Offerings to the Sangha in India
(By Tsem Rinpoche)
Those who have known me for some time would know that I truly enjoy giving gifts to others to help them in their Dharma practice, and as a way for me to express my care and appreciation for them. And when it comes to gift-giving, one of the things I love most is making offerings to the Sangha.
The act of making offerings to the Sangha is a fantastic way for us to collect merits and a great way to practice generosity, as taught by the Lord Buddha himself. On a personal level, I intend to practice the art of giving until my last breath; I also wish very much to live the life of a simple monk, meditating in a cave in the forest, with as few possessions as possible. Thus, I try to give most of what I receive away, and keep as little as possible for myself.
So… when my students visited the monasteries in India at the end of 2014, I grabbed the opportunity to make some offerings to the monks there; some of them were friends that I’ve known for a long time but have not met for decades. I miss all of them very much and I am so happy that my students arranged to meet them and make the offerings on my behalf.
I had my students bring along a lot of gifts including H.H. Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang’s sungbum, books from Kechara Media & Publications, a few Buddha statues, lots of Buddha tsa tsas, Buddha pendants, vitamins and supplements for the elderly monks and the little monks, and even some local Malaysian beverages that the monks like very much… all of these were to be offered to the Lamas, Geshes and some friends.
My students sent me many photo updates; looking at these pictures of the monks made me very, very happy and I wanted to share them here. I hope that I will always be able to make offerings to the Sangha and to the monasteries, and that everyone else too has the fortune to do this. Making offerings to the Sangha is an act that amasses vast merits… which everyone needs.
Tsem Rinpoche
Making Offerings in India, 2014
Making offerings to H.E. Domo Geshe Rinpoche.
Making offerings to H.E. Lakar Rinpoche (left). On the right is Gen Kunga, the English translator.
Offerings were also made to Lakar Ladrang.
H.E. Kensur Rinpoche Lobsang Phende takes a closer look at the Shakyamuni Buddha statue that was offered to him.
Offerings to H.E. Kensur Rinpoche.
Gen Kunga explains how to consume the supplements to H.E. Kensur Rinpoche.
Health supplements were also offered to Kensur Rinpoche’s assistant, Gen Wangyal.
A 3ft Amitayus statue was offered to H.E. Gyara Rinpoche.
Offering a text by H.H. Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche
Offerings to H.H. the 101st Gaden Trisur Rinpoche’s changtso and ladrang.
Offerings to H.E. Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche’s assistant in Yongyal Ladrang, Serpom Monastery.
Making offerings to H.E. Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche’s changtso in Dagom Ladrang, Nepal.
Making offerings to Khen Rinpoche Gelong Chodak, the Abbot of Phelgyeling Monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Offerings were also made to Phelgyeling Monastery’s changtsos/administrators.
Children’s books were donated to Serpom Monastery
Six different titles were purchased and offered to the students of Shar Gaden Monastery
Shar Gaden Monastery
Making offerings to Shar Gaden Monastery
Making offerings to Geshe Lobsang Jamyang, Shar Gaden Monastery
Making offerings to the present Gekula (disciplinarian) of Shar Gaden Monastery.
Offerings to Ven. Gen Chonzey, changtso of H.H. Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche in Trijang Ladrang, Shar Gaden Monastery.
Offering supplements to Gen Adak, an elderly monk in Shar Gaden Monastery.
Offerings to Ven. Geshe Thubten Tashi, the teacher of Gen Kunga.
Making offerings to Gen Kunga.
Offering supplements to Changtso Lobsang Yeshe, the main assistant of H.E. Lakar Rinpoche.
Offering supplements to Geshe Dorje, another senior and learned monk in Shar Gaden Monastery.
Offering supplements to two elderly monks of Serpom Monastery, who escaped from Tibet to India. Here, Gen Tenzin Jampa is listening to instructions on how to consume the supplements.
Gen Jampa Yonten receives his supplements while his assistant explains their benefits.
Gen Kunchok Palden was the Secretary of Shar Gaden Monastery who was instrumental in facilitating communication with the monastery administrators. I offered him a new handphone so that he can carry out his secretarial duties more effectively. I was also very happy to offer him vitamins for both children and adults for his students and teachers.
Making offerings to Gen Khampa Lama. He was extremely helpful and resourceful when our team was staying in Delhi.
Offering Geshe Kelsang a new phone. He is Shar Gaden Monastery’s driver and works very hard everyday ferrying the Sangha, visitors and guests to and from the monastery.
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If you are in the United States, please note that your offerings and contributions are tax deductible. ~ the tsemrinpoche.com blog team
Generosity is a core practice of Buddhism, and one of the traditional expressions of this is through offerings to the Sangha. Making offerings is a practice for accumulating positive potential and for purifying clinging and miserliness. We must give generously and sacrificially, with the right motivation of bodhicitta, we create unbelievable merit. Sangha are living in a high number of vows and are unbelievably powerful objects. Reading this blog and looking at those beautiful pictures had me understand better what to offer to those Sanghas. Having the opportunity to make some offerings to the Sanghas will be on my list when visiting them in June.
Thank you Rinpoche, for sharing this post.
There are immense benefits of making offerings to the Sangha, and a great opportunity for oneself to practice giving and generosity..Thank you very much for sharing this article that explains the benefits of making offerings to the sangha community.
An amazing sharing of Rinpoche and the ultimate view of offering and the benefit has given me a wonderful thoughts. Every practice and intention which is done sincerely to help other beings and also making offering to sangha are very meaningful. As a results, one will experience the happiness for eons. One should not expect that life would immediately change as different people have different levels of obstruction. For some of us, it takes time before we can see results as its depends to an individuals karma.
