Zasep Rinpoche Speaks Plainly About Dorje Shugden
In the world of Tibetan Buddhism, His Eminence Zasep Tulku Rinpoche is a name that is esteemed amongst practitioners of the Gelug tradition all over the world. From a grand childhood enthroned as a Tulku at an early age, to his epic flight out of Tibet, followed by a mission to benefit the spiritual lives of people spanning nine countries around the globe – his life story is one that inspires us to keep our chin up at all times, to always have good humour and to smile even in the face of adversity. A pure lama, a devoted spiritual practitioner and a compassionate teacher, Zasep Rinpoche’s approachable teaching methods have touched the hearts of everyone he has encountered.
Zasep Rinpoche’s birth in 1948 was preceded by prophetic signs. His mother had auspicious dreams and experienced no pain during labour. In the first year of his life, the whole of the Gerjel province, in the eastern region of Kham, Tibet, was full of providence — farmlands were free of pestilence, livestock was free of disease and the populace was blessed with good weather throughout the seasons, just like his previous two incarnations.
At the age of five, he was enthroned as the current incarnation of the Zasep lineage, a distinguished line of incarnations including the founder and abbots of Zuru Monastery. His installation was celebrated with great ceremony; he made his entrance with a procession between rows of musicians playing sacred instruments and escorted under an ornamented victory umbrella.
Zasep Rinpoche would grow up studying under the most esteemed Buddhist teachers of this age. His root guru was His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang, the renowned junior tutor of the present 14th Dalai Lama, and his other teachers included His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, His Holiness Kyabje Ling Rinpoche, His Eminence Kyabje Lati Rinpoche, His Eminence Guru Deva Rinpoche, Tara Tulku Rinpoche and Geshe Thubten Wanggyel.
His Holiness Kyabje Ling Rinpoche on the right and His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche on the left.
During the events of 1959, Zasep Rinpoche fled Tibet and made his way to Australia and then to Canada where he would eventually become popular for making eastern Buddhist teachings easy to understand and accessible to the western world. He opened the hearts of many westerners to the Dharma and brought the light of Lama Tsongkhapa’s teachings to new places and people.
Today, Zasep Rinpoche is the spiritual leader of Gaden for the West, an international organisation of Dharma centres in Australia, Canada and the United States, successfully spreading the Gelug teachings of Lama Tsongkhapa to many, many people who are karmically connected to him.
His organisation has also initiated programmes to help preserve Tibetan culture in India, Mongolia and Tibet. This programme — Gaden Relief — is famous for its efforts in channeling medicines and funds to the Tibetan refugee community-in-exile and to monasteries in Tibet, India and Mongolia. It has also raised hundreds of thousands in donations, of which over 95% has reached Tibetans and Mongolians in the form of direct aid. Some of the institutions who have benefited from Zasep Rinpoche’s works include great Buddhist monasteries like Amarbayasgalant Monastery in Ulan Bator, Mongolia; Drepung Loseling Monastic University in Mundgod, India; Geden Choling Nunnery and Samten Choling Nunnery in Dharamsala, India; and Sera Jey Health Care Centre and Sera Jey Denma Khangtsen in Bylakuppe, India.
Unimpressed with wealth, fame, name or looking politically correct, Zasep Rinpoche is a devoted Dorje Shugden practitioner whose practice has been described by him as being “very close to [his] heart.” He remains loyal to the Protector practice passed to him by his masters, and is very dedicated in his determination to uphold the lineage and be of benefit to others. Having taken his practice as his life, Zasep Rinpoche also believes in the importance of respecting other traditions, and for monasteries and Dharma centres to support each other instead of being divided.
An Illustrious Incarnation Line
Zasep Tulku Rinpoche was recognised as the 13th incarnation of Lama Chubdak by three of the most venerated Buddhist masters of the 20th century — His Holiness the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje; His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang, and Jetrung Rinpoche, a highly realised lama from the Nyingma tradition.
H.H. the 15th Karmapa Khakyab Dorje
The 11th incarnation in this illustrious lineage was Lama Konchog Tenzin of Zuru Monastery, a contemporary of His Holiness the 15th Karmapa Khakyab Dorje and a famous Kagyupa yogi who showed extraordinary signs as a child. Upon hearing just the first few stanzas, he was able to recite entire bodies of Buddhist scripture from memory and explain the commentaries.
He was known to have the siddhi to perceive the wisdom and insight that others possessed, along with their accumulation of karma, both good and bad. He could control the weather and prevent calamities from falling on people. The tales of his deeds are legendary, including stopping the snow and making already fallen snow just disappear; bringing rain to areas with drought; and predicting the coming of famine and disease so people could make the necessary preparations. In this manner, he saved countless lives in the Kham region.
He had the sight to see spirits in rocks, mountains, water and air as well as the ability to understand and communicate with them. Hence he easily subdued them all by peaceful and wrathful means. He could also order these unseen beings to perform acts that would benefit sentient beings. Through his powerful practice of Chöd, he liberated countless spirits.
He was a famous astrologer and foretold the amount of winter snows and summer sunshine with precision. He also composed the acclaimed astrological treatise Chedup Gongdrel which is still in use today.
A Chöd practitioner
This renowned lama predicted that he would pass away at the age of 63. At the appointed time, many great masters and students came from all over Tibet to Zuru Monastery to participate in extensive prayers and pujas requesting him to remain. As he prepared to leave his body, he described his visions of many peaceful and wrathful deities, and dakinis, to all those close to him who were present. He passed away in 1934, aged 63, while sitting in the vajra position in meditation.
Just like his birth, Lama Konchog Tenzin’s passing was accompanied by auspicious signs. Many relics were recovered from his ashes after his cremation, and his bones had sudur — a film of red mud which is used during tantric initiations — on them.
Prior to his passing, Lama Konchog Tenzin also predicted the precise time and place of his next reincarnation, including the names of his future father and mother. His students identified the twelfth Zasep Tulku exactly as he had foretold.
A Tulku’s Journey from Tibet to Canada
In 2016, Zasep Rinpoche published his autobiography, A Tulku’s Journey From Tibet To Canada. The book is not only a brilliant and necessary read for anyone wishing to enter the practice of Tibetan Buddhism but also beautifully reflects Zasep Rinpoche’s devotion to his teachers and the practices he received from them. It is recommended as “a should read for Buddhists,” and described to be an “epic spiritual journey, gripping adventure narrative, inspiring Buddhist life example, and a travelogue spanning nine countries.”
Front cover of the book. Click on image to enlarge.
In this book, Zasep Rinpoche recounts in vivid detail his memories of his childhood growing up in the mountainous Kham region of Eastern Tibet, and how Buddhism was not just a religion but a way of life, intricately woven into the very fabric of Tibetan society. He also retells his journey during his early years, from his recognition as a high lama to his studies in the prestigious monasteries of Zuru and Sera.
A large chapter of this autobiography is dedicated to the period after he fled Tibet to India, which he spent under the tutelage of Venerable Geshe Thubten Wanggyel in Dalhousie. Zasep Rinpoche’s stories of his experiences with this esteemed meditation master are a complete lesson on the importance and benefit of Guru Devotion in Tibetan Buddhism.
There are many touching aspects of his story, which provide readers with a glimpse of Tibet, Tibetan Buddhism, and the great teachers of his time. For example, Zasep Rinpoche includes tales of great lamas such as His Holiness Pabongka Dechen Nyingpo, His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche and Lama Gelong Chojor Gyamtso, an oracle of Kache Marpo and Dorje Shugden, the Dharma Protector whom Zasep Rinpoche holds very close to his heart.
Back cover of the book. Click on image to enlarge.
The book brings readers on an incredible 70-year spiritual adventure through the eyes of this Buddhist master, which also includes his experiences studying under Achaan Buddhadasa at Wat Swanmokkhaballaram in Thailand as well as the year and a half he spent practising vipassana and anapanasati in many forest temples there.
Zasep Rinpoche was also invited by Lama Thubten Yeshe, the founder of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), to be the translator for His Presence Geshe Thubten Loden in Australia. Zasep Rinpoche spent many years travelling and teaching here and his students in Australia would later establish centres under his direction. This pattern continued when he moved to Canada. Inspired, his students in Nelson, British Columbia; in Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa and other cities would form and establish Dharma centres too.
Full Trust in Dorje Shugden
Interestingly, this book reconfirms beautifully the great deeds of Dorje Shugden and how much this Dharma Protector has helped the Tibetan people and Tibetan Buddhism too. Peppered throughout his autobiography are Zasep Rinpoche’s direct and personal experiences where Dorje Shugden has played a pivotal role in his life.
