Why ask for it?
All types of people in a dharma centre. Some come for luck and improvement of
their personal situatiions and it stops there. Others come because they see
the fallacious nature of life and it’s empty promises and they want better
answers. There are some that can’t fit anywhere else and can only find
acceptance among centre people. Some want to take advantage and get business,
money, support or something for free and they come to a dharma centre or get
involved long distance. They want to use the members of a centre. Some come
because they’re depressed, failed in something, low self esteem and want a
sanctuary. Some are looking for answers. Some really are motivated to find a way
out and will engage in spiritual practice. Some, though rarely really sees the
true nature of life and find themselves restless and impatient with
repetitiveness/senselessness of existence so they wish liberation. There are
many types of beings blown by the winds of their karma, emotions and unbridled
mind.
However or whatever the reasons people come to the centre, the teacher and
close members must deal with these people, ‘solve’ their problems, listen to
them patiently, give them time, energy and care, be skilfull, give them dharma
and hope something will go inside their heads . They can see their situations
according to the dharma, transform and change their lives and the lives of those
around them. And help others and move on..The teacher and close members must do
this for every person, every day, every month and every year continuously and
fulfill the expectations, criticisms and views of the public and people they
sincerely attempt to help. Any teacher and close member (student) would open a
centre and meet hundreds of people year after year for only one reason. To
sincerely benefit others. Otherwise why tolerate so much and absorb so much from
hundreds of people they don’t know or owe anything to?
Having a Dharma centre is tremendous work. Hospitals, clinics,
restaurants, malls, etc cater to hundreds of people, but they make money and the
motivation is mostly money. So working hard with the public is easier because
you get something back. Hardworking members of a centre who serve the public get
nothing back. Sometimes more scrutiny, more backlash and more criticism and very
little thanks. Dharma centres are the most compassionate places anywhere.
Members who work in the centre with the motivation to benefit others when they
have the right attitude will advance in their mind training fast because they
are put up with all types of challenges from the public daily. We must
appreciate the kind souls in dharma centres around the world. We must help them
not take. We must do our work well free of mistakes as to not add burden.
Compassion starts right here and now with whatever you are doing. Do it well and
appreciate everything dharma centres have given you.
The harder you work. The better you work. The more results you produce
shows you have come to the dharma centre confused and became a person of light,
love and care. The more you work, the better you work is the best THANK YOU for
those kind hard working people in the dharma centres who nurtured you and
others. Never burden those who nurtured you. Never disappoint those who benefit
you and many others. The harder and better you work, the more the centre will
grow. The more the centre grows, the more it can help a larger number of people
like it helped you. You should be part of the soluition not part of the problem.
Spirituality means you are not the problem maker but the alleviator of others’
sufferings. Everything you do must be for others. It benefits your evolution and
it motivate others to evolve. What other reason is there to live. What other
better motivation to exist? Dharma centres are an oasis of like minded people
gathering to do more with their lives.
That is the purpose of people gathering together to have a dharma centre.
That is the reason. That is the only reason. That was my reason. That is my
reason. That will remain my reason always. Practically speaking, if it is for
any other reasons, it is not worth it to have a dharma centre and tolerate so
much disappointment, complaints, lack of effort, selfishness and meeting people
filled with pain daily. Opening to harm daily.. All places have politics. All
places have issues. Name a perfect place? There were people (Devadatta) who
always found fault in Lord Buddha 2600 years ago and made many attempts to
discredit Buddha and even tried to kill Buddha but unsuccessfully. If people can
have these types of views about the awakened Buddha, we should expect much more.
Having said that, the only reason to have a dharma centre and work in one to
tolerate so much pain and disappointment is solely to be of benefit to others.
Any other reasons wouldn’t be worth it to me.
