Tsongkhapa’s Way of Compassion

Apr 14, 2013 | Views: 1,608

(By Tsem Rinpoche)

A few months ago on my blog chat (an interactive function at the bottom of this page!), I was online and chatting with two of my students. On the chat, I gave them both a personal instruction to read a book called “Compassion In Tibetan Buddhism”. Within the book, there are two titles, “The Way of Compassion” by Lama Tsongkhapa and “Meditation of a Tantric Abbot” by Kensur Lekden. When I asked them to read and come out with a summary, they immediately agreed and did a good job.

I recently received an email from both Swee Keong and Freon on their blog write up, and thought that I should share it with my blog readers! I highly recommend this book to everyone…

Freon and Swee Keong, I am glad that you studied up on this book and finished your assignment. Whenever I give an assignment it is always 100% for the benefit of the person. The only way for there to be spiritual development, is if we have knowledge. Read and/or listen to the Dharma, and apply it daily. Otherwise Dharma work just becomes work, and by doing so… it may even collect demerit. Dharma is not work. The effort we apply into Dharma will never be wasted.

I wish you all well on your spiritual journey. Do let me know if you have read this book, and your reviews on it! From the book summary from Swee Keong and Freon you will see this book is very important for everyone to study. Everyone should purchase this book, read, contemplate and read again. Yearly it should be read once as a way to keep the vital information fresh in our minds.

I thank Swee Keong and Freon for their book review essays, thoughts and summaries. Very well done.

Tsem Rinpoche

 


 

 

Title: Compassion in Tibetan Buddhism

Publisher: Snow Lion Publications

Authors:

1. Tsongkhapa (Way of Compassion)

2. Kensur Lekden (Meditations of a Tantric Abbot)

Translator: Jeffrey Hopkins

 


Writer’s profile

Yong Swee Keong

Yong Swee Keong is a Multimedia University (MMU) graduate. Prior to joining Kechara, he worked as an application consultant for a company who are software vendors for banks. It was a prestigious job, and he traveled out of the country regularly for business.

When Swee Keong crossed paths with Kechara, it led him to think more about life. Beginning with Kechara Soup Kitchen, his volunteering that started out as social work brought him to know more about Dharma. It wasn’t long when he started joining pujas as well as volunteering in Kechara regularly.

In October 2011, Swee Keong made the most significant decision he has ever made in his life. Affected by the news of H.E. Tsem Rinpoche’s health issues at the time, it drove him to quit his highflying career to serve the Dharma while his Guru is still alive. Now, Swee Keong is serving the Dharma in Kechara E-Division as a software engineer.

 

Freon Tee

Freon graduated from University Malaya (UM), Malaysia’s best public university. Prior to joining Kechara, she has been working in various fields for the past 9 years, including a 1.5 year job placement in China. 

As a part-time vegetarian, Freon first stepped into Kechara’s doors through Kechara Oasis. It was from here when she slowly got to know more about Buddhism and became a full time vegetarian. Her interest for Buddhism grew deeper with every visit she made to Kechara Oasis.

March 2011 was the turning point for Freon. Due to certain complications, Freon’s sister fell ill and became immobilized. It was only through H.E. Tsem Rinpoche’s help that Freon’s sister regained her mobility. Ever since then, Freon kept a keen interest in Dharma and started watching Rinpoche’s YouTube channel every day. 

It was from here when she started volunteering in Kechara regularly as well, which eventually lead her to take a position in Kechara Oasis as their Marketing & Sales Executive.

 

 


 

Book review by Swee Keong

 

Chapter 1 to 10 “Meditations of a Tantric Abbot” by Kensur Lekden

1. Introduction

How a person pursue the Buddhist path is categorized into three scopes. Within the small scope it is subdivided into small of the small, middling of the small, and great of the small. Both small of the small, and middling of the small are not even considered religious practitioner because they cannot even be considered religious. Only the great of the small is considered because they are concerned of future lives, virtues actions to be observed and non-virtuous actions to be avoided. Not many of us are even concerned of our future lives therefore we have no scope. We live in the “present” moment, a false sense kind of the present where we think we are living in the now not realizing that our daily actions have no long term gained in future.

For example having set the purpose and aim in our life, in this life, to look for a partner, to establish a family it will become a detrimental to pursue a religious practice because we have to give up our time working to feed and spend time with our family. There is not much time left to even think about pursuing spiritual practice. We lose much of our freedom in this way. The main reason is we didn’t consider future lives in the present moment while we are doing something in the present. We are working for the next hour, next day, next week, next month, next year but do we ever thought for our next life? If it is not there is no scope to speak of. We say plan for the future, no plan means no future. But this future is in fact this present life alone not future lives thus there will be no, a human, future lives.

Thus if we are concerned of our future lives then we are considered to be small scope motivated and we are ready to pursue a spiritual path. When we find ourselves or someone else not spiritually inclined this because we are not being unaware of future lives, and how the present moment do effect future lives. We have some amount of control in our immediate future, we can choose our own actions or “free will”, how we act and we do. For example working, shopping, some of which has bigger impact on our future such as buying a house or a car. Therefore we can have some amount of control over our future lives as well. To say that we can control now, the present moment but not the future because it is too far away will make it become true. This points to the lack of understanding of how virtue and non-virtue can effect the future. Thus when we understand these then it is logical to take refuge and seek guidance from the Three Jewels.

We need to know what are contained within the refuge by knowing about the Three Jewels, their differences, knowing that it is pure and do not take refuge in other things.

From this moment we may start thinking of future lives but we are still subjected to old age, sickness, and death, and being reborn again and again. Does it ever end? It is entirely possible. When we are open and can accept that it is possible we seek the paths which we can escape from all these suffering by overcoming desire, hatred, and ignorance because these are the 3 poisons which cause ourselves wandering continuously in this cyclic existence. Therefore it is said that our thoughts have turned from little motivated to middling motivated in our spiritual path. What then is greatly motivated? When we seek liberation not just for ourselves but for others as well then it is a greatly motivated. We believe the Three Jewels can help all sentient beings regardless of ethnics and forms because future lives are definite from the understanding we have in small scope. With great scope we would spur quickly to achieve liberation because cyclic existence span for infinitely long time into the future. Without concern of our welfare, pain, unpleasantness, rejection, disappointment we may experience we are solely focus on the happiness of others.

 

2. Chapter 1: Action

If one think of the future, especially future lives and its causes and conditions it is ethics which bring forth a happy human life or god life. Maintaining good ethics brings happiness, resources and capacity to learn as a human being. Not maintaining ethics open the door to all other migrations which one will experience too many suffering. There are no good conditions nor opportunities to learn and pursue the spiritual path in bad migrations. On top of holding the ten refuge vows the six paramitas are required for happy future lives. Contemplating the causes and effects of having and not having each virtue in this life one can conclude that all six of them must always be present and cultivated together constantly for achieving freedom of suffering for ourselves and others. Without experiencing the development of six paramitas we cannot help others not even ourselves.

Therefore one must start by listen or study the teachings, think and meditate. What is the subject to be study, think, and meditate on? It is equanimity. Without deeper understanding of equanimity one will always divide others to friends, enemies and strangers. Thus whatever we do will be  contaminated and suffering accrued from our thinking and action. The purpose is to reduce them, their effect from the past. All suffering came from what we have done in the past. Therefore whatever we do now, how we think should be checked and thought over from the knowledge presented here that is seven cause and effect meditations beginning with equanimity.

 

3. Chapter 2: Cyclic existence

To leave cyclic existence one must have heard at one time in the past. The cyclic existence is the continuously living in any of the six form, formless in future lives with uncontrolled suffering ever present in any actions we do. We are born with contaminated mind and body because not knowing about the three poisons, desire, hatred and ignorance whatever we have done has created a tremendous force to support continuous suffering. Therefore we must acknowledge that suffering is ever present and the cure is also present as presented in the four noble truth.

Therefore to liberate oneself from all of these one must meditate on suffering in all six realms, suffering is impermanent, the three poisons are continuously creating suffering which seems to be permanent, and the realization of emptiness is an antidote to exhaust all suffering.

 

4. Chapter 3: Altruism

Due to evey being having been our mother in the past therefore to leave this cyclic existence alone one will never attain full enlightenment. Therefore one cannot even help our mothers from the past who are suffering, let alone our mother in this life. Meditating on the seven cause and effect beginning with equanimity, one constantly remains oneself to recognize all beings from bug onwards are our mothers. Thinking of their past kindness, we would want to repay their kindness they have given to us from the past and in the future.

Now we think of them as our enemies, strangers and friends in this life. In former lives they have suffered themselves whem giving birth to us. Now they are afflicted with anger and become our “enemies” but we still remember their past kindness therefore we want to help our mothers to heal and to escape from these sufferings and afflictions.

 

5. Chapter 4: Love and Compassion

The love we have for our friends and families are conditional and unconditional because of closeness in this life, living together and most familiar with. For our parents we owe it to them because parents have brought us up thru sweat and tears. For our friends we associate with them because of similarities and common interest we shared with them. The bonds are conditional because we may separate from them and choose not to like and love them any more. The love of parents for a child is stronger thus it is unconditional no matter how the child is ill treating their parents. But the love of parents for their child is only for these lives alone but not for future lives. If we wish to repay our parents kindness and love to us we can do so in view of this and future lives, thinking for their long term well being into the future.

We can extend this to our friend initially, and then strangers and our enemies. For our dearest friend whom we like it is easier to extend the thought for their happiness now because we are happy for their happiness and when we thought of being friends in the future of course we also want them to be happy for their future lives. Then we put our attention to sentient beings who are neutral to us such as animals who cannot return our kindness if we take care of their food and shelter. Therefore as we practice and mediate on the love of others with the thought of wanting them to be happy until we are able to think the same for our enemies and then forming a strong conviction that it is our sole responsibility for the happiness of others. Thus one is moving away from conditional love to unconditional love and compassion.

As an example when one has taken the duty of taking the welfare of animals by running animal shelter. The animals then rely on our care for safety and protection, they are happy now. Therefore for the sake of happiness and welfare of others thus one wish to become enlightened to be able to help all sentient beings. If one forsake and give up then one cannot become enlightened because enlightenment doesn’t come from not helping others, simply it means by not doing anything. But one also cannot help all sentient beings to become enlightened when one haven’t achieve enlightenment. But that is not true. One take the responsibility to become enlightened for the sake of all sentient beings while on the journey, walking the path serving sentient beings, thus enlightenment can be achieved. Thus the aspiration, conviction to become enlightenment, and the practice, taking of happiness and welfare of sentient beings, go hand in hand together.

To develop compassion one think of the three types of suffering and ten non-virtues and meditate on their causes and what we are experiencing ourselves are related to what we have done in our past. We generate the thought wishing our friends not to have those sufferings and wanting them to achieve happiness. Then we extend to those neutral to us and our enemies.

 

6. Chapter 5: Assuming the Burden

Wishing to help all sentient beings alone is not sufficient because one is a child of all sentient beings in the past. Wishing won’t be enough to repay one’s parents but taking the responsibility the ownership to help them is. Wouldn’t we want our parents to have long term happiness? Thinking and reflecting back of what has been on our mind an hour ago, yesterday, past week, what is our dominant thought? Is it for others or ourselves? Busy for others or ourselves? Therefore to help all sentient beings we would need to cultivate the thought to free all sentient beings from suffering and joined with happiness that is making it the dominant thought.

Also one needs to know how to help sentient beings and actually do it. Each sentient beings have different mental predisposition that needs to be overcome. Therefore investigation is needed to convince oneself that only a Buddha can help all sentient beings because of Buddha’s qualities and power he possessed and the path he has walked through. It is proven to work for all sentient beings. As the teachings from Buddha is taught to us now his promise to become enlightened is being fulfilled thru us indirectly. As each of us who walk the path towards enlightened for the sake all sentient beings all the Buddhas wishes are being fulfilled.

Therefore instead of hearing but not doing anything one must start to meditate on the three principle paths towards full enlightened with strong conviction. The effect will be felt in this present life. If it is not so strong the effect will only happen in next life. And if one only merely wishes the effect is also much lesser. Therefore throw away one’s fear and request the Three Jewels for assistance to achieve the promise to become enlightened for the of all sentient beings.

 

7. Chapter 6: Wisdom

The main purpose of all Buddhas is to teach emptiness to sentient beings for them to realize inherent existence of nature of all phenomena thus being able to escape cyclic existence and achieve enlightenment. The wisdom of having correct view is like a mother as it is needed for both middling and great scope while the method to achieve it is like a father. Even if one doesn’t understand emptiness but suspicion is created of non inherent existence of sentient beings it will create the cause for destroying cyclic rebirth. The benefit is as great as the number of sentient beings and it is even greater if one has the aspiration to achieve enlightenment for the sake all sentient beings combined with the thought to cultivate wisdom.

Without studying and cultivation people see their mind and body has belonging to “me” a person and thus can be identified and pointed to. People have been given label called names since they are born. When you talk and thought to yourself you refer to “I” and “me”. People have been thinking in this mode unconsciously since beginningless time. To generate correct view one needs to observe this “I” and “me” and constantly on the look our for it whether it is located in the senses and composite.

