The Abbot of Gaden Shartse Supports Us
In Gaden: I am greeting the then abbot Ken Rinpoche Dakpa Tenzin.
I remember seeing this holy monk before he was abbot of Gaden Shartse Monastery. He is a simple monk, who doesn’t require a lot and is very quiet. I had very little interaction with him at the time but of course when we passed by each other in the monastery, we would smile and say hello, but that was it.
When he became the abbot, his true colours became apparent. He is very devoted to Gaden Shartse and its traditions. He worked hard as the abbot with no self interest to improve the various departments and finances of the monastery. He showed no personal bias, and he took care of all the monks like his own students.
When I was going to visit Gaden in 2006 with around 63 persons, we had to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Bangalore. From Bangalore we had to take a flight to Hubli (the nearest city to Gaden which is 1 hour away by flight). By bus, Bangalore is 10 hours away from Hubli. The abbot sent a message that he would come to Bangalore to receive me and our group!!! He was representing Gaden Shartse Monastery to come meet us as we had been sponsoring many items in Gaden Shartse and Gaden Lachi and he felt great gratitude! I was blown away by his humility and genuine appreciation for the sponsorship towards Gaden Monastery made us or anyone else for that matter.
At that moment, I realised that he is a real geshe, a real abbot and had great concern for Gaden Monastery without a personal agenda. My respect for him grew tremendously. I thought, wow, His Holiness the Dalai lama sure picked a great geshe to be the abbot of Gaden Shartse Monastery. Of course, I felt very humbled and I sent a respectful message to the abbot asking him to ‘Please do not come to Bangalore to greet us. It is far away and it would be very inconvenient for you.’ I told him that we would meet in Gaden Monastery itself. He accepted.
His term of abbotship in Gaden Shartse is successfully over now after he served the monastery from his heart. He is now Kensur Rinpoche Dakpa Tenzin. ‘Kensur’ is a title bestowed on an illustrious abbot who has retired successfully from office. I sometimes send greetings to him as he is retired and is teaching in the monastery.
When issues surrounding the practice of Dharma protector Dorje Shugden arose, Ken Rinpoche insisted that monastic property be equally divided between the number of monks that remained in Gaden Shartse Monastery, and those of Dokhang Khangtsen, who chose to form Shar Gaden Monastery in 2008 to continue their practice. This is in keeping with traditional vinaya rules governing the welfare of monks, ensuring that each and every monk is cared for. After all, monastic property is not owned by one person or the abbot himself, but is for all the monks of the monastery. This is just one example of his unbiased care for the monks of Gaden, despite differences in practices. Because of this, when Shar Gaden Monastery was founded, they did not have to experience lack of funds and poverty, that could have been a very real outcome. Ken Rinpoche himself remained in Gaden Shartse Monastery, but nevertheless provided for those that joined Shar Gaden, out of his compassionate care for all the monks.
Gaden Shartse’s ability to improve, grow and secure many supporters for the sake of the monks is solely up to the abbot and his broadminded thinking. If he works from fear, or narrow thinking for himself, then the monastery will suffer tremendously.
The abbot must take care of his monks, geshes, tulkus, teachers and patrons for the sake of the long term survival of the monastery. He must keep in good contact with all the Gaden Shartse monks that are not living in Gaden but are based abroad. This is because these are the monks that will have great loyalty and the wish to support the monastery further. If the Gaden Shartse monks living abroad are neglected, not contacted, or not appreciated by the abbot and his current administration, then the monastery will suffer many setbacks. The monastery’s welfare is in the hands of a good abbot that is selfless, and Ken Rinpoche Dakpa Tenzin is a good example of this.
Tsem Rinpoche
Ken Rinpoche Dakpa Tenzin’s Letters of Support
Over the years, Ken Rinpoche showed his support in many ways. Below is an example of the letters of support he has sent. I am extremely humbled that such a great master and ex-abbot would do something so kind as to show us his support for the Dharma works myself and the Kechara organisation are engaging in within Malaysia.
Page 1 of letter in English. Click to enlarge.
Page 2 of letter in English. Click to enlarge.
Page 1 of letter in Chinese. Click to enlarge.
Page 2 of letter in Chinese. Click to enlarge.
