Recently DORJESHUGDEN.COM had the privilege to view some very important documents that have never been revealed before. They are published here for the first time for the world to see the clear evidence of how Dorje Shugden, contrary to purported stories, has always looked after His Holiness the 14th the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people’s welfare, and in particular in protecting the Dalai Lama, his gurus and their entourage during their escape from Tibet to India in 1959. The documents in Tibetan were handwritten by Changtso⁽²⁾ Lobsang Yeshe himself while those in Chinese and English were translations, recounting the incidents that led to the Dalai Lama’s escape from Tibet to India in 1959.

The official statements by the CTA⁽⁴⁾ and the Office of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama have always asserted that the State Oracle Nechung was the one who told the Dalai Lama to escape to India, and the one who pointed out the safe escape route. On the Dalai Lama’s official website for example, it is mentioned that:

On 17 March 1959 during a consultation with the Nechung Oracle, His Holiness was given an explicit instruction to leave the country. The Oracle’s decision was further confirmed when a divinity performed by His Holiness produced the same answer, even though the odds against making a successful break seemed terrifyingly high.

(Source: http://www.dalailama.com/biography/from-birth-to-exile)

However, what Changtso Lobsang Yeshe revealed was a completely different story…

Changtso Lobsang Yeshe was a member of Pomra Khangtsen⁽²³⁾ in Sera Mey⁽²⁸⁾ Monastery. He was the main attendant and biological brother of Kensur Ngawang Dakpa Rinpoche⁽¹⁴⁾, who was the Abbot of Sera Mey Monastery at that time. Kensur Ngawang Dakpa Rinpoche was appointed by Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche⁽³⁰⁾, the junior tutor of the 14th Dalai Lama as the main coordinator of the team sent to consult Protector Dorje Shugden.

Changtso Lobsang Yeshe was the principal intermediary between Kensur Ngawang Dakpa Rinpoche and Dorje Shugden (via the 6th Panglung⁽²²⁾ Oracle) during this crucial period at a time when the Chinese closely observed Kensur Ngawang Dakpa Rinpoche. Changtso Lobsang Yeshe was also the contact point to receive all the initial instructions regarding the Dalai Lama’s escape from Tibet.

Changtso Lobsang Yeshe was in a private audience with the Protector Dorje Shugden on 10th March 1959 via the 6th Panglung Oracle as a representative of Kensur Ngawang Dakpa Rinpoche. During that period, a sinister Chinese plot to have the Dalai Lama and many other religious leaders arrested and harmed was uncovered. And it was at this crucial moment that a specific advice for the Dalai Lama to leave Tibet without delay was given by Dorje Shugden.

Of all the protectors in the Tibetan Buddhist pantheon, Dorje Shugden was the one who uncovered the danger to the Dalai Lama’s life and Dorje Shugden had also effectively prescribed the means by which the Dalai Lama could be protected as he escaped.

During that audience, Dorje Shugden offered a Pudri (a bracelet-like article with three eyes worn by the Panglung Oracles) to ensure the safe journey of the Dalai Lama and his entourage. This holy item was given to Changtso Lobsang Yeshe for Kensur Ngawang Dakpa Rinpoche. Dorje Shugden also gave Changtso Lobsang Yeshe a handful of blessed yellow rice that was “to be burnt in times of trouble” during the escape.

Changtso Lobsang Yeshe was also a witness to another important audience between Dorje Shugden and Ratoe Chowar Rinpoche, who was requested by Kyabje⁽¹⁸⁾ Trijang Rinpoche (the Dalai Lama’s tutor) to come to seek advice from the Oracle regarding the same matter.  During this audience, a suitable route of escape was divined by Dorje Shugden. Dorje Shugden via the Oracle shot three arrows to the Southern direction indicating the direction that the Dalai Lama and his entourage should take. In addition, Dorje Shugden gave a ceremonial sword to Ratoe Chowar Rinpoche, and told Rinpoche that he would ensure a safe journey for the Dalai Lama if the sword was waved by a person named Dorjee in the air three times in the direction of the Dalai Lama’s escape route and to lead the Dalai Lama into India whilst holding up the sword.

In fact, it was actually the Dalai Lama himself that requested Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche to seek Dorje Shugden’s advice. As Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche was closely watched by the Chinese because he was the tutor of the Dalai Lama, Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche instead requested Ratoe Chowar Rinpoche to seek audience with Dorje Shugden via the Panglung Oracle.

The following is the exact excerpt from Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche’s autobiography titled “The Illusory Play” that clearly recounted the actual incident:

Following the intentions and orders of the Dalai Lama, I secretly ordered Rate Chubar (Rato Chowar) Rinpoche to go to Panglung Retreat and to ask Gyalchen Dorje Shugden for his instructions.

