Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Ten Reasons Why Dorje Shugden is Considered a Buddha


1. Dorje Shugden is the last incarnation in a lineage of enlightened Masters


Dorje Shugden arose from an incarnation lineage of enlightened Teachers. As the highly realized Master, Tagpo Kelsang Khedrub Rinpoche, said:

You have manifested in different aspects
As Indian and Tibetan Masters,
Such as Manjushri, Mahasiddha Biwawa, Sakya Pandita,
Buton Rinchen Drub, Duldzin Dragpa Gyaltsen, Panchen Sonam Dragpa, and many others.

Their life stories are explained in the book Heart Jewel. Since his lineage is enlightened, Dorje Shugden is a Buddha too.

2. Dorje Shugden could not be subdued by the 5th Dalai Lama or other Lamas

When Ngatrul Dragpa Gyaltsen, the last human incarnation, manifested as the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden (as he had predicted he would do), the 5th Dalai Lama initially developed the mistaken idea that he was a spirit and tried to subdue him through performing wrathful fire pujas. Although he and many high Lamas tried to destroy Dorje Shugden, they were not able to because he is a Buddha. This is explained by Tagpo Kelsang Khedrub Rinpoche in his praise of Dorje Shugden, Infinite Aeons:

Then, although four undisputed powerful Tantrikas,
With concentration, began wrathful rituals to strike you down,
Through the power of having completed Guhyasamaja's two stages,
You would not be silenced, and showed signs of heroism; praise to you!

3. Dorje Shugden’s form teaches the paths of Sutra and Tantra

Dorje Shugden's form teaches the complete stages of the path of Sutra and Tantra, and such qualities are not possessed by the forms of worldly beings.

He appears as a fully ordained monk
to show that the practice of pure moral discipline is essential for those who wish to attain enlightenment. In his left hand he holds a heart, which symbolize great compassion and spontaneous great bliss – the essence of all the stages of the vast path of Sutra and Tantra. His round yellow hat represents the view of Nagarjuna, and the wisdom sword in his right hand (like the one held by Manjushri and Je Tsongkhapa) teaches us to sever ignorance, the root of samsara, with the sharp blade of Nagarjuna’s view. This is the essence of all the stages of the profound path of Sutra and Tantra. He rides a snow lion, symbolizing the four fearlessnesses of a Buddha.

Explanation of his remaining features can be found in Heart Jewel, as can the specific
enlightened function of each of the thirty-two Deities of his mandala, which are explained in a prayer written by Sachen Kunlo, one of the great Sakya Lamas.

Only enlightened beings display a meaningful aspect that teaches the entire path to enlightenment. Therefore, Dorje Shugden is a Buddha.

4. Dorje Shugden is the incarnation of the five Buddha families

Dorje Shugden is the incarnation of the five Buddha families and appears in five forms that symbolize the five families. These forms are explained in Heart Jewel and are called 'the five lineages of Dorje Shugden'. The principal Deity, Duldzin Dorje Shugden rides a snow lion. Vairochana Shugden is white and rides an elephant. Ratna Shugden is yellow and rides a palomino horse. Pema Shugden is red and rides a turquoise dragon. Karma Shugden is dark red and rides a wrathful Garuda bird. These forms also symbolize Dorje Shugden's attainment of pacifying, increasing, controlling and wrathful actions and his main form as Duldzin symbolizes the supreme attainment – enlightenment itself.

Since Dorje Shugden is the manifestation of the five Buddha families, there is no doubt that he is the same enlightened nature as Buddha Vajradhara.

5. Dorje Shugden is the same nature as Manjushri, Je Tsongkhapa, Mahakala and Kalarupa

Dorje Shugden is the same nature as Je Tsongkhapa – they are the same person performing different functions. Many Dorje Shugden sadhanas state that Dorje Shugden is the embodiment of the “Guru, Yidam, and Protector”, where “Guru” refers specifically to Lama Tsongkhapa. When we practice the sadhana of Dorje Shugden, we are indirectly practising the Guru yoga of Je Tsongkhapa. Gelugpa practitioners who have a sincere trust in Dorje Shugden will have no difficulty in generating unshakeable faith in Je Tsongkhapa and his teachings.

