Dorje Shugden Cham Dance in Nyemo Gyelche Monastery, Tibet
There are several variations and interpretations of the history and lineage of Dorje Shugden. However, the source most referred to and heavily relied on by contemporary Gelugpas is the Collected Works (or Sungbum) on Dorje Shugden written by His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang. This is also considered the most accurate account of the manifestation of the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden during the time of His Holiness the Great 5th Dalai Lama. It clearly elucidates the remedial actions of His Holiness the 5th Dalai Lama upon realising the true nature of Dorje Shugden is that of an enlightened being.
Kache Marpo cham dancer.
Click on image to enlarge.
In Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche’s account, the 5th Dalai Lama apologised for the circumstances his ministers created by murdering Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen who then arose as Dorje Shugden. The 5th Dalai Lama later enthroned Dorje Shugden as a Dharma Protector and even composed a praise to Dorje Shugden. In addition, the 5th Dalai Lama erected a Dorje Shugden Chapel in Lhasa, Trode Khangsar, which is still actively in use today and is protected by the Chinese government as an important historical site to commemorate this great Dharma Protector.
The Dorje Shugden cham dance by and large encompasses the essence of what His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang has written about Dorje Shugden. It ritually enacts the events leading to Dorje Shugden’s manifestation as a Dharma Protector, and subscribes to the premise that Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen arose as Dorje Shugden during the time of the 5th Dalai Lama.
The story unfolds during the turbulent time of Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen and H.H. the 5th Dalai Lama. It was an era when the lines between politics and religion were blurred, with certain quarters forcing the two together into a single institution of absolute power, thus giving rise to the phenomenon of the Dalai Lamas as the god-kings of Tibet. Although Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen himself was not politically inclined, he was immensely popular with the Mongols who played a significant role in Tibetan political affairs at the time. Therefore he was perceived as a threat to the establishment whose status depended on H.H. the 5th Dalai Lama remaining in power, unchallenged.
Dorje Shugden (in domed hat) preparing to subdue black hat magicians and obstacle-creating supernatural entities
It was this perceived threat that led to the assassination of Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen, who was choked to death by having a khata or silk ritual scarf forced down his throat. As to why an enlightened mind such as Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen would submit himself to such brutality, the reasons are two-fold:
- It was time for Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen to fulfil the oath he made in his previous life as Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen, to become the Protector of Lama Tsongkhapa’s doctrine when the need arose. With the establishment of the Gaden Podrang (the formal name for the Tibetan government) and the ascendancy of the 5th Dalai Lama as the absolute ruler, it became necessary for the 5th Dalai Lama to represent all prevailing Buddhist traditions fairly. Therefore, he was openly incorporating the beliefs and doctrines of other lineages into orthodoxy. Regardless of the 5th Dalai Lama’s real purpose and motivation, the purity of Lama Tsongkhapa’s teachings was in danger of dilution.
- As Buddhists believe that everything has its causes, such a violent death was a necessary condition to cause an enlightened mind to manifest as a wrathful being, such as a Dharma Protector. Therefore the circumstances of his death were a condition that Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen had to meet in order to arise as Dorje Shugden.
A close up of the dancer who plays Dorje Shugden
After the death of Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen, many inauspicious signs appeared. Whilst some treated the signs as omens of the bad karma that was created by the murder of an enlightened being, others, especially officials of the 5th Dalai Lama conveniently interpreted those signs as the malice of the perfidious spirit of the murdered tulku bent on revenge.
However, after failed attempts to destroy the spirit by even the most powerful exorcism rituals, the 5th Dalai Lama acknowledged the mistake of his officials and composed several verses in praise of Dorje Shugden as an enlightened Dharma Protector who had arisen in fulfilment of a promise to protect the precious teachings of Lama Tsongkhapa.
Monks dressed as the Eight Guiding Monks
The Dorje Shugden cham dance captures all of this, and it also depicts Dorje Shugden and his entourage in their full regalia. This is why prior to the performance of such dances, the monks involved must perform many pujas and meditations in preparation, and remain very clean and focused, before they can don the sacred costumes.
Visiting Nyemo Gyelche Monastery
The Dorje Shugden cham dance is rare but not an obscure lineage; there are certain monasteries in Tibet who have practised this dance for hundreds of years. The dances also serve as visual education to the many adherents of Dorje Shugden in Tibet who may not be literate or are nomadic. It shows the rich tradition in varied forms of the highly revered world peace protector Dorje Shugden. Within the Sakya and Gelug traditions, Dorje Shugden is an established protector with a history of over 400 years. There are practitioners of Dorje Shugden within the Kagyu as well as Nyingma schools. As an enlightened protector, Dorje Shugden will assist anyone who calls upon him sincerely regardless of their religion or lack of religion, gender, race and background as long as it is for positive wishes.
