When I Had No One Else…
(By Tsem Rinpoche)
Dear friends,
I was instructed by one of my teachers years ago to do a book on my biography. I didn’t want to do it. I thought that my life was nothing exceptional at all. My teacher insisted. I couldn’t say “no” anymore although I am kind of embarrassed to talk about my life. Hence the Bio Team was born. Apart from talking about myself, I thought it would be good for my students to research my background, meet the people I grew up with, see where I lived, my school, friends, environment and all. It would make the future biographical book much more interesting and real I thought. So many of my wonderful hardworking people travelled to Tibet, Xianjiang, Taiwan, India, and USA to research my background. To interview people who knew me or I grew up with. Some of these people I have not seen in over 30 years!!! They met up with my childhood friends, relatives, neighbours and others. They have compiled so much information and lots of video footage of the interviews which we will release in time to share. But here’s one for a start. An interview with a life long friend of mine whose name is Anila Thupten Chonyid. I met her for the first time when I was 7 years old. Now I am 46…
Ani Thupten is a Kalmyk lady who lived just down the street from me in Howell, New Jersey, USA. She is soft, hardworking, cracked strange but funny jokes, very sincere, has great knowledge of dharma, reads alot, and never harms anyone. She told me once, she had too much fun in the sixties and she found her life empty eventually. She said when she came across Dharma it just blew her mind away how true, logical and powerful it is. She embraced Dharma and never looked back.
Ani Thupten had a library of many Dharma books of over a hundred that time back in the 70’s… it was very hard to get Dharma books but she had them. It was a treasure trove for me… I was so excited to see her books and huge altar. I used borrow her books and voraciously read them. Anything I didn’t understand, I would call her on the phone almost daily or ride my bike to her house to see her… and just bombard her with Dharma questions. She patiently answered all of them day after day, month after month, year after year never once losing patience… ever… I LEARNED SO MUCH FROM HER… in my very young days she imparted so much Dharma knowledge to me… I was always excited to speak to her or see her because we always talked about Dharma. I AM FOREVER GRATEFUL TO HER FOR THIS… I thank her so much for her knowledge, patience and generosity in my formative years. She made a very strong impact on me. Her devotion to our mutual Guru, Kensur Lobsang Tharchin Rinpoche was so pure and real… I loved that so much… Whenever she spoke about our guru even 30-40 years back, her guru devotion was so strong as it is now. It impacted me strongly that we should respect our guru very much. She would lighten up, be very animated and very passionate when she spoke about the Dharma. We spent hundreds of hours talking about the Dharma together. I loved every minute of it. I miss it very much too even till now and think of those times with so much fondness… It is one childhood memory that is so strongly embedded in my mind and I cannot overstate how strongly my time with her affected me in such a positive way. She has a daughter and I use to think how lucky the daughter was to have such a liberal and spiritual mom like Anila unlike what I was going through with my mom just up the street.
When I was selected to join the higher tantra initiation by Kensur Lobsang Tharchin after waiting for years, I was overwhelmed and excited was an understatement. During initiation I sat right next to Anila in the front row about 8 feet away from Kensur Lobsang Tharchin… bliss. My great guru in front of me, my best Dharma friend sitting on my right. I received my first initiation and Anila was right next to me… Prior to the initiation, she said let’s put our cushions in the front row so we don’t miss a thing… so Anila and I went in much earlier and placed our cushions… hehehe… fun and good idea…
When I ran away to California, I use to write her and call her in New Jersey. Calling that time was very expensive. When I became a monk, she sent a congratulations letter to me. Later while I was in Gaden, she also took the vows of a nun… I was so happy for her. Kensur Lobsang Tharchin arranged everything for Anila to take ordination… When I went to Gaden in 1988, I was very young and alone. I didn’t speak the language and was in a huge culture shock. I had very little money. I wrote to friends, relatives and my step-parents for help. One or two sent me one off donations but mostly not. I was literally starving in Gaden, but most monks were very poor. I was not the only one… I wrote a letter to Kensur Lobsang Tharchin about my situation and he asked Anila to sponsor me! Anila for the next few years sent US$50 every month without fail to support me in Gaden. That amount was more than enough and I can buy pots, pans, small single stove, vegetables, oils, flour, dried beans, lentils, salt and even fresh vegetables. My health, diet and body improved significantly because of this… this is one of the reasons I help the homeless these days… For special holidays, Anila would send me extra money to buy robes or other extra needed necessities. For years, the only support I had was from Anila. Amazing. I had no other source of income and if it was not for her, I don’t know what would have happened. I wouldn’t have left Gaden for sure, but it would have been quite tough. I am again grateful for her generosity. She never asked for anything back, nor recognition nor acknowledgement, she just sponsored. I fold my hands to you Ani Thupten Chonyid-lak and thank you so much for your support during those very lean years. I will never forget what you have done. I am ok now, but you were one of the instrumental people who helped me to become ok. Thank you for believing in me and supporting me with more than just words.
I have many fond memories of Anila and many wonderful things to say, but will leave it for now and write more about her in my bio book. I am so glad the Bio Team had the privilege to meet her and get her blessings. She is a real nun. A real sangha. Very sincere, very learned and very humble. She practices from her heart. I know this for sure. The Bio Team asked her many questions about my childhood, my step-parents, and sensitive questions about the abuse I was going through. Some of the people interviewed were hesitant to speak up for many reasons… Anila so kindly spoke the truth, openly and without any malice. I thank Anila for being so honest and candid. She helped the formation of my Bio book so much. I am again grateful for this. Anila’s open candidness will serve the greater good because so many are now interested in how I grew up…
Jean Ai who met Anila along with the Bio Team, really summed it up well. Her write-up is below and on this post… I ask everyone to watch all the videos and what Anila has to say. You will understand my childhood better and also you will see what a beautiful person Anila is.
Thank you so much to Anila, Jean Ai, Bio Team, Video editors, sponsors and all involved. I am so happy to see this video taken October of last year 2010… We have many more videos and interviews… thanks…
Tsem Rinpoche
Ani-la Thupten Chonyid Pt 1 of 5
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/Ani-laThuptenChonyidPart1-5.mp4
Ani-la Thupten Chonyid Pt 2 of 5
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https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/Ani-laThuptenChonyidPart2-5.mp4
Ani-la Thupten Chonyid Pt 3 of 5
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https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/Ani-laThuptenChonyidPart3-5.mp4
Ani-la Thupten Chonyid Pt 4 of 5
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https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/Ani-laThuptenChonyidPart4-5.mp4
Ani-la Thupten Chonyid Pt5 of 5
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https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/Ani-laThuptenChonyidPart5-5.mp4
Interview Transcripts For Viewing
English Transcripts: Complete Transcript
Chinese Transcripts: Complete Transcript
Written by Khong Jean Ai, a member of the Tsem Rinpoche Bio Team
For the 10 years that His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche lived in New Jersey, life was incredibly difficult. Raised by stepparents who were strongly against his inclination for the Dharma, Rinpoche faced both physical and psychological abuse for many years. The slightest mistake would earn the young Rinpoche hours upon hours of shouting and beatings, and even more chores than usual.
The only real respite that he received from his life of hardship were his visits to the local temples and friendships with people at the temple, including a young Kalmyk Mongolian lady called Carmen Kichikov.
Carmen was Rinpoche’s neighbour, and a fellow student of Kensur Lobsang Tharchin Rinpoche who shared Rinpoche’s love of the Dharma. In fact, so great was her love that Carmen eventually received ordination vows herself, donned nun robes and formally became known as Anila Thupten Chonyid.
As someone who Rinpoche would sit with at teachings from Kensur Lobsang Tharchin Rinpoche, and as the owner of a huge Dharma library, Anila (or Carmen as she was known then) would spend hours talking with Rinpoche and explaining things to him. Because she lived only five minutes down the road from him, Rinpoche would often visit her whenever he could, borrow many books from her library and talk to her on the phone for hours about Dharma.
Though his stepparents disapproved of Carmen and though she herself was often ostracised by the community for her unusual ways, Carmen never turned the young boy away and spent much time with this “little friend” answering his many Dharma questions. To this day, Rinpoche attributes much of his early learning and support for the Dharma to this lovely Dharma friend.
Later, when Rinpoche was alone and starving in Gaden Monastery, at the request of Kensur Rinpoche, Anila began sending Tsem Rinpoche US$50 per month, to sponsor his study and living expenses. This was the first and only sponsorship he received at the time, which made a monumental difference to the young monk. Rinpoche has only fond memories of Carmen, and says he will be forever grateful to this gentle, humble nun.
When the Tsem Rinpoche Bio Team travelled to the United States to document Rinpoche’s early life, Rinpoche insisted that Anila be interviewed as an integral part of his childhood. It is these interviews that the Bio Team brings to you here.
Our Tsem Rinpoche Bio Team in Howell, New Jersey visiting my friends, relatives and neighbours whom I grew up with. Here’s the Bio Team standing in front of the Temple I attended as a child in Howell, New Jersey together with Ven Anila Thupten Chonyid. Taken October 2010. She really shared all she had with the team as Anila wanted my biography book to really be successful and work out well. She wanted the Biography team’s hard work and efforts to fruition. Thank you Anila so much. Tsem Rinpoche
See some wonderful photos and interview here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=13624
Important related articles:
- Why I Conceived of Kechara Soup Kitchen or KSK
- Happy family for Kalacakra
- It Wasn’t Easy in New Jersey, but My Cousins/Aunts Helped…
- I’m Requesting Ordination in 1987
- My First Guru in New Jersey
- Kalmyk People’s Origin -VERY INTERESTING
- Tsem Rinpoche Bio Group Goes to USA
- Avalokiteshvara, Turkey Swamp, Marc & Me
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1984 Los Angeles-Left to right: Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, monk assistant to Zong Rinpoche and the 18-year-old Tsem Rinpoche prior to ordination. Read more- https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/category/me
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A poem inspired by seeing a picture of my teacher, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche…
In the sport of correct views,
all that is correct is just a view,
without permanence or substance.
As long as we hold onto views,
our sufferings are gathered
to be experienced without end.
Without the strong methods of emptiness
and compassion, bereft of merit,
we sink deeper without respite.
To arise from this samsara is but
a dreamscape on the deluded mind.
Therefore seek the guru, who confers the yidam,
hold your vows and fixate on liberation
free of new creations. Free of new experiences as
there are none.
~ Tsem Rinpoche
Composed in Tsem Ladrang, Kuala Lumpur on July 7, 2014
I was walking past a second hand shop on Western Ave selling old things. They had a Japanese-style clay Buddha which was beige in colour on the floor, holding the door open. I thought the shopkeeper would collect a lot of negative karma without knowing if he kept such a holy item on the floor as a doorstop. So I went in to talk to him, but he didn’t look like he wanted to talk or that he even cared. So I asked him the price and he said US$5. I purchased it so he did not collect more negative karma. I was 17 years old and that was in 1982.
I escorted my new Buddha home and washed it lightly and wiped it. I placed it on my altar and was happy with the Buddha. I would do my meditations, prayers, sadhanas, mantras and prostrations in front of this shrine daily. When I left for India in 1987, I could not bring this Buddha along and gave it to a friend. It was a nice size and I made offerings to this Buddha for many years in Los Angeles. In front of the Buddha I placed His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s photo. I remember I was so relieved that the price was affordable. But US$5 that time was still expensive for me but worth it I thought. But I was happy to have brought the Buddha home. Tsem Rinpoche
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com
Tsem Rinpoche at Kechara Forest Retreat, Bentong, Malaysia
H.E. the 25th Tsem Rinpoche is very devoted to his root guru, H.H. Zong Rinpoche.
I am listening right now to the second video and I must say that it is nice to hear about Rinpoche and how he had similar experience to me growing up even though I was closer to being a teenager at the time. I had the same Guru, and when I went to scatter his ashes after my Mother told me to go…things were very bad so I wanted to help the Sangha. All I could do though at the time since I had not attained enlightenment though was to pretend to be mentally ill. I ended up going to the hospital and they said I would only be gone for three days then I would get back to my studies. It was 30 days and forever altered the direction of my life. I was tortured and refused to sign any papers until finally I had basically passed away. At that point I realized that it was time to get out of there so I told them that I was depressed because my Guru died. Then all of the people turned into demons and in the form of frogs came into my heart. They say that when you die this is when the demons come. After I was let out I felt so horrible about lying that it must have effected some of my fellow students who must have felt my pain since they had come to visit me in the hospital once. As a result, seeing what I had gone through and knowing that I was not at fault they were able to come to see me as the Buddha. I finally had achieved something but not in the way that I had imagined. After that I dedicated my life to getting off the drugs because I realized I had done nothing wrong to be tortured like that to death and that there was no treatment for a person in that situation. I went ahead to start a business based on this and received social security and disability as a result from the medication and started speaking up about what had been done to me and desperately trying to get free. It eventually turned from me being a victim to working for them. But since I could not be a patient I could not be a worker either and had to depend on my Dharma practice and now have come to my seat with the Protector. There is more I could go into now, but suffice it to say the debate it still going on today even though I know the truth with some other people about what really happened. I knew this nun personally and we may even have freed some lobsters together. I remember she could have been at a retreat I did there on Vajraheruka where someone was talking about George Bush and I said he was a good man. I felt like maybe some of the opinions of the people there were a little extreme at the time even as a teenager. I would meet privately with Khen Rinpoche and invite students and introduce them to him…I went to all Lam Rim classes except one and attended the initiations. After all of this I was recognized to be enlightened by another lama who was also tortured by the Chinese. He had come to where I grew up in Maine and I invited him to dinner at my house. He had recognized another Tulku in Florida of Katsel Monastery. He also introduced me to Garchen Rinpoche who gave me my instruction and blessing in meditation to visualize any form of Wrathful manjushriye. Then, ten years later after having practiced Setrap and Dorje Shugden practice became possible I was able to see Dorje Shugden as wrathful Manjushriye. I grew up with a Buddhist father who owned his own business and bought a new house and new car for me and we moved in next door to a monk and his disciple. I decided that I wanted to live with my mom instead…and that is how I started my career in the Dharma and saw emptiness directly and got involved with the teachings of Je Tsonkhapa, Khen Rinpoche, and Geshe Michael Roach who also claims to have seen emptiness directly. At 17 I went to see him in three year retreat and in three years achieved enlightenment. I was sixteen when I first had my experience with seeing emptiness directly. I received a relic of the 5th Karmapa and when I prostrated before it it multiplied into many small tooth relics. I also healed a stomach problem I was going to need surgery for without medicine just by relying on Bodhichitta. I have worked at Dharma Centers, volunteering my time and helped to build stupas, houses for Guru, and Dharma centers all over. I have served my teachers tirelessly. I can’t even go into it to advertise because I am exhausted. But I had a place in an old abandoned brothel they turned into offices for mental health and I spent four years practicing in a secret room not even the police knew about. This is where I propitiated Setrap and he made a deal with me. Also Lama Yeshe came to me and said he was my Guru. I used to have parties at my house and eventually I ran into trouble with the police which made me want to become a social worker helping people in prison. That is partly why I am in the field that I am in. I have tried to pass on the teachings the best I could. I had a radio show where I shared everything all over the world. My intention was to try and take the Vajrayogini intiation over again but with Dorje Shugden my goals are being accomplished spontaneously, it is amazing. I have recited many mantras etc. etc. I have been to teachings from many teachers and offered my life in service of the Dharma. I will tell you it is not an easy road to follow and until you are enlightened you can do very little for all sentient beings but what you try. And even after that it seems like you are getting nothing accomplished. In fact, the Dharma practice itself almost seems like a frivelous thing because you are so busy doing for others that what really gives you the most satisfaction which you thought all your life would be was that is actually just serving others and you would be in it for the good if you can just do that for another decade. If I had thought that I was mentally ill after that experience I would have given up…but even in Tibetan medicine it says that mental illness and enlightenment have the same basis. So in Tantra our lives are likened to a snake inside of a bamboo…when you turn it sideways there are only two ways for that snake to go…up or down. Keeping your tantric vows is going up into heaven and breaking them is going down into hell. So this is the very most important thing.
Dear Rinpoche
This is not the first time I read this story. But I can understand why Rinpoche treasured Anila’s friendship. She helped Rinpoche financially when others refused to help. Help when given when we have no one else is very meaningful.
Valentina
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1)”his parents always yelled at him”
This strike me as my mum always does that too when she found I possess “idols” or amulets in my room,she never wanted me to hv “idols” in the house thus the yelling and quarrels,even though am brought up in a Christian home I always hide my amulets,my spiritual ans were never answered satisfactory,thus i started exploring Thai Buddhism at 14.
2)”different fr any kid really”couldn’t agree more!!from TTR style of teachings,ideas and concept,definitely a leading high lama bringing the dharma across borders like no others.am honored to be a small part of this setup and hearing TTR teachings and the dharma
3)”offer him some robes”in general really admire TTR’s kindness and care,can tell by the way TTR treat his kecharians,they are really blessed to have him around in msia.
4)”you have to yell,otherwise you don’t get tickets or you don’t get anything done”we always recognise the tree by its fruits don’t we,it speaks alot about kechara today and so much more in future,the trip to KL was really an eye opener of a contemporary style of concept and ideas,as long as the message is brought across,that’s all that matter,
5)”….he was so poor but even from the small amount of tsampa he had HALF of it he would feed to the birds…it’s one of the most loving deed I ever heard about a human being to feed the birds 50% and then himself,it takes more than a mere man to do this,in awe of this deed,I hv yet to grasp the idea of looking at animals or insects as past souls,though I avoid as much as I can killing them directly or indirectly.
6)”…he said he ran away not because of the abuse but he ran away because he couldn’t study dharma”when I was young I ran away from home because I wanna play,to run away for the dharma is really something,I read a small portion of the lamrim and indeed it’s more interesting and sensible to me than the bible,logic versus “faith” I chosen logic any given day.if faith requires me to keep my mouth shut and accept it at all cost,it’s blind,how can faith grow in the midst of blindness,not me.
7)”faith and love always”the ultimate expression of someone u truly love and to give all yr heart soul and strength,it’s so virtuous.I strive for God back then,i was so much on fire,most of the stuff,been there and done that when I was much younger,but my brain got the better of me,am glad it did.
8)”what made you feel that he would always make it?well,he couldn’t be stopped,that was what he was going to do.”she said these statement in such confidence like its totally not surprising at all,can see it from her expression that TTR is indeed a great example for us to follow,even for laymen like us,to incorporate a form of dharmic lifestyle in every situation is very much possible,if our mind is all that it is..that path can be taken in faith and hope which never disappoints.
Here is some thought after watching the videos:
1) Anila is humble and kind. Her words in the interview are very sincere and simple. I think maybe Anila remembers some of the bad things that people have said, about her or Rinpoche, but she’s too respectful to speak about them.
2) Rinpoche couldn’t stop crying when he was reading “Door to Liberation” and he was only a child. This shows that the Dharma imprint from his past lives must be really strong.
3) During the India trip, Rinpoche arranged everything nicely. There is no limit to how Rinpoche can help people. There is no “Best”, only “Better”.
4) During the India trip, Anila mentioned that Rinpoche was very authoritative. Rinpoche knows what advice to give, Rinpoche is decisive, and Rinpoche knows how to help people. Rinpoche’s wisdom and clarity of mind is beyond the normal level.
5) People had faith in Rinpoche. In India, where the society is already Dharmic, people just accepted what gurus told them and their awareness and acceptance of sanghas are high. In our society, however, it’s very different. Rinpoche has to explain so much more. It’s common for people here to think when they see a monk on the street, “Is he a real monk or a cheat?” Faith is lacking in modern society.
6) No one was surprised when Rinpoche’s incarnation was recognized. But “no one” includes only people who are real Buddhists; these people will support and nurture Rinpoche in his work. There are a lot of people who just go to the temple on festivals and claim to be Buddhists but do not understand what it means, and this type of people are the ones disrespect monks and nuns.
7) Rinpoche’s heart is still pure like that of a young boy. People think that a high lama must be serious all the time and behave stiffly but Rinpoche shows just the opposite and this purity is a beautiful thing. I laugh about how Anila described Rinpoche pretending to be a bouncing bunny!
8) Anila said Rinpoche cannot be stopped. Rinpoche is very strong willed and very determined. Every single bad experience and obstacle that Rinpoche has gone through could have brought down a normal person but not Rinpoche. Rinpoche’s determination is beyond such bad experiences.
Christine
Dear Rinpoche,
these are the things that I learned from the videos:
1. As a little boy, Rinpoche had knock on people’s door to get a dose of Dharma. Reflecting on the effort Rinpoche had to go through to obtain the Dharma, we must have more gratitude for Dharma and how Rinpoche has made it easily accessible to us anytime and anywhere via internet. How to put our gratitude into action?: Read up on the blog, participate in the Blog Chat, post constructive comments and practice the teachings Rinpoche generously shares.
2. The impact we have as “parents” whether by blood or otherwise (e.g mentor, coach etc.) is very strong. We must use this role, if we ever have the honor to have it, to benefit others. Rinpoche’s parents actions could have caused great and permanent damage to most “normal“ kids. However, because Rinpoche is an enlightened being, Rinpoche was able to bearand tolerate all the pain for others without complaints. This reminds me of Rinpoche’s teaching titled “Why do I make myself unhappy” where Dharma progress is reflected by our ability to tolerate (Malay: tahan) things we could not previously tolerate. Dharma’s emphasis on and Rinpoche’s practice of filial piety also leaves a deep impression.
3. The positive impact Rinpoche consciously bring to others. Despite Rinpoche’s hard beginnings, Rinpoche remained pure and consistent with His commitment to practice Dharma to serve and eventually benefit others. Upon reflection, I see that when we serve our Guru, we are actually serving all the people Rinpoche benefits, which is very meritorous. This is also aligned with Rinpoche’s consistent advice for us to get committed to Dharma work to gain the merits to always be close to Dharma.
4. Anila’s honesty and simple approach to answering the questions: not wanting to sound good. If she does not remember, she does not remember. If she was not involved in the scene, she was not. Unlike many of us today who wants to make ourselves more important.
5. Rinpoche alsways said he missed being with the sangha. From the interveiw, i realize that this is not simply because they share the common passion in Dharma.The freedom of being Rinpoche has with the Sangha is not possible with lay people. For example, if Rinpoche locked one of his lay students / friends in the toilet, the outcome will not be so “good” as we are more attached to our three poisons.
6. The close relationship between pure minds can be so deeply ingrained as displayed by the close relationship between Zong Rinpoche and Tsem Rinpoche. I believe that keeping a clean relationship (samaya) with highly attained mindstreams is the key to always being close to the Guru, the Dharma and the chance to enlightenment.
7. Giving without expecting anything in return. Anila sponsored Rinpoche in Rinpoche’s worst period and that was it. She was not going to brag about herself and log it in her diary of the good deeds she performed. This form of giving is such a powerful example we should learn and slowly but surely develop.
8. Suffering is the first noble truth as taught by Buddha Shakyamuni. In the book, the Tibetan Book on Dying and Living, it is said that suffering is the purification of our negative karma. As Rinpoche experienced great suffering (that I believe Rinpoche prayed for with pure motivation in previous lives) to pave the way to spread pure Dharma, I begin to witness and understand the Dharma principal: there is no contradiction in the teachings of Lord Buddha. From the example of Rinpoche, I learn that although it is going to be challenging but we should strive to absorb the suffering for others as there is so much suffering. If we keep “passing on” the suffering by hurting others each time we feel pain, the sea of suffering we swim in will get bigger and bigger…deeper and deeper.
9. Dharma is about practicing in action. Action will in turn create tangible results and the ripple effect.
With love and respect,
Likheng
Dear Rinpoche,
these are my thoughts from watching the videos:
1、保持感恩,犹如开发内在的宝藏。Be grateful, just like dig inter- treasures.
2、善不在乎多大还是多小;Don’t care how big the Good thing is!
3、开启心灵的旅程需要耐心与坚持;Be patient to rich the mind.
4、累劫的发愿成就今世的修为;
5、无我的恭敬心;
6、点滴之恩当涌泉想报;
7、原谅是唯一的出口;
8、不可思议;
Michelle Sun (Shanghai)
看过仁波切的一些书,从书上了解着仁波切的童年及他的一些生平。当看完Anila的interview之后,让我对我的上师有多一些的了解,更生动。以前总是想不通为什么仁波切有这样的童年,一路走来又是这样的坎坷,我心中有不平,觉得很难过。今天,从Anila的叙述中了解到仁波切一直都那么的快乐,从不抱怨他的养父母,虽童年是因学习Dharma的阻挡而苦恼。我曾creat the wish to become Buddha in my life times, 想做一个像我上师那样的仁波切,用智慧,用能力,用慈悲心帮助很多很多的人,然而每当想到上师坎坷的经历,我就很迟疑,所以我怀疑自已的动机(to become a Buddha)不够真诚。“
Besides these, in the video, Anila mentioned a lot about Dear Rinpoche’s Guru devotion which again leads me to understand “devotion” and I will learn more about it. Appreciation and be grateful and not to take for granted to helps from the people in the life is such a good quality which also helps us develop how to love others. Dear Rinpoche shows the great example. Thanks for this learning opportunity which not only makes me know my Guru better and more, but also I realize the Bio of Dear Rinpoche would bring a lot of value to and benefit others. I am so luck and very grateful to meet my Guru in this lifetime from the bottom of my heart!
Betty Yang (Shanghai)
Dear Rinpoche,
these are what I learned:
仁波切从小就阻止去学习佛法,但是他从来没有放弃,我认为这是因为他知道佛法对于 他的重要性,而且他一直以此目标。
像我虽然知道佛法很重要,但是我们总是将修行,放在很多“重要”的事情,中间或者排在之后,以后。而我修行的障碍比起仁波切的障碍小太多了,可是却有那么多的理由;也可以说这个障碍比仁波切大多了,是因为真正的障碍是来自于我的内心。我很想知道仁波切他对目标为什么在那么小的时候就那么清晰,这是种什么力量。我既不愿意放弃现在的舒适,有想拥有修行者的智慧,有不愿意付出,就算是为了自己的将来付出,我这样的人还有希望么?
仁波切虽然遭受父母的的阻止甚至毒打,但是他从来都没有在别人面前抱怨和父母最,多也只是抱怨不能过亲近佛法。
我不知道年纪小小他怎么能做到的?我自己现在常常因为父母两个人吵架让我心情恶劣,常常对他们抱怨责怪,也向其他人抱怨,我不知道活佛在那么小的年纪为什么有的人那么好的涵养,就因为他是活佛吗?
比丘尼只说自己的记性不好,当年如何帮助仁波切他完全忘记了。
不知道真的假的,但是那个时代对于一个在工厂工作的单身母亲,每个月40美金绝不是一个小数目,也不是那么容易忘记的。
真正有修为的人,他们都不会提起自己的如何慷慨,他们所记住的,只是自己认为最重要的事情,就是对佛法的修持,如果一直记得自己给与他人的帮助,那就不知真的慷慨,因为这样可以提醒别人对自己的亏欠,也提醒自己“我是一个好人”,但真正的好人不需要这样的暗示的。忘记也是一种美德。
比丘尼提到仁波切曾经在佛堂里学兔子跳,把她反锁在厕所里,我觉得非常有趣。我们尊敬的活佛也有这么可爱的一面,我可是常常觉得如果是修行的话就一定要做出修行人淡定的样子,很多时候还是装的吧。活佛没有界限,没有想做一个“活佛的样子”,在一个普通人和修行者之间自由切换,说明他早已经放下这些框框。
视频当中不止一次提到活佛对上师始终如一的依止心,我承认对活佛有很多很敬仰很喜欢,但是和真正的依止心还差很远,如果我真的相信,相信所他说的所有的话,那我不会像现在每天排很多很多“重要”的事情。然后再告诉自己,我实在太累太忙没有办法修行。
仁波切在生活当中时刻在观察如何能够帮助他人,比如帮女士提东西,帮比丘尼买外套,我觉他随时是把别人的心要放在心上。把别人的需要放在心上。也正是这样一位的人才会获得今天那么多的尊敬,最可贵的是,他从来没有放弃过休息没有放弃过自己内心的追求,这就是活佛的优秀他一直在坚持实证实修。
仁波切在印度买票的时候对的印度人大叫,想起来很搞笑有一个德高望重的高僧和我们也做一样的事情,这样的情况他并不是打坐或双手合十,而是用我们最常用的方式,这就是方便法门吧。我们修行很容易犯一个毛病,就是学“学佛人的样子”这样从外面去学其实挺假的。
对于仁波切小时候所受的苦,比丘尼的解释是,这是业力的原因,也正是因为如此仁波切在对的时间地点碰见他的上师,这和我这样普通人的理解有很大不同。
仁波切年轻的时候在线的生活很艰苦,我见过那时他瘦的只剩皮包骨头的照片,让我很惊讶在那种情况下,他每每都能够把自己的食物分半给小鸟吃。我和他真的有好远好远好远的距离。
感谢尊贵的仁波切给我们这样的特别的功课!
祝仁波切和马来西亚克切拉的朋友们都健康快乐法喜充满!
Tian Tian (Shanghai)
Dear Rinpoche,
the 8 things I learned from the videos are:
1. I feel we all come to this word to meet with all kind of people and things which bring us difficulties on certain purpose, those difficulties are what make us stronger and become clearer about who we are, what we really want and what kind of person we want to be. I believe if you give up something easily, it simply means this is not really something you want from deep in your heart. Through those processes, we gradually purify all the wrong beliefs and bad karma accumulated from our previous lives and, therefore, eventually getting closer to our Buddha nature.
2. I like the part which Rinpoche helps a woman to carry the water barrel when they were walking on the street. I believe if we really want to benefit others, we can always start from the small things we can offer to the people round us any time.
3. It was said that Rinpoche was very poor when he was in Gaden, then Rinpoche wrote to Kensur Rinpoche for help. Upon the request of Kensur Rinpoche, Anila began sending Tsem Rinpoche US$50 per month, to sponsor Rinpoche’s study and living expenses. This money has been a great support to Rinpoche for the continuation of Rinpoche’s Dharma study that eventually made Rinpoche’s dream to become a great monk come true. I feel that when we really have strong belief and will to achieve something great and beneficial for the rest of the world, all the resource and help will come naturally. Positive motivation always brings positive result.
4. Rinpoche has been having strong interest about Dharma and Rinpoche always like to get close to monks and temples. We all know that this is a very strong imprint from Rinpoche’s previous lives. Those good imprints have given Rinpoche the ability to focus on the Dharma path regardless of all the difficulties. Those good imprints also gave Rinpoche the capability to handle people and things around Rinpoche with great wisdom. We also got all kinds of imprints from our previous life but they are mostly the negative ones like jealousy, fear and trustless. Over the pass few years, I get to see how those bad imprints effect my life and emotion in a negative way. I noticed that my life is actually improving very fast as I start working on purifying those bad imprint from my memory.
5. Anila mentioned that Rinpoche is a very kind person with a good sense of humor and treats people nicely. However, Rinpoche can also be very serious and hard sometimes. Rinpoche really live Rinpoche’s life fully and genuinely at every moment. I have a feeling that this is the quality of an enlightened person. In the Dharma book, we always learned that when you don’t have any obstacle in your heart you become a real Buddha. For the rest of us, we always have obstacle in our heart and cannot really be our true self. When we were laughing, we were thinking secretly: “Oh, am I laughing too loud? Do I look good when laughing?” When we need to stand up for some principle which we believe is right, we think: “Will others dislike me if I don’t agree to them? Will people hate me when I say that?” etc… we have all kinds of worries and fears. I believe when we can develop inner wisdom, we will see reality better and, therefore, can develop real confidence about whatever we are doing, thinking and acting. By that time, we can really live our life with really freedom and harmony.
