Dorje Shugden is an Enlightened Being, an emanation of the Buddha of Wisdom, Manjushri. He arose as a Dharma Protector 350 years ago in order to best safeguard the precious teachings of the Second Buddha known as Lama Tsongkhapa, to benefit all sentient beings.
During the degenerate times we live in and due to our karma, Dorje Shugden is the most helpful Dharma Protector for us because he is swift, powerful and benevolent.
He removes our obstacles, protects us and our loved ones, and provides conducive conditions for a successful life and spiritual practice. Above all, he grants us our virtuous and spiritual wishes quickly.
What does his name mean?
“Dorje” may be translated as “diamond” – the hardest element which cannot be destroyed. In the Buddhist context, indestructibility refers to the fully enlightened mind.
“Shug” means “power” and “Den” means “immovable”.
Altogether, “Dorje Shugden” means “Diamond of Immovable Power”.
What is a Dharma Protector?
A Dharma Protector is a being who manifests in a wrathful form in order to:
- Avert inner and outer obstacles to Dharma practice and to the achievement of spiritual realizations.
- Create conducive conditions for the practice of Dharma.
(Source: Heart Jewel by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso)
Dharma Protector practice is very valuable for helping to remove immediate worldly obstacles, problems and hindrances to our spiritual practice, and to provide conducive conditions for us to engage more effectively in our Dharma work and practice.
Enlightened or Unenlightened?
There are two kinds of Dharma Protectors:
- Enlightened Protectors who are emanations of Buddhas, such as Palden Lhamo (an emanation of Tara), Six-Armed Mahakala (Avalokiteshvara), Dorje Shugden (Manjushri) and Setrab Chen (Amitabha).
- Unenlightened Dharma Protectors, such as Nechung, who may be spirits that were oath-bound by Lamas to stop causing harm, and to serve and protect the Dharma as a Protector instead.
We can take refuge in Enlightened Protectors but not in unenlightened Protectors.
Further readings:
English
Indonesia
Tibetan
Christine
March 5, 2016
Simple and easy to understand introduction on Dorje Shugden.
The name of Dorje Shugden is so meaningful “Diamond of Immovable Power”. He is an emanation of Manjushri to protect the teachings of Lama Tsongkhapa.
Dorje Shugden, before becoming a protector is one of the student of Lama Tsongkhapa.
Thus, Dorje Shugden is very effective in protecting our spiritual path and guide us towards enlightenment.
Winnie MB
May 13, 2016
Thank you for sharing this article and introducing the dharma protector Dorje Shugden. It is a very easy to read and understand article for an introduction.
Dorje Shugden is the emenation of Majushri. In this degenerate times we should rely and practice Dorje Shugden as he is swift and powerful.
Pema
July 3, 2016
Dorje means Diamond, Shug = Power and den = immovable.
We need assitance on our way and Dorje Shugden will protect us and grant swift protection and help.
May Lama Tsongkhapa’s teachings spread into 10 directions and may we always be close to our Teacher.
dorji
March 23, 2017
I am Nyingmapa follower and can i pray to dorji shugden for protection???? As dorji shugden is Gelugpa and sakyapas protector deity…
tenzin
August 13, 2019
I believe my family and me have long term relationship with Dorje Shugden. Not just this lifetime we meet. Through hardship we have practice we persevere and we believe Dorje Shugden is helping us always. No matter how hard from discrimination and bully we don’t care because we trust him. Whenever we have problem we always ask his help and we get through the problems. Obstacles clear and everything smooth.
Khem
August 14, 2019
I have been Dorje Shugden practitioner for pass 3 years and I felt the practice is easy and effective. I was brought up in a inharmonious family background and there is a time I make candle offering to the protector for my family to grow peace and harmony. Surprisingly, it works! I even introduce to my friends and they gave me same feedback.
People now only believe in seeing. No matter what others criticize or discriminate about Dorje Shugden, it was their wrong perception. I believe and trust Dorje Shugden will benefits many for those who trusted him.
Dondrup Shugden
August 14, 2019
Buddhism is a religion that is based on proven facts and logical reasoning of the mind.
I was a Dorje Shugden devotee for a long time with basic elementary information until I met with this website to find out so much about this beloved Dharma Protector.
With such clear explanations and teachings, my faith is much much more enhanced and I have now the knowledge to share this wonderful practice to family and friends.
Belinda Mae
August 14, 2019
Dorje Shugden is definitely an enlightened Buddha and we need Dorje Shugden for this degenerate age. May all who practices Dorje Shugden will be benefited tremendously.
Richard Tamlak
August 14, 2019
Dorje Shugden is indeed a Dharma protector of our time, due to his swift assistance and protection. I have been practicing Dorje Shugden for the past four years, Dorje Shugden indeed helps me to clear a lot of my obstacle, be it in our worldly life and in my sprititual pracrice. This Web site helps all the Dorje Shugden practitioners a lot. May it continue to benefit all the sentient beings.
Samayakeeper
August 14, 2019
Short and sweet. Basic information for newbies wanting to know more about Dorje Shugden.
Brian
August 14, 2019
The very fact that the high Lamas are doing the practice explains it all. We do not doubt high lamas such as Trijang Rinpoche and Gangchen Rinpoche. The fact that they and the rest of the whole host of Sangha members have been doing this for centuries including the Dalai Lama himself for most of his this lifetime says it all. The fact that the high Lamas who have been doing the practice reincarnated back to turn the Dhamma wheel says it all.
Vajra10
August 14, 2019
The great guardian of the Buddhism is indeed powerful & helpful!
I’ve heard many miracles & myself experienced some “super lucky” events too
🤠🙏
Tianni
August 14, 2019
Simple and easy to understand. Anyone can invoke Dorje Shugden blessings and protection because he is an enlightened being with full of compassion and love. Dorje Shugden helps all without discrimination.
Bennie
August 14, 2019
Simple yet powerful practice help many of people overcome their obstacle. Thank for admin intruction Dorje Shudgen to those seeking help.👍😍
Jing Jing
August 16, 2019
Dorje Shugden is confirmed by many extremely renown and high lamas he’s the animation of Manjushri. Hence Dorje Shugden not only help us with our obstacles but also give us wisdom