Question asked by Ben
Hi pastors. I was wondering with all the purification practices out there. Could we engage in a retreat using the Kawang prayers to Dorje Shugden or Setrap or other protectors to eliminate lots of negative karma? Could my focus be on the Kawang more than doing serkyem or reciting mantra or other parts of the practice?












































































































Dear Ben,
You are right that the Kawang prayer to Dharma protectors is very good for purifying negative karma. His Eminence 25th Tsem Rinpoche also advices us to do more Kawang recitations when we are going through especially difficult times. Sometimes Rinpoche will ask students to recite Kawang before various virtuous works so that we are successful in our endeavors.
Traditionally however, when we engage in retreat, we concentrate on the particular mantra of the deity, in this case it would be Dorje Shugden’s mantra. This is the most important part of a deity retreat, through which we can gain spiritual attainments. This is how retreats are engaged in within Kechara, under the advisement of Rinpoche. Each and every part of the retreat prayers has a specific function which helps us along our spiritual part.
That being said, if you would like to engage in more recitations of the Kawang, this will only benefit you as you are purifying your karma, but if you are in a retreat setting please make sure to follow the retreat prayers as outlined in the retreat post, during every session.
Rinpoche has explained the process and practice of Dorje Shugden retreat here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/dorje-shugden-retreat-a-powerful-practice-to-fulfill-wishes.html.