I pray to what I want to
(中文翻译请点击这里：https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=57247)
This is respectfully addressed to all spiritual aspirants,
Whether our teacher is famous or high profile or not should not matter in our trust, belief and loyalty towards our teacher. Whatever our teacher disseminates to us should have a lineage and since it has brought benefit to others in the past for hundreds of years, why doubt? Teachings must have a lineage and if our teacher has explained the lineage to us and we have accepted it, then go all the way with it without further doubts. In this case, more people or less people following a teacher does not make the teacher more or less genuine. Many great masters are obscure and choose that on purpose. What makes the teachings alive and potent is our trust, devotion and loyalty in our teacher coupled with transforming our minds. When we lose faith or criticize our teacher, we criticize his lineage, his teacher, his students and his sincerity because everyone is intertwined. When we criticize and leave our teacher, no matter how many new teachers we meet and take teachings from, there will be no results according to Vajradhara. This advice is very important. We must face that truth and overcome our anger, egos and wrong views. If we genuinely have a problem with our teacher that cannot be overcome, speak to the teacher, share and explain and if it doesn’t work, ask permission to go to another teacher. Even when we have gone to another teacher, we should never criticize or attempt to damage the teacher we had left. Why? Because that teacher did impart Dharma to us. We should speak respectfully of our past teachers and remember their kindness. He did spend time, show love and shower us with gifts and perhaps our karmas are different. We cannot scorn everyone who doesn’t match our projections. Don’t forget this ever. Being grateful is a necessary component of higher attainments, hence we recall our teachers and lineage lamas in all higher practices (sadhanas) of any tantric deities daily. We recite the liturgies of invoking on our teacher’s and lineage teachers’ blessings daily in our meditations and sadhanas. The reason is to develop a sense of being grateful and taking nothing for granted. Therefore we should not criticize even our lineage lamas or listen to the criticism of them by others. To have doubts in our lineage lamas or criticize them or agree with criticism in any way also impairs the ability to gain attainments in any of the higher tantric practices. The practices such as Yamantaka, Kalachakra, Gyalwa Gyatso, Cittimani Tara, Vajrayogini, Heruka, Guhyasamaja and Hevajra all have daily invocational liturgies to our root and lineage lamas. These are recited daily and their blessings are invoked upon daily.
Trijang Rinpoche with his close disciples and students Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa. It's a very warm and loving picture which I've always enjoyed seeing and wanted to share.
For example, within the Gelugpa lineage lamas, we have Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche, Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, etc. Every single day, within our major meditational practices, we recite their names daily and invoke upon them to bless us to have success in our practices. It seems it has become something of a political correctness for some ignorant people to criticize these great lamas and say they have mistaken views, wrong practices and have led their students wrongly. We see this more and more. So for a Gelugpa practitioner where we have to do Yamantaka, Guhyasamaja and Heruka practices daily, in each of these we have to invoke upon these three lineage gurus. So how is it that in our meditations everyday we view them as enlightened beings and invoke upon their blessings, and then we turn around and hear certain people criticizing and belittling them? How do we come to terms with this? By ignoring what other people say because they speak from ignorance, lack of understanding and lack of respect for whom we have chosen as our teachers? No one should disrespect our choice and our teachers because it is religious freedom. It is also religious freedom to criticize but what benefit does it bring us and them to criticize our lineage lamas? I have personally heard with my own ears people criticizing His Holiness the previous Panchen Rinpoche and destroying his pictures, and calling him a traitor 20 years ago. I have heard people criticize the 16th Karmapa as headstrong, not a scholar and basically just gave a lot of initiations, an opinion which I did not agree with. I have also come across people who heavily criticize Dudjom Rinpoche, Penor Rinpoche and some of the Sakya patriarchs of the past. They have many disciples and students who see them as attained beings and/or living Buddhas. For their students, these lamas are attained beings and living Buddhas, and they derive beneficial blessings to gain benefits from their practice. They invoke upon their blessings daily as part of their tantric meditations. So, shall I believe the detractors against these lamas or the ones who see them as highly realized beings? Of course it would benefit me and them to see them as highly realized beings. In samsara, the pleasure of one can be the scorn of another. What is precious to another can be poison to others. We can compliment or criticize and it is our freedom of speech and religion to do so, but let’s not carry this freedom too far by hurting the sentiments of the followers of these great masters. To me, Pabongka Rinpoche, Trijang Rinpoche, Zong Rinpoche, Penor Rinpoche, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, 16th Karmapa, etc. are all highly realized beings and are lineage holders and have brought the holy Dharma to millions of people. I have even heard many people criticize even the Dalai Lama. That is their prerogative but I choose not to because I do not wish to hurt the sentiments of many millions of his followers. I choose to see the Dalai Lama as doing the best he can, with lots of pressure, problems and heavy responsibilities. So my world view of things is to just let these lamas be and let their disciples be, and let everyone practice what their lama teaches with full freedom and no criticisms. That has always been my view. I am both liked and loathed for my views, but those are my views.
His Holiness Penor Rinpoche, who dedicated his life to the spread of Buddhadharma and the pure lineage of Guru Rinpoche, has seared a very deep impression in my mind as he has always been equal and kind to every being who has come to seek his assistance.
In Tibetan Buddhism, we are not allowed to criticize the teachers from whom we have received teachings, and their personal practices. By doing so we create a infraction of our spiritual bond with our teachers which creates obstacles to gaining higher insight. We may have a few teachers who have opposing views to an issue, and that puts us in a difficult situation. There is a Tibetan saying that goes, “If I stand up, I hit my head. If I sit down, I hit my backside. I can neither stand nor sit.” That is likened to having a few teachers and all of them having differing views about a certain practice, lineage or deity. So what is a student to do? Everybody has their own methods. If I agree with one of my teachers and disagree with another, I commit a spiritual infraction. If I disagree with another teacher who has an opposing view to one of my other teachers, again I have committed a spiritual infraction. This puts me in a difficult situation because either way, I have committed an infraction. For example, if one of my teachers tells me to practice Tsongkhapa and says that this is the best and most supreme practice, yet another one of my teachers tells me that actually it is Guru Rinpoche whom I should focus on…Teacher A says Tsongkhapa’s blessings are quicker and more efficacious for beings of this time while the other teacher says the exact same thing about Guru Rinpoche. I go to one teacher and all he talks about is Tsongkhapa, and my other equally important teacher says the same about Guru Rinpoche? So if I practice one over the other, I have committed an infraction with one of my teachers. What is a student to do?
Great masters such as Geshe Kelsang Gyatso and Geshe Konchok, pictured here with His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche. They have received teachings and transmissions from Kyabje Zong Rinpoche. I like this picture very much.
So there you have millions of people out there who say Guru Rinpoche is the best, and it’s all over social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) and then you have a few million more students who says the same thing about Tsongkhapa and proliferates that all over social media. Which one is better? Either way, I’m caught between a rock and a hard place. Which teacher is correct? Which one is ‘wrong’? Either way I create an infraction. There are millions of supporters for both practices. Shall I listen to the teacher who is more famous, sits on a higher throne, has more disciples, is wealthier and has more students? Does that make him more qualified than the teacher who has none of that, or very little? Does having more followers equate with more reliability? What is the criteria of which teacher I should listen to? Many followers and disciples are thrown into this unfair, uncommon and very political quandry. It’s very easy if you have a spiritual bond with just one teacher and not the other but still does not give you the right to criticize the practices, devotions and spiritual bonds of another teacher and disciple. It is not good to say all of these things because it will never end, and it will go back and forth. I do not care how Rimey or how non-sectarian a person thinks they are because until we remove the subtle grasping of the ‘I’ between 10th level bodhisattva and full enlightenment, we will have some type of bias. In other words, until we become a fully enlightened Buddha, we will always be biased in one way or another, whether we realize it or not. From our choice of breakfast, clothes we wear, hairstyles we choose, spouses and partners, monasteries we enter, the cars we drive or the bed we sleep in, everyone can debate endlessly what is the best bed, breakfast or clothes and it will never end. And everybody’s argument will sound better and better as time goes on but in the end, I choose my guru, lineage gurus, practice, deity and destiny. So none of you should criticize or ‘advise’ me otherwise. I made my choice, I will sleep with it. Therefore your kind advice, probably motivated by compassion and love, is not solicited, accepted or wanted.
I was extremely fortunate that Zong Rinpoche was very close to me. Whenever there was a chance, he would hold my hands and we would walk together or be together. The lean slender boy you see WAS me with Kyabje Zong Rinpoche.
Some hypothetical solutions which I came to some conclusions about from speaking to many teachers, to solve this dilemma:
- the teachers themselves should practice, exude and operate from great compassion, wisdom and skilful means by never criticizing anyone’s teachers, practice, deity, lineage and tradition. That the teachers themselves should cease and desist from creating more confusion in the minds of others because whatever people are practicing has been done for hundreds of years and there has been a lineage. So the teachers themselves should not make comparisons in relations to better or worse, and comparing practices. The teachers themselves should not squabble, argue or denigrate any practices of any teachers. Sure, we need a Buddhist leader, Pope, authority but having said that, authority should never hurt the sentiments of millions of people for good or bad motivation, as it can be quite damaging and create tremendous unnecessary division. I think the students are innocent and beguiled by the great teachers they have come across and therefore have been led to think one way or another. We can either think every teacher out there has faults and therefore makes mistakes, or every teacher out there is perfect and without fault. Either way, the students are in trouble. Either way, the students will get confused. Either way, the students will get the short end of the stick. All teachers should show great compassion, respect and a little bit of pre-planning for their students so they are not sucked into this kind of political quandry and forced to make choices and labels, and point fingers of good and bad at other teachers and lineages. The students come to the teachers wishing to relieve themselves of all the sufferings they self-created, not take on more problems and difficulties and confusions where their samsaras increase instead of decrease. All teachers should respect the students very much by not confusing them in which they criticize other teachers, practices, lineages and protectors. This is so necessary now. I think instead of saying that the students need to have compassion, develop compassion and engage in compassion, it is time the teachers manifest compassion. And I do say this to all teachers with the deepest and humblest respects as I am only an ordinary person swimming through a thick, dark, swampy ocean of samsara.
Throughout time and history, there have been many great beings who have manifested compassion for the sake of sentient beings, even giving up their lives for a greater cause and the benefit of humanity
- my second solution that comes from my ordinary mind is when you have two teachers who teach you ‘opposing’ views and practices, take on the advice of the first teacher and follow that through without thinking negative things about the second teacher, if this applies to you. Some explanation is required. For example, if your first teacher told you to practice Tsongkhapa and he has passed away, and the second teacher recommends you to do Guru Rinpoche as your main practice, since your first teacher has passed away and you cannot be excused from the practice, then naturally you have to tell the second teacher that you did not get permission to be excused and so you must remain status quo. The second teacher should never override the blessed instructions of the first teacher for this disciple, as it will create confusion. In my case, I have had hundreds of people come see me over the years and they will tell me that their teacher or a teacher told them to practice Nechung, Vajrakilaya, Tara, Ekajati, Manjushri, Guru Rinpoche, Tsongkhapa, etc. Can I tell them if this was the best practice for them or not? Except under extreme circumstances, I always tell them that whatever practices they are doing is more than fine, and I have nothing to change or add because ultimately that is the truth. I do not want to confuse them, nor disrespect their faith in their teacher, and I do not wish to disrespect their teachers either. So, if a person can stop their practice given to them by their teacher, they must receive the permission of the teacher who gave them the practice because no follow-up teacher has the authority to override the first teacher, if you really want to follow the rules strictly. Choosing a Dharma teacher is like ordering a la carte from a menu, not a buffet. Whatever a la carte dish you have chosen, you eat it and be happy with it, and stop staring at the buffet with a lot of choices. For example, for myself, my root teacher is His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and Zong Rinpoche has given me a set of practices for me, my life and my enlightenment. I have been following it diligently for the last 25 years. Suddenly, there are people and lamas and students who tell me Zong Rinpoche was wrong. Well, Zong Rinpoche has passed away so I cannot go and get his permission and ask, “Can I stop such and such practice you gave me?” The new lama cannot override Zong Rinpoche. If I were to stop any of my practices given to me by Zong Rinpoche, I would need Zong Rinpoche’s permission and no new or other lamas can override his word. That applies to everyone in any practice, with any lama in any situation. Not even the current incarnation of Zong Rinpoche may override the instructions of the previous one for the previous one’s students. If we were to start in the direction of one teacher can override another teacher, then the teacher who has overridden a previous teacher may himself be overridden in the future by another, and it never ends. It will only lead to chronic confusion, doubt and eventually disillusionment. So basically, whatever practices your teacher has given you from the depths of his heart, practice it all the way and rejoice in the teachings of the teachers for their disciples. Am I going to go on a rampage for the rest of my life, telling all voodoo practitioners that their path is bad and that they should give up, and that they will go to hell? No, I’m not going to do that.
None of your teachers are your enemies, but your teacher taught you the Dharma and your karma couldn’t handle it. Your karma, ego and anger are your real enemies, never your teacher. We shouldn’t just disappear at the first sign of trouble or doubt. In life, we have to work through problems with our parents, spouses, partners, siblings, co-workers and children, so why not our teachers? Our teachers cannot be the ‘only’ person that we have problems with. Why do we abandon our teacher and work through problems with everyone else? Perhaps because we don’t value the important contributions our teacher bestowed upon us? Or we wish to blame our teacher for pointing out something truthful in ourselves that we prefer not to face, but blame the teacher for exposing? Be fair with everyone in your life and work through differences and don’t be selective. How you ‘throw’ people out will reflect how you really think of others and this will return to ‘haunt’ you in other aspects of your life later. Bad attitude will surface again and again if not addressed, healed and remedied. Whoever shelters us from ourselves now, will not always be around and we will have to face ourselves one day alone. There is no avoidance. After all, we can run away from people, but we can’t run away from the cause of problems we may have contributed to, which is within ourselves. This is in an extreme case, but generally we should work through our doubts and issues with our teacher and be loyal. This is good for our mind, good for our training and good for our eventual results. Consistency is an urgently vital ingredient in spiritual success.
One of my teachers, the great Kagyupa master Drigung Rinpoche.
If the new teacher we go to has criticism for our previous teacher, practice or lineage, then there is something wrong or there are political motivations. No teacher need criticize another teacher no matter who they are. In this day and age, no teacher no matter how famous or just, he may be should ever criticize another person’s practice, teacher, lineage or faith. Democratic governments throughout the civilized world even allow the practices of once despised forms of spirituality such as witchcraft, voodoo, et al. Therefore no teacher or spiritual leader has the right to denigrate another’s path ever because once you start, where do you draw the line? No forms of ostracism, prejudice, bias or segregation should arise from differing religious practices either. Because this will be the seed to dissent, disharmony and hatred.
That our teacher teaches us something useful and we are devoted and diligent, and then suddenly another teacher of fame and name preaches otherwise and we have doubts in our teacher, is not good. It shows who we really are, and not our teacher, because we are swayed easily. No matter how famous another teacher may be, your teacher still imparted the holy Dharma to you and you should be grateful always. Higher thrones does not mean better than a humble teacher on a low cushion. Spirituality and the level of knowledge of a teacher is not reflected by rank, thrones, fame or how many students he has. I know of a few very qualified teachers who did not have many students at all and some students even left them and scorned them, to my shock! If we had issues with our teacher, we should be humble, swallow the ego and apologize. Remaining or moving on is up to us, but don’t damage or attempt to damage a teacher as the karmic consequences are heavy, not to mention you hurt the other students as well and that does not make you a better person at all.
Numbers do not determine the effectiveness or so-called purity of a certain path or faith, as many of the world’s religions today started with humble numbers which in time increased numerically. Therefore a minority or majority should not be the deciding factor that a particular path or faith should be allowed. In the past, just to name lightly some examples how one faith had attempted to decimate the other:
- The settlers of Australia did their utmost best for hundreds of years to eliminate and convert the masses of Aborigines, and destroy their rich cultural heritage and indigenous religion. Their religion was deemed barbaric, backwards and evil. As a result, many of the Aborigines now have to slowly and painfully reconnect with what was destroyed in the process of being forced into a true ‘God’.
- In 15th, 16th and 17th century Europe, the witch hunts condoned and authorized by the papacy or so-called ‘true Church’ condemned, hunted, segregated and punished those would-be adherents to the pre-Christian religions of Europe. The Church systematically outlawed, penalized, punished and confiscated all properties of those who would not adhere to their so-called ‘true Church’. Those who still resisted, denied or refused were severely tortured to death, drowned, crushed or simply burnt alive. This was done in the name of God, purity and what was deemed as the authentic method to heaven. Who would allow this type of atrocity today? But 500 years ago, it was considered holy and God’s work.
In the 15th, 16th and 17th century, people who did not adhere to the doctrine of the 'true Church' were classified as witches and burnt at the stake.
- When settlers from Europe came to North America, what happened in Aboriginal Australia occurred here again. The Native Americans were belittled, humiliated and forced to convert from their native religions. Their native religions were considered primitive, barbaric and the work of the Devil so the missionaries had a field day waving Bibles as the ultimate authority, whilst conveniently robbing the Natives of North America of their culture, way of life and desecrating their religion. In a show of total disrespect to people who believed otherwise to the religion of the settlers, the US still prints on their currency ‘In God We Trust’.
A sign in Jackson, Mississippi, taken on 25th May 1961. Thankfully signs like these and the attitude behind them no longer exist or are existing less and less. (Photo by William Lovelace/Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
- When the invaders from Spain landed in Central and South America, they had no intention to respect the religions, culture and peoples of these great lands. The ‘true Church’ forcibly destroyed edifices, priests, writings and rituals of their religions, took their wealth and insulted their culture (calling them ‘inferior barbarians’). To add final insult to the injury, they decimated the native population with unheard-of European diseases. The religions of the beautiful and advanced Central and South American peoples were systematically berated, outlawed and destroyed. Sacred temples were flattened and Christian churches built in its place. Fortunately, many of the Central and South American countries now have allowed religious freedom within their Constitutions which protect and allow the pre-Christian religions to be practiced. Hence these days there is a resurgence, with pride and dignity, of the once ancient religions. No one is going to say again that their religions are barbaric or devil’s practice unless they themselves are uneducated barbarians.
The witch hunts were carried out in the name of God and purity. Ironically, the people who persecuted those who did not fit with the majority had themselves escaped persecution in Europe for their religious practices.
- The Puritans and Quakers had a most difficult time fitting within the parameters of the English Church. They were considered extreme, false and those who strayed from the true doctrine. Their religion in England had to go underground and when it became impossible for them to practice, they were forced to immigrate to the then-New World (America). In America, for some time after they arrived, they were free to practice their religions. However as 13 new colonies started to gain wealth, lands and a unified regional government, then although they had left Europe for freedom of religion, they in turn initiated witch hunts themselves. Those who were not in agreement with their doctrine or did not attend Church, or practiced the old arts such as divination, herbology and healing were considered witches. Massive fear, prejudice, confiscation of property and segregation, leading to punishment by death (through methods such as burning, crushing and drowning) reemerged. Because the Church was practiced by the majority and those who were not active in the Church were a minority, naturally the majority instituted witch hunts against the minority in order to restore the ‘purity’ of the Church. Those who strayed from the Church were said to have been meeting, cooperating and signing deals with the Devil. Therefore the majority did not allow freedom of any religions that strayed from what they believed in as the ‘true Church’. Ironically, they persecuted within their own communities what they were persecuted of when they left Europe. These are dangerous trends we must learn from in history so that it does not repeat itself in modern times.
Countless number of women, especially older women, lost their lives during the witch hunts. Falsely accused and persecuted for their beliefs, they were drowned, crushed and even burnt at the stake.
- For thousands of years, the rich culture heritage and profound religion of the Jews have been repeatedly persecuted and serious attempts at annihilation were allowed. The Jewish people in their long history in many countries were minorities. Their religion was seen as deviant, false and not a path that led to God. As a consequence, their synagogues, and places and symbols of worship have been blatantly destroyed and those who refused to convert or assimilate were gassed, beaten, tortured and even killed. The perseverance and resilience of the Jewish people have allowed for their religion to survive and benefit their communities throughout the world. However, there was a time even as recently as half a century ago when their religion was persecuted and considered false. This should never happen again.
Throughout history, minority religious practices have suffered persecution at the hands of the majority who felt these views and practices did not fit in with their doctrines. Instead of practicing acceptance to encourage harmony, they sought to assimilate or annihilate the native populations.
