dorjeshugden.com
About Dorje Shugden => General Discussion => Topic started by: Mana on September 03, 2012, 08:03:04 PM
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Dear friends,
This article is so relevant and it really mirrors the truth of the situation at this point. What are your thoughts about this? Has the Gelug Lineage lost it's effectiveness?
Mana
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Has the Gelug lineage lost its effectiveness?
There isn’t a Tibetan Buddhist in the world who hasn’t heard of the recent controversies surrounding the practice of the Protector Deity Dorje Shugden. Since the Dalai Lama banned the practice, it has been the most talked about issue within the Buddhist world.
The Dalai Lama and his supporters claim that Dorje Shugden is an evil spirit and praying to him is equal to praying to a spirit, which destroys the basis of our most basic Buddhist refuge vows and commitments, and creates heavy, negative karma. They claim that the worship of Dorje Shugden will result in practitioners’ eventual misfortunes, shortening of the Dalai Lama’s life and the failure of the cause for Tibetan independence.
If this is REALLY the case, then we would like to point out the very serious consequences that this has for the future of Buddhist practice, especially within the Gelug school:
The Consequences for Tantra in the Gelugpa school
1) We are told that anyone who practices Dorje Shugden has lost their refuge. If they have lost their refuge, this means they have also lost their basis of all three sets of vows: Pratimoksha, Bodhisattva and Tantra. If they have lost the basis of all their vows and samaya, then all their practices will degenerate and bring no result. These practices include all their sadhanas, Tsog, tantric meditations, pujas, rituals and divinations. It means that the people who practice Dorje Shugden have broken everything that is sacred and pure. Therefore, they cannot be considered Buddhists anymore, let alone accomplish their practices, and they have sealed their fate in the three lower realms for an immeasurable amount of time.
2) Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche, the Panchen Lamas and thousands of other elite Buddhist masters such as Kyabje Ling Rinpoche have practiced Dorje Shugden or at least respected him very much. If we follow the same line of thought, it means these lamas have also broken their refuge, have not practiced correctly and are therefore not correct objects of refuge for us anymore; we cannot consider them as qualified lineage teachers or rely on them. Nor can we accept, receive or practice with confidence any of the tantric lineages they have passed to us. As such, all tantric lineages become null and ineffective.
Within the tantras of the Gelug school, lamas such as Pabongka Rinpoche and Trijang Rinpoche are a part of the lineage lamas we recite supplication prayers to daily. For example, in the 13-Deity and Solitary Yamantaka sadhanas, there are 40 lamas whose names we recite and request for their blessings. It is important that we recite these supplications to our root and lineage lamas to absorb their blessings into our practice.
All the sadhanas of Vajrayogini, Heruka, Yamantaka and Guhyasamaja that are taught and practiced within the Gelug school today all include Pabongka Rinpoche and Trijang Rinpoche within the prayers to the lineage lamas. How is this possible if they have all broken their refuge and are now in the 3 lower realms? How can we be taking refuge and requesting blessings from beings that are not correct objects of refuge? In fact, the Short Solitary-Yamantaka sadhana and the 6-Session Guru Yoga were composed by Pabongka Rinpoche – this is recited by every Gelug tantric initiate daily. The only currently used long and short Vajrayogini sadhana within the Gelugpa school, and the commentaries on Vajrayogini and Yamantaka were also composed by Pabongka Rinpoche. That would mean every high Gelugpa lama and learned Geshe have been stripped of all their attainments.
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has received the bulk of his tantric practices from these very root and lineage lamas, and is now initiating thousands of people into these same practices. For example, the practice of Kalachakra he bestows on countless people every year comes directly from Kyabje Ling Rinpoche. Since Kyabje Ling Rinpoche respected and has written prayers to Dorje Shugden, how can he be a fit lineage lama? And therefore, how can the Kalachakra lineage of the Dalai Lama be correct and bear results if we do the practice when the source is stained?
We are led to understand that all Gelug sadhanas today are therefore nullified and empty of blessings, and we should stop them immediately. After all, it cannot be that the lineage lamas broke their refuge only in one aspect but remained pure in all their other practices. Once you have broken your refuge, which is the basis of all other vows and commitments, it applies to one’s entire practice. It is thus logical for us to say that NOBODY alive in the Gelugpa lineage today, including the Dalai Lama, has attainments or a potent lineage because they have all obtained their teachings and practices from a broken, tainted lineage of teachers.
3) H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama himself has said that he does the Yamantaka, Guhyasamaya and Heruka sadhanas daily. This is according to the advice of Tsongkhapa who recommended these three sadhanas to his followers during this degenerate Kaliyuga age. Since His Holiness does the 3 Kingly Sadhanas every day, he would also be supplicating these same lamas who are apparently not worthy of our prayers and refuge anymore. This includes Pabongka Rinpoche and His Holiness’ own Gurus Trijang Rinpoche and Ling Rinpoche. This means that the Dalai Lama is also doing practices which have no correct basis or blessings, and therefore should have no attainments. Either the lineage lamas are attained and without fault, or they are ordinary beings without blessings – which one is it?
In fact, it is safe to say that the whole Gelugpa tantric system is now faulted. When there is a break in the lineage of lamas, this would mean that the practices are now invalid and without lineal blessings. The practices are nullified and should be considered ineffective. Is that what we are to believe from now on?
The Consequences for Sutra in the Gelugpa school
4) We must also consider the sutra teachings and practices: Thousands of elite, qualified and very high learned Geshes have arisen from the three pillars of learning (Gaden, Sera and Drepung Monasteries) over the last 600 years. Within that time, Dorje Shugden practice has been very strong and highly respected over the last 350 years in all three monasteries. In fact, his images, statues and thangkas are prevalent throughout these three great pillars within their prayer halls, khangtsens and private ladrangs. So over the last 350 years, thousands of qualified Geshes and monks have practiced Dorje Shugden, or received their sutra and scriptural trainings from other Geshes and high lamas who practiced Dorje Shugden. In fact, within the three pillars, the teachers and disciples who practice Dorje Shugden are so intertwined that to remove one and say that he is not qualified would cause the whole monastic system to collapse with a huge domino effect.
If we consider that Dorje Shugden practitioners have all broken their refuge and are no longer true Buddhists or true objects of refuge, then all these Geshes and high lamas are not qualified to teach in any way; their thousands of students over the last 350 years have been relying on unqualified sources and receiving teachings from impure teachers. Their students henceforth are therefore monks with no true basis of refuge… if they are monks at all now. In fact, Ordination vows passed on would be invalid. Therefore, it is possible that His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and thousands of monks in the three pillars are not truly ordained Sangha. Also, since they engage in wrong “spirit” practices and are not real Buddhists, we can assume that once they pass away, they would take rebirth in the 3 lower realms.
Even if the current monks and Geshes have abandoned the practice of Dorje Shugden, their teachers and lineage teachers of the past did the practice and are therefore not considered true or correct Buddhists. For example, Lama Yeshe practiced Dorje Shugden all his life until he passed away and many teachings were passed from him to his close disciple Lama Zopa. Lama Zopa has given up the practice now but this still makes him unqualified as his teacher did not give up the practice. Which Gelugpa lama now, of the 21st century, has not received teachings either directly from Trijang Rinpoche himself or through his lineage? All these lamas must therefore be considered unqualified.
All the monks of the three pillars now are therefore continuing to receive scriptural and sutra teachings from incorrect, impure sources. Hence, there are no longer any pure, unbroken blessings or lineage in Gaden, Sera and Drepung today. If this is the case, the three monasteries should stop teaching immediately and close down completely. It would be very wrong to continue spreading broken lineages, broken samaya and teachings from unqualified teachers.