No offence to anyone,
Tsem Rinpoche
I posted this to show the reason behind the centre and the challenges. TR
Hmmm…so so true….you do find something new and interesting posted by silly me or a participant. Sometimes I learn new things from the interesting people that post here too…….You are so right..I am always teaching. You know why? My teacher ordered me to teach as much as possible and If it’s left to me, I wouldn’t teach…I am not a great example…I asked to retire last year and have a senior monk replace me and I offer Kechara to the monk..but I was refused by my teacher I asked several times from different angles..I wanted to return to India or the mountains of Nepal.. It was a strong no from my teacher… I was told to continue teaching and don’t stop. To work hard to make the centre grow. My teacher told me thousands will enter the dharma if I continue teaching..scary I can do that? I was told to stay here and make here my home… I am not a wonderful person, but I follow my root teachers holy orders most of my life so I won’t disobey now…. So I do my best.Thank you. TR
Yes, now that you mentioned it..I am always teaching. You know why? My teacher ordered me to teach as much as possible, give advice, dispense spiritual aid and use myself totally for others.I ask to retire last year and have a senior monk replace me and I offer Kechara to the monk..but I was refused. I was told to continue teaching and don’t stop. I was told to stay here and make here my home… I am not a wonderful person, but I follow my root teachers holy orders most of my life… So I do my best.Thank you. TR
May Rinpoche live long.May all Beings attain Nirvana and Liberation.
Dear Spiritual Diva, It is the kindness of my gurus who poured so much teachings into my mind that I am able to repeat them to you. I am ordinary and full of faults, but the teachings I give comes from a pure source and pure lineage and I am glad it can help you. From a ordinary being like me if I have a sincere motivation and share dharma with you, it can have some good effects. It is good. Thank you. continue your journey. Do your practice, meditations, studies, apply to teachings to your daily actions no matter how hard. Because if you don’t then the results will be more harder to bear than the effort we need to put in to transform. Think, eat, talk, live, sleep, walk with dharma in your mind. Apply it strongly THEN YOU WILL SEE A HUGE DIFFERENCE IN YOUR MIND. Our minds can change. Mine has changed alot since many years ago when I started. We are same. If I can transform so can you.Good luck. Never give up dharma. Give everything else up is ok, but not your spiritual development.TR
Rinpoche said, “The more you work, the better you work is the best THANK YOU for
those kind hard working people in the dharma centres who nurtured you and
others. Never burden those who nurtured you. Never disappoint those who benefit
you and many others. ”
This is so true. The only way I can repay Rinpoche’s kindness, is to work hard to benefit other NOW. At least that’s what I can do now.
I also recommend this book, Guru For Hire (You can get a copy here: http://vajrasecrets.com/books/english-books/gurus-for-hire-enlightenment-for-sale.html). The things Rinpoche discussed briefly here are all explained very logically and clearly in the book.
Yes Rinpoche. The only reason is to benefit people. Just like what we do in Kechara Paradise! Help those in need in any way we can. Even if they put me down, I will stand up and be stronger to help them. People of any background so that in return they too can learn and benefit more.
I am glad that when I walked into Kechara, everyone was friendly and helpful! I remember meeting Dato Ruby, May Woo and Paris when I first started to know Kechara. They were kind and attentive whenever I had questions to ask. And there are LOTS of other friendly Kecharians!
Thank you Rinpoche for this post.
We have various reasons to come to Kechara indeed.
But when we are inside, we gain more knowledge and we realize that Kechara can bring us more than what we came for.
Perhaps some may feel like “I only want this, not that…”, or “I agree with this but not with that…”, “I only came for this…” (oh yes, I am talking about me), but with these kind of thoughts, we go backwards for the simple reason that we don’t move along with others (and some of them move pretty fast…) and that we don’t move at the speed we would be able to.
And I think these kinds of thoughts are normal, if we did not have them we would be special people already, but because we have them we need a place like Kechara and a Teacher like Tsem Tulku Rinpoche.
So I told myself, it’s ok to have these kinds of thoughts, after all I am not perfect, but it’s not ok to let them win! Then, with knowledge, persistence and effort, these thoughts will naturally dissipate and things will get harder BUT easier too!
