sweekeong: Michael: My understanding is you can write in your own words on tobacco in relation to Dharma practice. Once you have done you can email it to the Pastor.

Michael C.: @Pastor Jean Ai – Not sure. Some type of sentient being would be my guess. Not sure what realm or what they look like.

Josh Akers: Now I’m struggling with my urge to smoke a cigarette. I don’t want to. Especially after seeing Rinpoche scold Joy for it a little bit.

Josh Akers: I like that… The sword could be a word, a look, even advice…

Michael C.: oh… so by “all this on tobacco” i guess that means a lot more then just that teaching by H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche. So like research and medical facts and also Buddhist perspective and what scientific field has to say and my personal experience and maybe some other testimonials and boom that’s an article which answers my first question. And the second question i’m still assuming “our commetary” meaning between you & Joy? i suppose in an attempt to cut through her habit of smoking like a knife. Dharma is supposed to cut like a knife. It is supposed to change us utterly. Knifes hurt. Getting cut hurts. If there is a boil on my skin filled with pus the best course of action is to cut it open with a knife (which hurts) and squeeze all the white puss out (which hurts). Otherwise infection can enter bloodstream and kill the body. So 5 minutes of pain or death… Choose logically, not emotionally.

Michael C.: @Tsem Rinpoche – Thank You for all the kind praise and compliments and words, they warm my heart!

“Tsem Rinpoche: Michael C, that was excellent what you posted by Lord Padmasambhava the thunderbolt holder. Very nice sharing….I wish you can write articles for Dharma and I can post on my blog to benefit others.

Michael C, it would be nice if you collect all this on tobacco and write it out well with our commentary and I will post on my blog for the benefit of all..no rush.

– Clarification of my confusion please –

What type of articles? i have insecurities but would be interested in pursuing further.”our commentary” – by this do you mean the dialogue tonight between You & joy?The full text i quoted is already written out on this website here: http://www.dudjom-on-smoking.org/index_eng.php & can be copy & pasted with source onto this blog, i’m not sure what or how i can add to it?

Pastor Moh Mei: I like this painting of Vajrayogini. It makes me think of Vajrayogini looking down on Kechara Forest Retreat.

Pastor David Lai: Thank you rinpoche…

Pastor David Lai: @Edwin – Nice – What you posted of the colorful Vy are actually the entourage of Vajrayogini. Nice right…

Wei Theng: thank you so much PJA for arranging and posting into blog post. There is so much to learn from the previous quiz post : http://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/exciting-information-on-tsongkapa.html

Tat Ming: Thank You Rinpoche. Yes i have learned a lot today. There is more to learn. Thank You pastors and everyone else for your contribution here in this chat! I have enjoyed this chat very much! See everyone again the next time.

Wei Theng: Thank you Rinpoche for your teachings. Good nite Rinpoche.

julia tan: Thank you Rinpoche.

Sharon Ong: Ok thank you, Pastor David. Am sorry for requesting such of Rinpoche. My sincere apologies, Rinpoche.

Tat Ming: Thank You very much Rinpoche for kindly sharing the teachings on the Incomparable Lama Tsongkhapa. Please rest well and take good care. Good Night Rinpoche!

Edwin Tan: I will Rinpoche. If I may request… Please do on weekends though… weekdays are filled with work and meetings… hehehe…

sweekeong: Thank you Rinpoche for giving the quizzes and everyone who participated it.

julia tan: 1.water to drink 2. water to wash 3. flower 4. incense 5. light 6. perfume 7. food 8. sound

Choongs: Thank you Rinpoche and good night.

Pastor Moh Mei: Thank you Rinpoche

Michael C.: (pt. 1) In the gTérma of Chögyal Ratna Lingpa it is stated:

‘Padmasambhava bound the Nine Demonic Brothers under oath, but they were breakers of samaya, and the youngest of them found a way to undermine their commitment to protect beings. He told his kindred: “Brothers, do not despair, listen to me. I shall manifest myself in the country of China as tobacco; the name of this toxin will be ‘the black poison’. It will grow in the border lands, from whence it will spread to Tibet. The people of Tibet will consume this enjoyable substance. By the strength of this, the five neurotic poisons will increase. Rejecting the ten positive actions, people will practise the ten negative ones. The lives of the lineage holders will become precarious, and they will depart for the Buddha Fields…”

Pastor JayJae《♡上宗喀巴大师》: Thank you Rinpoche and all Pastors and team in USA. gotta leave now to prep for another meeting. Will come back and scroll down to read and learn what I’ve missed from today’s chat

Josh Akers: Thank you for being online with us, Being in your presence is a reward in itself, Rinpoche.

Edwin Tan: Thank you, Wei Theng and Pastor Jean Ai. I need more study on Vajrayogini.

Joy: Joy, you should never smoke in your guru’s house and property… It is the same as peeing or pooing indiscriminately around the house..in fact smoke is very harmful. If you love smoke, then you should offer incense. Smoking in guru’s premises, house and temple is very disrespectful..you have been around for 12 years and more senior than most and you know this. How to be a nun???? —- Yes Rinpoche

Sharon Ong: Flying Vajrayogini is this one. http://vajrasecrets.com/prints/canvas-prints/flying-vajrayogini-thangka.html

Pastor Jean Ai:

Josh Akers: It wont be that tough if I actually study.

Wei Theng: @edwin, flying VY is two legs up.

Pastor David Lai: @Edwin – One leg is up in the air and another on the ground

Edwin Tan: isn’t that the flying Vy, Pastor David?

Pastor David Lai: @Edwin – Got one one leg up vajrayogini

Josh Akers: Thank you Rinpoche. This was very enlightening, hehe. In many ways.

Edwin Tan: Researching on the 6th form…

Pastor Jean Ai: We can read up and study the 50 stanzas of guru devotion here: http://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/brief-commentary-on-50-verses-of-guru-devotion.html and here: http://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/complete-commentary-on-50-verses-of-guru-devotion.html

Pastor Jean Ai: @Pastor Seng Piow, your pictures are turning up as squares with Chinese writing inside

Pastor Seng Piow: Prostrating to Lama Tsongkhapa in YongHeGong:

Joy: Not quitting smoking

Sharon Ong: Sharon Ong, name me 10 similarities between Dalai Lama and Tsongkhapa.=> 1. Both are Gelug lamas 2. Je Tsongkhapa and the Dalai Lama wear the yellow hat. 3. Dalai Lama based many of his teachings from Indian masters just like Tsongkhapa 4. Dalai Lama taught mind training teachings 5. Both Dalai Lama and Tsongkhapa are emanations of Chenrezig but Lama Tsongkhapa also has Manjushri and Vajrapani 6. Both display extraordinary humililty. They are no ordinary lamas but yet claim that they are just simple monks and do not show any of their powess or power 7. Dalai Lama and Lama Tsongkhapa were both born during turbulent times in Tibetan Buddhism. 8. Dalai Lama and Tsongkhapa were both revered as the top spiritual leaders during their life times. 9. Both are fully Enlightened Beings 10. Both Dalai Lama and Lama Tsongkhapa were born in Amdo.

