(Originally published on tsemrinpoche.com)
On June 21, 2015, Kechara had the privilege and great merits to witness an auspicious trance in Wisdom Hall at Kechara Forest Retreat. H.E. Tsem Rinpoche briefly describes here the history and background of trances, and what happened on the day itself.
Or view the video on the server at:
Panglung Kuten trance in KFR
In the Tibetan tradition for over 1,000 years, high lamas and specialized monks have kept the very profound tradition of oracular trance. Oracular trance is when a person is physically and mentally trained up to take full possession of a spiritual being of a higher level. They can take trance of a Dharma Protector, a local established mountain god, a deity or even spiritual beings that surround us.
I am meeting the great World Peace Dharma protector Dorje Shugden who has taken full trance of his official Panglung Oracle at Kechara on June 21, 2015
In order to take trance of the higher level of beings, a special diet, taking care of the body and very precise meditations are necessary. For the last 400 years, there have been numerous highly qualified oracle lamas for the supramundane Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden. In Tibet in 1959, there was a very well-known and famous oracle that people from all over Tibet, Mongolia, Nepal and India often consulted in order to get advice for the future. He was renowned for his clear and accurate prophecies and advice. The oracle was the 6th Panglung Kuten. Panglung is the name of the oracle; Kuten means oracle in English.
The 6th Panglung Kuten who at His Holiness Trijang Rinpoche’s request took trance of Dorje Shugden. Dorje Shugden advised His Holiness the Dalai Lama to leave Tibet. The 6th Panglung Kuten’s son became the 7th Panglung Kuten, who took trance in our prayer hall recently
So, the Panglung Kuten or the Panglung Oracle was the 6th in line. He was highly trained and certified by His Holiness Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche to be an authentic oracle of various Dharma Protectors, one of which was Dorje Shugden. The other Dharma Protectors the oracle took trance of included Kache Marpo, Setrap and so on. When many Tibetans were faced with the Cultural Revolution which was happening all over China, it was questioned whether or not His Holiness the Dalai Lama, his entourage and everyone should leave. When they consulted the 6th Panglung Kuten, he went into a supreme trance of Dorje Shugden. Dorje Shugden did a Vajra dance and threw his sword, and said that the Dalai Lama, his entourage, his family and his tutors must leave immediately for India. Dorje Shugden said that along the journey, Dorje Shugden himself would protect them and show signs of the path or the road that they must take.
Along the journey to India – I think the journey was about 20 days – they did black tea (serkyem offering), prayers and Sangsol (incense/smoke offering) to Dorje Shugden every single day and they had a successful escape into India. This was clearly recounted by His Holiness Trijang Rinpoche in his biography, along with Sera Mey Kensur Rinpoche and his assistant Lobsang Yeshe. The oracle himself left for India and had a son and when the son was very young, the oracle passed away. The son himself became the 7th Panglung Oracle in this line of illustrious prophetic monks.
Chojela in full trance of Dorje Shugden, performing a special Vajra dance in Wisdom Hall (our prayer hall in Kechara Forest Retreat) to clear obstacles
The 7th Panglung Oracle (or Chojela, as we affectionately call him) underwent training from His Holiness Trijang Rinpoche and His Holiness Domo Geshe Rinpoche for seven intense years. Meditations, practice, retreats, prostrations, purifications and many rituals were done to prepare his body and throughout the seven years, Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche personally and frequently called Chojela over to his residence to ‘test’ his trance states. Finally, when his trance states were optimum, Trijang Rinpoche certified him as an authentic and genuine oracle of Dorje Shugden.
Since then, for the last 30-40 years, Chojela has been travelling to various monasteries, meeting many high lamas and tens of thousands monks and people, taking trance of Dorje Shugden and Kache Marpo, who is Dorje Shugden’s main minister. In trance, he has been giving prophetic answers for the future, answering questions for ordinary lay people, for high lamas, for the monasteries, for businessmen, for housewives, for children, for older people with regard to sickness and generally giving people tremendous guidance of the future.
When someone takes full trance of the Protector, Dorje Shugden’s consciousness takes over their body and their consciousness is put to sleep. Dorje Shugden will speak, act and function using the person’s body. The body in this case is Chojela’s. When Dorje Shugden vacates the oracle, then Chojela’s consciousness will wake up again, as if from a sleep. However he will remember and recall nothing of the event because it was not him talking or doing the actions. Our human body is like a hotel. One person can occupy it and vacate, another person can occupy and vacate. It is simply a hotel and it can be taken over by various consciousness if and when necessary. In this case, in the case of the oracle, a high-level Dharma Protector takes over to speak and to help.
Before the trance, I arrived with H.E. the 7th Panglung Kuten. We were welcomed into the prayer hall in the traditional manner
Oracles are not something that is indigenous to the Tibetan tradition. In ancient Greek times, there was the oracular tradition of Delphi. It is said that the Pythia, commonly known as the Oracle of Delphi, would take trance of Apollo to tell the future. The tradition of the Delphic Oracle and the temples of Apollo specifically for foretelling the future were destroyed by Alexander the Great so that his enemies could not find out what the oracle had told him. It was a waste.
So the oracle tradition is found all over the world and it is nothing unusual, different or unbelievable. However, what differs between each tradition is the being that takes over when they speak, whether it is a high-level being, a medium-level being or low-level being. Both harmful and positive beings can take over a person’s body. In the case of a highly-trained oracle, only high-level beings can take over because the body has been specifically trained for that.
Kechara House together with me has been consulting various oracles for the last 20 years for the direction and what we should do, and how should we move forwards. For many decisions we have consulted with the oracles of Dorje Shugden and received many positive answers. One thing is for sure, it is that the answers are always extremely accurate as time has shown and proven. We are very honored.
