ENLIGHTENED LAMAS SERIES
SERKONG DORJE CHANG (1856 - 1918) | | Print | |
Among the many wonderful texts on Dorje Shugden, there exists a very famous incense offering that can also be found in the Dorje Shugden be-bum which was composed by this great Lama. Incense offerings, otherwise known as sang are very powerful offerings that assist the practitioner to uphold his vows and morality, and to clear obstacles in the accomplishment of spiritual goals. This particular text was composed by the great master Serkong Dorje Chang and can be viewed towards the bottom of this page or here. Readers' Comments
The great mahasiddha Serkong Dorje Chang, whose ordination name was Ngawang Tsultrim Donden, is also considered to be the reincarnation of Marpa Lotsawa. He quickly rose to become one of the most renowned and sought-after Buddhist teachers of his time. Serkong Dorje Chang began his studies when he was 10 years old, studying under the 81st Ganden Throne Holder, Ngawang Norbu. He then joined the renowned Gaden Jangtse Monastery, studying under many great masters during his time there. At the mere age of 24, he procured the highly respected Geshe Lharampa degree; in most cases, this degree requires more than 30 years of study before one even qualifies for the exams. Already an unusually intelligent scholar, he was also advised by both his teacher and the 13th Dalai Lama to take on a consort, which he did much later. Though he initially received criticism for this, he followed the instructions of his teachers fully, proving later how attained he really was. He then went on to do retreats in secluded places and showed great attainments towards the end of his retreats. It was not surprising that he became the teacher of the Bhutanese king, who invited him to Bhutan after hearing of his feats. In Bhutan, he received a cycle of teachings and initiations on longevity and other teaching cycles from a vision of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of Bhutan. Besides giving extensive teachings on the monastic subjects, Serkong Dorje Chang was also well known for writing extensive commentaries on the tantric deity Chakrasamvara and also an extensive confession and propitiation prayer known as a kangsol for the protector Dorje Shugden. In the kangsol, Serkong Dorje Chang identifies Dorje Shugden as the principal protector of Lama Tsongkhapa, as well as the special protector of Gaden’s ear whispered lineage, the heart of the Gelug tradition. This prayer continues to be widely used throughout monastic institutions today. Through the kangsol, the influence of Sera on Serkong Dorje Chang can also be clearly seen as he refers Dorje Shugden as being one and the same as Vajrapani, resonating completely with the views of the earlier masters that originated from Sera Monastery. Serkong Dorje Chang is also famous for being one of the lineage holders for the Gelug chapter of the Kalachakra teachings. It was of no surprise that the Great 13th Dalai Lama soon awarded him the epithet of “Dorje Chang” for his spiritual achievements, elevating him to a level comparable to the Buddha Vajradhara. To this day, Serkong Dorje Chang is also greatly remember and respected for combining the prominent writings on Dorje Shugden rituals by earlier masters Morchen Dorje Chang and Drubwang Drukpa Kunley into a single ritual text. Notably, within it, Serkong Dorje Chang makes direct references to Dorje Shugden’s previous incarnation as Duldzin Dragpa Gyeltsen and Shugden’s true enlightened nature. It also makes clear references to Dorje Shugden as a special protector of Gelugpas, particularly of the healing lineage of Lama Tsongkhapa, Togden Jampel Gyatso, Duldzin Dragpa Gyeltsen, Ensapa and Panchen Lobsang Choekyi Gyaltsen. This unique text also contains a verse on offerings that has been spoken by Dorje Shugden himself. Sang Offering text 'Jam mgon rgyal ba'i bstan srung Rdo-rje Shugs-Idan rtsal chen po'i bsangs mchod [dge legs mchog stsol] bzhugs so composed by Gaden Serkong Dorje Chang Hum, visualizing myself as the yidam, from the heart, Om Ah Hum (repeat as many times to bless) Hum, Root and lineages gurus, Three Jewels, Also, birth, warrior and patron deities Each happily dwelling on their seats Kye! Agar, sandalwood, six medicinal ingredients and plants, Purifies especially the Chief Dharma Protector of Conqueror Manjunatha Ki ki so so, Lha gyel lo! Hum! Being pleased and satisfied, guests return to their abodes
|