Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen’s special thangka | 属于格西簇亲格而辛的非凡唐卡
（译文请往下阅读）
Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen’s original thangka which I was allowed to photograph. Click on image to enlarge.
In Tibetan Buddhism, especially when you have entered the Tantric path, it is vital that you have your teacher’s blessings, that you are in good relations with your teacher (have clean samaya) and that whatever you do within the religious sphere, you have your teacher’s permission.
At a very early stage in my life, it was instilled in me that Guru Devotion is more than just saying “This person is my Guru” or “That person is my Guru”, “I attended this teaching” or “I go to this Dharma center”. Guru Devotion was explained as devoting oneself to a teacher whom you are karmically connected to and that whatever you do on your spiritual path from henceforth should be backed by your Guru’s blessings. This does not mean approaching your Guru for permission in way where he is forced to say yes. If he is cornered to give you consent, it is not considered a blessing. One should never manipulate one’s teacher, one should never force one’s teacher and one should never create a situation where the teacher has to do something.
When we believe our teacher is a fully enlightened being whilst we are in meditation, however out of meditation we treat him like he’s an ordinary being with manipulations, forceful maneuvers or scheming things to be in his favor, it obviously shows that we subconsciously don’t think that he is of an enlightened nature. Viewing our teacher as an enlightened being is a form of mind training for us to view everything around us as embodying the body, thoughts, sounds and interactions of a Buddha.
True, everything around us is not of a Buddha nature. However, if we always look at people and situations in a negative way, we will gradually become more depressed, angry and bitter. When we try to look at things in a more positive and happier way, it trains our minds to look at the same situations in a way that would make us less unhappy, less angry and less bitter.
We can look at a disturbed person and say, “This person is mean… this person is not good to me… this person is angry… this person makes my life difficult… disrespects me… I am going to quit… I am not happy.” These thoughts and feelings cause us to throw everything onto “this person” who becomes the perceived root of our downfall, unhappiness and dissatisfaction. It may be that “this person” is everything that we are saying that they are. They may also be disturbing our lives. However, the key point here is not how they behave but how we perceive this person and our reaction. We can choose to perceive them as treating us negatively and unkindly, causing us to quit and run. However if we choose to think of this person in such a way, this view will only spill over to the next person, and the next person and the next person. And guess what? In the end, we have pretty much trained our minds to react negatively to anyone who comes into our lives. This is not to say that we will not get 10, 20, 30, 40, 100 negative people on our path. But why let the behavior of others disturb your own equilibrium? Why let the behavior of others throw you off your path, your journey and your goals?
The next 100 people we meet can be absolutely difficult and problematic, and if they do give us problems that is not to be overlooked. We shouldn’t live in a fantasy world where we pretend that nothing negative exists. Instead we should look at the person from another point of view. Perhaps some of these people were highly disturbed and traumatized when they were younger, perhaps someone hurt them very badly, perhaps they are stuck in a mode of thinking that they can’t get out of and no one is helping them find a solution. Therefore they are acting and reacting in a negative way over and over again because they can’t find a way out.
It is like a dog that has been beaten, abused and spat upon since he was a puppy. When he grows older and you go near to him, what does he do to you? He snarls at you, he wants to bite you, his tail is curled in, and he tries to escape even if you are trying to help. He doesn’t realize that because his reaction and actions are based on what he experienced: a whole life of abuse, being beaten, and being spat upon. So when you go near him, he automatically thinks that he is going to get some form of abuse. Dogs, people and animals are not exactly the same but all these beings have feelings and reactions. Therefore when we come across a person who is highly disturbed and they disturb our mind, we should not corner and hurt them further. We should not throw sticks and stones at them or be nasty towards them. The worst thing we can do is to use those who have been mean to us as an excuse to fail, to run, to give up or as some sort of justification for our own downfall. That is the worst because if we can find a spot, a place, an island, a land, a town, a city, a house, a family… a group of people with no one that is imperfect, and a group that is full with light, love and everybody is perfect then, by all means, let me know where it is as I would like to join you!
So in tantric practice, when we view all beings as Buddha bodies, Buddha minds and all sounds as Buddha mantras, we are not in a state of delusion thinking that everyone is a Buddha. We don’t run around in some new age kind of fantasy where everybody who hurts us is a purification of karma, and that we should just tolerate it when people do negative things to us because it is our spiritual journey. It is not that. What we should do is not overreact, and to realize that we have to change our views.
When we visualize our surroundings in the tantric sense and see that everything is an enlightened form, speech and mind, we are shooting for something high and we will probably achieve 10% of that. This practice of visualizing our surroundings in a tantric sense uplifts our wrong view of others to a higher level.
The thangka that I had reproduced from Geshe-la’s original thangka. Click on image to enlarge.
For example, if we can view everybody in the pure tantric sense of an enlightened body, speech and mind, if we can develop such a view, then all of our depressions will be gone. All of our negative thinking, anger and impatience will be gone. That is the absolute goal. It is not that everybody around us becomes enlightened; it is that we become enlightened and therefore, their actions do not affect us anymore.
Hence, what is very important is to develop this view of tantric meditation. Especially in the Anuttarayoga Tantra, the highest yoga tantra, this view of others and the vows that come along with it are very important. The vows that come along with it are not something restrictive, the vows are strictly to train us to develop this type of tantric view. When we develop this type of view, it is very hard at the beginning and we will find that there are a lot of rules and regulations. However, eventually they become just guidelines to develop this type of mental thought so that when we come across difficult situations in the future, we will react much, much less negatively.
Therefore, to have pure view of people around us is not that they are or have become pure, or that we should take their abuse. To have pure view of people around us is to uplift our minds to view things in a different light, in a different manner and in a different perspective. When we look at someone as loud, abusive, sneaky, harmful, hateful, angry and damaging to us, it is most likely that we are right, and that they are doing these things to us. However, we can look at it for what it is and think, “They are doing this and it ruins my life, it ruins my space, I am angry, it ruins my day, it ruins my week and guess what, I am going to say negative things about them. I am going to create a blog against them. I am going to create a webpage against them. I am going to go online and talk about them. I am going to advertise about them, talk about them incessantly and get together with people to talk about them incessantly.”
I can do that or alternatively, I can think that, “Well, they probably have their problems, they have their issues, they have their traumas and they grew up that way: harming other people. And so, what I am going to do is I am not going to add to that trauma. If I cannot help them, then I am going to kind of stay away from them. Not be mean to them but simply of stay away from them and not deal with it because I am not capable of dealing with it.” So when we look at it that way, we go away from the situation less angry. We go away from the situation less bitter and we don’t develop this type of long-term bitterness that when we reach our 30s or 40s or 50s, we are constantly angry, constantly bitter, constantly talking about the negativities of others. We all gossip; I gossip! We are all guilty of it but the point is not to use the gossip or use those negative points as a reason for our own personal failure.
So my teacher was the great Sera Mey abbot, Kensur Lobsang Tharchin. I remember a long time ago when I visited Sera Mey Monastery, and met Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche who was very young at that time, I also visited the khangtsen of my teacher, Kensur Lobsang Tharchin Rinpoche who in fact belonged to the same khangtsen as Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche.
After returning to Gaden Monastery, I heard that Sera Mey had incredible financial problems and difficulties. They couldn’t pay off their bills and were having a really difficult time. Nobody thought anything negative. They just thought and prayed that something would happen for Sera Mey because it was a great monastery with some great teachers. However being in exile caused them to have a lot of financial difficulties. Kensur Lobsang Tharchin was contacted to help and guess what? He flew in with his students from Howell, New Jersey, to Sera Mey Monastery in India and offered a lot of money that we arranged on huge trays. There were trays and trays of Indian Rupees that Kensur Lobsang Tharchin Rinpoche presented to the monastery to basically pay off their bills. This amounted to millions and millions of Rupees, and it took Sera Mey out from the red and into the clear. I was there to witness this because when I heard that my teacher was coming, I took a bus to Sera Mey which is about 12 – 13 hours from Gaden, and I waited for Kensur Lobsang Tharchin Rinpoche to arrive from America. I went to meet him and of course joined in the pujas. As I sat in Sera Mey’s pujas, I watched all these trays of money coming in, and Kensur Lobsang Tharchin Rinpoche was on a throne and everybody was thanking him.
What is so great about that? Well, Kensur Lobsang Tharchin Rinpoche received donations for years in America but he never used it on himself. He saved and donated it all to the monastery to benefit the monastery. This is only one of the great deeds that Kensur Lobsang Tharchin Rinpoche has done for the monastery. I always call him Kensur Lobsang Tharchin Rinpoche, but of course he is an enlightened being. So Kensur Lobsang Tharchin Rinpoche showed me by example the kindness of great masters like him who teach, who receive donations and use it to benefit the Dharma further. I also saw his humility as he never ever talked about what he had done. I was there to witness it, I saw it with my own eyes and it was incredible.
Due to my family issues – namely my parents not wanting me to practice Dharma – when I was 16, I couldn’t stay in Howell, New Jersey any longer. So I hitchhiked over to Los Angeles and found myself wondering around Los Angeles, looking for a place to stay. As I was searching, I met a professor at the College of Oriental Studies, who I will mention again and again in the future. His name is Dr Leo Pruden and he was very kind because I had gone to the College of Oriental Studies thinking that it’s a college for oriental studies and, therefore, they should have an altar to the Buddha. I thought I could finally sit in front of the Buddha altar and do my sadhana. I had been thirsting for a shrine and a Buddha image since I arrived at Los Angeles, because I had been on the road for so long. Dr Leo Pruden told me that he didn’t have anything there because it is a college, but he did know someone who did. So he packed me into his car and drove me to Thubten Dhargye Ling, at 135 South Saint Andrew’s Place in Los Angeles.
Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen and myself
As I walked in, there was Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen-la, sitting below a Lama Tsongkhapa set of statues, with light streaming in and doing his prayers. I just went, “Fantastic!” So Dr Leo Pruden introduced me to Geshe-la and said, “Ok, I guess this is what you are looking for. I am taking off now.” I thanked him profusely and deeply appreciated his kindness. I was 16 or 17 at that time and was very young.
Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen-la asked me who I was. I introduced myself as the student of Kensur Lobsang Tharchin Rinpoche and explained what happened with my family and why I was in Los Angeles. Then, I prostrated to Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen and requested if I could stay there to which he responded, “Yes.” I didn’t ask to be his student but if I can be there in the center, to join in.
Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen-la told me, “You came on a very auspicious day.” He said that day was tsok and the center was going to have tsok that night. I was invited to join them. I was like, “Wow!” So I went off to the city to run a few errands, to clean up and then returned to the center and joined in the tsok. There were a lot of people there and we did our first Lama Chopa tsok together. On that day, I met all the Dharma students and to make a long story short, one of the committee members liked me very much and lowered the rental for an empty room they had in the center for me. So I moved in. I moved into a Dharma center, which was my dream come true, to live near a teacher, in a Dharma center, in a monastery – whatever you want to call it. We had our own temple inside, a gompa with thangka and statues.
Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen-la had a room upstairs, and another two students lived upstairs. I was in a small room downstairs next to the kitchen. I was very happy. This was how my life started in Thubten Dhargye Ling Center. How I got involved, it was as simple as that… and if I could say it, as miraculous as that because how do you wander around the city and find a professor who takes you to one of the greatest living masters from Tibet, Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen?
Anyway, so knowing the significance of Guru Devotion, I called up Kensur Lobsang Tharchin Rinpoche in New Jersey and told him what happened, where I was and what I was doing. I also told him that I was with Geshe Gyeltsen and that I couldn’t return to New Jersey in the near future but want to continue studying Dharma. Kensur Lobsang Tharchin Rinpoche said exactly this to me, “You are very lucky to meet Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen who is the same as I am and his knowledge is very great. You should treat him like you would treat me.” I was like, “Wow!” So, basically, I got permission from Kensur Lobsang Tharchin to study with Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen. If Kensur Lobsang Tharchin had said, “No” or showed any reservations I would not have continued. I would have left the center; I would not have stayed there. Why I called was to get his permission. It was not to blackmail him, not to manipulate him but to get his permission. You see, when you blackmail your Guru, when you manipulate your Guru or when you trick your Guru into it, you will sever the blessings for that day. That is not good for our practice and us.
So, both Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen-la and Kensur Lobsang Tharchin Rinpoche agreed. I was sad because I wanted to be with Kensur Lobsang Tharchin but I was happy because since I couldn’t be with him, Kensur Lobsang Tharchin told me that Geshe-la was equal to him. When I heard that, I instantly grew faith in Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen. Instantly, I had no doubt. Instantly, from that day which was 26 or 27 years ago until now, I have not doubted Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen because my first Guru approved and gave me his blessings. I want to stress this – I left my first Guru not because there was something negative going on. What negative things could be going on? I left because my parents wouldn’t allow me to study Kensur Lobsang Tharchin. Now, being far away in Los Angeles, they couldn’t do anything to me. So I got Kensur Lobsang Tharchin’s permission, stayed with him and the rest is kind of my mini history.
Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen had a meditation room downstairs which could fit about a hundred people if we squeezed the people in. If you didn’t squeeze in, it could comfortably sit around 70 or 80 people. He had a meditation room downstairs, a throne to the Dalai Lama, his own chair and then behind statues of Lama Tsongkhapa, Buddha, Amitayus, Vajrayogini, some thangkas of Lama Tsongkhapa, Green Tara and Naropa the Mahasiddha. There was a small library next to that and a poster size painting of Dorje Shugden that was behind the altar, which was not really visible but it was present. He had these beautiful images in the Gompa, which I never forgot. Upstairs, Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen-la had his private room and his own private daybed where he sat on to do his meditation, practices and see people. He had an altar to the side with his images, and had thangkas hanging all around his room. He had a thangka of Yamantaka and a thangka of Dorje Shugden. I didn’t even know it was Dorje Shugden because when I met Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, I didn’t know anything about Dorje Shugden. I didn’t understand Dorje Shugden and I had never heard of him. I didn’t have any connections to him, really.
Most Venerable Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen La
The first time I had briefly seen the image of Dorje Shugden was back in New Jersey in Kensur Lobsang Tharchin Rinpoche’s assistant’s room. Kensur Lobsang Tharchin had an assistant named Lothar and he had a small picture of Dorje Shugden, which I vaguely remember seeing just once, very briefly. I didn’t know the name; I didn’t know who it was. So when I arrived in Los Angeles, I had no connection to Dorje Shugden and no understanding, nothing. My exposure to Shugden came over 35 years ago!
So, I used to go to Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen’s room and just sit and talk with him. I was very lucky to hang out with him. I would also be the one serving him tea and sometimes food, and sometimes clean his room.
During that time, I was working at McDonald’s which was 2.5 hours away by public bus. I had to commute 2.5 hours a day to and back from work, which adds up to about 5 to 6 hours a day for transport alone. If you drove a car, it would take 45 minutes. It was really taxing for me so I applied for another job near the Dharma center. I submitted my application and went for the interview. I did not have a lot of qualifications or anything, and I didn’t know if I would get the job but I really wanted it because it was so much closer to the Dharma center. If I could get that new job, I could pay my bills, pay my rental at the center, as well as study and live in the Dharma center, which is what I wanted. I wanted to study with Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen-la, I wanted to live in the center and I wanted to work nearby. Eventually, I wanted to go to India. That was my goal, and not once did I stray from it.
I was very nervous and scared that I wouldn’t get the job, and went upstairs to see Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen’s and told him what happened. He looked at me and was quiet for a moment. He then pointed to his thangka (Tibetan painting scroll of a Buddha) on the wall that faced him, which is this thangka here on this blog post, and said to me, “If you believe in this Dharmapala, then you will get your job.” I looked at him and exclaimed, “Really?” then I immediately prostrated to the Dharmapala. ‘Dharmapala’ means Dharma Protector so Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen always referred to Dorje Shugden as Dharmapala. He didn’t talk about other Dharmapalas except Setrap, he only talked about Dorje Shugden. He worshipped Setrap and Dorje Shugden and did pujas to them monthly. I would set the offerings and make the tormas for these monthly pujas.
So, he pointed to the thangka and he said, literally, “If you have faith in the Dharmapala, then you will get this job.” I clarified with Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, “Do I pray to him?” and he said, “Yes”. So, I immediately prostrated to the thangka of Dorje Shugden, which was Dharmapala, folded my hands and said, “I really want this job.” I explained in short why I wanted the job, and all this while Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen was watching. Then I bowed and Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen smiled and said, “OK, go make me a cup of tea.” So I went downstairs to make him a cup of tea. He drinks a lot of tea, about 20 to 25 cups a day. So I would be very busy making Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen’s tea the way he likes it, which was a great honor, and I loved doing it. It was kind of a communion between us daily: I would bring his tea, I would put it on his table, he would smile at me and then I go down. That smile brought a lot of joy.
