Great start to a brand new year 2011

Ga Xiong District, Tibet - July 2010

This morning as I sat and revisited all my thoughts of yester years I was pleasantly surprsie by Minam Rinpoche's call. He sends his new year greetings to all his Dharma friends in Malaysia, India and far and wide. He updated me on Norling Library, Wamlung Monastery and Xining Retreat Houses.

Norling is still awaiting the government's decision on whether to rebuild or ...... As for Wamlung Monastery it is now 80% completed and he hopes to have it all ready by Losar. At the moment Xining Retreat Houses is still on hold until the winter is over.

2011 is going to be a very good year. Rinpoche gave the best present of all. Thank you for starting my new year with such great joys.

To Rinpoche :

La-ma ku-kham sang-war sol-wa deb

Chog-tu ku-tshe ring-war sol-wa deb

Trin-ley dar-shing gye-par sol-wa deb

La-ma-dang dral-wa me-par jyin-gyi lob

Lama Dance - Deer Dance

Cham or Lama Dance was started by Guru Rinpoche in Tibet. It is said that anyone who watches this dance with great devotion will be protected during their bardo state. It also helps remove negative karma and obstacles. This dance is the emanation of Heruka which is the reincarnation of Samantabhadra, the guru of Guru Rinpoche

Drikung Holiness Chetsang Rinpoche at Ratnashri PJ, Malaysia

Ratnashri Buddhist Center, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia Committee Members doing Mandala Offering

Drikung Holiness Chetsang Rinpoche Bathing The Buddha Ceremony

Life Release on Wesak Day withDrikung Holiness Chetsang Rinpoche(2)

Life Release on Wesak Day with Drikung Holiness Chetsang Rinpoche in Malaysia

Saga Dawa And Wesak Day With Drikung Holiness Chetsang Rinpoche

Tserkarmo Monastery

What Is "Tsa-Wa-i Lama By H.E. Tai Situ Rinpoche

What exactly Is a "Tsa-wa i Lama" or "Root-Guru"?
There are several forms of Tsa-wa i Lama but we need only discuss the two most important ones here. The first form of Tsa-wa i Lama is the head of the particular school of Tibetan Buddhism that you are considering joining. The heads of that school can be traced right back for many centuries and this is called "The Lineage". The head of the Karma Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism is His Holiness, Urgyen Thrinley, the XVII Gyalwa Karmapa. You could say that the heads of the schools hold a similar position to that of the heads of the Christian orders of the Benedictine or Franciscan monks.

The second form is the Lama (who may or may not have the title of Rinpoche) under whose guidance you feel you can learn most and travel furthest. It Is someone for whom you have total respect; the person you turn to in need; someone you can follow without doubt or hesitation - whose words "enter your bones". It is the person who helps you most to realize the true nature of your mind. This Tsa-wa i-Lama wall be your strongest connection with the Dharma.

What does the phrase "true nature of your mind' mean?
It means your "Buddha-nature". It Is the essence of the Buddha, the innate goodness, which lies within every sentient being. It is the revelation of the supreme qualities of compassion and wisdom.

What is the difference between a Tsa-wa i Lama and any other Lama or teacher?
You can learn, or should be able to learn, something from any Lama; indeed from any person and every situation. However, you will learn more from your Tsa-wa i Lama than from any other. The contact will be deep and will last for the rest of this life. It may have lasted for many lifetimes already and the connection will probably continue for many lifetimes to come. "Tsa-wa i Lama" is sometimes translated as "spiritual friend" or "spiritual guide" because he or she will be your main guide along the path of Dharma.

Is your Tsa-wa i Lama the Lama you take Refuge with?
Not necessarily. We call this Lama your "Refuge-Lama". The Refuge-Lama is the one who opens the door of the Dharma and introduces you. That Lama may become your Tsa-wa i Lama but only time will tell.

How does someone go about finding their Tsa-wa i Lama? How do you recognize him or her?
Have patience. Follow the advice of your Refuge-Lama. Practise diligently. Go to teachings when possible and the situation will become clear.

Is it possible to have a woman Tsa-wa i Lama?
Of course, why not?

Once someone has found their Tsa-wa i Lama does this mean they should not attend teachings or initiations given by other Lamas?
No, of course not, but a little care should be taken. Each tradition of Buddhism, such as Zen or Theravadin, and each school of Tibetan Buddhism has a different way of presenting things. If you listen to a great variety it is easy to confuse issues without realising you are doing so. It is like a paint box! The red is a nice colour, and those two greens are both clear and bright, and the yellow and that rich purple - all are fine colours but if you mix them all together you get a muddy brown! It is better to stay with teachers of the same lineage as far as you can so that your mind does not become muddy brown! However, a little of one colour added to another can be good. Ask your Refuge Lama or your Tsa-wa i Lama for advice.

