I’M REQUESTING ORDINATION 1987

Feb 12, 2013 | Views: 5,151

 

 

I was on Facebook the other day and noticed a sharing by Susie Gugajew-Carton.  Thank you so much Susie! I didn’t pay much attention at first as the description of this video was very abbreviated so I didn’t understand at first. But there was nothing else on Facebook that caught my eye, so I thought just take a look at the video. To my surprise, the video clip had me meeting His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1987!!! I didn’t even know such a video existed, but I am glad it does. It brought back so many holy and beautiful memories. What a nice surprise!!

The video was in Washington, New Jersey. Washington is in the North of New Jersey and it’s the tail end of the Appalachian Mountains. Beautiful place. The Mongolian Geshe Wangyal established a wonderful dharma centre on one of the mountains there and invited His Holiness to visit, give dharma talk and blessings. All the Kalmuck Mongols (1,000 approximately) rented  buses from the tri-state area (New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia) to have audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. I was living in Los Angeles (Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen’s dharma centre) at the time. I flew from Los Angeles to New Jersey to attend the teachings. After the teachings, we had the great fortune to go up and get blessing from His Holiness!!! Even writing about this now gives me goose bumps. Well when my turn came up, I directly requested His Holiness to please ordain me as a monk and wish to go to India permanently. His Holiness replied NO PROBLEM, COME TO INDIA AND HE WILL DO IT!!!! I was so excited, I held my tears and was blissed out…My uncles, cousins, step parents, family and many friends were there also. My step parents were not happy at all, but I had to do what my calling was. And I was going to do it no matter what obstacles.

I left for India in October 1987 and stayed in Delhi. I went to Dharamsala around late November and stayed at the Gaden Shartse Puja House for one month. I loved it. I did pujas with the monks, did my sadhana and waited for my ordination. Dharamsala is 12 hours bus ride from Delhi and is where His Holiness resides.  In December 1987 I had the fortune with two other boys to spend three hours with His Holiness and senior sangha like His Eminence Denma Locho Rinpoche and received my ordination vows. His Holiness gave me my vows, cut my hair and touched my robes to bless it. Can you imagine. His Holiness did this for me!! I was so happy. I finally became a monk after years of wanting to be one since very young. I was 22 and just became ordained!!! It was a lifetime’s dream come true to be a monk and His Holiness, the highest of the high ordained me himself!!! I was given the ordination name Tenzin Zopa by His Holiness.

I offered my fruits and various other items to His Holiness then went outside after the ordination ceremony. None of my family, or friends or anyone from the USA was there to greet me. I had made one friend in Dharamsala. His name is Ven. Sharpa Tulku Rinpoche (translator). He alone stood outside the palace of the HH Dalai Lama with a khata to greet and congratulate me after the ceremony. He was the only person there for me. I realized my spiritual journey would not get support from anyone perhaps no one really understood it..I am sure my family had good reasons that they weren’t there..I do not mean to blame, it was just what happened…

I was so happy to be a monk, but realized I am alone. I appreciated Sharpa Rinpoche for being there so much. He was a good friend to me in those days. He explained to me so much of our Tibetan culture, the monasteries, people, etiquette and any questions I had so patiently. I had no one else in Dharamsala…I spent alot of time with him in Dharamsala before my ordination (Ven Sangtsang Rinpoche helped me to prepare my robes and offerings as Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen wrote him a letter to help me prior to ordination). Sharpa Rinpoche was very patient and spoke English so eloquently. Can you imagine travelling half way around the world to take the biggest step of your life and when you finish and come out, there was just one person there that you just became friends with? The other two monks who were ordained with me at the same time, had so many family and friends waiting for them with khatas, gifts and congratulations and were outside of the palace waiting…I saw them… It was lonely for me, but it’s ok…I accepted. I knew becoming a monk was the right thing. And I will never turn back.. I requested His Holiness and he ordained me and that is all that matters!! I was going to go all the way with my decision and I fought hard to get to Dharamsala. After Dharamsala I would have to go to Nepal then to Gaden!!!! Gaden!!! Gaden!!! Gaden!! Every bone in my body wanted to go to Gaden and live in the Monastery!!! Every fibre in me ached to go to Gaden!!!!

Tsem Rinpoche

 

 

Here’s a spectacular video taken by someone and posted on facebook of one of the MOST IMPORTANT MOMENTS IN MY LIFE…when I requested and was accepted to become a monk.

 

I am requesting His Holiness to ordain me here in Washington, New Jersey (1987)…My uncle Giga looks on from behind.

His Holiness accepts and says COME TO INDIA!!!!! I almost collapsed with happiness and fulfillment.

 

I am 22 years old here and meeting a living Buddha who holds my unworthy hands…..

(In the background is a large man in a grey jacket, white shirt and black pants looking at us-that’s my Uncle Giga) (Thank you whoever you are who took this video…it means so much to me and means so much to so many people in Kechara)

 

48 Responses to I’M REQUESTING ORDINATION 1987

  1. Jnaseh on Apr 25, 2011 at 1:26 pm

    Dear Rinpoche,

    I wanted to share my Happiness with you! I am going to see His Holiness next weekend, here in Southern California at a public talk he is giving sponsored by Thubten Dhargye Ling, the dharma center in Long Beach where you practiced!

    Coincidentally, it will also be my birthday — and what a wonderful, blessed way to celebrate in the presence of His Holiness! I am writing this because it was through your dharma teachings — whatever ounce this restless mind of mine might’ve understood and can hear clearly to practice — that I can deeply and fully appreciate the opportunity to see His Holiness next week. Thank you for all the ways you show, express and embody your gratitude to your Teachers. This is something of the Practice I know I have learned directly from you. So, next Sunday, in the crowd of thousands at the Long Beach Convention Center, wherever I may be, I’ll be sure to offer a smiling moment of thanks to you dear Rinpoche, for helping to me understand, appreciate and cherish this chance to see His Holiness!

    As I read your post here about the initial difficulties of taking the step to ordain, I want to let you know in my small way, I have definitely benefited from the fruits of your practice.

    Thank you, thank you, thank you…for other things I do not yet have the language to write about clearly, but am grateful for because of your teachings.

    _/|\_

    Sincerely,
    Jnaseh

  2. ck liew on Apr 26, 2011 at 2:17 am

    Finally we get to see THE MOMENT….. I am so happy to be able to watch this. Really really super happy !

  3. A.E.S. on Apr 26, 2011 at 9:21 am

    Beautiful. I’ve been gibing it a lot of thought about getting ordained. =)
    But first I must finish university. I have promised my parents I’ll give them that. And they deserve much more.

    • David Lai on Mar 15, 2013 at 7:22 pm

      Hello A.E.S.,
      I hope Tsem Rinpoche’s video inspired you to pursue this path of becoming ordained. I am not ordained myself but would very much support those who do because I do believe that is an extra blessing for anyone to be ordained. On top of that, monks and nuns are the only ones who would create the powerful blessings for the Dharma to grow in a particular area. I believe that monks and nuns are great motivated people whose sole purpose is the practice and propagation of the Dharma. Therefore, if you are reading this, please share with us who you are and tell us more of your story and why you want to be a monk. That would be interesting and inspirational.

  4. Jamyang on Apr 26, 2011 at 1:51 pm

    How amazing it is to be able to see such a defining moment.
    It is my wish also to be ordained, how amazing it would be if I too could ask His Holiness to ordain me.
    Thank you so much for sharing this.

