Ji Gong – The Crazy Monk of China

By | Sep 29, 2016 | Views: 19,800
Ji Gong, the Chinese mahasiddha

Ji Gong, the Chinese mahasiddha

(By Tsem Rinpoche and Pastor David)

The 11th Century Chinese monk Daoji is commonly known by the name Ji Gong. He was a Chan Buddhist monk of the Southern Song Dynasty in ancient China. He was born with the name of Li Xiuyuan. Daoji was also known by the name Hu Yin which meant ‘Recluse from the Lake’ and Elder Fang Yuan, ‘Squared Circle’.

The image of Ji Gong is romanticised as a dishevelled monk wearing a monk’s hat emblazoned with the Chinese character ‘Buddha’ while carrying a worn-out reed fan in one hand and a wine gourd in the other. After his passing, Ji Gong became somewhat of a folk hero and minor deity in Chinese Taoist folk religion and later became the Buddhist figure that he is known as today. He is frequently mentioned in Chinese folktales, koans (Chan Buddhist parables) and is sometimes invoked by temple mediums to assist in people’s affairs.

Mahasiddhas are great yogis who engaged in tantric practices and attained great realisations

Mahasiddhas are great yogis who engaged in tantric practices and attained great realisations

Ji Gong is said to have possessed supernatural powers that arose due to his spiritual attainments. He would often aid the poor with his abilities and stand up to injustices inflicted upon the downtrodden. However, he was also known for his wild and eccentric behavior, especially for his love of alcohol and meat which were considered sacrilegious amongst the Buddhist clergy of his time. This is consistent with the tantric tradition of Buddhism.

Although tantra never really gained mainstream acceptance in China, many aspects of Ji Gong’s life seem to be consistent with that of a great tantric adept – a mahasiddha. The tradition of mahasiddhas arose in India during the later period of Buddhism when great practitioners led the life of wandering yogins who engaged in tantric sadhanas at charnel grounds and achieved great realisations. These itinerant yogins are frequently characterised by their often-controversial behaviour of drinking alcohol, eating meat and so forth.

As far as Ji Gong is concerned, there is no evidence to suggest that he ever received tantric transmissions or ever practiced tantric sadhanas. Nonetheless, his behaviour has all the hallmarks of a mahasiddha. This is probably due to the fact that his mahasiddha-like behaviour was because he operated from the ultimate truth. This is in contrast with the rest of us, who operate from the standpoint of conventional truth.

Conventional truth focuses mainly on the ordinary matters of daily lives, which are centred on our ego and attachment. In Buddhism, there are many conventional truths and they differ according to our background, upbringing and experience. People hang on to these truths but, in reality, they have no real concrete basis as they are impermanent and are based on values we project on them. On the other hand, the ultimate truth is singular and based upon the nature of reality, which is that all things are free of inherent existence. In Buddhism, this is the highest wisdom and the ultimate truth.

One can achieve this view of the ultimate truth through the tantric path or through other methods such as the beautiful Zen/Chan tradition of Buddhism. Hence, those of us with the conventional view would perceive a great practitioner’s behaviour as controversial or crazy, since we perceive his actions based on our conventional perception and our limited view. The mahasiddha example and explanation is used not so much as to suggest Ji Gong was a tantric practitioner but to shed light on the meaning of his controversial actions.

 

The Life of Ji Gong

Ji Gong’s real name was Li Xiuyuan and he was born to a retired military strategist, Li Maochun. Before he was born, a Feng Shui master told his parents that they did not have the fortune to have children. Distraught from this revelation, the parents embarked on a pilgrimage to various temples.

A mural painting at Lingyin temple that illustrates the ordination of Daoji (Ji Gong)

A mural painting at Lingyin temple that illustrates the ordination of Daoji (Ji Gong)

While the parents-to-be were praying and making offerings at a temple which had a prayer hall to 500 Arhats, a statue of the Arhat Taming Dragon fell off the altar on its own accord. The mother was later found to be pregnant and she recalled the incident of the falling statue to mean that her unborn child was, in reality, the incarnation of the Arhat Taming Dragon.

A lively statue of the Arhat Taming Dragon

A lively statue of the Arhat Taming Dragon

In his youth, Ji Gong led a comfortable life until the untimely demise of his parents when he was 18. From then on, Li was sent to Hangzhou and was ordained as a monk at Lingyin Temple. He studied at the feet of the great Vinaya master Huiyuan and was given the monastic name of Daoji. Unlike many of his peers in the monastery, Daoji did not always adhere to the traditional monastic code of conduct. Somehow, he developed a penchant for eating meat and drinking wine while his robes were often dirty and tattered due to his constant travelling. He was also often seen stumbling as he walked because he was highly intoxicated.

It was due to his unrestrained behaviour that he created uproar in the temple. Some of the monks called for him to be expelled. His teacher somehow knew who he was and defended him by saying, “The Gate of Buddhism is so vast! Why is this crazy monk not forgiven?” Therefore, the monks were frustrated and resorted to calling him ‘Crazy Monk’. After his teacher passed away, he was forced to move to Jingci Temple.

Daoji however, had a good heart and was always on the lookout to assist and extend a helping hand to ordinary folks. There are many accounts of him healing the sick and fighting against injustice inflicted on the downtrodden. Unfortunately, such behaviour was at odds with what was expected of a monk. The monks at his temple were bewildered and frustrated with his behaviour and the elders finally decided to expel Daoji from the monastery. From then on, Daoji wandered from place to place and always strove to help those he met.

Ji Gong entered Jingci Monastery after the passing of his teacher, the Abbot Huiyuan

Ji Gong entered Jingci Monastery after the passing of his teacher, the Abbot Huiyuan

It is said that while engaging in his meditations, Daoji attained supernatural powers due to his practice. Eventually, people began to recognise the fact that his eccentric, benevolent nature was because he was actually an incarnation of a bodhisattva, or even an emanation of an arhat. Eventually, he became widely recognised by many people to be the incarnation of the Arhat Taming Dragon, one of the 18 Arhats, a Chinese equivalent of the 16 Arhats. Daoji passed away at Jingci Monastery in the year 1207. It was said that he left this verse before he passed away:

Sixty years’ life in disorder
From east to west, I fight always
Today, I review and return
All is same as those before

His remains were interred in Running Tiger Spring Area and a special monastery named Jigong Tayuan was founded in honour of the memory people had of this great master.

 

The Incredible Tales of Ji Gong

JiGong-12

The following are a few stories told of Ji Gong that are immortalised in books, songs, poetry, plays and artwork. Each unique story reveals an aspect of Ji Gong’s eccentric manner in which he delivers the teachings and benefits people. Hence, it is no surprise how intertwined Ji Gong is with traditional Chinese culture.

 

The Buddha Statue

Ji Gong always sought to teach people not to jump to conclusions based on external appearances. On one occasion, Ji Gong and his students were trying to stay warm during a particularly wintery night.

JiGong-13The cold was so bad that Ji Gong had to dismantle the wooden altar they used for worship and start a fire out of it. One of his students was horrified and cried out, “What are you doing? That’s our sacred altar!” Then Ji Gong took the statue of the Buddha and chopped it into two pieces. The student exclaimed, “You are cutting the Buddha! Don’t do that!” Ji Gong answered, “This statue is not the Buddha himself. This is just a piece of wood.”

In doing so, he wanted to teach his students how to let go of attachment and that what really matters is our true intent at heart. Wood decays over time but compassion is timeless and it touches people at the deepest level. It was not important to Ji Gong whether or not a person appeared to have great virtue because appearances meant nothing to him. He was only interested in the qualities of one’s heart.

 

Summoning Logs from a Well

JiGong-08

Ji Gong in Xiyuan Temple, Suzhou, China

While he was living at Jingci Temple, Ji Gong was appointed as the scribe monk of the temple. On one occasion, a fire broke out and destroyed the main prayer hall of the temple. It was then that the abbot turned to him to procure large quantities of wood for restoration works.

Instead of searching for suppliers, Ji Gong slept for three days because he was intoxicated. Upon waking, he shouted at the monks, “The wood is here, take it from the well!” Large logs were miraculously transported into the well of the temple continuously until there were enough logs for rebuilding the prayer hall. These days, there is a Shenmu Well in Jingci Temple that is purportedly the very same well.

 

Stopping a Landslide

This story highlights Ji Gong’s creative manner in which he saves people from imminent danger. On one occasion, Ji Gong was walking towards Lingyin Temple when he suddenly felt a jolt right in his heart. Immediately he knew something was amiss so he used his clairvoyance to investigate. He realised that a landslide was about to come crashing down the side of a mountain onto the nearby village.

Alarmed at what he saw, Ji Gong began shouting to the townspeople and screaming for them to run for their lives. But the people just laughed and dismissed him as “the crazy old monk” who was drunk as usual and screamed for no apparent reason. Ji Gong realised he was not taken seriously and so he looked around and spotted a wedding procession passing through the village. This gave him an idea. He barged into the procession and snatched the bride, threw her over his shoulders and ran down the road out of town.

This caught everybody by surprise and the worried groom and wedding guests screamed for everyone to chase after the kidnapper. Soon, the entire village was chasing after them. As soon as the maddening crowd ran past the village gates, a loud crash was heard behind them. Everything behind them came down in a huge crash. Huge rocks came crashing down the side of the mountain, shattering rooftops and flattening buildings in an instant.

