The opinion piece below was sent to dorjeshugden.com for publication. We accept submissions from the public, please send in your articles to [email protected].
His Eminence Gangchen Rinpoche is a real lama, with great knowledge and incredible healing abilities, who has benefited thousands around the world. He is a tireless supporter of Buddha Dharma, H.H. Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, our lineage, our practices, our monasteries, world peace, and our protectors Dorje Shugden and Palden Lhamo.
He has a beautiful large monastery called Gangchen Monastery in Shigatse, very near Panchen Rinpoche’s Tashi Lhunpo Monastery. His current and previous incarnations are very close to the line of Panchen Lama incarnations. In fact, Gangchen Rinpoche is the incarnation of the famed Panchen Zangpo Tashi, the 2nd throne holder (abbot) of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, and was recognized as his unmistaken incarnation by the previous Panchen Lama. The relics of this great master are still enshrined within a stupa in Tashi Lhunpo Monastery till today where many pilgrims visit to receive blessings.
Lama Gangchen Rinpoche is the holder of an ancient and unbroken lineage of Tantric Masters dating from the time of Shakyamuni Buddha. He is also a famous and renowned practitioner of Kurukulle, Oserchenma, Kalachakra, Yamantaka, Heruka and Vajra Yogini tantras, among many practices, and is a master of the construction of their mandalas.
Gangchen Rinpoche has tremendous healing powers and his line of incarnations are known to be powerful healers. When Rinpoche built his current healing and meditation centre in Nepal, there was no water. Upon Rinpoche’s arrival at the site, a spring naturally sprung forth and until this day continues to provide water for the whole meditation and healing centre. They make their own medicines there, they have a free school, guest house, and also a traditional Tibetan furniture-making workshop.
Biography
His Eminence Lama Gangchen Rinpoche was born in Western Tibet in 1941. He was recognized at an early age to be a reincarnate Lama healer and was enthroned at Gangchen Choepeling Monastery at the age of five.
When he reached the age of twelve, he received the “Kachen” degree which is usually conferred after twenty years of study. Between the ages of thirteen and eighteen, he studied medicine, astrology, meditation and philosophy in two of the major monastic universities of Tibet – Sera and Tashi Lhunpo.
He also studied in Gangchen Gompa, Tropu Gompa and Neytsong Monastery. He was a disciple of some of the most important Gelugpa Lamas like H.H. Trijang Rinpoche. In 1963, he went into exile to India where he continued his studies for the next seven years at the Varanasi Sanskrit University in Benares. In 1970, he received the Geshe Rigram degree (similar to a PhD) from Sera Monastic University situated in South India.
After his graduation, he worked as a Lama healer among the Tibetan communities in Nepal, India and Sikkim, during which time he saved the lives of many people and was named private physician to the Royal Family.
In 1981, Lama Gangchen visited Europe for the first time and has since become a resident and Italian citizen. In the same year, he also established his first European center: Karuna Choetsok in Lesbos, Greece, where he planted a bodhi tree in the ‘Buddha Garden’, and where he consecrated what was to become the first in a long line of world peace Buddha statues, thangkas and images. Since 1982, he has traveled extensively, both healing and teaching worldwide, leading many pilgrimages to some of the most important holy places of different religious and spiritual denominations in the world.
At present, H.E. Gangchen Tulku Rinpoche, the healer, has more than 100 Inner Peace Education centres or Self-Healing Study Groups worldwide. His huge organization includes schools, prayer halls, guest houses, incense/woodwork factories also, and Gangchen Rinpoche has many devotees and strong sponsors who 100% support and serve him.
The Healing Lama
Gangchen Rinpoche comes from a long line of Healing Lamas. His lineage started originally from the Indian Mahasiddha Darikapa. He has a very special connection to the healing practices for many types of diseases, and for many years, Lama Gangchen has promoted a very important project: the integration between Tibetan Medicine (an incredible and still-unknown treasure of humankind) with allopathic medicine.
