Yangdup Wealth Puja 2017
Bringing the energy of wealth, prosperity, abundance and increase to the whole of Kechara Forest Retreat
(By Tsem Rinpoche and Admin)
Wealth. Many seek it, covet it and live it. But what is wealth really? By common definition, wealth is an abundance of valuable possessions, resources or money and is sought after for many reasons. Some chase wealth to lead a comfortable life, some as a status symbol and to others, amassing wealth is akin to a game. Some believe that happiness can only be achieved by having a lot of money and living the lifestyle of the rich and famous. Whatever the reasons may be, one cannot deny that wealth is an important part of life.
In many parts of the world, wealth is very much sought after and Malaysia is no different. As such, it was especially auspicious that the wealth-increasing Yangdup Puja was held on 11 February 2017, which was the last day of the Lunar New Year celebrations. This magnetizing puja began at 9am and lasted till 5pm, with a lunch break in between.
So, why is the Yangdup Puja performed? How does wealth play a role in Buddhism? Isn’t Buddhism about letting go of one’s worldly attachments?
Attracting the energies of wealth from the ten directions
From a Buddhist perspective, there are two types of wealth:
- Outer wealth is material wealth, obtained through our careers, businesses and financial endeavors, that we need to sustain our livelihood and spiritual practice. Wealth-attracting Buddhist practices not only attract financial wealth but also increase material resources and create conducive conditions that we need to fulfil our worldly and spiritual aspirations. For instance, having positive relationships can be considered outer wealth, especially if our partner and spiritual friends encourage us on our spiritual path and guide us in making the right decisions that benefit us in the long term.
- Inner wealth is spiritual attainments or realisations that arise in relations to the practices of the Six Paramitas, Lamrim, the Three Principle Aspects of the Path and Tantra. One of the main attainments that arises from engaging in wealth-increasing practices such as those of Dzambala, Namtose and Gyenze is generosity, because this is the primary cause from which spiritual and material poverty is eliminated and true inner wealth is attained.
In a nutshell, in order to gain inner wealth, one usually needs sufficient outer wealth to progress on one’s spiritual path without distractions. For instance, on the most basic level, how can we even think about spiritual practice if we do not have food to eat? Here is another example to illustrate the need for wealth – to learn about Buddhism and its practices, we would naturally seek out temples or Dharma centers. Without adequate resources and funds, temples/Dharma centers cannot be built.
In Tibetan Buddhism, there are proven methods to increase inner and outer wealth. One of the most effective methods is the creation of a Wealth Box. Wealth boxes help monasteries and Dharma centers attract the necessary resources and people to preserve and spread the Dharma while sponsors and spiritual practitioners will attain material and spiritual abundance.
Hence, in mid-2015, a Wealth Box, representing the abode of Gyenze, was constructed in Kechara Forest Retreat. This wealth box not only attracts resources and funds for Kechara to grow, but also energizes Kechara Forest Retreat with an abundance of positive energy so that all Dharma work and activities carried out here will manifest quicker and successfully. This translates to faster healing, swifter spiritual assistance, and quicker achievements of realisations and attainments.
The wealth box in Kechara Forest Retreat
In accordance with Tibetan Buddhist tradition, Wealth Boxes are sealed for most part of the year and are only opened once each year to replenish and replace the offerings within. The items that are replaced are the perishable offerings including sensory offerings, commitment offerings, tormas, herbs, medicines and more. Auspicious symbols of wealth are also added to the existing contents of the Wealth Box to signify growing abundance. This annual event culminates in a grand ceremony – the Yangdup Puja – to reenergise the Wealth Box and seal the energies of abundance within.
(Click here to view the full list of items in the Wealth Box)
The Benefits of the Yangdup Puja
The powerful ritual that is the Yangdup Puja was first performed in Kechara Forest Retreat by His Eminence the 7th Panglung Kuten in June 2015. All who are involved in the Yangdup puja, whether they are sponsors, volunteers, participants or guests (seen and unseen), will reap a multitude of benefits and a steady flow of merits.
For Sponsors
Those who contributed in cash or in kind for the replenishment of the items in the Wealth Box as well as for the offerings in the Yangdup puja will enjoy a multitude of benefits:
- Creates the causes to have wealth, abundance and all necessary resources for virtuous endeavors in this and future lives
- Creates the causes for all forms of increase – swifter healing, longer lifespan, quicker attainments and so forth
- Creates the causes to achieve the paramita of generosity
- Creates a strong connection with Gyenze, as the Yangdup Puja performed in Kechara is based on Gyenze’s text
- As long as the Wealth Box is in existence, all past, present and future sponsors will receive a continuous stream of merits that will fuel their spiritual practice in this and future lives.
For Participants
Those who participated in the Yangdup puja as guests, volunteers or organizers also enjoy a multitude of benefits:
- Gain blessings from the positive energies generated by the prayers and rituals performed, even if one does not know or did not recite the prayers.
- Touching the auspicious wealth-representing items that were passed around during the puja, such as Gyenze’s six implements and the Eight Auspicious Substances, brings the blessings of long life, wealth, success, wish fulfillment and merits.
- Reciting prayers and mantras during the puja purifies negative karma and accumulates merits.
- Increase of resources, success, prosperity, abundance and spiritual riches through one’s personal Wealth Vase being reenergised during the puja.
- Plants Dharma imprints, especially for those who are not yet on the Dharma path.
- For practitioners, the blessings from the puja help them gain wisdom, realisations and attainments.
- Participants also receive blessings by partaking in the tsog offering as the tsog has been blessed through ritual.
The following four sections comprise a pictorial explanation of the puja as well as what goes on behind the scenes, a detailed explanation of the Yangdup Puja procedure, descriptions of the items used during the Yangdup puja and lastly an elaboration on the increasing form of Dorje Shugden, Gyenze.
Yangdup: Through the Lens
Enjoy this collection of behind-the-scenes and event day photos and videos with detailed descriptions that bring to life the spirit of this powerful wealth puja.
