Tagpu Pemavajra and Visions from Gaden Heaven
This is a painting of Tagpu Pemavajra which I have recently commissioned. As his pictures are very rare, I have made this available for you to download so you can learn more about this great master. Click on image to enlarge.
Dear students and friends,
I have always admired great Dharma masters from a young age. I remember seeing a picture of Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche when I was about 16-17 years old. I felt such a strong attraction to that picture of Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche and I still remember it clearly. Although I did not know who the lama was, or where he was from, or how great he was… I naturally felt close to him. So I always kept a picture of Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche with me from then on. It was only later in life, years after first being attracted to Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche’s image did I come to know who this great lama was.
Since I admired Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche, this also naturally made me admire his guru, Tagpu Pemavajra. Tagpu Pemavajra was a highly attained lama who had many authentic visions of the Buddhas and even received direct teachings from them. For example, he was a great devotee of the goddess Tara, propagated the Cittamani Tara Tantras to many who were qualified, and even received direct visions of Tara herself. Upon Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche’s request, Tagpu Pemavajra also travelled to Tushita, the heavenly abode of Lama Tsongkhapa. There he received the complete cycle of teachings on Dorje Shugden as well as Dorje Shugden sogtae (life entrustment initiation).
Such teachings are received from the Buddhas either to revive those that were lost due to broken lineages, or when new teachings are needed or are more effective for beings in our current generation. Tagpu Pemavajra was one such lama who was attained enough to receive these teachings for the benefit of others. Although he was not a widely famous lama such as His Holiness the Dalai Lama or His Holiness the Panchen Lama, his pure visions of the Buddhas were highly respected and definitely authentic.
So I wanted to share with you the story of this great master, who is one of our lineage masters, so that you can appreciate where the practices we engage in originate from and also to be inspired. Just as it is stated in the Lam Rim, we should learn the biographies of the great masters as it will benefit our practice. So please do make the effort to learn about the various lineage lamas as it will help you to build unshakable faith in their teachings.
Tsem Rinpoche
The Fourth Tagpu, Pemavajra Jampel Tenpai Ngodrub
Tagpu ‘Pemavajra’ Jampel Tenpai Ngodrub is more commonly known amongst the high lamas and scholar-geshes as Tagpu Dorje Chang. Although lesser known to the ordinary practitioner, he was instrumental in the development of the modern-day Dorje Shugden practice within the Gelug tradition. This great master took rebirth in 1876 in Naksho, Kham province, Tibet. Although the Tagpu line of incarnations were Gelug lamas, they were known more for their extraordinary meditative experiences that arose from their meditations in isolated places rather than scholarly pursuits in monasteries and debate courtyards so often associated with the tradition.
There are several lists of the Tagpu incarnation lineage, with some omitting the earlier incarnations. One particular source from the early 19th Century lists the incarnation lineage as follows:
- Gushri Pelden Dondrub (1382-1466)
- Zhangpo Chogyel Tenzin (unknown)
- Ngawang Chodrak Zangpo (1493-c.1559)
- Lobsang Tenpai Gyeltsen (1714-1762)
- Lobsang Chokyi Wangchuk (1765-c.1792)
- Ngawang Lobsang Tenzin (b.1808)
- Lobsang Dondrub
- Jampel Tenpai Ngodrub (1876-c.1935)
Therefore, if historians were to follow this list above, Jampel Tenpai Ngodrub would be the 8th Tagpu incarnation, immediately after Lobsang Dondrub who is the 7th.
However, the Tagpu incarnation line is also closely associated with the name ‘Garwang’, which is a contraction of ‘Gargyi Wangpo‘. This is a name that was particularly used by Lobsang Chokyi Wangchuk (the 5th Tagpu, according to the list above). It was Lobsang Chokyi Wangchuk who originally called himself Gargyi Wangpo in his writings that detail his meditative astral-travelling experiences.
Lama Tsongkhapa (center) with his main disciples. When Tagpu Pemavajra travelled to Tushita, which is the heavenly abode of Lama Tsongkhapa, he received from Dorje Shugden himself the complete cycle of teachings on the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden.
In the second volume of his collected works, Jampel Tenpai Ngodrub identifies himself as the 4th Gargyi Wangpo. This suggests that Chokyi Wangchuk was the first ‘official’ Garwang incarnation and for this reason, Gelugpas today generally consider Jampel Tenpai Ngodrub to be the 4th Tagpu incarnation.
Lobsang Tenpai Gyeltsen (the 4th in the above list of incarnations) was the teacher of Changkya Rolpe Dorje and disseminated many profound teachings to him including the 13 Golden Dharmas from the Sakyas and in particular, the Vajrayogini cycle of teachings. In fact, he was one of the earliest Gelug masters to compose a commentary on the Naro Kacho lineage of Vajrayogini and influenced Changkya Rolpai Dorje to practice Vajrayogini extensively. Both masters would meet again when Lobsang Tenpai Gyeltsen took rebirth as Tagpu Pemavajra and Changkya Rolpe Dorje as Pabongka Rinpoche.
Whatever the case may be, the Tagpu line of incarnations have always been known to be highly attained meditators, renowned in particular for their pure visions of deities. They are also known for their ability to astral travel to various pure lands and receive special teachings and lineages from the Buddhas there. The most famous Tagpu incarnation for such pure visions was Lobsang Chokyi Wangchuk or, as he called himself, Garwang Chokyi Wangchuk or just Gargyi Wangchuk. He received what are known today as the Thirteen Pure Visions of Tagpu, and these teachings contain deity practices such as Hayagriva, Amitayus, Avalokiteshvara and Tara that arose from a series of visions. The most famous of these visionary practices is that of Cittamani Tara, a unique form of highest yoga tantric practice centred around the Buddha Tara. These teachings descend directly from a vision of Tara herself.
Tagpu Pemavajra entered Drepung Loseling Monastery near Lhasa in 1888, when he was just 12 years old. There he engaged in monastic education, which traditionally involves the study of Pramana (logic and dialectics), Madhyamaka (middle way view), Prajnaparamita (perfection of wisdom), Vinaya (monastic codes of conduct) and Abhidharma (epistemology). In 1894, he completed his studies and returned home to Naksho.
Cittamani Tara. The Tagpu line of incarnations is very closely associated with Tara, having directly received teachings from her.
When he turned 30, he traveled to Lhasa and spent much of his time at Chuzang Ritroe, a famous hermitage above Sera Monastery, which is not far from Lhasa. It was at Chuzang that he met and taught his most famous of disciples, Kyabje Pabongka Dechen Nyingpo (1878-1941). Pabongka Rinpoche made many requests for teachings, which resulted in Tagpu Pemavajra bestowing a number of important transmissions. Needless to say, these included the composition of a new initiation manual for the Thirteen Pure Visions of Tagpu. It was also at Chuzang Ritroe that Pabongka Rinpoche would meet and teach the young lama Trijang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso (1901-1981), more commonly known as Trijang Rinpoche and who later became one of the tutors of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
According to one account, Pabongka Rinpoche was prompted by Dorje Shugden via an oracle to compose a life-entrustment initiation ritual text. Subsequently, Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche presented an initial ritual text that he had composed to Tagpu Pemavajra and made the request for him to travel to Maitreya’s pure land of Tuṣhita, in order to receive teachings on Dorje Shugden.
