Should there be a separate autonomous Dorje Shugden state? Part 2
TRANSCRIPT
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/TCHRD.mp4
I’m from the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy. Today we are here at the Dalai Lama College for Higher Education to discuss the upcoming elections.
It’s important that journalists take good responsibility of their work. In the newspapers, I read only good stuffs. Tibetan reporters mention how great Tibetans are when it comes to resisting the Chinese. They claim our approach is putting enormous pressure on the Chinese regime. But what they fail to mention is the strength and resilience of the Chinese regime. It’s important we remain objective when it comes to reporting.
I don’t think we need MPs representing religious sects. We already have a Department of Religion and Culture. I don’t think MPs representing religious sects can do anything special. We already have sectarian conflict. We don’t want Shugden worshippers to demand seats in the parliament. So, we need to end the system of provincial and religious representations.
I want to say a few words on Lukar Jam’s campaign. You know he was denied permission to speak at our college. The TCV authorities said that political campaigns shouldn’t be allowed in schools and universities. I find this erroneous. You know what? The reason we lost our nation is due to lack of political awareness. Disallowing campaigns in middle schools is fine, but high school and college students should have political awareness. Without political awareness, how can we fight the Chinese?
I think it’s important to resolve the Tibetan issue through negotiations. When Professor Samdhong Rinpoche was the Kalon Tripa, we had nine rounds of talks with the Chinese. But ever since Lobsang Sangay assumed the office of Sikyong, talks disappeared. We simply cannot say that the Chinese are not responding. We must make all efforts. So in future, Tibetan leaders should revive the Sino-Tibetan negotiations.
When Lobsang Sangay stood for Sikyong’s election, he promised to improve education. He also talked about unity, innovation and self-reliance. But after having got elected, he said all of these had already been achieved during Professor Samdhong Rinpoche’s tenure. I expected he would do a lot on education, because he himself was highly educated, but all he could come up with was ‘Sikyong scholarship’.
My political stand is independence. When I was growing up in Ngari (Tibet), I knew Tibet was a nation who lost its independence. I knew that Tibet has to restore its independence, although I didn’t know we had a national flag and anthem. So ever since I was a child, I had this view that Tibet’s right to independence should be restored.
Manchus suffered Han assimilation, because they lost their language. So instead of talking about independence, we must make efforts to revive Tibetan language, culture and religion. So, I support the Middle-Way.
I am for Middle-Way. I find this policy pragmatic, given our present circumstances. I don’t think we can directly confront the Chinese. The Chinese population is huge.
Well, they say how are you going to fight the Chinese? They say China has huge population. But in war it’s more about strategic thinking. It’s not about numbers, as Lukar Jam said.
Look at how Bin Laden and a few terrorists using nothing but intelligence destroyed the American Twin Towers. If a few terrorists can destroy a super power like America, why can’t we do it as well? So it’s not about numbers. But we follow a non-violent approach. In fact, Buddhism sort of prevents us from fighting for Tibetan independence.
Look at the ongoing war in Syria. When I see refugees fleeing war-torn Syria, it pains me a lot. They are also human beings like us. So armed conflict is not the solution.
Maybe we can resolve the Tibetan issue through the Middle-Way. Maybe we can achieve self-rule. But the next generation of Tibetans, they might suffer assimilation. We might suffer a historical blunder.
Every Tibetan has to take responsibility. The Chinese are so nationalistic. Look at the school textbooks in China. If we can’t be like the Chinese, Tibetan teachers should at least instill pride for our country in the hearts of Tibetan students. We learn about Indian history, but that’s not enough. We should learn Tibetan history in context with other history. This might help young Tibetans.
We cannot afford many conflicts. Our society needs unity. Even if the Chinese ignores us, we should keep working. We should keep preserving and promoting our language, religion and culture. We have to be resilient. That’s what I feel.
Tibetans in exile has to be careful when they protest. No one threatens our life here. Sometimes protest here influences Tibetans in Tibet. So, they suffer.
Given that our democracy is a gift by His Holiness, I don’t see it having much relevance in the society. So we have to focus on education. Tibetans born in exile are quite alienated from our struggle. It is my hope that they focus more on our country.
