Author Topic: Promoting Dorje Shugden. PERIOD.  (Read 21148 times)

honeydakini

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Re: Promoting Dorje Shugden. PERIOD.
« Reply #30 on: March 15, 2010, 01:46:28 PM »
Maybe this what Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche meant when he said have faith in the Dalia Lama?

"When someone I have benefited and in whom
I have placed great trust, hurts me very badly
I will practise seeing that person
as my supreme teacher."



Thanks for the apt reminder! The 8 verses are a real treasure. I think, in fact, all of the 8 verses serve as wonderful reminders to us during this time.

It is extremely helpful to contemplate these 8 verses in any difficulty - in this context, I think it helps particularly in constantly reminding us of our motivation within our spiritual practice, and to hold a very patient view that will not, under any circumstances, create any more harm or damage to anyone, even our perceived enemies.

I think this is why the monks and Lamas of monasteries such as Shar Gaden and Serpom are such an inspiration to us. To me, it is precisely because they do not retaliate or cause any more harm or damage to anyone, but instead practice even stronger, more ardently, more patiently, and with even more effort, commitment and devotion. They are essentially practising these 8 verses and by that, it is the most excellent promotion of Je Tsongkhapa's tradition and Dorje Shugden.

Anyway, these 8 verses are a wonderful guide for any of us to live by so I thank you for posting this on the forum.

Vajraprotector

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Re: Promoting Dorje Shugden. PERIOD.
« Reply #31 on: March 15, 2010, 11:07:09 PM »
Maybe this what Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche meant when he said have faith in the Dalia Lama?

"When someone I have benefited and in whom
I have placed great trust, hurts me very badly
I will practise seeing that person
as my supreme teacher."



Thanks for the apt reminder! The 8 verses are a real treasure. I think, in fact, all of the 8 verses serve as wonderful reminders to us during this time.
I think this is why the monks and Lamas of monasteries such as Shar Gaden and Serpom are such an inspiration to us. To me, it is precisely because they do not retaliate or cause any more harm or damage to anyone, but instead practice even stronger, more ardently, more patiently, and with even more effort, commitment and devotion. They are essentially practising these 8 verses and by that, it is the most excellent promotion of Je Tsongkhapa's tradition and Dorje Shugden.

Dear Honeydakini,
This is truly a great reminder. We cannot just rely on Shugden in thought, by in our actions by engaging in Dharma contemplation & practices during the most challenging time.

I am sure many  Shugden practitioners have endure great difficulties, disappointments, and betrayal. May all these be dedicated towards the real growth of Dharma & Je Tsongkhapa’s teachings to benefit many.


honeydakini

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Re: Promoting Dorje Shugden. PERIOD.
« Reply #32 on: March 24, 2010, 05:31:49 PM »
I think if we talk about promoting Dorje Shugden (Yes, i know, I apologise. I don't really like the word "promote" either as it's very commercial-talk... but u know what I am trying to say), I think the best reflections of Dorje Shugden and the essence of his practice are ds practitioners such as those hundreds of monks in Serpom and Shar Gaden monasteries.

They will win over the hearts of the world by acting exactly as the Dharma always teaches us - with non violence, resilience and great faith and devotion to the lineage and practices.

In spite of all that they have had to go through, they have not uttered any bad words against the Dalai lama or any other Lamas; in spite of the abuse they have had to go through by their own people turning against them, they do not retaliate. They just start up again and continue their practice peacefully without any complaint or bad words or actions.

In the light of all that is happening, people on the outside - in the rest of the world - will look at the two "camps" and realise that the supposedly "harmful, evil" sect are the peaceful, non-violent, non-harmful, non-political ones that actually uphold the teachings; and that the supposedly "good guys" are the ones ostracising their own people, breaking people's statues and attacking individual's homes.

As far as defending their spiritual leader goes, these DL supporters are not doing very much at all for showing a good face to their faith.

Shar Gaden and Serpom monasteries however, show what DS practice is really about and their actions accord exactly to the requirements to do DS's practice which are to hold our vows, practise the Lama and maintain good samaya with our gurus.

