Dorje Shugden Mandala
An old statue of Guhyasamaja, 15th Century Tibet. Click to enlarge.
(By Tsem Rinpoche and Pastor David Lai)
Within the Praise of Dorje Shugden called Infinite Aeon, Kyabje Dakpo Kelsang Kedrub Rinpoche wrote, “Through the power of having completed Guhyasamaja’s two stages, You would not be silenced, and showed signs of heroism, praise to you!”
Kyabje Dakpo Rinpoche was referring to the previous incarnations of Dorje Shugden who were accomplished lamas and siddhas that had mastered the Guhyasamaja Tantras. The realisation of this tantra would mean that he had accomplished the Illusory Body, which in turn created the cause for him to arise with the body of a Buddha. This is the result of having accomplished the advanced meditations of the completion stage of Guhyasamaja’s practice, during which one’s psychic energies are gathered in the central channel and dissolved into the indestructible drop within the heart. The subtle energies at a certain point in the meditations arise in the form of the yidam (meditational) deity, in this case Guhyasamaja. From this point onwards, through meditation on emptiness, combined with the mind of clear light, one rapidly gains liberation and ultimately complete enlightenment.
Therefore, Dorje Shugden’s mandala arose in a manner similar to the 32-deity Guhyasamaja tantra, due to having accomplished the practice in previous lives. It is for this reason that Dorje Shugden is frequently praised to have mastered the two stages of Guhyasamaja, or having become one with Guhyasamaja. That is why Dorje Shugden’s mandala takes on the appearance of Guhyasamaja, with the same number of deities that share the same qualities and attributes.
Guhyasamaja Tantra
A tsakaley painting of Guhyasamaja Manjuvajra of the Jnanapada tradition. Click to enlarge.
The name Guhyasamaja (Sanskrit) or Sangwa Dupa (Tibetan) literally means “the assembly of hidden or secret factors.” Guhya or Sangwa just means “secret,” and samaja or dupa means an “assembly.” The meaning of “secret” in this case is referring to teachings that are hidden or obscured to those who may not understand it. On the other hand, the “assembly” here refers to the subtle energies of our body.
Guhyasamaja is considered one of the oldest Buddhist tantric systems to have emerged in written form in ancient India. It belongs to the anuttarayoga tantra class, which means that the practice (in its advanced completion stage) deals directly with the subtle energies in the body – the chakras, channels, drops and winds – in order to attain the subtlest level of the mind, which is called the clear-light mind. As the practice is geared towards the development of the illusory body, it is classed as a ‘father’ tantra. Whereas, other tantric systems geared towards the development of clear light are known as ‘mother’ tantras. These terms are not based on whether the central meditational deity is male or female, but rather the method that the particular tantra concentrates on in order to gain spiritual results.
The Guhyasamaja Tantra was believed to be taught and transmitted to the Mahasiddha Indrabuti by Buddha Vajradhara.
This Tantric system has one of the most elaborate and thorough explanations on the workings of subtle energies in the body. Thus, the mastery of this tantric system would allow one to master any other anuttarayoga tantric system like Hevajra, Heruka Cakrasamvara, Yamantaka and so forth. This is why Guhyasamaja is often hailed as the ‘King of Tantra’ and it is widely believed that the continued existence of the Buddhist tantras in our world system depends solely upon the survival of the Guhyasamaja tantric lineage. It is the main tantric system widely practised within the Gelug tradition, together with Heruka Cakrasamvara and Yamantaka. Lama Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelug tradition, was a great yogi of Guhyasamaja and wrote five volumes explaining this tantra. This accounts for the largest amount of writing on any subject within the 18 volumes of Lama Tsongkhapa’s collected works.
The Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo as painted on the fresco of Alchi Monastery, Tibet.
According to modern scholars, the Guhyasamaja Tantra first appeared in the early 8th century CE. In fact, a Sogdian monk by the name of Amoghavajra made the first reference to it. He translated eighteen texts into Chinese and the Guhyasamaja Tantra was one of them. Sogdia was an ancient kingdom in what is now known as Uzbekistan, and its people were merchants that traded along the Silk Route. They were also known to engage in translation works into Chinese.
According to tradition, Buddha Shakyamuni was said to have manifested as Buddha Vajradhara and then taught the Guhyasamaja system to King Indrabhuti, who was King of Oddiyana, known as Ogyen in Tibetan. The Guhyasamaja Root Tantra is seventeen chapters long. In 1002 CE, seven chapters were translated into Chinese by a figure known as Danapala. It was during this time that the great translator Rinchen Zangpo, in collaboration with the Kashmiri pandit Shraddhakaravarman, translated the Root Tantra into Tibetan. There are six Guhyasamaja explanatory tantras but only five of them were translated into Tibetan. These texts deal with the various aspects of the generation and completion stages, however they are written in an obscure manner that would require other Indian commentaries to interpret its meaning.
There are two main commentarial traditions on the Guhyasamāja Tantra: the Arya Tradition and the Jnanapada tradition. Following the Arya tradition, the central deity is the blue-black Akshobhyavajra, a form of the Buddha Akshobhya, with 32 deities in the mandala. On the other hand, following the Jnanapada tradition, the central deity is the yellow Manjuvajra, a form of the Buddha Manjushri, with 19 deities in the mandala.
Dorje Shugden Mandala
People generally believe that Dorje Shugden is an emanation of Manjushri, who manifested as a protector in worldly form. This is not entirely accurate because a worldly protector would not be able to manifest a form that reveals the complete path of sutra and tantra in the same manner as Dorje Shugden.
In fact, Dorje Shugden is more than an ordinary worldly being because he is able to manifest his aggregates, elements, sources and limbs as separate deities in order to perform various functions and activities. This means that each deity of the 32-deity Dorje Shugden Mandala is an emanation of Dorje Shugden’s enlightened qualities, similar to how the deities in Guhyasamaja’s mandala are emanations of Guhyasamaja.
