Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden is an essential protector for this era. At the most basic level, Dorje Shugden is able to solve various supernatural phenomena that one may encounter, such as spirit disturbances, sorcery or negative interferences.

He is also able to dispel samsaric problems such as ill-health, financial difficulties, family disputes, problems in the workplace, failing businesses, emotional instability, etc.

At a higher level, Dorje Shugden’s ultimate purpose as an enlightened Dharma protector is to benefit and support all sentient beings along their spiritual journey. Many practitioners have been amazed by the spiritual benefits they have received through sincere and consistent Dorje Shugden practice.

Ultimately, as Dorje Shugden is one of the most important Dharma protectors of this day and age, the merits from sincerely and consistently performing or sponsoring his puja are countless.

10 Benefits of a Dorje Shugden Puja

1. Removes inner and outer obstacles for one’s spiritual growth and attainments
2. Provides favorable conditions for one’s dharma practice to flourish
3. Develops wisdom, clarity and peace of mind
4. Improves memory and understanding, particularly the understanding of dharma
5. Overcomes financial troubles and brings material wealth
6. Grants protection from evil spirits, negative energies and witchcraft
7. Heals the body, mind and spirit
8. Grants protection from harmful, dangerous and life-threatening situations
9. Provides swift assistance in times of need
10. Creates a strong spiritual connection to an enlightened being for protection in this and future lives until one achieves bodhicitta.

Therefore, whenever you encounter a problem for which you need a little divine help, do perform a Dorje Shugden puja or request a monastery to do one on your behalf. The results are miraculous.

We are most happy to share with you a most interesting story about two great beings: Lama Zopa Rinpoche and the female oracle, known respectfully as Khadro-la.

Oracles are special people who are trained to take trance of higher beings or enlightened Dharma Protectors. They hold an especially esteemed role within the Tibetan Buddhist lineage, providing a direct, physical link between us and these attained beings. Many of the highest Lamas, including the Dalai Lama, enjoy very close relationships with these oracles and often consult these attained beings through them.

The greatly respected Lama Zopa Rinpoche is particularly close to Khadro-la, the female oracle of the worldly Goddess Tenma and is often seen performing rituals and in Dharma activity together. (see the links below for further information about Lama Zopa and Khadro-la).

During Lama Zopa’s illness, it was known that this oracle Khadro-la was helping Lama Zopa to heal. There are mentions about her help and Lama Zopa’s health on FMPT’s official website, written by Lama Zopa’s main attendant, Ven. Roger:

Click on image to enlarge

Source: http://www.fpmt.org/teachers/zopa/rinpoches-health-updates-and-practices.html

There are also videos of Khadro-la helping Lama Zopa in his recovery:
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Or watch on server | download video (right click & save file)

While this is wonderful and of course very kind of Khadro-la, this raised several questions within the Buddhist community, which have been discussed on online forums. This is why:

It was well known that Lama Zopa, and his Guru Lama Yeshe (the founder of FPMT) were greatly devoted to the enlightened Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden and propitiated his practice strongly among their students. Then, in the late 1990s, H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama declared that no one should practice this Protector Dorje Shugden any longer, suddenly claiming that he was a spirit (although he has been clearly recognized as an enlightened protector for hundreds of years). This sacred 350-year-old practice followed by thousands of the holiest lamas and practitioners was suddenly banned.

FPMT were one of the organizations who, under Lama Zopa’s guidance, followed the ban and gave up the practice. A highly attained incarnated Lama like Zopa Rinpoche will have his many good reasons for this but he has always remained respectful towards this issue and not created further problems for people who chose to continue the practice of Dorje Shugden. However, it has become known that students of his organization, FPMT, have acted in quite unkindly ways towards other Dorje Shugden devotees – ostracizing them, talking badly about them or the practice, spreading rumors to undermine these practitioners’ support and sponsorship.

We believe that whatever reasons Lama Zopa may have for not continuing the practice of Shugden, he would not advise his students to act in such schismatic and unkind ways. By acting like this, his students break samaya (spiritual bond and loyalty) not only to their teacher Lama Zopa, but also to Lama Yeshe, the lineage Gurus and the Protector Dorje Shugden himself.