A rare picture of Tagpu Pemavajra
The Gaden tradition is named after this pure land and it is also believed to be the realm in which Je Tsongkhapa Lobsang Drakpa (1357-1419), the founder of the Gelug tradition, currently resides. Upon arriving in Tushita, Tagpu Pemavajra requested the teachings on Dorje Shugden from Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen (1357-1419). However out of reverence to his teacher who was also present, Duldzin requested permission from Je Tsongkhapa. Consequently, Je Tsongkapa lifted the silks from his throne and from under the throne, the entire mandala of Dorje Shugden manifested and Tagpu Pemavajra received the complete life entrustment initiation from Dorje Shugden himself.
Upon returning to his earthly abode, Tagpu Pemavajra conferred the complete cycle of teachings to Pabongka Rinpoche, who later disseminated the teachings throughout the Gelug tradition. Hence, Pabongkha Rinpoche’s record of initiations lists the lineage holders of Dorje Shugden initiation from Tagpu Pemavajra as follows:
- Jampel Nyingpo or Je Tsongkhapa (in his form in Tushita)
- Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen
- Tagpu Pemavajra
- Pabongka Dechen Nyingpo
The ruins of the ancient Buddhist university of Nalanda Monastery in India. Tibetan Buddhism draws its roots from such monasteries and carries on the Buddhist practices from ancient India
Today, the widespread acceptance of Tagpu Pemavajra’s mystical visions are highly unusual as lineages and teachings that have arisen from visions and termas are not easily accepted within the Gelug tradition. This is because the Gelug lineage lamas identify themselves as the heirs to the Kadampa tradition of the Indian master Dipamkara Srijnana Atisha which emphasises humility and monasticism. The Kadampa model of practice is to adopt the outer practice of Hinayana, the inner practice of Mahayana and the secret practice of Tantra. Hence, tantric attainments are never shown and throughout much of Gelug history, it was forbidden to openly display powers attained through tantric practice. In fact, in the past major monasteries would even expel monks who publicly displayed clairvoyance or other tantric attainments. So, it is highly unusual that Dorje Shugden’s life entrustment initiation, the Cittamani Tara practice and others are so widely accepted. The only reason they would be practised at all within the Gelug lineage is because the high lamas have ascertained the efficacy of these practices and the lamas who practise them have achieved auspicious signs as well.
The Kadampa tradition of not revealing attainments or tantric powers stems from the ancient monasteries of Nalanda (pictured), Vikramashila, and others.
Tagpu Pemavajra made a number of significant trips to Lhasa. In 1923, he set out for Tibet’s capital and arrived soon after that year’s Monlam Chenmo or Great Prayer Festival. Just like on previous travels, he met up with Pabongka Rinpoche with whom he travelled to Takten Cave where he again had a number of visions, including one of Dromtonpa Gyelwai Jungne (1005-1064).
As a young monk, His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche received teachings, initiations and transmissions from Tagpu Pemavajra. This learned scholar and master practitioner later became known as the ‘teacher of teachers’, and would be selected as the tutor of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
On this trip to the central region of U-Tsang, Tagpu Pemavajra managed to meet the young lama Trijang Rinpoche. A lama named Sharpa Tulku had requested Tagpu Pemavajra to give a set of teachings and initiations on his own pure visions to a group of seven people including Trijang Rinpoche and the Regent Takdrak Dorjechang Ngawang Sungrab Tutob (1874-1952). Trijang Rinpoche also privately received the secret jenang empowerment of Cittamani Tara directly from Tagpu Pemavajra. This happened to be the final empowerment of a series of three jenang empowerments on Cittamani Tara. The other two are the essential outer torma initiation and the inner body mandala initiation. He also received the Glorious Grant of Immortality long-life initiation, which arose out of a vision by the yogi Tangtong Gyalpo (1365-1434) – a practice that Tagpu Pemavajra had also bestowed on Pabongka Rinpoche during an earlier visit.
Having tremendous faith in Tagpu Pemavajra, Trijang Rinpoche requested divination concerning the deity to focus on as his main practice and what would happen to him at the end of his life. Tagpu Pemavajra was said to have made this request directly to Tara herself, and she responded with an eight-line poem that seemed to please Trijang Rinpoche very much. Apart from Pabongka Rinpoche, Trijang Rinpoche, and those mentioned above, Jampel Tenpai Ngodrub had many other illustrious disciples, students, and patrons from the highest echelons of Tibetan society, such as the Prime Minister Lochen Shatra Peljor Dorje (1860-1919).
Tagpu Pemavajra also gave many teachings on and initiations of Heruka’s practice
Upon conferring the teachings, Tagpu Pemavajra returned to his homeland in Kham. Sometime in the late 1930s, he made a trip back to Lhasa. Upon arriving, he gave even more teachings and transmissions to Pabongka Rinpoche, including specific lineages of the Lam Rim and Lojong teachings, completion stage teachings of the Guhyasamaja Tantra and the Six Yogas of Naropa, along with the initiations and instructions on Heruka Cakrasamvara and Cittamani Tara.
As a mark of their close relationship, Tagpu Pemavajra also received teachings from Pabongka Rinpoche, his own student, on several occasions. These included the teachings on the completion stage practice of Heruka and the initiations contained in the collection of sadhanas called Rinjung Gyatsa or The Hundred Which are a Source of Jewels.
Along with his vision of Dorje Shugden, Tagpu Pemavajra had numerous other mystical visions. While at Chuzang Ritroe, he beheld a vision of the 62-deity body mandala of Heruka Cakrasamvara who bestowed the four initiations (wang shi) on him. He was also able to uncover the location of a previously unknown sacred cave called Takten located near Chuzang Ritroe, which turned out to be a holy place associated with Heruka. While engaging in retreat at the Nyang Caves near Samye Monastery, he beheld an extensive vision of Padmasambhava, his consorts, and a whole retinue of disciples. This dispels the prevalent view that Pabongka Rinpoche was apparently sectarian. His own guru, whom he received his most precious teachings from, held Padmasambhava in high regard and he surely followed suit. Even Pabongka Rinpoche’s own student, Trijang Rinpoche went on to bestow Padmasambhava empowerments and related teachings to the public when necessary.
Aside from Dorje Shugden, Tagpu Pemavajra is also an important lineage holder of the close lineage of Cittamani Tara and he is believed to have had visions of the goddess Tara herself. The Tagpu line of incarnations is well known to be able to communicate with Tara through such visions. The Cittamani Tara cycle is unique in the Gelug tradition because it was originally taught by Tara herself as a anuttarayogatantra (highest tantra) practice, instead of kriyatantra (the lowest class of tantra) which Tara is usually associated with. This is why it contains teachings on both the generation and completion stage practices, as well as the necessary empowerments, which are all elements of the highest tantra class.
