David is a lay Buddhist pastor of Kechara and a longtime student of H.E. Tsem Rinpoche. Initially a reluctant writer, he now finds himself writing for a living and has published four books including his autobiography, There's No Way But Up and Conversations in Love.
David is a lover of Buddhist art and whenever he can, he shares his knowledge of the Dharma with everyone. Read more of his writings on his blog www.davidlai.me.
Tujuan dari sebuah ajaran atau instruksi yang diberikan oleh guru, tidak peduli seberapa sederhana atau mendalamnya, adalah agar kita dapat menerapkannya. Beberapa orang menganggap ajaran tersebut hanya sebagai pengejaran intelektual, atau sebagai sesuatu untuk direnungkan saat berada di atas duduk di bantalan meditasi. Terkadang, murid selektif dengan apa yang ingin mereka praktikkan dan apa...
There are many people from around the world who would have liked to meet Rinpoche and experience what it was like to be in his company especially up close and personal. Due to my good fortune of having proximity to Rinpoche...
Pastor David has been a student of His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche for over 15 years. Within the ‘Tales With My Lama’ series of articles, he explores his spiritual relationship with Rinpoche, sharing anecdotes, stories, observations and little Dharma nuggets. It is all told to inspire others for their own spiritual relationship with their teachers....
(By Tsem Rinpoche and Pastor David Lai) Shakyashri Bhadra, who is known to the Tibetans as Kache Panchen (Mahapandita of Kashimir), was one of the last great Kashmiri masters to have arrived in Tibet from India during the transmission of Buddhism into the Himalayan country. Regarded as one of the previous incarnations of Dorje...
(oleh Tsem Rinpoche dan Pastor David Lai) Bagi pengamat biasa, praktik Pelindung Dharma mungkin nampak seperti liturgi eksotis yang bertujuan untuk memenuhi harapan. Akan tetapi pada kenyataannya, praktik memiliki berbagai manfaat untuk praktisi dan, menurut jejak rekam tertulis, mereka berasal dan diturunkan dari guru-guru Buddhis yang paling agung. Sejak jaman dahulu, peran dan...
Ladrang seorang Lama merujuk pada kediaman pribadi sang lama. Karena sifat dan tanggung jawab seorang lama, ladrang memainkan peran yang lebih besar dari sekedar kediaman pribadi. Ladrang juga juga berfungsi sebagai kantor pribadi sang lama, dan merupakan tempat dimana beliau bertemu tamu, mengajar, melakukan berbagai ritual dan puja. Jadi esensi sebuah ladrang adalah sebuah...
As Buddhist practitioners, we should regard “the home as where we can practise the Dharma.” Living near our teachers speeds up our Dharma learning and practice because being in close proximity makes it easier for us to receive more teachings, serve the teacher and be a part of a Dharma community...
The kawang liturgy is a confessional practice in which the practitioner engages in a specific visualisation meant to purify tremendous amounts of negative karma. Before delving into the technicalities of the kawang contemplation, we first need to have an understanding of karma...
Rinpoche often said that watching movies was one of his guilty pleasures — especially on long days spent indoors in his room. Over the years, Rinpoche watched a tremendous number of movies, and developed a particular preference...
(By Tsem Rinpoche and Pastor David) Praktik 35 Buddha Pengakuan adalah salah satu praktik pemurnian batin yang tertua dan telah diterapkan sejak masa Buddha Shakyamuni. Praktik ini sendiri memiliki asal mula dalam Sutra Mahayana Tiga Bukit Sempurna, yang dalam bahasa Sansekerta disebut sebagai Triskandhadharmasutra. Khotbah ini asalnya disampaikan oleh Buddha Shakyamuni sendiri dan diajarkan...
A lama’s ladrang refers to a lama’s private residence. Due to the nature of the lama’s work and responsibilities, the ladrang plays a much bigger role than just being a place of residence...
When I first laid eyes on My Journey in This Life, it was the picture of Tsem Rinpoche on the cover that caught my attention. It’s a striking portrait of Rinpoche riding a horse and galloping towards...
One day after finishing his meal, Rinpoche told the story of a learned master who kept up his commitments, sadhanas and retreats but was very much attached to butter. After he passed away, the protector-deity took trance in an oracle and advised that...
(By Tsem Rinpoche and Pastor David) Since the 11th century, the Khon family has been intimately linked to the Sakya lineage. Known to be one of the holiest families of Tibet, the heads of the family have acted as the patriarchs of their sacred tradition. In the 8th century, one of the earliest members...
