39th Sakya Trizin Dragshul Trinley Rinchen

By Pastor David Lai | May 24, 2021 | Views: 6,048

(By Tsem Rinpoche and Pastor David)

The 39th Sakya Trizin Dragshul Trinley Rinchen (1871–1936), head of the Sakya lineage, was a strong practitioner of Dorje Shugden. He is known for spreading the practice of Dorje Shugden within the Sakya tradition.

At the beginning of the 19th Century, the ruling family that governs the Sakya tradition split into two great houses – the Drolma Phodrang (palace) and the Phuntsok Phodrang. Since that time, the patriarchs of both palaces have alternated and served as the Sakya Trizin or the supreme head of the Sakya tradition.

In his autobiography, the 31st Sakya Trizin Kunga Lodro explained that the ruling family of the Sakya are traditionally believed to be incarnations of divine beings. At times, he said, the Sakya Trizin might even be the reincarnation of their own grandfather. In fact, in his own biography, the 39th Sakya Trizin Dragshul Trinley Rinchen stated that he was one such incarnation. He claimed to be the reincarnation of his own grandfather, the 35th Sakya Trizin Tashi Rinchen.

Dragshul Trinley Rinchen was born into the Drolma Phodrang in 1871. His father was the renowned 38th Sakya Trizin Kunga Nyingpo (1850-1899). Within the same autobiography where Dragshul Trinley Rinchen stated he is the incarnation of a divine being, he also sought to establish that his father, Kunga Nyingpo, was an incarnation of Avalokiteshvara, a fully enlightened being. He accomplished this by first establishing his father as an incarnation of Dorje Shugden, who he believed to be an emanation of Avalokiteshvara. He did this by telling the story of how his father was conceived, and this involved both his grandfather, Tashi Rinchen, and his great-grandfather, Padma Dudul Wangchuk, who were the 35th and 33rd Sakya Trizins respectively.

Dorje Shugden sitting regally on a throne, surrounded by his emanations of Shize, Gyenze, Wangze and Trakze. This form of Dorje Shugden is practiced within the Sakya tradition.

Dragshul Trinley Rinchen tells us a story of the 35th Sakya Trizin Tashi Rinchen requesting his father, the 33rd Sakya Trizin Padma Dudul to perform a ritual to acquire an heir. During a break in the ritual held at Mug Chung, the most famous Dorje Shugden temple in the Sakya tradition, Tashi Rinchen asked his father, “Who will be coming as my offspring?” His father replied, “Nowadays because of degenerate times, nobody else is coming, Grandpa Shugden is coming as your descendent.”

The 35th Sakya Trizin Tashi Rinchen repeated this ritual again and again until his consort bore him a son who was given the name Kunga Nyingpo, who became the 37th Sakya Trizin. Therefore, there arose a tradition of celebrating the kindness of Dorje Shugden taking rebirth in the form of Kunga Nyingpo to preserve and propagate the Sakya lineage, celebrated during the ninth month of the Tibetan Buddhist lunar calendar. The celebration is similar to Gaden Ngamcho, also known as Lama Tsongkhapa Day, in the Gelug tradition, which celebrates Lama Tsongkhapa‘s parinirvana. The Sakya celebration includes the lighting of butter lamps which are placed on rooftops and windowsills, while various ritual instruments such as longhorns and gyeling trumpets are played as an offering of sound to Dorje Shugden who had chosen to take rebirth once again.

The holy Sakya Monastery, mother monastery of the Sakya tradition. Above the monastery, slightly to the right, you can see the multi-tiered Mug Chung, the most sacred temple to Dorje Shugden within the tradition. When we invoke Dorje Shugden, this is one of the places we invite him from.

In addition, Dragshul Trinley Rinchen’s autobiography records audiences with other high lamas and dignitaries from various lineages. In one particular account that occurred in 1905, he tells us of an audience he had with Sera Pabongka Tulku, also known as Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche. He received Pabongka Rinpoche and gave him various items and initiations, including that of Four-Faced Mahakala. The Sakya patriarch noticed that “this tulku [Pabongka Rinpoche] has a wide Dharma eye”, a conclusion based on the breadth of topics they discussed including various fields of study, philosophy and the four classes of tantra. Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche placed a great deal of importance on the practice of Four-Faced Mahakala as he wrote quite extensively on the Dharma protector in his collected works. Dragshul Trinley Rinchen then recounted that in 1930, a group of five students of Pabongka Rinpoche from Sera Monastery visited him in order to receive a rare transmission of the meditational deity Vajrayogini.

Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche received the initiation of Four-Faced Mahakala from Dragshul Trinley Rinchen. He also sent his students to receive Vajrayogini initiation from the Sakya Trizin. Click to enlarge.

In 1915, it is noted that Dragshul Trinley Rinchen bestowed an oral transmission of the rare Dorje Shugden wrathful torma offering ritual composed by Kunga Lodro called Swirl of Perfect Sense Offerings, together with many other transmissions and initiations. The rare ritual was not originally part of the Dorje Shugden Be Bum (ritual collection). This was because the compiler of the text, the Mongolian Lobsang Tamdin, was unable to obtain the text at the time. However, in more recent times, the text along with another torma offering ritual to Dorje Shugden composed by Kunga Lodro himself, has been included in the latest edition of the Dorje Shugden Be Bum.

Within the Gelug tradition, Swirl of Perfect Sense Offerings was included in its entirety in Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche’s Dorje Shugden fulfillment ritual, The Melodious Drum. Although Pabongka Rinpoche’s Melodious Drum includes some unique descriptions of Dorje Shugden and borrows sections from other earlier Dorje Shugden rituals from the Gelug tradition, the mode of worship is essentially the same as the one composed by Kunga Lodro.

A thangka from the Nyingma tradition, featuring Dorje Shugden as the central figure, surrounded by the significant and important deities of the Nyingma tradition. Click to enlarge.

The basis of Dragshul Trinley Rinchen’s claim that the Dharma protector Dorje Shugden is in reality an emanation of Avalokiteshvara is derived from a Nyingma tantra titled Rinchen Nadun. Within the text it states that, “The one known as Dolgyal is not mistaken on the path to liberation, he is by nature the Great Compassionate One.” The text thus establishes Dorje Shugden as being of the same nature as Avalokiteshvara. Being that Kunga Nyingpo was said to be an emanation of “Grandpa Shugden”, in this manner Kunga Nyingpo was also established as the incarnation of Avalokiteshvara, a tenth-ground Bodhisattva, who is capable of innumerable emanations.

Therefore, Dorje Shugden is not an ordinary oath-bound Dharma protector, as some claim, but an enlightened protector who has an extraordinary link with the Sakya Trizins, since he himself incarnated as throne holders in order to preserve the lineage. Interestingly, when Padma Dudul calls Kunga Nyingpo ‘Grandpa Shugden’, this probably also refers to his own grandfather, Kunga Lodro (1729-1783) who was another Sakya Trizin and well-known to be an incarnation of Dorje Shugden as well. Kunga Lodro was credited with the composition of the Sakya fulfillment liturgy and rituals to Dorje Shugden, that were later incorporated into the Gelugpa texts. So, it was Kunga Lodro who later took rebirth at Kunga Nyingpo, and both are incarnations of Dorje Shugden.

Dragshul Trinley Rinchen was himself an accomplished master. He received Lamdre precepts and teachings from his father. Lamdre or the Path and its Fruit, is the central teaching of the Sakya tradition stemming from the Indian Mahasiddha Virupa and combines sutra and the tantric teachings that focus on the deity Hevajra. At the tender age of 16, he had completed a Hevajra retreat and experienced auspicious signs. In 1909, when he was in Lhasa to welcome the 13th Dalai Lama back from China, he gave several teachings. In 1915, he was enthroned as the 39th Sakya Trizin and then in 1920, he was invited back to Lhasa in order to perform rituals at the request of the Tibetan Government and once again had audience with the Dalai Lama.

Dragshul Trinley Rinchen (1871–1936), the 39th Sakya Trizin, was a strong practitioner of Dorje Shugden. In researching his family history, he even proved that his holy father, the 37th Sakya Trizin Kunga Nyingpo (1850–1899), was an emanation of Dorje Shugden.

Dragshul Trinley Rinchen was very much a hermit lama, spending much of his life in retreat, and was renowned to have visions of both Tara and Vajrayogini. There was also a time when he was making a torma offering, it became hot and he was spontaneously able to recite prayers without learning them. His teachers were some of the greatest lamas of his time and included his own father Kunga Nyingpo, Dorje Drag Rigdzin Thubten Chowang Nyamnyid Dorje, Ngor Khangsar Ngawang Lodro Shenpen Nyingpo, Jamyang Chokyi Lodro and many other illustrious lamas.

In his autobiography, Dragshul Trinley Rinchen records several important instances during which he performed rituals propitiating Dorje Shugden at Mug Chung, the most historic of Dorje Shugden temples with the Sakya tradition. He once also offered a silk khata with a written request for aid to a Dorje Shugden mask at Mug Chung’s protector house.

In 1920, while in Sheldrag in Southern Tibet, Dragshul Trinley Rinchen was able to have an audience with Dorje Shugden through an oracle. At the time, Dorje Shugden offered Dragshul Trinley Rinchen a khata and requested him to continue to uphold the Dharma, as well as bestowing some prophesies.

Dragshul Trinley Rinchen is not the only Sakya Trizin who has relied on Dorje Shugden. In fact five other Sakya Trizins are well-known for the practice of the Dharma protector. These include:

30th Sakya Throneholder Sonam Rinchen (1705-1741)
31st Throneholder Sachen Kunga Lodro (1729-1783)
33rd Throneholder Padma Dudul Wangchug (1792-1853)
35th Throneholder Tashi Rinchen (1824-1865)
37th Throneholder Kunga Nyingpo (1850-1899)

To read more about the lives of these great masters, click here.

In conclusion, Dragshul Trinley Rinchen was very clear about the nature of Dorje Shugden as he asserts that he is an emanation of Avalokiteshvara, an enlightened being. Given this fact, and that other Sakya Trizins not only practiced Dorje Shugden but were emanations of the deity, it is clear to say that the Sakya tradition would not be where it is today, without the aid of Dorje Shugden.

Addendum

Of the 42 supreme throne holders throughout the history of the Sakya tradition, six of the thrones holders are confirmed to have practiced Dorje Shugden. They are known to have built chapels to him, composed prayers and pujas (kangsols) to him and propagated his practice amongst their disciples. The entire Sakya lineage and their sacred practices such as the 13 Golden Dharmas of Sakya, the Lamdre – the Path and its Fruit, the tantric practice of Hevajra, and other numerous teachings and practices have descended down through these six lineage holders who have proven themselves to be highly attained and erudite incarnations. From these great lamas, the teachings have been passed down to the current throne holders, lamas, and great practitioners of the Sakya tradition.

If someone were to say that these six Sakya thrones holders were wrong or mistaken for their propitiation of Dorje Shugden, for their composition of liturgical texts to him, or for the building of chapels in his honour, then they are saying the Sakya throne holders were ordinary. They were fallible, were not erudite, did not have high spiritual attainments, could be mistaken, and therefore we should not rely on them. If they were just ordinary men adorned with brocade silk hats and expensive robes, while sitting on big thrones, then what is the point to call them lineage holders or masters?

What is the point to practice the ‘tainted’ Sakya tradition in modern times? They were definitely very attained and not ordinary human beings by far. If these six Sakya lineage holders could have made such a huge mistake, then the entire Sakya lineage that has passed through them is tainted and without blessings. So according to that line of thinking, if we were to practice the Sakya lineage today, there will be no blessings and no results. This is because the Sakya lineage as it exists was passed down through these six throne holders without exception. This is neither logical nor possible as they were highly attained masters.

Now, the Tibetan leadership is fond of saying that if you practice Dorje Shugden, then you break your refuge and your divine connection with the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. Consequently, you will be damned to take rebirth in the three lower realms, as an animal, a spirit or in one of the hell realms. If that is the case, these six great Sakya throne holders must have taken rebirth in the three lower realms too. But this is impossible! They all practiced Dorje Shugden and there is a lot of research and evidence that confirms this. Some even composed long pujas to Dorje Shugden which are still in use today. In actual fact these six great Sakya throne holders were highly attained beings, and they were definitely not ordinary.

It is because of their extraordinary spiritual attainments, that they were easily able to discern which formless beings were Buddhas and which were negative beings that caused harm. They would have known that Dorje Shugden is definitely not negative and therefore, they had encouraged Dorje Shugden’s practice and composed pujas and prayers to him. They had the clairvoyance to see the very nature of Dorje Shugden, or they could use their wisdom to debate and determine the nature of Dorje Shugden by way of logic. I am sure they did both and arrived at the same conclusion. The simple deduction is that Dorje Shugden is not a harmful being and that is why these six erudite masters both practiced and promoted Dorje Shugden within the sacred Sakya lineage.

I myself have tremendous faith and respect for the exalted Dragshul Trinley Rinchen (1871–1936), the 39th Sakya Trizin, and the other five throne holders too. I pray they bless me so I may gain full enlightenment. When I see Dragshul Trinley Rinchen’s photo, I feel as if I have met him or had the great honour to have practiced his teachings in a past lifetime. In any case, great faith arises spontaneously in me for Dragshul Trinley Rinchen as it does for other great masters such as Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche, Kyabje Dilgo Kyentse Rinpoche and other great masters of their respective lineages.

Tsem Rinpoche

Intro
Dorje Shugden
Forms
Kangsol (Pt 1)
(Pt 2)
Prayers
Gallery

Overview of Tibetan Buddhism

Buddhism has a particularly long history in Tibet. It first entered Tibet during the reign of Emperor Songtsen Gampo around 650 CE. It was a Century later that Buddhism began to permeate deeper into the fabric of Tibetan society. This occurred during the period between the reigns of Trisong Detsen in 775 CE and Tri Ralpachen in 838 CE.

Emperor Songtsen Gampo and his wives, Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal (viewer

There was a decline in Buddhism directly after this period due to the reign of King Langdharma (838 – 842 CE) who actively sought to exterminate Buddhism from Tibet. He was to be the last Tibetan king and upon his death, Tibet entered into a 200-year dark age during which there was no centralised system of rule and no patrons of the Dharma either. However, Buddhism somehow managed to survive through this challenging time.

From 900 to 1200 CE there was a revival of Buddhism due to the lively exchange between Tibetan translators who travelled to India, and Indian masters that made the journey to Tibet. By the 14th Century, Buddhism in Tibet had become systematised into the four major Schools of Tibetan Buddhism that we know today, namely the Nyingma, Sakya, Kagyu and Gelug. However, all four schools trace their origins back to the historical founder and fully enlightened one, Buddha Shakyamuni.

