dorjeshugden.com
General Buddhism => General Buddhism => Topic started by: Big Uncle on August 25, 2011, 04:24:57 AM
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As far as my knowledge goes, Dharmapala or Dharma Protector practice originated from India. It came to prominence during the later development of Buddhism in India and this coincides with the rise of Vajrayana and its iconoclastic Mahasiddhas. Today, Dharma Protector practice is highly developed in Vajrayana Tibet, Mongolia, Northern China and India. (And the obvious culmination seems to be in Dorje Shugden) However, certain elements of Dharma Protector worship may still be seen in many old Mahayana temples throughout East Asia with the propitiation of the 4 Heavenly Kings at entrances of major temples.
With this information, I suspect that the Dharma Protector practice came to prominence as a supporting practice for deep Vajrayana practice. Due to the speed, intensity and nature of Vajrayana practices, the Dharma Protector practice was co-developed to assist practitioners to avoid the practitioner from being 'engulfed' by the obstacles and negative karma arising from such a powerful practice. Hence, you will find a major Protector is assigned to each of the main Higher Tantric Practices (practices that can potentially bring enlightenment within one lifetime). The intensity, efficacy of these practices can also mean tremendous obstacle for practice, hence, a special wisdom protector is needed just to practice these Tantras. Examples are 4-Faced Mahakala for Chakrasamvara, Citipati for Vajrayogini, Kalarupa for Yamantaka and so forth.
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Thanks BU for the explanation above but as a newbie... one may ask...
So is it better to get a Dharma protector practice first than a Yidam practice?
Which one is best to introduce to someone completely new to the path and has many obstacles but may be frightened away by the fierce outlook of protectors??
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@dsiluvu : In the normal process, A guru will give you the refuge, then Yidam practice, followed by Protector practice. To receive sign from Yidam practices we needs merits, due to degeneration time, people these days want to have quick fixed instead of spending time meditating, doing the preliminary practices.
The Lama is very compassionate as to receive sign or result through Protector practice, the merits required is lesser than Yidam practices, but by giving the protector practices to modern people, when they see some result, they will slowly want to practice Dharma more. What beautiful is that Dorje Shugden is Manjushri, the 4 drakpas, hence relying solely on Dorje Shugden, not only we can solve our daily problem, we can achieve enlightenment through this powerful protector practice.
Wrathful deities are not only found in Vajrayana, but in Mahayana, Hinduism, Taoism as well. So i think should not be a problem to others to accept once they know the benefit of relying a enlighten Dharma protector.
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So what I gather from the readings here is that the Protector practice works in parallel with the Yidam practice? They work hand in hand for your spiritual growth?
Like when you are struck with a cold, you have a course of antibiotics, but you also have medication for the sorethroat, the cough and the running nose for example.
Is the protector practise the same as this? You have the Yidam practice, but you do protector practise on the side to generate more merits to guide you along the path, so that you clear your self generated obstacles and generate more realizations?
So, is it then compulsory for one to do protector practise?
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I have always been told that to clear obstacles to our Dharma practice we need a protector.
@Manjushri ..... Don't you want to be able to practice your Dharma without obstacles?
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Why we need a protector is because now is the degenerate time where by people often cheat, lie, hurt another person in order to achieve short term happiness, either for money or fame or relationship.
After we taken refuge, or simply we want to be a better person after learning Dharma, other people will still come and hurt us because of the nature of people's mind in this time, Dharma protector protected us from being harmed by other when we practice the Dharma.
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This is what I learnt yesterday:
We live in an era where there are a lot of external attractions to prevent us from practicing the good qualities such as alturism. On a worldly level, A Dharma protector will help us financially so that we can practice Dharma, but on an ultimate level, Dharma protector will help us to stay on the path and practice the good qualities of Buddhas. And when the Dharma protector is Manjushri (i.e. Dorje Shugden), He will give us the wisdom and knowledge to stay on path and have correct views.