It is a great blessing to be able to witness the Dorje Shugden cham dance. The pictures featured in this blog post were taken of the annual Dorje Shugden cham dance at Nyemo Gyelche Monastery in Tibet. Our Tsem Rinpoche will be sponsoring these dances in this beautiful monastery every year. If anyone would like to contribute, they may do so through our tsemrinpoche.com website. Each year, the reenactment of how Dorje Shugden arose as a powerful protector predicted by Nechung will be witnessed by many as a blessing and a powerful age-old tradition. Dorje Shugden’s rise as a powerful protector is to help us overcome the very difficult circumstances we experience during the spiritually-degenerate age of Kaliyuga. We all go through so many problems and it is nice to have a powerful ally to be by our side such as Dorje Shugden. Remember that you do not have to be Buddhist or convert to any labels for Dorje Shugden to help you. You just have to be sincere and consistent in asking for your help. As he is the Bodhisattva Manjushri, his compassion extends to all beings effortlessly.
Information about Nyemo Gyelche Monastery
Location: Tibet
Address: 尼木县杰吉寺西藏拉萨市尼木县林岗村林岗4组 Nyalam County, Shigatse Prefecture, T.A.R., CHINA
Number of monks: 22. Two monks care for Gangchen Rinpoche’s Ladrang in Sakya, while the other 20 monks remain in the monastery.
Founder: Yonten Gyatso (descendent of Thonmi Sambhota)
Tradition: Gelug
Main Image: Lama Tsongkhapa (6 metres)
Tsem Rinpoche with the Dorje Shugden Oracle
of Nyemo Gyelche Monastery
On the way to Shigatse from Lhasa, Tsem Rinpoche’s taxi driver informed them about Nyemo Gyelche Monastery, and Tsem Rinpoche decided to visit the temple on the spur of the moment. Tsem Rinpoche had no knowledge of the monastery prior to the trip, and was dressed in lay clothes because he did not want to attract attention. If people had known he was a Rinpoche, many people would have come forth and asked for blessings. No one at Nyemo Gyelche Monastery ever met Tsem Rinpoche either.
Tsem Rinpoche first made offerings at the main altar and then adjourned to the protector chapel next to the main prayer hall. The oracle of the monastery Who was in the protector chapel immediately took spontaneous trance and hugged Tsem Rinpoche affectionately. Tsem Rinpoche put a khata around the oracle and introduced the people in his group to Dorje Shugden in trance of the oracle. Dorje Shugden had spontaneously took trance of the monastic oracle and affectionately greeted and hugged Tsem Rinpoche to the surprise of the monks and students present.
Seeing the interaction between Dorje Shugden and Tsem Rinpoche, the monks of the monastery realised Tsem Rinpoche was a rinpoche and invited him to a meeting room upstairs to pay respects. There the monks made offerings and prostrations to Tsem Rinpoche and served him tea as per tradition. The oracle was also there and when he made offerings, Dorje Shugden again took spontaneous trance and made offerings to Tsem Rinpoche. However, this part was not captured in the video. Dorje Shugden and Tsem Rinpoche exchanged offerings affectionately showing the very close relationship of this protector and Tsem Rinpoche for many lifetimes.
Although Tsem Rinpoche had never been to the monastery or even knew it existed, the oracle took trance of Dorje Shugden, showing his clairvoyance and greeted Tsem Rinpoche as he always does, with great affection.
Outside Nyemo Gyelche’s main prayer hall in the winter
The monastery is small but well-maintained by the group of resident monks
Nyemo Gyelche was featured in a report about the tradition of making 3D wood mandalas (a representation of the celestial abode of a deity). This photo was taken on June 17, 2009.
A six metre-tall statue of Lama Tsongkhapa graces the main altar of the monastery’s prayer hall
For more interesting information:
- The Dorje Shugden category on my blog
- Beautiful ancient Tibetan art to share with you
- Which Dorje Shugden style is your favourite?
- Spectacular Dorje Shugden Mural in Kathmandu, Nepal!
