Tsem Tulku Rinpoche

Kechara Soup Kitchen Is Making News Headlines!

Kechara Soup Kitchen or KSK is very often in the news here in Malaysia, or newspapers or magazines. The press is very kind here and support a good cause. I think the press has done such a good job to highlight what we are doing because what we are doing is to serve the sector of society whose luck is down.

We give over 700 packets of fresh food away every month plus light medical care to the homeless on the streets and it is increasing. I want this dept to grow and grow and grow and inspire others to do the same around the world.  Because if we take responsibility instead of just complaining,we CAN make a big difference.

From my heart, I would like to respectfully thank the media and press for being so kind to cover our events. It has brought awareness and inspiration to many people. I really appreciate the press/media very much for caring. They do their part and we do our part, and together we can make a difference.

We at Kechara House do not have any issues what color is your skin, your religion, your views and your background. We are not here to force our thoughts, way of life, spiritual views, or culture on you..because we respect you... We are just concerned about human condition and sufferings….we do not want to sit around and do nothing...life is not for wasting in self-indulgence as it can be used to serve others.. It doesn't matter what religion you are if you are hungry and it doesn't matter what religion I am who give you the food. What matters is that we care about others and help each other, try to help and share our good fortune with others. KSK simply wants to give food to our brothers and sisters that are on the streets. Every government does whatever they can to the best of their ability, so ordinary people like us should help also and contribute and do our part.. We should help our governments by doing whatever we can. We must do so…it is better than a life of self-indulgence and not caring.

When I see someone on the streets very hungry, I don't look at what color his/her skin is. I just want to offer some food and help. I don't judge or pass negative thoughts, I simply want to relieve their hunger at that time and then leave them in peace. I am not a saint but a human being with a conscience. All of us have a conscience, we just have to open ourselves up. Tsem Tulku

 

The second video is a MUST WATCH. It is our annual Kechara Soup Kitchen Dinner. The guests of honour are Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil and Datuk Dr. Victor Wee who's the Chairman of Tourism Malaysia Board and the Chairman of the Programme Committee of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), he is also the patron of KSK. 

Kechara Soup Kitchen was extremely honoured to have Datuk Shahrizat grace our dinner. She had prior appointment and told us she can only stay for half the event. But in the end, she stayed for the whole event to our great appreciation...Thank you so much! She is intelligent, passionate, works hard for the community and well educated. She has a wonderful smile that just captures her audience. Her speech was moving and very energetic...you can see her genuine concern.. On behalf of the Malaysian Govt she presented a cheque of Rm50,000 to our Kechara Soup Kitchen. How incredible! It is such an honour that we have the support of our Govt. It is our honour to serve the homeless and assist our Govt as good citizens that take responsibility in our community. We must always find ways to unite the community.

Datuk Dr.Wee also took time from his international travels for the Govt to grace this occasion. Datuk Wee is known for his hard work toward the community, his honesty, diplomacy and kind heart. He is a real gentleman. He also made an amazing speech on behalf of the homeless. Everyone was enthralled listening to his incredibly meaninful speech. I was very moved also. I thank Datuk Wee so much for his kindness and heroic support for the homeless through KSK. Please watch the video I've included.

Her Excellency the Honourable Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil (above). She is such a wonderful and passionate orator.

Datuk May Phng who is the President of Kechara House (left) having a warm exchange with Honourable Datuk Shahrizat. 

Datuk Dr. Victor Wee is the Chairman of Tourism Malaysia Board and the Chairman of the Programme Committee of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), he is also the patron of KSK. Datuk is making a wonderful speech for the homeless and our mission (above)

Justin Cheah (left) with a regular volunteer Quntien. I was told that Quntien is a KSK team leader, very consistent and very reliable. He attends every week on Saturday and Sunday for giving food rounds. We have many volunteers now who come with full commitment every week. They do themselves a huge favour by serving the homeless. Kudos to them.

Tsem Tulku 

Releasing Fish

Once a month Kecharians (kechara members) and guests will put their money together and buy fish from the slaughter market to release. This month, they again purchased 150 kgs of fish, did prayers, blew mantras on to the fish and released them into a nearby large clean lake.

It was a wonderful spiritual and family event. This is arranged under the Kechara Care Dept headed by Liaison Su Ming.

It is something I started to create awareness for the sanctity of all life.

150 kgs of fish ready to be released.

New friends gathered for releasing fish.

  
 Getting ready to release by doing prayers first.

Many people are joining this once a month as they find it very fulfilling and not to mention beneficial for the fish.

