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About Dorje Shugden => General Discussion => Topic started by: shugdenpromoter on May 13, 2012, 05:12:41 PM
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For me, I always find it amazing and inspirational when I come across any stories about strong Guru Devotion. I would like to share with you the story of Ajeka.
Ajeka belongs to Sampheling Monastery in Chatreng. He is a lay person with a family. He should be in his 60s and he has devoted his whole life to the monastery. As most of us know, Sampheling Monastery is Trijang Rinpoche very own monastery.
Ajeka was a former County Head, and the former Minister of Transport in Chatreng. Despite being a layperson and having a family, Ajeka has also worked full-time for Sampheling for over 30 years without any salary. Ajeka himself does not even take any food from the monastery, he brings his own food everyday.
As a student of the previous Trijang Rinpoche, Ajeka carries on his Teacher's work. He was entirely in charge of building the new Sampheling which houses the fantastic HUGE 33 meter Tsongkapa statue as you can see from the picture attached. Hand-built by devoted people of Chatreng, they have also offered their jewellery and other precious items to be inserted into this statue. Upon its completion, it will be the tallest Tsongkhapa statue in the world.
He oversaw everything from fundraising to the construction of building the new Sampheling Monastery including the statues.
During the construction of the new Sampheling, Ajeka on his own organised 2000+ volunteers on a daily basis to build statues and work in the monastery.
Ajeka is very highly respected in Chatreng, for his devotion to his Teacher, Protector and the Dharma. His dedication is so apparent through his works, and the way in which he has spent his whole life serving the Dharma. Ajeka is an inspiring example of a person who does not need to wear robes in order to command respect - in Chatreng, Ajeka is a layperson who is treated with the same respect as a high lama. The people are well aware of his devotion and dedication towards his Teacher.
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What Ajeka is doing is really amazing. Since his Guru (previous Trijang Rinpoche) has passed away, he continue to carry out the work for Guru joyfully. Not only that, he has not even met the current Trijang Rinpoche, and he never request to meet the current Trijang Rinpoche too.
If my Guru passed away, I think I am more likely to be lazy, lay back, and probably will only work hard a little bit when he comes back :P
By reading story like, I pray this will inspire some change in me to be more devoted and more hardworking.
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Ajeka is a very inspiring character. His devotion to his Guru is a rare achievement in this day and age and I look at him in awe and with an inspired mind.
His devotion, his actions, are like a teaching to me, certainly if only because it has the quality of leading by example.
When people like Ajeka show so much determination, so much stability, people are likely to assist him, to help him, because they are inspired, because they want to take part in this beautiful karmic energy that is created by the actions of Ajeka.
As a student myself, it shows that without high thrones, titles, robes etc... I can do a lot simply in showing the example and inspire others to at least help, at best do better than me even. And at the minimum to question themselves as to what the focus is in their pursuits.
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I n the lamrim the first meditation is the root of the path,how to devote to the virtuous friend.Proper devotion to the guru or virtuous friend is the root of all success,from success in this life up to Enlightenment just as the trunk,branches,leaves and fruits of a tree depend on it's roots.
Ajeka's is a wise practitioner who knows to practise the Dharma skilfully,give full attention day and night to this point of correctly devoting his entire life to his monastery.An amazing and inspirational lay person who kept his vows even though his Guru has passed on.A shining example for people to emulate!
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Ajeka's story is very inspiring. How a person can be so devotes to his guru who has already passed on and who's current life has not even been back to Chatreng. It must be something that touched his heart that he could do this with pleasure for so many decades. Most likely is his faith in Dharma and how his guru has benefitted him and he wants to repay his guru's kindness by safeguarding the Dharma. Apart from that, he is also creating a cause for his guru to come back to Chatreng.
I often ask myself if I would continue my spiritual practice if my guru is not here anymore. Then I think of how caring, how compassionate my guru is to me, how selfless my guru is, how he wants to benefit others so much, my answer is 'yes', I will continue and I must continue. It may not be easy, it may be tough but I will always remind myself why I want to walk on spiritual path, why I want to be my guru's student. Ajeka's story will always be on my mind, it's a reminder for me on how a student should be.