It is said that there is a strong connection between the student and their Tsa-wa i Lama and that the student should offer uncritical obedience. Is this correct?
Yes, there is a strong connection or bond between the Tsa-wa i Lama and the student but the student will offer what he or she can. Some students learn more by simple acceptance; others learn more by asking questions. Both are good. This is not the army! The role of the Tsa-wa-i Lama is to bring you to know the true nature of your mind-to see the truth as it is - not to brain-wash you.

If someone learned that their Tsa-wa i Lama had behaved in a manner contrary to their own moral standards, is it possible for that student to break the bond and find another Tsa-wa i Lama?
The student should remember that the bond is voluntary and it is possible that that Lama is no longer appropriate. Perhaps it was not their true Tsa-wa i Lama so in that case there was no bond to start with. If the Tsa-wa i Lama should break his own personal Samaya (deep vows) then that dissolves the "contract" with the student and there is no longer a bond to break. If the student is unsure or uneasy then they should try to discuss the issue with their Tsa-wa-i- Lama, or with another Lama whom they respect - perhaps their Refuge-Lama. There may be a misunderstanding and an easy explanation. Time and common sense will show the way. If this is not possible, or if the student is still distressed, they should turn to their own Buddha-nature for guidance.

To My Guru

La-ma ku-kham sang-war sol-wa deb
Chog-tu ku-tshe ring-war sol-wa deb
Trin-ley dar-shing gye-par sol-wa deb
La-ma-dang dral-wa me-par jyin-gyi lob

Mani Wheel

USD90
(Exclude Postage)
Sorry, item sold!!

This very functional Mani wheel, measures overall 20cm tall and comes with mani prayers inside the drum. It can be attached to the wall with screws (not included) or any other means appropriate. Mani wheels, of course, are turned in a clockwise direction and this one when turned gives a click click sound just like those big ones. I remember Garchen Rinpoche saying that having a Mani Wheel in the house makes that the pure land of Chenrezig.

Mani Wheels

Electric Mani Wheel containing 45 different types of Mantras. For sale RM400

Mani wheels are found all over Tibet and in areas influenced by Tibetan culture. There are many types of mani wheels and by far the hand held ones are the most popular as most Tibetans carry them around daily as well as on pilgrimages. Tibetan buddhists believe that chanting the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hung" invokes the blessings of Chenrezig (Kuan Yin), the embodiment of compassion. The wheel is spinned clockwise.

Tibetan prayer wheels contain hundreds, thousands, even millions of mantras written on strips of papers or on microfilms. With 1 rotation of the mani wheel containing X number of mantras, it is deemed that X number of chants have been recited.

Month of Saka Dawa 3 June - 2 July 2008

Dear friends

I have been asked about continuing with the pledges to Avoid Killing, and I think that this is good to do again now.

We are now celebrating the Month of Saka Dawa (from June 3rd to July 2nd), a very special month to make the pledge, as the merit of virtuous activities during this month multiply by a million. Let's use this precious opportunity to accumulate merit, purifying our karma, and benefit so many sentient beings. This is also an easy way to do something for the long life of our Holy Gurus - His Holiness the Dalai Lama and your own gurus. It is also very beneficial for prolonging our own lives, by not contributing to killing.

I suggest that during the holy month of Saka Dawa(Buddhas Enlightenment and Paranirvana) you can take one of the following pledges:

* To become vegetarian for this whole life
* To become vegetarian for one year
* To become vegetarian for the month of Saka Dawa ( June 1 - June 30)
* Keep precepts for the whole month of Saka Dawa
* Keep precepts on all special days of Buddha and all precept days for the whole life
* Not to eat meat during all special days of Buddha (4 days in a year) for one year
* We can also promise not to get angry during this month of Saka Dawa.

It is most powerful to make this pledge on the day of Saka Dawa, whichis June 18th, 2008. Please use this the link to make the pledge: http://freeonlinesurveys.com%20/rendersurvey.asp?sid=lmdgf7f48

Once you have submitted the pledge, feel very strongly that you have made this promise in the presence of all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas and rejoice at the merit created. Your sincere motivation will make this pledge very powerful.

All the merit accumulated in this way, please dedicate extensively in the following way:
*to the long life of all your own gurus
* to increase the teachings of the Buddha in general and specially theMahayana teachings
* to remove all the problems in all countries experiencing war, famine,violence of any kind
* to increase peace in the world* to remove all obstacles to the return of HH to Tibet
* for complete peace between Tibet and ChinaI rejoice in your great merit and make prayers for the success of yourpractice.

with many prayers,
Lama Lhundrup

Most Venerable Drubwang Rinpoche

The Most Venerable Drubwang Rinpoche, Konchog Norbu (1921-2007) dissolved his body-mandala into the great expanse of the Dharmakaya in Singapore around 10 pm on December 25. Some days ago close disciples from Drikung Kagyu Religious Society in Kathmandu urged Drubwang Rinpoche not to go on a journey to Singapore due to his poor health. However Drubwang Rinpoche did not listen to them, but wanted to meet the promise he had given to the Drikung followers in Singapore. At the airport he was received by His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche, His Eminence Gyabra Tristab Rinpoche, and many monks. Drubwang Rinpoche had to be taken immediately to a hospital, where he passed away soon afterwards. Drubwang Konchog Norbu was considered a great master through his deep compassion and his unremitting inspiration to engage in simple dharma practices. His departure is a great loss to all Drikungpa. But it is an especially important time for all disciples to practice Guru Yoga in order to strengthen the connection with Rinpoche and receive his blessings from now until enlightenment is attained for all. Rinpoche’s body will be sent back to Nepal where final funeral rites will be performed extensively for the benefit of all of Rinpoche’s disciples and all mother sentient beings.

