Who is Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen?
Gaden Monastery in Ulanbataar, Mongolia
(By Tsem Rinpoche)
Dear sincere dharma students around the world and friends,
After the great master, meditator, teacher, logician, yogi, siddha and erudite scholar Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was ‘eliminated’ by the government of the 5th Dalai Lama over three hundred years ago in Tibet, his reincarnation line was banned. That does not mean he stopped reincarnating as he continued in a string of high and beneficial lamas until present day, although he was not allowed to use his title and name. He has his main mind incarnation and many of his body, speech and activity incarnations also. His reincarnations certainly continued as confirmed by great beings such as Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche, Trijang Rinpoche, Panchen Rinpoche, Scholar Lobsang Tamdin, etc. His Ladrang was in Drepung Monastery and called Zimkhang Gongma Ladrang. The Tibetan Government has its standard modus operandi, which is to eliminate rivals and this ‘style’ is active up till present day we are told. When a certain lama or personality is a threat to their governance, fame or power, they will eliminate them and ban their lineage. In the 20th century this was done to Regent Reting Rinpoche back in Tibet. The Tibetan Government although Buddhist in name, it is common knowledge among Tibetans they will rid their perceived rivals in any manner they can with contrived charges. It was not allowed to find Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s reincarnation, re-establish his ladrang, status and establishment after his murder by the Tibetan Government of the 5th Dalai Lama. His ladrang (personal household) and personal items were fully confiscated and his students under threat scattered. All his written works which are very enormous have all been destroyed in Tibet. Many of the works and his biography was taken to Mongolia for preservation. They are available today in Mongolia. You have to understand, it was not the 5th Dalai Lama but his ministers who committed this heinous act. The 5th Dalai Lama had just gained control of Tibet and his ministers did not want anyone to threaten their power. He was the first Dalai Lama to gain total spiritual and secular control of all Tibet. Since they were new, their power base shaky to say the least. The previous Dalai Lamas did not have secular power over Tibet although they were great masters in their own rights. The 5th Dalai Lama was backed by the military might and sponsorship of the Mongols and their emperor (Khan) (You can read more of this in Glenn Mullin’s The Fourteen Dalai Lamas: A Sacred Legacy of Reincarnation).
The ministers of the 5th Dalai Lama wanted to make sure 5th Dalai Lama would stay in power and all rivals were eliminated. Due to the fame of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen, he had to be eliminated. Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen has thousands of students from Tibet, China and Mongolia and was said to be very saintly and exhibited many supernatural abilities. Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was a devoted student of His Holiness the 4th Panchen Lama (Panchen Losang Chokyi Gyeltsen). He had often meditated in hundreds of caves to avoid detection because he abhorred fame and solitude was very sought after for his private retreats and meditations. He had hundreds of visions of the tutelary deities, Buddhas, Saints, Yidams and Dharma protectors. He longed for the quietude of the mountains, forests, lakes and engaged in deep spiritual practices. He always retired to quiet and solitude in the mountains. He was highly sought after by other eminent lamas and tens of thousands of students. Royalties from the Mongol court and Chinese palace would often seek him out.
To read the illustrated comic and graphic novel story of how Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen arose as Dorje Shugden, click here
After many attempts to eliminate him by the Tibetan Government, it was said he was ‘tired’ of the intrigue, games, power struggles and he was perceived to be a threat, so he allowed the ministers of the Tibetan Government to carry out their plot to assassinate him. Because of his many supernatural abilities, all previous attempts had been thwarted and he knew of their latest plot. Finally perceiving it was time to arise as a superior dharma protector, Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen generated great bodhicitta and resigned to pass away according to their plots and his promise to Nechung protector. Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s previous incarnation was the exalted Panchen Sonam Drakpa and prior to that, he was the famed Dulzin Drakpa Gyeltsen who was one of the 8 great disciples of Je Tsongkapa. When he was Dulzin Drakpa Gyeltsen, during a dharma discourse by Je Tsongkapa, a white bird (dove) was seen flying in the Gaden prayer hall circling Tsongkapa. After Tsongkapa gave his discourse and retired, Dulzin Drakpa Gyeltsen through his clairvoyance perceived the bird to be Nechung protector and asked him what he wanted as during the discourse he should not be flying around causing distractions. From a bird, Nechung protector appeared as a young boy dressed in white. He said to Dulzin Drakpa Gyeltsen that he (Nechung) is a general dharma protector and that his duties is general dharma protection. But a protector was especially needed to guard Je Tsongkapa’s view of emptiness and his teachings that are uncommon. If those who are samsaric applied Je Tsongkapa’s teachings diligently, they would gain freedom from samsara. For this, a special uncommon blessed teachings by Je Tsongkapa, a special dharma protector is necessary to arise. Prior to Je Tsongkapa, a protector for this job was not necessary as there was no teachings by Je Tsongkapa yet, but now it was necessary. “Will you do it?” Nechung asked Dulzin Drakpa Gyeltsen. Dulzin Drakpa Gyeltsen agreed. Nechung was pleased and told Dulzin Drakpa Gyeltsen not to forget his promise.
A thangka of the Three Drakpas which is in my collection. Top row, from left to right: Panchen Sonam Drakpa, Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen, Dulzin Drakpa Gyeltsen. Bottom row, left to right: Kalarupa, Four-Faced Mahakala, Setrap. Click on the image to download the high resolution version.
Two highly successful incarnations later as Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen, Nechung via a monk oracle asked him, “Do you remember your promise?”, to which Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen said no. Nechung proceeded to bless some grains of rice and asked Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen to eat it. Upon chewing the rice, Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen recalled his promise to Nechung two lifetimes ago as Dulzin. Nechung said “Are you ready?” and Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen said he is but he has no anger within him and he needs to generate vajra anger to arise a a fierce dharma protector. Nechung said, he would create the causes for this to happen. Nechung would create the cause for Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen to arise through the intrigues of the court of the 5th Dalai Lama.
The government ministers of the 5th Dalai Lama saw the hundreds that came to make offerings to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen. Jealousy and fear grew. They observed his Zimkhang Gongma Ladrang become more influential and they felt threatened. They were afraid as his influence grew further, Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen will dethrone the 5th Dalai Lama and his large ladrang staff seize power. You see, Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was very well known and famous like today’s Panchen Rinpoche. Although Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen had no political ambitions, the powers that be were threatened by him due to his immense popularity. They hatched a plot to pretend they wished to seek the blessings and teachings and sought audience with Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen. Upon entering the room, they stuffed the khata (offering scarf) down Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s throat and choked him, then fled. They had killed him. They proceeded through their corruption to scatter the ladrang, remove ranks from the dead master’s ladrang, confiscate his personal belongings and quarters, ban his name and all future search for his reincarnation. They wanted to hide their crime. They wanted to erase all memory of this saintly lama so they can keep their power and prestige. Thus Nechung’s promise to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was fulfilled.
A thangka of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen
During the funeral, Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s main attendant was trying to light the funeral pyre with Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s body on top of it. It would not light. The 5th Dalai Lama finally heard of the great crime committed against his dharma brother Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen and was saddened. He composed a note of apology and it was sent down with a khata to be read at the funeral with thousands of students gathered. After this message was read, the attendant hit the funeral pyre with his robe and said these people unjustly kill you and you can do nothing. It was then, spontaneously the funeral pyre caught fire and the cremation commenced. From the fire a spiral of powerful dark smoke, wind, turbulence swirled into the sky and appeared as a huge hand over the city of Lhasa where this was taken place. People were frightened.
In this monastic painting you can see Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen enthroned behind and many visiting him. Below is where he had a khata (white scarf) stuffed down his mouth by members of Tibetan Government during the time of 5th Dalai Lama.
Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen in fulfilling the promise he made to Nechung protector arose as World Peace Protector Dorje Shugden at this very moment to serve the teachings of Je Tsongkapa and sentient beings. An earthquake at that moment was felt. Riding on a powerful snow lion roaring and shaking Lhasa, robed as a monk, wearing the round travelling hat of high lamas, with three eyes of wisdom and holding a wisdom sword and heart of the enemy (samsara) with a wish-fulfilling mongoose vomiting jewels amidst power wind and smoke and psychic fires, he finally arose. Dorje Shugden the protector of Manjunatha Je Tsongkapa’s special views and teachings manifested finally as promised. Although he arose to specially assist in the preservation of Tsongkapa’s teachings, because he has bodhicitta, he assists all those who call upon him regardless of who they are. His mind has already merged with Manjushri lifetimes ago during meditation hence he is one with Manjushri the Lord of Wisdom.
From top to bottom: Buddha Shakyamuni, Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen and Dorje Shugden. Click on image to enlarge
This here translated below is Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s short biography by the great Mongolian scholar prior to him arising as the World Peace Protector Dorje Shugden. Dorje Shugden’s prior to becoming a superior dharma protector was a great scholar, teacher and meditation master to tens of thousands. Hence when Dorje Shugden takes trance of his oracles throughout the last four hundred years, he is able to give initiations, teachings and recite many teachings to the audience. He appears as a dharma protector, but in fact he is Manjushri. A being you can trust and fully take refuge in.
May you all be blessed by this holy being and his story which is: Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen and his reincarnation lineage. I have requested the scholar Geshe Cheme Tsering to translate the piece by Lobsang Tamdin into English. He has my gratitude as this will benefit many. I sincerely hope this will contribute to the understanding of the previous incarnations of Dorje Shugden.
Tsem Rinpoche
Content
- Biography of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen
- Reincarnation Lineage Prayer to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen by Dorje Shugden
- Reincarnation Lineage Prayer to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen by the 4th Panchen Lama
Source
Lobsang Tamdin’s be bum extracted the biographies (rnam thar) of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen and his reincarnation lineage into a work called sprul sku grags pa rgyal mtshan gyi sngon byung ‘khrungs rabs dang bcas pa’i rnam thar (dza ya pandi ta blo bzang ‘phrin las kyi gsan yig nas zur du bkod pa bzhugs so).
The originals can also be found directly in the catalog of received teachings (thob yig) of Jaya Pandita published by Prof. Lokesh Chandra, International Academy of Indian Culture (1981, vol. 4, folios 43-60).
This contains the list of the long incarnation lineage of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen, with brief biographies. The biography of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen himself contains a year-by-year account of his life.
Short Biography of the Author
Lobsang Tamdin (1867 – 1937), is a Mongolian scholar and lineage holder of many practices. He is especially known for his collection of many important texts written by various Mongolian and Tibetan masters. Lobsang Tamdin studied and received his ordination vows in Ganden Monastery, Ulanbataar in Mongolia. It was here where he learnt extensively and mastered both the sutra and tantra teachings. Besides his many great scholastic works, Lobsang Tamdin is also remembered for certain miracles that he performed during his lifetime, one of them including the spontaneous manifestation of two stupas inscribed with mystical letters.
Today, Lobsang Tamdin is mainly remembered and praised for his collections of academic works which was compiled into 12 volumes. Many of these texts contain important texts from various masters as well as historical accounts of various monasteries, all of which are able to be traced back to it’s original source which is an important component when learning the Dharma in order to ensure the teachings comes from an authentic source.