Now, during Lama Zopa’s illness, we hear that it is an oracle of an unenlightened goddess who is being called to help him heal. Surely, an enlightened being like Lama Zopa does not need an unenlightened being to do healing for him? That is saying that unenlightened beings are more powerful than attained ones, which is not logical. Lama Zopa is a recognised Tulku (reincarnated high Lama), with full control of his deaths and rebirths. If he is able to control this, why would he not be able to control his own illness and healing? Why would he need such an oracle to help him heal?

By requesting dakini oracles to heal Lama Zopa, his students and organization FPMT are directly putting down Lama Zopa and his enlightened attainments. Why would such an accomplished Lama ask a worldly deity to heal him or seek advice from a worldly deity? Why would he entertain and spend so much time with this worldly deity’s female oracle? Why is Lama Zopa doing this when their organization used to rely on such a powerful enlightened protector before? Why not just rely on an enlightened Buddha, such as Shakyamuni or Tsongkhapa whose attainments are without question?

It seems that by entertaining this worldly deity oracle, Lama Zopa is sending a message that times have become so degenerate among his organization and students, that he now has to “rely” on a worldly being to cure him. Because of broken samaya among the students and in the FPMT organization, Lama Zopa is not able to manifest his full abilities and powers. He has had to “lower” himself to a level that seems fallible and unable to heal himself. He is being healed now, not even by an enlightened Protector, but by a worldly, unenlightened being.

Attached is an extract from the forum of DorjeShugden.com, where many Buddhists practitioners debate various subjects related to Dharma and especially to this Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden. These particular posts here relate to this topic of Lama Zopa’s illness and his reliance on Khadro-la. Please read the comments and what fellow Buddhists around the world have to say about this – it provides a very interesting perspective to the situation, to Lama Zopa’s health condition and to this delicate aspect of samaya from his students.

We urge you all to think about the serious implications that this has and what large questions it raises about the importance of keeping pure samaya with our teachers, their instructions to us and the lineage practices. Lama Zopa is no ordinary being. The manifestation of his illness and this subsequent move to rely on an unenlightened deity is evidence that something is very wrong among his students. It is very important they repair their samaya quickly – that would be the best balm to cure their beloved teacher.

With great concern,
DorjeShugden.com | DorjeShugden.net | XiongDeng.com

Some Selected Posts on the Forum Topic “Dakini Healing Lama Zopa”

This topic was started by “thaimonk” (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/forum/index.php?topic=1164.0)

FPMT has contacted this Tibetan woman and oracle to help Lama Zopa heal. Suddenly FPMT have such tremendous faith in her. FPMT says that she is not taking trance of a dakini but SHE IS A LIVING DAKINI.

She originally came from Tibet and during a public teaching with Dalai Lama in Dharamsala starting to take trance. Dalai Lama accepted she takes trance of a Goddess (Tema).

Years ago, Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa relied fully on Shugden and Shugden oracle to help them. Lama Yeshe relied on the Shugden oracle till the end of his days. Does it seem inappropriate they are relying on a Dakini now instead of Shugden? Either way, FPMT is really on a oracle. Shouldn’t Lama Zopa being a high lama be more ‘powerful’ than the dakini from Dharamsala?

I am not sure of this. I don’t have any negative thoughts or such. I was just wondering. What do you all think?

Responses and further comments

Posted by: “DharmaDefender”

I think Lama Zopa’s students would do well to remember their own guru’s teachings on how to extend the life of their lama. Like what dsiluvu said, how comes they can ask a spirit for help but cannot rely on Dorje Shugden? How can they entrust their lama’s long life to a spirit, but apparently practicing Dorje Shugden will shorten his life?

No offence and I’m sure they all mean well (and I sincerely mean that), but relying on an unenlightened being, after breaking their protector practice, kind of smacks of desperation and hypocrisy.

Posted by: “thor”

I think FPMT would be better off directing their efforts towards requesting Lama Zopa to extend his life and heal himself. Long life prayers, rituals and individual transformation and purification of wrong actions would be more effective than medical treatment or mystical help from the oracle.

If the lama can manifest sickness, then of course the lama will be able to make the sickness heal. And there is no reason for the lama to become ill, or to shorten his life, unless it is a method towards something much greater.

My own lama has often told me that no matter how many prayers the students do, how many requests they make, how much medicine and treatment they offer to their lama, none of that will have effect if the lama does not wish to heal. So FPMT should direct their attention towards analysing what it is they should do to please the mind of their lama that he will extend his life.

