What happens to lamas who practice Dorje Shugden? The Tibetan leadership says one thing, but their actions show another.

It is common knowledge that the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA; the Tibetan leadership based in Dharamsala) continuously promotes the false notion that Dorje Shugden is an unenlightened spirit or demon. They claim that he arose from the culmination of flawed and mistaken prayers made during his previous life as Tulku Dragpa Gyeltsen. As a lowly vengeful spirit, the CTA maintains that it is his nature to harm sentient beings. Hence, the CTA equates the propitiation of Dorje Shudgen to spirit worship. This is a claim which presents a serious problem for Buddhist practitioners.

The foundation of the Buddhist faith is one’s refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, collectively known as the Three Jewels. A part of this involves a commitment to rely only on the Enlightened Beings (Buddhas) on the path towards complete liberation from suffering. As the central-most aspect of Buddhist practice, all other practices hinge on this refuge being intact. By worshiping a spirit or demon, this refuge is broken and the karmic consequences of breaking one’s vows will lead to an unfortunate rebirth in one of the three lower realms (animal, hungry ghost or hell-being).

Such sentiments echo His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama’s thinly veiled threat during his address to the Sangha that,

Those who worship Dorje Shugden will be reborn in the three lower realms.

Hence, by preying on the Tibetan people’s fear of a negative rebirth, this has become one of the ways by which the CTA justifies the undemocratic ban on Dorje Shugden and the abuse against Dorje Shugden practitioners for the last 20 years. They claim that there is a need to ban the practice because of the harm it causes to practitioners.

Following such strong statements, the CTA capitalized on the situation to further their personal agendas. They began by taking extreme steps to police the religious belief of their citizens for their own personal advantage. From abusing state instruments to codifying discrimination against Dorje Shugden practitioners, to issuing controversial allegations designed to provoke hate and even violent reactions, the CTA expended a significant amount of public resources in an attempt to stamp out the religious practice.

The Proof is in the Pudding

But the amount of resources they have allocated to suppressing a religious practice is not the most disturbing aspect, nor are the violent consequences that often follow when someone is revealed as a Shugden practitioner. One of the more disturbing aspects of the whole Dorje Shugden ban is the sheer hypocrisy that permeates every decision and policy from the CTA. One example of their hypocritical behavior concerns their recognition of the reincarnations of many Dorje Shugden lamas.

Kyabje Zong Rinpoche (left) performing prayers for Lama Yeshe (right) just before Lama Yeshe passing. Both passed away as Dorje Shugden practitioners. According to the Tibetan leadership, both would have taken rebirth in the lower realms so why is the CTA recognizing their reincarnations?

According to the CTA, those who rely on Dorje Shugden will take rebirth in the three lower realms. This is because, according to the Tibetan leadership, Dorje Shugden is a spirit and relying on a spirit causes us to break our Refuge, Bodhisattva and Tantric vows. If we are to believe the CTA’s claims of what happens to you after death if you practice Shugden, it would therefore follow that high lamas who rely on Dorje Shugden will also take rebirth in the three lower realms. Hence, there should be no need to search for and recognize the reincarnations of Dorje Shugden Lamas. Based on the CTA’s flawed logic for imposing the ban, there should be no one to recognize as there should be no human reincarnation!

So why then does the CTA continue to recognize the irrefutable reincarnations of many Dorje Shugden lamas? Below are but a handful of stalwart Dorje Shugden high lamas and great masters who have, out of great compassion, returned amongst us in perfect human form to continue spreading the Dharma for the benefit of all. In many of these cases, the reincarnations were recognized by His Holiness the Dalai Lama himself, thus contradicting the Tibetan leadership’s own justification for banning the practice.

Not only is their recognition of these lamas’ reincarnations hypocritical but in recognizing these lamas, they invalidate their own reasons for imposing the ban. How can they say that Shugden practice is harmful and sends you to the three lower realms, when they themselves are recognizing lamas who clearly did not go to the three lower realms?

H.H. Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche

H.H. Pabongka Rinpoche

One of the most recognizable lamas of the past century, His Holiness Kyabje Pabongka Dorjechang is a household name amongst Tibetan Buddhists everywhere. A renowned proponent of the Dorje Shugden practice, the fact that Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche widely propagated this practice reflects the significant role he knew it would play in protecting and disseminating the Gelug teachings all around the world. Thanks to Pabongka Rinpoche’s kindness, many of these teachings and lineages are still intact and widely practiced today.

It is a real testament to Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche’s attainments and the respect he commanded that H.H. the 13^th Dalai Lama requested Pabongka Rinpoche to give the annual Lamrim teachings in 1925, instead of asking the Gaden Throneholder (Gaden Tripa) as was customary. Arrangements were also made to extend Pabongka Rinpoche’s teachings to 11 days instead of the usual seven days.

There is no Gelug practitioner today who has not benefited from Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche’s works at some point of their practice and study. For example, the universally-renowned Lamrim text, Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand, was compiled by His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, one of Pabongka Rinpoche’s direct students. The text is an edited recording of 24 days of Lamrim teachings given by Pabongka Rinpoche to tens of thousands of people. The text was personally acknowledged by H.H. the 13^th Dalai Lama to be authentic and of great importance, and it continues to be one of the main Lamrim references in Tibetan Buddhist studies throughout the world today.

H.H. Pabongka Choktrul Rinpoche (3rd and current supreme incarnation)

Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche had many prominent students, like Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche who would later go on to become His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama’s tutor. Trijang Rinpoche would also find Pabongka Rinpoche’s subsequent reincarnation, Ngawang Lobsang Trinley Tenzin (1941-1969), who passed away in his twenties.

The current incarnation, His Holiness Kyabje Pabongka Choktrul Rinpoche Lobsang Thubten Trinley Kunkhyab was born in 1969. Identified in the early 1970s before the ban would have any real impact on his recognition, he continues to be universally accepted by the Gelug community, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama, as the unmistaken incarnation of the great Pabongka Dorjechang.

H.H. Kyabje Ling Rinpoche

H.H. Ling Rinpoche

One of the most influential teachers of our time, His Holiness Kyabje Ling Dorjechang was one of two tutors to His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama. Together with His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche who was the other tutor, Ling Rinpoche played a significant role in imparting Dharma knowledge and practices to the 14^th Dalai Lama during the ruler’s most formative years.

Kyabje Ling Rinpoche’s impeccable knowledge in Sutra and Tantra was uncontested. Such was the respect for his attainments that the Gelug assembly of Varanasi University requested him to compose a ritual to invoke upon enlightened Dharma Protectors.

It is one thing to engage in prayers but it is quite another thing for a lama to be able to compose prayers that would successfully invoke upon the enlightened beings. On the side of the lama, to be able to request the enlightened beings to heed the prayer, he would have to have some kind of attainments himself, starting with Bodhicitta.

So the fact that the Gelug assembly requested Ling Rinpoche to compose a prayer, reflected their belief that prayers composed by him would be effective because he has attainments. The request that Ling Rinpoche so compassionately and skillfully granted turned out to be a simplified prayer of fulfillment, confession, request for activity and serkyem for Mahakala, Kalarupa, Palden Lhamo and Dorje Shugden.

H.H. the 7th Kyabje Ling Choktrul Rinpoche was enthroned by H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama

Kyabje Ling Rinpoche was a heart son of Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche, hence it is no surprise that he was a Dorje Shugden practitioner. Many of the older monks who are still alive today can attest to Ling Rinpoche having frequently prescribed Dorje Shugden’s practice within the Tibetan community.

In 1987, the unmistaken incarnation of Kyabje Ling Rinpoche was recognized again by the student of his previous life, H.H. the 14^th Dalai Lama.