(By Tsem Rinpoche and Pastor David) At the beginning of the 19th Century, the ruling family that governs the Sakya tradition split into two great houses – the Drolma Phodrang (palace) and the Phuntsok Phodrang. Since that time, the patriarchs of both palaces have alternated and served as the Sakya Trizin or the supreme...
Thonmi Sambhota is not a conventional religious figure but his invention of the written Tibetan script was instrumental in the transmission of Buddhism to Tibet...
Pastor David has been a student of His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche for over 15 years and within the ‘Tales With My Lama’ series of articles, he explores his spiritual relationship with Rinpoche, sharing anecdotes, stories, observations and little Dharma nuggets. It is all told to inspire others for their own spiritual relationship with their...
The most important thing of all is to keep the memory of our guru alive through our Dharma practice, learning and the continuous contemplation of the teacher’s activities and qualities.
This sharing about attachment came about when I was trying to explain the psychology behind the boredom and frustration we feel when we are under lockdown at home.
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KECHARA FOREST RETREAT PROGRESS UPDATES
Here is the latest news and pictorial updates, as it happens, of our upcoming forest retreat project.
The Kechara Forest Retreat is a unique holistic retreat centre focused on the total wellness of body, mind and spirit. This is a place where families and individuals will find peace, nourishment and inspiration in a natural forest environment. At Kechara Forest Retreat, we are committed to give back to society through instilling the next generation with universal positive values such as kindness and compassion.
A great history of a great yogi which I do enjoy reading , reading over it again and again. Jetsun Milarepa was a famous Tibetan siddha, known as a murderer when he was a young man. Who later turning to Buddhism and becoming a highly accomplished Buddhist disciple. Generally considered as one of Tibet’s most famous yogis and spiritual poets, whose teachings are known among several schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Milarepa’s story is one of struggle, anguish, resolve, and triumph all of which make him recognizably. Practicing these teachings for many years in isolated mountain retreats in caves such as caves hidden deep in the mountains of Tsum Valley. That’s where Milarepa attained enlightenment and gained fame for his incredible perseverance in practice and for his spontaneous songs of realisation. Milarepa is said to be the first to achieve the state of Vajradhara in one lifetime. That’s incredible.
Thank you Rinpoche for great sharing interesting read
Visited this old post again, sharing the joy of Kechara House having made it into the Malaysian Book of Records for the Longest non-stop Lamrim Recitation. That’s wonderful , with so many people committing and fulfilling this great mission. The power of collaboration and unity in achieving goals, working together as a team making it a success into the Book of Records is amazing. Looking at those pictures in the blog tells more than a thousands words.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.
H.H Kyabje Zong Rinpoche was a Gelug Lama, a sharp analyst, master of philosophical debate and a Tantric practitioner. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche was a disciple of the third Trijang Rinpoche, junior tutor of the 14th Dalai Lama. Rinpoche was known as a strong, detached and wrathful lama having impeccable knowledge of all rituals, art and science. Thousands of Westerners have received and benefited from his teachings both in the West and in India and gave many empowerments and teachings as well. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche was renowned for his many actions of powerful magic . We are fortunate and blessed listening to the powerful voice of Kyabje Zong Rinpoche’s precious teachings as in this blog.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.
My name is Jonathan Helm, I’m from Michigan USA i contacted HIV 2023 after i was tested positive i tried all means but was not working on till i saw the wonderful work of DOCTOR ZACK BALO and i contacted him. that was how i was cured after taking his herbal medicine for two weeks, contact him today through his email address wiseindividualspell@gmail.com or visit his website https://wiseindividualspell.webnode.com
Visiting Tibet, holy Gaden Monastery is everyone dream and a once life time. Of course if we have the means to visit again will be great. End of December 2008 and early January 2009 our Guru H E Tsem Rinpoche with a small group students visited Tibet. Thousands of pilgrims, visitors and tourists around the world have visited this incredible holy land for the last 600 years. Tsem Rinpoche visited Tibet for the first time with an oxygen tank. I am fortunate to visit this holy place with my Dharma brothers and sisters years back.
With our Guru blessing we went without any without any hitch. Visited most of the monasteries and could feel the powerful energies there. Looking at those pictures in this blog reminds me of trip there.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.