Middleway

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Re: Promoting Dorje Shugden. PERIOD.
« Reply #33 on: March 25, 2010, 06:11:12 PM »
I think if we talk about promoting Dorje Shugden (Yes, i know, I apologise. I don't really like the word "promote" either as it's very commercial-talk... but u know what I am trying to say), I think the best reflections of Dorje Shugden and the essence of his practice are ds practitioners such as those hundreds of monks in Serpom and Shar Gaden monasteries.

They will win over the hearts of the world by acting exactly as the Dharma always teaches us - with non violence, resilience and great faith and devotion to the lineage and practices.

In spite of all that they have had to go through, they have not uttered any bad words against the Dalai lama or any other Lamas; in spite of the abuse they have had to go through by their own people turning against them, they do not retaliate. They just start up again and continue their practice peacefully without any complaint or bad words or actions.

In the light of all that is happening, people on the outside - in the rest of the world - will look at the two "camps" and realise that the supposedly "harmful, evil" sect are the peaceful, non-violent, non-harmful, non-political ones that actually uphold the teachings; and that the supposedly "good guys" are the ones ostracising their own people, breaking people's statues and attacking individual's homes.

As far as defending their spiritual leader goes, these DL supporters are not doing very much at all for showing a good face to their faith.

Shar Gaden and Serpom monasteries however, show what DS practice is really about and their actions accord exactly to the requirements to do DS's practice which are to hold our vows, practise the Lama and maintain good samaya with our gurus.

When you say 'bad' words - are you refering to calling the DL a liar etc?

You make the process of them 'just standing up again' sound very easy.  I very much apreciate the reminders to practice 'accepting the defeat' posted in this thread, it is an essential internal action to base our outer actions of solving the outer problems of homeless monks & lineage destruction on.  I know many of the monks in the new DS monasteries have apreciated these actions, both inner and outer.

dsnowlion

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Re: Promoting Dorje Shugden. PERIOD.
« Reply #34 on: March 26, 2010, 12:34:58 PM »
Is there really NO MIDDLE PATH to this matter???

Must it really be for or against?

It's either condemn HH the Dalai Lama or condemn Dorje Shugden. Both sides looks quite political and the same to me. What will all this commotion create in the minds of new comers? Does it create a good reputation for the Shugden practitioners and how will people view this practice in the end?

Is the action we take justify the many minds we will turn away from the Dharma? I indirectly affecting othe rpeople's spiritual paths?

I know that it is also injustice to allow the existing Dorje Shugden practitioners to suffer this persecution, it is unfair and of course not right. However, I think we the practitioners being more firm in Dharma and faith would be able to shoulder the hard times we are facing now. It is like purification before a great teaching or something hugely beneficial to arise (Dorje Shugden ban lifted and we can spread and or practice openly).

I guess we will seriously think which is really more important and most beneficial in the long term and for the future?

Middleway

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Re: Promoting Dorje Shugden. PERIOD.
« Reply #35 on: March 26, 2010, 02:07:00 PM »
"Is there really NO MIDDLE PATH to this matter???"

The Middle Way is internal.  Like being peaceful while not shirking from forceful actions.

honeydakini

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Re: Promoting Dorje Shugden. PERIOD.
« Reply #36 on: March 26, 2010, 04:12:31 PM »
Is there really NO MIDDLE PATH to this matter???

Must it really be for or against?

It's either condemn HH the Dalai Lama or condemn Dorje Shugden. Both sides looks quite political and the same to me. What will all this commotion create in the minds of new comers? Does it create a good reputation for the Shugden practitioners and how will people view this practice in the end?

Is the action we take justify the many minds we will turn away from the Dharma? I indirectly affecting othe rpeople's spiritual paths?


I agree with what you're saying and I also feel your frustration in terms of trying to find this middle way. Sometimes, it feels like if you don't speak out against Dalai Lama, then you're not a "good" DS practitioner; if you don't speak out against Dorje Shugden, then you are a "bad" student of the Dalai Lama. What if someone really just DOES NOT WISH TO SPEAK AGAINST either side? what if someone was truly trying to encourage a path that mutually respected both sides? Remember that for many people, this is the dilemma they are facing - they DO respect and love both sides and DON'T wish to speak out against either. However, it seems that that option is disallowed or pooh-poohed and that you're not being authentic or sincere if you don't choose to be forceful towards one side or the other.