 

8. Chapter 7: Nagarjuna

Prior to Nagarjuna Buddha achieved enlightened but this is a common view to ordinary people as one who has achieved enlightenment one does not need to experience die. Therefore the Buddha came to this world teaching the Dharma to help people to free themselves by showing the way in a form that can be seen which is a physical body. Later Nagarjuna came to teach and revive the Dharma, giving teachings which are more suitable to the people after the passing of the Buddha. Nagarjuna established the Madhyamika system from his works “Six Collections of Reasoning” and “Treatise on the Middle Way”. By meditating on dependent arising, emptiness of nature of phenomena and of persons, one cuts thru the root of ignorance that the mind and body belongs to the “I” and “me”.

Therefore cyclic existence can be stopped and happiness doesn’t become a temporarily thing. The senses, body, feelings, consciousness arises the “I” or “me” as a person. However people viewed the “I” as a separate entity existing on itself alone. Then the “I” is different from the mind and body if it exists by itself. However if it exists by itself then where is the “I”? If it cannot be found outside of mind and body then the “I” doesn’t really exist by itself. If the “I” is inside the mind and body then it is the same as mind and body. If the “I” is the same as mind and body then why is a differentiation is made accord to the “I”? Observing the “I” and “me” in one’s thought the “I” arises during self talk and mental thought processes.

 

9. Chapter 8: Are a Person and Mind and Body the Same or Different?

The four steps meditation on selflessness

1. A person is inherently exist

2. This person must be same with mind and body or different

3. and 4. There is one “I” but mind and body which belongs to “I” are two. If there is only one “I” then there could only be one mind and body. Therefore the I is separate from mind and body and not one.

If it is separate from mind and body therefore the “I” must be able to be found. Meditate on patiently one sought the “I”.

Dependent-arising is compatible with emptiness. Because phenomena exists now, not by itself alone but based on causes. A person also exists based on causes. Therefore Buddhas existence is the result of sentient beings searching for happiness.

Since many of us misunderstood the nature of phenomena we continuously create the causes and conditions to wander in cyclic existence thru artificial and innate misconception. The former misconception is belief in wrong doctrine and the later misconception is inborn wrong conclusion while interacting with nature and other persons.

 

10. Chapter 9: Nothingness is Not Emptiness

By clearing our mind of all thoughts, making it empty doesn’t make it a meditation practice. It is impossible to meditate on emptiness if one hasn’t form a conceptual understanding of it. Therefore upon hearing and learning about the non-inherent existence of persons, and nature of phenomena, and the six elements that is earth, water, fire, wind, space, and consciousness one meditate on them constantly for long of time identifying and investigating their existence thus one creates a mental concept of emptiness. Through meditation one can arrive at an understanding that emptiness and dependent-arising are compatible with each other.

 

11. Chapter 10: Summary

From the small scope to great scope one meditates on the suffering of six migrations in future lives, seeking liberation from all of these and conclude not just one but all sentient beings who were our mothers deserve our payback by us achieving Buddhahood thus being able to free them from cyclic existence. Meditating and cultivating on the three principal paths one strive towards it from life to life until full enlightenment is achieved and thereafter one still continue benefiting all sentient beings teaching the Dharma until all of them are liberated.

 

Chapter 1 to 5 of “Way of Compassion” by Tsongkhapa

1. Chapter 1 Homage to Compassion

Compassion is the cause of Buddhahood which is the effect. Therefore it is even better to praise compassion than praising the Buddha. When one praise an act of compassion it means one can identify with compassion of others and rejoice at the act thus collecting merits. One also reduces one’s jealousy of others.

The hearers and solitary realizers are born from Buddhas because it is from the teaching of Buddhas that they achieve enlightenment of  hearers and solitary realizers. Therefore they do not achieve enlightenment without assistance from Buddhas. Hearer may listen and proclaim the path of great scope to Buddhahood but they do not practice it, the conviction to be enlightenment for the sake of all sentient beings. Solitary realizer is superior to hearer is because they practice merit and wisdom longer than hearer. However solitary realizer do not collect fully qualified merits and wisdom thus are lesser than a Buddha.

The Buddhas are born from Bodhisattvas because they are Bodhisattvas before becoming Buddhas. The Buddhas praise Bodhisattvas because 1) the cause of Buddhahood is from precious Bodhisattvas, 2) indirectly praising Buddhahood, the fruit of the path of Bodhisattvas, 3) one should support novice Bodhisattvas because of their great motivation to help all sentient beings and 4) those in any of 3 vehicles who heard the praise definitely enter the great scope.

Since hearers and solitary realizers are born from Buddhas which are born from Bodhisattvas therefore the root is also from compassion. Therefore compassion is the root of hearers, solitary realizers, Buddhas, and Bodhisattvas.

 

2. Chapter 2 Causes of Boddhisattvas

There are three causes of a Bodhisattva that is a compassionate mind, non-dual wisdom and an altruistic mind of enlightenment where the root cause is compassion.

The altruistic mind of enlightenment wishes to achieve Buddhahood for the sake all sentient beings where the object of attainment is one’s full enlightenment and the object of intent is to help all sentient beings. Both must be present to be considered as a cause of altruistic mind of enlightenment.

Compassion is present in the beginning, in the middle, and in the end on the path towards full enlightenment.

 

3. Chapter 3 Types of Compassion

Sentient beings are bounded by these six features:

  1. Contaminated actions and afflictions.
  2. Mind impel into cyclic existence
  3. Unending rebirth in cyclic existence
  4. No effort is required to go to lower realms
  5. Thorough afflictions i) ignorance, attachment, grasping, ii) compositional action and existence, iii) production of consciousness, name and form, six sources.
  6. Pervasive suffering of pain and change

When one delights in the suffering of enemies, has no feelings towards the suffering of strangers but become unbearable towards the suffering of friends one has a degree of pleasantness towards a friend. The closer one is to the person the greater the unbearable feelings. Therefore to generate great compassion one generate this strong feeling of cherishing and affection for all sentient beings.

The other two types of compassion are seeing the momentarily of impermanence and non-inherent existence exhibit in sentient beings. When one observes sentient beings as momentarily impermanent the thought of a permanent, independent person is removed from one’s mind.

 

4. Chapter 4 The Inexpressible Trail

In general one practices to develop the six paramitas together with compassion to become a Bodhisattva. Giving creates resources, ethics creates happiness, patience creates good appearance, effort creates virtue, concentration creates peace, and wisdom liberates one from wrong understanding.

For ordinary people one must practice both method and wisdom to progress on the path. One cannot practice one without the other including Bodhisattvas.

There are eleven grounds, the first ten are Bodhisattvas grounds, the last of which is Buddhahood. Each ground represents the quality of a Bodhisattva’s focal practice not neglecting the previous ground. Ignorance is still present and causes pollution up to seventh ground. However from eighth ground onwards ignorance has been destroyed and only the pre-disposing latencies are present to cause pollution. The Bodhisattvas ground are superior to hearers and solitary realizers because of its four features which increases on each ground. They are twelve sets of a hundred qualities, greater power on each ground in removing stains from ignorance, perfections of six paramitas, and higher rebirth.

 

5. Chapter 5 Very Joyful

The very joyful is the first Bodhisattva ground and advances to higher ground with great enthusiasm. On this ground the Bodhisattva has abandon the self which could cause fear and stop one from progressing the path, bad ethics and conduct which could lead one to the wrong path, and doubt which could make one hesitate of the path. The Bodhisattva no longer possible to be born in lower realm because the cause and condition have exhausted.

Even on this ground the Bodhisattva outshine hearers and solitary realizers because of their lineages which bring forth conviction to full enlightenment with their compassion. The merits is very much greater than hearers and solitary realizers.

 

6. Chapter 6 Hinayanist Cognize Emptiness

Hearers and Solitary Realizers have realized emptiness therefore they have remove all seed of afflictions and they are not reborn. Meditating on sixteen attributes of the four noble truths does not make one realize emptiness but the coarse form selflessness of a person. Asanga stated that afflictions are removed by practicing selflessness and the attributes are the means of training our mind.

 

7. Chapter 7 Liberation Is Impossible Without Wisdom of Emptiness

One who makes the mistake of not seeing the four noble truths as they are in reality will perceive one is reborn thus generating doubt over Buddha’s teachings. The reason is one still holds conceptual of true existence as valid, having not realize the non-inherent existence of phenomena and selflessness of a person. To abandon the seed of afflictions by meditating on sixteen attributes of the four noble truths is insufficient. One must cognize and meditate on the inherent existence of person and phenomenon initially and then the non-inherent existence of both of them.

 

8. Chapter 8 Difference Between Hinayana and Mahayana

Emptiness is taught to both Hearers and Solitary Realizers, and Bodhisattvas but it is fully taught in the Bodhisattvas path. For Hearers and Solitary Realizers mere cognition of suchness is sufficient for liberating from cyclic existence. Bodhisattvas have full mastery over emptiness from a broad, unlimited reasoning, wisdom mind and thus being able to teach emptiness to Hearers and Solitary Realizers. In addition they are defined by their great aspirational prayers and dedications, the two great collections of merit and wisdom, vast compassion towards all sentient beings, and conviction to become fully enlightenment for the sake of all.

 

9. Chapter 9 Perfection of Giving

Without resources in human life one suffers tremendously because one cannot live comfortably and the only dominant thought is how can one survive to get the next meal. Therefore a happy life one needs resources. From the practice of giving one obtains resources easily in future even if one’s wish is happiness in this cyclic existence. However one has let go the fault of holding to resources and created the conditions to meet a spiritual guide who will teach the sufferings of cyclic existence and the means to achieve liberation. Through the perfection of giving a Bodhisattva is able to give away their body, fresh, life, and possession without attachment. For the practitioner one should generate the aspiration to readily give away one’s body, possessions, and roots of virtue without regret for the sake others when one practices giving.

 

10. Chapter 10 Perfection of Ethics

Ethics is the abandonment of non-virtue by holding the ten refuge vows. While giving will create the condition for one to obtain resources in future happy human life the foundation is based on ethics. Without ethics just solely giving will cause one to go to lower realms. Therefore one must maintain ethics while giving. When one goes to lower realms one hardly has the opportunity to do virtuous actions instead one easily collects enormous amount of non-virtue. Therefore ethics is the base of all auspicious qualities. Here ethics is said to be truly pure when one cognize suchness otherwise ethics are still faulty although externally it looks one is properly is keeping ethics.

 

11. Chapter 11 Perfection of Patience

In cultivating patience one meditates on the faults of anger.

  1. One cannot reverse the harm others done to us by being angry, it is senseless.
  2. One who is suffering from previous bad karma does not wish to continue suffering thinks that by being angry at others the suffering will go away.
  3. Virtue collected from long time is destroyed by being angry.
  4. Impatience causes one to be born in lower realms, an ugly face, cannot discriminate between what is right and wrong and destroys oneself and others.

By being patience one develops the opposite of the faults of impatience which is to be born in human or god realms, a beautiful body, able to discern right from wrong, and remove non-virtues from anger and so forth.

 

12. Chapter 12 Perfection of Effort and Concentration

Attainments come from putting effort in doing virtue that is giving and so forth. If one delights in virtue and perform giving, ethics, and patience, through effort one collects merit and wisdom. On concentration one becomes sharp and discern able the subtle aspects of the four noble truths.

 

Ten points I feel is important to keep in mind always.

– Meditation is one the best method for taming the mind.
By meditating one can relax the mind and see how the Dharma knowledge we learn from hearing, and studying can be applied into our lives. One prepare beforehand the meditation topic and while during work or play the mind is more readily able to recall the antidote when one encounters suffering from obstacles due one’s negative qualities. One is able to respond positively instead of negatively in situations.

– Study and practice are the core method to a Buddhist practitioner.
Without studying one cannot think of something from the thin air. By studying one discover the thoughts and ideas of the teachings. Therefore one can apply the teachings to improve one’s character, attitude and behavior and therefore the work and relationship become a teamwork.

– Although it wasn’t mentioned in the book one can infer logic and debate are methods to train the mind.
The book has put forth many questions, arguing for and against different topics. It is also a good weapon to attack the wrong view of self.

– One of the main reason Buddha is here is to teach emptiness or creating the conditions conducive for sentient beings to learn emptiness.
Buddha has realized the suffering of all sentient beings trapped in cyclic existence due to the wrong conceptions of an inherent existence self. It is a disease so serious that everyone thinks that they are happy but it is actually suffering.

– One can only learn emptiness by practicing compassion.
That is to say by doing virtue one thus creates the good karma to receive the wisdom for learning emptiness. There is no way around it because negative karma would prevent us to listen to advise of others let along a spiritual guide.

– Cyclic existence is the trapping of believing one truly exist forever.
Sentient beings are deluded into believing that they are truly existence because of the self which the senses serve to fulfill it by being able to observe an external object in relation to self. Thinking that I am not exist is not very healthy either. After studying one meditate to search for the ‘I’ or ‘mine’.

– Thinking for the sake of others will reduce our self grasping.
By working and thinking of others under a guru’s mandala self-grasping is reduced by focusing on self and thus create the conditions to receive the teachings.
 
– Being spiritual or religious means at least one must motivated of future lives.
Just thinking of today, this lives alone is not spiritual. The fault is that one does not believe that virtue do indeed cause one to born a happy human life in future. One thinks that one has only one life alone or having a short term view of this life is important.

– The fastest way to escape is to become fully enlightenment for the sake of others with full conviction.
By dedicating our prayers to full enlightenment this create the causes us to achieve enlightenment faster based on our conviction. If the aspiration is maybe then one is also ‘maybe’ become enlightenment in an unspecified future.

