In memories of a great practitioner - Geshe Ngawang Longtho

In memories of 84-year-old Geshe Ngawang Longtho, who passed away this evening. Geshe la was from Gaden Shartse Monastery and visited Singapore Gaden Shartse Dro-Phen Ling numerous times.  Geshe-la was a great practitioner and adept in conducting powerful pujas. 

Message from Gaden Shartse Dro-Phen Ling: 

"Currently Geshe Ngawang Longtho remains in clear light meditation (thugdam) after clinical death. Thugdam is an honorific term for meditative practice during the period following the death of a great master, during which time they are absorbed in clear light. 

A realized practitioner may remain in that meditative state for a number of days. Geshe-la manifests extraordinary practice as there is still a certain color of glow in his face, his skin remains soft and flexible, his body does not become stiff, and there is still warmth at his heart."

Way even before I became aware of Geshe Ngawang Longtho's qualities as a great practitioner, I somehow knew he possessed certain special skills and power. And this was because of a dream I had once. 

In that brief dream, I was walking along a dark, empty and misty road, with no one in sight. Then Geshe-la appeared all of a sudden and was walking towards me. Relieved and happy to see him, I put both palms together to greet him. Geshe-la smiled and blessed me by putting both his hands on my head and chanting prayers. Then he turned to leave. However, he paused and turned back to me again and decided to continue his chanting, both hands on my head again. After a few minutes, to my amazement, I saw a gulf of black air, like droves of bees, coming out of my chest and escaped in rapid speed, which then disappeared into thin air. I believe that was somewhat a purification and healing ritual! When Geshe-la finished, he instructed me to adopt a certain deity practice on a daily basis. End of dream. 

It was kind of a special dream. Even though I have never chatted with Geshe-la in real life before (because he was  quite serious looking and did not smile much, plus we would have been a chicken and a duck talking), the dream convinced me to have faith in Geshe-la's abilities and powers during pujas.  Geshe-la was among the group of highly respected old geshes in Gaden Shartse Monastery who are really skilful in conducting pujas which are so effective in clearing obstacles. 

I last saw Geshe Ngawang Longtho in 2012 when we visited him. At that time, he was already quite thin, frail and weak. He gave us heartfelt advice and told us to keep His Holiness the Dalai Lama's precious teachings in mind. Inside his small room where almost 50 of us tried to huddle together, there were no dry eyes for most of us that day. Understandably, I knew it would be my last time seeing him. 

May Geshe-la continue to benefit many beings in all lifetimes wherever he chooses to take rebirth. He will be dearly missed. 

Good bye and see you soon, Geshe-la! 

Dagyab Kyabgon Rinpoche dispels rumours about Dro-Phen Ling regarding Dorje Shugden

My guru, His Eminence Dagyab Kyabgon Loden Sherab Rinpoche, is here in Singapore for precious Dharma teachings and events again. During his teachings on the 6 Paramitas over the weekend, Dagyab Rinpoche mentioned and made clear his stand (read below) the rumours about Gaden Shartse Dro-Phen Ling (DPL) in Singapore, regarding Dorje Shugden. 

I am very happy that Dagyab Rinpoche put to rest this matter by openly sharing with his students/devotees who attended the teaching, whether they are from DPL centre or from other Buddhist centres. I feel this is a very significant statement, and necessary in order to stop the unhealthy and misleading information which has been circulating by people both online and within the Tibetan Buddhist community in Singapore. It is an important message to all Dharma practitioners, to be mindful of their speech and conduct, to maintain religious harmony between Buddhist centres, as well as to preserve the pure teachings of the Buddha Dharma.

Dagyab Rinpoche belongs to a group of most outstanding and highest ranking lamas from the Gelug tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. He is the spiritual head of the Dagyab region in Eastern Tibet and carries the title Hothogthu Nomonhan meaning the "Noble King of Dharma"). He is a close associate of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, who is also Rinpoche's guru, along with Kyabje Trijiang Rinpoche, as well as His Holiness Sakya Trizin. Dagyab Rinpoche left Lhasa Tibet in 1959 together with His Holiness Dalai Lama into exile in India. He is a rare living Master today who holds the most transmissions of the Gelug lineage as well as many transmissions of the Sakya and Kagyu schools. 

Below is Dagyab Rinpoche's message on 9 Feb 2014, which I have transcribed.

Some people are talking about Dro-Phen Ling... that Dro-Phen Ling might have, or should have, or would have a connection with a certain protector deity, which is Dorje Shugden. They warn others that they should not go to Dro-Phen Ling. All these rumours are actually nonsense. I guess the motivation of those who are talking about these things... they are jealous. Dro-Phen Ling has a very good study program for several years, and doing Dharma practice properly. Dro-Phen Ling is strongly connected with Gaden Shartse Monastery. Dro-Phen Ling is under the spiritual guidance of His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama. If they want to challenge Dro-Phen Ling, then they are challenging the 14^th Dalai Lama.