Interesting….. a ground breaking documentary by world BBC where everyone should watch. BBC did mentioned and documented that Jesus was a Buddhist monk and that he had spent some years in India. I would not know about this till I came across this blog. Many people most probably too. Interesting watch one should not miss. Jesus was a religious leader revered in Christianity, one of the world’s major religions. He is regarded by most Christians as the Incarnation of God. Historical evidence indicates that Jesus was well acquainted with Buddhism. Historical evidence indicates that Jesus knew about Buddhism. Other evidence, while perhaps apocryphal, indicates that he spent most of his so-called lost years outside Judea, possibly in Kashmir to study Buddhism exclusively.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.
The Great Buddhas of Bamiyan were two monumental Buddhist statues built around 600 CE. A holy site for Buddhists on the Silk Road, historically a caravan route linking the markets of China with those of the Western world. The two most prominent statues were the giant standing sculptures of the Buddhas .It was the site of several Buddhist monasteries where monks at the monasteries lived as hermits. It was until in 2001, both statues were destroyed by the Taliban . Before being blown up in 2001, they were the largest examples of standing Buddha carvings in the world .Buddhism was eliminated in Afghanistan by the 13th century during the Mongol conquests. Sadly all statues depicting humans in Afghanistan was destroyed. They were perhaps the most famous cultural landmarks of the region, and the site was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Despite the Buddhas’s destruction, the ruins continue to be a popular culture landmark, where many locals, pilgrims and tourist visit the site.
Thank you Rinpoche for this interesting blog.
Ven. Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche was born in Eastern Tibet, recognized as the fourth reincarnation of Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche. Well he was known for his purity in holding his vinaya vows. Even though he left Tibet in 1959 and settled in India, he had inspired, and supported the Sangha community, working tirelessly giving teachings at Sera Monastery in India . He also continued in protecting, preserving and propagating the Buddhadharma all over the world. H E Tsem Rinpoche first met him about 15 years in Sera Monastery and the last time in Gaden Monastery. Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche knew that Tsem Rinpoche in New York back in 2013 and decided to meet up with Rinpoche. Looking at those beautiful photos tells all . Its truly rejoiced moment .
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing with precious photos taken during Rinpoche visit.
The general preliminaries are the four contemplations on precious human body, impermanence and death, cause and effect of karma, and the defects of samsara. The special preliminaries are taking refuge, arousing bodhicitta, the recitation and meditation of Vajrasattva, mandala offerings, and guru yoga.The purpose of life is to benefit other sentient beings and the greatest benefit we can offer them is to liberate them from their suffering and its causes. We have to purify all the negative karma and defilements we have collected over our beginning-less rebirths and accumulate extensive merit. These are the conditions necessary for us to actualize the path. Well we have received just this once the most precious human life ,we have to make our life as meaningful as possible. The purpose of doing preliminary practices is for us to purify obstacles to achieving realizations of the path to enlightenment for the sake of all sentient beings. I am still doing my best .
Great sharing thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David for this important write up .
My name is Jonathan Helm, I’m from Michigan USA i contacted HIV 2023 after i was tested positive i tried all means but was not working on till i saw the wonderful work of DOCTOR ZACK BALO and i contacted him. that was how i was cured after taking his herbal medicine for two weeks, contact him today through his email address wiseindividualspell@gmail.com or visit his website https://wiseindividualspell.webnode.com
The Heart Sutra teaches emptiness through the epitome of compassion. It is often said that, the heart of emptiness is compassion. It’s an attribute by which we sees the suffering of another and experiences true empathy for them. This empathy, in turn, leads the person to reach out and share in the person’s suffering. By helping them to endure whatever they are going through regardless of race and religion. Our prime purpose in this life is to help and benefit others. Well if we can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them. Treat others as we would like others to treat us. Always wish upon others and showing kindness to those who are feeling sad or upset to help them feel better. Lend a shoulder to them to lean on. Emptiness can be explored through meditation and contemplation. By observing the impermanence and interdependence of all things, we can gradually come to understand the true nature of reality. We have to understand the actual words of the Heart Sutra and its meaning within the Buddhist tradition as well as the meanings of emptiness. Will revisit this blog to read, learn more .
Thank you Rinpoche for this profound teachings.