Ji Gong turned around and he noticed that back in the village, a little girl had been left behind and a gigantic boulder was thundering towards her. He immediately lifted his palm at the boulder and it fell aside. Today this hill is known as Hangzhou’s “Flying Peak” and it has since become a tourist attraction. In fact, visitors today can see the imprint of a hand sunk into the base of the rock bearing testament to Ji Gong’s psychic abilities.

 

Saving a Suicidal Old Man

On another occasion, Ji Gong came across an old man who was on the verge of hanging himself from a tree. The man tied a noose to a branch and was just about to place his head through it when suddenly he saw Ji Gong who was dressed in rags come by. Ji Gong was muttering to himself, “Die! Die! Everything is over after I am dead. Dying is better than living. I will hang myself now.” Ji Gong had a noose in hand and was just about to hang himself just next to the old man at the very same tree.

JiGong-10This puzzled the old man and he asked Ji Gong why a monk would want to commit suicide. Ji Gong explained that he was commissioned to raise money for the monastery’s renovation plans. He had begged for three years and accumulated a sizeable amount but on his way back to the monastery, he stopped by a bar, got drunk and was robbed of all the money. He was embarrassed and dare not return to the monastery so he decided to end his life here. The old man easily believed his story and said, “Don’t worry, I happen to have some money left, which is of no use to me now.”

He gave Ji Gong five pieces of silver, which was all the money he had. Ji Gong took the silver and said, “Your silver does not shine as much as what I used to have but I will take them.” So he took the money and walked away with a big smile. Giving away his money did not change a thing for the old man so he continued his plans to hang himself. But Ji Gong returned not long after and the old man initially thought that the monk had returned to thank him for the money.

But Ji Gong said, “I see you’ve got some nice clothes there. Why don’t you give that to me so you can nakedly leave this world just as you nakedly came?” The old man was stunned with the monk’s audacity and he looked up to the sky and sighed. He said, “Why is it so hard to die as it is to live? How can I end my misery?”

Ji Gong said, “Look, after your death, the wild dogs will come to tear you up and your nice clothes would be wasted. But if you give it to me now, I will make good use of it.” Ji Gong went on to tease and play with the desperate man until the latter became amused and started to laugh along with Ji Gong. The old man soon found this eccentric monk quite friendly and extremely entertaining. He started to open his heart and told Ji Gong his tragic story about how he lost his daughter. Soon, he had a change of heart and no longer wanted to commit suicide. Ji Gong eventually helped him to look for his daughter, and the story had a happy ending.

Ji Gong – The Crazy Monk of China

Ji Gong – The Crazy Monk of China

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Pastor David Lai
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About Pastor David Lai

David is a lay Buddhist pastor of Kechara and a longtime student of H.E. Tsem Rinpoche. Initially a reluctant writer, he now finds himself writing for a living and has published four books including his autobiography, There's No Way But Up and Conversations in Love.

David is a lover of Buddhist art and whenever he can, he shares his knowledge of the Dharma with everyone, giving frequent teachings and writing on his blog www.davidlai.me.
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46 Responses to Ji Gong – The Crazy Monk of China

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  1. Alex Chandar on Apr 20, 2023 at 12:27 am

    I’m a Hindu but I do pray to Chinese deities and Buddha as well. Today my Chinese fried present me a picture of Ji Gong. So from today onwards I’ll pray to Him as well. Thank you my friend Ah Peng for introduce me to Ji Gong, the Chinese mahasiddha. May everyone get His blessings and abundance of happiness 🙏😇🙏

  2. Saras on May 23, 2022 at 3:00 pm

    Thanks you for the incredible tales of Ji Gong, I truly enjoyed knowing the actual monk in picture. Ji Gong symbolised hope and kindness of dharma to the poor and underprivileged, the spirit of Ji Gong will continue to survive through time because nothing could destroy that.

    I had fascinated watching a number of movies that had related Ji Gong kindness, compassion and his skillful actions that had such a large influence in the world and that until today.

    https://bit.ly/3lx8qyX

  3. Wan Wai Meng on Dec 11, 2016 at 10:43 pm

    Thank you for this story, very impressed with Ji Gong, who appears to transcends forms of buddhism, and cut right to the heart of things. My favourite story was of taking apart the altar so he and his students could stay warm, and not freeze to death.

  4. Vivian Ong on Nov 28, 2016 at 12:33 am

    Thank you Pastor David for sharing this article of Ji Gong. After reading this article only I realize the attainments that Ji Gong has and is a great mahasiddha. What other people think of him as a crazy monk does not stop him from helping people in his own special ways.

    With folded palms,
    Vivian

  5. Justin Cheah on Nov 8, 2016 at 11:58 pm

    Ji Gong is one of my favourite heroes during my childhood. It was then that i collected most imprints about Buddhism at my an early age by watching his series. Ji Gong taught be to be compassion and be always there to help someone. I feel the stories are nice to educate children from their young age to be exposed to Dharma, Compassion and Tantra. Ji Gong have a huge influence on small kids. Thank you Pastor David for sharing.

  6. TekLee on Oct 21, 2016 at 1:06 am

    Thank you Pastor David for sharing Ji Gong story. I read about Ji Gong stories when I was a kid, and watched his drama series. I like Ji Gong a lot. Especially his super natural power to help people and animal. However after reading this article, it let me know more about Ji Gong, like, there is no evidence to prove that is received tantric transmission, but his behaviour showed that he is a mahasiddha. This reminded me of crazy wisdom, Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche that Pastor Han Nee told me. He did all sorts of worldly behaviour, but in the end, he brought Tibetan Buddhism to the west during that degenerated age in that era.
    I like the part “The Buddha Statue” in this article, it greatly reminded me everything we see from out side is only a form, a form that appear to people, what really matters is our true intent at heart. The true qualities is what that really matters in the end. Just like Rinpoche told us, we can keep learning Dharma, but applying it is the real transformation.
    Thank you again Pastor David for the article. With folded hands _/\_

  7. June Kang on Oct 16, 2016 at 9:20 pm

    The more I read on the story of Mahsiddhas, the more I can feel the compassion of the Buddha to save and liberate us. Buddha will be emanated in any form just to help us free from samsara world.
    To save the sentient being, Ji Gong with his wisdom to spread the Dharma in unconventional way. He was known for helping those that in need and sometimes even saving their lives. I like to read his story since I was small child, like to see him using his wisdom to help and save people. At one time I wish I have his wisdom. When I grown up I forgotten all this.

    Just like the story of stopping a Landslide that normal people will not think of snatched the bride and ran down the rod out of town to save peoples life, because to us this is a crazy way to do it. However this is actually the best way at that moment. This is the wisdom and compassion of the Buddha.

    However sad to say that some peoples don’t pay attention of his kindness and wisdom but only focus on a Buddhist monk who eat meat and drink alcohol and use this as an excuse to eat meat and drink alcohol also.

    Also, Ji Gong remind me the first time I read the story Chögyam Trungpa, I also asked why he behave like that, he openly smoked, drank, and had intimate relations with students . But this is how Chögyam Trungpa bringing Tibetan Buddhism to the west with his “ Crazy Wisdom”. And his reincarnation has been recognised. I like what he said this
    “Becoming “awake” involves seeing our confusion more clearly.”

    Thank you Pastor David for the wonderful post.

  8. Pema Thinley on Oct 15, 2016 at 2:43 am

    Amazing story….. Amazing how the realised beings break our wrong perceptions. It reminds me of the story of The Divine Madman. They appear crazy to us because we have been always self-centered and perceived through that same lens. Amaing _()_

    Thank you lah

  9. Pastor Antoinette on Oct 15, 2016 at 12:09 am

    The crazy old monk stories seem to be very popular as i saw in the comments below. His life is amazing, starting from his birth to parents who were told not to have a child. How compassionate and wise Ji Gong was becomes obvious by reading the stories.

    It is not what we see on the outside that makes the difference. Our motive and selfless action is much more important. This was true at Ji Gong’s time and it is still the same today.

    Thank you Pastor David for sharing about the Crazy and Wise Monk of China.

  10. nicholas on Oct 14, 2016 at 11:59 pm

    A true Boddhisatva will often return to samsara in different form to benefit people. In this case I believe Ji Gong manifest in such form to help many people with his crazy wisdom. We can’t really judge someone with our naked eye but we can see their action resulted in the ultimate result. This type of great wisdom being will have odd or rather crazy in our term in performing their action to help people. I know it sound weird but I believe they know what they are doing and I feel his behaviour in such is to get close to people or helping people in a subtle way.

  11. shelly tai on Oct 14, 2016 at 2:58 pm

    Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David for sharing this story with us. I have come across his story when I was young , I remember one very significants is he always drunk and he act very out of norm, is kind of funny to watch and I like it especially he will help whoever in danger or being treated unfairly he is like hero . In those day when I watch it is more for entertainment but if think back this what some of the highly attain master will act out of conventional way because our normal mind will perceive as wrong and is not like that so after knowing the Dharma that we know this is because our wrong perception toward the thing we think must be like this and cannot be different so is our wrong perception there is nothing wrong with acting different from the norm the most important is correct motivation.

  12. Alice Tay on Oct 13, 2016 at 8:40 pm

    I came across about Ji Gong’s story since I was very young age at about 7 or 8. Ji Gong is very well known with his dirty robes, eating meat and drinking wine. However, many people believed that Ji Gong has supernatural powers and with his kindness and compassion, he would stand up and help the poor or the misfortune group.

    Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David sharing this interesting article and let me have further thoughts about Ji Gong’s often-controversial behaviour of drinking alcohol, eating meat and so forth which is because of he operated out from the conventional truth in order to achieve the ultimate truth.

  13. Joy on Oct 11, 2016 at 3:37 am

    Thank you Pastor David for writing this blog article of one of the many Chinese folktales told as we were growing up. There were even a hit Hong Kong series which tells of how Ji Gong help others.

    He is no doubt a mahasiddha who like you said were more keen and operated on the ultimate truth! And I guess that was what captivated and attracted me and my sister to watch the series even though it was in Chinese and we did not understand it (thank goodness there were subtitles). You could say that he was the first Buddhist monk I ever came across (on TV) and really liked his unconventional style. In the hit series it tells of how he helps and always stand up for the destitute and those who were weaker.

    So yes I very much believed that he was an Bodhisattva. I guess I’ve always like anything “unconventional” and his tales and stories were. And like you said he was not interested in how others perceived him, instead about developing and being compassionate. In a funny little way Ji Gong kinda reminds me of our Rinpoche’s unconventional skillful methods in teaching us Dharma and introducing Dharma to many of us, minus the dirty clothes. Thanks to your article now will come to know a little bit more about his background and how he became a monk.

  14. Paul Yap on Oct 9, 2016 at 10:35 am

    The legend of Ji Gong is always fascinating and very popular in every generations. The stories and tales of Ji Gong has been made into numerous movies, i think because Ji Gong has successfully show his compassion, kindness and miraculous power in helping and saving life, especially among the poor and needy, Ji Gong is like the western version of Robin Hood but with dharma knowledge and attainment. I like the story of Ji Gong very much. Ji Gong symbolised hope and kindness of dharma to the poor and underprivileged, the spirit of Ji Gong will continue to survive thru time cos nothing can destroyed that.

  15. Darren on Oct 6, 2016 at 6:39 pm

    Thank you Pastor David for the interesting article.

  16. Freon Tee on Oct 5, 2016 at 6:29 pm

    I like the story of Ji Gong since young. His unconventional of helping people was very much impressive. After i read story about Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, I thought both of them are very much the same. They have the crazy wisdom and both give dharma to people which break the point of view at that time.

    Ji Gong was born to a rich family and he is a very learned scholar. He was force to get married with a girl which he ran away at the nite of his wedding and became a monk. Monk life was never easy for Ji Gong, he was “bullied” all the time by the senior of the monastery, and even live life like a beggar. Even tho, he live in hard life, poor and homeless most of the time, but, he was always seem happy and have wisdom to help many people who needed him. He always gave some dharma to the person after he helps them.
    Ji Gong was quite proficient in the medicine and saved many people from death. He was known to give the pill that save life from rubbing his body’s “dust” .
    His story is very inspiring and he is known to be the reincarnation of the Arhat. I really like his story very much.

    Thank you Pastor David for this story. Nice one

  17. Lin Mun on Oct 4, 2016 at 10:45 pm

    This is a very interesting article on Ji Gong. I only knew about Ji Gong when I watched the HK drama series. Thought it was just a creation for the drama and never thought that this person really exist. I love that drama series.

    Ji Gong unconventional method in practising dharma may be portrayed to be crazy but I think it is because we always set a fixed expectation in everything and when it does not match to our expectation, then he is not accepted. What Ji Gong has done is to actually break out mindset to accept differences.

    Thank you Pastor David for sharing.

  18. Wei Theng on Oct 4, 2016 at 9:51 pm

    Thank you Pastor David for this interesting article on Ji Gong.

    Since young I love to watch the series of Ji Gong & stories of Ji Gong as I find that he always helping others and always teaches the bad guy a lesson. To me, he is a hero. 🙂

    Although he looks sloppy & appears to be crazy and always do things out of the norm, he is very kind and extended his helps always especially towards unfairness treatment.

    He also very wise and always says things that to prompt us to check out on our ego & attachment and always have a joyous smile!

    Ji Gong is one of my favourite movies & after reading this article, I can’t help but to google for his song again. 😛

    Here you are to share with all of you the Ji Gong song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1TK0Dj93o8

    Thanks again Pastor David! This really brings back all my great memories.

  19. Adeline Tan on Oct 4, 2016 at 1:46 am

    I have read Ji Gong comic books when i was very young,(in primary school),at that time i only thought that crazy drunken monk, one hand held the wine gourd and the other holding a worn out reed fan liked to show off his magic powers like the folktales. He can heal people miraculously, fighting against injustice and abilities to help the poor.All the stories were very entertaining and heartwarming in the end, without knowing that he is a mahasiddha, the re-incarnation of the ArhatTaming Dragon.
    I remembered quite some times back my ex-colleague told me his daughter of less than 2 years old sometimes has no apparent reasons can cry all night and almost every night, he went to consult the medium who took trance in Ji Gong and he brought
    some guinnese stout as offering there and after the trance, he then brought back some blessed water for his daughter to drink and it worked. In another case,my friend has chronic hands and wrists problems that doctor’s treatment is no longer effective she went to the medium who is a Taiwanese lady in her 50s stays near her house who take trance in Ji Gong every Saturday night for 2, 3 Saturdays, during the trance the medium massaged her hands and wrists with some cream , then her problems solved. As i can see the Ji Gong trance is still popular in some parts in our country. Thank you Pastor David for sharing this interesting article.

  20. Jason on Oct 3, 2016 at 2:26 am

    This is very interesting story about Ji Gong(济公).As I remembered,some people address Ji Gong Huo Fo(济公活佛)meant he is incarnation.After I read Pastor David’s article, now I know Ji Gong is incarnation of Arhat Taming Dragon.
    When I was younger age, I remembered that many people offered beer to Ji Gong to thanks Ji Gong helped them to overcome some difficulty or hardship in their live. Ji Gong always use his worn-out fan to touch people’s sickness part as blessing purpose.
    Ji Gong teach people less attachment to anythings in samsara while cultivate inner quality like compassion which will timeless benefit others. I did like the skillful means of Ji Gong to save people life.
    Thanks Pastor David for sharing Ji Gong’s story.

    Jason

  21. Datuk May on Oct 2, 2016 at 10:11 pm

    Thank you, Pastor David, for this article of Ji Gong, the Crazy Monk of China. I really liked reading the following:

    ““You are cutting the Buddha! Don’t do that!” Ji Gong answered, “This statue is not the Buddha himself. This is just a piece of wood.”

    In doing so, he wanted to teach his students how to let go of attachment and that what really matters is our true intent at heart. ”

    I learnt from the above is that what we perceive are of no inherent value except for our perception and attachments to physical material things. However, sad to admit at my level, to be able to really be disrespectful to a Buddha statue is beyond me and that is all because I do not have the attainments to have such wisdom nor confidence to do so.

    Wonderful learning of emptiness and impermanence and that practise of the true meaning of Buddhism to have Bodhichitta and attainments is very clear.

  22. Pastor Han Nee on Oct 2, 2016 at 3:14 pm

    Thank you P David for this interesting article on Ji Gong. There must be a generation gap, for I had never heard about Ji Gong when I was growing up and even later.Nonetheless, his “crazy” or “controversial” behaviour and his total disregard for his physical appearance are not exactly shocking. They are very much in keeping with the unconventional behavior of the Indian Mahasiddhas that we read about in the blogpost “The 84 Mahasiddhas”. Mahasiddha Virupa, for instance, drank alcohol and ate meat(pigeons’ meat!)and had “women” visiting him in the monastery until the late hours of the morning!

    They are highly realised beings. More than that Ji Gong, like the other Mahasiddhas, is a Bodhisattva.His seeming disregard and flouting of conventions and conventional norms, does not detract from his kindness and sincere altruistic wish to help all beings. He was truly creative and skillful in his ways of aiding others- the way he got a whole village of people to leave their village before the massive landslide came down on them which would have killed them all, the way he thwarted an old man’s attempt to commit suicide.

    Like yogins of old, he was not daunted by any seeming punishment imposed on him nor any hardship he encountered.He lived truly like a free spirit,not bound by conventional ideas of what a home should be or where to rest his weary head.

    Thank you once more for this story. A beautiful way to remind us that it is the heart that counts and deeds that matter.

  23. Wah Ying on Oct 1, 2016 at 10:18 pm

    I watched quite some of Ji Gong’s movies and tv drama when I was young. He is a popular and famous figure in the Chinese culture. After watching those shows, what I can recall about Ji Gong is he is a monk with controversial behaviours – drink alcohol and eating meat. One of the damous phrase which always mentioned “wine and meat go into my stomach, while Buddha remains in my heart”..however many misundertood that vows are actually not that important..

    With Pastor David’s write up Ji Gong’s controversial behaviours and shed light on the meaning of his controversial actions, by explaining them from the perspective of ultimate truth and conventional truth. The story about making Buddha statue and altar as firewood and the wisdom words of Ji Gong is very good to explain the concepts. Thank you.

    • Pastor David Lai on Oct 1, 2016 at 11:59 pm

      Wah Ying,
      No, wows and commitments are VERY important for our spiritual practice for those of us who are trying to achieve attainments. Without vows, we cannot achieve attainments. However, for someone who had already achieved attainments, vows are not that important because that person had already achieved great attainments and the role of vows had been fulfilled. Most attained masters continue to hold their vows and commitments to be an example and to be able to pass it down to others. For Ji Gong, he showed a mahasiddha behaviour to get closer to ppl he interacted with but that does not mean we can do the same and get the same result because we don’t have his attainments.

