Becoming Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen
Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen, heart son of Lama Tsongkhapa and founder of Gaden Monastery
(By Tsem Rinpoche and Pastor Jean Ai)
Few practitioners have reached the heights of fame as Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen, whose name is known to Gelug practitioners everywhere as the builder of Gaden Monastery. Not many people however, will know the extent of the deeds performed by this accomplished master whose Dharma practice spanned countless lifetimes before he reincarnated as the esteemed master, scholar and student of Lama Tsongkhapa.
Dulzin’s deeds inspired enough people that on multiple occasions, high lamas and even the Buddhas were directly consulted about his previous lifetimes. According to the writings of H.E. Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche, on one occasion, the master Khekyen Lekye Dorje consulted Vajrapani about the past lives of Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen. On another occasion, Lama Umapa, an acclaimed teacher of Lama Tsongkhapa, and Tokden Jampel Gyatso both consulted none other than Manjushri himself. Tokden Jampel Gyatso was one of the eight disciples who accompanied Lama Tsongkhapa during his famous four-year retreat in a cave.
To Khekyen Lekye Dorje, by the Buddha Vajrapani
In all three instances, the main essence of Dulzin’s past lives were exactly the same, with some slight differences. It is for certain that Dulzin’s first recorded incarnation was that of a Brahma by the name of Chiwu Gopam. He lived during the time of Lopa Desi, a previous Buddha.
As Chiwu Gopam, he once made offerings of delicious foods to Lopa Desi’s emanation, a Pratekayabuddha. As he made his begging bowlful of offerings, he accompanied it with a two-fold prayer:
- that he will always be able to practise the Dharma in his current life, and in all future lives;
- that he would be reborn in barbarian lands, devoid of Dharma, to bring Buddha’s teachings to millions of people and to bring them to the Three Vehicles
According to the writings of Dagom Rinpoche, this prayer resulted in Dulzin’s six subsequent rebirths in barbarian lands, as the king of these lands who spread Dharma far and wide. Indeed in these lifetimes, he was able to fulfil his promise to bring millions of people to the Three Vehicles of Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana.
Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche, painted as a thangka together with Dorje Shugden (below). In some traditions, it is taught that Dulzin took rebirth as Panchen Sonam Drakpa and Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen, who later arose as the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden.
For many lives after this, Vajrapani said that Dulzin took rebirths as monks and panditas to teach the Dharma. In the incarnation just before Dulzin however, he took rebirth in a heaven where he was known as Lhayipu Shiwui Tog, who taught Dharma to the gods. After he passed away in this life, he took rebirth as Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen, one of the heart students of Lama Tsongkhapa.
During his lifetime as Dulzin, he performed many activities to benefit sentient beings and the Dharma in general. Most famous of his activities was building Gaden Monastery, which he then offered up to his teacher, Lama Tsongkhapa. A highly realised being who abided in love and compassion, Dulzin had a lot of students, many of whom came to become accomplished in the tantras themselves. His body was so holy that anyone who laid eyes on him had the seeds of Dharma imprinted in their mindstream.
Dulzin also made a lot of Maitreya Buddha statues and thangkas during his lifetime, and also made frequent requests to Maitreya Buddha. As a result, when he passed away, he went directly to Tushita where he became Maitreya’s heart son known as Shiwui Nyingpo.
According to Vajrapani, as recorded in the writings of Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche, it would be Dulzin’s final rebirth before he would manifest his enlightened nature as a Buddha. During this time, he would be known as the Buddha Deshen Shegpa Jampei Wangpo (‘Deshen’ meaning ’emptiness’ and ‘Shegpa’ meaning ‘to see clearly’).
To Tokden Jampel Gyatso, by the Buddha Manjushri
This tradition was told to Khekyen Lekye Dorje by Vajrapani, and to Lama Umapa by Manjushri. A similar tradition was told to Tokden Jampel Gyatso by Manjushri, who received a slightly different tradition due to his asking Manjushri specific questions. After requesting Manjushri on multiple occasions to tell him about the previous lives of Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen, Manjushri finally answered Tokden Jampel Gyatso.
According to Dagom Rinpoche, Tokden Jampel Gyatso asked four questions of Manjushri:
- who was Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen’s first life, second life and in his lives after that?
- in this life, how will Dulzin’s activities benefit the Dharma?
- how long a life will Dulzin live?
- where should Dulzin stay that will be beneficial to the Dharma, and that will improve Dulzin’s practice?
Manjushri told Tokden Jampel Gyatso a similar tradition, that Dulzin’s first recorded rebirth was that of the Brahma Chiwu Gopam at the time of Lopa Desi. He subsequently took rebirth in barbarian lands for six lifetimes, as a king who spread the Dharma to his people.
Then, adding to the traditions received by Khekyen Lekye Dorje and Lama Umapa, Manjushri said that during the time of the current Buddha Shakyamuni, Dulzin took rebirth as the monk (gelong) Dulwa Tog who was known to be proficient in the Tripitaka. His subsequent rebirths were as panditas, gelongs and monks who were all known to be extremely clever and knowledgeable.