The concept of Dharma is considered to be accessible and applicable to everyone, regardless of their religious background. Dharma, in its essence, is about understanding and living in accordance with universal principles of righteousness and ethical conduct. The core of the doctrine of dharma, especially in Buddhism, is about understanding the nature of suffering, the cause of suffering, the possibility of ending suffering, and the path to liberation through ethical conduct, mindfulness, and wisdom. Dharma is the essential teachings to transform our mind towards that of an enlightened being. Learning and putting what we learn into practice helped us to become a better person. Dharma is for everyone, reading those stories as in the blog give us a clear understanding. Nor matter what religion we are , we are taught to be loving, compassion and living peacefully.
Thank you Rinpoche for these great teachings.
Generosity is giving more than we can, and pride is taking less than we need. Giving is an action; generosity is a matter of the heart. Real generosity toward the future lies in giving all to the present. Sharing one’s resources and helping others in need. We have not lived today until we have done something for someone who can never repay you. A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this article.
n Buddhism, Dharma refers to the teachings of the Buddha and the true nature of reality. It also encompasses principles like the Eightfold Path, which guides individuals towards enlightenment and liberation from suffering. A Dharma attitude involves fulfilling one’s responsibilities and duties towards oneself, others, and the environment. Dharma work helps us to focus on benefiting others instead of ourselves. Each one of us has different ideas, approaches and methods to do dharma work. As long as its benefits others and
taking responsibility for our own actions transforming others with love and generosity. It is important to embrace our imperfections as embracing puts us on a better path of acceptance and self-discovery.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this.
Buddhism is one of the most ancient belief systems and is practiced today by nearly 350 million people around the world.
Bettany Mary Hughes is an English historian, author, and broadcaster, specialising in classical history. Bettany Hughes travelled to the seven wonders of the Buddhist world. Where she documented a unique insight into the seven wonders that explained the long and rich history of Buddhism 2500 years ago . Truly fascinating documentary that’s one should watch. Started off her journey with Bodh Gaya in India, the Bodanath Stupa in Nepal, the Temple of The Tooth in Sri Lanka, Wat Pho Temple in Thailand, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, the Giant Buddha in Hong Kong and the Hsi Lai Temple in the United States. At each location, she meets with Buddhist scholars who explain the different concepts that form the core of Buddhist philosophy, giving insight into the long and rich history of Buddhism. Interesting sharing.
Thank you Rinpoche.
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Concept: Tsem Rinpoche Technical: Lew Kwan Leng, Justin Ripley, Yong Swee Keong Design: Justin Ripley, Cynthia Lee Content: Tsem Rinpoche, Justin Ripley, Pastor Shin Tan, Sarah Yap Admin: Pastor Loh Seng Piow, Beng Kooi
I must thank my dharma blog team who are great assets to me, Kechara and growth of dharma in this wonderful region. I am honoured and thrilled to work with them. I really am. Maybe I don't say it enough to them, but I am saying it now. I APPRECIATE THESE GUYS VERY MUCH!
Dear everyone... This is a good condensed talk I gave on Guru Yoga of Tsongkapa. This is the one you should share with others when they are interested in a not too lengthy explanation. It is the perfect practice for everyone who wants simplicity yet effective blessings. You can share this with more people, it will be good.
Dear blog friends, you can submit your photos to this section by sending an email to tblogpics@gmail.com. Include your message in the "Subject" field (up to 250 characters only). Be sure to include your name in the subject field too!
2 days ago
Had our weekly Swift Return Puja for HE Tsem Rinpoche Kechara Kuantan Study Group..Sam
3 days ago
24th May, Dorje Shugden puja completed. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
3 days ago
#Throwback 17th May 2025, Dorje Shugden puja completed. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
1 week ago
22nd May we had our weekly Swift Return Puja for HE Tsem Rinpoche this evening. Kechara Kuantan Study group.. Sam
2 weeks ago
18 th May sunny Sunday to start off our monthly animal liberation activities.. Saving hundred thousand lives from pet-shop.Kechara Kuantan study group Sam
2 weeks ago
Last but not least, group photo take. after puja and incense offerings completed. Happy Wesak's Day to all. 12th May 2025. Uploaded by Jacinta.