These people who spread rumours could not do anything. If they really know it to be true, they should prove it. I have known my students (in Dro-Phen Ling) for more than 13 years. I know my students very well. If you ask them who Dorje Shugden is, the most they can say is maybe it is some protector riding on a snow lion, wear monk robe, or hat..... and that’s their knowledge of Dorje Shugden. They also know nothing about Dorje Shugden. Without knowing anything, some people just spread rumours and blame them for doing this and for doing that, without reason. It is better to keep quiet. It is more merit-ful.

His Holiness 14th Dalai Lama

Or they might give a reason, maybe they think because I am giving teaching here (in Dro-Phen Ling) that I am involved with Dorje Shugden. That’s right. I was involved. So was the 14^th Dalai Lama. But after some time, he (His Holiness Dalai Lama) was knowledgeable enough to know that this (practice) is inaccurate and should be stopped. So do I. I am in the same position as His Holiness the Dalai Lama. If you want to blame me, then please blame the Dalai Lama too.

And you may also think that since Dro-Phen Ling is related to Gaden Shartse Monastery and Gaden Shartse is somehow related to Dorje Shugden. If it is so, how can the Dalai Lama visit Gaden Shartse and give teaching there? Others do not know what is going on in India. Those Sangha who did not wish to follow His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s advice have left the monastery. The (existing) Gaden Shartse monks are pure practitioners, ascertained by the Dalai Lama himself. They have nothing to do with Dorje Shugden. Those who blame or start the rumours, they themselves only assume from hearsay.

This is somehow a very sensitive issue about Dro-Phen Ling’s connection with Dorje Shugden. I am so sorry, I have nothing to do with the Dro-Phen Ling administration. I am just giving my Dharma talk and teaching here. If you think what you spread is true, you can challenge them (Dro-Phen Ling). If you need to go to court, please do so, it is your right. These people who spread rumours are also Buddhists. As a Buddhist practitioner, one needs to have certain responsibility. I am quite sure those people who are talking about this must have also taken Bodhicitta vows and Tantra vows. They need to think very carefully the result of committing such a downfall and samaya vows. Talking (spreading rumours) in this way, they must have certain intentions. I suspect they just want to separate Dharma brothers and sisters. This is really not nice. This is not the way to behave as Dharma practitioners.

I have known about these rumours for a few years, and I thought maybe they would disappear on its own but it is always going on. So therefore, I as a Dharma teacher, I need to explain. This is my responsibility to say whether this is correct or incorrect according to the Dharma. Actually, it will be great if these people come to see me and properly, openly, directly, we can discuss. We are all the same as human beings. We all would not want to suffer. We all want happiness. Hence, everyone, especially all Dharma practitioners should work together, and not separately.

- Dagyab Kyabgon Rinpoche, 9 Feb 2014. 

Rejoice! Om mani padme hum. 
May all sentient beings have happiness and its causes, 
May all sentient beings be free of suffering and its causes, 
May all sentient beings never be separated from bliss without suffering, 
May all sentient beings be in equanimity, free of bias, attachment and anger.

You can also read His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama's message on Dorje Shugden here. 

The most Venerable Zong Rinpoche in Singapore for the very first time!

I am very excited that one of the highest reincarnate lama from the Gelug tradition, His Eminence the 4th Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, is coming to Singapore for the very first time in 2 days time on Thursday 22 Aug 2013! 

The former and current Kyabje Zong Rinpoche

The late His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche is one of the greatest Masters during his time, an accomplished scholar and debater, as well the distinguished Abbot of Gaden Shartse Monastery for 9 years. Zong Rinpoche was also a powerful healer developed along with his pure practice and who manifested numerous miracles. 

Like his previous life, the current His Eminence Zong Rinpoche is also a brilliant scholar and has all the makings of a great Teacher. Despite his age of 28, Zong Rinpoche is very mature, composed and learned. Even His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has publicly praised Zong Rinpoche to be an excellent scholar and practitioner, the best amongst the young reincarnate lamas today. 

Kicking off Zong Rinpoche's dharma program in Singapore would be this Friday 23 Aug 2013, in-house teaching on the Four Noble Truth @ Gaden Shartse Dro-Phen Ling (12, Guillemard Lane) and then followed by the Wisdom & Bodhicitta Grand Puja during the weekend, 24 and 25 Aug 2013 at Marina Bay Sands Convention Hall.  

This upcoming event is a significant one, because it is symbolic of Zong Rinpoche taking over Lati Rinpoche's responsibility in serving all sentient beings. Even though Lati Rinpoche is no longer around, but the energy of his great compassion has not diminished. This time, Zong Rinpoche will undertake this event.

The previous Zong Rinpoche was the teacher of my dear precious guru, Lati Rinpoche. The two Lamas have a very special affinity. That is why Zong Rinpoche had returned to become Lati Rinpoche's student in this life. Very likely, Lati Rinpoche will return soon to become the student of Zong Rinpoche again. Since Zong Rinpoche's tender years, Lati Rinpoche undertook full responsibility of both his academia and spiritual progress. Lati Rinpoche once mentioned that he was fully satisfied with Zong Rinpoche's study.