PS When I said "bad words" I didn't mean calling Dalai Lama a liar etc. I meant that they don't overtly criticise his actions or say anything derogatory against him or any of his side. They don't go around rallying other people to speak badly against the Dalai Lama; unlike what DL's side is doing which is to rally people against DS. I found this aspect of their practice inspiring because they show me that it is not about what is happening on the outside but about how they can continue with the practice, whether or not it is easy. This is what I personally find most inspiring in these monks. It is what I personally find a lot of strength in and reaffirms to me what a beautiful lineage of practices they come from. However, apparently, it increasingly feels like seeing things from this positive perspective is not enough and that because I don't support people speaking out against DL or using wrathful, forceful actions, I "am wrong" and a bad bad bad practitioner.

Different strokes for different folks - why is it so difficult to understand that there are simply some people who do not wish to speak out against others or use forceful actions? I can understand why people do it and I understand also that it has been beneficial in many ways, but it is not a method that I would personally choose. There can't be just ONE WAY of approaching this situation can there? Yes, perhaps some may choose this more forceful method, but I don't think a more peaceful, positive, encouraging method should be so quickly dismissed either.

dsnowlion

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Re: Promoting Dorje Shugden. PERIOD.
« Reply #37 on: March 26, 2010, 04:34:57 PM »
It's Tiring Tiring Tiring Tiring! I am quite TIRED of this. You said it honey! 

Instead of swimming with the current we are pushing against it and I am so uninspired by both sides of the story especially when is like one liners that is supposedly a justification for it all. To me if you accuse someone who has done so much then it makes no different and karma right back at you when u get accused back. You slap me I slap you back like a ping pong ball it goes and I guess eventually who ever gets Tired will in the end stop and Amen some peace will come?

I am sorry but I just simply do not see How one side can be better then the other when they do the same thing in their own defense. Same strategy by blatantly degrading one another makes everyone degraded.

If I was an outsider checking this website out and looking in the discussion amongst us I think I'd be super turn off and turn off from any Tibetan Buddhism completely. Like I need more stress in my life that is already stressful enough. No Thanks! Perhaps more facts and info that inspires and build faith like what TK always post would bring a breath of fresher air. I always enjoy his/her post.

Now there is a lot of accusations on the Tibetan forum Phayul regarding Pabongkha Rinpoche forcefully converted people and also destroyed a lot of Nyingma statues... does anyone know about this and can clarify??? What's this about as I don't think Pabongkha did it or did it to harm? Is it True?

Middleway

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Re: Promoting Dorje Shugden. PERIOD.
« Reply #38 on: March 26, 2010, 05:42:36 PM »
Honeydakini:

maybe I misunderstood you - I definitely support your freedom not to protest against the DL & to hold whatever you wish. All I want to do is debate the point that is often forwarded at the mo that says the DL is promoting DS practice via the ban so therefore we should not criticise him. Or the view that criticising him is in itself bad anyway.

DSsnowlion - maybe some people are angry with the Dalai Lama & you are right, where this exists it is damaging. But most people I think are engaging in actions which are worlds apart from those of the DL. Not everyone will be able to make that discrimination, but I think a lot will. In fact I'm sure of it and I have met many people who are not Buddhist but understand very well the good qualities of speaking out firmly against injustice. We have a lot of experience in the west of doing this & intelligent people can see.

crazycloud

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Re: Promoting Dorje Shugden. PERIOD.
« Reply #39 on: March 26, 2010, 06:34:46 PM »

 What if someone really just DOES NOT WISH TO SPEAK AGAINST either side? what if someone was truly trying to encourage a path that mutually respected both sides?


Not speaking against either side is always an option. As is not speaking, period.