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Thank you shugdenpromoter for sharing this inspiring article with us. We have read about the pure devotion high lamas such as HH Trijang Rinpoche, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso and too many more, have for their teachers. This is the first article I have read about a lay person in this modern day and age practicing the thousands years tradition of guru devotion. You mentioned he brought his own food to work everyday when he was working in Sampheling monastery and he did not even take any salary. It really shows that he did not want anything in return, but to give his service and effort to the monastery of his beloved teacher who have passed away. All his effort is an example to the people around him and he has garnered so much respect and trust of the villagers that they too volunteered their services and precious items to successfully build the new monastery.
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Thank you for sharing this piece of information with us... it is truly inspiring to see such deep Guru devotion in a lay person at this time and age.
What Ajeka did is really amazing! But what touched me is his great devotion and dedication to his Guru, the previous Trijang Rinpoche. Although Ajeka have not seen his guru for many years as the previous Trijang Rinpoche entered clear light many years ago... and the current reincarnation is in the western world... being far away from his teacher never shook his devotion and continued to carry out his Guru's work in the region.
So inspiring... Ajeka's story should be read by all lay people that wishes to enter into a spiritual path. Just looking at how Ajeka live his life... it teaches us on keeping promises, integrity, dedication and honesty in practising the Dharma and serving out Guru.
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For many in the West, individualism is the focus. The focus is on "me first" then "I will be successful". We were taught to respect but often times it is highly conditional. If there's nothing we see we can benefit from or qualities that resonates with us then we find ourselves not respecting them as much.
The Buddhist philosophy teaches that all beings have the Buddha potential in all of us. Now just knowing this should make us take a step back in hurting each other and to have some respect that we all have something special in us, some good even though we may not immediately see those qualities.
Tibetan Buddhism takes this so much further that Guru Devotion becomes pinnacle in our practice for all that is good to arise, to be cultivated, to open up. We cultivate a mind to have high respect for our teacher, to see and meditate on the qualities of enlightenment in our teachers and never waver in serving our teachers.
There are not that many examples in the lay community embodying this quality compared to the ordained communities towards their Guru. Ajeka, a lay person, living in this day and age embodies this quality. Because of his Guru Devotion, eventhough his Guru is no longer with him, he remained steadfast and single minded in serving him.
In serving his Guru, he has inspired 2000 people to use their lives for a higher cause to build holy images and monastery for many monks to live, study, debate, practice. If not because of Ajeka, these 2000 people and their families would most probably just live their whole lives taking care of their animals, their families, look for food, keep warm in the harsh weather because this is all that they know off. This example is not that different from ours in developed countries really.. where we spend our whole live taking care of our careers, families, pay crazy amount for good food, keep the peace by conforming to what society expects of a modern, successful, intelligent person. That's all fine but would be much better if whatever energy we have spent on is for a cause that will outlive us...positively.
This quality is beyond the respect that I grew up with. This devotion to his teacher did not cripple him but made him instead to be an extraordinary person.
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Pabongka Rinpoche was also a perfect example of guru devotion.
Pabongka Rinpoche often talked about his Guru, Dagpo Rinpoche even in all his teachings related to Yamantaka, Vajrayoigini, Lamrin, & etc.
When Pabongka Rinpoche was in the monastery, he was not very intelligent and other Geshe would often make fun of him. He was not an "A" Star Geshe quality. He did complete his Geshe Degree but he reached the lowest level : "Lingse" rank.
Then after that everything changed as he met his ROOT GURU Dagpo Rinpoche who was rather an ordinary monk. This is when Pabongka Rinpoche started to changed. Pabongka Rinpoche was with Dagpo Rinpoche for 10 years, studying the Lamrin and also receiving Tantra teachings from his Guru.
You can read more about Pabongka Rinpoche on the article below.
