Facebook question: Why is Lama Tsongkhapa’s Hat Yellow?
Mar 16, 2014 | Views: 1,911
Question Series for my Fb Friends:
Why is Lord Tsongkapa’s hat yellow?? In India, the Pandit’s hat was red? What does the hat represent in both red/yellow colors?
Tsem Rinpoche
(I thought I will post questions perhaps daily to help ppl think, learn and research. Let’s use FB for learning.)
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18 Responses to Facebook question: Why is Lama Tsongkhapa’s Hat Yellow?
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Sam on Feb 21, 2022 at 11:34 am
Haha! According to Tsongkhapa’s life story he was so fed up with the Buddhists he saw around that he turned his hat inside out and wore it that way. The traditional hat was red outside and yellow inside. That’s all there is to it.
Wonderful teachings, I have been wondering before what is the difference of colour and did not understand much. I have seen colours such as red, yellow, black but know nothing about it till I read more of Rinpoche’s blog and through this post. Recording to Tibetan Buddhist traditions, the colour of hats are wore following which school or lineage they are from. The Gelugpa order is often called the Yellow Hat sect while the Kagyupa is called the White Hat or Red Hat sect. The hats refer to the elaborate crescent-shaped hats worn by followers during ceremonies. Lord Tsongkhapa told his disciples to wear yellow hats, as explained that this would be an auspicious sign to be able to bring back pure ethical discipline to the monasteries of Tibet.
Well reading all the comments from readers, I could learn more of the hat Tibetan monks wear .
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.
Thank you Rinpoche for giving this teaching on Tsongkhapa’s iconography. Since young, I have seen many different forms of Kuan Yin (Buddha of Compassion). I was wondering why they look different but still are the same deity. At that time, no one can really answer my question. I also didn’t know the importance of learning the iconography of a Buddha statue.
I have learned so much about the iconography of Buddhas from Rinpoche’s blog and I can understand now why we have to learn about the iconography. If we don’t know about the iconography, making offering to a Buddha becomes worshipping an idol. If we don’t learn about the iconography of Buddhas, we may reject the practice due to our ignorance. For example, if we learn the iconography of Vajrayogini, we will have doubt why a Buddha is naked and looks wrathful.
Once we learn about the iconography of Buddhas, we will appreciate the manifestation of Buddhas in a certain form. When we share the knowledge we have learned, we can help others to clear their doubts and give them confidence in Buddhism too. When we learn more, we can benefit ourselves and others.
I wonder if the colors are purely symbolic or if you could do a scientific study that proved that red means control and subjugation and yellow means increase or growth. I know red is associated with seriousness. I think that has been proven scientifically. I know the yellow on school busses is used because it can be clearly seen with peripheral vision only… I know all light has different wavelengths and different cone receptors in the brain… getting off topic but it’s interesting…
Thank you for the short teaching. I have been praying to Lord Tsongkapa for more than 10 years, but I am ashamed that I do not even know what the yellow hat represents, until today. I only know it represents Gelug lineage and nothing more.
But today, I know the meaning and the embodiment of the yellow hat.
Je Tsongkhapa’s appearance brought a revitalisation of Buddhism and there is no way but up for the buddhist faith during the times of Lama Tsongkhapa. As a peerless scholar and debater he was unmatched by all. His works and his achievements were unparalled. There were already gerat masters then in the other three traditions Nyingma, Kagyu and Sakya and all who knew of Je Tsongkhapa only had the utmost praise and reverence for him.
Thank you for sharing with us and answering this question. It is interesting to learn how Buddhism had grown via logical debate and the pandits hats are representative of this. The yellow symbolises a Buddhistic renaissance with yellow being a symbol of growth.
Thanks for teaching us about Lama Tsongkhapa’s hat.
Dharma is so wonderful , even a simple design hat, is actually full of meanings and have Dharma knowledge in it .
Thank you Rinpoche for the sharing.We are glad to have privilege to understand better into the symbolic aspect of the wardrobe tradition for the lama and for the attained masters.
Through the understanding of such practice . We get to understand more of the Dharma in practice in order for us to gain the little wisdom to satisfy our thirst for more knowledge.
Thank you Rinpoche for your guidance, to make us understand that we still have a lot to learn and we should not be complacent in our quest for Dharma.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this blog post with us. I always think is very important to listen to Rinpiche teaching again and again even we think we know it all but every time when I listen to the teaching I always has different understanding once again thank you Rinpoche for continually sharing the Dharma with us.
I would like to share with you a wonderful dream I had a while ago when HH Dalai Lama gave us Cherenzig initiation in Bodhgaya. At the night when HH gave us the intiation i dreamed that i was on a stadium full of people. There there was also HH Dalai Lama, HH Karmapa and many other great Rinpoche’s. HH Karmapa was dressed in lay people cloths, but HH Dalai Lama was dressed in ceremonial cloths and also He was wearing the yellow hat and Tsongkhapa has. HH Karmapa was sitting on my left side and HH Dalai Lama was in front of me so i could see Him very well. I remember also that at one point HH Karmapa started to talk and togheter with HH Dalai Lama and all the other Rinpoche’s will give me and to all of us everything that they can give to us…..that is teachings, initiations, blessings, etc.
The way HH Dalai Lama was dressed in my dream impressed me and now I know what the yellow hat represents. Thank you!!!
This was a wonderful wonderfull dream and I think that they keep their words….I do recieve many teachings from them and from other great people, just like you.
I must tell you that I had another dream with HH Dalai Lama after this one. His holiness was preparing to run away from Tibet and He was wearing a red hat, like the one Khenpo’s wearing.