At the core of Dorje Shugden’s mandala, resides Dorje Shugden’s five families. These five correspond to his five aggregates, and since they are purified aggregates, they take on the aspect of the Five Dhyani Buddhas. In a nutshell, the five aggregates refer to the five aspects of how sentient beings develop or impute a self-identity. Naturally, each aggregate does not inherently exist, but instead relies on the imputed identity of the self as real.
Dorje Shugden Five Families
The central deity of Dorje Shugden’s Five Families, or Dorje Shugden Rig Nga in Tibetan, is Dulzin Dorje Shugden in the aspect of a fully ordained monk wearing robes and a round hat. He wields a meandering sword with his right hand and holds a taming hook in the crook of his left hand, along with a jewel-spitting mongoose. He rides a snow lion that tramples an obstacle being beneath. He is the emanation of Dorje Shugden’s aggregate of consciousness in a purified form, which corresponds with the Buddha Akshobhya and is thus known as Akshobhya Vajra Vegavan. Vajra Vegavan literally means ‘Dorje Shugden’ in Sanskrit, and performs various activities to eliminate inner and outer obstacles.
Click to enlarge.
The deity in front of Dulzin Dorje Shugden is Vairochana Shugden or Shize. He appears in the aspect of a prince with a semi-wrathful smile, wearing a golden turban and princely white silk robes. He wields an upturned arrow tied with a divination mirror with his right hand, and a noose with his left hand. He rides on a large elephant. He is the emanation of Dorje Shugden’s aggregate of form in a purified form, which corresponds with the Buddha Vairochana. He is thus known as Vairochana Vajra Vegavan and performs various activities to pacify diseases and to avert natural disasters.
The deity on the left of Dulzin Dorje Shugden is Ratna Shugden or Gyenze. He appears in the aspect of a youthful prince wearing a golden turban and princely robes. He holds up to the sky a long-life vase adorned with a branch from a wish-fulfilling tree with his right hand, and a bowl of jewels with his left hand. He also holds taming hook and a victory banner in the crook of his left arm, and rides a golden palomino horse. He is the emanation of Dorje Shugden’s aggregate of feeling in a purified form, which corresponds with the Buddha Ratnasambhava. He is thus known as Ratnasambhava Vajra Vegavan and propitiated in order to increase one’s life force or lifespan, merits, wealth and wisdom.
The deity behind Dulzin Dorje Shugden is Pema Shugden or Wangze in the aspect of a semi-wrathful prince with a flirtatious smile and red-silk robes. He wields a taming hook with his right hand and a noose with his left hand. He rides upon a turquoise-coloured dragon. He is the emanation of Dorje Shugden’s aggregate of discrimination in a purified form, which corresponds with the Buddha Amitabha. He is thus known as Amitabha Vajra Vegavan and is propitiated to control negative minds and situations.
The deity on the right of Dulzin Dorje Shugden is Karma Shugden or Trakze in the aspect of a supremely wrathful prince with red-silk robes. He brandishes a sword with his right hand and clutches a bleeding heart with his left hand. He rides upon a garuda. He is the emanation of Dorje Shugden’s aggregate of compositional factors in a purified form, which corresponds with the Buddha Amoghasiddhi. He is thus known as Amoghasiddhi Vajra Vegavan and is known to wrathfully destroy insurmountable obstacles and life-threatening situations.
Nine Mothers
The Nine Mothers. Click to enlarge.
Surrounding the Five Families of Dorje Shugden are the Nine Mothers, who are emanations of Dorje Shugden’s four elements and five object sources. They appear as beautiful dakinis, dressed in celestial garments and hold various objects that represent the elements and objects of desire. The nine mothers represent protection of the five senses and developing control of the four elements. These are all attributes that signify their ability to assist tantric practitioners with their higher meditations.
| The Four Elements | The Four Mothers |
| Earth | Lochana |
| Water | Mamaki |
| Fire | Pandaravarsini |
| Wind | Samayatara |
| Five Sense Objects | The Five Goddesses |
| Form | Rupavajra |
| Sound | Shaptavajra |
| Smell | Gändhavajra |
| Taste | Rasavajra |
| Tactile object | Parshavajra |
Eight Guiding Monks
The Eight Guiding Monks. Click to enlarge.
Surrounding the Nine Mothers are the Eight Guiding Monks, who emanate from the eight parts of Dorje Shugden’s body. They appear as fully ordained monks, dressed in saffron-coloured robes while wearing various hats, holding items of monastic practice and other ritual implements. They represent the Eight Great Bodhisattvas and they bring about the growth of the Dharma, through the Sangha, Dharma practitioners and Dharma establishments.
| The Eight Parts of the body | The Eight Great Bodhisattvas |
| Eye sense power | Ksitigarbha |
| Ear sense power | Vajrapani |
| Nose sense power | Akashagarbha |
| Tongue sense power | Avalokiteshvara |
| Body sense power | Sarvanivaranaviskambini |
| Mental power | Manjushri |
| Veins | Maitreya |
| Joints | Samantabhadra |
The Ten Youthful and Wrathful Attendants
The Ten Youthful and Wrathful Attendants. Click to enlarge.
Surrounding the Eight Guiding Monks are the Ten Youthful and Wrathful Attendants, who emanate from the other ten parts of Dorje Shugden’s body. They take on the appearance of Chinese, Tibetan, Mongolian, Kashmiri, Indian, and Nepali warriors, as well as those of other places. They are dressed according to these countries and wield various sharp weapons in their hands. These attendants represent the ten wrathful deities that travel the form, formless and desire realms at the speed of thought in order to avert inner and outer obstacles.
| The Ten Parts of the Body | The Ten Wrathful Deities |
| Right Hand | Yamantaka |
| Left Hand | Aparajita |
| Mouth | Hayagriva |
| Right Shoulder | Achala |
| Left Shoulder | Takkiraja |
| Right Knee | Niladanda |
| Left Knee | Mahabala |
| Crown | Ushnishachakravarti |
| Soles of feet | Sumbharaja |
| Secret Place | Amritakundalini |
Dorje Shugden Mandalas by H. E. Kyabje Gangchen Rinpoche
The following Dorje Shugden mandala posters are based on the teachings of Kyabje Gangchen Rinpoche. Each mandala is unique because a different emanation of Dorje Shugden is placed as the principal deity along with the accompanying deities. The placement of each deity within the mandala is not arbitrary but is based on their nature and function according to the Guhyasamaja tantra just as it is described above.