In Gaden Monastery, we had an oracle. In Sera Monastery, there has been an oracle as well. So, in both monasteries, we had oracles to benefit the monks and the monasteries. Recently, Kechara has been very honored and blessed that Dorje Shugden took trance of the Protector Dorje Shugden via the Panglung Kuten (or Chojela). In fact, the Protector Dorje Shugden himself asked Chojela to come here to visit and to stay with us. During this time, Dorje Shugden himself took trance and it was a great success. Kecharians prepared for weeks to clean up the prayer hall, to paint up and spruce up the place, to prepare the thrones and brocades, offerings and also practice how to do the invocation prayers. All this was done to afford the proper respectful welcome to Dorje Shugden.
All of the prayers, offerings, invocations, ritual instruments and recitations were performed by our own local lay Malaysian practitioners. I am so proud of them. They practiced untiringly for weeks to perfect the rituals. This is the FIRST TIME in history that a trance session has been conducted without a single Tibetan monk’s involvement in the invocation rituals
What was different this time is that usually, trained Tibetan monks play the ritual instruments such as the cymbals, horns and drums. They accompany the chanting and recitation to invoke the Dharma Protector to enter into the oracle. This time however, Chojela specifically wanted us to train up to do the invocation, to do the offerings and to have no Tibetan monks involved or present. So it was very unusual. For the first time in history, a Tibetan oracle had the invocation done for the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden to enter or take trance, and there were no Tibetan monks involved. It was all local, lay Malaysians who did the invocation. Our people practiced very hard and diligently with a lot of sincerity and commitment for many weeks, to do the chanting, to learn the rituals and to ensure the procedure was done right. And everything was a great success.
On the fateful day as preordained, we escorted Chojela to the prayer hall where there were 700 people (by invitation only) waiting to witness and to get blessings of the trance. We then assisted him in dressing in the correct regalia of the official oracle, including the hat and the boots. The instruments of trance such as the sword and spears were nearby along with the noose. The invocation was done and Dorje Shugden entered very smoothly into the oracle. He immediately got up as per tradition and did a very special Vajra dance in our prayer hall, which is the dance of clearing the obstacles.
After the dance, he sat down and on behalf of Kechara House and in order to gain merits, we offered Ganacakra Tsog to Dorje Shugden and all the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and deities. We all offered purified tea and auspicious rice, and then I went up and made offerings to Dorje Shugden on behalf of Kechara and all of our members. I also requested him for certain special assistance, which he agreed and afterwards, Dorje Shugden reassured me of his assistance to help and blessings as usual. He held my hands very tight and also embraced me, and because he was in a wrathful form he didn’t stay in the body very long and he departed.
Next, Dorje Shugden’s main minister Kache Marpo came. Kache Marpo is the one who does the actual talking, answering of questions and blessings. When Kache Marpo came, he immediately rose and made offerings to myself as I am the head Spiritual Advisor of Kechara. Kache Marpo requested me to live long and to continuously turn the wheel of Dharma and also to think big, increase our institution and make our institution grow, and to be of even more tremendous benefit to others. In general, he was very affectionate and held my hands, he gave me advice like that of a father to a child for which I was tremendously grateful.
I really treasure the opportunity I had to have communion with my Dharma Protector, and for his presence in Kechara Forest Retreat to bless the environment and everyone therein
We then made tea and auspicious rice offerings to Kache Marpo on behalf of Kechara. Kache Marpo was extremely kind because in full trance, he arose from his throne and walked around our prayer hall, and did blessings of our holy images of Dorje Shugden and Buddha. From a distance, Kache Marpo also blessed the Vajrayogini Stupa and all the lands of Kechara. After that, Kache Marpo patiently blessed every single person in our prayer hall. All 700 people, including our visitors and volunteers, were given a highly blessed blue string to wear as protection. They were also given chaney (blessed rice) that can be kept for years to be taken during times of danger, times of illness or times of confusion. When we bite on the rice, that immediate danger will pass or we get a clear mind. So, Kache Marpo gave all of us blessed rice and he was very compassionate to accept many offerings that we have given him.
Then Kache Marpo proceeded to tell me that he wished to give a Dharma talk to the crowd which had gathered in the hall and he requested me to translate, which I did. So in the video below, you will see the Dharma talk that Kache Marpo gave, which was general and very simple to suit the minds of the many new practitioners who joined us to witness the trance session.
I found this very skillful because I have listened to Kache Marpo’s speech many, many times in the past. He quotes from the Sutras, the Tantras, from the texts of Panchen Sonam Drakpa, the Kangyur, the Tangyur, from many writings such as Pabongka Rinpoche’s and Trijang Rinpoche’s sungbums (collected works), the Lamrim, etc. Kache Marpo is a highly qualified ‘scholar’ in his own right and can quote from many texts here and there, and give very profound Dharma talks. For our group however, he gave a very simple talk that the general audience was able to absorb and understand. After he finished the Dharma talk, he again exhorted me by holding my hands and telling me to live long and to continue bringing Dharma to others. He asked me to elucidate to more people the teachings of Bodhicitta, loving-kindness, compassion and appreciation of all mother sentient beings and the necessity of repaying the kindness. In fact, the mind training teachings.
The whole time Kache Marpo was with us, he only talked about the pure Dharma that Shakyamuni had taught us and told us to gain the ‘mind’ in order to achieve full Enlightenment. It was a very great honor to translate for a Dharma Protector and when it was finished, Kache Marpo left. We escorted the oracle Chojela to go and rest.