A valuable experience of giving offering to sangha and creating unbelievable merit by Buddhism practice is very interesting. The sangha is a part of Buddha’s original teachings and of providing spiritual support for the Buddhist community. This article has given me a very good taught and support of sangha offering.
Mantras are sacred verbalized words that invoke the protection and blessings of the deity to whom the mantra is ascribed. Mantras are also the manifestations of Buddhas in the form of ‘sounds’, hence the various mantras of Dorje Shugden contain the essence of the Protector.
Dorje Shugden’s main mantra 多杰雄登主要咒语
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA SOHA
Dorje Shugden’s mantra for peace 平和咒语
For gaining attainments through the energy of Peaceful Shugden, peace of environment and mind, harmony in one’s abode and dwelling area, and calming of disasters
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA SHANTI SIDDHI HUNG
Dorje Shugden’s mantra for health 福寿安康咒语
For long life, increasing life, healing of disease and protection from diseases
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA AYU SIDDHI HUNG
Dorje Shugden’s mantra for increase 增长咒语
For gaining great merits and increase of all necessary needs, both material and spiritual
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA PUNYE SIDDHI HUNG
Dorje Shugden’s mantra for control 控制咒语
Of worldly deities, negative people and nagas and for influencing friends towards the positive
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA WASHAM KURU HO
Dorje Shugden’s mantra to grant protection 庇护咒语
Visualize that you are in the Protector’s mandala, fully protected from outside interferences. Recite when in danger or for dangerous situations, for protection while travelling or when residing in dangerous/hostile places
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA RAKYA RAKYA HUNG
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videouploads/comment-1544345059.mp4
Dear friends,
Tibet has produced many powerful meditations, rituals and guidelines to help us gain spiritual protection, gain wisdom and higher states of consciousness. In general Tibet has produced many powerful methods for the growth of our spiritual evolution. Dorje Shugden is an angel, a saint, a powerful spiritual protector-warrior who originated 350 years ago when a highly awakened Tibetan Lama fulfilled his vows to become a special being to grant protection, wisdom, material needs, safety when travelling (normal and astral travel) and spiritual awakening. Both the Great 5th Dalai Lama and the current His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama composed short yet effective prayers to invoke upon the power and blessings of this special saint and protector. One can recite either one of the prayers that you feel suits you, anytime or even daily. When you feel a special need for help, you can recite either prayer anytime. When you are feeling down, afraid or just need a blessing, you can recite them. After reciting either invocation, it is good to chant the mantra of Dorje Shugden: Om Benza Wiki Bitana Soha.
You do not have to be a Buddhist or practitioner of any religion to invoke upon the blessings and protection of this special enlightened and awakened angel Dorje Shugden. He helps all without discrimination or bias as he is filled with compassion and love. Divinity has no boundaries, they help all who call upon them.
Enclosed are the prayers in English, Chinese and Tibetan.
May you be safe, protected and blessed.
Tsem Rinpoche
More on the Great 5th Dalai Lama and Dorje Shugden – https://bit.ly/2w7KHv6
More on H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama and Dorje Shugden – https://bit.ly/2QdaL4n
Chapel (Trode Khangsar) built by the Great 5th Dalai Lama dedicated to Dorje Shugden in Lhasa – https://bit.ly/2zBTd8M
—
亲爱的朋友们，
西藏产生了许多有助于我们得到精神庇佑、取得智慧和更高层次之觉悟的强大禅修法、仪式和教诲。总括来说，西藏产生了许多有助于我们在修行上取得提升的强有力方法。多杰雄登是一个天使，一位圣人和一名护法战士。他的崛起始于350年前，当一位高度觉悟的西藏高僧履行本身的承诺，化身为特别的护法，赐予我们守护、智慧、物质需要、出入平安（平日外游和神游时）和灵修上的觉醒。任何人都可以随时随地在任何时候念诵适合自己的祈愿文。当你需要特别的帮助时，你可以随时念诵任何一篇祈愿文。当你感到沮丧、恐惧或仅是需要加持时，你也可以持诵这些祈愿文。在念诵任何祈请文后，你应该接着念诵多杰雄登的心咒：嗡 班杂 维格 毗札那 娑哈 Om Benza Wiki Bitana Soha。
要祈请多杰雄登这位特殊、觉悟和觉醒的天使赐予加持和庇佑，你无需是佛教徒或任何宗教的修行者。他总是没有分别或偏见，充满慈悲和慈爱地帮助一切众生。神圣是没有界限的，圣者会帮助有求于他的任何人。
以下附上英文、中文和藏文的祈愿文。
愿你平安，常受庇护和加持。
尊贵的詹杜固仁波切
更多关于第五世达赖尊者和多杰雄登护法的内容 — https://bit.ly/2zsC3tG
更多关于第十四世达赖尊者和多杰雄登护法的内容 — https://bit.ly/2r4aaDN
第五世达赖尊者为多杰雄登护法在拉萨建造的护法殿（布旦康萨）— https://bit.ly/2zBTd8M
Divination (‘mo’) Text by Dorje Shugden
This is an important divination (‘mo’) text composed by Dorje Shugden himself. Dorje Shugden took trance of the Choyang Dulzin oracle lama, the senior oracle of Gaden Shartse Monastery, and instantly on the spot composed this text within two hours.
The divination text contains information on how to use dice to do divination for the future and is known to be highly accurate. When practitioners use this text, they will be in direct contact with Dorje Shugden to get answers to questions about the future. It is for those who have good samaya with Dorje Shugden and are free of the eight worldly dharmas to be of benefit to others in divining the future.
