Lam Rim Retreat – to be in Book of Records!
(By Tsem Rinpoche)
Soon Kechara House will be having a Lamrim retreat in our gompa. At my request, Liaison Yap Yoke Fui has very kindly brought together a committee to organise this retreat. The goal is for 8000 recitations of the Lamrim to be completed by the first quarter of 2012.
The Lamrim is not just any book. It actually came from a text called A Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment which written by Atisha and offered to his abbot as an apology. Atisha had travelled to Tibet to revive the Buddhadharma there. However, because of wars on the border of India and Tibet, he could not return during the time he had promised his abbot. He stayed in Tibet disseminating the Dharma for 13 years blessed by his Yidam Tara who spoke to him directly and guided his works.
The lamrim recitation can be done by old and young, there is no age limit. Tsongkhapa is also an emanation of Manjushri (Buddha of Wisdom) so reciting a teaching from his lineage is also very good for children. It is a tremendous blessing for young and old. Reciting the Lam Rim will plant seeds of love, compassion and the whole path of Buddha’s teachings in our mindstreams.
So from Atisha’s attainments he wrote A Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment, and offered it to the abbot of Nalanda Monastery, where he came from. The abbot received the text then requested all of the great scholars and Masters of Nalanda to debate on the text. There were thousands of these erudite scholars and monks, who were highly highly qualified and they could not find a single fault in it, so the book was entered into the monastic education of the Sangha. It became an astounding classic in ancient Nalanda.
The teachings from this book was passed down from one master to the next until finally it reached Lord Tsongkhapa, who practiced it, mastered it and combined it with his own sacred commentary….. The teachings were then passed down again until finally they reached His Holiness Pabongka Rinpoche who was very famous for making the Dharma accessible to lay people. Pabongka Rinpoche according to Kyabje Zong Rinpoche has become one with Heruka and is fully attained.
This is Mr KH Ng who has never organised such a retreat before but took it on anyway with his current very busy work schedule....I'm very happy for him! Thank you!!!
In 1921, H.H. Pabongka Rinpoche gave these teachings for 24 days to over 700 people. You have to remember, in those days they didn’t have microphones or speakers or sound systems, but everyone could hear Pabongka Rinpoche clearly. So Pabongka Rinpoche had definitely attained the power of speech.
Anyway, he taught for 24 days and amongst his students was His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche. After Trijang Rinpoche left Tibet in 1959, he was afraid that the precious teachings would be lost forever so he wrote them down, because he had remembered the teachings perfectly. That is the text that we are now reciting and studying from in Kechara House, which is called ‘Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand’ or the Lamrim. As you can see the Lam Rim comes from a powerful source with a perfect lineage.
So you please keep in mind, the Lamrim text is immensely beneficial. Even reciting Lamrim blesses ones body, speech, mind, environment, possessions, and dharma practice. The sound of the Lam Rim penetrating one’s own being and the environment plants the seeds of all the qualities of the Buddha within oneself. It has been checked out by many many masters, and comes from a great lineage of many enlightened beings. It is one thing to write a commentary, but it is another thing to write a text that can bring you enlightenment. Not just enlightenment, but also all the side benefits that happen beforehand – the Lamrim can help you if you are depressed or unhappy, or scared. It helps us to develop compassion for others, and also to control our rebirths, and teaches us wisdom, effort, equality, respect, gratitude and forgiveness.
If one studies the Lam Rim thoroughly, it encompasses the full teachings of the Buddha fully condensed into one book. Remember Buddha gave 84,000 teachings during His lifetime. Studying and practicing the Lam Rim will bring one to higher states of mind, collect tremendous merits, correct erroneous thinking on life and bestow great accomplishments. It is said, if someone is dying or passed, it is very good to place the Lam Rim on their head and recite prayers. This action will help them to take good rebirth. The benefits are countless. For lay persons, it is the definitive book to study and practice.
This is the text that Kechara House will be reciting 8000 times in dedication to our beautiful centre and organisation, and also for the peace of beautiful Malaysia, and the stability and harmony of everyone. The committee who have been put in charge of this wonderful retreat, I thank them from the bottom of my heart for their hard work. These people are:
- KH Ng – Head of the Lamrim Committee, and also in charge of Sponsorship / Finance
- Ngeow Voon Chin, who is also a Liaison and Head of the Education Committee who is the advisor on this retreat
- Yap Yoke Fui, who is a Liaison and COO of Kechara House, and in charge of the accounts and refreshments for the retreatants
- Janice Kwok – in charge of English-language marketing
- Kok Yek Yee and Kevin Tan – Chinese-language marketing and press
- Tan Gim Lee – in charge of the venue and making sure the offerings are nicely done and everyone is comfortable
- Ms Han Siew Fong, who is a Liaison and Head of Kechara inMotion so she is taking care of audio-visual for this retreat
- Doreen Teoh is in charge of all the administrative work
- Wong Kwok Wai who is a member of Kechara Soup Kitchen, is in charge of the security for this retreat
The retreat is going to be held from 27 June to 3 July (2011) and it will have a spectacular finish because they are attempting to set a record in the Malaysian Book of Records! It is wonderful this recitation retreat can be recorded in the book of Records. No Lam Rim recitation has been recorded in Southeast Asia as far as I know till now. Kechara will be the first.
