Phuntsok Rinpoche

On the 13th March 2007, a day I will never forget. That was the day I went to the Sera Je Monastery in Bylapuppe, seven hours by car from Bangalore. I arrived at Bangalore and met some of my Singapore friends from Amitabha Buddhist Center Singapore. It was a joy to see them as I was quite worried whether I would be traveling alone in the middle of the night to Sera Je Monastery.

When we got out of the Immigration we had quite a surprise as Venerable Lundrup and a few Sanghas waited for us with two cars from the Monastery and gave us a very warm welcome. We left the airport in two cars and we arrived in Sera Je Monastery at about 4 am in the early hours of the day.

My first impression of Sera Je Monastery was immensely big. I love the place and its peaceful environment. I was very happy that I have finally made this trip to this holy place, free from worldly materialistic wants. I have only known Tibetan Buddhism for just over a year and here I am so bless to be able to make this trip. I always feel deep in my heart, I have this connection with the Sanghas community since I was introduced to these wonderful teachings of the Tibetan Buddhism.

Coming back to Sera Je Monastery, our group was divided into three places for our stay there. I stayed at Samlo Geshe Kelsang’s house which is just close to Geshe Tenzin Zopa’s house. Geshe Tenzin Zopa has been very very hospitable and took care of five of us and later two more from Amitabha Buddhist Center Singapore, joined us. We had all our meals there and practically stayed there from morning to night. On our second and third day, we had a walkaround the whole of the Monastery which is so big. It is very well organized especially when there are 4,000 to 5,000 Sanghas staying together so peacefully in their own Kamtsen. Kamtsen is a Tibetan name for living quarters with a Gompa (Temple of Worship) in each one.Phuntsok Rinpoche’s Enthronement was on the 16th March 2007. It was indeed a very successful and well organized event. We did pujas and offerings to more than 4,000 Sanghas and it was the most beautiful sight I ever seen in my whole entire life. It was a very serious event and Phuntsok Rinpoche is truly a reincarnation of Geshe Lama Konchog. With such serious chanting during the many pujas we did, he was very quite and attentive to all that was going on. He sat through all the pujas and ceremonies. I was amazed that a child of 4 years old can take all these while I am so much older still feel at times distracted by what us going on. I really respect him for he is truly a reincarnated lama.

A few days later on the 20th March 2007 I attended the graduation of Tenzin Zopa who is the uncle of Phuntsok Rinpoche. He graduated as a teacher. Geshe Tenzin Zopa’s graduation was a serious event. He had to undergo a serious test. The audience of about a few hundreds Sangha were given the freedom to test him on any subjects relating to his studies. About twenty difficult questions were asked by the student Sanghas. Geshe Tenzin Zopa answered then with confidence and he passed all the tests with flying colours. The whole event took two to three hours.

After his graduation, Geshe Tenzin Zopa had to visit his teacher and offered his gratitude and respect with gifts for all the 16 years he studies under him. To be a Geshe (teacher of Dharma/Philosophy Buddhist Scriptures) one has to study for 16 years under a teacher. He not only studied under him but he also has to serve him in many ways. This is like a Guru-Chela relationship.

All the days I was in Sera Je Monastery, I never thought about home or my friends in Singapore. The 10 days there passed very quickly and soon it was time to leave. I felt very sad to leave this sanctuary as I know it is not easy to come here as this place is a protected place. To be able to visit this place you have to have very good karmic links from your past life. Once again my heartfelt thanks to Geshe Tenzin Zopa and his Sangha family who made this possible for me.

I dedicate this article to all my Dharma brothers and sisters, my family and not forgetting Samlo Geshe Kelsang and his disciples who graciously accept me to stay in his house. Thank you all once again.

Your Dharma Friend
Margaret Stafford (Singapore)
10th April 07

About two or three months ago, I had an auspicious dream. I dreamt that I was in a very crowded temple. Every worshipper there was making prostrations, kneeling down, praying and making offerings. I do not remember what the offerings looked like but I know they were very unusual offerings that were huge in size. So I also followed suit by making the offerings too.

After I was done, a man appeared and chatted with me. He told me about that  temple and he talked about Buddhism.  Then suddenly, the man said excitedly that he must show me a picture of his master. When he took out the picture, it was the image of Geshe Lama Konchog! I felt so happy and filled with bliss.