All 700 people in attendance had the great merits to meet Kache Marpo, who is Dorje Shugden’s main assistant, and receive blessings from him. Kache Marpo is Hayagriva and therefore an enlightened Dharma Protector himself, who nevertheless chooses to assist Dorje Shugden instead
I want to make a special note: I did not request the oracle Panglung Kuten to come to Kechara. Dorje Shugden took trance of him and insisted that he must come here and stay here with us. So of course when he insisted that he would like to come, I accepted with a lot of humility and happiness. The visit of Chojela is a tremendous blessing for all of us and for me; it was very nice to have another older and senior monk around with whom I can relate to. It has been so much encouragement and brought back so many memories of Gaden with older monks. So Choje-la’s visit has been wonderful.
The trance session and the whole blessing session went very well. I will not speak so much here but I will let you enjoy the pictures, and let you see the video so you can see what went on for yourself.
As the Spiritual Advisor of Kechara, I am grateful to all the sincere members, BODs, pastors, volunteers, Heads of Departments and all the students who have been working and preparing tirelessly. They have done a tremendous job for the visit of Chojela’s trance session. I want to make a special mention here to thank all the Kecharians who have done so much to make this such a successful visit. Without all their help and assistance, none of this would be possible. On top of that, on behalf of Kechara House and myself, I would like to thank Dorje Shugden and Kache Marpo for coming here to give us advice, give us encouragement, and let us know that we are on the right path. I would like to thank Chojela himself for coming here. He is an impeccable monk who holds his vows purely, who has been serving others sincerely for the last 30-40 years, under instruction of His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche to do his job of taking trance and to be of benefit to others.
Another shot of the special Vajra dance that Dorje Shugden performed to clear obstacles. When Chojela was out of trance, we relayed to him that Dorje Shugden had performed this dance. Chojela was very pleased to hear this
Chojela is an exemplary person. He gives us a clear example of Guru devotion, humility, practice, study, knowledge and service to others. So Chojela as a person is someone whom we respect, we care about very much and we have grown very affectionate towards. I would like to thank the Kecharians for all their work, first and foremost, for none of this would be possible without them. Second, I would like to thank our Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden and his main minister Kache Marpo for bestowing us with so much blessings and advice which we will carry out so that we can be of further benefit to other beings. And I would like to humbly thank Chojela and his assistant for coming and staying here with us and doing so many pujas and prayers, and give advice and Dharma to benefit our center. And in return, Chojela has asked for nothing. So, please enjoy the great honor. For the first time ever, Kechara presents to you videos of the official trance of Dorje Shugden in Kechara Forest Retreat, Malaysia. Thank you.
Tsem Rinpoche
Datuk May Phng
Background: has met Dorje Shugden on many previous occasions
I was privileged to be at the Trance, by the 7th Panglung Kuten, at Kechara Forest Retreat and no matter how often I have met my Protector, Dorje Shugden, each and every encounter had been a miracle of awe and inspiration.
What was most touching at the last trance was the humility with which my Guru, HE Tsem Rinpoche made offerings to Dorje Shugden and how the recognition between both of them was electrifying. How patiently Dorje Shugden was to have touched and blessed so many of us. Personally, whenever I meet my Protector I feel that although unworthy, I feel like I am some one special to Him. With every meeting, my love and faith for Dorje Shugden grows by leaps and bounds. The experience of the love and kindness whenever Dorje Shugden is present is very encompassing and everyone, the 700 people, at Kechara Forest Retreat Wisdom Hall felt this energy. Everyone got the experience of calm and unconditional love and care showered on each and everyone.
I had been to many other trances and this one was the most special for me as Kache Marpo gave a Dharma teaching, which is something that I have never heard nor experienced before.
With this trance, whereby HE Tsem Rinpoche was present, the greatest difference is how long the trance lasted and how well these two great beings seem to know each other. HE Tsem Rinpoche kindly translated Kache Marpo’s Dharma teaching to the audience.
After propitiating this great Dharmapala for the last 20 years every meeting with Him in person via the Oracle is a gift of a miracle in my heart.
Pastor Chia Song Peng
Background: has met Dorje Shugden on many previous occasions. Assisted in the trance
First it was an honor to be a part of the invocation team to invite Protector Dorje Shugden to take trance in the oracle. Traditionally this invocation has only been done monks.
It is amazing how well-trained Chojila is. He has kept his practice so well and his samaya with his guru is pure to offer his body, speech and mind to an enlightened Dharma Protector like Dorje Shugden and Setrap to help others for over 30 years.
I was really touched when Kache Marpo said that we will be able to meet him again at the future. If you work hard to benefit others, you are able to meet Dorje Shugden. I know this because many Kecharians have worked hard to create the causes for many people to receive help and blessings from the Protector.
Dorje Shugden always works hand in hand with the lama who selflessly works to help others. For example his main minister Kache Marpo showed respect to Rinpoche by making mandala and body, speech and mind offerings to Rinpoche.
Later Rinpoche translated Kache Marpo’s Dharma advice to the audience. Kache Marpo gave a Dharma talk that was profound. It make me gain more faith by listening to a holy being give advice. The key point Kache Marpo made was to keep our samaya with Rinpoche clean, and to keep close with him. Through this, we will be able to have a close connection with Dorje Shugden.
William Chua
Background: has previously met Dorje Shugden in trance. Assisted in the trance
I was one of the privilege ones to assist Chojila on Trance Day. Even though this was not the first time I have witnessed Chojila taking trance of Protector Dorje Shugden, but this is the first time I have close contact with protector, from assisting him in wearing his full regalia, helping in the trance and serving him tea. Making sure that Protector is as comfortable as possible.
Nothing could describe the feelings I had inside – from excitement to nervousness to happiness. All bundled inside. Of course at the back of my head, the voice inside me keeps telling me not to mess things up.
At the end of the day, I feel blessed that I was part of this historic event and that hundreds of people were able to meet our protector and got his blessings.
