Question asked by Nyingmapa
Okay, so I have looked through this website and am having doubts in one idea. How are protectors even Buddhas? There is a difference between enlightened protectors and Buddhas. A protector is not a Buddha, but only a being that has been bound by an oath with vows that it cannot break. For example, Ekajati isn't a Buddha, but a protector. Yes, she may be a wrathful emanation of Tara, but that does not mean that she should be depended on like one does to a Buddha, but rather as an additional help that is not of much importance. Follow the master, not his dog. So, with that being said, why consider Shugden a Buddha? He is only a minor protector, even if he was a major dharmapala like Palden Lhamo or Mahakala, he still is not to be depended on like a Buddha. Yes, there are sadhanas to Palden Lhamo, but they are only for appeasement for help, not towards the path of enlightenment. So what right does Shugden have to be called a "Buddha" when the other major, and more important dharmapalas are not given that title? Protectors aren't that important, the yidam/master/deity is.
Dear Nyingmapa,
The distinction between a Buddha and an enlightened Dharma protector is actually from the side of the practitioner. Whereas the sadhanas and prayers to the Buddhas are meant to bring you to enlightenment, the practice of Dharma protectors are meant to clear obstacles and develop conducive conditions to engage in Dharma practice. This includes the practice of the Buddhas and yidam deities. But in essence both the Buddha forms and their emanations as enlightened Dharma protectors are the same. Below are some points for consideration:
1. Dharma protector practice is important within Tibetan Buddhism. Each of the tantric practices, especially the higher tantras have their associated Dharma protectors, which are to be propitiated if you practice that particular tantra. For example, the Chakrasamvara/Vajrayogini tantras have Cittipati as one of many Dharma protectors that are worshiped. Cittipati is in essence Cakrasamvara/Vajrayogini who emanated in the form of Dharma protectors to aid practitioners to create the conditions needed that they can engage in the advanced mediations of the practice to gain enlightenment. Dharma practitioners are not less important that the yidam forms, because they themselves emanated as Dharma practitioners to help. If Dharma protectors were not of much importance, then why would the Buddhas emanate in such forms? If they emanated arbitrarily then it would mean they do not have wisdom, which would negate enlightenment itself, since enlightenment is the highest and purest form of wisdom beyond samsara.
2. To have the view that one must only follow the ‘master’ or yidam, and not the ‘dog’ or Dharma protector, actually puts the enlightened beings down. Even though their forms may differ, their minds, which is the most important aspect, is still that of an enlightened being. By saying that Dharma protectors are not important in one’s practice is like saying the incarnations of the holy beings that teach us the Dharma are similarly not important. Our teachers also play a role in creating the conditions necessary for our Dharma practice. They share the Dharma they have learnt from Dharma centres. Did they not build these Dharma centres to help others?
3. Just because some people describe Dorje Shugden to be a Buddha does not mean that the various forms of Mahakala and the likes of Palden Lhamo are not Buddhas. On the contrary, Palden Lhamo is definitely a Buddha in exactly the same way that Dorje Shugden is a Buddha. Palden Lhamo is an emanation of Saraswati, who is an enlightened being, and Dorje Shugden is an emanation of Manjushri, who is also an enlightened being. Both are in essence Buddhas. Therefore, they can be relied upon to take refuge in because they are enlightened. As the Buddhist teachings state, you should only take refuge in the enlightened beings, and for centuries the greatest of Tibetan Buddhist masters have taken refuge in Palden Lhamo, even though she is in the form of a Dharma protector. It is just that her practice is not one that brings you directly to enlightenment, but one that helps you to get there.
I hope that these points have explained things better. Please do ask further questions if necessary. Thank you.