Question asked by JS
Dear Rinpoche, I have heard that Setrap is just worldly protector, and not enlightened. This seems conflicting, I know I have heard you say in a video that he is an emanation of Amitabha? After seeing image of Setrap on your website I suddenly felt a great connection with Him, and would sincerely like to engage in his practice very much (would I need initiation to do this?). But, I’m unsure to whether this would be a good idea, I don’t want to be engaging in any dangerous spirit worship or anything. THANK YOU Rinpoche for your kindness!
Dear JS,
Please visit Gaden Shartse Monastery. This is the home Monastery of Tsongkapa and founded by Tsongkapa over 600 years ago. Setrap has been the protector of Gaden Shartse Monastery since it’s inception. Tens of thousands of High lamas, Abbots, Gaden Tripas, monks, teachers, Geshes, Tulkus have relied on Setrap in the past as they do now. So if Setrap is ‘good’ enough for them it’s good enough for us. Setrap is the main protector of Gaden Shartse.
When you hear rumours or read conflicting information, you should ask yourself:
1. What is the quality of the person/persons/source which starts the rumours.
2. What studies have they done?
3. What source do they get their information from?
4. What could their motive be to share information with you that disparage an enlightened being?
5. How much do they know and show us the text, or source to validate their claims.
One should not be flippant about one’s practice/decisions or always just get doubts so fast. If one gets doubts after thorough investigation then either one has little affinity with a certain enlightened being or one should create more merits, or one should investigate further. Just talk or hearsay sources from here and there are like talking into the wind with no one present.
Many times HH Dalai Lama has visited Gaden Shartse Monastery as he did earlier this year and he joins in our prayers.
All in all, if you have doubts, which is normal for one who has not investigated more and thoroughly, I suggest two things: Take the time, care and responsibility to study more or just don’t do Setrap.
But to infer Setrap is a spirit would be saying the whole Sangha of Tsongkapa’s monastery has been and are wrong. The holy Sangha of the illustrious Gaden Shartse Monastery does not worship spirits.
Setrap is 100 percent the sacred emanation of the Buddha of the Western Paradise, Lord Amitabah.
I wish you luck.
TR