Comparison between the Shamarpa and Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen

By Pastor David Lai | Oct 21, 2024 | Views: 16,042

A statue of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen

(By Tsem Rinpoche and Pastor David)

Tulku is a Tibetan term for the ‘emanation body’ (Sanskrit: Nirmanakaya) of an enlightened being. This refers to one of the three main types of manifestations of an enlightened being who deliberately takes rebirth within samsaric existence in order to benefit sentient beings.

In Tibet, the recognition of Tulkus has become an established institution whereby the reincarnation of attained and high-ranking lamas are discovered by the students of their previous reincarnation and enthroned. This is so that these lamas are able to inherit the spiritual roles and responsibilities of their predecessor and be of great benefit to many beings. Hence in the Tibetan tradition, there are many lines of incarnations that have been established over the centuries and across major Buddhist traditions. These include the incarnation lines of the Dalai Lama, Panchen Lama, Shamarpa and Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen.

Within the Tibetan historical context, two of the most controversial lines of incarnations are Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen and Shamarpa. The basis for the controversy for each of these two incarnations differs greatly but nonetheless, the governing body of Tibet at that time still outlawed them. In this article, we will explore the basis of the controversy in order to uncover the similarities between them.

Shamarpa

Shamarpa is literally known as the ‘holder of the red crown’ and is therefore known as Shamar Rinpoche or more formally as Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche. The faithful consider him an emanation of Buddha Amitabha and a lineage holder of the Karma Kagyu School, a major sub-sect of the Kagyu tradition. His monastic seat is at Yangpachen Monastery near the capital Lhasa.

First in the line is Shamarpa Drakpa Sengye (1283-1349 CE) and he was the main disciple of the third Karmapa Rangjung Dorje. It was this Karmapa who bestowed upon his disciple the ruby-red crown that was identical to his and the title, ‘Shamarpa’, thus establishing him as one of the earliest recognised incarnation lines. Shamarpa was so closely related to the Karmapa that he was often referred to as the ‘Red Hat Karmapa’ in old Kagyu writings.

However, controversy first struck during the lifetime of the 6th Shamarpa Mipan Chokyi Wangchuk (1584 -1630 CE). As in previous incarnations, the 9th Karmapa Wangchuk Dorje recognised him and became his principle student. He was an accomplished scholar and his fame grew so much that he was invited to China to teach and oversaw the completion of the printing of the complete set of the Kangyur. Upon his return to Tibet, he enthroned the 10th Karmapa Choying Dorje and bestowed upon him the instructions of the Karma Kagyu tradition.

For centuries, Yangpachen Monastery has been the monastic seat of the Karma Kagyu Sharmapa incarnations

During this time, Tibet was sliding into a civil war due to brewing rivalries between various Tibetan kings who were followers of the Karma Kagyu and Gelug order. Sharmapa at this time wrote many letters to various sides in order to foster peace. This effort was appreciated in the writings of the 5th Dalai Lama himself and also the Gaden Tri Rinpoche Konchok Chopel who admonished the office of the 4th Dalai Lama for handling the situation badly and preventing the Sharmapa and the Dalai Lama from meeting. It was generally believed that if the meeting did take place, it would have eased all tensions between both factions.

During the lifetime of the 10th Shamarpa Mipham Chodrup Gyatso (1742 – 1792 CE), he was the brother of the 3rd Panchen Lama Palden Yeshe, the second highest-ranking lama in Tibet. Unfortunately, the relations between 10th Shamarpa and the Tibetan government in Lhasa degenerated due to a series of issues that arose. After the Panchen Lama entered clear light, a conflict broke out over the handling of the estate. Shamarpa was sidelined and prevented from receiving his share of the inheritance due to the fact that he was a Kagyu lama and being a lama, he had his own estate and wealth as well.

The 6th Sharmapa Mipan Chokyi Wangchuk faced the most severe obstacle in this entire incarnation lineage to date

However, tensions grew from that day on, which led to the Shamarpa travelling on a teaching trip to Nepal. Shortly thereafter, a letter from the Gurkha king was sent to the 8th Dalai Lama, claiming that the Shamarpa was held hostage and demanded ransom to be paid in exchange for the lama. The government deliberated, felt it was a hoax and refused to pay the ransom. Subsequently, the Gurkha army invaded Tibet and nearly captured the capital Lhasa. In the midst of chaos, the 8th Dalai Lama stood his ground and remained in Lhasa thus inspiring his people to rally an army to defend Lhasa. After a fierce battle, the Gurkha army was pushed back and a peace treaty was negotiated.

As a result of the talks, the blame was placed squarely on the Shamarpa’s shoulders and he was tried for treason in conspiring with the Nepalese Gurkha army. Recently, Sam Van Shaik (in his book, Tibet – A history) who is a Tibetologist, asserted the claim that Sharmapa actually attempted to mediate during the conflict but to no avail. The Tibetan government seized the Shamarpa’s estate and his line of incarnations was outlawed. They seized his red ceremonial hat and sent it to Lhasa where rumours circulated that it was buried beneath the steps of the Jokhang Cathedral so pilgrims on their devotional rounds would have to step over his hat – the ultimate desecration of Shamarpa’s spiritual authority. His incarnation line would not be officially reinstated until his 14th incarnation, Mipham Chokyi Lodro (1952 – 2014 CE) was officially recognized by the 16th Karmapa.

The 3rd Panchen Lama Palden Yeshe was the brother of the 6th Sharmapa

Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen

Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was the last of the Drepung Zimkhang Gongma line of incarnations. This illustrious line of incarnations was established by Panchen Sonam Drakpa and has a long and reputed line that extends all the way back to ancient India. It comprises of various Indian and Tibetan lineage masters that had made tremendous contributions to the growth of Tibetan Buddhism. He was the student of Panchen Lobsang Chokyi Gyeltsen, as was the 5th Dalai Lama.

This line includes the likes of Magadha Sangmo, Mahasiddha Birwapa, Thonmi Sambhota, Tibetan King Trisong Detsen, Mahasiddha Naropa, Ra Lotsawa, Panchen Shakya Shri, Lotsawa Loden Sherab, Shakya Shri Bhadra, Sakya Pandita, Buton Rinchen Drub, Dulzin Drakpa Gyeltsen, Panchen Sonam Drakpa, Sonam Yeshe Wangpo, Ngawang Sonam Geleg and Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen. Just like Sharmapa, the incarnation line of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was also banned by the Tibetan government. However, the circumstances that led to this banning was very different.

In one of his previous lifetimes as the leading disciple of Lama Tsongkhapa, Dulzin Drakpa Gyeltsen (1374 – 1434 CE), he made a powerful commitment to protect Lama Tsongkhapa’s special teaching of Nagarjuna’s Middle Way view. It was said that he did so on the behest of the Protector Nechung who manifested as a white dove and hovered over one of Lama Tsongkhapa’s teachings.

Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen is in the center, Panchen Sonam Drakpa on the left and Dulzin Drakpa Gyeltsen on the right

Then in the lifetime of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen (1619–1656 CE), he was reminded of this promise via the Nechung Oracle. Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen explained to Nechung that he did not have it in him to generate wrathful energy, which was necessary to become a Protector. Nechung reassured him that he did not have to worry about that because Nechung would help him by creating the necessary conditions for this wrathful energy to arise.

Around that time, there were prevalent rivalries between the followers of the 5th Dalai Lama and Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen. After Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s audience with the Nechung oracle, the fame of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was generally perceived as eclipsing that of the Dalai Lama. At that time, it was said that Nechung had fanned the rivalries to a fever pitch. Finally, the Desi Sonam Choepel, the regent of Tibet and the head of the Dalai Lama’s household, and several attendants of the Dalai Lama decided that the only solution to end the rivalries was to assassinate Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen. This was carefully planned and when the lama was ill, they sought audience and tried various means to murder him but to no avail. It was said that later the lama himself revealed that the only way they could accomplish this task was by strangulation with a khata. His assailants quickly grabbed a khata and stuffed it down the lama’s throat.

