FAQ - CAN I PRACTICE DORJE SHUGDEN EVEN IF I HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE PRACTICE, INITIATION OR EMPOWERMENT FROM A LAMA?

Yes, you can. It is good to request an initiation (permission) or oral transmission from a qualified Lama if possible, as you will also receive the lineage blessings of this practice. More advanced practice would require guidance and permission from a qualified teacher but you can already start to create a profound connection to this Protector by reciting prayers and his mantra, and praying sincerely to...

FAQ - HOW CAN I START DOING DORJE SHUGDEN'S PRACTICE?

If you have an image of Dorje Shugden, you can set up an altar if it is convenient. You can also make daily offerings such as flowers, light, incense, food or whatever you find pleasing. If it is not convenient for you to have an altar, you can start his practice simply by downloading and reciting any of the prayers that are available on this website. Or, you can recite his mantra anytime, anywhere: OM BENZA WIKI BITANA SOHA The...

FAQ - HOW CAN I DO THE PRACTICE IF I DON'T HAVE MUCH TIME?

You do not need much time for this practice. Simply recite a short prayer (below) and the mantra. You can also recite just the mantra at any time, anywhere and as many times as you like. Whenever you have more time, you can recite the longer prayers (which can be downloaded from the prayers section of this website) and / or recite more mantras. Most importantly, generate a good motivation and have strong faith that Dorje Shugden...

FAQ - WHAT HAPPENS IF I MISS DOING THE PRACTICE WHEN, FOR EXAMPLE, I AM ILL OR TRAVELING?

Dorje Shugden is an emanation of Manjushri, the Enlightened Buddha of Wisdom. He arose as a Dharma Protector about 350 years ago especially to protect Nagarjuna’s Middle View, as taught by Lama Tsongkhapa. He is often considered to be a Protector of the Gelugpa lineage but actually, he protects all sincere Dharma practitioners...

FAQ - I ALREADY HAVE A DHARMA PROTECTOR PRACTICE SO WHY WOULD I NEED TO DO DORJE SHUGDEN'S PRACTICE?

Dorje Shugden has manifested specifically at this time to assist practitioners in this day and age. As obstacles and distractions become much greater at this time, Dorje Shugden's practice is very effective to help us clear these obstacles. His practice is complementary to all our practices and there is no conflict or overlap at all. You should continue your existing Dharma Protector practices, but you can also add Dorje Shugden's...

FAQ - CAN I STILL DO DORJE SHUGDEN'S PRACTICE IF I AM ALREADY DOING OTHER SPIRITUAL PRACTICES?

Yes, there is no conflict or problem in adding Dorje Shugden’s practice to what you are already doing. You can also put images of him on your altar alongside images / statues of other deities and / or Buddhas. However, if you already have a Lama and have already been advised to do certain prayers, you should maintain what you have already been taught. If you wish to do Dorje Shugden’s practice (or any other practice for that...

FAQ - WILL DORJE SHUGDEN HARM YOU IF YOU STOP DOING HIS PRACTICE?

No. As he is a fully Enlightened Buddha, he will never have any motivation to harm any...

FAQ - WHICH HIGH LAMAS PRACTICE DORJE SHUGDEN?

Many of the highest Lamas today – who have been recognized as highly realized, Enlightened Beings themselves – have been well known for relying upon Dorje Shugden. Well-known and highly esteemed Gelugpa practitioners of Dorje Shugden, past and present, include:   PAST MASTERS The 5th Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso Losang Thubten Wangchuk Jigme Gyatso (head of the Gelugpa school of Buddhism in Mongolia) Ngulchu...