For example, on pages 28 to 30, Zasep Rinpoche tells the story of the time Lama Gelong Chojor Gyamtso, a student of Pabongka Rinpoche, took spontaneous trance of Dorje Shugden. In trance, Dorje Shugden warned them that Kham was going to be overrun by invaders from the east [China] within three years, which turned out to be accurate. The Chinese army did march on Tibet, and this triggered a series of unfortunate events that eventually led to the Tibetan nation’s decline. Lama Gelong Chojor Gyamtso further dreamt that Zasep Rinpoche’s family would immigrate to India. This also came to pass.
Zasep Rinpoche’s account of that event coincides with a number of separate stories about this protector-deity, all similarly conveying how Dorje Shugden has always looked after the Tibetan people. There is a famous story of how Dorje Shugden took spontaneous trance during the time of His Holiness the 13th Dalai Lama, to warn the people of an impending attack on the country. Fortunately the 13th Dalai Lama took Dorje Shugden’s warning to heart and also followed the Protector’s advice on what the Tibetans needed to do to generate merits to keep their homeland. And because of that, the Tibetan people were able to avoid losing their homes and country at that time.
In the case of Zasep Rinpoche’s family, they had great faith in Lama Gelong Chojor Gyamtso because they could see how many people this oracle of Dorje Shugden had helped and also how accurate his predictions were. Readers of this enlightening book will surely enjoy the part about how cleverly Zasep Rinpoche’s wily grandfather had taken the advice of Dorje Shugden and managed to salvage the family’s wealth and future ahead of the Chinese invasion.
Page 88. Click on image to enlarge
The way Zasep Rinpoche writes about Lama Gelong Chojor Gyamtso inspires instant faith in the hearts of readers. In particular, his account of how Lama Gelong Chojor Gyamtso entered the pure land of Vajrayogini is excellent and reminds readers of another great lama, Sakya Lopon Sonam Tsemo who also entered Vajrayogini’s pure land under extraordinary circumstances, and who also propitiated Dorje Shugden. [page 88]
This is no coincidence since the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden arose to help practitioners on their path to enlightenment, often clearing obstacles and providing the means to achieve spiritual success. Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche in his supreme omniscience had incredible faith in Dorje Shugden and advised close disciples to rely on Dorje Shugden in their spiritual journey. Others who have placed their trust in Dorje Shugden include His Holiness the Great 10th Panchen Lama who is one with Amitabha, no less. The Panchen Lama composed beautiful praises to Dorje Shugden and had an amazing chapel built in honour of the Protector. From Sakya Lopon Sonam Tsemo to Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche to the Great Panchen Lama and Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, the highest of the high lamas have advised disciples to propitiate this powerful and compassionate Dharma Protector.
Dorje Shugden in the Sakya School
The calibre of Zasep Rinpoche’s teachers reflects his exceptionally high spiritual lineage. To have direct emanations of supreme beings such as Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche as one’s spiritual teacher is no ordinary feat. What’s more, as Zasep Rinpoche has so generously shared, he received the initiation into the Dorje Shugden practice from Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, Heruka himself, in the presence of the reincarnation of Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche! It is also important to note that Zasep Rinpoche’s Dorje Shugden initiation was given at the request of his teacher Geshe Wanggyel at the end of a teaching on the Lamrim. And on this, it is good to note that the Dorje Shugden practice has traditionally been given in conjunction with, and has always been synonymous with practices associated with Lama Tsongkhapa. If ever there was any doubt about what the emanation of Heruka thought about the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden, Zasep Rinpoche confirms that Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche personally said to him that Dorje Shugden is “…the incarnation of Manjushri, Vajrapani, Mahasiddha Virupa, Sakya Pandita and Panchen Sonam Drakpa and the “protector of the Sakya and Gelug lineage’.
It was no coincidence that Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche had referred to Dorje Shugden as the Protector of the Sakya lineage. When Zasep Rinpoche visited Sakya Monastery, which was regarded as the ‘headquarters’ of the high Sakya lamas, he paid homage to the Dorje Shugden shrine that the Sakya called Sakya Mugchung. Imagine a shrine to Dorje Shugden in the most important monastery of the Sakyas! But this is not surprising seeing that the practice of Dorje Shugden officially started in the Sakya school before it was embraced by the Gelugpas. As Zasep Rinpoche points out, it was the Sakya Lama Morchen Kunga Lhundrub who recognised the spirit of Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen as being a Sakya Dharma Protector and this laid the primary foundation for the worship of Dorje Shugden. [Page 127]
Subsequently the highest Sakya lamas worshipped Dorje Shugden. But Dorje Shugden was much more than just a Dharma Protector to the Sakyas, especially when it came to their spiritual leaders – the 31st and 37th Sakya Throneholders were regarded as incarnations of Dorje Shugden. In fact, Dorje Shugden’s connection with the Sakya lineage goes back a long, long way, prior to the murder of Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen. The Protector’s incarnation lineage includes two very prominent Sakya lamas – Sakya Pandita Kunga Gyaltsen, the fourth of the Five Sakya Forefathers and also the great Vajrayogini lineage holder Tsarchen Losal Gyatso, who founded the Tsar sub-sect of the Sakya school. Therefore, as the Sakya throne is passed from father to son, it would not be inaccurate to say that Dorje Shugden was one of the foundations of the Sakya lineage and manifested to the Sakya to help preserve this tradition. And when modern-day Sakya masters deny the significance of Dorje Shugden in their lineage, perhaps under duress, they undermine the very footing that is upholding this important tradition.
Pabongka Rinpoche and Trijang Rinpoche Were Not Sectarian
It was interesting to get an insight into His Holiness Pabongka Rinpoche through Zasep Rinpoche’s eyes. That Pabongka Rinpoche was incredibly famous and popular is already well known. What is less well known was Pabongka Rinpoche’s concern about the declining state of the Buddhadharma and how this great lama was a strong advocate of defending its purity. After the Dorje Shugden practice was banned, it became common for detractors of the practice to accuse Pabongka Rinpoche of being sectarian, giving the impression that he was against other Tibetan Buddhist schools. However, we see in Zasep Rinpoche’s book that Pabongka Rinpoche was merely making an impassioned stance against the moral corruption rampant within sections of the Tibetan Sangha community.
H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
Zasep Rinpoche’s description of Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche is another must read and offers details that are difficult to find elsewhere. Trijang Rinpoche was exceptionally open and non-sectarian and this book tells of how Nyingma and Sakya high lamas would often make offerings to him. As a matter of fact, lamas of all lineages held Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche in the highest regard and Tibetan Buddhist luminaries such as His Holiness the 16th Karmapa, the great Nyingma master Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Sakya Dachen Rinpoche, Nalanda Sakya Chogye Rinpoche and many others would call on Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche to discuss both spiritual and Tibetan matters.
Whenever he was in Lithang, Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche would also visit the shrine of the first Karmapa and the holy monasteries that belonged to the Karma Kagyu lineage. In fact, one of his previous incarnations was His Holiness the 8th Karmapa, Mikyo Dorje (1507-1554).
This is very useful information because it has been said that Dorje Shugden practitioners are viciously sectarian. Yet we can see that Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche who trusted Dorje Shugden without exception, clearly was not sectarian. As for Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche, he made his views on sectarianism very clear in his seminal teaching ably captured by Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche in the book, ‘Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand’. In essence, Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche taught,
“Abandoning Dharma is, in the final analysis, disparaging the Hinayana because of the Mahayana; favouring the Hinayana on account of the Mahayana; playing off sutra against tantra; playing off the four classes of the tantras against each other; favouring one of the Tibetan schools—the Sakya, Gelug, Kagyu, or Nyingma—and disparaging the rest; and so on. In other words, we abandon Dharma any time we favour our own tenets and disparage the rest”.
Who Really Saved the 14th Dalai Lama?
Zasep Rinpoche’s book also clears up the confusion surrounding the circumstances of the Dalai Lama’s escape from Tibet. On the Dalai Lama’s official website, there is a misstatement claiming that the Tibetan government consulted the Nechung Oracle when they caught wind of a plot to capture the Dalai Lama in 1959, and that it was owing to Nechung that the Dalai Lama is still alive. On the contrary, Nechung had advised the Dalai Lama to remain in Tibet and had assured that it was safe for the Dalai Lama to do so.
Fortunately, Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche in his wisdom felt that it was safest to trust Dorje Shugden and sent Rato Chowar Rinpoche to consult Dorje Shugden via the Panglung Oracle, a famous Dorje Shugden oracle. Dorje Shugden exhorted the Dalai Lama to flee Tibet quickly, and the Dalai Lama trusted and acted upon this advice.
Zasep Rinpoche’s autobiography presents a detailed factual account that corroborates both with testimonies of monks who accompanied the Dalai Lama and his family safely from Tibet to India, and also a written record of the Panglung Oracle’s advice on what the Dalai Lama should do.