Videos
The Yangdup Wealth Puja 2017 (Highlights)
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/The-Yangdup-Wealth-Puja-2017.mp4
Yangdup Wealth Puja 2017 Part 1 (Full)
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/Yangdup-Wealth-Puja-2017-Session-1-Prayer.mp4
Yangdup Wealth Puja 2017 Part 2 (Full)
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/Yangdup-Wealth-Puja-2017-Session-2-Prayer.mp4
Preparatory Work
Preparation for Yangdup Puja began weeks in advance. Here, the many new holy items to be added to the Wealth Box are meticulously catalogued.
This photo was taken close to 3am on the day of the puja itself. The crew is seen making one final check before the puja begins at 9am.
Volunteers arrange offerings and ritual substances at Tsem Rinpoche’s throne
Puja procedures and rituals are checked and double checked to ensure a smooth and powerfully blessed event
Briefing the crew before the first guests arrive
Wealth Vases must be handled with utmost care and respect. It is recommended to use a khata when handling them.
All wealth vases brought by guests for reenergizing are careful labeled to ensure that each one is collected by its rightful owner
The Offerings and Ritual Implements
The Eight Auspicious Symbols: Precious Umbrella, Golden Fish, Lotus, Treasure Vase, Right-coiled White Conch, Mystical Knot, Victory Banner and Dharma Wheel
The Seven Royal Emblems: Precious Wheel, Precious Jewel, Precious Queen, Precious Minister, Precious Elephant, Precious Horse and Precious General
Beautiful traditional tormas to Yamantaka and Gyenze made by our very own puja team. Tormas are ritual cakes used as food offerings in Tibetan Buddhist rituals.
Traditional tsog tormas made from tsampa mixed with the three white and three sweet substances.
The smaller tormas are offerings to the local land deities and obstructors
Gyenze’s Six Implements (from left to right): Long Life Vase, Wish Fulfilling Jewels, Mongoose, Victory Banner, Vajra Axe (rear) and Wealth Arrow (not pictured)
The Wealth Arrows, used to attract wealth and abundance from Gyenze, all Buddhas and Protectors during the puja
The five-colored string (sungtak dorje) is placed on all wealth vases to be reenergised. The end with the vajra is placed in the Wealth Box while the other end is given to the ritual master.
Fondly referred to as “Choji-la’s Wealth Vases”, this batch of Wealth Vases was handmade by none other than the 7th Panglung Kuten himself in 2015. Here they are at the Yangdup Puja in 2017 for reenergizing.
Friends from the monastery perform the Yangdup Puja in Tibetan, complete with traditional ritual music and throat chanting.
The bumpa is often used in Tibetan Buddhist rituals. It is typically paired with peacock feathers or kusha grass in most rituals that require its use.
Sprinkling blessed water on the Wealth Vases and other items in the Wealth Box to purify them
This act of purification not only purifies the physical objects but on an inner level, it also purifies our minds
Sending off the gegtor or torma for obstructors. These are offerings for the unseen beings to appease them and ensure that the puja will go smoothly.
Donning the ceremonial monk hat, or tsoksha. It holds great spiritual significance and is worn during specific Tibetan Buddhist rituals and ceremonies such as this one.
The right-coiling conch shell is a traditional sound offering to the divine. When blown, it produces a mellow beautiful sound that represents the spread of the Dharma in the ten directions. It is also used to invite all the Buddhas and Protectors.
Marrying age-old rituals with modern methods to bless the land and all the beings in the area.
Blessing the land and all beings with the energies of increase
Kechara pastors Tat Ming, Han Nee and Gim Lee offer tsog to H.E. the 25th Tsem Rinpoche’s throne
Golden drink or Serkym offering
Partaking of the tsog is a blessing for the increase of wealth, merits and realizations
One should leave behind a small portion of one’s tsog as a food offering to the unseen beings. This is a practice of generosity and compassion.
The leftover tsog is collected from everyone and offered to the unseen beings.
Tibetan butter tea is brewed with pu-erh tea, milk and salted butter.
Tibetan auspicious rice is made from rice, droma (a Tibetan root), butter, nuts, dried fruits and sugar. It is a Tibetan tradition to serve this on special occasions.
Partaking of traditional Tibetan Butter Tea and Auspicious Sweet Rice
Gyenze’s Six Implements are offered up during the course of the Yangdup puja
The ritual master makes the first offering.
Young and old were eager to touch Gyenze’s implements to invite his energies of increase into their lives
The Eight Auspicious Substances were also offered up then brought around Wisdom Hall.
The ritual master “feeds” the wealth bag with token monetary offerings from all attendees. The wealth bag is then closed and placed in the wealth box. Each year, more items are added to the wealth bag to create the causes for growing abundance.
Placing the Wealth Arrows and Wealth Bag into the Wealth Box before it is sealed. The Wealth Box is only opened once a year to replenish the perishable offerings within and to add on more symbolic offerings of wealth and abundance.
The Wealth Box or Yangkham, all sealed until it is opened next year
Yangdup Wealth Puja: The Procedure
On 11 February 2017, Kecharians and monks performed a traditional Yangdup puja based on Gyenze’s tradition in Wisdom Hall, Kechara Forest Retreat. It was performed to reenergise Kechara’s Wealth Box (or Yangkham), after it was opened to replenish the perishable offering substances, and to seal the energies of abundance and increase within.
In addition to replacing the perishable offerings with fresh ones, more precious items such as monetary tokens, auspicious animals and other symbols of wealth were offered to the Wealth Box to create the causes for growing abundance.
An example of a traditional wealth box
Yangdup, which is in essence a prosperity and abundance generating puja, is conducted yearly in Tibetan Buddhist monasteries to attract funds, sponsors and resources for the Buddhadharma to flourish.
This powerful ritual is also a means to bless the monasteries with sustenance as monks are forbidden to hold jobs outside the monastery. Thus, the Yangdup puja invites the blessings of prosperity from all the Buddhas and Dharma Protectors to energise the respective monastery’s Wealth Box.
The word “Yangdup” consists of two parts i.e. “Yang” which means prosperity and “dup” which means accumulation. Performed for the accumulation of prosperity on behalf of the monastery, it is also a way to repay the kindness of sponsors whose continuous support helps sustain the monastery thus allowing the precious teachings of the Buddha to grow.
H.H. the 4th Panchen Lama composed the Lama Chopa text
Performed according to the Gelug lineage’s scriptures, the Gyenze Yangdup puja in Kechara Forest Retreat began with the preliminary prayers and Lama Tsongkhapa’s Gaden Lhagyama, followed by the highly meritorious Lama Chopa or Guru Puja.
