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

DorjeShugden.com is dedicated to providing an independent, open platform for the international community of Dorje Shugden practitioners. We want to share the great deeds and activities of all Dorje Shugden lamas and practitioners, and to create awareness of the discrimination and inequality that has arisen during these difficult times due to the ban on Dorje Shugden’s practice. Not everyone has a website and we want to provide a voice and a platform for those who have none.

On a daily basis, DorjeShugden.com receives news, facts, pictures and videos from many lamas, practitioners and dharma institutions around the world. We thank you for the information that you have been sharing with us for many years to the best of your accuracy, as well as everyone else who has contributed in one way or another to this website.

We would also like to thank our international panel of sangha and lay advisors for your valuable input and guidance in all aspects of this website. It is this synergy of knowledge and determination combined with right action and right speech that has led to our success and growth. Thank you for joining with us to bring an end to the ban and to spread Dorje Shugden’s practice all over the world.

Most recently, we are humbled and honored to receive the support and approval of Shar Ganden Monastery, one of the two great Dorje Shugden institutions in South India. With the approval of the abbot, the abbot emeritus, the head administrators and senior sangha, they have issued this encouraging letter. We thank you for your blessings and we will continue our efforts to peacefully bring down the ban on Lord Dorje Shugden’s practice and to promote the lineage. We thank the abbot, the abbot emeritus, the head geshes, the monastic administrators and the general sangha for their blessings, support and encouraxgement. We will continue to serve them.

Letter from the Labrang of H.H. the 101st Gaden Throne Holder Emeritus, Trisur Rinpoche Jetsun Lungrik Namgyal

H.H. Trisur Rinpoche (left) and Geshe Lobsang Kunga (right)

His Holiness Gaden Trisur Lungrik Namgyal Rinpoche, the 101st Ganden Tripa, is one of the most qualified Buddhist teachers alive today – being highly trained in both fields of Sutra and Tantra.

We are grateful for this letter of support from the main assistant of H.H. Trisur Rinpoche and head administrator of Trisur Labrang, Geshe Lobsang Kunga.

From Tripa Labrang (Tibetan). Click to enlarge.

English Translation:
Followers of the right path with unbreakable guru devotion, the team behind www.dorjeshugden.com, I would like to say Tashi Delek to you as my first greeting.

In this century, there are negative views, deceptive talk and insults towards Je Rinpoche’s lineage, our lineage lamas, protector and followers. History has even been changed and presented as if it were the truth. In view of this, the sharing of information and facts in dorjeshugden.com brings the truth to the modern world and its people. By clearing doubt through knowledge and fact, the truth surfaces. Through dorjeshugden.com, the truth is presented to you and placed in your hands.

I have seen and heard from the internet that dorjeshugden.com is supported by monasteries, departments, high lamas and knowledgable people who have written many support letters.

Hence I hope what you are doing will continuously get better and I would like to offer my support from South India, Mundgod Shar Gaden Tri Pa Labrang.

Lobsang Kunga
25 October 2014

Letter from His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche

Since he was very young, the current incarnation of H.H. Trijang Rinpoche has shown many miraculous signs, which point to him to be not an ordinary person. His previous incarnation was the junior tutor to the 14th Dalai Lama for 30 years. Much of the current Dalai Lama’s knowledge, lineage and teachings were passed down to him by the previous incarnation of Trijang Rinpoche.

The current Trijang Rinpoche has studied under a few very qualified tutors mastering both Sutra and Tantra, and has developed an excellent knowledge of Buddhism. He is also heavily sought after for his extremely accurate divinations.

His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche’s lineage of incarnations is one of the oldest and longest and it extends back into time where he appeared as Buddha Shakyamuni’s charioteer, Chandra. Since then, he had a string of incredibly erudite and illustrious line of incarnations one after another. He is a lineage master of the highest caliber to thousands of monks, scholar Geshes, Tulkus and meditators in Sera, Drepung and Gaden. Although currently H.H. Trijang Rinpoche is young, he has shown great abilities again unsurprisingly in teaching, explanation, and conferment of Tantric initiations.

We at DorjeShugden.com are extremely moved, overwhelmed and deeply touched in our hearts by His Holiness Trijang Rinpoche’s support, encouragement and endorsement of our website. We cannot express enough as we offer thousands of thanks to His Holiness Trijang Rinpoche for blessing us, our work and our aspirations to benefit many in preserving our lineage through this website.

His Holiness has brought us boundless joy and humility. We wish His Holiness Trijang Rinpoche an extremely long life and manifestation of all his holy wishes. Sarva Mangalam.

From His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche. Click to enlarge

Letter from Gyelchen Dorje Shugden

The King of Dharma Protectors Dorje Shugden in full trance of Panglung Kuten oracle

Within the school of Tibetan Buddhism, there is a special tradition of oracles where dharma protectors may enter a body and take full control to speak, heal, give advice, pronounce prophecies and even remove obstacles. This special tradition has been safeguarded by a handful of lamas who are highly accomplished for the last 1,000 years in Tibet’s Buddhist history from Guru to disciple unbroken. These lamas are highly accomplished and have the skills to train a person up by retreats, initiations, meditations, cleanliness rituals and special diets in preparation to become an oracle. Once the oracle is fully trained up, then they are able take full trance of enlightened protectors such as Gyelchen Dorje Shugden. The oracles who are well trained by high lamas are very much sought after in Tibet and now in the outside world. Their prophecies and advice time and time again have proven to be beyond doubt with perfect accuracy. The Panglung Kuten who hails from Sera Monastery has been taking full trance of Dorje Shugden, Kache Marpo, Jowo Chinkara, Shidak Genye for over 30 years. He was fully trained and authorized by His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang the supreme Yongzin. Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche personally trained up Panglung Kuten over a five-year period and oversaw every part of his training until completion. As a result, Panglung Kuten is one of the most qualified oracles within the Tibetan tradition alive today. He has been taking oracular trance for the last 30 years sought out by the highest lamas to the humblest of practitioners.

Our team flew to Taiwan and consulted Dorje Shugden via Panglung Kuten whether we should continue with dorjeshugden.com. In a spectacular trance session where both Dorje Shugden followed by Kache Marpo took full trance gave us a letter to continue dorjeshugden.com’s work and said it will benefit our Tsongkapa’s lineage as well as sentient beings if dorjeshugden.com continues. With full blessings and encouragement from Dorje Shugden Himself to continue the website, it gives us who have worked for the last 7 years great inspiration and strength to continue on. As long as the Lama and the Protector are pleased, we know we are doing our work well. Thank you humbly. We were extremely blessed to be in the living presence of Dorje Shugden and His minister Kache Marpo via the renowned Panlung Oracle. We therefore have committed to continue this website till the end. We seek to share the truth of the ban, the traditions, practices and lineage of Dorje Shugden continuously to the world.