Tibetan scripture, with corresponding translation
(NOTE: click on the images to enlarge)
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“After that, the great Kashmiri scholar Shakya Shri (b.1127), the future Buddha Prabhakar, was born in the (fire) sheep year (1127). He took ordination at twenty three. In his 78th year he came to Tibet. Living for ten years in Tibet, he did extensive work for the Dharma and sentient beings. Going to Kashmir, he did extensive work for the benefit of others he passed away in his 99th year (1225). As for Kunkhyen Choeku Woezer (1214-1292), being a great expert on Guhyasamaja, he diffused the Dharma by teaching. He had unimaginably great disciples like Kunkhyen Phag (pa)-woe (zer). After that, he took birth as Buton Rinchen Drub (b. 1290). Studying under Tengpa Lotsawa, Phag-woe and others, he became an expert on the sutras and tantras. Recognized as the master of the precious Dharma, he wrote many sutra and tantra treatises. He passed away at seventy five (1364) at Zhalu. Although he took birth as Drubwang Kunga Lodroe, I do not know about his life. After that, he took birth as Panchen Sonam Drakpa at Tsethang in the (earth) dog year (1478). He took ordination under Sonam Tashi at Tsethang and received the name Sonam Drakpa. He studied at Nyimathang and Sera Jhe. Cultivating Lama Dhonyo Palden as his teacher, he became an expert in the field of Buddhist sutra and stood for drakor (doctorate) examination at Tsethang (monastic seat). From Sangye Pal Sangpo the preceptor of Woena (monastery), he received novice and ordination precepts. Cultivating the Gyuto instructor Choeden Lodro as his teacher, he”
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“studied Buddhist tantras, and was invited to the abbotship of Gyuto monastery. He taught for eleven years. He received many teachings from Gedun Gyatso (later recognized as the 2nd Dalai Lama). Then, upon advice from the Omniscient One (Gedun Gyatso), he taught at Loseling. After (teaching for) eleven years, he was invited to teach at Gaden Shar (tse). At fifty-two, he was invited to the Throne of Gaden. He gave extensive and profound teachings. He wrote many treatises such as Exposition on Abhidharma, on the generation and completion stages of Guhyasamaja practice, History of the Gelug Tradition, etc. At seventy-seven he entered parinirvana. Although it has been said that he was born before that as the great Tagtsab, I do not know the latter’s life. After that, he took birth (1556) as Sonam Wangpo. The Omniscient Sonam Gyatso (later recognized as the 3rd Dalai Lama) cut his hair tuft; he gave him the name Sonam Yeshe Wangpo. He became a novice at thirteen. At nineteen he took full ordination from Je (master) Sonam Gyatso. At twenty-two he went as part of his entourage to Mongolia. He has also written numerous works. At thirty-seven (1593), he passed into parinirvana. After that, Ngawang Sonam Geleg Pal Sangpo took birth in the (wood) horse year (1594). At three the Paljor Gyatso, the (25th) Gaden Tripa, cut the tuft of his hair. The same year, the boy spoke on guru yoga from the teaching throne at the Lhasa Prayer Assembly, amazing everyone and establishing them in faith. He studied at Tashijong. At Paljor Sonam Lhundrub‘s presence he received his novice precepts and”
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“was given the name Ngawang Sonam Geleg Pal Sangpo. He was among the receiving party when Je Yontan Gyatso (later recognized as the 4th Dalai Lama) returned from Mongolia. At nineteen he received full ordination under the Panchen Rinpoche Choekyi Gyaltsan[1] and, studying at Tashi Lhunpo, became a great scholar. The Tongkhor Tulku Jamyang Gyatso and others received teachings from him. He presided over the Lhasa Monlam prayer assembly. He passed away (1616) at twenty-two in Lhasa. These complete the past life accounts. Now I will speak a little about his current life. As to the birth place of this noble being, it is Kyishod Ghekhasa (in Central Tibet). He was born with extraordinary omens on the 8th day, Thursday morning, under the constellation Saturn, during Vesak (the fourth lunar month) in the female earth sheep year (1619) to his parents Jerig Namsé Norbu and A-gyal. “Just after birth” the newborn baby turned towards his mother, broke into a smile, and babbled. At the age of two, coinciding with the omniscient Panchen Rinpoche’s visit to Lhasa, the parents took the child to him;[2] he named the child Choezang Gyaltsan[3], and also bestowed longevity blessings etc. He told them and advised that their child is no ordinary being. At three Mongolian soldiers abducted the child. Before long, through Panchen Rinpoche’s letter(s) and emissaries and diplomatic efforts of the ruler[4] Sonam Paljor he was brought back. While going to Sangphu[5]”
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“the child left a footprint on a stone, which is in the possession of his mother now. Without staying at Sangphu, the child said that they ought to go to Drepung. Then the religious master Choekyong Lozang also set out from Wölkha. Accordingly (the family) proceeded[6] to Zimkhang Ghong (‘the upper residence’, at Drepung). Upon arriving there, the child immediately recognized the religious master himself, the room beside the pillar with the terracotta image of Panchen Shakya Shri, the rudraksha[7] rosary (of his predecessor), among other objects. He learnt reading and writing without difficulty. Then at Drepung the Omniscient Panchen Rinpoche cut the tuft of the child’s hair and gave him the name Drakpa Gyeltsen. At eight, he took novice precepts under the master Konchog Choephel[8]; he also requested and received the precepts of intentional and practicing bodhisattva minds, and also received the empowerment of Vajrabhairava and the twin empowerments of Amitāyus and Hayagrīva. The master also presented him with a scroll painting of Bhairava in his solitary form. The following year he received numerous empowerments (wang), transmission (lŭng) and instructional guidance (thrid) from the Panchen Rinpoche such as the Hundred Permissory Initiations of Narthang, the complete Cycle of Practices Pertaining to Manjushri, among others. The Sera Jha instructor Jhampa Monlam was invited as residential tutor. Beginning with recounting the topics of each of the major treatises in dialectical, question and answer format, the young reincarnation studied the sutra aspect of Buddhism for seven year. From the same instructor he received instruction in the stages of the path to Enlightenment, the Great Vinaya Compendium of Events[9], Kadam Bhuchoe (life-accounts of Dromtonpa recounted by Atisha) etc. In accordance with the wishes of Panchen Rinpoche, at eighteen he presided over the minor Monlam Prayer Assembly and bestowed the gift of Dharma to the devout lay and ordained public. Then he went to Wölkha. There he gave teachings”
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“suitable to the individual aspiration of people from different walks of life. From Lingmed Zhabdrung Konchog Choephel he also received teachings on sutra and the Four Commentaries[10] and became an established scholar. At nineteen, he became the abbot of Kyormolung, the monastic seat (estd.1169) of the ‘Arhat of Belti’ (Wangchug Tsultrim); he established the lay and ordained on the path towards liberation. At twenty, in an effort to avoiding a smallpox epidemic, the reincarnate master went to Lhading etc.; he undertook retreats on a number of meditational deities. He saw many positive signs. At these retreat sites, and to the benefactors, he gave teachings suited to their wishes. At Rinchengang that winter, he undertook a stringent retreat of three or four months. Then he went to the estate of Gaden. Living under Panchen Rinpoche, and attending on the glorious Victor as a servant, he requested and received teachings on the life and songs of Milarepa, the great commentary on Hevajra Tantra, the iron scorpion and other practices of Nyingma tradition, the four empowerments of Shri Devi and the Practice Rites of a Hundred Deities[11] among others. At twenty-one, in the presence of the Buddha (in the Lhasa Cathedral), with Panchen Rinpoche Choekyi Gyaltsan presiding as the abbot, Choeje Konchog Choephel as rites preceptor, and Choeje Jhampa Monlam as confidentiality preceptor, in the circle of the required number of ideal supplementary Sangha, such as the Vinaya master Lha-tsa-wa, he received full ordination on the eighth lunar day when the sun was to traverse the eighth of the sky. Those present envisioned him as a second Upāli. At twenty-two he was in attendance on the Victorious One (the Panchen Rinpoche) at the Lhasa Prayer Assembly; then he was at Kyormolung, at its Prayer Assembly, giving public teachings from the Lives of the Buddha and common empowerments. At twenty-three, he commissioned an image of Je Tsongkhapa from three hundred silver coins; it was”
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“consecrated by Panchen Rinpoche. The next year he fully recovered from the pox. At twenty-five he went to É region. He performed the commemoration of his predecessor. At twenty-six, developing a wish to live in solitude, he spent the summer and autumn of the following year at Gephel Retreat. He spent the time in deep reflection and spiritual devotions. Thereafter, in accordance with the wishes of the Victorious One, he performed remedial rites on the queen of Dragkha, who was ill, to alleviate her obstacles. He went to Chekar-zong (district headquarters of Chekar region), and bestowed various teachings and transmissions. At twenty-nine, at Tashi Lhunpo during the summer and autumn, he received empowerments, oral transmissions and instructions such as the Vajramala, Actualization Practices of the Hundred Deities and the Tantra Stages of the Path to Enlightenment from Panchen Rinpoche, in the manner of a vase receiving completely the precious contents of another vase. While returning, he visited Zhalu (Buton’s monastic seat), Wensa Monastery, Gyangtse etc. and established spiritual bond with the residents. At twenty-nine, at Kyormolung, he commissioned the great silver image of Je Tsongkhapa, a stupa from five hundred silver coins, complete with chapels and exquisite bronze offering sets etc. These were followed by the consecration, food and tea and monetary offerings to the Sangha along with teaching and material gifts to the general public, gratifying both the ordained and the laity. In the earth ox year (1649), he visited Radreng on a minute pilgrimage. When he prayed to ‘Jowo Jampal Dorje‘ —the focal image of veneration at Radreng—”
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“the image appeared to communicate in response. From the self-formed six-syllable mantra, nectar manifested; everyone in the party tasted it. From the image of Dromtonpa (1004-1065), two relics, sparkling glass-like, fell into his hand. When viewing the secret retreat site Senghe Drag, he perceived a relic appear on the face of an adjacent image of Panchen Rinpoche—a relic that can be seen (on that image) to this day. Sonam Paljor, his nephew, died; the master performed extensive funeral offerings in his memory and, moved by the experience, he also wrote some songs of realization. Then he went on pilgrimage to the Potala palace and Lhasa. At Yerpa Lhari, he made extensive actual and visualized offerings and gratified the local populace with extensive teachings on the Dharma. In the iron tiger year (1650), in his nephew’s memory, he commissioned an image of Je Tsongkhapa from 100 Ounces of silver, complete with throne and backdrop, finished in gold and jewel adornments and, duly consecrated, had it installed in the Maitreya shrine at Drepung. Upon the urging of the Dharmapala (Nechung), he composed a longevity prayer and, accompanied by material offerings, presented them to the Dalai Lama at his visit to the Drepung Assembly Hall. He invited the Dalai Lama to his residence, personally sprinkling flowers at his honored guest—a gesture that was warmly acknowledged by his esteemed visitor—and paid extremely profound and high veneration. Consecration, tea and food offerings to the Sangha and salary with gifts for the craftsmen completed that endeavor. Thereafter he went to attend the funeral prayers of Tashi, offering his prayers;”
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“he gave teachings to the rulers and ministers; he bestowed ordination for the novice and ordination candidates from É- and Dhagpo; to the monasteries he gave the requested teachings complemented with alms and tea offerings. While returning, he visited Chekar Zong, Zangri Yangon Tse, Samye, Dechen, Tsal and other places. To all people from different walks of walk (in these regions) such as Zhabdrung Yizhin he turned the wheel of Dharma, subsequently returning to Lhasa. The king with his court came out to receive him. He was invited to the private quarters of the king, and honored very highly. After that he returned to Drepung. The next day, at his meeting with the Dalai Lama he made comprehensive offerings. That winter, along with the monastic community, at the Dalai Lama’s feet, he received (the oral transmission of) most of the collected works of Je Tsongkhapa. In the iron rabbit year (1651), he commissioned an exquisite appliqué depicting Je Tsongkhapa with numerous deities and rising to a height of four stories, and presided over its elaborate consecration, based on Bhairava practice, by senior masters of Kyormolung monastery. It was a time when rain was scarce. There was heavy rainfall, and amazement and joy in the hearts of people both lay and ordained. It was an auspicious conjunction. He honored the monastic Sangha and the appliqué makers with superb community food, tea and alms offerings, and wage along with sumptuous gifts. These complete, he went to Drepung. There from the twenty-fifth day of Vesak, along with more than a thousand vajra disciples, at the feet of the all-pervading Vajradhara—whose (personal) name is being mentioned for specific reason—and omniscient victor Ngawang Lozang Gyatso, he received the empowerment pertaining to”
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“forty-five mandalas, including the forty-two mandalas of Vajramala and the three mandalas expounded in the Kriya tantras to facilitate auspiciousness. During this exposition, he honored (the master) with mandala offerings of gold, a hundred silver sangs (equivalent of I Ounce) and hosts of innumerable material offerings. At the conclusion of the empowerment, he invited the Victorious One with his entourage and benefactors to his residence for a very pleasant and sumptuous meal offering accompanied by outstanding material offerings. Thereafter, for a period of one month at Gaden Phodrang, together with Nenying Zhabdrung and Jamyang Tulku Rinpoche he received many teachings including the transmission of the Collected Works of Gyalwa Gedun Gyatso (1476-1542). Then he went to Tashi Lhunpo, receiving numerous teachings such as the compendium known as the Hundred Longevity Empowerments and Collected Works of Lozang among others that he had been seeking for some time. As recommended by Panchen Rinpoche, he bestowed various teachings to all the clergy and solitary meditators of Tsang region as individually wished by them. With him at their head the solitary meditators offered the Panchen Rinpoche a longevity prayer and then, attending on him, he went to Zhalu with the Omniscient. He presented the Yama and Vaisravaṇa festivity offerings; to all the large and small monasteries of Tsang such as Tashi Lhunpo; to Panchen Rinpoche also he made many material offerings, and also received numerous teachings. (In response to his queries the Panchen Rinpoche advised him that) he saw no obstacles in a visit to eastern Tibet; that he should fulfill the wishes of the Victor (the Dalai Lama); and he gave him numerous sacred pills, along with the self-multiplying relics of the white Tara (sculptured by) Atisha (?) and Pänzha (scholar’s hat). He went to Kyormolung while returning.”
