Achi Chokyi Drolma – Chief Protectress of the Drikung Kagyu

By | Aug 27, 2018 | Views: 11,405

Protectress of the Drikung Kagyu, Achi Chokyi Drolma. Credit: Taylor Taz Johnson (TazDigital)

(By Tsem Rinpoche and Pastor Niral)

Dear friends,

I wanted to share with all of you some information about the holy Dharma protector Achi Chokyi Drolma from the Drikung Kagyu school. The great-grandmother to the founder of the school, Kyobpa Jigten Sumgon, her practice is widespread and very efficacious. Her story and practice is very unique, and something I thought many people would find interesting, and at the same time educational. Please enjoy reading it.

Pastor Niral Patel

 

Overview of Tibetan Buddhism

King Songtsen Gampo

Buddhism has a particularly long history in Tibet. It first entered Tibet during the reign of Emperor Songtsen Gampo around 650 CE. It was only a century later that Buddhism actually began to seep deeper into the fabric of Tibetan civilisation. This occurred during the period between the reigns of Emperor Trisong Detsen in 775 CE and Emperor Tri Ralpachen in 838 CE.

After this period there was a decline in Buddhism due to the reign of Emperor Langdarma from 838 to 842 CE, who actively sought to exterminate Buddhism from Tibet. He was to be the last Tibetan Emperor, and upon his death, Tibet entered a dark age lasting over 200 years. During this dark age there was no centralised system of rule and no patrons for the Dharma either. However, Buddhism somehow managed to survive this challenging period in history.

Between 900 and 1200 CE there was a revival of Buddhism due to a lively exchange between Tibetan translators who travelled to India to bring back Buddhist knowledge, and Indian masters who made the journey to Tibet to share their knowledge. By the 14th Century, Buddhism in Tibet became systemised into the four major School of Tibetan Buddhism that we know today, namely the Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya and Gelug. All four schools, however, trace their origins back to the historical founder and enlightened one, Buddha Shakyamuni.

 

Overview of the Drikung Kagyu School

A statue of the great Mahasiddha Naropa

The Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism traces its specific origins back to the great Indian Mahasiddha Tilopa. Tilopa was originally a monk who later undertook the wandering life of a Mahasiddha. He is famous for his mastery of higher tantric practices, which he passed on to his primary disciple, Naropa (1016-1100 CE). A Mahasiddha in his own right, Naropa is known for his devotion towards his teacher. The teachings given to Naropa by Tilopa in regards to certain tantric completion stage practices, known today as The Six Yogas of Naropa, are considered an essential teaching of the Kagyu lineage and have spread among many other Tibetan Buddhist lineages.

Naropa is also famous for having visions of Vajrayogini. This form of Vajrayogini is known as Naro Kacho, or Naropa’s Vajrayogini, and is currently practised in many lineages in Tibetan Buddhism, including the Sakya and Gelug schools. Some of the teachings held by Naropa, such as the Six Yogas, were passed down to Marpa Chokyi Lodro, who in turn passed them to the great Milarepa (1040-1123 CE). Milarepa is known to have been one of Tibet’s greatest yogi practitioners. Milarepa’s teachings were then carried by Gampopa (1079-1153 CE), who was known as the physician from Dakpo. From Gampopa’s disciples sprang the first of the four main lineages of the Kagyu School. The founder of the Phagdru Kagyu was Phagmodrupa Dorje Gyalpo (1110-1170 CE). His main disciple, by the name of Kyobpa Jigten Sumgon (1143-1217 CE) then established his own lineage, the Drikung Kagyu, upon the foundation of Drikung Thil Monastery in Meldro Gungkar County, an act which his teacher had previously predicted.

Having received the teachings, oral transmissions, initiations, explanations and blessings in their entirety from Phagmodrupa, Jigten Sumgon in turn passed these to his main disciple Gurawa Tsultrim Dorje (1154-1221 CE). Jigten Sumgon hailed from the Kyura clan, and at the beginning of the Drikung Kagyu, the throneholders came from the male offspring of the same clan, however there were no set rules for the succession among the family. The lineage was setup in such a way that both spiritual and secular matters were separated, under the throne holder and civil administrator respectively.

Jigten Sumgon, founder of the Drikung Kagyu school and great-grandson of Achi Chokyi Drolma.

In 1373 CE, the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, the glorious Lama Tsongkhapa (1357-1419 CE) travelled from Amdo to Drikung. There he became the student of the 11th Drikung Kagyu throneholder, Chenga Chokyi Gyalpo, for a period of five years. Lama Tsongkhapa was passed the complete Drikung teachings on the Six Yogas of Naropa, the outer and inner texts of Jigten Sumgon, the treatises of the ‘Possessing Five’ Mahamudra and the Guhyasamaja Tantras.

After the passing of Gyalwang Konchog Rinchen (1590-1655 CE), a system of two lineage holders developed, of the Chetsang (elder) and the Chungtsang (younger). This became a system that searched for the reincarnations of the throneholders as the Kyura clan died with the passing of Gyalwang Konchog Rinchen and his brother Kunkhyen Rigzin Chodrak (1595-1659 CE). They were given the titles of the 1st Chetsang and the 1st Chungtsang respectively. This system of succession within the Drikung Kagyu has continued up until today.

The current 8th Chungtsang Rinpoche is His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Tenzin Chokyi Nangwa and is the 36th lineage holder, considered an emanation of Manjushri. The current 7th Chetsang Rinpoche is His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Tenzin Thrinle Lhundrup, and is the 37th lineage holder, considered the emanation of Chenresig.

 

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Special Teachings of the Drikung Kagyu

The name ‘Kagyu’ is made up two syllables, ‘ka’ refers to the spoken word of the Buddha and the oral instructions of the guru, while ‘gyu’ refers to tradition or lineage. As such the Kagyu School emphasises the oral instructions passed on from a guru to disciple. A literal translation of ‘Kagyu’ means ‘the lineage of the oral instructions.’

Central to the Drikung Kagyu practices, as reflected in their refuge tree, is the Buddha Vajradhara. Vajradhara is the embodiment of the Dharmakaya, or the ‘truth body’. The Dharmakaya is the unmanifested and inconceivable ultimate aspect of full enlightenment, from which all Buddha forms arise. The Buddha Vajradhara is central to the lineage, as the Mahasiddha Tilopa received teachings directly from Vajradhara. Thus it can be said that the Kagyu lineage originated from the very nature of Buddhahood itself. Tilopa’s teachings form the core of Kagyu practice.

 

Possessing Five Mahamudra

Thangka of the Drikung Kagyu lineage, with Jigten Sumgon as the central figure. Note that Achi Chokyi Drolma is given an important position, next to the Yidam Chakrasamvara.

One of the main teachings from the Drikung Kagyu lineage is known as the ‘Possessing Five’ or ‘The Five-fold Profound Path of Mahamudra.’ This teaching again stems from Tilopa who taught it to Naropa. Mahamudra literally meaning ‘Great Seal’, is a meditation technique that focuses on the nature of the mind in order to understand the true nature of reality, also known as emptiness. This Mahamudra lineage can also be found in the Gelug lineage, as Lama Tsongkhapa and several other Gelug lineage lamas received the teachings from the Kagyu tradition. This unique form of Mahamudra is known as the ‘Gelug-Kagyu Mahamudra’ lineage, although also sometimes translated as both ‘Gelug Whispered Mahamudra’ or the ‘Gelug Oral Mahamudra’ lineage. Through this practice it is possible to achieve enlightenment in one lifetime.

Traditionally the practice of Mahamudra is engaged in after completing a series of four Ngondro, or foundational practices. These are (1) going for refuge, (2) Vajrasattva purification practice, (3) Mandala offering, and (4) Guru-yoga practice. These practices are considered completed when one has engaged in each practice 100,000 times. The set of teachings is categorised into five ‘folds’ or interrelated sections. These are, developing Bodhichitta, meditation on the Yidam, Guru Yoga, Mahamudra and dedication.

 

Six Yogas of Naropa

Tilopa’s disciple, Naropa, is famous for having systemised and enumerated a series of six techniques for use when practising highest yoga tantra in order to achieve a more rapid attainment of enlightenment. According to the lineage, Tilopa received these teachings directly from Heruka Chakrasamvara himself.

These yogas require empowerment into at least one higher tantric yoga deity, most often Heruka Chakrasamvara or Vajrayogini/Vajravarahi and firm stability in the generation stage of the practice. The yogas themselves have no empowerment but they need to be learnt from a qualified teacher. They include:

  1. Tummo (Skt: Candali): the yoga of inner heat.
  2. Gyulu (Skt: Mayakaya): the yoga of illusory body.
  3. Osel (Skt: Prabhasvara): the yoga of clear light.
  4. Milam (Skt: Svapnadarsana): the yoga of the dream state.
  5. Bardo (Skt: Antarabhava): the yoga of the intermediate stage.
  6. Powa (Skt: Samkranti): the yoga of transference of consciousness to a pureland.

 

Yang Zab – The Profound Vision

The Drikung Refuge Tree, in which Achi Chokyi Drolma is portrayed.

The Yang Zab is a unique teaching within the Drikung Kagyu lineage. It is actually a Dzogchen practice, usually only practised in Nyingma traditions. It was revealed by the 17th Drikung Kagyu throneholder, Rinchen Phuntsog, known as the Drikung Terton (hidden treasure revealer). This teachings was first taught by Padmasambhava to his holy consorts Mandarava and Yeshe Tsogyal as well as Prince Mutik Tsenpo (the son of King Trisong Detsen). Padmasambhava prophesied that these teachings would be most effective in the future, when there was spiritual darkness and so they were hidden by Yeshe Tsogyal for future generations. Rinchen Phuntsog, himself an reincarnation of Prince Mutik Tsenpo, again revealed this teaching during the first half of the 16th century. Since then it has been practised in the Drikung Kagyu tradition.

 

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Life of Achi Chokyi Drolma

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Click for high-resolution image. Click here for more beautiful thangkas.

Achi Chokyi Drolma is a Dharma protector (Skt: Dharmapala) practised within the Drikung Kagyu lineage. She also appears in the Karma Kagyu lineage in the form of Achi Chodron. In this form she is also considered a protector, who specifically protects the teachings of the Karma Kagyu lineage. She also appears as both a Dharma protector and dakini in the life of Terton Tsasum Lingpa of the Nyingma lineage. She is considered an emanation of Vajrayogini, as such she is considered the embodiment of the wisdom and compassion of all the Buddhas, and it is said her coming was prophesied within the Heruka Chakrasamvara tantra.

Around the 11th century there was a couple who lived in the area of Drikung, Tibet. They were childless, so embarked on a pilgrimage to Swayambhunath in Nepal. There they prayed to bear a child. One night, Driza Dharzam, the soon-to-be mother dreamt of a sun shining radiantly from the east appearing, its light spreading into the ten directions, and then the sun dissolving into her womb, while the soon-to-be father Nanam Chowopal dreamt of a rosary made of bright and clear light emanated from Akshobya’s Buddhafield and entered his wife’s womb. The couple upon waking realised that they were to give birth to a special child, so engaged in a tsok (skt: ganachakra) puja, made strong aspirations and returned to Tibet. There they gave birth to a daughter, Achi Chokyi Drolma, whose body was extraordinarily white, amid rays of bright and luminous light. As a child she constantly recite the holy mantra of the Buddha Tara, at aged three began to teach it to others. Her parents died early, so from that point onwards she lived with her uncle.

Due to her incredible beauty, many sought to marry her. However she stated that she would only marry a particular yogi descended from the noble Kyura family. Travelling to Kham she came across the yogi, named Ame Tsultrim Gyatso, whom she married, stating that their descendants would become enlightened, help to enlighten others and spread the Buddha’s teachings. Ame Tsultrim Gyatso did not have enough possessions to arrange their wedding, so Achi Chokyi Drolma danced holding a damaru (ritual drum) and kapala (skull-cup) in her hands while gazing up into the sky. The house was instantly filled with the best foods, drinks, and finest clothes for them to wear during their wedding. Upon eating the food it is said the guests felt great bliss and were very satisfied.

A statue of the holy Achi Chokyi Drolma

Achi Chokyi Drolma and Ame Tsultrim Gyatso gave birth to four intelligent and scholarly sons: Namkhe Wangchuk, Pekar Wangyal, Sonam Pal and Kathung Trushi. In turn Pekar Wangyal gave birth to four sons himself including Naljor Dorje. Naljor Dorje in turn gave birth to Jigten Sumgon, also known as Ratnashri, a reincarnation of Nagarjuna and founder of the Drikung Kagyu lineage.

At the end of her time on earth, Achi Chokyi Drolma stated that she had purposefully taken rebirth into samsara in order fulfil her aspirations to protect the Buddhas teachings for the welfare of all sentient beings and to those who follow her, she will bestow both ordinary and supreme siddhis. Together with her disciples she travelled to the Tingring cave. This cave is famous for housing many self-arisen statues of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, yidams, dakinis and Dharma protectors. A human corpse was brought into the cave, which Achi Chokyi Drolma transformed into a tsog offering. Those disciples that partook of the offering gained both ordinary and supreme attainments. It was then that she herself composed a sadhana of herself as the central deity, promised to look after the teachings of the Buddha, and the essence of the Buddha’s teachings that would appear in the future. With that she stated that the activities of her body had come to an end, and flew to Kechara pureland on a blue horse without leaving her physical body, reminiscent of seventy-five of the famous eighty four great Mahasiddhas of ancient India.

Using a human corpse and transforming it into an offering may seem violent, disturbing and unbecoming of a supposed enlightened being, but this should be understood from a tantric point of view since Achi Chokyi Drolma was a great practitioner of tantra. Within tantric practices, one does not attempt to change the world on the external level in order to further one’s practice. On the contrary, the external world remains the same but tantra actually transforms the internal world, which is our own mind.

In Buddhism, it is not about changing the outer world but the internal one. Normally we operate from our attachments and aversions, things we like, we don’t like, things which look nice, things that disgust us, etc. It is because we think in this manner that we are still bound to samsara because we hold on to projections of how things are. This governs how we live, driving our actions towards the accumulation of what we are attached to and avoiding those things we have aversion for. Through this process we make distinctions and label things as good, bad, beautiful, ugly, clean, unclean, etc. This in turn creates further karma to take rebirth in samsara, and we live our lives based on these projections of how things should or should not be.

Achi Chokyi Drolma

In Tantric Buddhism, we engage in certain rituals that break this usual view we have, with the aim of realising that the world does not exist based on our current perceptions which are based on attachment and aversion. The transformation of the human corpse into a tsog offering symbolises the transformation of our ordinary view (the corpse) into the ultimate view of the Buddha (tsog offerings), which is that all things have the same nature known as ‘suchness’, by the power of Achi Chokyi Drolma’s attainments.

The transformation is due to the fact that all that exists is made up of the four elements, known as earth, water, fire and air, which do not deteriorate, or cease to exist but are recycled into varied forms. For example physical fire contains all the four elements, but the element of fire is the strongest, whereas the element of water is the weakest. In physical water, the element of water is the strongest, whereas the element of fire is the weakest. Both physical fire and physical water, however, contain all four of the elements. Similarly our bodies include the four elements in differing qualities as does a piece of fruit or a table.

The use of a corpse as an offering for tsog, or tantric feast, shows a person’s inner attainments over attachment to the body, and their meditation on the fact that all phenomena are in essence the same, made up of all four elements in differing quantities. Hence to taste meat or alcohol, usually ascribed the projection of being pollutants by spiritual practitioners, a tantrika during ritual is able to see the oneness, or ‘suchness’ in all substances and existence. In tantra, these substances are partaken of as a method to ‘taste’ the oneness of all phenomena, free of attachment, rather than to allow our views about them to control our mind and how we live, cutting away the very aspect that binds us to samsara.

This use of a corpse may seem repulsive or disgusting to many people, this is because a human corpse is universally reviled and something to be kept away from. In many cultures around the world a corpse is seen as unclean, for example in both Indian and Chinese cultures it is tradition to wash after attending a funeral in order to wash away any negative energy that one may have picked up from being in close proximity to a corpse.

This is one of the reasons a corpse was used by Achi Chokyi Drolma in order to break this very same and ingrained perception. Another reason is that the body is literally the very embodiment of our attachment. From washing it daily, feeding it, keeping it healthy, clothing it in fine clothes and jewels, to making it comfortable, are all activities which betray our attachment. In this way, the use of a corpse within tantric ritual, usually visualised rather than actual, is used to overcome this very strong attachment to the body. The transformation of the corpse is only done by an attained practitioner like Achi Chokyi Drolma. The normal tantric offering is the tasting of meat and alcohol during tsog offering as symbolic transcendence of attachment and the tasting of the ‘one taste’.

 

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The Nature of Achi Chokyi Drolma

Achi Chokyi Drolma and her entourage

Though Achi Chokyi Drolma is now considered an enlightened Dharma protector within the Drikung Lineage, she was at one point in time considered a female demon who was an oath-bound protector. Many of her biographers took great lengths to disprove this theory and prove her to be the wisdom dakini Vajrayogini, who intentionally took worldly existence as a method to educate practitioners. Even though Jigten Sumgon, himself the founder of the Drikung Kagyu, wrote extensive prayers to Achi Chokyi Drolma, others still considered her to be unenlightened. This caused a great deal of debate and friction, she was not accepted throughout the entire Drikung Kagyu until a later period.

Some have claimed that she was a flesh-eating demoness, while others claimed that she was similar to the Sakya Bamo Sum. These claims are refuted again and again by citing Jigten Sumgon’s texts on her practice. These claims are also refuted by other masters, such as the 28th Drikung throneholder, who cite various texts and Buddhist logic in proving Achi Chokyi Drolma an enlightened being, worthy of being prayed to. Another argument purported is that she is very close in appearance to the Tsering Goddess and her sisters, known as the Five Long-Life Goddesses, who also appear as beautiful women, dressed in ornate garments, riding animal mounts. This again is refuted by examining their natures, the Five Long-Life Goddesses are well accepted to be worldly protectors, whereas Achi Chokyi Drolma is enlightened due to her being an emanation of the Buddha Vajrayogini.

By comparing Achi Chokyi Drolma’s biography to those of other figures within Tibetan Buddhism such as Machig Labdron, it is made clear the arguments used to prove that she is an accepted Buddha figure. These include an auspicious birth, miraculous abilities and physical attributes. Her position as the great-grandmother to Jigten Sumgon is also stressed, providing credence against those who decry her enlightened nature. The case of tracing a bloodline back to a supernatural maternal ancestor is not unusual with the biographies of many great and historical figures from Tibet. These would not have been necessary if she was accepted as an enlightened Dharma protector from the outset of her practice.

Even great masters from other traditions strove to ensure that Achi Chokyi Drolma was legitimised as an enlightened protector. His Holiness the 2nd Dalai Lama, Gyalwa Gendun Gyatso (1476-1542 CE) said:

“From the Vast Valley of the Unconditioned Blissful Sky, Chokyi Dron propagated the Great Vehicle in the Ten Directions. [She is] the Teaching Guardian Grandmother of Jigten Gonpo (Jigten Sumgon).”

Since Drikung is near Amdo, her practice also spread to the monasteries of other lineages, including the Gelugpa monasteries of Gaden, Sera and Drepung. In fact, in recent history, when Pomra Khangtsen left Sera Mey Monastic University to start Serpom Monastery in 2008, those few monks who stayed behind renamed their fraternity Pobhor Khangtsen and took Achi Chokyi Drolma as their Khangtsen’s protector, in light of the current political issues surrounding the practice of Dorje Shugden.

What is striking and most highlighted by both biographers, practitioners and commentators is the fact that Achi Chokyi Drolma, rather than a native mountain god or spirit, is an actual emanation of Vajrayogini, separating her from the realm of lower and worldly Dharma protectors. This elevates her status to Buddhahood, a level at which there can be no mistake that her practice is beneficial, and without issue.

 

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Practice of Achi Chokyi Drolma

Apart from the original sadhana, composed by Achi Chokyi Drolma herself there are many other sadhanas and practice texts that exist today within the Drikung Kagyu lineage. The most notable is the sadhana composed by her great-grandson, Jigten Sumgon, the founder of the Drikung lineage. It is said that while staying at Jangchub Ling in Drikung Thil, he heard the sound of a damaru, together with mystical singing. One of his disciples asked him about the sounds and songs. Jigten Sumgon stated that they were from his great-grandmother, Achi Chokyi Drolma who is a wisdom-dakini. His disciple, Drubthob Khamba Gyagarwa, immediately requested a sadhana for propitiating Achi Chokyi Drolma. Jigten Sumgon agreed, and this sadhana is now part of a set of texts to Achi Chokyi Drolma, known as the Achi Pebum. Jigten Sumgon also established her as the principal Dharma protector of the lineage.

As a Dharma protector she is visualised on a blue wisdom horse, in the garb of a celestial dakini. Her wisdom horse symbolises the swiftness of her enlightened activities to help sentient beings, long life, health and success. In her left hand she holds a kapala (skull-cup) at the level of her heart. The skull-cup contains a wish fulfilling jewel, symbolising she has the ability to bestow everything necessary for both secular and spiritual life, when needed and asked for. In her right hand she plays the damaru (ritual drum), the sound representing the power of the Dharma. Her practice is beneficial to clear both inner and outer obstacles to practising the Dharma, while bestowing great protection. Unlike many other Dharma protectors, her countenance is peaceful rather than wrathful.

