The largest Dorje Shugden statue in the world

It is a known fact that many Dorje Shugden lamas, Gelugpa or otherwise, have opted to lay low with their practice ever since the ban on Dorje Shugden was enforced in 1996. However, in recent months, a number of lamas have either revealed their practice or reconnected with other practitioners.

In late 2014, H.E. Zasep Rinpoche, who had been relatively low key about his practice, attended the opening of Gaden Khachoe Shing in Bloomington, Indiana, a Buddhist monastery under the spiritual direction of the Venerable Kuten (Choijin) Lama. While in early 2015, another lama, H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche began teaching extensively about Dorje Shugden’s practice on his blog and other online platforms.

H.E. Tsem Rinpoche has since become progressively more vocal about Dorje Shugden’s practice and the social impact of the ban. He has also unveiled the largest Dorje Shugden statue in the world! The massive 24ft statue is housed in Kechara Forest Retreat, an hour’s drive from the capital city of Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

This retreat center is the latest initiative of Kechara, a Buddhist organization founded by H.E. Tsem Rinpoche in the year 2000. Over the span of 15 years, Kechara has established its presence in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Nepal and USA, upholding the precious lineage of Je Tsongkapa through methods both traditional and contemporary. Alongside its efforts to encourage the growth of Buddhadharma through publications, art, multimedia and the Internet, Kechara is also focused on various charitable works in the local community.

H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche

History

What would eventually become Kechara Forest Retreat

Rinpoche and a group of us went to view a few pieces of land identified by our search party … The last piece of land to view was along Jalan Chamang, Bentong. We stood on the outside of the land and everyone of us liked it.

Then Rinpoche asked for a sign from our Protector. Without overhead clouds nor lightning and thunder, large drops of rain fell on precisely where we’re standing and then there was no more rain. That was the sign from our Protector.
~ Datuk May Phng, President of Kechara

In early 2012, H.E. Tsem Rinpoche and his students set out in search of a piece of land that would eventually house a retreat center from which the lineage and teachings of Je Tsongkapa’s tradition would spread. On that fateful day and on numerous other occasions, many auspicious portents were noted, including drizzles of rain, rainbows, and even an anonymous yet prophetic postcard.

A postcard from an anonymous Mongolian lama, which closely resembled Kechara Forest Retreat.

Kechara Forest Retreat in the early days. The uncanny resemblance is indicative of its potential in furthering Lama Tsongkapa’s lineage and tradition.

Through sheer effort, dedication and the blessings of Dorje Shugden, remarkable progress in the acquisition of land and construction of the initial phases of the retreat center was achieved in less than two years. Today, residents and visitors to Kechara Forest Retreat can enjoy its contemporary facilities including:

• Wisdom Hall (Main prayer hall and protector chapel)
• Tara Walk (Walking meditation path)
• Manjushri Hill (Majestic stone statue of 4-armed Manjushri)
• Vajrayogini Stupa
• The Aviary and Organic Farm
• Dukkar Apartments (Guest accommodation)

Images of Dorje Shugden’s 32-deity entourage

Dorje Shugden pujas are performed monthly according to traditon

Statues of the lineage lamas are prominently displayed in the protector chapel

Throne for the oracle of Dorje Shugden

A chapel to Gyenze or Ratna Shugden, the increase form of Dorje Shugden

We at DorjeShugden.com extend our gratitude to H.E. Tsem Rinpoche for his great works in spearheading the growth of Dorje Shugden’s practice and the Buddhadharma, and bringing it to greater heights. May he live long to continue his activities to spread the teachings of Je Tsongkhapa throughout the world.

How To Get There

Kechara Forest Retreat
Jalan Chamang
Bentong
Pahang
Malaysia

Phone: +603 7803 3908
Website: retreat.kechara.com
Email: retreat@kechara.com

More Pictures of Kechara Forest Retreat

Kechara Forest Retreat in Bentong, Malaysia

The main prayer hall in Kechara Forest Retreat which is home to the 24ft Dorje Shugden statue

The imposing 24ft Dorje Shugden statue, the largest in the world

Lama Tsongkhapa in a long life form

Vajrayogini Stupa

Four-armed Manjushri

Dukkar Apartments

The aviary

Plans for further expansion are underway

Dagor Rinpoche’s Monastery in Markham, Tibet

On 16 December 2014, a new Dorje Shugden monastery opened its doors to the public in Markham, Tibet. Home to some 200 Buddhist monks who were expelled from a larger monastery in Markham due to the ban on Dorje Shugden’s practice, this new monastery, Ganden Dhamcholing, was built and offered to H.E. Dagor Rinpoche through the kindness of loyal Shugden supporters and sponsors.

More than 10,000 Shugden practitioners from Markham and various parts of Tibet attended the grand opening of Ganden Dhamcholing Monastery, complete with auspicious pujas and public performances to celebrate the great fortune of the people of Markham. Below are some pictures of this joyous occasion submitted by our friends in Tibet, which are a source of inspiration for all Shugden practitioners across the world during these difficult times.

We at DorjeShugden.com rejoice and pray that the monks of Markham Gaden Dhamcholing Monastery will continue to uphold the pure lineage of Je Tsongkapa and for H.E. Dagor Rinpoche to fulfil the prayers of his previous lives and arise as an erudite master once again.

