leaf manuscripts from around one thousand years ago to share with you.

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Introduction to Lotus Sutra in English. Click to download PDF

Introduction to Lotus Sutra in Japanese. Click to download PDF

Below are texts of Shaku Makaen Ron Son Gensho, Fo Shuo Da Cheng Guan Xiang Man Na Luo Jing Zhu E Gujing, and Hyakumanto Dharani

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Hyakumanto dharani Japan, 764-770 A dharani is a Buddhist invocation. The Hyakumanto dharani [One million pagoda charms] are among the earliest datable printed documents in the world. There are four surviving texts, which are called Kompon, Sorin, Jishin ‘in and Rokudo, each found in short and long form. Each text was originally rolled up as a tiny scroll and placed in a recess in the middle of a miniature pagoda made of cypress and cherry wood; these were then distributed to Buddhist temples in Japan. It is not known exactly how many were printed, but thousands of these scrolls survive today. Exhibited here are Sorin in short form and Jishin ’in in long form. FG. 870.3-1

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Fa-wu Shaku makaen ron son gensho Mount Koya, 1288. This is a commentary on Shaku makaen ron written by a Chinese Buddhist scholar Fa-wu at the request by Emperor Tian-you (De-zong) of Kara-Khitai (Western Liao). Shaku makaen ron is also a commentary on Daijo kishin ron, a Chinese translation of a work in Sanskrit by Asvaghosa. Shaku makaen ron san gensho was introduced into Japan through Korea in 1105, and this particular edition, known as the Koya edition, was printed at Mount Koya in 1288. This is the fourth of five volumes. FG.710.135

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Fo shuo da cheng guan xiang man na luo jing zhue qujing. Fuzhou (South China), 1107. This is the oldest printed book in Cambridge University Library and is a Chinese translation from Sanskrit of a work from the Buddhist canon, Buddhabhasita-prasadaka-sutra, a Sutra [word of the Buddha] on purification from evil, translated by Faxian (circa 337-422). The oldest known extant dated printed book, printed in 868, is also a Chinese translation from Sanskrit of a Buddhist work: the Diamond Sutra (now in the British Library). In Buddhist belief, the multiplication of sacred texts such as these in itself constituted an act of merit. This book is printed on mulberry paper, and (as was usual in the Far East) is printed from a number of wooden blocks, on each of which was cut a mirror-image of a section of the text. FH.20.61

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Kalapustaka Nepal, [cl600]. A lavishly illustrated seventeenth-century “kalapustaka” from Nepal. Seventy-two folios of brilliantly painted handmade paper glued together in the fashion of a concertina so that the complete manuscript can be unfolded to be viewed in its entire length. The texts illustrated include the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, Vikramaditya’s Vetalapancavimsati, the Asvasastra, a few Vaisnava legends and the Buddhist story of Sudhanakumara and Manohara. Illustrations of a few of the sixty-four siddhas, of horses and of other animals are also included. The folios displayed here concentrate on the dicing game and a few scenes from the eighteen day battle in the Mahäbhärata between the Kauravas and the Pandavas. Each folio is painted on both sides, and therefore the manuscript needs to be reversed to view the second run of illustrations which can be seen reflected in the mirror, (when you visit the exhibition) upside down, but they are recognisably scenes from the Ramayana. (Add.864) The eldest Kaurava, an orange Prince Duryodhana playing dice (with his uncle Sakuni’s expert help) against his Pandava rival a white Prince Yudhisthira, the scoreboard between them. On the left a red Prince Bhima watches, while on the Kaurava side a grey Prince Duhsasana watches. Duryodhana wins handsomely, gaining everything Yudhisthira has, including his brothers and their wife Draupadi. Then Duryodhana and Duhsasana humiliate Draupadi, Duhsasana dragging her by her hair, lewdly trying to undress her in front of everyone, and Bhima vows loudly that there will come a time when he will drink the blood of Duhsasana and smash the thigh of Duryodhana. 20/21 recto

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Twenty-two folios further into the story Prince Bhïma on the left has just finished drinking the blood of the dying Daljéâsana, fulfilling part of his vow. To the right the duel between Arjuna and Kama is shown, the wheel of Kama’s chariot is sinking into the ground and he is struggling to push it free, but Arjuna’s arrow has severed his head, and the severed head is rolling in front of Che sinking wheel almost onto the next folio. 42 recto. On the lower right Duryodhana has concealed himself in the water amongst the fish, exhausted he has left the battlefield. On the left the hunters, carrying meat, have told Bhima where to find Duryodhana. 43 recto

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Bhima coaxes Duryodhana from the water and they fight with clubs. Duryodhana’s thigh is broken. Bhima kicks Duryodhana’s head with his left foot. So now both of Bhima’s vows have been fulfilled. 44 recto. Much of the battle has ended, and scavenging black ravens asleep in a banyan tree on the battlefield are being killed by an owl. The three uninjured survivors of Duryodhana’s army watch this killing, giving them an idea. 45 recto

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Draupadi wants revenge for the slaying of her five children in their sleep, but she is persuaded that the killer’s jewel be taken instead and it is placed in Yudhisthira’s crown. 50 recto. On the left Sakuni. the gambler behind Duryodhana in the game of dice, is killed. Uttara gives birth to Pariksita, the baby on the far right, Arjuna’s grandson who was killed in her womb but is brought back to life. He will succeed Yudhisthira and rule for sixty years. 51 recto

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Asiatic Society of Bengal. Asiatick researches: or, transactions of the society, instituted in Bengal, for inquiring into the history and antiquities, the arts, sciences, and literature, of Asia. Calcutta, 1788-1839. Hindu deities were first presented to English language readers in the article, “On the gods and goddesses of Greece, Italy, and India”, based on a paper written in 1784 and given by Sir William Jones to the Asiatick Society in Calcutta on 24 March 1785 and then published in 1789 in Asiatick researches. The illustrations are hand engraved on copper plates and printed on a rolling press. Only the original Calcutta edition had the full sized single plates. “Printed verbatim from the Calcutta edition” presumably refers to the words alone, the plates are very different. Here the illustration depicts Brahma, the god of creation. Originally he had five heads but lost one. T620.b.46.1

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Asiatic Society of Bengal. Asiatick researches… London, 1799. Brahma and Visnu. Visnu is the god who preserves the universe. In comparing Brahma in the two editions note the Calcutta edition has a much finer plate, with an ornate border, a clear romanised name label at the top, and a fine devanâgarïlabel at the bottom. The London plates are cramped, less stylish and much smaller. RCS.Per.256.1

Indra & Kubera. Indra is the thunder, rain and war god prominent in the Rgveda, the earliest of the Vedas. Kubera is the god of riches. Huntingdon 27.8

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Asiatic Society of Bengal. Asiatick researches… London, 1806. Ganesa & Isvara. Ganesa has the head of an elephant with just one tusk. His rat is by his side. He is the god of success and overcoming obstacles, and is also associated with wisdom, learning, prudence, and power. Isvara is the supreme personal god

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Below is a selection of translated extracts from “The Perfection of Wisdom in 8000 Lines”.

The Gods

The Lord Buddha addressed the gods dwelling in the realm of desire and the gods dwelling in the realm of form, saying, “If, gods, any worthy son or worthy daughter should hear this deep perfection of wisdom, it follows, gods, that they should expect nirvana more quickly than those who practised for an aeon, or for what is left of an aeon, at the stage of following faithfully.” Then the gods dwelling in the realm of desire and the gods dwelling in the realm of form said to the Lord Buddha, “This perfection of wisdom is a great perfection!” After saying that, they bowed at the feet of the Lord Buddha. They circumambulated the Lord Buddha three times and then set off, after announcing, “We will now leave the presence of the Lord Buddha.” After going a little way, they vanished – the gods dwelling in the realm of desire departed to the realm of desire and the gods dwelling in the realm of form departed to Brahma’s world. [283]

Source: www.edlis.org

 

Great Being

The Meaning of the Term ‘Great Being’ “A bodhisattva, a ‘great being’ (maha-sattva), is called that because his purpose greatness, greatness for multitudes of beings, he devotes himself to the mass of beings.” [181]

Source: www.edlis.org

 

Sakra’s Naïve Question

Sakra, king of the gods, asked the Lord Buddha, “Does a bodhisattva, a great being, practise only the perfection of wisdom and not the other perfections?” The Lord Buddha replied, “Kausika, a bodhisattva, a great being, practises all six perfections. But it is the perfection of wisdom that is central to a bodhisattva when he gives a gift, or guards morality, or exercises patience, or exerts vigour, or enters into contemplation, or finds insight into things. No difference or distinction is perceived between these six perfections, upheld by skill in means, developing the perfection of wisdom, developing all-embracing knowledge, just as no difference or distinction is conceived between the shadows cast by different trees in India. Their colours and shapes, their leaves, flowers and fruits, their height and circumference may vary, yet they are all simply called ‘shadows’. Similarly, no difference or distinction is perceived between these six perfections, upheld by skill in means, developing the perfection of wisdom, developing all-embracing knowledge.” [110-101]