After making tea and offering it to Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, I went back downstairs to continue with my tasks but was still on edge about my job. Within 2 to 3 days however I got a call from a company called Fotomat telling me that I had gotten the job. I was like, “Wow!” I was so excited, I went upstairs to tell Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen-la. I was just a kid then, I was 16 years old. I ran upstairs to Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen and I told him what happened. Geshe-la said, “Good”. Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen never said, “See, I told you so.” He is not like me! He didn’t say, “See…” and rub it in. He just said, “Good and now, make me another cup of tea.” I ran down and made the best tea that I could make.
I was so happy. I handed in my resignation at my old job at McDonald’s. I handed my resignation letter to my manager Shelly whom I had become quite close to. She liked me. She told me I was weird and strange but entertaining, so she liked me. That’s the story of my life! I was very sad to leave her but she accepted my resignation. Then I took my 2.5 hour bus ride back to LA and started my new job.
I went for training for my new job and met this Filipino lady whose name was Liz. She trained me up and we became real friends. Whenever things went wrong, sour or weird, Liz would say to me, “That’s very tired.” I asked her, “Liz, what does ‘tired’ mean?” She explained, “It means it was very tiresome, it was very boring, it was very redundant” and she would go, “It is just very tired.” For example, if she was trying to get a movie ticket and she couldn’t get it because they were all taken, she would be like, “Oh, this is very tired.” Or if I told her something that was not funny and I thought it was, Liz would say to me, “You are tired.” So, the “lineage” kind of came from there, from Liz Laird. A wonderful, beautiful lady from the Philippines who lived in America for years, and whom I became friends with. In fact, she, her boyfriend and myself used to go out together and have dinner. We became very good friends. I lost contact with her unfortunately.
His Holiness the erudite master, yogi, mahasiddha Kyabje Zong Rinpoche in Thubten Dhargye Ling Dharma centre in Los Angeles.
Anyway, I got the job and was really happy and moved into my new job. I learned it up and did very well, and got promoted to assistant manager. This is all because of Geshe-la and Dharmapala so I wanted to share this thangka here. This is Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen’s personal thangka and to me, Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen is a living Buddha, a Mahasiddha and, I was told, an emanation of Lama Tsongkhapa. Whether that is true or not, I don’t really care. To me, he was Lama Tsongkhapa. He was instantly kind to me and took care of me for 8 years when I lived with him until I went to India. He was my father, sponsor, mentor, teacher and Guru. I was very lucky to get permission from Kensur Lobsang Tharchin Rinpoche to study with him because as I said, getting permission is very important. It is because of Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen that I met H.H. Zong Rinpoche who was Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen’s teacher.
And so I wanted to share this thangka here with everyone. I had gotten permission from Geshe-la to take a picture of this thangka and it’s here in its original form. This is the thangka that was hung in Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen’s room for decades, this is the thangka that Geshe-la prayed to and this is the thangka that I had my first encounter with the Protector officially. So my first official encounter with the Protector was through this thangka and I was allowed to photograph it. Many decades later, I re-produced Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen’s thangka meaning I had an artist produce a thangka that is exactly the same as Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen’s and now I have it.
To me, this thangka is very special because if it is Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen’s possession then it must be very holy. It is also extremely special to me as it brings back thousands of memories of Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, my stay in Thubten Dhargye Ling and his influence in my life back in Los Angeles. I love Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen very much and miss him deeply till today. I reproduced the thangka because I didn’t know where the original one was, and I wanted to have a piece of Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen’s blessing in my life in the form of a thangka. So I reproduced it here and anyone can download and keep it as it is very blessed and very holy. So I thought I would share this little story about the special thangka.
Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen (left), Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche (centre), and Kyabje Lati Rinpoche(right) meeting in 2000. All three great masters are known for their practice of Dorje Shugden. Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen and Kyabje Lati Rinpoche have since passed away while the current Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche is a perfect lineage holder and practitioner of Dharma. He keeps Dorje Shugden as his personal protector as he has done so for many lifetimes. Click on image to enlarge.
Iconography
Side note: I would like to go into a little detail about the thangka.
If you’ve noticed, the Protector’s face is in a peaceful form and he has a Lama Tsongkhapa floating above him. Also, he is holding a jewel-spitting mongoose and a wish-fulfilling jewel. When we rely on Dorje Shugden, all things around us – entourage, people, friend, finances, needs, spiritual development, meeting the path to learn the teachings or grow – will increase or become better. I have been told this many times. Therefore, Dorje Shugden holding the wish-fulfilling jewel to his heart represents that he can fulfil all wishes and increase your Dharma practice, increase the circumstances for you to meet the Dharma, increase the circumstances for you to learn that Dharma and increase the circumstances for you to understand the Dharma. He can also help you with finances, resources and solve difficulties. This is what he swore to do when he first arose as a Dharma Protector.
So in the center, it is Dorje Shugden in the form of a monk because Dorje Shugden was a monk for many lifetimes before he arose as the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden. He was the great, unequaled master Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen who was the 5th Dalai Lama’s contemporary. Both of them lived in Drepung Monastery. Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s personal house was called Zimkhang Gongma (meaning upper chamber/house) and he taught thousands upon thousands of students. He had patrons who were the emperors of Mongolia, who would come to see him and make offerings to him. So he was very famous. He was extremely well-known and erudite, and many of his writings and teachings were existing for a while but unfortunately, after that time, the Tibetan government eliminated many of his teachings. They didn’t want any rivalry.
Dorje Shugden arose from a lineage of pure monks and that is why he is depicted as a protector monk. As a monk in a protector form, he wears the full robes of a fully ordained gelong or Bhikshu. In his right hand he is holding a wisdom sword, similar to Manjushri who he is one in nature with. There is a light flame on top representing that he quells our obstacles so that we can learn Dharma, to eliminate the negative karma for wisdom to arise in our mind. Thus for wisdom to arise in one’s mind, this is represented by the sharp wisdom sword. Then, in the left crook of his arm, he is holding a staff which has a type of a blade that is hooked with a vajra representing his ability to hook in the needs of what we require such as resources, pleasant situations, long life and health to do our Dharma practice.
In his left hand, Dorje Shugden holds a precious wish-fulfilling jewel. This wish-fulfilling jewel is the same or similar to the jewel that Chenrezig (Arya Avalokiteshvara) holds. It is a jewel that fulfils all wishes that sentient beings may have and the highest wish is, of course, enlightenment. By Dorje Shugden holding this jewel, it represents that by praying to him, trusting him and meditating upon him, he can fulfil all of your wishes.
Dorje Shugden rides on a snow lion as lions are believed to be the king of animals. Him riding on the snow lion means that he is able to tame the ego of his followers, tame the anger of his followers and tame all negative qualities in one’s followers. In fact, by riding on a snow lion, it symbolizes Dorje Shugden’s immense power. As it says in his sadhana, he has the power of 10 million Dharma Protectors.
In addition, he wears a round domed hat (representing Shugden upholds Nagarjuna’s view on emptiness). In Tibet, when a lama travels from point A to point B, they always wear a round domed hat to protect them from the elements. So Dorje Shugden wearing the same hat represents that he doesn’t stay in one place, and that he is always moving, always traveling and always on-the-go to help whoever who calls upon him. He is constantly traveling. He also has one foot down and one foot up, similar to Tara’s pose, and with the same symbolism of his ever-readiness to assist you as and when you call upon him.
He is surrounded by flames, which are the flames of wisdom that pours out from the pores of his body. No being can abide within fire. A being that can abide within fire in the tantric sense represents that he has gained tummo, which is one of the highest practices of the six practices of Naropa. This means that he has already gained great compassion and burned up ignorance.
So Dorje Shugden here is in the peaceful form, gentle and youthful with light skin, and also with a pleasant demeanour, face and smiling at his disciples. He is also surrounded by his other four emanations.
On the left of the thangka, you will see an emanation on an elephant that quells diseases. On the upper left, you see an emanation that is yellow, riding on a horse that increases wealth. On the top right, you will see an emanation that is red, riding on a turquoise dragon, which helps us to control negative situations. On the bottom right, you will see an emanation riding on a garuda that dispels negative energy in a forceful, wrathful, enlightened way. These four alternative beings surrounding Dorje Shugden are his different emanations of himself, doing different types of work to help people. We call them the Shugden Ri Nga or the Five Families of Shugden.
Directly below Dorje Shugden is the ancient and old Dharma Protector who is no other than Tsiu Marpo, one of the blazing brothers in a red form. He has been propitiated by the Nyingmas, the Kagyus and all these great lineages before, including the Sakyas. He has joined Dorje Shugden’s entourage to be of assistance but in actuality, he is also the nature of Hayagriva whose current name is Kache Marpo (where originally he was referred to as Tsiu Marpo). So, Kache Marpo is the main attendant of Dorje Shugden. In an oracle, either Dorje Shugden or Kache Marpo can enter to speak, depending on who the oracle is.
So this thangka represents Dorje Shugden in his principal form surrounded by his four emanations. Together they are called the Five Families of Dorje Shugden, and directly below him is his very powerful attendant and assistant Kache Marpo.
This thangka is very special because on top of Dorje Shugden you will see a gold round disc floating. That is Lama Tsongkhapa. Lama Tsongkhapa floating above represents how Dorje Shugden was a very close and devoted disciple of Lama Tsongkhapa.
I want to make something very clear here: Dorje Shugden is very close to the Gelugpa and Sakyas but being an enlightened being, a Buddha, he has no prejudices, labels and names to and fro, i.e. to him and from him. It is impossible that he only helps the Gelugpas and Sakyas. He will help any being, anywhere and anytime without labels, and assist when they call upon him. In the future, I will produce more and more compilations for people to easily evoke the different forms of Dorje Shugden and the principal form himself.
Well, this is a little description and iconographical explanation of his holy body and his emanations. I put this here together with the thangka that belonged to Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen who is himself a fully attained being and who has been more than kind to me. Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen was the one who officially introduced me to Dorje Shugden. He officially promoted Dorje Shugden and he officially encouraged all of us and me to pray to Dorje Shugden because Dorje Shugden had been a great help to him, his life and his teachers. Therefore, out of great compassion, Geshe-la thought that it would benefit all of us.
I am indebted to Geshe-la for introducing Dorje Shugden to me and to encourage his practice and prayer, and until the end of my life, I will never counter Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen’s instructions. Later on in my life, when H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche came to Los Angeles, it sealed the deal because H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche gave the entire Dharma center the full initiation (sogtae) of Dorje Shugden. I am indebted to these great masters for the practice that I find very beneficial and very helpful. Since I started praying to Dorje Shugden until now, I have received no adverse effects or negative effects, only benefits. No one will ever receive any harm from Shugden. Only benefit.
With many good wishes,
Tsem Rinpoche
Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen requests for sogtae (initiation)
In this video, you can hear clearly Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen requesting for HH Kyabje Zong Rinpoche to confer Dorje Shugden initiation.
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/zong-rinpoche-advice-on-ds.mp4
Transcript:
(Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen speaks in Los Angeles requesting for Dorje Shugden sogtae (initiation) from H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche)
My root guru His Holiness Kyabje Zong Tulku Dorje Chang Lobsang Tsundu Thubten Gyeltsen gives most emanation deity Gyalchen Dorje Shugden’s life entrustment initiation along with very pure and excellent biographies and stories, here is the voice record while giving the empowerment.
I, Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen student formally requested.
His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche speaks on Dorje Shugden
(His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche begins to speak through a translator)
After receiving this Dorje Shugden initiation, you have to do puja once a month. Also, it is necessary to follow the commitment, and you have to make a commitment with the lineage and with the order.
So that means, for example you [might] receive teachings from different traditions but mainly, your practice, your focus, your energy [should be put] into this lineage, the Gelugpa lineage.
If you have to or if you wish to do some kind of Dharmic activities with other sects of Buddhism, that is okay to do some kind of activities but your main practice or the principle practice, you have to make the commitment with this lineage of Lama Tsongkhapa. That’s why I mentioned before, you have to know and told that you should not take initiation if you are not sure. So once you take this initiation, then you have to make a commitment with the Gelug lineage and this is necessary not to mix up everything.
There are sometimes rumours that people say, “Oh, Shugden initiation is not…”, people say that it is not necessary to take Shugden initiation or, some people say Shugden is even not good protector.
That is not true. People who have this Shugden initiation and people who practice Dorje Shugden, those people have very great, successful meditation and practice. Even worldly measures, like worldly activities and business and job; everything becomes very successful.
Because it says Dorje Shugden is a Gelugpa protector, so some people they think when you say ‘Gelugpa protector’, they think we are narrow-minded and they think people who practice Shugden, they think they are narrow-minded and they think people who practice Shugden, they are sectarian. Actually, not sectarian…maybe because they are sectarian so they think that the people who practice Shugden are sectarian. People make up all kinds of stories and rumours, you should know that beforehand.
Some people, after taking the Shugden initiation and teachings, when they hear these rumours, they think…ignorant people, narrow-minded people make those rumours, and some people think that it is true and so maybe they give up the practice or they even don’t want to have this protector which is very bad, and that is not good for the person.
Actually it is up to you, whatever you want to do is up to you; your own life, everything is your own choice and your freedom and your own enlightenment, and what you want to do or not is up to you but I’m talking about what is good for you. You have to be very careful about what you do and you should not become gullible; you should not just follow someone saying “this is no good” and listen to all these stories from people. You should not change your mind, and you should always be aware and you have to make sure.
In Tibet, it doesn’t matter what people say and actually in Tibet, there’s many people who follow this and do this practice and actually, always there’s more and more people who do this kind of meditation.
So you have to know this, you have to be very sure or otherwise, later on, if people say to you “Oh, this practice is no good” and they make all kinds of stories and rumours…then if you give up, then it’s not good for you and then it will be a big mistake for you. Therefore you have to make sure that you keep this commitment and follow this commitment.
Because this is your own choice, and no one says you should do or you must do this and your own…like you choose to do this so you have to think about this very carefully. No one says you must do this without your own choice, and it’s like if you don’t want to and no one can say “you should do this or shouldn’t do this.”
(repeated from Part 1) Because it says Dorje Shugden is a Gelugpa protector, so some people they think when you say ‘Gelugpa protector’, they think we are narrow-minded and they think people who practice Shugden, they think they are narrow-minded and they think people who practice Shugden, they are sectarian. Actually, not sectarian…maybe because they are sectarian so they think that the people who practice Shugden are sectarian. People make up all kinds of stories and rumours, you should know that beforehand.
This is a very special protector and very precious, so therefore you have to do puja monthly.
You have to do the puja once a month, the prayer, long sadhana or long prayer, once a month but if, for example, if next month, if you know you’re going to be very very busy, if you know that you can’t do this, it’s impossible – then you can do the puja for next month, this month. The month before, you can do two [pujas] within two days.
If you don’t know how to read the sadhana, the prayers; if you cannot do the sadhana or you’re unable to do [the sadhana], then you also can ask the Lama, or monks or teachers to do this for you.
It is very important to know that you really want to take this initiation, and it is not just to come here and take this initiation because other people are taking this initiation. If you feel “I should do this and if I don’t do, then maybe I’m going to miss something”, that is the wrong idea. If you really want to make the commitment, then you should take. Otherwise you shouldn’t.
As I mentioned before, if you don’t know how to say the prayer and if you’re unable to do the puja once a month, then you can ask a Lama or your friend who knows this prayer and this monthly puja – you can invite them to your place, and ask them to do the puja.
Or if you can’t do [the puja] at your home, then even if it’s long-distance, like at some kind of monastery or where the Lama or the friend is – you can ask them, or him or her, to do this puja.
The reason I’m saying this again and again is because if you don’t follow just any kind of people, and if you’re not gullible, then it’s okay.
But it is possible sometimes that even a Lama or monk or some kind of teacher says “this is not right, and it’s wrong, and you shouldn’t do this kind of practice” – then it’s possible that you can change your mind. You think, “Because a Lama or some kind of teacher is saying this to me, maybe it’s true” – so people are very easily influenced and they can change their minds.
And one of the reasons because many Westerners don’t know the Dharma deeply, and all the significance and symbolism and the meanings. They also don’t know who is the right teacher and who is not the right teacher; they just go wherever there is a teacher or some sort of Lama, and they go and listen to all these teachings and that’s why. Westerners are generally very honest people, very direct, and very…they’re good people, they have a good heart.
Like in India or in Tibet, sometimes they…some people, they don’t practice Shugden but they say they are practicing Shugden. And some people, they do practice and they say something else. What people say and what they do is different, and so there’s kind of a corruption.
