Question asked by Bao
Hello Pastors!
I have read one of miracle stories from Rinpoche and I have one questions:
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/behind-the-scenes/miracles-of-tsem-rinpoche-5.html
Tsem Rinpoche always recommend two Dharma Protectors is Lord Setrap and Lord Shugden to everyone but why this time he is recommend Mother Magzorma for Wong Kok Peng?
I have heard from Pastors due to our karmic link that Lord Setrap and Lord Shugden will more closer and it's easy able to reach to help us than Mother Magzorma.
I just suprise through many stories from Rinpoche but this is first story that I have seen Rinpoche recommend Mother Palden Lhamo for someone.
Could you explain this for us?
How we know which kind of Dharmapala good for specific persons in first time? When they are not close to any high Lama or master.
Thanks.
Dear Bao,
Thank you for your question. Sometimes Tsem Rinpoche used to recommend various other Dharma protectors apart from Dorje Shugden and Setrap. In such cases, it is because that particular deity could help overcome very specific issues that person was facing in a swifter manner than other Dharma protectors due to karmic affinity.
Generally, Tsem Rinpoche heavily recommended Dorje Shugden and Setrap because they extremely effective and quick, because they are closer to us, as you mentioned. However, Rinpoche also recommended the practices of any enlightened Dharma protector, as they are all beneficial.
Here in Kechara, our main Dharma protector practice (both in terms of pujas and personal daily practice) is Dorje Shugden, but we do engage in the pujas of other Dharma protectors also. If, for whatever reason, you feel a strong connection or affinity with another Dharma protector, Tsem Rinpoche’s advice was to practice that deity.
However, Tsem Rinpoche also mentioned that in order to really benefit from a Dharma protector’s practice, you need to engage in the practice daily without fail. You can setup a nice altar to the Dharma Protector and make daily offerings, then engage in the practice. Once you choose a Dharma Protector practice, you shouldn’t switch back and forth, because then you won’t develop a close relationship with either of them.
Traditionally, the full practice of Dharma protectors is not usually open to be practised by everyone. Dorje Shugden and Setrap’s practice is different in that sense. Usually, you would require higher tantric initiation before teachers would recommend other Dharma protectors. However, some prayers that can be practiced by anyone can be found here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/prayers-and-sadhanas/sadhana-prayers.html
The Dharma protector prayers that you can find in the link above include short prayers to Sengdongma, Palden Lhamo (if you find you have a stronger connection to her), Kalarupa and Setrap.
So in general, we recommend the practice of Dorje Shugden, however, if feel a stronger conenction with the other Dharma protectors mentioned above, of course, you can engage in their practice. I hope this helps.