The word “oracle” is used by Tibetans to refer to formless beings, whether mundane or enlightened, that enter certain chosen men and women who act as a medium between Man and Divinity. The medium is known as a ‘kuten’ (Wylie: sku rten), which literally means “physical basis”. In Tibet, oracles have played an important part in religion and government for centuries. Even today, His Holiness the Dalai Lama as well as the Tibetan government in exile is known to consult the Nechung Oracle, as well as the Gadong and Tenma Oracles for official state matters.
Tsem Rinpoche with the Dorje Shugden statue at Trode Khangsar, Lhasa, where Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen was cremated
Dorje Shugden is widely regarded as the wrathful form of the Bodhisattva Manjushri, and is the deity that His Eminence the 25th Tsem Rinpoche has always had a close and special connection with.
These videos contain rare and never-seen-before footage of oracular monks who mysteriously took spontaneous trance in the presence of Tsem Rinpoche. In 2009, Rinpoche went on an impromptu visit to a monastery, called Nemo Gyelche, that he just happened to stumble upon during his visit to Tibet. While travelling from Lhasa to Shigatse, Rinpoche was told about the existence of Nemo Gyelche and decided to make an impromptu trip there.
No one in the monastery knew who Rinpoche was then. However, as Rinpoche was making a khata offering at the monastery’s Protector chapel, one of the monks present went into a spontaneous trance of Dorje Shugden and greeted Rinpoche in an incredibly warm and impassioned way that surprised everyone.
The location of Nemo Gyelche Monastery in Tibet, between Lhasa (right) and Shigatse (left). Click to enlarge.
That would not be the only time Dorje Shugden oracles would go into euphoric frenzy in the presence of Tsem Rinpoche. On a separate occasion, when Rinpoche was in a hotel in Lhasa, it came to be known that Rinpoche was there. Sera Monastery’s oracle-in-training, an assistant of His Eminence Denma Gonsa Rinpoche and a few other monks waited for hours to have audience with Rinpoche. And it was during this audience that the Protector Dorje Shugden suddenly entered the oracle-monk who again became the physical intercessor for an enlightened being to show his great affection for Tsem Rinpoche.
The monks realised that Rinpoche was not an ordinary visitor and accorded him the highest respect
What ensued was a moving and tender exchange between two supreme and numinous beings, each entreating the other in a divine conspiracy to bring Dharma to the world.
Dorje Shugden’s affection for Tsem Rinpoche is palpable and bears witness to the relationship and closeness the great Protector invites us to have with him. It is an affirmation that the key to Dorje Shugden’s heart is not any amount of gold but the simple and sincere practice of obeisance to the Guru, faith in the Protector, and a mind ready to be shaped by the holy Dharma.
With English and Tibetan (བོད་སྐད།) Subtitles
In this incredible video, we will see a number of segments that come together to cover various aspects of the oracular tradition and tell the story of Dorje Shugden’s closeness to Tsem Rinpoche.
1: Arising as Yamantaka
The video opens with extraordinary footage of Tsem Rinpoche self-arising as the all-powerful Buddha Yamantaka, to clear the speech and heart channels of the Sera Oracle. This was done at the request of Dorje Shugden himself, who has taken trance in the oracle.
2: Supramundane Communion
The oracle of Dungkar Monastery in trance of Dorje Shugden in pre-1959 Tibet.
Then we see how the supramundane communion between the Lama and the Divine (as reflected in Rinpoche’s relationship with Dorje Shugden) is an established tradition within Tibetan Buddhism. The oracles, through which the deities enter and speak, have been relied upon by everyone from high lamas to ordinary practitioners, for many centuries. The tradition of consulting oracles is therefore an established institution and an important part of Tibetan spiritual practice.
In the 17th Century, the practice of consulting oracles was established as an institution when Nechung was installed as a State Oracle of Tibet. The unique function of the State Oracle is to advise the Tibetan government on state affairs. Here, we see the Nechung Oracle taking trance in pre-1959 Lhasa. The ceremony to invoke him is elaborate, and shows how important this ritual is within spiritual life.
3: The Oracular Tradition in Dharamsala
We then see scenes of Dharamsala and the oracles that His Holiness the Dalai Lama consults – the Nechung Oracle, the Gadong Oracle and the Tenma Oracle. As we can see, the reliance on oracles is not limited to a particular deity. Many Buddhas and Protectors are relied upon for their advice. The Dalai Lama’s reliance on oracles reflects that it is a widespread and established practice.