In India, some people mislead other people, other Tibetans. When some Tibetans ask them to do the Shugden puja, they will say, “Yes, I will do puja for you.” But after they go, they will do something else, and not the Shugden puja – they do another different puja. The people who asked them to do puja, they don’t know – if they can’t read, they can’t read and write – that these people say they are doing Shugden puja, but they don’t do it. They do something else and they just do what they want to do, and it’s very bad.
The reason why they do that is because in India and Tibet, householders will invite laypeople or monks to do this puja. It is a long puja and long day, so the household makes offerings like dana. These people are lying, saying they’re doing the Shugden puja but they don’t do. And they actually don’t like to do Shugden puja but in order to get some kind of benefit or money or some other reason, they say they do the pujas and it’s very very bad and very samsaric motivation.
Eventually those people, the householders who request for the Shugden puja will know or realise; they know that these people are not doing the right puja because they feel that it is not helping. It is not working because they are not doing the real puja. Eventually, they can feel intuitively because it is not helping, it doesn’t feel right. They will say they don’t want those people to do the puja, and will ask someone and make sure that the people who do the Shugden puja, are also practicing Shugden.
Here, we don’t have that kind of problems and there is no doubt. I’m just talking about general stories so that you have some type of understanding and everything.
This is the Dorje Shugden statue that is in Kechara located in Malaysia. The holy image of Dorje Shugden is made of alloy metal and is fully consecrated by precious relics and also Dorje Shugden took trance himself and blessed the image. This image is in peaceful form and I decided to do so because of Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen’s thangka. We don’t simply change the form, color or iconography as it should have some lineage behind it. Since Geshe Tsultrim’s thangka (which is the first one I’ve ever seen) is in peaceful form and very blessed, I decided to have our Kechara statue in peaceful form also based on the thangka. Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen always had this thangka hanging in his room where he spent most of his time.
For more related articles of interest and importance, click here.
我获准拍下格西拉的原版唐卡。点击图片放大
在藏传佛教中，特别当你进入金刚乘时，得到上师的加持，和上师保持良好的关系（清净三味耶），在宗教范畴里无论做什么，务需得到上师的允许，以上几点至关重要。
在我还很年起时，我被灌输上师依止不是仅仅说“这人是我的上师”或者“那人是我的上师”，“我去参加了他的开示”，或者“我去这个佛教道场”。针对上师依止我的理解是一个人把自己全身心地投入给一位上师，一位跟你有因缘的上师，从此以后，在你的灵修道路上无论做什么都应该得到上师的加持。得到上师的加持并不意味着你可以想方设法迫使上师给予许可，因为如果他的同意有疑虑，那这就不能被视为是加持。一个人万万不应该去操纵上师，也万万不可以去强迫上师，也万万不可以制造一个情景以逼迫上师不得不同意。
若我们在禅修中相信上师已圆满证悟，然而在禅修结束后，我们就把他当平常人那样去对待，去操纵，去强迫，去投其所好。显而易见，在我们潜意识里并不认为上师是一位证悟者。把我们的上师看成是证悟者是训练我们的意识的一种方式，训练我们得以看到周围的一切是佛的身语意的体现，我们是和一位佛在互动。
的确，并不是我们周围所有的事物都具备佛的本性。然而，如果我们总是以负面的眼光看待人和事，我们会渐渐地变得越来越抑郁，生气和痛苦。如果我们试着以更加积极和欣喜的眼光看待万物，我们的意识就会得到训练。这样的话，碰到同样的情景时，我们会少些不开心，少些生气，少些痛苦。
看着一位身处困扰的人，我们可能会想，“这人很苛刻，这人对我不好，这人脾气很坏，这人给我的生活制造麻烦，还不尊重我，我不干了，因为我不开心”。这些想法和感受让我们把所有的东西都归咎于“这个人”。由于我们这样的认知，他变成了我们失败，不开心和不满意的根源。“这个人”可能就如我们所说的那样，他们或许困扰了我们的生活。然而，重点不是他们的行为如何，而是我们怎么看待这个人，以及我们怎么做出反应。我们可以选择去认为他们对我们不友善，于是我们放弃，我们离开。然而，如果我们选择就这样去看待一个人，那么这样的想法只会波及到下一个人，再下个人，再下一个人。你知道吗？最后，我们的意识几乎就被训练成这样了，对于生活中出现的任何一个人，我们都会习惯地做出负面的反馈。但这也并不是说，一路上，我们不会遇到10个，20个，30个，40个，100个负能量的人。然而，为什么要允许他人的行为来干扰我们自己的平静？为什么允许他人的行为来终止你所走的道路，来终止你的旅途，甚至是你的目标？
我们接下来遇到的100个人无庸置疑可以是非常有问题的，而且他们如果真带给我们麻烦，这也是不容忽视的。我们当然不应活在一个虚拟世界里，假装没有任何的不好存在。相反地，我们应该从另一个角度去看待这个人。也许他们当中的一些人受过极度困扰的，在小时候受过精神创伤的，也许曾有人深深地伤害过他，也许他们被困在他们自己的思维模式中，认为他们无法走出困境，没有人在帮助他们寻找解决方案。因此，他们一而再，再而三地消极负面地做一些事和对一些事做出反应，因为他们无法找到出路。
就好比一只狗自小就一直被打，被虐待，被吐口水。在它长大后，当我们接近它时，它会怎样对我们呢？它会向我们嗥叫，会想咬我们并卷起它的尾巴，即使你想去帮助它，它也想逃走。它并没有意识到这点，因为它的反应和动作都是来自于它的经历，它的整个被虐待的，被挨打的和被吐口水的狗生。因此当我们靠近它时，它会自然而然地认为它又要被虐待了。狗、人 和动物虽不是完全一样的，但这些生物都有感情和反应。因此，当我们遇到一个极受困扰的人，而且他们还带给我们麻烦，我们不应该孤立他们，并进一步去伤害他们。我们不应以牙还牙。最糟糕的事情是，我们把自己的失败，逃避和放弃都归咎于这些人，让我们的失败变得如此的堂而皇之，这是最糟糕的。如果你能在哪个地方，哪座岛屿，哪片土地，哪座城市，哪栋房子，哪一个家庭找到一群完美无瑕，甚至还充满智慧与爱的人，请你无论如何都一定要告诉我在哪里，因为我想加入你们！
因此，在密续的实修中，当我们把众生都看成是佛的身，佛的意，把所有的声音都认作是佛的咒语，我们并不是在妄想所有的人都是佛。我们也不落入某种“新世纪”的虚幻，觉得任何伤害我们的人都是在帮我们消业障，也不能因为我们灵修，就应该容忍他人对我们的伤害。不是这样的。我们应该要做的是，不过度反应，并且认识到我们必须要改变自己的想法。
如果我们以密续的寓意来观想周遭的一切为圆满证悟的身、语、意，我们是设下了一个高标准目标。我们或许只会达到这个目标的百分之十，但这种以以密续的寓意来观想周遭一切的实修能升华我们对他人的邪见。
我的这幅唐卡是照着格西拉原本那幅唐卡重新绘制的。点击图片放大
比如说，如果我们能以纯然的密续的寓意，视每个人皆有圆满证悟的身、语、意，如果我们可以培养出如此的看法，那么我们所有的抑郁就会消失。我们所有负面的想法，愤怒和不耐烦也都会消失。这是究竟的目标。这并不是说周围的所有人都已经圆满证悟，而是我们自己获得证悟，于是他们的言行不会再影响到我们。
因此，去形成这种密续禅修的观念是很重要的。特别在实修最高的无上瑜伽密续时，对他人的这种看法和伴随而来的戒律是非常重要的。伴随的戒律并不具束缚性，这些戒律全然是用来训练我们去形成这种密续的观念。在形成这种观念的过程中，一开始我们会觉得很困难，会发现有很多规则。然而，最终这些规则会变成引导我们形成这种观念的方针。因此当我们将来碰到挑战时，做出的负面反应会减少很多。
因此，对周围的人持有清净的想法并不是指他们是清净的或者已经变得清净了，又或者我们应该接受他们的蛮不讲理。我们对周围的人持有清净的想法，有助于我们升华自己的内心，用不同的智慧，不一样的态度和不同的侧面来看待事物。当我们认为某个人是嗓门大的，骂骂咧咧的，猥琐的，对他人有害的，愤恨的，生气的或者有破坏性的，很有可能，我们是对的，他们的确是这样的。然而，我们就以事认事地看待这件事情，并且想，“他们这样做，毁了我的生活，影响了我的自由。我的一天，我的一周就这样被他们搅和了，我生气。我要去传播他们的谣言，创建博客，建立网页，公开地和他们唱反调。我要在网上不停地论及他们，在朋友聚会时也要不停地八卦他们。”
我可以这么做，但或者我也可以这么想，“好吧，他们可能是有问题的，有难处，曾经经历过苦难，他们伤害他人，习以为常，他们就是这样长大的。因此，我决定不去增加他们的痛苦。如果我无法帮到他们，那么我会和他们保持距离。不是对他们苛刻，只是敬而远之，不去直面，是因为我还没有具备能力去处理这样的状况。”所以，当我们以这种方式看待这种情况时，我们就得以用平常心和他们保持距离地相处，而且不那么怀有恨意。这样的话，当我们30多岁，40多岁，或者50多岁时，这类长期积累下来的痛苦就不会在我们的心里积聚。我们不会动不动就生气，不停地痛苦，不断地去说他人的坏话。我们都会八卦，我也会八卦！我们都会有负罪感，但是重点是，不要让这些八卦，或者这些负面的想法成为我们自己个人失败的理由。
至尊堪殊洛桑达庆仁波切是我的上师，是色拉美寺的前住持。我记得，很久以前，当我拜访色拉美寺时，我遇到了至尊帕绷喀仁波切。那时他还很年轻。我也拜访了我上师的康村。堪殊洛桑达庆仁波切实际上和至尊帕绷喀仁波切同属一个康村。
回到甘丹寺后，我听说色拉美寺遇到了严重的财务危机。他们入不敷出，真正陷于困境，但没有人因此想法消极。他们希望并祈愿色拉美寺会有好事降临，因为这是一座伟大的寺院，拥有很多了不起的上师。然而，流亡生活给他们带来了很多经济上的困难。他们联络了至尊堪殊洛桑达庆仁波切。于是，至尊堪殊洛桑达庆仁波切和他的弟子们，在新泽西豪威尔搭乘飞机，来到印度的色拉美寺。至尊堪殊洛桑达庆仁波切供养给寺院很多的印度卢比，在我们准备的一个一个很大的托盘上，放满了钱。这些数以亿计的印度卢比，让色拉美寺基本上还清了债务，摆脱了财政赤字，获得了账务清明。我在那里亲眼目睹这了这一切。当我听说我的上师要来色拉美寺时，我坐车从甘丹寺出发，一路大约12、13个小时。我在那里迎候从美国来的至尊堪殊洛桑达庆仁波切。我赶去色拉美寺和我的上师见面，肯定是想要参加法会的。当时在法会，至尊堪殊洛桑达庆仁波切坐在法座上，我亲眼看着这些装满钱的托盘一个一个被拿进来，所有在场的人都目睹此举，不胜感谢。
那么，这有什么了不起的呢？在美国的这些年收到的供养，至尊堪殊洛桑达庆仁波从来都没有用于他自己的消费，而是都存起来，捐赠给了寺院，让寺院获益。这只是至尊堪殊索洛桑达庆仁波切帮助寺院的伟大事迹中的一件。我总是叫他堪殊洛桑达庆，当然他是一位证悟者。就这样言传身教，至尊堪殊洛桑达庆仁波切让我们看到了如他一样的伟大上师们的慈悲，他们传法，收到捐赠，然后用供养来进一步弘扬佛法。我也看到了他的谦卑，因为他从来不高谈阔论他做过些什么。当时在那里，我亲眼目睹了这一切，不可思议。
基于我的家庭问题，比如说我父母不想让我修习佛。在我16岁那年，在新泽西豪威尔，我待不下去了，于是我搭顺风车到了洛杉矶，在那里流浪，寻找落脚的地方。期间，我遇到了一位东方研究学院的教授，我会一再地提起他。他的名字叫利奥·普鲁登博士，他非常善良。想着东方研究学院是给亚洲学生的，因此他们应该有供着佛的佛坛，所以我找到了东方研究学院。自从我到洛杉矶后，我非常渴望有一个佛坛，有一座佛菩萨的雕像，因为我在路上已太长时间了。原以为我终于可以坐在佛坛前做我的日修了。利奥·普鲁登博士告诉我，这里是大学，没有这样的设置，但他知道的人中，有一个人有可以做祈祷的地方。于是他开车把我载到了在洛杉矶的圣·安德鲁斯135号的图登达杰林佛法中心。
格西簇亲格而辛与我
我一进门，就看到格西簇亲格而辛，他正坐在宗喀巴像下诵经，沐浴在一道金光下。我直步向前，说，“太棒了！”利奥·普登博士把我介绍给格西拉后说，“好了，我想这可能就是你要找的了，我走了。”我一再地谢谢他，非常感恩他的善良。那时我还很年轻，只有16，17岁。
格西簇亲格而辛问我我是谁。于是，我做了一下自我介绍。除了说我是堪殊洛桑达庆仁波切的弟子外，我还说明了一下我家庭的情况和我为什么在洛杉矶。紧接着，我向格西簇亲格而辛行了大礼拜。同时，他对于我想留下来的请求，给予了肯定的答复。我没有请求做他的弟子，但我想要留在佛法中心，成为他们的一员。
格西簇亲格而辛拉告诉我，“今天你来，正好是非常殊胜的日子。”他说那天是荟供日，佛法中心在晚上要做荟供。我非常激动地接受了邀请，加入他们晚上的荟供。于是我回到城市，办了一些事，清洁了一下，再回到中心参加荟供。当晚，很多人来参加，我们一起做了第一次的上师荟供。在那天，我遇到了所有的法友。长话短说，有一位佛法中心的委员会会员非常喜欢我，他降低了租金，把他在中心的一间空房租给了我，我就这样搬了进去。佛法中心也好，寺院也罢，不管你怎么称呼它，我的梦想终于实现了，我住进了佛法中心，就在上师身边。佛法中心有自己的寺庙，寺庙里供着唐卡和佛像。
格西簇亲格而辛在楼上有一间他自己的房间，和另外两个弟子一同住在楼上。我住在楼下的一间小房间，在厨房隔壁。我非常开心，在图登达杰林佛法中心的生活就这样开始了。我是怎么开始的？非常简单，是“奇迹”，如果我可以这么说的话。因为怎么可能当你在城市流浪时，遇到一位教授，而且他把你带到一位在世的西藏的最伟大的上师之一，格西簇亲格而辛的面前？
因为知道上师依止的重要性，我给在新泽西的堪殊洛桑达庆仁波切打了一通电话，告诉他所发生的事，我在哪里，我在做什么。我也告诉了他我和格西簇亲格而辛在一起，以及在不久的将来我不能回到新泽西，但是想继续学习佛法。堪殊洛桑达庆仁波切是这样和我说的，一字不差，“你非常幸运，遇到格西簇亲格而辛，他和我是一样的。他学识渊博。你对待他就要像你对待我一样”。我听了后非常激动。就这样，在堪殊洛桑达庆的允许下，我开始跟着格西簇亲格而辛学习。如果堪殊洛桑达庆说“不”或者显得有一些保留的话，我就不会继续留在那里，我会离开中心的。为什么我要打电话获得他的允许？不是去绑架他，也不是去操纵他，只是想要获得他的允许。当你绑架、操纵你的上师，或者从你给上师设陷的那一天起，你将得不到你上师的加持。这对我们的修行和我们自己都不利。
最后，格西簇亲格而辛拉和堪殊洛桑达庆仁波切他们都同意了。但我有些悲伤，因为我想和堪殊洛桑达庆仁波切在一起，同时我又开心，因为堪殊洛桑达庆仁波切告诉我，即使我不能和他在一起，格西拉也是一样的。当我听到他这么和我说时，我就心无旁骛地，马上对格西簇亲格而辛生起了信心。因为我的第一位上师的首肯和加持，从那天的那一刻起，迄今为止已有26、27年了，我对格西簇亲格而辛信心依然坚定。我想强调这点：我离开我的第一位上师不是因为有任何不好的事情的发生，能有什么不好的事呢？我离开是因为我父母不让我跟着堪殊洛桑达庆学习。我远在洛杉矶，他们不能再对我做任何事了。因此，随着堪殊洛桑达庆的允许，我就跟着格西簇亲格而辛学习。接下来的故事，就有点像一部微型历史剧了。
在楼下，格西簇亲格而辛有一间禅房。如果挤一挤的话，可以容纳大约100人左右。如果宽松一些的话，可以很舒适地坐上70或80个人。在楼下这间禅修房，放置着至尊嘉瓦仁波切的法座，以及他自己的一把椅子。在宗喀巴的像后面，有佛陀像、阿弥陀佛像、金刚瑜伽母像，以及一些宗喀巴大师、绿度母、大成就者那洛巴的唐卡。接着旁边是一个微型图书馆，在佛坛的后面，有一张海报大小的多杰雄登的画，它虽不是很显眼，但是看得到。佛殿里的这些美丽的画像，让我难以忘怀。在楼上，格西簇亲格而辛拉有一间他自己的房间，里面放置着一张坐卧两用的沙发，他坐在上面打坐、禅修、和人们会面。房间里有佛坛，在佛坛的一侧是他的一些佛菩萨画像，他的房间里到处挂着唐卡。其中有一幅大威德金刚唐卡和一幅多杰雄登唐卡。在遇到格西簇亲格而辛时，我对多杰雄登还一无所知，所以那时我都不知道那是多杰雄登。我也从来没有听说过他，也没有任何的关联。
尊敬的格西簇亲格而辛（格西拉）
当我还在新泽西时，我曾在堪殊洛桑达庆仁波切助理的房间匆匆看过多杰雄登的画像，那是我第一次看到多杰雄登。堪殊洛桑达庆仁波切的助理名叫洛塔，他有一张多杰雄登的小画像，我依稀记得，我只是见到过一次。那时我不知道名字，也不知道那是谁，所以当我抵达洛杉矶时，我和多杰雄登没有关联，也不了解，更没有任何链接。现在想起来，多杰雄登在35年前就在我面前出现过！
我曾经常去格西簇亲格而辛的房间，只是和他一起坐坐，聊聊天。能跟他在一起，我十分幸运。我也是那位给他上茶，端送食物，打扫房间的侍者。
那时，我在麦当劳打工。搭公交车的话，单程大约两小时半。上下班来回时间加在一起，每天仅仅用在交通上就需要五到六个小时。如果开车的话，只需要45分钟。这实在是太费时间了，于是我申请了一份离佛法中心近的工作。我提交了申请表，去参加面试。我没有很多学历和证书，也不知道我是否能得到这份工作，但是我真的很想要这份工作，因为工作地点离佛法中心近多了。如果我能得到这份新工作，我可以支付日常开销和房租，还能住在中心，在那里学习，这是我想要的。我想跟着格西簇亲格而辛学习，想住在中心里，想在附近工作。最终，我想去印度。这是我的目标，对此我一次都没有动摇过。
我非常担心，害怕得不到那份工作，于是上楼去找格西簇亲格而辛，并告诉他发生了什么事。他看着我，静默了一会儿后，指着墙上面对着他的一幅唐卡（藏式佛的画像卷），就是这篇博文的这一幅，说，“如果你相信这位护法神，你就会得到这份工作”。我看着他，大声说，“真的吗？”接着我马上对着这位护法神行大礼拜。“护法神”就是佛陀教法之保护神的意思。除了金甲衣护法，他没有提及其他的护法神，他只谈论多杰雄登。他供奉金甲衣护法和多杰雄登护法，并且每月会做法会。我会为每月的法会摆置供品及制作朵玛。
他指着唐卡，一字不差地说，“如果你对护法有信心，你就会得到那份工作”。我问格西簇亲格而辛，“我要向他祈祷吗？”他说，“是的”。于是，我马上对着那幅多杰雄登护法唐卡行大礼拜，然后双掌合十，说，“我真的很想要这份工作”，还简短地解释了一下为什么我需要这份工作。格西簇亲格而辛看着整个过程。接着我向格西簇亲格而辛鞠躬，他笑着说，“可以了，去给我泡杯茶吧”。我于是下楼泡了一杯茶。他一天喝很多茶，20到25杯左右。于是我每天都会忙着冲泡格西簇亲格而辛所喜欢喝的茶，这是我极大的荣幸，我喜欢做这些。这成了我们每天交流的一种方式——我给他泡茶，然后放在他的桌上，他对我微笑，然后我就下楼。他的微笑带给我许多喜悦。