The Cittamani Tara cycle was later classified by Pabongka Rinpoche as being part of the Mother Tantra class (Tibetan: ma gyud). Following the passing of Tagpu Pemavajra, the main lineage holder of this cycle was Pabongka Rinpoche and then Trijang Rinpoche. In fact, both of these lamas went on to compose a number of important texts on this tantra. Since then, the Cittamani Tara cycle has been widely disseminated throughout the Gelug tradition.
Pabongka Rinpoche himself travelled to Naksho several times in 1926 and 1935 in order to visit Tagpu Pemavajra. On his first trip to Naksho, Pabongka Rinpoche also visited Drubde Monastery, also known as Ganden Lukzang Kunphel Ling in Driru Dzong that was originally established by Tagpu Pemavajra in 1920. Tagpu Pemavajra bestowed teachings and initiations on Pabongka Rinpoche during these visits, which include the transmission of the Ganden Nyengyu teachings such as Lama Chopa (Guru Puja), a number of Lam Rim teachings, the Thirteen Pure Visions of Tagpu and especially the life-entrustment initiation of Dorje Shugden in the close lineage, which he had received in Tushita.
Their final meeting was in 1935, and soon after, Tagpu Pemavajra entered clear light. Officially, his passing was listed as being in 1922, but in both Trijang Rinpoche’s and Pabongka Rinpoche’s biographies, he lived well past 1923. This in fact matches other sources as well, including the biographies of several Chamdo lamas from the same period, who received teachings from Tagpu Pemavajra in the 1930s.
Source: http://www.treasuryoflives.org/biographies/view/Pemavajra-Jampel-Tenpai-Ngodrub/P231
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
Disclaimer: The text above was sourced from legitimate book-hosting services offering texts for free download. It is made available here for purely educational, non-commercial purposes.
For more interesting information:
- The Tsongkhapa category on my blog
- The Dorje Shugden category on my blog
- The Great Lamas & Masters category on my blog
- The Pabongka Rinpoche category on my blog
- The Trijang Rinpoche category on my blog
- Cittamani Tara
- Dorje Shugden Retreat: A powerful practice to fulfill wishes
- Incomparable Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche | 无与伦比的嘉杰·帕绷喀仁波切
- The Collected Works of H.H Pabongka Rinpoche
- What Others Say About H.H. Pabongka Rinpoche
- Lord Tsongkapa, King of the Dharma
- The Life Story of Lama Tsongkhapa in art
- Benefits and Miraculous Signs of Lama Tsongkhapa’s statues
- Huge outdoor Tsongkapa!
- HH Kyabje Zong Rinpoche teaches Gaden Lhagyama
- The Mind and Lama Tsongkhapa
- Tsongkhapa Prayers
- 15 Thangkas of Lama Tsongkhapa’s Life Story
- TRANSCRIPT – Lama Tsongkhapa (24th July 2008)
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Tagpu Pemavajra was a highly attained lama who had many authentic visions of the Buddhas. Amazing he had even received direct teachings from them. He had 13 vision from different deity of their practice such as Citamani Tara and Dorje Shugden. Tagpu Pemavajra was indeed a great master that passed down the complete teachings, practice, and the initiation of Dorje Shugden, to benefits countless sentient beings,generations after generations. Hence Dorje Shugden practice has been passed on from Tagpu Pemavajra to the present time. He had played an important role in the Gelug tradition.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing of a great highly attained master well known for his astral travel especially for his pure visions of deities.
Mantras are sacred verbalized words that invoke the protection and blessings of the deity to whom the mantra is ascribed. Mantras are also the manifestations of Buddhas in the form of ‘sounds’, hence the various mantras of Dorje Shugden contain the essence of the Protector.
Dorje Shugden’s main mantra 多杰雄登主要咒语
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA SOHA
Dorje Shugden’s mantra for peace 平和咒语
For gaining attainments through the energy of Peaceful Shugden, peace of environment and mind, harmony in one’s abode and dwelling area, and calming of disasters
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA SHANTI SIDDHI HUNG
Dorje Shugden’s mantra for health 福寿安康咒语
For long life, increasing life, healing of disease and protection from diseases
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA AYU SIDDHI HUNG
Dorje Shugden’s mantra for increase 增长咒语
For gaining great merits and increase of all necessary needs, both material and spiritual
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA PUNYE SIDDHI HUNG
Dorje Shugden’s mantra for control 控制咒语
Of worldly deities, negative people and nagas and for influencing friends towards the positive
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA WASHAM KURU HO
Dorje Shugden’s mantra to grant protection 庇护咒语
Visualize that you are in the Protector’s mandala, fully protected from outside interferences. Recite when in danger or for dangerous situations, for protection while travelling or when residing in dangerous/hostile places
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA RAKYA RAKYA HUNG
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videouploads/comment-1544345059.mp4
Dear friends,
Tibet has produced many powerful meditations, rituals and guidelines to help us gain spiritual protection, gain wisdom and higher states of consciousness. In general Tibet has produced many powerful methods for the growth of our spiritual evolution. Dorje Shugden is an angel, a saint, a powerful spiritual protector-warrior who originated 350 years ago when a highly awakened Tibetan Lama fulfilled his vows to become a special being to grant protection, wisdom, material needs, safety when travelling (normal and astral travel) and spiritual awakening. Both the Great 5th Dalai Lama and the current His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama composed short yet effective prayers to invoke upon the power and blessings of this special saint and protector. One can recite either one of the prayers that you feel suits you, anytime or even daily. When you feel a special need for help, you can recite either prayer anytime. When you are feeling down, afraid or just need a blessing, you can recite them. After reciting either invocation, it is good to chant the mantra of Dorje Shugden: Om Benza Wiki Bitana Soha.
You do not have to be a Buddhist or practitioner of any religion to invoke upon the blessings and protection of this special enlightened and awakened angel Dorje Shugden. He helps all without discrimination or bias as he is filled with compassion and love. Divinity has no boundaries, they help all who call upon them.
Enclosed are the prayers in English, Chinese and Tibetan.
May you be safe, protected and blessed.