– The defining feature of Bodhisattva path are the great aspirational prayers and dedications, two collections of merit and wisdom, vast compassion towards all sentient beings to achieve full enlightenment.
The Bodhisattva path is the surest way of lasting happiness for everyone because without the kindness of others one is not able to meet the Dharma today. Therefore I wish to walk on this path until full enlightenment because all the suffering in cyclic existence I have experience enough of it.

 


 

Book review by Freon Tee

Name ten points you learned from the book, how it affects you and describe each of the ten points and send the report to me

Dear Rinpoche,

These are the 10 points that I have learned and effecting me. The 10 points are:-

  1. What it means to be a Buddhist
  2. Hearing, Thinking and Meditating
  3. Importance of equanimity
  4. Cyclic Existence
  5. Importance of Altruism, Love & compassion, Assuming the burden
  6. Realized the emptiness of inherent existence
  7. Importance of Giving
  8. Importance of Ethics
  9. Importance of Patience
  10. Importance of Effort and concentration

 

Introduction

Book Title:   “ Meditations of a Tantric Abbot”- Kensur Lekden

                               “Way of Compassion” – Tsong-ka-pa

 

Translator:  Prof. Jeffrey Hopkins

This book is the combination of Kensur Lekden’s meditations and Tsong-ka-pa’s detailed explanation affords a unique blend of the oral and written traditions of Tibetan Buddhism on the principal motivation for enlightenment, compassion.

 

Point 1: What it means to be a Buddhist

Notes from the book:

  • In Buddhism persons are identified from the viewpoint of capacity- great, middling, or small.
  • The small of the small do not practice any religion, but only strive for happiness in this present existence. Like animals these beings do not achieve any virtue at all
  • The middling of the small engage in both religious and non-religious means to achieve happiness in the present for only themselves, not for their friends or even their own future lives. Due to this low motivation, their activities cannot function as religious practice
  • The great of the small engage in virtue, seeking happiness, comfort, food, drink, resources and so forth mainly for future lives. Because they practice not for the sake of others but for their own temporary welfare in cyclic existence-the beginningless round of birth, ageing, sickness, and death- they are the lowest among actual religious practitioners, but due to their longer perspective are included within the count of actual devotees.
  • A person exceeds the thought of a being of small capacity when he realizes that there is no peace until he no longer has to be reborn through the force of contaminated actions and afflictions. Progressing, he decides to obtain liberation from all types of cyclic existence and seeks the bliss of the extinguishment of suffering. …he identifies foes and, by aiming to overcome them, generates the attitude of a being with middling capacity. Through proper meditation he can then be liberated from cyclic existence as a Foe Destroyer (Arhat)
  • These latter realize that attaining the happiness of a god or a human in the next lifetime is not sufficient either for themselves or others. They are concerned about the four faults in all sentient beings…
  • They believe in Three Jewels have the power to protect all beings from these four faults and go for refuge to Buddha, his Doctrine, and the Spiritual Community from the depths of the heart.
  • Because of the difference in motivation, one instance of refuge by the great is more powerful than a hundred thousand refuges by the small. Thus whether hearing, thinking or meditating, one should precede all practice with the refuge of a being of great capacity.

Effects

1)    I aim to be a Buddhist

  • At this point, I have checked on my motivation and the type of capacity of a Buddhist of myself. I found that I am in the small of the small capacity, which in this book not even qualifies to label myself as a Buddhist.
  • Even though I have taken refuge, but I do not strive to think to leave the cyclic existence or to practice happiness for future lives. I do not practice day and night every hour by practicing like a being of great capacity. Even I take refuge, it is not from the depth of my heart.  What I understand in Buddhist theory remains a theory. Thus I aim to practice the dharma.
  • To practice the dharma. Refuge is the most important door. Thus, Guru Devotion is the most important factor. Without a Guru we can’t even know the power of Three Refuge, understanding the methods to practice not to mention the methods to help others sentient beings.

 

Point 2: Hearing, Thinking and Meditating

Notes from the book:

  • Humans are doers of deeds, Buddhism explains how to act- how to adopt the means to make oneself and others happy. This involves, hearing, thinking and meditating.
  • Hearing means to listen to the explanations of a guru or read books in order to discover what is to be practiced and why.
  • Having heard in this way about practice of the path, one should think about the cause and effect relationship between the paths and their fruits, until conviction is generated.
  • Shakyamuni Buddha said:” to determine what you did in the past, examine your body. Examine your mind to discover what will come in the future.”
  • One should cultivate meditative stabilization in order to free the mind from distraction.
  • Meditation is the most powerful means of re-structuring the mind
  • At the end of each session of meditation, one should dedicate its merit to the welfare of all beings.  A story from Shakyamuni Buddha’s teaching illustrates how dedication protects and maintains virtues.
  • Virtue of a meditative session is dedicated to help and bring happiness to limitless sentient beings, then until that actually occurs, the virtue will not be lost.

Effects

1)    Guru Devotion

  • In this degenerated age, it is very important to have guru devotion. Without a Guru, we are lost. Which dharma book to read, how to hear, how to meditate, what is the thought will not be the correct one. Only when we have great, in depth guru devotion, will we cultivate the confidence towards our Guru and follow the instructions from our Guru. This is very essential because we first learn dharma from Hearing. Thus I must learn to keep clean samaya with Rinpoche. 

2)    Meditation

  • I always think that meditation is not important and it is waste of time. From this point I have learned, meditation is important to stabilize the thought, to re-structure the mind.
  • Not to forget at the end of my meditation, to dedicate to all sentient beings not just for my close ones and myself.

 

Point 3: Importance of equanimity

Notes from the book:

  • Cultivation of equanimity is an important initial meditation
  • If one does not abide in equanimity, believing that all beings… should be equally happy and free from suffering, pure religious practice and meditation cannot occur.
  • Since cyclic existence is beginningless, there is no sentient being who has not acted as a nurturing friend.
  • Cultivation of equanimity begins the process of mental transformation culminating in Bodhichitta. An altruistic aspiration towards enlightenment.
  • At that point one attains the 1st level of the Mahayana path of accumulation. The door to Mahayana – Generate aspirations to highest enlightenment for the sake of all sentient beings.

Effects

1)    Practice equanimity

  • Without practicing equanimity, I will still have attachment and hatred towards my friends, enemy. This differentiation will not bring any good to me and it is actually senseless. If I would to believe there is cyclic existence and karma. Not to mention that I can’t progress further to become a Buddhist, then I have to learn to cultivate equanimity.
  • Equanimity is not only practiced towards humans’ relationship but also towards beings in the other realms. For example – towards the animals. I have to learn to view them as my friends or mother from the past life.
  • Without practicing equanimity, I do not think I am qualify to be on the Mahayana path.

2) Meditating on equanimity

  • To cultivate equanimity, this helps me to tame my mind or to transform my mind towards love and compassion.
  • The best way to practice equanimity is through meditating. Begin from the neutral person, to a friend or family member we are attached to and finally to an enemy.

 

Point 4: Cyclic Existence

Notes from the book:

  • Cyclic existence- a state impelled by the force of actions and afflictions in which one is forced to assume a contaminated mind and body.
  • Caught in the process of cyclic existence, one must then be born, grow old, become sick, and die again and again in the six types of migrations.
  • The afflictions of desire, hatred, and ignorance are the support of contaminated actions and thus are the final root of cyclic existence. All common beings powerlessly engage in actions through these three poisons.
  • One must develop the wish definitely to leave this state and attain a peace in which all suffering is extinguished. This can be understood through the four noble truths: true suffering, true origins of suffering, true cessations of suffering, true paths.
  • According to the Svatantrika-Madhyamika system, there is a subtle mental consciousness that is the person who has travelled from life to life since beginningless cyclic existence. The predispositions or seeds for generating the capacity to free oneself from bondage are established on this subtle mental consciousness by hearing about the wish to leave cyclic existence.
  • When one hears or thinks of this doctrine, these potencies are activated, providing the capacity for quickly generating the paths of liberation.
  • One should generate the thought “ I will free myself from misery and attain the peace of extinguishment. Then, having fulfilled my own aims, I will cause all beings throughout space to abandon suffering.”

Effects

1)    Understanding the horrible of the cyclic existence

  • At this point, I understand that I can never leave this cyclic existence. I will be wandering in the six realms again and again, suffer the pain of being reborn to death, powerlessly, under the influence of the 3 poisons.

2)    The importance of sharing Dharma with people

  • From the book, by listening to why we must leave cyclic existence it will leave a seeds of enlightenment for people. Hence, I shall inform people that I come across, about cyclic existence and other dharma knowledge. At least this is a gift for the person I care for not only this life but also their life after life. I believe in previous life, there must be some one who was kind and brave enough to tell me this doctrine and thus today I am fortunate to hear and learn more about cyclic existence and the methods to leave it.

 

Point 5:  Importance of Altruism, Love & compassion, Assuming the burden

Notes from the book:

Altruism

  • If the intention to overcome the process of cyclic existence is not conjoined with altruism, one will attain only freedom from suffering, not the Buddhahood….Therefore, the altruistic aspiration, called the mind of enlightenment (bodhichitta) is most important
  • The aspirational mind of enlightenment is the wish to attain Buddhahood in order to help all sentient beings; it marks the beginning of a Bodhisattva’s accumulation of meritorious power in conjunction with wisdom and continues until Buddhahood…
  • To become a Bodhisattva …. It involves 7 steps in the system transmitted from Buddha to Maitreya to Asanga:
  1. recognition of all sentient beings as mothers,
  2. becoming mindful of their kindness
  3. intending to repay their kindness
  4. love
  5. compassion
  6. unusual attitude
  7. altruistic mind generation

Love & compassion

  • The King of Meditation Sutra (Samadhiraja) says that the benefit of cultivating love with all sentient beings as the field of observation is immeasurably greater than that of offering to Buddhas and Bodhisattva over many aeons …
  • To cultivate Love… one should first take as the object of observation a friend… when this becomes easy, one should consider a neutral person … then, one should consider an enemy and cultivate love until there is no different between the wish for happiness that one has for the friend, the neutral person, and the enemy. The meditation should be extended slowly to all sentient beings throughout space…
  • The next step is to cultivate compassion. …A compassionate mind is all sentient beings who have any of the three suffering- of pain, of change, and of being so composed as to be always ready to undergo pain.

Assuming the burden

  • …for generating a mind of enlightenment is the unusual attitude, which involves cultivation of love and compassion with special force….
  • One should take upon oneself the task of making them happy and freeing them from suffering
  • Persons who have generated the unusual attitude need to know how sentient beings can be freed from suffering and made happy; otherwise their meditation can only be a wish
  • Upon investigation they discover that only those who have the status of a blessed Buddha can actually bring vast benefit to others.

Effects

1)    I have to cultivate Altruism, Love and compassion, Assuming the burden.

  • Without these 3 precepts, I can never understand the way to cultivate towards enlightenment mind. If I care about the people around me, and I understand that the person around me no matter they are my friend or enemy or neutral now, somehow we have karmic connection for many life times. By understanding the suffering that I am facing and they are facing; I will therefore learn to cultivate Altruism, Love and compassion. But without Assuming the burden, it is hard to free others.
  • Thus it is essential to begin at this life, where I can still understand the Dharma and I can still practice.
  • With the mind that I can’t control my rebirth. People around me too suffer on wandering in samsara, thus,  If I am truly sincere in caring for the people around me, this life is the chances for me to cultivate these 3 precepts and benefit others.

 

Point 6: Realized the emptiness of inherent existence

Notes from the book:

  • The cause behind sentient beings’ uncontrolled travelling in cyclic existence is misconception of the nature of the objects.
  • Wisdom that realized the emptiness of inherent existence is like a mother giving birth to the auspicious attainments in Hinayana and Mahayana, allowing abandonment of obstructions and attainment of the fruits of both vehicles.

Effects

  • Without realizing the emptiness of inherent existence. I will look at things and phenomena that happen around me as permanent, as real.
  • Hence, I will still develop the 3 poisons, which will lead me to stay in the wheel of karma, dragged down by currents of samsara,  “pleasure” which is actually impermanent and not at real peace.
  • I tends to forget that whatever happens now is like a dream. If I understand more  in emptiness, contemplate on it, it will be easy for me to cultivate equanimity, love and compassion and thus liberate myself from samsara.

 

Point 7: Importance of Giving

Notes from the book:

  • The supramundane perfection of giving Is the first supramundane cause of complete enlightenment
  • Bodhisattva has no taints of attachment with respect to giving away his body, life, and resources. Even though he gives away, his continuum remains firm without changing its aspect
  • The Subduer, understanding the thought of all migrators and knowing that these resources arise from merit accumulated by previous giving, discoursed on giving from the very first for it is easy to engage in this method.
  • Chandrakirti’s root says:

All these beings want happiness, but human

Happiness does not occur without resources

Knowing that resources arise from giving

The subdue first discoursed on that

  • With respect to putting into practice now …you should, through imagination, train in giving your own body to others and in the special ways of generating joy. .. You should consider that even if you do not give these away, they will disintegrate; thereby, you will have to lose them, and thus it would be better to give them first through your own thought as if you were actually giving them.

Effects

1)    Importance of Giving

  • At this point, I learned that to gain resources; to collect merits we are to learn how to give. 
  • Through giving we are not only able to extinguish immediately the suffering of others, this creates the causes to meet a Superior being and able to gain the supreme joy.

