Pastors bridge the gap between the ordained Sangha and the everyday practitioner. These ordinary people have taken an extraordinary step to dedicate their lives to their spirituality and the spirituality of others.
Buddhist pastors are almost unheard of globally much less in Malaysia. Hence, when our founder, His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche first conceptualised the system of Buddhist pastorship, he pioneered a unique role suitable for today’s conditions. This role bridges the ordained and the laity, where the lay person is not part of the monastic order but is empowered to disseminate the teachings of Buddhism.
In modern times when it is difficult for ordinary people to take on the discipline of a monk or nun, pastors can carry on the lineage and teachings to the next generation. They are more approachable and more familiar with contemporary culture and the problems that lay people face. Hence, pastors can make Buddha’s wisdom accessible to more people by giving spiritual guidance and sharing knowledge. In this way, the Dharma is preserved and made available to busy spiritual seekers.
We have two types of pastors.
1. Lay pastors — people who are committed to their spiritual practice but have pre-existing obligations to family and other responsibilities.
2. Sangha-to-be — people who are aspiring to become fully ordained members of the Sangha (monastic community) in the near future.
Our first Buddhist pastors were ordained by H.E. Tsem Rinpoche on October 24, 2011.
Our pastors are available day and night, seven days a week, to assist anyone in need of spiritual help. Apart from their day-to-day responsibilities, a pastor’s duties include:
To become a pastor, candidates are required to complete various levels of spiritual training and education. Aspiring pastors must also be prepared to hold the refuge and pastor vows. After the appointment is approved by our committee, new pastors are ordained in a traditional ceremony for an auspicious start to their new roles.
If you would like to serve the spiritual community as a pastor, please contact us for more information.
Support a pastor so they can continue benefitting others.
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