WHY I CONCEIVED OF KECHARA SOUP KITCHEN OR KSK
I chose to be poor when I left my step parents’ home when I was 16 years old so that was 1981. I crossed the US on my own from New Jersey to California. I had no choice. When I stayed home, I couldn’t pursue what I wanted to pursue. That created alot of friction. I ran away from home several times, but in 1981, it was my third and final time I left home in Howell, New Jersey for good.
It was not easy, as I had to work all types of jobs in California where I ran away to and joined a dharma centre in Los Angeles. At sixteen and not having alot of skills it was not easy. Not easy at all.
I ate the cheapest foods, used blankets from 2nd hand stores, borrowed or got 2nd hand clothing from friends/what not and basically had very little next to no money. I am not complaining but it made me appreciate help, having things, friends, good food, finances, house and support now. But I never forgot what it was like and I sympathize deeply with people who have it hard.
So as an extension of those days, I created Kechara Soup Kitchen or KSK ( http://kechara.com/ksk/ ) from giving food to 15 people a week, now we are giving to 700 people per month. We have acquired our own building and will be cooking food on the premises. Exciting and fulfilling to help the homeless. KSK has been getting alot of media coverage. We are grateful to the media. In this video, The Star newspaper in Kuala Lumpur interviews the homeless we have been helping and also interviews the President Ruby Khong (my good friend and student) regarding KSK. It is a wonderful online video made available by The Star. Thank you The Star! Please see the above video and also the below links. You will find it interesting and understand what we are doing.
Other videos you can link to and watch regarding KSK:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dix6R-cZTGk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ez0m5rFUdXg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nEVJewhpro
I have been giving food to homeless people and stray animals most of my life. My step mom use to do that. Her name was Dana Bugayeff. She was diagnosed as a schizophrenic 30 years too late, as a result it made many people and herself suffer a lot. She had like multiple personalities. But when she was herself, she was soft, kind, generous and very giving. I always remember that about her. She abused me with beatings, scoldings, punishments, verbal abuse for the most of the time I was living with her. When she was finally diagnosed properly and had medication, she became the person I knew she was inside. The funny thing was as a kid I couldn’t live with her, be with her and left home, but I never stopped loving her or missing her. I just wished she was diagnosed years before that. She suffered a lot and she was not a bad person at all. She furiously objected to me becoming a monk or engaging in a spiritual life. She had her views and I was punished for it for many years. I don’t resent her for that, I know she wanted the best for me in her world. How can you resent someone that you call mom when growing up and was generous to you when she was not ill.
Before I left for India and left the United States for good, I went to New Jersey to see her and say goodbye. It was the last time I would ever see her again. Our relationship changed. When I use to go visit her from California in New Jersey, she was always polite and cordial to me. She knew she had lost control over me and that I was going to become a monk. She never accepted that. I am sorry for that. From my heart, I am sorry she couldn’t accept, because I never wanted to hurt her by being a monk. I just couldn’t do what she wanted me to do.
This was my family home taken in the fall, when the leaves have fallen from the cold. My step parents Boris and Dana Bugayeff lived here with me. It was 233 West 3rd Street, Howell, New Jersey, USA 07731. Both Dana and Boris have passed away. After I went to India I unfortunately never saw them again. My bedroom is the top floor right window. The car in front was ours.
These are my step parents whom I lived with in New Jersey. Boris and Dana Bugayeff. I thought they were my real parents as that was what I was told, till I was told differently when I was in my teens.
Dana and Boris Bugayeff with my maternal grandmother, who was the former ruling family of Xianjiang. My grandmother arranged my adoption over to Dana and Boris in New Jersey in 1972. I didn’t know anything. I was told Dana and Boris were my parents and at 7 years old, I just believed it. My real mom couldn’t take care of me, so my grandmom had me immigrated to the US from Taiwan. Through the years, my grandma who loved me very much would come on ‘inspection’ visits to make sure I was properly taken care of. I looked forward to her visits. When she visited, I wouldn’t be beaten, shouted at or punished. I never told grandma. I dare not to, because after her visits, my mom would be very irate.
This is my step dad with my birth mother in the red.
This is my (from left to right) birth mom Dewa, her mother (my grandmom), and Duger a family friend from Taiwan holding my half brother Bata. She had him with her husband. My mother had another son after Bata. I don’t know where they are now.
My birth mom in the red (centre). My cousin Judy on the left (holding glass) and my other cousin Toktun on the right. Judy and Toktun are sisters. I’ll talk about Toktun another time. I loved Toktun very much. She was always kind to me. She has passed away.
On one of my grandmother’s visits to our house in New Jersey. She would stay around two weeks to observe me and how I was. I loved it so much when she visited. I was sad for weeks when she left. She was affectionate, loving, kissed me non-stop, fed me, and always talked to me in a loving manner. I miss her so much. I was wearing a cowboy outfit and in front of us was my doggie Princey. I loved Princey. Later he was run over by a car.
My step dad, Boris Bugayeff and me. He loved me in his own way.
My step mom Dana Bugayeff and myself.
Me and Princey. My step mom gave me Princey. I loved Princey so much. He was such a cute and good dog. But he always chased cars to my horror. I’d worry so much about him when I went to school.
This was me and my step mom Dana. I visited for the last time before I went to India. I never saw her again. I gave her roses. She loved roses the best. She passed away October 15, 2005 which was a Saturday 12:30 AM Eastern time New Jersey. I am wearing a gold Shakyamuni pendant she gave me years ago in the picture. I always love that pendant. She wore one also always. The pendants I have conceptualized, designed and created these days are inspired by that pendant she gave me. I miss her.
In life sometimes you just stop asking why and just accept.
Tsem Tulku
Tsem Rinpoche is kind and loving, but he didn’t start the Kechara Soup Kitchen just because he is kind, there is much deeper reason: he was there before, on the street, penniless, jobless, lost, harassed by thugs and polics, no one willing to help, just like what those homeless guys in the video said when interviewed. Tsem Rinpoche felt their pain and despair because he himself experienced it before, so it motivates him to do something to lessen their pain.