 

Point 8: Importance of Ethics

Notes from the book:

  • [Having] ‘proper ethics’ (shila) means that one does not assume afflictions which motivate faulty ethics and that sinful actions discordant with formulated codes do not arise.
  • … due to its being a cause of happiness, it is taught by the excellent
  • …if you lack of proper ethics, the resources that are the fruit of giving will mature not in happy migration but in a bad one.
  • It is extremely rare to achieve virtue during a bad migration, in which the accumulation of sins is extremely powerful; thus, one must continue in only bad migrations.
  • Faulty ethics is a source of many faults, such as being led to a bad migration; therefore, immediately after discoursing on giving, the Conqueror who had overcome all sins spoke on the achievement of accompanying giving with ethics so that the benefits there of would not be wasted.

Effects

1)    Important of Ethics

  • At this point, I learned that to reborn in a good state, keeping good ethics is very important. 
  • For instance if I become an animal, e.g: cats. I can only keep on doing non-virtuous actions. Such as killing for food, to be ignorant etc. And, I can never get out from this bad state unless I begin to keep the ethics.
  • This is the reason we take refuge under the Three Jewels, we have 5 precepts to follows. These precepts are not to limit our freedom but to free us from future bad migration. 

 

Point 9: Importance of Patience

Notes from the book:

  • If you become angry with someone who harmed you, then since the harmed cannot be reversed, does resenting him reverse the harm already done? It does not; therefore, resentment is certainly senseless here.
  • Resentment…not only is it purposeless, but it is also unfavorable to your welfare in future lives because time spent in anger impels unpleasant fruition after death
  • Impatience not only is a cause projecting vast unpleasantness as its fruition but also consumes collections of merit accumulated over a long time.
  • When anger is generated, it destroys roots of virtue even if neither the object not the base are Bodhisattvas
  • Through cultivating patience…. One attains a beautiful body, is dear to and cherished by holy beings, becomes skilled in knowing the right-the suitable-and the wrong-the unsuitable, after death takes birth as a human or god, and removes non-virtues accumulated through anger and so forth. Reflecting on these, you should generate the power of patience
  • …a Conqueror Child has the pure perfection of patience, so he attains the four pure concentrations….
  • A Bodhisattva on the third ground overcomes the darkness of faults that destroy virtues, he becomes very sharp like the sun, but he does not get angry with faulty beings. This is because he has become extremely well accustomed to patience….

Effects

1)    Important of Patience

  • At this point, I have learned that it is senseless to get angry, instead it is very important to cultivate patience. 
  • Patience is important to hold the virtues deeds that we have accumulated since the start of time.

 

Point 10: Importance of Effort and concentration

Notes from the book:

  • All auspicious attainment follow after effort, the cause of the two collections of merit and wisdom

Effects

1)    Importance of Effort and concentration

  • At this point, I have learnt that laziness and the inability to concentrate will hinder me to collect merits and wisdom. Thus in order to collect merits and wisdom, I will need to learn to make the right effort with full concentration.

 

Summary

Before I read this book, I was not aware that how a Buddhist is supposed to practice in daily life. Why is it important to have mind transformation? This is a very good book that shares on the methods to escape from cyclic existence to the ways to achieve enlightenment. It also covers on the grounds of Bodhisattvas level, what have the Bodhisattva achieves, the importance of reaching each Bodhisattva level and what is in the level and how to reach it. This book also clarifies on what are the wrong views that we use to have in Dharma. In this book, it also shared on how to meditate on certain topics.

I also learnt about some of the qualities that an enlightenment beings have. I have learned that some qualities are essential to free myself and others, such as practicing equanimity, love and compassion, important of practicing Giving, patience etc. To my surprise these fundamental qualities are actually part of Bodhisattva path. To think deeply, it is important to cultivate these 10 points while I am still in a human forms, and at least not to be reborn in a bad state, if possible aim to be free from cyclic existence not only for myself but also the people around me.

I thanks H.E Tsem Rinpoche for this book that open up my mind. May I transform quickly and remember the essential points mentioned above.

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10 Responses to Tsongkhapa’s Way of Compassion

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  1. S.Prathap on Sep 22, 2020 at 3:14 pm

    We are too busy with our daily worldly need but forgot to correct our merit for future life or our spiritual path. Some of us even too focus on the ritual and forgot about the meaning of the ritual.
    This book is so interesting and all chapter need to contemplate continuously to gain more meaning in this. Thank you very much for sharing with us.

  2. Samfoonheei on Jul 6, 2020 at 1:48 pm

    “Way of Compassion” by Tsongkhapa and “Meditations of a Tantric Abbot” by Kensur Lekden , both of these books I have not catch hold of it.“ Reading from those summaries by Freon and Swee Keong ,tells all. I did google to know more. “Kensur Lekden was one of the bright stars of the firmament of Tibetan Buddhism. In this book represent clear and compelling instructions from an accomplished master on how to set out on the bodhisattva path.” It details the attitudes cultivated in meditation—ranging from turning away from cyclic existence to developing love and compassion for all beings, to understanding the profound view of emptiness.
    Buddha Je Tsongkhapa is regarded as the manifestation of Buddha’s compassion, wisdom, and spiritual power. The book “Way of Compassion” by Tsongkhapa is all about the powerful practice helps bring compassion and happiness.
    Good read on both Freon and Swee keong summaries. From there I could understand more and learn from there. Will read it from time to time.
    Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.

  3. Michael C. on May 21, 2014 at 5:20 pm

    I have a lot to work on

  4. A special day!! | Tsem Rinpoche on Dec 17, 2013 at 6:52 am

    […] Tsongkhapa’s way of Compassion […]

  5. Soon Huat on May 7, 2013 at 8:03 pm

    Thank you Rinpoche, Freon and Swee Keong for sharing this article with us. Honestly, I have just finished the introduction written by Swee Keong and I found that it is very true. People used to say “By the rule of cause-effect. The ordinary people only scare of effect/result but Bodhisattva worry about cause which will become effect in future life”. We are too busy with our daily worldly need but forgot to correct our merit for future life or our spiritual path. Some of us even too focus on the ritual and forgot about the meaning of the ritual. My dearest and Holy Rinpoche, I promised that I will try to purchase the book and read it thoroughly. Thanks again Rinpoche, Swee Keong and Freon for the valuable sharing.

    Swee Keong and Freon,

    Hopefully I can make my effort to contribute to Kechara like both of you. I would like salute to both of you with my highest respect.

  6. Elsie Toy on Apr 30, 2013 at 2:25 pm

    wow this is really mind blowing for me. Thank you Freon and Swee Keong for the review. In order to constantly reminds me of it I printed it out and have it at my work station. So it can also benefit colleagues and friend to come by my desk. They will be able to benefit from it. Thank you Rinpoche for having Freon and Swee Keong to review the key points for us. Thank you once again.

  7. David Lai on Apr 17, 2013 at 12:39 am

    Wow! What an extensive book review from both of them. Thank you very much Rinpoche for sharing them with us. Rinpoche’s blog is truly always a great spiritual learning experience. Reading through the review reminds me of the lamrim. It must be derived from one of the great lineages of lamrim, perhaps simplified and catered to spiritual aspirants of today.

    I appreciate the honesty from the beginning of the text in which categorized people today in the lowest level, in which people are seeking only temporary happiness because they lack conviction in the existence of a next life. I think the teachings are meant to provide a perspective and logic to perceive the existence of the future lives and shift from this level to the lowest scope of entering the spiritual path with the goal of attaining a favorable future life as a start.

    Then the various teachings come into play and when we have contemplated and meditated enough these teachings, our motivation will automatically shift higher. That’s how I see the path as laid out in these teachings. It is of course much more than that but I think it is important to start where we are at and move up from there.

  8. Lim Han Nee on Apr 16, 2013 at 6:16 pm

    I have just completed the reading of Swee Keong’s report on the ten chapters of “Meditations of a Tantric Master” by Kensur Lekden.Swee Keong’s report is clear and from it I have gleaned the points of a very powerful Dharma text.The following are some points that impacted me.

    One is that a person can only be called religious if they are concerned with future lives. Then they are ready to begin their spiritual journey as a small scope being.

    We are free to choose whether we want happiness or suffering. If we decide to pursue negative acts that bring harm to others, then we will reap the just desert of suffering and even of going to the lower realms in out next rebirth. if we choose to abandon non-virtue, we will then create the cause for happiness. Hence, believing in karma, we take refuge in the Three Jewels (who are the most infallible and reliable source of refuge), as we embark on our spiritual journey.

    We must acknowledge that we are in the grip of the three poisons of desire, hatred and ignorance, and under this grip, we have committed innumerable negativities of body, speech and mind, which will cause immeasurable suffering to us. But just as we acknowledge suffering, we also know there is a cure.The ultimate antidote, as we sit in meditation to realize it, is emptiness.

    The compassion that we feel must encompass all beings, as all have been our mothers before. However, the road to compassion begins with developing equanimity. As we develop love and compassion for all with the seven-point cause and effect meditation, the labels of friends and strangers and enemies will fade away.With the aid of the Three Jewels,we will yet achieve enlightenment for the sake of all mother beings.

  9. Lim (KH JB) on Apr 16, 2013 at 2:10 am

    Thanks Swee Keong and Freon sharing ur summary points with us.

    This book is so interesting and all chapter need to contemplate continuously to gain more meaning in this. May all readers can apply the teaching daily to make their Dharma path more smoothly and gains more merits by the teaching inside…

  10. May Ong on Apr 15, 2013 at 4:48 pm

    I have been waiting for these 2 reports from Wai Meng and Freon since Rinpoche gave them this assignment and the book to read. I’ve just read the summary report of the first 10 chapters on “Meditation of a Tantric Abbot” and will continue to read the rest – carefully, digesting the points made and contemplate deeper their meanings, especially on how I can apply them to my own spiritual growth.

    It is not easy to find books that were written by highly attained tantric masters. I am grateful Rinpoche shared their reports here with us to further our buddhist studies and learning.

    With folded hand, thank you.

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  • Samfoonheei
    Wednesday, May 24. 2023 01:34 PM
    Touching indeed reading this blog again tells us more than that. Not an easy task after-all Taylong Ly and Sayeng had raised using her heart, time, patience, foresight, intuition to protect Caryl. She had made sure Carly never went hungry and never felt afraid and lonely. Taylong Ly and Sayeng were kind, loving, and caring so much so that Caryl had them deep in his heart. Looking at those beautiful photos say all.
    Thank you Rinpoche for sharing Caryl’s story with us.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/etc/caryl-wise-eagle.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Wednesday, May 24. 2023 01:32 PM
    Pope Leo X was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States. Was the son of Lorenzo de’ Medici, best known for his wasteful habits, lecherous activities, and hedonistic quote. He was crowned Pope at the age of 37, honored as a doctor of the Church and his writings. Pope Leo X was a very powerful Pope during a time when the Catholic Church was at its height in power. During his reign, he advanced the city to highly prominent status in Europe through his advocacy for the arts and education. He was the first of four Medici popes. Upon his ascension, Leo X behaved as most Medici leaders before him by working arduously towards the advancement of his family and becoming a generous benefactor of the arts. Interesting biography of a Pope known for his lavish spending, misused funds and abused his power . Tibetan leadership based in Dharamsala, North India has similarity to the Pope’s reign. The Tibetan leadership has cause many sufferings, disharmony within their own people. All can be seen in the Dorje Shugden and Karmapa controversies as well. Many Tibetans are speaking up and it has since changed for a better welfare.
    Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David for this sharing.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/art-architecture/the-controversial-pope-leo-x.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Wednesday, May 24. 2023 01:31 PM
    As we grow older and time passes we realize the spirituality within ourselves . When we can calm down our mind, delve inside us, and become aware of the pure consciousness and surrounding, we look beyond and have connection with the higher being within us. We have to grow from the inside out which involves recognising and accepting our higher potential. Amongst all the Dharma Protectors, Dorje Shugden has the strongest and closest affinity with us. Dorje Shugden an enlightened Dharma Protector helps us to develop our skills, wisdom and great compassion, and clearing all our obstacles . Dorje Shugden will help evryone regardless of race and faith. Its very beneficial to rely on the practice in various aspects of life. We are very fortunate to learn and practice this efficacious Dorje Shugden’s practice. All thanks to our teacher’s kindness and brightening up our day and make us feel ready to take on anything.
    Thank you Rinpoche and Stella for this sharing.


    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/guest-contributors/finding-deeper-meaning-in-life-with-dorje-shugden.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Wednesday, May 17. 2023 01:47 PM
    Great to know that our very own Tsem Paranormal host Li Kim been interviewed by bfm898 radio station years ago. Li Kim a talented lady had put Tsem Paranormal zone for many and many more people to know of Tsem Rinpoche. She had done a great job indeed. Rejoice.
    Thank you Rinpoche for sharing .