- What He Can Do For Us | 祂能为我们做些什么？
- Murder in Drepung Monastery: Depa Norbu
- The Prophecy of the 16th Karmapa | 第十六世噶玛巴的预言
- 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
- Dorje Shugden in Nyingma Pemayangtse Monastery, Sikkim
- They were not wrong
- The 4th Zhabdrung Rinpoche of Bhutan and Dorje Shugden
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
Cham Dance is the traditional dance of Tibetans. It involves a series of masked dances, which are usually performed by monks and laymen, wearing colourful costumes. These dances are vibrant and lively and are performed during annual festivals. Dorje Shugden Cham dance is one of them, is said to have originated in the Himalayan range and by far the date and year are kept as a treasured secret to this date. The Dorje Shugden cham dance is rare but not an obscure lineage; there are certain monasteries in Tibet who have practised this dance for hundreds of years. Dorje Shugden Cham dance is a colourful and impressive performance, performed by Buddhist monks who practiced Dorje Shugden. The Cham dance is very powerful and through the dance which depicts the truth of Dorje Shugden.There are a few variations of accounts on the history and the lineage of Dorje Shugden, written by various attained lamas in the last 350 years. Collected works on Dorje Shugden written by His H H Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche considered the most accurate account. As describes clearly how Dorje Shugden for many lifetimes had manifested high level Mahasiddhas. Dorje Shugden and his entourage of thirty-two deities are all depicted in the Cham dance as a World Peace Protector. Interesting read.
Thank you Rinpoche great sharing.
The Dorje Shugden cham dance is unique to Tibetan Buddhism. This traditional Cham dance is an event held by Tibetan monasteries during special Buddhist festivals. The dance it selves is colourful and impressive performance, as monks in colourful costumes, wearing lively masks and dance. This religious Dorje Shugden dance is performed only by monks and Lamas and have a deeper meaning and an interesting story behind it. Monks accompany the dance with music played on traditional instruments. They chant along with the drum beats and recite mantras. The Dorje Shugden cham dance goes back during the time of the 5th Dalai Lama when Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen arose as Dorje Shugden. There are still monasteries in Tibet who have practised this dance for hundreds of years. It is a blessing to watch the monks dancing ., how I wish I could oneday.
Tsem Rinpoche did visited Nyemo Gyelche Monastery, and at that moment a monk took spontaneous trance of Dorje Shugden twice. Truly blessing and Dorje Shugden greeted Tsem Rinpoche with great affection. Looking at that picture tells all the very close relationship of this protector and Tsem Rinpoche for many lifetimes.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.
It’s a blessing to learn some knowledge and watch this Dorje Shugden dance. This Dorje Shugden Cham dance is considered as an act of cleansing of evil forces and clearing obstacles. The Cham dance is a lively masked and costumed dance associated with Tibetan Buddhism and Buddhist festivals. The Buddhist monks in the monasteries will perform this 1,300-year-old mystical dances during sacred festivals. I wish I could watch a Cham Dance as is such a rich culture and heritage of Buddhism. Cham dance which is related to the story of how Dorje Shugden arose as Dharma protector from the powerful lama and teacher Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen.
Wow….at the Nyemo Gyelche Monastery, the oracle of the monastery took spontaneous trance twice while Rinpoche was there. It’s a blessing watching the video of Oracle taking trance .
Thank you for this wonderful sharing.
Wonderful! This type of dance is so special and when they dance it actually bless the being and the environment. The dance enacts the events leading to Dorje Shugden’s manifestation as a Dharma Protector. It’s definitely a privilege to learn and a blessing to watch this dance. Hope to see this in Kechara Forest Retreat
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
“The 4th Zhabdrung Rinpoche of Bhutan and Dorje Shugden” blog post which was published June 8, 2018 already has exactly at the moment 152,744 views!! Over 150k views!!! Amazing!! The views will keep growing as time elapses of course.
This indicates many Bhutanse and Buddhists around the world will now know that Dorje Shugden is connected to Bhutan and their Kagyu Lineage. Dorje Shugden was promoted by the highest lama of Bhutan namely the 4th Zhabdrung Rinpoche himself. So Dorje Shugden will help and protect anyone and is not sectarian as they accuse him to be. People in the Kagyu school of Buddhism also practised Dorje Shugden and Dorje Shugden assisted them lovingly. Dorje Shugden being an emanation of Manjushri will help anyone who calls upon him regardless of their background and religion.
Good job to our writers, researchers, editors, technical team, supporting team and Kechara people who promoted this blog post on social media. Now more will come to understand how pervasive Dorje Shugden is in all the lineages of Tibetan Buddhism although the Tibetan leadership in-exile tries to hide this truth. Thank you everyone for promoting Dorje Shugden to benefit many. We were all very harmonious before the unethical ban against Dorje Shugden practitioners. Since the inception of the ban in 1996, there has been no benefits and instead so much disharmony among Tibetan Buddhists around the world. Many hundreds have spoken up about this point where we want harmony back. There should never be a ban against any spiritual practice.
