Joy's interest in the creative arts has led her to a career in advertising and events, but that did not answer the many questions she had about life. The day she met His Eminence the 25th Tsem Rinpoche changed her life forever. Joining Kechara full time in 2004 as an administrator, Joy later became a member of Rinpoche's private office, Tsem Ladrang.
Joy's current portfolio includes painting, restoring and beautifying Buddha statues. As a writer in Kechara, Joy is also one of the blog chat moderators on tsemrinpoche.com. An aspiring nun (sangha-to-be), Joy looks forward to promoting the sacred lineage of Lama Tsongkhapa through modern platforms and social media.
Lobsang Chokyi has been a student of His Eminence the 25th Tsem Rinpoche for over 15 years. Through the years, Ani Chokyi has witnessed Rinpoche’s compassion and the unconventional methods he uses to benefit others. Some of the short stories she shares will tell interesting miraculous events that Rinpoche will not mention due to...
As members of the Ladrang team, we frequently assisted with gifts and offerings made to Rinpoche. Making offerings to our spiritual teacher, or guru, is a long-standing tradition and practice in Buddhism, particularly in Tibetan Buddhism. This is because all spiritual attainments are said to be the result of our guru’s blessings. Thus one...
Many of us claim to be animal lovers. We say we love animals, but just how much do we really love them? To what extent would we go to help an animal? To what extent would we give something up in order to save an animal? Our guru, His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche is the...
Joy has been a student of His Eminence the 25th Tsem Rinpoche for over 15 years. Through the years, Joy has witnessed Rinpoche’s compassion and the unconventional methods he uses to benefit others. Some of the short stories she shares will tell interesting miraculous events that Rinpoche will not mention due to his humility....
Joy has been a student of His Eminence the 25th Tsem Rinpoche for over 15 years. Through the years, Joy has witnessed Rinpoche’s compassion and the unconventional methods he uses to benefit others. Some of the short stories she shares will tell interesting miraculous events that Rinpoche will not mention due to his humility....
Joy has been a student of His Eminence the 25th Tsem Rinpoche for over 15 years. Through the years, Joy has witnessed Rinpoche’s compassion and the unconventional methods he uses to benefit others. Some of the short stories she shares will tell interesting miraculous events that Rinpoche will not mention due to his humility....
Joy has been a student of His Eminence the 25th Tsem Rinpoche for over 15 years. Through the years, Joy has witnessed Rinpoche’s compassion and the unconventional methods he uses to benefit others. Some of the short stories she shares will tell interesting miraculous events that Rinpoche will not mention due to his humility....
Joy has been a student of His Eminence the 25th Tsem Rinpoche for over 15 years. Through the years, Joy has witnessed Rinpoche’s compassion and the unconventional methods he uses to benefit others. Some of the short stories she shares will tell interesting miraculous events that Rinpoche will not mention due to his humility....
Joy has been a student of His Eminence the 25th Tsem Rinpoche for over 15 years. Through the years, Joy has witnessed Rinpoche’s compassion and the unconventional methods he uses to benefit others. Some of the short stories she shares will tell interesting miraculous events that Rinpoche will not mention due to his humility....
Sometime back, probably between 1999 and 2000, Rinpoche gave me a chakra. A chakra is a blessed Tibetan Buddhist amulet and this particular one from Rinpoche was given to me through my sister...
If you were ever called into Rinpoche’s room alone, then you will be able to relate to this feeling. It is a feeling of excitement and also fear that you will make a stupid mistake in front of your Guru...
One of the very first things Rinpoche did was to encourage us to start living on our own, instead of depending on our parents or family all the time. Rinpoche wanted us to grow up, to be independent...
One of the things that Rinpoche used to do when we first started living in Dharma houses was surprise visits and inspections. It was always exciting as well as scary because most of the time...
Surrendering to the Guru means trusting the Guru’s training and co-operating with the Guru who is skilfully trying to help us to purify our karma and collect merits in the quickest and most effective ways...
One of the many bad habits that Rinpoche firmly helped us put a stop to was using words without much thought, especially those we are very used to easily saying. These include...
The first time I had to cook for Rinpoche, I was so terrified because before that I had only ever cooked for myself. It was a nice and quiet morning when I got into the Ladrang...
