The Fifth Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobzang Gyatso

Apr 24, 2018 | Views: 796
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The Fifth Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobzang Gyatso. Image credit: himalayanart.org. Click to enlarge.

b.1617 – d.1682

Incarnations: Dalai Lama ཏ་ལའི་བླ་མ།
Tradition: Geluk དགེ་ལུགས།
Geography: U-Tsang དབུས་གཙང་།
Historical Period: 17th Century ༡༧ དུས་རབས།
Institution: Drepung Monastery འབྲས་སྤུངས་།; Arik Gonchen ཨ་རིག་དགོན་ཆེན།; Chushur Tarpa Ling ཆུ་ཤུར་ཐར་པ་གླིང།; Lhasa Tsuklakhang ལྷ་ས་གཙུག་ལག་ཁང།; Shol Printery ཞོལ་སྤར་ཁང་ཤར་དགའ་ལྡན་ཕུན་ཚོགས་གླིང།; Namgyel རྣམ་རྒྱལ་།; Nechung གནས་ཆུང།; Potala པོ་ཏ་ལ།; Trode Khangsar སྤྲོ་བདེ་ཁང་གསར།
Vocation: Treasure Revealers གཏེར་སྟོན།
Offices Held: Fifteenth Throne Holder of Drepung Monastery
Name Variants: Dalai Lama 05 Ngawang Lobzang Gyatso ཏ་ལའི་བླ་མ ༠༥ ངག་དབང་བློ་བཟང་རྒྱ་མཚོ།; Dorje Togmetsal རྡོ་རྗེ་ཐོགས་མེད་རྩལ།; Ganshar Rangdrol གང་ཤར་རང་གྲོལ།; Jangsem Nyugusel བྱང་སེམས་མྱུ་གུ་རྩལ།; Nagpo Silgnon Dragpotsal ནག་པོ་ཟིལ་གནོན་དྲག་པོ་རྩལ།; Ngawang Lobzang Gyatso ངག་དབང་བློ་བཟང་རྒྱ་མཚོ།; Sahor Ngaknyon Silgnon Shepatsal ཟ་ཧོར་སྔགས་སྨྱོན་ཟིལ་གནོན་བཞད་པ་རྩལ།; Silngon Dragtsal Dorje ཟིལ་གནོན་དྲག་རྩལ་རྡོ་རྗེ།; Silngon Shepatsal ཟིལལ་གནོན་བཞད་པ་རྩལ།

Ngawang Lobzang Gyatso (ngag dbang blo bzang rgya mtsho) was born to a family of Nyingma practitioners in 1617 in the Yarlung Valley of Tibet, descendents of the Imperial line of the Yarlung Dynasty. His father was Miwang Dundul Rapten (mi dbang bdud ‘dul rab brtan) and his mother was Kunga Lhadze (kun dga’ lha mdzes).

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Lobzang Chokyi Gyeltsen, the Fourth Panchen Lama. Image credit: himalayanart.org. Click to enlarge.

In 1622 he was identified as the rebirth of the Fourth Dalai Lama, Yonten Gyatso (ta la’i bla ma 04, yon tan rgya mtsho, 1589-1616) by Lobzang Chokyi Gyeltsen (blo bzang chos kyi rgyal mtshan, 1570-1662), who had been the tutor to the Fourth Dalai Lama. Lobzang Chokyi Gyeltsen gave him the name Lobzang Gyatso (blo bzang rgya mtsho) and enthroned him at Drepung Monastery (’bras spungs dgon). Much later the Fifth Dalai Lama gave Lobzang Chokyi Gyeltsen the title of Panchen Lama.

Lobzang Gyatso’s recognition was not without controversy. The boy had previously been unsuccessfully claimed as the reincarnation of a Kagyu hierarch, the Fourth Tsurpu Gyeltsap Drakpa Dondrub (mtshur phu rgyal tshab grags pa don grub). At Drepung, he was in competition for the position of Dalai Lama with another candidate, Drakpa Gyeltsen (grags pa rgyal mtshan, 1619-1656), who was later identified as the fourth incarnation of Panchen Sonam Drakpa (paN chen bsod nams grags pa, 1478-1554), the Fifteenth Ganden Tripa (dga’ ldan khri pa). Following the suspicious death of Drakpa Gyeltsen in 1656, the deity Dorje Shugden (rdo rje shugs ldan) appeared, embodying a lasting rift in the Geluk community between those who accept and those who condemn Nyingma elements within the tradition.

Upon taking the seat of the Dalai Lamas in Drepung, Lobzang Gyatso immediately assumed the ritual responsibilities of the office, presiding over the New Year’s feast offering and the Sagadawa festivities in the fourth Tibetan month. He also began his studies, with Lingme Zhabdrung Konchok Chopel (gling smad zhabs drung dkon mchog chos ’phel, 1573-1644), the Thirty-fifth Ganden Tripa; and Lobzang Chokyi Gyeltsen, in Prajnaparamita, Madhyamaka, Vinaya and Abhidharma. He also trained in grammar and poetics, astrology and divination, and related topics, with Mondro Pandita (smon ‘gro paNDita), who later would advise his student to suppress the Jonang tradition.

Lobzang Gyatso received his full monastic ordination in 1638. Lingme Zhabdrung and Lobzang Chokyi Gyeltsen administered the vows and gave him the name Ngakgi Wangchuk (ngag gi dbang phyug).

An eighteenth century painting of the Fifth Dalai Lama pictured with major scenes from his life. More at HimalayanArt.org

A thangka of the Fifth Dalai Lama pictured with major scenes from his life. Image credit: himalayanart.org. Click to enlarge.

The Fifth Dalai Lama studied with many of the leading lamas of his day; his record of received teachings (gsan yig) fills four volumes. In it he lists the sutra and tantra instructions and the empowerments and transmissions he received, primarily from Geluk, Sakya, and Nyingma masters. His accomplishments were widely recognized, and he continues to be considered a significant lineage holder by the Nyingma. He trained with leaders of both the Jangter (byang gter) and Zur tradition of the Kama (zur bka’ ma). His family also maintained good relations with the Drukpa Kagyu – his cousin Paksam Wangpo, was the Fifth Drukchen (‘brug chen 05 dpag bsam dbang po, 1593-1641).

In 1637, when Lobzang Gyatso was twenty-five, Gushri Khan (1582-1655), the leader of the Khoshot Mongols, came to Tibet with a contingent of eight hundred soldiers, ostensibly on pilgrimage, but almost certainly to assert control over Tibet and find native allies for their dominion. This was not unusual at the time – following the fracture of the Mongol peoples, leaders of various tribes had sought religious leaders in Tibet in an effort to reestablish the patron-priest (yon mchod) model created by Kubilai Khan and Pakpa Lodro Gyeltsen (‘phags pa blo gros rgyal mtshan, 1235-1280) in the thirteenth century. It seems Gushri’s reconnaissance mission was at the request of the Fourth Dalai Lama’s treasurer, Sonam Chopel (bsod nams chos’ phel) also called Sonam Rabten (bsod nams rab brtan), part of the latter’s effort to find a Mongol ally in the fight against Tsang.

The Dalai Lama met with Gushri at this time and gave him the title of Tendzin Chogyel (bstan ‘dzin chos rgyal), “holder of the teaching, king of dharma”. It was a symbolic title, designed to cement relations, and it was effective – both the Dalai Lama and Gushri reported receiving visions in which they played a key role vanquishing the enemies of the Geluk tradition and spreading it far and wide. During this visit Gushri, Lobzang Chokyi Gyeltsen, Sonam Chopel, and the Dalai Lama discussed plans for Gushri to invade Kham and destroy the Bonpo kingdom of Beri (be ri), the excuse for which was a forged letter in which the Beri King declared his intention to invade Lhasa.

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Sonam Chopel. Image credit: himalayanart.org. Click to enlarge.

In his autobiography, a work that is highly revisionist, the Dalai Lama wrote that Sonam Chopel secretly requested Gushri to follow his invasion of Kham with an attack on Tsang, thereby wiping out completely all rivals to Geluk dominance of Tibet. Gushri Khan began his invasion in 1639, overrunning Kham from top to bottom and utterly obliterating Beri. Instead of turning north and returning to Mongolia, Gushri then continued into Tibet. The Dalai Lama claims that he was horrified by this and demanded that Sonam Chopel undo his work and convince Gushri to turn back, which he refused to do, evermore to hold the blame for Gushri’s violence. Gushri laid siege to Shigatse for roughly a year, ultimately crushing all resistance and taking control of Tsang.

Contrary to standard accounts, Gushri did not then hand control of Tibet over to the Dalai Lama. Rather, Gushri declared himself King of Tibet (bod gyi rgyal po), and was given an actual throne by the Tibetans on which to sit. He appointed Sonam Chopel as his regent, in charge of political matters, and he gave the Dalai Lama control of religious affairs. This fact is largely obscured in history, thanks to the Dalai Lama’s own account of the events, written many decades later, after he had assumed political control of Tibet.

The Dalai Lama spent the next several decades consolidating power, a process that involved the construction of a palace, naming himself an emanation of the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara (who had long been considered the patron protector of Tibet), a state visit to Beijing, and the invocation of the Golden Age of the Tibetan Empire.

Image credit: himalayanart.org. Click to enlarge.

Image credit: himalayanart.org. Click to enlarge.

In 1645, the Fifth Dalai Lama began the construction of the Potala Palace on Red Hill (mar po ri) in Lhasa, named after the pure land of the Avalokitesvara, Potalaka, and placed on the site of the seventh century Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo’s (srong btsan sgam po) capital. Gushri Khan joined him for the consecration of the site. The naming of the palace contributed to the dissemination of the identification of the Dalai Lama as an emanation of Avalokitesvara, something the Dalai Lama himself contributed to with his biographies of his previous incarnations into which he inserted the names of previously recognized emanations such as Songtsan Gampo and Dromtonpa Gyelwa Jungne (‘brom ston rgyal ba ‘byung gnas, c.1004-1064). We are unsure of the dates but the Fifth Dalai Lama also made extensive renovations and additions to the Lhasa Tsuklakhang, adding further chapels and halls in the temple. Indeed, restoration and renovation of the Tsuklakhang was to become an important activity to the Ganden Podrang government with the successive Dalai Lamas and regents beginning their tenure with such restoration work.

In 1651 the Dalai Lama received an invitation from the Qing Emperor Shunzhi (順治 r. 1643-1661) to visit Beijing. Accounts vary as to whether the Dalai Lama first rejected the invitation, or whether it simply took two years to make the arrangement; he left for Beijing in 1653.

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An ancient thangka of the Fifth Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobzang Gyatso. Image credit: himalayanart.org. Click to enlarge.

An important issue in both Tibetan and Chinese sources is how the Dalai Lama was received by the Emperor. Even during the seventeenth century this was contested information – if the Dalai Lama was received in Beijing by the offices of the Lifayuan, which administered non-Han Chinese Imperial territories, the Dalai Lama would have been submitting Tibet to a status of dependent state. If the Chinese Emperor traveled out of Beijing to meet the Dalai Lama en route, then he would have acknowledged that the Dalai Lama was ruler of his own land, equal in status to the Chinese Emperor.

The Dalai Lama’s own account has it that the Emperor met him outside of Beijing, as he had requested, although he admits to sitting on a lower seat than the Emperor and that he refused to drink his tea first, as the Emperor offered to allow. However, other sources make clear that the meeting took place in Beijing, and that the Dalai Lama, not satisfied by his treatment, left the capital after only six months. During his return the Emperor conferred a seal and a title, expressing his understanding that the Dalai Lama had accepted Chinese authority over Tibet.

The effect of the Beijing meeting was almost immediate. In 1657 the Dalai Lama received a letter from Shunzhi regarding a request by the remnant of the Pakmodru family to renew their Ming-era title. As the Ming had affirmed Jangchub Gyeltsen’s (byang chub rgyal mtshan, 1302-1364) rule in Tibet in the fourteenth century, and subsequent Pakmodru kings had renewed the title, Shunzhi wished to know whether or not the Dalai Lama was in fact ruler of Tibet. The fact that the letter came to the Dalai Lama, and not a regent or Mongolian prince (Gushri had died in 1655) in residence in Lhasa, suggests that by the mid-1650s the Dalai Lama had firmly taken control of the government in Tibet, and he wrote back affirming that he was indeed King.

A statue of the Fifth Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobzang Gyatso. Image credit: himalayanart.org. Click to enlarge.

A statue of the Fifth Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobzang Gyatso. Image credit: himalayanart.org. Click to enlarge.

Another means employed by the Dalai Lama to consolidate power in Tibet was the removal of all remaining rivals. Because of Taranatha’s efforts in support of Tsang before the Mongol invasion, the Dalai Lama was persuaded to suppress the Jonang tradition as retaliation. In 1650 he sealed and banned the study of zhentong (gzhan stong), the Jonangpa’s signature teaching, and prohibited the printing of Jonang zhentong texts. In 1658 he forcibly converted Taranatha’s monastery, Takten Puntsok Choling (rtag brtan phun tshogs gling). Only the skillful intervention by the Fifth Tsurpu Gyeltsab, Drakpa Chokyang (mtshur phu rgyal tshab grags pa mchog dbyangs) prevented the Karma Kagyu from suffering the same fate; that tradition was forced only to return monasteries it had converted during the height of the Tsang kings’ power and his patronage of the Karma Kagyu tradition.

The Fifth Dalai Lama did not submit entirely to pressure from within the Geluk establishment to utterly eliminate all other religious traditions. He remained a fervent supporter of the Nyingma, sending Dzogchen Pema Rigdzin (rdzogs chen padma rig ‘dzin, 1625-1697) to Kham to establish Dzogchen Monastery, in 1680s, and he maintained a large number of Nyingma associates, to the consternation of the more conservative Geluk hierarchs. He also revealed treasure, through visions, producing two volumes of revealed scripture. These he transmitted to the Nyingma masters Terdak Lingpa (gter bdag gling pa, 1646-1714) of Mindroling (smin ‘gro gling) and Rigdzin Pema Trinle (rig ‘dzin padma ‘phrin las, 1641-1717) of Dorje Drak (rdo rje brag).

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Another old statue of the Fifth Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobzang Gyatso. Image credit: himalayanart.org. Click to enlarge.

Under the Fifth Dalai Lama Lhasa flourished. Foreign traders and intellectuals flocked to the city, contributing greatly to the arts, medicine, and architecture. He established a wide infrastructure of taxation and administration, both in secular and religious matters. He was also a prolific author, writing both histories and religious commentaries, which are collected in more than thirty large volumes.

He founded many monasteries, including Tarpa Ling Monastery in Chushur near Lhasa. He also rebuilt Nechung Monastery, the seat of the Nechung Oracle, the State Oracle of Tibet. The expansion and renovations were continued by Sanggye Gyatso.

The circumstances of the Fifth Dalai Lama’s death are famously confused. His regent (according to some, his son, although this has been largely discounted), Desi Sanggye Gyatso (sde sris sangs rgyas rgya mtsho, 1653-1705) concealed the knowledge of the Dalai Lama’s passing, in 1682, for almost fifteen years. In the meantime he himself continued to consolidate Geluk rule of Tibet, and had the Dalai Lama’s remains mummified and placed inside an elaborate tomb. He also identified the reincarnation, so that in the same year that he announced the death of the Great Fifth, he oversaw the enthronement of the fifteen year old Sixth Dalai Lama, Tsangjang Gyatso (tA la’i bla ma 06 tshangs dbyangs rgya mtsho, 1683-1706/1746).