2 weeks ago
Puja started at 2 pm with Pastor Patsy giving Dharma talk and presenting 8 auspicious on the altar. What a great way to start the puja! May Rinpoche return swiftly, witnessing the Dharma growth in Penang, a northern state, West of Malaysia. Uploaded by Jacinta
2 weeks ago
There are visitors who came specifically to pay homage to H. E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche as well as our members arriving for the puja. Uploaded by Jacinta
2 weeks ago
Mostly our relatives and members of the group came to pay homage to Buddha during the day. Generating much merits on Wesak's Day. Uploaded by Jacinta
2 weeks ago
Offerings are made on all altars. It was being decorated delicately by the members. Wesak's Day Celebration at Penang Dorje Shugden on 12th May (Mon). Uploaded by Jacinta.
2 weeks ago
Group's photo after preparation for Wesak has completed. Taken on 11th May @ Penang Dorje Shugden Temple. Uploaded by Jacinta
2 weeks ago
Wesak's Day preparation on 11th May (Sun) : Penang Dorje Shugden. Upload by Jacinta
2 weeks ago
15 May Had our weekly Swift Return Puja for HE Tsem Rinpoche this evening.kechara Kuantan Study Group.Sam
3 weeks ago
Completed Dorje Shugden puja @ 3rd May 2025. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
3 weeks ago
9th May.. Some of the Offerings during yesterday puja.Kechara Kuantan Study Group ..Sam
3 weeks ago
Had our weekly Swift Return Puja for HE Tsem Rinpoche this evening.Kechara Kuantan Study Group.Sam
4 weeks ago
Meditation Sharing & Practice @ Kechara Ipoh Study Group - Guan Sun
1 month ago
Beautiful Gyenze Statue at Kechara Kuantan with an abundance of offerings .. Kechara Kuantan Study Group.. Sam
1 month ago
Offerings to the Buddha during DS puja. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
1 month ago
26th April 2025, completed Dorje Shugden puja with recitation of Namasangiti, led by William. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
1 month ago
27 th April cleaning of Gyenze Chapel. Kechara this afternoon.Kuantan Study group..sam
1 month ago
Had our DORJE SHUGDEN Puja this evening .May HE Tsem Rinpoche swiftly return to KFR at BENTONG. Kechara Kuantan Study Group..Sam
1 month ago
Beautiful Lama tsongkhapa Statue at Kechara Kuantan. Kechara Kuantan Study Group by Sam
1 month ago
Pastor Seng Piow led the puja team members of the Kechara Penang group. Uploaded by Jacinta.
1 month ago
Completed Dorje Shugden puja at Penang chapel. 19th April 2025. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
1 month ago
A beautiful day with blue clear sky to start off releasing fishes.Saving thousands of lives ..fishes birds and fishing baits.kechara kuantangroup Sam
1 month ago
Yesterday had our weekly Swift return Puja for HE Tsem Rinpoche. Kechara kuantan group Sam
1 month ago
Periodically, tormas will be replaced with new ones by Choong Soon Heng. The teardrop and round shape specially made and prepared by Siew Hong. Due to their efforts, our puja is complete with the necessary offerings recommended by Rinpoche. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
1 month ago
Various 'kuih-muih' offered to Buddhas, generating tremendous merits for both the recipients and sponsors. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
1 month ago
Completed Dorje Shugden @12th April, 2025. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
2 months ago
Offerings were prepared before Dorje Shugden puja started on Sunday, 13th April in Kechara Ipoh Study Group centre (Kin Hoe)
2 months ago
Mr. Mannance Wong offered lights on behalf of all in Kechara Ipoh Study Group before the start of the puja (Kin Hoe)
2 months ago
Come on, Smile! A quick and easy way to make others happy instantly before we start our puja today. 5th April, 2025 Dorje Shugden puja at Penang chapel. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
2 months ago
Today's flower offerings @5th April, 2025. Dorje Shugden weekly puja at Kechara Penang Chapel at No 49, Jalan Seang Tek. Uploaded by Jacinta.
2 months ago
Here are some of the offerings to the Buddha @ 5th April, 2025. Uploaded by Jacinta
2 months ago
Mdm.Betty & Mr. Teo came very early for setting up & cleaning. Dorje Shugden puja @every Saturday 3pm. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
2 months ago
We gathered for a group photo after the Dorje Shugden puja ~29th March 2025. Kechara Pennag Study Group by Jacinta
2 months ago
Deepest and most sincere gratitude for Irene's invaluable and precious Dharma sharing. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
2 months ago
Welcome Irene Lim, most senior student of H. E. the 25th Tsem Tulku Rinpoche to our Penang chapel. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
2 months ago
Offerings to Buddhas - 29th March. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta