52 Years of Generosity
As a child, Rinpoche remembers having a lot of toys to play with, thanks to the generosity of his adoptive mother Dana Bugayeff
Those who have the merits to be in Rinpoche’s sphere will very quickly realise that one of Rinpoche’s most prominent qualities is that of generosity. It is a quality that has always inspired me because not only is the scope of Rinpoche’s generosity vast and far-reaching, but it also comes after a lifetime of difficulties. From the moment of his birth when he was rejected by his birth mother, to the abuse he suffered under his adoptive parents, to the physical difficulties he faced in Gaden Monastery, right until the time he was instructed to stay in Malaysia and teach – Rinpoche has experienced more pain and obstacles than the average human being.
For me, that is what makes Rinpoche’s generosity so special because although Rinpoche himself only experienced kindness and generosity from time to time, Rinpoche has never made his own sufferings a reason to cause suffering to others.
Rinpoche has always maintained that the main influence for his generosity was his adoptive mother, Dana Bugayeff. Although she suffered from severe schizophrenia that remained undiagnosed until her later years, during her periods of lucidity, she would be extremely generous towards everyone around her. Rinpoche, for example, was the recipient of countless toys and whatever Rinpoche asked for, as long as it was unrelated to Dharma, he would get it. This I learned first-hand from one of Rinpoche’s cousins, Sara, who said everybody always loved going over to the Bugayeff’s house, the adults because of the hospitality and food that Dana would shower them with, and the children because of the basement full of Rinpoche’s toys that they got to play with.
Rinpoche with his beloved adoptive mother Dana Bugayeff, whom Rinpoche credits as being one of the first people to show him what it is like to give without agenda.
Dana is also fondly remembered as having brought in nearly-homeless people into the family home, to feed them a good meal at the family dining table. She would carry around in her car boot a shovel and snowchains during winter, since winters in New Jersey were especially harsh and the snow could pile up to 6ft. This would inevitably result in many cars getting stuck in the snow. With her shovel and snowchains, Dana would dig these cars out of the snow so the drivers could safely resume their journeys.
Most notably, Dana never expected anything in return, whether it was recognition or payment. Hence Rinpoche always says he learned this attitude of giving in abundance, with no agenda, from his adoptive mother.
Over the last 20 years, countless people have been recipients of Rinpoche’s generosity. The list below, therefore, is by no means an exhaustive record of all the times Rinpoche has given to others. This generosity also inspires me to practise gratitude because, as you will see below, I have been the recipient of Rinpoche’s kindness in all ways, big and small.
Gaden Monastery
- Redoing the entire flooring of Gaden Lachi, which is the main prayer hall used by over 3,000 monks from both Gaden Jangtse and Gaden Shartse monasteries.
The flooring of Gaden Lachi undergoing renovations. The entire retiling of Gaden’s main prayer hall was sponsored by Rinpoche.
- Offering and donating cows and buffaloes to provide milk for the monastery, a vital source of nutrients (calcium and fat).
- Sponsoring medical equipment for the Shartse clinic, and for the local hospitals. One hospital was opened by the Tibetans, operated by the Tibetans for the Tibetans and offering Western-style treatment. The other hospital offered Tibetan medicine.
- Sponsoring tuberculosis medication through the local Nyingma monastery. The Nyingma monastery had a program which provided full courses of tuberculosis medication for each patient requiring treatment. Rinpoche sponsored many courses for many patients, making all of these offerings through the monastery.
- Sponsoring and constructing houses and / or Ladrangs for various monks and lamas, including Kalden Rinpoche and the 103rd Gaden Tripa.
Kalden Rinpoche in front of the Ladrang that Tsem Rinpoche raised sponsorship for.
- Redoing the entire flooring of Gaden Shartse Monastery’s debate courtyard, used daily by the monks to debate and examine the scriptures.
- Sponsorship for individual senior monks. Physical life in Gaden was very difficult and older monks facing financial hardship often sought Rinpoche’s assistance to connect them with sponsors, who would offer basic necessities and help them to further their education.
- Taking care of younger monks, and assuming responsibility for their welfare and education. Rinpoche is fondly remembered in Gaden by younger monks as someone who was very fair, strict and traditional, yet very warm, generous and fun-loving. Rinpoche would, for example, organise badminton games in the garden of Tsem Ladrang as an activity for the younger monks and to provide entertainment for Kensur Jampa Yeshe Rinpoche who would watch these games.
Lama Zopa on the throne at the Root Institute, Bodhgaya (India). Behind Lama Zopa is the centre’s main altar and to the right is the Lama Tsongkhapa and heart sons statues that Tsem Rinpoche offered to them in 2005.
- Amongst many other statues, offering a 5ft Avalokiteshvara statue to Gaden Shartse Monastery. Rinpoche has also previously offered a 3ft statue of the 5th Dalai Lama to Sera Monastery. With great pomp and ceremony, it was escorted into Sera Lachi in the traditional manner, with the procession being led by the then Abbot of Sera Je Monastery Geshe Jampa Tekchok. Sera Lachi is the main prayer hall which is used by all 3000 monks of Sera Jey and Sera Mey. In more recent years, Rinpoche has sponsored statue sets for other Dharma centres, including a large statue set of Lama Tsongkhapa and his two heart sons to the Root Institute in Bodhgaya, India.
Rinpoche making the offering of the 5th Dalai Lama statue to Sera Monastery.
- 3000 sets of robes and 3000 Manjushri statues, one for each of the monks of Gaden Jangtse and Gaden Shartse monasteries. In more recent years, Rinpoche and his students have offered 800 White Tara statues to Shar Gaden Monastery.
- Making countless offerings of vitamins and nutritional supplements to senior monks, who were not necessarily getting all the nutrients needed from the general monastic diet.
- Sponsoring schools in the local Tibetan community, and for the local Indian community (one of which was headed by Dr Hegde in Mundgod).
Rinpoche with some Malaysian students in front of a community hall and school that Rinpoche had raised sponsorship for.
- Sponsoring poor families, paying for their children’s schooling and uniforms, and bringing them cooking oil, rice and other daily necessities.
- Taking care of the local Indian community. Rinpoche’s care for them was so extensive that even decades later, having lost contact with them, Rinpoche would still continue to find them and reach out to them to extend his assistance. Everyone who knew Rinpoche could still remember their experiences with Rinpoche very clearly. I personally witnessed one of these incidents when, decades after he last saw Rinpoche, a rickshaw driver in Bodhgaya could still pick out Rinpoche’s voice from the very large crowd.
- Taking care and sponsoring old folks’ homes. Not only did Rinpoche sponsor food and supplies for the residents, but Rinpoche would personally deliver these to the facilities. Oftentimes, before going there, Rinpoche would also ask them what they’d like to eat. They requested for soft mashed potato as they didn’t have any teeth, so Rinpoche would go to the homes with this aloo sabjzi and personally feed them, especially those who were bedridden.
One of the poor local families who benefited from Rinpoche’s assistance.
- Raising sponsorship for and constructing accommodation for Pukhang Khangtsen, for over 100 monks. This was instrumental in saving them from developing pneumonia and tuberculosis, and suffering from snake bites during the monsoon season. For this, Rinpoche had to leave his beloved monastery and travel to Malaysia for the very first time in 1992 where, after three months, he raised the necessary funds to sponsor the construction of the rooms.
The rooms of Pukhang Khangtsen that Rinpoche raised sponsorship for.
- Raising sponsorship for and installing water pumps to provide clean potable water for the monks. Rinpoche often oversaw the installation of these pumps too, which required contractors to come in and drill to find ground water and install a well.
- Life-saving medical treatments for many senior monks, most notably Kensur Jampa Yeshe Rinpoche who was suffering from untreated diabetes until Rinpoche took him for medical treatment in Bombay and brought the diabetes under control. Kensur Rinpoche would go on to live until he was 80 years old, teaching and creating many scholars and Geshes in the process. More recently, Rinpoche also oversaw and ensured that Kensur Rinpoche Lobsang Phende, the Abbot Emeritus of Shar Gaden Monastery, would receive the medical treatment he needed.
- Dharma texts and books for the monks, as well as computers and furniture to facilitate the monastic education programmes.
- Requesting for and sponsoring teachings for the whole sangha community, to receive precious knowledge and transmissions in order to preserve the lineage.
- Sponsoring countless pujas, rituals and ceremonies, including long life pujas for the senior monks to create the causes for them to stay and turn the wheel of Dharma. With each puja, a meal would be offered to each monk along with a monetary offering (kuyong).
- For the sake of the lineage and the preservation of religious freedom for the monasteries, Rinpoche has had to endure a great deal of name-calling, vulgarities, attacks and threats as a result of his commitment to the practice of Dorje Shugden. Because Rinpoche is outspoken against the ban, he has not been able to return to the monastery in India as doing so would put his life and physical well-being at risk.
In Malaysia
- The establishment of Kechara Soup Kitchen, which provides food, employment assistance and medical care to over 10,000 people every month, as well as facilitating contributions to individual families living near to or below the poverty line, other non-governmental organisations and charities.
- Establishing Kechara Forest Retreat, which provides city-dwellers and modern-day spiritual seekers a place to rest, recharge and unwind, to unlearn old harmful habits and engage in new, positive, constructive behaviours.
- Conceptualising and establishing departments like Kechara In Motion and e-Division, to record, preserve and promote the teachings of Lama Tsongkhapa throughout the world.
- Introducing Lama Tsongkhapa’s lineage to Malaysians. One of the reasons why Rinpoche established Kechara Discovery and Kechara Saraswati Arts is because when Rinpoche first arrived in Malaysia, the people here were not aware of Lama Tsongkhapa and it was near-impossible for Rinpoche to find an iconographically accurate and beautiful statue of Lama Tsongkhapa.
- Providing invaluable advice that has led to miracles for everyone, from babies to young children, to senior citizens. If we were to cover each and every case, this list would be very, very long! I would instead encourage you to go to the Personal Attendant category of this blog and explore all of the examples there.
- Assisting people in their medical treatments to ensure they receive the best care and recover as quickly as possible. In some instances, Rinpoche even opened up his home (Ladrang) for sick students to stay for extended periods of time. Rinpoche organised his students to provide meals for them and round-the-clock care, and even personally accompanied some of his students for their treatments. Over the years, Rinpoche has also quietly sponsored medical treatment for countless students.
- Rescuing countless marriages and relationships, and counselling and providing advice to hundreds of couples facing marital troubles.
- Organising countless pilgrimages and educating students so that they would be able to lead future groups to these same holy sites and plant seeds of enlightenment in their mindstreams.
- Performing exorcisms all over the region, and providing advice to protect against black magic. In one particularly memorable incident narrated to me by my father who personally bore witness to it, Rinpoche removed a naga from a young man in his 20s. The naga had taken possession of the man since he was a child, after he had offended it and the man was unable to speak and could only writhe on the ground. At their wit’s end, his parents brought the man before Rinpoche who expelled the naga before a large crowd of people.
- Sponsoring emergency medical treatment of countless animals, especially stray animals that would otherwise perish without urgent medical attention.
- Saving lives that might otherwise have been lost in near-fatal accidents over and over, and over again.
- Organising younger students to assist older students with labour-intensive and physical tasks like house-cleaning and house moves, and setting up their altars.
- Sponsoring urgent, sometimes life-saving, pujas for students who otherwise would not be able to afford it. Through his Ladrang and assistants, Rinpoche has ordered hundreds of pujas in the monasteries in India for this purpose.
- Saving countless lives by encouraging hundreds of people to go vegetarian, and establishing vegetarian restaurants to make compassionate eating a more widely available option.
- Inspiring his students to show kindness to animals. Many of Rinpoche’s students today carry dog food in their cars to feed hungry strays, thanks to Rinpoche’s example.
- Ultimately, giving up Rinpoche’s personal wish to do intensive retreats, to be here and establish activities to benefit Malaysians.
PERSONAL
In a personal capacity, I have been the recipient of Rinpoche’s generosity and kindness since I first met Rinpoche when I was 11. These are just some of the many examples of the ways in which Rinpoche has assisted me and my family:
- Dharma teachings, formally and informally, in action and in speech.
- Personal practice and connecting me with the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden.
- Pilgrimages to Nepal, India and Sri Lanka. On these trips, I didn’t realise it then but the connection with Dharma somehow became much deeper and more personal. I believe it was through the blessings of the many great lamas I had the privilege to meet through Rinpoche’s kindness. It was after one of these pilgrimages that I first requested to become a nun so the trips definitely did have an impact on me!
- Knowing how restless with wanderlust I was when I first joined Kechara, Rinpoche sponsored a weekend trip to Bangkok for myself and another girl. All Rinpoche asked for was a text a couple of times a day to let him know we were okay and safe.
- During her obstacle year, Rinpoche gave my mother specific initiations to clear the obstacles and save her life.
- Rinpoche conducted my beloved maternal grandmother’s funeral.
- Dharma books which Rinpoche continues to gift to this day, to inspire and educate me. One of the very first books I received, which left an indelible impression on my mind was Blue Jean Buddha. Young, really cool people being all spiritual? Sign me up!
- Statues, thangkas and tsakaleys including a Trijang Rinpoche statue, this Milarepa thangka and a Gyenze tsakaley.
- School fees, phone bills. When my parents were facing severe financial difficulties with my higher education, I was on the verge of being removed from school when Rinpoche quietly arranged for my education to be sponsored. I did not find out until many years later.
- Food and drink. On one particular occasion, I was working late in Ladrang and the whole team had gone out. When they returned, I was called down to Rinpoche’s room. Rinpoche gave to me bottles of ginger beer (my favourite!) and boxes of salad, then shooed me off to go and enjoy them.
- Laptops, phones. Rinpoche always says it’s not for me, but for me to do my work.
- Security deposit and rental for my Dharma home, and renovations for my room. On more than one occasion Rinpoche has personally taken me shopping in IKEA to help me choose furniture and has rallied everyone together to help make sure everything was set up properly.
- An entire collection of Bigfoot books!
- Cards. For example, the year Rinpoche returned to the USA for the first time in 26 years, Rinpoche sent a funny Halloween card in October to a few of his students.
- Clothes. On one occasion, I was in Bangkok mostly alone during heavy flooding and Rinpoche had already returned to KL. Through a Dharma sister, Rinpoche sent me some clothes to let me know I was being thought about and not alone. The gesture was deeply encouraging, to say the least.
Ultimately, the greatest generosity I experience is being allowed to stay in Rinpoche’s mandala and to do something purposeful with my life that I know, under any circumstances, will never require me to do something evil, unethical or against my own beliefs. In samsara where everything is built and manifested to create more suffering for ourselves and others, it is a privilege to be in an environment where we have a chance to hopefully add less pain to the world.
When I reflect on all of the things Rinpoche has done for me, Malaysians and the lineage at large, it would not be remiss of me to conclude that what the scriptures tell you is true. That is, real teachers – genuine teachers – who have your ultimate well-being at heart, will be kinder to you than our own mother and father. And to say I am a bit embarrassed by the length of my list is an understatement because a student should never take from the teacher, and should always aim to give instead. But in compiling this list, I hope people are also encouraged to recount and reflect on the kindnesses they have received from their own teachers, to practise gratitude towards their guru and to find ways to show the same kindnesses to others. So, given everything all of us have received, isn’t it about time we start giving back to our lamas?
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
Thank you Pastor Jean Ai for sharing this article, the amount of kindness that
Rinpoche has given to people and students will fill volumes.
The best thing Rinpoche has shared with me is the dharma, from Rinpoche’s it has opened a door for me to be part of a dharma organization and a chance to learn more dharma and help others. And live a life and do work that is not only a paycheck but one that has more meaning. Otherwise my life is just about making money.
Please live long Rinpoche and keep turning the wheel of dharma and changing many people’s lives for the better.
Whatever gift Rinpoche has given to us,big or small is invaluable thoughts. The most generous and precious gift Rinpoche is giving us is Dharma. It is so rich that no words can describe. To me it is something like “Chicken Soup for the Soul”. Thank you very much Pastor Jean Ai for this truly beautiful write up about Rinpoche’s generosity._/\_
Thank you for sharing our Guru’s kindness, love, care, generosity and compassion to the world Pastor Jean Ai. Not that we wanted Rinpoche to be recognised or praised by others but this is something really worth for the world to rejoice with, to inspire others to do the same so that more people in the world will be benefited, to encourage someone who’s also doing something similar to continue and to remind those who have received Rinpoche’s kindness and generosity, Rinpoche never hope nor have even a thought of receiving anything in return.
Everything Rinpoche had done and continue to do everyday, is really not what words can be discribed. RInpoche continue to pray for us everyday for our well being, our mind transformation, our dharma practice and even just a small connection to us with the precious Buddha Dharma, Rinpoche never give up any chance to do so just like the invisible vajra hook.
The generosity of unconditional Love to all sentient beings, time, effort and skilful mean to benefit all quitely. Students who are close picked up Rinpoche’s valuable habits and generate the qualities too. I am very very grateful to be one of Rinpoche’s close students who has along the way influenced tremendously by Rinpoche. Just like 2500 years ago, there are countless people influenced by the Lord Buddha by Buddha’s qualities through His example and teachings. Nothing more precious than having a Guru like this. May Rinpoche live very very long and continue to benefit all sentient beings.
I prostrate to my Guru feet.
Rinpoche’s kindness and generosity is just beyond words, everyone who came into Rinpoche’s life, whether it’s his close students, friends, families, or even to the people that Rinpoche just passed by, who he has never talked to or don’t even know their names, Rinpoche will give them gifts that they need to ease their life / suffering. Yes, Even to people Rinpoche don’t know, to people that Rinpoche just met once, he will notice their need and give them the gifts that they need. Whenever Rinpoche give gifts, it is always related to Dharma, sometimes when situation allow, Rinpoche will share the Dharma related to the gift he gives.
Looking at the list of generosity Pastor Jean Ai listed, those donations Rinpoche donated to the Monasteries comes from various sponsors, and when a person sponsoring to a Monastery, or sponsor statues to monasteries, it is very great merits, so Rinpoche from time to time will raise fund to offer statues to the monasteries, imagine what other thing can be greater to sponsor a monasteries and let the Dharma grow? If we don’t take this opportunity to do more, then when is the right time to do it?
Whatever Rinpoche do, it is always for the growth of Dharma and to release suffering from others, since the first day till today, I have never seen Rinpoche changed his motivation once, I have never seen Rinpoche do things that is for himself, it is always for others benefit.
Thank you Rinpoche for your constant care and taking care f us tirelessly and thank you Rinpoche for all that you have given to us.
Rinpoche is always generous towards everyone. Since I have met H.E. the 25th Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, I have received from him Dharma items for my practice, statues and many different gifts but what is most important, I have received the Dharma.
The Dharma has changed my view on many things in life. When reading this article I was thinking how important it is to help the Sangha. Rinpoche’s kindness and generosity to build for them and has helped the monks so much to be healthy and be able to practice.
Thank you for your article P. Jean Ai and I agree that it is most precious to be allowed to stay in Rinpoche’s mandala and be able to do beneficial things and learn to focus out and help others.
I am one of the recipients of Rinpoche’s generosity. Most of our generosity is with agenda, however Rinpoche generosity is without agenda and is consistent. I can feel that the generosity is base on pure motivation to help us in our spiritual path, to help us free from suffering, that is none of us here can really do it. And the most special and valuable one is the advise given by Rinpoche for our spiritual path. The practice of my generosity is also inspired by Rinpoche’s generosity. Thank you Rinpoche and may you live long.
This whole list from Pastor Jean Ai is just a bit of Tsem Rinpoche’s great works from being consistent, generous, caring and zero-selfishness.
They’re numberless of unknowns and thousands of students of Tsem Rinpoche have been benefited. Creating this blog, sharing dharma teachings with his own creative way make dharma attractive and easy to learn for us.
Be the light, don’t wait for the light. – Tsem Rinpoche
Tsem Rinpoche has been the brightest light in my life and I will try my best to follow your footsteps that can benefit numberless of beings. Thank you! =)
My first experience travel with Rinpoche with the group the people to Gaden Monastery.I had witness many people how Rinpoche benefited with and within monastery.For example,villages will carry their offering came to monastery to thank rinpoche has so kind helped their poor family.Some of the tibetan villages not even meet Rinpoche yet their has received kindness of generosity.
Rinpoche generosity has continue years after years giving out even more thing,care,love and dharma touched many people heart.Just like others, i am one of the students rinpoche has helped. All rinpoche hard work had put in to benefit others created Kechara House Buddhist organisation in Malaysia. Kechara Soup kitchen are one of the department emulate Rinpoche generosity helping thousand of homeless people.
Thank you Pastor Jean Ai has shared this wonderful article through the blog. With rejoice and dedicate all the merit collected can helped more people at the future.
First of all, Thank You PJA for sharing this article. It’s make me reminded back to the year of 2008 – 2009, 1st time i connected with Rinpoche’s in social media ( FB & Twitter ). Rinpoche’s posted a lot of KSK ( http://www.kechara.com/soup-kitchen/ ) pictures on social media, at that time ( 2008 – 2009 ) i was thinking “this” Rinpoche’s did a lot of good works and it’s really touched my heart and felt that i am chosen the right Buddhist organization to join.
So, at the year of 2010, i finally joined full time in Kechara, one of the department call ( Kechara Paradise – http://www.kechara.com/shopping/ ) , that time i was thinking, hmmm… Selling statues, incense and Tibetan Furniture? Is it benefit others? In my heart was thinking, am i going to the right department?
After several of years ( 2013 -2014 ) my thought in mind totally changed, why? Kechara Paradise is once of the department is to bring peoples toward to Dharma and every single kechara departments are benefit others, it’s just from different ways & different methods to attract peoples in to Dharma too.
My point : From the year of 2008 – 2009 i connected with Rinpoche’s thru social media, joined Kechara from the year of 2010 until 2017, i has seen Rinpoche’s help many peoples thru spiritually, physically and some of them even in financially supports by Rinpoche ( Rinpoche’s did the same that i mentioned to me too ). And even my mom told me, your Guru is so kind and generous, and she keep telling me work hard for it, you will never find a “Boss” who treated you like this.
I will never ever forget how’s Rinpoche treated me, and the other person i would never ever forget him too and he is Pastor Henry. Both of yours has taught me and care of me a lots .
Sincerely & humbly from my heart
Thank You so much! And i really appreciate it!
Eric kksiow
First of all, Thank You PJA for sharing this article. It’s make me reminded back to the year of 2008 – 2009, 1st time i connected with Rinpoche’s in social media ( FB & Twitter ). Rinpoche’s posted a lot of KSK ( http://www.kechara.com/soup-kitchen/ ) pictures on social media, at that time ( 2008 – 2009 ) i was thinking “this” Rinpoche’s did a lot of good works and it’s really touched my heart and felt that i am chosen the right Buddhist organization to join.
So, at the year of 2010, i finally joined full time in Kechara, one of the department call ( Kechara Paradise – http://www.kechara.com/shopping/ ) , that time i was thinking, hmmm… Selling statues, incense and Tibetan Furniture? Is it benefit others? In my heart was thinking, am i going to the right department?
After several of years ( 2013 -2014 ) my thought in mind totally changed, why? Kechara Paradise is once of the department is to bring peoples toward to Dharma and every single kechara departments are benefit others, it’s just from different ways & different methods to attract peoples in to Dharma too.
My point : From the year of 2008 – 2009 i connected with Rinpoche’s thru social media, joined Kechara from the year of 2010 until 2017, i has seen Rinpoche’s help many peoples thru spiritually, physically and some of them even in financially supports by Rinpoche ( Rinpoche’s did the same that i mentioned to me too ). And even my mom told me, your Guru is so kind and generous, and she keep telling me work hard for it, you will never find a “Boss” who treated you like this.
I will never ever forget how’s Rinpoche treated me, and the other person i would never ever forget him too and he is Pastor Henry. Both of yours has taught me and care of me a lots .
Sincerely & humbly from my heart
Thank You so much! And i really appreciate it!
Eric kksiow
After reading this article,I’m completely touched with Rinpoche’s pure compassionate heart and His tirelessly showing His kindness to everyone around.
I have joined Kechara for only few months, I do received my 1st gift from Rinpoche. The gift is not anything distinguish or branded (which I don’t flavor)but His attentiveness and delicate heart.I truly appreciate, humbly thank you and grateful to have meet Rinpoche in this life.
Thank you Pastor Jean Ai for sharing this wonderful article and with folded palms,may Rinpoche live long.
Rinpoche’s generosity came from a pure motivation of compassion. Despite the suffering Rinpoche has gone through Rinpoche learned from it and turn it the other way round to benefit others from his negative experienced. Rinpoche knows how much suffering one gone through during the bad time and from this how one need love and care to turn the situation around to continue their journey. Rinpoche care and love is consistent and very thorough to make sure it’s not just to help on the surface.
I’m one of many people that Rinpoche’s has continuously help, guide, love and care for. Not just my well being but also extended of my family and Rinpoche will always make sure my family is OK all the time. This is what I’m saying about thorough care and love from Rinpoche.
Everything Rinpoche does is surrounded with dharma even a gift which look very much nothing to do with spiritual but the blessing and thoughtfulness from Rinpoche is always eventually about spiritual for all of us. The best gift is always the teaching from Rinpoche and from Rinpoche’s care and love is always to support us in our spiritual practice.
I’m forever owe to Rinpoche for his kindness and in order to repay his kindness is to put dharma into practice which I’m still working on it.
So many people in Kechara, and outside of Kechara, have benefited so much from Rinpoche’s great compassion and generosity. From money for families and their children’s education, hospital bills and health related expenses; to gifts like houses, cars, food, bags, shoes, wallet’s, clothes, watches, jewelry, educational and holiday trips, statues, thangkas, malas, precious offering and ritual items, books, pujas and blessings. And the most valuable, dharma teachings and advice. My family and I are one of the fortunate and grateful recipients. Thank you so much Rinpoche. Please live very long.
Thank you Pastor Jean Ai on elaborating all the kindness, care and love that Rinpoche has shown throughout the years. Rinpoche is consistent in His actions and I can relate to that. All the years that I have been in Kechara, Rinpoche has shown nothing but kindness, love and care for me and many of us. In return, all He asked was for us to always practice the Dharma and transform ourselves to be better. I have never heard Him talk about any thing that wouldnt benefit us. He is always finding ways to benefit others on His own initiative. Even through His gifts (of which I have received a LOT), He is always blessing us and showing His care.
And now with Kechara Forest Retreat, Rinpoche has found a ‘better’ way to benefit many, now and the many more, in years to come. How blessed are we!
Through Rinpoche’s teachings and care, I have learned to better myself!
I am forever grateful to have met Rinpoche and to be part of Kechara!
Thank you RInpoche for everything!
This is a very inspiring account of Tsem Rinpoche and Pastor Jean Ai. There’s a hidden message in here – and the message has been consistent over the years even though the methods it is conveyed, changes all the time. 🙂
Thank you Pastor Jean Ai for sharing this article. Rinpoche’s never ending kindness, generosity and love towards everyone including animals is something that we need to put into practice ourselves. I myself also have received gifts from our beloved Guru a number of times and I am always grateful and thankful to Rinpoche. We are all very fortunate to be in Rinpoche’s mandala. Many things have changed for me since I come to know of Kechara and Rinpoche. I can say there is no regrets and I am happy working for the Dharma 🙂
With folded palms,
Vivian
谢谢仁爱讲法师的分享。
仁波切从小就一直在帮助其他人，以帮助其他人为己任。当然我也是其中的受惠者之一。
早期的就不说了。 当然我可以有机会在克切拉佛教中心可以学习就已经是最大的恩惠之一。 在马来西亚这个佛教不太繁荣的国家我有机会在这里学习正信佛法是如此幸福的事情。 这都是因为仁波切选择在这里设立佛教中心。而且通过在这里学习我也有机会把佛法介绍给我身边的人。
在比较个人方面仁波切也曾经帮过我许多。 在几年前我曾经受到腰痛的困扰，在我得到这个病痛之前仁波切就从美国寄给我一个印有药师佛形象和心咒的盒子。 过后我的腰痛也完全痊愈。 我相信这是因为仁波切的加持， 我才可以完全痊愈。
当然我受过的恩惠也不止于此，太多了， 也不能多写。
希望大家都可以在这里分享大家的个人经验。
谢谢
What Rinpoche has shown is that he is so very consistent in his generosity from India to Thailand and Malaysia. And, he shares this giving with all regardless of status or creed. His generosity does not just encompass the physical gifts but of refuge, dharma and loving compassion that is so far reaching in terms of geographical distance and time. Through this one dana paramita, the first of the Six Paramitas, he has touched so very many lives worldwide.
As Pastor Jean Ai said, it is time we, who have met Rinpoche and receive his generosity reflect and contemplate on this. Thank you, Pastor Jean Ai, for reminding us what Rinpoche’s generosity means to us in its many levels and perspective.
Dear Pastor Elena Khong Jean AI,
Thank you so much for sharing Rinpoche’s immeasurable kindness and generosity. I was deeply moved throughout the article and took me back to remember how Rinpoche has greatly benefited me all these three years since I Knew Rinpoche. I shall always be in debt to him and practice as much dharma as possible.
Rinpoche has never stopped to show genuine love and help to anyone whom he came across. One of the influences Rinpoche had one me was to become vegetarian for all the times to go, Thank you Rinpoche _()_.
Thank you Pastor Elena Khong Jean Ai for sharing this write up with us. I personally must said meeting Rinpoche is a very big turning points in my life because of Rinpoche we learn about the holy Buddha teaching and it bring a lot of benefits to our family because the Dharma has teach us how to cope with the up and down in our daily life without the Dharma we will not learn why negative things to us and because of the Dharma it teaches us to let go of our dissatisfaction about our life and find a way to solve our obstacles.Thank you Rinpoche for being here in Malaysia with us.
H.E. Tsem Rinpoche’s boundless generosity affects all who have any connection with him, from animals to monks, and even us laymen/laywomen. He works tirelessly with no thought of reward, or to get something in return, his only goal is to make other’s happy, content, and to become better human beings one step at a time. This blog and his youtube videos is a testament to that, as many of us are scattered across the globe and have few opportunities to study the dharma. I have been a recipient of his generosity in the past. He once gifted me a thangka, a Medicine Buddha pendant, and dharma books, but the greatest gift was not the material objects, but that of his knowledge and advice that I followed, and helped to clear some obstacles. I’ll continue to endeavor and aspire to his level of generosity.
Rinpoche has said before that every step of our journey in life, particularly our spiritual journey, involves a choice. Rinpoche will remain a powerful source of inspiration to all of us because he chose to rise above all the pain and suffering experienced in his childhood and youth , and to be generous and kind and compassionate towards others and not inflict the same pain that others had inflicted on him.
The other surprising and unexpected reason for Rinpoche’s supreme generosity is his mother Dana. Her bouts of schizophrenia aside, Rinpoche’s mother Dana could not stand by to watch people get into difficulty and do nothing. She would carry around spades and shovels in winter to dig out the ice from other people’s cars so that they could continue their journey home. Her generosity extended to the urban homeless. She would bring the homeless into her house and feed them with a hearty meal at her own dining table. Her essential generosity and warm heart had a deep impact on Rinpoche. He emulated her generosity –her giving without expecting anything back in return.
Rinpoche’s help over the years has extended to countless people in various forms, providing aid of all kinds to the sangha be it for food or basic necessities, education, medical treatment , be it constructing houses or ladrang, or giving monks robes or books or statues. For the poor in the community, he would give them food, build schools and old folks homes ,as well as install water pumps, for them.
In Malaysia, he initiated the Kechara Soup Kitchen for the urban poor and homeless, and, through the Tsem Rinpoche Foundation, projects like the Bite No More, and school shoes for school-going children have been launched . Then, there is his care for animals as shown in his loving care of his pets –Mumu, Oser and Dharma – and in the setting up of the Kechara Bird Aviary and the Fish Pond @Dream Manjushri.
Over and above this, is Rinpoche’s teaching of the precious Dharma, which he has done tirelessly over the years to countless people. He has also given counselling and advice that had led to many miracles and saved marriages and relationships. Owing to his constant advice and urging, many have turned vegetarian, changing to healthier lifestyles , and in the process saved many lives of animals.
The above are just some of the countless ways Tsem Rinpoche has manifested his generosity and compassion to all regardless of who we are. Such is Tsem Rinpoche’s boundless love and generosity.
Thank you, Pastor Jean Ai for this touching sharing. Rinpoche’s generosity is well known for his generosity and compassion. He always goes out of the way to ensure people, even if they are mere strangers to receive the help, be it spiritual or otherwise, they needed. However, something more stood out to me from this article. Rinpoche suffered greatly when he was with his adoptive mother. Yet, Rinpoche remembers his adoptive mother fondly and command the one good quality of her as the fuel for his many many generous acts in life. This is truly noble. I hope we can all learn from Rinpoche.
Thank you Pastor Jean Ai for this comprehensive article on HE the 25th Tsem Rinpoche’s generosity and humbly ascertain that I am one of the recipients of Rinpoche’s generosity.
Above all the gifts of generosity I have received from Rinpoche, the greatest one of all is the unconditional love and care that Rinpoche had showered on me.
The hours of Dharma and teachings are priceless and I shall forever be grateful.
When I read the generosity shown by Tsem Rinpoche towards the monasteries, it is like “wow”. I have heard Rinpoche has donated to Gaden especially Shartse but I didn’t know the extensiveness.
Just like Pastor Jean Ai and many other people, I am also a recipient of Rinpoche’s generosity. First of all, Rinpoche created an environment for me to work within Kechara which allows me to pay mybills, collect merits and pursue my spiritual path. Rinpoche also helped me a lot by giving advice how to bring up good kids which I am really appreciative of. Last but not least, Rinpoche also gave me advice on my health matters.
Rinpoche always show us the “how-to”. We have read about generosity in Dharma text, but how do we do practice it? Rinpoche’s way of being always show us how to apply what we learn from scriptures to daily life (I frequently said that Rinpoche is a walking Dharma scripture).
I wish Rinpoche long live and continue to turn the Dharma wheel. May I emulate the quality of Rinpoche and serve others.
I’m pretty sure I missed out a couple of examples. Each time I go back to the monastic list, more examples come to mind. And even for the Malaysia one…after reading your comment, it has made me think that in creating KFR, Rinpoche has also created a safe, spiritual place for us to grow old in and live out our dying days. If we have been stuck in work-bills-work-bills our whole current lives, and not being able to do something for our future rebirths, then through KFR we have a chance to spend the few remaining years we have left doing something for our future lives.
I’ll add to the list shortly hehe
It is said that “Buddhas always choose to be born in the most difficult circumstances, out of compassion to benefit others. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche is one such extraordinary being in this occassion! He was of no difference. Born in Taiwan on October 24, 1965 from a young Mongolian Princess, Rinpoche was named as Prince Iska Minh. It was acclaimed that when he was as young as seven months, there were already strong indications of Rinpoche’s spiritual imprints from previous life. We have read that monks from a monastery were sent to visit his Mongolian princess mother home to honourably inform that the royal baby is a reincarnated high Lama.” The monks requested to take the child to the monastery for his spiritual education! However, the young mother declined.” Yes, as Pastor Elena confirmed in her write-up, Rinpoche has said he learned his attitude of giving in abundance with no agenda from his adopted mother, Dana Bugayeff! Dana is said to have always given, but never, never thought of any expectation for returning! It is absolute true that Rinpoche is known to us as such, and countless of people whom we know of, including ourselves, had been receivers of Rinpoche’s generosity in gifts and kinds, some perhaps much more, big and small! Yes, Like Dana, most notably Rinpoche has also been the sponsorship of construction of houses/or ladrangs for various monks and Lamas; re-construction of the entire flooring of Gaden Shartse Monastery debate courtyard; raising sponsorship for the construction of accomodation for Pukhang Khangsten for over 100 monks, where we had the good fortune to witness such wonderful philantropic event in 1992. As said, Rinpoche is a Bodisattva amongst us, a highly attained being who worked and lived solely for the sake of others. He has transformed every hardship and suffering into an experience of light, highlighting at every step of the way into compassion, unwavering tenacity, patience and untiring strength of dharmic spirituality! Om Mani Padme Hum.
Hi Uncle Eddie, thank you for your comment! You have known Rinpoche for many, many years too (if I’m not wrong, for many more years than me!). Perhaps you can share with us some of the ways in which you have been a recipient of Rinpoche’s generosity too. Thank you!
The most truly generous persons are those who give silently without hope of praise or reward….that was one of Rinpoche’s most prominent qualities and it have inspired myself and many.Rinpoche had learned the attitude of giving in abundance, from his adoptive mother.
Over the last 20 years, countless people in Malaysia,Tibet and so forth have been recipients of Rinpoche’s generosity.
Thank you Pastor Elena Khong Jean Ai for sharing this beautiful inspiration article of our previous Guru Rinpoche generosity.This will inspired more and more people to.practice gratitude towards their Guru and to find ways to show the same kindnesses to others.