There are many examples of Achi Chokyi Drolma aiding practitioners. For example when the current His Holiness Chungtsang Rinpoche was imprisoned in a labour camp after the Chinese invasion of Tibet, a woman was seen visiting him and bringing him food. This was impossible due to the restrictions placed on prisoners at the time. It is said that this lady was actually Achi Chokyi Drolma. In another case Achi also helped His Holiness Chetsang Rinpoche cross over the Himalayas into India, while escaping from Tibet. Finding that his route was barred by a crevasse in a glacier, he started to turn back the way he had come. Looking over his shoulders, however, he saw a woman standing on the other side of the crevasse and thought to himself that there must be a way over the crevasse. He retraced his steps to find that the crevasse was no longer there, so he could continue his journey to India. The woman herself was nowhere to be seen either.

Achi Chokyi as practised in the Pure Vision Achi practice. She is visualised as guru (centre), yidam (top-left), long-life dakini (top-right), to invoke wealth (bottom-left) and protector (bottom-right).

The extent to which Achi Chokyi Drolma is venerated and as testament to her enlightened nature, she is propitiated in more roles than just a Dharma protector. The above thangka shows just how important Achi Chokyi Drolma’s role is within the Drikung Kagyu. The thangka portrays the Pure Vision Achi practice that was revealed by His Eminence Tritsab Rinpoche in 1969. This practice was transmitted to His Holiness Chetsang Rinpoche and since then has been spread throughout the Drikung Kagyu. This practice includes meditating on Achi as:

  1. The central figure in Guru Yoga practice – similar to how Gelugpas concentrate on Lama Tsongkhapa or Nyingmapas concentrate on Padmasambhava.
  2. As a Yidam – a meditational deity similar to Manjushri or Yamantaka.
  3. As a long life dakini to lengthen one’s life.
  4. As a practice to invoke prosperity.
  5. As a Dharma protector.

The Pure Vision Achi practice even involves a concise ngondro practice (foundational practice used to purify negative karma and accumulate merit), a concise tsog offering (ritual tantric feast), an incense offering, a repelling practice for protection against negativities, a chod practice and even a divination practice. This is very unique as Achi has all the functions of guru, yidam, dakini and protector. Practitioners are said to be able to rely on Achi all the way until enlightenment just by this practice and it is said to be very powerful for our modern day and age, as her practice was revealed less than 48 years ago.

Achi Chokyi Drolma, even though known of and respected by all schools of Tibetan Buddhism, is for the most part practised purely within the Kagyu lineages. In fact one of her main roles as a Dharma protector is to protect the holy Drikung Kagyu lineage and its precious teachings.

 

A shrine to the chief protectress of the Drikung Kagyu, Achi Chokyi Drolma

For more detailed information regarding Achi Chokyi Drolma, you can read an academic thesis entitled ‘Outward Beauty, Hidden Wrath: An Exploration of the Drikung Kagyu Dharma Protectress Achi Chokyi Drolma’ by Kristen Kail Muldowney here.

 

Praise to Achi Chokyi Drolma

From “The Glorious Treasury of All Desirables Sadhana of Pure Vision Achi”

HUNG HRIH!
CHOEYING MIGYUR PEL GYI YUM
TEN SUNG ACHI CHOE DRON MA
RIG KYI TSOM BU TRUL KHOR CHE
DECHEN THINLE DRUB LA TOE

Hung Hrih!
The mother of the glorious unchanging dharmadhatu
Is the dharma protector Achi Choedron ma.
I praise you and the assembly of your family,
Including the emanations and retinues,
who enact the activities of great bliss

MANTRA:

OM MAMA TSAKRA SOHA
YAR DU SARWA DU
RA DZA RA DZA DU
MAMA DU HUNG PHET SOHA

 

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I’ve learnt a lot during the research for this article, and it has really shaped the way I see other traditions and their practices. Personally for me this article was meaningful because the Gelug lineage, which I practise, is linked to the Drikung Kagyu lineage. The practices of Mahamudra and the Six Yogas of Naropa were taught to Lama Tsongkhapa by the 11th Drikung Kagyu throneholder, Chenga Chokyi Gyalpo, therefore the lineage of Gelugpa practice shares part of the same lineage as the Drikung Kagyu. I make a prayer that this blog post will provide information to others regarding this most holy Protectress, Achi Chokyi Drolma.

Pastor Niral Patel

PS. Special thanks to Pastor David for the great advice and editing.

 


 

Addendum – Similarities to Dorje Shugden:

Over the course of writing the above article, I had many people from all walks of life read it and give their thoughts and opinions on the subject. One thing that came across the most was the similarity between Achi Chokyi Drolma and Dorje Shugden. I’ve listed some of these questions asked, with some quick answers below. I wanted the above Achi Chokyi Drolma article to be an informative blogpost on its own, which she deserves, but along the way I observed the similarities with her arising as a Dharma protector and the conflict within her lineage with issues surrounding Dorje Shugden. So I decided to add the question and answer sections here separately. I don’t mean to ‘entrap’ you to learn more about the Dorje Shugden issue by using Achi Chokyi Drolma, but the similarities are so starkly evident, I was compelled to put this here.

1. Are they both enlightened beings?

Yes both are definitely enlightened beings. Achi Chokyi Drolma is an emanation of Vajrayogini and Dorje Shugden is an emanation of Manjushri. They both emanated out of enlightened compassion to benefit sentient beings by protecting certain lineages or teachings.

This is seen in Achi Chokyi Drolma’s life story, in which she married and gave birth to sons who would propagate the teachings of the Buddha, and vowed to protect the lineage that her descendants would found. Similarly in his previous incarnations as attained masters (such as the Mahasiddha Virupa, Duldzin Drakpa Gyeltsen and Panchen Sonam Drakpa), Dorje Shugden practised and promoted the Buddha’s teachings, he also arose in the form of a Dharma protector to safeguard the teachings of Lama Tsongkhapa so that people can benefit from them on the path towards enlightenment.

Due to their enlightened compassion, Achi Chokyi Drolma at the end of her life rose into the sky on a blue horse and departed to Kechara pureland becoming a Dharma protector, whereas Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen surrendered his life and arose in the form of Dorje Shugden.

 

2. What was their purpose for arising as protectors?

Achi Chokyi Drolma emanated specifically to protect the teachings of the Drikung Kagyu lineage, whereas Dorje Shugden arose to protect the teachings of Lama Tsongkhapa within the Gelug tradition. This can be seen as protectors who have sectarian intentions. They both had the same intention, to ensure that the teachings of the lineage continue to benefit practitioners on their path towards enlightenment. Since their intentions are altruistic although attached to a specific lineage, it cannot be seen as sectarian but they have a special relationship with their certain lineage. Therefore the practitioners of these protectors also cannot be seen as sectarian, so devotees of Achi Chokyi Drolma and Dorje Shugden who specifically propitiate them to protect their lineages, cannot be seen as sectarian.

Many Dharma protectors are considered to protect certain teachings, such as Caturmukha Mahakala who protects the Chakrasamvara tantras or Citipati who protects the Vajrayogini tantras. Would we call Caturmukha Mahakala and Citipati biased because they are protecting a certain lineage only? Of course not, although they protect their particular affinity tantras, they can protect an individual who supplicates them sincerely. So somebody who practises something other than the Chakrasamvara and Vajrayogini tantras, would be protected by them if propitiated. Therefore it is not uncommon for protectors to arise for certain reasons, such as protecting lineages or teachings. But that does not make them sectarian or biased.

Due to their enlightened nature, however, anyone who sincerely propitiates them will receive the benefits of their practice whether they are within that sect or practise that particular tantra or not.

 

3. Are their practices in essence the same?

Both the practices of Dorje Shugden and Achi Chokyi Drolma have the same function which is to remove obstacles facing a practitioner, and to create conducive conditions to practise the Dharma to gain enlightenment through the spiritual path. Another similarity is that both Dharma protectors have divination methods. Dorje Shugden’s involves throwing dice whereas Achi Chokyi Drolma has two. One involves throwing dice and the other the creation of an elaborate elephant-shaped torma, left outside and eaten by birds and then interpreted.

A slight difference occurs when comparing Dorje Shugden’s practice to that of the Pure Vision Achi practice. Whilst Dorje Shugden is currently propitiated as a Dharma protector, in the Pure Vision Achi practice, Achi Chokyi Drolma is propitiated as more. In this practice, her sadhanas can lead a person all the way until Buddhahood. Achi Chokyi Drolma has come a long way as she is also practised as a yidam, when she was first seen as a flesh-eating demoness by many within her own lineage. In this practice she is considered a guru, yidam, dakini and Dharma protector. Dorje Shugden is currently propitiated as a Dharma protector, and a guru when in the form of Duldzin during trance of a qualified oracle. However this is not to say that Dorje Shugden is just a Dharma protector. In fact in Dorje Shugden’s Kangsol, or liturgy, he is stated as being a guru, yidam and protector, just like Achi Chokyi Drolma:

“You are the Guru who teaches the excellent path of abandonment and practice,
The Yidam who bestows the common and supreme attainments,
The Dharma Protector who assists us with the four actions;
We honour you as the embodiment of the Guru, Yidam, and Protector.”
– Requesting Uncommon Protection, Dorje Shugden Kangsol

Both Dorje Shugden and Achi Chokyi Drolma, as emanations of enlightened beings can be propitiated as either guru, yidam, dharma protector or all three. It is simply that a practice of propitiating Dorje Shugden as either a guru or yidam does not currently exist. This is not to say that it will never exist, as the example of Achi Chokyi Drolma is clearly a testament to.

Achi Chokyi Drolma was originally practised as a Dharma protector, and over the course of time, was practised as guru and yidam as well. This was due to her enlightened nature as an emanation of Vajrayogini. Since Dorje Shugden is an emanation of Manjushri, it is possible, even probable given the example of Achi Chokyi Drolma, that in the future he too will be practised as a guru and yidam as well.

 

4. Historically, was there any opposition to these practices?

Yes, both practices were not accepted in the past at one time or another. For example Achi Chokyi Drolma was not widely accepted as a Dharma protector at the beginning, but this has since changed and she is widely accepted to be a Drikung Kagyu Dharma protector. The same occurred with Dorje Shugden. When he arose many thought he was an evil spirit, however when the enlightened methods of the high lamas at that time failed to destroy him, these same lamas realised that he was in fact a fully enlightened being.

Historically both were considered to be unenlightened and vicious beings by some, but the works of holy and attained masters were used to prove, over time, that they were enlightened. For example Jigten Sumgon, composed prayers to Achi Chokyi Drolma in order to recognise her as an enlightened Dharma protector. Even masters from other traditions such as His Holiness 2nd Dalai Lama Gyalwa Gedun Gyatso wrote a praise to her enlightened nature and position as a Dharma protector. This mirrors the works of not only Gelugpa but also Sakyapa masters in relation to proving Dorje Shugden is a fully enlightened Dharma protector.

 

5. Why is Dorje Shugden’s practice more wrathful?

Thinking that Dorje Shugden’s practice is more wrathful compared to Achi Chokyi Drolma and therefore that her practice is better, is a mistake. Whereas Dorje Shugden’s form is more wrathful compared to Achi Chokyi Drolma’s, whose form is rather peaceful, both practices mirror common Dharma protector liturgies that include a lot of violent imagery.

For example, one of Achi Chokyi Drolma’s emanations is known as the Flesh-Eating Karma Dakini, who holds the heart of someone who has violated their samaya. From this heart comes forth blood which she pours into Achi Chokyi Drolma’s mouth, who drinks it. This shows the wrathful nature of Achi Chokyi Drolma’s practice. In fact, towards the end of her life Achi Chokyi Drolma transformed a human corpse into a tsog feast as described and explained in the article above.

Most Dharma protector practices include violent imagery, therefore it is not fair to single out one protector for their violent imagery, while ignoring the violent imagery existing in other Dharma protector prayers. This violent imagery is actually testament to the compassionate nature of the enlightened beings who manifest different activities in order to tame and purify our very heavy and negative karma. It is believed that meditation on blessed violent symbolism is more swifter in purifying heavy impending karma. Hence, most Dharma protectors are in a wrathful form because enlightened angry energy is considered swifter in carrying out protective activities.

 

6. In the article, Jigten Sumgon recognised Achi Chokyi Drolma as a Dharma Protector by composing her sadhana. On the other hand, Lama Tsongkhapa did not recognise nor did he enthrone Dorje Shugden as a Dharma protector. How do you explain this?

At the time of Lama Tsongkhapa, Dorje Shugden was still incarnating as illustrious high lamas with highest realisation. He was the great student of Lama Tsongkhapa, Dulzin Drakpa Gyeltsen who was considered equal to Lama Tsongkhapa in terms of realisations. He was also known to have pledged to be a protector of Lama Tsongkhapa’s teachings and this came to fruition in a later lifetime. In order for a Dharma protector to be recognised, a lama of the highest realisations would compose praises and prayers or would openly proliferate the practice of that protector. Within the Drikung Kagyu tradition, it was Jigten Sumgon who recognised and composed the sadhana of Achi Chokyi Drolma.

Within the Gelug tradition, there are many high lamas of that realisation and calibre who are capable of recognising Dorje Shugden. The Panchen Lama is an example of such a high lama, second only to the Dalai Lama. He had installed Dorje Shugden as one of the main protectors of his monastery of Tashi Lhunpo by dedicating a whole chapel to Dorje Shugden and he also composed prayers to Dorje Shugden as well. Other high lamas within the lineage, past and present, such as Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche, Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, Domo Geshe Rinpoche, Kyabje Zemey Rinpoche and so forth, have also composed prayers and proliferated the practice. Compared with the Drikung Kagyu who are smaller in numbers compared to the Gelug lineage, the Gelug lineage has many more high and enlightened lamas who have recognised Dorje Shugden as a genuine Dharma protector. In this regard, the Drikung Kagyu needed to cite Jigten Sumgon again and again while proving Achi Chokyi Drolma is an actual enlightened Dharma protector.

 

7. Why did the Drikung Kagyu lineage lamas pick a controversial and ‘homegrown’ Dharma protector like Achi Chokyi Drolma instead of an established and older Dharma Protector from the Indian tradition?

The reason for the choice of Achi Chokyi Drolma as Dharma protector is due to the place, karma and affinity of practitioners at that particular time. All Buddhas are of equal realisation and strength but the difference between them is the affinity with sentient beings, due to the vows made by the enlightened ones, and also the general karma of the practitioners of that particular time.

Historically, there are many protectors of Indian origin that were once popular and are no longer practised. They were emanations of enlightened beings, who arose for specific purposes. However over time the potency of their practice fades due to the time, place and karma of practitioners. Due to their compassion, the older protectors ‘phase’ out and the same enlightened beings continually emanate out as new Dharma protectors in order to perpetuate the Buddha’s teachings and to benefit practitioners and sentient beings in general. This is the case with Achi Chokyi Drolma and Dorje Shugden as well.

In the case of Achi Chokyi Drolma, she made firm commitments when she composed her own sadhana before her great passing and transformation into a Dharma Protector. On top of that, the Drikung Kagyu lineage arose from her own descendent, Jigten Sumgon. Hence, the affinity with practitioners of this lineage is particularly strong. However, being an emanation of Vajrayogini, she has compassion for all beings. Therefore, anybody who practises her would receive her great blessings and protection. This mirrors Dorje Shugden’s affinity to practitioners of the Gelug tradition, as he has a connection with the lineage due to his previous lives as high Gelugpa lamas. He also vowed to protect the teachings of the lineage’s founder, Lama Tsongkhapa. As an emanation of Manjushri, his propitiation will also benefit anyone too.

 

8. What do you think is the main difference between the relative ease it took Achi Chokyi Drolma to be accepted as an emanation of Vajrayogini within a few hundred years after she arose, when compared with Dorje Shugden who is an emanation of Manjushri?

The main difference is the fact that no high lama within the Drikung Kagyu tradition that we know of has outlawed the practice in modern times. However, even after Jigten Sumgon’s recognition of her as a Dharma protector, many lamas and disciples within the lineage did not accept her as a Dharma protector. Many had to cite Jigten Sumgon and other lamas in order for Achi Chokyi Drolma to be accepted, which took a couple of hundred years. Only after this occurred was she fully accepted. This is in stark contrast to the ban on Dorje Shugden issued by His Holiness the Dalai Lama himself, in which Dorje Shugden was accepted for 400 years and now suddenly is not. Therefore, it is easy to refute any doubts and rumours regarding the nature of Achi Chokyi Drolma. On the other hand, the ban on Dorje Shugden has essentially pitted Gelug lamas against each other in regards to his nature. However, most of the highest lamas of the Gelug tradition like the Panchen Lama, Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche, Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, Domo Geshe Rinpoche, Kyabje Zemey Rinpoche, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and so forth have all proclaimed Dorje Shugden as the enlightened nature of Manjushri and the principle protector of the Gelug tradition. Some of the Gelugpa lamas had to politically align their allegiance to the Dalai Lama and therefore agree with the ban, irrelevant to whether Dorje Shugden is enlightened or not. To be aligned with the Dalai Lama and to receive his public support could result in the financial and popularity gain of their individual centres.

Ultimately how is it ascertained that His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s statement regarding Dorje Shugden’s nature is correct? Is it through his attainments or his rank that you use to come to this conclusion? If you are coming to this conclusion based on the Dalai Lama’s attainments, are you at a level to ascertain his attainments, to determine if he is qualified to make such a statement regarding Dorje Shugden? Since we are not of the same level as the Dalai Lama to ascertain his attainments (and therefore qualifications), us concluding that his statement on Dorje Shugden is accurate based on our ‘assessment’ of his spiritual attainments is not feasible.

Therefore the assertion that the Dalai Lama’s statement about Dorje Shugden is correct is actually based on rank (Tibet’s leader) rather than attainments. Rank in this case overrides attainments because it provides those who agree with the Dalai Lama the opportunity for financial and popularity gain. And if it is indeed the case that rank overrides attainments, then attainments are no longer relevant and those with higher rank can override the instructions and practice given by any teacher ranked below them regardless of attainments.

This conflict between attainment versus rank has fueled the controversy surrounding Dorje Shugden, and likewise would have fueled the controversy surrounding reliance on Achi Chokyi Drolma in the early days of her practice. Therefore in regards to spiritual practice, one should revert to the infallible advice common to all traditions, whether Gelug, Nyingma, Sakya or Kagyu – follow the advice of your teacher. Just as Achi Chokyi Drolma was recognised and praised as a Dharma protector by teachers from other traditions, so was Dorje Shugden. In the Sakya tradition, in which Dorje Shugden was first practised, many high lamas recognised and praised him, including five Sakya Trizins who had propagated Dorje Shugden’s practice. These include the 30th Sakya Trizin Sonam Rinchen, 31st Sakya Trizin Kunga Lodro, 33rd Sakya Trizin Pema Dudul Wangchuk, 35th Sakya Trizin Tashi Rinchen and 39th Sakya Trizin Dragshul Trinley Rinchen.

 

9. In the life story of Achi Chokyi Drolma, she danced and performed a ritual that filled her house with food and drink. In that sense, she was used to fulfil material gain. This is similar to Dorje Shugden’s role to provide material/worldly resources, enabling practitioners to concentrate on their spiritual practice. If Dorje Shugden is accused of being propitiated for worldly and material reasons, shouldn’t Achi Chokyi Drolma also be treated in the same respect?

All Dharma Protectors, whether enlightened or worldly, confer worldly benefits and eliminate obstacles to spiritual attainments for their practitioners. The difference between worldly versus enlightened protectors in a worldly form, is the fact that worldly protectors bestow only material or temporal benefit. On the other hand, enlightened protectors in worldly form can confer both worldly benefits and eliminate obstacles to spiritual attainments. Therefore, the worldly benefit that they confer leads one further along the spiritual path, while the material benefits accrued do not distract one away from spiritual practice. Both Achi Chokyi Drolma and Dorje Shugden grant material benefits, with the purpose of creating conducive conditions for one’s practice, without distracting from the spiritual path.

 

10. If the biography of Achi Chokyi Drolma is a valid method to prove her legitimacy as a Dharma protector, why should Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s (previous life of Dorje Shugden) recognition and biographical details by Panchen Lama Losang Chokyi Gyaltsen be rejected?

History shows that politics has played a huge role in the suppression of certain lines of incarnations, like that of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s. The high lama Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was censored and his line of incarnations was outlawed because it was seen to pose a direct threat to His Holiness the 5th Dalai Lama’s rule. This was because he was extremely popular, in fact more popular than the 5th Dalai Lama and gathered powerful patrons and disciples. This led the Desi, the private secretary of the 5th Dalai Lama to feel threatened. Therefore Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen had to be eliminated and his future incarnations banned in order to cover this political crime. In essence, it is because of politics that the legitimate recognition and biographical details of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was rejected. Furthermore, the more recent ban on Dorje Shugden adds further support to the rejection and censorship on the authentic life story of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen. On the other hand, Achi Chokyi Drolma did not have any such political complications, therefore nobody actually challenges the biographical details of Achi Chokyi Drolma, though it did take some time before she was fully accepted.

Both biographies do in fact clearly prove the legitimacy and compassionate enlightened nature of both Dharma protectors.

 

11. Since Achi Chokyi Drolma arose specifically to protect the Drikung Kagyu, doesn’t that make her sectarian against all other lineages? Isn’t Dorje Shugden sectarian too?

No. Neither Achi Chokyi Drolma nor Dorje Shugden are sectarian. Both arose for a specific reason linked to their lineages but they cannot be sectarian due to their enlightened nature. Achi Chokyi Drolma, as the great-grandmother of Jigten Sumgon arose to protect the very lineage that she had the greatest affinity with, the Drikung Kagyu that her great-grandson would found. She arose to protect the teachings of the Drikung Kagyu so they can continue to benefit others. The same is true for Dorje Shugden, who was the great lama Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen, who arose to protect the teachings of Lama Tsongkhapa in the Gelug lineage. Both arose for their purposes due to a strong connection with the teachings of that particular lineage. Achi Chokyi Drolma was Jigten Sumgon’s great-grandmother while Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen had been a student and practitioner of Lama Tsongkhapa’s teachings and had sworn to be a protector of the teachings.