  5. Elsie Toy on Apr 26, 2011 at 4:51 pm

    Dearest Rinpoche thank you very much for sharing this precious moments with us. It must be a great moment. It refreshes my memory when you cut Anila’s hair. I wish I can be ordained one day too. In order for me to get to that stage I must now be commited to my preliminaries. Thank you for the great reminder. Thank you Rinpoche.

  6. Shirley Maya Tan on Apr 26, 2011 at 5:50 pm

    It’s so wonderful to have one’s very special moments in life captured and yet we didn’t even know about it until much later. Now, to see this for ourselves, it is so surreal.

    H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche has always displayed such great reverence towards all Rinpoche’s Gurus. Every time Rinpoche speaks of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Rinpoche would fold his hands and place them at his forehead. Rinpoche does the same whenever we make our dedication prayers to His Holiness’s Long Life.

    This is really such a gem of a find. Thank you for sharing this, Rinpoche. Now, we can all witness the great moment and celebrate with Rinpoche. Although Rinpoche had no one then, by Rinpoche’s side, Rinpoche has many friends and students now who are so touched by Rinpoche’s teachings. Many friends and students around the world celebrate this beautiful moment with Rinpoche over and over again because Rinpoche has benefited so many of us.

    Thank you deeply.

  7. anila on Apr 26, 2011 at 6:41 pm

    Seeing events in real life will be more exciting then only reading or talking. You can see Rinpoche’s Ordination in real life on videos. We are very lucky that someone had video taped Rinpoche’s Ordination event and put on facebook. Rinpoche was only 22 years old when he went for Dalal Lama’s teachings in New Jersey. At that time he was living in a centre in Los Angeles. He had flown all the way from L.A to New Jersey to attend Dalai Lama’s teachings. After Dalai Lama’s teaching everyone was allowed to get blessings from Dalai Lama. During the blessing Rinpoche took the opportunity to request Ordination from His Holiness to which Dalai Lama agreed and ask Rinpoche to go to India. Rinpoche went to stay in Ganden Monastery for a month while waiting for his Ordination. He went to Dharamsala to get Ordination with two other monks. After the Ordination Rinpoche had no one to rejoice and congratulate him besides his new found friend Sharpa Rinpoche. While the two other new ordained monks had relatives and friends to share their joy.Even though he has no one to share his joy he was still very happy that his wish to become a monk had been fulfilled. After Dharamsala he went to Nepal then to Ganden Monastery where he stayed on permanently.

  8. Dee Dee Quah on Apr 27, 2011 at 8:49 am

    This is such a Precious video clip. Thank you for sharing it Rinpoche.

  9. Lim Yew Leong on Apr 27, 2011 at 2:06 pm

    Dear rinpoche,

    “Can you imagine travelling half way around the world to take the biggest step of your life and when you finish and come out, there was just one person there that you just became friends with? The other two monks who were ordained with me at the same time, had so many family and friends waiting for them with khatas, gifts and congratulations and were outside of the palace waiting…I saw them… It was lonely for me, but it’s ok…I accepted. I knew becoming a monk was the right thing. And I will never turn back.”
    After reading the paragraph above, it really touched my heart. If not because of your determination and wish to benefit others, it is not easy for a lay person to make such a decision. Somemore you are just 22 yrs old at that time. Therefore, no matter how others criticise you or label you as “unconventional” guru, i still respect you from the dept of my heart. You went through so much hardship just to become a monk with the aim to benefit sentient beings. We are very fortunate to be part of your mandala to spread your teachings.

    • ngeowchin on May 8, 2011 at 9:41 pm

      Hi Dr Lim,
      Yes,I remembered Rinpoche once saying the measure of how worthy of respect a person is by how much the person was willing to ‘ sacrifice’ worldly pleasures and endure hardships for others. If we reflect sincerely, we will have to come to the conclusion that such a person is not ordinary and there is a huge gap between us and them when it comes to going all the way to benefit others.
      This video just proves that Rinpoche practices what he preaches and a perfectly suitable object of our Refuge.

  10. Margaretlee on Apr 27, 2011 at 6:56 pm

    This is such a rare and precious footage of Tsem Rinpoche embarking onto fullfilling his promise to his root Guru, Kaybje Zong Rinpoche to become ordained as a monk when he was in Los Angeles.

    In the Monastery, the late Lati Rinpoche has requested Rinpoche to come to Malaysia to teach the Dharma, though it was not Rinpoche’s wishes as Rinpoche would really loved to do retreats in the Monastery, but due to the unwavering Guru devotion Rinpoche has for the late Lati Rinpoche, he came to a foreign land where basically he had to endure much hardship and start from zero.

    Here in Malaysia, we are indeed so fortunate to have H.E. Tsem Rinpoche with us, working with Rinpoche to spread Dharma to all corners of the world is a journey not to be missed.

    I agree with what Lim said above, I don’t care what others may say to criticise Rinpoche, just take a look at this footage and see the determination the young Rinpoche has at such young tender age of 22. What were we doing at this age??? Most of us would probably be partying, clubbing, shopping or engaging in some sorts of silly samsara activities.

    Indeed Rinpoche is an “Unconventional” lama, who has brought an unconventional student like me to Dharma. Without Rinpoche’s brilliant, witty and unconventional methods, I wouldn’t be anywhere near the Dharma and have since received so many great teachings that have changed my life.

    With much gratitude and respect always,
    Margaret

  11. Lim Han Nee on May 3, 2011 at 10:43 am

    Dear Rinpoche,
    Like Lim YL above, I find that the most poignant moment in your sharing of the above post re your ordination by HH the Dalai Lama, was that moment when you came out to find that there was no family member or old friend waiting to share that great moment with you. Only a new,but warm and caring, friend.

    But then, despite this moment of ‘aloneness’, you held on to your determination to stay the course so as to benefit others and to fulfill your promise to your Root Guru, Zong Rinpoche.

    Teaching the Dharma and benefiting others – that’s what Rinpoche has never stopped doing since then.

    I find this post very inspirational.As I look around me and find that my close ones and my close friends (from my world before Dharma) seem to find me different and even weird ( in my all-consuming endeavor to drink as deeply as I can from Dharma and from keeping close to my Lama and his precious teachings), I actually do not find this ‘aloneness’ frightening or daunting.

    Thank you, Rinpoche, for not being disheartened by your aloneness, in that defining moment of your life. Because of your determination to benefit all and your unexcelled Guru Devotion, we, in Malaysia, have benefited by your coming here to give us the precious teachings and practices of the Gelugpa and Ganden lineage.We are deeply grateful to you our most precious Spiritual Guide.

  12. Choi Kim Yok on May 5, 2011 at 8:07 am

    There are three people who have replied saying they wish to be ordained. I’m sure there are others although they have not mentioned it. This video of Rinpoche requesting for ordination from His Holiness has inspired others to follow in his footsteps.

  13. Frederick Law on May 9, 2011 at 9:56 am

    We are indeed fortunate to have H.E Tsem Tulku Rinpoche with us right here in Malaysia. although im am only 3 month old in Kechara, but am fortunate to have met Rinpoche, and the encounter with Rinpoche was definitely a true eye opener to me, as Rinpoche teaching is very close to our daily life and the way Rinpoche teach although is unconventional, but because of H.E compassion, we able to absorb and practice what Rinpoche share with us.