In spite of the fact that His Holiness the Dalai Lama has issued statements to say that people can practise Dorje Shugden, the effects of the ban can still be clearly felt. The stigma of being a supposed ‘demon’ worshipper still remains largely prevalent in Tibetan society.
At present, monasteries that practise Dorje Shugden such as Serpom and Shar Gaden still remain separated from those that adhere to and enforce the ban. Vulgarities are still hurled at high lamas and practitioners alike, especially on social media. No Tibetan governmental institution in India hires any Dorje Shugden practitioner, and in fact even have policies barring them from holding such positions. Those who wish to be employed by the Tibetan leadership must renounce and swear out of the practice. The above video of students speaking bears testament to the fact that Dorje Shugden practitioners are not allowed in Tibetan parliament; it is a widely recognised fact that even the students are aware of. The fact there is no representation of Dorje Shugden Tibetans in the parliament shows clear segregation and prejudice and they are barred. Since Dorje Shugden people are told to separate themselves from all Tibetan institutions in India, they are still Tibetans and deserve human dignity and representation. If they were a part of Tibetan mainstream life, they wouldn’t need separate representation. So even if the Dalai Lama says we can practise, rampant discrimination continues to keep the Dorje Shugden ban alive. Alive through websites sponsored by Tibetan leadership, pamphlets and books against Dorje Shugden, paid campaign on social media attacks against prominent Dorje Shugden persons as well as keeping them from representation in Tibetan exiled government.
The Indian sub-continent is no stranger from countries splitting due to religious differences. India and Pakistan used to be a singular country, but separated due to religious differences. Should Tibet be split into two, since the Tibetan leadership do not want to integrate Dorje Shugden pracitioners into mainstream Tibetan culture? Click to enlarge.
Since the Dorje Shugden ban was first introduced in 1996, Dorje Shugden practitioners have been ostracised and have been heavily discriminated against. As the Tibetan administration in exile continues to deny basic human rights to Tibetan Shugden practitioners, after 20 years of suppression by their own leaders, these practitioners need to think about their future. His Holiness the Dalai Lama advocates the Middle Way Approach of meaningful autonomy for Tibet under the auspices of China. But when this happens, what will happen to Shugden practitioners given the fact that they are still being discriminated against?
- The discrimination against Shugden practitioners will not stop if and when the Tibetan leadership accomplishes their aim for an autonomous Tibetan region. It has not stopped for the last 20 years, since the ban was first enforced in 1996. So if and when this happens, perhaps Dorje Shugden people should form a sub-autonomous state under China’s leadership, independent of Tibet. This new sub-autonomous Shugden state will be for Dorje Shugden practitioners where they will be accepted in society and enjoy all the rights of ordinary citizens, as any citizen of a state should do. This will give Shugden practitioners the chance to practise their faith freely and without discrimination or the fear of reprisal for their religious views.
It is quite clear from the history of events that the ban on Dorje Shugden is a systematic and intentional one, intended to keep Dorje Shugden people segregated from the rest of the Tibetan populace. Click to enlarge.
- Considering the systematic discrimination they have had to endure over the years, this seems like the next logical step for Shugden practitioners. It is already a well-known fact that Shugden practitioners are not allowed in Tibetan-owned shops, restaurants, hotels, schools, administrative institutions and so forth. The level of discrimination is pervasive throughout Tibetan society; in this day and age, what country would deny medical treatment on the basis of one’s religious beliefs, which the Tibetan leadership does to Dorje Shugden practitioners? Hence, if Dorje Shugden people want to ensure they are safe and not discriminated against in the future, it seems logical to form a separate sub-autonomous state of their own under China’s leadership that will address all the needs of the people.
- The separation of a state due to religious beliefs has happened before. One of the most recent examples is the partition of India and Pakistan after gaining independence from the British government. Since the formation of both nation states, the citizens of both have been able to uphold their own laws and regulations. These protect citizens of each individual nation without exception. That is why the idea of Shugden practitioners approaching China to form their own sub-autonomous region is very much plausible if the Shugden ban continues.
