Special Day!!
Dear friends,
Wesak 2012… You will enjoy the beautiful pictures and to read all the exciting activities Kechara had. If you are faraway or nearby, you can enjoy and rejoice through this post. I welcome you.
Yesterday was Wesak Day. It was the day Buddha chose to take rebirth on earth. It was on the same date decades later Buddha gained enlightenment under the iconic Bodhi tree. At 81 years of age Buddha entered into clear light on that very special day. Hence Wesak day has very powerful significance to enlightenment seekers and it holds great blessings for all. Lord Buddha chose this day to manifest three very holy acts in His life which is birth, enlightenment and clear light.
To celebrate this special day, many countries declare Wesak Day as a public holiday… and beautiful Malaysia is one of them! On this auspicious day, thousands of Buddhists from all over the world join in their respective Dharma centre’s spiritual activities. How beautiful!
This year people from Singapore, Brunei, Hong Kong and Shanghai flew in to join Kechara’s Wesak Fair activities with other Kecharians. Our Dharma center organized the following activities for Wesak Day: animal liberation at Kepong Metropolitan Park in the morning, baby blessings by Kechara’s pastors in the afternoon, and refuge taking in the evening by myself. What a full and virtuous day! We celebrated a special day of Buddha with virtues from morning till night.
Below are photos of the activities for Wesak Day at Kechara! I am very happy that these wonderful people decided to celebrate their Wesak holiday doing spiritual and meaningful activities… Enjoy the photos!
Tsem Rinpoche
Animal Liberation, 8.30 am in Kepong Metropolitan Park
Kechara House regularly does Animal Liberation, every FIRST Sunday of the month. However, Kechara organizes animal’s to be liberated on special occasions or on auspicious days such as Wesak Day. Early in the morning, a group of compassionate individuals drove all the way to Kepong Metropolitan Park to release 180 kg of catfish bought from the wet market, as well as 80 birds.
How meritorious for so many lives saved on this auspicious day. Saving the lives of animals is the direct cause for us to attain long life… long enough for us to be able to learn more Dharma in our very short lifetime! I always encourage my students to save animals, be it in the form of animal liberation or by going vegetarian.
Below are the names of all those whom participated in the Animal Liberation:
| Lim Poh Ying | Tommy Tan | Dylan | Natalie Loh |
| Ng Yee Ehern | Ng Man | Ng Thern | Than Yuet Foong |
| Lum Sea Twun | Loo Pei Yee | Jasmine Loh | Angel Loh |
| Andy Loh | Pannir | Shanthi | Cherrenne Hong |
| Alicia Chong & family | Sam Chiao Hong | Joey Tai | Thee Kok Aun |
| Betty Yang | Vera Di | Christine Wang | Sean Pang |
| Lily Chew | Everina Lim | Lin Choo Hock | Azelynna Lim |
| Victor Phang | Jill | Jeffery Gan | Jan Yong & Family |
| Low Saw Gim | Shaun Koh | Peter Koh | Karen Gan |
| Gan Kai Ching | Victoria Lam | Ngeow Su An | Gary Gomes |
| Gavin Gomes | Kristal Yeck | Shereen | Wong Lee Chia |
| Yong Kim Ching | Tan Cheng Peng | Tew Mui Hong | Tan You Jin |
| Gary Tan | Rena Wong | Andy Tan Yen Hoe | Chew Mee Yin |
| Ashley Kum | Peggy Loh | Choi Khoon Kit | Janelle Choi |
| Allan Kuah | Lisa Liu | Ng Qian Yi | Kim Ng |
| Peter Thean | Tan Siew Eng | Melissa Sin | Julia Tan |
| Jace Chong | Shane | Gregory Wong & family | Ellena Chia |
| Annie |
Photos
Many people gathered at Kepong Metropolitan Park early in the morning for this event.
Birds which will soon be free!
Fishes to be liberated.
Frederick Law giving a speech to welcome everyone. He also gave a brief explanation on why we liberate lives.
Pastor Chia leading the Animal Liberation prayers.
Everyone braved the hot sun to attend the event.
Dato’ Ruby, President of the Kechara’s Soup Kitchen was also seen attending the event.
Many people, young and old, came to release animals on Buddha’s birthday.
Young kids getting exposed to compassionate activities like releasing animals at an early age.
Participants blowing onto the birds after reciting mantras.
Our friends from Shanghai also joined in the event.
Our special guests and new friends joined in to release animals too.
Andy (a student studying in Singapore) blows onto the birds after reciting mantras.
These fishes will not be slaughtered tomorrow…
Ellena’s, Gabriel‘s mum, came for Wesak Day!
Preparing to release the fishes.
Freedom!
Our young participant feeding the fishes after they were released.
Baby Blessing Ceremony, 2 pm in Kechara House
Last year, I composed a prayer specifically to bless children..a Buddhist Baptismal.. after I composed this prayer, it started to drizzle. In Buddhist tradition, when good things are done that will produce good results, many signs will appear such as rainbows or it will rain slightly.
On Wesak Day, 4 Kechara pastors blessed 47 young children with the same prayer. I had the pastors master the prayers to perform this sacred blessing… These young children will now be under the protection of Buddha Tsongkhapa.
I am very happy that Kechara’s pastors are now able to carry out duties to bless the public and that these children will be safe through the Buddha’s protective care. May all these children continue to develop into wonderful people that benefits society.
| Victoria Lam | Wong Jia Qing | Wong Jia Le | Clarence Chin |
| Syuen Chin | Ong Zhen Yu | Natalie Yong | Rianna Yong |
| Wong Xuan Rong | Leong Mei Qi | Adam Wong | Adison Wong |
| Ng Yi Wen | Chow Hong Jie | Chow Hong Quan | Wong Wai Chung |
| Sim Xiao Wei | Sim Han Yang | Sim Jin Yan | Bryan Khor |
| Bevan Khor | Janelle Choi | Teh Joxuan | Rachel Woo |
| Liaw Yung Fang | Liaw Jing Shiong | Choo Yen Kwan | Choo Yen Shen |
| Yeo Zhen Rong | Brandie Khor | Pee Five | Wong Zi Yi |
| Vanessa Wong | Sherwyn Lim | Sheryl Lim | Shaun Lim |
| Gan Sze-Chun | Gan Yu Jie | Tan Suet Keem | Tan Sze Nie |
| Tan Zhi Rui | Cheah Yi Huan | Cheah Yi Liang | Cheah Yi En |
| Foo Yu Syuen | Yeap Ren Xin | Yeap Kai Ying |
Photos
President of Kechara House, Datuk May giving a speech to welcome all Baby Blessing participants.