Just a few months before, when I was at ABC (Amitabha Buddhist Center), I had circumambulated around Geshe Lama Konchog’s relics. I had wished then that I will have the good karma in this lifetime to meet his reincarnate, Tenzin Phuntsok Rinpoche.

Two weeks ago, my wish came true when Tenzin Phuntsok Rinpoche visited Singapore.  I was at ABC (Amitabha Buddhist Center) real early to meet him. Finally after the puja it was time for blessings and we were led upstairs. Rinpoche blessed me by tapping his small hand on my head lightly. I presented Rinpoche with a red packet and a gift. I had bought him a pair of small black Clarks shoes with maroon trimmings which I think is still too big for his age, after a glimpse at his foot. I also offered him karta finally. 

Although I have not met Geshe Lama Konchog in this lifetime, I am very grateful that I got connected with him through Tenzin Phuntsok Rinpoche.   I felt so blessed and thrilled.  I definitely believe that I have an affinity with him from previous lifetimes. May I see Rinpoche real soon again.  Om Ah Hum Benza Guru Padma Siddhi Hum! 

Aileen Kho

Dear Geshe Tenzin Zopa, Ven. Thudten Lundup, Ani Chodni, Ahpey and Our Holy Child, Lama Phuntsok Rinpoche,

I cannot begin to describe the tremendous gratitude and appreciation I have for you for giving the best 3 days in Ashton’s and my life! The honour of having all
of you holy ones to visit the island, allowing me to chauffer and bring you around the island and most importantly, you have treated me like part of the
‘family’. It is indescribeable, the greatness of your hearts and generosity with all the blessings and karma you have created and generated to/for so many people in such short time. To give me the chance to share a meal with you, for the devotees and members of Amitabha Buddhist Centre welcoming me as part of them. For them to open up their doors to all who would like to visit Lama Phuntsok Rinpoche and seek blessings - with no questions asked, just warmth and welcome and serving and treating everyone who walked in with drinks and food.

I am ashamed. I am ashamed that I have not been able contribute to this Holy cause, not finding out earlier nor pursuing Buddhism further than the occassional visit to the temples. I am regretful that I am not able to do more than what I can to contribute to the visit for all of you and Lama Rinpoche.

Geshe Tenzin Zopa,

I admire your most humble character which I felt through reading your book and your encounter in the search for the reincarnation of the supreme Guru, Geshe Lama Konchog and also, simply just by being with you the last few days. Your most kind autographed message in the book you presented to me, how I felt the warmth in your heart and all the things you have done of which you have then described yourself as being just ‘ordinary’. I think you are one of the most EXTRAordinary person I have met. Anyone would give up anything just to be in your position! To be able to be the attendant to the superior Guru Geshe Lama Konchog, and now in such close proximity of the Holy Child of Kopan. If, after all these, you describe as yourself as being just an ordinary person, then I would think you have just given new meaning to that word ‘ordinary’! Your generosity fills my heart, your invitation, your humbleness and your willingness to give and teach - it is just too admirable. I wish for all the blessings you and your love ones can ever have and may you live and live and live a long long life!

Ven. Thudten Lundup,

thank you for being such a joy to be around. You remind me of what fun and carefree means, even as a humble monk. Your warmth and humbleness, your proficiency in the English language is admirable and knows no bounds and I have benefited from you in the last few days. I wish you well and a much fulfilled life and may you realise your dreams in the shortest possible time and also attain and accomplish what you have set out to do in the world of Buddhism.

Geshe Ani Chodni, although you are a very quiet person, I can feel and see the never ending kindness in you, your movements and your mannerisms. I believe you, in your own ways, spread the teachings of
Buddhism to more and more people who will definitely and eventually benefit from. I also wish for your well being and longevity be with you always.

and most of all, to Lama Phuntsok Rinpoche :

How you fill my heart with happiness and calmness! Now, I can see evidently why the great Guru Geshe Lama Konchog has chosen you as the One. It is written all over your face, your behaviour and most of all, your character. At this tender age, you elude firmness and presence….the firmness of a leader of teachings and the presence of a strong mind with a task to fulfill and to spread Buddhism in the ways that you know how. I cannot find words to describe your generosity for allowing me to receive your blessings, for allowing Ashton to be part of your play time and spiritual world and just to be a part of you.

