Small Plant Growing on Zong Rinpoche’s Statue
March 13, 2010
Dear everyone,
A few days ago in my audience room in Kechara House 1, there was a leakage on the ceiling, and water fell directly onto Zong Rinpoche’s statue on the altar, not anywhere else. So I was quite concerned and worried.
Without asking me, Monlam, who was very concerned and caring and who has a lot of initiative, called up three very senior and old monks in Gaden Monastery to ask if it means anything bad. JP, also on his own, asked Monlam about the significance.
The first senior Gen (Gen means teacher in Tibetan), said that water falling onto the lama’ statue like that is nothing bad. In fact it is very, very good, it means that attainments are coming. And he also said, if there is anything like mushrooms or grass or plants growing on the statue afterwards, it is a clear sign that a lot of money for Dharma is coming soon.
In Tibet we believe what the old monk said. And the amazing thing is he mentioned this a few days ago before we noticed that something is actually growing on the statue.
The second senior monk, Geshe Jinpa said, there is nothing to worry about, it is a good sign, it means good things are coming.
And Monlam even contacted one of my gurus, His Eminence Kensur Jampa Yeshe Rinpoche to ask for divination, and Kensur Rinpoche’s divination showed that “Don’t worry, everything is fine, just do a long life puja of 16 Arhats for Tsem Rinpoche life. It is not a bad sign. Everything will be ok.”
All three lamas confirmed that after the statue is repaired and we put up the clothes again, I should offer up a khata, an offering of tensum and mandala, and everything is fine. In fact it is a very good sign. All three lamas confirmed that if I do that after the repairing of the statue, it would be good.
Thank you.
Tsem Rinoche
The holy image is in my room now.
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Here’s more stories similar that happened to me:
This mushroom appeared last time in my house also: http://blog.tsemtulku.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/kechara-13-depts/setrap-gives-another-sign.html
Then immediately outside of my house a Bodhi tree starte to grow on it’s own. We asked around and no one had planted it: http://blog.tsemtulku.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/etc/wherever-i-stay-this-is-what-happens.html
This one appeared very recently: http://blog.tsemtulku.com/?p=30053&preview=true
That’s great!
I recently received a statue of H.H.Zong Rinpoche and all the memories or previous years cascade across my mind.This I see similarly to the ‘Sprout’ that manifested as if by a miracle.
I wished to also share that the way you Teach resounds in my heart and mind. Therefore I thank you for your presence, even though you are half way around the world. Time and Space are meaningless.
With Folded Hands, I rejoice in the clarity of your words!
Many Thanks
ps I too have a connection with Mongolia
A precious moment………It’s precious plant, symbolic growth. The colour of the plant is yellow and round, supreme peace attainment as one. Standing tall on the right lap of H.H. Zong Rinpoche. So so unique. So glad I am able to place such special memory found in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Thank you so much to be able bookmark this land for many years to come. Do really hope this unique mystical plant can grow further into a big tree with flowers and if possible fruit bearing like the Bodhi Tree and yet maintain our H.H. Zong Rinpoche statue for more years to come.
T H A N K Y O U S O M U C H!
There is more that can be said about the miraculous appearance of this sprout on the statue of Zong Rinpoche.
Like all attained Gelug masters, Tsem Rinpoche is extremely humble and will not draw attention to the fact that it is actually his exemplary Guru Devotion and unbroken pure samaya with Kyabje Zong Rinpoche that enabled this image of his root guru to show signs and portents of what is to come.
This image of Kyabje Zong Rinpoche has been with Tsem Rinpoche since his earliest days in India, when Rinpoche left his home in the USA for good and went to Gaden Shartse to be ordained as a monk. The image contains many holy relics but ultimately, it is Rinpoche’s strong and pure connection to Zong Rinpoche that enables such miraculous signs to manifest.
May all true buddhists practitioners around the world also become shining examples of Guru Devotion, which is the foundation of all practices in vajrayana Buddhism.