Gangchen Rinpoche’s Ngalso Tantric Self Healing method is based on Buddha’s teachings but it is suitable for modern people. The practices that he has conferred on people in the past have expedited the healing of certain cancers, among other diseases. He is famous for his pills as well as healing skin pills for skin ailments.
Gangchen Rinpoche mentioned that before he started these healing exercises, he consulted Dorje Shugden through his medium. Dorje Shugden said it would be very beneficial and that he should definitely make known, speak, teach and write regarding these practices. It would benefit many. With that, Rinpoche has embarked on his highly successful body and mind tantric healing exercises.
Those of you who have great fortune should receive healing practices from the Lord of the Healing Yogis, His Eminence Gangchen Rinpoche of Sera Mey and Gangchen Monastery in Tibet directly. It is highly efficacious and powerful. Having a strong body and long life can very much allow us freedom to practice the holy Dharma.
So many people with difficult diseases have been healed and helped by this great healing Lama. I have met Tibetan, Western and Chinese students who attest to His healing. Lucky for Europe, His Eminence Gangchen Rinpoche primarily resides in Italy. If one has the great fortune to be in Italy, one must visit Rinpoche at his retreat centre there situated near a lake.
From time to time for those fortunate to request, H.E. Gangchen Rinpoche also bestows the life entrustment initiation of Dorje Shugden. He will confer upon request. It is best you have one of the Annuttara Tantra initiations prior as a prerequisite to receive.
Gangchen Rinpoche has many teachings, videos and books that he authored specifically for modern day healing; incorporating ancient tantric meditations with modern exercises. One can view Gangchen Rinpoche’s wonderful videos on YouTube or you can search online.
Gangchen Rinpoche and Dorje Shugden
H.E. Gangchen Rinpoche has been true to the lineage of H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and faithfully practices Dorje Shugden. He is open and honest about it. For this, he is considered an enemy of Tibetans by the Tibetan Government in Exile.
Gangchen Rinpoche has been on the Tibetan Government’s top ten list of ‘state enemies’ since the whole Shugden affair started over 10 years back. Rinpoche has even received a few death threats. And for his practice of Dorje Shugden, he has been expelled from Sera Mey Monastery to which he has brought much financial benefit in the past. He is not allowed back into his Ladrang in Sera Monastery.
The buildings, prayer hall and monk rooms he has built in his Tsangpa Khamtsen, Sera Mey, are there but he is not allowed back. Yet the money he donated for building it was not returned to him at all. The Monastery kept the money, the buildings, the statues, the rooms and all the items inside, but asked Rinpoche not to return to it! Why doesn’t the Tibetan Government ask all the Three Great Gelugpa Monasteries to return all items, monies and donations made by all Dorje Shugden-practicing Sangha? Why throw them out but keep their offerings?
Just think, Gangchen Rinpoche is not allowed back to Sera or be involved in any of the Tibetan religious gatherings in India at all. His crime is that he practices Dorje Shugden. He refuses to give up the commitments he has received from H.H. Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang who is his root guru. He is open with regards to keeping his commitments to Trijang Rinpoche. Other countries count criminals as people who kill, rape, and rob. But in Tibetan society, you are a criminal if you practice Dorje Shugden. How is that possible in the current century?
Gangchen Rinpoche is brave and is the model of true guru devotion and of keeping religious commitments received from one’s sacred lineage master. He doesn’t hide or say he has given up the practice received from Trijang Rinpoche for political ‘cleanliness’. Nor does he practice Dorje Shugden to bring harm to H.H. the Dalai Lama or the Tibetan Government in Exile. Gangchen Rinpoche believes that Trijang Rinpoche gave that practice to help spiritual practitioners to overcome their heavy ‘Kaliyuga‘ obstacles, not something to harm H.H. the Dalai Lama with. Trijang Rinpoche would have no such intentions. Dorje Shugden practice originally was not intended for that purpose at all. And it remains the same now.
Gangchen Rinpoche has practiced Dorje Shugden since he met his root guru Trijang Rinpoche in Tibet prior to 1959, for aid and spiritual support of his work. Is that a crime? Is it a crime to follow Trijang Rinpoche’s holy instructions as Gangchen Rinpoche does with great devotion?