• Click here to download Kyabje Ling Rinpoche’s prayer to Dorje Shugden

H.H. Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche

H.H. Trijang Rinpoche

Few lamas have reached the renown of His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche. Widely known as the ‘teacher of teachers’, it is an undeniable fact that many erudite and influential Gelug lamas in this modern era can attribute their Dharma knowledge and understanding to Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, either as their direct teacher or their lineage teacher through his eminent students. In fact, Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche was one of the two tutors of His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama, and the majority of the 14^th Dalai Lama’s lineages, teachings, commentaries and practices are a result of Trijang Rinpoche’s transmissions. Trijang Rinpoche was also known to be an extremely astute politician, a quality that he imparted to the Dalai Lama ahead of his ascension to become the secular leader of the Tibetans.

H.H. Trijang Choktrul Rinpoche

Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche’s unmistaken faith in Dorje Shugden was so pervasively known, that the Dalai Lama exempted the current incarnation from the ban on the propitiation of Dorje Shugden. His is the one and only exception to the ban that has ever been expressly given by the Dalai Lama.

Not only did Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche find and train Dorje Shugden oracles, including the current 7^th Panglung Kuten, but he also wrote, compiled and composed extensive texts and prayers to help practitioners engage in the practice. He also compiled explanations into the background, nature and benefits of propitiating Dorje Shugden. This text is known as Music Delighting the Ocean of Protectors.

The current incarnation of this great master, Kyabje Trijang Choktrul Rinpoche was officially recognized by His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama on 23 April 1985. Just like his predecessor, Kyabje Trijang Choktrul Rinpoche continues to be a staunch devotee of the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden, giving sogtae (life entrustment initiation) of Dorje Shugden to thousands of people.

• Click here to download Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche’s book

H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche

H.H. Zong Rinpoche

His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, considered to be an emanation of Heruka, was highly revered as a powerful tantrician. He gave many empowerments and teachings to thousands of students, with a special emphasis on the Tantras of Heruka, Yamantaka, Guhyasamaja and Vajrayogini. He was also known to be a master of the Hayagriva, Dorje Shugden, White Tara and Vaishravana practices.

Known to be a ritual master, there are stories aplenty of Kyabje Zong Rinpoche’s attainments, from controlling the weather to healing people, to the erudite and penetrative teachings that he would give directly from memory.

Zong Rinpoche was also very strict, traditional and exacting, especially when it came to rituals. Upon entering a prayer hall, if he saw the altar had not been set up properly, or the offerings were not done correctly, he would crush the tormas (ritual cakes) and leave. He would only return once the set-up had been done correctly. Instead of being offended, the monks would fold their hands and scramble to make the corrections. Such was their devotion and respect for Kyabje Zong Rinpoche.

H.H. Zong Choktrul Rinpoche

Kyabje Zong Rinpoche was a heart disciple of his root guru, Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche. It is therefore no surprise and no secret that Kyabje Zong Rinpoche shared an extremely close relationship with the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden and consistently advised his students to propitiate Dorje Shugden strongly and devotedly.

His new incarnation was duly recognized by His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama and enthroned at Gaden Shartse Monastery in India amidst great pomp and ceremony.

• Click here to listen to the previous Kyabje Zong Rinpoche teach about Dorje Shugden’s background, history and origins

H.E. Zemey Rinpoche

H.E. Zemey Rinpoche

The greatness and significance of Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche’s contributions to the Dharma is widely believed to be unparalleled, but even so, Trijang Rinpoche himself singled out His Eminence Zemey Rinpoche as his equal in all aspects of attainments.

Zemey Rinpoche was an erudite scholar and a highly sought-after teacher by the monks from the three monasteries of Gaden, Sera and Drepung. As such, he became the teacher of many of the most influential practitioners of the world today including high lamas like H.E. Dagom Rinpoche and even the Dalai Lama’s translator, Thupten Jinpa. The last years of Zemey Rinpoche’s life were spent in isolated retreat, having been heavily ostracized by the Tibetan community due to his unwavering faith in Dorje Shugden.

H.E. Zemey Choktrul Rinpoche

The unmistaken incarnation of this great master has since returned, and he has been recognized by high lamas across Tibet, Nepal and India. In addition, the young incarnation has since officially reconnected with his Dharma Protector of many lifetimes as he has received Dorje Shugden initiation (sogtae) from Lama Jampa Ngodrup at Yangding Monastery in Daocheng County, Sichuan, China. Like his previous life when he was known as an erudite scholar, the current incarnation of Zemey Rinpoche has gained the reputation of being a formidable debater with penetrative insight into the teachings.

• Click here to download Kyabje Zemey Rinpoche’s book

H.E. Kyabje Domo Geshe Rinpoche

The 1st Domo Geshe Rinpoche, Ngawang Kalsang

According to the well-known story, upon meeting H.E. Domo Geshe Rinpoche Ngawang Kalsang, His Holiness the 13^th Dalai Lama was so impressed by this erudite master that he equated meeting Domo Geshe Rinpoche as meeting Lama Tsongkhapa himself.

Tales of Domo Geshe Rinpoche’s accomplishments are aplenty, from his remarkable healing abilities to his fulfillment of a prophecy made by both his Guru and Dromtönpa (the main disciple of Atisha Dipamkara) by erecting a large Maitreya Buddha statue at Galingkang.

Domo Geshe Rinpoche is also remembered for having tamed the ferocious spirit of a murdered Mongolian monk, and installing the being within Dorje Shugden’s entourage. He is now known as Namkar Barzin, and propitiated as a member of Dorje Shugden’s entourage who is especially effective in preventing robberies. In fact, Domo Geshe Rinpoche has always had a very close connection with Dorje Shugden. His monastery, Dungkar Gompa, which is located at the crossroads of India and Tibet, would come to host many powerful oracles of Dorje Shugden.

The 2nd Domo Geshe Rinpoche

The 2nd Domo Geshe Rinpoche, Ngawang Jigme, was known for his quick intelligence and humility. In 1976, Domo Geshe Rinpoche established Dungkar Gonpa Society in the United States and shortly after that, established Gangjong Namgyal, a large piece of land in the Catskills Mountains in New York State. Gangnam, as it came to be known, would host the Dalai Lama in the summer of 1981. Domo Geshe Rinpoche continued to reside here until his passing in 2001.

In the spring of 2008, the unmistaken incarnation of Domo Geshe Rinpoche was enthroned in Samten Choling Monastery in Ghoom; in Tashi Choling Monastery in Kurseong; and in Enchey House, the ancestral home of the previous Domo Geshe Rinpoche in Gangtok, Sikkim. On 21 June 2008, His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Choktrul Rinpoche and Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche presided over the hair-cutting and final enthronement ceremonies at Gangnam in the USA. Today, Domo Geshe Rinpoche is undertaking his monastic education at Shar Gaden Monastery in South India.

Ironically, despite their assertion that Dorje Shugden lamas go to the three lower realms, the Tibetan leadership have also recognized their own candidate as the incarnation of this prominent Dorje Shugden lama. However, only the incarnation in Shar Gaden is acknowledged and recognized by Dorje Shugden practitioners, and indeed by Dorje Shugden himself, to be the true incarnation of the 2^nd Domo Geshe Rinpoche.

The 3rd Domo Geshe Rinpoche Losang Jigme Nyak-gi Wangchuk

H.E. Kyabje Denma Gonsa Rinpoche

H.E. Denma Gonsa Rinpoche

When political turmoil reached Tibet in 1959, many lamas left to enter a life of exile in India. Only a handful of high lamas remained in Tibet to navigate the tumultuous times, to try and preserve the Dharma there. H.E. Denma Gonsa Rinpoche was one such lama who remained in Tibet and worked tirelessly to ensure the Dharma would be protected and not lost. It is a feat many agree that he was more than qualified to do, considering Denma Gonsa Rinpoche has represented the Gaden, Sera, Drepung and Reting Monasteries in Lhasa, Shigatse, Shan Nan, and other places in Tibet.