Dorje Shugden World Peace Protector Mandala
Front. Click to enlarge.
Another World Peace Protector Dorje Shugden Mandala
Dorje Shugden on Tiger Mandala
Dorje Shugden on Garuda Mandala ~ Trakze
Inner and World Peace Protector Mandala ~ Ratna Shugden
For more interesting links:
- Sacred Words of Lord Akshobya – Guhyasamaja Tantra Commentary
- H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche’s Commentary on Guhyasamaja
- Dorje Shugden Retreat: A powerful practice to fulfill wishes
- Namkar Barzin
- Dorje Shugden Gyenze to Increase Life, Merits and Wealth
- Who is Kache Marpo
- Updated: Dorje Shugden Teaching Videos
- Dorje Shugden Wangze for Power and Influence
- Calling Upon the Divine
- Gyenze Fire Puja or the Fire Puja of the Wealth/ Increasing Form of Dorje Shugden
- Music Delighting the Ocean of Protectors – A Definitive Guide to Dorje Shugden by Trijang Rinpoche
- The Sakya Lineage & Dorje Shugden
- A short prayer to Dorje Shugden
- Dorje Shugden Trakze to Dispel Black Magic & Spirits
- Kyabje Zong Rinpoche’s Advice on Dorje Shugden practice
- Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen’s special thangka
- Unique Dorje Shugden Oracle Statue in Kechara Forest Retreat
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If you are in the United States, please note that your offerings and contributions are tax deductible. ~ the tsemrinpoche.com blog team
From this article, I have learn that Dorje Shugden is an enlighten being which appear as a protector to be near to us. Dorje Shugden is so powerful to emanate in this form. All his body part, outer and inner could emanate as the whole Mandala to guide and protect sentient beings. So powerful.
Dorje Shugden’s Mandala is showing the Guhyasamaja Tantra not only to the major form, but, other emanation forms. From here, I am can say that Dorje Shugden could guide us to the path of enlightenment.
In This article, I also learn about the basic of tantra, which now I know, tantra is divided into Father and mother tantra, and, it is not the deity but the nature of the achievement from this Tantra or the methods to gain enlightenment.
[From the article: As the practice is geared towards the development of the illusory body, it is classed as a ‘father’ tantra. Whereas, other tantric systems geared towards the development of clear light are known as ‘mother’ tantras]
Mantras are sacred verbalized words that invoke the protection and blessings of the deity to whom the mantra is ascribed. Mantras are also the manifestations of Buddhas in the form of ‘sounds’, hence the various mantras of Dorje Shugden contain the essence of the Protector.
Dorje Shugden’s main mantra 多杰雄登主要咒语
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA SOHA
Dorje Shugden’s mantra for peace 平和咒语
For gaining attainments through the energy of Peaceful Shugden, peace of environment and mind, harmony in one’s abode and dwelling area, and calming of disasters
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA SHANTI SIDDHI HUNG
Dorje Shugden’s mantra for health 福寿安康咒语
For long life, increasing life, healing of disease and protection from diseases
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA AYU SIDDHI HUNG
Dorje Shugden’s mantra for increase 增长咒语
For gaining great merits and increase of all necessary needs, both material and spiritual
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA PUNYE SIDDHI HUNG
Dorje Shugden’s mantra for control 控制咒语
Of worldly deities, negative people and nagas and for influencing friends towards the positive
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA WASHAM KURU HO
Dorje Shugden’s mantra to grant protection 庇护咒语
Visualize that you are in the Protector’s mandala, fully protected from outside interferences. Recite when in danger or for dangerous situations, for protection while travelling or when residing in dangerous/hostile places
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA RAKYA RAKYA HUNG
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videouploads/comment-1544345059.mp4
Dear friends,
Tibet has produced many powerful meditations, rituals and guidelines to help us gain spiritual protection, gain wisdom and higher states of consciousness. In general Tibet has produced many powerful methods for the growth of our spiritual evolution. Dorje Shugden is an angel, a saint, a powerful spiritual protector-warrior who originated 350 years ago when a highly awakened Tibetan Lama fulfilled his vows to become a special being to grant protection, wisdom, material needs, safety when travelling (normal and astral travel) and spiritual awakening. Both the Great 5th Dalai Lama and the current His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama composed short yet effective prayers to invoke upon the power and blessings of this special saint and protector. One can recite either one of the prayers that you feel suits you, anytime or even daily. When you feel a special need for help, you can recite either prayer anytime. When you are feeling down, afraid or just need a blessing, you can recite them. After reciting either invocation, it is good to chant the mantra of Dorje Shugden: Om Benza Wiki Bitana Soha.
You do not have to be a Buddhist or practitioner of any religion to invoke upon the blessings and protection of this special enlightened and awakened angel Dorje Shugden. He helps all without discrimination or bias as he is filled with compassion and love. Divinity has no boundaries, they help all who call upon them.
Enclosed are the prayers in English, Chinese and Tibetan.
May you be safe, protected and blessed.
