In October 2008, I led a group of 61 pilgrims to Nepal to visit the holy power places in Kathmandu valley. During the pilgrimage, I gave many Dharma talks to set our motivation correctly and many explanations on the significance of the various holy places which had made our pilgrimage a so much more meaningful and a powerful spiritual experience.
Some of these places are kept by families from generation to generation. They are not open to the public, only to Sangha members and serious practitioners.
Do watch the precious 4-part pilgrimage videos and take a look at the photos…they are of sacred places that we got a chance to visit.
Tsem Rinpoche
Nepal Pilgrimage with H.E. Tsem Rinpoche (Part 1 of 4)
In October 2008, I led a group of 61 pilgrims to Nepal to visit the holy power places in Kathmandu valley.
During our pilgrimage, we stayed at the comfortable Kathmandu Guest House in Thamel. Thamel is a bustling area where there are a lot of tourists and locals selling things.
On the first day, I gave a talk to set the right motivation for this pilgrimage and I also explained the significance of the sacred sites that we were going to visit.
We made a lot of wonderful butterlamp offerings to Chenrezig along with garlands of marigold flowers. It is very powerful to make strong prayers in holy sites.
After some prayers, we made heartfelt dedications towards Chenrezig and all the Buddhas.
This photo was taken whilst I was explaining the benefits and blessings of Tara.
In this photo, we are standing within the compound of the Boudhanath Stupa, the largest stupa in Nepal!
We took a group photo at one of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, the Boudhanath Stupa. This is a big group…but even bigger stupa! hehe
As the sun was setting, I gave a talk on the significance of the Boudhanath Stupa
Everyday, I would give a little motivational talk before we set out on our journey. It’s good to keep our motivation right every day. It helps us make the most out of visiting holy places that are rare to visit.
Guru Rinpoche sealed his blessings with a hand print on the stone wall next to the entrance of his cave. I placed my forehead on it to make aspirational prayers.
I explained the history of this cave and told the pilgrims the aspiration that they should make here.
The Torana gateway above the main entrance of the Chenrezig temple is exquisitely carved with images of Chenrezig and two Taras
I love the ancient Tara statues that are placed on pedestals outside the Chenrezig temple
I enjoy making offerings to the Buddhas as I can see and feel its benefits, so I advocate that my students and friends do the same
This whole Nepalese pilgrimage was filmed by our very own film department Kechara InMotion
Letting the pilgrims know the history and origin of this place makes them have more faith in the holy statue of White Tara inside this unassuming chapel
At every shrine, I ensure that the pilgrims circumambulate the holy site as it is the customary tradition to venerate such power places
Around the Bouddhanath stupa, there are many butterlamps that pilgrims can offer to the Three Jewels
This is apparently a long life shrine as it is dedicated to Namgyalma, Amitayus and White Tara
Monks perform Tara puja regularly to the self arisen Tara image on the rock
A shrine was built surrounding the self arisen Tara image
I had my students and friends hug one another as one of the ways to rejoice in the day’s good deeds
Thamel is Kathmandu’s tourist haven with all its shops, restaurants, bars, and supermarkets
We also went to visit the self-arising Tara temple in Pharping.
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This is me giving an explanation on the significance of the self-arising Tara temple.
We made a lot of butterlamp offerings to the beautiful mother Tara.
Here is a close-up photo of the self-arising Tara that seems to get clearer each year due to numerous prayers and virtuous aspirations being made here.
This is us walking towards the Guru Rinpoche meditational caves.
The cave here in Pharping is believed to have been used by Guru Rinpoche for Tantric meditational retreats before he went to Tibet.
A sincere Nyingma monk outside Guru Rinpoche’s cave came to greet me.
Upon arriving at the Vajrayogini temple at Pharping, I gave a short talk before we went in to have audience with Vajrayogini.
We went to Patan where I gave a little talk upon reaching the courtyard. Our intention was not to visit this beautiful stupa but a hidden Vajrayogini-in-midflight shrine nearby!
The next day, we visited Bijashwari Vajrayogini temple and for auspicious reasons, I gave my students and friends the very, very sacred 8-line praise to Vajrayogini to recite.
We went to Swayambhunath hill and came to the Temple of the Doors.
The Temple of the Doors is actually the entrance to the underground cavern of Kathmandu valley, believed to be where the 18 arhats reside. Hence, we made prayers for long life to practice the Dharma.
The famous gilded Swayambhunath Stupa, one of the holiest sites in Nepal.
Here I am giving a short talk together with the other 61 pilgrims.
At Pashupati riverbank, we made lots of offerings at Tilopa and Naropa’s caves. This is where Tilopa and Naropa is believed to have meditated.
This is us walking down a flight of stairs down the hill towards an old temple…
There are many stray dogs in Nepal, some are taken care of and some are not…just like anywhere else in the world. It’s still very saddening to see hungry mumus everywhere…
I performed an auspicious puja to Vajrayogini within Naropa’s very own meditational cave.
This white face of Chenrezig is one of the 3 arisen brothers of ancient times
The caretaker of the White Tara temple gave me red sindhura powder to anoint my friends and students
Nepal is very backwards but it is very rich spiritually because it is very much a part of daily life here
I was in solemn prayer as I entered the meditational cave of Naropa and Tiilopa at Sangkhu Monastery
I am glad to have brought Datuk May Phng on this pilgrimage as she had spiritually grown so much
Some of the holy sites we visited:
Chenrezig Temple – This little old chapel hidden away behind some busy streets has as its centrepiece a beautiful two-armed Chenrezig statue, known in Tibetan as Jowa Samling Karmo. There are three identical Chenrezig statues which are often referred to as the Self-Arisen Three Brothers. One of them is in this chapel in Kathmandu; another in the main cathedral in Lhasa, Tibet and the last in Dharamsala, with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Here, all pilgrims recited the Eight Verses of Thought Transformation together, and Chenrezig’s mantra, Om Mani Peme Hung.
Tara Chapel – A quaint, tiny chapel in the middle of a busy square houses three statues of Tara – Yellow Tara, White Tara and Green Tara – all of which are so alive, they look like they might just get up and give you a hug at any moment! H.H. Trijang Rinpoche has said that the white Tara statue in this chapel flew in from Tibet to Nepal. We don’t know if this is literal or metaphorical, but as H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche notes, this statue must be something special if Trjiang Rinpoche himself speaks of it as being so holy. While there, everyone recited a prayer of incense offering to Tara before we each had the chance to have audience with the three magical Taras and offer our individual prayers to her.
Boudhanath Stupa – This most famous, iconic stupa in the heart of Kathmandu holds relics of Buddha Shakyamuni and is highly revered by all in Nepal. Hundreds of devotees gather at Boudhanath every day to circumambulate, recite prayers and turn the prayer wheels located at the base of the enormous stupa. All the pilgrims circumambulated the stupa with Rinpoche. As we walked around, Rinpoche pointed out to us many of the other practitioners who had come after work to also circumambulate, make prostrations and meditate at the stupa. Here, Rinpoche noted, people use every opportunity they have to create merit and engage in spiritual practice – it really is a part of their daily lives.
The self-arising Tara @ Parphing – The self-arising Tara started off as nothing more than a rock! One day many years ago, a meditator in the area recognised that an image of Tara was forming on the rock. Devotees built a covering over it and as more and more people came to pay homage and give donations, enough was collected to build a chapel around the rock. The image of Tara that spontaneously arose from the rock grows clearer and more defined every year. Pilgrims who went to Nepal three years ago saw for themselves how much clearer the outlines were this time round. Monks at the chapel do Tara pujas there all day. Devotees can also give donations for them to do Tara pujas on their behalf. The monks there further shared that eventually all 21 forms of Tara will arise on the rock. Slight protrusions of hands, feet or parts of faces are already appearing around the main form of Green Tara. Next to the Tara, another very big image of the Hindu god, Ganesha, has also spontaneously arisen on the same rock. The chapel is dedicated to both Ganesha and Tara, marking the joyous harmony between the two religions in Nepal.