Both Je Tsongkhapa (‘peaceful Manjushri’) and Dorje Shugden (‘wrathful Manjushri’) are manifestations of the Wisdom Buddha Manjushri, as are the Dharma Protectors four-faced Mahakala and Kalarupa. Therefore, they are all the same enlightened nature.

6. Dorje Shugden’s mandala Deities are the same nature as the body mandala Deities of Lama Losang Tubwang Dorjechang

The Deities of Dorje Shugden’s mandala are the same nature as the Deities of the body mandala of Lama Losang Tubwang Dorjechang, who is in essence Je Tsongkhapa.

Lama Losang Tubwang Dorjechang is the principal object of refuge in the blessed Gelug practice of Offering to the Spiritual Guide (Tib: Lama Chöpa), which comes from Manjushri’s Emanation Scripture. In this practice we visualize within his body the thirty-two Deities of Guhyasamaja. These thirty-two Deities manifest as the thirty-two Deities of Dorje Shugden's mandala, indicating that Dorje Shugden is the same nature as Je Tsongkhapa and Guhyasamaja and thus a fully enlightened being.

Of the Deities of the five lineages of Dorje Shugden explained above, the principal Deity is Duldzin Dorje Shugden, who is the manifestation of the aggregate of consciousness of Lama Losang Tubwang Dorjechang. The remaining four lineages are manifestations of Lama Losang Tubwang Dorjechang’s remaining four aggregates. Je Tsongkhapa himself therefore manifests as an enlightened Protector and retinue to protect his Ganden tradition.

7. The practice of Dorje Shugden was taught by Je Tsongkhapa in Tushita Pure Land

Dorje Shugden arose as the principal Protector of Je Tsongkhapa's doctrine over 300 years ago, at the time of the Fifth Dalai Lama, who composed the first verse of praise to him. However, the current system of empowerment and worship is more recent and comes from a great Lama called
Tagphu Padmavajra. Lama Tagphu went to Tushita Pure Land where he met Je Tsongkhapa and requested a teaching. In response, Je Tsongkhapa lifted up the cloth covering the front of the golden throne on which he was sitting, and the five lineages of Dorje Shugden emerged. Dorje Shugden then transmitted the practice to Lama Tagphu, just as Maitreya had transmitted five major philosophical treatises to Asanga in Tushita Pure Land in earlier times.

Lama
Tagphu later transmitted these instructions to Pabongkhapa Dechen Nyingpo, who passed them on to Trijang Dorjechang Losang Yeshe -- spiritual father and son. From Trijang Rinpoche, they passed to our present day Gelugpa Teachers.

8. Dorje Shugden has been relied upon by the highest Lamas, who themselves have been recognized as enlightened

Well-regarded Gelugpa practitioners of Dorje Shugden include the 5th Dalai Lama, Kelsang Thubten Jigme Gyatso 1743-1811 (a tutor to the 9th Dalai Lama), Losang Thubten Wangchuk Jigme Gyatso 1775 – 1813 (head of the Gelugpa in Mongolia), Ngulchu Dharmabadra, the Indian master Shakya Shri Bhadra, the 11th Dalai Lama 1838 - 1856 (who installed Dorje Shugden as the Protector of the Gelugpa tradition), Gyara Tulku Rinpoche, Tomo Geshe Rinpoche (regarded by the 13th Dalai Lama as an emanation of Je Tsongkhapa), Serkong Rinpoche (regarded by the 13th Dalai Lama as Vajradhara),Tagpo Kelsang Khedrub Rinpoche, Pabongkha Rinpoche, Trijang Rinpoche, Ling Rinpoche, Khangsar Rinpoche, Tathag Rinpoche (in charge of the Tibetan Government after the death of the 13th Dalai Lama), Zong Rinpoche, Lobsang Tamdin, Ribur Rinpoche, Khen Rinpoche Losang Tharchin, Lati Rinpoche, Geshe Rabten, Geshe Ngawang Dhargyey, Khensur Rinpoche, Khechog Rinpoche, Dagyab Rinpoche, Gelek Rinpoche, Lama Yeshe, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, Yongyal Rinpoche, the 14th Dalai Lama (until he was in his forties), Dagom Rinpoche, Gonsar Rinpoche, Gangchen Rinpoche and others.