Quote

Remember that for many people, this is the dilemma they are facing - they DO respect and love both sides and DON'T wish to speak out against either. However, it seems that that option is disallowed or pooh-poohed and that you're not being authentic or sincere if you don't choose to be forceful towards one side or the other.

This is a fallacy. The option to not speak out against either side has not been poo-pooed to my knowledge. What is being poo pooed are silly strategems based on nothing but a vague longing for surface harmony that make a mockery of reason and precision.

Je Tsongkhapa said :
 
Limiting things to two possibilities-either things intrinsically exist or they do not- derives from the universal limitation that anything imaginable either exists or does not exist. Similarly, the limitation that what truly exists must either truly exist as single or truly exist as plural is based on the universal limitation that anything must eihter be singular or plural. When there is such a limitation, any further alternative must necessarily be precluded:"hence it is utter nonsense to assert a phenomenon that is neither of these two.

Do you see where I am going with this?

Confused spiritual people often get stuck in this view that it can never be one thing, and not another. full stop. People misunderstand emptiness to mean some kind of radical relativism, even conventionally.

I am saying that the Dalai Lama is wrong on this matter. Full Stop. The idea that this means i do not respect him has already been dealt with extensively on this forum and shown to be nonsense. The idea that this means i do not love him is the same.

You always have the option to keep quiet, but once you take up a point of view, please try not to be discouraged if it is demonstrated to be untenable.

The contortions that some go through here to try to come up with a point of view that makes everything alright just the way it is appears to me to be a psuedo-spiritual cop out, an abdication of personal responsibility.

Saying the DL is "promoting" this practice is akin to saying Hitler was promoting the Jews. It's just silly, kind of insulting and dangerous, in my opinion.

The view of profound secret mantra is secret, so if you think the DL is Avalokiteshvara, respect him as such and keep it to yourself. I won't bore you by trying to assert my view that my own spiritual guide is Manjushri, as these are matters of view, not of fact.

Quote
PS When I said "bad words" I didn't mean calling Dalai Lama a liar etc. I meant that they don't overtly criticise his actions or say anything derogatory against him or any of his side. They don't go around rallying other people to speak badly against the Dalai Lama; unlike what DL's side is doing which is to rally people against DS. I found this aspect of their practice inspiring because they show me that it is not about what is happening on the outside but about how they can continue with the practice, whether or not it is easy.

you are misinterpreting what is happening. Many of these don't speak out because they have samaya with DL. Many don't speak out because they don't want to be burned out of their homes, called a chinese spy, kicked out of their monastery, have their children followed home from school, see wanted posters of themselves posted around their community telling where their wives and children work and what time they can be found etc etc.

Quote
This is what I personally find most inspiring in these monks. It is what I personally find a lot of strength in and reaffirms to me what a beautiful lineage of practices they come from. However, apparently, it increasingly feels like seeing things from this positive perspective is not enough and that because I don't support people speaking out against DL or using wrathful, forceful actions, I "am wrong" and a bad bad bad practitioner.


I don't think anyone has said you are a bad practitioner, or even implied it,  have they? That is really your own business. Some say you are wrong, it that really such a big deal? Have you never disagreed with someone before? I'm not sure what the big trauma is here....I think it is ok for someone not to agree with your views, don't you?

Quote
Different strokes for different folks - why is it so difficult to understand that there are simply some people who do not wish to speak out against others or use forceful actions?

see above

Quote
I can understand why people do it and I understand also that it has been beneficial in many ways, but it is not a method that I would personally choose. There can't be just ONE WAY of approaching this situation can there? Yes, perhaps some may choose this more forceful method, but I don't think a more peaceful, positive, encouraging method should be so quickly dismissed either.

there I agree with you. Please be as peaceful and positive, as encouraging as you can possibly be!

The thing is, you continuously encourage others to see it your way, but get offended when your view is challenged.
I do not dismiss your method, but I do dismiss your idea that your method should be my method, and I will dispute wrong views where I find them. I hope you are not offended.