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In this degenerate time, we all need a protector. If a protector is not needed, then why would Buddha manifest as a protector or even put on his wrath? It is because our negative karma is huge, so by doing protector practice, they help us to purify our negative karma by helping us to gain merits through our virtuous work and altruism. Why the wrath? because it represents swiftness. So by doing that so we can concentrate and practice dharma, and ultimately achieve the qualities of a Buddha and eventually enlightenment.
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With this information, I suspect that the Dharma Protector practice came to prominence as a supporting practice for deep Vajrayana practice. Due to the speed, intensity and nature of Vajrayana practices, the Dharma Protector practice was co-developed to assist practitioners to avoid the practitioner from being 'engulfed' by the obstacles and negative karma arising from such a powerful practice. Hence, you will find a major Protector is assigned to each of the main Higher Tantric Practices (practices that can potentially bring enlightenment within one lifetime). The intensity, efficacy of these practices can also mean tremendous obstacle for practice, hence, a special wisdom protector is needed just to practice these Tantras. Examples are 4-Faced Mahakala for Chakrasamvara, Citipati for Vajrayogini, Kalarupa for Yamantaka and so forth.
The above is very true. I had a funny thought tho.... if times are so degenerate, and it is so so rare (as my teacher always tells me) to come across the Buddha let alone practice the Dharma, then why don't Dharma Protectors manifest for the Mahayana practitioners as well? I know that some Mahayana traditions like the Japanese Mahayana does have Buddhist protectors, but they are not enlightened nor do the practitioners propitiate them in the Vajrayana sense... or do they? Does anyone have more information about this?
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Thanks BU for the explanation above but as a newbie... one may ask...
So is it better to get a Dharma protector practice first than a Yidam practice?
Which one is best to introduce to someone completely new to the path and has many obstacles but may be frightened away by the fierce outlook of protectors??
In the past, the Lamas would never teach or encourage Dharma Protector practice before Yidam. It is taught as a secondary practice to Yidam and it will always be secondary as the goal of Dharma practice is to reach full enlightnment and the Sadhanas of Yidams are the direct method towards this end. That was in the past where there were less distractions and the merits were generally higher. These days, Lamas have to promote Dharma Protector practice more so than Yidams because that is the degeneration of our times. People are more distracted, have less merits and dwell heavily on material and temporary solutions.
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What Big Uncle say is true. People of today are so overcome by their attachments to mundane things like wealth, relationship, power etc. Dorje Shugden manifested in a worldly form and can fulfill their temporary wishes and help them solve their immediate problems swiftly so that they can be brought to the path of Dharma, When people can see that the effects of their temporary problems being reduced or solved by propitiating Dorje Shugden, they will be more motivated to learn more about Dharma and eventually can be introduced to Yidam practices.
Yidam practice emphasizes on gaining attainments but many people today do not understand the meaning of attainments let alone having a wish to attain it. As such, to introduce Yidam practice immediately will be less effective especially when someone is plagued by many immediate problems.
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I always experience that Protector use to create the conducive conditions for me to continue my dharma journey. Initially, it may be obstacles and problems, but dealt with the problems with positive mind, at the end its for dharma practice.
:)
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I'm not too sure when and where this protector practice start from, but i do understand that dharmapala came in different level or different duty. Eg, Lamrim have 3 protectors to protect 3 different scoops of Buddha's teaching : 6 arms Mahakala, Namtose, Karalupa .
DS is a enlighten protector in his worldly form, DS manifested to protect Lama Tsongkhapa holy teaching during degenerate time.
DS is very powerful because he's no different from Kalarupa, Yamantaka or Manjushri, DS is Manjushri. DS is very suitable for our degenerate time based on his vows. Another reason why DS is so important for us now, it's because DS it the latest, youngest protector among others, which mean his method will be the most updated and suitable for our age. Secondly, DS fulfilled our worldly needs such as money and wishes, by no worries regarding our needs, we will be able to learn more dharma teaching. Thirdly, DS will make sure we will go to a better place, a place that we will have conducive condition to practice Dharma in the future life.
this is just a brief idea why DS is so important for our age. Please share with us if someone have any better understanding...
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So, is it then compulsory for one to do protector practise?