H.E. Dagor Rinpoche

More than 10,000 people gathered at Dagor Rinpoche’s Monastery to celebrate the grand opening ceremony

The lay people dressed in their best clothes to celebrate such a joyous occasion

Ganden Chang Chub Choling started from humble beginnings in the early 1970’s through the efforts of a great attained master and stalwart Dorje Shugden practitioner, Geshe Khenrab Gajam of Ganden Jangtse Monastery. During this era, an influx of Tibetan refugees had migrated to Canada. Thus, the Canadian government extended an invitation to Geshe Khenrab Gajam to establish a dharma center to fulfill the spiritual needs of their new citizens.

When Geshe Khenrab Gajam arrived in Montreal, he lived in a small apartment in Longueuil where the local Tibetan community soon made a close connection with him. Not long after his arrival, a small group of English and French students also started to gather for Dharma classes in Geshe Khenrab’s apartment.

Eventually, Geshe Khenrab converted his apartment into a Dharma centre known as the Atisha Dharma Centre. Although it was small, they were often visited by many great lamas, amongst them Venerable Pema Gyaltsen, Kyabje Lati Rinpoche, Venerable Kalu Rinpoche and Kyabje Zong Rinpoche.

Geshe Khenrab Gajam (right) and Kyabje Zong Rinpoche (left)

In 1980, just before the visit of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the Atisha Dharma Centre moved to a larger building in Longueuil and was renamed the Tibetan Buddhist Temple – Ganden Chang Chub Choling. The more spacious premises allowed the Dharma community to flourish, and many more newcomers began to participate in the temple’s activities.

Chang Chub Choling remained in this location for six years until they relocated yet again to an even bigger place on De l’Eglise Ave. in Côte St. Paul at the advice of H.H. the 98th Gaden Tripa, Jamphel Shenpen, who had visited the temple several times over the course of a few years. The new center had its official opening in May 1986, with a traditional ceremony performed by the monks of Gyuto Tantric College.

H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama visited Ganden Chang Chub Choling in 1980

Chang Chub Choling continued to enjoy visits from great Lamas such as Zasep Tulku Rinpoche, and the students received many teachings and initiations from these enlightened masters under the auspices of Geshe Khenrab Gajam. After Geshela entered clear light on 4 October 1993, his students continued their practices and sought advice from both Kyabje Lati Rinpoche and Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche on the search for the reincarnation of their beloved teacher.

Through the kindness of Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche, the temple came under the guidance of Geshe Tsultrim Tenzin, an exceptional Geshe and Dorje Shugden practitioner, also from Ganden Jangtse Monastery. Geshe-la arrived with Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche in the fall of 2001, and remained in Chang Chub Choling for 4 months during which he gave many teachings. Thereafter, Geshe Tsultrim was called away to Austria to be the tutor of H.H. Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche.

Geshe Tsultrim Tenzin (right) with his close student Zawa Tulku Rinpoche (left)

Since then, Zawa Tulku Rinpoche and Gen Lobsang Tashi, both close disciples of Geshe Tsultrim, have established a permanent monastic presence in Chang Chub Choling to guide the spiritual community of Montreal. Together, they work hand in hand to actualize the vision of Geshe Khenrab Gajam.

The Sangha of Ganden Chang Chub Choling

Geshe Tsultrim Tenzin

Geshe Tsultrim Tenzin is the Spiritual Director of Gaden Chang Chub Choling temple in Montreal since 2001. Born in Kham, Tibet, he became a monk at the age of twelve at Ganden Jangtse Monastery and was awarded the highest degree of Geshe Lharampa after completing the study of all divisions of Tibetan Buddhist Philosophy.

Geshe-la also received an Acharya (Masters) degree at the Varanasi Sanskrit University in India and completed his tantric education at the Gyumed Tantric College.

Today, Geshe-la teaches at many Buddhist temples and monasteries in India, Tibet, Europe and North America. He has been responsible for the education of many monks, guiding them from a young age to maturity, and in particular, he is the chosen teacher of the young Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche.

Venerable Zawa Tulku Rinpoche

Born in India in 1978, Zawa Tulku Lobsang Dorje Chokyi Gyaltsen Rinpoche was recognized as the incarnation of the great Zawa Geshe Rinpoche. He was enthroned and ordained at Ganden Shartse monastery in 1982, where he studied Buddhist philosophy for the next 16 years.

Upon completing his education, Rinpoche then embarked upon an international tour, teaching at numerous Dharma centers around the world. Rinpoche is also a master of the ritual arts, particularly in healing and purification rituals, and the construction of sand mandalas.

When Zawa Rinpoche’s Guru, Geshe Tsultrim Tenzin, was called away to Austria to assist Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche in his studies, Zawa Rinpoche was given the responsibility to carry on the work of his teacher. Renowned for his kindness and pure morality, Zawa Rinpoche is now the Abbot of Ganden Chang Chub Choling Tibetan Buddhist Temple in Montreal.

Gen Lobsang Tashi

Gen Lobsang Tashi was ordained at the age of 8 in Ganden Jangtse Monastery and is in the process of completing his traditional monastic education.

Gen-la is the assistant of Zawa Tulku Rinpoche and is also the resident Tibetan translator and language teacher in Ganden Chang Chub Choling.

Carrying on the Lineage

It is widely known that Geshe Khenrab Gajam was an eminent Dorje Shugden practitioner who upheld his commitments and practices until he entered clear light in 1993. Determined to preserve the holy lineage of their Guru, the members of Chang Chug Choling have continued their protector practices after the passing of their teacher.