6. Anila mentioned that when she visited Rinpoche in India, Rinpoche has been spending time with her to travel together. She found that Rinpoche knows many people and always treated all living beings with great kindness and compassion. I know that it is easy to be “nice” when things are going well but kindness and niceties disappear when the going gets tough. Therefore, the consistency in the manner Rinpoche treats others (with same attitude, kindness and compassion) no matter how young he was, where he was or whether he was poor or has the respectable Rinpoche status, shows us that Rinpoche is a real Guru whom we should follow and to learn from. I believe kindness and compassion are a part of our Buddha nature, but we really need to work harder to remove the clouds that shadow those good qualities. Rinpoche has been showing us the quality of Buddha and this is why I respect him so much.
7. I feel Anila is a great nun too. When she was asked about what kind of bad things Rinpoche’s parents had done before, she avoided it skillfully. A really enlightened person will not speak bad words or become judgmental about others as they can see the real reason behind whatever misconducts or behaviors. She said that she can understand why Rinpoche’s parents had done something not-so-nice to Rinpoche although she does not agree with it. I guess it’s because she knows that, after all, they were just like us, normal people with lots of ignorance and fears.
8. From the interview and other stories about Rinpoche, I feel that Rinpoche give us very good demonstration about Dharma should actually become part of our life. Or, it should become our life. When we can really live every moment of our life with full awareness and with Dharma principle, we can definitely improve our life to a greater version and can create a better life to ourselves and to the people around us. I have been starting this practice for sometime and I am very happy to share that I have witness great changes (in a better way, of course~) in my life since then. As the time I practice increase, I found it becomes easier for me to control my thought and to stop negative ideas the moment they arise.
With respect,
Maggie Yu (Taiwan)
Dear Rinpoche,
these are what caught my attention:
1) Gratitude and humility: Rinpoche is very grateful towards Anila for supporting him when he needed help but Anila does not even remember having done anything special.
2) Strong imprint: It’s not easy for Rinpoche to have had such a hard life as a child and still stay happy and turn out to be a great teacher. The imprint from his past lives must have been very strong for him to be able to persevere in this lifetime.
3) Sacrifice: Rinpoche prays to return in the next life in an environment with much suffering so that he can help more people. This is sacrifice and enlightened thinking of another level.
4) Guru devotion: we can learn how to be devoted to our guru by learning from how our guru treats his guru. Rinpoche is a good role model by practicing what he teaches.
5) Being natural: Rinpoche does not “live in a box”, he behaves how he wants because he is naturally pure. Rinpoche’s teaching method connects with people because he seems so relaxed even if he can also be strict. Rinpoche has the skillful means to inspire and teach in the way that people can accept.
6) Perseverance: Rinpoche never gives up!
7) Love for his parents: Rinpoche always loved his parents and step-parents, no matter how he was treated. Rinpoche never complained about or blamed his parents even when they were disrespectful to the sanghas. Even when Rinpoche was a child, he had already reached a level of enlightenment. Khen Rinpoche and Anila also had the same attitude of forgiveness towards Rinpoche’s parents.
8) Focus-out attitude: Rinpoche has a focus-out attitude, always doing things for people and remembering how other people have helped him, not what he has done to help others.
Emily (Shanghai)
Dear Rinpoche,
these are what I learned from the videos:
1) Rinpoche is very grateful towards Anila for supporting him when he needed help but Anila does not even remember having done anything special.
2) During the India trip in 1988, Rinpoche planned everything during the trip. Anila brought some money along and Rinpoche made the best use of the money to benefit the people there.
3) Rinpoche’s parents abused Rinpoche when he was young but there is no record or recollection of Rinpoche ever complaining about how he was treated. Rinpoche’s focus is on Dharma and not his own suffering.
4) Holy beings can choose where they will be reborn. Rinpoche probably chose to be born with his life in this lifetime so that he can bring Dharma teaching to more people, beginning with his parents.
5) Rinpoche instinctively decided to offer the Tibetan man robes, knowing that is what will make the man (monk) happy.
6) Anila said that Rinpoche has perfect guru devotion. Rinpoche is able to show people how to be devoted to your guru by practicing it, Rinpoche is a good role model.
7) Rinpoche’s parents complained to Khen Rinpoche about Rinpoche going to the temple but Khen Rinpoche did not argue with the parents, he only advised Rinpoche to bide his time. This shows Khen Rinpoche’s quality as a high being in knowing what advice to give his students.
8) Even during the trip, Rinpoche still keeps his gurus close to his heart. When he saw Zong Rinpoche’s statue in India, he wanted to bring it back to Khen Rinpoche. This is another show of Rinpoche’s guru devotion.
With respect,
Xiao Xiao (Shanghai)
Dear Rinpoche,
these are the things that caught my attention:
1) We learn that things we did in our past lives leave an imprint that affect our present life and if we don’t do something about it, this imprint will continue to haunt us in our next life. Anila’s recollection of her experience with Rinpoche’s parents demonstrated that sometimes we don’t need to wait until the next life to see what the things we did in the past can affect our present. Anila’s “past” life as a hippie defined who she was and somehow, even if Dana and Boris had something against it, they didn’t express it. However when she was ordained as a nun, their views changed. They had their own thinking about who was “fit” to be ordained. Whatever the reason, they started criticizing her. Right or wrong, we have to accept and answer for what we have done in the past, be it in this lifetime or the last one(s). This is such a good example to demonstrate “past life imprint” for those of us who are looking for “proof”. It’s no good being academic about what we learn. If we are able to hold true to everything we learn, we would all be Buddhas already. But the fact is that sometimes, we just need simple reminders. This is a good one.
2) With this same example, I realize that when we have changed and are no longer doing the things we did in the past, hopefully for the better, then we must hold our course, no matter what obstacles come. Dana and Boris’s criticism of Anila are but obstacles. When we have chosen to take Refuge and walk the Dharma path, we will face obstacles. Obstacles will come in all shapes or form. Continued desires and attachments, fear, doubt, guilt, laziness, distractions, ego, pride. These are all obstacles. But if we truly believe in wanting to change for the better, in search of enlightenment, then obstacles are only part of the journey and should not stop us in any way, and certainly not make us turn our backs on our commitment, only to revert to our past behaviour.
3) When Rinpoche and Anila saw the Tibetan monk who escaped from Tibet and haven’t worn robes for 20 years, Rinpoche had one made and offered to him. When they saw an old lady carrying buckets on the street, Rinpoche took over carrying the buckets. These are simple actions that go beyond normal kindness. It shows Rinpoche’s quick understanding of what make people sad or suffer and he’s unwillingness to see other people sad or suffer. I say it’s simple because these are things we can all do. But it’s not that simple because we sentient beings care too much about ourselves. How many old ladies carrying heavy things do we walk by every day, in a week, in a month? Especially in China: quite a lot. How many times have we actually done what Rinpoche has done? Shamefully for me, I can count the number of times with my hands and feet for my entire life. Why? In the society that we live in, we’ll probably be accused of robbing the old ladies. But that’s what we think. Do we really know that? Have we ever tried to help? Worse still, most of the time, we’re rushing from one point to the next, being self-important, so stopping to help these old ladies is not part of our agenda. No time, must get to that meeting. It’s time to at least try to do what Rinpoche did. You see someone suffering? Stop and help! You see someone in need? Stop and ask how you can help! Just do it!
4) Being a Buddhist isn’t about being serious or boring or silent all the time except in prayers, no smiles, no jokes, no humor, strict all the time. Being a Buddhist can be fun too as long as the fun doesn’t harm anyone. Rinpoche’s jokes and pranks like the bouncing bunny, locking Anila in the toilet and spinning Zong Rinpoche around shows that when the heart is pure, the actions that follow will be pure and they will touch people’s lives in a positive way. But the biggest point for me in these examples is that fun can be had WITHOUT materialistic trappings! It’s a basic connection between people based on trust, acceptance and an open heart. And that also means not being trapped by our attachment to “face”. We fear what people think about us if we do something silly or even when we show love. But if it’s done with the purest motivation, why fear? I want to be a bouncing bunny too…
5) Be grateful to people who helped you, never forget their kindness, but don’t keep track of the kindness you have shown or the things you have done to help others. Just as Rinpoche unconditionally helps others, Anila didn’t think twice about sponsoring Rinpoche. She just saw that Rinpoche needed help and she helped him. But she didn’t keep that in mind, she only remembered the experiences she shared with Rinpoche on their travels together. Rinpoche, on the other hand, still talks about how Anila supported him when he was in need. He didn’t forget the help he received and who gave it to him. We are too calculative in how we deal with people. We have learned to get things back when we give something. You want a dollar for this cup but I’m only willing to pay 80 cents, so I feel that you’re cheating me. When I carry this bucket for the old lady, will she thank me or will I get a pat on the back by a stranger saying how kind I am? Give unconditionally and make a difference between receiving and taking. Give freely and receive with gratitude.
6) Focus on the good and positive things that you gain and not the difficulties you face or the suffering you experience. Why does it feel so good to play the martyr? Too many of us relish in the role of a victim: Oh, how I suffered under a bad boss. Oh, my parents scolded me again. Oh, someone else receives praises from my Guru, why not me? But these are just distractions from the main point! Why can’t we take the suffering as just something that happened to lead us to another lesson? Rinpoche had a tough childhood, if it can even be considered a childhood at all by modern society’s standard. But he never complained about what he went through or about his parents. He still loves his parents till this day. What we call “suffering” is only temporary. Physical suffering goes when we leave our body. Emotional suffering goes when we let go of our attachments. Psychological suffering goes when we stop fearing. But we are not that noble yet. I feel sorry for myself still, sometimes. Much less than before because I don’t see why I should anymore but that sweet feeling of being a victim always tries its tricks…
7) Rinpoche’s Guru Devotion is inspiring. I read about this in so many articles, I hear and see about it in Rinpoche’s videos and live talks. It’s priceless to be able to find a Guru who will sacrifice everything for our learning, who has the true knowledge to guide us from mistakes and unnecessary suffering, and who means us no harm. But it takes two to tango. We must also have complete trust in our Guru, knowing that everything our Guru says or does is for our benefit, no matter what it is. Our Guru has the wisdom and skillful means to give us what we need to develop, to grow, to improve and to gain enlightenment. But we may not all or always have the wisdom to see the benefit in every word or action from our Guru. Nor do we all or always have the patience to see through what our Guru asks us to practice to benefit from it. In the past, however, a student like Rinpoche would be living close to his Guru; they will spend a lot of time together, discussing things. In today’s environment, with students from all over the world, that is simply not possible. I have now realized that Rinpoche’s Blog and the messages that he sends out to his students are the only way that he can reach out to his students. We can say, “But that’s only one-way! What if we have questions?” I ask myself that all the time as I have a lot of questions. But I find that if I really read Rinpoche’s words and think about the words and then think about my own questions, actually, I can find the answers myself. They may not be as refined as when they are delivered by Rinpoche but they are there. The teaching is delivered by the Guru but the learning is up to us, the students. If we can’t find and connect with the answers ourselves, even if our Guru is sitting next to us all the time, we will still be ignorant.
8) Practice the teaching. Having listened to Rinpoche’s talks is just one thing. We haven’t actually learned anything yet. Rinpoche’s words give us the understanding logically but these must still be internalized by actually practicing what we have been taught. Only when we have drawn benefits from our experience of practicing can we claim to have learned something. Laziness and ego is my biggest enemy in this case. Ego because I can understand most of the teaching very quickly and can relate to a lot of things I already know or am practicing and laziness because of my ego. Rinpoche has learned from his Gurus and embraced the teachings by finding his own way to teach and to practice his own learning. But it takes a lot of discipline and purity of body, speech and mind to be able to do what Rinpoche does. The most amazing thing though is that Rinpoche is able to practice his learning and inspire his students in the most fun manner, which is not fake but truly natural and honest. I will strive to find my own way to practice in order to not give my ego or laziness a chance to stop me from benefiting from my learning, from Rinpoche’s teachings!
9) One last thing that struck me is that Rinpoche is a higher being who can determine how, when, where and who he returns as in his next life. All the hardship that Rinpoche went through from birth until now, even the poor health that Rinpoche suffered recently, are tough by any standard and not something a normal person can endure and overcome. I can’t help but think that all these things Rinpoche has gone through are actually part of a plan that Rinpoche has already made in his last life because he already knew what needed to be done in order to inspire and teach the students he will meet in the next life.
With respect,
Sean Pang in Shanghai
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing memories of your childhood. All the examples from Rinpoche and Anila-patience, determination, generosity,encouragement,support in all ways,repay, kindness, compassion, guru devotion, hardworking, reading dharma text for knowledge…. Qualities of a Buddha.Thank you Bio team for all your hardwork
I hope Anila Thubten can visit Malaysia and meet Rinpoche again. She was a very good friend and supporter of Rinpoche when Rinpoche needed help in New Jersey and also in India. What she did was very meritorious. She has a kind and gentle face.
谢谢Rinpoche分享这视播,真的很珍贵..就像老朋友娓娓的道出感人的故事,亲切却真实…
也想谢谢Anila的帮忙,我们才有幸的知道好多关于Rinpoche的真人真事…
让我感动和感触的地方如:
1. 因为Anila的关怀和照顾,让Rinpoche惦记,感动一辈子.虽然对Anila来说,可能这只不过是微不足道的事情,却让人更感觉到她的真心不求回报的精神。也让我们反省感恩的重要.
2. Anila对上师的侍奉和真诚,让Rinpoche留下很深的印象,而一样的Rinpoche也学习这美好的品质,对上师的依止,全心全意的侍奉,不言倦..而我们身为学生的不就应该好好的学习这修行上的品质吗?这让我感觉到彼此间的牵连,很美妙.
3. 记得视频上,但问到Anila关于Rinpoche的父母对待Rinpoche的时候,Anila脸上流露出悲伤,不忍心的样子,让我很感动,真实的感受到Anila 的慈悲和Rinpoche当时的痛苦.’She is a real nun. A real sangha’,对就是这感觉.
4. Rinpoche 从小对佛法的坚持和不放弃真的让人很感动。那种毅力和越挫越勇的精神试问有多少人可以做到?也感谢Rinpoche的不放弃,我们才有如此的幸运接触佛法。感恩
5.对Anila雪中送炭的感激心,Rinpoche不只紧紧的记在心里,甚至在甘丹寺利用这赞助金所花费在什么地方,买了什么东西都记得一清二楚。而回观自己,有时候才说:哎呀,这些小小的赞助能帮得了多少?但事实证明如果当初没有Anila的慷慨,或许我们也没机会Rinpoche和他的教诲。
6. 在Rinpoche的身上我们丝毫没看到任何负面的能量,即使在他小时候面对我们不能想象的辛苦,但笑容还是永远挂在脸上。我们却常常因为一些小事情,埋怨这埋怨那的,真的自叹不如。开心,开朗不正是学习佛法的必需品吗?
7.很佩服Anila的勇气,当觉得事情对了,就会勇往直前,从不在意别人眼光,甚至反对。尤其对佛法方面,不怕辛苦,外边负面的影响,也坚持的追求佛法知识。对呀,不管你是嬉皮士,书呆子,只要值得的,就该向前去。
8. 通过Anila的叙述,Rinpoche一直都是言行一致,遵守诺言。并在很早期时以经显现作为更位精神导师所具备的条件。谢谢Rinpoche的模范,让我们有信心,明白我们也可以做到。
8 points that caught my attention and why:
1) What caught my attention was Rinpoche giving instruction to the nuns in the monastery and how much faith people had in him when he wasn’t even enthorned as a Tulku Yet. This is amazing because Rinpoche knew so much already when he was only a young adult, and able to give sincere instructions with confidence and gain so much faith from people based on his knowledges with the dharma. It shows that knowledges gives confidence for one to speak and when one expresses his knowledge with confidence, it will generate faith in others to listen to you. This is the way to teach the dharma.
2) It was sad to see that Anila was treated nicely at first by Rinpoche’s parents before she became a nun, and were rude to her after she became a nun. It was also sad to see how Rinpoche’s parents has respect for Buddha images in the temple but not the Sangha members, for example scolding Khen Rinpoche for having Rinpoche at the temple and Anila for influencing Rinpoche. I am not criticizing the parents for their conduct because I can truly see and understand that Rinpoche’s parents only wanted the best for Rinpoche from their samsaric point of view. Its only natural.
3) Anila demonstrated that no matter who you are before, as long as you are sincere with the dharma, you can be a Sangha member. She was a hippie, and she used to for protest, and now she has changed to be a nun. What a big change in her lifestyle and this is what amazes me. And all though she was a hippie, she had book shelves of dharma books that she will kindly borrow to Rinpoche, and she will always let Rinpoche in to her house to share the dharma.
4) Another thing that touched me most was how Rinpoche never complained about his parents for not letting him go to the temple but complained about him self instead for not being able to go the temple and not being able to practice the dharma. After all the rude things that Rinpoche’s parents did to him, Rinpoche never complains about them, it shows that Rinpoche loves his step parents a lot no matter what.
5) A quality about Rinpoche that caught my attention was that Rinpoche was always positive. Even though he had a tough time at home with his parents, with them not treating him well, he was still a positive and happy child. This optimistic quality in Rinpoche is a quality that we should all learn. Its cheesy to say that times are tough and we must always stay positive, but this is the best medicine for our mind when we are faced with difficulties. It always sounds cheesy when someone tells me to stay positive, but if we apply it it will work wonders.
6) What touches me is that when high beings take rebirth, its by choice. And Rinpoche chose a very difficult path, having being passed around the world as a bay and going through the troubles in LA and eventually the monastery to show other people like us, the lay people that anything is possible and its survivable. Some of us are so fortunate to be born in well to do family with no abuse and problems but yet we dig the slightest reason to make it into the sole reason for us being able to practice the dharma. But Rinpoche showed that anything is possible and it is the best prove and to wake us up from finding more excuse to prevent us from practicing the dharma.
7) Rinpoche’s very perfect guru devotion is very admirable. Rinpoche always talked about his gurus with great faith and gratitude, even after so many years. Not only that, even from a distant, he will talk with his palms folded. Even during the recent dharma talks at Kechara house when Rinpoche mention his Guru, he always have his palms folded. We should be like this too when we mention about Rinpoche to others. We must not be embarrassed to fold palms out of this air, its a show of respect and people will admire us instead of laugh at us.
8) What touched me about Rinpoche is that Rinpoche is extremely generous and he has been practicing generosity ever since he was a young little boy. He drew paintings and gave to Anila, he made offering to the nuns, specifically catering to every nun’s individual need. He practices not only generosity but generosity with detail. And now as a Lama, a Tulku, he still practices this generosity in Kechara house. He always gives something that suits people best, it seems like he know what you need without even need to have a complete conversation with you. This quality is something that I will practice and I must practice. I must learn to practice kindness and generosity. Rinpoche is a great example and I should learn from him. Everyone should practice kindness if they want people to be kind to them.
It really feel good after watching back this video again. Although the interview already took in 2 years back, but i still have many good memory during the trip meeting these people and the places Rinpoche went through. Thank you Rinpoche again for letting me involve in your wonderful bio research.
Personally i like Anila a lot, she’s very gentle, kind, humble and of cos helpful. She helps us a lot during our trip to get contact with the Buddhist church Rinpoche went before. She looks very cute when she drove the truck. Hehe… Thank you Anila for your support to Rinpoche.
1) Anila Thubten is a very humble and helpful person. During the interview, Anila always said her memory is so bad and cannot recall, indeed she helps Rinpoche a lot through financial, support, advises from New Jessy to India.
2) The imprint of Rinpoche are so strong – since Rinpoche was young, Rinpoche already knew how to draw Buddha image and giving it away to people around him. i believe a normal would not doing such thing in their young age.
3) Caring – Taking care well of person – exactly what Rinpoche has been doing until today. Rinpoche always teach his students how to give and how to take care the people the best as we can. Always thinking of others or put others people in front of us.
4) Never complain – Even Rinpoche how bad Rinpoche has treated by his step parents, Rinpoche never complaint to other people yet Rinpoche will see her mother was very ill. In fact, Dana is very kind to Rinpoche. Exactly like what Rinpoche always teach us, never complaint people around us.
5) Playful – After watch and doing all interview with other relatives. From the past now until today, Rinpoche still the same. Rinpoche likes to teasing and making joy to people around him and make us closer to him then at the same he plan the dharma seed to us. How skillful Rinpoche attract people.
6) Compassion – Rinpoche always care all the sentient being around him, no matter human or animal. There was a time in india, Rinpoche was so poor. Even he had a small tsampa yet he still shared with the birds.
7) Never give up – No matter how much suffering Rinpoche going through in US, Rinpoche has no any thought of giving up the Dharma.
8) Leadership – In India, when Rinpoche In the age around 20, I believe why people so respect to Rinpoche is because of caring, giving advices, promises, hard work from Rinpoche. It makes people will listen and follow. Working with Rinpoche is privilege cos you will learn a lot from Rinpoche the way he make decisions, straight forward, effective and always think others first.
Thank you
Regards,
Chris
1.不抱怨的仁波切。仁波切从不埋怨他的父母待他不好,Khen Rinpoche 也告诉仁波切好好对待她的父母亲因为他们是他父母。至到现在,仁波切总是告诉我们要善待我们的父母。我记得三年前我问了一个问题,要如何实践慈悲心,仁波切的答案是:你首先必须善待你的父母。仁波切是言行一致的。
2.仁波切对佛法的信念坚定不移。不管面对任何困境,仁波切的坚定信念是因为坚信佛法是可以帮助人,给他人带来更多的幸福。是究境的解脱.
3.仁波切是多么的慈悲。从他读这本书“解脱之门”,他哭了,他是如此的希望能够帮助人们从痛苦中释放。从他在印度之行里,告诉 Anila 提供了僧袍给一个藏族老人,帮助提水桶及供养,做外套等等,都在显示他从来没有停下来帮助别人,多么的慈悲。仁波切到了今天确实还是这个样子。不断帮助人及比任何一个人都事先为人着想.
4.仁波切是如此接近我们。他也会开玩笑,调皮,有如跳跃,把人锁在厕所里等, 我们是多么幸福有这样亲切的上师。
5.仁波切对待上师的依止是不容置疑的。Anila说,他关心他的上师。当仁波切谈到他的上师时,他眼睛含泪。仁波切时时刻刻都感恩他的上师,仁波切也提醒Anila 善待及感恩上师。
6.仁波切很清楚他的使命。仁波不抱怨苦的日子。对他来说最重是遇见他的上师,教他佛法,利益众生。仁波切到了今天还是在创造机会让我们种下好的因缘。
7.上师与弟子之间的关系。仁波切向Anila分享自己梦境。梦里一位僧人向仁波切说,他是仁波切前辈子的上师,会保护仁波切直到遇见宋仁波切。弟子一旦皈依一位上师,上师就会生生世世引导和保护弟子,这是上师对弟子的承诺。
非常感激Anila和我们分享仁波切部分的人生故事,让我们更加了解仁波切。也感恩Anila的慈悲赞助。
Going through the videos again and it still amazes me how soft spoken and kind Ani-la is. On top of that of course is how fondly she remembers Rinpoche and the memories she has of travelling with Rinpoche and the stories she shares. What strikes me again from watching and hearing the stories are as follows:
1. Rinpoche’s consistency with regards to the love and enthusiasm for the Dharma and the Buddhas. How the accounts of Rinpoche love for drawing Buddha images and Rinpoche’s passion in seeking knowledge through the books he would borrow and read from Ani-la.
2. Rinpoche never complained about Rinpoche’s parents or said anything negative about Rinpoche’s parents even though there were many obstacles. The only thing Rinpoche was unhappy about was the fact that Rinpoche could not go to the temple as often as Rinpoche would like.
Of how Rinpoche never let the bad things get Rinpoche down, at least on the facade… always focused on the good things… for example how Rinpoche would tell the stories of the horrible trails of running away, but that was not the main thing… main thing was meeting Geshe Tsultim Gyeltsen and Gyabje Zong Rinpoche and getting ordained. Hence most people remembering Rinpoche as a happy child.
3. Ani-la was polite and very diplomatic in her answers… even though on numerous occasions the interviewer pushed for exact statements or responses from others etc, she never divulged anything but general statements. She is indeed a truly gentle and very composed nun, as a nun should be. I find her a true example of a nun.
4. With regards to the trip to India when Ani-la noticed how Rinpoche had transformed from a scrawny little kid to an authoritative and well respected monk in such a short time! How Rinpoche would arrange everything and knew so many people having been in India for such a short time!
5. The story of the Tibetan man who escaped Tibet, who had not been allowed to wear robes and how Rinpoche offered him the robes. That was a very touching story. And how Rinpoche helped carry the buckets of this lady on the street… Pure examples of Rinpoche’s constant care for others regardless of who they may be.
6. Gaden Choephel Ling: How Rinpoche arranged for coats to be made for all the nuns, and asked each of the nuns what they needed, the planting of the trees on the slope next to the buildings to prevent erosion, advising them on teachers… The meticulous care and thoughts and this when Rinpoche was not even enthroned yet!
7. I loved what Ani-la said about the close relationship Rinpoche had with Kyabje Zong Rinpoche… lovely to hear from a 3rd party observation. The secret hand signals with Kyabje Zong Rinpoche. hands It moved me to tears thinking of how much Rinpoche must miss Rinpoche’s Gurus.
8. Rinpoche’s Guru Devotion was Perfect… never saw faults in any of Rinpoche’e Gurus which was very good. Great faith, love and gratitude! Rinpoche would be teaching people on what they should do… Remind people about the gratitude they owe to their Guru.
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you so much for bringing us back to your childhood days. After watching the interview with Anila Thupten Chonyid, I get to understand and know Rinpoche better. These few facts also strike me:
1. Anila radiates so much kindness and compassion. It shows in the way she speaks. She is so soft spoken.She was so patient with young Burcha eventhough he calls her up or go to her house everyday and asked her lots of questions. And she is so generous with her dharma books and knowledge.
2. Anila also have very nice words for everyone. She showed no anger towards people who looked down on her.
3. Young Burcha is so special. Although his parents didn’t treat him well, he is more concerned about not being able to go to temple and practice dharma.
4. Rinpoche only talked about Buddhas and happy things to Anila when he visited her. Anila did not have any memory of him complaining about the bad treatments he was getting at home.
5. Rinpoche ran away from home not because of the bad treatments at home but its because he does not want to cause trouble to his Lama and dharma centre.
6. He is always raving about his Guru.(HH Zong Rinpoche)
7. I also observed the unfailing devotion Rinpoche have for his teachers.
8. Many people have a lot of faith in Rinpoche even before he was enthroned.
These are few of the points that have made some impact on me from the video and it is strengthening my faith that I have come to the right teacher.
1. Rinpoche’s memory of people whom have helped him in his life never fails him but only adds on as inspiration in working hard and good at what he does to repay their kindness.
2. I have long heard from Rinpoche himself, his experiences, the people whom have helped him from his childhood until now. Rinpoche never forgets the kindness he has received whether small or big, He views it the same, love is love, so is kindness. What stuck out here is that Anila’s stories match exactly what Rinpoche has recounted over the past. It inspires me to do the same. Gratitude is a hallmark of a great man!
3. Anila has a very strong presence of kindness, from her speech though unclear at times, she exudes a very strong and loving energy. I find it hard to think of what the community has labelled her as being a crazy woman back then. I think it is the same thing whenever someone is going onto a spiritual path, they are bound to be bad mouthed by others.
4. I love Rinpoche’s passion for the Dharma, Rinpoche would go through all sorts of trouble and obstacles in order to come close with his Guru, Dharma centre and his Dharma books. I had the same experience before when my folks would get the Police to come get me to go home from the temples when I was young. There is no doubt that Rinpoche’s yearning for Dharma has led him to great heights – meeting His Lamas, studying in Gaden and now, building Kechara!
5. Rinpoche’s Guru devotion towards every single of His Lamas are far beyond compare! We always listen to Rinpoche just mentioning HH Kyabje Zong Rinpoche but deep down his heart, Rinpoche treats all his Gurus all the same. The same loving, the same devotion, the same dedication. I find this amazing because Rinpoche has got 14 gurus and he treats them all equally.
6. When Rinpoche really had nothing and wrote home asking for financial help. It is amazing how his foster parents had the heart not to even sustain their only son with USD$50/month. It is due to Anila’s kindness we have Rinpoche today. Without her, much cannot be achieved. We would not know Rinpoche, Tsongkhapa, Gaden and everything that Rinpoche has brought us!
7. Rinpoche’s practice of the 8 verses of mind transformation is far beyond anyone else whom I know. I find it hard to decipher what it means to be hurt by someone else and then to repay that person with more kindness. From Rinpoche’s own action itself, I now understand how he had to bear this childhood burden and that of other people whom have wronged Rinpoche. It is by absorbing this sadness and transforming it into energy which will bring us onto the next level and propel us onto the path of spirituality.
8. I believe when we are faced with diversity and adverse conditions, the only thing which can help us is our devotion to our Guru and the positive karma which we have accumulated in the past. Like Rinpoche, he has shown us with his life how we can adapt onto difficulties by changing our perspectives.
This interview is really wonderful! I liked it a lot. Anila was very calm and humble throughout. A great nun definitely!
Below are some points I liked about the interview.
1)Like what Anila said in the video, Rinpoche never saw faults in any of His Gurus. Rinpoche’s Guru Devotion is very well known now. I like it when Anila said although Zong Rinpoche had his own attendants, Rinpoche would still be there always to assist Zong Rinpoche in any way he could. This shows Rinpoche really wanted to serve His Guru no matter what. He does not just give up or be lazy because there are people on the ‘job’ already.
2)I like how Rinpoche was already very direct yet compassionate back then. Anila said Rinpoche told her to have gratitude for Kensur Rinpoche when she said some not nice things about Kensur Rinpoche. It shows Rinpoche’s well intact moral values.
3)I was very moved when Anila said although Rinpoche always got beatings from his parents, he seldom complained about those beatings but instead complained about not getting to go to the temples and Dharma teaching sessions. Shows very well Rinpoche’s liking for the Dharma since young.
4)Even with all his problems, Rinpoche was very happy as Anila mentioned. Rinpoche did talk about his horrible trials but those were never the main thing. Rinpoche always cared more of his Gurus and wanting to get ordained.
5)Anila mentioned that although there was much suffering but everything turned out well now for Rinpoche. All the suffering was worth it. It was the best situation and best place for Rinpoche to meet Kensur Rinpoche.
6)I like how Anila mentioned Rinpoche is extraordinary and not just an ordinary being. This shows how highly Anila looks upon Rinpoche and how much respect she has for Rinpoche.
7)I was very moved when Anila said that Rinpoche will make it no matter what. She mentioned Rinpoche cannot be stopped. This shows clearly Anila’s faith in Rinpoche from the start.
8)Anila said Rinpoche would have found the Dharma any way even if he did not come to US to be with the Kalmyk community. Again shows how much faith Anila has for Rinpoche in regards with Dharma.
