Who is Kache Marpo Who is Kache Marpo
Kache Marpo is an ancient Buddhist deity who was installed as one of the Dharma Protectors in Samye Monastery by Guru Rinpoche, as one... Who is Kache Marpo

(Originally published on tsemrinpoche.com)

Kache Marpo is a very ancient Buddhist deity originating from the time of Guru Rinpoche, a thousand years ago. Kache Marpo was installed as one of the Dharma Protectors in Samye Monastery by Guru Rinpoche in the past, as one of the protective divinities to help increase the growth of Dharma in the country of Tibet and the surrounding areas. Kache Marpo is considered an emanation of Hayagriva, which makes him a fully accomplished enlightened being and also a Buddha who appears in a worldly form.

Kache Marpo has a red face, three eyes and two arms. He gnaws his lower lip with his upper teeth and has bared fangs to scare away obstacles and maras. He wears the helmet of an ancient warrior with five flags fluttering in the wind, representing the five Dhyani Buddhas. In ancient times, warriors would wear flags on their backs to denote who they are, where they are from, their rank, and so on. He wears a full set of leather mail on his body which enables him to stop arrows and other projectiles that are shot at him. But in Dharma terms, it represents that he is impenetrable because he has achieved full enlightenment.

In his right hand which is swinging up in the air, he holds a long spear and in his left hand, he holds a noose. The noose is dragging a human-like form, which represents our negative karma, our sufferings, our problems, and our pains in samsara. The human is bound and tied, meaning that Kache Marpo has the power to bind our obstacles. He pierces the human with the long spear held in his right hand, further enforcing his ability to destroy our obstacles.

He rides on a horse over an ocean of blood. The blood represents all suffering that is inherently existent in samsara and the projections within samsara. When he rides over this ocean, it signifies that he is above and beyond any type of suffering.

A very simple visualization that you can do during Kache Marpo’s practice is to visualize that from every pore of his body, psychic flames erupt and spew into the ten directions to announce his arrival.

In the Nyingma tradition, he is very much worshipped in the form of Tsiu Marpo. Later when Dorje Shugden manifested, Tsiu Marpo saw the benefits of Dorje Shugden’s practice and activities, and on his own free will, he took an oath to become one of Dorje Shugden’s ministers. So, he is practiced within the Nyingma tradition as Tsiu Marpo and within the Gelugpa tradition as Kache Marpo.

In Tibet, there are many famous Kache Marpo oracles. They can come in peaceful or wrathful form, and are very well known for the accuracy of their advice. Even though they are oracles of Kache Marpo, when the oracle takes trance, Dorje Shugden the King will enter first. After the King leaves, Kache Marpo will then come and speak on behalf of the King (Dorje Shugden).

There is a very famous oracle in Tibet called the Panglung Oracle, whose picture I have included here. During the Cultural Revolution in 1959, he was consulted by H.H. Trijang Rinpoche for the safety of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. When he was consulted, Dorje Shugden entered first, then Kache Marpo entered and pronounced that the Dalai Lama should leave Tibet immediately. This event is well recorded by the monks who witnessed this as well as the monks who actually carried the messages back and forth. So, one of the most famous Kache Marpo oracles in Tibet who was very, very well known for his accuracy was the one who gave the prophecy that the Dalai Lama should leave Tibet.

You don’t have to do Kache Marpo’s practice separately. When you do the Dorje Shugden practice, he is automatically included. Having said that, Kache Marpo can and has been practiced as a separate Protector in his own right because he is highly qualified. This also speaks very highly of Dorje Shugden that another highly qualified Protector would submit himself to Dorje Shugden’s ways and methods of increasing the Dharma.

I have included here some short write-ups about the history and iconography of Kache Marpo, some pictures of him for download, and also some praises written by high lamas such as His Holiness the Fifth Dalai Lama and so on for your convenience.

I hope this gives a little bit of information on this benevolent and very effective Dharma Protector who also happens to be the attendant of Dorje Shugden.

Tsem Rinpoche

The 6th Panglung Oracle was famous in Tibet for his clear and accurate prophecies when taking trance of Dorje Shugden and Kache Marpo. It was from the advice of Dorje Shugden through this oracle that H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama escaped Tibet in 1959

The 6th Panglung Oracle was famous in Tibet for his clear and accurate prophecies when taking trance of Dorje Shugden and Kache Marpo. It was from the advice of Dorje Shugden through this oracle that H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama escaped Tibet in 1959

 

Who is Kache Marpo?

Kache Marpo is one of Dorje Shugden’s main attendants and is said to be an emanation of Hayagriva. Kache Marpo assists Dorje Shugden in carrying out his Dharma instructions and activities, and assists us in overcoming inner and outer obstacles to our spiritual practice. Even though Kache Marpo takes on the form of a worldly Protector, in actuality his true nature is the wrathful form of Avalokiteshvara. Thus Kache Marpo is an enlightened Dharma Protector and as such, has his own set of pujas, offerings and rituals which can be used to propitiate him and invoke his blessings.

The Gelugs are not the only tradition of Tibetan Buddhism which has relied upon Kache Marpo. Kache Marpo was known to and propitiated by the Sakyas in the form of Tsiu Marpo. They propitiated Tsiu Marpo along with Dorje Setrap and Dorje Shugden, who together formed Gyalpo Sum (The Three Kings) who were the main Protectors of the Sakya lineage.

In his present role as a Gelug Protector and powerful acolyte of Dorje Shugden, it is said that Kache Marpo waits on his horse outside Dorje Shugden’s celestial abode, to carry out the King’s (Dorje Shugden’s) instructions and lead the fight against our obstacles.

Kache Marpo, the powerful acolyte and minister of Dorje Shugden who is an emanation of Hayagriva and an enlightened Dharma Protector in his own right. Kache Marpo serves Dorje Shugden, carrying out his instructions and assisting him. Since Kache Marpo assists Dorje Shugden in protecting the teachings of the Gelug tradition, in this thangka, Lama Tsongkhapa is depicted as above Hayagriva

Kache Marpo, the powerful acolyte and minister of Dorje Shugden who is an emanation of Hayagriva and an enlightened Dharma Protector in his own right. Kache Marpo serves Dorje Shugden, carrying out his instructions and assisting him. Since Kache Marpo assists Dorje Shugden in protecting the teachings of the Gelug tradition, in this thangka, Lama Tsongkhapa is depicted as above Hayagriva

 

Iconography

My personal painting of Kache Marpo

My personal painting of Kache Marpo

Kache Marpo’s abode is described to be “A brilliant, splendid brown palace made of leather, which is surrounded by a red ocean formed by the blood of horses and men”.