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“In the water dragon year (1652), when the Dalai Lama was proceeding towards China, he invited the Victor to Kyormolung; He received and paid honor and offerings to the king (Gushri Khan), chieftains and benefactors, the ecclesiastical figures of Sera, Drepung and Gaden, and all important personalities gathered from different directions—on the sidelines of his reception and honors to the Dalai Lama and his court. He was present when the ‘Victors father and son’[12] met at Na-kar-mo (Na-kar-zong?). At the feet of the Panchen he received numerous teachings such as the ‘great manuscript of mind training’. In seeing off the Dalai Lama, he travelled together with the court up to Dechen Samdrub Ling. From his side also, the Dalai Lama bestowed comprehensive advice about serving the cause of sentient beings on his proposed visit to eastern Tibet and, among others, performed ka-go protection to remove obstacles on his way. Back at Drepung, the king and his court extended him a sumptuous reception at Gaden Phodrang, presenting him a munificence led by three hundred silver sangs on behalf of the Dalai Lama. He offered the depa (Sonam Rabten) fifty gold shos[13] in donation towards gold-plating the rooftop of Drepung. On the eighth day that month, the Dharmapala (Nechung) descended into medium and, proceeding to Zimkhang Ghong, gave, among others, observations concerning the past, present and the future. The numerous chieftains and spiritual masters from all directions who had come to see him were gratified with the gift of Dharma and material resources. When setting off from Drepung, the monastic community came to see him off. This moved him to tears. At Lhasa he paid homage to the Buddha in the cathedral and set out on the first (lunar) day. Officials of Kyishod“
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“received him. At Gaden thereafter, he made assembly tea and alms offering; paying homage to the Mausoleum Stupa, he offered extensive prayers. Led by the (39th) Tri Rinpoche Chusang (1648-1655), the administrations and private individuals received him elaborately. Then he paid visits to all the major and minor monasteries of Wölkha. At the prayer hall of Rinchengang (Labrang?) he offered an image of Je Tsongkhapa sculptured from 300 silver sangs. Gratifying the lay and ordained populace of that region, who had gathered for the occasion, with Dharma and material gifts, he proceeded towards Dokham (Amdo and Kham regions). The Bawa reincarnation, Depa Kanampa, Phulung monastery etc.—the entire public (in these regions) received and honored him; these too he gratified with Dharma and material gifts and donations. He stayed upto seven months. His positive deeds in the service of Dharma and sentient beings expanded like the summer sea. On the seventh day of the second fifth-month in the water snake year (1653), he began his return journey, gradually arriving at Choezong. Staying upto a month here, he gave extensive teachings and gave a number of ordinations. By stages the travelers arrived at Gaden district. He went into a month-long seclusion, receiving no visitors. Also besides that he gave many ordinations. While on a similar month-long seclusion at Yulding, messengers brought the good news that the Dalai Lama had arrived at U-tsang on his return from China. Accordingly on the thirteenth day of the tenth month he started towards central Tibet. (En route) he performed consecration on Depa Tashi Namgyal’s new monastery with its prayer hall and the various objects of veneration.”
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“At Gaden Shedrubling monastery he bestowed the empowerment of Bhairava. He gave many ordinations. From there by stages he arrived in Lhasa. Along with innumerable lay and ordained people including Tenzin Choekyi Gyalpo (Gushri Khan) coming out to receive him the master proceeded to his Labrang. The master and patron sat together at an elaborate luncheon. After the repast he called at Gaden Phodrang, where he was immediately received by the Dalai Lama. They shared their recent experiences in great detail. About the master’s travels to the Kham region, they are recorded in detail in Thutop Gyaltsen‘s travel journal. On New Year’s Eve of the wood horse year (1654) the master performed a superb (all night) torma offering to Shree Devi. At Gaden Phodrang’s assembly hall (the same day), he offered a hundred silver sangs along with other presents to the Dalai Lama—as the maiden offering from his recent travels. Later he set out in the array of welcoming dignitaries from Kyormolung: For Drepung and Kyormolung main assemblies[14] each there was a large dre[15] of jangjha karsé tea brick. Every monastic participating in the Great Monlam Prayer festival, numbering close to ten thousand, was offered a sho silver coin. Proceeding to Tsang on the 11th day of the second month, the master arrived at Tashi Lhunpo to an elaborate reception line of the ordained and laity including the senior masters and Depa Norbu. Right after luncheon he called on the Panchen Rinpoche. He received guidance instruction on refuge practice and mahamudra, the hundred longevity empowerments and so forth. Along with a hundred solitary meditators from Tsang hinterlands, he offered—and the Panchen accepted—a formal longevity rite. To the Panchen he made a great assortment of offerings led by”
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“a hundred silver sangs; to all monasteries and retreat units spread across Tsang he bestowed assembly tea and alms offering. On the eve of his departure, the Panchen gave him his own ritual bell, the stone image of Shree Devi, and inner offering receptacle filled with fruits. A practice retreat of white Tara as preventive remedial rite would serve no small purpose, the Panchen recommended; he set a meeting within three years and performed a protection rite for the master. While returning he was elaborately received and hosted by Rong Jhamchen (monastery). After arriving at Kyormolung, on the eighth day he officiated at the timely torma offering of four-faced Shrināth-with- consort. Nectar trickled from the torma. Thereafter he was in the presence of the Dalai Lama, who observed that the master should undertake a practice retreat of white Tara. In accordance with the advice of ‘the Father and Son’, starting that evening he went into the retreat month after month. As the Victor[16] was setting out for Tsang, he called on him at Gaden Phodrang (the ‘lower residence’) and offerings at his feet, and joined his entourage up to Ramagang to see him off. He resumed the retreat. At that time, in the company of the Dalai Lama, Gushri Khan intimated to the Dalai Lama that he would like to invite the master to visit Oirat. On the eighth day of the sixth month, descending into his medium, the dharmapala (Nechung) said he would like to establish a spiritual relationship. In response the master gave the dharma protector a detailed guru yoga practice; the latter offered that on his behalf he will fulfill the four activities.”
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Thereafter the master had some slightly prescient and ominous dreams; he therefore instituted routine mantra recitation and propitiations in front of Bhairava, and made tea and alms offerings to all the large and small monasteries in central Tibet beginning with Sera, Drepung and Gaden. At that time he also gave (oral transmission on) all his works upto (the writings of) Drubchen Losang Tengyal besides numerous permissory initiations. At the onset of the Dalai Lama’s return, he rode out to join his welcoming assembly. He invited the Dalai Lama together with Depa (Sonam Rabten) to his residence for a sumptuous reception and extensive offerings. On this occasion, the Ochirthu (?) chief formally petitioned the government that the master may visit Oirat. The next day the chief, laying numerous offerings before him including a thousand silver sangs, explained to the master why he should visit Oirat. He did not consent however. Thereafter, when his chief attendant and both the benefactors requested that he ought to visit Oirat, he declined three times, and thereafter asked if he could engage in spiritual his devotions around Wölkha till the obstacles subsided. (Unclear.)[17] On the 29th, the first month of Nyojhed (wood sheep year, 1655), he set out for Wölkha. Along the way he visited Lamo. The dharmapala (Tsangpa) also descended into medium and came to meet him. Yeshe Wangdu and others sought comprehensive advice etc. concerning the past and future. With nyendhar ceremonial scarf the master placed Tsangpa under command, received assurance, and presented him with material gifts. He gratified all who came to meet him on the way with extensive gift of Dharma. The travelers arrived at Zingchi Rinchengang etc.”
