Dear Demian,

Thank you for your question. In regards to Yamantaka, he is not considered a Dharma protector within the Gelug tradition but a Yidam or meditational deity. This means that through Yamantaka’s practice we can actually achieve enlightenment. This is different to a Dharma protector, whose role is to aid us in practicing the Dharma. Similarly, depending on the form of Hayagriva he is either a Yidam or Dharma Protector. The others you have mentioned are all Dharma protectors.

Dharma protectors cannot be used or called upon for the purposes of black magic, this would go against their very nature if they are enlightened beings or against their vows if oath-bound worldly beings. Yes, it is written that Vajrapani destroyed enemies and Yamantaka also destroyed the lamas opposing his practice. However one must realise that the reasons for doing so were based on pure compassion for all sentient beings and not for reasons of self-gain, which is what black magic is used for.

I am not sure exactly which story you are referring to in the case of Vajrapani. However in the case of Yamantaka, these lamas were actually killed for the greater good, which was the spread of Yamantaka’s practice, through which many people gained enlightenment and will gain enlightenment in the future. In fact it is said that the lamas that were killed, actually manifested this situation so that Yamantaka’s practice would be accepted in Tibet. They were part of a plan involving enlightened beings, so that the practice could benefit others.

In regards to self-exorcisms, I do not know of any such procedure although they may appear in Highest Yoga Tantra. However, when engaging in Tantric practice since you become the deity, you can protect yourself from any negative entities that may seek possession of a person. However, for those who do not have Tantric initiation, the best way to avoid possession would be the practice of a Dharma protector. For example the practice of Trakze, the wrathful form of Dorje Shugden, is known to bestow very powerful protection against spirits, black magic and possession. You can find out more here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/trakze-to-dispel-black-magic-spirits.html.

The mantras you have asked for are not usually practiced without a Guru’s permission. In regards to Rahula, you can read more about him here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/dharma-protectors-of-tibetan-buddhism.html. I am not sure if Bon deities have mantras as Bon is a different tradition than Buddhism and its various practices.

Goosebumps when meditating doesn’t necessarily mean that you are being haunted, a lot of people have different physical sensations when they meditate. On the other hand it doesn’t mean that you have reached a stage of awakening, it is just something that can happen. You can read about the various stages of spiritual awakening, such as the levels of a Bodhisattva, in the Ten Stages and Paths of a Bodhisattva. If you are still worried about this, you can engage in the practice of Trakze, following the link above. I hope that helps.

Thank you.

Dear Demian,

You have asked a good question. Unfortunately the only way that you can help your cousin end his lust is by helping him understand the faults and dangers that this behaviour can lead to, such as addiction. This can escalate to the point that it damages relationships with those around him.

The Buddha taught that emotions such as lust, make people behave in ways that can damage them and create more negative karma. This keeps us within samsaric existence, as unenlightened beings. The only key to understanding how these emotions affects us, and then overcoming them is through our own effort. This is achieved through various practices and meditations in Buddhism.

Though there are no methods that you can engage in to destroy lust for your cousin, you can engage in practices that may make him more receptive to understanding that his lust can be damaging. For example you can engage in the practice of Dorje Shugden and ask him to help to transform your cousin’s mind for the better. I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Dear Demian,

Please refer to my answer below. I have answered this in my reply to your previous question. Thank you!

Dear Demin Choi,

Thank you for your question. I am happy to read that you are practicing Dorje Shugden. This practice is very beneficial and will help you in your studies as well, since he is an emanation of Manjushri, the Buddha of wisdom.

Here is a link that might be of interest to you: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/dharma-protectors-of-tibetan-buddhism.html. This post details just a few of the various Dharma protectors in Tibetan Buddhism, which you may find interesting and useful.

Kalarupa and Yama are not the same being. Although sometimes you will see that Kalarupa is called Yama Dharmaraja, which may cause some confusion. Kalarupa is an emanation of Manjushri, just like Dorje Shugden. You can read more about Kalarupa on the post I mentioned above. Yama on the other hand, is the god of death. If you are familiar with the wheel of life depiction in Tibetan Buddhism, you will see Yama holding the central image, which depicts the six realms of existence. I’ve included an image of the wheel of time, for you if you have not seen it before.

