Changed for the Better

I don’t have something solid to show with complete pictorial incidents or inspiring incidents like those which occurred to some practitioners. But I have something to share that has changed my perspective of everything completely.

Before I came to know H.E. Tsem Rinpoche, my mind was never at rest or rather, I should say I was just so occupied with only myself. I had pride and thought that I knew better than anyone when it came to my own life. Now, I know that I was never happy at that time as I used to be very self-absorbed.

I don’t know how, but somehow I came across H.E. Tsem Rinpoche’s blog and the teachings hit me right at the heart and I naturally found myself giving in. Before, I had thought that maybe I did not need to practise Dorje Shugden but after hearing H.E. Tsem Rinpoche talking about this practice, I told myself that when my Guru, whom I take refuge in, trust and who has authentic lineage, practises this Protector, who is this ignorant samsaric boy to judge his own Guru.

As I went on studying more and more about Dharmapala Dorje Shugden, the logical explanations ruled over the preconceptions I had and I started getting into the chanting of the mantra “OM BENZA WIKI BITANA SOHA“.

Before, whenever I had the fear of meeting with uncertainties, I used to chant Guru Rinpoche’s mantra but it seemed that my soul was not affected deeply by it. Now, maybe because of my karmic affinity with H.E Tsem Rinpoche and the Protector, I always feel safe. Not just that “safe feeling from danger” but from everything, especially my negativities.

I feel like I have found the purpose of taking refuge, seeking protection and doing Dharma and also have a sense of purpose when I chant my mantras.  These days there are so many difficulties and Dharmapala Dorje Shugden has protected H.E. Tsem Rinpoche and I was able to meet H.E. Tsem Rinpoche and His teachings. I am so touched and tears come to my eyes whenever I think about his compassion. The Protector has given me the strength to bear the fear of everything like sicknesses, accidents, and even death. I feel like there is always somebody who will be there even if I go through the toughest incidents while on my pursuit of Dharma activities. My existence started to make sense although it is a very small change.

I hope that the Protector will never be separated from me and all others who have the karma to meet him for the sake of all sentient beings. I really feel better when I rely on Dharmapala Dorje Shugden and it is all worth it because he is the precious gift from my Guru.

And I always thank, at the end of the day, the Dharmapala for keeping me away from the difficulties which would make me unable to practise Dharma or make others bear the burden.

Recently, I went on a short pilgrimage to Tso Pema where Guru Rinpoche manifested his supernatural powers to the king of the region. Before leaving for the pilgrimage, I prayed to Dharmapala to ask that I face no difficulties for that time period and exactly nothing bad happened. The days were very clear there and happily everything went so smoothly. But as soon as I got back from the pilgrimage, I got severe headaches, fever and stomachaches. I felt that it was my negative karma ripening but I was thankful to the Protector that such sickness occurred after and not during my pilgrimage.

And now I will go all the way with my Guru as well as my Protector for eternity and like my Guru, I respect all other religions.

Pema Thrinley