dorjeshugden.com
About Dorje Shugden => General Discussion => Topic started by: hope rainbow on December 30, 2011, 01:51:03 PM
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Did you know that the Emperor Kangxi of China was a re-incarnation of Dorje Shugden?
The Emperor Kangxi was pivotal in the history of China, he brought China up and gave the country many tools to continue a path of political stability and growth.
Dorje Shugden will continue to benefit all sentient beings of course, but it seems that China has got some extra merits...
See more on this page: http://dorjeshugden.com/wp/?p=5762 (http://dorjeshugden.com/wp/?p=5762)
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Wow! That is pretty exciting information. I also heard that there is a Dorje Shugden image (Genzey form) in one of China's main pilgrimage site: Wu Tai Shan that principally worship Manjushri. The Chinese go for pilgrimage to this site with their children, especially during periods of major examination, to pray for Manjushri's blessing of wisdom (intelligence).
It is most appropriate for Dorje Shugden, the perfect protector of this time, to be closely linked to China because China is rising rapidly as the world power. If the populace of this powerhouse has the merits to be blessed with Dorje Shugden’s practice (a.k.a protection), it is likely that China will become a sustainable world leader that is powerful secularly and spiritually.
Additionally, as Kangxi’s reign was known for being one of the most peaceful times of China, it would be so vital and extremely beneficial that such peace reenacts again with the flourishing of Dorje Shugden’s practice at this time. With China as an influential nation that promotes peace over war, there is a high possibility for peace to spread to other parts of the world.
Once again, the wisdom, skillfulness and compassion of the Buddha prove to be immeasurable and incomparable. May we continue to create the merits for Dorje Shugden’s practice to flourish as well as return to its home of motherland China.
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Throughout the long history of China, there were many great Emperors like Kangxi, and there were also horrible emperors, like the recent Mr Mao himself.
Emperors like Kangxi united the nation, benefitted the people, promoted Buddhism (as seen by the close interactions between the royalties and Tibetan/Mongolian high lamas during those period), built temples, and ultimately brought peace and happiness with their reign.
On the contrary, horrible anti-religion/anti-Buddha emperors like Mr Mao destroyed religion, temples, monasteries, burned Dharma books...
There were cylces of prominent and dark age for Buddhism throughout the history of China, and now, after the dark age of Mao is tapering off, it is time for Buddhism to shine in China again, and this time with Dorje Shugden taking centerstage!
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If we look at the history in China, Tang Dynasty, Song Dynasty, Qing Dynasty were very peaceful and prosperous, and these were also the period when Buddhism was widely practised. A lot of scholars and society value were based on Buddhism.
Few months ago I watched a documentary on the development of Buddhism in China. It said that due to the nature of Vajrayana practice, ie, its ability to bring the practitioner to enlightenment swiftly, Vajrayana was practised exclusively among the royalties. Commoners were only allowed to practise Sutra. This is why Mahayana is more popular among the general public in China than Vajrayana. I found this to be very interesting.
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"The time has come to show your might,
With four conducts, swift and decisive,
Swiftly accomplishing, just as wished,
Deeply heart-felt aims, especially!
Now is time to judge the karmic truth!
Time to clear the innocent of blame!
Time to guard weak, protectorless beings,
Time to protect your dharma children!"
"Beings throughout this great earth are engaged in different actions
Of Dharma, non-Dharma, happiness, suffering, cause and effect;
Through your skilful deeds of preventing and nurturing,
Please lead all beings into the good path to ultimate happiness."
With fervent request and prayers daily to Lord Shugden, anything is possible and if you really think about it, this is what the protector is actually(or rather has always) been doing. Regardless of the nature of blessings requested, Dorje Shugden provides the necessary for the Dharma to flourish and for harmony and peace to prevail.
Dorje Shugden provides in both on a small and larger scale of blessings as we can see from the prayers mentioned above. For people who are not Buddhist even, Dorje Shugden provides blessings and protection. As Emperor Kangxi did, he gave harmony and peace to the people of China, and mind you, there are thousands of them whom have received his kindness! It is only correct and logical to think that they are definitely of the same mindstream if not an emanation from the powerful deity-mahasiddha who made this happen!
And now is so much more for Dorje Shugden to return to China and His people, not as an emperor this time due to the nature and disposition of the country and its political standing, but as a spiritual figure, a deity of today's rat race overseeing that everything runs smoothly on the outside and the flourishing of the person's spiritual well being on the inside.
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As we reflect here and see that the best times in China were also times when Buddhism prevailed. I wonder if the Chinese people also see this? I wonder if during the period of Communism when nationalism and government is worship, there were people who still maintained religious practices?
Several months ago I spoke to a friend who is from Hong Kong and spoke to her about Buddhism, I even shared with her some teachings I had learnt, she listened (I guess out of social manners) and at the end of it, she responded that she does not practice religion and that her loyalty lies with the government and its policies. Eventhough, Hong Kong is independent, it is still part of China.
Working in China too made me experience the same sentiment. They are not against religion per se but I guess they have not experienced the benefits from spiritual practice since nationalism/communism was what they understand to bring them the benefits. There is a spiritual void among the Chinese.
However, as the people of China are more financially stable, I am very sure that there will be a "movement" again in pursuit of spirituality. We must promote the chinese website xiongdeng.com!
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Did you know that the Emperor Kangxi of China was a re-incarnation of Dorje Shugden?
Ans: I don't know.
For what reasons we say Kangxi was re-incarnation of Dorjie Shugden?
If there is no reason but just a claim by someone, then we can also say Taizhong Of Tang dynasty also be DS's previous life(he is the greatest emperor of all in the whole 3000+ years Chinese history), and someone from north India will say Chairman Mao be re-incarnation of DS also...