Hi Manjushri, it is not a matter of compulsory for one to do protector practice or not. But if one has the merits to receive a protector's practice, why not do it as dharma protector practice is very efficacious to clear away obstacles and create a conducive environment for us on our spiritual path.
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As mentioned during this degenerate time, we have a lot of negative karma and so much of distraction.
It's not easy for the people at this era to fully concentrate or focus on their spiritual practice. Protector practice is the most suitable practice at this time to assist most people to pacify their obstacle and to help generate more merit for them to gain attainment.
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Does it mean in this degenerate time, our main practice should be the protector practice if one has not received any Yidam practice from one's Guru? If a person does not have a guru yet but is interested in practising, should he/she start with protector practice first?
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A Dharma protector is an emanation of a Buddha or Bodhisattva whose main function are to avert the inner and outer obstacles that prevent practitioners from gaining spiritual realisations and arrange all the necessary conditions for their practice.
Though there are some worldly dieties who are friendly towards Buddhism and who try to help practitioners,they are not real Dharma protectors.Such worldly dieties are able to increase the external wealth of practitioners and help them to succeed.in their worldly activities,but do not have the wisdom or the power to protect the development of Dharma within a practitioner's mind.
A Dharma protector will remove all obstacles so that we can practice smoothly.
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Does it mean in this degenerate time, our main practice should be the protector practice if one has not received any Yidam practice from one's Guru? If a person does not have a guru yet but is interested in practising, should he/she start with protector practice first?
We need to generate enough merits to meet a Guru and receive a yidam practice from him. Dharma protector’s practice like Dorje Shugden will help remove obstacles so that we can practice smoothly.
For newbies, they may not understand the meaning of yidam practice, attainments or enlightenment and if introduced to them it will be less effective. They may still be attached to worldly things so dharma protector practice like Dorje Shugdenwill be most appropriate as He can grant them their wishes, help them solve their immediate problems and guide them (as Dorje Shugden is also Manjushri) towards the dharma, and eventually meet a Guru.
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Since we are on the page of Dorje Shugden as our dharma protector, I was told that Dorje Shugden can be propitiated as the guru, yidam and protector.
We can see why this is possible, I have only heard this happened to the DS oracle when in trance, Karche Marpo would come and give extensive teachings for hours, which protector can do that through the oracle? And of course, the king would come to clear our obstacles but he usually stays for a short while only. The fact that Dorje Shugden is the enmanation of Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen, a lama whose status and popularity even surpassed the fifth Dalai Lama then, makes it easy to comprehend that Dorje Shugden is the uncommon protector of this age and time.
By the way, who doesn't want their spiritual journey to be as smooth as as the palms of one's hand?
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Oh yes, I have heard of this before. That a protector is 'assigned' to the practitioner before starting them on their practice. I was attracted to Dorje Shugden before I know much about protector practices or Buddhism. I have been told that due to the degenerating times, we have lots of accumulated much negative karma that will distract us from our Dharma path hence a protector is very good in helping us clear our obstacles and bring positive results during our practice. The best part is that all protectors are Enlightened beings who are emanation of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. ;D
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Why now is in degenerate tiem - because most of us are full with delusion mind and we only looking for the short term happiness with can gain from fame, name and material achievement, we are not seeking for ultimate happiness with is enlightenment anymore, even we do but our practice not progress fast like what we know and learn.
Since our minds are full with delusions and we want everything in the quick fix way, therefore dharma protector is the most needed for us now, until our mind stable and gain some understanding then we will receive the teaching of yidam as it require more vows, commitment and discipline etc in order to collect merit or get a result.
Dharma protector is mainly to clear our obstacles in lower and higher scope ie problem with finance, protection, success and obstacles in spiritual path etc when our 'problem' are settled then our mind calm down and faith increase and we want to learn more..
