Spiritual Information Kit

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1: What is a Dharma Protector

A Dharma Protector is usually an emanation of a Buddha or a Bodhisattva whose main functions are to avert the inner and outer obstacles that prevent practitioners from achieving spiritual realizations, and to arrange all the necessary conditions for their practice.

In Tibet, every monastery had its own Dharma Protector, but the tradition did not begin in Tibet; the Mahayanists of ancient India also relied upon Dharma Protectors to eliminate hindrances and to fulfill their spiritual wishes.

Though there are some worldly deities who are friendly towards Buddhism and who try to help practitioners, they are not real Dharma Protectors. Such worldly deities are able to increase the external wealth of practitioners and help them to succeed in their worldly activities, but they do not have the wisdom or the power to protect the development of Dharma within a practitioner’s mind.

As Dharma practitioners, it is important for us to understand the function and spiritual benefits of having a Dharma Protector in our lives. Read more about Dharma Protectors:

1. Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden: A brief introduction to the enlightened Buddhist Dharma Protector, Dorje Shugden.
2. Understanding Dharma Protectors and Dorje Shugden: For a simple understanding of Dharma Protectors and Dorje Shugden, watch the video about the Illustrated story of Dorje Shugden in English.
3. Frequently Asked Questions About Dharma Protectors and Dorje Shugden

2: The Origins of Dorje Shugden

Introduction to Dorje Shugden: For the serious spiritual aspirant, knowing the history of a certain practice that we are about to engage in is absolutely essential. Just as it was stated in the *Lamrim, knowing the greatness of the Lamas allows us to learn how to appreciate the practices we engage in. On top of that, it is an important tradition in all schools of Buddhism for practitioners to be aware of the lineage of a practice.

*Lamrim (Tibetan: “Stages of the Path”) is a Tibetan Buddhist textual form for presenting the stages of the complete path to enlightenment as taught by Buddha. (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamrim)

2.1 Why Dorje Shugden Arose as a Dharma Protector

A Sublime Aspiration is Generated: One of the core attitudes of a Dharma practitioner is one’s ability to fulfill promises made for the growth of the Dharma. Even in the secular world, having integrity is a highly valued attitude within an organization. Similarly, the value of integrity is highly cherished and important especially when the Buddhist doctrine is passed down from generation to generation. Without integrity, the Buddha’s teachings would be lost. It is for this reason that we honor the previous masters before our time, not only for their great spiritual attainments, but also in appreciation for upholding the Dharma regardless of circumstances.

It is not unusual for great spiritual practitioners to keep their promises, even those made several lifetimes ago. One such example is the promise of Dorje Shugden arising as a Dharma Protector to protect *Lama Tsongkapa’s teachings.

*Lama Tsongkapa: Je Tsongkapa (1357-1419) is one of the most significant Tibetan Buddhist masters, whose studies and meditations in all the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism resulted in the founding of the Gelugpa lineage. (Source: http://fpmt.org/mandala/archives/mandala-issues-for-2002/december/a-light-filled-birthday-for-lama-tsongkhapa/)

2.2 What Caused Dorje Shugden to Arise

1. The fulfillment of a great promise
2. The demise of the great Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen

2.3 The Manifestation of Dorje Shugden

1. An almighty Dharma Protector arises

2.4 The Phenomena of Dorje Shugden Arising

1. Recognized by the Sakyas

2.5 The Enthronement of Dorje Shugden

1. Enthronement of Dorje Shugden

2.6 The Incarnation Lineage of Dorje Shugden

1. Dorje Shugden’s lineage (multimedia)
2. Manjushri
3. Mahasiddha Biwawa
4. Sakya Pandita
5. Buton Rinchen Drub
6. Duldzin Drakpa Gyeltsen
7. Panchen Sonam Drakpa
8. Sonam Yeshe Wangpo
9. Ngawang Sonam Geleg Pelzang
10. Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen
11. The Return of the King

2.7 The Mandala of Dorje Shugden

A mandala is a symbolic representation of what might be called the spiritual “cosmos.” (Source: http://buddhism.about.com/od/buddhismglossarym/g/Mandala-Definition.htm)

1. General Introduction
2. Dorje Shugden’s Five Families: Dorje Shugden manifests in five different forms for different purposes. Aside from his principal form on a snow lion and wearing a golden domed hat, he has four other recognized forms, each with a specific function. These five forms are also known as the five families of Dorje Shugden. Altogether, the five families are manifestations of his five aggregates, which also correspond to the Five Dhyani Buddhas.
3. Members of the Retinue
4. The Ministers in the Mandala

2.8 The Iconography of Dorje Shugden

Like all Buddhist deities, every part of Dorje Shugden’s holy form carries a profound meaning and is a teaching to guide us to Enlightenment. In this case, each part of Dorje Shugden’s body represents an aspect of the Lamrim and meditating upon his form alone can bring us many realizations and attainments.