Posted by: “honeydakini”

I don’t think there is any harm in consulting enlightened beings, oracles, dharma protectors for help or advice, though we should really only consult them if they’re enlightened. I don’t really understand the point in consulting someone who is unenlightened since you open the doors for so many other potentially harmful beings to come in and disturb you.

As to this case of Lama Zopa’s illness, i don’t think anything would work better than for the students to check in on themselves – what commitments they have broken, or what actions they have done that would be against what their teachers have advised or taught them. Perhaps it is not something that they have directly disobeyed, it could even be something that isn’t as obvious like creating schism among Dharma practitioners, or creating doubt in other people’s minds about their practices and their teachers.

I personally think it’s quite silly to consult a dakini when your own enlightened teacher is right there. If you consult a dakini (whether she’s enlightened or not), that is to say that your teacher doesn’t have any control over his own body! I’m sure an enlightened teacher like Lama Zopa would have full control over his health and illnesses. (he has full control over his rebirths, as a tulku, but no control over illness? it doesn’t make sense).

So If our lama has control, that means that he has already taught us the means to heal him – which i’m sure would be, like all teachers advise us, to follow his instructions to us and practice and improve our minds. That would be so much more powerful than a dakini’s advice – because whatever the dakini could “prescribe” , I’m sure it isn’t something that Lama Zopa is beyond doing for himself.

Posted by: “Big Uncle”

Well, the very fact that FPMT is relying on a Dakini to heal their Lama shows that they are insecure about their samaya and the pujas that they can do to heal their own Lama. How much can this Dakini (enlightened or not) heal the Lama when the elders of the organisation know it is through clean samaya and sincere propitiation is the only way to purify lots of negative karma and move Lama Zopa to remain.

On top of that, they seemed to imply that the oracle lady is an enlightened dakini when she is not. Last time I checked, the goddess Tenma is a powerful but unenlightened mountain goddess of Tibet. Why rely on an unenlightened deity like Tenma? This all seemed very strange to me. I don’t think the politically correct elders would dare propitiated Dorje Shugden but in actuality, he is the only one who can help save the situation now. It is so sad.

Posted by: “Benny”

Yes, I could not agree more with Big Uncle, FPMT please mend your broken Samaya! As the saying goes “barking up the wrong tree !” Lama Zopa has full control over whether he stays or leave, there is nothing that the “mountain goddess” can do to move the lama to stay as he is here solely for the students.

What a sad sight to see such an attained Lama playing along with his students. In such crucial times, shouldn’t one propitiate to ones protector rather than a ” living dakini ” who channels an unenlightened deity (confusing ) ? They the FPMT are risking loosing their guru for the sake of looking good in the eyes of the Dalai Lama!

Further information about Lama Zopa and Khadro-la, the female oracle of Tenma.

There is a long-standing relationship between Lama Zopa and this female oracle, Khadro-la. Their closeness has even been documented in some of the most popular Buddhist magazines and resources.

Venerable Roger did an interview with Khadro-la in 2009, for Mandala Magazine (FPMT’s official magazine):

Click on image to enlarge

Source: http://www.mandalamagazine.org/archives/mandala-issues-for-2009/january/interview-with-a-dakini/

There are several videos of Lama Zopa and Khadro-la, engaged in pujas together:

Lama Zopa, Phari Rinpoche and Khadro-la doing puja at Trijang Rinpoche’s stupa:
[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

Or watch on server | download video (right click & save file)

Lama Zopa and Kharo-la doing puja, May 2010:
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Or watch on server | download video (right click & save file)

Lama Zopa, Khadro-la, Phari Rinpoche at the Maratika Caves, June 2010
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Official news on the FPMT websites often feature Lama Zopa together with Khadro-la:

Click on image to enlarge

Source: http://mandala.fpmt.org/2013/lama-zopa-rinpoche-and-khadro-la/

Click on image to enlarge

Source: http://www.mandalamagazine.org/2012/lama-zopa-rinpoche-and-khadro-la-offer-public-teachings-at-maitripa-college/

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Source: www.mandalamagazine.org/2012/lama-zopa-rinpoche-and-khadro-la-visit-western-united-states/

Some photos of Lama Zopa and Khadro-la, who travel and attend religious ceremonies together very often.