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“The master performed many ordinations and gave different teachings. At that time, to an audience of close to a thousand, composed exclusively of monks, he bestowed a comprehensive expositional empowerment on immutable Guhyasāmāja. To many aspirants including Kachen Namkha Gyal, and the mahasiddha Losang Namgyal from Ngari he delivered an oral transmission of the great Stages of the Path to Enlightenment. When visiting Chusang he gave the Manjushrināmasangeet to the Sangha; to the general public he bestowed the permissory initiation of Yeshe Khyungthra. (At Wölkha) he resumed the retreat. He presided at the monastic assembly on the ’25th-day Offering’—the memorial anniversary of Tsongkhapa; he also promulgated the new charter. Presenting the sixteen-volume Prajnaparamita sutras to the monastic community—earlier received as offering from the Gephel preceptor Konchog Gyaltsan—there and then the assembly burst into enthusiastic reading of the volumes. At that time tulku Losang Tenzin and private secretary Ngawang Chozang together carefully assembled the master’s own writings into proper order and compiled them into book format. At that time the chiso[18] of Kyomolung appeared along with royal emissaries of khyizug gyalpo bearing invitation (to ……); he gave his consent to come the next year. At Gyasog, Lhading and Ghangnang (monasteries) he instituted the rainy season retreat. At these three and Lhathogtoed, in addition to a length of woolen cloth and brick of compressed tea, three daily tea-offerings were established for one full year in his name. There were tea and alms offerings to all the monasteries. To the mother and son monasteries of Rinchengang, he established year-round tea and porridge offerings. He started an annual remedial rite at Laye for the general populace. The monastic communities received offerings of gold, silver, grain,”
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“salt and (brick) tea etc. on more than ten occasions. Regarding these endeavors, we heard this remark from the master: “Manager has undertaken all these as remedial rites for me. For my part, however, I dedicate all of them towards the state of complete Buddhahood for the sake of sentient beings who are limitless as the Space”. These words reveal (the depth of his practice at) exchanging oneself for others. In the (fire) monkey year (1656), the (New Year) rites such as the tsetor[19] of Srisum Dagmo etc. were performed on an elaborate scale; the benefactors both lay and ordained were generously treated to spiritual and temporal munificence; he arrived at Zimkhang Ghong in good health. A directive arrived from the government that the master should visit to Oirat in the seventh month of the monkey year. (Regarding the events that subsequently take place prior to that,) many also wondered that the beings of that land have exhausted their merit; that, as great beings can choose when they want to live or die, he did not want to go; that he had perhaps chosen to change realms. Whatever it may be, from the 25th of the fourth month that year he developed an inflammation. Lingtoed Zhabdrung and Jhang-ngoe treated the master, and he recovered completely. However, in mid-morning of the 13th he passed away into Dharmakaya. I do not know how the funeral rites were performed. There are many accounts about the master such as these among others: An image of Khedrub Norzang Gyatso (1423-1513) manifested relics for him; when undertaking longevity retreat at Ghekhasa, relics appeared from an image of Buddha Amitāyus; it is related that when he was viewing the upper golden chamber of Kyormolung, relics appeared from some of the images, and the four-faced Shri Nāth fulfilled the master’s wishes. Concerning others, such as detailed accounts about the master having vision encounters with numerous Buddhas, meditational deities both peaceful and stern, and so forth, these should be learnt from the master own account of his spiritual attainments.[20]”
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“The noble master who showed greatness in this manner has also left written works for posterity. These are his works on which I have received oral transmission: Nectar Rains of Blessing: Guru Yoga Manual Focusing on Je Tsongkhapa (Vol. Tsa); The Golden Casket, a personal account of the reincarnate master’s spiritual realizations (Tsa); Developing Appreciation for (different) Teachings (Tsa); Essence Nectar of the Profound Path (Tsa); Blessing Showers, a paean to Je Tsongkhapa, and Rays of the Sun of Faith, and a praise to the great master Buton (Tsa); the reincarnation-lineage prayer of the master himself, which was written at the behest of dakinis (Dho); another reincarnation-lineage prayer (Dho); Realization Account of the Youth Mig-ghi-gaton (vol. name unclear); Practice manual of Manjushri with the means of peas (Dho), and a record of various extraordinary dream experiences. Of these, the lineage for the works with the mark Tsa is as follows: Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen, Lama Drungpa Rinpoche Tsondu Gyaltsan, and transmitted to me by him. The lineage for the works marked with Dho is: Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen, Lama Drungpa Tsondu Gyaltsan, Lopon Rinpoche Losang Dhondrub, and by him to me. As for the transmission lineage for the miraculous dream portents: Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen, Lopon Rinpoche Losang Dhondrub, and granted to me by him.
Though you have attained the three phunsum forms[21],
For the parasol of the second Buddha’s legacy,
You intentionally came as its supreme upholder.
I pray at
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“your feet, noble spiritual master.
The reincarnation lineage of the master Jetsun Losang Tenpai Gyaltsan—deserving of the highest praise and veneration—is beyond imagining. I shall however mention it here in accordance with (his) reincarnations invocation written by the omniscient Panchen Rinpoche[22]:
The principal expounder of the ultimate,
And the chief noble heir of Nagarjuna and son
Who were known as the second Buddha of this eon.
To this chief among disciples I pray[23].
The object of this salutation is the pundit Nāth Kumār. Born not far from Nalanda monastic university, he soon became proficient in the three baskets and the five sciences. Cakarvati, a heretical scholar with staff and gourd-bottle and matted hair and loaded with books, and in the philosophical school of heretic Ashawaghōsh, appeared at Nalanda publicly offering disputation. With the strength of his convictions in the Buddha’s teaching and his long familiarity with the sciences, Kumār accepted the challenge. He quickly incinerated Cakarvati’s dense forest of views and words.”
Footnotes
[1] The Fourth Panchen Rinpoche. All brackets, italics and footnotes by translator.
[2] A variant reading: “The parents invited the Panchen Rinpoche”. The original Tibetan: “….Panchen Thamchad Khyen Lhasar Phebpa yab yum ghyis chen dhrang…”
[3] Traditionally when a child is named, the naming person bestows a name in which the surname is his own name. In this case, the Panchen Rinpoche (Lozang Choegyan—-‘Good Mind and Victory Banner of the Dharma’), who was a reputed scholar, gave a name that is but his own full name (Lo-zang Choekyi Gyaltsan) poetically rearranged (‘Victory Banner of the Good Dharma’). Later he would compose a longevity prayer for him incorporating the names of the latter’s predecessors. See Panchen Lozang Choegyan, Collected Works, Vol. Ca (5), p. 35; Mongolian Lama Guru Deva, 1973
[4] Tib. Ponpo: a minor ruler or chieftain.
[5] One of the six monastic seats of central Tibet in medieval times, the others being
[6] Most likely as part of the pilgrimage to Drepung since Zimkhang Ghong, the residence of Panchen Sonam Drakpa and others, at that time would have been a well-known place to visit.
[8] Referred to as Choeje (religious teacher) Konchog Choephel and Nenying Zhabdrung Konchog Choephel.
[9] There are two Tibetan works of the same title: The Great Vinaya Compendium of Events by Je Gedun Drub (1391-1474) and (2) another, referred to by the same Tibetan title, by Dulzin Drakpa Gyeltsen (1374- ), both contemporary disciples of Je Tsongkhapa (1357-1420). Based on the four books of the Vinaya Pitaka (Vols. 1-12 in the Kagyur), they recount the incidents on account of which the Buddha laid down the different parameters of ethical conduct for those who take the going forth from a life of the home and family.
[12] The Panchen Rinpoche (perceived as emanation of the Buddha Amitabh, the spiritual father) and Dalai Lama (perceived as emanation of Avaloketeshwara, the spiritual son).
[13] A gold coin used as currency in certain parts of Tibet at the time.
[14] The general Sangha members of a large monastery or monastic university as a whole.
[15] A volume measure for solids (20 dre = 1 khal or standard load).
[16] A synonym of the Buddha which is also applied to the Dalai Lamas.
[17] “Gyalpo shegpai gongpa zogthab kyang mang dhu nang”.
[18] Official of an important monastery, or a monastic university as a whole as opposed to that of monastic colleges in that institution.
[19] Tse: short for tse-cig, first day; Tor: torma offering. Traditionally, the all-night propitiation commencing on the eve of the new year and culminating in torma offering to Shree Devi at early morning the following day.
[20] See Shugden Bheubum (Collected works on dharmapala Shugden), Vol. 1, folios 70-72 ; p. 134-39
[21] The three bodies or forms of a Buddha. Traditionally rendered as auspiciousness, Phunsum (as in ‘Tashi deleg phunsum tsog‘) denotes the combination of a positive cause, its salubrious result and enjoyment of that result.
[22] Panchen Lozang Chogyan, Collected Works, Vol. Ca (5), Mongolian Lama Guru Deva, New Delhi (1973), folios 34-35; p. 83-85 and Tashi Lhunpo woodblock print, Vol. Ca (5) Evam, folios 34-35; p. 83-85
[23] This version slightly varies from the one written by Panchen Lozang Chogyan.
Reincarnation Lineage Prayer of the Incarnate Master Dragpa Gyaltsan
This prayer also, to the incarnate master Dragpa Gyaltsan through his reincarnations, has been spoken for the benefit of all migratory beings by the Vajra Shugden who protects the holy Dharma, at the sacred abode Choling in response to requests from many devout monks and nuns and householders. Gedun Choejor was the scribe. May this serve as cause for all migratory beings swiftly attaining in one lifespan the state of Vajradhara.
May there be auspiciousness!
Lord Manjushri, the sole father of all kindhearted Victors,
Lord Tsongkhapa, whose renown fills this world,
Lord Yamantaka who has arisen to subdue the intractable:
Bless us supplicants with common and uncommon attainments!
Lord Sambhota, the best of scholars,
Loden Sherab, the savant in all classics,
Lords Naropa and Khyungpo Naljor:
Bless us supplicants with common and uncommon attainments!
Ralo Dorjedrag and master Khutoen,
Masters Sakya Shri and Choeku Woezer,
And to the Omniscient Lord Buton:
Bless us supplicants with common and uncommon attainments!
The all-pervading Tsarchen, and Sonam Dragpa;
Sonam Yeshe, prominent among saviors of beings;
Sonam Geleg, in whom merit and virtues shone like the sun:
Bless us supplicants with common and uncommon attainments!
Dragpa Gyaltsan, the master leading nyig-dhue1 beings to liberation,
Whose very name, just hearing, frees from the lower migrations,
Who leads to liberation any who supplicates single-mindedly:
To this protector of teachings and beings of three worlds we pray.
Ngawang Jinpa the emanation in saffron robes, and
Ngawang Tenzin, upholder of the victory banner of the teaching,
And Jetsun Losang Geleg, the great master:
Bless us supplicants with common and uncommon attainments!
Losang Tenzin, the victory banner of Dharma who comes
As kings, ministers and monks for beings and dharma’s sake,
In successions endless as ripple in water:
To such past and future emanations we pray.
By the truth power of the Three Jewels,
By the enlightened actions of oceanic dharmapalas
Such as the Four-faced Lord and the Dorje Shugden,
May all beings live well and in happiness.
As you embody all Three Roots2,
For us all migratory beings here, in the future, and in bardho3,
In all happy and bad times we have none but you:
Hold us, without separation, with parental love.
When in future you enact the enlightened deeds,
As attaining Enlightenment as Buddha Rabsal among others,
May we and all other beings connected with us,
Be the first to taste the nectar of your vast and profound words.
May we, and all sentient beings, in all lifetimes,
Come into contact with the Second Buddha’s teachings,
May we all take on the going forth, and take
All sentient beings across the ocean of samsara.
Footnotes
[1] ‘Degenerate times’ that is characterized by “five dregs in terms of lifespan, times, delusions, views and sentient beings.” Source: Commentary on the Abhidharmakosh by Chim Namkha Drag, also known as ‘Chim Jampalyang’ (1210-1285); folio 181 (p. 371) ); Woodblock edition, 1893; No. of folios 430 (pp. 869)
[2] The spiritual mentor, the meditational deity, and the dakas and dakinis.
[3] The intermediate state between death and next rebirth.
Reincarnation Lineage Prayer of Tulku Dragpa Gyaltsan
This praise to the reincarnation lineage of the supreme incarnation Dragpa Gyaltsan has been composed by the monk Losang Choekyi Gyaltsan (The 4th Panchen Lama) at the prayer hall of Tashi Lhunpo on account of fervent requests from Legpa Gyaltsan and many other attendants of the master.