Thangka depicting Buddha Shakyamuni (top) and Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen (centre) and his subsequent form of Dorje Shugden (bottom)

After the passing of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen, the monastery and his ladrang (lama’s estate) were in turmoil due to the shock that such an important High Lama had been murdered. They placed his remains on a huge funeral pyre in Lhasa with thousands of disciples, Mongol royalty and other High Lamas in attendance. They came to pay their last respects to the great lama Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen.

Initially, the funeral pyre could not be lit. It was at this time that the Dalai Lama learned of the assassination plot and was very disturbed and remorseful. Therefore, he composed an apologetic verse. It was brought to the funeral and after the apologetic pronouncement from the Dalai Lama was read out loud, the funeral pyre suddenly burst into flames. It was said that a whirlwind of black smoke arose when one of the grieving attendants hit the funeral pyre with his zen (part of a monk’s maroon robes) out of frustration. The pile of smoke grew into the shape of a hand and completely covered the skyline. It was said that this was when Dorje Shugden had arisen.

After the demise of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen, the search for his reincarnation was banned which ended Drepung Zimkhang Gongma line of incarnations. The ladrang founded by Panchen Sonam Drakpa in 1554 CE at the Upper Chamber of Drepung ceased to exist in 1656 CE. In fact, the Nechung oracle has instructed that the Zimkhang Gongma or Upper Chamber at Drepung be dismantled, and the reliquaries from that ladrang were relocated elsewhere by Desi Sonam Choepel. Although Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen continued to incarnate to benefit sentient beings, his line of incarnation was never formally reinstated.

Panchen Sonam Drakpa established the Zimkhang Gongma ladrang situated at Drepung monastery

Comparing Both Incarnations

Although both the incarnations of Shamarpa and Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen had little in common, as belonging to completely different traditions, they both ended up with the same fate – their incarnation lines were banned. In the case of the Shamarpa, the problems within the Tibetan government is reflected in the issues faced by the earlier incarnation of the Shamarpa that tried to mediate between the Kings who were the followers of the Karma Kagyu and those of the Gelugs.

Needless to say, the efforts of the Shamarpa were ignored. Then, in the later incarnation, it was clear that his involvement with the Nepalese invasion embarrassed the Tibetan government, and he naturally became the scapegoat for their failures to stop the advancement of the Gurka army all the way to Lhasa. Despite his efforts to mediate between both sides, he became the scapegoat for their failures and his incarnation was outlawed in the most humiliating manner.

In the case of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen, he was literally eliminated in order to make room for the 5th Dalai Lama to ascend as the leading High Lama of the time. The attendants of the 5th Dalai Lama were ruthless and wanted to ensure that no new incarnation of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen would return to the helm and rival the Dalai Lama ever again.

Therefore, both incarnations are clear examples of the machination of the Tibetan government that is hell-bent on controlling and sacrificing the lamas for its own agenda of maintaining their influence in the Tibetan state.

Click for high-resolution image

Dorje Shugden (central figure)

Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen (top left), Buddha Shakyamuni (top middle), Manjushri (top right), Mahakala Brahmanarupa (bottom left), Setrap Chen (bottom right)

The high lama Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was a contemporary of the Great Fifth Dalai Lama and a heart disciple of Panchen Lobsang Chokyi Gyeltsen. He was a pure monk in the monastic tradition established by Buddha Shakyamuni and he was also recognised by the Panchen Lama to be in the incarnation of Panchen Sonam Drakpa. As such his long line of successive incarnations stemmed all the way back to Bodhisattva Manjushri. Due to an aspiration generated in a previous live, Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen passed away and arose as the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden. Mahakala Brahmanarupa and Setrap Chen were protector deities propitiated by Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen when he was alive and it is believed that they were the first to enthrone Dorje Shugden as a Dharma Protector.

Appliqué thangka of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen, dating possibly to the 19th Century, that can be found in Erdene Zuu Monastery, considered by many to be the most important and oldest monastery in Mongolia. In the lower portion of the thangka are Yellow Dzambala, Six-Armed Mahakala and Kalarupa.

Sources:

Glenn H. Mullin; The Fourteen Dalai Lamas, A Sacred Legacy of Reincarnation; 2001, Clear Light Publishers
Music Delighting the Ocean of Protectors by Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche

Click here to see more beautiful and updated photographs of Trode Khangsar, the Dorje Shugden chapel in Lhasa, Tibet which was built by His Holiness the 5th Dalai Lama: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=92148

For more interesting information:

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41 Responses to Comparison between the Shamarpa and Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen

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Wai Meng Wan on Jan 26, 2019 at 12:45 am

The Sharmapa line of incarnation really gets stuck doing things that are beneficial, but somehow it turns out in that particular incarnation not so ideal at times. In recent times the Sharmapa is involved in the recognition of the 17th karmapa, resulting in the Karma Kagyu tradition being spilt right in the middle. Sharmapa is the right lama who is supposed to be recognizing the karmapa, yet this was usurped by tai Situ Rinpoche. So it seems the Sharmapa is in the thick of the action all the time.

Just like the Sharmapas have done so in our time, and found ways to be reinstated and of benefit, we hope to hear from the incarnation fo Tulku Dragpa Gyeltsen, may he manifest and bring benefit to the world once again and clear his name and reputation and that he manifested as Dorje Shugden to benefit the world.

Nishshanka Dharmasena on Jan 11, 2019 at 2:09 am

Online booking

Samfoonheei on Dec 26, 2018 at 10:42 am

Interesting post …..to understand better of a Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen and the Shamarpa . It is very sad to see incarnations had been ban by the Tibetan government for their own political agenda. Both becomes the scapegoat especially Dorje Shugden practice. Due to the ban on Dorje Shugden many Tibetans suffered tremendously for decades and the lineage is lost or broken. In a democratic country or any countries government should not interfered with religion. Once mixed there will disharmony among the communities. For the nation to survive in peace and harmony, united and strong, the people must have stand united and allows religious freedom for everyone.
Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David for this wonderful insightful article.

Choong on Dec 26, 2018 at 2:41 am

There is a key personality who straddles the events surrounding the decimation of the Karma Kagyu, the controversial recognition of the reincarnation of the 4th Dalai Lama, the murder of Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen and eventually the ban of finding the reincarnation of the 10th Sharmapa, this person is Sönam Rapten(1595–1658) who was initially known as Gyalé Chödze and later on as (Depa) Sönam Chöpel.

Here is a very short summary of how he impacted the above.

At twenty years old Sonam Rapten became the Treasurer and the Changdzo of the 4th Dalai Lama (1589-1617) who was Altan Khan’s great-grandson. Altan Khan is the Tumed Mongol leader who befriended and recognized the 3rd Dalai Lama and established the Ganden tradition in Mongolia with the help of the 3rd Dalai Lama (who never returned to Tibet and died in Mongolia).

Just after the 4th Dalai Lama’s death, early in 1617, Sonam Rapten met with the 4th Panchen Lama during a time when the Ganden Phodrang was under threat by the King of Tsang.

The Panchen Lama mentioned a Nyingma prophecy that Mongolians would invade Tibet and suggested that the late, once-powerful 4th Dalai Lama would have been able to prevent it. The Panchen Lama however still hoped for peace and told Sonam Rapten to work for peace. However, Sonam Rabten instead allied the Ganden Phodrang which he was leading, with Koshut Mongolian Gushri Khan and his army 17 years later.

Gushri Khan helped destroy the Tsang dynasty forever in the 1641-42 civil war which also saw the destruction of the Kagyupa tradition who were allies of the latter.

