Tsem Tulku Rinpoche

I Like These Types of Rooms

I always have wished to live in the mountains with trees, views, lakes and forests since young. If I could I like rooms like this above. Not the exact room but the concept: The ceiling is glass. The walls are glass. And it's mosquito free (hehe). I like the feeling of LIVING OUTSIDE IN THE FOREST. Surrounded by the trees, views, and etc. I don't want to actually live in the forest with no protection so I would want a house not tent..hehehe...as I don't want to be kidnapped by a Yeti or Sasquatch (hehe)...but still feel as I am in the forest. I found this picture and I just love it. Imagine waking up, working, reading, blogging, doing my sadhana, mantras, writing or conceptualizing in such an environment...I really really really love it. I love this type of house, view and setting.

This one is not bad also. I would use a solid earth tone carpet like brown, or grey instead of what's in the picture. But this would be a great great great bedroom/cum work room. I would have a huge Buddha statue in the corner somewhere with offerings of course. But you see what I mean?? I am in a room with huge glass walls/windows where I can see into the 'forest' or trees. I don't want to see into a cityscape, or into other houses or neighbours. No neighbours or faraway neighbours would be ok for me and I wouldn't feel lonely. I just want to wake up, stay awake and finally retire with a forest, trees and greens in view. The view as you see above.

I thought I'd share with you my idea of a room that makes me feel invigorated, relaxed and inspired. I love these type of rooms so much surrounded by a forest.

Tsem Tulku

 

KSA's Beautiful Clay Amitabha by Lili Ng

In Kechara Saraswati Arts Dept or KSA ( http://www.kechara.com/arts/ ), they are creating a beautiful clay Amitabha statue I've have placed an order for.

This is the progress of the clay statue and when done, will be presented as a gift to a friend.

Nice pics to share with everyone. Kechara has really talented people who get together to express spirituality in so many ways.

Tsem Tulku

 

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Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Today I received the good news that the clay Amitabha Buddha is ready. Lili Ng did a good job of creating this on her own from beginning to end.

Dear Rinpoche,


I have just finish varnishing d statue, it is ready n complete now.
The statue is in Kechara Saraswati Arts (KSA) now.


Thank you.

Lili Ng

It is wonderful that Kechara Saraswati Arts (KSA) is an avenue for many to connect with spirituality through arts. Another wonderful artist in Kechara is my student and old friend Margaret Lee, whose work I've blogged about recently -  Margaret's Fantastic Paintings!!! .

Below is a congratulatory message from Margaret to Lili which I would like to share:

Dear Lili,

You are amazing to have made this Amitaba from paper clay. It looks very nice.
I can see so much effort, concentration n care have been put into the making of this statue.

I rejoice for you. Please make good dedication of your merits.


Love,
Marg
cc Rinpoche, Paul

 

8-inch Vajrayogini from Kechara Saraswati Arts Department (KSA)

 

KECHARA SARASWATI ARTS DEPT IS REALLY SPECTACULAR. LOOK WHAT THEY DID FOR THIS VAJRA YOGINI STATUE I HAD THEM PREPARE!! I AM ORDERING MORE!!

 

KSA PAINTED HER AND ALSO STUCK CRYSTALS ON THE FLAMES, BACKGROUND, CROWN, LOTUS, KATANGA (STAFF), SKIRT. SHE IS 8 INCHES IN HEIGHT AND LOOK HOW BEAUTIFUL! WHAT A TRADITIONAL PIECE OF ART....REALLY!

 

KSA HAVE BEEN TRAINED TO PAINT STATUES IN THE TRADITIONAL MANNER, SEW THANGKAS, RESTORE STATUES, REPAINT IMAGES, JEWELLERY ONTO STATUES, EVEN ROLL TRADITIONAL MANTRAS TO INSERT INTO THE HOLY SACRED IMAGES BEFORE YOU PLACE THEM ON YOUR SHRINE. YOU CANNOT FIND THIS SERVICE ANYWHERE IN THIS AREA. YES THEY SERVICE THE PUBLIC. GIVE THEM A VISIT AND MEET OUR FRIENDLY PEOPLE.

 

KSA IS THE FIRST AUTHENTIC TIBETAN ARTS STUDIO IN SOUTHEAST ASIA IN FACT!!

 

THIS DEPT IS REALLY CREATIVE AND TALENTED. I AM PROUD OF THEM!! GOOD WORK EVERYONE!!!