The color of his body is similar to the vibrance produced when the sun shines on a huge mountain of coral, bright red and luminous. He has the shape of a “son of devas”, with one face and two hands. In his right hand he brandishes a red, sharp lance, with which he pierces the heart of our negative karma and wrong views, rendering them impotent. His left hand holds a noose that is wound around the neck of an obstacle-creating demon. Kache Marpo appears as a Tibetan warrior adorned with a leather cuirass and helmet decorated with victory banners of silk in nine colors.

His facial expression is very wrathful. He gnaws his lower lip in perpetual fury and haste, showing his impatience to help us destroy our obstacles and the causes of our suffering. His three eyes that represent his ability to perceive the past, present and future, throb with red-gleaming veins as they stare with full hatred at obstructors and evil-doers. He rides a very fierce horse, which possesses magical qualities and mounted with a precious saddle, belt and other accessories.

 

Oracles and Trances

The 7th Panglung Oracle taking trance of Kache Marpo in Serpom Monastery. He just like his father the 6th Panglung Oracle is respected for his clear prophetic answers and ease of trance signifying pure practice and clean samaya

The 7th Panglung Oracle taking trance of Kache Marpo in Serpom Monastery. He just like his father the 6th Panglung Oracle is respected for his clear prophetic answers and ease of trance signifying pure practice and clean samaya

Kache Marpo takes trance in qualified oracles to support practitioners by giving accurate prophecies, sound advice, blessings and healing of diseases, depending on what is necessary. Kache Marpo consistently displays great patience and offers his assistance to sincere Dharma practitioners.

Kache Marpo usually takes trance peacefully through an oracle to give instructions and advice. He will always check with Dorje Shugden before giving out any advice to practitioners. Having great respect for Dorje Shugden, it is witnessed during trance that Kache Marpo always refers to him as ‘The Great King’.

Kache Marpo takes trance in the current Panglung Kuten (Kuten means oracle in Tibetan), who was trained by His Holiness Trijang Dorje Chang and currently resides in Taiwan. He also takes trance in the Gameng Kuten in the USA. In Tibet, the previous Panglung Kuten who lived in Panglung Retreat near Sera Monastery, Lhasa was very famous and many people including H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama, H.H. Trijang Rinpoche, dignitaries and high officials would consult him for advice and guidance.

Hundreds of visitors in Serpom Monastery await their turn to receive blessings directly from Kache Marpo

Hundreds of visitors in Serpom Monastery await their turn to receive blessings directly from Kache Marpo

When the oracle takes trance of Kache Marpo, he may appear wrathful or peaceful depending on the location he is in as well as the ‘requirements’ of the audience. If the people in a certain area are aggressive, full of anger and stubborn, Kache Marpo will take on a wrathful disposition. On the other hand, if the people are compassionate, loving and patient, Kache Marpo will appear in a calm and peaceful form.

At times, Dorje Shugden and Kache Marpo will not remain for long during the trance and may not even accept the offerings presented. This occurs when, through their clairvoyance, Dorje Shugden and Kache Marpo know that the people in the audience who are seeking divine help will not adhere to the advice given. Thus, out of compassion, Dorje Shugden and Kache Marpo do not stay for long so that these people do not accumulate further negative karma by disobeying the instructions given.

 

A Brief History of Kache Marpo

Kache Marpo as Tsiu Marpo who was practiced by the Sakyas

Kache Marpo as Tsiu Marpo who was practiced by the Sakyas

Invite home a beautiful Kache Marpo thangka from VajraSecrets

Kache Marpo is one of the Seven Blazing Brothers who arose from the Tsiu Marpo pantheon and belongs to the ‘tsen‘ classification of Protectors. Prior to the 17th century, Kache Marpo was typically depicted as a minor figure until His Holiness the 5th Dalai Lama popularized his practice during his reign. The Fifth Dalai Lama’s collected works contain a short propitiation to the Yaksha Kache Marpo (in volume Da folios 147a5-149a5), and also contain writings that support this history of how Kache Marpo came to be. The works also have descriptions of Kache Marpo that closely matches the attendant deity found in Dorje Shugden rituals.

Newer research by Christopher Paul Bell also confirms Kache Marpo as the enlightened Tsiu Marpo. Christopher Bell’s recent work, “Tsiu Marpo: The Career of a Tibetan Protector Deity” mentions that one of the 6 ‘demons’ that formed from Tsiu Marpo’s body is known as the ‘Rock Might Demon‘ who comes from the red highlands. This description is in sync with the account of Kache Marpo as coming from the ‘mansion of the high rising copper red mountains’ in “The abbreviated torma offerings and request for activity of Powerful Tsen Go Kache Marpo called Sport of the Slaughterer” written by H.H. Trijang Rinpoche. Christopher Bell’s thesis statement that the ‘Rock Might Demon‘ is ‘Overlord of the Red Copper Rock‘ further supports the derivation that the rock might demon is Kache Marpo that manifested from Tsiu Marpo’s body. Lastly, the iconography of the ‘Rock Might Demon‘ (on p50 of Bell’s thesis) is identical to Kache Marpo’s except for the sword, which ‘Rock Might Demon‘ holds (Kache Marpo wields a lance).

 

Tsiu Marpo

Tsiu Marpo is a ‘subjugated’ Tibetan worldly god of the warrior class (drala). Tsiu Marpo functioned as a Buddhist protector deity of Samyé Monastery (est. 779 C.E.), the oldest Buddhist monastery in Tibet, when the previous Protector, Pehar Gyalpo, was transferred to Nechung Monastery just outside Lhasa. Tsiu Marpo, commonly recognized as a worldly Protector, is the head of the Seven Blazing Brothers. His practice was popularized by the Nyingma teacher Ngari Panchen Pema Wangyal (1487-1542). In essence, Tsiu Marpo is Tamdrin (Hayagriva) and it was Padmasambhava who bestowed empowerments and gave Tsiu Marpo his secret name of Kunkyap Dorje Drakpotsel, meaning “The Power of the Fierce, All-pervading Vajra”.