HH Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, the great healer, (Inset: the current Zong Rinpoche)

"The previous Zong Rinpoche is very well versed in both sutra and tantra. He is also known as a great healer. Zong Rinpoche possesses great powers to command dharmapalas (protectors) and spirits. Because of this great power, Rinpoche is able to verify oracles and if in any case, the oracle is not authentic (entered a spirit instead of true dharmapala), then Rinpoche is able to subdue the spirit and stop it from entering the oracle's body," said Zong Rinpoche's personal attendant, Tenzin Wangchuk. 

Tenzin Wangchuk continued, "The previous Zong Rinpoche was very well-known for rain-making. Rinpoche went to many Tibetan settlements and all he did was meditation and performed a Naga Puja, and he brought rain to the villagers. Rinpoche shared a very special connection with Nagas. At times when he goes to lakes, or walks by the waters, Nagas would come from these waters and appear to him (in form)."

Zong Rinpoche with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama at Rinpoche's residence, 2008

His Holiness the Dalai Lama had mentioned that Zong Rinpoche is one of the best Tulkus (reincarnated lama), who has consistently topped the exams. His Holiness Dalai Lama said that he was very pleased with Zong Rinpoche's academic achievements and he hoped that Zong Rinpoche will be one of the Tulkus who will preserve and spread the Buddhadharma in the future.

The past His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche was the Guru of many of today's gurus, and his students include literally ALL the most distinguished masters of the Gelug tradition, including His Holinesses the 100th, 101st, 102nd Gaden Tripas, Lati Rinpoche, Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Ribur Rinpoche, Khensur Jampa Yeshe and many many more masters. 

The present reincarnation of Zong Rinpoche's gurus include His Holiness Dalai Lama, Lati Rinpoche and Dagyab Rinpoche.

Zong Rinpoche taken in Gaden Shartse Monastery.  (Photos copyright of Bill Kane) 

Zong Rinpoche is currently staying in Gaden Shartse Monastery. The above photos taken were in his residence and during the debate session in the presence of HH Dalai Lama in 2012, when His Holiness visited Gaden and Drepung to conduct the Lamrim Jangchup teachings. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has publicly praised Zong Rinpoche to be an excellent scholar and practitioner, the best amongst the young Rinpoches today. Zong Rinpoche has been conferring initiations to the Sangha community in Gaden Shartse Monastery, South India since 2001. 

6-Armed White Mahakala

When Zong Rinpoche was requested to select the initiations which he would like to confer in Singapore, he specifically chose Green Tara and Six-Arm White Mahakala.  It was unbelievable and amazing as coincidentally one of the highlights of the Grand Puja in MBS would be the White Mahakala Puja as well as the opportunity to sponsor the White Mahakala Wealth Vase. Hence Rinpoche's choice fitted in very well with the overall event! 

Mahakala is the wrathful and powerful emanation of Avalokiteshvara (Guan Yin),bodhisattva of great compassion. The six-armed White Mahakala is known as Wish-Granting Gem and is very popular in Gelugpa. His iconography is rich and symbolic of his ‘wealth-deity’ status. For example his skull bowl, rather than contain the mortal remains of his victims, is full of various jewels. This wealth aspect of Mahakala specially supports the comfort and economic well-being

       Group of students from Gaden Shartse Dro-Phen Ling visited Zong Rinpoche in his residence

I am so happy that Gaden Shartse Dro-Phen Ling Singapore is able to invite Zong Rinpoche into Singapore for his first Dharma teaching program. I strongly encourage everyone to receive teachings and initiation blessings from the great Zong Rinpoche.  Do not miss the excellent opportunity in these Dharma-degenerating times to connect with a great Master! 

So far, there is an overwhelming response from devotees far and near who are coming to meet Zong Rinpoche! May everyone be able to plant the seed of affinity with this Great Master who is the Guru of practically all Gelug masters! Rejoice! 

For the biography of Zong Rinpoche, click here. 

For detailed information on Zong Rinpoche's event in Singapore, click here. 

Zong Rinpoche would be arriving early this Thursday morning 22 Aug 2013 via SQ503 at 6:05am. All are encouraged to give Rinpoche a big warm welcome at the airport. May all be auspicious for Buddhist devotees in Singapore! 

Remembering Lati Rinpoche (1922 - 2010)

Tomorrow Friday 12 April 2013 marks the third anniversary of  dearest guru, Khensur Kyabje Lati Rinpoche's passing into Nirvana. Lati Rinpoche was an extremely well-known Buddhist scholar, and one of the highest lama in the Gelug tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. He established Gaden Shartse Dro-Phen Ling, Singapore, in 2002, of which he visited every year and was close to his students here.

Let's relive and pay tribute to a beloved teacher, a great practitioner who had achieved Enlightenment. I extracted excerpts and summarised what was related from Gaden Shartse Dro-Phen Ling's Facebook page a year ago. I also share some of my personal photos of Lati Rinpoche.

Venerable Ngawang Tsultrim, affectionately known as 'Sopon-la' (attendant), had been Rinpoche's personal attendant for more than 50 years and they were extremely close. Sopon-la related the days leading to Lati Rinpoche's passing on 12 April 2010. 