Do read this as I learned so much from this short article.
http://dorjeshugden.com/wp/?p=3965 (http://dorjeshugden.com/wp/?p=3965)
And I strongly believe that it was the blessing of his Guru Devotion that he has reached that level.
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Wow! Ajeka alone arranged more than 2000 people to build the temple and the tallest Lama Tsongkapa statue everyday! This is an amazing feat. This shows really that he is very devoted to his guru, Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang who has passed on. How many of us can really do this, even with our guru around us?
He does not receive teachings from his guru anymore but his trust and faith in his guru is undeniably strong. Imagine the amount of merits he and all the people of Chatreng has accumulated in their lives. This will definitely be ccarried on into their future lives where they will be reborn to be near the Dharma to continue their journey to liberation.
It is also his good karma to be able to serve his guru throughout his life. Ajeka is truly an inspiration to many.With his hardwork, and when the Lama Tsongkapa statue is completed, Sampheling Monastery will attract more people (practitioners or visitors) to come and the monastery will flourish. When the ban is lifted in a few years time, the statue will be ready! The timing is so right!
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Thanks shugdenpromoter for sharing this amazing true story on Guru Devotion. Ajeka is a great example for all of us. A successful layperson dedicating his life to serve his Guru and the Dharma. What more he has not seen his Guru for the longest time.
I am really inspired by Ajeka. Giving up his high profile job to help manage the monastery, getting sponsorship, building and maintaining the monastery..How many of us would actually do that? Nowadays people don't even dare open their mouths to seek donations/sponsorship. They said they would lose face doing so..
But look at Ajeka! He is constantly raising funds to build the monastery, gathering over 2000 people to VOLUNTEER every day! Is he losing face or gaining respect? Do you think people would listen to him if they do not respect him? Thank again..the struggle and lost of face we face today is nothing if compared to Ajeka. I'm sure he has gone through the bad times as well getting rejected when seeking donations. But he did not give up! He worked hard. He showed everyone the true example of GURU DEVOTION.
It is really amazing to know about these kind of heroes. I feel very ashamed of myself...what have I contributed to my Guru and the spread of Dharma?
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Ajeka is so inspiring. Even though Trijang Rinpoche is no longer there but Ajeka still continue carries his teacher’s work. Single handed manage 2000+ workers for building the new Sampheling and fundraise himself, it’s not an easy task but Ajeka has been devoted all this while.
He is so incredible. Show us that a layman can be 100% devoted and do so much. He is truly giving and never takes from the monastery even food. He’s really highly respectable and a great example for many.
Thank you Ajeka for showing us what a lay person can do for dharma, for his Guru and for others.
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Truly a remarkable story and most awe inspiring. Not only is his Guru devotion unwavering, his reverence and respect for the sangha is also most commendable. What is more amazing is the fact that he is a lay person. Incredible.
The fact that Ajeka would bring his own food during construction as he did not want to use up sangha money in any way just shows one how sincere and dedicated he truly is!
All this from ONE man single handedly overseeing all aspects, from design, fund-raising, construction and manpower organization... No wonder he is truly respected within his community and I am pretty sure everyone else who comes across this story!
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If you read any high lamas biography, they all have unwavering guru devotion and also continuosly mention about the greatness of their guru. Guru devotion is the foundation to all realization as clearly stated in the 50 Stanzas of Guru Devotion. What else more is there to say? Ajeka is exemplary in the practice of guru devotion. No titles, his guru has passed on, has not met his guru's present incarnation. All that keeps him going is sheer guru devotion, and the result is awe inspiring. The thought has arisen in my mind several times if I would take the easy way out if my guru whom i have promised a certain commitment has passed on. At this point of writting, I dont have a firm answer.
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Ajeka true story is inspiring me wish to do more true meaningful things in future. In these days volunteering dharma work without paid is difficult, in addition bring own meal everyday refuse to spend sangha's fund. Ajeka only give never take anything from dharma.
His guru devotion make me speechless as a layman even his guru passed away long times still continue to maintain and to built biggest tsongkhapa statue in the world. This shown his compassion wish to benefit others is very strong.