The Dharmapala said, ‘You must go immediately! If you go by way of the southwestern direction, no harm will come to the Dalai Lama or any of his entourage; I guarantee it! You must go raising this sword in my name at the head of the Dalai Lama’s column.’ Thus, he advised using the path leading to the southwest through Ramagang⁽²⁵⁾ and then performed the shooting arrow and sword dances.

Following this very advice, on the night of the eighth day of the second month at nine o’clock, preceded by members of his family such as his mother, the Gyälyum Chenmo, the Dalai Lama and a small entourage then left.

On March 31st, 1959, the spiritual leader of Tibet, the Dalai Lama, and his entourage, crossed the border into India safely after an epic 15-day journey on foot from Lhasa, over the Himalayan mountains, protected by Dorje Shugden all the way. Thus began a new chapter with the emergence of Tibetan Buddhism in the world at large.

In conclusion, this is in sharp contrast to the assertion by the CTA⁽⁴⁾ and the Office of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama that Nechung was the one who assisted and brought the Dalai Lama out of Tibet safely in 1959. This article intends to reveal a completely different story by bringing to light what Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, many high reincarnated lamas, Geshes⁽⁸⁾, ordinary monks and senior Khampa warriors of the Chushi Gangdruk⁽³⁾ believe as the truth, a truth that is backed up finally by an authentic affidavit of a monk who was the key person that received and witnessed all the instructions regarding the Dalai Lama’s escape from Tibet in 1959.

Dorje Shugden was behind the planning, instructions and guidance during the epic escape from Tibet. Buddhism of Tibet and the survival of the Great Masters are due to the omniscience and power of this great enlightened Protector Dorje Shugden.

Now, instead of recognising and worshipping Dorje Shugden, he is painted to be a harmful spirit, contrary to the great deeds he has performed in the past to preserve Buddhism. The Buddhism of Tibet flourishing globally today is due in large part to Dorje Shugden.

May the truth behind the escape be known now.

Attached are the private documents.

1) The Formation and Role of the Chushi Gangdruk in Lhokha, Tibet Under the Guidance of Dharma Protector Panglung Gyalchen Dorje Shugden (1956-1957)

2) The Flight of H.H. the Dalai Lama, His teachers, Family and Followers from Tibet Under the Guidance of Dharma Protector Panglung Gyalchen Dorje Shugden (1959)

APPENDIX I – KEY PEOPLE INVOLVED IN THE CONSULTATION WITH PROTECTOR DORJE SHUGDEN

1. The 79th Sera Mey Kensur Ngawang Dakpa Rinpoche

At the height of Sera Mey Monastery, one of the Great Three Gelugpa university monasteries of Tibet founded approximately 600 years ago, Kensur Ngawang Dakpa was appointed as the abbot due to his academic accomplishment, tenacity in Dharma learning, teaching and practice. The leader of over 8,000 monks, Kensur Rinpoche was one of the most erudite masters of his time and was chosen to be one of the panel examiners for the Dalai Lama’s debate examination to obtain a Geshe degree during the famed Monlam Chenmo (Great Prayer Festival) celebration. This examination was crucial in determining the 14th Dalai Lama’s Geshe degree.

2. Changtso Lobsang Yeshe, the main attendant of Kensur Ngawang Drakpa Rinpoche

Changtso Lobsang Yeshe was the main attendant and biological brother to Kensur Ngawang Drakpa. He was the key person sent by Kensur Rinpoche himself to speak to the Protector Dorje Shugden through the Panglung Oracle, requesting advice from the Protector on the Dalai Lama’s safety.

As a close attendant to Kensur Rinpoche, Lobsang Yeshe represented Kensur Rinpoche to avoid suspicion of the Chinese army during those critical times. Watch this video of Changtso Lobsang Yeshe telling you the story himself:

3. Ratoe Chowar Rinpoche

Ratoe Chowar Rinpoche was sent by Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche under the order of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama to request the advice for the Dalai Lama’s escape out of Tibet. Ratoe Rinpoche consulted the Protector Dorje Shugden via the Panglung Oracle and received the instructions for the escape as well as a blessed ceremonial sword to protect the Dalai Lama’s party in their dangerous journey across the Himalaya to India.

4. The 6th Panglung Kuten, Oracle to the Protector Dorje Shugden

The Panglung Kuten or Panglung Oracle comes from a long history of generations of oracles who take trance of the supreme Protector Dorje Shugden. Blessed, spiritually sanctioned and trained by Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche himself, the Panglung Oracles are well known for their accuracy in oracular pronouncements of the Protector.