Another dream I had when it was HH Dalai Lama birthday. At that day i dream that HH was suppose to give some teachings to my school and because of some reasons he couldnt come at that day. Next day i went to the sea side and I recieved a message on whe sea waves from HH but I couldnt remeber what the message was about it. Then I dream Lama Jigme Phuntsok. He was in the middle of a crowd giving teachings. When he saw me he came to me and told me that he know I had a dream about HH Dalai Lama and that He sent me an message via the waves and I forgat it. Lama Phuntsok said to me that he will tell me what those messages were. He said that HH sent me 2 messages…..one message was sent with the waves and the other messages was HH Dalai Lama monk cloths. Of course after i woke up i forgat again what those messages were.
Well I stop now with the drems. I wanted to share them with you because i think somehow were related with this topic.
If you dont want me to do this let me know.
Thank you!
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Am so glad to be expressing my profound gratitude to a man that is so concerned about other people’s well being. I was suffering from (HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS TYPE II) The doctors keep telling me that there is no cure but i believe that there is a cure somewhere and they don’t want people to get cured. I tried searching online if I could see anything that will help me and a comment on online on how Dr Ehi help to cure herpes with herbs and i also saw so many comments about him on many web pages on how he had helped and cured so many people suffering from HERPES 1$2, HPV, CANCER, HIV/AIDS, COLD SORE etc. So I contacted him through his email and I shared my problems with him and he sent me the herbs through UPS and gave me instructions on how to use it. It took me two weeks to finish the herbs and after I finished using it, he told me to go for a medical test, behold the result was negative, now I am HERPES VIRUS free. I just want to use this platform to thank Dr Ehi for curing me from that horrible disease and also for exposing his herbal cure to the world at large, please you can as well contact Dr Ehi on his email below. Name: Dr Ehi Email:(herbalistehichoya@yahoo.com) website https://herbalistehichoya.wixsite.com/herbs-is-devine PHONE/WHATSAPP : +(2347045844599} Dr Ehi herbs is the perfect remedy for Herpes 1&2, HPV, HIV and other diseases.
Found this old post , an example shown to us how compassionate Rinpoche was, helping those vendors on the streets . No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. Be kind whenever possible we could do to help those in need. It is always possible. In the second video showing how much care Rinpoche serving foods to workers and sharing, explaining with them about Dharma. Rinpoche kindness in action has inspired us to be kind and helping those who might fighting a hard battle. Everywhere we go, leave a glitter trail of kindness behind us if possible..
Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor Seng Piow
Found this old blog, one of H E Tsem Rinpoche’s student awesome setting of altar for Vajrayogini at her house. Its truly meritorious able to invite Stunning Vajrayogini and did many offerings ……rejoice.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing
Pilgrimage is important in Buddhism because it deepens spiritual understanding, fosters a connection to the Buddha’s life and teachings. It also provides us the opportunities for personal transformation. It helps practitioners to purify negative karma, cultivate positive merit, and strengthen their devotion to the Three Jewels. Visiting sacred sites can also inspire virtuous conduct and a sense of urgency in practicing the faith. Some places of pilgrimage have powerful energy which can bring our mind to present moment. Major sites of Buddhist pilgrimage are often found in northern India in places associated with the Buddha’s life, teaching and enlightenment. Going on a pilgrimage gives us a chance to step away from the chaos of our schedules.
Reading this article again reminds me of my pilgrimage to Nepal years back,. It’s a once life time trip but I am glad made it twice.
It’s a great memories for Pastor David and Paul who brought their parents om pilgrimage to India and Nepal. Awesome …they embarked on a spiritual journey in India and Nepal visited sacred temples, ancient Buddhist sites and Serpom Monastery.
Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David for this sharing
The Nature of the mind is a central concept across various philosophical traditions, It generally refers to the mind’s intrinsic characteristics. As it believed to encompass awareness, purity, and a capacity for both peace and agitation. Most spiritual traditions offer some combination of four practices for those who would seek to know their true nature. We could self-transform through training our mind. When we face difficult situations and things go poorly in our lives, if we’re able to change our attitudes toward them, we’ll be able to transform these experiences into ones that will further our spiritual progress. A profound teachings indeed for us to understand more about the true nature of our minds and how we can transform our minds through sincerely practicing.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing
I started a healing journey with Dr EHIMARE for 4weeks because I had a chronic infection . He is absolutely the best! He recognizes every ability and modifies for all his patients . I love his page on Instagram and is so informative about health issues. I was at the 3rd week of my healing journey when I decided to go for a test with out him knowing. I was shocked, my dr was also shocked , and tears of joy rolled down from eyes. Because am free from the deadly infection.
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Wow…..800 White Tara statues been offered to HE Tsem Rinpoche from the Board of Directors in Kechara. Tsem Rinpoche kept 3 and the rest was offered to the monks in Shar Gaden Monastery back in 2013. That’s more beneficial and having arranged these statues shipped to India for the monks at the monastery on Rinpoche behalf. October 2014, Beng Kooi and her team of 5 people, along with 29 pilgrims had their first experience travelling to a monastic setting. Rejoice to them such a meaningful journey whereby they met with many high lamas and many old, holy monks. They did offered the White Tara statues, robes, books, food, drinks and many wonderful and beautiful pictures offerings to the monks. Looking at those pictures in this blog post tells more. Truly a great memories for them.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.
Self-Arising Chenrezig”a statue believed to have manifested on its own, without human hands. It is a powerful symbol of the Bodhisattva of Compassion either in forms of male and female according to culture and the needs of society. There are many places where great enlightened beings and mahasiddhas who have practised shown miracles. Self-arisen images of the deities have manifested , the Phagpa Temple at Triloknath, Himachal Pradesh is one such place. The Trilokinath Temple is a sacred site in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, India, unique 8th-century temple for being revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple, located near the Chenab River and Udaipur, features a blend of architectural styles and religious elements from both faiths. Merely looking at this Self Arising Chenrezig statue is a blessing. This statue is extremely precious and we should make prostrations, offerings and prayers to it as much as possible. If given a chance of visiting this temple I would definitely love to. Well there is an interesting legend behind this Sacred Chenrezig Statue.
Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David for this great sharing.
Impermanence is important in Buddhism because it is a key to reducing suffering by helping practitioners let go of attachment to the transient nature of all things. Recognizing that everything we own, from material possessions to emotions and even life itself is temporary. From that point of view ,it encourages one to live in the present, develop resilience, and find inner peace. We have to except the fact we came to this whole with nothing ,goes with nothing. Recognizing and accepting impermanence is considered key to understanding and overcoming suffering. When we attach to things we perceive as permanent will leads us to disappointment and pain. The Buddha teaches that the path to peace and joy requires that we embrace change rather than pine for permanence. Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this very precise post.
Dorje Shugden is an emanation of Buddha Manjushri . Having coming up with powerful qualities of Dorje Shugden in Mongolian memes helps more people to understand Dorje Shugden the powerful protector or our time.
Thank you Rinpoche and writes team working tirelessly to get more Mongolian understanding about it.
Different religions and faiths have unique teachings ,and thwew is no right or wrong. All have their respective views of divinity, humanity’s relationship with the divine . Many faiths share common principles, like compassion and ethical conduct. All religions in the world teach us empathy, compassion, harmony and respect.
Love peace harmony kindness balance of mind health body and spirit. Respect for all things. That’s true religion. They differ in practices and methods, but they ultimately lead to the same goal.
Thank you Rinpoche interesting topic shared.
Thank you H E Tsem Rinpoche and Pastor Seng Piow for creating this YouTube channel which has benefited many people all over the world. Great idea indeed where we learn , from the Dharma sharing. Pastor Seng Piow first started Rinpoche YouTube channel years ago back 2006. A very powerful Dharma talk and sharing by Tsem Rinpoche that covers a wide range of topics, and with Rinpoche explanation we could understand better. Kechara blog team has compiled a collection of videos, for us . It did help me to understand and learn more of Dharma through those videos. More to learn for me . Merely by listening to Rinpoche voice is a blessing.
Thanks again with folded hands……
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I must thank my dharma blog team who are great assets to me, Kechara and growth of dharma in this wonderful region. I am honoured and thrilled to work with them. I really am. Maybe I don't say it enough to them, but I am saying it now. I APPRECIATE THESE GUYS VERY MUCH!
Tsem Rinpoche
About Rinpoche
Name
H.E. Tsem Rinpoche
Root Guru
H.H. Zong Rinpoche
Ordained by
H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama
Affiliations
Pukhang Khangtsen, Gaden Shartse Monastery
Founder and Spiritual Advisor, Kechara House Buddhist Association Malaysia
President, Tsem Rinpoche Foundation, Inc.
Honorary Doctor of Psychology, The Open International University
Hear the holy voice of Kyabje Zong Rinpoche giving advice on the practice of Dorje Shugden to those who had received the life-entrustment initiation. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche wanted to make sure those present received the maximum benefits from their practice, and that they kept their practice well. LEARN MORE >>
In Tibetan Buddhism, it is always said that whatever we practice must come from an enlightened source to be beneficial in our spiritual journey. As such in this video, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche shares with us the history and reincarnation lineage of Dorje Shugden to explain how great this Dharma protector is through the examples of his previous lives, showing us his powerful spiritual attainments. LEARN MORE >>
Dear everyone... This is a good condensed talk I gave on Guru Yoga of Tsongkapa. This is the one you should share with others when they are interested in a not too lengthy explanation. It is the perfect practice for everyone who wants simplicity yet effective blessings. You can share this with more people, it will be good.
"If you say you don't have money to help a animal shelter, why then do you have money to buy meat?"
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Eating animals is not our God-given right, but being kind to them is."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"What makes us good humans is not how we abuse animals, but how much we allow them to live and be happy freely."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"We need another and wiser and perhaps a more mythical concept of animals.... We patronize them for their incompleteness, for their tragic fate of having taken form so far below ourselves. And therein we err, and greatly err. For the animal shall not be measured by man. In a world older and more complex than ours they moved finished and complete, gifted with extensions of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren, they are not underlings; they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendour and travail of the earth."
~ Henry Beston, The Outermost House
"Not eating animals is only unnatural when we are not used to it."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
MOTIVATIONAL QUOTES
"We may encounter defeat, but we must not be defeated."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"What you are today, is the choice you made yesterday."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"You think you can choose your life? What an ego trip!"
~ Lama Yeshe
"If TODAY you are dissatisfied, you must make the changes to create different results for TOMORROW."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
SPIRITUAL QUOTES
“Meditating on Dorje Shugden while reciting his mantra will open the gateways to higher dimensions, blessings and protection.”
~ Tsem Rinpoche
“If one does the recitation of the Lama Tsongkhapa guru yoga prayer for even one month using one of the visualizations for great or clear or quick wisdom, one will definitely see development of that wisdom. It is proved by experience. There is no doubt that by doing the Lama Tsongkhapa guru yoga practice one can meet Lama Tsongkhapa’s teachings from life to life. And furthermore, it gives one the opportunity to be born in the pure realm of Lama Tsongkhapa, Tushita, whenever death happens.”
~ Pabongkha Rinpoche
"I was 18 years old in 1983. That was a very special year as I met His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and received innumerable precious teachings and empowerments from Him at Thubten Dhargye Ling Centre in Los Angeles, California. It was the best time of my life. A time that seems so magical and surreal to me. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche is Heruka Buddha and I met Heruka."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"If being me offends you, maybe I'm not the problem."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Never abandon your spiritual teacher no matter how many inner obstacles you need to overcome."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Actions to force something to be permanent makes all the karmas arise."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"The dharma is not easy to listen to… because some people take it as criticism. But Dharma should not be just feel good only for the moment but for deeper contemplations."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Whether we do work and suffer but for others or we do work and suffer for ourselves, either way we have to suffer. That is the nature of samsara. So let us suffer for others and then suffering has meaning."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Those who really want the dharma to grow within themselves and to grow for others should never fear hard work, timing, difficulties, struggles, disappointments because it is for a good cause. Working for Dharma is not a prison or work, but it is purely spiritual practice. It is purely collection of merit and purification. Actually not doing dharma work is the real prison."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"His Holiness Zong Rinpoche stressed the need to continue to practice even when we come up against obstacles, and that we should continually review our progress. He stated that a happy, luxurious life was like a good dream, and that obstacles and difficulties were like a bad dream. We should give them no significance, but simply carry on working towards real, everlasting happiness."