For further reading:

Where is Lama Yeshe? (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/features/where-is-lama-yeshe/)

FPMT Lineage Masters are Dorje Shugden Believers (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/features/fpmt-lineage-masters-are-believers-of-dorje-shugden/)

FPMT, Dalai Lama and Dorje Shugden (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/features/fpmt-dalai-lama-and-dorje-shugden/)

A True Inspiration: Claudio Cipullo (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/news/a-true-inspiration-claudio-cipullo/)

Fabrizio Pallotti (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/news/fabrizio-pallotti/)

Politically Correct at the Expense of the Lineage (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/the-controversy/politically-correct-at-the-expense-of-the-lineage/)

Lama Yeshe and Geshe Rabten (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/mail-out/lama-yeshe-and-geshe-rabten/)

The Broken Samayas of FPMT (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/the-controversy/the-broken-samayas-of-fpmt/)

The Questionable Policies of the FPMT (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/the-controversy/the-questionable-policies-of-the-fpmt/)

Lama Zopa admitted to being recognized by Dorje Shugden (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/others-old/lama-zopa-admitted-to-being-recognized-by-dorje-shugden/)

Recognized by Dorje Shugden, but Speaks against Dorje Shugden (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/the-controversy/recognized-by-dorje-shugden-but-speaks-against-dorje-shugden/)

Kopan Monks Asking for Dorje Shugden Puja for Lama Zopa (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/the-controversy/kopan-monks-asking-for-dorje-shugden-puja-for-lama-zopa/)

Who made Lama Zopa a Rinpoche? (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/features/who-made-lama-zopa-a-rinpoche/)

A Tribute to Ven. Lama Yeshe Rinpoche (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/great-masters/a-tribute-to-ven-lama-yeshe-rinpoche/)

Dorje Shugden arose as the principal Protector of Lama Tsongkhapa’s doctrine about 350 years ago, at the time of the 5th Dalai Lama, who composed the first verses of praise to him.

However, the common lineage and practice that is being followed throughout the world today is more recent and comes from a great Lama called Tagphu Pemavajra. Tagphu Pemavajra had the special ability to astral travel and one day, he travelled to Tushita Heaven, the celestial abode of the Buddhist saint Lama Tsongkhapa. There, he requested the Buddhist ascended master Duldzin Drakpa Gyeltsen to expound the mystical teachings and practice of Dorje Shugden.

For the first time ever, Dorje Shugden’s full entourage and mandala emanated out from under Lama Tsongkhapa’s throne. Dorje Shugden then transmitted the practice directly to Tagphu Pemavajra, just as the Buddha Maitreya had transmitted five major philosophical treatises to the master Asanga in Tushita Heaven in earlier times.

Tagphu Pemavajra later transmitted these instructions to his disciple Pabongka Dechen Nyingpo, who wrote the Melodious Drum, the lineage practice prayer, and passed it on to Trijang Dorjechang Losang Yeshe who wrote a commentary on the prayer. From Trijang Rinpoche, who was also the junior tutor to H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama, the teachings were passed to many renowned Gelugpa teachers. Today, these teachers are teaching all over the world.

Is this a secret practice that requires initiation?

No, it is not secret. You do not require any initiation or empowerment to recite some of the prayers and Dorje Shugden’s mantra.

Can I practice Dorje Shugden even if I have not received the practice, initiation or empowerment from a lama?

Yes, you can. It is good to request an initiation (permission) or oral transmission from a qualified Lama if possible, as you will also receive the lineage blessings of this practice.

More advanced practice would require guidance and permission from a qualified teacher but you can already start to create a profound connection to this Protector by reciting prayers and his mantra, and praying sincerely to him.

How can I start doing Dorje Shugden’s practice?

If you have an image of Dorje Shugden, you can set up an altar if it is convenient. You can also make daily offerings such as flowers, light, incense, food or whatever you find pleasing. If it is not convenient for you to have an altar, you can start his practice simply by downloading and reciting any of the prayers that are available on this website. Or, you can recite his mantra anytime, anywhere:

OM BENZA WIKI BITANA SOHA

The most important part of doing Dorje Shugden’s practice is to have a sincere and pure motivation.

How can I do the practice if I don’t have much time?

You do not need much time for this practice. Simply recite a short prayer (below) and the mantra. You can also recite just the mantra at any time, anywhere and as many times as you like.

