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About Dorje Shugden => General Discussion => Topic started by: thor on April 02, 2010, 07:24:23 PM

Title: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: thor on April 02, 2010, 07:24:23 PM
NOTICES ON SEVERAL WALLS AROUND CAMP 3, TIBETAN SETTLEMENT, MUNDGOD

Since couple of months, there have been many similar activities putting notices outside the shops and restaurants around the camp 3, Tibetan Settlement Mundgod. I should not describe in detail what has been mentioned in these letters as these are most noticeable that what the allegation would be like.... so I have tried to translate them into English which I am not that good so hopefully it will be a comprehensive one...

1)To Devotees of Avalokite?vara,

In camo no. 3, near the mustachioed Amdo's restaurant, a shop owned by a family of camp 4, they are Shugden worshipers thus, you all are strongly recommended not walk in or buy anything from this shop.

by the group of enemy defeater-



2) To the Ministry of Security of Exile Government,


Sonam Dolma wife of Lobsang Choejor and Kalsang Dorje in Tibetan Camp No. 4 have been facing various problem since they were alleged as a Shugden worshipers. Later they have taken oath in front of red and black protectors with presence of all the people in community hall of camp no 4. We (representative office) have received a confirmation letter from the leaders of camp 4 that the oath taking session has done compulsorily before all the people and protectors.

From The Representative Office of Mundgod on dated: 2nd, February 2010
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: thor on April 02, 2010, 07:25:23 PM
Sorry, meant to attach these photos too
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on April 02, 2010, 10:02:50 PM
Very sad  and discouraging news.

I am very proud of the Shar Gaden monks. They have been stainless examples of pure samaya. I think that our whole lineage owes them our support and encouragement. Send them a message or send them donations to show them that we are all standing united with them.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: thor on April 04, 2010, 09:31:40 PM
Yes they are heroes and this community should support them. I have not come across a way to send a donation to either Shar Gaden, anonymously I mean, and many other practitioners would probably prefer their identities kept confidential as well. How does one go about sending a donation under these circumstances? Likewise for Serpom monastery
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Lineageholder on April 04, 2010, 09:44:06 PM
Does anyone else notice the irony of these terrible messages?

It's basically "To the supporters of Avalokiteshvara, you are encouraged to cause suffering to others in the name of discrimination and religious intolerance.  Thank you for your attention"

When did 'compassionate Buddhists' make it their duty to harm others?  What a crazy, hypocritical world we live in!
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on April 04, 2010, 09:55:26 PM
Yes they are heroes and this community should support them. I have not come across a way to send a donation to either Shar Gaden, anonymously I mean, and many other practitioners would probably prefer their identities kept confidential as well. How does one go about sending a donation under these circumstances? Likewise for Serpom monastery

Here is one option-

 You can call Dagom Gaden Tensung Ling Monastery and ask to speak with Jamyang Lama. He can help direct any donations to Shar Gaden.

DGTL Buddhist Monastery
102 Clubhouse Drive
Bloomington, IN 47404
(P) 812.339.0857
(F) 812.323.8803
email address: [email protected]

I think that Zawa Tulku Rinpoche might be able to help as well. He travels to Shar Gaden frequently.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: LosangKhyentse on April 04, 2010, 10:24:32 PM
Dear Virtuous Friends,

Those of you who with great loyalty, gratitude and wish to practice the paramita of giving to the Sangha are indeed virtuous as you are donating toward King Shugden's own direct lineage holders. I rejoice in your deeds.

TK

Below is the information that is accurate and you can use to send money directly to them. It is a reliable method. After you have sent, you may contact Ven. Gelek at mobile number: 0091 99009 71884 to inform him or email them. They will respond.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


New Account of Shar Gaden Monastery



NAME OF ACCOUNT HOLDER: VEN KHEDUP NAMGYAL or GELEK WANGDUE
                                       

SB A/C NO:  0359 220 00 18209

ISFC CODE: SYNB 0000 359

SWIFT CODE: SYNBINBB 123

BANK ADDRESS: SYNDICATE BANK
                         LAMA CAMP NO 1,BRANCH GADEN LACHI MONASTERY BUILDING
                         TATIHALLI MUNDGOD CONLONY 581411 UTTAR KANADA                 
                         KARNATAKA STATE INDIA

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Lee Dhi on April 05, 2010, 04:50:06 AM
Duldzin, what a wonderful suggestion. You are right, we should DO SOMETHING to support these heroes so that they are able to uphold and keep in tact the precious practice of pure Dharma.

tk, thank you for the fuss free and safe solution to sending donations to Shar Ganden Monastery.

It is sad that the discrimination is still going on despite the court ruling for religious freedom. This is what it means to be in samsara ? With this in mind, we must all be double dedicated with our Dharma work and practice so that we will free ourselves and all sentient beings from this place!

Contributing to Shar Ganden Monastery is certainly one good, tangible action to start by right away! It is simply wonderful that "solutions" to samsara is still available to us ?
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on April 05, 2010, 08:14:20 PM
NOTICES ON SEVERAL WALLS AROUND CAMP 3, TIBETAN SETTLEMENT, MUNDGOD

Since couple of months, there have been many similar activities putting notices outside the shops and restaurants around the camp 3, Tibetan Settlement Mundgod. I should not describe in detail what has been mentioned in these letters as these are most noticeable that what the allegation would be like.... so I have tried to translate them into English which I am not that good so hopefully it will be a comprehensive one...

1)To Devotees of Avalokite?vara,

In camo no. 3, near the mustachioed Amdo's restaurant, a shop owned by a family of camp 4, they are Shugden worshipers thus, you all are strongly recommended not walk in or buy anything from this shop.

by the group of enemy defeater-



2) To the Ministry of Security of Exile Government,


Sonam Dolma wife of Lobsang Choejor and Kalsang Dorje in Tibetan Camp No. 4 have been facing various problem since they were alleged as a Shugden worshipers. Later they have taken oath in front of red and black protectors with presence of all the people in community hall of camp no 4. We (representative office) have received a confirmation letter from the leaders of camp 4 that the oath taking session has done compulsorily before all the people and protectors.

From The Representative Office of Mundgod on dated: 2nd, February 2010

How sad that this type of persecution is allowed to happen. There is enough persecution already, which has resulted in Tibetans living in refugee camps. It is not necessary to divide people further. I hope for the sake of all beings that the ban is swiftly lifted so that so much suffering can stop and people can practice freely and in peace.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Midakpa on April 06, 2010, 02:08:20 AM
Dear Tk,

Thank you for the bank address and contact details. I think this is the best method to help Shar Gaden. They need not only moral support but also financial assistance.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: honeydakini on April 09, 2010, 04:38:22 PM
I'm just wondering if anyone would know:

for local laypeople or even monks in the monasteries receiving these kinds of notices and threats, do they not receive any protection from the Indian government for such blatant attacks and discrimination? I mean, surely even if you are a refugee in any country and you are say, clubbed to death or attacked, the perpetrators of the crime can be caught and persecuted? I'm just wondering how, technically and lawfully, this kind of harrassment and even physical attacks is still allowed? (for example, there have also been "wanted" posters posted around monasteries and Tibetan camps - how is this allowed?!?!?!
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on April 13, 2010, 09:20:39 PM
My flight will be leaving for India on Friday and I will arrive at Shar Gaden on Sunday to help with the English training program. I will keep in touch as much as possible, but I have been warned that the internet cafe in town will deny me service if they know I am with Shar Gaden. Pretty sad.
I will be there for about six months, so I am sure that I will have news to share as time goes by. Classes start again May 1st, so I will have a couple of weeks to acclimate before the English classes start.

These monks are incredible for keeping so strong under such difficult circumstances. I am going there under the guise of 'helping the monks', but I have known all along that it is really me who will receive the greatest benefit. Being able to be there, standing in solidarity with our dear monks, is an opportunity for me to show support in my own limited way. This is one way for people to directly oppose the ban: cross the line, help the monks, talk to them, support them, encourage them, feed them, share with them...everything the ban says not to do. I am not big on public protests, but I will cross the line to help these monks at every chance that presented itself.

I will be in touch....
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Lineageholder on April 13, 2010, 10:01:16 PM
Dear Tenzin Sungrab,

Safe journey to you, I rejoice in your pure wish to help!

I'm looking forward to hearing your reports about the effects of the Dalai Lama's ban 'from the frontline' as it were.  Many people think that because Shar Gaden and Serpom monasteries exist, the monks now have a home and there's no problem.  In fact, some supporters of the Dalai Lama have gone as far as to say that there is no ban because these monasteries exist so the monks are obviously free to practise Dorje Shugden, but I'm sure the everyday reality is quite different.  I'm looking forward to hearing what you have to say about their living conditions and support (or lack of it!) from the local community.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on April 13, 2010, 10:45:44 PM
They had 3 computers available for surfing when I was there in October.  I would suggest updating a blog of your activities and experiences.  Good luck.


Good to know.

I have a blog started with the hope of keeping it going as much as possible while I am there.
Although I am not a skilled writer, I really would like to share my experience with others who are interested in what life is like there for the monks. Please feel free to leave comments to let me know you are out there.

http://friendsofjetsongkhapa.blogspot.com/ (http://friendsofjetsongkhapa.blogspot.com/)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on April 15, 2010, 07:54:09 AM
Below is a poster for the upcoming exams at Shar Gaden Monastery.
The exams will run through the end of April. I will be getting there a couple of weeks before classes resume. I am lucky that I will have some time to acclimate to life at Shar Gaden before things get busy again.

 (http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/sharexams.jpg)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Small being on April 15, 2010, 10:25:06 AM
I'm looking forward to hearing your reports about the effects of the Dalai Lama's ban 'from the frontline' as it were.  Many people think that because Shar Gaden and Serpom monasteries exist, the monks now have a home and there's no problem.  In fact, some supporters of the Dalai Lama have gone as far as to say that there is no ban because these monasteries exist so the monks are obviously free to practise Dorje Shugden, but I'm sure the everyday reality is quite different. 


I found this on the web http://shargadenmonastery.blogspot.com/ (http://shargadenmonastery.blogspot.com/) proving that the harassment goes on. How sad!

SB
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on April 16, 2010, 10:02:38 AM
(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/Day2Jpeg.jpg)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: a friend on April 16, 2010, 09:54:43 PM


Thank you Small Being for the update.
Unfortunately I can confirm that in both Shar Ganden and Serpom the persecution and segregation ordered by the Dalai Lama continues in full fledge, no progress so far.

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on April 17, 2010, 11:50:08 AM
(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/Jepg31.jpg)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on April 20, 2010, 12:40:14 PM
(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/Jpegday6.jpg)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: emptymountains on April 20, 2010, 09:18:29 PM
Just compare that to the handwriting of 1st and 2nd graders in the US!  :o
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Geronimo on April 20, 2010, 11:26:51 PM
Well Of Course the Sons of Je T'Song Khapa Shine are as radiant as a Billions Suns!
Cream Rises to the Top,
Churn Away!
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Geronimo on April 21, 2010, 01:55:05 AM
Please pray for the Tibetan Earthquake Victims



May all the earthquake victims in Tibet, as well as in Haiti and Chile, come under the loving care and protection of the Spiritual Guides, Deities and Dharma Protectors.

Another message from the Dorje Shugden Society asking for everyone's prayers as the death toll rises in Tibet:

Dear Dharma brothers and sisters;

We are mourning those who were killed and injured by the earthquake in Tibet.

The society would like to request each of you to recite the Migtsema prayer of Lord Tsongkhapa for at least one round of rosary, and dedicate the merit you accumulate through these prayers for those who have died to obtain a precious human rebirth, as well as toward the swift recovery of all those injured and affected.

MIGTSEMA PRAYER


MIG ME TSE WAI TER CHEN CHAN RE ZIG

DRI ME KHYEN PAI WANG PO JAM PAL YANG

DU PUNG MA LU JOM ZE SANG WEI DAG

GANG CHEN KHE PE TSUG GYAN TSONG KHA PA

LO SANG DRAG PAI SHAB LA SOL WA DEB


Tsongkhapa, crown ornament of the scholars of the Land of the Snows,

You are Avalokiteshvara, the treasury of unobservable compassion,

Manjushri, the supreme stainless wisdom,

And Vajrapani, the destroyer of the hosts of maras;

O Losang Dragpa I request you, please grant your blessings.


Thank you!

Dorje Shugden Devotee's Charitable and Religious Society
Internet: www.shugdensociety.info
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
Phone: 0091-11-23921169
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on April 21, 2010, 12:16:57 PM
(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/Jpegday7.jpg)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on May 03, 2010, 04:17:35 AM
Hello from Shar Gaden! I have been here a little over a week now. I will try to post some of what life is like here in the next couple of weeks.
I will say this: the monks are just amazing!!!
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: a friend on May 03, 2010, 08:01:32 PM

Hi Tenzin Sungrab!
So you finally got there, congratulations.
Please convey our greetings to everybody in Shar Ganden from this website.
And also, please, tell them our gratitude and admiration for their hard work.
Enjoy your good fortune and multiply it!

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on May 06, 2010, 06:37:52 PM
Hello Friends,
The monks here have just finished their exams and tomorrow the much anticipated results are to be announced. There has been much talk about how excellent all the monks performed. Everyone seems to be very excited to hear who will receive the top honors.
Currently I am teaching 4 classes a day in basic English as well as private lessons in my free time...and I am loving every minute of it.

Every night I walk to the Tibetan camp 2 and visit with the only family there that has remained loyal to our precious protector. This family of one mother, her brother and 4 children has suffered unbelievable hardships due to the Dalai Lama's policies. They have had their house stoned as well as the constant harassment by all of their neighbors.

The first night walking there I was greeted by almost every Tibetan I came across. However, word must have spread because the very next night no one would even make eye contact with me much less return my greetings. How sad. This Tibetan family has been dealing with this abuse for years...and they don't get to go home to America in six months like I do.

I will be posting much more about this brave family and our courageous monks as the days go by...I am just now starting to get the taste of what things are like here.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on May 08, 2010, 05:02:48 PM
Thank you for sharing what is happening from Shar Gaden. I can't even imagine what it's like for Tibetans who are faithful to Dorje Shugden when they will shun you so quickly. And it's so amazing that there are Tibetans who deny that Dorje Shugden practitioners are being ostracised. Maybe you could interview the family you mentioned and any other monks and share their stories here.

Do the Shar Gaden monks get abused when they walk around in the community? Or are they just ignored?

You're perfectly placed to speak on their behalf to the many people who do not know the truth.

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Geronimo on May 09, 2010, 01:40:10 AM
"THE UNHOLY CRUSADE EXPORTED TO THE REST OF THE WORLD

There is another angle to this already sad story. The Dalai Lama has been exporting his unholy crusade to the rest of the world. It’s painful to see how Western Buddhists belonging to Dharma Centers fanaticized in favor of the Tibetan leader are following the Dalai Lama's lead, slandering the practitioners of the Ganden tradition just because they try to keep intact the teachings and transmissions of their Gurus.

Just think how would you like it that your students or your family receive emails or phone calls stating that you are a demon worshipper, or a bad person who opposes the kind Dalai Lama.

I find it shocking that Western Buddhists would give up our best values of the "other" Enlightenment, the one which gave us our sense of human rights, by which we were able to end slavery and so many awful things that humans did to humans up until not so long ago.

In our Western world, we have really made progress in this area, and I've been thinking that it’s a shame and a pity that Westerners would so easily accompany the Dalai Lama in the discrimination, slandering and persecution of others because of their religious beliefs. This is a very serious matter.

If I were a politician, a political leader, an educator, I would be very worried. The basic principles that our founding fathers defended, the Dalai Lama is transgressing, and there are people perfectly aware of this that are defending him."
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Geronimo on May 10, 2010, 12:34:49 AM
http://www.amazon.com/Modern-Buddhism-Path-Compassion-Wisdom/dp/1906665087/
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: LosangKhyentse on May 13, 2010, 12:21:31 PM
dear Tenzin Sungrab,

1. Thank you for doing more than just talking, debating, and reading!!! Thank you for actually going to Shar Gaden to make a difference. It shows what kind of person you are. You have opinions and you do something about it. You inspire me. I offer my prayers. I will send you a money offering for you to remain there for whatever months. I hope my offerings will cover some costs and what not. I'm doing it because I APPRECIATE SO MUCH WHAT YOU ARE DOING.

2.I appreciate you keeping a 'journal' on this thread of what is happening there in Shar Gaden. I will look forward to reading it and many ppl will learn from your journal. Please keep it up and glad to know there is internet there!!

3. This journal should turn into a book to help document and bring light to this issue of Shar Gaden and the surrounding Tibetans that suffer. I hope you turn this into a book. You have to turn your experience there into a greater benefit and knowledge please. I humbly with folded hands beg you to do this.

Much prayers  to you. I will make offerings to Dorje Shugden tonight in form of candles, protector incense for you and that ostracized Tibetan Family.

TK
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on May 14, 2010, 04:50:19 AM
Thank you so much TK!!!

Here is a little update:

The young Tendar Tulku Rinpoche (see picture in great masters page) is now here at Shar Gaden to begin his studies. I had the great honor of sharing a few meals with him and his family when they first arived from Mongolia. Tendar Rinpoche is a very sweet boy and he always has a huge smile on his adorable face. He is in great company here among the many scholars and Geshes that will help him with his studies.

Right now I am teaching 5 classes in basic English. The students are very eager to learn and pick up new words very quickly. I look forward to every class and have learned so much in return. What a blessing it is to be here among so many of our dear friends.

Some of the students have also asked for tutoring in basic computer skills. So far this has yet to manifest. The cyber cafe has only one computer right now and the cafe has been closed much of the time. I am making this update from the principal's computer because it has been about a week since the cyber cafe has been open. I am still looking to find an inexpensive, used laptop for the use of providing private lessons to those who are interested. Please contact me if you have any leads.

I have many beautiful pictures so far, but due to the limited computer access I will have to wait for a better time.

Please keep these monks in your thoughts and prayers. They are keeping our precious lineage pure at the cost of their own comfort and ease.

With much love from Shar Gaden,
Tenzin Sungrab
Title: Just an idea for Tenzin Sungrab
Post by: a friend on May 14, 2010, 09:17:42 PM

Dear TS,

We can see that you are doing great and the monks, same. These are great news.
About the computer, I've been thinking since the other day when you first requested an old laptop. It might be easier for you that you find one there and tell the Forum the price.
One computer plus the mailing it's possibly too much for a single person to handle. But if you give the Forum an idea of how much it would cost to buy it there, then several people could send a little something and before you know it you will have your computer.
Not to mention the good thing of skipping the perils of mail sending and arriving, and the customs obstacles, and whatever customs might want you to pay as taxes for a laptop sent from here.
Just a thought.

Best to you and the monks, thank you for staying in touch.

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Lineageholder on May 14, 2010, 10:49:59 PM
Dear TS,

Thanks so much for the updates, I really appreciate it and rejoice in all your good work!

It's important to understand how things are for the Shugden monks as many people believe that because not much is reported about the ban these days that life is back to normal for them, but how could it be with such emnity and division in the Sangha community?  It's very sad.

Thanks for telling it like it is.

Much love,

Lineageholder
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Geronimo on May 15, 2010, 03:53:58 AM
He gave us an address to send money,books,educational tools.
There are computer for 3-$400.00 in the us. He is a long way from a computer store.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: a friend on May 15, 2010, 04:45:47 AM

Thom,
The main concern is that 1 the computer arrives, 2 that customs allows its entrance, 3 that custom taxes are not exhorbitant.
India has good computers, it's not impossible that he can find one in a close by city.
Since he already requested the laptop some days ago and he didn't have any answer I assume that it's too much right now for a single donor. Whereas several people giving a relatively small amount of money might put a computer in his hands.
Let's wait and see what he says, you might be right, that he does not have any store where to buy one.

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on May 15, 2010, 01:53:41 PM
Hello again friends,

Another quick update.

Today the monastery had a Geshe offering ceremony for one of the monks preparing for his final Geshe exams. Offerings were made to the whole Sangha on his behalf. It was a day-long celebration for the whole monastery. It is so beautiful to witness the amazing unity that the monks and staff have here at Shar Gaden.
There are 2 more Geshe offering ceremonies scheduled for this coming week.


Side note about the computer skills...I have made it very clear to the students who have expressed interest in learning computer skills that they must have approval from their primary teacher before beginning lessons. 
99% of the monks here have mobile phones and seem to use this type of technology very responsibly. There are many very helpful Tibetan software programs like Pecha-Maker and Tibetan Document Processor that could be very useful here.
There already is a cyber-cafe here at Shar Gaden. The problem is that it is rarely open. Tonight the cafe is open but the electricity is out (very common here) so we are using a generator. I also think that even when the cyber-cafe is open it is not a very appropriate place to have lessons due to others who are waiting to use the computer.
I have asked around and was told that I could find a fairly inexpensive computer in Hubli not far away. Maybe the idea of starting a small collection from those that would like to contribute towards this goal is a place to start. Please let me know if you are interested. There is even a Western Union office less than a mile away if need be.
I still think that the best way to show support for the monks here is to send donations to the general monastery fund or sponsor a monk directly. Email: [email protected]
The computer lessons are definitely secondary to the religious education the monks receive here.
However, I am only here for 6 months and I am trying to benefit these monks in whatever small way that I can while I am here.
So, in a way, I am asking you to assist me in helping these monks while I am here.

Oh, one more update: The Shar Gaden website is almost finished and should be up and running in a week or two. Much time and care has been put into the developement. So stay tuned!
Until next time friends...



With much love from Shar Gaden,
TS
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: LosangKhyentse on May 15, 2010, 11:56:50 PM


Dear Tenzin Sungrab,

1. Please get the permission of the senior monks in charge for the purchase of a new computer, it's intentions and the lessons to be taught ahead of time. If the Abbot or whoever in charge is ok, then please:

A) Find out the prices of the computers, wiring, specs, programs and whatever is necessary there in the nearby city of Hubli. If you can post the details/prices, I would be honoured and happy to donate/help/what not.

2. The monastery has rules and regulations, and your motivation is admirable and I salute you. I humbly request you to seek permission first.

I am looking forward to your posts as usual in Holy Shar Gaden Monastery.

Sincerely,

TK

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: DSFriend on May 16, 2010, 05:13:43 AM
Dear Tenzin Sungrab

It really is a joy to read your updates from Holy Shar Gaden and your works there it truly admirable. May all condition arise for you to continue with your Dharma work.


with folded hands
DSfriend
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Midakpa on May 17, 2010, 12:21:31 AM
Dear Tenzin Sungrab,

I enjoy reading your updates. Do let us know how we can help you.

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Geronimo on May 17, 2010, 03:02:53 AM
Tenzin and TK,
Make My Heart Go Pitty Pat!
;)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on May 17, 2010, 06:39:37 AM
Update: Last night the senior monks held a wrathful fire puja. I was fortuate enough to be able to watch the entire ceremony. It lasted almost 4 hours. All of the Geshes and Rinpoches from the monastery were sitting in the first rows. The entire area reverberated from the sound of the many horns, cymbals and drums. It was a very powerful experience. There were 2 peaceful fire pujas earlier in the week. I have pictures that I will post soon.


Yesterday I had another Idea for the English program here at the monastery. I would like to try a pen-pal program for students who want to practice writting letters. My idea is to match a English student here with a volunteer from an English speaking country who would be willing to make short correspondances with them. The program will be 100% voluntary for the monks and will not be a part of the regular curriculum. I have already spoken with one of the monks in the education department and he thinks it is a good idea. I still have to wait for final aproval from the school principal before I begin the program. This would be a great opportunity for those of you who want to help but lack the resources to sponsor any of the other programs here at Shar Gaden. I will let you all know what the pricipal decides as soon as I am able to speak with him.