I have used strong language in my posts, as i often do. It is my heartfelt prayer that you do not take it personally, I feel I am attacking a view, not a person. I wish you all the best, and would like to consider you my friend. This is just how i talk to my friends. In the spirit of friendship and peace, I encourage you to prove me wrong, I will rejoice in your wisdom.

best wishes,

cc

Geronimo

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Re: Promoting Dorje Shugden. PERIOD.
« Reply #40 on: March 31, 2010, 12:48:18 AM »
Ten Reasons Why Dorje Shugden is Considered a Buddha

1. Dorje Shugden is the last incarnation in a lineage of enlightened Masters

Dorje Shugden arose from an incarnation lineage of enlightened Teachers. As the highly realized Master, Tagpo Kelsang Khedrub Rinpoche, said:

You have manifested in different aspects
As Indian and Tibetan Masters,
Such as Manjushri, Mahasiddha Biwawa, Sakya Pandita,
Buton Rinchen Drub, Duldzin Dragpa Gyaltsen, Panchen Sonam Dragpa, and many others.

Their life stories are explained in theOM BENZA WIKI BITRANA SOHA!

 OM DHARMAPALA MAHA RADZA BENDZA BEGAWANA RUDRA
PANTSA KULA SARVA SHATRUM MARAYA HUM PHAT!
(entourage)

By just recollecting you for an instant, outer and inner
Obstructions are dispelled. O powerful five families
Of Gyalchen Shugden, bestower of the four activities,
To the Dharmapala and his entourage I bow down.

 

OM VAJRASATTVA …

Whatever I have done incorrectly
Through not finding, not knowing,
Or lack of ability,
Please be patient with all of these.
By remaining together with this image
For the sake of all migrators,
May you grant us long life without illness,
Power, and supreme attainments!
OM SU PRATISHTA BENDZA YE SOHA!

By the virtue arising through my effort,
With pure motive in this method,
May all beings be cared for inseparably
By peaceful and wrathful Manjushri from life to life!

May the Venerable Gurus’ lives be firmly stable,
May pure activities flourish to the ten directions,
And may the lamp of Losang’s Teachings remain forever,
Dispelling darkness of the three realms’ beings.

In all lives may we be inseparable from the perfect Guru,
Enjoy the glory of Dharma, and,
Fully completing all qualities of the paths and grounds,
Swiftly attain the state of Vajradhara.

By this virtue may I quickly, having attained the state of Guru Buddha,
Establish every being without exception in that state.

That the Dharma King Tsong Khapa’s pure Dharma tradition flourish
May obstructive omens be eliminated and conducive conditions
Without exception be complete!

In dependence on the two combined accumulations
Of myself and others over the three times,
May the Conqueror Losang Drakpa’s
Teachings flourish for a very long time.

May there be auspiciousness of the root and lineage Gurus!
May there be auspiciousness of the hosts of yidam deities!
May there be auspiciousness of the goddesses, dakas, and dakinis!
May there be auspiciousness of the Dharma protector guardians!

In that snow-mountain encircled land,
Source of every benefit and joy,
May Lord Tenzin Gyatso, Chenresig,
Live forever ’till the end of existence!
 book Heart Jewel. Since his lineage is enlightened, Dorje Shugden is a Buddha too.

2. Dorje Shugden could not be subdued by the 5th Dalai Lama or other Lamas

When Ngatrul Dragpa Gyaltsen, the last human incarnation, manifested as the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden (as he had predicted he would do), the 5th Dalai Lama initially developed the mistaken idea that he was a spirit and tried to subdue him through performing wrathful fire pujas. Although he and many high Lamas tried to destroy Dorje Shugden, they were not able to because he is a Buddha. This is explained by Tagpo Kelsang Khedrub Rinpoche in his praise of Dorje Shugden, Infinite Aeons:

Then, although four undisputed powerful Tantrikas,
With concentration, began wrathful rituals to strike you down,
Through the power of having completed Guhyasamaja's two stages,
You would not be silenced, and showed signs of heroism; praise to you!

3. Dorje Shugden’s form teaches the paths of Sutra and Tantra

Dorje Shugden's form teaches the complete stages of the path of Sutra and Tantra, and such qualities are not possessed by the forms of worldly beings.

