Nyentog Tashi Dargyeling Monastery in Tibet.

Despite the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration’s (CTA) eagerness to engage in talks with China for greater autonomy of the Tibetan region, the CTA’s ridiculous policies and enforcement of the Dorje Shugden ban has once again caused a stir and generated unrest in their homeland.

On 18 September 2016, Tashi Dargyeling Monastery in the Nyentog region of Tibet released an official letter warning of the monastery’s boycott of all Shugden practitioners and those who have connections with these practitioners. A rough translation of the letter issued by the sangha of the monastery is as follows:

Click to enlarge

Letter from Nyentog Tashi Dargyeling Monastery

Generally, the Buddha’s Dharma and especially H.H. the 14^th Dalai Lama’s life is harmed by Dorje Shugden. Recently, some people within our community have been making thangkas of this deity and supporting this practice. We would like to inform that the monks of Nyentog Monastery firmly protest against these works and urge them to stop. If these individuals do not conform to the monastery’s requests and continue to worship Dorje Shugden or remain connected to the deity’s practitioners, we will cut connections with these said individuals completely. For those who refuse to distance themselves from the practice, the monks of the monastery will not go to the homes of these individuals to perform pujas (prayers). If there is anyone who passes away in these households, the monastery will not be open to them . These are the three conditions that our monastery is firm with, and this promise is witnessed by our Protectors Kalarupa and Chechog Sheltred.

Signed by all Sangha members of Nyentog Monastery

Looking at this letter, let us first examine the spiritual implications it has on the community.

1. Setting A Bad Example

As human beings, there are three crucial moments that are most important in our lives, which are birth, illness and death. These are three occasions when many seek comfort and blessings from their religious order.

However, with the recent letter from Nyentog Monastery, it will no longer be possible for Shugden practitioners in that area to receive these basic religious rites in times of need. Even though the families of these practitioners have supported the monastery for many generations, they will now be deprived of even funeral services, which are much needed during one of life’s most trying times.

This letter is nothing more than blackmail to force Shugden practitioners in Nyentog into abandoning their religious beliefs, and is particularly unacceptable because it comes from an institution that people have put their faith and trust in.

2. The Real Harm to Buddha’s Dharma is Segregation

The Buddha himself predicted that the Dharma would not be destroyed by external sources but by Buddhists themselves. By subscribing to the ostracism and segregation of Shugden practitioners, the sangha of this monastic community have successfully broken one of their root vows, the Bodhisattva Vows.

Even when faced with an individual who has committed heinous crimes, as a religious order the monastery should provide solace, blessings and ensure that the person goes to the afterlife peacefully. Instead, the sangha of Nyentog Monastery are doing the exact opposite.

The question everyone should ask here is, how can following the Dalai Lama’s advice cause the monks of Nyentog Monastery to become less compassionate, more discriminatory and even break their Bodhisattva Vows? If proving one’s loyalty and absolute obedience to the Dalai Lama comes at the price of harming others in the process, then clearly something is very wrong.

3. What is the True Purpose of the Monastery?

Monasteries are formed to help relieve the sufferings of sentient beings, whether on a basic level or to the ultimate level of Enlightenment. However, with the recent actions by Nyentog Monastery, the results are the exact opposite. The effect of their letter on the small community of Nyentog will, without a doubt, be discrimination against Shugden practitioners. The ‘condemned’ community will soon be treated as social pariahs by their own people.

The experiences of the exiled Tibetan community in India when the ban on Dorje Shugden was enforced some 20 years ago will be replicated in Nyentog. Families will get into arguments over the issue and break apart; people such as the thangka painter in the news will shortly find themselves unemployed; innocent people who have done no wrong except practice Dorje Shugden will soon find themselves ostracized by their own neighbors.

All these unfortunate events will take place just because the monks of Nyentog Monastery want to ‘prove’ their loyalty to the Dalai Lama. Great Buddhist masters of the past have been known to take on the sufferings of others quietly, and the sangha have historically been placed on a pedestal by the lay community for their selfless acts. However, the monks of Nyentog Monastery have displayed nothing but their concerns of self preservation, succumbing to the pressure created by the CTA’s cronies and throwing Shugden practitioners to the wolves. They have absolutely no regard for the chaos and harm resulting from their actions as long as they themselves are safe.

4. The Claim that Dorje Shugden Harms the Dalai Lama’s Life is a Lie

Apart from the government, religious institutions such as monasteries or temples have great influence over the community in most small villages. In some cases, they have even greater influence than the government officials. As such, the monasteries have a great responsibility and it would behoove them to uphold and educate the public of the truth. To most Tibetan Buddhists, the 14^th Dalai Lama is considered to be the emanation of the Buddha of Compassion, Avalokiteshvara. Thus, claiming that the Buddha can be harmed by any worldly being is contradictory to Buddhist principals, beliefs and philosophy. On top of that, in recent times, the Dalai Lama himself has declared that Dorje Shugden does no harm to his life. Thus, the monks’ actions to spread this lie by capitalizing on the lay community’s lack of knowledge is unbecoming.

