China’s official stance on Dorje Shugden
Dear friends around the world,
The world is scrambling to get on the good side of superpower China in order to broker more economic deals to benefit their individual countries. China being the biggest economy in the world has vast economic benefits for many depressed economies around the world. World leaders, dignitaries and royalty are lining up to host Chinese leader’s official state visits to their countries in order to cement better ties. From Africa, Asia, Europe, South America to North America, countries are doing their best to increase good relations with this Eastern powerhouse. China has officially been known as an atheist country but they are moving towards a more open stance when it comes to religious practice at least. This is a very good direction. Democratic countries do give full freedom of any religious/spiritual worship without their leaders condemning nor ‘advising’ against any religious practice. His Holiness the Dalai Lama ‘advising’ against Dorje Shugden practice or any spiritual practice or any faith has created a very bad image of an archaic, theocratic Tibetan form of leadership that is outdated. No religious leader or head of state in a democratic country of the 21st century would look fair, open and democratic if he/she was to condemn or ‘advise’ against any spiritual practice including Dorje Shugden. The spiritual practice of any individual should be left to the individual to decide and not encouraged nor condemned by their governments or heads of state. Imagine the Prime Minister, King or President of your country advising against any spiritual practices in a pluralistic society on national TV? There will be an uproar. Imagine the Pope in the 21st Century criticizing any religion in favor of his own? This would be marketing suicide for him or anyone.
All religious leaders as well as secular leaders must give total religious freedom without bias, comments and favoritism. If this applies to all world leaders, why does it not apply to His Holiness the Dalai Lama? The Dalai Lama came out with the ban against Shugden and it has created tremendous upheavals within Tibetan societies around the world. The protests, websites, media and social media against the ban of Dorje Shugden exists because the ban exists. So remove the ban. I have no connections to the Chinese government although I have admired the vast and rich culture of China for over 30 years. If I did have connections to the Chinese government it is no one’s business. My practice of Dorje Shugden is totally spiritual in nature and in motivation and has nothing to do with China and her government and it never had anything to do with them. But I am discriminated against because I practice Dorje Shugden. This is wrong. This must stop. Because I practice Dorje Shugden then I am connected in a dubious manner to the Chinese government? How does that make any sense? The Dorje Shugden practice has been around for 350 years and this is way before anything to do with current Chinese-Tibetan issues. So it does not make sense. I will never give up the Dorje Shugden practice. I will always wish the Tibetan Government in Exile well. I will always send good wishes to the Chinese nation which I admire. I will always wish His Holiness the Dalai Lama well regardless of what anyone else thinks. I wish the Dalai Lama and China can be friends and unite as His Holiness is aging and that is worrying. My Dorje Shugden practice was given to me over 30 years ago by my guru and I have promised him to do that practice. Come what may, I will keep my promise to my guru.
The translation of the official stance of Dorje Shugden and religious practice in China is really encouraging as China is becoming more and more liberal. People like to scream “Human rights violations!” at China and accuse them of having a bad track record of it. But now China is moving in the direction of opening up more and progressing with giving religious freedom. China should be applauded for this if you wish to see more changes. I am happy to see the support China gives to all religious practice within their nation including Dorje Shugden. They clearly say that religious practice is up to the individual including Dorje Shugden. Tibetan leaders in exile should not use Dorje Shugden to divide and create social disharmony by enforcing the ban. I find this translation very encouraging and I wish China to slowly open more and more. The democracy in China cannot resemble that of the West as the culture and social norms vary greatly from the West. China will have to develop their own form of Democracy that may not resemble the West but that suits their own nation. How would you like China to tell you how run your country? No nation should force their form of democracy or governance on any other nation.
Tsem Rinpoche
The official line on Shugden: translation
Translated from the Tibetan
The document, entitled “Some opinions on dealing correctly with the ‘Gyalchen Shugden’ issue”, was issued by the Communist Party Committee of the Tibet Autonomous Region on February 20, 2014. The document makes it clear that it is aimed at guiding understanding of the issue in order to convey this to the ‘masses’. A copy was received by International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) and is translated into English below.
Some opinions on dealing correctly with the ‘Gyalchen Shugden’ issue
Issued by Tibet Autonomous Region Party Committee Office, February 20, 2014
The ‘Gyalchen Shugden’ issue is an important front in our struggle with the Dalai Clique, and since it is presently an important issue affecting the normal regulation of Tibetan Buddhism and stability in our region, the nature of the ‘Gyalchen Shugden’ issue must be correctly recognized, the principles and methods for dealing with the ‘Gyalchen Shugden’ issue must be mastered, so that we take a firm stand, clearly display the banners, use skillful methods and are able to act unprompted, stand up to the fight without dithering, and find appropriate solutions, all of utmost importance for social harmony and stability in our region. With the publication and distribution of these opinions on our regional Party Committee’s handling of the ‘Gyalchen Shugden’ issue, you should study and master them in your own work, as well as educate and guide the masses.
1. The ‘Gyalchen Shugden’ issue should be given a high degree of importance, and be clearly recognized as a deceitful ploy by the 14th Dalai’s Clique to split the country. ‘Gyalchen Shugden’ is one of the important protector deities worshipped by the Geluk and Sakya schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Since the time of the 5th Dalai, successive Dalai and Panchen, ordinary monks of Geluk and Sakya monasteries, and even the 14th Dalai himself have all had faith in and propitiated “Gyalchen Shugden.” However, since the 14th Dalai Clique fled the country, in opposition to the Motherland, to [their own] nationality and to religion, undertook various activities to split the Motherland. After these ended in defeat, and internal dissension increased, they banned the propitiation of ‘Gyalchen Shugden’ in order to blame others for what are their responsibilities and transforming the contradictions, in an evil scheme to destroy the unity of the Motherland and destroy the social stability in Tibet.
In particular, as the 14th Dalai’s Clique’s attempts to fabricate extreme incidents such as self-immolation in the aftermath of the “3/14 incident” repeatedly met with no success, and as there was no way to fulfill their evil deeds, in their anguish in not being able to bear the defeat, they immediately launched a new evil action by reviving the dispute over the propitiation or non-propitiation of ‘Gyalchen Shugden’ by relying on opposition to it, with the evil hope to promote discord among believers within our borders. On one hand, they blamed their defeat on the harm caused by ‘Gyalchen Shugden,’using religion to continue misleading the masses, and on the other, they used the ‘Gyalchen Shugden’ issue as a pretext for stirring up discord among ordinary believers, creating disagreements and incidents, with intent to breed chaos in Tibet and other Tibetan areas, in order to realize their goal of splitting the Motherland and destroying the stability in Tibet.