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I have heard that Emperor Kang Xi was the reincarnation of Dorje Shugden. During his tenure as Emperor, there has been lots of temples being built. One of them is the White Stupa Temple in Beijing. I have visited the temple last year and read that Emperor Kang Xi was instrumental in the reestablishment of the temple. Inside the temple, there were a lot of vajrayana buddha statues that were being uncovered in the temple and being displayed. There were also pictures of buddhist monks performing fire pujas in the temple. this temple is not that widely known and not promoted as the major tourist attraction in Beijing. Nevertheless, the history is is very interesting.
Unfortunately I did not take any pictures. :(
Wikipedia has a brief info on the temple.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miaoying_Temple (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miaoying_Temple)
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I have heard that Emperor Kang Xi was the reincarnation of Dorje Shugden. During his tenure as Emperor, there has been lots of temples being built. One of them is the White Stupa Temple in Beijing. I have visited the temple last year and read that Emperor Kang Xi was instrumental in the reestablishment of the temple. .....
[url]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miaoying_Temple[/url] ([url]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miaoying_Temple[/url])
This White Stupa Temple was built by Chogyal Phakpa the 5th Great Sakya Masters during Yuen dynasty. Maybe Kangxi has expanded it during the Qing Dynasty.
Regarding those buddha statues in display, I am sorry to tell you that it is a collection of statue from those destroyed monasteries during the Cultural Revolution in Tibet(Greater Tibet in that sense)...
This is one of my favorite visiting monastery during my stay in Beijing...
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This White Stupa Temple was built by Chogyal Phakpa the 5th Great Sakya Masters during Yuen dynasty. Maybe Kangxi has expanded it during the Qing Dynasty.
Regarding those buddha statues in display, I am sorry to tell you that it is a collection of statue from those destroyed monasteries during the Cultural Revolution in Tibet(Greater Tibet in that sense)...
This is one of my favorite visiting monastery during my stay in Beijing...
Thanks for the clarification. Yes I think Emperor Kang Xi definitely expanded on the monastery. I explicitly saw a picture of Emperor Kang Xi in the museum in the temple.
Nevertheless, Tibetan Buddhism definitely has a huge influence in China. Buddhism will grow again in this century.
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Emperor Kangxi was a very wise emperor during the Qing Dynasty. He had expanded and used Buddhism to unite the different nationalities in ancient China i.e. the Han, Tibetan, Mongolian and Manchurian to bring peace during his rule. He performed pilgrimages to the Wu Tai San mountain, abode of Manjushri and stayed at Pusading Temple, the imperial temple. Till today you could still see a tablet with Emperor Kangxi's inscription of a sutra hung to the wall of a archway in this temple.
I believe Dorje Shugden will flourish in China and Buddhism will relive the period during Emperor Kangxi's reign once again.
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As Tibet is now part of China, perhaps it is easier to see Buddhism as Chinese Buddhism now and not distinguish it as Tibetan. Religion gives people moral values which are absent in a secular world and as China has become a materialistic society, it would be in China's interest to develop Buddhism as one of their main religions.
Dorje Shugden is perfect for China as he initially can be seen as a wealth deity and that will be appealing to the Chinese. His previous history such as the link with Emperor Kangxi will also make him more easily accepted by the Chinese. Kangxi's reign as Emperor brought about stability and prosperity to China after years of war and chaos. His period of rule was referred to as the "Prosperous Era of Kangxi and Qianlong", which lasted for generations after his own lifetime. Dorje Shugden is known for bringing stability and wealth so perhaps Dorje Shugden will restore stability to China and make its economic growth sustainable amidst a worrying global economic situation in 2012.
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I think the greatest contribution and perhaps his real legacy to Je Tsongkhapa's tradition was the construction of YongHe Gong palace during the reign of Emperor Kangxi. It was Kangxi's son, Emperor YongZheng that converted the palace into a Tibetan Buddhist monastery.
It was an era of Buddhist learning and practice that began with Emperor Kangxi and flourished with his descendants when his own glorious grandson, Emperor Qianlong grew up with the renowned Tibetan Tulku, Changkya Rolpe Dorje. This Tulku came to significantly spread the Gaden tradition within the Chinese aristocracy. Hence, it is not unusual that Dorje Shugden emanated as Emperor Kangxi because his lasting contributions reveal his true identity.
Anyway, to the Tibetans, the rulers of China were considered emanations of Manjushri. Just like how the rulers of Tibet were considered emanations of Avalokiteshvara. Now, Dorje Shugden is Manjushri and so Emperor Kangxi may well have been a direct emanation of Dorje Shugden.
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China is a big country with a long and complicated backgound/history.
Yet China is a beautiful country with cultures, religion, scholars etc.
An emperor like Kang Xi, he had the wisdom to unite people and rule the country well. He was one of the most famous rulers in China and I personally like him a lot. During his time, China is peace and people live well. His time was a crucial time, as the Qing Dynasty just being established. A peace maker like Kang Xi was very much needed.
I could relate Dorje Shugden with Kang Xi and im happy if Dorje Shugden's practice could spread widely in China to continuosly benefit the people in China. Is sad when we read back the China history. People there need Dharma very much. Dorje Shugden's practice will benefit them, just like how Kang Xi benefit people in China during the past.
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It is not surprised that the China greatest King Emperor KangXi is one of the reincarnation of Dorje Shugden. I went to find out some information from China historical book had recorded that Kang Xi like Tibetan Buddhism very much. His had support to convert the palace into Tibetan Monastery called Yong He Gong, well known as lamasery few decade until today. Kang Xi also used his politic power to support Buddhism in China at that time. Many Kang Xi's follower had be converted become a strong practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism.