The Lama Chopa text was composed by His Holiness the 4th Panchen Lama Losang Chokyi Gyaltsen and is very auspicious as the whole puja is dedicated to one’s lama or guru. According to the 50 Verses of Guru Devotion, the merits from making offerings to one’s Guru is the same as making offerings to all the Buddhas. Hence, this puja is extremely powerful and can generate vast merits.
Upon completion of the Lama Chopa, the monks began the long life prayer of H.E. the 25th Tsem Rinpoche and recitation of Rinpoche’s long life mantra. This was followed by the invocation and prayers of Solitary Hero Yamantaka (Tibetan: Jigje Pawo Jigpa) and the blessing of the offerings.
Thereafter, the Yangdup Puja proper commenced. It began with the ritual master reciting auspicious prayers while turning the Wealth Arrow, with its head facing downwards, in slow circles. The circling of the arrow is symbolic of attracting wealth from all directions.
The puja assistant then received the bumpa (ritual vase) from the ritual master and sprinkled blessed water around the gompa and especially in the Wealth Box and on the Wealth Vases to be reenergized for purification and blessings. He also blessed all who were present in the hall.
Blessing and purifying the wealth vases
Next up was the torma offering to the obstructors, or gegs. During this gegtor offering, the ritual master chanted “OM SUMBHANI SUMBHANI HUM GRIHANA GRIHANA HUM GRIHANA PAYA GRIHANA PAYA HUM ANA YAHO BHAGAWANA BIDYA RADZA HUM PHET” while turning the torma clockwise three times, symbolizing the binding of all obstructers. He then turned the torma anti-clockwise three times to signify that he was ushering the obstructers out of the hall.
In this manner, the ritual master requested the obstructers in the spirit realm to not create any mischief or obstructions that can disrupt the puja proceedings, failing which they would have to answer to the all-powerful Yamantaka and Dorje Shugden. The puja assistant then carried the Gegtor out of the prayer hall.
The puja assistant sending off the Gegtor
The monks then began reciting the visualization and invocation prayers of Gyenze, the increasing form of Dorje Shugden, complete with ritual music and traditional chanting techniques. Having called Gyenze forth and requested him to become one with the actual image (statue), extensive offerings were made to accumulate merits. The seven-limbed prayer and confessional prayers (shakpa and kangwa) were also recited. It is important to engage in confessional prayers to confess our misdeeds, purify negative karma and to stop the accumulation of further negative karma.
Then it was time for the recitation of Gyenze’s mantra, as well as the mantra of Gyenze’s entourage. At this point, the puja assistant passed one end of the 5-colored string (sungtak dorje), which had been affixed to all the wealth vases, to the ritual master. Placing the 5-colored string at his heart, the ritual master then began the recitation of Gyenze’s mantra, while visualizing the energies of Gyenze flowing down the string to bless and energize all the wealth vases and symbols of wealth. The other end of the string had a dorje affixed to it and was placed inside the Wealth Box, symbolizing protection and prevention of disturbances penetrating the Wealth Box.
Holding the other end of Sungtak Dorje, the ritual master recited Gyenze’s mantra with full concentration, blessing and energizing the wealth vases and requesting the Protector to grant all wishes
The other end of the Sungtak Dorje leads into the Wealth Box
As extensive recitation of Gyenze’s mantra continued, three monks in full ceremonial regalia, complete with ceremonial hat (tsoksha), walked around the prayer hall blowing on conch shells to invite the presence of all Buddhas and Protectors, and holding up the wealth arrow to attract wealth and abundance from Gyenze and all enlightened beings. Chemar, an offering of food comprising of tsampa mixed with the three white and three sweet substances, and incense was also carried during this procession. The procession then continued all around Kechara Forest Retreat to bring the blessings of increase and abundance to the whole area.
When the monks returned to the prayer hall, tormas were offered to Gyenze and his entourage, followed by the recitation of verses of praise. Then came the extensive Yangdup (accumulation of wealth) prayers accompanied by offerings of chemar, milk, tea and alcohol to the Buddhas and all beings. During this time, the ritual master continued turning the arrows slowly, inviting wealth from all directions. Thereafter, the chemar was mixed with incense and burned while the milk, tea and alcohol were scattered around Kechara Forest Retreat.
Offering tea, milk and alcohol
At this point, the monks took a break for lunch and a short rest.
When the puja resumed, guests were served Tibetan butter tea and auspicious rice in celebration of this auspicious event while the three monks performed the second and last procession around the prayer hall. As is done in the monastery, the ritual master led the congregation in reciting offering prayers of tea and rice before drinking and eating.
Next came the Yangkug (wealth bag) section of the puja. First, Gyenze’s six implements (long life vase, wish-fulfilling jewels, mongoose, vajra axe, victory banner and wealth arrow) were offered up. Thereafter, each implement was carried around Wisdom Hall for those present to touch, thus blessing them with the qualities that each implement represents.
Offering the long life vase
Thereafter, the tsog offering ritual was performed, with traditional guru tormas being offered to H.E. Tsem Rinpoche, H.H. Zong Rinpoche, H.E. Panglung Kuten and the ritual master. All attendees also had the chance to partake of the tsog substances – watered down alcohol, cheese (representing meat) and biscuits. The uneaten portions were then collected on a tray before being offered to the land deities and spirits, accompanied by an unlit stick of incense. During the distribution of tsog, the long life prayers of our lineage master H.H. Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche and H.E. Tsem Rinpoche were also recited.
It was then time to “feed” the Yangkug (wealth bag). The ritual master placed each monetary token offered by the puja attendees into the Yangkug while reciting the mantra of Gyenze’s entourage. The Yangkug was then sealed with prayers and, together with the wealth arrow, was escorted with billowing incense into the Wealth Box in what is known as the “Blessing of the Wealth Box”. Finally enthronement prayers were recited before the Wealth Box was sealed and locked until the following year.
Placing monetary tokens into the Yangkug. These newly collected symbols of wealth create the causes for growing abundance and prosperity.
The Shidak torma (local deity torma) together with the Gosum torma (Four Guardians torma) were then placed in front of the Wealth Box, representing protection from obstacles arising from all directions.