Also, to stop a practice given by a lama, you must ask the permission of the lama you received it from. Any lama CANNOT OVERRIDE THE COMMAND OF YOUR LAMA or any other lama from whence you received the practice. Since Trijang Rinpoche gave the practice and he has passed, Gangchen Rinpoche would not have the chance to ask Trijang Rinpoche to be excused from it. But since H.H. the Dalai Lama is advising not to worship, and he is alive, then it would make more sense that Gangchen Rinpoche requests the Dalai Lama to allow him to continue practicing.
Gangchen Rinpoche also mentions that H.H. the Dalai Lama is the guru of all Tibet, so how can we go ‘against’ him? And why would we? We would not think of that. In fact, Gangchen Rinpoche has tremendous faith and respect for H.H. the Dalai Lama. However, any attempt to meet the Dalai Lama is blocked and not allowed. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the Dalai Lama met up with all the Dorje Shugden Lamas, sangha and practitioners in the world and became ‘friends’ and had dialogue? Open, honest, direct, face-to-face dialogue, the good old-fashioned Buddhist way?
In any democratic society, one will have the chance to meet and express one’s concerns to one’s leader if one goes through the proper channels. It would never not be allowed due to religious convictions. Being able to meet your leader and him listening to your concerns is THE HALLMARK OF A GOOD LEADER AND GOVERNMENT.
Gangchen Rinpoche and the Tibetan Government
On the Tibetan Government’s websites, they have a whole section with videos trying to defame and denigrate His Eminence Gangchen Rinpoche, and often speak and write derogatory messages against him. His healing practices are vehemently ridiculed. Any move he makes is twisted around. He is accused of being friends with the Chinese government so he is ‘ASSUMED TO BE ON THEIR PAYROLL.’ Payroll for what? The Tibetan Government accuses him of receiving money from China to incite disharmony within the Tibetan communities. The ridiculous point is that Rinpoche HAS BEEN PRACTICING DORJE SHUGDEN EVEN BEFORE 1959!
It is amazing that a government would do so much to suppress their own people. It’s shameful actually. Why are they against Gangchen Rinpoche? What was his alleged crime? Why is he at the top of their ‘hit’ list to defame? Gangchen Rinpoche’s only ‘crime’ is to worship Dorje Shugden. It reflects the immaturity of the Tibetan Government. They have so few in their exiled population already, yet they wish to isolate more people from within their community.
So, the Tibetan Government criticizes Gangchen Rinpoche for going to Beijing to ‘pay respects’ to the Chinese-endorsed Panchen Lama. They say Gangchen Rinpoche has very close ties with the Chinese Government. Well, that should be their cue to make friends with Gangchen Rinpoche and through Gangchen Rinpoche, make better relations with the Chinese Government for the sake of the six million remaining Tibetans in Tibet! Wouldn’t that make more sense?
When Gangchen Rinpoche was asked why he does that, he mentions:
Don’t antagonize China further. We are a small group of people against the might of all China. We cannot win, so it is better to make friends with them. The important issue is to have some autonomy in Tibet to save the culture and the spiritual practices while there is time, otherwise it will be lost.
So, Rinpoche’s motive to meet the China-endorsed Panchen Lama was to make China ‘happy’ so their stance in Tibet would be less harsh. He mentions he has no intention of disrespect toward H.H. the Dalai Lama nor the Panchen Lama that H.H. Dalai Lama endorses.
Gangchen Rinpoche has said, it doesn’t matter if the Panchen Lama of China is real or not. If we are friendly towards him, then China will soften their stance and there is hope for the Tibetans within Tibet. He said, Tibetans outside Tibet are safe and prosperous, but we have to be concerned for the Tibetans within Tibet. So being on good terms with the China-endorsed Panchen Lama doesn’t mean we are against the Panchen Lama recognized by H.H. the Dalai Lama.