Guru Rinpoche’s Cave – Guru Rinpoche, who brought Buddhism from India to Tibet, stopped in Nepal on his way to Tibet and meditated at this very cave that we visited. As he left, he left an imprint of his hand on the outside of the cave, which still carries many blessings with it today. Many pilgrims continue to visit this site to make butterlamp offerings and prayers within the cave, or to touch their heads on the handprint outside. Many nuns and monks also live around the area – all 60 of us had the good fortune to individually receive blessings and prayers from an old meditator, who had been in retreat in a small room just around the corner from the cave.
Vajrayogini Chapel @ Parphing – Like many of the chapels in Kathmandu, this most special Vajrayogini chapel began as a family’s personal place of worship. It was handed down and maintained through the generations, garnering greater and greater reverence from practitioners who soon came to pay homage and worship. We all gathered at the sunny courtyard below, before going up to the chapel itself. There, Rinpoche led us through several very powerful prayers, including a powa meditation that he had never done with students before (this was just an exception, and pilgrims were advised never to repeat this practice on their own again). The chapel is very small and quite old, but the sacredness of the place is well preserved. The central image is a Vajrayogini statue with one leg up, over which countless offerings from over the years have been made. Little butterlamp offerings and garlands of flowers surround Vajrayogini, and all of us, in groups of five, also had the chance to made a butterlamp offering to her with our wishes.
Vajrayogini Chapel @ Mahaboddhi Stupa, Patan – Patan, a little artists’ colony is better known for its craftsmanship and the highly intricate, detailed and beautiful statues that are produced there. However, right in the middle of a busy row of shops, another special secret lies. Through a little alley, we found the Mahaboddhi Stupa, recreated to look just like the original one in Bodhgaya, which commemorates the place that Lord Buddha gained Enlightenment. Because many people were unable to make the sacred pilgrimage to Bodhgaya itself, this was created so the locals could still pay homage. Above the stupa, in one of the surrounding buildings, is a tiny Vajrayogini Chapel, with a blessed statue of a flying Vajrayogini. Usually closed off to the public, this chapel is highly guarded and considered extremely sacred and special to the local Nepalese. However, we were granted special permission to have audience with this holy Vajrayogini and to offer butterlamps. Barely three people could go up at a time, so while we waited our turn, everyone jointly recited Vajrayogini prayers. These were not usually to be read by people without initiation, but Rinpoche had given a special exception during these few days for pilgrims to create a connection with Vajrayogini.
Vijashwari Vajrayogini Chapel – This Vajrayogini Chapel, just a short walk away from Swayambunath is special for the four forms of Vajrayogini that it contains – flying Vajrayogini, Vajravarahi, Vajrayogini with one leg up, and Naro Kacho, the form that we practise today. Though the chapel itself is quite small, and only about three people can fit in at a time, the surrounding courtyard is spacious and beautiful, with many surrounding images of Vajrayogini and other deities. We all had the chance to have individual audiences with the four Vajrayoginis, with Rinpoche standing beside each of us to guide us through prayers as we offered up butterlamps. It was an extra auspicious visit at this holy chapel too for many new beginnings were announced here. Two of our Dharma friends decided to seal their relationship by getting married and exchanging rings inside the chapel, in front of all Vajrayoginis! It was also announced that two new friends would be joining two very big departments in the organisation – our retreat centre committee and Kechara Media and Publications. The pilgrimage had truly inspired these two wonderful ladies to step up their involvement in spiritual work, to be a part of bringing Dharma to the world! In the heart of Vajrayogini’s chapel, three of Rinpoche’s close students also requested for a Vajrayogini practice; in receiving a wonderful selfless practice, they each also offered up individual commitments to Dharma practice and work. It was sunny, the skies were blue and energies were on top form. A most marvellous, auspicious day for everything enlightened!
Swayambunath Stupa – The second largest stupa of Nepal, which also houses Buddha’s relics. Surrounding this stupa are many, many other little small stupas which people, pigeons and stray dogs circumambulate all day long. Many other Buddha images can also be found all along the sides of the stupa – half the fun is circumambulating the stupa and looking through the carved niches to identify which Buddha might be sitting inside! Like at all other holy sites in Kathmandu, one can offer butterlamps to the Three Jewels at little butterlamp stalls situated around the kora or circumambulation path.
Manjushri’s Teaching Site – Just a short walk away from Swayambunath Stupa is a famed courtyard, where it is said that the Buddha of Wisdom, Manjushri, gives Dharma teachings once a year to celestial beings. The place itself is just a simple bare courtyard with not much more than a few prayer wheels, but the energy is vibrant there and it is a most auspicious place to connect with the wisdom energies of Manjushri. There, all the pilgrims were very fortunate to receive the lhung (oral transmission) of Manjushri’s mantra from Rinpoche. We then all recited Gangloma, Praise to Manjushri and his mantra right in the middle of Manjushri’s most blessed and sacred site.
Naropa and Tilopa Caves @ Pashupati – Naropa is said to have diligently followed his Guru, Tilopa for 12 years, serving him quietly and anonymously from afar without receiving even a word of recognition and not a single Dharma teaching. After 12 years, when Tilopa finally recognised all his effort and immense devotion, Naropa began receiving teachings from Tilopa. Naropa received the Vajrayogini teachings, began practice and received direct visions of her within six months. The form of Vajrayogini that we practise today originates from Naropa himself. This caves that we had the great merit to visit was where Naropa engaged in Vajrayogini retreat and gained visions of her – from here, the teachings were passed down to local Nepalese disciples, and from there, through the generations, it has gone all over the world. Tilopa, his Guru, also meditated in the cave just next to it. As Rinpoche recited prayers within Naropa’s cave, the pilgrims each had the chance to look into each cave, recite their individual prayers and make butterlamp offerings around the area. There, we were all encouraged to pray that we too may be able to develop the same Guru devotion as Naropa had and to gain the same practice and attainments of Vajrayogini, in the lineage that he began. Later, Rinpoche even kindly posed for a photograph with every one of us within the cave, next to a holy, energised and beautiful statue of the great mahasiddha Naropa.
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Nepali Dorje Shugden graphic novel
This beautifully illustrated graphic novel in the Nepali language explains the fascinating story of how Bhagawan Dorje Shugden arose as the supreme World Peace Protector of our time. When you understand his story and origins, you will gain even more appreciation for this powerful divine being.
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Samfoonheei on Jan 25, 2019 at 12:20 pm
Beautiful pictures and interesting videos …….thank you Rinpoche for this wonderful sharing. Great knowledge for us to learn and what to expect during a pilgrimage visiting Holy places. Even it an old post yet its full of learning and teachings for me. In future when I go on a pilgrimage I could do more and be ready . Glad to see so many pilgrims from Kechara with Rinpoche on this fruitful pilgrimage. Rejoice .
May Rinpoche stays healthy to continue turning the Dharma wheel to benefits all sentient beings . May all have a great understanding of dharma, excellent good health, wisdom and all wishes come true.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing these wonderful pictures and videos from your pilgrimage trip. If i’m not mistaken, I remembered watching these videos and also read some sutras during the same time, and noticed many purifications happened during end of 2015.
It was a very special trip lead by Tsem Rinpoche . The pilgrims has the faith and good karma to go on a pilgrimage with HE Tsem Rinpoche .Rinpoche Lead the pilgrims to all the spiritual significance site and give dharma talk all along the journey . How blessed …. Students feeling really rejoice for each other .
Wow, i never knew that Nepal is such an interesting place!!!!
The video really touched me a lot especially the Tara chapel.
I read from this blog that the White Tara statue in the Tara chapel flew all the way from Tibet to Nepal.
I wish that i can visit all those holy sites to pay homage to all the enlighten deity.
Very fortunate that i had visit this holy places and make butterlamp offerings. This places very beautiful and peaceful , I hope can visit again 🙂 Thank you Rinpoche for sharing .