These Lamas themselves have all been recognized as realized, holy beings, with many thousands of Tantric disciples who revered them as living Buddhas.


The later Lamas were all direct or indirect disciples of the great Pabongkha Rinpoche and Trijang Rinpoche. The 14th Dalai Lama says that Pabongkha Rinpoche and Trijang Rinpoche were “wrong” to worship Dorje Shugden, but they have been recognized as emanations of Heruka and Amitabha respectively, and were the principal upholders of Je Tsongkhapa’s Gelug doctrine in their time; so how can they be wrong?

9. Dorje Shugden performs the twenty-seven deeds of a Buddha

The highly realized Master, Tagpo Kelsang Khedrub Rinpoche, composed a verse of praise:

With deep faith I prostrate to you, Vajradhara Dorje Shugden.
Although you have already attained the Buddha ground
And engage in the twenty-seven deeds of a Buddha,
You appear in various forms to help the Buddhadharma and sentient beings.

These twenty-seven deeds, explained in the Perfection of Wisdom Sutras, range from showing living beings the way to enter the spiritual path to liberation up to guiding them to the final attainment of Buddhahood. Since Dorje Shugden performs all these twenty-seven deeds, it is clear that he is a Buddha.

Some people say that Dorje Shugden has harmed practitioners who have strayed from the Ganden tradition, but there are no examples of this forthcoming, whereas there are many examples of how Dorje Shugden has protected living beings. For example, Dorje Shugden was responsible for the Dalai Lama being able to safely travel from Tibet to India in 1959.

Even today, there are many Buddhist practitioners with their own stories to tell of how they have been protected by this Dharma Protector. Dorje Shugden's name means 'Vajra Possessing Strength', indicating that he has great power and strength to spread Buddhadharma and to help people in these degenerate times.

10. Relying upon Dorje Shugden leads to supramundane results

The difference between a Dharma Protector and a worldly protector is that the former is an enlightened being whereas the latter is not. Worldly protectors have no ability to flourish the Buddhadharma nor to protect Dharma realizations in a practitioner's mind. As a Dharma Protector, Dorje Shugden’s principal function is to protect our Dharma practice, not to help our mundane affairs.

Dorje Shugden always helps, guides, and protects faithful practitioners by granting blessings, increasing their wisdom, fulfilling their virtuous wishes, and bestowing success on all their virtuous activities. Dorje Shugden does not help only Gelugpas; because he is a Buddha, he helps all living beings.

Dorje Shugden has removed obstacles and created the conditions for the extraordinary growth of Je Tsongkhapa's teachings, and most importantly realizations of those teachings, in this current age. Je Tsongkhapa's doctrine is now spreading to countries throughout the world. For example, any spiritual success enjoyed by NKT and FPMT practitioners is due to the blessings of this Buddha. (Lama Yeshe, the founder of the FPMT, relied sincerely on Dorje Shugden throughout his life.)

Those who rely upon Dorje Shugden know that their spiritual realizations come from his blessings. However, as with a relationship with any holy being, this is something that can only be experienced by someone who relies on him with strong faith over a long period of time, steadily building their connection with him.

Gyara Tulku Rinpoche from Drepung Loseling Monastery wrote a prayer of gratitude, whose sentiments are shared by Dorje Shugden practitioners worldwide:

First you gave me a highly qualified Spiritual Guide
Under whom I studied and practised Dharma.
When through following misleading advice I came close to entering wrong paths,
You immediately hooked me back into the correct path.

O Duldzin, King of the Dharma, I thank you for your kindness.
Your body is the synthesis of all Sangha Jewels,
Your speech is the synthesis of all Dharma Jewels,
And your mind is the synthesis of all Buddha Jewels.

9 comments:

Thom said...

One of the most inspiring and clearly stated writings and prose yet created. Thank you for clarifying my own thought to convey in a non harmful manner.
Tears dropped and a smile turned up with all the inspirational insights as to Our Loving Master leading us from the darkness.