Tsem Rinpoche
More on the Great 5th Dalai Lama and Dorje Shugden – https://bit.ly/2w7KHv6
More on H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama and Dorje Shugden – https://bit.ly/2QdaL4n
Chapel (Trode Khangsar) built by the Great 5th Dalai Lama dedicated to Dorje Shugden in Lhasa – https://bit.ly/2zBTd8M
—
亲爱的朋友们，
西藏产生了许多有助于我们得到精神庇佑、取得智慧和更高层次之觉悟的强大禅修法、仪式和教诲。总括来说，西藏产生了许多有助于我们在修行上取得提升的强有力方法。多杰雄登是一个天使，一位圣人和一名护法战士。他的崛起始于350年前，当一位高度觉悟的西藏高僧履行本身的承诺，化身为特别的护法，赐予我们守护、智慧、物质需要、出入平安（平日外游和神游时）和灵修上的觉醒。任何人都可以随时随地在任何时候念诵适合自己的祈愿文。当你需要特别的帮助时，你可以随时念诵任何一篇祈愿文。当你感到沮丧、恐惧或仅是需要加持时，你也可以持诵这些祈愿文。在念诵任何祈请文后，你应该接着念诵多杰雄登的心咒：嗡 班杂 维格 毗札那 娑哈 Om Benza Wiki Bitana Soha。
要祈请多杰雄登这位特殊、觉悟和觉醒的天使赐予加持和庇佑，你无需是佛教徒或任何宗教的修行者。他总是没有分别或偏见，充满慈悲和慈爱地帮助一切众生。神圣是没有界限的，圣者会帮助有求于他的任何人。
以下附上英文、中文和藏文的祈愿文。
愿你平安，常受庇护和加持。
尊贵的詹杜固仁波切
更多关于第五世达赖尊者和多杰雄登护法的内容 — https://bit.ly/2zsC3tG
更多关于第十四世达赖尊者和多杰雄登护法的内容 — https://bit.ly/2r4aaDN
第五世达赖尊者为多杰雄登护法在拉萨建造的护法殿（布旦康萨）— https://bit.ly/2zBTd8M
Divination (‘mo’) Text by Dorje Shugden
This is an important divination (‘mo’) text composed by Dorje Shugden himself. Dorje Shugden took trance of the Choyang Dulzin oracle lama, the senior oracle of Gaden Shartse Monastery, and instantly on the spot composed this text within two hours.
The divination text contains information on how to use dice to do divination for the future and is known to be highly accurate. When practitioners use this text, they will be in direct contact with Dorje Shugden to get answers to questions about the future. It is for those who have good samaya with Dorje Shugden and are free of the eight worldly dharmas to be of benefit to others in divining the future.
Tsem Rinpoche
DS-MO-choyang.pdf
Be blessed with these rare videos featuring explanation and advice about Dorje Shugden practice by His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche in his own voice. The teaching was requested by Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, one of the earliest masters who taught Tibetan Buddhism in the West.
Video 1: H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche Explains Dorje Shugden Initiation and Benefits (With English Subtitles)
Kyabje Zong Rinpoche was an erudite scholar, ritual master and practitioner of the highest degree from Tibet. At the request of Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, one of the pioneers who taught Tibetan Buddhism in America, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche gives clear explanation and advice about the life-entrustment initiation of Dorje Shugden and how to go about the practice and get the maximum benefits in this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzFMvlxAqtc&feature=youtu.be
Video 2: H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche speaks on the History and Lineage of Dorje Shugden (With English Subtitles)
In this video, an erudite scholar, ritual master and practitioner of the highest degree from Tibet, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche talks about the incarnation lineage of Dorje Shugden and how the practice arose, with examples of Dorje Shugden’s previous lives that reveal his powerful spiritual attainments and contributions. This very rare teaching was given at the request of Kyabje Zong Rinpoche’s student, Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, one of the pioneers who taught Buddhism in the West to many disciples since the 1970s.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIzKSJgK618&feature=youtu.be
For more information: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/great-lamas-masters/kyabje-zong-rinpoches-advice-on-dorje-shugdens-practice.html
His Holiness the 10th Panchen Lama
Tibetans commonly refer to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and His Holiness 10th Panchen Lama as the “sun and moon” of Tibetan Buddhism. They are the center of Tibetan Buddhist civilization, which draws to its sphere of influence millions of non-Tibetan practitioners. The Panchen Lama’s incarnation line began with the 16th abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, Lobsang Chokyi Gyeltsen (1570 – 1662). He was bestowed the title of Panchen Lama by His Holiness the 5th Dalai Lama after being declared as an emanation of Amitabha.
After being given the title, his three previous incarnations were posthumously also bestowed the title, making Lobsang Chokyi Gyeltsen the 4th Panchen Lama. He became a teacher to many Tibetans, Bhutanese and Mongolian religious figures, including His Holiness the 4th and 5th Dalai Lamas, and the 1st Jetsun Dampa of Mongolia. A prolific author, Chokyi Gyeltsen is credited with over a hundred compositions, including a number of commentaries and ritual texts that remain central in the Gelukpa tradition today. Along with his role as a teacher of the Dharma, the Panchen Lamas are usually responsible for the recognition of the rebirths of the Dalai Lamas, and vice versa.
The 10th Panchen Lama, Lobsang Trinley Lhundrub Chokyi Gyeltsen (19 February 1938 – 28 January 1989) continued both the spiritual and political roles of his predecessors. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, his contemporary, was even heard to say and echo the Panchen Lama’s own words that the Dalai Lama would safeguard Tibet from the outside while the Panchen Lama would safeguard Tibet from the inside, as he never left Tibet after the political troubles of 1959. He was truly loved by the Tibetans, all the way until his passing. When he taught, thousands of people would attend, not only from his own Gelug lineage, but masters and practitioners from all traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.
At his sprawling monastery of Tashi Lhunpo, he has a special chapel specifically dedicated to Dorje Shugden, where prayers and rituals are performed on a daily basis. In his great omniscience the Panchen Lama held Dorje Shugden as the principal Dharma protector of the monastery. He also personally propitiated Dorje Shugden among other Dharma protectors, and even wrote extensive prayers and rituals to Dorje Shugden. These rituals and prayers are contained within his ‘sung bum’ or collected works, which are provided here. As such a great lama, with an erudite and clear understanding of the Buddhist scriptures, a teacher to millions in both Tibet and China, from an established incarnation line and an emanation of the Buddha Amitabha, he could not be mistaken about his practice of Dorje Shugden.