Shidak torma (local deity torma) and the Four Guardians torma are placed in front of the Wealth Box
For more auspiciousness, the Eight Auspicious Substances were then offered up, after the Wealth Box was sealed. Each auspicious substance was also brought around Wisdom Hall for puja attendees to touch for blessings of auspiciousness. The puja concluded with Thanksgiving offerings and praises (Tangrak), prayers to Yamantaka and lastly, dedication prayers to seal the merits from the Yangdup puja.
Rituals and Substances
A plethora of ritual items, exotic substances and unusual offerings were used as part of the Yangdup wealth puja. This section aims to provide more insight into the significance and symbolism of the various offerings, rituals and substances.
Ritual Music
The Yangdup Puja, complete with throat chanting and divine melodies, was accompanied by traditional ritual music. The monks played a variety of Tibetan muscial instruments including the dungkar (white conch shell), nga chem (ritual drum), rolmo (cymbals), drilbu (bell) and damaru.
Dungkar: White conch shells were blown by monks in ceremonial regalia to invite the Buddhas of the ten directions to come and bless the land and all present with abundance, for material and spiritual progress and growth.
The blowing of the white conch shell invites the presence of all the Buddhas and deities
Rolmo: Possibly the most important instrument in ceremonial Tibetan music, they are played by the chantmaster to keep the tempo of the ritual melodies and prayers, leading the rest of the musical instruments.
Rolmo or cymbals
Nga Chem: These large drums with double heads are coloured in rich hues of blue or green. When struck, they resonate with a rich sound, helping the chantmaster set the tempo.
Traditional large drums called nga chem were used during the puja to set the tempo of the ritual melodies and prayers
Damaru: This hand-held drum is a tantric instrument played by the ritual master as an invocation to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Once made from the skulls of a man and a woman each, this instrument is shaped like an hourglass to mean the conjoining of the male element or the method (on the path to Enlightenment) and the female element of wisdom.
The ritual master plays the damaru together with the vajra and bell
The Wealth Arrow
Wealth arrows symbolize attracting wealth and prosperity from all directions and from every corner of the world. Three wealth arrows are used in the Yangdup puja, and each has a Tibetan mirror attached to it. The mirror symbolizes the presence of Buddha Shakyamuni, who brings blessings to all beings, seen and unseen. During the puja, one by one in turn, the arrows are held facing downwards by the ritual master, and slowly turned in circles.
- Wealth Arrow with white khata and written mantras symbolizes attracting wealth and resources from Dorje Shugden’s increase form, Gyenze, and the Nine Mothers.
- Wealth Arrow with plain white khata symbolizes attracting wealth by petitioning all the wealth Buddhas and Protectors such as Dzambala and Namtose.
- Wealth Arrow with yellow khata symbolizes the offering of food to all beings, after being first offered to the enlightened ones.
The ritual master turning the arrows to attract wealth from all directions
Sungtak Dorje
This is the 5-colored string (white, yellow, red, green and blue) that is affixed to all Wealth Vases and Wealth Pills (Yang Dzay Rilbu) to be energized during the Yangdup puja. The head of the string is tied to a vajra (dorje) and placed on the main wealth vase in the Wealth Box, while the other end is held by the ritual master. The vajra symbolizes powerful protection, thus no harmful interferences can penetrate the Wealth Box, safeguarding our wealth from external forces.
During the puja, while holding the Sungtak Dorje at his heart level, the ritual master performs intensive mantra recitation, thus blessing and energizing all wealth vases along the string with the energies of Gyenze and entourage.
The 5-colored string affixed to the Wealth Vases is called Sungtak Dorje
Gyenze’s Six Implements
Gyenze’s six implements are the Long Life Vase (tsebum), Wish Fulfilling Jewels, Mongoose, Vajra Axe, Victory Banner and Wealth Arrow. When these implements are touched by the puja attendees, they are blessed with the qualities that each implement represents. For example, touching the Long Life Vase blesses one with longevity, touching the mongoose brings money and luck and touching the Wish Fulfilling Jewels will grant us our wishes.
From left to right: Long Life Vase, Wish Fulfilling Jewels, Mongoose, Victory Banner, Vajra Axe (hidden)
The Eight Auspicious Substances
The Eight Auspicious Substances are regarded as “bringers of good fortune”. These represent the offerings that were presented to Buddha Shakyamuni as symbols of the Eightfold Path. The significance of each substance is as follows:
- Mirror: The offering that Öchangma, Goddess of Light, presented to Buddha Shakyamuni, which represents both the clarity of his realizations and the flawless karmic vision of all his previous lives. It also represents Right Thought, as it shows all things as they are without bias.
- Precious Medicine: Derived from the glands of an elephant, this represents the great guardian elephant, Norkyong, who protected the meadows of Bodhgaya where the Buddha attained Enlightenment. It also represents Right Mindfulness, as it cures the greatest disease – ignorance – which is the root of all suffering.
- Yogurt: This is symbolic of the milk rice offered by the farmer’s daughter, Lekshe (Sujata), to the Buddha when he was meditating under the Bodhi tree. It also represents Right Livelihood, as it is pure and its production does not harm any being
- Durva Grass (long life grass) represents the eight bundles of grass that the grass cutter, Tashi, offered to the Buddha and from which the Buddha made the seat on which he meditated when he gained full awakening. It also represents Right Effort, akin to the Buddha’s tenacity in striving to achieve Enlightenment.
- Bilwa Fruit: This was Brahma’s gift to the Buddha. It also represents Right Action, which is the cause for virtuous deeds to fruition.
- Right Turning Conch: This represents Indra’s gift to the Buddha, requesting him to turn the wheel of Dharma. It also represents Right Speech, which is the sound of the pure Buddhadharma.
- Vermillion powder or tilaka (sacred mark of red cinnabar) was applied to the Buddha’s forehead by Kargyel, a Brahmin astrologer. It represents Right Contemplation or meditative equipoise.
- White Mustard Seeds: This was Vajrapani’s offering to Buddha Shakyamuni and represents Right View, i.e. the ability to destroy all wrong views.
The mirror, medicine and yogurt signify pacifying activities while the durva grass, bilwa fruit and conch shell represent the activities of increase. The vermillion powder represents the activity of control and the white mustard seeds symbolize wrathful activity.
