My Comment on LA Times 26 years ago on Yoko Ono
Dear all,
A twitter follower of mine tweeted a link to an online article on LA Times… To my surprise, it was a letter that I had written in to the newspaper in 1987!! Back then, I was 22 and was still living in Los Angeles.
At that time, I was just so tired about how Yoko Ono was being consistently put down. I was just so disappointed at what the tabloids were doing to such a kind lady’s reputation and thought that I must do something about it or speak up no matter how insignificant it may be… so I decided to write a comment about it, and snail mail it to the Los Angeles Times. Back then, there was no internet, only postal service!!
After I mailed the comment, I let it at that. I went to India to become a monk. I did not know if it was published on the newspapers or anything like that… so I was pleasantly surprised to see my comment on their website today! It’s a 26-year-old archived comment and still accessible to the public.
It is just sad to see how some people, due to their own personal agendas would cause so much damage to a person’s reputation. For many people out there, their name is an important asset to support the good work they are doing. Like in Yoko Ono’s case, imagine if her reputation was indeed destroyed in the 1980’s due to a few misconstrued facts that was fed to the public, then all her philanthropic work would not have happened today…
Fortunately, many people in the West do not blindly belief or judge what they read… they do their homework, and saw that Yoko was indeed a wonderful lady that made a change in the world and consistently promoted peace. Before we make a conclusion on a person based on a rumor or slandering write-ups on the tabloid, we should check the actions of these people. I never trust what people has to say about another person just because they were close to them, but I trust my own judgement of people and most importantly their actions. More importatantly Mrs Yoko Ono didn’t hurt anyone. She loved, lived, and did the best she can within her circumstances. She is to be commended and left alone.
I thought I’d share with you this comment that I wrote when I was 22 years old. It has always been in me, to stand up for those that was wrongly accused. I wish Mrs Yoko Ono well and all like her who do their best in the public eye.
My family and given name is Burcha Bugayeff. After ordination and enthronement ceremony in Gaden Monastery my name has become known as Tsem Rinpoche.
Tsem Rinpoche
(Click on image to enlarge)
[Extracted from: http://articles.latimes.com/1987-06-27/entertainment/ca-10960_1_exhibit-of-john-lennon-mrs-yoko-ono-lennon-john-lennon-s-art]
Please support us so that we can continue to bring you more Dharma:
If you are in the United States, please note that your offerings and contributions are tax deductible. ~ the tsemrinpoche.com blog team
Wow ….a simple and warm comment . Its wonderful this comment made its way and surfaced after 26 years lapse . Which was written by Rinpoche when he was 22 years old still living in Los Angeles.
Yoko Ono who is the victim of slanderous statements. She is simply doing what she’s always done, trying to stay active and make the world a better place. Yoko Ono is a very unusual woman, have her up and down, that’s her life. Past is past , nobody needs to judge her of her past event. Rinpoche’s Bodhisattva attitude of speaking the truth towards injustice, did the right thing and will stood up for anyone of us. Rinpoche has shown us an example of compassion. Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing .
This is just one of the many traces of Rinpoche’s attitude towards injustice – speak up and do something about it. Rinpoche was 22 at that time.
Rinpoche was also very kind to speak up because Rinpoche does not get anything in return and definitely not expecting to receive any response from Yoko Ono.
The same attitude has been used in the unlawful ban of Dorje Shugden which Rinpoche goes all the way to make sure the ban is lifted with various creative methods.
This post on Rinpoche’s comment gives us a trace of Rinpoche’s attitude that has brought much success in all things that Rinpoche does till today.
I love this, Rinpoche is always so kind and gives generously emotionally to everyone he can. This is a quality I would like to emulate too. Thank you Rinpoche.
Hey there! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any issues
with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing months of hard work due to no back up.
Do you have any solutions to protect against hackers?
Keep in mind that anything in your house which is regarded an resource of your organization
would not be protected under your residence insurance coverage.
2007 Auto Complaint Listing (ranked lowest number at top, higher as you go down).
You probably know that having car insurance
is a law and that there are lots of types of car
insurance to get, but do you know how to get those cheap car insurance rates
online and still get the coverage you need.
Dear Lama
I like the way you stand up for Yoko. It’s one of the quality I admire in you.
Valentina
Its benefits include improved immunity, enhanced energy
levels and improved metabolism owing to presence of nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fiber, antiokxidants andd L-Theanine.