If we continue to uphold this illogical ban we are also invalidating 600 years of attained masters and their lineages; we are considering the three great pillars of knowledge and practice as unnecessary and void of results. As we have shown clearly, to state that the single practice of Dorje Shugden is not true to Buddhism has very far-reaching consequences. It means that everything being taught and practiced in the Gelugpa school of Buddhism today – including all personal teachings, practices and advice of the 14th Dalai Lama – are baseless, incorrect, impure and devoid of blessings. Actually, the whole Gelugpa lineage should be eliminated from the landscape of Buddhism. In this case, should we now consider that His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and all other Gelug teachers are ill qualified?
If this is the debate on Dorje Shugden today, then we had better be prepared for what it really means for the entirety of our practices now and in the future. Whatever practice we choose isn’t just a simple choice. It carries far heavier consequences than what the Dalai Lama has simplified as just being a choice that is ‘up to you’.
www.dorjeshugden.com (http://www.dorjeshugden.com)
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Below are some examples of prayers to Dorje Shugden (and his entourage) written by highly qualified, elite, lineage teachers:
1. Nyirtoe by Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang
http://www.dorjeshugden.com/prayers/dorje-shugden-prayers/nyirtoe/ (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/prayers/dorje-shugden-prayers/nyirtoe/)
2. Offerings, Praises, Fulfillment and Requests to Dorje Shugden by Kyabje Dragri Dorje Chang
http://www.dorjeshugden.com/prayers/dorje-shugden-prayers/offerings-praises-fulfillment-and-requests-to-the-dharmapala-dorje-shugden-by-kyabje-dragri-dorje-chang/ (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/prayers/dorje-shugden-prayers/offerings-praises-fulfillment-and-requests-to-the-dharmapala-dorje-shugden-by-kyabje-dragri-dorje-chang/)
3. Incense (sang) Offering Prayer to Dorje Shugden by Ganden Serkong Dorje Chang
http://www.dorjeshugden.com/prayers/dorje-shugden-prayers/incense-offering-prayer-to-dorje-shugden/ (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/prayers/dorje-shugden-prayers/incense-offering-prayer-to-dorje-shugden/)
4. Praise to Dorje Shugden called Praise to the Indestructible Protector by Kyabje Dagpo Dorje Chang
http://www.dorjeshugden.com/prayers/dorje-shugden-prayers/kyabje-dagpo-dorje-chang%e2%80%99s-praise-to-dorje-shugden/ (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/prayers/dorje-shugden-prayers/kyabje-dagpo-dorje-chang%e2%80%99s-praise-to-dorje-shugden/)
5. Request for Activity of Gyalchen Shugden called Universal World Peace Prayer for All by Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche
http://www.dorjeshugden.com/prayers/dorje-shugden-prayers/request-for-activity-of-gyalchen-shugden-by-kyabje-trijang-rinpoche/ (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/prayers/dorje-shugden-prayers/request-for-activity-of-gyalchen-shugden-by-kyabje-trijang-rinpoche/)
6. Invoking Ratna Shugden on a Horse for Wealth by Zemey Rinpoche
http://www.dorjeshugden.com/prayers/dorje-shugden-prayers/request-to-ratna-shugden/ (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/prayers/dorje-shugden-prayers/request-to-ratna-shugden/)
7. Request of Activities of Protectors by Kyabje Ling Rinpoche
http://www.dorjeshugden.com/others-old/request-of-activities-of-protectors-by-kyabje-ling-rinpoche/ (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/others-old/request-of-activities-of-protectors-by-kyabje-ling-rinpoche/)
8. Praise to Khache Marpo called Praise to Yaksha Khache Marpo, the Doctrine’s Watchman by the 5th Dalai Lama
http://www.dorjeshugden.com/prayers/dorje-shugden-prayers/praises-by-the-5th-dalai-lama-to-khache-marpo/ (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/prayers/dorje-shugden-prayers/praises-by-the-5th-dalai-lama-to-khache-marpo/)
9. Invocation to Lord Namkar Barzin
http://www.dorjeshugden.com/prayers/dorje-shugden-prayers/invocation-to-lord-namkar-barzin/ (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/prayers/dorje-shugden-prayers/invocation-to-lord-namkar-barzin/)
10. Prayer to Gyelchen Dorje Shugden called Melody of the Unceasing Vajra by the 5th Dalai Lama
http://www.dorjeshugden.com/prayers/dorje-shugden-prayers/prater-by-the-fifth-dalai-lama-to-gyelchen-dorje-shugden/ (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/prayers/dorje-shugden-prayers/prater-by-the-fifth-dalai-lama-to-gyelchen-dorje-shugden/)
11. Melody of the Unceasing Vajra by the 14th Dalai Lama
http://www.dorjeshugden.com/prayers/dorje-shugden-prayers/melody-of-the-unceasing-vajra-by-the-14th-dalai-lama/ (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/prayers/dorje-shugden-prayers/melody-of-the-unceasing-vajra-by-the-14th-dalai-lama/)
All prayers can be viewed in full on the website DorjeShugden.com
Source: http://www.dorjeshugden.com/?p=24046 (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/?p=24046)
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Mana. Thank you for this very logical analysis of the whole Gelug lineage situation. By applying the Protector Dorje Shugden ban by the 14th Dalai Lama on the basis that the protector is a spirit, really means that the Gelug lineage today has no basis. If fact then it would mean that the lineage started to degenerate 350 years ago when the protector practice started. It means that the Dalai Lama himself has no attainments, is not a qualified monk, Lama and teacher. It means all the Lamas and all Gelugpas are not buddhist at all. And we will all go to the lower realms.
This is frightening and at the same time we realise by the same logic that the whole basis of the ban; that the Protector Dorje Shugden is a spirit cannot be true. 100% not true. Why? Let us examine the facts. Starting with the Lineages Lamas since 350 years ago to Pabongka Rinpoche, Trijang Rinpoche, Ling Rinpoche, Zong Rinpoche to Lama Yeshe, Lama Zopa and Geshe Kelsang Gyatso; all these Lamas have perfect conduct. All are devoted to the Dharma and manifest compassion of the highest degree. If these Lamas goes to the 3 lower realms then nobody else has any chance to escape. We examine any person by their actions and results. These Lamas are the Lineage masters of thousands perhaps millions of Gelugpas and exemplify the highest aspirations of Buddha's teachings. Hence, it is not possible that these Lamas has no attainments. The results are the proofs.
If these Lamas has attainments, then the Protector Dorje Shugden is NOT a spirit and is in fact a manifestation of Manjushri, the Buddha of Wisdom.
If anyone has any small percentage of doubt this should clear up all these doubts. By the same token, then the whole institution of Gelug is valid except for the ban.
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This is a brilliant article. Well written and straight to the point really! The 'arguments' are very valid. How can the gelug lineage be seen as "reliable" if the issue of the ban persist? Surely it is either all these attained masters are indeed who they are or the ban is but a smokescreen for something more?
Yes this debate on the ban being something more than meets the eye persists and there are those of you who would argue the fact... but it certainly is more plausible than insinuating these great lamas are wrong or not attained.
I for one find it much easier to believe the latter than the former if you ask me and that in itself is something that I would not even fathom to debate on.
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Thank you for the compelling letter. It does raise a lot of interesting points, especially about the Lineage Lamas being Dorje Shugden practitioners and how the ban would invalidate the entire lineage which is true and which makes a lot more sense than adhering to the ban itself and adhering to the perception that Dorje Shugden is an evil spirit. In fact, I have come across many people who defected from the Gelug tradition due to this issue as they have came to their own conclusion that all Gelug Lamas have been tainted by Dorje Shugden and are thus, invalid and there are no more real Lamas within the Gelug tradition. This is what many people have think and this is the direct result of the ban: people losing confidence in the Gelug tradition and abandoning it subsequently. Without a doubt, this effect is exactly what the other lineages want so that they can get more followers, but at the cost of Gelugpa. Anyway, I do find it interesting to point out that the 'tainted lama' theory, where a Lama who has lamas practicing Dorje Shugden is tainted comes from a non Gelug ideology and I have heard some of this lamas say that even mentioning the name Dorje Shugden brings bad luck....I find that ridiculous.
