8 Responses to Panchen Sonam Drakpa

1. 

   Samfoonheei on Oct 16, 2020 at 1:51 pm

   Panchen Sonam Drakpa the Fifteenth Ganden Tripa, throneholder of Ganden Monastery was a great master, writer, abbot of all monastic universities. His texts form the core curriculum for most Gelugpa monasteries. He was unique, having served as abbot of the three main Gelug monasteries – Ganden, Sera and Drepung. His collected works spans fourteen volumes, constituting the main textbooks which are used till today in the educational curriculum. His works are highly regarded and been relied on by monks to this day in Drepung Loseling and Ganden Shartse Monasteries. He worked for the welfare of others and the Dharma until he entered clear light.
   Interesting read of a GREAT Lama.
   Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.

   Reply
2. 

   Pastor Niral Patel on Dec 9, 2018 at 4:28 am

   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.

   ————————

   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.

   

   

   

   Reply
3. 

   Tsem Rinpoche on Nov 20, 2018 at 11:44 am

   The Library of Tibetan Works and Archives is in Dharamsala, which is broken into two parts. Upper Dharamsala is where the Dalai Lama’s palace is located with his audience room and main prayer hall. It is also the location of the Dialectics School, Gaden Shartse’s guesthouse, restaurants, tourist hotels and main tourist areas.

   A short ride down takes you to the lower part of Dharamsala where the Tibetan government is located. It is the location of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, Nechung monastery, the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, the Tibetan arts centre…it’s all in one area. And the reason why it’s split into upper and lower Dharamsala is because the area is mountainous.

   The Library of Tibetan Works and Archives was established by the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government to preserve all the ancient texts – both secular and spiritual – of Tibet and in the process, translate them into various languages like English. This book, Overview of Buddhist Tantra, by Panchen Sonam Drakpa was one of the books translated into English. What’s very interesting is that the book very clearly says that Panchen Sonam Drakpa’s previous life is Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen, one of the five main disciples of Lama Tsongkhapa. It also says that after that, he was Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen.

   So the book is basically saying that Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen, Panchen Sonam Drakpa and Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen – the three Drakpas – are of the same mindstream.

   Now that’s very peculiar because if Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen’s previous life is Panchen Sonam Drakpa, the renowned composer of 45 volumes of Dharma texts, the abbot of three monasteries AND the 15th Gaden Tripa, the holder of Lama Tsongkhapa’s throne…if that’s the case, how can Panchen Sonam Drakpa take rebirth as Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen and become an evil spirit and have a negative mind?

   Prior to Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen, he was Panchen Sonam Drakpa and before that, he was Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen, a heart disciple of Lama Tsongkhapa. How can a heart disciple of Lama Tsongkhapa reincarnate as the erudite master Panchen Sonam Drakpa, and then die and reincarnate as Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen…and then Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen, due to a bad and negative prayer, become the evil spirit Dorje Shugden? How is that possible? Logically, it’s not.

   What’s incredible is that all of this was printed by the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives under the Dalai Lama’s guidance. They contradict themselves because on one hand, the Tibetan leaders say Dorje Shugden is an evil spirit. On the other hand they’re printing a book saying that Panchen Sonam Drakpa, whose later incarnation became Dorje Shugden, is of this illustrious mindstream.

   So how can the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, which is under the auspices of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government, print the translation of a book composed by the previous incarnation of a so-called evil spirit? How can they then say in the book that Panchen Sonam Drakpa’s previous life is Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen, and his next life was Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen?

   Prior to the Dorje Shugden ban and controversy, everyone in Tibet knew that Dorje Shugden is Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen, that Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen is Panchen Sonam Drakpa, and that Panchen Sonam Drakpa is Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen. The three Drakpas, they are one mindstream emanating again and again to benefit other beings.

   And as we all know, Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen became Dorje Shugden so it totally doesn’t make sense to call him an evil spirit, then highlight all of his previous lives as erudite masters, and publish all of this information under their own library. So you can see the contradictions. You can read all of this for yourself in Overview of Buddhist Tantra, which was printed by the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives.