Tsem Rinpoche
DS-MO-choyang.pdf
All enlightened beings are worthy of homage and worship. They are the best beings to take refuge in and we should offer them our prayers as we can put our full confidence in them. Of all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, I personally find that Manjushri is extremely important. This is because what keeps us in samsara (cyclic rebirth) is our total ignorance and misunderstanding of the reality of existence. What is necessary to penetrate this deep ignorance that keeps us bound in a perpetual state of reincarnation is wisdom. We need many types of wisdom which can be acquired by relying on Manjushri as our yidam (meditational deity). By focusing on his meditation, practice, mantra and path we can gain wisdom in order to have the tool to penetrate the reality of existence. Therefore, Manjushri is an extremely important Buddha for us to focus on and take refuge in.
Tsem Rinpoche
(Photograph: this is the beautiful outdoor Manjushri statue who is in a teaching pose. He is floating above a koi fish pond nestled among lush greenery in Kechara Forest Retreat, Malaysia)
每一位觉者都能成为我们朝拜、膜拜的对象。他们是我们至高、至好的皈依，我们应该向他们做祈请，并且对他们生起全然的信念。在众佛菩萨之中，我个人认为文殊菩萨极为重要。这是因为使我们身陷娑婆（轮回）的是我们自身的无明，以及对实相的曲解。智慧是一种必要，它能穿透我们深不见底的无明，那个使我们受困于无止境投生的无明。我们需要多种智慧，而依止文殊菩萨作为我们的本尊，即能使我们成就多种智慧。透过文殊菩萨的观想、修持法门、心咒及修行道路，我们能成就智慧，拥有了知实相的“器具”。故此，专注于文殊菩萨的修持法门、皈依他，对我们而言都极为重要。
詹杜固仁波切
（相片：这尊户外文殊菩萨像呈转法轮姿。他被茂密的草木环绕，安坐在马来西亚克切拉禅修林的鱼池之上。）
Be blessed with these rare videos featuring explanation and advice about Dorje Shugden practice by His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche in his own voice. The teaching was requested by Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, one of the earliest masters who taught Tibetan Buddhism in the West.
Video 1: H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche Explains Dorje Shugden Initiation and Benefits (With English Subtitles)
Kyabje Zong Rinpoche was an erudite scholar, ritual master and practitioner of the highest degree from Tibet. At the request of Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, one of the pioneers who taught Tibetan Buddhism in America, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche gives clear explanation and advice about the life-entrustment initiation of Dorje Shugden and how to go about the practice and get the maximum benefits in this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzFMvlxAqtc&feature=youtu.be
Video 2: H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche speaks on the History and Lineage of Dorje Shugden (With English Subtitles)
In this video, an erudite scholar, ritual master and practitioner of the highest degree from Tibet, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche talks about the incarnation lineage of Dorje Shugden and how the practice arose, with examples of Dorje Shugden’s previous lives that reveal his powerful spiritual attainments and contributions. This very rare teaching was given at the request of Kyabje Zong Rinpoche’s student, Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, one of the pioneers who taught Buddhism in the West to many disciples since the 1970s.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIzKSJgK618&feature=youtu.be
For more information: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/great-lamas-masters/kyabje-zong-rinpoches-advice-on-dorje-shugdens-practice.html
Many come to Kechara Forest Retreat in Bentong, Malaysia to make offerings and prayers to the increase form of Dorje Shugden who appears like a prince and rides on a golden horse. Many report having their wishes fulfilled and return many times. Am happy to see this. Tsem Rinpoche
You can learn more about this form of Dorje Shugden here: https://bit.ly/2wxQyes
and
See video of this chapel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEK35F_O5Hg
COMPASSION at its best: His Holiness the Dalai Lama explained in Ladakh, 31 July 2018:
“Usually at the beginning of an empowerment there is a ritual to drive away interferences. But I no longer feel it’s consistent to regard some beings as evil forces. At the start of each day I cultivate altruism, but in the evening we say, ‘May the evil forces be driven away.’ There seems to be a contradiction here that I’m no longer keen to comply with. I’m not highly realized, but I have great confidence in the power of Bodhichitta.”
Source: https://bit.ly/2wVsqSb
———————————————-
This latest statement by His Holiness the Dalai Lama is excellent. I fully believe in his compassion and I hope he will fully implement it.
All negative beings take rebirth with negative minds due to deep attachments. The attachments result in negative states of rebirth and angry minds that carry out harmful actions, like spirits or hungry ghosts who can be very bothersome because they are very angry as they died in the state of attachment in their former rebirths.
Indeed we need to generate compassion towards these beings, especially the formless type, as it would be the best remedy to stop their harm. We can recite mantras with love and bless them with it. While reciting prayers, we can meditate on them being at peace. When we generate compassion towards these harmful interferences of the formless type, many of them will calm down and stop their harm and even go away. Some of them, you can talk to them and subdue their harm and they will stop harming completely if they feel your love. That is how you can help them.
Many high masters of India and Tibet generated great compassion towards certain ghosts, spirits or interferers and subdued them in this manner and even made them into protectors of regions. I’ve witnessed this with one of my lamas where he subdued a female spirit that crossed over the Himalayas. After making the spirit promise it will not harm others, my lama gave the spirit a drink to seal the promise.
Since the Dalai Lama has manifested saying Dorje Shugden is negative (although many high lamas disagree), then he can apply this method to Dorje Shugden. He can ‘subdue’ Dorje Shugden by generating tremendous love, prayers and talking nice to Dorje Shugden who will be ‘subdued’. Then people are henceforth ‘free’ to practice Dorje Shugden without more discrimination, segregation and being called degrading names for practicing this protector.