His Holiness 10th Panchen Lama is known for his composition of commentaries and practice texts that are still in use by contemporary Buddhist practitioners both in Tibet and across the world. One of these is a powerful ritual composition propitiating the compassionate Dorje Shugden.
Upon the request by Acharya Lobsang Jangchub to compose a shorter version of the prayer (sadhana) for the exhortation of activities of Dorje Shugden, Panchen Lama immediately composed an abbreviate form of Dorje Shugden’s Kangsol. This text is entitled “Manjunatha’s (Tsongkapa) Lineage protector Dorje Shugden and five forms wrathful propitiations and confessional prayers and fulfilment of activities rites” or “Melodious sound of Accomplishment of the Four Activities” for short. Once the prayers were completed, he had signs and strong feelings that Dorje Shugden has been working hard to protect the Buddhadharma in general and the lineage of Lama Tsongkhapa specifically.
Mirroring the abilities of one of his earlier incarnations, Khedrub Je, a disciple of Lama Tsongkhapa and master of both sutra and tantra, the Panchen Lama used his compositional skill and poetic prowess to create a masterful sadhana. Worthy of note is a praise in which the first letter of each verse is a Tibetan vowel. Such compositions are rarely seen, and have historically only been used when propitiating senior Dharma protectors such as Palden Lhamo and Kalarupa.
The Panchen Lama also stated that while composing the Dorje Shugden sadhana (prayers) he was filled with a sense of happiness and bliss. He ends the composition with not only his official title but his ordination name, Tenzin Trinley Jigme Choje Wangchuk, endorsing the validity of his work. He composed the sadhana in his own Tashi Lhunpo monastery while in the Hall of Clear Light and Bliss.
See the Panchen Lama’s writings and download: https://bit.ly/2KIfeXb
For the first time available, Dorje Shugden and his entourage of 32 assistants of his mandala.
Dorje Shugden is a powerful protector deity who is also an emanation of Manjushri, a wisdom bestowing Buddha. Therefore, he has great ability to help us to progress further on the spiritual path. He does this by helping us to overcome obstacles and problems for the modern individual.
Due to his enlightened nature, Dorje Shugden is able to manifest 32 deities and within the same abode resides Setrap and Kache Marpo:-
1. 5 Dorje Shugden families or emanations. They consists of the following:-
– Dulzin Dorje Shugden, which performs activities to eliminate inner and outer obstacles.
– Shize, which performs activities to pacify all illnesses and disease.
– Gyenze, which performs activities to increase all desirable material and spiritual wealth.
– Wangze, which performs activities to control difficult people and circumstances.
– Trakze, which performs activities to wrathfully eliminate all insurmountable obstacles and life-threatening situations.
2. 9 Mothers. They represent protection of the five senses and developing control of the four elements. These are all attributes that signify their ability to assist tantric practitioners with their higher meditations.
3. 8 Guiding Monks. They represent the Eight Great Bodhisattvas (Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri, Vajrapani, Samantabhadra, Maitreya, Kshitigarbha, Akashagarbha, Sarva-nivarana-viskambini) and they bring about the growth of the Dharma, through the Sangha, Dharma practitioners and Dharma establishments.
4. 10 Youthful & Wrathful Attendants. They represent the ten wrathful attendants to avert inner and outer obstacles. They are beings who are from Mongolia, China, Kashmir, India, Bengali, etc.
5. Setrap. He is a senior Dharma Protector from India and an emanation of Amitabha Buddha. He had enthroned Dorje Shugden as an authentic Dharma Protector. Therefore, he also resides within the same mandala of Dorje Shugden.
6. Kache Marpo. He is not an emanation of Dorje Shugden but he is still an enlightened Dharma Protector in his own right. He was originally known as Tsiu Marpo of Samye Monastery. However, he has placed himself under the service of Dorje Shugden as his chief minister, performing many activities in order to protect and benefit practitioners. Therefore, he stands guard at the main entrance of Dorje Shugden’s mandala. He often takes trance of qualified mediums to speak.
7. Namkar Barzin. He is the reincarnation of an old Mongolian monk and when he passed away in Phari area of Tibet, his spirit was placed as a powerful assistant of Dorje Shugden. He guards and protects buildings and great institutions especially those that benefit others. He rides on a mythical Gyaling animal that resembles a goat but with scales.
These sacred images are available on *Vajrasecrets. They are made of high quality alloy and are one of a kind. They are based on the lineage of His Holiness Panchen Rinpoche’s monastery, Tashilhunpo in Shigatse, Tibet. In fact, the iconography of these statues are based on detailed photographs taken by H. E. Tsem Rinpoche during a trip to Tashilhunpo’s protector chapel. These are based exactly as the 10th Panchen Lama’s personal collection.
Dorje Shugden mandala: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=131570
Dorje Shugden’s benefit and practice: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=62422
Dorje Shugden’s origins: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=106424
Dorje Shugden chapel in His Holiness Panchen Rinpoche’s Tashilhunpo Monastery in Tibet: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=68698
*Stand not included
Amazing post!!!!!
Dear friends, For months we have been working on this BEAUTIFUL and meaningful mural in Kathmandu, Nepal. Please click here to enjoy the many stunning pictures of this mural: https://bit.ly/2LgOj8J
Tsem Rinpoche
Sakya tradition’s thangka of Dorje Shugden sitting on a throne within his palace with his four emanations and high Sakya Lamas nearby. Tsem Rinpoche
Great article ….. to know better knowledge on Dorje Shugden’s mandala and entourage. Very informative and very helpful for those who are new to Dorje Shugden like me. I will continue to read from time to time to get abetter insight of it . To have a better understandings of the mandala will help us in our visualisation.
Dorje Shugden is an enlightened being and the emanation of Bodhisattva Manjushri, and not a evil as claimed by some.
Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David Lai for this informative write up.
Antique Pelden Lhamo thangka with sacred Dorje Shugden at the bottom right. Can see Tsongkapa and Guru Rinpoche on the top also. Beautiful and holy.
Great message every Tibetan especially must read!
