Mongolian State Oracle Paints Dorje Shugden
A 19th Century image of Dorje Shugden commissioned by the Mongolian State Oracle, Luvsankhaidav (1871-1918) for use in his temple. It can currently be found in the Choijin Lama Temple Museum in Ulanbaatar, Mongolia. With three round eyes, a gaping mouth and fanged teeth, Dorje Shugden is depicted in monastic robes wearing a lacquer hat and riding a snowlion. As the central figure on this thangka, Dorje Shugden is portrayed in larger proportions than usual, a reflection of his importance to Luvsankhaidav. Click image for high resolution download. Click here for more free downloadable deity pictures.
For over 350 years, Buddhist masters from the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism (Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya and Gelug) have relied on the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden to clear obstacles and create conducive conditions for their spiritual path and that of their students. These high masters all knew that Dorje Shugden’s practice is beneficial so they spread it among their students.
Over time, the practice entered into Mongolian culture, since Mongolia adopted Tibetan Buddhism many hundreds of years ago. In fact, in 1587 Mongolia’s leader at that time, Altan Khan, invited His Holiness the 3rd Dalai Lama Sonam Gyatso to attend a summit. There, they entered into a priest-patron relationship. From then on Mongolians have been great patrons of Tibetan Buddhism.
Dorje Shugden came to be regarded highly and even the State Oracle of Mongolia, Choijin Lama Luvsankhaidav, had a special thangka commissioned for worship in his own monastery. Lama Luvsankhaidav even took trance of Dorje Shugden, one of a few very important protectors. For the State Oracle to have taken trance of Dorje Shugden speaks of the importance the Mongolian people once placed on the protector. They would not have consulted a being whom they did not believe would give them correct advice and bestow the greatest of blessings. The thangka above is the very thangka that Lama Luvsankhaidav commissioned. You can read more about this thangka below.
Thangka Details
Click to enlarge
English: Dorje Shukden (Powerful Thunderbolt)
Mongolian: Dorzhshúgdén
Tibetan: rDo rje shugs ldan
རྩེ་དམར་ཤུགས་ལྡན།
Details:
19th Century
Thangka
149×183 cm
Choijin Lama Temple Museum
The wrathful Dorje Shukden has three round eyes, a gaping mouth and fanged teeth. Attired in monastic robes and a lacquer hat with a skeleton finial, he rides an ornamented snow lion. In his right hand he brandishes a wave-shaped fish knife, whilst in his left he holds the heart and lungs of the enemy. On the inner side of his right arm is an eye.
He is surrounded by his retinue of four deities who embody his tantric activities of empowering, destroying, enriching and pacifying. Amidst the clouds at the top is the empowering deity mounted on a green dragon (Left) and the destroying deity riding a Garuda (Right); whilst at the bottom is the pacifying deity on a white elephant (Left) and the enriching deity on a white horse (Right). On either side of Dorje Shukden is a cham dancer and a warrior hero, and flanking the snow lion is a fully ordained monk and a nude black ma mo spirit. At the bottom of the painting are various wrathful offerings.
Dorje Shukden, an emanation of Manjusri, is propitiated as a protector mainly by the Sakya and Gelug traditions. This image of Dorje Shukden was commissioned by the Mongolian State Oracle Luvsankhaidav (1871-1918) for use in his temple.
The central image of the painting is portrayed in larger proportions than usual, perhaps signifying the importance of this deity to the State Oracle.
Source: Mongolian Buddhist Art, Masterpieces from the Museums of Mongolia. Volume 1 Thangkas, Appliques and Embroideries Part 2 edited by Zara Fleming with J. Lkhagvademchig Shastri (Pp. 892 – 893)
Choijin Lama Luvsankhaidav
Statue of the State Oracle of Mongolia, Choijin Lama Luvsankhaidav, who took trance of Nechung, Tsiu Marpo and Dorje Shugden. Click to enlarge.
