It’s amazing how many people in the world live in such conditions that many would deem intolerable. But due to circumstances they are in this situation. So many in Hong Kong live this way as depicted in the picture. You have the urban poor in every country of course.
Most of us would not imagine living in such a condition but for these people, they are glad to have a roof over their head. With another 210,000 people lining up for a space in one of these cage apartments, it is easy to assume that even having a space there which although is a far cry from being luxurious, is hugely appreciated by its residents.
I thought I’d share this article for everyone to read and to widen your perspective on the though lives many have to face out there. Although they are one step ahead of those without a home, but live in these small metal cages for decades with little hope of getting out from such condition, must be difficult.
Ultimately, we always want better but for many of us compared to these people what we have is very good already perhaps.
Tsem Rinpoche
23 Shocking Pictures of Apartments in Hong Kong
By coverage Posted on November 23, 2015
Leung Cho-yin, 67, pays around RM 700 (£105 ) a month for a cage in dilapidated apartment
210,000 people are on waiting list for public housing, double from 2006
Monthly rents for tiny spaces, charging up to RM 36 (HK$90) , or ($11.60 USD), per square foot
For some of the poorest, like Leung Cho-yin, home is a metal cage.
The 67-year-old former butcher pays 1,300 Hong Kong dollars or around RM700 (£105) a month for one of about a dozen wire mesh cages resembling rabbit hutches crammed into a dilapidated apartment in a gritty, working-class West Kowloon neighborhood.
Home to tens of thousands, such cages – stacked on top of each other – measure 6ft by 2.5ft. – Daily Mail
A family eats a meal together in their small apartment in Hong Kong. (Benny Lam/SoCO/Rex USA)
Children do homework while their parents go about their daily routine in their family apartment the urban slums of Hong Kong. (Benny Lam/SoCO/Rex USA)
An elderly person sits in her home in the urban slums of Hong Kong. (Benny Lam/SoCO/Rex USA)
An elderly person prepares a meal in her apartment in the urban slums of Hong Kong. (Benny Lam/SoCO/Rex USA)
A single man with a low income sleeps in his apartment in the urban slums of Hong Kong. (Benny Lam/SoCO/Rex USA)
An unemployed man eats his dinner. His apartment is 28 square feet. (Benny Lam/SoCO/Rex USA)
A man does chores in his apartment. (Benny Lam/SoCO/Rex USA)
An elderly man living in his home in the urban slums of Hong Kong. (Benny Lam/SoCO/Rex USA)
Daily Mail : Cheng Man Wai, 62, lies in the cage, measuring 16sq ft, which he calls home in Hong Kong
Daily Mail : Yeung Ying Biu, 77, sits next to his cage
Daily Mail : Cheng Man Wai, 62, climbs up to his accommodation
Daily Mail : Lee Tat-fong, 63, is hoping she and her two grandchildren (pictured) can get out of the cubicle apartment they share in their Wan Chai neighborhood, but she has no idea how long it will take
Rocketnews24 : Steamboat inside the Apartment
Rocknetnews24 : Toilet and shower located in the corner of the room
Rocknetnews24 : Notice the bathroom under the bed
Daily Mail : Yan Chi Leung is mentally ill and lives in the 6ft by 2.5ft wire cage at the bottom of this stack of three
Daily Mail : Kong Sui Kao, 64, sits in his home in a room with 19 other cages
Daily Mail : Tai Lun Po, 79, has lived in the cage he is sitting in for an extraordinary 30 years
Daily Mail : Eight-year-old Lee Ka Ying lives in a 6ft square ‘cubicle cage home’ with her mother
Daily Mail : Yan Chi Keung eats takeaway outside his wire cage home – there are no cooking facilities
Daily Mail : Tai Lun Po walks to the bathroom which he shares with the other residents
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Anne Ong on Jan 30, 2017 at 1:23 am
Reading this article made me think how lucky and blessed I am and to be thankful for what I have. This definitely will become a good and fantastic educational material. Thank you for sharing this Rinpoche, and broadening our perspectives. _/\_
Reading this article made me think how lucky and blessed I am . I come from third world country and I experienced how difficult it is live in this types of place..Every moment in our lives brings the opportunity to love and appreciate this beautiful life..
Things like this reminds me to be so thankful for what I have. Because what is so small or has little value to me could mean the world to another. So what I don’t need I donate (especially now as I am moving house). I must always appreciate and value everything I have and treat it with care and respect.
On the other hand, that does not mean that you must be stingy and selfish. Be humble and help the less fortunate when you can. That is the balance that you must find. Do not be selfish, but also do not treat your things like trash. That is how I see the middle path in this situation.
Kechara has KSK and there are so many other soup kitchens in the world, there is so much that you can do for the other people that are less fortunate than you. It is just a matter of effort. A little or a lot, it helps either way. So the point of my comment is to acknowledge and see how this is and how to react to it, react well.
In all countries, I guess there is a fraction of the population that lives in situations and conditions like these. It is just that usually, it goes unnoticed to the public or perhaps, no one can really be bothered.
This article reminded me very much of my first time volunteering with Kechara Soup Kitchen, where I never really appreciated what I had until I realised what so many didn’t have. I was fortunate to have most of what I wanted throughout my life, and it always never seemed like enough, until I went for a round to feed the homeless with Kechara Soup Kitchen back in 2007. Here I was, driven around in a car, having hot food served, and getting what I needed, and there were so many far from the plate of fortune I have been served. Yet I was not contented.
Looking through these photos made me think of the daily discomfort they have to face in just living. How would they use their time to practise, or for spirituality, as they would be occupied with trying to figure out how to survive daily. I guess I am even more appreciative that I have the right conditions for me to be able to use this life to study, learn and practise the Dharma.
Thank you for sharing this Rinpoche, and broadening our perspectives.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this to us. This definitely will become a good and fantastic educational material. This article gave us a very clear realization on how fortunate we are and how our desires dictates our life. Many of us are already staying in a very comfortable place but we feel not enough that we desire bigger and bigger house. It is never enough. If we still think the same thing and does not change our perception, the desires will destroy our life. However, I do believe that karma determines our life so whatever suffering that those people are experiencing are due their previous karma. Dharma teaches me to be compassionate and to be kind to all sentient beings. What we can do is to try our best to help those who are in need and at the same time continue our practice in cutting down our anger, craving, desires and attachment. Thank you, Rinpoche, it is a blessing for me to meet Rinpoche and Dharma.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this post with us, is very sad when look at all these picture that human need to suffer in this kind of living condition, how fortunate we are who can live in a proper house with our clean environment but I think a lot of us in also never thought that they are very fortunate because if they are happy with what they have then why some people are still complain their live not good enough , still full of desire to seek for the better never appreciate what they have I think we are the lucky one because we have Dharma and Rinpoche contanstly remind us about Dharma and be greatful with what we have, the most important is to help others who are less fortunate than us.
Like what Pastor Elena Khong said, “After all, in this World alone, there is already an infinite combinations of living conditions(situations), that we can be reborn into, and an infinite number of ways we can suffer on this planet alone, as humans”. As shown in the Dharma practice, human contentment and well being in real term requires us to go beyond physical, mental and emotional dimension, in order that detachment could be a greater wealth and devotion, and a bigger asset in our lives. Thank you Rimpoche for showing us the Way! Om Mani Padme Hung.
What is most amazing is that Hong Kong is a developed country, an international financial hub, a tourist attraction and infamous for its summer sale that attracts luxury consumers from all over the world.
Yet, tucked in corners are people living in such conditions and… they are considered lucky to even have a home over their heads.
Really, the next time we complain, think twice. I believe if we actually think, we will only be grateful.
I have amazing people around me. I couldn’t be in a better place. I’m grateful for my life and where I’m at. I never thought I could be in the place that I’m in. Surrounded by all the members of my dear Kechara family, enjoying the affection of numerous friends, who have never abandoned me always giving their love and care specially from H.H. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche…
1) children, to expose them to a variety of financial situations so they can develop empathy for the less fortunate. To develop a realistic view of the world, a good work ethic and to understand that life isn’t a bed of roses, and things don’t come easy for everyone
2) adults, to remind them that as they go about their daily lives with their head down and their blinders up, there’s always someone less fortunate than them. That their problems are never as big as they make it out to be, and there’s usually a solution to be found
3) you, me and everyone else to realise how fortunate we are and to stop taking things for granted 🙂 although these people have been reborn as humans just like us, they don’t have the necessary causes to enjoy their life, let alone learn Dharma. They aren’t living, they are surviving.
In a teaching a few years ago, Rinpoche reminded us that a human rebirth does not necessarily mean that we will be reborn with the opportune conditions to practise the Dharma. Certainly, the people in this article demonstrate this teaching very well. After all, in this world alone, from what we can see – never mind the unseen beings, never mind the animals, never mind the other plants – there is already an infinite combination of living situations that we can be reborn into, and an infinite number of ways we can suffer on this planet alone, as humans.
So when we read articles like this, we need to meditate on the preciousness of our human rebirth, to get the maximum benefit 🙂
Looking into all this pictures. It is very fortunate for me to have place to stay right now. These peoples struggle to survive. Money is always their problems. I guess, learning on dharma would be something very strange to them.
This is really crazy, I cannot imagine anyone living in such a tiny space. It so claustrophobic and it would most probably drive me nuts.
This post really is an eye opening for me. I’ve heard of Hong Kong being a very expensive place to live in and hence people live in very small apartments, but never did I imagine the cages and how small is small when your shower is beneath your bed.
It makes me realise how terribly fortunate we are to be living in Malaysia where most of us can live very comfortably. Space is not an issue here and for a space 4 times the size of what we see in those pictures we only pay 1/4 of what they would probably pay for a low cost apartment. Hence we should really stop complaining and appreciate all the things we have here, it’s considered luxury.
I wonder why hasn’t the government done anything to improve the quality of life for their citizens, especially the elderly? How could such living spaces be even approved or built. If they say because they do not have enough land and due to over population, well I hope now that Hong Kong is part of China, there is no more such excuse? Even Melaka and Singapore added more sand to make new lands to accommodate the growing population. Why didn’t Hong Kong do it?
Whatever it is, it is a clear sign of materialism at it’s worst. For a country that is supposed to be a developed nation, this is a horrible scene… seems like the richer the country is the lower the quality of life of the general population becomes and I am not surprised that depression is at it’s high.
This made me realise why it is extremely important for spirituality and dharma to grow over there… it would be to help these people find some sanity in an insane world.
This also goes to show that materialism, things, acquisitions does not make people happy and cannot bring happiness. It is empty and in the end all that we worked for, chased for, struggled for day in day out for what? For a piece of space in samsara and we need to work so hard to keep that little space and in the end we die. Reminds me of a quote advice from Rinpoche… “Although outwardly we have so much, we have so many conveniences, inwardly we have become more unhappy, so, acquisition is not the secret to happiness. The more we get, the more we have, the more unhappy we become.”
~ Tsem Rinpoche
Imagine the old man who has lived in his cage for 30 years… at the time of his death, what has he got? A life full of struggles? He doesn’t even have any dharma to help him and take with him on his final journey. Hence Rinpoche’s advice to us to always do dharma because in the end that is the only thing that can really help us. Thank you Rinpoche for this eye opening post.
It really touches my heart to see how these people live. I am grateful for all the comfort that have been bestowed to me. The condition that some people live in Hong Kong is dreadful and yet these people were grateful for it. I hope the leader of Hong Kong will look into their welfare.
Hongkong is one of the wealthiest cities in the world and the rich live in big mansions with fantastic views and it is so sad to see the grim contrast of the poor living in metal caged homes. However, to some residents they considered themselves lucky to live in such cramped cages as compared to those living on the streets. They had no choice but to live in this condition due to the skyrocketing housing prices and inadequate low cost housing. I hope the government will take some actions to help them with proper public housing.
Thank you, Rinpoche, for sharing this post. We are indeed very fortunate. We should be grateful and appreciate what we have instead of complaining and take this opportunity to do our best to help the less fortunate.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing the teaching of being grateful of what we have in our country compared to those people who are living within small cubicle apartments in Hong Kong.
What is being shown on the TV programs and Hong Kong drama only reflecting the good side of Hong Kong lifestyle and not the actual true happenings from their citizens, especially from those people who only can afford to pay the rental fee of cubicle apartment instead of having sufficient space for sleeping, eating, cooking, reading books, etc.
These people living in small cubicle apartments in Hong Kong, could have mentally and physically trapped with pressure and they might even blame to their own fate for having poor living conditions. I pray that there will be Buddhist organization to offer them Dharma teachings and prayers in their community, at least for them to realize that their current living conditions are due to their past karma and hopefully they could be motivated to engage with Dharma activities and achieve attainment with wisdom to gain inner peace in their mind.
Thank you Rinpoche for giving us many Dharma teachings in various methods.
This is featured in several HK dramas in the past and I have seen it and I was just shocked when I saw it. I cannot imagine that the rental of a small little double storey house in Bentong town, Malaysia is equivalent to a tiny coffin-like space in Hong Kong. I dare not wonder how much is a decent-sized apartment is like in Hong Kong. Anyway, I am just lucky to be in Malaysia where things are not perfect but in terms of space for living and standards of living are much better especially for the underprivileged.