Before Rinpoche passed away, he was in great health and had no major illness. On the 12 March 2010, Lati Rinpoche and Sopon-la left Gaden Shartse Monastery in Mundgod and arrived in Dharamsala, Namgyal Monastery, on 15 March 2010. Namgyal Monastery is the personal monastery of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Lati Rinpoche was the Spiritual Advisor to His Holiness. 

Although Lati Rinpoche was 88 years old, he still circumambulated the Namgyal Monastery without fail every morning. Sometime in end March 2010, His Holiness the Dalai Lama had a dream of the long life deity Goddess Namgyalma. 

The next morning, the attendant of His Holiness said it was an appropriate and opportune time to conduct a Namgyalma Long Life Puja to pray for long life and good health of His Holiness. His Holiness specifically requested for Lati Rinpoche to offer this Namgyalma Long Life Puja.  Lati Rinpoche was of course very happy to do so.  This was a very auspicious sign.

The Namgyalma Long Life Puja was successfully conducted on the 30 March 2010 by about 20 old monks. On that day, His Holiness walked into the room and met Lati Rinpoche. His Holiness gently held up the chin of Rinpoche, looked at Rinpoche's eyebrows, and said "Wow, you are quite old, your brows have all gone white and old. I am getting some white coming up on mine too," and then His Holiness continued, "I will see you again very soon."  Those were to be the last words His Holiness said to Lati Rinpoche. 

On 10 April, Lati Rinpoche cut his hair. On 11 April, Rinpoche washed his body. Then in the early morning of 12 April, Lati Rinpoche told Sopon-la to leave the room and mentioned it was time for him to go. Rinpoche brushed his teeth, washed his face, and then sat on his bed and passed away in the deep peace of meditation at 5:25am. Hours later, Rinpoche's younger attendant, Tanzin-la, saw Rinpoche in meditation. He tried to wake Rinpoche and when Rinpoche did not respond, Tanzin-la realised Rinpoche had passed on. Tanzin-la immediately informed Sopon-la, who called for a doctor and informed His Holiness Dalai Lama's office as well.  This was the last photo taken of Lati Rinpoche in his room days before he passed away in Dharamsala. 

On 13 April 2010, Sopon-la had an audience with His Holiness. Rinpoche passed away in Dharamsala, so Sopon-la asked HH if the holy body of Lati Rinpoche should be brought back to Mundgod. His Holiness replied "Yes. Please bring him back to the monastery." 

Lati Rinpoche remained undisturbed in clear light meditation. Even though the human body had stopped functioning clinically, however for great accomplished masters like Lati Rinpoche, they could control their mind to go into the state of deep meditation called 'thukdam'.  The period of time that a Lama remains in thukdam varies and is dependent upon the Lama. It could be one or two days, or as long as months. The general rule of thumb is the shorter the Thukdam, the quicker the Lama will reincarnate in human form. 

The moment Rinpoche's news of passing away went around, all Gelug monks from various monasteries in Dharamsala organised themselves to recite prayers for Lati Rinpoche. Rinpoche remained in thukdam for about 2 and a half days before leaving the meditative state. This is a sign that Rinpoche will no doubt return swiftly once again!

At the same time, Sopon-la was deeply touched by the overwhelming support from Singaporean students from Dro-Phen Ling, who very quickly extended great support and financed the chartered flight from Dharamsala to Mundgod.

News of Rinpoche's passing away was a big blow to Gaden Shartse Monastery, as Rinpoche had always been perceived to be the Father of the Monastery. Rinpoche was the main figure in the monastery who cared for and took care of all the monks' food, education and well-being.  On the day the chartered flight arrived, 15 cars full of monks representatives from various departments and houses travelled from Mundgod to Hubli, anxious to receive Rinpoche at the Hubli airport. It was an emotional wait, and the monks also teared as they prepared and decorated the car which was going to carry Rinpoche's holy body back to the monastery....

Back at the monastery, as the 15 cars arrived back home together with Rinpoche's body, the streets were lined with nearly a thousand monks all deeply grieved and waiting to pay respect to Rinpoche. It was a very solemn and sad atmosphere in the monastery, unlike usual times. All the highest ranking Masters of Gaden Shartse Monastery were out to receive Rinpoche's holy body, including senior and elderly Kensur Rinpoche Jampa Yeshe, Kensur Rinpoche Kunchok Tsering, Kensur Rinpoche Dakpa Tenzin, Khen Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden, as well as high lama reincarnate, H.E. Zong Rinpoche. 

It was the most crowded situation in Lati Ladrang where all monks came forward wanting to pay respects to Rinpoche's holy body.... which was placed on the 1st floor prayer hall of Lati Ladrang. Pujas continued to be conducted round the clock. 19 members from Gaden Shartse Dro-Phen Ling were there to pay their last respects to Rinpoche and joined  the monks for the various pujas and prayers to pray for Rinpoche's swift return. Back in Singapore, many members and devotees also grieved and prayed and Guru Puja was conducted continuously over a period of 7 evenings.