A hermitage, Panglung Ritue located near Sera Mey Monastery was awarded by the Tibetan Government of Lhasa and named after the 1st Panglung Rinpoche as he was instrumental in subsiding a war between Tibet and Sengba (a small country in Mongolia) through rituals and prayers. Since then, the hermitage has been a sanctuary preserving the Buddha’s teachings and especially Dorje Shugden’s tradition and presence in Tibet as the oracles took trance here to answer questions from many High Lamas and lay people for centuries.

For many lifetimes now, the Panglung Oracle and incarnations of Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche hold very strong connections with each other as they have been spiritually connected to benefit sentient beings and spreading the Dharma.

APPENDIX II – SUMMARY OF EVENTS

• In 1956, on the anniversary of Buddha Shakyamuni’s birthday, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, his 2 tutors (Kyabje Ling Rinpoche and Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche), and retinue travels to India on an official state visit and pilgrimage.
• While His Holiness the Dalai Lama is in India, Andruk Gompo Tashi (leader of the Chushi Gangdruk) consults Dorje Shugden for advice.
• Dorje Shugden via the Panglung Oracle advises for Tibet to engage in a battle with China, whilst the Dalai Lama is away. By doing so, it will resolve Tibet’s situation.
• Andruk Gompo Tashi meets with the representatives from 3 Tibetan provinces. They unanimously agree to attack, and to make the necessary preparations.
• The first attack with the Chinese is scheduled to be on the 15th day of the 12th month (according to the Tibetan calendar) at Dromo-Shar-Sima, Tibet.
• One week prior to the planned attack, Andruk Gompo Tashi sends a messenger to seek audience with Changtso Lobsang Yeshe (main attendant to Khenpo Ngawang Dakpa Rinpoche).
• Lobsang Yeshe learns about the scheduled attack. There is also a request from Andruk Gompo Tashi for monks from Sera Mey monastery to be part of the Chushi Gangdruk. Changtso Lobsang Yeshe agrees.
• The plan entailed for Sera monks to meet with other Tibetan laymen at the Potala Palace on the 15th day of the 12th month. Arms would then be provided, and the battle will ensue.
• On the 15th day of the 12th month, the attack does not occur.
• On the 23rd day of the 12th month, Andruk Gompo Tashi informs Changtso Lobsang Yeshe that he himself does not know why the attack has not yet taken place. A new date for the attacked is scheduled: 25th day of the 12th month.
• On the 25th day of the 12th month, the battle again does not take place due to disagreements between the local businessmen who initially agreed with the attack. The attack is again put on hold.
• His Holiness the Dalai Lama, his 2 tutors and retinue returns to Tibet from India.
• Amdruk Gompo Tashi consults Dorje Shugden via the Panglung Oracle. The oracle said that the failure to carry out the initial advice was very bad. Now, a new base camp should be formed at the South of Lhasa, at Lhoka-Chaksta Drikung Thang, as soon as possible. Failure to do so, and all would be lost.
• The oracle also instructs for the Changtso of Gyalthang Kharchen Rinpoche (main attendant of Gyalthang Kharchen) to immediately go to Lhoka-Chaksta Drikung Thang, even if he only has 5 or 6 supporters. Dorje Shugden promises to provide them with help if this is carried out.
• The oracle also gives Changtso of Gyalthang Kharchen Rinpoche and his initial followers a ceremonial sword, personally used by the oracle himself.
• Following the oracle’s advice, Changtso of Gyalthang Kharchen Rinpoche sets up a base camp at Lhoka-Chaksta Drikung Thang. Subsequently, every time the oracle is consulted, He would tell the person to immediately go to the base camp.
• The number of supporters at Lhoka-Chaksta Drikung Thang grows, and a full regiment is formed.
• Soldiers of the new regiment, called the Chushi Gangdruk, dig the land to make trenches, and another ceremonial sword is found. The sword has the same likeness to the one carried by Manjushri.
• The 2 swords form Chushi Gangdruk’s official flag.
• A battle at Lhoka is initiated, and successful. It is important to note that due to Dorje Shugden’s intervention, the Dalai Lama later has a safe escape route out of Tibet through the Southern passage.