Known to be a no-nonsense, direct lama, Denma Gonsa Rinpoche would, over time, come to win the respect of both Tibetans and Chinese alike. Denma Gonsa Rinpoche was a devotee of Dorje Shugden, having built Tibet’s largest Dorje Shugden statue at his monastery. Such was his unwavering faith in the Dharma Protector and the strength of his guru devotion that Denma Gonsa Rinpoche was one of the few lamas to speak out against the Dorje Shugden ban in its early days, even directly to H.H. the 14^th Dalai Lama himself.

As the well-known story goes, when the Dalai Lama called to gain Denma Gonsa Rinpoche’s support for the ban, the elderly lama hung up on the Dalai Lama. Whilst some saw this as rudeness or an act of defiance, others would later come to see this as skillful means – remaining on the phone with the Dalai Lama would have compelled Denma Gonsa Rinpoche to do something about the ban, as he would have found it difficult to resist a direct instruction from the Dalai Lama himself. Yet, he did not want to break his spiritual commitments by giving up the practice that he received from his own teachers. Regardless of Denma Gonsa Rinpoche’s motivations, his actions gave hope and courage to millions of Dorje Shugden practitioners to stand up against the ban on the practice.

H.E. the 20th Denma Gonsa Choktrul Rinpoche

Following specific instructions from Denma Gonsa Rinpoche prior to his entering clear light, his students found his perfect incarnation who was subsequently recognized by four of the greatest masters of the Gelugpa lineage, namely His Holiness the 11^th Panchen Lama, His Holiness Kyabje Pabongka Choktrul Rinpoche, His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Choktrul Rinpoche, and Dorje Shugden via oracular trance. On 31 July 2014, the 20^th Denma Gonsa Choktrul Rinpoche was enthroned in his monastery in Tibet, an event attended by over 200,000 people.

H.E. Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche

H.E. Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche

Recognized as the 12^th Dagom Rinpoche by H.H. Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang at the age of six, His Eminence Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche was a true Dorje Shugden lama who showed every sign of being a highly accomplished master in both Sutra and Tantra. Dagom Rinpoche’s main practice was Yamantaka and indeed, the monastic community came to view the 12^th Dagom Rinpoche as being one with Yamantaka himself.

After the ban on Dorje Shugden, Dagom Rinpoche spent his later years in Nepal until he entered clear light in 2007 in Bangkok, Thailand. Dagom Rinpoche’s many deeds include his incorporation of Dorje Shugden as one of the main Protectors in the magnificent Gelugpa refuge tree.

H.E. the 13th Dagom Choktrul Rinpoche Lobsang Khyenrab Tenpai Wangchuk

To incorporate a Dharma Protector into a refuge tree is no insignificant matter. The refuge tree represents all the Buddhas, yidams and deities that a Buddhist practitioner can take refuge in. Spirits, demons and other unenlightened, lesser beings are not depicted on a refuge tree as they are not objects worthy of prostrating to or taking refuge in. Hence, for Dagom Rinpoche as Yamantaka to include Dorje Shugden on the refuge tree is a strong reflection of Dorje Shugden’s nature being that of Enlightenment itself.

On 21 November 2016, the new incarnation of Dagom Rinpoche was duly recognized and enthroned at Lhorong County’s Shodo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Dagom lineage of incarnations.

Ven. Geshe Rabten Rinpoche

Venerable Geshe Rabten Rinpoche, a renowned Dorje Shugden lama, served not only as the philosophical assistant of H.H. the 14^th Dalai Lama, but was entrusted by the Dalai Lama to ‘break into’ the West and propagate the Dharma there. Thus, long before Tibetan lamas had truly established themselves in the United States or Europe, Geshe Rabten became the first Tibetan Buddhist master to introduce the complete Vinaya-tradition and the study of the five major topics of Buddhism to the West.

Ven. Geshe Rabten Rinpoche

Amongst Geshe Rabten’s many notable students were Venerable Lama Thubten Yeshe and Venerable Lama Zopa Rinpoche, both of whom relied on Dorje Shugden for their own works in spreading Dharma to the Western Hemisphere. Also amongst Geshe Rabten’s students was Venerable Helmut Gassner, a Western Buddhist monk who would later become the Dalai Lama’s first translator in the West, especially in Europe.

Ven. Tenzin Rabgye Rinpoche

After Geshe Rabten’s passing, his heart student Ven. Gonsar Rinpoche continued Geshe Rabten’s legacy at Rabten Choeling Monastery in Switzerland.

In 1989, Geshe Rabten’s incarnation was discovered and recognized by Gonsar Rinpoche through a series of consultations with various authoritative sources including His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama and Dorje Shugden through oracular pronouncement. The new incarnation is known today as Rabten Rinpoche, or Tenzin Rabgye Rinpoche.

Venerable Lama Thubten Yeshe

Venerable Lama Yeshe, the founder of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), was one of the most beloved teachers of his time. Charming, humorous, easy-going yet extremely realized and very humble, Lama Yeshe’s method of delivering the Dharma meant thousands of Western students connected with Buddhism at a time when most were still unfamiliar with Eastern philosophies.

Lama Yeshe with his heart disciple Lama Zopa performing puja under a Dorje Shugden thangka

Under his stewardship and through his reliance on Dorje Shugden, Lama Yeshe grew FPMT to become one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist organizations in the world, with 165 Dharma centers, projects and social services.

It is no secret that Lama Yeshe strongly relied on Dorje Shugden for the growth and success of his organization. In fact, his chief disciple Lama Zopa himself has said that Lama Yeshe would never begin the One-Month Meditation Course held annually at Kopan Monastery without a kangsol (extensive puja/ritual) to propitiate the blessings of his Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden. In the image above, you can see Lama Yeshe (far right) and Lama Zopa (wearing glasses) engaged in a puja under a thangka of Dorje Shugden.

Lama Ösel Hita Torres

Based on His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama’s confirmation of Lama Zopa’s observations, Ösel Hita Torres was recognized as the unmistaken incarnation of Lama Yeshe. He was subsequently enthroned as Tenzin Ösel Rinpoche on March 1987 at Tushita Retreat Centre in Dharamsala, India. Again, the Dalai Lama’s recognition of Lama Ösel, as he came to be known, is ironic, confusing and hypocritical considering the Tibetan leadership’s assertion that those who rely on Dorje Shugden take rebirth in the three lower realms.

H.E. Serkong Dorjechang

A collage of H.E. Serkong Dorjechang’s incarnations

A prominent Dorje Shugden lama, His Eminence Serkong Dorjechang not only authored extensive commentaries on the Tantric deity Heruka Chakrasamvara, but he also wrote extensive confession and propitiation prayers (kangsol) to the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden.

This kangsol forms the basis of the monthly Dorje Shugden puja performed by Gelugpas all over the world.

In it, Serkong Dorjechang not only asserted Dorje Shugden’s true enlightened nature but also made direct references to Dorje Shugden’s previous incarnation as Duldzin Dragpa Gyeltsen.

H.E. the 3rd Serkong Dorjechang

Serkong Dorjechang also referred to Dorje Shugden as the principal Protector of Lama Tsongkhapa’s teachings as well as the special Protector of the Gaden Ear-Whispered Lineage, the heart of the Gelug tradition.

The 3^rd Serkong Dorjechang was recognized as the reincarnation of the 2^nd Serkong Dorjechang by His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama during a Kalachakra initiation in Bodhgaya. Yet again, this recognition of the reincarnation of a Dorje Shugden lama was confusing at best and hypocritical at worst, considering the Tibetan leadership’s assertion that all Dorje Shugden practitioners take rebirth in the three lower realms.

H.E. Lati Rinpoche

H.E Lati Rinpoche

One of a very rare class of scholars, saints and practitioners who completed his training in Tibet itself, His Eminence Kyabje Lati Rinpoche not only served as spiritual advisor to H.H. the 14^th Dalai Lama but the Dalai Lama also entrusted him to tutor many of the young Rinpoches of the time.

