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By: Karma Yeshe

Recently, a short video clip of the current 12^th Tai Situ Rinpoche Pema Tönyö Nyinje surfaced within WeChat groups, causing quite a commotion. The minute-long footage features Tai Situ Rinpoche who is one of the four Regents of the Karma Kagyu lineage, fanning the fears surrounding Dorje Shugden, a Dharma Protector of the Gelug tradition.

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It is extremely disappointing that Tai Situ Rinpoche, believed to be an emanation of the future Buddha Maitreya, would lobby opinions that bring no benefit to the unity of the Tibetan people. Someone who is labelled an emanation of the Buddha Maitreya should actually be filled with love, compassion and great tolerance, and should not fear any so-called ‘spirits’. Any emanation of Maitreya should not incite fear in the people who have trust in him, as well as his followers because in the end, if the so-called Maitreya is afraid of a spirit, then it must be your intention to create schism. On the contrary, Tai Situ Rinpoche’s speech contains not-too-subtle connotations that sow seeds of doubt and discord. Tibetan society does not need more ‘high’ lamas who criticize other lineages’ practices, deities and protectors. What they need are representatives of Buddhism who will create harmony, love, acceptance and tolerance; if someone like Tai Situ wants to start criticizing another lineage, practice, religion or spiritual path, then there will be many other paths which are not Karma Kagyu which will be considered wrong by him. Where do you draw the line? Maybe he should remain silent and respect all religious paths, would that not be better? It is not his place to judge another person’s spiritual path but to practice tolerance and perhaps remain silent.

Translation of the WeChat video of the 12th Tai Situ Rinpoche, Pema Tönyö Nyinje commenting on Dorje Shugden.

Who is really causing schism?

One cannot help but question Tai Situ Rinpoche’s intentions for playing on and amplifying such unfounded fears. Why is Tai Situ Rinpoche taking sides in the Dorje Shugden rift? After all, it is unnecessary for him to be involved in such a sensitive and charged issue, especially when it does not directly concern his lineage. Tai Situ Rinpoche should set a good example and not interfere in the philosophies, practices, deities and spiritual path of another sect of Buddhism. His opinion will not hold water nor will it be respected but will be the cause of much more schism and dissension amongst various sects.

Until the implementation of the undemocratic ban in 1996, Dorje Shugden was widely practiced by great masters of both the Sakya and Gelug traditions. In fact, Dorje Shugden was first practiced, enshrined and written about in the Sakya tradition – a few great Sakya throne holders composed lengthy prayers and liturgies to Dorje Shugden for meditations and pujas, and within the Sakya tradition, Dorje Shugden is known as ‘Dorje Shugden tanag’ (Dorje Shugden depicted riding on a black horse). His was a highly recommended practice by some of the Sakya throne holders and in the main temple of Sakya in Tibet, there are shrines dedicated to him. Historically, it was the 30^th Sakya throne holder Sonam Rinchen who first enthroned Dorje Shugden as an enlightened protector who, together with Dorje Setrap and Tsiu Marpo, formed as one of the groups of protectors of the Sakya lineage known as The Three Kings (Gyalpo Sum). It was from the Sakyas that great Gelugpa high-ranking masters, luminaries, yogis and scholars received this practice and up until today, many Gelugpa meditational practices were actually imported from the Sakya lineage. Hence, having originated amongst the Sakyas, Dorje Shugden became a mainstream practice in almost all Gelug monasteries in and out of Tibet for the past 400 years.

The Sakya Gyalpo Sum trio of protectors include Setrap, Dorje Shugden and Tsiu Marpo.

Therefore, when historical evidence shows the extensive, multi-tradition and interminable practice of this enlightened Dharma Protector prior to the 1996 Dorje Shugden ban, Tai Situ Rinpoche saying that Dorje Shugden “creates a lot of disharmony” and “within the Sangha there will be a lot of schism” is not only completely untrue but ironically is itself the cause of disharmony, distrust, animosity and schism. Tai Situ Rinpoche himself has created so much controversy, schism, division and fighting within his own lineage, and that he cannot blame on Dorje Shugden since he is so frightfully fearful of even mentioning his name. It is ironic he says Dorje Shugden creates division and schism, when he is doing a fine job of doing so all on his own.

His statements also demean all the great masters of the Gelug tradition (and the Sakya masters preceding them) who had tremendous faith in Dorje Shugden and engaged in his practice. Is Tai Situ Rinpoche implying that all the great Sakya and Gelug masters were wrong? That they lied to and misled their followers by encouraging them to rely on Dorje Shugden? That they were bad practitioners with no wisdom and foresight? That Tai Situ himself is higher and has better insight than all of them? How can Tai Situ Rinpoche judge lamas who are much more superior than himself? As sad as it seems, many within Tibetan Buddhism (both Tibetans and foreigners) find Tai Situ Rinpoche’s actions and speech more akin to a politician’s for self-gain than that of a so-called high lama. His immediate senior, His Eminence Shamar Rinpoche, is considered much more spiritual, direct and honest, and it would not come as a shock to know that Tai Situ has created great schism, talk and divisiveness against Shamar Rinpoche. For that, Tai Situpa was in fact banned by the Indian government from entering India for five years. That itself should say a lot. Shouldn’t a lama of Tai Situ Rinpoche’s standing be promoting religious tolerance, unity and peace instead?

Perhaps this is because Tai Situ Rinpoche is no stranger to divisiveness – he is a central figure in the controversy surrounding the recognition of the 17^th Karmapa candidate. He has also instigated and promoted violence within the Karma Kagyu sect by encouraging his supporters to ransack Rumtek Monastery. Tai Situ Rinpoche’s encouragement was fueled by jealousy and unhappiness with His Eminence Shamar Rinpoche enthroning his Karmapa candidate Thaye Dorje in Rumtek Monastery itself. Within this video that was captured, you can see the extreme violence and vandalism by Tai Situpa’s supporters in Rumtek Monastery while Shamarpa and his Karmapa candidate were inside. Take note that Rumtek Monastery is the headquarters of the Karmapa in India, where Tai Situpa and Shamarpa had both grown up. Tai Situ Rinpoche overstepped his boundaries when he recognized Ogyen Trinley Dorje as the 17^th Karmapa, a responsibility traditionally reserved for Shamar Rinpoche, the second highest ranking Karma Kagyu lama.

The Tibetan government-in-exile, known as the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) has been implicated in the controversy surrounding the recognition of the 17th Karmapa. Shamarpa Rinpoche should be the traditional lama to recognize and enthrone the 17th Karmapa. Due to the CTA’s interference, Shamarpa’s candidate received many threats and problems during the recognition. This picture shows His Eminence Shamar Rinpoche (right) with the 17th Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje (left).