Gangchen Rinpoche has 100% conviction in the Dalai Lama’s choice. But we have to look at the bigger picture. It is not about the Dalai Lama’s choice or Beijing’s choice of the Panchen Lama, it is simply about making Beijing’s stance on Tibet softer so there can be real dialogue between the exile government and China BEFORE THE DALAI LAMA PASSES AWAY. Tibetans inside and outside Tibet revere the Dalai Lama, so he, while alive can motivate true dialogue with results.
Gangchen Rinpoche has also said that, instead of the Tibetan Government branding him as an enemy only because of his religious convictions, wouldn’t it be better if they made him and all Tibetan Lamas around the world friends of the Tibetan Government regardless of their religious practices? After all, in Tibet, Dorje Shugden was never a national or political issue. It is strictly a religious practice of the highest lamas to the simplest nomads. No one in Tibet practiced Dorje Shugden to gain in the political arena or with the wish to bring harm to the Dalai Lama or Tibetan Government. Why is it turned around to be like that now? That has never been the case and never will be.
Gangchen Rinpoche should be made the Tibetan Government in Exile’s Ambassador to China. When the Tibetans have so few people as it is and so few qualified people as it is, they should rope in these qualified persons. Why does Dorje Shugden’s practice have to be paid by the Chinese government to practice? This practice was going on for 350 years before 1959. I myself practice Dorje Shugden and he is my only protector and the foundation of my faith, but the Chinese Government doesn’t pay me any money to practice.
Gangchen Rinpoche also mentions he can better serve the Tibetan Government and Tibetans in general if the Tibetan Government treats him as a friend and citizen, and not ostracize him as a traitor simply because he practices Dorje Shugden. Where in the world can that happen today?
The Tibetan Government really alienates people to their own detriment. Whatever they have tried to do against Gangchen Rinpoche has no effect. It would make more sense for them to make ‘friends’ with Gangchen Rinpoche. The more friends the Tibetan Government have, the better it will be for them in the long run. I don’t think they can think on such a long term basis. Even their name is now changed to the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). They have been demoted from a government to an administration. Shameful, sad, embarrassing and a sign of their demise or decline.
We are very fortunate to have a brave Bodhisattva warrior among us, who is very committed to the practice his gurus have passed to him. Gangchen Rinpoche has been the target of so many verbal and written attacks from the Tibetan Government for over 10 years now. Never once has Rinpoche shown anger.
H.E. Gangchen Tulku Rinpoche of Italy is equally brave, honest and does not bend to political pressure like Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche. Being in Rinpoche’s presence, one can feel great love and high wisdom. He is one of the kindest, most generous and devoted lamas which belong to the last generation of Tibet-trained masters. He holds guru devotion supreme. He has never spoken one ill word of another religion let alone another school of Buddhism. He works very hard in the Religious Affairs of The United Nations to bring about religious harmony in the world. How fortunate we are that Rinpoche’s powerful incarnation is among us. Seeing him truly is healing.
May some of my life be taken away to add to the lifespan of this great incomparable and compassionate healing lama! May his works further grow and may his aspirations come true! May H.E. Gangchen Rinpoche live very long! May H.E. Gangchen Rinpoche have dialogue with H.H. the Dalai Lama soon. May my guru Gangchen Rinpoche continue to be a shining example of true inspiration for the Buddhist community.
More Pictures and Videos
These are just some of Gangchen Rinpoche’s incredible activities around the world. They are just the tip of the iceberg of all that he has done.
Healing Lama Visits Tibet
A beautiful video of His Eminence Gangchen Rinpoche visiting his personal Gangchen Monastery in Tibet and other sacred sites. I find him to be a spectacular being.
Disclaimer: This article was submitted by a third party author and does not necessarily reflect the official opinion of DorjeShugden.com. We accept submissions from the public, please send in your articles to [email protected]
kelly
February 26, 2015
I think whatever Gangchen Rinpoche do is very right is an act of bodisavatta , is true the tibetan who in Tibet is suffer tremendously those who are outside Tibet will not be able to feel their suffering so why criticise those who can help these innocent Tibetan who are the victims of this political war, at least we cannot help but we do not want to talk negative about someone who can help.