• On 10 March 1959, a dangerous plot by the Chinese is evident against the Dalai Lama, a few select leaders of the Tibetan government, and the Khenpos of the 3 major monasteries: Gaden, Sera and Drepung. The plot included the arrest of the chosen individuals during an invited gathering at an army camp at Silimpok. The gathering is under pretense of a celebration in honour of the Dalai Lama’s achievement in obtaining a Geshe degree.
• Due to widespread opposition by the people of Lhasa, the invitees do not attend the celebration. Dorje Shugden later prophesied that should they have gone, Tibet, Tibetan Buddhism and Tibetan politics would have perished.
• On 11 March 1959, Changtso Lobsang Yeshe (on the instruction of Khenpo Ngawang Dakpa Rinpoche) and Geshe Thepi of Sera Mey Monastery consults Dorje Shugden via the Panglung Oracle. Note that Khenpo Ngawang Dakpa Rinpoche was bestowed the title “khenpo” during his abbotship of Sera Mey Monastery. Upon his retirement, he became known as “kensur”, or abbot emeritus.
• The oracle instructs for everyone to leave the room, except for Changtso Lobsang Yeshe and advises the following: the life of His Holiness is in grave danger as the Chinese has yet another plan, and that the Dalai Lama should immediately escape to India.
• The oracle also appoints for Dronche Phala (General Secretary of the Dalai Lama) to relay to the Dalai Lama the advice given above.
• Dorje Shugden also added that, if needed, he promises to send 30-50 monks to assist in Dalai Lama’s escape, and that the Southern route was the only safe passage out of Tibet. He adds that even if they do not reach India, they would at least reach the borders of Bhutan. They must escape immediately.
• A prophecy is given that this is the beginning of the bleak period of time where there would be no (Tibetan) religion or government. However, in the future, the (Tibetan) religion would again rise and surpass its past glory.
• 33 monks from Pomra Khamtsen of Sera Mey monastery volunteer to protect the Dalai Lama on his journey out of Tibet. The oracle gives each monk blessed yellow rice, and proclaims that there would be war, but all will be safe.
• Changtso Lobsang Yeshe relays the advice given by Dorje Shugden to Khenpo Ngawang Dakpa.
• On the 2nd day of the 2nd month (of the Tibetan calendar), Khenpo Ngawang Dakpa Rinpoche relays to Dronche Phala (General Secretary of the Dalai Lama) the advice pertaining to his Holiness’s safety and the next course of action.
• At night, 10 monks were sent to Norbulingka to protect His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
• On 14 March 1959, Changtso Lobsang Yeshe seeks to consult Dorje Shugden via the Panglung Oracle again. At the instruction of Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, Ratoe Chowar Rinpoche is already received by the oracle before Changtso Lobsang Yeshe.
• The oracle instructs for everyone to leave the room, except for Ratoe Chowar Rinpoche. Following the audience, the oracle goes outside and shoots 3 arrows towards the Southern direction. A ceremonial sword is also given to Ratoe Chowar Rinpoche, with the advice that if the sword was waved by a person named Dorjee in the air 3 times in the direction of the Dalai Lama’s escape route, Dorje Shugden would ensure a safe journey.
• Changtso Lobsang Yeshe consults the oracle and is advised to leave Tibet the next day. In parting, the oracle places a handful of blessed yellow rice in the personal red handkerchief of the oracle himself and tells Changtso Lobsang Yeshe that in times of trouble, to burn the rice and everything would be alright. A lot of yellow blessed rice is also given for fellow travelers.
• In addition, the oracle also passes to Changtso Lobsang Yeshe his Pudri (a bracelet-like item) to give to Khenpo Ngawang Dakpa Rinpoche.
• Dorje Shugden, via the oracle, advises that the monks should do as many prayers as possible.
• On 17 March 1959, His Holiness the Dalai Lama leaves the Tibetan capital, Lhasa to India.
• On 31 March 1959, the Dalai Lama, crosses the Indian border after an epic 15-day journey on foot from Lhasa, over the Himalayan mountains. The Dalai Lama is received by the Assam Rifles at Chutangmu/Khenzimani in the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh (the NEFA).
• Dorje Shugden safely guided Dalai Lama, his mother, family, brothers, teachers, ministers and thousands into the safety of India as promised by Dorje Shugden. They followed the route chosen and carried the sword of Dorje Shugden.
• Read more about the thangka which the Dalai Lama carried during his escape from Tibet: http://www.dorjeshugden.com/controversy/articles-controversy/the-truth-behind-who-saved-the-dalai-lamas-life/