Pastor Lanse Chiah
背景、经验: 见过多杰雄登降神
几年前，上师尊贵的詹杜固仁波切肝脏不适，检查结果显示肝硬化，正当大家为此感到极度担忧之际，远在台湾的确吉拉知道了这件事，主动要求前来为师父治病。
确吉拉那一次前来接受护法降神，给仁波切治疗，我当时有幸得以在现场，虽然隔着屏障，我没能目睹治疗经过，但约略知道护法透过神谕触碰仁波切的患处进行治疗。事后，护法也给了仁波切一些加持过的米服用，并指示进行一系列法会。
不久后，仁波切到新加坡接受本区域某肝脏科权威诊治，当时也进行了系列详细的检查。那一次我也很有幸随行，检查结果显示仁波切除了有轻微脂肪肝外，其他检查一切正常。记得当时医生还开玩笑地说仁波切的各项检查报告就像个少年的检查结果一样，只需要服用一些保护肝脏的营养辅助品即可。
关于护法透过降神为仁波切治病这方面，我除了感激，也觉得相当不可思议。然而，这件事却让我对现代人一般所能解读的现象之外的另一种存在有了新的认识。那一次的降神仪式由确吉拉的几位格西助手负责进行，仪式庄严神圣，仿佛遥不可及。没想到几年后，我竟然有幸参与了祈请护法降神的阵容。
确吉拉此次前来，并不像上次那样带来本身的几位助手，他甚至还明确指出此次降神祈请仪式须由仁波切的本地弟子负责。刚听到这个消息时，我有点惊讶，也担心我们能否胜任。然而，事情圆满结束了，也证明我的担心是多余的。经师父现场解释，更明白了确吉拉这么做背后所隐含的深意。
我两次目睹多杰雄登护法和其大臣攸玛嘉钦降神，聆听祂的现场开示，其中除了降神过程显得比较神秘之外，护法在开示时，跟一位具格上师并没有两样。祂所讲授的内容，每一个字都是可以实际应用的佛法，都离不开因果教诲，；祂给现场群众加持时，对某些佛法职工或志工的劝告，也都是要他们安心投入佛法工作，跟同修和谐相处，忠诚依止上师等。
两次有幸见证护法降神，得到的结论就是护法所说的每一句话，所做的每一件事，都是在护持佛法，都是为了让正法永续。护法对上师的尊敬，对修行人的慈爱，对实践佛法的坚持，除了让我感到护法跟我们十分亲近之外，祂也向我们示范了一个真正的佛门子弟所该有的态度。
Pastor Niral Patel
Background: has previously met Dorje Shugden in trance. Part of the invocation team on the day
This was not the first time I have seen the oracle of Dorje Shugden take trance of the Protector, however it was the first time that I had the good fortune to be part of the invocation team. It was an immense pleasure to be able to take part in this event, through which so many people received the blessings of Dorje Shugden. This was the first time we at Kechara had hosted the trance process, and everyone came together in perfect harmony to make this happen. A lot of preparation went into the event, which was an extreme success for all involved.
When the trance took place, the Protectors did exactly what they would have done in a monastic setting, from accepting our offerings, blessings the statues, blessing everyone present and giving advice. The highlight of the event was that we received a Dharma talk directly from the Protector, with His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche translating for us. That was the real highlight. What the protector told us shows the level of his enlightened mind, it came down to generating compassion and practicing the Six Perfections. It is what we have been learning all along, but it was extra special to hear it from the Protector himself. It was truly a memorable experience, and one that has boosted my spiritual practice tremendously.
Wan Wai Meng
Background: has previously met Dorje Shugden in trance
As the day of the Trance taking draws nearer, the excitement amongst those who will be attending grows evermore and the amount of work to be done also picked up in preparation for the trance taking. So the buildup was exciting too as people learnt to be resourceful in getting all the items required for the trance taking and also learnt new skills. One can’t help but to swept by the building excitement as the day drew nearer.
On the actual day, many people had been assigned to tasks and duties, with rehearsals and so forth, I had the fortunate opportunity to be right in front at throne where the oracle takes trance. I was in charge of holding the steps leading up to the oracle throne. The steps had to be held along with the throne in place so when the oracle took trance his movements which sometimes can be animated by very powerful energies would not send the steps and throne flying off in various directions.
Before the session commenced, and about 7am, there was a power trip that happened in KFR, and later we discovered that it was across the entire Bentong town. This reminded me of a Dorje Shudgen mantra retreat, we did two years ago and before we could start the retreat, there was a localized power outage that lasted quite a few hours. It was quite a sauna we had at the start of the mantra retreat.
Such was obstacles and negative karma everyone collectively had, that was standing in the way of people receive the benefits to receive the blessings and purification from King Dorje Shudgen. I told some people better the obstacle manifest out as no electricity than other alternatives. At 10am the power came back on and many people in Wisdom Hall cheered and so began the ceremonies of Chojila taking the trance of Duldzin and Kache Marpo. It was very good to see His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche interacting with King Dorje Shugden and Kache Marpo, and seeing that Dorje Shugden and Kache Marpo made gestures to reaffirm their support for Rinpche’s works.
Many people after hearing the dharma talk by Kache Marpo and His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche would have developed more faith in the dharma and Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden. Dharma after all is the real medicine for all our ills and sufferings. I could not help but think to myself the dharma journey Rinpoche has taken to from the start of his dharma journey, starting Kechara and now having the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden blessing the land, people and environment at KFR, what a fabulous dharma journey it has been to bring so much benefit to so many. I think like many others, it was the first time they witnessed an Oracle in trance giving dharma to the people, and in that talk not once did Dorje Shudgen even speak ill of the Dalai Lama. One would imagine if Dorje Shugden was a malevolent spirit having a big audience would have been the perfect place to vent out one’s unhappiness with the Dalai Lama.