Whenever you have more time, you can recite the longer prayers (which can be downloaded from the prayers section of this website) and / or recite more mantras. Most importantly, generate a good motivation and have strong faith that Dorje Shugden will help you.

Prayer:
By just recollecting you for an instant,
Outer and inner obstructions are dispelled,
O powerful Dorje Shugden’s five families,
Bestower of the four activities,
To the Dharmapala and entourage, I bow down.

Mantra:
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA SOHA

What happens if I miss doing the practice when, for example, I am ill or travelling?

Dorje Shugden is an emanation of Manjushri, the Enlightened Buddha of Wisdom. He arose as a Dharma Protector about 350 years ago especially to protect Nagarjuna’s Middle View, as taught by Lama Tsongkhapa.

He is often considered to be a Protector of the Gelugpa lineage but actually, he protects all sincere Dharma practitioners equally.

I already have a Dharma Protector practice so why would I need to do Dorje Shugden’s practice?

Dorje Shugden has manifested specifically at this time to assist practitioners in this day and age. As obstacles and distractions become much greater at this time, Dorje Shugden’s practice is very effective to help us clear these obstacles. His practice is complementary to all our practices and there is no conflict or overlap at all.

You should continue your existing Dharma Protector practices, but you can also add Dorje Shugden’s practice to your daily prayers. You can add his prayers in after your normal Protector prayers, or simply recite his mantra.

Can I still do Dorje Shugden’s practice if I am already doing other spiritual practices?

Yes, there is no conflict or problem in adding Dorje Shugden’s practice to what you are already doing. You can also put images of him on your altar alongside images / statues of other deities and / or Buddhas. However, if you already have a Lama and have already been advised to do certain prayers, you should maintain what you have already been taught.

If you wish to do Dorje Shugden’s practice (or any other practice for that matter) on top of what you have already been advised, do seek the advice of your Lama as he will know what practices would be most suitable and beneficial for you.

Can I be harmed in any way from doing this practice?

It is impossible for any Enlightened Being like Dorje Shugden to harm anyone. He abides totally in compassion and wisdom, and would never do anything to harm any being.

Will Dorje Shugden harm you if you stop doing his practice?

No. As he is a fully Enlightened Buddha, he will never have any motivation to harm any being.

Which high lamas practice Dorje Shugden?

Many of the highest Lamas today – who have been recognized as highly realized, Enlightened Beings themselves – have been well known for relying upon Dorje Shugden. Well-known and highly esteemed Gelugpa practitioners of Dorje Shugden, past and present, include:

Past Masters

• The 5th Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso
• Losang Thubten Wangchuk Jigme Gyatso (head of the Gelugpa school of Buddhism in Mongolia)
• Ngulchu Dharmabadra
• The Indian master Shakya Shri Bhadra
• The 11th Dalai Lama (who installed Dorje Shugden as the Protector of the Gelugpa tradition)
• Gyara Tulku Rinpoche
• Domo Geshe Rinpoche (regarded by the 13th Dalai Lama as an emanation of Lama Tsongkhapa)
• Serkong Rinpoche (regarded by the 13th Dalai Lama as Vajradhara)
• Dagpo Kelsang Khedrub Rinpoche
• Pabongka 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
• Khen Rinpoche Losang Tharchin
• Lati Rinpoche
• Geshe Ngawang Dhargyey
• Khechog Rinpoche
• Lama Yeshe
• Dagom Rinpoche

Present Masters

• Lobsang Tamdin
• Ribur Rinpoche
• Geshe Rabten
• Dagyab Rinpoche
• Gelek Rinpoche
• Lama Zopa
• Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
• Yongyal Rinpoche
• The 14th Dalai Lama
• Gonsar Rinpoche
• Gangchen Rinpoche and others

Where can I find out more information about this Protector and his practice?

There is plenty of information available on this website, including a wealth of articles, images and videos. There is also a very helpful forum which encourages plenty of discussion and where you can ask any questions you may have about Dorje Shugden and his practice.