Pastor Ngeow giving an introduction of this sacred ceremony.
Baby Blessing ceremony led by Kechara’s pastors.
Pastor Kok Yek Yee performing prayers.
Both children and parents attentively reciting the prayers.
Pastors going around the Prayer Hall to bless the children.
Pastor Chia is seen here placing blessed water on the forehead of a young boy.
A candid moment. The joy of blessings.
Khatas and candles prepared for the participants to offer up to the Three Jewels.
A young participant offering a khata to the throne.
Baby blessing participants making khata offerings to the throne.
Candle offerings to the Three Jewels. How wonderful for young children to perform a meritorious act!
Each child got to invite back a tsa-tsa, certificate and a bouquet of flowers! They invited back what they offered up…
Our volunteers handing out the package to our young participants. Making offerings to Buddha on Wesak day!
A happy blessed family!
You’re never too old to receive blessings!
Singapore Group’s Visit to Kechara Forest Retreat, 2 pm in Kechara Forest Retreat, Chamang
While the Baby Blessing was taking place in Kechara House, a separate group went down to Chamang to have view Kechara’s new retreat land, Kechara Forest Retreat. These visitors are from a Buddhist centre called Modern Buddhist Fellowship which was started by one of my long-time student Jay Jae Chong. He brought down all the members in his centre to celebrate Wesak here in Kechara… in the Dharma centre where he grew up spiritually.
I’m very glad the Singapore group got to see KFR for themselves and not just through pictures on my blog!
| Sheryl Chew Hwee Ling | Tan Wee Hiang | Jasline Tay Sok Leng |
| Jacqueline Yap Tze Ling | Tan Kam Soon | Joshua Sim Yew Siah |
| Cody Sim Yu Chye | Mark Wong | Charlie Kok Pak Cheong |
| Amos Leong |
Photos
Eager visitors waiting to walk to the land. Our Kechara Forest Retreat land has been recieving many visitors. Everyone love the land where we will build our retreat centre.
A good Saturday workout? Walking through our Kechara Forest Retreat land on Wesak Day.
We made it!
Martin briefing the MBF group.
JJ (far left) is seen here explaining to his group about KFR.
A group photo with the iconic tree.
Taking Refuge, 8 pm in Kechara House
In the evening, Kechara had a refuge ceremony. There were hundreds of attendees… and out of these few hundred people, 93 of them took refuge in the Buddha. It is necessary to take refuge before taking on higher practices… I am very glad to see people taking their spiritual practice seriously, and taking the first step.
Before giving refuge, I gave a talk on the purpose and power of stupa. I also explained to everyone in brief my plans to build a Vajrayogini Stupa at Kechara Forest Retreat. How wonderful for everyone who visits KFR to receive the blessings of Vajrayogini…
| Betty Yang | Chim Wai Queen | Ch’ng Keat Siang | Chong Chin Wei |
| Jennifer Chuah | Jeffrey Khor | Keith Kong | Kuek Ying Hai |
| Kwan Wan Hong | Kwan Wan San | Lee Eng Aun | Lee Poh Ling |
| Liang Chon Kong | Lim Jit Piew | Martin Chow | Melissa Lee Hau Ying |
| Ng Yi Rou | Nicholas Ann | Ong Kong Hooi | Poney Sim |
| Phillis Chin | Sean Pang | Seth Chong | Sim Kwan Yau |
| Tan Jen Ni | Tan Lilyn | Tan Yen Hoe | Tang Siew Wan |
| Wong Siew Weng | Jill Yam Loo Fun | Yong Swee Keong | Gan Kai Ching |
| Tang Ah Bah | Kong Jun Khong | Tan Ming Chai | Chee Ho Kiong |
| Sheryl Chew | Tan Wee Hiang | Jasline Tay | Jacqueline Yap |
| Tan Kam Soon | Joshua Sim Yew Siah | Charlie Kok | Amos Leong |
| Sing Gaik Yam | Teh Kok Yong | Woo Chee Seng | Anita |
| Yeow Swee Eng | Jack Ng | Alex Siah | Veron Tung Shi Ying |
| Wendy Loh | Victor Phang | Victor Choi | Joey Tai Pei Ling |
| Sam Chiao Hong | Chervenne Hong | Hecelus Tan | Jeffrey Yee |
| Joyce Tan | Jess Ong | Vincent Cheng | Liaw Saw Keong |
| Choong Li Li | Liaw Yung May | Serena Boon | Freon Tee |
| Chong Hoong Kin | Kor Yoke Yan | Choong Li Jiun | Choong Hoong Kit |
| Choong Kat Shun | Lim Mei Ling | Nicholas Sze Kok Eng | Jimmy Tan |
| Junie Yong | Chang Fang Chyi | Alan Chan | Han Mui Foong |
| Koh Siang Guet | Loke Kah Fatt | Joe Ang | Steven Chew |
| Eric Kwan | Sheryl Low Wan Fen | Christine Wang | Yong Hoong Kuan |
| Ng Ji Queen | Li Sing Yii | Lee Chew Mooi | Lam Ngeok Hung |
| Zhang Jing |
More Photos
Datuk May Phng, President of Kechara House giving an opening speech to the refuge takers and guests.
Everyone listening attentively to Datuk May’s speech.
A massive crowd attending the refuge taking ceremony in conjunction with Wesak Day.
I gave a teaching on choices and the power of stupas before the refuge ceremony.