Josh Akers: How many monks in each monastery? ((1.)) Sera is a monastery of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, and one of Lhasa’s largest. It was founded in 1419 and in the past housed as many as 5000 monks at a time. 2.Ganden traditionally had a smaller population with some 6,000 monks in the early 20th century (although Waddell reports an estimate of about 3,300 in the 1890s and there were, apparently only 2,000 in 1959.[3][4] At this time there are about 170 monks. ((3)). Drepung is the largest of all Tibetan monasteries and is located on the Gambo Utse mountain, five kilometers from the western suburb of Lhasa. ((3.))Freddie Spencer Chapman reported, after his 1936-37 trip to Tibet, that Drepung was at that time the largest monastery in the world, and housed 7,700 monks, “but sometimes as many as 10,000 monks.”

Pastor JayJae《♡上宗喀巴大师》: Also to add onto what Wansan and P Jean Ai explained about filling statues, the Buddha gave a discourse to Venerable Ananda who was always gazing in the beautiful body of Buddha. The Buddha said ” Those who sees the Dharma sees me” Hence, by filling up the statues with mantras and scriptures, they are filled with he holy teachings of the Buddha which we wish to achieve realization to. When we make offerings to the Buddha statue, we make offerings to the Dharma too.

Edwin Tan:

Pastor Seng Piow: Lama Tsongkhapa statue in Beijing’s YongHeGong, even the emperors of China prayed to Lama Tsongkhapa

Cliff: @joy endless promises that carry no value

Pastor Jean Ai: @Joy: please don’t make that sentence another lie through your actions…

Choongs: Gaden had 7,000 monks, Sera 5,000, Drepung 15,000 prior to 1959

Joy: Dear Rinpoche, No I do not want to and wish to give those feeling to people around me and I will work hard towards averting my bad habits.

Michael C.: oh my gosh finally caught up on reading everybody’s messages and back to the top. i’m a slow reader, lots of people typing fast, or both.

Pastor Seng Piow: amy black, am glad you have learned a lot here, do come back again and join us, Rinpoche is very generous is giving a lot of precious Dharma knowledge here, good night

Tat Ming: Drepung – Prior to the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959 the monastery housed around 15000 monks, Sera Monastery – Prior to the Chinese invasion Sera housed 5,000 monks Ganden – prior to the Chinese invasion, Ganden housed around 6000 monks. Source: http://www.travelsinasia.com/Tibet/Drepungseraganden.html

Joy: 8 feelings you give ppl around lying: 1. Aversion 2. Disrespect 3. Frustration 4. Suspicions 5. Reservations 6. Doubts 7. Wariness 8. Fears in working with the person

Pastor JayJae《♡上宗喀巴大师》: @P David & PSP: ah, I understand now the 7 forms

sweekeong: Can one become enlightened without entering tantra? Why or why not? => Yes, one can become enlightened without tantra. The sutric path is the most common form of gaining enlightenment. The teachings of tantra is very rare and only taught by Buddha Shakyamuni and Vajrapani. The common way of enlightenment by sutric path is taking 3 countless great aeons as compare to the tantric path which takes only a few human life time.

Josh Akers: prior to 1959..how many monks in Gaden, Sera and Drepung? After the Tibetan Uprising of March 10th, 1959, word reached Gaden that the Dalai Lama had left Tibet. Geshe-la and a group of six other monks left the monastery after evening prayers and made their way to india across the Himalayas; members of a mass exodus fleeing the oppression of the Chinese Communist occupation. Geshe-la was one of the few senior monks who managed to escape out of the twenty thousand monks that had lived at Gaden, Sera and Drepung, Tibet’s three largest monasteries.

Pastor Moh Mei: Dear Pastor Moh Mei, what keeps us our strong desire for sex? What keeps the attachment alive and what feeds it? Our continual actions to feed that desire, meaning every act of sex feeds into that desire to have more but because human being will never be ultimately satisfied through sexual activities so we create this delusion and we keep chasing.

Pastor JayJae《♡上宗喀巴大师》: @Julia: there are 8 sensory offerings to lama Tsongkhapa: Water for drinking, water for bathing the feet, flowers, incense, lights, perfume and music.

Sharon Ong: Sharon Ong, name me 10 similarities between Dalai Lama and Tsongkapa.=> 1. Both are Gelug lamas 2. Je Tsongkhapa and the Dalai Lama wears the yellow hat. 3. Dalai Lama based many of his teachings from Indian masters just like Tsongkhapa 4. Dalai Lama taught mind training teachings 5. Both Dalai Lama and Tsongkhapa are emanations of Chenrezig but Lama Tsongkhapa also has Manjushri and Vajrapani ** Still researching for the remaining similiarities, Rinpoche.

Pastor JayJae《♡上宗喀巴大师》: @Edwin: very beautiful statue of Lama Je Tse Zin ma

Edwin Tan: long life Tsongkapa.

Pastor Jean Ai: @Edwin: no problem. Now you gotta post the pic of Long Life Tsongkhapa, right?

Choongs: @amy black, deja vu and memory explained here: www.psychologytoday.com/blog/ulterior-motives/201001/what-is-d-j-vu

Josh Akers: Good night Patricia. I could’ve easily gotten just as easy questions and failed. You are not alone.

Pastor JayJae《♡上宗喀巴大师》: Good night Pat, see u on our next blog chat

Pastor JayJae《♡上宗喀巴大师》: @Patricia, the high lamas of Tibet had said that the highest purpose in a spiritual human life is to be able to teach the Dharma. This surpasses all others. If your Lama has asked u to do so, u should be delighted and go all the way.

patriciasnodgrass1958: thank you again rinpoche for your kindness. It was a fun quiz. I will do better next time.

Joy: Dear Rinpoche, I lie to get away with something or sometimes it is to deceive by not being able to fulfil something or a promise. No nuns to be should not lie. Why because nuns are suppose to embody the Dharma and to benefit others. If nun lies, how can people trust to go to them for help? It defeats the purpose of becoming a nun.

