Question asked by Sangye
Hi my dear Rinpoche and pastors,
Tashi Delek!
Thank you Rinpoche for reading my question. I received higher tantric empowerment around eight years ago. May I know is it possible for me to be trained and become the Oracle of the great protector Dorje Shugden one day in future without ordained as a monk?
Thank you Rinpoche. Please remain for another kalpa for the sake of all sentient beings… Tashi Delek! 🙂
Dear Sangye,
Thank you for your question. There are many ways that a candidate is chosen to become an oracle of Dorje Shugden. The first is that Dorje Shugden chooses the candidate himself, the second is that the lama chooses the candidate, or the third is that candidate approaches the lama and Dorje Shugden with the request to become an oracle. Following this, there is a long process of tantric retreats, to clear the energy channels in the body to facilitate trance of Dorje Shugden. You may even already have a suitable empowerment dependant on the higher tantric empowerment that you received from your lama.
It is not necessary to be ordained as a monk to be an oracle of Dorje Shugden. There are examples of oracles being lay people as well. However, those who are ordained generate merit quicker than lay people, by virtue of holding their monastic vows well. This helps the process. Therefore, although it may be better in the training for the candidate to be a monk, this is not a must.
There are some articles that you may find useful to explain the process, available to read here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/great-lamas-masters/unique-dorje-shugden-oracle-statue-in-kechara-forest-retreat.html. There is an explanation in the article that details the process that the candidate goes through in order to become an oracle.
There is also a video teachings about oracles, available to watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ttZlpjG4N8
As a higher tantric practitioner you should keep the commitments that you took during your empowerment well, and follow the instructions given by your lama. You will progress well on your spiritual path if you honour your teacher by following his or her advice. I hope this helps.
Thank you.