We must clearly recognize and give high significance to the long-term nature and acute nature of our struggle with the 14th Dalai Clique, and clearly recognize the complex, pervasive and deceptive nature of the ‘Gyalchen Shugden’ issue, taking the correct handling of this issue as an important front in our struggle with the Dalai Clique, and with clear awareness, firm mindedness and full conviction, exercising surveillance and challenging them on one’s own initiative, we must decisively grind into dust the Dalai Clique’s deceitful plot to split the Motherland and destroy the stability of Tibet on the pretext of the ‘Gyalchen Shugden’ issue.
2. We must unflinchingly and thoroughly remain committed to the Party’s religion policy in order to promote mutual adaptation between Tibetan Buddhism and the socialist society.
The basic principle of our Party’s policy on religion is to respect and protect the public’s freedom of religious belief. Freedom of religious belief is an important policy in Tibet Autonomous Region and other Tibetan areas, and it is not only an important policy for each individual member of the masses of ordinary believers, but is also an important policy for dealing with the ‘Gyalchen Shugden’ issue. With respect to the ‘Gyalchen Shugden’ issue, believing or not-believing is up to each individual member of the masses of believers. For instance, whether the believing community keeps a statue of Buddha Sakyamuni in their homes, or a statue of Avalokitesvara, is the public’s freedom; the Party and government need not interfere, and neither should Party members or officials. Our only standard and position, which complements our basic issue, is that they uphold the leadership of the Communist Party, respect socialism with Chinese characteristics, preserve the unity of the Motherland, and respect laws and regulations. With those preconditions in place, the Party’s religious freedom policy must be firmly implemented, respecting, as best as possible, the wishes of the believing masses.
We should not publicize the issue of belief in ‘Gyalchen Shugden,’not interfere, not politicize, not see belief or nonbelief in black and white terms, and not make belief or nonbelief in ‘Gyalchen Shugden’ as the basis for drawing a clear line with the Dalai Clique. Rather, it is those who love the country and love religion, respect regulations and abide by laws, preserve the unity of the Motherland , maintain stability in Tibet, and contribute to Tibet’s development and stability who are good citizens, good members of the public, and good monks/nuns.
No one may create contradictions or disputes among monastic communities or masses of believers over the issue of religious devotion. We should win over the hearts of the masses to our side, and not fall for the deceptions of the 14th Dalai Clique.
With regard to basic management of monasteries and other centers of religious activity, the approach should be that there should be regard for history, maintenance of the present situation, no new strategy, and no creation of complications.
3. Those who, following the 14th Dalai Clique, create disturbances or incidents, or form organizations using the pretext of the ‘Gyalchen Shugden’ issue, must be punished strictly according to law and with firm determination, and should not be tolerated at all cost. We must continue to maintain a clear attitude and be clear minded on this issue, not change the present situation, not get into disputes or allow incidents to occur. Thus, first, we must respect the public’s religious freedom and allow the masses to choose for themselves. Secondly, those who, with the confidence of having truth, and wearing the armor of legality, and under the pretext of the ‘Gyalchen Shugden’ issue, instigate deception and cause public gatherings and disturbances, irrespective of whether they represent the believers or non-believers or what banners they carry, should be strictly punished according to law as and when the incidents occur. If there is involvement by Party members or officials, they must be strictly dealt with on the basis of disciplinary regulations, so that enemy forces do not get so much as a sesame seed’s chance of an opportunity.
4. Reinforce the education of the monks, nuns, and the believing community by expressing, as best as possible, the strengths of representatives from the religious community who love the country and love religion. By deepening the conduct of service activities for religious persons at the lower levels, we should organize visits, by respected religious figures in favor of love the country, love religion, to monasteries and villages to strengthen the publicity on freedom of religious belief policy and the good traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, so as to expose and challenge the politically reactionary, religiously misleading, and methodologically deceptive nature of the 14th Dalai’s Clique, and to expose and denounce the 14th Dalai’s Clique’s ban on ‘Gyalchen Shugden’ propitiation as an unwarranted grudge and a plot that is ruinous for Tibet and divisive for religion. Instead, monks, nuns and the believing community should be shown that all citizens of new Socialist Tibet have freedom of religious belief. Everyone has the freedom to believe in any religion and sect.
The believing masses are equal; they should not interfere in each other’s matters; nobody should coerce anyone or show condescension. They should be made known that anything against this would be considered damaging to human rights and action that violates the rules and regulations.
To the broad mass of monks and nuns and believing community, differentiation should be made between Tibetan Buddhism and the 14th Dalai and between the 14th Dalai and the Dalai title; through self-awareness make a clear differentiation with the 14th Dalai and thus not fall under the deception, incitement, and enticement of the 14th Dalai clique. They should be given education and training so that they can contribute to the best of their ability to the development and stability of Tibet through self-awareness, loving the country and loving religion; respecting the regulations and obeying the laws; eschewing sins and accumulating positive merits; and honoring peace and harmony.
5. All levels of Party and government institutions; the work units based in the village; the Democratic Management committees in the monasteries; the departments of “Shuang Lian Hu” [unit consisting of the joining of a village with households] etc., should through in-depth consideration, perform the political tasks well and together preserve and maintain periods of peace, harmony and stability in Tibet by assuming their own responsibilities and wholly fulfilling their obligations.
With continuation of the religious freedom policy as the basis, begin controlling ahead, controlling when small; quick control and good control. Beginning with understanding the issue, removing contradictions and deciding on issues, all necessary precautionary steps should be taken. Through in-depth performance of tasks relating to the monks, nuns and the believing community and with clear display of banners, explain clearly the religious freedom policy of the Party and the government; by explaining clearly that it is the public’s freedom whether to believe or not to believe, and not make a black and white differentiation between belief and non-belief. It should be clearly explained that among the believing community and among the sects, there should be mutual respect, mutual understanding, friendly co-existence and peaceful and harmonious togetherness.
Through calm and stable attitude, and through new methods of vanquishing the other side, on issues relating to ‘Gyalchen Shugden,’‘Gyalchen Shugden,’when there are early indications of expulsion, condescension, assembly and disputes, close attention should be paid and these should be automatically confronted, quickly and appropriately decided so that the bad causes are removed from source.