Give peace a chance. His Holiness the Dalai Lama can generate great love towards Dorje Shugden and all the hundreds of thousands of Dorje Shugden practitioners that love the Dalai Lama and miss him like I do. May His Holiness the Dalai Lama bring peace and heal the rift with Dorje Shugden practitioners.
May His Holiness live very long and always be healthy,
Tsem Rinpoche
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com
Reading- https://bit.ly/2wWQGUh
Medicine Buddha puja encourages healing of all levels – physical, mental and emotional healing for those in need.
High resolution file of this thangka is available for download for all dharma practitioners around the world and for those who just want sacred images in their environment. Enjoy, be blessed and share this with others.
Here is the link to free download of this image and many other images: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/downloads/buddha-images.html?nggpage=7
For the first time available, Dorje Shugden and his entourage of 32 asssistants of his mandala.
Dorje Shugden is a powerful protector deity who is also an emanation of Manjushri, a wisdom bestowing Buddha. Therefore, he has great ability to help us to progress further on the spiritual path. He does this by helping us to overcome obstacles and problems for the modern individual.
Due to his enlightened nature, Dorje Shugden is able to manifest 32 deities and within the same abode resides Setrap and Kache Marpo:-
1. 5 Dorje Shugden families or emanations. They consists of the following:-
– Dulzin Dorje Shugden, which performs activities to eliminate inner and outer obstacles.
– Shize, which performs activities to pacify all illnesses and disease.
– Gyenze, which performs activities to increase all desirable material and spiritual wealth.
– Wangze, which performs activities to control difficult people and circumstances.
– Trakze, which performs activities to wrathfully eliminate all insurmountable obstacles and life-threatening situations.
2. 9 Mothers. They represent protection of the five senses and developing control of the four elements. These are all attributes that signify their ability to assist tantric practitioners with their higher meditations.
3. 8 Guiding Monks. They represent the Eight Great Bodhisattvas (Avalokitesvara, Manjushri, Vajrapani, Samantabhadra, Maitreya, Kshitigarbha, Akashagarbha, Sarva-nivarana-viskambini) and they bring about the growth of the Dharma, through the Sangha, Dharma practitioners and Dharma establishments.
4. 10 Youthful & Wrathful Attendants. They represent the ten wrathful attendants to avert inner and outer obstacles. They are beings who are from Mongolia, China, Kashmir, India, Bengali, etc.
5. Setrap. He is a senior Dharma Protector from India and an emanation of Amitabha Buddha. He had enthroned Dorje Shugden as an authentic Dharma Protector. Therefore, he also resides within the same mandala of Dorje Shugden.
6. Kache Marpo. He is not an emanation of Dorje Shugden but he is still an enlightened Dharma Protector in his own right. He was originally known as Tsiu Marpo of Samye Monastery. However, he has placed himself under the service of Dorje Shugden as his chief minister, performing many activities in order to protect and benefit practitioners. Therefore, he stands guard at the main entrance of Dorje Shugden’s mandala. He often takes trance of qualified mediums to speak.
7. Namkar Barzin. He is the reincarnation of an old Mongolian monk and when he passed away in Phari area of Tibet, his spirit was placed as a powerful assistant of Dorje Shugden. He guards and protects buildings and great institutions especially those that benefit others. He rides on a mythical Gyaling animal that resembles a goat but with scales.
These sacred images are available on *Vajrasecrets. They are made of high quality alloy and are one of a kind. They are based on the lineage of His Holiness Panchen Rinpoche’s monastery, Tashilhunpo in Shigatse, Tibet. In fact, the iconography of these statues are based on detailed photographs taken by H. E. Tsem Rinpoche during a trip to Tashilhunpo’s protector chapel. These are based exactly as the 10th Panchen Lama’s personal collection.
Dorje Shugden mandala: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=131570
Dorje Shugden’s benefit and practice: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=62422
Dorje Shugden’s origins: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=106424
Dorje Shugden chapel in His Holiness Panchen Rinpoche’s Tashilhunpo Monastery in Tibet: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=68698
*Stand not included
His Holiness the 10th Panchen Lama
Tibetans commonly refer to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and His Holiness 10th Panchen Lama as the “sun and moon” of Tibetan Buddhism. They are the center of Tibetan Buddhist civilization, which draws to its sphere of influence millions of non-Tibetan practitioners. The Panchen Lama’s incarnation line began with the 16th abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, Lobsang Chokyi Gyeltsen (1570 – 1662). He was bestowed the title of Panchen Lama by His Holiness the 5th Dalai Lama after being declared as an emanation of Amitabha.
After being given the title, his three previous incarnations were posthumously also bestowed the title, making Lobsang Chokyi Gyeltsen the 4th Panchen Lama. He became a teacher to many Tibetans, Bhutanese and Mongolian religious figures, including His Holiness the 4th and 5th Dalai Lamas, and the 1st Jetsun Dampa of Mongolia. A prolific author, Chokyi Gyeltsen is credited with over a hundred compositions, including a number of commentaries and ritual texts that remain central in the Gelukpa tradition today. Along with his role as a teacher of the Dharma, the Panchen Lamas are usually responsible for the recognition of the rebirths of the Dalai Lamas, and vice versa.
The 10th Panchen Lama, Lobsang Trinley Lhundrub Chokyi Gyeltsen (19 February 1938 – 28 January 1989) continued both the spiritual and political roles of his predecessors. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, his contemporary, was even heard to say and echo the Panchen Lama’s own words that the Dalai Lama would safeguard Tibet from the outside while the Panchen Lama would safeguard Tibet from the inside, as he never left Tibet after the political troubles of 1959. He was truly loved by the Tibetans, all the way until his passing. When he taught, thousands of people would attend, not only from his own Gelug lineage, but masters and practitioners from all traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.
