Shakyashri Bhadra: The Last Abbot of Nalanda
(By Tsem Rinpoche and Pastor David Lai)
Shakyashri Bhadra
Shakyashri Bhadra, who is known to the Tibetans as Kache Panchen (Mahapandita of Kashimir), was one of the last great Kashmiri masters to have arrived in Tibet from India during the transmission of Buddhism into the Himalayan country. Regarded as one of the previous incarnations of Dorje Shugden, his arrival in Tibet marked the end of a great age of Buddhism in India and the dawn of a new age in Tibet. Although less well-known than his predecessors, his impact and contribution to the survival and growth of Buddhism was immense.
This illustrious master was born in Dasobhara, Kashmir in 1127 CE and he had a brother by the name of Buddhacandra. When he was 10 years old, he began studying Sanskrit grammar under the tutelage of the Brahman Laksmidhara. At the age of 23, he received his novice monastic vows and the name ‘Subhadra’ from Sukha Sri Bhadradeva.
When he turned 30, he made his way to the ancient city of Magadha where he received instructions and tantric initiations from many notable teachers of the day such as Santakaragupta, Dasabala and Dhavaraka. He practised Tantra intensely and beheld stunning and pure visions of deities including Tara (whom he would perceive each morning when he recited the 7-limb prayer), Chakrasamvara and Kalachakra.
Following this, he traveled all the way to Bihar in order to receive further Dharma teachings and entered Nalanda Monastic University, the leading centre of Buddhist philosophy, learning and practice at the time. While at Nalanda, he mastered the five sciences of language, science, logic, art and Buddhist philosophy. Thus, he established himself as a gifted scholar and master, and was highly regarded according to the old tradition at Nalanda of venerating masters of his calibre. Having completed the monastic curriculum, he was awarded the title of ‘Mahapandita’, a monastic degree system that is similar to the Geshe Lharampa award system used in Tibetan Gelug monasteries today.
The ruins of the famous Nalanda Monastic University in India
Accorded the highest respect, Shakyashri Bhadra eventually ascended the Abbot’s throne at both Nalanda and later at Vikramashila University (another great Indian institution of Buddhist learning), following a long line of illustrious Abbots including Dipamkara Shrijnana Atisha, who lived over 150 years prior to Shakyashri Bhadra. His reputation as a teacher grew so exponentially that when he gave teachings, he would command an audience of 12,000 monks at Odantapuri, another major monastic university.
While on a pilgrimage through Bodhgaya and Varanasi, he had mystical visions of Buddha Shakyamuni, Tara, and Chenrezig.
In those days, Nalanda, which lies in the present-day state of Bihar in India, was a veritable city unto itself with a population of 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers. The monastic university was filled with illustrious masters but nothing could have prepared Shakyashri Bhadra, his monastic officials, and the elders to stem the onslaught of the Turkic invasion headed by Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khilji. The massive Nalanda Monastery fell easily and was razed to the ground by Bhakhtiyar’s troops in 1192 CE. The invaders then overran the ancient city of Varanasi and consequently, Vikramashila Monastery was also completely destroyed and the entire Sangha community of Odantapuri was mercilessly slaughtered. Fearing for his life, his students escorted Shakyashri Bhadra out of the area in a daring escape.
A line drawing of Shakyashri Bhadra
After the invasion, Shakyashri Bhadra wandered eastward and returned once again to Bihar despite the dangers of doing so, in order to revive the Dharma there. When he turned 77, he received an invitation from Tropu Lotsawa Rinchen Senge (b. 1173 CE) to travel to Tibet to teach. Having previously brought the Indian masters Mitrayogin and Buddhashri from India to Tibet, the young Tibetan translator had journeyed to the Chumbi Valley specifically in search of the Mahapandita Shakyashri Bhadra and finally met him in a town called Vanesvara.
At that time, Shakyashri Bhadra was reluctant to make the journey to Tibet as he did not think very highly of Tropu Lotsawa who was quite young. However, the young Tropu Lotsawa was able to ask well-thought out questions on Buddhist doctrine to each of the pandits in Shakyashri’s retinue. The ensuing discussion impressed Shakyashri sufficiently to convince him to go to Tibet, and he arrived in the Land of Snows in 1204 CE.
Shakyashri Bhadra’s arrival was preceded by news of this great master coming soon to turn the Wheel of Dharma and thousands of people, both ordained and lay, gathered to listen to his teachings wherever he went. Attending to him were a group of eight scholars who were great in their own right:
- Sugatasri, an expert in Madhyamaka, the Middle Way View and Prajnaparamita, the Perfection of Wisdom Sutra
- Jayadatta, an expert in Vinaya, the Monastic Code of Conduct
- Vibhuticandra, an expert in Sanskrit grammar and Abhidharma, the higher teachings of the Buddha (Epistemology)
- Danasila, an expert in logic
- Sanghasri, an expert in Candavyakarana, a treatise on the Sanskrit language
- Jivagupta, an expert on the treatises of Maitreya, purportedly taught by Maitreya to Arya Asanga.
- Mahabodhi, an expert in the Bodhicaryavatara, the treatise on the Bodhisattva way of life by the Pandit Shantideva
- Kalacandra, an expert on the Kalacakra Tantra, one of the major teachings on higher tantra.
Nagarjuna
It has also been said that Shakyashri Bhadra played a pivotal role in the formation of the Drikung Kagyu tradition. Drikung scholars often cite Shakyashri’s biography to promote Jigten Sumgon, the founder of the Drikung Kagyu school, as the reincarnation of Nagarjuna.
There are two events in particular that are often referred to. Before he left India for Tibet, Shakyashri Bhadra was entrusted with the relics of the Buddha that his brother, Buddhacandra, is said to have received from a Sinhalese arhat monk. According to tradition, the arhat monk stated that the relics should be given to Nagarjuna. Upon his arrival in Tibet however, Shakyashri Bhadra was unsuccessful in locating Nagarjuna until a particular incident at Lemoche.
Shakyashri Bhadra was giving ordination in Lemoche when he was approached by a lay Drikung follower requesting for ordination. The man’s request was turned down, the reason being that they had no more robes to give. The man however, was persistent and he refused to give up, tugging on Shakyashri’s robes. It was at this point that Shakyashri’s Tibetan attendant, Jose (Wylie: jo sras) Nyima pushed him away roughly, causing the man to hit a tree and his nose to bleed.
Shakyashri Bhadra
Prior to this incident, Tara would usually appear to Shakyashri whenever he recited the Seven-Limb Prayer every morning. After this incident however, Tara did not appear to him for six days. On the seventh day, she finally appeared but this time, Tara had her back facing Shakyashri. When Shakyashri enquired as to the reasons for her displeasure, Tara explained that the man whom his attendant had abused was a disciple of Nagarjuna’s reincarnation. To purify his misdeeds, Tara said that he should “Make as many Dharma-robes as you have years, and offer them to fully-ordained monks who have no robes.”
Shakyashri Bhadra immediately sought out the man and thereafter learned the name of the man’s teacher – Jigten Gonpo Rinchen Pel (1143-1217 CE), also known as Jigten Sumgon who later became the founder of the Drikung Kagyu tradition. In apology, Shakyashri sent his attendants to make offerings to Jigten Sumgon, who responded with offerings as well as a request for the great Shakyashri to visit Drikung. Although Shakyashri was unable to go, he did send many verses of praise.
After Shakyashri’s encounter with Jigten Sumgon, Vibhuticandra who was one of Shakyashri’s Indian attendants made some disparaging remarks about visiting Drikung Monastery. Upon hearing this, Shakyashri was extremely displeased and reprimanded him, recounting to Vibhuticandra the whole incident at Lemoche.
Humbled, Vibhuticandra himself went to Jigten Sumgon for teachings and later commissioned a statue of Chakrasamvara in order to purify his verbal infraction. Further assertions in Shakyashri’s biography recognise Jigten Sumgon to be the reincarnation of Nagarjuna, in an account during which Shakyashri heard the Indian master’s name mystically emanating from a small stream near Drikung Monastery.