In his lifetime just before taking rebirth as Dulzin, Manjushri also told Tokden Jampel Gyatso that Dulzin took rebirth in a heaven as Lhayipu Shiwui Tog.
After passing away as Lhayipu Shiwui Tog, he took rebirth as Dulzin and due to his very strong connection with Lama Tsongkhapa, came to become one of his heart students. During his time with Tsongkhapa, and due to his very deep faith in his teacher, his practice greatly improved and he achieved high realisations in both sutra and tantra.
Meyo Karpo (Miyowa Karpo; White Achala) who followed Duldzin closely from lifetime to lifetime
Manjushri then told Tokden Jampel Gyatso that for many lifetimes, the deity Meyo Karpo had already been following Dulzin and serving him. Sometimes, Dulzin’s previous lifetimes would be able to see Meyo Karpo as if one human could see another; at other times, Meyo Karpo would come to Dulzin’s previous lifetimes in dreams.
Another deity also extremely close to Dulzin’s previous lives was, according to Manjushri, the deity Oser Chenma or Marici. She had cleared Dulzin’s obstacles on many occasions. Heruka was also a significant figure in Dulzin’s previous lives, having blessed him for many lifetimes before he took rebirth as Dulzin.
Tokden Jampel Gyatso also learned that Dulzin had a very close connection with White Manjushri (Jamyang Karpo) who had followed Dulzin for his most recent three previous lifetimes. In those lifetimes, Dulzin had been able to perceive Manjushri directly and have direct communication with this Buddha.
However, on one occasion, one of Dulzin’s previous lifetimes had given a White Manjushri initiation to someone who was not ready, impure and did not have clear samaya with Manjushri. As a result of this, Dulzin’s previous lifetime broke his commitment with Manjushri and henceforth could not perceive Manjushri as clearly as before. It seemed as though Manjushri had retreated a little, thus blurring Dulzin’s previous lifetime’s vision of Manjushri (such as it was described by Dagom Rinpoche).
This was therefore an obstacle to Dulzin’s practice and accomplishments in his current lifetime. Manjushri recommended to Tokden Jampel Gyatso that in order for Dulzin to repair the broken commitment, he should write Manjushri’s mantra 10,000 times in precious inks (made of gold, silver, jewels, etc.). He should also recite Manjushri’s mantra 100 times and that both acts of writing and reciting should be carried out with deep regret.
In Dagom Rinpoche’s writings, Manjushri described the repercussions of Dulzin’s previous life having given initiation to someone not ready. Manjushri said that even after completing these tasks, it would be difficult for Dulzin to meet with Manjushri for another 60 years and that in fact, Dulzin most likely would not live past the age of 60.
Oser Chenma, also known as Marici, is the Tara of the Dawn who comes riding astride the sun’s rays on a chariot drawn by pigs. Her practice is best engaged in during sunrise.
Manjushri also cautioned Tokden Jampel Gyatso that it would not be easy for Dulzin to complete these tasks. Obstacles would arise because although these tasks were set to repair broken commitments, they were also by their very nature Dharma work. When engaging in any Dharma work or activities, obstacles would inevitably arise as a result of karma accumulated in our previous lives. Manjushri thus recommended a list of pujas for Dulzin to complete in order to clear these obstacles, including pujas propitiating the assistance of Four-Faced Mahakala and Hayagriva. Manjushri recommended that Dulzin recite their mantras 10,000 times each day.
The karma of giving initiations to unprepared students with impure relationship with the teacher and deity was therefore so heavy that the repercussions followed Dulzin from lifetime to lifetime.
Manjushri then answered Tokden Jampel Gyatso’s final question – where would be best for Dulzin to stay? Manjushri said that it would be better for Dulzin to stay with Tsongkhapa and serve him, and that doing so would improve his mind and practice, and flourishing of virtue. Then, just like Vajrapani had told Khekyen Lekye Dorje and Lama Umapa, Manjushri also told Tokden Jampel Gyatso that Dulzin would take rebirth in Tushita, in front of Maitreya.
Above are therefore two traditions related to the previous and future lives of Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen, heart son of Tsongkhapa. In other traditions, it is taught that Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen later took rebirth as Panchen Sonam Drakpa and, much later on, as Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen who became none other than the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden.
Panchen Sonam Drakpa himself was an acclaimed master whose texts, writings and commentaries are studied as core texts by the great Gelug monasteries to this very day. It is one thing to practise and gain enlightenment; it takes an entirely different calibre of master to teach, compose and write proven methods of gaining enlightenment.
Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen was of course viewed by the people who served the Great 5th Dalai Lama as a competitor to the 5th Dalai Lama. People flocked to him to receive teachings, and receive practices and blessings. His attainments were so great, and popularity so unrivalled that the Dalai Lama’s jealous attendants saw fit to murder him and rid their lama of any potential so-called competition.