    The video here very clearly show to all of us the strong determination of Rinpoche wanting to be ordained as a Monk, to help other sentient and benefit others. Like what Margaret said, what would most youngster at the age of 22 will do, beside staying at home, it will be going out for clubbing, partying and indulge in the samsaric life, which has no benefit but more harm.

    Although Rinpoche maybe an “Unconventional” Lama to some, but i find the unconventional-nes of Rinpoche has benefited so many lives, human and other sentient beings, what inspired me the most is Rinpoche vision for the manifestation of Kechara World Peace Centre which is truly a magnificent project which would benefit many people, beside KWPC, there is also animal sanctuary and Menara Kechara, which all of this together with the current 13 department of Kechara is a prove of Rinpoche great compassion to bring Dharma in different “unconventional” way to suit different “unconventional” people, so many could benefit from the practice of Dharma.

    We are truly grateful for having Rinpoche with us to guide us in the practice of Dharma to benefit many more sentient beings.

  14. Li Kheng on Jun 6, 2011 at 2:29 am

    It is a great privilege to witness the seed marking the beginning of Rinpoche’s journey into monk-hood which empowered Rinpoche to benefit so many through the Dharma.

    Looking back after 24 years of Dharma work Rinpoche has achieved for the benefit of millions of sentient beings, i am saddened but “understand” the difficulty and alone-ness Rinpoche had to endure. Throughout history, exceptional individuals who had big dreams and the destiny to make a significant difference were always alone because others did not see what these individuals saw.

    I thank Rinpoche deeply for Rinpoche’s compassion to go through so much suffering for the benefit of others. I thank Rinpoche for all the sacrifices Rinpoche had to make to benefit others. I pray that Rinpoche’s students will have the merit to learn from our Guru and make choices to challenge ourselves so benefits others.

  15. Thierry Janssens on Jul 5, 2011 at 1:43 am

    This video is a true unearthed gem.
    Rinpoche’s drive and determination was already as strong as we can see today. Nothing could be more important than getting ordination, nothing.

    All of us that wish to reflect on the hardship of our own lives, on our obstacles, on our depressions, on our family problems, on our financial problems, etc… should learn more about Rinpoche’s biography to find the inspiration and to understand that the way forward is not to focus on our problems but to focus on other people’s potential to solve their problems TOTALLY.
    By becoming part of the solution for others, our problems dissipate, or at least the way we see them changes and we do not suffer from them anymore, we are emancipated from them.

    There is a good old saying that goes:
    ARE YOU PART OF THE PROBLEM OR PART OF THE SOLUTION?
    By requesting for ordination, Rinpoche wanted to be part of the solution, it was so clear in his mind at a young age already.
    Why does it take most of us 20, 40 or 60 years (or more) to realize that?

    We should all pray that if we have not managed to free ourselves from suffering this lifetime, we get the courage and the determination in our next life time and seek for ordination sincerely and with resilience, at a YOUNG AGE, so we do not waste any more time…

  16. Asr Cordes on Sep 17, 2011 at 5:39 am

    WOW!!! Reading about and seeing your experience, I’m completely over joyed and happy for you and all of your fortunate students. As one who that same desire burns deeply in I can really really truly appreciate the greatness of this ,most beautiful and monumental event. Thank you so kindly for sharing it and for the great positive force that you and generating in our existence.

  17. Sock Wan on Jan 13, 2012 at 7:17 pm

    Thank you Rinpoche for being so selfless, regardless of the objection from the family, Rinpoche has never given up the wish wanting to be a monk to benefit people. If Rinpoche did not become a monk, we will not be able to receive so much precious teachings from Rinpoche and be benefited.

  18. Valentina Suhendra on Jan 15, 2012 at 8:53 am

    My dearest Lama

    Your decision to take ordination changes the course of my life and thousands perhaps millions of others.

    Much love and care

    Valentina

  19. Miguel Rico on Feb 20, 2012 at 10:13 am

    REJOICE REJOICE REJOICE REJOICE REJOICE REJOICE REJOICE REJOICE!!!!

    I want to become a monk just like H.H Dalai Lama, Lama Zopa Rinpoche and you!!!

    :D

  20. lucy yap on Feb 20, 2012 at 5:28 pm

    Thank you so much to the person who took this video and post it on facebook.THANK YOU AGAIN! It is so rare and precious moment captured on video.
    With this ordination,we have Rinpoche here with us in Malaysia.We are so fortunate.May Rinpoche be in excellent health always and be with us for a long,long time.

  21. Lafayette on Mar 2, 2012 at 11:54 pm

    As time goes by, in one word, outstanding.

  22. MayOng on May 14, 2012 at 2:11 pm

    Dear Rinpoche

    If you had chosen to become an actor in the USA, we Malaysians would have been very disappointed and Kechara would not manifested. Thank goodness you chose to be a monk and benefited many of us now and in future lives.

    I also thank the person who took this rare video footage to share with us here online.

  23. [...] Would you get ordained? What were most of us doing when we were 22 years old? Or if we are younger than that now, what are we doing now? When he was 22 years old, H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche was not yet officially recognised as a Rinpoche, yet his powerful, unstoppable Dharma imprints from previous lives have already been evident throughout his youth and culminated in this request for ordination. A year later, Rinpoche's dream came true when he was ordained by H.H. the Dalai Lama himself in India… Read about it in his own words and see the rare footage… I’M REQUESTING ORDINATION 1987 | Tsem Tulku Rinpoche [...]

  24. Yoke Fui on May 14, 2012 at 5:19 pm

    From this rare and precious footage, we get to witness how much did ordination mean to Rinpoche. His facial expression, his body language showed the reverence he held for HH Dalai Lama and the burning desire to be ordained.

    In Rinpoche’s biography book , “The Promise”, we know the strong wish he had to be in dharma even at a very young age – which boy of 8 or 9 would think that he’d rather die if he could not get dharma teachings except someone with powerful imprints fom previous lives?

    People who criticise Rinpoche are people who do not know the history of Rinpoche. In Kechara, new people are always taken for a guided tour at Kechara Care Gallery where a pictorial history of Rinpoche is displayed systematically. Please contact Kechara Care @ 03-7880 8031 or Kechara House @ 03- 7803 3908 for tour arrangement.

  25. henry ooi on May 14, 2012 at 6:01 pm

    If Rinpoche had not pursued his dream all the way, fighting, sacrificing and suffering in the early years, we fortunate ones in Kechara would not have met the dharma. Yes, we may read dharma books and attend dharma talks by visiting lamas from abroad. But nothing beats that when we have Rinpoche in our own backyard, in Kechara. Rinpoche NEVER gives up and pushes himself to the max to benefit everyone he comes into contact with, near or far.

    This shows reincarnation exists. If not, how to explain Rinpoche’s deep desire to become a monk? And against all odds.

  26. Han on May 14, 2012 at 6:15 pm

    Indeed, this is an historical event, a very precious video to share.
    The biggest step in Rinpoche’s life result in benefited thousands of people around the world through dharma, I am fortunate to be one of the student who benefited from Rinpoche teachings.
    I pray that many, many, many more will have the karma and the good fortune to receive teachings with Rinpoche and uphold the authentic Buddha-Dharma for generations to come.