 

ཏ་ལའི་བླ་མ ༠༥ ངག་དབང་བློ་བཟང་རྒྱ་མཚོ།

༧རྒྱལ་དབང་སྐུ་ཕྲེང་ལྔ་པ་ངག་དབང་བློ་བཟང་རྒྱ་མཚོའམ་གོང་ས་ལྔ་པ་ཆེན་པོ་ཞེས་ཡོངས་སུ་གྲགས་པ་དེ་ནི། བོད་ས་ཡོངས་ལ་ཆབ་སྲིད་ཀྱི་མངའ་དབང་མཛད་དེ་སོག་པོ་དང་ཆིང་གོང་མ་སོགས་ལ་འབྲེལ་བ་དམ་ཟབ་གནང་མཁན་གྱི་ཏ་ལའི་བླ་མ་ཐོག་མ་དེ་ཡིན། ཁོང་ནི་ཆོས་སྲིད་གཉིས་ཀར་མཁྱེན་རྩལ་ཕུལ་དུ་བྱུང་ཞིང་། ཆབ་སྲིད་ཀྱི་ཐབས་གྲོས་ཙམ་དུ་མ་ཟད། ནང་དོན་རིག་པ་སོགས་རིག་གནས་མཐའ་དག་ལ་མཁས་ཤིང་བསྟན་བཅོས་ཀྱི་འགྲེལ་པ་དང་། ཆོ་ག སྒྲུབ་ཐབས། ལོ་རྒྱུས། རྣམ་ཐར་སོགས་གཞུང་མང་པོ་བརྩམས། ཁོང་ནས་བོད་དུ་ཇོ་ནང་པའི་བསྟན་པ་ཉམས་དམས་པར་བྱས་ཏེ་དགོན་སྡེ་མང་པོ་དགེ་ལུགས་ལ་བསྒྱུར་བ་སོགས་ཆོས་ལུགས་དབར་གྱི་འཁྲུག་རྩོད་དང་དགེ་ལུགས་པའི་བསྟན་པ་རྒྱ་ཆེར་སྤེལ། དེ་ལྟར་ནའང་རང་གི་ཡབ་མེས་ཀྱི་ཆོས་བརྒྱུད་ལ་གཙིགས་ཆེ་བས་རྙིང་མའི་དགོན་པ་ཁག་གཅིག་གསར་བཞེངས་དང་ཉམས་གསོ་སོགས་མཛད། དེ་བཞིན་གོང་ས་ལྔ་པ་ཆེན་པོ་ནི་སྤྱན་རས་གཟིགས་ཀྱི་རྣམ་སྤྲུལ་དུ་ངོས་འཛིན་བྱེད་ལ། ཁོང་གི་བཞུགས་གནས་ལྷ་སའི་ཕོ་བྲང་ཆེན་པོ་པོ་ཏ་ལ་ཡང་འཕགས་མཆོག་འཇིག་རྟེན་མགོན་པོའི་ཞལ་ཡས་ཁང་པོ་ཊ་ལ་ཀ་དང་མཚན་མཐུན་པར་བཏགས།

 

Teachers

  • The Thirty-Fifth Ganden Tripa, Konchok Chopel དགའ་ལྡན་ཁྲི་པ ༣༥ དཀོན་མཆོག་ཆོས་འཕེལ། b.1573 – d.1646
  • blo mchog rdo rje བློ་མཆོག་རྡོ་རྗེ། b.1595 – d.1671
  • ‘jam dbyangs dbang rgyal rdo rje འཇམ་དབྱངས་དབང་རྒྱལ་རྡོ་རྗེ།
  • rin chen bsod nams mchog grub རིན་ཆེན་བསོད་ནམས་མཆོག་གྲུབ། b.1602 – d.1681
  • The Third Dorje Drak Rigdzin, Ngakgi Wangpo རྡོ་རྗེ་བྲག་རིག་འཛིན ༠༣ ངག་གི་དབང་པོ། b.1580 – d.1639
  • Peljor Lhundrub དཔལ་འབྱོར་ལྷུན་གྲུབ། b.1561 – d.1637
  • chos dbyings rang grol ཆོས་དབྱིངས་རང་གྲོལ། b.1604 – d.1669
  • The Fourth Panchen Lama, Lobzang Chokyi Gyeltsen པཎ་ཆེན་བླ་མ ༠༤ བློ་བཟང་ཆོས་ཀྱི་རྒྱལ་མཚན། b.1570 – d.1662
  • tshe brtan rgyal mtshan ཚེ་བརྟན་རྒྱལ་མཚན།
  • blo bzang bstan ‘dzin rgyal mtshan བློ་བཟང་བསྟན་འཛིན་རྒྱལ་མཚན། b.1639 – d.1704
  • The First Dzogchen Drubwang, Pema Rigdzin རྫོགས་ཆེན་གྲུབ་དབང ༠༡ པདྨ་རིག་འཛིན། b.1625 – d.1697

 

