Geshe Yonten Gyatso shares his memories about Tsem Rinpoche as a special child
Over the years Kechara students have gone to H.E. Tsem Rinpoche’s home and headquarters Gaden Shartse Monastery, and various other places around the world where they have met many of Rinpoche’s friends, peers and lamas. Each time, they have given us a beautiful sharing about Rinpoche and his qualities that Rinpoche would not talk about himself. Here is one of those sharings and if you wish to read more on this, please go to Great Masters Speak about Tsem Rinpoche.
The writers’ team
Geshe Yonten Gyatso and Geshe Tenpa Chophel
Geshe Yonten Gyatso came from a monastery in Tibet. He escaped to Nepal during the Tibetan Uprising, where he met and studied with the 14th Dalai Lama’s older brother, Thubten Jigme Norbu. Geshe Yonten Gyatso travelled and stayed in India for some time before settling in Rashi Gempil Ling Temple, in Howell, New Jersey in 1968. Geshe Yonten Gyatso, who entered clear light on December 6, 2014 was known for his expertise in prescribing holistic remedies to cure many types of illness including cancer.
In this interview, Geshe Tenpa Chophel translated for Geshe Yonten Gyatso. Geshe Tenpa Chophel used to be the lead chanter (umze) of Gomang monastery. It was Geshe Yonten Gyatso who actually knew Tsem Rinpoche and gave Rinpoche the Vajrayogini tsa tsa that Rinpoche carried with him to India.
Summary: The Kechara team met with Geshe Yonten Gyatso, the resident monk at the Kalmyk Temple of Nitsan (Gaden Chopheling) near where Rinpoche grew up. Geshe-la remembered Tsem Rinpoche when Rinpoche was still a boy by the name of Burcha Bugayeff. Even as a boy, Tsem Rinpoche was already very interested in the Dharma and would visit the temple daily to pray. He used to ask a lot of questions about the Buddhas. Geshe-la recalled that Rinpoche’s parents used to discourage him from the practice of the Dharma. Tsem Rinpoche spent alot of time with these revered old monk. Tsem Rinpoche’s as a child was different than other children and Geshe-la’s shares fondly what he remembers.
Main Points:
- Tsem Rinpoche as a young child, when he was known as Burcha Bugayeff, visited the temple all the time to pray, engage in prostrations and make offerings. He did this nearly every day for seven years and he always asked Geshe-la a lot of questions.
- Rinpoche’s parents (Dana and Boris Bugayeff) were very unhappy with Rinpoche’s visit. They did not like that Rinpoche wanted to be a monk even when Rinpoche was young.
- Geshe-la did not know that Rinpoche left home to go to California, but had heard that Rinpoche met His Holiness Zong Rinpoche. He had heard that Zong Rinpoche told Tsem Rinpoche to go to India, where Zong Rinpoche would ordain Tsem Rinpoche.
- Geshe-la heard Rinpoche became ordained as a monk and then went to Malaysia. Rinpoche helped Phukhang Khangtsen in Gaden Shartse Monastery, and Geshe-la knew about this from the letter Rinpoche sent to him together with books, monetary offering (kuyong), etc.
- Geshe-la also knew Rinpoche returned to New Jersey to visit his father, and told his father that he was going to be a monk but Boris was not happy with his plans. Boris did not take it well.
- Geshe-la recounted how the young Rinpoche was very interested in Dharma and used to come to the temple often. He would always pay homage to the Buddhas and make monetary offerings. Even when Rinpoche was very young, he already knew the Gaden Lhagyama, Migtsema and other prayers.
- Ani Chonyid had a lot of Dharma books and Rinpoche used to go to her place to read them.
- Later on, via Ani Chonyid, Rinpoche would send to Geshe-la clothes and money from India and Ani-la would offer them to Geshe-la. Rinpoche also used to write to Geshe-la.
- Geshe-la was very happy that Rinpoche was recognised as a tulku or reincarnated lama. In Geshe-la’s heart he had expected it because of the signs that Rinpoche showed as a young boy.
- Geshe-la remembers that he gave a small Vajrayogini tsa tsa to Tsem Rinpoche and also gave Rinpoche some teachings. Geshe-la gave the tsa tsa to Rinpoche because Rinpoche was so interested in the Dharma. (Note: to this day, Rinpoche still keeps the tsa tsa and it is one of Rinpoche’s most precious and holy possessions.)