I want to thank those of you who have helped with the English books that I have been trying to acquire. We all eagerly wait for their arival. I will let you know as soon as they get here.



Until next time....


Much love from Shar Gaden,
T.S.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: DSFriend on May 17, 2010, 04:19:43 PM
Dear Tenzin Sungrab
I hope you are keeping well over in Shar Gaden. Fantastic idea for the monks to correspond with English speakers. I look forward to the photos of the fire pujas.

best wishes always
DSFriend

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: a friend on May 17, 2010, 05:23:07 PM


Dear Tenzin Sungrab,

I had the opportunity to talk with a friend that knows Shar Ganden and this is the advice both about computers, books, and what not.
Do not try to receive them from abroad. In Hubli they have very nice books in English, you can also find there a computer.
Anything sent from abroad costs sometimes (in the case of books for instance) several times the price of the objects sent, just for the mail postage. Add to this the danger for the packages never arriving, which is very real.
So again, the general advice is to tell the Forum members the money you need for books, computer, etc., and you yourself choose what you need. I was told that the monks go to Hubli very easily when they need it, so you could go with them.

We rejoice in your good deeds!

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on May 20, 2010, 12:43:54 PM
Hello friends,

Yesterday I had a second meeting with the principal and the general secretary of Shar Gaden about the computer lessons and the pen-pal club. I was given permission to begin both programs and was very thrilled to hear their encouragement.

The monastery has plans for a more comprehensive computer program in the future and completely supports the idea of training select monks in basic computer skills. My plan now is to train a few of the monks so that they will then be able to teach the others who are selected when the bigger computer program starts in the future.

The pen-pal club will begin as soon as I get enough names to start matching some of my students with people from English speaking countries.

Send a message to [email protected] if you are interested.


Check out some of the new photos here: http://friendsofjetsongkhapa.blogspot.com/

Until next time....


Much love from Shar Gaden,
T.S.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Midakpa on May 20, 2010, 11:44:47 PM
This is great news. I'm sure many monks will benefit from the programmes. I will also try to help you.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on May 23, 2010, 03:24:05 AM
Hello friends,

I really need your help with these programs if you are able.

Please help me with the pen-pal club if you have the time! Also, it would be helpful if others would help me spread the word about this program. The monks are very eager to begin and I am still looking for others from English speaking countries who can write them a short message every so often.
Email: shargadenpenpalclub@ for more infromation.
PLEASE HELP IF YOU CAN!

Still trying to find a cheap laptop for use in tutoring the monks and friends of the monastery here at Shar Gaden.

 


Today is the big Protector Puja. The puja will last most of the day. Very exciting.

I will update more soon.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: emptymountains on May 23, 2010, 11:20:20 AM
What's the email again? All I see is "shargadenpenpalclub@"
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Mohani on May 23, 2010, 01:57:25 PM
Dear Empty,
It says a couple of posts up: [email protected]
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Geronimo on May 23, 2010, 10:24:23 PM
Serpom Monastery News
(India) 
April 25, 2010
Address delivered by Abbot Kyabje Yongya Rinpoche Jetsun Ngawang Lobsang Thupten Thinley Gyatso Rinpoche on the occasion of 2nd Anniversary of founding of Serpom Monastery.

To all levels of staff members of the precious monastic community, to the bodhisattva reincarnate masters, to the aged senior Sangha members, and to the monastic Sangha in general: From the depth of my heart I would like to thank you for the responsibility you are taking and the unified way you are working to benefit the cause of the Dharma. I felicitate you all on this commemorative occasion.

Along with the most important thing of living together like the complete mingling of water and milk in terms of harmony, ethical purity and religious commitment, the venerable Sangha should engage in the practice of listening, contemplation and meditation. The thought of tending one's friend and suppressing one's enemy should not be harboured at any cost. Why? Because such thoughts go against the Dharma. We did not start with a thought like that. Therefore it is important from the outset to maintain a pure motivation devoid of such negative thought.

I would like to make a suggestion, a request, of our Staff members. With resolute intent and truthfulness, the staff members take great responsibility in order to clear the strains and difficulties of the Sangha. For this I extend my appreciation and praise. At the same time I urge you to continue your noble service.

As organized by Zawa Rinpoche of Canada, a doctor went to the monastery and kindly provided medical check-up and instruction about health care to our monks. Good health is priority for everyone. If the precious human body with which we practice Dharma is not fit, the physical condition will not sustain despite what we wish.

The rules prescribed by Lord Buddha have broad and narrow connotation, such as in the case of a sick person. As such, there is no fault when the sick take dinner. Bearing so in your mind, you must take care of your health.

Since the source of the welfare and happiness of all our Sangha members is Serpom Thoesam Norling Monastery, our loyalty and cherishing it are crucial. For the sake of Buddhdharma, everyone – senior or young – is requested to fulfill one's responsibility and exert efforts like the continuity of a river.

Based on the monastery's text books, our academic instructors and disciples must consult and refer to the authoritative texts written by Indian and Tibetan great masters. Without emphasizing on simply debating, one should understand the root verses and commentaries of the texts of these great masters. And thereby distil their essence or gist in practice. The understanding of pre-eminent qualities in each of the great texts is like the quotation 'The expert not led astray and the diligent not confounded'.

It is important to preserve the traditional manner of teaching, and listening and the practice and mediation, which came down from those lords of the Hearing Lineage Tradition led by Je Phabongkhapa, Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang, Kyabje Zong Dorje Chang Jetsun Losang Tsondue, Zemey Dorjechang, and the great scholar Geshe Yeshe Wangchug and others. Furthermore, during the religious ceremonies such as Geshe and Rig-Chung in the monastery, one must pay attention to the method of debating and reciting with melody required of the specific occasion. Otherwise it would be like the case example of a faulty film that will produce only tainted photos no matter how many copies you make of it.

Concerning the monastic staff members, the Abbot, Disciplinarian and Chant Master represent the body, speech and mind respectively. As I said earlier, your respect and regard towards them are vital. Generally speaking, it is possible that a staff member might lack adequate knowledge and therefore be inconsistent in a particular area of his duty. There will be persons who wrongfully criticise a staff member although the latter had done right. This is quite possible. There is no option, for the time being, but to take such persons as the objects of one's understanding and compassion.

We lack the confidence about not taking rebirth in hell or other lower realms, and hence we take refuge in the Three Jewels for protection from such fearful consequences. Our ultimate refuges are indeed the Three Jewels. We should work without contradicting the law of cause and effect. In view of law of karma, in terms of virtuous and non-virtuous actions, it is important to observe what needs to be abandoned and what needs to be practiced.

Gelug Tradition—the stainless and comprehensive teaching of the union of Sutra and Tantra— is like a king of the best jewels. Therefore everyone should according to their ability make earnest effort to study both Sutra and Tantra. In the end, my prayer is:

May Buddhdharma in general remain for long!
May the glorious, incomparable Riwo Gadenpa in particular —
The tradition holding the yellow hat crown—
Flourish in every direction!

May the tradition of Je Tsongkhapa,
The Lord of Dharma, flourish!
May all signs of obstacle (against it) diminish!
May all favourable conditions (for it) abound!

Through the two accumulations of others and mine
Collected throughout the three times,
May the doctrine of Conqueror Lobsang Dragpa
Flourish forever more!

May all migratory beings live in benefit and happiness!
The continuum transformed by precious bodhicitta,
May they be like Conqueror Tsongkhapa
In upholding the Dharma by teaching and practice!

Separately I would like to make a special request. To remove obstacles and accumulate merit each day on the part of all senior, middle and junior Sangha members, there will be immense benefit if they can recite a rosary of Mig-tse-ma in conjunction with Hundred Gods of Tushita, a cycle of Guru Puja, and the great Dharmap?la's entrustment.
www.serpommonastery.org
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Midakpa on May 24, 2010, 12:27:54 AM
Very good advice from the Abbot of Serpom Monastery, especially the part about maintaining "pure motivation devoid of negative thought".

Let me quote from the Venerable Abbot:

"The thought of tending one's friend and suppressing one's enemy should not be harboured at any cost. Why? Because such thoughts go against the Dharma".

Thank you, Lhakpa Gyaltshen, for posting this.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on May 25, 2010, 05:13:10 AM
Update:

Yesterday I went for a walk to see the new temple of Gaden Jangste. Right at the entrance was a poster warning people that a family from camp 3, who own a restaurant there, are practicing Shugdenpas and others should not support their establishment. It was very sad to see this as the first sight upon entering such a beautiful courtyard.

Two days ago we had an English coversation quiz for all of the students. The principal gathered all of the English students into the large prayer hall and set up microphones for me to ask the students questions. It was a little difficult at first, due to having about 200 students in one place, but the students did very well and I felt very proud of them all. We are going to try this again sometime in the coming weeks and I will take pictures next time so that you can see all of the students lined up in rows waiting for their turn to answer a few questions.
It was very kind of the principlal to set all of this up and I think that he really enjoyed the event as well.


 

 
The pen-pal club is growing every day. We are going to try using email as a means to pass the messages, but I also hope that friends from abroad will send regular letters as well. Email is quick, yet I am sure that it will be very time consuming for me to type out all of the messages from the monks back to their pen-pals. 
We still need a few more people to become pen-pals with the monks, so please contact me if you are interested.


Please...many here have said that they want to help and I REALLY NEED YOUR SUPPORT....here is your chance. PLEASE HELP ME IN WHATEVER WAY YOU CAN! These programs may sound very insignificant, but they are a part of a larger picture for the future of our precious lineage. I BEG YOU...PLEASE!

I hope to write again soon.

With much love from Shar Gaden,

T.S.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on May 27, 2010, 10:37:52 AM
Today is Saka Dawa Duchen and the monks have been doing pujas since 4am. They will continue until about 9pm with a few short breaks in between.
Amazing!!!



Another update:

New construction has begun for added monks quarters due to the overcrowding here at the monastery. Right now some of the tiny rooms house up to 4 monks. There are almost 700 monks who call Shar Gaden home now.
I have pictures of the construction that I will post on my blog soon.

See some of the other pictures, including a few of the statue being constructed of Gangchen Rinpoche by a Nepali artist here at Shar Gaden, at my blog- http://friendsofjetsongkhapa.blogspot.com/
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Midakpa on May 28, 2010, 03:15:57 AM
Thank you for the pictures. From the description of the lesson plan, I think you are a very good English language teacher. I'm sure your students will learn a lot from you. What a wonderful way to give. The blessings will come. They already have.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: a friend on May 28, 2010, 04:17:51 AM

Indeed!
You are very fortunate.
Great job!
Happy Saka Dawa!

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: LosangKhyentse on May 28, 2010, 11:08:53 PM
Dear Tenzin Sungrab,

I would be happy to offer you a nice laptop. Please get a better one. I will offer you a budget up to Indian Rupees 40,000 (fourty thousand rupees). You can get extension wires, cds, and whatever else you need. Please keep this laptop and take it with you wherever you go because that is the link to the world. Carry it with you everywhere. Get a nice protective case for it please.

I will have the money forwarded to you in a few days.

I rejoice in your work and keep up your work. Thank Dorje Shugden for all the wonderful direction he is sending you to.

TK
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Geronimo on May 28, 2010, 11:51:54 PM
MY HEROES!
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on May 29, 2010, 07:42:02 AM
This is such wonderful news! Thank you so much T.K.
Everything that I am working on here will be much easier with this help.
I can't wait to tell the monks and the family in camp 2 that we will be starting lessons soon.
I will take many pictures so that you all can see the smiles that I am sure this will bring.

A million thank yous for your help T.K.!!

I will let you know how everything goes.

Much love and gratitude from Shar Gaden
T.S.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: LosangKhyentse on June 02, 2010, 11:13:24 AM
Dear Tenzin Sungrab,

I have sent Indian Rupees 40,000 to you for the computer already.

I am sure you have recieved it. If I may ask, to try to upload the picture of the new computer on this thread when you can. It will be something to rejoice about.

I thank you for your devotion to the heroic monks of the Dorje Shugden lineage in Shar Gaden Monastery.

I am very happy and rejoice in your deeds.

It is great to be on this forum and talk, express, share and debate, but if coupled with action like you, then it is a total INSPIRATION AND SETS A GREAT EXAMPLE.

I thank you for everything.

Humbly,

TK
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: honeydakini on June 02, 2010, 04:58:13 PM

Another update:

New construction has begun for added monks quarters due to the overcrowding here at the monastery. Right now some of the tiny rooms house up to 4 monks. There are almost 700 monks who call Shar Gaden home now.
I have pictures of the construction that I will post on my blog soon.

See some of the other pictures, including a few of the statue being constructed of Gangchen Rinpoche by a Nepali artist here at Shar Gaden, at my blog- [url]http://friendsofjetsongkhapa.blogspot.com/[/url]


Tenzin Sungrab,
thank you for your updates which I've been following and love to hear. It is great to hear about how Shar Gaden being so vibrant, lively and a strong institution of learning for the young monks.

I was intrigued to hear that the numbers of monks are on the rise at that monastery and am wondering if you have information as to where they are coming from. Does this mean more monks are leaving the "mainstream" of Gaden etc and joining Shar Gaden? Or are these totally new monks coming in from the villages or from Tibet etc?

And would you have information on how they will acommodate the increasing numbers of monks?
Once again, I really appreciate the news you're sharing with us! thank you!
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: DSFriend on June 02, 2010, 05:25:38 PM


New construction has begun for added monks quarters due to the overcrowding here at the monastery. Right now some of the tiny rooms house up to 4 monks. There are almost 700 monks who call Shar Gaden home now.
I have pictures of the construction that I will post on my blog soon.


Real glad to know that Shar Gaden now is home to 700 monks! What would have happened to these 700 monks if Shar Gaden didn't exist! ...

Take care dear Tenzin Sungrab
DSfriend
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on June 04, 2010, 04:30:59 AM
(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/100_0747.jpg)
(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/100_0749.jpg)

Here are a couple of pictures of the 3 very nice computers we were able to purchase thanks to the kind help of T.K and another kind sponsor. We will be having our first computer class in a few days and I will be sure to take a few pictures so that you all can see the systems in use. We are all very excited.

Tonight is my first tutoring lesson using the laptop and I can already see how this is going to make everything I do a lot easier.

Thanks for everything T.K. and T.A. !!!!!!!!!!! You are both gems of our beautiful lineage.

I will write more later about the construction and the growing population here.


Much love from Shar Gaden.
T.S.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Zach on June 04, 2010, 07:58:16 AM
I cant express how happy i am that the monks have a home such as Shar gaden now !
And i cant express how pleased i am that a kind one such as you is giving great benifit to these kind monks !
Also well done to the kind benifactors for providing money, Im very pleased...

Rejoicing Dance  :)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: LosangKhyentse on June 04, 2010, 09:58:55 PM
Dear Tenzin Sungrab,

Thank you for posting the beautiful pictures of the computers for Shar Gaden.

It was a great honour to be part of the sponsorship of this. I thank you for alerting me to this and giving me the opportunity.

Much prayers and appreciation to you,

TK
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: DSFriend on June 05, 2010, 04:25:45 AM
Wonderful news!! Thank you for posting the pictures up and all who have contributed towards making this happen. Awesome and all the best TS.

with folded hands to all
DSfriend
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on June 06, 2010, 11:16:07 AM
(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/100_0758.jpg)
(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/100_0759.jpg)
(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/100_0757.jpg)

Here are a couple of photos taken during our first computer class today at Shar Gaden. We met in the library for 2 hours to learn the basics of computers as well as a few Tibetan software programs. The monks were very interested and had many good questions to ask.

The last picture was taken in my room during a tutoring session last night with one of the monks.

Thanks again to T.K. and T.A. for your help with your kind sponsorship. You are both in our dedication prayers.

With much love from Shar Gaden.
Tenzin Sungrab
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Zach on June 06, 2010, 02:48:59 PM
Rejoicing dance !  :)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: LosangKhyentse on June 06, 2010, 03:03:36 PM
Fantastic pictures and nice short updates. Thank you so much Tenzin Sungrab.

Much good wishes,

TK
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: thor on June 06, 2010, 09:03:41 PM
Thank you Tenzin Sungrab!

Along with the development of English and computer skills at Shar Gaden, I am happy to note that Shar Gaden is starting to create a presence online.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Shar-Gaden-Monastery/1639429371
http://shargadenpa.org/
http://shargadenmonastery.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/shargaden

Let the world see what the monks of Shar Gaden are doing, how hard they are working. Let all be inspired by their unshakeable faith and loyalty.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: dsnowlion on June 06, 2010, 09:18:40 PM
Hello & Thank you Tenzin Sungrab for all your wonderful updates on Shar Gaden!!!

Thank you TK & TA for your kind generosity.

I truly rejoice in what I read on this thread!!! It is so wonderful to see real Dharma in action and more of this is exactly what we all need :)

Tenzin Sungrab you are a gem for doing what you are doing in Shar Gaden teaching all the monks. It is such a great honor and privilege to be able to serve the Sangha community and what a great way to repay the kindness of our great beloved protector Dorje Shugden. 

xdsnowlion

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Midakpa on June 06, 2010, 11:56:07 PM
Dear Tenzin Sungrab,

I have followed your progress from the beginning and I'm very happy that things are working out so well for you. This is due to the blessings of the protector because of the work you are doing. Do keep us updated.

Best Wishes,

Midakpa
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on June 07, 2010, 07:02:06 AM
Here are a couple of photos of the construction going on here at Shar Gaden to make more room for the growing population here.
(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/Picture445.jpg)
(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/Picture474.jpg)

I will post more pictures soon.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: honeydakini on June 07, 2010, 09:50:52 AM
Tenzin Sungrab, thanks for the photos and updates. I understand you're very busy there and have packed days so it is very kind of you to take time out to take photos and update all of us on the forum.

I am excited and very happy to hear of expansion at Shar Gaden in so many ways - both physically in the buildings and also in their work, via the computers and studying of English and IT lessons from you.

Thank you for what you're doing, which we cannot do at this time.

HD xx
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on June 07, 2010, 10:01:01 AM
Dear Tenzin Sungrab,

How lovely to see the photos from Shar Gaden that you have shared... and the wonderful work that you are doing, supported by the generosity of sponsors like TK and TA. IT (and English) is an important skill for the monks to acquire in order to communicate with the world outside of the monastery and for their studies. And you are providing both!

Through supporting Shar Gaden, you are creating the causes for Dorje Shugden to spread in the future. Please keep up the good work on our behalf...

Much love and gratitude,
Kate
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Vajraprotector on June 07, 2010, 11:18:44 PM
Dear Tenzin Sungrab,

Thank you very much for showing us by being a great example in supporting & promoting the holy doctrine of Je Rinpoche & protector Dorje Shugden - by being there daily to teach the monk, and also by updating the Shugden community online here for us to rejoice.

I also rejoice that by you being there and by communicating with the community here, TK & TA have sponsored the computers that are needed for the classes.

I look forward to read more updates from you. Please keep up the good work!
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on June 08, 2010, 04:39:23 AM
Hello friends,

I just wanted to make another quick post while I have a few extra minutes. My days are very busy here now and have only had the time to make quick updates here and there.

First, thank you to everyone for all the wonderful comments and support that have appeared in this thread. Your encouragement and kind words are much appreciated.

Although I have only been here at Shar Gaden for less than two months, I already am making plans for returning after my visa expires. There is nowhere else on earth that I would rather be than among so many friends of our sublime Protector. These monks are like family now and I truly feel that I have made a life-long connection to this precious monastery. I will do whatever I can to come back as soon as I am able.

These monks have given so much to our lineage and continue regardless of how hard it has been at times. That is the true meaning of Dharma commitment and is a never ending source of inspiration for me.
I am really just a nobody, but being amongst so many who work so very hard to practice the pure Dharma has changed me in ways hard to describe. Every day that I wake up here is a gift. I feel that all of this is due to the blessings of Gyalchen Dorje Shugden and my deep faith in him. May he always care for us with love, like a mother for her children.

Shar Gaden is a place like no other and everything these monks do here is for the benefit of ALL suffering beings who dwell in this realm.

I will continue to make updates when I have the time. Please check out the websites listed above by Duldzin. I have had a peek at the website that is still being constructed and it is very impressive. The website will provide many details about the different activities here.

With much love and gratitude from Shar Gaden,
Tenzin Sungrab
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on June 09, 2010, 02:25:51 AM
Even wicked witches are sentient beings,
(unless you think they're a Buddha?),
they will have thoughts and feelings
so we cannot rejoice in their demise.

Instead we should have equanimity
and not judge their 'lies'
because we need to love them
so that we ourselves can a Buddha arise!

 ;)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on June 09, 2010, 04:58:33 AM
Thom, I still have 4 months left here on my visa. I am not leaving until my visa expires. I am then going to try to fly to L.A. to visit my mother. She is recovering from her mastectomy and has now started chemo.
Thank you for asking Thom. Keep her in your prayers. She is a tough lady, but sometimes I worry.
I am then going to visit my Teacher for a month or two before I try to make it back here to Shar Gaden.
May Gyalchen Dorje Shugden help keep my path free of obstacles.



Here is another quick update from Shar Gaden-

Today is the all-day Kangso here at Shar Gaden. Right now we are on break and will resume in about 10 minutes.
Last night was my first time inside the Protector House that is located to the right of the main prayer hall.
I was allowed in during one of the prayer services and was able to see the monks in action devoting prayers to Dorje Shugden.

Below is one of the huge thankas just outside of the Protector house. It is over 12 feet high and was a gift from Kuten Lama.

(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/100_0770.jpg)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: DSFriend on June 09, 2010, 05:49:52 AM
Dear Tenzin Sungrab

Thank you for sharing the picture of the the thangkha! Beautiful, grand, holy!
Will be keeping you in my prayers.

rejoicing at your virtuous works..
DSFriend
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on June 09, 2010, 05:27:50 PM
Here is a picture of the monks getting ready for Kangso this morning. The prayers started at 6am and went on until 10pm tonite. I was not there for the whole service (I had classes most of the afternoon), but I was able to sit in the morning sesson.
You can see part of the beautiful offerings in the background. The Umtze (chant-master) is seated on the higher seat in front of the offerings.
(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/100_0795.jpg)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on June 09, 2010, 05:32:48 PM
Here is a picture on the gate of Gaden Jangste warning people about the family in camp 4 that are Dorje Shugden practitioners and people should not go to their shop in camp 4. I took this photo yesterday.
Very sad that this is the first thing you see upon entering such a beautiful monastery.
(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/100_0811.jpg)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: thor on June 09, 2010, 11:49:47 PM
Dear Tenzin Sungrab,

I will echo everyone else on this thread and thank you for your updates from Shar Gaden. My spirits lifted when I saw the photos of the monks at puja, and the thangka from Kuten-la. And sank when I saw the letter at Gaden Jangtse.

When you have time, please do continue to drop us a photo or news tidbit - I look forward to your posts always.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on June 10, 2010, 01:13:23 AM
Dear Tenzin Sungrab,

I will echo everyone else on this thread and thank you for your updates from Shar Gaden. My spirits lifted when I saw the photos of the monks at puja, and the thangka from Kuten-la. And sank when I saw the letter at Gaden Jangtse.

When you have time, please do continue to drop us a photo or news tidbit - I look forward to your posts always.

i echo Dulzin... the letter at Jangtse is so contradictory to Buddhism, which unites and brings harmony. Very sad.