To adhere to the belief that Dorje Shugden is evil is to invalidate the whole of Gelug, there is no denying about that. The 5th Dalai Lama consulted Nechung to please the Nyingmas, and this ban is to please the other lineages so that they feel less insecure. That is the only thing there is to this ban.
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SABOTAGE
The argumentation is flawless and logical.
Every Gelugpa must ponder every word of this article and think it through.
There cannot be a Gelug school that is anti-Dorje Shugden, there simply cannot be, for the simple reason that it would then have no lineage, it would have sabotaged its own lineage.
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Dear Mana,
Thanks for this very "sharp" to point and meaningful article. To me, this article is like a "brainstorming session". In Tibetian Buddhism or Vajrayana, one of the quality; which is unique from Mahayana and Theravada is about Guru Devotion. What ever the Guru thought us, must be from a lineage that able to trace from the source. And, we believe 100% on whatever the Guru have taught us
If , praying to Dorje Shugden is illegal. This mean , the Guru has been teaching us the wrong knowledge. And, they are worshiping something "evil". This mean Dalai Lama's own Guru like H.H Trijang Rinpoche is praying to a "evil" spirit. On this point, does it mean the whole Gelug lineage is "contaminated".
If this is so, H.H Trijang Rinpoche are not to be reincarnate as "human" being again, according to Law of Karma. But, H.H Trijang Rinpoche reincarnation is a Human. Where is the logic?
Therefore, i urge those say Dorje Shugden is a "evil" spirit, kindly think deeper this time. Have more wisdom.
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Logical and well written based on historical facts.
Maybe of the reasons HHDL enforced the ban could be that HH knows to get autonomy for Tibet from China in his this very lifetime is not going to happen and HH may not wish to reincarnate as the 15th because there is no country, per se, to govern administratively and spiritually. Maybe HH plans to reincarnate in China and continue his work from there. On this basis, HH ‘enforces’ the ban so that many people outside of the Tibetan circle know of Dorje Shugden. What a great advertisement from one of the greatest marketers! HH surely knows the facts put together here by Mana before he enforces the ban and yet he puts his reputation on the line by doing so. Why? I say, benefiting hundreds of thousands, and millions is more important than HH himself. This is one of the pure acts of a bodhisattva.
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Logical and well written based on historical facts.
Maybe of the reasons HHDL enforced the ban could be that HH knows to get autonomy for Tibet from China in his this very lifetime is not going to happen and HH may not wish to reincarnate as the 15th because there is no country, per se, to govern administratively and spiritually. Maybe HH plans to reincarnate in China and continue his work from there. On this basis, HH ‘enforces’ the ban so that many people outside of the Tibetan circle know of Dorje Shugden. What a great advertisement from one of the greatest marketers! HH surely knows the facts put together here by Mana before he enforces the ban and yet he puts his reputation on the line by doing so. Why? I say, benefiting hundreds of thousands, and millions is more important than HH himself. This is one of the pure acts of a bodhisattva.
Since you have mentioned it now, HH have left many hints that he does not want to lead the Tibetans any longer and that this will be the last Dalai Lama in line. I believe that the broken samaya and the negative deeds done by CTA over the centuries have led to this unfortunate conclusion. By enforcing the ban in a fanatical way, the CTA creates the causes for the Dalai Lama to separate from them and that is what the Dalai Lama wants, probably because he has more beings to benefit that is beyond the Tibetans. If the Tibetans have followed His Holiness for so long and the end result is still the same as it was 300 years ago, and there is another group of beings who can benefit more from His Holiness, the logical decision would be to go to the beings that can benefit more rather than sticking with the ones that give little or no result. but of course, the Tibetans would not accept it if His Holiness leaves them this way and they demand exclusive attention from His Holiness...so he has to find a way to make them grow up and learn.
Perhaps, one day, CTA will come to realize what they did wrong and unban all the lamas that they have banned over the span of 350 years and clean up their act and be a real Buddhist government. There really is no other alternative but for them to wake up and take responsibility. His Holiness has done so much for them and yet they cannot/refuse to improve and it is sad.
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Ensapa,
You express well. Thank you for contributing to the discussions. You add wisdom, candour and good thoughts.
Why do you continue to practice Dorje Shugden? What drives you on? What is the extent of your practice if I may ask? ;)
Mana
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Ensapa,
You express well. Thank you for contributing to the discussions. You add wisdom, candour and good thoughts.
Thank you for your kind words, Mana. To me, these are just an expression of what I feel about the many issues that surround the ban that i feel very strongly opposed on, but at the same time, I can see a reason for it to be there.
Why do you continue to practice Dorje Shugden? What drives you on? What is the extent of your practice if I may ask? ;)
There are many things that drives me to continue my Dorje Shugden practice. The main reason is of course, because my Guru has taught me about Dorje Shugden. Without his blessings, I would not even start my practice because its illogical to practice a Dharma protector without the Guru's blessings and approval. I have always felt a very strong sense of justice and I get very worked up whenever I see people being oppressed. When I read about his issue online, I was apprehensive at first but it only drove me to find out more and more about him and I dug out all the articles, both pros and cons about him to make my own decision. in the end, I come to the conclusion that HHDL is not a bad or a fake and many times he sounded very half hearted about the ban, as if he was putting up a show for someone and this person is threatening HHDL with something very serious to comply. I also saw how stupid and fanatical those going against Dorje Shugden were, and I told myself never to be like them. They were giving Buddhists a very bad name by their behavior, logic and reasoning.
When I started practicing Dorje Shugden, many things happened. First of all, it is quite well known to my family that I have always been protected by an invisible entity when young and there were several times where I could have died, but something happens and intervenes and my family have been recounting those moments so I do know. I had no idea who this was until I discovered Dorje Shugden and I felt that this entity could be him as they both have a wrathful but warm and tender feeling to them. When I read his story and his sadhana, I feel a very strong sense of familiarity towards him. It was as if I could see the whole story about what happened and when I read what the anti Dorje Shugden people wrote about him, it was so untrue and how can people write in this way about things they do not know of? Is that nothing short of gossip? It really enraged me. How in what way is Dorje Shugden sectarian? What is the proof? Someone quoted his sadhana, and when i read the sadhana of other protectors, it sounded the same and it was like...why zero in on Dorje Shugden? And I wanted to talk about him but so many forums banned his talk, which I felt was not a Buddhist thing to do until I discovered this forum. I feel a certain closeness to him, as if he was a long time friend, as in me being able to understand him and his story, actions and decisions so easily and naturally, like how a close friend will understand our decisions and actions so easily.
When I started doing his practice, many wonderful things happened. I had did some things to transgress my samaya with my Guru in the past, and I requested Dorje Shugden to assist me to repair it and he did. There were many things that I thought was impossible for me to do but somehow with his help, I was able to do it such as moving out from my parents' home. I could not find a room for months, but within a week after making my request, I found a place to stay. My mind has been more focused, sharper and calmer as well and it is wiser ever since I did Dorje Shugden's practice, and many people commented that I have improved a lot since.
I dont really do Dorje Shugden's sadhana by reading out loud daily as I do lack time and it is not convenient for me to do his mantra at my workplace, but I do recite his mantra when I am alone. For me, I would visualize that I am embodying Dorje Shugden when it comes to the removal of certain obstacles in my life or for my friends because it feels empty reading the prayers and me not doing anything about it. Instead of just praying to Dorje Shugden, I would like to embody him in certain situations and when I do visualize that I am one with him and my Guru out of gag reflex (yes I do not have the initiation yet, but it comes automatically like a reflex action) somehow I can solve the problem. I do the full puja once a month, but I also do it whenever I need an extra push.