Through Chang Chub Choling’s Spiritual Director, Geshe Tsultrim Tenzin, and his unique position as H.H. Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche’s tutor, the members of the temple are also closely connected to many great Dorje Shugden masters.

Today, under the guidance of Zawa Tulku Rinpoche, who is an active and vocal supporter of the Dorje Shugden movement, Ganden Chang Chub Choling offers a variety of Buddhist services for the public, among them Dorje Shugden prayer services .

We at DorjeShugden.com are proud of our Dharma brothers and sisters in Montreal for staying strong and unified during these difficult times, and for their unwavering devotion to Geshe Khenrab Gajam.

Tibetan Buddhist Temple – Gaden Chang Chub Choling

1870, De l’Eglise Ave.
Montreal H4E 1G8
Quebec, Canada

Tel.: +1-514-765-3515
Info: +1-514-219-4506
Fax : +1-514-765-9102

Email: tbt@khenrab.org
Website:http://www.khenrab.org

Rabten Choeling is one of the first Tibetan Buddhist monasteries to be established in the West after the exodus of Tibetans into India. Located 820m above sea level on Mount-Pelerin, above Lake Geneva in Vevey, Switzerland, the centre is an institute for Higher Tibetan studies and the pursuit of Tibetan Buddhist practices. At present, there are about 30 monks, 5 nuns and 20 lay students living in the centre.

Early Beginnings: Geshe Tamdrin Rabten Rinpoche

Geshe Tamdrin Rabten Rinpoche

Rabten Choeling was founded by Geshe Tamdrin Rabten Rinpoche. After escaping from Tibet, Geshe Rabten Rinpoche along with Kyabje Lati Rinpoche was appointed as His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s advisor on philosophical matters.

Later in 1974, at the request of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Geshe Rabten moved to Switzerland to serve as the Abbot of Rikon Monastery in Tosstal. During this time, Geshe Rabten and a handful of monks lived in a rented house in the tiny hamlet of Schwendi, located 4 km from Rikon Monastery.

Geshe Rabten with a group of monastics in Rikon Monastery in 1976

H.H. the Dalai Lama gave a discourse on adaptating to Western civilization at Rikon Monastery, Switzerland, 6 October 1973

Geshe Rabten was an extraordinary lama, able to explain Buddhism and Buddhist philosophy with powerful clarity. Combined with his understanding of the Western mind and ideas, Geshe Rabten quickly gained a following of Western students and became the pioneer in spreading Tibetan Buddhism in Western Europe. It was also during this time that Geshe Rabten started training Westerners to become qualified Buddhist teachers in their own right.

Geshe Rabten Rinpoche in Dharamsala, India with his Western students

A year and a half later, Geshe Rabten and his entourage of students moved into Le Colibri, a larger property in Mount Pelerin, which later came to be known as Tharpa Choeling. A strong and closely knit Buddhist community was formed and enthusiastic lay students began settling down in the area, each finding their own unique way to contribute to the growing Dharma community. Some studied, while others helped with the more mundane works such as administration, finances, kitchen work and even gardening.

Venerable Abbot Geshe Tamdrin Rabten (with sunglasses) and the monks of Tharpa Choeling in 1978. From left to right: Glaude Grenier, Stephen Schettini, Christopher Pace, Laurence Williamson, Brian Grabia, Arnold Possick, Dominique Monmayeul, Stephen Batchelor, Helmut Gassner, Eckart Zabel, Bruno Le Guevel, Alan Wallace, Geshe Tamdrin Rabten, Geshe Jhampa Lhodro, Geshe Gendun Zangpo, Elio Guarisco and Gen Lo Norbu on the occasion of the novice ordination of Laurence, Dominique and Eckart

A younger Geshe Rabten Rinpoche

The Geneva Group

Anne Ansermet

Comprising of businessmen and industrialists, the Geneva group was led by Anne Ansermet, daughter of a famous Swiss conductor, Ernest. Coming from a privileged background, Anne was well-connected to the movers and shakers of the day, and it was this group that arranged and financed the purchase of Le Colibri. They funded the institute, put visas in passports, and provided sufficient funding for living expenses and books.

At the age of 70, Anne was drawn to Buddhism and even traveled to India to be ordained by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. She was an amazing woman to whom the residents of Tharpa Choeling owed much of their spiritual pursuits. It was the hard work of Anne and her group that allowed the ordained and lay people in Tharpa Choeling to live a life of study and contemplation without having to worry about their material needs.

The Geneva group on the other hand, approved of the study programs in Tharpa Choeling, confident that their hard work, money and time were well spent, and that things were moving in the right direction to help disseminate Buddhism in the West.

Anne Ansermet in Dharamsala with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama Visits

In the summer of 1979, Geshe Rabten invited His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Switzerland. It was in Tharpa Choeling that His Holiness the Dalai Lama gave his first public teaching in the West. Under the direction of Geshe Rabten, Stephen Batchelor was placed in-charge of organizing the Dalai Lama’s visit. He was given a total budget of 30’000 Swiss Francs to prepare for a free public teaching by the Dalai Lama to accommodate 1,000 attendees.

At that time, the organizing committee’s request to the Swiss police for security forces was declined with the argument that “The Dalai Lama is not an endangered person”. On top of that, despite intensive advertising, only about 900 attendees turned up for the Dalai Lama’s teaching.