   —–

   OVERVIEW OF BUDDHIST TANTRA

   GENERAL PRESENTATION OF THE CLASSES OF TANTRA,
   CAPTIVATING THE MINDS OF THE FORTUNATE ONES

   rgyud sde spyi’i rnam par bzhag pa
   skal bzang gi yid ‘phrog ces bya ba bzhugs so

   BY
   PANCHEN SONAM DRAGPA
   (Pan-chen bSod-nams grags-pa, 1478-1554)

   O Choje Sonam Dragpa Pel! (Chos-rje bSod-nams grags-pa-dpal!)
   In the vast expanse of Your bodhi-mind,
   The mind that the Buddhas have lauded for as many as
   one hundred times,
   You have developed “merit” shining like the sun.
   Through Your skill in learning, debate and writing,
   As illuminating as one hundred thousand sun rays,
   You have developed in You a complete knowledge of
   the entire sutras and tantras,
   Resembling a garden of flowers in full bloom.
   The power of Your speech is like the sun;
   The fame of your name has reached the three realms of
   this world.
   O Sonam Dragpa, the teacher of teachers!
   I bow down at your feet.

   In the vast garden of Your great teachings,
   The intelligent young people gather for
   The ‘six ultimates’ and the ‘four modes of transmission,’
   Just as they are attracted to
   The one hundred thousand types of nectar
   Dripping from a flower of one hundred petals.
   May I be able to experience
   The taste of the secret tantra!

   Panchen Choje Sonam Dragpa Pel (Panchen Chos-rje bSod-nams grags-pa-dpal), the holder of sutra and Vajrayana teachings, was a master whose outstanding learning and spiritual accomplishments are well known by all the learned ones in Tibet. His first incarnation came in the form of one of the five prestigious disciples of Lord Tsongkhapa (Tsong-kha-pa) and became known as Vinaya Holder (Dulzin) Dragpa Gyaltsen (Gragspa rgyal-mtshan). Then came Panchen Sonam Dragpa Pel (Panchen bSod-nams grags-pa-dpal), the author of the present text. The next was Nagri Tulku Dragpa Gyaltsen (mNga’-ris sPrul-sku Grags-pa rgyal-mtshan). In this way, a line of his incarnations, each with the Dragpa (gragspa) surname, followed successively.

   Panchen Sonam Dragpa Pel (Panchen bSod-nams grags-pa-dpal) was born in the 14th century in Tsetang (rTsed-thang) in the Lhoka (Lho-kha) region of Central Tibet. He entered the great seat of learning, Sera Thekchenling (Se-ra theg-chen-gling) monastic university, where he became the personal disciple of spiritual master Donyo Dangden (Dhon-yod dang-ldan) and His Holiness the Second Dalai Lama Gedun Gyatso (dGe-‘dun rgya-mtsho). Under them, he studied the entire teachings of sutra, tantra and their commentaries, and became known for his outstanding learning. He also received from them the empowerments, reading transmissions, guides and instructions of the entire body of spiritual training. On becoming the fully blessed one, the Dalai Lama appointed him the abbot of the Loseling (Blo-gsalgling) college, one of the four colleges of Drepung (‘Bras-dpung)- the most prestigious monastic university in Tibet before 1959, with over 10,000 monks on its register. He continued to be the abbot of this college for the next six years; and after him the tenure for each of his successors in this position was fixed for a period of six years, a rule that is followed even today.

   He was then appointed the head of the Gelugpa (dGe-lugs-pa) order, the throne holder of Gaden (dGa’-ldan), thus becoming the 15th regent of Lord Tsongkhapa (Tsong-khapa), the second Buddha. In his eulogy to him, Khedrub Gelek Pelsang (mKhas-grub dGe-legs dpal- bzang) says:

   O Lama, the second successor of the Unsubduable One,
   The regent of the Lord of Dharma,
   You are the one who made the virtuous qualities thrive;
   You are the one who ascended to the golden throne uplifted
   by the fearless lions.
   May Your success thrive forever!

   He continued to be the throne holder for the next seven years, during which time he promoted the spread of Lord Tsongkhapa’s (Tsong-kha-pa) precious teachings, the Gelug (dGe-lugs) tradition, across the land in all directions. He also paid special attention to the practice of monastic rules and the learning and meditation of Buddhism in the monasteries such as Sera (Se-ra), Drepung (‘Bras-spungs), Kyomolung (sKyo-mo-lung), Phagmo Chode (Phag-mo chos-sde), Nyeding (Nye-sdings), Ödna (’Od-sna) and Chöde Rinchen (Chos-sde rin-chen) etc. and improved them to a great extent. He taught the Third Dalai Lama Sonam Gyatso (bSod-nams rGya-mtsho) as the latter’s spiritual master. It was from him that the Dalai Lama received the name Sonam (bSod-nams).