This is indeed a very useful article to learn about the origin of Lord DS,its 5 families and various mandalas.
Not only that, it’s great to know that our lineage is the survival of Guhyasamaja tantric.
By reading one time I don’t think I will understand it clearly. Will keep reading this article till I understand and hope that I will be able to explain to the people who is new to DS practice.
Thank you Guru and Pastor David for sharing
Dear Rinpoche & Pastor David,
Thank you very much for sharing this blog. This blog has given me a better understand on Dorje Shugden’s mandala, what each form of the 5 families represent together and his entourage of 9 mothers, 8 guiding monks and 10 youthful and wrathful attendants form the 32-deities of Dorje Shugden Mandala.
I also find it very interesting that the Nine Mothers represent protection of the five senses and developing control of the four elements. The Eight Guiding Monk represent Eight Great Bodhisattvas and they bring about the growth of the Dharma, through the Sangha, Dharma practitioners and Dharma establishments. The Ten Youthful and Wrathful represent ten parts of the body.
Do hope one day that I will be able to understand all the attributes that signify their ability to assist tantric practitioners with their higher meditations.
This article is very informative and very helpful for those who are new to Dorje Shugden.
Thank you, Rinpoche and Pastor David.
Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David for this article on Dorje Shugden Mandala which helps me to understand better the enlightened state of Dorje Shugden. It is quite obvious that Dorje Shugden is an enlightened Protector as his previous life had gain enlightenment with accomplishment of Guhyasamaja, often hailed as the ‘King of Tantra’. With the clear explanations of Dorje Shugden’s five forms, 9 mothers, 8 guiding monks and 10 youthful & wrathful attendants, I understand better now the composition of Dorje Shugden’s entourage of 32. This will help me when the need arises to explain to others that may have questions. All these aspects of Dorje Shugden shows the capability of bringing us in our practice towards enlightenment and definitely not as claimed by the Tibetan Leaders in Exile to be a mere spirit. May more come to meet with Dorje Shugden and his highly beneficial practice without the clouds of doubts created by CTA.
Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David for this short and precises article about Dorje Shugden Mandala. This is clearly explained Dorje Shugden is no evil spirit as accused by corrupt and greedy political party. It is something not logical AT ALL, Dorje Shugden previous incarnation practices one of the oldest tantra practice which is Guhyasamaja Tantra “king of all tantra” which most of the Tibetan Monastery knows and HE arose as a Dharma Protector and accused as a spirit. Yet he manifested 4 different forms of dharma protector specifically focus in certain problem that ourself want it to be related to overcome problems and manifested himself as entourage to form a mandala. This is clearly explained Dorje Shugden is an enlighten being.
Thank you again to Pastor David.
Humbly,
Victor Choi
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This is good informative article on DS Mandala. As practitioners of DS, it is important we know the practice we engaged ourselves with. With the knowledge given, it is obvious that DS is an enlighten being. This should give new practitioners confidence in the practice and clear doubts for those disturbed by the ban.
Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David for this article.
I am able to learn more about Dorje Shugden and his mandala through this article. Now i have one more point to prove that Dorje Shugden is indeed an enlightened protector and not a spirit. Dorje Shugden’s previous incarnations had been scholars and highly attained practitioners. When one is so highly attained like Pachen Sonam Drakpa and Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen, one’s mind does not degenerate. It is impossible for someone like Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen who has an enlightened mind to degenerate and becomes a spirit when he passed away. The mind does not work that way.
Secondly, No unenlightened being can emanate a whole mandala like Guhyasamaja. Normal unenlightened beings will not have the ability to do so. Only Enlightened beings, Buddhas can emanate a whole mandala with so many assistants like Guhyasamaja.
Hence, it is very safe to say that Dorje Shugden is an enlightened being and not a spirit. To criticize a form of belief system, we should at least learn more about it before judging it. Articles like this are very informative and very helpful for those who are still confuse about the whole Dorje Shugden issue.
This article is a great help for all practitioners as it explains Dorje Shugden and his entourage. And his supreme qualities as he has completed Guhyasamaja’s two stages, as stated by Kyabje Dakpo Kelsang Kedrub Rinpoche.
How fortunate we are to have met H.E. the 25th Tsem Tulku Rinpoche who compassionately shares this practice with the world. The many articles in the Dorje Shugden section: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/category/dorje-shugden leave no doubt about Dorje Shugden’s nature and I hope that all controversy from the side of the Tibetan Government in exile will stop as it has no basis at all.
All the time that I know H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, he was very kind and generous and always helped me to transform my mind and practice Dharma all the way. May Dorje Shugden spread throughout the ten directions and may we always be close to our root Guru, who is one in nature with Dorje Shugden and Manjushri, the Buddha of Wisdom.
A very informative article of Dorje Shugden, especially for new practitioners. Dorje Shugden is indeed an extraordinary worldly protector. He can manifest in different forms depending on the nature of the situation to help people. His mandala is similar to Guhyasamaja’s mandala, whose tantra is regarded as King of Tantras. So how can those people who are against Dorje Shugden accuse him of being an evil spirit. Hopefully those people will come to their senses and accept Dorje Shugden as a protector who is here to help and protect us. We are so blessed to be able to practice Dorje Shugden through the guidance of our kind Guru.
Thank Rinpoche and Pastor David Lai for sharing this article.???
Dorje Shugden is definitely not an ordinary worldly protector. He is one arise from one who has achieved enlightenment. I am amazed by looking at the beautiful mandala posters. The mandala showed clearly all the emanation of Dorje Shugden in their different actions and forms based on their nature and function.
It is very important to understand and know our protector better. This help me to get closer to Him from my level of practice. This help me to visualise better when I do my sadhana. Dorje Shugden practice is not an ordinary protector practice but a profound tantric practice that everyone can engage with. The 32 emanations guarded our mind in all path for us. We are very blessed to be able to receive and practice Dorje Shugden.