Another Perspective

These spiritual implications may not be of significance to everyone. However, we should also examine the situation from a more practical point of view on how the actions of this monastery (and all communities who shun Dorje Shugden practitioners) have deprived innocent people of their basic human rights.

With 5000 years of history and a melting pot of 1.3 billion citizens, China has seen its fair share of civil wars and the effects of disunity within its borders. If China is ever to fall, the fault would most certainly lie in the destabilization of its internal security. It is a known fact that the authorities in China have clamped down on individuals who have caused unrest in Tibet in relations to the Shugden issue, and have also released statements indicating they are aware that the Dorje Shugden issue is being used as a tool by the CTA to create disunity within China.

As such, monasteries such as Nyentog Monastery do not help the Dalai Lama’s vision of Umaylam. With each incident such as this one, China’s distrust of the Dalai Lama grows and the Dalai Lama’s wish for a peaceful return to Tibet becomes more unlikely. If the Dalai Lama being in exile can create such disharmony within Tibet leaving the Chinese authorities to clear up the mess, what would be the effect of the Dalai Lama and the CTA once they return to Tibet? Thus, if Tibetans really want the Dalai Lama to have an opportunity to return to Tibet, they should avoid creating further unrest through the Dorje Shugden issue lest China clamps down even harder on the Tibetan leader in exile. After all, any country/government can implement new laws as and when necessary especially when internal security is at stake; we can see this most recently in the news about France’s unpopular ban on the burkini.

While some people claim that China lacks religious freedom, we should also question why a supposedly “suppressed” Tibetan religious group would further suppress the religious rights of their fellow Tibetans? Why cherry pick on China but allow people like the monks of Nyentog Monastery to get away scot-free with their religious suppression of Shugden practitioners? When a religious group encourages discrimination and causes disharmony and riots, it is no longer a religious issue but a matter of security and social harmony.

Radio Free Asia Article

Click to enlarge

English Translation

Recently, a big Shugden thangka appeared at Nianduhu Village in Tongren County, Qinghai. The local sangha community protested against the thangka and a statement has been released to urge the people to boycott this deity.

The spreading of a photo of the large Shugden thangka appearing in Nianduhu Village at Tongren County of Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture led to strong criticism amongst netizens, denouncing the local people for practicing Shugden and going against His Holiness’ instructions as well as destroying the uncontaminated relationship of lineage Gurus and students.

On Friday, a source informed RFA that it is true that the Shugden thangka appeared in Nianduhu Village of Tongren County. However, that thangka had nothing to do with Nianduhu Monastery and in contrast, the sangha community of Nianduhu Monastery released a joint statement protesting against the thangka. They hope to make their stance clear in the media.

The source told RFA: “Since the photo of the Shugden thangka was widely spread, Nianduhu Village and its monastery are under constant criticism, thus some of the elderly people in Nianduhu Village and the administration of Nianduhu Monastery gathered for a meeting and concluded the following: In the future regardless of which village they are from, those who have Shugden’s picture, statue or thangka found in their houses should be totally cut off from us. If their family members are sick or pass away, Nianduhu Monastery’s sangha will no longer perform rituals for them.”

The source also said: “Nianduhu Monastery’s sangha community also released a joint statement on 18^th September 2016 urging the villagers to boycott Shugden.”

“None of the monks in Nianduhu Monastery practice Shugden. In the joint statement released by the sangha community of Nianduhu Monastery, it says clearly that practicing Shugden not only brings harm to Buddhism, it also is harming the Dalai Lama’s long life. That statement is protesting against the actions of some villagers who are producing Shugden thangkas, and stressed that if the people producing these Shugden thangkas insist on continuing their works, Nianduhu Monastery will cut them off from the monastery, no puja will be performed for them and they will be banned from entering Nianduhu Monastery.”

Another source also told RFA about the origin of the “Shugden thangka” incident.

The source said, “This is the whole story: There is an ex-monk in Nianduhu Village. Even though he is not a practitioner of Shugden, one time after he returned to Nianduhu Village, he received an order to produce a Shugden thangka. He then assigned some of his acquaintances to paint the thangka and he paid them upon completion of the work. After Nianduhu Monastery found out what was happening, some of the monks and the elderly people in the village not only had a meeting to address this issue, they also went to each family in the village to explain the harm of practicing Shugden and requested the villagers to distinguish between what is wrong and what is right. After releasing the joint statement, the sangha community also distributed their statement to the villagers, stressing that they would implement the contents of their statement and advising the people to conduct themselves well.”

The Shugden issue has lasted for almost 400 years since the 5^th Dalai Lama’s time. The origin of Shugden is in fact a local deity, but to its practitioners, Shugden is within the fundamentalism of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism. However, after the investigation conducted by the 5^th and 13^th Dalai Lama, they explained in detail that Shugden is a demon and it is harming Buddhism, and Shugden is the cause of the disharmony between the different sects. Gelug lineage lamas from the past to this day also oppose the practice of Shugden. After closely observing the issue, in the mid-seventies, the 14^th Dalai Lama officially gave advice to all Tibetan Buddhists to stop the practice of Shugden and claimed that he has responsible for educating people about Shugden’s background, characteristics and the negative impact of this practice. However, it is up to the people’s personal choice to practice Shugden or not.