It was really amazing that Rinpoche's body remained fresh and soft and there was no sign of any decay or bad smell. Rinpoche's holy body was laid in the coffin just covered by a layer of yellow silk cloth. There was no bad smell whatsoever, and sometimes there was even smell of incense. How very very auspicious. Rinpoche's holy body remained in perfect condition for the next 8 days, wherein the fire puja was scheduled to be conducted on 19 April. It was indeed a miracle, because there was no form of any air-conditioning in the room and April is one of the hottest months in India, yet his holy body (not embalmed) could remain in such wonderful condition.

Over the 8 days where Rinpoche's holy body laid in the ladrang's prayer hall, monks from various houses recited prayers 24 hours around the clock. There were monks in the morning, afternoon, evening sessions, and even in the wee hours of dawn. There were always monks reciting prayers in Lati Ladrang, and outside the hall. At other parts of the monastery, the main prayer hall, the school, various houses, prayer pujas were being held continously for Rinpoche's swift return too.

On 19 April 2010, Lati Rinpoche's holy was offered to the fire. 

He left behind a small foot print, indicating he would return very soon. 

Many holy relics were uncovered from the remains after the cremation. 

Lati Rinpoche left behind many relics and the rarest indescructible vajra relics of his eye, tongue and heart. They could not be burnt to ashes, and they turned into steel-like and conjoined into one. The eye, tongue and heart represented the pure holy body, speech and mind. It was truly amazing for us to witness these holy relics. This below photo was just published by Gaden Shartse Dro-Phen Ling for the first time. 

3 years on, Lati Rinpoche's holy stupa and statues are already ready, fully consecrated with Rinpoche's holy relics.  Below are some of my personal photos of Lati Rinpoche. 

Join in tomorrow evening's special puja to reinforce or plant the seed of affinity and to create the cause to be able to meet up with Lati Rinpoche's unmistaken reincarnation swiftly. May all be auspicious!  

Thank you, Lati Rinpoche, for all your kind blessings. May I be able to meet you soon in this very lifetime, and may we meet again and again in every future lifetime, and eventually in Tushita Pureland. 

Here is a link to my earlier posts on Lati Rinpoche.  

Teaching on Heart Sutra

One of the best teachers from Gaden Shartse Monastery, Geshe Lharampa Jampa Choeden is here in Singapore and he will be giving a teaching on Emptiness - Heart Sutra, starting tomorrow for 3 days. 

Geshe Jampa Choeden was born in 1969 in the region of Dagyab in Tibet. At the age of 9, Geshe-la enrolled in the prestigious Gaden Shartse Monastery, one of the three great monasteries in Tibet. As a young monk, he engaged in the memorization of texts and was very diligent in his studies. Geshe-la’s main teachers were the late Khensur Rinpoche Jampa Yeshe, as well as the esteemed Khensur Kyabje Lati Rinpoche. Apart from his two main teachers, Geshe-la also had 5 to 6 other teachers at the same time who trained him in debate. 

Geshe-la completed the studies of the Five Great Treaties - which encompassed the elaborate study of more than 100 volumes of important Buddhist classics and sutra texts. Geshe-la emerged top amongst many other great scholars. At the young age of 33, Geshe-la received his Geshe Lharampa honorary degree - the highest honorific title in Buddhist monastic school (comparable to PhD in universities) - after which, Geshe-la advanced to study in Gyuto Tantric Monastery  and graduated with a ‘Geshe Ngarampa’ degree, with highest honours once again.  

Over the past 10 years, Geshe-la made great contributions to Gaden Shartse Monastery especially in the area of education. In 2006, Geshe-la was nominated to undertake the role of ‘Debate Supervisor’ whereupon it was his responsibility to teach and guide all monks in daily debate, a very important subject in the monastery. Geshe Jampa Choeden was also selected to be one of the ‘Main Examiners’ of the critical 6-year Gelug examinations – he had undertaken this important role for 4 times now. Geshe-la had also been selected as ‘Main Debate Teacher’ for the important annual scholars meet – ‘Jamyang Gonchog’ Debate Seminar - organized to bring together all distinguished scholars of the 3 great monasteries (Gaden, Drepung and Sera), to learn from one another. 

Geshe Jampa Choeden is an extremely outstanding Buddhist scholar. He is also very passionate about teaching, and spends most of his time teaching the younger generation of monks. Geshe-la is also the Spiritual Assistant to high lama reincarnate, His Eminence Zong Rinpoche. 

Obstacle Clearing & Prayer Blessings Grand Puja by H.E. Dagyab Rinpoche - 25, 26, 27 Jan 2013

Once again, the highly anticipated Grand Puja is here again, which is happening this weekend starting this Friday 25 Jan 2013 to Sun 27 Jan 2013. Conducted by His Eminence Dagyab Kyabgoen Rinpoche and 17 monks from Gaden Shartse Monastery, this Grand Puja is timely for clearing obstacles and to pray for immense blessings from the Three Jewels just before the Lunar New Year of the Snake arrives. 