May there be auspiciousness!
The one whose renown permeates the world;
The great being holding aloft the banner,
Of the Second Buddha, happiness and wellbeing’s source:
At that great master’s feet we pray.
At the feet of the World Teacher with the ten powers,
You invoked the power of truth with pure superior intent,
Causing flowers to fall like rains.
We pray at the feet of that great master.
The Guide of all migratory beings both man and god;
The treasury of all knowledge and attainments in dharma;
The great hero who strove for the supreme liberation:
We pray at the feet of Choekyi Jhangchub.
The one whose greatness, on account of pure prayer,
Was like that of a second Buddha;
And was supreme Guide to fortunate ones of India and Tibet:
We pray at the feet of that great being.
In the sky of the great bliss of Dharmakaya,
The radiant orb of the three bodies of the Buddha is full circle,
Radiating a million rays of enlightened activities: We pray at the feet
Of that opener of a million lotuses of benefit and wellbeing.
We pray at the feet of Master Buton, the unrivalled
Amongst all those who are scholars and realized ones,
In upholding and spreading the Buddha’s teaching,
By example in teaching and practice.
With an intellect superbly trained from the past,
Your mind joyously bloomed in all profound paths.
With single-minded effort you attained supreme realization.
We pray at the feet of that supreme and realized master.
From the vast lotus gardens of phuntsog* merit,
Myriad lotuses, with hundreds of petals, of learning and practice, bloom.
The fragrant scents of good name and deed dispel the ancient sicknesses
Of migrant beings: At the feet of that master we pray.
By the wish-granting jewel of merit and wisdom,
You became a crown jewel of both man and gods,
Its hundred rays of good deed dispelling the dark ignorance
Of all migrant beings: At your feet we pray.
The vast celestial mansion of virtuous accumulation of merits,
Overflows with jewels of the good path of the three trainings.
We pray at the feet, of its dweller─a guide of all beings─
Attired in the magnificence of enlightened deeds.
In holding aloft the victory banner
Of the sutra and tantra teachings of the Second Buddha:
In this you are unrivalled in all three worlds.
We pray at the feet of this noble tutor.
The source of renown and wellbeing and happiness,
Is the Buddha’s teachings. May the chief of all who uphold this banner
Live for long for the sake of innumerable beings to be tamed!
May his phuntsog* enlightened deeds spread to the ten directions!
By the merit of praising in this manner, may we never be
Separated from the protection of noble spiritual mentors!
Progressing swiftly in the supreme vehicle’s path,
May we swiftly attain the state of the three kayas!
Footnotes
From Panchen Losang Chogyan, Collected Works, Vol Ca (5), folio 34a-35a (p. 83-85), Tashi Lhunpo woodblock print, Tibet.
*phuntsog: a compound word in Tibetan (of phun sum tsog) meaning the ideal combination of the three i.e. a good cause, its result and enjoyment of that result.
Addendum:
Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s reincarnation lineage is extensive including great masters of Tibet and India, reproduced from the original wall painting in Trode Khangsar chapel built by the 5th Dalai Lama, Lhasa-Tibet. This illustration clearly depicts the glorious previous incarnations of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen who became the world peace protector Dorje Shugden. Click on the images to enlarge them to their original sizes.
Dorje Shugden (central figure)
Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen (top left), Buddha Shakyamuni (top middle), Manjushri (top right), Mahakala Brahmanarupa (bottom left), Setrap Chen (bottom right)
The high lama Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was a contemporary of the Great Fifth Dalai Lama and a heart disciple of Panchen Lobsang Chokyi Gyeltsen. He was a pure monk in the monastic tradition established by Buddha Shakyamuni and he was also recognised by the Panchen Lama to be in the incarnation of Panchen Sonam Drakpa. As such his long line of successive incarnations stemmed all the way back to Bodhisattva Manjushri. Due to an aspiration generated in a previous live, Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen passed away and arose as the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden. Mahakala Brahmanarupa and Setrap Chen were protector deities propitiated by Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen when he was alive and it is believed that they were the first to enthrone Dorje Shugden as a Dharma Protector.
UPDATE: DECEMBER 2018
Below are some photos of Trode Khangsar recently sent to us by friends visiting Lhasa, Tibet. Trode Khangsar is a chapel dedicated to the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden. It was built by His Holiness the 5th Dalai Lama at the cremation site of his friend, Dharma brother and spiritual equal, Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen.
After Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was murdered by the 5th Dalai Lama’s jealous attendants, he arose and was first enthroned by the Sakyas as a Dharma Protector. Later, the practice of Dorje Shugden entered into the Gelug tradition and was widely propagated and promoted by lamas like His Holiness Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche. To this day, Dorje Shugden continues to be very strongly practised in Trode Khangsar. Please enjoy these beautiful, updated pictures of the centuries’ old chapel, dating back to the 17th Century, with its magnificent statue of Dorje Shugden.
For more information about Trode Khangsar, please go to https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=92148
Thanks to the developments throughout Lhasa, the entrance to Trode Khangsar is now a little obscured. Our friend had to search and ask around for directions but she eventually found it.
Thanks to the developments throughout Lhasa, the entrance to Trode Khangsar is now a little obscured. Our friend had to search and ask around for directions but she eventually found it.
The entrance of Trode Khangsar can be found to the right side of this photo, marked by the prayer flags.
The entrance of Trode Khangsar with the courtyard in front
Trode Khangsar’s magnificent altar with Lama Tsongkhapa and sons, as well as large statues of Dorje Shugden.
An altar with statues of Dorje Shugden’s four cardinal emanations – Shize, Gyenze, Wangze and Trakze
An altar with statues of Dorje Shugden’s four cardinal emanations – Shize, Gyenze, Wangze and Trakze
The altar is set up in a very traditional manner
A throne for His Holiness Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche
Offering a khata to the main image of Dorje Shugden in the chapel
The Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden
It’s nice to see so many khatas (ceremonial silk scarves) on the altar, a sign that people remain devoted to Dorje Shugden.
His Eminence Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche, who was a very devoted practitioner of Dorje Shugden.
Very nice to see so many offerings on the altar
Beautiful, well-kept chapel which is 400 years old. Trode Khangsar was built in the 17th Century by His Holiness the 5th Dalai Lama. It is located at the cremation site of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen who, after his death, arose as the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden.
For more interesting information:
- Magadha Sangmo | 须摩提女
- Ra Lotsawa Dorje Drakpa: Master of the Vajrabhairava Tantra
- The Most Illustrious Panchen Sonam Drakpa
- Virupa – Lord of Miracles
- Thonmi Sambhota – The Inventor of the Tibetan Script
- Trisong Detsen, the Great Dharma King of Tibet
- Mahasiddha Naropa: The Indomitable Disciple
- Great Disciples of Atisha: Khuton Choje and Pandita Akaramati
- Lotsawa Loden Sherab – the Great Translator
- Khyungpo Neljor – The Yogin of the Garuda Clan
- The Vinaya Holder Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen
- Sonam Yeshe Wangpo
- Shakyashri Bhadra: The Last Abbot of Nalanda
- Kunkhyen Choku Ozer – Master of the Kalachakra and Guhyasamaja Tantras
- Great Savant of Tibet: Buton Rinchen Drub
- Sakya Pandita Kunga Gyeltsen
- Tsarchen Losal Gyatso: Lineage Holder of Vajrayogini’s Tantra
- Emperor Kangxi | 康熙皇帝
- Gedun Nyedrak: An Abbot of Gaden
- Kentrul Thubten Lamsang
- H.E. the 25th Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s Biography
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The beginning of an unprecedented new history in the making at the Temple of Relics in Kechara Forest Retreat, the history of the changing of guard in Tibetan Buddhism during the 17th century, shifting its prominence from Tibet to Malaysia. Malaysia and her people have the great merits to host the relics and reliquary stupa of Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen into the new millennium. Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen is none other than the highly respected and illustrious High Lama who arose as Dorje Shugden, the world peace protector of our time. He is the special protector of Lama Tsongkhapa’s teaching who is swift and powerful to answer our calls and requests especially if we genuinely wish to serve others.
Very interesting article of great Lamas whom I never find it bored reading over and over again. Anything related to history had me feeling excited.
Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was a great master, meditator, teacher, logician, yogi, siddha and erudite scholar. He was an important Gelugpa lama and a contemporary of the 5th Dalai Lama’s time. Even more than three hundred years ago he was eliminated yet he continued reincarnating until present day as been confirmed by many great beings. Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen in fulfilling the promise he made to Nechung protector arose as World Peace Protector Dorje Shugden, merely to serve the teachings of Je Tsongkapa and sentient beings. After realising the mistakes done by his officers 5th Dalai Lama built a Dorje Shugden chapel and even composed a prayers texts to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen. He named the Chapel as Trode Khangsar which still exist to this day at Lhasa, Tibet .May more people reading this article to understand more who is Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was. An interesting read.
Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David for this sharing.
Informative article on Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen which more and more people should read and understand better . The truth is the truth and how Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen rose as a Dharma Protector as promise. The closeness of 5th Dalai Lama and Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen, has cause jealousy among the officials that led to the murdered of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen more than 400 years ago by the government of the 5th Dalai Lama. The 5th Dalai Lama realised the mistakes of his officers , then built a Dorje Shugden chapel and composed a prayer texts . The Chapel still exists at Lhasa known as Trode Khangsar.
Thank you Rinpoche for this interesting write up .
Mantras are sacred verbalized words that invoke the protection and blessings of the deity to whom the mantra is ascribed. Mantras are also the manifestations of Buddhas in the form of ‘sounds’, hence the various mantras of Dorje Shugden contain the essence of the Protector.
Dorje Shugden’s main mantra 多杰雄登主要咒语
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA SOHA
Dorje Shugden’s mantra for peace 平和咒语
For gaining attainments through the energy of Peaceful Shugden, peace of environment and mind, harmony in one’s abode and dwelling area, and calming of disasters
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA SHANTI SIDDHI HUNG
Dorje Shugden’s mantra for health 福寿安康咒语
For long life, increasing life, healing of disease and protection from diseases
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA AYU SIDDHI HUNG
Dorje Shugden’s mantra for increase 增长咒语
For gaining great merits and increase of all necessary needs, both material and spiritual
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA PUNYE SIDDHI HUNG
Dorje Shugden’s mantra for control 控制咒语
Of worldly deities, negative people and nagas and for influencing friends towards the positive
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA WASHAM KURU HO
Dorje Shugden’s mantra to grant protection 庇护咒语
Visualize that you are in the Protector’s mandala, fully protected from outside interferences. Recite when in danger or for dangerous situations, for protection while travelling or when residing in dangerous/hostile places
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA RAKYA RAKYA HUNG
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videouploads/comment-1544345059.mp4
Dear friends,
Tibet has produced many powerful meditations, rituals and guidelines to help us gain spiritual protection, gain wisdom and higher states of consciousness. In general Tibet has produced many powerful methods for the growth of our spiritual evolution. Dorje Shugden is an angel, a saint, a powerful spiritual protector-warrior who originated 350 years ago when a highly awakened Tibetan Lama fulfilled his vows to become a special being to grant protection, wisdom, material needs, safety when travelling (normal and astral travel) and spiritual awakening. Both the Great 5th Dalai Lama and the current His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama composed short yet effective prayers to invoke upon the power and blessings of this special saint and protector. One can recite either one of the prayers that you feel suits you, anytime or even daily. When you feel a special need for help, you can recite either prayer anytime. When you are feeling down, afraid or just need a blessing, you can recite them. After reciting either invocation, it is good to chant the mantra of Dorje Shugden: Om Benza Wiki Bitana Soha.