The Yong He Gong in Beijing, China become a most famous Buddhism holy place in China. When you enter the chapel, immediately you can see a huge Lama Tsongkhapa's statue in front of your face. The big statue is very holy and I believe this statue will bring harmony, calm, inner peace to people who is visit him! This is one of the great contribution. This is the great afford by KangXi.
Until today, this monastery still open and train more energetic, 600 years already practice, so Buddha cannot be wrong!
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It is not surprised that the China greatest King Emperor KangXi is one of the reincarnation of Dorje Shugden. I went to find out some information from China historical book had recorded that Kang Xi like Tibetan Buddhism very much. His had support to convert the palace into Tibetan Monastery called Yong He Gong, well known as lamasery few decade until today. Kang Xi also used his politic power to support Buddhism in China at that time. Many Kang Xi's follower had be converted become a strong practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism.
The Yong He Gong in Beijing, China become a most famous Buddhism holy place in China. When you enter the chapel, immediately you can see a huge Lama Tsongkhapa's statue in front of your face. The big statue is very holy and I believe this statue will bring harmony, calm, inner peace to people who is visit him! This is one of the great contribution. This is the great afford by KangXi.
Until today, this monastery still open and train more energetic, 600 years already practice, so Buddha cannot be wrong!
I was related the story that Zhou Enlai himself had dispatched a special soldiers unit to protect the Yong He Gong from the destruction taking place sometime during the "cultural revolution" (1966-1976).
Interesting...
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Dear Hope,
Here's a bit more explanation about the background of Yong He Gong lamasery. How Kang Xi's descendants built Yong He Gong in the Gelugpa tradition, and how it was preserved until today - yes - with Zhou En Lai's help. I also found the history interesting - how Tibetan Buddhism, also referred to as 'Lamaism', was harnessed by the Emperor Qian Long to unify the smaller states and build stronger relations with Mongolia and Tibet.
Perhaps modern China will use the Emperor's strategy to encourage Buddhism in order to have stronger unity in China and create more harmony.
Read the article below for more information.
http://www.foreignercn.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=669:yonghegong-lamasery-lama-temple&catid=25:travel-in-beijing&Itemid=40 (http://www.foreignercn.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=669:yonghegong-lamasery-lama-temple&catid=25:travel-in-beijing&Itemid=40)
Yonghegong (??? the Palace of Harmony and Peace)?popularly known as the” Lama Temple” , is a famous lamasery in the northeastern part of Beijing?It is located next to the northern side of the Second Ring Road?with Bai Lin Si (the Cypress Grove Temple) to its east and the Temple of Confucius and the Imperial Academy to the west?
Yonghegong Lamasery is the largest lamasery and one of the best preserved lama temples at the present time in Beijing with a total area of 66?400 square meters?480 meters long from north to south and 120 meters wide from east to west?Yonghegong Lamasery is also a well—known monastery of the Gelugpa?the Yellow Sect of Tibetan Buddhism in Mainland China?In 1961?it was listed as one of China’s major national treasures under state protection?
Originally?Yonghegong was a palatial residence of the Prince Yinzhen?the fourth son of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty?It was built in 1694 after Prince Yinzhen was given the title “YongPrince” and the palace was named “Palace Mansion of YongPrince”?After Yong Prince succeeded the throne in 1723, he moved to the Forbidden City and became Emperor Yongzheng?In 1725?he turned half of his former residence into a temple for the monks of the Yellow Sect and the other half became a temporary palace where he came for his personal use?Thus?his residence started to be called Yonghegong (the Palace of Harmony and Peace)?Not long after?the Temporary Palace was burnt down and only the temple part was left?
Emperor Yongzheng (y?ngzhèng ??) had lived here before he came to the throne and his son Hongli?who succeeded his throne later and became Emperor Qianlong?was born here?So as a rule?the former imperial residence then became a” Residence of Hidden Dragon”? it could not revert to secular use and had to remain a temple?In 1735?Emperor Yongzheng died and then his son Hongli succeeded the throne?He put his father’s coffin here for more than one year before the coffin was moved to the Western Qing Tombs?Emperor Qianlong upgraded Yonghegong to the status of an Imperial Palace by replacing the green tiles of the roof with the yellow ones?for the yellow color was the imperial color in the old days?especially in the Qing Dynasty?In 1744?it was formally converted into a Lamasery but it retained the name?“Yonghegong”?the Palace of Harmony and Peace?
Lamaism is also known as Tibetan Buddhism or it is called Buddhism of the Tibetan Language?Lamaism is a form of Buddhism?which contains a large element of Hinduism and popular Tibetan religious worship?“Lama” means “Superior one”?In the 7th century?Buddhism was disseminated to Tibet from India?Nepal and the interior of China?Assimilating the culture of local religion?it formed a kind of Buddhism with Tibetan characteristics known as “Tibetan Buddhism”?popularly nicknamed as Lamaism?and soon it became influenced by the Tibetan cults?In the 13th century?it spread rapidly into Mongolia and north China?During the Qing Dynasty?the Mongolian and Tibetan people believed in Lamaism and at the same time?both Mongolia and Tibet were very important borders of the country?In order to stabilize these regions? Emperor Qianlong found that Lamaism could play an irreplaceable role in uniting and appeasing minority nations?And could strengthen the central power of the Manchu ruler as well?So based on his religion policy? some lama monasteries were erected and Lamaism was especially encouraged by Emperor Qianlong as a means of maintaining political unity with Mongolia and Tibet?In order to safeguard territorial integrity?security and peace?And strengthen its unity with the minority ethnic groups in these areas?Emperor QianlQng changed Yonghegong to a Lamasery?In this way?religion played a very important role in promoting harmony and cementing the relationship between the Mongolian and Tibetan people?He also ordered 500 lamas?who came from Mongolia to stay here in the Yonghegong Lamasery?This was not only for obeying his mother’s wish?but was also in accordance with the imperial regulation of the former imperial residence?Furthermore?it also showed the emperor’s determination to conciliate the minority nationalities and reinforce the frontier.