Please go vegetarian. So much food is available without slaughter of animals for meat. Bring your spiritualism to another level by not eating animals but loving them please.

Tsem Tulku 
 

Angel makes offerings

 
Angel on the far left with glasses.

Angel is a long time student of mine. She is in Bangkok at the moment attending a wedding. She, her sister, cousin and friend went to make traditional offerings of food to monks. Angel dedicated the offerings to my long life and Kechara House's growth also for the manifestation of KWPC. How generous and kind. Very thoughtful and I deeply appreciate it very much. It is very virtuous to make offerings to monks in general and I encourage people to do so..

Making food offerings to monks is the same in all Buddhist countries. It just the way they go about it is different. Each Tradition has it's unique cultural method to make offerings...all is beautiful.

In Thailand, early in the morning, the monks will come to specified places and have their alms bowl ready. Then the participants put food inside their bowls as an offering. The monks will recite a blessing prayer for the food giver. It's done at the crack of dawn daily and I have done it before. It is truly a beautiful experience and I am ADDICTED TO IT.

Thank you so much Angel and family/friends.

Tsem Tulku

   

Something To Make Your Day Happier

(Click on photo to see in bigger size)

My little Mumu is so photogenic. Whatever pictures I take of him, he comes out super adorable.

This is little Mumu getting ready to sleep. Yes, he really likes sleeping on a pillow. He likes his head elevated when sleeping. Cute.

I thought I'd put this picture taken by Suming up for you to get your dosage of CUTE for the day...

Have a good day! Be vegetarian, have great forgiveness in your heart for all, never hurt animals, be honest and forthright. Trust in the path of making others happy.

Tsem Tulku
 

Excellent Thangka at Gyuto Tantric College

I love thangkas and statues. I have always since I was a young child.

This thangka is so well made and it is in Gyuto Tantric College. It shows the Three 'Kingly' Tantras recommended by Lord Tsongkapa as very effective paths to reach full enlightenment in one life. Lord Tsongkapa practiced these Three simultaneously and became fully enlightened. Their lineage stem from Tsongkapa to us up till current times.

Description:

   

Tsongkapa

Gyaltsab Je -   Kedrub Je

 

 Yamantaka  -   Guyasamaja   -    Cakrasamvara

Kalarupa--Vaishravana--6-armed Mahakala--White Mahakala--Pelden Hlamo--Yudroma 

 

 

I really like this thangka. One of my students went to Gyuto on a visit and snapped this picture.

Tsem Tulku

 

Kechara Southern Jewel Chapel gets a Chill Out Room!

Nice book shelf...

Great chill out area...modern and contemporary..after prayers/class KSJC members can just relax with eachother in this area of the Chapel. Nice!

A bullletin board is so necessary in every dept of KH because we have so much good news to share with everyone always! We are bursting with news!!!

Johor Bahru is the southern most state of Malaysia and it borders with Singapore. From Kuala Lumpur where we are, it is 5-6 hour drive.

I have a group of devoted students in Johor Bahru or JB for many years. They have opened a Kechara Southern Jewel Chapel. This chapel is dedicated to the great Dharma Protector Setrap. They gather for classes, discussions, prayer and puja.

Many have experienced the quick assistance of Setrap, so they wish to share Him with many others hence opening KSJC in Johor Bahru.

Look at the chill out room they did...it is beautiful.

Way to go and congratulations to KSJC group...I am very proud of you!

Much care,

TSem Tulku
  
 
 

Ann Woo...a truly classy lady

 
Ruby (left) together with Miss Ann Woo (right)

Ruby is one of my senior students and the President of Kechara Soup Kitchen or KSK (see links: http://www.kechara.com/ksk/). 

Ruby has been with me way before I opened Kechara House many years back. Ruby use to sponsor a smaller place where I would give dharma talks. Ruby is our third president of KSK and she has taken this department of Kechara House many levels up then where it started. Ruby is doing a great job because she is dedicated, committed and goes all the way for this department..

KSK is our soup kitchen and currently it gives over 700 packets of fresh food to the homeless throughout the city of Kuala Lumpur. We have already acquired a building by loan and in the midst of renovations now. Very exciting. I've always wanted a Soup Kitchen for the poor. Here is why: http://tsemtulku.typepad.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/2010/03/why-i-conceived-of-kechara-soup-kitchen-or-ksk.html 

Read up more from here:

http://tsemtulku.typepad.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/2010/04/back-to-the-streets-more-volunteers-for-ksk.html

My group in Kechara House will continue to do more social work that benefits Society directly. I love to talk about Dharma and spirituality, but it is important to do something direct for society.

