'For You Magazine' Interview

We are very happy to announce that as a result of auspicious co-incidence Shangpa Rinpoche and his Dharma works have appeared this month as the lead feature in the foremost Dharma magazine in Singapore. Years of quiet labour and silent sacrifices to benefit all sentient being and propagate Buddha Dharma have resulted in a comprehensive but special feature in praise of the life and the works of Ven. Shangpa Rinpoche.

In the 184th edition of 'For You Information' for August of 2004, the headlines read "Amicable, Determined: We speak of Ven. Shangpa Rinpoche" by Zi Jun. The cover of this issue of 'For You Information', the leading Buddhist Magazine in Singapore, features a picture of the Jangchub Choeling Monastery. The corresponding article can be found on the first page of the magazine and it first touches on the childhood and the background from which Ven Shangpa Rinpoche comes. The article goes on to talk about Jangchub Choeling Monastery as well as Kagyu Institute for Buddhist Studies and Retreat Centre in Kirtipur; a project that is in the midst of completion. The article also talks about Rinpoche's vision and his rationale behind building the retreat centre and Buddhist Institute.

It is a well-written article which introduces readers to Ven. Shangpa Rinpoche, his life as well as his Dharma projects. The author's impression and descriptions of Rinpoche are personal and most sincere.

Word of Appreciation from Shangpa Rinpoche

I would like to thank 'For You Information' as well as the Author/ Editor: Zi Jun. for the feature and for the kind words that have been penned. With utmost gratitude, I would also like to wish every success to 'For You Information' and especially the Author/ Editor: Zi Jun. May the Triple Gems always bless 'For You Information', and Zi Jun that their good work and sincere efforts continue to inspire countless followers in the many long years to come.

May all be auspicious!

Shangpa Rinpoche

English Language Version of Interview

The Beginning of an Idea

The walls of the old monastery I was studying in as a child were the boundaries of the memories of my childhood. I had many teachers as a child reincarnate and these teachers never failed to amaze me with their immense patience. No matter how I made fun of them or teased them, they would always return it with kindness and compassion. Their compassionate guidance and kind words of heartfelt advice I still hold dear and close to my heart. They remain fresh in my memories and I still think about them from time to time; especially Ven. Dupsing Rinpoche, probably because he was the one who took care of me right from the time when I first stepped in a monastery. He was also one of the first teachers I came into contact with. It seems like it was just yesterday that we were sitting by the fire in his room, talking. I also still remember how my teachers would impart all of their knowledge in Buddha Dharma completely and selflessly, both in theory and in practice. I owe my spiritual development to the complete devotion and selfless dedication of the teachers who have taught me. I also remember being so inspired by what they do right from the time I was a child, I aspired to be a teacher like them, selfless and dedicated. I told myself that one day, I would want to build a school that will be filled with all these wonderful teachers so that many too can share this inspiring experience that I have been through, that many will learn to be selflessly devoted and completely dedicated to the teaching and the propagation of Buddha Dharma, I wanted to share my experience with the whole world. I think it was at that point in time that a seed of aspiration was planted in my heart, that one day; I would build a Buddhist Institute. Along with the days that passed, the lessons grew in terms of the length of time and the depth of difficulty. I had more opportunities of learning form even more Lamas, Rinpoche's and Khenpos who were equally inspiring. Always joyful and kind, they were a source of endless inspiration. The days that passed turned into years; I became even more resolute in my aspiration to set-up a Buddhist Institute.

His Holiness' Blessing

The age of 21 was a turning point in my life. It was when I was 21 that my teacher, H.H. 16th Gyalwa Karmapa wanted me to be the Abbot of the Jangchub Choeling Monastery in Pokhara. I was a young Rinpoche who had just graduated from Varanasi University in the Buddhist Higher Institute in India. Totally inexperienced and at a complete loss of knowing how to run an institute or a monastery, I only had an experience being a student and nothing else. The immense faith that His Holiness, the late 16th Karmapa, my dearest teacher, had in me gave me all the confidence I needed to handle the task he had wanted me to take on. I remember it as if it was yesterday that my late teacher, the 16th Karmapa told me : "Face difficulties and obstacles in the course of your Dharma work with perseverance and confidence and your reward will be success at the end of the day."