The committee have decided to have two timings for the retreat:
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In-House Retreat (1st session)
Mon 27th June (8pm- 10pm)
Tues 28th June to Friday 1st July (1pm- 10pm)
Malaysia Book of Records Event (2nd session)
Sat 2nd to Sun 3rd July (8am to 8am)
To qualify as part of the record attempt, you must recite a minimum of eight hours over the two days. You’ll get a certificate for your efforts!
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Even though the Committee have decided to take this unique approach to make the Lamrim well known, the retreat itself will have an authentic lineage and practices that come from the monastery. And because it is authentic it means it will have all the blessings when we recite this sacred text. So EVERY DAY during the retreat, they will recite all of these prayers first BEFORE they start reciting the Lamrim! So it is not compulsory that you follow the procedure below but it is recommended:
- Refuge (click HERE for the prayer)
- Migtsema which is Tsongkhapa’s holy mantra (click HERE for the prayer)
- Lamrim Prayer (click HERE for the prayer)
- Recitation of the Lamrim: start on Chapter 1 and then when you are finished, move on to Chapter 2, then Chapter 3, and so on. If you recite until you have finished the Lamrim, return to the beginning and start again on Chapter 1
- Yongten Shigyurma (click HERE for the prayer)
- Short serkym to Lord Setrap (optional) (click HERE for the prayer)
- King of Prayers (at the end of the whole retreat) (click HERE for the prayer)
- Water offerings will be made throughout the retreat
If you are overseas or you cannot make it to the retreat, you can also participate from your home and take part in this retreat (although not for the record attempt!). That is why I wanted to publish the procedure here, so you can also recite Lama Tsongkhapa’s holy text and do this sacred retreat with everyone in Kechara House.
So if you can, I really really encourage you to join this retreat because it is not just for you but for your loved ones, and everyone who cares about you and everyone you care for. AND you’ll be a part of Kechara history!!
These are some of the hardworking people who are making this Lamrim retreat happen…
Mr Ngeow is very wonderful because he teaches the Lam Rim from his heart in Kechara to all with care and genuine concern for other's spiritual welfare.
Yoke Fui is very dedicated to her work. She is the person who makes sure the gompa runs smoothly everyday so people can come and make offerings and get blessings at Kechara.
I am glad Janice is doing something that brings so much benefit...great!!
Yek Yee oversees most of the Chinese activities in Kechara and works very very hard
Compared to many people Kevin is quite new so I am glad that he has taken this step to organise such a retreat and to inspire new members to just go ahead and do dharma!!
When I first met Gim Lee it has been many years. Since then she has come a long way. She has requested to become a Nun. Wow...I am so happy for her.
I really really admire Ms Han...she had a well-paying job but she gave it up, overcame her fears and joined Dharma, and now she works very hard to make her department KIM grow
Doreen is also very new, so I am glad she is taking on the role of administration in this retreat...it is a lot of work but I know Doreen can handle it!
Kwok Wai is very funny...he is now a coordinator for KSK or Kechara Soup Kitchen, and he's always very enthusiastic about anything when it comes to Dharma. I like this very much. Good for you!!
His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche attended the teachings on Lam Rim by His root guru H.H. Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche. He wrote everything down in meticulous notes coupled with perfect memory of the teachings and this became the Lam Rim book we are using for the retreat. HH Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche was the junior tutor to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama for over 30 years. This book is the combination of two enlightened masters based on Atisha and Tsongkapa’s original.
This is the cover of the sacred text that Kechara House members and friends will be reciting for one week starting on 27 June...it was based on a teaching by His Holiness Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche who according to Kyabje Zong Rinpoche was Heruka himself...I'm very excited that Kechara members will have the great merits to be doing a retreat like this!
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Participating at home
P/S: For those of you who wish to participate in this retreat at home, OF COURSE you may do so. I sincerely rejoice in your aspiration to engage in such a holy practice!