The truth is that no Tibetan Shugden practitioner really wants a separate Tibetan Shugden state. So everything suggested here is only hypothetical. Many Tibetan Shugden practitioners really revere His Holiness the Dalai Lama from the bottom of their hearts, and just want to be assimilated and included with the rest of mainstream Tibetan society. However, they are banned from doing this due to the Tibetan leadership’s policies against their religious faith of Dorje Shugden. Hence, as the years roll by with no resolution of the Shugden ban in sight, many are being compelled to think in this direction. The idea of a sub-autonomous region which will protect the interests and freedoms of Shugden practitioners becomes a very appealing one.
The Tibetan leadership encourages segregation in various forms, including vulgarities against those who practise Dorje Shugden. Here you can see a Tibetan woman showing her vulgar hand gesture to Shugden practitioners. Click to enlarge.
Tibetan Shugden lamas and practitioners are never going to give up their Dorje Shugden practice, and they are not going to be any less of a Tibetan. So when faced with an uncertain future under a leadership who already actively discriminates against them now, what choice do Tibetan Dorje Shugden people have? If and when the Tibetan leadership gains an autonomous region under China, Shugden practitioners as ethnic Tibetans will have every right to request for a sub-autonomous state under China’s leadership, to govern themselves with their own Shugden officials.
This separate sub-autonomous Tibetan Shugden state would have its own state government, officials, high lamas, monasteries, hospitals, schools and so forth. This will mean that Shugden practitioners could hold office in any of these institutions. They will be able to receive healthcare, education and all the privileges of a citizen of a nation. Ultimately, they will be safe, protected, have the freedom to practise their faith free from persecution, and have opportunities they do not have access to under the current exiled Tibetan leadership.
The Tibetan leadership even labels all Dorje Shugden practitioners as “criminals in history”. What sort of government would do something like this? How can you label an entire religion in this manner? Click to enlarge.
There is a very real chance that the Chinese government will accept this request because Shugden monasteries and practitioners already have a reputation of being model, law-abiding citizens. The fact is that Dorje Shugden practitioners do not break any Chinese laws when they practise Shugden, because the Chinese leadership gives equal religious freedoms to all citizens and religious faiths.
In the end, it is not the intention of any Shugden lama or practitioner to offend His Holiness the Dalai Lama but the ban leaves them no choice. It is not their intention to form a separate Shugden state, but Shugden practitioners cannot continue to live under immense segregation within the Tibetan community. How can anyone be expected to consciously remain in a situation in which they suffer, purely because of their religious faith and spiritual choices? Therefore if the Tibetan leadership do not end the purposeful and intentional discrimination and segregation of Shugden practitioners, they may have no other choice but to establish their own Shugden state to safeguard their freedoms.
The Tibetan leadership has even made it law that Dorje Shugden people do not have the right to be part of religious schools. Click to enlarge.
What Shugden practitioners really want is to have human dignity and to be treated with equal respect just like any other person. The only thing that could possibly reverse a Shugden state from arising in the future and splitting the Tibetan people even further would be as simple as officially removing the ban on Dorje Shugden. After all, His Holiness has already said that we can practise Dorje Shugden. That is all. However this doesn’t seem like it will happen any time soon. As Dorje Shugden people are victims of the ban and victims of extended periods of violent segregation and abuse, eventually they will need to take further actions to protect themselves, as other oppressed people have done over the course of history. With time and no end in sight for the discrimination that they face, it seems a Dorje Shugden state will be the only way forward.
Again if Tibet stays under China, then religious diversity and practice under their laws will be safeguarded to some degree. But religion under the Tibetan leadership (Central Tibetan Administration or CTA in Dharamsala, North India) in exile has no freedom. The Tibetan leadership will dictate to you what religion is allowed and not allowed. They have websites (sub-websites), books, pamphlets, laws, speeches on YouTube against Dorje Shugden. They vilify all Dorje Shugden practitioners, even though there are good and not-so-good people everywhere, regardless of religion. They have even paid people in India and other countries to carry out planned systematic social media attacks on Dorje Shugden practitioners to discredit them. These are the underhanded tactics of the CTA. This is not the practice of a democratic government. What government in the free world will bar a religion? None.