Students

  • The Fifth Panchen Lama, Lobzang Yeshe པཎ་ཆེན་བླ་མ ༠༥ བློ་བཟང་ཡེ་ཤེས། b.1663 – d.1737
  • The Fourth Pakpa Lha, Chokyi Gyelpo འཕ ༠༤ ཆོས་ཀྱི་རྒྱལ་པོ། b.1605 – d.1643
  • The Fifth Tatsak Jedrung, Ngawang Chokyi Wangchuk རྟ་ཚག་རྗེ་དྲུང ༠༥ ངག་དབང་ཆོས་ཀྱི་དབང་ཕྱུག། b.1606 – d.1652
  • blo bzang ‘phrin las བློ་བཟང་འཕྲིན་ལས།
  • blo bzang tshangs dbyangs phyogs las rnam rgyal བློ་བཟང་ཚངས་དབྱངས་ཕྱོགས་ལས་རྣམ་རྒྱལ། b.1659 – d.1718
  • tshul khrims rdo rje ཚུལ་ཁྲིམས་རྡོ་རྗེ། b.1598 – d.1669
  • ngag dbang dge legs rgyal mtshan ངག་དབང་དགེ་ལེགས་རྒྱལ་མཚན། b.1631 – d.1668
  • blo bzang bstan pa’i rgyal mtshan བློ་བཟང་བསྟན་པའི་རྒྱལ་མཚན། b.1652 – d.1723
  • ngag dbang chos ‘phel ངག་དབང་ཆོས་འཕེལ། b.1635 – d.1707
  • dkon mchog bstan ‘dzin དཀོན་མཆོག་བསྟན་འཛིན། d.1684
  • The Second Changkya, Ngawang Lobzang Choden ལྕང་སྐྱ ༠༢ ངག་དབང་བློ་བཟང་ཆོས་ལྡན། b.1642 – d.1714
  • blo bzang ‘phrin las བློ་བཟང་འཕྲིན་ལས། b.1642 – d.1708
  • ‘jam dbyangs grags pa འཇམ་དབྱངས་གྲགས་པ།
  • Konchok Chodrak དཀོན་མཆོག་ཆོས་གྲགས། b.1646 – d.1718
  • tshangs ris lo tsA ba ཚངས་རིས་ལོ་ཙཱ་བ།
  • ngag dbang gzhon nu ངག་དབང་གཞོན་ནུ།
  • The Forty-Sixth Ganden Tripa, Jinpa Gyatso དགའ་ལྡན་ཁྲི་པ ༤༦ སྦྱིན་པ་རྒྱ་མཚོ། b.1629 – d.1695
  • blo bzang dar rgyas བློ་བཟང་དར་རྒྱས།
  • blo bzang mthu stobs བློ་བཟང་མཐུ་སྟོབས།
  • Depa Trinle Gyatso སྡེ་པ་འཕྲིན་ལས་རྒྱ་མཚོ། b.late 16th cent. – d.1668
  • ‘gyur med rdo rje འགྱུར་མེད་རྡོ་རྗེ། b.1646 – d.1714
  • The Sixth Tatsak Jedrung, Ngawang Konchok Nyima རྟ་ཚག་རྗེ་དྲུང ༠༦ ངག་དབང་དཀོན་མཆོག་ཉི་མ། b.1653 – d.1707
  • sangs rgyas rgya mtsho སངས་རྒྱས་རྒྱ་མཚོ། b.1653 – d.1705
  • The First Jamyang Zhepa, Jamyang Zhepai Dorje འཇམ་དབྱངས་བཞད་པ ༠༡ འཇམ་དབྱངས་བཞད་པའི་རྡོ་རྗེ། b.1648 – d.1721/1722
  • blo bzang bkra shis བློ་བཟང་བཀྲ་ཤིས། b.1647 – d.1713
  • The First Dzogchen Drubwang, Pema Rigdzin རྫོགས་ཆེན་གྲུབ་དབང ༠༡ པདྨ་རིག་འཛིན། b.1625 – d.1697
  • The Fourth Dorje Drak Rigdzin, Pema Trinle རྡོ་རྗེ་བྲག་རིག་འཛིན ༠༤ པདྨ་འཕྲིན་ལས། b.1641 – d.1717
  • bstan ‘dzin ‘gyur med rdo rje བསྟན་འཛིན་འགྱུར་མེད་རྡོ་རྗེ། b.1641
  • The First Rongwo Drubchen, Shar Kelden Gyatso རོང་པོ་གྲུབ་ཆེན ༠༡ ཤར་སྐལ་ལྡན་རྒྱ་མཚོ། b.1607 – d.1677
  • The Fourth Tongkhor, Dogyu Gyatso སྟོང་འཁོར ༠༤ མདོ་རྒྱུད་རྒྱ་མཚོ། b.1640 – d.1683
  • Lobsang Jamyang བློ་བཟང་འཇམ་དབྱངས།
  • byams pa rin chen བྱམས་པ་རིན་ཆེན།
  • ngag dbang byams pa ངག་དབང་བྱམས་པ། b.1683 – d.1736
  • ngag dbang rdo rje ངག་དབང་རྡོ་རྗེ།
  • chang khyim pa ngag dbang mkhyen brtse ཆང་ཁྱིམ་པ་ངག་དབང་མཁྱེན་བརྩེ།
  • ‘jam dbyangs bstan ‘dzin འཇམ་དབྱངས་བསྟན་འཛིན།
  • phun tshogs legs ‘byor ཕུན་ཚོགས་ལེགས་འབྱོར།
  • blo bzang brtson ‘grus བློ་བཟང་བརྩོན་འགྲུས།
  • blo bzang bstan ‘dzin rgyal mtshan བློ་བཟང་བསྟན་འཛིན་རྒྱལ་མཚན། b.1639 – d.1704
  • blo bzang lha mchog བློ་བཟང་ལྷ་མཆོག། d.1747
  • mdung rtse ras pa མདུང་རྩེ་རས་པ།
  • The First Shechen Rabjam, Tenpai Gyeltsen ཞེ་ཆེན་རབ་འབྱམས ༠༡ བསྟན་པའི་རྒྱལ་མཚན། b.1650 – d.1704
  • The Fifth Chakra Tulku, Ngawang Tendzin Lhundrub ལྕགས་ར་སྤྲུལ་སྐུ ༠༥ ངག་དབང་བསྟན་འཛིན་ལྷུབ་གྲུབ། b.1671 – d.1727
  • Ngawang Trinle ངག་དབང་འཕྲིན་ལས། b.1657 – d.1723
  • The Fourth Kirti, Lobzang Jamyang ཀིརྟི ༠༤ བློ་བཟང་འཇམ་དབྱངས། b.1656 – d.1708
  • ngag dbang ‘phrin las ངག་དབང་འཕྲིན་ལས། b.1654 – d.1723
  • grags pa bkra shis གྲགས་པ་བཀྲ་ཤིས། b.1631 – d.1690
  • The Fourth Chakra Tulku, Ngawang Trinle Zangpo ལྕགས་ར་སྤྲུལ་སྐུ ༠༤ ངག་དབང་འཕྲིན་ལས་བཟང་པོ། b.1607 – d.1667
  • The First Simda Dzogchen Tulku, Orgyen Samten སྲིབ་མདའ་རྫོགས་ཆེན་སྤྲུལ་སྐུ ༠༡ ཨོ་རྒྱན་བསམ་གཏན། b.1647 – d.1735

 

Previous Incarnations

  • The First Dalai Lama, Gendun Drub ཏ་ལའི་བླ་མ ༠༡ དགེ་འདུན་གྲུབ་པ། b.1391 – d.1474
  • The Second Dalai Lama, Gendun Gyatso ཏ་ལའི་བླ་མ ༠༢ དགེ་འདུན་རྒྱ་མཚོ། b.1476 – d.1542
  • The Third Dalai Lama, Sonam Gyatso ཏ་ལའི་བླ་མ ༠༣ བསོད་ནམས་རྒྱ་མཚོ། b.1543 – d.1588
  • The Fourth Dalai Lama, Yonten Gyatso ཏ་ལའི་བླ་མ ༠༤ ཡོན་ཏན་རྒྱ་མཚོ། b.1589 – d.1617

 

Subsequent Incarnations

  • The Sixth Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso ཏ་ལའི་བླ་མ ༠༦ ཚངས་དབྱངས་རྒྱ་མཚོ། b.1683 – d.1706
  • The Seventh Dalai Lama, Kelzang Gyatso ཏ་ལའི་བླ་མ ༠༧ སྐལ་བཟང་རྒྱ་མཚོ། b.1708 – d.1757
  • The Eighth Dalai Lama, Jampel Gyatso ཏ་ལའི་བླ་མ ༠༨ འཇམ་དཔལ་རྒྱ་མཚོ། b.1758 – d.1804
  • The Ninth Dalai Lama, Lungtok Gyatso ཏ་ལའི་བླ་མ ༠༩ ལུང་རྟོགས་རྒྱ་མཚོ། b.1805 – d.1815
  • The Tenth Dalai Lama, Tsultrim Gyatso ཏ་ལའི་བླ་མ ༡༠ ཚུལ་ཁྲིམས་རྒྱ་མཚོ། b.1816 – d.1837
  • The Eleventh Dalai Lama, Khedrub Gyatso ཏ་ལའི་བླ་མ ༡༡ མཁས་གྲུབ་རྒྱ་མཚོ། b.1838 – d.1855
  • The Twelfth Dalai Lama, Trinle Gyatso ཏ་ལའི་བླ་མ ༡༢ འཕྲིན་ལས་རྒྱ་མཚོ། b.1856 – d.1875
  • The Thirteenth Dalai Lama, Tubten Gyatso ཏ་ལའི་བླ་མ ༡༣ ཐུབ་བསྟན་རྒྱ་མཚོ། b.1876 – d.1933
  • The Fourteenth Dalai Lama, Tendzin Gyatso ཏ་ལའི་བླ་མ ༡༤ བསྟན་འཛིན་རྒྱ་མཚོ། b.1935

 

Images

An eighteenth century painting of the Fifth Dalai Lama pictured with major scenes from his life. More at HimalayanArt.org

An eighteenth century painting of the Fifth Dalai Lama pictured with major scenes from his life. Image credit: HimalayanArt.org

The Seventh Dalai Lama, Kelzang Gyatso, along with a selection of the previous incarnations according to the Kadam Lekbam. More at HimalayanArt.org

The Seventh Dalai Lama, Kelzang Gyatso, along with a selection of the previous incarnations according to the Kadam Lekbam. Image credit: HimalayanArt.org

 