- The British invaders who controlled India from 1858 to 1947 humiliated the populous and tried to force their European ways upon India. They made it blasphemous and sacrilegious for the inhabitants of the subcontinent to have any dignity in their race, religion and vastly rich culture. The British used India and exploited her and her people. In the process, they unsuccessfully did their best to convert the Hindu population, calling them heathens, barbarians and idol worshippers. What right did the English have to call another people or nation barbaric, and demote their form of worship to simply idol worshipping? They did not respect (although there were exceptions) the religions and practices of something that lasted over 5000 years. Without studying, practicing and understanding the profound path of peace, tolerance and compassion that are hallmarks of Hinduism, the British openly and unabashedly discouraged the practice of Hinduism. Luckily, the resilience and the profound faith that the people of India had in their religion helped them to overcome the active prejudices of their colonizers. Today, no one in their right mind will call Hinduism ‘barbaric’ or a path that leads to hell. Hinduism is one of the major religions practiced by 1.1 billion adherents who consider it a valid path to divinity.
Thanks to slavery and the systematic decimation of African religion and culture, most African Americans today have lost touch with their African roots and heritage
- The vast, diverse and rich continent of Africa holds tens of thousands of various tribes of people. Individually and collectively, they have their own way of life, language, culture and religion. When these innocent people were tricked and forcibly ferried across the Atlantic to become slaves in America, any trace that linked them to their ancient heritage of Africa was systematically obliterated. As a result, African Americans today do not have their ancestral religion, their cultural identity, their names, their language and for many, they don’t even know where in Africa their ancestors originated from. They were forcibly removed of their rich identities and forcibly made to adapt to European cultures and religion. There were however pockets of resistance and underground continuation of their faiths which in modern day is labelled as voodoo. When we say voodoo, there are many methods, branches and forms of worship. It is rich and diverse and to the ignorant beholder, it may seem evil or even perhaps harmful. As in every and any religion, there are ones who practice with good motivations and with ulterior motivations. Who are we to judge? Yet voodooism is constitutionally protected in North America, the Caribbeans, Central and South America, and Africa. No one, no body of government or no religious hate groups may deconstitutionalize the rights of the adherents of this religion. They have the full freedom to practice and live their lives according to their religion.
Throughout history, many suppressed people have given up their lives standing up for the right and their freedom to practice and express themselves.
These are but just a few examples of how, in history, a group of people, through ignorance, fear, hatred and/or greed coupled with prejudice can bring tremendous harm to another group of people in the name of religion. In today’s free world, whether your religious practice is 1% or 90% of the population, you should have full freedom to practice as and when and where and how you like. No religious leaders or adherents should ever criticize another religion lest it snowballs into something big and damaging as we have seen in history. Whether a person chooses a religion or remains atheist is their inalienable birthright. They should not be coerced, forced or denigrated into a religion or another religion. Any religious leader, secular leader or teacher should never criticize another’s religion, faith or practice as inferior. No one should belittle another person’s faith or religion and call it ‘spirit worship’. When we call another person’s religion ‘spirit worship’, inferior or wrong, we possibly hurt the sentiments of a long history and the pride and place of a people. This will not create the causes for peace, democracy, freedom nor harmony. RELIGIONS AND RELIGIOUS LEADERS SHOULD ALWAYS CREATE HARMONY WITHIN THEIR OWN COMMUNITIES AND OF EVERYONE THEY MEET. Once we start on the road of ‘this religion is good’ and ‘that religion is bad’, then it will fester and grow into something bigger that ultimately becomes harmful to the peace and the ever-growing, over-populated little planet we all must share. Religious leaders have tremendous power and influence as they are considered the moral and ethical conscience of a culture. So therefore their powers should not be abused or used wrongly. Whether a person chooses their path to awakenness using voodoo, Native American religions, witchcraft or Buddhism, is their choice. We may respectfully debate and share but not degrade and convert. We all need peace, happiness and cohesiveness in order to survive with each other on our small planet. Our survival depends on peace, and religion can play a large part in this, and that lies in the hands of religious teachers.
Unity and harmony are the keys to our survival on the small planet we share.
Do you not enjoy freedom of religion? Would you like to be banned from schools, segregated from your people, disallowed to enter businesses and separated from family because what you practice is considered bad by another group? We can argue until Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu destroy, recreate and preserve the universe one hundred times over and we will never win the argument of who is right and wrong. The fact of the matter is this – we all should be treated equally and there should never be rules and regulations against us as people or citizens based on our religious beliefs. Whether our religious beliefs are accepted or considered accurate interpretations, we are still people underneath. We all need food, love, compassion and deserve inalienable birthrights such as freedom of choice. No leader, whether secular or religious, should ever be allowed to take that away from us.
The Civil Rights Movement put an end to signs like these. Prevailing prejudices must be changed because at the end of the day, all of us are humans who want the same things - love, respect and harmony.
In conclusion, I most humbly and respectfully request all spiritual teachers of all traditions, leaders and their subordinates to never demonize another person’s faith, belief system or deity. Each individual has a God and that God can be a Creator or the God Within. But leave it to the individual to decide. I will see who I want and associate with any group I wish, any time I like and no one has the right to tell me otherwise. And if they have the right to tell me otherwise, I have the right to tell them back, they are wrong. For ecumenical debates, there will never be a beginning, an end or a middle. It is a convoluted alpha and omega, and I don’t want to get into these debates or be condemned based on them. Let’s make it simple – I have a guru, a lineage, a practice and a goal and I am going to stick with it until the end of my time. No one in the east, the west, the north or the south, on a big throne or standing next to the throne, with or without power, will influence me otherwise. And if you continue to speak and write on and on about how I am going to hell, I am on the wrong path, I am not listening to the correct authorities, you will end up creating your own little hells in your own little minds because I am happy with what I have, I am a pretty good person with my faults, and ultimately I am fortunate enough to be reincarnated into a country and civilization that agrees with my thoughts. So no one’s criticisms, doubts and anyone living in the free world can say otherwise unless your body is in the free world and your mind is not, or your mind is stuck in 16th century Europe.
Tsem Rinpoche
A great Mongolian lama, Sokpu Guru Deva Rinpoche, who is the teacher of my mother and father, and who helped me very much in my early years in Gaden. He has been a great patron and sponsor of Gaden, Sera, Drepung and Tashilhunpo Monasteries, as well as a very devoted disciple of Trijang Rinpoche. I will never forget his kindness to me, and all the help he has bestowed upon me which is too numerous to mention here.
One of my benefactors, Sokpu Guru Deva (on the left) was very close to His Holiness Panchen Rinpoche (right).
One of my favourite pictures with their Holinesses the Panchen Lama (left) and Dalai Lama (right).
Another very beautiful photo I thought I'd share. This was taken when the incomparable Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche purposely went to have audience with His Holiness the Panchen Lama. Two enlightened beings in one picture.
His Holiness the great Panchen Lama who really held the Tibetan people together within Tibet, with his infinite wisdom, compassion, skilful means and bodhisattva actions of taking on so much harm on behalf of the dharma growing.
His Holiness the great 13th Dalai Lama who offered help and assistance to my mother's family when they left their home country to Lhasa during the Cultural Revolution. I have great respect and appreciation for His Holiness the 13th Dalai Lama who helped my family.
Another favourite picture of mine of His Holiness the Great All-Knowing 13th Dalai Lama with whom my family had a close connection.
His Holiness the 16th Karmapa, another great being whom I have admired and heard many criticisms about. But it has never affected my deep respect for him.
A very touching picture of Kyabje Zong Rinpoche doing last rites for the ailing Lama Yeshe who was a devoted disciple.
Lama Yeshe showing deep reverence to his root guru His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche. Guru devotion of this level will result in high attainments.
I really wanted to share this incredible picture of the Tibetologist Alexandra David-Neel outside of her retreat cave in Tibet. She's one of the first non-Tibetans who penetrated Tibet to engage in the practice of Tibetan Buddhism.
One of my revered teachers, His Holiness Kyabje Dagom Dorjechang who was a devoted disciple of both Trijang and Ling Rinpoche, inclusive of Kyabje Zong Rinpoche. This master was a gentle and pure monk, who had mastered the sutras and tantras, and used his life to impart Buddha's teachings to all those who came to him. Being in his presence used to bring tears to my eyes as I knew I was in the presence of someone highly attained.
This is the grand oracle of Gaden Monastery when I first arrived in 1988. I was fortunate enough to watch this man who was trained by Trijang Rinpoche, take full trance of the Dharma Protector Setrap and various other protectors. He was a friend of mine but at the same time, I respected him very much for his oracular ability. For while in trance, he was able to give prophetic advice about our futures that later proved totally accurate.
I like this picture as it is Nechung in trance, of the Dalai Lama's personal oracle in Dharamsala.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking to and in close communion with the Nechung protector in full trance. I've had this picture on my altar for many years in Gaden.
My close and good friend the grand oracle of Gaden Shartse Monastery, in whom many great protectors entered his body to speak. Besides that, he was a warm, down-to-earth and direct person and in my early years when I did not have a lot of financial assistance, he would often send food to me when I was hungry. I will forever remember his kindness to me.
I like this picture very much as Lhakpa Dondrub was the personal oracular medium of Domo Geshe Rinpoche. I was fortunate enough to stay in his house and get to know him better before he passed away many years ago. I liked him very much because he was extremely devoted to his teacher, his practice and his lineage.
I love this photo of His Eminence Kyabje Domo Geshe Rinpoche. He was considered an emanation of Tsongkhapa by the 13th Dalai Lama. He had displayed miraculous powers and skilfully benefited many beings with his immaculate clairvoyance. His healing pills were sought after throughout Tibet and he was reputed to have the yetis of Tibet be his messengers and guard his cave entrance.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1951 in Domo Geshe Rinpoche's Monastery in Tibet. The Dalai Lama at that time enjoyed his stay in Domo Geshe Monastery, and also consulted the oracle while he was there.
The current incarnation of Domo Geshe together with His Holiness Kyabje Yongyal Dorjechang.
This is one of my personal thangkas which I thought I would share here. It is a picture of Duldzin Drakpa Gyeltsen who was one of the eight main disciples of Lama Tsongkhapa. Upper left is his root guru Tsongkhapa. Upper right is his main meditational deity Yamantaka. Lower left is his personal Dharma Protector 4-Faced Mahakala. Lower right is one of his main disciples, which is the earlier incarnation of Panchen Lama, aka Khedrup Rinpoche.
Another one of my favourite holy photos of His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and his two disciples Geshe Lhundrub Sopa of Wisconsin and Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen of Los Angeles.
Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen who was one of my teachers, with myself in Dharamsala. We were attending the teachings of the Dalai Lama.
The incomparable Geshe Tendar who was an incumbent of Gaden Shartse Monastery where I belonged. I have never received teachings from him but I know he was a great master of sutra and tantra, and geshes of his calibre are hard to make these days.
Another great master of Gaden Jangtse Monastery, His Eminence Geshe Tsultrim who is a very humble monk of the highest calibre. Another master of both sutra and tantra who has hundreds of students in Gaden Monastery and now in Switzerland. Someone whose purity of vows is renowned in the Gelugpa world. He generously taught students six days a week for morning to evening, tirelessly pointing out the philosophical tenets of Buddha. Due to this master's kindness, many in the monastery were able to complete their studies and achieve the Geshe Lharampa degree. Yet this master never sought any fame or gain from all this dedication.
Geshe Rabten, the teacher who created scholars. He was meditating in a simple hut in the north Indian mountains of Dharamsala, when the Dalai Lama summoned him to go and teach in the West. Because of his brilliance and mastery of the Buddhist teachings, he was able to bring Buddhism to many Westerners. His disciples include Lama Yeshe, Lama Zopa, Gonsar Rinpoche and many others.
Geshe Rabten (right) together with His Holiness the Dalai Lama (centre) at his centre in Switzerland. They were very close during the life of Geshe Rabten. I do like this picture very much.
Geshe Rabten with his root teacher His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche. Here he is respectfully assisting his teacher. I find this picture warm, poignant, powerful and incredibly moving. A great master serving his own great master. Geshe Rabten was devoted to Trijang Rinpoche until the end of his life.
Geshe Rabten receiving advice and teachings from his root guru Trijang Rinpoche.
In 1987, myself requesting His Holiness the Dalai Lama to become ordained as a monk. I have always liked this picture and His Holiness the Dalai Lama showed me great warmth and immediately agreed to ordain me.
The Dalai Lama in Gaden Shartse Monastery consecrating the new shrine dedicated to the Protector Setrap.
This is my favourite picture of His Holiness the Dalai Lama where I see a light aura surrounding his body and head.
On the roof of one of the buildings of Gaden Shartse Monastery, the tulkus of Phukhang Khamtsen House in Gaden. Left to right, Gyampa Rinpoche, Tsem Rinpoche, Gyal Khangtse Rinpoche, Kensur Rinpoche Jetsun Jampa Yeshe, Kensur Kyabje Lati Rinpoche, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, Kari Khentrul Rinpoche and Trinley Rinpoche.
I had the great honour to have His Holiness the Supreme Spiritual Head of the Mongolian Buddhists in Mongolia, Khutughtu Khalkha Jetsun Dampa (seated), visit my house. Left is my cousin the Spiritual Head of the Kalymk Republic in Russia, Telo Rinpoche and me. This was on the occasion that Khalka Jetsun Dampa visited my house.
I am seated next to His Holiness Kensur Kyabje Lati Rinpoche, the great master, teacher and secret yogi of Gaden Shartse Monastery. He was the one who instructed me to go to Malaysia and bring the Dharma there.
My mentor and teacher, His Eminence Kensur Rinpoche of Gaden Shartse Monastery, and myself.
My favourite photo of Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche. The first time I had the fortune to lay eyes on Trijang Rinpoche in this lifetime was this photo many moons ago in Howell, New Jersey.
Another one of my thangkas I thought I'd share here. Centre is the great master Panchen Sonam Drakpa who is also the author of the books we use to become a geshe in Gaden Shartse and Drepung Loseling monasteries. Upper left is Panchen Sonam Drakpa's root guru the 1st Dalai Lama. His main practice, indicated on the upper right, is the tantric deity Guhyasamaja. Lower left is his main protector 4-Faced Mahakala and on the lower right is his close disciple, the 3rd Dalai Lama Sonam Gyatso.
This picture is rare and exceptionally beautiful. His Holiness Trijang Rinpoche wearing the special hat of Panchen Sonam Drakpa.
One of my favourite photos. His Holiness the Dalai Lama with his root teachers of 30 years, Kyabje Ling Rinpoche and Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche.
Myself in the 1980s having audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
This is my personal statue of His Holiness Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche. Pabongka Rinpoche's household themselves gave me this statue, for which I was so overwhelmed and honoured.
His Holiness the current Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche who spends his time in long-term deep retreats in Tibet and Nepal.
This is my personal statue of His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche which I have in my room.
One of my favourite pictures of two Buddhas having lunch together. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche (right) was not only a devoted disciple but also a close friend to the incomparable Heruka Trijang Rinpoche (left).
Here they are again, returned in full perfect form, having lunch together.
Left to right, the current incarnation of His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, His Holiness Kyabje Lati Rinpoche, His Holiness the head of the Gelugpa school of Buddhism Gaden Tripa Jetsun Lungrik Namgyal and Kensur Rinpoche Jetsun Jampa Yeshe.
In Gaden Shartse Prayer Hall. Left to right, His Holiness the head of the Gelug seat of Buddhism the 101st Gaden Tripa Jetsun Lungrik Namgyal, the current Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and Tsem Rinpoche.
Myself paying homage to the current incarnation of Zong Rinpoche.
This is my first teacher His Eminence Kensur Rinpoche Jetsun Lobsang Tharchin in Howell, New Jersey. I received my refuge vows, teachings on logic and my first higher tantric empowerments from this great master. He lived only 10 minutes away from me in Howell, New Jersey and he himself was a close and devoted disciple of both Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche.
Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche with heartson disciples Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and Kyabje Zemey Rinpoche. Highly qualified masters produce highly qualified disciples.
Another ordinary being aka myself attending an event.
This song by Cher really moves me and encapsulate my feelings:
These are related and very important to read:
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/category/dorje-shugden
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All religions lead to the same path teaches compassion, loving, peace and harmony, and all deserve the same respect. Nor matter what faith and religion we are , we have to respect each other and in harmony because it can bring different cultures closer together. Respecting and accepting each others religions means one less reason to discriminate others and less conflicts and fights. Respect and be open to all beliefs creating a harmonious community. Everyone of us have our rights to practice what we want and like, its our choice. For the benefit of all practitioners and non-practitioners, may the ban on Dorje Shugden’s practice soon end.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing. Interesting read and fortunate to see those beautiful rare pictures of great Masters .
Mantras are sacred verbalized words that invoke the protection and blessings of the deity to whom the mantra is ascribed. Mantras are also the manifestations of Buddhas in the form of ‘sounds’, hence the various mantras of Dorje Shugden contain the essence of the Protector.
Dorje Shugden’s main mantra 多杰雄登主要咒语
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA SOHA
Dorje Shugden’s mantra for peace 平和咒语
For gaining attainments through the energy of Peaceful Shugden, peace of environment and mind, harmony in one’s abode and dwelling area, and calming of disasters
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA SHANTI SIDDHI HUNG
Dorje Shugden’s mantra for health 福寿安康咒语
For long life, increasing life, healing of disease and protection from diseases
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA AYU SIDDHI HUNG
Dorje Shugden’s mantra for increase 增长咒语
For gaining great merits and increase of all necessary needs, both material and spiritual
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA PUNYE SIDDHI HUNG
Dorje Shugden’s mantra for control 控制咒语
Of worldly deities, negative people and nagas and for influencing friends towards the positive
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA WASHAM KURU HO
Dorje Shugden’s mantra to grant protection 庇护咒语
Visualize that you are in the Protector’s mandala, fully protected from outside interferences. Recite when in danger or for dangerous situations, for protection while travelling or when residing in dangerous/hostile places
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA RAKYA RAKYA HUNG
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videouploads/comment-1544345059.mp4
Dear friends,
Tibet has produced many powerful meditations, rituals and guidelines to help us gain spiritual protection, gain wisdom and higher states of consciousness. In general Tibet has produced many powerful methods for the growth of our spiritual evolution. Dorje Shugden is an angel, a saint, a powerful spiritual protector-warrior who originated 350 years ago when a highly awakened Tibetan Lama fulfilled his vows to become a special being to grant protection, wisdom, material needs, safety when travelling (normal and astral travel) and spiritual awakening. Both the Great 5th Dalai Lama and the current His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama composed short yet effective prayers to invoke upon the power and blessings of this special saint and protector. One can recite either one of the prayers that you feel suits you, anytime or even daily. When you feel a special need for help, you can recite either prayer anytime. When you are feeling down, afraid or just need a blessing, you can recite them. After reciting either invocation, it is good to chant the mantra of Dorje Shugden: Om Benza Wiki Bitana Soha.
You do not have to be a Buddhist or practitioner of any religion to invoke upon the blessings and protection of this special enlightened and awakened angel Dorje Shugden. He helps all without discrimination or bias as he is filled with compassion and love. Divinity has no boundaries, they help all who call upon them.
Enclosed are the prayers in English, Chinese and Tibetan.
May you be safe, protected and blessed.
Tsem Rinpoche
More on the Great 5th Dalai Lama and Dorje Shugden – https://bit.ly/2w7KHv6
More on H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama and Dorje Shugden – https://bit.ly/2QdaL4n
Chapel (Trode Khangsar) built by the Great 5th Dalai Lama dedicated to Dorje Shugden in Lhasa – https://bit.ly/2zBTd8M
—
亲爱的朋友们，
西藏产生了许多有助于我们得到精神庇佑、取得智慧和更高层次之觉悟的强大禅修法、仪式和教诲。总括来说，西藏产生了许多有助于我们在修行上取得提升的强有力方法。多杰雄登是一个天使，一位圣人和一名护法战士。他的崛起始于350年前，当一位高度觉悟的西藏高僧履行本身的承诺，化身为特别的护法，赐予我们守护、智慧、物质需要、出入平安（平日外游和神游时）和灵修上的觉醒。任何人都可以随时随地在任何时候念诵适合自己的祈愿文。当你需要特别的帮助时，你可以随时念诵任何一篇祈愿文。当你感到沮丧、恐惧或仅是需要加持时，你也可以持诵这些祈愿文。在念诵任何祈请文后，你应该接着念诵多杰雄登的心咒：嗡 班杂 维格 毗札那 娑哈 Om Benza Wiki Bitana Soha。
要祈请多杰雄登这位特殊、觉悟和觉醒的天使赐予加持和庇佑，你无需是佛教徒或任何宗教的修行者。他总是没有分别或偏见，充满慈悲和慈爱地帮助一切众生。神圣是没有界限的，圣者会帮助有求于他的任何人。
以下附上英文、中文和藏文的祈愿文。
愿你平安，常受庇护和加持。
尊贵的詹杜固仁波切
更多关于第五世达赖尊者和多杰雄登护法的内容 — https://bit.ly/2zsC3tG
更多关于第十四世达赖尊者和多杰雄登护法的内容 — https://bit.ly/2r4aaDN
第五世达赖尊者为多杰雄登护法在拉萨建造的护法殿（布旦康萨）— https://bit.ly/2zBTd8M
Divination (‘mo’) Text by Dorje Shugden
This is an important divination (‘mo’) text composed by Dorje Shugden himself. Dorje Shugden took trance of the Choyang Dulzin oracle lama, the senior oracle of Gaden Shartse Monastery, and instantly on the spot composed this text within two hours.