1. Appearance
2. The Symbolism of Dorje Shugden
3. Duldzin Dorje Shugden’s Iconography
4. Ratna Shugden’s (Gyenze) Iconography
5. Vairochana Shugden’s (Shize) Iconography

2.9 Prominent Dorje Shugden Lamas

1. The Great Fifth Dalai Lama Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso (1617-1682): The 5th Dalai Lama enthroned Dorje Shugden as a Dharma Protector. The Great 5th Dalai Lama was also known to be a Dorje Shugden practitioner as proven through his written praises and even fashioned a Dorje Shugden statue with his own hands.
2. His Holiness the 10th Panchen Lama: The current Dalai Lama was heard to say and echo the 10th Panchen Lama’s words that the Dalai Lama will safeguard Tibet from the outside while Panchen Lama, second only to the Dalai Lama in spiritual authority within the dominant Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, would safeguard Tibet from the inside as he never left Tibet for exile.
3. His Holiness Tagphu Pemavajra: An undoubted Mahasiddha whose attainments are even acknowledged by H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama himself.
4. His Holiness the 101st Ganden Tripa Jetsun Lungrik Namgyal: One of the most erudite scholars in the Gelug school in this century, H.H. Ganden Trisur ascended the Ganden Tripa’s throne, representing Lama Tsongkapa on earth between the years 2003 – 2009. Upon retiring from his term as Ganden Tripa, His Holiness Ganden Trisur left his spiritual home in Ganden Shartse Monastery to join Shar Ganden Monastery, where he was able to practice Dorje Shugden openly. H.H. Jetsun Lungrik Namgyal is one of the most recent examples of how the ban on Dorje Shugden has placed many Lamas and lay practitioners in the difficult position of having to hide their practice.
5. His Holiness Kyabje Pabongkha Rinpoche: The author of the modern-day Lamrim who was hailed as one of the most attained and recognized lamas of this era.
6. His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche: Virtually all modern Gelugpa lamas are direct or indirect students of Trijang Rinpoche. He was also the junior tutor to H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama.
7. His Eminence Kyabje Domo Geshe Rinpoche: Kyabje Domo Geshe Rinpoche was so highly respected that the 13th Dalai Lama, upon meeting Domo Geshe Rinpoche, declared that he had met Lama Tsongkapa himself. Domo Geshe Rinpoche has always been closely associated with Dorje Shugden as a master of the practice. Presently, the young incarnation of Domo Geshe Rinpoche is completing his studies in Shar Ganden Monastery, India.
8. His Eminence Kyabje Gangchen Rinpoche: Kyabje Gangchen Rinpoche is world renowned for his incredible work on peace and healing. Known as the incarnation of Darikapa, one of the famed 84 Mahasiddhas, Gangchen Rinpoche is able to command thousands of loyal followers worldwide.
9. His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche: One of Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche’s close disciples and a great scholar, Zong Rinpoche has held various important positions including a 10-year term as the abbot of Ganden Shartse.
10. His Holiness Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche: Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche is the first and current abbot of Serpom Monastery in India, one of the most important monasteries in the Gelug lineage. When Dorje Shugden monks were forced to choose either to abandon the practice of Dorje Shugden or leave the monastery in 2008, Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche compassionately took upon himself to guide the Dorje Shugden monks of Pomra Khamtsen and established what is known today as Serpom Monastery.
11. His Eminence Geshe Kelsang Gyatso: The spiritual guide to one of the largest Buddhist institutes in the west known as the New Kadampa Tradition, Geshe-la is well known for his great Guru devotion to Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche.
12. His Eminence Geshe Rabten Rinpoche: His Eminence Geshe Rabten Rinpoche was one of the pioneer Lamas in Europe and the teacher to many great Western scholars. Geshe Rabten’s dedication in spreading the Buddhadharma enabled him to grow a large supporting base which served as the 14th Dalai Lama’s initial platform of being introduced to the West.
13. His Eminence Zemey Rinpoche: His Eminence Zemey Rinpoche was one of Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche’s heart sons. This close disciple of one of the most respected Lamas in the Gelug lineage was famed as one of its most erudite scholars. Zemey Rinpoche was also one of the few who were handpicked to escort the 14th Dalai Lama out of Tibet in the 1950s. Although Zemey Rinpoche was later ostracized due to the publication of his private notes into what is now known as the Yellow Book, Zemey Rinpoche remained loyal to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama until he entered clear light.
14. His Eminence Denma Gonsa Rinpoche: His Eminence Denma Gonsa Rinpoche was a prominent Lama in Tibet who commanded hundreds of thousands of devotees in the Denma region. The latest incarnation, the 20th Denma Gonsa Rinpoche, was recognized by both the Panchen Lama and Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche. He was enthroned in 2014 in the presence of over 200,000 followers who gathered to catch a glimpse of this holy lama.
15. His Eminence Kundeling Rinpoche: His Eminence Kundeling Rinpoche was one of the first Dorje Shugden Lamas to protest against the ban on Dorje Shugden in 1996, when it was introduced to the monasteries. Despite suffering various threats and difficulties for being outspoken, Kundeling Rinpoche continues to fight for the rights of Dorje Shugden practitioners until today.