Beng has a point about that guru devotion enabling such blessings to be manifested. Because without guru devotion, even if such miraculous signs were manifested, who would believe them?
What is sad is that signs like these are still needed these days to convince educated practitioners of a guru’s abilities. I feel that it is a sign of degeneracy that people do not believe their guru’s words without miracles, even though they are educated and can think logically. Rinpoche always says we take so many things in our lives as our gurus – we allow things like money, sex, the need for fame, to influence and run every decision we make, despite knowing those things drag us deeper into samsara…but yet we happily let them do that.
Then when someone comes along and teaches us how to gain ultimate happiness, we balk at the idea of them telling us what to do and how to get it. If we can’t listen to him now, how can we listen to his instructions in the higher tantric practices, which can be dangerous? I think that’s what Beng means when she says guru devotion is the foundation of all practices in Vajrayana Buddhism.
Guru devotion is the reason why we have Rinpoche here with us today. If Rinpoche had not been devoted to Zong Rinpoche, he wouldn’t have left the US to take ordination vows in India. If he hadn’t been devoted to Lati Rinpoche, he would not have left India to come to Malaysia, to raise funds for the monastery. So guru devotion isn’t just the foundation of all practices in Vajrayana Buddhism. Guru devotion is the foundation for Kechara to exist today.
Anyway, this grand statue of Zong Rinpoche wasn’t left destroyed like this. It was restored by Kechara Saraswati Arts ( http://www.kechara.com/arts/news/a-restoring-zong-rinpoche-update/ ) volunteer Lili Ng who did an amazing job. I saw the statue after restorations were complete, and it looks as good as new…and Lili even made a replica for Rinpoche!
Dear Rinpoche,
This wonderful sign is quite clearly a blessing, but also an indication of your complete, unwavering Guru devotion towards HH Zong Rinpoche.
To have you as our teacher, we learn the greatest lessons from your kindness, compassion and clear wisdom, but also as HH Zong Rinpoche’s student, you show us by example of your own Guru devotion exactly how we, and students of other Gurus, should commit to their teacher and remain devoted to them at all times if we are to benefit fully from our studying of the Dharma.
May I offer my greatest respects to HH Zong Rinpoche and give my deepest gratitude for his pure kindness and guidance in teaching you in such a way that has led you to become our great, wise and compassionate Guru. We remain eternally devoted.
Kindest regards,
Sandy
The day when water leaked at KH Audience room and damaged Rinpoche precious statue of Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, all of us were so worried that it was a bad omen!
Fortunately, news and feedback from Gen Gelong, Geshe Jinpa and Kensur Jampa Yeshe Rinpoche lifted the boulders off everyone’s shoulders and chest!
In fact, all these good news came at a very appropriate timing when we needed affirmation for the support that we were looking forward to towards the manifestation of Kechara World Peace Centre.
In view of the size of this project, we needed the support from all angle from financial, to networking, to skills, to time support etc. We need to pull together whatever resources we have and work towards our goal.
These signs came at the right moment in assuring us that we will gain the support needed for the growth of Kechara organization and the manifestation of Kechara World Peace Center.
By the blessing of Rinpoche’s pure guru samaya and guru devotion, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche ‘used’ His holy body to manifest signs giving us the assurance for the support coming forth for Rinpoche’s project in spreading Lama Tsongkhapa and Protector’s teachings.
You can call this a miracle or whatever you like. It definitely had shown us that we are moving towards the right direction under the guidance to Rinpoche in benefiting others!
I think omens are just signs given by the power of the 3 jewels to herald something good or something bad. The omen itself is not the cause for what is bad or what is good. It is actually the samaya of the that person or more so the collection actions of that individual. Well, it is because we don’t have enough faith in our Lamas or we ourselves are not stable and unsure of what is right or wrong, the Buddhas are very kind to send little signs to let us know.