The divination text contains information on how to use dice to do divination for the future and is known to be highly accurate. When practitioners use this text, they will be in direct contact with Dorje Shugden to get answers to questions about the future. It is for those who have good samaya with Dorje Shugden and are free of the eight worldly dharmas to be of benefit to others in divining the future.
Tsem Rinpoche
DS-MO-choyang.pdf
Be blessed with these rare videos featuring explanation and advice about Dorje Shugden practice by His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche in his own voice. The teaching was requested by Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, one of the earliest masters who taught Tibetan Buddhism in the West.
Video 1: H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche Explains Dorje Shugden Initiation and Benefits (With English Subtitles)
Kyabje Zong Rinpoche was an erudite scholar, ritual master and practitioner of the highest degree from Tibet. At the request of Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, one of the pioneers who taught Tibetan Buddhism in America, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche gives clear explanation and advice about the life-entrustment initiation of Dorje Shugden and how to go about the practice and get the maximum benefits in this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzFMvlxAqtc&feature=youtu.be
Video 2: H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche speaks on the History and Lineage of Dorje Shugden (With English Subtitles)
In this video, an erudite scholar, ritual master and practitioner of the highest degree from Tibet, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche talks about the incarnation lineage of Dorje Shugden and how the practice arose, with examples of Dorje Shugden’s previous lives that reveal his powerful spiritual attainments and contributions. This very rare teaching was given at the request of Kyabje Zong Rinpoche’s student, Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, one of the pioneers who taught Buddhism in the West to many disciples since the 1970s.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIzKSJgK618&feature=youtu.be
For more information: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/great-lamas-masters/kyabje-zong-rinpoches-advice-on-dorje-shugdens-practice.html
His Holiness the 10th Panchen Lama
Tibetans commonly refer to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and His Holiness 10th Panchen Lama as the “sun and moon” of Tibetan Buddhism. They are the center of Tibetan Buddhist civilization, which draws to its sphere of influence millions of non-Tibetan practitioners. The Panchen Lama’s incarnation line began with the 16th abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, Lobsang Chokyi Gyeltsen (1570 – 1662). He was bestowed the title of Panchen Lama by His Holiness the 5th Dalai Lama after being declared as an emanation of Amitabha.
After being given the title, his three previous incarnations were posthumously also bestowed the title, making Lobsang Chokyi Gyeltsen the 4th Panchen Lama. He became a teacher to many Tibetans, Bhutanese and Mongolian religious figures, including His Holiness the 4th and 5th Dalai Lamas, and the 1st Jetsun Dampa of Mongolia. A prolific author, Chokyi Gyeltsen is credited with over a hundred compositions, including a number of commentaries and ritual texts that remain central in the Gelukpa tradition today. Along with his role as a teacher of the Dharma, the Panchen Lamas are usually responsible for the recognition of the rebirths of the Dalai Lamas, and vice versa.
The 10th Panchen Lama, Lobsang Trinley Lhundrub Chokyi Gyeltsen (19 February 1938 – 28 January 1989) continued both the spiritual and political roles of his predecessors. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, his contemporary, was even heard to say and echo the Panchen Lama’s own words that the Dalai Lama would safeguard Tibet from the outside while the Panchen Lama would safeguard Tibet from the inside, as he never left Tibet after the political troubles of 1959. He was truly loved by the Tibetans, all the way until his passing. When he taught, thousands of people would attend, not only from his own Gelug lineage, but masters and practitioners from all traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.
At his sprawling monastery of Tashi Lhunpo, he has a special chapel specifically dedicated to Dorje Shugden, where prayers and rituals are performed on a daily basis. In his great omniscience the Panchen Lama held Dorje Shugden as the principal Dharma protector of the monastery. He also personally propitiated Dorje Shugden among other Dharma protectors, and even wrote extensive prayers and rituals to Dorje Shugden. These rituals and prayers are contained within his ‘sung bum’ or collected works, which are provided here. As such a great lama, with an erudite and clear understanding of the Buddhist scriptures, a teacher to millions in both Tibet and China, from an established incarnation line and an emanation of the Buddha Amitabha, he could not be mistaken about his practice of Dorje Shugden.
His Holiness 10th Panchen Lama is known for his composition of commentaries and practice texts that are still in use by contemporary Buddhist practitioners both in Tibet and across the world. One of these is a powerful ritual composition propitiating the compassionate Dorje Shugden.
Upon the request by Acharya Lobsang Jangchub to compose a shorter version of the prayer (sadhana) for the exhortation of activities of Dorje Shugden, Panchen Lama immediately composed an abbreviate form of Dorje Shugden’s Kangsol. This text is entitled “Manjunatha’s (Tsongkapa) Lineage protector Dorje Shugden and five forms wrathful propitiations and confessional prayers and fulfilment of activities rites” or “Melodious sound of Accomplishment of the Four Activities” for short. Once the prayers were completed, he had signs and strong feelings that Dorje Shugden has been working hard to protect the Buddhadharma in general and the lineage of Lama Tsongkhapa specifically.
Mirroring the abilities of one of his earlier incarnations, Khedrub Je, a disciple of Lama Tsongkhapa and master of both sutra and tantra, the Panchen Lama used his compositional skill and poetic prowess to create a masterful sadhana. Worthy of note is a praise in which the first letter of each verse is a Tibetan vowel. Such compositions are rarely seen, and have historically only been used when propitiating senior Dharma protectors such as Palden Lhamo and Kalarupa.
The Panchen Lama also stated that while composing the Dorje Shugden sadhana (prayers) he was filled with a sense of happiness and bliss. He ends the composition with not only his official title but his ordination name, Tenzin Trinley Jigme Choje Wangchuk, endorsing the validity of his work. He composed the sadhana in his own Tashi Lhunpo monastery while in the Hall of Clear Light and Bliss.
See the Panchen Lama’s writings and download: https://bit.ly/2KIfeXb
For the first time available, Dorje Shugden and his entourage of 32 asssistants of his mandala.
Dorje Shugden is a powerful protector deity who is also an emanation of Manjushri, a wisdom bestowing Buddha. Therefore, he has great ability to help us to progress further on the spiritual path. He does this by helping us to overcome obstacles and problems for the modern individual.
Due to his enlightened nature, Dorje Shugden is able to manifest 32 deities and within the same abode resides Setrap and Kache Marpo:-
1. 5 Dorje Shugden families or emanations. They consists of the following:-
– Dulzin Dorje Shugden, which performs activities to eliminate inner and outer obstacles.
– Shize, which performs activities to pacify all illnesses and disease.
– Gyenze, which performs activities to increase all desirable material and spiritual wealth.
– Wangze, which performs activities to control difficult people and circumstances.
– Trakze, which performs activities to wrathfully eliminate all insurmountable obstacles and life-threatening situations.
2. 9 Mothers. They represent protection of the five senses and developing control of the four elements. These are all attributes that signify their ability to assist tantric practitioners with their higher meditations.
3. 8 Guiding Monks. They represent the Eight Great Bodhisattvas (Avalokitesvara, Manjushri, Vajrapani, Samantabhadra, Maitreya, Kshitigarbha, Akashagarbha, Sarva-nivarana-viskambini) and they bring about the growth of the Dharma, through the Sangha, Dharma practitioners and Dharma establishments.
4. 10 Youthful & Wrathful Attendants. They represent the ten wrathful attendants to avert inner and outer obstacles. They are beings who are from Mongolia, China, Kashmir, India, Bengali, etc.
5. Setrap. He is a senior Dharma Protector from India and an emanation of Amitabha Buddha. He had enthroned Dorje Shugden as an authentic Dharma Protector. Therefore, he also resides within the same mandala of Dorje Shugden.
6. Kache Marpo. He is not an emanation of Dorje Shugden but he is still an enlightened Dharma Protector in his own right. He was originally known as Tsiu Marpo of Samye Monastery. However, he has placed himself under the service of Dorje Shugden as his chief minister, performing many activities in order to protect and benefit practitioners. Therefore, he stands guard at the main entrance of Dorje Shugden’s mandala. He often takes trance of qualified mediums to speak.
7. Namkar Barzin. He is the reincarnation of an old Mongolian monk and when he passed away in Phari area of Tibet, his spirit was placed as a powerful assistant of Dorje Shugden. He guards and protects buildings and great institutions especially those that benefit others. He rides on a mythical Gyaling animal that resembles a goat but with scales.
These sacred images are available on *Vajrasecrets. They are made of high quality alloy and are one of a kind. They are based on the lineage of His Holiness Panchen Rinpoche’s monastery, Tashilhunpo in Shigatse, Tibet. In fact, the iconography of these statues are based on detailed photographs taken by H. E. Tsem Rinpoche during a trip to Tashilhunpo’s protector chapel. These are based exactly as the 10th Panchen Lama’s personal collection.
Dorje Shugden mandala: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=131570
Dorje Shugden’s benefit and practice: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=62422
Dorje Shugden’s origins: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=106424
Dorje Shugden chapel in His Holiness Panchen Rinpoche’s Tashilhunpo Monastery in Tibet: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=68698
*Stand not included
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.
The freedom to choose a religion without interference from one another. We have our rights to choose what we like to pray and beliefs. All religions, cultures, and beliefs deserve the same amount of respect, even if they are different from your own. All teachings must have a lineage, once we understand and have accepted it we go all the way. May the Dorje Shugden controversy be resolved soon.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this clear insight article and those beautiful and rare pictures of great Masters.
In this video, a nice couple is being targeted and attacked just because they are pagan faith. They are Wiccan and the nice lady is a practising elemental witch, but they are being perceived to be bad people and hurting children, although none of that is true and they are being attacked for their faith. This is also another example of what Dorje Shugden people go through especially in Dharamsala, India because the Tibetan Leadership has put a notice on their official site stating that Shugden practitioners are bad and demon worshippers which is completely untrue. Hence, daily Shugden practitioners are being persecuted and if you are not there in Dharamsala, you get online abuse like what H.E. Tsem Rinpoche receives daily as well as myself and other Kecharians who are openly practising what our Guru gave us.
Is this kind of discrimination and violence acceptable in this day and age when there is religious freedom? Why are these people allowed to do this crime? Why is the Tibetan Leadership acting like a dictatorship and attacking others of a different faith? They do it indirectly and encourage this hatred because they do nothing, say nothing and have a page talking against Shugden on their official website. That is a clear indication there is a ban and discrimination against Shugden people.
https://video.tsemtulku.com/chat-videos/chat-1516798075.mp4
In this video is a police officer being discriminated for his Wiccan religion and he is going to sue the state because he was told it was mandatory for him to attend a Christian gathering. There is supposed to be freedom of religion, so why is it okay for a group of people to force other people to join, pray and believe their religion? And what gives them the authority to tell people what to believe or not to believe in? This is a dictatorship type of leadership, not a democratic one at all. And this is exactly the same question I would like to ask the Tibetan Leadership and those who come on our social media wall to abuse us and call us names and vulgarities because we practice Dorje Shugden. Watch what the guy says in the video.
https://video.tsemtulku.com/chat-videos/chat-1516798026.mp4
I’ve just attached a video here on a lady reading about “the Persecution of Women in Witchcraft”. It is stated that in the early 16th century there was a mass execution of witchcraft. In the year 1515 in Geneva Switzerland, they burned 500 witches at the stake.In 1526, 1000 witches in Italy were executed. In 1571 witch hunt spreads across France.In total it is estimated from 1500 – 1600, there were 50 – 80,000 suspected witches executed.
Religious persecution in any way is wrong, look at how many lives were taken because people decide to discriminate on others and persecute them just because they do not follow your belief system. This is exactly what Dorje Shugden practitioners are facing today as well when the Tibetan leadership keeps on harping and silently encouraging their people to discriminate and ostracised Shugden practitioners which we can see from all the above online abuse. Is this okay in this 21st century, is this what H.H. the Dalai Lama advocates – religious tolerance? I think not.
https://video.tsemtulku.com/chat-videos/chat-1516797992.mp4
Everyone has rights to practise what they like. Those who practise witchcraft has their rights to practise but they are not allowed to voice out their concerns, fearing to be treated differently just like most Dorje Shugden people.
https://video.tsemtulku.com/chat-videos/chat-1516798931.mp4
Taken away the rights to purchase items for witchcraft is the same as burning the witch for practising their religion. It is just a manifestation of different types of witch hunt and banning the sale of certain items is the same as stopping them from practising a certain ritual that is the same as taking their rights away. This scenario is the same as what Dorje Shugden people face also.
https://video.tsemtulku.com/chat-videos/chat-1516798088.mp4
This is another proof of discrimination that is similar to Dorje Shugden people. The witchcraft people do not get to purchase their religious practise items online because there is no law that protects their rights on what they can purchase and what not they cannot.
https://video.tsemtulku.com/chat-videos/chat-1516797979.mp4
Despite the founding fathers’ effort to give Americans religious freedom, the Wiccans and Pagans are denied their right, such as to have Chaplains to perform ceremonies, receiving books and materials and so on in prison. It is not fair and this is the kind of discrimination Dorje Shugden practitioners faces. Tibetans in exile are supposed to be ruled under democracy, but they are denied their rights of religious freedom. This is not fair.
https://video.tsemtulku.com/chat-videos/chat-1516797960.mp4
This is another example of religious discrimination. Wicca was accused to be related to Satan, which is not true. Wiccans are being rejected from being able to participate in the governmental system as they are not a member of the mainstream Judeo-Christian religion.Similarly, Dorje Shugden is accused to be a demon/ evil spirit, and that Shugden practitioners are not allowed to participate in the system – they cannot work in governmental jobs, they are denied travel documents, they are not denied medical treatment, and the members of the public are advised to not be associated with them.
https://video.tsemtulku.com/chat-videos/chat-1516797909.mp4
This video shows how Christians in Nigeria face enormous persecution, similar to what Dorje Shugden people are facing.Just like what Bishop Mike Moses said in the video, they are being persecuted “in your own country, your own community”, and that’s worse than being persecuted by others.
https://video.tsemtulku.com/chat-videos/chat-1516797726.mp4
Pagan man talks about freedom of religion choices
Religious freedom should be applicable to all including Pagan practitioners and atheists
https://video.tsemtulku.com/chat-videos/chat-1516796937.mp4
This man’s dilemma is similar to what Dorje Shugden practitioners are experiencing. Even if the Dalai Lama has discouraged Dorje Shugden practice, those who choose to retain their practice should still have the right to do so without being penalized, without being discriminated, abused, attacked and harassed day in day out. Religious Freedom is every human’s right and should be respected, when the Tibetan Leadership stay silent when Shugden practitioners are being attacked, it is clear they condone it. So how can Tibetan Leadership claim to be democratic when they are not and how can they point the finger and blame others for human rights abuse when they do so themselves with their very own people? Illogical, injustice and unacceptable in this day and age!
Oklahoma Pagan suffer Discrimination
A lady witch suffers discrimination after being found out that she is a witch.
Uploaded: https://video.tsemtulku.com/chat-videos/chat-1516796905.mp4
This is similar to what Dorje Shugden practitioners are experiencing in Tibetan settlements. Once they are found out that they are a Dorje Shugden practitioner, they would be a target for discrimination (e.g., denied service in the public places), some even target attacked. And if you are not in Dharamsala, you will be targeted and attacked online with vulgarities and all kinds of derogatory slurs.
Messianic Jews Persecuted
In 2005, a large number of protestors crashed the Messianic Jews Christmas eve celebration and told them to go back to Gaza.
https://video.tsemtulku.com/chat-videos/chat-1516796866.mp4
Any form of discrimination is wrong and should be discouraged and stopped. How can we discriminate people base on their religion, just because we dislike their religion? This is pure prejudice and hatred, so how can this be considered good and right for those executing such persecution? And this is exactly the same mentality the Tibetan Leadership has and encourage their people to attack Shugden practitioners. This is the kind of hatred that cause division, war, and suffering. How can one religion claim to be better than the other in the name of “God”? How can this be considered compassion?
Great message every Tibetan especially must read!
I still love and miss His Holiness the Dalai Lama. I am hoping he will unite all of us no matter what our religion is. I know he will. His Holiness has done so much good in the world. I’ve admired him since I was a very young boy and when I met him for the first time in 1979. He came to Howell, New Jersey where I grew up. It was magical to see him. I pray one day he will accept all Dorje Shugden practitioners as was his root guru was a Dorje Shugden practitioner and invite us into his presence again with love and acceptance. I pray for his long life and continued presence in this world. I never lost hope in His Holiness the Dalai Lama to accept all of us regardless of race, religion, sect and background once again.
I place my unworthy head to his feet, Humbly, Tsem Rinpoche https://www.tsemrinpoche.com
This is a powerful picture of Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, Kensur Kyabje Lati Rinpoche and the current incarnation of Trijang Rinpoche meeting together in the year 2000 when Trijang Rinpoche was 18. All three lamas are Dorje Shugden practitioners. In fact Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen was the one that first encouraged my practice of Dorje Shugden when I was 16 years old when I joined his beautiful Thubten Dhargye Ling centre in Los Angeles. I lived with Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen for 8 years before proceeding to Gaden Monastery in South India. Later Kyabje Zong Rinpoche came to our Los Angeles centre and granted sogtae (permission ceremony) to practice Dorje Shugden for life as requested by Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen. Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen had tremendous faith in Trijang Rinpoche. Kyabje Lati Rinpoche was innovative, dedicated and very much focused on bringing dharma to many. He had tremendous faith in Dorje Shugden as I had the honour to meet him many times. He would seek advice from Dorje Shugden many times via the oracle of Gaden Monastery. Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen and Kensur Kyabje Lati Rinpoche have since passed away while the current Trijang Rinpoche is a perfect lineage holder and practitioner of Dharma while he keeps Dorje Shugden as his personal protector as he has done so for many lifetimes. This is a powerful and beautiful picture of three great lamas of Buddha’s lineage and also of Gaden Monastery.
~Tsem Rinpoche
I am glad to see this comment by ‘Suzy in Hawaii’ on Tsem Rinpoche’s YouTube Chanel. After all this time more and more people who bother to look beyond hearsay and prejudice are beginning to see the goodness of Dorje Shugdenand benefit from it. Go see what Suzy wrote – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl-4lIwxph4&t=11s
It is important at any point of our life we make our choices based on what best suit us so that we enjoy whatever route chosen and reach our goals successfully.
In our choice of a spiritual Teacher, it is important to establish that the methods of instructions and directions are within our grasp to follow and that we will not flounder along the way. Anything that is imparted by an ordained Buddhist monk is the Dharma and the Dharma is faultless. If there are difference of opinions arising from us, blame not the teacher but rather our unruly mind.
It is my humble opinion that the essence of Buddhism never changes, that of the 4 noble truths and the eightfold path that will lead us to attainments and eventually enlightenment. However each doctrine entails different practices that may differ due to Buddhism having the capacity to assimilate with local traditions which are not degenerating to the core essence of Buddhism.
However due to the roller coaster nature of our mind, this article definitely will help to understand how we can travel our spiritual journey with knowledge and methods of measurement to assist us.
Powerful guidance to who we should pray to and how our choices are to be made.
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for putting this whole complicated and complex issue in straight and logical perspective.
Religious freedom and practices are our mother Earth’s citizen’s birthright and nobody should take that away. No one should dictate to another what religious practice should be followed, or even followed at all.
I pray that the DS ban will end very soon and may the Dharma spread across and to all who needs it without fear of persecution or prosecution.
Om Benza Wiki Bitana Soha.
Humbly yours,
Lum Kok Lune
By reading the history of religious persecution, it shivers down my spine. So many people have been chased, humiliated, tortured and even killed because of their religion. Austrialia’s aborigines, witches, jews, from Central and South America to Africa and Europe, there are so many. This should never happen again but still in our day and age, there is a ban on Dorje Shugden practitioners and we are persecuted even on the worldwide web, Twitter and Facebook.
Who can tell that someone practices a wrong practice? If you have been given your practice by a qualified teacher, with a lineage and practiced for hundred of years, how can this all of a sudden become wrong? The ban on Dorje Shugden has been going on now for 20 years and so many people have suffered and still suffer.
HH the Dalai Lama has said that we can practice Dorje Shugden again. Read here: Dalai Lama Says We Can Practise Dorje Shugden Finally! https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/current-affairs/dalai-lama-says-we-can-practise-dorje-shugden-finally.html
Lets hope that the ban will quickly be realised for the benefit of all.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this clarifying article and the beautiful and holy pictures of so many highly attained masters.
Humbly,
Lets hope that the ban will quickly be remov
ed for the benefit of all.
Thank you Rinpoche for the teaching. I especially love the photos and thangkas.
