Dorje Shugden lineage continues in Sera Monastery in Lhasa, Tibet
An old Dorje Shugden mural in Sera Mey Monastery’s Pomra Khangtsen. This mural was commissioned and drawn during the time of Panglung Rinpoche Lobsang Thugje. Panglung Rinpoche Lobsang Thugje is also the lama who instructed for Panglung Ritroe (hermitage) to be built, not far from Sera Monastery. Traditionally, all Protector images are covered and not meant to be revealed to the public as protector practice is tantric in nature. Click on image to enlarge.
Within Tibetan Buddhism, Gaden, Sera and Drepung Monasteries are known as the Three Seats, or Three Pillars of the Gelug school (Tibetan: den sa sum). This is not just because they are traditionally the largest monasteries in Tibet, but because the practitioners here are generally entrusted to uphold the pure tradition of Lama Tsongkhapa’s lineage known as the Gelug lineage. As a result, the practices and rituals found within the Three Seats can be regarded as authentic Gelug practices that have passed the scrutiny of countless high masters over the centuries, and are tried and tested over time.
Dorje Shugden is one such practice. Before 1996, Dorje Shugden was a widely-practised deity. For over 350 years, the highest lineage masters of the Gelug school, as well as the Kagyu, Nyingma and Sakya schools regarded this Dharma Protector as a Buddha. For the Gelugs for example, Dorje Shugden is regarded as the wrathful emanation of Manjushri, the Buddha of Wisdom while amongst the Sakyas, he is regarded as an emanation of Chenrezig, the Buddha of Compassion.
The fact that Dorje Shugden was worshipped in the great monasteries of Gaden, Sera and Drepung is evidence that it was a mainstream and pervasive practice for tens of thousands of Tibetan Buddhists. The highest Gelugpa lamas like His Holiness Kyabje Pabongka Dechen Nyingpo, His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang, His Holiness Kyabje Ling Rinpoche, His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, His Holiness the 10th Panchen Lama, His Holiness the 101st Gaden Tripa and more, were all Dorje Shugden practitioners. In addition, over the centuries numerous texts praising Dorje Shugden’s enlightened nature and qualities were written, not only by the Gelugpa high lamas but also those from other traditions such as the Sakya and the Drukpa Kagyu schools. Even His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama practised Dorje Shugden for 40 years and wrote a beautiful praise to the Protector.
However, all of this changed after the Dharamsala-based Tibetan government in exile, now known as the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), suddenly implemented a ban on the Dorje Shugden practice in 1996.
Picture of H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama and his two tutors, Kyabje Ling Rinpoche (left) and Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche (right). Both tutors relied on Dorje Shugden so as a result, the Dalai Lama followed in their footsteps and propitiated Dorje Shugden for 40 years. Click on image to enlarge.
In 1996, the Dalai Lama announced that Dorje Shugden practitioners must stop relying on him, claiming that the deity is an evil spirit. The Dalai Lama’s so-called ‘advice’ resulted in a Dorje Shugden ban and those who chose to keep the practice have faced oppression, segregation, discrimination and hatred to this day. Whether it is inside the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) or in exile, Dorje Shugden chapels, statues, paintings and anything associated with the deity have been destroyed by people claiming to be loyal to the Dalai Lama. Some were coerced into it as it became taboo to speak favourably of the deity.
Even more harmful and worrying were the guru-disciple relationships that broke when disciples were forced to reject and criticise their own teachers who were practitioners of Dorje Shugden. Even key lineage lamas involved in the practice were denounced, although they also relied on, taught and spread other treasured practices within the Gelug. Family and friends turned against each other only because of the Dalai Lama’s ‘advice’ and ban on the practice.
Dalai Lama bans Dorje Shugden practice and expels monks
Despite the odds against Dorje Shugden practitioners who have suffered for the past two decades, there are still millions of Buddhists who have kept this sacred practice. Some continue to worship Dorje Shugden openly while others who are afraid that it would endanger their lives and family, continue to practise secretly. Nevertheless, evidence is abundant that despite the undemocratic and illegal ban on this ancient practice, it has thrived and continued to spread. One can only imagine how much more pervasive this practice would have been if the CTA had not decided to oppress it.
Today in the illustrious Sera Mey Monastery at Lhasa, Tibet, there are two khangtsens (monks’ regional house) that are firmly upholding this precious lineage. The monks of these khangtsens have continued to propitiate and venerate Dorje Shugden in the face of opposition from the Tibetan monastic and lay communities, who act offensively in obedience of the CTA’s instructions.