After 1949?the Chinese Government attached great importance to this Lama Temple?Several renovations have been carried out since then?and the Temple has taken on a new look?In 1950 and 1952?the government allocated large sums of money to renovate it. In 1961?Yonghegong Lamasery was listed by the State Council as a major national cultural relic and historical site under the state’s protection?During the ten—year Cultural Revolution from 1966 to 1976?Yonghegong was very well preserved because of the special care given by our late Premier Zhou Enlai?The latest renovation was carried out in 1976?and in 1981, Yonghegong was reopen to the public?
Today?there are rich collections of cultural relics which are preserved in Yonghegong Lamasery?especially those related to Tibetan Buddhism?For instance?there is a large number of vividly sculptured Buddhist images of various sizes?each different in posture and expression; a large collection of Tibetan—style paintings known as Tangka painting; delicate frescoes?scriptures and religious instruments; the inscriptions and calligraphic works on the stele and boards?and Buddhist scriptures in the languages of Manchu?Tibetan?Chinese?Mongolian and Sanskrit?all of which being of very high cultural and historical value for the Chinese people?
Ever since it was opened to the public more than 20 years ago?Yonghegong Lamasery has attracted thousands of people every day?Many state and government leaders?from more than 100 countries and regions?have visited here?Presently?there are nearly 100 lamas in Yonghegong and most of them are Mongolians?Tibetans and people from Qinghai?Daily traditional religious ceremonies and activities in Yonghegong are undertaken strictly according to the regulation and disciplines of Tibetan Buddhism?
Yonghegong Lamasery
Yonghegong Lamasery mainly consists of seven courtyards from south to north?including three well-decorated elegant archways and six main structure buildings lying along the north—south central axis?with annex halls standing along both sides?The six main buildings are?the Gate of Harmony and Peace (Yonghemen)?the Hall of Harmony and Peace (Yonghegong Dian)?the Hall of Eternal Blessings (Yongyoudian)?the Hall of Dharma Wheel (Falundian)?the Pavilion of Ten Thousand Happiness (Wanfuge) and the Pavilion of Peaceful Accomplishment (Suichengge)?In addition there are four buildings on both sides called“the Four Academic Halls” (Sixuedian)?
From south to north?the courtyards along the central axis are progressively reduced in size?one after another?while the buildings in each courtyard rise progressively higher?giving people an enigmatic impression of unfathomable infinite height and depth?Here?one can really experience traditional Chinese architecture with a special emphasis on the architectural style of Tibetan Buddhism?
The architecture of the overall layout?the unique decorative designs and colors all show a special combination of the architectural styles of the Ming and Qing dynasties blended with the culture of the Han and Tibetan people?It really combines the palace architectural style and temple buildings with the architectural features of the Manchu?Han?Mongolian and Tibetan people into one style?We can also find this feature in the Hall of Dharma Wheel and the Ten Thousand Happiness Pavilion?The Hall of Dharma Wheel has five dormer windows in the roof and five gilded pinnacles?which reflect the rich characteristics of the temples of Tibetan Buddhism and the architecture of the Tibetan people?The Ten Thousand Happiness Pavilion has“overhead passages”on either side of the second floor?which is typical of the building style of the Liao and Jin Dynasties (907—1 234)?Very few of these kinds of structures are still in existence today?They are rare architectural masterpieces?
Contact
Address: 12 Yonghegong Dajie, Beijxinqiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing
( ?????12? )
Post Code?100007
Tel:86-10-64044499
Website: http://www.yonghegong.cn/ (http://www.yonghegong.cn/)
E-mail: [email protected]
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Thank you WB for a very interesting article.
I do notice this:
- without Kangxi, this temple would not be there
- and his grand-son Emperor Qianlong may not have had the opportunity to cement "lamaism" in China.
This gives more clues...
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Thank you WB for a very interesting article.
I do notice this:
- without Kangxi, this temple would not be there
- and his grand-son Emperor Qianlong may not have had the opportunity to cement "lamaism" in China.
This gives more clues...
Hey lets comment based on facts...
- Emperor Kangxi,'s son is Yongzheng
- Emperor Yongzheng's son is Qianlong
As said in the article, before Yonghegong be turned into a Gelupa monastery, it was Yongzheng's living place. It was only after death of Yongzheng(ie during Qianlong's time) that the present Yonghegong be established. Yonghegong's setup is nothing related to Kangxi.
Having said that
- Before the Qing dynasty emperors ruled over China, when they were still prevent from entering mainland by the Great Wall, they already accepted Gelukpa and have some Gelukpa monasteries setup in their capital in the current Shengyang city of Liaoning Province, north east China. So they accepted Gelukpa since 3rd Dalai Lama and the other Gelukpa lama's activities in north China(current Mongolia, inner-Mongolia and north east China)
- Kangxi defeated the Mongolian and form the current landscape of China(including Xinjiang, the Muslim area and current Mongolia), he was not that religious but very hardworking and knowledgeable (including Buddhism for sure)
- Yongzheng had a good knowledge of Buddhism, but looks he had more interest in the Chen Buddhism then the Tibetan Buddhism
- It is only during time of Qianlong, who formed the policy of 'Bringing up the Yellow sect, in order to manage Tibet and Mongolia' that the Gelukpa really developed fast outside of current 'Tibet Province'. We all know that during the 5th Dalai Lama the Gelukpa governed the current 'Tibet Province', while in Amdo and Kham Tibetan were ruled by local kings, and be in-directly ruled over by the Beijing Qing government. During Qianlong's time, he met a lot Gelukpa tulkus and support their activities when they back to their hometown. The end result is that a lot non-Gelukpa area turned into Gelukpa area, especially the more densely populated agricultural area. This trend is very obvious if you study the history of Kham (west Sichuan) during this time.