给格西簇亲格而辛泡好茶并送上去后，我就下楼继续我手上的活，但还是会时时想着工作的事。两三日后，我接到了Fotomat公司的电话，通知我得到了那份工作。我太兴奋了，我上楼去告诉格西簇亲格而辛。那时我只有16岁，还是个孩子。我冲到楼上，告诉格西簇亲格而辛发生了什么。格西拉说，“好”。格西簇亲格而辛从来不说，“你看，我告诉过你的”。他不像我！他从不说“你看吧……”然后戳人痛处的话。他只是说，“好，现在你再给我泡一杯茶吧！”我跑到楼下，尽我最大的能力，泡了一杯最可口的茶。
我太开心了。我辞了麦当劳的工作。我把辞职信递交给我的经理雪莉。我很得她的欢心，我们关系很好。她说我有些奇怪但是讨人喜欢，所以喜欢我。这是我的生活故事。离开她，我很难过，但最后她还是接受了我的辞呈。接着我乘车两个半小时回到洛杉矶，开始了我的新工作。
我参加了新工作培训，遇到了一位名叫利兹的菲律宾女士。在工作上她总是会领着我，后来我们也成了真正的朋友。每当事情出错时，不管是变坏还是变得怪异的时候，利兹都会和我说，“太累人了”。我问她，“利兹，‘太累人了’是什么意思？”她解释说，“这是让人感到疲惫，非常无聊，非常拖沓的意思”。然后她会说，“它就是非常累人的意思”。举个例子，如果她想买电影票，但正好售完了，她就会这个样子，“这真是累人”。如果我告诉她一些我自然有趣但她觉得无趣的事，利兹会和我说，“你真累人”。因此，这个“真是累人”说法的传承就由此而来的，来自于利兹。一位在美国已经居住几年了的菲律宾籍女士，她是一个精彩而美丽的人。我和她成了朋友。实际上，我和她还有她的男朋友一起共进过晚餐。我们成了很好的朋友。不幸的是，后来我和她失去了联络。
杰出大师、瑜伽士、大成就者至尊嘉杰宋仁波切到访洛杉矶图登达杰林佛法中心。
得到了这份工作，我真的很开心。我开始了新工作，我努力学习，而且做得很出色，并晋升为副经理。这些完全是因为格西拉和护法，于是我想在这里和大家分享这一幅唐卡。这是格西簇亲格而辛的私人唐卡。对我来说，格西簇亲格而辛就是一位活佛，一位大成就者，而且我被告知，他是宗喀巴的化身。不管他们说的是真的还是假的，我并不在意。对我来说，他就是宗喀巴大师。从我和他一起住在佛法中心起，直到我去印度，整整八年里，他对我一直很好，很照顾我。他就是我的父亲，我的功德主，我的导师，我的上师。就如我说过的那样，得到上师的允许很重要。我很幸运，得到了堪殊洛桑达庆仁波切的允许，跟着格西簇亲格而辛学习。由于格西簇亲格而辛，我遇到了他的上师，至尊宋仁波切。
我想在这里和大家分享这一幅唐卡。在格西拉的允许下，我拍了这一幅唐卡的照片，这是其原貌。这幅唐卡在格西簇亲格而辛的房间里挂了几十年，他时常对着这幅唐卡祈愿。正是这幅唐卡，让我第一次正式地遇到了我的护法。在获得允许的情况下，我拍照下了这幅唐卡。多年后，我根据格西簇亲格而辛的这幅唐卡重新制作了一幅。我找了一位画师绘制了跟格西簇亲格而辛那幅一模一样的唐卡，于是现在我也有了。
对我而言，这幅唐卡有着非凡的意义，因为如果是格西簇亲格而辛拥有的，就一定很殊胜。这幅唐卡对我也极其特别，因为他带给我很多和格西簇亲格而辛在一起的回忆、图登达杰林的生活记忆，以及他对我在洛杉矶时生活的影响。我非常爱格西簇亲格而辛，直到今天，我深深地怀念他。我再绘制这幅唐卡，因为我不知道原来的唐卡在何处。我想要以拥有一幅格西簇亲格而辛的唐卡的形式得到他的加持。这是我再绘制这幅唐卡的原因。任何人都可以下载并将其保存，因为这幅唐卡非常殊胜。由于这幅唐卡格外特殊，我也顺道在这和大家分享这个关于这幅特殊唐卡的小故事。
法相
注脚：我想稍微详细解释一下这幅唐卡。
如果你注意到的话，护法面呈寂静相，宗喀巴大师在其上空漂浮。同时，他手握吐宝鼠和满愿宝。当我们依止多杰雄登时，我们周围的所有事物：随从，人们，朋友，财务状况，需求，修行发展，遇到学习佛法的机会或者成长的机遇都会有所增长或者变得更好。我常被这样告知。多杰雄登在胸前握着满愿宝象征他能满足你所有愿望，助你佛法修习精进，增加遇到佛法的机会，增加你学习佛法的机遇，增长让你理解佛法的境遇。他还能在财务方面，资源方面帮助你，并能帮你解决困难。这是他一开始崛起为护法神时的誓愿。
中间，多杰雄登以比丘的形象出现，因为在多杰雄登崛起成为护法神前的很多前世里，他都是一位比丘。他曾是一位伟大的、无与伦比的大师——杜固扎巴坚赞。杜固扎巴坚赞和第五世嘉瓦仁波切是同辈。他俩都住在哲蚌寺。杜固扎巴坚赞的私人住所叫“津康贡玛”（意指上馆），他教过数以千计的弟子。他的功德主都是蒙古皇室，他们都会来朝拜他，并给予供养。因此，杜固扎巴坚赞非常有名。他不仅声望显赫，还是一个知识渊博的大师。很不幸的是，他的很多著作和开示只存在了一段时间，随后，他的许多开示和著作都遭到销毁，因为当时的西藏政府不想要任何竞争的存在。
多杰雄登源自于清净的比丘传承，这也是为什么他被描述成一位护法比丘。作为一位呈护法相的比丘，他穿着整套受比丘戒僧人的僧服。他右手持智慧剑，跟其自性无二的文殊菩萨一样。刀锋上的火焰象征着他帮助我们消除障碍，好让我们可以学习佛法、去除阻止智慧在内心升起的恶业。因此，那把锋利的智慧剑象征开启我们的智慧。在其左边手臂的弯钩上还有带有一枚刀刃的权杖，上面勾着金刚杵，象征他有勾取我们实修佛法之所需的能力，比如资源、顺境、长寿和健康。
多杰雄登左手持珍贵的满愿宝。这个满愿宝和观音菩萨手持的珠宝是类似或一样的。这是能满足众生所有愿望的宝石，当然，最崇高的愿望是获得圆满证悟。由此可见，多杰雄登手持满愿宝象征只要向他祈愿，相信他，进行其禅修法，他就能满足你的所有愿望。
多杰雄登骑坐在雪狮上，而狮子都被认作是万兽之王。他骑坐在雪狮上象征他能够调服追随者的傲慢，愤怒，以及其所有不好品质。实际上，骑着雪狮象征多杰雄登具无穷力量。就如他修持法的每日诵文中所说的那样，他具千万佛叫护法神之力量。
另外，他头戴圆顶帽（象征多杰雄登护持龙树菩萨的中观教诲）。在西藏，当一位上师从一地到另一地，他们总是戴着圆顶帽免受风吹雨打。于是多杰雄登头戴圆顶帽象征他不会长驻在一个地方。他总是一直在路上的，在旅途中，随时随地准备去帮助那些召唤他的任何人。他如度母的坐姿那样，一脚在上，一脚在下，随时随地准备去护持召唤他的你。
他被火焰包围着，这些从他身体毛孔里涌出的火焰被称作智慧之火焰。没有一个众生能忍受得了此种火焰。在密续的寓意中，一个人若能忍受得了此种火焰，那就表示他已证得“拙火”——那洛六法的最高修持之一。这象征着他已经获得无上的慈悲，而且他的无明已被燃烧弹尽。
这里的多杰雄登呈寂静相，他面目和善，年轻，浅肤色，举止从容，对其弟子们显欢喜相。他周围则是其四个化身。
在唐卡的左边，你会看到其中一个骑坐着大象、象征消除疾病的化身；在左上方，你会看到又一个骑坐在马匹上、象征增长财富的化身；在右上方，你会看到另一个身呈红色、骑坐在青绿色的飞龙上的化身。此化身将能帮助我们怀摄恶劣的情境。在右下方，你会看到最后一个骑坐在大鹏鸟上的化身。他以威猛、忿怒但圆满证悟的方法为我们来消除负面能量。这四个围在多杰雄登周围是他自己不同的化身，各个化身进行不同的事业来帮助众生。我们称他们为多杰雄登五部众。
在多杰雄登的正下方是一位远久古老的佛教护法神，紫玛护法。他是身呈红色的忿怒护法的其中一员。过去宁玛派、噶举派，包括萨迦派行者都供奉他。后来他成了多杰雄登的眷属，协助多杰雄登护持众生，但实际上他具马头明王之自性，如今称作“喀切玛波”（原本被称作“紫玛护法”）。喀切玛波是多杰雄登的主要大臣。在降神的状态中，多杰雄登或喀切玛波都能透过神谕说话，关键取决于降神的神谕是何人。
这幅唐卡象征多杰雄登主尊，被其四个化身所围绕。这五尊护法被称作多杰雄登五部，在其直接下方的则是其得力助手兼大臣喀切玛波。
这幅唐卡非常特别，因为在多杰雄登的上方，你会看到金色月轮漂浮在半空中。这是宗喀巴大师。宗喀巴大师漂浮在半空中象征多杰雄登与宗喀巴大师非常亲近，也象征多杰雄登对宗喀巴大师的无比依止心。
我想在此声明一件事：多杰雄登与格鲁派及萨迦派非常亲近，但是作为一名证悟者，一位佛菩萨，他不具任何的偏见，任何标签，更不具所谓的名字。说他只护持格鲁派和萨迦派是不可能的。每当众生召唤他，他随时随地、不受任何标签所限制地前去帮助任何一个众生。将来，我会编译更多祈愿文，让人们轻松地迎请多杰雄登的不同化身及他的主尊。
好了，这是一个针对多杰雄登及其化身之殊胜法相的简短描述和解释。我把这个和属于格西簇亲格而辛的唐卡放在一起解释。格西簇亲格而辛是一位证悟者，对我极其善良。是格西簇亲格而辛正式把多杰雄登介绍给我，并正式鼓励我们所有人，包括我在内，向多杰雄登祈愿，因为多杰雄登给了他很多帮助。多杰雄登是他的生命，也是他的上师。因此，出于巨大的慈悲，格西拉认为多杰雄登能利益到我们所有人。
格西拉给我介绍多杰雄登，并且鼓励我修其法门，直到我生命走到终结的那天。为此，我无法偿还格西拉的恩情。我将再也不会和格西簇亲格而辛的教诲相遇。后来当至尊宋仁波切来到洛杉矶时，这事就这么定了，因为至尊宋仁波切为整个佛法中心的人传授多杰雄登的托命灌顶。这个修持法利益重大，非常有帮助，这些伟大的上师们对我恩重如山。自开始向多杰雄登祈愿到现在，我从未遭遇负面或反面效果，有的只是利益。多杰雄登不会伤害众生，他只会利益众生。
詹杜固仁波切启
格西簇亲格而辛请求多杰雄登托命灌顶
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/zong-rinpoche-advice-on-ds.mp4
文本:
（格西簇亲格而辛在洛杉矶请求至尊嘉杰宋仁波切给予多杰雄登托命灌顶）
我的根本上师至尊嘉杰宋杜固金刚持罗桑敦珠图登格而辛给予能托付终生的嘉钦多杰雄登托命灌顶，以及非常纯净和卓越的生平和故事。这是给予灌顶时的录音片段。
我，弟子格西簇亲格而辛正式请求。
至尊嘉杰宋仁波切的多杰雄登护法开示
（至尊嘉杰宋仁波切开始透过一名翻译员说话）
在接受多杰雄登法门灌顶后，你必须在一个月内进行一次法会。你也有必要遵从诺言，你必须对传承和条规做出承诺。
那就意味着，打个比方说你（也许）会接受另一个传承的教诲，但是你主要的修持，你的焦点，你的精力（应该放在）这个传承，格鲁传承上。
如果你必须或你想做佛教其他宗派的佛法活动，这没问题，但是你主要的法门，你必须对宗喀巴大师的传承做承诺。这也是为什么我之前提过，你必须知道，如果你不肯定，你就不应该接受灌顶。因此一旦你接受这个灌顶，那么你就得向格鲁传承做承诺。这对不将一切混在一起是必要的。
有的时候一些流言说：“哦，雄登的灌顶是不……”。人们说没有必要接受雄登的灌顶，或者有的人说雄登甚至不是个好的护法神。
这不是真的。那些接受雄登灌顶或修持多杰雄登法门的人，他们都达致非常优越、成功的禅修成就。纵使以世俗的角度来衡量，像是世俗的活动、生意和工作，一切都变得非常成功。
由于多杰雄登是格鲁派的护法神，而当你说“格鲁派护法神”的时候，一些人会认为你是思想狭隘，他们认为修持雄登的人是思想狭隘的，他们认为修持雄登的人是宗派心强的。事实上不是的，也许因为他们宗派心强，所以他们才认为修持雄登的人宗派心强。人们会制造各式各样的故事和流言，你必须先清楚这一点。
一些人在接受雄登的灌顶和教诲后，当他们听到这些流言，他们会认为是无知、思想狭隘的人在散播那样的流言；一些人则会想那些流言是真的，他们可能就此放弃修行，甚至不想修持这位邪恶护法的法门，这对那个人而言是不好的。
其实你可以做选择，无论你要做什么，都由你做主，你的人生，一切都是你的选择，你的自由，你本身的证悟，你要做什么是由你做主，但是我在讲着的是为你好的东西。你必须对自己的选择非常谨慎，你不应容易受骗，你不应该盲目跟从别人说“这是不好的”，并听从所有他人述说的故事。你不应该改变你的心，你应该一直都保持警觉性，你必须确定这一点。
在西藏，别人说什么都不要紧，其实在西藏，很多人都跟从这个法门，也修持这个法门。做这种禅修的人数经常增长。
因此你必须清楚这一点，你必须非常非常肯定，否则接下来，如果别人对你说：“哦，这个法门不好”，然后他们制造各种故事和流言，然后你就此放弃，那对你来说是不利的，也是一个极大的错误。因此你必须确保你好好的守住这个承诺，并遵从它。
因为这是你自己的选择。没有人说你应该这么做或必须这么做，而你自己，就像你选择了这么做，所以你必须仔细地考虑这一点。若不是出于你的选择，没有人说你必须怎么做，正如你若不想这么做，没有人能说：“你该怎么做或不该怎么做。”
（重复）由于多杰雄登是格鲁派的护法神，而当你说“格鲁派护法神”的时候，一些人会认为你是思想狭隘，他们认为修持雄登的人是思想狭隘的，他们认为修持雄登的人是宗派心强的。事实上不是的，也许因为他们宗派心强，所以他们才认为修持雄登的人宗派心强。人们会制造各式各样的故事和流言，你必须先清楚这一点。
他是非常特殊，非常珍贵的护法神，因此你每个月都得进行法会。
你每个月都得进行一次法会，念诵祈愿文，长版仪轨或长版祈愿文，一个月一次，但是，如果你知道下一个月你会非常忙碌，如果你知道自己没办法进行法会，你不可能这么做，那么你可以在这个月预先进行下个月的法会。下个月之前，你能在两天内进行两场法会。
如果你不懂得修持仪轨和祈愿文，如果你不懂得如何修持仪轨或没办法修持仪轨，那么你也可以要求喇嘛或僧人或上师为你做。
你要非常确定自己是真的想要获得这个灌顶，而不仅是因为别人接受这个灌顶，你也要前来接受灌顶。如果你想：我应该前去接受灌顶，否则，我将失去某些东西。那是错误的想法。如果你真的想要为此做承诺，那么你就应该接受灌顶。否则，你就不应该接受灌顶。
像我之前提过的，如果你不懂得持诵祈愿文或无法每个月进行一次法会，你可以请求一位懂得持诵这个祈愿文或懂得做每个月的法会的喇嘛或朋友上你家并请他们为你进行法会。
或者如果你不能在住家进行法会，那么纵使是远距离，好比在一些寺院或某喇嘛、你朋友处在的地方，你可以请求他们，或他或她为你进行这场法会。
我重复说这句话是因为……如果你没有随便跟从任何一种人，如果你不是容易受骗的，那没关系。
但是有些时候甚至是一位喇嘛或僧人，或一些老师可能会说：这是不对的，这是错的，你不应该修持这种法门。你也有可能会改变想法。你想：因为一位喇嘛或一些老师这样对我说，那可能是对的。因此人是非常容易受影响的，他们可以改变想法。
我重复又重复这么说的其中一个原因便是因为很多西方人对佛法并没有很深的认识，对意义、符号和含义没有很深的认识。他们也不知道谁是对的上师，谁不是对的上师，他们只是到处找寻何处有上师或某些喇嘛。他们前去聆听所有的教诲而这就是为什么我要重复地说。西方人一般上非常老实，非常直接，非常……他们是好人，他们的心肠很好。
像是在印度或西藏，有些时候他们……一些人，他们并没有修持雄登的法门，但是他们说自己修持雄登法门。还有一些人，他们是雄登法门的修持者，但是他们说另外的话。人们言行不一致，这难免出现变质的情况。
在印度，有一些人把其他人，其他藏人引入歧途。当一些藏人要求他们进行雄登的法会，他们会说：“是，我会为你进行法会。”当他们离开后，他们会做其他的事，不是雄登的法会，他们进行其他不同的法会。那些要求他们进行法会的人并不知情。如果他们不识字，他们不识字也不会书写。他们不知道这些人口说自己是在进行雄登的法会，但实际上他们并没有这么做。他们做其他的东西，他们只是做他们想做的事，这是非常恶劣的。
他们会这么做是因为在印度和西藏，户主会邀请在家人或僧人进行这个法会。这是个相当长的法会，通常会进行一整天，因此户主会做供养如布施。这些人在说谎，他们说自己在进行雄登的法会但他们并没有这么做。实际上他们不喜欢做雄登的法会，但是为了获取一些利益如金钱或出于其他因素，他们说自己在进行雄登法会。这非常非常恶劣，也是出于非常俗世的动机。
最终那些人，那些要求进行雄登法会的户主将会知道或发觉，他们会发现那些人并不是在进行对的法会，因为他们感觉到那些法会没有起作用。那不会起作用因为他们不是在进行真正的法会。最终，他们会靠直觉感受那些法会没有帮助，哪里不对劲了。他们会拒绝那些做法会的人，要求另一些人并确保这些人进行雄登的法会，也是雄登的修持者。
在这里，我们没有那样的问题，也不用有任何疑虑。我只是在说着一些普遍的现象，以让你对所有的东西有一定的理解。
这是位于马来西亚的克切拉多杰雄登像。这尊多杰雄登像由合金金属做成，并装藏了很多圣物。多杰雄登在降神时也亲自加持过这尊像。这尊多杰雄登像是寂静相，基于格西簇亲格而辛的唐卡，我决定这么做的。我们不应随意更改佛菩萨的形体、颜色或法相，因为这一切都该依据传承教法。由于格西簇亲格而辛的唐卡（这是我人生第一次看到的）是寂静相的，也非常殊胜，我决定我们克切拉也根据唐卡上的法相来造像。格西簇亲格而辛一直把这幅唐卡挂在他常住的那间房里。
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
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Thank you Rinpoche for this article again. It is good to occasionally read this from time to time so that we will create a impactful imprint in our mind. It is from learning, we will have knowledge about this special and powerful Protector Dorje Shugden. From knowledge, firm faith arises.
I have actually downloaded this sacred picture of Lord Dorje Shugden and use it as the focal of visualisation during my daily sadhana. Once again, thank you Rinpoche.
Well it is truly a special thangka from Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen ….an interesting and inspiring story behind it. Merely by looking at it is a blessing and it tells a thousand of words. Now at least I understand how thangkas reproduced came from and with Rinpoche’s explanations gave us to better understanding of the teachings on Guru devotion. Guru Devotion was explained as devoting oneself to a teacher whom we are karmically connected to and that whatever we do on our spiritual path. Good teachings and a well short description and iconographical explanation of Dorje Shugden holy body and his emanations in the scared thangka by Rinpoche. Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen was the one who officially introduced Rinpoche to Dorje Shugden. We are fortunate to have the knowledge of Dorje Shugden’s practice through Rinpoche. It’s a very beneficial practice as Rinpoche knew. Rinpoche and Geshe Trultrim Gyeltsen ‘s relationship is unbreakable with many great memories behind them.
Thank you Rinpoche for all the sharing.
Very special and rare thangka from Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen , merely by looking at tells all…..a blessing. Dorje Shugden is in a peaceful form which truly love it . I do have this beautiful Dorje Shugden thangka in this same peaceful form given by my Guru , Tsem Rinpoche. I could understand much better with Rinpoche details explanation of the thangka. Rinpoche relationship with Geshe Trultrim Gyeltsen and Kyeje Zong Rinpoche is an unbreakable, strong as an iron steel. And Rinpoche truly treasure those times spent together as told. Rinpoche had a faith and strong guru devotion with them. Very good example and inspiring for us to learn and practice .
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing with us the importance of Guru devotion.