22 January 2015 was a landmark day for all Dorje Shugden practitioners around the world. For the first time in history, learned monks from Shar Ganden Monastery and Serpom Monastery were presented with their Geshe Lharampa certificates from the Gelugpa Buddhist University.

This Geshe Lharampa ceremony, which took place in Serpom Monastery, is significant because it’s the first of its kind for Dorje Shugden practitioners ever since the monasteries of Shar Ganden and Serpom separated from Ganden Shartse and Sera Mey respectively, due to the ban on Dorje Shugden’s practice.

Ever since the Dorje Shugden ban was enforced in 2008, Shugden monks were unable to receive the Geshe Lharampa degree (the equivalent of a PhD. in Buddhist philosophy) regardless of how qualified they might be, just because the existing Gelugpa University refused to issue such a degree to Shugden monks solely due to their religious beliefs.

Fortunately, through the compassion, effort and diligence of dedicated high lamas and monks from the Dorje Shugden tradition, this void has since been filled with the founding of the Gelugpa Buddhist University in Mysore, India. And it is the Gelugpa Buddhist University who, understanding the importance of producing esteemed teachers for the growth and continuation of the pure lineage of Lama Tsongkapa’s tradition, issued certificates for all qualified Geshe Lharampas of Serpom and Shar Ganden Monasteries.

The certificate-presentation ceremony was presided over by none other than H.E. Kensur Rinpoche Lobsang Phende, the Abbot Emeritus of Shar Ganden Monastery, and H.E. Achok Rinpoche, close student and trusted assistant of Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche, the Abbot of Serpom Monastery.

As the proceedings unfolded, the relief and joy of the monks was almost palpable as many Geshes have waited more than 5 years for this special day. All stalwart Dorje Shugden practitioners should rejoice at this wonderful news and extend deep appreciation to all who made this event possible.

May many more great geshes and scholars continue arising from the Dorje Shugden strongholds of Shar Ganden and Serpom, a testament to their great faith and dedication in preserving the precious lineage of Je Rinpoche. And may a tantric university for Dorje Shugden practitioners arise very soon, so that those denied entry into Gyuto and Gyumed Tantric Universities may have a place to further their studies of Buddhist tantra.

The new Geshe Lharampa certificate for Dorje Shugden practitioners received after 4 years of intensive studies

Certificate for Dorje Shugden practitioners after 2 years of studies

H.E. Gyara Rinpoche receives his Geshe Lharampa certificate from Kensur Rinpoche Lobsang Phende

Shar Ganden chantmaster, Geshe Lobsang Jinpa, receives his certificate

Chogdong Monastery (or Chagdrung Monastery) in Kham, Tibet celebrated their 9th Annual Monlam Chenmo festival in July 2014. The festivities centered around a vast open plain, with huge tents erected to accommodate the thousands of monks and lay people who gathered to celebrate this auspicious occasion.

This particular event was organized by H.E. Nyedru Rinpoche, a close student of the previous Denma Gonsa Rinpoche. Through his hard work and dedication in spreading and upholding the lineage and practices entrusted to him by his teacher, Nyedru Rinpoche is widely regarded as an important and respected Dorje Shugden lama in his district of Yushu (or Yulshul), Tibet.

The Monlam Chenmo Festival or “Great Prayer Festival” was established by Lama Tsongkapa in 1409, to commemorate Shakyamuni Buddha’s performance of miracles in Shravasti. Commonly known as the third of Lama Tsongkapa’s four great deeds, Monlam Chenmo celebrations have been observed every year since, to pray for the long life of attained masters from all traditions, for the growth of Dharma in the minds of all sentient beings, and for world peace.

As seen from the images below, Monlam Chenmo is still traditionally practiced and upheld in a grand manner in Tibet. The occasion is marked by extensive communal offerings by both ordained and lay people, to overcome obstacles to peace and generate conducive conditions for all to live in harmony. Recently, another grand Monlam Chenmo celebration was also held in Chatreng, with over 400,000 Dorje Shugden practitioners gathering in Trijang Rinpoche’s Sampheling Monastery. Undoubtedly, Dorje Shugden practitioners make up a significant segment of the Gelugpa tradition, despite the efforts of the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration to claim otherwise.

We at DorjeShugden.com rejoice in the strong faith and loyalty that the people of Tibet have for high lamas such as H.H. Trijang Rinpoche, H.E. Denma Gonsa Rinpoche, Nyedru Rinpoche and many more who are tirelessly turning the wheel of Dharma for the sake of all sentient beings. May the pure teachings and practices of the Gelug tradition live on and soar to greater heights.