 

TSEM TULKU

 

VISIT THEM HERE: http://www.kechara.com/arts/

 

 

Margaret's Fantastic Paintings!!!

 

One of my long time friends and students, Margaret Lee is very talented. She is from Hong Kong and currently resides in Malaysia. Through the years, she has offered me many thangkas and paintings which she painted herself. I encouraged her to explore thangka painting when I first met her in the year 2001 and she took it on.

Each thangka she has painted and of what deity was my request except Reclining Buddha and Buddha in Meditation in asterisks*. Those two was Margaret's own wonderful idea to paint.. I have all of them within my collection except Reclining Buddha and Buddha in meditation. All eleven paintings below was hand done by Margaret. Amazing!!

She has made some thangka paintings according to traditional Tibetan style and out of her creativity, she also painted modern, new age style of her own. I would like to share some of her works with all of you.  Please scroll down below slowly and feast your eyes on the incredibly talented works of Margaret. I treasure each painting so much!!

We have reproduced the paintings for people to invite and they are available in Kechara Paradise Outlets (http://www.kechara.com/shopping/ )  printed in high definition ready to be framed!!!

I love these thangkas and Margaret REALLY DID A SPECTACULAR JOB!! Can you imagine the time, energy, effort and care put into each painting??? Margaret really gave it her all!!!!

Fantastic!! Thank you Margaret!!

 

Tsem Tulku

 

Vajrayogini thangka with lineage gurus & various deities (please see my previous posting for more info: Margaret's Talented! ) This painting is so incredibly detailed with the lamas of the Vajra Yogini lineage on top.

Upper left is Yamantaka, Heruka, and Guhyasamaja. Upper right is the Past Buddha Krukkanchanda, Present Shakyamuni and Future Buddha Maitreya. Lower left is Amitayus, Namgyalma and White Tara. Lower right is Avalokitesvara, Manjushri and Vajrapani. Centre bottom is four faced Mahakala and Durdak Yabyum.

Near VajraYogini is the four main enterouge dakinis. The original painting is from Trijang Rinpoche and I borrowed it from Trijang ladrang in Gaden many years back and took pictures. From those pictures I had Margaret reproduce this.  I absolutely love this painting so much!!! This is hanging in Kechara House itself!

size of painting- 4 ft x 3 ft

Standing Tara
- 3ft x 2 ft

 

Yamantaka with Tsongkhapa and 2 heart sons, Manjushri and Shakyamuni at the top; Kalarupa and Setrap on the bottom
- 3 ft x 2 ft

Manjushri ( I love Manjushri so much. I keep this painting in my bedroom)I really cannot stop staring at this painting Margaret has done. This is my favorite Manjushri painting in the whole world.
- 4 ft x  3ft

 

Dream Tara-This practice confer knowledge of the future during dreams. This form of Tara is said to give indications to one's questions in dreams if the practice is done correctly.
- 4 ft x 3 ft

Headless Vajra Yogini-I saw this picture in a shop in Kathmandu. The owner only had one and didn't want to part with it. So I took pictures and emailed to Margaret to paint it and it came out exaclty as the one in the shop!! Fantastic!!!
- 1 ft 4 inches x 2 ft

One of the 5 visions of Tsongkhapa, with children. Tsongkapa appeared in 5 main visions to Kedrub Rinpoche. This is one of the visions Margaret has painted.
- 3 ft x 2 ft

 

Buddha in meditation**
- 2 ft x 2 ft 8 inches

Reclining Buddha**
- 3 ft x 2 ft 8 inches

Tsongkhapa (Very modern and appealing for children)
- 2 ft x 3 ft 

  

Vajra Varahi here painted by Margaret with Naropa on the bottom left is absolutely haunting. What a spectacular painting. Talk about talent!! I love the background, colors and the mood it sets. Very haunting and alluring Buddha Vajra Varahi doing the dance of subjugating samsara from our minds.

size of painting- 2ft 10 inches x 2 ft 2 inches

White Tara- Sweet and beautiful.
2 ft x 2 ft

A Word From The Artist

"An assignment from my Guru, H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, to frame up an old poster of the Buddha of Wisdom, Manjushri, miraculously put me on the joyful path of creation. I started to paint my very first thangka with acrylic on wood in 2001 and have since been engaging in painting retreats. Some painting retreats took up to 11 months, yet the tremendous joy and serenity that I feel after each retreat is beyond words. I humbly fold my hands to my kind Guru who has helped me to explore my creative potential and to find my inner strength and beauty."