4: The Oracular Tradition in the Monasteries
Footage is then presented demonstrating the oracular tradition in Pomra Khangtsen of Sera Mey Monastery. We see the current Panglung Oracle, who is the 7th in line of one of Tibet’s most-established oracle institutions, taking trance of Dorje Shugden and other deities. The ceremony is elaborate and demonstrates that this is an important occasion for one of Tibetan Buddhism’s most well-known monasteries. This goes to show that the oracle is accepted by the whole monastery and is able to take trance even in the presence of attained high lamas, geshes and other members of the Sangha. Similar scenes are seen in present day Serpom Monastery in India.
5: Tsem Rinpoche and Dorje Shugden in Nyemo Gyelche Monastery
The Oracle of Nemo Gyelche Monastery spontaneously took trance of Dorje Shugden and showed a lot of affection for Rinpoche
Then we see the special relationship between Tsem Rinpoche and the Protector Dorje Shugden, as witnessed in Nemo Gyelche Monastery when an oracle monk spontaneously took trance of Dorje Shugden.
This segment opens with Dorje Shugden embracing Tsem Rinpoche tightly, reflecting the spiritual communion between Protector and Lama. This close bond reflects Rinpoche’s clean samaya (teacher-disciple relationship) and supreme intention to spread the Dharma.
6: Tsem Rinpoche and Dorje Shugden in Lhasa
Rinpoche blessed the oracle’s body to enable him to take smoother and clearer trances
The next segment takes place in a hotel in Lhasa. During a visit to Tibet in 2009, a group of monks including one of H.E. Denma Gonsa Rinpoche’s assistants and an oracle monk-in-training had an audience with Tsem Rinpoche in his hotel room.
Dorje Shugden took spontaneous trance in the oracle monk-in-training and greeted Rinpoche in a manner similar to the oracle at Nemo Gyelche Monastery. Dorje Shugden entered and left the oracle a number of times, at which point Rinpoche arose as the Yidam (meditational deity) Yamantaka and invoked Dorje Shugden to enter the oracle, to prolong the trance session.
Towards the end, Dorje Shugden worked together with Rinpoche to clear and bless the psychic channels of the oracle. During this process, the oracle is seen hitting his chest to clear the energy channels. Dorje Shugden also requests Rinpoche to bless the oracle’s speech and heart channels to ensure that future trances are smoother and for the oracle to have the ability to speak clearly.
Tsem Rinpoche continues to have a close relationship with the Ven. 7th Panglung Oracle, seen here with Rinpoche in Kechara Forest Retreat
During the trance, Rinpoche made extensive and powerful aspirations to Dorje Shugden via the oracle for the Dharma to grow, for a learning institution to arise in Malaysia and for the efficacious Vajrayogini lineage to be proliferated, among others.
7: Tsem Rinpoche and Dorje Shugden in Kechara Forest Retreat
Finally, we see Dorje Shugden in Wisdom Hall at Kechara Forest Retreat, where the centuries-old tradition of oracles taking trance continues.
700 people witnessed Dorje Shugden’s vajra dance to clear obstacles, and his approval and support for Rinpoche’s Dharma work.
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Stella Cheang
Posted on September 25, 2016 #1 AuthorThe special relationship between H.E. the 25th Tsem Rinpoche and the enlightened Protector Dorje Shugden is witnessed in several occasions throughout these footages. The footages are precious for they are monument of how revered our Guru, His Eminence is. It is evident that His Eminence the 25th Tsem Rinpoche is indeed a living Buddha. I am completely at awe. It is our great fortune to have met Kechara and be connected to Rinpoche to receive all the blessing and protection from Dorje Shugden.
Thank you Rinpoche for the great compassion and patience to be here lifetime after lifetime to guide us towards the path. Rinpoche gave us methods and protections including the great Dorje Shugden practice to ensure that we do not sway in our path to enlightenment, we must cherish it wholeheartedly and repay Rinpoche’s kindness by working towards the spreading Tsongkhapa and Dorje Shugden practice to the world so that many people will benefit.
Fong
Posted on September 25, 2016 #2 AuthorThis is so special a post. Interesting to note the oracular tradition in the monasteries.
To be noted also is the welcome accorded to Tsem Rinpoche by the monks at the monastery . They could see his attainments without being told. And, the oracle takes spontaneous trances to greet Tsem Rinpoche and have holy communion, and Dorje Shugden in trance asked Tsem Rinpoche to clear the channels of the oracle!!
Thank you, Rinpoche for your aspirations for the Dharma and the people of Malaysia. May Rinpoche’s wishes manifest smoothly and swiftly.