An outline of the Sakya tradition of Tibetan Buddhism

Introduction to the Sakya Tradition

The great origins of the Sakya teachings is traced back to the Indian Mahasiddha Virupa of the 9th Century. In the scriptures he has several other names, including Birwapa, and his life is recounted as one of the greatest of the 84 Mahasiddhas in terms of miraculous attainments.

Virupa, Indian Mahasiddha. The origins of the Sakya Tradition stem back to Virupa

His main teachings are called Lamdre, which literally means the ‘Path and the Fruit’ teachings. Lamdre forms the main backbone of the teachings within the Sakya tradition. These teachings were brought into Tibet by the Indian scholar Gayadhara (994 – 1043 CE) and were translated by his Tibetan disciple and translator, Drogmi Lotsawa Shakya Yeshe (992 – 1072 CE). Drogmi Lotsawa in turn transmitted these precious teachings to his main disciple Khon Konchok Gyalpo (1034 – 1102 CE). In 1073 CE, Khon Konchok Gyalpo founded the Sakya monastery in the Tsang region of central Tibet. It was named ‘Sakya’, which meant ‘grey earth’ due to the colour of the surrounding soil.

The 3rd holder of the Sakya throne, Kunga Nyingpo. Click to enlarge

Thus, the Sakya lineage was born and is closely linked to the Khon family lineage, who are believed to be celestial beings. The Sakya tradition was established and proliferated by five great early Sakya masters – Sachen Kunga Nyingpo (1092 – 1158 CE), his two sons Sonam Tsemo (1142 – 1182 CE) and Jetsun Drakpa Gyaltsen (1147 – 1216 CE), his grandson Sakya Pandita (1182 – 1251 CE) and the Sakya Pandita’s nephew Chogyal Pakpa (1235 – 1280 CE). The Sakya lamas became so famous that the Mongol emperors of China became their patrons. In 1253 CE, the Mongol emperor of China, Kublai Khan conferred the dominion of Tibet upon his lama, Chogyal Pakpa. The Sakya rule of Tibet during this period lasted for a Century.

An outline of the Sakya lineage

Later, in the 14th Century, Tishri Kunga Lodro Gyaltsen (1299 – 1327 CE) who was the eldest grandson of Sakya Pandita’s brother established four dynastic houses, of which only Ducho Ladrang has survived to this day. In the 18th Century, Ducho Ladrang was split between two ‘palaces’, Drolma Phodrang and Phunstok Phodrang. Pema Dudul Wangchuk established Drolma Phodrang and Phuntsok Phodrang was established by his youngest son, Kunga Rinchen. Ever since then, the leadership in the Khon Family and the throne holders of the Sakya School alternate between the Drolma and Phuntsok Phodrang. The throne holders of the Sakya School are known by the title ‘Sakya Trizin’.

One of the founding fathers of the Sakya tradition, Jetsun Drakpa Gyeltsen who was the 5th Sakya Trizin. Click to enlarge.

Special Teachings of the Sakyas

The teachings on the Lamdre, the ‘Path and Fruit’, form the main core of the Sakya teachings. The Mahasiddha Virupa originally derived the Lamdre teachings from the Hevajra Root Tantra. The Lamdre system essentially expounds a view that the result of its practice is encompassed within the path itself. The root text for the Lamdre teachings is the Vajra Verses by the Mahasiddha Virupa and various commentaries by Sachen Kunga Nyingpo, Jetsun Drakpa Gyeltsen and so forth.

Maharakta Ganapati, one of the deities from the 13 Golden Dharmas of the Sakya Tradition

The 13 Golden Dharmas are a special cycle of initiations that are especially treasured by the great Sakya lineage holders. These initiations originate from various sources in India and were compiled by the great Sachen Kunga Nyingpo. In the past, those seeking these initiations would offer lots of gold as an offering in reflection of how highly prized these teachings are. Hence, it became known as the 13 Golden Dharmas. The ’13’ consists of Three Vajrayogini initiations – the Naro, Indra and Maitri traditions, the Three Great Red Ones (Marpo Kor Sum) – Kurukulle, Maharakta Ganapati and Takiraja, Three Small Red Ones (Marchung Kor Sum) – Kurukulle, Red Vasudhara and Tinuma and the four additional empowerments – Singhananda, Shabala Garuda, Black Manjushri and Red Dzambala.

In addition to that, there are several other important Higher Tantric systems that play a major role in the Sakya School besides the Vajrayogini Tantras already featured in the 13 Golden Dharmas. These include the Hevajra, Vajrakilaya and Guhyasamaja Tantras. Hence, the important wisdom protectors propitiated in the lineage are Panjaranata Mahakala (the main protector of the Hevajra Tantras), Citipati (the protectors of the Vajrayogini Tantras), and Four-Faced Mahakala (the protector of the Guhyasamaja Tantras).

An outline of the relationship of the Sakya Protectors, including Dorje Shugden on the left

On the other hand, there are several other general protectors such as Palden Lhamo, Ekajati, and Chamsing – a protector practice proliferated by Sachen Kunga Nyingpo. Besides that, Dorje Shugden, Setrap and Tsi’u Marpo (Kache Marpo) are propitiated as the Three Kings or Gyalpo Sum. The last would be the three Bamo witches, who are unenlightened oath-bound protectors that are unique to the Sakya School.

Introduction to Dorje Shugden in the Sakya Tradition >>

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Introduction to Dorje Shugden

in the Sakya Tradition

In the Gelug tradition of Dorje Shugden’s fulfillment (kangsol) puja, the invocation of Dorje Shugden begins with the recitation of a special prayer. In the invocation prayer, one of the sites that we call upon Dorje Shugden to come forth from is the Sakya temple at Mug Chung. It is well known to many practitioners that Dorje Shugden was first practiced within the great Sakya tradition.

Dorje Shugden Tanag or Dorje Shugden riding a horse. This form is a popular depiction of Dorje Shugden within the Sakya lineage.

According to Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche‘s text Music Delighting the Ocean of Protectors, the first thought of the high lama Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen after arising as the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden was his lama, Panchen Lobsang Chokyi Gyeltsen (1570 – 1662). Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen recalled his lama’s kindness through the innumerable advice, teachings, transmissions and initiations that he had received. Therefore, he traveled to Tashi Lhunpo monastery in Shigatse with the intention to pay homage to his lama and to be enthroned as the protector of the monastery.

Upon arriving at the monastery, he beheld the Eight Horse Lords of Vaishravana who seemed to be holding hands along the circumambulation path encircling Tashi Lhunpo in a protective manner, thus indicating that it was not the right time to enter the monastery. He realised that it was more auspicious to travel to Sakya instead and so, he immediately took off and traveled to Sakya instead due to affinity made during his previous incarnation as Sakya Pandita. But later, he would enter Tashi Lhunpo Monastery during the time of the 9th Panchen Lama. At Sakya, he manifested signs before the 30th Sakya Trizin Sonam Rinchen, who at that time was the 17-year old supreme throne holder of the Sakyas. Subsequently, he enthroned Dorje Shugden as a protector of the Sakyas. Thus, the Sakyas first practiced Dorje Shugden before the practice spread to other traditions as well.

As was mentioned earlier, Dorje Shugden’s connection with the Sakya School began hundreds of years ago during his previous lifetimes as Sakya Pandita and also as Buton Rinchen Drub. These are two great Sakya lamas who were famous for their incredible contributions to their lineage and the Buddhadharma as a whole.

Sakya Depictions of Dorje Shugden >>

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Sakya Depictions of Dorje Shugden

Dorje Shugden on a Black Horse

Dorje Shugden Tanag

Within the Sakya lineage of Dorje Shugden, the depiction of Dorje Shugden is very different from the one currently being worshipped within the Gelug tradition. In the old tradition of the Sakyas, Dorje Shugden’s principle mount is a black horse and hence, the lineage of Dorje Shugden is called Dorje Shugden Tanag or ‘Dorje Shugden on a black horse’.

One of the earliest descriptions of this form of Dorje Shugden comes from the writings of the 31st Sakya Trizin Kunga Lodro in the mid-18th Century that was based on a transmission from his father, the 30th Sakya Trizin Sonam Rinchen. In this lama’s text entitled Requesting to Annihilate Interfering Forces, he writes that Dorje Shugden’s body is dark red in color, with one face and two hands. His right hand holds a club up to the sky and he holds in his left hand, a human heart inside a skull cup filled with blood. On his head, he wears a lacquer hat and is riding a black horse.

Dorje Shugden Tanag

Dorje Shugden Tanag tsa tsa

Dorje Shugden on the horse is on the bottom left of this thangka of Vajrayogini. Vajrayogini is considered one of the 13 Golden Dharmas of the Sakya Tradition.

Dorje Shugden in Sakya Monastery

(Shigatse, Tibet)

This video and these pictures of Dorje Shugden in the Sakya Monastery were recorded in 2015, hundreds of years after they were first painted as part of their pantheon of Protectors.

The Dorje Shugden wall mural at Sakya Monastery in Shigatse

A close-up of the Dorje Shugden wall mural at Sakya Monastery in Shigatse

Mahakala and Dorje Shugden

in the Sakya Tradition

Click to enlarge

This antique thangka of Mahakala Panjaranata used to be the personal possession of Sachen Kunga Lodro. The lama figure above the protector is a depiction of Sachen Kunga Lodro himself. The central protector figure at the bottom of the thangka is the Sakya-lineage of Dorje Shugden riding a black horse.

Dorje Shugden on a Throne

According to scriptural sources, it seems that the tradition of Dorje Shugden riding on a horse is not the only depiction within the Sakyas. There is another tradition of the Sakyas that invokes Dorje Shugden as a deity uniquely resting on a lion throne. This is similar to the description in the praise of Dorje Shugden by the Great 5th Dalai Lama that was based on his vision of Dorje Shugden in the mid-17th Century.

Dorje Shugden sitting regally on a throne, surrounded by his emanations of Shize, Gyenze, Wangze and Trakze.

Within the Sakya tradition, this depiction of Dorje Shugden can be seen in the writings of Morchen Kunga Lhundrub around the tail end of the 17th Century. In the enthronement prayers or Ngasol that was written by Morchen Kunga Lhundrub, the lama writes, “Posed upon a fearless lion throne, boundlessly powerful Dorje Shugden Tsel.” Hence, there are thangkas of Dorje Shugden within the Sakya tradition that depict Dorje Shugden sitting on a lion throne as well as those in which he is seen riding a black horse as well.

Kangsol (Part 1) >>

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Sakya Kangsol (Part 1)

The 31st Sakya Trizin Sachen Kunga Lodro (1729-1783) composed the following Dorje Shugden kangsol text. This text contains the propitiation rites that the Sakya high lamas and ordinary monks use in order to invoke the blessings and protection of Dorje Shugden. From this extensive 149-page long text, one can clearly see that Dorje Shugden is evidently not just a minor practice but a significant protector for the Sakyas. Consequently, this important Dorje Shugden text has been in use since the time of Sachen Kunga Lodro to this day.

To download the entire kangsol, please click here.

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Kangsol (Part 2) >>

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Sakya Kangsol (Part 2)

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Other Prayers from the Sakya Tradition >>

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Other Prayers from the Sakya Tradition

Enthronement Prayer to Dorje Shugden

By the 31st Sakya Trizin Kunga Lodro

HUM DORJE CHANG WANG TSA GYÜ LAMA DANG NGÖ DRUB KÜN TSÖL YIDAM LHA YI TSOG BAR CHE KÜN SEL SUNG MAY THU TOB KYI TRINLEY LHÜN DRUB GYEL POR NGA SÖL LO

HUM With the Vajradhara root and lineage masters, The assembly of yidhams¹ who grant all realizations, And protectors who remove all obstacles, We recognize you as a king among thrinlay lhundrub².

GANG KU MUG NAG NYI MA JE WAY ZI CHÖ GÖ SUM DEN RAB JUNG ZHÖN NUI TSUL SER GYI DANG DEN THANG THEB BU LA SÖL CHÖ KHOR YONG KYI SUNG MAR NGA SÖL LO

Your dark-red form blazes like a hundred suns, You appear as a youthful monk in the triple robes, You wear a gold-hued thebzha³ on your head, We recognize you as the protector of all chokhors⁴.

DREN PA TSAM GYI MI THUN CHOG NAM KÜN KE CHIG NYI LA THEL BAR LOG NÜ PAY LHA MAG JE WAY MAG TSOG GYE PA YI CHAG TSEN TSEN DEN BING GI NGA SÖL LO

Merely by recalling whose name, Who could emanate a million divine hosts, That can reduce to dust all malignant forces, With the divine sandalwood bheng⁵, we recognize you as such.

TEN DANG TEN DZIN BU ZHIN KYONG DZE CHING NAM ZHI TRINLEY THOG MAY NYUR DRUB PA DRAG SHUL TOB DEN DORJE SHUGDEN TSEL DAG GI TEN GYI DRA LHAR NGA SÖL LO

You are the fierce and mighty Dorje Shugden, Who sustains tenpa⁶ and tenzin⁷ like son, And swiftly fulfills all four tasks, I recognize you as my constant dralha⁸.

DOR NA DAG GI LEG NYE JA WA KÜN CHÖ SUNG CHEN PO KYE LA NYER TAY KYI NYIN TSEN YEL WA MAY PAR SUNG WA DANG CHOG DÜ KÜN TU GYE PAY TRA SHI TSÖL

In short I entrust all my concerns both right n’ wrong, To you, great dharmapala, Protect me day and night with vigilance, At all times and places, grant propitious factors.

Notes

1. Meditational deities.
2. Thrinlay: task, purpose; lhun, shortened form of the adverb lhungyis, effortlessly; drub: accomplishing naturally. ‘By whose blessings one’s purposes are fulfilled effortlessly’.
3. The hat worn by high-ranking ecclesiastical personages in Tibet.
4. A compund of cho (Dharma) and khor (its adherents).
5. The cudgel in the hands of deities.
6. The Buddha’s teaching.
7. Upholders of the Buddha’s teachings.
8. The divinity someone could rely upon in times of strife and war.

Praise to Dorje Shugden

By the 31st Sakya Trizin Kunga Lodro

Commentary by His Eminence 25th Tsem Rinpoche on the Praise to Dorje Shugden

Click here to download the prayer in English (PDF)

(Excerpt from the Dorje Shugden prayer called duelzin choe ki gyalpo choepai choka phuentsog doe gu yong khil she jawa)

At the early time, entering into the teaching of the Tathagata,
you rose in the form of Vinaya-holding Bhikshu,
thus you protect all the teachings of the Sravaka-Pitaka without exception,
I prostrate to you.

