Kyabje Zong Rinpoche Cuts My Hair
This photo was taken at TDL centre in Los Angeles in 1984. I had promised to take ordination and go to Gaden Monastery. HH Zong Rinpoche told me to live in his house(Zong Ladrang) in Gaden. I agreed to everything. HH Zong Rinpoche cutting a strand of my hair and blessing me as indication of His acceptance.
I am still moved when I see this.
Since HH Zong Rinpoche's passing, I have felt lonely and missed Him till today. Not a day goes by I do not chant His name mantra or wish to be in His presence again. I have not met such a lama.
When I first heard His name, immediately great faith, joy and excitement arose in my mind. I believed He is Heruka and that faith has never wavered. He is Heruka.
Meeting Zong Rinpoche was one of the top 5 events of my life which has been useless most of the time.
I love you Zong Rinpoche and I will always be devoted to you. You are my refuge. Whatever you have passed to me from your Enlightened mind, I will uphold till my death.
Tsem Tulku
Kyabje Zong Rinpoche Dorje Chang la chag tsel lo!
Rinpoche, despite everything you went through, you never gave up or broke your word to Kyabje Zong Rinpoche even till today.
You had braved scoldings and beatings from your parents, risked robbery and worse by hitchhiking across America to LA, and suffered through homelessness, hunger and basically having to stand up for yourself and survive when you were still a teenager. And you had to find a way to get yourself to India to be ordained as a monk, despite that fact that your root Guru to whom you made your promise to had already entered clear light.
Reading your post puts me to shame. And from now onwards I will not allow small insignificant problems to discourage me or get me down.
May all Dharma students be inspired and uphold your example.
Dear Rinpoche,
This looks like wonderful and intimate moment that no doubt you will forever cherish. Having known great loss myself, I can empathise with the feeling of loneliness that comes with it, but no doubt HH Zong Rinpoche is always with you in all that you are and in all the great benefit you continue to provide to many, and although I personally never knew HH Zong Rinpoche, I have the deepest respect for him, because it is thanks to his great kindness, compassion and wisdom that we have all had the immense fortune to come to know you as our teacher.
I’m sure we all join you in our eternal gratitude to HH Zong Rinpoche, and give our eternal and sincere thanks to you for guiding us.
Kindest regards.
This photo is but one moment of the many decades of guru devotion that Rinpoche has unwaveringly held for Zong Rinpoche. I cried the last time Rinpoche spoke extensively of Zong Rinpoche, saying that he would give up everything to have one more moment with him. It made me realise that I didn’t want to find myself one day in that situation where I wanted Rinpoche, and he was gone for good. It’s not like you can bring someone back from the dead, no matter how much you want them.
I hope everyone realises that with Rinpoche, not only do his words reflect guru devotion but his actions and deeds too. I wonder how many people would have the devotion to follow the instructions of a lama who has just passed into clear light meditation with the same determination that Rinpoche had. I mean, Rinpoche didn’t have anyone to check up on him and make sure he was following instructions for something as difficult as moving to a totally foreign land with a totally foreign culture and language, and ‘giving up’ everything to take ordination vows…and it still didn’t deter Rinpoche. It shows Rinpoche’s great trust in his root guru that this was the right decision to make, everything would be okay…and Rinpoche’s great trust for the Buddhadharma to be the right decision to make.
I particularly like what Elena said.. “I hope everyone realises that with Rinpoche, not only do his words reflect guru devotion but his actions and deeds too.” This is what makes us different from Rinpoche’s devotion to Zong Rinpoche. But why must we make that different. Rinpoche give us the exact precious Dharma just like Zong Rinpoche did for him. Rinpoche memorised everything he learnt. It puts me to shame how much..rather how little i have memorised. Rinpoche has gone through so much as Beng Kooi has clearly written. What I find hope in is that Rinpoche believes I can. The assignments he gives is because he knows I can…thus, I will trust in him more than myself.
When I hear the many accounts of how Tsem Tulku Rinpoche always thought of his guru Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, how he treated him and served him when he was still with us, and how much he has missed him ever since he passed away, I am moved by the sincere devotion.
And I mean “moved” like one is moved by witnessing great acts of kindness that are motivated purely from wanting to be kind to others with no hidden agenda, with awaiting nothing in return: pure, honest, spontaneous, effortless, joyous and sincere devotion.
