Dorje Shugden in the Gelugpa Guru Tree Dorje Shugden in the Gelugpa Guru Tree
To aid practitioners, His Eminence Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche unveiled an incredible and ‘updated’ Guru Tree of the Gelugpa lineage, which depicts Dorje Shugden for... Dorje Shugden in the Gelugpa Guru Tree

Since the emergence of the enlightened Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden, he has been watching over Dharma practitioners and lamas by safeguarding their practice and ensuring that the needed resources for their work are obtained. Specifically and most importantly, he protects:

…the system of Nagarjuna, the highest view, free from extremes, and the supreme behaviour of Vinaya, the code of conduct of the Buddha.

This refers to the sublime Madhyamaka or Middle Way philosophy and the pure tradition of the Vinaya as practised and proliferated by Manjunatha Lama Tsongkhapa.

According to Venerable Geshe Rabten Rinpoche, when we decide to delve deeper and determine “to really tame our minds, he will even give us his heart.”

The Gelugpa Guru Tree featuring Dorje Shugden

The Gelugpa Guru Tree featuring Dorje Shugden

In this dark age of great distractions and attachments, ordinary beings like ourselves have the great fortune to be attracted to this lineage, guided towards an authentic teacher, and feel the need to study and practise the Dharma and thus develop an altruistic motivation. This is indeed a visible sign of Dorje Shugden’s vast and profound activities.

Therefore, to aid practitioners, His Eminence Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche who is the reincarnation of Ra Lotsawa, the transmitter of the Yamantaka tradition and lineage in Tibet, unveiled an incredible and ‘updated’ Guru Tree of the Gelugpa lineage, which depicts Dorje Shugden for the first time on the same level as other transcendent Dharma Protectors.

This indispensable Guru Tree can be used as an aid for the visualisation of the merit field during Lama Chopa puja, or as a sacred image on the altar.

Close up of Dorje Shugden in the Gelugpa Guru Tree

Close up of Dorje Shugden in the Gelugpa Guru Tree

The reference to Dorje Shugden’s role as a Protector of Nagarjuna’s Middle Way Philosophy and the Vinaya code was extracted from the Praise to Dorje Shugden reproduced below.

You said, “I will protect the highest stainless essence of the Sugata’s teachings
As the precious jewel of the merit of all beings!”
Heroic Manjushri Yamantaka in a worldly, haughty disguise,
To you, endowed with strength of ten million dharma protectors,
I offer praise.

Smiling with ruby complexion of affection and compassion,
Elegant in whatever emanation of wrath, passion, or smiling peace,
The instant one remembers the limitless secrets of your body,
All needs and desires are granted,
To you I praise.

Your razor sword of superior wisdom rips through the foe, samsara,
And you hold the heart of great bliss which slaughters the extreme of nirvana;
To you who, for the glory of infinite migrators, shows signs of the skilful means,
Which have arisen from extremes of both samsara and nirvana,
I offer praise.

The system of Nagarjuna, the highest view, free from extremes,
And the supreme behaviour of vinaya, the code of conduct of the Buddha;
As an instruction to migrators that one should practice thus,
You are adorned by the domed hat and saffron robes,
To you I praise.

Having various mounts, unfixed, such as lions, agile garudas, and dragons,
Emanating as whatever will tame beings in infinite realms,
For the sake of migrators, ever tireless,
To you I praise.

Although you have the manner of a very fierce slaughterer,
In the midst of a tumultuous mass of extremely blazing fire,
You don’t move even slightly from a state of peace, love and compassion;
To this especially exalted wonder,
I offer praise.

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  • Sharon Ong

    Posted on July 16, 2016 #1 Author

    Thank you for this post as clearly shows how to visualise the Guru Tree. One of the things I like about this post is the quote by Venerable Geshe Rabten Rinpoche that says “when we decide to delve deeper and determine “to really tame our minds, he will even give us his heart.” It is really reassuring to know that we have a loyal divine friend in Dorje Shugden, who will be with us at all times during our mind taming process which can get pretty rough at times.