2.10 Dorje Shugden Places of Worship

1. Shar Ganden Monastery (Mundgod, India): Formed by the monks of Dokhang Khamtsen, the largest Khamtsen in Ganden Shartse Monastery after the majority of the monks refused to give up their practice of Dorje Shugden.
2. Serpom Thoesam Norling Monastery (Bylakuppe, India): Formed after the monks of Sera Mey Monastery’s Pomra Khamtsen refused to give up their practice of Dorje Shugden.
3. Nyanang Phelgyeling Monastery (Nepal): A small monastery with less than 100 monks, the monastery is home to some of the most precious and holy statues which were carefully smuggled out of Tibet during the 1950s. Amongst its most precious possessions is a statue of Dorje Shugden handmade by the 5th Dalai Lama.
4. Ganden Dokhang Buddhist Centre (Taiwan): A branch of Shar Ganden Monastery in Taiwan.
5. XiaFeng Temple (YuZhu District, YouYang County, ChongQing City, China)
6. Longrong Monastery (T.A.R., China): Kyabje Zong Rinpoche’s monastery in Derong Country, where monks and lay practitioners continue to practice Dorje Shugden.
7. Tashi Lhunpo Monastery (Shigatse, Tibet): The main monastery of the Panchen Lamas continues their Dorje Shugden practice until today.
8. Sampheling Monastery (Chatreng, Tibet): The personal monastery of His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche.
9. Ganden Chang Chub Choling (Canada): Established with the encouragement of the Canadian government to fulfill the needs of Tibetan refugees in the 1970s, the centre is under the care of His Eminence Zawa Rinpoche, who actively participates in many of the International Shugden Community’s protests against the ban on Dorje Shugden.
10. Delgeruun Choira Monastery (Mongolia): The traditional seat of Zava Damdin Rinpoche, a prominent Mongolian Dorje Shugden practitioner.

2.11 Why is Dorje Shugden a Buddha?

1. Dorje Shugden is the last incarnation in a line of enlightened Masters.
2. Dorje Shugden could not be subdued by the Fifth Dalai Lama or other Lamas.
3. Dorje Shugden’s form teaches the paths of Sutra and Tantra.
4. Dorje Shugden is the incarnation of the five Buddha families.
5. Dorje Shugden is of the same nature as Manjushri, Je Tsongkapa, Mahakala and Kalarupa.
6. Dorje Shugden’s mandala deities are of the same nature as the body mandala deities of Lama Losang Tubwang Dorjechang, a special manifestation of Je Tsongkapa revealed directly to the great Yogi Dharmavajra. (Source: http://kadampa.org/reference/buddhas/lama-losang-tubwang-dorjechang/)
7. The practice of Dorje Shugden was taught by Je Tsongkapa in Tushita Pure Land.
8. Dorje Shugden has been relied upon by the highest Lamas, who themselves have been recognized as enlightened.
9. Dorje Shugden performs the twenty-seven deeds of a Buddha.
10. Relying upon Dorje Shugden leads to supramundane results.

For a detailed explanation of the 10 points above, read 10 Reasons Why Dorje Shugden is a Buddha.

2.12 Oracles of Dorje Shugden

The enlightened nature of a Dharma Protector can also be seen through the oracle that takes trance of him. Watch the following video for a clear explanation and view on the differences between enlightened Dharma Protectors and non-enlightened Protectors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7McmMXfB0pk

3. The Benefits of Dorje Shugden’s Practice

More and more people acknowledge the importance and benefits of spiritual learning. However, many are new to the Dharma, and spiritual practice, mind transformation and enlightenment are not our primary concerns as we are still overwhelmed by problems related to relationship conflicts, monetary concerns, career dilemmas, bills to pay, mouths to feed and jobs to fulfill. These are endless problems and in order to gain the opportunity to embark upon a spiritual journey, we need assistance that is fast, efficacious and that we can place full trust in.

