Mongolia Enthrones Its Dalai Lama

[DharmaSpace]

Dec. 5 – Mongolia has confirmed the ninth Bogd Jebttsundamba Khutughtus in a ceremony at the Gandantegchinlin Monastery in Ulaanbaatar. As the spiritual leader of Mongolian Buddhism, the ninth Bogd is the equivalent of the Dalai Lama in Tibet, although ranking below him in title. “Bogd Khan” loosely translates as “High King,” while “Genghis Khan” translates as “King of Kings.” Actually, “Bogd Khan Ul” is also the name of one of Mongolia’s highest and most holy mountains.

Mongolia’s Bogd Khans date back to the 1600s, when the first Bogd, the renowned artist monk Zanabazar, was recognized as such by the then-Panchen Lama and Dalai Lama of Tibet. Zanabazar remains a highly regarded figure in Mongolia, with an entire museum dedicated to his works. He was a superb craftsman, creating many priceless bronze carvings of Buddhas, and also invented (taking the form of written Uyghur script as the base) the first version of modern Mongolian written language – much of which is still in use today.

The Bogd Khans operated as defacto kings of Mongolia as well as the most senior cleric up until 1924, when the eighth Bogd Khan passed away. By then, Mongolia had become under the control of the Soviet Union, who promptly banned any further reincarnations of the linage. The eighth Bogd had been highly revered by the Mongolians, but also had a rather naughty streak – he suffered from syphilis, and regularly gave his subjects minor electric shocks as proof of his divinity, much to his amusement.

However, in 1936, the Tibetan regent Reting Rinpoche, acting during the gap between reincarnations of Dalai Lama’s in Tibet, recognized a four-year-old boy, Jampal Namdol Choiji Jantsan as the reincarnation of the eight Bogd, near to Lhasa. Due the complicated political situation at the time, his discovery was kept a secret, although the boy was educated as a Monk in the Potala Palace. When the current Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959, the boy travelled with him and has been based with him in Dharamsala ever since.

However, with the withdrawal of Russian troops from Mongolia in 1987, and the emergence of a democratic Mongolia, the political tide began to turn in favor of the return of the Bogd Khan to Mongolia. After agreements to separate politics from religion (unlike the situation in China), the Bogd Khan was able to travel to Mongolia for the first time in 1999, and eventually obtained Mongolian citizenship last year. He is now permanently based in the Gandantegchinlin Monastery in Ulaanbaatar, with a new center of Buddhism and a new Palace having been under construction for the past two years. The Bogd Khans official duties are to act as the spiritual head of Mongolian Buddhism and to continue with the preservation and revival of Mongolian customs and traditions.

The ceremony to reinstall the Bogd Khan as the ninth incumbent was carried out last month, and he was presented with the ancient and traditional golden seal of religion and confirmation papers. Although now aged 79, his return marks the end of an 87-year-old gap of Bogd Khans residing in Mongolia, and the new Bogd Khan has already suggested his reincarnation will be discovered in the country.


Gandantegchin Monastery
The enthronement of the ninth Bogd Khan is in direct contradiction to the position taken by China towards the Dalai Lama, who the Communist Party regard as “splittist” and do not manage to be able to separate as being the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism from involvement in political affairs. The rise of Buddhism throughout Asia in the wake of a softening of attitude from previously hardline regimes in Vietnam, Myanmar and elsewhere is starting to cause problems for China’s government as the history of Tibet under Communist rule continues to grate. A resurgence in mistrust of Chinese intentions within the region is beginning to develop as a result, being manifested most recently in the Chinese cancelling senior level meetings in India due to the presence of the Dalai Lama at a separate World Buddhist Congress at the same time. Indeed, it could be suggested that in the wake of Buddhism thriving in neighboring democratic nations such as India and Mongolia, the very nature of the apparent inability by China to separate state and religion has to be called into question as regards the continuing wisdom of this position. Clearly, democratic and governmental processes can survive and prosper in tandem with spiritual leadership, a situation that is not tolerable to the Chinese Communist Party. Apparently, the viewing of an alternative source of spiritual doctrine to that of the Party is in some way threatening, yet the opposite has proven to be the case elsewhere.

In the case of the Bogd Khan, the Mongolians seem to have been able to accomplish something their larger neighbor seems unable to do, despite their huge wealth and power. As China is surrounded by many countries with strong Buddhist beliefs, it remains to be seen how much longer the CCP can maintain its attitude towards the Dalai Lama. Strains appear to be showing in their ability to justify and maintain their current position, as conflicts with borders and regional ties seem to be growing, partly as a result of distrust towards Chinese intentions and their continued and perceived lack of respect towards one of Buddhism’s highest authorities.

Back in Mongolia, the Gandantegchin Monastery is Ulaanbaatar’s largest monastery and is home to some 400 monks; has a Buddhist university; three colleges of Buddhist philosophy; a medical and astrological college; a Kalachakra temple; a Jud Tantric College; and an Avalokiteshvara (Migjid Janraisig) temple. It is open to the public, with the ninth Bogd Khan regularly holding services each week. The Winter Palace of the eighth Bogd Khan is also in Ulaanbaatar and is now a museum, again open to the public.