One of the qualities I admired most about Tsem Rinpoche is that whatever suffering he went through before, not only he didn’t become bitter and vengeful and vent it out on others later, contrary to what normal people would do, Tsem Rinpoche actually turned his suffering into love and compassion by making sure that others do not suffer like he did before. This is a truly amazing quality any human being can have, this is truly a Great Bodhisattva quality.
I’m truly humbled by this. To have endured so much and to show nothing but kindness and compassion after is truly noble. Tsem Rinopche, you are truly inspirational.
I wish KSK can grow very very big to help everyone on the street
Dysfunctional familes are a global tragedy.Your candidness compels me to not be so shy about sharing personal issues that ironically enough has brought me to this spot.
Thank you Tsem Rinpoche, I hear you and forgiveness the ultimate elixir to soothe the soul, keeping it untarnished and free to pursue the dharma without ghostly maras.
May Rinpoche’s compassion and KSK be the seed for many other soup kitchens and similar deeds to arise to benefit th eneedy and those who have been neglected.
沒有食物，沒有家，是一件很難受的事情。試問世上有多少人，愿意讓自己墮落街頭呢，淪落為向人乞討食物吃呢？先不談因果，且讓我們論現在，这些天天得忍受飢寒交迫的流浪漢，確實需要我們幫助。克切拉香積廚已經開始了第一步，該輪到你了，不容迟疑啊!一條宝贵的生命，可以就因你的一個善念，完全改變了!!!!
May Kechara Soup Kitchen grow & benefit many homeless in the city.
KSK not only feeds them but also helps them to ‘re-enter’ the society by finding them jobs and help themselves.
May this act of Rinpoche’s kindness create causes for many more homeless to be helped.
Rinpoche, you have been through so much, a lot more than other people and still you chose to rise above it, and use your experiences as a catalyst to benefit others. Your example shows that other people can do it too. And thank you for always pushing us, and giving mummy the opportunity to lead KSK…I’m so proud of her!
From all types of experiences that Rinpoche went through, good and bad, something beautiful has blossomed. Just like a lotus coming from the mud at the bottom of the pond. Thank you for sharing Rinpoche.
Rinpoche shows us how to transform adversities into the path.
May the many beneficial works of His Eminence flourish so that through Rinpoche the precious lineage of Je Tsongkhapa take root and grow in this region.
饥饿无疆界，以慈悲为怀让每个人都有温饱，帮助流浪汉脱离流浪街头是克切拉香积厨的理想。
祈愿尊贵的詹杜固仁波切这项工程在各界善心人士的协助下，利益众生。。。
感谢仁波切在部落格的精彩分享！！非常感人！
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing with us your journey. Your sufferings never deterred your love and kindness towards sentient beings! It is very rare to find someone like you! I am very fortunate to have Rinpoche as my Guru!
KSK is a vehicle to give people another chance to get back on their feet. It teaches us to be non-judgmental, humble, caring, more accepting and kinder. As Rinpoche always say, “Compassion conquers all!” How true!
Rinpoche’s struggle & hardship has never turned out to be ‘baggage’ to Rinpoche, in fact, it served as a reminder and as a cause for Rinpoche to create one of the most dynamic charity in Kuala Lumpur – Kechara Soup Kitchen.
Thank you Rinpoche for showing us that we don’t have to be bitter with our challenges & difficulties.
To build a home with open the door for everyone is real compassion in action….Namaste!
詹杜固仁波切的部落格即将有中文版了！敬请大家密切留意！
Every time when I read about rinpoche life, I have no idea how could Rinpoche go through all those hardship. Is really amazing. It must really takes countless of determination and courage to achieve it. I wish Rinpoche will live long and continues to benefit more peoples.=0)
Rinpoche is all about compassion thru action. It inspires us to do the same.
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for sharing your childhood experience with us. Now I have a lot to tell my friends about how KSK comes about. KSK not only feed the needy but also feed our own mind. Many volunteers told me that they became a happier person after they joined KSK. It’s the power of giving that opened up our hearts. KSK volunteers lower down their ego, talk to the homeless and listen to their needs. We know someone out there needed us and waiting for us for help. It touches our hearts when they look at our eyes and softly, they said “thank you”. Thank you Rinpoche for creating KSK, you give us a place to learn to give and to share our love to STRANGERS and learn to think for benefiting others. I feel fortunate to be able to do my little part to serve KSK and i will stick around and grow with KSK.
Dear Rinpoche, thank you for the insight in your biography. It´s good to see and feel that a hard childhood and younger live can go to a live full of heartiness and compassion.
I am so moved by your compassion and insight! You are a living example of the Buddha’a teachings. Through all of the 84 000 texts and 2500 years, you brings these perfections to light. I am so greatful to have found you.
Death is so final. Even if we reincarnate back, the life as we know it or how others knows us is gone forever. Most of the time, we don’t even remember that life again once we are back.
It is so important not to lie, cheat, hurt and give pain to the ppl around you or to anyone. Life’s short and it is hard to make up for th wrongs that we do, so why even do it? Make it the best with the ppl around you always. It makes the short time we have available have some sort of meaning.
Tsem Tulku
Death, the meditation of it, the thought of it and the fear of it always motivated me to not hurt others, to give, be generous and to let go. Just let go. It has kept me in the dharma all these years.
Sometimes when something really frustrates me to no end, I think about my mortality and death, and I lighten up to the point of being able to think things through with some sanity.
Death has been my strongest motivation to try something even knowing I might fail. I don’t want to fail. The fear of failing can be paralyzing. But then when I contemplate how many years I’ve wasted, I figure what is there to lose? Only death makes me lose everything, so what is there to be afraid of? Just go ahead and try it out.
When I am insecure, I contemplate how many years I have left to live, and not knowing that, makes me let go.
When I am upset with someone or a situation, I really just think, does it matter if I was going to die today? Is it such a big deal after all? Would I be upset if I was going to die today?? Then again my mind releases whatever upsets me. it doesn’t release all the way, but enough to not be some wrapped up that I can’t do anything else.