~ Ngala ’ö-Dzin Tridral
"Things in samsara always go wrong. That's its nature. Don't be surprised."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Knowledge never quenches the thirst, only application."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
LIFE QUOTES
"I pity men who occupy themselves exclusively with the transitory in things and lose themselves in the study of what is perishable, since we are here for this very end-that we may make the perishable imperishable, which we can do only after we have learned how to approach both."
~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
"Money amplifies negative characteristics and that can cause problems.
To walk away from that was actually very easy. I didn't even consider it."
~ Angeline Francis Khoo
"I shall not commit the fashionable stupidity of regarding everything I cannot explain as a fraud."
~ Carl Jung
"There is a devil there is no doubt, but is he trying to get into us or trying to get out?"
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"If you love someone, show it by being honest, respectful & honorable with them."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see."
~ Henry David Thoreau
"If I can just be the way I am & you the way you are & we accept each other, world peace is near."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"I am Asian, you are some other beautiful color. Together we make diversity so beautiful."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"It's amazing how some people have never met me or know who I am, but based on a few things they read here & there & rumours, they have formulated a new personality for me & all the things I've never done they passionately speak about....I find it funny and entertaining now. I guess we can't spend our lives fighting rumours...we just have to work hard & then rumours get proven wrong on it's own as a by product. No point explaining repeatedly. Just do our work & show results!!"
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"There's a difference between patience and laziness. Patience comes from respect while laziness from disrespect of others."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Although outwardly we have so much, we have so many conveniences, inwardly we have become more unhappy, so, acquisition is not the secret to happiness. The more we get, the more we have, the more unhappy we become."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Before we experience any pain, we already had a fixed view of how things should be. When the experience we encounter contradicts our views, then the pain arises. The pain arises due to our fixed views not so much the experience itself. So the secret is changing the views. Re-educating ourselves on our views."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"You know since very young, for better or worse, I always did the things that others told me not to do. I wasn't really good at following the rules. Even now with how I share Dharma and my practice, I just do it the way I think it should be done but I do it sincerely. Not what others tell me what I can and can't do."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Love me or hate me, both are in my favor... If you love me, I'll always be in your heart... If you hate me, I'll always be in your mind."
~ William Shakespeare
"One isn't necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can't be kind, true, merciful, generous or honest."
~ Maya Angelou
Devotional Songs
Sung by Mary Fewel Tulin, these mystical songs in praise of the guru originate from the Sikh tradition. Yet, they are applicable to all traditions for those who want to venerate their guru.
The Known and unknown are both feared,
Known is being comfortable and stagnant,
The unknown may be growth and opportunities,
One shall never know if one fears the unknown more than the known.
Who says the unknown would be worse than the known?
But then again, the unknown is sometimes worse than the known. In the end nothing is known unless we endeavour,
So go pursue all the way with the unknown,
because all unknown with familiarity becomes the known.
~Tsem Rinpoche
Photos On The Go
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6 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
6 years ago
108 candles and sang (incense) offered at our Wish-Fulfilling Grotto, invoking Dorje Shugden's blessings for friends, sponsors and supporters, wonderful!
6 years ago
Dharmapalas are not exclusive to Tibetan culture and their practice is widespread throughout the Buddhist world - https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=193645
6 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
6 years ago
Fragrant organic Thai basil harvested from our very own Kechara Forest Retreat farm!
6 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.
6 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
6 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.
6 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.
6 years ago
One of the most recent harvests from our Kechara Forest Retreat land. It was grown free of chemicals and pesticides, wonderful!
6 years ago
Third picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal.
Height: 33ft (10m)
6 years ago
Second picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal.
Height: 33ft (10m)
6 years ago
First picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal.
Height: 33ft (10m)
6 years ago
The first title published by Kechara Comics is Karuna Finds A Way. It tells the tale of high-school sweethearts Karuna and Adam who had what some would call the dream life. Everything was going great for them until one day when reality came knocking on their door. Caught in a surprise swindle, this loving family who never harmed anyone found themselves out of luck and down on their fortune. Determined to save her family, Karuna goes all out to find a solution. See what she does- https://bit.ly/2LSKuWo
6 years ago
Very powerful story! Tibetan Resistance group Chushi Gangdruk reveals how Dalai Lama escaped in 1959- https://bit.ly/2S9VMGX
6 years ago
At Kechara Forest Retreat land we have nice fresh spinach growing free of chemicals and pesticides. Yes!
Fresh eggplants grown on Kechara Forest Retreat's land here in Malaysia
6 years ago
Most Venerable Uppalavanna – The Chief Female Disciple of Buddha Shakyamuni - She exhibited many supernatural abilities gained from meditation and proved to the world females and males are equal in spirituality- https://bit.ly/31d9Rat
Mahapajapati Gotami, who was the first nun ordained by Lord Buddha.
6 years ago
Mahapajapati Gotami, who was the first nun ordained by Lord Buddha. She was his step-mother and aunt. Buddha's mother had passed away at his birth so he was raised by Gotami.
6 years ago
Another nun disciple of Lord Buddha's. She had achieved great spiritual abilities and high attainments. She would be a proper object of refuge. This image of the eminent bhikkhuni (nun) disciple of the Buddha, Uppalavanna Theri.