At his sprawling monastery of Tashi Lhunpo, he has a special chapel specifically dedicated to Dorje Shugden, where prayers and rituals are performed on a daily basis. In his great omniscience the Panchen Lama held Dorje Shugden as the principal Dharma protector of the monastery. He also personally propitiated Dorje Shugden among other Dharma protectors, and even wrote extensive prayers and rituals to Dorje Shugden. These rituals and prayers are contained within his ‘sung bum’ or collected works, which are provided here. As such a great lama, with an erudite and clear understanding of the Buddhist scriptures, a teacher to millions in both Tibet and China, from an established incarnation line and an emanation of the Buddha Amitabha, he could not be mistaken about his practice of Dorje Shugden.
His Holiness 10th Panchen Lama is known for his composition of commentaries and practice texts that are still in use by contemporary Buddhist practitioners both in Tibet and across the world. One of these is a powerful ritual composition propitiating the compassionate Dorje Shugden.
Upon the request by Acharya Lobsang Jangchub to compose a shorter version of the prayer (sadhana) for the exhortation of activities of Dorje Shugden, Panchen Lama immediately composed an abbreviate form of Dorje Shugden’s Kangsol. This text is entitled “Manjunatha’s (Tsongkapa) Lineage protector Dorje Shugden and five forms wrathful propitiations and confessional prayers and fulfilment of activities rites” or “Melodious sound of Accomplishment of the Four Activities” for short. Once the prayers were completed, he had signs and strong feelings that Dorje Shugden has been working hard to protect the Buddhadharma in general and the lineage of Lama Tsongkhapa specifically.
Mirroring the abilities of one of his earlier incarnations, Khedrub Je, a disciple of Lama Tsongkhapa and master of both sutra and tantra, the Panchen Lama used his compositional skill and poetic prowess to create a masterful sadhana. Worthy of note is a praise in which the first letter of each verse is a Tibetan vowel. Such compositions are rarely seen, and have historically only been used when propitiating senior Dharma protectors such as Palden Lhamo and Kalarupa.
The Panchen Lama also stated that while composing the Dorje Shugden sadhana (prayers) he was filled with a sense of happiness and bliss. He ends the composition with not only his official title but his ordination name, Tenzin Trinley Jigme Choje Wangchuk, endorsing the validity of his work. He composed the sadhana in his own Tashi Lhunpo monastery while in the Hall of Clear Light and Bliss.
See the Panchen Lama’s writings and download: https://bit.ly/2KIfeXb
Dear Kecharians and friends,
Last night, I gave a teaching to a group of people who were in Kechara Forest Retreat. I shared with them the correct way to pray for our loved ones and why we shouldn’t “demand” Dorje Shugden with fulfilling our wishes but let Dorje Shugden decide what is the best outcome. He has infinite Manjushri wisdom beyond our own and we should trust this wisdom. Sometimes what we pray for is not what should be fulfilled. Sometimes what we don’t want turns out to be the better result in the future.
I also shared with them about a beautiful monk, Tsawa Pulthok Rinpoche, who was jailed and badly tortured by the soldiers for 19 years, starting back in 1959 in Lhasa, and yet he has no anger towards his torturers. He was released and had resettled in Nepal where I met him. For the remainder of his life, he spent his time in meditation, retreats and pujas for the public until he passed. He was glowing, happy and very proud of the fact he was a student of His Holiness Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche, which he told me when we met. He did full meditations on Vajra Yogini and short puja to Dorje Shugden daily in his small room in Kathmandu, Nepal where I had to honor to join in his prayers. He told me he was very happy to have his room to do his meditations, pujas and prayers openly. Whatever happened to him, he accepted as part of his karma and he spent much time in prison meditating and quietly teaching dharma to his other cellmates. He was very much respected in prison in Lhasa because he never showed anger, always meditated and consoled others, giving them great strength. He endured much hardship, torture and beatings but he never lost his monk vows. His full understanding of karma helped him not feel any anger or bitterness towards the soldiers. He told me that daily, he would meditate that the karma of others in prison would come to him. That all the torture and abuse he received was so others in prison did not have to suffer this. He said suffering for others was what kept him going and made him be able to endure the pain.
We are not bound by our experiences. We are bound by our choice. I also reminded those were present about the good person inside each and every one of us, and how we should not “bury” this good person with our excuses because the more excuses we give, the deeper this good person is buried and soon the layers of excuses will make it very difficult for us to find this good person. We are all beautiful good people and we should not let it get lost by lying, laziness, lack of integrity and procrastination. We all have a choice. If we have to make excuses, we should choose to make excuses to be a winner. When we win, we make ourselves happy and those around us happy.
The teaching session went well and it was spontaneous, and I requested the people who live and work in and around Kechara Forest Retreat for the talk. We had some good laughs to during the talk.
Thank you,
Tsem Rinpoche
‘If we trust in karma which exists, then there is no reason for anger’.