    Reply

  • Pastor Moh Mei

    Posted on September 1, 2016 #2 Author

    This is a very educational and informative article. It’s interesting that H.E. Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche is the reincarnation of Ra Lotsawa because Ra Lotsawa is also one of Dorje Shugden’s previous existence. I guess it should not be surprising that some of these highly attained lamas are of the same mind.

    Reply

  • Pastor Antoinette

    Posted on September 1, 2016 #3 Author

    This is a beautiful Guru Tree Thangkha with Dorje Shugden. As Venerable Geshe Rabten says: “If we are really decided to tame our mind, he will even give us his heart”. How beautiful and precious. Our mind is what will stay with us from life to life and it is most important to change and improve for the benefit of all.

    Reply

  • Julia Tan

    Posted on September 1, 2016 #4 Author

    We are very fortunate to have met our Guru H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche and receive this particular lineage with Dorje Shugden practice. When we engage with Dorje Shugden practice, and have faith in him, He can help us very quick. I have seen people practice due to circular reasons yet DS would be able to skilfully hooked them into dharma through many ways. because Dorje Shugden is Manjushri himself.

    Reply

  • Jace Chong

    Posted on September 1, 2016 #5 Author

    Thank you for the post and thanks to His Eminence Dagom Rinpoche, we have a “complete” Gelug Guru Tree now with Dorje Shugden.

    I heard from a Dharma sharing that there were many great masters taught about Middle View by Nagajurna, and Lama Tsongkhapa’s teaching on this subject is particularly important and beneficial, thus Dorje Shugden arisen to specifically protect this teaching. Hence, I think this Thangka is complete with Dorje Shugden’s presence.

    Thank you.

    Reply

  • Pastor Henry Ooi

    Posted on September 1, 2016 #6 Author

    I remember being in the presence of Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche years ago in Nepal as He was explaining about this Guru Tree thanka.

    I count myself as one of the very fortunate ones who was introduced to Dorje Shugden by H.E. The 25th Tsem Rinpoche. Ever since then, my family and I have received so much help and protection from Dorje Shugden, and I thank Rinpoche for His compassion.

    Reply

  • pammie yap

    Posted on September 1, 2016 #7 Author

    According to Venerable Geshe Rabten Rinpoche, when we decide to delve deeper and determine “to really tame our minds, he will even give us his heart.”

    This I truly believe because Dorje Shugden love us like His only child and He will never forsake us. This is because He is Manjushri, full of wisdom.
    I know that He can guide us on the right path, clear our doubts, obstacles and help us on our spiritual transformation as what is said in His prayers.

    http://www.dorjeshugden.org/practice/diamond-path-a-daily-sadhana-of-dorje-shugden
    Never separated from me, like my body and its shadow,
May you dispel adverse conditions and obstructors without exception,
Accomplish favourable conditions and desires as I wish,
And protect and care for me without ever a break!

    Reply

  • nicholas

    Posted on September 1, 2016 #8 Author

    Looking at the Guru Tree seeing Dorje Shugden which is part of the lineage has assure us that his practice is not someone has created from no where but is part of the true Gelupa lineage that mainly to protect the precious teaching that important and beneficial at this time. Dorje Shugden practice has been around for 400 years and has been close to the people to help us in our spiritual growth. Not to say that other protector is in efficient but as time goes the enlightened being will manifest in away to suit the environment, situation and time that will able to help us in the most efficient way as per our attachment and delusion at that time.

    Reply

  • June Kang

    Posted on September 1, 2016 #9 Author

    It is wonderful that can put on this thangka during the Dorje Shugden Retreat or any retreat to bless us. Wonderful is the thangka is with Buddhas, Bodhisattvas & lineage masters are with you during the retreat. Of course it doesn’t mean that without this, your retreat does not effective. To me is just is easy for us to do visualize when there is a picture there besides blessing us.

    It is also wonderful that , His Eminence Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche who is the reincarnation of Ra Lotsawa, recognized that Dorje Shugden is Dharma Protector, and updated Guru Tree of the Gelugpa lineage with Dorje Shugden.