APPENDIX III – GLOSSARY

1. Andruk Gompo Tashi: Name of the leader of the Chushi Gangdruk. The Chushi Gangdruk is a group of Khampa warriors who were in charge of leading His Holiness the Dalai Lama out of Tibet during the Chinese Cultural revolution. Chushi Gangdruk was formed under the instruction of Dorje Shugden.
2. Changtso/Chagzoe: Tibetan term for the main attendant who manages the Lama’s well being and other administrative matters.
3. Chushi Gangdruk: Literally translated as ’4 Rivers and 6 Ranges’. This was a group of warrior men who were formed under the instruction of Dorje Shugden with the objective to see to the Dalai Lama’s safe passage when His Holiness escaped from Tibet in 1959.
4. CTA: Acronym for the Central Tibetan Administration, formerly known as the Tibetan Government in Exile (TGIE), the governing body for Tibetans situated in Dharamsala.
5. Droche Phala: The lord chamberlain and main attendant to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
6. Gatong: Gatong, or Gadong refers to the oracle that originates from Gadong monastery in Tibet. The Gadong oracle is second to the Nechung oracle, the official oracle to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Tibetan government.
7. Gelugpa: Gelugpa, also known as the Yellow Hat Sect, is the school of Buddhism founded by Lama Tsongkhapa. There are three other schools of Tibetan Buddhism; Nyingma, Kagyu and Sakya.
8. Geshe: An equivalent to a PhD degree in Buddhist philosophy. Monks need to undergo 9 years of arduous memorization, study, meditation and debate. After three years of examination only will the monk be awarded the title of a geshe.
9. Gyalchen: Literally means ‘the great king’, an epithet used before the name of a very powerful protective deity such as Dorje Shugden.
10. Gyalthang Kharchen Changzoe: The main attendant to Gyalthang Kharchen Rinpoche.
11. His Holiness: An honorific salutation given to highly revered masters and lineage holders of Buddhism.
12. Kalimpong, Darjeeling: Kalimpong is a hill station in Lesser Himalaya, in the Indian state of West Bengal.
13. Kensur: Abbot emeritus; a title bestowed on an abbot after completing his term of abbotship in any monastery.
14. Kensur Ngawang Dakpa Rinpoche: Abbot emeritus of Sera Mey monastery during the time of the 14th Dalai Lama. Kensur Rinpoche was one of the debate masters presiding over the Geshe debate exam of His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the Monlam Chenmo celebrations. To be able to sit in the panel of debate masters for the Dalai Lama, these masters must have a high level of scriptural realizations and spiritual attainments.
15. Khangtsen: Division of the monastery that acts like sorority houses or group homes for monks who come from different provinces in Tibet. For example, monks from Ngari prefecture in Tibet, would stay in Ngari Khangtsen in India. In order to accomodate the group of monks who came to Lhasa’s 3 great monasteries of Gaden, Drepung and Sera, Khangtsens were built to administer monks who are admitted into the monastery to help them acclimatize into the central dialect of communication for their studies.
16. Khenpo: Abbot of a monastery. An abbot of a monastery is held responsible for the administrative, spiritual, financial and academic welfare of all the monks of the monastery.
17. Kuten: Receptacle/vehicle/body of a medium who is spiritually trained to take possession of a deity.
18. Kyabje: The honorific title that’s a mark of respect reserved for the senior most lamas of the tradition, whose realization and powers are extraordinary.
19. Lhamo: Refers to Pelden Lhamo, the female protective deity of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Tibet. Also known to be a wrathful emanation of Saraswati, the female Buddha of wisdom. She is one of the 5 main protective deities of the Gelugpa system of Buddhism.
20. Madhyamika: Madhyamika are followers of the Middle Way philosophy, which teaches freedom from all extremes. The Madhyamaka School originates with Nagarjuna.
21. Manjushri: Bodhisattva student of Buddha Shakyamuni who embodies the wisdom of all the Buddhas. Manjushri appears as the Yidam or meditational deity to gain memory, wisdom, and penetrative insight.
22. Panglung: Panglung is the name given to the oracle who takes trance of Dorje Shugden which has been passed down for 7 generations. A piece of land was awarded to the Panglung Rinpoche and Panglung oracle after winning a war. Later, Panglung Hermitage (Panglung Ritrö) became a historical hermitage, belonging to Sera Monastery. It is located north of Lhasa. Panglung Hermitage today lies completely in ruins. It once had a large temple, and there was a Dorje Shugden chapel on the site.
23. Pomra Khangtsen: A Khangtsen (see no.15) of Sera Monastery.
24. Potala: Potala, or the Potala Palace, was the chief residence from the 5th Dalai Lama until the 14th Dalai Lama. It is located in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region, China.
25. Ramaghang: Ramagang is located approximately 2560 km South-West of Beijing, in Tibet Autonomous Region, China.
26. Rinpoche: Literally means “Precious One”, a title which is used after the names of highly recognized Lamas in honor of their attainments.
27. Ritrö: Tibetan word for a place of retreat.
28. Sera Mey/Sermey: Sera Monastery is one of the Great Three largest Gelugpa monasteries of Tibet. The other two are Gaden Monastery and Drepung Monastery.
29. TGIE: see CTA
30. Trijang Rinpoche: Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche (1900–1981) was a Gelug Lama and a direct disciple of Je Pabongka. He was the junior tutor and spiritual guide of the 14th Dalai Lama for forty years. He is also the root lama of many Gelug Lamas who teach in the West.
31. Ven./Venerable: An honorific that is given to a monk who is accorded a great deal of respect because of age, wisdom, or character.
32. (~)-la: A Tibetan term of endearment that is usually added at the end of the name or title, for example Ama-la.