Deciding clearly on the ‘Gyalchen Shugden’ issue is of great importance. Under the firm leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the General Secretary, hold high the great banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics and Deng Xiaoping Theory, the important thought of “Three Represents” and the Scientific Outlook on Development as guide to action.
Bearing in mind the successive important speeches of General Secretary Xi Jinping, in particular his important strategic thought: “To govern the country well, the prerequisite is to govern the frontiers well; to govern the frontiers well, maintaining stability in Tibet is a prerequisite” as well as “To make efforts to realize Tibet’s continued stability, long term stability and comprehensive stability; to guarantee lasting happiness in Tibet, to guarantee peace and stability in the frontier region” and to implement these important guidelines.
By resolutely implementing Chairman Yu Zhengsheng’s advice: “Rule Tibet as per law, develop Tibet for the long term, win the hearts of the people, and strengthen the foundations.” Thereby, in order to decide well on the issue of ‘Gyalchen Shugden’ there should be united thoughts, united pace, and united action. As per the guidelines issued by the [Tibet] Autonomous Region’s Party Committee and government, implement all measures and perform all tasks well, thus giving new and unceasing victory to the struggle against separatism. Resolutely strengthen the good circumstances of progress, peace and harmony and spare no effort to promote Tibet’s leap-frog development and long term peace and stability.
[Source: https://www.savetibet.org/the-official-line-on-shugden-translation/]
For more interesting information:
- The Dorje Shugden category on my blog
- China officially supports Dorje Shugden
- Dalai Lama, China & Dorje Shugden
- Dorje Shugden: My side of the story (多杰雄登:我这方面的说法)
- To Sum It Up
- Dorje Shugden people
- This happened in the USA
- I can speak up now about Shugden
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The Chinese government knows that Dorje Shugden issue is being used to create disharmony in the Tibetan community. The Tibetan government is not able to attack China directly, what they do is they use Dorje Shugden issue to divide the Tibetans and create problems for China. In the statement issued by the Chinese government has stated very clearly how Dorje Shugden issue is being used the separatist to create disharmony.
The Chinese government is very neutral, they don’t ban the Dorje Shugden practice because it is not a cult. For anti-Dorje Shugden followers, they are seen as separatists because they are supporting the Dalai Lama. Therefore, the Chinese government is more careful with the anti-Dorje Shugden followers than Dorje Shugden followers.
The Chinese government is not against any belief as long as the belief is not superstitious, it is not affecting the harmony in the country and it promotes the right values. To say Tibetans in China do not have religious freedom, it is not true, at least no one is discriminated against. But the so-called democratic Tibetan government is suppressing Dorje Shugden practice. If the Tibetan government is really a democratic government, they should lift the Dorje Shugden ban as soon as possible!
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
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
For the first time available, Dorje Shugden and his entourage of 32 asssistants of his mandala.
Dorje Shugden is a powerful protector deity who is also an emanation of Manjushri, a wisdom bestowing Buddha. Therefore, he has great ability to help us to progress further on the spiritual path. He does this by helping us to overcome obstacles and problems for the modern individual.
Due to his enlightened nature, Dorje Shugden is able to manifest 32 deities and within the same abode resides Setrap and Kache Marpo:-
1. 5 Dorje Shugden families or emanations. They consists of the following:-
– Dulzin Dorje Shugden, which performs activities to eliminate inner and outer obstacles.
– Shize, which performs activities to pacify all illnesses and disease.
– Gyenze, which performs activities to increase all desirable material and spiritual wealth.
– Wangze, which performs activities to control difficult people and circumstances.
– Trakze, which performs activities to wrathfully eliminate all insurmountable obstacles and life-threatening situations.
2. 9 Mothers. They represent protection of the five senses and developing control of the four elements. These are all attributes that signify their ability to assist tantric practitioners with their higher meditations.
3. 8 Guiding Monks. They represent the Eight Great Bodhisattvas (Avalokitesvara, Manjushri, Vajrapani, Samantabhadra, Maitreya, Kshitigarbha, Akashagarbha, Sarva-nivarana-viskambini) and they bring about the growth of the Dharma, through the Sangha, Dharma practitioners and Dharma establishments.
4. 10 Youthful & Wrathful Attendants. They represent the ten wrathful attendants to avert inner and outer obstacles. They are beings who are from Mongolia, China, Kashmir, India, Bengali, etc.
5. Setrap. He is a senior Dharma Protector from India and an emanation of Amitabha Buddha. He had enthroned Dorje Shugden as an authentic Dharma Protector. Therefore, he also resides within the same mandala of Dorje Shugden.
6. Kache Marpo. He is not an emanation of Dorje Shugden but he is still an enlightened Dharma Protector in his own right. He was originally known as Tsiu Marpo of Samye Monastery. However, he has placed himself under the service of Dorje Shugden as his chief minister, performing many activities in order to protect and benefit practitioners. Therefore, he stands guard at the main entrance of Dorje Shugden’s mandala. He often takes trance of qualified mediums to speak.
7. Namkar Barzin. He is the reincarnation of an old Mongolian monk and when he passed away in Phari area of Tibet, his spirit was placed as a powerful assistant of Dorje Shugden. He guards and protects buildings and great institutions especially those that benefit others. He rides on a mythical Gyaling animal that resembles a goat but with scales.
These sacred images are available on *Vajrasecrets. They are made of high quality alloy and are one of a kind. They are based on the lineage of His Holiness Panchen Rinpoche’s monastery, Tashilhunpo in Shigatse, Tibet. In fact, the iconography of these statues are based on detailed photographs taken by H. E. Tsem Rinpoche during a trip to Tashilhunpo’s protector chapel. These are based exactly as the 10th Panchen Lama’s personal collection.
Dorje Shugden mandala: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=131570
Dorje Shugden’s benefit and practice: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=62422
Dorje Shugden’s origins: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=106424
Dorje Shugden chapel in His Holiness Panchen Rinpoche’s Tashilhunpo Monastery in Tibet: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=68698
*Stand not included
His Holiness the 10th Panchen Lama
Tibetans commonly refer to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and His Holiness 10th Panchen Lama as the “sun and moon” of Tibetan Buddhism. They are the center of Tibetan Buddhist civilization, which draws to its sphere of influence millions of non-Tibetan practitioners. The Panchen Lama’s incarnation line began with the 16th abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, Lobsang Chokyi Gyeltsen (1570 – 1662). He was bestowed the title of Panchen Lama by His Holiness the 5th Dalai Lama after being declared as an emanation of Amitabha.