Massive tents were erected around the monastery to accommodate the many people that traveled from great distances for the celebration

Tens of thousands gathered for this blessed occasion

Bountiful offerings made during Chogdong Monastery’s Monlam Chenmo festivities

H.E. Nyedru Rinpoche (right) with his teacher, the previous Denma Gonsa Rinpoche (left)

H.E. Nyedru Rinpoche (right) with the current incarnation of Denma Gonsa Rinpoche, the 19th of his lineage (centre)

The enthronement of the 20th Denma Gongsa Rinpoche

31 July 2014 marks a day of rejoicing as the world celebrates the return of the great Dharma master, H.E. Denma Gonsa Rinpoche, and his enthronement in Gonsa Monastery in Tibet. The previous Denma Gonsa Rinpoche was a highly respected Lama who chose to remain in Tibet during difficult times. Through his great efforts and sincerity in spreading the Dharma, the previous (19th) Denma Gonsa Rinpoche became one of the most respected Lamas, by both Tibetans and Chinese.

The previous Denma Gonsa Rinpoche entered clear light in 2005, but the local populace have not lost faith nor forgotten the great deeds of this master. Over 200,000 Dorje Shugden people from Tibet and around the world (which is more than the number of Tibetans living in exile) attended the enthronement ceremony of the 20th Denma Gonsa Rinpoche on 31 July 2014. The pomp and grandeur of the ceremony was especially moving in the light of the fact Tibetans are not wealthy. For them to offer so much towards their lama and his enthronement ceremony, which was held in the traditional manner, indicates that Tibetan culture and faith in their religion remains strong in Tibet.

The fact this enthronement ceremony was held also shows that Dorje Shugden’s practice is not bad or evil, as claimed by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA; the Tibetan leadership based in Dharamsala). Denma Gonsa Rinpoche relied upon Dorje Shugden until the day he died, and spread his practice among all of his students. Thus the sheer volume of Dorje Shugden devotees in attendance clearly shows that Dorje Shugden’s practice is flourishing in Tibet. A Demographic Survey of Tibetans in Exile, released by the Planning Commission of Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in 2010 estimates only 128,014 Tibetans living in exile. One can therefore conclude that the CTA’s claims that Dorje Shugden is only practiced by a minority is a falsehood.

It is indeed a joyful occasion that Dorje Shugden practitioners in Tibet are allowed to welcome the new incarnation of Denma Gonsa Rinpoche, one of our lineage’s lamas. We rejoice that yet another Dorje Shugden lama has been officially enthroned. Through the blessings of the lineage masters and pure aspirations from previous lives, may this incarnation of Denma Gonsa Rinpoche continue his previous lives’ works to preserve and spread the holy teachings of Je Tsongkhapa, bring benefit to the people of Tibet and China, and remain with us for a very long time.

An enthronement of a Rinpoche is the formal recognition of a particular child or adult to be the incarnation of a particular lama or Rinpoche from a previous life. This unmistaken child is found by a search party that is formed by the close students of that lama, who are usually part of the Labrang private office) of that lama. The selection process is a particularly arduous task of examining prophesies, dreams and divinations of greatly clairvoyant masters like Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche, Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, the Dorje Shugden oracle and sometimes close disciples of that particular lama who have very clean samaya (guru-disciple relationship). Then, based on those observations and conclusions, candidates are shortlisted, interviewed and observed.

During the interview, one of the tests involves the candidates identifying personal objects that used to belong to their previous life. These personal objects are displayed along with other items, and the candidate is asked to pick out his personal belongings. The candidates are shortlisted based on behavioral observations and if he picks out the right objects.

The unmistaken incarnation of Denma Gonsa Rinpoche was recognized by four great masters of the Gelug lineage:

1. H.H. the Panchen Lama
2. H.H. Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche
3. H.H. Pabongka Rinpoche
4. The Dorje Shugden oracle

Below are images and videos of the enthronement ceremony contributed by the public. We hope you will rejoice with us in the return of this lama who will no doubt grow up to become a strong proponent of Lama Tsongkhapa’s tradition and Dorje Shugden’s practice.

Pre-Enthronement

The crowd arrives

Thousands of people, many travelling great distances, made their way to the monastery grounds a few days ahead of the actual enthronement. The number of white tents increased daily, covering the plains like a small city. Because of the sheer volume of people wishing to pay homage to and receive blessings from the new incarnation of Denma Gonsar Rinpoche, the monastery had to hold the ceremony in the open air in order to accommodate everyone. Remember that the number of people in attendance – 200,000 Dorje Shugden practitioners – grossly outweighed the total number of Tibetans in exile…

A grand temporary entrance was built specially for Denma Gonsa Rinpoche’s enthronement ceremony

People from all over Tibet, China, and other parts of the world travelled to Denma Monastery as early as one week before the enthronement date

Traditional Tibetan tents erected as a temporary living space. Being nomadic in nature, this was a very simple process for most Tibetans

Much credit has to be given to Denma Gonsa Rinpoche’s Labrang (personal household and office) who held the ceremony, for their organizational skills. Sangha members came from all over Tibet, to witness this historic occasion – the return of their lama, and the enthronement of his new incarnation