The Eight Auspicious Signs
The Eight Auspicious Signs are:
- Precious Umbrella: Represents the activities that save us from life’s obstacles (e.g. sickness, contagious diseases, spirit possessions, interferers).
- Golden Fish: Represents the state of fearlessness and happiness.
- Lotus: Represents purity and renunciation.
- Treasure Vase: Represents longevity, wealth and prosperity.
- Right Turning Conch: Represents the beautiful, far reaching sound of Dharma, the spread of Buddha’s doctrine.
- Mystical Knot: Represents the union of wisdom and method. It also symbolizes the Buddha’s infinite wisdom.
- Victory Banner: Represents the Buddha’s victory over the four maras (demons).
- Dharma Wheel: Represents the preciousness of the turning of the Wheel of Dharma in any realm.
The Seven Royal Emblems
The Seven Royal Emblems are:
- Precious Wheel: Represents the turning of the Dharma Wheel or the teaching of Buddha’s doctrine.
- Precious Jewel: Represents the fulfillment of all wishes.
- Precious Queen: Her beauty and love for her husband represents the radiating joy of Buddha’s Enlightenment.
- Precious Minister: Represents the support of the laity that helps sustain the monastic community.
- Precious Elephant: Represents strength, specifically of the mind.
- Precious Horse: Represents Buddha’s renunciation, as it is able to travel among the clouds.
- Precious General: Represents the wrathful power to overcome enemies.
Gegtor
Gegtor (right
Gegtor, also known as the torma for the obstructers, are offerings to unseen beings to bind and send them far away so that they do not create any mischief that can obstruct the puja. The ritual master will recite the mantra “OM SUMBHANI SUMBHANI HUM GRIHANA GRIHANA HUM…” to “inform” the obstructors of Yamantaka’s and Dorje Shugden’s power, and that they should comply with his reqeusts. Holding up the gegtor, he first turns it clockwise thrice to symbolize binding the beings then anti-clockwise thrice to indicate that they should leave the puja area. Then, the puja assistant takes the gegtor outside, ushering the beings out of the prayer hall.
Tibetan Auspicious Rice and Butter Tea
Symbolizing auspiciousness, Tibetan Auspicious Rice or dresil, is usually served during special occasions and celebrations. It is made with rice, droma (a Tibetan root), butter, dried fruits, nuts and sugar. Typically, offering verses will be recited and some rice is thrown into the air before it is consumed.
Traditional Tibetan Butter Tea was served
Tibetan Butter Tea or bö ja has a unique taste as it is not sweet like the usual milk tea. Traditionally made from pu-erh tea bricks, yak butter, yak milk, water and salt, it is consumed several times a day by Tibetans as it is believed to have health benefits, especially for those residing at high altitudes.
Who is Gyenze?
Gyenze, or Ratna Shugden, is the “increasing” form of the enlightened Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden. In this form, Dorje Shugden grants financial wealth, attracts necessary resources, creates conducive conditions, extends life, increases merits and attainments, and brings abundance in all that is good.
The Gyenze Chapel in Kechara Forest Retreat
Wealth or a lack of it, is the result of karmas created in previous lives as well as this life. Thus, Gyenze is able to grant us inner and outer wealth (as well as increase in all other forms) through purification of negative karma and accumulation of merits. Outer wealth refers to material gain obtained from correct means, resources to help us accomplish our goals as well as conducive conditions for Dharma practice. With sufficient outer wealth, we can then focus on gaining inner wealth – merits, realizations and attainments. Ultimately, by engaging in Gyenze’s practice, we are cultivating the practice of generosity in our mindstreams, which is the true antidote to poverty.
There are many Buddhas of Wealth such as Dzambala, Norgyuma and Yellow Yamantaka, and Wealth Protectors such as Namtose and White Mahakala. All of these practices can help us overcome poverty and difficulties and grant us wealth and prosperity. However, Gyenze is unique because he is an emanation of Dorje Shugden, a Dharma Protector who manifested in relatively recent times to aid sentient beings. Due to his proximity to us time-wise, Dorje Shugden in the form of Gyenze is able to help us more effectively, quickly and directly compared to other Wealth Buddhas and Protectors. Likewise, as he manifests as a worldly Dharma Protector (although he is in truth a fully enlightened Protector), it is easier for us to call upon his assistance compared to the other Yidams who manifest in the aspect of wealth.
Thus, Gyenze’s practice is truly an effective and complete yet easy and concise method to connect with the divine energies of Dorje Shugden to overcome any and all financial difficulties, to advance on the spiritual path and to develop a giving, generous and happy mind.
The main function of Gyenze is to help us with our outer conditions and resources so that we can engage in inner focused Dharma practice to gain Enlightenment to be of benefit to all sentient beings. – Extracted from “Dorje Shugden Gyenze to Increase Life, Merits and Wealth” by H.E. the 25th Tsem Rinpoche
No permissions or initiations are required to engage in Gyenze’s mantra, prayers or puja. Gyenze’s practice can be done by anyone regardless of their religion, culture, race, background and upbringing. He will help anyone as long as they are sincere, kind and have a virtuous mind.
Gyenze’s Mantra
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA SOHA TSESO PALJOR LONG CHO THAMCHED PUTRIM KURU OM
Entourage Mantra
OM DHARMAPALA MAHA RANZA BENZA BEGAWAN SAMAYA DZA HUNG HUNG RATNA SIDDHI DROOM DROOM ZA ZA DOO DOO SIDDHI PALA AYUKEY HUNG AH
To learn how to do Gyenze’s daily prayer or retreat, click here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/prayers-and-sadhanas/dorje-shugden-gyenze-to-increase-life-merits-and-wealth.html
Iconography
Riding on a handsome golden palomino, Gyenze’s divine mount comes swiftly to the sincere practitioner’s aid and removes obstacles. His princely robes are yellow in color, symbolizing increase and abundance.
In his right hand, he holds up a long life vase filled with divine nectar and adorned with the branch of the wish-granting tree, signifying his ability to grant our wishes including those related to wealth, health, resources, longevity, assistance, relationships, and so forth. On his left arm is a jewel spitting mongoose and in his left hand, he carries a bowl filled with precious jewels, both signifying his ability to bestow material resources and abundance.