The Tibetan government-in-exile, known as the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) has been implicated in the controversy surrounding the recognition of the 17th Karmapa. This picture shows Tai Situ Rinpoche (right) with the 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje (left). With much violence, in-fighting and split among the Karma Kagyus, this very political Tai Situ Rinpoche did his Karmapa candidate’s enthronement. Many within Karma Kagyu sect do not accept his choice of candidate. The Dalai Lama was asked to withdraw his support for this candidate but said he could not do so because he has already signed his name to it, which means that he was endorsing this candidate for perhaps political reasons. The reason why Tai Situ broke with tradition and went to His Holiness the Dalai Lama to recognize his candidate is because he wanted his candidate to win so that he, Tai Situpa, could have access and control of the Karmapa’s estate accumulated over 16 generations. He therefore went to the Dalai Lama to gain an endorsement for his candidate Ogyen Trinley, thereby riding on the Dalai Lama’s fame to override Shamarpa who is the traditional person who is supposed to recognize the Karmapa.

The Tibetan government-in-exile, known as the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) has been implicated in the controversy surrounding the recognition of the 17th Karmapa. This picture shows His Eminence Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche (right) with his candidate of the 17th Karmapa Dawa Sangpo Dorje (left). So within the Karma Kagyu school of Buddhism, due to the politics and greed, there are three candidates to Karmapa. It is a very sad situation indeed, with so much in-fighting and schism within the Karma Kagyus. Tai Situ Rinpoche would like to say Dorje Shugden creates divisions and schisms, but it seems without Dorje Shugden, Tai Situ is creating a lot of divisions on his own.

Tai Situ Rinpoche also broke tradition when, in a bid to force his candidate onto the Karma Kagyu throne, he involved His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA; Tibetan leadership in Dharamsala, North India) in the recognition of the 17^th Karmapa. Everyone knows the reason why Tai Situ broke with tradition and went to His Holiness the Dalai Lama to recognize his candidate – he wanted his candidate to win so that he, Tai Situpa, could have access and control of the Karmapa’s estate accumulated over 16 generations. He therefore went to the Dalai Lama to gain an endorsement for his candidate Ogyen Trinley, thereby riding on the Dalai Lama’s fame to override Shamarpa who is the traditional person who is supposed to recognize the Karmapa.

To further inflame the issue, Tai Situ Rinpoche refused to submit for verification the evidence he claimed substantiated his choice of candidate. In fact, the line of Karmapa incarnations are known for finding their own next incarnations – before they pass away, they leave a written letter stating the location their next incarnation, as well as the name of their parents. This letter is sealed until the appropriate time when the four Regents open it together and embark on finding the Karmapa incarnation. The four regents are Shamar Rinpoche, Tai Situ Rinpoche, Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche and Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche.

Tai Situ claimed he had this important recognition letter from the 16^thKarmapa giving the whereabouts of the 17^thKarmapa but he would not show it to anyone nor share it with the other regents. Shamarpa also claimed to have the letter and said that the letter held by Tai Situ is a forgery. The division continues from thereon without end; until today, the Karma Kagyu school is split into two, fighting, lambasting, criticizing, finger-pointing and badmouthing each other to such a point whereby one of the Karmapa candidates, Ogyen Trinley, spoke up about it. For someone who is as colorful as Tai Situ Rinpoche, who has created so much division, fighting and anger within his own lineage with his alleged deceptions, do you think he has the right to criticize another sect’s choice of protectors? Maybe he should solve his own problems before he sticks his nose into other issues that he knows nothing about. With his refusal to show his letter allegedly in the handwriting of the 16^th Karmapa, his actions have since caused a deep split within the Karma Kagyu school which shows no sign of healing.

Inflammatory and untrue statements

This is the head of the Gelugpa order, His Holiness the 101st Gaden Tripa Jetsun Lungrik Namgyal. During his tenure, which was extremely successful, he was the supreme throne holder of the Gelugpa school. Currently 92 years old, His Holiness resides in France where he remains a very strong practitioner of Dorje Shugden, always encouraging people to rely on the enlightened Protector. When the highest-ranking lama within the Gelug school of Buddhism tells you Dorje Shugden is beneficial and Manjushri in nature, maybe a much lower-ranking lama such as Tai Situpa should take heed of his senior. The 92-year-old Gaden Tripa is one of the greatest scholars of Buddhism on this planet and the head of the spiritual tradition of Gelugpa. He has lived a stainless, faultless life, remains very healthy and strong, and continues to advocate the practice of Dorje Shugden which he has received from his own root guru. Compare this to the politically-inclined Tai Situ Rinpoche who sends his followers to storm his own monastery, and throw rocks and bottles, and break its windows to disturb an important ceremony. You think which one you should listen to.

The divided opinion on the divinity of Dorje Shugden, which has gone on for decades, is still a highly charged topic today. Regardless of one’s opinion, what is crystal clear is that Dorje Shugden has not been conclusively proven to be a malevolent spirit. Contrary to this and in fact, there is vast evidence of Dorje Shugden’s enlightened nature.

In the video, Tai Situ Rinpoche clearly says that,

If you practice Shugden, it will bring obstacles to your life.

This alludes to the wrong views held by the anti-Shugden camp that a person’s life is shortened if he propitiates Dorje Shugden. Yet, it has been established that many lamas who are or were steadfast Dorje Shugden practitioners have long lifespans with some living well into their eighties and nineties. These include:

• H.H. Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, who lived until the age of 81 (1901-1981)
• H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, who lived until the age of 79 (1905-1984)
• H.E. Sogpu Rinpoche (Bundasheri Tulku Guru Deva), who lived until the age of 101 (1908 – 2009)
• H.E. Kyabje Lati Rinpoche, who lived until the age of 88 (1922 – 2010)
• H.E. Kensur Lobsang Tharchin Rinpoche, who lived until the age of 83 (1921 – 2004)
• H.E. Kensur Jampa Yeshe Rinpoche, who lived until the age of 82 (1929 – 2011)
• H.H. 101st Trisur Rinpoche Jetsun Lungrik Namgyal, who is still going strong at 91 years old (1927 – present)
• H.H. the 14^th Dalai Lama, who is still very much active and healthy at 83 years old (1935 – present)
• Ven. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, who is already 87 years old (1931 – present)
• H.E. Drubwang Gangchen Rinpoche, who is at present 77 years old (1941 – present)
• H.E. Kensur Rinpoche Lobsang Phende, who is also currently 77 years old (1941 – present)

His Eminence Sogpu Rinpoche is considered to be an emanation of Gyenze, the “increasing” form of Dorje Shugden. He was born in 1908 in Hanchen Hosguu of Ordos in Inner Mongolia, and was enthroned on the Hutugtu throne at a young age. He entered clear light and left his earthly body in 2009 at the age of 101 years old.

Is a malevolent spirit more powerful than the Buddhas?

Early Karma Kagyu Refuge Tree showing the Buddhas, enlightened protectors and lineage masters. Click to enlarge.

As one of the oldest tulku lineages of the Karma Kagyu tradition, Tai Situ Rinpoche should possess the knowledge to understand that there is no basis to fear any spirit, malevolent or otherwise, if one has taken the Refuge Vows and even more so if one has taken the Sangha Vows. The Buddhist teachings are clear that no ghost or spirit can harm a monk or nun unless they themselves have broken their vows.

By encouraging fear of malevolent spirits, Tai Situ Rinpoche makes the supposition that the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma and Sangha) do not have the power to bring people under their protection. To make matters worse, when most lay people would turn to their lama or guru for spiritual assistance, including for protection against spirits and black magic, Tai Situ Rinpoche’s seeming lack of faith in the power of vows and refuge is akin to him saying that he is powerless to assist or protect his followers from malevolent spirits. This is illogical — can you imagine going to the Dalai Lama only to have His Holiness tell you that not only is he powerless to help, but he fears the spirit? Can you imagine His Holiness encouraging you to be afraid of a malevolent spirit and advising you to refrain from saying its name just in case you attract its attention?