Edwin Tan:

Pastor JayJae《♡上宗喀巴大师》: Dear Rinpoche, the 10 benefits of being a monk: 1) we secure a chance of liberation from Samsara 2) we become merit fields for men and god to accumulate merits. 3) He is free from the chains of worldly affairs 4) he is set onto the path of liberation praised by the Aryas 5) He develops the foundation of meditative concentration by due merits of holding the vows of a monk. 6) He is set on the ripening path of Arahatship, 7) he is bestowed with the freedom to engage in the Dharma practices to purify and transform greed, hatred and delusion the 3 poisons 8) he brings hope and life both spiritually by giving the Dharma to people 9)he brings hope and physical comfort for the sick and needy by serving the suffering. 10) He sets the path/foundation to attained Bodhisattvahood/Buddhahood.

Pastor Niral: People should make pilgrimage to Tsongkhapa’s Stupa and Gaden monastery because going on pilgrimage with a good motivation plants powerful seeds in one’s mindstream that will ripen in the future and propel you towards enlightenment. Since Gaden was founded by Tsongkhapa, you recieve the blessings of Manjushri, Chenresig and Vajrapani while making a connection with Maitreya Buddha. If we haven’t achieved enlightenment by the time Maitreya descends on earth, we will have created the merits of receiving teachings from directly. Gaden is also the monastery where countless great masters have become attained, so the area is imbued with their enlightened energies.

Pastor Moh Mei: Pastor Moh Mei, what is the repercussions of over focus on sex and copulation? ANSWER: Over focus on sex and copulation will bring about deception, anger and disappointment. It causes us to waste our precious human life away because everything we do it is to get sex and nothing beneficial to ourselves or others. In short it will only bring suffering. All of us have manifested as the result of sex and copulation. We spend our lives pursuing the desire to have sexual union with others. After death, while in bardo, we will still be attracted to the sexual union between a male and female. If we have been very sexually obsessed in our previous life, it means that we have been accumulating the causes for animalistic behaviour and it is highly likely that we are reborn as animals. From copulation comes a false sense of security. We think that this relationship will last forever. But it doesn’t. All relationships will end.

Pastor Jean Ai: @Edwin yes but without all the extra stuff you posted…just the http:// part, ending with .jpg is good enough

Wylfred Ng: I have found 9 Lama Tsongkhapa form

Pastor Moh Mei: Right click on an image “Copy image URL” Copy and paste the URL eg “http://dharmacowgirl.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/jokhang-lhasa-buddha-by-jowo-sakyamuni.jpg”. To post multiple images just have a space between the image URL. The URL typically ends with .jpg

patriciasnodgrass1958: Duh I knew that.

patriciasnodgrass1958: thank you

Pastor Jean Ai: @Edwin: you can post images by right clicking on the image you want to post, clicking on ‘Copy Image Location’ then coming here to the blog and pasting what you just copied. The image should appear on the right side of your text

wansan: What do we put inside a Tsongkapa statue? Be specific and clear? One can fill our statues with blessed items, pieces of monk robes, mantras (representing Buddha’s enlightened speech), items from our spiritual guide, wealth vases, sacred relics, smaller images of Buddhas

sweekeong: What do we put inside a Tsongkapa statue? Be specific and clear? => Holy items such as relic, ashes from cremation of holy beings, holy pills, mantras roll, incense, prayer text, and Buddha images.

Pastor David Lai: Manjunatha is Sanskrit for Jamgon (Tibetan) or ‘One with Manjushri’. It is never mentioned on its own.

Pastor Seng Piow: Wei Theng, I dont understand your question

Edwin Tan: Dear Rinpoche, the forms I know of are the 5 visions of Tsongkapa, and the Long Life Tsongkapa. How do I post images here?

Joy: The bad consequences of lying to the one who performs the deed are being subject to abusive speech and vilification, untrustworthiness, and physical unpleasantness. Some of the disadvantages of bad kamma are birth in unfortunate circumstances, not having opportunity to live according to the Dhamma and unhappiness.

Edwin Tan: Tsongka in East Tibet, Pstor SP. hence his name

Wei Theng: May I know if this is the holy statue Manjunatha that Lama Tsongkhapa made offering to? http://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/i-visited-the-holy-jokhang-temple-lhasa-2008.html

Pastor David Lai: Bye bye Bradley… Come again soon…

Bradley Kassian: you’re welcome pastor jean ^^

Pastor Seng Piow: Edwin, Lama Tsongkhapa is born in which region? the specific area

Sharon Ong: Who and when shall we study this text and why? answer this after you have posted all fifty please.=> Everyone should study these 50 verses. We should study this everyday this to understand and practice Guru Devotion well.

Edwin Tan: Lord Tsongkapa’s nationality Tibetan… no? hehe…

patriciasnodgrass1958: What statues should be on a typical gelug altar and what positions? Left Lama Tsongkhapa Middle, Shakymuni Buddha Right, Tara

Sharon Ong: 44. Be diligent in all your actions, (alert and) mindful never to forget (your word of honour). If fellow disciples transgress (what is proper) in their behaviour, correct each other in a friendly manner. 45. If because of sickness you are physically (unable) to bow to your Guru and must do what normally would be prohibited, even without (his explicit) permission, there will be no unfortunate consequences if you have a virtuous mind. 46. What need is there to say much more. Do whatever pleases your Guru and avoid doing anything he would not like. Be diligent in both of these. 47. “Powerful attainments follow from (doing what) your Guru (likes).” This has been said by (the Buddha) Vajradhara himself. Knowing this, try to please your Guru fully with all the actions (of your body, speech and mind).

Pastor JayJae《♡上宗喀巴大师》: Dear Rinpoche, I agree with Pastor David on his point that the vows cannot be brought into future lives. Every life that we return into the mortal realm, we need to receive the vows again from a living lineage. Then we reconnect with the vows and practice

Sharon Ong: 32. In the direct sight of his Guru, (a disciple) with sense should not (sit) with his body twisted around, nor lean (casually) against pillars and such. Never crack your knuckles, (play with your fingers or clean your nails). 33. When washing (your Guru’s) feet or his body, drying, massaging (or shaving) him, precede such actions with (three) prostrations and at their conclusion do the same. Then attend (to yourself) as much as you like. 34. Should you need to address (your Guru) by his name, add the title “Your Presence” after it. To generate respect for him in others, further honorifics may also be used. 35. When asking for your Guru’s advice, first announce why you have come. With palms pressed together at your heart, listen to what he tells you, without (letting your mind) wander about. Then (when he has spoken), you should reply, “I shall do exactly as you have said.”