If you want to do the retreat, you just follow the retreat procedure as stated above. Start on the day that we start at Kechara House, and end on the same day we end…so that means from 27 June, EVERYDAY you should set up your altar very nicely and make your water offerings. Then you recite refuge first, followed by Migtsema and the Lamrim Prayer. Then you do your recitations of the Lamrim text – the version that Kechara House uses is by Wisdom Publications.
After you have finished your recitations of the Lamrim, at the end of the day, you finish by reciting Yongten Shigyurma and offer a short serkym to Lord Setrap (optional).
And you can also end your retreat on the same day as Kechara House, which is 3 July. On that day, you just follow the same as before BUT YOU END WITH THE KING OF PRAYERS ON THIS DAY. So the King of Prayers is an extra which you only do on the LAST DAY of the retreat.
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[…] Lam Rim Retreat – to be in Book of Records! […]
Looking forward to the next Lam Rim Recitation. Participated in December and realized that it was like awakening. I look forward to be in the next recitation to more awakening and realizations. Thank you very much.
dear rinpoche i like so much to read holy lamrim .buttttttt some word cant understand.it fine i read agen and agen.thank you so much.
Rinpoche you are 15 hours ahead of me. I will end on July 2 so as too be in time with Kechara. Thank you so much for all you do <3
Are we gonna read that whole book or just sections of it? Are we reciting the commentary too? I am going to get the kindle version this time, hopefully. I lost my last copy on the bus. grrr. Are they going to broadcast the recitations live so maybe ppl at home can recite along?
Your Eminence,
Thank you so very much you and to all whom are making this event happen. We are so fortunate to receive this.
Wow! That book is thick! Reading Pabongka Rinpoche’s sermons word for word is no easy feat! I rejoice nonetheless!! 🙂
Thank you Rinpoche for giving us the blessing and guidance for this Lamrim retreat. It is my pleasure that am able to join the organising committee for this retreat. As for myself, my retreat journey has already started, as I have been also given a lot of guidance and support from KH, Mr Ngeow, YF, and the rests of the committee. It was so great that we are working towards a common goal and aim, and most of all we are not only doing for ourself but for the benefits of all beings. I have also learn to manage my time, and not to be so comfortable staying at home and juggling my time taking care of my family.
I am also fascinate by the immediate comments and enthusiasm of the foreign blog correspondences to participate in this retreat with us. We who are residing in KL, should take every opportunity and manage our busy schedule to participate in this event.
With folded hands,
Doreen Teoh
I attended my 1st Lamrin retreat at Kechara in 2010. We were told told to recite 10 to 20 times of the same Day/chapter in the Lamrin text then.
We were informed of a tip that is super beneficial to anyone. When we recite the same Day/chapter for the 1st 3 times, it was slow and tough. However, when you continue to recite the 4th time of the same Day/chapter, it got easier and faster.
Reciting out loud within our ear range on any of the Days in the Lamrin allow our ears to listen and our mouth to create the sound. Its related to body, speech and mind creating positive imprints.
I’ve always enjoyed participating in any retreats as it clears up my mind and sometimes bring about certain realisation and aspiration.
Members and friends of Kechara House is very lucky to be given this opportunity to participate in this sacred Lamrin text recitation. Thank you, Rinpoche and the Education Committee.
true enough, with the merits gathered during the whole Lamrin recitation retreat, let us make wish and dedicate the merits to peace and harmony all over the world and Malaysia itself, may all conflict that arise be tame and hence remove, and peace and harmony among all prevail.
Thank you Rinpoche, KH and Organising Committee for giving us the opportunity to engage in this non-stop recitation. Despite the distance,time, traffic jam I had to rush from my office to arrive on time at Gompa after work, I have no regrets at all. Not only doing Retreats but also volunteer which is my aim, whenever I have time. This is my first time to recite Lamrin besides the other two Grand Setrap Retreats which I had participated since I joined Kechara February this year. Just cant wait to start Lamrin Recitation with a wish that all conflicts will be reduced and there will be great harmony from our efforts.
Dear Rinpoche,
When I was asked by Mr Ngeow to organise this Retreat I did not hesitate to accept . Then it dawned on me the great responsibilities that come with this. At the same time, I rejoice that I was given this responsibility. After overcoming initial obstacles; both personal and in the organisation itself I am glad to say that we have managed to form a team of dedicated members to make this retreat a success.
Thanks Rinpoche for your kind support. You are our greatest advocate!
Thank you Rinpoche for giving us the wonderful opportunity to recite the holy text.
For the convenience of those that don’t have a copy of “Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand” , please get your copy from KH Souvenir Shop ASAP as we have limited stocks.