With the blessings of H.H. Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, H.E. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, Panglung Kuten, Kensur Rinpoche and now Dorje Shugden himself and many other great beings who showed their support, we are honored and grateful to say the least. May we continue to benefit and humbly ask for blessings, Sarva Mangalam. We share the letter with you from Gyelchen Dorje Shugden Himself:

From Gyelchen Dorje Shugden via Panglung Kuten. Click to enlarge

After the trance, Panglung Kuten Himself stamps the letter by Dorje Shugden as per tradition

Letter from Shar Ganden Monastery’s Abbot, Khen Rinpoche Lobsang Jinpa

Shar Ganden Monastery’s Abbot, Khen Rinpoche Lobsang Jinpa

DorjeShugden.com is honored to receive the following letter of support from the Venerable Abbot of Shar Ganden, Khen Rinpoche Lobsang Jinpa.

Enthroned as Shar Ganden’s Abbot in 2013, Khen Rinpoche Lobsang Jinpa has previously held esteemed positions including Gaden Shartse head-disciplinarian (1991), Gaden Shartse main debate teacher (1993) and Dokhang Khangtsen head (1993).

Currently based in Taiwan where he established a branch center of Dokhang Khangtsen, Khen Rinpoche fearlessly leads the monks of Shar Ganden in upholding their pure lineage, practices and samaya during these difficult times.

We thank Khen Rinpoche for his words of support and pray that his Dharma activities will continue to flourish and grow.

From Shar Ganden’s Venerable Abbot (Tibetan). Click to enlarge.

From Shar Ganden’s Venerable Abbot (English translation). Click to enlarge.

Letter from Shar Gaden

From Shar Gaden (Tibetan). Click to enlarge.

From Shar Gaden (English translation). Click to enlarge.

Letter from Shar Ganden’s Kensur Rinpoche Jetsun Lobsang Phende

Shar Gaden’s Abbot Emeritus Kensur Rinpoche Jetsun Lobsang Phende

DorjeShugden.com is humbled to share a letter of appreciation from the great Abbot Emeritus of Shar Ganden Monastery, Kensur Rinpoche Jetsun Lobsang Phende, personally written in his own hand. We are honored that this great and far-sighted lama, who compassionately took up the reins of Shar Ganden Monastery during a most turbulent and dangerous period, has taken the time to write a few words in support of our work. We humbly thank Kensur Rinpoche for his kind words and we will continue our work in support Shar Ganden Monastery and all Dorje Shugden practitioners worldwide to the best of our ability.

From Kensur Rinpoche (handwritten version, page 1). Click to enlarge.

From Kensur Rinpoche (handwritten version, page 2). Click to enlarge.

From Kensur Rinpoche (Tibetan). Click to enlarge.

From Kensur Rinpoche (English translation). Click to enlarge.

Letter from His Eminence Geshe Kelsang Gyatso and the New Kadampa Tradition

His Eminence Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

His Eminence Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, one of the greatest Buddhist teachers and meditation masters of our time, is the spiritual guide of the New Kadampa Tradition (NKT) which comprises over a thousand Dharma centers and study groups, and a multitude of practitioners, both ordained and lay across the world. The NKT is a very successful and beneficial organization that has brought the pure Buddha Dharma to many around the world.

Despite the difficulties related to Dorje Shugden’s practice at the present time, His Eminence Geshe-la and his students have stood their ground and remained true to the lineage of Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche and Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche. His Eminence Geshe-la’s pure teachings, guru devotion and vast knowledge of Sutra and Tantra are an inspiration to all. We thank you for your support and blessings to all who have worked very hard and sincerely for years on www.dorjeshugden.com. Our intention with this website has always been to be a platform for everything related to our lineage and we thank you for recognizing this. It means a great deal to us.

DorjeShugden.com has always been a great admirer of His Eminence Geshe Kelsang Gyatso and therefore we are extremely humbled and honored to receive these encouraging messages from a great lineage master and his impactual organization. We offer our prayers for His Eminence Geshe-la’s continued good health, long life and continuous further growth of his works. Please remain with us always. Someone like you offers much hope and inspiration in these difficult times. With folded hands, we thank you sincerely.

Letter from Geshe Kelsang Gyatso (click to enlarge)

From the New Kadampa Tradition (English). Click to enlarge

Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche himself has highlighted one particular lama who he considered as equal to him in knowledge and attainments, and who held all the same lineages, transmissions and practices as Trijang Rinpoche. That person is none other than one of Trijang Rinpoche’s two closest heart disciples, Kyabje Zemey Rinpoche (the other being the illustrious H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche).

Zemey Rinpoche is the incarnation of a very renowned and high-ranking line of tulkus from Yangding, Kham in Tibet. His accomplishments drew the devotion of many disciples throughout Ganden Monastery and also the attention from the top echelons of the spiritual and political hierarchy of Tibet, including H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama. Zemey Rinpoche was one out of hundreds of tulkus and thousands of monks selected to accompany the Dalai Lama on his visit to China in the 1950s to meet with Mao Zedong and Zhou En Lai.

The current incarnation of Zemey Rinpoche is studying in Tibet. We are very blessed and honored that Zemey Rinpoche insisted on writing this letter by hand himself.

Handwritten letter by Kyabje Zemey Choktrul Rinpoche

Letter from His Eminence Gangchen Rinpoche’s Ladrang

From Gangchen Rinpoche’s Ladrang (English). Click to enlarge.

Letter from His Eminence Kundeling Rinpoche

H.E Kundeling Rinpoche

His Eminence Kundeling Rinpoche is a formidable Lama whom is known for His continuous and direct opposition for the illogical ban on Dorje Shugden ever since it began officially in 1996. We at DorjeShugden.com is honored and thankful to receive such an appreciation letter from a veteran like Kundeling Rinpoche.

From Kundeling Rinpoche, Page 1/2 (English). Click to enlarge.

From Kundeling Rinpoche, Page 2/2 (English). Click to enlarge.

Letter from His Eminence Gonsar Rinpoche, Rabten Choeling

H.E. Gonsar Tulku Rinpoche

At the age of three, H.E. Gonsar Tulku Rinpoche was recognized as an reincarnated Lama by H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama. At 6 years old, Gonsar Rinpoche entered Sera Monastery and was placed under the care of his root teacher Venerable Geshe Rabten. At present, Gonsar Rinpoche continues the legacy of his teacher’s activities and serves as the director of Rabten Choeling in Mont Pèlerin, as well as the other Rabten centers in Europe. He gives regular teachings directly in English, French, German or Tibetan.

We at dorjeshugden.com is honored and humbled to receive such an encouraging letter from Gonsar Rinpoche, whom have stood by his teacher’s teachings despite the many obstacles and difficulties that arose due to the ban.