From then on, Sonam Chopel exercised secular power over all or most of Tibet as the 5th Dalai Lama’s regent. He ruled with the title Depa (Viceroy, Regent, Ruler or Prime Minister).

Of three candidates nominated, it was also Sonam Chopel’s candidate that was picked as the reincarnation of the 4th Dalai Lama. Sonam Chopel went on to groom the 5th Dalai Lama and even went against many of the 5th Dalai Lama’s advice.

Sonam Chopel also infamously orchestrated the murder of Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen, who as a young child was also a (rival) Mongolian camp’s nominee as the reincarnation of the 4th Dalai Lama.

Sonam Chopel’s brother Depa Norbu whom the 5th Dalai Lama thought was a poor choice as a husband, married Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen’s sister.

The ban of finding the reincarnation of the 10th Sharmapa later followed similar circumstances, with the Ganden Phodrang – Kagyupa hostilities as the backdrop.

Pastor Shin Tan on Dec 9, 2018 at 9:09 pm

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

Pastor Niral Patel on Dec 9, 2018 at 4:21 am

Reincarnation Lineage Prayer of the Incarnate Master Dragpa Gyaltsan

This prayer also, to the incarnate master Dragpa Gyaltsan through his reincarnations, has been spoken for the benefit of all migratory beings by the Vajra Shugden who protects the holy Dharma, at the sacred abode Choling in response to requests from many devout monks and nuns and householders. Gedun Choejor was the scribe. May this serve as cause for all migratory beings swiftly attaining in one lifespan the state of Vajradhara.

May there be auspiciousness!

Lord Manjushri, the sole father of all kindhearted Victors,
Lord Tsongkhapa, whose renown fills this world,
Lord Yamantaka who has arisen to subdue the intractable:
Bless us supplicants with common and uncommon attainments!

Lord Sambhota, the best of scholars,
Loden Sherab, the savant in all classics,
Lords Naropa and Khyungpo Naljor:
Bless us supplicants with common and uncommon attainments!

Ralo Dorjedrag and master Khutoen,
Masters Sakya Shri and Choeku Woezer,
And to the Omniscient Lord Buton:
Bless us supplicants with common and uncommon attainments!

The all-pervading Tsarchen, and Sonam Dragpa;
Sonam Yeshe, prominent among saviors of beings;
Sonam Geleg, in whom merit and virtues shone like the sun:
Bless us supplicants with common and uncommon attainments!

Dragpa Gyaltsan, the master leading nyig-dhue1 beings to liberation,
Whose very name, just hearing, frees from the lower migrations,
Who leads to liberation any who supplicates single-mindedly:
To this protector of teachings and beings of three worlds we pray.

Ngawang Jinpa the emanation in saffron robes, and
Ngawang Tenzin, upholder of the victory banner of the teaching,
And Jetsun Losang Geleg, the great master:
Bless us supplicants with common and uncommon attainments!

Losang Tenzin, the victory banner of Dharma who comes
As kings, ministers and monks for beings and dharma’s sake,
In successions endless as ripple in water:
To such past and future emanations we pray.

By the truth power of the Three Jewels,
By the enlightened actions of oceanic dharmapalas
Such as the Four-faced Lord and the Dorje Shugden,
May all beings live well and in happiness.

As you embody all Three Roots2,
For us all migratory beings here, in the future, and in bardho3,
In all happy and bad times we have none but you:
Hold us, without separation, with parental love.

When in future you enact the enlightened deeds,
As attaining Enlightenment as Buddha Rabsal among others,
May we and all other beings connected with us,
Be the first to taste the nectar of your vast and profound words.

May we, and all sentient beings, in all lifetimes,
Come into contact with the Second Buddha’s teachings,
May we all take on the going forth, and take
All sentient beings across the ocean of samsara.

Footnotes

[1] ‘Degenerate times’ that is characterized by “five dregs in terms of lifespan, times, delusions, views and sentient beings.” Source: Commentary on the Abhidharmakosh by Chim Namkha Drag, also known as ‘Chim Jampalyang’ (1210-1285); folio 181 (p. 371) ); Woodblock edition, 1893; No. of folios 430 (pp. 869)

[2] The spiritual mentor, the meditational deity, and the dakas and dakinis.

[3] The intermediate state between death and next rebirth.

————————

Reincarnation Lineage Prayer of Tulku Dragpa Gyaltsan

This praise to the reincarnation lineage of the supreme incarnation Dragpa Gyaltsan has been composed by the monk Losang Choekyi Gyaltsan (The 4th Panchen Lama) at the prayer hall of Tashi Lhunpo on account of fervent requests from Legpa Gyaltsan and many other attendants of the master.

May there be auspiciousness!

The one whose renown permeates the world;
The great being holding aloft the banner,
Of the Second Buddha, happiness and wellbeing’s source:
At that great master’s feet we pray.

At the feet of the World Teacher with the ten powers,
You invoked the power of truth with pure superior intent,
Causing flowers to fall like rains.
We pray at the feet of that great master.

The Guide of all migratory beings both man and god;
The treasury of all knowledge and attainments in dharma;
The great hero who strove for the supreme liberation:
We pray at the feet of Choekyi Jhangchub.

The one whose greatness, on account of pure prayer,
Was like that of a second Buddha;
And was supreme Guide to fortunate ones of India and Tibet:
We pray at the feet of that great being.

In the sky of the great bliss of Dharmakaya,
The radiant orb of the three bodies of the Buddha is full circle,
Radiating a million rays of enlightened activities: We pray at the feet
Of that opener of a million lotuses of benefit and wellbeing.

We pray at the feet of Master Buton, the unrivalled
Amongst all those who are scholars and realized ones,
In upholding and spreading the Buddha’s teaching,
By example in teaching and practice.

With an intellect superbly trained from the past,
Your mind joyously bloomed in all profound paths.
With single-minded effort you attained supreme realization.
We pray at the feet of that supreme and realized master.

From the vast lotus gardens of phuntsog* merit,
Myriad lotuses, with hundreds of petals, of learning and practice, bloom.
The fragrant scents of good name and deed dispel the ancient sicknesses
Of migrant beings: At the feet of that master we pray.

By the wish-granting jewel of merit and wisdom,
You became a crown jewel of both man and gods,
Its hundred rays of good deed dispelling the dark ignorance
Of all migrant beings: At your feet we pray.

The vast celestial mansion of virtuous accumulation of merits,
Overflows with jewels of the good path of the three trainings.
We pray at the feet, of its dweller─a guide of all beings─
Attired in the magnificence of enlightened deeds.

In holding aloft the victory banner
Of the sutra and tantra teachings of the Second Buddha:
In this you are unrivalled in all three worlds.
We pray at the feet of this noble tutor.

The source of renown and wellbeing and happiness,
Is the Buddha’s teachings. May the chief of all who uphold this banner
Live for long for the sake of innumerable beings to be tamed!
May his phuntsog* enlightened deeds spread to the ten directions!

By the merit of praising in this manner, may we never be
Separated from the protection of noble spiritual mentors!
Progressing swiftly in the supreme vehicle’s path,
May we swiftly attain the state of the three kayas!

Footnotes

From Panchen Losang Chogyan, Collected Works, Vol Ca (5), folio 34a-35a (p. 83-85), Tashi Lhunpo woodblock print, Tibet.

*phuntsog: a compound word in Tibetan (of phun sum tsog) meaning the ideal combination of the three i.e. a good cause, its result and enjoyment of that result.

Tsem Rinpoche on Nov 27, 2018 at 7:50 am

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

Tsem Rinpoche on Nov 23, 2018 at 7:14 am

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

Tsem Rinpoche on Nov 20, 2018 at 12:13 pm

The Library of Tibetan Works and Archives is in Dharamsala, which is broken into two parts. Upper Dharamsala is where the Dalai Lama’s palace is located with his audience room and main prayer hall. It is also the location of the Dialectics School, Gaden Shartse’s guesthouse, restaurants, tourist hotels and main tourist areas.

