Beyond Kindness

I remember this picture… it was one of the late nights we spent with #tsemtulku to compile the Dorje Shugden Retreat instructions http://goo.gl/1PJ95F

The retreat instruction did not come easy… it may look neat and nice right now on the blog, but a lot of hard work went behind it especially from Rinpoche.

It is a precious retreat instruction composed by Rinpoche… and I remember it clearly, how Rinpoche got up from his chair and took a few cushions to sit on the floor with us. Eventhough Rinpoche knew he will have difficulty getting up later, and Rinpoche have much pain when seated on the floor’s hard surface… but because Rinpoche wanted to make sure the instructions was heard and taken without mistakes, Rinpoche sat on the floor anyway.

I think another reason why Rinpoche sat on the floor instead of on the couch to compose the retreat text is because of humility and deep respect for the practice. This is my assumption, but I believe strongly that this is one of the reasons too.

Rinpoche sat on the floor… and thought deeply on how He can shorten the traditional Dorje Shugden retreat for busy people like us and yet allow the retreat to retain the desired results. Here, we all saw… how caring Rinpoche is… If you think the recent gifts that many people received from Rinpoche reflects Rinpoche’s thoughtfulness… then may I correct you, as that is only 1% of Rinpoche’s thoughtfulness seen on the surface.

Rinpoche’s true generocity, care and thoughtfulness is seen in the Dharma teachings that Rinpoche gave us… and in this case, Dorje Shugden retreat instructions. We as ordinary beings cant even begin to have an idea on how many angles Rinpoche must have thought about, thinking about people’s situations and problems which may deter them from doing the practice… and after taking all these into consideration, Rinpoche composed a short and condensed retreat. And it is here that I saw what it means to care for others… how we can care for others… as the retreat text compiled is Rinpoche’s gift to everyone in the world.

I am truly greatful to have Rinpoche… If it wasn’t for Rinpoche’s kindness in compiling such a short retreat text, not many would be able to engage in this practice.

But it does make me sad… as it shows me how degenerated times are and the time that many are willing to allocate for spiritual practice… which is very little.

So, I hope that the next time you engage in a Dorje Shugden retreat… remember it’s authenticity and how lucky we are to receive a practice from an unbroken lineage… how much work was put into it. Dont complain that it is too lengthy because this is as short as it gets. And remember… how much time we put in into our practice, is how much we will transform spiritually.

Wishing you a happy retreat, in advance.

An Examplary Student

It doesnt matter who you are or what you are… if you’re a student of #tsemtulku, Rinpoche will make sure you work extra hard to benefit others.

In this picture, on Rinpoche’s right is a loyal and dedicated student of Rinpoche. He and his two sons are also very kind and humble sponsors of KFR… as you can see instead of expecting a red carpet, they bought their own working boots and walked in the mud. They were even on the land to supervise the constructions although they have busy schedules themselves.

Some people may say… well since I have sponsored the temple, lets just leave it to another person to do the work. But those who think this way unfortunately, does not derive the full benefit of meeting a lama and the Dharma.

As stated in the Lamrim, offerings of material wealth, while it is wonderful it is still the lowest offering one can give to the Buddhas. And these kind sponsors realized that through learning from Rinpoche… they gave not only materially, but also their effort as they know the benefits of Dharma service… and along with that, they offered their lama the greatest offering, mind transformation.

In the end, they were polished into wonderful Dharma practitioners and became selfless. Because when they were tired, they overcame it with determination… when they didnt understand certain things, they took the trouble to learn… they did all of that to build KFR, a place where many will meet the Dharma.

I guess sometimes I like telling some stories about people around my Lama… because only an incredibly compassionate and wise being can guide another to be compassionate and wise.

The Lama who builds wonders

Before Kechara Forest Retreat (KFR) http://goo.gl/PKkdDy became what it is today, #tsemtulku and many dedicated students worked very hard. There were no roads, no buildings… only mud and dirt.

Perhaps many of us have forgotten how our Lama would walk around KFR, supervising the construction at day light, and staying up late at night to look through building plans, AND at the same time teach us the Dharma through the blog and even personal advice. Or perhaps some of us are new students, who werent there when KFR first started.

Yes, our lama work so hard for the Dharma, and it is not for himself, but for us and the many people that would be benefited from learning the Dharma in the future. After all, life would be so much easier if Kechara just remained as it was… but that would mean less people would benefit from the Dharma.