1979: His Holiness Dalai Lama (left) in Tharpa Choeling, Mt Pelerin, Switzerland humbly sat on a few cushions instead of the throne prepared for Him. Seated beside the Dalai Lama are translators: B. Alan Wallace (centre) and Helmut Gassner (right)
(Photo by Fred von Allmen)

1979: His Holiness the Dalai Lama gives his first public teaching in the West in Tharpa Choeling, with B. Alan Wallace and Helmut Gassner translating

10 Years Later: H.E. Gonsar Tulku Rinpoche

H.E. Gonsar Rinpoche

H.E. Gonsar Rinpoche, one of Geshe Rabten’s closest disciples, served his teacher for 33 years until Geshe Rabten’s passing in 1986. Gonsar Rinpoche considered it his personal responsibility to continue Geshe Rabten’s works, and Tharpa Choeling was renamed to Rabten Choeling in Geshe Rabten’s memory. At present, Gonsar Rinpoche is the director of Rabten Choeling as well as other Rabten centres across Europe.

Gonsar Rinpoche also led the search for Geshe Rabten’s incarnation, Tenzin Rabgye Rinpoche. Born in India in 1987, he now lives at Rabten Choeling under the care and tutelage of Gonsar Rinpoche. In the spring of 1998, the then ten-year-old Tenzin Rabgye Rinpoche gave his first teaching in front of 200 people in Rabten Choeling.

H.E. Tenzin Rabgye Rinpoche

Trijang Rinpoche and Rabten Choeling

Rabten Choeling was also host to H.H. Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche during his younger days. Due to increasing hostility against practitioners of the dharma protector Dorje Shugden, Trijang Rinpoche, a great Dorje Shugden proponent, had received several death threats from the Secret Society of External and Internal Enemy Eliminators which forced him to relocate to Switzerland for his own safety.

Having since moved to USA and established Trijang Buddhist Institute in Vermont, Trijang Rinpoche continues to maintain close ties with Rabten Choeling, especially with Tenzin Rabgye Rinpoche and Gonsar Rinpoche.

Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche visits Rabten Choeling in 2012

Rabten Choeling Today

Rabten Choeling is both a monastery and an international school with students from 14 different countries. The sangha of Rabten Choeling perform daily prayers, monastic rites such as sangha confessionals, summer retreats and monthly pujas in the centre. Several guest rooms are available in the centre for retreats and for those interested to visit the monastery.

The residents of Rabten Choeling conduct prayer recitations twice a day, at 7 am and 6 pm, except during the weekends. Tsok offerings are also performed every fortnight according to the Tibetan calendar. A general class is held every Sunday, 3 pm, and several public seminars are conducted throughout the year.

Rabten Choeling Monastery

Centre des Hautes Etudes Tibétaines
Chemin Derochoz 2
1801 Le Mont-Pèlerin
Vevey, Switzerland
Phone: +41 21 9213600
E-mail: info@rabten.ch
Website: http://www.rabten.eu/visitSwiss_en.htm

More pictures of Rabten Choeling

Rabten Choeling Monastery in Switzerland

Front view of Rabten Choeling

Inside Rabten Choeling

Regular blessings ceremonies are conducted

The Dorje Shugden altar in Rabten Choeling

The magnificent view from Rabten Choeling

Prayer flags around the monastery

Trijang Buddhist Institute (TBI) located at Northfield, Vermont in the United States, is where Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche, the incarnation of one of the most important and prominent lamas of Tibetan Buddhism in the modern era, H.H. Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, eventually retreated to after coming under tremendous pressure for refusing to cease his practice of Dorje Shugden after a ban on the Protector practice was decreed.

Although not a monastery per se, Trijang Buddhist Institute is nevertheless an important seat within the Gelug lineage fully authorized by the 101st Ganden Tripa to preserve, represent, and transmit the Buddhist teachings of the Gelug tradition. If the previous Trijang Rinpoche was described as “a vast reservoir from which all Gelugpa practitioners of the present day received ‘waters’ of blessings and instructions” by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, then it is from here that Dharma continues to set its high water mark by virtue of its principal resident-Spiritual Director.

Letter of Authorization from the 101st Gaden Tripa, the then Head of the Gelug Lineage, to Trijang Buddhist Institute. Click to enlarge.

TBI is unique in that whilst preserving the complete teachings of the Dharma in the Gelug tradition, it has as its goal to spread the principles of Tibetan Buddhism to interested people, both of religious and non-religious backgrounds, and to work for the good of all sentient beings. Today TBI offers a wide range of classes and activities ranging from the study of the Tibetan language and culture, courses on pujas and meditation, and intermediate studies of the Dharma right up to advanced Vajrayogini retreats. In this way, TBI’s draw of people to the Dharma is eclectic and diverse.

H.H. Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche with some of the resident monks, administrators and students of TBI. Photo courtesy of www.tbiusa.org

Clearly, TBI is recognized by many as an institution that correctly upholds the rudiments of Dharma and has even received His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s blessings. One of TBI’s precious objects of veneration is an autographed photo of His Holiness addressed to TBI with His good wishes and prayers for the Dharma to flourish.