Here the prayer exhorts Dorje Shugden’s previous incarnation as a great monk, who protected the teachings. This verse also refers to Dorje Shugden’s previous life as the Vinaya-holder (Dulzin) Drakpa Gyeltsen (1374-1434), he was a pure monk who had made the great aspiration to arise as a Protector of the teachings. The teachings are protected when a person learns the Dharma, practises the Dharma and then teaches it. Therefore when Dorje Shugden in his previous incarnations learned the teachings, he was able to protect them.

For example, if someone says something negative about the teachings, as you have internalised the teachings you can reply using logic. When logic is used to clear the doubt in the mind of someone else, you are protecting the teachings. The best methods to protect the teachings is not to kill or oppress those opposed to it, but to have knowledge of the teachings, and then expound that knowledge so that the ignorance in the other person’s mind is cleared.

Therefore here we see that Dorje Shugden is praised as a monk who had mastered the teachings as he can protect them without exception.

In the middle, in front of many Buddhas and Bodhisattvas,
having generated the aspiring and entering Bodhicitta,
you obtained the prophecy as a protector of the teaching of the Dharma,
thus you protect all the teachings of the Bodhisattvas without exception,
to you I prostrate.

This verse states that Dorje Shugden has taken the vow of Bodhicitta for the welfare of all sentient beings. Not only that but he has practised and attained Bodhicitta itself, which is the enlightened mind that aids all beings. This was done in front of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Some people could argue that even though he has taken the vow, one can regress in practice. However, as the verse explains, he attained a prophecy when he would be enlightened. That would mean that his generation of Bodhicitta was truly genuine.

In the great mandala of the ocean of Tantras,
initiated by Vajradhara, and receiving the samayas,
thus you protect all the teachings of the profound Tantra without exception,
to you I prostrate.

Here the praise mentions the many tantric teachings that Dorje Shugden received in his previous lives. These are based on the sutra teachings, which as we have seen earlier he mastered, and he was also a master of tantra. Therefore as tantra is part of the Buddhist path, he is able to protect them through his own mastery of them. Thus, the nine mothers in the entourage of Dorje Shugden assist tantric practitioners to gain spiritual attainments. The nine mothers are all emanations of Dorje Shugden.

In particular in this northern land, surrounded by a range of snow mountains,
though not directly pervaded by the sun of the Buddha, yet sustained by his compassion,
you are the protector of all those perfect schools of Dharma,
I prostrate to you.

This verse exhorts Dorje Shugden as a protector of all schools. Here he is not described as a protector of the Sakya but as a protector of all perfect schools of Dharma. Therefore anyone who practises the Dharma, in any school, if they propitiate Dorje Shugden, he will assist them. This is testament to Dorje Shugden’s quality and nature.

All the great holders of the teaching, who comment according to one’s own views,
the entire Tripitakas, the Tantras and their commentaries,
you are the very protector of all the holders of the Dharma,
acting as the fulfiller of the words of those leaders, I prostrate to you.

The great lamas who receive a pure lineage, contemplate the teachings, who practise sincerely and even commentate on the teachings to further elucidate them to their students, in order to bring clarity of mind to others are protected by Dorje Shugden. These lamas are like the sun clearing the clouds in the sky and Dorje Shugden protects them.

Dorje Shugden is not swayed by material offerings or those who make the most elaborate offerings, like an unenlightened being, but favours those who elucidate the Dharma teachings. Therefore Dorje Shugden is especially close to those lamas who teach the Dharma. This shows us he is not an ordinary protector, as ordinary protectors are not excited when someone teaches the Dharma. They are more excited when they are given abundant offerings and respect.

Here we learn that Dorje Shugden is very pleased with lamas who teach the Dharma, after they have received the teachings themselves, practised, internalised them and then gives commentaries. This doesn’t refer to anyone who simply teaches the Dharma, but those who have listened to the Dharma, and teach from experience.

Since the teaching of the Dharma is the gateway to the ending of suffering for all sentient beings, Dorje Shugden finds it the most pleasing and he is closest to these lamas. He will listen to these lamas who teach and assist them. This shows you his nature, as Dorje Shugden is happy when other peoples’ sufferings are relieved. This is not a sign of a worldly protector.

The legacy of the pandits, translators, dharma kings and ministers,
all the temples constructed by them,
you are the protector of all those seats of the Sangha without exception,
I prostrate to you.

Here it states that Dorje Shugden is the protector of the legacy of those who have learnt, practised and taught the Dharma. By this it means that he not only protects those great monastic institutions they built, but their teachings as well. This is because these teachings are of great importance for beings to be free of their suffering and gain enlightenment.

For entire Tibet, included in upper region Ngari, central region Ue-tsang, and
lower region Dokham,
you act as the very protector, refuge, supporter, and friend of all people without exception,
thus you are the very god of the snow-land country,
I prostrate to you.

In Tibet there are three provinces: Ngari, Ue-tsang and Dokham. Here Kunga Lodro is stating that Dorje Shugden is the master of all three of these provinces. Therefore he is the protector of the entire snow-land, or Tibet itself. This goes to show, even before the Gelugpa lineage arose, some of whom now proclaim Dorje Shugden to be the main protector, the Sakya masters had already stated that he is the main protector of Tibet, and not any other protector.

The great protector of all the Buddhas of this fortunate aeon,
who is the eliminator of all the forces of unsuitable Mara,
some day through showing full enlightenment as Samyaksambuddha,
you will fulfil the deed of a Tathagata, to you I prostrate.

This explains that Dorje Shugden is emanating as a Dharma protector for all Buddhist lineages at this moment and that he will continuously emanate to assist sincere practitioners. However, in the future he will take on the form of a Samyaksambuddha. This is a Buddha who manifests when the Dharma is non-existent within samsara to turn the wheel of Dharma to benefit sentient beings. Buddha Shakyamuni for example taught when the Dharma no longer exist, so therefore he is called a Samyaksambuddha.

Likewise, Dorje Shugden will appear in a form like Buddha Shakyamuni to teach the Dharma. Some people would retort that this goes to show that he is not enlightened yet, but is unenlightened. On the contrary, here it states that he will ‘show’ full enlightenment, or take on the form of a Samyaksambuddha, implying that he is already a fully enlightened being. It means he will simply take the form of a Samyaksambuddha for the benefit of sentient beings.

Therefore at the moment he has taken a form of a Dharma protector, later he will take on the form of a Samyaksambuddha. This clearly means that he is enlightened already but will take on the form of a fully enlightened being in the future.

In short, in all three times, uninterruptedly,
with your infinite secrets of body speech and mind,
all those beings who are wandering in the ocean of the cycle,
you give them the perfect state of liberation, to you I prostrate.

This clearly states he is an enlightened being as only enlightened beings can provide you with the means of achieving enlightenment. This is not an ability held by any other types of beings. He brings resources, brings practitioners to their gurus who expound the path out of suffering, blesses them so that they are able to receive and understand the teachings. In short he creates the causes for a person to become a fully enlightened being if we have trust in him and his abilities.

Thus by the power of venerating you with this ocean of melodious praise,
through generating delight, compassion, and benevolent force of your mind,
please fulfil the activity for increasing of virtues, pacifying of disfavourable
interferences,
and accomplishment of all the purposes in accordance to Dharma.

The last verse states that by praising Dorje Shugden, who is no other than a Buddha, the practitioner generates great waves of merit. From these merits generated by praising him, you supplicate Dorje Shugden to fulfil the various actions of a protector, removing obstacles, granting protection and the granting of conducive conditions for the practice of the Dharma.

When we praise someone with an ego, their ego increases. Whereas if we praise someone without an ego, an enlightened being, our merits increase. Although this verse on the surface level is propitiating Dorje Shugden for various activities in his current role of a Dharma protector, if we look deeper it once again reaffirms his status as an enlightened being as he does not have an ego. This entire praise is a clear sign that Dorje Shugden is not an ordinary being but a fully enlightened being. Similarly it was no ordinary lama who composed these words. This praise was written by the 31st Sakya Trizin Kunga Lodro, a great patriarch of the Sakya School.

Click here to download the prayer in English (PDF)

Gallery of Images >>

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Gallery of Images

The Dorje Shugden wall mural at Sakya Monastery in Shigatse

A close-up of the Dorje Shugden wall mural at Sakya Monastery in Shigatse

Dorje Shugden Tanag

Dorje Shugden Tanag tsa tsa

Dorje Shugden on the horse is on the bottom left of this thangka of Vajrayogini. Vajrayogini is considered one of the 13 Golden Dharmas of the Sakya Tradition.

Dorje Shugden sitting regally on a throne, surrounded by his emanations of Shize, Gyenze, Wangze and Trakze.

Dorje Shugden as depicted in the Sakya tradition

Click to download high-resolution image

Hevajra (central figure)

The 30th Sakya Throneholder Sonam Rinchen (1705-1741) (top leftmost), the 31st Sakya Throneholder Ngawang Kunga Lodro (1729-1783) (top second from the left), Buddha Shakyamuni (top middle), Naro Kechari Vajrayogini (top right), Yellow Dzambala (middle leftmost), The 39th Sakya Throneholder Dragshul Trinley Rinchen (1871–1936) (middle second from the left), Citipati Lord and Lady of the Charnel Ground (middle right), Panjaranatha Mahakala (bottom left), Dorje Shugden Tanag (bottom right)

Hevajra is one of the main highest yoga tantric meditational deities of the Sakya tradition and the 30th Sakya Throneholder Sonam Rinchen featured as the largest of the three Sakya Trizins depicted here enthroned Dorje Shugden as a protector of the Sakya tradition. The 31st Sakya Throneholder Ngawang Kunga Lodro was his son and the emanation of Dorje Shugden who composed the Dorje Shugden fulfilment ritual text (kangso) that is used to propitiate Dorje Shugden as an enlightened Dharma Protector within the Sakya tradition up until today. Both the 30th and 31st Sakya Throneholders are highly respected and revered for their mastery of the Buddhist teachings, and their ability to teach others.

The 39th Sakya Throneholder Dragshul Trinley Rinchen was a renowned master, erudite scholar and lineage holder who also taught hundreds of scholars, masters and great practitioners. He was an ardent practitioner of Dorje Shugden and proliferated the practice throughout the Sakya tradition. Aside from the three aforementioned Sakya throneholders, there were many other great Sakya throneholders who practised and proliferated Dorje Shugden Tanag and these include the following:

33rd Throneholder and Mahasiddha Padma Dudul Wangchug (1792-1853)
35th Throneholder Tashi Rinchen (1824-1865)
37th Throneholder Kunga Nyingpo (1850-1899)

Click to download high-resolution image

The 31st Sakya Throneholder Ngawang Kunga Lodro (1729-1783) (central figure)

Hevajra (top left), Naro Kechari Vajrayogini (top right), Panjaranatha Mahakala (bottom left), Dorje Shugden Tanag (bottom right)

The 31st Sakya Throneholder Ngawang Kunga Lodro was the son of the 30th Sakya Throneholder Sonam Rinchen. He was considered to have been an emanation of Dorje Shugden at that time and an erudite scholar, accomplished Tantrika and a great lineage holder of the Sakya tradition. He was the teacher of hundreds of scholars, masters and great practitioners. He composed the 149 page Dorje Shugden fulfilment ritual text (kangso) that is used to propitiate Dorje Shugden within the Sakya tradition even until today. He is also known as a lineage holder of the Naro Kechari Vajrayogini practice within the Sakya tradition. Aside from Kunga Lodro, there were many other great Sakya throneholders who practised and proliferated Dorje Shugden Tanag, the special form of Dorje Shugden within the Sakya tradition, who rides on a black horse. These great masters include:

30th Sakya Throneholder Sonam Rinchen (1705-1741)
33rd Throneholder Padma Dudul Wangchug (1792-1853)
35th Throneholder Tashi Rinchen (1824-1865)
37th Throneholder Kunga Nyingpo (1850-1899)
39th Throneholder Dragshul Trinley Rinchen (1871–1936)

Click to download high-resolution image

Dorje Shugden Tanag (central figure)

The 39th Sakya Throneholder Dragshul Trinley Rinchen (1871–1936) (top left), Naro Kechari Vajrayogini (top right), Panjaranatha Mahakala (bottom left), Citipati Lord and Lady of the Charnel Ground (bottom right)

Dorje Shugden Tanag literally means ‘Dorje Shugden riding on a black horse’. He is a unique form of Dorje Shugden that arose within the Sakya tradition, is one of the earliest forms of the protector deity and is propitiated as an enlightened Dharma Protector.

The 39th Sakya Throneholder Dragshul Trinley Rinchen was a renowned master, erudite scholar and lineage holder. He taught hundreds of students who became scholars, masters and great practitioners by following his teachings. He was also a great practitioner of Dorje Shugden and proliferated this practice throughout the Sakya lineage. Aside from Dragshul Trinley Rinchen, there were many other great Sakya throneholders who practised and proliferated Dorje Shugden Tanag within the Sakya tradition. These great masters include:

30th Sakya Throneholder Sonam Rinchen (1705-1741)
31st Throneholder Sachen Kunga Lodro (1729-1783)
33rd Throneholder and Mahasiddha Padma Dudul Wangchug (1792-1853)
35th Throneholder Tashi Rinchen (1824-1865)
37th Throneholder Kunga Nyingpo (1850-1899)

Click to download high-resolution image

The 30th Sakya Trizin Sonam Rinchen (main figure)

The 30th Sakya Trizin Sonam Rinchen, Hevajra, Vajrayogini, Mahakala of the Doors, Palden Lhamo, Gonpo Tramsuk (Brahmarupa), Dzambala and Sakya Dorje Shugden Tanag.

The 30th Sakya Throneholder Sonam Rinchen enthroned Dorje Shugden as a protector of the Sakya tradition and establish the Dorje Shugden Tanag lineage. Sachen Kunga Nyingpo (1092–1158) was the first of the Five Founding Fathers of the Sakya Lineage.