6 years ago
Wandering Ascetic Painting by Nirdesha Munasinghe
6 years ago
High Sri Lankan monks visit Kechara to bless our land, temple, Buddha and Dorje Shugden images. They were very kind-see pictures- https://bit.ly/2HQie2M
6 years ago
This is pretty amazing!
First Sri Lankan Buddhist temple opened in Dubai!!!
6 years ago
My Dharma boy (left) and Oser girl loves to laze around on the veranda in the mornings. They enjoy all the trees, grass and relaxing under the hot sun. Sunbathing is a favorite daily activity. I care about these two doggies of mine very much and I enjoy seeing them happy. They are with me always. Tsem Rinpoche
Always be kind to animals and eat vegetarian- https://bit.ly/2Psp8h2
6 years ago
After you left me Mumu, I was alone. I have no family or kin. You were my family. I can't stop thinking of you and I can't forget you. My bond and connection with you is so strong. I wish you were by my side. Tsem Rinpoche
6 years ago
This story is a life-changer. Learn about the incredible Forest Man of India | 印度“森林之子”- https://bit.ly/2Eh4vRS
6 years ago
Part 2-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
6 years ago
Part 1-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
6 years ago
The great Protector Manjushri Dorje Shugden depicted in the beautiful Mongolian style. To download a high resolution file: https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
6 years ago
The Mystical land of Shambhala is finally ready for everyone to feast their eyes and be blessed. A beautiful post with information, art work, history, spirituality and a beautiful book composed by His Holiness the 6th Panchen Rinpoche. ~ https://bit.ly/309MHBi
DON'T MISS THIS!~How brave Bonnie survived by living with a herd of deer~ https://bit.ly/2Lre2eY
6 years ago
Global Superpower China Will Cut Meat Consumption by 50%! Very interesting, find out more- https://bit.ly/2V1sJFh
6 years ago
You can download this beautiful Egyptian style Dorje Shugden Free- https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
6 years ago
Beautiful high file for print of Lord Manjushri. May you be blessed- https://bit.ly/2V8mwZe
6 years ago
Mongolian (Oymiakon) Shaman in Siberia, Russia. That is his real outfit he wears. Very unique. TR
6 years ago
Find one of the most beautiful temples in the world in Nara, Japan. It is the 1,267 year old Todai-ji temple that houses a 15 meter Buddha Vairocana statue who is a cosmic and timeless Buddha. Emperor Shomu who sponsored this beautiful temple eventually abdicated and ordained as a Buddhist monk. Very interesting history and story. One of the places everyone should visit- https://bit.ly/2VgsHhK
6 years ago
Manjusri Kumara (bodhisattva of wisdom), India, Pala dynesty, 9th century, stone, Honolulu Academy of Arts
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6 years ago
Pig puts his toys away
Animals are so intelligent. They can feel happiness, joy, pain, sorrow, just like humans. Always show kindness to them. Always show kindness to everyone.
6 years ago
Always be kind to animals-They deserve to live just like us.
Whales and dolphins playing with each other in the Pacific sea. Nature is truly incredible!
6 years ago
Bodha stupa July 2019-
Rainy period
6 years ago
Cute Tara girl having a snack. She is one of Kechara Forest Retreat’s resident doggies.
6 years ago
Your Next Meal!
Yummy? Tasty? Behind the scenes of the meat on your plates. Meat is a killing industry.
6 years ago
This is Daw
This is what they do to get meat on tables, and to produce belts and jackets. Think twice before your next purchase.
6 years ago
Don’t Take My Mummy Away!
Look at the poor baby chasing after the mother. Why do we do that to them? It's time to seriously think about our choices in life and how they affect others. Be kind. Don't break up families.
6 years ago
They do this every day!
This is how they are being treated every day of their lives. Please do something to stop the brutality. Listen to their cries for help!
6 years ago
What happened at Fair Oaks Farm?
The largest undercover dairy investigation of all time. See what they found out at Fair Oaks Farm.
6 years ago
She’s going to spend her whole life here without being able to move correctly. Like a machine. They are the slaves of the people and are viewed as a product. It’s immoral. Billions of terrestrial animals die annually. Billions. You can’t even imagine it. And all that because people don’t want to give up meat, even though there are so many alternatives. ~ Gabriel Azimov
6 years ago
Our Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir speaks so well, logically and regarding our country’s collaboration with China for growth. It is refreshing to listen to Dr. Mahathir’s thoughts. He said our country can look to China for many more things such as technology and so on. Tsem Rinpoche
6 years ago
This is the first time His Holiness Dalai Lama mentions he had some very serious illness. Very worrying. This video is captured April 2019.
7 years ago
Beautiful Monastery in Hong Kong
7 years ago
This dog thanks his hero in such a touching way. Tsem Rinpoche
These people going on pilgrimage to a holy mountain and prostrating out of devotion and for pilgrimage in Tibet. Such determination for spiritual practice. Tsem Rinpoche
7 years ago
Beautiful new casing in Kechara for Vajra Yogini. Tsem Rinpoche
7 years ago
Get ready to laugh real hard. This is Kechara’s version of “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane!” We have some real talents in this video clip.
7 years ago
Recitation of Dorje Dermo‘s mantra or the Dharani of Glorious Vajra Claws. This powerful mantra is meant to destroy all obstacles that come in our way. Beneficial to play this mantra in our environments.
7 years ago
Beautiful
Beautiful sacred Severed Head Vajra Yogini from Tsem Rinpoche's personal shrine.
7 years ago
My little monster cute babies Dharma and Oser. Take a look and get a cute attack for the day! Tsem Rinpoche
7 years ago
Plse watch this short video and see how all sentient beings are capable of tenderness and love. We should never hurt animals nor should we eat them. Tsem Rinpoche
7 years ago
Cruelty of some people have no limits and it’s heartbreaking. Being kind cost nothing. Tsem Rinpoche
7 years ago
SUPER ADORABLE and must see
Tsem Rinpoche's dog Oser girl enjoying her snack in her play pen.