You do not have to be a Buddhist or practitioner of any religion to invoke upon the blessings and protection of this special enlightened and awakened angel Dorje Shugden. He helps all without discrimination or bias as he is filled with compassion and love. Divinity has no boundaries, they help all who call upon them.
Enclosed are the prayers in English, Chinese and Tibetan.
May you be safe, protected and blessed.
Tsem Rinpoche
More on the Great 5th Dalai Lama and Dorje Shugden – https://bit.ly/2w7KHv6
More on H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama and Dorje Shugden – https://bit.ly/2QdaL4n
Chapel (Trode Khangsar) built by the Great 5th Dalai Lama dedicated to Dorje Shugden in Lhasa – https://bit.ly/2zBTd8M
—
亲爱的朋友们，
西藏产生了许多有助于我们得到精神庇佑、取得智慧和更高层次之觉悟的强大禅修法、仪式和教诲。总括来说，西藏产生了许多有助于我们在修行上取得提升的强有力方法。多杰雄登是一个天使，一位圣人和一名护法战士。他的崛起始于350年前，当一位高度觉悟的西藏高僧履行本身的承诺，化身为特别的护法，赐予我们守护、智慧、物质需要、出入平安（平日外游和神游时）和灵修上的觉醒。任何人都可以随时随地在任何时候念诵适合自己的祈愿文。当你需要特别的帮助时，你可以随时念诵任何一篇祈愿文。当你感到沮丧、恐惧或仅是需要加持时，你也可以持诵这些祈愿文。在念诵任何祈请文后，你应该接着念诵多杰雄登的心咒：嗡 班杂 维格 毗札那 娑哈 Om Benza Wiki Bitana Soha。
要祈请多杰雄登这位特殊、觉悟和觉醒的天使赐予加持和庇佑，你无需是佛教徒或任何宗教的修行者。他总是没有分别或偏见，充满慈悲和慈爱地帮助一切众生。神圣是没有界限的，圣者会帮助有求于他的任何人。
以下附上英文、中文和藏文的祈愿文。
愿你平安，常受庇护和加持。
尊贵的詹杜固仁波切
更多关于第五世达赖尊者和多杰雄登护法的内容 — https://bit.ly/2zsC3tG
更多关于第十四世达赖尊者和多杰雄登护法的内容 — https://bit.ly/2r4aaDN
第五世达赖尊者为多杰雄登护法在拉萨建造的护法殿（布旦康萨）— https://bit.ly/2zBTd8M
Divination (‘mo’) Text by Dorje Shugden
This is an important divination (‘mo’) text composed by Dorje Shugden himself. Dorje Shugden took trance of the Choyang Dulzin oracle lama, the senior oracle of Gaden Shartse Monastery, and instantly on the spot composed this text within two hours.
The divination text contains information on how to use dice to do divination for the future and is known to be highly accurate. When practitioners use this text, they will be in direct contact with Dorje Shugden to get answers to questions about the future. It is for those who have good samaya with Dorje Shugden and are free of the eight worldly dharmas to be of benefit to others in divining the future.
Tsem Rinpoche
DS-MO-choyang.pdf
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
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
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
Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was born in Tolung Gekhas , Tibet. As a young boy , he showed many signs of a very special incarnate Lama. At the age of six, the 4 th Panchen Lama recognized him as the unmistaken tulku. Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was an important Gelugpa for his vast study , skill in teachings, speaking and so forth. He was most highly respected and sought-after Lamas at that time. He was famed and murdered more than 400 years ago by the government of the 5th Dalai Lama . Since his passing many great masters of Tibet and India was his reincarnation. He than arose as the Great Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden.
Due the closeness of 5th Dalai Lama and Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen, 5 th Dalai Lama built a Dorje Shugden chapel and named it Trode Khangsar which still exists now in Lhasa. The 5th Dalai Lama even composed a prayers to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen.
Thank you Rinpoche for this interesting write up of a highly great learned Lama .
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
For the first time available, Dorje Shugden and his entourage of 32 assistants 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 (Avalokiteshvara, 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
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
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.
To have an entire incarnation lineage wiped out and destroyed by the Tibetan Government due to political reasons shows what kind of government they are and what drives them.
Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was murdered because of his fame that was over-shadowing His Holiness the 5th Dalai Lama. What does that mean? It would mean that because his fame was rising, that perhaps more resources would go to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen instead of His Holiness, and so for the Tibetan officials to have murdered and get rid of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen then, would mean that they just wanted all resources, including monetary offerings, to go to HH and perhaps the government officials themselves.
This trend seems to have continued till today, where the millions in monetary donations received by the Tibetan Leadership has been unaccounted for, leading one to believe that it has perhaps gone into the pockets of those in power. It clearly has not been used for the betterment of the Tibetans lives, nor anywhere near their vision of regaining Tibet. So where has the money gone to, and how was it spent, when it was donated on those 2 grounds?
The emanations of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen continues to live amongst us, going on with their works of turning the Dharma Wheel, while the Tibetan Leadership continues with their corruption and abuse of power.
感谢仁波切的教诲与开始
除了第四世班禅喇嘛为尊贵的杜固扎巴坚赞撰写过礼赞文外，尊贵的杜固扎巴坚赞是多杰雄登护法的化身，尊贵第十世班禅喇嘛，还有尊贵的第五世与十四世达赖尊者、尊贵赤江仁波切都曾经为多杰雄登护法写过礼赞文等等，那么身为阿弥陀佛的化身班禅喇嘛，身为观音菩萨化身的达赖尊者，都为多杰雄登护法撰写礼赞文的这种种的文献，这不是证明了多杰雄登护法（杜固扎巴坚赞）是一位证悟的护法而不容置疑吗。
《无碍金刚音》——文殊怙主之俱力护法
嘉钦多杰雄登之祈愿文～ 第十四世达赖尊者 撰
无量佛陀智悲力吉祥
一切世间威猛最尊胜
示现文殊教法大护法
来自兜率卡觉等净土
我以恭敬身语意礼拜
由烦恼故违背您心意
所犯错误过失悉求忏
祈求宽宥示现喜悦容
无二大乐示现喜悦容
无二乐空游戏中生出
供品血肉朵玛堆如山
奶乳啤酒汉茶如海洋
吉祥妙物以及诸生命
静猛庄严能摧敌铠甲
无余内外秘密供誓物
真实供品以及意变供
满足尊意净除损犯过
祈愿善慧教法及持者
诸善士夫增寿事业兴
圣僧团体讲修业更妙
甘丹政教众生安乐增
特于我辈瑜伽主眷众
宿业现缘而生诸障难
悉得息灭教法诸善妙
如所意愿皆能赐成就
于教政务众生之安乐
心怀邪恶意念之魔军
祈以锋利强大金刚火
毫无遗留粉碎为灰尘
复求东寺红黄袈裟众
以净戒律之色为美丽
乘上显密双运之翅膀
飞向无死解脱之大道
总之您乃诸师护法中
总集之身立为最胜主
四种事业浓密云层中
祈降二种成就满愿雨
谢谢
Jerry Sito
Great message every Tibetan especially must read!
It is wonderful that our Kecharian students have conceptualized a sacred chapel dedicated to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen. Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was a very famous and erudite master 400 years ago in Tibet. Due to intrigue within the Tibetan government at the time, they had him eliminated him. In order to cover the fact of what they did, they had all his teachings, writings, works and biographies destroyed. They banned his incarnation to appear which did not stop him at all. He kept returning but under another name to continue benefiting many beings as various well known high lamas. Some of his works survive in today’s Mongolia as his Mongolian students took them there for safety at the time and now preserved. He was the student of the great 4th Panchen Lama and he himself had thousands of students including Mongolian royalty. He was saintly and very popular and because of his popularity, jealous camps plotted to get rid of him. They were successful for a short while. For later on as he had promised, he arose as a supreme dharma protector Dorje Shugden. Holy beings can manifest in many different forms including Dharma protectors to benefit beings according to their karmic dispositions. This chapel in Bentong near Kechara Forest Retreat is opened and dedicated in his memory in order to commemorate his great works as well as to invoke his blessings. A chapel to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen, a holy man who was silenced during his life and now will not stay silent. His chapel is to invoke his blessings for all that come to worship to be blessed with healing, fortune, turn of luck, protection and granting of meritorious wishes. It will be a place to pray to clear our obstacles to deeper spirituality. The blessings of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen will bring us into a higher form of thinking. The lineage of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen is now being revived once more in Bentong, Malaysia. Congratulations to those students who are making this all happen. They are meritorious indeed. Their dedication, trust, confidence and faith in the holy Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen is reviving his lineage. Today while escorting his statue to the chapel, amidst a fully blazing midday sun, it immediately lightly drizzled as the sun continued to shine. All those present witnessed this unusual event exactly at the juncture of escorting his statue into the new chapel. This is considered an auspicious omen. We pray to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen that he will bless in many ways all who will visit his chapel from today onwards. Thank you, Tsem Rinpoche
Although the ministers of the 5th Dalai Lama tried to destroy all traces of Tulku Drakpa Gyelsten, the great master, meditator, teacher, logician, yogi, siddha and erudite scholar and his lineage, after he arose as the great Wisdom Protector Dorje Shugden, it was not possible, being the great enlightened being that he was. It was most fortunate that the great Mongolian scholar,Lobsang Tamdin, was able to preserve the record of Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen, which he took away to Mongolia. Thus from him comes the authentic short biography as well as the story of Tulku Drakpa ‘s incarnation lineage .
Thus, from this blogpost, Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen arising as the great Peace Protector and emanation of Manjushri , is clearly and undoubtedly established. Coming from a great lineage of incarnation of accomplished and highly attained Masters, there can be no doubt that Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen himself was also exceptionally attained and accomplished. It can also be concluded (and indeed this has been confirmed by the great Masters) that his incarnations, after he arose as Dorje Shugden, have all been great and accomplished Masters too, particularly his mind emanations
The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) can be considered the descendant of the government during the era of the Great 5th. What the CTA is now doing is akin to what the Tibetan government did back then, that is to snuff out the existence of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen and Dorje Shugden for all the reasons mentioned here. But Dorje Shugden will not be silenced, the truth shall prevail. And the CTA is using dirty ways to discredit and demonize Dorje Shugden for their own agenda, that is to have absolute power and control over Tibetans so that the corrupt CTA officials can continue to fill their coffers with funds given by foreigners.
I believe the Tulku Dragpa Lineage is still in our world and benefitting the world. No such high and beneficial lineage should be suppressed and not heard of anymore.
We are also so fortunate that Lobsang Tamdin also preserved the life story of Tulku Dragpa Gyeltsen for posterity.
Dear Rinpoche,
This is a treasure of teachings. We are indeed very, very fortunate and blessed to receive and be able to connect to Dorje Shugden in this degenerate times. Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s life as a great Dharma teacher, and all His compassionate works to benefit all sentient beings are indescribable in words.
Let there be no more doubts that Dorje Shugden is an Enlightened Protector – for us to be karmically closer to Him as we embark on our spiritual path to Enlightenment.
We have received so much “treasure” in this life for us to be connected. This is indeed us as the turtle surfacing every 100,000 years to find the yoke to put our heads up to catch the air at the ocean’s surface!!