The biographical tradition accounts for Shakyashri Bhadra’s location during each summer retreat during his time in Tibet. These include:
- 1204 in Tropu
- 1205 in Lemoche
- 1206 in Sinmori
- 1207 in Solnak Tangpoche
- 1208 in Gyengong in Nyangme
- 1209 in Rinchengang
- 1210 in Sakya
- 1211 in Luggudong in Shang
- 1212 again in Tropu
- 1213 in Purang
While at Tropu, Shakyashri Bhadra gave teachings on Prajnaparamita (Perfection of Wisdom), the Pratimoksa (Vows of Self-Liberation), and the Mahayanasutra-lamkara (Discourse Literature of the Great Vehicle). Then, he went to the Kadampa monastery of Narthang where he again taught the Prajnaparamita. During one of these teachings, a crow stole some pages of the Prajnaparamita and flew east towards the region of U (central region). Shakyashri interpreted this to be a sign from Tara that he should travel there, and he visited Lhasa, Sinmori, Samye, Tsurphu and Reting where he gave extensive teachings.
Then at Samye Monastery, Shakyashri Bhadra requested the local ruler, Jowo Lha who was a disciple of Kodrakpa Sonam Gyeltsen (1182-1261 CE), if he could have access to the Sanskrit texts at the monastery’s library. Amongst the texts, Shakyashri Bhadra saw a Sanskrit manuscript of the Guhyagarbha Tantra. This is considered an important event within the Nyingma tradition, as it traces the origins of their practice of this Tantra to Indian sources. Alongside this, Shakyashri Bhadra is credited with authenticating the Vajrakilaya practice back to Indian sources as well. He also bestowed the initiation of Vajravali, a collection of sadhanas, three times while he was in Tibet, and it spread throughout all of the major Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
Samye Monastery
In 1207 CE, Shakyashri Bhadra established a new Buddhist chronology while staying at Thangpoche Monastery. His chronology differed considerably from the existing Tibetan ones at the time; its dates for the lifetime of Buddha Shakyamuni are much closer to modern estimates than the other systems.
Around 1210 CE, the Nyingma lama Drogon Namkha Pel extended an invitation to this great Indian master to visit Mawochok to perform consecration rituals for the reliquary stupa of his father, Nyangrel Nyima Ozer (1124-1192 CE).
While still in the initial stages of his travel through Tibet, around the time when he was traveling to Tropu from Chumik in 1204 CE, Shakyashri Bhadra had an audience with Sakya Pandita Kunga Gyaltsen (1182-1251 CE) who was on his way to Kyangdur with funeral offerings following the death of his father, Pelchen Opo (1150-1203 CE). According to historical records, Shakyashri is said to have given Sakya Pandita teachings on Buddhist logic at that time.
During the summer retreat in 1208 at Gyangong, Shakyashri Bhadra met Sakya Pandita once again and this time, he acted as the preceptor during the latter’s ordination ceremony. During the 1210 summer retreat at Sakya, Shakyashri bestowed upon Sakya Pandita extensive teachings on a broad range of topics including Kalachakra, Vinaya, linguistics, poetry, logic and epistemology, and Abhidharma.
Following that, the two worked together on a new translation of Dharmakirti’s seminal treatise Pramanavartika. Through these teachings, Shakyashri Bhadra is often credited with proliferating the great tradition of Indian logic in the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism. Despite certain scholars disputing the issue, most consider this Indian master to be of major significance to the beginning of the Sakya tradition of logic and dialectics. Shakyashri’s teachings are also credited for the establishment of the Denchikpa tradition that was proliferated throughout the major Buddhist schools in Tibet.
Shakyashri Bhadra
In his travels, Shakyashri Bhadra accumulated considerable offerings including generous gifts from Sakya Monastery. In the end, he made a huge donation for the construction of a large image of Maitreya at Tropu, which was being erected by Tropu Lotsawa, and consecrated the image in 1212 CE, his last major deed in Tibet. He also gifted the relics that his brother had sent with him to Jigten Sumgon.
In spite of repeated requests to remain in Tibet, Shakyashri Bhadra left for his homeland of Kashmir. Just before leaving, he spent some time in Lato with Tropu Lotsawa, to whom he gifted a large amount of gold. After that he travelled to Ngari, spending the summer retreat of 1213 in Purang and finally left Tibet in 1214 CE after having spent 10 years there. Thereafter, Shakyashri spent about 12 years in Kashmir, where he rebuilt and repaired temples, ordained monks and tirelessly gave teachings.
Shakyashri Bhadra passed away in 1225 at the age of 99. He left behind a tremendous number of disciples, amongst them Chak Lotsawa Choje Pel (1197-1263/4 CE), Tsang Sowa Sonam Dze and Chel Lotsawa Chokyi Zangpo.
Shakyashri Bhadra’s primary contribution to Buddhism was the preservation and proliferation of the logic teachings and Tantric lineages from India. His nurturing of major Tibetan lamas like Sakya Pandita and Jigten Sumgon (from afar) resulted in powerful lineage holders who proliferated unique and effective teachings. In this manner, Shakyashri Bhadra preserved the Dharma of India during the crucial period when Buddhism was wiped out in its originating country. Many lamas and scholars believe that Shakyashri Bhadra reincarnated as Buton Rinchen Drub (1290-1364 CE) to continue his great work of the preservation of the Dharma.
Selected Works
Verses of Refuge and Bodhicitta
by the great Kashmiri pandita Sakyasribhadra
Motivated by the wish to free all beings,
Continually, I shall take refuge
In the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha,
Till the essence of enlightenment is reached.
With wisdom and with heartfelt love,
Diligently, for the sake of sentient beings,
I shall place myself before the buddhas,
And generate the perfect mind of bodhicitta.
Rigpa Translations. Revised 2012.
Source: lotsawahouse.org
An Instruction on Pure View and Conduct
by Sakyasribhadra
In the language of India: Visuddhadarsanacarya upadesa nama
In the language of Tibet: lta spyod rnam dag gi man ngag
Homage to the Lord Lion of the Sakyas!
As in a dream, the outer world is not,
As in an illusion, there’s no true reality,
Like space, without characteristics,
All phenomena, by nature, are clear light.
Beyond going, coming or remaining, bodhicitta,
Expansive, skilled in benefitting beings,
The two accumulations indivisible – this is the best approach.
So meditate on emptiness with compassion as its essence.
This instruction on pure view and conduct spoken by the great paṇḍita of Kashmir, the Dharma Lord Sakyasribhadra is hereby complete.
This was translated in Trophu Zanglung, in the presence of the great scholar himself, by the lotsawa Jampe Pal (byams pa’i dpal, 1173–1225).
Translated by Adam Pearcey, 2015.
Source: lotsawahouse.org
The Seven Branches for Practising the Sacred Dharma
by Sakyasribhadra
In the language of India: saptanga-saddharma-caryavatara
In the language of Tibet: dam pa’i chos spyod la ‘jug pa’i yan lag bdun pa
Homage to the tathāgata Lion of the Śākyas!
The Buddha, Dharma and the noble assembly,
Supreme among refuges, you fully embrace the two truths
And thereby perfectly unite wisdom and compassion,
To you, in devotion, I pay homage.
This is the first branch, that of prostration.
To the precious, unsurpassed threefold refuge,
I present, through the rite of perfect offering,
Vast cloud-like gifts beyond imagining
Outer, inner and of reality itself.
This is the second branch, that of offering.
With the wish to liberate all beings,
And with constant devotion, I take refuge,
In the Buddha, Dharma and Saṅgha,
Until I reach the essence of enlightenment.
This is the third branch, that of taking refuge.
Whatever unbearable wrongs I have committed,
With my body, my speech or my mind,
And those I have requested or rejoiced in,
All of them, I individually confess.