Tsem Rinpoche
Blog post- https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=160863
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于2018年6月8日发表的《不丹国第四世夏仲仁波切与多杰雄登》的博文至今已经有 152,744次的浏览量！！也就是超过了15万次的浏览量！！这个数字肯定还会随着时间而增长。
这表示很多不丹人和全世界的佛教徒现在已经知道了多杰雄登和不丹以及他们的噶举派传承是有紧密联系的。多杰雄登是被不丹的最高级别的喇嘛夏仲仁波切本身所推崇的。这显示了多杰雄登是会帮助和保护任何人的，而祂不是像他人所指控那样的充满宗派主义。佛教的噶举派的修行者也修持多杰雄登，而多杰雄登也很怀爱地帮助他们。多杰雄登是文殊菩萨的化身，祂将无视任何宗教和背景地去帮助任何召唤祈请祂的人们。
我们的写作、搜集资料，编辑、技术、辅助等的人员们和推广这篇博文的克切拉人们，你们做得好！虽然流亡藏人领袖们尝试掩盖事实，但现在更多的人将了解到多杰雄登在所有藏传佛教的传承中是多么的普及了。感谢大家努力推广多杰雄登以造福大众。在这个不道德的多杰雄登禁令出现之前，我们都是很和谐融洽的。自从禁令在1996年开始之后，它为全世界的藏传佛教徒没有带来任何利益，而只有更多的不和谐。成千上万的人已经对该禁令发声，要求重建和谐。对于任何心灵修行，是从来就不该有任何禁令的。
詹杜固仁波切
博文网址: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/l/cn/dorje-shugden/the-4th-zhabdrung-rinpoche-of-bhutan-and-dorje-shugden-cn.html
His Eminence Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche’s incarnation is in Lhasa visiting. He is visiting the 350-year-old Trode Khangsar chapel dedicated to Dorje Shugden. He is paying homage to the powerful statue of Dorje Shugden housed in this sacred chapel. Both the chapel and statue of Dorje Shugden were commissioned by His Holiness the 5th Dalai Lama. The Great 5th Dalai Lama also composed a prayer to be recited daily to Dorje Shugden.
Dagom Rinpoche’s previous lives were great masters, scholars and practitioners of Dorje Shugden. Now this new incarnation of Dagom Rinpoche is offering gold on the face of Dorje Shugden in homage and worship to this very sacred statue of Dorje Shugden housed in Lhasa for the last 350 years. This is a very traditional Tibetan method of paying homage to holy images, which is by offering gold with prayers.
The Tibetan leadership wrongly says if you practise Dorje Shugden you will take rebirth into the three lower realms. Hundreds of lamas from the Sakya, Kagyu and Gelugpa schools of Buddhism have practised Dorje Shugden and their incarnations returned. Many of the incarnations are recognised by His Holiness the Dalai Lama himself. So this shows if you practise Dorje Shugden, only benefits come and no harm will come. The very fact Dagom Rinpoche’s incarnation is back, is clear evidence that Dorje Shugden’s practice is beneficial.
May Dagom Rinpoche’s current incarnation live a very long life.
Tsem Rinpoche
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com
YouTube High resolution video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THbGknXcLbo
Trode Khangsar – A 400 year old Dorje Shugden Chapel in Lhasa:
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=92148[/color]
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尊贵的扎贡仁波切的现任转世正在拜访拉萨。他拜访了一座供奉给多杰雄登并且拥有350年历史的护法殿”布旦康萨”。他在向这座神圣护法殿里的强大多杰雄登像顶礼。该座护法殿和多杰雄登圣像是由第五世达赖喇嘛指示而造的。伟大的第五世达赖喇嘛也亲笔撰写了多杰雄登的每日祈愿文。
扎贡仁波切的前几世都是伟大的上师，学者兼多杰雄登的修持者。现在扎贡仁波切的现任转世在为这尊已经安奉在拉萨350年并且非常神圣的多杰雄登圣像的脸上供养金漆，以示顶礼和膜拜。这种供养金并祈愿的做法是西藏为圣像顶礼非常传统的做法。
流亡藏人领袖们说如果你修持多杰雄登就将投生三恶道，那是错误的。佛教派系——萨迦派、噶举派、格鲁派的上百名喇嘛们都修持了多杰雄登，而且他们也都转世回来了，而其中有很多转世还是达赖喇嘛亲自认证的。这明显显示了如果你修持多杰雄登，是百利无一弊的。扎贡仁波切转世回来了，就已经是很确凿的证据显示多杰雄登的修持是有利的。
愿今世的扎贡仁波切健康长寿。
詹杜固仁波切
blog.sina.com.cn/zhandugu
YouTube高清视频- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THbGknXcLbo
拉萨400年历史的多杰雄登护法殿—布旦康萨- https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=92148
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
The Library of Tibetan Works and Archives is in Dharamsala, which is broken into two parts. Upper Dharamsala is where the Dalai Lama’s palace is located with his audience room and main prayer hall. It is also the location of the Dialectics School, Gaden Shartse’s guesthouse, restaurants, tourist hotels and main tourist areas.