This way you can avoid leaves sprayed with pesticides or fertilizers
and obtain hherbs exceptionally rich in nutrients. The resultys point to that green tea weight loss pilos could speed
up yiur metabolism and helps burn calories as well as lowering
your bad cholesterol stages, and haas an effect onn
your stages of body fat.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing the post. Rinpoche is a living Bodhisattva, he is always being there for anyone for need him !! Thank you Rinpoche for always guiding us by example.
Rinpoche’s stand on defending those who have been wrongly accused in the early years are very inspiring. This prove the Rinpoche has been consistant in his actions from the past till now and that tells a lot about the character of Rinpoche for those who have doubted or known little about Rinpoche.
Rinpoche has shown us the compassion consistently since the very beginning. Thank you Rinpoche for all your care and compassion being showered onto everyone of us. I am sure Rinpoche is very happy to be able to share his comment about Ms Yoko Ono after 26 years. May Ms Yoko Ono continues to carry out her kind deeds smoothly for the benefits of many people.
This is a pleasantly surprise news to hear that Rinpoche got to read his own letter of comment to the LA Times more than 2 decades ago. At such a young age and before Rinpoche became a monk, Rinpoche wrote a kind and encouraging letter about the good deeds what Mrs Yoko Ono Lennon has done in the various charitable organizations, She really deserved a praise instead of putting her down by certain quarters. Thank you Ms Yoko Ono for your care for others, you are great.
Thank You Rinpoche for teaching us that we must not only stand up for ourselves but also for others. The feeling of being put down or criticised by others is really bad, no one deserves that especially it’s someone who had worked so hard to make things work, it’s not fair.
This is something unexpected on my side to see. Something that Rinpoche did 26 years ago and “found” now. Rinpoche already showed love and compassion at that young age. Well, I did not like Yoko Ono just because I thought she caused the break up of the Beatles and took John away from Julian and Cynthia. Rinpoche showed me after all this years that Yoko like all ordinary folks, is still a suffering (but rich, LOL) sentient beings and deserve compassion and understanding. After all, he did much for others and is a strong person. This I thought is what I respect about her. Thanks Rinpoche for another lesson.
路见不平拔刀相助，仁波切助人的心在出家前和出家后始终如一。特别对弱势的（包括动物），对被误解的他都不迟疑的出手相助。
仁波切的经历告诉我，要为自己相信的真善美站出来，不公平的就要说出来，不要还未行动就老想着会有结果会有效吗？如果连自己相信的都不敢发声不敢挺，自己就会越来越不相信自己，同时更不可能得到别人的信任。
Just think how much difference there has been in your own life, actions, personalities, attitude, work, between last year and this. Or even last month till today.
But with Rinpoche, Rinpoche has been consistent in all aspects, from Dharma work, to actions, to believes, values, passion and ethics, morality and love for the Buddha. It has not wavered, and Rinpoche’s comment from 1987 highlights exactly just that.
That ability to be so consistent already shows a mind that is attained, and what’s more, the ability to maintain compassion, kindness, love and care to all sentient beings shows Boddhicitta. And the best part… we can achieve those too, just as Rinpoche has, by following the methods and advice Rinpoche has thought.
Yoko Ono has done wonders in her charitable projects and works and continues to support to make her an outstanding philanthropist. Her activism to bring peace is commendable and we should remember that of her and her works. At least she is doing so much more than many out there are.
Love,
Carmen
Really amazing after twenty over years Rinpoche can read about this article that he wrote so many years ago.Rinpoche is a really a true Buddha even at the young age he already exhibit a true compassion many of us at that age will not dare to speak up for others we will not bother about others we most time a very self cherishing, so is very important for us to contemplate about our guru quality.
With Folded Hands
Shelly tai
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for letting me know no matter how insignificant our suggestions/views/words are, but we still do what is right. As long as it comes from our sincere heart, somehow it can be heard. And the intention of expressing our thoughts is not for attention to get fame, but is to get attention in order to help.
And no matter who we are, we have the responsibility to speak up. Again, this is not for fame, so who cares whether we are somebody or not. If we really want to be somebody in the society, then we must speak up with logic, reasoning and kindness. We all bear the responsibility to create a better world, not just only Obama or David Cameron.