Death meditation makes you face the biggest challenge in life, your own mortality. Once you can handle that, all the other challenges become small. And your fear of them start to lose hold on you.
Tsem Tulku
Dear Rinpoche thank you (again and again your words touch my spirit soul
)) ) for your words. Really true your words. Sometimes feeling the same, special when times are hard. Words from a great christian nun helping me a lot in my life. Theresa of Ávila (was a Spanish mystic) has said:
Let nothing trouble you,
let nothing make you afraid.
All things pass away.
God never changes.
Patience obtains everything.
God alone is enough.
I know “God” is a christian paradigm but somehow I see same tenor in your words.
Greetings bybeat
Truth is the Truth
No matter what path one takes
Do unto Others as you would have Other do unto you!
Golden Rule
As a rule,
A Man is a Fool
When it is hot,
he want it cool
When it cool,
he wants it hot
What it is,
he wants it not!
Some of us suffered in Southern Baptist Churches
Does not mean we did not learn anything
The merging of Christian and Buddhist Principles is Inevitable
The Dharma is not a dogma
It is the Course, the Current of Life!
I once lived in the alleyways of Tangiers for six months as a street urchin
My hand out for few pennies!
Gave me a loaf of bread for about five cents, to eat and watch the night in the Kasba.I think I lost about 45 pounds by the time I found home again. At least I avoided the draft.What a nightmare that period was to my mind.
Reading the “Way of the White Cloud”, about Tromo Geshe Rinpoche gave me company in a world full of wonder far from my home in Indiana, I kept going until I met the Sahara.
Happy People are caring for those in despair and despondent with care and love.
I am not happy, but happier. I don’t think I will be totally happy and at peace in this life, but I will have more peace than when I started out in the beginning of this life. So I guess that is better than being more unhappy and no peace towards the end of this life.
I’ve learned to settle for whatever I can get and try for more but if I don’t get it, I settle for the fact that I tried my best and be happy with what I have. Anyway the ultimate truth is not how much you have and don’t have, but what you have done with whatever you recieved.
Tsem Tulku
Tsem Tulku
Thankyou,Tselm Tulku Rinpoche,
I really needed to hear those words!..to accept things as they are and try to do the best with what i have..also a reminder of how my life is much happier now than it was. Also to be prepared for dissapointment and try to just accept things.If i sincerely try my best to do the right thing as best im able and not beat myself up in the process,then at least good seeds are being planted! Also having the Wisdom to admit i was wrong and apologize etc.. when i can and try to be humble. Thanks for your Wisdom and Compassion. andrew
this is really touching.. I didn’t know there is an organization out there is helping lotsa people who are really needs helps.. loves.. cares.. and of course FOOD .. without asking for any return.. I really solute those people who work hard in the organization.. you all make the world warmer & full of loves..
Thanks!!
This is really touching article!!
i really salute to those people who work hard for these kind of organization…
you all make the world happy and full of love..
Thanks for sharing these wonderful blog..
I really appreciate it !!
I love this post because it gives the background of KSK (http://www.kechara.com/ksk) – how it came about from Rinpoche’s own suffering as a teenager in USA. He actually knew what it was like to be so poor and to be homeless while he hitchhiked across the USA from New Jersey to L.A. This post was rather poignant because Rinpoche candidly reveals the abuse he suffered as a young boy in Howell, New Jersey.
From Rinpoche’s personal experience, he began compassionate action, which inspired his students like Ruby, who have since taken KSK to another level with the establishment of a permanent building right in the middle of town.
What I personally take away from this article is the sobering realization that we are so fortunate with so much blessings of a roof over our heads and food on the table. With all these opportune conditions, what will I do with it? I should help Rinpoche’s vision manifest, in whatever way or form that he wishes, that’s what I should do.
I always feel sad and inspired at the same time whenever I read Rinpoche’s biography.
I feel sad for all the pains and hardships he endured as a child. Rinpoche bears no ill feelings towards any of those that had inflicted pains and anguish on him. He forgave them and moved on.
On the advice of his Guru, he called his step mother to make up, to ask for forgiveness for running away from home. Initially he was quite resistant to that advice. However , once he had done it, he felt free.
It’s difficult for us to forgive people who had caused us pain, but hanging on to that feeling will cause us more pain. When we forgive, we are really disallowing ourselves to be under the control of the negative memories , thus freeing ourselves.
When Rinpoche inspired some of his students to start a soup kitchen, he knew from experience what it was to be living in the streets, to be hungry, to be homeless, to not know when the next meal will be, to not know how it will taste, to have no safe haven to go to in the moment, to be exposed to the dangers of living outside, he had experience the situation first hand.
Thus the creation of KSK is a result of both experience and compassion.
It is clear, reading through Rinpoche’s life story that he never “held the grudge”, his care and compassion was always there even when abused. The fact that he persevered in becoming a monk, despites his mother being against it, is also compassion, for it would have brought negative karma to his mother if Rinpoche did not persevere and became a monk in the end.
When our loved ones act in ways to take us away from the Dharma, we should remember that if we use them as “excuses” not to do dharma, they will suffer from our weakness. So, to stick with Dharma and prevent our loved ones from severing our Dharma inclinations can also be an act of compassion, for we do not want them to suffer, we want them happy eventually!
Rinpoche is a very kind person. The reason why he has started the (Kechara) Soup Kitchen is actually an extension of what he has been doing in Gaden Monastery in India. Because of his teenage years when he was traveling from New Jersey to Los Angeles to run away from his step parents, Rinpoche used to tell me stories of how he has nothing to eat and nowhere to sleep. In India I used to go with him every month to give food to poor families. There was one time he took me to a blind nun’s house to offer food. He also has found sponsors for all of the monks in his Ladrang in Gaden.