So if Tibet stays under China, all Tibetans will have a measure of religious freedom according to their laws. For Dorje Shugden people, they will be safe in China and enjoy freedom of religion ironically. But if Dorje Shugden practitioners live in India or Nepal under the CTA, they will continue to suffer many degrees of bias, segregation and attacks, even physical attacks. This was all started by the CTA. If the CTA works out a Middle Way Autonomy with China, then that is something else. If Tibet is an autonomous state in China under the CTA, it is perhaps better for Dorje Shugden practitioners to ask for sub-autonomy from Tibet under China. Under China, the Dorje Shugden people will enjoy freedom of religion. So Dorje Shugden people should perhaps separate. This is just a hypothetical thought. Dorje Shugden people are not represented in any form in the current exiled Tibetan leadership. This is a clear sign they are segregated and banned.
I am not interested in starting some new political movement, but highlighting how Dorje Shugden practitioners do not have equal representation in the exiled Tibetan government, have no opportunities and not allowed in mainstream exiled Tibetan life. I can see His Holiness the Dalai Lama having different spiritual views than those of Dorje Shugden practitioners, so Dorje Shugden practitioners need not attend his spiritual gatherings as per his instructions. But as the leader of Tibetans, when His Holiness the Dalai Lama has secular gatherings, he should allow all Tibetans without prejudice to attend by virtue of them being Tibetan. There should be equality for all Tibetans regardless if they are Muslims, Bon, Shugden people or even half-Tibetans mixed with other races. All Tibetans should be treated equally and not based on religion. But at the moment, this is not the case. I am not advocating Tibetans split from Tibetans in a sub-autonomy, but we are already split because of this. I don’t want to be involved with politics in any way, and all my writings and blog posts are to create awareness about the segregation and wrong views against Shugden-practising Tibetans created by the CTA and perpetuated by them. I simply speaking up for religious freedom without segregation for my Dorje Shugden-practising brothers and sisters in India under the CTA and around the world.
I pray His Holiness the Dalai Lama will soften and allow all Tibetans including Shugden practitioners to join in his public secular events. I love His Holiness the Dalai Lama and miss him. I hope Tibetans inside Tibet and outside will be happy and prosper. I hope China will continue to grow to greater heights as they are a superpower in today’s world and they make a difference in world affairs. I hope Tibetans and China will become friends and His Holiness the Dalai Lama will visit Tibet as that is his wish. I wish peace and happiness for all.
Humbly,
Tsem Rinpoche
[Read Part 1 here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=142741]
For more interesting information:
- The Dorje Shugden category on my blog
- Dalai Lama Says We Can Practise Dorje Shugden Finally!
- Meeting Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche in New York
- Most Venerable Kensur Rinpoche Lobsang Phende visits Tsem Rinpoche
- How Tibetan leadership treats a sponsor (jindak)
- Comparisons of the Dorje Shugden Ban With Historic Persecutions
- The Dalai Lama Speaks Clearly About the Dorje Shugden Ban
- China’s official stance on Dorje Shugden
- The Buddhist Divide – An Unholy Campaign against Religious Freedom
- To Sum It Up
- Badge of Shame
- My plea to His Holiness the Dalai Lama
- They were not wrong
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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
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 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
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
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.
Tq rinpoche la
We should fulfil the will of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for an autonomous Tibetan state.
Dear friends,
This meme is powerful. Who you hang around with and the types of attitude they have is who you will be influenced by many times and who you will become in the future. Look at your friends and the people that always surround you to know who you will become.
Tsem Rinpoche
Recently Beng Kooi and Martin on behalf of myself and Kechara was lucky to have audience with His Holiness Gaden Trisur Rinpoche Jetsun Lungrik Namgyal of Gaden Shartse Monastery. He lives in around Paris, France. His Holiness is 91 years old and very healthy and alert. He was the 101st throne holder for Tsongkapa and was the head of the Gelugpa school of Buddhism and was very successful during his tenure. He is a strong practitioner of both Sutra and Tantra of Je Tsongkapa’s tradition and a master of all Buddhist knowledge. He holds steadfast to his protector Dorje Shugden very strongly. So we can see even the highest throneholders who are masters of Sutra and Tantra also practices Dorje Shugden knowing the benefits.