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 assistants of his mandala.
Dorje Shugden is a powerful protector deity who is also an emanation of Manjushri, a wisdom bestowing Buddha. Therefore, he has great ability to help us to progress further on the spiritual path. He does this by helping us to overcome obstacles and problems for the modern individual.
Due to his enlightened nature, Dorje Shugden is able to manifest 32 deities and within the same abode resides Setrap and Kache Marpo:-
1. 5 Dorje Shugden families or emanations. They consists of the following:-
– Dulzin Dorje Shugden, which performs activities to eliminate inner and outer obstacles.
– Shize, which performs activities to pacify all illnesses and disease.
– Gyenze, which performs activities to increase all desirable material and spiritual wealth.
– Wangze, which performs activities to control difficult people and circumstances.
– Trakze, which performs activities to wrathfully eliminate all insurmountable obstacles and life-threatening situations.
2. 9 Mothers. They represent protection of the five senses and developing control of the four elements. These are all attributes that signify their ability to assist tantric practitioners with their higher meditations.
3. 8 Guiding Monks. They represent the Eight Great Bodhisattvas (Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri, Vajrapani, Samantabhadra, Maitreya, Kshitigarbha, Akashagarbha, Sarva-nivarana-viskambini) and they bring about the growth of the Dharma, through the Sangha, Dharma practitioners and Dharma establishments.
4. 10 Youthful & Wrathful Attendants. They represent the ten wrathful attendants to avert inner and outer obstacles. They are beings who are from Mongolia, China, Kashmir, India, Bengali, etc.
5. Setrap. He is a senior Dharma Protector from India and an emanation of Amitabha Buddha. He had enthroned Dorje Shugden as an authentic Dharma Protector. Therefore, he also resides within the same mandala of Dorje Shugden.
6. Kache Marpo. He is not an emanation of Dorje Shugden but he is still an enlightened Dharma Protector in his own right. He was originally known as Tsiu Marpo of Samye Monastery. However, he has placed himself under the service of Dorje Shugden as his chief minister, performing many activities in order to protect and benefit practitioners. Therefore, he stands guard at the main entrance of Dorje Shugden’s mandala. He often takes trance of qualified mediums to speak.
7. Namkar Barzin. He is the reincarnation of an old Mongolian monk and when he passed away in Phari area of Tibet, his spirit was placed as a powerful assistant of Dorje Shugden. He guards and protects buildings and great institutions especially those that benefit others. He rides on a mythical Gyaling animal that resembles a goat but with scales.
These sacred images are available on *Vajrasecrets. They are made of high quality alloy and are one of a kind. They are based on the lineage of His Holiness Panchen Rinpoche’s monastery, Tashilhunpo in Shigatse, Tibet. In fact, the iconography of these statues are based on detailed photographs taken by H. E. Tsem Rinpoche during a trip to Tashilhunpo’s protector chapel. These are based exactly as the 10th Panchen Lama’s personal collection.
Dorje Shugden mandala: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=131570
Dorje Shugden’s benefit and practice: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=62422
Dorje Shugden’s origins: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=106424
Dorje Shugden chapel in His Holiness Panchen Rinpoche’s Tashilhunpo Monastery in Tibet: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=68698
*Stand not included
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.
Holding our vows strongly and have clean samaya with our Guru is the fundamental of dharma practice. Blessings from the Guru and lineage masters are crucial for practitioners to gain attainment and enlightenment.
According to tantric practice, when we view everybody in the pure tantric sense of an enlightened body, speech and mind, all our depressions, negative thinking, impatient and anger will be gone. In the Anuttarayoga Tantra, there are vows strictly to train us to develop this type of tantric view. When we are able to have pure view of people around us, it is to uplift our minds to view things in different manner and perspective. The goal is to achieve realizations of emptiness and boddhicitta which is enlightenment.
Knowing the nature of Samsara, problems we have to deal with is endless. So it is wiser to change our view to every difficulty and obstacles to overcome anger, unhappy, and bitterness. In the meantime, practice Dorje Shugden sincerely because we need a powerful dharma protector in our spiritual path during this degenerated time to help us to fight our inner and outer obstacles.
Great message every Tibetan especially must read!
This is a powerful picture of Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, Kensur Kyabje Lati Rinpoche and the current incarnation of Trijang Rinpoche meeting together in the year 2000 when Trijang Rinpoche was 18. All three lamas are Dorje Shugden practitioners. In fact Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen was the one that first encouraged my practice of Dorje Shugden when I was 16 years old when I joined his beautiful Thubten Dhargye Ling centre in Los Angeles. I lived with Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen for 8 years before proceeding to Gaden Monastery in South India. Later Kyabje Zong Rinpoche came to our Los Angeles centre and granted sogtae (permission ceremony) to practice Dorje Shugden for life as requested by Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen. Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen had tremendous faith in Trijang Rinpoche. Kyabje Lati Rinpoche was innovative, dedicated and very much focused on bringing dharma to many. He had tremendous faith in Dorje Shugden as I had the honour to meet him many times. He would seek advice from Dorje Shugden many times via the oracle of Gaden Monastery. Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen and Kensur Kyabje Lati Rinpoche have since passed away while the current Trijang Rinpoche is a perfect lineage holder and practitioner of Dharma while he keeps Dorje Shugden as his personal protector as he has done so for many lifetimes. This is a powerful and beautiful picture of three great lamas of Buddha’s lineage and also of Gaden Monastery.
~Tsem Rinpoche
This thangka is truly very special. Understanding Tsem Rinpoche’s close relationship with Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen gives clarity to why this thangka is deeply pertinent to our connection to Dorje Shugden. I remembered many years ago, Rinpoche had shared a picture of this thangka with me. When I opened the message and saw this image for the first time, I felt so warm and blessed. I then read the story of the thangka. It was around that time that I traveled a lot and had the opportunity to assist Rinpoche in arranging the reproduction of this thangka. It was such a privilege to have had that chance; to be a part of that connection with DS. Om Benza Wiki Bittana Soha. Thank you Rinpoche for sharing the story in this post!
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this article. After reading this article, some thoughts came across my mind. Dorje Shugden practice is in the lineage, and through Zong Rinpoche’s explanation, only I realized Dorje Shugden practice needed initiation. It was like from Zong Rinpoche to Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, then to Rinpoche. But through Rinpoche kindness, Rinpoche open it to us, Kecharian, because if we practice Dorje Shugden,he really benefits all of us. So, it’s a practice that passed down generation by generation in the lineage, Guru devotion is very important. If Guru devotion is not there, how can we keep the practice given by our Guru generation by generation? Our Guru won’t give us the wrong practice. Our Guru can’t be wrong. If our Guru devotion is strong, no matter what other said, it won’t affect our standing. The meaning behind this thangka, let me understand more not only about Dorje Shugden, but Guru devotion. A practice that a Guru gave to his student, a commitment. A commitment that the student to his Guru. Thank you again Rinpoche _/\_
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this article. This special thangka from Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen is really blessed and sacred. I do like this peaceful form of Dorje Shugden very much. I’m also blessed to receive this very same peaceful form Dorje Shugden thangka from my Guru, Tsem Rinpoche. Just like how Dorje Shugden has helped Rinpoche during his teenage days when looking for job, if we propitiate to Dorje Shugden, he will help us through our difficulties too. We are so blessed to be receiving this practice from Rinpoche.
With folded palms,
Vivian
Dealing with human beings is never an easy task, in fact the hardest thing to deal with in the world I would confidently say. Human beings has been evolve continuously without fail, our mindsets, desires, attitudes and cultures are always abreast with the evolution of human beings for centuries since we existed.