Important to understand what deity before we practice. Before reading this article, I often heard people criticisms of Dorje Shugden practice is demon practice because Dorje Shugden manifest of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen spirit after he had murder. People has forgeten previous incarnation of Dorje Shugden all are highly attainment master and achieve one with tantric deity .
If Dorje Shugden is a spirit ,he had no power to manifest his mandala just like Guhyasamaja. Is only with high attain protector like Dorje Shugden able to show his ability through what his had achieve manifest his quality to his mandala. This had show who is it. Otherwise why other high attain lama like Kyajeb Trijang Rinpoche, Pabongka Rinpoche, Zong Rinpoche promoting his practice. So stop criticise Dorje Shugden practice.
Lastly thank for Pastor David write about this article to educate people who had doubt of Dorje Shugden practice.
This article is a great one for all who are new and people who have been practicing Dorje Shugden, it introduce the mandala which is the “home” of Dorje Shugden. It’s iimportant to study and know more about our religion and beliefs, to ensure that we ‘re on the right track on spiritual path.?
After reading this article, it let us understand the whole picture of Dorje Shugden mandala and where all the entourages are from. This shows that Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen doesn’t take only one life time to arose as Dharmapala, and Nechung didn’t simply pick anyone to be the Dharma Protector. Again, same question asked, how can a highly attained monk like Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen with all his well known previous incarnation who practice Guhyasamaja Tantra, can easily turn to be evil spirit after he passed on? It’s really not logic to say Dorje Shugden is an evil spirit. In fact, his mandala is complete and beautiful. May more people read about Dorje Shugden mandala, and have full understanding of Dorje Shugden background, so that they won’t get cheated by lies saying that Dorje Shugden is evil spirit. ?
The Dorje Shugden on Tiger Mandala looks so lively, to me; it is very attractive and feeling powerful for first seen. I also like the Inner and World Peace Protector Mandala ~ Ratna Shugden. All these Mandala is very good for visualisation, to collect merits and purify our negative Karma. And to be able to receive Dorje Shudgen practice is very fortunate.
Reading thru this article will have more understanding of an enlightened mind and the Dorje Shugden practice become more beneficiary. Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David for sharing this article to benefit us so much.
Now I understand why Dorje Shugden’s mandala have the 9 mothers, 8 guiding monks and 10 youthful and wrathful attendants. It is because Dorje Shugden have mastered the Guhyasamaja Tantra and so they have emanated into 32 deities in his mandala. Each of these 32 deities links to the elements and the aggregrates which is of enlightened qualities. That is why Dorje Shugden is so quick in coming to assist a practitioner through obstacles using the 32 qualities that he has.
With folded palms,
Vivian
Looking at Dorje Shugden mandala, it is amazing on how many emanation he has, this clearly shows that he is the enlightened Buddha, and not as what the Tibetan leadership said he is a spirit. Im very fortunate to be able to received his practice thru my kind and most compassionate root guru, H.E. the 25th Tsem Rinpoche. ???
I will never give up my protector practice no matter what, never ever there is a chance that I will give up his practice. May Dorje Shugden practice spread far and wide to benefit tens of thousands of people.
The explanation of Dorje Shugden’s mandala and what each form of the 5 families represent together with the nine mothers, eight guiding monks and 10 youthful and wrathful attendants teaches us how encompassing Dorje Shugden is.
Every aspect of life and the causes of our downfall are illustrated whereby each member of this powerful Protector and entourage can help us.
I can imagine during Dorje Shugden pujas and retreat, how powerful it is for the practitioner to be able to visualise the mandala and the deities within. If we can visualise well, it is so safe to be within this mandala. So much protection from our own negative karma.
Thank you, Rinpoche and Pastor David for this powerful understanding.
It’s good to know Dorje Shugden in various forms of mandala and the representative each of His entourage meanings. This means that Dorje Shugden is purely true enlightened being and not ‘spirit’ or ‘demon’ that had been rumored.
Thank you Pastor David and Rinpoche for sharing this article. ??
Very good article with detailed explanations and information on the similarity of Dorje Shugden’s mandala to the 32 deity Guhyasamaja tantra. Thank you, Rinpoche and Pastor David.
It explains the true nature of Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen, Panchen Sonam Drakpa, Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen, and Dorje Shugden, that is, they are all of the same mindstream of Lord Manjushri. These historical Tibetan accounts have been supported and verified by the greatly attained Tibetan scholars and masters of the past, and the great erudite lamas of the present. To call Dorje Shugden a demonic spirit is not only wrong but it makes the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) look ignorant. The CTA are just a bunch of politicians who did not study nor practice Buddhism like those aforesaid great Buddhist masters did. Yet they have the audacity to be the judge and jury to condemn the lineage and practice of Dorje Shugden as devil worshipping, culminating in a religious ban on His practice.?
Thank PDL for sharing this article, it’s make me more understand deeper on Dorje Shugden.
Eg : Dorje Shugden Five Families, Nine Mothers, Eight Guiding Monks and The Ten Youthful and Wrathful Attendants
I really like this interesting post! It explains a lot about Dorje Shugden’s lineage and entourage. It’s easy to understand and it’s also easy for people who are new.
Not forgetting the anti Dorje Shugden people. From this article they get to learn more and understand the facts instead of blindly accusing Dorje Shugden as a ‘devil’. From the explanations, they can also see that all Dorje Shugden and His entourage do, is help ALL Dharma practitioners no matter who they are. This is because He is Manjushri. If all Dorje Shugden practitioners around the world can have faith and believe in that as mentioned by their Gurus, how can that be wrong? Are you saying that all those holy and attained Gurus are wrong?
Understanding the deities mandala is important for our practice. Knowing the mandala will help in our visualisation that bring full benefit in our practice. From this article it really gave an understanding of Dorje Shugden mandala and the similarity with Guhyasamaja mandala. Although they appear in the guise of worldly aspects, the emanations and entourage are all purely manifestations of Dorje Shugden’s enlightened mind which similar to how the deities in Guhyasamaja’s mandala. This is why even by looking at his mandala will plant a seed of blessing in our mind stream. Blessing in the form of merit and purifying our negative karma and many spiritual benefits.