From Gonsar Tulku Rinpoche (English). Click to enlarge

Letter from Panglung Kuten

Panglung Kuten

DorjeShugden.com is honored to receive an appreciation letter from the oracle of Dorje Shugden himself! We would like to express our gratitude to the Panglung Kuten whom have continuously supported us in various ways.

From Panglung Kuten (Chinese). Click to enlarge.

From Panglung Kuten (Tibetan). Click to enlarge.

English translation of Panglung Kuten’s support letter. Click to enlarge

Letter from Panglung Kuten’s Centre in Taiwan: Taipei Tsongkhapa Buddhist Society

From Taipei Tsongkhapa Buddhist Society (Chinese). Click to enlarge

English translation of Taipei Tsongkhapa Buddhist Society’s support letter. Click to enlarge

Letter from His Eminence Sherab Rinpoche

His Eminence Sherab Rinpoche

An appreciation letter from His Eminence Sherab Rinpoche. Sherab Rinpoche, whom is a highly respected Lama in Shar Gaden Monastery currently serves as the private tutor to His Eminence Domo Geshe Rinpoche. DorjeShugden.com is honored and humbled to receive this letter and would like to sincerely thank Sherab Rinpoche for his kind encouragement.

From His Eminence Sherab Rinpoche (English). Click to enlarge

Letter from Serpom Monastery

Serpom Thoesam Norling Monastery for advanced Buddhist studies is one of the two great monastic universities in South India which support the practice of Dorje Shugden.

From Serpom Monastery (Tibetan). Click to enlarge.

English Translation:

First of all, Tashi Delek to all of you. The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and their leaders have consistently criticized Je Rinpoche’s holy Dharma tradition and lineage, particularly the lamas and followers of Dorje Shugden’s tradition. Nowadays however, the international community realizes that this criticism from the CTA is untrue and that the CTA are wrong.

Some people have been spreading lies about Dorje Shugden and mixing the different Tibetan Buddhist lineages together, in the hope of destroying Je Rinpoche’s lineage through these methods, amongst many others. During these difficult times, DorjeShugden.com is like a beacon of light shining on the truth of Dorje Shugden’s story, the lineage lamas’ biographies and spreading the word about the current issues related to Dorje Shugden. Such information, supported by proof, is very useful. Thank you very much for this.

Many highly educated and knowledgeable individuals have read and seen for themselves the effect of the ban through DorjeShugden.com. The website also provides an alternative perspective, strongly supported by undeniable evidence, on the ban and other issues surrounding Dorje Shugden. There is no reason to doubt the information and content presented by DorjeShugden.com. Even the younger generation have benefited and learned from this website. Therefore the monastic community of Serpom Monastery would like to extend our gratitude for a job well done.

Please keep up your good work with this website and continue being an example of how Dorje Shugden practitioners always carry themselves with integrity and honesty, as an inspiration to others to also follow the virtuous path. For this reason, everyone should value and support Dorje Shugden practitioners, especially DorjeShugden.com.

We hope that all your future endeavors will be successful.

Serpom Monastery, 11th October 2014

Letter from Serpom Library

Tripon Rinpoche

Serpom Thoesam Norling Monastery for advanced Buddhist studies is one of the two great monastic universities in South India which support the practice of Dorje Shugden.

Located in the Tibetan Settlement of Bylakuppe in Mysore, India, Serpom Monastery comprises various departments, one of which is the Serpom Library led by Venerable Tripon Rinpoche.

From Serpom Library (Tibetan). Click to enlarge.

From Serpom Library (English translation). Click to enlarge.

Letter from Nyanang Phelgyeling Monastery

Nyanang Phelgyeling is a Monastic University located at the foot of Swayambhu Stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal. They are showing their support and wishing to maintain a good relationship with dorjeshugden.com

Letter from Yangteng Phuntsok Ladrang

Letter from Yangteng Phuntsok Ladrang (English). Click to enlarge.

Letter from North America Gelug Buddhist Association

From NAGBA (English). Click to enlarge

Letter from Ghum Dun Gon Samten Choling Association

The Ghum Dun Gon Samten Choling Association is the umbrella association of H.E. Domo Geshe Rinpoche’s monasteries in India, which include Samten Choling Monastery (Ghoom), Tharpa Choling Monastery (Kalimpong), Tashi Choling Monastery (Kurseong), Gaden Choling Monastery (Pedong) and Enchey House (Gangtok).

Letter from Samten Choling Association (English). Click to enlarge.

Letter from Dorje Shugden Devotee’s Charitable & Religious Society, Delhi

From Dorje Shugden Devotee’s Charitable & Religious Society, Delhi (English). Click to enlarge

Letter from Tengey Ling Foundation

From Tengey Ling Foundation (English). Click to enlarge

Letter from Garden Tibetan Cultural Association

Letter from Garden Tibetan Cultural Association (Tibetan). Click to enlarge.

Letter from Geluk Lineage Dharchen Association

From Geluk Lineage Dharchen Association (English). Click to enlarge

Letter from Tibetain Gyeden Tensung Society, France

From Tibetain Gyeden Tensung Society, France (English). Click to enlarge

Letter from Canadian Gelug Buddhist Society

From Canadian Gelug Buddhist Society (English). Click to enlarge

Letter from Ven. Zawa Tulku Rinpoche

Ven. Zawa Tulku Rinpoche

Ven. Zawa Tulku Rinpoche began his monastic studies in 1982, after being recognized by various Yogis and High Lamas as the incarnation of the previous Geshe Zawa Rinpoche. Upon completing His monastic studies in 1997, Zawa Rinpoche embarked on an international tour where He gave Dharma teachings, as well as took the chance to attend various Dharma teachings and initiations by great Lamas. At the advice of His root guru Geshe Tsultrim, in the year 2003, Zawa Rinpoche took on the responsibility of managing a Dharma center in Montreal, Canada.

Zawa Rinpoche is also a committed member in the North America Gelug Buddhist Association, and plays a large role in the protests against the ban on Dorje Shugden.

We at DorjeShugden.com are humbled to receive this encouragement from a great Lama such as Zawa Rinpoche. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Zawa Rinpoche for His continuous support and hard work in preserving the teachings of Je Tsongkhapa.

From Ven. Zawa Tulku Rinpoche (English). Click to enlarge

Letter from Ven. Achok Rinpoche

Ven. Achok Rinpoche

Ven. Achok Rinpoche was recognized as the 4th incarnation of Achok Rinpoche of Lithang, Tibet. Under the guidance of His teacher, Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche; at the young age of 22 years old, Achok Rinpoche received the Geshe Lharampa degree with the highest honor. Today, Achok Rinpoche resides in USA and gives regular teachings in the Gadenpa Buddhist Center in New York.

We at DorjeShugden.com is humbled to receive this letter of encouragement from a great scholar such as Achok Rinpoche.