In regards to the oracle called Khandro-la, it is actually the Tseringma goddesses that take trance and not Palden Lhamo. Palden Lhamo, is the emanation of the Buddha Saraswati. You can also read more about Palden Lhamo on the post I mentioned above. This oracle is actually known as the Tenma oracle, as she takes trance of the 12 Tenma goddesses. Tseringma is actually one of these 12 goddesses. They are very powerful goddesses who were bound by oath to protect the Dharma and practitioners by Guru Rinpoche, when he travelled to Tibet. Though they are not enlightened, they are very high level practitioners as they serve the Dharma and are part of the extended retinue of Palden Lhamo.

You can contrast this to the entourage of Dorje Shugden – the Nine Mothers, Eight Guiding Monks and the Ten Youthful and Wrathful Attendants, who are actually emanations of Dorje Shugden himself.

There are many reasons why some deities in trance can give false prophecies. The accuracy of the prophecy depends on many factors including the level and abilities of the deity taking trance, the ability of the oracle to take trance and speak, and the karma of those who receive the message from the deity. However in your example, it would not mean that Palden Lhamo is false or wrong in any way. Palden Lhamo is an enlightened being for sure, whereas the Tenma goddesses are not. Therefore if this oracle were to give false prophecies, this would not negate the enlightened state of Palden Lhamo.

The Gadhong Oracle takes trance of Shing Cha Chen, who is a form of Pehar Gyalpo, one of the primary spirits that were bound by Guru Rinpoche in Tibet. Shing Cha Chen is also known as the King of Qualities. You may also know Pehar Gyalpo as Nechung, although this is the name of another Oracle, who takes trance of Dra Lha Kye Chigbu who is also known as Dorje Dragden or the King of Activities. You can read more about Pehar Gyalpo here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/nechung-the-retiring-devil-of-tibet.html.

In regards to self-initiation, out of the three deities you mentioned, only Yamantaka has a self-initiation practice. This is only taught and engaged in after receiving the complete initiation and then entering a Yamantaka retreat with concluding fire puja. Self-initiation is not something that a practitioner engagesin to receive the empowerment for the first time. It is engaged in to strengthen one’s already existing practice, and by a Guru prior to giving the actual initiation to their own students.

For Vajrasattva, as a standalone practice there is only the type of initiation given by a Guru to their disciples. However, Vajrasattva can be included as part of other initiations, especially the Higher Yoga Tantra practices. For Dorje Shugden, there is no initiation as per meditational deity (yidam) practices, like Yamantaka and Vajrasattva. However, there is a life-entrustment initiation, which you can read more about here: http://www.dorjeshugden.org/blog/dorje-shugden-life-entrustment-initiation.

You do not need to take initiation to begin a daily practice. In fact before taking initiation, you need to have a very strong understand of the basics of Buddhist practice. You can engage in the daily practice of Lama Tsongkhapa and Dorje Shugden, to begin with. This is a very beneficial practice, but you should remember to ask your parent’s permission first to start this. It is important to respect and have a good relationship with our family.

In regards to making offerings, you can start by making setting up a simple altar and offering water. This is very good way to generate merits and is a good place to start. You do not need a vajra and bell to make these offerings, as a vajra and bell are used in rituals and prayers, and not while making physical offerings. Here is a short video that may be useful to you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9690NrZ284. It was one of the first videos that I ever saw from Kechara and helped me set up my own altar. Please also remember to seek your parents’ permission before setting up an altar.

Since you are new to Buddhism, if I may suggest that you read the articles on this blog to increase your knowledge. If you have any questions you are more than welcome to post them here. I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Dear Jason,

Thank you for your question. I have not received any Higher Tantric Yoga initiations, so I am not qualified to answer this question. However, I am sure that there are methods of practicing both stages without outwardly appearing to be practicing. This is because Higher Tantric Yoga is an internal method, and one that is usually practiced with a lot of humility.

