Sonam Chopel

Apr 22, 2018 | Views: 382
Sonam Chopel

Sonam Chopel. Image credit: Treasury of Lives

བསོད་ནམས་ཆོས་འཕེལ།

b1595 – d.1658

Tradition: Geluk དགེ་ལུགས།
Geography: Lhasa ལྷ་ས།
Historical Period: 17th Century ༡༧ དུས་རབས།
Institution: Sera Monastery སེ་ར།; Drepung Monastery འབྲས་སྤུངས་།; Jonang Monastery ཇོ་ནང་།; Reting Monastery རྭ་སྒྲེང་།; Chokhor Gyel ཆོས་འཁོར་རྒྱལ།; Dzingchi རྫིང་ཕྱི་ཆོས་སྡེ།; Potala པོ་ཏ་ལ།; Zamkhar ཟམ་མཁར།; Dongkar Dzong གདོང་དཀར་རྫོང་།
Government Officers: Depa སྡེ་པ།
Name Variants: Awu; Chakdzo Sonam Chopel ཕྱག་མཛོད་བསོད་ནམས་ཆོས་འཕེལ།; Desi Sonam Chopel སྡེ་སྲིད་བསོད་ནམས་ཆོས་འཕེལ།; Gyale Chondze; Gyalo Chodze Sonam Chopel རྒྱ་ལོ་ཆོས་མཛད་བསོད་ནམས་ཆོས་འཕེལ།; Sonam Rabten བསོད་ནམས་རབ་བརྟན།; Zhelngo Sonam Rabten ཞལ་ངོ་བསོད་ནམས་རབ་བརྟན།

Sonam Chopel (bsod nams chos ‘phel) was born in 1595 at Gyale (rgya le) in Tibet’s Tolung (stod lung) valley to the west of Lhasa. (Zuiho Yamaguchi suggests that he was born in 1583 instead.) By 1603, when he was eight, he was enrolled at the great Geluk monastery of Drepung (‘bras spungs) just outside Lhasa. At the monastery he was called Gyale Chodze (chos mdzad), or Chodze from Gyale. The term signifies ‘Monk-sponsor,’ one whose family makes substantial donations to the monastery, thus exempting him from the menial duties of ordinary monks. Therefore he probably came from a prosperous family. He started off as a monk-administrator (las sne) of Ganden Podrang (dga’ ldan pho brang), the early Dalai Lamas’ residence at Drepung Monastery. He is first mentioned in the biography of the Fourth Dalai Lama Yonten Gyatso (tA la’I bla ma 04 yon tan rgya mtsho, 1589-1617) as a Ganden Podrang Chodze, at the age of eight, and listed among the welcoming party to greet the Fourth Dalai Lama when he arrived in Lhasa from Mongolia in 1603.

He first rose to prominence in 1613 as Principal Attendant (phyag mdzod) of the Fourth Dalai Lama and Treasurer (mdzod pa), i.e. the senior official of Ganden Podrang and thus by the time he was about twenty he had become one of the top administrators in the Geluk order.

Just after the Fourth Dalai Lama’s death, early in 1617, Sonam Chopel met the Fourth Panchen Lama Lobzang Chokyi Gyeltsen (pan chen bla ma 04 blo bzang chos kyi rgyal mtshan, 1570-1662) who was going to Ngari (mnga’ ris); he had to pass through Shigatse (gzhi ka rtse) and Sonam Chopel, concerned about the opposing power of Tsang (gtsang) being a threat to his safety on the way, tried to dissuade him. The Panchen Lama mentioned a Nyingma prophecy that Mongolians would invade Tibet and suggested that the late, once-powerful Fourth Dalai Lama would have been able to prevent it. He still hoped for peace and before leaving he exhorted Sonam Chopel to work for peace.

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Thangka of the Fourth Dalai Lama, Yonten Gyatso. Click to enlarge. Image credit: himalayanart.org

But peace was not to be. Due to historical political rivalry between leaders of U and Tsang, the sudden death at twenty-eight of the Fourth Dalai Lama, who, being of royal Mongolian birth, was championed by the Mongols, emboldened the fifth king of Tsang, Karma Puntsok Namgyel (karma phun tshogs rnam rgyal, 1587-1621) to attack and capture U by early 1618 when Sonam Chopel was just twenty-two. His forces plundered and wrecked Lhasa’s Geluk monasteries, particularly Drepung, killing hundreds of monks and forcing the rest to flee for their lives to the north. Many civilians were also slaughtered; all the local, Geluk-sympathetic Kyisho (skyid shod) nobility’s estates were captured; the Lhasa valley governor and his son had to flee to Tsokha (mtsho kha) and many Geluk monasteries were forcibly converted into Kagyu institutions. When the Tsang regime crowned the Tenth Karmapa as spiritual leader of all Tibet later that year, religious consolidation under the leadership of the Karma Kagyu order together with suppression of the Geluk became established Tsang policy.

As part of a resolution negotiated by Taklung Choje Ngawang Namgyel (stag lung chos rje ngag dbang rnam rgyal, 1571-1626), Treasurer Sonam Chopel had to arrange ransom of 300 gold coins for the return of the sacked monasteries of Drepung and Sera (se ra), 200 for Drepung and 100 for Sera, and deliver them under escort to Tsang, to the west of Lhasa. Since both monasteries’ funds had been exhausted, Sonam Chopel offered to collect the gold from the previous Dalai Lamas’ secret reserve at Chokhor Gyel (chos ‘khor rgyal). This monastery was a few days journey east but after leaving Lhasa for Chokhor Gyel Sonam Chopel evaded his Tsangpa escort and fled to the north.

 

Discovery of the Fifth Dalai Lama

Upon the early death of the Fourth Dalai Lama in 1617, the Tsang king placed a ban on the search for his reincarnation and prepared to invade and capture U. He bore a grudge against the Fourth Dalai Lama, who, he thought, had not only snubbed him but also cursed him and made him chronically ill. He therefore actively opposed the Geluk and he knew that the elimination of their most popular and important lama would have drastically weakened them. Sonam Chopel, however, being the late Fourth Dalai Lama’s Principal Attendant, secretly mounted a search. In 1619 he and his team, after covertly consulting oracles for clues, identified a strong candidate, a boy called Kunga Mingyur (kun dga mi ‘gyur), born late in 1617 at Chonggye (phyong rgyas) in the Yarlung Valley (yar lung). Then, faced with active hostility from the King of Tsang, Sonam Chopel secretly traveled to Kokonor to seek support from Mongol leaders there.

By 1620, tension was building up again in Lhasa. After their 1618 invasion, Tsang forces had established military bases to blockade Drepung and Sera monasteries and control the city. In 1619, following Sonam Chopel’s secret trip to Kokonor, Mongol soldiers expelled in 1605 started returning as pilgrims and camping outside Lhasa.

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Holy statue of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. Click to enlarge.

In 1621 or thereabouts, the Tsang King Karma Puntsok Namgyel died after invading Ladakh and U. Modern Bhutan was just being founded at this time by the Tibetan lama Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (P509 zhabs drung ngag dbang rnam rgyal, 1594-1651) of the Drukpa Kagyu tradition; he had fled there from Tsang in 1616 to avoid arrest by the Tsang King, who had opposed and rejected his claim of being the incarnation of the Fourth Drukchen, Padma Karpo (P825, ‘brug chen pad+ma dkar po, 1527-1592). In exile, the Zhabdrung had been welcomed by the Drukpa Kagyu community in the western valleys of Thimpu (thim pu) and Punakha (spu na kha) and had assumed leadership mainly by popular acclaim. This was the beginning of his consolidation of the country into its modern form, gradually overcoming opposition from non-Drukpa groups who instigated an invasion from the Tsangpa King. It was said that the king died after this attack on the fledgling nation of Bhutan because, in his retreat cave, the Zhabdrung, a renowned tantric magician, had targeted him with wrathful rituals. The king, his wife and many of his family died of smallpox soon afterwards and the king was succeeded by his fifteen-year-old son Karma Tenkyong Wangpo (karma bstan skyong dbang po, 1606-1642). We shall see, however, that Sonam Chopel, instead of allying with the Zhabdrung as his co-opponent of the Tsangpa, made an enemy of him instead and, in the end, for all his successes against other political antagonists, the Zhabdrung proved to be Sonam Chopel’s bête noir.

During this time, Sonam Chopel had been keeping in touch secretly with the Mongols, hoping to engineer a counter-attack by them. In 1621 the Mongol cavalry suddenly attacked and routed the Tsangpa, who were now led by Karma Tenkyong, at Kyangtang Gang (rkyang thang sgang) near Lhasa. The teenaged king and his 10,000 Tibetan soldiers retreated and were surrounded at Chakpori Hill, facing starvation and massacre. By the intervention of Panchen Lama and the Thirty-fifth Ganden Tripa, Lingme Zhabdrung Konchok Chopel (gling smad zhabs drung dkon mchogs chos ‘phel, 1573-1646), further hostilities were avoided, the Tsang king and his army were freed and a favorable peace treaty was negotiated; lands and monasteries seized from the Geluk in 1618 and converted to Kagyu were returned.

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The Thirty-Fifth Ganden Tripa, Konchok Chopel. Image credit: Treasury of Lives

Panchen Lama and Ganden Tripa then secretly drew lots before the sacred image of Jowo Jampel Dorje (jo bo ‘jam dpal rdo rje) at Reting Monastery (rwa sgreng) and Sonam Chopel’s boy was chosen from three candidates. While the Panchen Lama lobbied the new king to lift the ban Sonam Chopel was currying favor with him and making gifts. The ban was lifted in 1621 and royal recognition for the reincarnation was sought and granted. The four year old Dalai Lama was revealed and installed at Drepung in the second month of 1622 and given the ordination name of Lobzang Gyatso (tA la’i bla ma 05 blo bzang rgya mtsho, 1617-1682) by the Panchen in the third month.

Three months later, when Mongols were insisting on taking Lobzang Gyatso with them to Kokonor and Mongolia, Sonam Chopel and his helpers, with the complicity and support of the Tsang king, discreetly hid him away for a year at Erigo (e ri sgo) in southern Tibet.

There are differing accounts concerning Kunga Mingyur’s subjection to the object-recognition test in which he had to differentiate his predecessor’s personal items from similar items which had not been his. The accounts differ about when and where the test took place, whether his eventual tutor Kachuwa or Kachu Genyen Dondrub (dka’ bcu dge bsnyen don grub) or Sonam Chopel carried it out and also whether the candidate passed the test.

Sources which assert that Sonam Chopel subjected Kunga Mingyur to the test in 1619, before he left Chonggye and before lots were drawn at Reting, maintain that the boy passed the test without hesitation.