How you have blessed the many animals you met, the Dolphins, butterflies, fishes, turtles, Kois, Stingrays etc. and how you have brought with you the sense of calm and blessings that many seek to find - its priceless! Your happiness in your face, the seriousness when in prayers and the countless generous blessings you have given are immeasurable and I believe in the times ahead, you will be the one who will give many, the teachings of Buddha and lead them in the path to seek enlightenment, this, we are thankful. In you, we will seek the opportunities to spread the words and wisdom to all, the teachings of the great Geshe Lama Konchog and of course, Buddha. I wish you abundance blessings in your quest in the learnings in Kopan Monastry and may we have the pleasure of your Holy presence in Singapore, in Amitabha Buddhist Centre and all the other homes for children and the sickly to be blessed again, soon. May you live the most fulfilled long life and while doing so, share with us your teachings and wisdom that we all so long.

To all the members and devotees of Amitabha Buddhist Centre, I am speechless! Your relentless and tireless efforts to organise and invite the honourable Lama Rinpoche and all the Sanghas have created boundless Karma and connected thousands of devotees and followers to this Holy being. Your warmth and welcome to each and everyone is indescribeable. Your patience and flawless organisation and unconditional acts of provision of accomodation at its highest is admired by all, especially me. I have learnt much for the past 3 days just being able to be in your presence. I am thankful for the opportunities and that I have learnt the very meaning of humbleness. Everyone I spoke with told me it is fate that brought Ashton and I to you, and I truly believe that. Thank you!

The past days have opened a whole new world for me, I have learnt more about giving unconditionally…for what I have experienced, I realised what I have done (not like alot!) is NOTHING compared to what ABC and the Sanghas have and are still doing. You have given up your life to the teachings of Buddha, to spread the word and to help others and this I am sincerely thankful for…for the fact that I am allowed to witness and be a part of your unconditional love for anyone and everyone. I have learnt and yes, what a Blessed few days we had!

Now I cannot wait for the new ABC to be officiated and opened! I will, as a promise, be here to assist whenever there is a need for an extra pair of hands to do anything I can in my humble and little ways and contribute.

With a heavy heart, I bid you all a safe and great journey to the other parts of the world to spread your goodness and a restful trip back to Kopan.   Peace be with you always.

Note : At the time of writing, I am not a member of ABC nor have I known or met Geshe Lama Konchog.  But in the short span I have had the honour of meeting Lama Phuntsok Rinpoche and the Sanghas, I have read and researched all I could to learn about them and their relentless quest and teachings.  I am only too far from what many devotees are at but I guess it is a start.  So for the nonchalant and ignorant way I may have phrased or described the greatness of the people above, I seek forgiveness.

in the new phrase I have learnt, Om Mani Pad Me Hum.

Sincerely
Catherine
Sentosa, Singapore

Amitabha Buddhist Centre (ABC) rejoices at the visit of our precious guru, Tulku Tenzin Phuntsok Rinpoche, who has benefited many people during his stay in Singapore. More than 10,000 people from all walks of life (including some Christians and Hindus) have sought blessings from Rinpoche-la.

Geshe-la Lama Konchog gave his first teachings at ABC while he was in Singapore in the 1990s. We pray with faith from our hearts that Rinpoche-la will continue to teach the Dharma for a very long time and that we will be the first circle of disciples to receive the guru’s holy teachings.

Over 2,000 people turned up at ABC to attend the 16-Arhat Puja presided by Rinpoche-la. As Rinpoche-la stepped into the gompa, we witnessed Rinpoche-la’s face glowed with joy. Rinpoche-la was happy throughout the puja. We felt very blessed to be in his holy presence.

We dedicate our merits for Rinpoche-la’s long and healthy life. May all those who come into contact with Rinpoche-la generate the complete path to enlightenment in their hearts as quickly as possible. May Rinpoche-la’s visit to Singapore be the cause for the enlightenment of all sentient beings. May we students please the holy mind of Rinpoche-la.

Due to the merits accumulated by us, the buddhas and bodhisattvas, and all other sentient beings, may the day and night be auspicious for the immediate fulfilment of Rinpoche-la’s wishes.