Autographed picture of His Holiness the Dalai Lama offered to TBI

Translation of dedication on photo

This object of veneration is offered to Trijang Buddhist Institute with the prayer that the Buddha’s teachings flourish, that all sentient beings may obtain the treasure of the Dharma, and that they may live in happiness and virtue. Signed: Dalai Lama, Buddhist Monk. May 9, 2007

It is noteworthy that although the Dalai Lama initiated the Dorje Shugden ban in 1996 supposedly for the reason that the Protector practice is not in accordance with the Dharma, TBI was very well received by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the then 101st Ganden Tripa Lungrik Namgyal Rinpoche in 2007 and 2009 respectively, despite H.H Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche’s continued propitiation of Dorje Shugden.

History of Trijang Buddhist Institute

Trijang Buddhist Institute was once home to Seitz Dairy Farm. In its early days, TBI was known as the Institute for Visionary Leadership, first founded by Rae Ann Barkley in 1986. Barkley taught classes at Norwich in peace education and service leadership. She was a disciple of the Venerable Domo Geshe Rinpoche, and it was under Domo Rinpoche’s guidance that the Institute for Visionary Leadership was relocated to Northfield in 1995, where TBI now is. Over the years, the center expanded to its current 354-acre plot through progressive donations and support as TBI continued to establish itself within the local and global community.

Barkley was ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist Nun, Ani Tsering Lhamo by Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche and it was her wish that TBI be offered to Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche to fulfill his mission of benefitting all sentient beings. Barkley passed away in March 2004, and 6 months later, the Institute for Visionary Leadership was formally gifted to Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche and became known as the Trijang Buddhist Institute.

The buildings on the estate have been restored and beautified, including the 1790s farm house that now serves as the home of TBI’s resident teachers. A barn circa the 1880s has been refurbished and partitioned and now serves as the Gompa, Bookstore, Office and Dining Hall complete with a commercial kitchen.

Spiritual Director of Trijang Buddhist Institute

Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche was born on 15th October 1982, as the reincarnation of the late H.H. Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang, one of the foremost Tibetan Buddhist Masters of our time. Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang was a heart disciple of the great lama H.H. Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche and amongst his many great deeds, he was also the philosophical assistant and then the junior tutor to the 14th Dalai Lama.

Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche is well known for editing Pabongka Rinpoche’s Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand – one of the most-studied Lam-Rim texts in the Gelugpa lineage. Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche also authored the definitive text on Dorje Shugden, entitled Music Delighting An Ocean of Protectors.

Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche was also the root guru to many great masters such as Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, Geshe Rabten, Lama Yeshe, H.E. Gangchen Rinpoche and Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, just to name a few.

In his present incarnation, Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche is the 18th incarnation of an eminent line of Buddhist masters. This supreme reincarnation was discovered in a Tibetan family in Northern India and was officially recognized by the 14th Dalai Lama on 23rd April 1985.

Trijang Choktrul Rinpoche studied under many esteemed gurus and his root gurus were the erudite Kyabje Lati Rinpoche and Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche. At present, Trijang Rinpoche is furthering his studies under the guidance of H.E. Dagpo Rinpoche and H.E. Yongyal Rinpoche with the assistance of a study helper, Geshe Lobsang Phuntsok.

How blessed the Buddhist world and the people of Vermont are, to have this eminent high lama, Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche, return to turn the wheel of Dharma. And how fortunate that a stalwart of such an important practice as Dorje Shugden’s is beginning to teach again, both at TBI and around the world.

Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche’s Recent Teachings

1. Trijang Rinpoche in Mongolia 2014
2. Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche leads Vajra Yogini Fire Puja
3. H.H. Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche accepts Tenshug from Shar Gaden
4. Trijang Rinpoche Confers Oral Transmission of Dorje Shugden
5. Trijang Rinpoche Confers Initiation in Europe
6. Trijang Rinpoche Confers Dorje Shugden Initiation in Mongolia

Resident Teachers and Staff in Trijang Buddhist Institute

While many Dharma classes are conducted by Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche personally, he is ably supported by two qualified Geshes (holders of the equivalent to a Doctorate in Buddhism).

Geshe Lobsang Sopa

Geshe Lobsang Sopa, a contemporary of Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche, is a highly accomplished Geshe who completed his studies in all aspects of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy. As a young boy, Geshe Sopa received his ordination vows and studied in Ganden Shartse Mahayana University.

Throughout the years, Geshe Sopa received countless teachings from great masters such as His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang, Kyabje Zemey Rinpoche, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche, and many others.

Geshe Lobsang Phuntsok

Geshe Lobsang Phuntsok was born in 1969. He started his education in a Tibetan school for seven years before joining Ganden Shartse Mahayana University at the age of 12.

It was at Ganden that Geshe Lobsang Phuntsok was ordained as a monk by Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang. Throughout Geshe Phuntsok’s monastic studies, he received guidance from illustrious teachers such as Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, Kyabje Zemey Rinpoche, Sharpa Chojay Lobsang Nyima Rinpoche and Geshe Tendar.

Geshe Phuntsok completed his monastic studies and was one of the brightest Geshes in Ganden Shartse. He was later selected to assist Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche in Trijang Rinpoche’s studies of philosophy in Europe, and has continued to assist Trijang Rinpoche till today in TBI, Vermont. Besides his passion and dedication to teaching Buddhism, he is also skilled in creating sand mandalas and in Tibetan ritual arts as well as chanting.