From Ven. Achok Rinpoche (English). Click to enlarge

Letter from Shar Gaden Thogmey Rinpoche

At the age of 14, Thogmey Tulku Rinpoche Lobsang Peljor was recognized as a lama by Dorje Shugden in 1996. Today, Rinpoche remains a steadfast and loyal practitioner of Dorje Shugden in Shar Ganden Monastery, where he educates monks in the fields of philosophy and Tibetan grammar. Thogmey Rinpoche is also the editor of all new Tibetan texts produced by the monastery.

DorjeShugden.com would like to thank Thogmey Rinpoche for his continuous support of our website and for remaining in Shar Ganden to educate the future holders of our great lineage.

From Shar Gaden Thogmey Rinpoche (Tibetan). Click to enlarge.

English Translation:

I, Thogmey Tulku Lozang Peljor Tenpai Wangchug, offer many tashi delegs to the DorjeShugden.com team. I deeply appreciate our brothers and sisters, old and young, who have worked very hard despite the unending difficulties that we all face at this time. Therefore, I thank you very much from my heart for the great efforts you have put into explaining and sharing information about Dorje Shugden via the Internet to an international audience.

The Dalai Lama has created great suffering for all Dorje Shugden followers and I hope you will bring such important news to everyone around the world in Chinese, Tibetan and English languages. In the on-going fight for the truth, I offer my wholehearted support towards your efforts to educate others. Please continue these good works.

I wish all of you good health, long life and success in all your works. I offer my prayers for this.

(Rinpoche’s signature)

Letter from Lama Thubten Phurbu Rinpoche

Lama Thubten Phurbu Rinpoche is a prominent lama in China. He was born in 1973 in Yushu County, Qinghai Province  in China, and he is currently the abbot of Longxi Monastery in that region.

Letter from Serpom Dorje Rabga (incarnation of the 47th Gaden Tripa, Lobsang Chophel)

From Serpom Dorje Rabga (Tibetan). Click to enlarge

Letter from Ven. Neshe Tulku Rinpoche

At the time of writing, Neshe Tulku Rinpoche of Serpom Monastery is on his final year of his Geshe Lharampa exam. A devoted practitioner, Neshe Tulku Rinpoche also teaches philosophy to the many monks of Serpom Monastery, continuing to keep the lineage of Je Rinpoche alive and thriving in Serpom Monastery.

From Ven. Neshe Tulku Rinpoche (Tibetan). Click to enlarge

Letter from Ven. Lhasam Tulku Rinpoche

Ven. Lhasam Tulku Rinpoche

Lhasam Tulku Rinpoche is currently in preparations to commence his 4 years of Geshe Lharampa degree at Serpom. Dorjeshugden.com offers prayers to Lhasam Tulku Rinpoche for a successful monastic education.

From Ven. Lhasam Tulku Rinpoche (Tibetan). Click to enlarge

Letter from Ven. Rongpa Tulku Rinpoche

Born in Gyalthang (known today as Shangri-la), Tibet, Rongpa Tulku Rinpoche has completed his Geshe Lharampa degree. At Serpom Monastery, Rongpa Tulku Rinpoche teaches philosophy.

From Ven. Rongpa Tulku Rinpoche (Tibetan). Click to enlarge

Letter from Ven. Khorsong Rinpoche

Khorsong Rinpoche

From Ven. Khorsong Rinpoche (Tibetan). Click to enlarge

Letter from Ven. Muli Kyabgon Rinpoche

Ven Muli Kyabgon Rinpoche

Muli Kyabgon Rinpoche joined Sera Mey Pomra Khangtsen in 1992. In 2010, Muli Rinpoche became a geshe under the guidance of his Guru, Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche and is now practicing self-meditating on higher tantric and Lamrim teachings.

From Ven. Muli Kyabgon Rinpoche (Tibetan). Click to enlarge

Letter from Ven. Chatreng Tongkhor Rinpoche

Ven. Chatreng Tongkhor Rinpoche

From Ven. Chatreng Tongkhor Rinpoche (Chinese). Click to enlarge

English Translation:

Sampheling monastery Tongkhor Ladrang

To dorjeshugden.com working team:

The continuation of every great and pure lineage is something we must strive to preserve. I appreciate all your hard work in preserving and promoting the Gaden lineage the our great protector lineage.

The Dorje Shugden website plays a very important role, especially in presenting the truth, information and history of our great protector.

This website have been providing practitioners from all over the world with accurate and objective point of view that helped to clear the doubts that arose from false accusations in the minds of many.

This website has united all the practitioners from all over the world, and dedicated to preserve the lineage and lineage masters.

I am thankful to everyone who contribute and serve the website directly or indirectly. It is because of you that the pure Gaden lineage and teachings continue to flourish.

Tongkhor Tulku, Chatreng
16 November 2014

Letter from Geshe Tenzin Palchok

Geshe Tenzin Palchok was born in Lithang in 1967. In 1983, he entered into Sera monastery under the guidance of his Gurus H.H. Yongyal Rinpoche, H.H. Geshe Yeshe Wangchuk, Kyabje Panglung Rinpoche and many other great Lamas. In 2002, Geshe Tenzin Palchok completed his Geshe Lharampa degree, receiving the highest academic degree in the Gelug school.

Geshe Tenzin Palchok has over 15 centers throughout major cities in China, including ShenZhen, Shanghai and GuangZhou. He is also the Chairman of the Lamrim Zinkyong Tsokpa union, comprising members from different places in Tibet.

From Geshe Tenzin Palchok (Chinese). Click to enlarge

English Translation:

To the respected working team of dorjeshugden.com

It is shocking to hear dorjeshugden.com is deciding whether to close down or not. As the Chairman of ‘Lamrim Zinkyong Tsokpa Union’, I represent all the members of this union to request all of you to please continue your great work. Please do not shut down the lighthouse that brings light and hope to many! Please continue to fly the Victory Banner of the pure Gelug teachings high up! Please do not give up on your works and take away the faith and strength from thousands of Dorje Shugden’s practitioners!

In the night, without the bright moon, stars that lead the way will shine even brighter. All your works are important and meaningful, no matter what the obstacles are, they are the light before dawn. The time for the Protector Dorje Shugden has come, all the good and pure deeds will get good return. Our biggest hope to you is to continue the website and all of your works. We pray that all the lineage Gurus give their blessings to you, we also pray that the emanation of Manjushri, Protector Dorje Shugden to bless you. We hope that you will make the correct decision with skillful means and wisdom, spreading the lineage of precious Manjushri and Protector out to the universe.