Somehow, just before reading this article I came across the chapter of Bodhisattva Never Disparaging of the Lotus Sutra from the internet. I thought it was kind of apt. In chapter 20 of the Lotus Sutra, Bodhisattva Sadāparibhūta (Bodhisattva Never Disparaging) always treated everybody with respect regardless of gender, creed, birth or social status always remembering that they will too can become Buddhas.
So, in the same breath here, we should always respect others despite their religious inclinations as well. By inference here, we should always be kind and courteous, not threaten harm r violence against anyone due to their choices of religion or deities or whatever path they follow.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this powerful and guiding article. I truly love the candid honesty of this article. I personally think nobody should interfere in other people’s religion and practice. Everyone has freedom of choice in religion matters. It is something very personal and and to do with affinity. Not some “Merry Mister Meddle” 🙂 to tell others whether it’s wrong or right. And I have always told my friends and even strangers on social media that I have the best Guru in my personal opinion and i have never regretted my choice and i never will as i believe in my affinity with Rinpoche.
With lots of love and support with folded palms,
Anne Ong.
Trode Khangsar Chapel in Lhasa, TibetOver 400 years ago a great and learned lama Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was famed in Mongolia, Tibet, Nepal and China for being very saintly and compassionate. He resided in his residence (Zimkhang Gongma Ladrang) in Drepung Monastery. His root guru was H.H. the Omniscient 4th Panchen Lama and his close dharma brother was the 5th Dalai Lama.
The 5th Dalai Lama and Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen had a very close and dharmic relationship and often went to receive teachings together from the 4th Panchen Lama. They were close in age. They both became very learned and well known. During this time, the Dalai Lama was enthroned as a Dharma King of Tibet. But more people went to see Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen for teachings, initiations and divinations. This made the attendants of the 5th Dalai Lama feel threatened that Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s fame might usurp the power of the 5th Dalai Lama. So they had a khata forced down his throat. At that moment, Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen dissolved his psychic winds and generated the wish to be a great guardian of Buddha and Tsongkapa’s teachings. As his consciousness dissolved, he entered ‘bardo’ as a dharma protector of the highest order (jikten depey sungma). Many signs were seen throughout Lhasa at this time and the earth was said to have shaken in Lhasa. This event was already predicted to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s previous incarnation when he was one of the 8 main disciples of Lord Tsongkapa the Supreme Master and he served Tsongkapa directly by building Gaden Monastery.
When the 5th Dalai Lama heard what his scheming and power-hungry attendants had done, he was very distressed. He was very sorry Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was murdered and dishonored as he was a great dharma master. The 5th Dalai Lama composed an apology to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen. In Lhasa, tens of thousands gathered for the cremation of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s holy body. During the cremation, the 5th Dalai Lama’s apology was read out at which flames spontaneously arose from the body of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen commencing the cremation. From the body, during cremation, a powerful whirlwind of smoke tunneled into the sky for all to see as this was an indication Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s consciousness has arisen as the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden. The Dharma Protector Setrap immediately recognized this new protector Dorje Shugden and ‘enthroned’ him as a powerful Dharma Protector in the realm of the Buddhas. From this, Setrap and Dorje Shugden are closely connected and very close working hand in hand always. After the cremation, the great 5th Dalai Lama built a Dorje Shugden chapel on the spot the cremation took place and named it Trode Khangsar. The 5th Dalai Lama commissioned the statue of Dorje Shugden in this chapel and had monks installed in the chapel to do continuous propitiations to Dorje Shugden. Trode Khangsar Chapel was a commemoration to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen who was wronged and also a celebration of his consciousness arising as the World Peace Peace Protector Dorje Shugden.
This Trode Khangsar Chapel still exists now in Lhasa where many make pilgrimages there. It is in good condition and was recently renovated. It is over 400 years old and a testimony to the respect the Great 5th Dalai Lama had to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen who arose as Dorje Shugden.
I have visited this holy chapel in Lhasa years back. I’ve never heard of it till I was in Lhasa and by chance, I was told about it which I was happy to visit. I could not find the place but strangely a bunch of pilgrims from Amdo told me they would show me how to get there in Lhasa.
This short video is a short clip of this holy Trode Khangsar Chapel in Lhasa today commemorating Dorje Shugden, built by the great 5th Dalai Lama. The great 5th Dalai Lama even composed a prayer to Dorje Shugden which is still available today and we can recite to invoke the blessings, protection, and assistance of World Peace Protector Dorje Shugden.
Tsem Rinpoche
Read more: Trode Khangsar – A 400-year-old Dorje Shugden Chapel in Lhasa
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/dorje-shugden/trode-khangsar-%E2%80%93-a-400-year-old-dorje-shugden-chapel-in-lhasa.html
Short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTybDwTeLAM
__________________________________
The 5th Dalai Lama’s Prayer to Dorje ShugdenHUM
Though unmoving from the sphere of primordial spontaneity,
With wrathful turbulent power, swifter than lightning,
Endowed with heroic courage to judge good and bad,
I invite you with faith, please come to this place!
Robes of a monk, crown adorned with rhinoceros leather hat,
Right hand holds ornate club, left holds a human heart,
Riding various mounts such as nagas and garudas,
Who subdues the mamos of the charnel grounds, praise to you!
Samaya substances, offerings and torma, outer, inner and secret,
Favourite visual offerings and various objects are arranged.
Although, previously, my wishes were a bit dense,
Do not stop your powerful apparitions, I reveal and confess!
Now respectfully praising with body, speech, and mind,
For us, the masters, disciples, benefactors and entourages,
Provide the good and avert the bad!
Bring increase like the waxing moon in spiritual and temporal realms!
Moreover, swiftly accomplishing all wishes,
According to our prayers, bestow the supreme effortlessly!
And like the jewel that bestows all wishes,
Always protect us with the Three Jewels!
From: http://www.dorjeshugden.org/practice/the-5th-dalai-lamas-prayer-to-dorje-shugden
Tibetan prayer from: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/dorje-shugden/the-14th-dalai-lamas-prayer-to-dorje-shugden.html
I hope Tibetan leadership will stop contradicting itself and discriminating based on faith, for the benefit of Tibetan people.
Thank you for having the strength, courage and genuine care to stand up and speak peacefully for what you believe in. No one should ever suffer, be segregated, assaulted, hurt, degraded, belittled, cursed, hated and biased for their religious beliefs. No one should advise anyone against any religious belief. If we want to find people who hate a certain religion, we can find plenty. If we want to find people who like a certain religion or form of spirituality, there will be plenty. In the end who is right and wrong? Which religion is right or wrong. All or some or none? Therefore it is more logical to respect all religions, all faiths and all forms of spirituality. In history many have exploited religion for selfish purposes and many have not. As long as I have not, that is all that matters. I cannot and will not speak for others of my faith and what their motive is, but I know my motive. No one and no leader and no religious leader should ever hurt, segregate or speak against another religion. Time for peace. Time for harmony. Time for respect. Time to look beyond mine/your religion and be kind. Be kind to everyone. Never put anyone down because of their religion.
Humbly,
Tsem Rinpoche.
P.S. I wish very much the people from His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s views/side and people from the side of Dorje Shugden practitioners meet very soon. May they meet in peace, with kindness in the hearts and good motivation to solve this issue once and for all. We have to solve this through peaceful dialogue. I never protested against His Holiness Dalai Lama nor spoke harshly against his views ever. I have always respected his and everyone’s views. We all have to live on this earth together. You will not accept my way of spirituality and I will not accept your’s and that is okay. But we must respect each other’s spiritual faith and NEVER criticize or advise against it. We must respect also what we don’t accept. Everyone has their way. Advising against another’s religion/faith/spirituality creates so much disharmony. No more disharmony. It’s been 19 years since the ban against Dorje Shugden started. It must end please. We have so many things to argue about in this world, let’s make one less conflict. I wish this conflict to end peacefully soon. I wish His Holiness the Dalai Lama and supporters can open channels of communication and solve this issue soon. Peaceful dialogue please and soon. Thank you.
All people regardless deserve the freedom to choose their path. People can have their opinions, but it would not be right if those opinions cause more suffering to others. People who are in the positions of power, are heads of organisations, countries etc etc have much more responsibilities with their actions and words. If we do cause doubt and people to lose faith with their teachers and practices we need to be prepared to take care of those people who have broken faith with their previous practices and teachers.
INTERESTING DEVELOPEMENT:
We have been informed by our friends in Dharamsala that the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA; the de facto head of Tibetans in Exile in India) that they have seen the vulgarities said in the name of being on the Dalai Lama’s defense. Many who can read English in Dharamsala have been horrified that their campaign against Shugden is leading to such vulgarities and attacks on Shugden followers personal lives. CTA had hoped to intimidate Shugden people to give up through fear and violence in the past, but it has worked against them as they represent Dalai Lama a Nobel peace prize winner. People are asking why Dalai Lama does not speak up against the hatred towards Shugden people? CTA in the past have kept quiet about the attacks on Shugden people both physical and verbal but now IT’S DIRECTLY BEING CONNECTED TO THEM which is bad PR. The more Dalai Lama supporters hurl abuses on line and it’s recorded, the more it will work against CTA.
The CTA visit this blog often to keep a watch. They are embarrassed by people who write such negatives and vulgarities now and engage in name-calling in the name of Buddhism and the Dalai Lama. It reflects terribly on them. They have been getting more negative response from people around the world and more queries. The press has been picking up on these types of verbal abuses hurled at Shugden people and find it justified and alerted to the fact something is seriously wrong. They are starting to question the CTA more which is embarrassing.
We will keep posting these vulgarities hurled at Shugden people online. This is what Shugden people have to tolerate daily. But you will see NO SUCH COMMENTS from Shugden people. I have friends who informed me they will also send this article’s link to press around the world and proper authorities to keep them alert. As violent vulgarities can escalate into violence against innocent Shugden practitioners.
You see the bottom line is all this name hurling and violent words can stop overnight if His Holiness Dalai Lama speaks up to stop it. Dalai Lama should send people to engage in dialogue to settle this matter once and for all. It would benefit everyone all around. This ban and advice against peaceful Shugden practitioners was started by Tibetan leadership. They should do something to stop it as they are responsible for every person they affect with this ban. The Tibetan leadership is responsible for every harm perpetrated or planned against Shugden practitioners both verbal, psychological and physical.
Do see the pictures here of the abuse but be ready for how unpleasant it could be: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=58841
It’s amazing, sometimes when you make a spiritual choice, some people can criticize and segregate you for it. As if your choice must be approved by them. If they don’t approve they have some mandate to tell you that you are wrong and also can be rude for your choice of faith. If you don’t pray to what they pray to, then your ‘god’ is a demon or something. How archaic. LOL. I find that amazing. LOL again. How can you come to my space, face and life and tell me my religion is wrong? I didn’t hurt anyone with my faith and I don’t intend to. Whatever others of my same faith are or are not doing is not me. So don’t bundle me up into the same package. I am me and they are them. Besides, I am more than my religion. There are many aspects of who I am. So don’t just look at my spiritual choice and summarize me. You don’t know me. And you don’t have to know me. Also I owe nothing to you. I don’t need your approval for my spirituality. I would love to be your friend but let’s not let our spiritual choice ever get in the way. Be modern, be today and accept who I am as I don’t hurt anyone. 🙂 So look at all parts of who I am but the bottom line is my spirituality is my choice, do not ever presume to comment, disparage, judge or even think anything about it. I eat what I want. I dress as I like. Live where I want. Befriend who I wish. Write what I like on my social media space and pray to whatever I feel is working for me. Full stop! 🙂 Thanks for letting me live my life as your opinion of it is not needed, requested or solicited and I say this with deepest respects to you.. Humbly, Tsem Rinpoche
NOTABLE COMMENT FROM TSEM RINPOCHE
For me, I have received teachings from H.H. the Dalai Lama and I still have to respect him as one of my lamas. It might be different for some of you who have not. But my approach must be respectful. Even if I didn’t have teachings from H.H. the Dalai Lama, would still approach him in a respectful manner. The advice against Dorje Shugden practice by His Holiness is hurting many people in fact millions. It’s creating discord, segregation and pain. Everything the Dalai Lama teaches is about compassion, tolerance and reconciliation and the Shugden practitioners deserve that too. I therefore, respectfully prostrating to the ground would ask H.H. the Dalai Lama to please send his ministers to talk to the leaders of the Shugden group and resolve this issue. I say all this with deepest respects. As a part Tibetan, I also wish His Holiness the best. Long live the Dalai lama. Humbly, Tsem Rinpoche
Dear everyone, His Holiness Dalai Lama says to kick out monks from the monasteries who do not listen. I was so surprised at this short speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BS6hq5HJNik
Dorje Shugden followers in the millions will not abandon their practice. So it would be good if leaders of the Dorje Shugden practicing community met with the Tibetan leadership to work out something that will be a win-win situation for both sides. His Holiness Dalai Lama wants to meet the Chinese current leaders to resolve the Tibet issue. Why not meet the Shugden followers to resolve this issue too? Why forgive one ‘enemy’ and ignore another?~Tsem Rinpoche (Please read more here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=57431)
From the article:
“Choosing a Dharma teacher is like ordering a la carte from a menu. Whatever a la carte dish you have chosen, you eat it and be happy with it, and stop staring at the buffet with a lot of choices.
All spiritual teachers of all traditions, leaders and their subordinates should never demonize another person’s faith, belief system or deity. Leave it to the individual to decide…
So basically, whatever practices your teacher has given you from the depths of his heart, practice it all the way and rejoice in the teachings of the teachers for their disciples.”
In short, we choose our teacher carefully, then once we have decided, we should follow all the way. And, we should already have full confident and faith in our own teacher/Lama with pure lineage, so no matter what others say about him/her, we will not sway.
Most importantly, we should never criticise other lamas or tradition, we have not right to do that. It is their right to have the freedom to practice their own spiritual path. Period.
Buddhists practice for development of compassion. The actions of criticising, bashing and discriminating others are not Buddhists’ practice. When we practice bad actions and violence, where is our compassion?
H.E. Tsem Rinpoche is giving the logical answers and guidelines for us to practice the teachings of Buddha truthfully without being influenced by any political issue or worldly concerns. Just pure teachings from Buddha, back to basic.
Thank you Rinpoche for this wonderful article. I am lucky that so far I have never meet any Buddhist teacher who is criticizing other teaching of any other teachers. I think this is why Buddhism is consider as a peaceful and logical religion by many. Once we have carefully chosen our guru, we should place our trust in him and follow his teaching diligently. There are many people who ran away from their guru saying their teachings are not right, but in fact is the students themselves who are not willing to accept the teaching because they do not want to put in the effort to learn and change. This article should be read by those students who have doubts with their guru because of rumors. In the end, if we choose Buddhism, we should behave like a Buddhist and practice the teaching of Lord Buddha of compassion and acceptance.
History has show us can not suppress religion believe freedom and how the outcome can be cause the war, disharmony. We should respect each other by not putting down what people has believe in their own religion. We should respect all religion in order to create harmony between different race and religion in this world. Thank you Rinpoche has should us this powerful article. Respect our guru who kindly teach us the spiritual path and follow the his lineage all the way with any doubt.
Thank you Rinpoche for such a logical post.
In this civilized and modern times, a lot of people around the world are given religious freedom as to what they want to practice. In many countries in fact. Eg. It is not like in the olden days when people will be burnt at the stake or killed for what they want to practice.
Whatever people want to practice is because they have their faith and believe in those practices.
In my case, I practice what my Guru gave me. Why have a Guru or have Guru devotion but be picky and choose what I want? I don’t think that I know better than my Guru or else I wouldn’t need my Guru. I follow and ‘stick’ to whatever my Guru tells me to do without a doubt and follow thru.
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank You for this important and clear teaching.
Much harm has been done in history to many different people all over the world. I cannot even imagine what people had to endure in the past.
The reasons have been different for each “unwanted issue”. Violence, physical or by speech has brought terrible effects. People had to suffer unimaginable harm. Lets learn from history.
Buddhism teaches to respect each other and not harm others even if they do not do what you expect them to do.
Yes, I want to pray to what I want, too.
With folded hands
We have fought for our individual rights for decades and every victory is defined as advancement in our civilization. We have gained the freedom to choose our own career choices, women have accomplished greater equality in opportunities, we have gained the right to choose who we want to marry etc.
So, what more the right to religious freedom?! We each should and must fight for this right because it is a quest for our spiritual liberation. It is a fight for the essence of who we are, our beliefs, passion and what we stand for in life. Yes, our religion does boil down to that.
Religion whether Buddhism, Christianity, Islam or Hindi is food for our soul. It nourishes us to have the wisdom, tenacity and kindness to hold onto our beliefs, passions, visions and dreams.
Our forefathers suffered the apartheid of the past as listed by Rinpoche in their battle for greater freedom for us. How can we stand back and allow spiritual freedom be jeopardized? If we allow a backward fall in one aspect of humanity, it will only start a domino effect on others aspects in our society.
Thank you Rinpoche for this reminder of what we must stand up for in our life.
I guess religious freedom is desirable and essential. Brilliant and powerful sharing.
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/inspiration-worthy-words/i-pray-to-what-i-want-to.html
wow this is awesome
my trust is by truth and fairness this link
and all of its connectiveness be relied upon
to return to one thousand years from now
my human mind tells me it will not be and that i must make
hard copies of all its content yet my spiritual centre
tells me all of this will be available one thousand years
from now , everything is important the past and the future
nothing more so than now
what must i do now?
wow amazing
not possible to digest in one day nor one month nor one year
amazing collection of words works and photos
my mum always taught me a picture paints
more than a thousand words and im sure
my mum was speaking about times when
a pencil or a paint bush was used to draw pictures
not a camera
im so lucky to get this huge collection of stuff
not clever enough to store it all
but lucky all the same
thank you so much
Thankyou for this brilliant article Rinpoche! What you have said here has really made lots of things very clear for me. Best wishes to you always 🙂
Thanks Rinpoche for sharing these with us, this really made me think about how much I done for my religion obviously I did not do anything at all. Many people only think about their religion and try to get the solution when they r facing the problems in their life, I am one of them and this is so wrong..I think in order to avoid leaving your guru/religion, we should really think about why we choose this one in stead of others, only when you have the answer, we will do without having doubt
Thank you Rinpoche for you generous sharing on guru devotion and all the rare photos of highly attained spiritual masters of the past and present .Which this highly attained lamas cycles never ends as they devote their pure live to bodhichitta to benefit others to spread the holy dharma.
We should be glad to be able to meet up and learn dharma from Kechara as they have a pure and uninterrupted lineage solely dedicated to spread the holy dharma and to help those in need.
The journey towards seeking enlightenment is not easy and it would take many lifetimes. To find the true Guru to lead you the correct path is rare .To encounter obstacles along the way is commen .Do not blame it on the Guru but on your own Karma.
Thank you Rinopche for the teaching. We have free choice to choose our religion. If we have selected our religion and Guru, go all the way with perseverance as Guru is so compassionate to train us and guides us in our spiritual path to find our inner Buddha.
If we have any doubt and confusion, seek advices from our first/root Guru and explain politely to him/her. Seek permission from our first/root Guru if we would like to change any practices. Continue follow the instructions of our first/root Guru if we do not obtain the permission from our guru.
Do not criticize other religions & other gurus because we will create confusion and harm for others. If we really need to leave our Guru, do not criticize the guru because Guru has been kind and had taught us Dharma. Thank you Rinpoche for the profound teaching.
謝謝尊敬的仁波切佛法分享，讓我深一層了解自由信仰宗教的重要性。從文中了解到
自由選擇宗教或選擇無神論者，是每個人的自由權。任何人都不能剝奪他人的選擇權。
任何人都不能利用宗教來達到個人利益和目的。更不能強迫不同宗教信仰者改教，信仰你所皈依的宗教。
只要我們還沒證悟，就有多少偏見或偏好，但不能詆毀其他宗教來抬高自己所信仰的宗教，這將會掀起互相仇恨的氛圍。
仁波切強調，一旦皈依上師，就要義無反顧的遵從上師的一切指示和教悔，不可再生起質疑心，如犯了，在修佛路上將會沒有任何成就！
如果有超過一位上師，將以第一位上師的教誨為最終的教誨，第二位不該推翻第一位上師的指示和教誨，避免造成混淆。
謝謝師傅的教誨，我會緊記在心，用心學習您給予的知識與教導，願您安康。
Dear Rinpoche,
Rinpoche’s teaching on this post has deepen and widen my view on religion/belief system and religious freedom. It has expanded the understanding of religious freedom and acceptance of various belief system of mine. I thank you and very much grateful for this. From this ariticle I learn that:
* To have a religion is one’s choice. As a citizen of 21 century, you can choose which Guru/master/religion to follow; you are free not to have any religion as well. Either way, your choice should be respected by all. Once you have chosen your Guru with full knowledge of the Guru, the lineage, practice and so on, you should follow with loyalty, consistency, and trust till the end. We are not to be seen as holy to be like this, instead we do this because we all want to gain result and reach the goal we wish to – attainment in your spiritual path.