Bibliography

  • Ahmad, Zahiruddin. 1999. Sangs-rGyas rGya-mTSHo. Life of the Fifth Dalai Lama. New Delhi: International Academy of Indian Culture & Aditya Prakashan.
  • Anon. 1977. Rje thams cad mkhyen ngag dbang blo bzang rgya mtsho’i rnam thar. In ‘Phags pa’jig rten dbang phyug gi rnam sprul rim byon gyi ‘khrungs rabs deb ther nor bu’i ‘phreng ba, vol. 2, pp. 239-609. Dharamsala: Sku sger yig tshang, 1977. TBRC W22095.
  • Dudjom Rinpoche. 2002. The Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism. Gyurme Dorje and Matthew Kapstein, trans. Boston: Wisdom.
  • Ishihama, Yumiko. 1992. “A Study of the Seals and Titles Conferred by the Dalai Lamas.” In Tibetan Studies: Proceedings of the 5th Seminar of the International Association for Tibetan Studies, Narita 1989, edited by Ihara Shoren and Yamaguchi Zuiho. Narita: Naritasan Shinshoji.
  • Ishihama, Yumiko. 1993. “On the Dissemination of the Belief in the Dalai Lama as a Manifestation of Bodhistattva Avalokiteśvara.” Acta Asiatica 64: 38-56.
  • Karmay, Samten G. 1988. Secret Visions of the Fifth Dalai Lama: The Gold Manuscript in the Fournier Collection. London: Serindia.
  • Karmay, Samten G. 1998. “The Fifth Dalai Lama and his Reunification of Tibet.” In The Arrow and the Spindle: Studies in History, Myth, Rituals and Beliefs in Tibet, edited by Samten G. Karmay. Kathmandu: Maṇḍala Book Point, pp. 504-517.
  • Karmay, Samten G. 1998. “The Gold Seal: the Fifth Dalai Lama and Emperor Shun-chih.” In The Arrow and the Spindle: Studies in History, Myths, Rituals and Beliefs in Tibet. Kathmandu: Maṇḍala Book Point, pp. 518-531.
  • Richardson, Hugh. 1980. “The Fifth Dalai Lama’s Decree Appointing Sangs-rgyas rgya-mtsho as Regent.” Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies 43, no. 2: 329-344.
  • Rockhill, William Woodville. 1910. “The Dalai Lamas of Lhasa and their relations with the Manchu emperors of China, 1644-1908.” T’oung Pao 11, pp. 1-104.
  • Schaeffer, Kurtis. 2005. “The Fifth Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobzang Gyatso.” In The Dalai Lamas: A Visual History. Martin Brauen, ed.. London: Serindia, pp. 65-91.
  • Tucci, Giuseppe. 1949. Tibetan Painted Scrolls. Rome: La Libreria dello Stato , vol. 1, pp. 57 ff, 133 ff.
  • Tuttle, Gray. “A Tibetan Buddhist Mission to the East: The Fifth Dalai Lama’s Journey to Beijing, 1652-1653.” In Power, Politics, and the Reinvention of Tradition. Bryan J. Cuevas and Kurtis R. Schaeffer, eds. Leiden: Brill, pp. 65-87.
  • Yamaguchi, Zuiho. 1995. “The Sovereign Power of the Fifth Dalai Lama: sPrul sku gZims-khang-gong-ma and the Removal of Governor Nor-bu.”Memoirs of the Research Department of the Toyo Bunko1995: 1-27.
  • Yamaguchi, Zuiho. 1999. “The Emergence of the Regent Sangs-rgyas-rgya-mtsho and the Denouement of the Dalai Lama’s First Administration.” Memoirs of the Research Department of the Toyo Bunko 57: 113-136.
  • Ngag dbang blo bzang rgya mtsho.1972. Gsang ba’i rnam thar rgya can ma: A record of the visionary experiences of the 5th Dalai Lama reproduced from rare manuscript belonging to the Stag tshang ras pa Bla brang of Hemis. Leh: S.W. Tashigangpa.
  • Ngag dbang blo bzang rgya mtsho. 1979. Za hor gyi bande ngag dbang blo bzang rgya mtsho’i dag snang khrul pa’i rol rtsed rtogs brjod kyi tshul du bkod pa du ku la’i gos bzang. Kawring: Tobdan Tsering.
  • Tshe mchog gling yongs ’dzin ye shes rgyal mtshan. 1970 (1787). Biographies of Eminent Gurus in the Transmission Lineages of the teachings of the Graduated Path, being the text of: Byang chub Lam gyi Rim pa’i Bla ma Brgyud pa’i Rnam par Thar pa Rgyal mtshan Mdzes pa’i Rgyan Mchog Phul byung Nor bu’i Phreng ba. New Delhi: Ngawang Gelek Demo, vol 2, pp. 730‑736.

Source: Alexander Gardner, “The Fifth Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobzang Gyatso,” Treasury of Lives, accessed July 11, 2018, http://treasuryoflives.org/biographies/view/Ngawang-Lobzang-Gyatso/6065.

 


 

Alexander Gardner is Director and Chief Editor of the Treasury of Lives. He completed his PhD in Buddhist Studies at the University of Michigan in 2007.

Published December 2009

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

 

About Treasury of Lives

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3 Responses to The Fifth Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobzang Gyatso

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  1. Tsa Tsa Ong on Aug 25, 2018 at 10:11 pm

    Ngawang Lobzang Gyatso was born to a family of Nyingma practitioners in 1617 in the Yarlung Valley of Tibet, descendents of the Imperial line of the Yarlung Dynasty. In 1622 he was identified as the rebirth of the Fourth Dalai Lama, Yonten Gyatso. The Fifth Dalai Lama studied with many of the leading lamas of his day; his record of received teachings fills four volumes. In it he lists the sutra and tantra instructions and the empowerments and transmissions he received, primarily from Geluk, Sakya, and Nyingma masters. His accomplishments were widely recognized, and he continues to be considered a significant lineage holder by the Nyingma. He founded many monasteries, including Tarpa Ling Monastery in Chushur near Lhasa. He also rebuilt Nechung Monastery, the seat of the Nechung Oracle, the State Oracle of Tibet. The expansion and renovations were continued by Sanggye Gyatso. Thank you Rinpoche and blog team for this interesting history ??

  2. Pastor Adeline Woon on Jul 28, 2018 at 6:53 am

    Nice short video of a new LED signage reminding us of who we can go to for blessings in case of need: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBwrkaKUoH0

  3. Joy Kam on Jul 26, 2018 at 3:52 am

    Listening to the chanting of sacred words, melodies, mantras, sutras and prayers has a very powerful healing effect on our outer and inner environments. It clears the chakras, spiritual toxins, the paths where our ‘chi’ travels within our bodies for health as well as for clearing the mind. It is soothing and relaxing but at the same time invigorates us with positive energy. The sacred sounds invite positive beings to inhabit our environment, expels negative beings and brings the sound of growth to the land, animals, water and plants. Sacred chants bless all living beings on our land as well as inanimate objects. Do download and play while in traffic to relax, when you are about to sleep, during meditation, during stress or just anytime. Great to play for animals and children. Share with friends the blessing of a full Dorje Shugden puja performed at Kechara Forest Retreat by our puja department for the benefit of others. Tsem Rinpoche

    Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbzgskLKxT8&t=5821s

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Give the room a chance to answer you. Patience is a virtue. And if after awhile, people don't respond, perhaps they don't know the answer or they did not see your question. Do ask again or address someone directly. Do not be offended if people do not or are unable to respond to you.

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KECHARA FOREST RETREAT PROGRESS UPDATES

Here is the latest news and pictorial updates, as it happens, of our upcoming forest retreat project.

The Kechara Forest Retreat is a unique holistic retreat centre focused on the total wellness of body, mind and spirit. This is a place where families and individuals will find peace, nourishment and inspiration in a natural forest environment. At Kechara Forest Retreat, we are committed to give back to society through instilling the next generation with universal positive values such as kindness and compassion.