Interestingly, I read a comment that it may be the reason why some Nyingma lamas didn't like DS that much: by force of the Lhasa and Beijing government, a lot benefactors turned to support Gelukpa, resulted in big reduction of Nyingma monasteries, say in Kham area they were pushed to the north and rural area, while the big Gelukpa monasteries established in major route had 1000+ monks. Those lamas might project their dissatisfaction of Gelukpa into DS, who was 'symbol' of Gelukpa's power by that time...So Dorje Shugden and Dalai Lama are 'twin' from this 'sectarian Gelukpa' sense....
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Interestingly, I read a comment that it may be the reason why some Nyingma lamas didn't like DS that much: by force of the Lhasa and Beijing government, a lot benefactors turned to support Gelukpa, resulted in big reduction of Nyingma monasteries, say in Kham area they were pushed to the north and rural area, while the big Gelukpa monasteries established in major route had 1000+ monks.
Those lamas might project their dissatisfaction of Gelukpa into DS, who was 'symbol' of Gelukpa's power by that time...So Dorje Shugden and Dalai Lama are 'twin' from this 'sectarian Gelukpa' sense....
Thank you Wang for giving detailed facts.
The reality of history is sure more complex than my 2 short conclusions.
Thanks again.
Interesting comment on the effect of the Gelugpa's growth in Kham, dissatisfied some Nyingma lamas.
I did not know of this.
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Interesting comment on the effect of the Gelugpa's growth in Kham, dissatisfied some Nyingma lamas.
I did not know of this.
It may be an 'hypothesis' anyway. In an zero-sum game, when someone gained, someone must lost. Population in that kind of harsh living area couldn't increase a lot, but on the contrary, Gelukpa monasteries grew a lot after Qian Long in these regions...
To my memory, current population distribution of Tibetan is around 2M in Tibet province, 2M in Kham and 2M in Amdo.
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Deal All,
Thank you for all these information of Kangxi, after reading this post, a sort of curiosity that I’ve went to website trying to find out more about Kangxi since it is in relation with Dorje Shugden, below is the link of Kangxi’s circular achievement:
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/311006/Kangxi (http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/311006/Kangxi)
During the difficult times (War time) in China, Kangxi was never forget to care about his citizen, he never increase tax from them instead, he gave tax reduction to relieve their burden. Besides, he also reads all documents that submitted to him and settle it daily, even in war time, he still settle at least 300 – 400 documents / cases daily.
With his strategy, knowledge, care and compassion, during his reigned, he created a strong foundation for his child (Yongzheng), Qing Dynasty had lasted a very long period of political stability and economic prosperity in China.
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Thank you WB for a very interesting article.
I do notice this:
- without Kangxi, this temple would not be there
- and his grand-son Emperor Qianlong may not have had the opportunity to cement "lamaism" in China.
This gives more clues...
Hey lets comment based on facts...
- Emperor Kangxi,'s son is Yongzheng
- Emperor Yongzheng's son is Qianlong
As said in the article, before Yonghegong be turned into a Gelupa monastery, it was Yongzheng's living place. It was only after death of Yongzheng(ie during Qianlong's time) that the present Yonghegong be established. Yonghegong's setup is nothing related to Kangxi.
Having said that
- Before the Qing dynasty emperors ruled over China, when they were still prevent from entering mainland by the Great Wall, they already accepted Gelukpa and have some Gelukpa monasteries setup in their capital in the current Shengyang city of Liaoning Province, north east China. So they accepted Gelukpa since 3rd Dalai Lama and the other Gelukpa lama's activities in north China(current Mongolia, inner-Mongolia and north east China)
- Kangxi defeated the Mongolian and form the current landscape of China(including Xinjiang, the Muslim area and current Mongolia), he was not that religious but very hardworking and knowledgeable (including Buddhism for sure)
- Yongzheng had a good knowledge of Buddhism, but looks he had more interest in the Chen Buddhism then the Tibetan Buddhism
- It is only during time of Qianlong, who formed the policy of 'Bringing up the Yellow sect, in order to manage Tibet and Mongolia' that the Gelukpa really developed fast outside of current 'Tibet Province'. We all know that during the 5th Dalai Lama the Gelukpa governed the current 'Tibet Province', while in Amdo and Kham Tibetan were ruled by local kings, and be in-directly ruled over by the Beijing Qing government. During Qianlong's time, he met a lot Gelukpa tulkus and support their activities when they back to their hometown. The end result is that a lot non-Gelukpa area turned into Gelukpa area, especially the more densely populated agricultural area. This trend is very obvious if you study the history of Kham (west Sichuan) during this time.
Interestingly, I read a comment that it may be the reason why some Nyingma lamas didn't like DS that much: by force of the Lhasa and Beijing government, a lot benefactors turned to support Gelukpa, resulted in big reduction of Nyingma monasteries, say in Kham area they were pushed to the north and rural area, while the big Gelukpa monasteries established in major route had 1000+ monks. Those lamas might project their dissatisfaction of Gelukpa into DS, who was 'symbol' of Gelukpa's power by that time...So Dorje Shugden and Dalai Lama are 'twin' from this 'sectarian Gelukpa' sense....
Dear Wang,
The fact is, Yong He Gong was built during the reign of Emperor Kangxi and this was when Yongzheng was only a prince. Hence, all royal construction must be approved by the emperor before hand. It was during the reign of Emperor Yongzheng that he converted the palace to a Gelug monastery. It doesn't matter that it was a palace or a temple in the beginning. What matters is that it was built during that period and who built it.