As the Chinese New Year is coming, participants would be able to have the opportunity to increase their merits by multiple-fold through contributing to a great cause. Our happiness in this lifetime and/or future lifetimes depends very much on the causes we create at this very moment, and what great cause other than giving the gift of the Dharma? 

During the Grand Puja, participants and devotees would be able to support and make sponsorship towards:

1.    Food fund for 1300 monks in Gaden Shartse Monastery

2.    Grand Long Life Puja for His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama

3.    Air tickets of Sangha for this Grand Puja

4.    Special diet meals for Old Geshes

During the 3-day Grand Puja, all visitors are advised to park at the nearby ICA Building if you are driving, which is a 5-minute walk from the venue Tai Pei Centre. In between breaks, visitors would be able to find food from nearby coffee shops and food courts in the Lavender area.

Below is the programme and details of the Grand Puja. Organised by Gaden Shartse Dro-Phen Ling,  these large scale public pujas are extremely popular with many devotees. Since 2004, they have experienced and benefited from the rare healing and blessings prayer sessions. Also, my guru Dagyab Rinpoche is one of the rare masters living today who holds the most transmissions and lineages of Tibetan Buddhism. So I would encourage my readers to attend and gain from the powerful pujas and to receive blessings from a rare and unassuming guru teacher.

White Umbrella Goddess

White Umbrella Goddess Demon-Subduing Grand Puja

25/01/13 (Friday), 10.00am to 12.30pm

White Umbrella Goddess Blessing Initiation

26/01/13 (Saturday), 7.30pm to 9.30pm

This grand puja is a ritual based on the practice of the White Umbrella Goddess, and is one of the most powerful and sacred puja amongst various Buddhist rituals. One procedure of this ritual is to consecrate and offer tormas (ritual cakes) to counter-attack negative forces such as illnesses, mental disturbances, disputes, enmities, defilements, misfortune, premature death, factors against congenial surroundings and 84,000 bad forces. Hence, this puja is named DUKAR TORTHOG in Tibetan, literally meaning - counter attacking negativities through torma offerings.

By this ritual, we drive away all harms and evils by the blessings of the White Umbrella Goddess and her surrounding deities in the form of tormas (one big torma in the middle representing the Goddess, and surrounded by 33 white flags representing the deities). More than 30 different kinds of ingredients are required for this puja - whereby it serves to offer to specific deities, and seek their protection for different kinds of obstacles. By participating in this puja, one gains the protection from dangers of fire, water, weapons, poisons, malediction, untoward accidents and untimely death. It also pacifies the chances of epidemics, harmful spells, contagious diseases, conflicts and wars. In addition, we also receive the benefit and protective care of a myriad of divine guardians and goddesses.

Origin of White Umbrella Goddess

Asuras and gods reside in the region between the God and Demi-God realm (within samsara). There naturally grows a wish-fulfilling tree – whenever the gods run into any difficulty, they would pray to this tree and their wishes will be fulfilled. This has however, incurred the wrath and jealously of the Asuras, and in a fit of hatred, raged attack towards the god realm. Not wanting to suffer defeat, the King of the God realm quickly approached Lord Buddha Shakyamuni to seek His blessings. At that moment, there shone a bright white light from the crown of the Lord Buddha. And it manifested into the intrepid and powerful White Umbrella Tara. With the pure merits of Lord Buddha, the White Umbrella Tara emanates a thousand arms and a thousand eyes, blessing and saving all the harm of the gods.

The White Umbrella Goddess is an intrepid and fearless deity. Through her practice, one can prevent the influence of any evil magic or spirits, as well as the attack or harassment of the formless, and help increase fortune, wisdom and longevity.

For a long time many devotees have been requesting for the initiation of this powerful practice, we are deeply grateful to Rinpoche and very happy to be able to make it available for everyone this time.

“This is not a common puja, it is one of the biggest pujas in Tibetan Buddhism. There are 30 over specific ingredients required for this puja, which are special offerings to 30 over different deities. Everyone has his own favourite food, and if I give you what you enjoy most, you will be very pleased. So in the same way, the elaborate offerings are the favorite of each individual deity. And each deity helps to clear us of one particular type of obstacle. This puja is very effective in clearing us of very big obstacles.”

- Geshe Lharampa Lobsang Chodar

Leng Chag Torma Puja

25/01/13 (Friday), 3.00pm to 5.00pm

This puja is specially to repay karmic debts of past lifetimes, preventing/resolving supernatural harrassments.

Since beginningless time, we have been trapped in this uncontrolled cyclic existence of samsara, and have undergone countless reincarnations. Although we are unable to recall what we did in our previous lives, it is certain that we must have committed many acts of greed and hatred out of our ignorance - which explains why we are still unable to be liberated from samsara. It is also certain that we must have accumulated many debts in all these lifetimes, ie. we could have owed someone a sum of money, or even a mere sack of rice, or in serious cases, we could have harmed others or caused their deaths.