  24. Uncle Eddie on Oct 1, 2016 at 3:50 pm

    Ji Gong was indeed an exceptionally, extraordinary and fearless Bodhisattva. A diety in a Chinese Taoist Folklore religion, he showed unwavering courage and great care to work for the general cause and benefits of all poor and desolate people. Always like to aid especially the poor, meek, old and the deserted. With whatever abilities and supernatural powers that he possessed, he stood up for the down-trodden and the devasted. Recognised by many people, he was said to be the incarnation of the Chinese Taoist Arhat, named Taming Dragon, one of the 18 arhats, a Chinese equivalent of the 16 arhats. Well known for his wild and eccentric behaviour, particular for his love for alcohol and meat, he was often seen stumbling as he walked, due to his intoxication! It was said that he passed away at Jingei Monastery in the year 1207, but, still vividly remembered and dearly loved by many till today. Om Mani Padme Hung.

  25. Fong on Oct 1, 2016 at 12:37 am

    Most of the Chinese in Malaysia are familiar with Ji Gong but may not know much about him. The many stories about Ji Gong is really interesting.

    What I found interesting was the correlation between Ji Gong and the Mahasiddhas of India. So, maybe tantra did make it’s way to China without it being fully recognized or known widely.

    Like most Malaysian born Chinese, I had my fair share of witnessing trances of Ji Gong and some vague stories about him. So, I found this article very interesting and intriguing.

    Thank you, Pastor David for a very interesting article.

    • Pastor David Lai on Oct 2, 2016 at 12:42 am

      I did discuss the subject of Tantra in China in the article. Tantra was transmitted in China but it did not take off and died out. The manner in which Ji Gong operated from is not that he is a tantric practitioner as there is no evidence that points in that direction. Rather it was Ji Gong’s own attainments and realization arising from his formal meditation practice. Attainments does not require tantric pratice to arise and can arise through Sutric prctices as well. However, it is a lot easier through the path of tantra.

  26. Samfoonheei on Sep 30, 2016 at 6:27 pm

    Thank you Pastor David Lai for this interesting article. Since young i always like to hear stories of Ji Gong, even watch TV show about him and would like to go to Ji Gong temples .That time i would not understand much but do as my parents told .But now after reading these article i begin to understand better. Ji Gong is said to have possessed supernatural powers that he would often help the poor or anyone who needed help with his abilities. In Taoist religion,Ji Gong is well known as today.I have seen a Taoist medium in trance as Ji Gong. I have heard many interesting accounts of him helping those who need his help. Ji Gong has a good, kind heart and appearance should not be judge after all.Never judge a person by appearance…there is a quote what is important is inside..
    Thanks again …i do really enjoyed reading Ji Gong biography.and a reminder for us .. our mindset and motivation to benefit people when practicing Dharma.

  27. Sofi on Sep 30, 2016 at 4:45 pm

    Ji Gong really shows us how the Bodhisattva works unconventionally to help us. From the moment he took birth, he helps his parents fulfil their wishes and went on to help others, trying to open their seed of Bodhicitta nature and to transform their ignorance. As So Kin Hoe had aptly described, Ji Gong lived his live as a teaching to others.

    I had loved to watch the Ji Kong series on television as a young kid and loved how he used his abilities to help others in times of need. He was unconventional and one could never expect what he would do next. To cure the sick, he would rub his armpits to form a dirt ball and ask the sick to eat. Of course, they will be repelled at first but having no choice, they ate and recovered. I guess this has parallel to our dharma path. We seek our Guru for cure to our worldly sickness and yet when we are given the practices, we become lazy until we realise there is no other way out of ignorance, then we practice and hopefully gain the mind transformation out of our misery.

    I once went for a trance session where Ji Kong would drink all sorts of alcholic drinks as the people offered and loved to challenge him to drink. No matter how much he drank under trance, after “Ji Kong” leaves, the medium is never drunk. Under trance, Ji Kong is very jovial and also rub his armpits for “medicine pill” to give to the sick. Quite fascinating to watch.

    Thank you Pastor David for this interesting article of our legendary Ji Kong who breaks the idea of conventional Arhats.

  28. Valentina Suhendra on Sep 30, 2016 at 2:33 pm

    Dear Pastor David,

    Thank you for the interesting and well-written article. I read about the story of Ji Gong when I was a child as a TV series so reading this story has brought up so many sweet memories of my dad and I watching TV together.

    Even as a child, I noticed that behind the drunkeness and dirty appearance, Ji Gong was very kind-hearted and that is the reason my dad and I were glued to the TV. I guess he wants me to understand that outer appearance may not be the most important.

    The story helps us to understand that we should not have projection of what a Mahasiddha should or should not be. In fact in all aspects of life, if we control our projection, we will be a much happier person.

    Valentina

  29. Kenn Lai on Sep 30, 2016 at 11:37 am

    Nice article Pastor David Lai and how about Bodhidharma(Dak mo)he originated from India who establish a Shaolin in China? Daoji is a compassionate buddha is like emmergency in needed.

  30. So Kin Hoe (KISG) on Sep 30, 2016 at 11:34 am

    Thank you Pastor David Lai for sharing the biography and stories of Ji Gong. The stories of Ji Gong have reminded me that we should not yearn to look good, feel comfortable, dress well or live in abundance when we practise Dharma and most importantly is our sincerity and purity of our mind and motivation to benefit people around us without hoping for any return.

    The physical appearance of Ji Gong has taught us about emptiness as everything will fade away at the time of our death. Ji Gong’s wild and eccentric behaviour indirectly reflect on how limited our minds work that we should not judge anyone based on the outer appearance without deeper understanding on the inner level, before drawing to a conclusion.

    May the stories of Ji Gong able to reach and help many people, who are in need of short Dharma teachings that can open up their minds to a higher level of understanding in the truth.

    • Kenn Lai on Sep 30, 2016 at 11:43 am

      NIce comment So Kin Hoe deeper understanding about Dharma towards any buddha is the word.

    • Pastor David Lai on Sep 30, 2016 at 8:41 pm

      Hi Kin Hoe,
      That’s very good but how I would see Ji Gong is that he is a Buddhist master who place no importance on appearances and on ordinary attachment. He rather be of benefit to others than to look good, feel comfortable, dress well or live in abundance. Why would he do that? He thinks like that because he had realize that all these things do not really make us happy and the little short term satisfaction and pleasure we get is false and does not last. He realize that these short term pleasures and happiness is really empty of inherent existence.

      He had realized this and that is why he operate from the ultimate truth and that is why he disregard ordinary social norms about meat and wine and how he interact with people. Hence, I don’t think he is asking people to give up dressing well, being comfortable, living in abundance and so forth. I think he is telling us that the promise that these things will bring you happiness is false. Hence, we focus more of our effort and time in Dharma and we juggle both in.

      • So Kin Hoe (KISG) on Oct 1, 2016 at 2:29 pm

        Thank you Pastor David Lai for sharing your further explanation about Ji Gong. I agree with you and what I would like to share is we should not increase our desire and attachments when we practice Dharma. Thanks

  31. Stella Cheang on Sep 30, 2016 at 11:19 am

    The stories of Ji Gong have always been my favorite since childhood. The stories are highly entertaining. Ji Gong exhibited unorthodox behavior in his time but well loved by many people after his passing because of his many deeds that brought justice and castigations to the ones who deserved them. Besides his supernatural abilities, Ji Gong was famous for his wisdom. Pastor David has kindly explained here that Ji Gong’s wisdom is the attainment in understanding the ultimate truth. And I really appreciate that now we have the many tales of Ji Gong to give us familiar examples to what is ultimate truth versus conventional truth, a topic that is relatively profound but important to understand fully. Thank you Pastor David for this article. It also gives me a chance to take a stroll down memory lane, and a reason to try locate my Mandarin version of The Legend of Ji Gong.

  32. Sharon Ong on Sep 30, 2016 at 11:05 am

    Some years back I had the opportunity to watch a medium take trance of Ji Gong. At that time I had no idea who Ji Gong was except that he is a beggar monk who helped people. I tried to research him but there wasn’t much about him in cyberspace at that time.

    During the trance, I noticed that he carried a torn fan, wore torn shoes and a rather large wooden mala. He was very friendly and was very jovial. His advice to me and the other people present at the trance was very logical and now that I think of it, is very Dharmic. One of the things I remember is that he mentioned to always help those beggars in the streets, to think of him whenever I encounter a beggar and to give the beggar some food and drinks. He added this… “who knows that beggar might be me.” At that time, this didn’t make much sense to me. But years later, after learning some Dharma, I think he was trying to tell me that Mahasiddhas and Buddhas can manifest amongst the most ordinary to actually help us in our practice.

    Thank you for your detailed and interesting article, I now know more about Ji Gong. Great write-up!