In his autobiography, however, the Fifth Dalai Lama recalls the test was made after lots had been drawn, that they took place at Nakartse (sna dkar rtse) in Yardrok (yar ‘grog) and he frankly admits “I could utter no words to recognize [any of the objects].” It is still possible that he did recognize them but was unable to say so. He states that when his examiner Kachuwa went out of the room to report the result to other officials he declared himself convinced that the boy recognized the objects.

It is probable that the test was carried out twice, once by Sonam Chopel at Chonggye in 1619 when the two-year old was too young to recall the test, but also, according to Tibetan lore, still young enough to retain the memory of the objects from his previous life; and once by Kachuwa at Nakartse in 1621 when he was four and old enough to remember the test later, but, again according to Tibetan lore, too old to remember the objects from his previous life.

 

Relations with the Fifth Dalai Lama

When Kunga Migyur, now called Lobzang Gyatso, aged four, was installed at Drepung in 1622 as the Fifth Dalai Lama, it was the twenty-seven year old Sonam Chopel, head administrator of the Ganden Podrang, who became his Chakdzo, Manager and Principal Attendant, responsible for his upbringing, management and safety. It is normal practice for an important lama’s Chakdzo to exercise more or less total control over his charge in childhood and often to maintain such control long after the lama’s maturity, dominating him and running all his affairs, as Sonam Chopel did. In case of the lama’s death, the Chakdzo is often placed in charge of the search for his reincarnation, as Sonam Chopel was when the Fourth Dalai Lama died. The Chakdzo controls funds and property and is referred to as the ‘Treasurer.’ He takes care of public relations, controlling who can have an audience; he organizes the lama’s travels, accommodation, building and publishing projects and all of the lama’s family affairs as well as engagements, including his private and public teachings. Sonam Chopel took care of all such work with consummate skill.

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The Fifth Dalai Lama, Lobsang Gyatso. Image credit: Rigpa Wiki

In 1626 those duties included arranging funeral rites for Lobzang Gyatso’s father Hor Dudul Dorje (hor bdud ‘dul rdo rje) also called Dudul Rabten (bdud ‘dul rab brtan) who had died, possibly murdered, in the Tsang King’s prison. Although Hor Dudul Dorje had earlier been a friend and protégé of the king, in 1619 he contrived a plot against him, collaborating with the ruler Dakpo Kurab Namgyel (bdag po sku rab rnam gyal) who had led the king’s 1618 assault on Lhasa but subsequently fell out with him. The king was unhappy with Hor Dudul Dorje for allying with Kurab in this plot and imprisoned him. To assuage the king’s wrath, Dudul Dorje’s castle and estate at Chonggye Chingwa Taktse (‘phyongs rgyas ‘phying ba stag rtse) were offered to the king’s Foreign Minister Gangzukpa (phyi blon sgang zug pa). Hor Dudul Dorje’s wife Tricham (khri lcam) and the infant Kunga Mingyur were summoned to Tsang by the king but Tricham circumvented the order by moving to Nakartse where her brother, Yardrok Zhabdrung (yar ‘brog zhabs drung), took responsibility for them, with the consent of the king. Hor Dudul Dorje never saw his son again after 1619. Sonam Chopel, however, succeeded in sending him provisions after seeking the king’s permission. When Hor Dudul Dorje died in 1626 his corpse was discarded behind Zamkhar Castle (zam mkhar) whence it was recovered by a sage from Chonggye. Sonam Chopel then arranged for the appropriate funeral rites to be performed discreetly at local monasteries. Similarly, when the boy’s mother Tricham died at Nakartse in 1639 Sonam Chopel went there to arrange her funeral. At Lobzang Gyatso’s request he also took charge of the work to make a large silver statue of the Buddha for the funeral.

Sonam Chopel, being a monk, sometimes gave religious instruction to the boy, although he was not one of his official tutors. In 1626 Sonam Chopel saw Lobzang Gyatso was interested in a text on Hayagriva so he referred him to Lingme Zhabdrung Konchok Chopel who began to mentor him on this subject.

Chopel was a dynamic character, dealing with nobles, royalty and political leaders including foreign ones, and for many years routinely making critical decisions in all matters without reference to Lobzang Gyatso. Although Sonam Chopel as Regent from 1642 is generally accorded the title “Desi” by historians, in practice Lobzang Gyatso addressed him as “Zhelngo” (zhal ngo), meaning “The Presence” and later referred to him as “Depa”. He never used the term “Desi”, which was not in use at the time; it was only applied retroactively to Sonam Chopel and his successors in histories written later.

Moreover, according to his autobiography, Lobzang Gyatso initially found worldly affairs distasteful and preferred to study. He allowed Sonam Chopel to do as he liked, choosing to defer to him as a matter of course. He somewhat ruefully mentions being overruled on numerous occasions. For example, Sonam Chopel had indefinitely put off Lobzang Gyatso’s longstanding wish to make a new crown for a statue of Mahakarunika (thugs rje chen po) called Rangjon Ngaden (rang byon lnga ldan), judging that it was costly and would earn no recognition. Only after Sonam Chopel’s funeral in 1659 did Lobzang Gyatso feel able to set up a workshop to make the crown to his specifications. It was ready for him to offer to the statue early in 1660.

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Zur Choying Rangdrol. Image credit: rywiki.tsadra.org

Sonam Chopel disapproved of Lobzang Gyatso having a Nyingma teacher, the renowned master Zur Choying Rangdrol (zur ston chos dbyings rang grol, 1604-1669). In 1636 Lobzang Gyatso deceived Sonam Chopel by pretending he needed to ask questions of Zur, and perform rituals with him, when in fact he was receiving teachings from him.

In Lobzang Gyatso’s autobiography there are frequent instances of Sonam Chopel ignoring Lobzang Gyatso’s advice. For example, in 1637 Sonam Chopel asked him what murals to paint on the main hall at Drepung and Lobzang Gyatso suggested the hundred Jataka stories and The Wish-fulfilling Tree (dpag bsam ‘khri shing) of Ksemendra, but this did not suit Sonam Chopel so he had something else done. When he saw the results, Lobzang Gyatso wrote that it would have been better if his advice had been followed. In 1636 and 1637 Lobzang Gyatso also complained that Sonam Chopel would not approve of lamas being invited to give him teachings and initiations to increase his knowledge; in 1638 he complained that Sonam Chopel prevented him from meeting a lama he wanted to take as a master.

On the other hand, over the thirty-six years they spent working together, from 1622 to 1658, there were only a few instances of Sonam Chopel’s policies being challenged by Lobzang Gyatso. Two major examples are in 1641 when the twenty-three-year-old Lobzang Gyatso strongly disagreed with Sonam Chopel’s plan to attack Tsang; and in 1652, as he was leaving to visit the Shunzhi Emperor of China, Lobzang Gyatso issued a decree to repeal and prohibit any further promulgation of the “gross” sectarian practices carried out under Sonam Chopel’s rule. After Lobzang Gyatso’s return from China in 1653 Sonam Chopel took more of a back seat and the former, now thirty-five years old, took over running the government.

 

The ‘Geluk’ Mongol Army and Conquest of Tibet

In the 138 years between 1480 and 1618 the Geluk had suffered a series of at least sixteen military attacks of varying magnitude, mostly by forces coming to U from Tsang, but somehow they had managed to survive them all. The seventeenth, however, the new combined threat from Tsang, Chogthu, Ligdan and Beri was by far the deadliest peril they had faced to date. Hearing about it, the Geluk abbots and patrons convened an emergency meeting with Sonam Chopel to find a way to prevent the extinction of their tradition.

This crucial conference was held at the historic house called Chudingne where patrons of Ganden Podrang would gather. They made offerings to the Lamo Tsangpa Oracle (la mo tsang pa), seeking a divination to resolve their plight. The Oracle advised them to go and ask the four Oirat Mongol tribes for help.

The meeting resolved that Sonam Chopel and Garu Lotsāwa Nache should go to Mongolia to solicit these tribes, Geluk converts, to come to their aid. By 1634 Sonam Chopel had recruited the Oirats, Dzungars and Urluks, Geluk tribes which had many monks in the Geluk monasteries of Lhasa, and who were just as fierce as the Khalkhas and Chahars. Together the tribal leaders deputed Gushri Khan, Chief of the Oirat Khoshot tribe, to lead a combined Geluk Mongol army to Tibet in defense of the Geluk. Sonam Chopel returned to Lhasa with the good news and Gushri Khan travelled to Tibet disguised as a pilgrim to reconnoiter the situation.

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A depiction of Gushri Khan. Image credit: Treasury of Lives. Click to enlarge.

Ligdan died of smallpox on the Kokonor plain as he headed for Tibet with his army and in 1637 Gushri Khan attacked Chogthu in Amdo, destroying him and his large army with a much smaller force. In the meantime, Gushri Khan became a close disciple of Lobzang Gyatso. At a ceremony hosted by Lobzang Gyatso in Lhasa later in 1637 the victorious Gushri was then honored as a ‘Religious king and defender of Buddhism.’ He then returned to Amdo where he remained with his tribe at pasture until 1640.

Sonam Chopel was the principal actor behind all this, and the Tsang regime’s most implacable foe; and he was not satisfied. In 1639 Gushri Khan signaled to Sonam Chopel and Lobzang Gyatso his intention to attack and destroy the Lhasa Geluk’s two main political and religious rivals: Donyo Dorje, the Bon King of Beri in the east who persecuted all the Buddhist traditions, and the Tsang regime in the west which had a long history of oppressing the Geluk. Sonam Chopel was in full agreement with this but, according to his autobiography, Lobzang Gyatso argued against it. He ruled that there had been enough bloodshed already and it was not necessary to compete with and attack other Tibetan leaders or parties.

The politically ambitious Sonam Chopel, however, insisted on taking advantage of the availability of Gushri and his victorious army to establish a greater Geluk supremacy. He rejected Lobzang Gyatso’s wish for peaceful co-existence, saying the Geluk had been unduly persecuted, and laying out his vision for peace under a forcibly united country led by Lobzang Gyatso.

As supposed justification for the attack on Beri, some histories cite a letter from the Beri king to the Karmapa in Tsang, intercepted by Gushri Khan’s men, proposing to destroy the Geluk tradition forever through joint action.

Lobzang Gyatso’s autobiography, however, clearly dates that letter at 1629; it further asserts that Gushri Khan decided to go to war because it was reported to him in 1638 that the Tsang king was persecuting the Tashilhunpo monks while constructing a new monastery on the hill above Tashilhunpo. The king called this monastery Chokhor Dechen (chos ‘khor bde chen), not Trashi Zilnon (bkra shis zil gnon) as mentioned in later Geluk sources.

More recently, it has also been suggested as a rationale for this invasion that economic advantages from controlling Kham could also accrue to the Geluk, by bringing the lucrative Sino-Tibetan border trade, formerly monopolized by the older traditions, within their sphere of influence.