This is the fourth branch, that of confession.
In the acts of the perfect buddhas, bodhisattvas,
Pratyekabuddhas and buddhas’ disciples,
And in all worldly forms of merit,
Gladly I rejoice!
This is the fifth branch, that of rejoicing.
With wisdom and compassion,
Diligently, for sentient beings’ sake,
I take my place before all the buddhas,
And set my mind on perfect awakening.
This is the sixth branch, that of generating bodhicitta.
May these practices for accumulating merit,
Become a cause of threefold enlightenment.
Relying on the path of the two selflessnesses,
May I attain the higher realms and liberation.
Through whatever merits I have gathered,
May living beings becoming victorious ones.
Respectfully, for the sake of all beings,
May I act genuinely and on a vast scale.
In the course of all my future lives,
May I behold the Buddhas,
May I listen to the Dharma,
And may I serve the Saṅgha.
May I have skilled, authentic teachers,
And offer spiritual and material gifts.
May beings gain ordinary possessions
And master all transcendent perfections.
Through the merits of giving wealth,
Maintaining perfect discipline,
And studying the sacred Dharma,
May I gain supreme awakening.
When I die and pass on from this world,
May I take birth in Tuṣita, and through my merit,
Swiftly approach the protector Maitreya,
To receive a prophecy of enlightenment!
This is the seventh branch, that of making prayers of aspiration.
This complete the Seven Branches for Practising the Sacred Dharma composed by the great Kashmiri pandita, Sakyasribhadra.
Translated by the great pandita himself and the Tibetan lotsawa, the fully ordained monk (dge slong) Jampe Pal (byams pa’i dpal).
Translated by Adam Pearcey, 2015.
Source: lotsawahouse.org
A Brief Practice for Paying Homage and Making Offerings to the Buddha together with his retinue of Arhats
The ground is smooth like the palm of the hand, and bedecked with jewels.
It is adorned with wish-granting trees, rivers and lakes. In its centre,
In the jewelled palace with its four sides and four doors,
Upon seats of lotus, sun and moon,
Is the compassionate protector of beings, the one who sets
The beings of these troubled times on the path to liberation,
The supreme Sakyamuni together with the great sthaviras—
Come now to this place together with your retinues, we pray!
All the Victorious Ones of the ten directions and their heirs,
The wisdom fire that dries the ocean of destructive emotions,
And those who abide by the Buddha’s words in the field with the merit of complete liberation,
The shravaka sangha of the ten directions—all of you please come to this place!
With these offerings we invite you to stay here,
For sentient beings, please let these offerings lead you to this place.
The protector of wandering beings, the Lion of the Sakyas
Buddha teachings that you hold in your hands,
A treasury of excellent discourses—please open it up!
Arhat, great elders, please stay here, we pray!
As we invite you to spread the holy Dharma,
Please let these offerings lead you to this place for sentient beings!
Through skilful means and compassion, you were born in the Śākya clan,
And, utterly invincible, you overcame the forces of Māra,
Your form resplendent like a mountain of burnished gold—
King of the Sakyas, at your feet I bow!
You who were instructed by the Buddha to uphold the victory banner of the teachings:
Angaja, Ajita and Vanavasin,
Kalika, Vajriputra and Sribhadra,
Kanakavatsa and sublime Kanakabharadvaja,
The noble Bakula and Rahula,
Ksudrapanthaka and Pindola Bharadvaja,
Panthaka, Nagasena, Gopaka and Abhedya,
Upasaka Dharmatala and the four great kings,
Together with all your retinues—at your lotus feet,
I prostrate, taking refuge and offering heartfelt prayers!
The ground is purified with scented water and strewn with flowers;
It is adorned with Sumeru, the four continents and the sun and moon:
Thinking of it as the blessed buddha-fields, I offer it.
By virtue of this offering, may all beings enjoy the happiness of those pure realms.
Both actual offerings and those created through the power of mantras, awareness and aspiration,
All these I offer; I confess all my harmful acts and downfalls;
I rejoice in all that is virtuous, and request and beseech you!
All this virtue, I dedicate towards great enlightenment!
Great conquerors and throne holders, please think of us!
Lord of sages and gathering of noble sthaviras,
By the power of hearing, thinking of, and repeating your names, and paying homage and making offerings to you,
For us and all other beings, whosoever and wheresoever they may be,
May all temporary and ultimate disharmony be pacified,
And may happiness, virtue, glory and prosperity increase!
Inspire us to follow the spiritual teachers of the supreme vehicle,
And always be sustained by the nectar of their teachings!
Inspire us to maintain pure discipline and engage in study, reflection and meditation,
So that we may train perfectly in renunciation and twofold bodhicitta,
And, without ever neglecting activity for others’ benefit,
Attain the level of perfect omniscience!
May the faultless teaching of the Buddha flourish and spread in all directions!
May the supreme holders of the teachings remain for hundreds of kalpas!
May virtue and excellence pervade throughout the world!
And may our own and others’ benefit be spontaneously accomplished!
This prayer is said to have been composed by the Mahapandita from Kashmir Sakyasri.
Source: lotsawahouse.org
References:
- https://treasuryoflives.org/biographies/view/%C5%9A%C4%81kya%C5%9Br%C4%ABbhadra/TBRC_P1518
- http://www.lotsawahouse.org/indian-masters/shakyashribhadra/
- Held by the Mother of the Buddhas: The Life of Shakyashri Bhadra by Adrian O’Sullivan
For more interesting information:
- Magadha Sangmo | 须摩提女
- Ra Lotsawa Dorje Drakpa: Master of the Vajrabhairava Tantra
- The Most Illustrious Panchen Sonam Drakpa
- Virupa – Lord of Miracles
- Thonmi Sambhota – The Inventor of the Tibetan Script
- Trisong Detsen, the Great Dharma King of Tibet
- Mahasiddha Naropa: The Indomitable Disciple
- Great Disciples of Atisha: Khuton Choje and Pandita Akaramati
- Lotsawa Loden Sherab – the Great Translator
- Khyungpo Neljor – The Yogin of the Garuda Clan
- The Vinaya Holder Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen
- Sonam Yeshe Wangpo
- Kunkhyen Choku Ozer – Master of the Kalachakra and Guhyasamaja Tantras
- Great Savant of Tibet: Buton Rinchen Drub
- Sakya Pandita Kunga Gyeltsen
- Tsarchen Losal Gyatso: Lineage Holder of Vajrayogini’s Tantra
- Who is Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen?
- Emperor Kangxi | 康熙皇帝
- Gedun Nyedrak: An Abbot of Gaden
- Kentrul Thubten Lamsang
- H.E. the 25th Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s Biography
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Interesting article on Shakyashri Bhadra,a great Indian scholar known as Kache Panchen by Tibetans. He is the 11th incarnation of H.E. The 25th Tsem Rinpoche. He was renown for his command of advanced meditation skills, being exceptionally accomplished at tantric practices. He is credited with being a master of visualizations and recorded as summoning pure visions of such deities as Chakrasamvara, Kalachakra, Mahakala and Tara. He was awarded the title of Mahapandita for his advanced knowledge in theology, philosophy, logic and meditation practices, and served as its last abbot of Nalanda. He gave numberless teachings of Buddhist texts and founded major monasteries. He travelled extensively giving teachings. As the last Indian pandita to propagate the teachings of Indian Vajrayana Buddhism in Tibet he was of enduring importance to the development of Tibetan Buddhism.
Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David for this great sharing.
Great article ……reading this article gives us an insight story of a great Lama. Shakyashri Bhadra who is the 11th incarnation of H.E. The 25th Tsem Rinpoche and also one of Dorje Shugden previous incarnation . To the Tibetans Shakyashri Bhadra is known as Kache Panchen who had mastered the five sciences which is language, science, logic, art and Buddhist philosophy. He did established himself as a great master and was highly sought after as a teacher. He had visions of Buddha Shakyamuni, Tara and Chenrezig while on pilgrimage through Bodhgaya and Varanasi. He had travelled tremendously giving teachings to many people far and near. It had proven that Dorje Shugden incarnation is no sectarian but an enlightened Dharma Protector.
Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David for this great sharing.
What a great article.
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
Reincarnation Lineage Prayer of the Incarnate Master Dragpa Gyaltsan
This prayer also, to the incarnate master Dragpa Gyaltsan through his reincarnations, has been spoken for the benefit of all migratory beings by the Vajra Shugden who protects the holy Dharma, at the sacred abode Choling in response to requests from many devout monks and nuns and householders. Gedun Choejor was the scribe. May this serve as cause for all migratory beings swiftly attaining in one lifespan the state of Vajradhara.
May there be auspiciousness!
Lord Manjushri, the sole father of all kindhearted Victors,
Lord Tsongkhapa, whose renown fills this world,
Lord Yamantaka who has arisen to subdue the intractable:
Bless us supplicants with common and uncommon attainments!
Lord Sambhota, the best of scholars,
Loden Sherab, the savant in all classics,
Lords Naropa and Khyungpo Naljor:
Bless us supplicants with common and uncommon attainments!
Ralo Dorjedrag and master Khutoen,
Masters Sakya Shri and Choeku Woezer,
And to the Omniscient Lord Buton:
Bless us supplicants with common and uncommon attainments!
The all-pervading Tsarchen, and Sonam Dragpa;
Sonam Yeshe, prominent among saviors of beings;
Sonam Geleg, in whom merit and virtues shone like the sun:
Bless us supplicants with common and uncommon attainments!
Dragpa Gyaltsan, the master leading nyig-dhue1 beings to liberation,
Whose very name, just hearing, frees from the lower migrations,
Who leads to liberation any who supplicates single-mindedly:
To this protector of teachings and beings of three worlds we pray.
Ngawang Jinpa the emanation in saffron robes, and
Ngawang Tenzin, upholder of the victory banner of the teaching,
And Jetsun Losang Geleg, the great master:
Bless us supplicants with common and uncommon attainments!
Losang Tenzin, the victory banner of Dharma who comes
As kings, ministers and monks for beings and dharma’s sake,
In successions endless as ripple in water:
To such past and future emanations we pray.
By the truth power of the Three Jewels,
By the enlightened actions of oceanic dharmapalas
Such as the Four-faced Lord and the Dorje Shugden,
May all beings live well and in happiness.
As you embody all Three Roots2,
For us all migratory beings here, in the future, and in bardho3,
In all happy and bad times we have none but you:
Hold us, without separation, with parental love.
When in future you enact the enlightened deeds,
As attaining Enlightenment as Buddha Rabsal among others,
May we and all other beings connected with us,
Be the first to taste the nectar of your vast and profound words.
May we, and all sentient beings, in all lifetimes,
Come into contact with the Second Buddha’s teachings,
May we all take on the going forth, and take
All sentient beings across the ocean of samsara.
Footnotes
[1] ‘Degenerate times’ that is characterized by “five dregs in terms of lifespan, times, delusions, views and sentient beings.” Source: Commentary on the Abhidharmakosh by Chim Namkha Drag, also known as ‘Chim Jampalyang’ (1210-1285); folio 181 (p. 371) ); Woodblock edition, 1893; No. of folios 430 (pp. 869)
[2] The spiritual mentor, the meditational deity, and the dakas and dakinis.
[3] The intermediate state between death and next rebirth.
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Reincarnation Lineage Prayer of Tulku Dragpa Gyaltsan
This praise to the reincarnation lineage of the supreme incarnation Dragpa Gyaltsan has been composed by the monk Losang Choekyi Gyaltsan (The 4th Panchen Lama) at the prayer hall of Tashi Lhunpo on account of fervent requests from Legpa Gyaltsan and many other attendants of the master.
May there be auspiciousness!
The one whose renown permeates the world;
The great being holding aloft the banner,
Of the Second Buddha, happiness and wellbeing’s source:
At that great master’s feet we pray.
At the feet of the World Teacher with the ten powers,
You invoked the power of truth with pure superior intent,
Causing flowers to fall like rains.
We pray at the feet of that great master.
The Guide of all migratory beings both man and god;
The treasury of all knowledge and attainments in dharma;
The great hero who strove for the supreme liberation:
We pray at the feet of Choekyi Jhangchub.
The one whose greatness, on account of pure prayer,
Was like that of a second Buddha;
And was supreme Guide to fortunate ones of India and Tibet:
We pray at the feet of that great being.
In the sky of the great bliss of Dharmakaya,
The radiant orb of the three bodies of the Buddha is full circle,
Radiating a million rays of enlightened activities: We pray at the feet
Of that opener of a million lotuses of benefit and wellbeing.
We pray at the feet of Master Buton, the unrivalled
Amongst all those who are scholars and realized ones,
In upholding and spreading the Buddha’s teaching,
By example in teaching and practice.
With an intellect superbly trained from the past,
Your mind joyously bloomed in all profound paths.
With single-minded effort you attained supreme realization.
We pray at the feet of that supreme and realized master.
From the vast lotus gardens of phuntsog* merit,
Myriad lotuses, with hundreds of petals, of learning and practice, bloom.
The fragrant scents of good name and deed dispel the ancient sicknesses
Of migrant beings: At the feet of that master we pray.
By the wish-granting jewel of merit and wisdom,
You became a crown jewel of both man and gods,
Its hundred rays of good deed dispelling the dark ignorance
Of all migrant beings: At your feet we pray.
The vast celestial mansion of virtuous accumulation of merits,
Overflows with jewels of the good path of the three trainings.
We pray at the feet, of its dweller─a guide of all beings─
Attired in the magnificence of enlightened deeds.
In holding aloft the victory banner
Of the sutra and tantra teachings of the Second Buddha:
In this you are unrivalled in all three worlds.
We pray at the feet of this noble tutor.
The source of renown and wellbeing and happiness,
Is the Buddha’s teachings. May the chief of all who uphold this banner
Live for long for the sake of innumerable beings to be tamed!
May his phuntsog* enlightened deeds spread to the ten directions!
By the merit of praising in this manner, may we never be
Separated from the protection of noble spiritual mentors!
Progressing swiftly in the supreme vehicle’s path,
May we swiftly attain the state of the three kayas!
Footnotes
From Panchen Losang Chogyan, Collected Works, Vol Ca (5), folio 34a-35a (p. 83-85), Tashi Lhunpo woodblock print, Tibet.
*phuntsog: a compound word in Tibetan (of phun sum tsog) meaning the ideal combination of the three i.e. a good cause, its result and enjoyment of that result.
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
A Daily Request for Wealth, Peace and Protection
Composed by H.E. Tsem Rinpoche
In the heavens there are myriad manifestations of the divine. All those manifestations specifically show us different aspects of divinity in order to be of benefit to all living beings. All the rupakaya forms of the divine have compassion, skillful means and wisdom. We invoke upon them whether we are happy, sad, down, lost, fulfilled, confused, empty, and during the whole range of emotions we constantly experience due to an untrained mind.
Understanding our nature, Great Wisdom Being Dorje Shugden, therefore all the more so, please hold us close to your bosom as an only child to a parent.
Though the manifestations of the divine need no offerings and gifts from us, we offer you supreme Manjushri Dorje Shugden a libation of tea, incense and mantras, in order to ask you to bless us, to be a part of our lives, to abide in our dwellings and to give us signs, omens and portents of both good and bad. When the negative arises, quell them immediately. Please increase the positive for my weary and worn mind as I lay my hopes in you.
When difficulties, problems and confusion arise, we ask you, who is but the culmination of all that is powerful, holy and omniscient to bless myself, family, loved ones, environment and even my pets. May I see wisdom, find hope, and be at peace.