We are meeting people coming from all sorts of environment, upbringing background and histories. Hence, we are supposed to expect different people with different attitudes, characters, problems and more. If we are capable to deal with them and lend them a hand, why not? It could possibly save a person’s life! But we can’t because we are not trained enough to possess the skills and experiences, then it would be better for us to step back and observe how the experts deal with them. Unfortunately they are always people who could not meet the right person to pull them out from difficult conditions.
His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche mentioned “you have to know and told that you should not take initiation if you are not sure”. This made me wonder that how can some of the high lamas and lamas who can easily give up Dorje Shugden practice so easily after they received the initiation and practice for more than 30 years. How can they give up just by someone says “this practice is not good”. Is that means as a high lama, these lamas also not sure about the Dorje shugden practice when they received the initiation and the worst things was some of their students received the initiation from them. I am not saying they are bad but all this will confused the students who follow them. Don’t you think that is very confusing that after so many years of Dorje Shugden practise and you suddenly being told this is wrong, then my question is what is right? Like what His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche said “So you have to know this, you have to be very sure or otherwise, later on, if people say to you “Oh, this practice is no good” and they make all kinds of stories and rumours…then if you give up, then it’s not good for you and then it will be a big mistake for you.” I totally agreed that and this it is not only not good for you but also for your students or the followers.
This article fill with sincere advice who wish to receive protector initiation at the future. In order to receive initiation, our samaya must be clean and have guru devotion. Guru devotion is the key point for all the tantric practice. Without guru devotion we can’t achive enligtenment or get any attaiment from the initiation.
Rinpoche treasure his relationship with Geshe Trultrim Gyeltsen and Kyeje Song Rinpoche when they first met. Rinpoche have full faith and strong guru devotion received many teaching and initiation from Song Rinpoche. Important is when you receive someone as your guru, you will follow his path or his teaching and keep close to you until you died. This is your own choice and never regreat or blame other whatever it take. These day people do not treasure and have gartitute toward their guru kindness. They get upset when guru point out their down fall. People even get upset with their guru and leave, they return statue from their pratice but they forget return their vow to the guru which guru is compassion pass down the practice to students and wish their student can get attainment. Student broken samaya create more negative karma at the future. This must be taken note for those who wish to receive any initiation at the future.
What I understand from this article is not about the Dorje Shugden issue, it is not about what we practice or dont practice, but it is about our Dharma practice and our guru devotion.
You can practice Dorje Shugden or Setrap or Mahakala or any other protectors, but when we lied to our practice or we do not keep our samaya with our guru clean, then whatever protector / deity we practice will be useless, whatever we want to achieve will not be able to achieve, so in this case, it’s our fault or our protector’s fault?
Many times we always put the blame on others when we quit our practice or our Dharma work, then why don’t we think of our guru’s kindness? We can quit because others not treating us well, but why can’t we stay because our guru is taking care of us so well? Unless we are saying the others are more important than our guru. At the end, it’s not about we and others, it is about we and our guru, because it is our guru who can bring us to enlightenment..
When we go to the morning market, before buying the veges, we will check the veges and only buy it if it is nice and healthy and not rotten, same to our practice, before we accepting a Protector / deity practice, we should check out the deity, the Dharma center and the guru first then only decide whether to follow or find another guru, and once we have accepted, we should follow through and take ownership on our decision, not change or give up halfway after hearing from what others say.
Thank you Rinpoche, for explanation of our samaya with our Guru and the importance of Guru Devotion. Being new to Tibetan Buddhism this article is an open door to my basic knowledge.
I experienced similar situation as Rinpoche explained, I encountered a person who was my ex-senior superior, extreme jealous over my performance and relation. Hence, she intentionally made life difficult for me in order I could leave my job. I didn’t. Frankly, during this difficult time I did put a lot of patience on her attitude on me and on my juniors. I never even complained to my upper superior out of respect. Many people will think my action is stupid because I didn’t defend myself. I think it’s my compassion that holds me on and I don’t want to create bad vibes with her. From this case, I have learned to be much more optimistic. In fact, I should thank and appreciate her of the causes she put on me! (LOL)
The meaning behind the special Thangka of Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen is not only the iconography but it is the relationship between the Guru and the student. This is shared here by H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche and shows the importance of this relationship and that it is the most important relationship that we can have.
In our Samsaric life we do a lot of things because we don’t have someone who teaches us the Dharma. We have to experience the Karma of our actions because we don’t have a kind and caring Guru who teaches us the Dharma and we don’t know the practices which will help us.
But when we have such a very special relationship, Rinpoche shares how important it is and shows how much he venerates his Gurus and follows all the way.
This article make think of Rinpoche has a very strong Guru Devotion with all the Gurus, and it’s a good example for us to learn. Would like the highlight some sentences that’s really touched my heart :
1) However if we choose to think of this person in such a way, this view will only spill over to the next person, and the next person and the next person. And guess what? In the end, we have pretty much trained our minds to react negatively to anyone who comes into our lives. This is not to say that we will not get 10, 20, 30, 40, 100 negative people on our path. But why let the behavior of others disturb your own equilibrium? Why let the behavior of others throw you off your path, your journey and your goals?
2) To have pure view of people around us is to uplift our minds to view things in a different light, in a different manner and in a different perspective. When we look at someone as loud, abusive, sneaky, harmful, hateful, angry and damaging to us, it is most likely that we are right, and that they are doing these things to us. However, we can look at it for what it is and think, “They are doing this and it ruins my life, it ruins my space, I am angry, it ruins my day, it ruins my week and guess what, I am going to say negative things about them. I am going to create a blog against them. I am going to create a webpage against them. I am going to go online and talk about them. I am going to advertise about them, talk about them incessantly and get together with people to talk about them incessantly.”
3) I can do that or alternatively, I can think that, “Well, they probably have their problems, they have their issues, they have their traumas and they grew up that way: harming other people. And so, what I am going to do is I am not going to add to that trauma. If I cannot help them, then I am going to kind of stay away from them. Not be mean to them but simply of stay away from them and not deal with it because I am not capable of dealing with it.” So when we look at it that way, we go away from the situation less angry. We go away from the situation less bitter and we don’t develop this type of long-term bitterness that when we reach our 30s or 40s or 50s, we are constantly angry, constantly bitter, constantly talking about the negativities of others. We all gossip; I gossip! We are all guilty of it but the point is not to use the gossip or use those negative points as a reason for our own personal failure.
PS : I am still practicing the sentences above that i shared.
The dharma talk and advice by HH Kyabje Zong Rinpoche is very compassionate, with much care and love to would be initiates. The advice is logical and clear with no pressure nor influence put onto anybody. Those who took Dorje Shugden sogtae or any other initiation should, as advised by HH Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, thoroughly check what the commitments entail. This advice is also repeatedly mentioned by HE Tsem Rinpoche, again and again. I have heard of some people stopping whatever practice they started off with. And when the result did not match their expectation, they just stopped the practice. Worse still, they returned everything they had on their altar. But they did not go to see the lama or teacher they took the initiation from to explain or to return the vows. Tsem Rinpoche always says that if we do not wish to continue with a practice with commitments, fine. But return the vows to the teacher so that the karma for broken vows does not multiply.
Devotion is very important in our spiritual practice. Rinpoche has shown us by example and the explanation is very logical. I personally had been help by Dorje Shugden through Rinpoche kindness and there is no way Dorje Shugden will harm anyone. If our Guru believe in him then we are rest assure that Dorje Shugden will never be wrong.
From this post I also learn to see things positively around us. This is important for us to guard our mind in a positive way rather than seeing everything negative that resulted in negative action that will bring negative outcome to us. It’s not easy but it make sense. This teaching is to allow us to move on in our life in a positive way. We can’t keep reacting negatively and at the end of the day we are the one that loose out.
Thank you Rinpoche for such a blessed article and explanation on our samaya with our Guru. It was just yesterday I found myself feeling irritated with people and how I feel that it was wrong to think so. And it made me think how negative that is and also at the same time making myself ‘unhappy’. And today as I read this post, the more it made sense. I must not reinforce my mind into thinking negatively. The analogy using the dog was an excellent example. Without good samaya with our Guru, I feel that nothing else matters. Without the faith and blessings of our Guru, no matter how much we practice, will not have any results.
No matter what others say about Dorje Shugden, will never break nor sway me for my Guru gave me this practice. If my Guru can give me this practice and He practices it, I know for sure its right and I will follow through.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this beautiful Thangka with us.Ita a rare and precious beautiful Thangka,not every one could view it. Its a blessing and forturnate for us to know the detail about these special thangka.This thangka is very special and holy as it is Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen’s possession. It is extremely special as it brings back memories of Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen with Rinpoche.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this beautiful Thangka with us, which has immense blessings and benefited many of us at KFR with a peaceful form of Dorje Shugden.That is where the largest Dorje Shugden statue is in Kechara Forest Retreat.
This is a great summary and introduction to Dorge Shudgen. It is with great faith that it has been proven countless times that Dorge Shudgen will come to help all, as exemplified by Rinpoche’s reliance on this Great Protector and many other personal statements from worldwide. Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this beautiful Thangka with us, which has immense blessings and subsequently reproducing this peaceful form at KFR, so that many more can benefit from the blessings of Dorge Shudgen.
It also illustrates Rinpoche’s Guru devotion, and to ask to stop this practice would be to go against the core teachings of Buddhism, which really doesn’t make logical sense.
Thank you Rinpoche for this teaching. May the ban be lifted soon.
This is such a wonderfully informative article. From the life story of HE the 25th Tsem Rinpoche’s relation with his first Guru, Tharchin Rinpoche to Geshe Tsultrim Gyelsten to Rinpoche’s Root Guru, HH Zong Rinpoche.
Every bit of this article has teachings from Rinpoche that will be of great impact as it has for me.
So much learning from this article:
1) Guru Devotion
2) How to see the world with a new pair of eyes that benefit us
3) Introduction to Dorje Shugden
4) Thangka with the peaceful form of Dorje Shugden from which the largest DS statue is in Kechara Forest Retreat
5) Full text of a Dorje Shugden sogtae (initiation) by HH Zong Rinpoche.
Thank you Rinpoche.
Comments such as this one left by ‘Suzy in Hawaii’ on Tsem Rinpoche’s YouTube channel is becoming common. After demonizing Dorje Shugden for twenty years, the Tibetan leadership is fast losing its supporters to logic and better information. In this comment Suzy writes honestly how she held on her jaundiced view of Shugden only because the words of the Dalai Lama colored her judgement. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl-4lIwxph4&t=11s
We are fortunate to have a peaceful form Dorje Shugden in Malaysia . Thank you Rinpoche to let us have the chance to connect with holy protector .
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you very much for sharing this very interesting and inspiring post with us.Lately i suddenly came to realize that strong guru devotion is very important with strong motivation,trust and faith in our protector if we want attainments.I think it is my strong faith in Dorje Shugden that made me realized this. It is indeed very blessed to this this beautiful sacred thangka of Dorge Shugden. And also I feel very blessed to hear the voice of Zong Rinpoche’s explaination of Dorge Shugden. I like Zong Rinpoche very much. I feel very strong affinity with Dorge Shugden and Zong Rinpoche. in fact,this is my second encounter with Dorje Shugden since few years back. Here is a video that Datuk May Phng shared about her amazing Dorje Shugden thangka. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBVfM5Qn-BM _/\_
Trode Khangsar Chapel in Lhasa, TibetOver 400 years ago a great and learned lama Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was famed in Mongolia, Tibet, Nepal and China for being very saintly and compassionate. He resided in his residence (Zimkhang Gongma Ladrang) in Drepung Monastery. His root guru was H.H. the Omniscient 4th Panchen Lama and his close dharma brother was the 5th Dalai Lama.
The 5th Dalai Lama and Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen had a very close and dharmic relationship and often went to receive teachings together from the 4th Panchen Lama. They were close in age. They both became very learned and well known. During this time, the Dalai Lama was enthroned as a Dharma King of Tibet. But more people went to see Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen for teachings, initiations and divinations. This made the attendants of the 5th Dalai Lama feel threatened that Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s fame might usurp the power of the 5th Dalai Lama. So they had a khata forced down his throat. At that moment, Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen dissolved his psychic winds and generated the wish to be a great guardian of Buddha and Tsongkapa’s teachings. As his consciousness dissolved, he entered ‘bardo’ as a dharma protector of the highest order (jikten depey sungma). Many signs were seen throughout Lhasa at this time and the earth was said to have shaken in Lhasa. This event was already predicted to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s previous incarnation when he was one of the 8 main disciples of Lord Tsongkapa the Supreme Master and he served Tsongkapa directly by building Gaden Monastery.
When the 5th Dalai Lama heard what his scheming and power-hungry attendants had done, he was very distressed. He was very sorry Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was murdered and dishonored as he was a great dharma master. The 5th Dalai Lama composed an apology to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen. In Lhasa, tens of thousands gathered for the cremation of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s holy body. During the cremation, the 5th Dalai Lama’s apology was read out at which flames spontaneously arose from the body of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen commencing the cremation. From the body, during cremation, a powerful whirlwind of smoke tunneled into the sky for all to see as this was an indication Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s consciousness has arisen as the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden. The Dharma Protector Setrap immediately recognized this new protector Dorje Shugden and ‘enthroned’ him as a powerful Dharma Protector in the realm of the Buddhas. From this, Setrap and Dorje Shugden are closely connected and very close working hand in hand always. After the cremation, the great 5th Dalai Lama built a Dorje Shugden chapel on the spot the cremation took place and named it Trode Khangsar. The 5th Dalai Lama commissioned the statue of Dorje Shugden in this chapel and had monks installed in the chapel to do continuous propitiations to Dorje Shugden. Trode Khangsar Chapel was a commemoration to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen who was wronged and also a celebration of his consciousness arising as the World Peace Peace Protector Dorje Shugden.
This Trode Khangsar Chapel still exists now in Lhasa where many make pilgrimages there. It is in good condition and was recently renovated. It is over 400 years old and a testimony to the respect the Great 5th Dalai Lama had to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen who arose as Dorje Shugden.
I have visited this holy chapel in Lhasa years back. I’ve never heard of it till I was in Lhasa and by chance, I was told about it which I was happy to visit. I could not find the place but strangely a bunch of pilgrims from Amdo told me they would show me how to get there in Lhasa.
This short video is a short clip of this holy Trode Khangsar Chapel in Lhasa today commemorating Dorje Shugden, built by the great 5th Dalai Lama. The great 5th Dalai Lama even composed a prayer to Dorje Shugden which is still available today and we can recite to invoke the blessings, protection, and assistance of World Peace Protector Dorje Shugden.
Tsem Rinpoche
Read more: Trode Khangsar – A 400-year-old Dorje Shugden Chapel in Lhasa
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/dorje-shugden/trode-khangsar-%E2%80%93-a-400-year-old-dorje-shugden-chapel-in-lhasa.html
Short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTybDwTeLAM
__________________________________
The 5th Dalai Lama’s Prayer to Dorje ShugdenHUM
Though unmoving from the sphere of primordial spontaneity,
With wrathful turbulent power, swifter than lightning,
Endowed with heroic courage to judge good and bad,
I invite you with faith, please come to this place!
Robes of a monk, crown adorned with rhinoceros leather hat,
Right hand holds ornate club, left holds a human heart,
Riding various mounts such as nagas and garudas,
Who subdues the mamos of the charnel grounds, praise to you!
Samaya substances, offerings and torma, outer, inner and secret,
Favourite visual offerings and various objects are arranged.
Although, previously, my wishes were a bit dense,
Do not stop your powerful apparitions, I reveal and confess!
Now respectfully praising with body, speech, and mind,
For us, the masters, disciples, benefactors and entourages,
Provide the good and avert the bad!
Bring increase like the waxing moon in spiritual and temporal realms!
Moreover, swiftly accomplishing all wishes,
According to our prayers, bestow the supreme effortlessly!
And like the jewel that bestows all wishes,
Always protect us with the Three Jewels!
From: http://www.dorjeshugden.org/practice/the-5th-dalai-lamas-prayer-to-dorje-shugden
Tibetan prayer from: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/dorje-shugden/the-14th-dalai-lamas-prayer-to-dorje-shugden.html
Thank you, Rinpoche for this teaching. What I can glean from this post is that we have to train our mind to see the positive side of any situation. Even in the darkest situation, we look for the silver lining.
Not only that, we train to stop the adverse reaction in us even if we cannot help; just don’t add to the negativity.