I rejoice in your work, Tenzin Sungrab, and the Dharma work you are doing will help your mother much much more than anything you could have done in the secular world. You are very fortunate that your mother understands this too. Please stay well and I look forward to your updates.

Much love,
Kate
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on June 10, 2010, 07:26:25 AM
Picture of Gaden Trisur Rinpoche, Jetsun Lungrik Namgyal on the throne in the main prayer hall of Shar Gaden.
(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/100_0801.jpg)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on June 10, 2010, 07:38:55 AM
This is a picture of Trisur Ladrang (residential house of Gaden Trisur Rinpoche Jetsun Lungrik Namgyal)taken from the roof of the main prayer hall of Shar Gaden. He is currently in France and many monks are taking care of his ladrang while he is away.
 (http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/100_0786.jpg)

This second picture is a view of Trisur Ladrang from the front.
(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/Picture298.jpg)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: DSFriend on June 10, 2010, 11:30:46 AM
Dear Tenzin Sungrab,

I will echo everyone else on this thread and thank you for your updates from Shar Gaden. My spirits lifted when I saw the photos of the monks at puja, and the thangka from Kuten-la. And sank when I saw the letter at Gaden Jangtse.



i shared exactly the same feelings....
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: DSFriend on June 10, 2010, 11:34:24 AM
Picture of Gaden Trisur Rinpoche, Jetsun Lungrik Namgyal on the throne in the main prayer hall of Shar Gaden.
([url]http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/100_0801.jpg[/url])


May Gaden Trisur Rinpoche live long and continue to turn the wheel of Dharma

with folded hands
DSFriend
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: DharmaDefender on June 10, 2010, 07:46:26 PM
Dear Tenzin Sungrab,

I will echo everyone else on this thread and thank you for your updates from Shar Gaden. My spirits lifted when I saw the photos of the monks at puja, and the thangka from Kuten-la. And sank when I saw the letter at Gaden Jangtse.

When you have time, please do continue to drop us a photo or news tidbit - I look forward to your posts always.

i echo Dulzin... the letter at Jangtse is so contradictory to Buddhism, which unites and brings harmony. Very sad.

I rejoice in your work, Tenzin Sungrab, and the Dharma work you are doing will help your mother much much more than anything you could have done in the secular world. You are very fortunate that your mother understands this too. Please stay well and I look forward to your updates.

Much love,
Kate

I find it a little insulting (and disturbing!) that the Tibetan government can intrude on a holy place of worship, to put up political notices. Proof definite that being Tibetan doesn't make you a Buddhist!
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on June 12, 2010, 07:59:41 AM
 Trokhang DechenChog is a Dorje Shugden chapel not far from Shar Gaden and is within feet of the Gaden Shartse debate ground. It is actually closer to Gaden Shartse than Shar Gaden.
 I was allowed inside yesterday and it is just amazing. I have learned a bit of the history and know that it was built by Dulzin Kuten in 1985. One monk is in charge of doing the daily pujas there and keeping the chapel safe from harm. He has been beaten up more than once due to his devotion to this chapel.

I will add more photos as soon as I have more time.

(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/100_0867.jpg)
(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/100_0863.jpg)
(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/100_0861.jpg)
(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/100_0848.jpg)
(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/100_0856.jpg)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: LosangKhyentse on June 12, 2010, 12:47:13 PM


Monks can be beaten up?

Monks can be beaten up for protecting a heritage, place of worship and a place that is historical to Gaden?

Amazingly degenerate times.

Tenzin Sungrab, I thank you for posting such disturbing yet necessary news for us to know.

I send you my prayers and support.

TK
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on June 12, 2010, 06:40:48 PM
Dear Tenzin Sungrab,

Thank you for the lovely photos of Trokhang Dechenchog. I especially like the stone relief of Dorje Shugden. However, pleasure in receiving these photos is tempered by sadness about what the caretaker monk has to endure to serve Dorje Shugden. I am sure he gains great merits for his suffering in his loyalty to the Great Protector.

Hope you are well in Shar Gaden and I look forward to your next update.

take care,
love
Kate
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: honeydakini on June 12, 2010, 08:21:48 PM
Regarding the political notices being put up:

Do the TGIE even have the right to do that? What jurisdiction do they have over the monastery and isn't it considered private property? They're not technically the government of the land (India is?), so what right do they have to simply go into these monasteries and do anything?
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: DharmaDefender on June 12, 2010, 10:53:17 PM
Regarding the political notices being put up:

Do the TGIE even have the right to do that? What jurisdiction do they have over the monastery and isn't it considered private property? They're not technically the government of the land (India is?), so what right do they have to simply go into these monasteries and do anything?

Hahaha then you might as well ask if they have the right to suppress Dorje Shugden's practice, when they are guests of the Indian government and therefore should abide by the Indian constitution...so if the TGIE really cared about what the Indian government thought, the ban would've been over a long time ago!

And perhaps, if the Indian government really cared about doing something about the issue, they would've ended it a long time ago as well. Having said that, one can hardly fault them since they have so many issues of their own which concern their own people.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: dsnowlion on June 12, 2010, 11:53:31 PM
WOW! Tenzin Sungrab,

Thank you for sharing those lovely pictures of Shar Gaden! You are very fortunate to have the merits to be there and to serve the sangha directly and of course our Lord Dorje Shugden. Do keep the photos coming!!!

It is truly amazing what these monks have to endure and their courage an inspiration.

Do take care and keep us posted, it's lovely to hear from you.
Send our warm regards to the monks there.

xdsnowlion
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on June 13, 2010, 07:39:19 AM
Here are 2 pictures from Trijang Ladrang. The stupa contains the relics of his body, speach and mind (eyes, tongue and heart). The inner prayer hall is currently under renovation and will be finished soon.
(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/100_0827.jpg)
(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/100_0824.jpg)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: LosangKhyentse on June 13, 2010, 11:01:37 AM


I prostrate to the many Magical, Mystical, Mysterious,
Wrathful, Peaceful, Protective, Tangible and Non-Tangible forms
of the Gentle Protector Manjushri,
May Tenzin Sungrab and all beings come under your care,
Let go of all concerns for this life and the future lives,
concentrate on the most supreme which is realizing Great Bliss & Void,
Bless us with clear signs and indications that it may be so.

By Tk for Tenzin Sungrab




Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: VS on June 13, 2010, 12:12:41 PM
dear tenzin sungrab, thank you very much for the lovely pictures of Trokhang DechenChog.  I really admire the monk who has been beaten up for devoting himself to taking care of the chapel and protecting the chapel and not giving up, true DS devotee! May his efforts bring forth the spread of DS teachings.

Take care
VS

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WoselTenzin on June 13, 2010, 03:59:56 PM
My flight will be leaving for India on Friday and I will arrive at Shar Gaden on Sunday to help with the English training program. I will keep in touch as much as possible, but I have been warned that the internet cafe in town will deny me service if they know I am with Shar Gaden. Pretty sad.
I will be there for about six months, so I am sure that I will have news to share as time goes by. Classes start again May 1st, so I will have a couple of weeks to acclimate before the English classes start.

These monks are incredible for keeping so strong under such difficult circumstances. I am going there under the guise of 'helping the monks', but I have known all along that it is really me who will receive the greatest benefit. Being able to be there, standing in solidarity with our dear monks, is an opportunity for me to show support in my own limited way. This is one way for people to directly oppose the ban: cross the line, help the monks, talk to them, support them, encourage them, feed them, share with them...everything the ban says not to do. I am not big on public protests, but I will cross the line to help these monks at every chance that presented itself.

I will be in touch....

Dear Tenzin Sungrab,

Wow, I salute you for taking this journey.  I am happy to know that someone is doing something practical for the monks who stood up for their trust and belief in DS despite the most difficult circumstances. I wonder what is the reality the monks at Shar Gaden experience everyday living in the midst of a strong anti-DS environment.  Although everything may seem pretty, glamorous and brave from the outside, I am sure everything of value comes with a prize.  I will be looking forward to your reports from Shar Gaden....
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: DSFriend on June 15, 2010, 06:09:40 PM
Trokhang DechenChog is a Dorje Shugden chapel not far from Shar Gaden and is within feet of the Gaden Shartse debate ground. It is actually closer to Gaden Shartse than Shar Gaden.
 I was allowed inside yesterday and it is just amazing. I have learned a bit of the history and know that it was built by Dulzin Kuten in 1985. One monk is in charge of doing the daily pujas there and keeping the chapel safe from harm. He has been beaten up more than once due to his devotion to this chapel.

Gosh..what a degenerate time we are living in.. heartbreaking news, but it's better to be in the know of what the real situation is.

thanks and please take care TS
DSFriend
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: DharmaDefender on June 17, 2010, 07:01:47 PM
Trokhang DechenChog is a Dorje Shugden chapel not far from Shar Gaden and is within feet of the Gaden Shartse debate ground. It is actually closer to Gaden Shartse than Shar Gaden.
 I was allowed inside yesterday and it is just amazing. I have learned a bit of the history and know that it was built by Dulzin Kuten in 1985. One monk is in charge of doing the daily pujas there and keeping the chapel safe from harm. He has been beaten up more than once due to his devotion to this chapel.

Gosh..what a degenerate time we are living in.. heartbreaking news, but it's better to be in the know of what the real situation is.

thanks and please take care TS
DSFriend

It's quite sad that respect to the sangha is now just lip service for many people. Not only do they beat the sangha up, but many people indirectly disrespect their gurus as well, by not holding commitments. Geez, in fact, let's not even talk about respect for the sangha or not, but just basic human decency...why beat up anyone?
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on June 18, 2010, 05:10:19 AM
Here is a picture of Tendar Tulku Rinpoche. The previous Geshe Tendar Rinpoche was a Tibetan man who was very well known for going into Mongolia and giving the Sog-te to many students. Thus, it is no surprise that his reincarnation was found in Mongolia.
The second photo shows the holy stupa outside of his ladrang.
The last photo was taken inside of his ladrang during one of my visits and shows the stupa containing his relics of body, speach and mind.
(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/DSCN4212.jpg)
(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/100_0819.jpg)
(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/Adventure_is_out_there__001.jpg)

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: DharmaDefender on June 18, 2010, 10:08:51 PM
Here are a picture of Tendar Tulku Rinpoche. The previous Geshe Tendar Rinpoche was a Tibetan man who was very well known for going into Mongolia and giving the Sog-te to many students. Thus, it is no surprise that his reincarnation was found in Mongolia.
The second photo shows the holy stupa outside of his ladrang.
The last photo was taken inside of his ladrang during one of my visits and shows the stupa containing his relics of body, speach and mind.
([url]http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/DSCN4212.jpg[/url])
([url]http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/100_0819.jpg[/url])
([url]http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/Adventure_is_out_there__001.jpg[/url])


Beautiful photo of Tendar Tulku Rinpoche TS, I always think young monks look so sweet. And tulkus...well, perhaps it's just my imposing value that does not exist but despite being young, to me they emanate an 'older, wiser' energy, and have a knowing look in their eyes. Anyway, thank you for being so thorough in your news to us!
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: DSFriend on June 19, 2010, 05:56:04 PM
Thank you TS for all the news and photos with descriptions which you have been sharing with us all in this forum ever since you arrived in Shar Gaden. These photos are so precious and makes it easy for us to relate to.

please take care
DSFriend
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: sutarmol on June 19, 2010, 06:01:00 PM
Dear Tenzin Sungrab ,

thank you for your beautiful photo of Trokhang Dechenchog , i m very sad to heard about monk get beatan because they want to proctect their practise and their heritage and i m very happy to the monks of Shar Gaden to say no to TGIE even thier life been threaten .

sutarmol
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: a friend on June 20, 2010, 04:52:32 AM

TS,
How are the computer lessons going? Did you get Word 2007 with the Tibetan fonts?
Great pics.

TK,
I just discovered a wonderful poem in the previous page.

About TGIE: poor guys, why accuse them? They are just puppets. You should read TK's post somewhere else, explaining what it entails to oppose the DL. Why do people do that, things that simple human decency forbids --as it was well pointed out-- why? Do we need to say why? You can safely assume that the beating of the monk and all other beatings, arson, stoning, discrimination, segregation, persecution to Sangha and lay people is all done by the Dalai Lama himself, since it is him that promotes those actions. Since it is him who could stop them with the blink of an eye.
 
LIFT THE BAN

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on June 20, 2010, 10:34:56 AM
Here is a picture showing how close Trokhang Dechenchog is to a dormitory of Gaden Shartse. The monks who live in the quarters on the left all come from Amdo- Dalai's homeland.
I was told that whenever Dalai comes to town he makes a point of stopping by the dormitory to make a little speech about the enemies who are nearby. This is overt intimidation and sickens me beyond words.
The longer that I am here, the more I feel a need to help these monks in whatever way I can. They are SO VERY BRAVE to face this kind of hostility and remain true to this precious lineage.
I will stand in solidarity with my vajra-brothers here for as long as I can. Then I will get another visa and come back and do it again and again and again, as long as I am able.
(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/100_0867-1.jpg)

LIFT THE BAN!
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on June 21, 2010, 12:33:11 PM
Tomorrow I start giving private English lessons to the young Tendar Tulku Rinpoche in his ladrang(private household). His assistant came to me today and made the request. He is also learning Tibetan from Gyara Tulku Rinpoche.
I am very excited and feel grateful to be given this opportunity to be able to help such an illustrious lama.
 
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on June 22, 2010, 02:17:07 PM
I had my first private English tutoring session with Tendar Rinpoche today. He is such a bright young man. Such a quick learner. I was amazed. He is learning Tibetan and now English alongside his already busy study schedule.

As I was leaving he stopped me and gave me two big photos. One was of himself sitting on a throne. The other was of his past life as Geshe Palden Tendar. They are both beautiful. I will try to get them scanned and post them on here soon.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on June 26, 2010, 04:19:16 AM
Here are a couple more photos from inside Trokhang Dechenchog
The first picture shows some of Dorje Shugden's implements hanging on the wall.
(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/100_0845.jpg)

(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/100_0858.jpg)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: DSFriend on July 01, 2010, 09:09:18 AM
I had my first private English tutoring session with Tendar Rinpoche today. He is such a bright young man. Such a quick learner. I was amazed. He is learning Tibetan and now English alongside his already busy study schedule.

As I was leaving he stopped me and gave me two big photos. One was of himself sitting on a throne. The other was of his past life as Geshe Palden Tendar. They are both beautiful. I will try to get them scanned and post them on here soon.

I rejoice very much that you are giving english tutoring to Tendar Rinpoche who will one day be using the language skills to benefit MANY!

I hope you are keeping well.

best wishes as always
DSFriend
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Helena on July 01, 2010, 09:48:35 AM
This is absolutely wonderful. I am so delighted. I can hear music delighting our Protector...rejoice, rejoice, rejoice.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on July 01, 2010, 12:30:23 PM
If anyone has any extra time on their hands and would be willing to help me keep the Shar Gaden Pen-Pal Club organized, please send me a message.

Right now there are almost 60 monks who are enrolled in the pen-pal club and I am starting to feel a little overwhelmed. I teach 5 classes a day in English and also give private lessons to Tendar Rinpoche so I have very little free-time left to handle so many incoming messages to the pen-pal club.

All I am asking is for someone to help me figure out a way to keep all of this organized and therefore save me time.

Much love from Shar Gaden,

T.S.


You can email me at-

[email protected] or


[email protected]
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on July 02, 2010, 02:26:32 PM
Here are 2 photos of my young students here at Shar Gaden who are looking for pen-pals in order to practice their English skills

(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/_DSC0521.jpg)
(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/100_0881.jpg)

I have just created a facebook page to help find new pen-pals for the monks here at Shar Gaden.
Please spread the word for me if you can. The pen-pal club is getting larger every day. Right now I have over 20 monks still waiting for pen-pals.
The Shar Gaden Pen-Pal Club now has over 70 monks and 53 friends from abroad participating.
It is a huge success so far!

Here is a link to the Face book page:http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=134650679897817&ref=mf (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=134650679897817&ref=mf)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: bufan on July 02, 2010, 03:04:50 PM
Dear Tenzin Sungrab
Thank you for sharing with us on this post, news, photo and all.
I rejoyce at the fact that you are now teaching english to the monks and to Tendar Rinpoche.
This will sure help to benefit many.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on July 03, 2010, 02:21:34 PM
(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/Picture419.jpg)
Just a quick update about the English lessons for Lobsang Jamphel Tendar Rinpoche-

Today I taught Rinpoche several new questions. One of the questions was “What is your favorite_____?”
“What is your favorite food?” (chicken) “What is your favorite color?” (red) “What is your favorite animal?” (rabbit- he has several pet rabbits back home in Mongolia) etc. Then I asked him, “What is your favorite book?”, and I was sure that he was going to say one of the very nice picture books or children’s adventure books that I had given him. Without hesitating for even a second he said “My favorite book is Kang-Dring”-which is the medium length Kangso written by Kyabje Pabongkha Dorje Chang. For an eleven-year-old to say that their favorite book is a religious text is rare indeed, but anyone who has come into contact with this boy would probably not be too surprised.

 He is also a great actor. Another thing we studied together was the names for different feelings. Happy, sad, angry, tired etc. After he learned the new words he would act them out with much drama and enthusiasm. I was laughing so hard that I felt a little embarrassed at not being able to keep it together. I wish that I could have gotten some video of him doing his ‘sad’ routine. It was priceless. His ‘angry’ routine was hilarious as well.

The hour I spend with Tendar Rinpoche every day is definitely the highlight of my day and every morning that I wake up I can’t wait until 2 o’clock so that I can see him again.


He is truly a gem of our lineage. May he live long and spread the Dharma far and wide.

 
Until next time….

Much love from Shar Gaden,
T.S.

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Zach on July 03, 2010, 03:03:58 PM
WOW imagine the merit collected  ;D
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on July 05, 2010, 04:05:40 PM
Here is a great video made by Zawa Tulku Rinpoche about the health care program here at Shar Gaden and at Serpom.
 Please check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLtQn9M65s8&feature=player_embedded (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLtQn9M65s8&feature=player_embedded)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: DSFriend on July 05, 2010, 04:36:26 PM
([url]http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/Picture419.jpg[/url])
Just a quick update about the English lessons for Lobsang Jamphel Tendar Rinpoche-

Today I taught Rinpoche several new questions. One of the questions was “What is your favorite_____?”
“What is your favorite food?” (chicken) “What is your favorite color?” (red) “What is your favorite animal?” (rabbit- he has several pet rabbits back home in Mongolia) etc. Then I asked him, “What is your favorite book?”, and I was sure that he was going to say one of the very nice picture books or children’s adventure books that I had given him. Without hesitating for even a second he said “My favorite book is Kang-Dring”-which is the medium length Kangso written by Kyabje Pabongkha Dorje Chang. For an eleven-year-old to say that their favorite book is a religious text is rare indeed, but anyone who has come into contact with this boy would probably not be too surprised.

 He is also a great actor. Another thing we studied together was the names for different feelings. Happy, sad, angry, tired etc. After he learned the new words he would act them out with much drama and enthusiasm. I was laughing so hard that I felt a little embarrassed at not being able to keep it together. I wish that I could have gotten some video of him doing his ‘sad’ routine. It was priceless. His ‘angry’ routine was hilarious as well.

The hour I spend with Tendar Rinpoche every day is definitely the highlight of my day and every morning that I wake up I can’t wait until 2 o’clock so that I can see him again.


He is truly a gem of our lineage. May he live long and spread the Dharma far and wide.

 
Until next time….

Much love from Shar Gaden,
T.S.




hahaha...i find so much joy reading this post! *still smiling as I type* Talking about imprints..“My favorite book is Kang-Dring” is a classic example of the natural tendencies of what these high beings are drawn to...and I am sure there are many such cases in these great monasteries of young monks displaying unique capabilities. From the bottom of my heart, TS thank you for what you are using your talent and life for.

May Tendar Rinpoche have all the resources he needs to continue benefiting countless in this degenerate age.

take care
DSFriend
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: a friend on July 05, 2010, 05:17:28 PM

TS
I know exactly what you are talking about.
Enjoy those moments, your 2pm daily appointment, your good fortune put you there. Happy guy !!!

And yes, yes, yes may Tendar Rinpoche live long and become the Master he was born to be.

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on July 08, 2010, 04:51:21 AM
Here are 2 photos of some of the puja masters here at Shar Gaden practicing the art of making sand mandalas using various pictures. There are about 20 or so monks here who are ritual specialists and spend many hours a day honing their craft.

(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/100_0910.jpg)
(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/100_0922.jpg)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: thor on July 08, 2010, 11:20:11 AM
TS,

With the announcement of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen's return, could you share what impact this is having in Shar Gaden? With everything that the monks have gone through for the past few years, this would certainly uplift them

D
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on July 08, 2010, 04:46:38 PM
I asked around a little today and none of the monks here seem to have heard this news.

The general secretary of the monastery had not heard the news either.

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: thor on July 08, 2010, 10:11:57 PM
Surprising. Perhaps the news comes from Serpom then.

There are so many differing reactions to the announcement. I am curious to know how the monks view it. They would be most directly affected.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on July 10, 2010, 05:37:57 PM
Here are 2 photos of one of the visiting artists painting some murals on the outside wall of the new prayer hall.
There are 3 expert thanka painters visiting the monastery right now creating a variety of art projects.

(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/100_0930.jpg)

(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/100_0931.jpg)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on July 12, 2010, 10:49:07 AM
Just another quick update:

First, the Shar Gaden Pen-Pal Club has become a huge success! Right now there are 106 monks and 97 friends from abroad participating. There is even one senior Geshe who wanted to try the pen-pal club to help him practice his English.
What started out as a small idea has grown into a very large project. The monks love it. The friends from abroad love it as well. It is a win-win situation. The monks get to practice writing in English and thereby improve their skills, and the friends from abroad get to make a friend here at the monastery and learn a little about life here in the process.

Most of the people in the pen-pal club have received their first reply from their pen-pal monk. The monks here get so excited when we meet every day to pass out the messages. Many have never had a friend from outside of their country before. Although in the bigger picture this pen-pal club is not very important, this is making a big impact for the individual monks here.

Most of my freetime is now spent on pen-pal related activities... answering emails, sending messages, scanning letters, helping the monks with the replies etc.

I have less thasn 3 months left here, but I am trying to make the most of it while I can. My visa expires in late September, but I am already working on plans to come back here as soon as I am able. I might be able to get back here in January.


This morning I had a video interview with Zawa Tulku Rinpoche. He is making a short video about the educational program here at Shar Gaden and wanted me to give a brief overview of the activities involved. The video should be completed soon.

Well, that is all I have at the moment.

Until next time...

Much love from Shar Gaden,

Tenzin Sungrab
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: DSFriend on July 13, 2010, 07:19:18 AM

This morning I had a video interview with Zawa Tulku Rinpoche. He is making a short video about the educational program here at Shar Gaden and wanted me to give a brief overview of the activities involved. The video should be completed soon.

Well, that is all I have at the moment.

Until next time...

Much love from Shar Gaden,

Tenzin Sungrab

Reading your updates from Shar Gaden is always a joy! Just wondering will the video interview with Zawa Rinpoche be made available for public on their website?
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Helena on July 14, 2010, 02:45:06 PM
Wow TS, you are indeed doing a lot. Great to read through your updates. It brings much joy to see that you are actually with them, educating them and helping the next generation of spiritual leaders of the world. Thank you so much for your selflessness. Take good care and please do update us more. Thank you.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on July 15, 2010, 04:12:20 PM
More new construction here at Shar Gaden. This place is getting huge.
Over 750 monks and still growing.
This new construction project will house over 150 monks. It should be finished in a few months.