Tsem Rinpoche
More on the Great 5th Dalai Lama and Dorje Shugden – https://bit.ly/2w7KHv6
More on H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama and Dorje Shugden – https://bit.ly/2QdaL4n
Chapel (Trode Khangsar) built by the Great 5th Dalai Lama dedicated to Dorje Shugden in Lhasa – https://bit.ly/2zBTd8M
—
亲爱的朋友们，
西藏产生了许多有助于我们得到精神庇佑、取得智慧和更高层次之觉悟的强大禅修法、仪式和教诲。总括来说，西藏产生了许多有助于我们在修行上取得提升的强有力方法。多杰雄登是一个天使，一位圣人和一名护法战士。他的崛起始于350年前，当一位高度觉悟的西藏高僧履行本身的承诺，化身为特别的护法，赐予我们守护、智慧、物质需要、出入平安（平日外游和神游时）和灵修上的觉醒。任何人都可以随时随地在任何时候念诵适合自己的祈愿文。当你需要特别的帮助时，你可以随时念诵任何一篇祈愿文。当你感到沮丧、恐惧或仅是需要加持时，你也可以持诵这些祈愿文。在念诵任何祈请文后，你应该接着念诵多杰雄登的心咒：嗡 班杂 维格 毗札那 娑哈 Om Benza Wiki Bitana Soha。
要祈请多杰雄登这位特殊、觉悟和觉醒的天使赐予加持和庇佑，你无需是佛教徒或任何宗教的修行者。他总是没有分别或偏见，充满慈悲和慈爱地帮助一切众生。神圣是没有界限的，圣者会帮助有求于他的任何人。
以下附上英文、中文和藏文的祈愿文。
愿你平安，常受庇护和加持。
尊贵的詹杜固仁波切
更多关于第五世达赖尊者和多杰雄登护法的内容 — https://bit.ly/2zsC3tG
更多关于第十四世达赖尊者和多杰雄登护法的内容 — https://bit.ly/2r4aaDN
第五世达赖尊者为多杰雄登护法在拉萨建造的护法殿（布旦康萨）— https://bit.ly/2zBTd8M
Divination (‘mo’) Text by Dorje Shugden
This is an important divination (‘mo’) text composed by Dorje Shugden himself. Dorje Shugden took trance of the Choyang Dulzin oracle lama, the senior oracle of Gaden Shartse Monastery, and instantly on the spot composed this text within two hours.
The divination text contains information on how to use dice to do divination for the future and is known to be highly accurate. When practitioners use this text, they will be in direct contact with Dorje Shugden to get answers to questions about the future. It is for those who have good samaya with Dorje Shugden and are free of the eight worldly dharmas to be of benefit to others in divining the future.
Tsem Rinpoche
DS-MO-choyang.pdf
Be blessed with these rare videos featuring explanation and advice about Dorje Shugden practice by His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche in his own voice. The teaching was requested by Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, one of the earliest masters who taught Tibetan Buddhism in the West.
Video 1: H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche Explains Dorje Shugden Initiation and Benefits (With English Subtitles)
Kyabje Zong Rinpoche was an erudite scholar, ritual master and practitioner of the highest degree from Tibet. At the request of Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, one of the pioneers who taught Tibetan Buddhism in America, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche gives clear explanation and advice about the life-entrustment initiation of Dorje Shugden and how to go about the practice and get the maximum benefits in this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzFMvlxAqtc&feature=youtu.be
Video 2: H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche speaks on the History and Lineage of Dorje Shugden (With English Subtitles)
In this video, an erudite scholar, ritual master and practitioner of the highest degree from Tibet, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche talks about the incarnation lineage of Dorje Shugden and how the practice arose, with examples of Dorje Shugden’s previous lives that reveal his powerful spiritual attainments and contributions. This very rare teaching was given at the request of Kyabje Zong Rinpoche’s student, Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, one of the pioneers who taught Buddhism in the West to many disciples since the 1970s.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIzKSJgK618&feature=youtu.be
For more information: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/great-lamas-masters/kyabje-zong-rinpoches-advice-on-dorje-shugdens-practice.html
For the first time available, Dorje Shugden and his entourage of 32 asssistants of his mandala.
Dorje Shugden is a powerful protector deity who is also an emanation of Manjushri, a wisdom bestowing Buddha. Therefore, he has great ability to help us to progress further on the spiritual path. He does this by helping us to overcome obstacles and problems for the modern individual.
Due to his enlightened nature, Dorje Shugden is able to manifest 32 deities and within the same abode resides Setrap and Kache Marpo:-
1. 5 Dorje Shugden families or emanations. They consists of the following:-
– Dulzin Dorje Shugden, which performs activities to eliminate inner and outer obstacles.
– Shize, which performs activities to pacify all illnesses and disease.
– Gyenze, which performs activities to increase all desirable material and spiritual wealth.
– Wangze, which performs activities to control difficult people and circumstances.
– Trakze, which performs activities to wrathfully eliminate all insurmountable obstacles and life-threatening situations.
2. 9 Mothers. They represent protection of the five senses and developing control of the four elements. These are all attributes that signify their ability to assist tantric practitioners with their higher meditations.
3. 8 Guiding Monks. They represent the Eight Great Bodhisattvas (Avalokitesvara, Manjushri, Vajrapani, Samantabhadra, Maitreya, Kshitigarbha, Akashagarbha, Sarva-nivarana-viskambini) and they bring about the growth of the Dharma, through the Sangha, Dharma practitioners and Dharma establishments.
4. 10 Youthful & Wrathful Attendants. They represent the ten wrathful attendants to avert inner and outer obstacles. They are beings who are from Mongolia, China, Kashmir, India, Bengali, etc.
5. Setrap. He is a senior Dharma Protector from India and an emanation of Amitabha Buddha. He had enthroned Dorje Shugden as an authentic Dharma Protector. Therefore, he also resides within the same mandala of Dorje Shugden.
6. Kache Marpo. He is not an emanation of Dorje Shugden but he is still an enlightened Dharma Protector in his own right. He was originally known as Tsiu Marpo of Samye Monastery. However, he has placed himself under the service of Dorje Shugden as his chief minister, performing many activities in order to protect and benefit practitioners. Therefore, he stands guard at the main entrance of Dorje Shugden’s mandala. He often takes trance of qualified mediums to speak.
7. Namkar Barzin. He is the reincarnation of an old Mongolian monk and when he passed away in Phari area of Tibet, his spirit was placed as a powerful assistant of Dorje Shugden. He guards and protects buildings and great institutions especially those that benefit others. He rides on a mythical Gyaling animal that resembles a goat but with scales.
These sacred images are available on *Vajrasecrets. They are made of high quality alloy and are one of a kind. They are based on the lineage of His Holiness Panchen Rinpoche’s monastery, Tashilhunpo in Shigatse, Tibet. In fact, the iconography of these statues are based on detailed photographs taken by H. E. Tsem Rinpoche during a trip to Tashilhunpo’s protector chapel. These are based exactly as the 10th Panchen Lama’s personal collection.
Dorje Shugden mandala: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=131570
Dorje Shugden’s benefit and practice: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=62422
Dorje Shugden’s origins: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=106424
Dorje Shugden chapel in His Holiness Panchen Rinpoche’s Tashilhunpo Monastery in Tibet: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=68698
*Stand not included
His Holiness the 10th Panchen Lama
Tibetans commonly refer to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and His Holiness 10th Panchen Lama as the “sun and moon” of Tibetan Buddhism. They are the center of Tibetan Buddhist civilization, which draws to its sphere of influence millions of non-Tibetan practitioners. The Panchen Lama’s incarnation line began with the 16th abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, Lobsang Chokyi Gyeltsen (1570 – 1662). He was bestowed the title of Panchen Lama by His Holiness the 5th Dalai Lama after being declared as an emanation of Amitabha.