Dorje Shugden is very swift in his help and can assist you in any aspect of your life, for your highest benefit. He can help to:

• Alleviate financial difficulties and health problems
• Bring greater peace, clarity and stability to your mind
• Clear your mind so that you are able to handle difficult situations with more focus and wisdom for positive outcomes
• Grant you wealth and all the resources you need for a successful life and spiritual practice
• Protect you from dangerous or life-threatening situations
• Protect you against negative interferences such as spirit disturbances, negative energies or black magic
• Improve your intelligence, memory and wisdom
• Clear obstacles so you can focus on your Dharma practice without any interruptions or difficulties
• Open your mind to gain a deeper understanding of the Dharma teachings. Then, you can apply and practice them to bring improvements to your life

Can Dorje Shugden protect me from harmful spirits?

There are many types of protection one can receive, depending on the spirit or malady, but one of the most powerful is relying on an Enlightened Dharma Protector, such as Dorje Shugden.

Dorje Shugden’s rites, rituals, prayers, meditations and protective mantras are hailed as one of the best. This practice is excellent to do daily to bless our environment and bestow peace, as it is very effective. You can download a picture, keep it in your home or office, and ask for sacred protection. Many can attest that Tibetan protection is ancient and powerful. Daily prayers and invocation to Dorje Shugden also bless the environment and bestow peace to all beings in that area.

I’m not very spiritual or spiritually inclined right now. How can Dorje Shugden still help and would he?

Of course Dorje Shugden will still help you; he helps all beings equally, just as the sun shines on all. He can help you on the most basic level of clearing your immediate problems (financial, health, relationships, family, harmony, business, legal matters, etc.).

On a higher level, Dorje Shugden helps you develop a stronger spiritual practice to bring more peace and wisdom into your life.

What does Dorje Shugden get in return for helping me?

Dorje Shugden does not require anything from us and does not “get anything back” from us.

As a fully Enlightened Being, he helps us unconditionally, out of his great compassionate wish to free us from suffering. The only thing he would like for us is to improve our minds to become better, kinder people.

Dorje Shugden is an emanation of Manjushri, the Enlightened Buddha of Wisdom. He arose as a Dharma Protector about 350 years ago especially to protect Nagarjuna’s Middle View, as taught by Lama Tsongkhapa. He is often considered to be a Protector of the Gelugpa lineage but actually, he protects all sincere Dharma practitioners equally.

What is a Dharma Protector?

A Dharma Protector is a being who manifests in a particular form with the particular function of averting obstacles and providing conducive conditions for our spiritual practice. There are two kinds of Dharma Protectors: Enlightened Protectors who are emanations of Buddhas, and unenlightened / worldly Protectors.

What is the difference between an Enlightened Dharma Protector and a worldly / unenlightened Protector?

The difference between an Enlightened Dharma Protector and a worldly Dharma Protector is that the former is a Buddha whereas the latter is not. Many of the Dharma Protectors who are most commonly relied upon are Enlightened Beings, such as Dorje Shugden, who is an emanation of the Buddha Manjushri.

Enlightened Dharma Protectors’ principal function is to protect our Dharma practice, not to help our mundane affairs. Famous Enlightened Dharma Protectors are Palden Lhamo (an emanation of Tara), Six-Armed Mahakala (Avalokiteshvara), Four-Armed Mahakala, Kalarupa and Dorje Shugden (Manjushri), and Setrab Chen (Amitabha).

The most famous of the unenlightened Dharma Protectors is Nechung / Pehar. These unenlightened Protectors are usually worldly beings who were oath-bound by Lamas to stop causing harm and to serve and protect the Dharma instead.

Why are Dharma Protectors so important?

When we are engaging in spiritual practice, obstacles and distractions will arise that may disturb our practice. Thus, it can often be difficult to fulfill our commitments or engage purely and deeply in Dharma practice.

Dharma Protectors are a very important part of our practice as they help to remove immediate obstacles to our spiritual progress. They also provide conducive conditions for us to accomplish our spiritual aspirations smoothly. For example, they can help to avert physical problems such as illnesses, accidents, financial difficulties, and bring about the resources we need such as sponsorship, resources and spiritual friends to support our practice.

Dorje Shugden has removed obstacles and created the conditions for the extraordinary growth of Lama Tsongkhapa’s teachings, and most importantly, the realization of those teachings. Lama Tsongkhapa’s doctrine is now spreading swiftly to countries throughout the world and touching the lives of many who have been able to learn the teachings and put them into practice to effect great transformation in their lives.

Why does Dorje Shugden look so fierce?

In Buddhist iconography, wrathful expressions denote a very fast and powerful energy. It is likened to the “fierce” but compassionate energy of a mother who shouts at her child if she sees him playing with fire or about to harm himself.