Forward to Compassion Conquers All
When my book Compassion Conquers All, which explains the Eight Verses of Mind Transformation, was published by Kechara Media and Publications, Ken Rinpoche kindly provided a forward. You can read what he said below:
Page 1 of Forward by Ken Rinpoche Dakpa Tenzin in Tibetan. Click to enlarge.
Page 2 of Forward by Ken Rinpoche Dakpa Tenzin in Tibetan. Click to enlarge.
For more interesting information:
- I Visited Gaden for the 1st Time with an Oxygen Tank
- Journey to Gaden
- James and Me in Hubli
- Making Offering to Shar Gaden Monastery
- Vows: The Roots of all Attainments
- The Passing of Great Master: Kensur Konchok Tsering Rinpoche
Please support us so that we can continue to bring you more Dharma:
If you are in the United States, please note that your offerings and contributions are tax deductible. ~ the tsemrinpoche.com blog team
Ken Rinpoche Dakpa Tenzin the Abbot of Gaden Shartse had such a heavy responsibility . He has worked hard as the abbot with no self interest to improve the various departments and finances of the monastery. The ban on Dorje Shugden has truly brought nothing but suffering. The monks have gone through much hardship but remain firm and strong in their faith . As an Abbot Ken Rinpoche has to start from stretch where he got to take care of so many things in the monastery. He has worked tireless for others and for the sake of the long term survival of the monastery. He is such a humble monk willing to travel all the way to welcome our Guru Tsem Rinpoche and pilgrims from Malaysia back in 2006. He was informed of the great work of our Guru and kechara . He is happy and gave his support fully for the projects ..
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing .
I never realised to sustain a monastery, it takes so much so much of works and responsibility. Not only does the abbot have to take care of the daily running of the Monastery and the monks that are currently in the Monastery, but as to extend out to the other monks that are overseas as well. It is very inspiring to read about a real leader, one that serves the people rather than demanding the people to serve him, and Kensur Rinpoche is a really beautiful example. Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this inspiring write up ???
Dear PIC, I heard that Kechara is much loved by Gaden Monastery and it’s incumbents. I heard Gaden supports and respects Tsem Rinpoche and Kechara very much. Tsem Rinpoche has made extensive donations and contributed to many projects in the monastery in the past. They are forever grateful to Rinpoche and Kechara. If they were not grateful they would not be good monks would they. Kudos to Rinpoche and Kechara. Gaden needs Kechara and Rinpoche. I don’t think Rinpoche needs Gaden? Just my thoughts.
I have never thought that as an abbot of a Monastery would have so much responsibilities to take up. Not only does the abbot have to take care of the daily running of the Monastery and the monks that are currently in the Monastery, but as to extend out to the other monks that are overseas as well.
Through this, it has shown me how limited my thoughts about the abbots were. I feel so ashamed of the thoughts that I previously had.
We cannot judge how a person fair based on his looks and demeanour but this monk, Kensur Rinpoche, who is quiet and conduct himself humbly did great things when he became the abbot of this monastery. This speaks of how high caliber and down to earth Kensur Rinpoche. Not only monks should act humbly but when given great responsibility they carry it for the reason of serving others. Therefore they can perform in their new capacity well. People will remember how you act and treat others and when you become a leader it will be easier to carry the heavier responsibility when you have the support of others. If you have supported others in the past, you will get the support when you need it in future. For that this is valuable to me, “if he works from fear, or narrow thinking for himself, then the Monastery will suffer tremendously.” Thank you Rinpoche for sharing information on abbot.
I never realised to sustain a monastery, it takes so much so much of works and responsibility. And to be an Abbot, it is not easy at all! Abbot has a great amount of responsible and Abbot has to take care of all the monks, Geshes, teachers, tulkus, and etc, from the worldly aspect to spiritual aspect.
Kensur Rinpoche Tenzin Drakpa did so much for Gaden Shartse monastery and he remained extremely humble. This is the result of his broadminded thinking, he didn’t work from fear but he cares! To accomplish something big and beneficial for others, we should have the same qualities as the Abbot of Gaden Shartse. Big mind and think BIG is crucial. Big heart to accept anything, good or bad is necessary.
Kensur Rinpoche Tenzin Drakpa indeed had very important role as Abbot of Gaden Shartse. Yet he is humble which shows he had no ego but only care for others. In being so, he had generated the great respect n continual support from home n afar for the survival of Gaden Shartse. Truly a good inspiration for us!