The Lamrim is in modern day terms, like a GPS which guide us and reveal to us a clear path to enlightenment.Without it, it will be difficult for most of us to understand how Buddha’s 84,000 teachings fit in and to practice it. How kind for Rinpoche to bless us with this opportunity to take part in this retreat and to create awareness of this precious text and its benefits.
As part of the organising Committee, I throw my hats off to corporate men like KH Ng and Kevin Tan who are taking active role in Dharma work in Kechara. They have begun to see the value of Dharma and how it can be applied in their business, career and daily lives.They are setting a very good example that Dharma is for everyone.
The Committee is planning to purchase a E- Lamrim book whereby people from all over the world can join us in reciting during the various retreat sessions held in Kechara. By clicking on the web page the chapters will be recorded automatically so that the effort can be counted and tallied.Full instructions will be given so that overseas folks are doing the same as what we are doing.
Wow! This is so exciting. First time in history Lam Rim Recitation is going to be entered into the Book of Records. So much blessing from this event to all involved. Participation opportunity is extended to people around the world who care to join in from where ever they are. Kechara House is so cool, sophisticated and beneficial.
My staff and friends will be participating in this retreat. Thank you Rinpoche for this opportunity. We are so blessed with your guidance and wisdom.
I thank everyone of the organising committee for their time and effort in organising this Lamrim Recitation retreat. It is so meritorious to be able to participate in this retreat and I am bringing my 2 boys along!
With folded hands, may all the accumulative merits generated through this retreat by all friends and members of Kechara be dedicated to the long and stable life of our dear Guru and that may all his wishes to spread and uphold Tsongkhapa lineage come to fruition quickly!
Wonderful news! This will be my 2nd Lam Rim retreat, it is amazing to see how Kechara has grown tremendously in just a year. How many more people are getting in touch with the holy text and participating… and we are making into the book of Records! Brilliant!
The first time I joined the retreat without knowing what a Lam Rim was, and I heard this lady (Dato Ruby) recited so eloquently, sitting in a perfect postures and holding the Lam Rim with so much respect. That really got me inspired to want to find out more about the Lam Rim. Upon reading it, it blew my mind away.
I am glad that in just one year, I have learned so much and we are able to reach out to more people. Thankyou Kechara and Rinpoche for making this available which makes our lives more meaningful and fulfilling.
Dear Ethan, this time engage in the retreats with the wish all conflicts large and small will be eliminated and there will be great harmony from your retreat efforts. Much care, Tsem Rinpoche
Can get a copy of the holy Lam Rim book from here also: just click here
Thank you, Rinpoche, for giving us this rare and precious opportunity of performing a Lamrim Recitation Retreat.
I laud Mr Ngeow for conceiving the idea of us making it to the Book of Records for non-stop recitation of the sacred Lamrim, the text that has such a great and authentic lineage, the text that contains all 84000 teachings of Lord Buddha arranged as a structured Path to Enlightenment.
My Lamrim team is snowballing into a big one, I think. Already,the excitement is catching on with new people. They are asking questions and showing they want to be part of this very meritorious event.Then, there are very committed Kecharians,like Choy Sheem, who will be digging in for the twenty-four hours. She is already planning to bring sleeping-bags for their two boys, Jutika and Pavara!
Thank you Rinpoche, Kechara House and Organising Committee for giving us this opportunity to engage in this retreat. This will be my third time participating in a Lamrim retreat and I have goten 5 others to join me as well! I just can’t wait to start! What a fabulous idea by the Organising Committee to initiate the marathon recitation so that more people can join in to recite this sacred text, get blessings, gain merits, and even make new friends!
wow, i am amaze at other Dharma brother and sister from another country who is so keen to join in the Lamrin Recitation retreat, it is such an encouraging statement although you are not able to participate with us, but have the motivation to join us from your home. How wonderful, it is something i must learn. Certainly, thank you Rinpoche for giving us this opportunity to participate in the Lamrin Recitation retreat. with folded hands.
Thank you Rinpoche for this encouragement and opportunity. I will do what I can from here in Texas. I strongly believe without lamrim we can not attain enlightenment, no matter how many initiations we collect. It’s lamrim all the way.
much love and prayers for your very long, healthy life,
Victoria
Hi Rinpoche
Tashi Delek
Is there gonna be another post about the procedure for recitation and the relevant texts?
Dear Tashi,
The procedures and text are already on the post. Please go back and re-read it. Thanks..TR
Unfortunately I am unable to join you there, I live in Canada and it is a bit far to travel. I will try to follow along and do a recitation at home as part of my practice. May all beings be happy.
Dear Cathy, you and everyone interested may participate from your home. Great. TR