For more information, please read here (english), here (chinese), or the official site: retreat.kechara.com.

Noticeboard

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  • Samfoonheei
    Monday, Mar 27. 2023 02:46 PM
    Yes…. Dorje Shugden has benefited many and many more to come. It’s wonderful as it in Kathmandu, Nepal , having not only one chapel but two. Many had received miraculous assistance in many ways. All thanks to our Guru Tsem Rinpoche bringing Dorje Shugden ‘s practice to us and everywhere. Those locals and tourist at Kathmandu will not missed these 2 beautiful chapels where they could seek help. Dorje Shugden will help everyone regardless of gender equally no matter what religion we are.
    Thank you Rinpoche, many kind, generous sponsors, and to Kecharians making it possible. Last to the Nepalis authorities who supported the setting up of Dorje Shugden chapel as well.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/bhagawan-dorje-shugden-chapels-in-kathmandu-nepal.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Monday, Mar 27. 2023 02:44 PM
    Over the years, self-immolations where the method of protest has been adopted by the Tibetans 152 times yet to abolished. There many ways in which the Tibetan leadership can discourage self-immolations yet nothing much is done . Tsem Rinpoche had spoken out about the self-immolations to prevent more unnecessary deaths and suffering. The pain and desperation of the self-immolator been felt by many so as the Dorje Shugden people who have to go through having suffered and segregated from the Tibetans exiled community due to their Dorje Shugden practice.
    Thank you Digital Journal for publishing the statement regarding self for shining a light on the mis-governance.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/current-affairs/digital-journal-publishes-tsem-rinpoches-statement.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Monday, Mar 27. 2023 02:42 PM
    Thank you Ani Lobsang Chokyi for this wonderful sharing how Tsem Rinpoche blog came in. Yes its was this blog that catches my eyes and the rest is history. I have Rinpoche to thank for how reading, learning and practicing Buddhism have changed my life forever. From zero knowledge it click into my life . Its such a amazing blog filled with wonderful Dharma knowledge where everyone could start off finding the true purpose and meaning in life.
    Thank you Rinpoche, Ani Lobsang Chokyi ,Pastor Seng Piow, and all the writers.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/behind-the-scenes/rinpoche-through-my-eyes-creating-the-blog-with-rinpoche.html
  • Alice
    Sunday, Mar 26. 2023 10:05 AM
    There’re practices if you commit all the ways within Tsonkhapa lineage within 3 years, 3 months and 3 days, you can reach full enlightenment … IF YOU’RE READY.

    ~ H. E. Kyabje Tsem Rinpoche
  • Samfoonheei
    Monday, Mar 20. 2023 03:40 PM
    Very fortunate for me and friends to have visited these four most worthy pilgrimage sites as mentioned in this blog post. Lumbini where the birthplace of Prince Siddharta Gautama later known as Buddha Shakyamuni, Bodh Gaya the place where Prince Siddharta Gautama reached enlightenment, Sarnath the place where Buddha Shakyamuni turned the Wheel of Dharma for the first time and finally Kushinagar the place where Buddha Shakyamuni entered Parinirvana. So blessed managed to visit all these Holy places just before the lockdown because of the covid pandemic.
    Thank you Rinpoche and Novka Kuaranita for this interesting sharing, so as more people be inspired to go.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/current-affairs/8-holy-buddhist-pilgrimage-sites-part-1.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Monday, Mar 20. 2023 03:38 PM
    In the eyes of many people, giving doesn’t count unless it’s completely selfless. In reality, though, giving isn’t sustainable when it’s completely selfless. Tsem Rnpoche is one truly Lama who gives silently without hope of praise and reward. Rinpoche gives selflessly to awaken the sleeping humanity in one’s heart. Spreading love and caring everywhere as Rinpoche goes had inspired many of us. There is nothing more beautiful things we can do. If we ever had the chance of making a big impact on the life of someone else, we know how wonderful it can feel to help someone.
    A beautiful story of a selfless Lama who have a heart of gold.
    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 20. 2023 03:36 PM
    Rinpoche read all notes, letters, and cards that was sent to his labrang. It never comes to my mind at all whether or not our guru Tsem Rinpoche saw, ate, or liked our offerings. All I know that Rinpoche knew for sure what we are doing. I am one of the many that Rinpoche had gave me gifts through all these years. Feeling happy and blessed with what I received. Thank you Rinpoche with folded hands. May Rinpoche have a swift return.
    Thank you Anila for this wonderful sharing for many of us to have a better insight understanding of a great Lama.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/one-minute-story/rinpoche-through-my-eyes-no-offering-too-small
  • Alice
    Saturday, Mar 18. 2023 01:06 PM
    你时常都有选择的机会……那就做出正确的选择吧。就像马丁·路德·金所说的:“作正确的事永远都不会嫌迟。”

    当你发现很难去改变自己的恶习时,那就根据帕繃喀仁波切在《菩提道次第广论》里所描述的方式,长期持续地进行死亡禅思。那么你就能够感受到自身念头的转变。它始终会有转变的一天。目前,先专注于宗喀巴大师的修行,对祂生起信心,并时常供养祂……你将为自己累积足够的善因,来等待时机的成熟。

    ~ 詹杜固仁波切
  • Samfoonheei
    Monday, Mar 13. 2023 03:02 PM
    Reading this article reminds me of my trip there in 2019 just before the lock down. I am glad I made it there as encouraged by our Guru Tsem Rinpoche to go on pilgrimage to Holy places instead of visiting places of interest. It’s a once a life time experienced for me. Went on pilgrimage to Tibet in 2019 and to Sera Choding Hermitage of Lama Tsongkhapa and few other Holy places as well. Sera Choding Hermitage was also the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. It was one of Tsongkhapa’s principal retreat centers, where he gave many of his most important teachings and where he composed one of his most famous works.
    Fortunate to go to Kushinagar where Buddha Shakyamuni entered Clear Light , and seeing the Ramabhar Stupa,where the cremation place of Buddha Shakyamuni, and a colossal statue of Lord Buddha at the Matha Kuar feeling blessed indeed. Another holy place as mentioned in the blog is Wu Tai Shan. It is a popular pilgrimage as well. Mount Wutai with its five flat peaks is one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains in China. This Holy place is associated with the rising sun which signifies birth and renewal. Due to this interpretation, it is often regarded as the most sacred of the Five Great Mountains. Went there too much earlier with Kecharians friends. Minhitale Buddha Statue in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, another Holy place. Historically recorded as the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura was also the center of Theravada Buddhism for many centuries and has been a major Buddhist pilgrimage site with ruins of many ancient Buddhist temples. A place worth going but I have not visited yet which I love to go some day.
    Thank you Rinpoche for this wonderful sharing.


    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/current-affairs/8-holy-buddhist-pilgrimage-sites-part-2.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Monday, Mar 13. 2023 02:57 PM
    A strong inspiring story that will touch our heart and soul. Reading and watching those videos in this blog post will definitely inspire and motivate us all. Bill Porter was an American having spent much of his life studying and translating Chinese religious and philosophical texts. He is a translator of Chinese texts, primarily Taoist and Buddhist, including poetry and sūtras. Bill Porter stepped into the ancient Chinese literary world, which changed everything. To many Chinese, he is known as Red Pine and the author of popular books on Chinese hermits and ancient poets. Many had wonder if the Buddhist hermit tradition still existed in China, not until Bill Porter discovered that the hermit tradition is very much alive. So many insights into life in China, and the Buddhist renewal after the cultural revolution the historical refuge of ancient hermits. Dozens of monks and nuns continue to lead solitary lives in quiet contemplation of their faith deep in the mountains. Inspiring each of them , living as simple as possible with what they have. That’s a beautiful understanding of Chinese culture, a rare happening , and should be cherished by all who love the Chinese classics .
    Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/inspiration-worthy-words/amongst-white-clouds-amazing.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Monday, Mar 13. 2023 02:55 PM
    Wow this great Lama the third Purchok incarnation the Lozang Tsultrim Jampa Gyatso who had served as tutor to both the Twelfth and the Thirteenth Dalai Lamas . He studied under a number of great masters and became a competent scholar at a very young age. His collected works covering subjects such as commentary on logics, rituals, and biography were compiled into texts. Interesting read.
    Thank you Rinpoche .