Joy has been a student of His Eminence the 25th Tsem Rinpoche for over 15 years. Through the years, Joy has witnessed Rinpoche’s compassion and the unconventional methods he uses to benefit others. Some of the short stories she shares will tell interesting miraculous events that Rinpoche will not mention due to his humility....
Joy has been a student of His Eminence the 25th Tsem Rinpoche for over 15 years. Through the years, Joy has witnessed Rinpoche’s compassion and the unconventional methods he uses to benefit others. Some of the short stories she shares will tell interesting miraculous events that Rinpoche will not mention due to his humility....
Joy has been a student of His Eminence the 25th Tsem Rinpoche for over 15 years. Through the years, Joy has witnessed Rinpoche’s compassion and the unconventional methods he uses to benefit others. Some of the short stories she shares will tell interesting miraculous events that Rinpoche will not mention due to his humility....
Joy has been a student of His Eminence the 25th Tsem Rinpoche for over 15 years. Through the years, Joy has witnessed Rinpoche’s compassion and the unconventional methods he uses to benefit others. Some of the short stories she shares will tell interesting miraculous events that Rinpoche will not mention due to his humility....
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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.
Very fortunate for me and friends to have visited these four most worthy pilgrimage sites as mentioned in this blog post. Lumbini where the birthplace of Prince Siddharta Gautama later known as Buddha Shakyamuni, Bodh Gaya the place where Prince Siddharta Gautama reached enlightenment, Sarnath the place where Buddha Shakyamuni turned the Wheel of Dharma for the first time and finally Kushinagar the place where Buddha Shakyamuni entered Parinirvana. So blessed managed to visit all these Holy places just before the lockdown because of the covid pandemic.
Thank you Rinpoche and Novka Kuaranita for this interesting sharing, so as more people be inspired to go.
In the eyes of many people, giving doesn’t count unless it’s completely selfless. In reality, though, giving isn’t sustainable when it’s completely selfless. Tsem Rnpoche is one truly Lama who gives silently without hope of praise and reward. Rinpoche gives selflessly to awaken the sleeping humanity in one’s heart. Spreading love and caring everywhere as Rinpoche goes had inspired many of us. There is nothing more beautiful things we can do. If we ever had the chance of making a big impact on the life of someone else, we know how wonderful it can feel to help someone.
A beautiful story of a selfless Lama who have a heart of gold.
Thank you Rinpoche and Anila for this sharing.
Rinpoche read all notes, letters, and cards that was sent to his labrang. It never comes to my mind at all whether or not our guru Tsem Rinpoche saw, ate, or liked our offerings. All I know that Rinpoche knew for sure what we are doing. I am one of the many that Rinpoche had gave me gifts through all these years. Feeling happy and blessed with what I received. Thank you Rinpoche with folded hands. May Rinpoche have a swift return.
Thank you Anila for this wonderful sharing for many of us to have a better insight understanding of a great Lama.
Reading this article reminds me of my trip there in 2019 just before the lock down. I am glad I made it there as encouraged by our Guru Tsem Rinpoche to go on pilgrimage to Holy places instead of visiting places of interest. It’s a once a life time experienced for me. Went on pilgrimage to Tibet in 2019 and to Sera Choding Hermitage of Lama Tsongkhapa and few other Holy places as well. Sera Choding Hermitage was also the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. It was one of Tsongkhapa’s principal retreat centers, where he gave many of his most important teachings and where he composed one of his most famous works.
Fortunate to go to Kushinagar where Buddha Shakyamuni entered Clear Light , and seeing the Ramabhar Stupa,where the cremation place of Buddha Shakyamuni, and a colossal statue of Lord Buddha at the Matha Kuar feeling blessed indeed. Another holy place as mentioned in the blog is Wu Tai Shan. It is a popular pilgrimage as well. Mount Wutai with its five flat peaks is one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains in China. This Holy place is associated with the rising sun which signifies birth and renewal. Due to this interpretation, it is often regarded as the most sacred of the Five Great Mountains. Went there too much earlier with Kecharians friends. Minhitale Buddha Statue in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, another Holy place. Historically recorded as the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura was also the center of Theravada Buddhism for many centuries and has been a major Buddhist pilgrimage site with ruins of many ancient Buddhist temples. A place worth going but I have not visited yet which I love to go some day.