Some people think that because they arose for a specific lineage they are sectarian. This in itself is wrong view as they are emanations of enlightened beings. As they are Vajrayogini and Manjushri respectively, they do not have bias to be sectarian. In fact they will help anyone who sincerely prays to them. Both have been and continue to be practised within more than one tradition, which would not be possible if they were sectarian in nature. For example Achi Chokyi Drolma, as shown above is practised in both the Kagyu and Gelug schools, whereas Dorje Shugden has been practised in the Sakya, Nyingma and Kagyu traditions as well as the Gelug tradition. Therefore, the assumption that these protector practices are sectarian is unfounded. In fact due to their enlightened nature, they help everyone regardless of which lineage you belong to.

In conclusion, we can clearly see that both practices of Achi Chokyi Drolma and Dorje Shugden are in fact very similar. Both protectors are emanations of fully enlightened beings who arose specifically to protect a particular lineage or teachings within a lineage, while removing obstacles and creating conducive conditions for spiritual practice. However they are also practised in other traditions as well, a testament to their enlightened nature, benefiting anyone who propitiates them. In this regard, they both assume the same function as many other deities – that of a Dharma protector. The practices are similar, inclusive of wrathful imagery, which is not something unique to either one.

Both practices even took some time to become mainstream within their respective lineages. Both have had many great masters from the lineages they arose in and even from other traditions, praise their enlightened nature and spread their practices. Just as Achi Chokyi Drolma went from being propitiated as a Dharma protector to a guru and yidam due to her enlightened nature and compassion, this also seems likely to occur with Dorje Shugden as he is none other than Manjushri. In light of Achi Chokyi Drolma becoming the chief protector of the Drikung Kagyu tradition due to her very strong affinity and connections with the lineage, it is likely that Dorje Shugden too will one day become the chief protector of the Gelugpa tradition, which is what is happening now.
 

Click for high-resolution image

Guru Rinpoche (central figure)

Green Tara (left), Dorje Shugden (right), Wrathful Dorje Drolo (bottom left), Garuda (bottom right)

Despite contemporary misconceptions about the pairing of Guru Rinpoche and Dorje Shugden, a number of important antique thangkas depicting both deities on the same painting do exist. Unfortunately, Guru Rinpoche’s wrathful manifestation of Dorje Drolo in recent times is often mistakenly depicted stepping upon a monk-like figure wearing a round hat representing Dorje Shugden, thus reinforcing the wrong notion that Dorje Shugden is a spirit. However, this does not alter the facts of older antique thangkas that showcase Dorje Shugden as an authentic enlightened Dharma protector.

 

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Buddha Amitabha (largest central figure)

Guru Rinpoche (top tier), 4-armed Chenrezig (2nd tier), White Tara (3rd tier), Dorje Drolo (4th tier), 4-armed Mahakala (5th tier), Palden Lhamo (6th tier, left), Dorje Shugden (6th tier, right)

There are allegations that Dorje Shugden is a Gelug Dharma Protector and that he will not protect those who worship Guru Rinpoche or those of other traditions. This is not true as Dorje Shugden is an enlightened being and therefore, he will protect all beings regardless of whether they worship Guru Rinpoche or not.

 

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Buddha Shakyamuni (central figure)

Guru Rinpoche (top left), Lama Tsongkhapa (top right), 4-face Mahakala (bottom leftmost), Dorje Shugden (bottom, 2nd from left), Palden Lhamo (bottom, 3rd from left), Dorje Drolo (bottom, 4th from left)

Dorje Shugden arose specifically to protect Lama Tsongkhapa’s uncommon view of emptiness, which is the Buddha’s highest teachings on wisdom. However, he is a an enlightened being and he can still be relied on by practitioners of any other lineages or traditions. There is no limit or restrictions to an enlightened being’s compassion and skillful means to benefit sentient beings.

 

Click for high-resolution image

Vajravarahi (largest figure)

Buddha Vajradhara (top right), Mahakala Panjaranatha (middle row right), Mahakala Bernagchen (bottom left), Dorje Shugden (bottom right)

In Tibetan Buddhism, Vajravarahi or Dorje Phagmo in Tibetan is a wrathful form of Vajrayogini, who in turn is associated with the Chakrasamvara Tantra. In terms of iconography, she is the female counterpart of Heruka Chakrasaṃvara and is widely practised in many Tibetan Buddhist traditions but principally relied on within the Kagyu tradition. According to the Kagyu lineage, Buddha Shakyamuni is believed to have arisen as Buddha Vajradhara in order to teach the Tantras. Furthermore, the first Karmapa Dusum Khyenpa (1110 – 1193 CE) is said to have achieved great spiritual attainments through her practice. On the other hand, Mahakala Bernagchen is the principle protector of the Karmapa line of incarnations.

 

Click for high-resolution image

Kalachakra (central figure)

Buddha Shakyamuni (top left), Dorje Shug (bottom left), Dorje Shugden (bottom middle), White Tara (bottom right)

Kalachakra means Wheel of Time or “time-cycles” and is also a Tantric deity or yidam of Vajrayana Buddhism. The name also represents complex meditation practices contained within the Kalachakra Tantra literature. The meditations contained in this tantric system has the great ability to bring one to complete enlightenment. According to the Kalachakra Tantra, Buddha Shakyamuni taught the Kalachakra Root Tantra in Dharanikota (near modern-day Amaravathi) in south-eastern India to the first king of Shambhala.

Furthermore, Dorje Shugden for many lifetimes as great translators and lineage holders had been responsible for the dissemination and preservation of the Kalachakra Tantra in Tibet. According to the long fulfilment puja (kangsol) text, Dorje Shugden at the beginning of the puja is called forth from the mystical land of Shambhala, the last great stronghold of the Kalachakra lineage and practice on earth.

 

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Pastor Niral Patel
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Since becoming a Buddhist, Niral has had a voracious passion for the Dharma. He is known to have his head buried in books and loves to share what he knows. Niral has now found a better way to share his weird, whacky and, more often than not, other-worldly ideas with an unsuspecting audience - as a guest author on his Guruji's blog!
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90 Responses to Achi Chokyi Drolma – Chief Protectress of the Drikung Kagyu

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  1. S.Prathap on Nov 24, 2020 at 1:25 pm

    Interesting fact Achi Chokyi Drolma rose to protect Drikung Kagyu lineage while Dorje Shugden who rose to protect the Gelug teaching.. It is very powerful how enlightened beings can transform mundane activities like marriage, feasting and having a family into something that benefits others.
    Thank you for the good and informative sharing

  2. Samfoonheei on Mar 18, 2020 at 8:35 pm

    Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor Niral for this interesting write up. Interesting life story of Achi Chokyi Drolma a Holy Powerful Dharma Protector of the Drikung Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism . She is to this day she remains a great dharma protector of the Buddha’s teachings. Achi Chokyi Drolma is the emanation of Vajra Yogini who is the embodiment of the wisdom and compassion of all the Buddhas. She displays a limitless number of manifestations at different times and in different space dimensions to benefit the beings in samsara. She rose to protect Drikung Kagyu lineage while Dorje Shugden who rose to protect the Gelug teaching. Interesting read.

  3. yin ping on May 15, 2019 at 1:05 am

    I was in owed when I saw Achi Chokyi Drolma holy image for the first time. Unlike many other dharma protectors, she is beautiful and peaceful rather than wrathful expression. Just like any others enlightened beings, Achi Chokyi Drolma who is also the emanation of the wisdom dakini Vajrayogini, was born with many auspicious signs, and grew up with miraculous abilities. Even when it was her time of death, she didn’t pass away an ordinary way. She brought her disciples to a cave where tsok ritual was done. After she announced her activities in this body have come to the end, she flew up to the pure land on a blue horse without leaving her body.

    Her existence in human realm is to bring dharma to many generations to come. Her great grandson Jigten Sumgon, was the founder of the Drikung Kagyu. Jigten Sumgon wrote extensive prayers to Achi Chokyi Drolma. She grants protections and assistance for practitioners to clear inner and outer obstacles. Her practice is so powerful where practitioners can rely on Achi Chokyi Drolma not only as a protector, but also as guru and a yidam until achieve enlightenment.

    Although she has particular commitment to protect the Drikung Kagyu but her practice is wide spread and practiced by all schools in Tibetan Buddhism. For example, in the Karma Kagyu refuge tree, Achi Chokyi Drolma is known as Achi Chodron. In the Nyingma lineage, she appears as both a Dharma protector and dakini in the life of Terton Tsasum Lingpa. In Gelug school, Sera Mey Monastic University took Achi Chokyi Drolma as Pobhor Khangtsen’s protector in year 2008.

  4. Valentina Suhendra on Dec 10, 2018 at 3:02 pm

    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


  5. Tsem Rinpoche on Nov 26, 2018 at 12:50 pm

    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

  6. Pastor Niral Patel on Nov 25, 2018 at 5:32 am

    “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

    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

    Zhabdrung

  7. Beatrix Ooi on Nov 25, 2018 at 1:30 am

    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]

    _____

    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


  8. Tsem Rinpoche on Nov 23, 2018 at 4:31 am

    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

  9. Tsem Rinpoche on Nov 20, 2018 at 12:47 pm

    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.

    —–

    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

    PSD1

    PSD2

    PSD3

    PSD4

    PSD5

  10. JOY KAM on Nov 20, 2018 at 3:28 am

    All enlightened beings are worthy of homage and worship. They are the best beings to take refuge in and we should offer them our prayers as we can put our full confidence in them. Of all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, I personally find that Manjushri is extremely important. This is because what keeps us in samsara (cyclic rebirth) is our total ignorance and misunderstanding of the reality of existence. What is necessary to penetrate this deep ignorance that keeps us bound in a perpetual state of reincarnation is wisdom. We need many types of wisdom which can be acquired by relying on Manjushri as our yidam (meditational deity). By focusing on his meditation, practice, mantra and path we can gain wisdom in order to have the tool to penetrate the reality of existence. Therefore, Manjushri is an extremely important Buddha for us to focus on and take refuge in.

    Tsem Rinpoche

    (Photograph: this is the beautiful outdoor Manjushri statue who is in a teaching pose. He is floating above a koi fish pond nestled among lush greenery in Kechara Forest Retreat, Malaysia)

    每一位觉者都能成为我们朝拜、膜拜的对象。他们是我们至高、至好的皈依,我们应该向他们做祈请,并且对他们生起全然的信念。在众佛菩萨之中,我个人认为文殊菩萨极为重要。这是因为使我们身陷娑婆(轮回)的是我们自身的无明,以及对实相的曲解。智慧是一种必要,它能穿透我们深不见底的无明,那个使我们受困于无止境投生的无明。我们需要多种智慧,而依止文殊菩萨作为我们的本尊,即能使我们成就多种智慧。透过文殊菩萨的观想、修持法门、心咒及修行道路,我们能成就智慧,拥有了知实相的“器具”。故此,专注于文殊菩萨的修持法门、皈依他,对我们而言都极为重要。

    詹杜固仁波切

    (相片:这尊户外文殊菩萨像呈转法轮姿。他被茂密的草木环绕,安坐在马来西亚克切拉禅修林的鱼池之上。)

  11. Yee Yin on Oct 24, 2018 at 8:06 am

    Thank you Pastor Niral for sharing the story on Achi Chokyi Drolma, her story is beautiful and interesting. She is definitely not ordinary. She was conceived after her mother made a prayer during her pilgrimage trip in to Swayambhunath in Nepal.

    When she was born, her body was very white and amid rays of bright and luminous light. She knew how to chant Tara mantra and taught it to others at the age of 3. Unlike ordinary people like us, she got married and gave birth to children because these children are here to be with a mission to benefit all sentient beings. She used her human body to produce special beings to benefit us.

    Quite similar to Dorje Shugden, when Achi Chokyi Drolma arose as a protector, she was considered as a female demon who was an oath-bound protector when in actuality, she was an emanation of Vajrayogini. It took a lot of hardwork and proof to finally conclude that she is an enligtened protector. Hopefully very soon Dorje Shugden ban will be lifted and his true enlightened nature will be recognised.

  12. Valentina Suhendra on Oct 6, 2018 at 4:44 pm

    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


  13. Valentina Suhendra on Sep 20, 2018 at 2:03 am

    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

  14. Valentina Suhendra on Sep 14, 2018 at 9:51 pm

    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

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  15. Valentina Suhendra on Sep 11, 2018 at 12:56 am

    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

    ds

  16. Pastor Shin Tan on Sep 9, 2018 at 3:47 pm

    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

    ———————————————-

    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

  17. Samfoonheei on Aug 30, 2018 at 1:03 pm

    Amazing story of Achi Chokyi Drolma – Chief Protectress of the Drikung Kagyu. Achi Chokyi Drolma is a very powerful dharma protector and swiftly accomplishes removing obstacles. She has an interesting life story which I do enjoyed reading to understand better. She is an emanation of Vajra Yogini and to this day she remains a great dharma protector of the Buddha’s teachings to benefit others. Great to know that Achi Chokyi Drolma’s practice was similar to Dorje Shugden’practice . Achi Chokyi Drolma emanated to protect the teachings of the Drikung Kagyu lineage, whereas Dorje Shugden arose to protect the teachings of Lama Tsongkhapa within the Gelug tradition. Reading this article have increased my knowledge a little much better of others lineage protectors too. Interesting and beneficial article for all.
    May the ban of Dorje Shurden be lifted and benefit more sentient beings.
    Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor Niral for this sharing .

  18. Joy Kam on Aug 13, 2018 at 2:11 am

    His Holiness the 10th Panchen Lama

    Tibetans commonly refer to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and His Holiness 10th Panchen Lama as the “sun and moon” of Tibetan Buddhism. They are the center of Tibetan Buddhist civilization, which draws to its sphere of influence millions of non-Tibetan practitioners. The Panchen Lama’s incarnation line began with the 16th abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, Lobsang Chokyi Gyeltsen (1570 – 1662). He was bestowed the title of Panchen Lama by His Holiness the 5th Dalai Lama after being declared as an emanation of Amitabha.

    After being given the title, his three previous incarnations were posthumously also bestowed the title, making Lobsang Chokyi Gyeltsen the 4th Panchen Lama. He became a teacher to many Tibetans, Bhutanese and Mongolian religious figures, including His Holiness the 4th and 5th Dalai Lamas, and the 1st Jetsun Dampa of Mongolia. A prolific author, Chokyi Gyeltsen is credited with over a hundred compositions, including a number of commentaries and ritual texts that remain central in the Gelukpa tradition today. Along with his role as a teacher of the Dharma, the Panchen Lamas are usually responsible for the recognition of the rebirths of the Dalai Lamas, and vice versa.

    The 10th Panchen Lama, Lobsang Trinley Lhundrub Chokyi Gyeltsen (19 February 1938 – 28 January 1989) continued both the spiritual and political roles of his predecessors. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, his contemporary, was even heard to say and echo the Panchen Lama’s own words that the Dalai Lama would safeguard Tibet from the outside while the Panchen Lama would safeguard Tibet from the inside, as he never left Tibet after the political troubles of 1959. He was truly loved by the Tibetans, all the way until his passing. When he taught, thousands of people would attend, not only from his own Gelug lineage, but masters and practitioners from all traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.

    At his sprawling monastery of Tashi Lhunpo, he has a special chapel specifically dedicated to Dorje Shugden, where prayers and rituals are performed on a daily basis. In his great omniscience the Panchen Lama held Dorje Shugden as the principal Dharma protector of the monastery. He also personally propitiated Dorje Shugden among other Dharma protectors, and even wrote extensive prayers and rituals to Dorje Shugden. These rituals and prayers are contained within his ‘sung bum’ or collected works, which are provided here. As such a great lama, with an erudite and clear understanding of the Buddhist scriptures, a teacher to millions in both Tibet and China, from an established incarnation line and an emanation of the Buddha Amitabha, he could not be mistaken about his practice of Dorje Shugden.

    His Holiness 10th Panchen Lama is known for his composition of commentaries and practice texts that are still in use by contemporary Buddhist practitioners both in Tibet and across the world. One of these is a powerful ritual composition propitiating the compassionate Dorje Shugden.

    Upon the request by Acharya Lobsang Jangchub to compose a shorter version of the prayer (sadhana) for the exhortation of activities of Dorje Shugden, Panchen Lama immediately composed an abbreviate form of Dorje Shugden’s Kangsol. This text is entitled “Manjunatha’s (Tsongkapa) Lineage protector Dorje Shugden and five forms wrathful propitiations and confessional prayers and fulfilment of activities rites” or “Melodious sound of Accomplishment of the Four Activities” for short. Once the prayers were completed, he had signs and strong feelings that Dorje Shugden has been working hard to protect the Buddhadharma in general and the lineage of Lama Tsongkhapa specifically.

    Mirroring the abilities of one of his earlier incarnations, Khedrub Je, a disciple of Lama Tsongkhapa and master of both sutra and tantra, the Panchen Lama used his compositional skill and poetic prowess to create a masterful sadhana. Worthy of note is a praise in which the first letter of each verse is a Tibetan vowel. Such compositions are rarely seen, and have historically only been used when propitiating senior Dharma protectors such as Palden Lhamo and Kalarupa.

    The Panchen Lama also stated that while composing the Dorje Shugden sadhana (prayers) he was filled with a sense of happiness and bliss. He ends the composition with not only his official title but his ordination name, Tenzin Trinley Jigme Choje Wangchuk, endorsing the validity of his work. He composed the sadhana in his own Tashi Lhunpo monastery while in the Hall of Clear Light and Bliss.

    See the Panchen Lama’s writings and download: https://bit.ly/2KIfeXb

  19. Edward Ooi on Aug 10, 2018 at 4:57 am

    For the first time available, Dorje Shugden and his entourage of 32 asssistants of his mandala.

    Dorje Shugden is a powerful protector deity who is also an emanation of Manjushri, a wisdom bestowing Buddha. Therefore, he has great ability to help us to progress further on the spiritual path. He does this by helping us to overcome obstacles and problems for the modern individual.

    Due to his enlightened nature, Dorje Shugden is able to manifest 32 deities and within the same abode resides Setrap and Kache Marpo:-

    1. 5 Dorje Shugden families or emanations. They consists of the following:-

    – Dulzin Dorje Shugden, which performs activities to eliminate inner and outer obstacles.
    – Shize, which performs activities to pacify all illnesses and disease.
    – Gyenze, which performs activities to increase all desirable material and spiritual wealth.
    – Wangze, which performs activities to control difficult people and circumstances.
    – Trakze, which performs activities to wrathfully eliminate all insurmountable obstacles and life-threatening situations.

    2. 9 Mothers. They represent protection of the five senses and developing control of the four elements. These are all attributes that signify their ability to assist tantric practitioners with their higher meditations.

    3. 8 Guiding Monks. They represent the Eight Great Bodhisattvas (Avalokitesvara, Manjushri, Vajrapani, Samantabhadra, Maitreya, Kshitigarbha, Akashagarbha, Sarva-nivarana-viskambini) and they bring about the growth of the Dharma, through the Sangha, Dharma practitioners and Dharma establishments.

    4. 10 Youthful & Wrathful Attendants. They represent the ten wrathful attendants to avert inner and outer obstacles. They are beings who are from Mongolia, China, Kashmir, India, Bengali, etc.

    5. Setrap. He is a senior Dharma Protector from India and an emanation of Amitabha Buddha. He had enthroned Dorje Shugden as an authentic Dharma Protector. Therefore, he also resides within the same mandala of Dorje Shugden.

    6. Kache Marpo. He is not an emanation of Dorje Shugden but he is still an enlightened Dharma Protector in his own right. He was originally known as Tsiu Marpo of Samye Monastery. However, he has placed himself under the service of Dorje Shugden as his chief minister, performing many activities in order to protect and benefit practitioners. Therefore, he stands guard at the main entrance of Dorje Shugden’s mandala. He often takes trance of qualified mediums to speak.

    7. Namkar Barzin. He is the reincarnation of an old Mongolian monk and when he passed away in Phari area of Tibet, his spirit was placed as a powerful assistant of Dorje Shugden. He guards and protects buildings and great institutions especially those that benefit others. He rides on a mythical Gyaling animal that resembles a goat but with scales.

    These sacred images are available on *Vajrasecrets. They are made of high quality alloy and are one of a kind. They are based on the lineage of His Holiness Panchen Rinpoche’s monastery, Tashilhunpo in Shigatse, Tibet. In fact, the iconography of these statues are based on detailed photographs taken by H. E. Tsem Rinpoche during a trip to Tashilhunpo’s protector chapel. These are based exactly as the 10th Panchen Lama’s personal collection.

    Dorje Shugden mandala: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=131570

    Dorje Shugden’s benefit and practice: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=62422

    Dorje Shugden’s origins: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=106424

    Dorje Shugden chapel in His Holiness Panchen Rinpoche’s Tashilhunpo Monastery in Tibet: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=68698

    *Stand not included

  20. Joy Kam on Jul 25, 2018 at 1:30 am

    Amazing post!!!!!

    Dear friends, For months we have been working on this BEAUTIFUL and meaningful mural in Kathmandu, Nepal. Please click here to enjoy the many stunning pictures of this mural: https://bit.ly/2LgOj8J

    Tsem Rinpoche

  21. Pastor Adeline Woon on Jul 23, 2018 at 3:42 am

    Sakya tradition’s thangka of Dorje Shugden sitting on a throne within his palace with his four emanations and high Sakya Lamas nearby. Tsem Rinpoche

  22. Joy Kam on Jul 17, 2018 at 8:18 pm

    Antique Pelden Lhamo thangka with sacred Dorje Shugden at the bottom right. Can see Tsongkapa and Guru Rinpoche on the top also. Beautiful and holy.