I would like to suggest that you explain the situation to your Guru that gave you the Chakrasamvara initiation, and ask for his or her advice on how to proceed. They will be able to guide you in the specific techniques that you can use. When it comes to tantric practice it is always best to go to the source from which you received the practice. This is a part of Guru devotion, which is integral in the practice of tantra. I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Dear Sage,

The Monkey and Snake signs have a 57% compatibility rate. You can read more about relationship compatibility for the Monkey sign here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/horoscopes/relationship-compatibility-for-the-monkey.html

I have pasted the relevant section from this page below.

MONKEY PARTNER + SNAKE PARTNER: 57%

Both signs are scheming and competitive. The relationship can turn into a battle of wills and wits. The Monkey will provoke the Snake’s anger easily and since the Snake is not forgiving, the Snake will disapprove of the Monkey quickly. The Monkey will always find ways to challenge the Snake while the Snake is ambitious and is set on having his way. Quite a lot of effort may be needed to sustain this relationship as both are naturally jealous and suspicious. The Monkey is outgoing, innovative and energetic while the Snake is motivated, sophisticated and persevering.

Even when each has their own positive attributes, they tend to expose the weaknesses of one another. They seem to bring out the worst in each other. For this relationship to work, both will have to be mutually genuine and upfront.

Dear Jacqueline,

Thank you for your question. I am happy to read that you have experienced positive changes in your life through daily practice. The practices on this blog can have a very positive effect in one’s life if practiced with sincerity, which it seems that you have. I am very happy that this blog has made a positive imprint in your life.

It is entirely up to you if you would like to carry on as you are or join the Dzogchen centre. However you may want to keep some points in mind. If, in your heart, you have accepted His Eminence the 25th Tsem Rinpoche as your Guru, then you should carry on as you are. You can always contact the Kechara pastors if you have any questions or need guidance in your spiritual path.

Secondly, the Dzogchen centre most likely follows the Nyingma tradition while Kechara belongs to the Gelug tradition. While each Buddhist tradition leads to enlightenment, they follow slightly different paths and methods to reach this enlightened state. Therefore the methods and practices taught at the centre will be different from those presented on this blog. As such this may lead to confusion on your spiritual path if you are practicing both.

Generally speaking, practitioners follow one specific tradition and one Guru. This way there is no confusion and one is able to concentrate whole heartedly in one’s practice. Even though all Buddhist paths are valid as long as they can be traced back to Buddha Shakyamuni and other enlightened beings, it is always recommended to follow one path.

Whatever you decide, please follow all the way with the decision you make and progress on your spiritual path until you reach enlightenment. I hope this helps. Please do post again if you have any further questions regarding this.

Thank you.

Dear Aniruddha,

Thank you the question. I am sorry to read that you have this problem. First and foremost, if you cannot manage the problem yourself then you should seek help from a therapist. Psychology provides many therapies to deal with fears such as claustrophobia, even if they are not able to find the cause of the fear.

This can be coupled with a spiritual element, especially those that concentrate on calming the mind. A particularly suitable practice for this would be the Guru Yoga of Lama Tsongkhapa. This is one of the most foundational practices with our tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and its benefits cannot be underestimated. Lama Tsongkhapa’s practice is excellent at calming the mind, alleviating fears and providing practitioners from emotional and mental relief.

There is a comprehensive practice commentary by His Eminence the 25th Tsem Rinpoche available to watch online here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/me/tsongkapas-daily-practice-video-commentary.html.

Here is a link to the text of the practice: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/tsongkhapa-prayers.html#1

If you would like, you can also invite our Lama Tsongkhapa box set here: http://www.vajrasecrets.com/tsongkhapa-boxset-english. This includes a tsa-tsa of Lama Tsongkhapa, a prayer book and book explaining the practice.