Chairman of ‘Lamrim Zinkyong Tsokpa Union’ and a Geshe from Serpom Monastery, Tenzin Palchok
05/11/2014

Letter from Geshe Konchok Gyeltsen

Geshe Konchok Gyeltsen

From Geshe Konchok Gyaltsen (English). Click to enlarge

Letter from Geshe Thupten Kunsang

From Geshe Thupten Kunsang (Tibetan). Click to enlarge

Letter from friends in Shillong

From friends in Shillong (English). Click to enlarge

Letter from Professor Huang

From Professor Huang (Chinese). Click to enlarge

English Translation:

To the people in charge of dorjeshugden.com:

The biggest contributor to modern day success is the advancement of Human Rights. Regardless it being in the political or religious, when the person in power’s motivation is to use his power to suppress those who have different views, they show their true faces. This tells the world that, the person in power does not abuse their power for their own agendas.

This precious website has all these while posted affidavits, reported facts, and help looked into the logic behind situations. This website has spoken up for those who believe in Dorje Shugden and the Gaden Whispered Lineage. On one aspect, the website ensures that the audience is not misled by receiving one sided information, any hidden information or gossips. On the other hand, it helps the other party think twice and have reservations before acting out inappropriately. This helps protect the Human Rights and spiritual freedom of practitioners. This contribution is very meritorious and commendable.

I recently received news that this website has expressed their wish to close down and I feel that it is a waste of so much years of effort. I would like to request the people behind this website to please reconsider your decision thoroughly as this is my greatest hope.

With respect,
Professor Huang
6 November 2014

Petition and support from the monks of Shar Gaden

Petition from the monks of Shar Gaden (Tibetan) Page 1/14. Click to enlarge.

Petition from the monks of Shar Gaden (Tibetan) Page 2/14. Click to enlarge.

Petition from the monks of Shar Gaden (Tibetan) Page 3/14. Click to enlarge.

Petition from the monks of Shar Gaden (Tibetan) Page 4/14. Click to enlarge.

Petition from the monks of Shar Gaden (Tibetan) Page 5/14. Click to enlarge.

Petition from the monks of Shar Gaden (Tibetan) Page 6/14. Click to enlarge.

Petition from the monks of Shar Gaden (Tibetan) Page 7/14. Click to enlarge.

Petition from the monks of Shar Gaden (Tibetan) Page 8/14. Click to enlarge.

Petition from the monks of Shar Gaden (Tibetan) Page 9/14. Click to enlarge.

Petition from the monks of Shar Gaden (Tibetan) Page 10/14. Click to enlarge.

Petition from the monks of Shar Gaden (Tibetan) Page 11/14. Click to enlarge.

Petition from the monks of Shar Gaden (Tibetan) Page 12/14. Click to enlarge.

Petition from the monks of Shar Gaden (Tibetan) Page 13/14. Click to enlarge.

Petition from the monks of Shar Gaden (Tibetan) Page 14/14. Click to enlarge.

Letter from Dorje Shugden Practitioners in Ooty, India

From Dorje Shugden practitioners in Ooty, India. Click to enlarge

Letter from Tibet, China

Click to enlarge

Recently, one of the most honored Gelugpa lineage masters, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, presented 500 copies of ‘The Oral Instructions of Mahamudra’ to the monks of Shar Ganden Monastery. Authored by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, this book, written in Tibetan, is based on the root text of Mahamudra called ‘The Main Path to Attainment of the Conqueror Buddha’.

In Sanskrit ‘Mudra’ means ‘absolute necessity’ and ‘Maha’ means ‘great understanding’. The root text, also known as ‘The Great Seal of Voidness’ was composed by the 4th Panchen Lama, Lobsang Chokyi Gyaltsen (1570-1662), who was the tutor of the Great Fifth Dalai Lama as well as Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen.

The world of Tibetan Buddhism must indeed pay the greatest tribute and honor to this great teacher and master. Why? Just like his incomparable root guru, Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso has reached out and touched the lives of millions of people worldwide. Thousands of monks, nuns and lay practitioners have gained success in the spiritual path through his teachings and guidance.

Born in 1931 in Yangcho, Eastern Tibet, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso escaped Tibet with only two scriptural texts in 1959. Today, his achievements are near unbelievable. Apart from founding the largest international Tibetan Buddhist organization in the world with over 700 ordained monks and nuns, he has authored over 20 Dharma books in the English language for Buddhists of all levels, from beginners to tantric practitioners.

His greatest works include Joyful Path of Good Fortune (a commentary on the Lamrim), The New Guide to Dakini Land (a commentary on Vajrayogini’s practice) and Heart Jewel (a commentary on Dorje Shugden’s practice), along with various other commentaries on Indian texts such as Shantideva’s ‘Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life’.

This great Lama’s incredible success can only be attributed to his unwavering faith and confidence in his lineage and protector, Dorje Shugden, which can be traced back to the teachings he received from Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang and Kyabje Pabongka Dorje Chang. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso’s greatest mission now is to preserve the precious tradition of Lama Tsongkapa and by extension, the practice of Dorje Shugden who is the special protector of Tsongkapa’s lineage.

The world rejoices in the achievements of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso and his wisdom in writing and publishing such an important book which will escalate the pure lineage of Lama Tsongkapa to further unprecedented heights. We await his next book with great anticipation and offer prayers for his continued good health, long life and the growth of his works.

500 Mahamudra books offered to Shar Gaden

Shar Ganden administrator, Geshe Lobsang Gelek (left) offers the Mahamudra books to the monks on behalf of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

The heat is on. While the International Shugden Community’s ongoing protests for the Dalai Lama to lift the Dorje Shugden ban is getting the most attention from the media, public, the Tibetan administration and certainly the Dalai Lama himself, there are four other powerful, unstoppable rivers that are flowing into the walls of the ban, slowly but surely bringing it down.

#1: Trijang Rinpoche and Up-and-Coming Young Lamas

Firstly, there is Trijang Rinpoche and capable young lamas like him, for example Domo Geshe Rinpoche, Geshe Tendar and Denma Gonsar Rinpoche) who are growing up, maturing, teaching, and deservedly gaining full respect for their teachings and achievements, past and present.

Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche (left) and Rabgya Rinpoche. The future of Dorje Shugden’s lineage rests in the hands of these great masters.

Trijang Rinpoche, who is now thirty-one going on thirty-two, is one of the biggest names in Tibetan Buddhism, equal to the Karmapa, and was teacher to numerous illustrious lamas including the Dalai Lama in his previous life. His incarnation has reached maturity, and is a powerful force for the growth of Dharma.

Trijang Rinpoche is now teaching, travelling, doing dharma work and does not oblige the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in any way. They have tried to bribe him, tried to offer him prestigious positions, tried to lure him back into their fold. When that didn’t work they threatened him, tried to kill him, they beat up his assistants and his Ladrang people, but Trijang Rinpoche will not budge and he is very firm on his Dorje Shugden practice.