In the summer of 1639, according to Lobzang Gyatso, Sonam Chopel, in front of the 21 year-old Dalai Lama and in defiance of his stated position, sent his messenger Kachu Genyen Dondrub to Gushri Khan with his assent for him to destroy Beri and then return to his base in Amdo. In the winter, Gushri Khan left Kokonor with his army and marched south, going first to Kham to eliminate the Beri King en route to central Tibet. By the end of 1640 the Beri King had been defeated and killed after a hard-fought campaign. To proclaim and celebrate Gushri’s victory Sonam Chopel hoisted flags of good tidings in the four directions around Lhasa and caused the “Great Banner of Power and Fortune” to be raised at the central western gate of Lhasa called Sapokgang.

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Statues of the Fifth Dalai Lama and (apparently) Güshri Khan seen by Johann Grueber in the lobby of the Dalai Lama’s palace in 1661. Image credit: Wikipedia. Click to enlarge.

Sonam Chopel agreed with Gushri Khan that he should now march on to Tsang with his army and attack the King, but Lobzang Gyatso opposed it again, accusing Sonam Chopel of going too far. After defeating Donyo Dorje and releasing his prisoners, Lobzang Gyatso expected Gushri to return directly to Amdo, as Sonam Chopel had earlier arranged, taking his army with him. Sonam Chopel, however, had already deceived Lobzang Gyatso by covertly sending with Kachu Genyen Dondrub additional verbal instructions for Gushri Khan to go and destroy the Tsang King and his allies, the Kagyu establishments to which he belonged.

To save Sonam Chopel’s face Lobzang Gyatso therefore proposed to go to Gushri Khan himself to request him personally to turn back but Sonam Chopel would not agree. He demanded that Lobzang Gyatso carry out a dice divination, which he did before the deity Pelden Lhamo (dpal ldan lha mo). The divination said: “The immediate strategy is good, but bad for the long run.” Sonam Chopel took this as confirmation that his plan was right “because in the end we all die anyway” and Lobzang Gyatso could give no answer.

Thus, after Gushri Khan had executed the Beri King at Chamdo and subdued the Bon in Kham, early in 1641 Chopel sent Tardongne (star sdong nas), a capable and high-ranking official, to guide Gushri and his forces to Shigatse. However, the Tsang King had been forewarned. The border posts were guarded, supplies, arms and ammunition were stockpiled and a high stockade was erected around the castle and the monastery. By the time Gushri got there, the Tsang forces were so well prepared that his men could not break the siege. Sonam Chopel had been busy travelling around U to take over or harass areas ruled by Tsang. When he heard from his informers about Gushri’s failure to capture the fort, he sent a spy inside. The spy reported that the Tsang defenses were so strong it would be impossible to break the siege. Chopel then contritely asked Lobzang Gyatso to go and mediate a settlement but Lobzang Gyatso spoke harshly, blaming him for the difficult situation. He declared that it was now far too late to stand down and they must persevere, pointing out that in any case the Mongols would never agree to withdraw and leave at this late stage.

Stung into action, Sonam Chopel raised an army of Tibetans comprised partly of people who had lost their traditional estates and partly of novice monks from Sera and Drepung. They captured Dongkar Castle (gdong dkar rdzong) in one day. Seeing the fall of Dongkar, a whole series of other Tsang-held forts surrendered one after the other. Chopel had engineered a pretense of Lhasa neutrality, but this was now dropped. He marched his Tibetan army on Shigatse to join Gushri with fresh provisions, fodder and weapons. The siege efforts intensified and by early spring of 1642, Tsang defenses broke. The King and his two main ministers capitulated and all three were imprisoned. At this point Lobzang Gyatso was invited to come for the inauguration of his rule over Tibet in the great assembly hall of Samdrubtse Castle (bsam grub rtse pho brang). The victorious Gushri and Chopel rode out to meet him two days journey from Shigatse.

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A picture of Gyantse town and fortress taken in 1938. Image credit: Wikipedia. Click to enlarge.

Soon after this conclusion, Garpa Yabse (sgar pa yab sras) of the Garpa family (sgar pa), supported by Tanak O Lonpa, Zhokhawa, Jupa Purtse Lhagangpa (phur rtse) other commanders and followers of the Karma Kagyu military forces in Kongpo and elsewhere, including Bhutan, fomented an uprising against the new government. Their armies captured the town of Gyantse, burned Dzingchi Monastery (rdzing phyi chos sde) and inspired a major rebellion in the region of Kongpo. Sonam Chopel and Gushri Khan had to quell the revolt, their forces killing 7,000 or 8,000 rebels in one place and capturing many more. They then moved around southern Tibet wiping out resistance and residual rebel forces. In the course of this they captured the official cook of the Karmapa, one Jama Choying (sgar pa’i mi sna ja ma chos dbyings), who was found to be wearing an amulet which contained details of a plan to eliminate the new government and replace it with Tsang and Karmapa supporters. It was a letter attached to an order of the Karmapa saying that Gushri Khan and Sonam Chopel were to be assassinated and the Panchen Lama and the Dalai Lama imprisoned in Kongpo. As a result, the captured Tsang King and his chief ministers, the last representatives of Tsang and Kagyu power in Tibet, were executed by the enraged Gushri Khan. They were sewn up in ox-hides and thrown in the Tsangpo River (gtsang po), a sentence reserved in Tibet for rebellious nobles.

Thus, after a brief campaign, Sonam Chopel and his Mongol army ended the rebellion of the Karma Kagyu and the last vestiges of their backers in Tsang against the newly established Geluk government in Lhasa.

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The 10th Karmapa, Choying Dorje. Image credit: kagyuoffice.org

Attacks on the Geluk by Kagyu forces in 1537 and by expansionist Tsang forces in 1618 had involved the capture of many Geluk monasteries and their forced conversion to the Kagyu tradition. In 1621 when Mongols counter-attacked the Tsang military bases in Lhasa, as part of the settlement some of these monasteries were returned to the Geluk. After the 1640-1642 war, Lobzang Gyatso agreed with the Tenth Karmapa to leave the Karma Kagyu in possession of most of their monasteries, while suggesting to Sonam Chopel that the remaining Geluk monasteries that had been seized should be returned. After the rebellions that followed the war, however, some additional Kagyu monasteries were seized by the Geluk as punishment for rebelling and intending to destroy all Geluk monasteries, and some because they had become neglected. In 1648, due to political considerations, some Kagyu monasteries and, according to some histories, also some Sakya and Bon, were converted to Geluk, but details are scarce. Chimpu (mchims phu) Monastery near Samye (bsam yas) had been Nyingma but was forcibly converted to Kagyu and later seized by the Geluk; in 1651, Lobzang Gyatso offered it back to the Nyingma. Jonang Monastery (jo nang dgon) was closed down after its founder Taranatha’s death in 1650 and re-opened as Geluk in 1658, but, according to Samten Karmay, Lobzang Gyatso did not issue any formal edict banning the Jonang tradition or its doctrines; nevertheless, the tradition did not survive in central Tibet.

The Tenth Karmapa was exiled for the next twenty-four years but according to his biography by Mendong Tsampa (sman sdong mtshams pa), his deputy the Fifth Gyeltsab Rinpoche (rgyal tshab 05 grags pa mchog dbyangs, 1617-1658) went to Lhasa in 1653 and successfully petitioned Lobzang Gyatso, Sonam Chopel and Gushri Khan for the return of their twenty-one most important monasteries. By 1653 the local nobility were also in such decline that they could no longer support the non-Geluk sects, already impoverished by warfare; whereas the Geluk were constantly enriched by copious donations from the Mongols. Those sects had to abandon some monasteries, some of which were then, presumably, occupied and converted by the Geluk.

 

De facto ruler of Tibet

Sonam Chopel assumed the leadership of the government as Regent under the Dalai Lama as soon as the latter had been commonly acknowledged as titular head of state by the assembled Tibetan and Mongolian leaders and masses at a solemn ceremony held at Samdrubtse Castle in April 1642. Lobzang Gyatso’s superior status was indicated by his being seated on a higher throne than Sonam Chopel and Gushri Khan, who were both seated at an equal level below him.

It was only after this investiture in Samdrubtse and his assumption of the regency that he took the name of Sonam Chopel. Until then he had been known as Gyale Chodze or Sonam Rabten, with the titles ‘Chakdzo’ and ‘Depa.’ From 1642 he kept the title of ‘Depa’ and Lobzang Gyatso in his writings started using this title to refer to him instead of ‘Zhelngo’.

Lobzang Gyatso describes in his autobiography how, Sonam Chopel having returned to U, the latter now exhorted him to stay in Lhasa rather than at Drepung, and to take over more political responsibilities. Lobzang Gyatso records that he preferred to devote himself to religious study instead of dealing with administrative or political matters. In the autobiography, which is normally quite detailed and specific in such matters, there is no indication that Sonam Chopel underwent any change of status, duties or responsibilities, during or after Lobzang Gyatso’s assumption of full political and religious power over Tibet; Sonam Chopel is consistently framed as the ruler taking the pre-eminent role in political affairs. Although Gushri Khan is often referred to as ‘the King,’ even in the years before the civil war, he like Sonam Chopel assumed an inferior position to Lobzang Gyatso in formal seating arrangements. Modern studies confirm that the use of the title ‘King of Tibet’ by Gushri Khan was only thanks to its conferral on him by the Fifth Dalai Lama. Gushri did not interfere in the administration or try to control its policies. Lobzang Gyatso’s role seems to have been that of a figurehead, while Sonam Chopel acted as de facto ruler and only referred matters to him on major issues or when he was in doubt, which was not very often.

 

Activities as ruler of Tibet

In 1642, according to Bhutanese sources, after Geluk forces had defeated the Tsangpa who was their common enemy, the court of the Zhabdrung actually wished to establish friendly diplomatic relations between Bhutan and Tibet. To this end the court insisted that the Zhabdrung send an envoy to Lhasa with a conciliatory letter to congratulate the Ganden Podrang along with gifts of rice, textiles and horses for the Dalai Lama. On arrival in Lhasa the envoy, who was the Zhabdrung’s half brother Tenzin Drukdrak (bstan ‘dzin ‘brugs drags), first showed the Zhabdrung’s letter to Sonam Chopel. Sonam Chopel, however, fresh from their victories over all the Tibetan rivals of the Geluk, thought his combined Mongol/Tibetan forces were invincible. He asserted three improbable pre-conditions: first, the Zhabdrung had to return to Tibet; second, he had to restore the estates of the Lhapa Kagyus (lha pa bka’ brgyud) that he had seized; and third, the Zhabdrung should submit to the new Geluk hegemony.

Sonam-Chopel9-4-faced-mahakala

Four-Faced Mahakala. Click to enlarge.