Moh Mei
Posted on October 5, 2016 #3 AuthorDorje Shugden, oracles, lamas and monks appeared to see Rinpoche differently.
The relationship between H.E. the 25th Tsem Rinpoche and the enlightened Protector Dorje Shugden is indeed unique. We are very blessed to have witnessed the centuries-old tradition of oracles taking trance in a modern setting at Kechara Forest Retreat.
Pastor Antoinette
Posted on October 5, 2016 #4 AuthorIt is amazing that oracles can become a physical tool for the protector to speak to us and guide us. H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s Samaya is very clean and his connection to Dorje Shugden is such that he can immediately clear the channels of the oracle.
The dedication and such tremendous effort that Rinpoche does constantly to help sentient beings, makes Dorje Shugden very happy. Kechara Forest Retreat is a place where the lineage of Lama Tsongkhapa and VajraYogini grows and where many people can find peace and help to lead a meaningful and beneficial life.
pammie yap
Posted on October 5, 2016 #5 AuthorI absolutely love this post. Without the precious kuten, we as normal people, will never be able to receive when they give invaluable advice to people like us who seek it and the government too.
It is amazing to see Dorje Shugden’s love and affection for Tsem Rinpoche which clearly shows their sacred bond and Rinpoche’s clean samaya and His supreme intention to spread the Dharma as mentioned in the article. Its really emotional to see the photos of Rinpoche and the oracles. How compassionate Tsem Rinpoche and the oracle in Lhasa blessing the oracle in training. It was so heartwarming to watch. And how blessed are we to have Tsem Rinpoche’s aspirations are always for Dharma to grow and obstacles cleared…
Pastor Henry Ooi
Posted on October 5, 2016 #6 AuthorIt is always incredible to see the closeness, love and respect between Dorje Shugden (in trance of an oracle) and Tsem Rinpoche. We, in Kechara, are very fortunate to witness this not just on videos but live when the 7th Panglung oracle visited Kechara Forest Retreat last June 2015. And because of this close bond, Dorje Shugden has always assisted Kechara in the spread and growth of dharma in Malaysia, and around the world.
Khoo Hou Haw
Posted on October 5, 2016 #7 AuthorAs what we have learnt about Guru Devotion, the Guru is always the highiest refuge in Tibetan Buddhism as Guru is the person who bring the teaching of Lord Buddha to us. In the videos in this article, it is shown very clearly that even an Enlightened Protector like Dorje Shugden would show respect to a true Guru like H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche. It is very heartwarming to watch these videos. Thank you.
Eric kksiow
Posted on October 5, 2016 #8 AuthorSuch an amazing video footage, in this lifetime if without Tsem Rinpoche, i would’t know about who is Dorje Shugden and what is Tibetan Buddhism Oracle are.
Thank You Rinpoche for spreading Buddhism to all of us.
Eric kksiow _/\_
Mingwen
Posted on October 5, 2016 #9 AuthorSuch a blessing and privilege if one could actually witness the Great Dharma Protector, Dorje Shigden Oracle taking trance and meet Tsem Rinpoche in live because both of them share the same mind and goal, which is to benefit all sentient beings and guide us to the right path.
nicholas
Posted on October 5, 2016 #10 AuthorThe closeness of H.E. the 25th Tsem Rinpoche relationship with Dorje Shugden can be seen clearly from this article. The protector is very happy with Rinpoche and will take trance to greet Rinpoche even at an impromptu situation. It happen quite a number of times and this really tell me that Rinpoche has been doing his work with pure motivation and created a great result in benefiting others. Dorje Shugden also recognise Rinpoche capabilities and request to bless the oracle in traIning’s channel. This is what an enlightened being able to see and request for spiritual action for the growth of the dharma. We are very glad to have Kechara which founded by Rinpoche. Under Rinpoche’s guidance and teaching we will never go wrong and will also get protection from the protector. The samaya with our Guru is important for our spiritual growth as well as protection from the protector.
Albert
Posted on October 6, 2016 #11 Authorwow… what a great video of Rinpoche and the oracle.
In our spiritual path, guru devotion is very important, when we do not have clean samaya with our guru, Dorje Shugden will not be pleased with us. this is not because he is angry or he dislike us, it is because when we keep breaking our samaya with our guru, we are creating karma for our mind to go down, so Dorje Shugden will some times manifest wrath to pull us up again..