After being given the title, his three previous incarnations were posthumously also bestowed the title, making Lobsang Chokyi Gyeltsen the 4th Panchen Lama. He became a teacher to many Tibetans, Bhutanese and Mongolian religious figures, including His Holiness the 4th and 5th Dalai Lamas, and the 1st Jetsun Dampa of Mongolia. A prolific author, Chokyi Gyeltsen is credited with over a hundred compositions, including a number of commentaries and ritual texts that remain central in the Gelukpa tradition today. Along with his role as a teacher of the Dharma, the Panchen Lamas are usually responsible for the recognition of the rebirths of the Dalai Lamas, and vice versa.
The 10th Panchen Lama, Lobsang Trinley Lhundrub Chokyi Gyeltsen (19 February 1938 – 28 January 1989) continued both the spiritual and political roles of his predecessors. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, his contemporary, was even heard to say and echo the Panchen Lama’s own words that the Dalai Lama would safeguard Tibet from the outside while the Panchen Lama would safeguard Tibet from the inside, as he never left Tibet after the political troubles of 1959. He was truly loved by the Tibetans, all the way until his passing. When he taught, thousands of people would attend, not only from his own Gelug lineage, but masters and practitioners from all traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.
At his sprawling monastery of Tashi Lhunpo, he has a special chapel specifically dedicated to Dorje Shugden, where prayers and rituals are performed on a daily basis. In his great omniscience the Panchen Lama held Dorje Shugden as the principal Dharma protector of the monastery. He also personally propitiated Dorje Shugden among other Dharma protectors, and even wrote extensive prayers and rituals to Dorje Shugden. These rituals and prayers are contained within his ‘sung bum’ or collected works, which are provided here. As such a great lama, with an erudite and clear understanding of the Buddhist scriptures, a teacher to millions in both Tibet and China, from an established incarnation line and an emanation of the Buddha Amitabha, he could not be mistaken about his practice of Dorje Shugden.
His Holiness 10th Panchen Lama is known for his composition of commentaries and practice texts that are still in use by contemporary Buddhist practitioners both in Tibet and across the world. One of these is a powerful ritual composition propitiating the compassionate Dorje Shugden.
Upon the request by Acharya Lobsang Jangchub to compose a shorter version of the prayer (sadhana) for the exhortation of activities of Dorje Shugden, Panchen Lama immediately composed an abbreviate form of Dorje Shugden’s Kangsol. This text is entitled “Manjunatha’s (Tsongkapa) Lineage protector Dorje Shugden and five forms wrathful propitiations and confessional prayers and fulfilment of activities rites” or “Melodious sound of Accomplishment of the Four Activities” for short. Once the prayers were completed, he had signs and strong feelings that Dorje Shugden has been working hard to protect the Buddhadharma in general and the lineage of Lama Tsongkhapa specifically.
Mirroring the abilities of one of his earlier incarnations, Khedrub Je, a disciple of Lama Tsongkhapa and master of both sutra and tantra, the Panchen Lama used his compositional skill and poetic prowess to create a masterful sadhana. Worthy of note is a praise in which the first letter of each verse is a Tibetan vowel. Such compositions are rarely seen, and have historically only been used when propitiating senior Dharma protectors such as Palden Lhamo and Kalarupa.
The Panchen Lama also stated that while composing the Dorje Shugden sadhana (prayers) he was filled with a sense of happiness and bliss. He ends the composition with not only his official title but his ordination name, Tenzin Trinley Jigme Choje Wangchuk, endorsing the validity of his work. He composed the sadhana in his own Tashi Lhunpo monastery while in the Hall of Clear Light and Bliss.
See the Panchen Lama’s writings and download: https://bit.ly/2KIfeXb
This elderly & innocent monk in India was brutally attacked, find out why. Shocking – https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=163953
“If the Dalai Lama, if His Holiness the Dalai Lama can be harmed by Dorje Shugden, then we might as well not practice Buddhism anymore. If His Holiness the Dalai Lama can have his life shortened by a so-called evil spirit, any evil spirit, then can he be Avalokiteshvara? So on one hand you say, we say, I say, everybody says, he is Avalokiteshvara; on the other hand you’re saying that he can be harmed by an evil spirit… Which one is it? Can he be harmed by an evil spirit or is he Avalokiteshvara? Do you think Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri, Vajrapani, Tara all take refuge in something else to protect themselves from Dorje Shugden? How illogical is that? How illogical of people to say His Holiness the Dalai Lama can be harmed by an evil spirit, any evil spirit or “Dorje Shugden” evil spirit. How is that possible?” – Tsem Tulku Rinpoche
Photo: His Holiness the Dalai Lama, young Tsem Tulku Rinpoche and Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s tutor Kensur Rinpoche Jampa Yeshe
DON’T MISS THIS! FANTASTIC NEW GREAT STUFF! High quality videos redressing the misinformation about Dorje Shugden practice and people and the current sad Tibetan situation and why they are losing ground in the world. Powerful and truthful – CLEAR VIDEOS – https://bit.ly/2LJbo35
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
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
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.
Dear everyone,
Please go over these must reads. There are four short biographies. They are not very long. But read them carefully and please understand them well and retain the information. Three of them are very inspiring as well as surprising:
1. https://treasuryoflives.org/biographies/view/Takpu-Pema-Vajra-Jampel-Tenpai-Ngodrub/TBRC_P231
2. https://treasuryoflives.org/biographies/view/Pabongkha-Dechen-Nyingpo/P230
3. https://treasuryoflives.org/biographies/view/Third-Trijang-Rinpoche-Lobzang-Yeshe-Tendzin-Gyatso/TBRC_P2596
4. This is the one that killed TDG- https://treasuryoflives.org/biographies/view/Depa-Norbu/13614
Ask Pastor Niral or Pastor David about anything you don’t understand. They will be happy to clarify. Tsem Rinpoche
Isn’t this just lovely?! Look at these cute Tibetan kids singing praises to Dorje Shugden during Losar celebration in Tibet! Great blessings to all – Click to watch! ???
https://video.tsemtulku.com/chat-videos/chat-1519938132.mp4
Will the CTA (Tibetan govt in exile) and their supporters in East and West say voodoo is evil and cannot be practiced too? Will they advise against Voodoo and say its a demon’s practice and people who practice are bad too? Truth be told, no one has the right to say anything about anyone’s religion. Listen to what this man says in the short snagged clip because he speaks well and with the truth.
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videouploads/comment-1519934791.mp4
Watch the rest of the video on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0_syJQBteA
This excerpt of the Swiss Television documentary presented in 1988 is a painful reminder of the hypocrisy and the sad reality of the oppression, discrimination, and ostracisation of Dorje Shugden practitioners. For 20 years, Dorje Shugden practitioners have endured this and no one supported their fight as the Tibetan leadership in exile continues to undermine their effort by denying the existence of this ban, and silencing their voice by peer pressure, flooding the media and fooling the general public with accusations that Shugden practitioners are political tools supported by the Chinese government to create discord within the Tibetan community. Please listen to their plea and please share this video far and wide to end this injustice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gis2vaURT40
I have enjoyed tremendously reading about Tagphu Pemavajra, and his various accomplishments. It is no ordinary lama who can be bestowing initiations to Je Pabongka, and to have started many lineages of practice like Cittamani Tara it was no simple feat.