Tsiu Marpo is said to have first manifested as Lise Chorpa from the land of Li. He was a high practitioner who lived in the forest and due to a misunderstanding, was mistaken to be a dangerous man. Blinded by fear, people hunted him down and the king, in a fit of fear, decapitated him with his royal sword. However, due to the power of his attainments, the various parts of his body – flesh, bones, heart, fluids and so forth – arose as the Seven Blazing Brothers, of which Tsiu Marpo is the chief.

Kache Marpo a.k.a. Tsiu Marpo is very much practiced within the Nyingma lineage up till the present day. You will see his depiction in many Nyingma temples.


Prayers to Kache Marpo written by various Great Masters


Praise to Yaksha Kache Marpo, the Doctrine’s Watchman

by H.H. the 5th Dalai Lama

Riding on a saddled precious horse
Having the power of the wind,
Traversing the universe in an instant,
Praise to Yaksha Kache Marpo, the doctrine’s watchman.

Furious mighty being biting the lower lip,
Three eyes blazing the sun and moon watching enemies,
Emanating messengers taking the life of false guides,
Praise to the liberator of the ten enemies.

Wearing leather armor, banners, colored garb and
Leather helmet with a victory banner, treasury of nine good signs,
Tying enemies with a lasso, piercing their hearts with a lance,
Praise to you and your retinue.

Mantra of Kache Marpo: OM SHRI DHARMAPHALA

 

These praises are extracted from a ritual to Kache Marpo written by the Fifth Dalai Lama (5DL, Volume Da folios 147r-148r). According to the colophon, Kache Marpo requested the Fifth Dalai Lama to write this ritual. Kache Marpo is most commonly known as Dorje Shugden’s minister (ODT, 143).

Trode Khangsar is Dorje Shugden’s Ashokan Pillar. According to the White Conch Dictionary, it was established by the Fifth Dalai Lama himself. Management of Trode Khangsar was entrusted to Riwo Choling monastery, a Gelug monastery in Lhoka. On the same lot of Trode Khangsar was a small shrine called Monkyi Khangsar (smon skyid khang gsar) where Kache Marpo was invoked via oracle (WCD, 1312).

LUNG GI SHUG CHANG GA SAB GONG MEY CHEN
TA CHOG LA ZHÖN TONG SUM KE CHIG GI
NYUL NEY TEN PAY MEL TSE LEG DZEY PA
NÖ JIN KHA CHE MAR PO KHYÖ LA TÖ

WANG GI KYE BU TRO TUM AM TSIG DAM
NYI DA TAR KHYIL CHEN SUM DRA LA ZIG
TRUL PAI PHO NYE LOG DREN LA TSO GUG
ZHING CHU DROL WAY SHEN PA KHYÖ LA TÖ

SE TRAB RU DAR TSÖN RI GÖ KYI TRA
SE MOG GYAL TSEN TRA SHI GU TSEG DZÖ
ZHAG PAY DRA WOI KE CHING DUNG NEY GYI
DÖN NYING BIG DZEY KHOR DANG CHE LA TÖ

 

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Abbreviated Torma Offering and Request for Activity of Powerful Tsen Go Kache Marpo called Sport of the Slaughterer

by Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang

HUNG
From the stirred-up ocean of dark red blood. Land of Tsen
From the mansion of the high rising copper red mountain
The great agent attendant of Dorje Shugden
Tsen Go Kache Marpo, come now hither!

In center of a palace emanated from awesome power and wrath
On the red supreme horse endowed with magical strength
With whatever emanation, O fearsome hero
In order to perform the yogi’s activity, remain stably here!

An ocean of food and drink of humans and gods and
Amassed torma of slain enemies and obstructers flesh and blood
Blessed into the nature of undefiled nectar
I offer to the great wild Tsen and retinue.

Desirable close offerings, Eight Auspicious Substances and Symbols
Seven Royal objects, Vajra mail and armor
Ornaments, clothing, mounts and favored visual animal offering*
Outer and Inner samaya substances lacking in nothing.

Made desirable through blessing with samadhi, mantra and mudra
This, with nature of the Samantabhadra sky treasure,
Accept and restore degenerated samaya without exception
And be wholly fulfilled in your stern heart commitment!

Of great power to subdue the Teachings’ enemies and vow breakers
With terrible wrath, inexhaustible as the sky
Fierce King of Tsen, Kache Mar
Great enemy destroying protector, praise to you!

Formerly those Vidyadharas, the root and lineage Gurus
Placed the drawing of the insurmountable vajra to your crown
And placed the supreme taste of nectar on your tongue,
Remember the stern commitment they proclaimed and
Spread in ten directions the teaching and practice of the
Excellent system of Tsongkhapa, quintessence of millions of Buddha’s Teachings,
Ensure long life of the hosts of sublime sustainers of the teachings,
And ripen the essence of their intended benefit and bliss!

Cause the Sangha communities to be harmonious and of pure moral discipline,
And Dharma, endowments and desirables to flourish like the summer ocean,
Without even the words sickness, weapons or famine,
And the land to be endowed with happiness and auspiciousness!

On all enemies and obstructers with poisonous hateful winds
Towards the Teachings, its Holders, sponsors, sponsored and this monastic abode
Rain down a hundred thousand powerful vajra weapons,
And grind them to atoms of dust without trace!

Especially since we, at all times, rely on you
Practice you, request you and make offerings to you
When we call you by name, Wild Tsen, don’t harden your ears
When we beckon you don’t be unclear of sight!

When set on an enemy, Tsen, don’t slow your horse!
When exhorted to action don’t be weak in power and might!
Show smiling face and give rise to signs of accomplishment!
Kill hateful enemies, subdue harmful spirits and obstructers

Dispel without exception undesirable bad conditions and obstacles
Such as sickness, weapons, spells and unpleasant conversation
Generate life, glory, proclaim good reputation,
Cause our people, wealth and livestock to flourish, fulfill our every hope!

In short, in all places, paths or activities
Accompany us, never parted, like a body and its shadow
Protect through the six periods of day and night unwaveringly
And swiftly accomplish our desired enlightening activities!

 

[This prayer offering may be combined with the extensive ‘kangso’ of Dorje Shugden or as a separate practice by itself.]