Adam said...

Thanks for this clear explanation of the many reasons for recognising Dorje Shugden as a Buddha.

Thom said...

"I doubt however that this campaign will stop there.

If you didn’t know, they have already “CLEANED UP” the LAM RIM lineage prayer and REMOVED "Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang’s name from that lineage.

Sherig Pharkhang, the official printer for the Department of Religion and Culture, has even removed Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang’s name mantra from the consecration mantras that they print.


This means that if one were to order the collection of mantras that are used to fill statues, stupas and many holy objects they WILL NOT INCLUDE Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang."

Some may wonder why we fight? Look back at the photo of young Kyabje Choktrul Rinpoche arm being held by the Dalia Lama and then think of this fact and look again into the eyes of the Dalia Lama and you see as we have said, an Imposter!

Thom said...

The Vehicle that passses the Teachings of Lord Buddha from his lips to our time,
There is no other moment than this One
This is what We Defend from one who edits the Prayers as he wishes!
One cannot call one who breaks the Sangha, a Buddha
It's just not right to hide in any corner of the Universe.
When One Who Destroys the Faith of the Sentient Beings
He risk the wrath of the Dharma Protectors

Thom said...

Worship of Shugden is being renounced in Lithang.
According to news prepared by Lithang Lobsang Yeshi
This year, at a village in Lithang Province of Tibet, a member of the family who has
connection with Shugden devotee abroad, he died. His family has requested Lithang
Gonchen monastery to accept the precious materials from the deceased. The family also
said to the monastery that they would phone call and ask him [Shugden devotee living
abroad] to renounce Shugden worship. “If he doesn’t listen,” they added, “We would
expel him from the family and never keep touch with him.”When the family made frequent request, they were told [by the monastery] that those things would be accepted the moment you are cleansed (it indicates if his familymember living abroad renounce the Shugden Worship).Although it is a tradition for the deceased family to arrange feast for the visitors[who offer condolences], the visitors of the village came up, bringing their own food.They did not eat feast prepared by the deceased family.On 3rd of January, 2010, when Mani prayer was held in the courtyard of Lithang Gonchenmonastery, its abbot said to the gathering public:“As we all - abbot, ex-abbot, staff, etc, - have discussed, if you have connectionwith Shugden and its devotee, it is “NO” to the person to cross into Lithang GonchenMonastery from now onward. Furthermore, Lama and monk of Lithang Gonchenmonastery will not visit such person when he is sick or death.”“If there is such a person (referring to Shugden devotee) in the gathering of Maniprayer, please leave the place now. It doesn’t help you. [Your presence] pose detrimentalto Lithang Gonchen monastery. Not only that, it violates the words of the root guru. Sincethis pose damage to many people, you are better to leave now

Thom said...

Letter from Shugden Society USA:

To the Attention of the World Media

Today, April 5, 2010, marks the 14th anniversary of the appalling segregation and violation of the religion freedom initiated by the Tibetan Government-in-exile.

On April 5, 1996, after Dalai Lama's teaching, Gaden Choeling nunnery in Dharamsala dragged the Shugden statue out, trod on, and flung into a garbage pit. In this way the campaign of threatening and segregation of Dorje Shugden practitioners started.

We have to admit with regret that up to present the segregation campaign goes on throughout the world. The recent example of unfortunate developments is shutting down of Tibetan Association of Western Massachusetts, in US in October of 2008. The organization had been working to unite the Tibetan community, promote, and preserve Tibetan culture and traditions and the Tibetan cause as well.

In order to thwart such incidents, as well as to restore religious freedom, the Dorje Shugden Devotees Charitable and religious Society has been established fourteen years ago.

In 2008, the oath and signature campaign of breaking off religious and material relationship with Shugden devotees were introduced in the monasteries and Tibetan settlements. The implication resulted in the open segregation in the Tibetan society.

On February 20, 2010, when 68 of the 100 invited guests as well as performers left the wedding party in New York City because a few Dorje Shugden devotees were invited. Those who left apologized and explained that they did not want to break the oath that they had taken to segregate from the followers of Dorje Shugden.