  23. Samfoonheei on Jun 30, 2018 at 11:18 am

    Achi Chokyi Drolma is an enlightened Dharma protector practiced within the Drikung Kagyu lineage and is an emanation of Vajrayogini. Interesting fact Achi Chokyi Drolma rose to protect Drikung Kagyu lineage while Dorje Shugden who rose to protect the Gelug teaching. Achi Chokyi Drolma’s aspect is peaceful, as with many Dharma protectors. Interesting life story of Achi Chokyi Drolma who rose as a Dharma protector to save guard the teachings of the lineage which I do enjoyed reading.
    Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor Niral for this interesting details write up.

  24. Valentina Suhendra on Oct 23, 2017 at 12:16 am

    Great message every Tibetan especially must read!

    99db7720-bb39-46d3-bd93-3e2ca0f6ed7c

    bb270277-6912-4e9e-ad1e-0da94bb74dba

    e60b9b05-2f2f-4133-940e-c7eb068a18f6

    e620014f-0cf8-44d2-945e-61f6141a58ee

    ef0d99f0-b31d-4337-aa46-066f75a4aa5c

  25. Choong on Aug 25, 2017 at 10:35 pm

    Achi Chokyi Drolma is so life like in the top-most picture. I’m so enamored.

  26. MartinC on Feb 9, 2017 at 5:36 am

    This comment by Suzy on Rinpoche’s YouTube channel is a sign of change in the people’s understanding and perception of the holy Dorje Shugdenpractice-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl-4lIwxph4&t=11s. It has been twenty years of negative propaganda but now many people are beginning to see past the false rhetoric to see the divine goodness of the Protector. This is something to rejoice in.

    Suzy

  27. Marek on Dec 23, 2016 at 7:10 pm

    it’s good you provide so much information on different schools of Buddhism, it helps to create a background/context/sets the stage/circumstances for how Je Tsongkhapa’s manifestation of dharama arose. Many Thanks. Please continue. as Phabongka Rinpoche said: it is incorrect to disparage the Theravada for the sake of the Mahayana, or to disparage the Mahayana for the sake of Vajrayana, or to disparage any of the schools of Vajrayana (Nyingmapa, Kagyupa, Sakyapa, Jonangpa or Gelugpa) for the sake of one of them exclusively (he was very critical of Bon – but then again, that’s not my business)

  28. Tsem Rinpoche on Sep 15, 2016 at 3:17 am

    Trode Khangsar Chapel in Lhasa, Tibet

    Over 400 years ago a great and learned lama Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was famed in Mongolia, Tibet, Nepal and China for being very saintly and compassionate. He resided in his residence (Zimkhang Gongma Ladrang) in Drepung Monastery. His root guru was H.H. the Omniscient 4th Panchen Lama and his close dharma brother was the 5th Dalai Lama.

    The 5th Dalai Lama and Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen had a very close and dharmic relationship and often went to receive teachings together from the 4th Panchen Lama. They were close in age. They both became very learned and well known. During this time, the Dalai Lama was enthroned as a Dharma King of Tibet. But more people went to see Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen for teachings, initiations and divinations. This made the attendants of the 5th Dalai Lama feel threatened that Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s fame might usurp the power of the 5th Dalai Lama. So they had a khata forced down his throat. At that moment, Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen dissolved his psychic winds and generated the wish to be a great guardian of Buddha and Tsongkapa’s teachings. As his consciousness dissolved, he entered ‘bardo’ as a dharma protector of the highest order (jikten depey sungma). Many signs were seen throughout Lhasa at this time and the earth was said to have shaken in Lhasa. This event was already predicted to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s previous incarnation when he was one of the 8 main disciples of Lord Tsongkapa the Supreme Master and he served Tsongkapa directly by building Gaden Monastery.

    When the 5th Dalai Lama heard what his scheming and power-hungry attendants had done, he was very distressed. He was very sorry Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was murdered and dishonored as he was a great dharma master. The 5th Dalai Lama composed an apology to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen. In Lhasa, tens of thousands gathered for the cremation of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s holy body. During the cremation, the 5th Dalai Lama’s apology was read out at which flames spontaneously arose from the body of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen commencing the cremation. From the body, during cremation, a powerful whirlwind of smoke tunneled into the sky for all to see as this was an indication Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s consciousness has arisen as the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden. The Dharma Protector Setrap immediately recognized this new protector Dorje Shugden and ‘enthroned’ him as a powerful Dharma Protector in the realm of the Buddhas. From this, Setrap and Dorje Shugden are closely connected and very close working hand in hand always. After the cremation, the great 5th Dalai Lama built a Dorje Shugden chapel on the spot the cremation took place and named it Trode Khangsar. The 5th Dalai Lama commissioned the statue of Dorje Shugden in this chapel and had monks installed in the chapel to do continuous propitiations to Dorje Shugden. Trode Khangsar Chapel was a commemoration to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen who was wronged and also a celebration of his consciousness arising as the World Peace Peace Protector Dorje Shugden.

    This Trode Khangsar Chapel still exists now in Lhasa where many make pilgrimages there. It is in good condition and was recently renovated. It is over 400 years old and a testimony to the respect the Great 5th Dalai Lama had to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen who arose as Dorje Shugden.

    I have visited this holy chapel in Lhasa years back. I’ve never heard of it till I was in Lhasa and by chance, I was told about it which I was happy to visit. I could not find the place but strangely a bunch of pilgrims from Amdo told me they would show me how to get there in Lhasa.

    This short video is a short clip of this holy Trode Khangsar Chapel in Lhasa today commemorating Dorje Shugden, built by the great 5th Dalai Lama. The great 5th Dalai Lama even composed a prayer to Dorje Shugden which is still available today and we can recite to invoke the blessings, protection, and assistance of World Peace Protector Dorje Shugden.

    Tsem Rinpoche


    Read more: Trode Khangsar – A 400-year-old Dorje Shugden Chapel in Lhasa
    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/dorje-shugden/trode-khangsar-%E2%80%93-a-400-year-old-dorje-shugden-chapel-in-lhasa.html

    Short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTybDwTeLAM

    __________________________________

    The 5th Dalai Lama’s Prayer to Dorje Shugden

    HUM
    Though unmoving from the sphere of primordial spontaneity,
    With wrathful turbulent power, swifter than lightning,
    Endowed with heroic courage to judge good and bad,
    I invite you with faith, please come to this place!

    Robes of a monk, crown adorned with rhinoceros leather hat,
    Right hand holds ornate club, left holds a human heart,
    Riding various mounts such as nagas and garudas,
    Who subdues the mamos of the charnel grounds, praise to you!

    Samaya substances, offerings and torma, outer, inner and secret,
    Favourite visual offerings and various objects are arranged.
    Although, previously, my wishes were a bit dense,
    Do not stop your powerful apparitions, I reveal and confess!

    Now respectfully praising with body, speech, and mind,
    For us, the masters, disciples, benefactors and entourages,
    Provide the good and avert the bad!
    Bring increase like the waxing moon in spiritual and temporal realms!

    Moreover, swiftly accomplishing all wishes,
    According to our prayers, bestow the supreme effortlessly!
    And like the jewel that bestows all wishes,
    Always protect us with the Three Jewels!

    From: http://www.dorjeshugden.org/practice/the-5th-dalai-lamas-prayer-to-dorje-shugden

    Tibetan prayer from: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/dorje-shugden/the-14th-dalai-lamas-prayer-to-dorje-shugden.html

  29. non-tulku on May 26, 2016 at 8:49 pm

    Achi Chokyi Drolma is nothing like Dorje Shugdon and I can’t believe they are being compared by you as something even slightly similar. Also she is chief emanation of Vajravarahi and Queen of dakinis not some jaded monk. What a silly and foolish comparison from a silly and foolish tulku person!! I suggest you eat even more often so that your tongue does not get bored.

    • Valentina Suhendra on May 26, 2016 at 9:05 pm

      Dear Non Tulku

      Please be polite and do not attack my teacher. You should instead focus on the topic at hand – Achi Chokyi Drolma and not accuse or degrade the personality or the physical appearance of my teacher.

      Thank you

      Valentina

    • Rogers Shnell on May 26, 2016 at 11:33 pm

      @non-tulku,

      Dorje Shugden was in the form of a monk emanated from Manjushri.
      Achi Drolma was a grandmother emanated from a Vajravarahi. Enough Tibetans believe both of that. There are more Shugden practitioners than Drijung Kaygupas. Or the Tibetans make up all their stories.

      The comparision is perfect.

      To leave a comment here without your real name is that of a coward that has not a shred of truth backing up your remarks.

      To mock a person’s appearance and not stick to the subject matter shows what a coward you are and nulls your ‘dharma’ comment or any tiny shred of credibility.

      • non-tulku on May 27, 2016 at 9:23 am

        ALL comparisons are imperfect because any of this and that is same so measuring to see difference shows bias/prejudice of mind not the one same tasty thingy at the roots of essence and what is being measured is only the mere productions of ignorance until things get really pooped stinky and then YES indeed many differences WISDOM!
        Seriously measuring Shugden with Achi and especially measuring them as exactly the same is a mistake for many reasons even just on super-fishy levels:
        Achi was already fully-enlightened celestial being before her Achi life and created her own birth. Achi life purpose was to propitiate dharma through a particular living master sexually to procreate Tibet’s greatest lama and other lamas from his off-spring even greater and also with the most Tibetan buddhist followers her great grandson: Jiggy. Also Achi could never be framed for any treachery or murder no matter what the top tulkus say. Because her karma is 100% perfect. And Achi did NOT ever ever DIE…. she just flew up in the sky with her body. These are just a couple reasons from the top of my head why they are TOTALLY different. EVERYTHING I have said is true. Truthfully I am not a buddhist person anymore mostly because of how extremely FAKE tulkus and gurus are and truly many Tibetan stories are simply just silly made-up stories.
        PEACE
        -Uncle Tompa

        • Rogers Shnell on May 27, 2016 at 9:38 am

          @non-tulku,

          This is the best thing you have said so far: “Truthfully I am not a Buddhist person anymore”.

          (Of course the reason you are not Buddhist anymore is someone else’s fault. With people like you, it’s always someone else’s fault.)

          But the good news is that YOU ARE NOT BUDDHIST ANYMORE because Buddhism stands to gain with you out and not being a bad representative. Buddhists gain nothing if you are Buddhist. Buddhists lose nothing if you are not a Buddhist. Good riddance!

          Achi Drolma did not have to die? hahaha….But Lord Buddha Shakyamuni died, so does that make him NOT a Buddha? ahahahha..You are hysterical.

          Since you are NOT BUDDHIST, then don’t comment on Buddhist affairs like Achi and Dorje Shugden. Mind your own business.

          • non-tulku on May 27, 2016 at 9:59 pm

            Such kind compassionate people buddha folk! Buddhists are so caring about people in their imaginations but in real life ha is another story! I will patiently correct you again… you ARE a buddha already just still very extremely ignorant! It is you people here who accuse me of slander who are truly doing all the BS slandering and I was kind to patiently come back and give you the correct and proper specific information again that you asked from me. I gave my contact email and my old dharma name, my real name is unimportant unless you want to come and murder me for helping you. Achi’s great-grand son Jigten, was reincarnation of Nagarjuna, the guy who created MAHAYANA. Not some monk who is a supposed honorific emanation of Manjushri. Achi is WAY out of the Ghost’s league in infinite ways. Me too I am glad I am no longer a stupid and dogmatic religious person either. The only fault of mine was that I stupidly trusted buddhist people to act buddhist!

        • Shane Jayasuriya on Jun 20, 2016 at 2:39 am

          @non tulku/ uncle Tompa,

          Do you think enlightened Archi Drolma worried about comparison right or wrong? I hope you know the how Enlightened mind is like…you cannot say other people ego got hurt, you are the one throw the first stone here.. If you know the Dharma taught by enlighten beings well and let go that first thought came to you when you reading this article you will not throw the first stone. Rinpoche helped many from his blog, showed spiritual path to many, from your point of view i know you see that too, rejoice on them. Spiritual rejoicing bring merits that bring wisdom to our minds. _/\_ ” let it go” …Peace come in..

          quote-i-reached-in-experience-the-nirvana-which-is-unborn-unrivalled-secure-from-attachment-undecaying-buddha-339296

          • Konchok Rinchen on Jun 20, 2016 at 4:42 am

            Shane,
            I will not let it go. My ego was indeed hurt I felt like mercilessly fighting everyone of you for Pastor Niral’s mistake! I refused to taint myself and even read any part of it.
            Ask an expert of Achi like Garchen rinpoche and they will tell you the same. There was never any controversy with Achi. She was widely accepted even when Jigten first taught her sadhana. Maybe other sects questioned her but never within Drikung.
            She is Prajnaparamita mother of all buddhas and you are comparing her with some alleged murderous monk that lived just 400 years ago.
            I liked Tsem rinpoche a lot especially when he got real silly. He seemed to not take himself seriously a decade ago anyway (he seems more reserved and old fart now)… which is a relief because I have personally met another tulku that takes himself very extremely serious but truly is a clown snorting drugs, stealing money and even carries a pistol! He was not Steven Segal some other idiot.
            I do not have faith in Tibet or Tibetans or even Buddhism but I have faith in Achi.
            Just ask an expert Pastor Niral before you write things as an expert like you really know something. I don’t know about high-level infinite buddha thought but for myself 99% of my life is measuring right and wrong and religion is a mistake for that. That is why I am only a humanist now. good-bye.

    • JP on May 27, 2016 at 12:07 am

      Dear non-tulku,

      If you disagree with what you read, that’s fine. But don’t come to my teacher’s blog and write such rude comments. It’s uncalled for and totally disrespectful. Please do not come to this blog again.

      JP

    • Joy Kam on May 27, 2016 at 12:46 am

      Dear non-tulku… is this how a Dharma practitioner behaves? Firstly if you would actually take the time to read properly you’ll know that this article was written NOT by H.E. Tsem Rinpoche but a student. This goes to show that you are an anti-Dorje Shugden person who abuses, condemns and discriminates others for their religion and that you specifically target my Guru to slander. Your behaviour tells the whole world that there is a Dorje Shudgen ban because otherwise people like you would never write such things and seize to exist.

      If you were a real Buddhist practitioner of any sect, Kagyu, Nyingma, Gelug or Sakya, it does not matter, you will be practising the same thing as what Buddha taught since 2500 years ago which is to be kind to others always. Please do not shame your Guru, Buddha and the Dharma further with your negative hateful attitude. It does not make the His Holiness the Dalai Lama look good.

      • non-tulku on May 27, 2016 at 8:14 am

        You people assume so much! Too much tantric imaginations? TRUTH can never be called slander and big deal he can take it with his supposed realizations …I hope! It is you that I apologize for any injury to YOUR ego! You guys need a mahasiddha blessing so terribly bad…. where is your toilet? See the Tibetans don’t think anything…. they just follow their oracles and that is why they are in such trouble! You may just get wisdom from things and people about things you don’t care to hear….. I did…… came from the Tibetans… good day sir.
        -konchok rinchen

        • Rogers Shnell on May 27, 2016 at 8:29 am

          @non-Tulku who likes to hide your identity,

          YOUR truth is your truth and not mine. Don’t judge me. Everyone has their own truth and that is wisdom.

          You have no realizations.

          You should apologize and yes I have a ego just like you and I am not a Buddha. Common human human courtesy is necessary so learn it. Ego is important when dealing with humans and it’s a fact of life.

          The Tibetans are in trouble with their oracles has nothing to do with me. I am NOT Tibetan. Go write on their websites and tell them. Not me.

          YOU PEOPLE assume to much?? I don’t belong to any group, any centre and denominations so keep your assumptions to yourself.

          You are not spiritual, nor wise and no wisdom. Just an angry anonymous coward.

          You don’t like what’s here, DON’T COME BACK! Who invited you? People want to believe what they want to believe about Shugden and that is their right and it is your right to respect that and remain quiet!

          • non-tulku on May 27, 2016 at 10:11 pm

            What?! You are indeed the most wrathful tantrik dink I have ever met Shnell!

    • Pastor Elena Khong Jean Ai on May 27, 2016 at 1:52 am

      I don’t think anyone should take “non-tulku”‘s comments seriously when they cannot post something without insulting another person and making personal remarks. Cowardly too, considering they chose to remain anonymous when they came to Rinpoche’s blog to attack him.

      Would Achi Chokyi Drolma approve of such behaviour? I think not.

      • Rogers Shnell on May 27, 2016 at 8:32 am

        Achi Choky Drolma would definitely not approve of non-tulku’s behavior. Non-tulku is just a coward.

        • non-tulku on May 27, 2016 at 10:14 pm

          Achi loves me and even loves you so hush!

          • Joy Kam on May 29, 2016 at 9:41 pm

            Dear non-tulku… I don’t think your behaviour inspires anyone to believe or respect you, what you say and your opinion. If you are trying to say you are an Achi Choky Drolma’s practitioner, you sure aren’t representing her practice well and making Her look like a great Buddha at all because how can something great produce something negative?

            It is very clear you are here just to cause trouble, hurt people and to not try to learn or exchange information to understand better. You’re basically a trouble maker and I do not see a point in you being here. Please have some respect for others’ freedom to practice whatever they wish because it is really not your business. We are not here to judge anyone’s spiritual believes so please do yourself a favour and have some dignity and stop dragging Achi Choky Drolma’s name into the mud by your harsh negative speech.

            Thank you and I wish you will find peace.

          • non-tulku on May 30, 2016 at 10:56 pm

            Well Joy just keep your ears closed to the truth then. Truth is truth no matter where it comes from even lowly tirthika trash like me! Buddha said their are over 100,000 paths to enlightenment that do NOT involve buddhism.
            Someone can appreciate Achi without any practice and also know much more than you do. Everything I said was true regardless what you think and choose to believe is no relation. I do not care to judge Shugden or Dalai or tulkus or gurus or you. Though I failed miserably. Just wanted to inform you folks that it is nothing similar to Achi and why since you asked me why. That is all. I will leave and you can stay mistaken. According to you who am I to say anything? I am no tulku and not even a buddhist. Just a Tirthika… Goyim… Infidel…Scenery… Thank Goodness I am not important!
            I would ban EVERYTHING like Langdharma!
            Just Kidding.
            Good Bye.

          • Pastor Shin Tan on Jun 20, 2016 at 6:43 am

            Dear non-tulku,
            The purpose of these articles are for learning and discussion. It is very clear that your purpose here is not to share or discuss, but to insult my teacher.

            Like what Rogers Shnell pointed out above, Dorje Shugden was in the form of a monk emanated from Manjushri while Achi Drolma was a grandmother emanated from a Vajravarahi. So why not a comparison so that others who have not heard of her, or even heard of Dorje Shugden can learn more about these 2 protectors who are emanations of Buddhas?

            Please be polite. You are on someone else’s space (blog/ website), and this is a virtual temple for learning Dharma, please be respectful.

          • Konchok Rinchen on Jun 20, 2016 at 7:33 am

            Pastor Shin Tan,
            FIRST
            I am only here because Pastor Niral disrespected my teacher with slander and you call it “learning” haha!
            Respectfully you can devolve or learn whatever nonsense you want and from any fraudulent author. I am so sorry the absolute truth is disrespectful to your brainwash! Hide all the ugly facts and please be a fake… yeah I mean become perfectly authentic. Skillful means in your imagination you hopeless fake posing Tibetan-phile…. and if you don’t like it please don’t forget to self-immolate in protest!
            **************************************
            Please stay dumb and inbred and kick me out now!
            ***************************************
            Tibetan Buddhist people really were/are a HUGE disappointment… makes hillbilly rattlesnake Christians look forever wise and vastly intelligent in comparison.
            GOOD-BYE

          • Pastor Shin Tan on Jun 21, 2016 at 7:29 am

            Dear non-tulku,
            No one is slandering and disrespecting your teacher. But what is for sure is that you came and verbally attacked my teacher, and being totally disrespectful on his blog. If you truly respect YOUR TEACHER, you will not cause harm to anyone and commit such an unwholesome action of verbally attacking and putting down a monk. Harsh speech is one of the 10 unwholesome or negative action.

            “makes hillbilly rattlesnake Christians look forever wise and vastly intelligent in comparison.”
            – Why are you attacking Christians yet praising their religion?

            All religions teaches kindness, but looks like none impresses you. May you find peace and you are not welcomed here with that kind of rudeness.

    • Shane Jayasuriya on Jun 26, 2016 at 3:59 pm

      Dear Konchok Rinchen,

      Its good you have faith in Buddha Achi Chokyi Drolma _/\_. With compassionate heart I ask, You should practice Achi Chokyi Drolma diligently daily and pray and ask to stay and guide you every future life times until you achieve enlightenment. I wish you, may you have ultimate never ending happiness, love, peace , good health and abundance of spiritual wealth and worldly wealth to practice dharma.

      With Buddhas of ten direction blessing.. Shane._/\_

  30. Datuk May on May 23, 2016 at 5:56 pm

    Thank you, Pastor Niral and for the openness and generosity of Rinpoche to give us so much learning from another tradition within the Vajrayana doctrine.

    What were very impactful for me was that Achi Chokyi Drolma would so compassionately take rebirth from her enlightened state for the benefit of sentients being by birthing and mothering her descendants to form a powerful Buddhist tradition and lineage of Drikung Kagyu. How more authentic can any devotee ask. Amazing.