   His contributions in the literary field are enormous; and, indeed, they are the most valuable of all his contributions. Tsongkhapa (Tsong-kha-pa) has rightly said:

   Of all one’s deeds,
   The ‘deeds of speech’ are the most valuable.

   Panchen Sonam Dragpa Pel (Panchen bSod-nams grags-pa-dpal) was a person with an extraordinary talent for teaching, debate and writing. In his colophon to Bu mey chi don zab don sel wey dron mey (dBu ma’i spyi don zab don gsal ba’i sgron me), he wrote:

   In the field of teaching, I am [next to none!] Knowing that
   I would outdo them in this field, Arya Asanga and his
   brother transmigrated into another realm.

   In the field of debate, I am [next to none!] Knowing that
   I would find out the areas they had contradicted and
   that I would examine them and put forth my arguments,
   the logician Dignaga (Digh-naga) and Dharmakirti tactfully
   bypassed me.

   In the field of writing, I am [next to none!] [In my eyes,]
   Arya-sura was just good at spreading the works, which
   are like ‘disputes~ between an insect and a field.’

   I am the learned man. Peerless in the field of teaching,
   debate and writing!

   For some this passage might sound utterly nonsensical, but the most learned master of our age, the talented teacher, logician and writer, the late tutor to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Yongdzin Trijang Dorjechang (Yongs-‘dzin Khri-byang rDorje-‘Chang), said: “Now, some people of our time, who consider themselves learned scholars, think that this is utter nonsense; but they are wrong.”

   Panchen Sonam Dragpa Pel (Panchen bSod-nams grags-pa-dpal) wrote over 45 volumes of books dealing with many different subjects, such as the commentaries on the sutras and tantras, the saddhana manuals of the tutelary deities, history, religious history and so forth. Among these, one that is very important for all who wish to learn and meditate on the path-of the practical aspect of Buddhism in general and that of Vajrayana in particular is the Leg shey gyu de chi nam par shagpa kelsang gi yi trod (Legs bshad rgyud sde spyi’i rnam par bzhag pa skal bzang gi yid ‘phrod). In this book, he has explained precisely how the four tantras differ from one another. He has also fully described the stages of the two spontaneous path practices of the Vajrayana tradition, dealing with the ‘six ultimates’ and the ‘four modes of transmission’, thus interpreting without mistake the intention of Adhi-Buddha Vajradhara.

   May the reprint of this text, which the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives is publishing herewith, bring peace and happiness in this world!

   Prof. Nawang Jinpa
   St. Joseph’s College
   Darjeeling
   January 24 1996

   

   

   

   

   

   Panchen-Sonam-Dragpa-Overview-of-Buddhist-Tantra.pdf

   Reply
   • 

     Jacinta on Oct 26, 2023 at 9:29 am

     Dear Rinpoche,

     For the longest time, I’ve downloaded this and kept it in my Drive: Dharma Book folder. I think it must be of utmost importance for us to read since I saw Rinpoche posted it all over the comment section (in other articles as well). Every time, I started to read a little, I would just drop that not too long after reading it. Just a few pages. Every time was the same. Not sure the reason why but I kept the ‘wish’ to finish & understand (literally, hopefully) this book one day. Not until recently, it’s like a little push from my inner voice saying that I should finish reading this.

     And yes, today I finished reading. Would like to put it here as ‘evidence’ and to have a pat on my shoulder for finishing it. The subject matter is vast and I could only comprehend a little. However, there are some familiar feelings inside and some of the words resonated with me at certain points.

     Should I’ve read it earlier, maybe I wouldn’t have understood it better. Very very grateful for Your immeasurable kindness. Words can’t describe my feelings right now.
     Precious lama, at your lotus feet, I pray.

     From the excerpt (pg90) :
     Now, in this period of the final 500 years
     Of the Buddha’s teachings,
     Ignorant beings are revered more highly than the wise.
     It is extremely difficult to find a witness for my actions.
     Oh, root and lineage gurus, you know this!

     [124] [But look] here! In this degenerate age
     Vajradhara has assumed the guise of a monk in robes.
     He has abridged the profound path
     And made it abundantly clear.
     He and his lirielineageons are the objects of veneration!