Aside from Sonam Rinchen, there were many other great Sakya throneholders who practised and proliferated Dorje Shugden Tanag, the special form of Dorje Shugden within the Sakya tradition, who rides on a black horse. These great masters include:

31st Throneholder Sachen Kunga Lodro (1729-1783)
33rd Throneholder Padma Dudul Wangchug (1792-1853)
35th Throneholder Tashi Rinchen (1824-1865)
37th Throneholder Kunga Nyingpo (1850-1899)
39th Throneholder Dragshul Trinley Rinchen (1871–1936)

Click to download high-resolution image

The 30th Sakya Trizin Sonam Rinchen (main figure)

Buddha Shakyamuni, Hevajra, Vajrayogini, Mahakala of the Doors, Gonpo Tramsuk (Brahmarupa),and Sakya Dorje Shugden Tanag.

The 30th Sakya Throneholder Sonam Rinchen enthroned Dorje Shugden as a protector of the Sakya tradition and establish the Dorje Shugden Tanag lineage. Furthermore, Hevajra and Vajrayogini are the main higher tantric practices of Sakya tradition. In addition, Mahakala of the Doors is the main protector of the Sakya School and Gonpo Tramsuk (Brahmarupa) is an emanation of 4-face Mahakala as those who are uninitiated within the Sakya tradition are not allowed to behold the face of this Mahakala.

31st Throneholder Sachen Kunga Lodro (1729-1783)
33rd Throneholder Padma Dudul Wangchug (1792-1853)
35th Throneholder Tashi Rinchen (1824-1865)
37th Throneholder Kunga Nyingpo (1850-1899)
39th Throneholder Dragshul Trinley Rinchen (1871–1936)

Click to download high-resolution image

6 Sakya Trizins (central lama figures)

37th Sakya Trizin Kunga Nyingpo (top left), 39th Sakya Trizin Dragshul Trinley Rinchen (top middle), 30th Sakya Trizin Sonam Rinchen (top right), 31st Sakya Trizin Sachen Kunga Lodro (middle row left), 33rd Sakya Trizin Padma Dudul Wangchug (middle row middle), 35th Sakya Trizin Tashi Rinchen (middle row right), Mahakala Panjaranatha (bottom left), Vajrayogini (bottom middle), Sakya Dorje Shugden Tanag (bottom right)

The 30th Sakya Throneholder Sonam Rinchen enthroned Dorje Shugden as a protector of the Sakya tradition and establish the Dorje Shugden Tanag lineage. The 31st Sakya Throneholder Ngawang Kunga Lodro was his son and the emanation of Dorje Shugden who composed the Dorje Shugden fulfilment ritual text (kangso) that is used to propitiate Dorje Shugden as an enlightened Dharma Protector within the Sakya tradition up until today. Both the 30th and 31st Sakya Throneholders are highly respected and revered for their mastery of the Buddhist teachings, and their ability to teach others.

33rd Throneholder and Mahasiddha Padma Dudul Wangchug (1792-1853)
35th Throneholder Tashi Rinchen (1824-1865)
37th Throneholder Kunga Nyingpo (1850-1899)

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Hevajra, one of the main Highest Yoga Tantras practised in the Sakya tradition, together with Dorje Shugden. Click on image to enlarge or click here for more beautiful thangkas.

Addendum – Tsiu Marpo

A protector with an intimate link to the Sakya lineage and Dorje Shugden is the protector Tsiu Marpo. Tsiu Marpo has a long history within Tibetan Buddhism and was propitiated in a triad of protectors known as the Gyalpo Sum or the Three Kings, together with Dorje Shugden and Dorje Setrap. Christopher Paul Bell has written an excellent thesis on Tsiu Marpo, which can be downloaded by clicking the button below.

Click here to download Tsiu Marpo: The Career of a Tibetan Protector Deity

Sources:

http://www.dorjeshugdenhistory.org/among-shugden-texts-1871.html

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57 Responses to 39th Sakya Trizin Dragshul Trinley Rinchen

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Samfoonheei on Jun 2, 2021 at 1:09 pm

Reading over and over again this article always have me thinking. There must be something special or interesting. Dorje shugden which is propitiated by the Sakyas many centuries ago. Dorje Shugden was first enthroned and propitiated within the Sakya School before becoming a widespread protector practice within the Gelug tradition. Many Sakyas throne holders are considered to be incarnations of divine beings and from unbroken hereditary. Dorje Shugden practice is not sectarian as claimed but an enlightened protector who has an extraordinary related with the Sakya lineage. Dorje Shugden is not just a minor practice but was indeed a major protector practice within the Sakya tradition. Since the the 30th Sakya Trizin Sonam Rinchen time, Dorje Shugden been worshipped as a Dharma protector. The practice of this Dharma Protector was then passed on to the rest of the Sakyas tradition. Of the 42 supreme throne holders throughout the history of the Sakya tradition, six of the thrones holders are confirmed to have practiced Dorje Shugden. They built chapels to him, composed prayers and pujas as well. It has proven Dorje Shugden has a long history of association and practice within the Sakya School of Tibetan Buddhism. They even promoted Dorje Shugden’s practice within the sacred Sakya lineage. Interesting read of a GREAT Lama.
Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David for this great sharing.

Samfoonheei on Feb 21, 2020 at 6:30 pm

Dorje Shugden’s practice was first established within the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism. They regarded Dorje Shugen as an enlightened being, as such together with Setrab and Tsiu Marpo formed the triune of Sakya Protectors known as Gyalpo Sum. It was practiced first by the Sakyas and was later transmitted to the Gelug school where it was practiced by the majority of the Gelugpas. Many high Lamas has since been relying on Dorje Shugden as their dharma protector as they its a beneficial practice and has continued to thrive due to the courage and commitment of high lamas.
The 39th Sakya Trizin Dragshul Trinley Rinchen being as a reincarnation of his own grandfather, the 35th Sakya Trizin Tashi Rinchen. Interesting stories told as how he was born and the special link with the Sakya Trizins. Dragshul Trinley Rinchen was more of a hermit lama, and incredibly having visions of both Tara and Vajrayogini.
Recording to the Sakya throne holders the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden indeed definitively is Avalokiteshvara. Six of them are confirmed to have practiced Dorje Shugden. And even composed prayers, pujas , propagated and promoted Dorje Shugden within the sacred Sakya lineage. Chapels been built too as such they cannot be wrong in their practice and a very research evidence had also confirmed it too. Interesting read …biography of a Great Lama.
Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David for this interesting sharing.

Samfoonheei on Oct 8, 2019 at 11:40 am

Informative article about Powerful Dharma Protector Dorje shugden which is propitiated by the Sakyas centuries ago. Traditionally, the Sakya throne holders are considered to be incarnations of divine beings and unbroken hereditary. Dorje Shugden has emanated in the Sakya lineage over again and again. The 39th Sakya Trizin Dragshul Trinley Rinchen and the previous were the incarnations of Dorje Shugden .They even recognised Dorje Shugden as having the same nature as Avalokiteshvara who is ultimately enlightened. So they cannot be wrong and has proven that Dorje Shugden is no evil and does not harm any practitioners. In the autobiography, the 39th Sakya Trizin Dragshul Trinley Rinchen had even mentioned that, Dorje Shugden is not mistaken on the path to liberation, and by nature is the Great Compassionate One. Interesting read.
Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David for sharing such a beautiful write up for everyone of us to understand better. The Sakya tradition has long associated with Dorje Shugden indeed.

Joy Kam on Dec 10, 2018 at 12:43 am

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

Tsem Rinpoche on Nov 27, 2018 at 3:32 am

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

Tsem Rinpoche on Nov 23, 2018 at 9:01 am

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

Tsem Rinpoche on Nov 20, 2018 at 2:11 pm

The Library of Tibetan Works and Archives is in Dharamsala, which is broken into two parts. Upper Dharamsala is where the Dalai Lama’s palace is located with his audience room and main prayer hall. It is also the location of the Dialectics School, Gaden Shartse’s guesthouse, restaurants, tourist hotels and main tourist areas.

A short ride down takes you to the lower part of Dharamsala where the Tibetan government is located. It is the location of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, Nechung monastery, the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, the Tibetan arts centre…it’s all in one area. And the reason why it’s split into upper and lower Dharamsala is because the area is mountainous.

The Library of Tibetan Works and Archives was established by the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government to preserve all the ancient texts – both secular and spiritual – of Tibet and in the process, translate them into various languages like English. This book, Overview of Buddhist Tantra, by Panchen Sonam Drakpa was one of the books translated into English. What’s very interesting is that the book very clearly says that Panchen Sonam Drakpa’s previous life is Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen, one of the five main disciples of Lama Tsongkhapa. It also says that after that, he was Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen.

So the book is basically saying that Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen, Panchen Sonam Drakpa and Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen – the three Drakpas – are of the same mindstream.

Now that’s very peculiar because if Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen’s previous life is Panchen Sonam Drakpa, the renowned composer of 45 volumes of Dharma texts, the abbot of three monasteries AND the 15th Gaden Tripa, the holder of Lama Tsongkhapa’s throne…if that’s the case, how can Panchen Sonam Drakpa take rebirth as Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen and become an evil spirit and have a negative mind?

Prior to Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen, he was Panchen Sonam Drakpa and before that, he was Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen, a heart disciple of Lama Tsongkhapa. How can a heart disciple of Lama Tsongkhapa reincarnate as the erudite master Panchen Sonam Drakpa, and then die and reincarnate as Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen…and then Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen, due to a bad and negative prayer, become the evil spirit Dorje Shugden? How is that possible? Logically, it’s not.

What’s incredible is that all of this was printed by the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives under the Dalai Lama’s guidance. They contradict themselves because on one hand, the Tibetan leaders say Dorje Shugden is an evil spirit. On the other hand they’re printing a book saying that Panchen Sonam Drakpa, whose later incarnation became Dorje Shugden, is of this illustrious mindstream.

So how can the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, which is under the auspices of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government, print the translation of a book composed by the previous incarnation of a so-called evil spirit? How can they then say in the book that Panchen Sonam Drakpa’s previous life is Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen, and his next life was Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen?

Prior to the Dorje Shugden ban and controversy, everyone in Tibet knew that Dorje Shugden is Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen, that Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen is Panchen Sonam Drakpa, and that Panchen Sonam Drakpa is Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen. The three Drakpas, they are one mindstream emanating again and again to benefit other beings.

And as we all know, Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen became Dorje Shugden so it totally doesn’t make sense to call him an evil spirit, then highlight all of his previous lives as erudite masters, and publish all of this information under their own library. So you can see the contradictions. You can read all of this for yourself in Overview of Buddhist Tantra, which was printed by the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives.

—–

OVERVIEW OF BUDDHIST TANTRA

GENERAL PRESENTATION OF THE CLASSES OF TANTRA,
CAPTIVATING THE MINDS OF THE FORTUNATE ONES

rgyud sde spyi’i rnam par bzhag pa
skal bzang gi yid ‘phrog ces bya ba bzhugs so

BY
PANCHEN SONAM DRAGPA
(Pan-chen bSod-nams grags-pa, 1478-1554)

O Choje Sonam Dragpa Pel! (Chos-rje bSod-nams grags-pa-dpal!)
In the vast expanse of Your bodhi-mind,
The mind that the Buddhas have lauded for as many as
one hundred times,
You have developed “merit” shining like the sun.
Through Your skill in learning, debate and writing,
As illuminating as one hundred thousand sun rays,
You have developed in You a complete knowledge of
the entire sutras and tantras,
Resembling a garden of flowers in full bloom.
The power of Your speech is like the sun;
The fame of your name has reached the three realms of
this world.
O Sonam Dragpa, the teacher of teachers!
I bow down at your feet.

In the vast garden of Your great teachings,
The intelligent young people gather for
The ‘six ultimates’ and the ‘four modes of transmission,’
Just as they are attracted to
The one hundred thousand types of nectar
Dripping from a flower of one hundred petals.
May I be able to experience
The taste of the secret tantra!

Panchen Choje Sonam Dragpa Pel (Panchen Chos-rje bSod-nams grags-pa-dpal), the holder of sutra and Vajrayana teachings, was a master whose outstanding learning and spiritual accomplishments are well known by all the learned ones in Tibet. His first incarnation came in the form of one of the five prestigious disciples of Lord Tsongkhapa (Tsong-kha-pa) and became known as Vinaya Holder (Dulzin) Dragpa Gyaltsen (Gragspa rgyal-mtshan). Then came Panchen Sonam Dragpa Pel (Panchen bSod-nams grags-pa-dpal), the author of the present text. The next was Nagri Tulku Dragpa Gyaltsen (mNga’-ris sPrul-sku Grags-pa rgyal-mtshan). In this way, a line of his incarnations, each with the Dragpa (gragspa) surname, followed successively.

Panchen Sonam Dragpa Pel (Panchen bSod-nams grags-pa-dpal) was born in the 14th century in Tsetang (rTsed-thang) in the Lhoka (Lho-kha) region of Central Tibet. He entered the great seat of learning, Sera Thekchenling (Se-ra theg-chen-gling) monastic university, where he became the personal disciple of spiritual master Donyo Dangden (Dhon-yod dang-ldan) and His Holiness the Second Dalai Lama Gedun Gyatso (dGe-‘dun rgya-mtsho). Under them, he studied the entire teachings of sutra, tantra and their commentaries, and became known for his outstanding learning. He also received from them the empowerments, reading transmissions, guides and instructions of the entire body of spiritual training. On becoming the fully blessed one, the Dalai Lama appointed him the abbot of the Loseling (Blo-gsalgling) college, one of the four colleges of Drepung (‘Bras-dpung)- the most prestigious monastic university in Tibet before 1959, with over 10,000 monks on its register. He continued to be the abbot of this college for the next six years; and after him the tenure for each of his successors in this position was fixed for a period of six years, a rule that is followed even today.

He was then appointed the head of the Gelugpa (dGe-lugs-pa) order, the throne holder of Gaden (dGa’-ldan), thus becoming the 15th regent of Lord Tsongkhapa (Tsong-khapa), the second Buddha. In his eulogy to him, Khedrub Gelek Pelsang (mKhas-grub dGe-legs dpal- bzang) says:

O Lama, the second successor of the Unsubduable One,
The regent of the Lord of Dharma,
You are the one who made the virtuous qualities thrive;
You are the one who ascended to the golden throne uplifted
by the fearless lions.
May Your success thrive forever!

He continued to be the throne holder for the next seven years, during which time he promoted the spread of Lord Tsongkhapa’s (Tsong-kha-pa) precious teachings, the Gelug (dGe-lugs) tradition, across the land in all directions. He also paid special attention to the practice of monastic rules and the learning and meditation of Buddhism in the monasteries such as Sera (Se-ra), Drepung (‘Bras-spungs), Kyomolung (sKyo-mo-lung), Phagmo Chode (Phag-mo chos-sde), Nyeding (Nye-sdings), Ödna (’Od-sna) and Chöde Rinchen (Chos-sde rin-chen) etc. and improved them to a great extent. He taught the Third Dalai Lama Sonam Gyatso (bSod-nams rGya-mtsho) as the latter’s spiritual master. It was from him that the Dalai Lama received the name Sonam (bSod-nams).