So many fortunate pilgrims who are able get seeds of Vajrayogini while making pilgrimage to the holy places of Vajrayogini. This is where the ‘Naro Kacho’ Vajrayogini tradition began with Naropa. I have always wanted to read the full story about Naropa since I read a part of his story in a bookstore in Scotland.
Shelly tai on 24 June at 419pm
Very beautiful picture one day iI would like to go there. By looking into the picture i also can feel how bless it is to be with Rinpoche. Thank you Rinpoche for posting this video
Across the World and throughout the ages, religious people have made pilgrimages. Many great teachers of the Buddhist tradition maintained the practice of pilgrimages and paying respects to the Holy sites. It is a well-known fact that Nepal, the sacred land of Lord Buddha is a sanctified place of unfathomable faith and devotion, not only for Nepalese but for all those who advocate World peace and follow the Buddhadharma. The lucky people who joined and followed the above Nepal pilgrimage led by Rinpoche must have had a good accumulation of virtuous karma to be able to do so! All of them were able to personally partake in the efficacy of the pilgrimage with virtuous activities, like prostrations and masse offerings done at Boudhanath and Swayambhunata stupas, being the largest and holiest sites in Nepal. Butterlamps offerings too, were made to mother Tara, Chenrizig and at Manjushri, Vajrayoini, Naropa and Tilopa,s sacred sites!!! We greatly rejoice at your “one-in-a-million” chance of your virtuous Karma acts ripening at the best of times. Om Mani Padme Hum.
Nepal, a neighboring country to Tibet, the land filled with mystics since its first inception. Nepal is of course no different as a melting pot for all sorts of mysticism coming altogether like a melting pot of religions predominantly Hinduism and Buddhism.
The richness of the color, smell, taste, touch and even the thought of it brings a lot of inquisitiveness in us. The Buddhas in their infinite compassion and skillful means have worked their way in transforming all that finds pleasing to our aggregates into Nepal. Nepal whose name captivates even those who hears her name is one of the holiest power sites in the world.
Rinpoche brings new insight onto this ancient country in this pilgrimage bridging stories of the old in relations to problems and solutions for today. It is amazing how a pilgrimage can be fortified to reach its highest potential to clear our own spiritual obscurations and help open up seeds we have in us. In these videos, walk with Rinpoche on a journey so special, you won’t look at life the same again!
Every place that Rinpoche brought the pilgrims to were nothing short of spectacular. After knowing the stories behind the magnificent places makes the place more special! Rinpoche makes such a great storyteller/Dharma teacher/tourguide. hehe
SUCH beautiful places in Nepal! I really wish I could visit these holy places to be blessed and do my prayers there. Would be fantastic if Rinpoche could travel with us as well. hehe The lucky 61 pilgrims have such good merits to be traveling in Nepal with Rinpoche!
Luckily Kechara Discovery organizes pilgrimages to Nepal/India from time to time. So now everyone can go! and now, to save up and go! =)
This was a very special trip. Anyone who has the extreme good karma to go on a pilgrimage with HE Tsem Rinpoche is very blessed because Rinpoche will make sure that the pilgrims all know the spiritual significance of each site we visit and of course the wonderful dharma talks in between. The trip was jam packed with activities because there was so much to see!
I have promised to take my son Sean to Nepal ever since 2008 when he couldn’t go because he had exams.. in hindsight perhaps he should have just missed the exams!! Perhaps i will take him this year if i can.
I agree with you sharon. This was one of a very few amazing trip I have ever been. So much educational values when u travel with Rinpoche. So much to learn. Because of this trip, I am able to take more people to Nepal to inspire them especially on all the holy sites.
Nepal is a country if I have not gone with Rinpoche, I would never ever thought I could like Kathmandu. In fact after that trip, I fell in love with the place and am still looking forward to my coming trip there soon this year amongst my many many trips made there already.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing the aacred pilgrimage. I would most definitely love to visit these holy places on of these days should there be another pilgrimage trip. All the beautiful stupas and buddha images feels so real.
It was the most amazing trip I ever had in my life. What I learnt on that trip turned my world upside down but in the most positive way. The main lesson for me was to realise the purpose of this short precious human life, to benefit others. Otherwise we may never have seen all those wondrous sights which were legacies left by all the great previous benefactors who made a difference to all those who have the positive Karma to see these legacies and be moved to a bigger purpose in life.
May we create the merits to have such a trip again with Rinpoche. For sure I will take my family along.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this. I would definitely love to visit the places and would have never learnt about the holy places hidden away in nooks and crannies, if not for your post. Thank you once again Rinpoche for sharing the pictures and videos.
Thank You Rinpoche for leading the Pilgrimage in Nepal and sharing such the wonderful information and teaching with us. Patsy has given the book about the photo taken in Pilgrimage. I admired the statue and temples a lot. After watching the video with your teaching, I appreciate it with full of my heart. I am touched and almost tear. Thank You Rinpoche. I will follow you whatever you said without questions.
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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.
Gampopa Sonam Rinchen a Tibetan Buddhist master and was among the most famous disciples of the great Tibetan Kagyu saint Milarepa . Gampopa is credited with establishing the Kagyu path, combining Kadampa Lamrim teachings with the Mahamudra teachings he received from Milarepa. He even combined the Kadam monastic and scholastic traditions with Indian tantric practices, spreading the teachings to Tibet. He was a bhikshu, an accomplished doctor who had a natural talent for medicine as well. His Guru devotion and rapid accomplishment had been an unexpected inspired many. He had trained many of the greatest Kagyu masters of all time. He wrote a number of treatises and founded the Dagpo Kagyu school and Daklha Gampo monastery. Interesting read of a great Lama.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.
The Second Dalai Lama, Gyatso (1476–1542),born to a family of yogic practitioners, was identified as the incarnation of the posthumously recognized 1st Dalai Lama, Gendun Drub . He was an extraordinary child at a young seem to recall his previous lives, expressing his wish to return to Tashilhunpo. In later years he spent most his time in meditation, pilgrimage, and giving teachings, developing an enormous following in Tibet. Among the many accomplishments of his life, he is remembered for the construction of Monasteries. Gendun Gyatso passed away, leaving behind many volumes of verse, composition, instructions, and important temples.
Thank you Rinpoche for this interesting read.
Meaningful poems by the 6th Dalai Lama Tsangyang Gyatso . Tsangyang Gyatso was the 6th Dalai Lama. He was an unconventional Dalai Lama that preferred the lifestyle of a crazy wisdom yogi to that of an ordained monk. The 6th Dalai Lama is also well known for his poems and songs that continue till to these days. Its still popular among Tibetan communities in Nepal, India and all across China. If committed and focused, on a simple practice and learning Dharma with that of love and compassion all the way nor matter what happen along the way. Let our thoughts and actions always be spiritual.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.
Chogyam Trungpa was a Tibetan Buddhist meditation master and holder of both the Kagyu and Nyingma lineages of Tibetan Buddhism. He was recognized for playing a pivotal role in the transmission of genuine Buddhadharma to the West. Simple and meaningful advice by Chogyam Trungpa. Nothing is easy and no short cut to learning Dharma. We have to endure hardship to learn something like Dharma or what ever so. Never give up once we decided to learn and practice. We must face the problems or rather obstacles along the way, there is always a way to over come it with courage.
Thank you Rinpoche for this meaningful quotes simple yet profound. Stop blaming other for our problems or mistakes. Accept it and try solving it instead blaming it . Take responsibility of whatever the choice and decision we have make. Take charge of our own attitude instead blaming others. We have to look within ourselves to move forward.