Ani Thupten is such a simple nun who exudes peace, simplicity, sincerity and it is amazing to watch howAni thupten shared beautifully with so much fondness for Rinpoche. Many things stood out to me but here’s a few to share with you :
Deep interest and passion in Buddhas – Every child displays their interests at a young age and if given the opportunity and proper guidance, they will develop it further as they grow up. Rinpoche’s interest at a young age was Buddha images. It never stopped and despite the many challenges Rinpoche faced to rid off that interest by his step parents, Rinpoche continued to display even more of this interest in Buddha images and everything Buddha related until today.
Unaffected – As a child, Rinpoche chose to hang out with Ani Thupten eventhough people in the community say nasty things about Ani Thupten who wasn’t ordained yet at that time. Rinpoche wasn’t affected by rumors and the mutual interest in Buddha Dharma drew them together.
A simple nun of great impact – Ani thupten was somewhat ostracized by the community because the way she had lived the early years of her life did not conform to the norm of the community. i find it inspiring that she didn’t let it pull her down but instead, grounded herself in the buddhist faith and pursuit peace and being a good person. That goes to show what kind of a person Ani Thupten is. Ani thupten welcomed all of little Rinpoche’s questions and extended her friendship, love and care to Rinpoche.
Young and wise beyond his years – One of the traits Rinpoche had as a young man was a sureness about what he was doing and what he wanted to do. Rinpoche made friends in India even though it was of a different culture from where Rinpoche grew up with and gave advice and spiritual instructions confidently and with authority.
Genorosity – Giving is such a part of Rinpoche’s character ever since young. One of the things Ani Thubpen spoke fondly off and remembered clearly was how Rinpoche made arrangement and they bought gifts and make offerings to the nuns. Rinpoche live to give and it is seen till today.
Guru Devotion – Thought Ani Thupten has not met Zong Rinpoche, she had the impression that Rinpoche and Zong Rinppoche was incredibly close. Rinpoche talked a lot about Zong Rinpoche and about faith. Now, not just any young man would be rambling on about these topics don’t you think!
Incredible love and guru devotion – Rinpoche went through a lot but Ani Thupten said that with all the troubles Rinpoche had, they never got him down. Rinpoche was always happy and Rinpoche’s main conversation topic revolves around his Gurus, Geshe Tsultim Gyeltsen, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche.
There’s no coincidence with Rinpoche – Thought it was interesting that Geshe Lorta said there’s a good Naga living in Turkey Swamp, the place where Rinpoche goes to meditate on Chenrezig. The naga offerings done is a form of Chenrezig! I don’t think this is a coincidence..
After watching the video I went down from the blog to read the comment made by Rinpoche students ,it’s touch me much more then the video . The strong inspiration for the Students to pick up from the Interview
1, Anila’s interviews confirmed that Rinpoche had always walked the talk even as a young person – that no obstacle can stand in his way to practice the dharma. No matter how hard the circumstances were, nothing could deter Rinpoche’s mind from walking w teaching
2,what a sweet and sincere sangha, I love how she did so much for Rinpoche without realizing it, or without any further explanation needed.
3, How little Rinpoche complained about the bad parts in Rinpoche’s life. E.g. instead of talking and dwelling on the horrible journey during the runaway to L.A., Rinpoche spoke about how great it was upon arriving and meeting holy masters such as Zong Rinpoche.
4, also demonstrate gratefulness to others who have been kind to him and does not take them for granted. This i “caring” for them. In all Tsem Rinpoche has been consistent in his words, action and care for others.
5, for Rinpoche, helping others in to dharma is the ultimate mission he had to do in this life and he is succeeding very well to bring more destitute people into dharma to benefit them whether they realized it or not. This is “compassion” for others.
6, it’s not how much we could give, it’s our motivation that makes the difference.
7, Rinpoche ’s devotion to his Gurus is perfect, Anila said. I totally agree, Rinpoche is the personification of Guru Devotion! By practicing and teaching.
8, When Ani-la shared about how Rinpoche made robes for this monk who just got out of Tibet, who had not worn robes in 20 years and that how happy the monk was.
9,what an amazingly beautiful being Anila Thupten Choyid is. May she live long as a shining example and inspiration to others. May I always have the merits to be reborn near my perfect teacher till ‘enlightenment do us part’.
-仁波切在逆境下(遭父母的虐待, 父母的期望,寺圆中的苦活)仍然坚持己见乐观,未言放弃佛法。
-仁波切遭父母的虐待,仍然没有抱怨过他的父母。以德报怨。
-仁波切对佛法的那份虔诚无可撼动(或许可以说是一份执著)与不离不弃。成就了今天在佛门的权威 。
-Anila Thupten Chonyid对仁波切的一份浓情厚意,雪中送炭。在仁波切最艰难的困境时,遥远的Anila Thupten Chonyid依然永不厌倦的给于缓助。
-仁波切的感恩于Anila Thupten Chonyid – 得人恩果千年记。
-仁波切对僧人被禁止穿僧袍供养僧袍的意识,成就别人的开心,有如自我的快乐。
-在记忆欠佳的情况, 感恩Anila Thupten Chonyid依然能坚持了这么长的时间对仁波切回想起往年的回忆与一切,为仁波切抒写了他的人生。
1) Both Rinpoche (Tsem Tulku Rinpoche) and Ani-la (Ani-la Thupten Chonyid) have the common affinity to Dharma and they must have been close friends or relatives in their past lives.
2) It is the karmic force for Rinpoche to meet Ani-la at such an early age of seven, to give morale and spiritual support to Rinpoche, especially when he has a challenging relationship with his parent (especially his mother). Ani-la helps to balance the difficult time Rinpoche have had with his parents.
3) The difficult relationship with his parents could also be a test of perseverance and determination of Rinpoche towards Dharma learning, a period in life that Rinpoche must endure in order to take on huge responsibilities at this time of his life, i.e. to be a superior model and spread Dharma to this part of the world.
4) Rinpoche adores Avalokiteshavaras practice because he has such strong compassionate personality and has always endovor to alleviate suffering.
5) Tsem also have a strong affinity with people, always willing to help others, even a Tibet monk who just arrive to India, he bothers to gives him a monk-rope!
6) Indeed Rinpoche was not at all surprise to learn and graciously accept that he was incarnation of a senior Tibetan lama since his attraction and devotion to Dharma.
7) What is ‘uncharacteristic’ about Rinpoche is his natural, unpretentious and lively personality. He has an abundant wit and wisdom to convey a message. Ani-la recalled an incident when Rinpoche playfully ‘locked’ her door.
8) It is inspiring to appreciates the relationship and respect that both Ani-la and Rinpoche.
• Strong imprint from previous lives influence who we are in our current rebirth – We need to familiarise ourselves with the great qualities of enlighten beings – the 6 paramitas and the way of life practiced by Bodhisattva so that life after life, against all odds, we would continue pursuing our spiritual path to attain Buddhahood for the sake of others. When Rinpoche was a child, Rinpoche has strong inclination towards Buddha statue, painting of Buddha statues and dharma, despite strong rejections from Rinpoche’s step parents.
• Strong understanding of Karma – Rinpoche never blames his step parents but himself for having difficulty in life to have access to and practice dharma, as we ourselves are the source of all the problems that we face in life. Likewise we need to let go our emotions and negative thoughts should we encounter unfavourable situations, as we are the cause of the problems we face in life.
• To have strong Guru Devotion, as even though Rinpoche is away from his Guru, and Rinpoche still have strong faith and strong love in his Guru, and always encouraging one to remember and has gratitude towards one’s Guru.
• Always helping others who are in need no matter how bad our current situations are, as what Rinpoche did with half of his monthly allowance to feed the birds even though Rinpoche barely can sustain himself with the monthly allowance.
• Always remember the kindness that others have done for us and to repay kindness of others the best way possible, that is to help others to collect as much merits as possible. This can be seen from Rinpoche guiding Anila to collect as much merit as possible to prepare herself to be ordained (i.e. donating to the nunneries, buying robes for a monk who has disrobed for 20 years).
• Practice humility and always be humble about the deeds one has done for others and practice Bodhicitta instead. This can be seen from Anila playing down her contribution to Rinpoche when Rinpoche in desperate needs for financial support when Rinpoche first arrived in Gaden.
• Persistent in one’s effort to practice dharma regardless of the obstacles one faced along the way. Always exploring alternate ways to practice dharma and bring dharma to people. When Rinpoche realised that he can’t practising dharma in Howell anymore without jeopardising his gurus, Rinpoche left home to seek his root guru in L.A on his own.
• Rejoice at the great deeds that others have performed so that we can collect some merits from the great deeds that others have done, as being told by Anila at the last video clip.
1. I can feel anila is a very patient nun and although she cannot remember much of the details but she spoke the most when she mentioned abt how Rinpoche has been treated roughly by his parents. She is very compassionate, she remembers clearly the suffering of people.
2. There are many parents who dislike their children to go close and spend all their time on dharma. As for my case, my parents do not want me to do read-ups on dharma too much when I am young as she is afraid I will go and become a monk and left them alone when they are old. Anyways, “its not easy as people think to enter monkhood”. I do not think there are many who dislike the dharma, they might dislike Buddha images but not the theory for people to do good and avoid bad.
A Chinese Analogy
There is a chinese story about the a few blind men who came to seek audience with the king of India. These blind men have never seen or even touch how an elephant looks like.
They made a request to the king to show them an elephant so that they can touch and feel the elephant. The king was very kind and granted their wish.
The blinds walked towards the elephant and started to feel the elephant, they notice that the elephant was huge, and ended up touching different body part of the elephant. When the king asked if they know how an elephant looks like after they have touched and feel it.
Blind 1: I understand my king, the elephant is long and thick, it look like an gigantic pipe. (this men touches the elephant trunk)
Blind 2: I understand my king, but what he said was wrong, the elephant is wide and flat, it looks like an fan. (this men touches the elephant ear)
Blind 3: I understand my king, both of them are wrong, the elephant is long and pointed, it looks like an huge carrot. (this men touches the elephant tooth)
Blind 4: I understand my king, they are far from facts, the elephant is huge and thick, its like a thick wall. (this men touches the elephant body)
Blind 5: I understand my king, they are all wrong, the elephant is like a pillar. (this men touches the elephant leg)
Blind 6: I understand my king, you all are totally wrong, the elephant is like a rope. (this men touches the elephant tail)
We are living in samsara and in the same situation like the blinds, we are unable to see things “clearly” and our strong habituation denies the clear path of dharma.
With different race, cultural background, and language forms different religious beliefs and religious cultures. These are labels we put which can lead us to dharma and it can also pull us away from it. Because you might say: I don’t like this culture and I prefer the other type.
3. Anila said : “I thought it really made sensed, I wasn’t surprised at all that he was recognised as an incarnation” that’s how a compassionate person speaks of another compassionate person, I can feel from Anila response which is almost instantaneous. Anila also spoke of how rinpoche looks upon his root guru Zong’s rinpoche with utmost respect and admiration and looking upon him as a living Buddha and entrust his life to him. I guess the concept of guru devotion is not a overnight change of mindset but I believe it can be momentarily also; such as an event that can happen which change/transform the mind of another.
4. Another thing that strike me is Rinpoche and Anila doesnt seems to have any age gaps. When Rinpoche was younger he would ask Anila for advice and when rinpoche grew older, it was his turn to give Anila advices for her spiritual practices and Anila accepted without any hesitation or whatsoever. One would only accept teachings or advices from someone with certain qualities. As a Buddhist practitioner whenever we put training in our body speech and mind, we can attained the qualities of perfect body, speech and mind ultimately.
5. Rinpoche never complains about his parents at all despite his parents being rough on him. He is only concern of not being in the temple and unable to practise the Dharma freely. But what’s the state of mind for people who complains about their parents? Some children will take grudges against their parents if they are treated badly when they are young. They cannot forgive their parents and do not wish to take care of their parents when they are old and sick. Rinpoche is focus and he knows what he is doing and wanted to do at a very young age that is to continue his Dharma path.
6. Rinpoche continues to show care and concern about Kensur Rinpoche after he left USA for Gaden. This is something we lack of living in a fast paced society here in Singapore, but this for sure cannot be an excuse not to remember the kindness of people whom they have been good to you, especially your parents. There are many ways in showing gratitude, most importantly it must be from your heart and sincere.
7. Rinpoche remembered all the good things that happened instead of clinging to the bad events. It works for everyone if we could let go of the past and any rough times we’ve had. Impermanence, if good things are impermanent so are the bad ones.
8. Anila was the person who sponsored Rinpoche when he needed support badly. 50$US seems small to most of us but it had rendered the basic needs of what rinpoche required to sustain his studies and life in India.
Dear Rinpoche,
What I learnt from Anila’s interview is as follows:
Please find my 8 points as below:
1. Rinpoche’s Love for Dharma
Despite the difficult situation he has bad home he never give up on dharma.
His perseverance pays off at the end of the day. Never give up.
2. Respect Images
The Bugayeff were respectful to images but were rude and say bad things about the monks even though they were Buddhist. How ironic when you take refuge in the 3 jewels whom Sangha are the ones who can teach and share dharma with us.
3. Criticizing Geshela for Ordaining Anila
Again disrespectful to the Sangha and judging Geshela which is very common nowadays where people will impose their view before checking themselves
4. Disapproving Anila in becoming a nun and criticize her
Everyone has a past. But if one is willing to repent, one should be given a chance. We are all born pure. It is the environment and society that influence us to make the wrong decision hence as long as you are willing to repent I don’t see why the Bugayeff has the right to criticize Anila.
5. Rinpoche’s Calmness and the Joy he brought to other people
Despite the horrendous environment, the objections he is always calm and happy and also grateful that he is able to meet up with Geshe Tsultim Gyeltsen and Kyaje Zong Rinpoche. We should be grateful to the things that happen to us cause by going through that phase we learn to grow up faster.
6. Rinpoche’s thoughtfulness and Kindness to other Sentient Beings
Despite not having a sponsor when he is in India, he still shares half of his tsampa flour to the pigeons. His generosity touches me. It truly shows placing others before me.
7. Rinpoche’s Guru Devotion to his Teacher
The deep bonding between him and Kyaje Zong Rinpoche it was so touching. Despite Rinpoche was always at his feet and serving Kyaje Zong Rinpoche, Rinpoche carry Kyaje Zong Rinpoche by his waist and twirl him around. He also never question his gurus and always grateful to them. True guru devotion never complains always do what his gurus tell him.
8. Avalokiteshava’s Kindness to all Beings
This touches me a lot to absorb the pain and sufferings of others. I hope to take on the sickness and pain and the sufferings that people are having now so that they may find happiness. There are more and more ignorance people whom they think money can buy them everything yet when it’s time to go there is nothing you can bring with you except your karma and merits. It is always easier said than done though I hope to improve through my practice to help the people close to me first and replicate the same through the people around me.
1. 仁波切从来都都记得那些帮助过他的人,并且真正的感恩。如果没有阿妮拉当年的协助,相信今天的因缘将会改变,我们或许不会在这里遇见仁波切。这里要非常感谢阿妮拉和所有协助仁波切的人们。
2. 在阿妮拉的眼中仁波切是一位活泼的孩子。只有在别人的口中和通过自己的观察来了解仁波切在孩童时期备受养父母严厉的管制。这也表示仁波切自小容忍度就非常的强,他从未逢人就哭诉或埋怨养父母的不是,这一点显示出仁波切与其他孩童不同之处。
3. 阿妮拉的记忆中,没有一点负面的印象。通过她叙述他和仁波切在印度之旅,仁波切如何解释那些圣地,如何祈愿,逢人就给于修行的劝告或指示,表示仁波切的领导能力在很久以前就显示出来了,同时仁波切的言行至今都是一致的。
4. 她身为嬉皮士和单亲母亲,在接触佛法后完全的改观,可是她却不理会别人的批评和有色眼光,依然的学习佛法并剃度为尼。现在的我们一点小事就觉得苦难重重。
5. 通过阿妮拉的访谈可知仁波切的上师皈依心从第一天开始就非常的强烈。仁波切到达印度后写信给堪殊仁波切后,阿妮拉就不间断的将钱寄给仁波切,甚至在一些节日多给一些好让仁波切能有新袈裟等等。相信也是阿妮拉对堪殊仁波切的一种承诺和上师皈依心。
6. 她也提及仁波切的出生,和他所能利益和感化那么多人并非一世,而是许多世的祈愿,身为阿妮拉的她也觉得仁波切是一个不平凡的人。
7. 不是所有的转世喇嘛都能继续他们的佛法事业。从小的训练是非常重要,除非前世的修行非常的深,不然他们会乖离佛教而不能继续他们前世的佛业。仁波切不但被认证的迟,还能利益那么多人,可见仁波切前世的修行是异于常人的。
8. 总结来说,仁波切对佛法的热忱,幽默感,果断,关心和领导能力,从来就没更改过。他不受环境的影响,从美国到印度以及今日的马来西亚。我们有多少个人愿意离乡背井到异乡出家传法?
Many thanks to the Bio team who interviewed Ani-la and recorded the interview with her.
Below are my thoughts on the video clip above.
• Strong imprint from previous lives influence who we are in our current and future rebirth. This is evidence from Rinpoche’s strong inclination towards Buddha (started painting images of buddhas when Rinpoche was small) and dharma (Rinpoche spent as much as he could with Ani-la whether through phone or in her house to clarify his doubts on dharma teachings). Hence, ee need to familiarise ourselves with the great qualities of enlighten beings – the 6 paramitas and the way of life practiced by Bodhisattva so that life after life, against all odds, we continue our pursuit along our spiritual path to attain Buddhahood for the sake of others.
• Strong understanding of Karma – Since small, Rinpoche never blames his step parents but himself for having difficulty in life to have access to and practice dharma, as we ourselves are the source of all the problems that we face in life. Likewise we need to let go our emotions and negative thoughts should we encounter unfavourable situations, as we are the cause of the problems we face in life.
• To have strong Guru Devotion. Even though Rinpoche is away from his Guru, and Rinpoche still have strong faith and strong love in his Guru, and always encouraging one to remember and has gratitude towards one’s Guru.
• Always helping others who are in need no matter how bad our current situations are, as what Rinpoche did with half of his monthly allowance to feed the birds even though Rinpoche barely could sustain himself with the monthly allowance he received from Ani-la back then.
• Always remember the kindness that others have done for us and to repay kindness of others the best way possible, that is to help others to collect as much merits as possible. This can be seen from Rinpoche guiding Anila to collect as much merit as possible to prepare herself to be ordained (i.e. donating to the nunneries, buying robes for a monk who has disrobed for 20 years).
• Practice humility and always be humble about the deeds one has done for others and practice Bodhicitta instead. This can be seen from Anila playing down her contribution to Rinpoche when Rinpoche was in desperate needs for financial support when Rinpoche first arrived in Gaden.
• Persistent in one’s effort to practice dharma regardless of the obstacles one faced along the way. Always exploring alternate ways to practice dharma and bring dharma to people. When Rinpoche realised that he can’t practising dharma in Howell without jeopardising his Guru and other high lamas anymore, Rinpoche left home to seek his root guru in L.A on his own.
• Rejoice at the great deeds that others have performed so that we can collect some merits from the great deeds that others have done, as being told by Anila at the last video clip.
Rinpoche gratitude toward to anila who has so kind for rinpoche when his young time at New Jersey. When he need hunger about dharma knowledge, anila always rent him dharma book and share dharma with him.
Rinpoche get abuse often from his step mother, anila always there talk to him and comfort him with love and care. That influence rinpoche spiritual journey at future always helping and benefit others.
Although rinpoche get abuse a lot when he still a kids, but he always show happy to people without complaining to people. It show Rinpoche quality whatever difficulties he facing, he never stop doing dharma work continue helping other.
When anila visiting India, Rinpoche was very helpful to take care of her when traveling, arranging trip and make offering and always sangha members. Rinpoche always done it for many people special they had interested toward in dharma.
Rinpoche have had strong faith and guru devotion toward H.H. Zong Rinpoche and Kensur Lobsang Tharchin. He always talked about his guru quality share with others.
Rinpoche is very consistent like to learn dharma, helping others and make offering to the monks and nun.
Rinpoche always think of many idea how to help people. He patiently and honest to people. It gain truest and people respected him. Whatever he go, when he see people need help, he will help and give advice to people.
Rinpoche have strong inprint of his previous life, he always wanting to know more about Buddha teaching, practice dharma and do medication, having strong faith and devotion to his guru, always make offering to sangha and non stop helping others. No doubt he is the real incarnate Tulku.
1) Even at a very young age, with so much difficulties and obstacles, Rinpoche never gave up on the dharma. Just like Rinpoche, Anila faced many obstacles too, was not welcomed in the society and was looked down on due to her unusual ways, yet Anila proved others wrong and became an ordained nun.
2) Rinpoche’s devotion and closeness to Kyabje Zong Rinpoche is unwavering as related by Anila of how Rinpoche would hold Zong Rinpoche by his waist and swing him around.
3) Anila’s kept mentioning that her memory is not good. However, listening to her unveiling the many interesting and fond memories is inspiring.
4) Anila has helped Rinpoche in many ways. When Rinpoche was a young boy, inquisitive and loved to ask questions, Anila was always there for him.
5) Anila is very kind and generous. She would sponsor Rinpoche US50 per month when Rinpoche was in India.
6) Anila is so amazed of such good achievements that Rinpoche had accomplished so much and had good influence on people.
7) Rinpoche do not the “poor me” attitude instead Rinpoche is extraordinary and has transformed all the sufferings into something positive.
8) Even though Rinpoche does not have much, yet when Anila and her daughter vistied Rinpoche, Rinpoche make sure that they are comfortable and were well taken care.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing such a wonderful video with us. These videos just benefit us in so much ways that we could even imagine.
A few qualities that we could always follow from these videos are like:
1. Guru Devotion. Rinpoche have rather choose to run away from home just to protect the Dharma centre that rinpoche goes to avoid his foster parent’s threat on the Dharma centre. Rinpoche is now staying in Malaysia to spread the Dharma is mainly because of his strong guru devotion as well.
2. Consistency. Rinpoche consistency in action has resulted in many seeking Rinpoche’s advice for guidance and assist. With such consistency, Rinpoche has lead by example for all
3. Perseverance. Rinpoche’s unfavourable conditions to practice Dharma have shown his perseverance to be on the Dharma path. Rinpoche never complains about the abuse he gets from his parents but would just emphasize on how much he wants to study dharma at the centre.
4. Commitment. Although Rinpoche was facing so much obstacles to practice Dharma from his foster parents, he still find his own ways to learn Dharma as he is committed towards Dharma. Anila mentioned that Rinpoche’s determination to pursue Dharma “could not be stopped”
5. Remembering our roots. Although even after Rinpoche was recognized to be a reincarnation of a high Lama, he still remembers all the kindness of everyone who supported him to be where he is then.
6. Compassion. Although he is without food all the time, he still feed the birds with half of what he have to eat. Shows so much compassion that he could take on the suffering of other sentient beings just to make them felt better.
7. Optimistic. With all the problems Rinpoche is facing during his younger days, he kept an optimistic mind about everything that happen and could still find happy moments to share with Rinpoche guru, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche
8. Humble. Anila says she forgot that she actually sponsored Rinpoche while Rinpoche was in India. She thinks very little of such help she has provided to Rinpoche. Instead she remembers all the things Rinpoche did for her and the others.
9. Mindful and thoughtfulness. When Anila and Rinpoche travelled India, he has been very helpful in arranging everything. He has ask the nunnery to write down what they need and offered a set of robes. Till today, Rinpoche is always mindful thinking on how to benefit others more and provide opportunities for us to collect great merits in this lifetime.
Thank you for Bio team for such an informative interview of Anila Thupten Chonyid.
Below is things that stood out of my mind.
1) Rinpoche had a very difficult childhood during time that stay with step parents but it does not stop Rinpoche from fulfill what Rinpoche want to learn and to be in spiritual path. If this was happened with other child they might just give up and just follow their parents worldly needs which mean marry and have kids. Rinpoche interest in Dharma is very strong which is the result of the practicing of Dharma in many life times.
2) Although most of the days Rinpoche has to go through with lot of trouble, yelling, scolding etc from the step parents but Rinpoche always present as a happy child. Rinpoche did not complain with other or let himself down because of this, instead Rinpoche always made people surround him happy with funny things.
3) Anila kindness towards Rinpoche in term of be there when Rinpoche need, support Rinpoche in spiritual path example prepare a front seat for an initiation class in order to not miss the importance teaching. Anila was so kind to answers Rinpoche questions, never upset or get tried about it even tho Rinpoche just a little boy.
4) Rinpoche Devotion towards his Guru with Anila described clearly, although Kyabje Zong Rinpoche has his attendant but Rinpoche always be there to assist Kyabje Zong Rinpoche. Rinpoche has so much difficulty in the beginning time staying in Gaden while KyabjeZong Rinpoche has departed but Rinpoche never give up his monkhood. I love when Anila said that Rinpoche very enthusiasm towards Kyabje Zong Rinpoche.
5) Rinpoche gratitude to Anila kindness by accompany, preparing of India trip when he knew Anila is going to India. Rinpoche make sure that Anila trip will full with meaningful deeds. Rinpoche planned everything ahead with a very thoughtful about Anila sponsorship, as Rinpoche want it to be the most benefit for Anila and person who received.
6) Anila so kind to speak openly about what was happened eventho it was unpresent memory about it.
7) Khen Rinpoche passion to spread Dharma, he went to university to study Endlish so that he can communicate with American student directly. The high lama will do whatever it take to spread Dharma, they never have excuse of not doing it.
8) Rinpoche passion towards Dharma, despite many obstacles Rinpoche had encountered ie the hardship with the step parents during childhood, no sponsorship during he was the monk but Rinpoche never give up but use those experience to help other as Rinpoche doesn’t want other to suffer. This show Rinpoche kindness and compassion which come from bodhicitta mind.
it si nice to watch video about intervew.anila has pure guru divotion.thank you for shering.
Thank you for sharing the wonderful blog post, Rinpoche. My thoughts in point form:
– The initial impression of Ani-la was how soft spoken she is. Such gentle lady. Ani-la exudes kindness and compassion from the way she speaks. I would very much like to meet this wonderful lady in future.
– How strong Rinpoche’s past live imprints are. Rinpoche started seeking and practicing Dharma at such a young age while we just think of what comic book to read or what to toys/games to play with, Rinpoche was drawing Buddha images and reading Dharma books. True signs of past live imprints.
– Rinpoche is a prime example of diligence and persistence. Rinpoche still practiced Dharma despite the obstacles. Rinpoche’s parents forbade him to go to the library yet he snuck out to the library. I don’t view this as being not filial because Rinpoche has a right motivation to do what he did.
– Rinpoche’s strong Guru Devotion to Zong Rinpoche is really amazing. I love how Rinpoche and Zong Rinpoche has secret hand signals during Zong Rinpoche’s audience. So cute! The fact that Rinpoche would want to always want to eat Zong Rinpoche’s leftover food, attend to Zong Rinpoche’s every need skillfully and Rinpoche’s utmost respect and love for his Guru(amongst other examples) shows that Rinpoche has a very strong connection with Zong Rinpoche. I adore Rinpoche and Zong Rinpoche’s samaya. Rinpoche sets an example that I wish to fulfill! (and I WILL)
– While children around Rinpoche’s age are complaining about not getting enough toys, comic books to read, not enough play/tv time, the only thing Rinpoche complained about was not being able to go to the temple and practice Dharma. What was I doing when I was Rinpoche’s age? Burning merits with the hours of mindless TV watching and comic. What a waste of time.
– Despite obstacles and difficulties, Rinpoche never once gave up on Dharma. Even though Rinpoche was abused at home, Rinpoche never blamed His parents or complained to Ani-la or anyone else for the matter. Rinpoche continued practicing Dharma. True nature of a Buddha indeed.
– I agree with Ani-la about Rinpoche’s accomplishment. About how Rinpoche could be so influential and has so much respect shown to him. What Rinpoche has accomplished thus far is not only from one past live. It has to be from many, many former lives.
– Rinpoche is a true Buddha. Because Rinpoche took rebirth amongst difficult surroundings. That only shows how compassionate Rinpoche is. Rinpoche, (being a high Lama in His past live) could choose to take rebirth in a comfortable surrounding yet he chose this path.
A very heartfelt and massive thank you to the Bio Team for the time and effort spent on the interview, the hours of editing and transcribing the videos. Because of you, Bio Team that we get to learn more about Rinpoche’s past. Thank you very much.
Thank you Ani-la,for being such a gentle, kind, and compassionate Boddhisattva. Because if you didn’t help Rinpoche when he needed help the most, Rinpoche might not be able to reach out and touch the lives of so many other people. I thank you from my heart.
And lastly, thank you Rinpoche for being your amazing Buddha-self. Without Rinpoche, I would still be drowning in the sea of ignorance and on the path of self-destruction. I wish that Rinpoche will be able to meet Ani-la in near future. May ALL of Rinpoche’s vision comes true. May KWPC manifests as soon as possible!
May my Guru Devotion be as strong Rinpoche’s devotion towards Zong Rinpoche. In all lives may I never be separated from my perfect Guru, Tsem Tulku Rinpoche.
Thank you very much, Rinpoche.
Love ALWAYS & ALWAYS,J
My thoughts after watching the videos:
Strong and unwavering faith
As a young boy , Rinpoche displayed lots of faith in the Buddha , facing strong objection from his parent, his interest in learning the dharma never diminish and in fact grew stronger.
Courage and determination
Rinpoche shows that in order to learn and practice Dharma, he is not afraid to get out of his comfort zone which his parent can provide such as roof over his head, food, basic needs. He ran away so that he can learn and practise Dharma
Guru Devotion
One of the other reason why Rinpoche ran away from home is to prevent his parent from going after his Guru , Rinpoche is doing what he can to protect his Guru
Anila is very sincere and humble
When Rinpoche was ordained as monk at Gaden Monastary. He don’t have anything or money with him. All Rinpoche needs is Usd50 per month During the interview , Anila never claim credit for sponsoring Rinpoche during difficult times.
Forgiving
Both Anila and Rinpoche are very forgiving . Anila was criticised by Rinpoche parent for her former life as Hippie and single parent. She never take it to heart.
At very young age,Rinpoche is physically and mentally abused but , he seemed to handle it very well.
Kindness and compassion
During the trip to Bodghaya, Rinpoche as usual will be giving away food to homeless and hungry . he also gave a monk robe to a man who ran away from Tibet who is not allowed to wear robe for 20 years. This monk was so happy.
This is the 2nd time i listened to these videos since last yr, here are some of my thoughts:
1.Passion and Enthusiasm fuelled by unwavering faith: Rinpoche demonstrated strong dharmic inclinations from a young age. He expresses his love and enthusiasm for the Buddhas & dharma through the painting of images and quest for dharma knowledge from books borrowed from Anila. It is amazing how a young boy can be so persistent and focused despite facing much objections and pressure from his parents. I am also moved by how Rinpoche persisted in his pursuits throughout his life with unwavering faith.
2.Compassion to liberate suffering beings: The Door to Liberation by Geshe Wangal struck a chord in young Rinpoche as he must have felt and shared the same wishes and sentiments as that of Avalokiteshavara to be in the darkest places with the most sufferings so as to help these people and absorb their sufferings. This reminded me of Rinpoche’s dedication in the Highway to Bliss album, where he expresses his willingness to take on the burden, suffering and unhappiness of others and may their negative karma come to him in form of sickness…..while most of us in samsara seek happiness and fear sufferings, it truly takes a bodhisattva to be willing to take on the sufferings of others upon oneself….