Also, as Zasep Rinpoche wrote, “…on the night of the eighth day of the second month according to the Tibetan Lunar calendar, the Dalai Lama and his party, including his mother and two ministers, fled Lhasa…followed by Kyabje Ling Rinpoche and Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche…” Considering the tremendous significance of the people in the escape party – the Dalai Lama and his two tutors who were two of the greatest repositories of Tibetan Buddhism, it becomes clear that Dorje Shugden (and not Nechung) also saved Tibetan Buddhism in the process of saving the Dalai Lama. [Page 114]
The important question is, why was there a need to forcibly alter history to deny the role that Dorje Shugden played in ensuring the safety of the Dalai Lama? The answer is clear – acknowledging the truth that it was Dorje Shugden who saved His Holiness the Dalai Lama would make it nigh impossible to demonise him. Zasep Rinpoche’s book also addresses head on the hidden agenda of the Tibetan government for creating the Dorje Shugden controversy in the first place.
The Real Reason for the Dorje Shugden Ban
Zasep Rinpoche’s “A Tulku’s Journey From Tibet To Canada” is a fascinating read because it is an affable and humble record of the life of an incredible Tibetan Buddhist scholar and lama. At the same time, Zasep Rinpoche’s writings are vital because this is one of the few books that chronicles the evolution of the Dorje Shugden practice honestly and courageously, from its historically noble roots to its engineered demise at the hands of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). On page 182, Zasep Rinpoche clearly states his view that it was the CTA who orchestrated the Dorje Shugden controversy to deflect attention from their utter incompetence in recovering the Tibetan nation.
By the late 1980s, there was restlessness amongst the Tibetan people who had followed the Dalai Lama into exile. They had been promised on a number of occasions that the Dalai Lama’s celestial government would soon restore their luck and return them to their homeland. In the early days of exile, the State Oracle Nechung had also made several pronouncements that the Tibetan government would soon be victorious in chasing out the Chinese army from Tibet. However, after two decades of failure, the Tibetan government needed a scapegoat to pin their woes on, and they decided that the scapegoat would be Dorje Shugden because of the pervasiveness of his practice. Banning such a popular deity would create the biggest chaos, precisely what the Tibetan government intended and needed.
And so, ever since the CTA imposed a religious ban on the practice of Dorje Shugden, there have been many distortions of facts pertaining to the deity. A common one states that Dorje Shugden is only a minor worldly Protector that was never taken seriously. But anyone who has attended the Three Great Pillars of the Gelug lineage – Gaden, Sera and Drepung Monasteries saw that virtually all Gelug monks and practitioners worshipped Dorje Shugden. Zasep Rinpoche reaffirms this in his autobiography when he writes matter-of-factly that most if not all Gelugpas would perform the long kangso (fulfilment ritual) to Dorje Shugden on the 29th day of every month.
And to illustrate how the CTA has created division and schism amongst Tibetan Buddhists, Zasep Rinpoche tells stories of the early Tibetan refugee camps in India, and of how all schools of Tibetan Buddhism would live, pray and practice together harmoniously. The Gelug Lamas would engage in Lama Chopa and the extended Dorje Shugden kangso while Lamas from other schools would perform their own liturgies and Dharma Protector rites according to their own traditions without any fear or prejudice.
An 84-year old monk was attacked by five masked men bearing knives. This happened just because he practises Dorje Shugden.
It is well known that the Tibetan leadership punishes anyone who does not obey them completely, such as in the case of the Dorje Shugden ban. And Zasep Rinpoche gives shocking details on the effects of the ban on fellow practitioners and great lamas such as Guru Deva Rinpoche, who was an important benefactor of the Tibetans in exile and who did much for the survival of the Tibetan culture and Tibetan Buddhism. In the case of Guru Deva Rinpoche, his ‘crime’ was simply being a practitioner of a deity that the CTA suddenly decided was an inconvenience to their own agendas, and he, like many other great teachers, was punished and ostracised as a result.
In the face of all this oppression and danger, Zasep Rinpoche remained steadfast in his Dorje Shugden practice, and despite the brutal persecutions and witch-hunts against Shugden practitioners, Zasep Rinpoche stood firmly and withstood the undeserved backlash of hatred from naive Tibetans who were tricked by their leaders. He did not contribute to the decline of an important Protector practice and instead nobly transmitted the Dorje Shugden lineage whenever he was requested, even as hatred against Dorje Shugden worshippers was gaining momentum.
An Unsung Hero
Zasep Rinpoche speaking factually about Dorje Shugden as he did in his autobiography is important for the preservation of the Gelug lineage and Tibetan Buddhism as a whole. It is not so much about defending Dorje Shugden per se but about defending the accuracy and purity of all the lineage teachings.
If the sanctity of Dharma is breached by political and worldly objectives and genuine spiritual leaders do not step up to correct deformations of the facts, then in no time at all, fallacy will replace truth. In turn, future generations of spiritual aspirants will inherit faulty teachings and corrupted tenets. In the case of Dorje Shugden, if more Gelug leaders were to speak as honestly as Zasep Rinpoche has, then the integrity of Lama Tsongkhapa’s lineage has a hope of being preserved.
This burden does not fall on the lamas and tulkus alone but is the responsibility of everyone who holds the lineage teachers and tradition precious. All sincere spiritual practitioners must urgently consider the wise words of the visionary Martin Luther King Jr, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter”.
A Tulku’s Journey: Venerable Zasep Rinpoche’s Autobiography
Venerable Zasep Rinpoche is the last of his generation of incarnate lamas or tulkus that was educated in old Tibet according to the monastic system of that era. Therefore, his book A Tulku’s Journey from Tibet to Canada offers a first-hand account of life within the heavily-regimented tulku system as the author braves through the rigorous monastic curriculum that produces the most learned of Tibetan masters and scholars. Furthermore, the book offers a valuable glimpse into the daily lives of monastics and the laity within hierarchy of traditional Tibetan society. This book offers a number of pages that are filled with old evocative pictures for the reader to flip through in order to immerse oneself into Zasep Rinpoche’s world of a bygone era. His book comes highly recommended as it is gripping story of the depth of the Buddhadharma through the eyes of a tulku.
Click here to purchase the book on Amazon.
For more interesting information:
- Kechara Spreads the Practice of Dorje Shugden
- To Sum It Up
- Which guru shall I choose? | 我应该选择哪一位上师？
- Will the Dalai Lama agree with this?
- They want to kill me
- Why Hide and Attack A Monk?
- Can Tibetan Lamas Make Mistakes?
- I can speak up now about Shugden
- Dorje Shugden people
- I pray to what I want to
- I will not be pulled into conflict
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Zasep Tulku Rinpoche is the 13th incarnation of the famous Kagyupa teacher, Lama Konchog Tenzin of Zuru Monastery. His teachings, delivered in excellent English are easily understood and fully engaging. Zasep Tulku Rinpoche is a highly realized internationally respected teacher of Gelugpa Buddhism, been exile from Tibet and had travels as teacher to many countries around the world. Zasep Rinpoche received extensive teachings and initiations from many erudite great masters. Today, Zasep Rinpoche is the spiritual leader of Gaden for the West, an international organisation of Dharma centres in Australia, Canada and the United States, successfully spreading the Gelug teachings of Lama Tsongkhapa to many, many people who are karmically connected to him. A Tulku’s Journey From Tibet To Canada a book published Rinpoche autobiography, beautifully reflects his devotion to his teachers and the practices. Zasep Rinpoche points out, the practice of Dorje Shugden officially started in the Sakya school before it was embraced by the Gelugpas. Interestingly, this book also mentioned the great deeds of Dorje Shugden and how much this Dharma Protector has helped the Tibetan people as well and Tibetan Buddhism too.Zasep Rinpoche have touched the hearts of everyone he has encountered. Interesting read one must not missed as it is a true story of an incredible Tibetan Buddhist scholar and lama’s journey.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing of a great Master
The Venerable Acharya Zasep Tulku Rinpoche, a highly realized and internationally respected teacher of Gelugpa Buddhism. A fascinating account not only of Rinpoche’s personal story, Zasep Tulku Rinpoche’s A Tulku’s Journey from Tibet to Canada is equal parts autobiography, spiritual epic journey, gripping adventure narrative. His inspiring Buddhist life example, and a travelogue that spanning to nine countries. Exile from Tibet on foot, and then travels as a teacher to many countries around the world. A good book to read with lots of background information in Tibet and Tibetan culture, and it also debunks the malicious lies spread against the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden. Dorje Shugden whose practice has been banned by the Dalai Lama and Tibetan Leader (CTA) . Rinpoche’s life has been eventful teaching the Buddhadharma in the west for many years and many westerns have benefited.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this interesting read of a GREAT Master.