~ Margaret Lee

 

 

 

 

My kind of Architecture....

On the cover of this magazine shows one of the types of houses I like. 

I like the geometrics, smoothness, not too colorful, lots of glass, and cement. If I can, this house would be in the hills with lots of trees and neighbours not to close would be 'heavenly'. I would love to have a butterlamp chapel too.

I like sparce furniture inside, but big, comfortable and sturdy items.

I like alot of space in the rooms without congestion and lots of wires that are NOT visible. Heheeh. I don't like to see wiring all over sloppy and exposed.

I love shade, trees, green, lots of flowers and growth that IS NOT TIME CONSUMING TO MAINTAIN.

Just a small sample of what I like.

Tsem Tulku
 

KSA is conducting DIY earring class

Dear rinpoche,

KSA ( http://www.kechara.com/ksa/ ) is conducting DIY earring class today. We have 9 participants with us now. Our instructor is kien wong, he talks very nice and have lots of interaction with the participants.

Thank you, Paul

KSA or Kechara Saraswati Arts Dept is always having so many activities. Many activities relating to art, creativity, painting, beading, and the like. It is the only Tibetan Arts Studio in southeast Asia. Thank you Paul for doing a good job to head KSA. Thank you Kien for sharing your talents in KSA!

Tsem Tulku

 

Wesak Day gift from Shirley Tan

People are so generous and thoughtful. I'm always recieving gifts. I am embarrassed, but I deeply appreciate every single gift so much....I fold my hands and thank everyone past, present and humbly the future also..

On Wesak day, Shirley Tan offered this to me. I was amazed. I wanted to share the beauty of it with everyone. This is a Tibetan ritual vase (bumpa) and look how beautiful it is. She took it to Kechara Saraswati Arts Dept (KSA) and commissioned them to stick beautiful clear/red crystals on almost every part of the main body of the vase. Surrounding the red crystal in the centre is multitudes of clear crystals if you look carefully... And pearls also. KSA ( http://www.kechara.com/ksa/ ) is really good in their handiwork and arts/crafts...very unique in this region.

I thank Shirley for her kind and thoughtful gift that was done so creatively coupled with love. How kind and I appreciate it very much.

Tsem Tulku

The beautiful bumpa (above).

 
Shirley Maya Tan (above) is a very generous person. She has been helping Kechara from the first day she joined in whatever way she can. She writes beautifully and has great screen presence. I thank my student Shirley so much and wish you every spiritual awakening and happiness.  

Kechara House Won 5 Awards!!!!!

I initially came up with the idea to have a stage show of TSONGKAPA'S LIFE. This manifested in having a great production called "Legend of the Conch Shell" which was very well recieved. We had one of Malaysia's top dancer Mr. Lee Swee Keong heading the leading part of Tsongkapa. Many people were very moved to tears during the show. It was quite touching in fact. I also shed tears during the show.

THE BOH CAMERONIAN ARTS AWARDED US FIVE AWARDS TWO DAYS AGO!!! Please read below and see the trophies!! Kechara House really was rewarded for it's hard work.

See some pictures from the show Kechara produced:

 

We are in the papers yesterday for winning 5 awards!!! 

Cast and crew. 
 

READ & SEE MORE PHOTOS! CLICK BELOW:

http://www.kechara.com/moments_view.php?a=2010_1&p=3

http://www.kechara.com/news_view.php?a=1&p=764

http://www.kechara.com/news_view.php?a=1&p=753

KECHARA WON 5 AWARDS FOR OUR FIRST TIME PRODUCTION!!!

The 8th Annual BOH Cameronian Arts Award 2009 has just finished. This
event is organised by www.kakiseni.com and the main sponsor is BOH
Plantations. BOH produces world class teas. Other sponsors include Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Alexis
Bistro, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Heineken and Red Communications.

Their cause is to promote local talents in the performing arts. It is a great event as the arts in this country is very important. This is Kakiseni's 8th year and final year.

More than 500 people from the local performing arts industry attended
the awards ceremony. It's an opportunity for Kechara to reach out to
this part of the community.
 