    • Pastor David Lai on Sep 30, 2016 at 8:59 pm

      That was a neat recount. Thank you. I have never met a Ji Gong medium but I heard that there are many and for some reason, he is a very popular deity to take trance of in the Chinese Buddhist/Taoist tradition. I like what he said about making offerings to beggars. Neat…

  33. gary foo on Sep 30, 2016 at 2:09 am

    Thank you Pastor David for the delightful stories of Ji Gong. Though I do not feel a specific affinity with this divine being I loved seeing the hong kong / taiwan series about him and his using his magical powers to help others. I would agree he is like a Mahasiddha. One story I remember clearly was him first barbecuing a pigeon and then chomping on it and looking like he really enjoyed his meat.. when another lay passerby chided him for being a monk and yet taking a life and enjoying meat..to which Ji Gong opened his mouth and miraculously a live pigeon flew out and he answered back ..who said i was eating meat..or something along the lines..:) Anyway to me he is definitely no ordinary being and I have also read about him bringing a person into hell to record the journey and teachings and interviews from the 18 courts and from there the book ‘Journey to the Underworld’was written for the benefit of mankind to practice dharma and not fall into the hell realms

    • Pastor David Lai on Sep 30, 2016 at 9:03 pm

      Gary,

      That’s a very neat story about Ji Gong. Kinda reminds me of the Mahasiddha Tilopa. He eats fish and had done something similar of reanimating dead fish he had eaten. He gave a teaching verse or two as he did that. By the way, Tilopa was Naropa’s Guru. Interesting similarity.

      • gary foo on Oct 1, 2016 at 12:27 am

        Thats an interesting point. Probably the divine beings loves using similar techniques to impart dharma at that time..same technique but used cross the globe by different divine beings but for one purpose 🙂

  34. Anne Ong on Sep 29, 2016 at 9:47 pm

    This is a very good story write up Pastor David. It’s simply meaningful,funny and entertaining. I have watched the story of Ji Gong on TVB drama on DVD many years ago,but i think the dvd version is quite different.Thank you Pastor David for this wonderful story to lift up my day! Keep it up! 🙂

  35. Pastor KH Ng on Sep 29, 2016 at 7:55 pm

    Thank You Pastor David.

    As a child I watched with fascination many movie that featured Ji Gong. He was always portrayed as fun loving “beggar” who ate meat; particularly he loved dog meat, and drank alcohol. He has super natural power and also helps the down trodden people who were victims of the rich and powerful.
    I always regarded Him to be a Buddha and not a deity because He showed wisdom that is beyond normal intelligence. Later, I read that he is a manifestation of Guan Yin, the Buddha of Compassion.

    Well, the world is not we it seem to be. The ultimate truth is to be strived for.

    • Pastor David Lai on Sep 29, 2016 at 8:29 pm

      You are welcomed Pastor KH. Ji Gong is one of these Chinese figures that every Chinese would know of, kinda like a cultural icon. For some reason, I was not really into him much when I was younger. I think I only read a little of his stories at illustrated comic books published by Asiapac a long time ago. In this comic and also of many other sources, they Ji Gong was the Arhat Taming Dragon that took rebirth and actually, this is really the first time, I have ever heard of Ji Gong as the emanation of Guan Yin. Nonetheless, I am not saying you are wrong, I am just acknowledging what you have read.

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  • Samfoonheei
    Tuesday, Oct 1. 2024 01:58 PM
    Visualizing deities while meditating or when we are performing a puja is one of the principal methods used in the Tibetan tradition. Deities are highly symbolic representations of awakened minds that have appeared to past masters in visions. Deities are represented in thangkas and paintings. As more and more people embrace the Tibetan Buddhist path with sincerity and dedication, they understand better and could visualize through the practice. It is not about appeasing a deity, but engaging in formal meditational practices to transform ourselves. The actual practice in Buddhism is to purify karma, accumulate merits by way of Buddha-deity practice, and to create the causes and conditions for spiritual realisations.
    Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David for these great teachings.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/deity-practice-in-buddhism.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Tuesday, Oct 1. 2024 01:50 PM
    Lama Thubten Phurbu a prominent Gelug lama born in a village in Shanglaxiuxiang, Qinghai.As a young child, he showed extraordinary intelligence. Lama Thubten Phurbu is at the forefront of spreading Je Tsongkhapa’s tradition and Dorje Shugden inside Tibet. Lama Thubten Phurbu is responsible for propagating this Dharma Protector’s practice to many. Well respected by many in Kham, Tibet and is a deeply respected local figure known for his work in the community and have done much more for the Tibetan people than the CTA have. Lama Thubten Phurbu’s great works have benefited many sentient beings in Tibet and China. He travels occasionally to the West, India and Nepal to give teachings on Lama Tsongkhapa’s precious lineage as well as Dorje Shugden’s practice. Visited many places spreading Lama Tsongkhapa’s teachings, teaching the Lam Rim as well as the Mind Transformation teachings, and promoting the lineage of Dorje Shugden with the support from the Chinese government . Great sharing of a great Lama.
    Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David for this sharing.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/great-lamas-masters/incredible-lama-thubten-phurbu-and-his-activities.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Tuesday, Oct 1. 2024 01:12 PM
    Centuries after Buddhism originated in India, the Mahayana Buddhism arrived in China through the Silk Route. The worship of Buddha Amitabha arose from a school of Buddhism. The Origins of Pure Land Buddhism began in India around the 2nd century BCE. It spread to China and then spread to Japan around the 6th century. Buddhism in China was undoubtedly quite different from Buddhism which was originally practiced in India. In China the beginnings of the Pure Land Buddhism are traced back as far as the 4th century, practitioners meditated on the name of Amitabha. The Buddhists believe that this deity helps in regeneration and improvement and has became icons used all over China. In China, the Pure Land sutras and teachings are based on Amitabha Buddha. It then spread and became dominant in other Asian countries as well.
    Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David for this teachings

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/why-is-buddha-amitabha-so-prevalent-in-china.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Tuesday, Oct 1. 2024 01:11 PM
    Niguma is considered one of the most important and influential yoginis and Vajrayana teachers of the 10th or 11th century in India. Niguma was a dakini, and one of the two female founders of the Shangpa Kagyu school of Vajrayana Buddhism. She has created. a system of yoga predominantly for women. Historically, it is the only yoga series designed by a woman. Niguma’s life, her teachings had a significant impact on Buddhism. According to scholars, Niguma had high-level realization, attained rainbow body, and even received teachings directly from Vajradhara. It is said that Niguma cultivated the Buddhist path in previous lives, so that in her lifetime she directly saw the truth of the nature of phenomena just by hearing basic phenomena from a few adept masters. Interesting life story of a great Dakini .
    Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David for this great sharing.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/niguma-mistress-of-illusion.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Monday, Sep 9. 2024 06:56 PM
    Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo is a bhikṣuṇī in the Drukpa lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. She is an author, teacher and founder of the Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery in Himachal Pradesh, India. Reading this interesting post with the thought of our daily life, how laziness will bring us downhill. It is possible to overcome laziness by setting achievable goals and developing a strong work ethic. Lazy ambition is not an uncommon occurrence . Through not been lazy, it takes sweat, determination and hard work one can be successful. Laziness may reflect a lack of self-esteem, by taking the initiative doing things that matters in life such as learning dharma and practicing dharma is the best option. Letting go all unnecessary secular activities and do more to benefit others will be a better choice. Do what we can, with what we have, where we are and not excuses not to do. Accept whatever comes along, accept reality instead running away from it been lazy.
    Thank you Rinpoche for this profound teachings of Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/great-lamas-masters/three-kinds-of-laziness.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Monday, Sep 9. 2024 06:54 PM
    nspiring story of Nicholas James Vujicic is an Australian-American Christian evangelist and motivational speaker with Tetra-amelia syndrome, a rare disorder characterized by the absence of all four limbs. He is also the founder of a non-profit organization and have inspired many with his true life story in hope to inspire others to a live a life with no regrets. Through his foundation, Life Without Limbs, he works tirelessly to support and empower those in similar situations, spreading a message of hope and resilience.
    Thank you Rinpoche for this inspiring post.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/people/no-arms-no-legs-full-of-life.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Monday, Sep 9. 2024 06:50 PM
    A mantra is a sacred utterance, a numinous sound, a syllable, word believed by practitioners to have religious, magical or spiritual powers. They are refer as sacred words of power. Mantras are used in many spiritual traditions, they originated in the ancient scriptures. They are used up to this day in India. Anyone who recites those holy words can tap into their source and connect with sacred energy that helps to transform our minds. A tremendous blessing power that exist in all religions . When we chant mantra, the ancient sound vibrations carefully designed by the sages impact our vibrational frequency. They have precise effects on different parts of our body and energy levels. Some improve overall well-being in the body. Mantras can have a powerful impact on us and have tremendous benefits as well. We are indeed fortunate to have learn, practice and recites mantras from our Gurus, which have tremendous blessings.
    Thank you Rinpoche with folded hands.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/mantras-holy-words-of-power.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Monday, Sep 9. 2024 06:49 PM
    Any pictures of Chenrezig will always caught my eyes on it since young. Looking at those pictures and watching the videos , had me think of how tedious training those dancers had gone through against the odds. A salute to them even though they are deaf-blind-and-mute they danced gracefully transforms into 1000 arm-chenrezig. They are a professional dancer from the China Disabled People’s Performing Arts Troupe. They learned the art of dancing through sign language with other trainers at a very young age. Determination says all.
    Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing. An inspiring post to encourage any disable person not to give up .