Thank you Rinpoche for this wonderful sharing.
A strong inspiring story that will touch our heart and soul. Reading and watching those videos in this blog post will definitely inspire and motivate us all. Bill Porter was an American having spent much of his life studying and translating Chinese religious and philosophical texts. He is a translator of Chinese texts, primarily Taoist and Buddhist, including poetry and sūtras. Bill Porter stepped into the ancient Chinese literary world, which changed everything. To many Chinese, he is known as Red Pine and the author of popular books on Chinese hermits and ancient poets. Many had wonder if the Buddhist hermit tradition still existed in China, not until Bill Porter discovered that the hermit tradition is very much alive. So many insights into life in China, and the Buddhist renewal after the cultural revolution the historical refuge of ancient hermits. Dozens of monks and nuns continue to lead solitary lives in quiet contemplation of their faith deep in the mountains. Inspiring each of them , living as simple as possible with what they have. That’s a beautiful understanding of Chinese culture, a rare happening , and should be cherished by all who love the Chinese classics .
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.
Wow this great Lama the third Purchok incarnation the Lozang Tsultrim Jampa Gyatso who had served as tutor to both the Twelfth and the Thirteenth Dalai Lamas . He studied under a number of great masters and became a competent scholar at a very young age. His collected works covering subjects such as commentary on logics, rituals, and biography were compiled into texts. Interesting read.
Thank you Rinpoche .
Dharma teaches us the ultimate method, the ultimate way of release from samsara. When you receive the Dharma teachings — when you receive the method and you practice it — you will be able to free yourself from sufferings.
Wow…beautiful scenery pictures . Each and every pictures has an interesting stories to tell. Looking through these in this blog tells us a thousands words , simply exquisite beautiful indeed. Tranquillity serenity and beauty of nature in every pictures .Natural beauty is everyone wish to be there.
Thank you Rinpoche for this great sharing.
The Colossus of Rhodes was a statue of the Greek sun-god Helios, erected in the city of Rhodes, on the Greek island. An interesting mythology behind this huge statue. It was built between the years 292-280 BCE, to honour the Ancient Greek god of the Sun, Helios recording to history. The people of the city of Rhodes in Greece were saved from a terrible siege and that’s where this statue was built. The Greek mythology was strongly influenced by the ancient Egyptian myths. Sound interesting. Rhodes has been famous since antiquity as the site of Colossus of Rhodes, and was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This ancient town is a step back in time and is one of the biggest best-preserved Medieval settlements of Europe. It’s the oldest populated medieval city in Europe with some 5000 people living inside the castle walls. Worth a visit to see for ourselves the beauty of this ancient town with many myth stories .
Thank you Rinpoche and Gen. Lobsang Phuljung for this wonderful sharing.
Each of us have a dark story to tell from the past. Reading again this interesting short posts of personal experiences with HE the 25th Tsem Rinpoche by Gen. Lobsang Phuljung . Black magic spells for revenge are an advanced and destructive form of magic that can manipulate or hurt other people. Everybody has been in a scenario where vengeance appeared to be the perfect idea for resolving a conflict. Even if we employ these curses and spells for revenge we are the ones who gets hurt as well. Negatively impacts our physical health by raising our blood pressure, trigger defensiveness and it turns into a destructive force that can harm ourselves. Life can only be understood backwards but it must be lived forwards. May these life experience provide us the inspiration we need to go on in life while learning from it.
Thank you Gen. Lobsang Phuljung for sharing this untold story with us.
We should feel gratitude for all that was given to us. The highest giving would be dharma. From those who have given us dharma, we should show a humble and sincere attitude. Always remember their kindness by practicing and applying. Only with dharma can we find genuine lasting happiness. The person who gave us genuine happiness through teaching us dharma should be remembered, celebrated, respected and be shown gratitude always.