I request you, O Divine Bhagavān Dorje Shugden, who wears a round dome hat and the three robes of a saffroned bhikshu, who wields a sword of liberty, justice and wisdom and clutches a wish-fulfilling jewel, who rides on a supreme lion of subjugation of all that is negative, to fulfill my wishes. I understand my wishes may not be the best, so I surrender to your wisdom for the outcome though it may not be what I have in mind. Please bless myself and everyone that we may enter into the supreme city of liberation.
Great Bhagavān Dorje Shugden, I request you sincerely from my heart to be a part of my life, bless my home, and grant me wisdom, solace and comfort, that I might be of service to others without agenda, and that I may focus out onto others and not be fixated on myself, creating more problems for all that I hold dear.
Bless me to become kinder, wiser, more compassionate, tolerant and very forgiving to all those who hurt and love me. In order to become close to you, Dorje Shugden, we must surrender the banal. We must abandon fixed views, projections and rigidity. Lastly, in my final moment when I leave this plane of existence, only the positive actions I have done will matter as everything and everyone will be left behind. Let me realise this and act upon this now! At this crucial moment, please may I have a vision of yourself, the powerful and merciful Dorje Shugden, to take me to where I may course in the sky to continue my journey of spiritual waxing.
I offer you saffron-coloured tea and my faith to fulfill my prayers and gain siddhis. By reciting your mantra, may healing, peace, love, long life, protection and perfect view of sunyata arise.
Mantra of fulfillment, peace and wisdom:
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA SOHA
(It is good to recite this mantra daily as much as you like or your timing allows.)
I dedicate this supreme heartfelt prayer to the all-knowing Celestial and Supreme Protector Dorje Shugden, that I may quickly become a being of light, compassion, love and enlightenment.
Please play the audio included here to follow along with the prayer.
OR
Follow on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-OSudd323A
For more information, go to: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=61394
https://video.tsemtulku.com/chat-videos/chat-1538813324.mp4
8 pictures of the Sakya Monastery to share, where Protector temple Mug Chung is located. This is the monastery where Dorje Shugden was enthroned first as a Dharma protector in Tibet over 400 years ago by the highest Sakya throneholders and masters. Since then when people are doing Dorje Shugden prayers and pujas, they invoke his holy wisdom presence from Mug Chung Protector Chapel in Sakya Monastery in Tibet.
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
Medicine Buddha puja encourages healing of all levels – physical, mental and emotional healing for those in need.
High resolution file of this thangka is available for download for all dharma practitioners around the world and for those who just want sacred images in their environment. Enjoy, be blessed and share this with others.
Here is the link to free download of this image and many other images: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/downloads/buddha-images.html?nggpage=7
For the first time available, Dorje Shugden and his entourage of 32 asssistants 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 (Avalokitesvara, 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
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
This elderly & innocent monk in India was brutally attacked, find out why. Shocking – https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=163953
“If the Dalai Lama, if His Holiness the Dalai Lama can be harmed by Dorje Shugden, then we might as well not practice Buddhism anymore. If His Holiness the Dalai Lama can have his life shortened by a so-called evil spirit, any evil spirit, then can he be Avalokiteshvara? So on one hand you say, we say, I say, everybody says, he is Avalokiteshvara; on the other hand you’re saying that he can be harmed by an evil spirit… Which one is it? Can he be harmed by an evil spirit or is he Avalokiteshvara? Do you think Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri, Vajrapani, Tara all take refuge in something else to protect themselves from Dorje Shugden? How illogical is that? How illogical of people to say His Holiness the Dalai Lama can be harmed by an evil spirit, any evil spirit or “Dorje Shugden” evil spirit. How is that possible?” – Tsem Tulku Rinpoche
Photo: His Holiness the Dalai Lama, young Tsem Tulku Rinpoche and Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s tutor Kensur Rinpoche Jampa Yeshe
DON’T MISS THIS! FANTASTIC NEW GREAT STUFF! High quality videos redressing the misinformation about Dorje Shugden practice and people and the current sad Tibetan situation and why they are losing ground in the world. Powerful and truthful – CLEAR VIDEOS – https://bit.ly/2LJbo35
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.
A true democracy allows everyone the freedom to exercise their human rights, including the freedom to practise any religion they want. In democratic countries, the government does not interfere with this right. Neither are democratic governments prejudiced against their citizens’ choice of religious belief. They do not force people to stop their religious practice or pass legislation criminalising people because of their religion.
The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), the Tibetan leadership who are based in Dharamsala are the exception. They are the only so-called ‘democratic’ leadership that puts a stranglehold on its people, persecuting them for their religious beliefs. They deny the rights of Dorje Shugden practitioners for simply practicing their religion as they have done for the past 400 years. Dorje Shugden practitioners are ostracised from their own community, denied medical care, education or even employment in government offices. The CTA definitely does not live up to the right to be called a democratic administration, especially when in it inflicts suppression of people’s freedom and disrespects basic human rights.
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videouploads/comment-1523907609.mp4
Why are we so sure that Dorje Shugden is the enlightened Dharma protector? He was always a great master in his every incarnation. In every life time His work involved spreading the Dharma massively. In this particular life time he played an important role of preserving the Dharma of India during the crucial period when Buddhism was wiped out in its originating country. In the age of 77 he still travelled to Tibet to teach. He used his whole life benefiting others until 99.
How can a great master like Shyakyashri Bhadha take rebirth as a Dorje Shugden demon? Imagine He was the Guru of Sakya Pandita and Jigten Sumgon, Nagarjuna’s reincarnation also the founder of Drikung Kagyu tradition. resulted in powerful lineage holders who proliferated unique and effective teachings.
There’s no way that Dorje Shugden can be a demon. By looking at his achievements as Shakyashri Bhadra, there’s no way he can became a demon today. His teachings even went to Shakya and Kagyu during this life time. Enlightened being’s mind is pure hence teachings is pure and lineage is pure.
This is a great article about the story of Shakyashri Bhadra. His dedicated work, his devotion and commitment in Dharma and helping others, is very much for us in Dharma to learn and follow. Again, this proof that another another great master as the previous reincarnation of Dorje Shugden. On the other hand, it’s proven wrong for those who claim Dorje Shugden is devil. How can a great master who carried the authentic teaching of Tibetan Buddhism later reincarnate as devil? Does that mean that the authentic teaching that time, now is all wrong, just because he reincarnated into Dorje Shugden later? That doesn’t make sense.
Shakyashri Bhadra determination to bring dharma from India to Tibet at his old age traveling thousand of mile and never give up in press in alot from this article. It ready show how compassion and highly realise being when the places without dharma. Great master like him can secrify his own comfort to traveling so far just to bring dharma for others.
Beside this , Shakyashri Bhadra also one of Dorje Shugden previous incarnation. It show Dorje Shugden incarnation is no sectarian because Shakyashri Bhadra pass his lineage to Drikong Kagyu and Nyingma sect. Dorje Shugden are true dharma protector to protect buddha teaching. Which gain many of high lama respect to do his practice. Thank you Pastor David to sharing this wonderful article. Hope more people will understand and feel gladful by practicing Dorje Shugden.
This is indeed an amazing life story and an inspiration as Shakyashri Bhadra worked tirelessly even up to such an high age and travelled far and brought the Dharma to so many. His life has had such a great benefit and impact to many.
He is also known to be one of the previous incarnations of Dorje Shugden and therefore another proof that Dorje Shugden is not an evil spirit but the enlightened Dharma Protector.
Great to know great people working hard to bring Dharma to many people around the world just to benefit all sentient being. May I become one of them, work tirelessly not for myself but for others.