* As a student we should not critize another Guru/lineage/centre/religion, and this is more crucial for a Guru/teacher to be an example to exercise respect to all religions. World peace comes from the mind of creating peace and wanting peace from every individual who lives on this planet. If religious leaders, teachers, political leaders etc – those who are opinion leaders and have influence in their political arena, spiritual XX and etc never try hard to create peace from within, there will only create more disharmony, hatred and fraction in the Earth. Power and influence should be utilised with good motivation, then it will bring great and good result for all.
* Even though you were suffered from persecution/discrimination as a minority religious group in the pass, if you are not learnt from the experience, you might bring sufferings to others in later time. Just like what happen to Puritans migrate to America from Europe for religious freedom, later initiated witch hunts themeselves in America. If we did not learn from the sufferings we are having now or we had in the past, to some extent we have actually “wasted” the experience or sufferings…and inflict the same sufferings to others is something even worst would happen to one and others. Experiencing suffering did not guarantee we will not bring the same sufferings to others in future. Instead, suffer with understanding the causes and always remind ourselves not to bring the same to others would prabably make us a better person with understanding and empathy.
* Religious freedom just like democracy or all others precious things in our life, you will not have it by just sitting there without doing anything.. You have to fight for it, to sweat for it. Nothing come without putting in effort.
* From ignorance we create fear, anger, hatred and sufferings. Those who wants to consolidate their status/power/the status of the true church will fear anyone who did not obey the church’s orders stand up as “rival” to their status as the authority in the community/country. The want for discource power/champion of its people, would pushing one, most scary is when it was pushed by a group of people with the same desire to control, to use force and done atrocity to another group of peope of different belief.
Thus we would see disharmony, war, witch hunt and even social media war/persecution against certain group of people/religion/belief which seen to be the rival of the status quo. In history we have also seen a certain group of people/followers of certain belief could become a political games victim to divert attention of people on certain important international/national issue.
* Fear could not chased away by belittle certain belief, its follwers or their deities/gods. Since it comes from within and would only be countered from within.
I truly love the candid honesty of this article which I have read many times. Thank you Rinpoche for this powerful and guiding article. What amazes me is that in this modern age of the 21st Century there is still mentality of the old ancient times still prevailing. Religion can be as empowering and peaceful as it can be destructive and disempowering. The distinction being the motivation. So many people have perished in the name of “religion”, and yet it is still happening. This is inhuman, this is barbaric. It is the actions of people which create many to perish which is barbaric and not the practices of the individuals.
The freedom to choose should not just be documented and preached selectively and for other gains other than religious peace and harmony. The human race cannot be selective. The world is so small and how many more “wars” and deaths have to be in the name of religious freedom. It is my personal opinion that judgements based on ignorance are not the basis for making laws and legislation. When people have peace in their hearts and wisdom on their minds, we will all achieve the world peace in which we have heard about for decades.
Another fantastic piece with many points for contemplation and practice. One of the things I love and admire about Rinpoche is your tolerance and respect of other faiths. This is the epitome of what a true practitioner should be. Thank you with folded hands.
This post has such a wealth of information that I will need a few readings to digest it. Thank you Rinpoche for sharing so many precious images here, many of them I am seeing for the first time. I have been following Rinpoche for 20 years and what ‘he preaches, he practices’ and is consistent.
To preserve and continue from your lineage masters, you need to continue guru devotion practice everyday, for after all The foundation of all good qualities is the kind and perfect, pure guru. I remember Rinpoche telling of how he never missed doing his saddhana but due to a period of having to take on three different jobs a day as a teenager in LA, very reluctantly and sadly, he had to miss it but soon made extra effort to catch up with it. This is how much Rinpoche treasures and respect the practices handed down to him by his teachers even though a few have entered clear light.
As a Malaysian, I am blessed that we have a liberal government that respects religious freedom although the official religion is Islam. Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, Sikhs (which are the other dominant religion in Malaysia)are able to freely hold different religious beliefs, assemble with fellow believers, proselytize others, engage in inter-faith and intra-faith cooperation, etc. It is an important attribute of democracies when a government allows followers of other religions to follow their spiritual beliefs and practices without oppression or discrimination.
The Dalai Lama often mentions in his talks that he appreciates any organization or individual people who sincerely make an effort to promote harmony among humanity, and particularly harmony among the various religions.
Religious tolerance is a fundamental right in democracy. It is to respect the choices people make, the principles they live by, and accepts their right to make their own choices and is vitally necessary for world peace.
Dear Rinpoche,
I like the photos attached on this article. Thanks. It’s help me better understand Gelugpa lineage and the song. Love it. Thank you very much.
A very powerful sharing which shows mostly on Guru Devotion. So blessed to be able to view all the photos of all highly attained Lamas together.
My Guru is whom I choose and I will follow all the way no matter what others says.
Thank you Rinpoche for being part of my life.
修行的信念、修持、上师及教法帮助我们很多。佛陀的教法真的让我了解了那些伤痛的经历并从中学习。
然而并不是所有人都认为我的修行之路也适合他们，但他们可以找寻适合他们的道路，这没问题。每个人都有属于自己的修行之路。也些有的人独自从各种经历中找到自己的道路。每一上师都有他们特别的方式教导，我们吸收不来，不可以责怪上师。 而且有修到的人，也不会轻易批评。
H.E Tsem Rinpoche 是我的上师 。我的上师把我从无明中唤醒。接触佛法，学习佛法。让我明白。
皈依上师，让我可以专注的修行。
一个好的上师，是会以身做则，不会去批评和伤害任何人与动物。一个好的上师，会跟随自己的上师和传承，不会离去。一个好的上师，会想尽办法的去，栽培学生。一个好的上师，能够牺牲自己来成全大事。我感恩不尽。
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this articl, a teaching on the etiquette of ateacher and a student.
In this article, Rinpoche has given many examples on how by forcing a belief and religion on others disharmony arised and a precious culture is destoyed. It is also not hard to see that the supression of one religion is out of political motive. When the Western power arrived in a new land, since their motive was to quickly gain control of the people and land, by introducing a new religion forcefully would be the quickest way. With religion, not many logical explanations need to be given when certain decision is made. Controlling people using secular methods, the ruler has to give logical reasoning.
Many political unrest and disharmony whether in the past or now is caused by thinking one religion id better than the other and by forcing their belief to others. If we really want world peace, respect of other’s belief and culture is very important. Therefore, we should not criticise other’s belief or religion. We should focus in our practice, cultivate good virtues, bring harmony to our community, society, country and world. By criticising others, we will only bring disharmony and unrest
This is such a powerful post with very lovely pictures.
If ‘God’ or ‘Buddha’ wanted us all to be the same, and have the same practices, religion, creed, race, we would all be created in such a way where we would not be made to have any choices. We would all be the same color, have the same beliefs, same practices and religion, have no differences in culture, exposure and all. But since, due to karma, our mindsets are all so varied, and the conditions from person to person differs so much, we are put into situations and faced with choices to make. Since these choices that we have to make are bestowed upon us right from the minute we chose to exit our mother’s womb, then it is only right that everyone respects the choices each other makes because we were all born straight into a world where we are always faced with making choices. Why criticize, punish and harass others for choices that they make, when we ourselves are making choices on a daily basis too? If it continues the way it does, where people hurt one another for choices made, then mankind will never be at peace because respect cannot be nurtured.
This reminds me of Governments. Most governments of different countries do not meddle in the affairs of another country. If they did, we would head towards another world war. But because different governments have come to respect the choices other governments make, with dialogue and mutual respect, we are now able to sit leisurely and enjoy our respective lives. Likewise, on an individual basis, co-existing requires the same. Since individuals are not discriminated based on what schools they go to, the clothes they wear, the language they choose to speak, they should not be discriminated by their choice of practice and religion too. Why pick on one part of an individual and not the other choices they make?
On a spiritual sense, if people are loyal and devoted to their gurus and lineage, it should be a reason to celebrate. How many people can remain determined to follow instructions given by their chosen gurus for their whole life? If you and I can’t, then that alone is enough to silence us from criticizing others because it is something admirable to emulate.
Carmen
Making choices is part of our life. From choosing career, spouse, food, lifestyle & whatsoever, we often want to make the “right” choice. Making right choice is so individual and subjective and no one has the right to criticize others for their choice. For example, some extremists condemned homosexuality and regard it as a sin. Our prejudice should not reject people or things outside our understandings. Be open-minded is the key to civilization.
Everyone loves freedom and have their own definition of freedom. Being free and feeling free, to do, to say, to be , to literally anything, whatsoever. Freedom is not exclusive. It’s a choice and you take full responsible for it.
Same applies to religion and spirituality. We have every right to choose a spiritual Guru to guide us. Once we decided to follow a certain Guru, we should stick to him/her, by all means. As a spiritual seeker, we have to be open, free of hostility toward other points of view or even without attachment to personal opinions. Otherwise, prejudice or preconception will blind us from seeing our spiritual teacher’s good qualities. Being appreciative towards a Guru’s kindness in teaching us Dharma is the key to achieve Bodhicitta – the root of Buddha’s teachings.
We always have to be clear that guru is there to help us to transform, he cannot force us, it’s all about self realisation and we take the responsible to transfrom. It’s from within. Ultimately we have to take responsibility to what we’ve done in our life. Be it beneficial or harmful.
As quoted in Yonten Shigyurma: “Mindful of death, this life disintegrates as swiftly as a bubble in turbulent water and after death my good and bad karma follows me like my shadow.”
We have limited time to dedicate to our Dharma practice. Therefore, if we focus on and get influenced by “this person said this and that person said that”, the person will who will loose out most is you. Why? It is because with the limited time and wisdom and compassion, we are not able to decipher through all this talk. Hence, we loose time and we loose faith and ultimately we loose sight of our dharma practice. Why must we never lose a close link to our Dharma teacher, Yidam and practice? It is because our Dharma practice is the only thing we do in our lives that will help us at our moment of death. The death that none of us can avoid, prevent or escape. Since our dharma is so important, should we permit the words of others who have not attained enlightenment de-track us from our journey? The answer is an evident “No”.
Similarly, even in the secular world, those who have attainments or success do not need to criticize or put others down. Why? It is because results will speak for themselves. There is a Chinese saying: when the water level drops, the truth will arise. Therefore, if our practice is truly the right one and the best one, results will show. What happen to previous practitioners who engage in a certain practice? Did he or she gain attainment and enlightenment, happiness and peace? If the answer is “yes” then, that is a good practice. So, reflect on the results and not get distracted by what others say.
As mentioned by Rinpoche, leadership in various parts of the world permits the perceived dark practices like voodoo and witchcraft. Even the Dalai Lama acknowledges, accepts and respects the Bon practice amongst his people. So, why put a stop to practices that are embraced by millions and has been passed down through generations?
If we are Buddhists, we will understand that what we receive from our Guru as practice is directly related to our karma. Is that not the power of having a Guru? So, that he or she can prescribe the medicine that best treats our illness as written in the Lamrim – Liberation in the Palm of Your Hands. Similarly, the teacher that we have affinity with is also based on our karmic link to him or her. Therefore, instead of determining our choice of Guru based on secular criteria, we should check out the track record of the Guru and check in with our intuition of who is the best teacher for us. Once decided, stick to the decision. Yoyo-ing will be the cause of our spiritual downfall, not the teacher chosen or the practice prescribed because our habituation of indecisiveness will be reinforced and create the cause (karma) for us to always be inconsistent with our practice due to our inability to get committed. This will of course spill over onto our secular lives and hinder our potential to accomplishment desired stable results.
Thank you Rinpoche for this unfiltered and empowering post that fundamentally speaks for freedom and humanity. We call our civilization advanced and modern. So, it is about time we put a real end to the backward ways of discrimination, suppression and oppression as clearly listed and illustrated by historical examples in the blog post above.
There is so much in this post that it will take many readings to digest it all.
Religious conflicts, like all conflicts arise out of man having prejudice in his heart. Prejudice in turn is due to an over-inflated ego that thinks that we alone are right and everyone else is wrong. When this prejudice finds its way into the hearts of men with power it becomes institutionalised persecution. A religion is the pursuit of a spiritual path that ought to broaden our minds, open our hearts and foster peace. It makes sense that religion should teach us to have less prejudice instead of providing us an avenue to exercise our prejudice. A religious conflict therefore is an oxymoron. But as Rinpoche said, it is difficult for a person not to be biased until such time when he or she attains a certain level of bodhisattva-hood.
And this is one of the many reasons why I appreciate this post – it deals with a difficult subject with such clarity and logic. It offers wise alternatives that does not steer us deeper into antipathy, using as guideposts, reason, common sense and good values such as loyalty and integrity – the bare minimum of elements a true spiritual path should encourage.
At the end of the day the main purpose for us to practice a religion is to find liberation for our mind and to be at peace with ourselves. How can condemning the faith of others help me achieve liberation? How can disturbing the beliefs of others benefit my own spiritual training? In fact how can anything external do that for me?
What an awesome post and so much to learn from this both in the spiritual, secular and social aspects.
Most of all Tsem Rinpoche’s views in this article shows His great compassion, understanding and care for all aspects of living with the freedom to do what is suitable for an individual to eventually live life virtuously and be happy within ourselves.
In life to success in anything, we need to believe in our choices and have perseverance to continue our path to reach our goals. One of the smarter way to do so would be to have found a teacher and guide.
I would never think of climbing Mount Everest without a guide and while on the journey, would the changing of guide be a disaster and danger to myself. Therefore it is my personal opinion that since I have found my spiritual guide and teacher in Tsem Rinpoche, why do I want to change as practising the Dharma is no easy task given our old nasty habituations and wrong views.
All religions teach us to be kind and compassionate and that should be respected even if we practise a different method of spirituality and religion.
The choice of our teacher is made by us and it is imperative that we never disparage our teacher as in doing so it has really nothing to do with the teacher but our total distrust of oneself.
Choosing a religious teacher is not like buying a handbag, which can be discarded at will with a new one. But honestly speaking even in changing a handbag it is very stressful as we have to remember once again how articles are placed.
Choose your teacher and never waiver from your own belief that he is the best for you, although there will be many moments when our negative Karma would arise and would distress us, hold on and avert this negativity and have purification thereon. Trust your religious teacher as he/she will never harm you but only guide you to be a happy and good person.
In Buddhism, remember the lineage that goes all the way to Shakymuni Buddha and the tenets of Buddhism cannot be wrong, only we can.
Everyone has the right to practice what they feel comfortable with based on their faith and experience and it is very disrespectful to criticize or condemn others beliefs. It is basic human rights to have religious freedom. All religion makes us to be a better person; we should have tolerance and compassion and live in harmony with each other. Religious discrimination is very bad as it creates sufferings, hatred and violence.
This article truly reflects on Rinpoche’s strong Guru Devotion and we should follow the advice Rinpoche mentioned in this post. We should be respectful and mindful of other beliefs, be tolerant and do not discriminate. The world will be a better place to live if we spend less time arguing who is right or who is wrong.
Thank you, Rinpoche, for this sharing this teaching and with all the treasured pictures of so many highly attained Masters. Also, thank you, for being so open and clear about your views. I am glad I have a Guru, a Lineage and a practice and nothing is going to deter me from giving up too.
Tsem Rinpoche’s guru devotion has always been perfect and steadfastly strong beyond any doubt and this the quality leading to great spiritual attainments. Rinpoche’s loyalty and guru devotion is truly inspirational and is indeed a great example for many of us to follow in the spiritual path to enlightenment. Rinpoche’s view is not only broad and encompassing but is also practical. In this article Rinpoche clearly showed us how we can practise the path in the midst of religious confusion and doubts especially when we have more than one guru with conflicting views. We remain true to ourselves and our guru and lineage without creating any obstacles by trusting, loyal and steadfast without wavering to anyone or any seemly famous/popular spiritual celebrity/teacher with conflicting views. I fully agree we pray to what we want to pray, no one has the right to demonise our religion and beliefs. This is the way to go.
Living in the 21st century with a mindset of the 16th century, taking away religious freedom/human rights of the people while preaching world peace and harmony on the planet is the worst crime that any political/spiritual leader can ever do. How can there be world peace and harmony without ethics?
It is heartwarming to see many pictures of highly attained beings in here. Thank you for sharing Rinpoche.
This article reflects a few points to me :-
1) Those from different race, religion or creed should respect each other’s beliefs and doctrines and should not talk bad or discriminate others.
2) For those within the same religion in this case Tibetan Buddhism, we should also respect and revere the uniqueness of the differences that prevail. Amitabha’s wisdom of All-Distinguishing, our hearts should open in love and compassion and we should affectionately appreciate the details and subtleties of the differences that are everywhere in life and especially in all the individuals we meet.
Not only do we have different schools i.e Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, Gelug, Jonang, and Bonpo. Within each school we also have emphasis on slightly different deities and practices, depending on the Guru we are learning from. The Guru would know precisely what each student needs in order for the student to succeed in their path to Enlightment. There can NEVER be one method for all sentient beings.
Hence, no high or low ranking person(s) in Dharma or whatsoever should have the right to change all these “uniqueness” because there would be no way that all of us can be conformed to ONE METHOD. If only one method can do the trick why would The Great Buddha have 84000 Dharma gates and also made 3 turning of the Dharma Wheel.
I have the great fortune to meet a very wise,kind and compassionate Guru, Tsem Rinpoche, and I am eternally grateful. He is the personification of perfect Guru devotion and I hope to be able to emulate this virtue.
Thank you Rinpoche for strengthening my assurance and confidence in my faith in the 3 jewels via this teaching ! May the sufferings of all those being hurt and discriminated quickly end and may they have the complete freedom to practice and progress in their paths !
Dear Rinpoche,
It is very direct and open and so mind piercing dharma, instructions for people like me. How precious we innocent people will be to have such Guru. I bow at your lotus feet rinpoche. how wonderful it would be if all have such attitude. Thank you Rinpoche _/\_
What I learnt from this teaching are:
1. The nature of samsara: no matter what you do and how you do something, it will not please EVERY SINGLE PERSON ON THIS EARTH, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE. Even from the small thing like what clothes we choose to wear, there will be compliment and criticism. Like what Rinpoche has said on the above, “In samsara, the pleasure of one can be the scorn of another. What is precious to another can be poison to others.” Everything has 2 sides, and this kind of conflict even takes place in our own mind, we always have this kind of debate in our mind too(this we called it as ‘dilemma’) how sad it is.
By knowing this fact, we choose to practice Dharma, we want to get rid of this good and bad extreme that brings so much confusion and pain to ourselves and others, we strive to learn emptiness and equanimity in our Dharma practice to solve the confusion/dilemma. But when we say my Lama is good but his/her Guru is bad, that practice is bad but not this one, that religion is bad and the other is not, it brings more dilemma to yourself and others and it completely defeats the purpose of practicing Dharma. We stuck in the extreme of good and bad and forget about being humble, forget about the teachings of emptiness and equanimity that can relief our pain. The even worse thing is, we creates confusion, trouble and pain to others who wish to get rid of pain and practicing Dharma. Again, this defeats the purpose of practicing Dharma because we are not compassion by creating confusion and trouble to others.
The reason why we shouldn’t criticize others’ belief, Lama and lineage is:
from spiritual angle: be compassion to others and respect others, practice equanimity and be a real Buddhist.
from human rights angle: let everyone practices what they like. If they are evil and bad, let the law ‘punish’ them, not by your malicious words and action. If you are the one to judge, there is no need of law, judges, courts etc.
2. To those who always say bad thing about their previous practice, previous teachers, the basis of you able to criticize your previous belief/practice/teachers, it is because you learnt something from them or out of them. No matter what you feel, you gained something that’s for sure. A loser will complaint forever long how he/she is being treated badly in the past and keep blaming and tell the bitter stories of themselves. A winner will thank the adversity because he/she learnt from the past and they will even grateful to what happened in the past. They will not be bitter and complaint.
However, the more important thing to understand is that: no one forces you to follow that lineage/Lama, it is your own choice and you have the capacity of time/freedom to choose whether to follow or not. So why complaint endlessly about your own ‘bad choice’? Yes you can say that is my ‘responsibility’ to point out what is wrong, but how do you know you are completely right and the lineage/Lama are completely wrong therefore they deserve your endless criticism? There are still many people following that lineage and Lama, it cannot be only you and a few of others are the ones who are smart. You do not fit in the lineage/Lama is possible, so when you need a change, yes, do it beautifully, respectfully and gracefully. Do not create trouble and confusion for others.
3. It is very ungrateful and ridiculous when we criticize the lineage Lamas, and saying they were bad and wrong are even worse. What you have learnt today to distinguish right or wrong are passed from them. The knowledge you use to criticize their actions/belief/practices are passed down from them as well. But at the same time you are criticizing them and humiliating them? Even some holy prayers you reciting are written by them too.