When Tenzin Drukdrak sought the Zhabdrung’s advice, he was instructed simply to give the rice offering to a Sakya monastery and to return to Bhutan with the other gifts. An infuriated Sonam Chopel then sent an ultimatum to the Zhabdrung to fulfill his demands or risk the wrath of the Mongol King; sending him a bag full of tiny mustard seeds he added that there were as many Mongol soldiers ready to attack Bhutan as there were seeds in the bag. Zhabdrung’s response was to pulverize the seeds into a mash and send it back with the message that ‘if the Mongol King would not listen, his protective deity Mahakala (mgon po) would not listen either’. He also sent a rock and a needle saying that only if Sonam Chopel could pierce the rock with the needle would he agree to his demands. He then started raising an army and expelled all Geluk followers, with whom he had been hitherto on good terms, from Bhutan. In a tit for tat measure Sonam Chopel expelled many lamas of the Drukpa Kagyu school from Tibet.

In 1643 Sonam Chopel began organizing a census, starting with the provinces of To (stod) to the north and Tsang to the east, and formulating taxation laws. He commissioned a detailed survey of the land and population and gradually appointed officials to assess taxes.

In 1644, following the post-war rebellion of the Karmapa, Sonam Chopel and Gushri Khan were patrolling the southern borders of the Tibetan plateau with their army to wipe out any residual resistance. Arriving in Lhodrak, to the west of Tsang and to the north of Bhutan, they drove the Karmapa and his remaining rebels eastwards, into Kham. At this point, Sonam Chopel suddenly decided to send seven hundred mixed Tibetan and Mongol troops south from Lhodrak into Bhutan, apparently in two detachments. One detachment was sent southwest towards Thimpu and Punakha a hundred or so kilometers to the west and across the border from Phari in Tibet, which comprised all the territory that the Zhabdrung had so far consolidated. Another column was sent south into Bumthang valley (Bum-thang) where it was defeated, presumably at the hand of the forces of the King of Bumthang; this central valley was not consolidated into Bhutan for another decade. Thus Sonam Chopel’s aim was more likely to punish the inhabitants of the region in general for aiding and abetting Tibetan rebels, rather than targeting the Zhabdrung specifically.

The detachment that went towards Thimpu met the Zhabdrung’s forces and fought an inconclusive battle where Paro town now stands, followed by an impasse lasting until the spring of 1645 with the invaders unused to the precipitous and dense jungle terrain and unable to cope with the heat and humidity; the Mongol troop division retreated, leaving the Tibetans to face defeat and shattering the myth of Mongol invincibility. Three Tibetan commanders, Nangso Ngodrup (nang so dngos grup), Drongtsene (‘brong rtse nas) and Duchungne (‘dus byung nas) and twenty two other officers, twenty five in all, were taken prisoner and held hostage at Punakha Dzong. Ordinary Tibetan soldiers who failed to escape the Bhutanese were disarmed, escorted back to the border and let go; all their weaponry and armor were seized and offered to the protector deities in their chapel at Punakha Dzong, where they remain till this day.

Sonam-Chopel10-Punakha Dzong

A picture of Punakha Dzong taken in 1637. Image credit: Treasury of Lives.

In 1645 Sonam Chopel met with Lobzang Gyatso and Gushri Khan and they decided to construct the Potala Palace (po ta la). They visited the proposed site together and arranged consecration rituals to prepare for construction to begin. The initial external structure of the White Palace was built over the next three years with the help of indentured labor from U and Tsang. By 1649, the structure was finished, allowing Lobzang Gyatso to move in. In 1646 Sonam Chopel negotiated a peace treaty with Bhutan to release the three hostages, who were sent back to Tibet with gifts the following year. The previous status quo and original borders were reinstated and both sides committed themselves to harmonious coexistence. The Bhutanese also undertook to pay an annual tribute of rice which they had previously offered to the Tsang King; now they would pay it to the Dalai Lama’s government instead. However, in early 1648 Sonam Chopel broke the 1646 treaty by ordering a new, three-pronged invasion of Bhutan with his younger brother Norbu (nor bu) in command of the main army. This supposedly well-organized expedition ended in disaster. The attempt met with an even worse fate than the first one, with Norbu’s column fleeing in terror, causing the other columns to retreat as well. Again, most of the armor, weapons and supplies were lost to the Bhutanese. Norbu, in his defeat, was accused of colluding with the Bhutanese.

Ngawang Namgyel’s success and his decisive victories over Sonam Chopel’s attempts to invade Bhutan in 1644 and 1648 were attributed to his effective use of occult powers, rather than to superior Bhutanese prowess in battle. Previously, as a last resort during the 1639-42 Tibetan civil wars, Sonam Chopel had himself reluctantly resorted to the use of magic rituals. He had requested Nyingma rituals to be performed by Lobzang Gyatso and his Nyingma lama Zur Choying Rangdrol to apparent great effect. Now, in 1650 or 1651, Sonam Chopel requested Zur to arrange such a rite against Bhutan at Phari (phag ri) by the border. When Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel suddenly died from unknown causes four months later, Sonam Chopel complimented Zur and his assistant on the efficacy of their magical rites.

Sonam-Chopel11-Shunxi-Emperor

Qing Shunzhi Emperor, the Third Emperor of China. Image credit: Wikipedia

As mentioned above, in 1648 after the defeat in Bhutan, various Kagyu and possibly some Sakya and Bon monasteries were seized and converted to the Geluk. Moreover, monks from traditions other than the Geluk were forbidden to wear their traditional styles of hats that showed their affiliation. Other mechanisms were implemented to systematically convert and absorb the other institutions into the Geluk: they were banned from recruiting new monks and there was a ban on the maintenance of border-taming temples built by pre-Geluk traditions. All these measures stemmed from Sonam Chopel’s influence. These sectarian policies continued for several years, up to the eve of Lobzang Gyatso’s departure to meet the Qing Shunzhi Emperor (1638-1661) in the summer of 1652, when Lobzang Gyatso issued a decree forbidding all such practices.

When Lobzang Gyatso returned from Beijing seventeen months later, in December 1653, Sonam Chopel met him at Gamo (dga’ mo) with a welcoming party including not only Geluk lamas but also Drigung Kagyu and Taklung Kagyu lamas and others. Sonam Chopel apparently wished to show that he had mended his sectarian ways. In addition, as mentioned in the Karmapa’s biography, the twenty-one most important Kagyu monasteries that had been seized by the Geluk in 1648 were given back to the tradition soon after Lobzang Gyatso’s return.

 

Final Years

Gushri Khan, Lobzang Gyatso’s pious and devoted disciple, always made his army and his advice available to Sonam Chopel in their joint collaboration. This ensured Lobzang Gyatso’s authority was maintained over the widest unified Tibetan Kingdom established since the time of King Tri Udumtsen (khri ur dum btsan, r.836-842), also known as Langdarma, in the ninth century. However, after all the earlier conquests, Sonam Chopel’s prestige suffered from his serial failures to take Bhutan, especially since these were blamed on his brother Norbu, whom he had appointed to lead the army.

In the summer of 1656 Sonam Chopel launched a third military invasion of Bhutan, with Norbu commanding four armies advancing from U, Tsang, Kham and Kongpo.

He went to the border area to supervise but the result was as before. After a year of guerrilla tactics by the Bhutanese in their jungles and ravines, the Tibetan armies, bogged down with sickness and low morale, suffered another ignominious defeat and retreated in disarray. Once again, Norbu was accused of colluding with the Bhutanese. Sonam Chopel returned to Lhasa with demoralized survivors late in the summer of 1657; there is scarce further mention of him until the spring of 1658 when he fell ill and Lobzang Gyatso ordered prayers and rituals to be done for his health and long life. However, on the third day of the third Tibetan month, Sonam Chopel suddenly died following an epileptic fit. He was sixty-three years old.

Lobzang Gyatso kept the death a secret for thirteen months while arranging rituals to be done for his welfare as if he were alive. When the death was announced he ordered and oversaw the funerary rituals. Offerings to the value of 14,000 tons of barley were made to 125,000 participating monks. Listed over several pages, they included 50 kilos of gold, 44,000 bolts of different kinds of cloth and 65,000 ceremonial scarves.

In contrast, Lobzang Gyatso paid somewhat muted written tribute to the deceased: “Sonam Chopel took on not only many troubles for the sake of the Geluk, but also performed other extensive activities that are undeniable and known to all.”

Following the death of his main collaborator Gushri Khan in 1655, Sonam Chopel had become a rather insignificant figure, apart from his involvement in his third ill-fated Bhutan war. Judging by the faint praise afforded to him by Lobzang Gyatso after his death in 1658, and given that Sonam Chopel’s activities are hardly mentioned in the autobiography after 1653, it appears that Sonam Chopel was semi-retired and it was Lobzang Gyatso, now forty years old, who was running the government.

Nevertheless, Sonam Chopel remains a key person in Tibetan history who, in his prime, manipulated people and events to establish the Dalai Lama dynasty which continued to rule Tibet and Tibetans to one extent or another until the present era, that of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama.

He left his brother Norbu in a position to succeed him and Lobzang Gyatso, although he often criticized Norbu in his autobiography, felt obliged to appoint him as his second Depa, Desi or Regent, in the midsummer of 1659, on the sixteenth day of the sixth month of the Tibetan Earth-pig year.

 

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Source: Sean Jones, “Sonam Chopel,” Treasury of Lives, accessed July 11, 2018, http://treasuryoflives.org/biographies/view/Sonam-Chopel/6874.

 


 

Sean Jones left school in England in the 1960s to travel overland to India and lived in the Himalayan regions for a decade, before returning to London to establish a successful travel business. From 1985 he travelled all over Tibet and in the UK he co-founded a number of Tibet-related organizations. An autodidact, he has written and published various articles on Tibet, its people and its history, including in Wikipedia.

Published September 2017
Updated May 2018

Disclaimer: All rights are reserved by the author. The article is reproduced here for educational purposes only.