Be a full-time dharma worker at Kechara, I feel very lucky. Through our centre I can meet different type of people, some come for help, some come for search inner peace, some don’t why they come….but I really thanked for each of them I met and I the opportunity talk to them, because of them I realized and understand what Rinpoche want his student to do.
Rinpoche is tremendous compassion and patient, his care and love, you cannot imagine. What Rinpoche had teach us and shared with us, can benefit in our whole life. I feel shamed always.
Built up a dharma centre can benefit so many so many people, I witnessed by my own eyes. Many people released from their suffering, difficulties time and hard ship because they come here search for help, then they got a chance refresh their own life…I saw many example by my own eyes, all this happened because one person truly care and full of love….thank you Rinpoche!
Dear Rinpoche,
Having been Rinpoche’s student for the past 3 and half years, I see how hard Rinpoche had and for sure will continue to benefit all who come into Kechara.
I admire how much Rinpoche can continuously give teachings, gifts and care to so many. Some have progressed and now start to nurture others and benefit others following in the foot steps of their Guru. Some took advantage and many just stay stagnant.
Much had been sacrificed by Rinpoche, I believe the time is now for us to generate the generosity to give back to Rinpoche (the greatest gift to our Guru is our mind transformation) with devotion and create the cause for Kechara to grow to benefit more and more people.
Since I was a kid, I know I would learn and grow further in Buddhism. That time, I did not have the opportunity to learn dharma at any center. I love cleaning the altar at home and I recite mantra before going to bed everyday. After graduated, I was busy working and earning money and totally ignore my spiritual practice until one day I confused about life. They were plenty of questions in my mind. “Yes, I could earn more money than before, but I felt much unhappiness, I felt loss!!!” I know I need to go “home” then I started to look it. Finally I found Kechara about a year ago. Today I can confidently say that I’m growing, happier, calmer and found the real purpose of life. My mind is clearer now. I know dharma is good and powerful as I experienced that myself. Now I wanted to do more in dharma, I want to bring and share dharma to as many people as I can.
Yes, I admit that is not perfect place in the world, but I did not give up just because of that. I believe being a member, I’m fully responsible for any shortcoming here. I cannot run away and I must work harder & closer with the relevant people to overcome any shortcoming. We cannot just complain the problem without any action. Of course, some people may choose to leave but believe me they will still make the same complain again and again wherever they go because they are also part of the problem so do I. We must work together to face and improve the situation. If we can’t even handle the problem in a holy center where else we can survive???
Thank you Rinpoche for your kindness and teaching.
Your are right Victor when you mention ‘some people may choose to leave but believe me they will still make the same complain again and again wherever they go because they are also part of the problem so do I’. People come to a centre expecting everything and everyone to be perfect. These people do not realise that they are walking into a ‘mental hospital’. And when their expectation is not met, they complain and go away. If only they realise that the problem is in them. Hence they will find fault in any other centres they go to.
It is very kind of our Lama to let us have Kechara. Besides all the reasons stated, it is also a place for us to gather and provide support to each other while we are PRACTICING dharma.The same reason why Rinpoche started dharma houses too.
This is so true, that is the reason I joined my dharma center (not for money or fame). But to better myself through helping others.
The only goal I want so badly to achieve is to benefit others with our guru’s teachings.
Word hard, hard, hard and learn as much as I can when I still can so that I can spread our guru’s teachings, goals, vision to the outside world.
The dharma centre is so important that we must appreciate it in order for others’ to enjoy and learn more.
The centre help me see life in another angle, where I used to be a very impatient, angry and complicated person After coming to the centre and by reading rinpoche’s blog I founds answer there.
Every time I have so much to ask, I will browse in to rinpoche’s blog, I will definately find my answer there is like rinpoche talking to me.