He appears as a fully ordained monk to show that the practice of pure moral discipline is essential for those who wish to attain enlightenment. In his left hand he holds a heart, which symbolize great compassion and spontaneous great bliss – the essence of all the stages of the vast path of Sutra and Tantra. His round yellow hat represents the view of Nagarjuna, and the wisdom sword in his right hand (like the one held by Manjushri and Je Tsongkhapa) teaches us to sever ignorance, the root of samsara, with the sharp blade of Nagarjuna’s view. This is the essence of all the stages of the profound path of Sutra and Tantra. He rides a snow lion, symbolizing the four fearlessnesses of a Buddha.

Explanation of his remaining features can be found in Heart Jewel, as can the specific enlightened function of each of the thirty-two Deities of his mandala, which are explained in a prayer written by Sachen Kunlo, one of the great Sakya Lamas.

Only enlightened beings display a meaningful aspect that teaches the entire path to enlightenment. Therefore, Dorje Shugden is a Buddha.

4. Dorje Shugden is the incarnation of the five Buddha families

Dorje Shugden is the incarnation of the five Buddha families and appears in five forms that symbolize the five families. These forms are explained in Heart Jewel and are called 'the five lineages of Dorje Shugden'. The principal Deity, Duldzin Dorje Shugden rides a snow lion. Vairochana Shugden is white and rides an elephant. Ratna Shugden is yellow and rides a palomino horse. Pema Shugden is red and rides a turquoise dragon. Karma Shugden is dark red and rides a wrathful Garuda bird. These forms also symbolize Dorje Shugden's attainment of pacifying, increasing, controlling and wrathful actions and his main form as Duldzin symbolizes the supreme attainment – enlightenment itself.

Since Dorje Shugden is the manifestation of the five Buddha families, there is no doubt that he is the same enlightened nature as Buddha Vajradhara.

5. Dorje Shugden is the same nature as Manjushri, Je Tsongkhapa, Mahakala and Kalarupa

Dorje Shugden is the same nature as Je Tsongkhapa – they are the same person performing different functions. Many Dorje Shugden sadhanas state that Dorje Shugden is the embodiment of the “Guru, Yidam, and Protector”, where “Guru” refers specifically to Lama Tsongkhapa. When we practice the sadhana of Dorje Shugden, we are indirectly practising the Guru yoga of Je Tsongkhapa. Gelugpa practitioners who have a sincere trust in Dorje Shugden will have no difficulty in generating unshakeable faith in Je Tsongkhapa and his teachings.

Both Je Tsongkhapa (‘peaceful Manjushri’) and Dorje Shugden (‘wrathful Manjushri’) are manifestations of the Wisdom Buddha Manjushri, as are the Dharma Protectors four-faced Mahakala and Kalarupa. Therefore, they are all the same enlightened nature.

6. Dorje Shugden’s mandala Deities are the same nature as the body mandala Deities of Lama Losang Tubwang Dorjechang

The Deities of Dorje Shugden’s mandala are the same nature as the Deities of the body mandala of Lama Losang Tubwang Dorjechang, who is in essence Je Tsongkhapa.

Lama Losang Tubwang Dorjechang is the principal object of refuge in the blessed Gelug practice of Offering to the Spiritual Guide (Tib: Lama Chöpa), which comes from Manjushri’s Emanation Scripture. In this practice we visualize within his body the thirty-two Deities of Guhyasamaja. These thirty-two Deities manifest as the thirty-two Deities of Dorje Shugden's mandala, indicating that Dorje Shugden is the same nature as Je Tsongkhapa and Guhyasamaja and thus a fully enlightened being.

Of the Deities of the five lineages of Dorje Shugden explained above, the principal Deity is Duldzin Dorje Shugden, who is the manifestation of the aggregate of consciousness of Lama Losang Tubwang Dorjechang. The remaining four lineages are manifestations of Lama Losang Tubwang Dorjechang’s remaining four aggregates. Je Tsongkhapa himself therefore manifests as an enlightened Protector and retinue to protect his Ganden tradition.