    The other point about Achi Chokyi Drolma is her teaching of “suchness” by transforming a corpse to such a divine offering of tsok. Powerful elimination of our wrong views and perceptions.

    I appreciate the comparison of similarities to our Protector, Dorje Shugden and with much hope and prayers, may the discrimination be soon over and the Ban be lifted as it had happened in the case of Achi Chokyi Drolma.

  31. Khoo Hou Haw on May 22, 2016 at 11:22 am

    Thank you Pastor Niral for this informative articles.

    I feel that whenever a Dharma Protector who will greatly benefitted human being appeared, a great obstacle will appreared together which is caused by the accumulative negative karma of the people who will be benefitted by this Protector.

    Take the exmaples of Achi Chokyi Drolma, Yamantaka, and Kalachakra. All had been viewed as demon and strongly opposed by people at the beginning of their practises. And now all renounced High Lama are travelling around giving initiations to people around the world and millions have been benefitted by their practises.

    It is the same as Dorje Shugden as a Dharma Protector. Dorje Shugden had gone through an obstacle once when He arose as a Dharma Protector. After this obstacle a lot of Lama and Dharma practitioners have been pratising and gained the protection from Dorje Shugden. Now another obstacle has arise for Dorje Shugden. To me it significant a greater benefit from Dorje Shugden practise is coming to mankind and we must overcome this great negative karma of us to receive such blessing. Maybe after this obstacle Dorje Shugden will appears as a Yidam which will bring enlightement to His practitional like Achi Chokyi Drolma? Just my thought.

    Thanks

  32. Pammie Yap on May 21, 2016 at 8:19 pm

    To base something on how a protector/Buddha should look like is wrong. I truly agree with what PNP said, they arose because of our affinity with them. However they should look like or whatever they should do to suit our egoistic mind is just our own delusions and projections.
    I strongly believe that Dharma protector’s role is to help us in our spiritual path. How fortunate are we to even have the affinity to even see their holy faces.
    Dorje Shugden’s ban is totally uncalled for and it is such a discrimination!! Many high lamas have also written praise to Him, are we to say that they are wrong in recognizing Dorje Shugden as a Buddha?
    I pray that the ban be lifted ASAP and for Dorje Shugden to arise as the ‘greatest’ protector for Lama Tsongkhapa and Gelugpa lineage to flourish.

  33. Pastor Chia on May 21, 2016 at 6:06 pm

    Read through protector of Drikung Kagyu Achi Chokyi Drolma article, it show another example just like Dorje Shugden who vow become protector to to preserve holy dharma teaching of their own lineage to pass down to the future. . Although their practice is not accepted beginning,but at the end of the day, people will realise how compassionate this holy being has make such commitment and dedication to protect dharma teaching. Is sad to see some people due to political issue,create pain and harmful though toward those sincere practitioner.May all the obstacle they facing will remove soon.

  34. June Kang on May 21, 2016 at 5:22 pm

    Is very interesting and educational article. It is nice that we have chance to gain knowledge of others lineage protectors. It helps us to understand and foster the relationship with others lineage too. When read through this article, again we can see that all this enlightened Protectors in this world are to protect the Buddha teaching, as well as Dorje Shugden. However with the human greed of power and money, they have made all this protectors look bad. If we really listen to all this peoples, Buddhism surely is degenerated very fast and our practice will become difficult because there is no more authentic and reliable Buddha teaching without the Protectors.

    This is so powerful that Achi Chokyi Drolma having a family just with the motivation to have more great being to spread the Dharma. She mentioned that their children and grandsons, and future generations, will be extraordinary individuals who will benefit all sentient beings by spreading the essence of the Buddha’s teachings. And this is true, one of the great one is her son Pekar Wangyal gave birth to Naljor Dorje. Naljor Dorje in turn gave birth to Jigten Sumgon, also known as Ratnashri, a reincarnation of Nagarjuna and founder of the Drikung Kagyu lineage.

    Thank you Pastor Niral’s effort.

  35. Mingwen on May 21, 2016 at 1:46 am

    This blogpost has increase my knowledge in Tibeten Buddhism generally. Especially the explanation of the visualisation of corpse in various prayers.

    “This use of a corpse may seem repulsive or disgusting to many people, this is because a human corpse is universally reviled and something to be kept away from. In many cultures around the world a corpse is seen as unclean, for example in both Indian and Chinese cultures it is tradition to wash after attending a funeral in order to wash away any negative energy that one may have picked up from being in close proximity to a corpse.”

    Indeed, human have fear about dead since we are exist, specifically for people who live in the society which have no faith in any religion. They focus on the current life and to live to feed their attachments blindly and solely.

    Chinese culture has always make dead as a sensitive issue and also forbidden. Myself, as a Chinese and Buddhist, I have been recently introduced to Tibeten Buddhism, which has provide me a whole new dimension of Buddhism . Now, I am able to learn and apply Dharma more practical and it allow me to fine tune my interrupted mind effectively.

    May the ban of Dorje Shurdington be lifted and benefit more sentient beings.

    Thank you, Rinpoche, Pastor Niral and team.

  36. Pastor Moh Mei on May 20, 2016 at 12:49 pm

    It is amazing how much knowledge and information is contained in Tsem Rinpoche’s blog site. What are the chances for some of us to even have the opportunity to come across the Protectress Achi Chokyi Drolma. This practice may have nothing to do with our own school or path but it helps give a better understanding on protector practices as a whole.

    Protector practices are very common in Tibetan Buddhism. One similarity I see in all protector practices is that there is a “wrathful” aspect to it. The wrathful and to some extent “gory” aspect of practices that focuses on corpses, body parts and death is not easy to accept as something “holy” and spiritual. The more common view would relate these practices to some form of devil or satanic worship because most of us have not been exposed to the meaning behind them. However, I would expect this to be from the western or non-Tibetan viewpoint and not from within the Tibetan community.

    For the Tibetans to accuse practices like Achi Chokyi Drolma and Dorje Shugden to be of satanic origin is illogical and inconsistent from spiritual perspective. The only logical reasoning one can derive is that it is due to secular reasons be it for political, social or financial gain.

    From an enlightened being perspective, there is no differences between the various schools of Buddhism and the various different practices. Naropa who was one of the previous incarnation of Dorje Shugden was an influential figure in the tradition of the Kagyu lineage. If we trace the incarnation lineage of many highly attained Lamas, we are likely to find that it is not restricted within a certain school of Tibetan Buddhism. In fact, many high Lamas are now being incarnated as westerners and non-Tibetans. My point, one school is not more superior to another school, One practice is not more superior to the other. Each of us have our different karma and different spiritual path. Mutual respect between different practices (and I don’t mean just between Buddhism) is essential. Mutual respect and freedom of choice is essential for harmonious co-existence between different races and cultures and even within same race and culture.

  37. Pastor Henry Ooi on May 20, 2016 at 7:19 am

    Politics is the stranglehold in every society, business, family, religion, where humans are present. Politics may influence and suppress certain freedom of movement, expression, speech, religious belief.

    Tibetan Buddhism is not spared from politics because of humans greed for power and money. It’s sad that some Gelugpa lamas yielded to politics, and had to align with the Dalai Lama on the Dorje Shugden ban for the public’s popularity support and for financial gain.

    I opine that the people in the Tibetan leadership, the CTA, do not practice what Buddha has taught: dharma. They practice what humans are teaching: politics.

  38. Li Kheng on May 19, 2016 at 8:02 pm

    Thank you Pastor Niral for this wonderful and educational read. I love the information it provides as well as the magical aspect of Achi Chokyi Drolma. It is very powerful how enlightened beings can transform mundane activities like marriage, feasting and having a family into something that benefits others. This reminds me of Rinpoche’s teaching on motivation. If our motivation is Dharma, then what we do is not so important because it will bring benefit to others. On the other hand, if our motivation is selfish, hatred filled and based on ignorance, even if we are engaged in the holiest of activities, it will not have beneficial results or create merits.

    Although we are not of the kagyu lineage, it is very kind and generous of Rinpoche to provide knowledge of this lineage openly and accessibly for everyone. This is because this blog site is supposed to provide authentic and reliable dharma knowledge to all who seek to learn and practice Dharma.

    In closing, I am saddened that the Tibetan authorities have also contaminated and jeopardized this holy and precious lineage with political agendas. I hope that such corruption will end urgently so that pure dharma is protected and preserved during this kaliyuga age.

  39. nicholas on May 19, 2016 at 12:47 am

    I’m glad to have read this post on the protector from another lineage. Truly beneficial and widen my knowledge of how another protector arose and how they came about as mainstream after sometime. This really show the similarity of the Dorje Shugen practice and how sad when political reason come into the picture of spirituality just to create more negativity in our spiritual journey.

    Indeed what we can see here any new practices is not easily be accepted and it through time how the practice benefited the people and with the recognition especially by the high lamas composed their prayers to acknowledge the practice is the prove of the credibility of the practice. I strongly believe that one practice which has been recognised by the great enlightened lamas how can that be wrong or even to reserved and claim to be a wrong practice after sometime. It doesn’t make sense. How one practice which have been practice for 400 years can suddenly be wrong just by a single advice which personally doesn’t give any logical explanation.

    As reading this post it does show the similarity of how all compassionate being made their vows arise as an enlightened protector purely for benefiting people for their affinity, karma and place of the practitioners at that particular time.

    The question and answer is very good sections to further elaborate and provide much logical explanation for me to understand better the the similarities of the quality of enlightened protectors, their difficulties of acceptation and their practices. We may don’t have the level to understand the action from the suppression of this enlightened practices but we at very least should follow what our Guru advice. Our Guru is the person that show us the spiritual enlightenment.

  40. Pastor Adeline on Apr 10, 2016 at 6:29 pm

    Just when everyone focuses on the Dorje Shugden issue, assuming that it is the only case ever found in the whole Tibetan history, we have Achi Chokyi Drolma’s controversy that shaken our fixated perception. This beautiful practice is now widely accepted by the Drikung Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism and is well respected by all Tibetans.

    When comparing the Dorje Shugden and Achi Chokyi Drolma’s practices, it is obvious that new practice is not easily accepted by people. It takes time for people to be educated and to benefit from the practice before they finally accepted it. Hence it took few hundred years for Jigten Sumgon’s recognition of Achi Chokyi Drolma to be fully accepted. On the other hand, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama ‘advice’ on Dorje Shugden is accepted almost immediately when He banned it two decades ago. People who have been benefiting from the practice or practitioners can drop the practice immediately without second thought, highlighting the fact that people accepts negative comment much easier and quicker even though they have received tremendous benefits from Dorje Shugden’s practice.

    This has brought me to think how an untrained mind is so fond of negativity, operates from it and is extremely comfortable with it. An untrained mind is short sighted and selfish, it will do anything for self interest, creates endless suffering to oneself and people around them. Protector practices are meant to assist and guide us towards enlightenment, the final awaken that ceases all suffering, so it is necessary for us to not take negative comment easily without first investigate and research on it. If we are unable to do so, we should at least follow the advice of our root guru and keep any advice from Him or Her to ourselves. There is no need for us to force our guru’s view onto others and call them names just because they do not agree with our guru’s advice.

    There is a difference between the root Guru and the nation spiritual advisor. The formal is the one who observes and guides us directly and impacted our lives positively. He or she is the one whom we should listen to and should appreciate the most with no question ask.

  41. Stella Cheang on Apr 7, 2016 at 1:10 pm

    The story of Achi Chokyi Drolma is very fascinating. As the Chief Protectress of the Drikung Kagyu, she is believed to be the emanation of Vajrayogini. She suffered a similar fate like Dorje Shugden, being defamed and decried as an unenlightened and vicious beings by some. Fortunately, the works of holy and attained masters were used to prove otherwise. For example Jigten Sumgon, composed prayers to Achi Chokyi Drolma in order to recognize her as an enlightened Dharma protector. Even masters from other traditions such as His Holiness 2nd Dalai Lama Gyalwa Gedun Gyatso wrote a praise to her enlightened nature and position as a Dharma protector.

    Achi Chokyi Drolma’s practice took some time to become mainstream due to many great masters from Drikung Kagyu lineage as well as from other traditions, praise her enlightened and being propitiated as a Dharma protector to a guru and yidam due to her enlightened nature and compassion. We certainly think that the same will occur with Dorje Shugden as He too, possesses enlightened nature, and an emanation of Manjushri. We pray sincerely for Dorje Shugden to become the chief protector of the Gelugpa tradition, so that many people will benefit through propitiating Him as Guru, Yidam and Dharmapala.

    Thank you very much Rinpoche and Pastor Niral for this well researched and carefully presented blogpost. I have learnt a lot of reading it.

    Humbly, bowing down,
    Stella Cheang

    • Valentina Suhendra on Apr 10, 2016 at 5:16 pm

      Dear Stella

      Thank you for your comments. I agree with you that one of the similarities of Dorje Shugden and Achi Chokyi Drolma are both of them take sometime to become mainstream. In fact the similarities do not just stop there. Achi Chokyi Drolma rose specifically to protect Drikung Kagyu lineage just like Dorje Shugden who rose specifically to protect the Gelug teaching. I don’t quite understand why many people think that Dorje Shugden practice is sectarian while they don’t say anything about Achi Chokyi Drolma.

      If I am a Gelug Buddhist practitioner and wish to focus my learning and research on Gelug Buddhism, do I fit the definition of being sectarian although I respect other faith and religion. I do not think so.

      Valentina

      • non-tulku on May 30, 2016 at 11:37 pm

        Nobody would ever talk to me about Shugden because Dalai made it taboo.
        I could be wrong on this but I thought Shugden was totally a sectarian protector and that is why Dalai banned him because Dalai always puts his fingers on all the lineage politics and practices all the lineages everywhere and Shugden wrathfully protects only sectarian Gelukpas and murders non-sectarians. That is why Dalai said his life was shortened and endangered by those who practice it… and it makes the deity stronger.
        Am I wrong?

        • Pastor Niral Patel on May 31, 2016 at 12:24 am

          Non-tulku,

          Dorje Shugden is not sectarian as people claim. If you read the history of Dorje Shugden, he was first practiced within the Sakya tradition, and not the Gelug, so how can his practice be sectarian? See here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/the-sakya-lineage-dorje-shugden.html

          Secondly, in regards to the practice shortening His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s life, can anyone really believe that? Despite Dorje Shugden being practiced all over the world, the H.H. Dalai Lama is now almost 81 years old. So far, he is the longest living of all the Dalai Lamas! And may he live longer! This claim just doesn’t make sense at all.

          By the way, it was not His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche who made this comparison between Achi Chokyi Drolma and Dorje Shugden. If you read the article carefully, you would have realised that it was actually me that wrote this article. For someone who claims not to be a practicing Buddhist you really do jump to conclusions about the nature of the Buddhas and confirm to common misconceptions of the same. Before making judgements isn’t it wise to know a particular topic? That isn’t Buddhist logic or Tirthika logic…it is just logic. All the great masters of any religion have always taught one thing and that is to have as much knowledge about a topic before coming to a judgement. And they have always taught the practice of kindness, good speech and tolerance.

          • non-tulku on May 31, 2016 at 1:56 am

            Thanks for the very kind reply. Okay you say indeed I am wrong. Are you sure it is not being confused with the ancient deity Pehar? The history I read of Shugden only went back to a Gelukpa monk less than 500 years ago.
            We can at least agree the main visualization for Shugden is very scary and wrathful with hanging human body parts and death to enemies etc. so these ideas of shortening life I heard from Dalai are very easy to assume especially to outsiders or non-practitioners of this yidam. Also to people that are/were loyal to Dalai we were not even allowed to ever talk about Shugden or Sharmarpa’s Karmapa EVER!!!!
            Just some definite Tibetan facts about Achi Chokyi Drolma:
            She was born about a thousand years ago.
            The reason why she incarnated was to create her great grandson Jigten, who was reincarnation of Nagurjuna! Nagurjuna was called the second buddha and was a mahasiddha. It is also said Nagarjuna created Mahayana buddhism which was a stepping stone to Vajrayana whether or not Vajrayana is more ancient than Mahayana or later on… whatever you believe or accept. Achi is a Buddha, Mother of all Buddhas in fact. She is Vajravarahi and Bodhisattva Lord Avalokiteshvara, Grandmother Tara, Queen of all Dakinis, Yidam, Dharmapala Protector, Smoking AND Flaming buddha with wish fulfilling jewels, etc.
            Kind of a stretch to say she is the same as Shugden or Pehar even if Shugden is non-sectarian and enlightened.
            They say all buddhas are exactly the same just what they emphasize is the only thing different…. so if your thoughts are based on these clever and crazy buddhist statements of broad logic, maybe I can see where you are coming from.

          • non-tulku on May 31, 2016 at 2:07 am

            I am beginning to think Tibetan facts are as pure as Tibetan silver.

          • Pastor Niral Patel on May 31, 2016 at 7:38 am

            Dear non-tulku,

            “Thinking that Dorje Shugden’s practice is more wrathful compared to Achi Chokyi Drolma and therefore that her practice is better, is a mistake. Whereas Dorje Shugden’s form is more wrathful compared to Achi Chokyi Drolma’s, whose form is rather peaceful, both practices mirror common Dharma protector liturgies that include a lot of violent imagery.

            For example, one of Achi Chokyi Drolma’s emanations is known as the Flesh Eating Karma Dakini, who holds the heart of someone who has violated their samaya. From this heart comes forth blood which she pours into Achi Chokyi Drolma’s mouth, who drinks it. This shows the wrathful nature of Achi Chokyi Drolma’s practice. In fact, towards the end of her life Achi Chokyi Drolma transformed a human corpse into a tsog feast as described and explained in the article above.

            Most Dharma protector practices include violent imagery, therefore it is not fair to single out one protector for their violent imagery, while ignoring the violent imagery existing in other Dharma protector prayers. This violent imagery is actually testament to the compassionate nature of the enlightened beings who manifest different activities in order to tame and purify our very heavy and negative karma. It is believed that meditation on blessed violent symbolism is more swifter in purifying heavy impending karma. Hence, most Dharma protectors are in a wrathful form because enlightened angry energy is considered swifter in carrying out protective activities.”

            This is from the Addendum to the main article above.

          • Pastor Niral Patel on May 31, 2016 at 7:40 am

            Dear non-tulku,

            We have not confused the history of Dorje Shugden with that of Pehar. As practitioners we would need to know the history, functions and practice of a particular deity, otherwise without having reached a logical conclusion that Dorje Shugden is a Buddha, why would we practice? You can read more about Dorje Shugden on this website: http://www.dorjeshugden.org, and you can read more about Nechung here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/nechung-the-retiring-devil-of-tibet.html.

            In addition to the violent imagery in both Dorje Shugden’s and Achi Chokyi Drolma’s practice, all other more ‘accepted’ Dharma protector practices include such violent imagery. For example Palden Lhamo, is depicted as very wrathful amidst a bone palace, and the story of her arising is very graphic and violent. Similarly Kalarupa’s imagery and history is just as violent. Therefore the violence in Dorje Shugden’s practice is not a sign of his unenlightened nature, but his compassion that manifests wrathfully. This violence is common throughout all Dharma protector practices. I’ve included a picture of Palden Lhamo amidst her bone palace as well as a description of her found in ‘The Guardian Deities of Tibet’ by Ladrang Kalsang, and that of Kalarupa, also known as Damchen Chogyal, for your reference as well.

          • Pastor Niral Patel on May 31, 2016 at 8:03 am

            Paldan Lhamo

            PaldenLhamo-01

            PaldenLhamo-02

            PaldenLhamo-03

          • Pastor Niral Patel on May 31, 2016 at 8:05 am

            PaldenLhamo-04

            PaldenLhamo-05

            PaldenLhamo-06

            PaldenLhamo-07

          • Pastor Niral Patel on May 31, 2016 at 8:06 am

            PaldenLhamo-08

            PaldenLhamo-09

            PaldenLhamo-10

            PaldenLhamo-11

          • Pastor Niral Patel on May 31, 2016 at 8:09 am

            PaldenLhamo-12

            PaldenLhamo-13

            PaldenLhamo-14

            PaldenLhamo-15

          • Pastor Niral Patel on May 31, 2016 at 8:13 am

            Kalarupa-01

            Kalarupa-02

            Book Cover

          • Pastor Niral Patel on May 31, 2016 at 8:15 am

            Despite her wrathful imagery, Achi Chokyi Drolma is accepted by all the high lamas of the Drikung Kagyu as the emanation of Vajrayogini. The violent imagery is not taken as a sign of her unenlightened nature, and she is definitely not considered such. If she was considered unenlightened, then all the Drikung Kagyu lamas have been wrong and mistaken in their practice and reliance on her. This is definitely not the case.

            Since the Drikung Kagyu lamas have not been wrong about the nature of Achi Chokyi Drolma, why is it that the many eminent and high lamas of the Gelug tradition are wrong in their practice of Dorje Shugden? It doesn’t make sense to rely on the high lamas, who are highly attained, as a source from which to judge the nature of a being on one hand, and then disparage and ignore what they say on the other.

            Let’s not be selective friend. It’s interesting you stated, “I am beginning to think Tibetan facts are as pure as Tibetan silver” because it can apply to the Drigung Kagyu lamas re: Achi as well as the Gelug Lamas re: Shugden. How can you reject Shugden when the facts about his beginnings and his nature are recounted by very big lamas of the Gelug tradition? Whereas whatever is said by obviously the Drigung Lamas about Achi, you take on face value? That is pure selectiveness. Your ‘vendetta’ against Shugden perhaps fueled by wrong information that are politically motivated has led you down this conclusion. So either all Drigung and Gelug lamas are wrong or they are right. Simple as that.