Geshe Cheme Tsering

Geshe Cheme Tsering is a highly qualified Buddhist teacher. He studied in the Central Institute of Tibetan Higher Studies from 1972 to 1976 before joining Ganden Shartse Norling College as an ordained monk from 1976 until present.

Geshe Cheme received his “Geshe Lharampa” degree in March 1996, the highest degree awarded by a Tibetan monastic university after 15 years of intensive studies. In May 2007, Geshe Cheme Tsering was invited to TBI to take up a post as a Resident Teacher, and officially assumed this position on September 16, 2008.

Geshe Cheme has a diverse role and is a valued member of TBI. Besides being skilled in performing sacred rituals, guiding meditation classes, introducing Tibetan Buddhism to new members of TBI and chanting prayers, Geshe Cheme is highly praised in his skill to translate Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche’s teachings in the English language.

Venerable Tharchen Lobsang

Venerable Tharchen Lobsang studied in the Tibetan Children’s Village School in Dharamsala from 1962 to 1974. At the age of 15, he was ordained by Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang. Since then, he has studied Tibetan Buddhist Philosophy at Ganden Shartse University in south India, where he received many great teachings from many great Buddhist masters.

When the current incarnation of Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche was recognized by H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama in 1985, Venerable Tharchen began attending to the young Trijang Rinpoche until the present. In TBI, besides attending to Trijang Rinpoche, he gives Tibetan language classes.

Mrs. Kunsang Dechen

Mrs. Kunsang Dechen was born in Leh/Ladakh India. She is the daughter of Venerable Drigung Rinpoche and Gangchen Drolma. Kunsang has two siblings, an elder brother, the recognized Kagyupa Lama Ayang Dupchen Rinpoche, and a younger sister, Dolma Lhamo.

Kunsang finished her middle school education in Leh/Ladakh and her high school education in New Delhi. Following that, she went on to the all women’s Jesus and Mary College at the University of New Delhi, where she completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2002.

In addition to her regular education, Kunsang Dechen has received many Tibetan Buddhist teachings and initiations, has assisted in the translation of Buddhist texts to English from Tibetan.

She has also coordinated and performed meditation retreats, understands and observes monastic protocol, and performs many duties such as corresponding with other Tibetan spiritual leaders, all of which qualify her to perform official Temple duties and rituals and assist the Dharma teachers.

Venerable Tashi Jamyang

Tashi Jamyang was born in Lhasa, Tibet in 1933. At the age of five he was offered to Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang by his parents. Under the guidance of Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang he studied in Nyarong Sha school in Lhasa for eight years.

At the age of fifteen he was ordained as a Buddhist monk by Rato Chuwar Rinpoche. In 1959 he fled from Tibet with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang. Since then he attended to Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang and now to Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche.

Events in Trijang Buddhist Institute

TBI is a non-profit educational and religious organization and conducts events and teachings throughout the year. For detailed timing and dates on their activities, please visit the TBI website’s activity calendar.

You may also contact TBI via their website for more information.

May many more Dharma centers manifest in the world and share the same vision as TBI, and may everyone meet, be protected and guided by the king of Protectors, Dorje Shugden himself.

Address

Trijang Buddhist Institute
210 Morning Star Lane|
Northfield, Vermont 05663 USA

Telephone: 802-485-4140 (8 am – 6 pm EST)

Website: www.tbiusa.org

Many great masters have kept their practice of Dorje Shugden strong. Here we see Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche, meeting with Kensur Lati Rinpoche and Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen. The Tibetan leadership forced Kensur Lati Rinpoche and Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen to give up the practice, but they went to meet Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche in 2000, a sign that they still had great faith in Dorje Shugden. Why else would they meet a Dorje Shugden lama? Despite the ban enforced by the Tibetan leadership, they held their own views strongly. Click on image to enlarge.

In Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, there is a temple that faithfully remains loyal to the practice of Dorje Shugden. Established in 1990, the Tugs Bayasgalant Nunnery was built with great perseverance through a ten-year of struggle, and is now maintained and operated by a group of Mongolian women and lay nuns who have strong faith and devotion to Dorje Shugden. The gonpa (main prayer hall) of the nunnery features a beautiful shrine dedicated to Tara.

Tugs Bayasgalant, which means Heaven of Joy, is one of the few nunneries in Ulaanbaatar. Led by its current Abbess, a lay Buddhist nun named Gantamur, the temple focuses on Buddhist study and practice. In fact, in 2008 there were 21 nuns at Tugs Bayasgalant nunnery, half of which had graduated with a Bachelors degree in Buddhist studies from Zanabazar Buddhist University. This was the first time Mongolian women had been granted such an honor.

Tugs Bayasgalant has been blessed with visits from erudite Dorje Shugden lamas including H.H. Trijang Rinpoche, H.E. Zasep Rinpoche, H.E. Zava Damdin Rinpoche and many others, who fearlessly dedicate their lives to spreading the lineage and practice of Dorje Shugden worldwide.

May all at Tugs Bayasgalant nunnery continuously be blessed with the wisdom of Dorje Shugden and continue to propagate the Gelugpa lineage and practice of Dorje Shugden to many Mongolian women in Ulaanbaatar.

The main gompa at Tugs Bayasgalant

Dorje Shugden altar in Tugs Bayasgalant

A close-up of the Dorje Shugden altar

A beautiful shrine dedicated to Tara

The nuns of Tugs Bayasgalant

Abbess Gantamur, the head of the nunnery

An extremely old and precious thangka of Lama Losang Thubwang Dorje Chang that survived the cultural revolution, passed down through many generations.