May the ban on DS practice be lifted immediately and may all be reconciled, be at peace and may all of us progress further in our Dharma path.
Humbly yours.
Lum Kok Luen
Prior to our Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s becoming the World Peace Protector, Dorje Shugden, He was also known as a great scholar, mediator, teacher, logician, yogi, siddha and erudite teacher over 300 years ago in Tibet. He was a devoted student of His Holiness, The 4th Panchen Lama (Panchen Losang Chokyi Gyeltsen) and was said to be very saintly and exhibited many supernatural abilities. He was highly sought after by other eminent Lamas, royalties from the Mongol Court and Chinese Palace, and tens of thousands of students too! Appearing as a superior Dharma Protector of Dorje Shugden, He was said to have taken trance of his oracles throughout the last four hundred years, giving initiations, teachings and recitations of great teachings to the Audience. As stated in the Dorje Shugden graphic Novel, the Dharma Protect arose out of great enlightened compassion to benefit sentient beings of our time. His line of previous incarnation stem all the way back to Manjushri, the Buddha of Wisdom. He made strong and lasting contributions in preserving and spreading the teachings of the Buddha. These acts truly show his great compassion and wisdom. His easier lives performed miracles in order to garner faith in the minds of the people, whereas in his later lives, before arising as a Dharma Protector, He put great effort in spreading or teaching Dharma as said in the Graphic Novel! As further elaborated in the Graphic Novel, there are many benefits which can be derived from practicing Dorje Shugden as listed: (1) Opens our minds to universal wisdom to develop mind clarity and penetrative insights. (2) Eases sufferings, endurance of minds, helps to acquire necessary resources to achieve full potential. (3) Increases life, resources and merits. (4) Neutralize the effects of negatives speech and its energies. (5) Safeguard our spiritual/physical energies and mental and well-being. (6) Helps to dispel Black Magic. Invoking the practice of Dorje Shugden can truly enhance our mind, body and spiritual life. With Dorje Shugden’s blessings and protection, this will attract the energies of control, healing and spiritual protection to our lives, blocking out all impure and negative energies of interference to our environments, guarding against unwanted attacks. May the beneficial benefits of our powerful Dorje Shugden practice spread far and wide to benefit more sentient beings! Om benza wiki bitana Zoha.
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for giving us this teaching on Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen and his reincarnation lineage, and we are also fortunate to have Geshe Cheme Tsering to translate the piece by Lobsang Tamdin into English. It is very fortunate that I could read about Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen.
1st thing came to my mind after reading this article is Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen were always a monk in many of his reincarnation. In every rebirth, he did many works to spread dharma from writings to teachings. His entire rebirth was consistent involve in Dharma work and begin from young age.
Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was a scholar, an abbot, a Dharma teachers and he was also a healer. He knows plenty of knowledge from mundane to Supramundane. And, he keeps benefiting many peoples. At very young age, he already learned very profound dharma. He gave Dharma to king and also to ordinary peoples. Other than this, I also notice from the article that He made a lot of offerings, to his teachers and also to Buddha in a lot of occasions.
From this article I learn, Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen reincarnation line have shown to us the important of holding vows, be consistent in dharma work and made a lot of offerings to generate merits. Thus, when he arose as Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden, Dorje Shugden is in monk robes.
Thank you Rinpoche for this article
Bowing to Rinpoche lotus’s feet
Freon
This is an interesting and uncommon view of why His Holiness the Dalai Lama imposed the Dorje Shugden ban. The commenter ‘Suzy in Hawaii’ is honest to say that despite not wanting to, she could not help seeing the beauty in the Dorje Shugden practice. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl-4lIwxph4&t=11s
Very good write up about Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen and how he arose as the Great Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden.Thank you very much Rinpoche and blog team for sharing this wonderful story and background about Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen. _/\_
Trode Khangsar Chapel in Lhasa, TibetOver 400 years ago a great and learned lama Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was famed in Mongolia, Tibet, Nepal and China for being very saintly and compassionate. He resided in his residence (Zimkhang Gongma Ladrang) in Drepung Monastery. His root guru was H.H. the Omniscient 4th Panchen Lama and his close dharma brother was the 5th Dalai Lama.
The 5th Dalai Lama and Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen had a very close and dharmic relationship and often went to receive teachings together from the 4th Panchen Lama. They were close in age. They both became very learned and well known. During this time, the Dalai Lama was enthroned as a Dharma King of Tibet. But more people went to see Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen for teachings, initiations and divinations. This made the attendants of the 5th Dalai Lama feel threatened that Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s fame might usurp the power of the 5th Dalai Lama. So they had a khata forced down his throat. At that moment, Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen dissolved his psychic winds and generated the wish to be a great guardian of Buddha and Tsongkapa’s teachings. As his consciousness dissolved, he entered ‘bardo’ as a dharma protector of the highest order (jikten depey sungma). Many signs were seen throughout Lhasa at this time and the earth was said to have shaken in Lhasa. This event was already predicted to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s previous incarnation when he was one of the 8 main disciples of Lord Tsongkapa the Supreme Master and he served Tsongkapa directly by building Gaden Monastery.
When the 5th Dalai Lama heard what his scheming and power-hungry attendants had done, he was very distressed. He was very sorry Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was murdered and dishonored as he was a great dharma master. The 5th Dalai Lama composed an apology to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen. In Lhasa, tens of thousands gathered for the cremation of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s holy body. During the cremation, the 5th Dalai Lama’s apology was read out at which flames spontaneously arose from the body of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen commencing the cremation. From the body, during cremation, a powerful whirlwind of smoke tunneled into the sky for all to see as this was an indication Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s consciousness has arisen as the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden. The Dharma Protector Setrap immediately recognized this new protector Dorje Shugden and ‘enthroned’ him as a powerful Dharma Protector in the realm of the Buddhas. From this, Setrap and Dorje Shugden are closely connected and very close working hand in hand always. After the cremation, the great 5th Dalai Lama built a Dorje Shugden chapel on the spot the cremation took place and named it Trode Khangsar. The 5th Dalai Lama commissioned the statue of Dorje Shugden in this chapel and had monks installed in the chapel to do continuous propitiations to Dorje Shugden. Trode Khangsar Chapel was a commemoration to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen who was wronged and also a celebration of his consciousness arising as the World Peace Peace Protector Dorje Shugden.
This Trode Khangsar Chapel still exists now in Lhasa where many make pilgrimages there. It is in good condition and was recently renovated. It is over 400 years old and a testimony to the respect the Great 5th Dalai Lama had to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen who arose as Dorje Shugden.
I have visited this holy chapel in Lhasa years back. I’ve never heard of it till I was in Lhasa and by chance, I was told about it which I was happy to visit. I could not find the place but strangely a bunch of pilgrims from Amdo told me they would show me how to get there in Lhasa.
This short video is a short clip of this holy Trode Khangsar Chapel in Lhasa today commemorating Dorje Shugden, built by the great 5th Dalai Lama. The great 5th Dalai Lama even composed a prayer to Dorje Shugden which is still available today and we can recite to invoke the blessings, protection, and assistance of World Peace Protector Dorje Shugden.
Tsem Rinpoche
Read more: Trode Khangsar – A 400-year-old Dorje Shugden Chapel in Lhasa
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/dorje-shugden/trode-khangsar-%E2%80%93-a-400-year-old-dorje-shugden-chapel-in-lhasa.html
Short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTybDwTeLAM
__________________________________
The 5th Dalai Lama’s Prayer to Dorje ShugdenHUM
Though unmoving from the sphere of primordial spontaneity,
With wrathful turbulent power, swifter than lightning,
Endowed with heroic courage to judge good and bad,
I invite you with faith, please come to this place!
Robes of a monk, crown adorned with rhinoceros leather hat,
Right hand holds ornate club, left holds a human heart,
Riding various mounts such as nagas and garudas,
Who subdues the mamos of the charnel grounds, praise to you!
Samaya substances, offerings and torma, outer, inner and secret,
Favourite visual offerings and various objects are arranged.
Although, previously, my wishes were a bit dense,
Do not stop your powerful apparitions, I reveal and confess!
Now respectfully praising with body, speech, and mind,
For us, the masters, disciples, benefactors and entourages,
Provide the good and avert the bad!
Bring increase like the waxing moon in spiritual and temporal realms!
Moreover, swiftly accomplishing all wishes,
According to our prayers, bestow the supreme effortlessly!
And like the jewel that bestows all wishes,
Always protect us with the Three Jewels!
From: http://www.dorjeshugden.org/practice/the-5th-dalai-lamas-prayer-to-dorje-shugden
Tibetan prayer from: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/dorje-shugden/the-14th-dalai-lamas-prayer-to-dorje-shugden.html
Thank you Rinpoche for the account and the prayer again. Have read the above and the extra notes that Rinpoche has given here. Have made good aspirations. May my aspirations not be tainted with 8 Worldly Dharma. May Rinpoche lives long and all Rinpoche’s wishes be fulfilled.
Reading such detailed account of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen reminded me of how fortunate I am to have Dorje Shugden in my life. Apart from the very highly successful line of incarnations lineage and the extremely impressive accomplishments as an erudite master, what really stood out for me was the great compassion and unwavering guru devotion at play. If you really look at it, Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen consented to his own murder and basically was willing to give up his life due to a promise made (in his previous life as Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen) for the sake of protecting his Guru’s teachings. In fact, when he made that promise (in his previous life as Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen), he never hesitated although he wasn’t sure what obligations that promise would entail. Hardly things which many people can agreed to do so unhesitatingly. Yet, it is obvious from his actions that Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was prepared to take on such responsibilities no matter what the consequences are primarily premised on the belief and faith that the works of his Guru is important for the benefit many sentient beings. Interestingly, it has been said that the first thing he did after arising as Dorje Shudgen was to head to Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in memory of his Guru.
Another thing I find quite puzzling is how people can on one hand unquestioningly believe in the wisdom and powers of Nechung so much so that even matters of the Tibetan nation are referred to him to date and yet still claim Dorje Shugden is a demon, conveniently forgetting the fact that it was Nechung who was instrumental in triggering the rise of Dorje Shugden (from his solicitation of the promise from Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen to him reminding Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen of his earlier promise). Unless it one of the many “acceptable” mistakes of Nechung? If it is really the case of “acceptable” mistakes, why then the continued reliance on one that is susceptible to mistakes?
In any event, one only has to read the facts recorded in the old Tibetan scriptures and Lobsang Tamdin’s be bum, presented in the article to know that logically Dorje Shugden is truly an enlightened Dharma Protector.
From the article, it is clearly shown that from information gleaned in the old Tibetan scriptures and Lobsang Tamdin’s be bum, the Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s previous incarnations were very accomplished masters.
It was pretty vicious of the ministers of the Fifth Dalai Lama to scatter the students and relics of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen and confiscate the properties for their own gains. The motivation is so very samsaric in that they were jealous of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen and fear a perceived threat.
Whatever attainments of the great masters will be retained in their minds and carried forward lifetime after lifetime. So, if the incarnations are so very attained, enlightened even, how can anything evil or bad arise out of these? It is from our own ignorance that we cannot see the truth and even question whatever authentic scriptures that are shown.
As Rinpoche always reminds us, we have to read and learn so that our ignorance can be dispelled such we can gain wisdom. Ignorance will lead us to draw the wrong conclusion resulting in taking the wrong actions to create more negative karma for ourselves.