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/art-architecture/deaf-blind-and-mute-transforms-into-1000-arm-chenrezig.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Monday, Sep 9. 2024 06:45 PM
    Reading again the stories of Gaden Jangtse’s Jolenpa Gen Nyima, by Kyabje Tsem Tulku Rinpoche truly inspiring indeed. An extremely humble monk was not interested in titles, recognition or degrees yet highly attained Yamantaka yogi with his meditation practice .One could transform into an exalted being if we sincerely and having engage in the meditations and practices. Gen Nyima’s example shows and inspired many that humility is the basis of all attainments. Live a simple life , donated mostly all to monastery and kept little for himself. Having saved many people performing miraculous healings and giving extremely accurate divinations. Interesting reading of his miraculous healing. Wow interesting stories about Gen Nyima demonstrating his attainments to spread the Dharma and had inspired others through his Dharma teachings. Gen Nyima had spent 15 years in a Yamantaka retreat in Bhutan before returning to Gaden Jangtse Monastery.
    Rejoiced to Irene Lim and few of Tsem Rinpoche ‘s students having met Gen Nyima at Gaden Monastery back in 1993.
    Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing of a great Mahasiddha Gen Nyima.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/great-lamas-masters/the-jolenpa-bodhisattva-gen-nyima.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Thursday, Aug 29. 2024 11:51 AM
    Looking at post with cute pictures of Rinpoche’s doggie. So absolutely adorable . Haha can’t resist those fury eyes.There are not just a pet but our family too. We can’t buy happiness but we can adopt it. A wagging tail is a universal language of happiness.
    Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/mumu-pets/can-never-get-tired-of-cute.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Thursday, Aug 29. 2024 11:50 AM
    Thank you Rinpoche and Beatrice Ooi for this sharing and explaining the details of incense. Within Tibetan Buddhism, incense has traditionally been used as an offering to the Three Jewels for centuries, so as in other Buddhist traditions. Within ritual, incense is also used to purify offering substances such as water, food and light. We offer incense as an expression of our gratitude and reverence for the Buddha’s great compassion. The practice of burning incense sticks has a dual purpose, purifying and cleansing the energy of a space. It is said that the fragrant eliminating negative impurities and creating a positive environment. In many religious practices, burning incense is believed to deepen our attention and empower our spiritual focus. The aroma of incense can help us to tap in our spiritual connections. It calms the environment and our mind, cleansing the space for inner and outer journeys. Great article.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/prayers-and-sadhanas/incense-offering-to-dorje-shugden.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Thursday, Aug 29. 2024 11:49 AM
    Revisit this blog again …….very useful information for us to know where and how our incense powder make of. Reading this blog and coming to understand better of herbs name which I haven’t heard before. Smoke cleansing is a practice performed by various cultures, religions, and faiths around the world. A ritual steeped in history, smoke cleansing involves the burning of various herbs, resins, wood powders, and essential oils for health or spiritual purposes.
    Its good to know many of plants rather herbs have many benefits and very useful in curing diseases and clearing negative energy in an environment. Herbs and incense when burned will brings fresh, fantastic energy at home. Its effects are truly fantastic in purification rituals as well. The different types of herbs, and other ingredients are used, which is based upon that which is regionally, culturally, spiritually, or historically significant.
    Excellent article, well researched full of interesting information, I really learnt a lot .
    Thank you Rinpoche for this great sharing.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/herbs-used-to-purify-the-environment.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Thursday, Aug 29. 2024 11:45 AM
    Interesting how an offering of incense had saved lives. Even its an old post, reading it with joy how this little act of incense offering had saved Tsem Rinpoche students. Rinpoche normally has his students makes prayers but on that day Rinpoche led everyone travelling down to Kuala Lumpur to make an offering of incense. Rinpoche usually recites the prayer once or twice to clear obstacles. Somehow it was different on that day, Rinpoche recited the prayer seven times, and then proceeded to ask Dorje Shugden to remove any obstacles quickly and effective and to protect his students. Then it happened,a car crash on the way Rinpoche and students walk out safely without serious injuries. The power of Dorje Shugden that Rinpoche had invoked before the journey. The invoking of Dorje Shugden’s energies, an offering of incense saved the lives of those in the car. That’s amazing.
    Thank you Rinpoche and Genla for this sharing.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/one-minute-story/stories-from-a-chela-incense-offering-that-saves-lives
  • Samfoonheei
    Thursday, Aug 29. 2024 11:44 AM
    The Kawang is a powerful confessional prayer that purifies negative karma that has accumulated from countless previous lifetimes. Well with the correct visualisation, consistently and sincerely during prayers we can purify a tremendous amount of negative karma that will create the obstacles in our lives. I have included these prayers in my daily Sadhana ever since I came to know the many benefits of it. Well explanation and details wrote.
    Thank you Rinpoche with folded hands and Pastor David for this great sharing.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/kawang-a-dorje-shugden-confessional-practice.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Friday, Aug 16. 2024 03:21 PM
    Reading this blog tells us a thousands knowledge to learn and put into practice. Getting to understand now. So what we experience now is our past karma in what we had done. We must learn, practice Dharma and accept all circumstances that arise during our practice. We must change and practice more to transform our mind , taking the sufferings of others rather than ourselves.
    Thank you Rinpoche for these powerful teachings.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/its-a-good-sign.html

1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · »

Messages from Rinpoche

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Concept: Tsem Rinpoche
Technical: Lew Kwan Leng, Justin Ripley, Yong Swee Keong
Design: Justin Ripley, Cynthia Lee
Content: Tsem Rinpoche, Justin Ripley, Pastor Shin Tan, Sarah Yap
Admin: Pastor Loh Seng Piow, Beng Kooi

I must thank my dharma blog team who are great assets to me, Kechara and growth of dharma in this wonderful region. I am honoured and thrilled to work with them. I really am. Maybe I don't say it enough to them, but I am saying it now. I APPRECIATE THESE GUYS VERY MUCH!