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/great-lamas-masters/the-third-purchok-jampa-gyatso.html
  • Alice Tay
    Saturday, Mar 11. 2023 03:12 PM
    Dharma teaches us the ultimate method, the ultimate way of release from samsara. When you receive the Dharma teachings — when you receive the method and you practice it — you will be able to free yourself from sufferings.

    ~ H. E. Kyabje Tsem Rinpoche
  • Alice Tay
    Sunday, Feb 26. 2023 11:49 AM
    Stinginess is the ticket to a long stay in the sad and barren lands of poverty.

    Making happy offerings to enlightened and ordinary friends is a recipe for spontaneously arising generosity and the joys it causes.

    ~ H. E. Kyabje Tsem Rinpoche
  • Samfoonheei
    Thursday, Feb 23. 2023 04:04 PM
    Wow…beautiful scenery pictures . Each and every pictures has an interesting stories to tell. Looking through these in this blog tells us a thousands words , simply exquisite beautiful indeed. Tranquillity serenity and beauty of nature in every pictures .Natural beauty is everyone wish to be there.
    Thank you Rinpoche for this great sharing.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/downloads/beautiful-scenes-free-download.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Thursday, Feb 23. 2023 04:02 PM
    The Colossus of Rhodes was a statue of the Greek sun-god Helios, erected in the city of Rhodes, on the Greek island. An interesting mythology behind this huge statue. It was built between the years 292-280 BCE, to honour the Ancient Greek god of the Sun, Helios recording to history. The people of the city of Rhodes in Greece were saved from a terrible siege and that’s where this statue was built. The Greek mythology was strongly influenced by the ancient Egyptian myths. Sound interesting. Rhodes has been famous since antiquity as the site of Colossus of Rhodes, and was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This ancient town is a step back in time and is one of the biggest best-preserved Medieval settlements of Europe. It’s the oldest populated medieval city in Europe with some 5000 people living inside the castle walls. Worth a visit to see for ourselves the beauty of this ancient town with many myth stories .
    Thank you Rinpoche and Gen. Lobsang Phuljung for this wonderful sharing.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/one-minute-story/voyage-to-the-colossus-of-rhodes

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
3 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!
3 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
3 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
3 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!
3 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.
3 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
3 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.
3 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.
3 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!
3 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)
4 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)
4 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)
4 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
4 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
4 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!
4 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
4 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
4 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
4 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
4 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
4 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
4 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
4 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
4 years ago
Sacred Vajra Yogini
Dorje Shugden works & archives - a labour of commitment - https://bit.ly/30Tp2p8
4 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.
4 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.
4 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.
4 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
4 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
4 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!!!
4 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
4 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
4 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
4 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
4 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
4 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
4 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
4 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
4 years ago
Beautiful pictures of the huge Buddha in Longkou Nanshan- https://bit.ly/2LsBxVb
The reason-Very interesting thought- https://bit.ly/2V7VT5r
4 years ago
The reason-Very interesting thought- https://bit.ly/2V7VT5r
NEW Bigfoot cafe in Malaysia! Food is delicious!- https://bit.ly/2VxdGau
4 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
4 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
4 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
4 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
4 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
4 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
4 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
4 years ago
Manjusri Kumara (bodhisattva of wisdom), India, Pala dynesty, 9th century, stone, Honolulu Academy of Arts
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CHAT PICTURES

