This is the Medicine Buddha Rinpoche gave me during the very first tsog on Kechara Forest Retreat. May Vajrayogini’s tantra grow from here!

I had to post this, I just had to. My two-desktop set-up (with touch screens!) at Kechara Forest Retreat, both sponsored by H.E. Tsem Rinpoche!

Rinpoche had us writers watch this video today of Professor Donald S Lopez narrating the story of Devadatta. Whilst the Professor’s narration was very clear, I have to say that it was our discussion afterwards that really changed my perspective about Devadatta. Lesson #1: don’t be surprised when people are never happy with how well […]

“A monk is holy and great until he starts teaching you the real Dharma” ~ Tsem Tulku Rinpoche When I was younger and much less concerned about understanding what Buddhism really meant, I used to combine it with all sorts of Judeo-Christian concepts, that there was Buddha, and he could save me from heaven and […]

So far I’ve only featured “small” gifts from H.E. Tsem Rinpoche…so here’s a BIG one. My future home, Dukkar Apartments at Kechara Forest Retreat, with the roof almost ready!

We were with H.E. Tsem Rinpoche in the midst of picking gifts for friends in Malaysia and abroad, when Rinpoche picked up this puppet, pressed him against me and said, “Here! Because you find him attractive!” LOL never put expectations on a lama, because he is there to break every single one of them!

My Ah Kong and Ah Ma, taken 13 years ago at her 60th birthday. A few years later, she passed away in her sleep, taking rebirth in a good family. Her happy smile here belies six decades of difficulties and tough living, yet this is how I remember her – happy, jolly and always warm […]

As H.E. Tsem Rinpoche said so well, “This gift is for someone who, if they can learn to change their perspective, will win more often. And we all know how much she likes to win!”

A few nights ago, we were sitting in H.E. Tsem Rinpoche room. Quick as a flash, Rinpoche offered Shin and myself a mala each. So easily, so…without attachment. It isn’t just the mala that I am grateful for, although it is extremely pretty. I’m grateful for the experience of the ease with which Rinpoche gave. […]

They won’t be gracing the Catwalks of Anywhere next season but they’re extremely protective on a construction site when yellow work boots aren’t your thing! A few months ago, H.E. Tsem Rinpoche insisted we get these and between the quicksand, rusty nails, construction debris and snakes, my feet (and all 10 toes!) have been thankful […]