路見不平，“提筆”相助，這就是仁波切的熱血精神。當時仁波切22歲，還在美國沒到印度出家，眼見社會的壓迫和不公，仁波切投稿到洛杉矶时报（LA Times）發聲。
別說出家人冷漠，慈悲和出離也不是冷漠。縱使仁波切目前已有48歲，但其熱血精神依然如一。
年輕人常犯的一個錯，就是不夠相信自己。仁波切的經歷告訴我，對的事，就要去做，無論身邊的人如何阻攔。對於別人的阻攔和質疑，別介懷，別懷恨，因為年輕的我仍未展現成果，但只要多堅持一下，再多一下，就會有成果了。
Thanks to modern technology, we are able to have a glimpse of Rinpoche’s early writings. Hats off to the young Rinpoche for having the courage and compassion to stand up for someone like Yoko Ono who did not conform to the norm and had many bad press in her days.
Thanks Rinpoche for sharing this article to us. We can realize that Rinpoche is truly a Reincarnation Bodhisattva showing true fully compassion no matter how old is Rinpoche.
We appreciate all Rinpoche care and love towards all sentient beings…
I’m afraid many of us will not voice out for someone like Yoko because many will feel non of our business. There is a possibility that someone will try to shut us up and make ourselves look good. This could only happen in the west. I admire the openness of the west. Reasoning is not encouraged in our society.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this message. I’m sure if Mdm Yoko Ono sees this, she will literally have a break from all the criticizes with your comforting words. There’re two things that I would love to address in here. First, whatever people do that doesn’t meets up to your perception, don’t judge the method but look at the result. Don’t just heavily criticize one the person’s flaws. Try to understand the person’s means, even if you don’t understand if it is for a good cause, show your support. Second thing is, we should never be afraid to speak up to what we feel that is clearly and obviously wrong. We should always speak up for those that are suppressed and those who are wrongly accused. Never be afraid to be their voice.
Thank you Rinpoche for always be you.
So nice to see a comment left by Rinpoche over 26 years ago by Rinpoche. Rinpoche still defends animals and people on the streets through his actions and activities even now when he is abroad he feels the yearn to help homeless people and and dogs who are abandoned. I feel this piece is vintage Tsem Rinpoche. The desire to benefit and reduce people’s suffering is ever present.
Wish Ms Yoko Ono wil carry on her philantrophic work for others – She has also made significant philanthropic contributions to arts, peace, Philippine disaster relief, and AIDS and autism outreach programs. (from wikipedia). May she carry on her work for others, and it is rare to see a very strong female Japanese figure at the world’s forefront. She is a rare jewel indeed. Below is her tweet for the Haiyan disaster relief
Help #Philippines Red Cross @philredcross after #Typhoon #Haiyan DONATE: http://t.co/oOE3wP1muq TRACING PROGRAM: http://t.co/JQeycV2Bft
Wow it is amazing that a 26 years old comment can be found on the internet.
Rinpoche indeed is very compassionate that he voice out what he feel about that incident.
Thanks Rinpoche for the sharing
Whether it be 26 years ago or now, Rinpoche displays the same compassion and kindness, and will speak up for the disadvantaged and those who are much maligned. Yoko Ono was more often than not criticized and vilified. So Rinpoche gave her a break by speaking up for her.
Thank you Rinpoche for always and consistently remaining true to yourself.
Thanks to the Twitter follower of Rinpoche, who must be a fan of Yoko Ono and John Lennon, we get to read what Rinpoche spoke out in favor for Yoko. I guess newspapers, magazines and tabloids publish juicy news of well known people just for sales regardless if the news hurt that person or not.
Rinpoche indeed has the profound wisdom even being ordained as monk based on the comments submit to LA Times. Yes, we shouldn’t judge or assume on people based on certain party comments. Action and time will prove the person’s personality and works. Thank for the sharing. 🙂
一册26年的评论留言竟然现在还可以重温！可想而知当年这册留言里的含义是真的让人动了心，而且也说出了事实。当大家都在批评和不削当儿很显然上师这册评论放生了作用，也让当事人有了个喘息的空间。我相信上师这评论也给了当事人一个温暖的怀抱。谢谢上师的分享和他的大爱。感恩！
What a nice surprise for Rinpoche to find this letter after so many years! I’ve read negative stories written about Yoko Ono in those days. In spite of the things people said, she has always struck me as someone who is brave and stood up for her beliefs. She was unconventional, very artistic and very much ahead of the times.