You can engage in this practice every day, and focus on the recitation of the Mig Tse Ma mantra. This will have a very beneficial effect on your mind. I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Dear Margaret,

Thank you for your question. I do not have any form of clairvoyance to be able to answer this question for you. However, in Buddhism it is believed that all circumstances in our life comes about from our previous actions in this life or previous lives, this is also known as karma. Depending on these actions, we experience either the positive or negative effects. Thus if you have met all the requirements for your claim and you have the karma to receive the money, then you will receive it.

However even if we have the karma to receive something, we may have negative karma that blocks or overpowers the positive karma. Therefore in Tibetan Buddhism there are certain practices that aid us to purify this negative karma and create the conducive conditions that we need.

One such practice is that of Gyenze. This is a form of the Dharma protector Dorje Shugden who is very beneficial for financial related matters, increasing one’s lifespan and creating the conducive conditions that we want. You can find the practice here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/prayers-and-sadhanas/dorje-shugden-gyenze-to-increase-life-merits-and-wealth.html

I hope this helps. Thank you.

Dear Bill,

Please post your question in full. Thank you.

Dear Pip,

Thank you for your question. I believe by this, you are asking if you will marry the person you want to. Unfortunately I do not have clairvoyance to answer this question for you. This would actually depend on your karmic link with this person from previous lives and well as certain causes and conditions for this to manifest. That being said, karma is not static, therefore through our own efforts we can achieve whatever we put our minds towards. I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Dear Mahen,

I’m sorry to read that are going through this situation in life. From a Buddhist perspective our situations in life come about due to karma created from previous lives. Therefore it is good to understand how karma works, that we should not engage in negative actions and instead concentrate on performing beneficial actions. This way we can ensure we do not face such problems in the future. But one aspect of karma that people often forget about is that it is not fixed, we can always change the situations we are in through our own efforts, so things can definitely improve.

If I may make a suggestion, you can engage in the joint daily practice of Lama Tsongkhapa’s Guru Yoga and Dorje Shugden practice. It is known as the Diamond Path, and is available online here: http://www.dorjeshugden.org/practice/diamond-path-a-daily-sadhana-of-dorje-shugden. Alternative if you would like a physical copy of the prayer, it is available to order here: http://www.vajrasecrets.com/diamond-path.

This daily practice concentrates on two enlightened beings. The first is Lama Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. His practice is the core of the lineage and is very beneficial in calming the mind. As such one is able to deal with any situation in life with a level head, allowing us to make the right decisions to improve. The second is the practice of Dorje Shugden. Dorje Shugden can alleviate obstacles we are facing in life and creative conducive conditions for our practice. This includes aiding us to solve any financial issues we may be going through and also to create harmony in our familial relationships. This should be engaged in as a daily practice, and over time and our own efforts we will see the energies of these Buddhas manifest in our live for the better. I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Dear Milaine,

Thank you for your question. The question you have asked is a very good one. A lot of people do not know the reason behind this so it is good you have asked. I believe that by the secret information or teachings, you are referring to the practice of Tantra. There are a couple of reasons for this, which I will give in brief here.

The first is that some of the teachings such as Tantra propel one on the path to enlightenment at an increased speed. As such the person needs to have many merits and the causes for this to happen. This comes about through the process of initiation, during which the Guru plants the seeds to achieve the practice. This means that this person has the causes to gain the spiritual attainments associated with the practice. In the case of Highest Yoga Tantra the highest of these attainments is enlightenment itself. Associated with this process is the lineage of blessings. When the various Buddhas taught the Tantras, they passed blessings on to the masters they taught to. There must be a continuity of this unbroken lineage for these blessings to flow from Guru and student. From the student’s side this is actually the practice of Guru devotion and maintaining good samaya.

This leads to the second reason, which is linked with the practice of Guru devotion. Before one can practice Tantra effectively, one should have a firm grounding in the Sutra practices. Within our tradition this is embodied in the Lam Rim. These teachings if learnt and practiced, give a very solid foundation upon which Tantric practices are built upon. As such the Guru ensures that before giving Tantric practices, the student has good knowledge on these basic principles.