 

HUM

MAR NAG TRAG TSO RAB TRUG TSEN GYI YUL
THO TSEG ZANG DRAG MAR POI ZHEL YE NE
DORJE SHUGDEN KA DO LE KHEN CHE
TSEN GO KHA CHE MAR PO DA TSUR JON

NGAM JI WANG DRAG ROL PAY PHO DRANG U
RAB MAR DZU TRUL SHUG DEN TA CHOG TENG
JIG RUNG PA WO ROL PAY GAR GU YI
NEL JOR TRIN LE DRUB CHIR TEN PAR ZHUG

LHA MI ZA CHA TUNG WA GYA TSO DANG
DRA GEG DREL WAY SHA TRAG TOR MAY TSOG
ZAG ME DU TSI NGO WOR JIN LAB NE
TSEN GO CHEN PO KHOR DANG CHE LA BUL

NYER CHO DO YON TRA SHI DZE TAG GYE
RIN CHEN NA DUN DORJEY GO TRAB DANG
GYEN GO ZHON PA CHEN ZIG SOG CHAG SOG
CHI NANG DAM DZE MA TSANG ME PA NAM

TING DZIN NGAG GYE DO GUI JIN LAB PA
KUN ZANG NAM KHA DZO KYI RANG ZHIN DI
ZHE LA NYAM CHAG MA LU SO PA DANG
THUG DAM NYEN PO YONG SU KONG PAR DZO

TEN DRA DAM NYAM DUL LA CHE WAY TOB
MI ZE KHA DANG NYAM PAY DRAG SHUL CHEN
TRO TUM TSEN GYI GYEL PO KHA CHE MAR
NEL JOR DRA LHA CHEN PO KYO LA TO

NGON TSE RIG DZIN TSA GYU LA MA YI
DA KA DORJEY RI MO TSUG TU KO
DU TSI RO CHOG CHE LA ZHAG NE NI
DAM TSIG NYEN PO DRAG PA GONG DZO LA

THUB TEN JE WAY YANG NYING TSONG KHA PAY
LUG ZANG SHE DANG DRUB PE CHOG CHUR GYE
TEN DZIN DAM PAY TSOG NAM ZHAB TEN CHING
ZHE GONG PHEN DEY NYING POR MIN PAR DZO

GE DUN DE NAM THUG THUN TRIM TSANG ZHING
CHO JOR DO GU JAR GYI TSO TAR PHEL
NE TSON MU GEY MING YANG MI DRAG PAR
YUM KHAM TRA SHI DE KYI DEN PAR DZO

TEN DANG TEN DZIN YON CHO GON NE LA
DANG ZHING DUG PAY SEM CHANG DRA GEG KUN
THU TOB DORJEY TSON CHAR BUM PHAB TE
JE SHUL ME PAR THEL WAY DUL DU LOG

KYE PAR DAG CHAG NAM KYI DU KUN TU
KYO TEN KYO DRUB KYO SOL KYO CHO NA
TSEN NE BO TSE TSEN GO NYEN MA SA
YAB PAY TSE NA DRA LHA CHEN MA TUL

DRA LA BE TSE TSEN TA BANG MA BUL
LE LA KUL TSE THU DANG TSEL MA ZHEN
GYE PAY ZHEL TON DRUB PAY TAG CHUNG SHIG
DANG WAY DRA SO NO PAY DON GEG THUL

NE TSON THU JE KHA ME LENG ZHI SOG
MI DO KYEN NGEN BAR CHE MA LU SOL
TSE DANG PEL KYE NYEN PAY DRAG PA DROG
MI NOR CHUG PEL CHI DO RE WA KONG

DOR NA ZHI LAM JE SUM THAM CHE DU
DREL ME LU DANG DRIB MA ZHIN DROG TE
NYIN TSEN DU DRUG SUNG KYOB MI YEL WAR
CHOL WAY LE KUN NYUR DU DRUB PAR DZO

 

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Prayer Offering of the Wild Tsen Kache Marpo

by Ngawang Lozang Jorden

[For those who wish to perform a brief prayer offering to the Protector of Riwo Choling, the Wild Tsen (Tsen Go) Kache Marpo, first arrange offerings and tormas as usual. Also have a rising white cloud of white incense smoke. Recite prayers of refuge and bodhicitta three times. Then having generated oneself in the form of the Yidam, bless the kangwa (fulfillment ritual) substances, offerings and tormas as in highest yoga tantra. Then continue: Purify with…]

OM SOBHAWA SHUDDHA SARWA DHARMA SOBHAWA SHUDDHO HAM

From within emptiness before me, inside a red copper mountain which soars toward heaven, in the midst of a wave stirred red ocean of horse and human blood, inside a frightening and splendid maroon varnished leather castle is emanated Dharmapala Wild Tsen Kache Marpo in color like a coral mountain embraced by sunlight, one face, two hands; in the right an upraised sharp red spear marked by a banner pierces the hearts of those with degenerated samaya.

The left holds at the heart a red tsen spirit noose lassoing the waist of enemies and obstructers. He wears leather mail and leather helmet and is adorned by nine stacked victory banners. Face very fierce, he bites his lower lip. His red veined eyes dart and glare at enemies and obstructers. On a very fierce red topaz hued magically powerful horse adorned with upper and lower bound saddle he sits with any variety of manner, marked by OM at crown, AH at throat and HUNG at heart. By light rays emanating from the HUNG at my heart, from the land of Tsen, The Supreme Abode Enjoying Overwhelming Power and Wrath, the Wild Tsen Kache Marpo along with his retinue is instantly invited to this place.

 

HUNG
From The Supreme Abode Enjoying Overwhelming Power and Wrath,
O Supreme Minister of Dorje Shugden’s command,
That Great King who protects the Second Conqueror’s teaching,
Wild Tsen Kache Marpo, pray come!

In nature all Buddhas, never transgressing,
The lotus skull rosary of instructions and precepts,
To protect the Teachings and destroy enemies and obstructers,
Pray come to this yogi’s/yogini’s pleasant abode!

Having well received clouds of offerings pure in faith and commitments,
For sake of swiftly achieving the four enlightening actions,
O Red Yaksha of unbearably fierce wrath,
Pray come unobstructed along with your retinue!

TZA HUNG BAM HO
They become non-dual with the commitment beings.