After being given the title, his three previous incarnations were posthumously also bestowed the title, making Lobsang Chokyi Gyeltsen the 4th Panchen Lama. He became a teacher to many Tibetans, Bhutanese and Mongolian religious figures, including His Holiness the 4th and 5th Dalai Lamas, and the 1st Jetsun Dampa of Mongolia. A prolific author, Chokyi Gyeltsen is credited with over a hundred compositions, including a number of commentaries and ritual texts that remain central in the Gelukpa tradition today. Along with his role as a teacher of the Dharma, the Panchen Lamas are usually responsible for the recognition of the rebirths of the Dalai Lamas, and vice versa.
The 10th Panchen Lama, Lobsang Trinley Lhundrub Chokyi Gyeltsen (19 February 1938 – 28 January 1989) continued both the spiritual and political roles of his predecessors. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, his contemporary, was even heard to say and echo the Panchen Lama’s own words that the Dalai Lama would safeguard Tibet from the outside while the Panchen Lama would safeguard Tibet from the inside, as he never left Tibet after the political troubles of 1959. He was truly loved by the Tibetans, all the way until his passing. When he taught, thousands of people would attend, not only from his own Gelug lineage, but masters and practitioners from all traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.
At his sprawling monastery of Tashi Lhunpo, he has a special chapel specifically dedicated to Dorje Shugden, where prayers and rituals are performed on a daily basis. In his great omniscience the Panchen Lama held Dorje Shugden as the principal Dharma protector of the monastery. He also personally propitiated Dorje Shugden among other Dharma protectors, and even wrote extensive prayers and rituals to Dorje Shugden. These rituals and prayers are contained within his ‘sung bum’ or collected works, which are provided here. As such a great lama, with an erudite and clear understanding of the Buddhist scriptures, a teacher to millions in both Tibet and China, from an established incarnation line and an emanation of the Buddha Amitabha, he could not be mistaken about his practice of Dorje Shugden.
His Holiness 10th Panchen Lama is known for his composition of commentaries and practice texts that are still in use by contemporary Buddhist practitioners both in Tibet and across the world. One of these is a powerful ritual composition propitiating the compassionate Dorje Shugden.
Upon the request by Acharya Lobsang Jangchub to compose a shorter version of the prayer (sadhana) for the exhortation of activities of Dorje Shugden, Panchen Lama immediately composed an abbreviate form of Dorje Shugden’s Kangsol. This text is entitled “Manjunatha’s (Tsongkapa) Lineage protector Dorje Shugden and five forms wrathful propitiations and confessional prayers and fulfilment of activities rites” or “Melodious sound of Accomplishment of the Four Activities” for short. Once the prayers were completed, he had signs and strong feelings that Dorje Shugden has been working hard to protect the Buddhadharma in general and the lineage of Lama Tsongkhapa specifically.
Mirroring the abilities of one of his earlier incarnations, Khedrub Je, a disciple of Lama Tsongkhapa and master of both sutra and tantra, the Panchen Lama used his compositional skill and poetic prowess to create a masterful sadhana. Worthy of note is a praise in which the first letter of each verse is a Tibetan vowel. Such compositions are rarely seen, and have historically only been used when propitiating senior Dharma protectors such as Palden Lhamo and Kalarupa.
The Panchen Lama also stated that while composing the Dorje Shugden sadhana (prayers) he was filled with a sense of happiness and bliss. He ends the composition with not only his official title but his ordination name, Tenzin Trinley Jigme Choje Wangchuk, endorsing the validity of his work. He composed the sadhana in his own Tashi Lhunpo monastery while in the Hall of Clear Light and Bliss.
See the Panchen Lama’s writings and download: https://bit.ly/2KIfeXb
This elderly & innocent monk in India was brutally attacked, find out why. Shocking – https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=163953
“If the Dalai Lama, if His Holiness the Dalai Lama can be harmed by Dorje Shugden, then we might as well not practice Buddhism anymore. If His Holiness the Dalai Lama can have his life shortened by a so-called evil spirit, any evil spirit, then can he be Avalokiteshvara? So on one hand you say, we say, I say, everybody says, he is Avalokiteshvara; on the other hand you’re saying that he can be harmed by an evil spirit… Which one is it? Can he be harmed by an evil spirit or is he Avalokiteshvara? Do you think Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri, Vajrapani, Tara all take refuge in something else to protect themselves from Dorje Shugden? How illogical is that? How illogical of people to say His Holiness the Dalai Lama can be harmed by an evil spirit, any evil spirit or “Dorje Shugden” evil spirit. How is that possible?” – Tsem Tulku Rinpoche
Photo: His Holiness the Dalai Lama, young Tsem Tulku Rinpoche and Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s tutor Kensur Rinpoche Jampa Yeshe
DON’T MISS THIS! FANTASTIC NEW GREAT STUFF! High quality videos redressing the misinformation about Dorje Shugden practice and people and the current sad Tibetan situation and why they are losing ground in the world. Powerful and truthful – CLEAR VIDEOS – https://bit.ly/2LJbo35
Amazing post!!!!!
Dear friends, For months we have been working on this BEAUTIFUL and meaningful mural in Kathmandu, Nepal. Please click here to enjoy the many stunning pictures of this mural: https://bit.ly/2LgOj8J
Tsem Rinpoche
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.
How can a nun curse someone they do not even know and wish the person to die quickly and be born in hell? What kind of nun is this? Shocking! What more she’s cursing a Buddhist teacher and a monk?! Is this the face of Bhutanese Buddhist?
This is so shameful for her as a nun, her teacher, her monastery, her country and her King. A sangha should not behave in such a manner. A Sangha should carry enlightened Buddha’s teachings of compassion and wisdom to benefit all sentient beings.
A Sangha is not supposed to promote hatred and certainly should not be cursing or wishing another person to die. That wish itself is already breaking one of the vows.
A Sangha is one of the 3 Jewels, an object of refuge. They should not behave like an uncivilized person with so much hate. This is how bad the Tibetan Leadership has spread their lies and hate about Dorje Shugden and Shugden Buddhist practitioners.
Of course China will support Shugden. I feel so sad that you pretend good wishes to HHDL but turn the knife so insidiously against him. I wonder what your Guru would truly say to you right now?