APPENDIX IV– PHOTOS

1. The Dalai and Kensur Ngawang Dakpa

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama during his debate examination at Jokhang Temple, Lhasa. That morning, the young scholar was examined by 30 scholars of logic. In the afternoon, the Dalai Lama debated Buddhist philosophy with 15 scholars, and in the evening, 35 more scholars tested his knowledge of the canon of monastic discipline and metaphysics. Kensur Ngawang Dakpa Rinpoche was one of the examiners at this debate exam.

In this picture, Kensur Ngawang Dakpa Rinpoche (seated, on the left) wore the scholar’s hat, as one of the masters chosen to debate with the Dalai Lama. For an examiner to be chosen to test the knowledge of Tibet’s King and Spiritual Leader, his knowledge and debate prowess must be incomparable, highly respected and beyond criticism. Kensur Rinpoche was seated while the Dalai Lama stood in front of a crowd of Sangha being tested for his Geshe degree by these great masters.

2. Changtso Lobsang Yeshe

Changtso Lobsang Yeshe (left) and the current 7th Panglung Oracle (middle) receiving blessings from His Holiness the current Pabongka Choktrul Rinpoche (right). This picture is a testament of how highly evolved masters are connected life after life.

Pudri, a bangle consisting of three eyes. The one worn by the 6th Panglung Kuten was given to Kensur Ngawang Dakpa via Changtso Lobsang Yeshe as a symbol of protection.

Pudri, as seen in the picture, worn by the 5th, 6th and 7th Panglung Oracles

3. Panglung Ritue (Retreat) and The Panglung Oracles

This picture below shows the location of Panglung Ritue (Retreat) and Sera Monastery.

The 1st to 6th Panglung Kutens (oracles) resided on this land together with their families and entourages. This was also the location where Dorje Shugden gave the last instructions to Ratoe Chowar Rinpoche and Changtso Lobsang Yeshe for His Holiness’ safe get-away to India. Unfortunately, this retreat was destroyed during the time of unrest between China and Tibet.

The following pictures are the ruins of Panglung Ritue.

4. The Dalai Lama & Chushi Gangdruk

Chushi Gangdruk Self Defence Forces, Lhokha, U-Tsang Province, 1958. Chushi Gangdruk was formed at the instruction of Dorje Shugden. Their protector has been Dorje Shugden.

His Holiness escaping to India with Chushi Gangdruk as appointed by Dorje Shugden. The sacred consecrated sword of Dorje Shugden was carried at the head of the escape party. A thangka of Dorje Shugden was carried by the Dalai Lama given by Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche.

The Dalai Lama received by the Assam Rifles at Chutangmu/Khenzimani in the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh (the NEFA), India

APPENDIX V– LINKS

For more references on this subject, please read our other articles:

1. THE TRUTH behind who saved the Dalai Lama’s life
http://www.dorjeshugden.com/controversy/articles-controversy/the-truth-behind-who-saved-the-dalai-lamas-life/

2. Advice from Dorje Shugden that His Holiness should leave and that he guarantees H.H. safety
http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/the-controversy/excerpt-from-the-autobiography-of-kyabje-trijang-dorjechang-regarding-the-advice-from-dorje-shugden-that-his-holiness-should-leave-and-that-he-gurantees-h-h-safety/

3. Panglung Oracle & Chushi Gangdruk
http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/features/panglung-oracle-chushi-gangdruk/

4. Panglung Oracle
http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/panglung-oracle/

Epilogue

In 1959, His Excellency Jawaharlal Nehru, the Prime Minister of India bestowed 24 tracts of land unto His Holiness the Dalai Lama when he entered exile into India. The Dalai Lama gave these lands to his people, to form the 24 Tibetan Settlements that we know today. Because of these settlements, the Tibetan people in exile were transformed from stateless refugees to Indian protectorates, and were able to reestablish themselves in exile to preserve their cultural and religious heritage.