I really look forward to the video on the trance taking and the dharma teaching by Kache Marpo, as it will help many people to witness the benefit of having oracles that can take the trance of various aspects of Dorje Shugden. Kache Marpo has not just advised a Gelug Lamas and Tibetans only, in the past the Chinese Emperors have also relied on the wisdom of Kache Marpo, so may more and more people get the benefits of relying on Dorje Shugden in trance.
Sarah Yap
Background: has never met Dorje Shugden in trance before. Assisted during the trance
I have never experienced, seeing a Dharmapala take trance before. The closest I’ve seen such an event were videos found on YouTube, and even that, it does not always record the whole session. So when I found out that Chojila was going to take trance here in our very own Dharma centre in Malaysia, I was thrilled! And on top of that, I had the great merits to play a small part in setting up and helping out during practice session in the pre-trance period, which began 5 days before the actual event. There was so much to do, and to make things more worrisome, we had ZERO experience in organizing such an important event. An event to invite Dorje Shugden into a place we call home (Kechara), is not a small thing… It’s like inviting a King into our home, everything must be perfect as a sign of deep respect. Fortunately, we have Rinpoche’s guidance, Beng Kooi’s flawless planning, and the help of many people within our Dharma centre that made the event such a success… allowing about 700 people to receive blessings from Dorje Shugden.
I must say, it was a tiring week for many, but very satisfying as we all worked for a greater cause harmoniously. We set up the gompa in Wisdom Hall with beautiful and abundant offerings of flowers and food; as well as repeatedly rehearsed on how to invite Dorje Shugden into our Gompa…. and despite the very fact that each and every one of us, is as tiny as a speck of dust from the view of the universe, Dorje Shugden will compassionately come to bless and give us great advice. That I found, inspiring… nobody is too small to be liberated from samsara in the eyes of Dorje Shugden.
It was a great event as the trance session went on smoothly. On the 21st of June 2015, not only did we met a God, who temporarily take the form of a human being through Chojila, but we have the fortune of receiving a short, but necessary Dharma teaching from Dorje Shugden. From that day onwards, Dorje Shugden is not only my Dharma Protector, He is also my teacher. I hope that more people will have the fortune to receive his blessings. Until then, have him close to you in your prayers, and make a connection so that one day, you will have the fortune to be in his divine presence.
Jerry Sito
Background: has never met Dorje Shugden in trance before. Assisted during the trance
This is the first time I see Oracle in trance with my own eyes. Before this I only saw the video of oracle taking trance in internet.
The moment I knew that I will be involved in the trance ceremony, I felt very happy and excited.
The thought that came into my mind is that when we really practice and involved in dharma activities, we can create the cause for us to participate in more auspicious event such as witness the trance.
I felt touched when I saw Rinpoche meet with Dorje Shugden in trance. Although we do not understand Tibetan, but I can feel that all requests made by Rinpoche to Dorje Shugden are all for us, Rinpoche’s students and Kechara, Rinpoche did not request anything for Rinpoche yourself.
I also felt touched when Dorje Shugden in trance, I can felt that Dorje Shugden and Kache Marpo are very compassionate to give the blessings and dharma teaching to all 650+ participants.
Thank you Rinpoche for all of these blessings. I wish I can involve more in such auspicious activities at Kechara in the future.
Gary Foo
Background: has never met Dorje Shugden in trance before. Helped to set up Wisdom Hall for the trance
One of my greatest wish before I passed on, was to be able to witness an actual oracle in trance with an enlightened being but I got much more than that, that auspicious morning. Not many Malaysians I would say, actually realize how lucky and blessed we are to have such an oracle of high esteem like the Panglung Kuten taking trance of mighty Dharma Protectors right in our courtyard. The probability is like striking a lottery but we what we got was even better than striking the lottery.
One can sense the greater and intense energy and wrathfulness when Dorje Shugden has come to dispel the obstacles and the more peaceful Kache Marpo who patiently blessed every single person in that hall and even stayed on to give us a dharma teaching. Be more selfless and reminding us to do our purification practices to remove obstacles that disturbs our health, the divine being was also like our dear father who gently reminds us our higher purpose in life and gave us all blessed rice to eat should we be in distress or needing help. But all these wonderful blessing only existed because Tsem Rinpoche’s great devotion to his guru and protector and to him we must owe our greatest appreciation and thanks. Likewise we in turn must learn that kind of guru devotion to Tsem Rinpoche or whichever guru we have decided to follow.
Beatrix Ooi
Background: has previously met Dorje Shugden in trance. Assisted during the trance
I was very fortunate to have witnessed the trance with my own eyes. Few days prior to the day itself, many of us were working very hard to ensure the preparation of the trance and the safety of these two holy beings – H.E Tsem Rinpoche and the 7th Panglung Kuten oracle.
It was a busy weekend but I thought it was all worth it, hundreds of people came and received blessings from the King Dorje Shugden Himself. I cannot explain what a precious opportunity it was to receive the blessings from Dorje Shugden.
I am very happy and cherish for the people who came to witness the trance because Manjushri’s imprints have been imprinted into their mind stream, these imprints will bring people closer to the Dharma.
I am a very stubborn person and I don’t just believe things, but through My Guru’s guidance and care, I could see that Dorje Shugden is definitely an enlightened Buddha and that He’s here to help 
For a few times I have witnessed how He helped my parents and family.
Frederick Law
Background: has never met Dorje Shugden in trance before. Helped to set up Wisdom Hall for the trance
I was fortunate to be part of Kechara History during the recent Dorje Shugden trance that was held for the first time in Kechara, even in Malaysia. Together with the Puja team lead by Pastor Yek Yee working together with E-Division and other Kecharian.
It was a event of a lifetime for all of us who were there to prepare and setup for this Big event, where 600 over people was blessed in witness the 7th Panglung Kuten took trance of Dorje Shugden and Kache Marpo. We are fortunate to be part of this historical event as many people from around Malaysia and neighbouring country receive the blessing of Dorje Shugden.