Cars queued for kilometres and kilometres, full of Dorje Shugden practitioners and devotees wishing to get a blessing from this holy lama

In the distance on the left is the yellow pavilion tent set up for Denma Gonsa Rinpoche

The authorities were aware of this event (as indicated by this police vehicle) and allowed the enthronement ceremony to take place

In the distance is Denma Gonsa Monastery. The monastery houses the world’s largest Tsongkhapa statue, at 101ft tall and the largest Dorje Shugden statue in Tibet, at 18ft tall. In his previous life, Denma Gonsa Rinpoche was a strong proponent of Dorje Shugden’s practice, a fact which clearly has not harmed or prevented his incarnation from returning

The monastery is no stranger to elaborate festivals like this. They had previously hosted a Grand Prayer Festival which was attended by 40,000 to 50,000 Dorje Shugden devotees and students of Denma Gonsa Rinpoche

The numbers of tents increase by the day, covering the field like a small city

The grandly decorated vehicle which will transport Denma Gonsa Rinpoche on enthronement day

The Arrival of Denma Gonsa Rinpoche

Denma Gonsa Rinpoche with Gangchen Rinpoche. At such a young age and surrounded by so many people, his unperturbed, serious nature indicates this boy is not an ordinary being

Denma Gonsa Rinpoche makes his way to the monastery

Like many vehicles, the one pictured here bears an image of Denma Gonsa Rinpoche’s main protector, Dorje Shugden

Posters of the previous Denma Gonsa Rinpoche (left) and his heart practice, Dorje Shugden (right)

Contrary to the Central Tibetan Administration’s (CTA) insistence that Dorje Shugden is a minority practice, the pictures here clearly show that Dorje Shugden’s practice is flourishing in Tibet and growing all over the world, in China, Mongolia as well as Europe. As more and more Dorje Shugden lamas come of age and begin to spread the Gelug teachings, the CTA’s claim that Dorje Shugden is a minority practice begins to look increasingly illogical. How can Dorje Shugden be a minority practice when thousands of people all over the world happily and faithfully turn up for teachings and blessings, carrying Dorje Shugden images and prostrating to Dorje Shugden statues?

1. 5000 Tibetans receive Dorje Shugden’s blessing
2. 400,000 in Chatreng Sampheling Monastery!
3. Dorje Shugden Initiation to Thousands at Markam, Chamdo, Tibet
4. Dorje Shugden Initiation & Tsongkhapa Long Life Initiation to thousands
5. Dorje Shugden Initiation to 5000 People at Chamdo, Tibet
6. Grand Prayer Festival at Kham’s Dorje Shugden Monastery
7. Lama Jampa Ngodrup Rinpoche giving Dorje Shugden and Amitayus initiations, Chengdu, March 2013
8. Trijang Rinpoche confers Dorje Shugden initiation in Mongolia
9. Zemey Rinpoche’s Incarnation Receives DS initiation
10. Trijang Rinpoche Confers Initiation in Europe
11. Kyabje Trijang Choktrul Rinpoche in Mongolia
12. The First Lama That China Sent Abroad
13. How Five Powerful Lamas Are Changing the World

As you can see, in areas where the CTA do not have jurisdiction, Dorje Shugden practice is growing and hundreds of thousands of people continue to propitiate the blessings of this Buddha, like they have always done. In areas where the CTA has control, for example Dharamsala, there is much religious strife and disagreement. We can thus logically conclude that any schism and disharmony in Tibetan Buddhist communities arises from the CTA’s unnecessary and illegal ban on Dorje Shugden. Whether Dorje Shugden is a minority practice (as the CTA claims) or not, everyone should be given the freedom to worship as they like. This freedom, which is absent where the CTA has control, is what gives rise to the religious harmony, understanding and respect.

Massive crowds greet the reincarnation of Denma Gonsa Rinpoche as he toured the town

The entourage of Denma Gonsa Rinpoche, comprising over 150 cars. Wherever the cars went, crowds lined the streets hoping to capture a glimpse of their teacher who has returned

The lay people are all prepared to receive their Guru’s reincarnation

Tibetan men carry placards bearing the pictures of the previous Denma Gongsa Rinpoche (right) and Dorje Shugden (left) in joyful proclamation of their allegiance to their lama and protector

Denma Gonsa Rinpoche arrives in the monastery

Every available space is filled with a devotee trying to catch a glimpse of Denma Gonsa Rinpoche. Faith and guru devotion remains strong in this part of Tibet, and especially amongst Shugden practitioners. Clearly the CTA’s illogical ban and ridiculous edicts have no influence here

The crowd is cleared as Denma Gonsa Rinpoche’s vehicle approaches and the monks rush to lay out the carpet to welcome their lama

Thousands of people, both ordained and lay, greet Denma Gonsa Rinpoche. Notice the police presence in the foreground, providing protection for the young lama and crowd control. His security and personal safety was taken very seriously, considering his status as a Dorje Shugden lama

Denma Gonsa Rinpoche walks through the crowd (under the yellow parasol)