Buton Rinchen Drup, 11th Abbot of Shalu Monastery, was a 14th-century Sakya master and Tibetan Buddhist leader. Buton Rinchen Drub is considered to be one of Tibet’s greatest scholars, historians, translators, and writers . Shalu Monastery became one of the most renowned and important monastery in Tibet . He had influenced the Gelug and Sakya traditions as well, having helped to preserve and propagate the teachings throughout Tibet. He left a legacy worth of translated teachings into the encyclopedic Kangyur and Tangyur collections. That’s is inspiring. These collections have become well known by all of the schools of Buddhism in Tibet, till to this day. Even after retiring he continued composing a number volumes of commentaries and he wrote the famous book, the “History of Buddhism in India and Tibet. Many Tibetan scholars still utilize his work in their studies which is still continuing to this day, and cannot be underestimated. He truly was one of the brightest lights of Tibetan Buddhism. Interesting read.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing of a Great Lama.
Wonderful indeed………our Guru Kyabje Tsem Rinpoche’s biography “The Promise” in Mongolian for those Mongolian readers. More people will be able to read and understand better. The truth and the only truth all about Rinpoche and Dorje Shugden controversy. The Mongolian has a long history and connection with Manjushri Dorje Shugden.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.
Thank you Dr Matthew William King great work done on the research on Dorje Shugden . His research shows that Dorje Shugden had played a central role in both monastic and political life in Mongolia. Zaya Pandita, an accomplished translator, linguist and scholar, Lobsang Tamdin, a prolific author and Mongolian lamas had preserved the tradition of Dorje Shugden through ways as such scholarship and study, and also via active propitiation. Mongolia’s own lamas did independently promoting and encouraging the practice centuries ago. Yet there is still some who claimed Dorje Shugden is a evil spirit. Even though there is clear evidence ,Mongolia’s long history of reliance on this enlightened Protector. Zaya Pandita and Lobsang Tamdin were masters of sutra, tantric adepts, and the peers and equals of Tibetan lamas of their time, they cannot be wrong about Dorje Shugden. Interesting read article on The Mongol Invention of the Dorjé Shukden and Trülku Drakpa Gyeltsen Literary Corpus (1913-1919) by Dr Matthew William King.
Thank you with folded hands Zava Damdin Rinpoche for preserving the works for generations to come.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing for more and more people to understand better.
Looking at these beautiful pictures of the Holy entourage of Powerful Protector Dorje Shugden in Kechara Forest Retreat is a blessing. We are indeed fortunate able to view all the Holy beings at one go with the world largest Dorje Shugden. In Kechara Forest Retreat , Bentong Pahang, Wisdom Hall a special Chapel dedicated to World Peace Protector Dorje Shugden.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.
We are very blessed for being able to learn Buddhism . Learning Dharma and putting into actions remind us of the Buddha’s teachings. The Dharma reveals truths as taught by the Buddha. It also gives us a way to live life that transform our mind and leading us towards achieving enlightenment. Having the opportunity to learn the Buddha’s teachings and cultivate ourselves is indeed very precious. We have to sincerely and consistently practice nor matter what happens and be true to ourselves. The efficaciousness of this all depends on our faith, loyalty and devotion to our Guru. Dharma is beautiful I do agree with it as explained by Rinpoche. Dharma is the moral law combined with spiritual discipline that guides one’s life. And is extremely approachable by everyone and has since changed my life.
Thank you Rinpoche with folded hands
Dulduityn Danzanravjaa was a prominent Mongolian writer, composer, painter, Buddhist scholar, physician and was the Fifth Noyon Khutagt. Talented known as the Lama of the Gobi and was an extraordinary polymath having authored hundreds of spiritual songs. Danzan Ravjaa is significant for his eclectic religious outlook that combined both the reformed ‘Yellow Hat’ and the unreformed ‘Red Hat’ sects of Tibetan. Famous for his poetry and songs in which he did composed more than hundreds of poems to date. He was well known for his medical skills, prophecies, and his knowledge of philosophy and astrology. Inspiring indeed , well respected by many.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing a multi-talented Lama.
One of the few surviving historic Buddhist buildings in Mongolia. The temple of the Choijin Lama is an important example of Chinese-style religious architecture. It is one of the few surviving historic Buddhist buildings in Mongolia. Hidden among the tallest sky scappers this hidden gem is an architectural wonder. It was the home of Luvsan Haidav Choijin Lama, who is the state oracle and brother of the Bogd Khan. The State Oracle of Mongolia had a long historic connection with Dorje Shugden. Even took trance of 3 different deities , Nechung, Tsiu Marpo and Dorje Shugden. It is a temple with a lot of old, ancient artifacts as Choijin Lama would go into a trance. After been through historic changes it was reopened as a museum. The Choijin Lama Temple’s history is documented with many religious hardships and interesting happenings. Interesting read and detailed explanation for one to understand better . A must see place when travelling there .
Thank you Rinpoche and Seow Choong Liang for this sharing
Merely looking at these rare precious pictures of great masters is a blessing. Two great tutors HH Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche and HH Kyabje Ling Rinpoche of H H Dalai Lama as seen in these pictures tells us a thousands words. Ling Rinpoche was considered an emanation of Yamantaka while Trijang Rinpoche was considered an emanation of Heruka/Vajra Yogini.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.
Very rare precious pictures of HH Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche and HH Kyabje Zong Rinpoche had lunch together in their previous lives. Well amazingly now in this life they meet again and having lunch together. Beautiful pictures we have the fortune to see this. Looking at this pictures paints a thousand words. Both have returned many times since the time of Lord Buddha incarnating in many forms to benefit sentient beings. Having a very close relationship throughout their previous incarnations.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing these rare pictures with folded hands.
Breaking news the Tribune Journal published December 15, 2017 H H Dalai-lama planning to visit China. Since exile HH the Dalai Lama left Tibet in 1959, returning to China will be a wonderful reunion for many. This potential visit to China by HH the Dalai Lama might lead to those who left their homeland able to visit Tibet again. Millions of Tibetans in Tibet would definitely wish to see Dalai Lama again. The Dalai Lama would be too happy as great memories to see places as such his palace, relatives and so forth. If the return is successful all negative attacks on Dorje Shugden practitioners should cease immediately. There are indeed many benefits if Dalai Lama visit to China as it would clear the doubts of some. May Dalai Lama fondest wish come true soon.
Thank you Rinpoche for this news
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Concept: Tsem Rinpoche Technical: Lew Kwan Leng, Justin Ripley, Yong Swee Keong Design: Justin Ripley, Cynthia Lee Content: Tsem Rinpoche, Justin Ripley, Pastor Shin Tan, Sarah Yap Admin: Pastor Loh Seng Piow, Beng Kooi
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!
Tsem Rinpoche
About Rinpoche
Name
H.E. Tsem Rinpoche
Root Guru
H.H. Zong Rinpoche
Ordained by
H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama
Affiliations
Pukhang Khangtsen, Gaden Shartse Monastery
Founder and Spiritual Advisor, Kechara House Buddhist Association Malaysia
President, Tsem Rinpoche Foundation, Inc.
Honorary Doctor of Psychology, The Open International University
Hear the holy voice of Kyabje Zong Rinpoche giving advice on the practice of Dorje Shugden to those who had received the life-entrustment initiation. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche wanted to make sure those present received the maximum benefits from their practice, and that they kept their practice well. LEARN MORE >>
In Tibetan Buddhism, it is always said that whatever we practice must come from an enlightened source to be beneficial in our spiritual journey. As such in this video, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche shares with us the history and reincarnation lineage of Dorje Shugden to explain how great this Dharma protector is through the examples of his previous lives, showing us his powerful spiritual attainments. LEARN MORE >>
Dear everyone... This is a good condensed talk I gave on Guru Yoga of Tsongkapa. This is the one you should share with others when they are interested in a not too lengthy explanation. It is the perfect practice for everyone who wants simplicity yet effective blessings. You can share this with more people, it will be good.
"If you say you don't have money to help a animal shelter, why then do you have money to buy meat?"