In this video, it is very clear that how excited when Dorje Shugden saw H.E. the 25th Tsem Rinpoche, jumping up and down and keep hugging Rinpoche, this shows very clearly that Rinpoche has keep his samaya with Zong Rinpoche very intact. Because of one promise, Rinpoche spent his whole life in malaysia teaching Dharma to his students, and creating many ways to spread the Dharma to worldwide.
Julia Tan
Posted on October 6, 2016 #12 AuthorAll this footage showed that H.E. the 25th Rinpoche has a very special relationship with Dorje Shugden. DS embraced Rinpoche tightly reflecting the spiritual communion between Dorje Shugden and Tsem Rinpoche. This close bond between deity and lama reflects Rinpoche’s clean samaya (teacher-disciple relationship) and supreme intention to spread the Dharma.. at another footage we see Dorje Shugden himself requested Tsem Rinpoche to clear the speech and heart channels of the Sera Oracle. Finally, in July 2016, Dorje Shugden arrived Kechara Forest Retreat in Malaysia. DS had his Vajra Dance to clear the obstacles. This also showed his approval and support of Rinpoche’s Dharma here i malaysia.
Pastor Chia
Posted on October 6, 2016 #13 AuthorIs amazing Dorje Shugden always show sign with his close connection with H.E.Tsem Tulku Rinpoche for many year.. Since Rinpoche had received the sogtee from H.Holiness Zong Rinpoche. Through the initiation, it seal the bond between protector and practitioner. Beside that, with strong guru devotion and close samaya with the lama. H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche always keep his promise to Zong Rinpoche and keep Dorje Shugden practice like his heart practice. I had witness in some occasion, protect just spontaneous take trance to greeted Rinpoche in an incredibly warm and impassioned way that surprised everyone. Usually oracle take trance of protector to show respect and welcome to Rinpoche. We are bless and fortunate received blessing from Dorje Shugden through Panglong oracle in Kechara Forest retreat.
June Kang
Posted on October 6, 2016 #14 AuthorThe relationship between H.E. the 25th Tsem Rinpoche and Protector Dorje Shugden is unique which witnessed in several occasions in these footages. We are so lucky and very blessed to witness the oracles taking trance at Kechara Forest Retreat, first time in the history in Malaysia witnessed by 700 peoples, and thank you to those people made every effort by heart to organise this, I hope that our learning institution will come true as soon as possible.
Jace Chong
Posted on October 6, 2016 #15 AuthorThanks Rinpoche, Martin and blog team for the post and video.
It’s amazing to see how Tsem Rinpoche having a very close relationship with Dorje Shugden via the oracles. This relationship not only started over decades, but many life times working hand in hand to benefit others.
The same protector that took trance in a hotel room in year 2009, took trance again in year 2015 in a place he has promised to help. The amazing growth of Kechara from a shop lots to a few shop lots combined, from various departments to a Dharma palace of Kechara Forest Retreat; without a powerful divine assistant, it’s very rare to achieve in such speed.
And from the video we can see Rinpoche is a highly attained master, who can bless the oracle requested by Dorje Shugden. This rare visitor to Tibet is unusual, no wonder the oracle travel 3 hours just to meet Rinpoche.
Thank you.
Li Kheng
Posted on October 6, 2016 #16 AuthorThank for this precious footage. Dorje Shugden always appears and show signs for us to gain faith and reinforce our belief in the Dharma and its benefits. This is truly compassionate.
We are so lucky to see holy images of Dorje Shugden and also see him take on forms to be closer to us. This is thanks to the generosity and kindness of Rinpoche.
Thank you Rinpoche and team!
Wylfred Ng
Posted on October 22, 2016 #17 Author好珍贵的视频！！
多杰雄登在没有准备降神的情况下自然降神， 且向詹杜固仁波切致敬。 我们相信这样的情况会发生是因为多杰雄登与詹杜固仁波切在那个地方是有着特殊的因缘， 而且对于詹杜固仁波切的莅临感到非常开心。
在2015年， 尊贵的庞龙神谕也在克切拉禅修林进行了降神仪式。 当时的情况就如视频中一样， 多杰雄登向詹杜固仁波切致敬， 然后像老朋友一样以藏文沟通。 降神仪式也非常顺利， 多杰雄登也一一为所有出席者加持， 然后给予佛法开示。
谢谢。
Justin Cheah
Posted on October 27, 2016 #18 AuthorThe relationship between H.E. the 25th Tsem Rinpoche and the enlightened Protector Dorje Shugden is affectionate and is indeed unique. I am very fortunate to be able to witness this tradition of oracles taking trance when Panglung Kuten was in a modern setting at Kechara Forest Retreat last year.