I think since many Mongolians practise the Gelug Tradition, so very likely they would be engaging in Dorje Shugden. The Mongolians of old were converted to Buddhism by the great 3rd Dalai Lama - Sonam Gyatso. The Mongolians were a a force who helped the the Great 5th Dalai Lama consolidate his peer in Tibet.

So if the Bogd Jebttsundamba Khutughtus is once again recognized then there is a great chance of Lama Tsongkhapa and Dorje Shugden to spread once more in Mongolia.

The monastery shown in the link below is Mongolian and engages in Dorje Shugden
dorjeshugden.com/wp/?p=104

[DharmaSpace]

9th Bogd

[WisdomBeing]

Curious facts:

1. The first Dalai Lama of Mongolia, Zanabazar's name means Dorje of Wisdom (see the explanation below).
2. Zanabazar was a contemporary of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen (1619-1656).

i wonder if there is any link with Dorje Shugden?


Undur Geghen Zanabazar (Mongolian: ?? , Öndör Gegee? Zanabazar, "High Saint Zanabazar"; 1635–1723), born Eshidorji (, Išdorj), was the first Jebtsundamba Khutuktu, the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism for the Khalkha in Outer Mongolia. His name 'Zanabazar' is the Mongolian rendition of the Sanskrit 'Jnana-vajra' meaning thunderbolt (vajra) of wisdom (jnana). Etymologically this name would be equivalent to 'known-vigor' in English, a language genetically related to Sanskrit. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zanabazar)

[DharmaSpace]

Ser-Od : http://www.templemuseum.mn/about-museum/temple/9-zanhan.html
(Tuesday, Nov 15. 2011 06:23 PM)
Dear Admin & Visitors,

I am writing from Mongolia. Mongolia is properly and naturally Gelugpa or Bogd Tsong Khapa’s religion country since 16th century. You are can be visit the follow web site , and its Mongolian satisfaction Choije lama temple where is siting great Vajrapani& Dorjeshugden.

http://www.templemuseum.mn/about-museum/temple/9-zanhan.html

I took this from the main page of dorjeshugden.com, any proud Mongolians would be so kind to translate for us what the article above is saying. 

[Zach]

Well I'll be the Mongolians have got Dorje shugden to

[Vajraprotector]

Found some photos of choijin lama museum and the Dorje Shugden statue in it, thought I post it below.

There are some nice photos of the temple and other deities in the temple here:
http://depts.washington.edu/silkroad/museums/choijin/choijin.html

[dsiluvu]

Thank VP for those awesome pictures of Choijin Lama Museum. The Dorje Shugden statue they have in there sure is huge and this shows that Dorje Shugden was well practised widely in Mongolia.

I'm sure now that Mongolia has enthroned their own "Dalai Lama" who is of the Gelug tradition, unlike in Dharamsala , the practice of Dorje Shugden will surely flourish again.

[vajrastorm]

This is exciting news indeed! Thanks DharmaSpace. So Mongolia has officially enthroned its Spiritual Head, the equivalent of the Dalai Lama. The Mongolians are Gelug practitioners   and , as the picture of the statue of Dorje Shugden in the Chojin Lama Museum shows, Dorje Shugden is also their Protector.

Hence we can expect to see news coming from Mongolia about the spread of Je Tsongkapa's teachings and of Shugden practice! Here, with a clear divide between religion and politics, there will be no obstacle of political interference to impede the growth of Shugden practice and, with that, Je Tsongkapa's teachings will surely flourish to benefit all.   

[shugdenprotect]

Mongolia will set an example of maintaining a clear division between politics and religion. May this news bring about greater awareness of Lama Tsongkapa's doctrine and Dorje Shugden's practice.

The appearance of the religious leader (equivalent to HH) who already indicates the intention to return is also good news for the continued growth of Lama Tsongkapa and Dorje Shugden's practice. With another recognized Buddhist leader (in the gelug tradition), what would it mean for the CTA / TGIE? Does not look like good news.

If this situation can dampen the authority of these political authorities, it will give more room for the ban on Dorje Shugden to be lifted.

This is another piece of good news amongs the many other activities that are occuring all over the world to create the cause for the Dorje Shugden ban to be lifted (e.g. the DS chapel in Thailand). What a moment to rejoice!

[DharmaSpace]

Well the CTA does not have any influence in Mongolia so they cannot and do not have a free hand in oppressing the Dorje Shugden practitioners there.  I do believe 90% of the Gelugpas practised Dorje Shugden all over Tibet,Nepal and Mongolia in the past.

Nepal has increasingly come under China's influence and the Chinese will probably be very eager to support Dorje Shugden monasteries and practitioners in Nepal too. Yet another step to weaken the ban.

[Big Uncle]

It is so neat that Mongolia is reviving its glorious Buddhist past. What better way to have Buddhism spread in Mongolia than with Dorje Shugden. The most practitioners and the fast he is propagated, the faster Buddhism is revived and the great Mongolian High Lamas and Tulkus will reveal themselves and manifest their enlightened activities. Dorje Shugden will clear away the obstacles for these great beings to manifest their previous life prayers.