A true democracy allows everyone the freedom to exercise their human rights, including the freedom to practise any religion they want. In democratic countries, the government does not interfere with this right. Neither are democratic governments prejudiced against their citizens’ choice of religious belief. They do not force people to stop their religious practice or pass legislation criminalising people because of their religion.
The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), the Tibetan leadership who are based in Dharamsala are the exception. They are the only so-called ‘democratic’ leadership that puts a stranglehold on its people, persecuting them for their religious beliefs. They deny the rights of Dorje Shugden practitioners for simply practicing their religion as they have done for the past 400 years. Dorje Shugden practitioners are ostracised from their own community, denied medical care, education or even employment in government offices. The CTA definitely does not live up to the right to be called a democratic administration, especially when in it inflicts suppression of people’s freedom and disrespects basic human rights.
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videouploads/comment-1523906946.mp4
Isn’t this just lovely?! Look at these cute Tibetan kids singing praises to Dorje Shugden during Losar celebration in Tibet! Great blessings to all – Click to watch! ???
https://video.tsemtulku.com/chat-videos/chat-1519938132.mp4
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videouploads/comment-1519934791.mp4
Will the CTA (Tibetan govt in exile) and their supporters in East and West say voodoo is evil and cannot be practiced too? Will they advise against Voodoo and say its a demon’s practice and people who practice are bad too? Truth be told, no one has the right to say anything about anyone’s religion. Listen to what this man says in the short snagged clip because he speaks well and with the truth.
Watch the rest of the video on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0_syJQBteA
The official response from the Chinese Communist Party on “Gyalchen Shudgen” issue is very timely and fall in consistently with the official stand – religious freedom to individual and do not allow social unrest to destroy the unity of a country.
This statement taken from the Tibetan Autonomous Region committee is very apt – “Thus, first, we must respect the public’s religious freedom and allow the masses to choose for themselves”. This statement proves that no one is above the law and if any individual who breaks this law will have to face the music – full extent.
The Dalai Clique / CTA is clearly sowing the seeds of separatism as the wordings of the Tibetan Autonomous Region committee have stated. This goes to prove that the logic of the Chinese Communist Party is funding Shugden believers to harm the 14th Dalai Lama has no logic.
The CTA has to seriously end the needless DS ban immediately.
It is a fact that Mao’s China annexed Tibet. Let’s face it.
However, whether China does or does not have a legitimate claim to Tibet is something we must examine alongside other similar issues:
– did the White people have a legitimate claim to take over the land of the Native American Indians?
– Did the Boer and the British have the right to fight over who gets to own South Africa?
– Did the British have a right to colonise Australia and enslave the native Aborigines and destroy generations of the race. It was not until 1967 when the Aborigines were counted as part of the national population. Arguably, it could be said that prior to 1967, the natives were either completely disregarded or otherwise regarded as part of the fauna. (Animals)
– Was it right for Britain to colonise India, forced the people into slavery and imposed the White people’s religion on the Indians?
– Was it right for America to implement its ‘gunboat diplomacy’ on weaker nations?
– Can Western Imperialism forced upon the Asian and African continents be justified?
– Can Israel’s occupation of Palestine be justified?
Those in the West who accuse China of forcibly taking over Tibet may not necessarily be wrong but by the same logic, they have to explain why they should be allowed to continue to prosper from the annexation and suppression of the rightful and native residents of the land.
If the West argues that these nations are better off under a ‘civilised regime’, can China similarly say the same thing? That until the Chinese army marched into Tibet; it was a nation of slaves and serfs?
At some point, we have to get off these academic debates on geopolitics and leave it to the politicians. None of these things have anything to do with the Dorje Shugden practice which preceded Chinese-Tibetan quarrels by a few centuries.
It was bad judgement for the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) to have politicised the Shugden practice and deformed an ancient Buddhist practice into a political tool. Or perhaps it was intended. Let’s make no mistakes about this – the CCP ‘directive’ on Dorje Shugden (if that’s what anyone insists it is) was released in February 2014 whereas the CTA’s politicisation of the Shugden belief began many years before that.
Very clearly if the did CCP leverage the divide amongst the Tibetan people that arose as the result of the Shugden ban, then the CTA handed this leverage to the Chinese. By the same token, they can render this issue harmful by declaring an end to the ban. Why doesn’t the CTA do that first?
I think China is still a long way from holding true democratic values. It’s currently still illegal to practice anything but Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and traditional Chinese beliefs there, even the latter is persecuted to an extant, but it’s getting better. To me it looks like China is once again indulging in state level self deluding hypocrisy. Hats off to them for looking at the Dorje Shugden issue at all (be it in spite of the Dalai Lama or not) maybe it will plant the seeds for more progress going forward.
This excerpt of the Swiss Television documentary presented in 1988 is a painful reminder of the hypocrisy and the sad reality of the oppression, discrimination, and ostracisation of Dorje Shugden practitioners. For 20 years, Dorje Shugden practitioners have endured this and no one supported their fight as the Tibetan leadership in exile continues to undermine their effort by denying the existence of this ban, and silencing their voice by peer pressure, flooding the media and fooling the general public with accusations that Shugden practitioners are political tools supported by the Chinese government to create discord within the Tibetan community. Please listen to their plea and please share this video far and wide to end this injustice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gis2vaURT40
Great message every Tibetan especially must read!
The Tibetan leadership’s smear campaign against Dorje Shugden has been going on for 20years now but instead of succeeding, there are signs that the public have seen through the Tibetan leadership’s ploy to wipe out the practice and are not beginning to embrace the Protector practice instead. One example is this very good comment left by Suzy on Tsem Rinpoche’s YouTube channel-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl-4lIwxph4&t=11s
Trode Khangsar Chapel in Lhasa, Tibet
Over 400 years ago a great and learned lama Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was famed in Mongolia, Tibet, Nepal and China for being very saintly and compassionate. He resided in his residence (Zimkhang Gongma Ladrang) in Drepung Monastery. His root guru was H.H. the Omniscient 4th Panchen Lama and his close dharma brother was the 5th Dalai Lama.