In such a prosperous metropolitan Hong Kong, there are people who are living in condition that is unimaginable, some live and stay in cages for 30 years without any room, and even proper facilities.
So much we complain of our life being difficult, hard, not having enough and desiring for more, but these people had to live in such condition for more than 30 years, some even for the rest of their life because they could not afford to get a house.
we should be grateful for what we have, imagine living in these condition and earning low income, it is very difficult to focus on our spirituality.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing these shocking reality, it an eye opener to myself, seeing such condition I feel grateful for what I have now.
This article is really shocking to read. I always imagined Hong Kong as a beautiful and developed country filled with rich people, but I never thought of the poor people living there. It is crazy that 210,000 more people are waiting to rent or buy these places. It just shows us how many poor people are there in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong is such a small island but it has over 7 million residents. No wonder there are so many people living in cages like this with many more people waiting. There are people in Hong Kong that would waste tons of money just to show off about how rich they are while these people are saving as much money as they can for rainy days.
Well, what can I say and what can we do to make this situation better? Nothing much I guess, at the end of the day, it’s all about our karma. I don’t think that it really matters if we live through this life adventurous, crazy and rich or not . I think it is important that we make good changes to the world, also to other people’s lives and we do not harm others. Thank You Rinpoche for sharing this article.
It’s sad to know that even in country like Hong Kong where the economy and everything is so advanced, there are still people who ate left behind by the society. When a country is well-developed and advanced, yes it’s good image for the country and so on but I also think that there are people who can’t cope with such a high living standard therefore they are left behind by the society. In my opinion, a good leader should take care of the people whether if it’s a small population of people or not, everyone should be treated with equality. These people maybe poor but they are definitely not poor in spirit, although they do not have the best in life, but they are very appreciative of what they have. Most of us do not realise the importance of having gratitude and being appreciative, these are the qualities that will guide us through hardships and allow us to succeed in life.
Karma has brought about the harsh and difficult living environment. But fortunately, things can change. Create the right cause to experience the desired effect. The inhabitants of the apartment concerned should strive for the betterment of their lives or to remain in this deplorable condition for the rest of their lives. Living for 30 years in this condition is beyond imagination. We cannot think how it would be like for one to continue living like that forever!
In countries like Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia where land is almost abundant and fewer population, we won’t come across such living quarters like these for the locals who can afford decent homes or residences. However in HK where its land of livable space are very limited and one of the costliest place to live on earth, it is rather inevitable for these poor residents to be able to afford any decent accommodation, let alone own a property. We do take for granted of the space, condition and environment we live in, either rented or owned, until we saw these living space of others like Hong Kong.
Hong Kong, being a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, there are also daily influx of mainland Chinese who flocks down to HK to seek better lives and have their babies born there to attain better privileges. It is rather sad that both local born HK and mainland Chinese have to put up with these dilapidated living space and for some, all their lives even.
About cage apartment in Hong Kong, we always saw it in TV drama series or movies. It may have being beautified and not as crammed as the photos shown in article here.
It is not easy to live in such apartment as it is not much space for own storage and daily activities such as bathing, cooking, dining and etc. But the residents here appreciate what they have even though it’s tough staying. At least they have a HOME. They never losing hope in their life but continue work hard for 3 meals, staying and kids education.
After reading this article and going through the photos, I feel so fortunate that I was born in a family who affords for good staying. I think others also feel the same. We should be grateful of what we have here and appreciate the people and things around. Doing our best to help people around who in need.
We are unable to predict what will happen in future. We may lose what we have now or even become homeless. It may not as good as previous lifestyle and it is tough but we should not give up. Just do whatever we can as long as we are still alive in this world.
With folded hand thank you Rinpoche for this inspiring article.
It reminds me of the animals confined in cages in animal factories such as pigs, cows and chicken before they are sent to be slaughter.
I cannot imagine living in such crammed space but these city dwellers accepted their predicament. They did rather stay in these cages than staying on the street. In Malaysia some foreign workers are reported to be staying in very crammed quarters provided by their employers.
Many Malaysians, me included, are really fortunate compare to Hong Kong folks. We complain a lot for silly, tiny things, even our house sizes. The fact very that we complain shows that we have lost touch with reality, other human beings who with very little on this planet.
Although they may have accepted their state of living I think it is very unhealthy for the mind besides the high risk of disease spreading due to the difficulty of maintaining cleanliness.
Thank you for this post highlighting the appalling living conditions of the urban poor in Hong Kong. Urban poverty is an issue even here in Malaysia. These group of people often go unnoticed as many have this perception that poverty only exists in rural or undeveloped areas. Sadly, those who leave the known poverty areas to seek better opportunities, only to find that poverty exists even in the cities.
This post is a great way for me to reflect on my life and how blessed I am to be living where I am today. I pray for poverty to be eradicated everywhere – be it worldly and spiritually.
Thank you for sharing, Rinpoche. I visited Hong Kong very often due to my work. That’s how Hong Kong people live their lives. Properties are too expensive for these people. They are kind of used to it because majority of the people stays in small apartment. This country is just too small to fit in so many people. Hence that limited space became expensive to live. According to the local people, The cage home is getting less and less nowadays. Due to bad safety facilities, the Hong Kong government had ban this way of living. I hope their next generation will get out of this porvety circle.
It’s sad to see these people living in the cage or in such a small area. The condition is really bad especially for those with childrens and old people.
We should be greatful for what we have now and be more compasionate to the unfortunate one. Hope this people meet the dharma and with dharma it give them hope and the true meaning of life even though they have to go through this difficult time but at least their mind is at peace knowing whatever we going through is due to our karma but by practicing dharma they can change their future.
Nothing is permanent, we can make a change with dharma.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this post.
I remembered I read about Cage Home’s article more than 15 years ago, it seems no sign of improvement, Just imagined new generation who had grown up in such conditions ? Staying in such condition, emotional and psychological will be affected long term…
After seeing all these shocking heartfelt pics, we should not complain what we do not have anymore…. We should not take things for granted with no gratitude anymore, compare to these cage people, we are more than 100% lucky.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this post as a great reminder to us. We are lucky to be in Malaysia especially we have the fortune to meet precious dharma and be the students of Rinpoche.
It’s kinda shocking how such a prosperous and developed nation such as Hong Kong still has over 200,000 people waiting just to have their own cage to live in.
It’s sad to see the conditions these people are living in which are really bad and cramped especially for those who have families.
I’m quite surprised that the government isn’t doing anything to help these people in terms of their welfare. No one would like to live in such conditions but yet they don’t have a choice.
At the very least, they could build low cost flats like they do here in Malaysia and collect monthly repayments from the tenants instead of letting this “cage” concept continue.
The urban poor can be found in every city in the world. Unfortunately, the numbers are increasing. When I was in Paris many years ago, I happened to visit an apartment building in which some of the storerooms were converted into bedrooms for a low rental. No one wants to live in such terrible conditions. I feel very sad for the people in these pictures and pray for their situation to improve and their wishes fulfilled.
Seeing such living conditions of the urban poor in Hongkong, living in abject poverty in cages, where they sleep, eat, study, do their chores and even work inside the cage,one wonders why we complain so much living in Malaysia, where even a small flat has so much more room and space than any of these cages.
It is heartbreaking to see the elderly, living out the rest of their lives in these cages of a home. At the same time , I think of the homeless, who do not even have a roof over their heads. On a Kechara Soup Kitchen round, whenever we spot an elderly person or a woman sleeping in five foot ways, we are filled with misgiving about their safety.
Yes, we take for granted our lives of comparative luxury and comfort, not realizing that between us and the homeless or those living in cages for homes, is “just a breath”.
It is particularly disturbing to see these images of elderly people living in deplorable conditions. Indeed a reminder to us to appreciate our current good fortunes and never take anything for granted.
It is very very sad and heartache to see these poor people living in cages that they called home especially in the advance and modern city like Hong Kong. Hope that the government of Hong Kong and its housing departments can look into their plight and provide them with at least some basic and decent homes.
By looking at these heart breaking photos, we must be contented for what we have in our lives and be happy.
Thank you Tsem Rinpoche for sharing this post. We are so lucky and must grateful, that we are live in Malaysia. It was so sad when looking on those pictures. That why we must appreciate much what we have it now and don’t complaining so much.
I believe the moral of this article is to always cherish what we have and be happy. Situations can be worse. Looking at how these less fortunate Hong Kong people live, really puts into perspective how abundant many of us are.
I remember visiting my HK friend in her house once and she gave me a tour of her house. It was a spacious 3 storey house. When she showed me where her maid sleeps, I was shocked. The maid’s room was literally a cabinet. It was only big enough to sit and or lie down, just like the pics of cages in this article.
My friend said that this was the norm in HK as real estate is very expensive. I will never forget that experience as I thought it wasn’t really nice to have anyone sleep in such tiny confined spaces. However, I realized that I’ve been spoiled by having large spaces all the time.
Regardless, it is a good reminder of how fortunate we are compared to many others and not take it for granted. Our karma can be quite volatile. We may lose what we have overnight.
We are extremely lucky to live at such conducive condition in Malaysia. We have almost everything. Majority of us have nice house, cars, good foods. We should always remind ourselves that be compassionate to help others whereby less lucky. If we believe in karma, the more we should be generous to give our helping hands to the less fortunate one.
I have shown this post to my children. I hope they can realise how lucky they are and know to appreciate what they have. Thanks Rinpoche for the sharing.
its sad to see people are living in small cages called “homes” for decades. We should be grateful for what we have, at least we still have a decent place to live in, it might be small and simple, but good enough compare to what urban poor in HK has to go thru.
These unfortunate people most of them are very old, and yet there is no one taking care of them. Lives is very though in this highly materialistic world.
Just hope that these unfortunate people can learn some dharma, at least they can lives happier, and collect enough merits and karma to have a better lives later on.
I knew that the housing condition at Hong Kong is bad for the not so well off people, but I don’t know that it is THIS bad. I feel that we as Malaysians are extremely lucky. We need to appreciate more of what we have instead of focusing on what we don’t have. Malaysia is a beautiful country and most of us can afford a small place that we can call home. But of course there are exceptions such as the homeless peoples.
The people that are forced to live in such conditions have the karma to be reborn into it. We have to be mindful of not collecting negative karma that will eventually propelling us into such living condition in our next life.
I cannot help but feel pity and sorry for the people in the photos living in the caged condition deprived of space and likely basic amenities or hygiene. At the same time it sent a chill down my spine because we could be the people in the photos living in those conditions (or worse) in our next lives. I hope that the people in the photos will do something to elevate their living condition. It also serves to remind us that we should be thankful of what we have now. Let’s not stop doing good for others and be more generous to create a cause for a better reborn.
This really served as an eye-opener for me. I knew i was very lucky to have the life i have, and this post reinforces that. So many people in this world live in conditions i would find impossible to cope with. When i compare my life to theirs, i really do feel grateful for what i have. And from this i learn a valuable lesson.
I learn that i have the power to do things. Things that can help others. Because i am lucky enough to have been born in a wealthier part of society, i have the ability to make a difference in the world. I go to a good school, get good education, have a comfortable lifestyle, and have all the luxuries i want. Many people have this, buts its whether or not we choose to use this to our advantage. With the wealth that many people have over poorer people, we can help others. If others are in poverty, we can help. Because we can afford to help. The question is, will you help? That for me is the main thing i took away from this post.
Its very hard for these people to escape this lifestyle. The poverty cycle is merciless and unforgiving. Once you are in poverty, your children are in poverty. And unless you break this chain of poverty somehow, you and your future children will remain in poverty. Its endless. But it is a lot easier for these people to break this cycle is we help them. All they need is that little push.
This pictures reflect the point that this could be me in those living conditions. Looking at where we are , aren’t we lucky we gain some merits or “lucky” to have or be where we are. With this reflection raises 2 question. What are we doing in this precious life we have? and How can we help those that is in these condition within our capability ( not asking to go HK but i am sure around us we have these condition such as homeless etc in every city or country).
Guru, Thanks for the sharing and reminder .
_/\_ yikming
To live a happy life is not about the place where one is staying..either he/she has a bungalow house or a small space with few square feet. Who we are staying with and the attitudes within ourselves are always the keys to unlock the door of happiness.
An individual might owns and live in a bungalow house, however, if he feel stressful all the time and can only share his ups and downs with walls in the house, I would perceive it as a kind of torture. In converse, there are five individuals in a family who need to squeeze and fight for a space just to sleep every night in a room could be seen as pitiful and suffering, however, what’s really matter is they are all being together, whenever they face problems in life they have someone they love and care about to stay right beside, to talk or cry on.
There are people looking down at individuals who are less fortunate etc., homeless, poor, and uneducated. What’s more important in life is not about how much one can earns in term of sen and dollar, it’s not about how high can one archived in life in term of materialism. What is ultimate at the end of life are what we learned, experinces, knowledges that are gained, who are still there for us when we are facing difficulties or death, what we have done to benefit other sentient beings.
Living a life is not always about oneself. Being alive is to benefit all sentient beings, to help one another when they need it, to stop sufferings, and to build a better world.
May all of us able to achieve the ultimate goal in life and stop sufferings from cycling.
Hong Kong is the most affluent and extravagant eastern city with the most exclusive and indulgent ways of life. Yet to see what is posted here, shows not the affluence of the city nor people but rather the lack of care among the ones who have and the ones who have not.