Matibhadra
February 27, 2015
Many words of reason falling on deaf ears.
The evil dalai’s puppet masters do not want him to make friends with China to start with, and even if he wanted to he would not be allowed anyway.
The evil dalai’s function, in his capacity of Western geopolitical puppet, is to serve as an anti-China tool and propaganda posterboy.
And the very meaning of being a puppet is to obey the puppet masters, not to listen to any words of reason, which would not be necessary anyway if only the puppet were indeed Chenrezig.
Rinchen
February 27, 2015
I agree with what Gangchen Rinpoche has said with regards to that they should not only be caring about the Tibetans that are in exile, but the majority of the Tibetans that are still in Tibet. The Dalai Lama together with CTA should be making friends and try to keep a good relationship with the China government in order to help the situation of those that are still residing in Tibet. Instead of separating the community, making the Tibetans go against each other.
It is really silly to be doing that as it would not do any benefits to the CTA and the Tibetan community as a whole. They would not be able to help the Tibetans that are still in Tibet with the situation like this.
Manjushri
February 28, 2015
Praise to Lama Gangchen who braves all difficulties thrown unto him for being a Dorje Shugden lama, and remains unflinching in his tremendous works of bringing Dorje Shugden to so many across the world. It must be hard and difficult for the lama to spread any teachings at all, with so much against him, but the true qualities of Gangchen Rinpoche is exemplified in all that he does today for sentient beings. Thank you for this post!
Eli Buchen
March 1, 2015
Much love to Gangchen Lama who braved on no matter what, devoted is he in his help towards Tibetan people, sentient beings and even the Chinese.
Always a pleasure to read about Gangchen lama and to view his holy countenance. Gangchen lama was from a line of great Mahasiddha and reputedly one who built the borobudur.
Sushilla Kapur
March 2, 2015
Such kind, compassionate and wise Lama such as Gangchen Rinpoche is rare and precious. It is very mean and totally unprofessional of the CTA to put his name as the top 10 list of state enemies, a stand that encourages those ignorant to attack and threaten Gangchen Rinpoche’s life. The Tibetans have lost their land to China, they should not loose their dignities as well. They should contemplate on Impermaneance and work on preserving their culture and most importantly their spiritual practice. Wherever they may be in this world, Tibetan Buddhism can be practiced and can be shared with non Tibetans. The outlook should be broader and further and not focus on self.
It is rare we have such great Lamas as Gangchen Rinpoche who works tirelessly to preserve the lineage teachings, heal people and also risk being misunderstood by others by being friends with China. Gangchen Rinpoche is no more young. We should all pray that he remains in good health and continue to live long to benefit all of us through the Dharma he teaches and practices !
Sonam la
March 14, 2015
May all those negative influences that harm the teaching of the victorious ones through their perverted aspirations –
Those with form and those without form (Shugden) –
All those who work with malicious intentions,
Be annihilated through the truth of the Three Jewels !
Sierra
November 24, 2016
Lama Gangchen Rinpoche is really a mahasiddha by all accounts in this article. People today are very blessed to have great lamas like this who stand firm to bring the dharma for the benefit of many people.
Through the ban and threats, Lama Gangchen Rinpoche would not speak out against the Dalai Lama which makes me think that they have seen more to the ban than what normal people see.
May Lama Gangchen Rinpoche have stable health and long life to bring the dharma to benefits all in the ten directions.
Dalai Lama should set things right
August 12, 2018
Dear Dalai Lama,
Since you started the cruel ban against the 350 year Dorje Shugden practice, how has it benefit your Tibetan society and Buddhism in the world? Things have become worse and most educated Tibetans can see this. They don’t speak out not because they don’t see your ban as wrong, but you instill fear in them and not respect. It is like fear of a dictator. I am sorry to say so. Everyone is divided. There is no harmony. Before your ban there was more harmony and unity.
By enacting the ban, you split the monasteries, split so many families, split regions in Tibet apart, split your disciples from you, split your own gurus from you, split Tibetan Buddhism apart. You have created so much disharmony.