Brief introduction of Sera Monastery in Lhasa, Tibet
Sera Monastery located in Lhasa, Tibet. Click on image to enlarge.
Sera Monastery, one of Three Seats of the Gelugpa tradition, is located in the capital of Tibet, Lhasa. It was founded in 1419 by a disciple of the great Lama Tsongkhapa, Jamchen Choje Shakya Yeshe. The monastery consists of the Great Assembly Hall (called Tsokchen) and three colleges – Sera Mey, Sera Jey and Ngakpa.
Just like the other two Seats of the Gelugpa – Gaden and Drepung – Sera Monastery has produced many prominent and erudite masters and scholars like Pabongka Rinpoche, Kensur Lobsang Tharchin Rinpoche, Lama Thubten Yeshe, Geshe Rabten and Geshe Yeshe Wangchuk. The incomparable Panchen Sonam Drakpa who served as the 15th Ganden Tripa as well as abbot for all Three Seats was also from Sera. The fact that Dorje Shugden was practised in the most esteemed Gelug monasteries and also personally worshipped by the highest lamas and scholars from all traditions, is clear proof that it was never a minor practice or an unholy spirit worship as the CTA has claimed.
The Gelug monastic tradition of debate is designed to test and reinforce the monks’ comprehension of key Buddhist doctrines. This tradition is preserved in Sera Monastery, Tibet. Click on image to enlarge.
There is another Sera Monastery in Bylakuppe near Mysore, in Karnataka State, India. This monastery was reestablished in exile after His Holiness the Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959, by monks who followed the Dalai Lama to India. But not all Sera monks left for India and those who remained in Tibet endured myriad difficulties to keep the Sera tradition alive. Ultimately they have succeeded and today, the original Sera Monastery in Lhasa maintains its reputation as a pillar of the Gelug that carefully kept the precious teachings and tradition established by Lama Tsongkhapa. The Gelug monastic tradition of debate designed to test and reinforce monks’ comprehension of key Buddhist doctrines is well preserved here, making the monastery a favored destination amongst visitors, eager to witness the famous courtyard debates.
The two Shugden khangtsens of Sera Mey
Main entrance of Pomra Khangtsen in Sera Monastery, Tibet. Click on image to enlarge.
Sera Mey has a total of 16 khangtsens, out of which two specifically have kept the Dorje Shugden lineage going. They are Pompora Khangtsen (more commonly known as Pomra Khangtsen) and Gungru Khangtsen.
Pomra Khangtsen is, by history and tradition, a Dorje Shugden stronghold and he is their main protector. Within Pomra, there is a protector chapel that was specially built for Dorje Shugden during the Great Fifth Dalai Lama’s time. Today, this historical Dorje Shugden chapel houses many precious and holy objects and inside, one finds magnificent murals and statues of Dorje Shugden.
Please enjoy the pictures below, taken by friends from Lhasa, Tibet. It is a joy to see how well the lineage is preserved and continues to grow strongly in Tibet. The monks from the original Sera Monastery must be commended because they have courageously made sure that the lineage bestowed by Kyabje Pabongka Dorje Chang remains uncontaminated.
The exterior and entrance of Gungru Khangtsen of Sera Monastery in Tibet. This is another khangtsen that upheld the Dorje Shugden lineage. Click on image to enlarge.
Also below are some stories and evidence of how badly the unholy Dorje Shugden ban has affected the entire Tibetan community. You will also get an idea of how brutal and offensive the attacks on the Dorje Shugden practitioners have been. The effects of the CTA’s religious ban is felt even far away from the its headquarters in Dharamsala, reaching deep into Tibetan communities and monasteries inside Tibet causing untold sufferings.
The Protector chapel in
Pomra Khangtsen (Lhasa, Tibet)
The building in mustard colour is Pomra Khangtsen. Click on image to enlarge.
Another angle of Pomra Khangtsen. Click on image to enlarge.
An old Dorje Shugden mural in the Protector chapel of Pomra Khangtsen. This mural was drawn during the Fifth Dalai Lama’s time. This form of Dorje Shugden is unusual – Dorje Shugden is seated on a throne, wielding a club in his right hand. This form of Dorje Shugden appeared in the Fifth Dalai Lama’s vision. Clearly, this reflects Dorje Shugden’s close relationship with the Fifth Dalai Lama, and how old and established the practice is. Click on image to enlarge.
