Question asked by M
Hello Pastor
Pastor David Lai on a podcast from the Kechara site stated TWICE that Tsem Tulku allowed some of his students to practice Dorje Shugden as a "YIDAM".
He stated this in his Youtube video of August 10, 2021 titled, "Once Upon A Time With Rinpoche – Rinpoche's Personal Yidam Pt 6".
At roughly the 3:30 minute mark Pastor Lai stated the Tsem Tulku gave out the YIDAM practice of Dorje Sugden. He repeats this again at the 11 minute mark.
Here is the link to Pastor Lai's video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSw_LcHw4S0&t=715s
Could you tell me more about the YIDAM practice of Dorje Shugden and about the sadhana practice Tsem Tulku gave his students.
I pray for the swift return of Tsem Tulku.
Dear M,
Tsem Rinpoche assigned people yidams based on their needs and which practices would be most beneficial for them. Pastor David was referring to Rinpoche assigning Dorje Shugden for people as a yidam, meaning the deity that they should rely on the most and focus on, to be their main practice.
There is no practice or text of using Dorje Shugden as a proper yidam, meaning tantric practices of self-generation, etc. When Rinpoche assigned Dorje Shugden to be their yidam, this was in reference to which deity they should focus on in their practice.
The practice they follow is no different from the standard form of Dorje Shugden practice as a Dharma Protector, it is that they focus and rely on Dorje Shugden more than any other deity. There is no sadhana or practice of Dorje Shugden as an actual tantric deity, only as a Dharma Protector. As an emanation of Manjushri, Dorje Shugden’s practice can be your main practice, though following the standard formula as a Dharma Protector and not a tantric deity. Thanks.