Till this day, the words of His Holiness still ring in my ears. These words of wisdom are the answers to whatever obstacles I meet up with, whatever difficulties that may come my way in whatever obligations I am supposed to fulfil.

An Opportunity Presents Itself

In 2000, I was asked by the late Lama Kunkhyab Rinpoche to assume responsibility for the monastery located at Kirtipur. Although I did not reject his request, it was not something that I could immediately commit to, as I was quite busy with other projects and did not want to be half-hearted in my involvement. After some consideration, it occurred to me that this would be a good opportunity to realize my goal of establishing an institute of Buddhist Studies to cater to the general public. It is my vision that a place of learning would have far more scope than a monastery in propagating the Dharma to benefit as many sentient beings as possible.

Ideal Location

There are many reasons why Nepal is such a rich source of Buddhism and hence, the ideal location for this Institute. The most obvious reason would be the fact the Lord Buddha was born in this country. He prophesied that the nation would have great potential for spiritual practice and development. This has proven to be so before 700 C. E. as many great accomplished masters, including Atisha and Marpa Lotsawa transited here while traveling form India to Tibet where Buddhism was flourishing.

The country is graced with numerous ancient stupas, temples and monasteries which have been preserved and are still functioning till this day. Although modern technology has made inroads into society in general, local tradition and native culture are still kept intact and are still in practice. Such an environment is truly conducive to the study of Buddhist philosophy.

The Institute itself is situated in Kirtipur. This special plot of land has been blessed by His Holiness 16th Karmapa for the future development of Buddha Dharma twice. Kirtipur is on the outskirts of the capital city. Kathmandu, enveloped by quiet, scenic beauty that calms the heart and soothes the mind.

Goal and Vision

Buddhism is gaining international popularity. There is an increasing number of people who are becoming dissatisfied with their unhappy modern lifestyles. They are only beginning to reap the benefits from the wisdom of the Buddha's teachings, understanding that the profound path of Dharma can lead them to peace, liberation and ultimately, Enlightenment. In order to achieve this blissful state of Enlightenment, it is necessary to receive the teachings from a perfect master under conditions that are favourable for learning and receiving these necessary teachings.

The Institute's goal is to provide a venue for individuals from all around the world to gain spiritual knowledge and enhance their spiritual development. Regardless of whether they want to achieve mindfulness, clarity, mental calm or Enlightenment, this educational facility will offer guidance to all whatever their aspirations may be. A variety of courses are available at the Institute and they are structured for all levels of study. A temple is located on the grounds for devotional practice. Accommodation is available for live-in students. There will also be a library, cyber-space and coffee house.

The Institute is significant because it is the first of its kind in the Karma Kagyu lineage in Nepal. May it serve to bring the light of the Dharma to as many possible.

Acknowledgement and Thanks

When I embarked on this project, I merely wanted to realize my vision and my childhood dream. I had very little funding. To add to that, a great deal of planning and organization were necessary; expertise in the fields of architecture, construction, interior design, curriculum development and hostel management were required.

With His Holiness Karmapa's blessings, many people from Nepal and overseas offered their talent and financial assistance without hesitation. It is because of their suggestions, collaboration, effort and generosity that this site has been completely transformed. Without their valuable contribution, the noble task of establishing this Institute would not have been possible.

I am very grateful to each and every single person who has supported me and encouraged me on this project since its conception. My sincerest gratitude goes to the Buddhist communities of Singapore, and especially the members of the Karma Kagyu Buddhist Centres of Singapore and Malaysia. A heartfelt thank you to all my disciples, as they unfailingly share my vision and continuously help me to actualise my goals to benefit others.

Email : Shangpa Rinpoche

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