For those that said Dorje Shugden is a spirit, one should study and understand his background. Dorje Shugden practice has it authentic lineage and many high lamas practices and able to take rebirth to come back and continue their legacy.
Yes the lineage of Tulku Dragpa Gyeltsen predecessors and himself were realized buddhist masters, people cannot achieve levels of enlightenment then regress back to being unenlightened.
Great to know the 32 deities part of the Dorje Shugden mandala are mapped to all the deities of the Guhyasamaja Tantras. Guhyasamaja Tantra are also called the King of Tantras.
Dear Pastor David,
Really appreciate this well researched Dharma posting on Dorje Shugden’s mandala. The amount of material is so much and relevant for our lay person’s mind to comprehend, “tie-the-strings” and connect the dots to make sense of His Holy mandala.
Will need to re-read this several times to digest the materials.
Thank you very much again Pastor David.
Humbly yours
Lum Kok Lune
Dear Pastor David, This article about Dorje Shugden Mandala is very interesting. But I really need sometime to register and digest the contents as I find it a bit technical …lol 🙂
I love the colorful pictures of the Mandalas though. Very beautiful. Hmmm…should be nice and interesting to do social media about them on instagram soon. Thank you very much Rinpoche and Pastor David for this very educational write up! _/\_
Dear Pastor,
Seems like it’s all link and it’s like a roadmap that has the same exit which is Enlightenment. Besides, there are helps from many levels ( as Dorje Shugden is able to manifest the aggregates, elements, sources and limbs as separate deities in order to perform various functions and activities suits the particular needs of the practitioners. )
Eventually we can gain Buddhahood through achieving the Five Dhayani Buddhas and this can be done through the practice of Dorje Shugden itself! No wonder Rinpoche received a firm answer ‘Yes’ when Rinpoche was asking if we can gain enlightenment by relying to Dorje Shugden practice only. Dorje Shugden practice like a supreme form of practices, it consists Annutarayoga practices such as Yamantaka, Hayagriva and others. The mandala manisfested by Dorje Shugden clearly a depiction of Guhyasamaja Tantras and this practice is known as King of Tantras too?
It’s like a complete but condensed path.
The other day I was wondering why we need to have all the implements and ritual when inviting Dorje Shugden? Can’t it be condensed as well? But when I chanted the Dorje Shugden sadhana practice, it seems that it will delight the Gyalchen’ mind. I think this is because we need the generation of merits. On top of that, monthly commitment is important too to receive the sogtae.
Thank you Pastor David
Dear Jacinta,
Just saw your comment and I have some clarifications if you don’t mind.
“No wonder Rinpoche received a firm answer ‘Yes’ when Rinpoche was asking if we can gain enlightenment by relying to Dorje Shugden practice only. Dorje Shugden practice like a supreme form of practices, it consists Annutarayoga practices such as Yamantaka, Hayagriva and others.”
– Rinpoche asked the question in reference to Dorje Shugden being propitiated as a yidam (not that he can lead us to enlightenment) and naturally the answer would be yes because he is enlightend Dharma Protector. However, the prayer texts in use now propitiates him as a Dharma Protector and therefore cannot help to be enlightened directly. A new initiation text, sadhana and commentary needs to be composed by a High Lama of a certain calibre so that a new lineage of Dorje Shugden needs to be started for that to happen.
“The mandala manisfested by Dorje Shugden clearly a depiction of Guhyasamaja Tantras and this practice is known as King of Tantras too?”
– No, Dorje Shugden is not known as King of Tantras, that is only referred to Guhyasamaja for the reasons I mentioned in the article. However, Dorje Shugden is known as the King of Dharma Protectors or Gyalchen, which literally means ‘great king’. This refers to his speed and power, which is unsurpassed by any Protector. In fact, he is praised as “With the strength of a million Dharma Protectors”.
“The other day I was wondering why we need to have all the implements and ritual when inviting Dorje Shugden? Can’t it be condensed as well?”
– If you are referring to the length of prayer, there are condense praises that we can recite. But the more extensive prayers and rituals are more effective and collect more merits simply because you are praising and propitiating Dorje Shugden according to his various aspects. So, its more complete.
However, if you are referring to why there is a need so for many emanations of Dorje Shugden, it is because the needs our diverse mental tendencies and karma. Dorje Shugden emanations in this aspects is mirroring Guhyasamaja and its 32 dieties but if Dorje Shugden were to mirror Heruka’s mandala, it would be 64 deities. That’s even more.
“But when I chanted the Dorje Shugden sadhana practice, it seems that it will delight the Gyalchen’ mind. I think this is because we need the generation of merits.”
– Just to clarify that your pujas and rituals don’t actually delight or please Dorje Shugden. He does not need to be pleased in order for him to help you. Don’t think of him as a lowly god. In actuality, what pleases Dorje Shugden is when we have devotion to our guru, hold our vows and transformed in our spiritual practice – lessen our ego, attachments and negative emotions. That’s what pleases him. Mere food offering along with some words of praise and mantras does nothing to please him. Doing rituals, offerings and mantras help us to purify karma and collect a little merits so he can help us but it does not really please him.
Dorje Shugden is more than an ordinary worldly being because he is able to manifest his aggregates, elements, sources and limbs as separate deities in order to perform various functions and activities, this is very different from other wordly beings. In essence, Dorje Shugden is the emanation of Bodhisattva Manjushri, therefore we can rely on him 100% as a protector and also as an idam.
Amoghasiddhi Vajravegavan in the “Dorje Shugden on Tiger Mandala” reminds me much of Je Tsongkhapa who appeared in the fourth vision of Khedrup Je as a Yogi.
In this vision, Je Tsongkhapa in this form reminded Khedrup Je of his teachings of the generation and completion stage tantras and to think of these teachings whenever Khedrup Je thought of Lama Tsongkhapa.
Thank you Pastor David for this very clear writeup on the Dorje Shugden mandala.