A short ride down takes you to the lower part of Dharamsala where the Tibetan government is located. It is the location of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, Nechung monastery, the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, the Tibetan arts centre…it’s all in one area. And the reason why it’s split into upper and lower Dharamsala is because the area is mountainous.

The Library of Tibetan Works and Archives was established by the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government to preserve all the ancient texts – both secular and spiritual – of Tibet and in the process, translate them into various languages like English. This book, Overview of Buddhist Tantra, by Panchen Sonam Drakpa was one of the books translated into English. What’s very interesting is that the book very clearly says that Panchen Sonam Drakpa’s previous life is Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen, one of the five main disciples of Lama Tsongkhapa. It also says that after that, he was Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen.

So the book is basically saying that Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen, Panchen Sonam Drakpa and Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen – the three Drakpas – are of the same mindstream.

Now that’s very peculiar because if Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen’s previous life is Panchen Sonam Drakpa, the renowned composer of 45 volumes of Dharma texts, the abbot of three monasteries AND the 15th Gaden Tripa, the holder of Lama Tsongkhapa’s throne…if that’s the case, how can Panchen Sonam Drakpa take rebirth as Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen and become an evil spirit and have a negative mind?

Prior to Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen, he was Panchen Sonam Drakpa and before that, he was Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen, a heart disciple of Lama Tsongkhapa. How can a heart disciple of Lama Tsongkhapa reincarnate as the erudite master Panchen Sonam Drakpa, and then die and reincarnate as Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen…and then Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen, due to a bad and negative prayer, become the evil spirit Dorje Shugden? How is that possible? Logically, it’s not.

What’s incredible is that all of this was printed by the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives under the Dalai Lama’s guidance. They contradict themselves because on one hand, the Tibetan leaders say Dorje Shugden is an evil spirit. On the other hand they’re printing a book saying that Panchen Sonam Drakpa, whose later incarnation became Dorje Shugden, is of this illustrious mindstream.

So how can the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, which is under the auspices of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government, print the translation of a book composed by the previous incarnation of a so-called evil spirit? How can they then say in the book that Panchen Sonam Drakpa’s previous life is Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen, and his next life was Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen?

Prior to the Dorje Shugden ban and controversy, everyone in Tibet knew that Dorje Shugden is Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen, that Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen is Panchen Sonam Drakpa, and that Panchen Sonam Drakpa is Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen. The three Drakpas, they are one mindstream emanating again and again to benefit other beings.

And as we all know, Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen became Dorje Shugden so it totally doesn’t make sense to call him an evil spirit, then highlight all of his previous lives as erudite masters, and publish all of this information under their own library. So you can see the contradictions. You can read all of this for yourself in Overview of Buddhist Tantra, which was printed by the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives.

—–

OVERVIEW OF BUDDHIST TANTRA

GENERAL PRESENTATION OF THE CLASSES OF TANTRA,
CAPTIVATING THE MINDS OF THE FORTUNATE ONES

rgyud sde spyi’i rnam par bzhag pa
skal bzang gi yid ‘phrog ces bya ba bzhugs so

BY
PANCHEN SONAM DRAGPA
(Pan-chen bSod-nams grags-pa, 1478-1554)

O Choje Sonam Dragpa Pel! (Chos-rje bSod-nams grags-pa-dpal!)
In the vast expanse of Your bodhi-mind,
The mind that the Buddhas have lauded for as many as
one hundred times,
You have developed “merit” shining like the sun.
Through Your skill in learning, debate and writing,
As illuminating as one hundred thousand sun rays,
You have developed in You a complete knowledge of
the entire sutras and tantras,
Resembling a garden of flowers in full bloom.
The power of Your speech is like the sun;
The fame of your name has reached the three realms of
this world.
O Sonam Dragpa, the teacher of teachers!
I bow down at your feet.

In the vast garden of Your great teachings,
The intelligent young people gather for
The ‘six ultimates’ and the ‘four modes of transmission,’
Just as they are attracted to
The one hundred thousand types of nectar
Dripping from a flower of one hundred petals.
May I be able to experience
The taste of the secret tantra!

Panchen Choje Sonam Dragpa Pel (Panchen Chos-rje bSod-nams grags-pa-dpal), the holder of sutra and Vajrayana teachings, was a master whose outstanding learning and spiritual accomplishments are well known by all the learned ones in Tibet. His first incarnation came in the form of one of the five prestigious disciples of Lord Tsongkhapa (Tsong-kha-pa) and became known as Vinaya Holder (Dulzin) Dragpa Gyaltsen (Gragspa rgyal-mtshan). Then came Panchen Sonam Dragpa Pel (Panchen bSod-nams grags-pa-dpal), the author of the present text. The next was Nagri Tulku Dragpa Gyaltsen (mNga’-ris sPrul-sku Grags-pa rgyal-mtshan). In this way, a line of his incarnations, each with the Dragpa (gragspa) surname, followed successively.

Panchen Sonam Dragpa Pel (Panchen bSod-nams grags-pa-dpal) was born in the 14th century in Tsetang (rTsed-thang) in the Lhoka (Lho-kha) region of Central Tibet. He entered the great seat of learning, Sera Thekchenling (Se-ra theg-chen-gling) monastic university, where he became the personal disciple of spiritual master Donyo Dangden (Dhon-yod dang-ldan) and His Holiness the Second Dalai Lama Gedun Gyatso (dGe-‘dun rgya-mtsho). Under them, he studied the entire teachings of sutra, tantra and their commentaries, and became known for his outstanding learning. He also received from them the empowerments, reading transmissions, guides and instructions of the entire body of spiritual training. On becoming the fully blessed one, the Dalai Lama appointed him the abbot of the Loseling (Blo-gsalgling) college, one of the four colleges of Drepung (‘Bras-dpung)- the most prestigious monastic university in Tibet before 1959, with over 10,000 monks on its register. He continued to be the abbot of this college for the next six years; and after him the tenure for each of his successors in this position was fixed for a period of six years, a rule that is followed even today.

He was then appointed the head of the Gelugpa (dGe-lugs-pa) order, the throne holder of Gaden (dGa’-ldan), thus becoming the 15th regent of Lord Tsongkhapa (Tsong-khapa), the second Buddha. In his eulogy to him, Khedrub Gelek Pelsang (mKhas-grub dGe-legs dpal- bzang) says:

O Lama, the second successor of the Unsubduable One,
The regent of the Lord of Dharma,
You are the one who made the virtuous qualities thrive;
You are the one who ascended to the golden throne uplifted
by the fearless lions.
May Your success thrive forever!

He continued to be the throne holder for the next seven years, during which time he promoted the spread of Lord Tsongkhapa’s (Tsong-kha-pa) precious teachings, the Gelug (dGe-lugs) tradition, across the land in all directions. He also paid special attention to the practice of monastic rules and the learning and meditation of Buddhism in the monasteries such as Sera (Se-ra), Drepung (‘Bras-spungs), Kyomolung (sKyo-mo-lung), Phagmo Chode (Phag-mo chos-sde), Nyeding (Nye-sdings), Ödna (’Od-sna) and Chöde Rinchen (Chos-sde rin-chen) etc. and improved them to a great extent. He taught the Third Dalai Lama Sonam Gyatso (bSod-nams rGya-mtsho) as the latter’s spiritual master. It was from him that the Dalai Lama received the name Sonam (bSod-nams).

His contributions in the literary field are enormous; and, indeed, they are the most valuable of all his contributions. Tsongkhapa (Tsong-kha-pa) has rightly said:

Of all one’s deeds,
The ‘deeds of speech’ are the most valuable.