Central Tibetan Administration the Tibetan leadership based in Dharamsala promotes that Dorje Shugden is an unenlightened spirit or demon, and those who rely on Dorje Shugden will take rebirth in the three lower realms. The truth is high lama such like Shakyashri Bhadra (one of his previous life is Dorje Shigden) was reincarnated back in perfect human form to continue spreading the Dharma for the benefit of all. Shakyashri Bhadra never stop to study Dharma and spreading Dharma in order to benefit us. Others reincarnated lama are H.H. Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, H.E. Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche H.E. Kyabje Denma Gonsa Rinpoche and more . This is clearly prove that Dorje Shugden lamas did not end up in the three lower realms but returning in perfect human form . Therefore the ban of Dorje Shugden is baseless
The compassion of Shakyashri Bhadra is really extremely great, he literally spent his whole life contributing towards Dharma till the last breath of his life, and because of him, Tibetan Buddhist lineage can spread till today where so many people get benefited from it. It is amazing to see the amount of Dharma work he has done in his lifetime, because of his passion, he even travel at the age of 88 from Tibet to Kashmir, not to forget, during that time transportation is not as comfortable as today, travelling one thousands over kilometers is not easy for young people moreover for an 80 over years old monk, but his passion towards Dharma has made the impossible become possible.
Interesting to know another article on reincarnation of Dorje Shugden. The contribution of Shakyashri Bhadra on Dharma was well respected, remembered and spread to other sect too. Tibetan leadership claimed Dorje Shugden is a demonic practice, how come there so many reincarnations of devoted lamas? Many proves, Dorje Shugden helps, protect on those practices Him. Buddha never go wrong. ?
Shakyashri Bhadra is such an erudite master in Buddhism. His knowledge and practices are more and higher than an ordinary monk. Shakyashri Bhadra also preserved the Dharma of India during the crucial period when Buddhism was wiped out in its originating country. His works are well valued and respected.
Shakyashri Bhadra has contributed his knowledge that benefited many lineages indeed is a great master. Through this article I learned that he is also one of Dorje Shugden incarnation which mean this enlightened being with his enlightened mind is not sectarian and is compassion to share and guide everyone reagardress of any differences but just to benefit people through the doctrine of Buddha’s teaching.
For those who claim Dorje Shugden is an evil spirit should really learn more to know his background. If Dorje Shugden is evil how could his contribution to many Tibetan school from those day can be right now is wrong? How could Dorje Shugden Lamas be wrong now and where their teaching on other subject can be right and still being practice now?
Something to think about.
Reading this article affirms that all enlightened and awakened Holy Beings will reincarnate life after life to further their continuous work to protect the Dharma and with great compassion to propagate the Dharma to save sentient beings from the vicious cycle of life, suffering and death.
Shakyashri Bhadra, the last abbot of Nalanda, was a reincarnation of Dorje Shugden and since then till this 21st century is still protecting us from falling off our spiritual path and protecting and propagation of Dharma so that generations after generations of beings, the Dharma will be there for our salvation from suffering.
During his life as Shakyashri Bhadra, Buddhism was waning in India and at the age of 77 years, he took the Dharma to Tibet and taught wide and far to the monastic and lay Tibetans.
It was beautiful to read the prayers composed by Shakyashri Bhadra.
Whatever people want to talk bad about Dorje Shugden especially from the Kagyu sect, this will be a good article for them to read up as their lineage actually hinged on Dorje Shugden with their founder of the lineage himself, Nagarjuna. If one were to say Dorje Shugden is an evil spirit then it is almost safe to say the legitimacy of Kagyu lineage will also come into scrutiny.
An extraordinary practitioner indeed. Imagine being able to practice the Dharma till the age of 99 years old. Amazing! This shows the qualities and the spiritual attainments of a monk who held his vows well. Not only in one incarnation but all incarnations leading to Dorje Shugden show that it is indeed authentic. In all the incarnations, all of them held their vows well and practiced at a very young age and their interest in Dharma also started at a very young age. It is such a blessing to read about the virtuous lives of great masters and learn about their great deeds. Thank you very much for the blessings.
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videouploads/comment-1519934791.mp4
Will the CTA (Tibetan govt in exile) and their supporters in East and West say voodoo is evil and cannot be practiced too? Will they advise against Voodoo and say its a demon’s practice and people who practice are bad too? Truth be told, no one has the right to say anything about anyone’s religion. Listen to what this man says in the short snagged clip because he speaks well and with the truth.
Watch the rest of the video on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0_syJQBteA
Isn’t this just lovely?! Look at these cute Tibetan kids singing praises to Dorje Shugden during Losar celebration in Tibet! Great blessings to all – Click to watch! ???
https://video.tsemtulku.com/chat-videos/chat-1519938132.mp4
This excerpt of the Swiss Television documentary presented in 1988 is a painful reminder of the hypocrisy and the sad reality of the oppression, discrimination, and ostracisation of Dorje Shugden practitioners. For 20 years, Dorje Shugden practitioners have endured this and no one supported their fight as the Tibetan leadership in exile continues to undermine their effort by denying the existence of this ban, and silencing their voice by peer pressure, flooding the media and fooling the general public with accusations that Shugden practitioners are political tools supported by the Chinese government to create discord within the Tibetan community. Please listen to their plea and please share this video far and wide to end this injustice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gis2vaURT40
Thanks for Rinpoche and Pastor David ‘s sharing. In order spreading precious Dharma, at age 77, Shakyashri Bhadra willing to travel to Tibet ,regardless the difficulty of the journey, it was really inspiring. May Dorje Shugden practice spread to all ten direction.
Thank you Rinpoche & Pastor for Sharing.
Indeed inspiring that Shakyashri Bhadra as made such a tremendous contributions to the Tibetan Buddhism until age of 99.
It shows that there is no limit of age when comes to dharma and life after life the mission is still the same. Dharma and benefiting sentient beings.
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Thank you Pastor David for this write up about this great being Shakyashri Bhadra. In this degeratative era we a the fortunate one who learn about the Dharma as we read all these enlightened being life are to preserved the Dharma so that more and mote sentient being will benefits from it hence as a Dharma practitioner we should not give up on the Dharma and as much as we can transform our mind so that we can bring the Dharma to our next life and help to spread the Dharma to more sentient being. As we can see the enlighten being mind can reincarnate in many form in a different place to benefits others in the case of Shakyashri he mind reincarnated in two different place one form in India and another form in Tibet which is Shakya Pandita in order to benefits more sentient beings.
DS incarnations focused on spreading and teaching the Dharma. As one of the previous incarnations of Dorje Shugden, Shakyashri Bhadra has been propagating Buddha’s teachings in Tibet and India.
May Dorje Shugden’s previous lives stories and deeds inspire practitioners and help develop deeper faith in his extraordinary abilities to assist on the spiritual path.
It is always very inspiring to read the biographies of great masters of religion. Endless lessons to be learnt from their birth right through to their passing away.
Mahapandita Syakyashri Bhadra lived till 99 years of age, journeying through different places turning the wheel of Dharma resulting in historical moments and assisting to create great lineages like the Sakya and Nyingma schools of Buddhism.
Mahapandita Syakyashri faced big challenges during the Turk invasion of Nalanda and Vikramashila Monastery when both of these places were completely destroyed and the Sangha were slaughtered. However, that didn’t stop him from journeying further, bringing the Dharma out of India to Tibet to restore its greatness.
The life journey of such a great Master shows us the tenacity and compassion being put upfront, moving forward and overcoming all obstacles to keep the Dharma alive. Contemplation and emulating such acts of wisdom and compassion is very necessary in these times of degeneration, for practitioners and students of today to follow and to create the cause for the Buddha Dharma to continue to benefit many beings.
Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David for this enlightening sharing. With folded hands.
Great Buddhist Master Shakyashri Bhadra who was the Abbot of Nalanda and Master XuanZhang (618 – 907 CE) had studied under him. Since Master Shakyashri Bhadra was a tantric master I believe he had transmitted tantric teachings to Master XuanZhang and in turn Master XuanZhang had brought this profound teaching to China and spread it in China.
I am so excited to read all the connection Dorje Shugden’s predecessor had had with China. I strongly believe that it will not stop here but Dorje Shugden will make its mark in China in the near future as the connection had been fostered during earlier days.
It is a great learning from this article and our blog chat on the same subject.
