"Your mind is your main engine"

Below are quotes from my guru Dagyab Rinpoche's teachings, print shots extracted from his Facebook Page. Very good reminder in our daily life. Have a great weekend! 

“I am Karmapa, remember?”

I read a wonderful sharing below of the previous His Holiness 16th Karmapa from "Intimate Encounters with the Buddha Karmapa" by Trinley Gyatso.  

"We were in Lahina in Maui, browsing around the shops right before a big Vajra Crown ceremony at a Japanese Buddhist temple. I mentioned that we were going to be late and I urged His Holiness to get going. As the driver, I felt it was my duty to get to the next event on time. He just looked at me with astonishment and said, “I am Karmapa. Remember? I know when it’s time to go.” 

He went on shopping, fascinated by all the red coral in Hawaii. Finally we got into the car near the Pioneer Inn. As I was turning the car around, a straggly old hippie came up to our brand new shiny Cadillac. It was the best car you could get in 1975, and this old hippie guy was knocking on my window. “Hey, I hear there’s some dude up the road, giving some kind of religious ceremony. I’d like a ride."  I said, “Excuse me, sir” and motioned him to go away. 

As Karmapa’s clean-shaven, short-haired driver wearing the new suit he had bought for me, I felt embarrassed by the incident. I rolled up the window and drove on. Karmapa asked me what the man wanted. I said he wanted a ride. Karmapa said, “Let’s give him a ride then.” Karmapa and Jamgön Kongtrul were in the back seat and Joel Wiley and I were in the front. I turned the Cadillac around and the hippie got in the front seat between Joel and I. As soon as he got in, he seemed a bit stunned perhaps from being in the same small space with Karmapa.   

Then as we were starting to drive to the temple for the Crown Ceremony, Karmapa touched him on the shoulder and said, 'om mani padme hung'. Joel turned to him and said, “I think Karmapa wants you to say, 'om mani padme hung'.” So he started to try to say it, but he could barely get it out. Karmapa asked him what he did for a living. I felt he was a little embarrassed to say he worked at MacDonald’s or somewhere like that. 

Karmapa told him to go on saying 'om mani padme hung'. By that time, we had almost reached the Japanese Buddhist temple where the Vajra Crown was to be held. We arrived as the jalings were sounding. This was the biggest event the Karmapa ever did in Maui, the Vajra Crown ceremony by the ocean with hundreds of people present. His Holiness Karmapa got out. Then the hitch-hiker got out. Karmapa turned to him and said, “As a result of getting into the car with us today, all your bad karma from your previous lives has been erased.”

While the horns were blasting that deep eerie sound and throngs of people were bowing to Karmapa, he made his way through the masses. The hippie stood there completely awestruck by the entire experience, like someone experiencing a total mind transformation. I was also overwhelmed by the realization that Karmapa had the power to alter an individual’s karma and assist them to wake up instantly to a higher purpose."

We are often impressed by miraculous deeds of the great masters. We love to hear of miracles, or testimonies of wonderful stories, perhaps to strengthen our faith in our spiritual beliefs. Indeed, can we erase our bad karma? From the Buddhist point of view, we have to account for our own good deeds or the bad actions, we have to face the results when the cause and conditions ripen and we 'reap' or 'suffer' the effect of whatever we have done since many lifetimes before. Yes, we can try to purify our negative karma through engaging in various meritorious deeds, but ultimately, when the right conditions ripen, we still have to face the music, whether we like it or not. We cannot erase our bad karma. Only the Buddha and the enlightened ones can help us.

This story reminds me of one special initiation which Lama Zopa Rinpoche gave a few years ago. After the 2 days empowerment, at the end of it, Rinpoche told those who were present, that by the blessing and having taken the initiation and teachings, our negative karma since beginningless times have been purified and exhausted. I was awestruck. However, I felt how much we had benefited from this, depends purely on our mental development and how well we had understood and visualised during the initiation. While we are responsible for our karma, I fervently believe that only the Buddha and great masters have the power to help lessen or erase. But, moving forward, we still have to be mindful of creating and committing new karma, and we are still responsible for our own mind transformation. To be liberated and enlightened, only we can help ourselves. Not even the Buddha can. 

Om mani padme hung. 

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.