So if these are therefore the level of attainments possessed by Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen in his past and future lives, how is it possible that one of his future incarnations as Dorje Shugden can be anything but enlightened?
May the incarnations of Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen, wherever they may be, live long lives and their Dharma activities swiftly come to fruition. May their enlightened deeds continue to manifest in lifetime after lifetime, for the benefit of all sentient beings and through their works, create countless more Dharma teachers to preserve and propagate the holy lineage of the King of Dharma Je Tsongkhapa himself.
For more interesting information:
- Magadha Sangmo (须摩提女)
- Who is Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen?
- Dorje Shugden Illustrated Story & Graphic Novel
- Largest Dorje Shugden Statue in the World
- The 14th Dalai Lama’s Prayer to Dorje Shugden
- A short prayer to Dorje Shugden
- Ganden Sumtseling Monastery the beautiful
- Will the Dalai Lama Agree With This?
- The Tsongkhapa category on my blog
- Tsongkhapa Retreat Instructions
- Tsongkhapa’s daily practice (video commentary)
- The Dorje Shugden category on my blog
- Dorje Shugden Retreat: a powerful practice to fulfill wishes
- Dorje Shugden Trakze to Dispel Black Magic & Spirits
- Dorje Shugden Gyenze to Increase Life, Merits & Wealth
- Dorje Shugden Wangze for Power and Influence
- Namkar Barzin
- Updated: Dorje Shugden Teaching Videos
- The Sakya Lineage & Dorje Shugden
- Sakya Trizin’s Dorje Shugden Prayer
- All About Manjushri / 关于文殊菩萨
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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
Appliqué thangka of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen, who is the previous incarnation of Dorje Shugden. The thangka dates possibly to the 19th Century, and it can be found in Erdene Zuu Monastery, considered by many to be the most important and oldest monastery in Mongolia. In the lower portion of the thangka are Yellow Dzambala, Six-Armed Mahakala and Kalarupa. Learn more about Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s life here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/who-is-tulku-drakpa-gyeltsen.html
The prayer Duldzin made while offering to a Pratekayabuddha is an indication of his deep compassion for sentient beings.
– that he will always be able to practise the Dharma in his current life, and in all future lives;
– that he would be reborn in barbarian lands, devoid of Dharma, to bring Buddha’s teachings to millions of people and to bring them to the Three Vehicles
For so many lifetimes Duldzin was a realized master, bodhisattva so it is impossible for him to manifest as Dorje Shugden a spirit. It will also transgress the laws of karma.
Interesting and inspiring story of Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen. Good to know about his previous life. His incarnation line has already proven that Dorje Shugden is a enlightened being who is here to protect the Dharma practitioners and even taken a oath to protect Tsongkhapa lineage. During his lifetime as Dulzin, he performed many activities to benefit sentient beings,and the most famous of his activities was building Gaden Monastery He made used of his precious human life, and his reincarnations to spread Dharma to others.
Thank you Rinpoche and team for sharing this inspiring post.
Dulzin 1st incarnation as Lopa Desi had already make a prayer to bring dharma to lay person and most of his reincarnation was a monk, who hold vows for many lifetimes.
When Lopa Desi passed away, he took rebirth in God realms as Lhayipu Shiwui Tog where he taught dharma to the Gods.
When he took rebirth in this earth, He is the heart son to Lama Tsongkhapa name Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen and when he rebirth in Tushita heaven, he became the heart son of Maitreya known as Shiwui Nyingpo.
Dulzin’s final rebirth will be a Buddha known as the Buddha Deshen Shegpa Jampei Wangpo (‘Deshen’ meaning ’emptiness’ and ‘Shegpa’ meaning ‘to see clearly’).
Such highly attain being, is known to be the reincarnation line of Dorje Shugden. Thus Dorje Shugden is an enlighten protector. Not only this, he is very close to us as lay dharma practitioners as he have been teaching the lay people for many reincarnation. And He is a qualify Guru for both Sutra and Tantra. We are lucky to have known him and become his disciple, and is our dharma protector.
I am quite shock to learn on the consequences of giving initiation to students who are not ready. The consequences are very heavy. And it can be influent to many lifetimes. It is not easy to be a Guru. Thus, if we are sincere to be dharma students and learned under highly attain master, we must have strong Guru Devotion, and not risk the Guru and also took away the chances that the Guru can benefit to more people. We have to be ready to be a suitable vessel for dharma. Not get the initiation because of our own greedy and ego.
I prayed may the reincarnation line of Dulzin stayed long and many people will be suitable vessel to hold dharma well under the guidance of Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen.