Pastor Moh Mei: Pastor Moh Mei, what is the repercussions of over focus on sex and copulation? ANSWER: Over focus on sex and copulation will bring about deception, anger and disappointment. It causes us to waste our precious human life away because everything we do it is to get sex and nothing beneficial to ourselves or others. In short it will only bring suffering. All of us have manifested as the result of sex and copulation. We spend our lives pursuing the desire to have sexual union with others. After death, while in bardo, we will still be attracted to the sexual union between a male and female. If we have been very sexually obsessed in our previous life, it means that we have been accumulating the causes for animalistic behaviour and it is highly likely that we are reborn as animals. From copulation comes a false sense of security. We think that this relationship will last forever. But it doesn’t. All relationships will end.

Pastor David Lai: @Rinpoche – I totally agree with PJA. I have never heard that the vows carries into future lives.

Sharon Ong: 19. Always keep your word of honour. Always make offerings to the Enlightened Ones. Always make offerings also to your Guru, for he is the same as all the Buddhas. 20. Those who wish (to attain) the inexhaustible (state of a Buddha’s Wisdom Body) should give to their Guru whatever they themselves find pleasing, from the most trifling objects to those of best quality. 21. Giving (to your Guru) is the same as making continual offerings to all the Buddhas. From such giving, much merit is gathered. From such collection comes the supreme powerful attainment (of Buddhahood). 22. Therefore, a disciple with the good qualities of compassion, generosity, moral self-control and patience should never regard his Guru and the Buddha Vajradhara as different. 23. If you should never tread even on (your Guru’s) shadow, because the fearsome consequences are the same as destroying a stupa, is there need to mention never stepping on or over his shoes or seat, (sitting in his place or riding) his mount?

Wylfred Ng: What statues should be on a typical gelug altar and what positions? Middle: Lama Tsongkhapa On our left: Buddha Shakyamuni On Our Right: Tara

Sharon Ong: 11. If you are so foolish as to despise your Guru, you will contract contagious diseases and those caused by harmful spirits. You will die (a horrible death) caused by demons, plagues or poison. 12. You will be killed by (wicked) kings or fire, by poisonous snakes, water, witches or bandits, by harmful spirits or savages, and then be reborn in a hell. 13. Never disturb you Guru’s mind. Should you be foolish and happen to do this, you will surely boil in hell. 14. Whatever fearful hells have been taught, such as Avici, the Hell of Uninterrupted pain, it is clearly explained that those who disparage their Gurus will have to remain there (a very long time).

Choongs: Why did Tsongkapa stress Madhyamika? – Tsongkhapa went to study with a great Karma Kagyu master Lama Umapa. Umapa means Madhyamika; someone who follows Madhyamaka. Umapa had daily visions of Manjushri; Manjushri taught him one verse every day. And so Tsongkhapa and Lama Umapa became mutual teacher and disciple. Then Tsongkhapa also got visions of Manjushri. What’s very interesting is Lama Umapa started to check with Tsongkhapa to get confirmation that the teachings he received in his visions of Manjushri were correct or not.

Sharon Ong: 5. As for serving (your Guru) and showing him respect, such as obeying what he says, standing up (when he comes) and showing him to his seat — these should be done even by those with ordination vows (whose Gurus are laymen or their juniors). But (in public), avoid prostrating and unorthodox actions (such as washing his feet). 6. In order for the words of honour of neither the Guru nor the disciple to degenerate, there must be a mutual examination beforehand (to determine if each can) brave a Guru-disciple relationship. 7. A disciple with sense should not accept as his Guru someone who lacks compassion or who is angersome, vicious or arrogant, possessive, undisciplined or boasts of his knowledge.

Sharon Ong: 1. Bowing in the proper way to the lotus feet of my Guru, who is the cause for me to attain the state of a glorious Vajrasattva, I shall condense and explain in brief what has been said in many stainless tantric texts about Guru-devotion. (Therefore) listen with respect. 2. All the Buddhas of the past, present and future, residing in every land in the ten directions, have paid homage to the Tantric Masters from whom they have received the highest initiations. (Is there need to mention that you should too?) 3. Three times each day, with supreme faith, you must show your respect to your Guru who teaches you (the tantric path), by pressing your palms together, offering a mandala as well as flowers and prostrating (touching) your head to his feet. 4. Those who hold ordination vows, if (your Guru) is a layman or your junior, prostrate (in public) while facing such things as his scriptural texts in order to avoid worldly scorn. But in your mind (prostrate to your Guru).

Pastor David Lai: Dear Rinpoche, I don’t quite agree with some of the things Bradley mentioned regarding the pratimoksha vows. I think the pratimoksha vows should be translated as self-liberation. Vows taken cannot be carried over to the next life. It is meant create merit and be the basis for higher sets of vows like the Bodhisattva and Tantric vows.

Pastor Jean Ai: I’ve never heard of vows carrying over into next lives. Some people who have received the vows, but not developed the ability to control their rebirth, may not necessarily come back as a human in their next life. Thus if for example I came back as a frog, how do I hold my vows in my next life?

Bradley Kassian: BODHISATTVA VOWS There are fourteen major vows or downfalls within this category. A downfall means that if one were to do any of the following fourteen activities, one would fall from the Bodhisattva path. There are also other minor downfalls contained within the Bodhisattva’s training, but avoiding the fourteen major ones should be the primary concern of the practitioner. 1) To steal offerings to the Triple Gem (i.e., Buddha, Dharma and Sangha) through any means whatsoever. 2) To give up or abandon the Dharma. 3) To take away the robes, beat, imprison, force to leave the Sangha or to kill monks, including even those monks who have broken their vows. 4) To commit any of the five limitless (or heinous sins : killing one’s father, killing one’s mother, killing an Arhat, drawing the blood of a Buddha, or creating a schism in the Sangha. 5) To hold wrong views (such as those which are contrary to the teaching of the Buddha, for example, believing that the law of Karma has no effect). 6) To destroy villages, countries, etc., through any means whatsoever. 7) To teach the doctrine of emptiness (Shunyata) to those not previously trained (i.e., those who are not spiritually mature enough to understand it). 8) To turn followers of the Path of Full Enlightenment (i.e., the Bodhisattva’s Path which is for the sake of all living beings) away from this Path (and place them on the Path of individual liberation). 9) To place followers of the Hinaya on to the Path of Mahayana through criticising the Hinayana teaching. 10) To have desire or tell others who follow the Path that it is right to have desire. 11) To praise oneself and to criticise others for the purpose of obtaining wealth and respect (i.e., teaching the Dharma for financial gain while announcing that one is teaching for pure motives only). 12) To tell others that one has attained realisation (of emptiness, etc.) when one has not actually attained such realisation. 13) To punish monks and either take away a monk’s belongings or receive the belonging taken away from a monk. 14) To turn away from Dharma those practising Dharma; to destroy the meditation of those who practice meditation; and to give the belongings of a meditator-monk to a scholar-monk.

