Growing up with Rinpoche: Lama Dorje Shugden
Having had the fortune of meeting Rinpoche when she was just 11 years old, the ‘Growing up with Rinpoche’ series captures Pastor Jean Ai’s growth under Rinpoche’s guidance. In this series, she recounts some of Rinpoche’s myriad Dharma activities to benefit sentient beings.
Rinpoche had a different kind of relationship with Dorje Shugden. It was a special kind of relationship, like Dorje Shugden was a father, brother, friend, guardian, guru all rolled into one. In private moments, Rinpoche would converse with Dorje Shugden, speaking as he would to a friend; when we had the privilege of being there, we witnessed Rinpoche speaking with genuine affection, love, respect, care, awe and humility. There were times when Rinpoche expressed joy to Dorje Shugden, when Rinpoche thanked Dorje Shugden, when Rinpoche cried to Dorje Shugden, when Rinpoche confided in his Protector in the same way we would confide in our best friends.
Rinpoche always spoke to Dorje Shugden as though he was there (which, of course, he is), and always treated Dorje Shugden as though he was real (which, of course, he is). For example, after some contemplation, Rinpoche at one time concluded what foods Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen would have been served during his lifetime. After that, Rinpoche instructed the Ladrang (a lama’s household) for daily offerings to be made to Dorje Shugden with foods that he would have enjoyed as Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen.
Then there was the use of “Lama Dorje Shugden”. I have never heard anyone else refer to Dorje Shugden in that way but that is how Rinpoche would often refer to Dorje Shugden in prayer and conversation.
I used to wonder what Rinpoche meant by that. Rinpoche must have known what I was thinking because one day, Rinpoche suddenly explained it to me. If memory serves, Rinpoche had just finished reciting a prayer to dedicate the merits of publishing a blog post. I was, as usual, sat on the floor next to Rinpoche’s feet, observing Rinpoche in prayer, readying myself to take the incense out of Rinpoche’s hand and place it inside the burner.
It was Rinpoche’s habit to remain perfectly still at the end of any dedication prayer. With his eyes closed, Rinpoche would silently engage in deeper meditations, recite further liturgies or verbalise his aspirations. After completing these, Rinpoche would open his eyes, hand the incense to whoever was attending at the time, and then resume whatever Rinpoche had previously been doing.
On that particular day however, Rinpoche broke the silence. Out of the blue, with his eyes closed, Rinpoche explained his many reasons for referring to Dorje Shugden as “Lama Dorje Shugden”.
- Before arising as a Dharma Protector, Dorje Shugden was a lama many times over, including rebirths as Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen, Panchen Sonam Drakpa and Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen. Calling Dorje Shugden “Lama Dorje Shugden” was Rinpoche’s way of referring to his previous lifetimes as these luminary teachers and scholars.
- Now that he is a Dharma Protector, Dorje Shugden still takes on the role of teacher, especially when he enters the Oracle in his peaceful form known as Dulzin. During those times, Dorje Shugden can remain in the Oracle for hours, giving Dharma discourses and clarifying very complex, subtle points of the teachings. No other Dharma Protector can do that; the fact Dorje Shugden can give Dharma teachings reflects his uncommon, enlightened nature that sets him apart from other Protectors. These Dharma teachings offer us the highest protection of all because they guide us to achieve bodhicitta, which protects us from everything that might possibly harm us. When we have achieved bodhicitta, we need no external Dharma Protector. Calling Dorje Shugden “Lama Dorje Shugden” was Rinpoche’s way of referring to Dorje Shugden’s continued role as a lama and teacher.
- Finally, in the absence of His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, Rinpoche said he trusted only Dorje Shugden to answer all of his questions. It was Dorje Shugden whom Rinpoche sought advice from. Rinpoche, in effect, relied on Dorje Shugden as he would a lama. Calling Dorje Shugden “Lama Dorje Shugden” was Rinpoche’s way of referring to Dorje Shugden in this role.
For these reasons, Rinpoche said it was entirely appropriate for him to refer to Dorje Shugden as “Lama Dorje Shugden”.