His contributions in the literary field are enormous; and, indeed, they are the most valuable of all his contributions. Tsongkhapa (Tsong-kha-pa) has rightly said:

Of all one’s deeds,
The ‘deeds of speech’ are the most valuable.

Panchen Sonam Dragpa Pel (Panchen bSod-nams grags-pa-dpal) was a person with an extraordinary talent for teaching, debate and writing. In his colophon to Bu mey chi don zab don sel wey dron mey (dBu ma’i spyi don zab don gsal ba’i sgron me), he wrote:

In the field of teaching, I am [next to none!] Knowing that
I would outdo them in this field, Arya Asanga and his
brother transmigrated into another realm.

In the field of debate, I am [next to none!] Knowing that
I would find out the areas they had contradicted and
that I would examine them and put forth my arguments,
the logician Dignaga (Digh-naga) and Dharmakirti tactfully
bypassed me.

In the field of writing, I am [next to none!] [In my eyes,]
Arya-sura was just good at spreading the works, which
are like ‘disputes~ between an insect and a field.’

I am the learned man. Peerless in the field of teaching,
debate and writing!

For some this passage might sound utterly nonsensical, but the most learned master of our age, the talented teacher, logician and writer, the late tutor to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Yongdzin Trijang Dorjechang (Yongs-‘dzin Khri-byang rDorje-‘Chang), said: “Now, some people of our time, who consider themselves learned scholars, think that this is utter nonsense; but they are wrong.”

Panchen Sonam Dragpa Pel (Panchen bSod-nams grags-pa-dpal) wrote over 45 volumes of books dealing with many different subjects, such as the commentaries on the sutras and tantras, the saddhana manuals of the tutelary deities, history, religious history and so forth. Among these, one that is very important for all who wish to learn and meditate on the path-of the practical aspect of Buddhism in general and that of Vajrayana in particular is the Leg shey gyu de chi nam par shagpa kelsang gi yi trod (Legs bshad rgyud sde spyi’i rnam par bzhag pa skal bzang gi yid ‘phrod). In this book, he has explained precisely how the four tantras differ from one another. He has also fully described the stages of the two spontaneous path practices of the Vajrayana tradition, dealing with the ‘six ultimates’ and the ‘four modes of transmission’, thus interpreting without mistake the intention of Adhi-Buddha Vajradhara.

May the reprint of this text, which the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives is publishing herewith, bring peace and happiness in this world!

Prof. Nawang Jinpa
St. Joseph’s College
Darjeeling
January 24 1996

Panchen-Sonam-Dragpa-Overview-of-Buddhist-Tantra.pdf

Joy on Oct 29, 2018 at 9:12 pm

This beautiful painting (thangka) is in Sakya Monastery in Tibet’s protector chapel. It is Dorje Shugden Tanag or Dorje Shugden riding on a black horse. This is the Sakya version of Dorje Shugden. Dorje Shugden is originally Sakya and still practiced in Sakya and came to Gelug and Kagyu practitioners later.

Valentina Suhendra on Oct 6, 2018 at 6:21 pm

A Daily Request for Wealth, Peace and Protection

Composed by H.E. Tsem Rinpoche

In the heavens there are myriad manifestations of the divine. All those manifestations specifically show us different aspects of divinity in order to be of benefit to all living beings. All the rupakaya forms of the divine have compassion, skillful means and wisdom. We invoke upon them whether we are happy, sad, down, lost, fulfilled, confused, empty, and during the whole range of emotions we constantly experience due to an untrained mind.

Understanding our nature, Great Wisdom Being Dorje Shugden, therefore all the more so, please hold us close to your bosom as an only child to a parent.

Though the manifestations of the divine need no offerings and gifts from us, we offer you supreme Manjushri Dorje Shugden a libation of tea, incense and mantras, in order to ask you to bless us, to be a part of our lives, to abide in our dwellings and to give us signs, omens and portents of both good and bad. When the negative arises, quell them immediately. Please increase the positive for my weary and worn mind as I lay my hopes in you.

When difficulties, problems and confusion arise, we ask you, who is but the culmination of all that is powerful, holy and omniscient to bless myself, family, loved ones, environment and even my pets. May I see wisdom, find hope, and be at peace.

I request you, O Divine Bhagavān Dorje Shugden, who wears a round dome hat and the three robes of a saffroned bhikshu, who wields a sword of liberty, justice and wisdom and clutches a wish-fulfilling jewel, who rides on a supreme lion of subjugation of all that is negative, to fulfill my wishes. I understand my wishes may not be the best, so I surrender to your wisdom for the outcome though it may not be what I have in mind. Please bless myself and everyone that we may enter into the supreme city of liberation.

Great Bhagavān Dorje Shugden, I request you sincerely from my heart to be a part of my life, bless my home, and grant me wisdom, solace and comfort, that I might be of service to others without agenda, and that I may focus out onto others and not be fixated on myself, creating more problems for all that I hold dear.

Bless me to become kinder, wiser, more compassionate, tolerant and very forgiving to all those who hurt and love me. In order to become close to you, Dorje Shugden, we must surrender the banal. We must abandon fixed views, projections and rigidity. Lastly, in my final moment when I leave this plane of existence, only the positive actions I have done will matter as everything and everyone will be left behind. Let me realise this and act upon this now! At this crucial moment, please may I have a vision of yourself, the powerful and merciful Dorje Shugden, to take me to where I may course in the sky to continue my journey of spiritual waxing.

I offer you saffron-coloured tea and my faith to fulfill my prayers and gain siddhis. By reciting your mantra, may healing, peace, love, long life, protection and perfect view of sunyata arise.

Mantra of fulfillment, peace and wisdom:

OM BENZA WIKI BITANA SOHA

(It is good to recite this mantra daily as much as you like or your timing allows.)

I dedicate this supreme heartfelt prayer to the all-knowing Celestial and Supreme Protector Dorje Shugden, that I may quickly become a being of light, compassion, love and enlightenment.

Please play the audio included here to follow along with the prayer.

OR

Follow on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-OSudd323A

For more information, go to: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=61394

https://video.tsemtulku.com/chat-videos/chat-1538813324.mp4

Valentina Suhendra on Sep 28, 2018 at 7:46 am

8 pictures of the Sakya Monastery to share, where Protector temple Mug Chung is located. This is the monastery where Dorje Shugden was enthroned first as a Dharma protector in Tibet over 400 years ago by the highest Sakya throneholders and masters. Since then when people are doing Dorje Shugden prayers and pujas, they invoke his holy wisdom presence from Mug Chung Protector Chapel in Sakya Monastery in Tibet.

Pastor Adeline Woon on Sep 24, 2018 at 1:25 am

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

Valentina Suhendra on Aug 11, 2018 at 2:36 am

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

Beatrix Ooi on Aug 10, 2018 at 8:09 am

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

Made in Japan on Aug 1, 2018 at 5:59 am

“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

Pastor Adeline Woon on Jul 29, 2018 at 7:11 pm

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

Joy Kam on Jul 25, 2018 at 1:25 am

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

Pastor Adeline Woon on Jul 23, 2018 at 3:34 am

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

Pastor Adeline Woon on Jul 20, 2018 at 9:39 pm

Here we see a Bhutanese woman confirming that His Holiness the 4th Zhabdrung Rinpoche wrote prayers to Dorje Shugden. At first people did not believe that Zhabdrung Rinpoche actually composed the prayers, but people went to check with their monastic authorities, and they confirmed that the prayers were real. Before this, she had vehemently said that there were no such prayers and that she would go to check and then prove that the prayers were false. She must have gone to check and ask about Zhabdrung Rinpoche’s prayers to Dorje Shugden. As we said, the prayers are real but she still cannot accept the fact, even with all the proof.

Some Bhutanese feel like they cannot openly acknowledge that the article on Zhabdrung Rinpoche’s composition of prayers to Dorje Shugden is true, because it would mean that the Je Khenpo and Bhutanese sold and betrayed their own lineage. So even though they now admit that they prayers are real, they keep saying that he is just a minor deity and in any case, the Je Khenpo banned the practice. But if Dorje Shugden was just a minor deity, why would both Zhabdrung Rinpoche and Drubwang Tenzin Zangpo have composed such extensive prayers to Dorje Shugden? If Bhutan’s founding fathers like Zhabdrung Rinpoche promoted the practice of Dorje Shugden, why is someone like the Je Khenpo, whose position was originally created by the 1st Zhabdrung Rinpoche, banning the practice? Why do they want to go against what Zhabdrung Rinpoche did? If they do that, why do not they ban the entire country of Bhutan, because he founded that too.

They also claim that thangkas of Zhabdrung Rinpoche with Dorje Shugden are fake. However, there is no such thing as a fake thangka, because when someone has faith, they commission it, place it on their shrine and accept it. How can a thangka be fake when it has been individually commissioned? There is no rule or guideline what someone can or cannot put on a thangka. It is up to a person’s personal choice. That means there is no such thing as a fake thangka.

This woman came back on social media and confessed that the prayers are real. Even though she was still shocked, angry and dismayed, she told the truth. She could have kept quiet but she did not. Through all her debates and denials, she still had the honesty to leave a comment and admit that the prayers were real. When people can accept something, even though it may make them uncomfortable or angry, it means that they are practicing the Dharma. Dorje Shugden was practiced by the 4th Zhabdrung, and even though it may be an uncomfortable thought to some, it is clear and proven to be the case.

The 4th Zhabdrung Rinpoche of Bhutan and Dorje Shugden
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/the-4th-zhabdrung-rinpoche-of-bhutan-and-dorje-shugden.html

不丹国第四世夏仲仁波切与多杰雄登
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/dorje-shugden/the-4th-zhabdrung-rinpoche-of-bhutan-and-dorje-shugden-chinese.html

འབྲུག་གི་ཞབས་དྲུང་བཞི་པ་རིན་པོ་ཆེ་དང་རྡོ་རྗེ་ཤུགས་ལྡན།
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/the-4th-zhabdrung-rinpoche-of-bhutan-and-dorje-shugden-tibetan.html

Joy Kam on Jul 17, 2018 at 7:11 pm

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.

Tsem Rinpoche on Jun 27, 2018 at 6:29 pm

You will see two ancient Sakya thangkas with Dorje Shugden, Tsiu Marpo (Kache Marpo) and Setrap included. As Dorje Shugden was worshipped within the Sakya for sure. Beautiful paintings. I was happy to share this.

Pastor Niral Patel on Jun 15, 2018 at 11:35 pm

The section from Christopher Paul Bell’s “Tsiu Marpo the Career of a Tibetan Protector Deity” that mentioned Tsimar is another name of Tsiu Marpo. He mentioned that Tsimar name was given by Padmasambava

shelly tai on Oct 25, 2017 at 1:13 pm

Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David for sharing this informative article with us about Dorje shugden. After reading the detail of this article it proof that one thing Dorje Shugden is a Buddha is not a demon or spirit that claim by most people because Sakya Lineage also a devoted practitioner of Dorje Shugden the practices is not just for Gelug school with all these great master who practice this protector and write prayers about Dorje Shugden so no way Dorje Shugden is a demon .

Valentina Suhendra on Oct 19, 2017 at 11:05 pm

We should fulfil the will of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for an autonomous Tibetan state.

Valentina Suhendra on Oct 15, 2017 at 10:33 am

Great message every Tibetan especially must read!

Tsem Rinpoche on Sep 30, 2017 at 5:41 am

Sonam Tsemo

At the age of 41, on the eleventh day of the Tibetan month of Malpo in the Male Water Tiger year (1182), the great Loppon Sonam Tsemo directly entered Sukhavati. As he passed into parinirvana, he manifested two different aspects of his body for the benefit of beings. The first aspect is described in the Supplication with a Mournful Melody: “During the evening of the tenth day, the two holy brothers performed a tsok offering. The next morning Jetsun Dragpa Gyaltsen visited his brother’s room and found only a Dharma robe left behind, for Loppon Sonam Tsemo had departed to the Kechari realm without abandoning his body. Jetsun Dragpa Gyaltsen, with great fervor, recited the Supplication with a Mournful Melody and through it he received a special prophecy which emerged from the Dharma robes like the sound of a bee.”

The second aspect was described by an old woman who witnessed Loppon Sonam Tsemo depart. Standing on a rock at the holy spring near Sakya known as Chumik Dzingka, his body ascended gracefully into the sky, still holding his dog. Even today the footprints of Loppon Sonam Tsemo and the dog can be clearly seen in the rock, left for the benefit of living beings as a field from which to accumulate merit. This holy site was decorated by the great master Mantradhara Ngawang Kunga Rinchen. Other accounts say that he ascended from Gorum Library near Chumik Dzingka spring. A stupa containing his holy relics was erected there.

http://www.hhthesakyatrizin.org/tradition_founder2.html

And another version:

Biography: Sonam Tsemo

Sonam Tsemo, 1142-1182, also called Lobpon Sonam Tsemo (bsod nams rtse mo) of the Khon family was the second of the Sakya Jetsun Gongma Nga, (sa skya rje btsun gong ma lnga) who were the five founding patriarchs of the Sakya order. He was also the fourth Sakya throne holder, although he served as active head of the monastery for only a few years. His mother was called Machig Odron (ma gcig ‘od sgron). Like his father he remained a layman throughout his life, although he never married or had children. He was identified as the reincarnation of the Indian scholar Durgachandra (or Durjayachandra) the master of Drogmi Lotsawa Shakya Yeshe’s (‘brog mi lotsawa shakya ye shes) teacher Viravajra, in India.

During his childhood, Sonam Tsemo’s main teacher was his father Sachen Kunga Nyingpo (sa chen kun dga’ snying po), who was the first Sakya patriarch and the third throne holder. His studies with his father focused on esoteric topics, and it is said that he could recite fourteen esoteric scriptures, including the Hevajra and Samvara tantras by the age of sixteen. He received oral Lamdre (lam ‘bras) instructions from Sachen during this time. After Sachen passed away, Sonam Tsemo’s education was strongly inflected by the Indian monastic model. At seventeen he went to the Kadampa monastery Sangpu Neutog (gsang phu ne’u thog) to study Madhyamaka philosophy and epistemology with the great master Chapa Chokyi Sengge (phya pa chos kyi seng ge). This teacher had disciples from several of the most prominent families in Central Tibet and Sonam Tsemo’s biography claims that he became the most accomplished of the students. He studied with this master on and off for eleven years and became well versed in Mahayana texts such as Pramanavinischaya and Bodhicharyavatara. Sonam Tsemo also received some instruction from the Indian or Nepali Acharya Shri Anandagharba.