4. The true courage to take on the responsibility to hold the lineage and the lama’s teachings come from true practice not blindly following the authority. If we blindly follow the authority, following someone just because his/her higher status, we will not able to hold anything in life, not to mention about lineage. The authority will change, there will be someone who has higher status than this person you are following now in the future, are you going to switch side again and again? If you switch side like this, there will be nothing you can hold and safeguard. True practice is you have the determination and loyalty to something, you have great faith because you know by yourself it is something good and no matter what people say about it, you know you are right and you hold it peacefully and with great courage.
Tsem Rinpoche is the one who has this great courage and patience. From young the stepparents created many huge obstacles for His Dharma practice, the adversities were so many in the past even in monastery time didn’t stop Him from learning the Dharma and preaching the Dharma to all of us today. I thank Rinpoche for the wonderful post above, it makes me think and reflect on myself a lot. It especially reminds me of not to be righteous and be open with everything.
Rinpoche takes everyone on an inspirational journey through their hearts to find their individual truth. In this post, Rinpoche truly reflects his views when it comes to Dharma; that one should have a good and faithfull attitude all the way without reserve, as far as Dharma practice is concerned. Dharma was intended by Lord Buddha to benefit all sentient beings and Lord Buddha himself had validated that. As the Vinaya sutra says,”Actions will not be wasted, Even with the passing of a hundred aeons, When the right causes and circumstances meet, The fruits of Embodied Beings will ripen”. Rinpoche has said in this blog, “No one has the right to tell me whom I should pray to. Each individual should have his own statutorial rights to pray to what, or whom, he or she wants to. Each individual reserves his/her own rights to have their own God, Buddha, Jesus or their own creator, or whatsover they believe in. Its up to each individual to decide. So when we are asked, Rinpoche has advised us to just make it simple by peacefully saying, “I have a Guru, I have a lineage, I have a practice and a goal and I am going to stick by it! Thank you Rinpoche, for your wonderful teachings, which is like a roadmap always leading us to a good spiritual development. May you have a stable good health and a long life to continue turning the Wheel of Dharma to benefit all sentient beings. Om Mani Padme Hung.
Having trust, belief and loyalty to one’s guru and lineage is very important for success in one’s practice. There should not be any doubt about the teacher and the lineage lamas. One should always remember the teacher’s kindness for having imparted the Dharma to us and repay his kindness by practising the Dharma well. The solutions given here by H.E. Tsem Rinpoche are very helpful for both teachers and spiritual aspirants.
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for the wonderful read.
It is through Rinpoche that I learn most about guru devotion. Unlike Rinpoche who has many great teachers to guide and teach Rinpoche, I am very fortunate to receive condensed teachings from numerous great masters through Rinpoche.
And I do not need other teachers to teach me.
Just like what Rinpoche mentioned in the article, teachings must have lineage and the lineage explained to us. I remembered clearly when I took refuge with Rinpoche, Rinpoche clearly explained who are / were Rinpoche’s gurus and the lineage / practices Rinpoche is going to bestow upon me.
I respect and love Rinpoche and the practices and lineage given to me by Rinpoche. Likewise, nobody can say what MY guru teaches me are wrong or give remarks about them.
Thank you Rinpoche.
I SO LOVE ALL THOSE BEAUTIFUL PICTURES!
THANK YOU Rinpoche for SHARING them with us here.
My favourites are:
1. Trijang Rinpoche wearing the Panchen Sonam Drakpa hat… so divinely regal he looks!
2. His Holiness Penor Rinpoche so humble, so compassionate
3. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche purposely went to have audience with His Holiness the Panchen Lama.
4. The grand oracle of Gaden Monastery – this picture was on my sister’s shrine and I was always curious and thought this must be someone powerful!
5. Dalai Lama with a light aura surrounding his body and head.
6. Picture of Rinpoche meeting the current H.H. Zong Rinpoche is my all time fav
7. Last but not least really like the last picture of Rinpoche walking out the elevator of KH1 back in those days!
Isn’t “religion” suppose to be about love and kindness to others?
The moment someone criticizes another person’s faith, enforces it on to others, that is the moment all hell breaks lose and that is the moment you know that is NOT CORRECT, NOT TRUE and definitely NO religion. I don’t think there’s any religion that have it in their books/bibles to condemn another religion or faith is virtuous. It says “love thy neighbour” not “burn thy neighbour” and I would probably say “see ya later”! If Buddha or God is “selective” and “compassion” is bias, then there’s something terribly off about that religion. So I am definitely one who will not agree or support those, no matter who they may be, when they start to criticise, ostracise, discriminate, condemn another person’s faith/religion. This is our Human Right to religious freedom, to practice what we want, and to stay true to our own lineage, Gurus and ourselves. No one can, should or has the right to tell us otherwise let alone take it away from us. No one and especially not another spiritual leader – it would be such a huge shame, so weird, so not right coming from a spiritual person who is suppose to teach and exemplify love kindness/compassion. Not only does it put that spiritual person’s own integrity down, it makes us wonder if there’s something wrong with their religion or teachings. This is how Dharma will be destroyed by those in the Dharma itself. On so many levels it is wrong and destructive.
If spirituality is selective with love and kindness, then we are probably already in hell. Might as well be atheist. If everyone could just practice what their beautiful religion teaches which are kindness and compassion to all, then this world will definitely be a better place.
In deed this is a very powerful post. Thank you Rinpoche for being real, for being loyal, strong and not swayed by those who criticise, for this is a teaching and inspiration itself for us to follow suit. Thank you Rinpoche who always tells us to respect other people’s faith, other lineages, even praises other lineage masters and mahasiddhas, and to never criticise another no matter what – this to me is wisdom and compassion! This is the same wisdom imparted on to me by my Catholic mother, the same wisdom I hear in Churches and temples.
This is a very rich post full of precious teachings…I am deeply grateful to have the chance to be exposed to it through your fantastic webssite, blog site, youtube videos ,books and so much more…. and you all very strong dedication to work as a team together. With folded hands and deep gratitude to be connected you all. I do not write well so here are the words I wrote and forgive me for it I wish to make an effort to practice so I can get better at it and stop negating myself…
如果我们选择了相信佛法，那么我们就要敬信三宝。无论你是一位普通的信众或是一位宗教领袖者，都不可以批评其他的宗教、他人的上师、僧人和传承。因为如果这样做，将会引起了口舌之争，而也造成其他众生失去了接触佛法的机会，业力的呈现将会是很可怕。
在藏传佛教里，一旦我们遇到了自己的上师，一定要虔诚、忠心、诚恳，依止上师。因为, 上师是一位殊胜以及对我们的生命具有影响力的人。他所给的教诲可以让我们持修与精进，然后增长智慧，直到达到证悟。
我很敬佩上师Rinpoche 的坚持、虔诚与依止心于Zong Rinpoche。因为Zong Rinpoche 是上师Rinpoche 的根本上师。虽然Zong Rinpoche 在上师Rinpoche 很年轻时就已经圆寂了。但是我们的上师Rinpoche 不会因为这个原因而放弃反而更加努力与精进的持修Zong Rinpoche 所传给他的佛法修行。就算是转世回来的Zong Rinpoche 也不能够代替之前所传于上师Rinpoche 的一切。上师Rinpoche 的虔诚与清净的三昧耶，也造就了我们有机会学习直系的格鲁派传承。
我个人很赞同上师Rinpoche 所强调的 ～ “一位上师，一个传承，一个修行，一个目标，我要坚持下去，一直到我的时间结束为止。” 因为，只有这样，我们才会更精进与快速达到证果。上师Rinpoche 的所遇到的一切就已经证明了这个点。
感谢上师Rinpoche 所给的一切。
For those who are seeking teaching from more than 1 Guru, Rinpoche, in his great compassion, outlined the guidelines so that there will be no broken samaya and confused practice. It is not encouraged to have multiple Guru because the student may be confused by the different set of teaching. It is us who will be confused at our level, not the Guru. Practice diligently what the Guru teaches us all the way.
Every religion is beautiful and teaches its followers to practice peace, love and kindness. Sadly it is always the followers who misinterpret and distort the teaching, instead they pick and choose what suits their causes.
It is also saddening that man of religion behaving as a forceful conqueror with total disregard to the belief and heritage of another mankind; all in the name of expanding their own religion, without realizing that this is the very action that goes against the core of the religious teaching in the first place.
Thank You Rinpoche for the powerful teaching.
BRAVO!!!! BRAVO!!!!! BRAVO!!!! Great read. Great points. WOW!!!
What we receive from our guru is very precious and should never be traded for something else. All teachings are precious and should be held with great respect and gratitude. Thank you Rinpoche for the insightful teaching and advice on our lineage and teachers. Rinpoche has shown us great guru devotion from Rinpoche’s own actions. I love the pictures Rinpoche shared especially those personal thangkas and statues.
Everyone has their own freedom to practice what they deem beneficial to them but also should have respect to follow their guru’s instructions and teachings.
親愛的仁波切，我一直很佩服仁波切對诸位大師的奉獻，並感謝仁波切對上師奉獻的重要提醒。我們應該永遠绝對不移之信任心，充分尊重我們的仁波切。對於初学的我，了解到依止上師之心是修行的现决条件，不然，無上師的指引，教授。而盲修瞎練，徙勞無功将是成果了
Thank you for sharing this with us Guruji.
Rinpoche has always stressed how important and valid other religions are, therefore one should never belittle groups from other religion. If more people read this with an open mind…there would be less grudges held.
I will always respect my Guruji and never criticize other people’s beliefs. There’s already too much suffering out there…no reason to create more.
With warmest regards,
Jim
It was new to me when I heard that criticizing a guru is also criticizing the lineage. It is hard to swallow my own opinion although I don’t intend to put down the whole lineage and tradition as there are so many gurus in a lineage. These gurus have definitely in many ways have helped and benefited many people out there through spreading teachings and offering their services. As I was new I have put these negative thoughts away and chosen to follow the positive, what is more beneficial for me. As others have said what is in for me at the end of the day, for me it is a simple wish, the teachings and practices that will lead to more peace and happiness for me and everyone around me.
We must have gratitude just like we have gratitude to our parents who have given their time, love, money to take care of us. We never speak bad of our parents in front of our friends, co-workers and strangers. Why? Because we are in debt to their kindness. There is no reason to label and criticize our parents. The same applies to anyone who have given so much to us such as our friends and also our spiritual guru.
To criticize incessantly and putting down others in the name religion, or ‘truth’ is disrepecting to the lineage, the spiritual guides and all the good people who follow the religion and tradition. It is a deception to get people and to control them for our own selfish agenda. Numbers mean nothing when the motivation is impure. What else is there to it? Is religion is to bring salvation to people or to bring suffering to more people? What is our motivation? If we believe in peace and harmony then there is no reason to criticize others’ beliefs.
After reading all about the atrocities happened in the past to these people who are oppressed due to their belief one can only conclude that the oppressors are hiding behind religion to advance their own agendas, calling others as devil, while they themselves have the mind of devils. We must stop calling and naming others as devil and others as wrong, forgetting that every thing comes from the mind. If we always fixated on between right and wrong, between black and white, then we are forever looking for the best religion, the best guru, what about the best wife or husband? Then there will be no best of everything because it is different from one person to another because of each owns ‘reasons’. Therefore what is the point of putting down others when we have decided on a guru? Are we choosing the guru not because we are looking for spiritual evolution but instead to look nice with a company of people?
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing the pictures of High Lamas and great Beings, pictures which you have so carefully and lovingly selected. They reflect your deep and abiding love for these great spiritual leaders and masters, no matter which lineage they came from, as well as your sincere reverence and devotion to them.
Dear Rinpoche,
When I read this again, I was kind of taken aback as I think Rinpoche kind of facing many difficulties being a Dharma Teacher. I am indeed very thankful that Rinpoche continues to teach and impart knowledge to those who are practicing and this can only stem from great compassion. Without the thought of benefiting others, Rinpoche wouldn’t teach openly and to let people to criticize.
We should respect all the Lamas, their school of thoughts and their practices. Even when I read books from different Lamas, they do preach the same thing, what’s more to regard everyone as Bodhisattva! This is why we need to practice equanimity. I am glad that I have a Dharma Teacher, one centre and its practices. I believe many of us have many problems in our daily life, ranging from work, children, spouse and etc. Hence, let’s not add more problems to our life. If I remember correctly, every single practice will lead us to happiness/enlightenment. Hence, we should be contented and work our way through. ‘Do not abandon your Guru no matter how many problems or issues we need to overcome’. If one has to blame, hence Karma is the real culprit!
For all those problems surrounding us, we must put human values in the highest regards. We all need happiness and avoidance from sufferings. Hence, we should act accordingly and do not make people more miserable. As a person who was once a non-Buddhist before, I know it’s rather hard to turn things around if they are not open. As I recalled one of the teachings, Rinpoche mentioned that it is the degeneration of the people practicing it, and not the religion. Sadly, ‘religion’ is being used though for me it’s only mere labeling. Last but not least, may many Lamas will return to teach as there are still practitioners who needed the guidance to reach the others shores. Thank you Rinpoche for the pictures too and I love the last picture with its caption too.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing your profound wisdom with us. I love this article so much, so much of wisdom so much of love and compassion.
Very sad to know that for centuries, religions have been abused and used as a tool to control people’s mind by political parties due to their greed of power and wealth. They blinded their hearts and forgot about where their root came from. More sad that they used the name of GOD and BUDDHA to create sufferings for others instead of following the teachings pure teachings which is love.
What’s the point of we being educated and trained to have the ability to choose wisely, to speak up, to love and to be kind to others which is the basic moral value that we brought up with as human but when we grown up we were suppressed and discriminated for being faithful to our believe and religion.
Buddha said life in samsara is full of sufferings, we practice Dharma so that we are protected from going to 3 lower realms. At the same time we practice compassion to help others to cut down their sufferings. How can we practice compassion but in the other hand we turn around and create even more sufferings to those who had not done anything harmful to others.
Those who are wise should read this article with an open mind. That’s no right or wrong because what we believe now should came from good imprints that we have from many lives time. For having said that, only the little and whatever merits that we collected for doing something good from the past in order to connect us with our root guru in this life.
I have a Guru, a lineage, a practice and a goal. I am going to stick with it until the end of my time. This is my choice too.
We have minds to think and are born in all shapes, colors, etc. Why must it be that one mind must impose his own conclusions on others? Are we all the same?
You do not force people to eat hamburgers every day or drink milk for that matter, why would you force your beliefs on others?
We are all different and hence should be allowed to think differently if we choose to. That is the nature of the world we live in.
Thank you Rinpoche for this post. People should be free to practice whatever religion they choose and not be persecuted or limited to choose as Rinpoche’s historical examples show. People who force their views on others and punish them for their beliefs have been historically shown to be ignorant. I rejoice that in this day and age, freedom of religious practice is being protected by governments all around the world. This has come about from understanding the standpoint of other religions, social movements/change and a general respect of other people.
Regardless of what people choose to practice, we should not criticize them as Rinpoche mentions in the article. If we are following a religious path, we should follow the practices along our path as taught by out teacher but definitely not criticise the religious paths of others.
We should follow the advice Rinpoche has mentioned in this blog post. If you are practicing something be respectful of other people’s religions. Because if you get to the core practices of the major world religions, they all share a common thread, compassion and love. This is something that Lord Buddha taught too, and we should follow this in our daily lives, with our family, friends, co-workers and Dharma brothers and sisters. That is the only way we will make the world a better place.
I think, history is proof that we as a human race are so flawed and imperfect. If this is one of our key traits then it will inspire me to work on my imperfections to minimise damage imposed rather than letting my weaknesses get the better of me. And if highly evolved beings are among us, then the least we can do as ordinary people is eliminate crazy talk around them or about them. These infarctions reflect us and our poor knowledge perhaps and sadly it isn’t a good image!
We have the freedom for everything that we want to do. What limit us is ourselves.
If we have made up our mind in this case we have check and accepted the Guru by understanding his teaching have lineage and we able to see how compassionate the Guru teach and treat his students we should go all the way. Personally i feel that the Guru and disciples relationship is very personal. The Guru will use his skilful means to teach us and get us to the right path to benefit us not only this life but life after life.
For such how can sway our trust and faith towards our Guru just by the words from others. Religious is not something we do for part time but if we believe it will bring happiness and ultimate benefit to us and our family it is something that we will commit for life. With this belief everyone have their right to choose and no one has the right to condemn.
All religious is to make us a better person. So in this case in stead of criticising others religious why not encourage them and be harmonious with each other. Everyone has their personal preference based on their belief and experience that we should respect and since we are not the only living being living in this world, we should be harmonious, dismiss differential and encourage common good practice and quality to live together. A great and strong country encourage harmony to unite their people even though they have different belief but what make them together is the believe in one thing call respect and harmony.
From the articles Rinpoche shared, religious discrimination is very cruel and only bring suffering to many people.
Thank you Rinpoche of this great teaching and it is very nice to see the great lamas taking pictures together.
Dear Rinpoche, thanks for your sharing of this logical and powerful post, and the very blessed photos here.
It sadden me when I read about the prosecutions on people who have different beliefs. Like what Rinpoche said in the post, “Who are we to jugde?” What make us righteous and have to right to harm others or decide how should others think?
What make a God? It’s not the quantity of the followers but the quality of what that particular god is spreading and nurturing others. Real religions promoting love and compassion and different religion leaders are the agents to preach the people.
I wish more people will understand this and stop the confusion and conflict that bring people down.
Thank you Rinpoche _/\_
When I read the following statement in the article, I felt emotional because this is what I think and it resonates with what I believe.
“I choose my guru, lineage gurus, practice, deity and destiny. So none of you should criticize or ‘advise’ me otherwise. I made my choice, I will sleep with it. Therefore your kind advice, probably motivated by compassion and love, is not solicited, accepted or wanted.”
The issue of religious freedom is a cause that is very dear to my heart. I have been raised in a confucian family, grow up in a Moslem country, educated in a Catholic school, tasted the free world in the US, and finally chose to be a Gelugpa practitioner and took refuge from a Gelugpa Lama, H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche whom I respect very much and the source of all the good qualities.
I respect other people’s religions. I am happy for them when they speak about their religions with great faith and how the religions have help them. I do not criticize other people’s faith because I respect them as intelligent individuals who have the right to do what they want and speak what they want. I appreciate other people and their faith because I know their faith is as precious to them as my faith is precious to me. There is no reason as to why I should not be proud of my Lama or my faith who have helped me tremendously in my life.
What my Lama said in this article makes me respect him even more. Despite his great devotion to his Gurus, Lineage Lamas and faith, he has tremendous respect for other religions. Once we open a pandora box of criticizing other lama/ religions and say that our religion is better than the other religions, the arguments will never end. We will spend our whole life arguing that one is better over the other instead of practicing the pure faith that we are spending so much time to defend. I think life is too short for that.
It is sad that some people have nothing better to do than just criticizing other people and trying to set imaginary boundaries to others.. How many hours that they are spending talking about other people and making sure that other people look bad/ wrong just to emphasize they are right. Are they so uncomfortable with themselves that they need other people to follow what they are doing to reassure them that they are correct? They must be deeply unhappy and I hope they will find some peace in their lives.
Thank you Rinpoche for this post.
This post reflects the compassion of Rinpoche for all religious practitioners, regardless of the religion, schools within the religion, differences in practice or deity. His passion for the freedom of religious practice is so logical and cannot be refuted because the basis of it is the respect that each individual practitioner should have for others. Otherwise, it will only lead to never ending chaos and suffering.
Religion should only bring alleviation of suffering regardless of its’ doctrine. By criticizing or impeding other religion or practices, the leaders of these group, be it from the majority or the minority actually have personal agendas driven by politics, power, personal gain or ignorance that contradict the very nature/teachings of their own religion, I am sure.
That You Rinpoche for being so courageous and clear about your views. You remind me of Mahatma Gandhi!
It is every person’s basic right to choose their religion, and having made that choice, each individual should respect the faiths and beliefs of others. Instead of engaging in pressurizing and frightening others into submission and converting others to their faiths, via coercion, or through fear(with visions of hell and God’s wrath), shouldn’t respect for other faiths and compassion be the hallmarks of a truly religious person?
This vain attempt to prove their religion right and that of others wrong has always driven people to acts of abuse and persecution. Furthermore, religious bigots can hardly ever be kind ,sincere and caring people. On the other hand, truly compassionate people, like Mother Theresa , my Guru and many other great Lamas have shown us how to live life meaningfully and with love and care for others.
Last but not least, when we have already assured ourselves that we have found our root Guru , with a lineage and great lineage masters, we know, without a doubt, from our Guru’s example that Guru Devotion is at the heart of our spiritual practice. It provides a solid anchor for us in a confused world, where religion has often been taken over by power play and politics.
There are many religion heads and teachers who choose to focus on the differences. This happened not only in different religions, but often within the same religion. We so often hear people say, “oh, you are Tibetan Buddhism… I am Mahayana”, and we then we focus on the differences.