Thank you Pastor Elena for this inspirational story about Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen
Regards
Freon
For Buddhas Manjushri and Vajrapani to be able to recognise the previous incarnations of Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen, they would also have been able to see his future lives, where Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen would eventually became Dorje Shugden. The fact that they had acknowledged such an illustrious lineage of incarnations to Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen, does not make sense that Dorje Shugden, who has the same mindstream, can suddenly be evil. Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen has taken rebirth time and time again, for the benefit of sentient beings, as a lineage holder, and the Buddhas Manjushri and Vajrapani does not say this of everyone. If even the Buddhas had recognised the amazing deeds in the past and future lives of Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen, then who are we to say otherwise? Unless we do not believe in Manjushri, Vajrapani and the nature of an enlightened mind, then all else that has been said about Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen and Dorje Shugden arises from our lack of merit to perceive his enlightened nature and seek his assistance in our spiritual path.
Enlightened masters are always so compassionate towards all beings. Dulzin Drakpa Gyeltsen’s subsequent 6 incarnations were born in barbarian land with the sole purpose of spreading Dharma and to bring them to the Three Vehicles. If it’s not with selfless mind, who would wish to be reborn in barbarian places?
Dulzin’s accomplishments in all his previous life and future life as Dharma Protector are huge and the legacy He left behind are of great benefits to all Dharma practitioners. i.e the building of Gaden Monastery who produced so many erudite scholars and through their hardwork, the lineage is alive until today.
The powerful Dorje Shugden practise that has helped many in their lives today is due to the oath Dulzin Drakpa Gyeltsen made to protect Tsongkhapa lineage. All these remarkable accomplishments by these Boddhisattvas are the results of them keeping their promises. “His Promise, Our Happiness”
谢谢邝仁爱讲法师的对于持律主扎巴坚赞的研究和分享。
原来持律主扎巴坚赞早在过去佛的时代就已经发下大愿， 希望可以把三乘佛法带给大家。也会在没有佛法的野蛮国度转世及转法轮。
持律主扎巴坚赞在宗喀巴时代也是宗喀巴大师的八大弟子之一， 更在该世建造寺院，然后供养给上师宗喀巴大师。
不过文章里提及的持律主扎巴坚赞的其中一世前世因为给了文殊灌顶于不合格者而破坏了他与文殊菩萨的三昧耶。 我说看到的就是如果我们如果想得到密续灌顶是必须非常严厉的守着我们的三昧耶戒， 不然我们上师的佛法事业则会受到影响。
持律主扎巴坚赞也因为他的大愿而在杜固扎巴坚赞那一世化身成为护法—多杰雄登， 更是进一步在这个末法时期帮助我们这些身在娑婆世界的人们。
谢谢
This is truly an interesting and inspiring background of Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen. And I always love to read stories about incarnations. Hope more people will take their spiritual practise more seriously and be like Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen. Very good write up Pastor Jean Ai.Thank you very much 🙂
Thank you Pastor Jean Ai for sharing with us the story of Dulzin Drakpa Gyeltsen, particularly his previous life.
Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen was already somebody holy before Shakyamuni time, with the aspiration he made, he was always connected to Dharma life time after life time. Not only that, each life time he was able to benefit many with his Dharma activities.
Purification practice is also a very important practice. In the article, it says that due to the broken Samaya of the student who received the White Manjushri initiation, Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen was not able to have clear vision of Manjushri and had to do a lot of purification practice. I believe at the time when Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen gave the White Manjushri practice to the student, he must have known the student would break the samaya, but due to the kindness and compassion of the Lama, Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen gave the initiation regardless.
Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen was not an ordinary lama, not only in his previous lives he was already someone with remarkable achievement in spreading Dharma, his following incarnations such as Panchen Sonam Drakpa and Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen were also very famous masters. Panchen Sonam Drakpa was the only lama who was the abbot of Gaden, Sera and Drepung monastery and also the 15th Gaden Tripa. Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen arose as the great Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden due to the promise he made to protect Tsongkhapa’s teachings in his previous life.
A prayer which is great on compassion:
“that he would be reborn in barbarian lands, devoid of Dharma, to bring Buddha’s teachings to millions of people and to bring them to the Three Vehicles”
This is the prayer of Dulzin Grakpa Gyeltsen when he offered alms to a Pratekayabuddha. No doubt that Dulzin’s lives previous and after are of contribution to the spread of Dharma as recorded in three traditions. In our tradition, he subsequently arose to be Dorje Shugden to protect the teachings of Je Tsongkhapa. Because of Dultzin that many centuries later, we have Kechara who propitiates Dorje Shugden and brings Dharma to many in Malaysia and the world.
Dorje Shugden arose as a supramundane Dharma Protector from Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen. We have seen in the blogpost ” Who is Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen” how accomplished and attained Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was. Now in this blogpost, we learn that Duldzin Drakpa Gyeltsen (who, according to Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche in “Music Delighting the Ocean of Protectors”, gave the promise to arise as Protector to protect Je Tsongkhapa’s special teachings) is also very highly accomplished and attained , and as compassionate.
He was so compassionate that, as Chiwu Gopam (his first recorded incarnation), he had made offerings and prayers that he would be “reborn in barbarian lands, devoid of Dharma, to bring Buddha’s teachings to millions of people and to bring them to the Three Vehicles”
Hence in his six subsequent rebirths he was indeed reborn in barbarian lands, as the king of these lands who spread Dharma far and wide. He was thus able to fulfill his promise to bring millions of people to the Three Vehicles of Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana.