The crowd strain to catch a glimpse of their teacher who has returned to turn the wheel of Dharma

Lama Gangchen Rinpoche was also present for the enthronement ceremony

The young incarnation is invited back to the monastery with incense, khatas, traditional music and adulation as befitting a grand lama of his incarnation status

A mandala is offered directly to the young incarnation to create the cause for wealth and resources so that the lama can benefit many beings in the future

The young incarnation reads from old Tibetan texts easily, once again displaying openly that he is the unmistaken incarnation

Large portraits of the 10th Panchen Lama Gendun Chokyi Nyima (left) and the current 11th Panchen Lama Gyaincain Norbu (right) grace the prayer hall to represent the blessings of the lineage lamas

Denma Gonsa Rinpoche sitting on the throne prepared specially for Him

Video: Devotees arrive for Denma Gonsa Rinpoche’s enthronement ceremony

[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)

Enthronement Day

Gathering in the early morning for the enthronement ceremony

Crowds lined the road to greet their teacher

Many more placards held by many people declaring their undying faith and allegiance to the lama, Denma Gongsa Rinpoche (second from the left) and protector, Dorje Shugden (first, third, fourth and fifth from the left)

Denma Gonsa Rinpoche is ushered into the ceremonial location with traditional pomp and circumstance

Ordained and lay people come bearing khatas, offerings and statues like this Amitayus in a symbolic gesture of requesting him to live long and spread the Dharma far and wide

Many high lamas with close connections with Denma Gonsa Rinpoche were present, among them Lama Gangchen Rinpoche

Video: Denma Gonsa Rinpoche’s Enthronement in Tibet

[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)

Video: Over 200,000 people attended Denma Gonsa Rinpoche’s enthronement ceremony

[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)

Video: Denma Gonsar Rinpoche Reincarnation’s Enthronement Ceremony (Full)

[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)

Update March 2, 2015

Here are some recent photos and videos of an event held at Denma Gonsa Rinpoche’s monastery. The young Rinpoche is seen confidently leading thousands of Dorje Shugden devotees in prayers.

Video: Denma Gonsar Rinpoche Reincarnation’s Leads Devotees in Prayers

[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)

Video: Devotees Queue to Be Blessed By Denma Gonsar Rinpoche’s Reincarnation

[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)

Tagtshang Lhamo Setri Monastery

One of the earliest Gelug Monasteries that enshrined Dharmapala Dorje Shugden

Lhamo Setri Monastery in Tibet was formerly known as Tagtshang Lhamo Monastery, which means “fairy maiden in the tiger’s den”. The full name of the monastery is Gaden She Dru Pe Kar Drol Wai Ling which translates to Gaden White Lotus Monastery, inspired by a stalactite which looks like a graceful human figure, found inside the cave where the monastery was first established.

Tagtshang Lhamo Setri Monastery was founded by the 53rd Gaden Setri Gyal Tshen Seng Ge of Gaden Monastery in the Thirteenth Wooden Dragon Year of the Tibetan Calendar (AD 1748). The monastery is located on the border of Gansu, Qinghai and Sichuan provinces where the source of Bailong River is, and the strategic location offers the visitors and residents of the monastery a lush and scenic view.

Over the years, five different colleges were established in the monastery focusing in the areas of debate, tantra, Kalachakra Tantra, Tibetan medicine and sutra woodblock printing; eventually the Sangha population in the monastery grew to almost a thousand monks. Unfortunately, many of the monastery’s original structures that held great historical significance, such as the prayer hall, stupa and countless sacred sites along with the blessed items preserved within were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. Reconstruction of the monastery was later carried out in the Sixteenth Monkey Year of the Tibetan Calendar (AD 1980).

Lhamo Setri Monastery is one of the earliest monasteries that enshrined Dharmapala Dorje Shugden as a Dharma Protector. A massive statue of Dorje Shugden astride a black horse stands in the main prayer hall of Lhamo Setri Monastery. Commissioned by the 2nd reincarnation of Gyalthang Rinpoche, Setri Monastery’s traditional throneholder, the statue represents over 200 years of rich historical significance on the establishment of Dorje Shugden’s practice in great monasteries such as Setri Monastery.

Statue of Dorje Shugden Tanag (Dorje Shugden on a Black Horse) in Lhamo Setri Gompa (Lhamo Setri Monastery)

We at DorjeShugden.com make an auspicious prayer for the essential teachings of Lama Tsongkapa and the precious lineage of Dharmapala Dorje Shugden to spread from Tagtshang Lhamo Setri Monastery in the ten direction. May the Sangha of Setri Monastery continue to turn the wheel of Dharma, bringing Buddha’s teaching to all corners of the earth, reaching new heights of peace and harmony amongst all nations.