 

THE PROPITIATION

HUNG
O Attendant to the general Yidam mandalas
Holding power over life, Wild Tsen Kache Mar,
For activity, protect the Buddha’s Teachings and,
For sustenance, eat this amassed flesh and blood of enemies!

Prostration and praise to the Powerful Dregpa,
Who cuts down enemies, obstructors and vow breakers,
Accept these outer, inner and secret offerings and,
Please grant attainment of supreme enjoyment!

[Recite the hundred syllable mantra]

O Second Conqueror Tsong Khapa inseparable,
From Vajradhara and Padmasambhava,
Assemblies of direct and lineage Gurus,
And host of Yidams with retinues please listen!

Under influence of ignorance’s deception,
Our three doors are overpowered by deluded minds,
All transgressions of enlightened body, speech and mind, and the precepts,
With intense regret we reveal and purify.

Especially transgressions of precepts and missing of,
Powerful Protectors, your offerings, tormas and restoring-fulfilling rituals,
And not thanking you for accomplishment of requested activity, etc.,
The collection of faults transgressing your mind I sincerely confess.

Through confessing to you Yakshas, red lords over life,
Having purified all collections of faults,
Accompany us like a body and its shadow,
And always care for us with the four activities!

 

THE FULFILLMENT RITUAL

HUNG
With argham of blood, flowers of sense organs,
Incense from human flesh and blazing lamps from human fat,
Perfume of bile and food of flesh and bone, and sound of
Frightful majestic music of thigh bones and skull drums, with these
Tsen Go Kache Marpo, may your heart commitment be fulfilled,
And host of attendant slaughterers may your heart commitment be fulfilled,
Having fulfilled the heart commitment of the whole retinue host,
Dispel contary conditions and accomplish enlightening activity.

Wild yaks, goats, sheep, birds, dogs, lions, and elephants,
Flying throughout the sky and slinking all over the ground,
And the mount of the supreme horse who instantly circles the billion worlds,
With upper and lower bound saddle and strength of the wind, with these
Tsen Go Kache Marpo, may your heart commitment be fulfilled,
And host of attendant slaughterers may your heart commitment be fulfilled.
Having fulfilled the heart commitment of the whole retinue host,
Dispel contrary conditions and accomplish enlightening activity.

Mail of leather, banners radiant in five colors and designs,
Leather helmet with nine stacked auspicious victory banners,
Axe, sword, catapult, razor knife and arrow,
Enemy lassoing red noose and sharp spear, with these
Tsen Go Kache Marpo, may your heart commitment be fulfilled,
And host of attendant slaughterers may your heart commitment be fulfilled,
Having fulfilled the heart commitment of the whole retinue host,
Dispel contary conditions and accomplish enlightening activity.

Tormas, tsog, tea and beer swirling like a mountain lake,
Fringed parasols, victory banners, canopies and garlands,
Mon and Indian outfits such as dancers’ masks,
Life essence crystal, life wheel mantra, with these outer, inner and secret bases,
Tsen Go Kache Marpo, may your heart commitment be fulfilled,
And host of attendant slaughterers may your heart commitment be fulfilled,
Having fulfilled the heart commitment of the whole retinue host,
Dispel contary conditions and accomplish enlightening activity.

Mount Meru, four continents, subcontinents, sun and moon,
Eight auspicious substances and symbols, seven precious objects,
Next precious seven, and five objects of desire,
With all the wealth of humans and gods
Tsen Go Kache Marpo, may your heart commitment be fulfilled,
And host of attendant slaughterers may your heart commitment be fulfilled,
Having fulfilled the heart commitment of the whole retinue host,
Dispel contary conditions and accomplish enlightening activity.

 

TORMA OFFERING

Through the Great Wild Tsen’s tongue of a straw of light, he draws up the entire essence of the torma and partakes.

OM SHRI DHARMAPALA SAPARIWARA IDAM BALINGTA KA KA KAHI KAHI (Offer 3x or 7x)

OM SHRI DHARMAPALA SAPARIWARA ARGHAM, PADYE, PUPE, DHUPE, ALOKE, GYENDE, NEWIDE, SHAPTA PRATICCHA SOHA (Make offerings)

OM SHRI DHARMAPALA SAPARIWARA OM AH HUNG (Make the inner offering)

 

PRAISE

HUNG
In form of a raksha having the glory,
Of a ruby mountain embraced a hundred-fold by the sun,
Emanating in whatever terrifying manner,
Slaughterer destroying those with the ten evils, praise to you!

Raising red spear cutting off lives of enemies and obstructors,
Holding at the heart the red noose snaring vow breakers,
Chomping lower lip with fierce terrifying upper teeth,
Life snatcher with brilliance of ruby, praise to you!

On the supreme red horse full wrathfully majestic,
Saddled and endowed with magical strength,
Fiercely lording death over beings in various manners,
Red Yama, praise to you!

Coming forth from seven eggs of blood,
Which came from countless ages ago,
Seven Blazing Brothers among which is Great Wild Tsen,
Powerful Kache Marpo, praise to you!

First Buddha, second Padmasambhava,
Midway all-knowing peerless Tsongkhapa,
Lastly Great King Mighty Dorje Shugden,
Closely remember your instructed stern commitments!

In brief, since we entrust to you, great Dharmapala,
The monastic abode, people, wealth and all,
Guard and protect us during the six periods of day and night,
And accomplish peaceful, increasing, powerful and wrathful activities!

 

CONCLUDE AS USUAL

May there be auspiciousness of root and lineage Gurus
May there be auspiciousness of the hosts of yidam deities!
May there be auspiciousness of the goddesses, dakas, and dakinis!
May there be auspiciousness of the Dharma Protector guardians!

That the Dharma King Tsongkhapa’s,
Pure Dharma tradition flourish,
May obstructive omens be eliminated,
And conducive conditions without exception be complete!

In dependence on the two unified accumulations,
Of myself and others over the three times,
May the teachings of the Victor, Lozang Dragpa,
Increasingly blaze for a very long time!