Panchen Sonam Dragpa Pel (Panchen bSod-nams grags-pa-dpal) was a person with an extraordinary talent for teaching, debate and writing. In his colophon to Bu mey chi don zab don sel wey dron mey (dBu ma’i spyi don zab don gsal ba’i sgron me), he wrote:

In the field of teaching, I am [next to none!] Knowing that
I would outdo them in this field, Arya Asanga and his
brother transmigrated into another realm.

In the field of debate, I am [next to none!] Knowing that
I would find out the areas they had contradicted and
that I would examine them and put forth my arguments,
the logician Dignaga (Digh-naga) and Dharmakirti tactfully
bypassed me.

In the field of writing, I am [next to none!] [In my eyes,]
Arya-sura was just good at spreading the works, which
are like ‘disputes~ between an insect and a field.’

I am the learned man. Peerless in the field of teaching,
debate and writing!

For some this passage might sound utterly nonsensical, but the most learned master of our age, the talented teacher, logician and writer, the late tutor to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Yongdzin Trijang Dorjechang (Yongs-‘dzin Khri-byang rDorje-‘Chang), said: “Now, some people of our time, who consider themselves learned scholars, think that this is utter nonsense; but they are wrong.”

Panchen Sonam Dragpa Pel (Panchen bSod-nams grags-pa-dpal) wrote over 45 volumes of books dealing with many different subjects, such as the commentaries on the sutras and tantras, the saddhana manuals of the tutelary deities, history, religious history and so forth. Among these, one that is very important for all who wish to learn and meditate on the path-of the practical aspect of Buddhism in general and that of Vajrayana in particular is the Leg shey gyu de chi nam par shagpa kelsang gi yi trod (Legs bshad rgyud sde spyi’i rnam par bzhag pa skal bzang gi yid ‘phrod). In this book, he has explained precisely how the four tantras differ from one another. He has also fully described the stages of the two spontaneous path practices of the Vajrayana tradition, dealing with the ‘six ultimates’ and the ‘four modes of transmission’, thus interpreting without mistake the intention of Adhi-Buddha Vajradhara.

May the reprint of this text, which the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives is publishing herewith, bring peace and happiness in this world!

Prof. Nawang Jinpa
St. Joseph’s College
Darjeeling
January 24 1996

Panchen-Sonam-Dragpa-Overview-of-Buddhist-Tantra.pdf

Pastor Adeline Woon on Sep 24, 2018 at 3:13 am

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

Joy Kam on Aug 13, 2018 at 1:55 am

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

Edward Ooi on Aug 10, 2018 at 8:17 am

For the first time available, Dorje Shugden and his entourage of 32 asssistants of his mandala.

Dorje Shugden is a powerful protector deity who is also an emanation of Manjushri, a wisdom bestowing Buddha. Therefore, he has great ability to help us to progress further on the spiritual path. He does this by helping us to overcome obstacles and problems for the modern individual.

Due to his enlightened nature, Dorje Shugden is able to manifest 32 deities and within the same abode resides Setrap and Kache Marpo:-

1. 5 Dorje Shugden families or emanations. They consists of the following:-

– Dulzin Dorje Shugden, which performs activities to eliminate inner and outer obstacles.
– Shize, which performs activities to pacify all illnesses and disease.
– Gyenze, which performs activities to increase all desirable material and spiritual wealth.
– Wangze, which performs activities to control difficult people and circumstances.
– Trakze, which performs activities to wrathfully eliminate all insurmountable obstacles and life-threatening situations.

2. 9 Mothers. They represent protection of the five senses and developing control of the four elements. These are all attributes that signify their ability to assist tantric practitioners with their higher meditations.

3. 8 Guiding Monks. They represent the Eight Great Bodhisattvas (Avalokitesvara, Manjushri, Vajrapani, Samantabhadra, Maitreya, Kshitigarbha, Akashagarbha, Sarva-nivarana-viskambini) and they bring about the growth of the Dharma, through the Sangha, Dharma practitioners and Dharma establishments.

4. 10 Youthful & Wrathful Attendants. They represent the ten wrathful attendants to avert inner and outer obstacles. They are beings who are from Mongolia, China, Kashmir, India, Bengali, etc.

5. Setrap. He is a senior Dharma Protector from India and an emanation of Amitabha Buddha. He had enthroned Dorje Shugden as an authentic Dharma Protector. Therefore, he also resides within the same mandala of Dorje Shugden.

6. Kache Marpo. He is not an emanation of Dorje Shugden but he is still an enlightened Dharma Protector in his own right. He was originally known as Tsiu Marpo of Samye Monastery. However, he has placed himself under the service of Dorje Shugden as his chief minister, performing many activities in order to protect and benefit practitioners. Therefore, he stands guard at the main entrance of Dorje Shugden’s mandala. He often takes trance of qualified mediums to speak.

7. Namkar Barzin. He is the reincarnation of an old Mongolian monk and when he passed away in Phari area of Tibet, his spirit was placed as a powerful assistant of Dorje Shugden. He guards and protects buildings and great institutions especially those that benefit others. He rides on a mythical Gyaling animal that resembles a goat but with scales.

These sacred images are available on *Vajrasecrets. They are made of high quality alloy and are one of a kind. They are based on the lineage of His Holiness Panchen Rinpoche’s monastery, Tashilhunpo in Shigatse, Tibet. In fact, the iconography of these statues are based on detailed photographs taken by H. E. Tsem Rinpoche during a trip to Tashilhunpo’s protector chapel. These are based exactly as the 10th Panchen Lama’s personal collection.

Dorje Shugden mandala: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=131570

Dorje Shugden’s benefit and practice: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=62422

Dorje Shugden’s origins: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=106424

Dorje Shugden chapel in His Holiness Panchen Rinpoche’s Tashilhunpo Monastery in Tibet: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=68698

*Stand not included

Joy Kam on Jul 25, 2018 at 1:46 am

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

Pastor Adeline Woon on Jul 23, 2018 at 4:09 am

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

Joy Kam on Jul 17, 2018 at 9:02 pm

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.

Valentina Suhendra on Oct 22, 2017 at 11:30 pm

Great message every Tibetan especially must read!

Tsem Rinpoche on Oct 1, 2017 at 4:38 am

It is wonderful that our Kecharian students have conceptualized a sacred chapel dedicated to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen. Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was a very famous and erudite master 400 years ago in Tibet. Due to intrigue within the Tibetan government at the time, they had him eliminated him. In order to cover the fact of what they did, they had all his teachings, writings, works and biographies destroyed. They banned his incarnation to appear which did not stop him at all. He kept returning but under another name to continue benefiting many beings as various well known high lamas. Some of his works survive in today’s Mongolia as his Mongolian students took them there for safety at the time and now preserved. He was the student of the great 4th Panchen Lama and he himself had thousands of students including Mongolian royalty. He was saintly and very popular and because of his popularity, jealous camps plotted to get rid of him. They were successful for a short while. For later on as he had promised, he arose as a supreme dharma protector Dorje Shugden. Holy beings can manifest in many different forms including Dharma protectors to benefit beings according to their karmic dispositions. This chapel in Bentong near Kechara Forest Retreat is opened and dedicated in his memory in order to commemorate his great works as well as to invoke his blessings. A chapel to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen, a holy man who was silenced during his life and now will not stay silent. His chapel is to invoke his blessings for all that come to worship to be blessed with healing, fortune, turn of luck, protection and granting of meritorious wishes. It will be a place to pray to clear our obstacles to deeper spirituality. The blessings of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen will bring us into a higher form of thinking. The lineage of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen is now being revived once more in Bentong, Malaysia. Congratulations to those students who are making this all happen. They are meritorious indeed. Their dedication, trust, confidence and faith in the holy Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen is reviving his lineage. Today while escorting his statue to the chapel, amidst a fully blazing midday sun, it immediately lightly drizzled as the sun continued to shine. All those present witnessed this unusual event exactly at the juncture of escorting his statue into the new chapel. This is considered an auspicious omen. We pray to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen that he will bless in many ways all who will visit his chapel from today onwards. Thank you, Tsem Rinpoche

Stella Cheang on Sep 6, 2017 at 2:44 pm

Thank you, Pastor David, for this sharing of the ancient Red Hat Karmapa lineage. It is eye-opening to know that rivalry for position and power was, and maybe still is, extremely prevalent in the anatomy of Tibetan Buddhism. Even though there is little in common between the Shamarpa lineage and Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen lineage, they both suffered tremendously, and as a result, the lineage is lost or broken. Their heritage of Buddha Dharma knowledge and practices are no longer recognized and hence, cannot benefit people who need it. It is akin to destroying the formula of one effective medicine so that the supplier of another medicine can profit and prosper from this obliteration. This is not Dharmic nor spiritual. May all sentient beings be free from suffering and the causes of suffering.

