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A step by step starter kit
Step 1: Background
Step 2: Benefits
Step 3: Altar and prayers
FAQs
Download
Step 1: Background
Dorje Shugden, the Indestructible power of the enlightened mind
Who is Dorje Shugden?
An emanation of Manjushri, the enlightened Buddha of Wisdom. He manifests as a Protector who removes obstacles, protects us and our loved ones and grants our wishes quickly.
His lineage
As a direct emanation of Manjushri, he has manifested as many renowned figures throughout history, such as :
• Lord Dulzin, who built Gaden Monastery
• Panchen Sonam Drakpa, whose renowned teachings are still studied in monasteries today
• The legendary Chinese emperor,
• Kangxi Practiced all over the world and very revered in China.
• Practiced in many grand monasteries and also by laypeople everywhere.
Why does he look this way?
Learning about iconography is a great way to discover any deitys nature, function, and the methods that are applied in their practice.
With beauty and power the following excerpts (in quotation marks) from prayers and praises to Gyalchen Dorje Shugden express via his outer appearance his inner intent and wishes.
"Although you outwardly exhibit the haughty manner of a terrifier to conquer enemies of Lozang the Victors teachings, you are, in nature, that very Manjushri Yamantaka; with the supreme, unsurpassed devotion."
"In the middle of a dark wind-swept wisdom fire, on lotus and sun, and an enemy-trampling, frightening, watchful lion is the supreme heart jewel of Dharma protectors, Dorje Shugden, the mighty King. Monk robes beautifying his body, wearing a domed golden hat, his hands hold wisdom sword and enemy heart. Smiling at practitioners, he destroys enemies and obstructers with a wrathful look."
"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."
Label number
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Symbolism
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What it means
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| 1 |
Dark wind-swept wisdom fire
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Fire emanates from the King Protector and burns up our obstacles and obscurations, arisen from negative karma
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| 2 |
Lotus
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His actions are based on great compassion
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| 3 |
Sun disc
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Realization of emptiness
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| 4 |
Snowlion
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Fearlessness that arises upon victory over ignorance, attachment and hatred, tramples the enemies, afflictive emotions arising from self-grasping and self-cherishing
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| 5 |
Wrathful or fierce look on Dorje Shugden and Snowlion
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From our side, it looks frightening because ego fears nothing more than confrontation with truth.From his side because wrath is quick and powerful.
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| 6 |
Heart of the Enemy
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Enemy heart denotes the root of the problem, ignorance. Holding the heart in his hand means Dorje Shugden rips out our ignorance, and therefore blesses us with more wisdom.Heart refers innermost essence, and our deepest wish enlightenment.
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| 7 |
Monk robes
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Pure ethical outer conduct (Pratimoksha)
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| 8 |
Domed hat
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Domed hat the highest view (Vajrayana), Madhyamika, of which Nagarjuna was the first propounder, and which Je Tsongkhapa presented in his teachings with unsurpassed clarity for our present time
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| 9 |
Wisdom sword
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Cuts through the delusions which keep us from seeing reality directly
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| 10 |
Taming hook in his left arm
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Showing that his power works throughout the three realms of existence
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| 11 |
Jewel-spouting mongoose
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Provides material needs
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| 12 |
Wearing shoes (tiger skin boots)
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Wearing shoes (tiger skin boots) shows that he appears in the disguise of a worldly god, which means that he is closer to us ordinary beings and easier to propitiate than Kalarupa etc.
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| 13 |
Third eye (wisdom eye) in the middle
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His third eye (wisdom eye) in the middle of his forehead perceives directly the totality of relative and absolute reality, past, present and future.
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Step 2: Benefits
Dorje Shugden works miracles, offering powerful protection day and night.
"Are you a student?"
He increases intelligence and memory.
"Are you travelling?"
He protects you from dangers and harm.
"Disturbed by magic and spirits?"
He will protect you from disturbing spirits and negative energy.
"Business not doing well?"
He clears obstacles and brings wealth.
"Suffering an illness?"
He brings healing to the body, mind and spirit.
Step 3: Altar and prayers
Prayers I can recite to receive Dorje Shugdens blessings
An example of a simple altar and tea offering to Dorje Shugden.
Note: Chinese tea or any type of tea is suitable as an offering.
Prayer by 5th Dalai Lama
HUM
Though unmoving from the sphere of primordial spontaneity,
With wrathful turbulent power, swifter than lightning,
Endowed with heroic courage to judge good and bad,
I invite you with faith, please come to this place!
Robes of a monk, crown adorned with rhinocerous leather hat,
Right hand holds ornate club, left holds a human heart,
Riding various mounts such as nagas and garudas,
Who subdues the mamos of the charnal grounds, praise to you!
Samaya substances, offerings and torma, outer, inner and secret,
Favorite visual offerings and various objects are arranged.
Although, previously, my wishes were a bit dense,
Do not stop your powerful apparitions, I reveal and confess!
Now respectfully praising with body, speech, and mind,
For us, the masters, disciples, benefactors and entourages,
Provide the good and avert the bad!
Bring increase like the waxing moon in spiritual and temporal realms!
Moreover, swiftly accomplishing all wishes,
According to our prayers, bestow the supreme effortlessly!
And like the jewel that bestows all wishes,
Always protect us with the Three Jewels!
Mantra
Om Benza Wiki Bitana Soha
Golden Drink Offering (Serkym)
And especially, supreme, supramundane Dharmapala, Forcefully powerful, strict, and swift Dorje Shugden, Through offering you this ambrosial drink which bestows bliss May you, having partaken swiftly and spontaneously accomplish our wishes!
FAQs:
Why does Dorje Shugden look so fierce?
His fierce expression symbolises his quick, swift energy and fast action to chase away your obstacles, but he is always smiling at you.
Do I have to be of a particular religion for Dorje Shugden to help me?
No. He will help all just as the sun shines on all.
What do I need to do for Dorje Shugden to help me?
Simply trust, believe and be consistent in your prayers to him.
What can I do with the free Dorje Shugden card I've just received, which is distributed worldwide?
- Keep in your wallet as protection.
- Recite his mantra as many times as you wish, anytime, anywhere!
- Put on your altar (if you have one).
- It's perfectly okay to put Dorje Shugden with other Buddhas/deities.
- You can set up an altar in a simple, clean area.
- Offer candles, incense, flowers, food if you wish (optional)
Download high resolution picture of Dorje Shugden
Right click here and click Save Target As to download high resolution picture (3.5MB)
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