If any of the Oracles of Dorje Shugden recognizes a Tulku (an incarnated Lama), we should trust and believe in their recognition and in the tulkus all the way. If there was no use for the Tulku system, Dorje Shugden would not entertain any inquiries. Also, if the Tulku system was damaging, Dorje Shugden would not even recognize any Tulkus.
The Tulku system is so very important within Tibetan Buddhism in general and in particular within the Gelug system. We will die, we will reincarnate and we will take rebirth. So if we practice the Tantras correctly, one of the side benefits is that we can control our rebirth. If we can have control of our rebirth, then why can’t Tulkus? If it is logically possible for us to take charge of our rebirth and future incarnations, then isn’t it also logical that there can be Tulkus among us who have done just that?
Among the Tulkus, there are many level of attainments also. Their ranks within the Buddhist schools or height of their thrones do not always indicate their attainments. How far a Tulku has progressed on his/her path in his/herprevious lives is how much control he/she will have over his/her rebirths.
The Tulku system is indeed still alive, active and thriving. With this system, many great Tulkus are able to return, be recognized and continue their work. It is very important for the Dorje Shugden lineage Tulkus to return among us. It proves to everyone clearly that practicing Dorje Shugden does not bring negative states of rebirth. It is very logical, for how can the worship of a Buddha such as Dorje Shugden bring damage in any way?
When we worship Dorje Shugden, we are worshipping Manjushri. Since we are worshipping Manjushri, we are connecting to all the matured wisdom of all Buddhas. Therefore, when we offer the seven limbs to Dorje Shugden, it is equal to us offering the seven limbs to all the Buddhas of the ten directions and three times. We create incredible merits just by offering one light or a single stick of incense to Dorje Shugden; imagine how much more we accumulate by offering the seven limbs in our prayers. (The seven-limbed prayer we offer in our daily prayers includes Prostration/Praise, Offering, Rejoicing, Confession, Requesting the Buddhas to always remain, Requesting the Buddhas to always turn the wheel of Dharma, Dedication)
Easily, from Dorje Shugden’s side, we can say he is a yidam. But from the path of presentation of his puja text, he is propitiated as protector. It would be wonderful if Dorje Shugden can be prayed to as a Yidam with the full generation and completion stages of the highest yoga tantra included within his practice. For this, we would need to request Dorje Shugden via the oracles to give such text; or a highly accomplished Lama such as Pabongka Rinpoche or Gaden Trisur Lungrik Namgyal could also compose such a text. It would be the first text of its kind and would be highly blessed as the lineage is short, making it quick for us to gain attainments.
This opinion piece has been extracted from the DorjeShugden.com forum. Please add to the discussions on the forum if you have further perspectives, comments and thoughts. We always welcome debate and exchange. The original thread can be viewed at http://www.dorjeshugden.com/forum/index.php?topic=902
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Sierra
November 4, 2016
If we believe in Buddhism, we believe in karma and reincarnation. If we believe in reincarnation what is there to say that one cannot have attainments to control one’s rebirth? What is the point of practicing if there is no attainment to be had and no control to be had?
So, Dorje Shugden as an emanation of Manjushri will recognize the real tulkus who can return to continue their work to spread the dharma. Thus we are blessed to have these tulkus return to our fold to teach us.
In these times of degenration, it would be most expeditious if we have Dorje Shugden as Protector and Yidam. We do not have time to familiarize ourselves with so many Protectors and Yidams a most of us will discover spirituality late in life.