- Geshe-la had been in the US since 1968. A monk from Xinjiang called Tsultrim asked for Geshe-la to come to the US because they needed a resident monk in the Nitsan Temple. Tsultrim himself went to New York after that.
- Geshe-la was from Inner Mongolia and went to Kumbum for two years and then to Lhasa, Tibet and studied in Drepung Gomang for nine years. Then he went to Nepal and then Drepung Gomang in India before he came to the USA.
- Rinpoche’s parents did not like Rinpoche learning the Dharma. Rinpoche was very saddened by this, but he was happy whenever he was in the temple and could talk to Geshe-la. Rinpoche would read Dharma books and make offerings. Tsem Rinpoche’s parents were upset about the fact that Tsem Rinpoche visited the temple every day. They wanted him to get married and were worried that the temple would affect the hope of him getting married and having a family. Tsem Rinpoche visited the temple frequently for seven years. When he was young, Tsem Rinpoche requested that he wanted to become a monk, but his parents were strongly against the idea of him becoming ordained as he was their only son. Even though his parents were strongly against the idea of him becoming a monk, Tsem Rinpoche’s wish to become ordained never wavered.
- Sometimes Kensur Rinpoche Lobsang Tharchin gave teachings at Rashi Gempil Ling and Rinpoche would attend. Whenever Tsem Rinpoche attended Kensur Rinpoche Lobsang Tharchin’s teachings, his parents would be extremely upset.
- Geshe Yonten Gyatso was happy to hear about Rinpoche and said he would pray every day for Rinpoche’s work to grow bigger and for Rinpoche’s good health.
For more interesting information:
- Great Masters Speak about Tsem Rinpoche
- Gen Gelong (ex-Gekul / Disciplinarian)
- Geshe Yeshe (Gaden Jangtse Monastery)
- Geshe Lobsang Phuntsok
- Geshe Lobsang Wangchuk
- Geshe Jangchup Dorje (Head of the Hospital)
- Anila Thubten Chonyid
- Geshe Tenzing Dakpa
- Ani Lobsang Drolma
Please support us so that we can continue to bring you more Dharma:
If you are in the United States, please note that your offerings and contributions are tax deductible. ~ the tsemrinpoche.com blog team
Geshe Yonten Gyatso the late resident monk at Gaden Chopheling where Rinpoche grew up. He was known for his expertise in prescribing holistic remedies. He remembered he gave Rinpoche a Vajrayogini tsa tsa that Rinpoche carried with him to India. Geshe-la remembered very well that Tsem Rinpoche was indeed special as a young boy. Tsem Rinpoche seem to be interested in Dharma even as a young boy and will asked a lot about the subject related to Buddha and used to come to the temple often. Geshe-la had expected and not surprised that Rinpoche was a reincarnated lama as Tsem Rinpoche had showed sign as a young boy. Geshe-la remembered well about Tsem Rinpoche, even when Tsem Rinpoche was in India, Tsem Rinpoche sent books, clothes and money to him. It ‘s a wonderful sharing Geshe-la had shared about Tsem Rinpoche.
Thank you Rinpoche and writers team for sharing this.
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
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.
By this account of Geshe-la, who has been with Rinpoche when Rinpoche was much younger clearly shows the life of Rinpoche and what He has been through.
Thank you Rinpoche.
The team done a good job getting information of Rinpoche’s childhood days. Rinpoche is consistent of his passion for Dharma and his motivation of becoming a monk to benefit as many as possible.
Thank you team for sharing.
Agreed with Callista.
Thank you H.E. Tsem Rinpoche for choosing dharma and allow us to get closer to dharma.
May the dharma flourish and may H.E Tsem Rinpoche be able to continue to turn the dharma wheel to benefit more sentient beings.
_/\__/\__/\__/\_
Glad to hear that one of the great master Geshe Yonten Gyatso shared his memories about his Eminence Tsem Rinpoche.
His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche has worked for years to practice and spread the dharma despite of so many challenges, rejections and suffering. Why? just to bring Dharma closer to us.
With folded palms, I would like to thank Tsem Rinpoche and the writers team for sharing this article
Great message every Tibetan especially must read!