Hence, the temple's legacy was Emperor Kangxi and Emperor Yongzheng's. The temple is a huge legacy for Dorje Shugden to grow within China in the near future. Why? Because Gelug/Tibetan Buddhism is just a label. When the Chinese see this historical site, they will not really identify this as Gelug or Tibetan but Chinese. The practices within this temple is Tsongkhapa and/or Gelugpa, they will readily associate it as Chinese as well. It is in the history books. Now, Dorje Shugden is to be the main Protector of the Gaden tradition. It all adds up.
Although Emperor Kangxi did not openly embrace Tibetan Buddhism or supported it but the construction of the palace which eventually became the temple paved the way for it to enter mainstream Chinese acceptance. That is the lasting legacy of the Emperor Kangxi, emanation of Dorje Shugden. He paved the way for Tsongkhapa's tradition to enter into China. Without this significant temple, acceptance of Je Tsongkhapa or Dorje Shugden would be much harder and would take a lot longer.
Yong He Gong's role is unfinished. It will served as a spiritual legacy for China's past and a heritage that China will eventually tap into as she marches on into the future.
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I am not denying that Kangxi was a great emperor, but 'because he was great, he must be DS' is a very strange logic..
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Wow! Wisdom Being, thank you for the detailed information about Yongegong. I visited the space before and it safeguards some of the most beutiful Buddha images I have ever seen. It is so interesting to reflect that China is motherland to some of the world's most authentic and precious Dharma items and, yet, the current knowledge of Dharma is still quite limited and superficial.
I pray hard that the glory of China as a nation with spiritual wealth to arise swiftly and will combine in harmony with the worldly riches China is building and achieving.
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I am not denying that Kangxi was a great emperor, but 'because he was great, he must be DS' is a very strange logic..
If you read Dreyfus' The Shugden Affair: Origins of a Controversy before, you would have read the below:
[20] In reference to the year 1655 (Wood Sheep), Sum-pa-mkhan-po notes: "[Birth of] the Kangshi emperor renowned as the reincarnation of Tul-ku Drak-ba Gyel-tsen (sprul sku grags rgyan skye bar grags pa'i khang zhi bde skyid rgyal po) (Rehu mig,) 70.
The Rehu mig or chronological tables should refer to the one published in Delhi by International Academy of Indian Culture, 1959,
bod de'i rgyal po ni gzim khang gong ma sprul sku grags rgyan zer ba ni chag(s) sdang gi gtam kho nar zad do/ des na bsod nams chos 'phel ni lo 'dir 'das nas khong dge lugs la thugs zhen ches pas chos bsrung ba'i tshul bzung nas dge lugs pa skyong zhes grags pa bden nam snyam mo/
Anyone who can read good Tibetan can may be go through the text and let us know?
You can read Dreyfus' work here, guess where ???, on the Dalai Lama's website: http://www.dalailama.com/messages/dolgyal-shugden/ganden-tripa/the-shugden-affair-i (http://www.dalailama.com/messages/dolgyal-shugden/ganden-tripa/the-shugden-affair-i)
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I am not denying that Kangxi was a great emperor, but 'because he was great, he must be DS' is a very strange logic..
If you read Dreyfus' The Shugden Affair: Origins of a Controversy before, you would have read the below:
[20] In reference to the year 1655 (Wood Sheep), Sum-pa-mkhan-po notes: "[Birth of] the Kangshi emperor renowned as the reincarnation of Tul-ku Drak-ba Gyel-tsen (sprul sku grags rgyan skye bar grags pa'i khang zhi bde skyid rgyal po) (Rehu mig,) 70.
Thanks! It gives some hint.
I checked that Kangxi was born on 4th May 1654. The Chinese history is quite accurate on this, as there was a specific person to marked important events of the court.
In the wiki, it is said that Dragpa Gyaltsen passed away in 1656. Not sure how accurate it is though...
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I am not denying that Kangxi was a great emperor, but 'because he was great, he must be DS' is a very strange logic..
If you read Dreyfus' The Shugden Affair: Origins of a Controversy before, you would have read the below:
[20] In reference to the year 1655 (Wood Sheep), Sum-pa-mkhan-po notes: "[Birth of] the Kangshi emperor renowned as the reincarnation of Tul-ku Drak-ba Gyel-tsen (sprul sku grags rgyan skye bar grags pa'i khang zhi bde skyid rgyal po) (Rehu mig,) 70.
Thanks! It gives some hint.
I checked that Kangxi was born on 4th May 1654. The Chinese history is quite accurate on this, as there was a specific person to marked important events of the court.
In the wiki, it is said that Dragpa Gyaltsen passed away in 1656. Not sure how accurate it is though...
It could be that he was able to manifest multiple incarnations/mindstreams. This is not surprising with beings who have attained his level of attainments. Kangxi was one of the most loved Chinese emperors of all time, and there were many stories on him that are still told until today. Aside from building many temples he also instituted many reforms in China and revamped the literature and arts of that time. Truly he has done a lot for China and undeniably the most sucessful king in the Qing dynasty followed by Qianlong.
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I don't know much about Kangxi emperor but i find this rather interesting... It got me thinking how powerful the protector is, if Kangxi emperor is claimed to be the emanation of Dorje Shugden. This reaffirmed the power of reincarnation, life after life the precious protector work tirelessly to build a nation of dharma. During Kangxi time, the emperor successfully introduced Buddhism into China and united people. Now, the protector seemed to pick up where he left, in a modern methods same motivation bringing dharma to the chinese if not globally. All the ground work that the protector manifested from lives to lives has not gone wasted, if not we won't be even hearing about the ban and how Buddhism has spread so rapidly! That's true Buddha nature, what more do we want?