How fortunate I was to be included in this auspicious trip, made possible by my guru whose compassion and generosity know no bound. I indeed feel deeply grateful for this second chance to visit gaden but this time I was able to witness on such special and rare occassion the meeting of two great Holy devine minds; that of H.E.Ken rinpoche Tenzin Drakpa and our guru H.E.Tsem Tulku rinpoche. Our guru was full of admiration for Ken rinpoche, for his humility in wanting to meet him at Bangalore, and for his genuine gratitude towards this sponsorship trip of KH and last but not least for Ken rinpoche term of successful abbotship of Gaden Shartse. Our guru has also joyfully exclaimed “Wow H.H. The Dalai Lama sure picked a great Geshe to be the abbot of Gaden Shartse” .
It is really inspiring to hear about a person who is completely and entirely devoted to the task at hand like this. He demonstrates an exemplary example from which we benefit, even just by hearing about him, of one who works for all, free from personal bias in all ways.
Time really flies but memories live on.I can recall , relive the experience of that trip in 2006. I had joined Kechara only a few months ago and was fortunate to be able to make it, thanks to my merits holding up.
What impacts me most was the deep respect Rinpoche and the monastic community had for each other.The Abbot and a few of the senior Lamas we had audience with exudes such warmth, wisdom and benevolence that being in their presence is one huge blessing.The welcoming ‘ party’ of thousands of monks filling every space in the monastery and making offerings to them, is a privilege and experience I will treasure forever.
When the then Abbot Ken Rinpoche Tenzin Drakpa before he became Abbot was a very simple monk. Tsem Rinpoche had very little contact with him. And whenever Tsem Rinpoche and Ken Rinpoche pass by each other, they would just smile. When Ken Rinpoche Tenzin Drakpa became Abbot. His true personality appeared. He seems to have more responsibility with selflessness and worked very hard to take care of all the monks as though they are his student. In 2006 when Tsem Rinpoche led a group of people on a pilgrimage to Gaden Monastery. Ken Rinpoche Tenzin Drakpa wanted to represent Gaden Monastery to go Bangalore to welcome Tsem Rinpoche but Tsem Rinpoche told Ken Rinpoche he will meet him in Gaden instead As it is not polite to have the Abbot of Gaden Monastery to receive him. At that point Tsem Rinpoche realized that Ken Rinpoche is a real Geshe, a real abbot and had real concern for Gaden without any personal agenda. Kensur Rinpoche Tenzin Drakpa has successfully finished his Abbotship. Gaden will grow and improve due to the broad minded thinking of the Abbot.
I was one of the lucky ones that were with the pilgrimage trip to Gaden in 2006. This was my first experience of India and monasteries.
Though the sky was still dark when we reached Gaden Shartse, the monks were lining up waiting for our arrival. When the sun shone on the building’s façade, my first impression of Gaden Shartse was, ‘WOW! It’s big!’
There was sea of maroon robes all around us doing their morning prayers while we move around amongst them offering incense, Manjushri statues, robes and kuyong. This is one experience that I’ll never forget.
Kensur Rinpoche is such a modest and humble monk. There was a very cute moment in the gompa when Rinpoche wanted to offer khata to Kensur Rinpoche who was then the Abbot of Gaden Shartse, Kensur Rinpoche insisted that He offer to Tsem Rinpoche first. This tussle went on for a while in the end, Tsem Rinpoche gave in.
The group had an audience with Kensur Rinpoche at the end of the day, though it was late night, Kensur Rinpoche waited up for us. He shared with us that He is very happy with Tsem Rinpoche’s dharma works in Malaysia and is glad that we are doing well in spreading Lama Tsongkhapa’s teaching.
Kensur Rinpoche said that we can count on His support for our projects. This materialized with Kensur Rinpoche endorsing a few of our books published by Kechara Media & Publication.
It is really a great honour being able to meet such a highly attain Lama who always out others before himself. A good example for everyone to learn and emulate!
During my second Lamrim recitation recently, I was assign to recite “Day 2” for N numbers of times to made up to 100 recitations collectively of “libration is in the palm of you hand”.