A statue of Guru Deva Rinpoche in Tugs Bayasgalant

His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche visited Tugs Bayasgalant and expounded the Dharma to the lay nuns

His Eminence Zava Damdin Rinpoche, an erudite Mongolian Lama of the Gelug tradition has also visited Tugs Bayasgalant

The current incarnation of Geshe Tendar at Tugs Bayasgalant

Zasep Rinpoche enthroned in the main gonpa of Tugs Bayasgalant Nunnery in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Zasep Rinpoche giving audience to the Abbess and nuns of Tugs Bayasgalant. Zasep Rinpoche is the Spiritual Director of Gaden for the West

Zasep Rinpoche, the Abbess Gantamur (center) and some lay nuns

Zetho Monastery in Chamdo

H.E. the 13th Daknak Rinpoche is an eminent Dorje Shugden lama of our time. At present, Daknak Rinpoche’s activities mainly revolve around his new monastery in Taiwan. However, the practice of the pure Gelug tradition is still strong in Daknak Rinpoche’s personal monastery, Zetho Monastery.

Located in Lhorong within the Chamdo Prefecture in Tibet, Zetho Monastery houses over 300 monks and is a thriving monastic community of Dorje Shugden practitioners.

Below are some pictures of Zetho Monastery, which is the traditional seat of Daknak Rinpoche’s line of incarnations.

H.E the 13th Daknak Rinpoche

Zetho Monastery’s main building

Unveiling a massive thangka of Lama Tsongkapa at Zetho Monastery

A close up of the thangka – the bottom right features an image of the great Dharma protector Dorje Shugden

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.

While the Dalai Lama destroys images of Dorje Shugden in India and Nepal, Dorje Shugden monasteries in Tibet and Mongolia appear to be going from strength to strength. Here are some beautiful images from these monasteries.

1. In brief
2. Segregation
3. Does the Dalai Lama have the right to do this?
4. Who is responsible for the ban, Yellow Card and resulting penalties for those who disobey?
5. Does this affect Western Buddhists?
6. Does this affect Tibetans in the West?
7. How many people are affected by this ban and persecution?

(1) In brief

• Monks and nuns are forbidden to do the practice and are unconstitutionally expelled from their monasteries and nunneries if they do not comply
• Thousands of Shugden practitioners among the Tibetan lay people are being forced to abandon the practice or lose the support of their government and face orchestrated public humiliation and intimidation
• People who refuse to renounce the practice are losing their jobs, their children are being expelled from schools, and their travel papers, which require prior authorization from the Tibetan Government in Exile, are not being issued
• Statues have been smashed, temples destroyed, books burned, practitioners’ houses attacked, and even death threats issued in a persecution that resembles a medieval witch hunt

(2) Segregation

Today the entire Tibetan population is being forced to hold an Identity Card, the YELLOW CARD, proving that they took the oath swearing (1) not to worship Dorje Shugden, and (2) not to have any material or spiritual relationship with Dorje Shugden practitioners.

This segregates and denies the human rights of both monastics and lay families.

Segregation in the monasteries

Buddhist monks and nuns who do not swear and are not given the Yellow Card are:

• Not allowed to eat with others
• Deprived of food. They are not allowed in any of the monastery’s kitchens. Even if they receive some external help for their survival, they cannot buy food from the monastery’s shop or anywhere in the nearby Tibetan settlements
• Not allowed to set foot in their main temple
• Not allowed to attend the daily monastic gatherings of prayers, rituals and debates
• Having to be protected by Indian police to attend the sacred yearly Monlam Chenmo Festival, created by their religious founder Je Tsongkhapa
• Receiving violent threats in the neighbouring Tibetan settlements, cowardly posted during the night

It is forbidden to talk to them. It is forbidden to walk close to them. If you see one of them, you have to deviate your steps to not cross his or her path.

Segregation in the lay community

Lay Tibetans have been made to swear the double oath of not worshipping the Protector Dorje Shugden themselves, as well as forsaking all contact with the monastic practitioners.

Those who do not swear and are not given the Yellow Card:

• Are not allowed to travel in the same taxicab or rickshaw with other Tibetans
• Cannot purchase even the most essential groceries (their children cannot even buy candy)
• Cannot eat in any restaurant
• Lose their jobs
• Have their children expelled from school

Definition of Segregation from Cornell: 3 -Segregation -1. enforced separation of groups: the practice of keeping ethnic, racial, religious, or gender groups separate, especially by enforcing the use of separate schools, transportation, housing, and other facilities, and usually discriminating against a minority group.

4 -A civil right is an enforceable right or privilege, which if interfered with by another gives rise to an action for injury. Examples of civil rights are freedom of speech, press, and assembly [.] and the right to equality in public places.

Discrimination occurs when the civil rights of an individual are denied or interfered with because of their membership in a particular group or class. (Cornell University Law School).]

(3) Does the Dalai Lama have the right to do this?

Although the world has been served an image of the Dalai Lama as the religious leader – a Pope of sorts – of all Buddhists, he is not. He does not have any religious authority to do what he is doing. In a general way this is because Buddhism accepts all internal religious beliefs and doesn’t harbor the notion of persecuting heresy, and in particular because there is no level of authority in the Buddhist religion to order or implement a religious persecution.