A short ride down takes you to the lower part of Dharamsala where the Tibetan government is located. It is the location of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, Nechung monastery, the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, the Tibetan arts centre…it’s all in one area. And the reason why it’s split into upper and lower Dharamsala is because the area is mountainous.
The Library of Tibetan Works and Archives was established by the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government to preserve all the ancient texts – both secular and spiritual – of Tibet and in the process, translate them into various languages like English. This book, Overview of Buddhist Tantra, by Panchen Sonam Drakpa was one of the books translated into English. What’s very interesting is that the book very clearly says that Panchen Sonam Drakpa’s previous life is Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen, one of the five main disciples of Lama Tsongkhapa. It also says that after that, he was Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen.
So the book is basically saying that Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen, Panchen Sonam Drakpa and Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen – the three Drakpas – are of the same mindstream.
Now that’s very peculiar because if Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen’s previous life is Panchen Sonam Drakpa, the renowned composer of 45 volumes of Dharma texts, the abbot of three monasteries AND the 15th Gaden Tripa, the holder of Lama Tsongkhapa’s throne…if that’s the case, how can Panchen Sonam Drakpa take rebirth as Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen and become an evil spirit and have a negative mind?
Prior to Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen, he was Panchen Sonam Drakpa and before that, he was Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen, a heart disciple of Lama Tsongkhapa. How can a heart disciple of Lama Tsongkhapa reincarnate as the erudite master Panchen Sonam Drakpa, and then die and reincarnate as Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen…and then Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen, due to a bad and negative prayer, become the evil spirit Dorje Shugden? How is that possible? Logically, it’s not.
What’s incredible is that all of this was printed by the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives under the Dalai Lama’s guidance. They contradict themselves because on one hand, the Tibetan leaders say Dorje Shugden is an evil spirit. On the other hand they’re printing a book saying that Panchen Sonam Drakpa, whose later incarnation became Dorje Shugden, is of this illustrious mindstream.
So how can the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, which is under the auspices of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government, print the translation of a book composed by the previous incarnation of a so-called evil spirit? How can they then say in the book that Panchen Sonam Drakpa’s previous life is Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen, and his next life was Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen?
Prior to the Dorje Shugden ban and controversy, everyone in Tibet knew that Dorje Shugden is Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen, that Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen is Panchen Sonam Drakpa, and that Panchen Sonam Drakpa is Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen. The three Drakpas, they are one mindstream emanating again and again to benefit other beings.
And as we all know, Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen became Dorje Shugden so it totally doesn’t make sense to call him an evil spirit, then highlight all of his previous lives as erudite masters, and publish all of this information under their own library. So you can see the contradictions. You can read all of this for yourself in Overview of Buddhist Tantra, which was printed by the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives.
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OVERVIEW OF BUDDHIST TANTRA
GENERAL PRESENTATION OF THE CLASSES OF TANTRA,
CAPTIVATING THE MINDS OF THE FORTUNATE ONES
rgyud sde spyi’i rnam par bzhag pa
skal bzang gi yid ‘phrog ces bya ba bzhugs so
BY
PANCHEN SONAM DRAGPA
(Pan-chen bSod-nams grags-pa, 1478-1554)
O Choje Sonam Dragpa Pel! (Chos-rje bSod-nams grags-pa-dpal!)
In the vast expanse of Your bodhi-mind,
The mind that the Buddhas have lauded for as many as
one hundred times,
You have developed “merit” shining like the sun.
Through Your skill in learning, debate and writing,
As illuminating as one hundred thousand sun rays,
You have developed in You a complete knowledge of
the entire sutras and tantras,
Resembling a garden of flowers in full bloom.
The power of Your speech is like the sun;
The fame of your name has reached the three realms of
this world.
O Sonam Dragpa, the teacher of teachers!
I bow down at your feet.
In the vast garden of Your great teachings,
The intelligent young people gather for
The ‘six ultimates’ and the ‘four modes of transmission,’
Just as they are attracted to
The one hundred thousand types of nectar
Dripping from a flower of one hundred petals.
May I be able to experience
The taste of the secret tantra!