However, this little plant omen is the most potent omen I have ever seen happening surround Rinpoche. It is most potent because it is arising from a statue of Rinpoche’s own Guru and we all know how devoted Rinpoche is to his Lamas. Rinpoche although a relatively young Lama in Gaden monastery, is widely respected not for his sponsorship or his diligent work for the monastery but his utter pure devotion to his Lamas.
In fact, some older monks say they have not seen devotion like Rinpoche’s since the fall of Tibet. It was because of Rinpoche’s devotion that save his Guru, Kensur Jampa Yeshe Rinpoche from a rather severe complications arising from Diabetes. Monk revere such devotion because it is through such devotion that high spiritual attainments would arise as witnessed by this omen.
Water for the Chinese always equates with money and smooth flow of luck and good fortune.
When water damaged the statue of Zong Rinpoche in the audience room , whatever the above positive associations with water flew out the window.There was a sense of foreboding for all of us who knew about the incident.Curiously, it seemed like the leakage from the ceiling was very selective, finding its way and dripping down only on the spot where the small statue is.
It turned out to be a good sign when the water give rise to a mysterious sprout and foretells good things coming.
This was confirmed by 3 monks from Gaden monastery.
In fact if it was auspicious,it was due to Rinpoche’s strong Guru devotion, the foundation of all attainments.
I was in Ipoh Study group open house when a group of us received news that water from the upper floor leaked into our unit and damaged Zong Rinpoche’s statue which Rinpoche had with him for years. I remember cousin Henry’s horrifying face when he broke the news to us. The first thought that came into my mind was “oh no, we are doooomed!”. Everyone’s mood was dampened as we took that as a bad omen. Later that day, we received news (just as how Rinpoche wrote on his blog) that Monlam had called the high monks in Gaden and they confirmed that it is a good sign as Tibetans believe that water is a sign of prosperity/auspiciousness. Just like if it drizzles after a dharmic activity, it is a good sign. We were also told that if a plant grows on the damaged part, it is even better. And lo behold, a sprout emerged two days later much to our relief!
This is real proof that miracles really do happen in Kechara House. I had the honor of seeing the plant on the statue and I prostrated to it. We can also trust and believe in our great gurus, our lamas. We also can trust the great teachers as they all said similair things indicating what they say is actually true! I like the pictures! They are in really good quality!! May Rinpoche live to a nice ripe old age, so that he can help may other people to get a good chance to be an enlightened being! OM ARA PATSA NA DHI!
And to think of people who scoff at miracles saying that they do not exist and all that, this is one of them! Right here in Malaysia and with Rinpoche as well! That and this being the indisputable proof that Rinpoche is benefiting others and to the less knowledgeable and exposed ones, that Rinpoche is a ‘real’ Rinpoche from Ganden, not a doubtful one. And i totally rejoice for this sign as it means, well, funds for KWPC is near! hehehhe
I feel that the important lesson here is to always have faith in the Lama. These ‘miracles’ are definite signs that things will happen sent to us by the Dharma protector to not doubt the Lama. And even though it looks hard to achieve, whatever that Rinpoche has said IS achievable…
I remember clearly when I received a call from Yoke Fui in the morning that the Zong Rinpoche statue in Kechara House 1’s audience room is badly damaged, I almost fell off my bed. I couldn’t believe that water would find its way to fall direct onto the statue. Directly above the audience room is an office. Really, what are the chances? In the 2 ½ years of being in service in Tsem Ladrang, the impossible always appear to be possible, defying all statistics.
I immediately sent a few Ladrang staff over to Kechara House 1 to rescue the statue and examine the extent of the damage. Shortly after, I arrived at the scene. After examining the damage, we made a few phone calls to people who are experienced with clay statues. After much consultation, I gave Rinpoche a report and a proposal on salvaging the statue. We had to leave the statue to dry for a few days.