    Reply

  • Khoo Hou Haw

    Posted on September 1, 2016 #10 Author

    We are very fortunate to have His Eminence Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche who is the reincarnation of Ra Lotsawa to provide us the updated Guru tree of Gelugpa lineage. Dorje Shugden as an enlightened protector who has protected the path of dharma for many indeed should be in the Guru Tree.

    Reply

  • Albert

    Posted on September 1, 2016 #11 Author

    Most of the Dharma teachings after the appear of Nagarjuna has been focusing on the middle view that taught by Nagarjuna, one of the biggest practice today is Lama Tsongkhapa’s doctrine where it is most suitable for people to practice at this time.

    Dorje Shugden appeared is to protect and aid for Lama Tsongkhapa’s teaching continue to spread for a long long period to come, it is very fortunate to see this Thangka being updated with Dorje Shugden inside. Because he is one of the enlightened Protector to protect the Dharma Practitioners.

    Dorje Shugden is my main protector practice now and his practice has benefited and helped a lot of people today. I’m very fortunate to have met Dorje Shugden in my lifetime. Thank you admin for showing this precious piece of Thangka.

    Reply

  • Eric kksiow

    Posted on September 1, 2016 #12 Author

    This is the first time I saw the Thangka closely and in detailed. I don’t have more affinity to the other lamas and guru. Is good to know Dagom Rinpoche and a Guru Tree Thangka with Dorje Shugden image.

    Thank You DS.ORG admin
    Eric kksiow

    Reply

  • Mingwen

    Posted on September 1, 2016 #13 Author

    “In this dark age of great distractions and attachments, ordinary beings like ourselves have the great fortune to be attracted to this lineage, guided towards an authentic teacher, and feel the need to study and practise the Dharma and thus develop an altruistic motivation. This is indeed a visible sign of Dorje Shugden’s vast and profound activities.

    Therefore, to aid practitioners, His Eminence Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche who is the reincarnation of Ra Lotsawa, the transmitter of the Yamantaka tradition and lineage in Tibet, unveiled an incredible and ‘updated’ Guru Tree of the Gelugpa lineage, which depicts Dorje Shugden for the first time on the same level as other transcendent Dharma Protectors.”

    I wonder why it stated the Guru Tree was”updated” which was having the great Dharma Protector, Dorje Shugden within the Guru Tree?

    Dorje Shugden as a Dharma Protector of the Gelugpa lineage, which is founded by Lama Tsongkhapa, shouldn’t him being within the Guru Tree at the beginning?

    Reply

  • Pastor Chia

    Posted on September 1, 2016 #14 Author

    Finally can see Dorje Shugden image has updated inside gelupa guru tree, it mean Dorje Shugden has proved who is it as enlightenment protector according the southern region tradition in this time. Just like others enlightenment protector like Mahakala, Setrap, Palden Lhamo appearing together same line inside guru tree thangka. Over 350 year of criticism as evil spirit does not affect Dorje Shugden enlightenment quality to protect Lama Tsongkhapa teaching follow Nagarjuna middle way. Dorje Shugden is the real dharma jewels to protect Buddha teaching growing from the past to the future.

    Reply

  • Stella Cheang

    Posted on September 7, 2016 #15 Author

    It resonates deeply when I read “… In this dark age of great distractions and attachments, ordinary beings like ourselves have the great fortune to be attracted to this lineage, guided towards an authentic teacher, and feel the need to study and practise the Dharma and thus develop an altruistic motivation…” It is almost miraculous for us who has little or no merits to be connected to a Buddhism practice from pure lineage through a highly qualified guru, His Eminence the 25th Tsem Rinpoche. And if this is not a visible sign of Dorje Shugden’s vast and profound activities, then I am not sure what it is. Thank you for sharing this article.