All I can say is that I have followed Rinpoche as your view on religious co-existness harmoniously really what I have hoped for. There are already too many differences and segregation, and we are in really need of peace and harmony. Respect for each other needs to start with someone, and the best place to start with is from myself. We may not agree with what others are practicing, but we shall not incite hatred and confusion in others. As religious or spiritual heads or teachers, coming from compassionate and care will definitely benefit more people compared to criticising others.
May we all live in harmony and peace with each other, even though we have different faith, Guru and lineage. May we all have happiness together.
Oh.. and I really like the photos posted by Rinpoche here.. the photos of Zong Rinpoche and Trijang Rinpoche having lunch together in previous and current life are really cute, but at the same time remind us that through practice, we can break the cycle of samsara 🙂
Everyone has the right to his/her own religious belief and no one has the right to say so otherwise.
In my opinion, people who go around converting others to what they believe in are religious fanatics who think they are religious marshalls.
I also opine that those who go around labeling others as devil worshippers, packing up and dumping other’s religious paraphernalia, books, statues, etc should be labeled as terrorists who create much fear in other’s mind, and in some cases causing bodily harm.
Lord Buddha taught that religious practice is about love and compassion, tolerance and patience, giving and forgiving, wanting peace and not violence and so on. Everyone wishes for and wants happiness. Who are you/we to disagree.
Thank you very much Rinpoche for this wonderful teaching and treasured photos. May Rinpoche be well always. Please live long.
This is respectfully addressed to all spiritual aspirants,
Whether our teacher is famous or high profile or not should not matter in our trust, belief and loyalty towards our teacher. Whatever our teacher disseminates to us should have a lineage and since it has brought benefit to others in the past for hundreds of years, why doubt? Teachings must have a lineage and if our teacher has explained the lineage to us and we have accepted it, then go all the way with it without further doubts. In this case, more people or less people following a teacher does not make the teacher more or less genuine. Many great masters are obscure and choose that on purpose. What makes the teachings alive and potent is our trust, devotion and loyalty in our teacher coupled with transforming our minds. When we lose faith or criticize our teacher, we criticize his lineage, his teacher, his students and his sincerity because everyone is intertwined. When we criticize and leave our teacher, no matter how many new teachers we meet and take teachings from, there will be no results according to Vajradhara. This advice is very important. We must face that truth and overcome our anger, egos and wrong views. If we genuinely have a problem with our teacher that cannot be overcome, speak to the teacher, share and explain and if it doesn’t work, ask permission to go to another teacher. Even when we have gone to another teacher, we should never criticize or attempt to damage the teacher we had left. Why? Because that teacher did impart Dharma to us. We should speak respectfully of our past teachers and remember their kindness. He did spend time, show love and shower us with gifts and perhaps our karmas are different. We cannot scorn everyone who doesn’t match our projections. Don’t forget this ever. Being grateful is a necessary component of higher attainments, hence we recall our teachers and lineage lamas in all higher practices (sadhanas) of any tantric deities daily. We recite the liturgies of invoking on our teacher’s and lineage teachers’ blessings daily in our meditations and sadhanas. The reason is to develop a sense of being grateful and taking nothing for granted. Therefore we should not criticize even our lineage lamas or listen to the criticism of them by others. To have doubts in our lineage lamas or criticize them or agree with criticism in any way also impairs the ability to gain attainments in any of the higher tantric practices. The practices such as Yamantaka, Kalachakra, Gyalwa Gyatso, Cittimani Tara, Vajrayogini, Heruka, Guhyasamaja and Hevajra all have daily invocational liturgies to our root and lineage lamas. These are recited daily and their blessings are invoked upon daily.
Trijang Rinpoche with his close disciples and students Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa. It’s a very warm and loving picture which I’ve always enjoyed seeing and wanted to share.
For example, within the Gelugpa lineage lamas, we have Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche, Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, etc. Every single day, within our major meditational practices, we recite their names daily and invoke upon them to bless us to have success in our practices. It seems it has become something of a political correctness for some ignorant people to criticize these great lamas and say they have mistaken views, wrong practices and have led their students wrongly. We see this more and more. So for a Gelugpa practitioner where we have to do Yamantaka, Guhyasamaja and Heruka practices daily, in each of these we have to invoke upon these three lineage gurus. So how is it that in our meditations everyday we view them as enlightened beings and invoke upon their blessings, and then we turn around and hear certain people criticizing and belittling them? How do we come to terms with this? By ignoring what other people say because they speak from ignorance, lack of understanding and lack of respect for whom we have chosen as our teachers? No one should disrespect our choice and our teachers because it is religious freedom. It is also religious freedom to criticize but what benefit does it bring us and them to criticize our lineage lamas? I have personally heard with my own ears people criticizing His Holiness the previous Panchen Rinpoche and destroying his pictures, and calling him a traitor 20 years ago. I have heard people criticize the 16th Karmapa as headstrong, not a scholar and basically just gave a lot of initiations, an opinion which I did not agree with. I have also come across people who heavily criticize Dudjom Rinpoche, Penor Rinpoche and some of the Sakya patriarchs of the past. They have many disciples and students who see them as attained beings and/or living Buddhas. For their students, these lamas are attained beings and living Buddhas, and they derive beneficial blessings to gain benefits from their practice. They invoke upon their blessings daily as part of their tantric meditations. So, shall I believe the detractors against these lamas or the ones who see them as highly realized beings? Of course it would benefit me and them to see them as highly realized beings. In samsara, the pleasure of one can be the scorn of another. What is precious to another can be poison to others. We can compliment or criticize and it is our freedom of speech and religion to do so, but let’s not carry this freedom too far by hurting the sentiments of the followers of these great masters. To me, Pabongka Rinpoche, Trijang Rinpoche, Zong Rinpoche, Penor Rinpoche, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, 16th Karmapa, etc. are all highly realized beings and are lineage holders and have brought the holy Dharma to millions of people. I have even heard many people criticize even the Dalai Lama. That is their prerogative but I choose not to because I do not wish to hurt the sentiments of many millions of his followers. I choose to see the Dalai Lama as doing the best he can, with lots of pressure, problems and heavy responsibilities. So my world view of things is to just let these lamas be and let their disciples be, and let everyone practice what their lama teaches with full freedom and no criticisms. That has always been my view. I am both liked and loathed for my views, but those are my views.
His Holiness Penor Rinpoche, who dedicated his life to the spread of Buddhadharma and the pure lineage of Guru Rinpoche, has seared a very deep impression in my mind as he has always been equal and kind to every being who has come to seek his assistance.
In Tibetan Buddhism, we are not allowed to criticize the teachers from whom we have received teachings, and their personal practices. By doing so we create a infraction of our spiritual bond with our teachers which creates obstacles to gaining higher insight. We may have a few teachers who have opposing views to an issue, and that puts us in a difficult situation. There is a Tibetan saying that goes, “If I stand up, I hit my head. If I sit down, I hit my backside. I can neither stand nor sit.” That is likened to having a few teachers and all of them having differing views about a certain practice, lineage or deity. So what is a student to do? Everybody has their own methods. If I agree with one of my teachers and disagree with another, I commit a spiritual infraction. If I disagree with another teacher who has an opposing view to one of my other teachers, again I have committed a spiritual infraction. This puts me in a difficult situation because either way, I have committed an infraction. For example, if one of my teachers tells me to practice Tsongkhapa and says that this is the best and most supreme practice, yet another one of my teachers tells me that actually it is Guru Rinpoche whom I should focus on…Teacher A says Tsongkhapa’s blessings are quicker and more efficacious for beings of this time while the other teacher says the exact same thing about Guru Rinpoche. I go to one teacher and all he talks about is Tsongkhapa, and my other equally important teacher says the same about Guru Rinpoche? So if I practice one over the other, I have committed an infraction with one of my teachers. What is a student to do?
Great masters such as Geshe Kelsang Gyatso and Geshe Konchok, pictured here with His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche. They have received teachings and transmissions from Kyabje Zong Rinpoche. I like this picture very much.
So there you have millions of people out there who say Guru Rinpoche is the best, and it’s all over social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) and then you have a few million more students who says the same thing about Tsongkhapa and proliferates that all over social media. Which one is better? Either way, I’m caught between a rock and a hard place. Which teacher is correct? Which one is ‘wrong’? Either way I create an infraction. There are millions of supporters for both practices. Shall I listen to the teacher who is more famous, sits on a higher throne, has more disciples, is wealthier and has more students? Does that make him more qualified than the teacher who has none of that, or very little? Does having more followers equate with more reliability? What is the criteria of which teacher I should listen to? Many followers and disciples are thrown into this unfair, uncommon and very political quandry. It’s very easy if you have a spiritual bond with just one teacher and not the other but still does not give you the right to criticize the practices, devotions and spiritual bonds of another teacher and disciple. It is not good to say all of these things because it will never end, and it will go back and forth. I do not care how Rimey or how non-sectarian a person thinks they are because until we remove the subtle grasping of the ‘I’ between 10th level bodhisattva and full enlightenment, we will have some type of bias. In other words, until we become a fully enlightened Buddha, we will always be biased in one way or another, whether we realize it or not. From our choice of breakfast, clothes we wear, hairstyles we choose, spouses and partners, monasteries we enter, the cars we drive or the bed we sleep in, everyone can debate endlessly what is the best bed, breakfast or clothes and it will never end. And everybody’s argument will sound better and better as time goes on but in the end, I choose my guru, lineage gurus, practice, deity and destiny. So none of you should criticize or ‘advise’ me otherwise. I made my choice, I will sleep with it. Therefore your kind advice, probably motivated by compassion and love, is not solicited, accepted or wanted.
I was extremely fortunate that Zong Rinpoche was very close to me. Whenever there was a chance, he would hold my hands and we would walk together or be together. The lean slender boy you see WAS me with Kyabje Zong Rinpoche.
Some hypothetical solutions which I came to some conclusions about from speaking to many teachers, to solve this dilemma:
the teachers themselves should practice, exude and operate from great compassion, wisdom and skilful means by never criticizing anyone’s teachers, practice, deity, lineage and tradition. That the teachers themselves should cease and desist from creating more confusion in the minds of others because whatever people are practicing has been done for hundreds of years and there has been a lineage. So the teachers themselves should not make comparisons in relations to better or worse, and comparing practices. The teachers themselves should not squabble, argue or denigrate any practices of any teachers. Sure, we need a Buddhist leader, Pope, authority but having said that, authority should never hurt the sentiments of millions of people for good or bad motivation, as it can be quite damaging and create tremendous unnecessary division. I think the students are innocent and beguiled by the great teachers they have come across and therefore have been led to think one way or another. We can either think every teacher out there has faults and therefore makes mistakes, or every teacher out there is perfect and without fault. Either way, the students are in trouble. Either way, the students will get confused. Either way, the students will get the short end of the stick. All teachers should show great compassion, respect and a little bit of pre-planning for their students so they are not sucked into this kind of political quandry and forced to make choices and labels, and point fingers of good and bad at other teachers and lineages. The students come to the teachers wishing to relieve themselves of all the sufferings they self-created, not take on more problems and difficulties and confusions where their samsaras increase instead of decrease. All teachers should respect the students very much by not confusing them in which they criticize other teachers, practices, lineages and protectors. This is so necessary now. I think instead of saying that the students need to have compassion, develop compassion and engage in compassion, it is time the teachers manifest compassion. And I do say this to all teachers with the deepest and humblest respects as I am only an ordinary person swimming through a thick, dark, swampy ocean of samsara.
Throughout time and history, there have been many great beings who have manifested compassion for the sake of sentient beings, even giving up their lives for a greater cause and the benefit of humanity
my second solution that comes from my ordinary mind is when you have two teachers who teach you ‘opposing’ views and practices, take on the advice of the first teacher and follow that through without thinking negative things about the second teacher, if this applies to you. Some explanation is required. For example, if your first teacher told you to practice Tsongkhapa and he has passed away, and the second teacher recommends you to do Guru Rinpoche as your main practice, since your first teacher has passed away and you cannot be excused from the practice, then naturally you have to tell the second teacher that you did not get permission to be excused and so you must remain status quo. The second teacher should never override the blessed instructions of the first teacher for this disciple, as it will create confusion. In my case, I have had hundreds of people come see me over the years and they will tell me that their teacher or a teacher told them to practice Nechung, Vajrakilaya, Tara, Ekajati, Manjushri, Guru Rinpoche, Tsongkhapa, etc. Can I tell them if this was the best practice for them or not? Except under extreme circumstances, I always tell them that whatever practices they are doing is more than fine, and I have nothing to change or add because ultimately that is the truth. I do not want to confuse them, nor disrespect their faith in their teacher, and I do not wish to disrespect their teachers either. So, if a person can stop their practice given to them by their teacher, they must receive the permission of the teacher who gave them the practice because no follow-up teacher has the authority to override the first teacher, if you really want to follow the rules strictly. Choosing a Dharma teacher is like ordering a la carte from a menu, not a buffet. Whatever a la carte dish you have chosen, you eat it and be happy with it, and stop staring at the buffet with a lot of choices. For example, for myself, my root teacher is His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and Zong Rinpoche has given me a set of practices for me, my life and my enlightenment. I have been following it diligently for the last 25 years. Suddenly, there are people and lamas and students who tell me Zong Rinpoche was wrong. Well, Zong Rinpoche has passed away so I cannot go and get his permission and ask, “Can I stop such and such practice you gave me?” The new lama cannot override Zong Rinpoche. If I were to stop any of my practices given to me by Zong Rinpoche, I would need Zong Rinpoche’s permission and no new or other lamas can override his word. That applies to everyone in any practice, with any lama in any situation. Not even the current incarnation of Zong Rinpoche may override the instructions of the previous one for the previous one’s students. If we were to start in the direction of one teacher can override another teacher, then the teacher who has overridden a previous teacher may himself be overridden in the future by another, and it never ends. It will only lead to chronic confusion, doubt and eventually disillusionment. So basically, whatever practices your teacher has given you from the depths of his heart, practice it all the way and rejoice in the teachings of the teachers for their disciples. Am I going to go on a rampage for the rest of my life, telling all voodoo practitioners that their path is bad and that they should give up, and that they will go to hell? No, I’m not going to do that.
None of your teachers are your enemies, but your teacher taught you the Dharma and your karma couldn’t handle it. Your karma, ego and anger are your real enemies, never your teacher. We shouldn’t just disappear at the first sign of trouble or doubt. In life, we have to work through problems with our parents, spouses, partners, siblings, co-workers and children, so why not our teachers? Our teachers cannot be the ‘only’ person that we have problems with. Why do we abandon our teacher and work through problems with everyone else? Perhaps because we don’t value the important contributions our teacher bestowed upon us? Or we wish to blame our teacher for pointing out something truthful in ourselves that we prefer not to face, but blame the teacher for exposing? Be fair with everyone in your life and work through differences and don’t be selective. How you ‘throw’ people out will reflect how you really think of others and this will return to ‘haunt’ you in other aspects of your life later. Bad attitude will surface again and again if not addressed, healed and remedied. Whoever shelters us from ourselves now, will not always be around and we will have to face ourselves one day alone. There is no avoidance. After all, we can run away from people, but we can’t run away from the cause of problems we may have contributed to, which is within ourselves. This is in an extreme case, but generally we should work through our doubts and issues with our teacher and be loyal. This is good for our mind, good for our training and good for our eventual results. Consistency is an urgently vital ingredient in spiritual success.
One of my teachers, the great Kagyupa master Drigung Rinpoche.
If the new teacher we go to has criticism for our previous teacher, practice or lineage, then there is something wrong or there are political motivations. No teacher need criticize another teacher no matter who they are. In this day and age, no teacher no matter how famous or just, he may be should ever criticize another person’s practice, teacher, lineage or faith. Democratic governments throughout the civilized world even allow the practices of once despised forms of spirituality such as witchcraft, voodoo, et al. Therefore no teacher or spiritual leader has the right to denigrate another’s path ever because once you start, where do you draw the line? No forms of ostracism, prejudice, bias or segregation should arise from differing religious practices either. Because this will be the seed to dissent, disharmony and hatred.
That our teacher teaches us something useful and we are devoted and diligent, and then suddenly another teacher of fame and name preaches otherwise and we have doubts in our teacher, is not good. It shows who we really are, and not our teacher, because we are swayed easily. No matter how famous another teacher may be, your teacher still imparted the holy Dharma to you and you should be grateful always. Higher thrones does not mean better than a humble teacher on a low cushion. Spirituality and the level of knowledge of a teacher is not reflected by rank, thrones, fame or how many students he has. I know of a few very qualified teachers who did not have many students at all and some students even left them and scorned them, to my shock! If we had issues with our teacher, we should be humble, swallow the ego and apologize. Remaining or moving on is up to us, but don’t damage or attempt to damage a teacher as the karmic consequences are heavy, not to mention you hurt the other students as well and that does not make you a better person at all.
Numbers do not determine the effectiveness or so-called purity of a certain path or faith, as many of the world’s religions today started with humble numbers which in time increased numerically. Therefore a minority or majority should not be the deciding factor that a particular path or faith should be allowed. In the past, just to name lightly some examples how one faith had attempted to decimate the other:
The settlers of Australia did their utmost best for hundreds of years to eliminate and convert the masses of Aborigines, and destroy their rich cultural heritage and indigenous religion. Their religion was deemed barbaric, backwards and evil. As a result, many of the Aborigines now have to slowly and painfully reconnect with what was destroyed in the process of being forced into a true ‘God’.
In 15th, 16th and 17th century Europe, the witch hunts condoned and authorized by the papacy or so-called ‘true Church’ condemned, hunted, segregated and punished those would-be adherents to the pre-Christian religions of Europe. The Church systematically outlawed, penalized, punished and confiscated all properties of those who would not adhere to their so-called ‘true Church’. Those who still resisted, denied or refused were severely tortured to death, drowned, crushed or simply burnt alive. This was done in the name of God, purity and what was deemed as the authentic method to heaven. Who would allow this type of atrocity today? But 500 years ago, it was considered holy and God’s work.
In the 15th, 16th and 17th century, people who did not adhere to the doctrine of the ‘true Church’ were classified as witches and burnt at the stake.
When settlers from Europe came to North America, what happened in Aboriginal Australia occurred here again. The Native Americans were belittled, humiliated and forced to convert from their native religions. Their native religions were considered primitive, barbaric and the work of the Devil so the missionaries had a field day waving Bibles as the ultimate authority, whilst conveniently robbing the Natives of North America of their culture, way of life and desecrating their religion. In a show of total disrespect to people who believed otherwise to the religion of the settlers, the US still prints on their currency ‘In God We Trust’.
A sign in Jackson, Mississippi, taken on 25th May 1961. Thankfully signs like these and the attitude behind them no longer exist or are existing less and less. (Photo by William Lovelace/Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
When the invaders from Spain landed in Central and South America, they had no intention to respect the religions, culture and peoples of these great lands. The ‘true Church’ forcibly destroyed edifices, priests, writings and rituals of their religions, took their wealth and insulted their culture (calling them ‘inferior barbarians’). To add final insult to the injury, they decimated the native population with unheard-of European diseases. The religions of the beautiful and advanced Central and South American peoples were systematically berated, outlawed and destroyed. Sacred temples were flattened and Christian churches built in its place. Fortunately, many of the Central and South American countries now have allowed religious freedom within their Constitutions which protect and allow the pre-Christian religions to be practiced. Hence these days there is a resurgence, with pride and dignity, of the once ancient religions. No one is going to say again that their religions are barbaric or devil’s practice unless they themselves are uneducated barbarians.
The witch hunts were carried out in the name of God and purity. Ironically, the people who persecuted those who did not fit with the majority had themselves escaped persecution in Europe for their religious practices.
The Puritans and Quakers had a most difficult time fitting within the parameters of the English Church. They were considered extreme, false and those who strayed from the true doctrine. Their religion in England had to go underground and when it became impossible for them to practice, they were forced to immigrate to the then-New World (America). In America, for some time after they arrived, they were free to practice their religions. However as 13 new colonies started to gain wealth, lands and a unified regional government, then although they had left Europe for freedom of religion, they in turn initiated witch hunts themselves. Those who were not in agreement with their doctrine or did not attend Church, or practiced the old arts such as divination, herbology and healing were considered witches. Massive fear, prejudice, confiscation of property and segregation, leading to punishment by death (through methods such as burning, crushing and drowning) reemerged. Because the Church was practiced by the majority and those who were not active in the Church were a minority, naturally the majority instituted witch hunts against the minority in order to restore the ‘purity’ of the Church. Those who strayed from the Church were said to have been meeting, cooperating and signing deals with the Devil. Therefore the majority did not allow freedom of any religions that strayed from what they believed in as the ‘true Church’. Ironically, they persecuted within their own communities what they were persecuted of when they left Europe. These are dangerous trends we must learn from in history so that it does not repeat itself in modern times.
Countless number of women, especially older women, lost their lives during the witch hunts. Falsely accused and persecuted for their beliefs, they were drowned, crushed and even burnt at the stake.