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/students-friends/li-kim-interviewed-by-bfm-89-9-radio-station.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Wednesday, May 17. 2023 01:46 PM
    In the last six decades the Tibatan leadership having their own agenda had not been taking interest of their own people. Many people had suffered and long overdue for their religious freedom. Having much evidence that they were making use of religion controlling their people . People were discriminated, left aside ,denied services to schools, hospitals and so forth just because they pray to an unapproved deity Dorje Shugden. They are labelled as anti-Tibetan and even as Chinese spies.
    The latest Modern Diplomacy publication covering the history and current issues of Tibet authored by Dr Andrea Galli tells the truthful insight into an exiled Tibetan leadership. The key functions of diplomacy incorporate a varied number of points, and has established a track record of providing accurate information in a world. Through extensive investigation and analysis Modern Diplomacy published the article for readers to understand of the situation happening within the Tibetan. Hopefully more people will get to read this article to understand better.
    Thank you Rinpoche for sharing Dr Galli’s article with us.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/current-affairs/the-tibetan-leadership-exposed-in-modern-diplomacy.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Wednesday, May 17. 2023 01:42 PM
    In the Tibetan Buddhist spiritual tradition, whatever pujas or fire pujas are a proven remedy for most of life’s troubles. Fire pujas are very effective for protection, removing negatives energies, to increase merits, lifespan, health, wisdom and spiritual wealth. And in such cases it could turn negative circumstances around. They can be used as relics, to be inserted into statues and stupas, and even worn in a locket. It also could be scattered in the garden, backyard or using it to bless the land. Amongst all pujas, fire pujas are among the most powerful within Tibetan Buddhism. They are extremely potent for removing obstacles for the practitioner to gain accomplishments on the path to enlightenment. For the deceased, the fire pujas is an excellent method of purifying negative karma and attaining higher rebirth. Wow…very detailed post for readers to understand about this fire puja. We are so fortunate to have this fire pujas at kechara Bentong done by monks. The fire pujas are performed with special ingredients and special mandalas were set up. In different traditions, the all the ingredients varies.
    Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing .

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/downloads/gyenze-fire-puja-or-the-fire-puja-of-the-wealth-increasing-form-of-dorje-shugden.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Wednesday, May 17. 2023 01:39 PM
    Interesting reading this blog. Yes…its always a case old antique at times comes with something else. Even when given or buying antique statues one got to be very careful. To buy one from genuine buyer on the safe side . An antique Buddha statue from Cambodia given by a relative . Hecelus Tan first sight was uncomfortable with it as later came with nightmare . That’s bad paranormal experience for him. The head of that statue coincidentally broke when Hecelus’s parents decided to bring it back to the antique shop.
    Wow… interesting .
    Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/paranormal/a-statue-that-came-with-something-else.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Sunday, May 7. 2023 01:23 PM
    Amitayus, is the primary Buddha of Pure Land Buddhism. In Vajrayana Buddhism, it is known for his longevity, discernment, pure perception, purification of aggregates, and deep awareness of emptiness . The greatest obstacles to the fulfilment of our wish to experience pure happiness are death and ignorance. It is written in the Buddhist sutras that by chanting the Amitayus Mantra, one increases one’s lifespan, acquires good fortune and wisdom, avoids untimely or accidental death, removes all negative karma, and accomplishes non-death or is reborn the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. With correct visualisation and recitation of the mantras its very beneficial for us.
    Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/short-amitayus-practice.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Sunday, May 7. 2023 01:19 PM
    Astro Wah Lai Toi is a Cantonese Video on demand owned and operated by Astro in partnership with Hong Kong’s TVB.
    Even though it’s old post yet its good to watch the video posted. Pastor Chia had an interviewed on a paranormal program on Astro Wah Lai Toi called Supernatural Investigations. Sound interesting. Well I do believe in the existence of spirits some may not believe. Pastor Chia explained the reasons why we may encounter spirits. Some people are more likely than others to report vivid experiences of spirits. Sensing the presence of spirits across cultures and faiths is central to many of the religions that have shaped human history. Many people of faith reported having encounter it but are poorly understood.
    Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/students-friends/pastor-chia-on-wah-lai-toi.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Sunday, May 7. 2023 01:18 PM
    Markam County locates in the boundary of Tibet, Sichuan and Yunnan Provinces and east of Qamdo Prefecture of Tibet. Markam County makes it illegal to ban Dorje Shugden , protecting the practice and preserving it for future generations. It’s a wonderful news for many. Since the unethical ban against Dorje Shugden, by the Tibetan leadership in exile , many people had suffered. China allows religious freedom in Tibet, protects the Dorje Shugden practice and even gives religious freedom to all faiths. They want peace and harmony within their people, in the country. The Tibetan government in exile should not interfere with religion at all. Its more than 60 years now, is time for the Tibetan government to lift the ban on Dorje Shugden’s practice even though HH Dalai Lama said we can practice Dorje Shugden.
    Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this great news, hoping more and more county allow religious freedom.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/dorje-shugden/markam-illegal-to-create-conflict.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Sunday, May 7. 2023 01:16 PM
    Looking at those old pictures of the launching of Li Kim’s paranormal series tells all. Interesting indeed someone like Li Kim and team gave us viewers a scary moment watching and getting to know more of the unknown. Great job Li Kim and her team did were amazing seeking and go beyond answering some of the mysteries of the spiritual and material world.
    Congratulations to Li Kim and ALL in the Paranormal team.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/film-tv-music/the-paranormal-zone-official-launch-congrats-to-li-kim.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Wednesday, Apr 19. 2023 02:40 PM
    Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. The choice each of every one of us choose includes freedom to change our religion, belief and freedom. There shouldn’t be a law to impose their beliefs on others. Every one of us has the right to profess and to practice his or her religion without undue interference. Religious freedom is very important as this gives us the right to be ourselves, and this helps to work together after maintaining peace the country. It allows different faiths and beliefs to flourish. After worshipping Dorje Shugden for decades, HH the 14th Dalai Lama suddenly imposed a prohibition more than 400 year old practice. He once did rely on this practice so During the height of the banning of Dorje Shugden’s practice , many practitioners who practice Dorje Shugden were ignored, discriminated and rejected within their own exiled community. Many were forced to give up on the practice on Dorje Shugden even though there are so many concrete evidence of an imposed ban. They were forced to wear an identity badge to distinguish their identities from those Dorje Shugden propitiating monks. Many Dorje Shugden practitioners had suffered because of the ban, families , friends were torn apart services denied and so forth. To live in harmony with others, we should overcoming the differences and disagreements in religion and faith of others. May this Dorje Shugde controversy be over soon .
    Thank you Rinpoche, Anila and Pastor David for this sharing.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/dorje-shugden/badge-of-shame.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Wednesday, Apr 19. 2023 02:37 PM
    Thank you Pastor David for your interesting spiritual relationship with Tsem Rinpoche, sharing with us bit by bit stories and observations. Reading gave me a better understandings. Knowledge and appreciation of our spiritual lineage is important as it shapes our identity and empowers our ability, ensuring the continuity of the true dharma. Lineage is basically concerned with authenticity and preserving the spiritual potency of the lineage’s teachings.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/one-minute-story/tales-with-my-lama-tsem-rinpoches-spiritual-lineage
  • Samfoonheei
    Wednesday, Apr 19. 2023 02:35 PM
    Dorje Shugden the Dharma Protector is a fully enlightened Buddha in the form of a protector deity. Relying on Dorje Shugden can help us achieve many benefits including the clearing of obstacles, purification of negative karma, gathering of resources and fulfilment of wishes. The Dharma Protector arose to protect Lama Tsongkhapa’s sacred lineage of teachings and who had manifested about 400 years ago from a lineage of erudite masters. A powerful Protector who is also an emanation of Manjushri, a wisdom bestowing Buddha. Its wonderful with these graphic novel to inspire more and more people getting to know and understand Dorje Shugden better.
    The graphic novel of Dorje Shugden, tells us real accounts of 10 people who had received the blessings and protection of Dorje Shugden. All thanks to our Guru Tsem Rinpoche for bringing this practice to Malaysia for us.
    Thank you writers team for sharing this article .

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/inspiration-worthy-words/the-miracles-of-dorje-shugden.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Monday, Apr 10. 2023 01:58 PM
    Generosity is a core practice of Buddhism, and one of the traditional expressions of this is through offerings to the Sangha. Making offerings is a practice for accumulating positive potential and for purifying clinging and miserliness. We must give generously and sacrificially, with the right motivation of bodhicitta, we create unbelievable merit. Sangha are living in a high number of vows and are unbelievably powerful objects. Reading this blog and looking at those beautiful pictures had me understand better what to offer to those Sanghas. Having the opportunity to make some offerings to the Sanghas will be on my list when visiting them in June.
    Thank you Rinpoche, for sharing this post.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/offerings-to-the-sangha-of-shar-gaden.html

1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · »

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The Unknown

The Known and unknown are both feared,
Known is being comfortable and stagnant,
The unknown may be growth and opportunities,
One shall never know if one fears the unknown more than the known.
Who says the unknown would be worse than the known?
But then again, the unknown is sometimes worse than the known. In the end nothing is known unless we endeavour,
So go pursue all the way with the unknown,
because all unknown with familiarity becomes the known.
~Tsem Rinpoche

Photos On The Go

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According to legend, Shambhala is a place where wisdom and love reign, and there is no crime. Doesn\'t this sound like the kind of place all of us would love to live in? https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=204874
3 years ago
According to legend, Shambhala is a place where wisdom and love reign, and there is no crime. Doesn't this sound like the kind of place all of us would love to live in? https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=204874
108 candles and sang (incense) offered at our Wish-Fulfilling Grotto, invoking Dorje Shugden\'s blessings for friends, sponsors and supporters, wonderful!
3 years ago
108 candles and sang (incense) offered at our Wish-Fulfilling Grotto, invoking Dorje Shugden's blessings for friends, sponsors and supporters, wonderful!
Dharmapalas are not exclusive to Tibetan culture and their practice is widespread throughout the Buddhist world - https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=193645
3 years ago
Dharmapalas are not exclusive to Tibetan culture and their practice is widespread throughout the Buddhist world - https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=193645
One of our adorable Kechara Forest Retreat\'s doggies, Tara, happy and safe, and enjoying herself in front of Wisdom Hall which has been decorated for Chinese New Year
3 years ago
One of our adorable Kechara Forest Retreat's doggies, Tara, happy and safe, and enjoying herself in front of Wisdom Hall which has been decorated for Chinese New Year
Fragrant organic Thai basil harvested from our very own Kechara Forest Retreat farm!
3 years ago
Fragrant organic Thai basil harvested from our very own Kechara Forest Retreat farm!
On behalf of our Puja House team, Pastor Tat Ming receives food and drinks from Rinpoche. Rinpoche wanted to make sure the hardworking Puja House team are always taken care of.
3 years ago
On behalf of our Puja House team, Pastor Tat Ming receives food and drinks from Rinpoche. Rinpoche wanted to make sure the hardworking Puja House team are always taken care of.
By the time I heard about Luang Phor Thong, he was already very old, in his late 80s. When I heard about him, I immediately wanted to go and pay my respects to him. - http://bit.ly/LuangPhorThong
3 years ago
By the time I heard about Luang Phor Thong, he was already very old, in his late 80s. When I heard about him, I immediately wanted to go and pay my respects to him. - http://bit.ly/LuangPhorThong
It\'s very nice to see volunteers helping maintain holy sites in Kechara Forest Retreat, it\'s very good for them. Cleaning Buddha statues is a very powerful and effective way of purifying body karma.
3 years ago
It's very nice to see volunteers helping maintain holy sites in Kechara Forest Retreat, it's very good for them. Cleaning Buddha statues is a very powerful and effective way of purifying body karma.
Kechara Forest Retreat is preparing for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations. This is our holy Vajra Yogini stupa which is now surrounded by beautiful lanterns organised by our students.
3 years ago
Kechara Forest Retreat is preparing for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations. This is our holy Vajra Yogini stupa which is now surrounded by beautiful lanterns organised by our students.
One of the most recent harvests from our Kechara Forest Retreat land. It was grown free of chemicals and pesticides, wonderful!
3 years ago
One of the most recent harvests from our Kechara Forest Retreat land. It was grown free of chemicals and pesticides, wonderful!
Third picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal.
Height: 33ft (10m)
4 years ago
Third picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal. Height: 33ft (10m)
Second picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal.
Height: 33ft (10m)
4 years ago
Second picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal. Height: 33ft (10m)
First picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal.
Height: 33ft (10m)
4 years ago
First picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal. Height: 33ft (10m)
The first title published by Kechara Comics is Karuna Finds A Way. It tells the tale of high-school sweethearts Karuna and Adam who had what some would call the dream life. Everything was going great for them until one day when reality came knocking on their door. Caught in a surprise swindle, this loving family who never harmed anyone found themselves out of luck and down on their fortune. Determined to save her family, Karuna goes all out to find a solution. See what she does- https://bit.ly/2LSKuWo
4 years ago
The first title published by Kechara Comics is Karuna Finds A Way. It tells the tale of high-school sweethearts Karuna and Adam who had what some would call the dream life. Everything was going great for them until one day when reality came knocking on their door. Caught in a surprise swindle, this loving family who never harmed anyone found themselves out of luck and down on their fortune. Determined to save her family, Karuna goes all out to find a solution. See what she does- https://bit.ly/2LSKuWo
Very powerful story! Tibetan Resistance group Chushi Gangdruk reveals how Dalai Lama escaped in 1959- https://bit.ly/2S9VMGX
4 years ago
Very powerful story! Tibetan Resistance group Chushi Gangdruk reveals how Dalai Lama escaped in 1959- https://bit.ly/2S9VMGX
At Kechara Forest Retreat land we have nice fresh spinach growing free of chemicals and pesticides. Yes!
4 years ago
At Kechara Forest Retreat land we have nice fresh spinach growing free of chemicals and pesticides. Yes!
See beautiful pictures of Manjushri Guest House here- https://bit.ly/2WGo0ti
4 years ago
See beautiful pictures of Manjushri Guest House here- https://bit.ly/2WGo0ti
Beginner’s Introduction to Dorje Shugden~Very good overview https://bit.ly/2QQNfYv
4 years ago
Beginner’s Introduction to Dorje Shugden~Very good overview https://bit.ly/2QQNfYv
Fresh eggplants grown on Kechara Forest Retreat\'s land here in Malaysia
4 years ago
Fresh eggplants grown on Kechara Forest Retreat's land here in Malaysia
Most Venerable Uppalavanna – The Chief Female Disciple of Buddha Shakyamuni - She exhibited many supernatural abilities gained from meditation and proved to the world females and males are equal in spirituality- https://bit.ly/31d9Rat
4 years ago
Most Venerable Uppalavanna – The Chief Female Disciple of Buddha Shakyamuni - She exhibited many supernatural abilities gained from meditation and proved to the world females and males are equal in spirituality- https://bit.ly/31d9Rat
Thailand’s ‘Renegade’ Yet Powerful Buddhist Nuns~ https://bit.ly/2Z1C02m
4 years ago
Thailand’s ‘Renegade’ Yet Powerful Buddhist Nuns~ https://bit.ly/2Z1C02m
Mahapajapati Gotami – the first Buddhist nun ordained by Lord Buddha- https://bit.ly/2IjD8ru
4 years ago
Mahapajapati Gotami – the first Buddhist nun ordained by Lord Buddha- https://bit.ly/2IjD8ru
The Largest Buddha Shakyamuni in Russia | 俄罗斯最大的释迦牟尼佛画像- https://bit.ly/2Wpclni
4 years ago
The Largest Buddha Shakyamuni in Russia | 俄罗斯最大的释迦牟尼佛画像- https://bit.ly/2Wpclni
Sacred Vajra Yogini
4 years ago
Sacred Vajra Yogini
Dorje Shugden works & archives - a labour of commitment - https://bit.ly/30Tp2p8
4 years ago
Dorje Shugden works & archives - a labour of commitment - https://bit.ly/30Tp2p8
Mahapajapati Gotami, who was the first nun ordained by Lord Buddha.
4 years ago
Mahapajapati Gotami, who was the first nun ordained by Lord Buddha.
Mahapajapati Gotami, who was the first nun ordained by Lord Buddha. She was his step-mother and aunt. Buddha\'s mother had passed away at his birth so he was raised by Gotami.
4 years ago
Mahapajapati Gotami, who was the first nun ordained by Lord Buddha. She was his step-mother and aunt. Buddha's mother had passed away at his birth so he was raised by Gotami.
Another nun disciple of Lord Buddha\'s. She had achieved great spiritual abilities and high attainments. She would be a proper object of refuge. This image of the eminent bhikkhuni (nun) disciple of the Buddha, Uppalavanna Theri.
4 years ago
Another nun disciple of Lord Buddha's. She had achieved great spiritual abilities and high attainments. She would be a proper object of refuge. This image of the eminent bhikkhuni (nun) disciple of the Buddha, Uppalavanna Theri.
Wandering Ascetic Painting by Nirdesha Munasinghe
4 years ago
Wandering Ascetic Painting by Nirdesha Munasinghe
High Sri Lankan monks visit Kechara to bless our land, temple, Buddha and Dorje Shugden images. They were very kind-see pictures- https://bit.ly/2HQie2M
4 years ago
High Sri Lankan monks visit Kechara to bless our land, temple, Buddha and Dorje Shugden images. They were very kind-see pictures- https://bit.ly/2HQie2M
This is pretty amazing!