OM SOBHAWA SHUDDHA SARWA DHARMA SOBHAWA SHUDDHO HAM

TONG PAY NGANG LE RANG GI DUN DU ZANG DRAG MARPO NAM LA NYEG PAY NANG DU TA TRAG DANG MI TRAG GI GYATSO MARPO BA LONG TRUG PAY U SU SE KAR MUGPO NGAM SHING JI PAY NANG DU TRUL PAY CHO KYONG TSEN GO KACHE MARPO KU DOG JU RUI HLUN PO LA NYI O KYI KYU PA TA BU SHEL CHIG CHAG NYI PA YE PA DEN GYI TSEN PAY DUNG NON MARPO CHAR WE DAM NYAM KYI NYING BIG PAR JE PA YON DRA GEG KYI KE NE CHING PAY TSEN SHAG MARPO TUG KAR TZIN PA SE TRAB DANG SE MOG GYON SHING GYEL TSEN GU TSEG KYI TZE PA ZHEL RAB TU TRO PE AM TSIG DAM PA CHEN TSA MARPO TRUG CHING DRA GEG LA DANG MIG TU TA WA GA SAB GONG ME KYI TRE PAY TZU TRUL SHUG DEN GYI TA MAR CHONG GI DOG CHEN DRAG TU TRO PAY TENG NA GAR GUI NYAM KYI SHUG PAY CHI WOR OM DRIN PAR AH TUG KAR HUNG GI TSEN PAR GYUR DAG NYI TUG KAY HUNG LE O ZER TRO PE TSEN YUL WANG DRAG ZIL NON ROL PAY NE CHOG NE TSEN GO KACHE MARPO KOR DANG CHEPA KECHIG GI NE DIR CHEN DRANG

HUNG
WANG DRAG ZIL NON ROL PAY NE CHOG NE
GYEL WA NYI PAY KA SUNG GYEL PO CHE
DORJE SHUGDEN KA YI LON PO CHOG
TSEN GO KACHE MARPO SHEG SU SOL

GYEL KUN NGO WO PEMA TO TRENG GI
KA DANG DAM LE NAM YANG MI DA WAR
TEN PA SUNG SHING DRA GEG TSAR CHO CHIR
NEL JOR DO PAY NE DIR SHEG SU SOL

DE DAM TSANG MAY CHO TRIN RAB ZHE NE
NAM ZHIY TRINLE NYUR DU DRUB PAY CHIR
NO JIN MAR PO TRO TUM MI ZE PA
KOR CHE TOG PA ME PAR SHEG SU SOL

TZA HUNG BAM HO
DAM TSIG PA DANG NYI SU ME PAR GYUR

 

THE PROPITIATION

HUNG
YIDAM KHIL KOR CHI YI KA DO NI
SOG LA WANG GYUR TSEN GO KACHE MAR
LE SU SANGYE TEN PA SUNG JEY SHING
ZE SU DRA WOI SHA TRAG TSOG NAM ZA

DAM NYAM DRA GEG TSE NE CHO TZE PAY
DREG PA TU TSEL CHEN LA CHAG TSEL TO
CHI NANG SANG WAY CHO PA DI ZHE LA
ME JUNG ROL PAY NGO DRUP TSEL DU SOL

 

RECITE THE HUNDRED SYLLABLE MANTRA

HUNG
DORJE CHANG WANG PEMA KARA DANG
YER ME GYEL WA NYI PA TSONG KA PA
NGO DANG GYU PAY LAMAY TSOG NAM LA
YIDAM HLA TSOG KOR CHE GONG SU SOL

DAG CHAG MA RIG TRUL PAY ZHEN WANG GI
GO SUM NYON MONG WANG DU GYUR PA YI
KU SUNG TUG DANG DAM TSIG GEL WA NAM
TAM CHE GYO PA DRAG PO TOL ZHING SHAG

KYE PAR TU DEN SUNG MA KYE NAM KYI
CHO TOR KANG SHAG CHAG DANG DAM TSIG GEL
LE CHOL DRUB PAY TANG RAG MA GYI SOG
TUG DANG GEL WAY NYE TSOG NYING NE SHAG

NO JIN SOG DAG MAR PO KYE NAM LA
SHAG PE NYE TSOG TAM CHE JANG GYUR TE
LU DANG DRIB MA ZHIN DU DROG NE KYANG
TRIN LE NAM ZHI DU KUN KYONG GYUR CHIG

 

THE FULFILLMENT RITUAL

HUNG
TRAG GI ARGHAM WANG POI ME TOG DANG
SHA CHEN PO DANG TSIL CHEN MAR ME BAR
TRI PAY DRI CHAB SHA RU ZHEL ZE DANG
KANG LING TO NGA NGAM JI ROL MO DRE

TSEN GO KACHE MARPOI TUG DANG KANG
LE JE SHEN PAY TSOG KYI TUG DAM KANG
KOR TSOG MA LU TUG DANG KONG GYUR NE
GEL KYEN SEL ZHING TRINLE DRUB PAR TZO

DRONG YAG RA LUG JA KYI SEN GE LANG
NAM LA PUR GU SA LA TZUL GU DANG
LUNG GI SHUG CHANG GA SAB GONG ME CHEN
TONG SUM YU KOR TA CHOG ZHON PA DI

TSEN GO KACHE MARPOI TUG DANG KANG
LE JE SHEN PAY TSOG KYI TUG DAM KANG
KOR TSOG MA LU TUG DANG KONG GYUR NE
GEL KYEN SEL ZHING TRINLE DRUB PAR TZO

SE TRAB RU DAR TSON RI NA NGA TRA
SE MOG GYEL TSEN TRA SHI GU TSEG CHEN
DRA TE REL DRI TRUL GYOG PU TRI DA
ZHAG MAR DRA WOI CHING JE DUNG NON GYI

TSEN GO KACHE MARPOI TUG DANG KANG
LE JE SHEN PAY TSOG KYI TUG DAM KANG
KOR TSOG MA LU TUG DANG KONG GYUR NE
GEL KYEN SEL ZHING TRINLE DRUB PAR TZO

TOR TSOG JA CHANG RI WO TSO TAR KYIL
PEN DUG GYEL TSEN LA DRE DA DI DANG
GAR KEN BAG SOG MON PA A TSA RA
LA DO SOG KOR CHI NANG SANG TEN DI

TSEN GO KACHE MARPOI TUG DANG KANG
LE JE SHEN PAY TSOG KYI TUG DAM KANG
KOR TSOG MA LU TUG DANG KONG GYUR NE
GEL KYEN SEL ZHING TRINLE DRUB PAR TZO