A Bodhisattva is someone that is constantly working to eliminate the suffering of beings… and from looking at my lama’s actions, my lama’s wants to spread the Dharma which we all know is the medicine to our samsaric sufferings… tells me a lot about my Lama’s qualities.

So the next time you visit KFR, remember this… it is a holy land where Dorje Shugden himself gave us signs that the Dharma would grow from here… and know that Rinpoche have poured a great deal of effort into making it the place we can practice the Dharma today. Appreciate and feel fortunate… KFR was built by Rinpoche… for you.

Gifts from the heart

If u hv received a gift fr #tsemtulku before, then know that a lot of care, thoughts and love was put into it. #buddhism #buddha #dharma #zen #spiritual #spirituality http://goo.gl/vqXec8

Rinpoche have always been known for His great generosity and care for students and anyone that are sincere in the Dharma. It is through this great generosity, motivated by the thought to benefit others spiritually that Rinpoche have conceptualized various departments in Kechara and also work very hard in maintaining Rinpoche’s blog… where many receive the Dharma for free at very little effort… in fact, at just a click away at the comfort of your home.

Generosity is not only seen in the material things that Rinpoche present to us, but it is the precious teachings of the Dharma which Rinpoche have tirelessly wrote and spoke about ever since Rinpoche was instructed to teach us the Dharma (by HE Lati Rinpoche). After all, all material things are impermanent, but the teachings that Rinpoche give us… that will last for many lifetimes until enlightened.

So if you have benefited from Rinpoche’s teachings, dont be miserly with your thanks. Extend your thank you messages on Rinpoche’s blog, Facebook and Twitter. 🙂

Rinpoche certainly does not want praises from us as Rinpoche does all of these unconditionally. But who know, maybe your sincere comments would touch someone’s heart and help them have confidence to start on a spiritual path.

Stop Hating and Move On

People that think that Kechara is making a huge issue out of these negative issues by Ex-Kecharians, are hugely mis-informed.

In life, people come and people go, it is part and parcel of life. Even in our own personal lives, how many people have walked away from us and how many people have became new friends with us? Does that make us a bad person just because some people are not friends with us anymore? Maybe in certain cases, but most of the time it is due to differences that makes one part ways.

The one person that I have seen stayed firm all these time is Rinpoche. Rinpoche’s motivation to bring Dharma to countless of beings will continue for a thousand years. And if there is anyone that have left the organization, then it is just sad to say that their purpose and vision has changed throughout the years of service in the name of Dharma… To say it uglily is that ‘They didn’t get what they thought they would’… and that has caused great bitterness to arise in them. Because one thing is for sure, Rinpoche never stopped spreading the Dharma. On the other hand, what have these hater done post-Kechara besides spreading more hate and malice.

In the secular world, what these Ex-Kecharians did will never be tolerated. In fact, in the secular perspective, wouldn’t you be happy to be free of a ‘bad employer’? Imagine if you were greatly pressured in your work place and you decided to jump ship to another company, the happiest day would be the day you leave that crappy office to start a new day in a new company, and you would never look back and continue merrily with your own life. And if ever there was a disgruntled employee, a secular company would have no qualms in handling the issue with legal matters.

But in Kechara, our tolerance level is high. Not because the people in Kechara are ignorant and idiotic, but because we practice spirituality… Many times the decisions made are not based on getting fame or profit, but how it can help the other person’s spirituality… and sometimes, even at the cost of Kechara’s good name, like what Kechara and Rinpoche is facing right now.

So why is this so? I can tell you simply, it’s because being spiritual, we know innately everyone has their good nature. But due to the conditions of karma… the karma that ripened upon them caused these negative outbursts. Some that left allowed this karma to pass and later return… while other that left continue to turn this vicious cycle of negative karma and end up no where in either secular world or spiritually. Ask any Dharma practitioner and they will tell you they hold no hate for these people… no matter how much bad they have done to Kechara.

But when it comes to the matter of our Lama’s safety, that is a whole different issue by itself. Let’s not even talk about the whole ‘bad karma for them’ talk… but lets look at the many people that will be deprived of Dharma because of these lot, thinking their ‘bruised ego’ is more important than the many people that will benefit from Rinpoche and Kechara. Or let’s not even talk about spirituality, but even in a secular sense… as a human being, how can threatening someone’s life, and attempts to destroy one’s life work – be something positive?

I hope these people will stop thinking about fulfilling their own selfish hatred, and for once, think for others.

Happiness comes when your work and words are of benefit to yourself and others – Buddha.

It’s about time they take the Buddha’s advice for their own happiness.