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Oh yes, I have heard of this before. That a protector is 'assigned' to the practitioner before starting them on their practice. I was attracted to Dorje Shugden before I know much about protector practices or Buddhism. I have been told that due to the degenerating times, we have lots of accumulated much negative karma that will distract us from our Dharma path hence a protector is very good in helping us clear our obstacles and bring positive results during our practice. The best part is that all protectors are Enlightened beings who are emanation of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. ;D
Hi Bambi.. I would like to correct you on one thing... not all protectors are Enlightened Beings. Nechung the principal protector divinity of the Tibetan government and the Dalai Lama is NOT an Enlightened Protector. Enlightened Dharma Protectors are manifestations of Buddhas, and Dorje Shugen an emanation of Manjushri is one!
And amongst Protectors, there are Common and Uncommon Protectors. Common Protectors being Protectors that protect the Dharma/Buddhism in general and Uncommon Protectors protect a specific teaching or lineage. Dorje Shugden arose as an Uncommon Protector in order to safeguard and protect Tsongkhapa's teachings but does that mean Dorje Shugden wont help outside his so called realm of protection? Of course not... because Dorje Shugden is an enlightened being.
I found an interesting except from HHDL book "Freedom in Exile", that mentions the unique relation HHDL has with Nechung:
"For hundreds of years now, it has been traditional for the Dalai Lama, and the Government, to consult Nechung during the New Year festivals. In addition, he might well be called upon at other times if either have specific queries. I myself have dealings with him several times a year This may sound far-fetched to twentieth-century western readers. Even some Tibetans, mostly those who consider themselves ’progressive’, have misgivings about my continued use of this ancient method of intelligence gathering.
But I do so for the simple reason that as I look back over the many occasions when I have asked questions of the oracle, on each one of them time has proved that his answer was correct. This is not to say that I rely solely on the oracle’s advice. I do not. I seek his opinion in the same way as I seek the opinion of my Cabinet and just as I seek the opinion of my own conscience. I consider the gods to be my ’upper house’. The Kashag constitutes my lower house. Like any other leader, I consult both before making a decision on affairs of state. And sometimes, in addition to Nechung’s counsel, I also take into consideration certain prophecies.
"In one respect, the responsibility of Nechung and the responsibility of the Dalai Lama towards Tibet are the same, though we act in different ways. My task, that of leadership, is peaceful. His, in his capacity as protector and defender, is wrathful.
However, although our functions are similar, my relationship with Nechung is that of commander to lieutenant: I never bow down to him. It is for Nechung to bow to the Dalai Lama. Yet we are very close, friends almost. When I was small, it was touching. Nechung liked me a lot and always took great care of me. For example, if he noticed that I had dressed carelessly or improperly, he would come over and rearrange my shirt, adjust my robe and so on.
"Nechung has always shown respect for me. Even when his relations with the Government have deteriorated, as they did during the last few years of the Regency, he invariably responds enthusiastically whenever asked anything about me. At the same time, his replies to questions about government policy can be crushing. Sometimes he just responds with a burst of sarcastic laughter. I well remember a particular incident that occurred when I was about fourteen. Nechung was asked a question about China.
Rather than answer it directly, the Kuten turned towards the East and began bending forward violently. It was frightening to watch, knowing that this movement combined with the weight of the massive helmet he wore on his head would be enough to snap his neck. He did it at least fifteen times, leaving no one in any doubt about where the danger lay.
"Dealing with Nechung is by no means easy. It takes time and patience during each encounter before he will open up. He is very reserved and austere, just as you would imagine a grand old man of ancient times to be. Nor does he bother with minor matters: his interest is only in the larger issues, so it pays to frame questions accordingly. He also has definite likes and dislikes, but he does not show them very readily.
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Oh yes, I have heard of this before. That a protector is 'assigned' to the practitioner before starting them on their practice. I was attracted to Dorje Shugden before I know much about protector practices or Buddhism. I have been told that due to the degenerating times, we have lots of accumulated much negative karma that will distract us from our Dharma path hence a protector is very good in helping us clear our obstacles and bring positive results during our practice. The best part is that all protectors are Enlightened beings who are emanation of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. ;D
Hi Bambi.. I would like to correct you on one thing... not all protectors are Enlightened Beings. Nechung the principal protector divinity of the Tibetan government and the Dalai Lama is NOT an Enlightened Protector. Enlightened Dharma Protectors are manifestations of Buddhas, and Dorje Shugen an emanation of Manjushri is one!