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Ajeka is very inspiring. His Guru Devotion is so strong. Although he does not met with his Guru, i.e the previous
Although he is not a project manager by professional, but Ajeka, single handedly, arranged and organized 2000+ volunteers on a daily basis to build the statue and work of the monastery. In addition, he oversees all aspects which include fund- raising, design, construction, etc. He just gives and gives and gives. I understand that he even brought his packed lunch and food daily because he doesn’t want to take anything from the monastery. A real chenrezig in action!
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Yes, Ajeka is indeed inspiring and a rare gem in this era. He must be an incarnation of Kuan Yin to show us how we can practise unwavering guru devotion which in this age is difficult to find or practise. He is a wonderful example to us. I wish him longevity and good health so he may accomplish much more dharma work for Trijang Rinpoche and his community. May he also receive all aids and resources to facilitate him to achieve his goals for the benefit of others and the monastery.
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Sometimes I wonder what did he do in previous life for him to have such a strong connection in this very current life. Think about it. He is not physically with his guru at all, yet the bond in him is unbelievable. This is all part of guru devotion, and it simply means he put his faith, full trust in the three jewels... The closeness is not you are close to a friend or a lover, it is actually no-attached to the physical but to dharma, the true understanding of the dharma because you follow the qualities of your guru.
It is very rare in today's age we get someone like Ajeka. In this very samsara world, we are so caught up with so many things - unnecessary things. Who would really sacrifice everything for enlightenment? Let alone your guru. Hence in this degenerate age, dharma is hard to spread. People like Ajeka is fortunate to be born in a place near dharma, doing meritorious work. This also explains why so many high lamas are now in different parts of the world. Simple because we need dharma in this very age.
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It is very rare to find a person like Ajeka in this age and time. Even though his Guru passed on he did not stopped but continue to build the largest Lama Tsongkhapa in the world and he has not even met the present reincarnation. He is a true example of practicing strong guru devotion.
What Ajeka did is amazing and inspiring. He single handedly oversees to the whole project, from raising funds to the construction and yet never take anything from the monastery. It is not a surprise that he is so highly respected in the community.
May Ajeka received all the help he needed on this project.
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Sometimes I wonder what did he do in previous life for him to have such a strong connection in this very current life. Think about it. He is not physically with his guru at all, yet the bond in him is unbelievable. This is all part of guru devotion, and it simply means he put his faith, full trust in the three jewels... The closeness is not you are close to a friend or a lover, it is actually no-attached to the physical but to dharma, the true understanding of the dharma because you follow the qualities of your guru.
It is very rare in today's age we get someone like Ajeka. In this very samsara world, we are so caught up with so many things - unnecessary things. Who would really sacrifice everything for enlightenment? Let alone your guru. Hence in this degenerate age, dharma is hard to spread. People like Ajeka is fortunate to be born in a place near dharma, doing meritorious work. This also explains why so many high lamas are now in different parts of the world. Simple because we need dharma in this very age.
It is indeed very rare to find people like Ajeka with such guru devotion at this day and age. It is now the high lamas going out to spread Buddhism and not people coming to seek Buddhism as practiced before. In this degenerate age, it make the work of the lama more difficult because of all the distractions in life. Some people say that with modern technology, it causes more distraction and more attachment for people. But if we look at it in another perspective, modern technology is a great way and tool to be used to spread Buddhism. It is a tool to share knowledge with people around the world and also getting to know what is going on around the globe.
THere are many ways we can show our devotion to our guru and Ajeka's actions are some of those. We could use other ways to be devoted to your guru. I think most gurus will be very happy to see that their students actions has changed for the better. This is one form of guru devotion that all gurus will be proud of.
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There are 2 things that came to my mind when I read about Ajeka. One is Ajeka's "outer Guru" has become his "inner Guru". The second is, if the practice of Dorje Shugden is so evil, I doubt Ajeka would spend his life building the new Sampheling monastery.