On January 14, 2008 over 200 monks and nuns and many foreign disciples from all over the world especially from Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia gathered in the monastery Drikung Rinchen Ling in Nayapati, Nepal, to perform the cremation of Most Venerable Drubwang Rinpoche. The ceremony was carried out in a very elaborate Vajrayana style. A hollow stupa was built as the crematory with a mandala beneath. On the morning of the 14th of January, four different fire pujas were performed simultaneously, one in each of the four directions corresponding to the four doors of the stupa. In east His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche performed the Akshobya fire puja assisted by His Eminence Ayang Rinpoche and many monks. In the north His Eminence Tritsab Rinpoche performed the Chakrasamvara fire Puja. In the west Khenchen Konchog Gyaltsen Rinpoche performed the Chenrizig fire puja and in the south Drupon Sonam Jorphel Rinpoche performed the Yangzab fire puja. Everyone made great efforts to accomplish the pujas and the result was a very harmonious and moving ceremony. Many disciples were moved to tears by such devotion to Drubwang Rinpoche.

Opening The Door Of Your Heart - Ajahn Brahm

Another of Ajahn Brahm great books. These are stories which are easily assimilated instead of the dry stuff. You can actually finish reading the book in one day

Tibetan Uprising Day

China's Brutal Crackdown On Ngaba Protests

Twenty Tibetans were reported dead following a crackdown by Chinese forces on a protest in Ngaba "Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture" in Amdo Province of Tibet (present-day Sichuan Province) on March 16th; Ten have been confirmed and identified. Hundreds of Tibetans from Amdo are still missing.

Norbu, son of Phurwagoen, 15, student at Tibetan Middle School, from Shanglung Village

Tashi Wangchuk, 27, son of Tsedrugtsang from Lhade Gongma Village

Gephen Thaklo, 64, family name Khenyirtsang Village Headman of Asigma Village, Ngaba. Wife, 54, also shot and in critical condition

Atashia, 26, Gangwa Pakortsang From Ngoshil Tsode Village

Gyergyam, 40, family name Jamshotsang, from Porema Village

­Lobsang Nyima, 17, from Zamthang
He came to further his studies at Kirti Monastery

In addition to the six above, five additional victims have been identified as:

1. Tsezin Totsang (32-year old male from Thechung)

2. Lhundup Tsomo Jigshetsang, (18-year old female student at Tibetan Middle School, from Ngoshu Village)

3. Butrang Dhargyetsang (female)

4. Sangay (18-year old male from Raro Village)

5. Gyamtso Beize

Thai Olympic torchbearer withdraws in protest over China's crackdown in Tibet
AP[Sunday, March 23, 2008 16:24]

BANGKOK, Thailand, March 23: One of Thailand's representatives in the Olympic torch relay has withdrawn in protest over China's recent crackdown on protesters in Tibet, a statement said Sunday.

Narisa Chakrabongse — one of the country's six torchbearers — said in an open letter that she decided against taking part in the relay to "send a strong message to China that the world community could not accept its actions."

Anti-government protests started in the Tibetan capital, Lhasa, on the March 10 anniversary of a failed uprising against Chinese rule and turned violent four days later, touching off demonstrations among Tibetans in three neighboring provinces.

Beijing's official death toll from the rioting is now 22, but the Dalai Lama's government-in-exile has said 99 Tibetans have died.

"The slaying of the Tibetans ... is an outright violation of human rights," Narisa wrote. "It happened two weeks before the Olympic torch leaves Athens and five months before the Olympic Games. This reflects the Chinese government's negligence of world sentiment."

Tibetans and their supporters have protested in cities around the world against China, where the games will be staged.

Some fear the arrival of the Olympic torch — which arrives in Thailand in April en route to Beijing — could spark violent protests against China, while others are calling for heads of state, dignitaries and even corporate sponsors to boycott the Olympics, or at least the opening ceremony.

Happiness Through Meditation - Ajahn Brahm

A gem of a book. A Must Have. As Dr Teoh Lam Chuan puts it "Ajahn Brahm has put together a very comprehensive book guiding a meditation practitioner from the most basic to the most succinct of Jhanas".

"This is a book that is destined to become dog-eared and cherished and read aloud to one's friends and family. It will fall apart from your attention, I promise you" - Mandala

So what are you waiting for