There is no doubt that that this is the genuine Trijang Rinpoche because of his achievements, and because this Trijang Rinpoche was recognized (finally) by none other than the Dalai Lama himself as well as Dorje Shugden. Indeed, Trijang Rinpoche’s increasing power and stature will be one of the main causes to bring the Dorje Shugden ban down.

Remember that it was the Dalai Lama who made an exception and allowed Trijang Rinpoche to practice Dorje Shugden. Yet, the irony is that Trijang Rinpoche, whose previous life was the Dalai Lama’s Guru, is not allowed to attend the Dalai Lama’s teachings on account of his Shugden practice. If Dorje Shugden is so bad, why didn’t Trijang Rinpoche go to the three lower realms? Why is Trijang Rinpoche doing so well?

This year, Trijang Rinpoche is travelling to Australia, New Zealand and Mongolia, and will be going to Indiana soon to officiate the opening of the American oracle’s new center. Trijang Rinpoche’s activities aren’t getting smaller; they are getting bigger and bigger. And he will be a huge thorn in the CTA’s side.

#2: Established Dorje Shugden Lamas and Monasteries

The second cause to bring down the ban is the likes of established high lamas such as Lama Jampa Ngodup and Lama Thubten Phurpu in Tibet, Gangchen Rinpoche and Gonsar Rinpoche in Europe, and many other lamas who are teaching the Dharma and spreading the lineage of Dorje Shugden tirelessly.

Two great Dorje Shugden Lamas of today; Lama Jampa Ngodup (right) escorting Gangchen Rinpoche (middle)

Indeed, such is the popularity of Lama Jampa Ngodup and Lama Thubten Phurpu that both have been sponsored by the Chinese government to go abroad to teach. Each year the Chinese government sends a Dorje Shugden lama abroad – last year it was Lama Jampa Ngodup and this year it is Lama Thubten Phurpu.

Both these illustrious lamas command thousands of people at their teachings and are making Dorje Shugden’s practice grow tremendously. A look through photos and videos of Lama Jampa Ngodup and Lama Thubten Phurpu in Tibet will reveal how their teachings are attended by thousands of people, members of the sangha as well as lay students.

Both lamas are also very outspoken about Dorje Shugden. Not only does Lama Jampa Ngodup speak freely about Dorje Shugden, he criticises the CTA very openly too during his teachings and thousands listen and follow his lead.

One does not hear of lamas of other lineages who can command such massive crowds in Tibet, except for the great Gelugpa lamas. Furthermore, Tibet is full of Dorje Shugden monasteries, strongholds of Dorje Shugden’s lineage including Chatreng Sampheling Monastery, Denma Gonsar Rinpoche’s monastery in Kham, Lama Jampa Ngodup’s monastery and Lithang Monastery, just to name a few. Dorje Shugden’s practice is definitely growing in Tibet.

Thus, the many Dorje Shugden lamas in Tibet combined with the many Dorje Shugden monasteries which number tens of thousands of monks is another thorn in the CTA’s side. These are the teachers of today, the teachers of tomorrow, and they’re growing and getting bigger by the day.

#3: Shar Gaden and Serpom Monasteries

The third cause against the Dorje Shugden ban is the existence of Shar Gaden and Serpom monasteries, established for the sole purpose of preserving and upholding Dorje Shugden’s lineage and practices. Both monasteries are open and thriving, and their activities encompass the full range of monastic programs including Geshe degrees, initiations and oral transmissions, international tours, Buddhist festivals and celebrations.

Serpom Monastery

Shar Gaden Monastery

These two eminent monasteries are and will continue to be an educational base for high Lamas such as Domo Geshe Rinpoche and other future lamas to come. They are learning centers, hubs from which Dorje Shugden’s lineage is practiced and transmitted, and where Guru Devotion is strong and powerful.

With approximately 600 monks in Serpom Monastery, 800 monks in Shar Gaden Monastery and with these numbers increasing over the years, the very existence of these monasteries is a thorn in the side of Ganden, Sera and Drepung monasteries because they are right next door! More importantly, they are out of the CTA’s reach. The CTA cannot touch them, cannot close them down, cannot harass them, cannot do anything to them because they are legal entities licensed and protected by the Indian government.

And although their numbers are fewer than those in non-Dorje Shugden monasteries, each master, scholar and monk in Serpom, Shar Gaden and many other thriving Dorje Shugden monasteries is akin to a piece of solid gold – much better than having thousands of steel or silver pieces. They are definitely the third thorn in the CTA’s side, particular Serpom and Shar Gaden who produce many qualified Dorje Shugden geshes and scholars every year.

#4: The New Kadampa Tradition

The fourth cause to bring down the ban is the New Kadampa Tradition (NKT), the largest Tibetan Buddhist-based organisation in the world. No other Tibetan dharma organization in the world can compare, not the FPMT (Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition) nor any center from the other Tibetan Buddhist lineages.

Nor can any other lama compete with Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, the founder of NKT. He is 80 years old, hale and healthy, has authored many books and established hundreds of centres all over the world. Not forgetting the peaceful protests organized by the NKT and later the International Shugden Community (ISC). The protests are a huge thorn in the CTA’s side because wherever the Dalai Lama or CTA go, there is a protest.

These protests are embarrassing – they are making it into the international news and getting attention all over the world. While it may be “normal” to see Chinese nationals demonstrating against the Dalai Lama, it is shocking to see Westerners and Tibetans protesting against the supposed icon of world peace. People are noticing the protests, researching it, asking questions about it.

Even young Tibetans are beginning to question it, a clear sign of progress in the on-going efforts to bring down the ban. Prime Minister Sikyong Lobsang Sangay recently visited Upper TCV school in Dharamsala and during a Q&A session, teenage students asked the Sikyong earnest questions about the Dorje Shugden ban which he could not answer satisfactorily, nor could he hide his anger at being questioned (Read more).

In an attempt to mitigate the damage done by the students’ questions and the Sikyong failing to answer them directly and sufficiently, the Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament, Penpa Tsering, stepped forward to speak and began criticising both the previous and current incarnations of Trijang Rinpoche. He also criticised Pabongka Rinpoche harshly and upset a great many Tibetans as a result, opening their eyes to see how the CTA is negative, critical and divisive in their actions (Read more).

Clearly, the CTA are beginning to crack at the seams and the protests, the 4th cause to bring down the ban, are having the desired effect.

#5: DorjeShugden.com

Last but not least is DorjeShugden.com and the Dorje Shugden Fanpage on Facebook. Without access to the protests, monasteries or Tibetans, the majority of people get their information from the Internet, and whenever someone searches for “Dorje Shugden”, DorjeShugden.com will appear on top.

The Dorje Shugden fanpage has also reached over 100,000 fans, meaning that every time an article is posted, more than 100,000 people are reading it. The numbers have grown on their own without advertising or campaigning, and it continues to increase daily.