Getting closer to the crowd
The first stupa to be built by Kechara will be a Vajrayogini stupa.
Reciting the refuge prayers.
Kechara House pastors joining in the ceremony.
Refuge takers folding their hands signifying their readiness to accept Buddhism. I mentioned in my talk that when we accept a religion, we should go a step further… to apply it.
I also gave the oral transmissions of Migtsema and Manjushri’s mantra to the refuge takers.
Many refuge takers and guests…
I presented a gift to Ann Woo, a beautiful friend of mine.
Refuge takers making offerings to the Three Jewels.
After taking refuge, the first thing to do is making offerings to Buddha, Dharma and Sangha..very auspicious first act..Refuge takers eagerly waiting for their turn to make offerings onto Kechara’s shrine.
Making aspirational wishes to the Three Jewels…
A participant making a khata offering to the throne.
A friend from Shanghai making offerings to the throne.
Photos of Offerings
Many students and friends sent me gifts and flowers. Some called from overseas to arrange flowers for me on that day…how thoughtful..thank you…On the far left is a beautiful offering from E-division. They offered a Manjushri statue, holy relics from high lamas, holy herbs and a card.
Yong Swee Keong offered Body, Speech and Mind. It is traditional practice to offer these items to the spiritual guide whom you are seeking refuge with.
A beautiful offering of stupas (the representation of the Buddha’s mind).
A 13 year old boy made offerings all the way from Switzerland!
A lovely Tara statue in a bed of flowers was offered by Kechara InMotion.
Many offerings of Body, Speech and Mind from refuge takers.
Offerings of Dharma texts and a statue by the Modern Buddhist Fellowship, Singapore.
There were a few offerings from around the world via Vajra Secrets. People contacted Vajra Secrets to send offerings to me on Wesak Day..I was very touched.
Offerings by a sincere 15 year old boy, Hecelus Tan. Thank you for the great and delicious fresh bread!! Thoughtful.
Beautiful bouquets of flowers! We have a dept in Kechara that arranges beautiful flowers..they are called Kechara Blooms..and all these flowers are from people from all around the world. Thanks…I love flowers and offering them to Buddha for all of you.
All these flowers were prepared by Kechara Blooms. So many beautiful flowers!!!
A beautiful Yamantaka statue, offered by refuge taker Martin.
It’s nice to see how much thought was put into the offerings… they have all been offered up to my altar.
****************
Condensed Talk conceptualized by Mr. Loh Seng Piow
All the beautiful items offered to the 3 Jewels (Buddha, Dharma and Sangha) on such an auspicious day! May they have the the connections to the 3 Jewels in all lives and be of benefit to many more. Thank you to everyone involved in the preparations.
The condensed teachings done by Seng Piow is a MUST WATCH! So funny and interesting!
A lovely ceremony. Now come the challenging part, i.e to fulfill my commitments. Slowly but surely …
The pictures are spectacular and I must say I am extremely proud to be a part of a center that offers so many opportunities on a single day for people to connect to the blessings of the Three Jewels. It is said that on auspicious days like these – celebrating the birth or enlightenment days of enlightened beings – the merit accrued by doing good acts are multiplied hundreds and thousands of times over.
The days are extra special – there must be something auspicious that the Buddha chose this particular day to enter the world; it was then the exact same day that he became enlightened. For us to tap into these enlightened energies on the same day is a brilliant chance for us to tap into our own Buddha potential, our own positive imprints and merit.
I’d like to add that the day didn’t just end at refuge. After the Dharma talk and refuge ceremony, Rinpoche stayed in Kechara House until past 4am, granting private audiences to several groups, including our friends who had come from Singapore and Shanghai specially to join the celebrations. When he returned home (at almost 5am), Rinpoche then went through the offerings, to make strong prayers for all the people who had taken refuge and who had made offerings to the Three Jewels. Rinpoche never regards offerings as gifts for him (in the same greedy way that we do), but “uses” them to make a profound connection between the giver and their Lama / the Three Jewels (which is one and the same, of course).
After all that (and it’s about 7am by now!), Rinpoche finally retires to his own room to do his own personal prayers and sadhana, which takes another 2 hours. Long after we had all gone home, Rinpoche continued long into the night to make prayers for everyone past, present and future, for the world.
Thank you Rinpoche for the teaching. It touched many people irrespective of race and religion. Rinpoche gave an in depth explanation of what refuge means, how to take personal responsibility and get true protection .
Thank you to all the Kecharians and friends for making the Kechara Wesak celebration a memorable one !
This year’s Wesak Day was in deed so far the most meaningful and special day in my life. I have made a choice on Wesak Day, taking refuge and offered 3 Jewels (Buddha , Dharma and Sangha) on this auspicious day!Rejoice for all that are able to participate and celebrate Wesak Day at Kechara. Thank you to those who were involved in preparing everything.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this articles with lovely pictures.
And i know ‘thank you’ is just not enough to express how grateful and lucky i feel. But again, thank you U, Rinpoche. Take care
As can be seen in this post, Wesak Day for Kecharians was packed with a lot of meaningful activities – Animal Liberation in the morning, a Baby Blessing ceremony in the afternoon, and Refuge Taking in the evening.
Rinpoche’s teaching before the Refuge Taking was just brilliant and so all encompassing to embrace all religions.The first topic was “Choice”. Rinpoche first showed how one should practice one’s religion via applying the tenets to develop the qualities that will help us find real peace and happiness in life. He then showed clearly how when we choose Buddhism , we accept that we create the causes for our own problems and suffering and so we take responsibility, and not expect a God to remove our problems.We believe in karma, so we accept whatever suffering that comes to us. We transform a self-cherishing mind into a mind that seeks to benefit others. We find calm and peace through mind transformation.
The second topic was “the Power and Benefits of Stupas”. Rinpoche announced that we will be creating a Vajrayogini stupa at our Kechara Forest Retreat.
Thank you Rinpoche gave refuge to all refuge takers. May they have the connections to three jewels in all lives and benefits to many more.