The prayer hall and protector chapel
of Gungru Khangtsen
Gungru Khangtsen is the oldest of all the khangtsens in Sera Mey Monastery. To this day, this Sera Mey khangtsen continues to practise Dorje Shugden.
For more interesting information:
- The Vinaya Holder Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen
- Exciting Dorje Shugden Store in Petaling Street- Malaysia! | 位于马来西亚吉隆坡茨厂街的多杰雄登佛教文物店
- Dorje Shugden Cham Dance in Nyemo Gyelche Monastery, Tibet
- Trode Khangsar – A 400 year old Dorje Shugden Chapel in Lhasa | 拉萨400年历史的多杰雄登护法殿—布旦康萨
- Music Delighting the Ocean of Protectors – A Definitive Guide to Dorje Shugden by Trijang Rinpoche
- 10 Holy Dorje Shugden Statues around the World
- A Meditation on Saint Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen for higher consciousness
- The Selfless Dorje Shugden Oracle
- NEW! Simplified Daily Prayer to Dorje Shugden
- Mongolian State Oracle Paints Dorje Shugden
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🙏 I’m kagyu and without your teaching rinpoche I will be dead today, Dorje Shugden has and still help me so much in that degenerate time
This is a very interesting article and history of Dorje Shugden Lineage in Sera Monastery in Lhasa, Tibet. Hope I have the merits to visit Pomra khangtsen to see for myself the Holy and scared statue of Dorje Shugden and the historical beautiful old mural of Dorje Shugden which was drawn during the Fifth Dalai Lama’s time. I really enjoyed reading this wonderful article. Thank you Rinpoche and blog team for this interesting write up😘🙏👍👏🌈
Beautiful billboard just came up in our hometown of Bentong where Kechara Forest Retreat (KFR) in Malaysia is located. All of us in Bentong are warm, simple and very friendly people. Our beautiful billboard depicts Dorje Shugden statue in KFR and Dorje Shugden is a hero (pahlawan) and a powerful being from Tibet. He is highly respected for giving great inspirations and blessings from his life story.~Tsem Rinpoche- See more beautiful pictures- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
这个美丽的布告板刚在我们的家乡——文冬安装好。文冬是克切拉禅修林的所在地。我们文冬人热情、朴实和友善。我们美丽的布告板描绘着禅修林里的多杰雄登像，而多杰雄登是位英雄，也是一位来自西藏强大的守护者。从他的生平我们得知他因赐人加持和灵感而备受尊崇。詹仁波切- 点击链接查看更多图片： https://bit.ly/2ThOvVa
Dorje Shugden is an enlightened Dharma Protector who manifested about 400 years ago. Many Highly attained masters and lamas in the great monasteries has worship Dorje Shugden for decades. The Tibetan Leadership has instituted the ban against Dorje Shugden for the last 20 years have affected many practitioners and non-practitioners every where across the globe.
Yet many Dorje Shugden practitioners who has suffered for the past two decades, have in fact secretly practicing and some openly. It has been passed down by their Gurus and they knew of the many benefits when relying on this Powerful Protector.
Wow ….wonderful to know there are two khangtsens still up hold this precious lineage of propitiate Dorje Shugden. It has proven that it was never a minor practice as claimed by the Tibetan leardership. Hence the precious teachings and tradition established by Lama Tsongkhapa still continued to this days.
Hope I could visit Pomra khangtsen to see for myself the Holy and scared statue of Dorje Shugden and the historical old mural of Dorje Shugden which was drawn during the Fifth Dalai Lama’s time.
Thank you Rinpoche for this wonderful sharing.
The Dorje Shugden ban imposed by the Tibetan leadership (Central Tibetan Administration, CTA) affects not only the Buddhist community outside of Tibet, but it also affects the Buddhist community in Tibet. Dorje Shugden practitioners are also discriminated by the Dalai Lama followers in Tibet. Not only the laypeople are affected, but the monks in the monasteries are also affected.
Some of the monks in the monasteries gave up Dorje Shugden practice after the ban is imposed, but some continue to practice. Those who blindly follow the CTA destroy Dorje Shugden images just to show they are loyal to the Dalai Lama. People in Tibet are also split into 2 groups, the ban has created disharmony in the Tibetan community.
However, it is heart-warming to know some monks still have strong guru devotion and they did not give up the practice given by their teacher. Even though they are discriminated against but they did not give up the practice. Since all attainments come from the teacher, we should always follow the instructions given by our teacher and never to forsake it.