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Eating animals is not our God-given right, but being kind to them is."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"What makes us good humans is not how we abuse animals, but how much we allow them to live and be happy freely."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"We need another and wiser and perhaps a more mythical concept of animals.... We patronize them for their incompleteness, for their tragic fate of having taken form so far below ourselves. And therein we err, and greatly err. For the animal shall not be measured by man. In a world older and more complex than ours they moved finished and complete, gifted with extensions of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren, they are not underlings; they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendour and travail of the earth."
~ Henry Beston, The Outermost House
"Not eating animals is only unnatural when we are not used to it."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
MOTIVATIONAL QUOTES
"We may encounter defeat, but we must not be defeated."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"What you are today, is the choice you made yesterday."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"You think you can choose your life? What an ego trip!"
~ Lama Yeshe
"If TODAY you are dissatisfied, you must make the changes to create different results for TOMORROW."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
SPIRITUAL QUOTES
“Meditating on Dorje Shugden while reciting his mantra will open the gateways to higher dimensions, blessings and protection.”
~ Tsem Rinpoche
“If one does the recitation of the Lama Tsongkhapa guru yoga prayer for even one month using one of the visualizations for great or clear or quick wisdom, one will definitely see development of that wisdom. It is proved by experience. There is no doubt that by doing the Lama Tsongkhapa guru yoga practice one can meet Lama Tsongkhapa’s teachings from life to life. And furthermore, it gives one the opportunity to be born in the pure realm of Lama Tsongkhapa, Tushita, whenever death happens.”
~ Pabongkha Rinpoche
"I was 18 years old in 1983. That was a very special year as I met His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and received innumerable precious teachings and empowerments from Him at Thubten Dhargye Ling Centre in Los Angeles, California. It was the best time of my life. A time that seems so magical and surreal to me. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche is Heruka Buddha and I met Heruka."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"If being me offends you, maybe I'm not the problem."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Never abandon your spiritual teacher no matter how many inner obstacles you need to overcome."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Actions to force something to be permanent makes all the karmas arise."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"The dharma is not easy to listen to… because some people take it as criticism. But Dharma should not be just feel good only for the moment but for deeper contemplations."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Whether we do work and suffer but for others or we do work and suffer for ourselves, either way we have to suffer. That is the nature of samsara. So let us suffer for others and then suffering has meaning."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Those who really want the dharma to grow within themselves and to grow for others should never fear hard work, timing, difficulties, struggles, disappointments because it is for a good cause. Working for Dharma is not a prison or work, but it is purely spiritual practice. It is purely collection of merit and purification. Actually not doing dharma work is the real prison."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"His Holiness Zong Rinpoche stressed the need to continue to practice even when we come up against obstacles, and that we should continually review our progress. He stated that a happy, luxurious life was like a good dream, and that obstacles and difficulties were like a bad dream. We should give them no significance, but simply carry on working towards real, everlasting happiness."
~ Ngala ’ö-Dzin Tridral
"Things in samsara always go wrong. That's its nature. Don't be surprised."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Knowledge never quenches the thirst, only application."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
LIFE QUOTES
"I pity men who occupy themselves exclusively with the transitory in things and lose themselves in the study of what is perishable, since we are here for this very end-that we may make the perishable imperishable, which we can do only after we have learned how to approach both."
~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
"Money amplifies negative characteristics and that can cause problems.
To walk away from that was actually very easy. I didn't even consider it."
~ Angeline Francis Khoo
"I shall not commit the fashionable stupidity of regarding everything I cannot explain as a fraud."
~ Carl Jung
"There is a devil there is no doubt, but is he trying to get into us or trying to get out?"
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"If you love someone, show it by being honest, respectful & honorable with them."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see."
~ Henry David Thoreau
"If I can just be the way I am & you the way you are & we accept each other, world peace is near."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"I am Asian, you are some other beautiful color. Together we make diversity so beautiful."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"It's amazing how some people have never met me or know who I am, but based on a few things they read here & there & rumours, they have formulated a new personality for me & all the things I've never done they passionately speak about....I find it funny and entertaining now. I guess we can't spend our lives fighting rumours...we just have to work hard & then rumours get proven wrong on it's own as a by product. No point explaining repeatedly. Just do our work & show results!!"
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"There's a difference between patience and laziness. Patience comes from respect while laziness from disrespect of others."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Although outwardly we have so much, we have so many conveniences, inwardly we have become more unhappy, so, acquisition is not the secret to happiness. The more we get, the more we have, the more unhappy we become."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Before we experience any pain, we already had a fixed view of how things should be. When the experience we encounter contradicts our views, then the pain arises. The pain arises due to our fixed views not so much the experience itself. So the secret is changing the views. Re-educating ourselves on our views."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"You know since very young, for better or worse, I always did the things that others told me not to do. I wasn't really good at following the rules. Even now with how I share Dharma and my practice, I just do it the way I think it should be done but I do it sincerely. Not what others tell me what I can and can't do."
~ Tsem Rinpoche
"Love me or hate me, both are in my favor... If you love me, I'll always be in your heart... If you hate me, I'll always be in your mind."
~ William Shakespeare
"One isn't necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can't be kind, true, merciful, generous or honest."
~ Maya Angelou
Devotional Songs
Sung by Mary Fewel Tulin, these mystical songs in praise of the guru originate from the Sikh tradition. Yet, they are applicable to all traditions for those who want to venerate their guru.
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.
2 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
2 years ago
108 candles and sang (incense) offered at our Wish-Fulfilling Grotto, invoking Dorje Shugden's blessings for friends, sponsors and supporters, wonderful!
2 years ago
Dharmapalas are not exclusive to Tibetan culture and their practice is widespread throughout the Buddhist world - https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=193645
2 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
2 years ago
Fragrant organic Thai basil harvested from our very own Kechara Forest Retreat farm!
2 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.
2 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
2 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.
2 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.
2 years ago
One of the most recent harvests from our Kechara Forest Retreat land. It was grown free of chemicals and pesticides, wonderful!
3 years ago
Third picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal.
Height: 33ft (10m)
3 years ago
Second picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal.
Height: 33ft (10m)
3 years ago
First picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal.
Height: 33ft (10m)
3 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
3 years ago
Very powerful story! Tibetan Resistance group Chushi Gangdruk reveals how Dalai Lama escaped in 1959- https://bit.ly/2S9VMGX
3 years ago
At Kechara Forest Retreat land we have nice fresh spinach growing free of chemicals and pesticides. Yes!
Fresh eggplants grown on Kechara Forest Retreat's land here in Malaysia
3 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
Mahapajapati Gotami, who was the first nun ordained by Lord Buddha.
3 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.
3 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.
3 years ago
Wandering Ascetic Painting by Nirdesha Munasinghe
3 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
3 years ago
This is pretty amazing!
First Sri Lankan Buddhist temple opened in Dubai!!!
3 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
3 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
3 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
3 years ago
Part 2-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
3 years ago
Part 1-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
3 years ago
The great Protector Manjushri Dorje Shugden depicted in the beautiful Mongolian style. To download a high resolution file: https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
3 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
DON'T MISS THIS!~How brave Bonnie survived by living with a herd of deer~ https://bit.ly/2Lre2eY
3 years ago
Global Superpower China Will Cut Meat Consumption by 50%! Very interesting, find out more- https://bit.ly/2V1sJFh
3 years ago
You can download this beautiful Egyptian style Dorje Shugden Free- https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
3 years ago
Beautiful high file for print of Lord Manjushri. May you be blessed- https://bit.ly/2V8mwZe
3 years ago
Mongolian (Oymiakon) Shaman in Siberia, Russia. That is his real outfit he wears. Very unique. TR
3 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
3 years ago
Manjusri Kumara (bodhisattva of wisdom), India, Pala dynesty, 9th century, stone, Honolulu Academy of Arts
Click on "View All Photos" above to view more images
Videos On The Go
Please click on the images to watch video
2 yearss ago
Pig puts his toys away
Animals are so intelligent. They can feel happiness, joy, pain, sorrow, just like humans. Always show kindness to them. Always show kindness to everyone.