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Emperor Kangxi had the longest reign among Chinese emperors and is known as the consolidator of the Qing rule in China. His father was the the Emperor Shunzhi who were rumored to have abdicated to become a monk.
During his reign he consolidated the whole of China, crushed the last remnants of the the Ming loyalist in Southern China, conquered Taiwan and established the western borders of China of the present. Interestingly, he also, personally led an army to retaliate against the Dzungars in Tibet and re installed the 7th Dalai Lama, Kelsang Gyatso.
So Emperor Kangxi has strong link to Tibet and especially to the Gelug school of Buddihism.
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Yes, Emperor Kangxi's contribution is not only towards China, but also towards Buddhism in Tibet.
When the 7th Dalai Lama Kelzang Gyatso was born in 1708, the Dalai Lama's throne in Lhasa was occupied by Ngawang Yeshey Gyatso, who had been installed by Lha-bzang Khan, the Khoshut King of Tibet, as "the real 6th Dalai Lama" in place of Tsangyang Gyatso.
The Tibetans then turned to the Dzungars who in hope that they would free them of Lha-bzang Khan and enable the installation of the 7th Dalai Lama Kelzang Gyatso.
Lha-bzang Khan was defeated and killed by the Dzungars in Lhasa in 1717, but the Dzungars later looted and persecuted the Nyingmas.
The child (7th Dalai Lama) was quietly taken into Lithang Monastery for protection and training as there was a controversy of who/which is the real Dalai Lama at that time.
It was Emperor Kangxi who sponsored the 7th Dalai Lama Kelzang Gyatso's entrance into Kumbum Monastery, and it was marked by a formal ceremony.
An expedition sent by Emperor Kangxi, together with Tibetan forces expelled the Dzungars from Tibet in 1720. They then brought Kelzang Gyatso with them from Kumbum to Lhasa and enthroned him as the 7th Dalai Lama in the Potala Palace. Emperor Kangxi granted the 7th Dalai Lama the title of "the Dalai Lama, the Propagator of the Buddhist Doctrine to Awaken the Public," plus a golden seal of authority.
The 7th Dalai Lama took the novice and also later gelong vows of monkhood from the 5th Panchen Lama Lobsang Yeshi. The 7th Dalai Lama received teachings on all the major Buddhist philosophical treatises and became a scholar and master in both sutra and tantra. He wrote many books, especially on tantra.
Emperor Kangxi declared Tibet a protectorate of the Qing Empire and in 1727 installed two high commissioners, or ambans, and a garrison of Qing troops from China in Lhasa. Polhaney of Tsang, an important Tibetan aristocrat, ruled Tibet with Qing support in 1728–1747.
How Emperor Kangxi helped to restore power to the real (7th) Dalai Lama reminded me of how Dorje Shugden helped the 14th Dalai Lama escape Tibet so that His Holiness could re-establish His Holiness' reign as Dharma King of Tibet (Tibetan Buddhism globally).
I found a picture of the golden seal bestowed by Kangxi, thought I share it with everyone.
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Did you know that the Emperor Kangxi of China was a re-incarnation of Dorje Shugden?
I didn't know, but now I do! thanks for all the detailed information and research by everyone here. Wow Emperor Kangxi was indeed a great emperor! How fortunate that the Chinese had the great blessings to be ruled by an enlightened emperor.
However I do wonder, why was Emperor Kangxi recognised as the emanation of DS? Is it due to the things he did in spreading dharma? Or was there a formal recognition by Tibetan monks (not meaning to say that an enlightened being needs to be endorsed by someone else.. but since not many lay people can recognise an enlightened being when they saw one, how to let them know that they are looking at one)? Is there some sort of pattern that other emanations of DS share to give us a hint that they are indeed emanations of DS?
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I am not denying that Kangxi was a great emperor, but 'because he was great, he must be DS' is a very strange logic..
If you read Dreyfus' The Shugden Affair: Origins of a Controversy before, you would have read the below:
[20] In reference to the year 1655 (Wood Sheep), Sum-pa-mkhan-po notes: "[Birth of] the Kangshi emperor renowned as the reincarnation of Tul-ku Drak-ba Gyel-tsen (sprul sku grags rgyan skye bar grags pa'i khang zhi bde skyid rgyal po) (Rehu mig,) 70.
The Rehu mig or chronological tables should refer to the one published in Delhi by International Academy of Indian Culture, 1959,
bod de'i rgyal po ni gzim khang gong ma sprul sku grags rgyan zer ba ni chag(s) sdang gi gtam kho nar zad do/ des na bsod nams chos 'phel ni lo 'dir 'das nas khong dge lugs la thugs zhen ches pas chos bsrung ba'i tshul bzung nas dge lugs pa skyong zhes grags pa bden nam snyam mo/
Anyone who can read good Tibetan can may be go through the text and let us know?
You can read Dreyfus' work here, guess where ???, on the Dalai Lama's website: [url]http://www.dalailama.com/messages/dolgyal-shugden/ganden-tripa/the-shugden-affair-i[/url] ([url]http://www.dalailama.com/messages/dolgyal-shugden/ganden-tripa/the-shugden-affair-i[/url])
Thank you Vajraprotector... I had been wondering where I could find a record of Emperor Kangxi being the same mindstream as Manjushri.
Of course, when one studies the story of Emperor Kangxi and the achievements he has given China, that his very life is biggest clue...
If there are many Buddhas around trying endlessly to show us the way and create the conditions for us to practice, and if we were to make a list of the "suspicious" people in our lives that may have been Buddhas in action, well... I would have to put Kangxi's name on the list.
Some bits of trivia:
In 1673, Kangxi's government helped to mediate a truce in the Tr?nh–Nguyen War in Vietnam, which had been ongoing for 45 years since 1627. The peace treaty that was signed between the conflicting parties lasted for 101 years until 1774.