     By my efMywith regard to this overview of the tantras
     And all my accumulation of the two-fold merit,
     May the supreme lineage of the mighty Jina-
     bLo-bzang grags-pa and his sons
     Go on to the end of cyclic existence!

     May I also, from now and throughout my future lives,
     Diligently pay attention to the words of the wise
     With faith in the teachings and love for all beings.
     May all my good qualities increase!

     Reply
4. 

   yin ping on Nov 11, 2018 at 6:00 pm

   Panchen Sonam Drakpa was a novice monk at his young age. He received the vows of full ordination at the age of 20. When he was 27, he studied tantra in Gyuto College for 3 years and received many teachings, empowerment, initiations and transmission from his tutor. Panchen Sonam Drakpa became a scholar in tantra. Later on he began his major compositions on sutra and tantra, and his works are still used in most Gelug monasteries. In Drepung Loseling and Gaden Shartse monasteries, monks who are studying for their highest degree,the Geshe Lharampa degrees are using his writings as textbooks.

   Panchen Sonam Drakpa was appointed as lobpon, the master at Gyuto College when he was 34. He served for 14 years giving tantra teachings. When he retired from the post, one of his teachers the 2nd Dalai Lama, Gendun Gyatso appointed him to be the abbot of Drepung Monastery and he served there for 5 years.

   In 1529, Panchen Sonam Drakpa was enthroned as 15th Gaden Tripa. For 7 years he served as the spiritual leader of the Gelug school. After he fulfilled his duties, he was settled down in Gaden Monastery and continued his teachings. During his old age, he was appointed as the abbot of Sera Monastery for 9 years. Thus, Panchen Sonam Drakpa became the first and the only one who served as abbot of all the 3 main Gelug monasteries in the history until today.

   Before he entered into clear light in year 1554, he established his own estate the ‘Upper House’ ladrang, Zimkhang Gongma, in Drepung Monastery. According to Tibetan Buddhist Resource Center, the 4th successor to the estate of the Zimkhang Gongma was Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen who was closely connected to the rise of World Peace Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden

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5. 

   Tsa Tsa Ong on Sep 12, 2018 at 10:28 pm

   Sonam Drakpa enrolled at Tsetang Monastery and received his primary monastic education such as reading and writing, and memorization of daily and frequent prayer texts and other root-verses of important texts. Sonam Drakpa travelled to Lhasa and then matriculated at Sera at the age of sixteen. There he studied Abhisamayalamkara, Madhyamak, Abhidharmakosa, Pramanavarttika and Vinaya, the five major subjects of the Geshe Lharampa curriculum, mainly under the three eminent masters. Sonam Drakpa began his major compositions on both sutra and tantra from the age of thirty-six. They include works on Guhyasamaja, commentaries on Prajnaparamita, Madhyamaka, Vinaya, Pramana, and Abhidharmakosa, the five major subjects of Geluk monastic curriculum, as well as history and other subjects. His works were collected into six volumes and constitute some of the main texts still used in most Gelukpa monasteries, especially by Drepung Loseling and Ganden Shartse monasteric colleges. His works are also used as textbooks in some monasteries of Geluk tradition in Mongolia. Thank you Rinpoche and blog team for sharing this short story of Panchen Sonam Drakpa ??

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6. 

   Pastor Adeline Woon on Jul 28, 2018 at 7:00 am

   Nice short video of a new LED signage reminding us of who we can go to for blessings in case of need: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBwrkaKUoH0

   Reply
7. 

   Joy Kam on Jul 26, 2018 at 4:25 am

   Listening to the chanting of sacred words, melodies, mantras, sutras and prayers has a very powerful healing effect on our outer and inner environments. It clears the chakras, spiritual toxins, the paths where our ‘chi’ travels within our bodies for health as well as for clearing the mind. It is soothing and relaxing but at the same time invigorates us with positive energy. The sacred sounds invite positive beings to inhabit our environment, expels negative beings and brings the sound of growth to the land, animals, water and plants. Sacred chants bless all living beings on our land as well as inanimate objects. Do download and play while in traffic to relax, when you are about to sleep, during meditation, during stress or just anytime. Great to play for animals and children. Share with friends the blessing of a full Dorje Shugden puja performed at Kechara Forest Retreat by our puja department for the benefit of others. Tsem Rinpoche

   Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbzgskLKxT8&t=5821s

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