The 5th Dalai Lama and Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen had a very close and dharmic relationship and often went to receive teachings together from the 4th Panchen Lama. They were close in age. They both became very learned and well known. During this time, the Dalai Lama was enthroned as a Dharma King of Tibet. But more people went to see Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen for teachings, initiations and divinations. This made the attendants of the 5th Dalai Lama feel threatened that Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s fame might usurp the power of the 5th Dalai Lama. So they had a khata forced down his throat. At that moment, Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen dissolved his psychic winds and generated the wish to be a great guardian of Buddha and Tsongkapa’s teachings. As his consciousness dissolved, he entered ‘bardo’ as a dharma protector of the highest order (jikten depey sungma). Many signs were seen throughout Lhasa at this time and the earth was said to have shaken in Lhasa. This event was already predicted to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s previous incarnation when he was one of the 8 main disciples of Lord Tsongkapa the Supreme Master and he served Tsongkapa directly by building Gaden Monastery.
When the 5th Dalai Lama heard what his scheming and power-hungry attendants had done, he was very distressed. He was very sorry Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was murdered and dishonored as he was a great dharma master. The 5th Dalai Lama composed an apology to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen. In Lhasa, tens of thousands gathered for the cremation of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s holy body. During the cremation, the 5th Dalai Lama’s apology was read out at which flames spontaneously arose from the body of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen commencing the cremation. From the body, during cremation, a powerful whirlwind of smoke tunneled into the sky for all to see as this was an indication Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s consciousness has arisen as the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden. The Dharma Protector Setrap immediately recognized this new protector Dorje Shugden and ‘enthroned’ him as a powerful Dharma Protector in the realm of the Buddhas. From this, Setrap and Dorje Shugden are closely connected and very close working hand in hand always. After the cremation, the great 5th Dalai Lama built a Dorje Shugden chapel on the spot the cremation took place and named it Trode Khangsar. The 5th Dalai Lama commissioned the statue of Dorje Shugden in this chapel and had monks installed in the chapel to do continuous propitiations to Dorje Shugden. Trode Khangsar Chapel was a commemoration to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen who was wronged and also a celebration of his consciousness arising as the World Peace Peace Protector Dorje Shugden.
This Trode Khangsar Chapel still exists now in Lhasa where many make pilgrimages there. It is in good condition and was recently renovated. It is over 400 years old and a testimony to the respect the Great 5th Dalai Lama had to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen who arose as Dorje Shugden.
I have visited this holy chapel in Lhasa years back. I’ve never heard of it till I was in Lhasa and by chance, I was told about it which I was happy to visit. I could not find the place but strangely a bunch of pilgrims from Amdo told me they would show me how to get there in Lhasa.
This short video is a short clip of this holy Trode Khangsar Chapel in Lhasa today commemorating Dorje Shugden, built by the great 5th Dalai Lama. The great 5th Dalai Lama even composed a prayer to Dorje Shugden which is still available today and we can recite to invoke the blessings, protection, and assistance of World Peace Protector Dorje Shugden.
Tsem Rinpoche
Read more: Trode Khangsar – A 400-year-old Dorje Shugden Chapel in Lhasa
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/dorje-shugden/trode-khangsar-%E2%80%93-a-400-year-old-dorje-shugden-chapel-in-lhasa.html
Short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTybDwTeLAM
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The 5th Dalai Lama’s Prayer to Dorje Shugden
HUM
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
China is not perfect, and neither are the superpowers and many Western countries who have nuclear arsenals or are part of the G7 countries. Those control the world’s economy with their banking institutions and etc. China went through quite a lot in the 20th century to emerge as the giant should. They do need sometime to adjust to all the socio and economical changes that affected their nation. For other ‘developed’ countries to criticise them, is just insecurity on their part. At least China does not stir wars and conflicts all over this globe.
At least China is progressive they move, and react to circumstances. What they have done by this declaration is to say, we want to give religious freedom to their people and there is separation between the state and religion. I do thank the Chinese government for helping their people and not permit the further suppression of Dorje Shudgen people.
Dear Rinpoche :感谢上师的分享,中国在经济方面当了世界的龙头老大。也慶幸絰过了文化大革命的中国,如今促漸的开放,包括宗教。就如上师所说,修 # 多杰雄登 ,純粹是一种傳承。不带一絲政治意图,如果是不好,中国早已下禁令。希望达赖喇嘛 不要再打压 及發表如此危言聳听的言論。如今世界已夠亂及多災难。是时候放下岐見共同携手去达成一个大同及和平世界。在此我也会与上师一同祈愿,多杰雄登禁令速速解除。
It is obvious from the manifesto of China’s ruling party, the upmost importance is the peace and stability of her people. They have openly declared that religion is a personal choice and as long as its peaceful and non-disruptive, they will respect your choice. That sounds like “Religious Freedom” to me. They had acknowledged that the ban by HHDL of Protector Dorje Shugden had interfered with the religious harmony, causing segregation and sufferings within Tibetan Buddhist communities.
HHDL on the other hand had imposed the ban of Protector Dorje Shugden using various fallible excuses, including one where the practise will shorten his life (it has been 19 years and he still very healthy, celebrating his 80th birthday a few days ago. With folded hands, I wish him many more to come). The ban had caused so much confusion, segregation and suffering to his people and to Tibetan Buddhist practitioners worldwide. HHDL and his government should realise that they can no longer control using religion and they are no longer in the secluded world where feudal system are still viable. Its just a desperate attempt to using “Divide and Conquer” method to keep their control. They would have done better if the huge sum of money donated by generous people worldwide were used to better the current deplorable living conditions of their people. Have they not heard of “Conquering with Love”?
I truly hope that HHDL finds it in his heart to swiftly manifest his compassion as Chenrenzig to start a dialogue with Dorje Shugden practitioners, to respect their practise and most of all, to reunite Tibetan Buddhists by lifting his ban.
PS. A difference of opinion/religion does not mean you have the right to verbally abuse or threaten others, especially when my Guru, HE 25th Tsem Rinpoche had always been respectful towards HHDL. I am sure that the practise of Buddhism had always been about respect and compassion to each other, what more to an Enlighten being as my Guru. I dread the karma created by those who had disparage with such vulgarities and threats. One wonders what are they learning from their Guru, the HHDL. Is it the fault of the Guru for creating the cause for his student’s karma or the student for being ignorant of his true practise? Hmmmmm…..