The reason why we need a firm grounding in the basic principles of Buddhism and have good Guru devotion is because there are some dangers in practicing Tantra without proper knowledge and training. This is provided by our Guru. Since tantric practices deal with moving the energy within our body and working with the various energy centres known as Chakras, we must know how to do so correctly.

If we engage in these meditation techniques without proper training under a qualified Guru, then we run the risk of making mistakes in our practice, which can lead to various energy blockages or imbalances within our body that can cause harm both physically and mentally. Therefore the reason why these techniques are not taught or spoken of publically is because if those who do not have enough preparation practice these techniques, they run the risk of being hurt.

On another level the reason why these teachings are kept secret is because these practices are intended to be practiced discreetly. It is said that if we display or talk about our practices openly, this can attract obstacles which can hinder our practice. For example, if one has a lot of money, you shouldn’t go around telling everyone how much money you have. If you do, you can attract the attention of thieves, who could steal your money.

As we have seen the secrecy is not to stop people from practicing the teachings, this would go against the very reason that the Tantras were taught. On the contrary, the secrecy helps protect practitioners from the dangers of not practicing properly, and at the same time ensures that practitioners are trained well enough by their Gurus in the basic principles that when they practice they can do so successfully and in a correct manner. I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Dear Simona,

Thank you for your question. This section of the blog is not usually answered by His Eminence the 25th Tsem Rinpoche, but is answered by the Kechara Pastors. If I may I would like to answer this question for you.

In regards to learning about karma, there are a couple of posts here on this blog that may help you:

https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/discovering-yourself-a-teaching-on-karma-mindstream.html

https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/tendencies.html

Karma is explained in the text entitled Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand by Pabongka Rinpoche. This is the core text currently used for study in the Kechara House Dharma classes, and is very beneficial to learn from. If you would like a copy you can order one online here: http://www.vajrasecrets.com/lamrim-liberation-in-the-palm-of-your-hand.

I am sorry to read that you have this negative energy around you. It is good that you are practicing Guru Yoga. This is very beneficial for you, however you may want to consider engaging in the daily practice of the Dharma protector Dorje Shugden as well. There is a whole section of this blog dedicated to Dorje Shugden. To read more, click here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/category/dorje-shugden. The practice of Dorje Shugden is very beneficial in helping to remove all sorts of obstacles and this includes negative energies that may be surrounding us, as well as creating conducive conditions so that we do well in life.

There is a combined daily practice of Lama Tsongkhapa’s Guru Yoga and Dorje Shugden, which you can find here: http://www.dorjeshugden.org/category/practice/sadhanas.

Alternatively, if you would like a physical copy, you can order one online here: http://www.vajrasecrets.com/diamond-path. This practice is very beneficial and will help your situation a lot. I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Dear Kenneth Daviknes Hansen,

Thank you for your question. I’m very happy that you have read the post on the Vajrayogini Tea Offering (https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/tea-offering-to-vajrayogini-for-the-1st-time.html). This offering is very beneficial for practitioners, whether one has Highest Tantric initiation or not. In fact as the post mentions, anyone can make this particular offering to Vajrayogini.

With regards to tantric prayers, they are mostly composed to be recited by those who have received tantric initiation. Since this prayer is tantric in nature, it therefore contains tantric elements. One of these elements is the generation or visualisation aspect of the practice.

When engaging in tantric meditation, there are two ways in which one visualises the deity in question. The first is called ‘front-generation’ during which one visualises the deity in front of oneself during the prayer. This is the visualisation that those without initiation engage in. The second is called ‘self-generation’. This is the visualisation that those with initiation engage in, after learning how to do so from a qualified guru. This involves the practitioner visualising his or herself as the particular deity, in this case it is Vajrayogini.