“…The principal activity of the assembly was to propitiate the Choijin protector. According to Dashtseren lama, around 30-40 lamas took part in the daily chanting in the temple. Lamas from Züün Khüree were invited to participate in the bigger ceremonies. The invitation of Choijin (Gürtembe) was performed at the beginning of every month and consisted of calling the souls of the three protectors of the Teaching Naichün Choijin [Nechung], Zimur/Zemer/Zemur Choijin (T. rtse-ma-ra/tsi-ma-ra chos-skyong or tsi’u dmar-po, the special protector deity of Samye monastery) [Kache Marpo] and Dorjshüg/Shüg [Dorje Shugden] which occupied the oracle’s body. Luwsankhaidaw became known as an interpreter of Choijin and Luwsanpeljee translated his mystical texts… ..has “The speaker lama, Luwsanpeljee, listened to this, wrote it down and made it known to the assembled people. Of the three guardian spirits, Naichün/Naichin, and Zimur were not very fierce, but Shüg was a very fierce guardian spirit (dogshin sakhius).” So when the guardian spirit Shüg was within him, the oracle took on a very fierce aspect, hopping and leaping about, bobbing up and down and foaming at the mouth.
According to Sereeter, the main tutelary deities of the temple were Jigjid and Damdin, while its main protectors were Naichün/Naichin, Zimur, and Dorjshüg.”
Source: Monastery and Temples of Bogdiin Khuree by Krisztina Teleki (Pp. 171 – 172)
The Mongolian State Oracle Choijin Lama Luvsankhaidav and younger brother of the 8th Jebtsundamba Khutughtu (Bogd Khan). As the Mongolian State Oracle Choijin Lama Luvsankhaidav took trance of Dorje Shugden, Nechung and Kache Marpo.
As the Mongolian State Oracle Choijin Lama Luvsankhaidav took trance of Dorje Shugden, Nechung and Kache Marpo
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More than 350 years, highly attained Lamas have relied on the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden to clear obstacles and create conducive conditions for their spiritual path. Buddhist masters from the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism as such Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya and Gelug . Over a period of time, the practice entered into Mongolian culture, since than Mongolia had adopted Tibetan Buddhism many hundreds of years ago. Mongolia has a long history and connection with Dorje Shugden. Even the State Oracle of Mongolia, Choijin Lama Luvsankhaidav, regarded highly of Dorje Shugden and had a special thangka commissioned for worship. Lama Luvsankhaidav even took trance of Dorje Shugden painted the importance the Mongolian people once placed on the protector.
Interesting read,
thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.
A very priceless sacred Dorje Shugden thangka of the 19th Century. It was commissioned by the Mongolian State Oracle, Lama Luvsankhaidav .As the Mongolian State Oracle Choijin Lama Luvsankhaidav did took trance of Dorje Shugden, Nechung and Kache Marpo, significance the importance of Dorje Shugden ‘s practice at that time to the State Oracle. And they knew that it’s a very beneficial’s practice as over 350 years, high Lamas from the major schools of Tibetan Buddhis have relied on the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden. This Dorje Shugden’s thangka can still be found in the Choijin Lama Temple Museum in Ulanbaatar, Mongolia as to this days.
Thank you Rinpoche and blog teams for this sharing.
Dorje Shugden, an emanation of Manjusri, is propitiated as a protector mainly by the Sakya and Gelug traditions. This image of Dorje Shukden was commissioned by the Mongolian State Oracle Luvsankhaidav (1871-1918) for use in his temple. It can currently be found in the Choijin Lama Temple Museum in Ulanbaatar, Mongolia. With three round eyes, a gaping mouth and fanged teeth, Dorje Shugden is depicted in monastic robes wearing a lacquer hat and riding a snowlion. As the central figure on this thangka, Dorje Shugden is portrayed in larger proportions than usual, a reflection of his importance to Luvsankhaidav. Thank you very much Rinpoche and blog team for this wonderful research and sharing ????????
Thank you for sharing. This depiction of Dorje Shugde is quite unique and I like it. There are many Dorje Shugden followers all around the world, it must be because it is a very beneficial practice.
Dorje Shugden Taking Trance in Peaceful Form
This video has two parts. The first part was filmed in Gaden Shartse Monastery in Mundgod, Karnataka State, South India, and the second part was filmed in Europe.
In the past, Gaden Monastery was home to a very well-known and extremely powerful oracle by the name of Choyang Duldzin Kuten. He was the official oracle of Gaden Monastery and a layman. He was not learned in the Sutras or Tantras, yet he served the monastery very well in his capacity as an oracle.
He took trance of various powerful Dharma Protectors of the Tibetan Buddhist pantheon, such as Kache Marpo, Namkar Barzin, Dorje Shugden and Setrap. In Dorje Shugden’s case, he took trance of both the peaceful and wrathful forms of Dorje Shugden.