In this chapter it mentioned the greatness of the authors to shows the teaching comes from a immaculate source. The Lamrim that we know today by Je Tsongkhapa can be trace back to”lamp on the path to Enlightenment” wrote by Atisha upon request by Tibetan King Jangchub Oe to teach simple, easy to practice and complete path that Atisha him self practice. This profound teaching later passed down to Atisha main Tibetan disciple Dromtoenpa. From Drom Rinpoche to three Kamdampa lineages 1.) Kamdampa Classiccal Tradition 2.) Kamdampa Lamrim tradition 3.) kamdampa Oral Instructions. Later Je TsongKhapa combine these three Kadampa lineages into one. From it, it comes down to more great contemporary teachers like Pabongka Rinpoche to HH Trijang Rinpoche HH KyabjeZong Rinpoche HE Tsem Tulku Rinpoche.
To me, due to Rinpoche’s kindness in arranging for this retreat to be done so that lazy people like us can have the opportunity to read the Lamrim, grasp some of it essence to prepare us for further teaching in the future. Participating in Lamrim recitation retreat really is like create a course for us to receive Lamrim teaching from him and it also to be able to immediately benefit those beings in the others realm who does not had the means to do so.
It is very inspiring to read about a real leader: one that serves the people rather than demanding the people to serve him, and Kensur Rinpoche is a really beautiful example. I am extremely touched to read on how he wanted to come all the way to Bangalore just to greet Rinpoche for sponsoring for Ganden! how humble! Anyone else in samsara in that position would not have been that humble and would rather the visitor visit him and all.
It is posts like these that really do give hope for me that righteous people still exists, and that there are people out there that really deserve our support not only because they do but so that they can serve so many other people out there!
I think it is quite cool that we have an abbot of a real and great monastery that supports us. Gaden monastery is a great monastic university that people can learn the Dharma. It was founded by the great saint that liberated Tibet at the time, Lama Tsongkhapa. Just like the Abbot, we must not try and ask for to many things or else that will just be plain selfish. It is best to remain quiet to refrain from saying something hurtful or nasty. We should also have no personal bias at all.
I really wish I could visit Gaden Shartse one day for pilgrimage if another pilgrimage will be held and also possibly during the school holidays. I really want to see a real traditional monastery.
We always have humility and we must always appreciate what people give us.We must never work for the Dharma or anything our of fear or narrow mindedly!
Because of such a great abbot. Gaden Shartse will continue to flourish gracefully and flower beautifully.
May the Abbot live for a long time. OM ARA BATSA NA DHI!
I remembered being part of that group of 62 when we all travelled to Gaden in 2006, with much fondness. Rinpoche made such wonderful and extensive arrangements for all of us to ensure that we had a thorough tour of Gaden – from visiting Rinpoche’s cowshed house, to having audiences with all the great Lamas. It was a truly valuable learning experience, especially meeting with the great Lamas in Gaden. I felt very priviledged and much blessed. This post makes me realize that all great leaders are not just born great. They have to work hard to become great. So much is dependent on the leader of any organization – be it a corporate entity, a country or a monastery – the same principles and qualities apply. Hence, the Ex-Abbot of Gaden Shartse, Kensur Rinpoche Tenzin Drakpa, sets a very good example on how a great leader should be – one who cares for the greater whole, well and above himself. After all, when a leader is elected, it is really his or her chance to serve others. That is truly a precious opportunity to give back, although it does not come with a bed of roses. I think what Rinpoche mentioned about keeping in contact with all monks abroad and local is very crucial. Again, I do not see this as different in our secular world. Keeping in contact with related parties only serves to strengthen ties and friendship. Hence, continued support will flow. Thank you for sharing so much, Rinpoche. Now, I have a deeper respect for all the Abbots in the monastery. Much more than the very first time I met them. Thank you.
I never realised the Abbot of Gaden Shartse Monastery had such a heavy responsibility on his shoulders. Yet he is such a humble monk that he was willing to travel out of the Monastery to greet Tsem Tulku Rinpoche and the rest of the Kechara pilgrims! This was during the pilgrimage to Gaden in 2006 and you can read more about it here http://www.kechara.com/travel/travel-with-us/past-pilgrimages/gaden-2006/
Imagine being responsible for all the monks of Gaden Shartse, which number more than 1500. And prior to the Cultural Revolution, there were many many many more monks when Gaden monastery was based in Tibet. One of Rinpoche’s previous incarnations was an Abbot of Gaden Shartse, Gendun Nyedrak. The Abbots of the main monasteries are selected by the Dalai Lama. This is the current practice in India which originated from Tibetan tradition and hence, Gendun Nyedrak would also have received the Dalai Lama’s seal of approval.