Before I started volunteering with KSK, I used to think that the homeless were there on their own account. I used to think that they did not try hard enough to find ways to resolve their problems, and I even thought that they were all lazy or they just wanted the easy way out and do nothing. However, after going out on the feeding routes with KSK, my views changed drastically. Sometimes people go get caught up in a series of very unfortunate circumstances. One wrong move or decision could land someone in a very place, or doom them for life. When we go onto the ground level, we will undoubtedly see life very differently. Then we will truly stop asking why and just accept. More importantly, we work to resolve problems and do not choose to ignore the problems or add to them. Rinpoche’s personal life journey has actually helped so many of us become better people. This is why I will always call Kecharians – Warriors of Compassion in Action. They serve the greater whole, for the benefit of the greater whole – not just feeding their own selfish needs. I’d like end my comment with another quote from Rinpoche’s gorgeous Coffee Table Book, If Not Now, When? – “People who pursue helping others are much happier than people who pursue themselves.”
Tsem Rinpoche used his past experience of hunger and homelessness to start something very beneficial to the Malaysian society. Perhaps this is why KSK stands out whereby the volunteers bring the homeless more than just a packet of food. From the sharing of the homeless interviewed as well as information from other KSK posts (available other links on this blog), KSK gives them care, warmth, self worth and hope. May KSK grow and bring this type of work to new heights, inspiring other organizations to brings sincere kindness to others in need.
Rinpoche is like the single lit candle in the centre of a dark room. His effort in KSK is like the act of lighting one candle after another. Since we have the merit to read this post, we are like one of the candles touched by Rinpoche’s compassion and vision. So, what is next? Will we make the choice to join in the effort every Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon to light more candles so that, eventually, the room glows with the warmth and brightness of compassion in motion?
Kechara Soup Kitchen definitely the gateway to bring people to get involve in community service regardless of races & religions.The amazing part i experienced through KSK was, they not only provide food to the homeless, their ultimate goal is to help the homeless to stay away from the street, so KSK working selflessly looking for jobs for them, and they been few successful case.
How kind our Guru established this department , able us to practice generosity, kindness, care & love to the homeless.
Without volunteered in KSK, you will never realised that there are so many homeless in kuala Lumpur, it’s good that parents encourage the kids to get involved, to volunteer in this department, to cultivate our young generation to grow up with cares & love through giving.
Thank you Rinpoche to establish such a great department under the flagship of Kechara.
Dear Rinpoche,
What I’ve come to admire the most about you since deepening my knowledge a little, is that where others might sometimes use the difficulties they’ve faced as an excuse not to try, to remain bitter, to never open up and to withdraw, you went in the completely opposite direction despite having gone through so much more than others who easily give up.
Instead, you used your difficulties as your driving force to greatly benefit others. You went hungry, and now you make sure as far as you can help it that so many people don’t remain hungry. You received abuse, neglect, and experienced indifference from some closest to you and yet, there is never a hint of “Poor me/Why me/Life’s so unfair!” Instead, your infinite compassion has led you to treating everyone you know so well, you give all your time and consideration to others, and you nurture, love and give without condition.
As a child and teenager, I used to have posters of John Lennon up on my wall. I so badly wanted to reach his level of creativity and depth, and later, I admired his stance on a lot of social issues – I wanted to be John Lennon! But, like most of us, he was also selfish and ignorant in many ways, which, when I got older, made me realise that I didn’t want to be him so much after all.
Had I come into the Dharma much earlier, my ambition no doubt would have been – as it is now – to emulate your qualities, to develop the virtue that you possess, and be able to bring as much benefit as you do to so many people. These things, for me, are what true aspiration is all about.
You are an amazing example of what we should all aspire to become, Rinpoche; I will always be grateful for having the incredible fortune to know you.
Kindest regards,
John Len…I mean, Sandy
Dearest Rinpoche, your personal experience about homeless people living at the street when you are young age, you feel the suffering of hunger, poor and hopeless living at the street. You started form Kechara Soup Kitchen at Malaysia to feed the hunger from different religion background and races living at the street. Kechara Soup Kitchen not just feeding homeless by food, also find ways to help the homeless people come out from the street to find jobs from them. Many people has inspire by your compassion action.
Rinpoche, you choose to move on from your unhappy childhood, using spiritual therapy to heal the pain and hurt in your heart from your step parents. Your compassion share all your love for others and helping others nonstop, I will never forget and inspire to push myself to serve more for others.
Chia
Thank you Rinpoche, I truly appreciate for what you have to go through for the Dharma in order to benefit us without any self gain. This has to come from a truly strong aspiration to liberate sentient beings from suffering; the spontaneity of an enlightened being. From your many lines of incarnation, you have this quality and choose only to transform the ones difficult to transform. Every teaching of yours is an experiential wisdom realised and taught just like feeding the poor in Kechara Soup Kitchen. I believe such impactful and powerful teaching shall benefit many sentient beings far and wide.
It’s really sad to read through Rinpoche’s childhood. What he has to endure and the most important lesson we can partake from this article is Rinpoche could have end up feeling sorry for himself and become very bitter for what he had to go through BUT he choose to teach us that even growing up with such condition, one do not have to hold grudges as life is short and death is near. Indeed he practice what he preaches; to live life with a purpose. He translate his past experience to help others who has been in similar situation, homeless and looking for a decent meal as Rinpoche understands how it feels like to be on the streets with little money and begging for food. Hence that was how Kechara Soup Kitchen (KSK) was conceptualize to help feed the homeless. I have personally took a few kids from our Manjushri Kids Class on rounds to distribute food to the homeless. It is indeed overwhelming to see the joy of those recipients and at the same time teach our kids the true meaning of compassion in action by helping others. It is a good activity for the kids to see for themselves and appreciate what their parents are providing for them.
I want to thank Rinpoche for starting KSK and Ruby for leading this initiative. The KSK team is very hardworking and through rain or shine, they never fail to deliver food to the homeless every weekend. KSK is an outlet for us to practice generosity and compassion towards other in need.
Terima Kasih Rinpoche!
What have I learned from KSK….
Impermanence:
Causes and conditions change all the time.
One moment I am a prince, next moment a pauper.
So I realize the precious chance of realizing a potential in the homeless and downtrodden, that they need not stay that way and that my potential is found in helping them be the change via KSK.
