Question asked by Patrick
Hello dear friend
(1) If we forgive someone for the things they've done to us, does this purify the karma of them hurting us?
(2) I was reading the lamrim and found that ant form of non-vaginal sex was considered sexu misconduct, is there any commentary/reason that explains why this is?
(3) Dorje Shugden was recognized as a wordly protector by the Sakyas because they were within the GYALPO sum, how could it be possible for one school to see a being as enlightened while another as UN-enlightened? This is also the same with Setrap
(4) Do you have a Setrap torma offering prayer?
Thanks
Dear Patrick,
1. Forgiving someone does not purify the karma that they collected by hurting us in the first place. Though it does lessen the effects of the karma that they will experience because the pain that they caused us is lessened when we forgive them. Forgiveness however, is not about that other person but ourselves, and how we can let go of emotions that lead ourselves to create negative karma.
2. In regards to the Lamrim teachings, we should put the teachings into context. There is no commentary to explain this, however I believe that the sexual organs of our physical body are such that their function is procreation, which necessary involves a man and woman and one method. However, this is quite a strict rendering of sexual misconduct. Tsem Rinpoche had a more applicable explanation of what we should consider sexual misconduct in the world we live in today, which is not to harm others through sexual activity, whether physically or emotionally.
3) Yes, Dorje Shugden was recognised as part of the Gyalpo Sum, together with Setrap and Tsui Marpo (who later became Kache Marpo). Actually the term Gyalpo does not necessarily mean that the protectors are worldly, instead we believe they are enlightened beings emanating in the worldly form. Just like the Dalai Lamas and Karmapas are said to be emanations of Chenrezig. If you read the actual propitiation prayers from the Sakya tradition, it’s clear that very renowned Sakya Trizins considered Dorje Shugden to be enlightened. Dorje Shugden is still practiced within the Sakya tradition, even though not widely known, due to the political issues surrounding his practice. You can read more about Dorje Shugden in the Sakya Tradition here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/the-sakya-lineage-dorje-shugden.html
4. Setrap’s Torma Offering is included in the Medium-Length Setrap Puja. You can find this in the Setrap practice boxset available here: https://www.vajrasecrets.com/setrap-box-set-english. Also included is the Short-Length Setrap puja book, tsatsa and a book about his practice. Unfortunately, I do not have a soft copy of this prayer. I hope all these answers help.