When we do not repay such debts and they accumulate, our creditors may one day return to seek revenge against us, especially during times when we are experiencing low luck. They can cause us various obstacles, from illnesses to problems at work, sleepless nights, nothing seems to go smooth, or in worse scenarios, could be even fatal. Through the performance of this Leng Chag Torma Puja - by offering torma (ritual cake offerings) to the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and Protectors, and together with the immaculate blessings by the Holy Speech of the Buddha’s texts, we purify the negative karma that we have accumulated over the reincarnations and pay off these incurred debts.

Heart-Sutra Demon-Subduing Grand Puja

26/01/13 (Friday), 10.30am to 12.30pm

This is the first time that this puja is performed. This Heart-Sutra Demon-Subduing Grand Puja is a special ritual, more powerful than the usual Obstacle-Clearing Puja that we do.

Heart Sutra Puja is one of the most effective and largest scale pujas in Tibetan Buddhism. It is performed by chanting the Heart Sutra, eliminating all negative forces and hindrances which may arise from our negative actions. The Heart Sutra is the essence of Buddha’s teachings. Due to the ignorance which leads them into committing acts of greed, sentient being are trapped within the cyclic existence of samsara. To rid ignorance and gain liberation, one must contemplate on emptiness. The scriptures mentioned - if one is able to contemplate and chant prayers on emptiness, it will be the most effective way to clear obstacles.

This Heart Sutra Demon-subduing grand puja was originally passed from Buddha Shakyamuni to Avalokitesvara, then later passed down further to Lama Atisha. Ultimately it was written down by one of the very eminent ancient lama (Kyi Jhang Aughar) and hence today we are able to conduct and participate in this rare puja.

Scriptures record that Heart Sutra instantly clears the obstacles of the past and present, and also prevents future impending obstacles. Here is the list of some obstacles that can be prevented by Heart Sutra and this puja:

1. Prevents from harm of black practices and evil curses

2. Prevents from harm of black magic (such as black magic being done by evil chants and hiding one’s material underground for harmful purposes)

3. Prevents rise of epidemic in the country

4. Prevent the decease of animals, or loss of assets

5. Prevents from the harm of king towards one’s family

6. Prevents from death on a bad day

7. Prevents from accusation without doing any crime

8. Prevents from the loss or destruction of wealth

“During the puja, visualize all your obstacles & negativity of your past & present lives are being taken away by the substitute figurine. Throw away your shirt which takes away your physical pain, and generate in your mind infinite food and money offerings to offer to all your debtors. Once the substitute is being sent out, think you have no more relationship with all these supernatural beings, and all your obstacles are ceased.”

- Geshe Lobsang Chodar, 45

Dorje Namjom

Dorje Namjom (Vajravidaran) Blessing Initiation

25/01/13 (Friday), 3.00pm to 5.00pm

Dorje Namjom (Vajravidaran) Healing Cleansing Grand Puja

26/01/13 (Saturday), 7.30pm to 9.30pm

In the past this practice was secret, and was not simply passed down. Hence this was a special ritual whereby many practitioners had to undergo a lot and pass through many tests by the Teacher before they were bestowed upon with this practice. There were many adepts in Tibet who achieved through this practice of Dorje Namjom. In the past and also now, many masters would mostly confer this practice as blessing to those who were seriously ill, possessed by spirits, or those who were mentally unstable. This practice is able to remove obstacles of illness, demonic obstacles, bad luck, and evil energy etc. This practice is also performed especially for those who were ill, had impure bodies, negative energy, and during occasions when they experienced obstacles in their dharma practices.

The effect of negative energy: One feels discomfort in the body, things do not go smoothly, unhappy mood, and falls ills easily.

The cause of negative energy:

·    - Being in company with those who transgress their samaya, bodhisattva vows

·    - Being in company with those whose occupation engages in killing ie. butcher, hunter

·    - Used the things which have been used by others who possess negative energy, ie. bowls or clothes, or 2^nd hand items.

Symptoms that one is affected by negative energy:
- Mind falls into depression or gets frustrated easily 
- Falls ill easily
- Things do not go smoothly
-  Feels drowsy and lethargic
-  Headaches
-  Vision is blurred and hearing is unclear
-  Sense of smell is not sharp, tongue is unable to taste

Methods of removing negative energy:

·   Cleansing pujas / smoke incense offering pujas for purification and removal of obstacles.

“Vajravidaran is the Supreme Destroyer, a specialized healing & cleansing deity of esoteric Buddhism. It is very powerful in cleaning body, speech and mind of living beings from all the possible spiritual and material contaminants. For millennium great Tibetan yogis lived long, healthy and prosperous life by relying on the practice of Vajravidaran. Through infinite power of Vajravidaran one can benefit self and others by purifying body, speech and mind from impurities.

This healing ritual target to clean impurities besides eliminating the influence of external obstructions caused by imbalance in nature, unfavorable stars, planets and zodiac signs etc. After the cleaning and eliminating the impurities, a diamond shield protection is created, which protects the subject from similar kind of influences in future.