Source: www.edlis.org

 

Reverence For All-embracing Knowledge

“After I have gone to parinirvana my relics will be revered. In that regard, Kausika, any worthy son or worthy daughter will, having written or copied this perfection of wisdom, become devoted to it, and will honour, adore, respect, revere, pay homage to and esteem it, with divine flowers, incense, perfumes, garlands, oils, powders, robes, parasols, banners, bells and flags. “Kausika, this will bring more merit to that worthy son or daughter. Why? Kausika, the worthy son or daughter who will revere all-embracing knowledge, that worthy son or daughter honours, adores, respects, reveres, pays homage to and esteems the writing or copying of the perfection of wisdom, and they will perform various acts of reverence to it and from this gain greater merit. Why? Because, Kausika, anyone who reveres all-embracing knowledge will revere the perfection of wisdom.” [58-59]

Source: www.edlis.org

 

The Simile of Space

“Lord Buddha, space does not think, ‘What am I near to, what am I far from?’ Why? Because, Lord Buddha, space does not make such discriminations. Similarly, Lord Buddha, a bodhisattva, a great being, practising the perfection of wisdom, does not think, ‘I am near supreme, truly perfect enlightenment, I am far from the stage of a disciple or the stage of a pratyekabuddha.’ Why? Because the perfection of wisdom is something free from such discriminations.” [1441]

Source: www.edlis.org

 

A Smile of Recognition

There was a woman who had come to that assembly and sat down. She rose from her seat, adjusted her top robe over one shoulder, knelt to the earth on her right knee, folded her hands towards the Lord Buddha, and said to him, “Lord Buddha, in this place, I am not frightened, I am not terrified. Not trembling, not frightened, and not terrified, I will show’ the teachings to all sentient beings.” Then the Lord Buddha broke into a smile, golden in colour on that occasion. By its lustre, it beamed through endless and boundless world systems, rising up as far as Brahma’s world. Then, after it returned, it circled around the Lord Buddha three times and then finally’ faded from his face. Immediately after the Lord Buddha had broken into that smile, the woman seized some golden flowers, strewing and scattering the golden flowers over the Lord Buddha. But then these golden flowers, unsupported, were suspended in the air!

Then the venerable Ananda rose from his seat, adjusted his top robe over one shoulder, knelt to the earth on his right knee, folded his hands towards the Lord Buddha, and said to him, “What prompted that, Lord Buddha? What was the reason you broke into a smile? Truly, perfect’ enlightened Tathagatas and arhats do not break into a smile without cause or good reason.” So then the Lord Buddha replied to the venerable Ananda, “Ananda, this is our sister, the goddess of the Ganges! In a future time she will be the Tathagata called ‘Golden Flower’. She will arise as an arhat, truly perfectly enlightened, accomplished in knowledge and good conduct, a Sugata, streetwise, supreme, a tamer of wild men, a teacher of both gods and men, a Buddha, a Lord Buddha. She will become completely enlightened in supreme, truly perfect enlightenment in the stellar aeon. [365-366]

Source: www.edlis.org

 

Subhuti’s Task

The Lord Buddha said to the venerable Subhuti the Elder, “Make it clear, Subhuti, to the bodhisattvas, the great beings, beginning with the perfection of wisdom, how bodhisattvas, great beings, go forth into the perfection of wisdom.” [3]

Source: www.edlis.org

 

A Magician’s Illusion

The Lord Buddha said, “Subhuti, here a bodhisattva, a great being, thinks, I should lead countless beings to nirvana. I should lead innumerable beings to nirvana. But no-one exists who can be led to nirvana by anyone.” And still, he leads those sentient beings to nirvana. Yet there is no being who is led to nirvana, nor is anybody led to nirvana by anyone.

Why? Subhuti, the inherent nature of phenomena should be assumed to be inherently illusory. Subhuti, a talented magician, or even a magician’s apprentice, might conjure up a great crowd of people at a crossroads and then make that great crowd of people that has been conjured up, disappear. Subhuti, what do you think about that? Was anyone there really created or killed or destroyed or made to disappear?”

Subhuti replied, “No, Lord Buddha.”

The Lord Buddha said, “Similarly, Subhuti, a bodhisattva, a great being, leads countless, innumerable beings to nirvana. And yet there is no being who is led to nirvana, nor is anybody led to nirvana by anyone. After hearing the idea set out in this explanation, a bodhisattva, a great being, is then neither frightened, nor terrified, nor overcome with trembling. To that extent, Subhuti, a bodhisattva, a great being, can be known as armed with great armour.” [20-21]

Source: www.edlis.org

 

How Should a Bodhisattva Behave?

Venerable Subhuti asked the Lord Buddha, “How, Lord Buddha, should a bodhisattva, a great being, who wants to go forth to supreme, truly perfect enlightenment, behave? How should he be instructed?”

The Lord Buddha replied, “Subhuti, a bodhisattva, a great being, who wants to go forth to supreme, truly perfect enlightenment, should behave equally to all sentient beings. He should produce thoughts that are fair to all sentient beings. He should handle others with thoughts that are impartial, that are friendly, that are favourable, that are helpful. He should handle others with thoughts that are non-confrontational, that avoid harm, that avoid hurt, that avoid distress. He should handle others, all sentient beings, using the understanding of a mother, using the understanding of a father, the understanding of a son, and the understanding of a daughter. So, Subhuti, a bodhisattva, a great being, who wants to be completely enlightened in supreme, truly perfect enlightenment should stand alongside all sentient beings. For so he should be trained to be the refuge of all sentient beings. In his own behaviour he should renounce all evil. He should give gifts, he should guard morality, he should exercise patience, he should exert vigour, he should enter into contemplation, and he should master this wisdom! He should consider dependent origination backwards and forwards and he should instigate, encourage and empower that in others.” [321-322]

Source: www.edlis.org

 

The Simile of Leaving the Forest

“Lord Buddha, a man might come out of a forested wilderness one hundred, two hundred, three hundred, four hundred, five hundred, or even a thousand miles wide, and he might detect certain clues that indicate in advance signs of a village, a town or a settlement. Clues such as a cowherd, a herdsman, a landmark, a nicely turned out garden, a well-managed wood, or other signs; clues seen that afterwards would turn out to be correct. He would think, ‘Detecting these clues, I must be near a village, a town or a settlement.’ He relaxes; not worrying about thieves any more. Similarly, Lord Buddha, it should be understood that a bodhisattva, a great being, approaching this deep perfection of wisdom, would realise, ‘I am near supreme, truly perfect enlightenment, supreme, truly perfect enlightenment is imminent. ’ Then being at the stage of a disciple or the stage of a pratyekabuddha would not be alarming, would not be terrifying, and would not be feared. Why? Because he sees these advance clues to hold true for him, which is to say, he realises the depth of the perfection of wisdom, to see, to praise, to honour, and to hear.” [215-216]

Source: www.edlis.org

 

Good Friends

“Subhuti, a bodhisattva, a great being, who has set out with earnest intention and wants to reach supreme, truly perfect enlightenment, should from the very beginning tend, love and honour good friends.”

Subhuti asked, “Lord Buddha, who are these good friends of a bodhisattva… ?” The Lord Buddha replied, “Subhuti, they are the Lord Buddhas, the irreversible bodhisattvas, the great beings who are skilful in the bodhisattva practice, who instruct and advise him in the perfections, and who demonstrate and show the perfection of wisdom. Subhuti, these are meant to be the good friends of a bodhisattva. The perfection of wisdom in particular should be regarded as a good friend of a bodhisattva, a great being.

