The Gentle Lord: Dorje Shugden
Peaceful Dorje Shugden (Main figure)
(Top to bottom): Namgyalma, Amitayus, White Tara and Dorje Shugden.
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 his previous life, he was the incomparable Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen, a great and compassionate Buddhist master who arose as Dorje Shugden to protect the Buddhist teachings and its practitioners. As a Dharma Protector, Dorje Shugden helps to alleviate our worldly obstacles if you sincerely call upon him. When worldly obstacles are removed, spiritual practice can be focused on without interruption. Dorje Shugden is said to help not only Buddhists, but anyone who needs assistance. He is well known to provide swift help in dire situations, with clear and effective remedies. Reliance on Dorje Shugden requires no special ceremonies, rituals nor commitments as long as one practises being a good person.
Deity: Namgyalma (Tibetan)
Alternative name: Ushnishavijaya (Sanskrit)
Namgyalma’s Sanskrit name, Ushnishavijaya, literally means “Victorious Crown Ornament”. She bestows long life and is a part of Tse Lha Nam Sum, a special trinity of long life deities that also includes the Buddha Amitayus and White Tara. She bestows purification of negative karma, and an increase in merits, wisdom, healing and long life. There are other Buddha deities that bestow long life and healing but these three are the main ones that are the most popular within Tibetan Buddhism.
Deity: Tsepakme (Tibetan)
Alternative name: Amitayus (Sanskrit)
Tsepakme is known as ‘Amitayus’ in Sanskrit and his name literally means “Boundless Life”. He considered to be an emanation of the Buddha Amitabha. He bestows long life and is a part of Tse Lha Nam Sum, a special trinity of long life deities that also includes Namgyalma and White Tara. Like Namgyalma, Amitayus bestows purification of negative karma, and an increase in merits, wisdom, healing and long life. There are other Buddha deities that bestow long life and healing but these three are the main ones that are the most popular within Tibetan Buddhism.
Deity: Drolkar (Tibetan)
Alternative name: Sita Tara (Sanskrit); White Tara (English)
Drolkar, known as ‘Sita Tara’ in Sanskrit, bestows long life and is a part of Tse Lha Nam Sum, a special trinity of long life deities that also includes Buddha Amitayus and White Tara. White Tara bestows purification of negative karma, and an increase in merits, wisdom, healing and long life. There are other Buddha deities that bestow long life and healing but these three are the main ones that are the most popular within Tibetan Buddhism.
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Stunning painting of the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden who is an emanation of the Buddha of Wisdom depicted with Namgyalma, Amitayus, White Tara . May the painter continue with his good work to produce more beautiful paintings.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this short history of Dorje Shugden.