Anne Ong on Mar 28, 2017 at 10:06 pm

The Tibetan government is suppose to protect the dharma, but for political reason they do all kind of things just to shape the situation to be in their favor.It is disheartening to see Tibetan government interfering religious belief and human rights. This is not the spirit of a democratic country.Thank you Pastor David for your sharing. Thank you to Rinpoche and all the writers for all your hard work to share many interesting facts to make us understand better.

MartinC on Feb 9, 2017 at 4:58 am

This comment by Suzy posted on Tsem Rinpoche’s YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl-4lIwxph4&t=11s) speaks volumes of how the public is beginning to look beyond false rhetoric to see the goodness of this very important deity. Suzy confessed that she tried to avoid recognizing the beauty of the Shugden practice due I guess to old loyalties but the truth cannot be buried forever. Have a read.

Wan Wai Meng on Oct 27, 2016 at 11:12 pm

Spirituality and Politics are like water and oil, they do not mix well. Despite Tibet being labelled Buddhist, when the citizens of that country are samsaric there is bound to politics, the unenlightened will descend and gyrate towards politics.

When we look at present day the CTA is dabbling in politics, one faction against the other, suppressing those Buddhist faction that provide a challenge to their hegemony. Not creating more harmony but doing quite the opposite for their own selfish ends. The Dorje Shugden ban can solved, by the CTA, but they choose to split their people even much more.

Tsem Rinpoche on Sep 15, 2016 at 3:24 am

Trode Khangsar Chapel in Lhasa, Tibet

Over 400 years ago a great and learned lama Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was famed in Mongolia, Tibet, Nepal and China for being very saintly and compassionate. He resided in his residence (Zimkhang Gongma Ladrang) in Drepung Monastery. His root guru was H.H. the Omniscient 4th Panchen Lama and his close dharma brother was the 5th Dalai Lama.

The 5th Dalai Lama and Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen had a very close and dharmic relationship and often went to receive teachings together from the 4th Panchen Lama. They were close in age. They both became very learned and well known. During this time, the Dalai Lama was enthroned as a Dharma King of Tibet. But more people went to see Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen for teachings, initiations and divinations. This made the attendants of the 5th Dalai Lama feel threatened that Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s fame might usurp the power of the 5th Dalai Lama. So they had a khata forced down his throat. At that moment, Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen dissolved his psychic winds and generated the wish to be a great guardian of Buddha and Tsongkapa’s teachings. As his consciousness dissolved, he entered ‘bardo’ as a dharma protector of the highest order (jikten depey sungma). Many signs were seen throughout Lhasa at this time and the earth was said to have shaken in Lhasa. This event was already predicted to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s previous incarnation when he was one of the 8 main disciples of Lord Tsongkapa the Supreme Master and he served Tsongkapa directly by building Gaden Monastery.

When the 5th Dalai Lama heard what his scheming and power-hungry attendants had done, he was very distressed. He was very sorry Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was murdered and dishonored as he was a great dharma master. The 5th Dalai Lama composed an apology to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen. In Lhasa, tens of thousands gathered for the cremation of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s holy body. During the cremation, the 5th Dalai Lama’s apology was read out at which flames spontaneously arose from the body of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen commencing the cremation. From the body, during cremation, a powerful whirlwind of smoke tunneled into the sky for all to see as this was an indication Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s consciousness has arisen as the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden. The Dharma Protector Setrap immediately recognized this new protector Dorje Shugden and ‘enthroned’ him as a powerful Dharma Protector in the realm of the Buddhas. From this, Setrap and Dorje Shugden are closely connected and very close working hand in hand always. After the cremation, the great 5th Dalai Lama built a Dorje Shugden chapel on the spot the cremation took place and named it Trode Khangsar. The 5th Dalai Lama commissioned the statue of Dorje Shugden in this chapel and had monks installed in the chapel to do continuous propitiations to Dorje Shugden. Trode Khangsar Chapel was a commemoration to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen who was wronged and also a celebration of his consciousness arising as the World Peace Peace Protector Dorje Shugden.

This Trode Khangsar Chapel still exists now in Lhasa where many make pilgrimages there. It is in good condition and was recently renovated. It is over 400 years old and a testimony to the respect the Great 5th Dalai Lama had to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen who arose as Dorje Shugden.

I have visited this holy chapel in Lhasa years back. I’ve never heard of it till I was in Lhasa and by chance, I was told about it which I was happy to visit. I could not find the place but strangely a bunch of pilgrims from Amdo told me they would show me how to get there in Lhasa.

This short video is a short clip of this holy Trode Khangsar Chapel in Lhasa today commemorating Dorje Shugden, built by the great 5th Dalai Lama. The great 5th Dalai Lama even composed a prayer to Dorje Shugden which is still available today and we can recite to invoke the blessings, protection, and assistance of World Peace Protector Dorje Shugden.

Tsem Rinpoche

Read more: Trode Khangsar – A 400-year-old Dorje Shugden Chapel in Lhasa
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/dorje-shugden/trode-khangsar-%E2%80%93-a-400-year-old-dorje-shugden-chapel-in-lhasa.html

Short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTybDwTeLAM

__________________________________

The 5th Dalai Lama’s Prayer to Dorje Shugden

HUM
Though unmoving from the sphere of primordial spontaneity,
With wrathful turbulent power, swifter than lightning,
Endowed with heroic courage to judge good and bad,
I invite you with faith, please come to this place!

Robes of a monk, crown adorned with rhinoceros leather hat,
Right hand holds ornate club, left holds a human heart,
Riding various mounts such as nagas and garudas,
Who subdues the mamos of the charnel grounds, praise to you!

Samaya substances, offerings and torma, outer, inner and secret,
Favourite visual offerings and various objects are arranged.
Although, previously, my wishes were a bit dense,
Do not stop your powerful apparitions, I reveal and confess!

Now respectfully praising with body, speech, and mind,
For us, the masters, disciples, benefactors and entourages,
Provide the good and avert the bad!
Bring increase like the waxing moon in spiritual and temporal realms!

Moreover, swiftly accomplishing all wishes,
According to our prayers, bestow the supreme effortlessly!
And like the jewel that bestows all wishes,
Always protect us with the Three Jewels!

From: http://www.dorjeshugden.org/practice/the-5th-dalai-lamas-prayer-to-dorje-shugden

Tibetan prayer from: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/dorje-shugden/the-14th-dalai-lamas-prayer-to-dorje-shugden.html

Lin Mun on Aug 14, 2016 at 7:36 pm

It is disheartening to see Tibetan government interfering religious belief and human rights. This is not the spirit of a democratic country.

Although both Sharmapa and Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen have gone through different challenges set by the government but ultimately why would a government be involved in any of religion if it is not because of personal agenda and false basis?