To me, writing in this forum is the least I can do to thank the kindness of Dorje Shugden for assisting me on so many aspects in my life. People must know the truth about Dorje Shugden before they decide. It is NOT FAIR for people to make biased accusations about him. They must also be aware of the implications of saying that Dorje Shugden is bad. If Dorje Shugden can help me this much, he can also assist many others as well so why cut them off from this beneficial practice?
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This debate has said it all... the points are indisputable...
To undermine and discredit the practice of Dorje Shugden means we discredit all the lineage masters including tutors of His Holiness the Dalai Lama himself. As such, it is rightly said that all the teachings, both tantra or sutra, and all related practices are invalid because they came from the same source i.e. the masters that practicing Dorje Shugden.
This is to say, even the initiations given by HH the Dalai Lama has no blessings from the Three Jewels, thus, not effective. If we were to accept the claims by HHDL and the CTA on the practice of DS, then the Gelug lineage will really lose its effectiveness...
Nevertheless, as witnessed and experienced first-hand by thousands if not millions of practitioners all over the world on the effectiveness of Gelug lineage's prayers n practices, especially the DS practice; this can only means one thing... HHDL and CTA are wrong in their statement about the DS practice.
The ban is definitely wrong. Case closed.
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I am flabbergasted because I am simply amazed at the anonymous writer who wrote this article. The article implies heavy consequences for those advocating and enforcing the ban on Dorje Shugden. I have heard most people talk about the nasty things (which are not true) about Dorje Shugden but few really understand the Protector’s history and lineage.
After reading this article, I find that the spiritual authority of the Gelug tradition is undermined by the Dorje Shugden ban. The very fact that these lamas who advocated Dorje Shugden practice in the first place like Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche and Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche are the main Gelug lineage lamas of our time. That means that they are the foremost holders of the Gelug tradition and every teaching from them should be faultless. However, the ban implies that the lineage lamas themselves made a huge mistake about Dorje Shugden.
If the lineage lamas made a mistake about something as important as a Dharma Protector, then they could have made a mistake about all other important lineage teachings as well. That’s a very dangerous path to tread because all the other practices and teachings within the Gelug tradition could have been a mistake as well because there’s no Lama within the Gelug tradition that has not directly or indirectly received teachings, lineages and so forth from these great lamas.
That means many important lineage teachings like the Lamrim and Tantric practices like Vajrayogini, Yamantaka and Heruka that descend from these great Lamas could also be wrong. Some like the Vajrayogini sadhana were composed by Pabongka Rinpoche based upon divine visions he has of her. On the other hand, the Dalai Lama continues to teach and pass these teachings down and some like the Vajrayogini Sadhana is the same sadhana that the Dalai Lama recites every single day.
At the end of the day, the ban undermines not just the spiritual authority of the lineage Lamas but the whole Gelug tradition as well. I find this a very compelling logic to dispel the basis of the Dorje Shugden ban. After reading this, I think the spiritual authority of the Gelug tradition would be in trouble if the ban continues to be enforced.
Therefore, there’s much urgency that people come to understand the gravity of the Dorje Shugden ban and how it implicates the spiritual authority of the Gelug tradition as a whole.
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I am flabbergasted because I am simply amazed at the anonymous writer who wrote this article. The article implies heavy consequences for those advocating and enforcing the ban on Dorje Shugden. I have heard most people talk about the nasty things (which are not true) about Dorje Shugden but few really understand the Protector’s history and lineage.
Whomever is the author of this article is an extremely wise person and someone who have studied and read a lot, and not only that, has real, authentic and practical experience to back it up. It is not that what you have heard, it is a blatant fact that many criticize Dorje Shugden but they dont even know who Dorje Shugden really is. If that is not blatant ignorance, what is?
After reading this article, I find that the spiritual authority of the Gelug tradition is undermined by the Dorje Shugden ban. The very fact that these lamas who advocated Dorje Shugden practice in the first place like Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche and Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche are the main Gelug lineage lamas of our time. That means that they are the foremost holders of the Gelug tradition and every teaching from them should be faultless. However, the ban implies that the lineage lamas themselves made a huge mistake about Dorje Shugden.
If the Lineage Masters are wrong, then who is right? It would mean that the Gelug lineage has long gone and this idea has been expressed by some not so developed practitioners of other lineages who has been running around telling everyone that Gelug is no more, come to my temple and come to my lineage and it is still pure. This really happened in esangha and I have read not one but many messages of this nature.
If the lineage lamas made a mistake about something as important as a Dharma Protector, then they could have made a mistake about all other important lineage teachings as well. That’s a very dangerous path to tread because all the other practices and teachings within the Gelug tradition could have been a mistake as well because there’s no Lama within the Gelug tradition that has not directly or indirectly received teachings, lineages and so forth from these great lamas.
If the source is corrupted, then how can everything else that wells up from it not be corrupted? If everyone in Gelug is "tainted" by Dorje Shugden, which is what the other lineages are DYING to believe, and what the ban from the Dalai Lama has somehow activated, then why not close down the whole of Gelug and every other Gelug center in the world?
That means many important lineage teachings like the Lamrim and Tantric practices like Vajrayogini, Yamantaka and Heruka that descend from these great Lamas could also be wrong. Some like the Vajrayogini sadhana were composed by Pabongka Rinpoche based upon divine visions he has of her. On the other hand, the Dalai Lama continues to teach and pass these teachings down and some like the Vajrayogini Sadhana is the same sadhana that the Dalai Lama recites every single day.
I dont get this point: if you say that Pabongkha Rinpoche made a mistake with Dorje Shugden, then the prayers he wrote about Vajrayogini could have been fake as well. So why do his sadhanas while say that his Dharma protector is wrong? The Guru, Yidam and Protector are the one and the same, criticizing either one mean criticizing the other two.
At the end of the day, the ban undermines not just the spiritual authority of the lineage Lamas but the whole Gelug tradition as well. I find this a very compelling logic to dispel the basis of the Dorje Shugden ban. After reading this, I think the spiritual authority of the Gelug tradition would be in trouble if the ban continues to be enforced.
Gelug has already been clamped down due to the ban. Many Gelug centers were too frantic to denounce Dorje Shugden that they broke their samaya. This, unfortunately also applies to Ganden, Sera and Drepung. How to check? Any famous, new, anti Dorje Shugden masters that emerge from these monasteries?
Therefore, there’s much urgency that people come to understand the gravity of the Dorje Shugden ban and how it implicates the spiritual authority of the Gelug tradition as a whole.
There will always be fanatics, but at least there will also be people who will think further and think for themselves.
I love your points, but I have added on a bit on them. This article should really be a wake up call for those who call themselves Gelug but oppose Dorje Shugden. Wake up!!
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This letter can be somewhat controversial and radical. It may offend people in the Gelug lineage but it would make them reevaluate their thinking.
According to the ban, all Gelug lamas would have broken their root vows. The vow broken is the vow that they would not take refuge in a spirit. If Dorje Shugden was a spirit as the Dalai Lama said he is, all the Gelug monks who learned the practice or has a teacher who once did the practice has now broken their vows. That means that they would not be qualified to become a monk as they even break one of their main vows.
A lot of high lamas like Trijang Rinpoche, Pabongka Rinpoche and even His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama practiced Dorje Shugden at one point of their life, are they all wrong? Is Pabongka Rinpoche who taught the ultimate Lam Rim wrong? Is the Dalai Lama wrong about his teachings? If he is wrong, does that mean he has no right to start the ban in the first place. He would've broken his vows and would not be considered a monk, so he would not be qualified to even be giving this ban.