Edwin Tan: AHH… soon… when Rinpoche returns to KFR. it will be the top Gelug monastery

Bradley Kassian: One should never be angry or bear ill-will against one’s Vajra relatives (i.e., those with whom one has received an initiation, or any person who has taken initiation from one’s Guru). 4) To abandon loving-kindness for living beings. One must have a loving and compassionate heart towards all beings, including insects, etc. 5) To abandon the Bodhicitta (i.e., the wish to gain Enlightenment for the sake of others) which is the root of Dharma. One should not become discouraged and think one is incapable of saving living beings and in this way give up one’s Bodhisattva’s vows. 6) To dispraise the Dharma which is the objective of oneself and others. One should disparage neither the Mahayana nor the Hinayana saying that they are not the path of the Buddhas. 7) To reveal the secret teachings to those who are not fully mature to receive them. One should not disclose the secret initiations, nor reveal Mantras, nor show Tantric objects such as books, thankas, etc., to those who have not received these initiations. 8) To dispraise the five skandhas which themselves possess the five Buddhas. Because our body is of the five Buddhas, we should not despise it nor ever take our own life. 9) To doubt that all things possess a pure nature (i.e., that all things are pure by nature). 10) To constantly bestow kindness upon hateful enemies. One should not associate with those who seek to harm the Dharma, Bodhisattvas or other beings. Even though we have compassion for them, we must chide them in order to help them as a mother helps her child. 11) To falsely impute things which are devoid of name, etc. One must relinquish the view that all things (Dharmas) are emptiness (shunyata), but hold always to the Middle Way. 12) To discourage or dissuade living beings who have faith (in the Mahayana, Vajrayana, etc.). If one tries to discourage by thought, word or deed anyone on the Vajrayana Path or those just beginning or even aspiring, then one is breaking his samaya (pledge). 13). Not to maintain the required articles of one’s pledge, such as not eating the offerings at a consecrated food offering. 14) To dispraise woman who are of the nature of wisdom. In Tantra, men and women are equal. Men are said to represent upaya (skilful means, compassion), and women represent wisdom (Prajna). In this way, women are not to be thought of as inferior to men. In brief, these are the three sets of vows. If a vow is broken, confess it to one’s teacher and renew the vows by receiving them once again. If one wishes benefit in this and other lives, he should carefully remember and maintain these vows.

Pastor Jean Ai: @Amy: no problem Rinpoche has a tonne of teachings on Tsongkhapa here which you may find useful http://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/category/tsongkhapa

Sharon Ong: Rinpoche, I found these Gelug Nunneries but am not too sure if they are famous or not. 1) Geden Choeling Nunnery, of the Gelug tradition, is the oldest nunnery in Dharamsala. 2) Tungri Phuntsog Ling 3) Dorje Dzong – founded by Sherab Zangpo 4) Karsha Chuchikjall Kachod Grubling 5) Zangla Byangchub Choling

Pastor Jean Ai: Je Tse Zin Ma, also the image outside our prayer hall in Kechara Forest Retreat

Bradley Kassian: The Bodhisattva vow is the vow taken by Mahayana Buddhists to attain complete enlightenment for the sake of all sentient beings. One who has taken the vow is nominally known as a Bodhisattva. Whereas the Prātimokṣa vows cease at death, the Bodhisattva vow extends into future lives. There are two traditions of the Bodhisattva vow, one originating from Asanga and the other from Nagarjuna

Pastor Jean Ai: It’s the central image on our altar at Kechara House

Pastor Jean Ai: @Amy: the Tsongkhapa in long life form (Je Tse Zin Ma) holds a long life vase

Edwin Tan: Where is he born, age, place, lineage, gurus, parents, monastery and how he is connected to Tsongkapa? My dearest guru is born on 24th Oct 1965 in Taiwan, age 49 now. Rinpoche’s root guru can be found on the left side of the website, whom is HH Zong Rinpoche. Rinpoche’s first guru is HE Kensur Lobsang Tharchin Rinpoche of Rashi Gempil Ling. Rinpoche’s lineage is of Mongolian royalty descent, mother Princess Dewa Nimbo and father Lobsang Gyatso. Rinpoche studied in New Jersey under HE Kensur Rinpoche and then went to LA and studied under HH Zong Rinpoche at Thubten Dhargye Ling and thereafter went to Dharmasala, North India to be ordained by HH 14th Dalai Lama in 1987 in Ganden. Since Ganden is Tsongkapa’s monastery.. this is the connection Rinpoche has la

Pastor David Lai: What are three main points of Madhyamika and why did Je Tsongkapa stress this texts/knowledge? – 1. According to Madhyamaka all phenomena are empty of “substance” or “essence” (Sanskrit: svabhāva)2. That is because they are dependently co-arisen. 3. Likewise it is because they are dependently co-arisen that they have no intrinsic, independent reality of their own. —- Je Tsongkhapa stress this knowledge because it is the way to directly perceive emptiness which is the ultimate truth or attain transcendent wisdom. ;P

Wylfred Ng: Lama Tsongkhapa in Long Life form . This two are the most common form of Lama Tsongkhapa that can be seen at Kechara

Wylfred Ng: Lama Tsongkhapa in “Turning the Dharma Wheel” mudra.