Everytime I hear the song “Imagine” by John Lennon, tears stream from my eyes, everytime. For a very long time, I didn’t know what, where, when, and how to use this bottled-up energy to make a difference, a big difference if possible. Now I think I know how…
Thank you Rinpoche for highlighting that we must be very mindful of what we write/speak as it can be potentially very damaging to the person’s reputation and negative impact his/her reputation, works and projects.
It is more beneficial to do our homework to find out more before judging and we should develop more our appreciation of others good qualities rather than pick on their shortcomings only.
Although what Rinpoche has written was short but very You and a Dharma lesson itself. The article is also a proof that whatever we write/say/do will someday affect others either in a positively and negatively whether we intended or it at the time of writing.
So we must practice mindfulness at all times.
感恩仁波切您的分享与开示
很感动看到这帖子，仁波切在还没有出家之前的帖子，这是如此满满的爱啊，仁波切是如此的无私与大爱，这份爱从来不分你我是谁，只要是一切有情众生，仁波切都愿意用他的爱来包容与保护我们全部
许多时候当我们看见别人收到批评与受到攻击时，我们就总是只会默默地看着，也许我们会在心里祷告着祈愿风波平息，然而当我们知道被受攻击的一方是无辜的，然而我们却没有挺身而出，给予一些帮助，那么我们的菩提心又怎么会成长呢？倘若我们给予一些适当的帮助（不是吵架或打架或用有违背戒律的方法），就如同尊贵的仁波切一样，给予一些言语与精神上的支持，那么我相信是有一定的帮助的，这样总比默默不理好多了
感恩仁波切您总是以身作则的教导我们，让我们明白与学习的更多
祈愿您长驻在世，常转法轮
Rinpoche’s style of writing,speech and thought had been so consistent through out the years. As compare to us who are easily sway away by speculations and rumors。 That what make you the one worthy of veneration and those who are not!
谢谢仁波切的分享。Yoko Ono 是60 年代著名歌星队” 披头四” 主唱John lennon 的发妻，当年John lennon被谋杀去世，震撼全世界的歌迷。本来死去老公都够可怜了，但是很多人还是喜欢伤口上撒盐，谣言中伤她，让她精神更崩溃。可悲啊！可想我们26年之前的仁波切就懂得发言论安慰Yoko Ono 和帮她摆平风波。那时年轻的仁波切还没当上仁波切时，就存有很好的慈悲心来帮助别人和给予提示。事隔26年了，仁波切的当年言论还存在时讯里，真让人意想不到。
Yes, the letter written 26 years ago was indeed very “Tsem Rinpoche”. The essence of kindness, justice, integrity and respect shines through completely. It is not easy to speak up for someone even though we know he or she has been wronged. I guess it is a matter of losing face and being prideful. But this has never been the case for Rinpoche who leads by example the Dharma he teaches. Thank you Rinpoche and to the Twitter follower who found this article. 🙂
It’s amazing that Rinpoche gets to read his comments posted 26 years ago! It’s rare to find people who make a stand for others consistently and for so many years. Not only that, Rinpoche has created Kechara, a dharma institute, to make a stand for all who’d be open to explore avenues towards realising true happiness and inner peace. Rinpoche’s unconditional and genuine care and love has touched and affected many people’s lives around the world.
Rinpoche is one of the many unsung heroes that the world ought to know about. It is people like Rinpoche that the world is in desperate need of so that we can all co-exist harmoniously, in peace and be in the know. Thank you Rinpoche for you guidance always and your unconditional love and concern for sentient beings!
One word comes to mind “BRAVO”. I’ve always felt that Yoko had been much vilified (maybe due to the “green monster” of her being Asian and wife of their most beloved singer/composer, John Lennon). She has done much for charity (albeit some kinda unconventional – cutting pieces off the clothes she was wearing??). But then again conventional is what grabs the public’s attention and promote. Thanks Rinpoche for your consistency in compassionate actions.
Rinpoche has already been extremely compassionate since Rinpoche was young. I do not know much about Yoko Ono but I heard a lot of criticism about her and I think that, from an outsider’s standpoint, she does not deserve all this negatvities.
Thank you Rinpoche for showing us what consistent compassion, consistency and compassion is all about.