Most, if not all, of the Tantric practices had been written or taught by "evil" Dorje Shugden practitioners. If even the tantric masters and high lamas are wrong, who is right? Those who did not practice Dorje Shugden? Well, their lineage has practiced it!
If a monk learns from a non-Shugden lama. The non-Shugden lama's guru may have been a Dorje Shugden practitioner even if he stopped. Also, going back in time, the lamas who have been practicing Dorje Shugden before the ban, if they had students, their students, even without the practice, would be wrong and they should disrobe. Why? Because their lineage is a spirit-worshipping lineage.
The tantra and sutra are both "stained" by the lamas who practice Dorje Shugden. The lineage is "stained". This means that it would be better to just shut down all the Gelug schools like Gaden monastery, because the Gelug lineage would be invalid!
This is a major reason for why the ban is silly and stupid.
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This letter can be somewhat controversial and radical. It may offend people in the Gelug lineage but it would make them reevaluate their thinking.
I dont find it offensive to Gelugs. What is offensive are people claiming to be Gelugs but criticize Pabongkha Rinpoche and Dorje Shugden.
According to the ban, all Gelug lamas would have broken their root vows. The vow broken is the vow that they would not take refuge in a spirit. If Dorje Shugden was a spirit as the Dalai Lama said he is, all the Gelug monks who learned the practice or has a teacher who once did the practice has now broken their vows. That means that they would not be qualified to become a monk as they even break one of their main vows.
Like I have mentioned in a previous post, this is the view and logic that the other lineages would like to push to undermine Gelugpa, using Dorje Shugden as a 'valid' excuse. When Gelugpas go against Dorje Shugden, it is no different than murdering their parents as their root Gurus have been kinder to them than their parents, its like cutting off their own source. Its either that the lineage Gurus have broken their vows, or that Dorje Shugden is really a Buddha. choose one.
A lot of high lamas like Trijang Rinpoche, Pabongka Rinpoche and even His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama practiced Dorje Shugden at one point of their life, are they all wrong? Is Pabongka Rinpoche who taught the ultimate Lam Rim wrong? Is the Dalai Lama wrong about his teachings? If he is wrong, does that mean he has no right to start the ban in the first place. He would've broken his vows and would not be considered a monk, so he would not be qualified to even be giving this ban.
If HHDL can be wrong in the past, why cant he be wrong about the ban? Why cant it be a personal bias that caused the ban? If it is a personal preference/bias, is it still valid?
Most, if not all, of the Tantric practices had been written or taught by "evil" Dorje Shugden practitioners. If even the tantric masters and high lamas are wrong, who is right? Those who did not practice Dorje Shugden? Well, their lineage has practiced it!
If a monk learns from a non-Shugden lama. The non-Shugden lama's guru may have been a Dorje Shugden practitioner even if he stopped. Also, going back in time, the lamas who have been practicing Dorje Shugden before the ban, if they had students, their students, even without the practice, would be wrong and they should disrobe. Why? Because their lineage is a spirit-worshipping lineage.
If Dorje Shugden was bad, then his practitioners would be bad. Then why is it that so many people who practice Dorje Shugden gain so much benefit? Something is wrong with this logic.
The tantra and sutra are both "stained" by the lamas who practice Dorje Shugden. The lineage is "stained". This means that it would be better to just shut down all the Gelug schools like Gaden monastery, because the Gelug lineage would be invalid!
Again, this view is very strongly upheld by other lineages and it is shameful indeed for Gelugs to uphold this view. But there are, surprisingly.
This is a major reason for why the ban is silly and stupid.
Thank you for your input as it does make us think. This is a very logical conclusion to the excellent letter. People should really wake up to the fact that to be against Dorje Shugden is to attack Gelug and stop it already.
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The “Has the Gelug lineage lost its effectiveness?” article on dorjeshugden.com is a very sophisticated article written in an authoritative style by a well focused and informed writer. Syntax, word choice, and flow of ideas are generally outstanding. Development of the article is very good, with sufficient ideas, facts and examples to support what the author wishes to get across to the readers, all points are largely supported by undeniable truth and facts that is well documented in various scholastic sources. It is clear that the author wishes to put his point across without swaying the readers to his viewpoint, instead it is composed in such a way to encourage the readers to think deeper and examine the truth behind the issue that was discussed. This can be seen as the author leaves an open conclusion for the readers to decide, through linking in with a recent article of the same nature.
The ban on Dorje Shugden practice has been one of the most talked about and debated topic, regardless of the school of Buddhism, this is a well known issue within the Buddhist world. Despite the ban, many people continue to be faithful to Dorje Shugden practice, keeping the lineage that was passed down from their Gurus although they face the dangers of being ostracized and even death threats. This is a very admirable quality in a Buddhist practitioner, having unconditioned guru devotion is one of the pinnacle in Tibetan Buddhist practice; however these faithful practitioners, instead of being respected for their firmness in upholding the traditions passed down by their root Guru, to the contrary, they were beaten down physically, mentally and spiritually by many pro-Dalai Lamaists and even the CTA.
Dorje Shugden was widely practiced in the Gelug tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, and even practiced (if not respected) by other traditions such as the Sakyas, Nyigmas and Kagyus. Being the most effective protector of our time, it is not strange that many high reincarnated lamas practices and have unmovable faith in Dorje Shugden as the protector of the Gelug tradition. Dorje Shugden was so revered and well loved by holy masters such as H.H. Ling Rinpoche, H.H. Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, H.H. Kyabje Dragri Dorje Chang and many more; that they composed beautiful poems in praise of Dorje Shugden, perpetuating His holy blessings for the flourish of Je Tsongkhapa’s lineage to the world.
Although the freedom of practicing Dorje Shugden can be fought through human rights activities, in this article, the focus is purely directed to Buddhist practitioners to show them that with debate and proof; denying the supremacy of Dorje Shugden as an enlightened Dharma protector directly jeopardize the standing of the Gelug tradition in infinite ways. The effects of banning Dorje Shugden practice although it has a severe impact on lay practitioners such as denying them the rights of religious freedom and their tradition of revering the King of Protectors; however it is a much different story for ordained monks and those with Tantric practices of the Gelug lineage, for proclaiming Dorje Shugden as an unenlightened being would cut the very root of the lineage blessings and wither all Dharma practice that came 350 years ago when Dorje Shugden was first practiced.
The truth is, prohibiting or downgrading Dorje Shugden and His holy practice does not only affect Dorje Shugden practitioners. In reality, those who have given up his practice do not live a happy spiritual life either. Their constant deep seated fear and anger towards DS practitioners has led them to conduct many misdeeds, including laying hands on ordained monks and destroying the lives of families who practices Dorje Shugden; these deeds were well documented and the oppression has gained international attention.
Putting aside the morale downfall of pro-dalai lamaist and the CTA; the sanctity of their spiritual practice is not preserved either due to this ban. Proclaiming Dorje Shugden practice as invalid is similar to destroying the very core of Gelug practice as it would mean that all the lineage masters from 350 years ago, which we pay homage to (including the Dalai Lama and other great masters of our time) is at fault.
The Dalai Lama and the CTA has announced publicly, that those who practice Dorje Shugden have lost their refuge vows, which is the very foundation of receiving all higher practices. If one has lost the very basic vows they made, the 3 higher set of vows will also automatically be nullified. In Tibetan Buddhism, taking the set of vows is the most important aspect to gain the blessings of the lineage and for learned monks to pass down the tradition to the newer generation. The lineage system in Tibetan Buddhism tells us where the teaching comes from and approves the authenticity of the teaching, in fact it is so important that before any Dharma teaching can commence, the Dharma teacher have to mention from where and when he or she has received this teaching, and then explain the lineage of which how that particular teaching has been passed down all the way back to Shakyamuni’s time.