Shakyashri Bhadra, a great Indian scholar who traveled to Tibet and brought with him an ocean of dharma teachings there including the relics of the Buddha. He made tremendous contributions to the Tibetan Buddhism. His life was one of remarkable accomplishments, and great historical significance.
Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David Lai for putting together this article.
Dear Rinpoche & Pastor David,
Thank you so much for this article which compresses the great achievements of a fabulous Buddhist Master who brought the Dharma to Tibet out from India at a time when India was witnessing the decline of the Dharma.
It is fascinating and further reinforces that DS is such a compassionate Buddha that He reincarnated and orchestrated all the preservation of Buddha’s teachings at the time when Muslim invaders came over to India and destroyed all Dharma texts and fabulous Dharma institutes such as Nalanda University.
The most important lesson that I have received here is Shakyashri Badhra’s primary contribution to Buddhism was the preservation and proliferation of the logic teachings and Tantric lineages from India. His nurturing of major Tibetan lamas like Sakya Pandita and Jigten Sumgon (from afar) resulted in powerful lineage holders who proliferated unique and effective teachings. In this manner, Shakyashri Bhadra preserved the Dharma of India during the crucial period when Buddhism was wiped out in its originating country. Many lamas and scholars believe that Shakyashri Bhadra reincarnated as Buton Rinchen Drub (1290-1364 CE) to continue his great work of the preservation of the Dharma.
This is another important teaching and proof that the reincarnation lineage of Dorje Shugden worked to preserve and proliferate Buddha’s teachings till today.
Thank you.
Lum Kok Luen
I was wondering what I did I learnt from this article as last night as the blogchatters were asked to comment on this article. Usually I will put comment when I feel the urge to do it but for this, somehow I was struggling to pen even a word. However, after a careful thought the first one :
1. To be mindful of what we do or say with regards to others ( the incident in Lemoche). We can actually miss important turning point in our lives when we are not aware. Taking this for example, my mind quickly traced back to what Rinpoche has given advice to us be it in the blog, personal or as on and off during the chat.
2. To use our lives meaningfully continuosly to think of others and knowing that our mind is unlimited , not even our age! Master Shakyashri Badhra even accepted invitation to teach the Tibetan at the age of 77. Grace even pointed that H.H. Dalai Lama even travelling at the age of 82… wow!
3. That Enlightened Beings has unlimited emanations to benefit others. It is said that both Sakya Pandita and ShakyaShri Badhra was the previous incarnations of Dorje Shugden. Both also have contributed to Dharma significantly!
4. Each of the rebirth of Great Masters carry a great mission in that particular lifetime such as for Master ShakyaShri Badhra~the preservation and proliferation of the logic teachings and Tantric lineages of Dharma in India during the crucial period when Buddhism was wiped out in its originating country, the nurturing of two major Tibetan lamas; Sakya Pandita and Jigten Sumgon that resulted in having powerful lineage holders at that time.
5. Lastly, to learn about the previous lives of Rinpoche always intriguing and encouraging for me.
Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David Lai
Shakyashri Bhadra of Kashmir was the last abbot of Nalanda and renowned and gifted scholar(Mahapandita). He left India and arrived to witness the destruction of the great learning centers of Buddhism like Nalanda and Vikramashila. Nevertheless, he was called upon to move to Tibet to preserve the Dharma. He was largely responsible for the establishment of the Sakya Lineage and the Drikung Kagyu Lineage.
.He passed away in 1225 at the age of 99.
Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David for this sharing.
Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David Lai for sharing this article to bless our mind and also for us to learn from Mahapandita Shakyashri Bhadra, who was the last abbot of Nalanda Monastery before Nalanda was invaded and razed by the Turkic invasion in 1192 CE. Through the great effort and strong determination of Shakyashri Bhadra, we are able to learn and study the authentic Buddhadharma from the unbroken lineage tracing back all the way to Buddha Shakyamuni.
In order to ensure our coming generations can continue to learn and study the Buddhadharma, Shakyashri Bhadra has shown us a great example when Shakyashri Bhadra returned back to Bihar where the Nalanda Monastery was located and destroyed after the Turkic invasion, in order to revive the Buddhadharma although the risks and dangers were still there. A person who would risk his/ her life for the sake of spreading and protecting the Buddhadharma is someone we must support all the way especially during the current degenerating age.
Further, based on what I have learnt from the story of the lay Drikung Kagyu follower who was rejected for an ordination and the story of Vibhuticandra who made the disparaging remarks about visiting Drikung Monastery, we have to be mindful with our body, speech and mind for not to commit any non-virtue in our speech, action and thought no matter what it takes because it only take a split of seconds to commit negativity but it requires us a lot of effort to purify our accumulated bad karma that can hinder and stop us from progressing in Buddhadharma study and practice.
The presence of Shakyashri Bhadra in Tibet for ten years, has further strengthened the Buddhadharma there by giving the teachings on Prajnaparamita (Perfection of Wisdom), the Pratimoksa (Vows of Self-Liberation) and the Mahayanasutra-lamkara (Discourse Literature of the Great Vehicle), proliferating the great tradition of Indian logic in the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism as well as proliferating Tantric lineages originated from India to Tibet.
Ever since Shakyashri Bhadra is recognized as one of the Dorje Shugden’s previous reincarnation, we can fully rely on Dorje Shugden with full faith in order for us to clear our inner and outer obstacles, and able to practise Buddhadharma with conducive conditions as Dorje Shugden is an enlightened Dharma Protector.
Humbly with folded hands,
kin hoe
It is vital to learn about Shakyashri Bhadra who brought the dawn of Buddhism in Tibet. Privileged as the Abbot of Nalanda Monastic University and the masters of various tantra practices, Shakyashri Bhadra was pivotal in extending the pure lineage of Buddhism from Buddha Shakyamuni to that we study today. Thank you for this sharing.
Shakyashri Bhadra is one of the precious diamonds on a necklace linking Buddha Shakyamuni’s teachings right up to the present, turning the Wheel of Dharma to the Sakyas and others who were the predecessors to the Gelug. He also authenticated the Guhyagarbha Tantra to have Indian roots for the Nyingmas.
He lived and breathe the Truth and left behind a tremendous number of disciples.
A mural of Shakyashri Bhadra can be found in the Dorje Shugden protector temple Trode Khangsar founded by the Great 5th Dalai Lama. In Trode Khangsar, there is also a mural of Yellow Amogapasha (Unfailing Lasso) a form of Avalokiteshvara which is linked to Shakyashri Bhadra who is known to be its lineage holder.
A list of Tantric lineages attributed to Shakyashri Bhadra which I found:
1. Purposeful Noose of the Great Kashmiri Pandit’s tradition – Amogapasha
2. Blue-green Tara from the Great Kashmiri Pandit’s tradition
3. White Tara from the Great Kashmiri Pandit’s tradition
4. Three-deity Yellow Tara – Principal and Entourage – Tradition of the Great Pandit Shakya Shri
5. Hayagriva from the lineage of the Great Pandit Shakya Shri
6. White Manjushri from the Great Kashmiri Pandit’s tradition
7. Manjushri Prajnacakra – The Great Kashmiri Pandit’s Oral Instruction of Manjushri Wisdom Wheel
Shakyashri Bhadra, also previous incarnations of Dorje Shugden, was one of the last great masters to have arrived in Tibet from India. His major contribution in Buddhism was preserving the Dharma of India during the Turkic invasion and spread the logic teachings and Tantric lineages from India.
He was ordained at the age of 23. He traveled to the city of Magadha where he received tantric initiations from many extraordinary teachers. He practiced tantric so intense that he had pure visions of deities such as Chakrasamvara, Kalachakra and Tara. Tara appeared to him during his recitation of 7-limb prayer every morning.