When the prayer refers to “I visualize myself as the deity at the center of the dharmachakra” it is referring to the tantric element of the practitioner visualising him or herself as Vajrayogini. If you have tantric initiation, you should consult the guru who gave you the initiation as how to best to practice this offering. If you are not an initiate then you simply visualise Vajrayogini in front of you. I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Dear Ms Yap,

I’m very sorry but your question did not post properly. Please try again when you are able.

Thank you.

Dear Gracias,

I am sorry to hear that you had negative experiences in your relationship. These sorts of feelings can be difficult to overcome but it can definitely be done. If I may, I would like to suggest that you engage in the daily practice of Lama Tsongkhapa’s Guru Yoga. You can find an excellent commentary to the practice by His Eminence the 25th Tsem Rinpoche here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/me/tsongkapas-daily-practice-video-commentary.html.

You can find the prayers here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/tsongkhapa-prayers.html#1. Please note that the Guru Yoga of Lama Tsongkhapa is also known as Gaden Lhagyama.

The daily practice of Lama Tsongkhapa’s Guru Yoga is one of the most integral practices on the path within the Gelug tradition of Buddhism. It invokes on the energies and blessings of the enlightened beings to calm our minds so that we can overcome any negative feelings we may be suffering from. This will help tremendously with what you are going through. When you start the practice, you should continue on a daily basis and you will see a great improvement, not only with your current negative feelings but more as well.

If you would like, you can also engage in mental quiescence meditation. This practice can be found Pabongka Rinpoche’s Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand, which is available here: http://www.vajrasecrets.com/lamrim-liberation-in-the-palm-of-your-hand. This book covers the entire path of Buddhist practice. This mediation practice will help calm your mind, bringing you clarity and focus in daily life, so will help over these negative feelings also.

If you would like, there is also a box set available to help you begin your practice, which includes a good introductory book to the practice, a prayer book and an image of Lama Tsongkhapa as well, available here: http://www.vajrasecrets.com/tsongkhapa-boxset-english or at any of our Kechara Paradise outlets. I hope this help.

Thank you.

Dear Ping,

Thank you for your question. I am unsure of which chapter in the Lotus Sutra you are referring and as such cannot give a definitive answer. However when we first begin on the path of the Bodhisattva is may be difficult for us to control our minds and avoid thoughts that can create negative karma. Being around such people may be a hindrance on the path if one’s mind is not firm.

Traditionally practitioners would have engaged in retreats in order to the see the faults of samsara for long periods of time. But that cannot always be possible for the modern day practitioner due to family responsibilities, etc. However it is very beneficial for practitioners to engage in short retreat from time to time. Together with learning the Dharma this will have a beneficial impact on the mind.

In essence, yes Bodhisattvas are supposed to be friends with everyone regardless of who these people are, but we must remember that in order to be their friends without agenda or motive, we must first be able to tame our own mind sufficiently so that our own Dharma practice is strong. Then we can of course be their friend and help them as best we can, which is after all what a Bodhisattva is supposed to do. Bodhisattvas are supposed to help people but this can only be achieved at its greatest potentials when we have studied the Dharma and have firm conviction in our practice. That is why it says that Bodhisattva should not associate with these people, because at the beginning they may lead us away from the Dharma and cause us to create negative karma. I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Dear Vilicia,

For the pronounciation of the this mantra, please click on this link to the Gyenze teaching video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xofKtpVjxns. Watch from minute 4:13. Here Pastor Jean Ai recites both the long and short mantras to Gyenze. The mantra you have asked about is the short mantra for Gyenze.

As for the visualisation it would be good for you to follow the Gyenze practice post here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/prayers-and-sadhanas/dorje-shugden-gyenze-to-increase-life-merits-and-wealth.html and recite the long mantra. This will have a very beneficial in your life.

I hope this helps. Thank you.

Dear Thorim,

Thank you for your question. For the visualisation first you can develop a very clear image of Chenresig in front of you. As you become more used to the image you can then visualise light emanating out from Chenresig. These lights then bathe your entire body, giving you sense of calmness and compassion.

The further and extensive visualisations require initiation into the practice. I hope this helps.

Thank you.