Dear Friend(s),
yes, Setrap Chen in his ultimate supramundane aspect is the Buddha of infinite light, Amithaba. This is what we can learn from many of our great lineage masters such as Zasep Tulku or Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang who, by the way, has created a beautiful huge statue of Amithab Setrap Chen with his own holy hands.
Setrap Chen is deeply connected with Dorje Shugden as he was one of Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen's main Protectors; this is why we see him and Amithaba in the thankas of Dharmapalas mansion. I love Alexis's story about Lord Dulzin being asked whether Setrap should be painted below or above - no competition in the enlightened mind, only care and clarity! The same with Lord Setrap - he often recommends propitiation of Dorje Shugden, Kalarupa, etc. I have heard that Setrap unleashed a storm on Sera monastery when the public anti-Dorje Shugden campaign started, and told the Sangha next morning through an oracle that he wasn't amused at all! We can also see many shrines with Lords Setrap and Shugden next to each other in Tibetan monasteries.
The rally cry (to use that much-stressed word..) of the more learned anti -Shugden and Setrap populists is that their supramundane nature of Manjushri/Amithaba is simply fabricated by Gelugpa lamas. Of course, if one would read their prayers, hear their advices or Dharma teachings (yes, Dharma teachings) through oracles or would do their practice with a dharmic motivation, one would soon learn what these holy deities are about. How tremendously sad as they are as close as most of us will get to MEET a Buddha, precisely because they appear with shoes on their feet to walk among us and work within samsara. Kache Marpo, by the way, one of our learned contributors on this forum has kindly informed us, is Hayagriva in nature. It would be very great if someone could share more on the relation between Dorje Sugden/aspects/entourage and the Guyasamaja mandala than we have listed on this website already, and thus go deeper into the wonders of our Protector. Thank you for your sharings to come!
And now, for those who feel their Gurus are slightly more holy than themselves, and
for those who would like to see straight into the heart of Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen, and
for those who like blessings, to add their Guru's name and put in their sadhanas...
...how fortunate indeed we are -
yours, beggar
Kyabje Domo Geshe Rinpoche
Ngawang Gyalten Jigme Choekyi Wangchuk
(a praise to Domo Geshe Rinpoche, spontaneuously spoken
by Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen through the famous oracle of Dunkar Gompa)
O noble, great Master Ngawang Kalsang
In reality Manjushri, you dwell amidst white clouds.
Filled with faith and longing desire, I hold you in my mind:
O root Guru, be my refuge and protection!
I entreat you by remembering your immense kindness.
Behold each of us sentient beings with compassion,
And whoever turns to you with deep devotion,
Lead him to the heavenly pure fields of Khachö:
O root Guru, be my refuge and protection!
I entreat you by remembering your great kindness.
May I hear your holy name in each and every life
And remember your lineage deep within my heart.
Please emerge and be actually present right here:
O root Guru, be my refuge and protection!
I entreat you by remembering your extensive kindness.
O great, kind Master, the fusion of the three refuges,
Gaze upon this and all future lives with compassion.
I invite you by recalling you with body, speech, and mind:
O root Guru, be my refuge and protection!
I entreat you by remembering your vast kindness.
Whatever action of yours appears to me as faulty,
My mind will not succumb to any such wrong views.
Having no other source of hope, behold me with compassion:
O root Guru, be my refuge and protection!
I entreat you by remembering your pervasive kindness.
When you turn the Dharma wheel of ocean-like fortune,
All sacred pledge-holders and Dharma protectors engage in their activities.
Grant us the two attainments, the common and uncommon:
O root Guru, be my refuge and protection!
I entreat you by remembering your amazing kindness.
When you turn the wheel of Dharma goodness,
Illness, gloom, panic, and all conflicts vanish,
My long life, glory, happiness, and joy prevail:
O root Guru, be my refuge and protection!
I entreat you by remembering your immense kindness.
O saffron-robed guide through Buddha’s holy words,
Mighty ruler over doctrine holders and treasure of compassion,
For fortunate disciples, your glorious goodness shines brightly like the sun:
O Ngawang Kalsang, at your holy feet I make requests.
From the noble Master’s speech come the riches of sutra and secret mantra;
Please disseminate completely the great deeds and actions of this mighty treasure
And, to turn the wheel of Dharma’s goodness for the sake of sentient beings,
Abide completely and continuously throughout the eon.
Through the blessings of the non-deceptive and truthful Three Jewels
And by the force of my prayers and aspirations expressed here,
O Dharma protectors and deities of wealth,
Let all things desired, all enjoyments, be obtained like gently falling rain.