Shakyashri Bhadra furthered his Dharma practice in Nalanda Monastic University, and was awarded the tittle of ‘Mahapandita’, similar to Geshe Lharampa award system used in Tibetan Gelug monastic degree system. Later on Shakyashri Bhadra became the Abbot of Nalanda Monastic University and followed by Vikramashila University. It was during the Turkic invasion both universities were completely destroyed. Shakyashri Bhadra was escorted by his students escaped from the invasion.
After the invasion, Shakyashri Bhadra returned to Bihar to revive the dharma there. When he was 77 years old, he was invited to teach in Tibet by a young and well learnt Tibetan translator Tropu Lotsawa Rinchen Senge. He spent 10 years spreading dharma around Tibet. It was recorded that Shakyashri Bhadra was often credited with his great teachings on tradition of Indian logic in the Sakya School. He was said nurturing major Tibetan lamas such as Sakya Pandita and Jigten Sumgon.
Despite repeated requests to remain in Tibet, Shakyashri Bhadra decided to return to his homeland, Kashmir. He spent his remainder of his life repairing temples, gave ordinations and gave dharma teachings. He passed away in 1225 at the age of 99 and many Lamas believed to have reincarnated in Tibet as Buton Rinchen Drub.
Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David for sharing this sacred and interesting historical written about Shakyashri Bhadra.
Shakyashri Bhadra of Kashmir, the last abbot of Nalanda and renowned scholar(having been awarded the title of ‘Mahapandita’, a monastic degree system that is similar to the Geshe Lharampa award system used in Tibetan Gelug monasteries today), left India and arrived in Tibet during the crucial period when Buddhism was wiped out from its originating country. Fortunately for the Dharma, there were great Masters like Shakyashri Bhadra , who worked with passionate determination to preserve the Dharma and successfully transmitted it to Tibet .
It must have been heart-wrenching for Shakyashri Bhadra to witness the destruction of the great learning centers of Buddhism like Nalanda and Vikramashila( of which two Buddhist Universities he had been the abbot). Nonetheless, when he was called upon to move to Tibet , for the sake of the preservation of Dharma, he went. He reminds me so much of Atisha Dipamkara, in his fearlessness to move to ‘barbaric’ Tibet for the sake of Dharma and to create new teachers.Not only did he bring many valuable lineage teachings and practices to Tibet, through nurturing students like Sakya Pandita and Jigten Sumgon, he would be largely responsible for the firm establishment of the Sakya Lineage and the Drikung Kagyu Lineage.
Out of compassion, great Mahasiddhas, like Shakyashri Bhadra, transcend time and space, to ensure that the Dharma continues to be preserved. As a previous incarnation of Dorje Shugden, he returned again as Buton Rinchen Drub (1290-1364 CE) to continue his great work of the preservation of the Dharma.
Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David for sharing this rare account of such an illustrious Dharma Master.
It’s wonderful to read and know some of his great teachings and work, whose immense learning was incomparable even in India. Shakyashri Bhadra’s contribution to Buddhism has inspired and remembered by many. Shakyashri Bhadra was indeed a great scholar of all time. He is also known as one of the previous incarnation of Dorje Shugden. With this in mind, Dorje Shugden have benefits many people either they are in which sect. And to say Dorje Shugden is sectarian is totally wrong. Sad to see the ruins of beautiful Nalanda though. And lastly, I love reading Shakyashri Bhadra’s selected works very much. This is a very inspiring story which i always enjoy reading all the time?. Thank you very much Rinpoche and Pastor David for this great write up ?
It’s wonderful to read and know some of his great teachings and work, whose immense learning was incomparable even in India. Shakyashri Bhadra’s contribution to Buddhism has inspired and remembered by many. Shakyashri Bhadra was indeed a great scholar of all time. He is also known as one of the previous incarnation of Dorje Shugden. With this in mind, Dorje Shugden have benefits many peoples either they are in which sect. And to say Dorje Shugden is sectarian is totally wrong. Sad to see the ruins of beautiful Nalanda though. And lastly, I love reading Shakyashri Bhadra’s selected works very much. This is a very inspiring story which i always enjoy reading all the time?. Thank you very much Rinpoche and Pastor David ?
Shakyashri Bhadra was indeed a great scholar of all time. He was the last of the great Indian scholars to travel to Tibet. He remained in Tibet for 10 years, where he taught many Buddhist texts and founded four major monastic centres. Incredible he was one of the many great Indian panditas who undertook the trans-Himalayan journey to Tibet.
Its wonderful to read and know some of his great teachings and work, whose immense learning was incomparable even in India. Shakyashri Bhadra’s contribution to Buddhism has inspired and remembered by many.
Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David Lai for sharing this interesting article. I do enjoyed reading the life history Shakyashri Bhadra .
Dear Rinpoche and Pastor David
Shakyashri Bhadra / Kache Panchen have contribute a lot in dharma. He is truly work for dharma in order to benefit sentient beings. While in Tibet, He has given many teachings despite which sect the person belongs to. Although he is very old in age, but through his hard work he further enhance the Buddhism in Tibet.
After Nalanda being destroyed, Shakyashri Bhadra do not stopped working in dharma, he continue to try revive Buddhism in India before he went to Tibet in 1204 CE by the invitation of Tropu Lotsawa Rinchen Senge . After he returns from Tibet, he spent 12 years in Kashmir continues dharma work.
In this I have learned dharma will continue if we as a Buddhist truly wanted to benefit sentient beings, we will work hard to get the dharma spread to in spite how bad the situation is. I have also learned from Tropu Lotsawa that if we want dharma to grow we need to learn well.
In the incident in Nyima tradition where Shakyashri trances the Sanskrit manuscript of the Guhyagarbha Tantra from the library of Samye Monastery which could traces the origins of their practice of this Tantra to Indian sources, I have learned that Buddhism in India already have Tantra at that time. Thus, to say Tantra do not exist in Buddhism is a wrong perception.
He is also known as one of the previous incarnation of Dorje Shugden. With this in mind, Dorje Shugden have benefits many peoples either they are in which sect. Thus to say Dorje Shugden is sectarian is totally wrong.
Thank you for the inspiration
With folded hand,
Freon
Dear Rinpoche and Pastor David,
Shakyashri Bhadra / Kache Panchen have contribute a lot in dharma. He is truly work for dharma in order to benefit sentient beings. While in Tibet, He has given many teachings despite which sect the person belongs to. Although he is very old in age, but through his hard work he further enhance the Buddhism in Tibet.
After Nalanda being destroyed, Shakyashri Bhadra do not stopped working in dharma, he continue to try revive Buddhism in India before he went to Tibet in 1204 CE by the invitation of Tropu Lotsawa Rinchen Senge . After he returns from Tibet, he spent 12 years in Kashmir continues dharma work.
In this I have learned dharma will continue if we as a Buddhist truly wanted to benefit sentient beings, we will work hard to get the dharma spread to in spite how bad the situation is. I have also learned from Tropu Lotsawa that if we want dharma to grow we need to learn well.
In the incident in Nyima tradition where Shakyashri trances the Sanskrit manuscript of the Guhyagarbha Tantra from the library of Samye Monastery which could traces the origins of their practice of this Tantra to Indian sources, I have learned that Buddhism in India already have Tantra at that time. Thus, to say Tantra do not exist in Buddhism is a wrong perception.
He is also known as one of the previous incarnation of Dorje Shugden. With this in mind, Dorje Shugden have benefits many peoples either they are in which sect. Thus to say Dorje Shugden is sectarian is totally wrong.
Thank you for inspiration
With love
Freon
Lord of Vinaya, Holder of the Sakya Sage’s truth and illuminator of Tantra, the noble son protected by Tara, Shakyashri Bhadra the sole refuge’s article has been published here for the benefit of many. How fortunate for all those involved in this now and in the future.
May all those who have merits to read about him and further their merits by reading about him achieve protection from Tara now and ultimate protection by realization of emptiness.
Homage to the lotus feet of Shakyashri Bhadra the exalted abbot of Nalanda!!
Om Svasti! Tsem Rinpoche