Beng Kooi and Martin brought photo albums of Kechara Forest Retreat/Kechara and updates on Kechara and our works. His Holiness was very pleased to listen and offered some gifts back.
This is a beautiful picture and the great blessings bestowed on us from His Holiness Gaden Trisur Rinpoche Jetsun Lungrik Namgyal.
Humbly,
Tsem Rinpoche
Thank you Rinpoche, for this follow up post to part 1, which includes the history and events on the ban of Dorje Shugden. Just like how Shar Gaden and Serpom formed due to the monastic split as monks continued to hold their DS practice to heart, this hypothetical solution of having a separate Dorje Shugden state does seem plausible, if there is no end to this illogical, unjust ban. Just like how the youths from Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy stated, what is most important is that the society cannot afford conflict, and it must have unity. But the Tibetan Leadership has just been working to destroy this unity. Why are they focussed on separating their OWN people, it just doesn’t make sense. Perhaps its easier to focus on Dorje Shugden, than to focus on everything else that they haven’t been doing. If there is was to be an autonomous Dorje Shugden state, I can only imagine the freedom and happiness for DS practitioners, to not have to be discriminated against daily where they are currently at.
Having a sub autonomous Dorje Shugden state will be something I hope the China government will consider. We did not need to reach this level…if H.H. The Dalai Lama and CTA was smart at the beginning, they could have a Tibet autonomous state just like Hong Kong. And with that they would have achieved so much more compared to what they have achieved today. Look at CTA credential…I don’t see any big achievements from them since 1959.
I am a Dorje Shugden practitioners for many years now, I feel safer in China then Tibetan filled places like Boudha , Majnu ka tila, Mundgod, Byalakuppe and etc. I am not a Tibetan, can you imagine how “unsafe” Tibetans themselves feel if they were to practice Dorje Shugden in those area. And this is still prevalent till today as I myself have my own experience of discrimination in those area just recently.
I do hope that a separate autonomous Dorje Shugden state can be achievable in a later stage soon.
And I do hope people like Lukar Jam gets support of many Tibetans around the world. CTA needs leader like Lukar who is bold enough to make radical changes for the benefits of the Tibetans. If an old method and people doesn’t bring results, the method and people has to changed. Cause there are bigger causes to prevail.
I think the new sub-autonomous Shugden state is a very good solution. This will give Shugden practitioners the chance to practise their faith freely and without discrimination or the fear of reprisal for their religious views. Wish Tsem Rinpoche & his holiness Dalai Lama long life & keep turning the wheel of dharma
Great message every Tibetan especially must read!
感谢仁波切的教诲与分享，
经历着已经过了60年在印度生活的藏族人民与同样经历着已经20年处在多杰雄登禁令中的人们中，60与20年真的是一个不短的时间，到了目前，是否应该重新再来检讨或重建一些能够被沟通的桥梁对于，这已经超过60与20年而依旧不能够被解决的问题。
当年千里跋山涉水地从西藏到印度，但是60年了，西藏中央行政政府，依然没有解决到任何问题，而且在接下来的“前景”中，在印度的藏族人民中，接下来的40年，能够看见的“未来”可以说是没有的，同样的，多杰雄登禁令持续了已经20年，是否这个“课题”也依然在西藏中央行政政府中，继续的“无法”被处理，然后延续下去直到超过60年，然后在接着60年后再等上40年，结论是同样的这关系到大家与许多藏族人民的“多杰雄登”课题，也将同样的看不见“未来”的解决方向。
祈愿西藏中央行政政府，能够体谅所有的人，给予更多沟通的桥梁，让这个已经长达60年与20年的问题能够给予早日解决。
Thank You
Jerry
I still love and miss His Holiness the Dalai Lama. I am hoping he will unite all of us no matter what our religion is. I know he will. His Holiness has done so much good in the world. I’ve admired him since I was a very young boy and when I met him for the first time in 1979. He came to Howell, New Jersey where I grew up. It was magical to see him. I pray one day he will accept all Dorje Shugden practitioners as was his root guru was a Dorje Shugden practitioner and invite us into his presence again with love and acceptance. I pray for his long life and continued presence in this world. I never lost hope in His Holiness the Dalai Lama to accept all of us regardless of race, religion, sect and background once again.