Thank you for having the strength, courage and genuine care to stand up and speak peacefully for what you believe in. No one should ever suffer, be segregated, assaulted, hurt, degraded, belittled, cursed, hated and biased for their religious beliefs. No one should advise anyone against any religious belief. If we want to find people who hate a certain religion, we can find plenty. If we want to find people who like a certain religion or form of spirituality, there will be plenty. In the end who is right and wrong? Which religion is right or wrong. All or some or none? Therefore it is more logical to respect all religions, all faiths and all forms of spirituality. In history many have exploited religion for selfish purposes and many have not. As long as I have not, that is all that matters. I cannot and will not speak for others of my faith and what their motive is, but I know my motive. No one and no leader and no religious leader should ever hurt, segregate or speak against another religion. Time for peace. Time for harmony. Time for respect. Time to look beyond mine/your religion and be kind. Be kind to everyone. Never put anyone down because of their religion.
Humbly,
Tsem Rinpoche.
P.S. I wish very much the people from His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s views/side and people from the side of Dorje Shugden practitioners meet very soon. May they meet in peace, with kindness in the hearts and good motivation to solve this issue once and for all. We have to solve this through peaceful dialogue. I never protested against His Holiness Dalai Lama nor spoke harshly against his views ever. I have always respected his and everyone’s views. We all have to live on this earth together. You will not accept my way of spirituality and I will not accept your’s and that is okay. But we must respect each other’s spiritual faith and NEVER criticize or advise against it. We must respect also what we don’t accept. Everyone has their way. Advising against another’s religion/faith/spirituality creates so much disharmony. No more disharmony. It’s been 19 years since the ban against Dorje Shugden started. It must end please. We have so many things to argue about in this world, let’s make one less conflict. I wish this conflict to end peacefully soon. I wish His Holiness the Dalai Lama and supporters can open channels of communication and solve this issue soon. Peaceful dialogue please and soon. Thank you.
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama composed this prayer to Dorje Shugden. His Holiness has full clairvoyance and knowledge of the nature of the deity he composed the prayer to when he was younger and when he is older as it is the same mind stream. So not logical His Holiness can make a mistake? If he can make mistakes about deities, then the mistakes cannot be limited to time span: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=61029
So many beautiful teaching videos here on the various aspects of Dorje Shugden’s practice. Kecharians really did a terrific job on this. So much needed information: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=66785
Tsem Rinpoche speaks up on Dorje Shugden. The explanation is clear, logical and very humble. Everyone should take the time to listen carefully: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxC6uKHM3dY
It is indeed good news that China with its atheist government has declared openly that they will support religious freedom and this
includes the practice of Dorje Shugden. China has evolved into a developed country and as with any developed or developing country it is crucial to have harmony and peace. Religion teaches us compassion, tolerance, peace and harmony and thus we should all respect each other’s believes and faith. No one has the right to discriminate any form of religion.
Thank you, Rinpoche, for sharing this information with us. I hope that with China supporting religious freedom and human rights, the ban on Dorje Shugden will be lifted soon.
China’s stance of maintaining a united country through peace, harmony and economic prosperity is what most countries would want, regardless of whether their government is democratic, autocratic or socialistic. People in general want to have a life of peace and prosperity and to have the freedom to make our own choices as long as we don’t harm anyone.
For China to make a strong stance of peace and harmony and religious freedom in Tibet shows that the Dalai Lama’s ban on Dorje Shugden practice is creating more damage and segregation to the Tibetans. It is ironic because one of the main points that the Dalai Lama claims is that the practice of Dorje Shugden leads to sectarianism. In reality, the ban is creating more sectarianism than before the ban was imposed!
I agree with China’s logic of religious freedom. Below are the points that I agree with for the benefit of the citizens, both short and long term.
“The basic principle of our Party’s policy on religion is to respect and protect the public’s freedom of religious belief.”
“The believing masses are equal; they should not interfere in each other’s matters; nobody should coerce anyone or show condescension. They should be made known that anything against this would be considered damaging to human rights and action that violates the rules and regulations.”
“Resolutely strengthen the good circumstances of progress, peace and harmony and spare no effort to promote Tibet’s leap-frog development and long term peace and stability.”
Looking at China’s track record of becoming the world’s largest economy in just the last 3 decades, I personally have more faith in China’s policies than any other country. It is no easy feat for a country of over 1 billion citizens but results speak louder than words.
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for the article and the translation.
It is indeed heart warming to learn that China has evolved into a country and nation that supports human rights, and importantly, religious freedom and harmony. It has proven to other nations that it is indeed an improving super power country.
China did not draw any sides and indicated very clearly that it is nobody’s rights to discriminate any form or religion or spirituality. We are in the age of freedom. Freedom of speech, freedom to choose what we wish to choose and lead our lives, as long as it is not morally unacceptable behaviours and with criminal intents.
With China supporting the stance against religious disharmony, I pray the ban on Dorje Shugden be lifted soon, and all of us practitioners can treat one another with respect.
Thank you.
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing the good news of China government emphasizing the religious freedom policy and taking effective actions to resolve the on-going issue originated from the ban of Dorje Shugden practice. With the positive support from China ruling party, Dorje Shugden practitioners in Tibet, China and other parts of the world can continue with their spiritual practice in great relief and able to meditate with peace of mind.
I sincerely pray that the ban of Dorje Shugden practice will be lifted by the 14th Dalai Lama as soon as possible to end the sufferings and discriminations endure by many Dorje Shugden practitioners and unite all the Buddhists from different sect and lineages to promote Buddhism practice for the benefits of all sentient beings.
With folded hands,
kin hoe
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this good news with us. Is very glad to hear that Chinese government has realize that the important of religion freedom among the Tibethan has been long that the Tibethan has suffer tremendously on this Dorje Shugden ban at least right now the Chinese Government has help to release the suffering of this Dorje Shugden practitioner may the Dalai Lama quickly resolved the Dorje Shugden issue, may the ban lifted soon.
Religious freedom is well practiced in many developed countries that respect human rights. Any developing countries should work towards that so harmony can be easily achieved in order for the country to grow swiftly.
Religion teaches harmony, peace, love and developing good qualities. Any true leader who wishes the best for the country and its people will support religious freedom in order to form a harmonious and crime free society.
China is a developing country and has proven its ability in bringing the country to the international stage, improving global economy, created job opportunities etc. so it makes complete sense that they practise religious freedom and respect human rights.
The translated document above gives us the Dorje Shugden practitioners a great relief knowing that Dorje Shugden practitioners in China are given religious freedom and well protected by the human rights they deserved.