His extraordinary quality of holding the Vinaya purely is reflected in the following words from this post: ” His body was so holy that anyone who laid eyes on him had the seeds of Dharma imprinted in their mindstream”.
In his rebirth as Duldzin Drakpa Gyeltsen, he accomplished a great act of pure Guru Devotion by building Gaden Monastery and making an offering of the Monastery to his Guru, Je Tsongkhapa!
After Dudzin Drakpa Gyeltsen, there was Panchen Sonam Drakpa Gyeltsen , who became abbot of all three monasteries, Gaden, Drepng and Sera, and a Gaden Tripa, a throneholder of Lama Tsongkhapa’s lineage teachings and practice! Panchen Sonam Drakpa was such a great teacher and erudite scholar that his works are being studied as core texts by the Gelug monasteries of today.
From such a powerful lineage , how can a spirit arise?
This is an important post about a very important lama of our lineage. Because of Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen’s connection with Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen, there isn’t much material and information about either Dulzin Drakpa and Tulku Drakpa. I can only guess that in the attempt to demonize Dorje Shugden, everything associated with the Protector including his past incarnations were eradicated.
Dorje Shugden came about because of an oath made by the great Dulzin Drakpa to arise as a special Protector of Lama Tsongkhapa’s teachings on Shunyata. Such was the gravity of the task that the best and purest mind of the time apart from Lama Tsongkhapa was entrusted with it.
Today, when detractors of Dorje Shugden deride the Protector as a ghost or evil spirit, they are saying that an enlightened being who was prophesied to arise as Buddha Deshen Shegpa Jampei Wangpo (also known as Sangye Rabsel or the 7th Buddha on this fortunate aeon – Buddha Shakyamuni would be the 4th and Maitreya the 5th) could instead fall to the the lower realms by the force of his ‘negative karma’.
In essence they are saying that Buddhahood/Enlightenment is subject to errors. They are also saying that White Achala, Vajrapani, Manjushri and Maitreya all made a mistake about Dulzin Drakpa.
“that he will always be able to practise the Dharma in his current life, and in all future lives;
that he would be reborn in barbarian lands, devoid of Dharma, to bring Buddha’s teachings to millions of people and to bring them to the Three Vehicles”
The above aspirational prayers by Chiwu Gopam are hauntingly similar to Tsem Rinpoche’s daily prayers. I believe that this is the mind of Bodhisattvas who’s objective is to save all sentient beings in Samsara. They are the dharma warriors who would traverse to the most barbaric places where dharma is either non existent or not established, in order to guide all sentient beings toward the path of enlightenment.
It is evident that they will never stop until all sentient beings get out of Samsara. Kechara is a dharma institution established by Tsem Rinpoche with the mission to guide all sentient beings towards enlightenment. Malaysians and people around the region are very fortunate to be near Kechara and have the opportunity to learn.
Thank you Pastor Jean Ai for sharing such an inspirational article on Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen and his illustrious holy incarnations. It is amazing to read that his first incarnation was as far back as during the times of Buddha Lopa Desi’s time, as Chiwu Desi. And it really moves me so much to read of his aspirational prayers made during offerings of delicious foods to Lopa Desi’s emanation, a Pratekayabuddha. As he made his begging bowlful of offerings, he accompanied it with a two-fold prayer:
– that he will always be able to practise the Dharma in his current life, and in all future lives;
– that he would be reborn in barbarian lands, devoid of Dharma, to bring Buddha’s teachings to millions of people and to bring them to the Three Vehicles
Submission to the Dharma and great compassion to bring Dharma to the people in the harshest of conditions, be it mental or physical. Sitting here in the comfort of my home, can you imagine yourself in “barbarian lands” propitiating Dharma when the people don’t even want or accept the Dharma? How much he would have to suffer to get their attention, teach and for them to practise? It really show the tremendous love and compassion he had even as Chiwu Desi. Of course, due his merits, Chiwu Desi was subsequently incarnated as Kings in barbarian countries in the next 6 lives. Therefore in his positions as Kings, he was able to fulfil his aspirational prayers to spread the Dharma to millions of his subjects.
His subsequent incarnations as highly attained Masters of Dharma, always was in the position to teach and propitiate the precious Dharma to the people. For me, the connotation of “barbarian” is ignorance. When our minds are ignorant, we in a sense barbarian with the lack of wisdom. Therefore Chiwu Desi’s aspirational prayer is still in play, as Duldzin and his many incarnations teaches Dharma, as Panchen Sonam Drakpa’s written texts in use until today. Dharma to remove the “barbarianism” or ignorance in us.