As soon as I returned to the ladrang, I asked Monlam to call Gaden Monastery to find out the significance of this event. The divinition results showed that it was a good sign. We were asked to look out for mushrooms or plants growing on the statue. Immediately one day after we transported the statue back into the ladrang, my assistant Bonita alerted me of the sprout. I was once again pleasantly shocked because the statue was kept in a cabinet where there was no light! Amazing!
Good omens do happen when we have good Guru samaya. Rinpoche is famous in Gaden Monastery for having Guru devotion.
I recalled this incident because most of the people who knew about it looked so worried, especially the liaisons as many didnt know the significance of such incident happening. Not long after that, an SMS came from Ladrang’s admin stating that everything is going to be okay, in fact better than OKAY. Monlam and the Ladrang people did a good job by taking the initiative to consult the senior Monks in Gaden Monastery. As always, nothing but good news. The fact that everyone was worried shows how much they care about Rinpoche and Zong Rinpoche’s statue. Lily is so amazing, the way she ‘fixed’ (http://www.kechara.com/arts/news/a-restoring-zong-rinpoche-update/) the statue was beautiful. It really looked like new! Nice.
Thank you Tatt Ming for sharing this storey to me when my family visited KH in June 2010. Now I understand this blog better and how it connects to the one after it is nicely repaired.
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Rinpoche’s deep-rooted unwavering guru devotion could have brought about this miraculous blessing in the form of a yellow sprout of plant appearing on the damaged statue of Zong rinpoche. All three lamas feedback confirmed good sign particularly at the time when we are awaiting the manifestation of Kechara World Peace Centre. Even rinpoche’s own living guru, H.E. Kensur Jampa rinpoche’s divination gave the following Assurance; “Dont worry, everything is fine. Just do a long puja of 16 arhats for Tsem rinpoche’s life. It is not a bad sign. Everything will be ok.” Tsem rinpoche’s guru devotion reputation in Gaden earned him great from all who knew him – THE VITAL FOUNDATION TO ALL ATTAINMENT!
Zong Rinpoche is Tsem Rinpoche Root Guru and Trijang Rinpoche is the Guru of Zong Rinpoche. These two statues have been placed in Tsem Rinpoche’s audience room altar in KH1 for a long time. Uncle Eddie and I use to take care of the Gompa and Rinpoche’s room at that time. One day uncle eddie called me when he was about to make water offerings on the altar and spotted water dripping down onto the middle of Zong Rinpoche’d forehead from the ceiling. The water then flooded the floor around the altar. Zong Rinpoche’s statue was soaked wet and damaged. Then it was brought to Ladrang to dry before sendi g it for re;air. During the process of drying during the few days a small plant sprout out of Zong Rinpoche’s right knee. And Rinpoche dislayed it out in Ladrang Gompa for us to see. According Ganden Monasteery Senior monks say about the incident is correct. This is a good sign that we are expanding and growing very fast.
I can always remember this statue incident. People from KH was invited to Ladrang to view this statue. Rinpoche gave a dharma talk and along with it offered refuge to students who want to take refuge. It was very random and rare opportunity. To me that was a good thing coming. For me at least … to take refuge with one of the best guru.
Great news! Really eye opening information. This is my very first time reading this kind of information.
Really thanks for sharing, Rinpoche. May Kechara grows and flourish forever
With love,
VP
I had the great fortune to have audience with the statue of Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and offered a khata.
It is amazing to witness miraculous signs, but I always remember what is more rare and precious, thanks to the Lamrim class in Kechara House, about the turtle and the golden yoke:-
There is a vast ocean, as fast as the whole universe. A blind turtle dwells at the bottom of the ocean, but he surfaces once every one hundred years. Meanwhile floating on top of the ocean is a golden yoke with a small hole in the centre. This ring is carried by the wind and waves. How easy would it be for the blind turtle to poke hsi head through that golden yoke is how rare for us to be born as a human or god and to come across the pure, complete teaching of Dharma.
Thank you Rinpoche for Kechara is the golden yoke for many “turtles” who are swimming in the ocean of samsara and may our work continues to bring Dharma to many.