3.Strong Guru Devotion: Rinpoche showed strong devotion & gratitude to his Gurus such as Kyanje Zong Rinpoche & Kensur Lobsang Tharchin Rinpoche. He was always raving about their qualities and showed so much enthusiasm talking about them that Anila recalled hearing so much about Zong Rinpoche though she has never met him. He also fostered a close relationship with his gurus and will always be there to serve them. This act of seeing one’s guru as a Buddha seems to be so natural in Rinpoche and inspires us to contemplate on the deeper significance of a guru in one’s spiritual pursuits.
4. Positive and happy despite all the difficulties: Anila and everyone else recalled that Rinpoche was a happy kid despite all he the difficulties he had to go through. I think this could have been the results of all the dharma practices in his previous lifetimes, showing us that with the realisation of the dharma, inner peace and happiness is possible even in extremely difficult times.
5. Gratitude towards Anila’s kindness: Rinpoche always remember Anila’s kindness & sponsorship and expressed much gratitude for all she has done. In return, Rinpoche worked tirelessly to benefit many others.
6. Knew the best way to make offerings: Rinpoche seems to know the best way to make offerings and people he met developed faith in him very naturally. His strong resolve in the dharma is so obvious to all and no one is surprised about him being recognised as a Tulku.
7. Kindness to other beings: Rinpoche feeding the birds with half the tsampa he had when he had only tsempa and tea showed how he extended his kindness and compassion to other beings & how much he values them.
8.Caring and thoughtful towards the needs of others: The offering of robes to the Tibetan man which meant so much to the person. From getting the nuns to list what they needed to suggesting getting a coat for them in view of the weather, Rinpoche showed how much thought he gave in considering the needs of others.
这是我第二次重看这篇视频访问,这次对我而言多了感想,这也让我更进一步的认识仁波切。
1)Anila是多么的真诚以及细心的回答所有的问题,可以感受到她的慈悲。Anila从不动容他人给予她的评语与批评,Anila从头到尾没有过一句的反击,Anila是真正的一位出家修行者,顶礼!_/\_
2)詹杜固仁波切从小就对佛菩萨产生特别深的因缘,喜欢画佛像以及看佛书。仁波切从没对Anila或任何人埋怨他的自身遭遇,也从没对他的养父母不敬,仁波切反而会暗地里为他们俩祈祷,仁波切从小就显现了菩提心。
3)仁波切对于任何的事与物都是特别的有警觉性,也总会为他人着想,Anila提到说当他们到尼姑庵做供养是就提议哪里的尼姑要把树种在斜坡以免造成倾斜,仁波切甚至还会自动上前帮忙一位女人提重篮子,仁波切把一切事物安排的妥当,好让Anila有一个尽善尽美的旅程,好让Anila都是做最好的供养给三宝。在那时候仁波切已经显现出他不为人知的权威及领导能力。
4)仁波切对Anila有着一份感谢的心,从以往Anila对他的关爱与教导,直到Anila赞助仁波切在甘丹寺每月50美金,仁波切从没忘记Anila,对于仁波切而言当时那50元美金简直就犹如人生在绝望之时的一片曙光,雪中送炭固然是好事,但如果Anila没有持续的赞助,我们也就没机会接触仁波切和他的教诲。所以我们不可小看小小的赞助或供养,也不要对小的善举觉得羞耻。
5)仁波切的完美上师依止心和无穷尽的奉献是值得我们学习的,对于上师的吩咐以及教导仁波切从没有过任何动摇之心,这也显示了在修行上我们必须要有的品质,这样也可协助我们成就在佛法修行道路上。
6)仁波切当初的离家出走并不是为了逃避家人的辱骂与虐待,而是因为不能学习佛法而离家出走,仁波切没有因为挫折与困难而选择放弃佛法。反而更精进的学习佛法,这是值得让人学习的。
7)仁波切还是很幽默的对待事与物,在别人面前完全没有显示任何的可怜样子,在仁波切身上只有看到积极的能量,保持幽默和开朗的学习佛法过才是最佳的良药。
8)在Anila和仁波切身上学习到的是唯有拥有佛法知识才能协助自己度过艰难的时刻,也因为这样我们必须精进的学习,把所学习到的知识和他人分享,就好象Anila当初对待仁波切一样,因为Anila的付出与分享我们才有幸能和仁波切学习。
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this post about Anila, that it is so touching me when I watching this video post interviewing Anila by the Bio Team. Also we can know more about how Rinpoche grow up in childhood.
Anila is very patience, kindness, generosity, sincerity, care, honestly, strong guru devotion and humble.
She always answered Rinpoche Dharma question, no matter how many questions Rinpoche asked.
She keep teaching Dharma and knowledge to Rinpoche.
She taking care of Rinpoche when childhood.
She sponsored 50 us dollar for Rinpoche expenses in Gaden Monastery.
She no lies and hide when interviewing by Bio Team and so sincerely told all the truth what she remember of the memories with Rinpoche childhood.
She is so humble, that she said forgotten about have sponsored money for Rinpoche.
What I can see from this video is, she really sincerely gave out something to Rinpoche of spend all the times with Rinpoche, give Dharma teaching, sharing knowledge, talk in the phone, care and don’t expect in return anythings from Rinpoche.
No matter how also she no gave up Rinpoche and keep guidance Dharma and knowledge to Rinpoche.
She is such a lovely Anila that inspiring me much and I fully respect you.
Rinpoche is so compassionate, kindness, always care about others people and benefits others people. We are so luckily that we can knows Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, that gave us Dharma teaching, sharing knowledge to us and always care all of us.
I wish Rinpoche long live, healthy and keep teaching us Dharma.
It was a great interview to make us know more about Rinpoche from Rinpoche’s childhood friend.
What that moved me from this interview from Anila about herself and Rinpoche:
1. Anila was so helpful and always there for Rinpoche whenever Rinpoche had any question on Dharma subject. Even though Rinpoche was just a kid, Anila never turn down Rinpoche but patiently help Rinpoche in any way she could. I remembered Anila mentioned that Rinpoche was more like a little young friend to her.
2. Rinpoche’s parents were not supportive for Rinpoche to learn dharma. They always yield and shout at Rinpoche and prevent Rinpoche from going to the centre. Rinpoche really gone a hardship but it does not stop Rinpoche in pursuing Dharma instead Rinpoche is so much determined. Rinpoche didn’t complaint about his parents but more on not able to come to te temple& not able to practice Dharma. Rinpoche focus was not on the punishment but the “Dharma”. Anila mentioned that she always remember Rinpoche as happy child.
3. Rinpoche’s parents respected to Buddha images more than the Sangha. The parents even being rude, complaining & criticized the Sangha directly. But Khen Rinpoche kept very calm facing them and even advice Rinpoche to listen to his parents. Khen Rinpoche was really a great Guru. His action is mainly to protect the parents from collecting more negative karma and also for Rinpoche from getting so much suffering from the parents.
4. Rinpoche borrowed one of the most special books and read about Avalokiteshvara always prays to be in the darkest places so he can helps more people and absorb the suffering. From the first time Rinpoche read it Rinpoche cried and Rinpoche wants to do Avalokiteshvara’s practice. This definitely a strong imprint of Rinpoche and also shown on how Rinpoche mediate at the Turkey Swamp.
5. Rinpoche is a very caring and thoughtful. When Anila and Rinpoche travelled in India (1988), Rinpoche was very helpful & know so many contacts and always arranges everything. Anila mentioned that Rinpoche very authoritative. Rinpoche arrange the best way to make offering like at the nunnery such as arranged to make coats for all the nuns ask them to write down what they need & offered a set robe to Tibetan man. Rinpoche’s qualities is so consistent even up to now Rinpoche always things for others and always advice in making the best offering and great motivation in order for us collect great merits. Always offer the best to the 3 Jewels.
6. Rinpoche has a great unfailing Guru Devotion. Rinpoche never saw a fault in any Gurus. Teach people what they should do to their Guru. Can see that when Rinpoche talk about Kyabje Zong Rinpoche to Anila, Rinpoche was very excited, all the time. There was one time Anila mentioned something not so greatly of Kensur Rinpoche & Rinpoche said she should be grateful.
7. Rinpoche unconditional cares. Rinpoche even share his tsampa half of it to the birds. Always think for others before him.
8. Rinpoche inclination towards Dharma was so great. Rinpoche parents tried to talk to Rinpoche and even beat Rinpoche but didn’t work. Rinpoche ran away not because of the abuse but because Rinpoche couldn’t study dharma and also because of Rinpoche’s mother causing a lot of trouble to Khen Rinpoche. Rinpoche want to learn and practice Dharma in a place that would not harm his Lama. This is how much thoughtful and how much Rinpoche wants Dharma and Rinpoche go all the way.
Thank you Rinpoche sharing of this interview and also the Bio Team great effort in order for us to have great view of Rinpoche life journey pursuing Dharma. It’s a great teaching for me.
这是第二次观看此五个视频,阿妮拉的声调依然一样的平静,直接。但是,这次的领悟却与上一次的有所不同。
我想当一个人随著年岁的增长,历练多了,很自然的,所看和所听,都会有所不一样。今次,最让我深思的那一部份,该是仁波切对上师的依止心。最近看了一则文篇,让我思考了好几天,说出这句话的人也非一般的閒辈,他是格鲁派传承的持有者甘丹赤巴,他说,保持与上师之间纯净的三眛耶最根本的条件是,遵守承诺。身为一名弟子,应该要了解其重要性。
(一) 遵守承诺:仁波切是一位守诺言的人,凡是他所答应了的,仁波切从来没有不去完成的例子。仁波切对上师们的承诺,例如到马来西亚开办中心或长住都是仁波切所料不及结果。虽然如此,为了满圆师命,他只好长住马来西亚,继续开示;这是其上师要求他做的事,而仁波切也答允了;所以再怎么不喜欢,你还是得做,因为答应了。
(二) 坚持:仁波切对佛法的坚持,从小就显现了。在年少时,养父母对他百般反对,结果十六岁时为了保护上师不被传言伤害,离家出走,到别处寻找一间佛教中心,以便可以学习佛法。到今天仁波切对佛法热情一样没有减退,反而更加积极呢。
(三) 上师依止心:仁波切的依止心,非我们可以比媲。只要有机缘,向仁波切的弟子询问,你自然就明白,仁波切的依止心是甚么?
(四) 感恩:仁波切的感恩之心,实在够细腻和饱满。例如仁波切对ANILA THUBten ,当年对ANILA THUBten好,现在回想起;时时都派人去探访。这是感恩之心了。
(五) 慈悲心:仁波切不管到那里,都不放弃照顾众生,他的照顾从外在至内在,完美无睱。
(六) 认真:仁波切对法人事业的认真程度,一丁点小小细节的东西,都不会错过。
(七) 不放弃:这点真的很重要,仁切波的法人事业之所以会步向如此大规模的对话,那么弟子对仁波切的信心也加强很多。
(八) 坦然─如果你喜欢的事物。就去link它吧,坦白对:所有。。坦白和诚实去面对,更加多人喜欢!
这是我的小小见解。
谢谢
月誼合十
1) No matter how much obstacles and difficulties Rinpoche face, Rinpoche will give up the way for Dharma.
2) Rinpoche is taking care everyone, monks, students, friends and even the peoples surrounded Rinpoche. ( Anila mentioned it : the monk has lost his robes for 20 years, because of Rinpoche and Anila, the monk got to wear back his robes after 20 years ) really touched my heart.
3) Rinpoche is very friendly to everyone. Anila mentioned it : He knew a lot of peoples everywhere.
4) Rinpoche has very strong guru devotion to all of his gurus. Anila mentioned it : He “Rinpoche” had a lot of love and guru devotion him “Geshe Tsultim Gyeltsen”, but his bigger enthusiasm was for Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, and Rinpoche never saw faults in any of his Gurus. ( touched my heart another times, a strong guru devotion from Rinpoche )
5) Anila mentioned it : Rinpoche not just has a strong guru devotion, and Rinpoche would do things to show it also and TEACH people what they should do for the guru and also to remind them about the gratitude they owe the guru. ( i like this so much )
6) Anila did mentioned : What i remember about Rinpoche is that with all the troubles he “Rinpoche” had, they “troubles” never got him down, he “Rinpoche” was always happy. Even when he “Rinpoche talk about the horrible trials he had when running away, that wasn’t the main thing. The main things was meeting Geshe Tsultim Gyeltsen, meeting Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and his plans to be ordained and all the good things that happened. ( Rinpoche is always positive and having a very strong faith with Dharma ).
7) And Rinpoche love animals so much. Jamie mentioned it : told by the monk from the monastery, he “Rinpoche” was so poor, but even from the small amount of tsampa, he “Rinpoche” had half of it he “Rinpoche” would feed to the birds, before he ate it any himself. ( Rinpoche is always kind to any beings )
8) And Rinpoche will never forget the person “Ani-la Thupten Chonyid” who sponsor Rinpoche before. ( Rinpoche will never ever forget the person that who help Rinpoche before )
From the video and the conversations, Rinpoche quality ( from Rinpoche young age until now..!! It’s motivated me a lot )
Much appreciate it. and of course Big Thank You to Rinpoche and Bio Team.
Best Regards : Erickksiow
* 1) No matter how much obstacles and difficulties Rinpoche face, Rinpoche will not give up the way for Dharma.
Interview of Ven Anila Thupten Chonyid to sharing with us about Rinpoche life during his childhood.
Thank you for this videos.
These are the few things that struck out for me after watching the interview videos.
1. Anila looks so serene and is a very happy person. For someone to be at this stage, she would have let go a lot of attachments in her life. With all that she has gone through, now it seems that there is nothing which can affect her. She does not even remember that she sponsor Rinpoche USD50 monthly.
2. Rinpoche is determined to do what Rinpoche wanted to do i.e Dharma, no matter what obstacles are in the way. Like what Anila said, Rinpoche just likes to go to the temple and being with monks. Despite the scoldings and the beatings, Rinpoche still continued pursuing Dharma.
3. Strong Guru Devotion from Rinpoche towards Rinpoche’s gurus especially Kyabje Zong Rinpoche. One of the reasons why Rinpoche ran away is because Rinpoche does not want his parents to cause trouble to Khen Rinpoche and hurt Khen RInpoche.
4. Rinpoche never complained to anyone on the abuse Rinpoche has to go through at home and is always known to be a happy child.
5. This interview also shows us that past lives and future lives exist. IF that is so, then it is why Rinpoche is so inclined to the Dharma at a very young age. Must be from the past life that is carried forward to this life.
6. Anila also said that the reason why RInpoche chose to come back in this life in such difficult circumstances and with all the heartaches and abuses, is because it shows people that Rinpoche can make it despite the difficulties.
7. I also like the story where Khen RInpoche could not speak english and needed a translator when he teaches. But later Khen Rinpoche went to Washington to study English for a year. When he came back, he does not need a translator anymore. This shows that Khen RInpoche is willing and do whatever it takes for him to spread the dharma easier because he was spreading Dharma in the West.
8. Rinpoche is also very kind and hospitable when RInpoche took Anila and her daughter around India when they went to visit Rinpoche. Even though Rinpoche does not have much, Rinpoche still made sure that they are comfortable and taken cared of.
These series of video interviews provide important insights into whom Tsem Rinpoche is and what he was like as a child and as a monk studying in India. It shows how tremendously consistent Rinpoche has been all this time, how consistent Rinpoche has been in his kindness and in his devotion to his Gurus and all the people who have come into Rinpoche’s life.
These 8 points stood out for me:
1. It is remarkable how attracted Rinpoche was to the Buddhas, the Dharma and temples even as a young boy. As a boy, he would visit the temples alone. How true Rinpoche was to his calling in spite of overwhelming obstacles and problems – the kind of which not everyone can overcome.
2. Ani-la confirmed that Rinpoche’s parents were very harsh towards him and there may even have been beatings. BUT Rinpoche never complained about his parents and conditions at home. I am touched that despite hardships (a) Rinpoche protected his parents and did not lay blame on anyone else. And (b) the over whelming difficulties and obstacles did not deter Rinpoche from the Dharma.
Towards the end of the interview I am moved to be reminded by Ani-la that what Rinpoche had to undergo, the difficulties and hardships…must have been what he prayed for, not only in one but many previous lives;
3. I am quite taken by Ani-la’s openness to her previous life before she became a nun. She did not hide not deny and reject her “mistakes” and she regards it simply as how she was before the dharma. This is inspiring and I appreciate Ani-la’s honesty and acceptance of how people frowned upon her. Later on we find out that Ani-la went to India together with her teenage daughter. She maintained a good relationship with her daughter and wanted to share an important pilgrimage with her.
4. I am touched by how a young Rinpoche was moved to tears after reading “Door To Liberation” which tells the story of how Avalokiteshvara prays to be in the darkest places in order to absorb the most intense sufferings. I am moved by Rinpoche’s compassion and love for all beings even then. That compassion has not waned at all.
Since then I see that Rinpoche has not changed from his desire to absorb the sufferings of all beings. Even now, Rinpoche’s prayers is “may their pain and sufferings come to me…which I happily accept”.
5. Rinpoche has spent an entire life looking out for others and even strangers. In India, we learn from Ani-la how Rinpoche helped the nuns and made coats for them realizing that not all had coats to keep them from the cold. Rinpoche even made robes for an old man in lay clothes whom, as it turned out, happened to be monk who has just escaped from Tibet. That monk had not worn robes for 20 years and Rinpoche helped him. I note how Rinpoche would take the trouble to speak to that man and find out whom he was and then did not hesitate to help him. The story of Rinpoche carrying buckets for the lady is also very familiar.
Rinpoche has been consistently kind even until to day. Wherever Rinpoche goes, he looks out for all beings from people to animals. Even with spirits, Rinpoche has always advised for us to be kind to them.
6. Ani-la spoke about her experience with Rinpoche in India. What stood out was how happy Rinpoche seemed to be. How “at home” he was and how he know so many people and how people listened to Rinpoche even before he was recognized and enthroned. And that was only in the first year after Rinpoche was ordained. Rinpoche himself has often spoken about how happy he was in the monasteries.
I am touched and grateful that Rinpoche left all that behind to come to Malaysia to stay and teach. In Malaysia we do not treat monks with the same reverence and we fail miserably to offer High Lams the rightful treatment they deserve and receive in the monasteries where people truly appreciate who Rinpoche is. And yet out of his compassion, Rinpoche is still here with us.
7. I am touched by how little Ani-la thinks about her tremendous help she gave Rinpoche via her sponsorship when he was in the monastery. She claims not to remember it and yet she recalls quite a few details about Rinpoche. She remembers instead all the good things Rinpoche did for her and the others. Ani-la is humble and does not seek recognition for her kindness. This is remarkable and so consistent with people who truly practice dharma.
8. I am touched by the story of how Rinpoche had so little to eat. Only tsampa, flour and tea and yet he would give away half of what he had to eat to feed the birds. Rinpoche has consistently not been bothered about his own problems and instead focuses on the problems of others.
There are many more points from the interviews that are noteworthy e.g. how Rinpoche ran away not to get away from his problems and abuse, but in order to pursue the dharma as well as protect his Guru and the Dharma centre as his parents was making accusations at his Guru and the Sangha for “influencing” Rinpoche.
I find it touching that even after leaving the US, Rinpoche continued to shoe reverence and devotion to Khen Rinpoche and Ani-la makes reference to Rinpoche having tears in his tears when speaking about his Teachers.
I am moved by the close relationship, which was beyond ordinary, between Zong Rinpoche and Tsem Rinpoche. I find stories of their secret hand signals very touching and it speaks of a very special bond that is beyond ordinary human relationship.
I can only imagine how much Rinpoche misses Zong Rinpoche to this day.
Even the dream that Rinpoche had, of him and another Lama defending themselves from demons and that Rinpoche stating that he was there to protect Rinpoche until Zong Rinpoche arrives. This is a good story and again shows a very special bind between Zong Rinpoche and Tsem Rinpoche.
Finally, I think it is important to note Ani-la’s answer to why she thought high beings like Rinpoche made A CHOICE to be born into difficulties and hardships. It is to show us what we can be, what can be done and that we can survive hardships. Rinpoche made that choice in his prayers in many previous lifetimes.
In one of Rinpoche’s teachings, Rinpoche taught that blessings come from our actions and ourselves. What are the Buddhas for then, the question was asked. The answer was a similar one i.e. to show us what can be done. What our potential is.
I learned very much from this post. Thank you for this teaching Rinpoche.
Dear Rinpoche, thank you for sharing with us this beautiful video of Anila. I enjoyed watching this video and to get to know a little more about when Rinpoche was a young boy. Here are some points in the video that I found most interesting and amazing
1) Anila is selfless and humble. She never expected anything in return for helping Rinpoche when timess was tough for Rinpoche in India. She also showed great Guru Devotion as she immediately agreed to sponsor Rinpoche upon the request of her Lama. Such a wonderful lady she is!
2) Anila recall Rinpoche as a happy and positive young boy although Rinpoche had a tough childhood. She said that Rinpoche never complained about the situation and just continued the days with great joy.
3) She shared her experience while traveling with Rinpoche. She said Rinpoche was so caring to arrange everything, from the offerings to the temples to the lodging of the visitors. This reminds me of what we’re now practicing in Kechara, to be always hospitable and helpful to all those that comes into our beautiful Gompa. Thank you Rinpoche for teaching us to be thoughtful always.
4) Rinpoche always find ways to benefit us and is equally kind and compassionate as Rinpoche was many years ago. How Rinpoche never forgot the kindness that Anila showed Rinpoche many years ago really teach us about integrity and appreciation.
5) Again, Anila also mentioned on Rinpoche’s unfailing Guru Devotion. Just like many other people have mentioned before.
6) I was also very touched when Anila said Rinpoche ran away from home not because of the situation at home, but because of the inaccessibility to Dharma and Rinpoche’s thoughtfulness of wanting to practice the Dharma without hurting anyone… especially Rinpoche’s Guru.
7) Also, Anila mentioned on how Rinpoche’s connection with the Dharma is very strong and unique. This must be due to strong past life imprints, just like how Rinpoche mentioned on how imprints will affect out past, present and future lives.
8) Rinpoche is an amazing, decisive and is a living example of what a person can achieve with determination and strong dedication in practicing the Dharma.
Thank you.
Thank you Rinpoche for this post.
Thank you to the BIO Team.
Thank you to the editors, the translators, the subtitles…
So much work went into this. Thank you
I have highlighted here 8 points that particularly drew my attention from watching the interview of Ani-la Thupten Chonyid:
1.
Rinpoche would draw Buddha’s images as a small child, and would love the Buddhas and talk about them with much enthousiasm. Rinpoche would more specifically draw Buddha Shakyamuni and also Green Tara. Not the typical drawings made by a child!
2.
Ani-la talks about how Rinpoche’s parents criticized her, openly and also directly upon being ordained, but I can see that she has no resentment against them, she says what happens without anger, simply speaking about what happens, because she is being asked about it. I find this remarkable.
3.
Relating to the story of that man who just escaped from Tibet, and who was forced to not wear his monk’s robes in Tibet and during his escape and then received robes from Ani-La and Rinpoche while they were in India together. That story made me cry, I am not sure why, but it pulled tears from my eyes, I could somehow relate to the joy that man must have felt at being able to wear the monk’s robes again.
4.
Ani-la remembers that Rinpoche would show unfailed guru devotion and show faith and love towards his Teachers. There would be tears in his eyes when talking about Kensur Rinpoche or Zong Rinpoche.
And he would remind people about the gratitude they owe towards their Gurus. I found that remarkable too.
5.
Rinpoche never complained about how his parents treated him, he only expressed sadness about not being able to go to temple freely and practice the Dharma. Ani-la says that Rinpoche ran away not because of the abuse but because he did not want his Teacher to suffer from what his mother could do if he had stayed in New Jersey.
6.
Ani-la does not mention that she sponsored Rinpoche, she’s very humble. When reminded by Jamie, she says she doesn’t remember.
7.
Ani-la mentions that all the troubles never brought down Rinpoche’s will to walk the Dharma. Ani-la says that she always knew that Rinpoche would become a monk, his determination was flagrant as a child already, Ani-la says: “he could not be stopped”.
8.
Referring to Rinpoche’s life, Ani-la says that holy beings chose to go through harsh difficulties and surmount very big obstacles so as to show others what can be done.
Here are my first thought & touched me most on “When I Had No One Else…..”
1) As Anila mentioned that Rinpoche have a very good relationship with Kyabje Zhong Rinpoche. They share everything, they play just like “father & son” ^^, ^^, , they care each other so so much!! Even in dream! Zhong Rinpoche always keep Tsem Tulku Rinpoche safe, no matter when. All the scence that Ani-la have said on the interview has appear on my mind immediately, very very touch.
2) The reason that Rinpoche ran away from home while he’s in New Jersey is not because of the abuse of his foster parents. What he want is to learn Dharma WITHOUT harming his Lama.
3) A lovely, humble, kind hearted lady Ani-la Thupten Chonyid. As Jean Mei said, she did so much for Rinpoche without realizing it, or without any further explanation needed. Such a patient,wonderful lady.
4) While at Dharmasala, Rinpoche offer a robe to a old monk who ran out from Tibet & lost his robe for 20years. And all the offering & help that Rinpoche & Ani-la have done.
5) Although there are lot’s of complaining or even criticise on Ani-la & Zhong Rinpoche by Rinpoche foster parents, instead of hated them or think bad on them, they even care more, & treat Rinpoche just like thier own child.
6) This is another great one……. Although Rinpoche is very poor & only have Tsampa for his meal, he will also take half of it to feed the bird. Imagine that……….. Even now, Rinpoche always loves to feed the animal when he saw it.
7) No matter how Rinpoche treaten by his foster parents, he have no complain, not even sound out to any others, not at all.
8) The most inspired is the Guru Devotion that Rinpoche had. Ani-la repeated on the video how Rinpoche serve his Lama, that is really AMAZING!
“He couldn’t be stop.” said Anila, this is Tsem Tulku Rinpoche. Very humble person, tirelessly giving care attentively even to pepole he dont know at all, very strong guru devotion, very…..
Thank you again Rinpoche for the sharing & not forget to thank the BIO Team! A big thank for all the hard work guys!! Thank you to share with us such a meaningful story. I have understand more on Rinpoche chilhood, especially the relationship Rinpoche with Kyabje Zhong Rinpoche & Ani-la Thupten Chonyid, they really mean very very veryyyyyy much to Rinpoche……….VERYYYY!!
Do allowed me to thank you Ani-la Thupten Chonyid, to be with Rinpoche while he undergo all the difficulties time whenever he need on his childhood. And i deeply wish they can meet again very, very soon!
Thanks to the Bio team for the hard work and thanks to Anila Thupten Chonyid for the wonderful interview. I love the quote from Anila to Rinpoche in the interview ” All well ends well”.
What i have learn after watching this interview.
1. Respect
Rinpoche has so much respect to his parents even they always yelled at him, complaint about him and abused him. Although Rinpoche had a difficult time with his parents but never complaint about it and never tell other people how difficult his life is.
Rinpoche respects everyone in his life and to animals.
2. Positive and Never give up attitude.
Is such a difficult life and Dharma path for Rinpoche, but he never give up and never complain. He keeps challenging the difficulty and never stop, he works very hard for what he believes in ~ to meet the dharma, and to benefit all sentient beings.
3. Mindful and Thoughtful.
Rinpoche planed and organized everything in India to make sure Anila is ok and well taking care of.
Rinpoche also sponsored coats for the nunnery as the weather is very cold. The sweetest thing is Rinpoche ask the nuns to write down a list of what they need, very thoughtful.
4. Compassionate and Helpful.
Although Rinpoche is very poor during his time at the Monastery and have only very little food but he still share half of his tsampa with the birds, how could it possible for a hungry person to share his food to non human! This is truly compassionate.
Another very touching incident is Rinpoche offered a robe to an old man (he was a tibetan monk before) that he and Anila met in India whom lost his robe for 20 years due to some issue.
Rinpoche always touched people hearts. I can really feel the joy and appreciation from the old man (if i were him!).
Anila also mentioned that Rinpoche help a lady to carry things, this is Rinpoche style, always helpful and compassionate.
5. Guru Devotion.
Rinpoche has all the great qualities from all his gurus. He has great guru devotion and keep his Samaya clean to his guru although they are not around anymore. Rinpoche teared whenever he talks about his gurus and with the great respect he will joint his hand whenever he mentioned about his gurus.
I can feel the joy of Rinpoche that he has the “secret hand signal” thingy with Zong Rinpoche, that shows how extraordinary is in their relationship. And also the little dream of Rinpoche that Zong Rinpoche chased away the demon to protect him hehehe…It shows that Rinpoche’s always keep his gurus in his mind 🙂
Rinpoche also set a very good example on guru devotion, he will never saw fault to his guru, he has unfailing devotion, faith and love towards his guru and always gives good advice and reminder to others.
6. Bodhisattva’s quality
No matter how Rinpoche’s parents treated him, to stop him for serving the Dharma and beaten him for going to the temple but he forgave them.
He protects the temple, the Dharma and Khen Rinpoche for being disturb by his parents, hence he ran away. Rinpoche always sacrifice to protect and to benefit others as he always does.
Once can see the great quality from a young boy (Rinpoche) by just reading Avalokiteshvara’s book that made him cried and wants to do the practice. He understands the book 🙂
6. Great Care.
Rinpoche cares for everyone. He always think of every possibility to make sure everyone is ok in this life or in our future life. Like how he name Kechara, he plants a seed for us and hoping his students will get Vajrayogini’s initiation one day. For Anila, he gave his previous life picture to Anila after he has been recognized as a high lama in Tsem Monastery in his previous life to make a connection.
7. Generosity.
Rinpoche is always been generous to others, he offers Trijang Rinpoche’s statue to Khen Rinpoche although his is having financial difficulty. He sponsored the nunnery, he shared his tsampa to the birds, he always offer people needs.
8. Fun and humorous.
Everyone knows that Rinpoche is very fun and humorous in many ways. That is one of his unique way to attract many students.
The quality time that Anila and Rinpoche had spent together in India was a fondest memory for her, the bunny jump and the laughed of Anila was locked in the bathroom 🙂 Very memorable as Rinpoche is always cheerful no matter how bad the situation is.
9. Decisive.
I totally agreed that Rinpoche is very decisive as he has chosen a difficult way to against his parents wish and goes all the way for Dharma, and one thing is very true in the interview as Anila
had mentioned that Rinpoche was yelling at a person who were selling the transportation tickets. I totally agreed with what Rinpoche had explained to Anila ” Sometime you need to yell to get things done” hehehehe….
Finally the 3 words to describe Rinpoche from Anila is totally Amazing and precise.
AMAZING – That Rinpoche has gone through the difficulties and become a monk.
HAPPY – This is the key of life.
DECISIVE – Rinpoche’s work now, to benefit so many!
Anila is a strong woman, who chosen Dharma for her life and been through so much difficulties but she never give up.
Thank you Anila, for sharing your Dharma knowledge to Rinpoche and always patient towards him.
Thank you Anila on sponsoring Rinpoche while he was in India having financial difficulty.