Kechara won five out of the six awards we were nominated for. They are:

1. Lee Swee Keong (lead dancer) won the Best Featured Performer for Legend of the Conch Shell!

2. Best Music and Sound Design

3. Best Choreographer in the Feature-Length Work

4. Best Costume Design

5. Best Set Design

The above awards will be great credentials for promoting the bigger
production of Legend of the Conch Shell. Lama Tsongkhapa's name will
be popular in Malaysia.

This is our first step in realising a new department, Kechara
Performing Arts Department. We can bring many wonderful stories from buddhism into a modern setting for today's minds.

See our awards below!!! Congratulations to my team who produced LEGEND OF THE CONCH SHELL AND KECHARA HOUSE!! Please see below the five awards Kechara House won for it's production!!!

 
ALL FIVE AWARDS TOGETHER!

 
WE WON BEST CHOREOGRAPHY!

 
WE WON ALSO BEST COSTUME!!

BEST MUSIC & SOUND DESIGN AWARDED TO US!

 
BEST PERFORMER BY OUR PRODUCTION!

 

Best Set design ALSO!! IMAGINE HOW PROUD OUR KECHARA HOUSE IS WITH FIVE AWARDS IN ONE NIGHT!!! THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO THE JUDGES!

Click on the paper itself above to read ...very exciting!!

see: 
 The 8th Annual BOH Cameronian Arts Awards Nominees on Kakiseni webpage:
http://www.kakiseni.com/articles/features/MTM2Ng.html

Our Kechara Members at Awards Ceremony.

Kechara Members happy with our awards at the ceremony.

Our members with the Producer.....  
 

Much care,

Tsem Tulku

KSA & MY BEAUTIFUL STATUE REPAIRED

Kechara Saraswati Arts (KSA) is one of the 12 departments of Kechara, look at their wonderful work in restoring the statue of Kyabje Zog Rinpoche perfectly! There are many talented members and volunteers in KSA everyday to paint statues, tsatsas, sew Buddhas' clothes, thangkas' brocades etc...it is truly a wonderful place for artistic people to dedicate their skills to Dharma. Dharma through art is this dept's motto.

Here you can read more about this department and what they do: http://www.kechara.com/ksa/

 

Damaged statue

 

Damaged and in need of restoration

 

Talented volunteer lili working to restore..

 

 

Skilled hands have repaired the enlightened hands of this statue.

 

 

Wow!! nearly restored and adding final touches.

 

 

Fully restored...now we will offer the brocade Pandit's hat and robes and place back onto the shrine.

Fully completed Statue of His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche. I offered new brocade robes today and was invited back to Ladrang. 

Thank you Lili for doing such a wonderful job!

Tsem Tulku

 
The happy and hardworking crew of Kechara Saraswati Arts Dept of KH.

Mitra and his wife who are part of the hardworking crew of Kechara Saraswati Arts Dept. Mitra very talented in doing beadwork with pearls. Amazing patient steady hands. So much talent.

Wan Wong and Paul Yap are overseeing this wonderful Dept. If you have any questions you may inquire with them through email or handphone.

 
  
Wan at Mobile: +6012-282-1030 and you can read about her at:

 http://www.kechara.com/features_view.php?p=43

 
  

Paul Yap Mobile: +6012-364-9797 or read about him:

http://www.kechara.com/features_view.php?p=46

Paul and Wan have been with me for many years even before I opened and started Kechara House and it's 12 depts. They have alot of history with me and have been very loyal and hardworking people. Very nice people in fact.

Paul is in the process of making a 10ft Tsongkapa, 7ft Vajra Yogini and 7ft Setrap statues for our new prayer hall which will start renovations soon. Our Current prayer hall is too small already. The new Kh prayer hall will be able to seat 700 comfortably.

Wan will then take over from Paul and have the three statues painted and mantras put inside. To be ready for the new prayer hall.

The various depts of kh work hand in hand.

More and more people from all over Malaysia now inquiring re our statues for their centres and individual altars. Also they are sending many of their own statues for repair work, touch up or repaint. Wonderful!

Tsem Tulku

P.S.  SEE WHAT HAPPENED TO KYABJE ZONG RINPOCHE' STATUE OF WHY IT NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED IN THE FIRST PLACE:

http://tsemtulku.typepad.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/2010/03/small-plant-growing-on-zong-rinpoches-statue.html

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BELOW ARE SOME OTHER STATUES PAINTED IN KSA

 

Some of the nice people that work in KSA left to right is Nani, Min, Mitra, Anita, Kumar. I respect these people so much. They work hard and they do good work. Very talented.