Not-Self:
The homeless and downtrodden are my own mirror of humility and no ego, realizing that it is more blessed to give than to receive. By them receiving when I am with KSK, they are helping me to clear this mirror of dust and finally realizing that if the mirror is without a stand, where can the dust alight?
Unsatisfactoriness:
Seeing the homeless and downtrodden, seeing how unsatisfactory their conditions are as such, now as well as in the long run, through KSK, I can benefit them with Dharma, their raft across the sea of unsatisfactoriness and finally to the Other Shore.
Emptiness:
Seeing how the homeless and downtrodden, with their causes and conditions also intertwined with my own, hence I am free of my own bias and unskilled projections and I can embrace them through KSK, as my own, fellow mother sentient being.
Thank your rinpoche to share with us your difficulty that you has gone through in your childhood. Some of us who complained that our childhood were bad treated or facing many problems have to shut up as what we have gone through were just so small when compared with rinpoche’s. And as the result Rinpoche does not use it to be excuses to not do things for other or create problems for other/social . Instead rinpohce use your own experience turn around to understand others and help them come out from from their problem as you know how suffer they are, what a very strong and determine mind.
Think about other and do things for other is the key to become selfless and rinpoche really shows it by actions. From Rinpoche great kindness and willing to help homless created Kechara Soup kitchen (KSK)( http://www.kechara.com/ksk ) which we are very fortunate to have this opportunity to contribute towards it by volunteering , sponsor foods or make donation.
May KSK reach out to more homeless who suffer at the street, may they be helped and which our support may they soon can stand up by themself.
The fact that Rinpoche has been able to liberate himself off the sufferings he bore as a teenager , hold no grudge and do what he has done and achieved to date is very inspiring. His determination to not only learn the Dharma & Buddha’s teachings but to spread it and benefit all the other sentient beings is seriously breath-taking.
It is very beneficial for volunteers to know the background as to how KSK was conceived, and what its long term goal is – to eventually re-introduce our clients back into society. Many people question our doings – that feeding the homeless will only serve to add to their complacency. For KSK, food is the bond between its volunteers and clients, and stemming from Rinpoche’s experience, when one is hungry, there is nothing more they’d appreciate than when they’re shown dignity, respect and kindness. Hence the gratitude our clients shows is evident in their eyes.
Also, I completely agree with Rinpoche’s earlier posting that read “I’ve learned to settle for whatever I can get and try for more but if I don’t get it, I settle for the fact that I tried my best and be happy with what I have. The ultimate truth is not how much you have and don’t have, but what you have done with whatever you recieved.” HOW TRUE!
It is said the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara hears the cries of the beings suffering all over samsara. I think Rinpoche probably heard the cries of the homeless and destitute in Kuala Lumpur. I’ve been in Kuala Lumpur for about 20 years, in those years I have seen people on the streets but never thought about doing anything for them. Hence Rinpoche does not just say compassion, compassion, compassion must be backed up by action.
What really is moving about KSK is that it is not about converting people to Buddhism its genuinely about giving food to the needy, building a bridge to them and trying to find ways to help them. Such motivations Rinpoche has always displayed the same types of actions over and over again with his many students, hence whatever Rinpoche does its always consistent with Dharma principles.
Rinpoche’s biography is a great source of inspiration to me.The tremendous amount of hardship that he went through growing up without any bitterness for all the harm and abuse that he encountered which any normal person would have felt is a testimony of how compassionate and forgiving he is and how great dharma is.It’s amazing one can go through so much and still strive to benefit so many. I remember he has said,”don’t always use pain u received as an excuse to give pain,give happiness,patience,kindness and care and the pain goes away,then it’s just love remaining.Pure love is wishing n helping others to be better and happy irregardless of yourself”.
As I get to read a little more of Rinpoche’s life everyday when I serve Rinpoche in the Ladrang, I see how Rinpoche uses His life to be a lesson for himself. With HH Zong Rinpoche firmly anchoring His mind, He sets forth with the attitude of “come what may” and lives up to the challenge/hardship/happiness/celebration/sorrow/laughter to make the best out of everything available with a constant passion to benefit people.
Rinpoche told us that there’s nothing that can stop Rinpoche from thinking of finding ways to benefit another person. His entire life since He met Dharma was in sync with such a thought. And Rinpoche encourages all who has any contact with him to do so.
Having passed those bitter years as a child, Rinpoche uses that past experience to drive Him further to getting more people out from their misery, unhappiness and suffering. In doing so, both the benefitted and the benefactor gains great happiness.
Hence, Rinpoche is the source of such a brainchild dept such as KSK and other departments of Kechara. This is because Rinpoche cares…
“How can you resent someone that you call mom?”
This is pretty incredible.
It is so “easy” for so many of us to argue with our parents, not follow their advice, rebel and create more problems for them. What is striking about Rinpoche’s account is how it has never even crossed his mind to think badly of his mother.
With his mother as his first role model, he had already begun, as a child, to focus only the positive qualities of another person and not to dwell upon the negative. It’s fascinating that someone as young as a 10-year-old can react so spontaneously in this way, with the wise understanding that the abuse she hurled was only a result of her illness and the pain that she had in her heart. (If we could only all realise that about every difficult person in the world, life would be much more peaceful and less conflict-ridden)
Back in year 2006 when this department was conceived by Rinpoche most of us didn’t know a thing or what to do…. Hahaha… I could remember that we were looking around for clients to serve initially by foot from Jalan B.Bintang up to Pudu Raya. I didn’t deter any of our volunteer to stop. Why? Well Rinpoche give many guidance and simple guidelines on how we should serve them and things to look out for during our distribution so that we don’t put our self in danger while serving (like the do’s and don’t now). Since we were so new, we were only distributing like 15 to 20 packs on Saturday at that time between 7pm to 9pm. Then have a few people that take turns to recce around in the night and see where these people are and most of the night is pass midnight we are able to see them. It was not an easy start but a few of the people that were helping at that time were inspired by Rinpoche’s vision and words to start doing it. No doubts like any other organization and departments, KSK have to also go trough a lot of its obstacles until the 2nd generation people were born and take over to improve the department.