The Gelug tradition is quite rigorous and they look in detail when new teachings and practices, and the fact that Cittamani Tara practice is still being proliferated still till this day shows that there are practitioners who have gotten the results of the practice.
Tagpu Pemaraja belonged to a line of great mahasiddhas and highly attained meditators, renowned in particular for their pure visions of deities. They are also known for their ability to astral travel to various pure lands and receive special teachings and lineages from the Buddhas there. Tagpu Pemaraja is particularly close to us as he is the guru of Pabongkha Rinpoche . It was he who travelled to Gaden( Tushita )heaven to request for the complete teachings,prayers and practice of Dorje Shugden and received it from Dorje Shugden himself! He is instrumental in the development of the modern day Shugden practice within the Gelug tradition.
Tagpu Pemavajra is also an important lineage holder of the close lineage of Cittamani Tara and he is believed to have had visions of the goddess Tara herself. The Cittamani Tara cycle is unique in the Gelug tradition because it was originally taught by Tara herself as a anuttarayogatantra (highest tantra) practice. it contains teachings on both the generation and completion stage practices, as well as the necessary empowerments, which are all elements of the highest tantra class.Both the Cittamani Tara tantra practice and the Dorje Shugden practice were received through Tagpu Pemaraja and practiced by great Lineage masters – Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche and Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche. Thus it is most surprising that, while the Cittamani Tara tantra practice is widely and unquestionably accepted, the Dorje Shugden practice has received the most illogical and baseless objections to the point of a ban being imposed on its practice.
If we have equal faith and trust in the Lineage and the Lineage holders, there should never have been any doubt or question about any practice.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing with us such elaborate article on our lineage.
This short article really presented a short biography of Tagpu Pemavajra and how authentic our practice of Dorje Shugden is. It clearly shows the origins and how many great masters and lamas practiced Dorje Shugden.
I enjoy learning of our practice’s origins and great biographies of great masters.
Thank you.
first of all I would like to say hello to all and respect to all from my heart,
For me this article is fantastic
I felt very well that as far as the great gurus, It’s great to know,
It’s glad to know more the Pabongka Rinpoche’s and Tagpu Pemavajra story,
Thank you for sharing..!!
It is amazing what Tagpu Pemavajra and his line of incarnations accomplished. I rejoice for everyone who learns about this amazing line of masters. He has so many visions such as Cittamani Tara and He went to Gaden Heaven to receive the entire practice from Dorje Shugden Himself.
He is unmistakenly the root teacher of H.H. Pabongka Rinpoche and there is no reason at all that the ban on Dorje Shugden could be of any justification as all his other practices are valid and no problem is seen with them. So how could there be any fault with Dorje Shugden? This makes no sense.
It is also said in the article: “Some followers of the Gelug tradition consider Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen as one of the two heart sons of the original Je Yabsesum, until a later tradition replaced him with Khedrub Gelek Pelzang (1385-1438).” It was already mentioned previously that the Tibetan Government could erase the whole lineage of a master in the way we see here with Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen. This is very wrong as there is no fault with the master but the motivation to erase the lineage of an attained being such as Dulzin was very wrong and has for sure very bad karma.
Tagpu Pemavajra are incredible gelup master who had 13 vision from different deity of their practice such as Citamani Tara and Dorje Shugden. When this practice pass down to Pabongka Dorja Chang and Trijang Dorje Chang. Both master had master this practice and gain attainment during their live time. No doubt they are no mistake from this practice and lineage had pass down to many gelupa lama.
Is nice to know previous incarnation of Trijang rinpoche also received direct teaching from Tagpu Pemavajra and received precious teaching of Citamani Tara practice. This show this practice have powerful blessing to pass down future generation.
It is fascinating to know the story of the great master, the Guru of the Gurus in our lineage. Tagpu Pemavajra was indeed a great master that passed down the complete teaching and practice, and the initiation of Dorje Shugden, so that it will benefit generations after generations.
Again, this obviously shows that the ban on Dorje Shugden practice is illogical. Cittamani Tara and Dorje Shugden was passed down from the same Guru in the same lineage, not only to H.H Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche, but to great master like H.H Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, and yet, Trijang Rinpoche who got the Dorje Shugden practice from his Guru was the tutor of H.H The 14th Dalai Lama. If saying that practicing Dorje Shugden is practicing spirit, then all the great Masters including H.H Dalai Lama’s tutor, H.H Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche practiced spirit. In that case, what practice did H.H Dalai Lama got from his tutor H.H Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche?
Tagpu who went up to Gaden Heaven to receive Dorje Shugden practice from Lama Tsongkhapa, in view of this, Dorje Shugden has been said to be the protector of Lama Tsongkhapa lineage is definitely not fake, he arose from a great master where his name was comparable with the great 5th Dalai Lama, and even superseded Dalai Lama and became the most famous master at that time, how can such high lama passes and became a spirit? Doesn’t make sense.
I have heard of this many times where Tagpu Dorje Chang ascended to Gaden Heaven, but I didn’t know it was Pabongka Rinpoche who requested Tagpu to go Gaden Heaven, this is really mind blowing as how can an ordinary person like me can understand the systems of these enlightened beings, their actions and their motivations? Since it is out of our understanding level, then how can CTA so sure that Dorje Shugden is a spirit and not a Buddha and instructed a ban on his practice? This is really making no sense.
Dorje Shugden practice has been passed on from Tagpu Pemavajra –> Pabongka Rinpoche –> Trijang Rinpoche –> Zong Rinpoche –> Tsem Rinpoche, it is being practiced from generations after generations until today we receive his teaching from H.E. the 25th Tsem Rinpoche, all these high Lamas has such great achievements and contributions towards the growth of Dharma, if without any of them, I would say Dharma may not be what it is today, we would not be able to receive such great teachings of Dharma to change our life, and just because of Dorje Shugden practice, all of them suddenly became bad Lamas? Does this make any sense to you?
Both Cittamani Tara and Dorje Shugden teaching are from the same lama. However people practicing the Cittamani Tara and criticizing the lineage lamas for practicing Dorje Shugden. Don’t you think is a big conflict here. In one hand they say the lineage lama is wrong because of practicing Dorje Shugden and in another hand they trust other practice that the lamas pass on. This is just confuses themselves and others. In one hand Tibetan leadership said Dorje Shugden is demon worship, in another hand they keep recognizing the reincarnations of lamas who engaged in the Dorje Shugden practice. Obviously this is very illogical.
Great beings could appear in our lives in different form, their purpose of appearing is same to benefit all sentient beings. They are here to demonstrate us that whatever they ve done in their lives can be perform by us too because before they became great they were once ordinary. The lineage, story and background of Dorje Shugden and great masters are beautiful and inspiring.??
It’s glad to know more the Pabongka Rinpoche’s and Tagpu Pemavajra story. Thank you for sharing..!!
TEST
I like the part where Tagpu Pemavajra went to Tushita upon requested from Pabongka Rinpoche to receive teaching on Dorje Shugden by Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen. With much respect to his teacher at present, Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen requested permission from Je Tsongkhapa. The entire mandala of Dorje Shugden manifested under the throne of Je Tsongkhapa when he lifted the silk, and Tagpu Pemavajra received complete life entrustment initiation from Dorje Shugden.