Lati Rinpoche was a former abbot of Ganden Shartse Monastery, where he would teach, advice and guide the monks long after his abbotship tenure was completed. Hence, this Dorje Shugden lama educated many of the eminent teachers, masters and scholars of today, including the likes of His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Choktrul Rinpoche and His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche.

And like the thousands of monks of Ganden Shartse Monastery, Lati Rinpoche relied strongly on Dorje Shugden. He was well known to consult Dorje Shugden during the monthly trances held at the Dorje Shugden Protector Chapel in the monastery.

The young reincarnation of Lati Rinpoche with H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama

To say that the 14^th Dalai Lama respected Lati Rinpoche would be an understatement. The Dalai Lama was so fond of Lati Rinpoche that within the Dalai Lama’s personal monastery, Namgyal Monastery in Dharamsala, North India, the Dalai Lama had rooms permanently allocated for Lati Rinpoche’s use. It was a highly unusual occurrence, but it served to reflect their close, personal relationship. And so great was Lati Rinpoche’s contribution to the Buddhadharma that when he entered clear light, the 14^th Dalai Lama immediately composed a prayer for the swift return of Lati Rinpoche’s incarnation.

According to recent information released by Lati Ladrang, the new incarnation of Kyabje Lati Rinpoche has been found in Mustang, Nepal – along the border of Nepal and Tibet. Considering Lati Rinpoche’s well-known reliance on Dorje Shugden and the CTA’s claim that all Dorje Shugden practitioners take rebirth in the three lower realms, the Tibetan leadership’s act of recognizing yet another Shugden lama is very hypocritical.

Venerable Zawa Rinpoche

Ven. Zawa Tulku Rinpoche

In addition to having two prominent Dorje Shugden lamas like Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche and Kyabje Zong Rinpoche as his main gurus, Venerable Zawa Geshe Rinpoche received teachings from many high lamas of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, including the practice of Dorje Shugden which he kept all his life.

It is a testament to his accomplishments that many miraculous signs appeared and quite a number of sacred relics were discovered when Zawa Geshe Rinpoche chose to pass into clear light.

In this life, the unmistaken incarnation of Zawa Geshe Rinpoche, Zawa Tulku Rinpoche was recognized again by many yogis and high lamas. This includes the Panglung Oracle when he was in trance of Dorje Shugden. Zawa Tulku Rinpoche was enthroned in an elaborate and large ceremony at Ganden Shartse Monastery in 1997.

H.H. Sharpa Choeje Rinpoche Jetsun Lobsang Nyima

H.H. Sharpa Choeje Rinpoche Jetsun Lobsang Nyima

It is a testament to His Holiness Sharpa Choeje Rinpoche’s attainments and the respect he won that, when he completed not one but two Vajrayogini three-year, three-month, three-day retreats, His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama instructed him to become the Abbot of Ganden Shartse Monastery.

This was after he had already completed a tenureship as Abbot of Gyuto Tantric College. Later, Kensur Jetsun Lobsang Nyima Rinpoche ascended to the throne of Sharpa Choeje, ‘Lord of the East’. This put him in line to become the next Gaden Tripa, the Throneholder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism considered to be Lama Tsongkhapa’s representative on this earth.

The young incarnation of H.H. Sharpa Choeje Jetsun Lobsang Nyima

Being a devoted student of H.H. Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche and H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, it is no surprise that Sharpa Choeje Jetsun Lobsang Nyima faithfully propitiated Dorje Shugden.

What is surprising however, is that both Dorje Shugden and His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama have confirmed the same candidate as the unmistaken incarnation of Sharpa Choeje Rinpoche. It is surprising considering the Tibetan leadership’s false assertion that those who rely on Dorje Shugden will take rebirth in the three lower realms.

H.H. the 10th Panchen Lama Lobsang Trinley Lhundrub Chokyi Gyaltsen

H.H. the 10th Panchen Lama

It is common knowledge that in his great omniscience, His Holiness the 10^th Panchen Lama held Dorje Shugden as a principal Dharma Protector of his lineage. In fact, at his monastic seat of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, he would personally propitiate Dorje Shugden together with the other Protectors of Tashi Lhunpo. Tashi Lhunpo itself has a special temple and chapel dedicated to the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden. Every day, special pujas, rites and rituals propitiating Dorje Shugden’s blessings are conducted by senior monks, as they have been for decades already.

The 10^th Panchen Lama wrote extensively, and his works have been compiled into various volumes known collectively as a sungbum (collected works). Contained within the Panchen Lama’s sungbum are extensive prayers that the Panchen Lama himself composed to propitiate Dorje Shugden’s blessings. Had Dorje Shugden been a minor Protector, or an insignificant practice, a lama of the Panchen Lama’s caliber would not have dedicated so many pages of his sungbum to the propitiation of Dorje Shugden.

H.H. the 11th Panchen Lama Gyaincain Norbu

On 29 November 1995, His Holiness the 11^th Panchen Lama Jetsun Lobsang Jampa Lhundrub Chokyi Gyalpo Pelsangpo was recognized and was enthroned in Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, Tibet on 8 December of that same year. He was selected using the Golden Urn Method, which had also been used for recognizing the 11^th Dalai Lama and His Holiness the 8^th Panchen Lama.

The Tibetan leadership have proposed their own candidate for the seat of the 11^th Panchen Lama. Their insistence on a candidate is confusing considering the 10^th Panchen Lama clearly worshipped Dorje Shugden and therefore, according to the CTA’s own claim, there should not be an 11^th Panchen Lama at all. Therefore, their own action of recognizing a Panchen Lama candidate contradicts what they claim to be true about Dorje Shugden.

• Click here to download His Holiness the 10^th Panchen Lama’s sungbum

Conclusion

It is clearly evident from the above that;

• All these erudite enlightened masters had unshakable faith in the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden and were committed proponents of the Protector’s practice
• All of them are irrefutable masters of both Sutra and Tantra of impeccable standing and unstained reputation
• All their reincarnations were either found, confirmed, recognized and/or enthroned by highly learned and accomplished masters with the same irrefutable attainments and qualities

Thus, if Dorje Shugden was really an evil spirit, it should be impossible for any one of the above lamas to reincarnate in human form at all given, according to the CTA, that they were doomed to end up in the three lower realms. If Dorje Shugden’s practice really is demon worship that causes people to take rebirth in the three lower realms, then why did His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama confirm and enthrone the reincarnations of Dorje Shugden masters?

At the end of the day:

• There is clear evidence of Dorje Shugden lamas returning in perfect human form (and not ending up in the three lower realms) despite their continued propitiation of Dorje Shugden
• The actions of the Tibetan leadership are inconsistent, hypocritical and contradictory to their own stance about Dorje Shugden practice
• In the absence of clear proof, the Tibetan leadership has no solid justification to ban Dorje Shugden practice. In recognizing the reincarnation of any Dorje Shugden lama, they themselves undermine and invalidate one of the reasons they gave to ban the practice
• For Dorje Shugden practitioners, there is no contradiction in their behavior – Dorje Shugden practitioners believe Dorje Shugden is an enlightened being and thus, his practice will not send practitioners to the three lower realms. As a result, there is no conflict in recognizing any reincarnations.

Thus, it is plain to see that the Tibetan leadership’s false assertions damning Dorje Shugden as an evil spirt just does not add up. But then again, considering the ban has always been based on politically-motivated trumped-up charges, is it any surprise that yet again, the Tibetan leadership’s behavior is proven to be hypocritical and their reasons for the ban proven to be wrong? No, there is absolutely no surprise at all.