3 yearss ago
Always be kind to animals-They deserve to live just like us.
Whales and dolphins playing with each other in the Pacific sea. Nature is truly incredible!
3 yearss ago
Bodha stupa July 2019-
Rainy period
3 yearss ago
Cute Tara girl having a snack. She is one of Kechara Forest Retreat’s resident doggies.
3 yearss ago
Your Next Meal!
Yummy? Tasty? Behind the scenes of the meat on your plates. Meat is a killing industry.
3 yearss ago
This is Daw
This is what they do to get meat on tables, and to produce belts and jackets. Think twice before your next purchase.
3 yearss ago
Don’t Take My Mummy Away!
Look at the poor baby chasing after the mother. Why do we do that to them? It's time to seriously think about our choices in life and how they affect others. Be kind. Don't break up families.
3 yearss ago
They do this every day!
This is how they are being treated every day of their lives. Please do something to stop the brutality. Listen to their cries for help!
3 yearss ago
What happened at Fair Oaks Farm?
The largest undercover dairy investigation of all time. See what they found out at Fair Oaks Farm.
3 yearss ago
She’s going to spend her whole life here without being able to move correctly. Like a machine. They are the slaves of the people and are viewed as a product. It’s immoral. Billions of terrestrial animals die annually. Billions. You can’t even imagine it. And all that because people don’t want to give up meat, even though there are so many alternatives. ~ Gabriel Azimov
3 yearss ago
Our Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir speaks so well, logically and regarding our country’s collaboration with China for growth. It is refreshing to listen to Dr. Mahathir’s thoughts. He said our country can look to China for many more things such as technology and so on. Tsem Rinpoche
3 yearss ago
This is the first time His Holiness Dalai Lama mentions he had some very serious illness. Very worrying. This video is captured April 2019.
3 yearss ago
Beautiful Monastery in Hong Kong
3 yearss ago
This dog thanks his hero in such a touching way. Tsem Rinpoche
These people going on pilgrimage to a holy mountain and prostrating out of devotion and for pilgrimage in Tibet. Such determination for spiritual practice. Tsem Rinpoche
3 yearss ago
Beautiful new casing in Kechara for Vajra Yogini. Tsem Rinpoche
3 yearss ago
Get ready to laugh real hard. This is Kechara’s version of “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane!” We have some real talents in this video clip.
3 yearss ago
Recitation of Dorje Dermo‘s mantra or the Dharani of Glorious Vajra Claws. This powerful mantra is meant to destroy all obstacles that come in our way. Beneficial to play this mantra in our environments.
3 yearss ago
Beautiful
Beautiful sacred Severed Head Vajra Yogini from Tsem Rinpoche's personal shrine.
3 yearss ago
My little monster cute babies Dharma and Oser. Take a look and get a cute attack for the day! Tsem Rinpoche
3 yearss ago
Plse watch this short video and see how all sentient beings are capable of tenderness and love. We should never hurt animals nor should we eat them. Tsem Rinpoche
3 yearss ago
Cruelty of some people have no limits and it’s heartbreaking. Being kind cost nothing. Tsem Rinpoche
3 yearss ago
SUPER ADORABLE and must see
Tsem Rinpoche's dog Oser girl enjoying her snack in her play pen.
We were told by Uncle Wong he is very faithful toward Dorje Shugden. Dorje Shugden has extended help to him on several occasions and now Uncle Wong comes daily to make incense offerings to Dorje Shugden. He is grateful towards the help he was given.
4 yearss ago
Tsem Rinpoche’s Schnauzer Dharma boy fights Robot sphere from Arkonide!
4 yearss ago
Cute baby owl found and rescued
We rescued a lost baby owl in Kechara Forest Retreat.
4 yearss ago
Nice cups from Kechara!!
Dorje Shugden people's lives matter!
4 yearss ago
Enjoy a peaceful morning at Kechara Forest Retreat
Chirping birds and other forest animals create a joyful melody at the Vajrayogini stupa in Kechara Forest Retreat (Bentong, Malaysia).
5 yearss ago
This topic is so hot in many circles right now.
This video is thought-provoking and very interesting. Watch! Thanks so much to our friends at LIVEKINDLY.
5 yearss ago
Chiropractic CHANGES LIFE for teenager with acute PAIN & DEAD LEG.
5 yearss ago
BEAUTIFUL PLACE IN NEW YORK STATE-AMAZING.
5 yearss ago
Leonardo DiCaprio takes on the meat Industry with real action.
5 yearss ago
Do psychic mediums have messages from beyond?
5 yearss ago
Lovely gift for my 52nd Birthday. Tsem Rinpoche
5 yearss ago
This 59-year-old chimpanzee was refusing food and ready to die until...
she received “one last visit from an old friend” 💔💔
5 yearss ago
Bigfoot sighted again and made it to the news.
5 yearss ago
Casper is such a cute and adorable. I like him.
5 yearss ago
Dorje Shugden Monastery Amarbayasgalant Mongolia's Ancient Hidden Gem
5 yearss ago
Don't you love Hamburgers? See how 'delicious' it is here!
5 yearss ago
Such a beautiful and powerful message from a person who knows the meaning of life. Tsem Rinpoche
5 yearss ago
What the meat industry figured out is that you don't need healthy animals to make a profit.
Sick animals are more profitable... farms calculate how close to death they can keep animals without killing them.
That's the business model.
How quickly they can be made to grow, how tightly they can be packed, how much or how little can they eat, how sick they can get without dying...
We live in a world in which it's conventional to treat an animal like a block of wood.
~ Jonathan Safran Foer
5 yearss ago
This video went viral and it's a must watch!!
5 yearss ago
SEE HOW THIS ANIMAL SERIAL KILLER HAS NO ISSUE BLUDGEONING THIS DEFENSELESS BEING.
This happens daily in slaughterhouse so you can get your pork and Bak ku teh. Stop eating meat.
ASK A PASTOR
A section for you to clarify your Dharma questions with Kechara’s esteemed pastors.
Just post your name and your question below and one of our pastors will provide you with an answer.
Scroll down and click on "View All Questions" to view archived questions.
Lu Yang asked:Are there any retreats that don't require any extravagant offerings, I say this because I'm in a position where I can't access them, but I am willing to do the other parts of the retreat. So basically I just wanted to knoe if there are any retreats that doesn't require offerings?pastor answered:Dear Lu Yang,
All retreats, especially deity-based retreats require offerings. For deity-based retreats, these offerings are made as part of the retreat practice itself. The offerings are used to generate merit for the practice and retreat to be successful.
May I ask which offerings you are refering to be in particular. It is not necessary to offer the standard versions of offerings as you see in the pictures. For example, for flowers, we usually use glass or crystal flowers, but real or even fake flowers are perfectly acceptable. For incense, we usually offering the small pagoda made from incense sticks, but you can just offer a couple of sticks of any incense. For the perfume, we use a glass bottle filled with perfume, but you can use a small bottle of store-bought perfume as well. I use a small bottle of store-bought perfume for my own altar.
If you can tell me what type of offerings you are refering too, then I can suggest easier solutions so that you can actually engage in a retreat. I hope this helps.
Dear blog friends, you can submit your photos to this section by sending an email to tblogpics@gmail.com. Include your message in the "Subject" field (up to 250 characters only). Be sure to include your name in the subject field too!