Most Venerable Zasep Tulku Rinpoche born in the eastern province of Kham, Tibet. Rinpoche was recognized as 13th incarnation of Lama Chubdak by high lamas of the Kagyu, Sakya and Gelug traditions. Rinpoche’s life has been eventful receiving many teachings from a long line of illustrious of legendary teachers and great lamas in Tibet prior to the Chinese invasion.
Venerable Zasep Rinpoche is the last of his generation of incarnate lamas and in his book A Tulku’s Journey from Tibet to Canada of tells us a first-hand account of life. A beautiful book to have and interesting read. In his autobiography he spoke of the importance for the preservation of the Gelug lineage and Tibetan Buddhism as a whole. Rinpoche has spends countless hours giving teachings to many around the world. Many of them has benefited from his profound teachings .
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing of a great Lama.
Zasep Tulku Rinpoche a respected, courage, highly attained Lama and a well known dedicated and devoted Dorje Shugden practitioner . Having a strong guru devotion , courage ,great teaching abilities, he is truly a Great Lama who has uphold the lineage and be of benefit to others. He is admired by many for his courage speaking against the odds and defending about Dorje Shugden practice. He speaks the truth of the practice , the preservation of the Gelug lineage and Tibetan Buddhism. Zasep Rinpoche also acknowledges that the Shugden controversy was orchestrated by the Tibetan Leadership to deflect attention from their incompetence. Dorje Shugden has been practiced for centuries by many high lamas. He even said that it was Dorje Shugden that has exhorted the Dalai Lama to flee Tibet.
In his autobiography,… A Tulku’s Journey From Tibet To Canada tells us a thousand words his account and experience as a refugee. He was forced to flee his invaded country, on a desperate journey to refugee status in Nepal, travelling through a number of countries and finally, citizenship in Canada. The book gives readers an intimate look into the life of one of the remaining Tibetan born and trained masters. A definite good book to catch hold as its contain all of the elements of a great spiritual bio. He continues to share precious knowledge through an expanding of books, which is available in many countries.
Thank you Rinpoche for this wonderful sharing.
Many High Lamas that I Have read about them are “keeping” Dorje Shugden in their heart and also practice Dorje Shugden. If Dorje Shugden is a “bad spirit” can’t those Lama know about it? If we enthroned a high lama and believe H.E is the qualified person to be the lineage holder, and when he practices Dorje Shugden doesn’t he telling us that Dorje Shugden is not a malicious spirit. Why does a high lama wanted to practice a malicious spirit?
On the other hand, if Dorje Shugden were to harm the Tibetan or Dalai Lama, Dorje Shugden will not even warn about the Chinese invasion into Tibet. If Dorje Shugden were to harm H.H.Dalai Lama, Dorje Shugden will not even safe Dalai Lama and escort Dalai Lama escape to India. And these was wrote by Zasep Rinpoche in His own biography. A high lama purposely documents all this story about Dorje Shugden in his own biography, this mean that Dorje Shugden must be very important and special in Dharma practices.
Mantras are sacred verbalized words that invoke the protection and blessings of the deity to whom the mantra is ascribed. Mantras are also the manifestations of Buddhas in the form of ‘sounds’, hence the various mantras of Dorje Shugden contain the essence of the Protector.
Dorje Shugden’s main mantra 多杰雄登主要咒语
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA SOHA
Dorje Shugden’s mantra for peace 平和咒语
For gaining attainments through the energy of Peaceful Shugden, peace of environment and mind, harmony in one’s abode and dwelling area, and calming of disasters
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA SHANTI SIDDHI HUNG
Dorje Shugden’s mantra for health 福寿安康咒语
For long life, increasing life, healing of disease and protection from diseases
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA AYU SIDDHI HUNG
Dorje Shugden’s mantra for increase 增长咒语
For gaining great merits and increase of all necessary needs, both material and spiritual
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA PUNYE SIDDHI HUNG
Dorje Shugden’s mantra for control 控制咒语
Of worldly deities, negative people and nagas and for influencing friends towards the positive
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA WASHAM KURU HO
Dorje Shugden’s mantra to grant protection 庇护咒语
Visualize that you are in the Protector’s mandala, fully protected from outside interferences. Recite when in danger or for dangerous situations, for protection while travelling or when residing in dangerous/hostile places
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA RAKYA RAKYA HUNG
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videouploads/comment-1544345059.mp4
Dear friends,
Tibet has produced many powerful meditations, rituals and guidelines to help us gain spiritual protection, gain wisdom and higher states of consciousness. In general Tibet has produced many powerful methods for the growth of our spiritual evolution. Dorje Shugden is an angel, a saint, a powerful spiritual protector-warrior who originated 350 years ago when a highly awakened Tibetan Lama fulfilled his vows to become a special being to grant protection, wisdom, material needs, safety when travelling (normal and astral travel) and spiritual awakening. Both the Great 5th Dalai Lama and the current His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama composed short yet effective prayers to invoke upon the power and blessings of this special saint and protector. One can recite either one of the prayers that you feel suits you, anytime or even daily. When you feel a special need for help, you can recite either prayer anytime. When you are feeling down, afraid or just need a blessing, you can recite them. After reciting either invocation, it is good to chant the mantra of Dorje Shugden: Om Benza Wiki Bitana Soha.
You do not have to be a Buddhist or practitioner of any religion to invoke upon the blessings and protection of this special enlightened and awakened angel Dorje Shugden. He helps all without discrimination or bias as he is filled with compassion and love. Divinity has no boundaries, they help all who call upon them.
Enclosed are the prayers in English, Chinese and Tibetan.
May you be safe, protected and blessed.
Tsem Rinpoche
More on the Great 5th Dalai Lama and Dorje Shugden – https://bit.ly/2w7KHv6
More on H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama and Dorje Shugden – https://bit.ly/2QdaL4n
Chapel (Trode Khangsar) built by the Great 5th Dalai Lama dedicated to Dorje Shugden in Lhasa – https://bit.ly/2zBTd8M
—
亲爱的朋友们，
西藏产生了许多有助于我们得到精神庇佑、取得智慧和更高层次之觉悟的强大禅修法、仪式和教诲。总括来说，西藏产生了许多有助于我们在修行上取得提升的强有力方法。多杰雄登是一个天使，一位圣人和一名护法战士。他的崛起始于350年前，当一位高度觉悟的西藏高僧履行本身的承诺，化身为特别的护法，赐予我们守护、智慧、物质需要、出入平安（平日外游和神游时）和灵修上的觉醒。任何人都可以随时随地在任何时候念诵适合自己的祈愿文。当你需要特别的帮助时，你可以随时念诵任何一篇祈愿文。当你感到沮丧、恐惧或仅是需要加持时，你也可以持诵这些祈愿文。在念诵任何祈请文后，你应该接着念诵多杰雄登的心咒：嗡 班杂 维格 毗札那 娑哈 Om Benza Wiki Bitana Soha。
要祈请多杰雄登这位特殊、觉悟和觉醒的天使赐予加持和庇佑，你无需是佛教徒或任何宗教的修行者。他总是没有分别或偏见，充满慈悲和慈爱地帮助一切众生。神圣是没有界限的，圣者会帮助有求于他的任何人。
以下附上英文、中文和藏文的祈愿文。
愿你平安，常受庇护和加持。
尊贵的詹杜固仁波切
更多关于第五世达赖尊者和多杰雄登护法的内容 — https://bit.ly/2zsC3tG
更多关于第十四世达赖尊者和多杰雄登护法的内容 — https://bit.ly/2r4aaDN
第五世达赖尊者为多杰雄登护法在拉萨建造的护法殿（布旦康萨）— https://bit.ly/2zBTd8M
??? Thank You Rinpoche and Pastor Niral for sharing.
In deed great that H.E. Zasep Tulku Rinpoche’s works is proof that Dorje Shudgen has been practise in so many lineage and how HE. 14th Dalai Lama was saved by Dorje Shudgen.
Pray that may the practise benefit more sentient beings.
“The 4th Zhabdrung Rinpoche of Bhutan and Dorje Shugden” blog post which was published June 8, 2018 already has exactly at the moment 152,744 views!! Over 150k views!!! Amazing!! The views will keep growing as time elapses of course.
This indicates many Bhutanse and Buddhists around the world will now know that Dorje Shugden is connected to Bhutan and their Kagyu Lineage. Dorje Shugden was promoted by the highest lama of Bhutan namely the 4th Zhabdrung Rinpoche himself. So Dorje Shugden will help and protect anyone and is not sectarian as they accuse him to be. People in the Kagyu school of Buddhism also practised Dorje Shugden and Dorje Shugden assisted them lovingly. Dorje Shugden being an emanation of Manjushri will help anyone who calls upon him regardless of their background and religion.