I am grateful my mother, youngest sister and sister in law are taking refuge with Rinpoche on the auspicious day!
This is a meaningful Wesak Day for me
Thank you Rinpoche gave a wonderful dharma talk to all of us.
Thank you again Rinpoche for another great Dharma talk! Always look forward with great enthusiasm to hearing Rinpoche’s teachings LIVE! Without fail as always, Rinpoche’s talk touches everyone in the audience. He had everyone thinking ‘is he talking about me….. Oh my Buddha!……how does he know about this or that???’ Those of us effected will try to change our ways. Yes me and hundred others are.
Rinpoche’s teachings always gets the message through. He offers true but really hilarious life situations, illustrations and most profound teachings.
Thank you also dear Rinpoche for caring and giving much anticipated refuge to first timers as well to some who wants to renew theirs. It was a splendid Wesak 2012! Let’s hope more are transformed this time around!
Wesak Day was full of meritorious events. It was great to meet Kecharians from Shanghai, Singapore and other States of Malaysia all at once. Felt like a family gathering.
Rinpoche’s talk was fantastic. Everybody must watch the video of the talk. It’s very empowering. Thank you Rinpoche!
Thanks Rinpoche for the teaching regarding our Choice and the Power and Benefits of Stupas. The teaching are very clear and powerful that able to touch all attendees heart. I m so happy that i may learn the benefits and the power of Stupas and what is actually the Real Choice for us on such holy Wesak with KSJC members and all Dharma brother and sister. Thanks all Kecharians also that make this Wesak so happening…
今年這場衛塞節之兒童加持禮和皈依儀式，對我而言是非常難忘的。不要說先前的準備工作，甚至是當天的情形都可說相當精彩！哈，有幸成為幕後工作人員之一，感受肯定比很多人深刻。但是，當你看到有人在兒童加持禮時，感動流淚；皈依儀式可以順利進行，讓近百人因而穫得三宝的加持和庇護，那份喜悅實非筆墨可形容。
看著一張張洋溢幸福的臉孔從大殿離開，原來先前的辛苦都是值得的。衷心感激仁波切的到來，讓整個儀式生輝；仁波切宛如一顆不滅的太陽，永遠不言倦地照亮著你和我！
月谊讲法师，你说的没错有幸成为幕后工作人员之一真的感触深刻，在儿童加持礼看到四位讲法师同一时间为那么多位儿童加持时，感动到眼泪不听使唤的流下。
很开心见证这两场殊胜的仪式！ 感谢仁波切给与的佛法开示和加持。
I was truly happy to see so many taking refuge this year. I am sure if those refuge takers really learn and practice Dharma, they will realise this is the best decision they have ever made for themselves.
Congratulations to all who has chosen to follow the Dharma path!
2012 Wesak considered one of my memorable day of the year.
I witnessed three good friends of mine came with their kids for the baby blessing, two of them were long lost friends, they were so happy that the kids were blessed by the pastors.
At night, few of my ex colleugue, ex boss etc were attending the refuge ceremony and they were impressed by Rinpoche teaching. When you are in dharma and your friends come for the event and has the opportunity to receive teaching from Rinpoche, I really rejoice for all them. May the special day planted the seed for them continue their dharma journey!
It was a very auspicious day for all of us. To have children and adults taking refuge with the 3 Jewels. But Rinpoche work did not stop after giving refuge. He continued meeting some people til early in the morning then go through the offerings made by the students and friends. For many of us, we were already in bed after when Rinpoche was doing all this.
This is how our Guru takes care of us, never for himself. Show our appreciation and gratitude by transforming ourselves and do more for others.
On this Special Day, I’m feeling happy that my mum and my eldest brother are taking refuge with Rinpoche. Although my eldest sis miss the refuge this time, but she is there to get the wonderful teaching from Rinpoche.
Thank you Rinpoche for the sharing and take care.
Thank you for this excellent dharma talk Rinpoche, I’ll be sharing it with friends.
I love this auspicious event so much, that everyone coming for something meaningful in their life and is like the beginning of closer to their happiness and inner peace. Rejoice for all refuge takers!!^^
And thank you so much Rinpoche for the teaching about the refuge meaning,making choice,personal responsible and powerful of Stupa. It really make me think more and more,esp our own personal responsible and to do more for dharma work.That’s really beautiful teaching that touching and “wake up” our mind…
p.s : would like thanks for all Pastors : Pastor Ngeow, Pastor Susan, Pastor Yek Yee and Pastor Chia that making the baby blessing event success and wonderful. I’m sure is unforgettable memory for all parents. Still remember the touched when music is play and all the pastors giving the blessing one by one to all baby and kids. It’s really made me and Doreen “red eye”. So beautiful. Thanks all Kecharians too to make this event happen and happening.THANKS
So many activities were held in Kechara House on this auspicious day. I am happy to see so many adult and children taking refuge and receiving blessings from The Three Jewels. They have made the right choice to learn and practice the dharma.
It is also auspicious that so many lives were saved on this auspicious day. Saving lives by releasing them or being a vegetarian will create the cause for us to collect enough merits to have a long, healthy body.
Thank you, Rinpoche, for sharing this dharma talk with us. Hopefully more people will be able to apply what they learned from this talk and transformed their lives.
5 May 2012 Wesak Day was a very busy day for Kecharians and friends and family. There was Animal liberation in the morning, Children blessing in the afternoon followed by Refuge taking in the evening. What an auspicious day. It was like a big Family day with members, family and friends coming from different corners of the world to celebrate birth, enlightenment and clear light of Buddha.
Wesak Day plays a big part in the lives of all Buddhists, and is said to be the most important day of Buddhist festivals. It celebrates the Buddha’s Birthday and also marks his enlightenment and death. It is always celebrated with much colour and gaiety. At Kechara House, Wesak 2012 on May 7, was celebrated with the activities of Animal Liberation of birds and fishes at Kepong Metropolitan Park in the morning, Baby blessings by Kechara’s pastors in the afternoon and Refuge taking ceremony done by Kechara’s Guru, Tsem Tulku Rinpoche in night, ending with a Dharma talk. It was indeed a special day filled with virtuous celebrations from morning till night for Kechara House!