RI RAB LING ZHI LING TREN NYI DA ZUNG
TRA SHI TZE TAG GYE DANG RIN CHEN DUN
NYE WAY RIN CHEN DUN DANG DO YON NGA
HLA MI PEL JOR YONG SU TZOG PA YI

TSEN GO KACHE MARPOI TUG DANG KANG
LE JE SHEN PAY TSOG KYI TUG DAM KANG
KOR TSOG MA LU TUG DANG KONG GYUR NE
GEL KYEN SEL ZHING TRINLE DRUB PAR TZO

 

TORMA OFFERING

TSEN GO CHEN PO JAG O ZER GYI BU GU TOR MAY CHU TAM CHE DRANG TE SOL WAR GYUR

OM SHRI DHARMAPALA SAPARIWARA IDAM BALINGTA KA KA KAHI KAHI (offer 3x or 7x)

OM SHRI DHARMAPALA SAPARIWARA ARGHAM, PADYE, PUPE, DHUPE, ALOKE, GYENDE, NEWIDE, SHAPTA PRATICCHA SOHA (make offerings)

OM SHRI DHARMAPALA SAPARIWARA OM AH HUNG (make the inner offering)

 

PRAISE

HUNG
PEMA RA GAY HLUN PO TA DONG ME
HLEN GYAR KYU PAY PEL TZIN SIN PO ZUG
JIG RUNG GAR GU NYAM KYI NAM ROL WA
ZHING CHU DROL WAY SHEN PA KYO LA TO

DRA GEG SOG TSA CHO PAY DUNG MAR CHAR
DAM NYAM CHING JE ZHAG MAR TUG KAR TZIN
TRO TUM NGAM PAY YA SO MA CHU NEN
SOG TROG PE RAG DANG DEN KYE LA TO

TZU TRUL SHUG DEN GA SAB DEN PA YI
TA CHOG MAR PO RAB TRO JI PAY TENG
GAR GU NYAM KYI SOG LA RAB NGAM PAY
CHI DAG SHIN JE MAR PO KYO LA TO

DRANG ME NGON GYI DU NE JUNG WA YI
TRAG GI GO NGA DUN LE NYER TON PAY
BAR WA PUN DUN NANG GI TSEN GO CHE
TU DEN KA CHE MAR PO KYO LA TO

DANG PO SANGYE NYI PA PEMA JUNG
BAR DU KUN KYEN NYAM ME TSONGKAPA
TA MA GYEL CHEN DORJE SHUGDEN TSEL
KA GO DAM TSIG NYEN PO NYE WAR GONG

DOR NA DAG CHAG GON NE MI NOR KUN
TEN SUNG CHEN PO KYO LA NYER TE NA
NYIN TSEN DU DRUG SUNG SHING KYOB PA DANG
ZHI GYE WANG DRAG TRINLE DRUB PAR TZO

 

CONCLUDE AS USUAL

TSA GYU LAMA NAM KYI TRA SHI SHOG
YIDAM HLA TSOG NAM KYI TRA SHI SHOG
MA DANG KANDRO NAM KYI TRA SHI SHOG
CHO KYONG SUNG MA NAM KYI TRA SHI SHOG

CHO KYI GYELPO TSONGKHA PAY
CHO TSUL NAM DAG PEL WA LA
GEG KYI TSEN MA SHI WA DANG
TUN KYEN MA LU TSANG WAR SHOG

DAG DANG ZHEN GYI DU SUM DANG
DREL WAY TSOG NYI LA TEN NE
GYEL WA LOZANG DRAGPA YI
TEN PA YUN RING BAR GYUR CHIG

 

Back to top


Sources:

  • ODT: Nebesky-Wojkowitz, Rene de. (1956). Oracles and demons of Tibet: the cult and iconography of the Tibetan protective deities. Mouton.
  • WCD: Dung dkar blo bzang ‘phrin las. (2002). Dung dkar tshig mdzod chen mo (White Conch Dictionary). Beijing: Krung go’i bod kyi shes rig dpe skrun khang.
  • 5DL: Ngag-dbang-blo-bzang-rgya-mtsho. (1995). The collected works (gsung ‘bum) of Vth Dalai Lama Ngag-dbang-blo-bzang-rgya-mtsho. Gangtok: Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology.
  • Bell, Christopher Paul, “Tsiu Marpo: The Career of a Tibetan Protector Deity” (2006). Electronic Theses, Treatises and Dissertations. Paper 1306.
  • http://www.himalayanart.org/search/set.cfm?setID=3465
  • http://www.himalayanart.org/search/set.cfm?setID=494

 

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  • Eric kksiow

    Posted on September 7, 2016 #1 Author

    I’m fortunate to met Panglung Kuten taking trance ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grMEVwN9FWI ) of Dorje Shugden and Kache Marpo in Kechara Forest Retreat ( http://retreat.kechara.com/ ). Without Tsem Rinpoche i wouldn’t know about Dorje Shugden and Kache Marpo.

    Thank You DS.ORG for this ( Kache Marpo ) article
    _/\_ Eric kksiow

    Reply

  • Mingwen

    Posted on September 7, 2016 #2 Author

    “Kache Marpo is considered an emanation of Hayagriva, which makes him a fully accomplished enlightened being and also a Buddha who appears in a worldly form.”

    “In the Nyingma tradition, he is very much worshipped in the form of Tsiu Marpo. Later when Dorje Shugden manifested, Tsiu Marpo saw the benefits of Dorje Shugden’s practice and activities, and on his own free will, he took an oath to become one of Dorje Shugden’s ministers. So, he is practiced within the Nyingma tradition as Tsiu Marpo and within the Gelugpa tradition as Kache Marpo.”

    With these 2 points, we can see the values of being humble and pay respect to each other, even among the Buddhas regardless of their status. Thus, if we really wanted to practice Buddhism, to train ourselves to be humble , respect each other and putting our EGO down, these are the ways that we can start with, rather than straight away to learn ways to do prayers and rituals.

    Reply

  • Pastor Henry Ooi

    Posted on September 7, 2016 #3 Author

    This is a very informative article into the historical background and praises to Kache Marpo, main attendant to Dorje Shugden. Kache Marpo being an enlightened dharma protector in his own right yet he chose to serve Dorje Shugden speaks tremendous volume of the enlightened nature of Dorje Shugden.