Sonam Tsemo’s work Chola jugpai go (chos la ‘jug pa’i sgo), which he composed at the age of twenty-six at Nalatse, was extremely influential on the work of his nephew Sakya Pandita Kunga Gyaltsen (sa skya paN+Di ta kun dga’ rgyal mtshan), the fourth Sakya patriarch and a widely renowned scholar. Sonam Tsemo’s written works address topics including the Bodhicharyavatara, a schematization of the tantra; an explanation of the last two chapters of the Hevajra root tantra; a commentary on the Samputa tantra; instructions for reading Sanskrit, and commemorative texts for his main teachers.

Sonam Tsemo first gave the Lamdre teachings in Sakya at the age of twenty-eight. Many famous masters attended the teaching, and he became renowned as a clear and skilled teacher, but his biographical data reflect a career more focused on study, practice and composition of texts than on teaching. His few close disciples included his brother Dragpa Gyaltsen (rje btsun grags pa rgyal mtshan), Ngodrup (dngos grub), Chagkyi Dorje (lcags kyi rdo rje), and Tsugtor (gstug tor). He was the active Sakya throne holder for only three years, after which he passed the responsibility on to his younger brother Dragpa Gyaltsen, in order to devote the rest of his life to study and retreat.

Sonam Tsemo passed away in 1182 at the age of forty. The details of his death are unclear, but it is recorded that his body disappeared and he left nothing but his robe and a footprint behind.

https://www.himalayanart.org/search/set.cfm?setid=400

Irene Lim on Sep 29, 2017 at 11:50 pm

Such awesome article tracing the origin of Dorje Shugden Protector propitiated by the Sakyas. Dorje Shugden even extended his help to preserve the lineage by incarnating as their Heads. I hope those students of H.H. Sakya Trizin who had not studied their lineage well should read this article before they scorn Dorje Shugden and his followers. It will be like a double-edge sword cutting through them when they attack Dorje Shugden and his practitioners.

Lum Kok Luen on Sep 10, 2017 at 3:44 pm

The Sakya lineage has been practicing DS for such a long time. This clearly is solid evidence that there is absolutely nothing wrong in practicing DS. If DS is an evil spirit, as claimed, how can the Sakya lineage be practicing so long without any ill effects?

Contract it with the ban enacted against DS practitioners, the ban, in my humble opinion, just doesn’t make any sense. Are we saying that all the erudite masters were all WRONG? This just doesn’t make any sense,, unless the ban is enacted out purely for political reasons.

I pray and dedicate merits that this needless ban on DS practice be over very soon and that all will bring closure to this subject and move on to help others who are more in need than all these needless time spent on suppressing one another’s religion.

I really hope that all these religious subjugation, segregation, etc. will end soon. May wisdom and compassion return to all so that the world would be a better place to live in.

Best regards
Lum Kok Luen

Samfoonheei on Sep 6, 2017 at 11:58 am

Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David for this deep insight details article.Which gave me a better understanding on the 30th Sakya Trizin Dragshul Trinley Rinchen and Dorje Shugden within the Sakya lineage..The leadership of the Sakya School is passed down through a hereditary system between the male members of the Sakya branch of the Khon family. It clearly show that they had practiced Dorje Shugden practice since then.There is nothing wrong with the practice and do no harm at all. This unbroken family lineage has continued to the present time and all the teachings of Sakya lineage have been passed down to the current throne holders, lamas, and great practitioners of the Sakya tradition.
And even 39th Sakya Trizin Dragshul Trinley Rinchen and the previous were the incarnations of Dorje Shugden .
Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David Lai for having researched these article for more people to understand better. I enjoyed reading and learned alot from these.
Thanks again with folded hands.

June Kang on Sep 4, 2017 at 12:38 am

If 39th Sakya Trizin Dragshul Trinley was a strong practitioner of Dorje Shugden and is known for spreading the practice of Dorje Shugden within the Sakya tradition, but the 41st Sakya Throne Holder claimed that Shugden was a worldly spirit or demon, meaning that the whole Sakya lineage of teachings was impure because 39th Sakya was wrong to follow Dorje Shugden? In addition 31st and 37th Sakya were emanation of Dorje Shugden. Can demon take rebirth as a great lama? Obviously there is no basis to say Dorje Shugden is demon.

- D.D. on Mar 20, 2018 at 10:21 am
  
  Not quite. There’s one story from the Nyingmapas on a mara taking possession of a shepard and then preaching the dharma from there to become a high lama.
  http://www.palyul.org/eng_teachings-guruyoga.htm
  
Pastor Antoinette on Aug 31, 2017 at 8:10 am

It is indeed great to see that Dorje Shugden has emanated in the Sakya lineage again and again. It is beautiful to read about the 39th Sakya Trizin Dragshul Trinley Rinchen and the previous incarnations of Dorje Shugden as well.

The prayers, Kangsol and forms and Gallery speak a clear language. I rejoice for all those who meet Dorje Shugden and pray to him as he will protect us always.

Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David for this indepth article on the 30th Sakya Trizin Dragshul Trinley Rinchen and Dorje Shugden within the Sakya lineage.

Pastor Chia on Aug 31, 2017 at 7:50 am

Interesting article to know more about Sakya lineage and few of the Sakya Tenzin is also practice Dorje Shugden and Incarnation of Dorje Shugden himself. Dorje Shugden practice is not sectarian, From this article , we know Dorje Shugden start from the Sakya tradition and then follow by Geglup lineage. It show how Dorje Shugden are ready protect and promote Buddha teaching in different buddhist monastery in Tibet. The great Sakya master like 31th, 33th 35th and 39 th Sakya Tenzin is practicing. Follow by gelup high attaint master like Kyaje Pabongka Rinpiche, Trijang Rinpiche, Zong Rinpiche etc. All this high attain master will recognize Dorje Shugden enlighten mind and pass down his lineage to their dicisple. Time at the pass has proven Dorje Shugden has been check by this high master.Even 13 th Dalai Lama at the pass also praise Dorje Shugden, how could be more wrong if the angry spirit of this being choose to protect buddha dharma. What 14th Dalai Lama and 41th Sakya Trizin has no basis prove all this previous lama is wrong. Despite all the bashing and pull down, Dorje Shugden will prove those who speak negative about his practice. People with pure faith and understand buddhism will get Dorje Shugden blessing and protection.

Thank you Pastor David extensive reserch in this article. It make people understand Dorje Shugden practice is everwhere in Tibet at the pass.

Mingwen on Aug 31, 2017 at 7:42 am

Great to know more about the great Dharma protector, where Dorje Shugden first started to be a Dharma protector and high attained beings who able to see his real qualities of a enligtened being and keep Dorje Shugden close to their hearts.

There is no way to label Dorje Shugden as an evil spirit and when we practice Dorje Shugden, negative effects will fall on us.. I ve been with Dorje Shuden for 2 years, friends of mine have been with Dorje Shugden for decades, highly attained lamas have been practicing Dorje Shugden lives after lives, nothing bad happened to us he only gift us blessings and protections. It is just amazing!

Tek Lee on Aug 31, 2017 at 2:20 am

Thank you Pastor David and Rinpoche for sharing this article. It is really very interesting to know that Dorje Shugden was actually started in Sakya. It is ashamed to see that people nowadays listen to what they want to listen blindly, but they don’t go and search for facts. In fact, before reading this article, we all know that Pabongka Rinpoche, Trijang Rinpoche practiced Dorje Shugden since their previous life. Now with this article and research, it shows that many more high lamas that practiced Dorje Shugden, reincarnate as high lamas again. This obviously shows that the “excuse” for the ban is even more ridiculous. Yet, many people choose to believe. I wonder, why the current Sakya totally stop practicing Dorje Shugden, and yet, until the extend that they discriminate it. I actually have a friend from Sakya warned me before about practicing Dorje Shugden. He told me he had a friend who practiced Dorje Shugden, because of didn’t follow certain thing, then died. Of course I didn’t listen to him. And that made me wonder until now, why do they so discriminate Dorje Shugden, since it started from there? May the ban of Dorje Shugden be lifted very very soon, to stop all these discrimination and controversy. _/\_

Andrea Lai on Aug 31, 2017 at 2:08 am

Little did I know Tibetan Buddhism have 4 sects – Nyingma, Sakya, Kagyu and Gelug. It’s very interesting to know more of these sect histories and tradition. More engrossing, the strong faith and devotion between Sakya and Dorje Shugden are inseparable. Dorje Shugden is truly a holy enlightened being that have benefited so much and yet He been claimed as “spirit”. Many high attained lamas, geshes that practices Dorje Shugden, gain much swift attainments. If saying practice Dorje Shugden is wrong and “evil”, where is the proof?

Pastor Albert on Aug 31, 2017 at 1:52 am

Dorje Shugden is also the emanation of Avalokiteshvara, this is getting very interesting. Since Dorje Shugden is Avalokiteshvara and Dalai Lama is also emanation of Avalokiteshvara, then how does this ban work? It definitely cannot be Avalokiteshvara imposed a ban to himself, this got me thinking that for Dalai Lama to do so, there must be a reason behind, and the only thing is we as ordinary people cannot see through.

Dorje Shugden is an enlightened being, I have no doubt on this, in Gelug tradition, many high lamas has been reincarnating back again and again to continue the practice of Dorje Shugden, now, I also learned that many high lamas in Sakya tradition also keep reincarnating back again and again to spread the teaching of Buddha Shakyamuni, isn’t it very obvious already, how can Dorje Shugden an evil spirit?

Thank you Rinpoche, Pastor David and the writers team for tirelessly writing the articles in this blog so that we can learn and understand more about Dorje Shugden and Dharma.

Julia Tan on Aug 31, 2017 at 1:48 am

I am so glad to read about this article. It make so much sense to me. I seriously think CTA, a group of lay people, pretending to be spiritual, working very hard not for their people but their own pocket, on what ground of saying it was a mistake of the Sakya masters for practicing Dorje Shugden? In what sense all these masters can be mistakenly recognising Sakya Trizin as reincarnation of Dorje Shugden? In other words, it means all these great masters of Sakya lineage, the highest of the high, has no power at all, hence do not see or cannot feel the existing of the devil Dorje Shugden. All their initiations and empowerment have no effect, not sure how they subdued other spirits, need not talk about the samaya because everyone who has received initiations from them all the way down to the current Sakya Trinzin. Is that means everyone in Sakya school has no attainment? If you still choose to believe Dorje Shugden is a spirit then please also accept the fact that all Sakya Trinzins already took rebirth in 3 lower realms. Then who has taken rebirth as the current Sakya Trinzin?

I am so grateful that H.H. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche and the team, made the effort to always provide us with facts and teachings so that we understand and not just blindly follow and let others making fool of ourselves. After reading this article, I now know the Sakya lineage better by having strong faith and respect.

Buddha taught Dharma, He wanted us to think logically not believing in him blindly. Today all of us go to school, so many entered the monasteries to study the sutra and tantra, in order to become the wise one. If someone like me can see what damage CTA has done, directly destroying the Tibetan Buddhism that established since 650 CE. Why is that so?

Justin Cheah on Aug 31, 2017 at 12:55 am

To be honest I am confused with the timeline of events and with the names in this article but one thing is for sure which I am sure a lot of people will be asking, if Dorje Shugden is really an evil spirit, bad, bla bla bla… will Gelugpa sect be even flourished like it did? Will the renown masters be who they are now? Will all practice take effect even? And as a matter of fact, Dorje Shugden practice actually started in Sakya tradition. Tell me why all these hundreds of years practising Lamas kept reincarnated back into earth life after life even all were claimed as true.

Pastor Henry Ooi on Aug 30, 2017 at 11:23 pm

Topic : 39th Sakya Trizin Dragshul Trinley Rinchen
Link: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/39th-sakya-trizin-dragshul-trinley-rinchen.html
How can all these erudite and highly attained Sakya Buddhist masters be wrong about Dorje Shugden? How can Kyabje Pabongkha Rinpoche, Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and other high lamas of the Gelugpa be wrong? If so, then logically speaking, all lamas in the Sakya and Gelugpa tradition including HH The 14th Dalai Lama are also wrong. Then where does that leave Tibetan Buddhism when people can start saying that this or that Lama is wrong. This trend of saying that one’s own gurus is wrong is bad and sheds a negative light on Buddhism, particularly Vajrayana Buddhism. If hypothetically these lamas are wrong (of which they are not), doesn’t that make their students wrong too since the students received teachings and practices from their gurus? And the CTA added more fuel to the fire by wrongly claiming that the practice of Dorje Shugden will shorten the life of HHDL, and will create the cause for Tibet to not be returned to the Tibetans. It is preposterous for the CTA to make such lame claims just because they needed a scapegoat whom they can put the blame on for the empty promises they made to their people. It is ridiculous for CTA to accuse Dorje Shugden for these wrong allegations because Dorje Shugden has been in practice for over 350 years, way before the greedy and incompetent CTA lost their country.

It is a puzzle why the 41st Sakya Trinzin denounced Dorje Shugden. And equally perplexing is also why the Sakya Trinzin changed the 1000 year old tradition of the Sakya sect of who takes over as the 42nd Sakya Trinzin.

pammie yap on Aug 30, 2017 at 11:17 pm

This is the first time I got to learn a lot of the Sakya tradition and Dorje Shugden’s connection. Even in this tradition, one can see how Dorje Shugden only want to preserve and spread Dharma. They have been around for hundreds of years and surely this also prove that the Sakya Trizin are Enlightened beings or emanations of Buddhas. So if they are, surely they will also know the truth about Dorje Shugden. Else how did their lineage and practice manage to survive so long.

And not only did Dorje Shugden’s practice flourish in Sakya’s tradition but also in Gelugpa. If Dorje Shugden is ‘evil’, then how come His actions are always the same and beneficial? And wouldn’t the attained Lamas know whether He is the emanation of Manjushri or not? If we say that they are wrong, then all that we studied for the lineage Gurus would be wrong too, right?

Datuk May on Aug 30, 2017 at 11:14 pm

Reading this article, understanding the divinity and reincarnation of the Sakya Trizins makes me realise the power of the enlightened mind. The enlightened mind is never confined to any tradition but is wherever there is faith for the enlightenment to be present.

As a Dorje Shugden devotee, this article definitely disprove the fact that Dorje Shugden is sectarian and that worshipping Him causes the practitioners to the lower realm.