In fact, high Tibetan lamas are renowned for their ability to subdue malevolent spirits. Given his repute, it should not be beyond Tai Situ Rinpoche’s ability to do so as well. As such, instead of playing up people’s paranoia with continuous talk, if Dorje Shugden were really that harmful, why not be practical and apply the proven solution i.e. subjugation?

Nechung was once an evil worldly spirit that did his best to destroy the advent of Buddhism in Tibet until he was subdued by Guru Rinpoche or Padmasambhava. In fact, Nechung is said to have originally come from Persia. So here you have a perfidious Persian spirit subdued by an Indian saint, turned into a Protector force within Tibet. Who is the real spirit? Today, he is the State Oracle of Tibet. In this picture, the 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay and representatives of the CTA attend the invocation of the Nechung Oracle at Nechung Monastery on 18th July 2016. They are all waiting for the Nechung spirit to enter his human oracle and give predictions of the future, many of which have been proven wrong.

Spirits and ghosts are beings who are experiencing great pain and suffering. So, instead of encouraging his followers to fear Dorje Shugden who is supposedly a malevolent spirit, would it not behoove Tai Situ Rinpoche to subdue Dorje Shugden and send his consciousness to a pure land? Or alternatively, to subdue Dorje Shugden to serve as a Dharma Protector as in the case of Nechung, the State Oracle of Tibet? Lamas like Tai Situ Rinpoche are supposed to help people overcome spirit problems, as well as help spirits be released from their suffering. So how does Tai Situ Rinpoche subdue ghosts or spirits if he is afraid of them?

No demon or evil spirit can be more powerful than a Buddha but by Tai Situ Rinpoche labelling Dorje Shugden a spirit and then encouraging his followers to fear Dorje Shugden, he is implying that Dorje Shugden is stronger than Buddha Shakyamuni, Yamantaka, Manjushri or Palden Lhamo. What kind of message is he spreading to his students and followers? Why is he spreading information that is contradictory to the basic tenets of Buddhism?

There is only one possible explanation as to why Dorje Shugden cannot be subdued, which is that Dorje Shugden is himself a Buddha, an enlightened being emanating as a worldly protector. The only beings that cannot be subdued by Buddhas, are Buddhas themselves.

What is Tai Situ Rinpoche really saying?

It is a shame that Tai Situ Rinpoche is abusing his position as one of the leaders of the Karma Kagyu school to spread misleading, unsubstantiated fears and distorted information to the tens of thousands of adherents of his lineage, and to worsen an already-wide rift amongst Tibetan society. In fact, Tai Situ is very well-known to follow politics of the majority in order to have access to financial gain. By him sticking his nose and interfering with Gelugpa and Sakya business, and criticizing a Protector that has nothing to do with them, he is trying to nuzzle up to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile, and to be seen to be on the ‘right’ side. When he is seen to be on the ‘right’ side and he is supported by the Dalai Lama, it will mean more fame for him which will of course translate into more donations. This could be his only motive for speaking up on a subject that he knows nothing about. By speaking against Dorje Shugden, he is automatically criticizing the great Sakya and Gelug lamas who are much more senior than him, and much greater in knowledge than himself.

Instead of accepting Tai Situ Rinpoche’s words wholesale, discerning viewers should analyze the contents of his speech, examine them logically against the Buddha’s teachings, and then speak up to correct the wrong views that this video may have created. Tai Situ Rinpoche should really be held accountable for the pain, suffering and discrimination that he is encouraging through this short one-minute video – what is his motive for making these comments and what is he trying to achieve, personal, political or spiritual gain?

Addendum

Zasep Tulku Rinpoche’s autobiography ‘A Tulku’s Journey from Tibet to Canada’, published in 2016, provides historical evidence and irrefutable proof that the Central Tibetan Administration is falsifying the facts when it comes to the practice of the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden.

The autobiography of Zasep Tulku Rinpoche, a high lama of the Gelug lineage, provides accurate historical accounts of the Dorje Shugden practice. Click to enlarge.

The back cover of the book, click to enlarge.

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Historical accounts show that prior to the politicization of the Dorje Shugden practice by the Central Tibetan Administration, this popular deity was relied upon by Dharma practitioners to help in their spiritual practice. Contrary to detractors’ claims about Dorje Shugden being ‘anti-Dharma’, this Dharma Protector practice was traditionally deemed to be suitable to be practiced alongside the Highest Yoga Tantras.

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Zasep Rinpoche and his family were able to escape to safety prior to the events of 1959 through the clairvoyance and prophetic advice of Dorje Shugden through one of his oracles, Lama Gelong Chojor Gyamtso.

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Oracles of the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden were known for the accuracy of their prophecies due to Dorje Shugden being a fully enlightened deity with perfect clairvoyance. As stated clearly by Zasep Rinpoche in his autobiography ‘A Tulku’s Journey from Tibet to Canada’, Dorje Shugden warned the Tibetans of the impending loss of their homeland but his advice was mostly ignored by the Tibetan government.

The Tibetan government chose to consult the worldly state protector Nechung, and Nechung advised that the Dalai Lama should remain in Tibet where he would be safe. This was mistaken advice, as historical events would later show. Fortunately for Tibetan Buddhists all around the world, Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang had great faith in Dorje Shugden and consulted the protector for advice on the Dalai Lama’s safety. Dorje Shugden via the Panglung Oracle urgently adviced the Dalai Lama to leave for India immediately and gave the exact escape route. In saving the Dalai Lama from certain harm, Dorje Shugden prevented the destruction of Tibetan Buddhism and preserved the future of the Tibetan culture and people.

Zasep Rinpoche’s account of events concur with monastic records that it was indeed Dorje Shugden who saved the Dalai Lama instead of Nechung, contrary to the claims of the Tibetan leadership.

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Dorje Shugden’s practice was first established within the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism. The Sakya Throneholders regarded this Dharma Protector as an enlightened being and Dorje Shugden, together with Dorje Setrab and Tsiu Marpo formed the triune of Sakya Protectors known as Gyalpo Sum. Today, Sakya practitioners claim that Dorje Shugden was never widely practiced by their lineage but history proves otherwise. The undeniable fact is that before the CTA’s religious ban, Dorje Shugden was practiced first by the Sakyas and was later transmitted to the Gelug school where it was practiced by the majority of the Gelugpas.

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Contrary to the CTA’s claims that Dorje Shugden’s practice is sectarian, Zasep Rinpoche’s autobiography shows how practitioners of all four schools of Tibetan Buddhism lived and practiced together in harmony, especially during the early years of exile in India. It was only when the CTA launched a virulent smear campaign against Dorje Shugden that the general public began to label Dorje Shugden a sectarian practice. In truth, Dorje Shugden’s practice is no more sectarian than the practices of other Dharma Protectors such as Mahakala Bernagchen, Achi Chokyi Drolma or Dorje Legpa, who protect the Karma Kagyu, Drikung Kagyu and Nyingma schools respectively.