Panchen Choje Sonam Dragpa Pel (Panchen Chos-rje bSod-nams grags-pa-dpal), the holder of sutra and Vajrayana teachings, was a master whose outstanding learning and spiritual accomplishments are well known by all the learned ones in Tibet. His first incarnation came in the form of one of the five prestigious disciples of Lord Tsongkhapa (Tsong-kha-pa) and became known as Vinaya Holder (Dulzin) Dragpa Gyaltsen (Gragspa rgyal-mtshan). Then came Panchen Sonam Dragpa Pel (Panchen bSod-nams grags-pa-dpal), the author of the present text. The next was Nagri Tulku Dragpa Gyaltsen (mNga’-ris sPrul-sku Grags-pa rgyal-mtshan). In this way, a line of his incarnations, each with the Dragpa (gragspa) surname, followed successively.
Panchen Sonam Dragpa Pel (Panchen bSod-nams grags-pa-dpal) was born in the 14th century in Tsetang (rTsed-thang) in the Lhoka (Lho-kha) region of Central Tibet. He entered the great seat of learning, Sera Thekchenling (Se-ra theg-chen-gling) monastic university, where he became the personal disciple of spiritual master Donyo Dangden (Dhon-yod dang-ldan) and His Holiness the Second Dalai Lama Gedun Gyatso (dGe-‘dun rgya-mtsho). Under them, he studied the entire teachings of sutra, tantra and their commentaries, and became known for his outstanding learning. He also received from them the empowerments, reading transmissions, guides and instructions of the entire body of spiritual training. On becoming the fully blessed one, the Dalai Lama appointed him the abbot of the Loseling (Blo-gsalgling) college, one of the four colleges of Drepung (‘Bras-dpung)- the most prestigious monastic university in Tibet before 1959, with over 10,000 monks on its register. He continued to be the abbot of this college for the next six years; and after him the tenure for each of his successors in this position was fixed for a period of six years, a rule that is followed even today.
He was then appointed the head of the Gelugpa (dGe-lugs-pa) order, the throne holder of Gaden (dGa’-ldan), thus becoming the 15th regent of Lord Tsongkhapa (Tsong-khapa), the second Buddha. In his eulogy to him, Khedrub Gelek Pelsang (mKhas-grub dGe-legs dpal- bzang) says:
O Lama, the second successor of the Unsubduable One,
The regent of the Lord of Dharma,
You are the one who made the virtuous qualities thrive;
You are the one who ascended to the golden throne uplifted
by the fearless lions.
May Your success thrive forever!
He continued to be the throne holder for the next seven years, during which time he promoted the spread of Lord Tsongkhapa’s (Tsong-kha-pa) precious teachings, the Gelug (dGe-lugs) tradition, across the land in all directions. He also paid special attention to the practice of monastic rules and the learning and meditation of Buddhism in the monasteries such as Sera (Se-ra), Drepung (‘Bras-spungs), Kyomolung (sKyo-mo-lung), Phagmo Chode (Phag-mo chos-sde), Nyeding (Nye-sdings), Ödna (’Od-sna) and Chöde Rinchen (Chos-sde rin-chen) etc. and improved them to a great extent. He taught the Third Dalai Lama Sonam Gyatso (bSod-nams rGya-mtsho) as the latter’s spiritual master. It was from him that the Dalai Lama received the name Sonam (bSod-nams).
His contributions in the literary field are enormous; and, indeed, they are the most valuable of all his contributions. Tsongkhapa (Tsong-kha-pa) has rightly said:
Of all one’s deeds,
The ‘deeds of speech’ are the most valuable.
Panchen Sonam Dragpa Pel (Panchen bSod-nams grags-pa-dpal) was a person with an extraordinary talent for teaching, debate and writing. In his colophon to Bu mey chi don zab don sel wey dron mey (dBu ma’i spyi don zab don gsal ba’i sgron me), he wrote:
In the field of teaching, I am [next to none!] Knowing that
I would outdo them in this field, Arya Asanga and his
brother transmigrated into another realm.
In the field of debate, I am [next to none!] Knowing that
I would find out the areas they had contradicted and
that I would examine them and put forth my arguments,
the logician Dignaga (Digh-naga) and Dharmakirti tactfully
bypassed me.
In the field of writing, I am [next to none!] [In my eyes,]
Arya-sura was just good at spreading the works, which
are like ‘disputes~ between an insect and a field.’
I am the learned man. Peerless in the field of teaching,
debate and writing!
For some this passage might sound utterly nonsensical, but the most learned master of our age, the talented teacher, logician and writer, the late tutor to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Yongdzin Trijang Dorjechang (Yongs-‘dzin Khri-byang rDorje-‘Chang), said: “Now, some people of our time, who consider themselves learned scholars, think that this is utter nonsense; but they are wrong.”
