Question asked by Winnie
Happy New Year Rinpoche! I read on the internet that according to the Dalai Lama, a completely enlightened being can never manifest through an oracle. On the other hand, Setrap is considered an enlightened being (an emanation of Amitabha), and I understand that he is consulted through an oracle at Ganden Shartse. Does this represent a point of disagreement within the Gelugpa tradition? Thank you!
Dear Winnie,
Good question.
1. Enlightened beings can manifest as unenlightened appearing beings. They can manifest as a bridge, food, water, prostitute, father, mother, horse, bird etc. Although the current emanation may not appear enlightened, their nature is enlightened.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama is an emanation of Chenresik. Yet in his current form he has the four elemants and manifests sickness, ageing, exhaustion, anger and happiness. Although he appears ordinary, his mind is not.
Similarily, Setrap is manifestation of Amitabah. Setrap’s appearance is that of a wild ‘Tsen’ class of beings, but his mind is enlightened. Being that his mind is enlightened, he can appear in any form (enlightened and unenlightened) to whatever suits the beings. Setrap although appears in wordly form is enlightened. So yes he can take trance of a qualified medium monk or oracle.
2. Setrap has been worshipped/propitiated/relied upon by many sages, monks, geshes, Tulkus, teachers, mahasiddhas of Gaden and Drepung. In current day Drepung Loseling Monastery (Nyagre Khangtsen) upholds his worship and propitiation monthly. So for the last 600 hundred years Setrap is the primary protector of these institutions. There are whole regions (Drayab, Kham, Tibet) that have relied on Setrap for centuries as assigned by the high incarnate lamas of their regions. These great institutions such as Gaden and Drepung brimmering with attained masters have chosen Setrap and I think we can rely on their decision.
If you rely on Setrap, you can never go wrong.
Tsem Rinpoche