Manjushree Hermitage

The Amitabha Jangchog Puja will now take place in Nepal for a duration of 7 days, instead of the previously scheduled April 6-7 in Singapore this year. All registered name tablets will be transferred to the puja that will be conducted in Nepal.

OM AMI DEWA HRI 💛

Today is the second day since my mother’s passing. Yesterday, I was not in the position to express my feelings. It was the hardest time for me to balance the spiritual aspect and worldly feelings of separation between mother and son.

In dharma, I often learn and teach detachment. Yet, when it is my dearest mother, it is impossible to detach easily. This is due to mother’s love and care for me which is immeasurable like ocean or space. The unforgettable memories in this lifetime only are like ripples in the sea. Both hardships and little happiness are all connected to mum. If I did not have her guidance and love, I would not be able to take on this journey, do and uphold all that I have been doing it. I am grateful to be her son. Now without her, I am no longer able to express someone as mum. I miss this the most. No matter what the situation or condition, so long as I am near mum, I can always feel complete, very safe, and comfortable.

I have mentioned the importance of mothers. Now, I can feel this even more when she is no longer physically with me. Habitually, I go to mum’s room, look at her, find out how she’s doing and update her on my activities. She would share her thoughts, her comfort; or discomfort as she grew older. I always listened carefully and see if there is anything I can do to fulfill her wishes. She told me she has lived long and experienced many things. Now, she only hoped to die without struggle and pain. She was always concerned about me, lamas, anis and helpers. She felt we suffered
much because of her condition. Each time I visited, I sat near her, and we talked. She seemed very happy. Even when she was bedridden, she was still very much concerned about my comfort. She would always ask me to return to my room, eat and rest well. As her only son, she did not much cared for herself even if she needed my presence as a form of reassurance. She always looked out for my comfort first and put me before
herself. During COVID time especially at its peak, she mentioned although she was very happy to have me at home with her, she would be happier if I return to Singapore because she thought that is a safer place for me.

About two months prior, mum started to handover all her belongings to me. She told me “These are all yours and you do not need to tell me what you wish to do with them”. She further told me “I wish to have a peaceful death so that it will not cause any difficulty for me and everyone.” She also told some of my disciples that she will make wishes for them to have a happy life, and that when the time comes and they hear of my passing, in her words “You do not need to cry or feel sad for me. I have already lived long, completed all my tasks and it is time to go.”

On one hand, I am extremely sad to see her go. But on the other hand, it’s liberating for her to be free from this ailing body. It was unbearably painful to watch her lying on the bed without much movement for a month. Due to my attachment for mum, I still think of her, her words and gestures are vividly playing in my mind. There is nothing much I can do but prayers and dedication for her to take rebirth in
Amitabha’s pure land. Many visitors came and shared their condolences. HH Karmapa and Jigme Rinpoche also called and gave me advice. Sherab Rinpoche and Dupseng Rinpoche did phowa for mum. I am so blessed as my teachers and fellow sangha are supporting me during this difficult period. Many of my close friends, Rinpoches and disciples are coming here to help in many ways. Dupseng Rinpoche and Jangchub Choeling Monastery’s lamas are putting full force to help me overcome this difficult period of mine, assisting me with my mum’s funeral puja and rites. Tharpa Choeling Nunnery’s Anis assisted my mum all the way till her last breath, and they are now also taking charge of many things. From the deepest depth of my heart, I thank you. You are the true friends standing next to me when this difficult time arise.

To all who are experiencing similar circumstances right now, please remember that death comes to all;
it is inevitable. You know the famous story of Kisa Gotami? When her only child died, she desperately sought help from anyone. Everyone thought she lost her mind. An old man asked her to see the Buddha. The Buddha told her that he could bring the child back to life if she could find mustard seeds from a family where no one had died. She desperately went from house to house, but could not find such a house. She finally realized that no one is free from mortality. She returned to the Buddha who comforted her and preached her the truth. She eventually became an arhant. Bearing inevitable death in mind, let’s practice the Buddha dharma diligently.

To everyone who sent their condolences, well-wishes, offerings of puja and butter lamps and all, I thank
you. Your kindness to my mum and me is overwhelming. I am truly grateful. Thank you very much to all.

Please join us for Metta meditation Thursday evenings at 7 🙂

Metta (lovingkindness) is the ability to embrace all parts of ourselves, as well as all parts of the world. Practicing metta illuminates our inner integrity because it relieves us of the need to deny different aspects of ourselves. We can open to everything with the healing force of love. When we feel love, our mind is expansive and open enough to include the entirety of life in full awareness, both its pleasures and its pains. We feel neither betrayed by pain nor overcome by it, and thus we can contact that which is undamaged within us regardless of the situation. Metta sees truly that our integrity is inviolate, no matter what our life situation may be. We do not need to fear anything. We are whole: our deepest happiness is intrinsic to the nature of our minds, and it is not damaged through uncertainty and change.

Excerpt from "Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness"

OM AMI DEWA HRI 💛

Tashi Delek!

There will be another 2 session with Shangpa Rinpoche for this teaching.

Details as follows:
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Topic: The Practice of Avalokiteshvara (Lesson 4)
Date: Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Time: 8 PM - 9:30PM Singapore Time

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89803574013?pwd=czlFK3VodWc3cndqQUwvRVFrNlA4UT09

Meeting ID: 898 0357 4013
Passcode: 123456

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Topic: The Practice of Avalokiteshvara (Lesson 5)
Date: Saturday, March 23, 2024
Time: 8 PM - 9:30PM Singapore Time

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82989074780?pwd=ckNsTGpsUUJ6QTZPazFWbTFzeTJ4QT09

Meeting ID: 829 8907 4780
Passcode: 123456

================

Open to the public.
No Registration is required.

All are welcome.
Rejoice! 🙏😊🙏

We are delighted to announce that there will tentatively be another 2 more sessions for this teaching.

Details as follows:
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Topic: The Practice of Avalokiteshvara (Lesson 2)
Date: Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Time: 8 PM - 9:30PM Singapore Time

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89803574013?pwd=WFdqd1RMK09IUnUrcXg1d2M0c09yQT09

Meeting ID: 898 0357 4013
Passcode: 328828

================
Topic: The Practice of Avalokiteshvara (Lesson 3)
Date: Saturday, March 16, 2024
Time: 8 PM - 9:30PM Singapore Time

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82989074780?pwd=Wk1DdGZSTDR1NGUyMndvQnBXOVJBUT09

Meeting ID: 829 8907 4780
Passcode: 801267

================

Open to the public.
No Registration is required.

All are welcome.
Rejoice! 🙏😊🙏

Please join in this Zoom offering. Email [email protected] for link.

'If we seek security in impermanent things like money, status, youth or beauty, we will have empty hands one day, with no dividends coming in. If, however, we take Refuge in the timeless nature of mind, we'll find something which is endless, rich and can never disappear. This is the reason we practice.'
Lama Ole Nydahl

Happy Losar, the year of the dragon🎇🎇🎇

Dear Dharma brothers and sisters,

Lunar New Year 2024 is near us and we will soon celebrate Losar. In advance, Shangpa Rinpoche make good wishes to all of you. Good health and longevity are of utmost importance in our lives. Rinpoche send his prayer and best wishes for your good health, longevity and prosperity for this coming Wood Dragon Year.

Sharing herewith a letter from Shangpa Rinpoche on the updates of the activities and projects under Shangpa Foundation in year 2023.

Thank you to everyone for your kind support all these years

🙏🙏🙏

With gratitude and rejoice
Shangpa Foundation Admin Team

https://mailchi.mp/b68b50f66e0a/dharma-updates-2023