I presume such extremes were created when Hongkong was a British colony, where the government cared for nothing but to milk Hongkong dry. But that was almost 2 decades ago, I hope that now the current government will do something for these urban poor. Singapore is a good example, where the government cares and had provided the citizens with affordable homes.
It is really sad and I hope that Hongkong will do something for these urban poor, even though it is a fact of life that poverty is everywhere. But let there be improvement.
Whatever the circumstance, at least they are doing something about it according to their means. They take responsibility for themselves, are not complaining and do not depend on others for handouts. That’s an admirable trait to me.
Everything is relative. If we think we’re in an unfortunate situation and complain incessantly for every little inconvenience, there is always someone else in a more dire situation and someone else who is “better off”. Same applies to them.
Many of us are seem to be so entitled. We may be so much better off than some others but still are not satisfied materially. When we get to the next station, we still want more and are still not satisfied and want more. But I’m not saying we don’t strive to be better. But if we have contentment, we become so much happier.
Material wealth is not the answer to lasting happiness, but a comfortable situation and enough resources will help in one’s spiritual practice. When one’s mind is constantly occupied with daily survival, it’s hard to focus on spiritual practice.
It is reported that there are about 200,000 people living in Hong Kong in what the government calls “inadequate housing,” including cubicle apartments and cage homes. It is sad that such a large number of people are living in such poor accommodations in a so-called wealthy city.
These cage homes are usually located inside old buildings in urban areas, and we can see from the pictures how poor safety, hygiene and privacy are for these residents. Living in these harsh conditions, their psychological well-being is definitely affected.
Urban poor is everywhere, hence every government must show that they are making every possible effort, within available resources to have adequate housing, especially for those from the lower income groups.
In Mahatma Gandhi’s words, “Recall the face of the poorest and weakest man whom you may have seen, and ask yourself if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him.” As we go about in our daily lives, it is good to not just think about ourselves all the time but spend some time to think about and care for the poor who are suffering.
If you are interested to help, Kechara Soup Kitchen distributes food to homeless and urban poor on weekdays & weekends. You can get more details here: https://www.facebook.com/notes/820518077997735/
It is just saddening to see the rich constantly getting richer and the poor getting poorer, widening the gap between the two “societies” that we deem. What is shameful is that some people that are around us will also make use of these people that are already suffering and cheat their money for their own gains. To show their “wealth” which they fed off from these people that are living in such poor conditions.
Seeing this, it also made me reflect that many times in our lives we have things that some may consider as luxurious, yet we do not see that. Living in samsara we constantly crave for the things that we do not have, thinking that those things will make us happier. But how many times that is the case when we achieve it? I will say close to zero. When we just seek these pleasures in life, we achieve nothing. It is nice that people around us admire what we “have”. However, how many times these items are “real”?
Life is constantly being impermanent just like what Lord Buddha taught us. Thus, we are holding and aiming towards something that is empty and has no value thinking that it will help us reach something. But with emptiness, it will only bring more emptiness to us. With that emptiness, it will consume us and make us feel angry.
Through this post it makes me appreciate the things that I have around me more as well as through this it shows that with the same amount of “money” we can be living like the kings and queens at a corner of the world, but we can be living like someone worthless in another corner of the country. It just reminds us how important it is to be doing good deeds to accumulate merits in our lifetime and not let it go to waste. When we exhuast these merits that we had accumulated, what will happen to us in the future? We may just end up in their shoes.
Thank you Rinpoche for this timely reminder that life is impermanent and we should never take anything that we have for granted. It just really makes a person’s heart cringe when we see things like that. But with us seeing and doing nothing, it is as good as not doing anything. I truly feel that only when we start doing something productive with these information, then it will benefit us and satisfy that craving hole that we have in us.
I feel heartache to see such living conditions. In such advanced country like HongKong, the richest will only get richer yet the poorest will not get any better, it seems. To be honest, flipping through magazines like Prestige or Tatler looking at those people holding champagne posing for pictures in parties did irk me a lot because there are millions of poor people couldn’t even afford a proper meal. Yet some are so addicted to flaunt their wealth to the public. Imagine the price paid for a sought after designer bag could feed a person for almost 3-4 years? Yes i know life is unfair. However, the conscience in every human beings should not be buried by ignorance. Let’s reach out to those less fortunate and bring happiness to everyone, not just for ourselves.
Every society has its issues and it is sad to know that there are people living in such conditions. Therefore, those of us who are fortunate should be thankful.
But it is not enough. We must also take actions to help people in need. I think Kechara Soup Kitchen is a very good charity work. Although a person on his own cannot directly help everyone in need, it is good to start from somewhere. Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this.
It is pains my heart viewing these photos. Urban poor is in every city, no matter how beautiful a city may look. Some may say they are even worse scenarios where people have to live on the streets, and they still have a shelter over their head. In both cases, their living condition is far from comfortable, and we should ask ourselves, would I stay in these places if given a choice?
Seeing these photos remind me of the homeless in Malaysia. Their situation is not any better either. I think that’s why Rinpoche started Soup Kitchen in Malaysia years ago. It is not only to lend an helping hand to the urban poor, but it is a also a way for us to develop compassion, and provide a chance to practice kindness.
I pray the urban poor issues can be eliminated, or reduced at least. Nobody needs to suffer like this.
If you have ever complained that your apartment is small, please read this article. Sad to see all this, home is not just about a place to sleep. Home like this definitely affected the emotional and psychological of the person stay there. I think Kids who grown up in such conditions may has lots of problems.
Compare with them, lots of us is so lucky. Even we are renting a room here is also 100% much more better. I hope seeing these images makes you think of yourself in them and makes you feel an appreciation for your own good fortune. We should appreciate what we have and don’t complain.
It’s still shocking and sad to see the pictures of people’s life in metal cage in Hong Kong. What I see the title, in my mind I say “No way. It’s no way for me to live in this cage for 30 years…”
Hey, wait, would it be I am actually staying in another larger cage as well? People who live in wide grassland would think people who stay in city/apartment – even it’s a thousand square feet apartment with swimming pool, lift and tennis court facilities is out of their mind – “Why caught oneself in small space in a place with traffic jam day in day out??”
We Malaysian are so lucky as compared to others. However, many of us are not appreciative enough, including myself, we always want more to feed our desire and ego. Thank you for the sharing. This reminded myself to work not only for me, but always think about others in need. When we are not happy and want more, think about others who are poorer and live in worse condition.
Please come and join in the chat for a fun time and support. See you all there.
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KECHARA FOREST RETREAT PROGRESS UPDATES
Here is the latest news and pictorial updates, as it happens, of our upcoming forest retreat project.
The Kechara Forest Retreat is a unique holistic retreat centre focused on the total wellness of body, mind and spirit. This is a place where families and individuals will find peace, nourishment and inspiration in a natural forest environment. At Kechara Forest Retreat, we are committed to give back to society through instilling the next generation with universal positive values such as kindness and compassion.
A card and hard disc from Sean Wang was truly a smart idea afterall. Nobody could imagine such idea but he did it. Placing thumb drives with millions and billions of Vajrayogini her holy mantra in Tibetan into the holy statue. Not only that drawing pictures too . Such a great idea whereby people come to make offerings, prostrate, circumambulate, collecting huge amount of merits for themselves and their love ones. Thanks to Sean Wang/
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing .
Reading this blog kindly reminded us of the most cherished people in our lives that’s our parents. Mother’s Day that is on this Sunday 12th of May and Father’s Day falls on the third Sunday in June. Teachers Day too important ……a day to honour and recognise their roles in our lives. Rinpoche always emphasised that we should not avoid the responsibility of repaying the kindness of the people who have helped us in our life. The only true way to honour and repay their kindness is to let them know that their kindness meant a lot to us . Do something good for them or someone else as this practice ultimately gives enormous power and possibilities for positive effects in many lives not just our own life. Simple saying thank you and expressing our appreciation can go a long way.
Reading all those powerful quotes by Rinpoche gives us a lesson and example.
Thank you Rinpoche and writers team for sharing
Achi Chökyi Drölma is the Dharma Protector of the Drikung Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. She also appears as a protector in the Karma Kagyu refuge tree as Achi Chodron. Although Achi has a particular committment to protect the Drikung Kagyu, she is recognized and practiced by all lineages of Tibetan Buddhism. To benefit the beings in samsara, she displays a limitless number of manifestations at different times and in different space dimensions. She vowed to protect the Drikung Kagyu lineage and its practitioners, removing inner and outer obstacles , a revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism, embodies the harmonious union of compassion, wisdom, and protective energy. a powerful wisdom-protector who guards and protects all sincere Dharma-practitioners to rely on her. She is also known for her power to confer wealth. She rose to protect Drikung Kagyu lineage while Dorje Shugden who rose to protect the Gelug teaching. Interesting read.
Thank you Rinpoche and Gen Lobsang Phuljung for this interesting write up
Dorje Shugden is a special Dharma Protector who quickly fulfils wishes and sincere prayers. He brings healing, harmony and peace; protects from harm and obstacles and attracts opportunities for success and growth. To promote the practice of Dorje Shugden, Kechara has came up a easy way for more people to understand the Powerful Practice. Presented in six different languages as such in English, Tibetan བོད་ཡིག, Chinese 中文, Hindi हिंदी, Tamil தமிழ், Nepali नेपाली so everyone could access. All those materials were distributed to visitors free of charge at all Kechara outlets. Looking at those pictures of visitors says all of how Kechara had spreads the practice of Dorje Shugden like wild fire. More people will get to know and understand the true stories and benefits of Dorje Shugden.
Thank you Rinpoche and writers for this great sharing.
For the last 60 years, the Tibetan Government-in-Exile has exploited, abused, marginalised and persecuted their people. For the first time in six decades, since the Tibetans first entered a life in exile, we are seeing more and more examples of ordinary Tibetans speaking up against this exploitation. In years gone past, Tibetans would never have dared to voice their objections to the leadership. They have been mixing religion and politics ever since. A majority of the Tibetans in India are stateless, and been sufferings quietly. Hundreds of thousands of Tibetans were killed during the Chinese invasion, prompting the young Dalai Lama to flee into exile in 1959. Because of all the exploitation the younger Tibetan generation are willing to express and speaking up.
Reading the commentary by a anonymous member of the Tibetan community tells us how those desperate Tibetans experienced all this while and to voice the truth. Interesting read. In order to achieve peace it is necessary to address the root of violence and conflict by having dialogue between the Chinese Government and the Tibetan Government.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing .
Coming up with these informative website is a great work of Rinpoche and writers team. With these website it had many people get to understand more of Tibetan Buddhism , great teachers teachings and of course all about the practice of Dorje Shugden. I am one of them , its was this website I got to know , learn, and understand about Tibetan Buddhism and Dorje Shugden.
Thank you Rinpoche with folded hands and writers team .
The legendary Ra Lotsawa Dorje Drak was born in the village of Nyenam,Southern Tibet amidst many auspicious signs of a high rebirth. Ra Lotsawa was a great tantric master and is one of the most controversial Buddhist teachers in Tibetan history who had used wrathful means to subjugate his opponents. One of the previous lives of Dorje Shugden is the renowned lama Ra Lotsawa Dorje Drak, Amongst his great deeds, Ra Lotsawa was known to have renovated many with Samye, Tibet’s first monastery. He also sponsored numerous new translation works, the copying and recitation of sacred scriptures, and the installation of Buddha statues. Interesting read of the biography of this great master. Ra Lotsawa Dorje Drakpa left behind a legacy of many great lamas, practitioners and preserving, as well as spreading this tantric system in Tibet.
Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David for this sharing.
Dorjé Shukden is a controversial Tibetan Buddhist protector deity, believed by some to be a wrathful spirit and by others to be an enlightened Buddha. The controversy that arose from this divided understanding over the last fifty years has impacted the Tibetan Buddhist community globally and continues to be relevant to observers and practitioners of Buddhism the world over. The Yellow Book, based on its cover. It was composed by Kyabje Zemey Rinpoche in 1970, but it was not published until 1973. Kyabje Zemey Rinpoche never intended for his book to be published but somehow it was published without his permission. According to the introduction, Kyabje Zemey Rinpoche authored this book in 1970 based on teachings given by Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, the junior tutor to the 14th Dalai Lama.The original intention of this book was to be complementary material to Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche’s book, Music Delighting An Ocean of Protectors, which was published six years before the Yellow Book. The Yellow Book did not circulate widely until several years later. It is a collection of cautionary tales and teachings but sadly some influential powerful officials and people who had corrupted the Gelug lineage . Interesting read.
I am looking forward to finish reading this book.
Thank you Rinpoche and Martin for this interesting sharing.
Firebirds are mythical birds found in the folklore of many cultures. They are often depicted as magical birds with feathers that glow like flames or the sun. The mythology surrounding firebirds varies between cultures, but there are some common themes. In Greek mythology, the mythical bird known for its ability to be reborn from its ashes, symbolizing immortality and renewal. It is often depicted as a beautiful and majestic creature with brightly coloured feathers and a long tail. Interesting read of the stories related to the mythology, legend and folklore in this blog.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.