Thank you Anila for serving the Dharma.
Thank you with my folded hand.
Helena
Thank you Rinpoche for the sharing. The interview with Anila tell us more on Rinpoche life and biography.
In the Interview Anila said that Rinpoche when he is still a little boy, He just loves the Buddha and keep on coming with Buddha drawing and always wanted to talk about Buddha. I feel that this really so spiritual for a young boy.
Even Rinpoche foster father and mother didn’t supportive for his dharma practice and they were rough on him but Rinpoche still continue and never give up on dharma. I can feel Rinpoche determination on this and its is so inspiring.
Rinpoche show us a perfect guru devotion. Rinpoche do thing and show it and also teach the people what they should do for their guru.
Rinpoche remind them about the gratitude they owe to the guru and having reverence devotion and always have faith toward their guru.
Rinpoche and Anila also did many sponsoring to the monk and nun. Anila is very generous, she assisted Rinpoche in his early day in Gaden monastery by sponsoring Rinpoche USD 50/ month
Anila is so move by Rinpoche action when he offered a set of robes to a monk who escape from Tibet. Rinpoche is so compassionate and always take care of other.
Rinpoche motivation is always to benefit others. Rinpoche is a great person and always will be remembered.
Thank you Rinpoche for everything. Wishing Rinpoche live long and continue teaching us.
从这一次的视频告诉了我!仁波切从小到大,的心愿都没有变过!
1.从小,仁波切就很喜欢佛,跟佛有关的,仁波切都会很喜爱,要不然,以一个小孩,肯定不会画,释迦摩尼佛,也不会对佛理,有那么的好奇!还一直想出家为僧!长大之后,当上了转世活佛的仁波切,对阿妮拉来说!一点都不惊讶,因为这一在仁波切,小时候就看到了!
2.一直想当僧人的仁波切,因家人的反对,多次离家出走,吃惊了苦头,想当僧人的仁波切念头从没有放弃过!一直抱着乐观的态度面都所以事情。
3.仁波切年级轻轻就懂的细心及关怀,到现在是第一,也没人敢当第二!仁波切因为很细心,所以观察力很强!很多的小细节,仁波切都会想到!所以很懂得安排,阿妮拉那次的印度之旅,就给照料了!
4.因为仁波切关心每个人,认识的不认识的 人,有困难的时候,如果能帮到的!仁波切都会尽量的去帮助及供养!所以很受当地人民欢迎,去到哪里,都有人认识仁波切。
5.仁波切的调皮性格!到现在还是那么的调皮!这是仁波切的可爱之处,很多人也因为这样被吸引了!在多艰苦的日子,仁波切都挨过了!因为仁波切乐观的看待,一切都变得没那么难了!
6.对上师,仁波切是百分百的听从,百分百的服从,及尊敬!这是我们学佛该学习的!仁波切就是个很好的榜样。
7.仁波切是个饮水思源的人,阿妮拉的陪同及小小的帮助,给与那时候的仁波切,就像雪中送炭,仁波切惦记到现在!所以我们要感恩!
8.好事不怕做!很多小小的动作,或者你也不为意的事情,对于不同的人,就起了不同的作用,这些好事,能带来了希望,温暖及改变。
感谢!尊贵的上师詹杜固仁波切与我们分享五个视频
人生可能会疑惑,仁波切为什么会选择这样并非如此有利的环境中重生?Anila告诉我们,答案是很简单的。通过他的经验和生活,作为一个例子,他告诉我们,从他的家人的反对,无论多么困难和多么艰难的生活可能是佛法,尽管所有的障碍,是他坚定的信念,他决心,要成为一个和尚与佛法中心。
仁波切一直保持稳定和坚定,在他的修行,他决不允许任何的借口,阻碍他或让他放弃。因为通过他
的经验,将有实力的灌输,当我们情绪低落时,感到绝望,也不要放弃,我们将能够克服这些困难。
人生凡事 只要我们换一个角度看, 当我们懂得放下,我们才能真正的利益众生。
上师与弟子之间的关系。这位僧人向仁波切说,我是你前辈子的上师,我会保护你直到你遇见你的上师宋仁波切。
前辈子上师还在生生世世保护弟子。当我们皈依上师,上师就会生生世世保护弟子,这是上师对弟子的承诺。这只是个梦境,但其意义,让人感动。。。。。。。
仁波切对上师宋仁波切依止是非长令人感动,仁波切抱有一颗感恩与慈悲的心去善待身边的每一个众生。
我们必须相信我们的上师,不会轻易放弃。他从来没有放弃对我们上师与弟子之间的关系。
Anila的一笑,仁波切的慈悲展放无疑, 我们都感受到人生中的一切. 是冥冥之中的安排。
仁波切的心寬可包容天地,仁波切的慈悲可渡眾生…
感谢!尊贵的上师詹杜固仁波切
感谢教导我们的人,感谢帮助我们的人。。。。。。。
The interview with Ani-la Thupten Chonyid clearly reflects clearly what have Rinpoche have shared with us about his life during his childhood. A few pointers about how Rinpoche’s parents were, where Rinpoche’s parents were verbally abusive towards Rinpoche and also to the Sangha, totally against Rinpoche to be at the Dharma center and being in Dharma. Rinpoche was not upset has never talked bad about his parents.
Even when Rinpoche was small, Rinpoche was showing enthusiasm for Buddhism, Dharma books and studies. Rinpoche would borrow books from Ani-la and bring them home to read them and always asked a lot of questions whenever Rinpoche met Ani-la.
Rinpoche shows selflessness and always helping people wherever he goes, arranged coats made for nuns and asked the nuns to write down what they need coat made for His Holiness as well. Rinpoche would help and arrange everything for Ani-la when Ani-la was in India to be ordained. Rinpoche would arrange the best offering in every place in Dharamsala. People have faith in Rinpoche and Rinpoche advised people.
Rinpoche is always happy and cheerful and joking as mentioned by Ani-la. Rinpoche always talked about his root Guru Kyabje Zong Rinpoche as Rinpoche has always talked about till this day. Rinpoche have a strong and close relationship with root guru Kyabje Zong Rinpoche. Rinpoche have a good perfect Guru Devotion.
Rinpoche were always positive no matter how difficult Rinpoche’s life was and no matter how much Rinpoche struggle without money and Ani-la had sponsored Rinpoche 50USD a month to help Rinpoche at that time. Rinpoche is very grateful of Ani-la for the sponsorship.
Rinpoche ran away not because of the abuse but Rinpoche ran away because he could not learn the Dharma. Rinpoche has strong interest in Dharma ever since Rinpoche was a child and it is a clear sign and strong karmic seeds of Dharma.
Rinpoche understands that the suffering was worth it and that Rinpoche had to undergo all the suffering that by going through the suffering, Rinpoche can be an inspiration and for others to learn.
Basically the interview with Ani-la is consistent with with what Rinpoche has been saying and has thought us.
Thank you BIO team and Ani-la Thupten Chonyid.
1. Guru Devotion. On Anila and Rinpoche guru Kensur Lobsang Tharchin Rinpoche.
2. Generosity. Anila sponsored USD $50 to Rinpoche in India. On Rinpoche’s
3. Patience. Anila share and teach young Rinpoche that always phoned and visit her.
4. Humble. Anila said she forgot that she had sponsored money to Rinpoche.
5. Gratitude. On how Rinpoche never forgot how Anila has helped and teached Rinpoche.
6. Rinpoche’s determination for pursuing Dharma despite objection from parents.
7. Honest. Anila said what she remembered without making any stories.
8. Knowledge and wisdom. On How Anila teach young Rinpoche that has many Dharma questions.
Thank you Rinpoche for this previous sharing.
最吸引我的一点是,
既然仁波切是活佛转世, 能够控制生死与转世, 为什么人伯切选择一条那么波折的路!!
好问题!
1. 出生在这种环境可以更快的学会成长!
2. 现在是末法时代, 这么的成长经历 可以树立一个好榜样!
3. 不一定要在大富大贵的家庭, 才可以培育良好的人生 .
如果下一个投生, 我可以为人 , 我也希望如此. 人生多一点经历,一生会更加充实! 只要妖精咬紧牙关, 一定会过关! 而且, 今生有遇见上师, 我愿生生世世也要做仁波切的 Mumu .
从Anila Thupten的述说中, 仁波切从小就非常的与佛有缘. 而且当仁波切被认证为活佛转世时, 他也再三地说, 不觉得奇怪! 于此可见, 对佛学是多么的忠诚 .
我今年33 岁, 我画人像……. 非常的惭愧! 人不像人! 更何况画佛像!仁波切从小就可以绘画佛像送给身边的每一位!天才! ( 不是擦鞋, 只是有感而发 ! )
从小就一个家庭, 又一个家庭 , 甚至流浪街头. 都没有任何怨言! 如果给现在的青年们,已经愿天愿地了.看看我们的香积厨!
一张一张张贴在 Kechara Gallery 仁波切可爱的照片, 从来就察觉不到, 他是吃过苦的小朋友! 总是把快乐带给身边的每一位. Anila Thupten 也举了一些仁波切顽皮的一面!
仁波切为了学佛, 吃尽了苦头. 我们的Gompa 舒适优美, 我们也有千万种理由 ! 我们羞耻之心, 是不是被埋没了?
不可一提的就是仁波切 的 Guru Devotion !! 诚恳,信赖, 关怀与照顾, 我们有谁能比? 惭愧的我, 还在仁波切的怀里享受被爱.上师无私的爱与关怀是无法偿还,我只好不停的转化自己, 一直跟上仁波切的脚步.
仁波切与 Anila Thupten 的友情要好, 因为每次提到仁波切,他都会发自内心的笑。 而且当仁波切最无助的时候也及时伸出缓手。 难得难得!
Thank you rinpoche for this videio
and thank you anila
Revisiting this post after a year, with more Dharma knowledge now compared to a year before, I can see a deeper meaning now.
1) Rinpoche has explained to us what imprint is and how it will affect our behaviour. Anila mentioned Rinpoche loves Buddha and Dharma at a very young age and it was not usual for a boy at that age. This is what imprint is all about. The imprints of Rinpoche on Dharma is so strong that this is what Rinpoche is look for. If we start to develop good qualities and behaviour now, we will do it naturally. Therefore, develop good qualities now, make them the strongest imprints in our mind stream.
2) Rinpoche always shows gratitude to people who have helped him. Rinpoche remembers every details of the time when he spent with Anila when Anila don’t really remember them anymore. When Anila went to India, Rinpoche showed Anila around personally and made all the arrangements. He made sure Anila make good use of the money she brought with her by arranging her to make offerings to the sangha. Rinpoche always find ways for people to collect merits in every possible way.
3) Rinpoche is very very caring, to the very detail. Anila mentioned Rinpoche took her to a nunnery to make offering to the nun. When he was there, he saw that there was a slope in the nunnery that might pose danger to the nuns living there. He advised them to plant some trees to avoid erosion. Most of us would have just made the offerings then left but Rinpoche’s care is beyong that.
4) Rinpoche never complains. He was having a hard time at home, sometimes he was made to stay at home and could not go to the temple. When asked, he just said he felt sad that he could not go to the temple but he did not say more than that, he did not complain that his parents were doing this or that to him.
5) Anila is a true sangha, throughout the interview, she did not say any bad things about anyone. She was always smiling, no sense of anger especially when she talked about how people treated her badly or said bad things about her. It was as if she was telling someone else’s story. She can be so happy and easy is because she has let go.
6) Thing that Anila does is without the 8 wordly concerns. Anila sponsored Rinpoche USD50 every month when Rinpoche first arrived in India. When she was told about it, she said she could not remember. This is giving without agenda.
7) Do no think that our small amount of donation or very little help will not make an impact. Look at the example of Anila. She sponsored only UDS50 a month, no one would think how this 50 dollar can help, perhaps only enough to feed a person. But look at what Rinpoche has achieved, how many people Rinpoche has benefitted. Without this USD50, I do not think this will happen.
8) Guru devotion was mentioned again and again in the video. Anila’s sponsorship was under the instruction of her guru; Rinpoche’s return to India and ordination was under the instruction of his guru also. By following our guru’s instruction/advice, we will be able to gain positive results and achievements. There is no doubt about it.
Thank you for reposting this motivational story, Rinpoche. These are some points that i find inspiring:
1) The transformation of Anila Thupten Choyid from a hippie to a nun was something very inspiring to me. The criticizes did not defeat Anila, her strong determination, persistence and humbleness have made her a very honorable Anila today.
2) Despite the awful experience that young Rinpoche had gone through at home, we find no bitterness in him nor disrespectful to his parents. The only complaint was he couldn’t go to the temple. This shows Rinpoche’s strong inclination to Dharma since young age.
3) Knowledge is very important. People go to temple but with a superficial mind without much understanding of Dharma, they would just pay homage to the images or statues but not to the Sangha. It is very sad to have heard people were disrespectful to the Sangha by creating schism.
4) The traits of a leader. The authority and confidence in Rinpoche just showed naturally and this energy had drawn people to work for him. Even until today, Rinpoche has the power of attracting people to Dharma by just even a quote on a postcard.
5) that Anila was amazed when Rinpoche makes offerings to the Buddha, it has to be very extensive and he would offer the best way. This is what Rinpoche has been teaching us – do not be stingy on offerings to Buddha. When we can afford a designer bag, but why can’t we get a 3ft statue home? Worldly pursue is never ending and it fades, but Dharma could benefit you from lifetime to lifetime.
6) Despite the age gap, Anila treated Rinpoche as a friend and they shared something in common which is the strong interest in Dharma. Later on Anila even sponsored Rinpoche when he was in India to help him survive in his dharma path. Regardless who you are, where you are or what you are, exterior conditions shouldn’t stop you from pursuing Dharma.
7) Even Rinpoche has nothing much to eat, but he still feed the birds with half of his food. True practitioner of compassion.
8) The hardships and sufferings that Rinpoche has gone through shows us when we have integrity combined with determination, we will achieve our goal.
在克媒上班的我,对于仁波切的生平故事可说是不太陌生。然而随着在这里的时间越久,认识仁波切的时间越长,每一次在看回他生平故事的时候,都有不同的体悟。这一次,我将分成8个点来谈这一次看这视频后的感觉:
1. 仁波切年纪小小就懂得坚持自己的理想。相比我们小时候,都会跟从父母的安排,而在长大后责怪父母为自己做错的选择。纵使仁波切的养母非常固执,但仁波切依然可以在这样做的情况下坚持要做的东西,这实在非常难能可贵。因为即使不说仁波切年纪小小就懂得坚持,又有多少成年人懂得坚持自己要的东西,甚至,又有多少年轻人知道自己要什么呢?
2. Anila本身对佛法也有一定的坚持。纵使当地的人对她存有偏见甚至恶言相对,但她对佛法的坚持,始终没有动摇。Anila在决定出家前也是个嬉皮士,可想而知她是多么喜欢娱乐和享受,但她在晚年时决定出家。这个决定,一点也不简单。
3. 当Anila抵达印度时,她发现仁波切在那里有很多朋友。除此,在菩提迦叶也一样。每个人都非常信任仁波切。当时仁波切才20几岁,而且到印度的时间也不长,但是他已经有很多朋友,而人们也非常信任他。很明显地,仁波切的为人是备受尊重的。
4. 仁波切也替Anila安排行程,做妥善的准备和安排。仁波切非常好客,甚至可以说是对每个人都非常细心。我相信这除了是在严苛的教育环境下成长所致,更是仁波切发自内心的一种关怀。仁波切不想有人受难,因此会事先做好一切准备。
5. Anila在提起仁波切如何帮助别人、关怀别人的时候至少提了两次:This sounds like Rinpoche right?(这听起来就像是仁波切的作风对吧?)可见仁波切对人细心、热心助人的行为已经是常见得似乎就在仁波切的骨子里了。这使我非常感动,因为仁波切到了今天确实还是这个样子。他就是比任何一个人都事先为人着想。身为仁波切弟子的我,我敢说这是确确实实的事。
6. 仁波切的调皮和幽默。Anila分享道在印度的时候,仁波切会扮演兔子,不停的蹦蹦跳跳,还不停的哈哈笑。有一次仁波切还在如厕后把Anila锁在臭气冲天的厕所里然后还调皮地笑了出来。Anila说那个时候,仁波切还没被认证为杜固(转世活佛)。这个时候的仁波切生活相当艰苦,但是仁波切可以在艰苦的日子中保持开朗的心情,还在那个时候帮助别人,想着为别人做些什么,这非常难得。往往我们在艰苦的环境下只会顾着怨天尤人,而仁波切可以不怨天尤人之余帮助别人,这使我赞叹不已。
7. 上师与弟子之间的关系。有一次仁波切向Anila分享自己的一个梦境。他梦见一位僧人同他一起抵挡妖魔的侵袭,而那位僧人在宋仁波切来临之后才停止抵挡妖魔。这位僧人向仁波切说,我是你前辈子的上师,我会保护你直到你遇见你的上师宋仁波切。弟子一旦皈依一位上师,上师就会生生世世引领、引导和保护弟子,这是上师对弟子的承诺。Anila也说了,即使这只是个梦境,但其意义是相同的。
8. 当Anila被问及,她如何帮助仁波切渡过那些苦痛的日子时,Anila说她没帮到仁波切太多,或许当仁波切前往见她,而她也与仁波切会面交谈就是对仁波切最大的帮忙。这个看起来十分简单,但我感受得到Anila对仁波切的关爱。对于一个孩子来说,只要不让他失望,陪伴他,教导他,向他表示关心,哪怕是一些小动作,那也就足够了。这个不仅是给小孩子的关心,其实我们对朋友也该是如此。我们往往帮不了对方太对,但如果我们有一颗真心去陪伴他,支持他,对方也会感受得到。
Thank you the Bio-Team. It is such pleasure to hear the words of Anila, who knows Rinpoche so well.
– I am most impress with her of giving much of time for the interview. She is very patient and kind with answering the questions.
– She is very open towards sharing to us the part of her life when she was together with Rinpoche during Rinpoche’s childhood and at India.
– She is very humble and polite. Although she has sponsored Rinpoche, she doesn’t remember it well, she doesn’t count her good deeds. It came naturally to her.
– I like her memory. 🙂
– She is forgiving and show a lot of compassion towards Rinpoche’s parents. She didn’t rejected Rinpoche of coming to learn Dharma when Rinpoche’s parents have created uncomfortable situations at the temple. So does Khen RInpoche.
– She is also a good listener as well. 🙂
– Although she was considered a ‘bad’ influence to Rinpoche as well as her status people perceived as negative in the community, she continues to come to the temple to learn Dharma. She believes in herself and took things into her own hands.
– She was a hippie and single Mum, but now she is a nun. 🙂 I ‘feel’ she has gone thru her own struggle as well but she doesn’t make a big deal out of it.
I want to be like her too.
These are the 8 points that moved me while watching this video:
1) As a child, Rinpoche knew what he wanted. He has so much inclination towards the Dharma. Although Rinpoche’s step-parents were very against him going to the temple and meeting with Ven Anila. Without disrespect to his step-parents, Rinpoche PERSERVERED, and hung on no matter how much physical and psychological pain he has to go through, he will not give up the Dharma. Rinpoche ran away from home because it didn’t allow him to practice the Dharma.
2) Ven Anila was HONEST in a non critic way, even gentle when she described Rinpoche’s step-parents behavior during Rinpoche’s younger days. Although she was confronted by Rinpoche’s step-parents by mean and harsh words, she recounted the experience with a very neutral non criticizing way to tell what really happened during that period of time.
3) Khen Rinpoche’s PATIENCE and COMPASSION towards Rinpoche’s step-parents showed much of his practice and attainments. To quietly pray for young Rinpoche and his step-parents even though they have time and again came to the temple scolding and yelling at him and other monks for having young Rinpoche there. This requires great patience; an ordinary person would have just stopped young Rinpoche and the parents from coming to the temple.
4) Rinpoche has always been HELPFUL, KIND, COMPASSIONATE, and HUMOUROUS even when he was younger and in India 20 years ago. Ven Anila said that Rinpoche is always looking to help people and during her visit to India, she found that Rinpoche has made many friends, and have many people having great respect and faith in him. Rinpoche arranged for many things and made sure Ven Anila’s stay in India was a very pleasant and perfect one. This is the same Rinpoche we know.
5) As a very young monk, Rinpoche was already respected by many others. Even after being recognized as a Tulku, Rinpoche was very humble. It did not change his pure motivations; it only magnified the things he can do for others. Constantly thinking of how one’s motivation should be when making offerings to the Buddha and helping people so they can be accumulating good merits by learning and practicing the Dharma.
6) Rinpoche has deep GURU DEVOTION from a very young age, even when he was in the US. Ven Anila spoke of His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche as a very stern person but have much love for Rinpoche. Rinpoche showed great GURU DEVOTION, always at Kyabje Zong Rinpoche’s feet ready to be serving him although Kyabje Zong Rinpoche has his own attendants. Guru devotion comes naturally to Rinpoche without needed to be taught. Even when Rinpoche is far away from his earlier Gurus he always asked about them with great concern, faith and devotion.
7) With all the problems that Rinpoche faced, he stayed very positive and didn’t complain about them. Instead, he look for happy moments to share with others and with Ven Anila such as, meeting with Geshe Tsultim Gyatsen and Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and his plans to be ordained among other good things that happened instead of looking of how bad the situation was. It takes very much for a person to stay so POSITIVE despites all the terrible situations he was put into.
8) Ven Anila and Rinpoche became really close friend even though they have significant age difference. It occurs to me, in the Dharma, age does not matter. It is how much good Karma we have to have met our Guru, and the Dharma. Rinpoche met the Dharma and knew instantly that it is what he wants and will go for, for the rest of his life. He went through so much hardship; to one day benefit so many others. What I learnt from this is that, it’s hard to find the Dharma; it’s harder to even to find a Guru. We should all cherish and feel very fortunate that we have both.
Thank you.
Joe.
Anila spoke to gently, can see from the video that how compassionate and lovely she is, I love how when she spoke about Rinpoche and can see her smile throughout whenever she speaks about Rinpoche. There are a few points that it really stuck from my mind on what Anila said about Rinpoche.
1. It is Amazing that how much suffering / obstacle Rinpoche went through in such young age but he did not complain about the parents in front of Anila nor showing his unhappiness and depression, for a normal kids, when the parents are not giving what they want, they will have loads of complains. This is very rare for a young kid to act like this.
2. Rinpoche’s passion is really beyond words can describe, he made his effort to go make friends, to get all ground works done so that he can serve dharma better, to serve the sangha better. Even Anila was amazing the friends he has. Rinpoche’s care has been the same since young until now, people tend to get their mind fluctuated at time to time, but Rinpoche’s mind is so stable since then and have very clear direction of where he wanted to go, when he wanted to be a monk, even though with all the hardship he has with his parents, he never give up and continue to pursue until he made it.
3. Rinpoche always take the extra steps to make sure other people are alright when they were with him, he will always make things easy for other people. Rinpoche’s guru devotion to Zong Rinpoche is so strong that he never forget to talk about his guru to other people, whatever good deeds that Rinpoche has done, he will always give the credit to his guru.
4. Rinpoche has never forget the kindness that people gave to him before, Anila sponsored Rinpoche 50 dollars before and Rinpoche remembered it until today, looking at Anila’s facial expression, she was so touching when Jamie told her about how Rinpoche asking for sponsorship and how Anila agreed to sponsor. Such good qualities goes to Anila as well, she keeps saying her memory is very bad, she forgot how she helped Rinpoche but instead, she remembers how Rinpoche helped her when she went to India.
5. When Anila talk, she keep express she is very sure that Rinpoche will made it to practice Dharma, she has so much faith in Rinpoche even so many years already, she still remember many bits that Rinpoche has with her last time. For Anila to said so, Rinpoche must have showed her his determination, his faith towards Dharma, and of course, this is not just how Rinpoche told Anila how much he likes Dharma, but it is through his action, Anila saw his loves towards Dharma.
6. How cute that Anila said she brought Geshe Lorta (nephew of Kensur Rinpoche) to the Turkey Swamp and how he felt the energy of good Naga, the fishes and all are happy there because of the good naga, and it eventually turn out to be where Rinpoche did Chenrezig Meditation there. Anila said the the naga offering they made is Singhananda, which is one of the form of Chenrezig.
7. When Anila spoke about Ken Rinpoche first went to gave teaching in America, and he even went to learn English so that he can give more dharma teaching in America, when comes to Dharma, he is not wishy washy, he is very strict, but sincere and friendly. This quality is so much like Tsem Rinpoche, always use the best way to spread dharma and adjust themselves to suit the local crowds.
8. So cute to see Anila’s message to Rinpoche towards the last part of the video, she has never lose trust to Rinpoche after so many years of not seeing, she really happy to see Rinpoche’s building Kechara in Malaysia and she is really sincerely happy about it. She sounded like “oh, shouldn’t he be a little bit more secret about this?” but from her face, I don’t see any worry, in fact, she trusts what Rinpoche’s doing has his own reason and it is the right thing to do.
Anila Thupten spoke well and fondly of Rinpoche and the way she speaks gently attracted me to want to listen and learn more about Rinpoche. It is amazing that the bio team has worked so hard to gather so much valuable information about Rinpoche’s life and experiences that will inspire many. Nothing is coincidence as Rinpoche has said many times before that many of the actions done previously matched what is happening now.
Here are my thoughts…
1) Consistently and tirelessly, Anila Thupten shares her dharma knowledge and understanding with Rinpoche where it has helped to formulate Rinpoche. I would conclude that it has become your source of refuge to wanna understand and learn more and has pulled you through the bad times and abuse Rinpoche has to faced when you were young.
2) Rinpoche never complains nor show any sign of disappointments nor anger whenever you were abused or had problems. You still show kindness, love and care to others even how daunting the situations were. Rinpoche even jokes.
3) Generosity does not mean one has to be rich or wealthy to help others. Even with a mere USD50 will help that one person and not expect anything in return as long as the motivation was genuine to help that person… In this case, Anila sponsored Rinpoche consistently while Rinpoche were in Gaden.
4) Even Rinpoche was being recognized as the reincarnation of previous Abbot of Tsem Monastery Rinpoche was still very humble and always grateful to Anila’s kindness and care.
5) Tenacity and perseverance in going all the way for the dharma even all the setbacks and problems Rinpoche faces.
6) Rinpoche’s consistency in actions and good demeanour many took instant liking and listen to Rinpoche for guidance, help and to assist. Hence, Rinpoche lead by example for all.
7) Strong Guru Devotion is felt although Rinpoche’s Guru was not around and would continue to do the best and encouraged others to do the same always.
8) Even when Rinpoche is down with little money or none, Rinpoche always show kindness and care to others selflessly whether to a person, animals or birds.
I am truly grateful and fortunate to have Rinpoche here with us. Thank you Rinpoche.
Anila remembers Rinpoche as the young boy who was always thirsty for Dharma, never letting a moment slip by. Fuelled by this love, he turned to Anila to seek answers to his numerous questions and Anila was never angry nor irritated by him. She always patiently spent time with Rinpoche to explain, whether in person or over long phone calls. Anila had a treasure trove of Dharma books that Rinpoche could not resist.
With Rinpoche’s strong inclination towards Dharma, he would always draw and color images of Buddhas like Shakyamuni Buddha. He offered one to Anila.
Even though Rinpoche’s parents were against him going to the temple, he was persistent about it despite the beatings and vocal abuse.
Rinpoche had a special bond with his teachers not only on a guru-student level, but also on a close friendship level.
Anila remembers well the funny stories and shared the moments that Rinpoche had tricked her with the toilet stunt. She is not angry, just remembers fondly.
Anila was the one person who sponsored Rinpoche when he was in India, lacking money to buy daily essentials. Her monthly sponsorship of USD50 was for Rinpoche’s monthly basics. She is so humble saying that she does not remember and does not take credit for that.
When Rinpoche and Anila were travelling in India, Rinpoche made a lot of offerings like coats for the Sangha and HH the Dalai Lama.
Even as a teenager Rinpoche was already authoritative, able to instruct other people and monks to listen to him to get things done.
This interview also gave us a glimpse into the hippie life of Anila when she was a teenager and how she was not accepted because of that background and how she was not respected by Rinpoche’s parents.
Dear Rinpoche, this is a very good interview done by the Bio Team. Thank you for re-posting it for us to watch again.
Here are the things that touched me the most about the interview video:
1. Throughout the interview, Ani-la only answered the questions based on what she could recall from the past and did not make up any stories to impress. This is shown clearly when she couldn’t tell much during Rinpoche’s childhood but she could recall the trip to India very clearly. She is also not ashamed of admitting her past of being a hippie and single mother as well as the incident where she confessed that she was talking not so greatly about Khensur Rinpoche. Ani-La’s sincerity and honesty touches me very much.
2. There is a part of the video where Ani-La tells the interviewer about the special connection and close relationship that Tsem Rinpoche shared with Zong Rinpoche. She explained the part where ‘Tsem Rinpoche picked up Zong Rinpoche by the waist and was twirling him around’ although we all know by now how stern and strict Zong Rinpoche is. What touched me most about this is the fact that Tsem Rinpoche shares the exact connection with his students today.
3. During Ani-La’s trip to India, Tsem Rinpoche offered himself to take Ani-La around and carefully arranged for Ani-La to make offerings to the Sangha. Today, Tsem Rinpoche still emphasizes on the importance and benefits of making offerings to the Sangha to collect merit and assists us in doing the same. This shows Tsem Rinpoche’s kindness and compassionate self since the time he was studying in India.
4. Ani-La mentioned twice in the interview how Tsem Rinpoche never complain about the abuse he got from his parents but mostly about not being able to go to the temple and study dharma. She also explained that Tsem Rinpoche’s action in running away was not because of abuse but to pursue the Dharma. This shows how much respect Tsem Rinpoche shows to his parents – the Bugayeffs – who treated him badly and were never supportive of his interest in learning the Dharma.
5. Ani-La’s humble nature and personality is amazing. In the interview, she could recall a lot of experiences she shared with Tsem Rinpoche and the special things that Tsem Rinpoche told her. However, she said she could not recall anything about the $50/month sponsorship when Tsem Rinpoche was studying in India. This tells me how much she refuses recognition in the things that she does.
6. Being a real Sangha herself, Ani-La’s patience is definitely worth the mention. The interview was a long one and Ani-la sat through patiently and answered questions one after another. From this, I can picture clearly how patient she was when answering Tsem Rinpoche’s never ending questions back in his younger days.
7. Ani-La took the time and explained over and over again how much Tsem Rinpoche spent time with her during her trip to India. She also made emphasis on Tsem Rinpoche’s careful arrangement in assisting her to make offerings to the Sangha. This shows Ani-La’s gratefulness and gratitude towards Tsem Rinpoche even after so many years.
8. Last but not least, the video showed me how kind and compassionate Ani-La is. One could imagine the pain she had went through – how the people in her neighborhood talked bad when relating to her ordination and previous way of life; how she was also verbally mistreated by the Bugayeffs. Even so, her stories did not show any signs of anger nor disappointments. She is such a true and pure Sangha member.
Thanks again for sharing this post Rinpoche, and thank you to Paris, Beng Kooi and the rest of the Bio Team for doing a good job in this interview.