For those who has not meet rinpoche is ok do not feel you are unlucky, reading his blog and be his facebook fan is more than enough like meeting or seeing him everyday.
Thank you our kind guru for always input data to our mind.
Dear Rinpoche,
Thanks for the sharing.
Working in secular is mainly for money. Even some people say that they also look for power as satisfaction which eventually is lead to money too, which by having power or influences will even make easy money. All our time & effort is just about money.
I always have this question (after the 4th year of my working in secular) when i earn this much of money, what’s next?, and after another level, what’s next….and this keep on going until i realize that my life is just about chasing money and it’s so repetitive…but that time I was not in Dharma yet so I just move on with the samsaric life.
But after meeting the Dharma and involve with Kechara, it’s the most beautiful thing that I feel in my life. It proven to me that my life is not about working for money and money isn’t the happiest thing in the world. The satisfaction of life doesn’t depend on money.
Through the centre Rinpoche had bring Dharma to a lot of people and make a lot of people realize the purpose of life. I’m very fortunate to be part of the team in Kechara to serve and benefit others. This is not a scarifies but is the greatest opportunity in my life I can find the true purpose of my life.
Thank you Rinpoche for having such a great Centre to allow people to find the real meaning of life.
The first time I came to Kechara was in the month of November 2010. The reason why I joined Kechara is because I needed something more than just my ‘normal’ life. As days went by, very frequently I asked myself, WHAT DO I WANT IN THIS LIFE…and I vould not find an answer until I met Rinpoche and join Kechara.
I wasn’t depressed before, but I was unhappy because I felt lost. I was trying everything to find an answer. I did charity, business, entertainments but nothing could fulfill what I wish for, happiness.
My true happiness days started when I joined Kechara and it will not end here because I will go all the way.
Thank you Rinpoche for giving me the opportunity to do Dharma work.
I met Rinpoche for the first time through work – a potential project – and the very first time I saw Rinpoche, i was completely captivated. I had been spiritually seeking all my life but never found the answers, and when Rinpoche could give me the answers to practically every question i had, i was mesmerised. So why did i come to Kechara – i came because i finally found someone who could explain the meaning of life and it made sense. Of course Rinpoche’s students like Henry and Dato’ Ruby spent countless hours talking to me too… and before i knew it, i was in Kechara… another reason why i am here is because i can see what Rinpoche’s vision is, how it will benefit so many and i want to be part of it! As Rinpoche has often said, there are challenges everywhere because we are in samsara.. at least in Kechara, we aim to get out of samsara. One thing i know for sure, Rinpoche will bring us kicking and screaming all the way to Enlightenment! Thank you for Rinpoche’s patience and kindness to us on our spiritual journey…
When I first came to Kechara, I was just following my mother. For the past few years, as I grew up, I came to understand that the Dharma can be used to benefit others. I do not go into the Dharma looking for fame, fortune, luck etc. I go to the Dharma because I believe that by practicing the Dharma, I would be benefiting others. I feel so fortunate to have met the Dharma before I have been tainted by worldly desires like money and women and fame. I do not have any hidden agendas when it comes to the Dharma. I find having hidden agendas sad and pathetic especially if someone has a hidden agenda will doing something so holy like Dharmic practices.
Dear Rinpoche, The best thing that happen in my life is to have met you and be your student. I came to Kechara 8 years ago with a bag full of problems of anger, hatered, jealousy and attachment to samsara.
I did not change but along the way I saw many students who had been with Rinpoche for a while suddently disappeared and never came back. I was tempted to follow them as an easy way out. But I never do that because I already know that Kechara and Rinpoche’s teaching is a true and authentic buddhist teaching which can be trace back to the days of Lord Buddha.
So today I’m 66 soon my body is old and I ‘m still the same.
As they say old habit dies hard. They are not wrong but these 8 years in Kechara and listening to Rinpoche’s teaching and advice I’m more calm down less resentful and most of all a happier person.