Good job to our writers, researchers, editors, technical team, supporting team and Kechara people who promoted this blog post on social media. Now more will come to understand how pervasive Dorje Shugden is in all the lineages of Tibetan Buddhism although the Tibetan leadership in-exile tries to hide this truth. Thank you everyone for promoting Dorje Shugden to benefit many. We were all very harmonious before the unethical ban against Dorje Shugden practitioners. Since the inception of the ban in 1996, there has been no benefits and instead so much disharmony among Tibetan Buddhists around the world. Many hundreds have spoken up about this point where we want harmony back. There should never be a ban against any spiritual practice.
Tsem Rinpoche
Blog post- https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=160863
—
于2018年6月8日发表的《不丹国第四世夏仲仁波切与多杰雄登》的博文至今已经有 152,744次的浏览量！！也就是超过了15万次的浏览量！！这个数字肯定还会随着时间而增长。
这表示很多不丹人和全世界的佛教徒现在已经知道了多杰雄登和不丹以及他们的噶举派传承是有紧密联系的。多杰雄登是被不丹的最高级别的喇嘛夏仲仁波切本身所推崇的。这显示了多杰雄登是会帮助和保护任何人的，而祂不是像他人所指控那样的充满宗派主义。佛教的噶举派的修行者也修持多杰雄登，而多杰雄登也很怀爱地帮助他们。多杰雄登是文殊菩萨的化身，祂将无视任何宗教和背景地去帮助任何召唤祈请祂的人们。
我们的写作、搜集资料，编辑、技术、辅助等的人员们和推广这篇博文的克切拉人们，你们做得好！虽然流亡藏人领袖们尝试掩盖事实，但现在更多的人将了解到多杰雄登在所有藏传佛教的传承中是多么的普及了。感谢大家努力推广多杰雄登以造福大众。在这个不道德的多杰雄登禁令出现之前，我们都是很和谐融洽的。自从禁令在1996年开始之后，它为全世界的藏传佛教徒没有带来任何利益，而只有更多的不和谐。成千上万的人已经对该禁令发声，要求重建和谐。对于任何心灵修行，是从来就不该有任何禁令的。
詹杜固仁波切
博文网址: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/l/cn/dorje-shugden/the-4th-zhabdrung-rinpoche-of-bhutan-and-dorje-shugden-cn.html
His Eminence Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche’s incarnation is in Lhasa visiting. He is visiting the 350-year-old Trode Khangsar chapel dedicated to Dorje Shugden. He is paying homage to the powerful statue of Dorje Shugden housed in this sacred chapel. Both the chapel and statue of Dorje Shugden were commissioned by His Holiness the 5th Dalai Lama. The Great 5th Dalai Lama also composed a prayer to be recited daily to Dorje Shugden.
Dagom Rinpoche’s previous lives were great masters, scholars and practitioners of Dorje Shugden. Now this new incarnation of Dagom Rinpoche is offering gold on the face of Dorje Shugden in homage and worship to this very sacred statue of Dorje Shugden housed in Lhasa for the last 350 years. This is a very traditional Tibetan method of paying homage to holy images, which is by offering gold with prayers.
The Tibetan leadership wrongly says if you practise Dorje Shugden you will take rebirth into the three lower realms. Hundreds of lamas from the Sakya, Kagyu and Gelugpa schools of Buddhism have practised Dorje Shugden and their incarnations returned. Many of the incarnations are recognised by His Holiness the Dalai Lama himself. So this shows if you practise Dorje Shugden, only benefits come and no harm will come. The very fact Dagom Rinpoche’s incarnation is back, is clear evidence that Dorje Shugden’s practice is beneficial.
May Dagom Rinpoche’s current incarnation live a very long life.
Tsem Rinpoche
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com
YouTube High resolution video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THbGknXcLbo
Trode Khangsar – A 400 year old Dorje Shugden Chapel in Lhasa:
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=92148[/color]
_____
尊贵的扎贡仁波切的现任转世正在拜访拉萨。他拜访了一座供奉给多杰雄登并且拥有350年历史的护法殿”布旦康萨”。他在向这座神圣护法殿里的强大多杰雄登像顶礼。该座护法殿和多杰雄登圣像是由第五世达赖喇嘛指示而造的。伟大的第五世达赖喇嘛也亲笔撰写了多杰雄登的每日祈愿文。
扎贡仁波切的前几世都是伟大的上师，学者兼多杰雄登的修持者。现在扎贡仁波切的现任转世在为这尊已经安奉在拉萨350年并且非常神圣的多杰雄登圣像的脸上供养金漆，以示顶礼和膜拜。这种供养金并祈愿的做法是西藏为圣像顶礼非常传统的做法。
流亡藏人领袖们说如果你修持多杰雄登就将投生三恶道，那是错误的。佛教派系——萨迦派、噶举派、格鲁派的上百名喇嘛们都修持了多杰雄登，而且他们也都转世回来了，而其中有很多转世还是达赖喇嘛亲自认证的。这明显显示了如果你修持多杰雄登，是百利无一弊的。扎贡仁波切转世回来了，就已经是很确凿的证据显示多杰雄登的修持是有利的。
愿今世的扎贡仁波切健康长寿。
詹杜固仁波切
blog.sina.com.cn/zhandugu
YouTube高清视频- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THbGknXcLbo
拉萨400年历史的多杰雄登护法殿—布旦康萨- https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=92148
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
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
Appliqué thangka of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen, who is the previous incarnation of Dorje Shugden. The thangka dates possibly to the 19th Century, and it can be found in Erdene Zuu Monastery, considered by many to be the most important and oldest monastery in Mongolia. In the lower portion of the thangka are Yellow Dzambala, Six-Armed Mahakala and Kalarupa. Learn more about Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s life here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/who-is-tulku-drakpa-gyeltsen.html
Thank you, Rinpoche for sharing this heartwarming accounts of His Eminence Zasep Tulku Rinpoche & Dorje Shugden. The ban on his practice is totally illogical and I highly appreciate H.E. Zasep Tulku Rinpoche’s stance on his practice. He has kept his samaya intacted and kept up his practice given to him by his guru. HIs root guru was His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang, tutor of the present 14th Dalai Lama. His determination to uphold his lineage is admirable & irrevocable. Dorje Shugden practice does not harm anyone and only brings benefit. His Eminence Zasep Tulku Rinpoche’s life and works is proof of this, and that is all that needs to be said.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing the article written about His Eminence Zasep Tulku Rinpoche so that we can learn and be inspired to do more Dharma works and practices, and follow the great examples set by Zasep Tulku Rinpoche, especially remaining loyal, protecting and holding Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden practice close to his heart. Upon reading this article, my faith for Dorje Shugden has become stronger as Dorje Shugden has helped many people with accurate predictions in Tibet through the oracle Lama Gelong Chojor Gyamtso, who was a student of His Holiness Pabongka Rinpoche. Further, many highly attained masters such as Sakya Lopon Sonam Tsemo, Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche, the Great 10th Panchen Lama, Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche and many more, propitiate Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden because Dorje Shugden is the emanation of Buddha Manjushri who only benefits all sentient beings with full of compassion and enlightened energies. Since the ban of Dorje Shugden and Dorje Shugden controversy were orchestrated by Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) due to unjust political reason, we should do our part to protect Dorje Shugden practice and share the truth behind the ban of Dorje Shugden so that more and more people will be given the opportunity to practise Dorje Shugden and will not be misguided by all the false accusations against Dorje Shugden as published by CTA on their website. Everyone deserves to receive the blessing, protection and guidance from the enlightened Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden and gain happiness and peace in this lifetime and many future lifetimes.
Thank you with folded hands,
kin hoe
The renowned and highly esteemed Zasep Rinpoche’s honest and no-holds-barred recounting of the experiences in his spiritual journey through life from his childhood right through to his escape from Tibet into India and his moving on to spread the Dharma in Australia,Canada and the United States makes his autobiography a veritable treasure of true historical records particularly relating to the events leading to the Chinese invasion of Tibet, the Escape of Dalai Lama and great Tibetan Masters from China into India and the events afterwards.
He tells factually and fearlessly the true accounts of how Dorje Shugden had helped Tibet and its people all the way, including the prediction of the impending invasion of Tibet by the Chinese, through the famous oracle Lama Gelong Chojor Gyamtso(a student of Pabongka Rinpoche) . Zasep Rinpoche’s autobiography also corroborates the accounts of the 14th Dalai Lama’s successful escape from Tibet to the safety of India by the monks accompanying him to safety. As he recounted, it was Dorje Shugden, who, through the Panglung Oracle, urged the 14th Dalai Lama to escape immediately and guided him to safety .This, without doubt, shows that it was Dorje Shugden and not Nechung (as the CTA falsely claims), who was the Protector who urged the Dalai Lama to leave Tibet immediately and guided him to safety .
As for why the ban was imposed on the practice of Dorje Shugden, Zasep Rinpoche says that it was engineered by the Tibetan Government to “deflect attention from their utter incompetence in recovering the Tibetan nation”. Zasep Rinpoche has firmly withstood the undeserved backlash of hatred from naive Tibetans duped by their leaders.