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By the 1980s, the Tibetan government had failed to fulfil multiple promises to return the Tibetan people to their homeland. A scapegoat was needed and they made one out of an ancient Buddhist practice, pinning the loss of Tibet and the failure of the Tibetan cause on Dorje Shugden. In his autobiography, Zasep Rinpoche is of the same opinion, stating that “…the [Dorje Shugden] controversy was orchestrated by the Tibetan Central Administration…”

The Tibetan leadership effectively sanctioned witch-hunts on Dorje Shugden practitioners and persecuted them using government instruments, declaring that simply by being a Shugden worshipper, one was effectively an enemy of the Tibetan nation.

As a result of the hatred against Dorje Shugden practitioners instigated by the Tibetan leadership, virtually all Shugden Buddhists had to fear for their lives, or at least for their safety.

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Dorje Shugden’s beneficial practice has continued to thrive due to the courage and commitment of high lamas such as Zasep Tulku Rinpoche.

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For centuries, Dorje Shugden has been practiced alongside the highest practices of the Gelug and Sakya lineages. Zasep Tulku Rinpoche’s list of transmission is an indication that the highest scholars viewed the Protector as an enlightened being compatible with their yidam practices.

By Brunhild Hekate

Buddhism has three main schools of thought – Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana – and a superficial examination of these three schools (or vehicles) reveals what appears to be conflicting views on the practice of vegetarianism. However, before one jumps to any conclusion, remember that Lord Buddha, the omniscient and most skillful Teacher, taught in accordance to the capacity and mental dispositions of different individuals, thus creating the illusion of different and conflicting views – that is, if one has not conducted full investigations and research into the Buddhist view on vegetarianism.

The Buddha and his followers did consume meat that was offered to them by their hosts or alms-givers if they had no reason to suspect that the animal had been slaughtered specifically for their consumption. In fact, they accepted and ate anything that was offered, as they practiced non-attachment to food.

The Buddha did not institute vegetarianism in the Sangha for He knew that many who had a craving for meat would not be able to embrace Buddhism. However, once they entered the path, their minds could be transformed to accept becoming vegetarians. Certainly, many Shravakas who had taken Pratimoksha vows became Bodhisattvas, along the way developing compassion and generating Bodhicitta. They then abstained from meat eating. Hence it is not right to categorize Shravakas as non-vegetarians.

In the Mahayana context, meat-eating is strictly prohibited. The Lankavatara Sutra, written in the fourth or fifth century AD, strongly advocates this. In several other Mahayana scriptures, e.g. the Mahayana Jatakas, the Buddha is seen clearly to indicate that meat-eating is undesirable and karmically unwholesome.

The development of Bodhicitta is the very essence of Mahayana practice. Upon becoming Buddhist, one takes refuge in the Buddha and the very first precept is to abstain from killing. Aspiring Bodhisattvas train to develop the determination not to eat meat from the very conviction that the flesh of these animals were once our mothers who had loved us unconditionally, being as kind as our own mothers have been in this present life.

The Buddha himself has emphasized this point time and again. Animals, insects, and even shellfish are sentient beings and every single one of them, at one point of time, have been our mothers; all of them cherish life and have feelings; thus they deserve to be respected just as human beings do. Would we eat the flesh of our own mothers?

The consumption of meat, regarded as an ordinary food and eaten un-reflectively on a regular basis, implies an unawareness and an indifference to the suffering of beings that are incompatible with the mind training for an aspiring Bodhisattva.

Developing heartfelt compassion and a genuine sensitivity to the suffering of other beings is our aim and in such realization, the desire to exploit and feed on them will automatically melt away. Training in the way of the Bodhisattvas, one must expect to be transformed; and given the depth and extent of that transformation, adapting to a plant-based diet is just a minor adjustment for good morality to arise.

The animal realm, one of the six realms of existence into which we are all reborn

Moreover, eating meat encourages an industry that causes extreme cruelty towards and suffering of millions of animals and a truly compassionate person would wish to end all this suffering. In refusing to eat meat, one can do just that. The Kalachakra tantra and its supreme commentary explains that:

If there is no meat eater, there will be no animal slayer.

In Tibet, where the high altitude and climate does not permit cultivation of crops, Tibetan Buddhists who practise the Vajrayana path commonly partake of meat for sustenance. However, this does not necessarily mean that meat-eating is encouraged in Vajrayana.

Lama Tsongkapa, the founder of the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism, has repeatedly mentioned in his collected writings and provided logical reasoning and quotations from the scriptures that, if one understands the line of demarcation between what is permitted and what is proscribed, one will understand that the Sutras and Tantras all speak with a single voice. Hence what is outlined in scriptures like the famous Lankavatara Sutra also applies to Tantric practitioners in the Vajrayana tradition. However, Lama Tsongkapa made an exception to what is proscribed for those who are feeble, elderly and when there is scarcity of food, so they could survive and in turn benefit others.

Dorje Shugden, the protector of Lama Tsongkapa’s teachings would certainly be very pleased if Dorje Shugden practitioners abide by the teachings of non-violence and non-killing such as abstaining from meat, becoming vegetarian and living in harmony with Mother Earth.

World Peace Protector Dorje Shugden’s function is to assist and create conducive situations for aspiring Bodhisattvas to be trained in pure ethics and develop the supreme mind of enlightenment, so that Lord Tsongkapa’s doctrine will flourish and be upheld. By practicing such virtuous actions such as the precept of non-killing, tremendous merit will be accumulated, thus enabling Dorje Shugden to keep you in his fold, under his care and protection, life after life until enlightenment.

A representation of a wrathful flower as visualized
during a kawang recitation

Dharma Protector practice may appear to the untrained eye to be shrouded in the mist of mystery rendered thicker by the passage of time. However these practices accord tremendous benefits to the practitioners and by all written accounts, these practices are originated by and descend from the greatest of Buddhist masters.

Time has not diluted the efficacy of the practice and to the ancient practitioner as it is to the modern one, the noble role of a Dharma Protector remains that of alleviating obstacles and creating favorable conditions in the mental constituents and physical environment of the practitioner so that his training in Dharma may grow and flourish.

At the heart of a Protector kangsol or puja, lies the recitation of the kawang otherwise known as kangshak, which literally means the ‘clearing of obstacles’. This is a special confessional prayer which is based on tantric visualizations, the recitation of which is to purify what may be significant accumulated negative karma threatening to obstruct one’s practice. Therefore, corresponding to the amount of obstacles that need to be removed, the actual visualization becomes particularly graphic. However, one should dwell on its true and subtle meaning and not on its apparently aggressive language that appears vicious, until the meanings are revealed. It follows that if the negative karma that blocks one’s practice is forceful, then the puja to counter it has to be equally intense.

The practitioner approaches the recitation of the kawang by visualizing the Three Poisons – Ignorance, Hatred and Desire which altogether encompass a myriad of other poisons such as delusions, negative karma, habituations and so forth. These negative elements are visualized in the form of a very large man or a woman. Then as the visualization continues, a dakini who is an emanation of Vajrayogini appears and she wields a cemetery chopper to slay that being who is the personification of our negativities. Then, she takes her chopper and slices the body in such a way that uncovers the inner organs.