Thank you Rinpoche for your great compassionate nature who never let any one down as long as we follow you.
Thank you Rinpoche, for this post.
It is one that should be read by anyone and everyone that seeks spirituality in a dharma center, temple, church etc.
I will always remember the difficulty I had many years ago when I was searching for spirituality, but failed to find a dharma center which I can attend to gain knowledge (as in English speaking centers…).
For that, I am forever thankful to Rinpoche and all those that made Kechara well known, for people like me… one who have so little merits… to be able to come connect with the Dharma.
It is true, that all the hard working staff and volunteers are here solely to benefit others… I’ve benefited from them. In this cruel and senseless world, where everyone back stab each other for personal gain; where else can we find people that rejoice when something good falls upon a person you dont know? A Dharma center.
I hope that all those whom have not come across a Dharma center, for them to meet one immediately… and those whom are already involved in one, to see the true value and appreciate their center more.
What Rinpoche wrote here is very true. I have come across many people at Kechara, some like Sharon and Jamie stayed and are now full time in dharma. Many found what they were looking for – dharma, and are still around. Some were like “visitors”. Some came with personal agenda but left when they could not get what they wanted. Some got help, left and hardly returned. But for whatever reasons, Kechara welcome everyone.
Dear Rinpoche, I thank you and appreciate Your sincere integrity and commitments to Your root guru and because of that You have bring many Kecharians and followers working together for a unique goal. I have been seeking for a way out and I found You and Kechara House few years ago. It was really a rare gift of my life and You have shown me the path out of many difficulties. I am much better now and have changed progressively over these few years with You. Your unbroken Promise has changed many peoples life including mine. I feel Kechara House is not just only another Dharma centre but it’s also a place where I can rest my mind comfortably as if coming back to a place call HOME! ( This is how I felt as I read this post)
Thank you Rinpoche and to all my Dharma brothers and sisters that work full time to keep Kechara House a beautiful sanctuary for the spiritual practice of many. In the 2 years of me being a member, i have gained very much from Kechara House and all the people there. Although I am still a monster, at the very least, I now can realize that I am a monster. That was enlightening by itself. Thank you everyone at Kechara House for your patience and love.
Wee Liang
If a person is not sick, he/she wouldn’t go and see a doctor. Like a hospital, it attracts all types of sick people to look for cure or solutions to their sicknesses troubling them. The centre also attracts all types of people, spiritual, non-spiritual, or spiritually sick people. Like the blog said, “They may be depressed, failed in something, low-self esteem and want sanctuary, or geniunely wanting to help/or engage in a spiritual practice in a Dharma centre. Of course, Dharma centres are the most compassionate places anywhere, therefore, we must do our work well so as not to add burden to their already stressed state!
Idream of opening a dharma center someday.
Yeah me too!
Because maybe they won’t kick me out of my own center hahaha!
But I am not a tulku.
I had very bad experiences with my local dharma center and it settles my mind very much that you call them mental hospitals Tulk… makes me feel much better about the insane folks there.
I have enjoyed very much in the past watching you rinpoche teach on youtube!!!
You make me laugh really good sir thank you! I owe you so much for that I do!!!
Glad you are here and not bunked up in a cave!
Love you man!
-madman
I live in a very remote area where there are NO dharma centres at all. I recieve teachings from my Lama via his webinar platform. In fact I’m quite sure I’m the only Buddhist here. But I still want to start a centre. I have no money, but I do have an idea. And a desire. Perhaps soon it will happen.
Good advice and reminder to every sentient beings so that they can practice Buddhism seriously in their daily life.
After reading this blog, i think i am the luckiest person in the world as i have met a great Guru and a great Dharma Centre.
“the only reason to have a dharma centre and work in one to
tolerate so much pain and disappointment is solely to be of benefit to others.
Any other reasons wouldn’t be worth it to me.”
These words touched my heart deeply.
If our Guru can do this to us, why can’t we do the same to him? I must transform and be a better person
We are bless to have a Guru that close to us.