In fact, all the six perfections are meant to be the good friends of a bodhisattva, a great being. The six perfections are the path and the light, the six perfections are a meteor, an illumination, a shelter, home, a goal, an island, a mother and a father, the six perfections lead to knowledge, to understanding, to supreme, truly perfect enlightenment. Why? Subhuti, the perfection of wisdom, which is to say the six perfections, is taught thoroughly. Subhuti, in past times the Tathagatas, then arhats, became truly perfectly enlightened, liberated in complete enlightenment, in the supreme, truly perfect enlightenment of these Lord Buddhas. All-embracing knowledge, which is to say the six perfections, is made visible.” [396-397]

Source: www.edlis.org

 

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Sources:

  • ‘Kota Gelanggi’, Wikipedia, [website] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kota_Gelanggi (accessed: 1 May 2019)
  • ‘1,000-year-old image of temple may be that of Kota Gelanggi’, The Star,[website]
    https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2005/02/06/1000yearold-image-of-temple-may-be-that-of-kota-gelanggi/ (accessed: 1 May 2019)
  • ‘Mystique Earth, The Lost City of Kota Gelanggi’, [website]
    http://mystiquearth.blogspot.com/2009/06/lost-city-of-kota-gelanggi.html (accessed: 1 May 2019)
  • ‘KOTA GELANGGI – AN ANCIENT HINDU KINGDOM BASED IN JOHOR LOST AND FORGOTTEN’, Google Group, [website] https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/mintamil/cUUP5r1uibE (accessed: 1 May 2019)
  • ‘Lost city claim ‘is not an Indiana Jones tale’, SCMP, [website], https://www.scmp.com/article/488451/lost-city-claim-not-indiana-jones-tale (accessed: 1 May 2019)
  • ‘Another Angkor Wat In Malaysia? Johor’s Kota Gelanggi The Kingdom of Sri Vijaya’,TM Editorial’s, [website], https://tamizharmedia.com/2018/04/06/another-angkor-wat-in-malaysia-johors-kota-gelanggi-the-kingdom-of-sri-vijaya/ (accessed: 1 May 2019)
  • ‘Kota Gelanggi’, [website], http://georgetownstreet.blogspot.com/2010/03/kota-gelanggi.html (accessed: 1 May 2019)
  • ‘Manuscript leads to lost city’, The Star, [website], https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2005/02/03/manuscript-leads-to-lost-city/ (accessed: 1 May 2019)
  • http://www.edlis.org/pow/, [website], (accessed: 1 May 2019)

 

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9 Responses to The Lost City of Kota Gelanggi – In Malaysia

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  1. sarassitham on Dec 3, 2020 at 11:31 pm

    Thanks you for the interesting article sharing. Actually I don’t really enjoy historical topic but I got impressed with this article of Lost City of Kota Gelanggi. I never knew there are hidden secret place in our country earth.

    The lost city of Kota Gelanggi is extremely important ancient archaeological site located in the deep, dense tropical jungle of Johor. It is speculated to be the first capital of the ancient Empire of Srivijaya and is one of the oldest Kingdoms in South East Asia.

    What puzzled me was, this Kota Gelanggi structure are similar to Angkor Wat, but the lost city is much older. Hopefully the search for this lost city continues and the truth should be reveal for the generation to come. Thank you for good history and a mystery discovery.

    https://bit.ly/2VAZ0W8

  2. Ummamageswari on Jun 11, 2019 at 1:26 pm

    Thank you so much for this article. By reading this article, i just knew that The Lost City of Kota Gelanggi is the first capital of the ancient Empire of Srivijaya and is one of the oldest Kingdoms in South East Asia’s Malay Peninsula.

    The information about the Srivijaya’s Empire is mostly found in the form of stone inscriptions written in ancient Malay language. The Srivijaya’s Empire spread Buddhism as they established and spread the religion in the places they conquered. Thank you.

  3. Pastor Albert on May 27, 2019 at 3:47 pm

    Similar to a news I read many years ago from the newspaper, Im not sure is this the one. It mentioned that they found many chinese style cutleries in the forest in Johor, upon checking, the history of these cutliries is even older than the Malays step foot in this land, then after sometime later, I cant find anymore info about that discovery. Im always interested to read about these ancient discovery, because they are what it formed the place we live today.

    Buddhism has entered this land many decades ago, there is a Kuan Yin statue made of stone being displayed in the Malaysian National Museum which stated the statue was found around 1000 years ago.

  4. Bradley Kassian on May 19, 2019 at 7:25 pm

    Thank you Rinpoche and blog team for putting together this article about The Lost City of Kota Gelanggi, in Malaysia. It’s nice to know the historical significance it has played in history, and that there are still mysteries waiting to be discovered in the hidden and untouched areas of the world.

  5. Tsa Tsa Ong on May 15, 2019 at 12:47 pm

    This really an amazing discovery of The Lost City of Kota Gelanggi – In Malaysia. I wonder why it wasn’t in the local newspapers? Thank you very much Rinpoche and blog team for sharing this wonderful findings.???

  6. Sarah on May 5, 2019 at 5:47 pm

    It would be good if the site of the lost city of Kota Gelanggi could be excavated in order to find out more about the ancient Srivijaya empire and how Buddhism was introduced and practised in that region.

    In a book by Dr E. Zurcher titled “Buddhism,” published in 1962, there is a short account of the spread of Buddhism in Indonesia and the Malay Peninsula:
    “In the first centuries of our era Buddhism began to penetrate the autochthonus cultures of Malaya and Indonesia; Buddhism is attested in the Malay Peninsula about the 4th century AD and Chinese sources speak about the conversion of a Javanese king and his court by the Indian monk Gunavarman in the early 5th century. In the 7th century a flourishing centre of Buddhist studies had developed at Palembang, at that time the seat of the great empire of Srivijaya which included Malaya and in the 8th century also parts of Java. According to the Chinese pilgrim I-Ching, who studied at Palembang for 4 years (685-689), the Buddhism was mainly ‘Hinayanistic’; in fact there was both Brahmanism and Buddhism, and, somewhat later, Tantrism which was introduced from the Buddhist ‘universities’ of the Pala kingdom. The period of the Sailendra rulers in Central Java, whose territory included Java, Sumatra and Malaya, forms the golden age of Buddhism in Indonesia. Buddhism was patronised by the court; to this period belongs the gigantic stupa called Borobudur (8th century), a huge symbolic monument which, by its structure and ornamentation, suggests the various stages of the path towards Enlightenment. In the later periods Brahmanism predominated, along with a debased Tantrism mixed with Sivaism. Buddhist art flourished for the last time on Java under the rulers of Singhasari (1222-1292). Buddhism persisted on Sumatra till the 14th century, and on Java till the 15th century. Then the infiltration of Islam (from the 13th century onward) practically put an end to Hinduism and Buddhism in the Archipelago and in Malaya. In these countries the creed is nowadays mainly represented by a popular and diluted Mahayana Buddhism among the Chinese part of the population.”

  7. Samfoonheei on May 5, 2019 at 11:37 am

    Interesting with the discovery of lost city Kota Gelanggi. The presence of a lost city in the jungles at the southern end of the Malay peninsula is interesting. It had been long indicated in Malayan fork lore for over centuries. The search for Kota Gelanggi had been an on going endeavour for many scholars and researchers since the days of the British Empire. Kota Gelanggi is an archaeological site been the first capital of the ancient Empire of Srivijaya. Wow ….it seem was one of the oldest Kingdoms on South East Asia’s Malay Peninsula. Many researchers and archaeologist had been conducting aerial searches of the area before locating the site. The Lost city of Kota Gelanggi was detected by satellite maps which confirms the existence of these structures and visible on site. There are many theories behind this discovery yet till now it is not proved. Some said there is lack of funds to continue the search and some says there is a hidden agenda. It does not really matter, what ever it is great to know of earliest civilisation in Malay Peninsula and its related to Hindu and Buddhist world. The lost city could possibly be the unidentified temple shown in a thousand-year-old illustration from Nepal. The lost city was also a centre of sacred learning, where Hinduism and Buddhist statues and figurines may exist. Researching of this lost city is called off and the area surrounding is a forest reserve. Hopefully the search for this lost city continues and the truth should be reveal for the generation to come. Interesting read , great knowledge and a good research work done.
    Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.

  8. Choong on May 4, 2019 at 4:55 pm

    The sixteen volumes of the Prajnaparamitama written upon lapis lazuli paper with ink of gold from the Jumbu River brought from the Naga Realm by Nagarjuna is to be found in the Thang Baidhari of Kathmandu (Thamel Bahal).

    The first 3 pages of this text is reportedly written by Manjushri using his finger.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0N9DR5CqCX4&feature=youtu.be

    Bhagwan Bahal Prajnaparamita

  9. Choong on May 4, 2019 at 4:48 pm

    Thank you for this most informative article.

    According to Edward Conze, the Prajñāpāramitā Sutras are “a collection of about forty texts … composed somewhere around Indian subcontinent between approximately 100 BC and AD 600.” Some Prajnāpāramitā sūtras are thought to be among the earliest Mahāyāna sūtras.

    The (Prajanaparamita) teachings and teachers made its way to South East Asia very early via the Cholas from India. Hence, esoteric Buddhist deities (representing what is today called Vajrayana) were favored in current Java, Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia, Southern Thailand and Indo-China.

    The cult of Prajnaparamita was stimulated by the circulation of manuscript editions of the scripture personified by this goddess, the Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita.

    The first image is a famous depiction of Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita discovered in Java and which currently resides in the National Museum of Indonesia.

    The second image of Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita relates to a number of bronze icons of Bodhisattvas from the Palembang region of Sumatra.