  27. Irene Lim on May 14, 2012 at 8:09 pm

    The passion and motivation of a high Lama never fade no matter what circumstance they have to go through. They are just like beautiful lotus growing out of a pool of muddy water untainted. Rinpoche’s love and compassion for all beings never fade despite what he has to undergo from the beginning to end – so worthy of respect and veneration. Such a GEM is rare to find. We love you Rinpoche.

  28. Paris on May 14, 2012 at 8:14 pm

    Thank you Rinpoche, for bringing this post to the top again. My heart leaps a little each time I see this video – the tremendous respect that Rinpoche has for the Lamas at such a young age and the huge amount of focus and determination in Rinpoche’s eyes, for this is all you ever wanted since your youngest childhood.

    How pivotal this very moment for everything that has happened since – Rinpoche going to India, taking the vows, entering Gaden, meeting more of the teachers and then finally coming to Malaysia. For every moment and teaching that we now have with Rinpoche, we have this moment to be grateful for.

    In asking the Dalai Lama for ordination, this was like sets another chain of Promises into action. Subsequently, Rinpoche taking the ordination vows, remaining with his teachers and his lifelong commitments to them and to his practice has led to everything now: His Promise, Our Happiness.

    • andrew on Mar 19, 2013 at 6:14 pm

      paris your book is incredible

  29. Thierry Janssens on May 15, 2012 at 11:27 am

    Knowing Rinpoche, it is clear to me that Rinpoche would have been very successful in any worldly career, Zong Rinpoche himself predicted that Rinpoche would have been a very successful actor had it chosen that path. But, then where would we be if He had done so?
    Rinpoche did put aside whatever other aspiration he had in this life because only the Dharma, and taking the vows to live the Dharma, was the path that would benefit others. And others were and are always more important than our personal worldly and unreliable pursuits.
    Gratitude to Rinpoche!

  30. Lim Han Nee on May 15, 2012 at 3:22 pm

    At 22, Rinpoche has this precious experience of meeting with HH Dalai Lama and requesting ordination from him.

    At such a young age when almost everyone else would probably be planning and taking steps to fulfill one’s dream of a career, Rinpoche had already made up his mind that he would be a monk and dedicate his life to Dharma and to benefiting others.Since that moment, there has been no wavering in his decision, no turning back. Every day of his entire life has been spent in benefiting others through teaching the Dharma, the best form of giving to others.

    Thank you, Rinpoche, for bringing up this post again and reminding us about how life is made meaningful only when we use it to benefit others. Best of all is when we can work towards becoming teachers of Dharma.

  31. kwok wai on May 15, 2012 at 5:59 pm

    A truly life changing moment caught on camera , for ALL of us! If rinpoche chose to be an actor we would probably see him acting and making us laugh next to the likes of Eddie Murphy ! And we would never have met the guru in him , in this life time at least. Thank you, rinpoche for following your guru’s instructions.

  32. wei theng on May 16, 2012 at 3:04 am

    Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this video. This is a precious video for all of us too as we can see with our own eyes, the process of Rinpoche requesting for ordination! With this ordination, today I can have you as our Guru and you give us so many teachings.
    May you work spread far and more people can benefit from you.
    With fold hands…

  33. adrian cho on May 24, 2012 at 10:37 am

    Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this short video..
    It is wonderful video that how Rinpoche meet H.H Dalai Lama.

  34. timothy miller on May 24, 2012 at 9:40 pm

    brought tears to my eyes to see this as it is one of the greatest moments in a persons life to recieve ordination and for one person to be there to greet you when you came out must have been dissapointing but since then you a have made a lot of changes in peoples lives just like his holiness your life is one to hold up as an example to others. om mani padme hum homage to jewel in the lotus

    • tsemtulku on May 25, 2012 at 9:09 am

      Dear Timothy, No one from the centre I was at in L.A., or family members or ‘friends’ came to join me. Sharpa Rinpoche who I befriended while I was in Dharamsala was standing outside His Holiness’ residence when I came out. The other two monks who were ordained with me had their family members with khatas and smiles greeting them. This was the same thing to follow later when I joined Gaden, no family helped or assisted me in anyway. I had so little to survive on in Gaden for a few years….I am not writing this because I am bitter or angry or trying to blame them or anyone, it is what happened….No one shared or supported my dream or was too caught up in themselves… But honestly speaking, I was not important enough for any of them to be there I would guess. That is ok…I understand. I understood at that time I will be alone on this journey and expected no support or sharing from most people I have known. Many times during those days I shed tears, but I have been alone most of my life being adopted and abandoned a few times. Now Timothy, I accept…it’s ok. TR

      • timothy miller on May 25, 2012 at 4:50 pm

        you are not alone if you can accept a nyingma ngapka like myself I hope to help realise you wishes for all sentient beings

  35. Li Kheng on May 29, 2012 at 12:49 pm

    Combining this post with the interview with Anila (Ani Thubten), the point that stood out most is Rinpoche’s conviction to be ordained no matter what. Rinpoche was very clear in Rinpoche’s heart how Rinpoche wanted to use this precious human life and this clarify is reflected in Rinpoche’s actions as confirmed by Anila when she said in her interview that “he (Rinpoche) could not be stopped”.

    When Rinpoche chose the Dharma, Rinpoche REALLY CHOSE THE DHARMA. For all the ups and downs, bliss and pains etc. I think it is good to check in on our own level of motivation and conviction when we say we choose the Dharma: how much conditions do we have? Do we choose to stick by through the thick and thin?

    I think it is good to reflect this way because the attitude in which we choose the Dharma is the same attitude we apply in every other choice we make. So, if we can become fully committed to our choice to practice Dharma, we will expand this and develop a good habit in our other secular decisions. This in turn will develop us into better people spiritually and secularly.

    Lastly, Rinpoche went through so much just to bring the Dharma to us. As intelligent adults who made the choice to be Rinpoche’s students, we should cherish this gift of Dharma and realize the difficult background from which this gift was made possible and available to us by practicing and creating visible results in our lives and those we can impact.

  36. Linda Sperling on Jun 10, 2012 at 10:58 am

    Thank you so much, Rinpoche, for this post. Geshe Wangyal was my first Buddhist teacher and I revere his memory and example.

  37. alex or dawa as my buddhist name goes on Jun 19, 2012 at 2:24 am

    i do not know wether you are a reincarnation of any lama… but as a buddhist believer, any person who chose the path of Dharma or any other for the good of themselves and other people have my upmost respect…
    i only heard of you from the internet and i don’t believe it to be necessary of lamas or formalities or anything of the sort as you often speak of…
    i rather seat in a place where only the wind and the sun can hear and see me… and maybe become a walking path for ants and other insects and becoming one with them all… it’s poetic but it is my belief that maybe this is the path to illumination if such thing is possible… What is your opinion?
    sorry for no “his holliness” but i believe honesty is much better than formality or education and manners…
    i also have another question that you might debate…
    lately i have come to believe that having nothing except the ground under ones feet and the sun above one’s head and nothing else (no money, house, nothing to call our own) must be a really great sense of freedom… what do you think of that?

  38. [...] 此外,克切拉精神导师尊贵的詹杜固仁波切曾在1987年要求尊者授予出家戒。请点此观看仁波切要求受戒的视频。1995年,尊者认证仁波切为转世杜固;此前,仁波切被至尊堪殊强巴耶喜和甘丹萨济寺的金甲衣护法认证为甘丹萨济寺的第72任住持堪布根顿越达的转世。 [...]

