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 […]

Tsem Rinpoche directing a photo shoot. “It’s amazing all of this could’ve arisen from one mind” is a statement I often hear people utter about Rinpoche. It is usually accompanied by a look of awe on their faces, their eyes widening and jaws dropping as they look around to take in the extent to which […]

Tsem Rinpoche making offerings onto Vajra Yogini. One of Rinpoche’s absolute favourite activities is making offerings to the Buddhas on altars and onto the statues themselves. No matter where Rinpoche is or where Rinpoche lives, the most important thing is the altar. The altar must be as beautiful, abundant and elaborate as we can make […]

Tsem Rinpoche reading cards and letters. Did you know that every single offering, piece of mail, letter or gift that Rinpoche receives is personally attended to by Rinpoche and a group of students? First, everything is offered up to the Three Jewels on Rinpoche’s personal altars. Later, Rinpoche opens every single message and then reads […]

Tsem Rinpoche drawing up plans for a vegetable farm. Rinpoche is never interested in secular activities just for the sake of it, but always uses his knowledge, interest and experience to see how he can improve the lives of those around him and how he can bring Kechara Forest Retreat (KFR) to the next level […]

Tsem Rinpoche going through the Dorje Shugden lineage tree. Anyone who spends time in the lama’s mandala will soon come to realise that Rinpoche fills his every waking moment thinking how to benefit others and then actualising those thoughts. The very existence of Kechara itself is Rinpoche’s wish to benefit materialising into something tangible, and […]

Tsem Rinpoche consecrating a Dorje Shugden image for someone who contacted us complaining of spirit disturbances. I think most people do not realise how common spirits are, and how frequently they create disturbances. Perhaps in the West people do not readily believe in them but then again, why else would Hollywood make so many ghost […]

Tsem Rinpoche greeting a student from the USA. Originally, it was not planned to be a long visit but in the end, she decided to stay and volunteer for a few weeks, writing and editing, and contributing to the blog. One night, Rinpoche decided to do a live-streaming session. It was, as usual, an impromptu […]