Wow….such a stunning sacred image 1,000 Armed Avalokitesvara as gift from Joshua and family for Rinpoche . More so receiving it on Wesak Day is indeed wonderful. Merely looking at this stunning images is a blessing. Its such a meaningful and beautiful gift.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing
For thousands of years a mystical paradise land hidden within the Himalayan Mountains called Shambhala also known by many names. For many generations, people have attempted to search for this paradise land of spiritual evolution.According to the legend, Shambhala is a place of peace and happiness. The existence of Shambhala is mentioned in the old scripture. There are many legends associated with the location of Shambhala. There are many great meditators that have travelled astrally to this beautiful paradise place sharing and describe their experiences. Reading through this interesting article again and again to understand better.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.
Cham Dance is the traditional dance of Tibetans. It involves a series of masked dances, which are usually performed by monks and laymen, wearing colourful costumes. These dances are vibrant and lively and are performed during annual festivals. Dorje Shugden Cham dance is one of them, is said to have originated in the Himalayan range and by far the date and year are kept as a treasured secret to this date. The Dorje Shugden cham dance is rare but not an obscure lineage; there are certain monasteries in Tibet who have practised this dance for hundreds of years. Dorje Shugden Cham dance is a colourful and impressive performance, performed by Buddhist monks who practiced Dorje Shugden. The Cham dance is very powerful and through the dance which depicts the truth of Dorje Shugden.There are a few variations of accounts on the history and the lineage of Dorje Shugden, written by various attained lamas in the last 350 years. Collected works on Dorje Shugden written by His H H Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche considered the most accurate account. As describes clearly how Dorje Shugden for many lifetimes had manifested high level Mahasiddhas. Dorje Shugden and his entourage of thirty-two deities are all depicted in the Cham dance as a World Peace Protector. Interesting read.
Thank you Rinpoche great sharing.
Momo is a dumpling made of all-purpose flour and filled with either meat or vegetables. Inspired by Tibetan dumplings, the dish is a very popular Nepali street food. It is one of my favourite foods. Last year while in Kathmandu I am fortunate given the opportunity to learn and made vegetarian Momos.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing as it reminds me of trip there visiting some of the Holiest sites and trying my hand making momos then.
Bouddha, also known as Boudhanath, is a stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal which is located about 11 km from outskirts of Kathmandu. Its massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal and the world. The Boudhanath Stupa pyramid is coated with over 60 pounds of gold, is one of the largest and one of the most significant Buddhist monuments in the world. This great Stupa is home to precious relics and this semi-circular structure stands out with its majestic mandala, recognized by UNESCO in 1979 as a World Heritage Site. The Boudhanath is the most sacred sites in Tibetan Buddhism outside of Tibet, reflecting the cosmological tenets of Buddhism. Was there last year June joining thousands of pilgrims circumambulate the stupa.
The aerial view of this Boudhanath Stupa is magnificent indeed. Looking merely at the pictures is a blessing.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.
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Concept: Tsem Rinpoche Technical: Lew Kwan Leng, Justin Ripley, Yong Swee Keong Design: Justin Ripley, Cynthia Lee Content: Tsem Rinpoche, Justin Ripley, Pastor Shin Tan, Sarah Yap Admin: Pastor Loh Seng Piow, Beng Kooi
I must thank my dharma blog team who are great assets to me, Kechara and growth of dharma in this wonderful region. I am honoured and thrilled to work with them. I really am. Maybe I don't say it enough to them, but I am saying it now. I APPRECIATE THESE GUYS VERY MUCH!
Tsem Rinpoche
About Rinpoche
Name
H.E. Tsem Rinpoche
Root Guru
H.H. Zong Rinpoche
Ordained by
H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama
Affiliations
Pukhang Khangtsen, Gaden Shartse Monastery
Founder and Spiritual Advisor, Kechara House Buddhist Association Malaysia
President, Tsem Rinpoche Foundation, Inc.
Honorary Doctor of Psychology, The Open International University
Hear the holy voice of Kyabje Zong Rinpoche giving advice on the practice of Dorje Shugden to those who had received the life-entrustment initiation. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche wanted to make sure those present received the maximum benefits from their practice, and that they kept their practice well. LEARN MORE >>
In Tibetan Buddhism, it is always said that whatever we practice must come from an enlightened source to be beneficial in our spiritual journey. As such in this video, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche shares with us the history and reincarnation lineage of Dorje Shugden to explain how great this Dharma protector is through the examples of his previous lives, showing us his powerful spiritual attainments. LEARN MORE >>
Dear everyone... This is a good condensed talk I gave on Guru Yoga of Tsongkapa. This is the one you should share with others when they are interested in a not too lengthy explanation. It is the perfect practice for everyone who wants simplicity yet effective blessings. You can share this with more people, it will be good.
"If you say you don't have money to help a animal shelter, why then do you have money to buy meat?"
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Eating animals is not our God-given right, but being kind to them is."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"What makes us good humans is not how we abuse animals, but how much we allow them to live and be happy freely."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"We need another and wiser and perhaps a more mythical concept of animals.... We patronize them for their incompleteness, for their tragic fate of having taken form so far below ourselves. And therein we err, and greatly err. For the animal shall not be measured by man. In a world older and more complex than ours they moved finished and complete, gifted with extensions of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren, they are not underlings; they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendour and travail of the earth."
~ Henry Beston, The Outermost House
"Not eating animals is only unnatural when we are not used to it."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
MOTIVATIONAL QUOTES
"We may encounter defeat, but we must not be defeated."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"What you are today, is the choice you made yesterday."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"You think you can choose your life? What an ego trip!"
~ Lama Yeshe
"If TODAY you are dissatisfied, you must make the changes to create different results for TOMORROW."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
SPIRITUAL QUOTES
“Meditating on Dorje Shugden while reciting his mantra will open the gateways to higher dimensions, blessings and protection.”
~ Tsem Rinpoche
“If one does the recitation of the Lama Tsongkhapa guru yoga prayer for even one month using one of the visualizations for great or clear or quick wisdom, one will definitely see development of that wisdom. It is proved by experience. There is no doubt that by doing the Lama Tsongkhapa guru yoga practice one can meet Lama Tsongkhapa’s teachings from life to life. And furthermore, it gives one the opportunity to be born in the pure realm of Lama Tsongkhapa, Tushita, whenever death happens.”
~ Pabongkha Rinpoche
"I was 18 years old in 1983. That was a very special year as I met His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and received innumerable precious teachings and empowerments from Him at Thubten Dhargye Ling Centre in Los Angeles, California. It was the best time of my life. A time that seems so magical and surreal to me. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche is Heruka Buddha and I met Heruka."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"If being me offends you, maybe I'm not the problem."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Never abandon your spiritual teacher no matter how many inner obstacles you need to overcome."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Actions to force something to be permanent makes all the karmas arise."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"The dharma is not easy to listen to… because some people take it as criticism. But Dharma should not be just feel good only for the moment but for deeper contemplations."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Whether we do work and suffer but for others or we do work and suffer for ourselves, either way we have to suffer. That is the nature of samsara. So let us suffer for others and then suffering has meaning."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Those who really want the dharma to grow within themselves and to grow for others should never fear hard work, timing, difficulties, struggles, disappointments because it is for a good cause. Working for Dharma is not a prison or work, but it is purely spiritual practice. It is purely collection of merit and purification. Actually not doing dharma work is the real prison."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"His Holiness Zong Rinpoche stressed the need to continue to practice even when we come up against obstacles, and that we should continually review our progress. He stated that a happy, luxurious life was like a good dream, and that obstacles and difficulties were like a bad dream. We should give them no significance, but simply carry on working towards real, everlasting happiness."
~ Ngala ’ö-Dzin Tridral
"Things in samsara always go wrong. That's its nature. Don't be surprised."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Knowledge never quenches the thirst, only application."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
LIFE QUOTES
"I pity men who occupy themselves exclusively with the transitory in things and lose themselves in the study of what is perishable, since we are here for this very end-that we may make the perishable imperishable, which we can do only after we have learned how to approach both."
~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
"Money amplifies negative characteristics and that can cause problems.
To walk away from that was actually very easy. I didn't even consider it."
~ Angeline Francis Khoo
"I shall not commit the fashionable stupidity of regarding everything I cannot explain as a fraud."
~ Carl Jung
"There is a devil there is no doubt, but is he trying to get into us or trying to get out?"
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"If you love someone, show it by being honest, respectful & honorable with them."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see."
~ Henry David Thoreau
"If I can just be the way I am & you the way you are & we accept each other, world peace is near."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"I am Asian, you are some other beautiful color. Together we make diversity so beautiful."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"It's amazing how some people have never met me or know who I am, but based on a few things they read here & there & rumours, they have formulated a new personality for me & all the things I've never done they passionately speak about....I find it funny and entertaining now. I guess we can't spend our lives fighting rumours...we just have to work hard & then rumours get proven wrong on it's own as a by product. No point explaining repeatedly. Just do our work & show results!!"
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"There's a difference between patience and laziness. Patience comes from respect while laziness from disrespect of others."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Although outwardly we have so much, we have so many conveniences, inwardly we have become more unhappy, so, acquisition is not the secret to happiness. The more we get, the more we have, the more unhappy we become."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Before we experience any pain, we already had a fixed view of how things should be. When the experience we encounter contradicts our views, then the pain arises. The pain arises due to our fixed views not so much the experience itself. So the secret is changing the views. Re-educating ourselves on our views."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"You know since very young, for better or worse, I always did the things that others told me not to do. I wasn't really good at following the rules. Even now with how I share Dharma and my practice, I just do it the way I think it should be done but I do it sincerely. Not what others tell me what I can and can't do."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Love me or hate me, both are in my favor... If you love me, I'll always be in your heart... If you hate me, I'll always be in your mind."
~ William Shakespeare
"One isn't necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can't be kind, true, merciful, generous or honest."
~ Maya Angelou
Devotional Songs
Sung by Mary Fewel Tulin, these mystical songs in praise of the guru originate from the Sikh tradition. Yet, they are applicable to all traditions for those who want to venerate their guru.
The Known and unknown are both feared,
Known is being comfortable and stagnant,
The unknown may be growth and opportunities,
One shall never know if one fears the unknown more than the known.
Who says the unknown would be worse than the known?
But then again, the unknown is sometimes worse than the known. In the end nothing is known unless we endeavour,
So go pursue all the way with the unknown,
because all unknown with familiarity becomes the known.
~Tsem Rinpoche
Photos On The Go
Click on the images to view the bigger version. And scroll down and click on "View All Photos" to view more images.
4 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
4 years ago
108 candles and sang (incense) offered at our Wish-Fulfilling Grotto, invoking Dorje Shugden's blessings for friends, sponsors and supporters, wonderful!
4 years ago
Dharmapalas are not exclusive to Tibetan culture and their practice is widespread throughout the Buddhist world - https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=193645
4 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
4 years ago
Fragrant organic Thai basil harvested from our very own Kechara Forest Retreat farm!
4 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.
4 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
4 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.
4 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.
4 years ago
One of the most recent harvests from our Kechara Forest Retreat land. It was grown free of chemicals and pesticides, wonderful!
5 years ago
Third 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)
5 years ago
First picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal.
Height: 33ft (10m)
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
5 years ago
Very powerful story! Tibetan Resistance group Chushi Gangdruk reveals how Dalai Lama escaped in 1959- https://bit.ly/2S9VMGX
5 years ago
At Kechara Forest Retreat land we have nice fresh spinach growing free of chemicals and pesticides. Yes!
Fresh eggplants grown on Kechara Forest Retreat's land here in Malaysia
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
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. 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
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
Wandering Ascetic Painting by Nirdesha Munasinghe
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
5 years ago
This is pretty amazing!
First Sri Lankan Buddhist temple opened in Dubai!!!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
DON'T MISS THIS!~How brave Bonnie survived by living with a herd of deer~ https://bit.ly/2Lre2eY
5 years ago
Global Superpower China Will Cut Meat Consumption by 50%! Very interesting, find out more- https://bit.ly/2V1sJFh
5 years ago
You can download this beautiful Egyptian style Dorje Shugden Free- https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
5 years ago
Beautiful high file for print of Lord Manjushri. May you be blessed- https://bit.ly/2V8mwZe
5 years ago
Mongolian (Oymiakon) Shaman in Siberia, Russia. That is his real outfit he wears. Very unique. TR
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
5 years ago
Manjusri Kumara (bodhisattva of wisdom), India, Pala dynesty, 9th century, stone, Honolulu Academy of Arts
Click on "View All Photos" above to view more images
Videos On The Go
Please click on the images to watch video
4 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.
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!
5 years ago
Bodha stupa July 2019-
Rainy period
5 years ago
Cute Tara girl having a snack. She is one of Kechara Forest Retreat’s resident doggies.
5 years ago
Your Next Meal!
Yummy? Tasty? Behind the scenes of the meat on your plates. Meat is a killing industry.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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
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.
5 years ago
Beautiful Monastery in Hong Kong
5 years ago
This dog thanks his hero in such a touching way. Tsem Rinpoche
These people going on pilgrimage to a holy mountain and prostrating out of devotion and for pilgrimage in Tibet. Such determination for spiritual practice. Tsem Rinpoche
5 years ago
Beautiful new casing in Kechara for Vajra Yogini. Tsem Rinpoche
5 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.
5 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.