First Sri Lankan Buddhist temple opened in Dubai!!!
4 years ago
This is pretty amazing! First Sri Lankan Buddhist temple opened in Dubai!!!
My Dharma boy (left) and Oser girl loves to laze around on the veranda in the mornings. They enjoy all the trees, grass and relaxing under the hot sun. Sunbathing is a favorite daily activity. I care about these two doggies of mine very much and I enjoy seeing them happy. They are with me always. Tsem Rinpoche

Always be kind to animals and eat vegetarian- https://bit.ly/2Psp8h2
4 years ago
My Dharma boy (left) and Oser girl loves to laze around on the veranda in the mornings. They enjoy all the trees, grass and relaxing under the hot sun. Sunbathing is a favorite daily activity. I care about these two doggies of mine very much and I enjoy seeing them happy. They are with me always. Tsem Rinpoche Always be kind to animals and eat vegetarian- https://bit.ly/2Psp8h2
After you left me Mumu, I was alone. I have no family or kin. You were my family. I can\'t stop thinking of you and I can\'t forget you. My bond and connection with you is so strong. I wish you were by my side. Tsem Rinpoche
4 years ago
After you left me Mumu, I was alone. I have no family or kin. You were my family. I can't stop thinking of you and I can't forget you. My bond and connection with you is so strong. I wish you were by my side. Tsem Rinpoche
This story is a life-changer. Learn about the incredible Forest Man of India | 印度“森林之子”- https://bit.ly/2Eh4vRS
4 years ago
This story is a life-changer. Learn about the incredible Forest Man of India | 印度“森林之子”- https://bit.ly/2Eh4vRS
Part 2-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
4 years ago
Part 2-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
Part 1-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
4 years ago
Part 1-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
The great Protector Manjushri Dorje Shugden depicted in the beautiful Mongolian style. To download a high resolution file: https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
4 years ago
The great Protector Manjushri Dorje Shugden depicted in the beautiful Mongolian style. To download a high resolution file: https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
The Mystical land of Shambhala is finally ready for everyone to feast their eyes and be blessed. A beautiful post with information, art work, history, spirituality and a beautiful book composed by His Holiness the 6th Panchen Rinpoche. ~ https://bit.ly/309MHBi
4 years ago
The Mystical land of Shambhala is finally ready for everyone to feast their eyes and be blessed. A beautiful post with information, art work, history, spirituality and a beautiful book composed by His Holiness the 6th Panchen Rinpoche. ~ https://bit.ly/309MHBi
Beautiful pictures of the huge Buddha in Longkou Nanshan- https://bit.ly/2LsBxVb
4 years ago
Beautiful pictures of the huge Buddha in Longkou Nanshan- https://bit.ly/2LsBxVb
The reason-Very interesting thought- https://bit.ly/2V7VT5r
4 years ago
The reason-Very interesting thought- https://bit.ly/2V7VT5r
NEW Bigfoot cafe in Malaysia! Food is delicious!- https://bit.ly/2VxdGau
4 years ago
NEW Bigfoot cafe in Malaysia! Food is delicious!- https://bit.ly/2VxdGau
DON\'T MISS THIS!~How brave Bonnie survived by living with a herd of deer~ https://bit.ly/2Lre2eY
4 years ago
DON'T MISS THIS!~How brave Bonnie survived by living with a herd of deer~ https://bit.ly/2Lre2eY
Global Superpower China Will Cut Meat Consumption by 50%! Very interesting, find out more- https://bit.ly/2V1sJFh
4 years ago
Global Superpower China Will Cut Meat Consumption by 50%! Very interesting, find out more- https://bit.ly/2V1sJFh
You can download this beautiful Egyptian style Dorje Shugden Free- https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
4 years ago
You can download this beautiful Egyptian style Dorje Shugden Free- https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
Beautiful high file for print of Lord Manjushri. May you be blessed- https://bit.ly/2V8mwZe
4 years ago
Beautiful high file for print of Lord Manjushri. May you be blessed- https://bit.ly/2V8mwZe
Mongolian (Oymiakon) Shaman in Siberia, Russia. That is his real outfit he wears. Very unique. TR
4 years ago
Mongolian (Oymiakon) Shaman in Siberia, Russia. That is his real outfit he wears. Very unique. TR
Find one of the most beautiful temples in the world in Nara, Japan. It is the 1,267 year old Todai-ji temple that houses a 15 meter Buddha Vairocana statue who is a cosmic and timeless Buddha. Emperor Shomu who sponsored this beautiful temple eventually abdicated and ordained as a Buddhist monk. Very interesting history and story. One of the places everyone should visit- https://bit.ly/2VgsHhK
4 years ago
Find one of the most beautiful temples in the world in Nara, Japan. It is the 1,267 year old Todai-ji temple that houses a 15 meter Buddha Vairocana statue who is a cosmic and timeless Buddha. Emperor Shomu who sponsored this beautiful temple eventually abdicated and ordained as a Buddhist monk. Very interesting history and story. One of the places everyone should visit- https://bit.ly/2VgsHhK
Manjusri Kumara (bodhisattva of wisdom), India, Pala dynesty, 9th century, stone, Honolulu Academy of Arts
4 years ago
Manjusri Kumara (bodhisattva of wisdom), India, Pala dynesty, 9th century, stone, Honolulu Academy of Arts
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  • Pig puts his toys away
    3 years 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.
  • Always be kind to animals-They deserve to live just like us.
    4 years 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!
  • Bodha stupa July 2019-
    4 years ago
    Bodha stupa July 2019-
    Rainy period
  • Cute Tara girl having a snack. She is one of Kechara Forest Retreat’s resident doggies.
    4 years ago
    Cute Tara girl having a snack. She is one of Kechara Forest Retreat’s resident doggies.
  • Your Next Meal!
    4 years ago
    Your Next Meal!
    Yummy? Tasty? Behind the scenes of the meat on your plates. Meat is a killing industry.
  • This is Daw
    4 years 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.
  • Don’t Take My Mummy Away!
    4 years ago
    Don’t Take My Mummy Away!
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  • They do this every day!
    4 years 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!
  • What happened at Fair Oaks Farm?
    4 years ago
    What happened at Fair Oaks Farm?
    The largest undercover dairy investigation of all time. See what they found out at Fair Oaks Farm.
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    4 years 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
  • 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
    4 years 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
  • This is the first time His Holiness Dalai Lama mentions he had some very serious illness. Very worrying. This video is captured April 2019.
    4 years 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.
  • Beautiful Monastery in Hong Kong
    4 years ago
    Beautiful Monastery in Hong Kong
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    4 years ago
    This dog thanks his hero in such a touching way. Tsem Rinpoche
  • Join Tsem Rinpoche in prayer for H.H. Dalai Lama’s long life~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYy7JcveikU&feature=youtu.be
    4 years ago
    Join Tsem Rinpoche in prayer for H.H. Dalai Lama’s long life~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYy7JcveikU&feature=youtu.be
  • 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
    4 years ago
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    4 years ago
    Beautiful new casing in Kechara for Vajra Yogini. Tsem Rinpoche
  • 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.
    4 years 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.
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    4 years 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.
  • Beautiful
    4 years ago
    Beautiful
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  • My little monster cute babies Dharma and Oser. Take a look and get a cute attack for the day! Tsem Rinpoche
    4 years ago
    My little monster cute babies Dharma and Oser. Take a look and get a cute attack for the day! Tsem Rinpoche
  • 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
    4 years ago
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    4 years ago
    Cruelty of some people have no limits and it’s heartbreaking. Being kind cost nothing. Tsem Rinpoche
  • SUPER ADORABLE and must see
    4 years ago
    SUPER ADORABLE and must see
    Tsem Rinpoche's dog Oser girl enjoying her snack in her play pen.
  • Cute!
    4 years ago
    Cute!
    Oser girl loves the balcony so much. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTcoWpKJm2c
  • Uncle Wong
    4 years ago
    Uncle Wong
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  • Tsem Rinpoche’s Schnauzer Dharma boy fights Robot sphere from Arkonide!
    4 years ago
    Tsem Rinpoche’s Schnauzer Dharma boy fights Robot sphere from Arkonide!
  • Cute baby owl found and rescued
    4 years ago
    Cute baby owl found and rescued
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  • Nice cups from Kechara!!
    4 years ago
    Nice cups from Kechara!!
    Dorje Shugden people's lives matter!
  • Enjoy a peaceful morning at Kechara Forest Retreat
    4 years 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).
  • This topic is so hot in many circles right now.
    6 years ago
    This topic is so hot in many circles right now.
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    BEAUTIFUL PLACE IN NEW YORK STATE-AMAZING.
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    Leonardo DiCaprio takes on the meat Industry with real action.
  • Do psychic mediums have messages from beyond?
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    Do psychic mediums have messages from beyond?
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    6 years ago
    Lovely gift for my 52nd Birthday. Tsem Rinpoche
  • This 59-year-old chimpanzee was refusing food and ready to die until...
    6 years ago
    This 59-year-old chimpanzee was refusing food and ready to die until...
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  • Bigfoot sighted again and made it to the news.
    6 years ago
    Bigfoot sighted again and made it to the news.
  • Casper is such a cute and adorable. I like him.
    6 years ago
    Casper is such a cute and adorable. I like him.
  • Dorje Shugden Monastery Amarbayasgalant  Mongolia's Ancient Hidden Gem
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    Dorje Shugden Monastery Amarbayasgalant Mongolia's Ancient Hidden Gem
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    Don't you love Hamburgers? See how 'delicious' it is here!
  • Such a beautiful and powerful message from a person who knows the meaning of life. Tsem Rinpoche
    6 years ago
    Such a beautiful and powerful message from a person who knows the meaning of life. Tsem Rinpoche
  • What the meat industry figured out is that you don't need healthy animals to make a profit.
    6 years 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
  • This video went viral and it's a must watch!!
    6 years ago
    This video went viral and it's a must watch!!
  • SEE HOW THIS ANIMAL SERIAL KILLER HAS NO ISSUE BLUDGEONING THIS DEFENSELESS BEING.
    6 years 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


Ask the Pastors

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.