Therefore, through their network of contributors and supporters, DorjeShugden.com and its associated online assets are the premier source of information about all things Dorje Shugden. The website in particular is a treasure trove, a Kangyur and Tengyur, and a massive encyclopaedia of knowledge, wisdom, history, practice, multimedia, events, and even a thriving community forum. Everybody quotes from it – the media, bloggers, other websites and even the CTA themselves. This is the final factor that will bring down the Dorje Shugden ban.

In summary, the five factors that will bring down the ban are:

1. The emergence of Trijang Rinpoche and other young Dorje Shugden lamas

2. Established high lamas in Tibet and elsewhere spreading Dorje Shugden far and wide

3. The unstoppable growth of Serpom and Shar Gaden monasteries

4. The protests and the New Kadampa Tradition

5. DorjeShugden.com and the Dorje Shugden Facebook fanpage

These factors are in no particular order. They are interconnected and inter-related. These five rivers are flowing and there is nothing that can stop them from bursting the dam holding of Dorje Shugden’s precious practice.

Saga Dawa, the holiest time of the Tibetan year, is celebrated throughout the entire fourth month of the Tibetan lunar calendar. Tibetan lunar month begins and ends with a new moon, and the full moon day that falls in the middle of the 4th month is known as Saga Dawa Duchen. “Dawa” means month or moon in Tibetan; “Saga” is the name of a star prominent in the sky during the fourth Tibetan lunar month; and “Duchen” means “great occasion.

The Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and parinirvana are jointly observed on the 15th day of Saga Dawa, which was celebrated this year on 13 June 2014. For Tibetan Buddhists, the month of Saga Dawa is the most auspicious time for meritorious actions, and the merits of worthy acts are said to be multiplied 100,000 times.

Saga Dawa is also a popular time for pilgrimages to holy sites such as Mount Kailash. 2014 is the Year of the Horse according to the Tibetan lunar calendar, and it is said that circumambulating Mount Kailash once during the Year of the Horse is karmically equivalent to completing 12 circumambulations.

Saga Dawa is extensively celebrated in Shar Gaden Monastery ever since the inception of the monastery in 2008. The celebrations commence at 4am with Thekchen Sojong, the Mahayana One Day Vow Taking Ceremony. All the monks in the monastery i.e more than 750 monks take this vow with the Bodhicitta motivation of benefitting others.

The Eight Mahayana Precepts are:

1. Avoid killing, directly or indirectly.
2. Avoid stealing and taking things without the permission of their owner.
3. Avoid sexual contact.
4. Avoid lying and deceiving others.
5. Avoid intoxicants: alcohol, tobacco and recreational drugs.
6. Avoid eating more than one meal that day. Avoid eating meat, chicken, fish, eggs, onions, garlic and radishes.
7. Avoid sitting on a high, expensive bed or seat with pride. Also avoid sitting on animal skins.
8. Avoid wearing jewelry, perfume, and make-up. Avoid singing, dancing or playing music with attachment

 
The Eight Mahayana Precepts are observed for twenty-four hours. Observing these precepts for even a short time has tremendous benefits:

• One accumulates a great amount of positive potential (merit) in a short time.
• One will receive upper rebirths and eventually will attain enlightenment.
• One is protected from harm;
• The place where one lives becomes peaceful and prosperous.
• One’s mind is peaceful and calm;
• One gains control over one’s bad habits;
• There are fewer distractions when meditating;
• One gets along better with others.
• One will meet the Buddha’s teachings in the future and can be born as a disciple of Maitreya Buddha.

 
It is especially good to take the Eight Mahayana Precepts on full and new moon days and on other Buddhist festival days.

After the Theckchen Sojong rituals were concluded in Shar Gaden, a full-day Bumtsog puja was conducted, broken up into 3 sessions. A total of 100,000 tsog offerings were done followed by Lama Chopa prayers. Tsog is a special ritual that involves making offerings on a tantric level to the Three Jewels, while Lama Chopa is also known as Guru Puja.

The pictures below were taken during the Saga Dawa celebrations in Shar Gaden Monastery on 13 June 2014. Clearly, Shar Gaden is very much keeping the lineage and practices alive despite the difficulties they have been facing. It is wonderful to see the monastery growing and its future generations flourishing!

More photos of the Saga Dawa celebrations in Shar Gaden

Saga Dawa Celebrations in Serpom Monastery

While Shar Gaden Monastery celebrated Saga Dawa with traditional prayers and rituals, Serpom Monastery celebrated Saga Dawa with a series of teachings by Ven. Achok Rinpoche.

Below are some pictures of Serpom Monastery’s Saga Dawa celebrations:

The Torgya ritual is a Dorje Shugden puja usually performed just before the coming of the Tibetan New Year. Its function is not just limited to preventing negative energies and driving off energies of such a nature. The purpose of this puja also encompasses bringing about auspiciousness, prosperity, prevention of disasters and even to a certain extent, stopping the outbreak of conflicts in the form of war.

Attended by all the eminent and key lamas, including the tulkus and Geshes (or PhD holders), the crème of the crop of Shar Ganden monastery is assembled for this special puja. In addition to the monastic community, the event is attended by Tibetans from the surrounding area, as well as Indians and visitors from Mongolia, Singapore and the region.

While some lay people view the ritual merely as a festival, it is actually very potent due to the gathering of the best spiritual minds who are involved and the purity of the motivations behind the puja. World peace has a real opportunity to grow in people’s hearts and minds, especially when many spiritual beings with such pure motivations engage in the Torgya.

Torgya offerings and tormas

Venerable Zawa Tulku Rinpoche, as seen here in this video, is a constant and powerful supporter of Shar Ganden Monastery. He is based in Canada and travels to North America often, providing inspiration and support for spiritual practitioners in that region. Through his support, the Ganden lineage is preserved while he and other lamas based in the Americas carry on turning the wheel of Dharma.

The Abbot of Shar Ganden with Zawa Tulku Rinpoche

Another central figure in this video is the current abbot of Shar Ganden, Geshe Lharampa Lobsang Pendey, who holds tremendous responsibility in ensuring the proper administration of the monastery, the growth of Dharma activities, and the continued propagation of Lama Tsongkapa’s tradition.

For more about Dorje Shugden, the Lamas who practice him and other pages of note, click on any of the links below that may be of interest. To submit more links for consideration, please leave a comment.