(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/100_0933.jpg)
(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/100_0934.jpg)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Zach on July 15, 2010, 04:27:23 PM
How wonderful TS, Question actually how much space does Shar gaden have to build upon ?
I always look forward to your updates !  :D
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on July 15, 2010, 04:46:38 PM
There is still room enough for more expansion if needed.

Here is a satellite photo of the area.

(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/now.jpg)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Helena on July 15, 2010, 07:47:22 PM
I TRULY REJOICE! WOW!
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on July 17, 2010, 03:20:54 AM
Today the monks are finishing their quarterly exams. The exams have been going on all week. From what I hear, all of the monks did very well. Tonight all of the teachers here will gather for a dinner to celebrate.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Helena on July 17, 2010, 06:35:03 PM
That is really lovely - a celebration dinner! Hope every monk is happy and did very well. Much blessings to you, TS! Great work! Most inspiring!
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: honeydakini on July 17, 2010, 06:47:41 PM
There is still room enough for more expansion if needed.

Here is a satellite photo of the area.

It is extremely inspiring to see how big Shar Gaden has grown in such a short time. They're almost as big as Shartse and Jangtse now, in far less time!! Very exciting to see how much more they can expand too - wonderful news! Thank you T.S. as always.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: LosangKhyentse on July 18, 2010, 11:52:18 AM
There is still room enough for more expansion if needed.

Here is a satellite photo of the area.

It is extremely inspiring to see how big Shar Gaden has grown in such a short time. They're almost as big as Shartse and Jangtse now, in far less time!! Very exciting to see how much more they can expand too - wonderful news! Thank you T.S. as always.

These brave monks recieve the instructions of Dorje Shugden through the Gameng Choyang Kuten Oracle in trance and they follow. Hence the great results. They always send their questions to the oracle in the United States. Dorje Shugden will give instructions through the oracle. Because of this, they are able to take giant steps without fear. Dorje Shugden's oracles are so incredible useful during this most pressing period.

The oracular institutions are so beneficial. No one wonder Trijang Rinpoche and Zong Rinpoche actively consulted throughout their lives and created new oracles that we have today. It is their blessings for a time and age when they would not be around to guide us. Dorje Shugden is here through the oracles to speak. Profoundly beneficial and incredible foresight on the parts of Kyabje Trijang and Zong Rinpoches. For those who need it, it is available.

tk
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on July 20, 2010, 05:34:42 PM
I just had a meeting with the school pricipal, Geshe Lharampa Lobsang Jamyang, and he told me that he was asked by many of the older monks if he could request me to start 2 evening classes for those who cannot attend the daytime classes. It was such a joy to hear that so many more students are eager to learn. They study so hard and it is truly amazing that they want to learn even more.

 This means that I will be very busy for the next couple of months that I have left here so I am not sure that I will have much time to post.


In 2 months my visa expires and I will have to leave. My goal is to come back again in December so that I can continue with this mission. This is all voluntary work and I have almost depleted my funds, but my hope is to find friends who will once again help me with the costs of returning here to help these monks learn English. If you are interested in sponsoring a portion of my travel fees, please send me a message. This is something I feel very commited to and will do whatever I can to make coming back here possible


Here is my email address-
[email protected]

Keep Shar Gaden in your thoughts.


Much love from East Tushita (Shar Gaden),

T.S.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: crazycloud on July 20, 2010, 06:09:02 PM
I just had a meeting with the school pricipal, Geshe Lharampa Lobsang Jamyang, and he told me that he was asked by many of the older monks if he could request me to start 2 evening classes for those who cannot attend the daytime classes. It was such a joy to hear that so many more students are eager to learn. They study so hard and it is truly amazing that they want to learn even more.

 This means that I will be very busy for the next couple of months that I have left here so I am not sure that I will have much time to post.


In 2 months my visa expires and I will have to leave. My goal is to come back again in December so that I can continue with this mission. This is all voluntary work and I have almost depleted my funds, but my hope is to find friends who will once again help me with the costs of returning here to help these monks learn English. If you are interested in sponsoring a portion of my travel fees, please send me a message. This is something I feel very commited to and will do whatever I can to make coming back here possible


Here is my email address-
[email protected]

Keep Shar Gaden in your thoughts.


Much love from East Tushita (Shar Gaden),

T.S.

Inspiring stuff. I wish I had some money to support you, unfortunately I work full time supporting other Dharma ventures and have no other income of my own. I deeply wish that there will be someone to support you and help you and I will dedicate my prayers to these ends. Sad to think the monks will lose their teacher so soon!

:(
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: LosangKhyentse on July 20, 2010, 11:14:44 PM
I just had a meeting with the school pricipal, Geshe Lharampa Lobsang Jamyang, and he told me that he was asked by many of the older monks if he could request me to start 2 evening classes for those who cannot attend the daytime classes. It was such a joy to hear that so many more students are eager to learn. They study so hard and it is truly amazing that they want to learn even more.

 This means that I will be very busy for the next couple of months that I have left here so I am not sure that I will have much time to post.


In 2 months my visa expires and I will have to leave. My goal is to come back again in December so that I can continue with this mission. This is all voluntary work and I have almost depleted my funds, but my hope is to find friends who will once again help me with the costs of returning here to help these monks learn English. If you are interested in sponsoring a portion of my travel fees, please send me a message. This is something I feel very commited to and will do whatever I can to make coming back here possible


Here is my email address-
[email protected]

Keep Shar Gaden in your thoughts.


Much love from East Tushita (Shar Gaden),

T.S.

Dear T.S.,

How much do you need and is it for the ticket? What is your cost do you think? Any other costs? If you don't mind, let me know clearly here.  Perhaps I can help to raise a part of it. I can ask around and contribute from myself also.

I believe in action dharma. That means I will offer serkym to Shugden and ask him to help me to help you. I don't know you, we have different teachers (I assume), different centres but we belong to the same Shugden.

Post here your amount details so everyone can see and contribute also. Give all a chance to collect merit. My heart, help and prayers are with you,

TK
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: thor on July 20, 2010, 11:25:50 PM

These brave monks recieve the instructions of Dorje Shugden through the Gameng Choyang Kuten Oracle in trance and they follow. Hence the great results. They always send their questions to the oracle in the United States. Dorje Shugden will give instructions through the oracle. Because of this, they are able to take giant steps without fear. Dorje Shugden's oracles are so incredible useful during this most pressing period.

The oracular institutions are so beneficial. No one wonder Trijang Rinpoche and Zong Rinpoche actively consulted throughout their lives and created new oracles that we have today. It is their blessings for a time and age when they would not be around to guide us. Dorje Shugden is here through the oracles to speak. Profoundly beneficial and incredible foresight on the parts of Kyabje Trijang and Zong Rinpoches. For those who need it, it is available.

tk


I visited Shar Gaden a year ago and i loved every moment of it. I was only in the area for a few days but it was Magical. I might know a little bit of how TS feels - i certainly didnt want to come back. While I was there, some of the monks told me about how shartse monastery split all properties equally between the former Dokhang Khamtsen and the rest of the monastery. Although they were on opposite sides of the fence, the dispute and the split was settled amicably and according to the proper methods and principles. That is one of the things I love very much about Buddhism.

Likewise, I do have a deep respect for the tradition of oracles. As a practice that has its own defined retreats amd requirements, it has its own lineage and basis. Although not everyone may agree with it, the fact that Trijang Rinpoche believes in it, and also creates and recognises oracles is more than enough proof for me. Doubting his wisdom is not an option, otherwise everything else that he did is also questionable.

Anyway, I like what TK has wrote very much. I'm sure the monks have been steadfast in following the oracle's advice, which is actually dorje shugden himself. It makes sense - if we perpetuate him, then we should follow his direct advice too.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on July 21, 2010, 05:12:41 AM
The support that I am seeking is mainly for the airfare and other related travel expences. I have checked around and I think that it will cost around $1000.00 for airfare and another $100-200 for train fair, bus, taxi ect.

I know that this is a lot of money and that is why I am starting to gather support early on.  My next planned trip back here is still about 4 -5 months away, but these things work much easier when set up in advance.

 For the past 4 years I have been a full time volunteer in one form or another. Most of my past voluntary work revolved around helping the homeless and drug addicts. This has been a dream of mine for many years now- volunteering full time for the Dharma. It is only through the kind support of others that I have been able to do any of this. It never gets easier for me to ask for assistance, mostly due to my stuborn pride, but now I have started to see this as a sharing of merit and a coordinated way to help others.

For those who are willing to sponsor a portion of the costs, send me a message and I will give you details about how and where to send the support. I will make updates as things progress.
Thank you everyone!!


[email protected]


T.S.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Big Uncle on July 21, 2010, 08:59:40 PM
It is very inspiring to see Tk's generosity and I like what he said...

"I believe in action dharma. That means I will offer serkym to Shugden and ask him to help me to help you. I don't know you, we have different teachers (I assume), different centres but we belong to the same Shugden."
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: thaimonk on July 22, 2010, 10:49:08 AM
It is very inspiring to see Tk's generosity and I like what he said...

"I believe in action dharma. That means I will offer serkym to Shugden and ask him to help me to help you. I don't know you, we have different teachers (I assume), different centres but we belong to the same Shugden."


Yes, we believe in the same Shugden. We should be loving towards eachother and support eachother no matter who our teachers are, or what organization we belong to.  We need eachother at this time to bring the Shugden cause to a positive result in our mutual favour.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on July 22, 2010, 01:24:29 PM

Yes, we believe in the same Shugden. We should be loving towards eachother and support eachother no matter who our teachers are, or what organization we belong to.  We need eachother at this time to bring the Shugden cause to a positive result in our mutual favour.

I love this sentiment so much and i think this should be the spirit of this forum... we are united by our love for the same Protector and we should support each other - even if we have different views. We can respect each other and we can agree to disagree. There is a very different feeling when that happens. There is no animosity or snide remarks.

Can't we just love each other?

It's something that i really hope and pray for.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on July 23, 2010, 04:03:35 PM
Tomorrow is the big Kangso here at the monastery. There are many guests who have come from Taiwan to attend the puja. I will let you know how it goes.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on July 25, 2010, 03:38:56 AM
Another busy day here at Shar Gaden.
Today is Sojong and tomorrow starts the rainy season retreat. The monks will start puja tomorrow at 4 am to take the vows for the retreat.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on July 25, 2010, 02:55:50 PM
Today the Venerable Abbot Jetsun Lobsang Phende arrived back here at Shar Gaden after spending a few months in Italy.

Soon after his arrival, a few of us had the great fortune of eating lunch with him when he came to visit the guesthouse. He is the first Tibetan that I have seen here who likes coffee. Italy must have rubbed off on him a little. :) The first thing he asked me was, "Are you the American teacher?". After replying in the affirmative, he told me with a smile that he had heard that I have had some difficulties with umbrellas during my stay here. This was true because every umbrella I get seems to break the very next day. He then told me that he had a new umbrella for me that he brought back with him from Italy. It was immediately clear to me that this was a very humble man filled with much kindness and consideration. I was very touched.

After lunch, Khen Rinpoche Jetsun Lobsang Phende, along with many of the senior Gehses and administration staff members, held a meeting to discuss some of the current activities here at the monastery. When the meeting concluded, the abbot was escorted back to his residence so that he may rest after his long journey.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: beggar on July 26, 2010, 06:51:13 PM
Tenzin Sungrab,
Wow I rejoice in all your news - what great stuff to come back to after being away from this old forum for such a long while Good to see a glimmer of goodness and hope in these hard times. Thanks for keeping us afloat with your shining words. I feel like the monks themselves are talking to us, with all their courage and their strength, holding up the whole lineage for the rest of us.

What incredible work you are doing there too, adding to this huge ocean of blessings and merit. You must have the dakinis dancing on your shoulders each day!


Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: thor on July 27, 2010, 02:04:24 PM


Today the Venerable Abbot Jetsun Lobsang Phende arrived back here at Shar Gaden after spending a few months in Italy.

Soon after his arrival, a few of us had the great fortune of eating lunch with him when he came to visit the guesthouse. He is the first Tibetan that I have seen here who likes coffee. Italy must have rubbed off on him a little. :) The first thing he asked me was, "Are you the American teacher?". After replying in the affirmative, he told me with a smile that he had heard that I have had some difficulties with umbrellas during my stay here. This was true because every umbrella I get seems to break the very next day. He then told me that he had a new umbrella for me that he brought back with him from Italy. It was immediately clear to me that this was a very humble man filled with much kindness and consideration. I was very touched.

After lunch, Khen Rinpoche Jetsun Lobsang Phende, along with many of the senior Gehses and administration staff members, held a meeting to discuss some of the current activities here at the monastery. When the meeting concluded, the abbot was escorted back to his residence so that he may rest after his long journey.


Hi TS, I really liked your tale about the umbrellas and the ven abbot. The abbot's example is so typical of great practitioners - nothing is too small for them to pay attention to, and no one is too insignificant. Lamas like these have this uncanny ability to touch the hearts of everyone who have the fortune to come across their path, when we least expect it.

This humble master personifies the teachings of Tsongkapa and Dorje Shugden, a great shining example of what a pure gelugpa practitioner should be. I hope others will look to him as an example of how to take refuge in the Three jewels and inspire them to walk the same path, with great faith in tsongkhapa and shugden.

It strikes me very strongly now, that with all this controversy that is currently going on, we should really take heed and follow the example of the sangha like him.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on July 27, 2010, 03:03:07 PM
Today we had the great honor of having the venerable abbot, Jetsun Lobsang Phende, visit our English class. He came in about half-way through our grammar lesson. I think that he just wanted to observe and see how the students were doing. The students didn't skip a beat and kept focussed on our lesson. I was very proud of the students, and I think the abbot was pleased as well.

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on July 27, 2010, 03:08:58 PM
Today the Venerable Abbot Jetsun Lobsang Phende arrived back here at Shar Gaden after spending a few months in Italy.

Soon after his arrival, a few of us had the great fortune of eating lunch with him when he came to visit the guesthouse. He is the first Tibetan that I have seen here who likes coffee. Italy must have rubbed off on him a little. :) The first thing he asked me was, "Are you the American teacher?". After replying in the affirmative, he told me with a smile that he had heard that I have had some difficulties with umbrellas during my stay here. This was true because every umbrella I get seems to break the very next day. He then told me that he had a new umbrella for me that he brought back with him from Italy. It was immediately clear to me that this was a very humble man filled with much kindness and consideration. I was very touched.

After lunch, Khen Rinpoche Jetsun Lobsang Phende, along with many of the senior Gehses and administration staff members, held a meeting to discuss some of the current activities here at the monastery. When the meeting concluded, the abbot was escorted back to his residence so that he may rest after his long journey.


Thank you for this lovely story, TS... I am always touched by acts of kindness and generosity which these monks embody. Do you know the schedule of the European tour for the Shar Gaden monks yet? I was wondering if they were coming to London and what were their plans there. I might be travelling over the next few months but if i'm around, I'd love to see them - either London or in Europe.

Much love,
Kate
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Helena on July 27, 2010, 03:40:51 PM
It is very lovely to read all your updates. Love the umbrella story. It is like what Duldzin wrote - nothing is too small or too insignificant to the High Lamas. They take note of every little thing. Keep up the good work and please write some more. It always brightens my day to read your stories from Shar Gaden. Thank you for sharing.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Big Uncle on July 27, 2010, 05:03:57 PM
Yeah, it is so neat to have our very own correspondence guy in Shar Gaden reporting and letting us know on the latest news from within the Shugden monastic community. Thank you so much and I can only imagine that it must be invigorating to be living within a monastic community - where everyone's single-minded goal is the pursuit of spiritual affairs. I can't wait to see those little monks learning English and maturing so they can one day spread Lama Tsongkhapa's and Dorje Shugden's lineage out into the world! I really love the news. Thank you!

Big Uncle
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: honeydakini on July 30, 2010, 05:13:28 PM
Dear TS,
Have been seeing your photos on Facebook - keep 'em coming, I just love seeing snapshots of daily life in the monastery. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful  part of the world with us. You too look most at home there and I'm so happy for all the work you are there. I imagine it will be extremely difficult to leave... and so I'm happy that we're also able to help in some way to contribute towards your return at the end of the year.

Rachel ra ra
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on July 31, 2010, 04:53:27 AM
Thank you Rachel. Yes, it is down to 7 weeks until I have to leave. But with the help pledged here, I will be back in late December or early January.

In many ways, this has become home for me. These monks have become my brothers and I feel closer to some of them than I do to my own brother in America.

If I had one wish it would be to take ordination and join the monks for the daily pujas. I asked my teacher about ordination before I came here and he gave me the same wise advice that my first teacher gave me 10 years ago: Live as if ordained and work towards becoming a suitable vessel for monkhood.

I hope that my work here is helping to create the karmic causes for ordination in the future.

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on July 31, 2010, 11:27:52 AM
Today I was asked by the Shar Gaden school principal if I could teach the monks basic math two or three days a week. I agreed and will be starting early next week.
I am very grateful that I will have the opportunity to come back here in December to continueto teach these monks what I am able.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Zach on August 01, 2010, 10:21:07 AM
Thank you Rachel. Yes, it is down to 7 weeks until I have to leave. But with the help pledged here, I will be back in late December or early January.

In many ways, this has become home for me. These monks have become my brothers and I feel closer to some of them than I do to my own brother in America.

If I had one wish it would be to take ordination and join the monks for the daily pujas. I asked my teacher about ordination before I came here and he gave me the same wise advice that my first teacher gave me 10 years ago: Live as if ordained and work towards becoming a suitable vessel for monkhood.

I hope that my work here is helping to create the karmic causes for ordination in the future.



Im sure it would Duke !  :) and a very valuable asset you would be aswell !  :)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Helena on August 01, 2010, 03:17:20 PM
Dear Duke,

I am certain everything that you are doing in Shar Gaden now is creating many causes for you to fulfill your heart felt wish. At the same time, I am sure that it is helping the monks in more ways than one.

May your wishes be fulfilled, dear friend. May you always continue to benefit others.

Take good care.

Thank you Rachel. Yes, it is down to 7 weeks until I have to leave. But with the help pledged here, I will be back in late December or early January.

In many ways, this has become home for me. These monks have become my brothers and I feel closer to some of them than I do to my own brother in America.

If I had one wish it would be to take ordination and join the monks for the daily pujas. I asked my teacher about ordination before I came here and he gave me the same wise advice that my first teacher gave me 10 years ago: Live as if ordained and work towards becoming a suitable vessel for monkhood.

I hope that my work here is helping to create the karmic causes for ordination in the future.



Im sure it would Duke !  :) and a very valuable asset you would be aswell !  :)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on August 11, 2010, 02:49:56 PM
Today we took a few group pictures of all of the students and teachers of the Shar Gaden Monastery School.  These are the younger students who are pursuing a primary education before they move on to the more advanced religious education. The monastery school provides a basic education in Tibetan language and grammar, mathamatics, English language and grammar, Tibetan handwritting, basic philosophy, memorization of scripture, as well as some science and history. Other subjects, such as art and ritual, are studied individually with a personal teacher.

Right now I am teaching three different classes for the school, and two additional classes for the older monks who can not attend the school sessions. There is one additional voluntary class a day during the lunch break that is open to anyone who has free time and wants to come. Outside of this, there is also one session a day with Tendar Rinpoche Lobsang Jamphel. This is a pretty busy schedule, but I have plenty of time in the morning and late evening for my personal practices and studies.

Can you find me in the picture? Maybe I should have worn red!


(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/0002.jpg)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: harrynephew on August 11, 2010, 03:42:56 PM
Wow TS

It is amazing how much u have done for the Sangha of Shar Gaden. I truly rejoice in the good deeds, dedication and your devotion to your Lama, the 3 Jewels and our Lord Protector Dorje Shugden.

Do take care and looking forward for more updates from u from East Tushita

H1N1
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on August 11, 2010, 04:05:09 PM
Today we took a few group pictures of all of the students and teachers of the Shar Gaden Monastery School.  These are the younger students who are pursuing a primary education before they move on to the more advanced religious education. The monastery school provides a basic education in Tibetan language and grammar, mathamatics, English language and grammar, Tibetan handwritting, basic philosophy, memorization of scripture, as well as some science and history. Other subjects, such as art and ritual, are studied individually with a personal teacher.

Right now I am teaching three different classes for the school, and two additional classes for the older monks who can not attend the school sessions. There is one additional voluntary class a day during the lunch break that is open to anyone who has free time and wants to come. Outside of this, there is also one session a day with Tendar Rinpoche Lobsang Jamphel. This is a pretty busy schedule, but I have plenty of time in the morning and late evening for my personal practices and studies.

Can you find me in the picture? Maybe I should have worn red!


Tenzin Sungrab,

You're too cute! It's lovely to see your picture amongst the sangha... I'm so happy (and a tad envious) of you.. you walk the talk and show your Dharma spirit.. You must have been a monk in your past life. I aspire to do Dharma work like you one day. What i love about your posts is that you don't look down on those of us who are not doing what you're doing for whatever our reasons are. You just share out of pure Dharma.

Thank you so much for sharing your news from Shar Gaden. I love reading them and seeing the photos. Your posting these on this forum despite your incredibly busy schedule shows how you selflessly think of others and how you let us rejoice in your wonderful work.

Many thanks and please keep them coming!

Much love x
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Zach on August 11, 2010, 04:35:34 PM
Could someone sticky this thread please ?  :)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Helena on August 11, 2010, 04:50:55 PM
Way to go, TS!

You sure know how to stand out from the sea of crimson tide.

Haha - what you are doing is most inspiring. I shall make a strong prayer that all your wishes to continue teaching and even becoming part of the Sangha be realised.

Thank you for being you.

Take good care, dear Dharma brother!
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: DSFriend on August 11, 2010, 10:05:39 PM
haha...cute! Love the pictures.

I echo Zach that what you are doing now certainly is creating the causes for your wish to come true!

take care
DSFriend
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Zach on August 11, 2010, 10:11:23 PM
haha...cute! Love the pictures.

I echo Zach that what you are doing now certainly is creating the causes for your wish to come true!

take care
DSFriend

DSFriend can you sticky this thread please so we can see it i dont want it to fall down the list  :)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on August 12, 2010, 08:24:33 AM
The Geluk Exam at Shar Gaden

The Annual Geluk Exam and the Yarney’s Debate festival simultaneously take place during the Summer Retreat (varshavas) where the first one attended by the alumnus of Shar Gaden who have passed all the monastic exams getting encouraging marks and the participants of the Yarney’s Debate Festival are selected two participants randomly from each class (from color to Vinaya) by a captain in presence of the Venerable Abbot and the Disciplinarian. The Annual Geluk Exam rotates it’s venue every year, this year, Serpom monastery is hosting the event with a great preparation of accommodation, food etc for three longs weeks. And the next year, it will be hosted by Shar Gaden with the above responsibilities.

On the 11th, August, morning around 7:30, the participants of both Geluk Exam and Yarney’s Debate Festival have assembled at the New Debate Courtyard where they have performed clarifying obstacles puja (sang soe) by burning incenses and the blessed leaves. The Geluk Exam’s participant are leaving Shar Gaden on 12th, August for Serpom Monastery and the Exam is starting on 15th, August. They will be having the exam in Serpom while we will be having Yarney’s Debate Festival here in Shar Gaden with only differences of coule of days. This two event are considered the most significant Dharmic activities in the Summer Retreat.