More photos of Lhamo Setri Monastery

Golden roofs – a unique feature of Setri Monastery

The main prayer hall

Performing religious rituals in the prayer hall

White stupa right in front of you when entering Setri Monastery

Turning prayer wheels in the White Stupa

Monks of Lhamo Setri Monastery

Preserving the purity of Tsongkapa’s teachings

With a rich history, Setri Monastery is also a major tourist attraction

An aerial view

Lhamo Setri Monastery by night

The current incarnation of H.E. Domo Geshe Rinpoche

Today marked the 49th day of the passing of Kusho Pasang-la, the caretaker of Gaden Choling Monastery in Phedong. It is common knowledge to any Tibetan that the 49th day is the last day of bardo, which is the intermediate state between death and rebirth. The monks of Gaden Choling were performing important pujas for Kusho Pasang-la, and one can imagine it to be a solemn and sacred ceremony.

Would anyone with even the smallest ounce of compassion and conscience dare disturb the performance of these crucial rites? Clearly, some would.

A large group of monks and lay people from nearby Tharpa Choling Monastery in Kalimpong have once again invaded Gaden Choling Monastery and attempted to seize it by force, showing utter disrespect and aggression towards the small community of Dorje Shugden lamas of Gaden Choling at a time when they have just lost a leader and someone very dear.

The anti-Shugden intruders, who are followers of the Dalai Lama, included both monks and laity who definitely understood the gravity of the 49th day prayers. However, blinded by their hatred of Dorje Shugden practitioners which was incited and encouraged by the Central Tibetan Administration through publications such as this hitlist, Tharpa Choling monks decided to invade and loot Gaden Choling, on the basis that it belonged to Domo Geshe Rinpoche, a prominent Dorje Shugden lama.

[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)

A picture paints a thousand words but this video shows the painful truth of the deep division in Tibetan society, created at the hands of none other than the Dalai Lama. As mentioned by the narrator in the video:

…look at all these anti Dorje Shugden people. We have many Dorje Shugden statue and thangkas inside our monastery. But today, during the 49th day of puja for Kusho Pasang la who passed away 49 days ago, pro Dalai Lama people came to attack and cause problems for the second time… they are saying they will completely wipe all of us Shugden followers from here…

From the statements of the pro-Dalai Lama intruders, one can clearly conclude that not only is this attack pre-meditated, but also harbors ill intent and sentiments of violence. Such behaviour is nothing short of the manifestation of hooliganism on a significantly sad day and is not acceptable by any standard. It does not take a genius to guess who is in the wrong – the invading monks of Tharpa Choling or the mourning monks of Gaden Choling?

In fact, this is not the first time that the monks of Tharpa Choling have displayed such violent behaviour. One week after the passing of Kusho Pasang-la on May 18th, 2014, approximately 40 people both lay and ordained had already attempted to seize Gaden Choling by force. The full account of the first attack is reported here: http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/features/breaking-news-domo-geshe-rinpoches-monastery-in-phedong-attacked/

It is baffling that the Tharpa Choling monks have the audacity to invade their neighbouring monastery not once, but TWICE. However, one can hazard as guess as to why: Six weeks have passed since their first attack on Gaden Choling but there has been no response from the Dalai Lama nor the CTA to reprimand their actions.

If the Dalai Lama can speak so passionately against Dorje Shugden followers and encourage all Tibetans to conform to the ban on Shugden’s practice (supposedly to protect the Tibetan Buddhist faith), why doesn’t he condemn the behaviour of the Tharpa Choling monks, whose actions are light years away from the Buddhist principles of love, kindness and compassion, and even more detrimental to the reputation of Tibetan Buddhism in the eyes of the world? One can only conclude that such violent behaviour is not only condoned but encouraged by the Dalai Lama and his administration.

May 18, 2014: Monks from Tharpa Choling Monastery (on the jeep) forcefully entered Gaden Choling Monastery for the first time. When this photo was first published, the monks refused to leave Gaden Choling

Ironically, the monks of Tharpa Choling were themselves once devout practitioners of the protector Dorje Shugden while their teacher, the previous incarnation of Domo Geshe Rinpoche, was still alive. However, when the 2nd Domo Geshe Rinpoche entered clear light, the monks of Tharpa Choling decided to abandon the teachings of their guru, and instead joined the Dalai Lama in vilifying the Dharma Protector that once insulated their spiritual path, thus breaking their samaya in the process. Worse, they have now taken their rebellion one step further in attacking their root teacher’s monastery, property and their fellow students.

When the leaders of a country implement a policy that encourages violence from a section of the community towards another, and do nothing even in the face of mounting evidence of brutality against the marginalized community, it is the leaders themselves who are ultimately responsible for any injuries or deaths that result from such brutality. Therefore, as the ruling body of the Tibetans-in-exile, if the Dalai Lama and the CTA continue to remain silent on this matter, then the blame for any ensuing harm or violence towards the Gaden Choling monks specifically or Dorje Shugden practitioners in general lies squarely at their feet. This is especially the case in view of the recent hate-publications against Dorje Shugden practitioners including:

• A hit list of 20 Dorje Shugden practitioners, published by the CTA
• An update to the hit list to include an additional 14 Dorje Shugden practitioners, also published by the CTA
• An incendiary letter encouraging violence against Dorje Shugden practitioners, supposedly published by the United Front of the Tibetan People
• An inflammatory speech by the Tibetan Speaker of Parliament

Funnily, the Dalai Lama has accused Dorje Shugden practitioners of worshiping a spirit or a demon. However, by just looking at what happened in Gaden Choling, one can’t help but wonder who is the real devil in disguise. For those who believe in the Dalai Lama, we ask you to reconsider your stand because we now have ample evidence of the lies and violence that are perpetuated by the Dalai Lama and his cronies. Looking at the trend of the CTA and the followers of the Dalai Lama, the ban must be lifted to prevent an outburst of casualties carried out by those who are bewitched by the falsities and greed of a politically-motivated “spiritual” leader.