How will Dorje Shugden been said as spirit where many great lamas received his teachings and reincarnated life after life? If Dorje Shugden is a spirit, there won’t be continuous reincarnation of great erudite masters and subsequently many will rebirth in three lower realms. The CTA have made a lot of illogical statements that confused the Tibetans.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing such informative article of Dorje Shugden.??
Such a great article ?In this article, I was able to learn who Pabongka Rinpoche’s Guru was and the great Lamas from the Gelug lineage. These great masters practices Cittamani Tara (higher tantric practice) and also Dorje Shugden.
Yet another master who does Dorje Shugden practice and reincarnate lifetime after lifetime. It cannot be possible all masters of Tibetan Buddhism cannot know if Dorje Shugden is not Buddha but a spirit. If Dorje Shugden is really a spirit then where does all attainments come from practising Dorje Shugden and also how will Tagpu Pemavarja be attained in the first place. Interesting read.
Its amazing to read and learn that Tagpu is such a learned master. To be able to astral travel to get direct teachings shows how attained He is. And if He is attained wouldn’t He know if Dorje Shugden and His practice is authentic and also an emanation of Manjushri? Wouldn’t Pabongka Rinpoche, also an attained master, His student, know whether Dorje Shugden is a Buddha or not? It wouldn’t be logical to say they don’t know as they are such great master recognized by many other great masters.
And those who practice Cittamani Tara yet do not recognize Dorje Shugden as Manjushri is just being selective. It wouldn’t make sense coz they both came from the same master, the same lineage. Then what about Trijang Rinpoche who is the tutor of HHDL? They are also of the same lineage.
I like very much this drawing and the explanation by Rinpoche. Tagpu Pemavajra may outwardly look like a simple monk but his great attainments are told here in details.
If The Cittamani Tara cycle is accepted and being practised as part of the Mother Tantra class then the life-entrustment initiation of Dorje Shugden in the close lineage should be accepted and practiced without being branded demonic by the Tibetan leaderships. After all, both teachings were from the same teacher.
It’s always important to know the lineage of a practice and able to trace back the origin of the practice. This article is a great sharing showing how the authentic Dorje Shugden practice came about and who are the lineage masters that passing it down.
Tagpu Pemavajra not only disseminated Dorje Shugden practice but also many other great practices such as Six Yogas of Naropa, Hayagriva, Amitayus, Avalokiteshvara, Lam Rim, Tara and many more. The most famous visionary practice from Tagpu Pemavajra is Cittamani Tara because it was originally taught by Tara herself which is being practice until today.
Since this great master had such an attainment that had benefited many people from his various teachings, how could he be mistaken for Dorje Shugden practice as a spirit practice as claimed by the Tibetan leadership. If many people had gain attainments from Cittamani Tara practice that disseminated by Tagpu Pemavajra how could Dorje Shugden practice became a spirit practice which Tagpu Pemavajra personally received the teaching at Tushita heaven.
This article had shown the true lineage of the practices in Gelupa lineage that make me think in a logical way that if we believe in Tagpu Pemavajra attainment which he had disseminated so many great practices which is still being practice until today through the lineage masters then all of his teaching and practices should be pure, authentic and beneficial. People should not be selective on his practices due to his attainment.
Thank you for having this article posted. Before was only read about how Dorje Shugden arose from dharma protector from Dulzin Drakpa Gyelsten, Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen, now even great masters Tagpo Pemavajra went to Tushita to requested the teaching of Dorje Shugden from Dulzin Drakpa Gyeltsen and with respect and Dulzin requested his teacher who is Lama Tsongkhapa to give Dorje Shugden life time entrustment to Tagpo Pemavraja.
Tagpo Pemavajra bestowed his teachings and initiations to Pabongka Rinpoche dwhich include the transmission of the Ganden Nyengyu teachings such as Lama Chopa (Guru Puja) that that most of the Gelug monestries recited it and best part is Tagpo Pemavajra gave Dorje Shugden teachings to Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche which is tutor of His Holiness 14th Dalai Lama. Till now these high lamas is still reincarnating to human realms to teach and spread dharma which contradicted of what Central Tibetan Administration mentioned that “people or lamas do practice Dorje Shugden will reborn in 3 lower realms.”
Having studied more about our lineage master and also the origin of Dorje Shugden practice made me have more faith in the practice now. It also shows that Dorje Shugden practice is not a demonic practice because it comes from a highly attained master who also gave Cittamani tara teachings and other teachings that are very prevalent in Gelug monasteries now. How can someone accept Cittamani Tara teachings but reject Dorje shugden teachings as they come from the same master. If Dorje Shugden is a demon practice then the practitioner is a demon practitioner. They should disregard all teachings coming from that lama because they will not be reliable anymore. Hence, it is not logical to only ban dorje shugden practice and not other practice from Tagpu Pemavajra. So, If many monks are practicing Cittamani Tara now and find it authentic, it will not be logical for Dorje Shugden pactice to be a demon practice.
Learning about Tagpu Pemavajra really reinforce the greatness of our lineage Gurus and the practices that our Guru has so kindly given us or aspire to receive in this lifetime. From Tagpu Pemavajra our lineage received such illustrious practices like anuttarayogatantra practices of Cittamani Tara and protector practices of Dorje Shugden. His student, Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche was no less impressive having given us the Lamrim amongst other of his accomplishments. Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, who wrote the Lamrim as taught by Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche and Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, the Root Guru of Rinpoche were also attained masters, equally impressive in their accomplishment. With such qualities of our lineage Gurus, we should understand the greatness of our own Guru, H.E. the 25th Tsem Tulku Rinpoche and the preciousness of the Dharma teachings & practices Rinpoche holds so purely. My faith can only grow stronger in my Guru. Thank you Rinpoche for sharing such attainments of our enlightened lineage master.
As directed, we should learn the biographies of the great masters as it will benefit our practice! Once we attained the effort to learn the various lineage Lamas, it will greatly help us to build unshakable faith in their teachings. Tagpu’s line of incarnation have always been known highly attained meditators, renowned in particular for their pure visions of dieties. They are also known for their ability to astral travel to various pure lands of Tushita and leave special teachings on Dorje Shugden and their lineages from the Buddhas there and Lama Tsongkapa himself! As such, what’s more to doubt the authenticity of the practice of Dorje Shugden himself! The most famous Tagpu incarnations for such pure vision was lobsang Choki Wangchuk. These teachings contain diety practice such as Hayagriva, Amitayu, Awalokiteshvara and Tara that arose from a series of visions. Most famous is that of Cittamani Tara, a unique form of higher yoga Tantric practices is that of Cittamanitara. These teachings descend from a vision of Tara herself. Thank you kind Rinpoche, for the sharing of this profound knowledge to enhance our faith on the great Protector, Dorje Shugden!