For myself and the 600 over people who were present, most of us had only watched Choji-la took trance of Dorje Shugden on YouTube video. We are so blessed on that day witness a new chapter of Kechara history written when Choji-la donning the regalia and was the sat on the throne while our Kechara Pastor reciting the verses invoking the King arrival.
My heart pumped and eyes become watery when Choji-la started to move vigorously once Dorje Shugden took trance then the got off the throne and does the obstacle clearing dance right in front of our eyes, and right after Rinpoche greeted the Protector in trance, the scene of Rinpoche and Dorje Shugden in trance is mind blowing to see how much Rinpoche and protector is humble and respect each other, their relationship of Guru and Protector is evidently strong as Dorje Shugden hold the hand of Rinpoche like a fatherly figure.
My faith towards Protector grows even stronger when I was queuing up to receive protector blessing with Rinpoche presence, kneeling in front of receiving the blessing from protector and Rinpoche, the feeling is overwhelming of the kindness and compassion of my Guru and Protector in trance. The feeling could not be described in words unless you are presence and receive the blessing directly from Protector.
All of us are so blessed that Protector even gave us Dharma talk instead of answering question prepared by Tsem Rinpoche, it proves so much the Enlighten mind of Dorje Shugden and its minister Kache Marpo. The content of the Dharma talk will blow your mind away, as Protector talks about Guru Devotion, mind transformation and the Karma which which Rinpoche translated for us.
The essence of the teaching is exactly what Tsem Rinpoche has taught us all this while. Through the trance event it further strengthen my faith and believe in the Enlightened quality, to see for myself and feel the compassionate energy of Dorje Shugden in and Kache Marpo in trance, it further dispel all the false claim that had been hurled to Dorje Shugden as evil spirit.
I would like to thank you my Guru Tsem Rinpoche to have created Kechara Forest Retreat, and also introducing Dorje Shugden and His practice to us. Because of Tsem Rinpoche Guru devotion , promise and faith in Dorje Shugden, all of us had this fortunate meeting with Choji-la and witness History of Kechara as Dorje Shugden took trance
Wah Ying
背景、经验: 从未见过多杰雄登降神。为降神仪式帮忙设置大殿
我终于跟我的护法多杰雄登见面了。
更具意义的是，护法由著名的第7任庞隆神谕降神，地点在克切拉禅修林圣地，由马来西亚克切拉的弟子负责起整个迎请仪式；现场近700位功德圆满者获得多杰雄登护法，即文殊菩萨智慧佛护法的直接加持和开示。
见到在场许多人见证了多杰雄登是证悟的佛，所弘扬的正是释迦牟尼佛智慧与慈悲的教诲，心里是感动的。我相信更多人深切感受到的是，护法和神谕确吉拉的慈悲与爱——耐心地接受我们献上的供养，并逐一赐予现场每个人加持和和祝福；以及循循善诱的佛法开示。
见到护法心里是尊敬又有些不知所措。然而，当护法给予大家劝勉和佛法开示时，我顿然发现，开示内容与上师尊贵的詹杜固仁波切多年来的苦心劝告和教诲是一致无二的。 由此所见，我的上师的教诲与释迦牟尼佛所教导的是一致的。因此，我的上师于我，无异于佛。
我祈愿，那一天以及未来遇见多杰雄登护法的人，正是他们在护法和上师的加持和引导下，像我一样开始透过佛法的学习和实践，寻获转化他们生命的方法，最终将自己从苦中拔起，走向幸福的起点。
Sharon Ong
Background: has never met Dorje Shugden in trance before. Helped to set up Wisdom Hall for the trance
Seeing the Panglung Kuten in trance is something I will not forget for a very long time. Deep unexplained emotions welled up when I saw the oracle in full regalia for the first time on the throne. A mixture of happiness, awe, excitement and fascination coursed through me as I stood amongst the crowd, watching each and every move of the Panglung Kuten, trying to absorb as much as I could of this rare and precious event.
The highlight for me was the profound Dharma teaching that Kache Marpo gave. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine that I would have the honour and blessing to listen to a teaching directly from an Enlightened being. I will take with me the 2 things I remember most from that teaching.
- The preciousness of the human rebirth and how we should all strive to do something meaningful with our life.
- The accumulation of merits and purification will help us on our spiritual journey.
As the teaching unfolded, I realized that I was listening to the essence of Lamrim, 24 days worth of Dharma teachings in just that one sitting. Those who were present that day were indeed truly blessed!
Vinnie Tan
Background: has never met Dorje Shugden in trance before. Helped to set up Wisdom Hall for the trance
To be part of the audience and work crew of this day is just really amazing. The feelings that I experienced on that day is definitely indescribable, and once in a lifetime thing. Even though we were not able to use our technology devices, the whole experience to me is still very good. Reason being that even though it is a day without technology, yet the experience that I get to go through is more then what was “taken away”.
Through the teaching that the Protector has given to the audience on that day, it made me realise that Dharma is Dharma. As long as the teacher is sincere and teaches the pure teachings, it will be the same if the teaching is from a guru or even a deity as the content will be the same.
Ba-Qin Loo
Background: has never met Dorje Shugden in trance before. Helped to hold the oracle throne in place during the trance
I felt really blessed to be so close to our Dharma Protector, our great king Dorje Shugden that we trust so much, we highly respect and we pray to all the time. I describe it like a lost child finally meet his/her parents again. Witnessing the trance shows us that Dorje Shugden is an enlightened being based on the teachings Dorje Shugden gave to us through Kache Marpo.