I hope all this action will soon be stopped. Everyone deserve to learn and practise the religion that has been passed down by their Guru. What more if it has been practised by so many erudite lama and masters. The lineages must continue to benefit more people.

Datuk May on Jul 8, 2016 at 11:48 pm

It is such a shame that the Governing Body of Tibet will always choose to make choices that do not benefit Buddhism nor the people. That in my democratic mind is an act of injustice. All governments are supposed to work for the good of the country, the people and ideology (which in Tibet would be Buddhism as widely known).

Although the reasons for banning the reincarnation of the Sharmapa and Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen differ, the result is the same. To deprive the benefits that such great Lamas can continue their work lifetime after lifetime and turn the wheel of Dharma.

I rejoice that the Shamarpa lineage had been reinstated by the 16th Karmapa. And I hope that the search of the current reincarnation will be conducted and found without further interferences from current governmental authorities (CTA) and that the Shamarpa lineage will flourish.

What then is happening to the reincarnation of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen? Has the ban on this lineage progressed to the Ban on Dorje Shugden. As it is recorded that on Tulku Drakpa Gyelsten being murdered, He arose as Dorje Shugden.

As devotees of Dorje Shugden, we know that Tulku Dragpa Gyeltsen who is one with Dorje Shugden, is among us now.

May the day of recognition be with us now. May the Dalai Lama lift the Ban.

Wei Theng on Jun 22, 2016 at 4:34 am

Thank you Pastor David for the informative and well researched explanation on these two “banned” lines of tulku or reincarnation.

It is really sad to see that a government that is supposed to treat it’s people equally are mixing politics into religion and banning the practices of it’s people. It is especially sad that it is happened at Tibetan government (CTA) that practice Buddhism which is supposed to be kind and compassion to everyone.

For the Shamarpa, it has become the scapegoat for CTA’s failure to stop the advancement of the Gurka army all the way to Lhasa.

While for Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen, he was literally eliminated so that the 5th Dalai Lama will become the leader at that time. And now, DS becomes the scapegoat of Free Tibet.

Clearly, due to the greed, jealousy and for the political gains, CTA will just eliminate anybody. They will also use their victim as the excuses for their failure in managing the country. Due to this, so much bad karma has been collected by CTA.

No matter what happened, what we should do is to do our best to clear the name for the tulkus. Tulkus are rebirth for the purposes of benefiting sentient beings. Therefore we should support them to clear their names so that they can do more like their previous lives did to benefits many.

I pray that the ban for Dorje Shugden will be lifted soon.

With folded hands…

Chris Chong on Jun 21, 2016 at 11:48 pm

Dear Pastor David,

Thank you for sharing this article. It is very sad to see another prestigious and strong incarnation line had been wiped out by the Tibetan government for their own selfish agenda. So, after all Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was not the only reincarnation line being a target of the Tibetan government.

The Tibetan government is a bunch of up to no good guys that runs the government like their own play ground. They do as they like by eliminating their opponents by all means even if it means sacrificing lives of highly attained beings. One could only imagine the negative karma that they had created. I don’t understand how Tibetans are still turning a blind eye on their obvious wrong doings. Because of the selfishness of the leaders of Tibetan Government, Tibetan are still in exile and no place to call home. It is very sad to see high lamas are being humiliated and accused of things they did not do. Their goals of being reincarnated back is just to spread Buddha teachings and yet they are being treated so harshly. Their compassion for us to willingly endure these hardships is unimaginable.

Shane Jayasuriya on Jun 19, 2016 at 2:30 am

Thank you Pastor David for this invaluable article sharing with us. Its really sad to see politics effecting Dharma. If like this what will be in the future.. We lucky to have Dorje shugden on our side life time to life times, until we reach enlightenment. DS blessings!! _/\_

graceleong on Jun 17, 2016 at 6:11 pm

If I analyse it in the most simple manner, all the problems stem from Pride, Jealousy, Ignorance, maybe Anger and definitely lack of communication or miscommunication !!
In the case of the Sharmapa, the misunderstandings arose from the circumstances of ignorance and lack of trust; the government assumed that the Sharmapas are collaborating with the Gurkhas to bring down Tibet. In the midst of war, trouble and disharmony the Sharmapas became scapegoats and had to suffer for almost 200 years before being reinstated around year 1952.

As for the destruction of the lineage of Tulku Dragpa Gyaltsen, it stemmed purely from Jealousy from the 5th Dalai Lama’s disciples. They wanted the 5th Dalai Lama to have the power,edge and popularity (I guess so that they too can have the upper hand). Out of greed for all these “poisons” they decided to take the life of a human being, not just anyone, but one that have so much potential to benefit many sentient beings, Tulku Dragpa Gyaltsen ! How vicious and evil !! After killing him they also made sure all traces of his life vanishes from the surface of the earth !! Well, that was what they planned to do and did laboriously.
But as with the law of Karma and Merits, one cannot “bury” a Buddha. The Buddha is meant to help beings hence it will find its way to do so; hence the lineage of Tulku Dragpa Gyaltsen continues to live on despite all the efforts and obstacles created to bury him !!
The crusade to lift the ban on Dorje Shugden aka Tulku Dragpa Gyaltsen’s lineage will have to continue. The lineage and teachings have to be carried on so that it does not disappear as it is very precious and will bring benefit to many being’s sufferings !!

Thank you Pastor David Lai for your sharing. Thank you to Rinpoche and all the writers for all your hard work to share many interesting facts to make us understand better.

CindyH on Jun 17, 2016 at 8:19 am

This article articulates the detrimental effects when politics and greed successfully infiltrate and corrupt those who are meant to uphold the sanctity of religion. As everything is governed by karma, one can only imagine the total tally of their karma in denying so many from benefiting from the great masters and the destruction of so many holy texts, relics and items from such stainless lineages. Fortunately for us, such samsaric antics are nothing to the tulkus/enlightened beings who out of great compassion will nonetheless continue to reincarnate and bring benefits to many, with or without the trappings from before. That being said, the loss of such lineage in the first place actually also reflect the unfortunate and degenerate state of the collective karma of not being able to sustain such blessings and “losing” such lineages. Seeing that there is still glimmer of hope owing to the great compassion of such enlightened beings, we should all do our part in creating the causes and contributing towards the successful “re-emergence” of the same.

freon on Jun 17, 2016 at 2:32 am

Blog comments

Dear Pastor David,

This article makes my heartache after reading it. Such highly attain masters could be killed, harm and vanished for the selfish reason.

The Tibetan government supposes to protect the dharma, but for political reason they do all kind of things just to shape the situation to be in their favor. They do not consider preserving the Dharma or the Lama for the sake of sentient beings at all. In Sharmapa’s case they even can take away Sharmapa’s ceremonial hat, they could take away just like that without any respect. And The ruby-red crown was given by Karmapa not ordinary peoples. They can just removed it easily!

Same as the murdered of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen – Such a rare and highly attain master, they could just murdered, even without thinking about the karma!

All the while I thought Tibet is a Buddhist place that preserved dharma. Seem like it is not a place to preserved the dharma but the dharma is use to reach the Government’s goal to control situation that they can’t manage.

In Sharmapa case- Sharmapa was blamed trison, just because the Tibetan Government almost lose the battle between the Gurkha army. Followed by His incarnation line would not be officially reinstated.
Glad that the ban was lifted in 1963 by the Tibetan Government in Excile, following a request from the 16th Karmapa. _

In Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen case– The Govenrment was worried on the fame of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen will over take the Dalai Lama, thus H.H Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen have to be murdered and the search for His reincarnation was banned till today.

Now the ban on Dorje Shugden- Is the Tibetan government using Dorje Shugden as scapegoat to cover their weakness? Such as not able to return to Tibet as promise” Therefore, they create chaos within the refugees and within Tibetants so that they do not focus on the Tibetan government’s failure- The failure to secure the welfare of Tibetan.