Since all who practices Dorje Shugden have lost their refuge vows, that would make all the great masters of the Gelug tradition from 350 years ago has lost their refuge vows too, leaving a huge void within the lineage system. However, that seems to be not the case as in the supplication prayers recited daily by all Buddhists contains the names of Trijang Rinpoche and Pabongka Rinpoche, both whom are well known to be strong Dorje Shugden practitioners. The question here is based on the selectiveness of the application of this ban, that the double standards and hypocrisy towards Dorje Shugden practice is illogical. If Dorje Shugden followers lose their refuge vows just like how the Dalai Lama and CTA claims, then such claims should apply even to the great masters that once practiced it in the past. The laws of the universe is after similar to karma, no one is spared from the truth, if it is the real truth.
If great masters like Trijang Rinpoche, Pabongka Rinpoche, Ling Rinpoche and many others, have lost their refuge; then they are no longer qualified to teach the Dharma, because refuge vows is the very basis of all vows, therefore they would have lost their monk vows too. If they are no longer able to teach the Dharma then all of their commentaries, compositions, and Khamtsens should be removed from the monasteries. Their holy stupa which contains these great master’s relics too must be removed from Gaden Shartse Monastery. But this is not the case; in fact their holy stupas are constantly being restored, and Buddhists still strongly believe them to be enlightened masters. The contradictory actions towards this claim is just too immense, no wonder there is constant unrest among the Tibetan community, since their leaders passes comments about this sensitive issue in such flippant ways.
Even the Dalai Lama will not be spared from this broken lineage as both of his root Gurus are strong Dorje Shugden practitioners. Therefore, if the Gelugpa lineage is broken and void of blessings, then all its practitioners should show lack of transformation, and in fact show signs of degeneration. However, that is not the case, for the Dalai Lama has reached millions of people across the globe and changed their lives for the better. That must mean that the lineage is unbroken and, the effectiveness and blessings of these great past Dorje Shugden masters is still intact.
The ban on Dorje Shugden is not just a matter of whether one chooses the Dalai Lama over Dorje Shugden or vice versa. It has a deeper meaning to it and it is one that affects us as Gelugpas no matter which side we take.
Q
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This article is shocking but not entirely surprising. I can actually imagine the entire Gelug lineage disappearing from our landscape at the rate Dorje Shugden is being 'punished'. Those with dharma knowledge will know the Buddhas can choose to go to a place where they can bring more benefits to, the Buddhas can exist anywhere in this universe.
Point being, if we do not appreciate the Buddhas being here guiding and protecting us then we risk them 'leaving'. When that happens, whatever practices we do will no longer have effect as we no longer have the blessings of the Buddhas, in this case, Dorje Shugden. Which will lead to the death of the Gelug lineage eventually. I don't even want to imagine how tragic it will be! All the prayers, practices, works we have been doing will vanish into thin air!
Another point to behold is how all the great Lamas we have been receiving teachings from are actually with no attainments! This is incredibly horrifying for me because I learn the Dharma to get out of this cyclic existence but if this is the case with the High Lamas then I have wasted lots of precious time just as many of the other practitioners. Not only I wasted time but also accumulated a huge amount of negative karma. This will create the causes for me not to receive the correct and pure teachings!!
This is precisely why all Dorje Shugden practitioners should be united to fight off this unreasonable ban HH Dalai Lama has put upon the practice. I believe His Holiness has a reason to do so but if we all do not gather up to support the cause, the entire Gelug lineage will fall which includes all our Lamas and HH Dalai Lama. That is why if we look at the larger picture, HH is putting his reputation and 'life' in risk as well.
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What a brilliant article. I cannot think of any basis to refute it from!
The fruits born by the tree and its health are determined largely by its roots. If the roots are weak, and 'infected', the fruits that are born by the tree will not grow as well or not at all. And the tree will not survive.
Applying the same theory across here, since worshipping a "spirit" has been practised all this whilst by the root lamas of the lineage, the entire lineage up till today should then therefore be "stained" and "wrong"; the foundation and basis to the Gelug lineage has been wrong all this while. But if this was so, why do Gelug lamas reincarnate back and carry on the lineage? Since this bears fruits, then the root and lineage is not stained as so evidently proven by the reincarnate high lamas such as Trijang Rinpoche.
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Thought I'd pen my thoughts using, you know, proper grammer, punctuation and all. Felt this article was deserving of it!
When I first read this article, thoughts arose in my mind that centred around two emotions: hope and pain. Hope because there is no way something this...stupid can last for so long, and pain because I realised just how much the ban has taken away from every single Gelugpa, whether or not they practise Dorje Shugden.
The article posits that the ban nullifies a 600-year old lineage by invalidating every single monk's refuge, Pratimoksha, bodhisattva and tantric vows. In one fell swoop, the rug has been pulled from under the Gelug lineage's feet and just like that, thousands of monks are no longer Buddhist. In fact, prayer halls are now just empty spaces, with hollow statues, filled with powerless individuals endlessly reciting liturgies that have no results.
No results just because the Dalai Lama banned the worship of Dorje Shugden.
Just because the Dalai Lama banned the worship of Dorje Shugden, suddenly 600 years' worth of great masters have no results? No results? Can that really be it? Pabongka Rinpoche, Trjang Rinpoche, Lama Yeshe, Zong Rinpoche, Dromo Geshe Rinpoche, Denma Gonsar Rinpoche, Gangchen Rinpoche, Dagom Rinpoche are all without results? Are all without attainments and achievements?
Are all just like every single one of us laypeople who have spent lifetime after lifetime indulging in the illusionary pleasures of samsara?
But just look at what they have accomplished, with their huge monasteries (which are still active!) and their immense social work. On face value, ignoring the supramundane stuff that not everyone can accept, can we HONESTLY believe that these lamas are just like us, without any results in their practice just because they practise Dorje Shugden?
No, we can't believe that they have no results, it is just not logical. Such accomplishments cannot be considered 'no results', especially when compared against the 'achievements' of laypeople like us. Even neuropsychology (an immature science next to Buddhism) dictates that our actions are a reflection of internal workings; what we think on the inside, and how our physiology behaves, is reflected in our external actions and speech. So if these lamas are accomplishing such great external achievements, surely that must mean their internal workings are accomplished too.
So how can the Dalai Lama invalidate 600 years of logic, faith and belief, with the ban? Can he do it on the basis of his enlightenment? But if he's enlightened, how can he cause such pain to so many practitioners, as the result of such a hypocritical ban?
Okay, so let's ignore the fact that the Dalai Lama is Chenrezig, and look at him from the perspective that he always tells us to - that is, he is just a simple monk. Because, let's face it, not everyone believes that the Dalai Lama is perfect and enlightened. But everyone CAN believe that he has devoted his whole life to the study of Dharma, and is therefore extremely learned.
So how can someone so learned not see the hypocrisy behind his actions? After all, if simpletons like US can figure out that the ban debases 600 years' worth of practice, teachings and lineage, how come HE can't see it? How come no one has told him?
And if he can see it, how come he's allowing it to happen?
So when I read this article, I am also amazed and contemplative. Amazed because everything fits together SO well, and each time the ban is viewed from a different perspective, it still fits into the perspective that I started out with - that is, the Dalai Lama banned Dorje Shugden for a reason. And therefore I am also contemplative - what IS the reason for the Dalai Lama's ban? Why ban something when nothing obviously positive can come from it, and you yourself stand to gain nothing personally, especially in the light of arguments such as the invalidation of the Gelugpa lineage?
I simply cannot believe that the Dalai Lama does not know what he is doing, and I simply cannot believe that there is no purpose behind the ban. To me, it would be too simplistic to dismiss the Dalai Lama's actions as those of an evil person, because evil stems from the wish for solitary personal gain and in this case, I can see no way how the Dalai Lama stands to gain personally from this.