          • non-tulku on May 31, 2016 at 6:40 pm

            Dear Pastor Niral,
            Everything you say is “MUST BE THIS” !!! when it could also just as easily be that….. the exact opposite of what you say can’t you see?
            Maybe HH is living longer at age 81 precisely because of the steps he took 20 years ago starting in 1996 against Shugden practice?
            All the Gelukpa and Drikung lamas are NOT only either ALL WRONG or ALL RIGHT. They are obviously both and obviously not all are enlightened either.

            These things are very obvious to me but I guess not obvious to you unfortunately.
            I hope and pray you can soon see full picture without everything having to be all this or all that all the time. Thanks man!

          • Pastor Niral Patel on May 31, 2016 at 8:09 pm

            Dear non-tulku,

            You are obviously very set in your views about Dorje Shugden as seen by your earlier comments, though you claim not to be a Buddhist practitioner. In fact in your arguments, you make the same and common allegations against Dorje Shugden as those who do not know much about the issue but are adamant that the practice is bad.

            You labelled Dorje Shugden as sectarian and i gave you proof he his practice began in the Sakya tradition. You labeled him a wrathful being, after which i gave proof that all Dharma protectors are wrathful, even if their appearance is peaceful like that of the holy Achi Chokyi Drolma.

            Now you try to use what i said previously to make it seem as though i am narrow minded and stuck in my view point that Dorje Shugden practice does not harm the life of the Dalai Lama. Within Buddhism, when an ordained member of the Sangha holds their vows, this itself becomes the strongest form of protection against harm from spirits. And since Dorje Shugden is a spirit and the Dalai Lama is, in his own words, ‘just a humble monk’ it doesn’t make sense that Dorje Shugden could ever harm him. If people are adamant that the practice DOES harm him, then they are criticizing the Dalai Lama by implying that he is not a monk who holds his vows well. Then why should we have any respect for him since he himself doesn’t practice what he preaches to others. Who should we listen to and believe, someone who says somethings and does something else? Or a person who says what he or she does. Would you want to follow someone who pays homage to religious piety with their lips but betrays them by their actions?

            Please think deeper about the implications of your words and speech before you make judgements and pass comments. But since you claim not to be a practitioner, i am surprised to see you want to discuss this issue so much.

            Within Buddhism, especially within the Vajrayana schools is very important to view the teachers of the Dharma as vessels that transmit the Dharma to us. It is through viewing them as Buddhas that attainments arise in our mind stream, and the blessings of the Buddhas flow through the lineage of teachings to reach us, allowing a real transformation of the mind towards our own enlightenment. Therefore the view that previous teachers are wrong, even that the Dalai Lama’s own holy gurus, who passed him the practice of Dorje Shugden, negates the entire premise upon which Tibetan Buddhism is built. If the Dalai Lama’s teachers were wrong about Dorje Shugden, this implies the other teachings passed to him were similarly mistaken as they were practiced and taught by someone who had taken refuge in a a worldly spirit and therefore broken their samaya. This would obviously negate His Holiness Dalai Lama’s own position as a Dharma teachers, since the Dharma he received was corrupt. Within the lineage, the masters were highly attained if not enlightened, to claim that they were wrong to recognise Dorje Shugden as an enlightened being or even Achi Chokyi Drolma, is therefore tantamount to stating the all the lineages of Tibetan Buddhism are wrong and that their was no Buddha Shakyamuni, who passed the authentic teachings leading to enlightenment on to others.

            But i doubt you view him a lama through Buddhist logic, since your not Buddhist or religious in any sense. Perhaps you just view him a good statesman, but in that case, why would the worship of Dorje Shugden bother you.

          • non-tulku on May 31, 2016 at 11:15 pm

            Pastor Niral you can’t at all admit you could possibly be wrong sometimes? You never made a mistake in all of your tedious research ever? Some infallible realized rinpoche told you everything you know? You were there in Tibet when it all happened and remember it perfectly? You are a realized buddha already?

            I can admit I am wrong…. even more often than I am right. I am willing to change my view especially if how I was taught “gyalpo spirit” was wrong about Shugden. But you just parrot the same old things many others say without a compelling argument:
            “Dalai should have listened to his old masters and so he is no master just a humble monk.”
            You are a hypocrite man! Can’t you see? No?

            Obviously these “enlightened rinpoche” especially the tulkus make some mistakes just like any human just like you. Give the humble monk the same respect you demand he give his old masters.

            You are misleading people pastor. Compare Shugden with another murderer like Palden Lhamo who sits on her son’s flayed skin for a horse saddle, but please don’t talk about Achi until you really know about her. She is totally unlike Shugden or any other Dharmapala… except for the buddhahood part.

            I really wish you did not write this article. It is wrong to mislead people like you do.
            GoodBye

    • Stella Cheang on Apr 7, 2018 at 9:40 pm

      Rereading this article about the amazing story of Achi Chokyi Drolma set me wondering; who and why would someone want to disprove a practice taught by an enlightened being. It is unfathomable to think that highly attained masters who possess enlightened qualities would put their time, energy and effort to disprove another being. Going about to disprove another person is a sign of cowardliness, unaccomplishment and small-mindedness. It is not unheard of for example, for someone to garner more supporters or followers by disproving the other practice. Isn’t it?

  42. Casteven Lim (KH JB) on Apr 3, 2016 at 6:41 pm

    Dear Rinpoche and Pastor Niral,

    Thanks for blogging out the details information for Achi Choki Drolma and especially the 11 Questions and Answers. I do learn a lot from the Q & A hence is a very good i can use to answer to others when they are asking the similiar questions to me.

    Dorje Shugden ( emanation of Manjushri ) and Achi Choki Drolma ( emanation of Vajra Yogini ) both have the same enlightenment mind-stream to protect Dharma teaching to benefit others.

    May the unethical DS Ban lifted soon so many more will connect to the world peace protector Dorje Shugden.

    Your sincerely,
    Casteven

  43. Pastor David Lai on Apr 3, 2016 at 4:43 pm

    I think that this is a fantastic and educational blog post. This and many other of such articles make Tsem Rinpoche’s incredible blog such a great place to learn and explore various aspects of spirituality. I particularly enjoy the fantastic pictures of Achi Chokyi Drolma’s lively statues and learning about the Drikung Kagyu and especially the question and answer section.

    It is incredible how the origins of her practice was similar to Dorje Shugden’s in which controversy arose in relations to their true nature. Looks like Dorje Shugden is going through a similar phase but on a bigger scale I would say. If this is true, may Dorje Shugden be widely accepted as Manjushri soon and that he may become widespread as his practice is extremely effective for people today.

  44. Chris Chong on Mar 31, 2016 at 5:10 pm

    Dear Rinpoche and Pastor Niral,

    Thank you for sharing information on this uncommon protector of Drikung Kagyu lineage.

    Achi Choki Drolma has an interesting life and story. Similar to Yamantaka, she was not accepted right away and was said to be a flesh eating demoness. Then, Highly lamas are able to see the true nature of her practice and start to write extensive prayers and praises to her. As time goes by, the practice can prove its worthiness and be accepted.

    Similar goes to Dorje Shugden, i believe it will prove its worthiness and be accepted once again.

    Your Holiness Dalai Lama, Please Shugden Ban.

  45. Alice Tay on Mar 31, 2016 at 2:43 pm

    非常感谢仁波切和Pastor Niral分享此庄严又漂亮的止贡噶举传承的女护法,Achi Chokyi Drolma。

    Achi Chokyi Drolma是金剛瑜伽母的化身。她三岁时,就开始持诵度母咒并教其他的小孩。Achi Chokyi Drolma 仿佛有预知能力,知道她会嫁给一个瑜伽士,然后他们的结合后的每一位孩子都是博学有成就的修行人来弘揚佛法利益无数的众生。

    Achi Chokyi Drolma这一生的经历其实是一个非常好的教诲。她化身成为女护法就是为了要护持止贡噶举传承。而她的动机非常明显地就是要救度众生达成解脱、圆满和开悟。这就好像当年杜固扎巴坚赞化身为多杰雄登护法的目的一样,要护持第二佛宗喀巴大师珍贵的教诲,利益众生。

    一个是金剛瑜伽母化身的Achi Chokyi Drolma,一个是文殊菩萨化身的多杰雄登护法。因为佛菩萨的慈悲而化身为护法,主要的目的就是能帮助我们消除障碍,让我们可以有更好的条件修持佛法,迅速的达到证悟。

  46. Valentina Suhendra on Mar 30, 2016 at 3:44 pm

    Dear Pastor Niral

    Thank you for this wonderful post. I learned a lot from it. I agree with the similarities between Achi Chokyi Drolma and Dorje Shugden. Achi Chokyi Drolma specifically rose to protect Drikung Kagyu lineage teaching while Dorje Shugden rose to protect Gelugpa teaching. But since both of them are the emanation of Enlightened Buddha Manjushri and Buddha Vajrayogini, there is no way they are Secterian.

    I hope all misconceptions related to Dorje Shugden practice will be cleared soon.

    Valentina

  47. Wah Ying on Mar 29, 2016 at 11:25 pm

    Thank you Rinpoche, writers and blog team who bring this great article to all of us.

    The article was written in a way that is with lots of information yet easy to understand. I learn a lot from reading the article – from different lineages within Tibetan Buddhism, how Drikung Kagyu School arises; Six Yogas of Naropa, as well as life and practice of Achi Chokyi Drolma. When telling about how Achi Chokyi Drolma transforming a corpse into tsog offering, we can see very much efforts have been putting in to explain the using of corpse as an offering, which is to break away our hold of projection and perception; as well as overcoming our strong attachment to our body which will ultimately and always betrays us, no matter how much we have invested into it.

    Of course about how the practice not accepted initially, so much debate and friction were created…and finally being accepted, as well.

    The addendum – Similarities to Dorje Shugden part is extremely good and clear in explaining both Achi Chokyi Drolma and Dorje Shugden practice. Comparison in such a way make clearer to friends who are new to Dorje Shugden/Achi Chokyi practice, that both of the practices are having the “difficult” times before the practice being widely accepted or become mainstream.

    Dorje Shugden is definitely not sectarian as accused like how Achi Chokyi Drolma practice was criticized. If a dharmapala is sectarian for the deity arises specially to protect a certain lineage, then deity like Six-Armed Mahakala is to protect Shangpa Kagyu, Ekajati for Nyingma lineage – are these deities being sectarian as well? Why these deities or lineage free from accusations of being sectarian?

    Politics has played a huge role in the suppression of certain lines of incarnations, like that of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s; and politics does steps in when it comes to a dharma protector to become popular or being sidelined. When politics comes in, the biography, attainments and others proof about a certain deity/protector his/her nature is an enlightened being would be distorted or being overlooked totally. As a practitioner, we should be aware about this, and always go back to the teachings of one’s guru, which should be on top of all views/opinions heavily influenced by politics, outer issues such as ranking or fame of the person who give opinions.

    Another point that stood out and interest me is Achi Chokyi Drolma is propitiated as a guru, yidam and dharma protector. I strongly wish Dorje Shugden will be propitiated as guru, yidam, dharma protector or all three, in the near future, to benefit even more people, especially those who have strong ffinity with him.

    I truly believe as well Dorje Shugden practice will become mainstream, as He is an emanation of Wisdom Buddha Manjushri whose only purpose is to benefits all.

  48. Wan Wai Meng on Mar 29, 2016 at 2:20 am

    Thank you to Rinpoche and everyone who spent so much time to bring the article alive to us.

    One of the points that stood out for me is that just because a dharma protector protects one lineage of teaching does not render that protector as being sectarian, it is pure nonsense to think so. A dharma protector protects a lineage because that particular protector is most suited to protect that lineage, due to the manner the protector arose and karmic affinity. It is almost similar to say because Palden Lhamo is Dalai Lama’s personal protector she will not protect other lamas, or that because Palden Lhamo is the protectoress of Tibet, she will not protect other countries. Can enlightened beings be so ‘narrow’ in their outlook?

    Buddha Shakyamuni also never predicted the coming of Achi Chokyi Drolma, can she then be considered as an unenlightened protector? I don’t think so. Enlightened or not, ‘tenzin’ or ‘tenshi’ can be seen from propitiating the dharma protector, does the dharma grow or not in general or for the practitioners. Actions naturally speak louder than words.

    All dharma protectors help the practitioners to grow spiritually, helping practitioners to grow spiritually is a means to protect the lineage. All dharma protectors can help a practitioner materially, just because they do so does not mean the dharma protector is worldly. So why single out Dorje Shudgen when he helps people financially to over their material problems?

  49. Sofi on Mar 29, 2016 at 1:23 am

    Thank you Rinpoche for sharing and Pastor Niral with writers involved in this beautiful article of Achi Chokyi Drolma – Chief Protectress of the Drikung Kagyu. Its clear and easy to read. I find it interesting that she had used a human corpse as Tsog offering and now understand a little better of the tantric offering. She certainly share strong similarities with Protector Dorje Shugden as shown in the Addendum. She too had faced difficulties before she was fully accepted.
    It is interesting that after almost 400 years of propitiating Dorje Shugden as a Protector, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama should suddenly state that Dorje Shugden is a spirit. And this is after the 5th Dalai Lama, who upon realizing his mistake, wrote a praise declaring Dorje Shugden to be an Enlightened Protector and the following numerous highly attained Masters, like Panchen Lama, Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche, Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, the five Shakya Trizins and the list goes on, that had praised, written sadhana on his practise and propitiated his practise to their students and followers throughout this 400 years.
    His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama himself had been practising Dorje Shugden, who helped him safely escape from Tibet. Why had His Holiness, the emanation of Buddha Avalokitesvara suddenly turned his back on Dorje Shugden?
    By stating Dorje Shugden to be a spirit as an excuse can so easily be proven wrong and yet so many of His Holiness’ followers just accept his reasons without questions.
    With his declaration and ban, His Holiness throws the system of Guru/Disciple relationship/samaya, central to Tibetan Buddhism, into disarray and still his followers do not question.
    Many unsavoury acts had been perpetrated against Dorje Shugden Lamas and followers, which are against the very basis of Buddhist practise of Compassion and His Holiness’s followers do not question.
    So it must be true that His Holiness’ followers hold rank to be greater than attainments.
    I personally think that His Holiness’s followers should stop to think on a higher level as to the reason why he had declared a ban on Dorje Shugden. They should look deeper within His Holiness teachings of compassion, mind transformation, inner peace, etc., not just academically but to be put into practise.
    It is sad to see shallow minds waste the precious teachings of His Holiness, trying to proof themselves to be “loyal”. Unless they are attained, this “loyalty” will be their undoing. Sad indeed

    • Joy on Mar 29, 2016 at 3:51 am

      Good observation Sofi on how obvious it is that His Holiness’ followers hold rank to be greater than attainments. And isn’t that the scary part? Because if it is based on rank that one can override someone’s spiritual practice and another’s teacher’s teaching, then just about ANYONE who has a “higher” rank can do that. So what we’re saying is that there is a complete disregard towards the 50 stanzas of Guru Devotion which is the very core foundation for Vajrayana practices. This would also mean anyone who is of “higher” rank than the H.H. the Dalai Lama could override H.H. teachings as well. That means President Obama could probably override H.H. the Dalai Lama’s decision on the ban on Dorje Shugden as he has more authority overall being one of the superpower nations,no? Goes to show how ridiculous it is for anyone to based their decision just because they think H.H. the Dalai Lama has the highest authority.

  50. graceleong on Mar 28, 2016 at 11:47 pm

    Thank you to Rinpoche and all the writers who put this sharing together. It’s simple and clear with loads of information.The few points which stood out for me were :
    1) this whole argument on Dorje Shugden being a sectarian practice and hence have a negative connotation with regards to its practice, is not a valid argument at all. That’s not a valid reason to impose a Ban on DS. DS is not a sectarian practice.Similarly to the practice of Achi Chokyi Drolma, can someone ban it just because it protects the teachings of Drikung Kagyu ?
    2) Wrathful aspects/rituals in any particular practice does not mean that practice is a demonic or negative one. Achi Chokyi Drolma is in essence the wisdom dakini Vajrayogini and Dorje Shugden is in essence the wisdom Buddha Manjushri. Both of these Enlightened protectors have wrathful elements in their respective practices. They are used for more efficacious results.
    3) As history repeats itself, one day very soon, Dorje Shugden will be “free” to be propitiated by anyone and everyone who has the affinity with HIM. The Ban will come down and all that was argued over for the last 3 decades will gradually be forgotten. This happened during the time of Ra Lotsawa and Yamantaka ; similarly with Achi Chokyi Drolma too. This whole controversial drama will come to an end and many more can benefit from the powers of the Protector Dorje Shugden.

    • Joy on Mar 29, 2016 at 3:57 am

      You are right Grace to say this… ” DS is not a sectarian practice.Similarly to the practice of Achi Chokyi Drolma, can someone ban it just because it protects the teachings of Drikung Kagyu?” and the other big question is… Since Achi Chokyi Drolma arose specifically to protect Drikung Kagyu, isn’t that itself considered sectarian? Why is it not sectarian for Drikung Kagyu to have a specific protector but it is considered sectarian for Gelug to have a specific Dharma protector? Why the double standards? Shows us how ridiculous and bias the Tibetan leadership is. Hence why should anyone trust and follow them?

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  • Samfoonheei
    Friday, Mar 15. 2024 07:31 PM
    Venerable Ajahn Chah was a Thai Buddhist teacher of the Buddhadhamma and a founder of two major monasteries in the Thai Forest Tradition. Well respected and loved as a man of great wisdom, he was also instrumental in establishing Theravada Buddhism in the West. Interesting life story, how he chose to leave the settled monastic life and became a wandering ascetic. Walking across Thailand, lived in forests, caves and cremation grounds while learning from the meditation monks of the Forest of various monasteries. He wandered through the countryside in quest of quiet and secluded places for developing meditation. He even lived in tiger and cobra infested jungles, using reflections on death to penetrate to the true meaning of life. After years of wandering, Venerable Ajahn Chah established a monastery where he taught simple, practice-based form of meditation, and attracted a numerous of students including western foreigners. He was one of the greatest Dhamma teachers of the modern era. His wise teachings have continued to guide thousands of people along the path of Dharma. Venerable Ajahn Chah’s teachings of the Thai Forest Tradition gradually spread across all over the world. Several of Ajahn Chah’s Western students have since established monasteries throughout the world. Just in Thailand itself, there are more than 300 branch monasteries in Ajahn Chah’s tradition. Ven erable Ajahn Chah used his ill health as a teaching point, emphasizing that it was a living example of the impermanence of all things and reminded people to endeavour to find a true refuge within themselves. The legacy of Venerable Ajahn Chah’s teachings and legacy continues into the modern age.
    Thank you Rinpoche for this great sharing.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/great-lamas-masters/venerable-ajahn-chah-the-forest-monk.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Friday, Mar 15. 2024 07:30 PM
    Wonderful blog written on the practice of Kalarupa for us to understand better. As an emanation of Manjushri, Kalarupa’s practice helps us to destroy ignorance and to develop wisdom overcoming our anger and suffering . Awesome Kalarupa manifested in multiple forms to help sentient beings who personifies enlightenment by the conquest of anger. Kalarupa also regard as one of the three main Dharma protectors of the Gelugpa is extremely fierce and ugly, and tames all kinds of spiritual ugliness. The fierceness of his iconography teaches us to remind ourselves that all the causes and effects of anger arising from ignorance are dreadful and distorted.
    Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor Antionette for this detailed sharing,

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/kalarupa.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Friday, Mar 15. 2024 07:27 PM
    Nepal is a very spiritual country, having a huge Dorje Shugden mural in Kathmandu, is indeed a big achievement for Kechara. Located on Charkhal Road in Dilli Bazaar, the mural can be found midway between our two Dorje Shugden chapels which are in Putalisadak and Chabahil. It is also very close to one of Kathmandu’s largest shopping malls. Many locals , tourist will be able to connect them to a powerful deity that is so closely associated with their culture. Well the mural not only beautiful but also full of symbolism and everyone merely by seeing it is blessed. Thanks to those talented artists and generous sponsors making it a success.
    Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/travel/spectacular-dorje-shugden-mural-in-kathmandu-nepal.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Friday, Mar 15. 2024 07:24 PM
    All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on. Letting go helps us to live in a more peaceful state of mind and helps restore our balance. A reminder for us all to go of attachment and meditating on impermanence and emptiness. We are to relinquish the domination of our ego and its habits to transform ourselves. A great reminder not to waste our previous life.
    Quoted Ceasing to do evil, Cultivating the good, Purifying the heart .
    Thank you Rinpoche for sharing such a meaningful teachings with folded hands.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/pointing-the-staff-at-the-old-man.html
  • james belich
    Friday, Mar 8. 2024 09:43 PM
    Winning the lottery was part of my dreams, I tried so hard to win big but all to no avail, until I came across Dr Lucas online who made my dreams come through and made me win 10 million dollars. I was a logistics manager who lives in Lancaster, S.C. and works about an hour’s drive away, in Charlotte, N.C., I stopped at a store to buy a scratch-off lottery ticket during my lunch break, because Dr Lucas gave me all the assurance that the numbers are not going to fail after I did all he asked me to do. Dr lucas is a powerful Dr that is on a mission to eradicate poverty from people’s lives and i have confirmed that by winning $10 million with the numbers he provided for me, it is my promise to tell the world about my experience with Dr Lucas and that’s what I’m doing now, you can win the lottery fast with the help of Dr Lucas he is tested and trusted Email: Drlucasspelltemple@gmail. com or WhatsApp +234 904 794 3567 he will help you.
  • james belich
    Friday, Mar 8. 2024 09:42 PM
    Winning the lottery was part of my dreams, I tried so hard to win big but all to no avail, until I came across Dr Lucas online who made my dreams come through and made me win 10 million dollars. I was a logistics manager who lives in Lancaster, S.C. and works about an hour’s drive away, in Charlotte, N.C., I stopped at a store to buy a scratch-off lottery ticket during my lunch break, because Dr Lucas gave me all the assurance that the numbers are not going to fail after I did all he asked me to do. Dr lucas is a powerful Dr that is on a mission to eradicate poverty from people’s lives and i have confirmed that by winning $10 million with the numbers he provided for me, it is my promise to tell the world about my experience with Dr Lucas and that’s what I’m doing now, you can win the lottery fast with the help of Dr Lucas he is tested and trusted Email: Drlucasspelltemple@gmail.com or WhatsApp +234 904 794 3567 he will help you.
  • lee
    Thursday, Mar 7. 2024 07:06 PM
    We are members of the Buddhist Temple in Taman Desa Jaya, Kepong, Kuala Lumpur and we have been issued membership by the president (DATUK YIP KUM FOOK), we are very sad because we are the foundation of this Temple

    Now we can know who is always messing with people, and he always cheats money and women, he even uses Buddhism to find money.