During Rinpoche’s lifetime, I did not pick up any of Rinpoche’s enlightened qualities nor the majority of Rinpoche’s habits. The way Rinpoche referred to Dorje Shugden however, is one habit I am happy to do a very poor imitation of because I loved, loved, loved the way Rinpoche referred to Dorje Shugden. For someone like me who has absolutely no extra-sensory perceptions whatsoever (as sensitive as a brick wall!), referring to Dorje Shugden as “Lama Dorje Shugden” made someone I cannot directly perceive become even more real and tangible for me.
It is not until now that I can appreciate how Rinpoche harnessed the power of language to strengthen my relationship with my Dharma Protector. It was such a subtle thing – Lama Dorje Shugden versus Dorje Shugden – but it made a difference. It taught me that Dorje Shugden is not some ethereal, pie in the sky, inaccessible deity; he is real, he is present, he is here, he is now.
It also taught me that there is more than one way to rely on a Buddha. There are the prayers, rituals and liturgies, and then there are the myriad ways to reinforce your connection with them for the 23 hours you are off your meditation cushion. Do you treat them as someone very distant or as someone very close to you? Do you make a conscious effort to keep introducing their presence in your life, or do you forget about them once your prayers are over? What do you do, or what can you do, to bring them closer to you?
The impact of Rinpoche’s language on my relationship with my Protector also showed me the interconnectedness of speech and mind, and how our speech can have such tangible effects on our view of the Buddhas (and indeed, all other phenomena around us). Such are the skilful means of my teacher to bring his students closer to the Buddhas.
To my Lama, who is one with Heruka, we look forward to welcoming you home soon.
Originally posted: http://wp.me/p3DGTa-1sh
Please support us so that we can continue to bring you more Dharma:
If you are in the United States, please note that your offerings and contributions are tax deductible. ~ the tsemrinpoche.com blog team
Looking at the above pictures of our Guru standing alone tells us all. Rinpoche having a deep thought and silently talking to Lama Dorje Shugden. It showed us the closeness relationship Rinpoche has with the powerful Protector . It was really special kind of relationship. Thank you Pastor Jean Ai , for this sharing of your experience being as a student of Rinpoche. As least now we could understand with yours and Rinpoche’s explanation, why Rinpoche’s referred Dorje Shugden as Lama Dorje Shugden whom is indeed a Lama to us.
Dear Pastor Jean Ai,
When you mentioned about offering food to Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen, you reminded me about that posting and I have screenshot that for future references. Those few particular messages have caught my attention due to the name, i. e. KARMA. I thought maybe it’s directed to our karma? But I was wrong.?
Thank you for this post about ‘Lama’ Dorje Shugden. Personally I prefer to address Dorje Shugden as Lord Dorje Shugden, being that He is more like a Master to me. Giving me instructions and helping me along my path.
On the other hand, I suppose the word ‘Lama’ is more appropriate referring it to Rinpoche. I used to address Rinpoche as Rinpoche or His Eminence when it’s more formal to do so. Lately, since Rinpoche has pyhyically left us, addressing Rinpoche as my ‘Lama’ sounds more appropriate. I feel closer to Rinpoche by calling Him my Lama as opposed to Guru. Something that I’ve regretted for not doing so when He was here. But even if He is here now, I wouldn’t dare to call that too ( I’m far from being qualified to be His student).
Anyway, thank you for letting us know that Dorje Shugden is indeed a Lama to us. He is Here Now and we should always contact Him so that we create the causes to be close to Him. He is indeed a special and uncommon Dharma Protector as He often giving us advice.
Lastly, I think Rinpoche is very skillful in bringing us closer to Dorje Shugden. Every steps/posts are carefully designed so that we can learn about Dorje Shugden more and eventually put our trust in Him. I also agree that the choice of words that we use can affect and effect our mind in many ways. Thank you again for this post.
Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor Jean Ai for this inspiring highlight about how Rinpoche communicates with Lama Dorje Shugden. Mum and I had few experiences when we sincerely talked to Dorje Shugden and request him for urgent help….he will come very fast to assist us. Eg, lost or misplaced of items, mum choked on fish bone, and during her experienced of very terrible weather on an orang asli trip with KISG few years ago. Dorje Shugden is a very compassionate and reliable protector when we sisncerely need him. ???