During the time of the incomparable Manjushri Je Tsongkhapa, a dove was once seen circling around the hall during a teaching session at Gaden Monastery. Gyaltsab Je and Kedrub Je, two of Je Tsongkhapa’s closest disciples, knew the bird was an emanation of the Dharma Protector Nechung but they didn’t say anything.
In the audience was also Duldzin Drakpa Gyeltsen, one of Je Tsongkhapa’s closest, most devoted students. He is often believed to be a direct emanation of Tsongkhapa himself, to show us the example of a perfect relationship between Guru and disciple. He too knew that the dove was Nechung but refrained from saying anything until after the teachings.
When everyone left the hall, Duldzin Drakpa Gyeltsen said to the bird, “It is not proper for you to keep coming here and disturbing my Lama’s teachings. Please state the reason you are here, Nechung. What do you want?”
When Duldzin Drakpa Gyeltsen said this, the bird transformed into a young boy dressed in white, who walked towards him and said, “You are my purpose. It is your help that I have been waiting for. Lama Tsongkhapa has taught Nagarjuna’s Middle View perfectly.”
“An uncommon protector needs to arise, to protect these perfect teachings. I cannot do this, as I have already promised Guru Rinpoche that I will protect Buddhism in general.”
Lord Duldzin, will you arise as a Protector, uncommon to the Gaden lineage, to protect Nagarjuna’s Middle View as taught so clearly by Tsongkhapa? Will you promise to do this?
~ Dharma Protector Nechung to Duldzin Drakpa Gyeltsen
Duldzin folded his hands and agreed, saying, “Yes, I will do it. I promise.” The small boy said to Lord Duldzin, “Do not forget your promise.” Then he disappeared. This was how the aspiration to arise as a Dharma Protector was first generated during the lifetime of Duldzin Drakpa Gyeltsen.
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