    640px-Prajnaparamita_Java_Side_Detail

    main-image

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Blog Chat

BLOG CHAT

Dear blog friends,

I’ve created this section for all of you to share your opinions, thoughts and feelings about whatever interests you.

Everyone has a different perspective, so this section is for you.

Tsem Rinpoche


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For more information, please read here (english), here (chinese), or the official site: retreat.kechara.com.

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  • Samfoonheei
    Wednesday, May 24. 2023 01:34 PM
    Touching indeed reading this blog again tells us more than that. Not an easy task after-all Taylong Ly and Sayeng had raised using her heart, time, patience, foresight, intuition to protect Caryl. She had made sure Carly never went hungry and never felt afraid and lonely. Taylong Ly and Sayeng were kind, loving, and caring so much so that Caryl had them deep in his heart. Looking at those beautiful photos say all.
    Thank you Rinpoche for sharing Caryl’s story with us.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/etc/caryl-wise-eagle.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Wednesday, May 24. 2023 01:32 PM
    Pope Leo X was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States. Was the son of Lorenzo de’ Medici, best known for his wasteful habits, lecherous activities, and hedonistic quote. He was crowned Pope at the age of 37, honored as a doctor of the Church and his writings. Pope Leo X was a very powerful Pope during a time when the Catholic Church was at its height in power. During his reign, he advanced the city to highly prominent status in Europe through his advocacy for the arts and education. He was the first of four Medici popes. Upon his ascension, Leo X behaved as most Medici leaders before him by working arduously towards the advancement of his family and becoming a generous benefactor of the arts. Interesting biography of a Pope known for his lavish spending, misused funds and abused his power . Tibetan leadership based in Dharamsala, North India has similarity to the Pope’s reign. The Tibetan leadership has cause many sufferings, disharmony within their own people. All can be seen in the Dorje Shugden and Karmapa controversies as well. Many Tibetans are speaking up and it has since changed for a better welfare.
    Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David for this sharing.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/art-architecture/the-controversial-pope-leo-x.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Wednesday, May 24. 2023 01:31 PM
    As we grow older and time passes we realize the spirituality within ourselves . When we can calm down our mind, delve inside us, and become aware of the pure consciousness and surrounding, we look beyond and have connection with the higher being within us. We have to grow from the inside out which involves recognising and accepting our higher potential. Amongst all the Dharma Protectors, Dorje Shugden has the strongest and closest affinity with us. Dorje Shugden an enlightened Dharma Protector helps us to develop our skills, wisdom and great compassion, and clearing all our obstacles . Dorje Shugden will help evryone regardless of race and faith. Its very beneficial to rely on the practice in various aspects of life. We are very fortunate to learn and practice this efficacious Dorje Shugden’s practice. All thanks to our teacher’s kindness and brightening up our day and make us feel ready to take on anything.
    Thank you Rinpoche and Stella for this sharing.


    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/guest-contributors/finding-deeper-meaning-in-life-with-dorje-shugden.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Wednesday, May 17. 2023 01:47 PM
    Great to know that our very own Tsem Paranormal host Li Kim been interviewed by bfm898 radio station years ago. Li Kim a talented lady had put Tsem Paranormal zone for many and many more people to know of Tsem Rinpoche. She had done a great job indeed. Rejoice.
    Thank you Rinpoche for sharing .

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/students-friends/li-kim-interviewed-by-bfm-89-9-radio-station.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Wednesday, May 17. 2023 01:46 PM
    In the last six decades the Tibatan leadership having their own agenda had not been taking interest of their own people. Many people had suffered and long overdue for their religious freedom. Having much evidence that they were making use of religion controlling their people . People were discriminated, left aside ,denied services to schools, hospitals and so forth just because they pray to an unapproved deity Dorje Shugden. They are labelled as anti-Tibetan and even as Chinese spies.
    The latest Modern Diplomacy publication covering the history and current issues of Tibet authored by Dr Andrea Galli tells the truthful insight into an exiled Tibetan leadership. The key functions of diplomacy incorporate a varied number of points, and has established a track record of providing accurate information in a world. Through extensive investigation and analysis Modern Diplomacy published the article for readers to understand of the situation happening within the Tibetan. Hopefully more people will get to read this article to understand better.
    Thank you Rinpoche for sharing Dr Galli’s article with us.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/current-affairs/the-tibetan-leadership-exposed-in-modern-diplomacy.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Wednesday, May 17. 2023 01:42 PM
    In the Tibetan Buddhist spiritual tradition, whatever pujas or fire pujas are a proven remedy for most of life’s troubles. Fire pujas are very effective for protection, removing negatives energies, to increase merits, lifespan, health, wisdom and spiritual wealth. And in such cases it could turn negative circumstances around. They can be used as relics, to be inserted into statues and stupas, and even worn in a locket. It also could be scattered in the garden, backyard or using it to bless the land. Amongst all pujas, fire pujas are among the most powerful within Tibetan Buddhism. They are extremely potent for removing obstacles for the practitioner to gain accomplishments on the path to enlightenment. For the deceased, the fire pujas is an excellent method of purifying negative karma and attaining higher rebirth. Wow…very detailed post for readers to understand about this fire puja. We are so fortunate to have this fire pujas at kechara Bentong done by monks. The fire pujas are performed with special ingredients and special mandalas were set up. In different traditions, the all the ingredients varies.
    Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing .

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/downloads/gyenze-fire-puja-or-the-fire-puja-of-the-wealth-increasing-form-of-dorje-shugden.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Wednesday, May 17. 2023 01:39 PM
    Interesting reading this blog. Yes…its always a case old antique at times comes with something else. Even when given or buying antique statues one got to be very careful. To buy one from genuine buyer on the safe side . An antique Buddha statue from Cambodia given by a relative . Hecelus Tan first sight was uncomfortable with it as later came with nightmare . That’s bad paranormal experience for him. The head of that statue coincidentally broke when Hecelus’s parents decided to bring it back to the antique shop.
    Wow… interesting .
    Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/paranormal/a-statue-that-came-with-something-else.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Sunday, May 7. 2023 01:23 PM
    Amitayus, is the primary Buddha of Pure Land Buddhism. In Vajrayana Buddhism, it is known for his longevity, discernment, pure perception, purification of aggregates, and deep awareness of emptiness . The greatest obstacles to the fulfilment of our wish to experience pure happiness are death and ignorance. It is written in the Buddhist sutras that by chanting the Amitayus Mantra, one increases one’s lifespan, acquires good fortune and wisdom, avoids untimely or accidental death, removes all negative karma, and accomplishes non-death or is reborn the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. With correct visualisation and recitation of the mantras its very beneficial for us.
    Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/short-amitayus-practice.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Sunday, May 7. 2023 01:19 PM
    Astro Wah Lai Toi is a Cantonese Video on demand owned and operated by Astro in partnership with Hong Kong’s TVB.
    Even though it’s old post yet its good to watch the video posted. Pastor Chia had an interviewed on a paranormal program on Astro Wah Lai Toi called Supernatural Investigations. Sound interesting. Well I do believe in the existence of spirits some may not believe. Pastor Chia explained the reasons why we may encounter spirits. Some people are more likely than others to report vivid experiences of spirits. Sensing the presence of spirits across cultures and faiths is central to many of the religions that have shaped human history. Many people of faith reported having encounter it but are poorly understood.
    Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/students-friends/pastor-chia-on-wah-lai-toi.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Sunday, May 7. 2023 01:18 PM
    Markam County locates in the boundary of Tibet, Sichuan and Yunnan Provinces and east of Qamdo Prefecture of Tibet. Markam County makes it illegal to ban Dorje Shugden , protecting the practice and preserving it for future generations. It’s a wonderful news for many. Since the unethical ban against Dorje Shugden, by the Tibetan leadership in exile , many people had suffered. China allows religious freedom in Tibet, protects the Dorje Shugden practice and even gives religious freedom to all faiths. They want peace and harmony within their people, in the country. The Tibetan government in exile should not interfere with religion at all. Its more than 60 years now, is time for the Tibetan government to lift the ban on Dorje Shugden’s practice even though HH Dalai Lama said we can practice Dorje Shugden.
    Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this great news, hoping more and more county allow religious freedom.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/dorje-shugden/markam-illegal-to-create-conflict.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Sunday, May 7. 2023 01:16 PM
    Looking at those old pictures of the launching of Li Kim’s paranormal series tells all. Interesting indeed someone like Li Kim and team gave us viewers a scary moment watching and getting to know more of the unknown. Great job Li Kim and her team did were amazing seeking and go beyond answering some of the mysteries of the spiritual and material world.
    Congratulations to Li Kim and ALL in the Paranormal team.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/film-tv-music/the-paranormal-zone-official-launch-congrats-to-li-kim.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Wednesday, Apr 19. 2023 02:40 PM
    Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. The choice each of every one of us choose includes freedom to change our religion, belief and freedom. There shouldn’t be a law to impose their beliefs on others. Every one of us has the right to profess and to practice his or her religion without undue interference. Religious freedom is very important as this gives us the right to be ourselves, and this helps to work together after maintaining peace the country. It allows different faiths and beliefs to flourish. After worshipping Dorje Shugden for decades, HH the 14th Dalai Lama suddenly imposed a prohibition more than 400 year old practice. He once did rely on this practice so During the height of the banning of Dorje Shugden’s practice , many practitioners who practice Dorje Shugden were ignored, discriminated and rejected within their own exiled community. Many were forced to give up on the practice on Dorje Shugden even though there are so many concrete evidence of an imposed ban. They were forced to wear an identity badge to distinguish their identities from those Dorje Shugden propitiating monks. Many Dorje Shugden practitioners had suffered because of the ban, families , friends were torn apart services denied and so forth. To live in harmony with others, we should overcoming the differences and disagreements in religion and faith of others. May this Dorje Shugde controversy be over soon .
    Thank you Rinpoche, Anila and Pastor David for this sharing.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/dorje-shugden/badge-of-shame.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Wednesday, Apr 19. 2023 02:37 PM
    Thank you Pastor David for your interesting spiritual relationship with Tsem Rinpoche, sharing with us bit by bit stories and observations. Reading gave me a better understandings. Knowledge and appreciation of our spiritual lineage is important as it shapes our identity and empowers our ability, ensuring the continuity of the true dharma. Lineage is basically concerned with authenticity and preserving the spiritual potency of the lineage’s teachings.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/one-minute-story/tales-with-my-lama-tsem-rinpoches-spiritual-lineage
  • Samfoonheei
    Wednesday, Apr 19. 2023 02:35 PM
    Dorje Shugden the Dharma Protector is a fully enlightened Buddha in the form of a protector deity. Relying on Dorje Shugden can help us achieve many benefits including the clearing of obstacles, purification of negative karma, gathering of resources and fulfilment of wishes. The Dharma Protector arose to protect Lama Tsongkhapa’s sacred lineage of teachings and who had manifested about 400 years ago from a lineage of erudite masters. A powerful Protector who is also an emanation of Manjushri, a wisdom bestowing Buddha. Its wonderful with these graphic novel to inspire more and more people getting to know and understand Dorje Shugden better.
    The graphic novel of Dorje Shugden, tells us real accounts of 10 people who had received the blessings and protection of Dorje Shugden. All thanks to our Guru Tsem Rinpoche for bringing this practice to Malaysia for us.
    Thank you writers team for sharing this article .