The both event will be an acid-test for the participants, the senior students have to compose, debate, answer each and every questions from the Five Major Treaties of Buddhist Philosophy (1.PramanaVidya Logic, 2.Prajnaparamita Perfection of Wisdom, 3.Madhyamika Middle Way Philosophy, 4.Abidharma The Treasure of Knowledge, and 5.Vinaya Spiritual Rules and Moral Law) and the younger students who are randomly selected, have to debate each other on a specific subject extensively in the middle of all the monks during a session.


http://shargadenpa.org/geluk-exam
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on August 12, 2010, 09:02:36 AM
My friend told me that the Shar Gaden and Serpom Monastery monks cannot go to the Upper and Lower tantric colleges of Gyuto and Gyumed. I was wondering - can anyone let me know where the monks will pursue their further studies? Will there be the alternative tantric colleges or will they continue at Shar Gaden and Serpom?

Thanks,
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: honeydakini on August 12, 2010, 09:47:47 AM
TS: A great photo! And definitely you're creating the causes for you to be among the maroon, IN MAROON! i am grateful for your updates - they are precious insights into a world I wish i could be a part of. Every little detail is so exciting, even the "simple" things like their class schedules and class topics!

it is wonderful to hear about the monks' studies for this is what prepares them to go out and teach even more of the world! It all begins here!!

Do they have extra-curricular activities too? you mentioned that they learn art and ritual on their own. Are things like sport or hobbies etc a part of their daily schedule too (like it was for us at school?)

Oh dear, look at me going off on a big tangent with lots of questions for you, when you are already so busy. Keep up the good work. We always look forward to hearing more, but of course, we understand how busy you are so no pressure!

Much love from all around the world to you and all at Shar Gaden!
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on August 13, 2010, 03:07:37 PM
The Geluk Exam at Shar Gaden

The Annual Geluk Exam and the Yarney’s Debate festival simultaneously take place during the Summer Retreat (varshavas) where the first one attended by the alumnus of Shar Gaden who have passed all the monastic exams getting encouraging marks and the participants of the Yarney’s Debate Festival are selected two participants randomly from each class (from color to Vinaya) by a captain in presence of the Venerable Abbot and the Disciplinarian. The Annual Geluk Exam rotates it’s venue every year, this year, Serpom monastery is hosting the event with a great preparation of accommodation, food etc for three longs weeks. And the next year, it will be hosted by Shar Gaden with the above responsibilities.

On the 11th, August, morning around 7:30, the participants of both Geluk Exam and Yarney’s Debate Festival have assembled at the New Debate Courtyard where they have performed clarifying obstacles puja (sang soe) by burning incenses and the blessed leaves. The Geluk Exam’s participant are leaving Shar Gaden on 12th, August for Serpom Monastery and the Exam is starting on 15th, August. They will be having the exam in Serpom while we will be having Yarney’s Debate Festival here in Shar Gaden with only differences of coule of days. This two event are considered the most significant Dharmic activities in the Summer Retreat.

The both event will be an acid-test for the participants, the senior students have to compose, debate, answer each and every questions from the Five Major Treaties of Buddhist Philosophy (1.PramanaVidya Logic, 2.Prajnaparamita Perfection of Wisdom, 3.Madhyamika Middle Way Philosophy, 4.Abidharma The Treasure of Knowledge, and 5.Vinaya Spiritual Rules and Moral Law) and the younger students who are randomly selected, have to debate each other on a specific subject extensively in the middle of all the monks during a session.


[url]http://shargadenpa.org/geluk-exam[/url]


About 35 of the monks left for Serpom last night to attand this event. These are the monks who are working towards the Geshe Lharampa degree. They attend this gathering every year for 5-6 years and are then eligible to take the final exams. This is the culmination of over 20 years of rigorous study.

They will be at Serpom for about 2 weeks.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on August 13, 2010, 03:13:54 PM
Here are some new videos of Shar Gaden that are now on the education website.
One is about the debate session, and the other is about Tsongkhapa's Parinirvana day prayers.

http://shargadeneducation.org/videos.html (http://shargadeneducation.org/videos.html)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: harrynephew on August 14, 2010, 07:56:22 AM
Thank u Tenzin Sungrab

u're our knight in bring shining armour in Shar Gaden!

I pray that more people like u may come forth to assist in welcoming the dawn of Shugden

humbly
Harry
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: beggar on August 14, 2010, 08:50:27 AM
Here are some new videos of Shar Gaden that are now on the education website.
One is about the debate session, and the other is about Tsongkhapa's Parinirvana day prayers.

[url]http://shargadeneducation.org/videos.html[/url] ([url]http://shargadeneducation.org/videos.html[/url])


Tenzin Sungrab,

Thanks for the link man! I just checked them out - great to see so many young monks starting their education in the monastery!

I had a few questions: where do all these young monks come from? are their families from neighbouring villages in mundgod? I assume that their families must also be Dorje Shugden practitioners but it is very courageous of them to place their children in a "controversial" monastery where they come to the forefront of the political situation.

sorry all the questions but it is just very exciting to see a whole new young generation of sangha that will courageously lead the way and become the new teachers to uphold the lineage!
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on August 17, 2010, 05:15:55 AM
My friend told me that the Shar Gaden and Serpom Monastery monks cannot go to the Upper and Lower tantric colleges of Gyuto and Gyumed. I was wondering - can anyone let me know where the monks will pursue their further studies? Will there be the alternative tantric colleges or will they continue at Shar Gaden and Serpom?

Thanks,
I asked a few of the monks here about this and the answer seems to be that there are no immediate plans to start another tantric college. The monks here at Shar Gaden study tantra with their individual teachers and many of the texts that are iememorized are tantric in nature, which is quite different from the other Gelug monasteries.
They also study tantra through a text by Panchen Sonam Drakpa based on the 13 diety Yamantaka system, as well as a text by the 101st Gaden Tripa, Lungri Namgyal Rinpoche, based on the solitary hero Yamantaka system.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on August 17, 2010, 08:02:16 AM
My friend told me that the Shar Gaden and Serpom Monastery monks cannot go to the Upper and Lower tantric colleges of Gyuto and Gyumed. I was wondering - can anyone let me know where the monks will pursue their further studies? Will there be the alternative tantric colleges or will they continue at Shar Gaden and Serpom?

Thanks,
I asked a few of the monks here about this and the answer seems to be that there are no immediate plans to start another tantric college. The monks here at Shar Gaden study tantra with their individual teachers and many of the texts that are memorized are tantric in nature, which is quite different from the other Gelug monasterys.
They also study tantra through a text by Panchen Sonam Drakpa based on the 13 diety Yamantaka system, as well as a text by the 101st Gaden Tripa, Lungri Namgyal Rinpoche, based on the solitary hero Yamantaka system.

Thank you Tenzin Sungrab.. i very much appreciate you taking the time to get information for our questions here on this forum. I know you're so busy already.

It's interesting to know that the monks are studying tantra at Shar Gaden already. I had thought that the gelug monasteries only study tantra at Gyuto or Gyumed. I guess Shar Gaden (and I presume Serpom also) would develop their own systems of study based on their different circumstances - i.e. not having access to the tantric colleges. It's really a case of evolving the methods through time, though keeping the teachings traditional and pure.

Much love to you and Shar Gaden and keep up the wonderful work!

I'm also keeping your mom in my prayers.

Take care now,
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: honeydakini on August 17, 2010, 06:24:12 PM
I asked a few of the monks here about this and the answer seems to be that there are no immediate plans to start another tantric college. The monks here at Shar Gaden study tantra with their individual teachers and many of the texts that are iememorized are tantric in nature, which is quite different from the other Gelug monasteries.
They also study tantra through a text by Panchen Sonam Drakpa based on the 13 diety Yamantaka system, as well as a text by the 101st Gaden Tripa, Lungri Namgyal Rinpoche, based on the solitary hero Yamantaka system.

This is great to hear, thank you.

I guess it mustn't be forgotten that many of the greatest DS lamas out there are unexcelled tantric practitioners and highly learned in all the teachings so it makes sense that they can begin their own tradition of teaching and learning instead of having to rely the existing procedure of going to the tantric colleges.

And with texts like those written by Panchen Sonam Drakpa and the 101st Gaden Tripa, I guess you can't go far wrong!

Many prayers and best wishes to you T.S. and much love and prayers for your mother too.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on August 20, 2010, 04:44:25 AM
Here is a photo I took this morning of the monks debating.

(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/100_1102.jpg)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on August 21, 2010, 11:21:02 AM
Shar Gaden has a 4 minute video which is very nice. It says it's part 1 of their history. Wonderful scenes. I look forward to part 2:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YD4XMtbY_A
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Helena on August 21, 2010, 01:29:33 PM
Oh wow, thank you again, TS!

It is really a priviledge that you are sharing so much updates with us all from Shar Gaden.

I can't tell you how wonderful it is to know that you are right there with them and that we are getting real life updates from you.

I am sure you are very busy and yet you take the time to do.

I sincerely thank you deeply.

May Shar Gaden grow bigger and bigger. May many more be able to join Shar Gaden.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: kurava on August 23, 2010, 07:52:06 AM
I think the status of the refugee camps and Tibetans –in Exile Govt in Indian soil  is in a grey and sensitive area of Indian politics. I am sure the ordinary Indian laws and remedies for common Indian citizens may not apply with same effectiveness for exiles.

Least we can do is to give monetary support and voice to their courageous cause and pray that the  sincere and pure motivation of Shar Gaden monks will overcome all obstacles to their work and flourish of Lama Tsongkapa doctrine and DS practice.


Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on August 24, 2010, 02:45:04 PM
Here is an update on the Shar Gaden Educational Project's website:

http://shargadeneducation.org/news.html (http://shargadeneducation.org/news.html)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on August 28, 2010, 11:31:18 AM
Here is a link to the website with some pictures of the ceremony in Mongolia that just finished. It was attended by Kyabje Trijang Choktrul Rinpoche, as well as the venerable abbot of Shar Gaden.
http://shargadenpa.org/ceremony-in-mongolia (http://shargadenpa.org/ceremony-in-mongolia)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: jessicajameson on August 28, 2010, 06:18:05 PM
Dear TS,

Thank you so much for sharing the photo of the debate! Does that happen everyday? Also, is there like a Great Debate once a year? Or anything of the like?

I took a look at the link you shared, regarding the ceremony in Mongolia..I thought that Trijang Rinpoche has cut all ties with anything DS-related?

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on September 04, 2010, 08:29:59 AM
Just noticed that on http://shargadenmonastery.blogspot.com/, there's a banner on the front page for dorjeshugden.com.. Cool!
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: thor on September 05, 2010, 07:49:09 PM
Just noticed that on [url]http://shargadenmonastery.blogspot.com/,[/url] there's a banner on the front page for dorjeshugden.com.. Cool!


It doesnt link to the website though, just to the image. Perhaps Tenzin Sungrab could ask them to link it to this website directly?
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on September 06, 2010, 11:16:43 AM
Just noticed that on [url]http://shargadenmonastery.blogspot.com/,[/url] there's a banner on the front page for dorjeshugden.com.. Cool!


It doesnt link to the website though, just to the image. Perhaps Tenzin Sungrab could ask them to link it to this website directly?


I'll pop Tenzin Sungrab a note on this..  maybe the monks are not very tech savvy but hopefully TS can give them a hand!
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on September 06, 2010, 02:11:29 PM
Hmm,

I am not sure exactly what you are talking about. When I click the link it goes directly to the blog. The blog that you linked is the old Shar Gaden blog. It is no longer updated. I am not really sure why Jampa switched to a new blog.

I believe the new blog links directly to the official website.

Even the new blog has been somewhat neglected due to lack of time to update.

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on September 06, 2010, 02:18:47 PM
The summer retreat (Yar-ney) is finished tomorrow after the morning Sojong. There will then be a week of Gayee - the celebration time. Monks will finally have freetime after a month and a half of retreat. I look forward to spending some relaxing time with the monks here.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: jessicajameson on September 08, 2010, 05:47:42 PM
Sounds like an odd question, but what do the monks do in their free time??

Over on this end, free time = crashing on the couch to catch up on DVDS, or going for a picnic!  :P
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on September 09, 2010, 03:14:06 AM
Many just relax in their rooms. Some play football (soccer)
Some listen to a little music. It is very nice to see the monks relax after such a rigorous period of study.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on September 10, 2010, 05:29:53 AM
101 new students just arrived here at Shar Gaden to ordain as novices. Most of them are young children from very poor villages in Nepal. I will post pictures when I have more time.

Also, today is Tendar Rinpoche's birthday! I will be spending the afternoon with him at his residence...eating cake and playing games! I can't wait.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Vajraprotector on September 10, 2010, 08:32:44 PM
101 new students just arrived here at Shar Gaden to ordain as novices. Most of them are young children from very poor villages in Nepal. I will post pictures when I have more time.

Also, today is Tendar Rinpoche's birthday! I will be spending the afternoon with him at his residence...eating cake and playing games! I can't wait.

Thank you Tenzin Sungrab for wonderful news from Shar Gaden always and rejoice for your work there!

Wow, 101 new students!!!!!!

I remember one of my Dharma sister staying in Nepal told me how "difficult" it was for Shugden monastery/ monks in Nepal at the height of the controversy to receive support and new students. Also, I read that Shugden monastery in Kathmandu were under a lot of pressure to give up the practice.

Looks like the cloudy days are starting to clear...
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on September 14, 2010, 08:57:47 AM
This was a video of Tendar Rinpoche's birthday from Tenzin Sungrab - but i don't know if the link works here. It's very cute.

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1505827298796

If it doesn't work, just go to my facebook because i reposted it. (http://www.facebook.com/wisdombeing)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on September 19, 2010, 04:03:54 PM
I just saw this on Shar Gaden's facebook:

The conclusion of this year's Summer Retreat (varshavas) on the Posadha day (a day for purification and restoration of monks vows) or bi-monthly confession of monks...simultaneously, It is also a beginning of a week-long holiday (Gaye)...

Cool to know that the monastery has holidays as Tenzin Sungrab had said earlier.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: LosangKhyentse on September 22, 2010, 07:02:17 PM
101 new students just arrived here at Shar Gaden to ordain as novices. Most of them are young children from very poor villages in Nepal. I will post pictures when I have more time.

Also, today is Tendar Rinpoche's birthday! I will be spending the afternoon with him at his residence...eating cake and playing games! I can't wait.

I'm very happy to hear about the arrival of new students. From these students, potential great teachers may arise for the benefit of many.
tk
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Helena on September 23, 2010, 06:13:56 AM
101 new students just arrived here at Shar Gaden to ordain as novices. Most of them are young children from very poor villages in Nepal. I will post pictures when I have more time.

Also, today is Tendar Rinpoche's birthday! I will be spending the afternoon with him at his residence...eating cake and playing games! I can't wait.

I'm very happy to hear about the arrival of new students. From these students, potential great teachers may arise for the benefit of many.
tk

We shall have hope in the form of these future Gurus of Dorje Shugden and they will be around to benefit the next generation. May the cycle and lineage always continue in the most beneficial way.

Here's to a future where the "SUN" will always "SHINE".
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on October 07, 2010, 05:39:48 AM

Dear fellow forum people,

I just read this on Shar Gaden's website and they are offering opportunities for sponsoring offerings to the Sangha on consecration ritual days, starting tomorrow until Sunday.

http://shargadenpa.org/consecration-ritual-days

If anyone is interested to sponsor offerings for them (fantastic opp to get merits!) - do contact them directly - the email address is there!

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on October 13, 2010, 06:32:53 AM
Here are some more photos of this event very kindly shared by Shar Gaden...

Photos of :
the Annual Consecration Ritual
The Venerable Abbot, Lobsang Phende who is the Preceptor
Lama Lobsang Yeshi and the Chant Master Lobsang Samphel

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: pgdharma on October 14, 2010, 02:28:19 PM
Thank you Wisdom Being for posting and sharing these photos with us :)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Helena on October 17, 2010, 03:02:05 AM
Thank you, WB for the photos and updates from Shar Gaden.

It is so beautiful that the monks can continue to do their prayers, learning and practice.

Shar Gaden and Serpom Monastery's existence is proof that nothing can stop us from practising Dorje Shugden, if we really believe in HIM and go all the way.

Also, if HHDL really wanted to - he can also easily allow the TGIE to close down these monasteries. If HHDL really wanted to, HH can do so much more to completely end the practice of Dorje Shugden.

But till today, Shar Gaden continues to exist, and so does Serpom.

In fact, I would not be surprised to see more and more DS monasteries will rise, or existing DS monasteries grow and expand at such light speeds.

This is all about finding new and creative ways to continue what we truly believe in and not just give up or be embroiled in negativities.

Things do not always have to be easy and rosy. I guess, when things are least rosy and easy - that is when one can feel and experience the power of one's practice. How we rise above each challenge is a testament to how powerful Dorje Shugden really is.

The KING is GREAT and MIGHTY!

May we all embody his qualities through and through!
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on October 17, 2010, 07:26:27 AM
Wow - here are some more photos from Day 2 of the consecration ritual at Shar Gaden.

Hope you like them as much as I do.

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: triesa on October 17, 2010, 03:13:35 PM
Thank you Wisdom Being for updating us with all these wonderful photos from Shar Gaden.

Much appreciation.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on October 17, 2010, 10:35:17 PM
Here is a link to the utube video of the concecration ceremony:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXbiAyl5XLI (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXbiAyl5XLI)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: triesa on October 18, 2010, 02:59:36 AM
Thank Tenzin Sungrab for the video. It is the first time I see a consecration ceremony. I wonder what is the significance of the elaborate ceremonial hats? And what is the orange band that the monks put on their forehead from time to time?

Thank You.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on October 18, 2010, 04:37:24 AM
My understanding is that the band on the head  symbolises that you have a permission to visualize deities and perform tantric pujas and ritual. I think the crown, which has 5 points, symbolises the 5 dhyana Buddhas and is fairly common in elaborate pujas but I am sure ther is much more to it than that. I am sure someone else can explain it in more detail.

This is only my opinion based on what information I was given.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: triesa on October 19, 2010, 03:12:53 PM
Thank you Tenzin Sungrab. Just want to know do the monks need to be at a certain level before they are qualified to wear those elaborate crowns on their head? If yes, what level do they need to be?

Thank you.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on October 19, 2010, 04:07:16 PM
 
I would guess that these are monks who have done retreat on Yamantaka and therefore are qualified. Yamantaka is the deity often invoked for such pujas.

I will ask one of the monks next time I am on Skype with them.


Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: DSFriend on October 19, 2010, 04:32:43 PM
Dear Tenzin Sungrab

Thank you for the photos and all. Keep up the good work in Shar Gaden!

take care
dsfriend
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on October 19, 2010, 05:01:15 PM
Dear Tenzin Sungrab

Thank you for the photos and all. Keep up the good work in Shar Gaden!

take care
dsfriend

I am actually not at Shar at the moment. I am in L.A. visiting my sick mother. I will be returning to Shar in January. I do keep in daily contact with Shar Gaden though.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: triesa on October 19, 2010, 11:55:57 PM
Thank you Tenzin Sungrab. I hope your mother will get well soon. My prayers with her.

Triesa.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on October 20, 2010, 03:35:38 AM
Today Shar Gaden had a special puja in honor of the anniversary of Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche's parinirvana. The puja was held at the newly renovated prayer hall at Trijang Ladrang. There were so many monks that many had to sit outside and participate from there. Many candles were lit and I was told that the mood was very joyous. Here is a picture from inside the prayer hall-
(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/aaaaaaaaaaa.jpg)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Helena on October 20, 2010, 06:37:28 PM
Thanks for the pictures, TS and sorry to learn that your mother is not well. Hope she recovers soon.

I like reading all the updates from Shar Gaden very much. It is so heart warming and encouraging to know that there are so many monks and they are out-growing their prayer halls. This is indeed good news! There are more monks! They are the future teachers and masters - taking care of the next generation.

Breaking away and forming their own monastery is like the best thing that ever happened, although it came about in a very challenging manner. However, look at the greater benefits and positive impact that will come about from here on. They definitely outweigh the adversity and suffering they all ahd to endure.

I say this because things can only grow from here, and more Dorje Shugden monasteries will rise from now on. This is the beginning of a new era - the time of the great uncommon Protector!

The future will be written by Dorje Shugden!
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: DSFriend on October 22, 2010, 08:22:33 PM
Dear Tenzin Sungrab

Thank you for the photos and all. Keep up the good work in Shar Gaden!

take care
dsfriend

I am actually not at Shar at the moment. I am in L.A. visiting my sick mother. I will be returning to Shar in January. I do keep in daily contact with Shar Gaden though.

My prayers for your mom and all to go well for your continuous work in Dharma!
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on October 22, 2010, 08:57:11 PM
Dear Tenzin Sungrab

Thank you for the photos and all. Keep up the good work in Shar Gaden!

take care
dsfriend

I am actually not at Shar at the moment. I am in L.A. visiting my sick mother. I will be returning to Shar in January. I do keep in daily contact with Shar Gaden though.

My prayers for your mom and all to go well for your continuous work in Dharma!

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Many people have been sending prayers her way and we appreciate every bit of it.

I myself have had some serious struggles this past month, but what helped get me back on track and feeling strong again was thinking about my unfinished work at Shar Gaden and how I made a promise to return and I do not want to let them down. Although my mother is my priority right now, getting back to Shar Gaden is my most important goal. I just applied to renew my passport and should be able to get my visa as soon as the passport comes in the mail. The monastery gave me a very official looking invitation letter to give to the Indian embassy to help facilitate getting a student visa so that I may stay longer next time. My plan is to stay at least a year. I pray every day to our Protector to help clear all obstacles to me getting back there. So far, He has been very instrumental in helping me clear obstacles in my mind that have slowed me down.

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Vajraprotector on October 22, 2010, 10:25:44 PM
I myself have had some serious struggles this past month, but what helped get me back on track and feeling strong again was thinking about my unfinished work at Shar Gaden and how I made a promise to return and I do not want to let them down... I pray every day to our Protector to help clear all obstacles to me getting back there. So far, He has been very instrumental in helping me clear obstacles in my mind that have slowed me down.

Dear Tenzin Sungrab,
Please continue your work in Shar Gaden that will help the monks there to learn English and they will be able to share the precious teachings of Lord Tsongkhapa with the world.

With your good motivation of benefitting the monks and your will to go back, I am sure the protector will help you clear your obstacles. I pray that your return to the monastery will be swift.

 


Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: triesa on October 23, 2010, 04:17:24 PM
Dear Tenzin Sungrab,

Whatever you experienced that pull you down, I am happy to hear that you are back up on your feet again. Your faith in DS will sure stablise your situation.

At times I also feel like a deflated balloon, but whenever I think of Dorje Shugden, I know I cannot let him down as our dear protector has been so kind and compassionate to me.

Much prayers..... to you and your mother.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on October 24, 2010, 04:51:17 AM
Dear Tenzin Sungrab,

I echo everyone else here who wishes you well in your trip back to Shar Gaden. It is such a privilege to serve the holy Sangha and earn merits which you can dedicate to your mother's health. I am glad to hear that you have overcome your obstacles - life is always full of ups and downs and it is up to us to make the best of it. I am sure that your sincere faith in Dorje Shugden will help clear any further obstacles - as long as you do your part, Dorje Shugden will surely do his.

Warmest wishes for your Dharma journey!
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: lightning on October 24, 2010, 06:26:32 AM
Dear Tenzin Sungrab

Thank you for the photos and all. Keep up the good work in Shar Gaden!

take care
dsfriend

I am actually not at Shar at the moment. I am in L.A. visiting my sick mother. I will be returning to Shar in January. I do keep in daily contact with Shar Gaden though.