Read about many more great masters who have relied on Dorje Shugden throughout the ages:
https://www.dorjeshugden.com/category/great-masters/

His Holiness the All-Knowing Panchen Rinpoche was a massive figure among the Tibetans for centuries. Known for his scholarship, occult abilities and strong compassion to disseminate the dharma to all who came in contact with him. We are very fortunate the complete compilation of his writings, meditations and prayers are offered here. Although it is in Tibetan it may have value that you may print out to keep on your shrines, offer to your Tibetan teachers or for translators to bring its rich contents into English. It is the first time it has been brought out of Tibet and www.dorjeshugden.com is proud to obtain a copy and make it available for everyone.

Panchen Lama or Panchen Rinpoche was a great patron of Tibetan language, arts, culture, history, religion, scriptures, ancient texts, traditions and a scholar of Buddhism himself. He was requested to give transmissions, teachings, initiations and advice all over Tibet to hundreds of thousands constantly. When the Panchen Lama gave public discourses, literally hundreds of thousands would attend. His teachings, although drawn from Tsongkapa’s writings, would attract scholars, teachers, masters and lineage holders of all traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. From Government Ministers both Tibetan and Chinese would attend his discourses to the humblest farmer. People would queue whole days to get a glimpse or blessing by His Holiness Panchen Rinpoche. Panchen Rinpoche is much revered in Tibet without rival except the Dalai Lama.

For more readings on Panchen Rinpoche: http://www.dorjeshugden.com/introduction/history/10th-panchen-lama-writes-prayer-to-dorje-shugden/

What is interesting is Dorje Shugden was not a minor practice propitiated by a few but held as a main protector by millions in Tibet. The highest lamas, Geshes, Scholars and practitioners kept Dorje Shugden close to them throughout their lives assisting them to overcome their obstacles. Of course the disciples of these Masters number in the millions. Majority of Gelugs practiced Dorje Shugden as well as many Sakyas. The Nyingmas and Kagyus had no issues with this enlightened protector prior to the ban instituted in 1996 by the Tibetan Exiled govt and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The ban in short is a direct order from the Tibetan leadership to stop all practices of Dorje Shugden with immediate effect and all those who continue are outcasts from Tibetan mainstream society. It has been written into the Tibetan constitution that all Dorje Shugden practitioners may not enjoy the same rights as non-practitioners and may not attend any of the gatherings both religious and secular by the Dalai Lama. It is hard to fathom but this is the rule by the Tibetan exiled leadership.

Here is a short list of Great masters who have propitiated Dorje Shugden past and present. Even those who have propitiated Dorje Shugden for shorter period are listed here. The point is they have propitiated at one time or another.

• His Holiness Pabongka Rinpoche Dorje Chang (1st incarnation)
• H.H. Kyabje Pabongka Dorje Chang (2nd incarnation)
• Kyabje Pabongka Dorje Chang (3rd and current supreme incarnation)
• His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche (previous incarnation)
• His Holiness the current Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche (current incarnation)
• His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche
• Kyabje Domo Geshe Rinpoche (1st)
• Kyabje Domo Geshe Rinpoche Losang Jigme Ngak-Gi Wangchuk
• Kyabje Domo Geshe Rinpoche (current)
• Lama Yeshe of FPMT
• Kyabje Dhapu Bamcho Rinpoche (root lama of Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche)
• Geshe Rabten Rinpoche
• Tenzin Rabgye Rinpoche (current incarnation of Geshe Rabten Rinpoche)
• H.E. Kyabje Zemey Dorje Chang (new and current incarnation)
• 9th Panchen Lama
• The 10th Panchen Lama
• Gaden Jangtse Monastery His Eminence Kyabje Serkong Dorje Chang (two reincarnations ago)
• Gaden Jangtse Monastery His Eminence Kyabje Serkong Dorje Chang (previous reincarnation)
• His Eminence Nechung Rinpoche Ogyen Thinley Choephel
• His Eminence Taktra Rinpoche (previous Regent of Tibet)
• His Eminence Gangchen Rinpoche of Sera Mey Monastery
• Guru Deva Rinpoche of Drepung Gomang Monastery
• His Holiness the 101st Trisur Rinpoche Jetsun Lungrik Namgyal
• H.E. Kyabje Gyara Dorje Chang of Drepung Loseling Monastery
• Sera Mey Monastery Bompra Kensur Rinpoche Jetsun Lobsang Ngodrob
• Kyabje Gosok Rinpoche of Sera Mey Monastery
• His Eminence Kensur Lobsang Tharchin Rinpoche
• His Eminence Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche of Drepung Gomang Monastery
• His Holiness the previous Sharpa Choeje Rinpoche Jetsun Lobsang Nyima Pelsangpo
• His Eminence Kyabje Lati Rinpoche
• His Eminence Kensur Jampa Yeshe Rinpoche
• Gyalrong Khensur Ngawang Thekchok of Sera Mey Monastery
• His Eminence Loden Sherab Dagyab Kyabgoen Rinpoche
• His Eminence Kyabje Gelek Rinpoche of Drepung Loseling Monastery
• Mongolian Hutuktu Kaka Jetsun Dampa
• His Eminence Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
• His Eminence Zasep Jamseng Rinpoche
• His Eminence Khejok Rinpoche of Sera Mey Monastery
• Geshe Yeshe Wangchuk of Sera Mey Monastery
• His Eminence Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche of Sera Mey Monastery
• Geshe Khenrab Gajam of Ganden Jangtse Monastery
• Geshe Tsultrim of Gaden Jangtse Monastery
• Tenzin Rinpoche of Ganden Jangtse Monastery
• His Eminence Rongtha Gyabgon Rinpoche
• His Eminence Denma Gonsa Rinpoche
• Ven. Geshe Tsultim Gyeltsen of Thubten Dhargye Ling
• His Eminence Dagri Dorje Chang Rinpoche
• H.E. Khensur Rinpoche Lobsang Tsephel of Ganden Jangtse Rinpoche
• Gaden Shartse Geshe Tendar Rinpoche (previous reincarnation)
• Gaden Shartse Geshe Tendar Rinpoche (current)
• Jetsun Lobsang Choeje Jangchun (Ajing) Rinpoche
• Chamdo Jampa Ling’s His Eminence Papala Tenzin Jigme Gelek Rangje Rinpoche
• Chamdo Jampa Ling’s Jetsun Jampa Choeje Pelsangpo Rinpoche
• Chamdo Jampa Ling’s Khenpo Zongluo Jampa Khedrup Rinpoche
• Chamdo Jampa Ling’s Jetsun Jamyang Khejok Jampa Gyatso Rinpoche
• Riwoche Chakzamka Thubten Dargye Ling’s Tenchok Rinchen Jongnai Rinpoche
• Drakyab Tokden Rinpoche of Drepung Loseling Monastery
• Drepung Loseling Tsawa Pulthok Rinpoche
• Gaden Jangtse Serkong Tritul Rinpoche
• Gaden Shartse Kensur Konchok Tsering Rinpoche
• Kensur Tamding Gyatso Rinpoche of Gaden Shartse Monastery
• His Eminence Ribur Rinpoche
• His Eminence the Grand Gyuto Kensur Jetsun Lobsang Denpa of Gaden Shartse
• His Eminence Kensur Kari Rinpoche of Gaden Shartse
• Gaden Jangtse Thubten Tulku Rinpoche
• Ven. Zawa Tulku Rinpoche
• Chamdo Jampa Ling’s the 3rd Chiara Rinpoche
• Chakzamka Thubten Dargye Ling’s Khenpo Shangpa Yongten
• Kyabje Changkya Rinpoche
• His Eminence Rinchen Gonpo Rinpoche (previous incarnation)
• His Eminence Rinchen Gonpo Rinpoche (present incarnation)
• Chamdo Jinka Monastery’s Geshe Lobsang Khedrub
• Sera Jey’s Kyabje Daknak Rinpoche
• Kyabje Para Rinpoche
• Famous Kham Area’s Dorje Shugden Lineage Master Geshe Wangchuk
• Kyabje Buton Rinpoche Jetsun Losang Kenrab Denpa
• Venerable Gonsar Rinpoche Losang Thondrub Rabgye (previous incarnation)
• Venerable Gonsar Rinpoche (present incarnation)
• Sera Mey Kensur Ngawang Dakpa
• Sera Mey H.E. Tri-Yongzin Rinpoche
• Sera Mey Kangyur Rinpoche
• Venerable Geshe Thubten Rinpoche
• Shar Gaden Abbot Lobsang Pendey
• 13th Kundeling Rinpoche of Drepung Gomang Monastery
• H.H. the 10th Panchen Lama (right) and his Guru Dukor Rinpoche (left), both great practitioners of Dorje Shugden
• Ven.Dromtug Rinpoche (Jamseng Rinpoche)
• Lama Thubten Phurbu
• H.E. Choden Rinpoche
• Geshe Lobsang Tenzin
• Khachen Losang Zopa Rinpoche, Abbot of Tashi Lhunpo monastery
• Drepung Gomang Monastery Khensur Lobsang Tenpa
• H.E. Kyabje Rato Choktrul Rinpoche
• Drepung Loseling Jampa Rinpoche
• Geshe Gelek Gyatso
• Je Gungthang Rinpoche
• Venerable Geshe Ngawang Dhargyey
• H.E. Serkong Tsenshab Rinpoche
• H.E. Gyurme Khensur Sonam Gyaltsen
• H.E. Doboom Tulku Rinpoche
• Sangtsang Rinpoche of Gaden Shartse Monastery
• Samdhong Rinpoche
• Lama Michel Rinpoche
• Ven Geshe Tenzin Dorje
• The 102nd Ganden Tripa Kyabje Rizong Rinpoche
• His Eminence Choyang Duldzin Kuten Lama
• Zava Damdin Rinpoche
• 30th Sakya Throneholder Sonam Rinchen
• 31st Sakya Throneholder Kunkhyen Ngawang Kunga Lodroe
• 33rd Sakya Throneholder Padma Dudul Wangchug
• 35th Sakya Throneholder Tashi Rinchen
• 37th Sakya Throneholder Kunga Nyingpo
• 39th Sakya Throneholder Dragshul Thinley Rinchen
• 41st Sakya Throneholder H.H. Sakya Trizin
• Sera Khenchen Dorje Chang Gyeltsen Shakya
• Lhasa Gen Lamrimpa
• Chatreng Radong Rinpoche
• His Holiness Kyabje Ling Rinpoche
• His Holiness Denma Locho Rinpoche
• Ven. Ngawang Lobsang Damcho Gyaltsen
• Ven. Khenchen Ngawang Gyatso
• Chating Gaden Samphel Ling Monastery Khensur Ven. Lobsang Tenpa Rinpoche
• Gaden Shartse Nyeari Khamtsen Kagyur Rinpoche
• Ven. Kerti Tsenshab Rinpoche
• The 7th Khangser Rinpoche Thupten Kunga
• Ven. Keutsang Rinpoche
• Gaden Shartse Hlopa Khamtsen Gyelse Rinpoche
• Gyuto Monastery Abbot (Tibet) Ven. Lobsang Sherab Rinpoche
• His Holiness Jigdal Dagchen Sakya Rinpoche
• Ven. Amchok Rinpoche
• Ven. Achok Rinpoche
• Gungru Geshe Puntsok Gyeltsen
• Kyabje Dungkar Rinpoche Lobsang Trinley
• Sera Mey Geshe Lobsang Phende
• Gyuto Kensur Tenzin Sherab (Sera Mey)
• Laza Rinpoche of Radak Chopeling Monastery