I place my unworthy head to his feet, Humbly, Tsem Rinpoche https://www.tsemrinpoche.com
I can attest to what Rinpoche has written. I have been with Rinpoche for the past 10 years, working closely with Rinpoche, and all I have learned from Rinpoche is to always respect H.H. The Dalai Lama. Rinpoche oftens speaks highly and respectfully of HH with his close students and also open audience. Rinpoche speaks very fondly of HH teachings which Rinpoche has attended before the escalation of the ban of Dorje Shugden and I know Rinpoche misses those good old days. As a close student of Rinpoche, it is very heart breaking to see that my guru cannot be reunited with his teachers, sad to say, some had passed away due to the Shugden controversial. And the only thing right now we as students of Rinpoche can do is to work hard peacefully towards the lifting of the ban as there has been so much suffering already which nobody should deserve.
All these years there is enough of suffeings,segregation ,discrimination,attacks on social medias and so forth happening around in the Tibetan communities . There should not have any separate autonomous Dorje Shugden state, Once a country is divided ,having two different admintration,many problems will difinitely arise ,the citizens will suffer most.
The Tibetan government should not these to happen and try to solve all those problems ,having disscussion at least ,stop all the pain , sufferings and misunderstang between all the Tibetans.Having the wrong views against Shugden-practising , itself already bad ,hoping sooner or later it will dissolved and allowing religious freedom. Participating in all public or government events will be more wonderful ………freedom of speech. CTA is making lives more miserable among the Tibetan people. May all soon be over so as all can unite as one peaceful and harmonious place.
(We believe in peace and peaceful development,not only for ourselves but for people all over the world.)……quoted
Thank you Rinpoche for this these interesting article .
The question of whether there should be a sub-autonomous Shugden state within an autonomous Tibetan State in China (if China were to grant autonomy to Tibet) begs another question – what , in the first place, is the logic and purpose of the CTA behind their systematic ostracising and discrimination of Shugden practitioners?
Were the Chinese government to grant autonomy to Tibet, would they accept a Tibet with a sub-autonomous Shugden state within it? My thinking is that China will be consistent in its policy of freedom of religion, and will not allow a separate Shugden state on the basis of religion. Rather, I think China will insist that Tibet allow all Tibetans, including Shugden practitioners , freedom to practice their own religion.
Hence, the notion of separatism on grounds of religion will not be entertained by the Chinese government .Thus, in the event that they grant autonomy to Tibet,I believe it will be accompanied by a strict clause on freedom of religion. The Chinese government will not tolerate any single instance of conflict or potential for unrest that comes from the deliberate creation of disunity and schism, as in the case of the discrimination and persecution against Shugden worshippers.
The Sangha or lay Buddhist community, not one of them would like to separate or split from one another. Not thousand of years ago, and definitely not when the Dorje Shugden monks and lamas, practitioners have to divide up physical and spiritual assets from the monastic institutions of Sera and Gaden, to form Serpom and Shar Gaden. Yet it might be something that needs to be done in India, for the Dorje Shugden people to be able to live in peace away from non Dorje Shugden people.
In China, which has been for the past many years trying to link back and include all manner of Chinese territories and people, such notions of exclusivism will not be entertained. As China would not discriminate people along racial and religious lines. So what the CTA is doing, is trying to wipe out the Dorje Shugden people away from the Tibetan diaspora, it is a form of religious/ethnic cleansing if one could label Dorje Shugden people as a type of ethnicity. Now i think about it, CTA’s actions smacks of the actions the Myanmar government is exacting on the Rohingyas, wiping them out of the face of this earth, making life almost a living hell as much as they can and denial from all levels of government that such a discrimination is going on. CTA’s leaders trawl the globe asking for support against China, yet in their own backyard they oppress their own people. CTA will never find a way to negotiate with the Chinese, as they are neither honest, sincere nor transparent. China has its own flaws like any other nation, but with CTA not keeping its nose clean, China does not need to make CTA good so it will resume negotiations.