My teacher always say that the day when our teacher accepts us as his student, it is the day that he teaches his student to be independent. It is not logical for the student to be dependent on his teacher all the time because this is not guru worshiping. It's like parents weaning their children. Based on what we can see, Ajeka has achieved his "inner Guru". He doesn't need his teacher to push and remind him to build the new monastery. He even has the power of speech to enroll 2000 people to help build such a virtuous project in a remote place like Chatreng.
If Dorje Shugden was an evil spirit, there is no way that Ajeka would develop a mind of compassion to commit his life towards building a monastery of this magnitude. This is totally altruistic. Evilness arise from extreme selfishness that creates suffering on to others. So it doesn't make sense that Dorje Shugden is an evil spirit.
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An Ajeka is indeed a rarity in this day an age, Guru Devotion especially in the younger generation these days is almost like an extinct species. Shame I know... when in actual fact, Guru Devotion is but basic ethical care and love for someone and is not extreme at all as some may view it.
The reason why one may view it to be extreme is purely because of samsaric distraction and delusions. How wonderful an example Ajeka is showing us that it is not impossible to have such devotion.
Moreover, if we valued our spiritual practice and recognised the importance of our Guru as the pivotal aspect of the efficaciousness of our prayers and sadhanas as well as the root of our attainments. As without the Guru we have nothing so, it really should come naturally to revere our Guru as the ultimate saviour!
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An interview with Ajeka of Sampheling Monastery. He spoke about making much efforts in the past 20 years building the Sampheling monastery and that the people of Chatreng are working hard to protect their Guru Trijang Dorje Chang and also preserve the Dorje Shugden tradition. He also commented he saw that when High Gelug lamas give Dorje Shugden initiation, 70-80 thousand people come for it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27S-yPNWTB8
In this interview, Ajeka mentioned that the people in Chatreng are willing to give up their lives to protect their GURU, preserve their lineage and the protector's practice. Ajeka was speaking on behalf of thousands of Chatreng people and they are students of Trijang Rinpoche who most of them have not seen Trijang Rinpoche for 30 over years but their faith and love for their GURU remained unshakable. Amazing! Some of us we have our Guru with us still but our devotion and faith is still so fragile.
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I recall reading that if Ananda had asked Buddha Shakyamuni to stay one aeon he could have done so. But if we had Shakyamuni for so long, would we actually practice diligently? As there is a tendency to take things for granted when our guru or teacher is around. Ajeka is a perfect example of how a student practices even if the his lama is not near him anymore, I am really grateful for his excellent show of his guru devotion and practicing the dharma.
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A friend of mine who knows Ajeka told me of his many noble traits. Apparently Ajeka would pack his own daily meals to bring to the work site at the monastery. This is in keeping with his commitment of never wanting to take anything away from the monks.
To me Ajeka's commitments to continue in the work long the Guru has passed shows tremendous integrity as well as faith. He does not need to constantly reminded, not does he need to be regularly encouraged by the Guru in order to perform his work to completion.
With the kind of integrity and virtuous character Ajeka shows, it is no wonder that he is able to muster up so much help from the people to do the work.
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Yes, we can find this amazing quality of unwavering Guru Devotion in all the high lamas and inspiring people such as Ajeka.
My Lama also shows a perfect example of Guru Devotion. He met his root guru many years ago and made a promise to become ordained. Unfortunately ,his guru passed on before my lama became a monk. Due to his strong guru devotion, he carried out all that he had promised his Guru till this day.
I rejoice in the good works done by Ajeka. With great people like that around us, we have no excuse but to go all the way !
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Reading Ajeka's story is really touching! It really reminds me of the 9 attitudes of Guru devotion, one of the most important practices of Guru devotion that all of us should have. I have bolded the parts where I find Ajeka's story most corresponds with in the 9 attitudes:
1. Be like an obedient son—
Act exactly in accordance with the guru’s advice.
2. Even when maras, evil friends and the like
Try to split you from the guru,
Be like a vajra —
Inseparable forever.
3. Whenever the guru gives you work,
No matter how heavy the burden,
Be like the earth—
Bear it all.