    Also, need to be careful with his brother-in-law (Simon Low Kok Meng) because he is a spy (CID) for DATUK YIP KUM FOOK and we will write some letters to AGONG SULTAN IBRAHIM IBN ALMARHUM SULTAN ISKANDAR as soon as possible.

    From Jesmond Yap, Kepong Baru…Kuala Lumpur
  • Phoenix the Shaman Elder
    Thursday, Mar 7. 2024 01:40 AM
    The matriarchal cultures of the grandmothers have specific symbolism of animism shamanism, such as the horse, especially the blue horse, and the deer. These are two main symbols of a shaman woman and you can find them in many cultural folk lore, especially the Russian, Slavic, Siberian, Nordic, Finland, and Norway. It’s nice to see the Matriarchal Shaman Animism diety represented in Chinese.
  • Samfoonheei
    Monday, Mar 4. 2024 06:59 PM
    An inspiring act of a selfless Lama feeding strays whether its night or day. Truly an example for us all to feed those lonely strays . Yes I do agree compassion starts with feeding strays. Reading this blog again to refresh myself to do more. Strays animals generally lead a life of poor welfare on the street. Feeding strays is a compassionate act.
    Thank you Rinpoche and Anila for this sharing.


    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/one-minute-story/rinpoche-through-my-eyes-compassion-starts-with-feeding-strays
  • Samfoonheei
    Monday, Mar 4. 2024 06:56 PM
    nteresting revisit this blog again as truly inspiring reading over and over again . There’s so many inspiring nuns and female practitioner coming from different back ground, leading a more spiritual life. They are practitioners dedicated their life to religious observance and their path is illuminated by the light of compassion. Going against all odds to become one. Their devotion radiates like a thousand stars in the night sky. Here at Kechara Forest Retreat, Bentong Pahang we too have inspiring practitioners .
    Thank you Rinpoche for this great sharing.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/inspiring-nuns-and-female-practitioners.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Monday, Mar 4. 2024 06:55 PM
    H E Tsem Rinpoche’s Sungbum project aim to preserve the teachings and practices that have been passed from teacher to disciple in an unbroken line beginning with Lama Tsongkhapa himself . History has taught us the importance of preserving Buddha’s stainless teachings. Its important to preserve and safeguard the Buddhist tradition for future generations.
    Tsem Rinpoche is a clear and effective teacher where his stories and teachings are endlessly entertaining and inspiring. The preservation is very much needed. We are so fortunate given a chance to be involved in such a meritorious project .
    Thank you.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/current-affairs/the-tsem-rinpoche-sungbum-project.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Monday, Mar 4. 2024 06:55 PM
    Demons are disembodied spirits, supernatural being or spirit and unseen beings. We know they do exist and I believe they do. They have no physical form to them whatsoever. Demons do definitely exist. They are intelligent beings who are evil malicious spirits and are all dangerous entities. Valak is not to be summoned capriciously by anyone as they are dangerous beings when we invoke them having to face a heavy consequence. There are spiritual practices that we can ask for help a ritual of the wrathful Manjushri in the form of Trakze. Having a doing the practice daily without fail, consistently, as this Trakze practice has been proven to be efficacious to break the hold the Valak and other spirits. All thanks to our Guru bringing this practice to Kechara Forest Retreat, Bentong Malaysia.
    Thank you Rinpoche for this wonderful sharing for us to understand better.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/science-mysteries/valak-the-conjuring-2-demon.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Monday, Mar 4. 2024 06:53 PM
    Wow ,reading all these powerful quotes had me realised much better of giving even I have little. May H E Tsem Rinpoche’s sincere advice to reach the far shore of liberation to everyone reading this blog. The most truly generous people are those who give silently without asking any in return. There is no exercise better than reaching and lifting people up. A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal. Well creating and lighting for others we naturally light our own way. Helping others especially those unfortunate ones, make us feel more positive about our own circumstances.
    Thank you Rinpoche for sharing all these powerful quotes.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/inspiration-worthy-words/the-power-of-giving-18-quotes-from-tsem-rinpoche.html
  • Aarati Bhatt
    Wednesday, Feb 28. 2024 12:47 AM
    I have tried mine and my friend’s horoscope and it results same in both of our case, and not just that I have tried this on various friends and this horoscope is showing same for maximum date of birth, I think this is a bug.
  • Samfoonheei
    Thursday, Jan 4. 2024 04:11 PM
    Lama Tsongkhapa was an influential Tibetan Buddhist monk, philosopher and tantric yogi, whose activities led to the formation of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism . Lama Tsongkhapa was hailed as the second Buddha by contemporary Buddhist masters of his time. Famous for reviving Buddhism in Tibet and revered for elevating the Dharma to all its present glory. Hence having a 12 ft Lama Tsongkhapa Statue at new Kechara Gompa (Prayer Hall) is indeed a blessing. Its truly beautiful. Merely by looking at it is a blessing .
    Thank you Rinpoche and team effort making it possible.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/kechara-13-depts/10-ft-tsongkapa-here.html

1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · »

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I must thank my dharma blog team who are great assets to me, Kechara and growth of dharma in this wonderful region. I am honoured and thrilled to work with them. I really am. Maybe I don't say it enough to them, but I am saying it now. I APPRECIATE THESE GUYS VERY MUCH!

Tsem Rinpoche

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The Unknown

The Known and unknown are both feared,
Known is being comfortable and stagnant,
The unknown may be growth and opportunities,
One shall never know if one fears the unknown more than the known.
Who says the unknown would be worse than the known?
But then again, the unknown is sometimes worse than the known. In the end nothing is known unless we endeavour,
So go pursue all the way with the unknown,
because all unknown with familiarity becomes the known.
~Tsem Rinpoche

Photos On The Go

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According to legend, Shambhala is a place where wisdom and love reign, and there is no crime. Doesn\'t this sound like the kind of place all of us would love to live in? https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=204874
4 years ago
According to legend, Shambhala is a place where wisdom and love reign, and there is no crime. Doesn't this sound like the kind of place all of us would love to live in? https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=204874
108 candles and sang (incense) offered at our Wish-Fulfilling Grotto, invoking Dorje Shugden\'s blessings for friends, sponsors and supporters, wonderful!
4 years ago
108 candles and sang (incense) offered at our Wish-Fulfilling Grotto, invoking Dorje Shugden's blessings for friends, sponsors and supporters, wonderful!
Dharmapalas are not exclusive to Tibetan culture and their practice is widespread throughout the Buddhist world - https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=193645
4 years ago
Dharmapalas are not exclusive to Tibetan culture and their practice is widespread throughout the Buddhist world - https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=193645
One of our adorable Kechara Forest Retreat\'s doggies, Tara, happy and safe, and enjoying herself in front of Wisdom Hall which has been decorated for Chinese New Year
4 years ago
One of our adorable Kechara Forest Retreat's doggies, Tara, happy and safe, and enjoying herself in front of Wisdom Hall which has been decorated for Chinese New Year
Fragrant organic Thai basil harvested from our very own Kechara Forest Retreat farm!
4 years ago
Fragrant organic Thai basil harvested from our very own Kechara Forest Retreat farm!
On behalf of our Puja House team, Pastor Tat Ming receives food and drinks from Rinpoche. Rinpoche wanted to make sure the hardworking Puja House team are always taken care of.
4 years ago
On behalf of our Puja House team, Pastor Tat Ming receives food and drinks from Rinpoche. Rinpoche wanted to make sure the hardworking Puja House team are always taken care of.
By the time I heard about Luang Phor Thong, he was already very old, in his late 80s. When I heard about him, I immediately wanted to go and pay my respects to him. - http://bit.ly/LuangPhorThong
4 years ago
By the time I heard about Luang Phor Thong, he was already very old, in his late 80s. When I heard about him, I immediately wanted to go and pay my respects to him. - http://bit.ly/LuangPhorThong
It\'s very nice to see volunteers helping maintain holy sites in Kechara Forest Retreat, it\'s very good for them. Cleaning Buddha statues is a very powerful and effective way of purifying body karma.
4 years ago
It's very nice to see volunteers helping maintain holy sites in Kechara Forest Retreat, it's very good for them. Cleaning Buddha statues is a very powerful and effective way of purifying body karma.
Kechara Forest Retreat is preparing for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations. This is our holy Vajra Yogini stupa which is now surrounded by beautiful lanterns organised by our students.
4 years ago
Kechara Forest Retreat is preparing for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations. This is our holy Vajra Yogini stupa which is now surrounded by beautiful lanterns organised by our students.
One of the most recent harvests from our Kechara Forest Retreat land. It was grown free of chemicals and pesticides, wonderful!
4 years ago
One of the most recent harvests from our Kechara Forest Retreat land. It was grown free of chemicals and pesticides, wonderful!
Third picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal.
Height: 33ft (10m)
5 years ago
Third picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal. Height: 33ft (10m)
Second picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal.
Height: 33ft (10m)
5 years ago
Second picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal. Height: 33ft (10m)
First picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal.
Height: 33ft (10m)
5 years ago
First picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal. Height: 33ft (10m)
The first title published by Kechara Comics is Karuna Finds A Way. It tells the tale of high-school sweethearts Karuna and Adam who had what some would call the dream life. Everything was going great for them until one day when reality came knocking on their door. Caught in a surprise swindle, this loving family who never harmed anyone found themselves out of luck and down on their fortune. Determined to save her family, Karuna goes all out to find a solution. See what she does- https://bit.ly/2LSKuWo
5 years ago
The first title published by Kechara Comics is Karuna Finds A Way. It tells the tale of high-school sweethearts Karuna and Adam who had what some would call the dream life. Everything was going great for them until one day when reality came knocking on their door. Caught in a surprise swindle, this loving family who never harmed anyone found themselves out of luck and down on their fortune. Determined to save her family, Karuna goes all out to find a solution. See what she does- https://bit.ly/2LSKuWo
Very powerful story! Tibetan Resistance group Chushi Gangdruk reveals how Dalai Lama escaped in 1959- https://bit.ly/2S9VMGX
5 years ago
Very powerful story! Tibetan Resistance group Chushi Gangdruk reveals how Dalai Lama escaped in 1959- https://bit.ly/2S9VMGX
At Kechara Forest Retreat land we have nice fresh spinach growing free of chemicals and pesticides. Yes!
5 years ago
At Kechara Forest Retreat land we have nice fresh spinach growing free of chemicals and pesticides. Yes!
See beautiful pictures of Manjushri Guest House here- https://bit.ly/2WGo0ti
5 years ago
See beautiful pictures of Manjushri Guest House here- https://bit.ly/2WGo0ti
Beginner’s Introduction to Dorje Shugden~Very good overview https://bit.ly/2QQNfYv
5 years ago
Beginner’s Introduction to Dorje Shugden~Very good overview https://bit.ly/2QQNfYv
Fresh eggplants grown on Kechara Forest Retreat\'s land here in Malaysia
5 years ago
Fresh eggplants grown on Kechara Forest Retreat's land here in Malaysia
Most Venerable Uppalavanna – The Chief Female Disciple of Buddha Shakyamuni - She exhibited many supernatural abilities gained from meditation and proved to the world females and males are equal in spirituality- https://bit.ly/31d9Rat
5 years ago
Most Venerable Uppalavanna – The Chief Female Disciple of Buddha Shakyamuni - She exhibited many supernatural abilities gained from meditation and proved to the world females and males are equal in spirituality- https://bit.ly/31d9Rat
Thailand’s ‘Renegade’ Yet Powerful Buddhist Nuns~ https://bit.ly/2Z1C02m
5 years ago
Thailand’s ‘Renegade’ Yet Powerful Buddhist Nuns~ https://bit.ly/2Z1C02m
Mahapajapati Gotami – the first Buddhist nun ordained by Lord Buddha- https://bit.ly/2IjD8ru
5 years ago
Mahapajapati Gotami – the first Buddhist nun ordained by Lord Buddha- https://bit.ly/2IjD8ru
The Largest Buddha Shakyamuni in Russia | 俄罗斯最大的释迦牟尼佛画像- https://bit.ly/2Wpclni
5 years ago
The Largest Buddha Shakyamuni in Russia | 俄罗斯最大的释迦牟尼佛画像- https://bit.ly/2Wpclni
Sacred Vajra Yogini
5 years ago
Sacred Vajra Yogini
Dorje Shugden works & archives - a labour of commitment - https://bit.ly/30Tp2p8
5 years ago
Dorje Shugden works & archives - a labour of commitment - https://bit.ly/30Tp2p8
Mahapajapati Gotami, who was the first nun ordained by Lord Buddha.
5 years ago
Mahapajapati Gotami, who was the first nun ordained by Lord Buddha.
Mahapajapati Gotami, who was the first nun ordained by Lord Buddha. She was his step-mother and aunt. Buddha\'s mother had passed away at his birth so he was raised by Gotami.
5 years ago
Mahapajapati Gotami, who was the first nun ordained by Lord Buddha. She was his step-mother and aunt. Buddha's mother had passed away at his birth so he was raised by Gotami.
Another nun disciple of Lord Buddha\'s. She had achieved great spiritual abilities and high attainments. She would be a proper object of refuge. This image of the eminent bhikkhuni (nun) disciple of the Buddha, Uppalavanna Theri.
5 years ago
Another nun disciple of Lord Buddha's. She had achieved great spiritual abilities and high attainments. She would be a proper object of refuge. This image of the eminent bhikkhuni (nun) disciple of the Buddha, Uppalavanna Theri.
Wandering Ascetic Painting by Nirdesha Munasinghe
5 years ago
Wandering Ascetic Painting by Nirdesha Munasinghe
High Sri Lankan monks visit Kechara to bless our land, temple, Buddha and Dorje Shugden images. They were very kind-see pictures- https://bit.ly/2HQie2M
5 years ago
High Sri Lankan monks visit Kechara to bless our land, temple, Buddha and Dorje Shugden images. They were very kind-see pictures- https://bit.ly/2HQie2M
This is pretty amazing!

First Sri Lankan Buddhist temple opened in Dubai!!!
5 years ago
This is pretty amazing! First Sri Lankan Buddhist temple opened in Dubai!!!
My Dharma boy (left) and Oser girl loves to laze around on the veranda in the mornings. They enjoy all the trees, grass and relaxing under the hot sun. Sunbathing is a favorite daily activity. I care about these two doggies of mine very much and I enjoy seeing them happy. They are with me always. Tsem Rinpoche