5 years ago
Beautiful
Beautiful sacred Severed Head Vajra Yogini from Tsem Rinpoche's personal shrine.
5 years ago
My little monster cute babies Dharma and Oser. Take a look and get a cute attack for the day! Tsem Rinpoche
5 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
5 years ago
Cruelty of some people have no limits and it’s heartbreaking. Being kind cost nothing. Tsem Rinpoche
5 years ago
SUPER ADORABLE and must see
Tsem Rinpoche's dog Oser girl enjoying her snack in her play pen.
We were told by Uncle Wong he is very faithful toward Dorje Shugden. Dorje Shugden has extended help to him on several occasions and now Uncle Wong comes daily to make incense offerings to Dorje Shugden. He is grateful towards the help he was given.
5 years ago
Tsem Rinpoche’s Schnauzer Dharma boy fights Robot sphere from Arkonide!
5 years ago
Cute baby owl found and rescued
We rescued a lost baby owl in Kechara Forest Retreat.
5 years ago
Nice cups from Kechara!!
Dorje Shugden people's lives matter!
5 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).
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.
7 years ago
Chiropractic CHANGES LIFE for teenager with acute PAIN & DEAD LEG.
7 years ago
BEAUTIFUL PLACE IN NEW YORK STATE-AMAZING.
7 years ago
Leonardo DiCaprio takes on the meat Industry with real action.
7 years ago
Do psychic mediums have messages from beyond?
7 years ago
Lovely gift for my 52nd Birthday. Tsem Rinpoche
7 years ago
This 59-year-old chimpanzee was refusing food and ready to die until...
she received “one last visit from an old friend” 💔💔
7 years ago
Bigfoot sighted again and made it to the news.
7 years ago
Casper is such a cute and adorable. I like him.
7 years ago
Dorje Shugden Monastery Amarbayasgalant Mongolia's Ancient Hidden Gem
7 years ago
Don't you love Hamburgers? See how 'delicious' it is here!
7 years ago
Such a beautiful and powerful message from a person who knows the meaning of life. Tsem Rinpoche
7 years ago
What the meat industry figured out is that you don't need healthy animals to make a profit.
Sick animals are more profitable... farms calculate how close to death they can keep animals without killing them.
That's the business model.
How quickly they can be made to grow, how tightly they can be packed, how much or how little can they eat, how sick they can get without dying...
We live in a world in which it's conventional to treat an animal like a block of wood.
~ Jonathan Safran Foer
7 years ago
This video went viral and it's a must watch!!
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.
ASK A PASTOR
A section for you to clarify your Dharma questions with Kechara’s esteemed pastors.
Just post your name and your question below and one of our pastors will provide you with an answer.
Scroll down and click on "View All Questions" to view archived questions.
Jason asked:Hi, I was wondering if taking pain killers to numb pain when sick will obstruct the purification of our negative and thus robbing us of the opportunity to get rid of that negative karma pastor answered:Dear Jason,
Thank you for your question. Purification of negative karma happens when we are engaged in some form of Dharma practice, are practising the Four Opponent Powers or engaged in Mind Transformation techniques throughout our day.
If we are not engaged in any of this when we experience the effects of our negative karma, then actually that is not purification. That can be classed as simple feeling the effects of the negative karma (you could be exhausting the karma completely, or simply feeling its effects although the actually karma itself is not exhausted).
When we take pain killers when feeling the effects of purification, then no it will not obstruct the purification process. If we take it when we exhausting our negative karma or simple feeling it's effects, then again we are not obstructing that from happening, we are using our good karma to take something that masks the effects of the negative karma. It's not that we are obstructing either the purification, complete exhaustion or the effects of that karma. We are actually still experiencing it.
It is the same as any medical treatment we receive. The reason is to overcome the effects of negative karma so we can continue with our lives and hopefully practice more Dharma. In fact, there are many practices to do with blessing medicines to be more effective, to help heal us of our pains and illness, etc. One of the most famous is Medicine Buddha practice, but any practice can be used to bless medicines to be more effective to overcome pain and the cause of that pain, diseases, etc.
I hope this helps.
May 2, 2024 00:24
Bahvisha asked:Hello pastors,
I have realized time by time that my speech is really impure and i have tons of regrets of just what i say. So, from here I got saraswati mantra and do 2 mala everyday which is allowed to do without initiation. Surprisingly
i have got great mind realization and it's just transforming my life and everyday her mantra soothe my mind. But i haven't seen any great changes in my speech but major effects on my mind. Would u suggest any deity and mantra of one which is specialized for Purification of speech and can do without initiation?
Any deity who is buddha of specially speech?
Thank youpastor answered:Dear Bahvisha,
Thank you for your question. Purification of negative karma will not lead to a positive transformation in and of itself. That requires conscious effort and transformation. What you are feeling in your mind due to the mantra recitation is the calming effects of the mantra, and because you are chanting regularly, you are starting to develop spiritual concentration.
Transformation on the other hand is a conscious choice, effort has to be put into it. Our speech comes from our mind, what we say, how we say it, etc, is thought of in the mind first, only then do we say it. So body, speech and mind are interlinked, they are not thought of as separate in and of themselves when talking about purification.
All purification methods with help to purify the negative karma related to all three - body, speech and mind. However, some methods will work better at purifying the negative karma associated with one of them faster than another. For example, prostrations is very well-know for purifying karma of the body, but it also definitely purifies speech and mind karma as well.
Hence any purification method can help with purification of negative speech karma, but that purification will not necessarily help to improve your speech, because that is a very conscious effort that we need to make, not something that a mantra can magically grant us. The purification of negative karma can help make that transformation easier, however, we have to put in our own effort.
You can engage in any of the purification methods, such as Vajrasattva, 35 Confessional Buddhas, etc., in order to purify speech karma (and also body and mind karma).
I'm not sure from which tradition you received the Saraswati mantra, but here is a Buddhist mantra of Saraswati that you can recite: OM SARASIDDHI HRING HRING. It can be done without intiaition also, no problem.
Saraswati is a very powerful practice, in fact it was one of the practice that Lama Tsongkhapa, the founder of our lineage, relied heavily upon. He even wrote praises to Saraswati. One of the short praises can be found here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/prayers-and-sadhanas/sadhana-prayers.html#16
I hope this helps. Thank you.
April 28, 2024 16:53
Raya asked:does following the example of Kwan Yin mean I have to do everything my parent asks me to as filial piety? they want me to marry and have children but I am not interested in that and certain I will never be. I am not comfortable with the idea of following through with my parents' idea of having me married just for the sake of "compassion". Please helppastor answered:Dear Raya,
Filial piety is an important part of Buddhist practice and culture. However, you also have your own individual freedom to do as you wish in terms of marriage and having children, etc. It's not a must that you need to get married and have children. It is entirely your choice.
Simply doing what you are told to do by your parents, in this case getting married and having children, is not the practice of compassion at all. If you are uncomfortable with being presured, etc, you should sit your parents down and have an honest, open-hearted conversation about it without letting your pent up emotions get in the way of open communication.
If you have a proper conversation with your parents about this, I'm sure that even though they would still want you to get married and have children due to thier own cultural upbringing, they will understand your thoughts and feelings on the matter.
I hope this helps. You can also engage in the practice of Green Tara. She is great for familial harmony. She won't help to magically solve the issues with your parents, but her energies can help make things smoother when you have open communication, etc.
I hope this helps.
Sirius asked:Dear pastors, Im currently trying to start my ngondro practice. I want to follow the instructions of Tsem Rinpoche. My question is what preliminary practice should we focus on first? If there was a proper order. The practice that I'm already doing everyday at night is Vajrasattva, but I'm missing the rest. Please give me advice. pastor answered:Dear Sirius,
Thanks for your question. We are really happy to read that you want to engage in ngondro practices. We do have an article about ngondro here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/preliminary-practice.html The article includes sample prayer texts for the retreats, etc. However, the article does not include the full prayers text for each, visualisation guides, associated contemplations, etc.
The ngondro practices are extended retreats, so unless you have had practice doing shorter retreats, I suggest you start by doing shorter retreats. For ngondro practices to be complete, you need to do 100,000 repititions of a the particular practice. You must do at least 1 full retreat session a day, with the requisite altar setup, offerings, full prayer recitation, etc.
Traditionally, the first ngondro practice to be done is the refuge ngondro. In 2022, we ran an online programme for those wishing to complete their refuge preliminary at home. While the programme has finished, all the materials, prayers texts, visualisation guides, contemplation guides and references are still available for people who wish to complete their refuge ngondro. There is a small fee associated with access to this. You can find some information about the programme here: https://www.kecharaforestretreat.com/practice-weekend-refuge/. If you would like access to the materials, you can contact care@kechara.com with your request to join the Refuge Practice Group.
However, please note that there are prequisities for joining the group, such as having completed Level 1 of our Lamrim course. Ngondro practices in our tradition are not beginner level practices, hence require some knowledge of the teachings before hand. If you have attended Lamrim courses at other Dharma centres, please indicate so in the email.
Hope this helps. Please do contact us on the above email if you have any further questions regarding this. Thank you.
Jason asked:The basic description of a boddhisatva I’ve read is “a person who is able to reach nirvana but delays doing so out of compassion in order to save suffering beings”. This doesn’t quite make sense to me since if they reach nirvana, they should have even greater capacity to help others so it doesn’t make sense to delay their enlightenment. I was wondering if the pastors could clarify on this issue. pastor answered:Dear Jason,
Thank you for your question. The path of a Bodhisattva, is actually quite vast, and the description you've seen is a simplification. The path of the Bodhisattva is explained is many different texts, for example it is explained in the higher scope teachings of the Lamrim, the Sutra of the Ten Bhumis, the Bodhisattvabhumis, etc. I'll try to give a simple overview here.
The very basis of the Bodhisattva path is what is called 'bodhichitta.' This is the motivation or mindset of achieving enlightenment so that you can bring all other sentient beings to the state of enlightenment. In other traditions, the goal of attaining enlightenment is for oneself alone. In the Bodhisattva path, which belongs to the Mahayana vehicle, the goal to achieve enlightenment is not for ourselves but for the sake of others. Once, you have generated this mindset, you are a Bodhisattva.
But there are differing levels of Bodhisattvas. There are ten levels, known as the ten grounds, of a Bodhisattva. So you progress in your Dharma practice of benefiting others and improving yourself for the sake of others, along these ten levels. Once you reach the 10th level, you are essentially enlightened, but you remain in the form of a bodhisattva rather than leaving your body and entering full enlightenment. The reason for this, is your motivation is not just for yourself but all other sentient beings who are still suffering.
When you achieve nirvana, you are in a state of bliss. Since you are in that state, you can remain there for a very long time without helping sentient beings. Hence Bodhisattvas remain to help all sentient beings instead of staying in that blissful state, due to their motivation for all senient beings to achieve that state of bliss themselves. I hope that this helps to answer your question. If not, you can refer to the teachings I mentioned at the begining.
Though not directly related to your question, you might find this short video teaching by Tsem Rinpoche interesting:
Why Bodhisattvas Are Like Peacocks
https://youtu.be/OHXULhL-UHo?si=FG80TpQACuYhbsCm
Dear blog friends, you can submit your photos to this section by sending an email to tblogpics@gmail.com. Include your message in the "Subject" field (up to 250 characters only). Be sure to include your name in the subject field too!
1 week 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
1 week 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.
3 weeks 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.
3 weeks ago
Two Pastors in da house! Double the merits, double the happiness. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
4 weeks ago
Mr. Cheah Fook Wan offered lights and incense to The Three Jewels prior to the puja in Ipoh. (KISG - Kin Hoe)
4 weeks ago
Kechara Ipoh Study Group has carried out Mother Tara prayer recitations on Sunday afternoon in Ipoh. (KISG- Kin Hoe)
1 month 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
2 months ago
Rejoice to the volunteers (also kind sponsors) who cleaned the Gyenze Chapel and made abundant offerings to Gyenze. ~ Alice
2 months ago
Offered beautiful flowers abundantly to Gyenze. ~ Alice
2 months ago
Offered beautiful flowers abundantly to Gyenze. ~ Alice
2 months ago
Our weekly Dorje Shugden Puja @ 23/3/2024 . William, as the umze is seen here burning incense powder as we are about to recite the Sangsol Prayer to Dorje Shugden composed by Ganden Serkong. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
2 months ago
And here's Mr Wong of KSK Ipoh who dropped by to pray and offered some donation to the Chapel. Kechara Penang Study Group. Pic by Siew Hong & uploaded by Jacinta.
2 months ago
Today's puja (16/3/2024) ended around 420pm, Jacinta was the umze of the day. Pic by Siew Hong. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
2 months ago
Group photo taken after the last session, sealed with King of Prayers. Come and join us next time! Sayonara - 9-10th March 2024 - Kechara Penang DS Retreat by Jacinta.
2 months ago
Abundance altar! Fruits, flowers, Mee Koo (traditional Penang buns), Bee Hoon, sourdoughs and snacks are some of the offerings to Rinpoche, Buddhas & Bodhisattvas. Kechara Penang Dorje Shugden Retreat 9-10th March, 2024 by Jacinta.