Billy Ng
Background: has never met Dorje Shugden in trance before. Was only recently introduced to the practice
As I’ve only been expose to Dorje Shugden not so long ago and the amount of opportunity, exposure and chances I’ve gotten is really been a great and thankful experience. Being able to meet an enlightened protector which I have lots of faith in is really something I would never thought I would experience. I’ve seen and felt the outcome of the practice on myself and it’s truly astounding. However, when it comes to that day itself I honestly didn’t felt like it’s anything new but not in a bad way. It just felt comfortable and familiar somehow. I was still at awe that I had the chance to receive the blessings and dharma talk from Dorje Shugden and Kache Marpo.
Martin Chow
Background: has never met Dorje Shugden in trance before
Sunday the 21st June 2015 marked the end of a very long wait. It was the day that I finally met Dorje Shugden and his Minister, Kache Marpo through Chojila, the 7th Panglung Kuten in trance. I had seen countless videos of the Protector in trance before, and I had even studied his moves and gestures and learnt what they mean. But nothing really prepared me to finally meet the King.
Chojila the monk was more humble than I could imagine. I mean here is a monk worthy to be the vessel of a Buddha, and sought after by monasteries around the world and here is right here before me, so humble that he was putting on the boots of the Great Protector by himself. As Chojila put the tiger boots on, I was again reminded of the tremendous compassion of a fully enlightened Buddha who had chosen to take rebirth in samsara. If not many, including me would probably not have the karma to receive fully his blessings. Enlightened beings are usually not depicted wearing footwear and therefore the boots is the sign that a Buddha has come to us in our realm.
Chojila sat in full concentration and chanted quietly to himself. I had heard that usually it does take quite a few minutes for Dorje Shugden to enter the oracle but on that Sunday, it was to swift, almost as if Dorje Shugden was just as ‘anxious’ to meet the people in Wisdom Hall who had come to pay homage. And then he came. I had expected a very wrathful deity in trance – fierce and manifesting aggression and so frankly I was a bit apprehensive but instead I felt such a powerful force that was ever so gentle. I cannot quite describe it. It was not gentle as in soft but gentle as in very kind and that feeling pervaded me right throughout the two trance sessions. Although the body of the oracle was moving and shaking quite a bit I was surprised to see how delicate and dexterous Dorje Shugden was – the way he danced, the way he accepted the tea offering and blessed the torma. Incredibly Chojila’s eyes were closed almost the entire time and yet Dorje Shugden knew exactly where and when he should place his hands to accept the tea, offerings and other implements and items of blessing. Not something mere human beings could do.
The thing that struck me most was the closeness between Tsem Rinpoche and both Dorje Shugden and Kache Marpo. The way both deities held Rinpoche’s hand was like how very old friends would when they finally reunite. The kind of friendship that very few of us in samsara would understand because they did not want anything out of that friendship for themselves. Rinpoche spoke to Dorje Shugden in hurried tones, urgently and beseechingly, seeking Dorje Shugden’s advice and assistance for Rinpoche’s Dharma works. I have never seen Rinpoche want anything as fervently as I did when Rinpoche spoke to both Dorje Shugden and Kache Marpo, asking for help to benefit Kecharians and the public and it is also then that I realized I have not even begun to know the extent of Rinpoche’s kindness.
There are so many other things that I witnessed and felt that I thought was utterly fantastic. I mean, there are Buddhas and gods and spirits. These things are real and here was a fully enlightened being in our midst, and all was as Tsem Rinpoche promised if we all did our part and worked hard for dharma and on our own transformation. It was only three years ago when I explored the forest where Wisdom Hall is now and now a Buddha I had prayed to and who had helped me countless times, was laying hands on me in blessing. There are so many rumors circulating that Dorje Shugden is a perfidious spirit and although I never believed it because that accusation was against all logic derived from what I have learned about the dharma, but after Sunday I don’t have even the slightest doubt. We are all armed with certain instincts or gut feel that tells when something doesn’t feel right. Similarly we know in our heart of hearts when something is good and the kindness I felt that Sunday has remained ever since and I suspect will be the most profound impression I have of Dorje Shugden. Someone asked me if my faith in the Protector has increased since then and it has because as samsaric beings we need to see to believe. But my understanding of our Guru and who he truly is, increased more and that has calmed me my considerably. In the end, I firmly believe that my Guru and my Protector as indivisible.
Valentina Suhendra
Background: has never met Dorje Shugden in trance before. Founder of Yayasan Kechara Indonesia
On 21st June 2015, I had the fortune to have an audience with the Dharma Protector King, Dorje Shugden, and His Minister, Kache Marpo. I came especially from Jakarta, Indonesia to Kechara Forest Retreat for this event together with my mother.
After much preparation, finally Choji-la entered together with my Guru, H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche. Both of them were so grand. After the invocation prayer, the Dharma Protector King, Dorje Shugden, came via Choji-La’s body. Although he did not stay for long but his presence was so powerful. The King did an obstacle clearing dance which ended in a salute to the Buddha Shakyamuni image. After that, his minister, Kache Marpo came and blessed everyone who attended the trance.
When it was my turn to receive the blessing, my Guru held my right hand and mentioned something to Lord Kache Marpo in Tibetan. Kache Marpo then touched my DS pendant and blessed it. He also blessed the mala that I was wearing on my right wrist. I have that mala for 16 years and have done many prayers and mantra recitation with it. Then, Lord Kache Marpo gave me the blessed rice.
After the blessing session, Lord Kache Marpo gave a short yet profound Dharma talk about the law of cause and effect and the importance of holding our promise and commitment. I was deeply awed since the subject of law of cause and effect was what attracted me to Buddhist teaching many years ago and I found it as the most logical explanation to the discrepancies and various circumstances that happened to me and those around me. Lord Kache Marpo stayed for about one hour. Before He left he said if we keep what we are doing, the meetings between human and God will happen again in the future.