Thanks again dear Rinpoche with my folded hand.
“However or whatever the reasons people come to the centre, the teacher and close members must deal with these people, ‘solve’ their problems, listen to them patiently, give them time, energy and care, be skilfull, give them dharma and hope something will go inside their heads .”
Yes! this is very important for the first impression, i wont feel good if i go to a dharma center , people are rough,never listen to people,just asking for somethings.
For what i think be a buddhist,we should think of people first, dont give other people trouble,if we do not want the “trouble”.
Initially starting work in Kechara was a burden because we brought our ‘own’ burden to work. Then the work required us to meet people of all sorts that came with issues of their own. The more I listened to their issues, I found we all shared similarity in these issues because we seek “happiness” and “peace of mind”. On the other hand, I found myself growing stronger day by day when I talked, helped and shared more dharma with them and watched them progress with much improvement and I became happier and calmer.
I learnt that helping other solve their issues had in turn helped myself so much so I was not even aware of it until it hits me one day. I thank the senior Gurus of Ganden for sending Rinpoche to us to set up Kechara to help us monsters. If we help others, we will help ourselves.
With folded hands, I take refuge in the Three Jewels and thank you for setting up this beautiful dharma centre to help and benefit thousands more.
Dear Rinpoche, Thank you Rinpoche for Rinpoche’s compassion to set up Kechara House for:
1) Some of us to seek refuge from ourselves (the 3 poisons) and
2) Other who wish to practice true Dharma so as to give ourselves a shot at liberation from the suffering of samsara.
Kechara House has been an innovative and creative sanctuary for us to practice a 26 centuries old philosophy without having to strip away our nature. Like Lord Buddha who created 84,000 teachings to meet the various complexities of every mind stream, Tsem Tulku Rinpoche developed 14 departments at Kechara House so that people from various walks of life can find a platform that best suits them whereby they are empowered to live out Dharma in a manner most natural/instinctive.
It is this wisdom and compassion of Tsem Tulku Rinpoche that inspired me to grab the opportunity to become a Kecharian. Rinpoche’s versatility combined with His unsurpassable understanding of the Dharma is the crème de la crème of Dharma for the 21st century.
Being a part of a family that is built on deep-rooted teachings of Lord Buddha that has adapted itself to the dynamism of modern ways of life is a powerful place to start a journey of purposeful living. Always plagued by the feeling that life is so futile and everything we do will eventually end up in disappointments, hurt, frustration and many other unconstructive experiences, I was looking for a catalyst to make life more meaningful and hopeful while still having sense and logic. Yes, how very greedy to want it all. However, that is our nature and Kechara House makes it possible.
So, if we have the blessings to meet with Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, Rinpoche’s Dharma teachings and the kind people of Kechara, they are our 3 Jewels (Buddha, Dharma and Sangha). Cherish them by simply being a better person who benefits others. Quite unbelievably simple.
The Lamas are absolutely compassionate. I have heard that the phenomenon of teaching lay people started couple of hundreds years back,as lay people now are educated and have the capacity to learn much much more. Dharma centers are a place whereby people can get healing for their mental and physical anxieties.
Rinpoche’s explanation truly says it all. Why we come to Kechara and how Kechara can benefit us! Everything we need to know about dharma is all right here. I thank Rinpoche from the bottom of my heart.
I volunteered in KC sometime before I was offered to work parttime.I couln’t resist the offer though I haven’t work for a long time.I was a fulltime housewife.Being in Kechara opens up a new chapter in my life.There’s this sense of awareness to do more with what is left with this life.Could it be the energy of these young Kecharians?? Plus Rinpoche’s beautiful teachings,love and care for his students which touches my heart.I feel fortunate now.May I never be separated from my Guru in this lifetime and future lifetimes.May I meet the Dharma again and again in my future lifetime to benefit all sentient being.Thank you SM,for your trust in me.