It is not democratic what you have done to ban a religion within your community. You always talk of tolerance and acceptance and democracy and yet you do not accept and tolerate something different from your beliefs. When people practice Dorje Shugden you ostracize them, ban them from seeing you, ban them from using Tibetan facilities. You know you have done that. There are videos that capture your speech and prove this point. You even had people expelled from monasteries just because they practice Dorje Shugden. Some of the monks you expelled have been in the monastery for over 40 years. Many older monks shed tears because of this.
Many young educated Tibetans lost confidence in you as they saw the damage the Dorje Shugden ban created and they lose hope. Many have become free thinkers. They reject what you have done. So many people in the west left Buddhism because of the confusion you created with this ban against Dorje Shugden which is immoral.
You could of had millions of people who practice Dorje Shugden to support, love and follow you, but you scared them away. They are hurt and very disappointed. They loved you and respected you deeply before the ban. It has been 60 years and you have failed to get Tibet back. Your biggest failure is not getting Tibet back after 57 years in exile. Now you are begging China to allow you to return to Tibet to the disappointment of thousands of people who fought for a free Tibet believing in you. So many self-immolated for a free Tibet and now you want Tibet to be a part of China with no referendum from Tibetans. Just like a dictator, you decide on your own. It was your government and you that lost Tibet in the first place. Your policies and style of doing things do not benefit Tibet and Buddhism. You have been the sole ruler of Tibet your whole life and you still have not gotten our country of Tibet back for us. Our families and us are separated. Yet you create more pain by creating a ban to further divide people. Please have compassion.
No other Buddhist leader has banned or condemned any religion except for you. It looks very bad. You are a Nobel laureate and this is not fitting of a laureate. You should unite people and not separate them by religious differences.
You said Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi did not do right to the Rohingya people in Myanmar due to religious differences, but you are doing the same thing to the Shugden Buddhists within your own society. There is a parallel in this. You separate the Shugden Buddhists from the others in Tibetan society.
You have lost so many people who would have loved and supported you. You have lost so much support around the world. The Shugden Buddhists who love you number in the millions. When you are fast losing support from governments and private people, it will not do you well to lose more.
After you are passed away in the future, the rift you created between the Dorje Shugden and non-Dorje Shugden people will remain for a while and that will be your legacy. Disharmony. You will be remembered for this. Not as a hero but a disharmony creator.
Dorje Shugden will spread and further grow, but you will be no more as you are a human. No one wishes you bad and in fact we hope you have a long and healthy life, but we have lost so much hope and have so much despair because of you. All the hundreds of Dorje Shugden lamas, tulkus and geshes are maturing and there are hundreds of Dorje Shugden monasteries in Tibet who will not give up Dorje Shugden. You have made a mistake. These hundreds of teachers and teachers to be will spread Dorje Shugden further in the future.
The gurus that gave us Dorje Shugden as a spiritual practice and you have called these holy gurus wrong and they are mistaken in giving us Dorje Shugden. How can you insult our gurus whom we respect so much? If they can be wrong, then you can be wrong. Then all gurus can be wrong. So no one needs to listen to any guru? You have created this trend. It is not healthy. Your own gurus practiced Dorje Shugden their whole lives. Your own gurus were exemplary and highly learned.
Dalai Lama you have created so much pain with this ban against so many people due to religion. You are ageing fast. Are you going to do anything about it or stay stubborn, hard and un-moving. You show a smile and preach peace and harmony wherever you go. But will you do the same to your own people? Please rectify the wrong you have done. Please before it is too late. You can create harmony again or you can pass away in the future with this legacy of peace. May you live long and think carefully and admit what was a mistake in having this unethical ban against Dorje Shugden religion.
Vinca Larrañaga
December 7, 2018
I love this humild an brave man, he changed my life, he gave me the name of a godess….. I’ve tried to honoured him.
Agradezco a las divinidades haberlo conocido. Bendiciones a todos.
Anonymous
April 19, 2020