Tagpu Pemavajra Jampel Tenpai Ngodrub played an important role in the Gelug tradition. Although he is less well-known, he was highly attained meditators, especially for his pure visions of deities. He had the ability to astral travels to various pure lands and receive special teachings and lineages from the Buddha directly.
In the Tagpu line of incretions, the most famous with pure visions was Lobsang Chokyi Wangchuk. He received practices such as Hayagriva, Amitayus, Avalokithesvara, Tara in various forms, and all these practices we known as the Thirteen Pure Visions of Tagpu today. The most famous visionary practice is Cittamani Tara, a unique highest yoga tantric practice decensed directly from a vision of Tara herself.
Tagpu Pemavajra met and taught his famous disciples, Kyabje Pabongka Dechen Nyingpo when he spent his time at Chuzang Ritroe. It was also at Chuzang Ritroe Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche met and taught the young lama Trijang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso, who later became one of the tutor of H.H the 14th Dalai Lama.
Pabongka Rinpoche was prompted by Dorje Shugden via oracle to compse a life-entrustment initiation ritual text. He presented his work to Tagpu Pemavajra and made request so that Tagpu Pemavajra travel to Tushita to receive teachings of Dorje Shugden. Later on Tagpu Pemavajra conferred the complete cycle of teachings to Pabongka Rinpoche. From there the teachings spread throughout Gelugpa lineage.
What struck me in my mind was this line | The Kadampa model of practice is to adopt the outer practice of Hinayana, the inner practice of Mahayana and the secret practice of Tantra | in this post. Now I understand why our Guru Tsem Rinpoche never displays any signs of clairvoyance even though his students knew he has this ability, for he need to display humility. The second point that struck me was the authentic pure lineage that our guru Tsem Rinpoche has passed on to his student in this age.
Since Tagpu Pemavajra can astral travel, he was requested to go to Tushita to receive the teachings on Dorje Shugden from Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen but due to the presence of Lama Tsongkhapa, Duldzin requested permission from his teacher instead. And that was how the complete life entrustment initiation from Dorje Shugden himself was obtained by Tagpu Pemavajra. Wow! How fortunate we are as practitioners here to follow an authentic pure lineage from Tushita, Duldzin and Lama Tsongkhapa himself. What more is there to doubt the authenticity of the practice of Dorje Shugden.
谢谢仁波切关于塔普莲花金刚如此详细的资料。
塔普莲花金刚虽然并不是名气非常响亮的大师， 不过他在维护和弘扬格鲁传承的教法中扮演者举足轻重的角色。 上世纪的一位大师， 帕绷喀仁波切的上师就是塔普莲花金刚。
塔普莲花金刚历代转世都可以直接与度母沟通， 并从度母直接得到度母无上瑜伽密续– 如意摩尼度母法门。 现今这个法门已经在格鲁传承广传。 还有一个现在非常特殊的法门就是多杰雄登的仪轨和授命灌顶。 塔普莲花金刚是到兜率天向持律主扎巴坚赞请求此法， 然后由宗喀巴大师传授给塔普莲花金刚。 到今天多杰雄登已经是一个非常显赫的法门。
虽然说格鲁传承很少有伏藏或由佛菩萨直接传授的法门， 不过塔普莲花金刚却是其中一个特殊案例。 很多大师修行塔普莲花金刚所传授的法门后都得到成就， 所以这些法门都成为格鲁传承珍贵的发教， 包括达赖喇嘛也有给予如意摩尼度母的灌顶。
谢谢
It’s amazing and awe inspiring to read such accounts of attained masters and to know where our lineage come from and who these enlightened masters are.
Tagphu Pemavajra is known for being the first lama to transmit the lineage of Dorje Shugden . That’s wonderful now I know a little more. He emanated several great lineages, each being well respected and remembered as a great practitioner. As well as for being the most influential teacher to Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche, the father of the Gelugpa lineage, teachings and practices.
Tagphu Pemavajra is renowned for Astral-traveling to Tushita Pure Land and received the completed instruction on the practise of Dorje Shugden.
Dorje Shugden practises had been transmitted from Pabangka Rinpoche to Trijang Rinpoche, Trijang Rinpoche to Zong Rinpoche and Zong Rinpoche to Tsem Rinpoche. We are fortunate to have learned the practise then through Rinpoche.
Thank you Rinpoche for this insightful article to deepen my knowledge.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing.
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Great to know about Tagpu Pemavajra.
Tagpu Pemavajra was a highly attained lama who had many visions of the Buddhas. Upon Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche’s request, Tagpu Pemavajra travelled to Tushita, the heavenly abode of Lama Tsongkhapa and received the complete cycle of teachings on Dorje Shugden and Dorje Shugden sogtae.
Thank you and we are indeed fortunate.
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From this history of a great Lama, Tagpu Pemavajra, teacher of Pabongka Rinpoche, teacher of Trijiang Rinpoche who is teacher to the 14th Dalai Lama, it is clear that the Gelug lineage masters are authentic and real.
As recorded in history, Tagpu Pemavajra astral travelled to Gaden (Tushita) heavens to request from Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen the entrustment initiation of Dorje Shugden. On request to Je Tsongkapa, the whole text of Dorje Shugden was given to Tagpu Pemavajra who then gave to his heart pupil, Pabongka Rinpoche.
With such records it is only logical that the worship of Dorje Shugden is a gift from our lineage (Gelug) founder Je Tsongkapa and as such any falsity on this practice is but a myth.
Thank you Rinpoche for this profound knowledge to enhance our faith in our King Protector, Dorje Shugden.
testing
A very interesting article which always intrigues me about how high lama achieved their attainments and from where their line of incarnation came from. What caught my interest about this story is that Tagpu Pemavajra pure visions and received teachings from Buddhas., and also received the complete life entrustment initiation from Dorje Shugden himself. He was also able to communicate with goddess Tara and able to astral travel to receive teachings. How wonderful it would be if we were able to have this kind of attaiments. Also learned why Gelug high lamas are not encouraged to openly display their powers. Really an educational write up which i always find amazingly interesting! Thank you very much Rinpoche and blog team for this wonderful story ??
Dear Rinpoche,
From my quick read-up on this article, there were few things that caught my attention and would like to research more :
1. It mentioned that Tagpu Pemavajra had visions including the one of Dromtonpa Gyelwai Jungne (1005-1064). What was it and will it be related to Dorje Shugden’s issue? As I know Dromtonpa is said to be the previous incarnation of H.H. Dalai Lama.
2. Would like to read more on the 13 Pure visions of Tagpu
3. Wonder what’s the significant of “lifting silk” from Lama Tsongkhapa’s throne?
4. I’ve read that Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche actually received DS practice directly from Tagpu Pemavajra as well. Hence, out of respect to His Guru Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche, Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche is considered as the 5th Lineage Holder?
5. Trijang Rinpoche requested divination concerning the deity to focus on as his main practice and what would happen to him at the end of his life. Tagpu Pemavajra was said to have made this request directly to Tara herself, and she responded with an eight-line poem. Am curious what’s the poem and the prediction ?
6. Lastly, why was Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen being replaced by Khedrup Je as the heart son?
Will read and find out more. Thank you Rinpoche