First, she drains the blood into an offering vessel. Then, she cuts out the organs of the five senses – the tongue, nose, ears, eyes and heart and arranges them neatly into a skullcup thus resembling a grisly floral arrangement. Then, she pulls the bones out, arranges them into a vessel and burns the bones like stacks of incense sticks. Next, she extracts the human fat from the corpse and pours it into bowl, inserts a wick made of the human hair and lights it. Then she collects the rest of the bodily fluids like the bile, urine and so forth into an offering vessel. Then, she chops the flesh and mixes it with barley flour and places it into another vessel as food. Finally, she pulls the thighbones, cleans it and fashions it into a trumpet before placing it into a vessel as well.

While appearing grotesque at first, this part of the visualization is indeed a beautiful and meaningful gesture of transforming what is foul and turning them into sublime offerings. The blood represents the Water offering, the arrangement of sense organs represent the Flower offering, the crushed bones represent the Incense offering, the human fat set alight represents the Light offering, the bile and urine are transformed to represent the Perfume offering, the human flesh becomes the Food offering and finally the thigh bone becomes a trumpet to represent the Music offering.

Wrathful offerings for Dorje Shugden

These make up the wrathful sensory offerings which the dakini then offers to Dorje Shugden on the practitioner’s behalf. Huge amounts of negativities are purified when the dakini makes the offering to Dorje Shugden. In the Dorje Shugden kawang text, it is also said that we offer up various other sensual objects, seven royal emblems, various animals like horses, elephants, frightful yaks, sheep and dogs as mounts. Then, we also offer saffron robes, armor and shields. Along with the sensory offerings, we offer arrows, spears and various types of sharp weapons to Dorje Shugden. Essentially these are to request and create the conditions and causal karma for the Protector to come to our aid and fight our negativities, which are responsible for the obstacles and problems manifesting.

Although not entirely necessary, it would be even better if the kawang recitations were accompanied by the symbolic physical representation of each sensory object offered on the altar. The row of wrathful sensory offerings begins with tea to represent blood, a wrathful flower, incense sticks that are stacked and crossed to represent the stack of burning bones, a candle to represent burning fat, beer to represent bile, urine and other bodily fluids, a fruit (or other representations) to represent the flesh and a conch shell or any musical instrument to represent the thighbone trumpet.

Numerous recitations of the kawang are recommended especially for practitioners who are engaging in large projects and in particular those who are involved in activities that lead to the growth of the Dharma like the construction of a temple, monastery or Dharma center. Recitations of the kawang are also particularly effective to purify huge amounts of bodily karma of those who are going through an obstacle year and old age. Kawang is also particularly effective in clearing and stabilizing the mind when doubts and confusion arise. Finally, the kawang is also excellent as part of a daily sadhana. The bare minimum for a daily sadhana is the recitation of Nyirtoe (Trijang Rinpoche’s Praise, kawang, serkyem (Golden Drink offering) and the Protector mantra.)

Kawang is not just a powerful confessional practice to purify our negative karma but also a way to develop a closer spiritual bond with Dorje Shugden. The clearing of obstacles makes it effective for Dorje Shugden to help us since it is our own negative karma that blindfolds the Protector. Kawang is also recited to invoke the Protector to create the necessary conducive conditions for our practice, and hence it is a very important practice for any Dharma practitioner.

Kawang

HUM!
Heart’s blood drinking offerings set out like the flow of the Ganges,
Flowers of the sense organs blossoming and clouds of smoke gathering,
Human bile perfume, flesh and blood, and the sound of thigh bone trumpets,
Please accept these as well as an ocean of undefiled nectar!
Also sensual objects and the seven royal objects,
The intelligent horse, elephants, frightful yaks, sheep, and dogs,
Saffron robes, strong, hard armour and shields,
Arrows, spears, swords, and outer, inner, and secret bases,
With these clouds of offerings, both supramundane and worldly,
O Dorje Shugden and all your wrathful entourage,
May your heart commitment be fulfilled and degeneration restored!
Especially, each accumulated faulty deed of body, speech and mind
We have committed under the influence of ignorance,
Which goes against your mind, protector,
We confess with a mind of remorse and regret.
Furthermore, transgressions of our commitments to the protector
And entourage, neglect or degeneration of retreat practice,
Tormas, offerings, and so on,
We practitioners confess all of these
Within the unobjectifiable emptiness of the three spheres.

Let’s examine a true example of a secular state: Secularism was implemented France in 1905 which then forced the separation of religion and state affairs. This clear division has been successfully maintained in France to this day. A secular government guarantees freedom of religion and faith, making all religious beliefs equal, and providing fair, equal opportunities and welfare for all its citizens, regardless of faith. It would have been impossible to implement the principle of secularism if the French did not challenge the Church at that time. In short, the implementation of secularism necessarily eliminates certain religious privileges. This means that religious authorities – such as in France – no longer hold any power to interfere with state affairs, control the government or hold any political leadership and responsibilities whatsoever.

The situation within the exiled Tibetan community however, remains quite a different matter. Although secularism has already been implemented – following the Dalai Lama’s retirement from politics while he remains purely a religious leader – the segregation of state and religion is hardly noticeable. The secular government, the CTA, are still maintaining various religious policies from the time of the Dalai Lama. Unfortunately, as it is considered treason to challenge any word of the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan community are silenced into accepting every decree and unable to voice any challenge for their right to religious freedom. As a result of this, the Dalai Lama’s ban on the practice of the Buddhist deity Dorje Shugden is still not lifted. Thousands of Dorje Shugden practitioners continue to suffer extreme discrimination, ostracism and even physical attacks, all under the knowing watch of the CTA. It looks like the promise of secularism for Tibetans is merely lip service, while the CTA continue to function as the Dalai Lama’s puppet.

The Tibetan religion is suspected – not without reason – of having ties to political dissidence and ‘separatism’ and are very closely watched by international bodies. This is the fate shared by every religion that seizes temporal power; they fall victim to it in the end. A clear example of this can be seen within the religion of Islam which is often linked to terrorism (sometimes without any evidence at all) and remains under the watchful eyes of North America. Recent world events have shown us that for no other reason than being Muslim, innocent citizens from various countries have been kidnapped by the CIA, caged, humiliated, tortured, driven crazy and even murdered. Sounds familiar? This too is happening within the Tibetan exiled community in India and Nepal. Despite the separation of religious affairs from the secular, the CTA continues to uphold the ban on Dorje Shugden. People merely suspected of associating with Dorje Shugden practitioners are investigated, ostracised, belittled and bullied. Four million Tibetans in exile, under the “rule” of the CTA, risk being deprived from the benefits of a democratic community simply because of their religious choices, and suffer from discrimination, fear and rejection from their own government every day of their lies.

In short, to enjoy a truly free practice of Buddhism, civil peace and democratic progress for the development of Tibet (which for centuries has been kept alienated and stagnant due to political-religious ruling), the CTA needs to weed out All religious traces in their governmental policies. They need to urgently implement more democratic policies to meet international standards and basic human rights and freedoms. Initially, this may be difficult for the Tibetans because so much of their culture, tradition and even politics revolve around the practice of strong loyalty and respect for the Dalai Lama and whatever he says. However, for the fullest benefit of the Tibetan people to gain true independence outside of their homeland and to compete on a global scale, the separation of state and church is now the only, most logical step they must take.