These lands were an opportunity for the lineage-holders of the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism and the other incarnated tulkus, Geshes, monks and lay people to rebuild their monasteries, their lives and the very fabric of society that they had left behind in Tibet. Thus, the reestablished monasteries provided a place for the high lamas, Geshes and monks to continue their lineage and to create great powerhouses of Dharma to spread out into the world.

All of this would have been impossible had the Chinese been successful in their plots to assassinate the Dalai Lama in the tumultuous period before his flight into exile. After all, who else amongst the Tibetans commanded the respect of India’s Prime Minster at a level that he would willingly offer his country’s land for the preservation of another people’s culture? Without these 24 tracts of land, the Tibetan settlements would never have been established and the Tibetan people would have been forced to assimilate into Indian society, thus losing their precious cultural identity, traditions and religion forever.

For Tibet’s most recognisable face to leave the country under the watchful eye of the Chinese army was no mean feat. In fact, it would have been impossible without Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche’s intervention and Dorje Shugden’s powerful clairvoyance. Not only did Dorje Shugden form the guerilla group (Chushi Gangdruk) which would protect the Dalai Lama’s escape party, but he also divined the route of escape for the Dalai Lama and his entourage, and safeguarded the party throughout their entire journey.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama and His Excellency Jawaharlal Nehru on an elephant. This photograph was taken whilst the Dalai Lama was visiting India in 1957 before he fled into exile, and demonstrates the close relationship and mutual respect shared between two great beings.

It was the Dalai Lama’s flight into exile that inspired the hundreds of thousands of Tibetans to leave with him. Had the Dalai Lama not fled to India, most of the lamas would have remained with him in Tibet, and perished in the systematic destruction of their religion by the Chinese army. Therefore Dorje Shugden’s involvement ensured that Dalai Lama survived the harrowing journey over the Himalayas, and that Tibet’s four schools of Buddhism were not lost to the world forever.

Despite his single-handedly protecting Tibet’s greatest treasure, Dorje Shugden through his oracle has never once mentioned his accomplishments, let alone bragged about them. Even after the ban came into effect, the Protector continued to advocate compassion, tolerance and Dharma practice via his oracles. However, instead of receiving the praise, recognition and worship that he evidently deserves, this Protector is demonized by the very people who were saved by him. In their rush to proclaim that he is sectarian and against Tibetan independence, they forget that without the Dalai Lama (whom he saved), there would not be Tibetan settlements and therefore, there would not be Tibetan culture today – that is, they as Tibetans would not exist today, even to demonize him.

Knowing just how much Dorje Shugden did for their nation, the very monks who escorted the Dalai Lama out of Tibet weep because they know who really saved Tibet and the Dalai Lama’s life. Forced to make the distressingly impossible choice between their beloved spiritual leader and their precious Dharma Protector, many have expressed that they wished they were dead rather than live to make this choice.

This story is a mere glimpse into the extent of Dorje Shugden’s patience, wisdom and compassion, all of which point to his nature as Manjushri which Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche, Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche and many other high lamas have declared. It is incredible that just one being can be solely responsible for the survival of the four Great Schools of Tibetan Buddhism and its estimated 20 million adherents in the world today. If Dorje Shugden had never shown the way for the Dalai Lama and his entourage to escape, they and Tibetan Buddhism would have remained in Tibet and perished. That the Tibetans have their culture, religion and education, and can continue to protest for their independence today, is all because of Dorje Shugden.

Dorje Shugden is a perfect and complete object of refuge in himself. We are very fortunate to be able to come across his practice, his lineage and his history. He is truly a Protector for whom his time has come. We should further endeavour to study up, learn and contemplate his nature, teachings, history and lineage. If we are to adopt or have already adopted him as our Protector, we are extremely fortunate and have come under the loving guidance of a father-like figure. Dorje Shugden can never lead us wrong or astray. His nature is compassion, his basis is wisdom and his method is skilful activity. He is no other than the great bodhisattva of emptiness Manjushri himself. As elucidated by the thousands of masters, scholars, teachers and mahasiddhas of the four traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, once we have come across this precious Protector, we can offer up our hearts and trust and never look back again. We have found a powerful ally, a close friend and a Buddha who can lead us to enlightenment, all wrapped up in one. How incredibly fortunate we are due to our karmic dispositions from a previous time that we have encountered this illustrious Manjushri in protector form. Hold him close, and never let him go.