Today, about 4 years from then KSK has grown so big serving close to 800 plus client and also has progress to get people out from the streets under the lead of our beautiful lady Ruby Khong and also assist by our first KSK full time staff Justin Cheah.
If you are still sitting around and think ‘wow they did a great job’ but you have not try going on the rounds… then is time for you to go out there to make a difference. If you can’t go out for any reason you can contribute in terms of funds or sundries when the building is complete.
Way to go KSK….
If you would like to know more and would like to volunteer in KSK you can go to
http://www.kechara.com/ksk
Think everyone! Rinpoche became homeless by CHOICE. He left the comforts of home – shelter, food, promise of a good education, parental care – to pursue his only dream, which was the Dharma.
He was living on the streets, sleeping in cardboard boxes, begging for food and desperately trying to make his way to a Dharma centre.
To every passerby, he would look like just another homeless kid, the unwanted, the unseen, the dregs of society – someone whom you would not want to associate with nor your kids.
Yet look at Rinpoche today, what he has become and what he has achieved for the betterment of society. Who’s to say the people that KSK helps off the streets will not become hugely beneficial beings to society? Perhaps all they need is a CHANCE.
KSK wasn’t created because a philanthropist thought it was a good idea to do some charity work. That would have been admirable as well. KSK was borne out of a great Guru’s determination never to allow others to experience the suffering he did, in so far as He can.Life dealt Rinpoche with more than His fair share of lemons….and out comes KSK, the sweetest lemonade store for the hungry and thirsty. Rinpoche never forgot what it was like to be homeless.
But even as i look at the photos of Rinpoche posted above and read about how he misses his family, i am reminded of how much He gave up as a person to be a monk. And as a monk how much He must have missed his own Gurus to be with us…to hold our hands and to teach us.
I am grateful for Rinpoche and i shall always remind myself never to take His presence here and His teachings for granted.
We go to Him when we are sad. Where does Rinpoche go to, after He has absorbed all our pains and sufferings? Who consoles Him?
Pick, a roof over your head or out in the cold in pursuit of your dreams?! Rinpoche did not have any hesitation to pick…the circumstances in which Rinpoche had with step parents wasn’t a favorable one. Though he had a roof over his head, he was deprived of love, most of all he was deprived spiritually. Not being accepted by his family in pursuit of his dreams is not foreign to Rinpoche. Many of us instead allows our circumstances to prevent us from pursuing a spiritual path..be it coming from those closest to us, our partners, our parents, our extended family, our so called friends, ..SOCIETY at large!
I can’t imagine if Rinpoche did not pursuit his dreams but instead, succumb to the expectations put on him. What I find inspiring also is that Rinpoche turn every unfortunate situations into good…into benefiting others instead of wallowing in self pity. Because of his hunger growing up, now each week, KSK is giving over 850 packets of food..homeless are finding a friend in KSK crew, homeless are able to stand on their feet again because they have jobs! Rinpoche’s dream and wish manifests because people believed, Ruby, Justin, Siong Woan, Julia, the liaisons..etc believes. Let’s support Rinpoche’s work all the way!
Rinpoche spearheaded the formation of KSK to help homeless people based on his compassion for all beings, coupled with the fact that Rinpoche had been there in a similar situation. Born from the altruistic wish to see homeless people given a decent meal and a sense of caring, KSK has grown from a small group of friends to what it is today – volunteers out in full force during the weekend evenings to bring food and solace. Some able bodied “clients” have been offered jobs and these placements are arranged by KSK’s committee under the guidance of its Project Director, Justin. He is also instrumental in helping a few people obtain their identity card. KSK is not all about food distribution – it cuts across all barriers of race religion and creed and brings together people with the same motive of wanting to extend their help in any which way they can to these homeless people.
My non-buddhist mum admires Rinpoche’s dedication to helping the poor and homeless. She supports and salutes Rinpoche’s kindness in starting KSK in Kuala Lumpur to help those in needs irregardless of religions. She said its uncommon for people these days to wanting to help others.
What I find interesting is how strong Rinpoche’s mind is to have endured a very difficult childhood and yet didn’t bring along that bitterness as he grows up. In fact, Rinpoche shares his experience so that others have hope and allowed second chance to live their lives once more. Thank you Rinpoche for posting this.
Everytime I read Rinpoche’s blog post regarding Rinpoche’s childhood, I am always holding back a few tears and I feel so much closer to knowing Rinpoche. I love the little photos of Rinpoche’s home, Princey, step-parents, grandmother and other people. It gave a face to the people Rinpoche’s talking about and I must thank Rinpoche for sharing Rinpoche’s most intimate childhood with all of us here on the Internet.
I really find Rinpoche’s childhood struggle inspirational because not only did Rinpoche not fight your parents but was very kind and appreciative despite the rigidity and severe punishments that they have given Rinpoche. There is just so many admirable qualities even as a child and its amazing for all the pain and difficulty that was endured, Rinpoche chose to use it to make a difference today with KSK. That has extra meaning for that department and I hope that everyone who comes in contact with Rinpoche’s mission knows about this story.
Reading about how Rinpoche conceived of Kechara Soup Kitchen has always touched my heart. By choice, Rinpoche left home in his pursuit for Dharma and Rinpoche actually ran away from home three times and the final time he was successful. Rinpoche endured much harrassment while being on the streets and came to know and understand the sufferings of homeless people. Cold, hungry and helpless. Rinpoche did not forget about the sufferings of the homeless people after Rinpoche eventually went to India and become ordained. Rinpoche showed us that how much Rinpoche has cared by giving food to the homeless and poor people wherever Rinpoche are before starting a soup kitchen in Malaysia back in 2006. I sincerely thank from my heart and with lots of respect to Rinpoche. If not because of Rinpoche’s idea and ‘sacrifice’ to spend 30 years of his life in Dharma, there won’t be a KSK in KL or there won’t be even a Kechara House. The people of Malaysia (and of course India and Nepal) have benefitted from you a lot!