    Reply

  • Pastor Moh Mei

    Posted on September 7, 2016 #4 Author

    Very detailed article on Kache Marpo but a bit confusing as well. It is mentioned that Kache Marpo is considered an emanation of Hayagriva, which makes him a fully accomplished enlightened being, then it is mentioned his true nature is the wrathful form of Avalokiteshvara, and later part it is said that Tsiu Marpo is a ‘subjugated’ Tibetan worldly god of the warrior class (drala).

    Reading this article reminds me of another article on Tsemrinpoche.com regarding Nechung. The multiple form/brothers, Guru Rinpoche, Samye monastery, 5th Dalai Lama…all seems connected. Of course the main difference is Nechung is not enlightened while it is clearly stated that Kache Marpo is an enlightened being.

    Reply

  • June Kang

    Posted on September 8, 2016 #5 Author

    “Out of compassion ,Kache Marpo will not remain for long during the trance so that people do not accumulate further negative karma by disobeying the instructions given.” From here, you can see that Kache Marpo is very compassion. In addition Kache Marpo assists Dorje Shugden in carrying out his Dharma instructions and activities, this prove that Dorje Shugden can benefiting many sentient being and Kache Marpo as a enlightened being also willingness to help Dorje Shugden.

    Reply

  • Jace Chong

    Posted on September 8, 2016 #6 Author

    Thanks for the informative post.

    “when Dorje Shugden manifested, Tsiu Marpo saw the benefits of Dorje Shugden’s practice and activities, and on his own free will, he took an oath to become one of Dorje Shugden’s ministers.” Although Tsiu Marpo or Karche Marpo is enlightened being, they still voluntarily took oath to assist Dorje Shugden. From this we can see that Dorje Shugden’s role is very important in the upcoming era.

    Thank you.

    Being

    Reply

  • Julia Tan

    Posted on September 8, 2016 #7 Author

    There are many Dharma protectors in Tibetan Buddhidm. We are very fortunate to meet Kache Marpo through the kindness of our precious guru. Understanding such an old protector like Kache Marpo serving Dorje Shugden as an assistant/minister, proved that the important of DS’s work to protect Lama Tsongkhapa teachings at this degenerate time.

    Reply

  • nicholas

    Posted on September 8, 2016 #8 Author

    Kache Marpo is one of the main and important miniter to Dorje Shugden. It’s interesting to learn that Kache Marpo such an enlightened being which (onto the wordly form to be close to the people) took an oath to become Dorje Shugden’s minister. This tell a lot of Dorje Shugden quality and his beneficial function to protect the middle way teaching which is one of the most suitable practice of our time.

    What I understand from H.E. the 25th Tsem Rinpoche, Kache Marpo is very active and most of the time is the one that answer the question from the audience and the advice given is synchronise with Dorje Shugden. This also tell us that Kache Marpo is enlightened being that have the same mind as Dorje Shugden.

    May his practice spread wide and benefit more people that having the affinity with him.

    Reply

  • Pastor Antoinette

    Posted on September 8, 2016 #9 Author

    Kache Marpo has a long history and is considered an emanation of Hayagriva or Tamdrin, thus a fully enlightened Buddha. Yet, he chooses to serve Dorje Shugden. He is also called ‘The Power of the Fierce, All Pervading Vajra” and he is the chief of the 5 Brothers.

    Thank you for this interesting article on the powerful Buddha Kache Marpo who assists Dorje Shugden. How blessed to be close to such a holy being.

    Reply

  • Albert

    Posted on September 8, 2016 #10 Author

    Another enlightened protector, the main assistant of Dorje Shugden – Kache Marpo.

    Although he is a fully enlightened Buddha, but for the benefit of sentient beings, he manifest as a protector and stay as the assistant of Dorje Shugden, from this, we can see how compassion he is.

    Thank to my guru, H.E. the 25th Tsem Rinpoche guidance and blessing, I’m very fortunate to be able to meet Kache Marpo and Dorje Shugden in Kechara Forest Retreat last year and receive teachings from them.

    To know more about the event, more info can be found here:
    http://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/dorje-shugden/700-meet-a-buddha.html

    Reply

  • pammie yap

    Posted on September 8, 2016 #11 Author

    “so that these people do not accumulate further negative karma by disobeying the instructions given.” and
    “Tsiu Marpo saw the benefits of Dorje Shugden’s practice and activities, and on his own free will, he took an oath to become one of Dorje Shugden’s ministers.”
    From these lines, one can see how compassionate both Dorje Shugden and Kache Marpo are. Therefore, I truly believe that both of them are Buddhas for they always benefit and not harm.

    A very informative post and I especially like the prayers included especially when they are composed by highly attained beings.

    Reply

  • Khoo Hou Haw

    Posted on September 8, 2016 #12 Author

    This article mentioned about several sources that confirmed Kache Marpo as an enlightened being. If such an enlightened being is willing to become Dorje Shugden’s entourage, it only shows that Dorje Shugden must be Enlightened as well to have Kache Marpo to assist Him.

    Reply

  • Fong

    Posted on November 9, 2016 #13 Author

    Karche Marpo is an emanation of Hayagriva, and as Hayagriva is enlightened, this means that Karche Marpo is also enlightened. And, if Karche Marpo, an enlightened Dharmapala in his own right, offered to be minister of Dorje Shugden, then Dorje Shugden cannot be a spirit nor unenlightened.

    From studies by Christopher Bell’s in his recent work, “Tsiu Marpo: The Career of a Tibetan Protector Deity”, Karche Marpo is linked to Tsiu Marpo, a Protector of the Nyingma tradition. So, Karche Marpo cannot be a sectarian practice and by inference, Dorje Shugden cannot be sectarian too.

    Thank you, dorjeshugden.org for the prayers accompanying this article. It is always good to be able to read and study the prayers and praises by high lamas for any deity or Dharmapalas.

    Reply

  • Lê Nhật Khang

    Posted on August 11, 2019 #14 Author

    Kache Marpo and Tsiu Marpo is different. Kache Marpo is one of Seven Brothers of Tsiu Marpo in Tsen Protectors that cannot Kache Marpo as Tsiu Marpo or against and I heard this from Most Venerable Kabye Gonsar Rinpoche and I think from Rinpoche’s teaching is not mistaken.
    Thank you

    Reply