Addendum

Zasep Tulku Rinpoche’s autobiography ‘A Tulku’s Journey from Tibet to Canada’, published in 2016, provides historical evidence and irrefutable proof that the Central Tibetan Administration is falsifying the facts when it comes to the practice of the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden.

The autobiography of Zasep Tulku Rinpoche, a high lama of the Gelug lineage, provides accurate historical accounts of the Dorje Shugden practice. Click to enlarge.

The back cover of the book, click to enlarge.

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Historical accounts show that prior to the politicization of the Dorje Shugden practice by the Central Tibetan Administration, this popular deity was relied upon by Dharma practitioners to help in their spiritual practice. Contrary to detractors’ claims about Dorje Shugden being ‘anti-Dharma’, this Dharma Protector practice was traditionally deemed to be suitable to be practiced alongside the Highest Yoga Tantras.

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Zasep Rinpoche and his family were able to escape to safety prior to the events of 1959 through the clairvoyance and prophetic advice of Dorje Shugden through one of his oracles, Lama Gelong Chojor Gyamtso.

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Oracles of the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden were known for the accuracy of their prophecies due to Dorje Shugden being a fully enlightened deity with perfect clairvoyance. As stated clearly by Zasep Rinpoche in his autobiography ‘A Tulku’s Journey from Tibet to Canada’, Dorje Shugden warned the Tibetans of the impending loss of their homeland but his advice was mostly ignored by the Tibetan government.

The Tibetan government chose to consult the worldly state protector Nechung, and Nechung advised that the Dalai Lama should remain in Tibet where he would be safe. This was mistaken advice, as historical events would later show. Fortunately for Tibetan Buddhists all around the world, Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang had great faith in Dorje Shugden and consulted the protector for advice on the Dalai Lama’s safety. Dorje Shugden via the Panglung Oracle urgently adviced the Dalai Lama to leave for India immediately and gave the exact escape route. In saving the Dalai Lama from certain harm, Dorje Shugden prevented the destruction of Tibetan Buddhism and preserved the future of the Tibetan culture and people.

Zasep Rinpoche’s account of events concur with monastic records that it was indeed Dorje Shugden who saved the Dalai Lama instead of Nechung, contrary to the claims of the Tibetan leadership.

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Dorje Shugden’s practice was first established within the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism. The Sakya Throneholders regarded this Dharma Protector as an enlightened being and Dorje Shugden, together with Dorje Setrab and Tsiu Marpo formed the triune of Sakya Protectors known as Gyalpo Sum. Today, Sakya practitioners claim that Dorje Shugden was never widely practiced by their lineage but history proves otherwise. The undeniable fact is that before the CTA’s religious ban, Dorje Shugden was practiced first by the Sakyas and was later transmitted to the Gelug school where it was practiced by the majority of the Gelugpas.

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Contrary to the CTA’s claims that Dorje Shugden’s practice is sectarian, Zasep Rinpoche’s autobiography shows how practitioners of all four schools of Tibetan Buddhism lived and practiced together in harmony, especially during the early years of exile in India. It was only when the CTA launched a virulent smear campaign against Dorje Shugden that the general public began to label Dorje Shugden a sectarian practice. In truth, Dorje Shugden’s practice is no more sectarian than the practices of other Dharma Protectors such as Mahakala Bernagchen, Achi Chokyi Drolma or Dorje Legpa, who protect the Karma Kagyu, Drikung Kagyu and Nyingma schools respectively.

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By the 1980s, the Tibetan government had failed to fulfil multiple promises to return the Tibetan people to their homeland. A scapegoat was needed and they made one out of an ancient Buddhist practice, pinning the loss of Tibet and the failure of the Tibetan cause on Dorje Shugden. In his autobiography, Zasep Rinpoche is of the same opinion, stating that “…the [Dorje Shugden] controversy was orchestrated by the Tibetan Central Administration…”

The Tibetan leadership effectively sanctioned witch-hunts on Dorje Shugden practitioners and persecuted them using government instruments, declaring that simply by being a Shugden worshipper, one was effectively an enemy of the Tibetan nation.

As a result of the hatred against Dorje Shugden practitioners instigated by the Tibetan leadership, virtually all Shugden Buddhists had to fear for their lives, or at least for their safety.

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Dorje Shugden’s beneficial practice has continued to thrive due to the courage and commitment of high lamas such as Zasep Tulku Rinpoche.

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For centuries, Dorje Shugden has been practiced alongside the highest practices of the Gelug and Sakya lineages. Zasep Tulku Rinpoche’s list of transmission is an indication that the highest scholars viewed the Protector as an enlightened being compatible with their yidam practices.