If we wish to progress in our path, we must learn to see the good in everything. Most of all, we have to have faith and devotion to our Guru once we have decided to follow him. As Rinpoche pointed out, how can we see only see our Guru as enlightened only in meditation and at other times disrespect him, which is very contradictory.
The thangka that was reproduced looks really beautiful with Peaceful Dorje Shugden in the center and the 4 emanations and Karche Marpo around. It is very eye-catching; very hard for me to peel my eyes away. As Rinpoche advised, if we were to pray to Dorje Shugden, our wishes will be granted provided it is with a good motivation and for Dharma. That is really an advice that we should keep in mind all the time.
Thank you again, Rinpoche for thie precious teaching.
May Rinpoche have stable health and long life. May Rinpoche’s wishes manifest smoothly and swiftly.
With folded hands _/\_
Fong
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for giving a short teaching about how not to deal negatively when people around us act “negatively” (as we perceived as negative). It is useful on a day to day basis.
Though I have read the story of how Rinpoche met Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen quite a few times, but reading the story as told by Rinpoche yourself is always special.
Lew
Dear Rinpoche
Thank u for sharing where u get the image of the DS from.
Reading ur blog always give me some insight to how we should react to things… and at times when i am down or need some guidiance i will come to ur blog and just choose a article to read… and for whatever reason it clears my mind in a certain way…
Ie… what u say makes real sense…
True, everything around us is not of a Buddha nature. However, if we always look at people and situations in a negative way, we will gradually become more depressed, angry and bitter. When we try to look at things in a more positive and happier way, it trains our minds to look at the same situations in a way that would make us less unhappy, less angry and less bitter.
I will make sure i look at things in a more positive and happier angle… so as to feel less unhappy and learn to cope whatever that comes in my way.
May the DS Ban be over soon.
Thanks once again.
Cheers.
The Dorje Shugden ban has created a lot of trouble and disharmony among Tibetans and Indians. Students from one teacher are confused, because they really don’t know whether they should listen to this teachers advice which is to not practice Dorje Shugden or listen to another teacher which teaches that they should practice Dorje Shugden. Whole monasteries have been torn apart just because of the Dorje Shugden controversy.
Since this post is partly about our haters anger at us, lets take a look at how the Dorje Shugden issue is hardly any different. The CTA people think that Dorje Shugden has no power and is a devil, that’s the main reason why the ban is here. The CTA people must have misunderstood things a little, since Dorje Shugden gained enlightenment 350 years ago how could he be a powerless devil? It isn’t possible.
The ban currently affects thousands in India, but yet they are just normal people like us, since they are normal why are they targeted by the CTA? The CTA must have thought that Dorje Shugden was bad (even though he isn’t) They fear that Dorje Shugden would eventually harm the Dalai Lama’s life, that’s one of the reason why his practice is banned.
So, what can we see from here? We can see that the CTA is using fear to stop other people from practicing Dorje Shugden, not that the fear is true fear, but false fear caused by misguided views.
Having said that, it is best to try and educate the CTA that Dorje Shugden will not harm the freedom of Tibet or the life of the Dalai Lama. Also we should never use violence in this struggle as it will make us look worse than before.
Since we are Buddhist we shouldn’t resort to violence, a pro Dorje Shugden person could have easily just started a battle and the ban could have ended almost instantly, but thankfully no one chose to as a all out war may not be prove victorious and will only cause more harm than good.
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
The Dorje Shugden issue has caused enough damage as we all can see, students confused and people feel so unsure as to what to believe. We Kecharians have His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche who give us the knowledge and grounded us, we are fortunate. Looking at what Ex TDL has mentioned the Dorje Shudgen ban caused chaos for many Gelug practitioners for many years already.
Kecharians and all who subscribe to the puja services are most fortunate, the puja teams and volunteers get trained by erudite monks of the Gaden tradition. Hence whatever puja they do it is as such. Hence sponsors and people who order the pujas can feel safe they are getting exactly what they subscribed to.
Tsem if you ever need a liver, lung, or kidney i would gladly give it to you to extend your life. Even if it shortened my life. You are the most influential person i have ever met. Watching your youtube videos instantly calms my inner monsters and puts me on the right path to not only live better in this life, but also preparing for future lives. My i meet you again in all future lives. Your like the worlds greatest therapist. Your compassion inspires me daily. I strive to have few attachments to the impermanence of this world, but i am attached to you in the sense that the longer you live the more people will be touched. Please live long rinpoche. So many people need your help and wisdom. You have planted great seeds in my mind so that i may become more stable in life. I have received your gifts in the mail and i am truly blessed. My lama tsongkhapa statue is the centerpiece of my livingroom. I will not leave the house without my Dorje Shugden necklaces. I will get the Dorje Shugden poster framed. The Dorje Shugden tsa-tsa instantly went on my aler. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your hand signed card is my greatest gift of all and my favorite possession . I stive to be more like you everyday. Please stay healthy because the world needs you. I do not expect this world to be perfect but you have taught me that my reaction and expectations can be controlled. At the time of death may i focus on lama tsongkhapa in my heart connected to the heart of maitreya in vajrayoginis heaven. May i leave my body thru my head and may i always strive to improve to become a buddha myself to help others.
Thanks again,
Robert Anderson
P.S.
Me and my girlfriend are still vegetarians for 3 months now. I did it in the past for 5 years before. Thanks for getting me back into it.
在詹仁波切许多博文里以及多位讲法师的提起，根据藏传佛教里，可以遇到一位对你非常有影响力的上师，并不是偶然的。但是，上师与学生之间的三昧耶，就似乎因个人而异。因此，学生对上师的依止心是非常的重要。我们必需视为上师是一位证悟者，因为这样可以提高及训练我们对一切周围的事物而联系到佛陀的教诲。再加上有上师的加持，我想在修行的道路上，无论遇到多方面不管是内在或外在的障碍，我们也会坦然的去面对与接受。而通往证悟之道不再是天方夜谭了。
在这博文里，可以清楚的看到詹仁波切对每位的上师的尊敬与依止心。因为他先取得上师Kensur Lobsang Tharchin Rinpoche 的赞同才向Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen继续学法。
而Geshe Tsultrin Gyeltsen 慈悲为怀的，他知道当时詹杜固任波切面临着生活上的问题（寻找工作），告诉詹杜固任波切如果他相信护法的帮忙，那么他一定会找到工作。詹杜固任波切也因此真的找到工作来继续他当时的佛法事业。
多年后的今天，虽然目前要面对着种种负面的批评于此护法，多杰雄登，但我相信我们上师的慈悲心，他是不忍心看到我们的痛苦或遇到任何障碍而直接或间接的远离佛法。一位有如此慈悲的智者，千里迢迢来到这里弘法，难道还要让人质疑他的目的吗？
Thank you, Rinpoche for sharing this holy and special thangka and especially the significance behind this thangka. Due to Rinpoche’s strong Guru Devotion to Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, Rinpoche just placed full trust and did not hesitate to pray to Dorje Shugden which led to Rinpoche’s prayers fulfilled. This shows how compassionate Dorje Shugden is as Rinpoche’s motivation to get a job nearer the center is pure; in order to spend less time travelling and spend more time in the center.
If this Dharma Protector is good for Rinpoche, He is good for me too and I have no doubt whatsoever of Dorje Shugden but have great faith in HIM. Thank you, Rinpoche, for introducing Dorje Shugden into our lives.
This is one of my favourite thangkas of Dorje Shugden. I was instantly drawn to this interpretation of Dorje Shugden out of so many images that I have come across so far. Very, very beautiful. Thank you very much for this post as I now know the history behind the thangka and the special being who connected us to this fantastic practice.
There were 4 parts to this article that I come to understand:
(1) the importance of Guru Devotion and a clean samaya with the Guru.
(2) We must also control our mind to view everything around us as Buddha nature, this is not only essential in our daily life but for our future tantric practice as well.
(3) The story of how Rinpoche was introduced to Dorje Shugden, and
(4) The iconography of DS.
Thank You Rinpoche for sharing this wonderful teaching.
As I read this article again, I cannot help but focus on the part of maintaining a clean samaya with the Guru. Maintaining a good samaya with the Guru means whatever we do within the religious sphere, we must seek Guru’s permission. We must also practice Guru Devotion according to the 50 stanza of Guru Devotion, essentially viewing our Guru as enlightened.
Viewing our Guru as enlightened not only when we are in meditation / visualisation, but also when we deal with our Guru on a daily basis. In this way, it is actually a training for us to program our mind to see everything and everyone around us in a positive way even though they are difficult, ill-viewed and maybe even had disturbed us. By visualizing our surroundings in a tantric sense (meaning everyone is enlightened) uplifts our wrong view of others to a higher level, thus eradicating our negative thinking.
Rinpoche has mentioned in this article that the absolute goal is for all of our negative thinking, anger and impatience to be gone. “It is not that everybody around us becomes enlightened; it is that we become enlightened and therefore, their actions do not affect us anymore.” Thank you, Rinpoche, for this teaching.
The way we view life is very important. If we constantly view it in a negative way, we will be more negative. When we view things in positive way, we would be positive.
We should not judge anyone negatively, instead to look into the situation and compromise to the situation so that we would be able to see pass the negativity of the person.
People act in accord to their experience, however it is also no excuse for them to doing things that are in a negative way over and over again.
When we are able to control our thoughts fully, other’s actions would not affect us anymore because all our negative thinking, anger, and impatience are long gone.
We all gossip; I gossip! We are all guilty of it but the point is not to use the gossip or use those negative points as a reason for our own personal failure. I really like how Rinpoche has written this because it is so true. It would ultimately depend on ourselves to decide if we should continue to gossip and stay negative, or we can turn the ship around and be positive. This statement shows us how important it is to never be negative.
Thank you Rinpoche for the very detailed iconography. Before reading this article, I always thought that protectors would be riding an animal, but I have never thought about the reason behind it. Now, with the explanation that I understand better why is Dorje Shugden on a snow lion instead of a horse like most protectors that I have seen. Through the detailed iconography it made me understand what does each of the meaning behind each item mean. I have never understood behind the meaning of the actions and items that the deity would hold. Through the article it has expanded my knowledge towards both Rinpoche and Dorje Shugden. It is just so interesting to be reading about the iconography behind the deity as it not only allow you to understand better about the deity, but it also allows one to understand more about other deities as well.
I am 100% for D.S. I have no doubts about him. If Tsem Tulku Rinpoche says it is….. then it is.
I Do have 2 questions thou..
1)Can i put these 2 images on my alter (since i also have a picture of H.H. next to my lama tsongkhapa) or should i keep it off to the side with my setrap photo? Or do i need a separate alter for him?
2) can i just prostrate to the pictures to show respect for now? Or do i half to do the pujas and mantras that i dont know too? I have no ordination and my practice is only lama tsongkapa short mantra, prostrations, and death meditation until my guru tells me otherwise. But i would like to show respct.
Dear Robert,
1. You can put on your altar or put together with Setrap. See your spacing allowance.
2. You can just prostrate. You don’t have to do anything else. And Lama Tsongakapa practice is excellent. Do carry on with that. 🙂
Tsem R
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing the beautiful Tangka of Geshela. I like Dorje Shugden in His peaceful form very much. I am very happy to know about Rinpoche’s story of how Rinpoche received Dorje Shugden practice from Geshela. I can feel how happy at that time when Rinpoche got the new job. It’s like wish come true. Rinpohce’s life story is always very inspiring. Rinpoche will do anything for His guru and scarified anything to learn Dharma. I feel so blessed to hear H.H. Zong Rinpoche’s voice. How fortunate to listen to His teaching on Dorje Shugden.
No matter what or how others put Dorje Shugden down. It will not change a single thought of mine about Dorje Shugden. I will follow my Guru, Tsem Rinpoche’s foot step, depend on Dorje Shugden on my spiritual path until my last breath. If my Guru trust Dorje Shugden, I have no doubt on Dorje Shugden. Dorje Shugden can only come close to you when you trust Him and practice Dharma sincerely. He will guard you and protect you just like He protects Lama Tsongkhapa Lineage. Dorje Shugden is an enlightened being, He has all the qualities of a Buddha.
We are very blessed as a Kecharian because we can learn and practice pure Dharma in a peaceful mind from our Guru H.E. Tsem Rinpoche.
Thank you Rinpoche for never stop praying to Dorje Shugden so that we now can practice this holy protector too. _/\_
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing the powerful story behind Geshe Tsultrim Gyelstsen’s special thangka.This thangka of Dorje Shugden is so very significant because Rinpoche was introduced to Dharmapala Dorje Shugden by his teacher Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, through this thangka. Rinpoche had been asked to just have full faith in Dorje Shugden (as Rinpoche saw Him in this thangka) and his prayers to Him would be fulfilled. Rinpoche, having full Guru Devotion, immediately placed full trust in Dorje Shugden. Consequently, his prayers were answered and he succeeded in getting a job he badly needed(so that he could continue to receive the Dharma from his teacher in his center and practice it). With that, he never ever wavered from his faith in Dorje Shugden.
Rinpoche is deeply indebted to Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen for introducing him to Dorje Shugden and also for introducing him to Zong Rinpoche, Rinpoche’s root guru. Later, at Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen’s request, Zong Rinpoche gave Rinpoche and other students of Geseh Tsultrim Gyeltsen an initiation into the full practice of Dorje Shugden(the sogtae).
It needs to be stressed here that Rinpoche had (and has) full and unwavering guru devotion for Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, because, it was his first Guru, Kensur Lobsang Tharchin Rinpoche, who gave Rinpoche the permission and the blessing to study the dharma under Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen (as his Guru) with the words:”“You are very lucky to meet Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen who is the same as I am and his knowledge is very great. You should treat him like you would treat me.” It was the incomparable great master, Kensur Lobsang Tharchin(student of Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche), who told Rinpoche that Geshe-la was his equal. Thus Rinpoche grew instant and unwavering faith in Gesha-la that has continued to this day.
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for posting this. _/|\_
I will train myself to see things in a more positive light as right now, I have been told that I am a bit cynical. (My Grandma told me this. 😛 ) But now I will train myself to view things in a more positive light so that I can train myself to always see the good in people and everything; so that I can learn to transform my mind.
I am also very thankful to Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen Rinpoche as if it weren’t for him showing you this special Dorje Shugden thangka, Kechara might not have been built and my family and I might not have known about you. So I am very thankful! _/|\_
Also, thank you, Rinpoche, for sharing the youtube video of this Dorje Shugden sogtae. Because of this, I am very fortunate and was able to hear His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche. Thank you, Rinpoche! _/|\_
Your humble student,
Keng Hwa.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this beautiful teaching with us, is very true we cannot blame others for our own failure because in most of the time is our own deluded mind that give us the wrong perception about how thing should be.
I think I like the peaceful aspect of Dorje Shugden although I understand the meaning behind the ferocity the protectors have to project. Their great compassion does not go unnoticed. I am waiting for the kecharian videos to be published though. I’d like to know more about their personal experiences. In this other site I read the testimonials of this kind protector’s help for beings, I was quite moved. Thank you for this personal post though Rinpoche. I know it means a lot to Rinpoche as Rinpoche has experienced a lot of difficulties in his life and this nice protector was with Rinpoche during those moments I believe. So may your guru devotion never deter Rinpoche and may you stay firm in your victories and all your compassionate wishes come true always.
Rinpoche, thank you for sharing such a wonderful story full of compassion and kindness. I was making donations and sponsoring a little 9 year old monk from a monastery in India. I found out that this monastery does Dorje Shugden practices. I was not sure what to do so I asked the office of HH Karmapa and one of his monks told me I should not sponsor the boy anymore if they do Dorje Shugden practice. They told me to write him and explain why I could not do it anymore. That HH Dalai Lama does not allow it. I did as they said and stopped sponsoring the little monk. Rinpoche, I felt it was wrong in my heart but I did as these masters said. I mean if HH Dalai Lama says not to do something you listen, but I have been torn since it was just an innocent little boy.
Thanks to Tzem Tulku For this beautifull Clear article about His life story Experience.claudio laghen italy champa togme.
Dear Guru Tsem Rinpoche,
My humble prostrations to you, this is my first time listening to H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche voice. His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche voice are so uplifting and inspiring (although I have to refer to translations), I am feel so lucky to listen his voice on today auspicious Lunar New Year day.
After reading this blog, my faith towards Protector Dorje Shugden be getting stronger and I feel appreciative of Guru Tsem that had imparted to us of a very close and loyalty relationship of guru-disciple between you, Geshe-la and HH Kyabje Zong Rinpoche. And also, I am heartily thankful to Guru Tsem for explanations of iconography and reproduced of the holy thangka of Dorje Shugden for us to download and make prayers to.