Tsem Rinpoche

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  Bigfoot, Yeti, Sasquatch

The Unknown

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

Photos On The Go

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

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

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

Please click on the images to watch video
  • Pig puts his toys away
    5 years ago
    Pig puts his toys away
    Animals are so intelligent. They can feel happiness, joy, pain, sorrow, just like humans. Always show kindness to them. Always show kindness to everyone.
  • Always be kind to animals-They deserve to live just like us.
    5 years ago
    Always be kind to animals-They deserve to live just like us.
    Whales and dolphins playing with each other in the Pacific sea. Nature is truly incredible!
  • Bodha stupa July 2019-
    5 years ago
    Bodha stupa July 2019-
    Rainy period
  • Cute Tara girl having a snack. She is one of Kechara Forest Retreat’s resident doggies.
    5 years ago
    Cute Tara girl having a snack. She is one of Kechara Forest Retreat’s resident doggies.
  • Your Next Meal!
    5 years ago
    Your Next Meal!
    Yummy? Tasty? Behind the scenes of the meat on your plates. Meat is a killing industry.
  • This is Daw
    5 years ago
    This is Daw
    This is what they do to get meat on tables, and to produce belts and jackets. Think twice before your next purchase.
  • Don’t Take My Mummy Away!
    5 years ago
    Don’t Take My Mummy Away!
    Look at the poor baby chasing after the mother. Why do we do that to them? It's time to seriously think about our choices in life and how they affect others. Be kind. Don't break up families.
  • They do this every day!
    5 years ago
    They do this every day!
    This is how they are being treated every day of their lives. Please do something to stop the brutality. Listen to their cries for help!
  • What happened at Fair Oaks Farm?
    5 years ago
    What happened at Fair Oaks Farm?
    The largest undercover dairy investigation of all time. See what they found out at Fair Oaks Farm.
  • She’s going to spend her whole life here without being able to move correctly. Like a machine. They are the slaves of the people and are viewed as a product. It’s immoral. Billions of terrestrial animals die annually. Billions. You can’t even imagine it. And all that because people don’t want to give up meat, even though there are so many alternatives. ~ Gabriel Azimov
    5 years ago
    She’s going to spend her whole life here without being able to move correctly. Like a machine. They are the slaves of the people and are viewed as a product. It’s immoral. Billions of terrestrial animals die annually. Billions. You can’t even imagine it. And all that because people don’t want to give up meat, even though there are so many alternatives. ~ Gabriel Azimov
  • Our Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir speaks so well, logically and regarding our country’s collaboration with China for growth. It is refreshing to listen to Dr. Mahathir’s thoughts. He said our country can look to China for many more things such as technology and so on. Tsem Rinpoche
    5 years ago
    Our Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir speaks so well, logically and regarding our country’s collaboration with China for growth. It is refreshing to listen to Dr. Mahathir’s thoughts. He said our country can look to China for many more things such as technology and so on. Tsem Rinpoche
  • This is the first time His Holiness Dalai Lama mentions he had some very serious illness. Very worrying. This video is captured April 2019.
    5 years ago
    This is the first time His Holiness Dalai Lama mentions he had some very serious illness. Very worrying. This video is captured April 2019.
  • Beautiful Monastery in Hong Kong
    5 years ago
    Beautiful Monastery in Hong Kong
  • This dog thanks his hero in such a touching way. Tsem Rinpoche
    5 years ago
    This dog thanks his hero in such a touching way. Tsem Rinpoche
  • Join Tsem Rinpoche in prayer for H.H. Dalai Lama’s long life~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYy7JcveikU&feature=youtu.be
    5 years ago
    Join Tsem Rinpoche in prayer for H.H. Dalai Lama’s long life~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYy7JcveikU&feature=youtu.be
  • These people going on pilgrimage to a holy mountain and prostrating out of devotion and for pilgrimage in Tibet. Such determination for spiritual practice. Tsem Rinpoche
    5 years ago
    These people going on pilgrimage to a holy mountain and prostrating out of devotion and for pilgrimage in Tibet. Such determination for spiritual practice. Tsem Rinpoche
  • Beautiful new casing in Kechara for Vajra Yogini. Tsem Rinpoche
    6 years ago
    Beautiful new casing in Kechara for Vajra Yogini. Tsem Rinpoche
  • Get ready to laugh real hard. This is Kechara’s version of “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane!” We have some real talents in this video clip.
    6 years ago
    Get ready to laugh real hard. This is Kechara’s version of “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane!” We have some real talents in this video clip.
  • Recitation of Dorje Dermo‘s mantra or the Dharani of Glorious Vajra Claws. This powerful mantra is meant to destroy all obstacles that come in our way. Beneficial to play this mantra in our environments.
    6 years ago
    Recitation of Dorje Dermo‘s mantra or the Dharani of Glorious Vajra Claws. This powerful mantra is meant to destroy all obstacles that come in our way. Beneficial to play this mantra in our environments.
  • Beautiful
    6 years ago
    Beautiful
    Beautiful sacred Severed Head Vajra Yogini from Tsem Rinpoche's personal shrine.
  • My little monster cute babies Dharma and Oser. Take a look and get a cute attack for the day! Tsem Rinpoche
    6 years ago
    My little monster cute babies Dharma and Oser. Take a look and get a cute attack for the day! Tsem Rinpoche
  • Plse watch this short video and see how all sentient beings are capable of tenderness and love. We should never hurt animals nor should we eat them. Tsem Rinpoche
    6 years ago
    Plse watch this short video and see how all sentient beings are capable of tenderness and love. We should never hurt animals nor should we eat them. Tsem Rinpoche
  • Cruelty of some people have no limits and it’s heartbreaking. Being kind cost nothing. Tsem Rinpoche
    6 years ago
    Cruelty of some people have no limits and it’s heartbreaking. Being kind cost nothing. Tsem Rinpoche
  • SUPER ADORABLE and must see
    6 years ago
    SUPER ADORABLE and must see
    Tsem Rinpoche's dog Oser girl enjoying her snack in her play pen.
  • Cute!
    6 years ago
    Cute!
    Oser girl loves the balcony so much. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTcoWpKJm2c
  • Uncle Wong
    6 years ago
    Uncle Wong
    We were told by Uncle Wong he is very faithful toward Dorje Shugden. Dorje Shugden has extended help to him on several occasions and now Uncle Wong comes daily to make incense offerings to Dorje Shugden. He is grateful towards the help he was given.
  • Tsem Rinpoche’s Schnauzer Dharma boy fights Robot sphere from Arkonide!
    6 years ago
    Tsem Rinpoche’s Schnauzer Dharma boy fights Robot sphere from Arkonide!
  • Cute baby owl found and rescued
    6 years ago
    Cute baby owl found and rescued
    We rescued a lost baby owl in Kechara Forest Retreat.
  • Nice cups from Kechara!!
    6 years ago
    Nice cups from Kechara!!
    Dorje Shugden people's lives matter!
  • Enjoy a peaceful morning at Kechara Forest Retreat
    6 years ago
    Enjoy a peaceful morning at Kechara Forest Retreat
    Chirping birds and other forest animals create a joyful melody at the Vajrayogini stupa in Kechara Forest Retreat (Bentong, Malaysia).
  • This topic is so hot in many circles right now.
    7 years ago
    This topic is so hot in many circles right now.
    This video is thought-provoking and very interesting. Watch! Thanks so much to our friends at LIVEKINDLY.
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    7 years ago
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    7 years ago
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    7 years ago
    Leonardo DiCaprio takes on the meat Industry with real action.
  • Do psychic mediums have messages from beyond?
    7 years ago
    Do psychic mediums have messages from beyond?
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    7 years ago
    Lovely gift for my 52nd Birthday. Tsem Rinpoche
  • This 59-year-old chimpanzee was refusing food and ready to die until...
    7 years ago
    This 59-year-old chimpanzee was refusing food and ready to die until...
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  • Bigfoot sighted again and made it to the news.
    7 years ago
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  • Such a beautiful and powerful message from a person who knows the meaning of life. Tsem Rinpoche
    7 years ago
    Such a beautiful and powerful message from a person who knows the meaning of life. Tsem Rinpoche
  • What the meat industry figured out is that you don't need healthy animals to make a profit.
    7 years ago
    What the meat industry figured out is that you don't need healthy animals to make a profit.
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  • This video went viral and it's a must watch!!
    7 years ago
    This video went viral and it's a must watch!!
  • SEE HOW THIS ANIMAL SERIAL KILLER HAS NO ISSUE BLUDGEONING THIS DEFENSELESS BEING.
    7 years ago
    SEE HOW THIS ANIMAL SERIAL KILLER HAS NO ISSUE BLUDGEONING THIS DEFENSELESS BEING.
    This happens daily in slaughterhouse so you can get your pork and Bak ku teh. Stop eating meat.