Ms Ann Woo, CEO of Nanyang Press Foundation presented a Check to KSA at their Headquarters pictured above. Ann is a very CARING, GENUINE, KIND, OPEN AND DOWN TO EARTH PERSON. She genuinely likes to do charity, help people, bring hope to others. She lives very modestly and she lives for others...she really really really really is a wonderful person. She is very spiritual and yet pragmatic. I was very happy to meet her a few months ago and felt her warmth and sincerity. Ann is someone that what you see is what you get. I am honoured and happy to be her friend and I wish her a very long healthy life. But I am sure we will bump paths again and again.

Much care,

Tsem Tulku

Another person joins kechara house full time!!!!

I have been encouraging many people to do dharma work full time. Dharma is spiritual, fulfilling and it can be a very rewarding career. For many years people thought that dharma is a nowhere, dead end job with very little satisfaction. Well many in kh who have joined in full time has proven them wrong. DHARMA CAN BE A VERY FULFILLING AND SATISFYING CAREER!!

Today another young, educated, professional student of mine named Louise has joined the KECHARA DISCOVERY Dept ( http://www.kechara.com/discovery/ ) of Kechara house!!!! She started work today!!! Welcome Louise!!! She is Sales and Marketing Manager!!!

Louise is an intelligent, bright, sincere and very cooperative person. Louise is not the ordinary just make money and get alot of material things kind of person. She is very very very intelligent and wishes to live her life her way...i really admire her...She knows there is more to live than just making money and gathering luxuries. She is a special person that enjoys helping other people and seeing them happy. She is setting a POWERFUL EXAMPLE to many people in the world and here that dharma work means your a winner.

KD creates all the lovely statues, tsatsas and related items that are available in our 5 retail stores (kechara Paradise: http://www.kechara.com/paradise/ ). Paul will be making large 10ft Tsongkapa, 7ft Vajra Yogini and & 7ft Setrap for our new Gompa finishing in a few months time with his KD team. A gompa is a Prayer Hall. Kd does beautiful work for Dharma! I am very proud of this dept and appreciate the beautiful works of art they produce for our shrines...thank you KD team!

Today is Louise's 1st day on the job at Kechara Discovery!!

I am proud of her and very very very happy for her. I want her to go all the way and make her dept expand, grow and become big. It can and it will.... I want Louise to know that her dept can definitely go far. Just give everything u got and JUST DO IT!!!

Much care, Tsem Tulku

Young, intelligent, kind and very nice Louise...it is her first day on the job in Kechara Discovery!!!!! Fantastic!! I just got this picture and I was very happy to see it so I am posting it up right now!!

 
Kechara House Dharma friends take Louise out for lunch to welcome her to our spiritual family!! 

I sent some chocolates and flowers to welcome Louise on her first day...enjoy! 

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This is wonderful Paul Yap, the Liaison who is the head of Kechara Discovery (KD) dept..He is very hardworking and nice fellow. You'll like him!

Paul has two portfolios in Kh's depts..he also is co-head of Kechara Saraswati Arts Dept (  http://www.kechara.com/ksa/ ) together with Wan Wong...
  

Huge Dzambala Retreat Starting April 23rd...get involved!!!!!

 

The holy 27 inches Dzambala Statue with many crystals offered onto his body. The beautiful workmanship done by Datin Ng. This Dzambala has specialy prepared for this upcoming retreat and many more in the future.

The main shrine in Kechara House (KH) with Lord Tsongkapa and the Dzambala in the front. Dzambala will help us purify the negative karma arising from miserliness that make our minds narrow, selfish, hard and our hands tight-fisted to share with others. The Paramita of giving can be achieved with Dzambala. 500 bowls of pure clean water are offered in front of Dzambala...this will be done daily during the powerful retreat to generate merits for the participants themselves and the arisal of Kechara World Peace Centre in the near future.

1. Retreat starts on April 23, 2010. I will confer a oral transmission of Dzambala's mantra that day and also Giving Refuge Ceremony. So those who take this ceremony becomes a Buddhist from that day onwards.

2. Wee Liang, Gim Lee, Tho and Eddie Tan worked hard to set up this altar for the retreat.

3. Eddie Tan will assist Girlie as chant master (umze) during retreat.

4. Up till today 105 people have signed up for this special retreat...and the roster is open for more. Some of you who are out of station...contact the below by email (www.kechara.com) to find out how you can participate from where you are and all the exciting details. You can participate also wherever you are in the world.