INTERESTING DEVELOPEMENT:
We have been informed by our friends in Dharamsala that the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA; the de facto head of Tibetans in Exile in India) that they have seen the vulgarities said in the name of being on the Dalai Lama’s defense. Many who can read English in Dharamsala have been horrified that their campaign against Shugden is leading to such vulgarities and attacks on Shugden followers personal lives. CTA had hoped to intimidate Shugden people to give up through fear and violence in the past, but it has worked against them as they represent Dalai Lama a Nobel peace prize winner. People are asking why Dalai Lama does not speak up against the hatred towards Shugden people? CTA in the past have kept quiet about the attacks on Shugden people both physical and verbal but now IT’S DIRECTLY BEING CONNECTED TO THEM which is bad PR. The more Dalai Lama supporters hurl abuses on line and it’s recorded, the more it will work against CTA.
The CTA visit this blog often to keep a watch. They are embarrassed by people who write such negatives and vulgarities now and engage in name-calling in the name of Buddhism and the Dalai Lama. It reflects terribly on them. They have been getting more negative response from people around the world and more queries. The press has been picking up on these types of verbal abuses hurled at Shugden people and find it justified and alerted to the fact something is seriously wrong. They are starting to question the CTA more which is embarrassing.
We will keep posting these vulgarities hurled at Shugden people online. This is what Shugden people have to tolerate daily. But you will see NO SUCH COMMENTS from Shugden people. I have friends who informed me they will also send this article’s link to press around the world and proper authorities to keep them alert. As violent vulgarities can escalate into violence against innocent Shugden practitioners.
You see the bottom line is all this name hurling and violent words can stop overnight if His Holiness Dalai Lama speaks up to stop it. Dalai Lama should send people to engage in dialogue to settle this matter once and for all. It would benefit everyone all around. This ban and advice against peaceful Shugden practitioners was started by Tibetan leadership. They should do something to stop it as they are responsible for every person they affect with this ban. The Tibetan leadership is responsible for every harm perpetrated or planned against Shugden practitioners both verbal, psychological and physical.
Do see the pictures here of the abuse but be ready for how unpleasant it could be: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=58841
Dear Rinpoche,
When I was first introduced to this Dharmapala earlier last month, I was actually reciting His prayers half heartedly everyday. On one hand, I know that I need to follow my Guru’s teachings but on the other hand I was quite reluctant for I have not having the knowledges on this. Just few days ago, I started doing the DS Sadhana and included Serkym but still, I have my reservation. I only know I need to pray to what my Guru pray too. Then there was a verse on ‘Show me sign that I have succeeded’ and I pray that Lord Dorje Shugden will give me sign for my struggling heart.
Yesterday when I read this article especially the part where Rinpoche’s Guru ask to propitiate to Lord Dorje Shugden for the job and Rinpoche did it without asking further. Mmm… There’s when I told myself.. Ok.. Just go ahead and forget about my lack of understanding. When I was praying at night, when came to the serkym verse where we have to finish pouring the serkym, suddenly a light bulb blew off. Ghee… On that moment I know I shouldn’t have asked for sign. It scared me off. Of course it was not a sign of success but rather a sign that ‘He’ was there and sort of like asking me ‘just have confidence’. That’s it. This is why Kabje Zong Rinpoche also said that, we ourselves have made the choice. No one force us into it. I hesitated to write this account but I think this may help those who are having the same struggle that I have. Perhaps having faith in Guru is much more important than finding reasoning and logic and no action upon it? After all, I have been in another faith for almost half of my estimated life and now only I came to know BuddhaDharma. I have nothing to lose after all. I pray that those who are still finding and searching, that they may gained peace and confidence in their spiritual path.
Thank you Rinpoche for the sharing on Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen’s special thangka.We respect you deeply for your strong Guru Devotion.We trust the highly attained masters on their views and practice as they had dedicated their entire lives for the sole purpose to spread the holy dharma.In doing so they to need to hold dearly to their vows.It is a commitment they need to follow in order for them to pursuit their ultimate goal which is enlightenment.
We trust the practice of Dorje Shugden would bring benefit to his practitioner as it is often documented in memoires or in this case an valid audio recording of the holy masters himself.We should not doubt this holy masters as they do not hold any hidden agenda…(politics)
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you very much for sharing this very interesting and inspiring post with us. It is indeed very blessed to this this beautiful sacred thangka of Dorge Shugden.And also I feel very blessed to hear the voice of Zong Rinpoche’s explaination of Dorge Shugden. I like Zong Rinpoche very much. I feel very strong affinity with Dorge Shugden and Zong Rinpoche. in fact,this is my second encounter with Dorje Shugden since few years back. I noticed by combining Tara and DS practice is very effective and powerful.
What a kind face Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen la has. He radiates peace and compassion.
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for great inspiring article, and eagerly waiting for more articles and teaching on Dorje Shugden.
When it come to Dorje Shugden, no one can change my mind with negativity..Spiritual effects to my mind i felt with in two weeks of start reciting Dorje Shugden short shadana daily with serkym offering. This shift is unbelievable. I am very much confident that now i am in right spiritual path with help, guidance, protection with Dorje Shugden..I bow down to him as my Guru and protector.
Furthermore, i wish and pray may Dorje Shugden issue will be clear and over soon..Also somewhat I think, maybe i am wrong, this dorje Shugden ban brought this Dharmapala so much close to whole wide world..maybe otherwise i never have heard his name also.
Thank you again Rinpoche
with metta….Shane
It’s a nice story and quite inspiring but you left out some important details.
When HH the Dalai Lama advised against relying on the protector Geshela immediately stopped the practice.
This is well known to all his close students but apparently you are unaware of it or perhaps you deliberately choose not to mention it.
When Geshela passed away he left substantial offerings to all the houses at Sera Monastery except Pomra Khangtsen because it was the only one that refused to follow His Holiness’s advice. This is also well known to Geshela’s students but again you choose not to mention it.
So here are two very important facts about your Guru Geshe Tsultrim Gyaltsen that you don’t want your own students to know about.
Why is that?
You are not the only one who knew Geshela so you need to be careful what you say and if you’re going to use his name to promote your own narcissistic crusade against His Holiness you should expect to be called out for your dishonesty.
Dear Jampa Lhamo, I did not leave any information out deliberately. I told the story of how Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen introduced me to Dorje Shugden. How he practiced Shugden his whole life till the ban. That is my story. That is what happened to me when I met Geshe La when I was 16 years old in Los Angeles and he was practicing Shugden. That was 33 years ago. What happend decades later is another story. I cannot tell that story as I was not there anymore and already departed to Gaden. -So do not assume I left this or that out-Don’t jump to the negative immediatly please . Geshe la did practice. Geshe-la did have the holy thangka of Shugden. Geshe La did give us many teachings on Shugden encouraged us to practice. That is Geshe la’s voice requesting Zong Rinpoche for sogtae. Do not try to wipe out that part of Geshe la. He never gave up Shugden till the end in his heart and many of you do not know that. He had to show he gave up to please Dalai Lama and avoid much problems because we don’t have freedom to practice. I have spoken to Geshe la many times. Do not wipe out the history of these masters who practiced Shugden their whole lives till the ban came along —Geshe introduced me and over 70 more of his students to Dorje Shugden. Geshe La arranged for us to get initiation from Zong Rinpoche of Shugden and that is what happened to me/us. We did Shugden/Setrap puja monthly until the day I went to India. You were not there, so you do not know the whole story. Becareful what you assume. I shared a part of my life here and lived with Geshe la for 8 years and I am sharing this. I served Geshe la and lived in the same house with him. I spoke to him hundreds of times. Geshe la told me himself he would never give up Shugden even if His Holiness asked him to. But he has to make a show of it that he gave up to protect. Hundreds of Gelug lamas and monks have to pretend they have given up Shugden to protect themselves. This is well known. I know many lamas in Sera, Drepung and Gaden who are my friends and have not given up Shugden but pretend to give up for safety reasons. There is no crusade against H.H. The Dalai Lama except to ask for dialogue to resolve this issue. But more and more are coming out and do not fear anymore. To say Geshe la gave up completely within his heart is to say he has no powers of reasonings or attainments and that he was just following Shugden blindly. Geshe la was a very smart man and he knew how to protect himself. I loved those years with Geshe la and your view of what went on between me and him is your view, so don’t add something else unnecessary to my story. Thanks. Tsem Rinpoche
“Geshe la told me himself he would never give up Shugden even if His Holiness asked him to. But he has to make a show of it that he gave up to protect”
You can write whatever you like and no one can dispute it because Geshela passed away many years ago but you have previously told lies about the Shugden issue so why should anyone believe you now? I think you will make any sort of ridiculous and dishonest claim if it furthers your agenda.
Geshela was absolutely one hundred percent devoted to His Holiness he would never employ such a vile deception as you claim. How disgusting.
Geshe Gyaltsen gave up the protector as advised by His Holiness out of respect and pure devotion and so have the vast majority of other lamas, tulkus, geshes, monks, nuns and laypeople who previously did the practice.
Why can’t you show some humility and follow their example?
Jampa Lhamo,
First of all this is His Eminece Tsem Rinpoche’s blog. So he can write what he like whether you deem it truthful or not. If you don’t like it, then don’t visit. If what he says bothers you, then DON’T VISIT HERE. WHO IS FORCING YOU. There are bigger issues in life to deal with and bigger causes for you to fight for than this!
For thousands this blog offers so much information and help and I appreciate it. Seeing your message I don’t appreciate.
You are the one with no face, no background hiding behind a computer screen accusing this or that. You do not know Geshe la. If you do show pictures of yourself, describe your involvement and time and place. Don’t hide behind some fictitious name and name call on others. You are the liar.
Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen practiced Dorje Shugden. He asked for it from Zong Rinpoche. Listen to the tape. If Geshe La did give up in his heart Shugden, the Geshe la is the liar isn’t he? He introduced it to his student and then he gave it up and confused his students. That shows his mind had no wisdom. For years Geshe practiced Shugden and then it was a ‘demon’ and he introduced a demon to his student?
Is Geshe stupid and mislead his students for years? How irresponsible of Geshe to teach and encourage Shugden and then later he abandoned the practice confusing many students. He did not look good to introduce to his students and later he said it’s bad because he is DEVOTED TO DALAI LAMA. Get real! What else did Geshe teach his students that was wrong? He was wrong in this as you claim. He was irresponsible.
In this inspiring story, you say Geshe gave up the practice and you have no proof just your lies. But Zong Rinpoche NEVER GAVE up the practice. Why focus on just one master in this story. Perhaps Tsem Rinpoche continued to follow Zong Rinpoche’s beliefs and that is his choice. What conversations Tsem Rinpoche and Geshe had you don’t know so don’t accuse. Remember, it was Geshe again who introduced Zong Rinpoche to everyone and Tsem Rinpoche. So why did Geshe do that? Why did he make that ‘mistake’. Blame it on the teacher.
There is a lot more history to Geshe and how many people left his centre in Los Angeles and I was one of them. He married in UK, had a kid and divorced. He couldn’t get along with his wife. Why does a geshe marry and then teach dharma? Obviously his passions are not controlled. What other Buddhist tradition has teachers that the monks disrobe, marry, divorce, marry again, separate and then become a monk again and then teach again?????? Only Geshe does this. So many were disappointed. We donated and worked for Geshe and were very disappointed. Then he married one of his Japanese students again and many at the center was very disheartened and disappointed. How come a dharma teacher is busy with women and marriages? The Tibetan communities did not like him doing this and held him in low contempt. When we use to go to Dharamsala, they would put us down as the followers of the Geshe who disrobed and kept marrying. I experienced this and so did other TDL students-the much older ones. That is the truth! Tsem Rinpoche may have faith and never speak about those things, since you want the truth but I have many friends who were disenchanted with Geshe’s marriages and to his own students. So if he did give up Shugden, he is very bad because he broke his promise to Zong Rinpoche where he was the one that requested initiation. Why be surprised. At least Tsem Rinpoche’s version paints a nicer picture of his teachers doesn’t he? I sure think so.
Geshe was an ordinary person who later on became a monk again after his marriage finished to the Japanese student. And he worked his way back into the ‘good’ graces of some. But his past is checkered. His son Tseweng is testimony to what I say.
So becareful who you call liar. You show yourself and you be open. Tsem Rinpoche’s information is an open book and he does more work for others in one day than most people.
Some of the things Tsem Rinpoche says I like and some I don’t but I don’t need to call him a liar. Are you perfect? No you are not and neither am I or Tsem Rinpoceh or Geshe.
Rinpoche is trying to promote Geshela as someone who deliberately went against His Holiness which absolutely isn’t true. It’s a disgusting thing to say especially as he is no longer alive to speak for himself. What sort of guru devotion is that? If you think Geshela was just an ordinary person you obviously didn’t know him very well.
Jampa Lhamo,
This is Geshe’s tangka that hung in his room for years and he worshipped Shugden for years. We all saw this. Many of us older students and ex students from the 70′ and 80’s. Geshe was ordinary not to see Shugden is evil. How can he not see Shugden as evil till ONLY the Dalai Lama said so? If Geshe does not fall in line with Dalai Lama’s views, then people will turn against him. So That is the cold hard political facts! Many times Geshe told us in the privacy of his room that Dharmaphala (Shugden) is a highly enlightened being and had us do puja with him monthly. Sometimes twice a month.
I was there when Tsem Rinpoche was a young devoted man serving Geshe. Tsem Rinpoche did his laundry, cleaned his room, mopped the kitchen, washed dishes daily, fed Geshe’s cat Gochen, tended the garden, made food and even paid rent there. Tsem Rinpoche even made the offerings/preparations for the pujas AS INSTRUCTED BY GESHE MONTHLY. Tsem Rinpoche was very devoted and served Geshe for years. I saw what Tsem Rinpoche did and how he served as many of us did. You were not there. I was!
Geshe lied. You want call people liars, well Geshe lied to many of his students about Shugden, his marriages, and many other issues that made us leave. He told us to practice Shugden and said He is enlightened and then later you want to say he was all close to Dalai Lama and gave up Shugden. How betrayed that makes people feel. How stupid is that? How does that make Geshe look? Doesn’t make him look good. You be careful what you say. Many of us know a lot more about Geshe than we open our mouths. Many of us left.
Geshe practiced Shugden for years and encouraged us to do the same. Now you want to say he gave up Shugden and is close to Dalai Lama. How does that make Geshe look he was stupid enough to pray to a demon and had us pray for years. That makes him look ordinary if he cannot tell a demon from a Buddha!
Tsem Rinpoche paints a rosy picture due to his guru devotion and I don’t agree with it. But I understand. Tsem Rinpoche is ordinary and has to deal with feelings of betrayal also I am sure. So he deals with it by seeing the good parts of his life with Geshe. I respect that although I don’t agree. But till you came along, I kept quiet.
Tsem Rinpoche is not painting Geshe as someone who deliberately went against Dalai Lama. He is sharing his time with Geshe in Los Angeles when he was a bright young man and had his future ahead of him. Due to Geshe, this bright young man went to India to become a monk and now a bright star in the Gelug lineage. Tsem Rinpoche is only recalling his love, good times and devotion to Geshe. He didn’t paint Geshe bad at all. He makes Geshe look very good!! Geshe did practice Shugden when Tsem Rinpoche was with him and they were very close. Tsem Rinpoche lived with Geshe and interacted daily. He is recalling the time with Geshe when Geshe practiced Shugden as we all did. Tsem Rinpoche did not lie. If he did, I would call him out on it!
The only disgusting thing here is how we Westerners are told Dorje Shugden is good and enlightened. We believed this for decades. Then suddenly in the 90’s Dalai Lama said Dorje Shugden is not a Buddha and is a ghost. We are forced to choose and become confused! Tsem Rinpoche is a victim of this too. These Tibetan teachers make us confused. We wanted the dharma and not their politics. Geshe should NEVER had taught Shugden. Or Dalai Lama should never had said anything about Shugden and confuse us. Now I don’t know what to think. If Dalai Lama is right, then Geshe was stupid. If Geshe is right, then Dalai Lama is stupid. The fact is we all practiced Shugden for decades with Geshe and Geshe Gyeltsen IS THE ONE WHO INTRODUCED US TO THE PRACTICE! So this is not about Tsem Rinpoche but this is about SOLVE THE DAMN SHUGDEN ISSUE ALREADY SO WE DON’T HAVE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE SQUABBLING ONLINE ABOUT THIS THING! The Tibetans created this and not us!
Dear EX-TDL. I love your reasoning and reply. And for seeing the real motive on Tsem Rinpoche for posting this !