Another thing that struck me was how much we could affect our Gurus if we were not ready to receive a practice. As Buddha Manjushri told Tokden Jampel Gyatso, in Duldzin’s past incarnation he gave initiation to someone who was not ready and thus broke his samaya with White Manjushri leading to him not able to have that closeness in many subsequent lifetimes. In the Gurus’s compassionately giving us initiations to help us in our spiritual path, they are taking such a huge risk to their own attainments. We need to really remember our Guru’s great love and great risk he took if we ever think of slacking in our practices given. Do not chase after initiations but practice well what we have now (a reminder to myself).
Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen being the incarnation of the same mind stream as enlightened Duldzin, Panchen Sonam Drakpa, etc. is already enlightened. As such, in him becoming the unusual Protector of Lama Tsongkapa’s teachings, Dorje Shugden, there shouldn’t be any doubt of his enlightened mind. Even as Dorje Shugden, the love of the Dharma does not wane as he still gives teachings through the Oracles. May his aspirational prayers continue to be fulfil in spreading the precious Dharma to his detractors who wrongfully accused him as a “Spirit” and banned his practice. With the spread of Dorje Shugden practice, one can see prove that enlightened activities cannot be stopped.
Just like others enlightenment being compassion, Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen previous life has make his prayer to be that he will always be able to practise the Dharma in his current life, and in all future lives;
that he would be reborn in barbarian lands, devoid of Dharma, to bring Buddha’s teachings to millions of people and to bring them to the Three Vehicles practice dharma and born in the barbarian place. That is no doubt after all Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen incarnation will continue his wishes promote dharma to benefit others.
Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen has benefited so many people in the past by reborn again and again to teach the Dharma especially in Barbarian lands. His Motivation is not just benefited the people in past but also has benefited the people in the future and right now is we. Therefore I totally agreed that mentioned in the article as follows:-
“So if these are therefore the level of attainments possessed by Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen in his past and future lives, how is it possible that one of his future incarnations as Dorje Shugden can be anything but enlightened?”
After Tulku Drakpa Gyltsen had killed, this particular lineage, Drepung Zimkhang Gongma that started from Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen was completely wiped off due to political issue. It was during Dulzin Drakpa Gayltsen time, Nechung manifested as a little boy and requested him to become the protector to protect Lama Tsongkapa’s lineage. In order to achieve this goal, Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was manifested to be killed in this way to generate wrath to become Dorje Shugden. Although the reincarnation was banned, but this did not stop the lineage which the enlightened mind to continue and benefit others. His guru Panchen Lama himself immediately recognised Khang Xi emperor as the reincanation of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen.
Today Dorje Shugden being practiced by millions (the number still growing) all over the world. Some people practice for secular purposes and some spiritual purposes. No matter which one your prefer or chose or come first, He is here to help all sentient beings in order to plant the Dharma seed in you.
There are also many people around the world see him as evil spirit. It does not matter. He can still benefit those who hated Him by planting a seed in them, so that in the near future, he would be able to hook them back to practice Dharma again. That is the mind and mission of an enlightened being.
Looking through these 3 instances of Dulzin’s lineage of incarnation, it was all the enlightened being that coming back to turn the wheel of Dharma.
No one can escape from their karma unless you are enlightened and Dulzin who I believe is an enlightened being taking into this Nirmanakaya form showing us the example how one need to purify them in order to gain attainment.
How compassionate Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen is to reincarnate again and again to benefit us! I rejoice for the good fortune to come across the holy Dharma Teachings. He emanated as Panchen Sonam Drapka and Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen to become Dorje Shugden.
Dorje Shugden is none other than Manjushri, the Buddha of Wisdom.
The article also highlights about the importance and the heavy negative repercussions when a student is given initiation but doesn’t keep their relationship with the Guru pure. We must always strive to do our best and improve over time so that we can have the results we want and not lose this precious opportunity.
Thank You PJA for this very detailed article, regarding of Dulzin Drakpa Gyeltsen . Was amazed ( that Dulzin’s first recorded rebirth was that of the Brahma Chiwu Gopam at the time of Lopa Desi. He subsequently took rebirth in barbarian lands for six lifetimes, as a king who spread the Dharma to his people ).
Maybe I am watching too much of movies, he he.. According to my view ( watched from movies ), becoming a King in the country, supposed to enjoying their luxury lifestyle and for sure King must go to attend some Parliament meeting.
Back to the point : Dulzin became as King for 6th lifetimes and he never ever wasted his precious human life, and he fully used of his reincarnation to spread Dharma to others. That’s really Inspired me and amazed me too.
Thank You again to PJA for this wonderful article.
Eric kksiow
This article explains the enlightened nature of Dorje Shugden very well. As lifetime after lifetime of Dulzin doing everything none other than spreading the dharma, this is what only an enlightened mind would do.
“So if these are therefore the level of attainments possessed by Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen in his past and future lives, how is it possible that one of his future incarnations as Dorje Shugden can be anything but enlightened?”
Yes. A very good point to ponder on. As we can read, the level of attainments are the same. So how can someone claim that Dorje Shugden is not Enlightened?