In his autobiography, the 39th Sakya Trizin confirms that the throne holders of the Sakya lineage had been reincarnations of Dorje Shugden who is an emanation of Avalokiteshvara. This is such a powerful learning.

This article enriches the knowledge that Dorje Shugden is not exclusive to the Gelug tradition but also within the Sakya and Ningma traditions.

As the 25th Tsem Rinpoche has taught, it does not matter what is your religious believe, Dorje Shugden is the protector of all sentient beings. With rigour and trust, Dorje Shugden will guide on the right path.

Dorje Shugden is not sectarian but encompassing.

Eric kksiow on Aug 30, 2017 at 10:56 pm

Thank You PDL for sharing this article to everyone of us.

From this article i found out ” We ” ( Gelug Lineage ) are not the only one who practicing Dorje Shguden practice. Very interesting.

Highlight post from Tsem Rinpoche :
Remember the Shugden lineage in our Gelug School came from Sakya originally. Even our Vajra Yogini practice came from Sakya originally. Sakya masters practiced Dorje Shugden even before the Gelug masters.

Vivian Ong on Aug 30, 2017 at 10:52 pm

Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David for sharing and writing this article about the Sakya lineage practising Dorje Shugden. After reading this article, I learn more about the Sakya lineage, history and also practices. Those anti-shugden people kept saying that Dorje Shugden is not enlighten and is a spirit but how come so many great masters and high lamas are practising Dorje Shugden and there is no side effects from practising Shugden. So are these great masters and high lamas wrong about their practice?

With folded palms,
Vivian

Nicholas Yu on Aug 30, 2017 at 10:49 pm

From this article we can see that Dorje Shugden is not just the protector for Gelug lineage but much earlier practiced by Sakya lineage and enthrone as one of the main protector together with Setrap and Kache Marpo.

We can see clearly Dorje Shugden involvement in Sakya lineage which even the take rebirth as the Sakya Trinzin himself to safe guard the lineage and teaching.
We can see Dorje Shugden quality as an enlightened being that is very prominent at this degenerate time which even practice by Nyingma lineage. Thinking it over if Dorje Shugden is not enlightened how can he be propitiated by so many people from various lineages and his existence was recorded and evident of his practice is no secret.

Dorje Shugden practices has been past down generation by generation and the Lama that practiced came back again and again to continue their legacy to benefit many people. This is already a great evident to show that Dorje Shugden is an enlightened being that can help and support us in our spiritual journey. If we were to say this protector practice is wrong mean we are saying those lineages and their Lamas are wrong then how can the existing throne/lineage holder be right as they learned from their Lama/Guru which practices Dorje Shugden.

Choong on Aug 30, 2017 at 12:57 pm

Dorje Shugden is not sectarian

From Rinpoche’s and Pastor David’s article “39th Sakya Trizin Dragshul Trinley Rinchen” dated August 23, 2017 [https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/39th-sakya-trizin-dragshul-trinley-rinchen.html] I quote:

“The basis of Dragshul Trinley Rinchen’s claim that the Dharma protector Dorje Shugden is in reality an emanation of Avalokiteshvara is derived from a Nyingma tantra titled Rinchen Nadun. Within the text it states that, “The one known as Dolgyal is not mistaken on the path to liberation, he is by nature the Great Compassionate One.”

It might seem odd to some that a Sakya luminary would be quoting from a Nyingma tantra. It would be odd, if one views the world through the lens of sectarianism. Indeed, Dorje Shugden and its practitioners such as Kyabje Pabongkha Rinpoche have been accused of being sectarian from those looking through this discriminatory lens.

However as we know, Dharma and practice is never sectarian. It is only us, if we wish, who makes divisions and erect fences. Dharma and practice is indeed universal. One of the great examples of non-sectarianism is with regards to the Guhyagarbha tantra of the Nyingma tradition, a tradition which is the oldest amongst the various Tibetan traditions.

The Guhyagarbha is a key tantra in the Nyingma lineages, however ever since the 11th century, when members of the “new translations” questioned its authenticity, its status became questionable. A detailed attack on it was written by the 11th century translator Go Khugpa Lhetse, based on his failure to find any lineage for the tantra in India and the fact that, according to his subjective judgement, it didn’t resemble genuine Indian tantras.

Go Khugpa’s criticism was rather illogical as features which he found “suspect”are in fact also found in tantras of the new translation period that he accepted. However, enough doubt remained that the Guhyagarbha tantra was excluded from the Kangyur compiled in the 14th century.

It was none other than Sakyasribhadra (1127 -1225), the Kashmiri guru who taught Sakya Pandita (both of whom are recognized as Dorje Shugden emanations), and the last Indian pandita to travel to Tibet to teach, who verified a Sanskrit manuscript of the Guhyagarbha tantra which he found whilst at Samye monastery, thus enabling the tantra to be traced back to Indian origins.

The manuscript, as mentioned in a 12th/13th century Sakya biography of Sakyasribhadra, was passed from hand to hand until it reached Go Lotsawa Zhonu Pal, author of the “Blue Annals”, who wrote:

“When the Great Kashmiri Pandita [Sakyasri] arrived at Samye, he discovered the Sanskrit text of the Guhyagarbha. Later it came into the hands of Taton Ziji, who presented it to it Shagang Lotsawa. The latter sent the manuscript to Chomden [Rigpai] Ralgri, who accepted it and composed The Flower to Ornament the Accomplishment of the Guhyagarbha. He showed the text at an assembly of tantrikas at Mamone, and highly praised it. After that Tarpa Lotsawa made a translation of the Subsequent Guhyagarbha Tantra which had not been found before. Most of the pages of the manuscript were damaged. The remaining pages of the Sanskrit manuscript are in my hands.”

Just as the great seminal master Atisha (982 – 1054 CE) had during his visit to Samye, Sakyasribhadra lent his personal authority to the authenticity of Nyingma tantras. So here you have it without the sectarian lens – the last Indian pandita to travel to Tibet to teach, luminary of the Sakya tradition, Dorje Shugden emanation, who authenticated a key Nyingma tradition tantra whose lineage continues unabated until this day. How can Dorje Shugden be sectarian?

Note: The attached picture is of Sakyasribhadra.

wan wai meng on Aug 28, 2017 at 7:28 pm

Thank you so much to Rinpoche and all the writers, it gave me a lot more clarity about Dorje Shugden being in the Sakya tradition. If Dorje Shugden was the evil of all evils then, the Sakya tradition would have not survived at all up to this day, and would have been contaminated with all manner of evil and negativity. Yet the Sakya tradition is going strong. Also there is no reason for the Sakya, who count their founders as Virupa and a great many Sakya Masters, Sakya Pandita and others, who cannot recognize demon from buddha.

Also the Dorje Shugden in the Sakya tradition, focuses on the very same things as Dorje Shugden in the Gelugpa tradition, teachings and the dharma. I feel one of the ways Dorje Shugden ripens the mindstreams of sentient beings is by, giving the dharma and also helping practitioners master the dharma. If practitioners master the dharma they protect their own buddhist lineages and the buddha dharma as well.

Soon Huat on Aug 26, 2017 at 9:50 pm

Thank You Rinpoche for the precious teaching, Thank You Pastor David Lai for compiling all the valuable information. This article is really open my eye to get to know that Powerful World Peace Protector Dorje Shugden has been practicing in Sakya lineage as one of main protector even before Gelug.

I am amazed by this verse and this is clearly shown that Dorje Shugden is not sectarian, He is protecting all the perfect Dharma school or in other words, Dharma teaching.

“In particular in this northern land, surrounded by a range of snow mountains,
though not directly pervaded by the sun of the Buddha, yet sustained by his compassion,
you are the protector of all those perfect schools of Dharma,
I prostrate to you.”

I am particularly moved by the story between the 35th Sakya Trizin Tashi Rinchen and the 33rd Sakya Trizin Padma Dudul ; Tashi Rinchen asked his father, “Who will be coming as my offspring?” His father replied, “Nowadays because of degenerate times, nobody else is coming, Grandpa Shugden is coming as your descendent.” This is strong evident again that Dorje Shugden will take all means to protect the precious lineage and teaching to benefit all sentient beings. I have no doubt that He is embodied of wisdom and compassion (emanation of Avalokistevara and Manjusri).

My faith to the Powerful Protector Dorje Shugden is getting stronger. Thank You Rinpoche.

p/s: I think I am addicted to not only blog chat but blog articles too.

Paul Yap on Aug 25, 2017 at 5:52 pm

Dorje Shugden has been the main protector for the Shakya Lineage and it will continue to be so in the future. What interesting point I have learned from this article is that Dragshul Trinley Rinchen has claim that the Dharma protector Dorje Shugden is in reality an emanation of Avalokiteshvara. All the while we knew that Dorje Shugden is an emanation of Manjushri. This shows the quality of Dorje Shugden which has encompassed both quality of wisdom and compassion.

The old Shakya’s thangka has depicted Dorje Shugden in the center as the main deity, he is surrounded by Buddhas, Lineage Gurus and Protectors. This thangka has shown that in fact Dorje Shugden has been the main practice in Shakya until the banned imposed by Dalai Lama. I believe that there is far greater reasons behind all these ban. I believe that Dorje Shugden has been very beneficial to the Shakyas, and he will be the center of protector practice for a very long time.

Jacinta Goh on Aug 25, 2017 at 3:13 pm

Dear Rinpoche and Pastor David,

These two days I’ve browsed and read many articles about the Sakya, their lineage, the practices, the monasteries, the recent issues such as the shorter period given for Successors and everything in between. I am trying to draw links between these and the issue surrounding Protector Dorje Shugden. From many angles, we can safely deduced that it is not a small practice and it affects not only the Gelugpas, but the Sakya too. I do not have further comment but will continue to read more with an open mind to learn more , hopefully. Thank you Rinpoche

Anne Ong on Aug 24, 2017 at 10:31 pm

Thank you Pastor David for this very interesting insights on Sakya lineage practice of Dorje Shugden. Here are some points that i find fascinating.
1. Dragshul Trinley Rinchen tells us a story of the 35th Sakya Trizin Tashi Rinchen requesting his father, the 33rd Sakya Trizin Padma Dudul to perform a ritual to acquire an heir. During a break in the ritual held at Mug Chung, the most famous Dorje Shugden temple in the Sakya tradition, Tashi Rinchen asked his father, “Who will be coming as my offspring?” His father replied, “Nowadays because of degenerate times, nobody else is coming, Grandpa Shugden is coming as your descendent.”
2. The basis of Dragshul Trinley Rinchen’s claim that the Dharma protector Dorje Shugden is in reality an emanation of Avalokiteshvara is derived from a Nyingma tantra titled Rinchen Nadun. Within the text it states that, “The one known as Dolgyal is not mistaken on the path to liberation, he is by nature the Great Compassionate One.” The text thus establishes Dorje Shugden as being of the same nature as Avalokiteshvara. Being that Kunga Nyingpo was said to be an emanation of “Grandpa Shugden”, in this manner Kunga Nyingpo was also established as the incarnation of Avalokiteshvara, a tenth-ground Bodhisattva, who is capable of innumerable emanations.
3.Therefore, Dorje Shugden is not an ordinary oath-bound Dharma protector, as some claim, but an enlightened protector who has an extraordinary link with the Sakya Trizins, since he himself incarnated as throne holders in order to preserve the lineage. Interestingly, when Padma Dudul calls Kunga Nyingpo ‘Grandpa Shugden’, this probably also refers to his own grandfather, Kunga Lodro (1729-1783) who was another Sakya Trizin and well-known to be an incarnation of Dorje Shugden as well. Kunga Lodro was credited with the composition of the Sakya fulfillment liturgy and rituals to Dorje Shugden, that were later incorporated into the Gelugpa texts. So, it was Kunga Lodro who later took rebirth at Kunga Nyingpo, and both are incarnations of Dorje Shugden.
This article shows that Dorje Shugden was practiced by the Shakyas before it became a Gelug Lineage practice.
Thank you very much Rinpoche for recommending this topic for me to read up and learn . I will try to go further into this article and try to understand it well. It so happens my mum and i was watching this old video previous night and then this related article came up. 🙂
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v52s_pF2A4o&index=20&list=PLFPtxrD7Q2LyKpzzUPQ-FjIsu2TW7FRz4

G on Aug 24, 2017 at 2:46 am

Dear Rinpoche
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing all the comments above on the Sakya lineage and their Dorje Shugden practice. A few things stood out for me when I read more on this subject .

1)As I understand Dorje Shugden was enthroned as a Protector by the 30th Sakya Trizin as the 3rd member of the Gyalpo Sum, the other 2 Protectors being Lord Setrap and Tsui Marpo. When the current 41st Sakya Trizin started to degrade Dorje Shugden and deny the practice , wouldn’t he also be degrading Lord Setrap and Tsui Marpo ( both currently still highly revered by other lineages ). They are all “brothers ” in their mission to protect the Dharma.

2) If the Sakya lineage Masters are wrong in some areas of their practice that means their teachings are not pure. If that’s the case the whole Sakya school should not continue anymore if they are spreading tainted teachings. Shouldn’t the CTA or Dalai Lama take action on this to “protect” the innocent ?

3) if the Sakya teachings are tainted how come the other schools “borrow” teachings from them e.g the Vajrayogini teachings and propagate and praise highly of these teachings.

Clearly, it doesn’t make sense to hear the current Sakya leaders talk bad about the practice of their past teachers and yet continue to “sell” their practice to others as being pure and authentic. It’s clearly self destruction ?

The recent changes in the Sakya lineage of shortening the tenures of the Sakya head etc also gives rise to controversies to the intention behind these changes. Seems they are really messy themselves yet they want to make things worse by degrading and denouncing a Protector who has done so much for them in the past. Very sad ! Worst of all adding salt to the wounds of current Dorje Shugden practitioners – very undharmic indeed.

Thank you Rinpoche for giving me the opportunity to learn more. It’s also great to learn from the comments of the writers team etc who are so well read on these subjects. Thank you Rinpoche ???

G

Choong on Aug 23, 2017 at 11:11 pm

Thank you Rinpoche for the commentary and Pastor David for putting the comprehensive article together. Pardon me for this long comment but this article really resonates with me.

What strikes me amidst all the details, is the all important Guru-disciple relationship.

Vajrayana or Tantrayana is marked by emphasis on the Guru-disciple relationship and this is not a one-way street, for before entering into this special spiritual-development relationship, the Guru has to know the future disciple and the disciple conversely also checks out his future Guru.