  39. ugyen wangmo on Jun 27, 2012 at 4:40 pm

    Dear Rinpoche,
    Eventhough i maynot be the one who practice with my head shaved….I am learning abt the buddhism and trying my level best to do it properly….At times i face many difficulties and its hard to handle it. By going through Your story i got encouraged knowing that nothing is easy and if we try and take our decision carfully..its best…thank u beyound the earth and sky….

  40. Alex on Jul 23, 2012 at 5:22 pm

    Dear Rinpoche,
    i would like to be a Monk ,too.
    iam 26 Years old and want to be a Monk since 4 years now.
    im studying the Dharma every day in my life.on every action that happen to me iam practicing,every moment.
    i hope to be a Monk as soon as possible to study the Dharma full time and be with the Sangha.
    i have to ask the venerable Gonsar Rinpoche,its the Rabten Choeling Monastery in Switzerland,im from Germany,but its no problem.
    im happy to see You asking H.H.the Dalai Lama,Buddha Avalokiteshvara,and holding His hands.What a good Karma,what a bless,to be alive in a time where Buddha Avalokiteshvara is incarnated on earth at these times,and then have the luck to see and meet Him,and holding His hands.
    Its a great luck for me,too,to have met You dear Rinpoche,only on a screen but it doesnt matter.i have the same opinion like You,and every time i hear You teach the Dharma,i hear You saying “my” words that im thinkin.
    You are my authentication for that im on the right way :-)
    of course You have opened my eyes a lot.THANK YOU FOR THIS.
    THANK YOU FOR TEACHING THE DHARMA,THE TRUTH.
    i wish You dear Tsem Tulku Rinpoche a very long,healthy and happy life without any obstacles.

    greetings from Germany

    sincerelly Yours

    alex

  41. Json A on Oct 11, 2012 at 9:08 am

    seems like this was a big time in both our lives…

    i took birth the month you left for india,

    may the path you walked be illuminated for other…

    ❁ ❁ ❁

  42. Boat on Nov 14, 2012 at 2:20 pm

    I am from Thailand. I have come across to your wonderful website while I was searching for some information. It is really my pleasure to have watch a very special moment of your life…..

  43. Tara on Feb 2, 2013 at 11:44 am

    cool!

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BLOG CHAT

Dear blog friends,

I’ve created this section for all of you to share your opinions, thoughts and feelings about whatever interests you.

Everyone has a different perspective, so this section is for you.

Tsem Rinpoche


Scheduled Chat Sessions

We will be having a Kechara Chat Time this Monday May 20th 10-11pm (GMT+8) with the title We should view our body as a vehicle and not as a property. Please come and join in the chat for a fun time and support. Thanks all see you all there.

KECHARA FOREST RETREAT PROGRESS UPDATES

Here is the latest news and pictorial updates, as it happens, of our upcoming forest retreat project.

The Kechara Forest Retreat is a unique holistic retreat centre focused on the total wellness of body, mind and spirit. This is a place where families and individuals will find peace, nourishment and inspiration in a natural forest environment. At Kechara Forest Retreat, we are committed to give back to society through instilling the next generation with universal positive values such as kindness and compassion.

For more information, please see http://blog.tsemtulku.com/?p=30296 (english), http://blog.tsemtulku.com/?p=30385 (chinese), or the official site: retreat.kechara.com.



Dear blog friends,

I’ve created this section for all of you to share your opinions, thoughts and feelings about whatever interests you.

Everyone has a different perspective, so this section is for you

Name:
Email:
For:  
Mail will not be published
  • David Lai
    (Saturday, May 18. 2013 12:56 PM)
    I wrote a very interesting article on my blog about why Tsem Rinpoche snaps his fingers just as he ascend the teaching throne. Check it out ~ http://davidlai2.wordpress.com/2013/04/16/why-does-tsem-rinpoche-snap-his-fingers-before-teaching/
  • tsemtulku
    (Friday, May 17. 2013 12:06 PM)
    He would push their buttons: http://blog.tsemtulku.com/?p=40797
  • tsemtulku
    (Friday, May 17. 2013 02:07 AM)
    Do you know what Sasha is doing? ~ http://blog.tsemtulku.com/?p=40412
  • tsemtulku
    (Friday, May 17. 2013 12:10 AM)
    CCTV caught it on tape!!~ http://blog.tsemtulku.com/?p=40790
  • tsemtulku
    (Friday, May 17. 2013 12:02 AM)
    A sacred place related to precious Vajra Yogini. A must visit: http://blog.tsemtulku.com/?p=39177
  • tsemtulku
    (Thursday, May 16. 2013 11:54 PM)
  • tsemtulku
    (Thursday, May 16. 2013 11:48 PM)
    There’s a new section on my blog!! I welcome your writings, articles and contributions very much! Positive writings on all subjects are welcomed. see: http://blog.tsemtulku.com/?p=39298
  • tsemtulku
    (Thursday, May 16. 2013 10:49 PM)
    . “So, every time, every day, whenever one complete’s one advice of guru, every time you become closer to enlightenment. Every time, every day, one advice get’s done, you become closer to enlightenment and it becomes great purification for many lifetimes, those heavy negative karma get purified. Inconceivable merits get collected.” Lama Zopa Rinpoche
  • tsemtulku
    (Thursday, May 16. 2013 10:25 PM)
    Whenever we let anger control our actions, it’s a clear indication selfish mind is predominant.~Tsem Rinpoche Being selfish is the core of many of our emotional upheavals and unhappiness.~Tsem Rinpoche Please stop being held back by anger & fear, step into the light. Stop thinking, just relax and just do. Move forward.~Tsem Rinpoche You don’t have to be happy by making others unhappy. You can do better by living in the light.~Tsem Rinpoche Anger is when selfishness goes unchecked.~Tsem Rinpoche Anger is a cover for hating oneself.~Tsem Rinpoche Hurt is when selfishness is the focus of our lives.~Tsem Rinpoche Remain silent because it’s necessary not because you are lazy.~Tsem Rinpoche
  • Bryan Ho
    (Tuesday, May 14. 2013 08:30 PM)
    Being one of the closer student around Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, i do experience a lot of miracles, from someone who are very sick got heal or rain stop at certain moment that is urgent, some may think it’s all coincidence, let me tell you a real truth story that happened an hour ago. H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, like to rescue animals such as fishes, dogs, birds and etc. In our new Kechara Forest Retreat land, Rinpoche have kindly requested one of the liaison Beng Kooi to build a fish pond for all the fishes that Rinpoche rescued. The contractors that we got in to build the fish pond was slow and delay a few deadline that they gave. Just 2 days ago, Rinpoche instructed the fish pond project to be call off and all workers should leave the fish pond site as soon as possible. While we still thinking why Rinpoche cancel this project as it’s one of Rinpoche wishes to build a very comfortable place for fishes. Something happened an hour ago, there was a big bang came from the fish pond site, the whole artificial waterfall wall collapse without people go near it. This artificial waterfall wall was made out of cement, wire mesh, metal bar and etc, it weigh easily 200-300 Kgs. Luckily Rinpoche have giving us warming do not go near this waterfall 2 days ago, and should stop all construction wall, just imagine the workers are still working when the waterfall fall, some people might died or serious injury now. Due to humility Rinpoche will not say a word or show his premonitions power, this happened many many times. Rinpoche just save a few life without them knowing it. A lot of people will think why such horrible thing can happened in a holy land like Kechara Forest Retreat, a Buddhist site should always safe from all accident, but we believe if a place that will be use to benefiting thousands, a lot of obstacles will appear, I will take this artificial waterfall accident as part of clearing our negative karma, may all the negative karma from all of us be cleared. It’s glad that this happened before we move any fishes into this pond. In Tibetan culture, it’s an auspicious omen which represent bad obstacles have been cleared, and all our project will grow very smoothly later. It’s very important we follow our lama’s instruction/advice, even though sometime we might not understand it truly, because a real lama will never do anything which is not beneficial.
  • Ashlee
    (Monday, May 13. 2013 10:18 PM)
    For tsemtulku – My dear Rinpoche,Alex & I met you 10 years ago. Because of your precious Dharma teachings & guidance, we are able to transform ourselves. Because of your Dharma vision, we now have 14 Departments for people with different skills & interest to be involve and for us to create merits in virtuous activities. I have been a part time vegetarian for sometime. Somehow i just wasn’t able to be a full vegetarian. After watching your teaching on “Integrity, Keeping promises & Vows”, it finally hit me. It is so true that having vows are not meant to “Imprison” us but really to help us transform positively to kick away our negative habits. I realize that from young, we have been condition to think that we have to eat meat and meat is delicious and it is part of life to consume meat in our daily diet. Hence we ignore the sufferings of others in order to indulge in our own taste buds. Lately, i have develop myself into feeding strays nearby my neighbourhood and I’m compelled to help strays via Kechara Animal Sanctuary. After deep contemplation, i realize that i cannot be wanting to help KAS and yet still eating meat. The equation is just so wrong. Now i can see clearly, it makes it so much easier to be a full vegetarian. Taking the vegetarian vow is not an imprisonment but it is another level of commitment to not be the source of pain to other sentient beings. It is a choice that we make to kick away our preconception of consuming meat for a balance diet.If one is against animal cruelty, then one should practice vegetarianism. Can’t be pitching for animal rights when you are still eating them. My daughter once said to me, “Mommy, animals are our friends so we shouldn’t be eating them”. I find that so profound coming from a kid. I’m very sure my family members will not be supportive of me going vegetarian but I pray that one day they will also come to the same realization as i have.
    I humbly offer to Rinpoche my vegetarian vow and may it be dedicated to Rinpoche’s long life. May it also be dedicated to my family, loved ones and friends.
    I will continue to get involve in KAS activities to assist Pastor Susan.
    Thank you my dear Lama.
  • onlooker
    (Saturday, May 11. 2013 11:14 PM)
    Most amusing is this unparalleled ingenuity of the highly inspired dramatic slogan (self-explanatory) in the cover picture of http://www.facebook.com/MBFSG?fref=ts which HHDL and all Buddhas of the past, Buddhas of the present and Buddhas yet tocome, correspondingly are bowing their heads in deferential obeisance. Are we now transported to the Age of Somnambulism??? To earthlings, the most crucial life sustaining factor is NO AIR, NO LIFE, in so far as planet Earth and basic common sense are concerned.
  • tsemtulku
    (Friday, May 10. 2013 04:35 AM)
    The most controversial answer sometimes is the truth.~Tsem Rinpoche
  • tsemtulku
    (Monday, May 6. 2013 04:53 PM)
    Don’t be depressed, samsara promises everyone a rose garden, only the mention of thorns was forgotten.~Tsem Rinpoche
  • tsemtulku
    (Sunday, May 5. 2013 05:07 PM)
    I don’t want to be a mega pop star and be totally unhappy! I want to be Avalokitesvara and sprout a 1,000 arms! How cool is that to have that many arms and be totally the nicest guy in the world? ~Tsem Rinpoche