Our Guru, is so compassionate, that He chose to take rebirth among the harshest conditions so that He can continue to bring Dharma to where there is no Dharma. Despite going through so many difficulties, He never sway from His motivation to benefit others.
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/great-lamas-masters/h-e-the-25th-tsem-tulku-rinpoches-biography.html
“That’s my life but that’s never going to stop me from benefiting others”. – H.E the 25th Tsem Rinpoche
Reading accounts of the past lives of this great Tibetan dharma master, as spoken by Vajrapani and Manjushri, tells the many incarnations of the great Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen. It is amazing that true to his previous lives’ deeds, Dulzin performed so many great works and taught the dharma tirelessly to benefit countless sentient beings. I completely agree with the below extracted from this article:
“So if these are therefore the level of attainments possessed by Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen in his past and future lives, how is it possible that one of his future incarnations as Dorje Shugden can be anything but enlightened?”
Being the previous life of Dorje Shugden, Dulzin. He has taken many rebirths over and over again to spread the Dharma. In this very paragraph, it says
“Panchen Sonam Drakpa himself was an acclaimed master whose texts, writings and commentaries are studied as core texts by the great Gelug monasteries to this very day. It is one thing to practise and gain enlightenment; it takes an entirely different calibre of master to teach, compose and write proven methods of gaining enlightenment.”
Panchen Sonam Drakpa is one of the previous incarnation of Dorje Shugden. How can such highly incarnated master who produces texts and being practice widely today can reincarnate as a spirit to harm people? It just doesn’t make sense.
reading this article of Dulzin and his incarnation line has already proven that Dorje Shugden is a enlightened being who is here to serve the Dharma and to protect the Dharma practitioners.
“However, on one occasion, one of Dulzin’s previous lifetimes had given a White Manjushri initiation to someone who was not ready, impure and did not have clear samaya with Manjushri. As a result of this, Dulzin’s previous lifetime broke his commitment with Manjushri and henceforth could not perceive Manjushri as clearly as before. It seemed as though Manjushri had retreated a little, thus blurring Dulzin’s previous lifetime’s vision of Manjushri (such as it was described by Dagom Rinpoche).”
It’s great to know that a broken samaya is extremely damaging between the relationship of student and guru. Student who broke the samaya has to do a countless of deeds and still could not fully repair the “crack” of the guru and student relationship. Hence, a student must be fully responsible to one’s actions and promises which have make with one’s guru. Never take things for granted.
Dulzin Drakpa Gyeltsen’s passion to benefit others by teaching Dharma is so vast that made him be able to teach for so many lifetimes. From this article I learned that even if a qualified lama gave initiations to student out of good intention, by student not holding the vow well, the Guru collected negative karma. I believe Dulzin Drakpa Gyeltsen is already enlightened and the so called negative karma that he collected, is a method to educate people to hold their promise well.
From the discussion with Dharma brothers and sisters, the Initiation events we can see normally where everyone can attend is just a blessing to plant seeds for the participants to be more ready next time or next life.
Thank you.
What is there to be said about such a highly attained person. I don’t think any of us normal human could really comprehend the deeds of these lamas let alone trying to comment about their lives.
Lamas like Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen belongs with the Buddha. The confusing part is the story or incarnation lineage according to various traditions. One can take it on faith that all traditions are correct and the account of history is not the important point as oppose to the deeds of the being. But on the other hand one can argue that discrepancies in record reflect doubt.
Regardless if the incarnation continues to manifest in lifetime after lifetime, for the benefit of all sentient beings, it is a cause to rejoice.
一位高僧的背景是值得让我们参考与学习特别是这位度津扎巴坚赞。相信每位格鲁派的修持者都认识度津扎巴坚赞，因为他就是监督甘丹寺建筑工程的幕后功臣。
根据记载，度津扎巴坚赞的第一个转世是一名梵天，Chiwu Gopam， 出现在佛陀時代之前的佛（Lopa Desi）。当时的他曾经在供养食物于辟支佛（Lopa Desi的化身）时并祈愿：
1. 无论在今世以及所有的未来世都可以接触佛法
2. 投生在野蛮人和完全没有佛法的地方。这样才能将殊胜的佛法传授给上千万的人以及让他们有机会的接触三乘佛法。
简单说，如果当年的梵天没有许下这两个愿望，就不会有可能会出现格鲁派持律主度津扎巴坚赞。如果度津扎巴坚赞没有继续与坚持的修持与传授佛法，就不会有之后班禅索南扎巴和杜固扎巴坚赞。
感谢仁波切的分享。这篇博文让我们清楚的看到所有的修行者尤其是转世回来的高僧，他们转世回来并不是偶然或没有原因的回来。因为在前世曾经许下的承诺以及了解众生的苦，转世回来实在是履行之前所许下的承诺。
DULZIN!….One that has the Boddhi mind!!
When a being like Dulzin; from his previous lives has attained boddhicitta, their activities of that life and subsequent lifetimes will all be about benefitting others. Such is the nature of attaining Boddhicitta.