My prayers for your mom and all to go well for your continuous work in Dharma!

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Many people have been sending prayers her way and we appreciate every bit of it.

I myself have had some serious struggles this past month, but what helped get me back on track and feeling strong again was thinking about my unfinished work at Shar Gaden and how I made a promise to return and I do not want to let them down. Although my mother is my priority right now, getting back to Shar Gaden is my most important goal. I just applied to renew my passport and should be able to get my visa as soon as the passport comes in the mail. The monastery gave me a very official looking invitation letter to give to the Indian embassy to help facilitate getting a student visa so that I may stay longer next time. My plan is to stay at least a year. I pray every day to our Protector to help clear all obstacles to me getting back there. So far, He has been very instrumental in helping me clear obstacles in my mind that have slowed me down.


I rejoice for your meritorious actions in helping Shar Garden Monastery.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on October 27, 2010, 08:41:42 AM
More news from Shar Gaden:

Recently, the first day of the first half yearly examination started for both senior and junior monks. The subjects of the exams are the Five Great Scriptures or texts which are studied in the Monastery.

They are :
(1) Abhidharma Kosha
(2) Parmanavartika
(3) Abhisamaya Alamkara
(4) Madhyamika
(5) Vinaya (Root Sutra) by Buddha Shakyamuni
and also commentaries by other Indian and Tibetan masters and modern education such as English Tibetan grammar, mathematics,drawing and handwriting etc
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on October 28, 2010, 08:39:47 AM
Watch this video - the Annual Yangdup Puja 2010 - Shar Gaden

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTFViutX-Mc
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: triesa on November 02, 2010, 03:03:24 PM
Watch this video - the Annual Yangdup Puja 2010 - Shar Gaden

[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTFViutX-Mc[/url]


Dear Wisdom Being,

Thank you for sharing. The monks prepared very extensive and beautiful offerings. Do you know what Yangdup Puja is for?
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on November 03, 2010, 04:22:42 PM
Life entrustment initiation of Dorje Shugden to be granted by Geshe Thubten Rinpoche starting
Wednesday, December 22 at 5:00am 

What a rare opportunity.

I am changing my travel plans so that I may be back at Shar Gaden to attend this event.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: DSFriend on November 04, 2010, 04:57:57 AM
Dear TS

 We all face obstacles but focusing on others is the only way to help us over come our own maras. I'm glad to hear of your visa applications etc to get back to shar gaden. Being able to contribute in meaningful and beneficial ways truly brings happiness...

wishing you well always
dsfriend
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on November 06, 2010, 02:51:10 PM
(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/shar.jpg)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on December 02, 2010, 05:46:17 AM
Short video I made of scenes from Shar Gaden with Dorje Shugden's holy mantra.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKMZ8T30RTY (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKMZ8T30RTY)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on December 02, 2010, 05:47:12 AM
Short ideo I made of scenes from Shar Gaden with Dorje Shugden's holy mantra.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKMZ8T30RTY (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKMZ8T30RTY)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: triesa on December 08, 2010, 12:36:31 AM
Thank you Tenzin Sungrab for the nice and sweet video of Shar Gaden.

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on January 04, 2011, 08:46:03 AM
Hello friends,
I am back here at Shar Gaden to begin teaching English again. I have a 10 year visa now and have already made a 2 year commitment to the monastery. There is nowhere on this planet that I would rather be.
I faced many obstacles getting back here, but now that I am here I can get back to work where I left off. I will keep you updated when I get the time.


 :)I just saw Domo Rinpoche this morning. What a blessing.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on January 04, 2011, 08:57:37 AM
Hello friends,
I am back here at Shar Gaden to begin teaching English again. I have a 10 year visa now and have already made a 2 year commitment to the monastery. There is nowhere on this planet that I would rather be.
I faced many obstacles getting back here, but now that I am here I can get back to work where I left off. I will keep you updated when I get the time.


 :)I just saw Domo Rinpoche this morning. What a blessing.


Blessing indeed! Happy to hear you're back in Shar Gaden and excellent that you have a 10 year visa! How lucky you are to serve the Sangha! I look forward to your updates!
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Zach on January 04, 2011, 03:05:53 PM
Hello friends,
I am back here at Shar Gaden to begin teaching English again. I have a 10 year visa now and have already made a 2 year commitment to the monastery. There is nowhere on this planet that I would rather be.
I faced many obstacles getting back here, but now that I am here I can get back to work where I left off. I will keep you updated when I get the time.


 :)I just saw Domo Rinpoche this morning. What a blessing.


Thank goodness we will be able to have your updates again i was begining to miss them  :)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on January 05, 2011, 07:40:38 AM
Here are some beautiful shots from the Shar Gaden Winter Debate 2010... (thank you Shar Gaden for sharing them).
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Helena on January 10, 2011, 07:30:23 AM
To TS - So happy for you that you are back "home". Please do keep us updated. It is always such a pleasure reading your updates and especially, your "video journals".

TO WB - THANK YOU SO MUCH for posting those beautiful pictures. So lovely.

Keep them coming  :)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on January 10, 2011, 08:40:39 AM
Last night, a few friends and I went to visit Trijang Ladrang. A monk friend and two of his students made over 100 Dorje Shugden tsa tsas using many holy relics from Trijang Rinpoche. My friend is going to be painting them today. I will see if I can get a picture. Unfortunately my camera was damaged during my travels so I will see if I can use a friends camera.


The 100+ new monks that arrived here a few months ago are progressing very quickly in their studies. Most of them have already memorised the prayers for their daily morning puja and are now up to speed with their peers.


I start classes in one week and can't wait to get started again. Many of the older students have requested that I start a nightly drop-in class so that they may learn English is their free time. The eagerness to learn is very inspiring.

The clinic is scheduled to be completed by June. This will be a valuable resourse as monks are often turned away from the clinic in near camp 3 due to being from Shar Gaden.

There are also plans to build more classrooms when the construction of the clinic is completed. Some of the morning classes are temporarily being held in the debate hall due to lack of space.

This is such an exciting time to be here at Shar Gaden. So much activity and growth happening everywhere you look.

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: triesa on January 12, 2011, 04:00:54 PM


The clinic is scheduled to be completed by June. This will be a valuable resourse as monks are often turned away from the clinic in near camp 3 due to being from Shar Gaden.



Dear TS

It is great to hear that Shar Ganden will  have its own clinic soon. This will definitely be of great benefit to the monks there.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on January 12, 2011, 04:50:19 PM
Here are some pics of Shar Gaden clinic and their Tibetan doctor Tenzin Donsang.. and even a pic of their medicine shelf! Also here are a couple of pics of Dr John Mathew who gives free medical treatment to the monks.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: DharmaSpace on January 14, 2011, 10:34:59 AM
This is very good news to know that the people who in the future will be preserving the Ganden Tradition have access to good medical care.  :)

Though I know that the Tibetans also have a pretty sophisticated medicine system, so does that mean the monastics do not engage in the study of Tibetan medicine at all?
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Mana on January 14, 2011, 07:59:46 PM
Great news that Shar Gaden is progressing towards self-sustainability. When the Tibetan government ordered Shugden monks to leave Gaden Monastery, they never thought the Shugden monks will susrvive, let alone thriving!

The Tibetan government can't do anything now, and Shugden monks can practice freely and openly in their own monastery with good facilities.

What a rejoicing news for the birth of the Shugden lineage!
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Zach on January 14, 2011, 10:21:50 PM
Great news that Shar Gaden is progressing towards self-sustainability. When the Tibetan government ordered Shugden monks to leave Gaden Monastery, they never thought the Shugden monks will susrvive, let alone thriving!

The Tibetan government can't do anything now, and Shugden monks can practice freely and openly in their own monastery with good facilities.

What a rejoicing news for the birth of the Shugden lineage!

I somehow dont think they counted on the monks receiving any protection from anyone ( The TGIE ) they very much under estimated The Dharmapala Dorje shugden he protects his followers like a father with his child, Adverse karma may befall but the Dharmapala softens the blow and creates positive conditions for us to work with...sort of like our 2 new monastrys  ;D
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Helena on January 15, 2011, 12:51:01 AM
Great news that Shar Gaden is progressing towards self-sustainability. When the Tibetan government ordered Shugden monks to leave Gaden Monastery, they never thought the Shugden monks will susrvive, let alone thriving!

The Tibetan government can't do anything now, and Shugden monks can practice freely and openly in their own monastery with good facilities.

What a rejoicing news for the birth of the Shugden lineage!

Again, this is real living proof that no matter what happens WE, the Shugden Lineage Holders, WILL SURVIVE AND CONTINUE.

With our consistent and persistent efforts, we will show the world just how powerful our Supreme Protector is.

I think this is something every Shugdenpa should rejoice because it makes all our hardships and suffering through all the challenging times worth while. 

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on January 15, 2011, 10:09:46 AM
With Shar Gaden and Serpom Monasteries growing and developing well, i wonder if it indicates that there will be a separate Shugden lineage which will be an offshoot from the current Gelugpa tradition.

The new incarnations of great masters like Trijang Rinpoche, Domo Geshe Rinpoche and others are already in these monasteries, along with the great Gaden Trisur. As everything is impermanent, it is highly possible that a new school of Buddhism will arise, based on Tsongkhapa's teachings but with Dorje Shugden as the Dharma Protector.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on January 16, 2011, 03:31:57 PM
Geshe Thubten Trinley finished with his cycle of Teachings today. Tomorrow is a break, and then Tuesday Geshe-la will finish with the remaining Sogte initiations. Wednesday the monastery will be offering a long-life puja to Geshe-la that will be attended by monks from Shar Gaden, Serpom, as well as many visitors from all over the world.

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: pgdharma on January 16, 2011, 03:46:27 PM
Geshe Thubten Trinley finished with his cycle of Teachings today. Tomorrow is a break, and then Tuesday Geshe-la will finish with the remaining Sogte initiations. Wednesday the monastery will be offering a long-life puja to Geshe-la that will be attended by monks from Shar Gaden, Serpom, as well as many visitors from all over the world.


Thank you Tenzin Sungrab for sharing this information with us. I rejoice to know that many visitors from all over the world will be joining the monks from Shar Gaden, Serpom, to offer a long life puja to Geshe la.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on January 23, 2011, 03:21:16 PM
Today there was a very powerful Torgya Protector Puja here at Shar Gaden. I did get some pictures and a few short videos, but will have to wait for a better connection to upload them.

I hope to post them soon.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on January 24, 2011, 04:26:04 PM
(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/100_2103.jpg)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on January 24, 2011, 04:44:03 PM
(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/100_2100.jpg)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: DharmaSpace on January 24, 2011, 08:11:02 PM
Thank you Tenzin Sungrab for sharing pictures from Shar Gaden, it certainly gives many Dorje Shugden practitioners a lot of hope and encouragement!

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on January 29, 2011, 02:12:17 PM
Here is a picture of some of the Dorje Shugden tsa tsas my friend and his student made here at Shar Gaden. They were made using many holy relics from Kyabje Yongdzin Trijang Rinpoche Dorje Chang.

(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/100_1969-1.jpg)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on February 11, 2011, 06:28:40 PM
Nice news to share (edited lightly) from Shar Gaden facebook:

On 7th, Feb 2011, monks of Shar Gaden monks assembled at the New Debate court-yard for the evening dharmic session (prior to debate session) while Dalai Lama was just 50 meters away conducting his program at Shartse debate field....the session was also attended by those who never appear around (mostly staffs) who were highly energized.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on February 22, 2011, 06:04:57 PM
More wonderful news from Shar Gaden  - this is a photo of the construction progress of their new accommodation building. It's such great news to hear that Shar Gaden is expanding and that this large building will be able to accommodate more monks who will be Dorje Shugden practitioners!
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Helena on February 22, 2011, 06:49:21 PM
Hey WB, I was just looking at that news in my Facebook!

It is wonderful news that Shar Gaden is EXPANDING - more accommodation buildings being constructed means more monks can be accepted into the monastery. Now, they can't be building more and getting bigger for no apparent reason, now can they?

What more proof do we need that Dorje Shugden practice will grow bigger and become more wide spread?

This is indeed news to rejoice about.

Imagine a whole new generation of Dorje Shugden Lamas are coming and they will keep "coming".

Which reminds me of an old saying, "If you build it, they will come."

The best thing of all, the Dorje Shugden lamas and high lamas can come back again and again - over lifetimes.

 ;D
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on February 23, 2011, 03:39:57 PM
If anyone wants to support Shar Gaden monks, there are three monks seeking sponsorship, aged 11, 14 and 16.
Please do contact Shar Gaden directly so you know exactly where your money is going: [email protected]  Skype: jamtharbolo:

(extracted from http://shargadenpa.org/help-student - please go to their link to see photos of the monks)

Name: Lobsang Namgyal
Age: 14 years old
Nationality: Nepali
ID No. SGM/800/10
Lobsang Namgyal has joined Shar Gaden Monastery lately with a good motivation to study hard and benefit other sentient beings.He came from Nepal leaving behind all his worldly unwholesome deeds to become a good person by practicing the path shown by the Gautam Buddha. He needs a great help to buy educational accessories, monk’s robe, health requirement and so forth. At his initial stage of student life, such support plays vital role and it stabilizes with your timely generosity.


Name: Lobsang Sonam
Age: 11 years old
Nationality: Nepali
ID No. SGM/801/10
Lobsang Sonam is a fresh student who was born in a remote area of Himalaya and is from a Buddhist family background which he feels very fortunate. He joined Shar Gaden after his parents had consented as per his aspiration to be a monk and sent him to South India along with some other novices.  Since his enrollment, he has been very active and interested on every subjects that are being taught in the school. In order to carry his educational journey farther smoothly, he needs your support for this noble cause. Your small support makes great impact.



Name: Lobsang Choklang
Age: 16 years old
Nationality: Nepali
ID No. SGM/802/10
Lobsang Choklang joined Shar Gaden in 2007. Currently he is studying in 4rth grade. He is considered as one of the honest student amongst all, when not sitting in any puja or class sessions, he sincerely dedicates most of his time serving his resident master Laka Rinpoche, he follows wherever his master goes like body and shadow. He is very much inspired by the guru devotion practice of Naropa (Indian yogi 956–1041) who spent 12 long year with his teacher Tilopa serving with the greatest loyalty. Your support will enable his spiritual life continue for many years.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: beggar on February 23, 2011, 05:03:52 PM
More wonderful news from Shar Gaden  - this is a photo of the construction progress of their new accommodation building. It's such great news to hear that Shar Gaden is expanding and that this large building will be able to accommodate more monks who will be Dorje Shugden practitioners!

This looks huge! What news to rejoice in.

In spite of all the accusations and allegations levelled against Dorje Shugden practitioners, this huge expansion is all the "evidence" that the world needs to see just how much they are making Dharma grow and bringing Dharma to so many more Sangha. What dharma protector, who assists in this, can be "evil" like they claim?

I'd like to see how many people TGIE have influenced into Dharma? Or how many buildings they have been able to fundraise for and build, purely to make Dharma practice available to more people?
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on February 24, 2011, 06:18:49 PM

This looks huge! What news to rejoice in.

In spite of all the accusations and allegations levelled against Dorje Shugden practitioners, this huge expansion is all the "evidence" that the world needs to see just how much they are making Dharma grow and bringing Dharma to so many more Sangha. What dharma protector, who assists in this, can be "evil" like they claim?

I'd like to see how many people TGIE have influenced into Dharma? Or how many buildings they have been able to fundraise for and build, purely to make Dharma practice available to more people?

What i find so amazing is that despite all odds stacked against them - all the influence of the TGIE and the instructions of HH the Dalai Lama, the lack of support and funds from TGIE etc - these monasteries are flourishing and expanding. It can only be due to their good samaya with their Gurus and the protection of Dorje Shugden.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on February 24, 2011, 07:01:10 PM
When completed, the new monk's quarters will have 3 floors, with over 75 new rooms. If they assign 3 monks to a room, like they do in the other monk's quarters of the monastery (some rooms now have 4 monks), that is space enough for over 225 monks.

There is also a seperate facility that is almost completed that is 4 stories high with 40 new rooms. This is room for another 120 monks. This new facility is located across the road from Kuten-la's residence.

That is space for 350 monks.

With over 700 monks here now, and room for over 350 more, Shar Gaden will have the ability to house well over a thousand monks. There is also land that could still be developed if needed to build even more housing.

When I first came here back in April of 2010, there were about 450 monks. In less than a year that has almost doubled. If this pace continues, Shar Gaden will soon be the largest monastery in the area.

Wouldn't that be something!?
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Helena on February 24, 2011, 08:46:21 PM
Wow, that would be something, TS!

Thank you for all the wonderful updates.

It's so wonderful to be reading all this.

Dorje Shugden is growing - love the part where you say its doubled!

Rejoice!  :)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: DSFriend on February 25, 2011, 09:53:36 AM
Dear TS

Thank you for the update on this project.

From which monastery are these new monks coming from?

much thanks
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Helena on February 25, 2011, 06:45:47 PM
Look at what the monastery is doing - the monks came out with a new book.

Please read why they have undertaken this project.

It is truly heart warming.

I have taken the liberty to highlight the words which moved me deeply in BLUE.


Shar Gaden School has recently published a monthly magazine called “The Melodic Song of Undiluted Vows” “Tibetan Version” which consists poetry, essay, tales, drawings etc composed by the students themselves. Ven Principal Lobsang Jamyang & and the members of the library had been working on this project for many days and had collected every piece of composition from the composers but due to assembly of usual pujas and other commitments, there had been a little delay in publishing this magazine.

As Ven principal says ” at initial state of this project, there had been diverse problem from many aspects such as; lack of leisure time for the student to compose-even thought we have a holiday once in a week, we spend it on washing our robes and cleaning surrounding. And then there’s a financial lack which is a major problem whatever we use-we have to pay for it without any regular income or revenue. We never intend to make profits when publishing books etc instead intend to spread an awareness of how important a pure lineage is and how costly it would be if we lose it carelessly. A pure lineage of one tradition is everything ! One could not imagine, in the past, how many masters  had dedicated their entire lives facing great hardship only for sack of pure lineage. It would be a great lose if we let the pure lineage contaminated. We are very please that our friends around the world are as very much concerned as we are, which is a priceless and a very encouraging. Such is the greatest backbone of one community ever could have.   “ohh” am I talking too much”  So finally, we are able to complete the project and I would like to express sincere thank to all-whoever involved in it and for extending great cooperation.  The essence of publishing this magazine is to promote education of the  students and to let our esteemed friends know what the students think by this interactive  manner. So therefore, we welcome your feedback, comments and suggestion so that we can improve farther.”

For feedback, comment, suggestion or to order-kindly write us @ [email protected]


Mailing address:

Shar Gaden School
Lama Camp#1, PO Tibetan Colony,
Mundgod-581411, Distt karwar, KS
INDIA


Source: http://shargadenpa.org/new-book

Truly, there is really no comparison to what the Sangha has to go through and endures for the sake of Dharma.

The rest of us have it so easy and so lucky.

We can sit back and have the Gurus and Dharma come to us.

We can choose to practise or not to practise, and even when we feel like abandoning our practice at certain times.

To the Sangha, their Dharma practice is their very life essence!

My deepest respect to the Sangha, who work so tirelessly to keep the Dharma alive and available for the rest of us.

My deepest gratitude to all the Sangha in the world!

With folded hands.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on February 28, 2011, 08:42:17 AM
See the photos below of progress of the clinic at Shar Gaden which is currently under construction! These pictures were taken from Shar Gaden's facebook at (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?fbid=167779766606485&id=100001233886452&aid=57235).

It's so amazing how much growth there is at this monastery, despite the fact that there is no support from the TGIE at all. To me, this is simply concrete proof of Dorje Shugden's authenticity.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on February 28, 2011, 03:51:56 PM
Link to the preliminary session of the Maha Gutor Puja.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uM9jF-vDUS0 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uM9jF-vDUS0)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: DSFriend on February 28, 2011, 08:24:39 PM
Thank you TS for the video link of Maha Gutor Puja.

Watching and listening to the holy monks chanting and playing the ritual instruments in unison is so captivating.

Never fails to inspire me, seeing and reflecting how these monks dedicate their whole life to studying, contemplating, prayers,.. lives dedicated to become enlightened!
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on March 02, 2011, 11:35:17 AM
Thank you Tenzin Sungrab! Please keep more videos coming. It is so inspiring to see glimpses of Shar Gaden! I liked all the ritual instruments very much. What do all the instruments signify? Like the long horn, cymbals etc? What do you call the big green and white drums?

Did you film this?

cheers!
Title: Message?
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on March 02, 2011, 01:02:13 PM
The video was created by one of the monks here at Shar Gaden.
 
Some of here at the monastery are currently working on a project called Life at Shar Gaden. When completed, this will be about an hour and a half long video detailing daily life here at the monastery.  A few friends and I have been working on the plans, but we haven't started filming yet. We are waiting for further approval from the abbot and several Lamas. We are also trying to find a decent video camera.
We hope to get started soon.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on March 02, 2011, 01:31:42 PM
thanks for the quick reply Tenzin... always can count on you for news.. please do keep it up! By the way, for a British national like myself, is it easy to get to Shar Gaden? Do I need a special permit or can I just visit? And is there anywhere for foreigners to stay nearby? I'm just considering options for the summer.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: DSFriend on March 03, 2011, 09:52:27 AM
HI Wisdom Being
I hope it works out for you to visit Shar Gaden in the summer. :)

TS
I look forward to hearing more details regarding logistics. It will be very beneficial for whoever who plans to go visit.
Thanks for you kind help.

cheers
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on March 05, 2011, 10:28:13 AM
thanks for the quick reply Tenzin... always can count on you for news.. please do keep it up! By the way, for a British national like myself, is it easy to get to Shar Gaden? Do I need a special permit or can I just visit? And is there anywhere for foreigners to stay nearby? I'm just considering options for the summer.

Hello friends,

Yes, a special permit is required. It is called a Protected Area Permit. It is needed to stay in any Tibatan colony in India. If you are only going to visit for one or two days, the permit really isn't that important, however, if you stay longer it is needed or it could cause problems for the monastery if you do not have one. The P.A.P takes about 3 months to receive once you have sent in your application. Shar Gaden can help with the filing. There is also a small fee, but it is minimal.

Another option is to stay in the Indian city of Hubli, which is about an hour away from the monastery. There are many hotels, and it is relatively easy to get to and from Shar Gaden from there.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on March 05, 2011, 03:30:18 PM
Thank you for the info, Tenzin. It'll be useful to anyone who would like to visit these great monasteries! Another reason i love this website is that it is full of useful and constructive information which forum participants like you give to HELP people! :)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on March 05, 2011, 04:35:37 PM
The former Tseme Rinpoche's personal thanka of Dorje Shugden in the main audience room of Tseme labrang.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on March 05, 2011, 04:44:14 PM

The former Tseme Rinpoche's personal thanka of Dorje Shugden in the main audience room of Tseme labrang.

(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/100_2480.jpg)
Title: Message?
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on March 06, 2011, 04:45:15 AM
Sorry, the above should read: Zimey Rinpoche...
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on March 06, 2011, 01:47:51 PM
Thank you Tenzin - that's an awesome Thangka!!

From this article (http://dorjeshugden.com/wp/?p=376), it says that Zemey Rinpoche's new incarnation was found in Tibet. Could you please tell me if he is now in Shar Gaden or is he still in Tibet? Who is in Zemey Ladrang now? Would love more info, pics etc!