Who Dorje Shugden is goes without doubt as Zasep Rinpoche confirms that Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche personally said to him that Dorje Shugden is “…the incarnation of Manjushri, Vajrapani, Mahasiddha Virupa, Sakya Pandita and Panchen Sonam Drakpa and the “protector of the Sakya and Gelug lineage’.
Zasep Rinpoche is an unsung hero, much like Tsem Rinpoche, who will speak up and stand by Dorje Shugden at all cost. Just like Tsem Rinpoche, Zasep Rinpoche holds on to his practice of Dorje Shugden out of Devotion to his Guru who had given him the practice.The truth of Dorje Shugden as the most important Dharma Protector of these times to safeguard Lama Tsongkhapa’s teachings, and the benefits and blessings that the practice of Dorje Shugden can bring to the people of these degenerate times can no longer be held back nor hidden.
An inspiring and harm warming sharing on Zasep Rinpoche. I salute Zasep Rinpoche for being open on his practice on Dorje Shugden and described that Dorje Shugden practice as being “very close to [his] heart.” . It takes courage for being open on Dorje Shugden practice would bring discrimination and even physical harm to the person due to the Dorje Shugden Ban.
Thank you Tsem Rinpoche and team for this good find and write up on Zasep Rinpoche!
Many practitioners of the great Dharma protector, Dorje Shugden are just normal people who find the practice helpful & beneficial. Nothing comes out negatively regarding the practice of Dorje Shugden. Hence, there is no room for illogical ban which hurt many innocent.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing about Zasep Tulku Rinpoche. His biography really inspiring. He has shown that he is very dedicated and devoted Dorje Shugden practitioner because he listen to his guru, he is also2 uphold the lineage and be of benefit to others.
The real reason for Dorje Shugden ban is CTA who orchestrated the Dorje Shugden controversy to deflect attention from their failure to recovering the Tibetan nation. Further more, in 1980s CTA had given promised on a number of occasions to Tibetans that they can return to their homeland. But after 28 years, there is nothing change and Tibetans still remain as refugees.
I’m appreciate Zasep Tulku Rinpoche for his courage to make a stand about Dorje Shugden practice. In his book, it said that how much Dorje Shugden has helped the Tibetan People and Tibetan Buddhism. He even said that is Dorje Shugden exhorted the Dalai Lama to flee Tibet quickly, and the Dalai Lama trusted and acted upon this advice. Thank you to Zasep Tulku Rinpoche for uphold the lineage and bring Dharma to many people.
His Eminence Zasep Tulku Rinpoche indeed has very strong Guru devotion and very devoted to Dorje Shugden. Just like the rest of us, Zasep Rinpoche received Dorje Shugden practice from his Guru, high lamas. On top of that, Zasep Rinpoche has very strong reincarnation line, which again proof that the statement “Practicing Dorje Shugden will reborn in hell” is wrong. There are many statement already proven that Dorje Shugden is not evil spirit. If practicing Dorje Shugden is practicing evil spirit, how can Sakya lineage and Gelug lineage continuously have high Lamas reincarnate until now? Only this statement can already proof that the CTA statements are wrong about Dorje Shugden. What more to say there are many other proves like the Sakya School practiced Dorje Shugden before Gelug school; if Dorje Shugden was evil spirit, why did the Dalai Lama depend on Dorje Shugden when he was exiled from Tibet? And, why didn’t the Dalai Lama subdue Dorje Shugden since The Dalai Lama is the reincarnation of Chenrezig and Dorje Shugden was said an evil spirit? On the other hand, when CTA came out the statement that Dorje Shugden was an evil spirit, they were unable to provide any proves. It was just because The 14th Dalai Lama said the practice has problem.
I hope people will see a clear picture now with all the history, reincarnation of high Lamas, the high Lamas who practiced Dorje Shugden, so that they don’t simply believe CTA’s statement that has no evidence and prove.
It is said that H.E. Zasep Rinpoche’s mother had auspicious dreams and experienced no pain during delivery. This is very auspicious and showed that H.E. Zasep Rinpoche was not an ordinary man just like the Buddha’s life story. H.E. Zasep Rinpoche was enthroned at his young age of 5 years old for its current incarnation of the Zasep lineage.
What is really significant is his root guru was His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang, the renowned junior tutor of the present 14th Dalai Lama. Furthermore, H.E. Zasep Rinpoche is very devoted to his guru and he practice Dorje Shugden sincerely. Also, his determination to uphold the lineage and be of benefit to others.
Thank you for this inspiring article about a great master who is devoted to Dorje Shugden.
Given the ban on Dorje Shugden as perpetuated by CTA, evidence are aplenty as to heavy price that Shugden practitioners had to pay for loyalty to the Protector and lineage. As such, it is really says a lot of the integrity and devotion of Zasep Rinpoche who stood firmly and withstood the unwarranted backlash of hatred for his faith in Dorje Shugden.
Despite such hatred and animosity from his community and beyond, some of which who call themselves Buddhists, Zasep Rinpoche has (i) accomplished way more than any of the nay sayers and haters including CTA (ii) surpass what all of such detractors and haters has ever done in terms of benefiting people. How Zasep Rinpoche has positively impacted the the lives of many is clear from his accomplishments to date.
Sadly, with his illustrious background and ability, Zasep Rinpoche could have done much more (beyond his current achievements) but for the unwarranted ban on Dorje Shugden by CTA that curtails the ability of Zasep Rinpoche (and any Shugden lamas for that matter) to help and be of more benefit to more people.
Hence, to echo the conclusion of the article, it really is the responsibility of everyone who holds the lineage teachers and tradition precious to speak up against the distortion of the truth and correct deformations of the facts in relation to Dorje Shugden.
His Eminient Zasep Rinpoche is courageous, not only he openly admits he is a Dorje Shugden practitioners and how Tibetan leadership has created division and schism amongst Tibetan Buddhists. This requires courage because my Guru Tsem Rinpoche has came out as a Dorje Shugden and ever since receives millions of insults, attacks and even death threat from anti-Shugden groups of people and also strangers who he never meet before.
From Zasep Rinpoche’s autobiography, we know that before the Dorje Shugden ban, all schools of Tibetan Buddhism who live in harmony and early Tibetan refugee camps in India would live, pray and practice together harmoniously. This shows how the Dorje Shugden ban has create disharmony and divided the Tibetan community from many levels. His autobiography also has provided many facts and details on how Dorje Shugden has saved HH Dalai Lama and some of the fact that Dorje Shugden has been practiced in Sakya lineage.
Thank you H.E. Zasep Rinpoche for speaking factually about Dorje Shugden and may you live long and benefitting more sentient beings.
The story of Zasep Rinpoche is very inspiring. He truly a devoted and faithful Dorje Shugden practitioner. I’m sure there will be more interesting stories from other lamas sharing their experiences regarding Dorje Shugden. As more lamas showing up on their practice on Dorje Shugden, more proves Dorje Shugden is not a spirit or demonic practice. ??
His Eminence Zasep Tulku Rinpoche , a Dorje Shugden Lama who brought the light of Lama Tsongkhapa’s teaching to new places and peoples and was recognised as the 13th incarnation of Lama Chubdak, his works of benefited so many peoples and his reincarnation are clear to tell the whole world that Dorje Shugden lama is here to benefit peoples, and yet CTA continuously brand Dorje Shugden as a demon. History witnessed that CTA has only created more schism, segregation amongst Tibetan. It is the time now, more peoples have to step up and speak up to stop CTA to use Shugden issues as to control their peoples and cover their failure and cause more suffering to Tibetans. The immediate action is the Dorje Shugden ban must be lifted swiftly to united the Tibetans and together to work towards a better life.
This article clearly shows that high lama like Zasep Rinpoche also practices Dorje Shugden. The practice was passed down to him by his guru like other high lamas. If Dorje Shugden practice can do no harm to Zasep Rinpoche then whatever the anti-Shugden people claimed were wrong and Dorje Shugden was practiced by their incarnations one after another. Hence this practice is not harmful as claimed by the CTA.
The story of Zasep Rinpoche in this article really warms the heart. There aren’t that many first-hand stories of Dorje Shugden from practitioners because of the ban of the practice by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), and that makes people like Zasep Rinpoche and Tsem Rinpoche very rare to find and come across.
For all the accusations laid on by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and the anti-Shugden camps, there is no shred of evidence that Dorje Shugden practitioners have caused or instigated harm on anyone. In fact, quite the opposite, Dorje Shugden practitioners and Dorje Shugden through the oracles have only acted selflessly for the benefit of others, as we can see from Zasep Rinpoche’s biography.