2 months ago
Siew Hong, one of retreatants and an active member of Kechara Penang group proudly presented her torma to be used during the Kalarupa puja. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
2 months ago
Torma making was taught by Pastor Seng Piow and held one day before the retreat. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
2 months ago
Penang Dorje Shugden Retreat cum Puja, 9-10th March 2024 led by Pastor Seng Piow with 12 retreatants. Uploaded by Jacinta
3 months ago
The celebration ended with a Dorje Shugden puja, dedicated to all the sponsors, our loved ones and as well as for the happiness & good health for all sentient beings. May Rinpoche return swiftly too and taking this opportunity wishing all Happy Chinese New Year and Gong Xi Fa Cai from all of us, Kechara Penang Study Group. Uploaded by Jacinta.
3 months ago
Seen here, Pastor Seng Piow set off firecrackers - welcoming of the upcoming year with enthusiasm and positive energy. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
3 months ago
In this pic, Pastor Seng Piow is sharing Dharma with newbies ~ Sharyn's friends. It's always good to make light offerings at the beginning of new year. By making light offerings, you are able to dispel the darkness of ignorance and achieve wisdom. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
3 months ago
One the day of Losar (new lunar year), it is always beneficial for Buddhist practitioners to get together in making abundant offerings to Buddhas on the altar to usher in goodness, prosperity and well-being of our loved ones. It's more auspicious this year as Losar and the Chinese New Year begin on the same date, 10th Feb, 2024. Back in Penang, our Kechara members came together to decorate the altar with abundance offerings for Dorje Shugden puja @3pm. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
3 months ago
Mr. Dared Lim was offering water bowls on behalf of Kechara Ipoh Study Group. (Kin Hoe)
3 months ago
Jun from Ipoh was offering mandarin oranges to Mother Tara and The Three Jewels. (Kin Hoe)
3 months ago
Prior to our puja in Ipoh, Mr. & Mrs. Cheah Fook Wan were preparing for the offerings to the Buddhas. (Kin Hoe)
3 months ago
On Sunday afternoon, Kechara Ipoh Study Group has carried out Mother Tara prayer recitations in Ipoh. (Kin Hoe)
3 months ago
Some of the best shots taken during Thaipusam in Penang. Swee Bee, Huey, Tang KS, Nathan, Choong SH and Jacinta volunteered. Wai Meng came all the way from KL to help out. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
3 months ago
Simple yet powerful ally ~ Bhagawan Dorje Shuden. Kechara Penang Study Group consists of Chien Seong, Hue, Choong SH, Tang KS, Swee Bee and Jacinta. Wai Meng came all the way from KL to help out. Uploaded by Jacinta.
3 months ago
Thaipusam in Penang. Some of the best shots. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
4 months ago
Nothing beats having a sacred audience with our lineage lamas. It's not selfie or wefie, but we have the best 'groufie'!!! 20th Jan 2024, Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
4 months ago
Welcoming our lineage Gurus to our Penang Chapel today! Pastor Seng Piow explained the significance of having Guru Tree and introduced to us our lineage lamas, Buddhas, deities, protectors and etc.
4 months ago
Umze for the day was Siew Hong. She's just been with us for slightly more than a year now but she's proven her capability in leading the puja. Our Penang group members are so proud of her and her commitment in attending the weekly puja. Despite being eloquence and smart, she has beautiful chant as well. When she leads, make sure you are there to hear her chant for yourself! Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
4 months ago
Umze for the day was Siew Hong. She's just been with us for slightly more than a year now but she's proven her capability in leading the puja. Our Penang group members are so proud of her and her commitment in attending the weekly puja. Despite being eloquence and smart, she has beautiful chant as well. When she leads, make sure you are there to hear her chant for yourself! Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
5 months ago
Tara Recitation is on now at KISG - Wai Meng
5 months ago
Photo from Wan Wai Meng
5 months ago
A sea of yellow ~usually in Tibetan Buddhism yellow represents growth. We prayed that our Penang group will grow in terms of people, wealth and attainments too. _/_ Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
5 months ago
After Dorje Shugden puja @3pm, we had Rinpoche's Swift Return puja too. We laughed as Sis Swee Bee was commenting that Tang should smile ~ here's the reason why we laughed. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta Goh
5 months ago
5 months ago
Today's (9/12/2023)Dorje Shugden puja led by Gordon. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
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Reading this article made me think how lucky and blessed I am and to be thankful for what I have. This definitely will become a good and fantastic educational material. Thank you for sharing this Rinpoche, and broadening our perspectives. _/\_
In comparison to these Hong Kong people, wow the space we have is massive and vast. We have to count our blessings.
Reading this article made me think how lucky and blessed I am . I come from third world country and I experienced how difficult it is live in this types of place..Every moment in our lives brings the opportunity to love and appreciate this beautiful life..
Things like this reminds me to be so thankful for what I have. Because what is so small or has little value to me could mean the world to another. So what I don’t need I donate (especially now as I am moving house). I must always appreciate and value everything I have and treat it with care and respect.
On the other hand, that does not mean that you must be stingy and selfish. Be humble and help the less fortunate when you can. That is the balance that you must find. Do not be selfish, but also do not treat your things like trash. That is how I see the middle path in this situation.
Kechara has KSK and there are so many other soup kitchens in the world, there is so much that you can do for the other people that are less fortunate than you. It is just a matter of effort. A little or a lot, it helps either way. So the point of my comment is to acknowledge and see how this is and how to react to it, react well.
In all countries, I guess there is a fraction of the population that lives in situations and conditions like these. It is just that usually, it goes unnoticed to the public or perhaps, no one can really be bothered.
This article reminded me very much of my first time volunteering with Kechara Soup Kitchen, where I never really appreciated what I had until I realised what so many didn’t have. I was fortunate to have most of what I wanted throughout my life, and it always never seemed like enough, until I went for a round to feed the homeless with Kechara Soup Kitchen back in 2007. Here I was, driven around in a car, having hot food served, and getting what I needed, and there were so many far from the plate of fortune I have been served. Yet I was not contented.
Looking through these photos made me think of the daily discomfort they have to face in just living. How would they use their time to practise, or for spirituality, as they would be occupied with trying to figure out how to survive daily. I guess I am even more appreciative that I have the right conditions for me to be able to use this life to study, learn and practise the Dharma.
Thank you for sharing this Rinpoche, and broadening our perspectives.
Carmen
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this to us. This definitely will become a good and fantastic educational material. This article gave us a very clear realization on how fortunate we are and how our desires dictates our life. Many of us are already staying in a very comfortable place but we feel not enough that we desire bigger and bigger house. It is never enough. If we still think the same thing and does not change our perception, the desires will destroy our life. However, I do believe that karma determines our life so whatever suffering that those people are experiencing are due their previous karma. Dharma teaches me to be compassionate and to be kind to all sentient beings. What we can do is to try our best to help those who are in need and at the same time continue our practice in cutting down our anger, craving, desires and attachment. Thank you, Rinpoche, it is a blessing for me to meet Rinpoche and Dharma.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this post with us, is very sad when look at all these picture that human need to suffer in this kind of living condition, how fortunate we are who can live in a proper house with our clean environment but I think a lot of us in also never thought that they are very fortunate because if they are happy with what they have then why some people are still complain their live not good enough , still full of desire to seek for the better never appreciate what they have I think we are the lucky one because we have Dharma and Rinpoche contanstly remind us about Dharma and be greatful with what we have, the most important is to help others who are less fortunate than us.
虽然这个地方是非常的狭窄、不完善的设备与有限的卫生标准。但这里还是会有基本的水供、电供、还有屋顶遮太阳与下雨。如果这样的环境相比于一些更贫穷,更偏僻和更落后的国家,是有多一点的幸福。
在这里生活的人,虽然不能像我们目前所拥有的舒适的环境。但是,他们也必须感到欣慰和感恩,因为他们还不至于生活在一个没有水供、电供或是需要在半夜提心吊胆因为连绵下大雨而造成屋顶漏水。
敬爱的仁波切时常都提醒我们,要感恩我们所拥有的一切包括人与事物。不要去埋怨“我没有这个,我没有哪个...等等•”。而因为这样,也让我们升起本来就不必要的烦恼与执着心。
如果你问我,我会在这样的一个环境里住上30年吗?我的答案是不会。我想,很多人也会和我的想法一样。因为,我们每个人都可以给自己做出选择。再加上,我们学习佛法,要相信因果。清楚的明白我们本身如果曾经造下不好的业,就要去承受不好的果。永远要记得没有人可以代替我们去承受自己所造下的业果。
感谢尊贵的上师在此让我们打开视野看到不一样的香港。
Like what Pastor Elena Khong said, “After all, in this World alone, there is already an infinite combinations of living conditions(situations), that we can be reborn into, and an infinite number of ways we can suffer on this planet alone, as humans”. As shown in the Dharma practice, human contentment and well being in real term requires us to go beyond physical, mental and emotional dimension, in order that detachment could be a greater wealth and devotion, and a bigger asset in our lives. Thank you Rimpoche for showing us the Way! Om Mani Padme Hung.
What is most amazing is that Hong Kong is a developed country, an international financial hub, a tourist attraction and infamous for its summer sale that attracts luxury consumers from all over the world.
Yet, tucked in corners are people living in such conditions and… they are considered lucky to even have a home over their heads.
Really, the next time we complain, think twice. I believe if we actually think, we will only be grateful.
I have amazing people around me. I couldn’t be in a better place. I’m grateful for my life and where I’m at. I never thought I could be in the place that I’m in. Surrounded by all the members of my dear Kechara family, enjoying the affection of numerous friends, who have never abandoned me always giving their love and care specially from H.H. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche…
Who should read articles like these:
1) children, to expose them to a variety of financial situations so they can develop empathy for the less fortunate. To develop a realistic view of the world, a good work ethic and to understand that life isn’t a bed of roses, and things don’t come easy for everyone
2) adults, to remind them that as they go about their daily lives with their head down and their blinders up, there’s always someone less fortunate than them. That their problems are never as big as they make it out to be, and there’s usually a solution to be found
3) you, me and everyone else to realise how fortunate we are and to stop taking things for granted 🙂 although these people have been reborn as humans just like us, they don’t have the necessary causes to enjoy their life, let alone learn Dharma. They aren’t living, they are surviving.
In a teaching a few years ago, Rinpoche reminded us that a human rebirth does not necessarily mean that we will be reborn with the opportune conditions to practise the Dharma. Certainly, the people in this article demonstrate this teaching very well. After all, in this world alone, from what we can see – never mind the unseen beings, never mind the animals, never mind the other plants – there is already an infinite combination of living situations that we can be reborn into, and an infinite number of ways we can suffer on this planet alone, as humans.
So when we read articles like this, we need to meditate on the preciousness of our human rebirth, to get the maximum benefit 🙂
Looking into all this pictures. It is very fortunate for me to have place to stay right now. These peoples struggle to survive. Money is always their problems. I guess, learning on dharma would be something very strange to them.
This is really crazy, I cannot imagine anyone living in such a tiny space. It so claustrophobic and it would most probably drive me nuts.
This post really is an eye opening for me. I’ve heard of Hong Kong being a very expensive place to live in and hence people live in very small apartments, but never did I imagine the cages and how small is small when your shower is beneath your bed.
It makes me realise how terribly fortunate we are to be living in Malaysia where most of us can live very comfortably. Space is not an issue here and for a space 4 times the size of what we see in those pictures we only pay 1/4 of what they would probably pay for a low cost apartment. Hence we should really stop complaining and appreciate all the things we have here, it’s considered luxury.
I wonder why hasn’t the government done anything to improve the quality of life for their citizens, especially the elderly? How could such living spaces be even approved or built. If they say because they do not have enough land and due to over population, well I hope now that Hong Kong is part of China, there is no more such excuse? Even Melaka and Singapore added more sand to make new lands to accommodate the growing population. Why didn’t Hong Kong do it?
Whatever it is, it is a clear sign of materialism at it’s worst. For a country that is supposed to be a developed nation, this is a horrible scene… seems like the richer the country is the lower the quality of life of the general population becomes and I am not surprised that depression is at it’s high.
This made me realise why it is extremely important for spirituality and dharma to grow over there… it would be to help these people find some sanity in an insane world.
This also goes to show that materialism, things, acquisitions does not make people happy and cannot bring happiness. It is empty and in the end all that we worked for, chased for, struggled for day in day out for what? For a piece of space in samsara and we need to work so hard to keep that little space and in the end we die. Reminds me of a quote advice from Rinpoche… “Although outwardly we have so much, we have so many conveniences, inwardly we have become more unhappy, so, acquisition is not the secret to happiness. The more we get, the more we have, the more unhappy we become.”
~ Tsem Rinpoche
Imagine the old man who has lived in his cage for 30 years… at the time of his death, what has he got? A life full of struggles? He doesn’t even have any dharma to help him and take with him on his final journey. Hence Rinpoche’s advice to us to always do dharma because in the end that is the only thing that can really help us. Thank you Rinpoche for this eye opening post.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing. We are so lucky in Malaysia. We should appreciate and thankful what we have now.
It really touches my heart to see how these people live. I am grateful for all the comfort that have been bestowed to me. The condition that some people live in Hong Kong is dreadful and yet these people were grateful for it. I hope the leader of Hong Kong will look into their welfare.