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To the government of Tibet,

I write with concern about some disturbing news I have received recently. It is regarding the way in which His Holiness the Great Fourteenth Dalai Lama is being promoted by those who oversee his secular matters. Specifically, it is regarding His Holiness’ image concerning the so-called Dolgyal issue. It has been brought to my attention that His Holiness’ website contains a section on the deity Dorje Shugden.

From a non-Buddhist perspective, as someone who values the Dalai Lama for the wisdom and knowledge he brings to the world, the section does not match what His Holiness represents to me and so many others – harmony, peace and compassion.

The website SHOULD be a personal reflection of His Holiness’ nature but unfortunately, in its current state, it is not. On the one hand, most of His Holiness’ website promotes his messages of tolerance and acceptance; on the other hand, there is this section suppressing a religious practice?

Without any disrespect intended, this section makes His Holiness LOOK hypocritical. It makes His Holiness LOOK as though he practises double standards and LOOK as though he does not believe in equanimity… I say “look” because we all know that His Holiness isn’t really like that.

Therefore it also makes me wonder if the people in charge of His Holiness’ image REALLY know what they are doing. After all, hypocrisy and violating human rights are so not appealing in today’s media. And people today aren’t stupid – news travels fast, and people are educated and exposed, and they’re not afraid to speak out when they see something is not right. These people who speak out against injustice are known as activists – would you rather they speak up FOR Tibetan independence, or AGAINST your government’s suppression of Dorje Shugden practitioners?

Speaking of image and reputation, Buddhism is known as THE religion of peace, and publicising this Dolgyal issue on the website of the face of Tibetan Buddhism is really destroying this. I hope you’ll remove the section from His Holiness’ website because it does not belong in a sphere of love and compassion. It does not paint the right portrait of a man whom we all know radiates only good energy, and brings happiness to so many.

Peace, love and light,

(YOUR NAME)

Are the Dalai Lama’s mixing of religion and politics destroying the pure teachings of Tibetan Buddhism? Spiritual teachers from these four traditions of Tibetan Buddhism have been imprisoned, assassinated, placed under house arrest…

If you enjoyed the video, you can download it here.

Situated behind the main chapel of Jowo Buddha or the Jokhang Temple, south of the Barkhor area in Lhasa is Trode Khangsar, one of the most famous Dorje Shugden chapels in Tibet and in the world today. Built by the Great 5^th Dalai Lama at the end of the 17^th Century, this holy chapel was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution and was left abandoned until some time in the 1980s. As a registered national heritage memorial, Trode Khangsar is now under the care of the Chinese government and in 2008, the Chinese government initiated renovation works to restore this chapel to its former glory.

Currently managed by Riwo Choling Monastery, this sacred chapel is open to tourists and pilgrims. The tradition of daily pujas by the resident monks still continues to this day. This iconic chapel also serves as a monument to the Great 5^th Dalai Lama’s reverence of the protector, although this historic fact has been twisted by the present Dalai Lama’s government in support of an unreasoned ban on Dorje Shugden’s practice.

Trode Khangsar

Trode Khangsar is an eight-minute walk from the Jokhang Temple. Click to enlarge.

Chapel Interior

Trode Khangsar was originally a three-storey building with an entrance leading to the main hall. The interior of the hall has eight 10-meter wide pillars with paintings of Dorje Shugden’s previous lives, auspicious symbols and deities such as Indra and Brahma.

A mural of Buddha Shakyamuni in Trode Khangsar

Below are some of the notable murals in Trode Khangsar featuring Dorje Shugden’s previous incarnations which bear witness to the true nature of the deity which is that of a Dharma king:

• Dorje Shugden’s previous incarnations such as Manjushri, Biwarpa, Shakya Shri Bhadra, Sakya Pandita Kunga Gyeltsen, Buton Rinchen Drub, Panchen Sonam Drakpa, Sonam Yeshe Wangpo and Ngawang Sonam Geleg.
• Nechung riding a snow lion, holding a bow and arrow, arriving at Lama Tsongkhapa’s teaching.
• Nechung in the form of a young boy interrupting Lama Tsongkhapa’s teaching.

This is the original mural that depicts the incarnation lineage of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen

• Duldzin Drakpa Gyeltsen, one of Lama Tsongkhapa’s main disciples, telling Nechung to stop interrupting his master’s teachings.
• Duldzin Drakpa Gyeltsen promising Nechung to protect Lama Tsongkhapa’s teachings in the future.
• A pleased Lama Tsongkhapa offering Duldzin Drakpa Gyeltsen a skullcup full of nectar.
• Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen.
• Nechung urging Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen to fulfill his promise to arise as a Dharma Protector.

Another mural in Trode Khangsar

Several Dorje Shugden statues and paintings in Trode Khangsar are uniquely different from the usual iconography as he is depicted holding a club in his right hand instead of a sword. This matches the 5^th Dalai Lama’s vision of this Dharma Protector, which is mentioned in the prayer he composed praising Dorje Shugden’s enlightened qualities:

Robes of a monk, crown adorned with rhinoceros leather hat,
Right hand holds ornate club, left holds a human heart,
Riding various mounts such as nagas and garudas,
Who subdues the mamos of the charnel grounds, praise to you!

~ His Holiness the 5^th Dalai Lama

Another notable precious item found in Trode Khangsar is the wood printing blocks for Dorje Shugden Fulfillment Ritual text (chos skyong shugs ldan gyi bskang chog rgyas pa) by Gaden Jangtse Serkong Dorje Chang.

At the north is the room where rituals are performed while in the east and west are rooms for monks. The ritual room has a skylight, black walls and paintings of various Dharma Protectors. At the north portion of the room is a Lama Tsongkhapa statue with his two heart sons, Gyaltsab Je and Khedrub Je.

The third floor, which used to house Dorje Shugden oracles, was removed during the Cultural Revolution.

The Great 5^th Dalai Lama (1617 -1682)

Born amidst auspicious signs in 1617 to a Nyingma family, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso was enthroned at Ganden Podrang, Drepung Monastery at the age of six. This accomplished master studied at the feet of many leading Lamas of that era such as Lingme Shapdrung Konchok Chopel, His Holiness the 4^th Panchen Lama Lobsang Chokyi Gyeltsen and Mondro Pandita. His accomplishments were legendary and he continued to be an important lineage holder for the Nyingma School.

His Holiness the Great Fifth Dalai Lama Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso

In 1638, Lobsang Gyatso received his full ordination vows from the 4^th Panchen Lama and Lingme Shapdrung Konchok Chopel. He became the first Dalai Lama to have temporal and spiritual power all over Tibet and was instrumental in unifying Tibet after the Mongol intervention. The Great 5^th Dalai Lama had a close relationship with Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen as they shared the same teacher, and both studied and debated together. Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen also received many teachings from the Great 5^th himself.