For thousands of years, the rich culture heritage and profound religion of the Jews have been repeatedly persecuted and serious attempts at annihilation were allowed. The Jewish people in their long history in many countries were minorities. Their religion was seen as deviant, false and not a path that led to God. As a consequence, their synagogues, and places and symbols of worship have been blatantly destroyed and those who refused to convert or assimilate were gassed, beaten, tortured and even killed. The perseverance and resilience of the Jewish people have allowed for their religion to survive and benefit their communities throughout the world. However, there was a time even as recently as half a century ago when their religion was persecuted and considered false. This should never happen again.
Throughout history, minority religious practices have suffered persecution at the hands of the majority who felt these views and practices did not fit in with their doctrines. Instead of practicing acceptance to encourage harmony, they sought to assimilate or annihilate the native populations.
The British invaders who controlled India from 1858 to 1947 humiliated the populous and tried to force their European ways upon India. They made it blasphemous and sacrilegious for the inhabitants of the subcontinent to have any dignity in their race, religion and vastly rich culture. The British used India and exploited her and her people. In the process, they unsuccessfully did their best to convert the Hindu population, calling them heathens, barbarians and idol worshippers. What right did the English have to call another people or nation barbaric, and demote their form of worship to simply idol worshipping? They did not respect (although there were exceptions) the religions and practices of something that lasted over 5000 years. Without studying, practicing and understanding the profound path of peace, tolerance and compassion that are hallmarks of Hinduism, the British openly and unabashedly discouraged the practice of Hinduism. Luckily, the resilience and the profound faith that the people of India had in their religion helped them to overcome the active prejudices of their colonizers. Today, no one in their right mind will call Hinduism ‘barbaric’ or a path that leads to hell. Hinduism is one of the major religions practiced by 1.1 billion adherents who consider it a valid path to divinity.
Thanks to slavery and the systematic decimation of African religion and culture, most African Americans today have lost touch with their African roots and heritage
The vast, diverse and rich continent of Africa holds tens of thousands of various tribes of people. Individually and collectively, they have their own way of life, language, culture and religion. When these innocent people were tricked and forcibly ferried across the Atlantic to become slaves in America, any trace that linked them to their ancient heritage of Africa was systematically obliterated. As a result, African Americans today do not have their ancestral religion, their cultural identity, their names, their language and for many, they don’t even know where in Africa their ancestors originated from. They were forcibly removed of their rich identities and forcibly made to adapt to European cultures and religion. There were however pockets of resistance and underground continuation of their faiths which in modern day is labelled as voodoo. When we say voodoo, there are many methods, branches and forms of worship. It is rich and diverse and to the ignorant beholder, it may seem evil or even perhaps harmful. As in every and any religion, there are ones who practice with good motivations and with ulterior motivations. Who are we to judge? Yet voodooism is constitutionally protected in North America, the Caribbeans, Central and South America, and Africa. No one, no body of government or no religious hate groups may deconstitutionalize the rights of the adherents of this religion. They have the full freedom to practice and live their lives according to their religion.
Throughout history, many suppressed people have given up their lives standing up for the right and their freedom to practice and express themselves.
These are but just a few examples of how, in history, a group of people, through ignorance, fear, hatred and/or greed coupled with prejudice can bring tremendous harm to another group of people in the name of religion. In today’s free world, whether your religious practice is 1% or 90% of the population, you should have full freedom to practice as and when and where and how you like. No religious leaders or adherents should ever criticize another religion lest it snowballs into something big and damaging as we have seen in history. Whether a person chooses a religion or remains atheist is their inalienable birthright. They should not be coerced, forced or denigrated into a religion or another religion. Any religious leader, secular leader or teacher should never criticize another’s religion, faith or practice as inferior. No one should belittle another person’s faith or religion and call it ‘spirit worship’. When we call another person’s religion ‘spirit worship’, inferior or wrong, we possibly hurt the sentiments of a long history and the pride and place of a people. This will not create the causes for peace, democracy, freedom nor harmony. RELIGIONS AND RELIGIOUS LEADERS SHOULD ALWAYS CREATE HARMONY WITHIN THEIR OWN COMMUNITIES AND OF EVERYONE THEY MEET. Once we start on the road of ‘this religion is good’ and ‘that religion is bad’, then it will fester and grow into something bigger that ultimately becomes harmful to the peace and the ever-growing, over-populated little planet we all must share. Religious leaders have tremendous power and influence as they are considered the moral and ethical conscience of a culture. So therefore their powers should not be abused or used wrongly. Whether a person chooses their path to awakenness using voodoo, Native American religions, witchcraft or Buddhism, is their choice. We may respectfully debate and share but not degrade and convert. We all need peace, happiness and cohesiveness in order to survive with each other on our small planet. Our survival depends on peace, and religion can play a large part in this, and that lies in the hands of religious teachers.
Unity and harmony are the keys to our survival on the small planet we share.
Do you not enjoy freedom of religion? Would you like to be banned from schools, segregated from your people, disallowed to enter businesses and separated from family because what you practice is considered bad by another group? We can argue until Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu destroy, recreate and preserve the universe one hundred times over and we will never win the argument of who is right and wrong. The fact of the matter is this – we all should be treated equally and there should never be rules and regulations against us as people or citizens based on our religious beliefs. Whether our religious beliefs are accepted or considered accurate interpretations, we are still people underneath. We all need food, love, compassion and deserve inalienable birthrights such as freedom of choice. No leader, whether secular or religious, should ever be allowed to take that away from us.
The Civil Rights Movement put an end to signs like these. Prevailing prejudices must be changed because at the end of the day, all of us are humans who want the same things – love, respect and harmony.
In conclusion, I most humbly and respectfully request all spiritual teachers of all traditions, leaders and their subordinates to never demonize another person’s faith, belief system or deity. Each individual has a God and that God can be a Creator or the God Within. But leave it to the individual to decide. I will see who I want and associate with any group I wish, any time I like and no one has the right to tell me otherwise. And if they have the right to tell me otherwise, I have the right to tell them back, they are wrong. For ecumenical debates, there will never be a beginning, an end or a middle. It is a convoluted alpha and omega, and I don’t want to get into these debates or be condemned based on them. Let’s make it simple – I have a guru, a lineage, a practice and a goal and I am going to stick with it until the end of my time. No one in the east, the west, the north or the south, on a big throne or standing next to the throne, with or without power, will influence me otherwise. And if you continue to speak and write on and on about how I am going to hell, I am on the wrong path, I am not listening to the correct authorities, you will end up creating your own little hells in your own little minds because I am happy with what I have, I am a pretty good person with my faults, and ultimately I am fortunate enough to be reincarnated into a country and civilization that agrees with my thoughts. So no one’s criticisms, doubts and anyone living in the free world can say otherwise unless your body is in the free world and your mind is not, or your mind is stuck in 16th century Europe.
Tsem Rinpoche
A great Mongolian lama, Sokpu Guru Deva Rinpoche, who is the teacher of my mother and father, and who helped me very much in my early years in Gaden. He has been a great patron and sponsor of Gaden, Sera, Drepung and Tashilhunpo Monasteries, as well as a very devoted disciple of Trijang Rinpoche. I will never forget his kindness to me, and all the help he has bestowed upon me which is too numerous to mention here.
One of my benefactors, Sokpu Guru Deva (on the left) was very close to His Holiness Panchen Rinpoche (right).
One of my favourite pictures with their Holinesses the Panchen Lama (left) and Dalai Lama (right).
Another very beautiful photo I thought I’d share. This was taken when the incomparable Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche purposely went to have audience with His Holiness the Panchen Lama. Two enlightened beings in one picture.
His Holiness the great Panchen Lama who really held the Tibetan people together within Tibet, with his infinite wisdom, compassion, skilful means and bodhisattva actions of taking on so much harm on behalf of the dharma growing.
His Holiness the great 13th Dalai Lama who offered help and assistance to my mother’s family when they left their home country to Lhasa during the Cultural Revolution. I have great respect and appreciation for His Holiness the 13th Dalai Lama who helped my family.
Another favourite picture of mine of His Holiness the Great All-Knowing 13th Dalai Lama with whom my family had a close connection.
His Holiness the 16th Karmapa, another great being whom I have admired and heard many criticisms about. But it has never affected my deep respect for him.
A very touching picture of Kyabje Zong Rinpoche doing last rites for the ailing Lama Yeshe who was a devoted disciple.
Lama Yeshe showing deep reverence to his root guru His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche. Guru devotion of this level will result in high attainments.
I really wanted to share this incredible picture of the Tibetologist Alexandra David-Neel outside of her retreat cave in Tibet. She’s one of the first non-Tibetans who penetrated Tibet to engage in the practice of Tibetan Buddhism.
One of my revered teachers, His Holiness Kyabje Dagom Dorjechang who was a devoted disciple of both Trijang and Ling Rinpoche, inclusive of Kyabje Zong Rinpoche. This master was a gentle and pure monk, who had mastered the sutras and tantras, and used his life to impart Buddha’s teachings to all those who came to him. Being in his presence used to bring tears to my eyes as I knew I was in the presence of someone highly attained.
This is the grand oracle of Gaden Monastery when I first arrived in 1988. I was fortunate enough to watch this man who was trained by Trijang Rinpoche, take full trance of the Dharma Protector Setrap and various other protectors. He was a friend of mine but at the same time, I respected him very much for his oracular ability. For while in trance, he was able to give prophetic advice about our futures that later proved totally accurate.
I like this picture as it is Nechung in trance, of the Dalai Lama’s personal oracle in Dharamsala.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking to and in close communion with the Nechung protector in full trance. I’ve had this picture on my altar for many years in Gaden.
My close and good friend the grand oracle of Gaden Shartse Monastery, in whom many great protectors entered his body to speak. Besides that, he was a warm, down-to-earth and direct person and in my early years when I did not have a lot of financial assistance, he would often send food to me when I was hungry. I will forever remember his kindness to me.
I like this picture very much as Lhakpa Dondrub was the personal oracular medium of Domo Geshe Rinpoche. I was fortunate enough to stay in his house and get to know him better before he passed away many years ago. I liked him very much because he was extremely devoted to his teacher, his practice and his lineage.
I love this photo of His Eminence Kyabje Domo Geshe Rinpoche. He was considered an emanation of Tsongkhapa by the 13th Dalai Lama. He had displayed miraculous powers and skilfully benefited many beings with his immaculate clairvoyance. His healing pills were sought after throughout Tibet and he was reputed to have the yetis of Tibet be his messengers and guard his cave entrance.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1951 in Domo Geshe Rinpoche’s Monastery in Tibet. The Dalai Lama at that time enjoyed his stay in Domo Geshe Monastery, and also consulted the oracle while he was there.
The current incarnation of Domo Geshe together with His Holiness Kyabje Yongyal Dorjechang.
This is one of my personal thangkas which I thought I would share here. It is a picture of Duldzin Drakpa Gyeltsen who was one of the eight main disciples of Lama Tsongkhapa. Upper left is his root guru Tsongkhapa. Upper right is his main meditational deity Yamantaka. Lower left is his personal Dharma Protector 4-Faced Mahakala. Lower right is one of his main disciples, which is the earlier incarnation of Panchen Lama, aka Khedrup Rinpoche.
Another one of my favourite holy photos of His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and his two disciples Geshe Lhundrub Sopa of Wisconsin and Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen of Los Angeles.
Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen who was one of my teachers, with myself in Dharamsala. We were attending the teachings of the Dalai Lama.
The incomparable Geshe Tendar who was an incumbent of Gaden Shartse Monastery where I belonged. I have never received teachings from him but I know he was a great master of sutra and tantra, and geshes of his calibre are hard to make these days.
Another great master of Gaden Jangtse Monastery, His Eminence Geshe Tsultrim who is a very humble monk of the highest calibre. Another master of both sutra and tantra who has hundreds of students in Gaden Monastery and now in Switzerland. Someone whose purity of vows is renowned in the Gelugpa world. He generously taught students six days a week for morning to evening, tirelessly pointing out the philosophical tenets of Buddha. Due to this master’s kindness, many in the monastery were able to complete their studies and achieve the Geshe Lharampa degree. Yet this master never sought any fame or gain from all this dedication.
Geshe Rabten, the teacher who created scholars. He was meditating in a simple hut in the north Indian mountains of Dharamsala, when the Dalai Lama summoned him to go and teach in the West. Because of his brilliance and mastery of the Buddhist teachings, he was able to bring Buddhism to many Westerners. His disciples include Lama Yeshe, Lama Zopa, Gonsar Rinpoche and many others.
Geshe Rabten (right) together with His Holiness the Dalai Lama (centre) at his centre in Switzerland. They were very close during the life of Geshe Rabten. I do like this picture very much.
Geshe Rabten with his root teacher His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche. Here he is respectfully assisting his teacher. I find this picture warm, poignant, powerful and incredibly moving. A great master serving his own great master. Geshe Rabten was devoted to Trijang Rinpoche until the end of his life.
Geshe Rabten receiving advice and teachings from his root guru Trijang Rinpoche.
In 1987, myself requesting His Holiness the Dalai Lama to become ordained as a monk. I have always liked this picture and His Holiness the Dalai Lama showed me great warmth and immediately agreed to ordain me.
The Dalai Lama in Gaden Shartse Monastery consecrating the new shrine dedicated to the Protector Setrap.
This is my favourite picture of His Holiness the Dalai Lama where I see a light aura surrounding his body and head.
On the roof of one of the buildings of Gaden Shartse Monastery, the tulkus of Phukhang Khamtsen House in Gaden. Left to right, Gyampa Rinpoche, Tsem Rinpoche, Gyal Khangtse Rinpoche, Kensur Rinpoche Jetsun Jampa Yeshe, Kensur Kyabje Lati Rinpoche, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, Kari Khentrul Rinpoche and Trinley Rinpoche.
I had the great honour to have His Holiness the Supreme Spiritual Head of the Mongolian Buddhists in Mongolia, Khutughtu Khalkha Jetsun Dampa (seated), visit my house. Left is my cousin the Spiritual Head of the Kalymk Republic in Russia, Telo Rinpoche and me. This was on the occasion that Khalka Jetsun Dampa visited my house.
I am seated next to His Holiness Kensur Kyabje Lati Rinpoche, the great master, teacher and secret yogi of Gaden Shartse Monastery. He was the one who instructed me to go to Malaysia and bring the Dharma there.
My mentor and teacher, His Eminence Kensur Rinpoche of Gaden Shartse Monastery, and myself.
My favourite photo of Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche. The first time I had the fortune to lay eyes on Trijang Rinpoche in this lifetime was this photo many moons ago in Howell, New Jersey.
Another one of my thangkas I thought I’d share here. Centre is the great master Panchen Sonam Drakpa who is also the author of the books we use to become a geshe in Gaden Shartse and Drepung Loseling monasteries. Upper left is Panchen Sonam Drakpa’s root guru the 1st Dalai Lama. His main practice, indicated on the upper right, is the tantric deity Guhyasamaja. Lower left is his main protector 4-Faced Mahakala and on the lower right is his close disciple, the 3rd Dalai Lama Sonam Gyatso.
This picture is rare and exceptionally beautiful. His Holiness Trijang Rinpoche wearing the special hat of Panchen Sonam Drakpa.
One of my favourite photos. His Holiness the Dalai Lama with his root teachers of 30 years, Kyabje Ling Rinpoche and Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche.
Myself in the 1980s having audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
This is my personal statue of His Holiness Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche. Pabongka Rinpoche’s household themselves gave me this statue, for which I was so overwhelmed and honoured.
His Holiness the current Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche who spends his time in long-term deep retreats in Tibet and Nepal.
This is my personal statue of His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche which I have in my room.
One of my favourite pictures of two Buddhas having lunch together. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche (right) was not only a devoted disciple but also a close friend to the incomparable Heruka Trijang Rinpoche (left).
Here they are again, returned in full perfect form, having lunch together.
Left to right, the current incarnation of His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, His Holiness Kyabje Lati Rinpoche, His Holiness the head of the Gelugpa school of Buddhism Gaden Tripa Jetsun Lungrik Namgyal and Kensur Rinpoche Jetsun Jampa Yeshe.
In Gaden Shartse Prayer Hall. Left to right, His Holiness the head of the Gelug seat of Buddhism the 101st Gaden Tripa Jetsun Lungrik Namgyal, the current Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and Tsem Rinpoche.
Myself paying homage to the current incarnation of Zong Rinpoche.
This is my first teacher His Eminence Kensur Rinpoche Jetsun Lobsang Tharchin in Howell, New Jersey. I received my refuge vows, teachings on logic and my first higher tantric empowerments from this great master. He lived only 10 minutes away from me in Howell, New Jersey and he himself was a close and devoted disciple of both Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche.
Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche with heartson disciples Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and Kyabje Zemey Rinpoche. Highly qualified masters produce highly qualified disciples.
Another ordinary being aka myself attending an event.
This song by Cher really moves me and encapsulate my feelings:
will take me one hundred life times to fully
digest this huge body of work ooi being kooi
Dear Rinpoche,Thank you for such a rich and erudite teaching.Your courage and kindness humbles me.The picture of you and HE Zong Rinpoche holding hands is so touching.Bless you for guiding us all through the difficult issues of practicising Dharma in this current era.I will hold your advice in my heart.Thank you xxx
Dear Rinpoche, this is truly a blessed and wise article with many precious learning points on guru devotion. Short of mentioning the commitment of schism, said to be the heaviest of the five heinous sins, adherents of sectarianism within Buddhism can inflict lasting and potentially wounds on our faith in this day and age. I am impressed by Your Eminence’s open-mindedness on this matter.
Meanwhile, there are two minute details that detractors to your views may take issue with in this article:
1. His Holiness the 13th Dalai Lama passed away decades before the Cultural Revolution.
2. Compared to the other Europeans, the British were less evangelistic and more pragmatic. They showed great interests in indigenous Indian faiths and customs. In fact, it was them who rediscovered the Buddhist holy sites which the Indians have long forgotten. There was also a ‘competition’ between British and Russian explorers to unravel to make known to the world the Buddhistic traditions of north India (and Himalayas) during the said period. The British have also banned widow-burning and honour killing in India and Pakistan.
My respect and I wish that I could have the opportunity to meet you to receive you as my teacher.
_/\_
This is such a powerful article and it resonate through what I am facing at this moment. I have travelled to many places and met many people while working for Dharma, there are so many incident or experience I have that I have been quite jaded with the action of another person..may it be a lay person or a sangha member but I have come to a conclusion that those who I have the deepest respect for are those who has an infallible devotion to their guru cause their action & overall being is out of the world & they are the one who has the most results.
Even in any government or leaders, those which most tend to respect are those who does not speak ill against any belief or religion. Good & effective leaders today are taught not criticise other belief or spiritual path as that is the remedy of disaster for themselves eventually
Thank you Rinpoche for this article and thank you for so many wonderful and touching pictures of many attained lamas.
A powerful article for spiritual aspirants and for those who are curious.
Religion has always been a sensitive topic to discuss. Sometimes we get so caught up with methods taught to us and being right about our beliefs that we forget the essence of spirituality.
It’s time that we take an honest look at ourselves and really assess whether we are practicing compassion, kindness, acceptance, love and care or are we driven by our huge egos of self righteousness. All religions attempt to make us better human beings so that we can coexist in harmony and in peace. Religion gives us knowledge about our existence and how to participate in it effectively. Who are we to judge others about their religion or being atheist?
If we don’t want others to judge us, then we should not judge others.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this write up. I think is very important for us to check our lineage before we take refuge always remember the kindness of our guru has impart to us which is the holy dharma onc ewe have check the lineage and guru we should not look back. I feel bless to look at all these high lama pictures beautiful thank you Rinpoche for always teaching us and advice us.
Dear Rinpoche, I have always admire your guru devotion and thank you for the reminder on importance of Guru devotion. We should always trust and have full respect for our Guru and not listen to rumours and be carried away due to gossips. My trust and respect to you Rinpoche. With folded palms.
This reflects truly His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche’s views when it comes to Dharma, always truthful to His gurus and lineage, without pretense, and Tsem Rinpoche is consistent with this stance throughout his life. All this stems from his extremely strong guru devotion, and once Tsem Rinpoche received a teaching/practice/advice from his gurus, he follows through all the way whether or not the gurus are alive or have passed away. This SHOULD BE our attitude as well when it comes to Dharma practice. We follow our gurus’ instructions all the way, and when there are seemingly “conflicting” advice/instructions from the gurus, we follow the one which comes first. We SHOULD NOT change our practice/preference based on a guru’s fame, that shall never be the criteria when it comes to Dharma practice. We also SHOULD NOT change our practice simply because the majority/”mainstream” are doing so. All attainments stem from Guru Devotion, so if we are serious about attainments, then read this advice by Tsem Rinpoche again and again, and follow it to the heart. If we are only concerned about worldly gains, then we follow what the other flippant people are doing, forsaking their gurus advice, going against their lineage, but get ready for a wasted human life ending up no where at the end. And don’t regret when the big day comes.