Hongkong is one of the wealthiest cities in the world and the rich live in big mansions with fantastic views and it is so sad to see the grim contrast of the poor living in metal caged homes. However, to some residents they considered themselves lucky to live in such cramped cages as compared to those living on the streets. They had no choice but to live in this condition due to the skyrocketing housing prices and inadequate low cost housing. I hope the government will take some actions to help them with proper public housing.
Thank you, Rinpoche, for sharing this post. We are indeed very fortunate. We should be grateful and appreciate what we have instead of complaining and take this opportunity to do our best to help the less fortunate.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing the teaching of being grateful of what we have in our country compared to those people who are living within small cubicle apartments in Hong Kong.
What is being shown on the TV programs and Hong Kong drama only reflecting the good side of Hong Kong lifestyle and not the actual true happenings from their citizens, especially from those people who only can afford to pay the rental fee of cubicle apartment instead of having sufficient space for sleeping, eating, cooking, reading books, etc.
These people living in small cubicle apartments in Hong Kong, could have mentally and physically trapped with pressure and they might even blame to their own fate for having poor living conditions. I pray that there will be Buddhist organization to offer them Dharma teachings and prayers in their community, at least for them to realize that their current living conditions are due to their past karma and hopefully they could be motivated to engage with Dharma activities and achieve attainment with wisdom to gain inner peace in their mind.
Thank you Rinpoche for giving us many Dharma teachings in various methods.
This is featured in several HK dramas in the past and I have seen it and I was just shocked when I saw it. I cannot imagine that the rental of a small little double storey house in Bentong town, Malaysia is equivalent to a tiny coffin-like space in Hong Kong. I dare not wonder how much is a decent-sized apartment is like in Hong Kong. Anyway, I am just lucky to be in Malaysia where things are not perfect but in terms of space for living and standards of living are much better especially for the underprivileged.
In such a prosperous metropolitan Hong Kong, there are people who are living in condition that is unimaginable, some live and stay in cages for 30 years without any room, and even proper facilities.
So much we complain of our life being difficult, hard, not having enough and desiring for more, but these people had to live in such condition for more than 30 years, some even for the rest of their life because they could not afford to get a house.
we should be grateful for what we have, imagine living in these condition and earning low income, it is very difficult to focus on our spirituality.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing these shocking reality, it an eye opener to myself, seeing such condition I feel grateful for what I have now.
This article is really shocking to read. I always imagined Hong Kong as a beautiful and developed country filled with rich people, but I never thought of the poor people living there. It is crazy that 210,000 more people are waiting to rent or buy these places. It just shows us how many poor people are there in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong is such a small island but it has over 7 million residents. No wonder there are so many people living in cages like this with many more people waiting. There are people in Hong Kong that would waste tons of money just to show off about how rich they are while these people are saving as much money as they can for rainy days.
Well, what can I say and what can we do to make this situation better? Nothing much I guess, at the end of the day, it’s all about our karma. I don’t think that it really matters if we live through this life adventurous, crazy and rich or not . I think it is important that we make good changes to the world, also to other people’s lives and we do not harm others. Thank You Rinpoche for sharing this article.
It’s sad to know that even in country like Hong Kong where the economy and everything is so advanced, there are still people who ate left behind by the society. When a country is well-developed and advanced, yes it’s good image for the country and so on but I also think that there are people who can’t cope with such a high living standard therefore they are left behind by the society. In my opinion, a good leader should take care of the people whether if it’s a small population of people or not, everyone should be treated with equality. These people maybe poor but they are definitely not poor in spirit, although they do not have the best in life, but they are very appreciative of what they have. Most of us do not realise the importance of having gratitude and being appreciative, these are the qualities that will guide us through hardships and allow us to succeed in life.
Karma has brought about the harsh and difficult living environment. But fortunately, things can change. Create the right cause to experience the desired effect. The inhabitants of the apartment concerned should strive for the betterment of their lives or to remain in this deplorable condition for the rest of their lives. Living for 30 years in this condition is beyond imagination. We cannot think how it would be like for one to continue living like that forever!
In countries like Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia where land is almost abundant and fewer population, we won’t come across such living quarters like these for the locals who can afford decent homes or residences. However in HK where its land of livable space are very limited and one of the costliest place to live on earth, it is rather inevitable for these poor residents to be able to afford any decent accommodation, let alone own a property. We do take for granted of the space, condition and environment we live in, either rented or owned, until we saw these living space of others like Hong Kong.
Hong Kong, being a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, there are also daily influx of mainland Chinese who flocks down to HK to seek better lives and have their babies born there to attain better privileges. It is rather sad that both local born HK and mainland Chinese have to put up with these dilapidated living space and for some, all their lives even.
About cage apartment in Hong Kong, we always saw it in TV drama series or movies. It may have being beautified and not as crammed as the photos shown in article here.
It is not easy to live in such apartment as it is not much space for own storage and daily activities such as bathing, cooking, dining and etc. But the residents here appreciate what they have even though it’s tough staying. At least they have a HOME. They never losing hope in their life but continue work hard for 3 meals, staying and kids education.
After reading this article and going through the photos, I feel so fortunate that I was born in a family who affords for good staying. I think others also feel the same. We should be grateful of what we have here and appreciate the people and things around. Doing our best to help people around who in need.
We are unable to predict what will happen in future. We may lose what we have now or even become homeless. It may not as good as previous lifestyle and it is tough but we should not give up. Just do whatever we can as long as we are still alive in this world.
With folded hand thank you Rinpoche for this inspiring article.
It reminds me of the animals confined in cages in animal factories such as pigs, cows and chicken before they are sent to be slaughter.
I cannot imagine living in such crammed space but these city dwellers accepted their predicament. They did rather stay in these cages than staying on the street. In Malaysia some foreign workers are reported to be staying in very crammed quarters provided by their employers.
Many Malaysians, me included, are really fortunate compare to Hong Kong folks. We complain a lot for silly, tiny things, even our house sizes. The fact very that we complain shows that we have lost touch with reality, other human beings who with very little on this planet.
Although they may have accepted their state of living I think it is very unhealthy for the mind besides the high risk of disease spreading due to the difficulty of maintaining cleanliness.
好几年前,当我第一次看到香港笼民的报导时,挺震撼的。
那一刻让我深感身为大马的人的幸福,是无法言喻的。我觉得生活上的贫穷是可以使用所学的技巧、知识和专业去改变它; 但是心灵上的贫穷,却视若无睹,是最可怕的。这比物质上的匮乏还要让人感到恐惧。
成为笼民是一种宿命的呼唤,抑或是个人的惰性造成的?这个问题常常盘绕在我的脑海中。当然,我不能以图像的表层来评断每位笼民,这就显然很不公平。
从笼民的生活写照似乎凸显,每个人似乎都有对自己的生活和社会产生出巨大的无奈和无力感!他们是香港草根一族,地位卑微,咬紧牙关与现实挣扎着,他们很难辛且踏实地度过日常的每一天,并没有对社会造成任何的破坏和伤害。
轻轻地使用滑鼠将每张照片都细细的看了一看,我觉得笼民们对自己所过的生活,其实都挺自在和悠閒。
生活的苦,不是以物质富足或贫匮为标准,而是以内在贫或富为定,对我而言,虽然在笼民的眼神裡,看到了对生活的无力,但却不代表他们是最贫乏的一群。
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for this post highlighting the appalling living conditions of the urban poor in Hong Kong. Urban poverty is an issue even here in Malaysia. These group of people often go unnoticed as many have this perception that poverty only exists in rural or undeveloped areas. Sadly, those who leave the known poverty areas to seek better opportunities, only to find that poverty exists even in the cities.
This post is a great way for me to reflect on my life and how blessed I am to be living where I am today. I pray for poverty to be eradicated everywhere – be it worldly and spiritually.
With folded hands.
看到香港人民的居住环境真的非常伤感,香港笼民大多数是年长一辈的老人家,看了很心酸。我在想难道他们这一群退休了的老人家是没有家人呢,还是说因为孩子们没有能力养活老人家了呢?!或是被嫌弃他们然后被抛弃的呢?
在这繁华都市的香港里,也住上了很多这样的笼民,一家大小吃喝和所有的生活作息都在那么小的狭窄空间里生活,那真是不容易。环境是非常恶劣。这些成长中的小孩们,他们的意志力是很强的,因为他们生存的方式是多么的困苦,但是看得出他们都有一颗赤子之心,他们融入生活环境里而他们不被环境影响他们。我反而觉得他们比起我们不会有太大的执着心。
我们现在所拥有的一切实在是太幸福了,我们衣食无忧,我们的环境优良,可以随时随地的跟随上师的脚步一起学习佛法,实践佛法。我们不应该认为我们拥有的一切都是理所当然的,更不应该利用我们所拥有的;比如上师加持与护法庇护所给予的一切。
我们要更精进的把所学到的帮助他人让他人过的和我们一样好。
Thank you for sharing, Rinpoche. I visited Hong Kong very often due to my work. That’s how Hong Kong people live their lives. Properties are too expensive for these people. They are kind of used to it because majority of the people stays in small apartment. This country is just too small to fit in so many people. Hence that limited space became expensive to live. According to the local people, The cage home is getting less and less nowadays. Due to bad safety facilities, the Hong Kong government had ban this way of living. I hope their next generation will get out of this porvety circle.
It’s sad to see these people living in the cage or in such a small area. The condition is really bad especially for those with childrens and old people.
We should be greatful for what we have now and be more compasionate to the unfortunate one. Hope this people meet the dharma and with dharma it give them hope and the true meaning of life even though they have to go through this difficult time but at least their mind is at peace knowing whatever we going through is due to our karma but by practicing dharma they can change their future.
Nothing is permanent, we can make a change with dharma.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this post.
I remembered I read about Cage Home’s article more than 15 years ago, it seems no sign of improvement, Just imagined new generation who had grown up in such conditions ? Staying in such condition, emotional and psychological will be affected long term…
After seeing all these shocking heartfelt pics, we should not complain what we do not have anymore…. We should not take things for granted with no gratitude anymore, compare to these cage people, we are more than 100% lucky.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this post as a great reminder to us. We are lucky to be in Malaysia especially we have the fortune to meet precious dharma and be the students of Rinpoche.
It’s kinda shocking how such a prosperous and developed nation such as Hong Kong still has over 200,000 people waiting just to have their own cage to live in.
It’s sad to see the conditions these people are living in which are really bad and cramped especially for those who have families.
I’m quite surprised that the government isn’t doing anything to help these people in terms of their welfare. No one would like to live in such conditions but yet they don’t have a choice.
At the very least, they could build low cost flats like they do here in Malaysia and collect monthly repayments from the tenants instead of letting this “cage” concept continue.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing.
多谢上师的分享,看到这些笼民所住的地方,就誏我想到那些被关在笼里的动物,吃,喝,拉,撒,就在那方园之地,谈不上什么个人隐私,卫生,人權。谁叫你窮。难以想像一家几口要如何住?因此环境,很多问题就产生了。感恩父母把我生在这里,感恩有此机缘遇見上师,得聞佛法,去惡修善、永世不堕此境地。愿这些笼民也能得聞佛法,擺脱如此困境
we have been very blessed our my life and rewarded with good friends good health and good house.we must appreciate what we have..
The urban poor can be found in every city in the world. Unfortunately, the numbers are increasing. When I was in Paris many years ago, I happened to visit an apartment building in which some of the storerooms were converted into bedrooms for a low rental. No one wants to live in such terrible conditions. I feel very sad for the people in these pictures and pray for their situation to improve and their wishes fulfilled.
Seeing such living conditions of the urban poor in Hongkong, living in abject poverty in cages, where they sleep, eat, study, do their chores and even work inside the cage,one wonders why we complain so much living in Malaysia, where even a small flat has so much more room and space than any of these cages.
It is heartbreaking to see the elderly, living out the rest of their lives in these cages of a home. At the same time , I think of the homeless, who do not even have a roof over their heads. On a Kechara Soup Kitchen round, whenever we spot an elderly person or a woman sleeping in five foot ways, we are filled with misgiving about their safety.
Yes, we take for granted our lives of comparative luxury and comfort, not realizing that between us and the homeless or those living in cages for homes, is “just a breath”.
It is particularly disturbing to see these images of elderly people living in deplorable conditions. Indeed a reminder to us to appreciate our current good fortunes and never take anything for granted.
谢谢分享关于香港笼民的生活。
其实在很久以前也有看过一套港产片 ” 笼民 “ 这一套片也活生生的把笼民的生活拍出来了。
国家进步,社会发达,有时候我们也会忽略了另一边厢努力生存着的人。
70‘ 80’ 年代有很多笼民, 他们很多都已经搬出来了, 一位他们明白坐在等不如,努力的脱离这个地方,为下一代创造更好的生活。
现在还留在笼子里的一群都属于比较年长的。
生活好坏,都选择与自己的一双手。 就好比快乐不快乐,都是自己的主人。
It is very very sad and heartache to see these poor people living in cages that they called home especially in the advance and modern city like Hong Kong. Hope that the government of Hong Kong and its housing departments can look into their plight and provide them with at least some basic and decent homes.
By looking at these heart breaking photos, we must be contented for what we have in our lives and be happy.
Thank you Tsem Rinpoche for sharing this post. We are so lucky and must grateful, that we are live in Malaysia. It was so sad when looking on those pictures. That why we must appreciate much what we have it now and don’t complaining so much.