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

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CHAT PICTURES

At the point of the passing, the only thing that will help us and our loved ones is the Dharma. Hence, try to chant mantra, do pujas, giving alms and etc during this period. Bereavement puja by Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
1 month ago
At the point of the passing, the only thing that will help us and our loved ones is the Dharma. Hence, try to chant mantra, do pujas, giving alms and etc during this period. Bereavement puja by Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
Bereavement puja by Kechara Penang Study Group. May the deceased has good rebirth and the family members find solace in the Three Jewels. Thanks to Rinpoche for He always taught us about practising compassion through action. By Jacinta
1 month ago
Bereavement puja by Kechara Penang Study Group. May the deceased has good rebirth and the family members find solace in the Three Jewels. Thanks to Rinpoche for He always taught us about practising compassion through action. By Jacinta
Thanks to Sharyn, the florist came and arranged on the spot! What a lovely and colourful bunch flowers attractively arranged to Buddha as offerings. 2nd Penang DS retreat of the year (2024), uploaded by Jacinta.
1 month ago
Thanks to Sharyn, the florist came and arranged on the spot! What a lovely and colourful bunch flowers attractively arranged to Buddha as offerings. 2nd Penang DS retreat of the year (2024), uploaded by Jacinta.
As usual, a retreat will not be complete without nice tormas. Pastor Patsy and our dear Penang members ~ Swee Bee, Tang, Jasmine and Siew Hong came together as a perfect and united team in completing it. Penang DS Retreat 17-18th Aug 2024 by Jacinta.
1 month ago
As usual, a retreat will not be complete without nice tormas. Pastor Patsy and our dear Penang members ~ Swee Bee, Tang, Jasmine and Siew Hong came together as a perfect and united team in completing it. Penang DS Retreat 17-18th Aug 2024 by Jacinta.
A picture that says all. Thanks to Pastor Seng Piow, 12 retreatants and 51sponsors that make this event a successful one. See you all in our next retreat. Kam Siah. A simple yet full of gratitude note by Choong, uploaded by Jacinta.
2 months ago
A picture that says all. Thanks to Pastor Seng Piow, 12 retreatants and 51sponsors that make this event a successful one. See you all in our next retreat. Kam Siah. A simple yet full of gratitude note by Choong, uploaded by Jacinta.
Offerings being set up, getting ready to start the first day of Kechara Penang Group's retreat. By Jacinta
2 months ago
Offerings being set up, getting ready to start the first day of Kechara Penang Group's retreat. By Jacinta
As H. E. The 25th Tsem Tulku Rinpoche had mentioned a retreat is time taken away from our ordinary, daily, mundane activities specifically to focus on deeper meditation, deeper meditational practices to gain some benefits.  Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
2 months ago
As H. E. The 25th Tsem Tulku Rinpoche had mentioned a retreat is time taken away from our ordinary, daily, mundane activities specifically to focus on deeper meditation, deeper meditational practices to gain some benefits. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
Retreat started for the second half of the year, 17th Aug 2024. We have new participants and those regulars. Thanks to Pastor Seng Piow and Choong for organising it. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
2 months ago
Retreat started for the second half of the year, 17th Aug 2024. We have new participants and those regulars. Thanks to Pastor Seng Piow and Choong for organising it. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
10th Aug 2024. Kechara Penang Study Group completed DS puja, led by Siew Hong. Uploaded by Jacinta.
2 months ago
10th Aug 2024. Kechara Penang Study Group completed DS puja, led by Siew Hong. Uploaded by Jacinta.
Thank you Pastor Seng Piow for the dharma sharing and leading today's puja 3rd August 2024. Pic by Siew Hong and uploaded by Jacinta.
2 months ago
Thank you Pastor Seng Piow for the dharma sharing and leading today's puja 3rd August 2024. Pic by Siew Hong and uploaded by Jacinta.
Puja sponsorships packages of RM100, RM 50 and RM30. Really appreciate the continuous support for our Penang DS Chapel. 28/7/2024 By Jacinta
2 months ago
Puja sponsorships packages of RM100, RM 50 and RM30. Really appreciate the continuous support for our Penang DS Chapel. 28/7/2024 By Jacinta
Completed weekly puja at Penang DS Chapel. 27th July 2024 by Jacinta.
2 months ago
Completed weekly puja at Penang DS Chapel. 27th July 2024 by Jacinta.
For those Penang members who were back in Penang, instead of having a weekend off, they chose to go to Penang DS centre and did a DS puja for the benefits of all beings. 20th July 2024, Saturday. By Jacinta
2 months ago
For those Penang members who were back in Penang, instead of having a weekend off, they chose to go to Penang DS centre and did a DS puja for the benefits of all beings. 20th July 2024, Saturday. By Jacinta
So proud of Penang Kecharians for attending initiations given by Venerable Chojila at Kechara Forest Retreat, Bentong on 20th - 21st July 2024. Against all odds, many of us made it there. (Not in the pic Mr. Teo and Sunny) By Jacinta.
2 months ago
So proud of Penang Kecharians for attending initiations given by Venerable Chojila at Kechara Forest Retreat, Bentong on 20th - 21st July 2024. Against all odds, many of us made it there. (Not in the pic Mr. Teo and Sunny) By Jacinta.
Wishing all sponsors' wishes be fulfilled and thanks for supporting our Kechara Penang Puja packages on 13/7/2024. By Jacinta
2 months ago
Wishing all sponsors' wishes be fulfilled and thanks for supporting our Kechara Penang Puja packages on 13/7/2024. By Jacinta
#throwback 13th July 2024, Kechara Penang Study Group completed DS puja. We have special guest that day, Paul, a long time senior Kecharian with his friends. By Jacinta
2 months ago
#throwback 13th July 2024, Kechara Penang Study Group completed DS puja. We have special guest that day, Paul, a long time senior Kecharian with his friends. By Jacinta
Beautiful offerings arranged by Choong. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
3 months ago
Beautiful offerings arranged by Choong. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
7/7/2024 Kechara Penang weekly puja completed. Kechara Penang Study Girup by Jacinta.
3 months ago
7/7/2024 Kechara Penang weekly puja completed. Kechara Penang Study Girup by Jacinta.
This week's puja offerings sponsored by a few people and we hope their wishes be fulfilled. Pic taken by Choong and uploaded by Jacinta.
3 months ago
This week's puja offerings sponsored by a few people and we hope their wishes be fulfilled. Pic taken by Choong and uploaded by Jacinta.
29th June 2024. Kechara Penang Study Group completed weekly Dorje Shugden cum Manjushri Namasangiti. Pic taken by Choong and uploaded by Jacinta
3 months ago
29th June 2024. Kechara Penang Study Group completed weekly Dorje Shugden cum Manjushri Namasangiti. Pic taken by Choong and uploaded by Jacinta
Need a dose of spiritual nourishment or perhaps any spiritual protection? Do take up our Kechara Penang food/candles offering packages. Do not hesitate to contact our member Choong for more info. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
3 months ago
Need a dose of spiritual nourishment or perhaps any spiritual protection? Do take up our Kechara Penang food/candles offering packages. Do not hesitate to contact our member Choong for more info. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
Different food offerings offered on Penang Kechara Chapel's altar behalf of the sponsors. May sponsors' wishes be fulfilled. Great effort from Choong Soon Heng, one of our Kechara Penang dedicated members who thought of this way for people to generate merits while clearing obstacles. Uploaded by Jacinta.
3 months ago
Different food offerings offered on Penang Kechara Chapel's altar behalf of the sponsors. May sponsors' wishes be fulfilled. Great effort from Choong Soon Heng, one of our Kechara Penang dedicated members who thought of this way for people to generate merits while clearing obstacles. Uploaded by Jacinta.
These are some of the offerings offered on behalf of our sponsors. We have different offerings packages which one can choose from or just simply sponsor our weekly puja in dedication to our loved ones. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
3 months ago
These are some of the offerings offered on behalf of our sponsors. We have different offerings packages which one can choose from or just simply sponsor our weekly puja in dedication to our loved ones. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
We hope you enjoyed our pictures, as much as we enjoyed our Wesak Day together in Penang. Let us carry the energy and enthusiasm we experienced so far and inspires many more. Happy Wesak Day! 22/5/2024 KPSG by Jacinta
4 months ago
We hope you enjoyed our pictures, as much as we enjoyed our Wesak Day together in Penang. Let us carry the energy and enthusiasm we experienced so far and inspires many more. Happy Wesak Day! 22/5/2024 KPSG by Jacinta
Puja offering packages. Thanks to those who sponsored the puja. May all your wishes be fulfilled. KPSG by Jacinta
4 months ago
Puja offering packages. Thanks to those who sponsored the puja. May all your wishes be fulfilled. KPSG by Jacinta
Colourful altar with plenty of offerings. We had DS puja with Praise to Buddha Shakyamuni as we celebrate this special day of Buddha's Birth, Enlightenment and Parinirvana. KPSG by Jacinta
4 months ago
Colourful altar with plenty of offerings. We had DS puja with Praise to Buddha Shakyamuni as we celebrate this special day of Buddha's Birth, Enlightenment and Parinirvana. KPSG by Jacinta
Some of the activities done during the Wesak Day Celebration in Penang. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
4 months ago
Some of the activities done during the Wesak Day Celebration in Penang. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
Wesak Day Celebration in Penang!Buddha's Bathing Ritual. 22/5/2024 Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
4 months ago
Wesak Day Celebration in Penang!Buddha's Bathing Ritual. 22/5/2024 Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
11/5/2024 Saturday @3pm. After puja, all members helped out clearing the offerings and we shared out the blessed food offerings with our families, friends and even animals. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
5 months ago
11/5/2024 Saturday @3pm. After puja, all members helped out clearing the offerings and we shared out the blessed food offerings with our families, friends and even animals. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
11/5/2024 Saturday @3pm. Activities during puja. Members chanting Dorje Shugden mantras. We've completed Dorje Shugden puja cum Namasangiti. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
5 months ago
11/5/2024 Saturday @3pm. Activities during puja. Members chanting Dorje Shugden mantras. We've completed Dorje Shugden puja cum Namasangiti. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
11/5/2024, Saturday @3pm. Activities : Offerings of khata to Rinpoche, garland of flowers to Dorje Shugden and a new Tibetan butterlamp being offered on the altar. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
5 months ago
11/5/2024, Saturday @3pm. Activities : Offerings of khata to Rinpoche, garland of flowers to Dorje Shugden and a new Tibetan butterlamp being offered on the altar. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
Today we have an inaugural cancer free diet talk and info sharing by Mr. Ooi. Mr. Ooi is a Penangite and like any other man, he has a family to provide for. From colon cancer stage 4,he is now known as a cancer-free man. Learn more about his story and his acquaintance with Dorje Shugden here https://youtu.be/x7i-yXJBUwM?si=A-5O0udxjg52iS58
5 months ago
Today we have an inaugural cancer free diet talk and info sharing by Mr. Ooi. Mr. Ooi is a Penangite and like any other man, he has a family to provide for. From colon cancer stage 4,he is now known as a cancer-free man. Learn more about his story and his acquaintance with Dorje Shugden here https://youtu.be/x7i-yXJBUwM?si=A-5O0udxjg52iS58
Kind-hearted sponsors sponsored these kuih-muih & flowers for today's puja @ 4th May, 2024. Should you wish to contribute these or sponsor our weekly puja, do contact us for more details. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
5 months ago
Kind-hearted sponsors sponsored these kuih-muih & flowers for today's puja @ 4th May, 2024. Should you wish to contribute these or sponsor our weekly puja, do contact us for more details. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
Pastor Seng Piow guides us on the flow of Dorje Shugden puja, its benefits, significant of Chanting the names of Manjushri and also explaining the dedication for the sponsors and to those in need before we start the puja as we have 2 newcomers today.
5 months ago
Pastor Seng Piow guides us on the flow of Dorje Shugden puja, its benefits, significant of Chanting the names of Manjushri and also explaining the dedication for the sponsors and to those in need before we start the puja as we have 2 newcomers today.
Two Pastors in da house! Double the merits, double the happiness. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
5 months ago
Two Pastors in da house! Double the merits, double the happiness. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
Mr. Cheah Fook Wan offered lights and incense to The Three Jewels prior to the puja in Ipoh. (KISG - Kin Hoe)
6 months ago
Mr. Cheah Fook Wan offered lights and incense to The Three Jewels prior to the puja in Ipoh. (KISG - Kin Hoe)
Kechara Ipoh Study Group has carried out Mother Tara prayer recitations on Sunday afternoon in Ipoh. (KISG- Kin Hoe)
6 months ago
Kechara Ipoh Study Group has carried out Mother Tara prayer recitations on Sunday afternoon in Ipoh. (KISG- Kin Hoe)
Powerful Dorje Shugden puja @ Jalan Seang Tek, Penang. Every Saturday, 3 pm. Remove obstacles and grant blessings to fulfil wishes. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta. 6th April 2024
6 months ago
Powerful Dorje Shugden puja @ Jalan Seang Tek, Penang. Every Saturday, 3 pm. Remove obstacles and grant blessings to fulfil wishes. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta. 6th April 2024
Rejoice to the volunteers (also kind sponsors) who cleaned the Gyenze Chapel and made abundant offerings to Gyenze. ~ Alice
6 months ago
Rejoice to the volunteers (also kind sponsors) who cleaned the Gyenze Chapel and made abundant offerings to Gyenze. ~ Alice
Offered beautiful flowers abundantly to Gyenze. ~ Alice
6 months ago
Offered beautiful flowers abundantly to Gyenze. ~ Alice
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Dorje Shugden
Click to watch my talk about Dorje Shugden....