I am deeply indebted to Masters like Dagom Rinpoche who stood up and corrected the Guru Tree to reflect the truth. Without High Lamas like Dagom Rinpoche constantly correcting the depiction of Dharma, we will never know the true lineage and history. We will not know how we came to be. From the 5 lineages of Gelugpa to Lord Tsongkhapa, to everything that is within the Guru Tree and the significance of those outside of the Guru Tree. Finally, to where we are at this point in time, as depicted at the lower right hand corner - receiving teachings from our own Gurus and Lamas.
Everything in the thangka has so much meaning. I did not quite appreciate it until recently. In fact, one needs to only look at this Guru Tree and we will learn a great deal.
Without method/practice there can be no attainments as depicted in the left hand with Maitreya in the middle.
Without Wisdom, all methods/practice could be wrong and mis-guided, as depicted in the right hand with Manjushri in the middle.
Method and Wisdom go hand in hand.
Without the Lineage Masters, nothing can be propagated and passed on - the lineage and teachings will cease to exist.
Withiout the Yidams and Dharma Protectors, how will we get help to stay on the path and be on the express route to Enligthenment.
Anything outside the Guru Tree are Deities and Spirits which are not enlightened. Hence, we should not be worshipping any of them.
Everything comes from a source and that source is traceable and authentic.
This is why the existence of Dorje Shugden in this Guru Tree is extremely important.