We were told by Uncle Wong he is very faithful toward Dorje Shugden. Dorje Shugden has extended help to him on several occasions and now Uncle Wong comes daily to make incense offerings to Dorje Shugden. He is grateful towards the help he was given.
7 years ago
Tsem Rinpoche’s Schnauzer Dharma boy fights Robot sphere from Arkonide！
7 years ago
Cute baby owl found and rescued
We rescued a lost baby owl in Kechara Forest Retreat.
7 years ago
Nice cups from Kechara!!
Dorje Shugden people's lives matter!
7 years ago
Enjoy a peaceful morning at Kechara Forest Retreat
Chirping birds and other forest animals create a joyful melody at the Vajrayogini stupa in Kechara Forest Retreat (Bentong, Malaysia).
8 years ago
This topic is so hot in many circles right now.
This video is thought-provoking and very interesting. Watch! Thanks so much to our friends at LIVEKINDLY.
8 years ago
Chiropractic CHANGES LIFE for teenager with acute PAIN & DEAD LEG.
8 years ago
BEAUTIFUL PLACE IN NEW YORK STATE-AMAZING.
8 years ago
Leonardo DiCaprio takes on the meat Industry with real action.
8 years ago
Do psychic mediums have messages from beyond?
8 years ago
Lovely gift for my 52nd Birthday. Tsem Rinpoche
8 years ago
This 59-year-old chimpanzee was refusing food and ready to die until...
she received “one last visit from an old friend” 💔💔
8 years ago
Bigfoot sighted again and made it to the news.
8 years ago
Casper is such a cute and adorable. I like him.
8 years ago
Dorje Shugden Monastery Amarbayasgalant Mongolia's Ancient Hidden Gem
8 years ago
Don't you love Hamburgers? See how 'delicious' it is here!
8 years ago
Such a beautiful and powerful message from a person who knows the meaning of life. Tsem Rinpoche
8 years ago
What the meat industry figured out is that you don't need healthy animals to make a profit.
Sick animals are more profitable... farms calculate how close to death they can keep animals without killing them.
That's the business model.
How quickly they can be made to grow, how tightly they can be packed, how much or how little can they eat, how sick they can get without dying...
We live in a world in which it's conventional to treat an animal like a block of wood.
~ Jonathan Safran Foer
8 years ago
This video went viral and it's a must watch!!
8 years ago
SEE HOW THIS ANIMAL SERIAL KILLER HAS NO ISSUE BLUDGEONING THIS DEFENSELESS BEING.
This happens daily in slaughterhouse so you can get your pork and Bak ku teh. Stop eating meat.
ASK A PASTOR
A section for you to clarify your Dharma questions with Kechara’s esteemed pastors.
Just post your name and your question below and one of our pastors will provide you with an answer.
Scroll down and click on "View All Questions" to view archived questions.
Jason asked:I respectful ask. Why do we offer pearls, drums, and conch horns when these most certainly came from harming/ killing living beings. I ask this as Im concerned about my bodhisattva vow/ and pratimoksha vow. If we offer these things it would be like approving of the harm pastor answered:Dear Jason,
Offering such things do not break or contravene either your bodhisattva vows or your pratimoksha vows. It is not approving of harm at all. If it was then the lamas and practitioners of all traditions would not be making them as offerings and they would all have broken their vows. This is not possible, otherwise there would be no Buddhist path to practice any more.
All traditions of Buddhism offer something along these lines. For example, in the Theravada traditions conch shells are offered and also horns are offered. You can see them quite clearly at the main Theravada temples throughout the world. In the Tibetan traditions, pearls are offered, etc. You are not directly involved in any harm, hence it does not counter your vows.
If however, you want to go one step further than the vows in how you uphold the principle of non-harm, then you can use synthetic versons. Or offer something else completely. For example, I know some people who are vegan, so they don't use any items from animals at all. But this is more of a personal choice than anything to do with upholding your vows. One of the reasons why conch shells are offered is because they represent the offering of sound. If you are not comfortable with offering conch shells, then you can offer something else that represents sound, for example a musica instrument or a representation of a musical instrument.
Traditionally pearls were offered because they were extremely vaulable, and at the same time pracitioners prayed for the oysters from which they came, so they were blessed. As long as that pearl was part of an offering, merit was also generated for the sentient being from which it came, so they can benefit wherever they are.
I hope these explanations help. You can adjust your offerings, that is not a problem, because offerings are made from the heart. If your heart is not comfortable with the traditional offerings, change the offerings to suit yourself but in keeping with the reasons why such offerings are made and in line with Buddhist principles.
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 weeks ago
15th October 2nd day of Dharma Sharing by Pastor Seng Piow.Kechara Kuantan Study Group by the
2 weeks ago
14th October Blessed evening Dharma Sharing by Pastor Seng Piow Kechara Kuantan Study group.sam
3 weeks ago
Joyful hearts, open minds! This retreat group shines with shared purpose, laughter, and the light of Rinpoche's practice. Spot any differences? Join us again next time. Penang retreat 4-5th Oct 2025. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
3 weeks ago
Yoga breathing exercise by Choong Soon Heng. Breathing in calm, breathing out clarity, an integral part for a successful retreat. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
3 weeks ago
Glowing gently with butter lamp offering. This embodies the warmth of devotion and the light of awareness for all sponsors and retreatants. Penang DS Retreat 4-5th Oct, 2025. Uploaded by Jacinta from Kechara Penang Study Group
3 weeks ago
Retreatants helped preparing the sacred space with mindful intention—setting the ground for a mind transformative retreat. Penang DS Retreat 4-5th Oct 2025, uploaded by Jacinta. Kechara Penang Study Group
3 weeks ago
Best Relaxation Massage For Each Sign !