As everyone knows, Dorje Shugden arose when a very high lama by the name of Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen, who lived during the time of H.H. the 5th Dalai Lama, took rebirth as a Dharma Protector in order to fulfill the vow he had made in one of his previous lives. This vow was to become a Protector of the Buddhadharma in general and the path of Lama Tsongkhapa specifically. During his lifetime, Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen was known as a renowned logician, debater, teacher and Mahasiddha. As a result of holding his vows, he achieved high states of spiritual attainment.
When Dorje Shugden takes trance in a fully trained oracle, he can appear in two distinct forms, allowing others to not only receive his blessings in person but also free themselves from the emotional baggage that exists today.
In his peaceful form, he appears dressed in the clothes of a high lama. Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche has mentioned this clearly. For Dorje Shugden’s peaceful form, the oracle wears the golden hat of Lama Tsongkhapa and the three robes of a fully ordained monk. While in trance, he speaks like a human would to another human. It is only when Dorje Shugden is entering the oracle and when he is leaving that we see a visible change. At all other times in between, he speaks very smoothly and very calmly. He is able to give initiations, perform rituals and prayers, answer questions clairvoyantly and also do purifications.
For Dorje Shugden’s wrathful form, the oracle wears the wrathful regalia of a high level Dharma Protector. He is not able to remain long in this state due to the wrathful nature of this emanation.
In this video, you will see the famous Gaden Shartse oracle Choyang Duldzin Kuten, who was authorised and blessed by Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang and Kyabje Zong Dorje Chang to be the official oracle of Dorje Shugden. Here you can see him taking trance in the Gyelchen Tenkhang, which was built by Kyabje Zong Rinpoche.
There are many lamas, students and disciples seeking audience, blessings and advice from Dorje Shugden in his peaceful form. You’ll see Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche’s personal attendant Kungo Palden-la, Gangchen Rinpoche and Tsem Rinpoche in attendance.
During the 2nd part of the video, you will see Dorje Shugden taking trance. At [23:34], you can see the Protector entering the oracle as he is invoked. At [33:09], you will see him leaving the oracle after giving advice and blessings to all. As he leaves, he makes prayers for everyone to achieve Bodhicitta.
Timestamps of note in the video:
12.52 – Kyabje Gangchen Rinpoche
13:01 – Tsem Rinpoche
13:09 – Kungo Palden-la, personal attendant of His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche
19.49 – Tsem Rinpoche
21.20 – Choyang Dulzin Kuten in Europe, getting ready to take peaceful trance of Dorje Shugden
32:46 – Dorje Shugden doing prayers and dedications for the benefit of those who sought audience. Here, he is about to leave the oracle’s body.
To watch the video on YouTube click here.
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/DorjeShugdenTakingTranceInPeacefulForm.mp4
A very sacred Dorje Shugden thangka commissioned by Lama Luvsankhaidav from 19th Century, found in the Choijin Lama Temple Museum in Ulanbaatar, Mongolia, tell us a thousands of words . Tibetan Buddhism was introduced from Tibet to Mongolia in the beginning of the 13th century. Lama Luvsankhaidav had taken trance of Dorje Shugden for advice. From the painting Dorje Shugden is portrayed in larger than usual, as it signified perhaps the importance of this deity to the State Oracle.
Proven that many centuries ago , many great lamas have relied on Dorje Shugden as their Dharma Protector. The Tbetan Buddhism from Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya and Gelug tradition have in fact relied on Dorje Shugden to clear obstacles and create conducive conditions for their spiritual path.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.
This thangka is a very important in that century because it lets the people in the temple know about how Dorje Shugden looks
This is a sacred Dorje Shugden thangka drawn in 19th Century. It was commissioned by the Mongolian State Oracle, Luvsankhaidav (1871-1918) for use in his temple. As we know thangka serve as an important teaching tool describing the life of the Buddha, Lamas, and other deities and Boddhisattvas. We can see how significant Dorje Shugden is to the Mongolian State Oracle because Dorje Shugden is portrayed in the centre and larger proportions than usual. This thangka is currently in the Choijin Lama Temple Museum in Ulanbaatar, Mongolia.
This is another fact that Dorje Shugden practice is profound and beneficial not only in Tibet, but Mongolia too. Many highly attained masters, monks from different schools as well as lay practitioners rely on him. If Dorje Shugden is harmful, great masters will not encourage others to do this practice. Great masters will not reincarnate perfectly again and again back to our world to spread dharma life after life.
Thank you Rinpoche and his team who has been working very hard with extensive research. I hope more people will learn to understand deeper about Dorje Shugden rather than immediately judge or to be judged. May Dorje Shugden practice continue to grow _/\_
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