(4) Who is responsible for the ban, Yellow Card and resulting penalties for those who disobey?

Everything going on now is the direct responsibility of the Dalai Lama. He has been campaigning personally to push the abbots and monks to do the referendum and make others take the double oath.

He is responsible for the persecution because he chose the necessary words to push Tibetans to become the tormentors of their fellow exiles by repeating four calumnies over and over again.

1. The worshipping of Dorje Shugden endangers his life
2. It harms the cause of Tibet
3. Practitioners assassinated three monks in Dharamsala in the 1990s
4. Practitioners are working for the Chinese to harm the cause of Tibet

To measure how deep the crisis goes, consider the following statement by Ngawang Tenpa, Officer of the Cholsum organisation, the largest regional group in Tibetan politics:

It is possible to think of a time when we will make friends with the Chinese, but with these (Dorje Shugden) people – never.

(5) Does this affect Western Buddhists?

Western Buddhist Centers with a connection to the Dalai Lama have also been signing declarations promising not to engage in the Shugden practice or to allow into their Center anyone who does.

In the FPMT (Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition) Handbook, Lama Zopa says:

All those who offer service or teach in FPMT centers are committed to follow the advice of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. As an example, His Holiness has prohibited the practice of the so-called protector, Do Gyel (Shugden), so teachers or others affiliated with the FPMT should not engage in this practice.

This also extends to ordination. From the IMI/FPMT website:

Students considering ordination should also:

• have had Buddhist refuge for at least five years,
• have lived with lay vows for at least three years,
• NOT be a Shugden practitioner,
• be at least 20 years of age, etc etc

This is even though Lama Zopa says about himself and his teacher, the Founder of the FPMT:

Of course, Lama and I practiced Dorje Shugden for many years. That was always the main thing that Lama did whenever there were problems to overcome. At the beginning of every Kopan course, Lama always did Shugden puja to eliminate hindrances.“

This suppression of religious freedom and private belief amongst Western practitioners is even more ironic and tragic given that about 70% of their lineage Gurus were renowned Dorje Shugden practitioners! Where is their lineage now? It seems to start and end with the Dalai Lama (who is, interestingly enough, placed alone and above all the other great Lamas on the lineage Guru page, including his own teachers). The Dalai Lama is clearly destroying the established and ancient spiritual lineage not only of Tibetan Dorje Shugden practitioners but of Westerners too.

This February, the Dalai Lama sent the FPMT Centers the same referendum as in India with the two questions about (1) whether they reject the Protector Dorje Shugden and (2) whether they support Dorje Shugden practitioners.

This so-called “poll” does not lead to actual physical persecution as the Dalai Lama has no political power in the West to back it up (though, he does control the disbursement of considerable financial resources to these centers). But causing Westerners to swear that they are going to discriminate against others based on their religious faith is not only non-Buddhist, but creates disharmony and mistrust between the many European and American FPMT Buddhist Centers and the many Western Buddhist Centers who do rely upon Wisdom Buddha Dorje Shugden.

Many Dorje Shugden practitioners in the West, both Westerners and Tibetans, have been forced to remain anonymous for fear of becoming a target of the Dalai Lama’s criticism and developing a bad reputation. They are falsely accused of being demon-worshippers, Chinese agents, sectarian cult members, and so on. Because of the Dalai Lama’s unquestioned reputation in the West, the media have often believed him over the explanations of Dorje Shugden practitioners, and so have portrayed Dorje Shugden practitioners with a negative bias.

(6) Does this affect Tibetans in the West?

Many Tibetan Dorje Shugden practitioners in the West fear the Dalai Lama’s followers, both in Asia and the rest of the world, with good reasons.

The Tibetan communities in the West have already implemented some type of segregation, even before the taking of the oath. For example, in April there was a demonstration at Colgate University against the Dalai Lama’s actions. One of the monks who attended was recognised by members of the American Tibetan community as the brother of a restaurant owner. People stopped attending that restaurant, which will soon be forced out of business.

On April 26, 2008, at Ganden Lachi monastery, Mundgod, South India, Thupten Lungrik, the minister of the Department of Education (of the Tibetan government in exile) gave a public speech to the monks and lay people:

Every Tibetan must know that the Shugden society has filed the case against His Holiness the Dalai Lama. In New York, during the demonstration by western Shugden devotees, some Tibetans took part. All Tibetans must identify them.

On May 4, 2008, an urgent meeting against Shugden devotees was held in Dharamsala. Samdhong Rinpoche [the Dalai Lama's principal aide] said that Shugden devotees are staging demonstrations against His Holiness the Dalai Lama in many places; and that it is not the right time to demonstrate. The discussion on the writ petition filed by the society in Delhi High Court was taking place. Some Tibetans volunteered to attack the Shugden society and its members.

(7) How many people are affected by this ban and persecution?

This is a widespread religious tradition. There are an estimated one million Tibetans in the Tibetan areas of China that rely upon Dorje Shugden as the Protector of Je Tsongkhapa’s wisdom tradition. There are many other Dorje Shugden practitioners in Mongolia, India, Taiwan, Nepal, Switzerland, the US, the UK, and so on. All of them are affected directly or indirectly by this ban and, if nothing is done to stop it, a well-loved, peaceful and ancient tradition of Buddhism will be destroyed.

Source: www.wisdombuddhadorjeshugden.org/dorjeshugden01.php