Dorje Shugden, with his enlightened nature which is the same as Wisdom Buddha Manjushri’s, is able to skillfully alleviate our problems so we can focus on spiritual practice. Dorje Shugden is able to extend his assistance to us more swiftly due to our karmic links to him, making him the perfect protector of our time.

1. The Benefits of Dorje Shugden’s Practice: Learn how Dorje Shugden and each of the deities in his mandala bestow a type of blessing on practitioners and assist the principal deity to perform different beneficial actions.
2. Dharma Demystified: Dorje Shugden as a Yidam: In the fast-paced living of the 21st century, Dorje Shugden is not only propitiated as a Dharma Protector but also a Yidam. This article explores the meaning, function and benefits of a Yidam, as well as how Dorje Shugden, the emanation of Manjushri, “qualifies” as a Yidam.
3. Dorje Shugden has got your back: Dorje Shugden manifests in a tangible form that brings protection to sincere practitioners. His protective amulets are specially prepared with precious materials through traditional rituals to invoke the energies of the Protector and his mandala.
4. Wisdom Buddha Dorje Shugden’s Dual Functions: Dorje Shugden creates conducive outer and inner conditions to enable sincere practitioners to gain secular and spiritual advancements. Understanding the nature of this enlightened Protector will enable us to practice efficiently and effectively.
5. FAQS: How can Dorje Shugden help me?

4: Dorje Shugden Practice Starter Kit

1. Complete Daily Practice: For those wanting to start the practice of Dorje Shugden, one can invite this specially designed gift set complete with an image of Dorje Shugden and an introductory book.
2. Short Daily Prayer: A short Dorje Shugden prayer to be performed daily for the welfare of all mother sentient beings after Guru Yoga or Yidam practice.
3. Dorje Shugden puja for Download (audio): Chanted by the monks of Shar Ganden Monastery, this audio recording includes recitations of the Yamantaka sadhana and offerings followed by the full Dorje Shugden puja. It can be used to bless your chakras, energize your home and workspace with positive energies, and dispel negative elements and beings.
4. Mantras: Mantras are a very powerful, effective and simple way to connect to the Buddhas and receive their blessings. By reciting mantras with a strong and positive motivation, one is directly creating positive karma and merit to strengthen your affinity to the Three Jewels.
5. Incense Offering Prayer: To overcome obstacles and to invoke the Protector and entourage for protection.
6. Food Offering Prayer: To create the causes towards receiving spiritual and material sustenance in the future.
7. FAQS: Where did Dorje Shugden’s practice come from?

5: Liturgies & Praises

1. Nyirtoe by Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang: A daily prayer to Dorje Shugden for protection and blessings.
2. Melody Of The Unceasing Vajra by the 14th Dalai Lama: A short prayer that can be done before the serkyem offering to Dorje Shugden.
3. Prayer to Dorje Shugden by Kyabje Dagpo Dorje Chang
4. Offerings, Praises, Fulfillment and Requests to Dorje Shugden by Kyabje Dagri Dorje Chang

6. A Beginner’s Guide To Setting Up An Altar

Dharma Demystified: The Significance of a Buddhist Shrine: The setting up of a altar for the purpose of worship is perhaps one of the most common Buddhist practices and yet, one of the least understood, and its significance is not fully appreciated. Contrary to popular belief, being Buddhist is not just about worshiping the Buddha and hoping to be granted a boon or a wish. The practice of setting up an altar and worshipping the Buddha is ultimately to purify negative karma and to build up merits for our spiritual attainments in reliance on the Buddha.
 

6.1 Downloads for Your Altar

1. Buddha images for your altar

6.2 Order Prayer Items from DorjeShugden.com Shop

1. DorjeShugden.com Online Shop

 
The information on Dorje Shugden that has been made available to you are in accordance to teachings preserved and passed down by the highest Gelugpa masters such as Pabongkha Rinpoche, Trijang Rinpoche and Zong Rinpoche. It is the sincere wish of DorjeShugden.com that you may come to learn and practice the Dorje Shugden prayers and benefit richly from it. May the King Protector, Dorje Shugden, protect you always and grant you all the endowments for your secular and spiritual life to flourish.

Sarva Mangalam.

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