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/inspiration-worthy-words/the-miracles-of-dorje-shugden.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Monday, Apr 10. 2023 01:58 PM
    Generosity is a core practice of Buddhism, and one of the traditional expressions of this is through offerings to the Sangha. Making offerings is a practice for accumulating positive potential and for purifying clinging and miserliness. We must give generously and sacrificially, with the right motivation of bodhicitta, we create unbelievable merit. Sangha are living in a high number of vows and are unbelievably powerful objects. Reading this blog and looking at those beautiful pictures had me understand better what to offer to those Sanghas. Having the opportunity to make some offerings to the Sanghas will be on my list when visiting them in June.
    Thank you Rinpoche, for sharing this post.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/offerings-to-the-sangha-of-shar-gaden.html

1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · »

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The Unknown

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

Photos On The Go

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

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

Always be kind to animals and eat vegetarian- https://bit.ly/2Psp8h2
4 years ago
My Dharma boy (left) and Oser girl loves to laze around on the veranda in the mornings. They enjoy all the trees, grass and relaxing under the hot sun. Sunbathing is a favorite daily activity. I care about these two doggies of mine very much and I enjoy seeing them happy. They are with me always. Tsem Rinpoche Always be kind to animals and eat vegetarian- https://bit.ly/2Psp8h2
After you left me Mumu, I was alone. I have no family or kin. You were my family. I can\'t stop thinking of you and I can\'t forget you. My bond and connection with you is so strong. I wish you were by my side. Tsem Rinpoche
4 years ago
After you left me Mumu, I was alone. I have no family or kin. You were my family. I can't stop thinking of you and I can't forget you. My bond and connection with you is so strong. I wish you were by my side. Tsem Rinpoche
This story is a life-changer. Learn about the incredible Forest Man of India | 印度“森林之子”- https://bit.ly/2Eh4vRS
4 years ago
This story is a life-changer. Learn about the incredible Forest Man of India | 印度“森林之子”- https://bit.ly/2Eh4vRS
Part 2-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
4 years ago
Part 2-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
Part 1-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
4 years ago
Part 1-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
The great Protector Manjushri Dorje Shugden depicted in the beautiful Mongolian style. To download a high resolution file: https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
4 years ago
The great Protector Manjushri Dorje Shugden depicted in the beautiful Mongolian style. To download a high resolution file: https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
The Mystical land of Shambhala is finally ready for everyone to feast their eyes and be blessed. A beautiful post with information, art work, history, spirituality and a beautiful book composed by His Holiness the 6th Panchen Rinpoche. ~ https://bit.ly/309MHBi
4 years ago
The Mystical land of Shambhala is finally ready for everyone to feast their eyes and be blessed. A beautiful post with information, art work, history, spirituality and a beautiful book composed by His Holiness the 6th Panchen Rinpoche. ~ https://bit.ly/309MHBi
Beautiful pictures of the huge Buddha in Longkou Nanshan- https://bit.ly/2LsBxVb
4 years ago
Beautiful pictures of the huge Buddha in Longkou Nanshan- https://bit.ly/2LsBxVb
The reason-Very interesting thought- https://bit.ly/2V7VT5r
4 years ago
The reason-Very interesting thought- https://bit.ly/2V7VT5r
NEW Bigfoot cafe in Malaysia! Food is delicious!- https://bit.ly/2VxdGau
4 years ago
NEW Bigfoot cafe in Malaysia! Food is delicious!- https://bit.ly/2VxdGau
DON\'T MISS THIS!~How brave Bonnie survived by living with a herd of deer~ https://bit.ly/2Lre2eY
4 years ago
DON'T MISS THIS!~How brave Bonnie survived by living with a herd of deer~ https://bit.ly/2Lre2eY
Global Superpower China Will Cut Meat Consumption by 50%! Very interesting, find out more- https://bit.ly/2V1sJFh
4 years ago
Global Superpower China Will Cut Meat Consumption by 50%! Very interesting, find out more- https://bit.ly/2V1sJFh
You can download this beautiful Egyptian style Dorje Shugden Free- https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
4 years ago
You can download this beautiful Egyptian style Dorje Shugden Free- https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
Beautiful high file for print of Lord Manjushri. May you be blessed- https://bit.ly/2V8mwZe
4 years ago
Beautiful high file for print of Lord Manjushri. May you be blessed- https://bit.ly/2V8mwZe
Mongolian (Oymiakon) Shaman in Siberia, Russia. That is his real outfit he wears. Very unique. TR
4 years ago
Mongolian (Oymiakon) Shaman in Siberia, Russia. That is his real outfit he wears. Very unique. TR
Find one of the most beautiful temples in the world in Nara, Japan. It is the 1,267 year old Todai-ji temple that houses a 15 meter Buddha Vairocana statue who is a cosmic and timeless Buddha. Emperor Shomu who sponsored this beautiful temple eventually abdicated and ordained as a Buddhist monk. Very interesting history and story. One of the places everyone should visit- https://bit.ly/2VgsHhK
4 years ago
Find one of the most beautiful temples in the world in Nara, Japan. It is the 1,267 year old Todai-ji temple that houses a 15 meter Buddha Vairocana statue who is a cosmic and timeless Buddha. Emperor Shomu who sponsored this beautiful temple eventually abdicated and ordained as a Buddhist monk. Very interesting history and story. One of the places everyone should visit- https://bit.ly/2VgsHhK
Manjusri Kumara (bodhisattva of wisdom), India, Pala dynesty, 9th century, stone, Honolulu Academy of Arts
4 years ago
Manjusri Kumara (bodhisattva of wisdom), India, Pala dynesty, 9th century, stone, Honolulu Academy of Arts
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ASK A PASTOR