What an auspicious talk on an auspicious day and for the so many to to attend the animal liberations, baby blessing and refuge ceremony on this day and bless by Rinpoche’s presence, prayers and talk. We are truly blessed.
I really love all the beautiful gifts that Rinpoche has received during wesak and the pictures are a testament to how much Kechara has grown over the years…i enjoy looking at the gifts very much
The BEST place to spend holy Wesak Day is in Kechara – we have everything for everyone! We saved thousands of fish and birds in the morning, blessed precious little kids in the afternoon and Rinpoche gave refuge to those who are serious about their spiritual practice!
I LOVE Wesak
Dear Rinpoche,
Im very happy to hear that You love the flowers.
And actually the most thoughtful person is Rinpoche. Thank you for offering all the flowers/offerings to Buddha for all of us!
It was a meritorious filled events for the whole family to be in that day. My brother and his family flew in just for this event for refuge and baby baptismal. Happy for them that they made the effort to come. In fact, they flew back just for the event. Thank you everyone who is involved in this wonderful preparations and set up. Look at the sea of offerings!!!
Dear Our Compassionate Guru,
My wife and I would like to express our heart-felt gratitude to Rinpoche for allowing us to take Refuge on Wesak Day. May Rinpoche has stable and long life to continue turning the Wheel of Dharma. May we have the merit to meet up with Rinpoche again very soon. We endeavor to practise the Dharma just as you have taught.
Your humble students from Macau,
Woo Chee Seng, John
Yeow Swee Eng, Joyce
Dear Rinpoche,
I am little Rachael. Thank you for the blessings and prayers during the Baby Blessings ceremony. I have attended the ceremony. I saw you on the big screen during my parent’s Refuge taking at night and hope to meet you in person.
Yours faithfully,
Woo Tse-Lyn, Rachael
感到万分喜悦因为可以在当天的得到三宝的加持和上师的加持。也很荣幸终于可以皈依上师-尊贵的詹杜固仁波切成为他的弟子跟随着上师学佛法。这是件难得的机会可遇不可求。我会好好的珍惜并依教奉行。感谢仁波切的慈悲！
When I was younger I never knew the true meaning of Wesak day, all I was told it is Buddha’s birthday; it is isn’t it? So I just stupidly thinking that on this very day, we’ll give Buddha a lot of presents, incense, fruits, food etc etc…
Now with Kechara, I learned so much more than just making offerings to the Buddha. This very day is very auspicious because it is the reminder that we can be enlightened like Buddha too, achieving his qualities so we will end our sufferings and benefit the sentient beings. The offerings are actually not for the Buddha, it is for us to create the causes for receiving dharma because we need the merits.
By His Eminence giving refuge on this very special day is double auspicious and meaningful, because not only you receive the blessing of the three jewels, make offerings and you can truly receive a personal teaching from Rinpoche himself on the true meaning of taking refuge and embarking on a spiritual journey. Take a look at the video to see more of the talk, very inspiring…
I congratulation those who had made it and taken refuge, not you know more than a lot people on why you are a Buddhist celebrating Wesak day, and you can now call yourself a Buddhist!!
Do check out what other activities and projects that Kechara has and join us!
The refuge takers were very happy and there were smiles everywhere. Thank you Rinpoche for the beautiful dharma talk on “Choice” and “The Benefits & Power of Stupa”. Congratulations to all refuge takers.
It is indeed a very Special Day. The photos are not just beautiful but it is an expression of the beautiful meritorius deeds that Kecharians were able to perform due to the existence of Kechara House.
On that auspicious day, as you can see from all these photos, activities were planned (weeks in advance) with so much care by volunteers hence babies, toddlers, teenagers, adults, senior citizens all could participate and benefit from it. Be it from animal liberation to baby blessings, refuge to Rinpoche’s teachings, there was something for everyone.
I am so blessed to be a Kecharian and extremely proud to be one!
Wow, what a wonderful blog on Wesak Day! I’m very honoured and happy to have been there and being close to Rinpoche and fellow Kecharians. Everytime I come to Kechara KL, it’s like coming home and being surrounded by “family”.
I took refuge on Wesak Day last year and renewed my vows this year. I hope to be able to do this every year.
I thank our Kecharian friends who made the effort to look after us, take us around and do everything possible to make our visit comfortable and easy, especially Su An who drove us around and acted as our local guide, and also everyone at Bloom and KSA for being so patient with us. We enjoyed all the activities such as rolling mantras, making tormas and plucking out thorns from roses!!
I enjoyed every moment in KL. We’re very lucky to have visited the KFR as well as the KWPC site. I hope we will have the opportunity to do volunteer work to contribute towards their completion.
Most of all, I thank Rinpoche for Rinpoche’s profound teaching during the Refuge ceremony. It was a good reminder on what really matters in each lifetime: being a better person!
Love,
Christine in Shanghai
Thank you for the beautiful summary of Wesak Day! This blog will bring back fond memories of our visit to Kechara KL.
This visit is especially significant to me because I am one of the fortunate ones to have taken Refuge on this Special Day. But as Rinpoche said, this is only the first step, the rest is up to each of us.
Betty, Vera, Christine and I had a wonderful time in KL. Kechara Care worked out a great programme for us and we took full advantage of it! In between liberating the fish and birds, listening to Martin’s introduction of KFR and feeding mosquitoes, rolling (and re-rolling…) mantras, making tormas and plucking out thorns from roses (as well as our thumbs…), we were posting photos of what we were doing on Sina Weibo so that our friends from back home in Shanghai could follow our activities.
I’d like to thank all the wonderful friends and fellow Kecharians who made us feel so welcome. This was only my second time visiting Kechara KL and it already felt like a family reunion! There was so much warmth, care and love. Everyone was always ready to respond to our every request, it made us almost afraid to even ask for anything anymore!