Dorje Shugden’s expression of fierceness is symbolic of his very swift and efficacious ability to destroy obstacles for Dharma practitioners and come to our aid very quickly. Underneath the fierceness, everything that Dorje Shugden does is out of total compassion.

Is Dorje Shugden a spirit or demon?

No, he is neither a spirit nor a demon. Quite the opposite. He is an emanation of Manjushri, the Buddha of Wisdom, and is therefore a fully Enlightened Being.

Has Dorje Shugden emanated as other forms before?

Yes, prior to arising as a Dharma Protector, Dorje Shugden manifested as many renowned and highly respected Lamas including:

• The Indian Mahasiddha Biwawa
• Duldzin Drakpa Gyeltsen (one of Lama Tsongkhapa’s closest disciples who built Gaden Monastery)
• Panchen Sonam Drakpa (an erudite scholar and debate master, whose philosophical texts are still being studied in the monasteries today)
• Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen (a highly respected Lama who was often compared to the 5th Dalai Lama).

What are the other forms of Dorje Shugden and what do they do?

There are five principal emanations of Dorje Shugden:

• Dorje Shugden, the principal figure who represents consciousness. He bestows wisdom and shows the way to higher attainments.
• Vairochana Shugden or Shize, who represents form. He purifies negative karma and obstacles.
• Ratna Shugden or Gyenze, who represents feeling. He brings increase of all that is good.
• Pema Shugden or Wangze, who represents discrimination. He brings peace of mind.
• Karma Shugden or Trakze, who represents compositional factors. He helps to overcome delusions and combats the strongest negative, harmful energies.

What are oracles, and how are they related to Dharma Protectors?

Oracles are specially trained people who can take trance and serve as a medium for Dharma Protectors. This means that the essence or energy of the Dharma Protector can enter and use their bodies as a vessel to speak to us directly. Therefore, we can receive enlightened and accurate advice to make the right decisions to support our spiritual path in our daily lives.

From http://www.dorjeshugdenimagelibrary.wordpress.com

Some beautiful images of the Dharma Protector and Wisdom Buddha Dorje Shugden for you to enjoy

From http://www.dorjeshugdenimagelibrary.wordpress.com

Some beautiful images of the Dharma Protector and Wisdom Buddha Dorje Shugden for you to enjoy

His Holiness speaks about the issue of those who worship Dorje Shugden, who he refers to as a worldly spirit. He says that this spirit presents a danger to himself, the unity of Tibetan Buddhism and the Tibetan cause. He suggests that rather than taking refuge in spirits one should take refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.

The Dalai Lama now says, “it is up to the individual” to worship Dorje Shugden. Well, if what the Dalai Lama says is correct with regards to the fact that we should rely only in the Three Jewels, what is the Tibetan government doing relying on the unenlightened Protector Nechung? It is obvious that the Dalai Lama is purposely contradicting himself for a greater purpose.

Wisdom Buddha Dorje Shugden is the Dharma Protector of Je Tsongkhapa’s teachings. Enjoy these images of Dorje Shugden.

The Dalai Lama emphasises the importance of keeping the teacher-disciple relationship pure and having sincere reliance on a spiritual guide. But now, he goes against his own kind teachers by proclaiming that their practice of Dorje Shugden was “wrong”. Does this mean all the other teachings and practices he has received from them and is now sharing with the world are also “wrong”?

The Dalai Lama has publicly denounced Dorje Shugden’s practice and forbids any Shugden practitioners from attending his teachings. At the same time, he has given HH Trijang Rinpoche, the current incarnation of his spiritual guide, an exception to do this practice. Why would he allow his own teacher to practice something “wrong”?

The Dalai Lama has claimed that this deity is an evil spirit who will harm his life. Yet, according to the Abbot-Emeritus of Sera Monastery, who consulted Dorje Shugden via an Oracle, Dorje Shugden saved the Dalai Lama’s life by advising him to leave Tibet in 1959 and showing him the way to safety. Is that the action of an evil spirit?

Is the Dalai Lama deliberately being contradictory or is there a bigger picture to this ban?

The Dalai Lama and Guru Devotion

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Dorje Shugden Saved The Dalai Lama’s Life

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Dalai Lama Says Trijang Rinpoche Can Practice Dorje Shugden

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