In the crook of his left arm is a victory banner and vajra axe. The vajra axe represents his ability to help us overcome our problems and obstacles, and the “hooking” in of material wealth that furthers our spiritual wealth. On the other hand, the victory banner represents victory over our negativities, delusions and ignorance.
The Benefits of Gyenze’s Practice
- Gain resources through correct means
- Provides conducive conditions for spiritual practice
- Prolongs lifespan
- Bestows healing
- Increases merits
- Gain realisations and attainments
- Increases existent psychic abilities, if practiced long term
- Closes the third eye to avoid fear caused by spirits and supernatural beings
- Attracts sponsors
- Increases Dharma activities especially for Dharma organizations
- Eliminates material and spiritual poverty
- Leads us to a Guru of an authentic lineage
- Calms the environment
- Protects against negative interferences
- Helps overcome obstacles
Beautiful Gyenze tsa tsa available on VajraSecrets.com and in Kechara Paradise outlets
Further Reading
- Wealth Box Puja
- Get Involved in the Wealth Box Project at KFR
- Transcript: Wealth Vases
- Dorje Shugden Gyenze to Increase Life,Merits and Wealth
- Invite a Wealth Vase from VajraSecrets.com
- Invite Wealth Pills from VajraSecrets.com
- More Gyenze items from VajraSecrets.com
Please support us so that we can continue to bring you more Dharma:
If you are in the United States, please note that your offerings and contributions are tax deductible. ~ the tsemrinpoche.com blog team
Many of us thought Buddhist lived a super minimalist life due to Buddhism teachings about letting go of one’s worldly attachments. But we should know that Buddhist are human, they have a body to take care of. Meanwhile monasteries have to be preserved also to allow the precious teachings of the Buddha to grow. Spiritual practices are so important but we should accept the fact that inner wealth needs outer wealth to sustain to be balanced. There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch, monks do puja to attract resources too.
It is good to know that in Tibetan Buddhism, the creation of a Wealth Box is an effective way to increase inner and outer wealth. Also we can pray to Gyenze, to help us get sufficient outer wealth to progress on our spiritual path without worries.
It is interesting to know so many holy items to be added to the Wealth Box and it can be re-energizing every year! This creates a feeling of richness, abundant and I believe it will make it easy to manifest what people desire. I’m attracted to the picture of “Choji-la’s Wealth Vases” , it was the Wealth Vases handmade by the 7th Panglung Kuten himself in 2015. Such a blessing!
I also like the name of the puja, “Yangdup”. I feel it’s beautiful, it explains so well, that it creates a virtuous circle of spiritual growth. “Yang” means prosperity and “dup” means accumulation. While the monastery accumulates their prosperity, “Yangdup” puja repay the kindness of sponsors.
Thank you Rinpoche for introducing and bringing this wealth summoning ceremony in Tibetan to Kechara Forest Retreat . Reading this article as explained by Rinpoche , i could understand much better. The magnetizing Yangdup puja held at Kechara Forest Retreat had brought back memories for me. We are fortunate to witness this auspicious event then and given a chance to participate as sponsors, as guests, volunteers or organizers and enjoy numerous of benefits.
Thanks again Rinpoche and team who had worked tirelessly to make it the event a success.
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
A Daily Request for Wealth, Peace and Protection
Composed by H.E. Tsem Rinpoche
In the heavens there are myriad manifestations of the divine. All those manifestations specifically show us different aspects of divinity in order to be of benefit to all living beings. All the rupakaya forms of the divine have compassion, skillful means and wisdom. We invoke upon them whether we are happy, sad, down, lost, fulfilled, confused, empty, and during the whole range of emotions we constantly experience due to an untrained mind.
Understanding our nature, Great Wisdom Being Dorje Shugden, therefore all the more so, please hold us close to your bosom as an only child to a parent.
Though the manifestations of the divine need no offerings and gifts from us, we offer you supreme Manjushri Dorje Shugden a libation of tea, incense and mantras, in order to ask you to bless us, to be a part of our lives, to abide in our dwellings and to give us signs, omens and portents of both good and bad. When the negative arises, quell them immediately. Please increase the positive for my weary and worn mind as I lay my hopes in you.
When difficulties, problems and confusion arise, we ask you, who is but the culmination of all that is powerful, holy and omniscient to bless myself, family, loved ones, environment and even my pets. May I see wisdom, find hope, and be at peace.
I request you, O Divine Bhagavān Dorje Shugden, who wears a round dome hat and the three robes of a saffroned bhikshu, who wields a sword of liberty, justice and wisdom and clutches a wish-fulfilling jewel, who rides on a supreme lion of subjugation of all that is negative, to fulfill my wishes. I understand my wishes may not be the best, so I surrender to your wisdom for the outcome though it may not be what I have in mind. Please bless myself and everyone that we may enter into the supreme city of liberation.
Great Bhagavān Dorje Shugden, I request you sincerely from my heart to be a part of my life, bless my home, and grant me wisdom, solace and comfort, that I might be of service to others without agenda, and that I may focus out onto others and not be fixated on myself, creating more problems for all that I hold dear.
Bless me to become kinder, wiser, more compassionate, tolerant and very forgiving to all those who hurt and love me. In order to become close to you, Dorje Shugden, we must surrender the banal. We must abandon fixed views, projections and rigidity. Lastly, in my final moment when I leave this plane of existence, only the positive actions I have done will matter as everything and everyone will be left behind. Let me realise this and act upon this now! At this crucial moment, please may I have a vision of yourself, the powerful and merciful Dorje Shugden, to take me to where I may course in the sky to continue my journey of spiritual waxing.
I offer you saffron-coloured tea and my faith to fulfill my prayers and gain siddhis. By reciting your mantra, may healing, peace, love, long life, protection and perfect view of sunyata arise.
Mantra of fulfillment, peace and wisdom:
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA SOHA
(It is good to recite this mantra daily as much as you like or your timing allows.)
I dedicate this supreme heartfelt prayer to the all-knowing Celestial and Supreme Protector Dorje Shugden, that I may quickly become a being of light, compassion, love and enlightenment.
Please play the audio included here to follow along with the prayer.