And this is just to list a few.

Among these great masters who kept Dorje Shugden as their principal protector, was His Holiness the 10th Panchen Rinpoche. Panchen Rinpoche even built a large extended Chapel especially dedicated to Dorje Shugden in his private Monastery of Tashi Lunpo.

His Holiness Panchen Rinpoche himself composed a special ritual and meditation of Dorje Shugden spanning 26 pages which you can see in this book. He found the practice very beneficial and also worth the effort to bring the practice to many others by composing this text to Dorje Shugden for his disciples and those interested. Dorje Shugden was a very important personal protector of the 10th Panchen Rinpoche as well as Tashi Lunpo Monastery.

His Holiness Panchen Rinpoche’s stature, authority and benefit to Tibet and Tibetans for centuries cannot be denied. In other words, he is no ordinary lama but a very illustrious one with hundreds of thousands of disciples throughout Tibet, Mongolia, India and China. Certainly he cannot be wrong in his observation of Dorje Shugden.

We are proud to present the book in its entirety here.

Admin

Read the prayer only

To read just the extracted prayer to Dorje Shugden, please click HERE. Otherwise, please scroll down to view the Panchen Lama’s sungbum in its entirety.

Download the entire book

To download the entire book in your preferred format, please click the relevant links below:

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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13

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Gongsa Gyabgon Panchen Thamched Kyenpa Kutreng Chupa Chenpo Jetsun Losang Trinley Lhundrub Chokyi Gyeltsen Pelsang-Poi Sung Bum Shukso

Title:

All Knowing One, Perfect Refuge Tenth Incarnation of Panchen Lama the Great, Jetsun Losang Trinley Lhundrub Chokyi Gyeltsen Pelsang-Poi’s collected written works.

Jamgon Gyelway Tensung Gyalchen Dorje Shugden Rik-nga Drakpo Tselgyi Gangchok leshi Lhundrub-gyi Drubay Trajang Shejawa Shukso

Translation:

Manjunatha’s (Tsongkapa) Lineage protector Dorje Shugden and five forms wrathful propitiations and confessional prayers and fulfillment of activities rites

By 10th Panchen Lama

The Panchen Lama’s prayer invoking Dorje Shugden’s blessings can be found from Page 238 to Page 264, or by clicking HERE.

Joyous Signs accompanies the birth of Panchen Lama’s “Dorje Shugden’s  *Kangsol”

The 10th Panchen Lama Lobsang Trinley Chokyi Gyaltsen Rinpoche an accomplished master of Sutra and Tantra has written volumes of commentaries and sadhanas which are still widely used in Tibet today. One such powerful composition is the ritual of propitiating the great protector Dorje Shugden.

In the preface of this sadhana, it says that the Panchen Rinpoche have just commissioned a new painting of the five lineages of Dorje Shugden. Acharya Lobsang Jangchub and the Panchen Rinpoche both agreed that there is a need to have a shorter version of prayer for exhortation of activities from the protector.

Upon the request of Acharya Lobsang Jangchub, Panchen Rinpoche immediately wrote this prayer of the abbreviated form of Dorje Shugden’s Kangsol and named it “Manjunatha’s (Tsongkapa) Lineage protector Dorje Shugden and five forms wrathful propitiations and confessional prayers and fulfilment of activities rites” or “Melodious sound of Accomplishment of the Four Activities” for short.

Upon the completion of this prayer, he personally saw signs and had strong feelings that Dorje Shugden have been working hard to protect the Buddha Dharma in general and especially the lineage of Jamphel Nyingpo (Lama Tsongkhapa). He saw signs especially that the time has come for Dorje Shugden to show his miraculous powers.

True to his identity as a direct incarnation of Khedrup Je who studied under the great Lama Tsongkhapa himself, the Panchen Rinpoche also showed his mastery of composition and poetry in the Sadhana. An example of such poetry is in the praise of Dorje Shugden where the Panchen Rinpoche wrote the praise with the first letter of each verse with a Tibetan vowel. Such composition are only seen in praises to senior protectors such as Palden Lhamo and Kalarupa.

The Panchen Rinpoche also mentioned that he was filled with happiness and bliss throughout the duration of writing this sadhana. The Panchen Rinpoche signed off at the end of the composition with both his official name and also his ordination name, Tenzin Trinley Jigme Choje Wangchuk which endorses the validity of this piece of work. This sadhana was written in his own palace in Tashi Lhunpo in the Hall of Clear light and bliss.