~ Tsawa Pulthok Rinpoche
“If the Dalai Lama, if His Holiness the Dalai Lama can be harmed by Dorje Shugden, then we might as well not practice Buddhism anymore. If His Holiness the Dalai Lama can have his life shortened by a so-called evil spirit, any evil spirit, then can he be Avalokiteshvara? So on one hand you say, we say, I say, everybody says, he is Avalokiteshvara; on the other hand you’re saying that he can be harmed by an evil spirit… Which one is it? Can he be harmed by an evil spirit or is he Avalokiteshvara? Do you think Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri, Vajrapani, Tara all take refuge in something else to protect themselves from Dorje Shugden? How illogical is that? How illogical of people to say His Holiness the Dalai Lama can be harmed by an evil spirit, any evil spirit or “Dorje Shugden” evil spirit. How is that possible?” – Tsem Tulku Rinpoche
Photo: His Holiness the Dalai Lama, young Tsem Tulku Rinpoche and Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s tutor Kensur Rinpoche Jampa Yeshe
This elderly & innocent monk in India was brutally attacked, find out why. Shocking – https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=163953
DON’T MISS THIS! FANTASTIC NEW GREAT STUFF! High quality videos redressing the misinformation about Dorje Shugden practice and people and the current sad Tibetan situation and why they are losing ground in the world. Powerful and truthful – CLEAR VIDEOS – https://bit.ly/2LJbo35
Nice short video of a new LED signage reminding us of who we can go to for blessings in case of need: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBwrkaKUoH0
Listening to the chanting of sacred words, melodies, mantras, sutras and prayers has a very powerful healing effect on our outer and inner environments. It clears the chakras, spiritual toxins, the paths where our ‘chi’ travels within our bodies for health as well as for clearing the mind. It is soothing and relaxing but at the same time invigorates us with positive energy. The sacred sounds invite positive beings to inhabit our environment, expels negative beings and brings the sound of growth to the land, animals, water and plants. Sacred chants bless all living beings on our land as well as inanimate objects. Do download and play while in traffic to relax, when you are about to sleep, during meditation, during stress or just anytime. Great to play for animals and children. Share with friends the blessing of a full Dorje Shugden puja performed at Kechara Forest Retreat by our puja department for the benefit of others. Tsem Rinpoche
Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbzgskLKxT8&t=5821s
Sakya tradition’s thangka of Dorje Shugden sitting on a throne within his palace with his four emanations and high Sakya Lamas nearby. Tsem Rinpoche
Amazing post!!!!!
Dear friends, For months we have been working on this BEAUTIFUL and meaningful mural in Kathmandu, Nepal. Please click here to enjoy the many stunning pictures of this mural: https://bit.ly/2LgOj8J
Tsem Rinpoche
Antique Pelden Lhamo thangka with sacred Dorje Shugden at the bottom right. Can see Tsongkapa and Guru Rinpoche on the top also. Beautiful and holy.
How can a nun curse someone they do not even know and wish the person to die quickly and be born in hell? What kind of nun is this? Shocking! What more she’s cursing a Buddhist teacher and a monk?! Is this the face of Bhutanese Buddhist?
This is so shameful for her as a nun, her teacher, her monastery, her country and her King. A sangha should not behave in such a manner. A Sangha should carry enlightened Buddha’s teachings of compassion and wisdom to benefit all sentient beings.
A Sangha is not supposed to promote hatred and certainly should not be cursing or wishing another person to die. That wish itself is already breaking one of the vows.
A Sangha is one of the 3 Jewels, an object of refuge. They should not behave like an uncivilized person with so much hate. This is how bad the Tibetan Leadership has spread their lies and hate about Dorje Shugden and Shugden Buddhist practitioners.
Rejoicing to see monks and elderly ones getting supplements and vitamins so they can still contribute their tie to the buddha Dharma.
They are committed to the dharma 200% and they work hard, for the spread of Je Tsongkhapa’s lineage. Happy that dharma people are getting support and help with their works.
Tsem Rinpoche is well known for his generosity and kindness . Rinpoche used to give gifts to people to help them in Dharma practice or to show his care and appreciation for them. Rinpoche also raise funds and supporting the sangha community in many ways. Many people were touched by Rinpoche’s loving-kindness.
We as practitioners are encouraged to making offerings to The Three Jewels because this is a way to practice generosity. The size or value of the gifts is not the main focus but the motivation with a natural expression of loving heart that care for others genuinely.
When we make offerings to the Sangha, we are supporting the sangha community and the dharma to grow. With pure motivation, we create positive results for our secular and spiritual life. The results from such meritorious act can be experienced not only this life, but many lifetimes, many eons.
Thank you Rinpoche for teaching and encouraging us to make offerings to the Sangha as the essence in our Buddhadharma practice, cultivate generosity and able to accumulate vast merits for us to progress further in our practice. After learning from one of Rinpoche’s teachings, by sponsoring and making offerings the Sangha, Buddhism practice, lineage and teachings can be preserved and continue to grow further as the Sangha members can focus in their practice and spread the Buddhadharma teachings to more people, especially for those who have yet to meet or hear about Buddhadharma.
When we learn about the impermanence of our short human lives, practicing the act of giving to others and making offerings to the Sangha can train our mind to be less calculative, more forgiving, less miserly and less worrying about what we have and what we do not have since we have to leave everything behind at the point of our death. As we consistently practise the act of giving, we can gain the peace of mind with motivations to help others because we focus more on others rather than dwelling in our smaller problems compared to those who are less fortunate, always in hunger or being homeless living at the street.
May the Sangha community will be supported by many people and practitioners continuously to preserve and spread the Buddhism practice until samsara ends.
Thank you with folded hands,
kin hoe
Great to see Kecharian follow Tsem Rinpoche’s teaching by doing offerings to Sangha. As Rinpoche mention that doing offerings to Sangha will enable us to gain vast merits which will benefit us in spiritual path.
The offerings items to Sangha can be daily necessities or some holy items. We must remember that Sangha teach Dharma and our offerings help Sangha and indirectly we are helping in turning Dharma wheel. Donors will gain merits on this.
Thanks Rinpoche’s sharing.
Jason
Generosity is a core practice of Buddhism, and one of the traditional expressions of this is through offerings to the Sangha. Making offerings to the Sangha is always an auspicious occasion. Monastics live a simple life style and put their energy into learning and practicing the teachings. The Kecharians who went to India and Nepal have the amazing opportunity to make offerings on behalf of Rinpoche. Since the Sangha are holding so many vows, serving them is an opportunity and amassed HUGE merit over time .