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It is amazing to know that Emperor Kangxi and Dorje Shugden shared the same mindstream. In other words, the emperor is the reincarnation of our precious protector. No wonder Dorje Shugden has such strong affinity with China. This proves that Dorje Shugden is a Buddha, he does nothing but to spread dharma life after life. Even in this very life, the Shugden issue how it manifested also directly and indirectly benefiting China. If Dorje Shugden is a demon, I don't think he can even take a good rebirth let alone reincarnated as an emperor.
If the emperor left such a noble mark during his very life time. I am sure whatever we endure now, it will become better in the future. The ban certainly will benefit many by spreading dharma in many ways. Just like His Holiness, untiring in spreading dharma in every where. Whenever His Holiness might be, there is when people hear about the ban and dharma.
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Hehe, after reading this thread, I realize that Dorje Shugden has started his plot since Kangxi time, Look at where is the trend going now? China is one of the most influential country in the world now, but back in Kangxi time, Dorje Shugden already predicted and start plotting seed in China. I don't think spirit can do such prediction and plot, if you say Dorje Shugden is not enlightened being, then I don't know who is enlightened.
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Looks like Dorje Shugden is always connected to His Holiness somehow. From having the 5th Dalai Lama's assistance assasinate Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen (who became Dorje Shugden) to the time Emperor Kangxi (who's an emanation of DS) helped the 7th Dalai Lama and now, the ban from 14th Dalai Lama to practise Dorje Shugden, it is uncanny how 'close' ther proximity and relationship is. If re-incarnations and emanations are of the same mindstream, then how can it be that form the time of the 5th Dalai Lama who composed a praise for Shugden to the 14th Dalai Lama, who practiced DS in the earlier stages of his life, HHDL suddenly changes his mind? Doesn't make much sense to me.
Also, reading from Big Uncle's post, it was Emperor Kangxi who was influential in approving and initiating of the building of the palace (later to become Yong He Gung, a Gelug temple) during his reign. Yong He Gung is now a big draw and attaction in Beijing, and one of the icon for Tibetan Monastery in the world. It houses a large Lama Tsongkhapa statue within. Do remember that Duldzin Drakpa Gyeltsen was a close disciple of Lama Tsongkhapa, who promised Nechung to arise as an uncommon protector, to proctect the teachings on emptiness that Lama Tsongkhapa taught so well and so apt for the Kaliyurga times. So being an emanation of DS, Emperor Kangxi built a Gelug legacy in Beijing, the heart of China! Something pre-planned? hmmm.
Anyways, here's a little about Emperor Kangxi I extracted highlighting his extraordinary capabilities during his successful reign:
"Kangxi (1654-1722), whose full name is Ai Xin Jue Luo Xuan Ye, was the second emperor after the Qing dynasty conquered the central plains. "Kangxi" is his Chinese era name. He was in power for as long as 61 years, being the emperor who reigned for the longest period in the history of China.
Kangxi ascended the throne at the age of eight and, when he was 14, he rooted out the Prime Minister Ao Bai and began to take over reign of the political affairs. During his reign, he got rid of the power of three Feudatories such as Wu Sangui, reoccupied Taiwan, suppressed the revolt of Galdan Khan at Junggar, and resisted the Russia's invasion to Northeast China and signed the Sino-Russian Treaty of Nerchinsk, thus delimiting the borderline of northeast China. He gave much emphasis in dealing with the relations with the northern nomadic minorities and thus stabilized the country of multi-nationalities. Economically, Kangxi adopted a series of policies conducive to the well-being of a nation, such as actively encouraging and rewarding the people to reclaim the wasteland, rehabilitating the hydraulic engineering of the Yellow River, Huai River, and channels, and reforming the tax system. With these policies, he greatly lightened the farmers' burden and finally boosted the development of the agriculture economy, thus preliminarily recovering the social economy destroyed by the wars and slaughters during the early days of the Qing Dynasty. Culturally, he gave special treatment to the intellectual of Han nationality and actively learnt and advocated the Han culture conducive to the feudal reign, thus promoting the culture autarchy of Chinese feudal society to its crest. Yet, in the later years of Kangxi, his inappropriate handling of throne-inheritance issue led to twenty years' combat and clique among his sons. During this period, the administration of officials was neglected and a great number of clans emerged, which in turn directly jeopardized the social stability.
In the history of China's feudalism, Kangxi is undoubtedly an outstanding emperor in both military glory and civic achievements. He stabilized the regime during the early days of the Qing Dynasty and greatly strengthened the centralization of monarch power, propelling China's feudal system to its zenith. He quickly recovered the war-destructed economy and initiated a period of great prosperity in history."
(http://history.cultural-china.com/en/46History211.html (http://history.cultural-china.com/en/46History211.html))
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It is always interesting to read the History of China and this article is extremely so as it builds a relationship between a Great Chinese Emperor and Dorje Shugden. What is most pleasing to share is the comment by one of the post contributors. Read as follows:
"Hehe, after reading this thread, I realize that Dorje Shugden has started his plot since Kangxi time, Look at where is the trend going now? China is one of the most influential country in the world now, but back in Kangxi time, Dorje Shugden already predicted and start plotting seed in China. I don't think spirit can do such prediction and plot, if you say Dorje Shugden is not enlightened being, then I don't know who is enlightened."
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Being born as an emperor, everything and all manner of good things are given to you on a silver platter.
However Kangxi is one of the most hardworking Emperors of all time, he was far sighted in his outlook and visionary. He was fair and when it is not necessary he would not burden his subjects. A rare leader in our long human history, so it not surprising that Kang Xi was an emanation of Dorje Shudgen.