Om Mani Padme Hung
Amitabha Buddhist Centre

THEKCHEN CHOLING WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND OUR MOST HEARTFELT THANKS TO TENZIN PHUNTSOK RINPOCHE FOR VISITING SINGAPORE

Thekchen Choling (Singapore) would like to say a very big thank you to our
Guru, Tenzin Phuntsok Rinpoche, for his immeasurable kindness in coming to
visit all his disciples and beings of Singapore! His visit was an amazing
one, and everyone was most blessed and extremely joyful to see him. We
especially thank Rinpoche for visiting Thekchen Choling (Singapore) on the
8th April 2007 to give everyone there mountains of blessings of love and
compassion.

We would also like to extend our heartelt thanks to Geshe Tenzin Zopa,
Venerable Thupten Lhundrup and all of Tenzin Phuntsok Rinpoche’s family as
well as to everyone who helped make Rinpoche’s visit a great success.

Dear Rinpoche, Thekchen Choling prays from our heart of hearts that you
constantly return to us to teach us, bless us, and bring us to to achieve
the most precious and holy state of Buddhahood. We are nothing without you
and pray that you remain with us forever and ever, holding us in your heart
always and always.

With much love,
Thekchen Choling (Singapore)

ABC proudly welcomes the return of our precious teacher, Geshe Lama Konchog, now reincarnated as Tenzin Phunstok Rinpoche.

ABC will be organising a puja at the center on the 7th April, Saturday, at 10am. Rinpoche will be offering blessings to members of the public and invited guests.

ABC Singapore

Dearest Geshe Tenzin Zopa and Ven. Thubten Lhundrup,

Thank you very much for your warm hospitality during my recent visit to Sera monastery.

This was a meaningful trip and such a great joy to see our most precious Lama Phuntsok Rinpoche enthroned before an audience of more than 3,000 monks.

On behalf of Geshe Lama Konchog’s students, I would like to thank you both for organising such a successful event.

Phuntsok Rinpoche (oops, should be Lama Phuntsok Rinpoche as he would correct us whenever we called him), carried himself very well at the monastery. The moment he entered any gompa or khangtsen, he walked in as if he were no stranger. With his charismatic charm and behaviour, everyone was convinced that he was no ordinary child.

Much of his behaviour reminded me of Geshe Lama Konchog. His mischief at home and his seriousness in the gompa made me feel the presence of Geshela. His way of speaking English sounded exactly like Geshela.

One occasion when Lama Phuntsok Rinpoche danced a lama dance at home, his movement and rhythm reminded me of when Geshela visited at Ridout Road in Singapore. At that time, Geshela had danced in his room with the same movement and rhythm.

Like Geshe Lama Konchog before, Lama Phuntsok Rinpoche would behave very casually during informal moments but become serious whenever required. I am amazed that at the age of four, Lama knows when to get serious. During the enthronement at Lhopa Khangtsen, all the monks were impressed by his manner. His respect towards all the holy objects and his devotion towards His Holiness the Dalai Lama was unbelievable. Also during his visit to the Kopan monks, Lama Phuntsok Rinpoche’s behaviour was unusual – the moment he sat on the throne, he started scrutinizing each and every monk like a father looking at his children.

After witnessing all these events, my faith in Lama Phuntsok Rinpoche as the unmistaken incarnate of Geshela strengthened. My devotion on seeing him as our most Holy Guru Lama Konchog will never be shaken. I believe with the pure vision from both of you of Lama Phuntsok Rinpoche and with his innate intelligence and kindheartedness towards sentient beings, especially to every animal and insect which he would save whenever he saw them struggling in water, Lama will be an upholder of the entire Buddhadharma and bring extensive benefit to sentient beings like the second Lama Tsong Khapa.

Once again, thanks very much to you and your entourage for making all this possible.

Geshe Tenzin Zopa, I was also happy to witness your graduation as geshe. I am really happy that you were able to complete your studies. I believe if Geshe Lama Konchog were still alive he would be extremely happy. Anyway, he is back and I think that is why Lama Phuntsok Rinpoche was so happy, jumping all over you and naming you “God” after the ceremony.

With Metta, Cyndi Yee Singapore