Thank you, Rinpoche for this posting in its entirety with copies of the Tibetan scriptures with its translation. With the black and white proof, we should not doubt the authenticity of the lineage of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen and Dorje Shugden.
Based on Lobsang Tamdin’s be bum containing the biographies of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen it is very clear that Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen
1) comes from a lineage of previous reincarnation of highly attained practitioners. These practitioners have all achieved great levels of attainments and have done tremendous amount of work to spread and grow the Dharma over centuries. Hence, when the reincarnation of Tulku Dragpa Gyeltsen comes to life, he brings with him all the greatness of his past reincarnations.
2) Also, in his life itself he was an extremely accomplished practitioner. Although his life was short ( he was murdered at the age of 37), he already received many higher teachings and initiations and was a highly revered teacher garnering thousands of students.
3) TDG was a perfect vessel in his lifetime and with deepest compassion took on the sacrifice of his life by allowing himself to be murdered to become a Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden.
4) This transformation to become Dorje Shugden is the beginning of a new era of a new Protector, one that is perfect for this period, to protect the lineage , the Dharma and the practitioners.
Thank you Rinpoche for this precious display on the details of Tulku Dragpa Gyeltsen’s life and his past reincarnations. As Dorje Shugden arose from TDG it is important for us to have knowledge on TDG and all the past reincarnations, as the knowledge will help us to develop more faith in Dorje Shugden. When we have more faith, Dorje Shugden will be able to assist us better in our path to Enlightment.
感谢仁波切分享这篇有关Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen详细背景，这篇博文清楚的写明自从三百多年历史Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen是伟大的成就者，做了很多伟大的佛法事业。
Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen 面对西藏政治用强感手段都沒放弃，还答应成为多去雄登来守护宗喀巴大师的教法。
非常感恩我们有机会修持伟大护法多杰雄登的法门。
希望更多人有机会参与修持多杰雄登法门，能众生受益
Thank you very much Rinpoche for sharing the story of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen. when I read about Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen life story and looking at the reincarnation lineage, for me its clear that Dorje Shugden is a enlightened protector.
“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 harmed by an evil spirit… Which one is it? Can he 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
Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen is definitely a great scholar. It is such a pity that the Tibetan Government Ministers do not really see the value of having such high lamas around to spread the dhrama.
All they care abput was the hunger for power that lead to them do things that are not correct.
Nice insight and information on his eminence Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen…
I’ve always love listening and read about Dorje Shugden’s origin and his stories because it is truly fascinating. To me, the most inspiring part of the whole story is Tulku Drapa Gyaltsen’s faith in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangaha. Even after Tulku Dragpa Gyaltsen knew that the disciples of the 5th Dalai Lama attempt to kill him several times, he confronted them and told them the only way to kill him is to choke him with a khata, which they did. And he willingly got killed was because he knew that it is time for him to become a Dharma protector and he still believed in the Dharma even though he was at the peak of his death. Tell me, how many people out there in the whole wide world that has the braveness and faithfulness just like Tulku Dragpa Gyaltsen has?
这篇博文清楚的写明自从三百多年前在第五世达赖喇嘛的执政之下的西藏政府已经下令禁止记载Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen所有的转世。这也令我联想到Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche 也曾经面对类似这样的被政府禁止使用他转世的名字。西藏政府对这两位证悟者所作的一切是非常的不公平。这种做法，就好像当年秦始皇焚烧书籍，目的是为了加强中央集权，尤其是为了加强思想文化上的统治。而因为这样也阻碍了中国思想文化的发展，并开创了文化专制的先例。许多人为了权力不择手段，但他们忘了，真正的是要保护人民的权益。
无论如何，虽然Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen的转世是禁止被记载，但这并不表示他停止转世回来。因为，一位证悟者是拥有主要的转世意识还有许多他的身，语，意转世。他的转世还是会继续的而且也被几位高成就者如Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche, Trijang Rinpoche, Panchen Rinpoche , Scolar Lobsang Tamdin等等所认证他的转世。
感谢仁波切分享这篇有关Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen详细的背景。而且还邀请scholar Geshe Cheme Tsering 翻译Lobsang Tamdin所写的文章。
Thank your Rinpoche for sharing the biography of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen.
Thank you Tulku Drakpha Gyeltsen for his kindness to manifest as the Dharma Protector to protect the Manjunatha Je Tsongkapa;s special views and teaching so that we can still learn this precious Je Tsongkapa teaching in this dharma degenerating age.
Thank you
Best regards,
Pee Bee Chong
Venerable Lobsang Tamdin’s work presented Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s life in a chronological order. He has spent 15 folios out of 17 to talk about the life of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen, clearly listing the important events of His life.
We understand from Venerable’s work that Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was an erudite master and well respected by the people at His time, most importantly, He had a very close spiritual relationship with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and His Holiness Panchen Lama and they gave one-on-one initiations, empowerments, direct teachings etc. to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen. This means that Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen is a suitable vessel for the dharma and a being who had an extraordinary abilities in understanding the dharma, both the sutra and tantra.
According to Venerable, Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s previous reincarnations such as Panchen Sonam Drakpa, Sonam Yeshe Wangpo, Ngawang Sonam Geleg Pal Sangpo etc. were also student of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and His Holiness Panchen Lama. This Guru-Disciple relationship was established long before Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen comes into life. This unbroken bond again had shown us how close He is related to the 2 great masters.
Venerable told us that apart from the Mongolian King and his court, both lay and ordained Tibetans, Nechung also requested teachings from Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen through a medium. Setrap on the other hand came to meet Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen and received gifts from Him too. So the official Dharma Protector Nechung (an unenlightened being) appointed by the Tibetan Government came to seek teachings from Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen, and the Dharma Protector Setrap (emanation of Amitabha Buddha) came to pay respect. This record told us that Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen is no ordinary being. Throughout the history of Buddhism, when the Buddha and many highly enlightened beings gave teachings, they do not only speak to human beings but also celestial beings such as the Bodhisattvas, the gods etc., so it is not strange that Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen also taught these Dharma Protectors.
In this work, it is clear to us that throughout His life, Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen focused on learning, practising and teaching the dharma. He also loves to give gifts to people and go into retreats. He was also asked to send His Holiness the Dalai Lama off as requested by His Holiness and receive Him when returned in all the important trips His Holiness has made. This again shows how close their relationship was.
Understanding the information provided by Venerable Tamdin, it is impossible that a scholar and practitioner as great as Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen can be born as a spirit as claimed by the anti-Shugden people. Buddhism teaches us the law of cause and effects – good cause resemble good results and vice versa. For one to be born as a spirit there must be similar cause created to bring about such result. Obviously, what Tulku Drakpa Gyletsen has focused to do in His life does not make Him a spirit. Whether one likes Dorje Shugden or not, it is advisable to understand information from all aspects, analyse logically, then one’s understanding will be more thorough. Following blindly on the information provided by either party is not the way to go, as the Buddha Himself asked us to investigate, practice and experience His teachings before believing in it. This is the way to learn.
A scientist remarked that this account is a re-writing of history. Here is another view on Drapga Gyaltsen by Yangden Rinpoche:
https://youtu.be/L3yyk25DmA0
It has English subtitles.
Dear Malte,
Which scientist claimed that this is a rewrite of history? could u please provide proof of your claim?
谢谢您仁波切分享活佛Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen 故事。从多杰雄登转世的传承历史, 可以看到Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen是伟大的成就者，做了很多伟大的事业。
Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen面对西藏政治用强烈手段，都没有放弃，还答应成为多杰雄登来守护宗喀巴大师的教法，让法脉传承下去，使更众生受益。非常感恩我们有机会修持伟大护法多杰雄登的法门。
希望更多人有机会参与修持多杰雄登法门，能让众生受益。
Owing to the purpose for his arising as a Dharma Protector to protect the uncommon wisdom teachings of Je Tsongkhapa and owing to his arising in monks’ robes, symbolizing the highest morality,as well as his domed shape hat and wisdom sword(cutting ignorance), there can be no doubt that Dorje Shugden is an Enlightened Protector. Furthermore, as Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen had attained the Wisdom mind and was an emanation of Manjushri, this is further clear evidence of his being an Enlightened Being .Again it is rare that it happens, but Dorje Shugden, when ‘manifesting’ though an oracle,has given Dharma teachings. Thus, there is no doubt about his Enlightened nature.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing the story of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen. Going by this account, it is clear that Dorje Shugden arose from this most compassionate being for the principal purpose of protecting Je Tsongkhapa’s teachings, in particular his wisdom teachings on the correct view of emptiness.This is so necessary for us in these degenerate times, where confusion,Ignorance and mistaken views dominate.
Protector Dorje Shugden is the Protector for this age and the protector to be relied on. I have researched further on him and have found out that he is karmically most suitable for us because he has the strongest connections with us. From my experience,he helps to clear all manner of obstacles in my dharma path and practice.Hence, he is particularly good for me to rely on as a Dharma Protector.
Thank you, Rinpoche, for this information on the history and lineage of Dorje Shugden. There is no doubt that Dorje Shugden is an Enlightened Protector and not as claimed. We are very blessed to have Him as our Protector. May all be blessed by Dorje Shugden.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing the great lineage of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen with us.His linage is pure with only bodhicitta as their sole objective and to preserve the Dharma teaching of Tsongkhapa for many generation to come.
It is sad to know that even at the time of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen the ugly side of attachment of power and fame in the name of Politics would have the influence over good ,in the Government of the holy one The 5th Dalai Lama.
We certainly hope good would overcome evil.As it is through effective means that the World Peace Protector Dorje Shugden manifest.
May all those engage in the practice of Dorje Shugden be blessed by this powerful protector and his lineage.
Thank you for the scholastic information on the previous life of Dorje Shugden. It left no doubts nor unanswered questions on “who” is Dorje Shugden and his attainment. It is very clear that he is an enlightened being. We are very blessed to have him as our Dharmapala.
Thank you very much, Rinpoche, for this sharing.
With folded palms, humbly,
Stella
This write-up is a Treasure. The History and the lineage of Dorje Shugden are very important and sacred for practitioners. Thank you very much Rinpoche.
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for this account of the reincarnation lineage of Dorje Shugden. After reading carefully this historical account of the different incarnations who were great masters, whose aim was to benefit sentient beings, I have no doubt that Dorje Shugden is an enlightened protector. I was very touched by the stories of the compassionate Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen who devoted his whole life to learning and teaching. He made extensive offerings to the monasteries and dedicated them towards the achievement of Buddhahood for all sentient beings. His work and actions revealed the depth of his practice and his attainments. I hope that all of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s personal items, written works and so on, will be found, collected together and put in a safe place for future research and documentation.
It’s important of us to know the history of our lineage and it’s a great knowledge that form basis for our learning. Everyone has their affinity to which protector they may practice. What important is this practice which is given by our guru and it has it’s authentic lineage for us to refer then we as a practitioner and student should learn it up. We should be proud with our protector practice as it’s not only helping us bit also able to benefit many and knowing the great lineage of our protector make us more confident to share and explain to others.
It’s a great sharing of the background of Dorje Shugden. At very least by looking at the reincarnation lineage one should be able to tell whether Dorje Shugden is a enlightened protector.
MAY THE LINEAGE OF TULKU TRAKPA GYALTZEN BE RESTORED TO HIS SPLENDOR BY THE BLESSINGS OF ALL ENLIGHTENED BEINGS AND BY ALL HUMANS ATTENTION.PAUL