Pastor JayJae《♡上宗喀巴大师》: Dear Rinpoche, in order for one to become Gaden Tripa, the throne holder, one has to be admitted into one of the Three Great Seats, Gaden, Drepung and Sera. A monk has to go through 12 years of education in the study and graduate as a Geshe Lharampa, the highest achievement of a Geshe. Then he would have to enter into one of the Tantric colleges, Gyuto or Gyumed. There the Geshe spends 1 or more years studying the Tantras. The scholar monk will become a Gekul or a disciplinarian monk for the Tantric colleges for 6 months and also Lama Umze, or the lead chant master for 3 years. The ex-Umze or Usurla will become the abbot of the Tantric college for three years. Then, the abbot emeritus will stand in line for the position of Sharpa Choeje or Jangtse Choeje Rinpoches. Both these Choejes or Dharmarajas stand in line for the position of the Gaden Tripa. There’s a video on this subject here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSw1WCGttYM

Bradley Kassian: Three robes : holding of vows (pratimoksha, bodhisattva and tantric)

Pastor Jean Ai: 27 of Tsongkhapa’s 45 teachers… 1. Lama Dampa Sonam Gyeltsen 2. Kunga Gyaltsan 3. Drubchen Namkha Gyeltsen 4. The Fourth Karmapa, Rolpai Dorje 5. Chokyi Gyelpo 6. Chokle Namgyel 7. Rinchen Namygal 8. Zhonnu Jangchub Ozer 9. Dondrub Rinchen 10. Chokya Zangpo 11. Nyawon Kunga Pel 12. Zhonnu Sonam 13. Chokyi Palwa 14. Chopel Zangpo 15. Dondrub Zanpgo 16. Dabo Dorje 17. Rendawa Zhonnu Lodro 18. Chokyab Pal Zangpo 19. Tsultrim Rinchen 20. Tashi Sanggye 21. Lama Umapa 22. Densapa Gekong 23. Manjushri 24. Konchog Kyab 25. Yonten Gyatso 26. Kazhiwa Losal 27. Jagchen Jampa Pal

Bradley Kassian: the four root vows (defeat): (1) killing a human being, (2) stealing something of value, (3) sexual misconduct through one of the three doors, (4) a great lie (which is to lie about supernatural attainments—this can be done also non-verbally, like with a gesture or even silence).

Pastor Seng Piow: It is good to practice Lama Tsongkhapa’s meditation in today’s world because the people nowadays are very busy and have little time for actual practice, Tsongkhapa’s practice combines a lot of benefits into one practice, yet it is short enough to fit into modern people’s busy everyday life schedule without losing any efficacy. And Lama Tsongkhapa’s practice is an excellent priliminary to tantric practice which will lead to swift liberation in one lifetime if done well

Josh Akers: I didn’t look at any other answers.

wansan: What Tsongakpa did in the Jokhang that can still be seen today? In 1409 Tsongkhapa instituted the Monlam Chenmo or Great Prayer Festival, in Lhasa, which is celebrated around the time of the Tibetan New Year, Losar. This celebration is traditionally centered on the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa and is counted as being Tsongkhapa’s third great deed. At this time Tsongkhapa also offered jeweled ornaments and a crown to the statue of the Jowo Śākyamuni, the most sacred statue in the Jokhang and the whole of Tibet. By offering these ornaments the statue was transformed from being a nirmanakāya representation of the Buddha Śākyamuni to one representing his sambhogakāya manifestation.

Pastor Moh Mei: Tell me what Tsongakpa did in the Jokhang that can still be seen today? There is a Chapel of Tsongkhapa there, but is that what HE did, Im still not sure yet. In 1409, at the age of 52, Lama Tsongkhapa inaugurated the Monlam Great Prayer Festival (sMon-lam chen-mo) at the Lhasa Jokang (Jo-khang). He offered a gold crown to the Shakyamuni statue, signifying that it was now a Sambhogakaya statue, not just Nirmanakaya.

Michael C.: Why is it extremely beneficial to practice Tsongkapa’s mediation in today’s world? – “When depression, lack of self worth, fear, anxiety and little peace pervade our minds, environments and situations in this day and age, a meditation such as Tsongkapa is essential, not an extra. It is essential. Take refuge in Tsongkapa and this practice.” – from here

Bradley Kassian: The 92 pācittiyas Not to lie. Not to insult another bhikkhu. Not to create disagreement between bhikkhus. Not to recite together with laymen, texts of dhamma in Pali language. Not to spend the night under the same roof as the laity. Not to lie down in a building in which there is a woman. Not to teach to a woman more than six consecutive words of dhamma. Not to announce to a layman a realisation that has been achieved. Not to denounce a saṃghādisesa to a layman. Not to dig or cause someone else to dig the ground. Not to destroy plants. Not to change the conversation when the saṃgha asks a question. Not to blame or slander a bhikkhu. Not to leave a mattress or a chair outside without arranging it back suitably. Not to leave a couch that has been moved in the monastery. Not to set a bhikkhu apart in order to make him leave. Not to expel a bhikkhu from a lodging belonging to the saṃgha. Not to install oneself on a bed or a chair that is placed on a floor with broken planks. Not to build a roof having more than three layers. Not to pour on the ground some water containing insects. Not to teach bhikkhunīs without a permission taken from the saṃgha. Not to teach the dhamma to the bhikkhunīs after nightfall. Not to proceed to a monastery of bhikkhunīs in order to teach. Not to accuse a bhikkhu to have taught bhikkhunīs so as to receive offerings. Not to give a robe to a bhikkhunī. Not to sew a robe for a bhikkhunī. Not to plan a trip with a bhikkhunī. Not to take a boat with a bhikkhunī. Not to eat food prepared by a bhikkhunī. Not to sit with a bhikkhunī in a remote spot. Not to eat at the same spot twice consecutively food destined for travelling guests. Not to eat several times food being incorrectly asked for. Not to go to eat at another place after having already been invited somewhere. Not to accept more than the equivalent of three bowls of pastries if they were not originally make for the bhikkhu. To eat no longer once we have left our spot, after having made understood that we have finished our meal or refused to be served again. bhikkhu to eat elsewhere after having made him understood that he has finished his meal or refused to be served again. Not to consume solid foods between noon and the following dawn. Not to store food at afternoon time. Not to ask for food of superior quality for oneself. Not to eat food which has not been offered and given in hands. Not to give food to naked ascetics or other persons clinging to erroneous views. During the alms collection round, not to dismiss a bhikkhu with whom one is making this round. Not to remain near the place where a man and his companion lie when these are in the house. Not to remain alone with a woman in an isolated place. Not to sit next to a woman in a place remote from others’ ears. Not visit houses just before noon. Not to request medicinal products beyond the limits of the quantity or time fixed by the donor. Not to watch an army departing for combat. Not to sleep w

Bradley Kassian: The 4 pāṭidesanīyas Not to accept food from a bhikkhunī. Order the bhikkhunīs who manage the service to the bhikkhus to go somewhere else during the meal. Not to accept food from poor people who show remarkable fervor towards the dhamma, without having been invited by them. Not to eat the food offered by donors whom one has not previously warned of an existing danger in the area.