Both these great masters were contemporaries with many great accomplishments. But when Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s fame and popularity threatened to eclipse the Dalai Lama’s, Depa Norbu, one of the Dalai Lama’s men, decided to assassinate Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen. The Dalai Lama later discovered the truth behind Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s murder by his own men and was deeply disturbed. He immediately composed an apology that was read out at Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s cremation. Later, when rumors arose that Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen had been reincarnated as Dorje Shugden, a perfidious spirit, the Dalai Lama and many other high lamas tried to bind him with various powerful rituals but none of them worked.

Many sacred statues can be seen in Trode Khangsar, and one of them is a form of Dorje Shugden that holds a club.

Eventually, the 5^th Dalai Lama concluded that Dorje Shugden is enlightened and therefore indestructible, as only enlightened beings possess this nature. Realising this, he composed a praise to Dorje Shugden and even made a statue of him with his own hands. The 5^th Dalai Lama also built Trode Khangsar as the very first chapel dedicated to Dorje Shugden.

In modern times, as part of the Dorje Shugden conflict instigated by the present Dalai Lama, the 5^th Dalai Lama’s initial mistaken view of Dorje Shugden as a dark and malicious force is often quoted to validate the Central Tibetan Administration’s (CTA) ban on the worship of this protector. Conveniently omitted is the 5^th Dalai Lama’s final realization that Dorje Shugden is in fact enlightened.

Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen (1619 – 1656)

Recognised by His Holiness the 4^th Panchen Lama Lobsang Chokyi Gyeltsen, Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen displayed the many signs of an extraordinary being. As a young child, he had clear visions of the enlightened beings and was able to recall his past lives and teachers, play ritual instruments and recite prayers from memory. As a matter of fact, the Panchen Lama regarded Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen to be an emanation of Manjushri.

Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen

At the age of just seven, he took his novice vows from the 4^th Panchen Lama, who also conferred him the empowerments, long life initiations and initiations of Dharma Protectors as Mahakala and Kalarupa. By the time he was nine, he was already giving teachings and writing insightful commentaries. He received his full ordination vows when he was 20 and just like his previous lives, he held his vinaya (monastic) vows purely and he continued to request for many teachings, transmissions and initiations. Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen, who was known for his unlimited thirst for the Dharma, was one of the two main disciples of the 4^th Panchen Lama, the other being the Great 5^th Dalai Lama.

A contemporary of the Great 5^th, Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen became highly respected and sought after for his extraordinary skills in disseminating the Dharma, debate and composition. His teachings were perfect and soon his reputation began to overshadow the 5^th Dalai Lama’s. As mentioned above, His Holiness’ attendant, Depa Norbu, fearing the loss of power and position, hatched a plot to assassinate this erudite great master. After several unsuccessful attempts, Depa Norbu finally managed to kill Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen by strangling him with a khata (Tibetan ceremonial scarf). Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen then arose as the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden, fulfilling the promise he made lifetimes ago as Duldzin Drakpa Gyeltsen to safeguard Lama Tsongkhapa’s Middle Way teachings.

Recognition from the Chinese Emperor

This mural of Manjushri on a lion is in the main prayer hall of Trode Khangsar

During the reign of His Holiness the 11^th Dalai Lama Khedrup Gyatso, a Chinese Amban (high official) named Che Trungtang wanted to test the authenticity of Dorje Shugden. On behalf of the then Chinese Emperor Daoguang, he wrote a list of important questions to ask Dorje Shugden. He then burnt the paper with the questions in front of a Dorje Shugden image and asked for clear answers and prophecies. The next day during the trance, the oracle of Dorje Shugden not only gave advice that was very clear but his answers also matched the sequence of questions that the Chinese Amban had written earlier. This clearly illustrates the enlightened nature of Dorje Shugden, as fully enlightened beings are known to have perfect clairvoyance.

Impressed by Dorje Shugden’s accurate and clear advice, the Qing Emperor Daoguang made an offering of a pandit’s hat and officially recognized Dorje Shugden as a great Dharma protector for Buddhism. The pandit’s hat was then placed over the door of Trode Khangsar in a grand ceremony attended by many important officials and dignitaries including the 11^th Dalai Lama, the Chinese Amban, Reting Rinpoche, the Dorje Shugden oracle and many others.

The Significance of Trode Khangsar

Given the controversy and untruths that surround the Dorje Shugden practice after the 14^th Dalai Lama banned this protector practice in 1996, Trode Khangsar’s very existence is pivotal as a solid testament of the Great 5^th’s reverence towards this Dharma Protector and an acknowledgement of Dorje Shugden’s true enlightened nature. The fact that the 5^th Dalai Lama built a sacred chapel dedicated to Dorje Shugden completely dismantles the foundation of an illogical and undemocratic ban. This is because the basis of the 14^th Dalai Lama’s ban is that the 5^th Dalai Lama regarded Dorje Shugden as an “Oath breaking spirit born from perverse prayers…” However as we will see, this is far from the truth.

Holy Dorje Shugden statue in Trode Khangsar.

Salient points to note:

[1] During Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s cremation, there were strong gusts of wind, earthquakes and hail. Thick dark smoke in the shape of a hand enveloped all of Lhasa, and famine struck the population as crops failed and cattle died. Many thought that these natural calamities were due to Dorje Shugden taking revenge as an evil spirit. But these were actually the signs of the collective heavy negative karma returning to the people for killing a holy being – Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen.

As we have seen, the Great 5^th initially did think that Dorje Shugden was a harmful spirit, and tried without success to subdue him with many different powerful rituals. Even Mindrolling Lama, who was renowned for his ability to subdue or destroy the most harmful spirits failed. Each time Mindrolling Lama tried to bind Dorje Shugden in a fire puja, he would see Yamantaka arising in the flames. This was a clear sign that Dorje Shugden could not be destroyed, and the visions of Yamantaka further indicated Dorje Shugden’s true nature, which is in essence, Manjushri.

This statue of Dorje Shugden was commissioned by The Great Fifth Dalai Lama.

The 5^th Dalai Lama soon realized that he had made a mistake as only awakened beings are beyond any karmas and therefore cannot be destroyed. The Great 5^th then quickly rectified his error by composing a praise to Dorje Shugden, and by making statues and chapels in his honor. By these acts, the 5^th Dalai Lama made it clear that Dorje Shugden is worthy as an object of refuge and veneration.

[2] Many have claimed that Dorje Shugden is just a minor practice. However, this false allegation is refuted by the fact that Trode Khangsar is located right in the heart of Lhasa, at a prime location just behind the world famous Jokhang Temple. If Dorje Shugden was indeed a minor practice, why would the 5^th Dalai Lama build his chapel in such a prime area of Lhasa? In fact, Trode Khangsar’s very location indicates that His Holiness wanted to encourage the people to engage in Dorje Shugden’s practice by making his temple easily accessible.

[3] The Great 5^th not only built Trode Khangsar and commissioned its main Dorje Shugden statue but also composed a prayer praising his qualities. It logically follows that His Holiness had full faith in Dorje Shugden and, given his stature in the Tibetan community both spiritual and temporal, influenced the spread of Dorje Shugden’s practice for hundreds of years making it one of the most popular protector practices before the unjust ban.