7. The practice of Dorje Shugden was taught by Je Tsongkhapa in Tushita Pure Land

Dorje Shugden arose as the principal Protector of Je Tsongkhapa's doctrine over 300 years ago, at the time of the Fifth Dalai Lama, who composed the first verse of praise to him. However, the current system of empowerment and worship is more recent and comes from a great Lama called Tagpo Kelsang Khedrub Rinpoche. Lama Tagpo went to Tushita Pure Land where he met Je Tsongkhapa and requested a teaching. In response, Je Tsongkhapa lifted up the cloth covering the front of the golden throne on which he was sitting, and the five lineages of Dorje Shugden emerged. Dorje Shugden then transmitted the practice to Lama Tagpo, just as Maitreya had transmitted five major philosophical treatises to Asanga in Tushita Pure Land in earlier times.

Lama Tagpo later transmitted these instructions to Pabongkhapa Dechen Nyingpo, who passed them on to Trijang Dorjechang Losang Yeshe -- spiritual father and son. From Trijang Rinpoche, they passed to our present day Gelugpa Teachers.

8. Dorje Shugden has been relied upon by the highest Lamas, who themselves have been recognized as enlightened

Well-regarded Gelugpa practitioners of Dorje Shugden include the 5th Dalai Lama, Kelsang Thubten Jigme Gyatso 1743-1811 (a tutor to the 9th Dalai Lama), Losang Thubten Wangchuk Jigme Gyatso 1775 – 1813 (head of the Gelugpa in Mongolia), Ngulchu Dharmabadra, the Indian master Shakya Shri Bhadra, the 11th Dalai Lama 1838 - 1856 (who installed Dorje Shugden as the Protector of the Gelugpa tradition), Gyara Tulku Rinpoche, Tomo Geshe Rinpoche (regarded by the 13th Dalai Lama as an emanation of Je Tsongkhapa), Serkong Rinpoche (regarded by the 13th Dalai Lama as Vajradhara),Tagpo Kelsang Khedrub Rinpoche, Pabongkha Rinpoche, Trijang Rinpoche, Ling Rinpoche, Khangsar Rinpoche, Tathag Rinpoche (in charge of the Tibetan Government after the death of the 13th Dalai Lama), Zong Rinpoche, Lobsang Tamdin, Ribur Rinpoche, Khen Rinpoche Losang Tharchin, Lati Rinpoche, Geshe Rabten, Geshe Ngawang Dhargyey, Khensur Rinpoche, Khechog Rinpoche, Dagyab Rinpoche, Gelek Rinpoche, Lama Yeshe, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, Yongyal Rinpoche, the 14th Dalai Lama (until he was in his forties), Dagom Rinpoche, Gonsar Rinpoche, Gangchen Rinpoche and others.

These Lamas themselves have all been recognized as realized, holy beings, with many thousands of Tantric disciples who revered them as living Buddhas.

The later Lamas were all direct or indirect disciples of the great Pabongkha Rinpoche and Trijang Rinpoche. The 14th Dalai Lama says that Pabongkha Rinpoche and Trijang Rinpoche were “wrong” to worship Dorje Shugden, but they have been recognized as emanations of Heruka and Amitabha respectively, and were the principal upholders of Je Tsongkhapa’s Gelug doctrine in their time; so how can they be wrong?

9. Dorje Shugden performs the twenty-seven deeds of a Buddha

The highly realized Master, Tagpo Kelsang Khedrub Rinpoche, composed a verse of praise:

With deep faith I prostrate to you, Vajradhara Dorje Shugden.
Although you have already attained the Buddha ground
And engage in the twenty-seven deeds of a Buddha,
You appear in various forms to help the Buddhadharma and sentient beings.

These twenty-seven deeds, explained in the Perfection of Wisdom Sutras, range from showing living beings the way to enter the spiritual path to liberation up to guiding them to the final attainment of Buddhahood. Since Dorje Shugden performs all these twenty-seven deeds, it is clear that he is a Buddha.

