KECHARA

48 FEATURES • DORJE SHUGDEN
in Sutra practices by encouraging
Dharma learning and discipline in
order to achieve Enlightenment.
THE NINE MOTHERS
They help Dorje Shugden’s
faithful practitioners in their
tantric practices. These kind
Mothers also have the power to
control the four elements (earth,
water, fire and wind) and the five
senses (sight, hearing, smell,
touch and taste).
THE 10 YOUTHFUL AND
WRATHFUL ASSISTANTS
They are representatives from
10 different parts of the world,
a sign that Dorje Shugden’s
practice will spread everywhere.
These wrathful deities help
practitioners overcome hurdles
and guide them on the right path
in their daily worldly activities.
KACHE MARPO
He is the main attendant of
Dorje Shugden and is of the
same mindstream as Hayagriva,
who is an emanation of Buddha
Avalokiteshvara. Kache Marpo is
considered a Dharma Protector
in his own right.
NAMKA BARZIN
Having joined Dorje Shugden’s
entourage only approximately 75
years ago, he is its newest member.
Namka Barzin was a Mongolian
Geshe who died suddenly
and developed wrath from his
sudden, unexpected death. In
order to utilise this wrath for the
benefit of all sentient beings,
he was subdued by Domo
Geshe Rinpoche and invited to
be a part of Dorje Shugden’s
entourage. He is also a Dharma
Protector in his own right but he
is unenlightened.
THE POWERFUL
PRACTICE OF
DORJE SHUGDEN
THE BENEFITS
Dorje Shugden offers a special
type of protection day and
night. His practice protects us
from worldly dangers, helps
us develop our skillful means,
wisdom and great compassion
(Bodhicitta), and removes all our
obstacles.
FOR SPIRITUAL PRACTICE
He clears obstacles and brings
us all the suitable conditions,
resources and support to have a
successful and fulfilling practice.
He clears the way for us to gain
attainment, peace and wisdom,
so we can improve our lives.
FOR HEALTH
He brings healing to the body,
mind and spirit.
FOR PROTECTION
He shields us from disturbing
spirits, negative energies and
black magic.
FOR BUSINESS
He clears obstacles and brings
wealth.
FOR STUDENTS
He increases memory and
intelligence.
FOR TRAVEL
He protects us from harm and
dangers.
HOW TO RELY ON
DORJE SHUGDEN
There are two ways to rely upon
Dorje Shugden: in thought and in
deeds. If we recognise that Dorje
Shugden is the embodiment
of the Three Jewels (the
Buddha, Dharma and Sangha),
if we remember his kindness in
protecting and preserving the
Buddhadharma, if we recall how
he eliminates obstacles and
gathers the necessary conditions
for Dharma practitioners, and
if, with deep faith, we develop
respect for him and hold these
special feelings continually, we
are relying upon Dorje Shugden
in thoughts.
With deep faith and conviction in
Dorje Shugden, we can recite his
mantra and perform his puja while
making offerings to him daily. We
study the Lamrim, mind training
teachings and so forth and we
engage in retreats of Lama
Tsongkhapa and Dorje Shugden.
We abandon non-virtuous action
and increase our virtuous deeds.
Also, if we have a Guru, we should
maintain our spiritual bond with
our Guru and if we have vows
and commitments that have
been given to us by our Guru, we
should uphold them and repair
our broken commitments. Last
of all, we surround ourselves with
spiritual friends who support our
practice or the very least, they
do not lead us away from the
Dharma. Whenever we engage in
any of these deeds with faith, we
are relying upon Dorje Shugden
in deed.