  • June 3, 2023 01:26
    Ana asked: Hi is Pastor Lai’s latest book available on Amazon or other websites ?
    No reply yet
  • June 2, 2023 20:32
    Sall asked: Kechara used to organise pilgrimages to India and Nepal in the past. Will you organise in the near future?
    No reply yet
  • June 1, 2023 17:30
    Alle asked: Hi, Do Buddhas and Bodhisattvas only help those who call out to them? They have compassion for every being but do they save or help non-buddhist? Can they only help us if we accept their help?
    pastor answered: Hi Alle, Yes, the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas help everyone regardless if you are Buddhist or not. If you call out to them, they do help. For example, I have a Hindu friend who prays to Dorje Shugden and his prayers have been answered many times. So if you call out to them and accept them, meaning you are Buddhist, you will definitely gain their aid. However, even if you are not a Buddhist, but call out to them anyway, they will still help. Actually, they are trying to help all the time, but our karma stops us from receiving their help. The act of invoking upon them, calling out to them, creates a connection that can cut through karma and allow us to receive their help. That is why Buddhists engage in practices daily, to ensure that the connection is there as much as possible so that we can benefit from their help. I hope all of this helped to answer your question.
  • May 31, 2023 09:34
    Charlene asked: How did Tsem Tulku feel about Dorje Shugden pick him to re- introducing the Dharmpalas Methar and Shangmo Dorje Putri pack into his retinue.? Of all the great Dorje Shugden Lamas and Tulkus in the world he felt that only Tsem Tulku was the one person who he could trust to do it. Did Rinpoche every talk about this great honour giving to him by Dorje Shugden.
    pastor answered: Dear Charlene, The stories of Methar and Shangmo Dorje Putri, information about them, etc,. has been available, even in the English language, for a while. Both were placed in Dorje Shugden's entourage by very high lamas in Tibet. Since that is the case, Tsem Rinpoche did not reintroduce them back into Dorje Shugden's retinue, they were already there and information was available about them if you looked in the right places. Tsem Rinpoche chose to highlight them in a handful of the articles in the Dorje Shugden category of his blog, which has a total of 614 different articles about Dorje Shugden, his history, practice, lineage, etc. Tsem Rinpoche's aim and goal was to try to preserve the information and share it. Your questions are very specific and mirror almost exactly questions we have received in the past. To continue this conversation, please email Care@Kechara.com and ask to be put in touch with a Pastor. We can continue this conversation through email. That way, we will allow the many other spiritual seekers who visit this page the ability to ask their own questions and we will be able to converse in more detail. Thank you.
  • May 30, 2023 18:47
    Charlene asked: Tsem Tulku gave Dorje Shugden as a YIDAM practice to some of his students so claims Pastor David Lai. He stated this in his Youtube video of August 10, 2021 titled, "Once Upon A Time With Rinpoche - Rinpoche's Personal Yidam Pt 6". Here is the link to that video and please go to the 11:00 minute mark. It is roughly 45 seconds long. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSw_LcHw4S0
    pastor answered: Dear Charlene, Rinpoche had assigned Dorje Shugden as the main practise that certain students should practice, hence they take Dorje Shugden as their "yidam" referring to Dorje Shugden being their primary practice, due to affinity, need, etc. As Pastor David clarified, Dorje Shugden is an enlightened being. So he can be practised as a proper yidam, however there doesn't exist the practice of Dorje Shugden as a yidam, or meditation deity, only a Protector deity. The criteria for a deity to be considered a yidam deity is the generation and completion stages associated with tantra. That is the difference between whether a deity is practised as a Dharma Protector or a Yidam. Pastor David has clarified these in other talks that he has given, but I cannot remember which ones, as it was not the main topic. For example, let's take the example of White Mahakala. He has texts that propitiate him as a Dharma Protector, so he is practised as a Dharma Protector. He is also fully enlightened, and lamas do assign his practice as a Dharma Protector as the main practise that a student should focus on. In that sense he is their 'yidam' because he is the main practice that they focus on. However, he is also practised as a proper yidam, because there are initiations, lineages and practice texts that include the generation and completion stages, so in that case he is a proper yidam. That is the main difference between emanations of enlightened deities being either a Dharma Protector or a Yidam. Currently there are no lineages of Dorje Shugden being practised as a yidam, only a Dharma Protector. I hope the difference is clear. So there is actually no contradiction with what Pastor David said, because of how Pastor David used the word yidam to refer to a person's main practise, and the actual definition of the difference between a Dharma protector and a yidam. As stated by Tsem Rinpoche himself on many occasions, Dorje Shugden is Manjushri, and as an enlightened being he can be practised as a proper yidam, but this practice simply does not exist at the moment. Hopefully in the future, Dorje Shugden and the Lamas will manifest his teaching as a yidam replete with both the completion and generation stages. I hope this helps. Thank you.
  • May 28, 2023 09:44
    Charlene asked: I asked about Tsem Tulku being a Yidam since I was told that he considered himself be be an emanation of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen. That would explain Tsem Tulku's utter devotion to spreading the works of Dorje Shugden to the World.
    pastor answered: Dear Charlene, If you are taking the example of Rinpoche's previous lives, there were also spiritual teachers, hence they would not be practiced as yidams or meditation deities. This is the case with Tsem Rinpoche and all of Rinpoche's previous incarnations. To call upon his blessings, as mentioned in the previous question, this is done through Guru Yoga practices. Also, you've mentioned the practice of Dorje Shugden. This practice is a Dharma Protector practice, not a yidam or meditational deity practice. Though there are some Dharma Protectors who can be practised as both, as their practice arose in that manner, for example Sengdongma or White Mahakala. The practice of Dorje Shugden however is purely a Dharma Protector practice. Thanks.
  • May 27, 2023 08:58
    Charlene asked: Can i have Tsem Tulku as my Yidam?
    pastor answered: Dear Charlene, Yidams are meditational deities with very specific functions. Tsem Rinpoche was a guru, so he would never be practised as a yidam. You can however practice the Guru Yoga of Tsem Rinpoche, which is available here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/great-lamas-masters/instructions-for-tsem-rinpoches-name-mantra-retreat.html you can read the commentary to the practice and engage in it daily, but you don't need to follow the retreat rules and guidelines as set out in the post. The function of Guru Yoga is to provide huge amounts of blessings, inspiration and merits for our spiritual transformation. The article explains more about what the Guru Yoga is and how to do it in the commentary section. This can be done by anyone and there are no vows or commitments that need to be taken. It can be done every day. I hope this helps.
  • May 26, 2023 18:00
    Anonymous asked: Hello, I want to ask about karma purification. How does purification Buddha practices like Vajrasattva purify karma? Does it stop karmic seeds from ripening? Or does it actually force negative karma to manifest in unfortunate situations right now?
    pastor answered: Dear Anonymous, Purification is a big topic and a little too complicated to explain in detail here. Basically, when you engage in the purification, you use what are know as the Four Opponent Powers. Depending on how strong you generate these within your mind and how much effort you put in to purification practice, there are three results. The lowest results is that you stop some of your karma from multiplying, the middle result is that you lessen the effects of some of your karma and the highest result is that you purify that karma completely, so you don't need to experience the result any more. When you are engaged in heavy and extended periods of purification practices, such as when in retreat, some times what happens is that as the karma is being purified you will feel its lessened effects. For example, if you have a particular negative body karma that means you may get into an accident, and you are engaged in heavy purification practices, because the force of that karma is very strong and the Buddhas are helping you to get rid of it, maybe you get an ache in your leg because you sat on your meditation cushion too long. Or perhaps you have the karma to go through tremendous emotional suffering, so when in retreat this can manifest as a disturbed mind that cannot concentrate. This is due to the middling level of purification and the blessings of the Three Jewels. When engaged in purification practice generally or an a daily basis, such things are less likely to occur, almost never. So in that sense, purification practices do not make negative karma manifest in unfortunate circumstances as we usually think about. If your practice is middling level during intensive practices, yes, some times it can manifest, but in a very different and controlled manner. Another example, perhaps you have the karma to be in a serious car accident, but on a daily basis if you do purifications practices, such as Vajrasattva or Protector Kawang, you have been purifying karma slowly over time. You haven't got rid of the karma completely, so if the causes and conditions are right, then that karma will still ripen, but to a small extent. For example instead of being serious harmed physically, you only a small scratch, but apart from that everything else is fine. I hope that makes sense? Thank you.
  • May 25, 2023 00:33
    Charles asked: What is the best way to ask a guru to be your teacher? I don't want to just burst into a temple and say "please be my teacher!" I desperately want to learn from a real guru I just have no idea how to establish this relationship. Thank you for your time!
    pastor answered: Hello Charles, It's really good to read this. Before you actually ask that guru, you should do your research. Understand the lineage teachings of your guru, which tradition, how long he/she has been practising and teaching, etc. You should also check the qualities of the guru, these can be found in teachings such as the 50 Verses of Guru Devotion. Once you have researched and checked thoroughly, you need to come to a decision whether or not you can commit to that teacher. The guru-disciple relationship is very, very important in our spiritual path. So you should prepare yourself by reading more about the importance of the guru and the guru-disciple relationship. Once you have come to an informed decision, you should arrange with the temple to meet that guru. You should prepare offerings before hand. This can be anything from your heart, but traditionally they are representations of the body (Buddha images, such as a statue, thangka, printed and framed image, ect), speech (and Dharma text) and mind (stupa) of the Buddhas. When you go to see the guru to request taking Refuge with them, you should prostrate three times to the guru, offer a khata to them, then present the offerings, and finally request to be their student and ask them to grant Refuge. The act of taking Refuge with a teacher in Tibetan Buddhism, makes that person your guru and the guru-disciple relationship is established. I hope all of this helps. Good luck on your spiritual journey.
  • May 23, 2023 11:23
    Sane asked: Hello Pastors, Can I recite the 21 praises of Tara for the purpose of memorizing it?
    pastor answered: Dear Sane, Of course. That would be very good and beneficial for you. The Praises to the 21 Taras can be recited by anyone, any time. The best would of course be during your sadhana (daily practice), but it can be recited any time of the day. If you are trying to memorise it, it is good to recite it as much as you can. The trick with memorising a text is to recite it out aloud, rather than in your head. That way you will memorise it quicker. I hope this helps.
  • May 22, 2023 17:51
    Anonymous asked: Hi pastor, I have trust issues and I want to practice Tibetan Buddhism but what are requirements? do I have to devote my entire life to it??? do I have to practice tantra eventually?? after death, where do we go??? I am a bit skeptical of pure lands cause I don't know.... I don't wanna be taken to a realm I've never seen or been before. I'm scared, can u help
    pastor answered: Dear Anonymous, Thank you for your question. The way to get over your fear is to learn more about Tibetan Buddhism, its beliefs, the benefits of the practice, etc. When we come to practise something new we can either be skeptical/fearful of it, or on the other hand, we can be over enthusiastic about it. Either way has it's detriments. So the best thing for you to do before you decide if you really want to practice Tibetan Buddhism is to learn more about it. You can do the following to find out more before making your decision. 1. Here is a list of must read books for anyone interested in Tibetan Buddhism or practising Tibetan Buddhism. These books have all been recommended by Tsem Rinpoche, our spiritual guide : https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/books-that-are-a-must-read.html 2. You can slowly read through the articles on this blog. Tsem Rinpoche created this virtual space to be a repository of information so that people can learn. The best category for you to learn more and in the process answer your questions in the Buddhism category (you can find this at the menu on the top of the page) 3. If you are not much of a reader, you can watch the teachings by Tsem Rinpoche on his YouTube channel. There are many videos there, ranging from a couple of minutes to a couple of hours : https://www.youtube.com/@tsemrinpoche The questions you have asked are too broad for me to answer properly here, best you learn about Tibetan Buddhism slowly and decide for yourself if you want to practice or not. I hope this helps.
  • May 20, 2023 09:54
    Ian asked: Hi Pastors, I had a weird dream involving Bodhisattvas. Basically I was in the POV of Manjushri in first person and I had to figure out some riddles or song lyrics. Anyways regarding the weird dream, does this count as self visualization? or does it not because it's unintentional.
    pastor answered: Dear Ian, That's a very interesting dream. Have you been doing a lot of Manjushri practice? In regards to the dream, that does not count as self-visualisation, because it was unintentional in your dream. Hope that helps.
  • May 19, 2023 22:51
    Oaka asked: I pray to Avalokiteshvara to help people affected by Cyclone Mocha but there still were many deaths. Is it because of their karma?? I mean this with no offense or disrespect because I genuinely want to know. But if Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are above the law of karma, why can't they save people in the world from catastrophes and dangers if they can bypass karma or save despite the people's karma? we've heard in Avalokitesvara chapter that he saves people from fires, falling, being chained, demons, etc. So I don't understand.... Please make it clear for me.
    pastor answered: Dear Oaka, Thanks for your question. Actually it is a very interesting one, but you guess the answer already. Yes, the fully enlightened beings are no longer bound by karma. Actually that is one of the definitions of enlightenment, that one is free from the law of karma. So, they can definitely help us when we are suffering to alleviate our suffering, but why is it they cannot always help us, for example when you prayed to Avalokiteshvara to help the people affected by the tragedy of Cyclone Mocha? You already included it in your questions, it's karma. The force of our own negative karma is what stops them from helping us. In this particular case, from the angle of karma the Cyclone was ultimately caused by the negative group karma of people living in that area. However, some people's negative karma ripened and they died, but many people's negative karma did not ripen and they did not die. Even with the power of your prayers and the prayers of others around the world, the enlightened beings could have helped many people, stopped their negative karma from ripening, so they didn't die. We don't have the ability to check this, we must go on faith. But for some people, their negative karma was so strong, that the prayers and merits generated for them wasn't enough to allow the enlightened beings to help them. Karma plays a very big role in samsara, how we suffer and also understanding karma is how we progress on our spiritual path. That is why the basis of Buddhism, is not to create negative karma and at the same time purify the negative karma that we already have. Then we won't suffer and the Buddhas can help us even more. I hope this answer helps.
  • May 18, 2023 00:20
    Sonia asked: Please help me i love a guy i want to marry him can u help me
    pastor answered: Hi Sonia, If you are in love with someone and would like to marry that person, then you need to make sure that person feels the same way about you. This is something you need to work towards yourself, as it depends on personal compatibility, personality, etc. You should let him know how you feel about him and go from there. There are no methods in Buddhism to make another person fall in love with you or marry you. I hope this helps. Thank you.
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CHAT PICTURES