Very urgent videos to watch!

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

Photo of local paper reporting on November 29, 2012, accident involving HE Ling Rinpoche

Source: http://www.mandalamagazine.org/2012/ling-rinpoche-in-car-accident-out-of-danger/

Kyabje Ling Rinpoche, the main organizer of the Jangchup Lamrim teachings with His Holiness the Dalai Lama currently taking place in Mundgod Tibetan Settlement in India, was injured in a deadly automobile collision the day before the teachings began. According to Phayul.com, Ling Rinpoche was traveling to Goa to receive His Holiness on November 29 when there was an accident, which left the driver of Rinpoche’s car dead. Ling Rinpoche is in a hospital in Goa and reported to be “out of danger.”

Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s attendant Ven. Roger Kunsang, who is currently at the teachings in Mundgod with Lama Zopa Rinpoche, shared in an email that Ling Rinpoche received the full impact of the collision and should be dead. He also wrote that Rangjung Neljorma Khadro Namsel Drolma (Khadro-la) miraculously arrived at the scene of the accident five minutes after it happened, just after Ling Rinpoche, who was in a great deal of pain, had been freed from the car.

“Khadro-la had just arrived in Goa (about two or three hours away) and said to her two attendants they needed to do puja as it was a bad day, and then suddenly she said they should leave Goa straight away and drive quickly ‒ that was all!” Ven. Roger wrote. “Then they came on the accident scene. There was no one else there. The accident had just happened and one man had dragged Ling Rinpoche free. It was a strange scene they said. The driver was already dead. Also in the car was TT-la (a 79-year-old monk who had been the previous Ling Rinpoche’s secretary), who was in a bad way, as well as another young monk. It took a long time to get help.

“Khadro-la took control of the whole scene and started checking everyone and doing her thing,” Ven. Roger wrote. “They got everyone to a small hospital and after some quick patching and more transport, took them to the main hospital in Goa ‒ in all more than eight hours. It was 11 hours before they got Ling Rinpoche in on the operating table and then it was a seven-hour operation. The young monk is OK. TT-la has had several operations and seems stable.”

These words are unbecoming of someone who wears the robes of a Buddhist monk..

Gaden Tharpa Choling Monastery is a Gelugpa monastery situated at the hilltop in Kalimpong, West Bengal, India. The monastery was founded by Domo Geshe Rinpoche Ngawang Kalsang in 1912.

History says that Domo Geshe Rinpoche lived in Kalimpong in 1906 when he came to India for pilgrimage and to collect medicinal plants from India, Nepal and Bhutan. At the request of the Tibetan merchants and some Bhutanese leaders living in Kalimpong to establish a monastery there, Rinpoche instituted this monastery.

Gaden Tharpa Choling Monastery in West Bengal has a Dorje Shugden statue kept in a locked room, said here by Lonely Planet!

Dear Wisdom Being, 
Thank you for this wonderful video of Sampheling monastery. It is so beautiful to imagine Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche has once walked through these walkways to give teachings and advice to the predecessors of these monks.

Have you guys read the autobiography of Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche? When Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche first came here in his previous life, he was not at all welcome.

But through his hard work, sincerity, great compassion and wisdom in teaching the monks, everybody turned around and began to respect and love Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche a lot. Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche completely revitalized the monastery and he is remembered today for the great High Lama that he was. It was because of Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche that the monastery is a stalwart upholder of Dorje Shugden’s lineage.

From Zawa Tulku Rinpoche (on Facebook):

I have nothing particular to say, all Chatring-Pa (the people who live in this region) whether you are in India, Europe, and America etc, I have one very important request to you, you all must sincerely follow and respect to our precious His Holiness Trijang Choktrul Rinpoche. He is the one living Buddha in our time.

We must not have wrong views, and do not follow the wrong path. The way to our enlightenment is to follow the Buddhas, and our lineage holder is from Tsongkhapa to the present Masters, and our protector is Dharmapala Dorjee Shugden.

In the Chatring region from beginning till now, we are following and practicing those high beings. This is the gift to you from your elder generation. Wherever you are living and staying, you should always obey the laws and regulations of the country of one’s residence.

My last wishes are that you have a very long life and may the activities of His Holiness Trijang Choktrul Rinpoche flourish. Wherever you are, you must stand united for this issue. Lastly, Tashi Deleg to all.