Describing himself as a typical easy-going Tibetan guy with a penchant for kung fu movies and a deep love of music, Monlam was a student of H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche during his time in Gaden Monastery as a monk. After returning his vows, Monlam started a music store in Mundgod, India. A chance meeting with Rinpoche in Kathmandu led Monlam to become Rinpoche’s student once again. After serving as Rinpoche’s personal attendant in Tsem Ladrang, Nepal, Monlam is now volunteering as part of the Ladrang team.

Can you tell us why you like Dharma? Why did you decide to join Dharma work?

I like Dharma because it teaches us to become good people. It doesn’t help us just in this life but Dharma knowledge can also help our future lives. I joined Dharma work because I want to help my Guru in his work. As a layperson now, it is rare for me to come across opportunities to do Dharma so I cherish this opportunity to serve my Guru.

What do you understand about spirituality?

There are many religions in the world to suit different people. However, in Buddhism, the study of Dharma is the study of the mind. It is very important to understand our mind in order to become the best person we can be, for example to cultivate compassion. That process of studying is spirituality.

What do you like about H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche?

I have known Rinpoche for a long time, almost 15 years. In all these years, Rinpoche has never changed and remains consistent in his Dharma work. In India, he supported and sponsored the monastery, and he took care of poor villagers by giving them food. Now in Malaysia, I see the extension and growth of Rinpoche’s work. He does many things, from sponsoring the monastery to building an institution to continue the tradition of Gaden. Rinpoche also started Kechara Soup Kitchen, which is currently taking care of and serving the homeless community.

What is the most inspiring thing about Rinpoche that you have seen? How does Rinpoche inspire or move you?

Rinpoche’s Guru Devotion really inspires me. I personally witnessed how Rinpoche put his Guru Devotion in action when he offered a house to his Guru, H.E. Kensur Jampa Yeshe Rinpoche. Tsem Rinpoche managed the household himself, taking care of everything from inspecting the cleanliness of the house to training the monks to wear their robes in the right way. Rinpoche also took care of Kensur Rinpoche’s health by planning Kensur Rinpoche’s diet, exercise schedule, and he managed to get Kensur Rinpoche’s diabetes under control. This is the extent of care and devotion that Rinpoche has for his Guru.

How incredible! That really is so much Guru Devotion! So how about yourself Monlam, where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

In five years’ time, I will still be serving my Guru, Tsem Rinpoche. However, by then, we’ll be in Tsem Ladrang in Kechara World Peace Centre(KWPC). Many people will visit KWPC, to learn and study Dharma there. I foresee that the growth will be phenomenal, as Kechara is already growing very fast right now.