Thank you for sharing those beautiful and precious moments caught on camera.
Offerings to the sangha are powerful acts of giving and generosity that bring trmeendous merits.Tsem Rinpoche does this all the time.
The Sangha is one of the Three Jewels. It is the Sangha who preserves the teachings of Lord Buddha for posterity. They are the living embodiments of these teachings. The Sangha, having taken vows of renunciation of all attachment to objects of samsara, live very simply. Hence, Rinpoche always makes offerings to them through his students and personal attendants. These offerings to monks and high Lamas range from toys for the very young to health supplements for the very elderly. They also include sacred texts like Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche’s Sungbum to Kechara Media Publication’s books, and holy items – statues, tsatsas and pendants.
Great message every Tibetan especially must read!
I was pleasantly surprised to read this comment by Suzy on Tsem Rinpoche’s YouTube channel. Suzy clearly is someone who is intelligent and honest enough to see beyond her own prejudice (borne out of old ties) to recognize the goodness of an important Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl-4lIwxph4&t=11s It is refreshing to see more people like Suzy thinking about the Shugden controversy and seeing gaping holes in the reasons the Tibetan leadership proffered for the religious ban.
Trode Khangsar Chapel in Lhasa, TibetOver 400 years ago a great and learned lama Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was famed in Mongolia, Tibet, Nepal and China for being very saintly and compassionate. He resided in his residence (Zimkhang Gongma Ladrang) in Drepung Monastery. His root guru was H.H. the Omniscient 4th Panchen Lama and his close dharma brother was the 5th Dalai Lama.
The 5th Dalai Lama and Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen had a very close and dharmic relationship and often went to receive teachings together from the 4th Panchen Lama. They were close in age. They both became very learned and well known. During this time, the Dalai Lama was enthroned as a Dharma King of Tibet. But more people went to see Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen for teachings, initiations and divinations. This made the attendants of the 5th Dalai Lama feel threatened that Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s fame might usurp the power of the 5th Dalai Lama. So they had a khata forced down his throat. At that moment, Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen dissolved his psychic winds and generated the wish to be a great guardian of Buddha and Tsongkapa’s teachings. As his consciousness dissolved, he entered ‘bardo’ as a dharma protector of the highest order (jikten depey sungma). Many signs were seen throughout Lhasa at this time and the earth was said to have shaken in Lhasa. This event was already predicted to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s previous incarnation when he was one of the 8 main disciples of Lord Tsongkapa the Supreme Master and he served Tsongkapa directly by building Gaden Monastery.
When the 5th Dalai Lama heard what his scheming and power-hungry attendants had done, he was very distressed. He was very sorry Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was murdered and dishonored as he was a great dharma master. The 5th Dalai Lama composed an apology to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen. In Lhasa, tens of thousands gathered for the cremation of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s holy body. During the cremation, the 5th Dalai Lama’s apology was read out at which flames spontaneously arose from the body of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen commencing the cremation. From the body, during cremation, a powerful whirlwind of smoke tunneled into the sky for all to see as this was an indication Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s consciousness has arisen as the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden. The Dharma Protector Setrap immediately recognized this new protector Dorje Shugden and ‘enthroned’ him as a powerful Dharma Protector in the realm of the Buddhas. From this, Setrap and Dorje Shugden are closely connected and very close working hand in hand always. After the cremation, the great 5th Dalai Lama built a Dorje Shugden chapel on the spot the cremation took place and named it Trode Khangsar. The 5th Dalai Lama commissioned the statue of Dorje Shugden in this chapel and had monks installed in the chapel to do continuous propitiations to Dorje Shugden. Trode Khangsar Chapel was a commemoration to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen who was wronged and also a celebration of his consciousness arising as the World Peace Peace Protector Dorje Shugden.
This Trode Khangsar Chapel still exists now in Lhasa where many make pilgrimages there. It is in good condition and was recently renovated. It is over 400 years old and a testimony to the respect the Great 5th Dalai Lama had to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen who arose as Dorje Shugden.
I have visited this holy chapel in Lhasa years back. I’ve never heard of it till I was in Lhasa and by chance, I was told about it which I was happy to visit. I could not find the place but strangely a bunch of pilgrims from Amdo told me they would show me how to get there in Lhasa.
This short video is a short clip of this holy Trode Khangsar Chapel in Lhasa today commemorating Dorje Shugden, built by the great 5th Dalai Lama. The great 5th Dalai Lama even composed a prayer to Dorje Shugden which is still available today and we can recite to invoke the blessings, protection, and assistance of World Peace Protector Dorje Shugden.
Tsem Rinpoche
Read more: Trode Khangsar – A 400-year-old Dorje Shugden Chapel in Lhasa
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/dorje-shugden/trode-khangsar-%E2%80%93-a-400-year-old-dorje-shugden-chapel-in-lhasa.html
Short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTybDwTeLAM
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The 5th Dalai Lama’s Prayer to Dorje ShugdenHUM
Though unmoving from the sphere of primordial spontaneity,
With wrathful turbulent power, swifter than lightning,
Endowed with heroic courage to judge good and bad,
I invite you with faith, please come to this place!
Robes of a monk, crown adorned with rhinoceros leather hat,
Right hand holds ornate club, left holds a human heart,
Riding various mounts such as nagas and garudas,
Who subdues the mamos of the charnel grounds, praise to you!
Samaya substances, offerings and torma, outer, inner and secret,
Favourite visual offerings and various objects are arranged.
Although, previously, my wishes were a bit dense,
Do not stop your powerful apparitions, I reveal and confess!