Please correct me I’m wrong, but in this article, even Dragshul Trinley Rinchen of the Drolma Phodrang demonstrated checking out his Guru who happens to be his father, the renowned 38th Sakya Trizin Kunga Nyingpo. He found out that his father was an emanation of Dorje Shugden!

What should the future disciple look for in a Guru? We should look for a Guru who firstly, has the knowledge, who is well-versed in the Sutras and Tantra, and who is well-versed in his practice, not only knowledgeable but who is also a practitioner. We may call it the Guru’s qualities and activities.

As important is that the Vajrayana Guru also needs to have an unbroken lineage; that means the Guru must have received initiations from his Gurus that continue up to where it started. And in many cases this trail ends with the historical Buddha in one form/emanation or
another. The lineage must be “alive and unbroken”.

This article reminded me that the “founder” of the Gaden tradition, Lama Tsongkhapa, had studied extensively with his Sakya teacher, Nyapon Kungpa Pel. However, this ended when one day Nyapon Kungpa Pel was struck by an illness and unable to teach. He referred Tsongkhapa instead to his chief disciple, Jetsun Rendawa (this itself is a teaching about Guru devotion and samaya).

The Sakya Master, Rendawa, and Lama Tsongkhapa’s Guru-disciple relationship became legendary stuff.

One of the famous stories with regards to Rendawa-Tsongkhapa is how the Migstema prayer came about. This prayers remains till this day, the principal prayer in the Ganden tradition.

In honor of his Guru, Lama Tsongkhapa offered a prayer to Rendawa which Tsongkhapa had earlier received from Manjushri Bodhisattava and altered two lines to suit his Guru.

However, Rendawa then altered the verse to include Tsongkhapa’s name instead and offered the prayer back to Tsongkhapa. This prayer, containing the blessings of both Lama Tsongkhapa and Master Rendawa, is now known as the Migtsema mantra.

From Tsongkhapa to Rendawa:

Lord of stainless wisdom, Manjushri,
Objectless compassion, Chenrezig,
Crown jewel of the Sages of the Land of Snows,
O Rendawa Zhonnu Lodro, at your feet I make this request;
Grant protection to me; a fly seeking liberation.

Revised by Rendawa and offered back to Tsongkhapa:

Objectless compassion, Chenrezig,
Lord of stainless wisdom, Manjushri,
Congquering mara’s hordes, Vajrapani,
Crown jewel of the Sages of the Land of Snows,
Losang Drakpa, at your feet, I pray.

So you see, it is more a matter of Guru-disciple relationship rather than labels (Nyingma, Sakya, Kadampa, Gelugpa, Kagyu, Jonang, …)

The elementary nature of unbroken lineage and Guru-disciple relationship was once again highlighted and demonstrated by Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen who arose as the enlightened protector of Lama Tsongkhapa’s teachings Dorje Shugden.

When Dorje Shugden first arose, he travelled first to Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in memory of his Guru, Panchen Lama Lobsang Chokyi Gyaltsen, who resided there. However at the entrance, the Dharma Protectors of the monastery refused to allow him to pass through.

Dorje Shugden went on to Sakya (Mug Chung) instead, a result of his connection from his previous life as Sakya Pandita Kunga Gyaltsen.

It was in Sakya that patriarch Dagchen Sonam Rinchen first enthroned Dorje Shugden as a Dharma Protector of the Sakya lineage. Later, the 8th Dalai Lama, the regent of Tibet and the Qing Emperor Daoguang recognised and enthroned Dorje Shugden in an elaborate ceremony as the Dharma Protector of the Gaden lineage, thus fulfilling the original promise that Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen made to Nechung to protect the unmistaken teachings of Lama Tsongkhapa.

All this illustrates the fundamental, uncompromising nature of the Guru-disciple relationship in Vajrayana, and which leads to unbroken lineage.

Fast-forward today, without mentioning names, it is clear where broken lineage, broken samaya occurs and where it remains, as it has since the time of Buddha Shakyamuni.

The lesson to me is, avoid looking at labels, at titles, at thrones, at seniority, at all the “bells and whistles”, and just concentrate on the fundamental Guru-disciple relationship as demonstrated by all the great masters of every tradition.

Lim Han Nee on Aug 23, 2017 at 10:17 pm

Thank you Pastor David for this most informative and interesting article.

It is established very clearly by the most highly attained 39th Sakya Trizin, that the the 37th Sakya throne-holder was an emanation of Dorje Shugden. According to ,the 39th Sakya throne-holder,Dragshul Trinley Rinchen , the 35th Sakya Trizin had asked his father the 33rd Sakya Trizin, for a ritual to help him get an heir. When he asked who his heir(the 37th Sakya Trizin) would be, his father replied that it would be Dorje Shugden, who is one with Avalokiteshvara.Furthermore, reference to the heir as “Grandpa Shugden coming as his descendant”, also means that the 31st Sakya Trizin was also an emanation of Dorje Shugden. Thus this establishes that 2 of the Sakya Trizins were emanations of Dorje Shugden and far from being a spirit, he is a fully enlightened Protector.

The 39th Sakya Trizin was a highly revered master, to whom even Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche went to receive teachings and initiations ; Pabongka Rinpoche also sent his students to receive Vajrayogini transmissions from him.

Six out of 42 Sakya Trizins -the 30th, 31st, 32nd, 33rd, 35th, 37th and 39th -were devoted Shugden practitioners,and these six were highly attained masters through whom the central teachings and practices of the Sakya Lineage have been passed in an unbroken lineage transmission. If you say that these six Sakya Trizins were wrong in practising Shugden, you are dangerously casting aspersions on these masters as being tainted , and also saying that the whole Sakya transmission of lineage teachings are invalid , as they were also transmitted by the six Sakya Trizins who are part of the 42 Sakya Trizins!

Not only was Dorje Shugden actively engaged with the Sakya Lineage, he was also likewise a protector for the Nyingmas, as the reference to the Nyingma text “Rinchen Nadun” shows. . It is amazing how compassionate Shugden is to come in these degenerate times to guide and protect us,where no other enlightened being has come . “Nowadays because of degenerate times, nobody else is coming, Grandpa Shugden is coming as your descendent.”says the 33rd Sakya Trizin to his son.

Indeed there is a tradition of celebrating the kindness of Dorje Shugden taking rebirth in the form of Kunga Nyingpo to preserve and propagate the Sakya lineage, which is celebrated during the ninth month of the Tibetan Buddhist lunar calendar!
This article shows that Dorje Shugden was practiced by the Shakyas before it became a Gelug Lineage practice.

- Lim Han Nee on Aug 23, 2017 at 10:26 pm
  
  Thank you Rinpoche for your teachings on the 39th Sakya Trizin Dragshul Trinley Rinchen, which shows us the greatness and kindness of so rare an attained being that he was
  
Tsem Rinpoche on Aug 23, 2017 at 2:52 pm

Two photographs (close up and full throne) of His Holiness the 39th Throneholder Dragshul Trinley Rinchen (1871–1936). He was the main throne holder of Sakya lineage in his time and he was a great Dorje Shugden practitioner among many practices as he was highly attained.

He said that Dorje Shugden is the same nature as Avalokitesvara. This 39th Throne holder was one of the greatest masters of his time and generation and would have visions of Vajra Yogini and Tara directly.

Even the great Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche would go to this 39th Sakya Throneholder for teachings and practices. Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche would send his own students to get Vajra Yogini teachings from this great master…so blessed to even see his face in these pictures. Sarva Mangalam!

Dragshul Trinley Rinchen (1871–1936), the 39th Sakya Trizin, was a strong practitioner of Dorje Shugden. Dragshul Trinley Rinchen researching his own family history, he even proved that his holy father, the 37th Sakya Trizin Kunga Nyingpo (1850–1899), was an emanation of Dorje Shugden. Can you imagine, even some of the Sakya throneholders were emanations of Dorje Shugden. And this is in Dragshul’s own biography.

30th Sakya Throneholder Sonam Rinchen (1705-1741)
31st Throneholder Sachen Kunga Lodro (1729-1783)
33rd Throneholder Padma Dudul Wangchug (1792-1853)
35th Throneholder Tashi Rinchen (1824-1865)
37th Throneholder Kunga Nyingpo (1850-1899)
39th Throneholder Dragshul Trinley Rinchen (1871–1936)

Up to date, there 42 Sakya Throneholders of which the above six were known prominent Shugden practitioners and some built chapels to Shugden or composed long prayers. This is in the Sakya lineage!

Remember the Shugden lineage in our Gelug School came from Sakya originally. Even our Vajra Yogini practice came from Sakya originally. Sakya masters practiced Dorje Shugden even before the Gelug masters.

Humbly, Tsem Rinpoche

- Joy on Aug 23, 2017 at 9:08 pm
  
  Dear Rinpoche,
  
  Thank you for the messages and teachings on the Sakya master “Dragshul Trinley Rinchen”. It is incredible to know that His own father was an emanation of Dorje Shugden. And since The Sakya Masters are known to be emanations of Manjushri, so how can Manjushri say that Dorje Shugden is “wrong” or cannot tell that Dorje Shugden is unenlightened? Hence, this is another clear evidence that Dorje Shugden is not a demon and definitely NOT sectarian unlike what is being said by the Tibetan leadership. I totally agree with what Pastor Jean Ai said below as I that immediately came to mind as well:
  
  “I can’t think of any other protector who, when you examine their story, has such an intricate connection with all of the lineages. Perhaps we just haven’t studied enough of them but from my limited view, that is what it appears to be. Dorje Shugden’s activities reflect that of Lama Tsongkhapa who made the Gelug tradition a synthesis of the essence of the other traditions.”
  
  If we look at the bigger picture…. in actuality ALL the synthesis of the essence from all lineages are in Gelug. Hence, the Gelug lineage CANNOT be sectarian and it is illogical for anyone to say that. And by right everyone and every lineage SHOULD be getting along with one another just like how it used to be BEFORE the injustice ban.
  
  For the Tibetan leadership to say Dorje Shugden is wrong and hence all these great attained Lamas are wrong is basically saying ALL lineages are wrong because in one way or another we are all CONNECTED and you cannot have one without the other.
  
  Those who say otherwise do not have enough Dharma or knowledge to see this and this is what Rinpoche teaches us. We are so fortunate to have this.
  
  Thank you,
  Joy ??
  
Tsem Rinpoche on Aug 23, 2017 at 12:48 pm

30th Sakya Throneholder Sonam Rinchen (1705-1741)
31st Throneholder Sachen Kunga Lodro (1729-1783)
33rd Throneholder Padma Dudul Wangchug (1792-1853)
35th Throneholder Tashi Rinchen (1824-1865)
37th Throneholder Kunga Nyingpo (1850-1899)
39th Throneholder Dragshul Trinley Rinchen (1871–1936)

Six out of 42 supreme throne holders of the Sakya traditions either practiced Dorje Shugden, built chapels to him, composed prayers and pujas (kangsols) to him and/or perpetuated Shugden’s practice among their disciples. All the 13 golden teachings of Sakya and numerous other teachings of Sakya today come through these six lineage holders who were very high and erudite incarnations. From them the teachings have been passed down up till now to the current throne holders/lamas/practitioners of the Sakya tradition. If you were to say these six Sakya throne holders were wrong to propitiate/perpetuate Shugden, write pujas to him or build chapels in his honor then you are saying they are infallible, ordinary, do not have high attainments, are not erudite, and can make mistakes therefore we should not rely on them. If they are just ordinary men with brocade silk hats, expensive robes on big thrones, then what’s the point to call them lineage holders or masters? What’s the point to practice the ‘tainted’ Sakya lineage in modern times? Of course they were very attained and not ordinary humans. If these six Sakya lineage holders can make mistakes, then all the Sakya lineages we have today that passed through them are tainted and without blessings and all the practices have passed through them for sure. So if we practice the Sakya lineage, then there will be no results. Because all Sakya practices in modern time came through these six throne holders. That is not logical nor possible. They were very great and attained masters.

Because the Tibetan leadership likes to say if you practice Dorje Shugden, then you break your connection to the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha and therefore you will take rebirth in the three lower realms. So does that mean these six great Sakya throne holders all took rebirth in the three lower realms? Impossible. They all practiced Dorje Shugden and there is much research and evidence of this. Some even composed long pujas to Dorje Shugden which we can see today. In fact these six great Sakya throne holders were very attained, highly realized and not ordinary beings. Because of their extraordinary attainments of course it is easy for them to see which formless being is a Buddha and which one is a negative being causing harm. They would know for sure Dorje Shugden is not negative and therefore encouraged Dorje Shugden’s practice and composed pujas and prayers to him. They can use their clairvoyance to see the nature of Dorje Shugden. Or they can use their debate skills to philosophically argue out the nature of Dorje Shugden. I am sure they did both. Simple deduction is that Dorje Shugden is not a harmful being and that is why these six erudite masters practiced and promoted Dorje Shugden within Sakya’s holy lineage.

I myself have tremendous faith and respect for the exalted Dragshul Trinley Rinchen (1871–1936), the 39th Sakya Trizin and the other five throne holders too. I pray they will bless me so I may gain full enlightenment. When I see Dragshul Trinley Rinchen’s photo I feel as if I have met him and or had the great honor to have practiced his teachings in a past time. But great faith does arise in me spontaneously for Dragshul Trinley Rinchen as it does for Trijang Rinpoche, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche. Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche and Kyabje Dilgo Kyentse Rinpoche…Tsem Rinpoche

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39th Sakya Trizin Dragshul Trinley Rinchen

Addendum

Overview of Tibetan Buddhism

Introduction to the Sakya Tradition

Special Teachings of the Sakyas

Introduction to Dorje Shugden

in the Sakya Tradition

Sakya Depictions of Dorje Shugden

Dorje Shugden on a Black Horse

Dorje Shugden in Sakya Monastery

(Shigatse, Tibet)

Mahakala and Dorje Shugden

in the Sakya Tradition

Dorje Shugden on a Throne

Sakya Kangsol (Part 1)

Sakya Kangsol (Part 2)

Other Prayers from the Sakya Tradition

Enthronement Prayer to Dorje Shugden

By the 31st Sakya Trizin Kunga Lodro

Praise to Dorje Shugden

By the 31st Sakya Trizin Kunga Lodro

Commentary by His Eminence 25th Tsem Rinpoche on the Praise to Dorje Shugden

Gallery of Images

Addendum – Tsiu Marpo

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About Pastor David Lai

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57 Responses to 39th Sakya Trizin Dragshul Trinley Rinchen

Divination (‘mo’) Text by Dorje Shugden

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