As the devotees are suffering from abuses, discrimination, disparage and humiliation, the Dorje Shugden Devotees Charitable and Religious society has had no option but to file a writ petition in Delhi High Court; and the case is in progress presently. The Society is confident that the court will resolve the case in a just and expeditious manner. Many of the spiritual campaigns led by the civil society have triumphed, and these cases should inspire our cause and persuade the Tibetan Government in exile to give the humans rights to its own people.

Today we mark the 14th anniversary of the ban imposed on worship of the deity Dorje Shugden by the Tibetan Government in Exile in Dharamsala. In view of the history, we think it is important to observe the anniversary. In spite of impairment of our religious freedom, dignity and equality, we developed tolerance and understanding, and seek to live in peaceful co-existence. However, the repression continues to deteriorate with every passing year.

As Buddhists, we feel responsible for supporting and promoting honesty, good will, love, peace and harmony in society. We respect the diversity of religion, culture and traditions in the world.

May everyone relish religious freedom and peace!

Thom said...

Lozang Gyaltsan commented on your wall post:

"Thom, The time I spent in IN at your place with Trijang Rinpoche, Gonsar Rinpoche, Zong Rinpoche is still one of the most spiritually potent experiences of my life. Dagom Rinpoche, for those who may not know, is my Ordination Master. The work of these amazing Lamas has been strengthened by your unending devotion and your tireless contributions to them all. Those of us who have benefiitted from their tireless efforts owe your a debt of gratitude."

Thom said...

We are the Apostles of Shri Dorje Shugden, The Supreme Dharma Protector of Lord Je T'Song Khapa's Teachings. Brought Down To Us Preserved Exactly as Written With Pure and Pristine Clarity,
In the Moment Lord Buddha Spoke!

We Maintain and Protect Je T'Song Khapa's Teachings!
Lord Shugden request Your Participation
Or did you have something else to do?

Thom said...

It is not as complicated as all that. This man has a Public Relations Issue! The fact the he Killed a Wisdom Buddha and we are not about to let him or the world forget.Once they understand the issue that is.
It is a Word War now and he cannot outlast the Chinese or Us. Who will correct the history that Thurman has been so busy attempting to homogenize for American Consumption. He figured a long time ago that the Dalia Lama had to seize total power by the erradication of the other Mahayanna Schools of Thought. Think of him as a Gobbel or Himmler reincarnate. Even Domo Geshe Rinpoche refused this Mad Man the Empowerment twice. Ursula told me that Thurman was on the floor wiggling and pleading made the Master even more resolved to refuse him.It does not matter that Thurman wiggled control of Tibet House. Who cares, he barely rates as a scribe.
Thurman has nothing but a wall eye and a hot temper. Gere has few roles left to tittilate the youth and once DL hits the road for good. His passing will not even invoke the attention that Michael Jackson's passing did.
His History will catch up with him and when it does, he will be on his knees. Is what I think.
Give it two hundred years and we'll see how the history stacks up when this depot is no more on this earth.
No matter what is said. Living life without he whims of the aristocrats and mean spirited monks mutilating the peasantry with all manner of terrors. The Tibetans fare better than the Indigenous People's of the USA. Here only a little over two million survive on 250,000sq miles of mostly waste lands.The Shools are challenged, utilities are a myth and suicide and cultural genocide are guaranteed within 30 years.
The Tibetans are being pushed from Gers to housing and interconnecting Utilities,school eduaction is mandatory until 16 years and grants are widely available to further their eduactions to become Doctors and Nurses, Agronomist and other opportunities never available under the Dalia Lama Despotic Institution of Serfs and Slaves. He could not govern his own trips to the louvre, let alone governing a people justly. He did nothing for the COMMON PEOPLE. This is why the population did not rise up to support his Guerillas supported and schemed by the CIA.
His support in Tibet does not extend as wide as you seem to suppose. In any event, it does not matter what he says or does. The Chinese are going their way and he is off the Bus. The Panchen Lama is in charge of his reincarnation. He can squirm all he wants, but he has no say anymore on anything. I trust a louse more than this one.At least with a louse, you can squeeze them between your fingertip!