It is amazing to see something science cannot describe. Oracles becoming a medium for protector to communicate and guide us. In this case i saw how affectionate the Protector relation with H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche. HE’s Samaya must be very clean and his connection to Dorje Shugden must be very strong as such that the Protector can suddenly takes trance and greet Rinpoche. It also goes to show that the protector is very happy with what Rinpoche have been doing.
Now that Kechara Forest Retreat is build and will go on to be a place where the lineage of Lama Tsongkhapa and VajraYogini grows and where many people can find peace and help to lead a meaningful and beneficial life.
Rejoicing to see this video always!
Helena
Posted on October 31, 2016 #19 AuthorWow, the closeness relationship between H.E the 25th Tsem Rinpoche and Dorje Shugden are amazing. Im glad to read this post to know that the relationship are so close and we are so blessed as Rinpoche’s student and have so much blessing from the protector. Love this article! We must make kechara grow to spread Dorje Shugden practice as wide as possible.
Alice Tay
Posted on November 1, 2016 #20 AuthorHis Eminence the 25th Tsem Rinpoche has always had a close and special connection with Dorje Shugden. In 2009, most significant incident was when Dorje Shugden worked together with Rinpoche to clear and bless the psychic channels of the oracle a hotel in Lhasa. Dorje Shugden also requests Rinpoche to bless the oracle’s speech and heart channels to ensure that future trances are smoother and for the oracle to have the ability to speak clearly.
Later, we see the World’s largest Dorje Shugden is located at Kechara Forest Retreat. Gratitude to His Eminence the 25th Tsem Rinpoche’s compassion to bring the dharma and dharma protector, DorjeShugden, for the benefits of all sentient beings.
Sofi
Posted on January 17, 2017 #21 AuthorBefore I meet with Tibetan Buddhism, I had never known that there is a tradition of Oracles who take trances of Protectors. I had only known of Taoist tradition where trances of deities are common. I am most fortunate to have the merits to have attended the 7th Panglung Kuten, official enlightened Protector Dorje Shugden’s Oracle taking trance at Kechara Forest Retreat in 2015. What an amazing blessing for us to have witnessed this powerful appearance of a Buddha, the reunion with another Buddha, our Guru, H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche.
This article really brings to reality how truly special our Guru is and how pure his connection is to Dorje Shugden. Rinpoche was requested by Dorje Shugden himself to help clear the speech and heart channels of the Sera Oracle. May this beautiful tradition of Oracles continue to bless and help people, especially the Dorje Shugden Oracles as having arose from previous incarnation of an attained Lama, Dorje Shugden gives Dharma teachings when there is need. Thank you dorjeshugden.org for sharing this beautiful article of Rinpoche’s special relationship with Protector Dorje Shugden.
truthadvocate
Posted on March 14, 2017 #22 AuthorOne need to be very careful in designating trance. Any spirit channeling via medium claiming to be such and such ( i.e. Dorje shugden) is not necessarily to be the case. Long time ago certain numbers of oracles claiming to be shugden and his retinue brought bad name to shugden. The most reliable medium through which shugden is being channel had been a medium named Choyang Kuten, who was recognised as medium by great tadrak dorjechang, HH Trijang Rinpoche , HH Zong rinpoche. For me above spirit meeting tsem rinpoche doesn’t look like genuine shugden. I had the privilege of meeting shugden via choyang kuten medium on several occasion. He was beyond any doubt the great protector as it claimed. So be very cautious in designating shugden.
Lin Mun
Posted on March 26, 2017 #23 AuthorOracles tradition exist in Tibetan Buddhism for many years and is a tool for dharma protector to speak to the monks. It is amazing reading the various session of Dorje Shugden oracle in connection with Tsem Rinpoche. The relationship between Protector Dorje Shugden and Tsem Rinpoche is so strong. We are so fortunate of have the holy beings taking trance in Wisdom Hall in Kechara Forest Retreat in June 2016.
May Rinpoche’s wishes can be achieved smoothly and quickly. And more people can get the benefit of learning and practising dharma which in turn path the way to enlightenment.
Fong
Posted on October 12, 2017 #24 AuthorRinpoche is always thinking of benefiting others by bringing the dharma to them and also seeking the blessings for others. In the video, Rinpoche is making aspirations for growth of Lama Tsongkhapa’s teachings and Dorje Shugden practices so that more can benefit. Rinpoche is always, consistently looking for ways to spread the dharma.
Thank you, Rinpoche for your love and care.