OR
Follow on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-OSudd323A
For more information, go to: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=61394
https://video.tsemtulku.com/chat-videos/chat-1538813324.mp4
Be blessed with these rare videos featuring explanation and advice about Dorje Shugden practice by His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche in his own voice. The teaching was requested by Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, one of the earliest masters who taught Tibetan Buddhism in the West.
Video 1: H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche Explains Dorje Shugden Initiation and Benefits (With English Subtitles)
Kyabje Zong Rinpoche was an erudite scholar, ritual master and practitioner of the highest degree from Tibet. At the request of Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, one of the pioneers who taught Tibetan Buddhism in America, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche gives clear explanation and advice about the life-entrustment initiation of Dorje Shugden and how to go about the practice and get the maximum benefits in this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzFMvlxAqtc&feature=youtu.be
Video 2: H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche speaks on the History and Lineage of Dorje Shugden (With English Subtitles)
In this video, an erudite scholar, ritual master and practitioner of the highest degree from Tibet, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche talks about the incarnation lineage of Dorje Shugden and how the practice arose, with examples of Dorje Shugden’s previous lives that reveal his powerful spiritual attainments and contributions. This very rare teaching was given at the request of Kyabje Zong Rinpoche’s student, Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, one of the pioneers who taught Buddhism in the West to many disciples since the 1970s.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIzKSJgK618&feature=youtu.be
For more information: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/great-lamas-masters/kyabje-zong-rinpoches-advice-on-dorje-shugdens-practice.html
His Holiness the 10th Panchen Lama
Tibetans commonly refer to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and His Holiness 10th Panchen Lama as the “sun and moon” of Tibetan Buddhism. They are the center of Tibetan Buddhist civilization, which draws to its sphere of influence millions of non-Tibetan practitioners. The Panchen Lama’s incarnation line began with the 16th abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, Lobsang Chokyi Gyeltsen (1570 – 1662). He was bestowed the title of Panchen Lama by His Holiness the 5th Dalai Lama after being declared as an emanation of Amitabha.
After being given the title, his three previous incarnations were posthumously also bestowed the title, making Lobsang Chokyi Gyeltsen the 4th Panchen Lama. He became a teacher to many Tibetans, Bhutanese and Mongolian religious figures, including His Holiness the 4th and 5th Dalai Lamas, and the 1st Jetsun Dampa of Mongolia. A prolific author, Chokyi Gyeltsen is credited with over a hundred compositions, including a number of commentaries and ritual texts that remain central in the Gelukpa tradition today. Along with his role as a teacher of the Dharma, the Panchen Lamas are usually responsible for the recognition of the rebirths of the Dalai Lamas, and vice versa.
The 10th Panchen Lama, Lobsang Trinley Lhundrub Chokyi Gyeltsen (19 February 1938 – 28 January 1989) continued both the spiritual and political roles of his predecessors. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, his contemporary, was even heard to say and echo the Panchen Lama’s own words that the Dalai Lama would safeguard Tibet from the outside while the Panchen Lama would safeguard Tibet from the inside, as he never left Tibet after the political troubles of 1959. He was truly loved by the Tibetans, all the way until his passing. When he taught, thousands of people would attend, not only from his own Gelug lineage, but masters and practitioners from all traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.
At his sprawling monastery of Tashi Lhunpo, he has a special chapel specifically dedicated to Dorje Shugden, where prayers and rituals are performed on a daily basis. In his great omniscience the Panchen Lama held Dorje Shugden as the principal Dharma protector of the monastery. He also personally propitiated Dorje Shugden among other Dharma protectors, and even wrote extensive prayers and rituals to Dorje Shugden. These rituals and prayers are contained within his ‘sung bum’ or collected works, which are provided here. As such a great lama, with an erudite and clear understanding of the Buddhist scriptures, a teacher to millions in both Tibet and China, from an established incarnation line and an emanation of the Buddha Amitabha, he could not be mistaken about his practice of Dorje Shugden.
His Holiness 10th Panchen Lama is known for his composition of commentaries and practice texts that are still in use by contemporary Buddhist practitioners both in Tibet and across the world. One of these is a powerful ritual composition propitiating the compassionate Dorje Shugden.
Upon the request by Acharya Lobsang Jangchub to compose a shorter version of the prayer (sadhana) for the exhortation of activities of Dorje Shugden, Panchen Lama immediately composed an abbreviate form of Dorje Shugden’s Kangsol. This text is entitled “Manjunatha’s (Tsongkapa) Lineage protector Dorje Shugden and five forms wrathful propitiations and confessional prayers and fulfilment of activities rites” or “Melodious sound of Accomplishment of the Four Activities” for short. Once the prayers were completed, he had signs and strong feelings that Dorje Shugden has been working hard to protect the Buddhadharma in general and the lineage of Lama Tsongkhapa specifically.
Mirroring the abilities of one of his earlier incarnations, Khedrub Je, a disciple of Lama Tsongkhapa and master of both sutra and tantra, the Panchen Lama used his compositional skill and poetic prowess to create a masterful sadhana. Worthy of note is a praise in which the first letter of each verse is a Tibetan vowel. Such compositions are rarely seen, and have historically only been used when propitiating senior Dharma protectors such as Palden Lhamo and Kalarupa.
The Panchen Lama also stated that while composing the Dorje Shugden sadhana (prayers) he was filled with a sense of happiness and bliss. He ends the composition with not only his official title but his ordination name, Tenzin Trinley Jigme Choje Wangchuk, endorsing the validity of his work. He composed the sadhana in his own Tashi Lhunpo monastery while in the Hall of Clear Light and Bliss.
See the Panchen Lama’s writings and download: https://bit.ly/2KIfeXb
For the first time available, Dorje Shugden and his entourage of 32 assistants of his mandala.
Dorje Shugden is a powerful protector deity who is also an emanation of Manjushri, a wisdom bestowing Buddha. Therefore, he has great ability to help us to progress further on the spiritual path. He does this by helping us to overcome obstacles and problems for the modern individual.
Due to his enlightened nature, Dorje Shugden is able to manifest 32 deities and within the same abode resides Setrap and Kache Marpo:-
1. 5 Dorje Shugden families or emanations. They consists of the following:-
– Dulzin Dorje Shugden, which performs activities to eliminate inner and outer obstacles.
– Shize, which performs activities to pacify all illnesses and disease.
– Gyenze, which performs activities to increase all desirable material and spiritual wealth.