Beautiful Lama Tsongkhapa in Kechara Forest Retread. Advice from H. E. Kyabje Tsem Rinpoche: if you commit all the ways within Tsonkhapa lineage within 3 years, 3 months and 3 days, you can reach full enlightenment … IF YOU'RE READY.  ~ Alice
4 days ago
Beautiful Lama Tsongkhapa in Kechara Forest Retread. Advice from H. E. Kyabje Tsem Rinpoche: if you commit all the ways within Tsonkhapa lineage within 3 years, 3 months and 3 days, you can reach full enlightenment … IF YOU'RE READY. ~ Alice
Invoice
1 week ago
Invoice
Gyenze is an emanation of Manjushri, propitiation of Gyenze will result in an increase of spiritual merits. Mantra: OM BENZA WIKI BITANA SOHA TSESO PALJOR LONG CHO THAMCHED PUTRIM KURU OM ~ Alice
2 weeks ago
Gyenze is an emanation of Manjushri, propitiation of Gyenze will result in an increase of spiritual merits. Mantra: OM BENZA WIKI BITANA SOHA TSESO PALJOR LONG CHO THAMCHED PUTRIM KURU OM ~ Alice
Nice sessions to learn about (4 March 2023):  The art of HAPPINESS  And  Essentials for a HAPPY relationship shared by Gen Lobsang Phuljung. ~ Alice
3 weeks ago
Nice sessions to learn about (4 March 2023): The art of HAPPINESS And Essentials for a HAPPY relationship shared by Gen Lobsang Phuljung. ~ Alice
Nice sessions to learn about (4 March 2023):  The art of HAPPINESS  And  Essentials for a HAPPY relationship shared by Gen Lobsang Phuljung. ~ Alice
3 weeks ago
Nice sessions to learn about (4 March 2023): The art of HAPPINESS And Essentials for a HAPPY relationship shared by Gen Lobsang Phuljung. ~ Alice
Nice sessions to learn about (4 March 2023):  The art of HAPPINESS  And  Essentials for a HAPPY relationship shared by Gen Lobsang Phuljung. ~ Alice
3 weeks ago
Nice sessions to learn about (4 March 2023): The art of HAPPINESS And Essentials for a HAPPY relationship shared by Gen Lobsang Phuljung. ~ Alice
Nice sessions to learn about (4 March 2023):  The art of HAPPINESS  And  Essentials for a HAPPY relationship shared by Gen Lobsang Phuljung. ~ Alice
3 weeks ago
Nice sessions to learn about (4 March 2023): The art of HAPPINESS And Essentials for a HAPPY relationship shared by Gen Lobsang Phuljung. ~ Alice
Nice sessions to learn about (4 March 2023):  The art of HAPPINESS  And  Essentials for a HAPPY relationship shared by Gen Lobsang Phuljung. ~ Alice
3 weeks ago
Nice sessions to learn about (4 March 2023): The art of HAPPINESS And Essentials for a HAPPY relationship shared by Gen Lobsang Phuljung. ~ Alice
Nice sessions to learn about (4 March 2023):  The art of HAPPINESS  And  Essentials for a HAPPY relationship shared by Gen Lobsang Phuljung. ~ Alice
3 weeks ago
Nice sessions to learn about (4 March 2023): The art of HAPPINESS And Essentials for a HAPPY relationship shared by Gen Lobsang Phuljung. ~ Alice
Beautiful Manjushri and 108 Dorje Shugden. More thangkas for FREE download: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=171377 ~ Alice
3 weeks ago
Beautiful Manjushri and 108 Dorje Shugden. More thangkas for FREE download: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=171377 ~ Alice
Slowly, but surely we will be able to collect tremendous and incredible amount of merits during Dorje Shugden puja for our spiritual advancement. In return, we dedicated merits to those sponsors and every sentient beings. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
4 weeks ago
Slowly, but surely we will be able to collect tremendous and incredible amount of merits during Dorje Shugden puja for our spiritual advancement. In return, we dedicated merits to those sponsors and every sentient beings. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
We included the long mandala offerings during our puja. Very nice seeing them practicing in accordance to Rinpoche's teaching. Kechara Penang Study Group By Jacinta
4 weeks ago
We included the long mandala offerings during our puja. Very nice seeing them practicing in accordance to Rinpoche's teaching. Kechara Penang Study Group By Jacinta
Completed our weekly Dorje Shugden puja. Every Saturday @3pm at Jalan Seang Tek. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
4 weeks ago
Completed our weekly Dorje Shugden puja. Every Saturday @3pm at Jalan Seang Tek. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
That's us! The retreat ended successfully and you can definitely see it from our ' smile'. Kechara Penang Study Group retreat, 18th & 19th Feb 2023 by Jacinta
1 month ago
That's us! The retreat ended successfully and you can definitely see it from our ' smile'. Kechara Penang Study Group retreat, 18th & 19th Feb 2023 by Jacinta
This time, we included mandala offerings as part of our reatreat. Pastor Seng Piow guided us and shared with us the tips and tricks on how we can offer mandala immaculately! ~ by Jacinta
1 month ago
This time, we included mandala offerings as part of our reatreat. Pastor Seng Piow guided us and shared with us the tips and tricks on how we can offer mandala immaculately! ~ by Jacinta
Before retreat, all of us invited Divine Lady, Vajrayogini whom out of compassion she attracts us and brings us to full liberation. For auspicious reason, together with Pastor Seng Piow, we did Kalarupa puja before starting our retreat ~by Jacinta
1 month ago
Before retreat, all of us invited Divine Lady, Vajrayogini whom out of compassion she attracts us and brings us to full liberation. For auspicious reason, together with Pastor Seng Piow, we did Kalarupa puja before starting our retreat ~by Jacinta
#Throwback Kechara Penang Study Group retreat @ 18th - 19th Feb 2023. 11 retreatants, led by Pastor Seng Piow. We were so fortunate able to get together for the retreat and with great blessings from Rinpoche, it went smoothly. Special thanks to Choong Soon Heng for the overall arrangements, Tang KS, Ong Siew Hong and Swee Bee helping out ~ by Jacinta.
1 month ago
#Throwback Kechara Penang Study Group retreat @ 18th - 19th Feb 2023. 11 retreatants, led by Pastor Seng Piow. We were so fortunate able to get together for the retreat and with great blessings from Rinpoche, it went smoothly. Special thanks to Choong Soon Heng for the overall arrangements, Tang KS, Ong Siew Hong and Swee Bee helping out ~ by Jacinta.
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
1 month ago
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
1 month ago
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
1 month ago
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
1 month ago
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
1 month ago
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
1 month ago
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
1 month ago
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
19JV E5Q9
1 month ago
19JV E5Q9
Abundance light offerings to Gyenze. Happy Losar Day. ~ Alice
1 month ago
Abundance light offerings to Gyenze. Happy Losar Day. ~ Alice
Website
1 month ago
Website
Beautiful night scene at Vajrayogini Stupa, Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
1 month ago
Beautiful night scene at Vajrayogini Stupa, Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
11th Feb 2023 @ 3.00 pm. Completed weekly Dorje Shugden puja at Kechara Penang Chapel, No49 Jalan Seang Tek. All are welcome to join. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
1 month ago
11th Feb 2023 @ 3.00 pm. Completed weekly Dorje Shugden puja at Kechara Penang Chapel, No49 Jalan Seang Tek. All are welcome to join. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
Flower garland was offered to Dorje Shugden, as well as some mandarin oranges, milk and etc by the devotees. There next day morning shift (5th Feb 2023) members were Tang KS, Sunny, Choong & Wei Ling. Thanks for all the efforts and support. The event was ended in a high note. Kechara Penang Study Group ~by Jacinta
2 months ago
Flower garland was offered to Dorje Shugden, as well as some mandarin oranges, milk and etc by the devotees. There next day morning shift (5th Feb 2023) members were Tang KS, Sunny, Choong & Wei Ling. Thanks for all the efforts and support. The event was ended in a high note. Kechara Penang Study Group ~by Jacinta
Penang Kecharians distributed well over 5144 Dorje Shugden collaterals, which includes big posters, A5 picture card, brochure pendants and etc. Not only that, visitors who were keen, they explained and shared more about Dorje Shugden in details. Sharyn and Swee Bee came and volunteered for the two days we were there. Way to go gals... ~by Jacinta
2 months ago
Penang Kecharians distributed well over 5144 Dorje Shugden collaterals, which includes big posters, A5 picture card, brochure pendants and etc. Not only that, visitors who were keen, they explained and shared more about Dorje Shugden in details. Sharyn and Swee Bee came and volunteered for the two days we were there. Way to go gals... ~by Jacinta
Kechara Penang members lent a helping hand during Thaipusam even at the famous Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Waterfall Temple. On the first day, 4th Feb 2023, the members on duty were Siew Hong, BJ Quah, Jacinta, Huey and Sunny Ooi. Kechara Penang Study Group ~by Jacinta
2 months ago
Kechara Penang members lent a helping hand during Thaipusam even at the famous Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Waterfall Temple. On the first day, 4th Feb 2023, the members on duty were Siew Hong, BJ Quah, Jacinta, Huey and Sunny Ooi. Kechara Penang Study Group ~by Jacinta
Abundance food offerings to Gyenze. May everyone always be blessed by Gyenze for long life and increase our inner and outer wealth. ~ Alice
2 months ago
Abundance food offerings to Gyenze. May everyone always be blessed by Gyenze for long life and increase our inner and outer wealth. ~ Alice
Pastor David is here! Members of Kechara Penang group were listening attentively to Pastor's sharing about his latest book 'Insightful Meditation'. 28th Jan 2023, Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
2 months ago
Pastor David is here! Members of Kechara Penang group were listening attentively to Pastor's sharing about his latest book 'Insightful Meditation'. 28th Jan 2023, Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
Tannery for cow and pig leather
2 months ago
Tannery for cow and pig leather
Penang Dharma bro and sis Lou Hei, a vegetarian Yee Sang ( a prosperity toss) complete with auspicious phrases such as wishing for more Kechara members, more retreats and of course, swift return of Rinpoche to KFR. Huat Ah!!! Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
2 months ago
Penang Dharma bro and sis Lou Hei, a vegetarian Yee Sang ( a prosperity toss) complete with auspicious phrases such as wishing for more Kechara members, more retreats and of course, swift return of Rinpoche to KFR. Huat Ah!!! Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
恭喜,恭喜,恭喜发财啊!(Gong Xi, Gong Xi, Gong Xi Fa Cai) from us all, Kechara Penang Study Group. 21/1/2023 Saturday CNY eve DS puja by Jacinta
2 months ago
恭喜,恭喜,恭喜发财啊!(Gong Xi, Gong Xi, Gong Xi Fa Cai) from us all, Kechara Penang Study Group. 21/1/2023 Saturday CNY eve DS puja by Jacinta
All ready for Lunar New Year 2023 Dorje Shugden puja ~ inviting Ong, Huat & Heng, blessing our beloved ones and all sentient beings. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta. 21/1/2023 Saturday
2 months ago
All ready for Lunar New Year 2023 Dorje Shugden puja ~ inviting Ong, Huat & Heng, blessing our beloved ones and all sentient beings. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta. 21/1/2023 Saturday
After year end puja, we proceeded with a small gathering. The food was outstanding, especially the vege curry and sa hor fun! We were even enchanted by the smells of it. We also had apple pie, tong sui and many more. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
2 months ago
After year end puja, we proceeded with a small gathering. The food was outstanding, especially the vege curry and sa hor fun! We were even enchanted by the smells of it. We also had apple pie, tong sui and many more. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
Last puja for the Year 2022 and ushering a New and Blessed Year 2023. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta 31/12/2022
2 months ago
Last puja for the Year 2022 and ushering a New and Blessed Year 2023. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta 31/12/2022
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Dorje Shugden
Click to watch my talk about Dorje Shugden....