Thanking you in advance!
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on March 06, 2011, 04:09:32 PM
The current Kyabje Zemey Tulku Rinpoche is still at his home monastery in Tibet. A geshe friend here was a close student of the prior Zemey Rinpoche and just returned from visiting the young tulku in Tibet.
He may reside at Shar Gaden someday though. Many of the prior Zemey Rinpoche's students are now senior monks here at Shar Gaden, and it was these students, as well as a few Rinpoches here, that helped locate the present tulku.
I was told that Thupten Jimpa, the Dalai Lama's English translator and student of the late Zemey Rinpoche, tried to interfere with the process and promote his own choice as the true tulku. In the end, he backed down when he realized that the people from Zemey Rinpoche's home monastery in Tibet, as well as all almost all of Zemey Rinpoche's prior students, would only accept the choice of our lineage Lamas here at Shar Gaden.

RIght now there are over 20 monks living in Zemey labrang. I will try to get more pictures if I get time.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on March 06, 2011, 05:04:08 PM
Thanks Tenzin Sungrab. Sad to hear about the politics of recognition. I guess that is why certain traditions do not want to get involved in the tulku issue. However, despite the politics, I still think the Tulku tradition is a good one as long as those high Lamas who are confirming the recognitions are highly qualified and have integrity above all.

Look forward to seeing more pics of Zemey Ladrang. Any other ladrangs? Which are the largest ladrangs at Shar Gaden?
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: DSFriend on March 06, 2011, 05:11:37 PM
In the end, he backed down when he realized that the people from Zemey Rinpoche's home monastery in Tibet, as well as all almost all of Zemey Rinpoche's prior students, would only accept the choice of our lineage Lamas here at Shar Gaden.


Dear TS
What you brought up is quite interesting. Now that Shar Gaden has split from Gaden Shartse, we will have young tulkus incarnating back. Who will have the authority to say where this Tulkus belongs to. Shar gaden? Gaden Shartse? And will we have more recognised emanations?
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Helena on March 07, 2011, 03:36:24 PM
They have all the high Lamas and Throne-Holders in Shar Gaden and Serpom still alive and well. They can definitely verify.

In addition, they have the Shugden Oracles to confirm.

In time, or may be even now, they do not need the seal of approval from HHDL or the TGIE.

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on March 07, 2011, 04:56:15 PM
They have all the high Lamas and Throne-Holders in Shar Gaden and Serpom still alive and well. They can definitely verify.

In addition, they have the Shugden Oracles to confirm.

In time, or may be even now, they do not need the seal of approval from HHDL or the TGIE.



I would imagine that HHDL and TGIE would currently be the last to acknowledge any reincarnations of Shugden lamas.

I'm curious though - that since HH Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche has become a lay person and disassociated himself with Shugdenpas, who looks after his ladrang at Shar Gaden? Does Trijang Rinpoche ever visit his ladrang?
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on March 07, 2011, 05:55:45 PM
Quote
I'm curious though - that since HH Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche has become a lay person and disassociated himself with Shugdenpas, who looks after his ladrang at Shar Gaden? Does Trijang Rinpoche ever visit his ladrang?

Kyabje Trijang Chogtrul Rinpoche has not disassociated with anyone. He is private, but has not given up any of his connections with our lineage Lamas. I really respect the way he handles himself regarding this.

His labrang is looked after by Gen Choenze-la, a monk who has looked after the labrang since the days when Kyabje Trijang Chogtrul was a young monk there.

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WoselTenzin on March 08, 2011, 04:27:25 PM
Below is a poster for the upcoming exams at Shar Gaden Monastery.
The exams will run through the end of April. I will be getting there a couple of weeks before classes resume. I am lucky that I will have some time to acclimate to life at Shar Gaden before things get busy again.

 ([url]http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/sharexams.jpg[/url])


Seeing this Examination poster of Shar Gaden makes me feel that Dharma is still very much alive in spite of this degenerate age and there are highly learned monks who dedicate their whole life towards the study and practice of Dharma now still studying very hard to master subjects in Buddhism.

It is inspiring to see a Buddhist institution of higher learning bustling with activities such as exams, debates, pujas or classes. In this case it shows that Shar Gaden is a living Buddhist institution and not just a nice building with no real Dharma activities like many temples and religious institutions in the world. 

May Shar Gaden continue to flourish and be a centre that produce many qualified teachers to bring Dharma to the whole world.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on March 08, 2011, 06:03:39 PM
Quote
I'm curious though - that since HH Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche has become a lay person and disassociated himself with Shugdenpas, who looks after his ladrang at Shar Gaden? Does Trijang Rinpoche ever visit his ladrang?

Kyabje Trijang Chogtrul Rinpoche has not disassociated with anyone. He is private, but has not given up any of his connections with our lineage Lamas. I really respect the way he handles himself regarding this.

His labrang is looked after by Gen Choenze-la, a monk who has looked after the labrang since the days when Kyabje Trijang Chogtrul was a young monk there.



I'm glad to hear that. I had thought he did not wish to associate with Shugden practitioners because he didn't want to become a figurehead or icon for the pro-Shugden group. I respect him a lot too - that he would prefer to maintain a low profile and not criticise anyone. I sincerely hope Trijang Rinpoche will return to Shar Gaden soon.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Zach on March 13, 2011, 07:43:12 AM
Quote
I'm curious though - that since HH Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche has become a lay person and disassociated himself with Shugdenpas, who looks after his ladrang at Shar Gaden? Does Trijang Rinpoche ever visit his ladrang?

Kyabje Trijang Chogtrul Rinpoche has not disassociated with anyone. He is private, but has not given up any of his connections with our lineage Lamas. I really respect the way he handles himself regarding this.

His labrang is looked after by Gen Choenze-la, a monk who has looked after the labrang since the days when Kyabje Trijang Chogtrul was a young monk there.



I'm glad to hear that. I had thought he did not wish to associate with Shugden practitioners because he didn't want to become a figurehead or icon for the pro-Shugden group. I respect him a lot too - that he would prefer to maintain a low profile and not criticise anyone. I sincerely hope Trijang Rinpoche will return to Shar Gaden soon.

I would think after the Dalai lamas passing.
Title: (No subject)
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on March 27, 2011, 01:18:08 PM
Almost finished with the video project a few monks and I are working on. We are now editing and adding narration. I will post more details soon.
Title: Re: (No subject)
Post by: thaimonk on March 27, 2011, 05:15:14 PM
Almost finished with the video project a few monks and I are working on. We are now editing and adding narration. I will post more details soon.

It will be good for the world to see this video so they can understand the dedication and fortitude of the monks of Shar Gaden Monastery.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on March 27, 2011, 05:51:36 PM
Great to hear that, Tenzin Sungrab... always love to see and hear about what's going on at Shar Gaden and how dedicated the Sangha are there. Thank you for documenting life at Shar Gaden for people far away who are very interested like me! Look forward to the finished product!
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: DSFriend on March 27, 2011, 07:42:03 PM

I'm glad to hear that. I had thought he did not wish to associate with Shugden practitioners because he didn't want to become a figurehead or icon for the pro-Shugden group. I respect him a lot too - that he would prefer to maintain a low profile and not criticise anyone. I sincerely hope Trijang Rinpoche will return to Shar Gaden soon.

Will he return and have his "permanent" abode in Shar Gaden or will he abide where he is to bring the Buddha Dharma and the protector practice to the west? ... just wondering...
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: thaimonk on March 28, 2011, 03:55:12 AM
Current Trijang Rinpoche is definitely associated with the Dorje Shugden groups and people although staying low key about it as to not attract too much of Tibetan Govt's attention. Tibet Govt being autocratic does not tolerate anyone who do not follow their policies fair or unfair.

A few months back a celebration of the anniversary of a Temple built by Guru Deva Rinpoche was held in Mongolia. The oracle of Shugden, Tulkus, Geshes, monks flew in to attend. Guru Deva Rinpoche had a huge fallout with the Tibetan Govt decades ago regarding the Shugden issue. Guru Deva is a very big sponsor and supporter of Trijang Rinpoche during his lifetime.

Trijang Rinpoche flew in to grace the celebrations with fellow Shugden practitioners in Mongolia. It was very successful and moving.


Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Helena on March 29, 2011, 08:57:16 AM
Current Trijang Rinpoche is definitely associated with the Dorje Shugden groups and people although staying low key about it as to not attract too much of Tibetan Govt's attention. Tibet Govt being autocratic does not tolerate anyone who do not follow their policies fair or unfair.

A few months back a celebration of the anniversary of a Temple built by Guru Deva Rinpoche was held in Mongolia. The oracle of Shugden, Tulkus, Geshes, monks flew in to attend. Guru Deva Rinpoche had a huge fallout with the Tibetan Govt decades ago regarding the Shugden issue. Guru Deva is a very big sponsor and supporter of Trijang Rinpoche during his lifetime.

Trijang Rinpoche flew in to grace the celebrations with fellow Shugden practitioners in Mongolia. It was very successful and moving.

Thanks for the news, Thai Monk.

That is so heart warming to know. I love it that all the high Lamas, Tulkus and Masters are all supporting one another and not divided at all. Shugden practitioners should take their lead and do the same.

It moves me deeply to just read this. I am sure it was really beautiful.
Title: (No subject)
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on March 30, 2011, 04:16:28 AM
Hello friends,

Some good news:

A few Dharma friends of mine are in the process of launching a non-profit organization that will support the education of Shar Gaden and Serpom. The group is called Dharma Bridge Foundation. We are currently working on two projects: sponsoring an English teacher for Serpom and sponsoring 800 textbooks for the English classes; 100 books per class level 1-8.

Find the Dharma Bridge Foundation on facebook and give them your support.
We have also started a website, dharmabridge.org that is still under construction.

I will update again when I have time. Thank you.

T.S.
Duke
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Mana on March 30, 2011, 05:48:02 PM
How kind the participants in the past has donated to various causes of Shar Gaden raised through this thread and others. This forum is indeed important and beneficial.

We at www.dorjeshugden.com fully support the growth and practice of Dorje Shugden through his various centres.

Mana
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: beggar on March 30, 2011, 07:05:03 PM
Good news TS! Very good to hear how English is being developed and taught in the monasteries and their willingness to learn. All the news you have been sharing shows how progressive and forward-thinking they are, and how much they adaptable they are to the times.

It is interesting, isn't it, that whatever people say about this practice being demonic and will cause people to fail or suffer, DS institutions continue to thrive and grow and be so successful bringing Dharma to everyone. The results alone speak volumes.

We should lend institutions like Shar Gaden all our support and help them to grow. The more they can grow, the more people will receive the teachings, Dharma and benefits - and in such innovative, forward ways. Sadhu!
Title: (No subject)
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on March 31, 2011, 05:30:10 PM
I just received word tonight that Shar Gaden will soon be breaking ground for the construction of a new school building. This is incredibly good news! Right now, due to the huge population growth here, many of the classes are held outside in the debate hall. In the afternoon, there are often 6 different classes going on at the same time in the debate hall, so it can get a bit noisy.
This new facility is very much needed, and will provide the students with a more suitable environment in which to study.

I will try to get pictures of the upcoming consecration puja that will bless the site as holy land.

Shar Gaden keeps growing and growing! What a wonderful time to be here to witness this as a testimony to the strength of Dorje Shugden's blessings.
 
Title: Re: (No subject)
Post by: WisdomBeing on April 02, 2011, 06:58:55 PM
I just received word tonight that Shar Gaden will soon be breaking ground for the construction of a new school building. This is incredibly good news! Right now, due to the huge population growth here, many of the classes are held outside in the debate hall. In the afternoon, there are often 6 different classes going on at the same time in the debate hall, so it can get a bit noisy.
This new facility is very much needed, and will provide the students with a more suitable environment in which to study.

I will try to get pictures of the upcoming consecration puja that will bless the site as holy land.

Shar Gaden keeps growing and growing! What a wonderful time to be here to witness this as a testimony to the strength of Dorje Shugden's blessings.
 

Dear Tenzin Sungrab

What lovely news to read today! I rejoice that Shar Gaden is growing in leaps and bounds. I agree that this growth is no doubt due to the blessings of the holy protector Dorje Shugden. I do believe that this growth is in response to the unwavering samaya of the monks at Shar Gaden! How fortunate you are to witness this! Wish I could visit some time.

The Shar Gaden monks have suffered greatly because of being ostracised due to the Shugden controversy but their strong Dharma spirit and loyalty to Dorje Shugden and their devotion to their lineage is inspirational.

May more and more resources go to Shar Gaden so that more monks can focus on their spiritual study!

Please do send pictures when you can and thank you again for the great news.

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: pgdharma on April 03, 2011, 03:55:22 PM
Dear TS, this is indeed incredible good news :) Yes, I agree that this growth and expansion is due to the blessings of Dorje Shugden. 

Thank you for sharing this with us and looking forward to the pictures. I rejoice in your good merits to be able to witness this ground breaking event. :)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on April 10, 2011, 12:49:59 PM
This is the slideshow of photographs on the recent Long life puja for Ven Geshe Lobsang Tenzin on 10 April, 2011. It's always heart warming to see Shar Gaden monks at puja.

https://picasaweb.google.com/speakingthetruth100/LongLifePujaToVenGesheLobsangTenzinOn10thApril2011#slideshow/5593847734293224738
Title: (No subject)
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on April 10, 2011, 01:02:23 PM
Geshe Lobsang Tenzin is a former chant master of Gaden Shartse.
He is very well known for his beautiful chants, and the Shar Gaden library has many recordings of him chanting various pujas, including the Dorje Shugden Kangso.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on April 10, 2011, 01:09:38 PM
Dear Tenzin Sungrab,

Thank you for providing additional info... please do post up videos of these great masters chanting if you can. Since they are in the Shar Gaden library already, perhaps you can put them online so many more people can have the great blessing to enjoy them.

Title: (No subject)
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on April 10, 2011, 01:15:34 PM
The recordings I mentioned are only audio, not video.

I would be happy to post them, as well as others, if someone can send me a message explaining how. :)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on April 10, 2011, 01:32:42 PM
Dear Tenzin Sungrab,

Oh - i've seen youtubes with like still pictures and audio... but i don't know how they do that. Are the audios big files? Can you try uploading them directly onto youtube?

just an idea.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on April 23, 2011, 08:13:36 AM
Just saw this on Shar Gaden's facebook:

"SG Performing Art is invited by the district political group and the district member of legislative assembly on 22nd, April to perform cultural dances, we were fainted to see nearly 100 thousands of audiences before us starring without blinking....it was a power-packed scenario.."

I wonder what district political group invited Shar Gaden to perform and what kind of audience came... was it the Indian political group or Tibetan...
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on April 23, 2011, 09:41:03 AM
Re the political group - i was just told by Shar Gaden that it was a well known Indian political group...
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: LosangKhyentse on April 29, 2011, 10:35:22 PM
This would be a wonderful print and online magazine. I sincerely hope this magazine to be produced by Shar Gaden Monastery will come to fruitioning very soon.

TK
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Mana on April 29, 2011, 11:21:24 PM
The letter here is self explantory. What is sad are the Monasteries need protection from the Dalai Lama and entourage. What has happened to come to this?

The Dalai Lama is a symbol of compassion and peace, within the Tibetan communities, it seems he is very much feared. The ban has turned one Tibetan against another. One monk against another. Students to reject their teachers. Schism within the sangha (Serpom, Shar Gaden) where great number of Sangha have been expelled or by no choice leave their monasteries to set up their own. The persecution is extreme. In this day and age religion should bring everyone closer, not become the reason to discriminate.

Mana

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on May 03, 2011, 07:41:33 AM
The local police commissioner has great respect for Shar Gaden, the administrators, and the monk living here. He also requested and was given a copy of The Great Deception.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: thor on May 05, 2011, 12:57:17 PM
Dear Tenzin Sungrab,

Not meaning to sound silly, but what is the purpose of the posters in english? Surely it is not for the monks?
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on May 06, 2011, 03:12:30 PM
The local police commissioner has great respect for Shar Gaden, the administrators, and the monk living here. He also requested and was given a copy of The Great Deception.

Dear Tenzin Sungrab,

Gosh, do many people in India know about "The Great Deception"? Is it promoted there? I'm just curious since it is a western publication.

Cheers!
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on May 06, 2011, 03:31:17 PM
Actually I was told that the Indian police commissioner had heard about the book and asked if anyone at Shar Gaden had a copy for him to read. I got the impression that he only wanted to know more about the issue, but this was the only text he knew of regarding this.
I am sure he was just trying to get other perspectives, as I am sure he has heard much negative propaganda about Shar Gaden as well.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on May 06, 2011, 05:50:13 PM
Good that the Indian police commissioner is open to learning about different perspectives. If only more people would investigate other possibilities for themselves rather than just listening to the negative propaganda so prevalent out there. Perhaps you can even direct the Police Commissioner to this website which offers yet another perspective and he can make up his mind for himself.

Is the local community as anti-Shar Gaden as when you first got there? You mentioned that when people knew you were at Shar Gaden, they became less friendly than they initially were.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on May 06, 2011, 06:05:16 PM
I think some people are less apt to talk to me, or engage with me, due to my living and teaching at Shar Gaden. I was denied service at the Gaden Janste store about a month ago for no apparent reason other than the shopkeepers know I am from Shar Gaden. They gave me no explaination, just told me to go.

Some people are very nice though, and seem to treat me the same as they treat others they meet along the way. For the monks here, things can be very different. Some have lifelong friends who no longer will even acknowledge their presence. Although there are also many cases of monks from Shar and monks from Shartse still retaining a limited version of prior friendships.

I have heard that the monks at Serpom have a much more difficult time with the local population than the monks from Shar Gaden.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on May 07, 2011, 02:46:06 PM
For your kind attention, the newly appointed administrators of Shar Gaden Monastery hold office for a term
of three years from May 10, 2001.
Director Venerable Geshe Jampa la
General Secretary Ven Jampa Phuntsok
Treasure Ven Lobsang Choezin
Chief Accountant Ven Jungchoe Norbu

 
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on May 07, 2011, 10:35:54 PM
Here is a recent picture of one of the new monks quarters. This is directly across the road from the Gaden Shartse debate ground.

(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/100_3016.jpg)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on May 18, 2011, 08:19:25 AM
http://shargadenpa.org/administration

NEW ADMINISTRATORS OF SHAR GADEN MONASTERY-2011

1) Ven Geshe Jampa la-Chief Treasurer/President

2) Ven Jampa Phuntsok-Chief Administrator/Vice-President

3) Ven Geshe Jangchup Norbu-Chief Inspector/Accountant

4) Ven Lobsang Choezin-Asst. Treasurer/G. manager

Shar Gaden Administrative Office has four administrators (chakzoe) who are elected for terms of three years by the General Board Members and resident monks of Shar Gaden. The chief administrator and three colleagues are responsible for general administration. Rest of other departments have their own management appointed by the current administrators as well as accordance with the outcome of the annual election conducted by the resident members of the monastery.

The administration seeks financial support to keep the monastic college stable and to provide daily sustenance for monks, as well as to enlarge monastic educational fields. They also have some other significant duties which include: to summon weekly, monthly and annual meetings in the presence of Ven abbot, Ven disciplinarian, Ven chant-master (uchoesum) and other members of affiliated offices and administering entire affiliated departments and receiving esteemed guests at the monastery.

Unlike other institutions, we do not receive any funds from any governmental body. The contribution of our respected benefactors and the funds raised by Shar Gaden Monks Tour Program are the mainstay of our economic status.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on June 01, 2011, 08:07:51 AM

Starting yesterday, Trijang Labrang has sponsored the reading of the entire Kangyur and Tengyur ('The Translation of Buddha's Word' and 'Translation of Indian Treatises')
This will take the next 3-4 days as each monk recites a stack of scriptures at the same time.
(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/Tenzin13/100_3088n.jpg)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on June 01, 2011, 10:51:37 AM
Thanks for the news Tenzin Sungrab. 3-4 days seems remarkably short a time for such a reading! How many hours of reading do they do per day? And how many monks are reciting? Does this recitation involve the whole sangha of Shar Gaden?
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on June 01, 2011, 11:10:44 AM
Thanks for the news Tenzin Sungrab. 3-4 days seems remarkably short a time for such a reading! How many hours of reading do they do per day? And how many monks are reciting? Does this recitation involve the whole sangha of Shar Gaden?

The monks are reciting from around 6am until 7-8pm daily, with short breaks in between. About 200-250 monks are participating. What a marvolous sound to hear....200+ monks reciting different scriptures all at the same time.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on June 09, 2011, 02:35:25 AM
just to clarify...

I didn't realize this until just a couple of days ago but the recitation of the scriptures is actually done on a rotating basis each year. One year the Kangyur will be read, the next year the Tengyur will be read. This year it is the Tengyur that is being recited.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Roberto on June 09, 2011, 02:39:54 PM
Any chance at a video? or sound clip if not possible?

You are soo  lucky to have this opportunity to witness it live and in the flesh.

:)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on June 09, 2011, 03:06:55 PM
no longer have access to a video camera...

I never let a day go by that I don't remind myself how fortunate I am to be here. I know this is a cliché but there is literally nowhere on this planet that I would rather be. Since I have been back for almost 6 months now, I have been able to strengthen and nurture the friendships I developed a year ago when I first came.

In less than 2 weeks I will be leaving for Phegyeling Monastery in Nepal. I will be there for 2 months teaching English before returning here to Shar Gaden. I have plans to meet the Tibetans who were recently denied visas to enter India. Not sure how I can help, but I will be bringing them some gifts and messages.

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on June 15, 2011, 04:50:37 AM
Happy Saka Dawa Duchen from Shar Gaden!

The monks just finished sojong, and will be starting a special puja right after lunch. Dinner will not be served to night, as all the monks have taken the Eight Mahayana Precepts.

The full moon day of Saka Dawa commemorates Lord Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana. acording to the the Vinaya text Treasure of Quotations and Logic, virtuous actions done on this day are multiplied one hundred million times!
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: dorjedakini on June 15, 2011, 01:19:06 PM
It's basically "To the supporters of Avalokiteshvara, you are encouraged to cause suffering to others in the name of discrimination and religious intolerance.  Thank you for your attention"

When did 'compassionate Buddhists' make it their duty to harm others?  What a crazy, hypocritical world we live in!

Yup it is very sad to see "Devotion" been twisted for selfish reasons. They being so devoted just to keep themselves safe and not to be attacked. I wonder how would they feel or do when the ban of Dorje Shugden practice is lifted. The root cause to be in samsara is ignorance. We need Dorje Shugden blessing badly.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: DharmaSpace on June 15, 2011, 01:59:39 PM
Happy Saka Dawa day to everyone on the forum also.

@tenzin sungrab wow you're fortunate to be able to go to Phegyeling Monastery in Nepal and viti the holy Dorje Shugden statue that was hand made by the Dalai Lama. I can only view it in pictures for now. Is dorje Shugden practice practiced freely and openly in Nepal?

Will you have access to a video cam again , would be great if you made a video when you head to Phegyeling Monastery.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on June 15, 2011, 02:57:09 PM
As far as I know, the practice of Dorje Shugden is not as open as one would hope, although Phegyeling is open about the their commitment to our Protector. The TGIE still wields considerable influence in Nepal.

I no longer has access to a video camera, but will definately be taking many pictures.

I will be bringing some gifts and messages from friends here at Shar Gaden for the 7 monks who came from Tibet. These 7 are the monks who traveled from Tibet with the hope of coming here to Shar Gaden. There were denied entry into India due to interference by the Tibetan Refugee Center. There were 8 of them, but one of them was so discouraged that he has since returned to Tibet.

