Loving Protector Setrap
Setrap (Main figure)
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(Top to bottom): Setrap and Dorje Shugden
Deity: Setrap Chen (Tibetan)
Alternative name: Dorje Setrab (Tibetan)
Setrap Chen is believed to be an emanation of Buddha Amitabha and therefore an enlightened protector deity. He is originally from Bodhgaya, India. According to his fulfillment ritual text, Setrap was brought to Tibet by the great translator Ngok Lotsawa Loden Sherab. He was first installed as the protector deity of the great monastery of Sangphu Neutog.
From Sangphu Neutog Monastery, Setrap Chen’s practice eventually entered the Sakya tradition, where he has since been propitiated together with Dorje Shugden and Tsiu Marpo in a trinity of protectors known as the Gyalpo Sum. After the time of Lama Tsongkhapa, a formal connection was established between Sangphu Neutog Monastery and Gaden Monastery. When a fire broke out at Sangphu Neutog Monastery which destroyed a large part of the monastery, many monks transferred to Gaden Monastery. They took with them the tradition of propitiating Setrap Chen. Eventually, Setrap Chen was adopted by Gaden Shartse College as their main protector deity.
Setrap Chen was also propitiated by Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen. This connection continued after Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s assassination, when he arose as Dorje Shugden. It is said that Setrap Chen came to Dorje Shugden’s assistance when lamas tried to perform wrathful rituals to eliminate Dorje Shugden as they thought him to be a malicious spirit. Setrap conjured illusions to distract them. It is also believed that Setrap Chen enthroned Dorje Shugden as a Dharma Protector amongst the many old protective deities within their celestial realm.
Deity: Dorje Shugden (Tibetan)
Alternative name: Vajra Rudra (Sanskrit)
Dorje Shugden is an emanation of the Buddha of Wisdom, Manjushri. He took the form of a Dharma Protector in order to safeguard the Buddha’s teachings, especially the important teachings on the Middle Way view. Reminiscent of Manjushri’s form, Dorje Shugden carries a meandering sword and rides a snowlion that represents the fearlessness of a fully enlightened Buddha. Thus, he has great strength to overcome obstacles of the body, speech and mind, and create suitable conditions for our spiritual practice to flourish. Furthermore, he carries a jewel-spitting mongoose and a vajra hook to symbolise that he has the tremendous ability to bestow wealth and resources.
In addition, the great Setrap Chen has a permanent place within Dorje Shugden’s mandala, directly above him on the first floor and the Buddha Amitabha in turn has a place on the highest floor. Therefore, it is said that when one propitiates Dorje Shugden, the great protector Setrap is also called forth to lend you his assistance. This is seen within Dorje Shugden’s serkyem (golden drink) offering liturgy where Setrap is offered a libation of tea in honour of his connection with Dorje Shugden.
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Thank you for sharing this informative article about Lord Setrap.
I’m still practicing Setrap from Rinpoche’s instuctions for my daily sadhana and i added in with Dorje Shugden prayers and Tara mantra. Super Duper powerful and blessed. Thank you Rinpoche and blog team for sharing this short write up. 🙏😘🌈
I have been benefited many times these past few years by this protector who closely watches out for me. It’s through the kindness of Rinpoche and his advice that I was able to make a connection with Lord Setrap back in 2013 and to do his practice. He certainly doesn’t grant things easily but you always get what you need, not necessarily what you want. The picture above is very stunning and the connection between Setrap and Dorje Shugden is very much like brothers assisting each other. May many people come to know this protector and be assisted by him, and as well as Dorje Shugden.
Stunning art pictures of Setrap and the Powerful Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden. Setrap Chen is believed to be an emanation of Buddha Amitabha and therefore an enlightened protector deity. Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen and many Highly attained Lamas did also propitiated Setrap Chen.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.