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CREDITS

Concept: Tsem Tulku Rinpoche
Technical: Lew Kwan Leng, Justin Ripley, Yong Swee Keong
Design: Justin Ripley, Cynthia Lee
Content: Khong Jean Mei, Justin Ripley, Shin Tan, Sarah Yap, Philip Yong, Sean Wang
Admin: Loh Seng Piow, Beng Kooi

I must thank my dharma blog team who are great assets to me, Kechara and growth of dharma in this wonderful region. I am honoured and thrilled to work with them. I really am. Maybe I don't say it enough to them, but I am saying it now. I APPRECIATE THESE GUYS VERY MUCH!

Tsem Rinpoche

What I am writing now

Scroll down and click on "older messages" to view archived chit messages. Use 'prev' and 'next' links to navigate between pages

The Unknown

The Known and unknown are both feared,
Known is being comfortable and stagnant,
The unknown may be growth and opportunities,
One shall never know if one fears the unknown more than the known.
Who says the unknown would be worse than the known?
But then again, the unknown is sometimes worse than the known. In the end nothing is known unless we endeavour,
So go pursue all the way with the unknown,
because all unknown with familiarity becomes the known.
~Tsem Rinpoche

Photos On The Go

Click on the images to view the bigger version. And scroll down and click on "View All Photos" to view more images.
Don't make rash decisions out of anger or emotions. It can lead to lifetime of regrets.~Tsem Rinpoche
3 days ago
Yesterday we had very skilled tree cutters to prune our trees on Kechara Forest Retreat. Very agile.
3 days ago
Friends come in all sizes and shapes. Accept them all and love them. Tsem Rinpoche
3 days ago
A sacred place related to precious Vajra Yogini. A must visit: http://blog.tsemtulku.com/?p=39177
4 days ago
Testing Sent from my iPhone
2 weeks ago
Everything is impossible and possible. You make the choice now and follow through.~Tsem Rinpoche
3 weeks ago
We have purchased alot of trees/shrubs to plant all over KFR to green it up. We need alot more. TR
3 weeks ago
We have two tortoises in our large Kechara Forest Aviary. They enjoy sunshine, fresh air, space to run and lots of fresh food! Tsem Rinpoche
3 weeks ago
Our Kecharian Liaisons meeting now in Kechara Forest Retreat regarding our projects and plans for our land. Tsem Rinpoche
3 weeks ago
Dear all, we did Lama Tsongkapa fire puja on our Kechara Forest Retreat land today. Tonight we will do Yamantaka Fire puja to bless land. In the next few days Vajra Yogini fire puja to be done. The place the fire pujas are conducted is where our new huge Temple will be constructed. Today's event/blessings are historic as thousands will visit this holy place of Kechara in the future.Tsem Rinpoche
4 weeks ago
We are packing up all my items at my private residence (Haven) to send to Kechara Forest Retreat right now. There are about 30 Kecharians here helping. Even Ms Han who is under treatment for cancer is here right now in Haven helping (photo of her with scarf). She is really devoted. Everyone wanted her to stay home and rest and she insists on coming to help. Wow. Tsem Rinpoche
4 weeks ago
This is Tashi Choling Hermitage where H.H. Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche resided and did many retreats in the caves above and nearby. Very sacred spot to visit.
4 weeks ago
Nobody wanted this bird due the fact his beak is deformed. Well I want him. He was full of mites and we have treated him. He will live in a huge aviary with plenty of space, sunshine and space to fly in Kechara Forest Retreat. Welcome little bird to love and care.~Tsem Rinpoche
4 weeks ago
Kyabje Chatral Rinpoche: "I am just an ordinary sentient being and there is nothing special about me. I just follow the teachings of Lord Buddha. Without any cheating on my part, I stand firmly on the ground in practicing the Dharma and in helping all sentient beings. I wish that all sentient beings could let go of the acts of self-deception and self-aggrandizement, so that they can really practice the Dharma in order to liberate themselves from cyclic existence and to help other sentient beings. Otherwise, it will be too late when they are feeling remorseful!"
1 month ago
Homage to Manjushri in Kechara Forest Retreat. We request your blessings to become fully attained. Tsem Rinpoche
1 month ago
Our magnificent 9ft four-armed Manjushri Buddha has arrived at Kechara Forest Retreat today. He's placed on one of the hills to bless all in the surrounding area.~Tsem Rinpoche
1 month ago
His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche confers initiation on His Holiness the young 14th Dalai Lama. Such a touching scene between two attained beings. Tsem Rinpoche
1 month ago
Everyone needs love. Everyone needs affection. Affection and care are very strong in the animal kingdom. They can feel love and care just like us. That is why we should never harm animals. Tsem Rinpoche
1 month ago
Heruka & Vajra Yogini belongs to the highest class of tantric practice available in this day and age. Their path is the quickest to liberation.Tsem Rinpoche
1 month ago
Phoebe/Adrian knew I was looking for the Sasquatch pendants. They made it themselves & surprised me with it. So thoughtful & caring. I love it! Now I'm 'officially' part of the Sasquatch fan group. LOL. Thank you both! Tsem Rinpoche
1 month ago
Look at our fantastic organic Garden in Kechara Forest Retreat headed by Li Kheng together with Julia, Joy, Li Kim, Chu-Chu and Ajai.Tsem Rinpoche
1 month ago
We should have compassion for butchers. When we stop eating meat, we don’t make create the causes for them to slaughter animals contributing to their killing karma. We may say it’s ok to eat meat, but someone has to do the killing and collect the negative karma. Go vegetarian. It’s good for the butchers, the animals and ourselves.~Tsem Rinpoche
1 month ago