I especially thank our dear Guru, Rinpoche, for delivering His valuable teachings in the most inimitable way. Every moment spent in His presence is a blessing… Rinpoche leaves me speechless!
Dear Rinpoche, we may be far away from You but You are never far away from us! I pray that one day soon, You will come to us in Shanghai so that many more can be blessed by Your wisdom.
With love and respect,
Sean Pang in Shanghai
I’m so happy to see this eventful day which is full of Dharma essense. Rejoice. Really fortunate to be part of Kechara have Tsemtulku Rinpoche as Guru. May Kechara grow bigger and bigger and can touch more people and plant the seeds of Dharma in them.
I regard receiving my refuge vows from Tsem Tulku Rinpoche as probably the most important event of my life to date. With this, I know for sure that so long as I keep my samaya clean I will have my Guru in this and many more lifetimes to come. And this is a wonderful privilege. It would have been an utterly useless life had I not met Rinpoche a couple of years ago.
I am touched to learn that long after we have all gone to bed, Rinpoche was still up doing prayers for so many people.
I’m happy that I have already take refuge and be a real buddhist,I really want to thanks my root guru His Eminence Tsem Tulku Rinpoche that always care to me and guide me very well on the path of Dharma.
A very happy and blessed day for Kecharians.The participants of the activities are excited and happy.Congratulations to the refuge takers and babies and children.Rinpoche gave a beautiful teaching which inspired everyone in the audience.Thank you Rinpoche.
Wow! I love all the offerings but I particularly love the spectacular Manjushri riding on the lion offered by e-division and the yellow Manjushri statue offered by MBF of Singapore. I love these statues because they are rare and they are of the sublime Manjushri. Just like Rinpoche, I love any statue or practice associated with the ‘gentle speech’ Manjushri.
Oh! Did I tell you that I also like the brilliant and dynamic statue offered by Martin. I know! This is all so awkward that I am talking about Rinpoche’s offerings with such longing. Hehe! Anyway, the day was meritorious, the Dharma talk was clear, concise, powerful and thought-provoking. It left many inspired to do more and to learn more.
It was an amazing day for myself and many others. The gompa was filled with people. There were many new people I have not met before who came early to get a seat. Thank you so much for all the pictures! It was an incredible, eventful day. For those of you who have missed it, do watch the teaching Rinpoche gave.
At Kechara, I learnt Dharma from Rinpoche through his Dharma Talks, his actions of spontaneous and unbias caring, his over-flowing generosity, his unlimited creative ideas, his manifested wraths to shake his stubborn students and most of all, his sacrifices to forgo sleeps and comfort, to endure pains and ‘heartache’ all for the sake of benefiting others.
Wesak Day at Kechara provided us the opportunity to do a tiny version of Rinpoche’s works and Rinpoche himself took the biggest part of it by giving teachings to the audience during the Refuge Taking ceremony and later to the visiting overseas students and guests. Even after Rinpoche left KH in the morning (after non-stop teachings all night), he continued to work till noon.
Wesak Day is about giving and sharing; Rinpoche taught us the real meaning of Wesak Day by his actions and examples.
Thank you Rinpoche
It is very interesting to see what representations of Body, Speech and Mind people offered during Wesak Day. Surprises. Haha
So very clear Rinpoche’s explanation about that our actions do take us to where we want to be. How can just taking refuge in a God or divine being brings us to heaven. The example of the SS soldiers is very funny and illuminating at the same time. Just because the SS soldiers believe in the divine they go to the same place as His Holiness the Dalai Lama? No way!
What is more auspicious than attending the Wesak Day celebration? Listen to Dharma talk from a High Laman Tsem Tulku Rinpoche Himself!!
Although Rinpoche said there are only 2 topics (choice and stupa), there are a lot more teachings in there!
Also, a HUGE thank you to Seng Piow who re-edited the video and compiled topics related to “responsibility” and “Bodhichitta”. The teaching I like the most is this:
“Degeneration in religion is when you use religion to continue to fullfil our negative selfish aspiration.”
This is so true in our era now…
Tsem Rinpoche gave a very logical talk on God and Buddha and asked us to self-examine what do we need to do if we are to follow any spiritual path.
Wesak Day at Kechara was filled with fun and meritorious activities =D besides the baby blessing ceremony where some of the people were so touched they had tears streaming down their faces… the highlight of the day to me was Rinpoche’s talk “What is GOD? What is BUDDHA?” Some points from the talk which I will always remember:
- There wouldn’t be so many volumes of teachings and text if religion is just about accepting the religion and all our problems will go away by themselves. Accepting or taking refuge in a God or Buddha is just the first step. We need to make the effort to learn up and transform, otherwise the religion “won’t work” for us.
- Religion is degenerated when we use it to fuel our selfish aspirations and refusal to take personal responsibility for the problems we created ourselves
- If a higher power can take away all our problems, then lawyers wouldn’t exist.
- If we pray for materialistic gain and advantages, that is not spirituality. That is not the purpose of religion.
- The purpose of religion is to further enhance and increase our good qualities, and to transform our bad qualities into good.
- Reciting prayers or liturgies are reciting things which we are supposed to do for ourselves, not what the Gods are supposed to do for us. The Buddhas show us what we can achieve.
Thank you Rinpoche for the precious teaching. I’m so happy for the people who attended and received refuge from Rinpoche, and for the overseas students who came all the way here to grab this opportunity to see Rinpoche!
Is a awakening teaching for me! The purpose of religion is to except and apply good quality, transform our bad quality to good quality. Prayers and mantras that we recite is to show us what we can acheive from Buddha good quality and become a better person.
_/\_ Thanks Tsem Rinpoche for the teaching.
This year, as always, Wesak Day in Kechara was a spectacular event with a variety of activities for everyone. I think it was particularly special because kids and adults both had the great opportunity to take refuge or be blessed by the Three Jewels. What other better day is there to take refuge? Except on the birthday of our Guru of course
The video on God and religion is also excellent. The points that Rinpoche covered are the same points that I used to debate and think about, back when I had not yet met Rinpoche and was drifting around from temple to church to temple… I would recommend this talk to everyone who is looking for a religion or a spiritual path to follow, as it clearly and logically outlines the key points and thought processes one should follow when seeking a religion.