3 weeks ago
5th October Blessed day releasing fishes, birds fishing baits Kechara Kuantan Study Group by Sam
4 weeks ago
Our weekly DS puja, 27th Sept 2025. Next week there will be a retreat too and puja as well. Join in if you're in Penang! Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
4 weeks ago
Dorje Shugden puja completed on 20th Sept. Since we have a new Rinpoche's long life prayer, we've have been regularly recited that with Rinpoche's new mantra too. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
1 month ago
13th Sept 2025, Dorje Shugden puja led by William, photo taken by Siew Hong. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
2 months ago
A close-up shot of our offerings! Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
2 months ago
Inspired by Kin Hoe's (Ipoh) and Sam's (Kuantan) updates, here... introducing our No. 1 members, Mr. Teo and Aunt Betty. They are always early for preparation, cleaning, and arranging. Bottom pic is Hue & Mr. Loh. They are sharing and exchanging views on ritual practices that support spiritual practices before puja. KPSG by Jacinta.
2 months ago
Tormas are regularly being changed. It's solely the commitments from one of our dedicated members, Choong Soon Heng. Without him, we would not have gathered an abundance of merits. Thanks! Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
2 months ago
Some of the offerings offered during our weekly puja. These are the items sponsored by our sponsors. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
2 months ago
Here are two other completed Dorje Shugden puja done for the past weeks, led by Ong Siew Hong in the month of August. She's an exceptional umze in our group. Special thanks to those who joined the puja regularly. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
2 months ago
It's been a while since our last update. When KFR was busy organising, serving & helping visiting monks together with their chunks of activities in Bentong, back here in Penang, our small but sturdy Penang Study Group has been consistently having their weekly Dorje Shugden Puja @ every Saturday at 3 pm. Here's one update, completed on 6th September 2025. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
2 months ago
Mr. Cheah Fook Wan offered Serkym to Dorje Shugden in Kechara Ipoh Centre today. So Kin Hoe (KISG)
2 months ago
Mr. Mannance Wong offered incense on behalf of Ipoh members before the puja starts. So Kin Hoe (KISG)
2 months ago
7th September animals liberation activities.Kechara Kuantan Study Group by Sam
2 months ago
29th evening DORJE SHUGDEN Puja lead by Pastor Seng Piow. Kechara Kuantan Study Group Sam
2 months ago
28th August Dharma Sharing by Pastor Seng Piow at Center Kuantan Study Group by Sam
2 months ago
26th August evening had our weekly Swift Return Puja..at Kechara Kuantan center..by Sam
2 months ago
Dharma sharing and DORJE SHUGDEN Puja done this evening. Kechara Kuantan Study Group by Sam
2 months ago
19th August has our weekly Swift Return Puja for HE Tsem Rinpoche. Kechara Kuantan Study Group by Sam
2 months ago
Kechara Ipoh Study Group carried out Gyenza Prayer recitation on Sunday, 17th August '25. So Kin Hoe (KISG)
2 months ago
14th August Dharma Sharing and DORJE SHUGDEN Puja done at Kechara Kuantan Study Group Sam
3 months ago
12th August evening had Swift Return Puja for HE Tsem Rinpoche Kechara Kuantan Study Group Sam
3 months ago
7th August Dharma sharing and DORJE SHUGDEN Puja done. Kechara Kuantan Study Group by Sam
3 months ago
Had our weekly Swift Return Puja for HE Tsem Rinpoche Kechara Kuantan Study Group by Sam
3 months ago
3rd August animals liberation activities done.Kechara Kuantan Study Group by Sam
3 months ago
First Dorje Shugden puja for the month of Aug, 2025. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
3 months ago
31st July evening had our weekly DORJE SHUGDEN Puja lead by Pastor Seng Piow.Kechara Study Group Sam
3 months ago
#Throwback Weekly Dorje Shudgen puja led by William and attended by faithful Penang members. Kechara Penang Study Group, reported by Siew Hong and uploaded to blog by Jacinta.
3 months ago
#throwbackmemories 26th July, 2025 puja packages being sponsored. May sponsors' wishes be fulfilled. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
3 months ago
#Throwback 19th July 2025, Dorje Shugden puja cum Namasangiti recitation at 49, Jalan Seang Tek @ Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
3 months ago
29th July evening Had our weekly Swift Return Puja for HE Tsem Rinpoche. Kechara Kuantan Study Group Sam
3 months ago
Kechara members were setting up the offering items on altar before the puja started in Ipoh today. (So Kin Hoe, KISG)
3 months ago
Dared Lim has offered tea on behalf of Kechara Ipoh Study Group prior to the start of our puja in Ipoh. (So Kin Hoe, KISG)
3 months ago
Through the blessings from His Eminence Kyabje Tsem Rinpoche, Kechara Ipoh Study Group has carried out Dorje Shugden puja in Ipoh today. (So Kin Hoe, Kechara Ipoh Study Group)
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Haha! According to Tsongkhapa’s life story he was so fed up with the Buddhists he saw around that he turned his hat inside out and wore it that way. The traditional hat was red outside and yellow inside. That’s all there is to it.
Wonderful teachings, I have been wondering before what is the difference of colour and did not understand much. I have seen colours such as red, yellow, black but know nothing about it till I read more of Rinpoche’s blog and through this post. Recording to Tibetan Buddhist traditions, the colour of hats are wore following which school or lineage they are from. The Gelugpa order is often called the Yellow Hat sect while the Kagyupa is called the White Hat or Red Hat sect. The hats refer to the elaborate crescent-shaped hats worn by followers during ceremonies. Lord Tsongkhapa told his disciples to wear yellow hats, as explained that this would be an auspicious sign to be able to bring back pure ethical discipline to the monasteries of Tibet.