Dear Justin,
How KSK has been conceived by Rinpoche is totally awe -inspiring. That the guru can actually use his “painful experience” and turn it around to benefit others. However, without good “soldiers of dharma”, whatever Rinpoche has conceived would not have materialized at all.
What I find compelling is the KSK “soldiers of dharma”. Your team’s hard work and dedication towards the mission of KSK.
I’ve known you for 2 years now and everything about you is helping others and now you have diverted your strength towards the homeless and also the volunteers of KSK regardless of their race, background and culture.
On top of this, your President, Liaison Ruby Khong sets a very good example to follow. I admire her steadfastness and her leadership quality. Result and sincerity speaks as KSK is one of the few charity group which is the most publicized and active in Malaysia. She has brought KSK to a totally new level all together.
And I do look forward to the new PERMANENT SOUP KITCHEN in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Well Done!
Young Rinpoche ran away from home to do Dharma, whereas younger people runaway from home to create Drama!
All the misery and hardship would not stop Rinpoche nor make him change his mind from studying the Dharma for the sake of all sentient beings.
Perhaps, H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche had made a wish in his previous life to absorb all the obstacles so that the Dharma can grow and flourish from wherever he is.
During his runaway journey and hitchhiking period, he experienced lots of hunger, sleeping on cold streets, being robbed, beaten and suffering from many other physical abuse. Fortunately, he managed to reach Los Angeles safely and eventually settled down in Thubten Dhargye Ling (TDL) where he met his Guru.
Kechara Soup Kitchen has important mission, to help and save all those unfortunate people from off the streets, give them food and if possible, a roof and a job.
It is through the kindness of H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche that KSK manifested to help the homeless regardless of race and religion. It is also to express the kindness and compassion of the Lama to all sentient beings has no boundaries.
PAUL
Tsem Rinpoche has always been reminded of how felt when he was a runaway, alone, defenseless and homeless on the street. He did not belong anywhere then. Any beings need a place to call home where they feel safe, enough to eat to survive and the opportunity to live. Pangs of hunger can drive people to act aggressive, violent, and selfish. Children will suffer from physical, mental growth, development and stunted growth due to malnutrition. The basic need of life is shelter, food and hope.
KSK’s mission is to bring these homeless people out of their current condition or out from the street so that they can start a new life. The food to them is only a temporary relief for their hunger but it can lead to their soul and touches their hearts to know there is kindness from others out there in destitute forgotten dark hidden places.
Rinpoche I think Rinpoche purposely choose to be born in such a situation where Rinpoche would go through these sufferings in order to know and be able to relate to us better… that is the path of a Bodhisattva. Because of Rinpoche’s struggles, we have what we have today…13 Departments carrying out Rinpoche’s mission to bring Happiness to others, and one of them is none other than Kechara Soup Kitchen. This is truly a department that transcends all faiths, culture and race, because when you are hungry, you are hungry, no matter how rich or poor you are, black or white. And this is one way we can give back to our society, our people, our government.
It is also a great way to teach young children the value of life and what they have. Most children these days are so spoilt and pampered, they forget there are people out there who are less fortunate while they complain about not getting what they want for Christmas! This KSK
Starting something is always quite easy but maintaining it and to keep it going is another. So Kudos to Ruby, Justin Cheah, Siong Woan, Karen, Julia and Beng Kim… you guys are amazing Boddhisattvas, you really put Dharma in to action! Because of what you do by carrying on our Rinpoche’s dream and mission, thousands on the streets are really getting help and even getting jobs! For us, it is an opportunity to practice giving and instead of talking kindness, to actualize it. If you have not gone to KSK round, this is one Kechara activity you must experience! Call Justin Cheah today http://www.kechara.com/soup-kitchen/about-us/our-team/ for a few hours perhaps we can pause in thinking about the “me”
If Rinpoche has not told us his life story, we would all assume he has got a good life, having parents from good background and a grandmother with an influential background and who adores him. Sadly, this is far from the truth.
It is heart-wrenching that Rinpoche has a ‘lost’ childhood – full of abuses, neglect & no fulfillment as a child. Most children given this situation would have been psychologically affected and have grown up with poor mental health. Instead, Rinpoche still expresses his love for his stepmom and stepdad without harbouring ill feelings towards them. He has been able to forgive and let go all the pain they have caused him and moved on to pursue his dreams of becoming a monk.
Rinpoche has developed great compassion for the homeless due to his childhood and the time he ran away from home. He understood how it was like to go hungry and not having money. KSK was set up to feed the hungry because Rinpoche knows the homeless did not choose to be homeless and go hungry. KSK has done very well under its President Ruby Khong and project coordinator Justin Cheah. We hope more people will support KSK efforts so that we can take people off the streets and give value and meaning to their life again.
The 1st time a met Rinpoche I know I found my Guru. After reading the My First Guru In New Jersey I knew that Tsem Tulku Rinpoche is a person who’s not easy giving up even though at very young age. He knows what is really benefited to him. He respects his guru; he trusts his guru, he believes his guru and he very compassion. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche is the guru which everyone should request for and should learn from him. How fortunate we. And we do not know how much merit which we had accumulated from our previous to had him to be our guru. AMAZING GURU… you can’t find in elsewhere…
The Lotus in its majesty raise above the muddy pool was what came to my mind reading how Rinpoche suffered so much hardship in Rinpoche’s childhood and yet have the resolve not to have anyone suffer in such similar manner.
This is a true manifestation of Rinpoche’s Bodhisattva’s nature.
Because in Rinpoche’s runing away from home, Rinpoche suffered hunger and “homelessness” KSK was founded by Rinpoche.
The difficulties for Rinpoche to pursue the Dharma, Rinpoche created Kechara House, where his students can study and learn the Dharma in very comfortable environment.
It is so humbling to witness and experience such great compassion, care and love. I am very lucky to meet with such a Great Person like Rinpoche and I will always prostrate to my Guru with great gratitude.