And amongst Protectors, there are Common and Uncommon Protectors. Common Protectors being Protectors that protect the Dharma/Buddhism in general and Uncommon Protectors protect a specific teaching or lineage. Dorje Shugden arose as an Uncommon Protector in order to safeguard and protect Tsongkhapa's teachings but does that mean Dorje Shugden wont help outside his so called realm of protection? Of course not... because Dorje Shugden is an enlightened being.
I found an interesting except from HHDL book "Freedom in Exile", that mentions the unique relation HHDL has with Nechung:
"For hundreds of years now, it has been traditional for the Dalai Lama, and the Government, to consult Nechung during the New Year festivals. In addition, he might well be called upon at other times if either have specific queries. I myself have dealings with him several times a year This may sound far-fetched to twentieth-century western readers. Even some Tibetans, mostly those who consider themselves ’progressive’, have misgivings about my continued use of this ancient method of intelligence gathering.
But I do so for the simple reason that as I look back over the many occasions when I have asked questions of the oracle, on each one of them time has proved that his answer was correct. This is not to say that I rely solely on the oracle’s advice. I do not. I seek his opinion in the same way as I seek the opinion of my Cabinet and just as I seek the opinion of my own conscience. I consider the gods to be my ’upper house’. The Kashag constitutes my lower house. Like any other leader, I consult both before making a decision on affairs of state. And sometimes, in addition to Nechung’s counsel, I also take into consideration certain prophecies.
"In one respect, the responsibility of Nechung and the responsibility of the Dalai Lama towards Tibet are the same, though we act in different ways. My task, that of leadership, is peaceful. His, in his capacity as protector and defender, is wrathful.
However, although our functions are similar, my relationship with Nechung is that of commander to lieutenant: I never bow down to him. It is for Nechung to bow to the Dalai Lama. Yet we are very close, friends almost. When I was small, it was touching. Nechung liked me a lot and always took great care of me. For example, if he noticed that I had dressed carelessly or improperly, he would come over and rearrange my shirt, adjust my robe and so on.
"Nechung has always shown respect for me. Even when his relations with the Government have deteriorated, as they did during the last few years of the Regency, he invariably responds enthusiastically whenever asked anything about me. At the same time, his replies to questions about government policy can be crushing. Sometimes he just responds with a burst of sarcastic laughter. I well remember a particular incident that occurred when I was about fourteen. Nechung was asked a question about China.
Rather than answer it directly, the Kuten turned towards the East and began bending forward violently. It was frightening to watch, knowing that this movement combined with the weight of the massive helmet he wore on his head would be enough to snap his neck. He did it at least fifteen times, leaving no one in any doubt about where the danger lay.
"Dealing with Nechung is by no means easy. It takes time and patience during each encounter before he will open up. He is very reserved and austere, just as you would imagine a grand old man of ancient times to be. Nor does he bother with minor matters: his interest is only in the larger issues, so it pays to frame questions accordingly. He also has definite likes and dislikes, but he does not show them very readily.
Thank you Positive Change. Nechung belongs to a class of Protectors that are oath-bound by a Lama like in Nechung's case, Guru Rinpoche. They are powerful beings that are bound by their oaths to protect Buddhism. They are in no way, suitable objects for refuge because of the unenlightened state of mind. However, someone like Nechung would have been sufficiently advance for having served his oath to Guru Rinpoche for hundreds of years now.
Hence, you will see that he was instrumental in creating the cause for Dorje Shugden to arise. He is also the Protector that gave Dorje Shugden his name and today, he is the proponent of the Dorje Shugden ban along with the Dalai Lama. According to a prophecy, Nechung is expected to transcend his worldly state of existence and join the ranks of enlightened Protectors. Hence, Dorje Shugden is prophesied to take over from Nechung and be the main Dharma Protector of our times. It is believe that this transfer of power would occur within our lifetime. Perhaps, it will happen when the Dorje Shugden ban gets lifted.