Ask the Pastors

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

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

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

  • June 3, 2023 01:26
    Ana asked: Hi is Pastor Lai’s latest book available on Amazon or other websites ?
    No reply yet
  • June 2, 2023 20:32
    Sall asked: Kechara used to organise pilgrimages to India and Nepal in the past. Will you organise in the near future?
    No reply yet
  • June 1, 2023 17:30
    Alle asked: Hi, Do Buddhas and Bodhisattvas only help those who call out to them? They have compassion for every being but do they save or help non-buddhist? Can they only help us if we accept their help?
    pastor answered: Hi Alle, Yes, the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas help everyone regardless if you are Buddhist or not. If you call out to them, they do help. For example, I have a Hindu friend who prays to Dorje Shugden and his prayers have been answered many times. So if you call out to them and accept them, meaning you are Buddhist, you will definitely gain their aid. However, even if you are not a Buddhist, but call out to them anyway, they will still help. Actually, they are trying to help all the time, but our karma stops us from receiving their help. The act of invoking upon them, calling out to them, creates a connection that can cut through karma and allow us to receive their help. That is why Buddhists engage in practices daily, to ensure that the connection is there as much as possible so that we can benefit from their help. I hope all of this helped to answer your question.
  • May 31, 2023 09:34
    Charlene asked: How did Tsem Tulku feel about Dorje Shugden pick him to re- introducing the Dharmpalas Methar and Shangmo Dorje Putri pack into his retinue.? Of all the great Dorje Shugden Lamas and Tulkus in the world he felt that only Tsem Tulku was the one person who he could trust to do it. Did Rinpoche every talk about this great honour giving to him by Dorje Shugden.
    pastor answered: Dear Charlene, The stories of Methar and Shangmo Dorje Putri, information about them, etc,. has been available, even in the English language, for a while. Both were placed in Dorje Shugden's entourage by very high lamas in Tibet. Since that is the case, Tsem Rinpoche did not reintroduce them back into Dorje Shugden's retinue, they were already there and information was available about them if you looked in the right places. Tsem Rinpoche chose to highlight them in a handful of the articles in the Dorje Shugden category of his blog, which has a total of 614 different articles about Dorje Shugden, his history, practice, lineage, etc. Tsem Rinpoche's aim and goal was to try to preserve the information and share it. Your questions are very specific and mirror almost exactly questions we have received in the past. To continue this conversation, please email Care@Kechara.com and ask to be put in touch with a Pastor. We can continue this conversation through email. That way, we will allow the many other spiritual seekers who visit this page the ability to ask their own questions and we will be able to converse in more detail. Thank you.
  • May 30, 2023 18:47
    Charlene asked: Tsem Tulku gave Dorje Shugden as a YIDAM practice to some of his students so claims Pastor David Lai. He stated this in his Youtube video of August 10, 2021 titled, "Once Upon A Time With Rinpoche - Rinpoche's Personal Yidam Pt 6". Here is the link to that video and please go to the 11:00 minute mark. It is roughly 45 seconds long. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSw_LcHw4S0
    pastor answered: Dear Charlene, Rinpoche had assigned Dorje Shugden as the main practise that certain students should practice, hence they take Dorje Shugden as their "yidam" referring to Dorje Shugden being their primary practice, due to affinity, need, etc. As Pastor David clarified, Dorje Shugden is an enlightened being. So he can be practised as a proper yidam, however there doesn't exist the practice of Dorje Shugden as a yidam, or meditation deity, only a Protector deity. The criteria for a deity to be considered a yidam deity is the generation and completion stages associated with tantra. That is the difference between whether a deity is practised as a Dharma Protector or a Yidam. Pastor David has clarified these in other talks that he has given, but I cannot remember which ones, as it was not the main topic. For example, let's take the example of White Mahakala. He has texts that propitiate him as a Dharma Protector, so he is practised as a Dharma Protector. He is also fully enlightened, and lamas do assign his practice as a Dharma Protector as the main practise that a student should focus on. In that sense he is their 'yidam' because he is the main practice that they focus on. However, he is also practised as a proper yidam, because there are initiations, lineages and practice texts that include the generation and completion stages, so in that case he is a proper yidam. That is the main difference between emanations of enlightened deities being either a Dharma Protector or a Yidam. Currently there are no lineages of Dorje Shugden being practised as a yidam, only a Dharma Protector. I hope the difference is clear. So there is actually no contradiction with what Pastor David said, because of how Pastor David used the word yidam to refer to a person's main practise, and the actual definition of the difference between a Dharma protector and a yidam. As stated by Tsem Rinpoche himself on many occasions, Dorje Shugden is Manjushri, and as an enlightened being he can be practised as a proper yidam, but this practice simply does not exist at the moment. Hopefully in the future, Dorje Shugden and the Lamas will manifest his teaching as a yidam replete with both the completion and generation stages. I hope this helps. Thank you.
  • May 28, 2023 09:44
    Charlene asked: I asked about Tsem Tulku being a Yidam since I was told that he considered himself be be an emanation of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen. That would explain Tsem Tulku's utter devotion to spreading the works of Dorje Shugden to the World.
    pastor answered: Dear Charlene, If you are taking the example of Rinpoche's previous lives, there were also spiritual teachers, hence they would not be practiced as yidams or meditation deities. This is the case with Tsem Rinpoche and all of Rinpoche's previous incarnations. To call upon his blessings, as mentioned in the previous question, this is done through Guru Yoga practices. Also, you've mentioned the practice of Dorje Shugden. This practice is a Dharma Protector practice, not a yidam or meditational deity practice. Though there are some Dharma Protectors who can be practised as both, as their practice arose in that manner, for example Sengdongma or White Mahakala. The practice of Dorje Shugden however is purely a Dharma Protector practice. Thanks.
  • May 27, 2023 08:58
    Charlene asked: Can i have Tsem Tulku as my Yidam?
    pastor answered: Dear Charlene, Yidams are meditational deities with very specific functions. Tsem Rinpoche was a guru, so he would never be practised as a yidam. You can however practice the Guru Yoga of Tsem Rinpoche, which is available here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/great-lamas-masters/instructions-for-tsem-rinpoches-name-mantra-retreat.html you can read the commentary to the practice and engage in it daily, but you don't need to follow the retreat rules and guidelines as set out in the post. The function of Guru Yoga is to provide huge amounts of blessings, inspiration and merits for our spiritual transformation. The article explains more about what the Guru Yoga is and how to do it in the commentary section. This can be done by anyone and there are no vows or commitments that need to be taken. It can be done every day. I hope this helps.
  • May 26, 2023 18:00
    Anonymous asked: Hello, I want to ask about karma purification. How does purification Buddha practices like Vajrasattva purify karma? Does it stop karmic seeds from ripening? Or does it actually force negative karma to manifest in unfortunate situations right now?