We wish to share this important and exciting detail of this composition with everyone so that all who see this can benefit and may the auspiciousness of Dorje Shugden be with everyone!

Admin

* Propitiation, invocation, confessions, praise, offerings, mantra, rites to Dorje Shugden

His Holiness the 10th Panchen Rinpoche

His Holiness the Gyalwa Panchen Rinpoche, any of the line of this reincarnated line in Tibet, each of whom heads the influential Tashi Lhunpo Monastery (near Shigatse) and until recent times was second only to the Dalai Lama in spiritual authority within the dominant  Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. In fact spiritually Panchen Lama is on par with the Dalai Lama. The current Dalai Lama was heard to say and echo the 10th Panchen Lama’s words that Dalai Lama will safeguard Tibet from the outside while Panchen Lama safeguard Tibet from the inside as he never left Tibet for exile. His Holiness Panchen Lama was a great hero and very much loved by the Tibetan people up till his passing. Panchen Lama or Panchen Rinpoche was a great patron of Tibetan language, arts, culture, history, religion, scriptures, ancient texts, traditions and a scholar of Buddhism himself. He was requested to give transmissions, teachings, initiations and advice all over Tibet to hundreds of thousands constantly. When the Panchen Lama gave public discourses literally hundreds of thousands would attend. His teachings although draw from Tsongkapa’s writings would attract scholars, teachers, masters and lineage holders of all traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. From Government Ministers both Tibetan and Chinese would attend his discourses to the humblest farmer. People would queue whole days to get a glimpse or blessing by His Holiness Panchen Rinpoche.  Panchen Rinpoche is much revered in Tibet without rival except the Dalai Lama. In his large sprawling Tashi Lunpo Monastery, he has a special temple and chapel dedicated to Dorje Shugden. Special pujas, rites and rituals are performed to Dorje Shugden within this chapel by senior monks daily. Many lay people visit this famous chapel of Dorje Shugden daily in times of need and urgency. The laity requests Dorje Shugden rituals also daily. Panchen Rinpoche in his great omniscience held Dorje Shugden as a principal dharma protector of his lineage and personal propitiation together with other protectors of Tashi Lhunpo. There was no conflict. He even wrote prayers, offerings and rites among his works to Dorje Shugden which will be provided here. Panchen Rinpoche personally wrote extensive prayers and rites to Dorje Shugden in his collected written works. When someone of Panchen Rinpoche’s stature practices Dorje Shugden, has a special temple and chapel for this protector and also writes rituals and rites for this deity, we have no doubts Dorje Shugden is important and enlightened. Even if the Dalai Lama says Dorje Shugden or CTA claims Dorje Shugden is not to be worshipped, this would contradict Panchen Lama’s beliefs and practices. Can Panchen Rinpoche and many other erudite masters be wrong about Dorje Shugden and only Dalai Lama is correct? We leave it for you to decide. The fact of the matter is Panchen Lama’s stature, erudite understanding of the scriptures, teacher to millions in Tibet and China, established incarnation line and emanated directly from Amitabah could not be mistaken about his practices such as Dorje Shugden.

Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, the seat of the line of Panchen Lamas

Some background

The title Panchen (a short form of the Sanskrit-Tibetan Pandita Chen-po, or “Great Scholar”) was that traditionally given to head abbots of the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, who were chosen for their maturity and learning. In the 17th century the fifth Dalai Lama declared that his tutor, Lobsang Chokyi Gyaltsen (1570–1662), who was the current Panchen Lama, would be reincarnated in a child. He thus became the first of the line of reincarnated lamas named Panchen Lamas who are regarded as physical manifestations of the Buddha Amitabah. Disagreements between the government of the Dalai Lama and the Tashi Lhunpo administration over tax arrears led to the Panchen Lama’s flight to China in 1923. A boy born of Tibetan parents about 1938 in Qinghai province, China, Kelsang Tseten, was recognized as his successor. He was taken to Tibet in 1952 under Chinese military escort and enthroned as head abbot of Tashi Lhunpo. The Panchen Lama remained in Tibet in 1959 after the popular revolt and the Dalai Lama’s flight into exile, but his refusal to denounce the Dalai Lama as a traitor brought him into disfavour with the Chinese government, which imprisoned him in Beijing in 1964. He was released in the late 1970s and died in 1989. Panchen Lama never at any time denounced or criticized His Holiness the Dalai Lama. For this he was beaten and tortured many times, but his mind could not be swayed.

The Lineage of the Panchen Lamas

The Panchen Lama, a manifestation of Buddha Amitabah, ranks as the highest Tibetan Buddhist religious figure next to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The title Panchen means great scholar, and is derived from the Sanskrit term Pandita meaning scholar, and Tibetan word chen-po meaning great. The Panchen Lama lineage dates back to 1385, when the first Panchen Lama Khedrup Geleg Pal Sangpo lived, and since then, Tibetan history has seen the seamless reincarnations of Panchen Lamas until today. Traditionally, the abbots of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, which was built in Shigatse by His Holiness the first Dalai Lama, were known as Panchen, owing to their scholarly reputation. In the 17th century, His Holiness the 5th Dalai Lama gave his teacher, Lobsang Chokyi Gyaltsen, the then abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, the title of Panchen Lama, and declared that he would be reincarnated in a child, and that he would continue to be reborn in an unbroken lineage of successors.

5th Panchen Lama

From centuries past, an interesting relationship has existed between the two most senior religious leaders of the Gelug sect: the elder acting as the spiritual teacher of the younger; and the younger leading the search for the new incarnation after the passing of the elder. Herein, lies the significance of the role of the Panchen Lama, who plays a significant role in the search for and identification of the reincarnation of the Dalai Lamas, just as the Dalai Lamas leads the search for and identification of the Panchen Lamas’ reincarnation.

Line of Panchen Lama Reincarnations

1. Khedrup Geleg Namgyal Pelsang (student of Je Tsongkapa) (1385-1438) | 2. Sonam Choklang (1439-1504) | 3. Losang Dondrup (1505-1566) | 4. (1.) Panchen Lama Lobsang Chokyi Gyaltsen (1570-1662) (the title Panchen Lama was given to this incarnation lineage by the 4th Dalai Lama) | 5. (2.) Panchen Lama Lobsang Yeshe (1663-1737) | 6. (3.) Panchen Lama Lobsang Palden Yeshe (1738-1780) | 7. (4.) Panchen Lama Lobsang Tenpe Nyima (1782-1853) | 8. (5.) Panchen Lama Lobsang Palden Choki Dragpa Tenpe Wangchuk (1855-1882) | 9. (6.) Panchen Lama Lobsang Choki Nyima Geleg Namgyal (1883-1937) | 10. (7.) Panchen Lama Lobsang Trinley Lhudup Chokyi Gyaltsen (1938-1989)