For guru devotion to arise so strongly and purely, Rinpoche must have strong imprint from previous lives, and strong affinities with his guru.
Rinpoche, I fold my hands to you, and I pray that I may show such devotion to my own guru too.
A picture says a thousand words! In this picture it clearly showed the trust and devotion Rinpoche had towards Zong Rinpoche.
Rinpoche’s love, trust and devotion towards Zong Rinpoche is really inspiring. No matter how many times Rinpoche share the precious moments Rinpoche had with Zong Rinpoche, it had always tugged at my and many other hearts.
Despite the hard times and obstacles that Rinpoche had endured so far, Rinpoche had never given up on us, all these is due to Rinpoche’s promise to Zong Rinpoche in benefitting others! A very good example of Guru Devotion!
The special bond between Rinpoche and Zong Rinpoche is really admirable. It put me to shame whenever I thought of giving up.
May I be able to emulate Rinpoche’s good qualities to benefit others!
Tsem Rinpoche – may you continue to be our inspiration and spiritual guide of our time and our children, be our Heruka and Vajra Yogini. Your example of guru devotion is faultless and we must strive to emulate your good qualities of care, compassion, wisdom and skillful means.
Every time I attend a live dharma talk given by you, you continue to instill hope and love and care to help us gain realization of our “samsaric” thoughts, body and speech. I become more aware because of these oral transmissions and teachings to improve myself to benefit others.
I agree with what Elena says, especially pointing out how terrible it will be when *touch wood* Rinpoche passes on. Although we are all enlightened with the knowledge that when Rinpoche enters into clear light that he will be in control of his rebirth, I dread the day. I can’t imagine how it would feel to have such a strong connection with someone, for a short period of time, and then they’re no longer physically there anymore. I’ve known Rinpoche since I was 6 – losing him would be akin to losing a family member.
*shudders at the thought*
The other thing that I agree with Elena, is when she pointed out the fact that Tsem Rinpoche carried out his duties without his lama being there to scold, continuously encourage and check up. The lama said and the student followed with pure devotion. Such is the power of words and of promises.
Beautiful photo, thank you so much for sharing such an emotional photo with us
Everyone have an inner and outer guru, so don’t need to go around to search for your inner guru, because when the time comes, your inner guru will come to you, so mean while, start your dharma practice under your outer guru, create the cause until the time comes.
Rinpoche met Kensur Rinpoche Lobsang Tharchin the first time; he started to receive teaching from him until later when he meets Zong Rinpoche, with the strong faith Tsem Rinpoche has to Zong Rinpoche, he decided to follow Zong Rinpoche as his root guru to further his Dharma Practice.
With a moment of decision, the moment of hair cutting and blessing by Zong Rinpoche, and from then on, Rinpoche has hold his vows and his guru devotion to Zong Rinpoche for the rest of his life. Rinpoche always a very strong devotion to his guru, regardless of either Kensur Rinpoche Lobsang Tharchin or Zong Rinpoche, Tsem Rinpoche has always serve them very well, Rinpoche has shown the perfect example of guru devotion to anyone else that he met in the rest of his life.
Thank you Rinpoche for the sharing.
With hand folded
Albert
It has always amazed me how Rinpoche has remained so steadfast and unwavering in his Guru devotion, commitment and promises made so many years ago. And that even after his Guru has passed on, he never gave up on his promises; nor were their importance ever diluted in Rinpoche’s mind. The promises he made are as fresh in his mind now as they were when he was only 17, kneeling in front of Zong Rinpoche in Los Angeles (as in this photo). Many of us can’t even remember what we had promised our teachers last week and it is shaming for me to realise how lightly I have held my own commitments. How will we ever hold the higher tantric commitments and vows when we can’t even follow our teacher’s advice through to the end.
It is remarkable too that Tsem Rinpoche only really got to spend about 6 months with Zong Rinpoche. After he left the LA centre, Rinpoche never saw him again. But these 6 months were enough to seal his faith and devotion forever – which is a lot more than can be said for many of us who have physically been by our teacher’s side for YEARS and still cannot reach this same level of devotion.