 

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  • Samfoonheei
    Friday, Mar 15. 2024 07:31 PM
    Venerable Ajahn Chah was a Thai Buddhist teacher of the Buddhadhamma and a founder of two major monasteries in the Thai Forest Tradition. Well respected and loved as a man of great wisdom, he was also instrumental in establishing Theravada Buddhism in the West. Interesting life story, how he chose to leave the settled monastic life and became a wandering ascetic. Walking across Thailand, lived in forests, caves and cremation grounds while learning from the meditation monks of the Forest of various monasteries. He wandered through the countryside in quest of quiet and secluded places for developing meditation. He even lived in tiger and cobra infested jungles, using reflections on death to penetrate to the true meaning of life. After years of wandering, Venerable Ajahn Chah established a monastery where he taught simple, practice-based form of meditation, and attracted a numerous of students including western foreigners. He was one of the greatest Dhamma teachers of the modern era. His wise teachings have continued to guide thousands of people along the path of Dharma. Venerable Ajahn Chah’s teachings of the Thai Forest Tradition gradually spread across all over the world. Several of Ajahn Chah’s Western students have since established monasteries throughout the world. Just in Thailand itself, there are more than 300 branch monasteries in Ajahn Chah’s tradition. Ven erable Ajahn Chah used his ill health as a teaching point, emphasizing that it was a living example of the impermanence of all things and reminded people to endeavour to find a true refuge within themselves. The legacy of Venerable Ajahn Chah’s teachings and legacy continues into the modern age.
    Thank you Rinpoche for this great sharing.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/great-lamas-masters/venerable-ajahn-chah-the-forest-monk.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Friday, Mar 15. 2024 07:30 PM
    Wonderful blog written on the practice of Kalarupa for us to understand better. As an emanation of Manjushri, Kalarupa’s practice helps us to destroy ignorance and to develop wisdom overcoming our anger and suffering . Awesome Kalarupa manifested in multiple forms to help sentient beings who personifies enlightenment by the conquest of anger. Kalarupa also regard as one of the three main Dharma protectors of the Gelugpa is extremely fierce and ugly, and tames all kinds of spiritual ugliness. The fierceness of his iconography teaches us to remind ourselves that all the causes and effects of anger arising from ignorance are dreadful and distorted.
    Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor Antionette for this detailed sharing,

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/kalarupa.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Friday, Mar 15. 2024 07:27 PM
    Nepal is a very spiritual country, having a huge Dorje Shugden mural in Kathmandu, is indeed a big achievement for Kechara. Located on Charkhal Road in Dilli Bazaar, the mural can be found midway between our two Dorje Shugden chapels which are in Putalisadak and Chabahil. It is also very close to one of Kathmandu’s largest shopping malls. Many locals , tourist will be able to connect them to a powerful deity that is so closely associated with their culture. Well the mural not only beautiful but also full of symbolism and everyone merely by seeing it is blessed. Thanks to those talented artists and generous sponsors making it a success.
    Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/travel/spectacular-dorje-shugden-mural-in-kathmandu-nepal.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Friday, Mar 15. 2024 07:24 PM
    All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on. Letting go helps us to live in a more peaceful state of mind and helps restore our balance. A reminder for us all to go of attachment and meditating on impermanence and emptiness. We are to relinquish the domination of our ego and its habits to transform ourselves. A great reminder not to waste our previous life.
    Quoted Ceasing to do evil, Cultivating the good, Purifying the heart .
    Thank you Rinpoche for sharing such a meaningful teachings with folded hands.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/pointing-the-staff-at-the-old-man.html
  • james belich
    Friday, Mar 8. 2024 09:43 PM
    Winning the lottery was part of my dreams, I tried so hard to win big but all to no avail, until I came across Dr Lucas online who made my dreams come through and made me win 10 million dollars. I was a logistics manager who lives in Lancaster, S.C. and works about an hour’s drive away, in Charlotte, N.C., I stopped at a store to buy a scratch-off lottery ticket during my lunch break, because Dr Lucas gave me all the assurance that the numbers are not going to fail after I did all he asked me to do. Dr lucas is a powerful Dr that is on a mission to eradicate poverty from people’s lives and i have confirmed that by winning $10 million with the numbers he provided for me, it is my promise to tell the world about my experience with Dr Lucas and that’s what I’m doing now, you can win the lottery fast with the help of Dr Lucas he is tested and trusted Email: Drlucasspelltemple@gmail. com or WhatsApp +234 904 794 3567 he will help you.
  • james belich
    Friday, Mar 8. 2024 09:42 PM
    Winning the lottery was part of my dreams, I tried so hard to win big but all to no avail, until I came across Dr Lucas online who made my dreams come through and made me win 10 million dollars. I was a logistics manager who lives in Lancaster, S.C. and works about an hour’s drive away, in Charlotte, N.C., I stopped at a store to buy a scratch-off lottery ticket during my lunch break, because Dr Lucas gave me all the assurance that the numbers are not going to fail after I did all he asked me to do. Dr lucas is a powerful Dr that is on a mission to eradicate poverty from people’s lives and i have confirmed that by winning $10 million with the numbers he provided for me, it is my promise to tell the world about my experience with Dr Lucas and that’s what I’m doing now, you can win the lottery fast with the help of Dr Lucas he is tested and trusted Email: Drlucasspelltemple@gmail.com or WhatsApp +234 904 794 3567 he will help you.
  • lee
    Thursday, Mar 7. 2024 07:06 PM
    We are members of the Buddhist Temple in Taman Desa Jaya, Kepong, Kuala Lumpur and we have been issued membership by the president (DATUK YIP KUM FOOK), we are very sad because we are the foundation of this Temple

    Now we can know who is always messing with people, and he always cheats money and women, he even uses Buddhism to find money.

    Also, need to be careful with his brother-in-law (Simon Low Kok Meng) because he is a spy (CID) for DATUK YIP KUM FOOK and we will write some letters to AGONG SULTAN IBRAHIM IBN ALMARHUM SULTAN ISKANDAR as soon as possible.

    From Jesmond Yap, Kepong Baru…Kuala Lumpur
  • Phoenix the Shaman Elder
    Thursday, Mar 7. 2024 01:40 AM
    The matriarchal cultures of the grandmothers have specific symbolism of animism shamanism, such as the horse, especially the blue horse, and the deer. These are two main symbols of a shaman woman and you can find them in many cultural folk lore, especially the Russian, Slavic, Siberian, Nordic, Finland, and Norway. It’s nice to see the Matriarchal Shaman Animism diety represented in Chinese.
  • Samfoonheei
    Monday, Mar 4. 2024 06:59 PM
    An inspiring act of a selfless Lama feeding strays whether its night or day. Truly an example for us all to feed those lonely strays . Yes I do agree compassion starts with feeding strays. Reading this blog again to refresh myself to do more. Strays animals generally lead a life of poor welfare on the street. Feeding strays is a compassionate act.
    Thank you Rinpoche and Anila for this sharing.


    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/one-minute-story/rinpoche-through-my-eyes-compassion-starts-with-feeding-strays
  • Samfoonheei
    Monday, Mar 4. 2024 06:56 PM
    nteresting revisit this blog again as truly inspiring reading over and over again . There’s so many inspiring nuns and female practitioner coming from different back ground, leading a more spiritual life. They are practitioners dedicated their life to religious observance and their path is illuminated by the light of compassion. Going against all odds to become one. Their devotion radiates like a thousand stars in the night sky. Here at Kechara Forest Retreat, Bentong Pahang we too have inspiring practitioners .
    Thank you Rinpoche for this great sharing.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/inspiring-nuns-and-female-practitioners.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Monday, Mar 4. 2024 06:55 PM
    H E Tsem Rinpoche’s Sungbum project aim to preserve the teachings and practices that have been passed from teacher to disciple in an unbroken line beginning with Lama Tsongkhapa himself . History has taught us the importance of preserving Buddha’s stainless teachings. Its important to preserve and safeguard the Buddhist tradition for future generations.
    Tsem Rinpoche is a clear and effective teacher where his stories and teachings are endlessly entertaining and inspiring. The preservation is very much needed. We are so fortunate given a chance to be involved in such a meritorious project .
    Thank you.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/current-affairs/the-tsem-rinpoche-sungbum-project.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Monday, Mar 4. 2024 06:55 PM
    Demons are disembodied spirits, supernatural being or spirit and unseen beings. We know they do exist and I believe they do. They have no physical form to them whatsoever. Demons do definitely exist. They are intelligent beings who are evil malicious spirits and are all dangerous entities. Valak is not to be summoned capriciously by anyone as they are dangerous beings when we invoke them having to face a heavy consequence. There are spiritual practices that we can ask for help a ritual of the wrathful Manjushri in the form of Trakze. Having a doing the practice daily without fail, consistently, as this Trakze practice has been proven to be efficacious to break the hold the Valak and other spirits. All thanks to our Guru bringing this practice to Kechara Forest Retreat, Bentong Malaysia.
    Thank you Rinpoche for this wonderful sharing for us to understand better.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/science-mysteries/valak-the-conjuring-2-demon.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Monday, Mar 4. 2024 06:53 PM
    Wow ,reading all these powerful quotes had me realised much better of giving even I have little. May H E Tsem Rinpoche’s sincere advice to reach the far shore of liberation to everyone reading this blog. The most truly generous people are those who give silently without asking any in return. There is no exercise better than reaching and lifting people up. A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal. Well creating and lighting for others we naturally light our own way. Helping others especially those unfortunate ones, make us feel more positive about our own circumstances.
    Thank you Rinpoche for sharing all these powerful quotes.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/inspiration-worthy-words/the-power-of-giving-18-quotes-from-tsem-rinpoche.html
  • Aarati Bhatt
    Wednesday, Feb 28. 2024 12:47 AM
    I have tried mine and my friend’s horoscope and it results same in both of our case, and not just that I have tried this on various friends and this horoscope is showing same for maximum date of birth, I think this is a bug.

1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · »

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

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The Unknown

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

Photos On The Go

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

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

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

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  • Pig puts his toys away
    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.
  • Always be kind to animals-They deserve to live just like us.
    5 years ago
    Always be kind to animals-They deserve to live just like us.
    Whales and dolphins playing with each other in the Pacific sea. Nature is truly incredible!
  • Bodha stupa July 2019-
    5 years ago
    Bodha stupa July 2019-
    Rainy period
  • Cute Tara girl having a snack. She is one of Kechara Forest Retreat’s resident doggies.
    5 years ago
    Cute Tara girl having a snack. She is one of Kechara Forest Retreat’s resident doggies.
  • Your Next Meal!
    5 years ago
    Your Next Meal!
    Yummy? Tasty? Behind the scenes of the meat on your plates. Meat is a killing industry.
  • This is Daw
    5 years ago
    This is Daw
    This is what they do to get meat on tables, and to produce belts and jackets. Think twice before your next purchase.
  • Don’t Take My Mummy Away!
    5 years ago
    Don’t Take My Mummy Away!
    Look at the poor baby chasing after the mother. Why do we do that to them? It's time to seriously think about our choices in life and how they affect others. Be kind. Don't break up families.
  • They do this every day!
    5 years ago
    They do this every day!
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    5 years ago
    She’s going to spend her whole life here without being able to move correctly. Like a machine. They are the slaves of the people and are viewed as a product. It’s immoral. Billions of terrestrial animals die annually. Billions. You can’t even imagine it. And all that because people don’t want to give up meat, even though there are so many alternatives. ~ Gabriel Azimov
  • Our Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir speaks so well, logically and regarding our country’s collaboration with China for growth. It is refreshing to listen to Dr. Mahathir’s thoughts. He said our country can look to China for many more things such as technology and so on. Tsem Rinpoche
    5 years ago
    Our Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir speaks so well, logically and regarding our country’s collaboration with China for growth. It is refreshing to listen to Dr. Mahathir’s thoughts. He said our country can look to China for many more things such as technology and so on. Tsem Rinpoche
  • This is the first time His Holiness Dalai Lama mentions he had some very serious illness. Very worrying. This video is captured April 2019.
    5 years ago
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    5 years ago
    This dog thanks his hero in such a touching way. Tsem Rinpoche
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    5 years ago
    Join Tsem Rinpoche in prayer for H.H. Dalai Lama’s long life~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYy7JcveikU&feature=youtu.be
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    5 years ago
    These people going on pilgrimage to a holy mountain and prostrating out of devotion and for pilgrimage in Tibet. Such determination for spiritual practice. Tsem Rinpoche
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    5 years ago
    Beautiful new casing in Kechara for Vajra Yogini. Tsem Rinpoche
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    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.
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    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.
  • Beautiful
    5 years ago
    Beautiful
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    5 years ago
    My little monster cute babies Dharma and Oser. Take a look and get a cute attack for the day! Tsem Rinpoche
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    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
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    5 years ago
    Cruelty of some people have no limits and it’s heartbreaking. Being kind cost nothing. Tsem Rinpoche
  • SUPER ADORABLE and must see
    5 years ago
    SUPER ADORABLE and must see
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    5 years ago
    Cute!
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  • Uncle Wong
    5 years ago
    Uncle Wong
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  • Tsem Rinpoche’s Schnauzer Dharma boy fights Robot sphere from Arkonide!
    5 years ago
    Tsem Rinpoche’s Schnauzer Dharma boy fights Robot sphere from Arkonide!
  • Cute baby owl found and rescued
    5 years ago
    Cute baby owl found and rescued
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  • Nice cups from Kechara!!
    5 years ago
    Nice cups from Kechara!!
    Dorje Shugden people's lives matter!
  • Enjoy a peaceful morning at Kechara Forest Retreat
    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).
  • This topic is so hot in many circles right now.
    6 years ago
    This topic is so hot in many circles right now.
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    BEAUTIFUL PLACE IN NEW YORK STATE-AMAZING.
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    Leonardo DiCaprio takes on the meat Industry with real action.
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    6 years ago
    Lovely gift for my 52nd Birthday. Tsem Rinpoche
  • This 59-year-old chimpanzee was refusing food and ready to die until...
    6 years ago
    This 59-year-old chimpanzee was refusing food and ready to die until...
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  • Bigfoot sighted again and made it to the news.
    6 years ago
    Bigfoot sighted again and made it to the news.
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    6 years ago
    Casper is such a cute and adorable. I like him.
  • Dorje Shugden Monastery Amarbayasgalant  Mongolia's Ancient Hidden Gem
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    Dorje Shugden Monastery Amarbayasgalant Mongolia's Ancient Hidden Gem
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    6 years ago
    Don't you love Hamburgers? See how 'delicious' it is here!
  • Such a beautiful and powerful message from a person who knows the meaning of life. Tsem Rinpoche
    6 years ago
    Such a beautiful and powerful message from a person who knows the meaning of life. Tsem Rinpoche
  • What the meat industry figured out is that you don't need healthy animals to make a profit.
    6 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
  • This video went viral and it's a must watch!!
    6 years ago
    This video went viral and it's a must watch!!
  • SEE HOW THIS ANIMAL SERIAL KILLER HAS NO ISSUE BLUDGEONING THIS DEFENSELESS BEING.
    6 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


Ask the Pastors

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.