This event is an important mile stone for China in promoting religion freedom. China has the highest population in the world, with a total demography of 1.3 billion people, which contributes to approximate 19% of the world population. Imagine, 1.3 billion people will have the chance to practice religious freedom, including choosing their own protector, like Dorje Shugden, vast amount of people will have the opportunity in benefiting themselves. With the support from Chinese officials, Dorje Shugden practice will able to grow faster and take root in China. This is important as to revive Buddhism in the country.
It is heartening to see China moving progressively to embrace basic democratic policies like respecting and protecting the public’s freedom of religious belief. China is already recognized as a global economic powerhouse.By framing such policies as is enshrined as a basic human right in any democratic constitution -the freedom of pursuing the religion of one’s choice – it is set to boost its global image. This is especially so because ,in the past , China had been touted frequently as the country to have blatantly violated basic human rights of its people.
China has brought social and economic stability to places like Tibet. Hence , there is every reason for it to not want any conflict to arise to destabilize it. Such an issue as the ban on Shugden, which , if it were to be exercized in Tibet, would create disharmony, a disharmony which would be deetrimental to the well-being of the Tibetans in Tibet.
In any case,following its policy of respecting the rights of individuals to pursue their own religious belief, China will naturally not entertain anything like the ban on Shugden worship as it would be against the very spirit of freedom of religious pursuit or worship.In the very words of this official statement :”With respect to the ‘Gyalchen Shugden’ issue, believing or not-believing is up to each individual member of the masses of believers. For instance, whether the believing community keeps a statue of Buddha Sakyamuni in their homes, or a statue of Avalokitesvara, is the public’s freedom”.
China’s official stance on religious freedom and its stance on Shugden, which is in line with its official stance, is very clear. May it wake up other countries to greater awareness of the painful consequence of a ban which, as Mr Lukar says, is really unnecessary.
Thank you Rinpoche.
I like that the ruling party of China’s basic principle in her policy on religion is to respect and protect the public’s freedom of religious belief. I also like that China is not tolerant towards those who create disturbances or incidents, or form organizations using the pretext of the ‘Gyalchen Shugden’ issue and is ready to punish the trouble-makers. The clear-mindedness of Chinese government on this issue; i.e.not get into disputes or allow incidents to occur and to ensure public’s religious freedom is admirable. By clearly making a stance on the issue, it gives a sense of acceptance and security to the Practitioners. I am sure Shugden practitioners will find peace of mind to carry on their practice and to keep their samaya under China’s policy on religious matters. It also make it plain and simple for all to see who are the trouble-makers.
Thank You Rinpoche for sharing this updates with us.
Humbly, bowing down,
Stella Cheang
China is moving forward together with Tibet as a part of the Motherland and the rest of the world. Tibet’s stubborn stance to keep China as an enemy is a blinding reflection of their obsolete ways and incompetence to lead anyone, what more a nation.
It is very encouraging that China is making a clear statement about their view and attitude towards freedom in religious practice with particular mention of Dorje Shugden. This will open the doors of many people’s minds and hearts to this powerful Protectoc practice which is essential for this day and age.
I find the directives outlined in this document by the Chinese Government to be clear and precise not only in supporting the worship or Dorje Shugden but the right of religious freedom.
Study and research had been thorough on this issue and it is most heartwarming to think that a World Power would make a stand for the masses on the Ban imposed by CTA. China stand firm against any manner by which Tibet can be split in support of Dalai Lama’s CTA stance on this Ban.
It is also stated clearly that whether believers or non believers will be taken to task if the issue of Dorje Shugden is used to create disharmony. This is clearly a support to religious freedom and harmony and prosperity to the Tibetans in China.
Thank you Rinpoche for posting this very important information for all to read.
What a wonderful news on China official stance on Dorje Shugden. China clearly state that their basic principle of the party policy on religion is to respect and protect the public’s freedom of religious belief. With respect to the Shugden issue, believing or not-believing is up to each individual member of the masses of believers.
This is the right way to go to bring harmony and unity for the citizen of the country. Spirituality is individual preference and belief and should not be part of politic equation. I strongly agree and support for China’s stance and the ban should be lifted as it has no basis and totally illogical for whatever the Tibetan leaders claims for. The complication created from the ban is unnecessary and no leaders will created suffering for their own people. We hope to see the ban to be remove soon and more country leaders from all over the world to voice up on this unfairness ban that only created disharmony and is totally unacceptable.
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for sharing this post. It is definitely joyful to see China had supported freedom of spirituality on Dorje Shugden Ban. Regardless of the online speculations of the true motive behind for China to make such a statement, it is a joyful to see they are making a progress towards a country that respects freedom of human rights on spiritual matters.
The ban on Dorje Shugden practice is a real thing and its currently ongoing all over the world. Thousands of Shugden practitioners are affected and being treated unfairly. I sincerely prayed that the Dalai Lama could reconcile this issue as soon as possible.
Chris
It is definitely great news that China supports religious freedom. It is true that the country might be tighter on the rights of what the people of China can or cannot do. But with the statement of supporting religious freedom with the choice of what the citizens want to practice even for the practice of Dorje Shugden is great news.
Through this, it clearly shows that China is another country that has great sight and will not create despair within it’s own community. Showing no signs of being bias to religion. In fact, supporting the practice that is being ostracised by the Central Tibetan Administration that is creating disharmony among the Tibetans. It shows that China government thinks for all of their citizens, and not just the ones that will be pushed around by the policies that are released by them.
I really hope that more countries will support the practice of Dorje Shugden and stop the oppression that has been enforced by the CTA.
I fully support China’s official stance on Dorje Shugden. They have the masses’ interests at heart and are keen to promote mutual respect and understanding among the people especially where religion is concerned. After all, this is a way to win the hearts of the people. Point 4 spells out clearly China’s stance regarding religion: “Everyone has the freedom to believe in any religion and sect.”
I totally agree with what H.E. Tsem Rinpoche said about the ban. Rinpoche says, “The protests, websites, media and social media against the ban of Dorje Shugden exists because the ban exists. So remove the ban.” It is so simple and sensible. When the ban is removed, which, I hope, will be very soon, the practice will simply revert to its original non-political, and purely spiritual nature. The practice of Dorje Shugden, as Rinpoche says, should be totally “spiritual in nature and motivation” and should have nothing to do with politics.
The Dalai Lama cannot be considered a Buddha and certainly not anything near a bodhisattvas. How can a living God as proclaimed by the Tibetans divide and rule, causing confusion, disharmony and fear among his people. He does not command my respect for sure.