Rinpoche proves to us, as ever, that real devotion and being close to the guru is not about a physical closeness. The teachers will always hold us close to them but it is up to us to keep that sacred relationship close or break it. It’s about the spiritual and mental closeness we maintain from OUR side where we hold our promises and commitments close to our hearts, near and always precious.
Zong Rinpoche is Rinpoche’s root guru. Zong Rinpoche is emanation of Heruka, he showed his wrateful form, normally. But Zong Rinpoche like Tsem Rinpoche very much, the relationship between guru and student is very close. So when Rinpoche heard that Zong Rinpoche was pass away, he feels lonely. Until now when Rinpoche mentioned Zong Rinpoche, he also feels sad and lonely.
Rinpoche also always mention how great Zong Rinpoche was!! Even though I don’t have chance meets with Zong Rinpoche but I am thinking quite fortunate because Rinpoche always shared and praise the good quality regarding Zong Rinpoche. I feel very luckly we have Rinpoche to explain us all those great story regardings Zong Rinpoche.
Every article about Tsem Rinpoche’s gurus has the strong message of GURU DEVOTION. Whatever it takes, Tsem Rinpoche always uphold dhama and his gurus and all the great masters.
Rinpoche said “meeting Zong Rinpoche was one of the top 5 events of his life which has been useless most of the time” Rinpoche not always meet Zong Rinpoche, but the guru-student bond was so strong like Paris said, Rinpoche proves to us what’s real guru devotion is, not about physical closeness but about mental and spiritual closeness.
Despite Zong Rinpoche had already entered clear light, everytime when Tsem Rinpoche mentioned abt Zong Rinpoche, he cried with tears. To many of us, I should said that meeting Tsem Rinpoche was the top event of our life….before meeting Rinpoche, has been useless most of the time….
I love this picture VERY MUCH! It touches me each time when I see this picture.
This was taken when Rinpoche asked Zong Rinpoche whether should he be an actor or a monk. Zong Rinpoche did divination and told Rinpoche that :-
1. If Rinpoche becomes an actor, he will successful
2. But if Rinpoche becomes a monk, HE WILL BENEFIT MORE PEOPLE
Based on these words from Zong Rinpoche, Rinpoche made his promise to go to Gaden Monastery in India to become a monk. And Rinpoche DID NOT BREAK HIS PROMISE TO HIS GURU even after Zong Rinpoche has entered clear light shortly after.
It is indeed a profoundly moving picture of Kyabje Zong Rinpoche cutting Rinpoche’s hair. It signified the beginning of a spiritual journey that Rinpoche has promised to undertake and to this date Rinpoche has not turned back but has gone all the way in this endeavour to make it a success out of love and welfare for sentient beings. Despite having to go through all odds and suffering, Rinpoche emerged a winner . He turned his table around and and is not afraid to utilise his life experience to skillfully benefit others. He truly has compassion, wisdom and skillfulness.
To learn more about Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, visit http://www.tsemtulku.com
This photo alone is very moving because it reveals so much about Rinpoche and about how fortunate we are to have met Rinpoche. The very fact that have the Dharma right now is because of the kindness and blessings of Rinpoche’s Guru devotion to Kyabje Zong Rinpoche. The very fact now, many of us are doing Lama Tsongkhapa’s Guru Yoga is because of this joyous occasion so many years ago. One thing about Rinpoche, despite all trials and tribulations, his faith in his Gurus never wavers.
Indeed we are fortunate to have met Rinpoche and receive from him so much Dharma teachings. We are also very fortunate to have encountered this unbroken lineage in which perfect Guru-disciple relationship had formed a bond from which the blessings of Lama Tsongkhapa, Vajrayogini and Buddha Shakyamuni can flow forth. H. E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche is the last generation from which Vajrayogini initiation he bestows will promise 7 lifetimes of meeting Vajrayogini until achieving Kechara Paradise. This is promised by Vajrayogini herself to Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche, our lineage Guru or spiritual forefather. How sacred and fortunate that we are!