I believe the moral of this article is to always cherish what we have and be happy. Situations can be worse. Looking at how these less fortunate Hong Kong people live, really puts into perspective how abundant many of us are.
I remember visiting my HK friend in her house once and she gave me a tour of her house. It was a spacious 3 storey house. When she showed me where her maid sleeps, I was shocked. The maid’s room was literally a cabinet. It was only big enough to sit and or lie down, just like the pics of cages in this article.
My friend said that this was the norm in HK as real estate is very expensive. I will never forget that experience as I thought it wasn’t really nice to have anyone sleep in such tiny confined spaces. However, I realized that I’ve been spoiled by having large spaces all the time.
Regardless, it is a good reminder of how fortunate we are compared to many others and not take it for granted. Our karma can be quite volatile. We may lose what we have overnight.
Dear Rinpoche
We are extremely lucky to live at such conducive condition in Malaysia. We have almost everything. Majority of us have nice house, cars, good foods. We should always remind ourselves that be compassionate to help others whereby less lucky. If we believe in karma, the more we should be generous to give our helping hands to the less fortunate one.
I have shown this post to my children. I hope they can realise how lucky they are and know to appreciate what they have. Thanks Rinpoche for the sharing.
its sad to see people are living in small cages called “homes” for decades. We should be grateful for what we have, at least we still have a decent place to live in, it might be small and simple, but good enough compare to what urban poor in HK has to go thru.
These unfortunate people most of them are very old, and yet there is no one taking care of them. Lives is very though in this highly materialistic world.
Just hope that these unfortunate people can learn some dharma, at least they can lives happier, and collect enough merits and karma to have a better lives later on.
Dear Rinpoche,
I knew that the housing condition at Hong Kong is bad for the not so well off people, but I don’t know that it is THIS bad. I feel that we as Malaysians are extremely lucky. We need to appreciate more of what we have instead of focusing on what we don’t have. Malaysia is a beautiful country and most of us can afford a small place that we can call home. But of course there are exceptions such as the homeless peoples.
The people that are forced to live in such conditions have the karma to be reborn into it. We have to be mindful of not collecting negative karma that will eventually propelling us into such living condition in our next life.
Chris
I cannot help but feel pity and sorry for the people in the photos living in the caged condition deprived of space and likely basic amenities or hygiene. At the same time it sent a chill down my spine because we could be the people in the photos living in those conditions (or worse) in our next lives. I hope that the people in the photos will do something to elevate their living condition. It also serves to remind us that we should be thankful of what we have now. Let’s not stop doing good for others and be more generous to create a cause for a better reborn.
Humbly, bowing down,
Stella
This really served as an eye-opener for me. I knew i was very lucky to have the life i have, and this post reinforces that. So many people in this world live in conditions i would find impossible to cope with. When i compare my life to theirs, i really do feel grateful for what i have. And from this i learn a valuable lesson.
I learn that i have the power to do things. Things that can help others. Because i am lucky enough to have been born in a wealthier part of society, i have the ability to make a difference in the world. I go to a good school, get good education, have a comfortable lifestyle, and have all the luxuries i want. Many people have this, buts its whether or not we choose to use this to our advantage. With the wealth that many people have over poorer people, we can help others. If others are in poverty, we can help. Because we can afford to help. The question is, will you help? That for me is the main thing i took away from this post.
Its very hard for these people to escape this lifestyle. The poverty cycle is merciless and unforgiving. Once you are in poverty, your children are in poverty. And unless you break this chain of poverty somehow, you and your future children will remain in poverty. Its endless. But it is a lot easier for these people to break this cycle is we help them. All they need is that little push.
This pictures reflect the point that this could be me in those living conditions. Looking at where we are , aren’t we lucky we gain some merits or “lucky” to have or be where we are. With this reflection raises 2 question. What are we doing in this precious life we have? and How can we help those that is in these condition within our capability ( not asking to go HK but i am sure around us we have these condition such as homeless etc in every city or country).
Guru, Thanks for the sharing and reminder .
_/\_ yikming
谢谢仁波切的方向
每个国家都面对社会问题。
看到以上的图片关于在香港居住在类似’笼子的家,真的难以想象,华丽背后的心酸了 !
印象中的香港是一个富有的城市,香港人的收入普遍都很高。
香港的笼屋, 所谓的家,香港也有不为人知的一面,我们是如此幸运,应该要惜福。
不要抱怨我们的生活不好,与他们相比我们是多么幸运的,能住在一个环节舒服地方。
当我们在抱怨家不够大的时,有人家都没有…..。
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for sharing such beautiful blog post.
To live a happy life is not about the place where one is staying..either he/she has a bungalow house or a small space with few square feet. Who we are staying with and the attitudes within ourselves are always the keys to unlock the door of happiness.
An individual might owns and live in a bungalow house, however, if he feel stressful all the time and can only share his ups and downs with walls in the house, I would perceive it as a kind of torture. In converse, there are five individuals in a family who need to squeeze and fight for a space just to sleep every night in a room could be seen as pitiful and suffering, however, what’s really matter is they are all being together, whenever they face problems in life they have someone they love and care about to stay right beside, to talk or cry on.
There are people looking down at individuals who are less fortunate etc., homeless, poor, and uneducated. What’s more important in life is not about how much one can earns in term of sen and dollar, it’s not about how high can one archived in life in term of materialism. What is ultimate at the end of life are what we learned, experinces, knowledges that are gained, who are still there for us when we are facing difficulties or death, what we have done to benefit other sentient beings.
Living a life is not always about oneself. Being alive is to benefit all sentient beings, to help one another when they need it, to stop sufferings, and to build a better world.
May all of us able to achieve the ultimate goal in life and stop sufferings from cycling.
Thank you. _/|\_
Hong Kong is the most affluent and extravagant eastern city with the most exclusive and indulgent ways of life. Yet to see what is posted here, shows not the affluence of the city nor people but rather the lack of care among the ones who have and the ones who have not.
I presume such extremes were created when Hongkong was a British colony, where the government cared for nothing but to milk Hongkong dry. But that was almost 2 decades ago, I hope that now the current government will do something for these urban poor. Singapore is a good example, where the government cares and had provided the citizens with affordable homes.
It is really sad and I hope that Hongkong will do something for these urban poor, even though it is a fact of life that poverty is everywhere. But let there be improvement.
Whatever the circumstance, at least they are doing something about it according to their means. They take responsibility for themselves, are not complaining and do not depend on others for handouts. That’s an admirable trait to me.
Everything is relative. If we think we’re in an unfortunate situation and complain incessantly for every little inconvenience, there is always someone else in a more dire situation and someone else who is “better off”. Same applies to them.
Many of us are seem to be so entitled. We may be so much better off than some others but still are not satisfied materially. When we get to the next station, we still want more and are still not satisfied and want more. But I’m not saying we don’t strive to be better. But if we have contentment, we become so much happier.
Material wealth is not the answer to lasting happiness, but a comfortable situation and enough resources will help in one’s spiritual practice. When one’s mind is constantly occupied with daily survival, it’s hard to focus on spiritual practice.
It is reported that there are about 200,000 people living in Hong Kong in what the government calls “inadequate housing,” including cubicle apartments and cage homes. It is sad that such a large number of people are living in such poor accommodations in a so-called wealthy city.
These cage homes are usually located inside old buildings in urban areas, and we can see from the pictures how poor safety, hygiene and privacy are for these residents. Living in these harsh conditions, their psychological well-being is definitely affected.
Urban poor is everywhere, hence every government must show that they are making every possible effort, within available resources to have adequate housing, especially for those from the lower income groups.
In Mahatma Gandhi’s words, “Recall the face of the poorest and weakest man whom you may have seen, and ask yourself if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him.” As we go about in our daily lives, it is good to not just think about ourselves all the time but spend some time to think about and care for the poor who are suffering.
If you are interested to help, Kechara Soup Kitchen distributes food to homeless and urban poor on weekdays & weekends. You can get more details here: https://www.facebook.com/notes/820518077997735/
Thank you Rinpoche for the sharing !
看到以上的图片关于一班在香港居住在类似’笼子”所谓的家, 看到心都酸了 !
由其是现在年轻的一群, 一出世就被保护和宠坏的环境下成长, 完全不懂何为吃苦 ! 我们在电视银幕和杂志里很难看得到在背后的这一群人, 他们的辛酸, 无奈 , 无助, 应该得到某方面或机构当局关注 !
这编文章, 应该让年轻的一群看看, 让他们明白”见苦惜福”这道理 !
大家一起共用浴室和厕所都需要拥有合群和忍让精神, 才可以相处! 不简单 !
愿所有苦难的众生离苦得乐 !
感恩合十
Yeo Kwai Gin
It is just saddening to see the rich constantly getting richer and the poor getting poorer, widening the gap between the two “societies” that we deem. What is shameful is that some people that are around us will also make use of these people that are already suffering and cheat their money for their own gains. To show their “wealth” which they fed off from these people that are living in such poor conditions.
Seeing this, it also made me reflect that many times in our lives we have things that some may consider as luxurious, yet we do not see that. Living in samsara we constantly crave for the things that we do not have, thinking that those things will make us happier. But how many times that is the case when we achieve it? I will say close to zero. When we just seek these pleasures in life, we achieve nothing. It is nice that people around us admire what we “have”. However, how many times these items are “real”?
Life is constantly being impermanent just like what Lord Buddha taught us. Thus, we are holding and aiming towards something that is empty and has no value thinking that it will help us reach something. But with emptiness, it will only bring more emptiness to us. With that emptiness, it will consume us and make us feel angry.
Through this post it makes me appreciate the things that I have around me more as well as through this it shows that with the same amount of “money” we can be living like the kings and queens at a corner of the world, but we can be living like someone worthless in another corner of the country. It just reminds us how important it is to be doing good deeds to accumulate merits in our lifetime and not let it go to waste. When we exhuast these merits that we had accumulated, what will happen to us in the future? We may just end up in their shoes.
Thank you Rinpoche for this timely reminder that life is impermanent and we should never take anything that we have for granted. It just really makes a person’s heart cringe when we see things like that. But with us seeing and doing nothing, it is as good as not doing anything. I truly feel that only when we start doing something productive with these information, then it will benefit us and satisfy that craving hole that we have in us.
I feel heartache to see such living conditions. In such advanced country like HongKong, the richest will only get richer yet the poorest will not get any better, it seems. To be honest, flipping through magazines like Prestige or Tatler looking at those people holding champagne posing for pictures in parties did irk me a lot because there are millions of poor people couldn’t even afford a proper meal. Yet some are so addicted to flaunt their wealth to the public. Imagine the price paid for a sought after designer bag could feed a person for almost 3-4 years? Yes i know life is unfair. However, the conscience in every human beings should not be buried by ignorance. Let’s reach out to those less fortunate and bring happiness to everyone, not just for ourselves.
Every society has its issues and it is sad to know that there are people living in such conditions. Therefore, those of us who are fortunate should be thankful.
But it is not enough. We must also take actions to help people in need. I think Kechara Soup Kitchen is a very good charity work. Although a person on his own cannot directly help everyone in need, it is good to start from somewhere. Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this.
It is pains my heart viewing these photos. Urban poor is in every city, no matter how beautiful a city may look. Some may say they are even worse scenarios where people have to live on the streets, and they still have a shelter over their head. In both cases, their living condition is far from comfortable, and we should ask ourselves, would I stay in these places if given a choice?
Seeing these photos remind me of the homeless in Malaysia. Their situation is not any better either. I think that’s why Rinpoche started Soup Kitchen in Malaysia years ago. It is not only to lend an helping hand to the urban poor, but it is a also a way for us to develop compassion, and provide a chance to practice kindness.
I pray the urban poor issues can be eliminated, or reduced at least. Nobody needs to suffer like this.
If you have ever complained that your apartment is small, please read this article. Sad to see all this, home is not just about a place to sleep. Home like this definitely affected the emotional and psychological of the person stay there. I think Kids who grown up in such conditions may has lots of problems.
Compare with them, lots of us is so lucky. Even we are renting a room here is also 100% much more better. I hope seeing these images makes you think of yourself in them and makes you feel an appreciation for your own good fortune. We should appreciate what we have and don’t complain.
It’s still shocking and sad to see the pictures of people’s life in metal cage in Hong Kong. What I see the title, in my mind I say “No way. It’s no way for me to live in this cage for 30 years…”
Hey, wait, would it be I am actually staying in another larger cage as well? People who live in wide grassland would think people who stay in city/apartment – even it’s a thousand square feet apartment with swimming pool, lift and tennis court facilities is out of their mind – “Why caught oneself in small space in a place with traffic jam day in day out??”
Thank you Rinpoche for the sharing,
We Malaysian are so lucky as compared to others. However, many of us are not appreciative enough, including myself, we always want more to feed our desire and ego. Thank you for the sharing. This reminded myself to work not only for me, but always think about others in need. When we are not happy and want more, think about others who are poorer and live in worse condition.
Thank you
Pee Bee Chong
Really sad for these folks.
As even in London there are places where they rent out bed spaces and some rooms are shared by 8 or more people.
Most of these are single people doing odd jobs and finance is an issue hence they put up with these accommodation.
Really sad indeed.