4. Whatever suffering occurs (hardship or problems)
When devoting yourself to the guru,
Be like a mountain—
Immovable (your mind should not be upset or discouraged).
5. Even if you are given all the difficult tasks,
Be like a servant of the king—
Perform them with an undisturbed mind.
6. Abandon pride.
Be like a sweeper—
Hold yourself lower than the guru.
7. No matter how difficult or heavy the burden,
Be like a rope—
Hold the guru’s work with joy.
8. Even when the guru criticizes, provokes or ignores you,
Be like a faithful dog—
Never respond with anger.
9. Be like a boat—
Never be upset to come or go for the guru
At any time.
Another point to remember is that Ajeka did all of these without even meeting his Guru. It shows that he really wants the growth of the Dharma and the level of his sincerity. He is truly someone all of us can aspire to be.
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In Ajeka's own words, "the people of Chatreng are willing to give up their lives just to protect the Guru and preserve their lineage".
It is no wonder then that Ajeka, like the people of Chatreng, has such unwavering devotion to his guru HH Trijang Rinpoche who passed away decades ago. Ajeka exemplifies true Integrity and Consistency, not wavering even for a moment his commitment towards his Guru who is not around to remind him about it. It is so unlike many students of other Gurus of today, who do not even heed the constant reminders about commitment and keeping one's promises given by their Gurus. I guess selflessness and compassion are key. If we don't have these two 'ingredients' in our make-up, we will fail in Guru Devotion. Ajeka is able to get things done and to mobilize 2000 people to help in the building of the Sampheling Monastery because he is both selfless and compassionate. He shows by fine example and he is a 'hands down' leader.
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In Ajeka's own words, "the people of Chatreng are willing to give up their lives just to protect the Guru and preserve their lineage".
It is no wonder then that Ajeka, like the people of Chatreng, has such unwavering devotion to his guru HH Trijang Rinpoche who passed away decades ago. Ajeka exemplifies true Integrity and Consistency, not wavering even for a moment his commitment towards his Guru who is not around to remind him about it. It is so unlike many students of other Gurus of today, who do not even heed the constant reminders about commitment and keeping one's promises given by their Gurus. I guess selflessness and compassion are key. If we don't have these two 'ingredients' in our make-up, we will fail in Guru Devotion. Ajeka is able to get things done and to mobilize 2000 people to help in the building of the Sampheling Monastery because he is both selfless and compassionate. He shows by fine example and he is a 'hands down' leader.
The ability to lead and organize people of such a degree is just simply mindblowing. Ajeka's example of Guru devotion tells us one thing: that it is possible to achieve anything at all no matter what happens as long as we put our effort to it. By Ajeka's effort and ability, he managed to build Ganden Sampheling monastery which is huge and ornate. It takes skill for someone to be able to come up with something like that and to talk to and organize up to 2000 different people at one go. It takes skill and courage to be able to convince people to lend their skill and to actually help out with building such a huge gompa and on top of all that, for free, because he himself is doing all of this for free even when he has a family! how many people can do that for the sake of the Dharma? I dont think so many can achieve the level that he can anywhere at all.
But what is funny is that this news also brings to mind one thing: Isnt China supposed to be banning religious freedom like what the CTA claimed? And that is the main reason why they would like to take Tibet back is because they claim that China is surpressing their religious freedom, and due to that they they need to free Tibet from such tyranny.... if they are true, why can Ajeka build such a huge gompa in China and not be disturbed by the authorities? Something somewhere is wrong with all the contradictory things that CTA says to gain sympathy from the world. The illusion that they present to the world will not last for long, if and when China decides to open up and allow others to learn about China and Tibet, CTA's lies will just fall apart and CTA will be sidelined and hated for deception. So China's closed door policy for now actually works in favor of CTA.
Either way, Ajeka's ability to organize all of his and get things done is just amazing beyond words. Every high lama needs an Ajeka so that their works can flourish.
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What a beautiful story of a single student who continue to serve his Guru throughout thick and thin.
It is very inspiring and let us all achieve such merits to do the same.