Watching this interview of Ven Anila Thupten Chonyid speaking about Rinpoche, it painted much picture of how Rinpoche used to live when he was much younger. An extraordinary young lad with so much inclination towards the Dharma and never gave up no matter what. The physical and psychological abuse from Rinpoche’s step-parents would have broke many others. But Rinpoche persevered although there was so much suffering even after he ran away from home. It truly is an amazing journey how Rinpoche started out at such a young age, met Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and then made his way to India and receive ordination from His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Ven Anila Thupten Chonyid spoke about Rinpoche with much honesty.
Ven Anila showed much love and kindness to Rinpoche. I see her with much respect. This is because when Rinpoche had no one else to turn to, Ven Anila was the one person who helped by sponsoring US$50 a month, which was enough for Rinpoche to buy his necessity and nurtured himself back to health. The money Ven Anila sent, was used by Rinpoche wisely and she was one of the people that really cared when Rinpoche was going through very tough times.
In part 2 of the video, Ven Anila spoke about Rinpoche being very helpful, knowledgeable, compassionate and with many friends and contacts as observed by her during her visit to India to meet with Geshe Yeshe Tonden in 1988. It is exactly the same Rinpoche I know now. Always looking for a way to help others. Rinpoche from a scraggly teenager (as described by Ven Anila), grew into someone that so many people respect and have faith in because of the way he live and how he cared about everyone. Rinpoche was also very funny! Ven Anila remembered how she got locked in the bathroom after finding out Rinpoche had just did a number 2 in the same stall. 😀 Hahaha….
This is a wonderful journey of two very special individuals, Ven Anila and our dearest Tsem Rinpoche. Ven Anila when recounting the experience she had with Rinpoche, also showed us bits and pieces of her own journey from a former hippie to a nun. Many thanks to the bio team for this interview with Ven Anila Thupten Chonyid which gave me a better picture of how Rinpoche used to be when he was younger. 🙂
Thank you dear Rinpoche.
Much Love,
Joe
It is wonderfull to read and watch the interview. anila how sweet and sincere sangha.
Anila is such a gentle and sweet person. She helped Rinpoche but she forgot because she helped Rinpoche out of love and didn’t expect anything in return. How kind!
What strike me during the interview are
– Even though Rinpoche and the centre received criticism, complains and wrong view, it did not stop Rinpoche from going back to Dharma again and again. Even after the scolding and beatings. The persistency in Rinpoche is something I truly admire and respect.
– Rinpoche offered robes to a man who had just escaped from Tibet.
Carrying buckets of water for a lady. Rinpoche just help without asking. Always kind and caring for everyone Rinpoche come across.
– When Rinpoche and Anila went to India and offered robes and coats to the nuns and HHDL. And Rinpoche advising the nuns without anyone asking. It shows Rinpoche’s initiative and care for the nuns welfare.
– Rinpoche always happy,funny and cute then even though Rinpoche suffered so much. Like locking the door and doing the bunny hop.
– How Rinpoche love Dharma so much and even though Rinpoche’s parents disapprove it, Rinpoche never complain about them but complained about not having Dharma instead.
– How much Rinpoche love Avalokiteshvara and cried because of the compassion He have.
– How Anila and everyone else were not surprised that Rinpoche is a Tulku and when Rinpoche wanted to be ordained. Its also because of Rinpoche’s strong inclination towards Dharma. How Rinpoche is respected and at the same time caring for the people Rinpoche met.
– Unfailing Guru Devotion that can be felt and seen although Rinpoche was not around Rinpoche’s Guru all the time. And when Rinpoche was with His Guru, Rinpoche would always do the best and advised the other to the same.
-Like Trijang Rinpoche’s statue that Rinpoche offered to His Guru.
-How Zong Rinpoche and Rinpoche love each other so much. How Rinpoche listened and did what Zong Rinpoche advise Rinpoche to do.
– Even though not much to eat because of no sponsor, Rinpoche still fed the birds half of what Rinpoche have. How Rinpoche have to literally beg for sponsorships and Anila sponsored Rinpoche.
Rinpoche’s perseverance in everything is what struck me the most. How can someone so young endure so much pain and still think of Dharma? Even after being ordained and recognized as a Tulku, Rinpoche is still so humble, kind and caring for everyone He met till now. We are truly blessed to have sponsors that helped Rinpoche or else we wouldn’t have a Guru now.
I enjoyed reading ‘When I Had No One Else’ and about Anita, along with Jean Ai’s summary. It’s like a breath of fresh air and makes me feel grateful about my past. I look forward to reading Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s biography.
当阿妮拉说起“克切拉”的名字时,她的表情和语气,是认为那是要隐藏起来的,就像仁波切的上师格西洛桑达庆的金刚瑜伽母佛像是被遮盖起来的,但是仁波切不仅把他创立的道场命名为克切拉,还在克切拉佛殿里供奉了8尺的金刚瑜珈母佛像,经常在博客的开示里提及金刚瑜珈母,克切拉天堂的标志无所不在。目的无他,那是一位上师的慈悲,希望在弟子或任何看见金刚瑜珈母圣像或文字的人,在他们心里种下未来被授予她的灌顶的种子。感恩仁波切的慈悲。
也感恩阿妮拉的慈悲,她在仁波切年幼时不吝于交流佛法知识,和每个月的财务协助,才能让仁波切有足够的营养在寺院里学习和生活,我们才有幸在这里获得他的教诲。同样的50元、100元,赞助一位僧侣、一家寺院、一位(现在和未来)能利益很多人的人,能带来的利益和意义是有着天渊之别的。
There is a reply to your comment on Tsem Tulku Rinpoche from Dr. Cynthia Kegel
Comment from Tsem Rinpoche: I have the great honour & joy to send Anila Thupten (Carmen) in Howell, New Jersey some Mother’s day flowers today. I wish so much she can come to Malaysia. I have so much to share with her. When I was in the Gaden & starving, my parents would not help me. But Anila sponsored US$50 per month to help me. $50 per month is so much that time & I can buy food, oils, gas, supplies to survive. She is very kind. I will never never never forget her incredible kindness to a silly and ridiculous young boy like me who was disowned by parents and had no source of help. Most of my life it has been women (dakini blessings) helping me. All the presidents of Kechara are women. Most of the benefactors are women. Even Kechara’s secret and main yidam is in female form. Female energy is so potent, powerful and creative it says in tantra. For me, women helped so much. Pabongka Rinpoche’s main sponsor were women too in Tibet. I miss you Anila. May I have the fortune for you to be here & I can update you. TR
Reply comment: For tsemtulku – Thank you,tsemtulku rinpoche for your appreciation of the feminine and its strength and power.
You know of course, that you have it in you as well. We mothers, after feeding a baby with our own bodies, know what it is to give ourselves. I give you myself, the most valuable thing I have.
Cindy
Very precious video, enable us to know more about Rinpoche when H.E was a kid. Ven Anila Thupten Chonyid,when she recalled about H.E Tsem Rinpoche and she in India, she felt so happy at the trip. Although she is the sponsor for Rinpoche, but, she never took this into her heart, she just helps.
Dear Rinpoche:
Thank you very much for giving me this assignment. Sincerely I felt very grateful and honored to receive my very first assignment from you _/\_
Dear Ven Anila:
Thank you very much for doing your best to remember all the wonderful moments and memories you had with Rinpoche. Of course I’m very grateful for your kindness, support and love to Rinpoche whenever he needs it. _/\_
The values that touched me are:
1.Determination – normal people tends to give up when facing so many rejections and disapprovals from others on doing certain things moreover they were Rinpoche’s parents and at that very young age but Rinpoche continued his Dharmic journey firmly.
2.Hyper Committed – although had to face endless scolding, yelling, obstacles, and maltreatments from someone he respected the most, in Rinpoche’s case was his parents but he still find his way to learn Dharma. It shown his extraordinary commitment to Dharma.
3.Never give excuse – Rinpoche’s situation and condition since he was a kid until early 20s’ was a good and convincing excuse for him to stop learning Dharma but he did not conversely he went through all these tough times and became a monk.
4.Compassion – although Rinpoche was so poor at the time, he had to look for sponsor so badly to survive. Moreover he had only a small piece of tsampa but he shared half with birds. Amazing!!!
5.Generosity – Rinpoche was no rich and didn’t have a lot of money instead of asking Anila to give him more money when she visited him in India but Rinpoche brought her to make many offerings to His Holiness and other monks and nuns.
6.Very strong guru devotion – Rinpoche love and serve his Gurus very well. He ran away from home so his parents would stop disturbing Khen Rinpoche and he continued make offering to Khen Rinpoche although he is far away in India. He served Zong Rinpoche humbly and wholeheartedly. He also has great faith and gratitude towards his Gurus.
7.Gratitude – Although after so many years Rinpoche being recognized as the reincarnation of high lama and became prominent figure in Buddhist community but Rinpoche still remember and very grateful and thankful to Anila’s kindness.
8.Lead by example – I fully convinced by Anila that Rinpoche choose to reincarnate in such a difficult situation possibly is because he want to show us no matter how unfavorable the condition is if we have the will to learn Dharma then nothing can stop us and he proved it! He is leading us by the example of how strong and focus his mind in learning and practicing Dharma.
Like Anila said “Amazing”. Really amazing story about Rinpoche!!! Thank you very much Rinpoche for giving me this special assignment and allowing me to get closer to you and Dharma. I’m very grateful and fortunate.
Please take very good care. Om Mani Pedme Hung _/\_
With love,
VP
Dear Rinpoche,
these are the points that have struck out for me from the interview
1) Despite the difficulties that Rinpoche’s step parents have given Rinpoche and to the center, Khen Rinpoche never had any anger towards them but still have compassion for them and still would pray for them quietly. If it was an ordinary person, they would have lawsuits and said very negative things about them and this speaks volumes on Khen Rinpoche’s attainments and practice. Not many people I know or I have encountered would have reacted this way.
2) Rinpoche’s inclination in the Dharma started when he was very young and he has an extremely strong affinity Buddhism that shows and affirms that he is indeed a real tulku or else he wont have such an affinity with Buddhism in more ways than one as it is extremely rare for anyone to have such interest and to encounter the perfect teachers from such a young age.
3) No matter how difficult it got for Rinpoche, Rinpoche never gave up the Dharma. A lot of people would probably just forget about pursuing the spiritual path whenever things got difficult or went wrong, but Rinpoche never did and Rinpoche persisted. It is this persistence that I admire very much about Rinpoche in everything that Rinpoche has been doing.
4) Rinpoche’s actions has been very consistent throughout. Even when Rinpoche was still in India 20 years ago, Rinpoche was already arranging everything and making sure that everything was perfect for Carmen. Rinpoche was also already explaining how mantras work instead of just giving out the practice like what Rinpoche is doing now.
5) Rinpoche already know that Rinpoche was an reincarnation even prior to the recognition. It is proof that attainments can be carried to the next life, and also that past lives do exist. In addition to that, it also confirms that Rinpoche is an authentic reincarnation. This gives me a very solid proof that Dharma practice in this life will not go to waste.
6) Rinpoche had excellent Guru devotion even from a young age even when nobody taught Rinpoche on how to properly devote oneself to a Guru. It was something that came very naturally for Rinpoche unlike the rest of us who have to learn, especially when it was not in Rinpoche’s culture (the American culture) to have it.
7) Even with the mistreatment that Rinpoche has endured from Rinpoche’s step parents, Rinpoche has never ever complained about them but only said how difficult they made Dharma for Rinpoche. Rinpoche never said they were bad parents or wanted to call the police, Rinpoche just took it silently and never said bad things. This shows Rinpoche’s tolerance and compassion.
8) In short, Rinpoche acted the same before and after the recognition and enthronement as a tulku. It did not change Rinpoche’s character and attitude in any way but it only merely served to help increase the magnitude of Rinpoche’s good works. It was not like Rinpoche depended on the recognition before Rinpoche could teach the Dharma or practice it.
Thank you Rinpoche for giving me this assignment. Your experiences and life story taught me so much. Especially that Rinpoche asked third persons who know him to tell his life stories. This make it easy for would be students to investigate and develop faith in him as suggested in the 50 verses of Guru Devotion. The followings are eight points that touched me the most about the post:
1. Patience – I admire the patience that Ms. Anila Thupten Chonyid has. She responded to Rinpoche’s endless questions patiently without showing irritation for a long period of time (years). Perhaps if it was me, I would have been very irritated and calculated how much time should I waste on this curious and annoying neighborhood boy hehe… Another lesson of patience that I learned from the post is how Anila and Geshe La reacted to various accusations that Rinpoche’s adopted parents imposed upon them. When Anila was telling the interviewers about Boris and Dana, I did not see any trace of hatred in her voice or expression. It must be because Anila and Geshe La understood that these various accusations were the results of delusions on Boris’s and Dana’s side.
2. Generosity – I noted that Anila was not particularly wealthy, but she was very generous. She assisted Rinpoche during his early days in Gaden consistently. While many other people that Rinpoche asked for donation just practically ignore him although the amount of money that he asked was not that much. Another beautiful thing about Ms. Anila is she does not even remember that she gave this USD 50/ month to Rinpoche – meaning that she gave without expecting anything in return. It really teaches me that we must continue to give although we may not be very rich.
3. Evidence that re-incarnation exists – Regardless of the custom and encouragement surrounding Rinpoche when he grew up – to get married and have children, Rinpoche has never been attracted to the idea of getting married and to procreate. It would have been easier for him if he just complied to his parents’ wishes. Rinpoche has a strong inclination toward Dharma. It must be due to the imprints in his previous life. This in itself is a strong evidence that reincarnation exists.
4. Guru whom we take refuge in will take care of us life after life – Rinpoche had a dream that the guru from his past life came to protect him until he met Zong Rinpoche. I was reading in one of my Dharma books that a Guru whom we have taken refuge in will take care of us life after life no matter where you will end up. This is another proof that what is written in the Dharma books is true.
5. Strong Guru Devotion – Rinpoche ran away braving hunger and thirst so that his adopted parents would stop hurting Khen Rinpoche, his first guru. Later, after his gurus passed away, Rinpoche always have love and faith in him and have tears in his eyes when talking about his gurus, Zong Rinpoche in particular. This is a profound lesson for me who live far from my Lama and hardly see him. I have no idea why I always think of him with great reverence and tears always come to my eyes every time I remember about our meetings no matter how brief and how far in between they are. It must have been because he was my Lama in my previous life as well or someone who had given me tremendous kindness.
6. Perseverance – After all the troubles and sufferings that Rinpoche has gone through, he is still firm with his goals and what he wanted to do. Other lesser souls would have given up. In the end he has been successful. I have been my Lama’s student for almost six years now and I am in awe with how many people that he has benefited including me. I do not know what would have become of me if I did not meet him.
7. Custom is not always right and can be changed – Many of us live in a culture that encourage us to get married and procreate as the highest goal in life; children should listen to their parents although the parents can be wrong; Many of us somehow faced frightening consequences (e.g., financial strains, beating, yelling, hurtful speech, isolation, etc) from our family, friends, and community if we do not follow their wishes. I feel that by following this custom and expectations that surround us, our precious human existence have been reduced to animal like existence as they are also able to mate, procreate, find food to survive. Although no doubt that animals can taught us about many things such as compassion and loyalty, and I don’t mean to say that getting married and have children is bad, I think precious human existence should be used to achieve much more than just these things. I believe we should use our precious human existence also for higher purpose, as a vessel to achieve significant spiritual growth and ultimately enlightenment.
8. Prayers and motivation prevails – Regardless of various difficulties facing him, Rinpoche must have had strong imprints and seeds in his mind because he met and took refuge in many great lamas such as Kensur Rinpoche and Zong Rinpoche and guided him and advised him to the path that he is walking today. It must have been the result of tremendous good karma in his previous life.
Lastly, I would like to thank you Ms. Anila Thupten Chonyid for helping my Lama and making it possible for him to benefit countless sentient beings.
Thank you Anila for supporting Rinpoche even when he is not known at all. Bcos of your support, we can have the teachings from Rinpoche now.
Thank you to Bio Team that we can have better understanding on Rinpoche biography. This has strengthen our faith to take refuge in him.
Thank you for sharing this video.
Anila speaks so gentle, such eloquent and fondly about Rinpoche. You can really feel it in the video. I am sure in real life she is a good friend and very compassionate.
It is amazing to listen to people’s thoughts from other parts of the world about Rinpoche. Nevertheless, whatever we knew about Rinpoche reflects everywhere even in different parts of the world. It is surely Rinpoche’s ‘unique’ karmic seeds from previous life. Nothing is coincidence!
Rinpoche had choose a path to continue to benefit sentient beings life after life. The amount of hardship and struggle that Rinpoche had to endure is not easy, and yet in return Rinpoche give us the dharma. Rinpoche does not give up a single second in benefit others. Just like what Anila had said:
“He is so sure of everything.”
It seems to Anila that Rinpoche just know what to do and Rinpoche never give up. From the interview, Anila constantly talked about Rinpoche’s Guru Devotion and it stood out for her. Rinpoche is well known for his guru devotion, just like in the teachings Rinpoche would describe the ways of serving a guru and share stories with us. That hasn’t change a bit at all. Til today, Rinpoche always talked about his gurus and how he misses them… Everytime it’ll bring tears to his eyes. Just like what Anila had described: “always with great faith & attitude.”
“That’s how i lived before.” said Anila in one part of the video. Rinpoche uses the part of the life and turned into something positive to show people it can be done, same goes with Anila. She never gives up and get affected by people. Instead, embarked on a journey to learn more and helping people. How noble and how humble at the same time these beings are; and how simple the motivation is… that is something i respected a lot. The will of not giving up and positively strive for the better.
I was sharing with my friends about Kechara and I told him bits and pieces of what Kechara is all about. He said: “we must cherish this center a lot, it doesn’t come by so often. Because it’s pure dharma.”
I couldn’t agree more…! Thankyou Rinpoche for being here and the people who worked for dharma. Every effort you put in means a lot to another being.
Rinpoche
thank you for posting this video, when my mother died in 1991,I did not know where and who to turn to, it was my eldest sister Yee Meng(she is my half sister) who accepted me to stay with her,she helped me to settle down in a totally new environment in London.She shared her tiny flat with me,she got me a bicycle, a bike helmet,winter clothing and other stuff,and I was very fortunate to be able to study there,with her help.I don’t know where I would end up without her help,she did a lot for me, she was there for me when I needed it the most. I am glad that you had someone to turn to,that you could seek refuge in Anila, she is very soft,gentle and kind.Yee Meng did not owe me anything,she could choose not to take me in, when I had no one to go to,she did a lot for me,I can never repay her kindness.
From the video I gathered what anila Thupten said that even though Rinpoche was badly treated by his foster parents he never show any sign of anger or disatistification. Rinpoche was only disappointed from being prevented from going the dharma centre. This is incredible it is like the peacock in the jungle which is not affected bt any poisonous plant. I believe that Rinpoche is the incanation of a bodhisatva.
Anila with her soft, kind and compassionate personality had made a huge difference in Rinpoche’s younger days. Rinpoche’s parents have always been against Rinpoche being involved and learning dharma and they have not been easy with Him.
Anila’s place is where Rinpoche can quench His thirst for dharma knowledge. A safe place where Rinpoche can access to lots of dharma books and ask lots of questions.
Anila had played an important role in Rinpoche’s achievements today. From being a friend to a young Rinpoche to being a sponsor when Rinpoche first went to India, Anila had helped Rinpoche unconditionally.
The way Anila speaks of Rinpoche and her fond memories of Rinpoche clearly shown that Rinpoche’s actions has been consistent since His younger days.
Rinpoche’s life hasn’t been easy at home and Rinpoche had always been punished when His parents found out that He is learning dharma.
Rinpoche’s mother who was sick has always make Rinpoche does houseworks and clean the decorative items meticulously until she’s satisfied, failing which Rinpoche will be scolded and made to do it again. Rinpoche never once let this stopped Him from acquiring dharma knowledge.
At Anila’s, Rinpoche can be ‘carefree’, read and learn as much dharma knowledge as Rinpoche likes. Anila had provided a safe haven for Rinpoche.
Anila’s sharing on how young Rinpoche had help and ‘taught’ her when she visited Dharamsala, how Rinpoche played pranks on her etc gave an insight of Rinpoche’s caring, helpful and fun personality.
Anila also gave us a clear view of Rinpoche’s strong Guru devotion in serving His Gurus from young. A good example for every one of us and anyone in serving a Guru.
Thank you Anila for being there for Rinpoche and thank you Rinpoche for sharing this video with us.
May Rinpoche’s dharma teaching spread to the ten directions to benefit many.
Dear Rinpoche,
Anila’s inspiring interview shows us the consistency in Rinpoche’s motivation, character, actions and goals since young up until now, it has been the same! Through Anila’s interview we see the consistency…
1. Rinpoche’s enthusiasm in Buddhas and Dharma. How Rinpoche love them and always talk so much about them.
2. Rinpoche’s pure Guru Devotion. Even though Rinpoche was young, Rinpoche’s actions, the way Rinpoche served and talked about Rinpoche’s Gurus, how Rinpoche would rave about Zong Rinpoche to Anila shows pure love and devotion all the time.
3. Rinpoche’s positiveness, how Rinpoche never let anything get Rinpoche down. Rinpoche never once complained as far as Anila could remember about Rinpoche’s pain and hardships at home but instead Rinpoche always remained positive and HAPPY. On top of that Rinpoche could make other people around Rinpoche happy – focusing out. This is something we can all learn especially when we encounter problems in our life, it could not have been as hard as what Rinpoche went through to get the Dharma.
4. Rinpoche’s perseverance in pursuing the Dharma. Eventhough Rinpoche’s parents were very harsh, always scolding Rinpoche for going to the temple, Rinpoche’s still continued to seek the Dharma despite so many obstacles from young till Rinpoche was in Gaden and had no money to even eat.
5. Rinpoche’s authoritativeness, decisiveness shows Rinpoche is EXTRAORDINARY from the rest. Rinpoche’s always teaching and advicing people whenever Rinpoche could and wherever Rinpoche went.
6. Rinpoche’s care and pure Dharma motivation. This can be seen when Rinpoche took care of Anila, took her around in India, arranging everything for Anila and made her make many offerings to the monks. For example making monk robes for a monk who had escaped from Tibet and had no money for robes, wearing just a grey outfit for 20 years! The monk was so grateful and HAPPY! This is how Rinpche always knows and touches people’s lives.
Also the many offerings Rinpoche encouraged Anila to do, sponsoring the monks/nuns. It is amazing because up until today Rinpoche still advices and does this for us all.
What really is admirable about Anila is that even though she sponsored Rinpoche US50 a month to help Rinpoche, she could not even recall which shows her quality of pure generosity. Even though she did so much for Rinpoche and played so many roles in Rinpoche’s life when Rinpoche was young, she remained a very humble and loyal friend that did not once doubt Rinpoche’s abilities.
I also liked the story on how Rinpoche would plays pranks on Anila by locking her in the toilet and another scenario of Rinpoche jumping around pretending to be a giant rabbit making Anila laugh with such found memories… this shows how Rinpoche always gives HAPPINESS to others.
Anila really gives a firm affirmation that Rinpoche never changed but instead grew to be MORE, becoming more of an “authoritative” figure… from this I take to mean Rinpoche grew to be more powerful and beneficial. Anila was also not surprise to learn that Rinpoche is a high incarnate Lama, it’s like she expected it as she noticed Rinpoche’s Extraordinary character. Anila sincerely rejoices for Rinpoche and have no doubt that Rinpoche will and can pursue whatever Rinpoche wishes to achieve.
Thank you Anila for this wonderful insight in to our Rinpoche’s life. Hopefully one day we can welcome Anila to Malaysia and show Anila the amazing things Rinpoche has done here 🙂
These 5 videos are precious in content and insights… thank you very much for sharing them with the public, Rinpoche. Anila’s kind and gentle spirit is very infectious. I could not stop smiling, listening to her and watching her facial expressions. Her face lights up whenever she recalls something; or how she tend to look into the distance while she tries to remember.
It is a little hard to imagine Anila participating in all the protest marches at the height of the hippie movement, looking at her now 🙂 A ‘woman with reputation’ she calls herself… single mother, ex-hippie; she must have been a very strong person to not let all the talks and negativity surrounding her, bring her down.
We are very lucky to have access to Rinpoche’s stories and background stories through Anila. Think about it, it’s really amazing how Rinpoche and Anila paths crossed; and where it has taken the both of you… to us.
Much respect and care…
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for posting these 5 videos for us to know you better and what Rinpoche has been through in the younger age to just get in touch with the Dharma.
We can see from the video Rinpoche has a very STRONG imprint towards Buddhas or Buddhism since Rinpoche’s childhood. Anila also mentioned this must be the result from many lifetime’s prayers, which i strongly believe in.
Anila also mentioned that no matter what has happened in the family during Rinpoche’s childhood times, Rinpoche will have no complain about them. The only thing that trouble Rinpoche is Rinpoche was prohibited to come near Dharma or his guru. I think this is what Rinpoche taught us, when something bad happened on us, always focus out, and we will be less suffering.
Rinpoche’s way of caring is very unique he will observe the most tiny little part in life where we always missed. That kind of strong awareness is what we really need to learn and keep reminding ourself. For example, Rinpoche will remind all the anilas in the nunnery to plants more tree on the slope to prevent erosion, i will not think of it if i were there, but Rinpoche really put his care in all ways. Anila also mentioned Rinpoche will just help some old ladies on street to carry their water bucket or sponsor an old tibetan man a long lost monk robe, this really really touch me, because the real care doesn’t come from what you give but why you give. Rinpoche can just sponsor the old man some cash and ask him to make the robe himself, but Rinpoche had the monk robe made and gave it to him. This is because Rinpoche knows the old man will be much more happy if he receive a set of monk robe than the money, this is really what he needs.
The guru devotion towards all Rinpoche’s guru is so strong in Rinpoche ever since Rinpoche’s young age. And this the most important thing we need to have to have further understanding towards Tibetan Buddhism. If the guru is the source of all teaching, so our guru should be the Buddha, Dharma, and Shangha.But do we really treat our guru as the 3 jewels ? Even until now, when Rinpoche talk about H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, Rinpoche will have tears of thankful in his eye. Rinpoche always emphasize that we need to have strong faith and gratitude towards our guru, because the guru will use all ways to make sure the students will be ok. I respect how Rinpoche not only teach but show us the right way with his own action, and Rinpoche has never failed to do that since then till now.
I also totally with Anila, if a holy being choose to be born in some kind of not so good condition the only reason that i see is because the holy being shows us everyone can do the same thing to deal with the not so good surrounding but it depends do we want to do it or not, everything is control in our hand, but so we want it or not.
I respect Anila a lot from these videos, she is so sincere and humble, she will not talk about what has she done to Rinpoche, or what good things that she has done for others. She also will not remember all the bad memories she has been through in Kalmyks community, she just let go and face the future.
Thank you again for sharing us with this video Rinpoche and Anila, may both of you long life and stable health, so all of us can learn more from you.
Much Prayers
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing the videos on Anila’s interview.
Everything Anila said about Rinpoche is exactly what Rinpoche is like right now. Rinpoche has always been consistent since back then when Rinpoche was younger. It is clear that the only thing that matter to Rinpoche back then and now is practising Dharma and helping people.
Anila does not remember Rinpoche complaining about the difficulties Rinpoche went thru. Instead she remembered Rinpoche as being a happy child despite all the difficulties encountered at home. Indeed a lesson to all of us on how Rinpoche can absorbed all the difficulties encountered and always bring happiness to others.
Anila mentioned that when she went to India in 1988, Rinpoche was very helpful to Anila and had arranged everything for her. Rinpoche had advised and arranged for her to make offerings to the sangha and Lamas and took care of her during her entire trip. That was exactly what Rinpoche did for us when we went for Gaden and Nepal Pilgrimage with Rinpoche a few years ago. That’s exactly how Rinpoche is always very enthusiastic about making offerings to the three jewels and helping people and advising and arranging for others to do the same.
Rinpoche’s life indeed is a teaching to all of us that we need not succumb to the challenges in our lives no matter how severe we perceive it may be but instead rise above it and be someone that can bring benefit to others.
Dear Rinpoche,
After watching Anila’s interview, what opened my mind most is the great importance of making strong aspirations to meet the Dharma and one’s guru at a very young age.
Anila took on many significant roles in Rinpoche’s life as a role model, Dharma sister, sponsor and a friend who helped lay the path for Rinpoche’s destiny. Anila displayed kindness, patience and all the qualities which was vital to a child. She provided knowledge from her learnings and also through her vast collection of Dharma books in her library.
The closeness Anila had with Rinpoche during Rinpoche’s childhood days had allowed Rinpoche’s passion in Dharma to be nurtured, despite Rinpoche’s hard life at home, which otherwise could have been more difficult in the pursue of Dharma.
During early youth, Anila became a Dharma friend, together partaking the spiritual journey with laughter, memories and pilgrims. Later in Gaden, Anila took on the role as Rinpoche’s sponsor enabling the pursue in higher studies. Through this observation, it gave me a better understanding of why we should always make aspirations to take rebirth in a conducive condition in all our future lives.
Personally at this point of time, what I learned is to take Rinpoche’s example who never complained or give up on Dharma regardless how tough life is/was because Dharma is more precious than anything else.
Thank you Ani-la Thupten Chonyid for taking good care of our precious Lama when He needed you most.
All the hardship and difficulties Rinpoche had to endured for Dharma in order to benefit others did not deter him to continue his spiritual journey. Despite all the odds he had to face, there is no turnning back on us shows his Bodhisattva qualities and his attainments in our ordinary eyes and minds. Therefore, I do not doubt his other accomplishments and qualities Rinpoche has which he so humbly conceals.
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for releasing these videos for the public to view. It gives a much more deeper insight to all, about Rinpoche’s life, and struggles as Rinpoche was growing up.
I had the great fortune to be part of the Bio Team and meet Anila personally. Anila has a very calm, and gentle vibe about her, she tried very hard to remember the events that occurred and has deep respect for Rinpoche. Likewise, Rinpoche always speaks fondly of Anila, for it was because of her sponsorship during Rinpoche’s time in India that Rinpoche is now able to spread the Dharma widely in Malaysia and other parts of the world. For this, my deepest gratitude, respect and appreciation goes to Anila for believing in Rinpoche when no one else did. Also, When I first met Rinpoche and introduced myself, it was the story of how Anila sponsored Rinpoche during the difficult times that Rinpoche first shared with me (as my name reminded Rinpoche of Anila). Never would I have thought that I would be able to meet Anila myself in person one day. Thinking back, it is quite amazing.
Things I learned from the video:
1. Anila illustrated a very good example of how people allow their projections to influence their thoughts and believes when she mentioned that Rinpoche’s parents didn’t think she was fitting enough to be a nun because before that, Anila used to be a “hippie”. Because of our projections, we categorise and label people and have a certain idea of what they should do/how they should act, and find it wrong if they don’t fit within the boundaries of our perceptions. It is because of this, that we cause ourselves suffering – wrong projections and perceptions.
2. Rinpoche’s will to want to do Dharma has been so strong and consistent since young. What strong imprints from Rinpoche’s past lives! Not only was it through Anila’s interview that supports this, every single person that we interviewed in the U.S showed consistency in Rinpoche’s personality and behaviour, and Rinpoche’s interest in Dharma from a very young age.