3 weeks ago
Kechara Earth Project 12 June 2022
1 month ago
#Throwback. Visitation of Ven. Zawa Tulku Rinpoche and Ven. Geshe Jangchup Gyaltsen to Kechara Penang Chapel on 17/5/2022. We did a short prayers together. Really happy for the short visit. Kechara Penang Study Group~ by Jacinta
1 month ago
Photo from JC
2 months ago
Trying to WE-fie. Do we get that just alright, lol? Come and join us next time at Jalan Seang Tek, Kechara Penang Chapel. Celebrate Wesak with us ~ by Jacinta
2 months ago
Trying to "WE-fie". Do we get that just alright, lol? Come and join us next time at Jalan Seang Tek, Kechara Penang Chapel. Celebrate Wesak with us ~ by Jacinta
2 months ago
Celebrated Wesak Day 2022 in Penang, with a group of fun, committed, helpful and also devoted friends & family. Kechara Penang Study Group 15/5/2022 ~by Jacinta
2 months ago
Vesak Day 2022 - Bird liberation. Kechara Penang Study Group ~by Jacinta
2 months ago
All attendees are paying homage to Rinpoche and Buddhas before the start of our weekly Dorje Shugden puja. Outwardly, it seems that Dorje Shugden helps practitioners overcoming their obstacles and problems but ultimately Dorje Shugden’s supreme purpose is to help practitioners on their path to Enlightenment. Do join in our weekly DS puja, every Saturday @3 pm at Jalan Seang Tek, Penang. ~by Jacinta
2 months ago
All of us are practicing on how to properly use dorje(Vajra), bell and damaru ~ Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
2 months ago
After inviting Dorje Shugden Wangze, Pastor Seng Piow teaches us how to use ritual objects and the full set of prayer accompanying it. Kechara Penang Study Group ~by Jacinta
2 months ago
With great happiness, merits and excitement that Penang Group have invited Buddha Wangzey to Penang chapel, complete with full rituals and prayer. 30th April 2022 Kechara Penang Study Group ~by Jacinta
2 months ago
Come and get your blessing from Lama Tsongkhapa and Dorje Shugden in Penang @ Jalan Seang Tek ~ by Jacinta.
2 months ago
Special thanks to one of our dedicated Penang group members, Choong for superb tormas. Swift Return Puja @ every Saturday, 3pm. Do contact William for more info ~ by Jacinta
2 months ago
Thanks to William for being the Umze for Swift Return Puja at Penang Centre. ~ by Jacinta
2 months ago
The members of Kechara Penang Study Group are offering serkym to Dorje Shugden and His entourage. There's puja every Saturday @ 3 pm at Penang Chapel, Jalan Seang Tek. All are welcome. ~by Jacinta
2 months ago
We are in the third week of Ramadan this year, and kind volunteers have never failed to feed people in need since Tengku Zatashah started this meaningful #zerofoodwastage initiative in 2016. The aim is to benefit the underprivileged with nice surplus food collected from Ramadan buffets. Every night during the month of Ramadan, volunteers collect surplus cooked food from hotels and distribute it to charity homes and low-income families. THANK YOU, Tengku, dedicated volunteers and hotel partners, for making this Ramadan special for the underprivileged. #kecharasoupkitchen #kecharafoodbank #kecharaempowerment - KSK @ Vivian
3 months ago
We were chanting Migsetma mantra at the time this picture was taken. Thanks to all our Penang members who are very committed to attend Swift Return puja weekly. Kechara Penang Study Group, every Saturday @ 3pm. ~by Jacinta
3 months ago
William, who is our leader/ Umze is cleaning the pantry and Gordon offered up 4 carton of packet drinks today. We cannot thank you enough for all kind hearted who sponsored various offerings weekly. Kechara Penang Study Group ~by Jacinta
3 months ago
Siew Hong came with a basket of fruits while Choong, who is expert in baking offered tormas today for our Swift Return Puja. Kechara Penang Study Group ~by Jacinta
3 months ago
Dedicated sisters, Sharyn and Swee Bee. They always make sure our puja offerings, especially fruits are arranged nicely. Kechara Penang Study Group ~ by Jacinta
3 months ago
Committed and hardworking Kechara Penang members, Mr. Tang and Mr. Huey. Really appreciate having you both at our weekly puja . Kechara Penang Study Group ~ by Jacinta
4 months ago
KSK medic personnel have been tending to the needs of the clients every week. Their consistent kindness helps improve the medical welfare of those without a home. Thank you for serving and making them your priority on your weekends. #medicteam #kecharasoupkitchen #kecharafoodbank #kecharaempowerment
4 months ago
In the midst of chaos, let's start healing. We have Dorje Shugden Puja every Saturday @ 3 pm. Contact William for more info. Kechara Penang Study Group. ~ by Jacinta.
4 months ago
4 months ago
Pastor is in da' house!!!! Kechara Penang Study Group @ Saturday, 3 pm. Contact William for more info ~ by Jacinta
4 months ago
5 months ago
5 months ago
After Dorje Shugden puja @Penang Chapel, Jalan Seang Tek, members went to a nearby vegetarian shop for gathering. #CNY2022 #HappyReunion by Jacinta.
6 months ago
In 2021, we've encountered far too many challenges—Pandemic, months-long lockdown, landslide, and flood. We are proud to witness Malaysians helping one another as these agonies come sequentially. Looking back to 2021, Kechara Soup Kitchen has made significant progress, with more to come in 2022. Every year, we move a little closer to our vision. We are immensely thankful to have such dedicated teams of volunteers willing to go above and beyond for our clients. Not to mention our sponsors and donors; none of this would have been possible without you. Thank you. Thank you for being you. Thank you for helping the underprivileged to a better future. Have a blessed year ahead from our hearts to your hearts. #2022 #newyear #kecharasoupkitchen #kecharafoodbank #kecharaempowerment
7 months ago
Ipoh members were taking turns to offer Serkym and lights to Dorje Shugden. So Kin Hoe (KISG)
7 months ago
Kechara Ipoh members were preparing for Dorje Shugden puja. So Kin Hoe (KISG)
7 months ago
Kechara Ipoh Study Group has carried out Dorje Shugden puja in Ipoh on 4th Dec 2021. So Kin Hoe (KISG)
8 months ago
Jun, our new Ipoh member, offered lights to Lama Tsongkhapa, Dorje Shugden & The Three Jewels. So Kin Hoe (KISG)
8 months ago
Mr. Cheah has offered 3 sets of Serkym prior to Dorje Shugden puja in Ipoh. So Kin Hoe (KISG)
8 months ago
Kechara Ipoh Study Group has completed a Dorje Shugden puja in Ipoh on 20th Nov '21. So Kin Hoe (KISG)
8 months ago
Mr. Philip, our new visitor to Ipoh centre, offered lights to Lama Tsongkhapa and the Three Jewels prior to DS puja. So Kin Hoe (KISG)
8 months ago
Kechara Ipoh Study Group has resumed our Dorje Shugden puja in Ipoh on 6th Nov 2021. So Kin Hoe (KISG)
8 months ago
9 months ago
Mark your calendars - we are about to embark on an epic ride! Kechara Food Bank will be travelling across the Peninsular in our giant truck to send dry food to over 2300 families. Thank you Volvo Trucks Malaysia for your generous donation of this custom-designed truck. What’s more – PPB Group Bhd is generously donating the food provision for this one-of-a-kind journey. Thank you on behalf of our grateful beneficiaries! Want to see all of this in action? Join us live or watch the videos and photos on our social media. Stay tuned!
1 years ago
Underprivileged residents of two PPRs in Kuala Lumpur recently received a total of 427kg from our longterm surplus produce sponsor, Lotuss Stores (formerly Tesco Stores). The 65 families are our regular beneficiaries, and are grateful to receive fresh vegetables on a consistent basis right at their doorstep. One of our recipients, Rajeswari, 52, single mother of 2 children, shared that she stopped receiving welfare aid due to unforeseen circumstances. Her words: "Saya cakap untuk Kechara [Soup Kitchen] banyak terima kasih sebab kasi makanan. Dan lebih mau tolong orang lain yang susah seperti saya". Our heartfelt thank-you goes to Lotuss Stores for being a dependable source of food aid and for #helpingthepoor with us. #kecharafoodbank #makingadifference #kitajagakita #charity #foodbank #bantuan #ngomalaysia #givingback #strongertogether - Vivian @ Kechara Soup Kitchen
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Beautiful pictures and interesting videos …….thank you Rinpoche for this wonderful sharing. Great knowledge for us to learn and what to expect during a pilgrimage visiting Holy places. Even it an old post yet its full of learning and teachings for me. In future when I go on a pilgrimage I could do more and be ready . Glad to see so many pilgrims from Kechara with Rinpoche on this fruitful pilgrimage. Rejoice .