I especially love the parts about Lama Gelong Chojor Gyamtso, because here was an unknown Dorje Shugden practitioner and another example of how altruistic devoted Shugden followers really are.
After so many decades of the ban, it should be clear that the only “wrong” Dorje Shugden practitioners have done was to disobey His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and for that, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) has demonised Shugdenpas, criminalising them and meting out punishments gone too far, and for too long.
Zasep Rinpoche, in not hiding his belief in Dorje Shugden and being open and honest about the practice is due all respect and applaud.
Thank you Tsem Rinpoche and team for bringing Zasep Rinpoche and his biography to our attention.
Some say how you look outwardly reflects what is inside. I think that rings true for Zasep Rinpoche. His warm appearance is a sign of what he has achieved as a practitioner. It doesn’t fit the definition of what CTA has proclaimed, Dorje Shugden practitioners are criminal out to harm others. Tibetan leadership even made laws that specifically punish Dorje Shugden practitioners. This is like witch hunt in the olden days. Unfortunately the westerners have turned a blind eye to Tibetan leadership witch hunting and discriminating Dorje Shugden practitioners all these years. How can one proclaim peace and non-violence while enacting laws to punish believers. It is pure hypocrisy.
With much perseverance Zasep Rinpoche brought Dharma to many without personal nor political gain. He is a living example of how to devote oneself to one’s guru and never give up on guru’s instructions eventhough Dorje Shugden practice has faced heavy attack and ridiculed from misinformation cooked by Tibetan leadership. The fact that the Dharma centers under him has flourished show there are level headed practitioners and individuals. People who are in for the spirituality not political gain as what Tibetan leadership has been doing all along. It is encouraging news there are now more Dorje Shugden practitoners than ever. Why? Because Dorje Shugden practice is effective for overcoming obstacles and bringing happiness. A Buddha does that, not a evil spirit. The numbers speak for themselves.
I find H.E. Zasep Rinpoche’s story very inspiring. He has done so much to preserve Tibetan culture and to bring the Dharma to people in many parts of the world. In his autobiography, Zasep Rinpoche spoke about the truth behind the Dorje Shugden controversy. It was clearly Dorje Shugden who saved H.H. the Dalai Lama and not Nechung. Dorje Shugden has helped not only His Holiness, but also the Tibetan people and Tibetan Buddhism. He arose specifically as the religious guardian of Lama Tsongkhapa’s teachings. I think it is time Dorje Shugden’s contributions to Tibet and its people were recognised and celebrated. And we should be grateful for genuine spiritual leaders like Zasep Rinpoche for speaking out and defending the purity of the Gelug lineage in particular and Tibetan Buddhism as a whole.
His Eminence Zasep Tulku Rinpoche is indeed a devoted student. No matter what others say, nobody can stop you from practicing what your holy Guru gave. Nobody but the Guru can override the blessed lineages passed down. Why would someone as esteemed as H.E. lie about CTA and Dorje Shugden controversy?
“it was the CTA who orchestrated the Dorje Shugden controversy”. How pathetic it is for CTA to blame everything else for their own failures? If they did their ‘jobs’ well back then, perhaps everyone would still be in Tibet and not scattered everywhere. Instead of uniting the Tibetans, they create more problems and havoc, it’s clear that they are not doing anything to fix it. CTA should do more for their people and focus on the ‘real’ stuff and stop meddling in religious affairs.
Thank you Rinpoche for written this article. It is very nice to read about another highly attained Lama like H.E. Zasep Rinpoche who speaks about Dorje Shugden before and after 1959. What was written in his book are facts that cannot be denied. It’s sad to see the naive Tibetan chose to obey CTA. Dorje Shugden had done so much for the Tibetan, until today after those who had abandoned Him, He with his Buddha nature still helping, protecting the people even those the people had turned their back to Him. It shows that people treasure fame over their gurus and Dharma protector.
Good that H.E. Zasep Rinpoche mentioned about the reason of the ban. It’s very clear that the ban is not about we Dorje Shugden practitioners are Chinese’s spy, not that He is demon nor He will take u to hell, not even He will shorten His Holiness Dalai Lama’s life but it was CTA who created the controversy to reflect attention from their utter incompetence in recovering the Tibetan nation. I have been thinking for a while, why not other deity but Dorje Shugden? After reading this article proven that, In order to create that massive result, they cleverly chose Dorje Shugden who’s was (still now) the majority practice at that time.
CTA created tremendous harm and suffering, mentally and physically towards all Tibetans not only the Dorje Shugden practitioners. Tibetan should wake up and stop being the puppets for CTA. Life is short, not worth creating further negative karma for yourselves..
Being a Dorje Shugden practitioner is not easy since the undemocratic ban as this applies not only to Tibetans but extends to others. Those who choose to come out in the open with their practice face discrimination, character assassinations, online and offline attacks, etc. For someone of Zasep Rinpoche’s standing and calibre, am sure that he has suffered from this ridiculous ban and I applaud his courage for including his relationship with Dorje Shugden in his book.
I pray for Zasep Rinpoche’s ] long and stable life. I hope that more would take his courageous example of speaking out for what we believe in.
Thank you.
This article written of HE Zasep Rinpoche, makes people analyse further into this controversial but yet very interesting saga. How CTA always demonize Dorje Shugden is baffling when you read these accounts of Zasep Rinpoche’s. There is no particular logic as to why the statements made by Zasep Rinpoche is fake. It make sense and for me, it did debunked claims by CTA about Dorje Shugden.
Zasep Rinpoche’s works is truly inspiring. His organisation has benefited so many monasteries and institutions. His devotion shown so much with his determination with his Dorje Shugden practice instead of becoming political right. With his attainment helping so many people indeed show that spiritual attainment it’s achievable and one could make good use of it to benefit many beings in many ways.
Interesting to know from Zasep Rinpoche that it’s Dorje Shugden that help His Holiness the Dalai Lama escape from Tibet. It’s sad to see the fact being twisted by saying Nechung is the one that help His Holiness the Dalai Lama escape from Tibet where else Nechung is the one actually asked His Holiness the Dalai Lama to stay!
If His Holiness were to stay in Tibet, Tibetan Buddhism would have gone. Instead of promoting this protector, CTA has used it as a scape goat to cover their failure. Politic should never get involve in spiritual as it would just taint the pure teaching to benefit all sentient being. The entire ban is just so illogical. How could a protector practice since 400 years by so many erudite masters can suddenly become a spirit worship?
So glad to read about Zasep Rinopoche which show his devotion, speak up for the truth and most of all the preservation of the Buddha dharma.
It is very good to get more information about this great Lama, Zasep Rinpoche. He is now doing a lot of work in Mongolia to preserve and enhance the Buddha Dharma there. Buddha is not Gelug, Sakya, Nyingma, Kagyu, Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana, Buddhas are not boxed or constrained by labels, I say this because Zasep Rinpoche wasn’t always operating within the Gaden tradition, he was a Kagyu lama previously and in this life he also went and trained with Theravadan teachers.
Zasep Rinpoche always gives me the energy of warm whenever I look at his photo. I can only believe that it is a lifetime of practice of generosity who can exude this kind of energy.
It is not easy for anyone to openly say good things about Dorje Shugden. People who understand the politics of Tibet (in exile) would know that by openly saying something which does not conform to the CTA (Central Tibetan Administration) is a career suicide. But Zasep Rinpoche is very brave in openly saying what he is thinking.
Just like my guru Tsem Rinpoche. He openly acknowledges that He practice Dorje Shugden, and since there, the amount of hate speech targeted abused is phenomenon. Has anyone ever wonder, why is there so much hatred towards people who practice a “special” religious? What happened to religious freedom?
I wish Zasep Rinpoche a long life, and may all the issues pertaining to Dorje Shugden be lifted very soon.
Truly An Unsung Hero! Zasep Rinpoche is very brave to write his experience with Dorje Shugden in his biography, most Dorje Shugden lamas keep a very low profile on this. Zasep Rinpoche has also revealed to the reader how the Dalai Lama was saved by Dorje Shugden. Zasep Rinpoche was not the first person who said this, Trijang Rinpoche and other people who were involved in the escape of the Dalai Lama said the same thing. These written words tell the truth that the CTA have turned into falsity as a means for their greed and selfish ends. Everyone should think logically about the ban and not just accept whatever that CTA told them. Thank yhou Rinpoche and writers for another interesting write up! ???
Zasep Rinpoche’s life was an adventurous one. He was born in Tibet in a loving family and raised as a Tulku, receiving teachings from many highly realized Buddhist masters. During his youth, he became refugees where he had to adapt to new values and costumes that is totally different from his homeland. And later he advanced his spiritual mission to bring Buddha’s teachings to the west, benefitting the spiritual lives of people in nine countries.