– Wangze, which performs activities to control difficult people and circumstances.
– Trakze, which performs activities to wrathfully eliminate all insurmountable obstacles and life-threatening situations.
2. 9 Mothers. They represent protection of the five senses and developing control of the four elements. These are all attributes that signify their ability to assist tantric practitioners with their higher meditations.
3. 8 Guiding Monks. They represent the Eight Great Bodhisattvas (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
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.
It was a great opportunity to be able to attend this puja in KFR. Thank you Rinpoche for explaining the meaning of wealth in Buddhism point of view. This will help me and others understand that outer wealth are important to help us build our inner wealth and our spiritual path.
Great message every Tibetan especially must read!
What a wonderful sight! The introduction of an age old tradition to Malaysians. The blessings of Gyenze for outer and inner wealth. here we learn what wealth means and how it encompasses more than material wealth but rather, it is a wealth for spiritual growth.
Thank you, Rinpoche for bringing this blessings to us here in Malaysia and thank you to all who helped make this eventful puja possible.
Organizing the Yangdup Wealth Puja is no small feat. It was done through careful planning and weeks of meticulous preparation by the team. The Yangdup Wealth Puja was conducted to reenergize the Wealth Box. Really appreciate and thankful to Rinpoche and his team for introducing us to the Wealth Box, which is a Tibetan Buddhism tradition for monasteries and dharma centers to attract wealth and resources. By helping, sponsoring and attending this puja, we have the opportunity to make a connection as well as to reap the many benefits; i.e. collect merits and gain inner & outer wealth.
The Yangdup puja was a great event to be part of and it was good that many members of the public also got to witness and be part of the puja.
May there be more and more of the Yangdup Puja, be done in the future so that more people of the public can benefit from it, and they can make a living in an honest and ethical way.
In Buddhism, wealth has different dimensions and perspectives. There is outer wealth -financial resources ,as well as material resources and conducive conditions needed to fulfil our worldly and spiritual aspirations. One of the main aspects of inner wealth is the removal of spiritual poverty (miserliness) by increasing our spirit of generosity. This is most important. Miserliness, if left unchecked , will see us falling into the hungry ghost realm in our next rebirth.
One of the most effective methods to increase inner and outer wealth in Tibetan Buddhism is with the creation of a wealth box.In mid-2015, a Wealth Box, representing the abode of Gyenze, was constructed in Kechara Forest Retreat. The wealth box not only attracts resources and funds for Kechara to grow, but also energizes Kechara Forest Retreat with an abundant positive energy so that all Dharma work and activities carried out here will manifest quicker and successfully. This leads to faster healing, swifter spiritual assistance, and quicker achievements of realisations and attainments. The wealth box was sealed up after the performance of a wealth puja.
Ever afterwards, it is opened once each year to replenish and replace the offerings within.Auspicious symbols of wealth are also added to the existing contents of the Wealth Box to signify growing abundance. This event culminates in a grand ceremony – the Yangdup Puja – to reenergise the Wealth Box and seal the energies of abundance within.
This year the Yangdup Wealth puja was held auspiciously on the 15th Day of the Chinese New Year.
We are fortunate and most blessed that our Spiritual Guide, H.E. Tsem Rinpoche, brought this practice of creating a Wealth Box and the attendant Yangdup Wealth puja to Malaysia.The whole Yangdup Wealth Puja -with its vast offerings and prayers and the elaborate preparation that preceded the Puja is steeped in a wealth of ritual and tradition. Much appreciation goes to the whole team of Sangha and Kecharians who worked tremendously hard to ensure the success of the whole puja.
Thank you all the people who work so hard to make it a event a success. I was there during the event and everything is perfect. From weeks of preparation, the ritual items, prayer text, etc, there are a lot of care and lots of checking & confirmation to make sure every thing is according to tradition.
And special thank to Tsem Rinpoche for bringing this puja to Malaysia, and explain the significance of such pujas. When I was young, I always thought attending puja is a waste of time as I don’t understand, and nobody explained it to me. I have always love Rinpoche’s teaching because He explain the reasons behind the practice and not just blindly do it.
I pray we can do this puja every year in KFR.
I understand more about wealth after reading Gyenze blogs & attending puja.I always wish to increase my outer wealth through Gyenze practice.of course it helps too, but the most valuable gain from my practice of Gyenze practice is my inner wealth.i begin to appreciate what I have currently & more important is I am happier than before.
I am so blessed to attend this Yangdup puja. It was a whole day affair in full ritual tradition. The sangha members have been so kind.
May all who participated or attended be blessed with wealth from Gyenze. May they have inner and outer wealth, good health, and long life.
On 11 February 2017 ,an auspicious event was held at KFR, Kecharians and monks performed a traditional Yangdup puja based on Gyenze’s tradition in Wisdom Hall.A day to be remembered by many and it so happened to be the 15th day of the Chinese New Year. Those who participated in the Yangdup puja do enjoy a multitude of benefits such as gain blessing,increase of resources, success, prosperity, abundance and so forth.I am so lucky able to witness these powerful Yangdup Puja which was my first.I had a wonderful time one full day at KFR ,participated till the fullness with my friends. May those attended the Puja be healthy,successful and abundance through the year of Rooster.May our Precious Guru be healthy too and live long to continue turning the Dharma wheel to benefits all sentient beings.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this wonderful article and explanation of this powerful Yangdup Puja.
感恩仁波切的分享这殊胜的一天的文章 !
我是多么的幸运, 拥有此机缘和福份, 参与这殊胜的一天。很感恩郭月谊讲法师和一班佛友, 日夜的筹备,让当晚的活动顺利和圆满的完成 !
在这殊胜的法会,大家有幸的得到各种加持, 如触摸加持的金泽八吉祥,迎请加持的正能量,增长好的因素如内在和外在的财富,寿命等等。大家还有幸的可以品尝已加持特制的坚果饭, 乳酪和奶茶。那是多么的有福气啊!希望将来的每一年,大家可以再次的参与,还有携带家人和亲戚朋友到来, 也让他们得到金泽的加持 !
愿上师詹仁波切健康,长寿,吉祥如意, 克切拉禅修林的工程尽快完成, 佛法传播到世界每一个角落 !
感恩合十
YEO KWAI GIN