Gordon is offering flower garlands to Dorje Shugden. May his wishes be fulfilled. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
2 weeks ago
Gordon is offering flower garlands to Dorje Shugden. May his wishes be fulfilled. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
'Always choose to benefit others', Rinpoche stressed this a lot and that's one of the reasons for us to be committed in doing Puja weekly consistently. 20/5/2023 Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
2 weeks ago
'Always choose to benefit others', Rinpoche stressed this a lot and that's one of the reasons for us to be committed in doing Puja weekly consistently. 20/5/2023 Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
29/4/2023 Here, have a look at the offerings made during our weekly Dorje Shugden puja @ Kechara Penang. We should try our best to make offerings to Buddha during our daily practice as well as adviced by Rinpoche. By Jacinta
1 month ago
29/4/2023 Here, have a look at the offerings made during our weekly Dorje Shugden puja @ Kechara Penang. We should try our best to make offerings to Buddha during our daily practice as well as adviced by Rinpoche. By Jacinta
(15th April 2023) Dorje Shugden puja @ Kechara Penang. Venue : 49, Jalan Seang Tek, Penang. Every Saturday @ 3 p.m. Image by Siew Hong ~ Jacinta Goh.
2 months ago
(15th April 2023) Dorje Shugden puja @ Kechara Penang. Venue : 49, Jalan Seang Tek, Penang. Every Saturday @ 3 p.m. Image by Siew Hong ~ Jacinta Goh.
Puja, is one of the best ways to dedicate merits, positive energies, blessings & good fortune to those who have passed on. It's also good for our loved ones. Qing Ming puja & Bird Liberation, Kechara Penang Study Group at 49, Jalan Seang Tek, Penang. By Jacinta Goh
2 months ago
Puja, is one of the best ways to dedicate merits, positive energies, blessings & good fortune to those who have passed on. It's also good for our loved ones. Qing Ming puja & Bird Liberation, Kechara Penang Study Group at 49, Jalan Seang Tek, Penang. By Jacinta Goh
8/4/2023. Elaborate offerings + Sincere motivation = The best way to help ourselves and others. Qing Ming puja & Bird Liberation, Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
2 months ago
8/4/2023. Elaborate offerings + Sincere motivation = The best way to help ourselves and others. Qing Ming puja & Bird Liberation, Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
8th April 2023, Saturday. Bird Liberation & Qing Ming puja at Kechara Penang DS chapel led by Pastor Seng Piow.
2 months ago
8th April 2023, Saturday. Bird Liberation & Qing Ming puja at Kechara Penang DS chapel led by Pastor Seng Piow.
Beautiful Lama Tsongkhapa in Kechara Forest Retread. Advice from H. E. Kyabje Tsem Rinpoche: if you commit all the ways within Tsonkhapa lineage within 3 years, 3 months and 3 days, you can reach full enlightenment … IF YOU'RE READY.  ~ Alice
2 months ago
Beautiful Lama Tsongkhapa in Kechara Forest Retread. Advice from H. E. Kyabje Tsem Rinpoche: if you commit all the ways within Tsonkhapa lineage within 3 years, 3 months and 3 days, you can reach full enlightenment … IF YOU'RE READY. ~ Alice
Invoice
2 months ago
Invoice
Gyenze is an emanation of Manjushri, propitiation of Gyenze will result in an increase of spiritual merits. Mantra: OM BENZA WIKI BITANA SOHA TSESO PALJOR LONG CHO THAMCHED PUTRIM KURU OM ~ Alice
3 months ago
Gyenze is an emanation of Manjushri, propitiation of Gyenze will result in an increase of spiritual merits. Mantra: OM BENZA WIKI BITANA SOHA TSESO PALJOR LONG CHO THAMCHED PUTRIM KURU OM ~ Alice
Nice sessions to learn about (4 March 2023):  The art of HAPPINESS  And  Essentials for a HAPPY relationship shared by Gen Lobsang Phuljung. ~ Alice
3 months ago
Nice sessions to learn about (4 March 2023): The art of HAPPINESS And Essentials for a HAPPY relationship shared by Gen Lobsang Phuljung. ~ Alice
Nice sessions to learn about (4 March 2023):  The art of HAPPINESS  And  Essentials for a HAPPY relationship shared by Gen Lobsang Phuljung. ~ Alice
3 months ago
Nice sessions to learn about (4 March 2023): The art of HAPPINESS And Essentials for a HAPPY relationship shared by Gen Lobsang Phuljung. ~ Alice
Nice sessions to learn about (4 March 2023):  The art of HAPPINESS  And  Essentials for a HAPPY relationship shared by Gen Lobsang Phuljung. ~ Alice
3 months ago
Nice sessions to learn about (4 March 2023): The art of HAPPINESS And Essentials for a HAPPY relationship shared by Gen Lobsang Phuljung. ~ Alice
Nice sessions to learn about (4 March 2023):  The art of HAPPINESS  And  Essentials for a HAPPY relationship shared by Gen Lobsang Phuljung. ~ Alice
3 months ago
Nice sessions to learn about (4 March 2023): The art of HAPPINESS And Essentials for a HAPPY relationship shared by Gen Lobsang Phuljung. ~ Alice
Nice sessions to learn about (4 March 2023):  The art of HAPPINESS  And  Essentials for a HAPPY relationship shared by Gen Lobsang Phuljung. ~ Alice
3 months ago
Nice sessions to learn about (4 March 2023): The art of HAPPINESS And Essentials for a HAPPY relationship shared by Gen Lobsang Phuljung. ~ Alice
Nice sessions to learn about (4 March 2023):  The art of HAPPINESS  And  Essentials for a HAPPY relationship shared by Gen Lobsang Phuljung. ~ Alice
3 months ago
Nice sessions to learn about (4 March 2023): The art of HAPPINESS And Essentials for a HAPPY relationship shared by Gen Lobsang Phuljung. ~ Alice
Beautiful Manjushri and 108 Dorje Shugden. More thangkas for FREE download: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=171377 ~ Alice
3 months ago
Beautiful Manjushri and 108 Dorje Shugden. More thangkas for FREE download: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=171377 ~ Alice
Slowly, but surely we will be able to collect tremendous and incredible amount of merits during Dorje Shugden puja for our spiritual advancement. In return, we dedicated merits to those sponsors and every sentient beings. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
3 months ago
Slowly, but surely we will be able to collect tremendous and incredible amount of merits during Dorje Shugden puja for our spiritual advancement. In return, we dedicated merits to those sponsors and every sentient beings. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
We included the long mandala offerings during our puja. Very nice seeing them practicing in accordance to Rinpoche's teaching. Kechara Penang Study Group By Jacinta
3 months ago
We included the long mandala offerings during our puja. Very nice seeing them practicing in accordance to Rinpoche's teaching. Kechara Penang Study Group By Jacinta
Completed our weekly Dorje Shugden puja. Every Saturday @3pm at Jalan Seang Tek. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
3 months ago
Completed our weekly Dorje Shugden puja. Every Saturday @3pm at Jalan Seang Tek. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
That's us! The retreat ended successfully and you can definitely see it from our ' smile'. Kechara Penang Study Group retreat, 18th & 19th Feb 2023 by Jacinta
3 months ago
That's us! The retreat ended successfully and you can definitely see it from our ' smile'. Kechara Penang Study Group retreat, 18th & 19th Feb 2023 by Jacinta
This time, we included mandala offerings as part of our reatreat. Pastor Seng Piow guided us and shared with us the tips and tricks on how we can offer mandala immaculately! ~ by Jacinta
3 months ago
This time, we included mandala offerings as part of our reatreat. Pastor Seng Piow guided us and shared with us the tips and tricks on how we can offer mandala immaculately! ~ by Jacinta
Before retreat, all of us invited Divine Lady, Vajrayogini whom out of compassion she attracts us and brings us to full liberation. For auspicious reason, together with Pastor Seng Piow, we did Kalarupa puja before starting our retreat ~by Jacinta
3 months ago
Before retreat, all of us invited Divine Lady, Vajrayogini whom out of compassion she attracts us and brings us to full liberation. For auspicious reason, together with Pastor Seng Piow, we did Kalarupa puja before starting our retreat ~by Jacinta
#Throwback Kechara Penang Study Group retreat @ 18th - 19th Feb 2023. 11 retreatants, led by Pastor Seng Piow. We were so fortunate able to get together for the retreat and with great blessings from Rinpoche, it went smoothly. Special thanks to Choong Soon Heng for the overall arrangements, Tang KS, Ong Siew Hong and Swee Bee helping out ~ by Jacinta.
3 months ago
#Throwback Kechara Penang Study Group retreat @ 18th - 19th Feb 2023. 11 retreatants, led by Pastor Seng Piow. We were so fortunate able to get together for the retreat and with great blessings from Rinpoche, it went smoothly. Special thanks to Choong Soon Heng for the overall arrangements, Tang KS, Ong Siew Hong and Swee Bee helping out ~ by Jacinta.
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
3 months ago
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
3 months ago
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
3 months ago
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
3 months ago
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
3 months ago
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
3 months ago
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
3 months ago
2023 first pilgrimage in Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
19JV E5Q9
3 months ago
19JV E5Q9
Abundance light offerings to Gyenze. Happy Losar Day. ~ Alice
3 months ago
Abundance light offerings to Gyenze. Happy Losar Day. ~ Alice
Website
3 months ago
Website
Beautiful night scene at Vajrayogini Stupa, Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
4 months ago
Beautiful night scene at Vajrayogini Stupa, Kechara Forest Retreat. ~ Alice
11th Feb 2023 @ 3.00 pm. Completed weekly Dorje Shugden puja at Kechara Penang Chapel, No49 Jalan Seang Tek. All are welcome to join. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
4 months ago
11th Feb 2023 @ 3.00 pm. Completed weekly Dorje Shugden puja at Kechara Penang Chapel, No49 Jalan Seang Tek. All are welcome to join. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
Flower garland was offered to Dorje Shugden, as well as some mandarin oranges, milk and etc by the devotees. There next day morning shift (5th Feb 2023) members were Tang KS, Sunny, Choong & Wei Ling. Thanks for all the efforts and support. The event was ended in a high note. Kechara Penang Study Group ~by Jacinta
4 months ago
Flower garland was offered to Dorje Shugden, as well as some mandarin oranges, milk and etc by the devotees. There next day morning shift (5th Feb 2023) members were Tang KS, Sunny, Choong & Wei Ling. Thanks for all the efforts and support. The event was ended in a high note. Kechara Penang Study Group ~by Jacinta
Penang Kecharians distributed well over 5144 Dorje Shugden collaterals, which includes big posters, A5 picture card, brochure pendants and etc. Not only that, visitors who were keen, they explained and shared more about Dorje Shugden in details. Sharyn and Swee Bee came and volunteered for the two days we were there. Way to go gals... ~by Jacinta
4 months ago
Penang Kecharians distributed well over 5144 Dorje Shugden collaterals, which includes big posters, A5 picture card, brochure pendants and etc. Not only that, visitors who were keen, they explained and shared more about Dorje Shugden in details. Sharyn and Swee Bee came and volunteered for the two days we were there. Way to go gals... ~by Jacinta
Kechara Penang members lent a helping hand during Thaipusam even at the famous Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Waterfall Temple. On the first day, 4th Feb 2023, the members on duty were Siew Hong, BJ Quah, Jacinta, Huey and Sunny Ooi. Kechara Penang Study Group ~by Jacinta
4 months ago
Kechara Penang members lent a helping hand during Thaipusam even at the famous Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Waterfall Temple. On the first day, 4th Feb 2023, the members on duty were Siew Hong, BJ Quah, Jacinta, Huey and Sunny Ooi. Kechara Penang Study Group ~by Jacinta
Abundance food offerings to Gyenze. May everyone always be blessed by Gyenze for long life and increase our inner and outer wealth. ~ Alice
4 months ago
Abundance food offerings to Gyenze. May everyone always be blessed by Gyenze for long life and increase our inner and outer wealth. ~ Alice
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Dorje Shugden
Click to watch my talk about Dorje Shugden....