[4] The 5^th Dalai Lama’s building of Trode Khangsar effectively marked the start of Dorje Shugden worship in Tibet. The chapel served and continues to serve as a place of worship for many and was a means for the people to get connected to the practice of Dorje Shugden. If Dorje Shugden is indeed a harmful spirit as the CTA claims, then it was none other than the Great 5^th who began this “demonic” practice! Clearly, the CTA’s lies are absurd as the Dalai Lamas are emanations of Chenrezig and therefore have perfect wisdom and clairvoyance. It would be ridiculous to believe that Chenrezig would make such an error and cause such harm to sentient beings.

A mural of Mahakala located at Trode Khangsar

[5] Another false charge against Dorje Shugden is that he seeks to harm the life of the 14^th Dalai Lama and that his practice sends his devotees to the lower realms. However, it is also illogical to conclude that the Great 5^th Dalai Lama, the emanation of Chenrezig the Omniscient, would build a chapel dedicated to a malicious being that would harm his future incarnation’s life. Why would the Dalai Lama, whose sole purpose is to spread the Dharma, build a temple to venerate an evil spirit that would destroy the Dharma? What’s more, the Dalai Lamas have returned in perfect human form lifetime after lifetime to continue their previous life’s work. The fact that there is a 14^th Dalai Lama today is solid proof that people who practice Dorje Shugden do not go to the lower realms and that Dorje Shugden is certainly not a demon.

[6] The walls of Trode Khangsar are painted with murals of Dorje Shugden’s previous lives and with scenes depicting the historical account of Dorje Shugden’s origin story from the time he made a promise as Duldzin Drakpa Gyeltsen to protect the precious teachings of Lama Tsongkhapa. If we were to study the murals of Dorje Shugden’s previous incarnations in Trode Khangsar, we would also notice that one of Dorje Shugden’s previous lives is none other than Manjushri, the Wisdom Buddha.

Once the mind becomes enlightened, it cannot degenerate and revert to an unenlightened state. By virtue of this fact, Dorje Shugden is definitely not a perfidious spirit but a fully awakened being, whose essence is Manjushri.

Housed at Trode Khangsar, this is an extremely rare depiction of Dorje Shugden sitting on a throne.

[7] The murals of Dorje Shugden’s past lives show that his previous incarnations encompass lamas from different traditions. For example, Sakya Pandita Kunga Gyeltsen was one of the Five Founding Fathers of the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism. Another of Dorje Shugden’s previous incarnations is the Shangpa Kagyu founder Khyungpo Neljor. The CTA falsely claims that Dorje Shugden’s practice is sectarian, but why would Dorje Shugden want to destroy schools of Tibetan Buddhism that he had established in his previous lives? Furthermore, Dorje Shugden is not propitiated by the Gelugpas alone but also by the Sakyas and Kagyus. There are also thangkas depicting Dorje Shugden with Sakya lamas and key Nyingma deities, further dismissing claims that Dorje Shugden is sectarian.

Based on the above and the fact that Trode Khangsar is still in existence and flourishing today, it is clear that Tibetans recognize the awakened nature of Dorje Shugden and continue to have faith in him. The citizens of the world are not fooled by the CTA’s lies and their attempts at making Dorje Shugden the scapegoat for their own failures to regain Tibet. As they say, there are three things that we cannot hide – the sun, the moon and the truth.

Book: The Temples of Lhasa

More information on Trode Khangsar can be found in this book, page 195-199.

• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: Serindia Publications; illustrated edition (November 15, 2005)
• Language: English

(From the front flap of the book)
The Temples of Lhasa is a comprehensive survey of historic Buddhist sites in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa. The study is based on the Tibet Heritage Fund’s official five-year architectural conservation project in Tibet during which the author and his team had unlimited access to the buildings studied. The documented sites span the entire known history of Tibetan Buddhist art and architecture from the 7^th to the 21^st centuries.

The book is divided into thirteen chapters, covering all the major and minor temples in historic Lhasa. These include some of Tibet’s oldest and most revered sites, such as the Lhasa Tsuklakhang and Ramoche, as well as lesser-known but highly important sites such as the Jebumgang Lhakhang, Meru Dratsang, and Meru Nyingpa. It is illustrated with numerous color plates taken over a period of roughly fifteen years from the mid-1980s to today and is augmented with rare photographs and reproductions of Tibetan paintings.

This book also provides detailed architectural drawings and maps made by the project. Each site has been completely surveyed, documented and analyzed. The history of each site has been written — often for the first time — based on source texts and survey results, as well as up-to-date technology such as carbon dating, dendrochronology, and satellite data.

Tibetan source texts and oral accounts have also been used to reconstruct the original design of the sites. Matthew Akester has contributed translations of Tibetan source texts, including excerpts from the writings of the 5^th and Thirteenth Dalai Lamas.

This documentation of Tibetan Buddhist temple buildings is the most detailed of its kind, and is the first professional study of some of Tibet’s most significant religious buildings. The comparative analysis of Tibetan Buddhist architecture covers thirteen centuries of architectural history in Tibet.

The contents page of The Temples of Lhasa. Trode Khangsar is featured from page 195 to 199. Click to enlarge.

Map from The Temples of Lhasa showing the location of Trode Khangsar (number 10). Click to enlarge.

The Temples of Lhasa, page 195. Click to enlarge.

The Temples of Lhasa, page 196. Click to enlarge.

The Temples of Lhasa, page 197. Click to enlarge.

The Temples of Lhasa, page 198. Click to enlarge.

The Temples of Lhasa, page 199. Click to enlarge.

Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. I just wanted to tell you a short story about how Tibetan Buddhism has helped me and my family.

My daughter and I had been doing Dorje Shugden practice for many years. She started when she was 12 and now she’s 15. She loves singing and dancing. She took part in almost every performance in the school.

Last year she was chosen to be the main character for her school yearly musical production and she won the best actress award. I’m happy for her that she enjoy her life every day doing what she’s suppose to do and what she loves to do. She is a vegetarian for many years too.

She had a dream to enter a ladies collage which is also a boarding school. Unfortunately I can’t afford the school fee. But she never gave up. Some time in December last year she told me that she will enter the college but she doesn’t want me to pay for her school fees. Then she went ahead and wrote her school chairman a letter by herself to ask for full scholarship to enter this ladies college.

Guess what, her dream came true in 5 days time. To me it’s a miracle. I have no idea how this thing came about. But it can’t be approved in just 5 days! Timing just nice for her to enter the school to continue her year 10. it was a 4 years full scholarship in this ladies college. If not Dorje Shudgen who else has this power to do so? I saved hundreds of thousand!

She was never an A star student but ever since she enter the college she worked very hard to excel herself in her study. But she continue to dance and sing as these are her passion. Besides that she also involved in spiritual work and community activities.

How fortunate she is to start her spiritual path early and with the protection and guidance of Dorje Shugden her life has been guarded. I wish that others may find this benefit too.

I wish you and the Dalai Lama long life. May you and your loved ones always find happiness and good health.

~ Samuel Yew ~

The Dalai Lama accuses Dorje Shugden practitioners of being sectarian and damaging other Buddhist Traditions. However, all four Tibetan traditions rely upon protector deities who are similar in nature and aspect to Dorje Shugden.

For centuries, Tibetan oracles have been sought after for advice and guidance. Monks undergo years of disciplined training to be suitable to become an oracle.