If CTA can clean up their act, and show they are progressive in nature perhaps negotiations can still occur once more. CTA is despotic and nepotism is kind of rife, very much like the people who ran Tibet prior to the Chinese invasion, small minded and not open, backward. Hence plucking the low hanging Tibetan fruit was relatively easy for the PLA.
Tibetans everywhere in exile would do good to reexamine their options, there is not much hope in relying on CTA, either stay and become an Indian citizen or return back to Tibet, where China is bringing much development across the Tibetan plateau.
Why ever since Lobsang Sangay assumed the office of Sikyong, talks disappeared? He didn’t make enough effort? Or he’s comfortable Of his status, his power and his financial status now? He doesn’t care about the Tibetan course? He’s not interested whether Tibetan in Tibet and exile to gain freedom and independent or middle way. Oh yes. He only care about how to do more damage to the Dorje Shugden practioners, how to segregate and discriminate them. Well, since he fail to talk to China, he needs something to distract the attention. Oh ya he is also been busy raising funds for the poor Tibetan, just that the money now probably in his account.
Nobody sees the purpose of segregating the Shugden practioners. Nobody understand why CTA putting so much effort on a spiritual issue which doesn’t seem to bring any benefits to Tibetan course. Why harm his own people who create no harm no threat to the Tibaten course? What benefit he got from separting Tibetan? isn’t it now all Tibetan no matter in exile or Tibet should unite?
It’s very sad to see CTA is distroying their own country themselves. Tibetan should realise and wake up now what’s the reason behind all these failure again and again. CTA cannot lie and blame on Shugden issue forever. It’s time to do something about it.
All the same… i hope this DS ban will end as soon as possible to end all the suffering of DS practitioners. Actions speaks louder than words. Hope more people will walk the talk and engage in more social media to help spread the practice of The World Peace Buddha Dorje Shugden . I will give my full support all the way for this case. Thank you very much Rinpoche , editors and writers for putting in so much time and effort on doing research for your wonderful and meaningful articles to benefit people all over the world! My support to everyone for your great works! More great works to come! Cheers! ???
By looking at this video where the Tibetan Youth dare to speak of what really they think, it is a great courage and have much wisdom! It really surprised to me that the youth knew much about the current situation they face. They knew the China is huge and they agreed on the middle way that H.H Dalai Lama have suggested.
I am quite shock to learn that the Tibetan Refugees do not learned their history. Some not even know the national anthem and the Tibetan flag. It seem that Mr. Lobsang other than busy gaining more fund for his own pocket money, have not take care of their people welfare so much. Even the students could not see any changes in the education system or Mr. Lobsang have initiated any talks to the Chinese government.
To them, the religion is not what they concern but the welfare and their future. In this I think, how long Mr. Lobsang wanted to use religion to separate his people. How long can he hide under the religion conflict?
Looking at China now open up more to religion freedom, and Dorje Shugden is one of the religion under the protect of China government, what happen if all the Tibetan refugees goes back to China. They have freedom to practice in China. They have school, they have medical treatment and they are not separated from their family and friends.
The matter of fact that the Dorje Shugden practitioner beside being bullied to this state, they still hold on to their leaders I think is because of the love for their countries and they wanted to be Tibetan as a whole. But, if this situation happened, those youth who born in India, will they hold this Tibetan refugee identity longer? Think about that, they don’t even know their history, how much love would they have for the Tibet? They have the rights to be the Indian citizen because they are born in India.
Thus, instead enforcing the ban which H.H Dalai Lama no longer approved, the CTA should remove the ban and unite their people before the frustration of their people became enormous.
This article raises a very good point. Whether the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) agrees to a Tibetan person’s religious practice or not, the person is still a ‘citizen’ of Tibet despite being in exile. After all this is one of the basis for the formation of the Tibetan government-in-exile and so there is still a duty owing to the Tibetan person which the CTA is failing most miserably.