Links about Dorje Shugden

• http://www.dorjeshugden.org/
• http://nyanangphelgyeling.org/
• http://www.serpommonastery.org
• http://shargadenpa.org/
• http://segyugadenphodrang.org/
• http://www.shugdensociety.info
• http://www.xiongdeng.com/
• http://phradorjeshugden.net/
• http://dorjeshugdenimagelibrary.wordpress.com
• http://www.dorjeshugdenhistory.org/
• http://shugden.tripod.com/
• http://kachemarpo.wordpress.com
• http://wisdombuddhadorjeshugden.blogspot.com/
• http://www.wisdombuddhadorjeshugden.org
• http://shugdensociety.wordpress.com
• http://dorjeshugdentruth.wordpress.com
• https://truthaboutshugden.wordpress.com/

Links to Great Lamas

• http://www.tbiusa.org/
• H.H. Trijang Choktrul Rinpoche’s Facebook Fanpage
• http://www.domogesherinpoche.org/
• http://www.thardeuling.com/
• http://kadampa.org/
• http://www.tsemrinpoche.com/
• http://www.lgpt.net/
• http://ahmc.ngalso.net/
• http://kunpen.ngalso.net/
• http://www.lamagangchenusa.org/
• http://www.rabten.eu/
• http://www.meditationtsongkhapa.org/
• http://www.khenrab.org/
• http://www.dgtlmonastery.org/
• http://www.gadenforthewest.org/
• http://www.ganden.org
• http://www.kadhampa.org/
• http://gadenpa.com/

Other Interesting Links

• http://www.facebook.com/DuldzinDorjeShugden
• http://twitter.com/dorje_shugden
• http://www.youtube.com/dorjeshugden
• http://www.facebook.com/GyelchenDorjeShugden
• https://www.youtube.com/TibetanPublicTalk
• Dorje Shugden Tibetan Followers Facebook
• Dorje Shugden Tibetan Followers Youtube
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh8A7SmyD8xE0WdPbi5-IQ
• https://www.facebook.com/shargadenmonastery
• http://www.youtube.com/SharGadenMonastery
• http://twitter.com/shargaden
• https://www.facebook.com/serpom
• https://www.youtube.com/Serpomdratsang/
• http://www.arebuddhistsracist.com/

Ven. Geshe Tenzin Dorje

Versatile Ven Geshe Tenzin Dorje of Shar Gaden Monastery is the current school principal, the library director and now the preceptor. He has unparalleled skills in numerous fields yet it is his humility and desire to keep a low profile that makes him respected and well-loved by many. May he continue his dharma activities and lead us from the front as he usually does.

Source : https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=3509660033753&set=a.1385199763574.48875.1639429371&type=1&theater

We went to India to celebrate the dedication of the new Shar Gaden temple and along the way, we had an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of thousands of Buddhists who went before us. This journey began on Oct. 23 with three monks and 16 lay students heading to Mumbai, India.

Our first visit was to the Kanheri Caves in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. These caves were carved out of cliffs as a place for monks to study and practice Buddhism. They date from 1st century BCE to 9th century CE. They were commissioned by royal families, merchants and other segments of the old society to support the monks in their efforts to practice the Dharma.

In the center of some of the caves are large Stupas. Thousands of intricate carvings of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and other Buddhist images cover the walls. As in other cultures, much of the ancient art in India is based on religion. So these caves and their art (sculptures, painting, etc.) and architecture are of interest to many historians.

After a quick plane ride south to Hubli, we stopped at Ven. Kuten Lama’s favorite boyhood restaurant – Ayodhya – for tea. Then we drove through a part of the Indian countryside that few foreigners get to see. Fields of sugar cane, rice and corn lay next to tree-lined roads that took us through the town of Mundgod and to a warm welcome by the Shar Gaden monks.

After we arrived and enjoyed tea, we settled into our rooms. The next day was a “play day” before the official festivities began. We met briefly with Abbot Geshe Losang Phendey and then Kuten Lama took us on a tour of the grounds. Everywhere we went, preparations were underway – hanging flags, putting up banners, hauling boxes of supplies. But there were no apparent concern for the preparations being completed “on time” but just a sense of purpose and excitement.

The celebrations began at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 28. A parade of monks carried pictures of lineage masters with a procession of senior monks and students following. Hundreds of people from all over the world sat with local Tibetans around the perimeter of the temple for prayers. The younger monks sitting near us were very busy watching us most of the time.

What followed were an official ribbon cutting ceremony, a meeting of the Dorje Shugden Religious and Charitable Society and an evening performance by the monks of a monastic debate and traditional dances and songs. Over the course of the next three days, there were an education conference, a Je Tsongkhapa Long Life initiation, invocation and Lama Choepa at Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang’s Labrang and Kangso.

Time at Shar Gaden seemed to go very slowly even though the days were filled with so much activity. We were so completely separate from our everyday lives – no clock to watch, no work to do and meal times announced with a gong – but we also felt right at home. No one wanted to leave. But next on our trip was a visit to Serpom Monastery to the south.

We enjoyed a brief tour of the grounds and had an opportunity to see the new temple that still under construction. After a delicious meal we were on the road again to Mysore. There, we visited Chamundi Hill and the Mysore Palace before going to see Kundeling Rinpoche’s monastery in the heart of the city. An extra day to rest and we were on the road again – north to Bangalore to catch a train that took us to Aurangabad.

There we visited the Ajanta and Ellora caves. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are undergoing preservation. Ajanta is known for the ancient paintings found on walls, ceiling and pillars. The paintings were not painted directly onto the rock walls. After the surface of the rock was made as smooth as possible with hammer and chisel, the rough surface was coated with a layer of clay and cow dung mixed with rice husks. Then, a topcoat of lime was then applied and polished smooth. Then the paint would be applied. Many of the paintings have been lost, but the few that remained hint at how beautifully decorated the caves once were.

Ancient teachers in this lineage have practiced the same prayers, chants and other rituals that we do today. So, when we had an opportunity to do Lama Choepa in one of the caves, Kuten Lama explained that it was auspicious that we were able to carry on this tradition.

On our second day in Aurangabad, we went to the Ellora caves. This set of caves is a mix of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain religions. There are some features of these caves that are all the same – channels cut into the rock to direct rainwater into large cisterns, windows and holes to let in light and fresh air – but the carvings and ornamentation were all unique.

On our last night in Mumbai before we returned to the United States, we had one last meal of spicy Indian cuisine with Kuten Lama. Sitting around the table talking and laughing, it could have been any meal at any time in any place. But it wasn’t – it was the end of a historic trip that included an important time in our lineage. It was, in a single word, amazing!

~ Margo Pierce
Cincinnati

Source : www.ganden.org/uploads/news/pdfs/Garuda_Winter2010.pdf

His Eminence Geshe Thupten Thinley confers the commentary of the Essence of Eloquence on the Interpretive and Definitive Meanings composed by the incomparable Je Tsongkhapa Chenpo, to the devoted monks and lay people community of Shar Gaden.

Geshe Thupten Thinley Rinpoche is being invited to the teaching courtyard. Domo Geshe Rinpoche also attended this teaching. There were many other monks and tulkus present.

The Long Life Offering to His Eminence Geshe Thupten Thinley by the devoted sponsors and the Sangha community.

This is a very beautiful video that highlights on Shar Gaden Monks.