Always be kind to animals and eat vegetarian- https://bit.ly/2Psp8h2
5 years ago
My Dharma boy (left) and Oser girl loves to laze around on the veranda in the mornings. They enjoy all the trees, grass and relaxing under the hot sun. Sunbathing is a favorite daily activity. I care about these two doggies of mine very much and I enjoy seeing them happy. They are with me always. Tsem Rinpoche Always be kind to animals and eat vegetarian- https://bit.ly/2Psp8h2
After you left me Mumu, I was alone. I have no family or kin. You were my family. I can\'t stop thinking of you and I can\'t forget you. My bond and connection with you is so strong. I wish you were by my side. Tsem Rinpoche
5 years ago
After you left me Mumu, I was alone. I have no family or kin. You were my family. I can't stop thinking of you and I can't forget you. My bond and connection with you is so strong. I wish you were by my side. Tsem Rinpoche
This story is a life-changer. Learn about the incredible Forest Man of India | 印度“森林之子”- https://bit.ly/2Eh4vRS
5 years ago
This story is a life-changer. Learn about the incredible Forest Man of India | 印度“森林之子”- https://bit.ly/2Eh4vRS
Part 2-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
5 years ago
Part 2-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
Part 1-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
5 years ago
Part 1-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
The great Protector Manjushri Dorje Shugden depicted in the beautiful Mongolian style. To download a high resolution file: https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
5 years ago
The great Protector Manjushri Dorje Shugden depicted in the beautiful Mongolian style. To download a high resolution file: https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
The Mystical land of Shambhala is finally ready for everyone to feast their eyes and be blessed. A beautiful post with information, art work, history, spirituality and a beautiful book composed by His Holiness the 6th Panchen Rinpoche. ~ https://bit.ly/309MHBi
5 years ago
The Mystical land of Shambhala is finally ready for everyone to feast their eyes and be blessed. A beautiful post with information, art work, history, spirituality and a beautiful book composed by His Holiness the 6th Panchen Rinpoche. ~ https://bit.ly/309MHBi
Beautiful pictures of the huge Buddha in Longkou Nanshan- https://bit.ly/2LsBxVb
5 years ago
Beautiful pictures of the huge Buddha in Longkou Nanshan- https://bit.ly/2LsBxVb
The reason-Very interesting thought- https://bit.ly/2V7VT5r
5 years ago
The reason-Very interesting thought- https://bit.ly/2V7VT5r
NEW Bigfoot cafe in Malaysia! Food is delicious!- https://bit.ly/2VxdGau
5 years ago
NEW Bigfoot cafe in Malaysia! Food is delicious!- https://bit.ly/2VxdGau
DON\'T MISS THIS!~How brave Bonnie survived by living with a herd of deer~ https://bit.ly/2Lre2eY
5 years ago
DON'T MISS THIS!~How brave Bonnie survived by living with a herd of deer~ https://bit.ly/2Lre2eY
Global Superpower China Will Cut Meat Consumption by 50%! Very interesting, find out more- https://bit.ly/2V1sJFh
5 years ago
Global Superpower China Will Cut Meat Consumption by 50%! Very interesting, find out more- https://bit.ly/2V1sJFh
You can download this beautiful Egyptian style Dorje Shugden Free- https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
5 years ago
You can download this beautiful Egyptian style Dorje Shugden Free- https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
Beautiful high file for print of Lord Manjushri. May you be blessed- https://bit.ly/2V8mwZe
5 years ago
Beautiful high file for print of Lord Manjushri. May you be blessed- https://bit.ly/2V8mwZe
Mongolian (Oymiakon) Shaman in Siberia, Russia. That is his real outfit he wears. Very unique. TR
5 years ago
Mongolian (Oymiakon) Shaman in Siberia, Russia. That is his real outfit he wears. Very unique. TR
Find one of the most beautiful temples in the world in Nara, Japan. It is the 1,267 year old Todai-ji temple that houses a 15 meter Buddha Vairocana statue who is a cosmic and timeless Buddha. Emperor Shomu who sponsored this beautiful temple eventually abdicated and ordained as a Buddhist monk. Very interesting history and story. One of the places everyone should visit- https://bit.ly/2VgsHhK
5 years ago
Find one of the most beautiful temples in the world in Nara, Japan. It is the 1,267 year old Todai-ji temple that houses a 15 meter Buddha Vairocana statue who is a cosmic and timeless Buddha. Emperor Shomu who sponsored this beautiful temple eventually abdicated and ordained as a Buddhist monk. Very interesting history and story. One of the places everyone should visit- https://bit.ly/2VgsHhK
Manjusri Kumara (bodhisattva of wisdom), India, Pala dynesty, 9th century, stone, Honolulu Academy of Arts
5 years ago
Manjusri Kumara (bodhisattva of wisdom), India, Pala dynesty, 9th century, stone, Honolulu Academy of Arts
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    4 years ago
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    Whales and dolphins playing with each other in the Pacific sea. Nature is truly incredible!
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    5 years ago
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  • Cute Tara girl having a snack. She is one of Kechara Forest Retreat’s resident doggies.
    5 years ago
    Cute Tara girl having a snack. She is one of Kechara Forest Retreat’s resident doggies.
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    Your Next Meal!
    Yummy? Tasty? Behind the scenes of the meat on your plates. Meat is a killing industry.
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    What happened at Fair Oaks Farm?
    The largest undercover dairy investigation of all time. See what they found out at Fair Oaks Farm.
  • She’s going to spend her whole life here without being able to move correctly. Like a machine. They are the slaves of the people and are viewed as a product. It’s immoral. Billions of terrestrial animals die annually. Billions. You can’t even imagine it. And all that because people don’t want to give up meat, even though there are so many alternatives. ~ Gabriel Azimov
    5 years ago
    She’s going to spend her whole life here without being able to move correctly. Like a machine. They are the slaves of the people and are viewed as a product. It’s immoral. Billions of terrestrial animals die annually. Billions. You can’t even imagine it. And all that because people don’t want to give up meat, even though there are so many alternatives. ~ Gabriel Azimov
  • Our Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir speaks so well, logically and regarding our country’s collaboration with China for growth. It is refreshing to listen to Dr. Mahathir’s thoughts. He said our country can look to China for many more things such as technology and so on. Tsem Rinpoche
    5 years ago
    Our Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir speaks so well, logically and regarding our country’s collaboration with China for growth. It is refreshing to listen to Dr. Mahathir’s thoughts. He said our country can look to China for many more things such as technology and so on. Tsem Rinpoche
  • This is the first time His Holiness Dalai Lama mentions he had some very serious illness. Very worrying. This video is captured April 2019.
    5 years ago
    This is the first time His Holiness Dalai Lama mentions he had some very serious illness. Very worrying. This video is captured April 2019.
  • Beautiful Monastery in Hong Kong
    5 years ago
    Beautiful Monastery in Hong Kong
  • This dog thanks his hero in such a touching way. Tsem Rinpoche
    5 years ago
    This dog thanks his hero in such a touching way. Tsem Rinpoche
  • Join Tsem Rinpoche in prayer for H.H. Dalai Lama’s long life~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYy7JcveikU&feature=youtu.be
    5 years ago
    Join Tsem Rinpoche in prayer for H.H. Dalai Lama’s long life~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYy7JcveikU&feature=youtu.be
  • These people going on pilgrimage to a holy mountain and prostrating out of devotion and for pilgrimage in Tibet. Such determination for spiritual practice. Tsem Rinpoche
    5 years ago
    These people going on pilgrimage to a holy mountain and prostrating out of devotion and for pilgrimage in Tibet. Such determination for spiritual practice. Tsem Rinpoche
  • Beautiful new casing in Kechara for Vajra Yogini. Tsem Rinpoche
    5 years ago
    Beautiful new casing in Kechara for Vajra Yogini. Tsem Rinpoche
  • Get ready to laugh real hard. This is Kechara’s version of “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane!” We have some real talents in this video clip.
    5 years ago
    Get ready to laugh real hard. This is Kechara’s version of “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane!” We have some real talents in this video clip.
  • Recitation of Dorje Dermo‘s mantra or the Dharani of Glorious Vajra Claws. This powerful mantra is meant to destroy all obstacles that come in our way. Beneficial to play this mantra in our environments.
    5 years ago
    Recitation of Dorje Dermo‘s mantra or the Dharani of Glorious Vajra Claws. This powerful mantra is meant to destroy all obstacles that come in our way. Beneficial to play this mantra in our environments.
  • Beautiful
    5 years ago
    Beautiful
    Beautiful sacred Severed Head Vajra Yogini from Tsem Rinpoche's personal shrine.
  • My little monster cute babies Dharma and Oser. Take a look and get a cute attack for the day! Tsem Rinpoche
    5 years ago
    My little monster cute babies Dharma and Oser. Take a look and get a cute attack for the day! Tsem Rinpoche
  • Plse watch this short video and see how all sentient beings are capable of tenderness and love. We should never hurt animals nor should we eat them. Tsem Rinpoche
    5 years ago
    Plse watch this short video and see how all sentient beings are capable of tenderness and love. We should never hurt animals nor should we eat them. Tsem Rinpoche
  • Cruelty of some people have no limits and it’s heartbreaking. Being kind cost nothing. Tsem Rinpoche
    5 years ago
    Cruelty of some people have no limits and it’s heartbreaking. Being kind cost nothing. Tsem Rinpoche
  • SUPER ADORABLE and must see
    5 years ago
    SUPER ADORABLE and must see
    Tsem Rinpoche's dog Oser girl enjoying her snack in her play pen.
  • Cute!
    5 years ago
    Cute!
    Oser girl loves the balcony so much. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTcoWpKJm2c
  • Uncle Wong
    5 years ago
    Uncle Wong
    We were told by Uncle Wong he is very faithful toward Dorje Shugden. Dorje Shugden has extended help to him on several occasions and now Uncle Wong comes daily to make incense offerings to Dorje Shugden. He is grateful towards the help he was given.
  • Tsem Rinpoche’s Schnauzer Dharma boy fights Robot sphere from Arkonide!
    5 years ago
    Tsem Rinpoche’s Schnauzer Dharma boy fights Robot sphere from Arkonide!
  • Cute baby owl found and rescued
    5 years ago
    Cute baby owl found and rescued
    We rescued a lost baby owl in Kechara Forest Retreat.
  • Nice cups from Kechara!!
    5 years ago
    Nice cups from Kechara!!
    Dorje Shugden people's lives matter!
  • Enjoy a peaceful morning at Kechara Forest Retreat
    5 years ago
    Enjoy a peaceful morning at Kechara Forest Retreat
    Chirping birds and other forest animals create a joyful melody at the Vajrayogini stupa in Kechara Forest Retreat (Bentong, Malaysia).
  • This topic is so hot in many circles right now.
    6 years ago
    This topic is so hot in many circles right now.
    This video is thought-provoking and very interesting. Watch! Thanks so much to our friends at LIVEKINDLY.
  • Chiropractic CHANGES LIFE for teenager with acute PAIN & DEAD LEG.
    6 years ago
    Chiropractic CHANGES LIFE for teenager with acute PAIN & DEAD LEG.
  • BEAUTIFUL PLACE IN NEW YORK STATE-AMAZING.
    6 years ago
    BEAUTIFUL PLACE IN NEW YORK STATE-AMAZING.
  • Leonardo DiCaprio takes on the meat Industry with real action.
    6 years ago
    Leonardo DiCaprio takes on the meat Industry with real action.
  • Do psychic mediums have messages from beyond?
    6 years ago
    Do psychic mediums have messages from beyond?
  • Lovely gift for my 52nd Birthday. Tsem Rinpoche
    6 years ago
    Lovely gift for my 52nd Birthday. Tsem Rinpoche
  • This 59-year-old chimpanzee was refusing food and ready to die until...
    6 years ago
    This 59-year-old chimpanzee was refusing food and ready to die until...
    she received “one last visit from an old friend” 💔💔
  • Bigfoot sighted again and made it to the news.
    6 years ago
    Bigfoot sighted again and made it to the news.
  • Casper is such a cute and adorable. I like him.
    6 years ago
    Casper is such a cute and adorable. I like him.
  • Dorje Shugden Monastery Amarbayasgalant  Mongolia's Ancient Hidden Gem
    6 years ago
    Dorje Shugden Monastery Amarbayasgalant Mongolia's Ancient Hidden Gem
  • Don't you love Hamburgers? See how 'delicious' it is here!
    6 years ago
    Don't you love Hamburgers? See how 'delicious' it is here!
  • Such a beautiful and powerful message from a person who knows the meaning of life. Tsem Rinpoche
    6 years ago
    Such a beautiful and powerful message from a person who knows the meaning of life. Tsem Rinpoche
  • What the meat industry figured out is that you don't need healthy animals to make a profit.
    6 years ago
    What the meat industry figured out is that you don't need healthy animals to make a profit.
    Sick animals are more profitable... farms calculate how close to death they can keep animals without killing them. That's the business model. How quickly they can be made to grow, how tightly they can be packed, how much or how little can they eat, how sick they can get without dying... We live in a world in which it's conventional to treat an animal like a block of wood. ~ Jonathan Safran Foer
  • This video went viral and it's a must watch!!
    6 years ago
    This video went viral and it's a must watch!!
  • SEE HOW THIS ANIMAL SERIAL KILLER HAS NO ISSUE BLUDGEONING THIS DEFENSELESS BEING.
    6 years ago
    SEE HOW THIS ANIMAL SERIAL KILLER HAS NO ISSUE BLUDGEONING THIS DEFENSELESS BEING.
    This happens daily in slaughterhouse so you can get your pork and Bak ku teh. Stop eating meat.

ASK A PASTOR


Ask the Pastors

A section for you to clarify your Dharma questions with Kechara’s esteemed pastors.

Just post your name and your question below and one of our pastors will provide you with an answer.

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View All Questions

CHAT PICTURES

And here's Mr Wong of KSK Ipoh who dropped by to pray and offered some donation to the Chapel. Kechara Penang Study Group. Pic by Siew Hong & uploaded by Jacinta.
2 days ago
And here's Mr Wong of KSK Ipoh who dropped by to pray and offered some donation to the Chapel. Kechara Penang Study Group. Pic by Siew Hong & uploaded by Jacinta.
Today's puja (16/3/2024) ended around 420pm, Jacinta was the umze of the day. Pic by Siew Hong. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
2 days ago
Today's puja (16/3/2024) ended around 420pm, Jacinta was the umze of the day. Pic by Siew Hong. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
Group photo taken after the last session, sealed with King of Prayers. Come and join us next time! Sayonara - 9-10th March 2024 - Kechara Penang DS Retreat by Jacinta.
6 days ago
Group photo taken after the last session, sealed with King of Prayers. Come and join us next time! Sayonara - 9-10th March 2024 - Kechara Penang DS Retreat by Jacinta.
Abundance altar! Fruits, flowers, Mee Koo (traditional Penang buns), Bee Hoon, sourdoughs and snacks are some of the offerings to Rinpoche, Buddhas & Bodhisattvas. Kechara Penang Dorje Shugden Retreat 9-10th March, 2024 by Jacinta.
7 days ago
Abundance altar! Fruits, flowers, Mee Koo (traditional Penang buns), Bee Hoon, sourdoughs and snacks are some of the offerings to Rinpoche, Buddhas & Bodhisattvas. Kechara Penang Dorje Shugden Retreat 9-10th March, 2024 by Jacinta.
Siew Hong, one of retreatants and an active member of Kechara Penang group proudly presented her torma to be used during the Kalarupa puja. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
7 days ago
Siew Hong, one of retreatants and an active member of Kechara Penang group proudly presented her torma to be used during the Kalarupa puja. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
Torma making was taught by Pastor Seng Piow and held one day before the retreat. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
7 days ago
Torma making was taught by Pastor Seng Piow and held one day before the retreat. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
Penang Dorje Shugden Retreat cum Puja, 9-10th March 2024 led by Pastor Seng Piow with 12 retreatants. Uploaded by Jacinta
7 days ago
Penang Dorje Shugden Retreat cum Puja, 9-10th March 2024 led by Pastor Seng Piow with 12 retreatants. Uploaded by Jacinta
The celebration ended with a Dorje Shugden puja, dedicated to all the sponsors, our loved ones and as well as for the happiness & good health for all sentient beings. May Rinpoche return swiftly too and taking this opportunity wishing all Happy Chinese New Year and Gong Xi Fa Cai from all of us, Kechara Penang Study Group. Uploaded by Jacinta.
1 month ago
The celebration ended with a Dorje Shugden puja, dedicated to all the sponsors, our loved ones and as well as for the happiness & good health for all sentient beings. May Rinpoche return swiftly too and taking this opportunity wishing all Happy Chinese New Year and Gong Xi Fa Cai from all of us, Kechara Penang Study Group. Uploaded by Jacinta.
Seen here, Pastor Seng Piow set off firecrackers - welcoming of the upcoming year with enthusiasm and positive energy. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
1 month ago
Seen here, Pastor Seng Piow set off firecrackers - welcoming of the upcoming year with enthusiasm and positive energy. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
In this pic, Pastor Seng Piow is sharing Dharma with newbies ~ Sharyn's friends. It's always good to make light offerings at the beginning of new year. By making light offerings, you are able to dispel the darkness of ignorance and achieve wisdom. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
1 month ago
In this pic, Pastor Seng Piow is sharing Dharma with newbies ~ Sharyn's friends. It's always good to make light offerings at the beginning of new year. By making light offerings, you are able to dispel the darkness of ignorance and achieve wisdom. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
One the day of Losar (new lunar year), it is always beneficial for Buddhist practitioners to get together in making abundant offerings to Buddhas on the altar to usher in goodness, prosperity and well-being of our loved ones. It's more auspicious this year as Losar and the Chinese New Year begin on the same date, 10th Feb, 2024. Back in Penang, our Kechara members came together to decorate the altar with abundance offerings for Dorje Shugden puja @3pm. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
1 month ago
One the day of Losar (new lunar year), it is always beneficial for Buddhist practitioners to get together in making abundant offerings to Buddhas on the altar to usher in goodness, prosperity and well-being of our loved ones. It's more auspicious this year as Losar and the Chinese New Year begin on the same date, 10th Feb, 2024. Back in Penang, our Kechara members came together to decorate the altar with abundance offerings for Dorje Shugden puja @3pm. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
Mr. Dared Lim was offering water bowls on behalf of Kechara Ipoh Study Group. (Kin Hoe)
1 month ago
Mr. Dared Lim was offering water bowls on behalf of Kechara Ipoh Study Group. (Kin Hoe)
Jun from Ipoh was offering mandarin oranges to Mother Tara and The Three Jewels. (Kin Hoe)
1 month ago
Jun from Ipoh was offering mandarin oranges to Mother Tara and The Three Jewels. (Kin Hoe)
Prior to our puja in Ipoh, Mr. & Mrs. Cheah Fook Wan were preparing for the offerings to the Buddhas. (Kin Hoe)
1 month ago
Prior to our puja in Ipoh, Mr. & Mrs. Cheah Fook Wan were preparing for the offerings to the Buddhas. (Kin Hoe)
On Sunday afternoon, Kechara Ipoh Study Group has carried out Mother Tara prayer recitations in Ipoh. (Kin Hoe)
1 month ago
On Sunday afternoon, Kechara Ipoh Study Group has carried out Mother Tara prayer recitations in Ipoh. (Kin Hoe)
Some of the best shots taken during Thaipusam in Penang. Swee Bee, Huey, Tang KS, Nathan, Choong SH and Jacinta volunteered. Wai Meng came all the way from KL to help out. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
2 months ago
Some of the best shots taken during Thaipusam in Penang. Swee Bee, Huey, Tang KS, Nathan, Choong SH and Jacinta volunteered. Wai Meng came all the way from KL to help out. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
Simple yet powerful ally ~ Bhagawan Dorje Shuden. Kechara Penang Study Group consists of Chien Seong, Hue, Choong SH, Tang KS, Swee Bee and Jacinta. Wai Meng came all the way from KL to help out. Uploaded by Jacinta.
2 months ago
Simple yet powerful ally ~ Bhagawan Dorje Shuden. Kechara Penang Study Group consists of Chien Seong, Hue, Choong SH, Tang KS, Swee Bee and Jacinta. Wai Meng came all the way from KL to help out. Uploaded by Jacinta.
Thaipusam in Penang. Some of the best shots. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
2 months ago
Thaipusam in Penang. Some of the best shots. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
Nothing beats having a sacred audience with our lineage lamas. It's not selfie or wefie, but we have the best 'groufie'!!! 20th Jan 2024, Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
2 months ago
Nothing beats having a sacred audience with our lineage lamas. It's not selfie or wefie, but we have the best 'groufie'!!! 20th Jan 2024, Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
Welcoming our lineage Gurus to our Penang Chapel today! Pastor Seng Piow explained the significance of having Guru Tree and introduced to us our lineage lamas, Buddhas, deities, protectors and etc.
2 months ago
Welcoming our lineage Gurus to our Penang Chapel today! Pastor Seng Piow explained the significance of having Guru Tree and introduced to us our lineage lamas, Buddhas, deities, protectors and etc.
Umze for the day was Siew Hong. She's just been with us for slightly more than a year now but she's proven her capability in leading the puja. Our Penang group members are so proud of her and her commitment in attending the weekly puja. Despite being eloquence and smart, she has beautiful chant as well. When she leads, make sure you are there to hear her chant for yourself! Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
2 months ago
Umze for the day was Siew Hong. She's just been with us for slightly more than a year now but she's proven her capability in leading the puja. Our Penang group members are so proud of her and her commitment in attending the weekly puja. Despite being eloquence and smart, she has beautiful chant as well. When she leads, make sure you are there to hear her chant for yourself! Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
Umze for the day was Siew Hong. She's just been with us for slightly more than a year now but she's proven her capability in leading the puja. Our Penang group members are so proud of her and her commitment in attending the weekly puja. Despite being eloquence and smart, she has beautiful chant as well. When she leads, make sure you are there to hear her chant for yourself! Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
2 months ago
Umze for the day was Siew Hong. She's just been with us for slightly more than a year now but she's proven her capability in leading the puja. Our Penang group members are so proud of her and her commitment in attending the weekly puja. Despite being eloquence and smart, she has beautiful chant as well. When she leads, make sure you are there to hear her chant for yourself! Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
Tara Recitation is on now at KISG - Wai Meng
3 months ago
Tara Recitation is on now at KISG - Wai Meng
Photo from Wan Wai Meng
3 months ago
Photo from Wan Wai Meng
A sea of yellow ~usually in Tibetan Buddhism yellow represents growth. We prayed that our Penang group will grow in terms of people, wealth and attainments too. _/\_ Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
3 months ago
A sea of yellow ~usually in Tibetan Buddhism yellow represents growth. We prayed that our Penang group will grow in terms of people, wealth and attainments too. _/_ Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
After Dorje Shugden puja @3pm, we had Rinpoche's Swift Return puja too. We laughed as Sis Swee Bee was commenting that Tang should smile ~ here's the reason why we laughed.  Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta Goh
3 months ago
After Dorje Shugden puja @3pm, we had Rinpoche's Swift Return puja too. We laughed as Sis Swee Bee was commenting that Tang should smile ~ here's the reason why we laughed. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta Goh
3 months ago
Today's (9/12/2023)Dorje Shugden puja led by Gordon. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
3 months ago
Today's (9/12/2023)Dorje Shugden puja led by Gordon. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
3 months ago
3 months ago
Dharma sharing by Hue before we proceeded with DS puja & Rinpoche Swift Return puja. Hue is one of the long time Kechara Penang members and he comes to puja regularly. He shared that he truly believes that Dorje Shugden and Rinpoche always there guiding him. He shared how sometimes DS will give him hints to avert troubles ahead or to alert him when he 'misbehaved'. Hope many will come to know more about this powerful Dharma Protector, Dorje Shugden aka DS. Having Dorje Shugden is like having a powerful ally that will protect us day and night. Just trust Him and have faith. Kechara Penang Study Group, 25/11/2023 by Jacinta.
4 months ago
Dharma sharing by Hue before we proceeded with DS puja & Rinpoche Swift Return puja. Hue is one of the long time Kechara Penang members and he comes to puja regularly. He shared that he truly believes that Dorje Shugden and Rinpoche always there guiding him. He shared how sometimes DS will give him hints to avert troubles ahead or to alert him when he 'misbehaved'. Hope many will come to know more about this powerful Dharma Protector, Dorje Shugden aka DS. Having Dorje Shugden is like having a powerful ally that will protect us day and night. Just trust Him and have faith. Kechara Penang Study Group, 25/11/2023 by Jacinta.
Kechara Penang Study Group had our weekly DS puja , led by our beloved sis Swee Bee and serkym by Mr. Lee. After that, we completed Swift Return puja also. 18th Nov 2023. By Jacinta
4 months ago
Kechara Penang Study Group had our weekly DS puja , led by our beloved sis Swee Bee and serkym by Mr. Lee. After that, we completed Swift Return puja also. 18th Nov 2023. By Jacinta
#Back2back 11th Nov 2023 Dorje Shugden puja & Rinpoche's Swift Return puja @Penang Chapel, 49 Jalan Seang Tek, Georgetown, Pulau Pinang. Every Saturday @3pm/5pm. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
4 months ago
#Back2back 11th Nov 2023 Dorje Shugden puja & Rinpoche's Swift Return puja @Penang Chapel, 49 Jalan Seang Tek, Georgetown, Pulau Pinang. Every Saturday @3pm/5pm. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
Pic: Rinpoche Swift Return puja ~ 21/10/23 Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
5 months ago
Pic: Rinpoche Swift Return puja ~ 21/10/23 Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
#Backtoback A few months back, Kechara Penang Study Group started to have two pujas consecutively on Saturday. Dorje Shugden puja @3pm and thereafter Rinpoche Swift Return puja. This can only be achieved due to the committed members from Penang. A big round of applause...... Pic : DS puja on 21/10/2023 Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
5 months ago
#Backtoback A few months back, Kechara Penang Study Group started to have two pujas consecutively on Saturday. Dorje Shugden puja @3pm and thereafter Rinpoche Swift Return puja. This can only be achieved due to the committed members from Penang. A big round of applause...... Pic : DS puja on 21/10/2023 Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
More pictures of the day! Kechara Penang Chapel & public blessings 3rd Oct 2023 by Jacinta.
5 months ago
More pictures of the day! Kechara Penang Chapel & public blessings 3rd Oct 2023 by Jacinta.
Some pictures of the public blessings taken right after the puja was completed by the monks. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta. 3rd Oct 2023.
5 months ago
Some pictures of the public blessings taken right after the puja was completed by the monks. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta. 3rd Oct 2023.
3rd Oct 2023, Tibetan monks came to Kechara Penang for chapel & public blessing, in conjunction with the arrival of H. E Tsem Rinpoche's holy statue. Thanks to Pastor Henry & Pastor Seng Piow, who guided us throughout the event. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
5 months ago
3rd Oct 2023, Tibetan monks came to Kechara Penang for chapel & public blessing, in conjunction with the arrival of H. E Tsem Rinpoche's holy statue. Thanks to Pastor Henry & Pastor Seng Piow, who guided us throughout the event. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
Tsem Rinpoche's holy statue is here! 3rd Oct 2023. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
5 months ago
Tsem Rinpoche's holy statue is here! 3rd Oct 2023. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
29th Sept 2023. Kechara Penang Dorje Shugden puja adjourned at 4.30pm with 9 attendees. Thereafter, a Rinpoche Swift Return puja was completed too. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
5 months ago
29th Sept 2023. Kechara Penang Dorje Shugden puja adjourned at 4.30pm with 9 attendees. Thereafter, a Rinpoche Swift Return puja was completed too. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
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Dorje Shugden
Click to watch my talk about Dorje Shugden....