Has his image suffered since the ban? Yes because now people doubt the Dalai Lama, where they once gave him unquestioning support.
Has he received more donations since the ban? No and in fact, the monasteries are suffering because many of the lamas capable of major fundraising chose to stick with Dorje Shugden.
Has the cause for a Free Tibet suffered since the ban? Yes because now everyone knows the Tibetans aren't as hunky dory about human rights as they claim to be. Their cause for an independent Tibet has been overshadowed by the gross human rights violations from the Tibetans.
So the ban damages the cause for a Free Tibet, damages the credibility of the Gelugpa lineage and sets millions of people against the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration. Is that what the Dalai Lama really wants? Is that what he hoped to achieve when he banned Dorje Shugden?
If banning Dorje Shugden really means throwing Lama Tsongkhapa's teachings out the window then I'm sorry Your Holiness, but it's just something I cannot do and strangely enough, the more I think about it, I have come to realise that it also something you just cannot and have not done either.
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This is such a shocking revelation. I can't imagine how it would be if it all claims that Dorje Shugden is an evil spirit is accurate and real. Then all the hard work and effort of thousands of High Lamas and erudite Buddhist monks would have been wasted and pointless. The Gelugpa lineage would only be history. But I am so glad this is only a false claim and the reasons given for putting a ban on DS practice is absurd. I have faith in my teacher who have given me his blessings to do this sacred practice. May the ban be lifted very soon.
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Gelug is famous for its logic and debate, and I must say the logic in this article is of its own class. I wonder how the CTA camp is going to counter the logic set out in this article.
It would be really sad that, if this logic is true, all the 600 years of teachings are invalidated. However, I personally don't believe they are wrong. The ban itself has many flaws and most if not all of the reasons for the ban do not make sense and violate the thousand year old teachings.
I sincerely hope that this letter can be seen by the world and pressure the CTA to lift the ban NOW.
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This article is so true and logical. If we ban Dorje Shugden, it means all the high masters who have prayed to Dorje Shugden before in Tantra and Sutra are contaminated. They have broken refuge and broken samaya. This includes HHDL himself as he has also practice it before the ban. If this is the case, all the teachings, blessing from the high lamas of Gelugpa lineage including HHDL are all have no base and should be nullified.
It brings out such an important conclusion that the ban is indeed illogical at all!
Wake up CTA! Do not let your ego and ignorance blind you! If you believe what your practices now are ‘authentic’, then you better lift the ban soonest to make sure that it is truly pure and has an authentic lineage!
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Thank you Mana for posting this article that makes us seriously consider the 'price' that may have to be paid for imposing the ban on Shugden practice..
If the reason for the Dalai Lama imposing a ban on Shugden practice - that is, Dorje Shugden is an evil spirit- were valid, then the very same reason would spell the death knell of the Gelug Lineage. Why so? This article succinctly shows why.
If Dorje Shugden were an evil spirit, then praying to him would be praying to a spirit and this would destroy the basis of Shugden practitioners' Refuge vows and the other two sets of Vows- the Bodhisattva Vow and the Tantric Vows as well. The whole Gelug lineage, with its great Masters who were and are devoted to Shugden practice - like Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche and Trijang Rinpoche - would be tainted and would not carry the blessings of a pure lineage. Then the practices and teachings of Dalai Lama himself would be invalid because they came from his teachers, like Trijang Rinpoche and Ling Rinpoche, who were strong practitioners of Shugden or had the deepest respect for Shugden. Also, the Dalai Lama would have no attainments as attainments come through a pure lineage of teachers.All in all, the lineages of Sutra and Tantra in the Gelug school would be completely tainted and devoid of blessings as many of the great masters of both were devoted Shugden practitioners. They would no longer be considered true objects of refuge or true Buddhists.
But is Shugden an evil spirit? If he were, then the ban on Shugden practice would have yielded the results that CTA and supporters of the ban had wanted. For one thing,Tibet would be well on the way to getting its independence form the Chinese.
If Dorje Shugden were an evil spirit, then practicing him would have sent all the great masters, like Trijang Rinpoche, Pabongka Rinpoche and Zong Rinpoche, to the Lower Realms at death. This has not happened. Instead, out of great compassion to benefit others through the spread of Dharma, their emanations have come back as Tulkus and are carrying on the work of their previous incarnations.
Hence, the basis for banning Shugden practice is not only unjustified, but has serious negative consequences(by implication) on the effectiveness and continuity of the Gelug Lineage. This leads me to believe that the ban was imposed ,by highly realized and compassionate beings,for the realization of a bigger vision and purpose.
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After reading this article, I find that the author have written something that cannot be denied. Simply because the TRUTH cannot be DENIED. It is a well researched article that bring readers on a journey tracing back to the very root of Gelug Lineage and it's practice. This article is written in a very neutral stand that is not hitting out at anybody but prompting the readers to think, and check the logic of the ban of Dorje Shugden's practice.
Is it even logical to say that all the Lineage Guru of the Gelug School was wrong about this practice? If yes, then what happened? Have the entire Gelug Lineage been wrong all this while? And if so, then there shouldn't be any results no matter how well or diligent they practice!
As what Q have said ealier,
"If great masters like Trijang Rinpoche, Pabongka Rinpoche, Ling Rinpoche and many others, have lost their refuge; then they are no longer qualified to teach the Dharma, because refuge vows is the very basis of all vows, therefore they would have lost their monk vows too. If they are no longer able to teach the Dharma then all of their commentaries, compositions, and Khamtsens should be removed from the monasteries. Their holy stupa which contains these great master’s relics too must be removed from Gaden Shartse Monastery. But this is not the case; in fact their holy stupas are constantly being restored, and Buddhists still strongly believe them to be enlightened masters. The contradictory actions towards this claim is just too immense, no wonder there is constant unrest among the Tibetan community, since their leaders passes comments about this sensitive issue in such flippant ways.
Even the Dalai Lama will not be spared from this broken lineage as both of his root Gurus are strong Dorje Shugden practitioners. Therefore, if the Gelugpa lineage is broken and void of blessings, then all its practitioners should show lack of transformation, and in fact show signs of degeneration. However, that is not the case, for the Dalai Lama has reached millions of people across the globe and changed their lives for the better. That must mean that the lineage is unbroken and, the effectiveness and blessings of these great past Dorje Shugden masters is still intact."
It's a very good article for people that do not understand fully the severeness of blindly supporting the ban.
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If Dorje Shugden is an “evil spirit”, then the entire lineage Masters who practiced Dorje Shugden are wrong. So does it mean that Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche, the Panchen Lamas, Kyabje Ling Rinpoche and other highly attained masters who practiced Dorje Shugden, are all wrong, they are not qualified and impure thus we should discredit all of them? By putting a ban on this practice, does it mean that the lineage lamas made a mistake and if they can make a mistake such as this, could they have made mistakes about all other important lineage teachings as well? Also wouldn’t all these highly attained Masters took rebirth in the three lower realms instead of coming back to teach and spread the dharma. Huge DS monasteries are flourishing everywhere!
This ban is so wrong. I hope with this article many people doubts will be cleared. Wake up CTA and it’s time to lift the silly ban!
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This is so true, banning the practice of Dorje Shugden, saying Dorje Shugden is a spirit, is like saying since 350 years ago, the lamas, high lamas are all practicing spirits, so if they are really practicing spirits, then how can they reincarnate back to human again as a high lama? How possible is this? So since practicing spirit can come back as human, then does it mean what Buddhism taught in the past 2500 years are wrong? If in this case, then what are we doing now, being Buddhism and praying to a spirit, this is a bit hilarious isn’t it?
When Dalai Lama bans Dorje Shugden, he also calls off the 2500 years of Buddhism practice already. By rationally and logically thinking, the 2500 years of Buddha’s teaching cannot be wrong right, so what is wrong now?