Panchen Sonam Dragpa Pel (Panchen bSod-nams grags-pa-dpal) wrote over 45 volumes of books dealing with many different subjects, such as the commentaries on the sutras and tantras, the saddhana manuals of the tutelary deities, history, religious history and so forth. Among these, one that is very important for all who wish to learn and meditate on the path-of the practical aspect of Buddhism in general and that of Vajrayana in particular is the Leg shey gyu de chi nam par shagpa kelsang gi yi trod (Legs bshad rgyud sde spyi’i rnam par bzhag pa skal bzang gi yid ‘phrod). In this book, he has explained precisely how the four tantras differ from one another. He has also fully described the stages of the two spontaneous path practices of the Vajrayana tradition, dealing with the ‘six ultimates’ and the ‘four modes of transmission’, thus interpreting without mistake the intention of Adhi-Buddha Vajradhara.
May the reprint of this text, which the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives is publishing herewith, bring peace and happiness in this world!
Prof. Nawang Jinpa
St. Joseph’s College
Darjeeling
January 24 1996
Appliqué thangka of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen, who is the previous incarnation of Dorje Shugden. The thangka dates possibly to the 19th Century, and it can be found in Erdene Zuu Monastery, considered by many to be the most important and oldest monastery in Mongolia. In the lower portion of the thangka are Yellow Dzambala, Six-Armed Mahakala and Kalarupa. Learn more about Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s life here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/who-is-tulku-drakpa-gyeltsen.html
It is only after checking out this article, that I knew the real story about the ascendancy of Dorje Shugden had been played out on the plains of Tibets for hundreds of years.
Yet in those times, no one ever questioned the validity of how Dorje Shugden arose. Many of the common Tibetan who come to watch the Dorje Shugden Cham Dance as a celebration too, so it is definitely not confined to just the monastic institutions but also the general population as well.
Another story line that is played out in Cham Dances concerns the Black Hat Dancer, who killed the evil king Langdharma, who was destroying Buddhism at that time. The Black Hat Dancer is known to be a previous incarnation of Dagom Rinpoche.
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
Tibetan Buddhism rituals are really different. Even a dance is actually part of a ritual and can be a blessing and help clear obstacles for the spectators. It is interesting to learn and understand Dorje Shugden Cham dance.
It is a shame to CTA to ban Dorje Shugden practise. Dorje Shugden practise is powerful and beneficial to everyone. This is proven and even 5th Dalai Lama acknowledged the mistake of his people (for killing Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen) and composed praise and prayers of Dorje Shugden as an enlightened Dharma Protector who had arisen to protect the teachings of Lama Tsongkhapa.
Hope more people would understand and disregards the baseless allegation make by the CTA.
In the video when Dorje Shugden suddenly took trance and hugged Rinpoche, it showed how special H.E. Tsem Rinpoche to Dorje Shugden. This is an extra ordinary relationship between Dorje Shugden and Rinpoche. I am surprise that the Cham Dance can be a blessings and to clear obstacles. It’s a story about how Tulku Drakpa Gyelzen became Dorje Shugden. It’s shameful for CTA to ban Dorje Shugden by saying Dorje Shugden is an evil. They twisted the fact, manipulated the people mind, especially those who has blind faith on His Holiness Dalai Lama. What which of government on earth will do something like that? The ban has split the Tibetan tremendously because most of the Tibetan are Dorje Shugden practitioners due to the effort of all the Dorje Shugden lamas. May the ban be lifted soon.
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
Thank you Rinpoche and team for this article. Rinpoche’s connection with Dorje Shugden is very close as we can see from the video of Oracle taking trance of Dorje Shugden. Dorje Shugden interacted with Rinpoche with so much passion and warmth, just like meeting a long-lost brother.
Many come to Kechara Forest Retreat in Bentong, Malaysia to make offerings and prayers to the increase form of Dorje Shugden who appears like a prince and rides on a golden horse. Many report having their wishes fulfilled and return many times. Am happy to see this. Tsem Rinpoche
You can learn more about this form of Dorje Shugden here: https://bit.ly/2wxQyes
and
See video of this chapel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEK35F_O5Hg
Very interesting topic about the history on Dorje Shugden cham dance. I enoyed reading it very much and also the beautiful pictures of cham dance and Tsem Rinpoche with the Dorje Shugden Oracle of Nyemo Gyelche Monastery video. Thank you very much Rinpoche and blog team for sharing this nice write up on Dorje Shugden cham dance.???