His Eminence Tsem Tulku Rinpoche shows great love for his root guru and perfect guru devotion. We should all be like that, that way we could become a very nice person and a better student. Zong Rinpoche shows his acceptance by cutting Rinpoche’s hair. I do not really know what kind of ceremony this is. When Rinpoche first heard his name, he could already trust Zong Rinpoche, the Heruka on earth. I bet they have a Karmic bond between each other that is especially different compared to that of regular student and teacher! We should all treat our guru like that as our guru always provides us with care, he provides us with one of the greatest gifts of all, the glorious Dharma!
ya, i kind of able to relate to your experience & feeling the first time Tsem Tulku Rinpoche heard your Guru’s name whereby immediately great faith, joy & excitement arose in your mind.
I feel the same way when the 1st time i saw my Guru, Tsem Tulku Rinpoche in Kechara’s Dvd : Re-visited” wherby our Guru made a statement at the end of the Dvd, whereby my Guru said ” Actually he is having high fever & feeling very cold but he did not shown it to all his students because he does not want them to feel worry for him & concerned for his health. He also said The Best time to practise dharma is when one’s is very sick and not feeling well but you do not tell the whole world about it & cause your loved one worry for you ” Anyone whom had watched this Dvd before knows that our Guru had visited many Kechara paradise sites / shops & etc since the early morning of that day till mid-night but he did not shown to anyone that he is actually sick because he does not want his student worry for him. He is so caring & love his student . You know what, after seeing this DVd , i decided to make a trip to Kechara House to check it out & find out more because i wish to know this Guru more…..
Today, I am so fortunate cause i manage to meet my Guru several times in person & has the opportunity to learn Dharma from this great teacher…. thank you, my Guru
Kyabje Zong Rinpoche must be a very remarkable guru for Tsem Rinpoche to have so much faith in him. The unshakable trust and promise of Tsem Rinpoche has for his guru despite his passing, even forgoing fame to be famous and rich Hollywood star is really commendable.
I can feel rinpoche’s love for his guru is reflected in his actions for it move and effected him to do so much in this life. I’ve not met Zong Rinpoche before so I could not not have a personal comment. But the ripple effect of the love rinpoche has for his guru has definitely rub on as my love for Tsem Rinpoche. I can commend that I’ve not come across anyone that has so much wisdom and compassion for others as in rinpoche. That altruistic actions of rinpoche has affected so many people in that he comes into contact with. I’ve heard and seen so much transformation of people that has been in contact with rinpoche. Thank you very much Rinpoche and Rinpoche’s past guru I’m forever grateful for all the teachings in transforming my mind.
H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche has demonstrated perfect guru devotion to H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche since the first day he met him in Los Angeles, TDL center. Even though H.H. Zong Rinpoche has passed away in 1984, H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche has never forgetting him for even one second.
Tsem Rinpoche frequently talks about Zong Rinpoche’s good qualities, his kindness and compassion towards the student, and praise him openly in front of his own students. Tsem Rinpoche will print a lot of Zong Rinpoche’s pictures, put inside very nice photo frame and give it away to all of us, Tsem Rinpoche is like the most loyalty fans of H.H. Zong Rinpoche, except H.H.Zong Rinpoche is not a pop star.
H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche has show a good demonstration of how a student should devoted to their guru, listen to instructions and always remembering the guru kindness. Watching H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s devotion to his guru is like life copy of “the 50 stanza of Guru Devotions”!
PAUL
Even at his young age, Tsem Tulku Rinpoche met H. H. Zong Rinpoche, he could immediately recognize him to be his root Guru. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche would listen and follow every instruction His Holiness told him to do, which meant that he had very strong Guru devotion.
His Holiness saw in Tsem Tulku Rinpoche sincerity and devotion to him when he accepted to take ordination and decided to enter Gaden Monastery. That is why His Holiness offered his own house in Gaden Monastery for him to stay. As Tsem Tulku Rinpoche agreed to everything His Holiness told him to do, he performed the hair cutting ceremony to show his acceptance and blessings
Even after His Holiness’ passing , Tsem Tulku would never forget what His Holiness has done for him each time he recited his Guru’s mantra and he did that everyday without fail. From then on, Tsem Tulku carried out all the works his Gurus passed down for him to do and nothing can make his mind change.