The CTA is extremely foolish because if they push the view that anyone who disagrees with them is no longer to be regarded as citizen of Tibet or a Tibetan national, then they lose a large chunk of their support base in their struggle for freedom. You cannot demand loyalty from a person whom you actively deny as one of your own.
Of course secession of Shugden practitioners from Tibet under the CTA is moot because there is no country under the CTA to secede from to begin with. In addition, the CTA has no authority whatsoever to negotiate and approve a secession of any sort.
However, such foolishness of the Tibetan leaders can open up even more opportunities for their nemesis, China. For example, China can offer land and self-determination to Tibetans currently in exile, who are suffering the CTA’s myriad acts of oppressions. These may not necessarily be limited to Dorje Shugden practitioners only but any Tibetan facing discrimination by the CTA. The Tibetan Cause would simply collapse.
For the sake of argument, the CTA should not object to a secession by Shugden practitioners. This is after all, a people they are rejected and denying citizenship and the benefits that come with it.
I remember when I first step foot into the Tibetan Refugee Settlement Camp in Mundgod in the state of North Karnataka, India more than a decade ago, I asked if the Tibetan refugees will ever return to their homeland and I was informed that the Dalai Lama has predicted that they will be able to do so in 20 years’ time. Reflecting on the scenario now after 20 years, I must say the prediction is pretty accurate and is shaping up towards it.
However, it will not be in the way in which everyone is expecting on how Tibetans will return to Tibet. It cannot be China declaring Tibet an Autonomous Region and allowing the 14th Dalai Lama to return but it can be Dorje Shugden practitioners as a group returning home to Tibet. This is already happening for individual Tibetans who wish to return to Tibet and especially for Dorje Shugden practitioners they are welcome home with open arms. Isn’t it a good enough sign that the Dalai Lama’s prediction is actualising?
As I see it there is no need for Dorje Shugden practitioners to have its own state as China grant them freedom of religious practice and they are free to live in any state or province they so choose. Dorje Shugden is a mainstream practice in Tibet and is spreading across the region like wild fire. Dorje Shugden practice in China is supported by China.
Isn’t it apparent to all the DS ban is a divine charade?
Having a subautonomous state is an option if CTA continues their illegal ostracization of Shugden practitioners. As Rinpoche states many times, the key here is NOT to push for segregation BUT to highlight the urgency to unite all Tibetans. Race, religion and gender should never be part of the equation of how the government treats their people.
This article leads me to realize that it’s actually better for Tibetans who practice Dorje Shugden to return to Tibet instead of staying in India and Nepal. In Tibet, they have equal rights. Anti Shugden people will not dare attack them as it is illegal just like in most modern communities around world. Who wants to stay in a place in constant fear of being attacked and not allowed access to basic needs like food, medical and education? NO ONE in their right mind would put up with it for decades.
If CTA continues their illegal ostracization, perhaps it would EVEN be better off for Tibetan Shugden practitioners to form their own govt now to begin dialogue with the Chinese govt to make Tibet an autonomous state run by this NEW SHUGDEN GOVT. It makes more sense to put in the effort to form this NEW SHUGDEN GOVT than to continue wasting time trying to change the mindset of CTA. With so many Shugden practitioners around the world, I am confident that this NEW SHUGDEN GOVT will get lots of support because they will treat all Tibetans equally regardless of race, religion and gender.
Dorje Shugden ban had been tormenting Tibetan lay and ordained community for over 21 years now. It had only created disrimination, segregation, fear and disharmony among Tibetans. I do not see any real benefits comes out from the banning of Dorje Shugden practice. As the Tibetan youth had said, he would expect more education advancement from this Sikyong but instead he did not do much. Education is so important for Tibetan youth for them to understand the situation their country is in currently. Without a proper education and clear understanding, Tibetans will never progress and forever be in the same situation as they are in now, in exile.
Instead of uniting their own people, the Tibetan government are playing political games that segregated their own people. They say that Dorje Shugden practitioners are harming the tibetan cause, but in fact, they themselves are the one truly harming the Tibetan cause with all those discrimination and segregation they imposed. I hope that His Holiness the Dalai Lama will come forth and end this suffering by removing the ban on Dorje Shugden.