Cham dance is a famous monastic dance performed in monasteries of Tibet. As a Tibetan Buddhist ritual dance, the Cham dance is rare usually performed by lamas during festivals like the Molam Festival. There are many monasteries in Tibet still practiced this hundreds years Cham dance which is related to the story of how Dorje Shugden arose as Dharma protector from the powerful lama and teacher Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen. Interesting and it’s a great blessing to witness this Cham dance. I do wish I could witness one during my coming trip to Tibet and visit this Nyemo Gyelche Monastery where the oracle of the monastery took spontaneous trance twice and hugged Rinpoche affectionately.
Thank you Rinpoche for this interesting sharing .
Tibetan usually performs the cham dance during the Monlam Prayer Festival. These dances not only serve as visual education, but also leave powerful karmic imprints in the mind of the people who observed the dancing.
How wonderful it is Nyemo Gyelche Monastery still practicing cham dance. This practice should be passed on or documented. I wish that someday there will be cham dance in Kechara Forest Retreat too.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing of this article on the enthralling Cham dances that had always been fascinating. Maybe one day I will be able to watch one real life, to be in the atmosphere of blessed energy. I wonder if the deities themselves enter the dancers during the performances? It is very heartening to read of the closeness between Rinpoche and Dorje Shugden, which to me shows the enlightened state of both minds. From Rinpoche’s biography, one would be able to see the strong bond – https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/me/tsem-rinpoches-inspiring-biography-now-in-ebook-format.html.
In the emerald forest there lies magical beings and powerful entities of old. There are beautiful gentle creatures of the forest such as deers, rabbits, owls and so on. Faeries, little people, elves, dwarves, trolls and other magnificent worldly and other-worldly beings of mystical origins who nurture and look over the natural world call this place their home. These supernatural beings, who remain hidden to ordinary view and are rarely seen together, have gathered to herald the arrival of the World Peace Guardian Dorje Shugden within the ethereal realm. Paying homage to the divine king they welcome him, the supreme being whose body shines with the light of magnificence and abides in benevolent wisdom. He who has come from the pinnacle of the celestial dimensions, he has the dominion over men and gods. All beings in this and other worlds have gathered to pay homage and to receive blessings, abundance and counsel.
Shugden the divine king, at last has drawn near,
He offers a new life so clear,
With a silent prayer he offers the golden stair,
Sing praises, does the emerald forest all cheer.
Om Benza Wiki Bitana Soha
To see other beautiful portrayals of Dorje Shugden, click here: https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
COMPASSION at its best: His Holiness the Dalai Lama explained in Ladakh, 31 July 2018:
“Usually at the beginning of an empowerment there is a ritual to drive away interferences. But I no longer feel it’s consistent to regard some beings as evil forces. At the start of each day I cultivate altruism, but in the evening we say, ‘May the evil forces be driven away.’ There seems to be a contradiction here that I’m no longer keen to comply with. I’m not highly realized, but I have great confidence in the power of Bodhichitta.”
Source: https://bit.ly/2wVsqSb
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This latest statement by His Holiness the Dalai Lama is excellent. I fully believe in his compassion and I hope he will fully implement it.
All negative beings take rebirth with negative minds due to deep attachments. The attachments result in negative states of rebirth and angry minds that carry out harmful actions, like spirits or hungry ghosts who can be very bothersome because they are very angry as they died in the state of attachment in their former rebirths.
Indeed we need to generate compassion towards these beings, especially the formless type, as it would be the best remedy to stop their harm. We can recite mantras with love and bless them with it. While reciting prayers, we can meditate on them being at peace. When we generate compassion towards these harmful interferences of the formless type, many of them will calm down and stop their harm and even go away. Some of them, you can talk to them and subdue their harm and they will stop harming completely if they feel your love. That is how you can help them.
Many high masters of India and Tibet generated great compassion towards certain ghosts, spirits or interferers and subdued them in this manner and even made them into protectors of regions. I’ve witnessed this with one of my lamas where he subdued a female spirit that crossed over the Himalayas. After making the spirit promise it will not harm others, my lama gave the spirit a drink to seal the promise.
Since the Dalai Lama has manifested saying Dorje Shugden is negative (although many high lamas disagree), then he can apply this method to Dorje Shugden. He can ‘subdue’ Dorje Shugden by generating tremendous love, prayers and talking nice to Dorje Shugden who will be ‘subdued’. Then people are henceforth ‘free’ to practice Dorje Shugden without more discrimination, segregation and being called degrading names for practicing this protector.
Give peace a chance. His Holiness the Dalai Lama can generate great love towards Dorje Shugden and all the hundreds of thousands of Dorje Shugden practitioners that love the Dalai Lama and miss him like I do. May His Holiness the Dalai Lama bring peace and heal the rift with Dorje Shugden practitioners.
May His Holiness live very long and always be healthy,
Tsem Rinpoche
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com
Reading- https://bit.ly/2wWQGUh