With the power of Mantra, Mudra and Samadhi the supreme power of Vajravidaran are activated and directed to benefit the subject. Benefit of the ritual will be felt mentally, physically and emotionally. The ritual contributes greatly to harness positive energy, and increase mental and physical faculties.”

– H.E. Khen Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden (Abbot of Gaden Shartse Monastery)

Namtose

Namtose Great Wealth-Congregating & Fortune Blessing Grand Puja

27/01/13 (Sun) 3:00pm to 5.00pm

Namtose Wealth Blessing Initiation

27/01/13 (Sun) 7:30pm to 9.30pm

In Buddhism, fortune and wealth refers to ‘merit’ - because everything good that we possess is established from merit. Every form of success, every piece of happiness, every kind of enjoyment can only be materialized should there be enough merit to support it. To have merit means to have wealth and assets; if there is no or insufficient merit, then one encounters many negative conditions and obstacles. Even in the Buddhist path, you also need to practise and fulfil both merit accumulation as well as karma purification to be able to attain Bodhicitta.

Namtose, also known as Vaisravana, is a famous protector and wealth deity of Esoteric Buddhism. Namtose is one of them The Four Great Kings who have promised Buddha Shakyamuni to preserve and protect the teachings of Buddha. They are regarded as authentic Dharma Protectors since the time of Lord Buddha.

Even though he has achieved supreme Enlightenment since infinite aeons before, he manifested himself as a Bodhisattva with the aim of helping others overcome poverty and misery. For centuries, great Buddhist practitioners and yogis relied on his practice for wealth, protection and cultivation of the path. Practitioners should generate the altruistic intention of compassion (Bodhicitta), and practice generosity. This practice can remove poverty within the six realms, and increase one’s merits, wisdom and lifespan. All their material and spiritual needs will be met.

The Namtose wealth grand puja summons immense positive wealth energies upon the puja participants, and is a very effective method to invoke positive wealth energy of the universe and its inhabitants. Though getting rich is a result of one’s past actions, participating in such wealth-congregating pujas play a significant role in its own way to change the course of one’s financial situation. With a sincere motivation to accumulate merit, purify our negative karma, as well as make prayers for all sentient beings to be freed from all poverty and all sufferings, without doubt - one will certainly receive the vast blessings and protection of Namtose.

Five Protectors Blessings Grand Puja 

27/01/13 (Sunday), 10.30am to 12.30pm

Due to the innate differences among all sentient beings, the Buddhas manifested into various forms to suit different needs, one of such being the manifestation of wrathful Protectors, also known as Dharmapalas.

Though wrathful in appearance, Protectors are actually full of compassion and loving kindness for all beings who are trapped within this uncontrolled cyclic existence of sufferings. Protectors manifest a wrathful form towards the three poisons (greed, hatred, ignorance) and all other negativities of sentient beings. Their fierce appearances instill terror in evil spirits and also serve to remind us of the violence and ugliness of the three poisons prevalent in all of us.

5 Dharma Protectors: Mahakala, Kalarupa, Palden Lhamo, Namtose, Setrap

The main functions of a Protector are to avert the inner and outer obstacles that prevent practitioners from gaining spiritual realizations, and to arrange all the necessary conditions for their practice. Due to the ripening of our negative karma accumulated previously, various obstacles will arise to hinder us. Protectors utilize the most immediate means to prevent the most immediate troubles. When one is practicing Dharma well, Protectors will follow closely, blessing and guiding you wherever you are.

1. Mahakala is the fierce and powerful manifestation of Chenrezig (Kuan Yin). His six arms symbolize the completion of the six perfections - generosity, patience, morality, diligence, meditation and wisdom; and he has the ability to liberate sentient beings of the six realms.

2. Kalarupa is one of the entourage of Yamantaka, can dispel inauspiciousness, eradicate obstacles and fulfill wishes. The puja of Kalarupa is an extremely powerful prayer for removing karmic obstacles as well as dispelling bad, harmful spirits.

3. Palden Lhamo is the only female among the most major Dharampalas. Apart from being able to subdue all sorts of demons, Palden Lhamo is also a wish-fulfilling Protector who can accomplish all temporal and ultimate wishes of sentient beings. She is the special Protector of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and their government in Lhasa.

4. Namtose is the wish-fulfilling jewel of all Dharma Protectors. Apart from being a Dharmapala, he is also a major Wealth deity, whose practice is very effective in invoking immense positive wealth energies of the universe.

5. Setrap is a wrathful emanation of Buddha Amitabha, and was the great Protector who successfully guarded and brought the Prajnaparamita and Pramanavartika teachings from India into Tibet. He is also the special Protector of our mother monastery - Gaden Shartse Monastery.

Participating in this puja and making offerings to the Three Jewels, as well as all the Protectors of the universe, helps to invoke their blessings and appeals for their timely assistance. With divine protection and blessings, obstacles are cleared, positive conditions in various aspects of our life, such as career, family and relationships can also improve.

17 monks from Gaden Shartse Monastery including 4 Geshes will be conducting the powerful pujas.

Grand Puja to be graced by His Eminence Dagyab Kyabgoen Rinpoche and 17 monks