Well reading all the comments from readers, I could learn more of the hat Tibetan monks wear .
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.
Thank you Rinpoche for giving this teaching on Tsongkhapa’s iconography. Since young, I have seen many different forms of Kuan Yin (Buddha of Compassion). I was wondering why they look different but still are the same deity. At that time, no one can really answer my question. I also didn’t know the importance of learning the iconography of a Buddha statue.
I have learned so much about the iconography of Buddhas from Rinpoche’s blog and I can understand now why we have to learn about the iconography. If we don’t know about the iconography, making offering to a Buddha becomes worshipping an idol. If we don’t learn about the iconography of Buddhas, we may reject the practice due to our ignorance. For example, if we learn the iconography of Vajrayogini, we will have doubt why a Buddha is naked and looks wrathful.
Once we learn about the iconography of Buddhas, we will appreciate the manifestation of Buddhas in a certain form. When we share the knowledge we have learned, we can help others to clear their doubts and give them confidence in Buddhism too. When we learn more, we can benefit ourselves and others.
感謝仁波切的教言譲我們深入了解關於宗喀巴大師所佩戴的聖帽的意义。佛法是如此的美妙，甚至一個簡單設計及顔色的帽子，實際上是充滿佛法知識在裡头。
Thank you Rinpoche for teaching and explanation.
I wonder if the colors are purely symbolic or if you could do a scientific study that proved that red means control and subjugation and yellow means increase or growth. I know red is associated with seriousness. I think that has been proven scientifically. I know the yellow on school busses is used because it can be clearly seen with peripheral vision only… I know all light has different wavelengths and different cone receptors in the brain… getting off topic but it’s interesting…
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for the short teaching. I have been praying to Lord Tsongkapa for more than 10 years, but I am ashamed that I do not even know what the yellow hat represents, until today. I only know it represents Gelug lineage and nothing more.
But today, I know the meaning and the embodiment of the yellow hat.
Thank you Rinpoche.
Je Tsongkhapa’s appearance brought a revitalisation of Buddhism and there is no way but up for the buddhist faith during the times of Lama Tsongkhapa. As a peerless scholar and debater he was unmatched by all. His works and his achievements were unparalled. There were already gerat masters then in the other three traditions Nyingma, Kagyu and Sakya and all who knew of Je Tsongkhapa only had the utmost praise and reverence for him.
尊贵的詹仁波切,您好 !
谢谢您那么仔细的分享。这更加让我明白关于那神圣帽子的颜色,形状的意思与代表!
祝您快乐,安康!
Thank you for sharing with us and answering this question. It is interesting to learn how Buddhism had grown via logical debate and the pandits hats are representative of this. The yellow symbolises a Buddhistic renaissance with yellow being a symbol of growth.
Dear Rinpoche,
Thanks for teaching us about Lama Tsongkhapa’s hat.
Dharma is so wonderful , even a simple design hat, is actually full of meanings and have Dharma knowledge in it .
Thank you Rinpoche for the sharing.We are glad to have privilege to understand better into the symbolic aspect of the wardrobe tradition for the lama and for the attained masters.
Through the understanding of such practice . We get to understand more of the Dharma in practice in order for us to gain the little wisdom to satisfy our thirst for more knowledge.
Thank you Rinpoche for your guidance, to make us understand that we still have a lot to learn and we should not be complacent in our quest for Dharma.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this blog post with us. I always think is very important to listen to Rinpiche teaching again and again even we think we know it all but every time when I listen to the teaching I always has different understanding once again thank you Rinpoche for continually sharing the Dharma with us.
[…] Facebook Question: Why is Lama Tsongkhapa’s hat yellow? […]
[…] Facebook question: Why is Lama Tsongkhapa’s hat yellow? […]
Red the colour of justice, defeat evils; Yellow the colour of law is the teaching.
*Chenrezig
Hello dear Rinpoche,
I would like to share with you a wonderful dream I had a while ago when HH Dalai Lama gave us Cherenzig initiation in Bodhgaya. At the night when HH gave us the intiation i dreamed that i was on a stadium full of people. There there was also HH Dalai Lama, HH Karmapa and many other great Rinpoche’s. HH Karmapa was dressed in lay people cloths, but HH Dalai Lama was dressed in ceremonial cloths and also He was wearing the yellow hat and Tsongkhapa has. HH Karmapa was sitting on my left side and HH Dalai Lama was in front of me so i could see Him very well. I remember also that at one point HH Karmapa started to talk and togheter with HH Dalai Lama and all the other Rinpoche’s will give me and to all of us everything that they can give to us…..that is teachings, initiations, blessings, etc.
The way HH Dalai Lama was dressed in my dream impressed me and now I know what the yellow hat represents. Thank you!!!
This was a wonderful wonderfull dream and I think that they keep their words….I do recieve many teachings from them and from other great people, just like you.
I must tell you that I had another dream with HH Dalai Lama after this one. His holiness was preparing to run away from Tibet and He was wearing a red hat, like the one Khenpo’s wearing.
Another dream I had when it was HH Dalai Lama birthday. At that day i dream that HH was suppose to give some teachings to my school and because of some reasons he couldnt come at that day. Next day i went to the sea side and I recieved a message on whe sea waves from HH but I couldnt remeber what the message was about it. Then I dream Lama Jigme Phuntsok. He was in the middle of a crowd giving teachings. When he saw me he came to me and told me that he know I had a dream about HH Dalai Lama and that He sent me an message via the waves and I forgat it. Lama Phuntsok said to me that he will tell me what those messages were. He said that HH sent me 2 messages…..one message was sent with the waves and the other messages was HH Dalai Lama monk cloths. Of course after i woke up i forgat again what those messages were.
Well I stop now with the drems. I wanted to share them with you because i think somehow were related with this topic.
If you dont want me to do this let me know.
Thank you!
May you live long and happy and healthy life!