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for your ever inspiring words of wisdom. I am very sorry for your bitter childhood experience and I am very happy that against all odds you have decided and become a monk, that now we are fortunate to have your presence – a living Bodhisattva in Malaysia since 1992 to spread dharma teachings and do dharma work in order benefit all sentient beings.
Throughout my life, instead of thinking of death as morbid, may I meditate on death as motivation tool to propel me to advance further in the course of dharma, and let go of any any attachments in life, be it on gradual basis. May I also meditate on death to help me to realise and embodies the 8 verses of mind transformation into my daily lives.
May Rinpoche has long life, no obstacles to your dharma works, and be surrounded by sound and enthusiastic students.
“No one is pure evil. If you wait long enough they would show you their good side. You can’t make them do in the hurry, but you can be patient.” – Randy Pausch (http://blog.tsemtulku.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/2010/05/randy-pauch.html)
The above statement made by Randy Pausch is echoed by
how Rinpoche endured the sufferings inflicted by her step mom over the years without having any negative thought about her step mom, but with strong conviction and belief in the positive qualities that her step mom has inside her, which is her true nature after she recovered from schizophrenic years later.
PATIENCE is such a great virtue to be embraced by all of us.
“When one whom I have benefited with great hope, unreasonable hurts me very badly, I should learn to view that person, as an excellent spiritual guide” – 8 verses of mind transformation by Kadampa Geshe Langri Tangpa (1054 – 1123) – The above is obtained from the Appendix in “Nothing Changes, everything changes” dharma book by Tsem Tulku Rinpoche.
The 8 verses of mind transformation can be found in Tsem Tulku website too as follows: http://tsemtulku.com/resources/prayers/prayers-preliminaries/eight-verses-of-mind-transformation/
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for this heart-warming and inspiring message! We should all do more to help the poor (and animals), because we’re all interconnected, and a homeless might be a lama! Also, better to let go of our material possessions now, while we still can, because death can come at any time!
Rinpoche, what was your name back in America? Did they call you “Iska,” or did you use an English name? And what Chinese name did you have in Taiwan?
“In life sometimes you just stop asking why and just accept.”
This is so wise! Samsara will never be completely happy.
“…my maternal grandmother, who was the former ruling family of Xianjiang.”
I think there must be some mistake. Xinjiang never had a ruling family, at least not when it was called Xinjiang. They must have been talking about noble bloodlines.
Oh well, Rinpoche, even if you are not an actual prince, you are still a prince of dharma! Thank you again.
It’s heart-warming to read all the posts above and to know that so many people have been inspired by Rinpoche’s compassion. Rinpoche created KSK for his students and volunteers to develop compassion and selflessness by serving others. Personally, I’ve benefited from my experiences as a volunteer for 2 years in KSK. I thank Rinpoche for giving me this opportunity and wish the current President Mrs Ruby Khong all the best in her endeavours to take KSK to new heights. I’m sure she will. I would like to thank Justin Cheah and the other members of the KSK team for their hard work. KSK benefits many people, both the givers and the receivers.
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for sharing with us your interesting and amazing young days story.You had gone through so much hardship at such a young age and that did not affect your thinking.Had Rinpoche not left home and went to the monestry to become a monk we would not have received the dharma today.
The suffering you received through homeless, poverty and hunger you take that as an experience and today you started KSK to feed the homeless on the streets.
You left home not to escape from your step parents but you had a direction to follow.The direction brought you here to teach dharma and built Kechara House and soon KWPC to benefit many, many more people.
you have my utmost respect Rinpoche!
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Dear Rinpoche,
I grew up knowing you through your cousin, Sara. She and I lived across the street from each other. She is my dearest friend. You and I have many parralells in life; both being adopted, our mothers suffering with a mental illness that went undiagnosed and being raised in abusive and punitive homes. Although this is not the first time I was drawn to your website, I recently connected with you through FB after seeing all the lovely photo’s posted by your bio team. This connection lead me to your page, and more particularly this post. I sit here crying as I read the events of your childhood and your tremendous capacity to forgive your mother despite of what you were forced to endure. My mother passed away in 2007. More recently, I have struggled to see the goodness in her, which has weighed heavily on my heart. After reading this post today, I realize that I, too, must forgive her in order to free her and more importantly myself. You have given me much to contemplate. That I connected with you was no accident. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Rinpoche has never stopped thinking about his sufferings during his childhood. You may call this attachment to his past. But because of this attachment he has brought so much benefits to help the homeless and hungry. He has put into actions what he has felt being homeless and hungry. No one will be able to feel the sufferings of another unless the person has felt and experience themselves. It need not only be being homeless or hunger. It can be in form of other types of sufferings. When Rinpoche ran away from home he found it hard to get a job to support himself. Without a job you will be homeless and have no food. That is why Rinpoche set up KSK not only to feed the homeless but to get jobs for the people is also very important.
shelly on november 17 at 4pm
After reading Rinpoche childhood story it really make us think that no matter what bad thing happen to you you have to learn to accept it and use this past experience to benefit others.
Thank u Rinpoche 4 sharing this inspiring story.I think Krishnan, like Mother Theresa, has already the imprints of a Bodhisattva when he first saw his tragic hunger ridden victim.If our young today are exposed more to pple like Krishnan, life not fiction, who can change the lives of countless helpless pple into decent dignified pple, the world will be a better palace to staynow n in the future. Rinpoche, we need 2 transform the minds of our young pple who have become increasingly degenerate in this modern age of technology.
there is a reason why I volunteer at KSK as I was nearly being like them all due to my own spending habits and etc. nearly got kick out by the landlord and also i did committed suicide but something in me asked me to go to hospital and i was saved…..i had made my mom suffer together with me which is the worst thing that a child can do…my friend brought me back up..when i volunteer at ksk, i feel something in me makes me happy by serving them…what they need is a second chance in life to make it better…
be the best you can be my dear ones if you cant be safe think wisely serve and be better tomorrow remember everything you said and you did also remember the simple lessons your loved ones told you , be safer, eat well, look after your family and more dear ones