Zasep Rinpoche’s sincerity and his unshaken commitment to his spiritual practise and his gurus is inspiring. His root guru is His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, who was also the the renowned junior tutor of the present 14th Dalai Lama. He spoke many about his spiritual teachers and the lineage as well as how Dorje Shugden has helped the Tibetan people and Tibetan Buddhism. One very important fact everyone must remember, it was Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche’s wise decision by sending Rate Chowar Rinpoche to consult Dorje Shugden via the Panglung Oracle, a famous Dorje Shugden oracle regarding the Dalai Lama safety. It was Dorje Shugden exhorted the Dalai Lama to flee Tibet quickly, and the Dalai Lama trusted and acted upon this advice.
Zasep Rinpoche was speaking facts-base to defend the accuracy and purity of all the lineage teachings. The distorted facts and unethical Dorje Shugden ban by the CTA which is destructive, segregates, causing disharmony, and corrupted the Buddha’s teachings has to be stopped.
Some of you may have your opinions and perceptions but we should not confuse with facts and truth. We should never be afraid to raise our voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed.
These written accounts by His Eminence Zasep Rinpoche debunk the accusation by the CTA that Dorje Shugden is a demon. There is no reason for Zasep Rinpoche to lie when it comes to mentioning names of people and dates of the events. Zasep Rinpoche did not write only about Dorje Shugden not just about the Tibetan leadership. He writes of accounts he experienced. These written words tell the truth, the truth that the CTA have turned into falsity as a means for their greed and selfish ends.
Zasep Rinpoche born in the eastern province of Kham, in Tibet. He is recognized as the thirteenth incarnation of Zasep Tulku. At the age of five he was installed at Zuru monastary, escorted by thousands in a long procession to receive blessings. Amazing at the age of seven ,he was enthroned at Zuru Monastery and later again enthroned at Sera Monastery where he began his studies with many great lamas. After the Chinese invasion and escaped ,he resumed his studies under great Master Geshe Wangyel in India. After completed his studies he travelled to Thailand as advice by H H 14th Dalai Lama, travelled to Australia, Canada , US and many countries to give teachings . He is well-known in Tibet, Mongolia and India for his energetic relief work . He did helped to provide shelter to homeless families and improved and helped rebuild monasteries.
Zasep Rinpoche is one Great Lama that continues faithfully with his Dorje Shugden practice, speaks the truth of the practice , the preservation of the Gelug lineage and Tibetan Buddhism. Having a strong guru devotion , courage ,great teaching abilities, he is truly inspired by many people around the globe.His autobiography,… A Tulku’s Journey From Tibet To Canada looks very interesting will try to get hold of one .
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this inspiring biography of Zasep Rinpoche.
Venerable Zasep Rinpoche is one of the last of the great masters to have been born, educated and raised in Tibet. He has always stayed out of politics, quiet, does his practice, teaches the Dharma, has no so-called connections with the Chinese. You don’t see him running here and there to connect with this and that lama to make himself famous. And guess what? This distinguished practitioner relies on Dorje Shugden. Now you tell me – why would a senior practitioner of his background, “pedigree” and training feel the need to rely on Dorje Shugden, if Dorje Shugden was an evil spirit? Why not choose from the pantheon of other Tibetan Buddhist protectors?
The answer, to me, is very simple – just like all Shugden lamas who did not give up their commitments, Zasep Rinpoche is one of many who maintained their Dorje Shugden practice because his lamas gave it to him. That’s it. No politics, no wish to disobey the Dalai Lama or anything like that. Just pure and simple guru devotion.
I find it particularly interesting that Zasep Rinpoche is the reincarnation of a Kagyu lama who founded Zuru Monastery. Reminds me of the time Trijang Rinpoche and the Karmapa swapped for one incarnation, with the mind of Trijang Rinpoche taking rebirth and being recognised and enthroned as the Karmapa, and the mind of the Karmapa taking rebirth and being recognised and enthroned as Trijang Rinpoche. It just goes to show that although the outer trappings may manifest differently, or the practices that are focused on may vary from one school to the next, at its essence the four schools of Buddhism are the same. And if a Kagyu lama can reincarnated into the Gelug school, it reflects that there’s no fundamental difference between the two schools in that both are just as valid and complete in terms of bringing you to enlightenment.
And so please, PLEASE tell me again why you think Dorje Shugden practitioners are sectarian and I’ll give you PLENTY more reasons why we are not 😉
Dear Rinpoche
Thank you so much for sharing the life and the amazing efforts taken by a high Lama to preserve the teachings given to him by his Gurus.
It is amazing and Zasep Rinpoche is an excellent example of having unfailing and steadfast Guru devotion.
I am truly inspired by this story and will certainly obtain a copy of the book to read, contemplate and practise what Zasep has demonstrated.
May the ban on Dorje Shugden end immediately
Yours humbly
It is amazing how Zasep Rinpoche’s writing on His Holiness Dalai Lama’s escape to Tibet is very similar to Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche’s writing about the event in his biography. Seem like both lamas are telling the truth and it is not like what Central Tibetan Administration told us about the escape. CTA told us that it was Nechung who advised His Holiness the Dalai Lama to leave Tibet immediately but in fact, it was Dorje Shugden.
It was Dorje Shugden who gave clear and precise instruction for His Holiness’s escape and saved His Holiness’s life. Instead of being grateful to Dorje Shugden, now CTA turned around and accused Dorje Shugden of harming the Dalai Lama’s life. They have no gratitude at all and this shows us their true nature. Just like how they are treating India. After so many years of taking free land, assistance and resources from India, they did not give anything back to India other than a few cheapskates Thank you India events.
When holy beings like Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche and Zasep Rinpoche wrote about Dalai Lama’s escape from Tibet into India, we should trust them because they have no benefit if they had lied about the truth. On the other hand, CTA has all the reasons to lie about it and they are a bunch of selfish politicians that could not care less about the Tibetans in exile. Everyone should think logically about the ban and not just accept whatever that CTA told them.
I’ve yet to have the opportunity to meet the Buddhist master Zasep Tulku Rinpoche in person but my interactions with his students have always been pleasant and Dharmic. This to me is a sign that the lineage masters’ blessings flows through Zasep Rinpoche.
And no wonder because Zasep Rinpoche has remained true to his gurus and steadfast in his vows and commitments. Ignoring political correctness, popularity and reputation, and the risk of public shaming and backlash, Zasep Rinpoche continues firmly with his Dorje Shugden practice and teaches his students by example what it really means to have guru devotion.
His autobiography is a revelation that shines the light of truth on the current lies surrounding the guardian deity Dorje Shugden. I have not read the entire book yet but I hope to soon.
I am appreciative of Zasep Rinpoche’s loyalty and bravery. I know from the experiences of my own teacher Tsem Rinpoche how difficult it is to stand against the Tibetan leadership. Especially since the choice is made not because of personal preference but out of guru devotion, faith and a wish to stand up for the truth and to do what is correct.
It is no surprise that it was Dorje Shugden who advised the 14th Dalai Lama to flee Lhasa immediately and gave directions just as Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, Zasep Rinpoche and Changtso Lobsang Yeshe has attested to
Changtso Lobsang Yeshe, attendant to the Sera May abbot in Tibet in 1959 was sent to consult Dorje Shugden via the Panglung Kuten by Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche. In this video at 4:10 you can see him testifying very well
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1dILwsmwCQ
Ok, can we see this shrine Zasep Rinpoche claims of? Since it seems to be such a popular point of pilgrimage, show us an image, please. While so, how are sure that such restricted protectors that are put up outside are safe? The Bamo Sum are accessible to laypeople, does that, therefore, make them safe to practice?
Pangpuk Monastery, Litang
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing with us the biography of Zasep Rinpoche and the summary of the book. What is very encouraging and important to the Dorje Shugden practitioners in this book is the account of how Dorje Shugden had saved the Dalai Lama. For years, the CTA claims the Dalai Lama was saved by Nechung which is not true.
Zasep Rinpoche is very brave to write his experience with Dorje Shugden in his biography, most Dorje Shugden lamas keep a very low profile on this. Zasep Rinpoche has very strong faith in Dorje Shugden and very strong guru devotion. Due to his faith and his sincerity in spreading Dharma, he has the blessings and assistance from Dorje Shugden to grow his Dharma work. It is very true that Dorje Shugden will help us in our spiritual pursuits, look at those very sincere Dorje Shugden lamas, their Dharma work is always very successful and they benefit many people.
Zasep Rinpoche has also revealed to the reader how the Dalai Lama was saved by Dorje Shugden. Zasep Rinpoche was not the first person who said this, Trijang Rinpoche and other people who were involved in the escape of the Dalai Lama said the same thing. The CTA is a big liar. Their only intention is to use Dorje Shugden as a scapegoat for their failure in getting Tibet back. I hope more people will open their mind to examine the facts, and don’t be misled by the CTA anymore.