Formation
Thrangu Dharma Society Petaling Jaya (TDSPJ) was established and registered with the Malaysian Registrar of Societies in February, 1989 at the instructions of the Very Venerable Thrangu Rinpoche. At that time no one understood why Rinpoche wanted to start another Karma Kagyu center, when there was already in existence a Karma Kagyu Center in Kuala Lumpur which is not far from Petaling Jaya.
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| The Very Venerable Thrangu Rinpoche |
There were many questions raised by the pro tem committee until Rinpoche told the committee that this was in fact the prediction by the 16th Karmapa that Rinpoche will have a center in Kuala Lumpur. The early days of TDSPJ was not an easy one, it faced many objections from other Karma Kagyu Centers mainly from the Kuala Lumpur center.
The relevance of the existence of TDSPJ came not long after its formation when the recognition of the 17th Karmapa became an International issue. Malaysia was not spared from this conflict and confusion was abound among the disciples. This issue was openly discussed in an Extra Ordinary General Meeting where views from all members were debated and considered. A vote was subsequently taken whereby it was unanimously passed that TDSPJ will only recognise His Holiness Urgen Thrinley Dorje as the one and only 17th Karmapa. This view is consonant with the view of Rinpoche, whereas the Kuala Lumpur center followed the person recognized by Sharmapa as their Karmapa.
With this problem in Malaysia, TDSPJ initiated the movement to unite all Karma Kargyu Centers in Malaysia. From this the United Karma Kagyu (Vajrayana) Federation (UKKF) was born, and now with 12 center members covering almost all the States in Malaysia. It was then quite apparent why Rinpoche instructed the formation of TDSPJ.
Special mention must be given the then President Mr. David Tong who had led the center from 1988 until his retirement in year 1999. David Tong led the center during its most difficult years. His post was taken over by his deputy Mr. John Fam who is currently the President. The running of the center is supported by a committee of 13 members.