Someone told me samsara's fun. I'm not enjoying it at all.~Tsem Rinpoche
1 month ago
I'm Asian. Your white. They're black. She's brown. He's red. All people are beautiful, unique and equal.~Tsem Rinpoche
1 month ago
Pick dharma over your attachments then you create the causes for lasting true happiness.~Tsem Rinpoche
1 month ago
Nothing matters. Nothing stays still. Nothing is solid. Let it go. Light an incense to Buddha and chill.~Tsem Rinpoche
1 month ago
By having bodhicitta & realization of emptiness would be like two wings of a bird soaring towards full enlightenment of a Buddha! ~Tsem Rinpoche
1 month ago
Got a whole bunch of Nepalese videos for our Haven Nepal boys, KFR Nepal boys and also KP Nepal boys. I am setting up video/tv for the KFR Nepal boys so after work they have some entertainment. I want our Nepal boys to be happy. I went to downtown today to 'Nepal Street' (near Petaling Street) and saw lots of videos. Was happy to get the videos for them. Must take care of our foreign and local staff. They are good people. Tsem Rinpoche
1 month ago
Kechara Liaisons are leaders who head and run our 13 depts within Kechara. Liaison Paul heads the arts, statue making, florist and Gompa depts. Yes he has huge portfolios. And he does a good job! Paul took a group of people to Kechara Forest Retreat today with Pastor Yek Yee to introduce to them about our projects. Paul tirelessly/kindly talks to many people this way. It's people like Paul who contributes to Kechara reaching out to many and benefitting them. When we do dharma and not see it as work, it's never a burden. We should see it as a way for ourselves to grow and creating the space for others to grow also. Kind people like Paul inspire me. Thank you Paul. Tsem Rinpoche
1 month ago
Congratulations to Andrew Boon! He has requested and I have agreed for him to be in charge and oversee till completion the large outdoor Medicine Buddha on the hill project in Kechara Forest Retreat. Andrew will also carry on his other portfolios of writing and Ladrang work. I am very proud of him and congratulate him for his commitment, tenacity and sheer good motivation to do this project. When our Kecharians move up, take on more and accept more dharma work, it shows they have grown inside and will help others to grow! I offer my prayers to the Three Jewels for Andrew and all the people who will be benefitted by the presence of this sacred outdoor Buddha for the public! Humbly, Tsem Rinpoche
1 month ago
My private residence (Tsem Ladrang) in Kechara Forest Retreat. Will be finishing soon. Tsem Rinpoche
1 month ago
Manjushri Hill in Kechara Forest Retreat. Our wonderful Kechara writers will be working from here. Tsem Rinpoche
1 month ago
The wonderful Buddhist Pastors of Kechara House. They happily perform many duties such as teach dharma, car/house/office blessings, pujas, consecrations, funerals, weddings and dispense dharma advice. Please contact them if you have any questions. Tsem Rinpoche
2 months ago
We will have a large aviary on Kechara Forest Retreat land for the multitude of birds like Cockatoos, African Greys, Cockatiels etc that are in our care that were abandoned or locked up. They will have a nice home now.Tsem Rinpoche
2 months ago
Read this amazing story about Freedom the amazing!! click here: http://blog.tsemtulku.com/?p=40224
2 months ago
Do you want a guru that agrees with your selfishness, self indulgences, spoiled, self-centric activities? Or do you want a guru who cares? ~Tsem Rinpoche
2 months ago
See the sheer terror in the eyes. Wouldn't you be. You must share this picture with as many people as possible. No matter what they say. Tsem Rinpoche
2 months ago
Don't blame others as having trust issues, when you are the one that has eroded their trust.~Tsem Rinpoche
2 months ago
Take a real good look at this picture and save it. TR
2 months ago
Freedom from dharma work to indulge in our attachments is only making the samsaric shackles we already wear tighter. ~Tsem Rinpoche
2 months ago
Liaison Paul arranged for escorting 8ft Vajra Yogini from my residence to Kechara Forest Retreat. Paul & team did such a well coordinated job today. Thank you! Tsem Rinpoche
2 months ago
My 8ft Vajra Yogini statue arrives at Kechara Forest Retreat land today. Offerings are made to Her to welcome. Tsem Rinpoche
2 months ago
My 8ft Vajra Yogini was escorted from my house to Kechara Forest Retreat land today. Afterwards, the Kechara Pastors did puja to welcome Her. Tsem Rinpoche
2 months ago
If you are thinking of quitting Dharma work, why not reconsider and quit samsara instead. Which one REALLY brought you your problems in the first place. Think carefully.~Tsem Rinpoche
2 months ago
Sacred Vajra Yogini image in my room next to where I work on a shrine. Recently had precious items offered onto Her crown & sacred body. It's important to have an image of Her in our home. Tsem Rinpoche
2 months ago
Kind man feeding baby dolphin. Tsem Rinpoche
2 months ago
This is a 2.5ft White Manjushri statue. Kechara's art dept did such a wonderful job to place jewels on his holy form. This statue is in Su Ming's room. May Su Ming be blessed. Tsem Rinpoche
2 months ago
A change from not noticing anything to springing to action: When I have a migraine as I do now, Seng Piow without me saying anything will jump up and start grabbing the massage sticks to poke/prod/rub the pressure points on my neck to relieve my migraine. That is true kindness/love/appreciation/care manifesting into action. Different from before.- I like when I am/was a cause for someone to become more caring. If indeed I was the cause I may say humbly. Thank you Seng Piow for your care. Thank you everyone who has become more caring. Your lives become richer and you enhance the lives around you. That is dharma. That is fulfilling for me and yourselves. Tsem Rinpoche
2 months ago
Click on "View All Photos" above to view more images