Bradley Kassian: The 75 sekhiyas To wear the lower robe correctly wrapped around oneself, so as to leave the edges level. To wear the upper robe correctly wrapped around oneself, so as to leave the edges level. To close the robe up to the neck and down to the wrists when sitting in inhabited areas. To close the robe up to the neck and down to the wrists when present in inhabited areas. To behave decorously when sitting in inhabited areas. To behave decorously when going to inhabited areas. To keep the eyes always lowered when sitting in inhabited areas. To keep the eyes always lowered when going to inhabited areas. Not to lift the robes when sitting in inhabited areas. Not to lift the robes when going to inhabited areas. Not to laugh loudly when sitting in inhabited areas. Not to laugh loudly when going to inhabited areas. To speak only in a low voice when sitting in inhabited areas. To speak only in a low voice when going to inhabited areas. Not to swing the body when sitting in inhabited areas. Not to swing the body when going to inhabited areas. Not to swing the arms when sitting in inhabited areas. Not to swing the arms when going to inhabited areas. Not to swing the head when sitting in inhabited areas. Not to swing the head when going to inhabited areas. Not to place the hands on the hips when sitting in inhabited areas. Not to place the hands on the hips when going to inhabited areas. Not to cover the head when sitting in inhabited areas. Not to cover the head when going to inhabited areas. Not to stand on tiptoes or on the heels within inhabited areas. Not to sit with the knees raised and the arms wrapped around the legs when in inhabited areas. To adopt a respectful attitude when going to collect food. Maintain the attention on the bowl when going to collect food. Not to accept more than one ration of curry for every three rations of rice when going to collect food. Accept food in proportion to the bowl, without exceeding its inner rim, when going to collect food. Take care to adopt a respectful attitude when eating. When eating, keep the attention on the bowl. Eat the food one after the other, without rejecting any. Eat a ratio of one part of curry to three parts of rice. Not to take and eat food placed at the top of a heap of food, or flatten down a heap of food. Not to hide the curry under the rice in order to obtain more. Not to request and eat food if one is not ill. Not to look at someone else’s bowl with jealousy. Not to eat by inserting large morsels in the mouth. To prepare mouthfuls of suitable proportions. Not to open the mouth before the food reaches its level. Not to put the hand in the mouth, not even a finger. Not to speak with a full mouth. Not to throw pieces of food into the mouth. Not to eat cutting pieces de food with the mouth. Not to fill the mouth with food so that the cheeks are inflated. Not to agitate the hands when eating. Not to scatter the rice when eating. Not to let the tongue out when eating. Not to make noise in opening

patriciasnodgrass1958: It is extremely beneficial to practice Tsongkhapa in todays world because it relieves stress, depression and anxieties of modern life.

Cliff: [2/2] Khedrup Je became extremely devoted to Tsongkhapa and wrote Tsongkhapa’s biography after the great master passed into clear light. As the other heart son of Tsongkhapa, he became the third Abbot of Gaden and the second Gaden Tripa after Gyaltsab Je.

After Lama Tsongkhapa passed away, Khedrup Je always used to pray to him. He always thought about his Guru and was always sad. When Khedrup Je had some questions about Dharma, he could not ask any scholars because he was the best scholar in the land at the time. So, one day, he made a mandala offering to Lama Tsongkhapa and strongly request Tsongkhapa to come. The minute he made this offering, Lama Tsongkhapa appeared from the Gaden Heaven, from the heart of Maitreya and answered his questions. When Khedrup Je understood and all was clear, Lama Tsongkhapa dissolved back into Gaden Heaven. Lama Tsongkhapa appeared five times to Khedrup Je, which is now known as the five visions of Tsongkhapa.

Bradley Kassian: Too many to copy Rinpoche but a list of 227 vows can be found here: http://en.dhammadana.org/sangha/vinaya/227.htm

Josh Akers: Tell me what Tsongakpa did in the Jokhang that can still be seen today? There is a Chapel of Tsongkhapa there, but is that what HE did, Im still not sure yet.

Pastor Jean Ai: @Amy: they are Tsongkhapa’s heart sons, his chief disciples Khedrup Je and Gyaltsab Je

Pastor JayJae《♡上宗喀巴大师》: Dear Rinpoche, The answer to Rinpoche’s first question: the important facets of Lama Tsongkhapa’s teachings are: 1) the unstained upholding of the Vinaya, the root of Buddha’s teachings. 2) The union of Sutra and Tantra, and 3)The emphasis on the step by step graduated way to enlightenment along the three principal aspects of the path (a genuine wish for liberation, called renunciation, generation of bodhicitta and insight into emptiness). Answer to the next question to follow….

Wei Theng: Thanks Pastor SP. There is a blog post on Rinpoche visiting this stupa in Gaden – http://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/i-visited-gaden-for-1st-time-with-an-oxygen-tank.html http://www.tsemrinpoche.com/archive/6a01310f7b9b6a970c01347fa2ba1a970c-320wi http://www.tsemrinpoche.com/archive/6a01310f7b9b6a970c01347fa2bab1970c-pi

Edwin Tan: OMG… why can’t I just put source: www.tsemrinpoche.com hahaha

Edwin Tan: Sorry… very slow… memories are weak…

Edwin Tan: 1. Lord Buddha Sakyamuni 2. Lord Tsongkapa 3. Setrap 4. Yellow Dzambala 5. Heruka 6. Guhyasamaja 7. Yamantaka 8. Manjushri 9. Medicine Buddha 10. Vajrapani 11. Kalachakra 12. Matreiya 13. Chenrizeg 14. Hevajra 15. Hayagriva

Pastor David Lai: @Bradley – I think Rinpoche is talking about the Bhikshu vows of a fully ordained monk.

Sharon Ong: Pastor JJ, would you have more info on Sosordrolma? Would appreciate it very much.