[DharmaDefender]

So Mongolia practised / practises Dorje Shugden? Let get this history of events straight...

1. Tibet practises Dorje Shugden
2. The practice spreads east to Mongolia and China
3. Then Communism arises. Mongolia is occupied and cut off from the rest of the world
4. Buddhism in Mongolia is persecuted
5. Practices go underground
6. Communism fades, and theres a renaissance of Buddhism in Mongolia

So the Mongolians picked up where they left off, and never got involved or affected by the politics. Lucky them not to have to deal with the swearing-ins and whatnot...and not to have to deal with the CTA! Anyway how come the Mongolians themselves never said anything about Dorje Shugden being bad? If Dorje Shugden was so bad, then the practice wouldve been lost when Buddhism in Mongolia was persecuted...who would find it worth the trouble of secretly keeping the practice alive, if the practice is actually so bad?

And let me get this straight - the Mongolians like and have always liked Dorje Shugden. The Chinese like Dorje Shugden. As far as I can tell, the Indian government are happy to support the practice (otherwise why turn up at the Serpom opening). Westerners like him too. So its JUST the Tibetans who dont like him? Funny... what is it thats so beautiful about democracies? Oh yeah, majority rules.

[Ensapa]

here's a brief history of Jetsundampa Khutukus from wikipedia:

The first Jebtsundamba, Zanabazar (1635–1723), was identified as the reincarnation of the scholar Taranatha of the Jonang school of Tibetan Buddhism. Zanabazar was the son of the Tüsheet Khan Gombodorj, ruler of central Khalkha Mongolia, and himself became the spiritual head of the Khalkha Mongols.
Like Zanabazar, the second Jebtsundamba also was a member of Mongolia's highest nobility and direct descendant of Genghis Khan. After Chingünjav's rebellion and the successive demise of the second Jebtsundamba Khutugtu, the Qianlong emperor decreed in 1758 that all future reincarnations were to be found from among the population of Tibet.
When northern Mongolia declared independence in 1911, the eighth Jebtsundamba (1869–1924) was elevated to theocratic ruler, called Bogd Khan. He was the head of state until his death in 1924. The communist government of the Mongolian People's Republic, which replaced the theocracy in 1924, declared that there were to be no further reincarnations.
A reincarnation was in fact found almost at once in north Mongolia, and some high lamas of the dead Khutughtu's suite went to interview the child's mother, Tsendjav, and to instruct her in the details of the life of the former incarnation, so that she could familiarize the child-candidate with the tests which he would have to undergo. Faced with the possibility of a new Khutughtu who was born within Mongolia and was not even a foreigner from Tibet, the Central Committee of the Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party decided in July 1925 to turn the matter over to the aged Dalai Lama in Lhasa. The Dalai Lama's decision would nonetheless be subject to new Mongolian legislation for the separation of Church and State. In February 1929, the installation of any further Khutughtus was forbidden.[1]
A 9th Jebtsundamba Khutughtu was installed by the Dalai Lama, as the head of the Jonang lingeage. He was born as Jampal Namdol Chökyi Gyaltsen in 1932. He died in early 2012. Despite the Chinese government's claim to have inherited the authority and ultimate decision right for the choice of successor of all high lamas in Mongolia and Tibet, the 9th Jebstundamba has passed will to be reincarnated within the independent Mongolia and the selection will be confirmed by the Dalai Lama. This puts China in a dilemma of endangering their foreign affairs with Mongolia for the choice of the next Lama or to forfeit this right that they claim to have control of religious affair, ultimately giving up their authority over the choice of the next dalai lama and putting their current choice of panchen lama in question.[2]

Basically, the Jetsundampa line is actually the one and the same as Tarantha, founder of the Jonang School. The 9th Jetsundampa is known also to be a Dorje Shugden practitioner and there was no problems with that and the Dalai Lama did not say anything about that. Interesting how HHDL picked a Jetsundampa that is a pro Dorje Shugden practitioner.

[Dondrup Shugden]

History is something when understood relates to the present.  This is a very interesting post I have revived as to the progress of Buddhism in Mongolia which was a country that had great rulers and conquerors like Kublai Khan.

Mongolians are Shugden devotees who practice without any discrimination.  Even Trijang Rinpoche was very welcomed in Mongolia. 

[DharmaSpace]

@Dondrup Shugden
You brought up an interesting fact, unlike the Tibetans, the Mongolians who revere the Dalai Lama they don't  use abusive and rough language towards Dorje Shugden people and lamas on social media. U know historically we might think the Mongolians for being so barbaric with their wars and conquest, now if one were to compare the Mongolians and Tibetans now with regards to the Dorje Shugden issue, it is clear to see that the Mongolians are respectful to people's rights, beliefs unlike many Tibetans who are anti Dorje Shugden.

I look forward to Mongolians playing a greater part in the spread of Buddhism in the world.