  • March 28, 2024 05:40
    Jason asked: Continuing from the previous answer, how do we liberate ourselves from samsara if it’s impossible to not create further karma while existing in samsara? If we create karma just be existing, that means that we will keep reincarnating over and over again so it seems like we’re stuck in the cycle
    pastor answered: Dear Jason, You've asked a very interesting follow-up question. Generally speaking, yes if you are in samsara, then you are always creating more karma. That's why the goal of Buddhists is to be liberated from samsara. The Buddha and other enlightened beings achieved this and the practice of Dharma itself is geared towards achieving this. I'll try to explain it here, hopefully I can do so in such a short space. So, normally there is no way out of samsara, but when you practice the Dharma there is. Remember in my previous reply to you, I mentioned that there are differing levels of severity of karma? Some are heavier, some lighter, etc. When practising the Dharma, you reduce the amount of karma that you produce. When you have less effects of karma, due to less negative karma itself, you can focus more on the spiritual practices that lead to liberation. I'll take the examples of the Refuge vows. There are 10 of them, split into three categories related to the body, speech and mind. First is the body, which includes to abstain form killing, as killing creates negative karma. The in the speech section, it includes to abstain from lying. This is harder to do. What is easier - to abstain from killing another human being, or lying to another person. The easier one is not to kill. Hence, you train yourself in this manner, working from those actions that are easiest to avoid, working up to those that are harder. For example in the mind section, one of the vows is not to covet something that another person has. But this is harder to do than either not lying or not killing. In other words, in our spiritual practice, we reduce the karma that we create though the actions of our body, speech and mind. Since we have less karma, we suffer less. And then finally, we are get to really subtle levels of karma, which are like residue in our mindstreams. But it's still there. In order to get out of samsara, you need to realise what we call emptiness (which is way to complicated to talk about here). In other words, the very path of the Dharma is to reduce the karma we create, starting with the easiest and working up to the hardest, which is where it becomes the easiest to understand emptiness. This who journey is a process, that's why teachings such as the Lamrim are indesipensible as it shows us the actual way to practice. Normally, we are stuck in Samsara. But when we practice the Dharma and ultimately realise emptiness (there are many, many steps in between) we are able to get out of samsara completely. This may sound confusing, which is why in Buddhism study, understand and practice is very important. We have Dharma classes available, where you can learn and find out more: https://www.kechara.com/learn/dharma-classes/ I hope this helps.
  • March 27, 2024 06:10
    Jason asked: People-especially family put certain expectations on us and when we refuse, it causes them a lot of stress and anger and we make them suffer…. my family wants me to marry and have kids but I don’t want to be tied down to Samsara any further and just explaining that I want to shave my head drives my mom crazy and she starts speaking to me in a very loud and forceful manner saying that she doesn’t care what I have to say and that she knows better than me so she will do whatever it takes make me have a family even if she ends up becoming a villain in my eyes because it’s for my own good so that I won’t be alone and lonely when I’m old. When we say no to people, especially to people who care about us and want the best for us, do we accumulate negative karma from causing them emotional turmoil and pain
    pastor answered: Dear Jason, Thank you for your question. In essence, any action that causes another person harm or suffering whether physical or emotional generates negative karma. But karma is complicated and not as simple as we usually think about it. There are differences in level of severity of karma created, some can be very light and some can be heavy. These are due to the variables when creating karma, such as motivation, the actions, your feelings after it, etc. This can all be found in teachings that talk about karma, especially the Lamrim teachings. In Buddhism we teach that we need to avoid the creation of negative karma for sure. But simply by being stuck in samsara, there is actually no way out of creating karma. That is why Buddhists seek to be free from samsara altogether. Only when we are free from samsara, are we free from the creation of karma. In relation to your situation, if you are young and rely on your parents, for now you should try not to do things that are create division or disharmony within the family environment. That itself if the practice of the Dharma. Then later, when you are independent you can make more of an informed choice about what you want to do. Even in your current situation, you can practice the Dharma, it is not necessary to become a monk or nun to progress on your spiritual path. Dharma can be practiced in any environment, and actually practising towards our family is the best. When we transform our minds and our behvariours and they see just how beneficial this transformation is, this is the best way to show them that Dharma is good. This was a piece of advice that Tsem Rinpoche used to tell people in family situations all the time. I hope this helps you.
  • March 26, 2024 02:28
    Rojal Poudel asked: How can I meet my guru? Does one need a guru for initiation for tantra and other stuff on the path to enlightenment? Does one need a guru to attain enlightenment?
    pastor answered: Dear Rojal, Thank you for your question. In regards to meeting your guru, there are many different ways. These days you can meet your guru online as well. For example, many people did not meet Tsem Rinpoche personally, but they consider him to be there guru. You may find this article interesting: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/the-guru-protocol-a-guide-to-knowing-who-your-guru-is.html In regards to tantra, yes, one definitely needs a qualified guru to bestow initiation and teach us the path of practice once you have initiation. In regards to our tradition, it is also considered necessary to have a guru to attain full enlightenment. Hope this helps. The article lined above will definitely help to answer some of your questions on a deeper level. Thank you.
  • March 25, 2024 10:35
    Rojal Poudel asked: How can you deepen your spiritual progress while sleeping? I heard some people can go to pure lands and get teachings directly from Buddha’s, Bodhisattva’s, and Dharma Protecters. Are these possible from Lucid Dreaming and Astral Projection?
    pastor answered: Dear Rojal, Thank you for your questions. It's always nice to see you here wanting to learn more. Yes it is definitely possible to deepen your practice in your sleep. This is done during practice of Highest Yoga Tantra, after receiving initiation and progressed along generation stage practice. This would obviously include everything before receiving such iniation such as having a basis and grounding in the Three Principle Aspects of the Path and the Lamrim teachings. In this practice you are able to use sleep to engage in meditation. This would need you to be able to lucid dream before hand. The ability to lucid dream itself can be developed a number of ways, but the most common is single-pointed mediation concentration during waking life. This is also known as Shamatha meditation. But in this case, the object of your meditation should be a mental one, rather than a physical one. The best would be a visualisation of the Buddha. All of this is outlined in the Lamrim teachings in the section on developing concentration. In terms of Astral Travel, yes it is definitely possible, and again there are different methods to go about this. Again this should be done only after having received the appropriate intiations and teachings from your guru. However, there are quite a few dangers involved with this. As Tsem Rinpoche mentioned before, the two main ones is that your consciousness is not able to return to your body and two that a spirit can take possession of your body if your protection is not strong and you have not invoked a Dharma protector to help with protection aspects. Another thing about astral travel, is that even if learn how to do it, it is not necessary that you can actually visit pure lands or receive teachings, etc. This is because, to do this, would require a lot of merit. So there are many things and practices to develop merit before you should engage in it. Often times, people who claim that they have received teachings or visited purelands, actually haven't though they may think that they did. It could simply be a projection of one's mind and in some serious cases perhaps even due to spirits mascarading. If you would like to learn lucid dreaming, please look into the teachings of single-pointed concentration normally. The ability of lucid dreaming comes naturally for those who progress in their shamatha meditation. As for astral travel practices, I would advise not to engage in such practices unless you receive the appropriate initiations, teachings from and under the strict supervision of a qualified guru. Hope this helps.
  • March 24, 2024 01:17
    Dirji asked: How can I see my kaytsa
    pastor answered: Dear Dirji, We are sorry, but we do not understand your question. Perhaps because you asked using the english phoenetics of the word. If possible, please post again using either the English translation of the word or using the Tibetan script, so that we can help you properly. Thank you.
  • March 23, 2024 12:11
    Marc asked: What is the direct translation of Tsem Rinpoche’s name mantra? Thank you 🙏🏽
    pastor answered: Dear Marc, Thank you for your question. You can find a translation of the meaning of Tsem Rinpoche's name mantra on Kechara's Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=683136630510067. Hope this helps. Thank you.
  • March 22, 2024 20:27
    Rojal Poudel asked: I am about to leave everything behind. I am tired of this life where I do the same thing everyday. I see everything but dharma as an illusion. I want to attain some sort of realization so that I can benefit other sentient beings. I am very inspired by the story of Milarepa, who gave up everything to learn dharma. Even the Buddha gave up comfort and luxury in search for this supreme truth. I also want to follow the Please tell me what I should do.
    pastor answered: Dear Rojal, We can understand that you feel this way, and seeing the illusion of life should definitely motivate us to want to achieve something more spiritual. In the past when people asked Tsem Rinpoche the same question, he used to tell people a couple of things: > The first is that there are two methods to deal with our spiritual path. The first is to physically renounce everything and go into the wilderness, like Buddha Shakyamuni and Milarepa did. To cut yourself from everyone and everything and meditate continuously for years until you achieve realisation. But this is very hard to do in our day and age. We still need to have contact with people, there are the necessities of life to think about. Rinpoche said we need to think about things from a practice angle also. It takes a very great level of practitioner with an immense store of merit to be able to do this successfully. > The second method is to keep living within our a community and use them as a support for the transformation of the mind and spiritual progress. For example, that it why we have monasteries and nunneries, or Dharma centres and organisations to help with spiritual practice. This method is more measured, but you can still gain the same results. This is the more practical method. Especially according to the Mahayana path of practice, Bodhisattvas need to practice certain qualities in our minds and we progress towards enlightenment. Such qualities include the Six Perfections, but if we are not around others, how do we practice them? In order to practice generosity, we need others to be generous towards. In order to practice patience, we need others to be patient towards. In order to practice morality and ethics, we need to be in situations to be able to practice our vows. Enlightened beings like Buddha and Milarepa were able to do all of this in their minds during meditation but as mentioned before they were already high level pracitioners with immense merit. For example, Buddha Shakyamuni had three countless aeons of consistent practice life time after life time until his achieved enlightenment. > Another thing that Rinpoche shared, that while understanding the drawbacks of life and the benefits of becoming enlightened, a lot of the time what happens these days is that it is mixed up with emotion due to the challenges of life. People are looking for an escape, but not an escape from samsara into enlightenment, but simple an escape from their current problems. The need for escape, known as renunciation in Buddhism, is not to simply escape samsara, but developed in a certain way through contemplation and meditation. When we have such feelings, we should analyse them to see if they are in accord with the teachings and the methods of developing true renunciation. Many people also have a unrealistic way of thinking about physical renunciation and the spiritual path in general. Most people think it is easy, but it is not, is difficult because we need to deal with our minds, our emotions, our traumas, etc, from countless lives. If we don't have a firm foundation in Dharma practice and transformation before we attempt something like Buddha Shakyamuni or Milarepa, we will give up after a while because we find it too hard. And perhaps give up spiritual practice because the path did not actually match our expectations. So the key is to be as realistic as possible about our spiritual path. So our advice, rather than give up everything, as you may have family or other responsibilities, is to use your current situation to transform your mind, to practice the teachings right now in life, so that you can start progressing along the spiritual life. The best way to do this is to practice the Lamrim teachings, which give you a firm roadmap of how and what to practice in a sequential manner. Giving up everything is not necessary to make real progress on the spiritual path, as outlined in the Lamrim, but sustained and consistent practice is the key. Then use the situations in your life to actualise that transformation. We hope this helps.
  • March 21, 2024 00:44
    Jason asked: I listened to Tsem Rinpoche’s dharma talk and was inspired to be patient and kind towards other. For a while I felt like my mind had transformed and I started being more proactive in helping others and making sure to complete my responsibilities as perfectly as I can to not burden others and taking the initiative to help people that I see are struggling with their work but recently I have been feeling like I’m actually harming others instead of helping them by being kind because I feel like I’m enabling their bad behavior and rude attitude, especially one person in particular that I have to work with. No matter how much I help and show kindness, they don’t seem to change…and now I feel like a pushover for smiling and helping them even though they don’t show any appreciation or respect for it and instead take advantage of me and push even more of their responsibilities on me. I’ve been having thoughts that my kindness and patience has just become a cover for fear of confrontation now. What should I do? I feel like I’m gonna lose control and lash out even though I try to focus my mind on how the people around me must be struggling
    pastor answered: Dear Jason, Thank you for your question. We are very happy to hear that Tsem Rinpoche's Dharma talks have inspired you, especially to practice patience and kindness towards others. Please do keep it up, the benefits of both qualities are immense and are central to spiritual transformation. We should always try our best to practice both patience and kindness, but sometimes practising it in the way we think may not be the best option. For example, in the case that you mentioned, it is not having the right effect on your own mind and also you are enabling your co-worker to exhibit negative behaviours as well. In this case, actually practising kindness would not be to become a pushover, taking more responsibilities, etc. This isn't beneficial for your or the co-worker. So here, practising kindness would actually be not to allow the person to do such things, but it should be practised with patience and not out of emotion. So you would do this in a very skilfful manner. The best would be to have a talk with your co-worker in a very calm manner and explain how you are feeling and how they are making you feel in the work environment, and try to sort out the situation before it progresses. Especially since you are having such thoughts of anger and the posibility of lashing out. Practicing kindness and patience is not at all become a push over or allowing others to skip out on their responsibilities, etc. We really hope this helps. Thank you.
  • March 20, 2024 14:49
    Sok asked: Hello respected pastors. Is Kusha grass same as Durva grass? How to obtain kusha grass?
    pastor answered: Dear Sok, Kusha grass and Durva grass are two different types of grass, they are not the same. Kusha grass is also known as halfa grass, big cordgrass, or salt reed-grass. Its scientific name is Desmostachya Bipinnata. In shape, each blade of grass is long and straight. Durva grass is also known as bermuda grass. Its scientific name is Cynodon Dactylon. In shape, each blade looks segmented and has smaller leaves sprouting from it. You can google the scientific name to see the difference between the two. Generally, they can be bought at Indian religious stores if there are any nearby where you live. Alternatively, if you live in Asia, you can buy a traditional grass broom, which you can substitue for the Kusha grass. It is a close relative of Kusha grass and the lamas have said that it can be used as substitue if you cannot find the actual grass. I hope this helps. Thank you.
  • March 19, 2024 20:56
    Bhavisha asked: How to know wheather specific LOCAL deity is enlighten or not?
    pastor answered: Dear Bhavisha, Local deities are not enlightened. They are sentient beings who look after or take care of a specific area. There are different names for these types of beings, such as local deities, Land God, Landowner deities, etc. They belong to the God Realm, but as other beings in the god realm, they are not enlightened. Hope this helps.
  • March 18, 2024 09:57
    Rojal Poudel asked: What comes after attaining samatha or calm abiding meditation?
    pastor answered: Dear Rojal, Nice to see you back here! Shamatha is a tool, basically through this meditation you develop single pointed concentration. But after developing that, you use it to engage in Vipashyana meditation, otherwise known as Special Insight. Different traditions have different version of Special Insight. In our tradition, we use this type of meditation to analyse what we call "emptiness." The teachings on the emptiness are the actual teaching that leads to enlightenment. All other teachings or practices help to prepare your mind to be able to do this. Shamatha comes in, because the topic of emptiness is so deep, that we need single-pointed concentration to analyse it. If we don't have this type of concentration, we will not be able to understand emptiness. Hence, shamatha and vipashyana meditation are used in tandem to achieve enlightenment. This may seem a little abstract. The Lamrim teachings go into this in a lot of detail. They can be found in the chapters dealing with the Concentration and Wisdom as part of the Six Perfections in the Great Scope sections of the Lamrim. Hope this helps. Thank you.
  • March 17, 2024 23:16
    Jonathan Tan asked: Hi Dear Pastor, I am curious if H.E 25th Tsem Rinpoche had any heart disciples (son/daughter) Is there a difference between heart and root disciples?
    pastor answered: Dear Jonathan, Thank you for your question. There is no one heart disciple of Tsem Rinpoche. This usually refers to specific person who carries on the teachings and practices of a particular teacher. Tsem Rinpoche wanted something different for Kechara, hence we carry on his teachings and practices as a group, rather than one specific person. Rinpoche trained his students, who are either Sangha, Pastors or senior students in various ways of continuing his teachings, especially through the work that they do. In this way, we continue Rinpoche's teachings as a group rather than any one heart disciple. Hope that this helps. Thank you.
  • March 16, 2024 01:18
    Sirius asked: Hi dear pastors, I'd like to get recomendations on how to improve my actual sadhana. My morning starts by taking refuge and making offerings to the three jewls, followed by Lama Tsongkhapa's Guru Yoga. After this I usually study Lam Rim, and other Dharma Texts. During the afternoon I meditate for a about an hour or so, and somedays I do the Dorje Shugden sadhana given by Rinpoche. Finally at night I finish my day by doing Vajrasattva meditation and confession to the 35 Buddhas. What else can I do to improve my sadhana? What practices would you recomend me to do? Do you have recomendations on texts I could read? I would like to add that I live in Argentina, and I do not have any buddhist temple near sadly, so I cannot go there to practice, learm or collab. I would appreciate advice on this. Thank you in advance.
    pastor answered: Dear Sirius, Thank you for your question. In terms of practice, you are doing a lot. We are very happy to read that you are doing all these beneficial practices. They will be very beneficial for you. What you are doing is very good already, the only thing that I would say is to make the Dorje Shugden sadhana consistent as well as the others. If you are doing the short Diamond Path sadhana, it includes the Vajrasatta meditations, so you don't have to do it separately. We just have some points to help you improve your practice: > First is whenever you do any of the practices, is it vital to make sure you take refuge, generate bodhicitta and practice the four immeasurables before each session. And then at the end of the session, make sure to dedicate. This seals the merit generated from your practice. This is very important as if we don't have the correct motivation at the beginning and dedicate it at the end, since the merit is not sealed, the positive potential is destroyed when we have disturbing emotions, especially anger. > The second is to be consistent in your practices and do them daily. If you cannot be consistent with the practices you are doing at the moment, then reduce what you are doing to make it simple, for example just the Diamond Path (which includes Tsongkhapa's Guru Yoga anyway). Then once you are consistent daily, later you can slow add in other practices and become consistent with them. > The third is to keep revising the teachings on these practices, understand the motivation, deepen your visualisations, etc. > In regards to your meditation, if you are doing breathing or concentration meditation, again, revise the teachings again and again to make your practice stronger and understand where you are on your meditational path. > You can also spend some time every day, maybe five or ten minutes contemplating the Lamrim teachings step by step. This itself is extremely transformational and will propel you along the spiritual path. In regards to what else to study or read, here is a very good article: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/books-that-are-a-must-read.html If you consider Tsem Rinpoche to be your spiritual teacher, there are thousands of hours of teachings on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoTg0Wc5q3Gnz8ej3ETCdMQ You can watch and re-watch them to deepen your understanding and practice. I hope all of this helps.
  • March 14, 2024 05:53
    Alby asked: Hi, I was just wondering if spirits or ghost can possess Buddha statues and haunt the owner of the statue? I heard that before inviting a statue of the Buddha into your house, it has to be blessed by monks first. Is this a necessary requirement?
    pastor answered: Dear Alby, The physical form representations of the Buddhas, including statues, are very special as each form of a Buddha represents not only the path to enlightenment, but the state of enlightenment itself. In fact, even just seeing a Buddha image plants imprints in our minds that will open when the conditions are right, to help us further along our spiritual path. So they are powerful and protective in and of themselves, as long as they have been created according to correct iconography. This last point is very important. That being said, images or statues are just pieces of metal or clay, etc. When statues are consecrated, they actually become the embodiement of the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma and Sangha). That's why making offerings and doing any virtuous activity (even cleaning them) generates merit for your spiritual journey. As embodiments of the Three Jewels there is no way that they can be possessed by spirits that haunt the owner of the statue. Traditionally, statues are made to be hollow and then filled with certain mantras and holy items, then consecrated. Following the traditional method will be the most effective to bless your statue properly. If your statue is hollow, at Kechara we offer a service to fill your statue properly with the correct mantras, etc. The service is part of Kechara Saraswati Arts. You can find out more here: https://www.kechara.com/services/buddhist-art/ We also have DIY kits available if you cannot send your statue in and would like to do it yourself: https://www.vajrasecrets.com/mantra-rolls-complete [Please note these mantras are inserted into specific parts of the statue, you can contact Vajrasecrets through the website to get more information on how to fill the statue yourself] https://www.vajrasecrets.com/mantra-rolls-anywhere [These mantras can be inserted anywhere within the statue] If you cannot do any of these, then at the very least, you should insert something into the statue so that it is not completely hollow. This can be a piece of paper with the mantra OM AH HUM written on it (either Tibetan or English is fine). Then roll this up and place in the statue. Otherwise you can use a pearl or semi-precious stone, etc. While statues themselves have protective power, when they are left empty there is a certain type of spirit that come to reside inside a statue as it is completely hollow. It's a spirit that likes hollow places. However, this type of spirit is not usually malicious or harmful. But that is one of the reasons a statue is never left hollow. Once the filling is done, the traditional ceremonies of consecration known as Soongdrup Puja (to bless the insertion items) and the Rabney Puja (to fully consecrate the statues) are performed, which we also offer https://www.vajrasecrets.com/rabney-soongdrup-consecration-puja-fund For those who cannot have the pujas done for whatever reason, you can actually bless the statues yourself. A comprehensive guide and the prayers necessary for doing this are available here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/prayers-and-sadhanas/how-to-bless-buddha-images-yourself.html Given all of this, yes there is a type of spirit that can inhabit statues, but only if they are completely empty and not consecrated (whether by a monk, lay practitioner, yourself, it doesn't matter). But this type of spirit cannot haunt the person, etc, in that sense. It simply resides in the statue. The reason why statues are blessed or consecrated is so that they embody the Three Jewels, they become immense objects of merit making and protection from spirits, negativity, etc. So, if you do have a statue or are thinking of an inviting a statue, the best would be to have it filled and consecrated properly. However, even if you cannot, you can do the blessing yourself. There is no need to worry about a statue being haunted if not consecrated by a monk before you invite it or bring home. In fact, if you have a personal practice, at the end of your practice you can dissolve your visualisation into the statue, to bless it. This actually makes your statue much more powerful than consecration alone. You basically bless your statue through your own daily practice. I hope this information helps. Thank you.
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CHAT PICTURES

