Tsem Rinpoche under the spotlight. This was essentially what Rinpoche’s life was like. The majority of Rinpoche’s 54 years was lived pretty much in the public eye. There were very few moments when Rinpoche was truly alone. There was always someone with Rinpoche, either serving and attending, or meeting or having an audience with Rinpoche. […]

Tsem Rinpoche relaxing in the kitchen. Our Chinese New Year (CNY) ‘Orphans’ Dinner. That was the name Rinpoche gave our annual CNY reunion dinner. Every year, when Malaysia essentially shuts down for a few weeks during CNY, most Kecharians would be a part of the exodus of Malaysians returning to their hometowns to reunite with […]

Tsem Rinpoche gifting many weeks’ worth of groceries to our Nepali boys. Rinpoche was never one to do things by halves. When Rinpoche said we should be kind to everyone, Rinpoche really meant it. It was kindness with no and’s, if’s or but’s – no exceptions, even for those who have been cruel, unkind or […]

Tsem Rinpoche offering tsok. First of all, what is tsok (Sanskrit: ganachakra)? According to Rinpoche, Tsok happens twice a month every month. It is a special day where the dakinis of the 24 holy places gather together to bless the tantric practitioner‘s body, nerves, chi, chakras, speech and mind. On Tsok Day we can perform […]

Tsem Rinpoche with Jersey, the puppy of our handyman in Los Angeles I still remember when this photograph was taken. Our handyman was working in the house and while a few of us remained behind to observe what was being done, Rinpoche had gone out with some students. Jersey was going bananas in the house, […]

Tsem Rinpoche offering prayers to Lama Dorje Shugden. Rinpoche had a different kind of relationship with Dorje Shugden. It was a special kind of relationship, like Dorje Shugden was a father, brother, friend, guardian, guru all rolled into one. In private moments, Rinpoche would converse with Dorje Shugden, speaking as he would to a friend; […]

Tsem Rinpoche happily gifting Christmas presents. This past week, I had the honour of hosting a Christmas dinner for members of our Kechara community. 50 people came together to eat and be merry, and to remember the kindness of our lama, His Eminence Kyabje Tsem Tulku Rinpoche. After dinner, all of us adjourned to perform […]

Tsem Rinpoche consecrating some gifts for visiting monks. One afternoon, Rinpoche called a group of us over. “Open all the cupboards next door and turn on the air-cond, I want to go next door and select some gifts.” So we did just that – we ran next door, turned on the air conditioning and opened […]

Tsem Rinpoche explaining the purpose of live-streaming. These sessions were always very important and precious for Rinpoche. Rinpoche saw them as a means of connecting with people from all over the world, particularly those who did not have easy access to a centre or teacher, or had not met with Rinpoche before or in a […]

Tsem Rinpoche has an adorable little audience while He works. This week, I would like to share with everyone a very special view that few have been privileged to experience. It was from this view that we would learn about and be exposed to all manner of things, from the acerbic wit of Joan Rivers […]