    pastor answered: Dear Anonymous, Purification is a big topic and a little too complicated to explain in detail here. Basically, when you engage in the purification, you use what are know as the Four Opponent Powers. Depending on how strong you generate these within your mind and how much effort you put in to purification practice, there are three results. The lowest results is that you stop some of your karma from multiplying, the middle result is that you lessen the effects of some of your karma and the highest result is that you purify that karma completely, so you don't need to experience the result any more. When you are engaged in heavy and extended periods of purification practices, such as when in retreat, some times what happens is that as the karma is being purified you will feel its lessened effects. For example, if you have a particular negative body karma that means you may get into an accident, and you are engaged in heavy purification practices, because the force of that karma is very strong and the Buddhas are helping you to get rid of it, maybe you get an ache in your leg because you sat on your meditation cushion too long. Or perhaps you have the karma to go through tremendous emotional suffering, so when in retreat this can manifest as a disturbed mind that cannot concentrate. This is due to the middling level of purification and the blessings of the Three Jewels. When engaged in purification practice generally or an a daily basis, such things are less likely to occur, almost never. So in that sense, purification practices do not make negative karma manifest in unfortunate circumstances as we usually think about. If your practice is middling level during intensive practices, yes, some times it can manifest, but in a very different and controlled manner. Another example, perhaps you have the karma to be in a serious car accident, but on a daily basis if you do purifications practices, such as Vajrasattva or Protector Kawang, you have been purifying karma slowly over time. You haven't got rid of the karma completely, so if the causes and conditions are right, then that karma will still ripen, but to a small extent. For example instead of being serious harmed physically, you only a small scratch, but apart from that everything else is fine. I hope that makes sense? Thank you.
  • May 25, 2023 00:33
    Charles asked: What is the best way to ask a guru to be your teacher? I don't want to just burst into a temple and say "please be my teacher!" I desperately want to learn from a real guru I just have no idea how to establish this relationship. Thank you for your time!
    pastor answered: Hello Charles, It's really good to read this. Before you actually ask that guru, you should do your research. Understand the lineage teachings of your guru, which tradition, how long he/she has been practising and teaching, etc. You should also check the qualities of the guru, these can be found in teachings such as the 50 Verses of Guru Devotion. Once you have researched and checked thoroughly, you need to come to a decision whether or not you can commit to that teacher. The guru-disciple relationship is very, very important in our spiritual path. So you should prepare yourself by reading more about the importance of the guru and the guru-disciple relationship. Once you have come to an informed decision, you should arrange with the temple to meet that guru. You should prepare offerings before hand. This can be anything from your heart, but traditionally they are representations of the body (Buddha images, such as a statue, thangka, printed and framed image, ect), speech (and Dharma text) and mind (stupa) of the Buddhas. When you go to see the guru to request taking Refuge with them, you should prostrate three times to the guru, offer a khata to them, then present the offerings, and finally request to be their student and ask them to grant Refuge. The act of taking Refuge with a teacher in Tibetan Buddhism, makes that person your guru and the guru-disciple relationship is established. I hope all of this helps. Good luck on your spiritual journey.
  • May 23, 2023 11:23
    Sane asked: Hello Pastors, Can I recite the 21 praises of Tara for the purpose of memorizing it?
    pastor answered: Dear Sane, Of course. That would be very good and beneficial for you. The Praises to the 21 Taras can be recited by anyone, any time. The best would of course be during your sadhana (daily practice), but it can be recited any time of the day. If you are trying to memorise it, it is good to recite it as much as you can. The trick with memorising a text is to recite it out aloud, rather than in your head. That way you will memorise it quicker. I hope this helps.
  • May 22, 2023 17:51
    Anonymous asked: Hi pastor, I have trust issues and I want to practice Tibetan Buddhism but what are requirements? do I have to devote my entire life to it??? do I have to practice tantra eventually?? after death, where do we go??? I am a bit skeptical of pure lands cause I don't know.... I don't wanna be taken to a realm I've never seen or been before. I'm scared, can u help
    pastor answered: Dear Anonymous, Thank you for your question. The way to get over your fear is to learn more about Tibetan Buddhism, its beliefs, the benefits of the practice, etc. When we come to practise something new we can either be skeptical/fearful of it, or on the other hand, we can be over enthusiastic about it. Either way has it's detriments. So the best thing for you to do before you decide if you really want to practice Tibetan Buddhism is to learn more about it. You can do the following to find out more before making your decision. 1. Here is a list of must read books for anyone interested in Tibetan Buddhism or practising Tibetan Buddhism. These books have all been recommended by Tsem Rinpoche, our spiritual guide : https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/books-that-are-a-must-read.html 2. You can slowly read through the articles on this blog. Tsem Rinpoche created this virtual space to be a repository of information so that people can learn. The best category for you to learn more and in the process answer your questions in the Buddhism category (you can find this at the menu on the top of the page) 3. If you are not much of a reader, you can watch the teachings by Tsem Rinpoche on his YouTube channel. There are many videos there, ranging from a couple of minutes to a couple of hours : https://www.youtube.com/@tsemrinpoche The questions you have asked are too broad for me to answer properly here, best you learn about Tibetan Buddhism slowly and decide for yourself if you want to practice or not. I hope this helps.
  • May 20, 2023 09:54
    Ian asked: Hi Pastors, I had a weird dream involving Bodhisattvas. Basically I was in the POV of Manjushri in first person and I had to figure out some riddles or song lyrics. Anyways regarding the weird dream, does this count as self visualization? or does it not because it's unintentional.
    pastor answered: Dear Ian, That's a very interesting dream. Have you been doing a lot of Manjushri practice? In regards to the dream, that does not count as self-visualisation, because it was unintentional in your dream. Hope that helps.
  • May 19, 2023 22:51
    Oaka asked: I pray to Avalokiteshvara to help people affected by Cyclone Mocha but there still were many deaths. Is it because of their karma?? I mean this with no offense or disrespect because I genuinely want to know. But if Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are above the law of karma, why can't they save people in the world from catastrophes and dangers if they can bypass karma or save despite the people's karma? we've heard in Avalokitesvara chapter that he saves people from fires, falling, being chained, demons, etc. So I don't understand.... Please make it clear for me.
    pastor answered: Dear Oaka, Thanks for your question. Actually it is a very interesting one, but you guess the answer already. Yes, the fully enlightened beings are no longer bound by karma. Actually that is one of the definitions of enlightenment, that one is free from the law of karma. So, they can definitely help us when we are suffering to alleviate our suffering, but why is it they cannot always help us, for example when you prayed to Avalokiteshvara to help the people affected by the tragedy of Cyclone Mocha? You already included it in your questions, it's karma. The force of our own negative karma is what stops them from helping us. In this particular case, from the angle of karma the Cyclone was ultimately caused by the negative group karma of people living in that area. However, some people's negative karma ripened and they died, but many people's negative karma did not ripen and they did not die. Even with the power of your prayers and the prayers of others around the world, the enlightened beings could have helped many people, stopped their negative karma from ripening, so they didn't die. We don't have the ability to check this, we must go on faith. But for some people, their negative karma was so strong, that the prayers and merits generated for them wasn't enough to allow the enlightened beings to help them. Karma plays a very big role in samsara, how we suffer and also understanding karma is how we progress on our spiritual path. That is why the basis of Buddhism, is not to create negative karma and at the same time purify the negative karma that we already have. Then we won't suffer and the Buddhas can help us even more. I hope this answer helps.
  • May 18, 2023 00:20
    Sonia asked: Please help me i love a guy i want to marry him can u help me
    pastor answered: Hi Sonia, If you are in love with someone and would like to marry that person, then you need to make sure that person feels the same way about you. This is something you need to work towards yourself, as it depends on personal compatibility, personality, etc. You should let him know how you feel about him and go from there. There are no methods in Buddhism to make another person fall in love with you or marry you. I hope this helps. Thank you.
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CHAT PICTURES