Rejoice to the volunteers (also kind sponsors) who cleaned the Gyenze Chapel and made abundant offerings to Gyenze. ~ Alice
yesterday
Rejoice to the volunteers (also kind sponsors) who cleaned the Gyenze Chapel and made abundant offerings to Gyenze. ~ Alice
Offered beautiful flowers abundantly to Gyenze. ~ Alice
yesterday
Offered beautiful flowers abundantly to Gyenze. ~ Alice
Offered beautiful flowers abundantly to Gyenze. ~ Alice
yesterday
Offered beautiful flowers abundantly to Gyenze. ~ Alice
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.
4 days 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.
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 weeks 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.
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 weeks 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.
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 weeks 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.
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 weeks 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.
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 weeks 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
Torma making was taught by Pastor Seng Piow and held one day before the retreat. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
2 weeks ago
Torma making was taught by Pastor Seng Piow and held one day before the retreat. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
Penang Dorje Shugden Retreat cum Puja, 9-10th March 2024 led by Pastor Seng Piow with 12 retreatants. Uploaded by Jacinta
2 weeks ago
Penang Dorje Shugden Retreat cum Puja, 9-10th March 2024 led by Pastor Seng Piow with 12 retreatants. Uploaded by Jacinta
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.
2 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.
Seen here, Pastor Seng Piow set off firecrackers - welcoming of the upcoming year with enthusiasm and positive energy. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
2 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
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.
2 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.
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.
2 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.
Mr. Dared Lim was offering water bowls on behalf of Kechara Ipoh Study Group. (Kin Hoe)
2 months ago
Mr. Dared Lim was offering water bowls on behalf of Kechara Ipoh Study Group. (Kin Hoe)
Jun from Ipoh was offering mandarin oranges to Mother Tara and The Three Jewels. (Kin Hoe)
2 months ago
Jun from Ipoh was offering mandarin oranges to Mother Tara and The Three Jewels. (Kin Hoe)
Prior to our puja in Ipoh, Mr. & Mrs. Cheah Fook Wan were preparing for the offerings to the Buddhas. (Kin Hoe)
2 months ago
Prior to our puja in Ipoh, Mr. & Mrs. Cheah Fook Wan were preparing for the offerings to the Buddhas. (Kin Hoe)
On Sunday afternoon, Kechara Ipoh Study Group has carried out Mother Tara prayer recitations in Ipoh. (Kin Hoe)
2 months ago
On Sunday afternoon, Kechara Ipoh Study Group has carried out Mother Tara prayer recitations in Ipoh. (Kin Hoe)
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
2 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
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.
2 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.
Thaipusam in Penang. Some of the best shots. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
2 months ago
Thaipusam in Penang. Some of the best shots. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
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.
2 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.
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.
2 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.
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.
3 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.
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.
3 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.
Tara Recitation is on now at KISG - Wai Meng
3 months ago
Tara Recitation is on now at KISG - Wai Meng
Photo from Wan Wai Meng
3 months ago
Photo from Wan Wai Meng
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.
3 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.
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
3 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
3 months ago
Today's (9/12/2023)Dorje Shugden puja led by Gordon. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
3 months ago
Today's (9/12/2023)Dorje Shugden puja led by Gordon. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
4 months ago
4 months ago
Dharma sharing by Hue before we proceeded with DS puja & Rinpoche Swift Return puja. Hue is one of the long time Kechara Penang members and he comes to puja regularly. He shared that he truly believes that Dorje Shugden and Rinpoche always there guiding him. He shared how sometimes DS will give him hints to avert troubles ahead or to alert him when he 'misbehaved'. Hope many will come to know more about this powerful Dharma Protector, Dorje Shugden aka DS. Having Dorje Shugden is like having a powerful ally that will protect us day and night. Just trust Him and have faith. Kechara Penang Study Group, 25/11/2023 by Jacinta.
4 months ago
Dharma sharing by Hue before we proceeded with DS puja & Rinpoche Swift Return puja. Hue is one of the long time Kechara Penang members and he comes to puja regularly. He shared that he truly believes that Dorje Shugden and Rinpoche always there guiding him. He shared how sometimes DS will give him hints to avert troubles ahead or to alert him when he 'misbehaved'. Hope many will come to know more about this powerful Dharma Protector, Dorje Shugden aka DS. Having Dorje Shugden is like having a powerful ally that will protect us day and night. Just trust Him and have faith. Kechara Penang Study Group, 25/11/2023 by Jacinta.
Kechara Penang Study Group had our weekly DS puja , led by our beloved sis Swee Bee and serkym by Mr. Lee. After that, we completed Swift Return puja also. 18th Nov 2023. By Jacinta
4 months ago
Kechara Penang Study Group had our weekly DS puja , led by our beloved sis Swee Bee and serkym by Mr. Lee. After that, we completed Swift Return puja also. 18th Nov 2023. By Jacinta
#Back2back 11th Nov 2023 Dorje Shugden puja & Rinpoche's Swift Return puja @Penang Chapel, 49 Jalan Seang Tek, Georgetown, Pulau Pinang. Every Saturday @3pm/5pm. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
5 months ago
#Back2back 11th Nov 2023 Dorje Shugden puja & Rinpoche's Swift Return puja @Penang Chapel, 49 Jalan Seang Tek, Georgetown, Pulau Pinang. Every Saturday @3pm/5pm. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
Pic: Rinpoche Swift Return puja ~ 21/10/23 Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
5 months ago
Pic: Rinpoche Swift Return puja ~ 21/10/23 Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
#Backtoback A few months back, Kechara Penang Study Group started to have two pujas consecutively on Saturday. Dorje Shugden puja @3pm and thereafter Rinpoche Swift Return puja. This can only be achieved due to the committed members from Penang. A big round of applause...... Pic : DS puja on 21/10/2023 Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
5 months ago
#Backtoback A few months back, Kechara Penang Study Group started to have two pujas consecutively on Saturday. Dorje Shugden puja @3pm and thereafter Rinpoche Swift Return puja. This can only be achieved due to the committed members from Penang. A big round of applause...... Pic : DS puja on 21/10/2023 Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
More pictures of the day! Kechara Penang Chapel & public blessings 3rd Oct 2023 by Jacinta.
6 months ago
More pictures of the day! Kechara Penang Chapel & public blessings 3rd Oct 2023 by Jacinta.
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Dorje Shugden
Click to watch my talk about Dorje Shugden....