    Reply

  • William Chua

    Posted on September 28, 2016 #16 Author

    One of the role of a Dharma Protector is the protect and spread the lineage. They do so by clearing obstacles for practitioners to practice the Dharma in a smooth manner. In our Gelug lineage, one of our Dharma protector is Dorje Shugden and it is from the wisdom and compassion of Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche to depict Dorje Shugden in the Gelug Lineage Tree and on the same level as other Dharma Protectors. With this the preservation of Je Tsongkhapa’s teachings can go on.

    Reply

  • Sock Wan

    Posted on September 28, 2016 #17 Author

    Like what Geshe Rabten Rinpoche said, “when we decide to delve deeper and determine “to really tame our minds, he will even give us his heart.” Buddha is always there to help us, it is us whether we are putting our 100% faith in him. Dorje Shugden is the same, if we trust him 100%, he will lead us to enlightenment. But because of our karmas, sometimes things does not turn out to what be what we expected. We have to understand Buddha or Protector does not always give what we want, because what we want might not be good for us (since we don’t have the clairvoyance to know). Buddha or protector have the clairvoyance to know what kind of situation or experience will help us to progress in our spiritual practice. As a result, we might encounter situation we have been avoiding all along. If this happens, we should not lose faith in them. For every things that happen to us (good or bad) we gain something, we gain experience, we gain knowledge, we become wiser.

    Many great Lamas rely on Dorje Shugden, their Dharma works flourish, the bring so much benefits to all sentient beings. They have proven what Geshe Rabten Rinpoche said was right.

    Reply

  • Wylfred Ng

    Posted on September 29, 2016 #18 Author

    Thank you DS.org for sharing out this wonderful Gelugpa Guru Tree, the merit field.

    Guru Tree is the most important image for us to do offerings and prayers. We visualize our Guru is one with Lama Tsongkhapa, surrounded by all our lineage masters, Buddhas, Bodhisattavas, Arhats, and dharma protectors. Drawing Dorje Shugden in the Gelugpa Guru Tree is a very significant act, Dorje Shugden arise to protect the teaching of Lama Tsongkhapa.

    Thank you

    Reply

  • Alice Tay

    Posted on June 29, 2017 #19 Author

    Many great masters are relied on Dorje Shugden including Venerable Geshe Rabten Rinpoche and HE Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche. Dorje Shugden practitioners believe that Dorje Shugden will protect and lead the practitioners who are sincere and determined in spiritual practice.
    When HE Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche incorporated Dorje Shugden as one of the main Protectors in Gelugpa Guru Tree, this benefits to many practitioners especially for visualization or as a sacred image on the altar.

    Thank you for sharing this important information of Dorje Shugden depicted on the same level as other transcendent Dharma Protectors in Gelugpa Guru Tree.

    Reply

  • Freon

    Posted on August 20, 2017 #20 Author

    H.E Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche in his previous life as Ra Lotsawa have introduce Yamantaka to practioners. Without Ra Lotsawa introduce about Yamantaka, many of our karma can’t be purify that effectively and we will not get to know Yamantaka.

    In current era, H.E Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche have put Dorje Shugden into Gelugpa Guru Tree, this bring great meaning to the practitioner that Dorje Shugden is not only an enlighten being, also by propitiate Dorje Shugden we could gain much merits

    In this article I have also learned that the facts we could pray to Dorje Shugden is a visible sign of Dorje Shugden’s vast and profound activities. To me, this show that Dorje Shugden is an emanation of a Buddha to be close to us , to be our protector to guide us in our spiritual path patiently and skillfully.

    It is very lucky for us to know Dorje Shugden

    Reply

  • Yin ping

    Posted on December 26, 2017 #21 Author

    Dorje Shugden arose as a Dharma Protector about 400 years ago especially to protect Nagarjuna’s Middle View, taught by Lama Tsongkhapa. Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche who was the reincarnation of Ra Lotsawa, the originator of the Yamantaka transmission lineage, he updated Guru Tree with Dorje Shugden in it. On the bottom of this thangka, Dorje Shugden is depicted standing between six-armed White Mahakala and Palden Lhamo. This sacred Guru Tree image is perfect for visualisation aid during prayers.

    Reply