Gordon is offering flower garlands to Dorje Shugden. May his wishes be fulfilled. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
2 weeks ago
Gordon is offering flower garlands to Dorje Shugden. May his wishes be fulfilled. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
'Always choose to benefit others', Rinpoche stressed this a lot and that's one of the reasons for us to be committed in doing Puja weekly consistently. 20/5/2023 Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
2 weeks ago
'Always choose to benefit others', Rinpoche stressed this a lot and that's one of the reasons for us to be committed in doing Puja weekly consistently. 20/5/2023 Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
29/4/2023 Here, have a look at the offerings made during our weekly Dorje Shugden puja @ Kechara Penang. We should try our best to make offerings to Buddha during our daily practice as well as adviced by Rinpoche. By Jacinta
1 month ago
29/4/2023 Here, have a look at the offerings made during our weekly Dorje Shugden puja @ Kechara Penang. We should try our best to make offerings to Buddha during our daily practice as well as adviced by Rinpoche. By Jacinta
(15th April 2023) Dorje Shugden puja @ Kechara Penang. Venue : 49, Jalan Seang Tek, Penang. Every Saturday @ 3 p.m. Image by Siew Hong ~ Jacinta Goh.
2 months ago
(15th April 2023) Dorje Shugden puja @ Kechara Penang. Venue : 49, Jalan Seang Tek, Penang. Every Saturday @ 3 p.m. Image by Siew Hong ~ Jacinta Goh.
Puja, is one of the best ways to dedicate merits, positive energies, blessings & good fortune to those who have passed on. It's also good for our loved ones. Qing Ming puja & Bird Liberation, Kechara Penang Study Group at 49, Jalan Seang Tek, Penang. By Jacinta Goh
2 months ago
Puja, is one of the best ways to dedicate merits, positive energies, blessings & good fortune to those who have passed on. It's also good for our loved ones. Qing Ming puja & Bird Liberation, Kechara Penang Study Group at 49, Jalan Seang Tek, Penang. By Jacinta Goh
8/4/2023. Elaborate offerings + Sincere motivation = The best way to help ourselves and others. Qing Ming puja & Bird Liberation, Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
2 months ago
8/4/2023. Elaborate offerings + Sincere motivation = The best way to help ourselves and others. Qing Ming puja & Bird Liberation, Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
8th April 2023, Saturday. Bird Liberation & Qing Ming puja at Kechara Penang DS chapel led by Pastor Seng Piow.
2 months ago
8th April 2023, Saturday. Bird Liberation & Qing Ming puja at Kechara Penang DS chapel led by Pastor Seng Piow.
Beautiful Lama Tsongkhapa in Kechara Forest Retread. Advice from H. E. Kyabje Tsem Rinpoche: if you commit all the ways within Tsonkhapa lineage within 3 years, 3 months and 3 days, you can reach full enlightenment … IF YOU'RE READY.  ~ Alice
2 months ago
Beautiful Lama Tsongkhapa in Kechara Forest Retread. Advice from H. E. Kyabje Tsem Rinpoche: if you commit all the ways within Tsonkhapa lineage within 3 years, 3 months and 3 days, you can reach full enlightenment … IF YOU'RE READY. ~ Alice
Invoice
2 months ago
Invoice
Gyenze is an emanation of Manjushri, propitiation of Gyenze will result in an increase of spiritual merits. Mantra: OM BENZA WIKI BITANA SOHA TSESO PALJOR LONG CHO THAMCHED PUTRIM KURU OM ~ Alice
3 months ago
Gyenze is an emanation of Manjushri, propitiation of Gyenze will result in an increase of spiritual merits. Mantra: OM BENZA WIKI BITANA SOHA TSESO PALJOR LONG CHO THAMCHED PUTRIM KURU OM ~ Alice
Nice sessions to learn about (4 March 2023):  The art of HAPPINESS  And  Essentials for a HAPPY relationship shared by Gen Lobsang Phuljung. ~ Alice
3 months ago
Nice sessions to learn about (4 March 2023): The art of HAPPINESS And Essentials for a HAPPY relationship shared by Gen Lobsang Phuljung. ~ Alice
Nice sessions to learn about (4 March 2023):  The art of HAPPINESS  And  Essentials for a HAPPY relationship shared by Gen Lobsang Phuljung. ~ Alice
3 months ago
Nice sessions to learn about (4 March 2023): The art of HAPPINESS And Essentials for a HAPPY relationship shared by Gen Lobsang Phuljung. ~ Alice
Nice sessions to learn about (4 March 2023):  The art of HAPPINESS  And  Essentials for a HAPPY relationship shared by Gen Lobsang Phuljung. ~ Alice
3 months ago
Nice sessions to learn about (4 March 2023): The art of HAPPINESS And Essentials for a HAPPY relationship shared by Gen Lobsang Phuljung. ~ Alice
Nice sessions to learn about (4 March 2023):  The art of HAPPINESS  And  Essentials for a HAPPY relationship shared by Gen Lobsang Phuljung. ~ Alice
3 months ago
Nice sessions to learn about (4 March 2023): The art of HAPPINESS And Essentials for a HAPPY relationship shared by Gen Lobsang Phuljung. ~ Alice
Nice sessions to learn about (4 March 2023):  The art of HAPPINESS  And  Essentials for a HAPPY relationship shared by Gen Lobsang Phuljung. ~ Alice
3 months ago
Nice sessions to learn about (4 March 2023): The art of HAPPINESS And Essentials for a HAPPY relationship shared by Gen Lobsang Phuljung. ~ Alice
Nice sessions to learn about (4 March 2023):  The art of HAPPINESS  And  Essentials for a HAPPY relationship shared by Gen Lobsang Phuljung. ~ Alice
3 months ago
Nice sessions to learn about (4 March 2023): The art of HAPPINESS And Essentials for a HAPPY relationship shared by Gen Lobsang Phuljung. ~ Alice
Beautiful Manjushri and 108 Dorje Shugden. More thangkas for FREE download: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=171377 ~ Alice
3 months ago
Beautiful Manjushri and 108 Dorje Shugden. More thangkas for FREE download: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=171377 ~ Alice
Slowly, but surely we will be able to collect tremendous and incredible amount of merits during Dorje Shugden puja for our spiritual advancement. In return, we dedicated merits to those sponsors and every sentient beings. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
3 months ago
Slowly, but surely we will be able to collect tremendous and incredible amount of merits during Dorje Shugden puja for our spiritual advancement. In return, we dedicated merits to those sponsors and every sentient beings. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
We included the long mandala offerings during our puja. Very nice seeing them practicing in accordance to Rinpoche's teaching. Kechara Penang Study Group By Jacinta
3 months ago
We included the long mandala offerings during our puja. Very nice seeing them practicing in accordance to Rinpoche's teaching. Kechara Penang Study Group By Jacinta
Completed our weekly Dorje Shugden puja. Every Saturday @3pm at Jalan Seang Tek. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
3 months ago
Completed our weekly Dorje Shugden puja. Every Saturday @3pm at Jalan Seang Tek. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
That's us! The retreat ended successfully and you can definitely see it from our ' smile'. Kechara Penang Study Group retreat, 18th & 19th Feb 2023 by Jacinta
3 months ago
That's us! The retreat ended successfully and you can definitely see it from our ' smile'. Kechara Penang Study Group retreat, 18th & 19th Feb 2023 by Jacinta
This time, we included mandala offerings as part of our reatreat. Pastor Seng Piow guided us and shared with us the tips and tricks on how we can offer mandala immaculately! ~ by Jacinta
3 months ago
This time, we included mandala offerings as part of our reatreat. Pastor Seng Piow guided us and shared with us the tips and tricks on how we can offer mandala immaculately! ~ by Jacinta
Before retreat, all of us invited Divine Lady, Vajrayogini whom out of compassion she attracts us and brings us to full liberation. For auspicious reason, together with Pastor Seng Piow, we did Kalarupa puja before starting our retreat ~by Jacinta
3 months ago
Before retreat, all of us invited Divine Lady, Vajrayogini whom out of compassion she attracts us and brings us to full liberation. For auspicious reason, together with Pastor Seng Piow, we did Kalarupa puja before starting our retreat ~by Jacinta
#Throwback Kechara Penang Study Group retreat @ 18th - 19th Feb 2023. 11 retreatants, led by Pastor Seng Piow. We were so fortunate able to get together for the retreat and with great blessings from Rinpoche, it went smoothly. Special thanks to Choong Soon Heng for the overall arrangements, Tang KS, Ong Siew Hong and Swee Bee helping out ~ by Jacinta.
3 months ago
#Throwback Kechara Penang Study Group retreat @ 18th - 19th Feb 2023. 11 retreatants, led by Pastor Seng Piow. We were so fortunate able to get together for the retreat and with great blessings from Rinpoche, it went smoothly. Special thanks to Choong Soon Heng for the overall arrangements, Tang KS, Ong Siew Hong and Swee Bee helping out ~ by Jacinta.
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
3 months ago
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
3 months ago
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
3 months ago
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
3 months ago
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
3 months ago
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
3 months ago
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
3 months ago
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
19JV E5Q9
3 months ago
19JV E5Q9
Abundance light offerings to Gyenze. Happy Losar Day. ~ Alice
3 months ago
Abundance light offerings to Gyenze. Happy Losar Day. ~ Alice
Website
3 months ago
Website
Beautiful night scene at Vajrayogini Stupa, Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
4 months ago
Beautiful night scene at Vajrayogini Stupa, Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
11th Feb 2023 @ 3.00 pm. Completed weekly Dorje Shugden puja at Kechara Penang Chapel, No49 Jalan Seang Tek. All are welcome to join. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
4 months ago
11th Feb 2023 @ 3.00 pm. Completed weekly Dorje Shugden puja at Kechara Penang Chapel, No49 Jalan Seang Tek. All are welcome to join. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
Flower garland was offered to Dorje Shugden, as well as some mandarin oranges, milk and etc by the devotees. There next day morning shift (5th Feb 2023) members were Tang KS, Sunny, Choong & Wei Ling. Thanks for all the efforts and support. The event was ended in a high note. Kechara Penang Study Group ~by Jacinta
4 months ago
Flower garland was offered to Dorje Shugden, as well as some mandarin oranges, milk and etc by the devotees. There next day morning shift (5th Feb 2023) members were Tang KS, Sunny, Choong & Wei Ling. Thanks for all the efforts and support. The event was ended in a high note. Kechara Penang Study Group ~by Jacinta
Penang Kecharians distributed well over 5144 Dorje Shugden collaterals, which includes big posters, A5 picture card, brochure pendants and etc. Not only that, visitors who were keen, they explained and shared more about Dorje Shugden in details. Sharyn and Swee Bee came and volunteered for the two days we were there. Way to go gals... ~by Jacinta
4 months ago
Penang Kecharians distributed well over 5144 Dorje Shugden collaterals, which includes big posters, A5 picture card, brochure pendants and etc. Not only that, visitors who were keen, they explained and shared more about Dorje Shugden in details. Sharyn and Swee Bee came and volunteered for the two days we were there. Way to go gals... ~by Jacinta
Kechara Penang members lent a helping hand during Thaipusam even at the famous Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Waterfall Temple. On the first day, 4th Feb 2023, the members on duty were Siew Hong, BJ Quah, Jacinta, Huey and Sunny Ooi. Kechara Penang Study Group ~by Jacinta
4 months ago
Kechara Penang members lent a helping hand during Thaipusam even at the famous Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Waterfall Temple. On the first day, 4th Feb 2023, the members on duty were Siew Hong, BJ Quah, Jacinta, Huey and Sunny Ooi. Kechara Penang Study Group ~by Jacinta
Abundance food offerings to Gyenze. May everyone always be blessed by Gyenze for long life and increase our inner and outer wealth. ~ Alice
4 months ago
Abundance food offerings to Gyenze. May everyone always be blessed by Gyenze for long life and increase our inner and outer wealth. ~ Alice
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Dorje Shugden
Click to watch my talk about Dorje Shugden....