Videos On The Go

Please click on the images to watch video
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    17 May 2013, heavy rain at Kechara Forest Retreat from 7am-8am (1 hour). Water overflowed the existing drain and also opened up a much wider new "route" for itself.
    3 days ago
  • Must see video from Rajendra on our disciplined dogs
    Must see video from Rajendra on our disciplined dogs
    1 month ago
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    Dato' Ruby won the Bella Awards!
    3 months ago
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    This is a wonderful video for Moh Mei because she is sleeping in the KECHARA FOREST RETREAT CONTAINERS all alone...ehehehhehe...this is a new friend to keep her company....tsem rinpoche
    3 months ago
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    Answer to Jo
    3 months ago
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    The 2 tortoises in Tsem Ladrang, Kadro and Menlha are enjoying their fresh veggie meal.
    4 months ago
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    Organic vegetables at Kechara Forest Retreat
    5 months ago
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    This is Dorje our friendly fish that lives with us. He captured my attention the first time because he was exceptionally friendly. TR
    5 months ago
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    Mumus go bye bye!!!
    5 months ago
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    SP's mom said that she is from Penang. This is her first trip to bodhgaya, and she truly finds bodhgaya is very holy and spiritual.
    5 months ago
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    Very touching video...Buddha said it was very important to visit the four holy places associated with Him before our deaths. Remembering this, I had instructed Paul to take this senior group to Bodhgaya and make sure they are able to plant imprints. When this life of 'fun', money, parties and socials are over, we cannot leave empty handed. Tsem Rinpoche
    5 months ago
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    Our two rescued tortoises who live at Tsem Ladrang happily and will be transferred to Kechara Forest Retreat where they will have much more space to roam and run. Tsem Rinpoche
    5 months ago
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    Aki is the old African Grey that was abandoned by his owner. Because he is old, no one wanted him. Well we wanted him and we took him and in and love him. He is in a big aviary and he likes his cage. We leave his cage open at all times so he can go in and out as he likes. His cage is his security blanket. Cute. He gets nice food and sunshine daily and also we play monks chanting for him to be blessed. We love you Aki. Tsem Rinpoche
    5 months ago
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    Meal time for all the cute mumus!
    5 months ago
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    Dear james, very nice video of Kechara outlet and the activity led by Kien. You must always make more videos. Thank you. Tsem Rinpoche
    5 months ago
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    This little birdie was at a pet shop. He has maimed leg, permanent damage to his wing and cannot fly and also one eye blind. I don't think anyone would want the poor thing, so I adopted him and keep him safe, fed and with lots of fresh air. He's also in a large aviary so he can be with other birds and not be alone. He is alert, active, and has a good appetite. I like him very much and will make sure he is safe, happy and has a good life. I name him Lucky. Lucky will always be safe now. Tsem Rinpoche
    5 months ago
  • Setrap's mantra
    Setrap's mantra
    8 months ago
  • Rinpoche does Baby Jane!
    Rinpoche does Baby Jane!
    8 months ago
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    Dear all, This is Paris interviewing my sister Lidshma. She mentions when I was very young the monks would have me sit with them to do the Buddhist services which was highly irregular in New Jersey. They didn't have lay people even children sit with them to do the services. So she mentions this was very unusual in a good way. My sister Lidshma here mentions my mother (Dana) would always catch me in the night in my room in the dark sitting on my bed meditating and doing mantras. I did that always and had to avoid being caught by my mother. I did it nightly. So I did it secretly and without her catching me. If she did catch me, then there would be big drama and problems depending on the mood my mom was in. My practicing dharma/meditating/praying/mantras was not allowed at all by my parents. They were fiercely against it always. My sister remembers this here. My sister lives in Texas, USA. And our bio group had gone to USA to interview my family for my bio book. This is a snippet. Tsem Rinpoche
    8 months ago
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    Dear TR:

Aiyo so cute. I am in KD now going through some design work with Karen and Mrs.Chua is teaching Pat, Kumar, Yen Ping, Louise and Jeff English.

May they be able to learn up fast and assist Rinpoche's work!

Love,
Ethan

    1 years ago
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    1 years ago
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    Dear Rinpoche, 

Thank u message from misha (Nicholas Khoo daughter) after receiving the toys from Rinpoche. I showed her the picture of Rinpoche and told her that this person gave the toys to her and his name is Rinpoche. She remembers. 

Thank u
Sm 

    1 years ago
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    Dear Rinpoche,

This is te video that Lukas read out Rinpoche's card. He can't stop tearing and he's so happy. The parents are extremely happy too, and the mum also teared...

Thanks 
Bryan 
(What a nice young man Lukas is! TR)
    1 years ago
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    1 years ago
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    Wow! Sp n andrew working hard to fill up the ground at haven then we can tile up the top for space n plants, etc. Tr
    1 years ago
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    I didnt ask andrew to work with workers, just oversee. But he doing the work himself for days now. Am filling up the pool at haven and andrew's in the pool working hard w the workers. I like when ppl swallow their ego n just do anything necessary to get the job done. Tr
    1 years ago
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    Close up of andrew working hard at haven. I rejoice when ppl JUST DO IT! TR
    1 years ago
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    1 years ago
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    Guess where I'm going now? TR
    1 years ago
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    Mumu playing soccer. 
    1 years ago

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Related Links To Myself

My Blog in Chinese:
zhandugu.blog.163.com
My website:
www.tsemtulku.com
My organisation's website:
www.kechara.com





CHAT PICTURES

19/5: Teacher Niral caught snacking the children food in the pantry! adelinew
yesterday
19/5: Gim Lee & Niral leading the 8 participants in second dharma class who do not take part in choir performance on Wesak Day the famous 'Simon says' game to break the ice in Kechara House. adelinew
yesterday
19/5: Today's children's dharma class is divided into two at Kechara House. The first class is doing choir practise for Wesak Day in Multi-purpose hall with 25 participants. The class is led by professional choir teacher Jeffrey Chew, assisted by Serena & Wai Shan our volunteer teacher assistants. adelinew
yesterday
KSK volunteers sharing clothes and food with our clients at chow kit area ~ Siong Woan
2 days ago
Jamyang the rescued bird in our aviary.Tsem Rinpoche
2 days ago
TPZ Host Li Kim at her official celebrity photo shoot. She rocks. - Wendy Loh
2 days ago
Guests being given a tour of Kechara by Su Ming, and Niral - Carmen
3 days ago
Cute Shorty loves sitting in the water. Support Kechara Animal Sanctuary to help these animals. - Pastor Susan
3 days ago
Bryan happily working on Kechara Forest Retreat. Nice smile, nice heart.Tsem Rinpoche
3 days ago
All voluteers are wear mask and apron when making torma in Shabten Khang. Pyy
3 days ago
KFR Fund Raising Dinner
4 days ago
Tiling done till 7.30pm and ongoing still-Pamela@KFR
4 days ago
Happy group at Manjushri Hill in Kechara Forest Retreat.Tsem Rinpoche
4 days ago
Eric and Wan San are discussing how to take the best angle for video shooting - Jace
4 days ago
Workers laying tiles in the meditation hall - Pamela@KFR
4 days ago

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