3. Anila had such a good time with Rinpoche when she went on a trip to India, and learned so much from the then young Rinpoche. It is obvious from the way Anila speaks in detail from memory about the trip, eventhough throughout the interview she claims that her “memory is so bad”, that shows that she had such a memorable and great time there. It is amazing how Rinpoche knew and taught Anila on how and what to offer to higher lamas and gurus and commanded alot of respect from other sangha members. How great it is for Anila to have been able to make a set of robes and offer it to His Holiness! Wow..Rinpoche’s guru devotion has been unwavering all these years. Rinpoche sets such a great example for us to follow.
4. I laughed and laughed when I heard the story from Anila on how Rinpoche played jokes on her, and the incident when Rinpoche locked the toilet door after he did “number 2” when she was inside. hehe. Rinpoche always has a way to amuse other people. I really like hearing stories like this, it is so down-to-earth.
5. Anila is so truthful in what she says, as she knows that this will be beneficial and will help the Biography Team alot. She didn’t try to hide anything, but instead, spoke wisely, truthfully and to the best of her ability that she’s able to from memory. She knows that this would be publicised but still tried to reveal the truth as much as she could in a polite way. Kudos to Anila.
6. The story of the Naga at Turkey Swamp is pretty cool because as a young boy, Rinpoche would go to this lake to recite hundreds of thousand Om Mani Pedme Hung mantra, and with Anila and Geshe Lorta making offerings to the Naga there a few years ago, I really wonder whether the Naga was there when Rinpoche went to Turkey Swamp as a young boy to do Chenrezig meditations.
Thank you to the interviewers for asking such wonderful questions to Anila, to make her more comfortable and spark her memory to share with us so much precious information. Also, thank you to KIM, Tsem Ladrang and all who worked behind the scenes to bring this interview out for everyone to view. Lastly, thank younRinpoche for your determination all these years, to bring Dharma to so many people, for choosing KL as your place of residence and for the establishment of Kechara.
Much love,
Carmen.
Dearest Rinpoche, thank you for sharing such an inspiring and touching interview.
Anila’s sharing about Rinpoche’s journey into the Dharma is a very empowering teaching about commitment and determination. I learn that if we truly believe in a cause and want to achieve something, we will be able to succeed regardless the degree of difficulty and level of obstacles we have to confront.
Rinpoche’s way of being with others is an example of supreme Boddhicitta practice. Despite the suffering Rinpoche experienced, Rinpoche always found happiness through the benefit Rinpoche brought to others. This teaches me that if we focus our energy on benefiting others, we will tap into an endless and undiscovered source of consistent happiness and peace like a water fountain that has a continuous supply of water flowing outward.
Anila’s kind gesture to sponsor Rinpoche USD50 per month is also a good lesson in itself. From this, I learn that:
1) The highest form of giving is not determined by the object given but by the attitude in which the object was presented: wishing wholeheartedly that the object given will bring benefit to the recipient. Anila’s uncalculated generosity with Rinpoche did not just benefit Rinpoche in the short term. Anila’s generosity is benefiting millions of people who are receiving Rinpoche’s teachings all over the world more than 2 decades later.
2) Any form of giving, big or small; conventional or out-of-the-box, can create the cause for something very beneficial to manifest. Therefore, regardless of how “simple” we feel our contribution (material and immaterial) is, it should not become our excuse to not give.
Lastly, As Kecharians, we should realize how fortunate we are to have our Guru with us. Rinpoche had to go through so many hurdles…practically alone. With a more fortunate circumstance, we should commit ourselves to doing more so that the blessing of Rinpoche’s teaching can benefit many people quickly.
It is an amazing interview, is confrimed one more time again of the consistency of Rinpoche words and actions. In this interview, the sharing of the Anila of Rinpoche passion to Dharma, kindness and the guru devotion is very consistent of what other people share his life in the past.
Thank you for Anila kindness and care for the Rinpoche. May you have long life and stay healthy.
May I always have the merits to reborn near my perfect guru.
Some interesting lessons I learnt:
* Rinpoche is always ready to help others in many ways, be it monetary or physically.
* Even before enthronement, Rinpoche has already started to give advice and instructions and people take the advices seriously.
* With Rinpoche’s kindness and strong inclination to Dharma since young, people around him are not surprised that he is a Tulku.
* Very strong Guru devotion especially towards Zong Rinpoche. He never see faults in his Guru and serve Guru at his feet. He would also teach people how to devote to Guru. He is also very excited when talking about his Guru Zong Rinpoche. He also have great faith and gratitude towards Guru. Always at his feet serving Zong Rinpoche. He even give advice to Anila to be grateful for her Guru as Guru is the one who is “holding the door”.
* Even if Rinpoche is far away from his Guru, His devotion never failed, and He always join hands when talking about his Guru.
* With all the problems Rinpoche has encountered, that never brought him down. Since young, He was not allowed to join Dharma, and later in India, He was very poor, and yet he didn’t give up.
* Rinpoche is very compassionate, even with nothing much to eat, He would feed the birds with half of his food.
* Anila said, “He so young yet so authoritative. He is sure of what He did… He cannot be stopped… I know he will definitely become a monk, it is just a matter of when and where”. When Rinpoche said he wanted to be a monk, His parents tried to talk him out and even beat him but that didn’t stop him.
* Anila said he must have strong karmic seed in his past life, and He is a Rinpoche in past life, to have such a strong interest in Dharma, monks and temples at such young life.
* Why does Rinpoche chose a difficult rebirth or path? One possibility is to show other people what can be done, that you can survive.
* Kechara is Vajrayogini’s pure land, and the name is supposed to be a secret, but Rinpoche told us so that the Vajrayogini’s seed can be planted in all of us.
Last but not least,
“You need to yell, these you won’t get yr ticket, and don’t get anything done”
When I first saw Anila’s photo sent by the BIo Team in December last year, I loved the bliss and supreme contentment on her face. Anila’s face was full of ultimate joy and this is the result of living and practizing Dharma. With such a shining example, I question myself the realistic view of life and coupled with the wonderful teachings from my Guru, Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, I know that living in Dharma benefiting others is how I will live until I die.
Over and over again, Rinpoche had told us how Anila sponsored Rinpoche’s livelihood in Gaden and in the videos, she does not even recall. An epitome of pure generosity. Her belief in Rinpoche to be able to achieve whatever Rinpoche sets out to do in this life is so sincere and it is a great example for us, Rinpoche’s students to follow. Her belief has lasted for more than 30 years and proven right, how can it be logical for anyone to think otherwise.
Anila experienced Rinpoche as a child, a teenager and a monk and the consistency in her experience is same as how I experience my wonderful Rinpoche now, AMAZING, HAPPY AND DECISIVE.
I have learnt a lot from Anila about Rinpoche and I am very grateful and I hope that I have the merits to meet Anila one day in the near future.
Thank you, Anila,
Datuk May
From the interview I can see that Ani-la Thubten is such a gentle and soft spoken person. She is a great example of someone who has dharma in her, no wonder she was the person our young Rinpoche can rely on for supports emotionally and later, financially.
One important message I gathered from this interview is that no one was surprise when told that our Rinpoche is a “Tulku”. This is a proof that reincarnation of a highly attained being like our Rinpoche will show consistency in their actions and their spiritual inclination, even from a very young age.
There is one interesting disclosure I noted: Ani-la laughingly revealed that during her trip to India, Rinpoche was already ordained as a monk and confirmed as tulku of highly respectable lamas, yet he was still playful, like how Rinpoche bounced about when Ani-la was doing her sadhana or how he locked Ani-la in washroom; Ani-la was not angry but thought it was funny, this shows that when one is pure in his spiritual practice, like our Rinpoche, the actions though may seem unusual at times but others will feel the sincerity of his heart i.e. his intention to give happiness and not to harm.
On another note, though Rinpoche was young and rather playful, he can command respects from everyone he talk to or dealing with during their visits to holy places. This is really amazing.
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank You for sharing with us these personal videos. Through these short videos we are able to travel back through time to experience the formative years of Rinpoche’s life.
Anila has kindly provided so much information about Rinpoche. These are first-hand account from a nun who from the outset exudes such warm and honesty. Anila has spoken about many aspects of Rinpoche’s life. Anila’s sharing will greatly contribute to the making of Rinpoche’s biography.
We learned everything about Rinpoche’s ups and downs, likes and dislikes, Rinpoche’s parents, Rinpoche’s tough life with the parents, the kalmyks, travelling in India with Anila, generosity, passion about Buddhas and Dharma, adversities at very young age, patience, transformation of sufferings into the path, sharing of Dharma with and advice for others, faith and strong Guru Devotion to Rinpoche’s Gurus, Rashid Gempil Ling, Gaden Choepel Ling Nunnery , Kensur Rinpoche, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, Gratitude for our Gurus, How to serve our Gurus, Rinpoche’s contribution to the spread of Dharma, How Rinpoche has benefitted others, How Rinpoche demonstrated putting the Dharma into immediate practice, about Anila herself, Rinpoche’s life with Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, Dharma, etc. to name a few.
At the end of the interview, Anila has summed up well about Rinpoche – Rinpoche is amazing, happy and decisive.
I have enjoyed listening to these video interviews. Rinpoche’s life stories are Dharma that will benefit many people.
Ani-la is very honest, humbled and shared openly, even about criticism of herself being a former hippie and a single mom. I am glad little Rinpoche had a Dharma friend like her when Rinpoche was growing up. Ani-la also sponsored Rinpoche when it was most needed in the monastery.
From the Part 2 video, the stories about how Rinpoche would always made the best arrangements for anybody/everybody, and always caring for others, even strangers – this was the Rinpoche Ani-la knew and Rinpoche is still like this today, 30 years later. Rinpoche’s humour is prevalent always – I laughed so hard trying to imagine Rinpoche hopping around like a giant bunny, and pretending to be Arabs with Ani-la, hahaha…
I had learnt a lot from the videos, for example:
1. The difficulties that Rinpoche went through were beyond what many people could handle. Ani-la said “there’s no stopping him”, even at a young age, Rinpoche’s determination has left such a strong impression in an adult like Ani-la at that time.
2. Due to Rinpoche’s shinning qualities, Ani-la was not surprised that Little Burcha was recognised as a Tulku. It is definitely Rinpoche’s good work and prayers for many lifetimes that Rinpoche is continuing now – to lead a life that focuses on benefiting others. I agree with Dr Lanse that if we practice good qualities consistently, it will become our habituations; eventually second nature and can be carried forward to our future lives – the imprints.
3. Just like the great Kensur Lobsang Tharchin Rinpoche who faces a lot of challenges teaching Buddhism in a “new” country (including attending university to learn English, facing criticism of accepting foreigners in the Kalmyk temple), so did Tsem Tulku Rinpoche who is working very hard to create a real Dharma community in Malaysia. However, great lamas follow the examples of their predecessors – with great guru devotion, spending much time in studying and applying the Dharma and selfless service; they can make it anywhere in the world, because their practice is real.
4. Ani-la’s own story is also inspiring – moving to America from France, and also her perseverance in Dharma which leads her to eventually become a nun, despite the community’s disapproval. Her joy in rejoicing in others’ good work and her devotion to Dharma and her Lama is real.
These videos shows us the real life which Rinpoche have gone through since the young age. Is not easy to overcome all the obstacles in the journey of spiritual. The strong determination towards spiritual shows Rincpoche can see much more deeper than us. There is a seed and here come the big tree.
Rinpoche impress me with the compassionate given to those who mistreat him, care towards the people around him. Inspire us here we let go , there we forgive.
Nothing to attach on our emotion.
Secondly, from Rinpoche life-story, inspire a lot of people in compassions and giving without agenda.
在论访中, Anila的会心一笑因仁波切的慈悲展放无疑, 你我都感受到人生中的一切. 似乎是冥冥之中的安排。
仁波切的人生. 在我的浅意识中, 感受到的讯息莫过于, 人生凡事 只要我们换一个角度看, 问题还问题吗? 愤怒还是愤怒吗? 当我们懂得放下”我”这个包袱, 我们才能真正的利益众生。
仁波切对待上师的依止是不容置疑的,仁波切抱有一颗感恩的心去善待身边的每一个人。
仁波切的心寬可包容天地,仁波切的感恩可渡眾生…
感谢教导您的人,感谢帮助您的人,感谢伤害你的人, 仁者则让人心动, 让听者远而敬之。
Thank you Rinpoche to share the videos with us even before the bio is out.
One of the more interesting scene was that of Rinpoche carrying Zong Rinpoche I felt that was pure devotion and love to your lama. There were many stories here that gave me a glimpse into Rinpoche as a young person and how you were so attracted to the dharma.
I doubt I would have the courage at such a young age, facing so much difficulty and yet not complaining about one’s abusive parents. So much so that no one knew that Rinpoche had such a torrid time when young.
And that I feel grateful for Anila who encouraged Rinpoche by patiently answering his questions and for helping Rinpoche out when Rinpoche had no one else to rely upon.
Well Rinpoche has shown all of us that if we are determined to succeed we will no matter what we have to face.
看了这些视频,让我最感动部分是当Anila说,仁波切不是因为不要受养父养母给的痛苦而离家,他是因为想继续学佛法而离家。这一言就道出了年纪轻轻的他,就已知道佛法的重要性,并勇往直前,不离不弃地坚持这个理想。
访者也说,转世高僧有能力选择在怎样的地方投生及转法轮。这是仁波切选的一条人生道路,从被遗弃的小时候,到美国被领养时的虐待,离家出走所面对的风风雨雨等等,仿佛是要身体力行告诉世人,世界上真的没有什么问题是解决不了的。他不把时间浪费在自怨自艾,反而把焦点转向利益他人,这一点真的值得我们去学习。
非常感激仁波切与我们分享部分的人生故事,相信还有更多值得学习的部分,很期待Bio Team接下来的成品。也谢谢仁波切的上师要仁波切说出他的故事。这些故事让我领会到,我们真的不需要一直用不好的经历来可怜自己,应该把精神花在更有意义的事!
it’s so sad to hear of Rinpoche being abused at such a young age, mostly because he wanted to practice dharma.
Anila was so hesitant to speak ill of Rinpoche’s parents but she had to speak the truth and once she started there were just so many occassions. his dad also following his mum’s lead, complaining directly to the monks. rinpoche had no support and no one to turn to.
it’s funny anila remembers rinpoche’s mother’s “strong shrill voice”, “being high strung and bossy” so vividly although she mentions so many times that her memory is so weak.
this goes to show how strong the objection of rinpoche’s parents were.
dear rinpoche – i respect all the obstacles you went through to become a rinpoche, to teach dharma and benefit many.
most of all you embrace people without boundaries of race & religion and this is what i respect the most.
Thank you Rinpoche for a such a lovely blog. Bio team worked really hard in bringing us all the wonderful memories that Rinpoche once shared with so many people. Be it bad or good, Rinpoche and Anila persevered. It was always about all those fond memories that Anila can remember about Rinpoche, telling us how special Rinpoche was then and now. Hearing Anila’s voice so gentle made me feel her love and sincerity. I can feel the love and the bond like a mother to a child/sister to a brother that was so touching. I pray that Anila can come and visit Rinpoche to see in person how much ‘little’ Rinpoche have/will achieve. I can’t wait for the Bio of Rinpoche to come out to learn more of Rinpoche’s past. Thank you Rinpoche.
I found these videos very insightful and it’s interesting to hear stories about Rinpoche’s past. But I feel the editing and Sound could have been improved.
There is not enough hook in the video for me.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing the videos with us and Anila as well for telling the story openly.
From the interviews I know more about Rinpoche when he was young. Among others things I realized is we are unhappy because we insist to have things happen and planned as we hope/wish to be. In this way we suffer, people suffer.
We suffer as well when we could not accept people we used to know change or change to better. Not the one who criticize will suffer, we the one refuse to move on that actually suffer and unhappy.
To move on we need to let go of sad feeling. Accept and move on to be improve the situation or ourself.
Sometimes we might pay respect to Buddha images but not the sangha, why?
To support someone who could benefit many is very great. With USD 50 a month now many many more benefit, from India to Malaysia and to many more thru internet.
法不孤起,必仗缘生。这是一则由因缘而生的一念悲心,慈悲为佛道之本的感人真人真事。
Anila的一念悲心,持之以恆的古德典範,对早年只是一个小孩的仁波切的處處用心,到后期十年如一日对仁波切的慈悲关注,真正是傳遞了一分人間的大愛,也是佛法中所说的~出世比一般人更入世的出世。
生命是短暫的,但時空却是天長地久的。我相信仁波切从小的种种历练与体会,或苦或悲、或喜或忧,铺成造就了他不平凡的一生,也把他於生具有对凡尘俗世了然人性的透彻,做为燃烧自己为照亮芸芸众生的一盏心灯。
阅读倾听仁波切一路走来的种种历程,把他对人生的感悟全然奉献给广大群众,让我感触良深之余,亦引发我对佛法对生命的意义而省思。
感恩,Tashidelek!
达娃 合十
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing Anila’s video with us. Also thank the Bio Team that brought to us all the way from US to KL this video making Rinpoche’s story came alive. after so many years, Anila still vividly remembered in her memory how funny Rinpoche was in those days to make Anila laugh and sharing all his dreams with her.
Anila was sad when she knew that Rinpoche’s parents was very unhappy and not nice to Rinpoche when Rinpoche came to the temple. But Rinpoche never complained a single word about His parents. Rinpoche only worried that He cannot come to the temple that often any more. What Rinpoche cared was not how bad he himself suffered but the dharma. After that Rinpoche has no choice but to run away because Rinpoche’s parents started giving difficulties to Kensur Rinpoche at the temple.
1988, Rinpoche took Anila around when she went to India after she took her nunnery vows. Rinpoche must make sure she make full used of her time and money in India making as much as offerings. they even had an audience with an oracle. Anila remembered and amazed that Rinpoche knew so many people in India and people came to Rinpoche asking how to make offerings and pray. People respected Rinpoche very much even Rinpoche was just a young monk at that time. Rinpoche also showed Anila the picture of His previous incarnation.
Anila was not surprise that Rinpoche is a reincarnate high lama by looking at Rinpoche’s passion for dharma, His perfect guru devotion, He do what he said, His close relationship with Zong Rinpoche, His compassion towards the people and animal around him.
Anila explained that for a high lama like Rinpoche to go through such an un pleasant childhood was just to show people by example that he can bear and make it for what he wanted to be although we have to go through so much of difficulties, so do all of us here.
感谢仁波切和我们分享这五个视频。
非常感谢Anila认真的回忆与真诚的回答所有的问题。仁波切的切身经历与所受的煎熬是值得鼓舞的,这些过程是我们值得学习的。
仁波切的友善和对待上师的依止心是多么的强烈,仁波切常常都抱有一颗感恩的心去善待仁波切的上师和每位帮助过仁波切的人。
仁波切并没有因为小时候所受的痛楚和精神煎熬而放弃学佛法,反而激励仁波切不断的正面思考如何去修行佛法!
仁波切对他人的谦虚教导与分享是多么的令人敬仰!
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing the very-moving video. After having watch the video, I am touched by Anila’s openness, sincerity and her unconditional love for Rinpoche, not to mention her strong Guru devotion.
There were 2 incidents Anila mentioned that touched me. Firstly, when Anila first arrive in New Delhi in 1988, Anila spoke about how Rinpoche arranged everything for Anila and seeing how the local people showed their faith in Rinpoche. Secondly was the story of this Tibetan monk who escaped from Tibet. Rinpoche arranged for robes for this monk who was so happy to receive it and put on his robes for the first time in 20 years – Wow, what a wonderful story!
Throughout the interview, Anila mentioned she cannot remember things very well. Nevertheless, she can recollect a lot of good memories and moments with Rinpoche and I take that it is equally precious to her too as it is precious to Rinpoche and to us all. When asked whether she realized what a great impact she has on Rinpoche’s childhood days, she humbly replies she did not do much, she was just being around for him – it just goes to show she gives with so much love, sincerity and unconditional. She even said she can’t remember giving Rinpoche USD50 a month!
Anila always have so much faith in Rinpoche, knowing that he will make it as a monk one day (very well put – “he could not be stopped!”). She is amazed at how much Rinpoche has accomplished over the years and having good influence to many people!
As a mother, I shared Anila’s ‘motherly’ love for Rinpoche. As a viewer going through this video, I am moved by Anila’s humbleness, honesty, sincerity and generosity. As a student, I rejoice in having a Guru like Rinpoche who is so skillful in teaching us the Dharma, and showing us by example the fine qualities we should uphold in our Dharma journey. Thank you, Rinpoche!
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing these videos.
After watching the videos, I found out that what Anila Thupten Choyid said about young Rinpoche are not something sound unfamiliar to me. In fact, this is what impressed me most – the consistency in words and actions eg Rinpoche’s passion for dharma, Rinpoche’s love for buddhas and buddhas’ images, Rinboche’s kindness to people and animals etc etc…
All the good qualities that Rinpoche possesses never change with time. I was strucked simply by this fact alone. This must have come from a very stable mind. And where does this stable mind come from? What makes it so stable? It doesn’t change even during the most difficult time. It was already there even when Rinpoche was only a little boy.
It makes me believe more in reincarnation and past lives. It makes me believe that what we practice everyday will become our habituations and these habituations can be carried forward to our future lives, and it will become stronger and stronger if we keep on reinforcing it.
A seed will one day turn into a big tree. If we can have strong faith in buddha dharma and keep on practicing, then becoming a Buddha is not something impossible. This is my understanding about the beauty of dharma practice and the precious human life.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this with us. Everytime when we bring new people to Kechara Gallery, all we can show them is through the pictures and some text on the wall, now that we have the opportunity to actually listen to someone who was very close to Rinpoche via video telling us all about Rinpoche’s life, it really makes an impact.
All the sufferings and obstacles Rinpoche had experienced during his journey to spirituality had not stop him from pursuing his goal in life. In fact his determination to go all the way to achieve what he really wanted in life has inspired me to do more. It’s like a thunder struck on my head and tell me :” Hey, it’s time to wake up, what u THINK u’ve suffered is nothing compared to Rinpoche’s..!” I should stop all the poor-me thinking, finding lame excuses not to do more, sneakiness etc.
The fact that Rinpoche was not well-treated by his stepparents did not stop him from caring them. He still showed gratitude to them by writing them letters when he was away from home. This shows how much Rinpoche care about those people who had helped him. Just like how Rinpoche is grateful towards Anila’s generosity, patience and love when he needed most. I’m very grateful to Anila’s help to Rinpoche that had created the cause for us to have Rinpoche here in Malaysia to spread Dharma, being very lucky, i’m one of his students now.
Be forever grateful to those who had helped us. Be compassionate to those who mistreat us, we learn to let go and forgive. Show kindness, compassion, care to every being, without agenda. This is what I’ve learnt so far from this post.
These 5 videos have given much deeper insight and understanding of Rinpoche’s life in Howell. It is extremely helpful for all of us to know this especially from Anila who was there with Rinpoche and shared all those precious learning years with Rinpoche.
Everything Anila has said was what Rinpoche has also told us on occasions when we had the privilege to hear Rinpoche’s story. I love Anila’s soft voice and gentle energy, I can imagine how much Rinpoche must have loved being with her.
I especially like the parts when she laughs recalling the moments when Rinpoche would pull pranks, like locking her in the bathroom incident. It is also truly amazing how she could already know you were going to be a monk and that she said “he couldn’t be stopped”. Despite all major conditions against Rinpoche i.e. your step parents and their strong objection and determination to stop all Rinpoche’s dharma, Rinpoche still made it and is now successful.
Thank you Rinpoche for this. It will also be very helpful for many new people to learn more about Rinpoche through these 5 videos!!
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing these 5 videos.
Thank you Anila Thupten patiently answered and recalled many good qualities & interesting stories about Rinpoche’s childhood & also the trip in India in 1988.
Despite the sufferings since childhood, Anila shard that Rinpoche always positive and never complaint about the parents , nothing made Rinpoche sad, to Rinpoche, all sufferings are worth it.
Rinpoche always shows great faith & Gratitude to others.
In Anila’s description, Rinpoche always offer helps to others and shows strong devotion to his gurus. They offered the best offerings in many temples in India they visited, offered robes to the monk and nuns etc. Today, Rinpoche always does best offerings to the three jewels..
Anila also experienced the humorous side of Rinpoche when they traveled in India.
All the good & positive qualities in Rinpoche are consistent and firm, never ever changed throughout his life. I remembered very clearly in many Rinpoche’s talks, “feel happy to suffer for others…”
In one of the video, Anila described Rinpoche as her little friend, how nice!
May Rinpoche’s dharma works flourish & continue to spread dharma in ten directions.
Thank you very much Rinpoche for posting these videos in your blog!
This interview with Anila shows how much love,care and respect Anila has for Rinpoche.She knew Rinpoche was someone who is extraordinary. Even at a very young age Rinpoche’s thoughts and actions are always towards benefiting others and spreading the Dharma.Even with the small amount of money which he received from Anila was used to feed the homeless!Anila often smile when she recalls a memory of Rinpoche Such a warm,gentle and kind lady.How FORTUNATE we are to have Tsem Tulku Rinpoche as our guru.
看完了阿妮拉的五个视频,心里有说不出的感触和感动。
因为,这个长篇的访问似乎将仁波切早期的生活,由他一位老朋友口中诉说出来,那种真实又诚挚的录像,宛如时光隧道般,把仁波切早年的生活片段一一勾画出来。阿妮拉是成就仁波切的主要关键人物,可是对于这点,阿妮拉却表现得很谦虚,不愿太过于着墨。
我知道当年仁波切在甘丹萨济寺的日子很艰苦,每餐仅以印度薄饼又称粘粑,面粉和茶来果腹,那时候的仁波切非常的瘦削,健康也不怎么好。仁波切为了继续留在印度学习佛法,亲自写了好多信函祈求别人的赞助和帮忙,可是却得不到很好的反应。就在仁波切最艰难的情形之下,阿妮拉愿意每个月赞助仁波切五十美金,这对当时处在水深火热状态下的仁波切,仿如一道曙光。
不只如此,仁波切的养父母亲也极力反对仁波切踏入修行的路上,他们使用各种方式,尝试逼使仁波切依循他们所定下的人生模式,但由于前世深刻的印记,让仁波切对佛法的信念坚定不移。
从中也让我们看到了仁波切对于佛法的热爱程度,美国到印度,甚至是现在的马来西亚,那份热忱丝毫不变,以及当面对困境时,他的积极处理态度,勇往直前地去争取,都值得我们学习。我们常常在佛法工作上,修习佛法道路上,面对很多问题和障碍;大多数的我们都会选择退而求其次,选择呆在属于个人的舒适地带中。
值得一提,在视频中也让我看到仁波切十年不変的幽默感:)
佛法,有其自疗作用,当你受伤了,当你感到迷失无助时,这时它自然会在你身上发挥功用,让你在最短的时间,摆脱所承受的痛苦和难受。我们很庆幸仁波切当年的坚持,让我们这群超世俗的浑浑众生可以在仁波切的善巧教化下得到珍贵的佛法智慧,这此末法时代更属难得。
写着写着,忽然真的希望仁波切的传记能够早点面市,那肯定可以触动很多本无心修法的人,从而用心学习佛法,我双手合十祈祷它的出现!
月谊合十( yek yee)
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing these video with us and thank you Anila for her openly spoken about Rinpoche childhood which she knows it will benefit many people who read or watch it tremendous.
Apart from the qualities of a special child who was so young and tremendous interest into Dharma which Anila has shared, i also would like to mention about Anila’s kindness who naturally natured and guided a young boy in his spiritual journey, i don’t think everyone will patiently explain and spent so much time with a young boy like her, she really holds her bodhisattva vows as she has taken from her guru.
May the three jewels bless Anila to always healthy and has long life.
Dear Wan, you are right…not many would spend so much time in person and on the phone with a young boy with so many questions. And this went on for many many many years. Anila was always very patient to listen and answer my questions. We would always talk for hours and almost a few times a week. That is for sure. I am glad you see this and appreciate this. I appreciate this very much also. Tsem Rinpoche
I was very fortunate to have met Anila during the biography trip to the USA. She was very humble, simple and “authentic” (for the lack of a better word).
The interview with Anila was one of the many we had, that showed me how strong Rinpoche’s dharmic seed was even at a young age. To an ordinary person at that time, most people would have thought that it was only a phase a child would go through. But never would anyone have thought that this inquisitive child would see it through all the way.
What’s incredible is that Rinpoche has always been the same since he was a child: determined, passionate, compassionate, humourous, loving and caring. Everything in Rinpoche’s life revolved around the dharma. I personally find this mind blowing because I’ve never met anyone who’s so consistent in their life! WOW!
Thank you Rinpoche for showing us all the time the ingredients towards success in all our endeavours!
Love,
JP
Thank you, Anila, for the friendship you extended to Rinpoche during the crucial early years of his life.It was a friendship with many facets to it. You gave Rinpoche much moral support when he didn’t receive it from a primary source – his family.You shared Dharma knowledge with him and also Dharma practice. You shared strong Guru devotion with him for your Lama Kensur Lobsang Tharchin.
You also extended much needed financial aid to him when he was a newly ordained monk in Gaden monastery.You touched me to the heart’s core when you said you didn’t remember that you had given this aid of US 50 dollars per month over a long period.With your money , Rinpoche was not only able to keep himself going but he was able to help others as well.
When you said that Rinpoche is “an extraordinary being”, I thought that you are also an extraordinary being yourself.Your kindness and compassion, your modesty and humility, the strength of the Dharma in you that made you(like Rinpoche)unwavering in your love of Dharma and gave you the ability to brush off all criticism and attack of you re Dharma and Dharma Practice.
We remain indebted to you for your kindness and care of Rinpoche. Thank you from the depths of my heart.
Thank you, Rinpoche, for sharing this interview of Anila Thupten Chonyid with us.It contains very strong messages to us, your students.It inspires us with the knowledge, drawn from your experience, that Dharma is all.You suffered tremendously because your parents had wanted you to have worldly dreams and to realize these worldly dreams, when all you had wanted was Dharma.But you never gave up to them.
By your fine example of love of Dharma and your determined effort to live your life the way of Dharma, through so much hardship and suffering, you have shown us that we all(who have less obstacles) can make maximum use of this optimum human rebirth, like you have done.
There is so strong and unwavering consistency and single-minded focus in the way you have lived your life for Dharma and to benefit all sentient beings.It is sad that we, your students, can’t overcome lesser obstacles and follow your unequaled example all the way through. But we must try; even if we fall, we must pick ourselves up, before it’s too late.
I love this interview for a couple of reasons. One was because of Anila herself – who throughout the 3 sessions of interviews continued to speak openly, sincerely and honestly about her memories of Tsem Rinpoche and her shared experiences with him. She really understood the purpose of the Tsem Rinpoche Biography Project, and she shared so much because she wanted to help and she believed how the biography would benefit other greatly, as predicted by one of Tsem Rinpoche’s Gurus.
With Anila, it wasnt about her or how she would appear to the community after having revealed what had gone on in the past. She spoke openly about Rinpoche’s childhood and the troubles and abuse he faced. Not many others that we interviewed did so. She knew that there would probably be some backlash from the community but she still spoke honestly because she sincerely wanted to help. What a perfect example of a Sangha. I was really inspired by her, and I hope in the future to be a Sangha just like her too.
The other great thing about these interview was being able to learn more about Rinpoche’s past. Rinpoche has shared with his close students many incidences from his childhood and listening to Anila’s memories just made everything more real and filled out the details.