History of the Panchen Lama

The 1st Panchen Lama, Khedrup Gelek Pelzang (1385-1438), was a disciple of Tsongkapa, the monk whose teachings formed the foundation of the Gelug school. Khedrup was one of the founders of Gelugpa, especially credited with promoting and defending Tsongkapa’s work. After Khedrup Rinpoche’s death a Tibetan boy named Sonam Choklang was recognized as his tulku, or rebirth. A lineage of reborn lamas was established. However, these first Panchen Lamas did not hold the title during their lifetimes. The title “Panchen Lama,” meaning “great scholar,” was given by the 5th Dalai Lama to the fourth lama in Khedrup Rinpoche’s lineage. This lama, Lobsang Chokyi Gyaltsen, is remembered as the 4th Panchen Lama, although he was the first lama to hold the title in his life. As well as being a spiritual descendent of Khedrup, the Panchen Lama also is considered to be an emanation of Amitabah Buddha. Along with his role as a teacher of the dharma, the Panchen Lamas usually are responsible for the recognition of rebirths of Dalai Lamas (and vice versa). Since the time of Lobsang Chokyi Gyaltsen, the Panchen Lamas have been involved in Tibet’s government and relations with powers outside Tibet. In the 18th and 19th centuries in particular the Panchen Lamas often had more real authority in Tibet than the Dalai Lama, especially through a series of Dalai Lamas who died too young to have had much influence. The Panchen Lama had the most power during this time in order to hold the country together and keep the daily spiritual and secular affairs of the country running smoothly. The 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th Dalai Lamas did not live long and therefore during the weakness of this period, Panchen Lama was the de-facto ruler who oversaw the government of both internal and external affairs of Tibet. The two high lamas have not always been congenial co-rulers. A serious misunderstanding between the 9th Panchen Lama and 13th Dalai Lama caused the Panchen Lama to leave Tibet for China in 1923. It became clear that the 9th Panchen Lama was a closer ally to Beijing than to Lhasa and did not agree with the Dalai Lama’s opinion that Tibet was independent from China. There were many misunderstandings between the Potala government and the Tashi Lhunpo ministers of the Panchen Lama. By 1982 Beijing considered Panchen Lama Lobsang Gyaltsen to be rehabilitated and restored him to some positions of authority. At one point he was vice chairman of the National People’s Congress. However, in 1989 the 10th Panchen Lama Lobsang Gyaltsen returned to Tibet, and during his visit he gave a speech mildly critical of China. Five days later he died, officially of a heart attack. He was 51 years old.

The famed Maitreya Buddha at Tashi Lhunpo which is a major pilgrimage site known throughout Tibet, Mongolia, China and Russia.

10th Panchen Rinpoche

Great Seal of the Panchen Lama

His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, His Holiness Panchen Rinpoche and His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Panchen Lama, Dalai Lama and Nehru the then Prime Minister of India

Premier Chou En-Lai of China, Nehru the Prime Minister of India, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and His Holiness Panchen Rinpoche

His Holiness Panchen Lama, Mao Tse Tung and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Panchen Lama and Dalai Lama were respected on equal par as you can see from walking and seating arrangements.

His Holiness Dalai Lama, Nehru and His Holiness Panchen Rinpoche

His Holiness Dalai Lama and Panchen Rinpoche inspecting troops together

Panchen Rinpoche, Mao Tse Tung and Dalai Lama. The two lamas seated equally

Mao with the two rulers of Tibet

Mao with the two rulers of Tibet

Both Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama escorted on horses

Tutor to the Dalai Lama is Trijang Rinpoche, Panchen Rinpoche and Dalai Lama

Panchen Lama, Dalai Lama, Chou En-Lai and Nehru

Walking equally side by side, Panchen Lama and Dalai Lama, the two highest leaders of Tibet visiting Sikkim

A casual moment between Panchen Rinpoche and Dalai Lama

The young enthroned 10th Panchen Lama at Kubum Monastery in Amdo

His Holiness the 9th Panchen Rinpoche

The all-knowing one, His Holiness the 9th Panchen Rinpoche

The spacious Dorje Shugden Chapel within Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lamas

Large applique thangka of Dorje Shugden – Tashi Lhunpo Monastery

Interior of the Tashi Lhunpo Dorje Shugden chapel, Shigatse, Tibet

Main image of Dorje Shugden in Tashi Lhunpo Monastery

Part of the entourage of Dorje Shugden (9 Dakinis, 8 Guiding Monks and Ten wrathful and youthful assistants)

Part of the entourage of Dorje Shugden (9 Dakinis, 8 Guiding Monks and Ten wrathful and youthful assistants)

Dorje Shugden’s mandala house (tendoe) within this Tashi Lhunpo Chapel

Thangka painting depicting the all-knowing Panchen Rinpoche

The 10th Panchen Lama

Panchen Lama was very close to Gangchen Rinpoche who hails from Tashi Lhunpo Monastery. He very much approved of Gangchen Rinpoche’s works

To read the Panchen Lama’s sungbum in its entirety, please click HERE. Otherwise, please scroll down to read just the extracted prayer to Dorje Shugden. Below are the collected written works by the erudite 10th Panchen Rinpoche. Within this are the prayer, ritual and rites (26 pages) to the Enlightened Protector Dorje Shugden. Panchen Lama revered and practiced Dorje Shugden throughout his life and composed further rites to this protector.

Gongsa Gyabgon Panchen Thamched Kyenpa Kutreng Chupa Chenpo Jetsun Losang Trinley Lhundrub Chokyi Gyeltsen Pelsang-Poi Sung Bum Shukso

Title:

All Knowing One, Perfect Refuge Tenth Incarnation of Panchen Lama the Great, Jetsun Losang Trinley Lhundrub Chokyi Gyeltsen Pelsang-Poi’s collected written works.

Table of Contents

Jamgon Gyelway Tensung Gyalchen Dorje Shugden Rik-nga Drakpo Tselgyi Gangchok leshi Lhundrub-gyi Drubay Trajang Shejawa Shukso

Translation:

Manjunatha’s (Tsongkapa) Lineage protector Dorje Shugden and five forms wrathful propitiations and confessional prayers and fulfillment of activities rites

By 10th Panchen Lama

Joyous Signs accompanies the birth of Panchen Lama’s “Dorje Shugden’s  *Kangsol”

The 10th Panchen Lama Lobsang Trinley Chokyi Gyaltsen Rinpoche an accomplished master of Sutra and Tantra has written volumes of commentaries and sadhanas which are still widely used in Tibet today. One such powerful composition is the ritual of propitiating the great protector Dorje Shugden.

In the preface of this sadhana, it says that the Panchen Rinpoche have just commissioned a new painting of the five lineages of Dorje Shugden. Acharya Lobsang Jangchub and the Panchen Rinpoche both agreed that there is a need to have a shorter version of prayer for exhortation of activities from the protector.

Upon the request of Acharya Lobsang Jangchub, Panchen Rinpoche immediately wrote this prayer of the abbreviated form of Dorje Shugden’s Kangsol and named it “Manjunatha’s (Tsongkapa) Lineage protector Dorje Shugden and five forms wrathful propitiations and confessional prayers and fulfilment of activities rites” or “Melodious sound of Accomplishment of the Four Activities” for short.

Upon the completion of this prayer, he personally saw signs and had strong feelings that Dorje Shugden have been working hard to protect the Buddha Dharma in general and especially the lineage of Jamphel Nyingpo (Lama Tsongkhapa). He saw signs especially that the time has come for Dorje Shugden to show his miraculous powers.

True to his identity as a direct incarnation of Khedrup Je who studied under the great Lama Tsongkhapa himself, the Panchen Rinpoche also showed his mastery of composition and poetry in the Sadhana. An example of such poetry is in the praise of Dorje Shugden where the Panchen Rinpoche wrote the praise with the first letter of each verse with a Tibetan vowel. Such composition are only seen in praises to senior protectors such as Palden Lhamo and Kalarupa.

The Panchen Rinpoche also mentioned that he was filled with happiness and bliss throughout the duration of writing this sadhana. The Panchen Rinpoche signed off at the end of the composition with both his official name and also his ordination name, Tenzin Trinley Jigme Choje Wangchuk which endorses the validity of this piece of work. This sadhana was written in his own palace in Tashi Lhunpo in the Hall of Clear light and bliss.

We wish to share this important and exciting detail of this composition with everyone so that all who see this can benefit and may the auspiciousness of Dorje Shugden be with everyone!

Admin

* Propitiation, invocation, confessions, praise, offerings, mantra, rites to Dorje Shugden

Sources:

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/440952/Panchen-Lama

http://buddhism.about.com/od/Schools-of-Tibetan-Buddhism/a/The-Panchen-Lama.htm

http://www.freepanchenlama.info/hggh http://triratna.info/R-line-Panchen-Lama.html