The Sangha has kept Buddhist texts safe over the centuries and has interpreted and taught Buddhist philosophy. The Sangha has also provided inspiration and guidance on how to live a good Buddhist life. Being one of the three jewels of Buddhism, Sangha is an integral part of this community. We turn to these three jewels when we need to feel safety .Sangha is an equally important part of Buddhism where they provides a harbour in time of distress, and at the time of distractions. They help each other to make the journey smooth and spread kindness to everyone around them. It is believed that while walking the path, they will helps everybody to visualize goals clearly and aids in understanding the meaning of life in a better way. Beautiful article by Thich Nhat Hanh explaining the essence of a sangha.
Thank you Rinpoche for this wonderful sharing
Yunnan is a province in southern China, bordering Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam as well China is a multi-religious country. Taoism, Buddhism, Islamism, Protestantism and Catholicism are the main stream religions in China. Reading this article again and again feeling glad as the practice of Dorje Shugden had spread to many more places. Showing that it is not a minor practice after-all. Its flourishing to the ten direction. Dorje Shugden stupa is located right in the middle of the beautiful and sacred snow-capped mountains. Yulong Snow Mountain is a famous scenic area in Yunnan, after all. Since then it had attracted many locals and tourist .Looking at those pictures tells all. I have visited Yulong Snow Mountain but not been to see that new monastery where the sacred stupa is built. Hopefully I could visit someday.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.
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Concept: Tsem Rinpoche Technical: Lew Kwan Leng, Justin Ripley, Yong Swee Keong Design: Justin Ripley, Cynthia Lee Content: Tsem Rinpoche, Justin Ripley, Pastor Shin Tan, Sarah Yap Admin: Pastor Loh Seng Piow, Beng Kooi
I must thank my dharma blog team who are great assets to me, Kechara and growth of dharma in this wonderful region. I am honoured and thrilled to work with them. I really am. Maybe I don't say it enough to them, but I am saying it now. I APPRECIATE THESE GUYS VERY MUCH!
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
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
1 week 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
1 week 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
1 week 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
1 week 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
1 week 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
1 week 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
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.
2 weeks 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
2 weeks ago
Completed our weekly Dorje Shugden puja. Every Saturday @3pm at Jalan Seang Tek. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
3 weeks 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
3 weeks 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
3 weeks 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
3 weeks 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.
3 weeks ago
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
3 weeks ago
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
3 weeks ago
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
3 weeks ago
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
3 weeks ago
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
3 weeks ago
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
3 weeks ago
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
3 weeks ago
19JV E5Q9
4 weeks ago
Abundance light offerings to Gyenze. Happy Losar Day. ~ Alice
1 month ago
Website
1 month ago
Beautiful night scene at Vajrayogini Stupa, Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
1 month 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
1 month 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
1 month 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
1 month 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
1 month ago
Abundance food offerings to Gyenze. May everyone always be blessed by Gyenze for long life and increase our inner and outer wealth. ~ Alice
1 month ago
Pastor David is here! Members of Kechara Penang group were listening attentively to Pastor's sharing about his latest book 'Insightful Meditation'. 28th Jan 2023, Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
2 months ago
Tannery for cow and pig leather
2 months ago
Penang Dharma bro and sis Lou Hei, a vegetarian Yee Sang ( a prosperity toss) complete with auspicious phrases such as wishing for more Kechara members, more retreats and of course, swift return of Rinpoche to KFR. Huat Ah!!! Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
2 months ago
恭喜,恭喜,恭喜发财啊!(Gong Xi, Gong Xi, Gong Xi Fa Cai) from us all, Kechara Penang Study Group. 21/1/2023 Saturday CNY eve DS puja by Jacinta
2 months ago
All ready for Lunar New Year 2023 Dorje Shugden puja ~ inviting Ong, Huat & Heng, blessing our beloved ones and all sentient beings. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta. 21/1/2023 Saturday
2 months ago
After year end puja, we proceeded with a small gathering. The food was outstanding, especially the vege curry and sa hor fun! We were even enchanted by the smells of it. We also had apple pie, tong sui and many more. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
2 months ago
Last puja for the Year 2022 and ushering a New and Blessed Year 2023. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta 31/12/2022
3 months ago
Ta-da! Can you spot the differences? Come and collect more merits while cleaning & polishing at the temple. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
3 months ago
Restoring the shine after rubbing! Chin Shuen and Hue are polishing the serkym set & offering bowls here. 'Many Hands Make Light Work' Day @ Kechara Penang Chapel by Jacinta.