I also thank everyone who contributed to the holy pills in the Manjushri statue that edivision offered to Rinpoche for Wesak this year. The offering was a hit!
It’s such a wonderful Wesak Day at Kechara.
Children s and adults were tremendously benefited from the Animal Liberation in morning, Children blessing and Refuge in the evening.
Rinpoche profound teaching really make a lot of people understand better of what is a real Buddhism practice is. I heard one of the refuge taker says that he’s a Buddhist now (after taking refuge) and with real understanding and knowledge.
Thank Rinpoche for sharing the teachings and it’s our turn in action now to put it into our practice.
with folded hand
This short yet profound teaching is so awakening! Pushing away responsibility when we face problems and rely on religion to solve our problems is so common among us. However this is not the purpose of a religion. This teaching has highlighted the acceptance of self-created problems, being responsible and transformation that really makes people think deeper the real purpose of why we seek for a religion. Indeed a mind-blowing teaching. Thank you Rinpoche!
After listening these 2 hours of teaching from Rinpoche, i am truly convinced that everyone can become an enlightened being or Buddha if he or she follows all the way up according to Guru Rinpoche’s teaching and instruction. Thank you Rinpoche. i sincerely wish Rinpoche will have good health and long life. May there be many stupas built in Chamang for the benefits of many people in this region.
Thank you Rinpoche for this talk…
在当天那么殊胜的日子，可以让我的小儿子参与儿童洗礼仪式和得到讲法师的加持，让我觉得真的法喜充满。 因为每次当他看到我做早课时，他都偶尔会主动过来一起诵经，他那种发出内心的诵经的心和可以把佛法和他拉得更近，已经让我高兴万分了。非常感谢上师能让他和每个人能有此机会接触佛法。。。
How auspicious and fortunate for the refuge takers to take refuge on this holy day with H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche. Rinpoche is a not just any lama, but a highly qualified guru. I considered myself very lucky to have Rinpoche as my guru and I am very happy to see many others are able to share this same fortune as me. I sincerely hope that everyone who chose this path also will choose to start their life in a more meaningful way from this day onwards.
Every Wesak Day at Kechara is a memorable one for me. Each year , Rinpoche gives teachings according to the needs of the people at that time. People always feel they have received something precious at the end of the event . . . words of wisdom they can apply.
Like DR, I’m so blessed to be a part of Kechara. May more be as fortunate as us.
Yes, this is a special day for everyone of us. We did so many meaningful things from the beginning of the day until late night. Everyone enjoying the activities and especially the Dharma talk in the evening. I’m grateful that KC/KH is working so hard to give us such a comfortable and meaningful Wesak Day. I’m also very grateful because finally I have the opportunity to take refuge to my kind Guru. At the moment, only one thought appeared in my mind – I found a Master who I can 100% rely on in my Dharmic journey in this life. For me, you are extremely important because you are my direction, light, hope, now and future, motivation, guidance and idol.
Thank you very much Rinpoche for everything you have done for us.
Take good care.
With love,
VP
Is a beautiful day for us to close to Buddha, is a lovely ceremorny here. All of attendee are sincere and concentrate. Many of them are new faces, feel so great to see all of them be a part of the Kechara House, plant the seed of dharma, tap in imprints.
The Wesak Day of this year is unforgettable with lots of blessing, happiness, and hope because the refuge was offered by our Dear Rinpoche and the teachings were dedicatedly delivered by our Dear Rinpoche. Thank you, Dear Rinpoche for your love and wisdom.
Wesak 2011, I had the great opportunity to take refuge with Rinpoche, and this year, I watched many people bestowed with that precious opportunity too. It was a joy to see so many being blessed on such an auspicious and holy day – both refuge takers and the little ones too.
Until I met with Kechara, Wesak to me was just another day to pray for myself, and throw my problems to the divine so that they can solve my problems created by me for me. I did not view it as a celebration of a holy day where Lord Buddha chose to be born, achieve enlightenment or enter parinirvana. For me, none of those mattered..what mattered was that I had to have my quick fix to my problems. But year after year, I find myself praying for the same thing, the problems were still there, nothing seemed to change, and I wondered why – and its easy..simply because I didn’t change, but expected everything else to change. How can that be possible, if I don’t do anything about what I’m facing, and expect everything to be okay. And I believe that is the common misconception people have of religion.
“Where can a God remove your problems” – This saying hit the nail for me. If we think this is what religion is, then definitely we are the ones that are bringing it down, for on the side of the religion, there are no flaws. In desperation of a solution to our problems, we turn to religion..and when we cannot find the resolve that we need, then religion is another outlet for us to blame.
Thank you Rinpoche, for another exceptional teaching. I really would be swimming in an endless ocean with no direction if I didn’t meet with Rinpoche and Kechara.
Love,
Carmen.
He really is amazing. I’m so aligned with his words.
This is virtue actions done in a special day like wasak day which Kecharians started their meaningful day with fish liberation.. how thoughtful that we not only hold the vows which one of them is not killing but we go another step by releasing lives also.
The baby blessing ceremony is the important day for both children and parents as this is the best thing that the parents can provide to their child. Its the most higher value more than other things ie education, material things like house, car etc which can be lost in one day but the Dharma seed will be with the child forever life after life.
The refuge ceremony is very important to our life as it is the day we surrender ourself to the teacher and taking refuge with the three jewels to begin our journey in spiritual path. Without the teacher, we will never learn Dharma which taught by Buddha. The Teacher who will guide us to the right path to achieve the ultimate goal of enlightenment.
Its also a very special day to make an offering to the Sangha, especial our teacher who has been guiding us a long the way with vast of love and compassion. The auspicious day to show our gratitude to the teacher.