Even the act of giving initiation to one that is not ready; while resulting in impediments to his work; even the impediments itself are Dharma work to benefit others.
Lastly, Dulzin’s act of manifesting as the Great Protector Dorje Shugden; via lifetimes Panchen Sonar Drakpa and Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen; is a form of supreme boddhicitta manifested from the nature of Boddhi that benefit those who have connections.
As we are learning about Dorje Shugden and some of us may even benefitted from Dorje Shugden’s practice, it is important for us to study his previous incarnation who made the promise to eventually arise as a Dharmapala for the protection of Lama Tsongkhapa’s middle way teaching and Gaden lineage. Dulzin Drakpa Gyeltsen was the one who made that promise when he was the main disciple of Lama Tsongkhapa. The first incarnation of Dulzin Drakpa Gyeltsen was Chiwu Gopam who lived during the era of a previous Buddha, Lopa Desi. In his inspirational prayers made to the Buddha, he prayed that he would always be able to practice the Dharma in all his lives; and he would be reborn in barren lands where Buddha’s Dharma can benefit people directly.
For the six subsequent rebirths of Dulzin Drakpa Gyeltsen, his prayers materialized and he successfully spread Buddha’s Dharma in barbarian lands as the king of those lands. For many lives from thereon, he took rebirth as learned monks and panditas to teach the Dharma. In the incarnation just before Dulzin Drakpa Gyeltsen, he took rebirth in a heaven where he was known as Lhayipu Shiwui Tog, who taught Dharma to the gods. As Dulzin Drakpa Gyeltsen, he devoted himself solely to the work of benefitting sentient beings, spreading and preserving the Dharma. The most famous activity was building Gaden Monastery, which he then offered up to his teacher, Lama Tsongkhapa.
Thank you very much Rinpoche and Pastor Jean Ai for this educational article. Thank you Pastor David and Pastor Adeline for the dharma sharing sessions.
Found two things that stood out and how coincidentally these two things are in common with our dearest Lama H.E. Tsem Rinpoche…
1) As Chiwu Gopam, he once made offerings of delicious foods to Lopa Desi’s emanation, a Pratekayabuddha. As he made his begging bowlful of offerings, he accompanied it with a two-fold prayer:
– that he will always be able to practise the Dharma in his current life, and in all future lives;
– that he would be reborn in >>>barbarian lands<<<, devoid of Dharma, to bring Buddha’s teachings to millions of people and to bring them to the Three Vehicles
According to the writings of Dagom Rinpoche, this prayer resulted in Dulzin’s six subsequent rebirths in barbarian lands, as the king of these lands who spread Dharma far and wide. Indeed in these lifetimes, he was able to fulfil his promise to bring millions of people to the Three Vehicles of Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana.
Same like Rinpoche now how His prayers is always to make the Dharma grow where it is the hardest and with the most difficult to tame minds, in lands where there is no Dharma or Dharma is very not strong.
The other thing I found interesting is just like Rinpoche always tells us, He will never ever simply give initiation to people who are not ready because of the heavy negative karma involve. After reading this post, I realise how heavy the negative karma is when the student is unqualified and breaks their commitments and the negative karma does not only falls on the student put also the Guru who have the initiation in the first place. I can't imagine how much so many Gurus much have to suffer for their students lack of commitment and responsibility for it is said that the karma of giving initiations to unprepared students with impure relationship with the teacher and deity was therefore so heavy that the repercussions followed Dulzin from lifetime to lifetime.
Thank you Pastor Jean Ai for this powerful write up in getting to know more about the incredible Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen who is non other than Manjushri, non other than Dorje Shugden!
Clearly a very highly attained being, who eventually became Dorje Shugden. I really enjoyed reading this mini biography sketch on his previous existences. I found it interesting that Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen had such a strong relationship with the Dharma over countless eons and with Manjushri. Setting very high aspiraitions to be reborn again and again to practice the Buddhas teachings in Barbarian lands, and in the future to promote the Dharma and if it was devoid, to bring Buddha’s teachings to millions of people and to bring them to the Three Vehicles. That takes a lot of commitment and courage. I rejoice in this, because that would be no easy task by any means. I also found it facinating that certain deities like White Achala and Marici, even Heruka followed him not only in that lifetime but in his future lifetimes to bless him and clear obstacles. So if this is the previous existence of Dorje Shugden then how could DS not be enlightened? Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen had a very close relationship with Tsongkhapa as one of his close students. That would take a lot of merit to be close too a being like Tsongkhapa. So I rejoice for all Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen accomplished. Lastly seeing the karmic repercussions of having giving initiation to a person who was not ready or did not have clean samaya with the guru & deity really shows why it is important to maintain our vows and commitments. Having broken any it takes an immense amount of time in a single or multiple lifetimes and effort to repair the karmic bonds. Interdependence of karmic phenomena even subtle ones can have grave consequences, this post has opened my eyes more to really maintaining clean samaya.