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Looks like this letter has become quite a hit online. Some stats to share with everyone here! The letter/article has also been shared on Facebook, on the DS fanpage (here: http://www.facebook.com/DuldzinDorjeShugden (http://www.facebook.com/DuldzinDorjeShugden)) and so far, has garnered well over 1600 likes, 68 comments and a whopping 92 shares. Looks like people are liking the strong message that this sends out to the perpetrators of the ban, who are claiming that the very reasons of the ban are to protect the sanctity of the practices and lineage. Looks like this logic (as crazy as it sounds!) far outdoes theirs, and many people around the world are concurring.
Please continue to share the message among your own Dharma communities, sangha and friends. It's important not just that people understand the issues behind their sacred practice, but also that the CTA know that the world knows just how ridiculous and illogical their policies really are.
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I shudder to think of His Holiness Dalai lama’s claim that praying to Dorje Shugden is equal to praying to a spirit. If Dorje Shugden is truly a spirit, then that destroys the basis of all Dorje Shugden practitoners’ Buddhist Refuge Vows and Commtments! As a consequence, the entire Gelugpa Lineage must be totally abandoned because every single Gelugpa has in one way or another, directly or indirectly had established a connection with Dorje Shugden as discussed by Mana extensively in this thread!
A single claim by His Holiness Dalai Lama could just destroy the 600-year old Tsongkhapa lineage!
His Holiness Dalai Lama had also made himself a victim – he has to abandon his Buddhist practice too! Can anyone with common sense and logical mind accept His Holiness Dalai Lama's claim that comes with so severe consequences?
Does His Holiness Dalai Lama not know the heavy negative consequences of his claim?
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I read this letter again recently, and i was reminded of the political situations in Tibet where all the other traditions did not like Gelugpa. They were basically throwing a lot of accusations against Trijang Rinpoche and Pabongkha Rinpoche during that time and things were ugly. There was also adherents to Gorampa and his works (who was very against Lama Tsongkhapa during Tsongkhapa's time) but they never made it big, nor did their fame grew in any way, nor did they branch out to be a new tradition on its own (unlike Tsongkhapa) (not a mystery why not) and there was a lot of tension in Tibet during that time. The other 3 traditions were united with Rime, while Gelugpa was more or less, a huge school of its own with no need of support from the other schools and they were the ruling party. A lot of jealousy was simmering amongst other schools against Gelugpa. It would look bad to attack Gelugpa directly, so they started to attack Pabongkha Rinpoche and Trijang Rinpoche and accused them of putting down the other traditions and being sectarian. That did not work for long, so they decide to attack the uncommon protector of the Gelugs: Dorje Shugden, since Dorje Shugden represents Gelugpa anyways.
HHDL had to declare the ban to unite the Tibetans, at least for now. But as the other traditions get stronger, the ban will be gone.
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Hi, just wanted to call everyones attention to this...the post has got 1620 likes, and 92 shares so clearly some people are interested in what the article has to say!
Well why wouldnt they when it points out very logically how the ban has spelt the end of Vajrayana Buddhism! You notice how people who dont want to accept its true, try and avoid the subject by name-calling and referring to other things? They dont debate on the actual point itself, which is that the ban is debasing Buddhism!
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If you wanna ask me if Gelugpa has lost its effectiveness, I'd say yes, we have because at this moment, we that the Gelugs are divided and hurl accusations and insults against each other. So little Gelugpas have rise up to the occasion to, ironically, protect the Dharma protector's practice, or rather for the right to practice Dorje Shugden. If Lama Tsongkhapa is central to Gelugpa, then Dorje Shugden is the shell or armor that protects all of the followers Lama Tsongkhapa, and Buddhists in general.
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Logical and well written based on historical facts.
Maybe of the reasons HHDL enforced the ban could be that HH knows to get autonomy for Tibet from China in his this very lifetime is not going to happen and HH may not wish to reincarnate as the 15th because there is no country, per se, to govern administratively and spiritually. Maybe HH plans to reincarnate in China and continue his work from there. On this basis, HH ‘enforces’ the ban so that many people outside of the Tibetan circle know of Dorje Shugden. What a great advertisement from one of the greatest marketers! HH surely knows the facts put together here by Mana before he enforces the ban and yet he puts his reputation on the line by doing so. Why? I say, benefiting hundreds of thousands, and millions is more important than HH himself. This is one of the pure acts of a bodhisattva.
Since you have mentioned it now, HH have left many hints that he does not want to lead the Tibetans any longer and that this will be the last Dalai Lama in line. I believe that the broken samaya and the negative deeds done by CTA over the centuries have led to this unfortunate conclusion. By enforcing the ban in a fanatical way, the CTA creates the causes for the Dalai Lama to separate from them and that is what the Dalai Lama wants, probably because he has more beings to benefit that is beyond the Tibetans. If the Tibetans have followed His Holiness for so long and the end result is still the same as it was 300 years ago, and there is another group of beings who can benefit more from His Holiness, the logical decision would be to go to the beings that can benefit more rather than sticking with the ones that give little or no result. but of course, the Tibetans would not accept it if His Holiness leaves them this way and they demand exclusive attention from His Holiness...so he has to find a way to make them grow up and learn.
Perhaps, one day, CTA will come to realize what they did wrong and unban all the lamas that they have banned over the span of 350 years and clean up their act and be a real Buddhist government. There really is no other alternative but for them to wake up and take responsibility. His Holiness has done so much for them and yet they cannot/refuse to improve and it is sad.
Based on all the comments I have read... I would say Yes the Gelug lineage has lost its effectiveness for now... especially those that have decided to rub shoulders with the CTA. Just look at Gaden Shartse monastery now and what the Abbot has been doing? Which has been heavily discussed here on the forum http://www.dorjeshugden.com/forum/index.php?topic=1927.0 (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/forum/index.php?topic=1927.0)
Look at his own website
http://www.jangchupchoeden.org/ (http://www.jangchupchoeden.org/)
and compare it with Gaden Shartse's website...
http://www.gadenshartse.net/ (http://www.gadenshartse.net/)
I think it is quite clear where money, effort and time has been spent for who's benefit.
So at the moment... unfortunately due to this chaos ban that has separated so many sangha, people and families and friends... definitely the effectiveness of the Gelugpa lineage is weakened throughout.
I like what was said in the above comments and the very reasons given why HHDL have to probably manifest in such a way to end the real hypocrisy of the Tibetan people who instead of being harmonious with one another, they compete with one another as to who has more influence and power and this power game has been happening since the time the Dalai Lama was created over 300 years ago. If we recall back history... even the status, title and seat of a Dalai Lama was invented by the Tibetan govt/people and I am certain it was not out of pure motivation to spread Dharma. So I do agree with this illusory play to not only promote Dorje Shugden globally in such a skillful way as HHDL did by Banning it, but to also find his way out of this political power hungry phase of Tibetan Buddhism in which is probably the cause of Tibetan Buddhism dying in its own land and people.
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No matter who says what and no matter how people choose to look at this, it is still very clear that Dorje Shugden is the unique Dharma protector of the Gelugs. He is also the core of Gelug practice and is dubbed the wrathful Lama Tsongkhapa as his lineage of incarnations has been very prominent masters, especially since Lama Tsongkhapa appeared to help strengthen Gelugpa. To deny Dorje Shugden is to basically Gelugpa altogether.
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Fortunately, the Dalai Lama is not the only lineage master of the Gelugs as there are many great masters from all 3 pillars of Gaden, Sera and Drepung. On top of that, most Gelug masters maintain their samaya as if they were protecting their eyes. Therefore, the Gelug lineage I believe is very much alive and growing. Once the ban on Shugden comes down, the lamas especially those that would propagate the practice would be free to do so and bring benefit to countless beings.