Through her interviews, you can see many different aspects of the young Rinpoche eg;
– A child with tremendous interest in Dharma – Rinpoche would hang around in Anila’s house to borrow her Dharma books and asking many questions
– A child that painted Buddhas to give away to friends – Rinpoche would naturally do this and give away hand-made buddhist talismans to protect his friends
– A child who instinctively knew how to behave in the temple – Rinpoche was
– A monk who was able to merge modern humour with tradition – Like the #2 bathroom episode
– A monk who would give everything he had to help another – Sponsoring a full set of robes for an old monk who had escaped from Tibet
– A monk who loved offerings – The tremendous offerings that Rinpoche and Anila made during their trip to India and pilgrimage to Dharamsala, including sponsoring robes for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the monks in the monastery
– A monk who naturally commanded the respect of others – Everywhere that Rinpoche went, people would listen to him and do what he advised.
– A person who never allowed his difficult childhood to get the better of him, but instead it made him a better person. Rinpoche’s past experienced have become the inspiration for his great works today. From his experiences as a homeless person has arisen a soup kitchen to feed the homeless. From his experience with his royal grandmother who was abandoned in an old folks home, has arisen a wish to start an old folks home for the unwanted elderly. From his love for animals even as a young child, has arisen a budding animal sanctuary with a no-kill policy. And from his undying love for Dharma and determination to practice it has arisen the Kechara organisation and its 13 departments, which each provide a different path to spiritual awakening.
As told by such a wonderful nun, Ani-la Thupten Chonyid who recognized Rinpoche’s special qualities at such young age, these interviews are exceptionally inspiring.
Rinpoche’s strong interests and love for the Buddhas are consistent with his every action.
If we were to grow up with all the similar circumstances,how would we be like today?
– the abusive upbringing
– forbidden to be involved in spirituality
– no help from anyone and with no financial
Yet, Rinpoche was not detracted in anyway from his mission. He made friends everywhere he went, eventually took ordination, made offerings to the Buddhas, monks and nuns and less privileged people and became a refuge for many who had faith in him such as manifested in Kechara.
If we have any inclination towards spirituality, may Rinpoche’s life story inspire us not be detracted but go on to pursuit results and great happiness for ourselves and many others.
Thank you Anila for such a wonderful interview.
Rinpoche’s Dharma imprints were extremely strong beyond doubts ever since young. What Anila has recollected about our young Rinpoche proved that. Even Rinpoche’s cousin Sara, who grew up with Rinpoche in Howell told the Bio Group that she remembers that when they were young, Rinpoche would want to visit the temples instead of going to play with the neighbourhood kids.
The old monk in Nitsan temple, a temple near Rinpoche’s home in Howell also remembered Rinpoche as a young boy who often goes to their prayer hall and Rinpoche would spend a rather long time there and looked at the Buddha paintings and asked a lot of questions.
There were many more recollection by Rinpoche’s relatives and friends in Howell which the Bio team has collected that proves that Rinpoche is not an ordinary being. Also the fact that Rinpoche actually ran away from home and left America to go to India to be a monk. I know many Tibetans were dying to leave India to go to America instead. That shows that Rinpoche’s determination was so strong and that is because of strong imprints from many many previous lives of being attained and not swayed by the secular ambitions or dreams.
Anila also mentioned how Rinpoche helped her in India to make the perfect offerings to helping the walking lady with the buckets to even to advise the nunnery to plant more plants on the sidewalk to prevent erosion. This is the extent of Rinpoche’s care – from the biggest to the tiniest thing Rinpoche would observe and then help to make things better. What I found was very sweet is that Rinpoche has advised Anila to buy the Trijang Rinpoche statue for Anila to offer to Khen Rinpoche knowing that Khen Rinpoche has tremendous guru devotion to Trijang Rinpoche.
When Anila mentioned that 3 yrs ago, Anila took Geshe Lobtar to Turkey Swamp. Geshe-la told her that there is a good Naga living there. And now, I know one of the reasons why Rinpoche did Avalokitesvara Meditation when he was younger in Turkey Swamp.
(Read : http://blog.tsemtulku.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/me/avalokiteshvara-turkey-swamp-marc-me.html)
Rinpoche has mentioned in one of his teachings before that Nagas has strong affinity with Avalokitesvara and they are very happy when we recite his mantra. It matches.
Once upon a time, I used to wonder why for such a high attained lama like Rinpoche’s had to go through abandonment, neglect, abuse, pain and etc during his childhood and teenage years instead of a good monastery environment like most high lamas. Then I understood that this was Rinpoche’s prayers in his previous lives. Just like what Buddha Vajradhara had said
“ IN DEGENRATE TIMES, I’LL APPEAR AMONGST YOU AND SOME OF YOU WOULD MEET AND RECOGNISE ME AS YOUR SPIRITUAL GUIDE”
That to me is Tsem Rinpoche
Wonderful interview! Love how the way Anila pauses to recall on the past memories. It shows us how much Anila cares for Rinpoche that she would not leave any memory she have untold. Also, lets not forget the Bio team’s skillful way of extracting information… hehe.
Reading Rinpoche’s biography never fail to amaze me (and i’m sure it’s the same with many others). The ordeals Rinpoche had to go through and to actually come out of it with a positive attitude… very inspiring. Contrary to what most people would do, Rinpoche certainly showed us that things don’t have to be easy, it just have to be possible.
I sincerely thank Anila, and everyone that supported Rinpoche when it was needed the most. May they always have happiness, for the person they helped brought light to the lives of many people around the globe.
Thanks to Rinpoche for sharing with us the Bio interviews of his life from childhood to adulthood from many of his childhood friends, relatives, family, school life etc. in order to be able to understand his life better. Amongst the interviews, he has singled out one person whom he has since met at the age of 7years old. She is an ordained nun, a Kalmyk lady, who lived down the street from Rinpoche in Howell, New Jersey, USA by the name of Anila Thupten Chonyid. Rinpoche desribed her as a soft, hardworking, very sincere, has great dharma knowledge, cracked strange funny jokes and never harmed anyone. In the early years of the 70’s with her large library filled with dharma books and through her constant nuturing our Rinpoche “learned so much from her”. She made a very strong impact on him that the time Rinpoche had spent with her effected him in such a positive way and with so much of fondness too till today! In the later years when Rinpoche went away to Gaden to become a monk, he was very young, alone and had no money. No one came forth to help when asked. Only through their mutual guru, Kensur Lorsang Tharchin who approached Anila Thupten Chonyid to send a monthly sponsorship of US$50.00 for the next few years, which adequately provided for food and amenities, including a little balance left for Rinpoche to help the homeless. In the Bio interviews, Anila had so kindly but fearlessly spoke the truth openly and without malice about Rinpoche’s childhood, Step-parents and also bravely reply to sensitive questions about the abuse frankly. Rinpoche regarded her as a very sincere learned nun, filled with deep humility. She really is a true Sangha in all respects!!! With folded hands, we thank you Anila, for your deep faith and support for our Guru, Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, for whom we have the good merit to be with today.
What an amazing interview! I love how frank, honest and heartfelt Anila is! Her recollection of Rinpoche is pretty sketchy but enough to give us a snapshot of what Rinpoche was like in his childhood. It is amazingly consistent with what Rinpoche have mentioned many times during his teachings.
What strikes me throughout this interview is Rinpoche’s fortitude in braving through so much obstacles in his childhood. His determination and fortitude for the Dharma at such a young age seem to indicate a previous live predisposition. It is also a good comparison, that Rinpoche could brave through so much and I am so easy flinch when I encounter a small problem or obstacle so listening to his stories puts a tear in my eye and inspiration to do brave through more.
I believe Rinpoche prayed (probably in his previous live) for these obstacles to manifest upon himself and the Dharma Protectors have ‘allowed’ such problems to manifest on Rinpoche. This is because for Rinpoche, these obstacles are not really obstacles because it doesn’t stop or hinder Rinpoche. In fact, these problems reveal Rinpoche’s inner qualities – his innate awareness and compassion for others.
Despite all the obstacles and objections from his family, of going to the Dharma center to becoming a monk, Tsem Rinpoche has always remain steady and steadfast in his Dharma practice. He never allow any lame excuses to hinder him or make him give up.
This story told by Anila is such an inspiration to all of us because through their experience will imbue us with strength when we are down, depressed, when we feel hopeless and betrayed.
The most important thing is that we must believe in what we stand for and not give up easily when other people say so.
I had the merits to be with the bio team to go to US to interview relatives and friends who were significant during Rinpoche’s growing up years. Anila Thupten Choyid was one of those we met on the trip on our first day in New Jersey. When i saw her i was mesmerised! Her face was glowing, the way she moved, talked, her speech, her composure, her gentleness, it just blew my mind away. I remember thinking “wow i would like to be a nun just like her one day”. Then when she told us about her past and how she was doing unconventional things which did not go down well with the more conservative Kalymiks, and when i looked at her now, my respect for her grow even more.
All the interviews we had with Rinpoche’s relatives and friends is consistent with how Rinpoche still is today. As lovingly said by Anila, Rinpoche is very spontaneous with helping, always encouraging others to make lots of offerings to the three jewels, always making the logistics arrangements for others to go on pilgrimage, always pulling jokes on others (hahahaha!),friendly and know many people, authoritative, among the many many other qualities. The examples from Anila’s recollection of these is after she became a nun in 1998 and decided to go to India with her daughter. She contacted Rinpoche who made all the arrangements for her to visit Dharamsala, Nalanda, Rajgir and Bodhgaya. How when you were both in Dharamsala and saw someone carrying buckets of water and Rinpoche immediately took over the buckets, offering of robes to the monk who didnt have one, making alot of offerings, and how she was locked out from the toilet by Rinpoche!
When one matches the dates, Rinpoche only arrived in India less than a year before Anila’s visit yet Rinpoche already knew so many people. Also Rinpoche was authoritative. This brings back alot of fond memories for me. It was the trip that I first met Rinpoche in New Delhi in December 1994. Rinpoche took us on pilgrimage to Rajgir, Sarnath, Nalanda and Bodhgaya. Although I did not understand then the full significance of the holy trip, but everything Anila mentioned was consistent with what i saw and experienced for myself on that trip and for the next 16 years till today.
What an amazingly beautiful being Anila Thupten Choyid is. May she live long as a shining example and inspiration to others. May I always have the merits to be reborn near my perfect teacher till ‘enlightenment do us part’.
I’ve watched Pt 2 of the of 5 video thus far, one of the things that left a deep impression in me about Anila is how patient, humble and sincere she is… there were a number of times she was asked about something that happened in the past and she couldn’t remember, she smiled and was apologetic for having a memory that is “so bad” and never got impatient, but really tried hard to remember. If it was me I might have gotten fed up and thought “How could they ask me such detailed questions on the past, all this happened so long ago! I’m not an elephant!” Thank you Anila for supporting Rinpoche all this while, from when he was a young boy to a scraggly teenager until now by kindly spending time to take the interviews from his students.
I had the great fortune to speak to Ani-la on a couple of occasions via the telephone as I was arranging for a gift from Rinpoche to be sent to her while the bio team was in the US. Even through the phone she had exuded calmness, kindness and a certain serenity.
Watching these videos affirms her character but more so than this is her humility and her fond memories of Rinpoche which are so real and genuine.
On the other hand, it also gives us all an insight into Rinpoche which has been prevalent from a young age. The consistency, the positive attitude come what may, the love for Dharma and the unbending guru devotion. All of which Rinpoche has always thought and wants to instill in us. It is just amazing to be able to piece the pieces of the puzzle through accounts of people from Rinpoche’s past. What an amazing bio this is going to be.
I pray and hope with all my heart that Rinpoche and Ani-la will indeed be able to meet again soon.
What stuck out for me was:
1. When Ani-la shared about how Rinpoche made robes for this monk who just got out of Tibet, who had not worn robes in 20 years and that how happy the monk was.
2. How Ani-la out of such humility does not even remember that she sponsored Rinpoche USD50 per month when Rinpoche was first in India. It shows she did it out of genuine kindness and not wanting any recognition etc.
Much love… Andrew
It is nice to see Anila in person being interviewed and reminiscing the early days of Rinpoche at the dharma centre, how mean Rinpoche’s parents were to him, saying bad things and criticizing the sangha and centre. This is what Rinpoche told us and now we are hearing from Anila. They wanted Rinpoche to get married and have children but when Rinpoche chose dharma, they freaked out. They physically and verbally abused Rinpoche yet Rinpoche remained steadfast in his dharma pursuit.
Anila said it is Rinpoche’s strong karmic seeds in the past life that made Rinpoche so interested in dharma at such a young age, going to temples and to be with the monks.
Anila is a sweet lady, hard to believe she grew up during the hippie era, flower power and free love, and a single mother. Now, a nun. Exemplary example.
Anila said Rinpoche liked to draw images of Shakyamuni and Green Tara and asked dharma questions. Rinpoche loves Buddha images hence the birth of Kechara Paradise. Rinpoche still has some of the drawings he drew back then.
I can see Anila trying hard to draw memories of the past and she remembered her trip to India with her daughter where she saw Rinpoche no more the scraggly teenager but a young monk who knew so many people in Delhi. Rinpoche coordinated well the trip to Bodhgaya, Varanasi and Dharamsala and ensured offerings are made to the nunnery. Some of us were so fortunate to have gone on such trips with Rinpoche and marveled at Rinpoche’s knowledge and management of people and places.
Anila was still touched as she recalled Rinpoche offering a set of robes to a monk who fled Tibet and how happy that monk was. Her face lit up when she recounted and said, ‘Sounds like Rinpoche, right?’ Cute. Anila could clearly remember what Rinpoche advised the nuns and that was in 1988!
Anila thinks that Rinpoche knew he was a Tulku even before being enthroned and she was not surprised when Rinpoche was recognized as one later. If anyone were to ask Rinpoche now, he might with humility say he has no idea.
Rinpoche’s funny antics as told by Anila is evident today, his humor is larger than life.
Anila finds it amazing that being so young Rinpoche displayed authority and confidence. These are traits of a leader, more so of a Tulku.
I really like hearing how close Rinpoche was with Kyabje Zong Rinpoche when Anila said Rinpoche picked up Kyabje and twirled him around! Wow! And their secret hand signals.
Rinpoche’s devotion to his Gurus is perfect, Anila said. I totally agree, Rinpoche is the personification of Guru Devotion! By practicing and teaching.
When Anila spoke of the poignant moment how Rinpoche’s eyes were welled with tears when he spoke of Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, we at Kechara have on many occasions witnessed the love Rinpoche has for Kyabje.
Gratitude to one’s Guru, parents, relatives, teachers, benefactors, friends is one topic that Rinpoche always teaches and which Anila shared too.
Rinpoche has told us of his hardship when he was in Gaden, India because initially he did not have a sponsor. When Anila was informed that Rinpoche said that she sponsored him, Anila was glad even though she cannot remember. Anila did not show pride in her compassion and I felt she just wanted to help Rinpoche then.
Anila remembered Rinpoche’s love for animals, and today we have Kechara Animal Sanctuary.
Anila is amazed that Rinpoche is benefiting so many with great accomplishments and she said it must be from Rinpoche’s previous lives’ aspirational prayers. It was no mean feat that Rinpoche transformed his early years of suffering into benefiting others now. One of the signs of an extraordinary holy being.
I also like the message from Anila to Rinpoche at the end of the interview. Good wishes, rejoice and best wishes.
When I first met Ani-la, what struck me was how gentle she was. Ani-la just radiates this kind, sweet energy that makes you respect the Sangha. Then as I heard her speak, what struck me was how forthcoming and direct she was, without ever being rude or disrespectful.
And even when recalling memories that if other people had, they would be hurt by (like how the Kalmyks were less than welcoming to her), she said it without any bitterness or anger.
Other things that struck me were:
1) what a difficult home life Rinpoche had, especially when Ani-la gave that example of Rinpoche’s father shouting at him for shaking his hands to dry them. If something so mundane earned a shouting, then what else would’ve earned more, like a beating?
2) when Ani-la said that Rinpoche’s parents respected statues but not the Sangha. Ani-la just stated things as they were, without making judgements or throwing in her opinions. It made her come across as truthful, instead of petty or bitter
3) that Rinpoche did not play pranks on her when he was younger, and that he played pranks with her in India. I just got the feeling that the pranks with Ani-la may have been because he felt freer then
4) how compassionate Khen Rinpoche was to continue advising Tsem Rinpoche despite the difficulties that Rinpoche’s parents posed towards Khen Rinpoche and Rashi Gempel Ling
5) the kind of affectionate relationship that Rinpoche had with Zong Rinpoche, in both his previous and current incarnations
6) Rinpoche’s Dharma inclinations when he was so young. Listening to Ani-la speak drove home the point that Rinpoche was so young when he was showing signs of being determined to study the Dharma, and also so young when he was being beaten. It made me think that wherever a Tulku is reborn, east or west, they will still show the same Dharma tendencies
When people talk about Sangha, it is examples like Ani-la and Khen Rinpoche that I think of. She was so helpful and full of information, and soft-spoken and everything she said, you just had a feeling that it was the truth. Listening to her was definitely one of the highlights of our Bio trip to the States. Thank you Rinpoche for posting this video.
My heartfelt thanks to Anila for her care and support to Rinpoche during the time when he most needed it. I can imagine her being one of the few people young Rinpoche could turn to and counted on when he was emotionally hurt and physically starved!!
I admire Rinpoche for his determination to not let difficult situations stop him from getting what he want and more so, he turned negativities into inspiration!
I will always remind myself of Anila’s $50 support which had gone a long way to make Rinpoche’s life better in those difficult times. Likewise, a pack of freshly cooked vegetarian lunch served from KSK can make a difference to someone with a hungry stomach.
It’s not how much we could give, it’s our motivation that makes the difference.
Thank you, Rinpoche, for sharing this post with us. Anila’s interview with the Bio Team confirmed that even at a very young age, with so much difficulties and obstacles, Rinpoche never gave up on the dharma. Just like Rinpoche, Anila faced many obstacles too, was not welcomed in the society and was looked down on due to her unusual ways,yet Anila proved others wrong and became an ordained nun.
Anila’s memory is good, even though many times she claimed she cannot remember. However, listening to her unveiling the many interesting and fond memories is inspiring. Even at a young age, Rinpoche’s devotion and closeness to Kyabje Zong Rinpoche is unwavering as related by Anila of how Rinpoche would hold Zong Rinpoche by his waist and swing him around. The fond memories of how Rinpoche distracted her from her prayers by doing bunny jumping and how Rinpoche locked her in her bathroom from outside seem to be still fresh in her mind as well as the fun and all the good laughs they had while travelling in India.
Anila has helped Rinpoche in spirit and kind. When Rinpoche was a young boy, inquisitive and loved to ask questions, Anila was always there for him. When Rinpoche was in India, Anila would sponsor Rinpoche US50 per month. We are very grateful to Anila for helping Rinpoche during those difficult times.
After seeing all the pictures that were presented by the Bio Team, Anila is so amazed of such good achievements that Rinpoche had accomplished so much and had good influence on people. Yes, Rinpoche is extraordinary and has transformed all the sufferings into something positive.
Anila, you too, is extraordinary! May you live long and have a healthy life! Thank you for being there for Rinpoche when he needed it! We are very grateful to you for that!
People might be puzzled if an enlightened being can choose where and when they are to be reborn, why would Rinpoche choose to be reborn in an environment that is not so favourable? From what Anila told us and from what we know about Rinpoche’s life, the answer is very simple. By using their experiences and lives as an example, they are here to tell us no matter how hard and how difficult life might be, with Dharma, we will be able to overcome those difficulties. What make Rinpoche who he is today is his strong belief in Dharma and his determination to practice Dharma and of course, with dear Anila’s support.
Shouldn’t we feel lucky that we don’t have to go through what Rinpoche had to in order to learn and practise Dharma?
Forever be grateful to the people who have helped us, help others in return. Be loyal and respectful to our Guru for he never gives up on us.
From the perspective of someone who may just come to know about Tsem Rinpoche from a visit to the Kechara Care Gallery, they may find his life story pretty amazing and hard to believe that such a being existed, especially a reincarnated monk. The idea of “reincarnation” may blow them away on their first visit.
However, the perspective from students who has the opportunity to work in dharma and learn from Tsem Rinpoche like myself, I find the interview with Anila Thubten Chonyid consistent with what Rinpoche has always reminded us to do in practise and learn.
Rinpoche had not lied about his foster parents in the USA nor about the abuse he had to take. He never seem to complain to Anila Thubten Chonyid about his life at home or at the monastery when he had no money and she always remembered him as positive and cheerful.
Rinpoche did not let any of the past unhappiness or suffering he went through affect him in his later life nor did he become bitter or vengeful. Rinpoche did not even give up dharma in spite of all he suffered. This is a lesson on “letting go” and “guru devotion” in his trust in all of his guru, especially HH Kyabje Zong Rinpoche.
For Tsem Rinpoche, helping others in to dharma is the ultimate mission he had to do in this life and he is succeeding very well to bring more destitute people into dharma to benefit them whether they realized it or not. This is “compassion” for others.
Tsem Rinpoche also demonstrate gratefulness to others who have been kind to him and does not take them for granted. This i “caring” for them. In all Tsem Rinpoche has been consistent in his words, action and care for others.
Thank you for the interview video about Anila Thubten Chonyid who shared interesting stories of Tsem Rinpoche with us.
Dear May, You write very well. You summarize important matters excellently. Thanks for your comments… Tsem Rinpoche
What a sweet and sincere sangha.
I love how she did so much for Rinpoche without realizing it, or without any further explanation needed.
Like how she sponsored USD50 when Rinpoche was in Gaden Monastery and requested for funding, or when she went to India with some money and Rinpoche would advise how to spend it wisely (e.g. offerings to the nunnery, making robes for a man who hadn’t put on robes for 20 years). She supported Rinpoche with a lot of faith, care and trust.
The parts where I found the most interesting were:
1. The presence of the good naga (emanation of Avaloketishvara?) at Turkey Swamp, and how the fishes and wildlife there are happy to be there. I remember how Rinpoche would do 10,000 Avaloketishvara’s mantra over there, and after a trail of ducks would follow Rinpoche! http://blog.tsemtulku.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/me/avalokiteshvara-turkey-swamp-marc-me.html
2. The funny bits, like how Rinpoche would jump around saying that he’s the Giant Bunny while Anila is praying!
3. How much people respected Rinpoche even though he was young and a foreigner in India. Moreover, how much Anila Thupten Chonyid was in awe of how many people knew Rinpoche. I’m assuming it was from the humanitarian work that Rinpoche was doing in the community.
4. How close Rinpoche was with Kyabje Zong Rinpoche – as in one instance, Anila Thupten Chonyid said that Rinpoche would swing Zong Rinpoche round whilst holding onto Zong Rinpoche’s waist.
Although I have to admit, I’m not too sure whether she was referring to the current or previous incarnation.
5. How little Rinpoche complained about the bad parts in Rinpoche’s life. E.g. instead of talking and dwelling on the horrible journey during the runaway to L.A., Rinpoche spoke about how great it was upon arriving and meeting holy masters such as Zong Rinpoche.
6. How sincere Anila Thupten Chonyid is. When the interviewer told Anila about how Rinpoche’s mother was diagnosed with schizophrenia, she looked genuinely concerned and understanding in her reaction. Almost as if it made sense. I’m assuming that the Burgayeff’s weren’t very nice to her at all, but she seems to hold no grudges towards them.
There are many more, but these are my favourite bits!
Thank you,
Jean Mei
You know a few days ago I posted videos on our Bio Team travelling to USA to interview a few people. Well I put up the video on Anila Thupten Chonyid. It touched so many people as it did me when I finally watched the video. I read some of the comments people took the care to write after the video. One comment really stuck out. It was …by Ms Jean Mei. She really took the time, thought things out and put so much care into her comments.
I really felt she appreciated the Bio Team’s hard work..she respected Anila Thupten’s kind information. I find Jean Mei’s comments very nice because although it’s about me, but the care she put into it was beautiful.
I work very hard on my blog with writing, research, pictures, information, links, etc… and I have people who work very hard together with me for every single post…It’s alot of resources and time for my blog…I am happy to do it as long as it benefits…. The time taken to write such beautiful comments by people like Jean Mei really is a great reward to so many people working very hard with me.
I appreciate the care and appreciation written in Ms Jean Mei’s comments..I thank her very much.
She is part of my blog team, and that is all the more amazing as she will sincerely express her feelings about the blog posts in the comments…Beautiful. It’s not just a job to her, she appreciates the posts…. thanks…Tsem Rinpoche
Meeting Anila was a wonderful experience. She has such a lovely humble and gentle spirit which comes across in all the interviews and it is difficult to imagine that she was a rebel in her younger days. We learned that certain people in the community looked down on her because she did not conform to society’s moral dictates but yet despite all these obstacles, she became ordained and to me, this is really walking the talk… she truly embodies the Dharma that she loves.
During the interviews, Anila also shared information about Rinpoche which was very candid and honest, without fear or favour. It was a privilege to listen to her stories, and although some parts were not very pleasant, they provided a brutally honest background to Rinpoche’s unique childhood.
Thank you Anila for looking after Rinpoche and helping Rinpoche when Rinpoche needed it – from his childhood to his time in Gaden. Without your support, Rinpoche would have suffered so much more. Thank you.
Really appreciate this posting. I knew that this post takes Rinpoche many hours and energy to write. Thank you very much for sharing your childhood with us. With this we further get to know Rinpoche early days even better , all the struggles and enormous effort put in by a young boy that pushes all the way to acquire the knowledge of Dharma. Its absolutely mind blowing a young boy would be so incline to do that.
This is also an example many many times that Rinpoche spoke off how we need to know our lineage , the background of where all the Dharma teachings came from. Its very important to know that all Rinpoche teaching came from the true and genuine source.
Thanks alot to everyone that makes this possible.
Hello! My name is Bonnie Baptist. I am a student of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of Geshe Micheal Roach. I completed the tantric program at Diamond Mountain (with Geshe Michael and Lama Christie). Several years ago I was able to do a small pilgrimage to Rashi Gemphil Ling and also to meet there with Geshe Lothar. It was very special to me to be in the place where one of my precious lamas began his studies…So I can imagine how happy and blessed you must have felt to go there too.
Listening to and reading Tsem Tulkus teachings, I have always benefitted and enjoyed. I cant help but to see some wonderful similarity in style and emphasis to Geshe Michael. I dont know if they were close or what role they played in each others lives, but I would be very interested to know. Are there any plans to interview Geshe Michael?
Thank you to the bio team and also to Tsem Tulku, for being a light in the world!
With love and prayers,
~Bonnie
Thank you, Rinpoche, for sharing such a special part of your childhood with us. It was an incredible and humbling experience to meet Anila Thubten Chonyid, who is just as Rinpoche has explained in his post. What a gentle, humble, kind nun, who did everything she could while we were there to help us with our interviews and find out more information. I remember that when we turned up at her doorstep, she had not slept all night (as she works part time every evening as a nurse). Still, she accommodated us the best she could, took us on a tour of the temple and answered all our questions. Whatever she couldn’t remember, she made the additional effort to call around friends in the neighbourhood to find out more information for us.
Anila shared, very kindly, that she herself has also experienced much ostracism from the local community – she spoke about it simply, with no hard feelings, no ill will, but just to express that she did understand what opposition Rinpoche had had to go through as a child from his step-parents. How inspiring to see such a living example of someone who never gave up on her practices too, even though her entire community was “against” her and didn’t lend her any support.
I and a few others had the great privilege to interview her in her own own. It excites me to see the videos again. For the brief time I spent with her, she made a difference even to my life so I can only imagine what a tremendous difference and presence she must have been to a young Rinpoche who had gone through so much abuse, difficulty and pain as a boy. Thank you Anila for doing everything you did for Rinpoche, which has created the causes for us to now also be with him. All of us in Malaysia will be forever indebted to your kindness and all those times you shared Dharma with Rinpoche. Rinpoche still speaks about those times now, and specific titles of books he borrowed from you library!
With much gratitude xxx
When viewing the video, it was like history brought back into the present.
Rinpoche taught us that one of the signs of one who has attainments is that their behaviour and thoughts will be the same 10, 20 ,30 years ago , now and the future.To me, that strikes a chord.If one had found the real thing, there is nothing else to seek or change.
When I watch the interviews of those fortunate people who shared his life in the past,they all basically say the same thing about Rinpoche ,whether its lay people or monks. They can recall because of Rinpoche’s stable and consistent demeanour which is uncommon.If we ask people who were with us when we were younger growing over the years,each person will most likely be saying different things about us.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this post. It’s really wonderful to read and watch the interview on how Rinpoche started Rinpoche’s spiritual journey during the young age. Anila has shared interesting story about Rinpoche.
Despite of the difficulties that Rinpoche face, with strong faith and devotion Rinpoche never gave up. It’s so nice to see how Anila being there for Rinpoche when she is needed and definitely she is one of the great person that Rinpoche will always remembered.
Rinpoche great quality has been shown during the very young age which doesn’t surprise Anila that Rinpoche is a great being now and even in Rinpoche’s previous life.
Thanks Rinpoche again for giving us this opportunity to learn from Rinpoche’s life journey. Rinpoche bio is a true teaching of dharma.
Anila,
Happy Birthday.
May you have great health and long live.
Anila’s interviews confirmed that Rinpoche had always walked the talk even as a young person – that no obstacle can stand in his way to practice the dharma. No matter how hard the circumstances were, nothing could deter Rinpoche’s mind from walking the path.
Rinpoche’s spirit was always high, never dampened by difficulties at the home front.
It came as no surprise to Anila when Rinpoche was recognised as a Tulku because Rinpoche already exhibited many qualities of a high being as a young person.
Thank you Anila for taking care of Rinpoche, giving Rinpoche help when he most needed it.
Happy Birthday to you, Anila.
May you live long, stay healthy and joy in your practice!
I haven’t met up with Anila Thupten Chonyid in over twenty years!! When I posted the interview up of her speaking about me, it brought back so many good memories. I was flooded with the past…all the good times I spent with Anila as a child. It would be wonderful if she can visit us here in Malaysia. I was so young and asked her so many questions. I loved her practice, spirituality and devotion. She was very gentle yet firm in her practice…I learned so much from her…she related beautiful dharma stories to me always… She use to wear a mala around her neck always. I thought that was so cool. I wanted to do the same, but my parents wouldn’t allow. I wanted to wear a mala around my neck and a Manjushri pendant and NEVER TAKE IT OFF as a kid. I hope so much we can meet up again here Anila Thupten. I hope so..TR
Happy Birthday to Ven Anila Thupten Chonyid in New Jersey. I wish you a long life, more spiritual success, and to become inseperable from your guru in all your lives. I send my warmest wishes and prayers, Tsem Rinpoche
I read the blog and watched the first video with Jamie and Anila and went to rest. I had than a dream with Anila. Anila had put her hands on my head very gently and just stayed with me as I began to softly cry and cry. Her kindness went right to my heart. I felt so much compassion and kindness from her,it was one of the most peaceful dream I had. Thank you so much for presenting Anila to us. I am deeply moved by her kindness and a magnificent being! I am so happy for everything she did to help Rinpoche!
What a wonderful work has been done by the Bio Team interviewing Anila. Thank you so much for these very beneficial and inspiring videos about Rinpoche and Anila.