This is My Lama – In Pictures

A picture of my Lama, H.E. Tsem Rinpoche with myself and the wonderful people I work with on a daily basis.

People often ask me, what do I like most of my Lama? And truth be told, there is so many things I love about my Lama that sometimes so overwhelming… I turn speechless. So to all those that wonder why my Lama is so well loved not only in Malaysia, but also by many people around the world… here’s a small pictorial tribute to the one person that gave meaning to my life (and many others)

Lama teach us peace, love, harmony and compassion wherever He goes

Lama teach us Dharma tirelessly

Lama teach us the true meaning of Guru Devotion

Lama teach us what it means to be traditional…

… and yet modern and fun

Lama teach us true gratitude

Lama teach us what it means to love our parents

Lama spend countless hours to disseminate Dharma to the world on His blog

Lama spend countless hours to disseminate Dharma to the world through videos

Lama shows us we are loved, no matter who we are

Lama shows us how to care for those in need, even if they are strangers

Lama teach us the importance of supporting the Monasteries

Lama teach us to respect all Sangha, irregardless of tradition

Lama teach us to respect all holy men and women, irregardless of religion

Lama gives us daily inspirations

Lama gives us countless material and spiritual gifts

Lama braves the harsh environment conditions for the growth of Dharma

Lama makes Dharma grow in the rural area…

… and Lama makes Dharma grow in the city

Lama cares for the homeless

Lama cares for His sickly students

Lama cares for our children

and Lama cares for our parents…

Lama teach children to be responsible

Lama show love and care to our children

Lama teach us to love all sentient beings

Lama makes students become achievers

Lama teach students how to benefit others with fame

Lama encourage charitable works

Lama encourage the growth of Dharma

Lama teach us to think bigger and out of the box

Lama teach us love, compassion and wisdom is for the people of the world

Lama makes great efforts to bring Dharma to all

And through all the great deeds of my Lama, many of which not mentioned on this post… My Lama has benefited countless of beings through His enlightened actions. May my Lama live a thousand years, may us students illuminate our Lama’s deeds… may we all live and work in harmony, for the benefit of all sentient beings.

My Lama is My Buddha

My Lama is my Buddha

Sitting before two statues of Shakyamuni and Dorje Shugden, is my Lama HE Tsem Rinpoche – who in my mind, more glorious then all the Buddhas in the 10 directions.

People often wonder why students glorify their Lamas… but the answer is simple. Although I love Buddha images, but due to my karmic obscurations, I am unable to perceive these holy beings. But my Lama… perfect in all ways, showed me the Dharma… giving me a chance to break my endless cycle of existance. How can one not love a being such as one’s teacher?

During the time of Lama Atisha, his heart student Drontompa would make no offerings to Buddha images. But daily, he would make a butterlamp offering to Lama Atisha. When questioned why… Drontompa says ‘Why should I make offerings to a statue, when a living Buddha sits infront of me?’

So to me, all aspects of my Lama is that of a Buddha… and even His name is not one to be casually mentioned… As I know for a fact, the mention of my Lama’s name brings great protection.

I remember a few months back, while my mother was staying in a hotel… she was disturbed by an unknown entity. And out of fear she could not remember any mantra for protection, but she said ‘Please dont disturb me, I am a student of HE Tsem Rinpoche!’ And instantaneously, like magic… the unknown being disappeared. When my mum told me this story… I was actually glad lol… Glad that in her own way, she loves Rinpoche too.

Many times when I think about my Lama, it makes me feel like the most fortunate person on earth… and though I have not the fortune to serve my Lama just like Drontompa with Atisha… but I know I draw closer to my Lama in my heart, with every effort I put into my practice… and that keeps me going.

Invisible vs Invincible

Invisible vs Invincible

I have always been bad with language, and one of the words that I used to get confused about was invisible and invincible. Well of course eventually I could tell the difference between the two… A contribution from working experience lol!

Many ppl think that being invisible is a great disadvantage. Infact, there are even motivational slogans stating ‘turning invisible to invincible’. Well… That may be true for some… But the true, confident invisible ppl, is invincible.

Let me give u a few examples:
1. LOTR
2. GTA god mode
3. Harry Potter’s cloak
4. Predator
5. UFOs (yes, I said that alright)
6. The virus that lurks ard n gives u a nasty flu
7. Do i need to list more?

So if u find urself feeling invisible… Chill, relax, it’s not the end of the world lol! After all, being surrounded by a world, filled with selfishness… Sometimes its good to be invisible coz what ppl dont see, they cant ‘kill’ lol.

Sarah Yap