Those who have the merits to be in Rinpoche’s sphere will very quickly realise that one of Rinpoche’s most prominent qualities is that of Generosity. It is a quality that has always inspired me because not only is the scope of Rinpoche’s generosity vast and far-reaching, but it also comes after a lifetime of difficulties. From the moment of his birth when he was rejected by his birth mother, to the abuse he suffered under his adoptive parents, to the physical difficulties he faced in Gaden Monastery, right until the time he was instructed to stay in Malaysia and teach – Rinpoche has experienced more pain and obstacles than the average human being. For me, that is what makes Rinpoche’s generosity so special because although Rinpoche himself only experienced kindness and generosity from time to time, Rinpoche has never made his own sufferings a reason to cause suffering to others. Rinpoche has always maintained that the main influence for his generosity was his adoptive mother, Dana Bugayeff. Although she suffered from severe schizophrenia that remained undiagnosed until her later years, during her periods of lucidity, she would be extremely generous towards everyone around her. Rinpoche, for example, was the recipient of countless toys and whatever Rinpoche […]