If any of you would like to send a short message of encouragement to these monks, send it to me in a PM and I will print it out and bring it with me to present to these monks. Even a few words of encouragement may help these monks see that they have many friends who are thinking of them.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on June 15, 2011, 05:05:02 PM
As far as I know, the practice of Dorje Shugden is not as open as one would hope, although Phegyeling is open about the their commitment to our Protector. The TGIE still wields considerable influence in Nepal.

I no longer has access to a video camera, but will definately be taking many pictures.

I will be bringing some gifts and messages from friends here at Shar Gaden for the 7 monks who came from Tibet. These 7 are the monks who traveled from Tibet with the hope of coming here to Shar Gaden. There were denied entry into India due to interference by the Tibetan Refugee Center. There were 8 of them, but one of them was so discouraged that he has since returned to Tibet.

If any of you would like to send a short message of encouragement to these monks, send it to me in a PM and I will print it out and bring it with me to present to these monks. Even a few words of encouragement may help these monks see that they have many friends who are thinking of them.

So far I have received many messages from members of the other Duldzin forum. The more messages I can bring to these monks, the bigger impact it may have on their morale. I will bring any messages from members of this forum as well, if anyone here is interested.  :)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: thor on June 15, 2011, 05:17:56 PM
Hi Tenzin Sungrab,

When do you leave for Pelgyeling? I have some dharma brothers who wish to convey a message to the monks there, but they have yet to compose it.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Mana on June 15, 2011, 05:30:02 PM
Dear Dharma  brothers (8 monks),

We are very distressed by your plight yet we are inspired by your courage. We are offerings prayers to Shugden for good news to arrive to your ears. You have travelled so far from Tibet to be blocked to your destination in Nepal because of religious politics by the Tibetan Govt. You are banned from entering the monastery of your choice only because you practice Dorje Shugden. Pure discrimination. I am sure Dorje Shugden has a purpose for you. As you are sangha, it is not polite or proper for me to advise you, but may I humbly say, please do not lose hope.

This website will be sending you some money to hold you over while you are in Nepal. We will offering money to you through our contacts in Nepal. We hope our offering can be used for you to buy what is necessary for your stay in Nepal. The offering is an offering from our Website and a symbol of our devotion to Shugden and your plight.

We ask you since you are monks to please bless this website that it may reach many and bring information on Dorje Shugden to increase and spread the practice. Everyone at this website works very hard and very devotedly for Dorje Shugden with only one agenda-to bring knowledge of Shugden to as many as possible. We also wish the ban to be removed. Please say prayers to bless all of us at this website that we continue our works here and all members who contribute to this website in any way. We thank you ahead of time.

Much respect and folded hands,

Mana

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: LosangKhyentse on June 15, 2011, 05:34:27 PM
Dear Dharma  brothers (8 monks),

We are very distressed by your plight yet we are inspired by your courage. We are offerings prayers to Shugden for good news to arrive to your ears. You have travelled so far from Tibet to be blocked to your destination in Nepal because of religious politics by the Tibetan Govt. You are banned from entering the monastery of your choice only because you practice Dorje Shugden. Pure discrimination. I am sure Dorje Shugden has a purpose for you. As you are sangha, it is not polite or proper for me to advise you, but may I humbly say, please do not lose hope.

This website will be sending you some money to hold you over while you are in Nepal. We will offering money to you through our contacts in Nepal. We hope our offering can be used for you to buy what is necessary for your stay in Nepal. The offering is an offering from our Website and a symbol of our devotion to Shugden and your plight.

We ask you since you are monks to please bless this website that it may reach many and bring information on Dorje Shugden to increase and spread the practice. Everyone at this website works very hard and very devotedly for Dorje Shugden with only one agenda-to bring knowledge of Shugden to as many as possible. We also wish the ban to be removed. Please say prayers to bless all of us at this website that we continue our works here and all members who contribute to this website in any way. We thank you ahead of time.

Much respect and folded hands,

Mana



The monks are staying in Phelgye Ling Monastery in Swayambunath, Nepal. They still have not recieved their necessary papers to enter India. All 8 monks originate from the Chatreng District, Kham, Tibet. They are from the same area as the previous Trijang Rinpoche.

I will donate some money to this website. If you can combine my donation for them together with yours please and deliver the offering money to them. It would be easier as you have contacts in Nepal. I thank you and will private message details to this website.

TK

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on June 15, 2011, 05:37:13 PM
Dear Dharma  brothers (8 monks),

We are very distressed by your plight yet we are inspired by your courage. We are offerings prayers to Shugden for good news to arrive to your ears. You have travelled so far from Tibet to be blocked to your destination in Nepal because of religious politics by the Tibetan Govt. You are banned from entering the monastery of your choice only because you practice Dorje Shugden. Pure discrimination. I am sure Dorje Shugden has a purpose for you. As you are sangha, it is not polite or proper for me to advise you, but may I humbly say, please do not lose hope.

This website will be sending you some money to hold you over while you are in Nepal. We will offering money to you through our contacts in Nepal. We hope our offering can be used for you to buy what is necessary for your stay in Nepal. The offering is an offering from our Website and a symbol of our devotion to Shugden and your plight.

We ask you since you are monks to please bless this website that it may reach many and bring information on Dorje Shugden to increase and spread the practice. Everyone at this website works very hard and very devotedly for Dorje Shugden with only one agenda-to bring knowledge of Shugden to as many as possible. We also wish the ban to be removed. Please say prayers to bless all of us at this website that we continue our works here and all members who contribute to this website in any way. We thank you ahead of time.

Much respect and folded hands,

Mana



 
I leave in 7 days. I will print this out and present it to the brave monks when I get there!
I will also be bringing a few gifts- rare pictures of Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang, Dorje Shugden, Yamantaka.

Thank you so much! I will keep you posted when I am there.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Mana on June 15, 2011, 05:37:58 PM
Dear TK,

It would be our pleasure to make the monetary offerings together to these 8 sangha members.

Prayers,

Mana
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Mana on June 15, 2011, 05:39:07 PM

I leave in 7 days. I will print this out and present it to the brave monks when I get there!
I will also be bringing a few gifts- rare pictures of Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang, Dorje Shugden, Yamantaka.

Thank you so much! I will keep you posted when I am there.

Thank you very much. Also, if you need more pictures, there are many pictures on this website (gallery) you may print out in Nepal if you need.

Mana
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on June 15, 2011, 07:51:36 PM
Dear Dharma  brothers (8 monks),

We are very distressed by your plight yet we are inspired by your courage. We are offerings prayers to Shugden for good news to arrive to your ears. You have travelled so far from Tibet to be blocked to your destination in Nepal because of religious politics by the Tibetan Govt. You are banned from entering the monastery of your choice only because you practice Dorje Shugden. Pure discrimination. I am sure Dorje Shugden has a purpose for you. As you are sangha, it is not polite or proper for me to advise you, but may I humbly say, please do not lose hope.

This website will be sending you some money to hold you over while you are in Nepal. We will offering money to you through our contacts in Nepal. We hope our offering can be used for you to buy what is necessary for your stay in Nepal. The offering is an offering from our Website and a symbol of our devotion to Shugden and your plight.

We ask you since you are monks to please bless this website that it may reach many and bring information on Dorje Shugden to increase and spread the practice. Everyone at this website works very hard and very devotedly for Dorje Shugden with only one agenda-to bring knowledge of Shugden to as many as possible. We also wish the ban to be removed. Please say prayers to bless all of us at this website that we continue our works here and all members who contribute to this website in any way. We thank you ahead of time.

Much respect and folded hands,

Mana



Was just thinking that this is a message that you should probably deliver yourself. Since you have contacts in Nepal, and are offering money from this website, I don't want to give them the impression that I am representing this website in any way. I think it is better if I collect messages from individuals instead of the website as an entity.

I will continue to collect the personal messages from the other forum, and maybe Mana, TK can send the message above to your contacts in Nepal.

If individuals wish to have me pass the monks a few words of encouragement, send me a message.

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: thaimonk on June 15, 2011, 08:03:31 PM
Dear Dharma  brothers (8 monks),

We are very distressed by your plight yet we are inspired by your courage. We are offerings prayers to Shugden for good news to arrive to your ears. You have travelled so far from Tibet to be blocked to your destination in Nepal because of religious politics by the Tibetan Govt. You are banned from entering the monastery of your choice only because you practice Dorje Shugden. Pure discrimination. I am sure Dorje Shugden has a purpose for you. As you are sangha, it is not polite or proper for me to advise you, but may I humbly say, please do not lose hope.

This website will be sending you some money to hold you over while you are in Nepal. We will offering money to you through our contacts in Nepal. We hope our offering can be used for you to buy what is necessary for your stay in Nepal. The offering is an offering from our Website and a symbol of our devotion to Shugden and your plight.

We ask you since you are monks to please bless this website that it may reach many and bring information on Dorje Shugden to increase and spread the practice. Everyone at this website works very hard and very devotedly for Dorje Shugden with only one agenda-to bring knowledge of Shugden to as many as possible. We also wish the ban to be removed. Please say prayers to bless all of us at this website that we continue our works here and all members who contribute to this website in any way. We thank you ahead of time.

Much respect and folded hands,

Mana



The people on this website are so generous. So supportive. It's incredible when I think about it. All of you give so much and to so many of Dorje Shugden Monasteries and students.

Now you are even making donations to these 8 monks to contribute to their cause. I think that is so great. I wish I was going to Nepal and can meet the monks directly. If I do, I would be happy to bring the monks gifts and offerings from anyone. I think the monks will need financial support very much having travelled from Tibet to Nepal. Buying basics will be necessary at this time and their further travel to India after getting their papers.  So the offerings are very timely. The offerings to them will be a clear message that there are people who care and will do something about it. How inspiring.

Thanks for your kind support to Shugden's cause like a ray of light in the darkness.  :)

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: LosangKhyentse on June 15, 2011, 08:31:56 PM
Dear TK,

It would be our pleasure to make the monetary offerings together to these 8 sangha members.

Prayers,

Mana

I have sent you a private message. I do not have specific message to the 8 monks from Chatreng in Nepal. I think when they recieve financial offerings from everyone, the message will be loud and clear which is there are practitioners that care and support their cause.

They will most likely need new robes, bus tickets to India later on, medical check up, shoes, coats (if cold in Nepal now- I don't know the weather there now), and some dharma texts for study in Nepal while they are waiting. I will donate toward all of this. Please see my private message.

You do not need to mention my name. The important thing is they recieve financial support for their courage and devotion.  It is about them. Truly inpirational.  

I pray they can enter the Monastery of their choice soon.

Thanks for arranging everything.

TK
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on June 15, 2011, 08:46:33 PM
If there are any replies to the personal messages that will be presented to the monks, I will scan them and post them here
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on June 17, 2011, 07:24:02 AM
This would be a wonderful print and online magazine. I sincerely hope this magazine to be produced by Shar Gaden Monastery will come to fruitioning very soon.

TK

I have been scanning the Shar Gaden Magazine and will post some of the contents soon. The text is in Tibetan, but many drawing by the monks are also included.

A few of the poems were written by one of the Rinpoches here. Very cool stuff!
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: kris on September 15, 2011, 12:25:00 PM
I'm really glad to see the monks in Shar Gaden are using internet to spread the teachings! Same here in Bangkok, you can see a lot of monks go the Pantip Plaza (the biggest IT center in Bangkok). With internet, youtube, facebook, twitter, etc, we now can get 1st hand information from the monastery!

I'm also very glad to see many high lamas are now learning English to help spreading the teaching faster and wider! :)

Thank you for everyone who post the nice photos here!
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on September 15, 2011, 01:57:07 PM
I would just like to share some information about the recently concluded exams at Serpom and Shar Gaden.

Here is a photo of the closing ceremony of the Geden Nyangu University Annual Examinations 2011 and a photo of their debate test. If you'd like to see the monks in action, you can watch this 1 minute youtube of the Debate test http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY_f8xhGyLM.

Shar Gaden says that in the debate test, the participants have to keep calm and try to control their nervousness during the debate test, because they never know which lesson/subject will be allotted to them. Each participant must pick randomly a piece of paper on which a subject is written and then they have to debate on the highlighted subject.

I just thought it would be interesting for people to have more info on this because it shows that the scholastic pursuits of the monks are not compromised on; although they have left the mainstream monasteries, they are continuing with the traditions of study. For more information, I have included information extracted from Shar Gaden's website below (which i have taken the liberty of lightly editing to be more coherent).

I do have a question about the write up below - does it mean that Serpom or Shar Gaden Geshe Lharampas can go to Gyu toe or Gyu mey tantric colleges??

Appreciate any feedback!

http://shargadenpa.org/the-geluk-exam-2011

The Geluk Exam-2011


The Geluk Exam is widely perceived as the final stage of Buddhist study in a monastic community especially in terms of the Sutras. A monk  has to successfully pass his respected monastery’s local exam, where one must participate in all the related subjects from the colour class to the Vinaya class (either 1st year or 2nd year), in order to be fully eligible for the next level.

In Tibet, there was no particular exam tradition, instead there was the Geshe Debate Test that was conducted during the Lhasa Monlam Chenmo (The Great Prayer Festival) which is similar to the contemporary exam, except the philosophical writing test and grammatical discourse. The Geluk Exam was founded post-Tibetan Diaspora of 1959 and later at numerous occasions, several modification have been implemented in order to increase its scope.

The current general board of the Geluk Exam consists of the general supervisory staff from each of the monastic colleges; Shar Gaden and Serpom Monastery. Their responsibilities are to organise the schedule and also venue. These board members are appointed with the further consent and mutual agreement from both monastic colleges, with a consideration for the successful continuation of the tradition, that can be enjoyed by future generations.

Currently the exam is 4 years of course, and held once in a year on the Yarne season. In the earlier days, it used to be 6 years of course but later decreased 2 years in the wake of the bereft segregation in 2008, which also caused a sudden fall or deficiency in the quantity of the participants. But that’s not of major concern any more. A participant who manages to succeed consistently for these four years, will be conferred with a Geshe Lharampa Degree (Phd geshe). He then may spend a couple of years either in upper/lower Tantric University (gyu toe/gyu mey) for intensive tantric experimentation thereafter as per the Geluk tradition. But we prefer our own extraordinary Tradition.

This year’s Geluk Exam will be held at Shar Gaden with many participants from Serpom monastery. The event will be take place from 4th September to 17th September 2011. We wish all the participants a great success and may your wholesome deeds cause eternal tranquility amongst all beings.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Barzin on September 15, 2011, 09:51:35 PM
it is sad to see that the sangha community is divided  or being accused being of one practice.  Shar Gaden monks are very noble and set a great example of holding pure guru devotion.  I salute them a lot.  I can imagine what the Shar Gaden sangha community had to endure because of the ban.  Yet, they had so much faith in the protector and such pure guru devotion to continue what they have to do...  Wonderful.

Please support the monks.  May many more powerful dharma in the making flourish very soon!  :)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: iloveds on September 18, 2011, 06:03:05 AM
Can you imagine, getting to the end of your University studies and then to complete your degree it is 100% oral examination, no notes, or prompts. You will be asked a series of questions right from the beginning of your studies up until the end.

You are to debate with your peers in support of what you have learnt and against what you have learnt. Only then will your teachers decide whether you have passed or not.

I'm sure that most Universities would have a high fail rate, I know I would have struggled if it was like this in my degree. Imagine if you were getting a Masters degree, that means you would be asked questions from your first year studies.

tough man!
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on September 18, 2011, 03:22:39 PM
iloveds, since you mentioned fail rates at university, it made me think what was the fail rate at monasteries - does anyone know if they have to re-sit their exams if they fail? And do they have different grades eg First, Two One, Two Two etc, or just a pass or fail.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on September 21, 2011, 03:02:01 PM
I found more information about the exams though not whether there are grades to the results. This article below is not from Shar Gaden but Drepung. I would presume that the system is the same throughout the monasteries. It's scary though that if students do not pass the exams on the first try after their sixth year, there is no chance to retake the exams - ever!

The Geshe Lharampa qualification is definitely not easy to obtain. Also it was reported that this year, of the 150 monks who joined the university, around 70-80 left. I wonder where the monks who don't make it go. Anyway, take a read and see what you think:

http://www.thetibetpost.com/en/news/exile/2021-2011-gelugpa-university-exams-conclude-at-drepung-loseling

2011 Gelugpa University Exams Conclude at Drepung Loseling

Mundgod, India: - The 2011 Gelugpa University exams are finishing this week at Drepung Loseling Monastery in Mundgod. This year, 602 monks are taking the exams, and there are 30 examination controllers.
Monks taking these exams have rigorously been studying a program of Buddhist philosophy and Buddhist history, as well as studying about the Tibetan government, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and the Tibetan language. The program lasts six years, and monks can join only after they have studied at another monastic university for around 18 years.

After going through the six year program successfully, monks are awarded the Geshe Lharampa title, the highest academic title in Tibetan Buddhism.

The high-level Buddhist philosophy studied includes doctrines of emptiness, peaceful mind, the middle way, compassion, and right action. Students must study and memorize large ancient Buddhist texts as well as various commentaries and teachings on those texts. They are required to quote from the texts exactly in oral examinations and debates, as well as to precisely identify which text any particular passage is from.

Students who have completed their first and second year must take nine writing and five debate exams; those who have completed the third and fourth year must take five writing and five debate exams; and those who have finished their fifth and sixth year must take a long debate exam on the five measures of Buddhism.

Much pressure revolves around the exams; while they get second chances in their earlier years, if students do not pass the exams on the first try after their sixth year, there is no chance to retake the exam, and, explained the administrator of the Mundgod branch of Gelugpa University, the monk will not get the title of Geshe Lharampa in this lifetime. "It's our rule," he said, smiling.

Thus, monks began preparing for these exams in February, forming small study groups among themselves to practice debating and memorization. The program is extremely rigorous. This year, of the 150 monks who joined the university, around 70-80 left.

There are six monasteries of Gelugpa University; the three major ones are Drepung, Ganden, and Sera. The Drepung and Ganden Monasteries are located in Mundgod, and Sera is in the Bylakuppe settlement. They are all modeled after the original monasteries of the same names in Tibet, which were established in the fifteenth century and which underwent much damage during the Chinese invasion in 1959.

The administrator said that most monks studying at Gelugpa University come directly from Tibet; others come from Tibetan settlements in India, often from the Himalayan regions like Himachal and Ladakh. Yet others come from Nepal, Mongolia and Taiwan to study.

After graduating and receiving their Geshe Lharampa title, some monks continue to live in the settlement, teaching the new monks, some return to their homes, some join the university administration, some work as translators, some move to foreign countries, and some go to the wilderness to meditate.

As for future plans of the university, he said that there are plans to register Gelugpa University under the University Grants Commission (UGC) of the Government of India. "After this, we will be recognized [by the government] as a university, not just a monastery."
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: DharmaDefender on September 22, 2011, 03:38:41 AM
The Geshe Lharampa qualification is definitely not easy to obtain. Also it was reported that this year, of the 150 monks who joined the university, around 70-80 left. I wonder where the monks who don't make it go.

They become the Lama Yeshes of this world! ;) but it wasnt that he quit, he just declined the degree.

Ever notice how many of the most powerful teachers who made Buddhism grow were not known for being erudite scholars or powerful debaters (excl Trijang Rinpoche and Zong Rinpoche)? For example, Pabongka Rinpoche was known as being a dull student.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: WisdomBeing on March 29, 2012, 10:09:00 AM
I saw this picture on Shar Gaden's facebook which was posted on 15 March. I attach it below. The caption accompanying the picture explained that the altar of Shar Gaden’s old prayer hall was under heavy renovation. In the picture, you can see the Tibetan artist master Mr. K. Gonpo on the right, who is making the final touches to the throne. You can see the scale of the statue in comparison to the size of the artist. I love to see large statues and hope that Shar Gaden will post up photos of the renovated altar when it’s ready.

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on November 16, 2012, 12:08:29 PM
The Shar Gaden website has been updated and a sleeker design has been added. :)

http://shargadenpa.org/ (http://shargadenpa.org/)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: diablo1974 on November 22, 2012, 10:59:44 PM
Visited the website, very nice indeed. Anyone here knows how can we visit Shar Gaden???? I would like to pay a visit and physically do my prostrations to The King of Protector Dorje Shugden. There are many young monks in the monastary and its a good sign that the lineage of Je Tsongkhapa will flourished.

W
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Ensapa on December 07, 2012, 08:14:08 AM
Shar Ganden's website is really nicely done. It looks very professional and it reflects the quality, when compared to Ganden Shartse's website that is. Despite their difficult conditions imposed on them by the CTA, they are still surviving and thriving in South India! No less! Even the building itself looks very magnificent. I hope to see more updates of them in the near future because they are growing fast!
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: kris on January 26, 2013, 10:12:54 AM
Wow! I really like Shar Gaden's website! It is clean and sleek! I like the photos on the rotating banners in the front page showing all the latest activities.

And I really like the Google map at the bottom of the front page. I visited the Shar Gaden monastery slightly over a year ago, and viewing the map (with streets view) really bring back a lot of good memories: the guests house we stayed, the small path we took, Trijang Rinpoche's Ladrang, stupas etc.

Well done to Shar Gaden for having such a great website! Keep up the good work!!

Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Ensapa on April 11, 2013, 03:57:24 AM
I wonder who is maintaining the website as well as being responsible to set it up because it is very nice and sleek indeed as it shows a lot of care and love in the process and it does look very professional as compared to Ganden Shartse's website who looks very cluttered and amateurish in comparison: http://www.gadenshartse.net/ (http://www.gadenshartse.net/) I mean, websites now are very important to disseminate information and many organizations find it vital to survive through having a proper and good website to give people the right impression. So why is it that Ganden Shartse is not doing anything on their website? Either way, it does not make them look good.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Tenzin Malgyur on April 18, 2013, 07:22:49 AM
To the administrator of Shar Gaden website, just wanted to let you know that your website is very well designed and easy to navigate. Do keep everyone of us here posted with news and developments at your monastery. I really appreciate all sangha members in your monastery for all the courageous efforts and hardship that you went through to keep the practice of Dorje Shugden alive. May the ban be lifted very soon due to the merits of all who have gone through so much pain and distress.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: DharmaSpace on April 18, 2013, 07:00:20 PM
Shar Gaden represents success and modernity and not just sticking with the old way if we do not want to push to do much more and better. Very nicely done and congratulations on the new facelift to the website. May more people come to know about Dorje Shugden, what it really means, how much benefit the protector can give to all the people in the world without requiring any repayment.
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Losang_Tenpa on April 19, 2013, 06:19:34 AM
New Disciplinarian and Chant Master announced on the Shar Gaden website. :)


http://shargadenpa.org/news (http://shargadenpa.org/news)
Title: Re: News from Shar Gaden
Post by: Ensapa on April 19, 2013, 08:02:58 AM
New Disciplinarian and Chant Master announced on the Shar Gaden website. :)


[url]http://shargadenpa.org/news[/url] ([url]http://shargadenpa.org/news[/url])


That's great news! May the new disciplinarian help to enforce vinaya amongst the monks! but I am sure he will be able to do his job well and help maintain the monks and ensure that they hold on to the vows and give just punishment to those who need to be reminded of their vows. But the best part is, Shar Ganden's website has lots of updates but Ganden Shartse's one is barely updated. Looks like to me that Shar Ganden is doing better than Ganden Shartse!