5. Friends from the USA will be flying in for the refuge and event. How dedicated.

Tsem Tulku

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Below are retreat details from Liaison Yoke Fui/& committee heading the Kechara House dept:

Dear Retreat Participants:

Please be informed of the following:

A. Program/Retreat Schedule

1) 18th April 2010, at KH 1, 11.30AM
    Refuge briefing class for those that wish to take refuge from H.E. Tsem Rinpoche on
    23/4/2010 and those that wish to renew their refuge vows.

2) 18th April 2010, at KH1, 2PM
    Talk on the practice and iconography of Lord Dzambala.
    All registered participants are advised to attend as this will help you in the Retreat.

3) 23rd April 2010, at KH1
    7.30PM - arrival and attendance taking of all participants
    7.45PM - arrival of Rinpoche
    8.00PM - Oral transmission & Refuge giving by Rinpoche
    9.00PM - 1st session of Retreat begins

4) 24th April 2010, KH1
    2nd Session of Retreat

5) Thereafter Retreat will be conducted at KH1 every Wednesday & Thursday until the
    required number of Mantra recitation & water offering is completed.

B. Motivation :
1) May wealth, sponsors and people of different expertise come forth to help in the project of Kechara World Peace Centre

2) May all obstacles be cleared

3) May there be HUGE STATUES of Vajrayogini, Lama Tsongkhapa and Dzambala at KWPC for the benefits of all.

C. Required mantras and water offerings to be completed :

1) Engage in 500,000 dzambala mantras cumulatively

2) Accumulate 100,000 water offerings to dzambala

3) Minimum 54,000 prostrations

D. Notes :

1) Offerings can be put on altar and the individual water offerings made for dzambala bathings by each person also count

2) Daily make 400 to 500 water offerings on altar

3) Make sure your breath and hands are clean

4) Make 3 prostrations before you make water offerings/ clear offerings

5) Ask permission from dzambala for the honour to collect merits

6) Each 108 water offerings( part of the puja) is only equivalent to 50 water offerings for the target count (to cover for mistakes)

7) Each person to donate rm2 per day( more also can) that they participate.
    A bowl for this purpose will be placed at the altar.

8) Before making the donation, make the motivation that in this and all future lives, may all have access to cleanliness. Then make offerings

9) Make offerings of 10 flower garlands to dzambala each day (ppl should make donation for flowers)

10) Have 10 different ppl each day to make the flower offerings to dzambala. And ask for dzambala to make everything prosperous and grow

11) Make water offerings quietly without talking. Visualise, concentrate and breathe. It is best to recite dzambala's mantra when making the offerings.

12) Each person's retreat mantra, prostration & water offering count should be recorded at the reception

13) The donations are only a small amount to teach generosity towards dharma and the bigger purpose

14) Each person can buy dzambala pendants, incense, etc to be placed on the altar during the ritual for great blessings. Then they can take it back as blessed to wear or give as gifts from KP dept. Very powerful to be blessed during retreat.

15) Also accumulate 108,000 prostrations to Setrap and Dzambala combined. This is to purify the body so that when we do dharma work, there are no obstacles

Should you need further clarification ,please contact any of the following persons:
 1) Yap Yoke Fui - 012 2232 996 (yokefui@yahoo.com)
 2) Phng Wee Liang - 012 2383 222 (wlphng@gmail.com)
 3) Tan Gim Lee - 017 6206 193 (gimleetan@gmail.com)

Thank you, may you have a meaningful retreat.



Dzambala Retreat Sub Committee
Kechara House Buddhist Association Malaysia

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SCENES FROM APRIL 23rd, where I gave a talk and refuge to the audience.

 

This lady flew in from the USA especially to take refuge that day.

 

 
After the talk, meeting Lew, who I met for the first time although he has worked in Ladrang E-division for two months...Lew radiates good energy. I like him.

 
A fww students gets together after the dharma talk and refuge ceremony to have a snack. Kh group are fun and easy group of people. 

Tsem Tulku

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Update on 8 May 2010 (Friday):

Final count on Dzambala Retreat:

Mantra: 605,532
Water offering: 102,660 bowls
Prostration: 63,298

Congratulations Kechara House!

Picture above sent by Yoke Fui, showing Dzambala retreat sub-com having supper and Yoke Fui passing my message to them, some of the retreatants are continuing with their prostration practice. Yoke Fui also mentioned that Setrap retreat will start after Wesak Day as Kechara House shall focus on promoting and preparing for Wesak Fair on May 22.