Now respectfully praising with body, speech, and mind,
For us, the masters, disciples, benefactors and entourages,
Provide the good and avert the bad!
Bring increase like the waxing moon in spiritual and temporal realms!
Moreover, swiftly accomplishing all wishes,
According to our prayers, bestow the supreme effortlessly!
And like the jewel that bestows all wishes,
Always protect us with the Three Jewels!
From: http://www.dorjeshugden.org/practice/the-5th-dalai-lamas-prayer-to-dorje-shugden
Tibetan prayer from: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/dorje-shugden/the-14th-dalai-lamas-prayer-to-dorje-shugden.html
Wonderful photos and very happy Kecharians
It is very heart warming to see the Kecharians making offerings to the sangha in India.Giving is caring and we can collect merits in away.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this article.
Rinpoche said making offering is one of the essential preliminary steps of Buddhist practice. When practiced in itself, it is a basis of merit or wholesome kamma. When coupled with morality, concentration and insight, it leads ultimately to liberation from samsara, the cycle of repeated existence.
There are immense benefits of making offerings to the Sangha, and a great opportunity for oneself to practice giving and generosity. These monks have spend their whole life in learning the dharma and serving others. Over the years when getting older, their body deteriorated also, on top of that, they are staying in a simple place, without much facilities. Whenever we have the opportunity, we can always offer something special like food supplements and vitamins, and of course material offering as well. Its very nice to have more people making offerings taking care of the monks to thank them for their kindness, and life long serving dharma for the benefits of others.
Thank you everyone who represented Rinpoche and KECHARA on this trip. This was just one of countless occasions when Rinpoche has made offerings to the monasteries. Over the years, Rinpoche has quietly and privately rendered financial and physical assistance to the monasteries and monks, the sponsorship of which amounts in the millions. This has come in the form of sponsoring teachings, sponsoring robes, sponsoring statues, sponsoring renovations, sponsoring medical treatment, sponsoring vitamins and supplements, sponsoring further education…
Rinpoche does not discriminate the recipients and if they are genuine cases who really need help, whether or not they have scorned or hurt Rinpoche in the past, Rinpoche will still help. Rinpoche does not seek recognition and Rinpoche keeps his word – when Rinpoche says he will raise funds for something, Rinpoche always fulfils his promises.
To me, all of this reflects the proper attitude of making offerings to the Sangha which is interesting because Sudatta, who is the father of Magadha Sangmo (Rinpoche’s 1st incarnation), is touted as the model example of a sponsor of the Three Jewels, demonstrating the correct attitude of making such offerings. Imprints really do carry through from lifetime to lifetime!
Below are some other occasions when Rinpoche has sponsored the Sangha.
(1) Making Offerings Shar Gaden Monastery
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=56569
(2) Assisting Khensur Rinpoche Jetsun Lobsang Phende
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=56870
(3) Manjushri Initiation in Gaden Shartse
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=11196
(4) Photo Album: Malaysia – Journey To Gaden
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=16124
Making offerings to the sangha is a very meritorious act of generosity and preservation of the Buddha dharma. Without the sangha community who dedicate their lives to learning, practicing and creating teachers of Buddhism, Buddha’s teachings will be lost forever.
Everyone involved in making offerings in the monasteries on behalf of Rinpoche were very fortunate. They also had the opportunity to meet the monks whom are friends of Rinpoche.
There is another article in this blog that explains the benefits of making offerings to the sangha community.
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/students-friends/bangkok-monks-and-why-make-offerings.html
For lay people, the sangha is a merit field and it is important to perform dana, that is, to make offerings to them. In fact, they are accepting our offerings out of compassion and we gain merits which we need very much. Making offerings of material things is a training in overcoming miserliness and through this practice, we can increase our thoughts of giving to higher levels.
《掌中解脱》的第二十天有提到，如想成佛，一定要以菩提心作为持修中心。仅有菩提心是不够的，必定要学习菩萨行。也就是说必须双修福德与智慧这两种资粮。而布施波罗蜜是其中一个重要的持修。
尊贵的仁波切就有具备和身体力行的做到了布施波罗蜜。仁波切不只是传授佛法予亲近的弟子们，而且是世界各地。只要打开电脑或手机，有网络互联的地方，就可以阅读仁波切的博客。
除了法施，尊贵的仁波切也时常布施予出家人或僧团（包括了甘丹寺）。除此以外，在仁波切的启发下，克切拉切香积厨的成立是不以宗教、种族或文化区分的帮助任何一个有需要的人。除了这些，还有更多更多仁波切所做的善事不能在此一一说出。
仁波切所做的一切，其实是一个提示给我们。我们要活的简单，想要拥有的东西越少就越好。因为当死亡来临时，我们是带不走任何世俗的东西。
感谢仁波切的分享。祈愿仁波切法体安康，常转法轮。_/\_
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for sharing this update to us. It is very heart warming to see that fellow Kecharians are making offerings to the Rinpoches and sangha community at Shar Gaden.
Rinpoche had always urge us to practice generosity which is one of the six perfections. Through giving, we think less of ourselves and in this case , we can gain many many merits because the sangha community is the one who live solely for dharma.
Humbly,
Chris
Looking through the photos and reading the caption underneath each photo are sheer joy because we get to witness Rinpoche’s loving kindness and generosity towards the Lamas and Sanghas in India. All the gift items are both practical and meaningful; for example: the supplements to the elderly and juniors, and the handphones to the secretariat and driver, and the English books and sutra for the community, as well as children book for the young monks. I hope more of us will be inspired to contribute to the Sangha community.
Thank You very much, Rinpoche, for sharing these wonderful photos. They are very inspiring.
Humbly, bowing down,
Stella Cheang