May Rinpoche stays healthy to continue turning the Dharma wheel to benefits all sentient beings . May all have a great understanding of dharma, excellent good health, wisdom and all wishes come true.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing these wonderful pictures and videos from your pilgrimage trip. If i’m not mistaken, I remembered watching these videos and also read some sutras during the same time, and noticed many purifications happened during end of 2015.
It was a very special trip lead by Tsem Rinpoche . The pilgrims has the faith and good karma to go on a pilgrimage with HE Tsem Rinpoche .Rinpoche Lead the pilgrims to all the spiritual significance site and give dharma talk all along the journey . How blessed …. Students feeling really rejoice for each other .
It’s really nice to see the praise and appreciation of Nepal the pilgrimage site and the blessed ones.
auspicioso
exuberante e auspicioso!
Wow, i never knew that Nepal is such an interesting place!!!!
The video really touched me a lot especially the Tara chapel.
I read from this blog that the White Tara statue in the Tara chapel flew all the way from Tibet to Nepal.
I wish that i can visit all those holy sites to pay homage to all the enlighten deity.
Very fortunate that i had visit this holy places and make butterlamp offerings. This places very beautiful and peaceful , I hope can visit again 🙂 Thank you Rinpoche for sharing .
So many fortunate pilgrims who are able get seeds of Vajrayogini while making pilgrimage to the holy places of Vajrayogini. This is where the ‘Naro Kacho’ Vajrayogini tradition began with Naropa. I have always wanted to read the full story about Naropa since I read a part of his story in a bookstore in Scotland.
Such a beautiful and holy place of Nepal. I really wish to visit again in near future. Thank you for sharing the pictures and video. 🙂
Shelly tai on 24 June at 419pm
Very beautiful picture one day iI would like to go there. By looking into the picture i also can feel how bless it is to be with Rinpoche. Thank you Rinpoche for posting this video
Across the World and throughout the ages, religious people have made pilgrimages. Many great teachers of the Buddhist tradition maintained the practice of pilgrimages and paying respects to the Holy sites. It is a well-known fact that Nepal, the sacred land of Lord Buddha is a sanctified place of unfathomable faith and devotion, not only for Nepalese but for all those who advocate World peace and follow the Buddhadharma. The lucky people who joined and followed the above Nepal pilgrimage led by Rinpoche must have had a good accumulation of virtuous karma to be able to do so! All of them were able to personally partake in the efficacy of the pilgrimage with virtuous activities, like prostrations and masse offerings done at Boudhanath and Swayambhunata stupas, being the largest and holiest sites in Nepal. Butterlamps offerings too, were made to mother Tara, Chenrizig and at Manjushri, Vajrayoini, Naropa and Tilopa,s sacred sites!!! We greatly rejoice at your “one-in-a-million” chance of your virtuous Karma acts ripening at the best of times. Om Mani Padme Hum.
Nepal, a neighboring country to Tibet, the land filled with mystics since its first inception. Nepal is of course no different as a melting pot for all sorts of mysticism coming altogether like a melting pot of religions predominantly Hinduism and Buddhism.
The richness of the color, smell, taste, touch and even the thought of it brings a lot of inquisitiveness in us. The Buddhas in their infinite compassion and skillful means have worked their way in transforming all that finds pleasing to our aggregates into Nepal. Nepal whose name captivates even those who hears her name is one of the holiest power sites in the world.
Rinpoche brings new insight onto this ancient country in this pilgrimage bridging stories of the old in relations to problems and solutions for today. It is amazing how a pilgrimage can be fortified to reach its highest potential to clear our own spiritual obscurations and help open up seeds we have in us. In these videos, walk with Rinpoche on a journey so special, you won’t look at life the same again!
Every place that Rinpoche brought the pilgrims to were nothing short of spectacular. After knowing the stories behind the magnificent places makes the place more special! Rinpoche makes such a great storyteller/Dharma teacher/tourguide. hehe
SUCH beautiful places in Nepal! I really wish I could visit these holy places to be blessed and do my prayers there. Would be fantastic if Rinpoche could travel with us as well. hehe The lucky 61 pilgrims have such good merits to be traveling in Nepal with Rinpoche!
Luckily Kechara Discovery organizes pilgrimages to Nepal/India from time to time. So now everyone can go! and now, to save up and go! =)
Thank you for sharing, Rinpoche!
This was a very special trip. Anyone who has the extreme good karma to go on a pilgrimage with HE Tsem Rinpoche is very blessed because Rinpoche will make sure that the pilgrims all know the spiritual significance of each site we visit and of course the wonderful dharma talks in between. The trip was jam packed with activities because there was so much to see!
Thank you Rinpoche for that amazing trip and now at least those who were not able to make it can watch the videos and see the photographs. Also, they can see the splendid book by Paul Yap and David Lai, “Vajrayogini And Other Sacred Power Places In Nepal”, which is richly illustrated with photographs from this pilgrimage http://vajrasecrets.com/books/english-books/vajrayogini-and-other-sacred-power-places-in-nepal.html in English and http://vajrasecrets.com/books/chinese-books/vajrayogini-and-other-sacred-power-places-in-nepal.html in Chinese.
I have promised to take my son Sean to Nepal ever since 2008 when he couldn’t go because he had exams.. in hindsight perhaps he should have just missed the exams!! Perhaps i will take him this year if i can.
I agree with you sharon. This was one of a very few amazing trip I have ever been. So much educational values when u travel with Rinpoche. So much to learn. Because of this trip, I am able to take more people to Nepal to inspire them especially on all the holy sites.
Nepal is a country if I have not gone with Rinpoche, I would never ever thought I could like Kathmandu. In fact after that trip, I fell in love with the place and am still looking forward to my coming trip there soon this year amongst my many many trips made there already.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing the aacred pilgrimage. I would most definitely love to visit these holy places on of these days should there be another pilgrimage trip. All the beautiful stupas and buddha images feels so real.
我很幸运能够和仁波切和一群朋友一起去朝圣。这些开始,照片,现在重看,都是历历在目,很多美好的记忆。
Very well compiled and easy to read, Thank you KIM and blog team for the hard work. 🙂
It was the most amazing trip I ever had in my life. What I learnt on that trip turned my world upside down but in the most positive way. The main lesson for me was to realise the purpose of this short precious human life, to benefit others. Otherwise we may never have seen all those wondrous sights which were legacies left by all the great previous benefactors who made a difference to all those who have the positive Karma to see these legacies and be moved to a bigger purpose in life.
May we create the merits to have such a trip again with Rinpoche. For sure I will take my family along.
Thank you, Rinpoche, for sharing this. I have visited these holy sites before but would love to go again to make offerings and aspiring prayers…..
Thanks Rinpoche for sharing these holy pictures that taken at all holy places…
I wish myself can go for Pilgrimage in Nepal in near future to get know more about the history of Buddha…
And also wish that can make offering over there, may i collect more Merits to do so…
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this. I would definitely love to visit the places and would have never learnt about the holy places hidden away in nooks and crannies, if not for your post. Thank you once again Rinpoche for sharing the pictures and videos.
Thank You Rinpoche for leading the Pilgrimage in Nepal and sharing such the wonderful information and teaching with us. Patsy has given the book about the photo taken in Pilgrimage. I admired the statue and temples a lot. After watching the video with your teaching, I appreciate it with full of my heart. I am touched and almost tear. Thank You Rinpoche. I will follow you whatever you said without questions.
I enjoyed looking at all of the holy pictures. Thank-you Rinpoche!!!