Bradley Kassian: Afraid you got me Rinpoche. I’m unsure of the vows “monk Tsongkapa and disciples held here”

amy black: wow wow wow

Sharon Ong: What about Sosordrolma? Is she a female Buddha as well?

patriciasnodgrass1958: Protection from spiritual harm, the attainment of the seven wisdoms, compassion, spiritual power, it’s a calming mantra, it provides mental stability and can lead us to enlightenment

Pastor David Lai: I got one extra female Buddha, Yellow Tara or Norgyurma…. also known as Basundhara or Vasundhara. It is a popular wealth deity for Newari Buddhists (Nepalese)

Edwin Tan: 1. Green Tara 2. Dukkar 3. Vajrayogini 4. Palden Lhamo 5. Guan Yin 6. Nyamgyalma 7. Saraswati 8. Machig Labdron 9. Marici 10. White Tara 11. Sengdongma (10 Female Buddhas)

amy black: oh, well some of them are maybe private links on facebook so i dont know if theyll post…i’ll try. i visited the tibetan art wing in the museum of my city today to pay homage to the glorious art there and took many photos …. plus i was going to try to post a few of my friends pics from tibet. she also visited the former palace of his holiness dalai lama

Bradley Kassian: All the happiness and peace of sentient beings depends only on the teachings of the Buddha because the cause of their suffering is not outside, it is within. As Buddha advised King Sangyal regarding the benefits of building monasteries. “Any human being building Buddha’s temple, even while still in samsara, in future lives will always have incredible wealth, like radiating palaces, like the king of devas.” That includes power and so forth. “In all the lives you will have happiness, will get good rebirth, and will create good karma in the next lives. While experiencing the result for ten millions of eons, all the time you will enjoy your life, with joyful mind, with no sorrow, and in the end will achieve the state of peace, the cessation of suffering and its causes.” – Sorry Rinpoche not specifially Ganden but its to keep the teachings pure and last long time,

Pastor Seng Piow: Stupa of Lama Tsongkhapa in Gaden Monastery Tibet

Pastor Jean Ai: Yes Amy, just post the URL of the picture and it’ll appear on the right of your text

amy black: oh we can post pics on here?

amy black: wowwwww tsongkapa is there? my friend just visited and shared beautiful photos of it….what a blessing!!!! thank you Nicholas!

amy black: well, i knew the answer to one of your questions and didn’t want to ruin it for nick, so i was waiting:)

Cliff: Out of the three, which one do you like and why perhaps?

Yamantaka, he is a wrathful manifestation of Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom. I have always liked the paranormal and how high tibetan lamas would be able help people who are possessed or areas that had high activity of it. I like anything to do with Manjushri and being the wrathful form of Manjushri, Yamantaka has been prescribed as a powerful practice to dispel black magic. As a fully enlightened Buddha, he works to destroy our ignorance and dualistic conventions, the cause of all our suffering. Contrary to initial impression, he is not out to harm anybody in any way but direct this energy at our negative emotions and ego-grasping ways. He is blue black in colour representing his true nature of emptiness and he wields it like a weapon towards the destruction of the self-cherishing ego.

Michael C.: Name me the benefits of reciting Tsongkapa’s migtseyma mantra and what meditation to do while reciting please…:) – (pt 1, not done) Oh so many benefits! From memory – To name a few – Benefits of relief from anxiety, depression, lack of self-worth, low self esteem – all these are cured (over time, with consistency, when the practice is done correctly). Phiscia (probably spelled that wrong – the class of demon) demons (so i guess still vulnerable to other classes of demon?) will not be able to harm anyone reciting Migtseyma mantra. All the usual – recitation of this mantra alone will lead to enlightenment, outer inner and secret obstacles (especially of ignorance {of our true nature}). a 4 in 1 Buddha. Connection and all the benefits that Manjushri (Display of Wisdom), Chenrezig (Display of Compassion), Vajrapani (Display of Power), & Maitreya (Love, the next Buddha to descend to this realm). So creating Karmic connection to be one of Maitreya’s students hopefully…

Edwin Tan: oops…

Edwin Tan: Lol… can I name just Vajrayogini?

Wei Theng: 45 gurus of Lord Tsongkapa and who was he particularly close to ? Particular close to: Lama Umapa – This great master had studied Madhyamaka with the Sakya tradition and, since childhood, had daily visions of Manjushri, who taught him one verse each day. Tsongkhapa and he became mutual teacher and disciple. Lama Umapa checked with Tsongkhapa to get confirmation that the teachings he received in his visions of Manjushri were correct.

Edwin Tan: Hello all, Hello Rinpoche

patriciasnodgrass1958: No SIR!!

patriciasnodgrass1958: whats the next question?

julia tan: The yellow hat originally is the red pandit hat which represent scholar. Yellow is always represent growth. Hence Yellow hat means growth of pure Dharma knowledge.

patriciasnodgrass1958: lol, okay you’ve convinced me I’ll stay.

patriciasnodgrass1958: Rinpoche, Guys I’ve got to go to bed. Im exhausted. Thank you for letting me participate. And Rinpoche I WILL study harder. Next time I won’t be so easily defeated, lol.

gary foo: Dear Rinpoche would one of the yidams that Tsongkapa recomended be Vajrayogini?

Pastor Moh Mei: Question: What is the the exact location of Gaden Monastery and if open for tourists? What is the most important place or object to visit in Gaden in Tibet? Gaden Monastery is located at the top of Wangbur Mountain, Tagtse County, 36 kilometers ENE from the Potala Palace in Lhasa, at an altitude of 4,300m. It is open to tourist. The most important place to visit is the 95 Holy Stupas. Serdhung is the Holy Stupa Hall that was used by Tsong Khapa and other tripas’. In 1419, Tsong Khapa passed away in Tri Thok Khang and in the following year his disciples established the hall for him, as well as a silver pagoda inside with more than 900 taels of silver to surround the master’s body. Afterwards, the thirteenth Dalai Lama covered it with pure gold. From then on, each time a tripa died, a silver pagoda would be built in their honor. In the time leading up to the liberation of Tibet, 95 pagodas were built.

patriciasnodgrass1958: I had to write it out by hand that’s what took so long

patriciasnodgrass1958: mig me tse wey terchen chenrezig. Dri me ken pi jompal yang dru pu malu jomtsey dag gang chen khey pey tsongkhapa losang trey pey shambla sol wa deb

Michael C.: @Tsem Rinpoche – i am ready to see if i am ready! Ask me a question please!!!

patriciasnodgrass1958: dru pu malu

Cliff: Question: What Yidams did Tsongkapa highly recommend? proof?
Chakrasamvara
*Yamantaka (Manjushri)
Guhyasamaja

Still looking for proof

Joy: 10 results of lying: 1. receiving abusive speech and vilification, 2. untrustworthiness, 3. physical unpleasantness. The bad effect of slandering is 4. losing one’s friends without any sufficient cause. 5. being detested by others and 6. having a harsh voice 7. defective bodily organs 8. speech which no one believes 9. creating disharmony in people and environment because of negative divisive speech 10. always having doubts in others and oneself having self doubt

nicholas: Will look for the answer Rinpoche..