Some people say that Dorje Shugden has harmed practitioners who have strayed from the Ganden tradition, but there are no examples of this forthcoming, whereas there are many examples of how Dorje Shugden has protected living beings. For example, Dorje Shugden was responsible for the Dalai Lama being able to safely travel from Tibet to India in 1959.

Even today, there are many Buddhist practitioners with their own stories to tell of how they have been protected by this Dharma Protector. Dorje Shugden's name means 'Vajra Possessing Strength', indicating that he has great power and strength to spread Buddhadharma and to help people in these degenerate times.

10. Relying upon Dorje Shugden leads to supramundane results

The difference between a Dharma Protector and a worldly protector is that the former is an enlightened being whereas the latter is not. Worldly protectors have no ability to flourish the Buddhadharma nor to protect Dharma realizations in a practitioner's mind. As a Dharma Protector, Dorje Shugden’s principal function is to protect our Dharma practice, not to help our mundane affairs.

Dorje Shugden always helps, guides, and protects faithful practitioners by granting blessings, increasing their wisdom, fulfilling their virtuous wishes, and bestowing success on all their virtuous activities. Dorje Shugden does not help only Gelugpas; because he is a Buddha, he helps all living beings.

Dorje Shugden has removed obstacles and created the conditions for the extraordinary growth of Je Tsongkhapa's teachings, and most importantly realizations of those teachings, in this current age. Je Tsongkhapa's doctrine is now spreading to countries throughout the world. For example, any spiritual success enjoyed by NKT and FPMT practitioners is due to the blessings of this Buddha. (Lama Yeshe, the founder of the FPMT, relied sincerely on Dorje Shugden throughout his life.)

Those who rely upon Dorje Shugden know that their spiritual realizations come from his blessings. However, as with a relationship with any holy being, this is something that can only be experienced by someone who relies on him with strong faith over a long period of time, steadily building their connection with him.

Gyara Tulku Rinpoche from Drepung Loseling Monastery wrote a prayer of gratitude, whose sentiments are shared by Dorje Shugden practitioners worldwide:

First you gave me a highly qualified Spiritual Guide
Under whom I studied and practised Dharma.
When through following misleading advice I came close to entering wrong paths,
You immediately hooked me back into the correct path.

O Duldzin, King of the Dharma, I thank you for your kindness.
Your body is the synthesis of all Sangha Jewels,
Your speech is the synthesis of all Dharma Jewels,
And your mind is the synthesis of all Buddha Jewels.

Dorje Shugden Wisdom Buddha


« Last Edit: April 01, 2010, 12:10:04 AM by Lhakpa Gyaltshen »

Dondrup Shugden

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Re: Promoting Dorje Shugden. PERIOD.
« Reply #41 on: March 04, 2015, 02:16:59 PM »
Promoting Dorje Shugden is one of the best things a devotee can do.  Besides gaining merits in promoting Dorje Shugden, the blessings that DS will bestow on new devotees is such a benefit on any one's spiritual path.

Dorje Shugden primarily removes obstructions for our Dharma study and practice not merely to grant our mundane wishes.

However to promote the greatness of Dorje Shugden, please read the contribution by Geronimo on page 3 of this article.  A precise and factual analogy of the greatness of Dorje Shugden explaining in details the good attributes of our Protector Buddha.

James Bond

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Re: Promoting Dorje Shugden. PERIOD.
« Reply #42 on: March 04, 2015, 02:30:07 PM »
Thank you honeydakini for reposting Dharma Defenders post. I totally agree with you that it really sums up all the things that we want to see in the world in the future. And thank you Dharma Defender for the very well explained, well written statement.

Regarding the statement. I like how Dharma Defenders says that we need to cement Dorje Shugdens practice into those who don't necessarily believe in the Dalai Lama or have a stance in the issue. This way the practices of Dorje Shugden will spread faster throughout the world :) People do not necessarily need to be deep into the beliefs of Dharma and Buddhism to learn the practice of Dorje Shugden. Which makes the practice betterm everyone can do it! I hope that more and more people pick up the practice of Dorje Shugden and may this cause the ban to be lifted soon.