Why would a nineteen years boy promised to take ordination and go to Gaden Monastery to an old monk he hardly know? Either he was crazy or he must have tremendous faith in the old Monk. H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s faith in Kyabje Zong Rinpoche proves that karmic relationships exist. His strong guru devotion can be seen even to this day by his blog of his root guru and by the many times and the way he refers to Zong Rinpoche. I remember a few years back H.E. Tsem Rinpoche told us that he used to wake up very early in the morning to prepare breakfast for Zong Rinpoche then goes to work and comes back after work and serve his guru till very late at night; attending to his needs and also attending his guru’s Dharma teachings. He even cut his toe nails. I thought it was strange at that time….urgh!! But now I think this is the best example of guru devotion.
I pray every day that I may have pure and strong guru devotion to His Eminence, so that I can practice the Dharma well to benefit all sentient beings.
Chinese babies in Malaysia (maybe elsewhere in other Chinese communities) have their hair shaved when they are 1 month old. (On the day of their “first” full moon.)
When I saw the picture of Rinpoche having his hair cut by Kyabje Zong Rinpoche reminds me of my sons when they had their heads shaven at 1 month of age. This ‘act’ for Chinese babies is very meaningful, signifying a new beginning and a blessing.
When Rinpoche had his hair cut, it was greatly meaningful for him BUT in my mind, it is equally meaningful for us in Samsara, because this simple act, when Rinpoche agreed to be a monk, is the day, we who are students at least may have a chance of… dare I say it… ”Enlightenment?” or “Liberation?” Maybe Rinpoche can correct my ignorance on this matter.
Looking at the picture, I visualize such a ceremony will be held when KWPC is ready, Rinpoche will be conducting the ceremony like what Kyabje Zong Rinpoche did to Rinpoche by cutting a strand of hair and blessing as indicate of the student’s acceptance to be ordained.
Everytime when Rinpoche shared with us about how Rinpoche came all the way acrossed the mainland of USA to meet Rinpoche’s root guru Kyabje Zong Rinpoche in L.A. also all the precious moment Rinpoche spent with his guru, Rinpoche’s eyes always filled with tears. The tremendous love and gratitude that over flow in Rinpoche’s heart towards Kyabje Zong Rinpoche will be what we all must follow and up hold to our own guru.
Rinpoche’s Guru Devotion to Zong Rinpoche and his steadfastness in keeping his promise to be ordained as a monk is a wondrous thing to me.
So often, we break our promises and then pretend nothing is happening, Rinpoche could have done that as Zong Rinpoche passed away before Tsem Rinpoche found his way to ordination.
To even imagine, Rinpoche met his Root Guru, Zong Rinpoche in USA and was with him for only a short time and the impact of that relationship would last Tsem Rinpoche till today, when Tsem Rinpoche will spend his life teaching the Dharma.
This event also brings to my mind, the promise Tsem Rinpoche made to Lati Rinpoche, who sent him here to Malaysia to spread the Doctrine of Lama Tsongkapa. Lati Rinpoche has just passed away, and Tsem Rinpoche is still here with us in Malaysia, a place of Budhism “wilderness” teaching Dharma.
Such example of integrity and honour is very difficult to find and I am so glad I can have such a living example as my Guru.
A picture paints a thousand words. A sacred one like this can touch a million hearts.
Guru Devotion is not only about close bonding or its external manifestation.It is really about being determined to become the best one can be to benefit others, to help them overcome suffering – which is what our Guru had accomplished.Being close to a Guru in body, speech and mind closes the gap between us and enlightened beings.
The picture of H.H. Zong Rinpoche cutting Tem Rinpoche’s hair has brought my mind back to the day when Tsem Rinpoche cut my hair to tell me I have been accepted to become a Sangha. It is no coincidence, but the Karma that I am linked with Zong Rinpooche through Tsem Rinpoche and the Gelupa Lineage. When our Rinpoche cut my hair I never had regret that I said yes. I am very prepared and not had the slightest doubt in entering Sanghahood. I am very satisfied I had already experienced mundane life. As I age I want to have a more peaceful and calm life and collect more merits for next life like Rinpoche has said. I hope what Rinpoche has done by becoming a monk will inspire more people to join as Sangha.
Rinpoche’s result and achievement show us how important Guru devotion is if we want to gain result in our spiritual practice. A Guru does not wish us to be rich and famous but he wants us to transform our mind and to achieve eternal happiness. He takes care of us not only this lifetime, but many lifetimes to come as long as we are still in Samsara.