And how fortunate of us to listen to profound Dharma talk by our teacher, the talk which taught by Buddha and its convey to us in term that suit us in our language which we easy to understand. The Dharma which like the light that lighten our mind to understand more and look at things surround us with right attitude, and we have less suffering and become more happy. We gain more wisdom and has a kind of realise of the suffer which cause from our delusion mind and we wish to help other to have less suffering and more happy same as us.
If you miss the special thing in auspicious day in this year, be prepared and don’t miss it again in next year.
It was such a good day with so many children, babies and adults taking refuge and receiving blessings from the three jewels. What a great Wesak Day!
以前卫塞节只是另一个公共假期，认识了佛教以后，卫塞节的意义对我不再一样。恭喜所有像我一样遇见佛法，遇见仁波切，在这一天皈依的同修们，选择了这条幸福的灵修路。
It was such a wonderful and auspicious day…
I really rejoice and happily for those people take refuge in Gompa.
On this Wesak Day, it was so meaningful for all of us.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing…
Just watch at all this picture has been taken and post up, you can feel so much joys and happiness Kecharian has an wonderful Wesak Day.
Start from morning animal liberation, afternoon child blessing, night time pleasant by rinpoche Dharma teaching. 93 refugee has the honor become the real Buddhist bless by. H.E.Tsem tulku Rinpoche. That is what Kechara House can do now leading many people to the spiritual path.
Happy Wesak Day!!! It was a wonderful day as there were many babies got blessing and Rinpoche gave us and the refuge takers a fantastic Dharma talk. I really gain alot. Thank you Rinpoche.
What an auspicious day to offer holy items to the 3 Jewels. Whenever we offer something to the Buddha, we collect good merits for ourselves. We are so fortunate to be able to make offerings to our Guru and Buddhas.
Thank you Rinpoche!
This is a wonderful and auspicious day. Its only once a year Wesak day and people are making many beautiful offering. Just by see all the picture that post up I can feel the joy and happiness. Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this.
An auspicious day where many did offering to the 3 jewels and animal liberations. We are fortunate during these degenerate times we have Kechara and Rinpoche with us. The Wesak day was completed with a powerful and clear talk by Rinpoche. Thank you Rinpoche.
I was watching the whole event and talk on computer. Thanks to Wai Meng, Joey and team who set up the live streaming for us to watch.
So many young babies were being protected by 3 jewels after the baptism. We should let kids to learn Dharma since young not let them keep looking for money, car, realtionship.. and the same cycle to their kids in the future.
I’ve seen many kid with and without Dharma and they are so much different. Better start now.
For those who taken refuge, congratulation as finally they are brave enough to move one step further to find their own true nature which is kind and love.
Many people do not want to take refuge, hold vows or simply be serious about individual spiritual path, i think are basically fear of facing their own negative mind and habits, they rather run away from it by going to party, being busy in their work and avoid talking about death.
IT was good day baby bleesed , take refuge, we injoy with rinpoche teaching.specealy he teach about religion i like so much.
This Wesak Day at Kechara was a memorable day for my brother, wife and daughter whom came back from Macau to attend this auspicious day to take refuge. This time round and the first we celebrated Wesak together as a family attending a teaching by Rinpoche on What is God? which is so appropriate for all to gain more knowledge and understand more. Most importantly, to assimilate teachings into our daily life.
Thank You Rinpoche for posted on blog. Even those i don’t have time ( duty in outlet )to attend this Special Day. I can watch Rinpoche talk on YouTube. I rejoice for everyone who has taken refuge and all the Kecharians for helping the event running smoothly.
Best Regards : Erickksiow
It was a very auspicious day to have children and adults taking refuge.I congratulation those who had made it and taken refuge that day..
It takes a lot of merits to be able to hear a word of Dharma, I’m joyful for the people which name are mentioned above, how fortunate for them to be able to participate such meritorious activity during Wesak Day (a remarkable day of Buddha’s birth, death and enlightenment). How fortunate for me to be in this events, part of this events. If without Kechara, I don’t think I will have this chance.
Thanks Kechara and the working crew, it really benefits lots of people.
The activities are very exciting and fun. We should enjoy and cherish these moments understanding that they are not just mere events to participate in but are rare and meaningful moments that reflects the basic joy of humanity: giving. We should realize that these events are precious occasions for us to practice pure Dharma and benefiting others.
It is empowering under the spiritual guidance of Tsem Rinpoche that we are educated about the significance of taking refuge before the final decision and commitment to make this choice. Recently, I spoke to a lady who told me she attended a Dharma event for the first time and the Master was giving refuge. Her friend just told her that taking refuge is a “good thing” and she should not loose this chance. Thus, she took refuge without any understanding of what she did…she cannot even remember the Master’s name!!!
In summary, at Kechara, we receive authentic Dharma teachings. We get the blessing of the “Real McCoy”. Thus, it is important that we cherish it by action, i.e. not by saying thanks only but by taking actions to create the cause for our Guru to stay with us. Actions include learning Dharma teachings sincerely so that we can share and benefit others, nurturing the Kechara community so that we develop a stronger ability to reach out to others, contribute to projects, like KFR, that will create merits for Dharma to remain us. Sometimes, if we do not know what we can….just ask and the opportunities to give will arise
Yes LK,meeting the dharma is like a blind turtle surfacing from the depths of the ocean once in 100 years and happen to poke its head through a floating golden yoke when it break surface. Finding an authentic lineage holder and guru who speaks our language and residing in our country is even rarer.
We should think like the lamrim story abouta cripple who fell down a hill and landed on the back of a horse. He rode away with 100 % determination not to ever let go of the horse.Such an opportunity will never come again.
May our guru live long and may we never be without a precious guru in this and future lives.
What a special day for the families, friends to join together the get blessing of the Buddha ,i’m happy that my husband Alan taking refuge on the day. May Rinpoche have long life, may every one get blessing from 3 jewels…
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this dharma talk and all lovely pictures with us^_^ Yes, this is a special day for everyone of us– very auspicious and fortunate for the refuge takers to take refuge and also so many lives were saved on this auspicious day. May all the refuge takers have the connections to three jewels in all lives and benefits to more peoples!!