The audience with Dharma Protector King Dorje Shugden and his Minister, Kache Marpo, had a deep impact on me because in early year 2012, my Guru has told me that I will meet the king and as always, his prediction became a reality.
Here are some additional pictures taken of Choje-la during other pujas he has conducted whilst with us here in Malaysia. Since Choje-la has arrived in Malaysia, he has kindly performed many pujas to help clear obstacles for the growth of Kechara and our works. Choje-la himself requested to do these pujas for us. I thank him very much for his assistance, and also for his belief in Kechara’s potential.
Ting Tru Yul Tru (June 1, 2015)
Dorje Shugden Dakhang (June 2, 2015)
Lutor Lusang (June 7, 2015)
Soongdroop Rabney Trusol (June 14, 2014)
His Eminence the 7th Panglung Kuten Takes Trance
Wisdom Hall, Kechara Forest Retreat (June 21, 2015)
Upon arrival at Wisdom Hall which is our prayer hall in Kechara Forest Retreat.
Chojela was smiling and happy to see that everything had been done and prepared well. I was very proud of my Kecharians for this and according the proper respect to the King Dorje Shugden.
Chojela reciting prayers and offering serkyem (golden tea offering) before the invocation prayers were recited to invoke Dorje Shugden.
Our Kechara volunteers assist Chojela in putting on his full regalia. Chojela is very happy with all of the preparations and how well-trained our students are.
Trance assistants help Chojela to put on the special round travelling hat of Dorje Shugden before prayers are recited to invoke Dorje Shugden.
Assistants stand by ready to receive Dorje Shugden.
Dorje Shugden has entered.
Dorje Shugden performs a special Vajra dance to clear obstacles.
After Dorje Shugden is invited back to his throne, our Kecharians make the traditional offerings starting with tea.
The next offering to Dorje Shugden is auspicious sweet rice.
Sponsors of the trance make tsog offerings to Dorje Shugden. Due to his previous lives as a monk and lama, Dorje Shugden accepts the tsog with ritual implements (bell and vajra) and mudras. This is unique to him; Dorje Shugden is the only Dharma Protector who accepts tsog in this manner where some other Dharma Protectors cut through tsog offerings with a sword.
As the Spiritual Advisor of Kechara House, I make body, speech and mind offerings to Dorje Shugden on behalf of the whole organisation.
I offer to Dorje Shugden a Buddha statue, representing the body of the Buddha.
Here and on behalf of Kechara, as the Spiritual Advisor I offer to Dorje Shugden a Dharma text to represent the Buddha’s speech, which he accepts.
Finally I offer a stupa to represent the mind of the Buddha.
Dorje Shugden has accepted our body, speech and mind offerings, and blesses me with a yellow khata (around my neck).
Here our senior Board of Directors make body, speech and mind offerings to Dorje Shugden on behalf of our Kechara organisation. After this, volunteers will present to Dorje Shugden various offerings and other items that we wish for him to bless for us (for example, rice, Protector strings, water, malas and statues).
Dorje Shugden reads our questions which we wish to ask of him, for his blessings, guidance and advice.
Being wrathful, Dorje Shugden cannot stay for long in Chojela’s body so he blesses the whole congregation simultaneously with rice.
After reading our questions, Dorje Shugden leaves Chojela’s body. Soon, Kache Marpo will enter. As the main assistant and minister of Dorje Shugden, Kache Marpo relays to practitioners Dorje Shugden’s advice and instructions, and does the actual blessings.
Trance assistants have removed from Chojela’s head Dorje Shugden’s special round travelling hat. Here they replace it with Kache Marpo’s special hat.
As our local Malaysian lay practitioners recite the invocation prayers to request Kache Marpo to enter Chojela, changes in Chojela’s demeanour indicate Kache Marpo has arrived.
Trance assistants stand by with ritual implements. Chojela can also take trance of Setrap, who announces his arrival with a high-pitched shriek. Should Setrap enter instead of Kache Marpo, the trance assistants are ready to present the trident to him. If Kache Marpo enters, they will present the spear.
This time, Kache Marpo entered and he carries his spear. Upon entering Chojela, Kache Marpo came off his throne to make body, speech and mind offerings to me as the head Spiritual Advisor and lama of Kechara House.
Kache Marpo offers a mandala, and body, speech and mind offerings to me, as the head Spiritual Advisor of Kechara.
I am so glad to have met with Kache Marpo again. On countless occasions, Dorje Shugden through Kache Marpo has given me invaluable advice for which I am immensely grateful.
After I accepted Kache Marpo’s body, speech and mind offerings, Kache Marpo walked around our prayer hall to bless the statues. Here he is offering a khata and rice onto Buddha Shakyamuni.
Kache Marpo also kindly blessed all of the statues and images that the trance attendees had brought with them.
Kache Marpo patiently and kindly blessed every single attendee, and gave them a blessed Protector string and rice. This rice is extremely powerful and offers great protection during times of trouble and mental instability.
It took Kache Marpo over an hour to bless everyone in Wisdom Hall.
Kache Marpo said he wished to give a Dharma talk to everyone present and asked me to translate which I was greatly honoured to accept.
Translating for Kache Marpo. He even mentioned to me that since we were the only ones there who spoke Tibetan, he would need me to translate for him. Imagine that I had the honour to translate for Kache Marpo himself!
Kache Marpo stayed for an hour to give a Dharma teaching which was simple, relevant and easy to understand for the many new people who came to witness the trance.
Before Kache Marpo left, he offered me some words of encouragement and advice.
After staying with us for so long, Kache Marpo left Chojela’s body.
After Kache Marpo left Chojela’s body, the trance assistants escorted Chojela away to rest from the trance which was quite stressful on his body. I reiterated to everyone present what Kache Marpo’s message was.
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