How many more masters and dharma the Tibetan Government wanted to use to covered their mistake. For centuries, the tactics of Tibetan Government have cause confusion, chaos to the Buddhist. How long did Tibetan Government wanted to make people confuse just for their benefit?

May the Dorje Shugden’s ban be lifted. May the search for Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s reincarnation can be manifest.
Thank you

Vivian Ong on Jun 14, 2016 at 11:10 pm

Thank you Pastor David for the article. I can see clearly that Sharmapa and Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s line of incarnations are being hidden for the sake of the Tibetan Government’s own agenda. Both Sharmapa and Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen are great being who are reincarnated back to benefit others. Politics should never involved religion. Everyone have their religious freedom to choose their own religion which they are comfortable with and one should never talk bad about other’s religion.

shelly tai on Jun 14, 2016 at 1:30 pm

Thank you pastor David Lai for sharing such a detail information . Is very sad to know that the high lama being unfairly treated by right religion and politic are two different matters. By right the religious leader should be teaching the the holy Dharma but not getting involved in the worldly matters like politic this is very wrong as a country like Tibet over so many years the politician like to use religion to control their people .

Sarah on Jun 14, 2016 at 1:22 pm

These lineages may be banned but their followers ensure that the traditions live on and continue to benefit sentient beings. It is time to let go of these centuries-old conflicts and allow these great lineages to thrive and serve humanity. I pray that the issues be resolved swiftly and all parties work harmoniously to spread Tibetan Buddhism worldwide.

Frederick Law on Jun 14, 2016 at 2:03 am

Thank You Pastor David for this well research articles, it allows us to have further understanding of the situation that is happening to this 2 controversial reincarnation.

It is sad to see that the beauty of Tibetan Buddhism and its different lineage is be manipulated by leadership who due to their greed, and selfishness destroy the pure lineage of Buddha Dharma in Tibet. Political interference in Dharma has damage the reputation of Tibetan Buddhism, and rob sentient beings of great Master who are able to brings changes to the masses. But this was not the case for Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen and Sharmapa.

How can one trust Political Leader who ban and suppress certain lineage, reincarnation and practice for their mistake or greed for power, fame and fortune? But luckily that, truth will never be buried, and we see the re-emergence of the illustrious line of reincarnation of Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen and Sharmapa.

May Ong on Jun 13, 2016 at 6:43 pm

This is a short article and the title captured my attention. Pastor David managed to put together here an analysis for us to distinguish certain factors influencing the banning of certain Tibetan lineage and forbidding their students to search for their incarnations to have them formally recognized.

It was clearly pinpointed or spelt out that political factors played a major influence in the decisions to eliminate certain factions of a lineage in order to benefit the Tibetan government.

Luckily for us practitioners, these enlightened beings or tulkus who are bodhisattvas continued to reincarnate due to their sole intent to benefit others and not for selfish or political reasons to return to protect their sacred lineage.

Stella Cheang on Jun 13, 2016 at 3:52 pm

‘Tulku’ or rather the incarnation of attained high lamas has always been an established institution in Tibet to protect both the spiritual property as well as the worldly property the line of reincarnation. The properties will prove to be very useful for the lama to carry out their spiritual roles and responsibilities. Examples of incarnation lines are the Dalai Lama, Panchen Lama, Shamarpa and Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen. Unfortunately, not every line of incarnation gets to receive their share of the inheritance.

Two of these unfortunate lines of incarnation are Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen and Shamarpa. They were made scapegoat for the failure of the Tibetan governance of the day. In the case of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen, He had to be eliminated to make way for the 5th Dalai Lama to ascend to stardom of Tibet. In the case of Shamarpa, he was famed for being in cohort with enemy and the reason for the advancement of enemy army.

While Tibet is bestowed with abundance of precious incarnation of high lamas from pure lineage, it is not without controversial. As recent as the case of muddling in the selection of Karmapa read here https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/dorje-shugden/karma-kagyus-lodreu-rabsel-rinpoche-asks-the-dalai-lama-for-religious-freedom.html) to the suppression of the Jonang Lineage (read here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/the-jonang-lineage.html) and now the Shamarpa and Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen lines of incarnations; the Tibetan government exercise iron grip on their lamas in pursue of political agenda.

Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David for this insightful article.

Humbly, bowing down,
Stella Cheang

Pastor Tat Ming on Jun 13, 2016 at 9:42 am

For centuries Tibetans are endowed with the most precious object on Earth i.e. Tibetan Buddhism. Unfortunately, the political Intervention of the Tibetan government is causing tremendous damage to the preservation and spread of Tibetan Buddhism. The ban of two established lines of incarnations of high lamas i.e. Sharmapa and Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen are examples of the atrocities of the Tibetan government.

I pray for the formal reestablishment and the flourishing of these two illustrious incarnations swiftly.

Martin on Jun 12, 2016 at 9:49 am

These are little known facts about the Tibetan government and leadership. Religious power has always been wielded as a weapon in governance and we see the same thing happening in the Dorje Shugden ban today. For certain, the banning of the Shugden practice has nothing to do with the deity itself.

Personally, it is difficult for me to reconcile how on the one hand, Gaden Phodrang is supposed to be the body of Avalokiteshvara’s compassionate works and on the other hand, it can even ban the works of other enlightened beings. Not that it really can but to even attempt it.

The Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen and Shamarpa’s lines were not the only ones that have been denied and banned by the Tibetan government. During the Fifth Dalai Lama’s time, the Jonang lineage was similarly persecuted. Jonang monasteries were forcibly converted into Gelug insitutions, Jonang Shentong teachings were banned, its libraries closed down and books burned. And none of those oppression were due to philosophical differences but political/territorial ones.

The good news is, no one can ban the activities of the Buddhas and so we see today the return of the Jonang lineage, the Shamarpa and Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen in the form of the rise of Dorje Shugden.

Lew on Jun 11, 2016 at 1:58 am

Thank you for sharing these 2 “banned” lines of reincarnation. Though I have head the story of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen quite a number of times, the story still fascinates me. If anyone is interested in a more detailed story of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen, I find this article rather informative: http://www.dorjeshugden.org/blog/who-is-tulku-drakpa-gyeltsen

It is indeed sad to see religious is being mixed with politics, where human politics affects the spirituality. Due to people want to control power, greed, jealousy etc, many have used religion to “control” people. I think this is not something we would like to see when we practice our spirituality.

As mentioned in the article, Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen lineage has many great practitioners and masters, such as Magadha Sangmo, Birwapa, Thonmi Sambhota, Naropa, Ra Lotsawa, Sakya Pandita, Panchen Sonam Drakpa just to name a few. I wish the Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen lineage can be found and reinstated. The reason for reinstatement is simple: to let people to have faith in great masters who reincarnate back to benefit sentient beings. It is long overdue. Don’t you think so?

- Louise Lee on Jun 12, 2016 at 12:42 pm
  
  Lew 我非常的认同你的说法。
  
  可怜的政府，怎么可以把宗教与政治混在一起，分不清楚，这样只会搞出更多的混乱，让民众不安。
  
  宗教提倡和平，政府的工作是繁华社会，让国家与人民繁荣安定。怎么CTA 就浪费时间做这些控制宗教的东西呢！奇怪！　
  
Harold Musetescu on Jun 10, 2016 at 11:28 pm

Hello Pastor,
A well researched article and thank you for the wonderful photo of the statue Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen. It touched me very much.

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Comparison between the Shamarpa and Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen

Shamarpa

Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen

Comparing Both Incarnations

Click here to see more beautiful and updated photographs of Trode Khangsar, the Dorje Shugden chapel in Lhasa, Tibet which was built by His Holiness the 5th Dalai Lama: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=92148

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