KECHARA

50 FEATURES • DORJE SHUGDEN
NAGARJUNA –
GUARDIAN OF PERFECTION WISDOM
profound teachings on wisdom,
which is also known as the
emptiness of inherent existence.
This text is also studied in the
Gelug monasteries under subject
of ‘Parchin’ and monks would go
over the commentaries of specific
masters to gain an understanding
on this subject matter, which
is later utilised in debate and
meditation. Thus, it is imperative
to learn more about Nagarjuna
and this scripture, which is crucial
to the practice of Buddhism.
WHO WAS NAGARJUNA?
The first half of his name – ‘Naga’
was derived from his connection
with serpentine beings. The
second half of his name – ‘Arjuna’
– was given to him because of
the precise manner in which he
delivered his teachings, likened
to the famous archer of the
same name in the Hindu epic,
Bhagavad-Gita. Thus with both
names, he became known as
Nagarjuna.
It is interesting to note that in the
practice of Mahayana Buddhism,
especially in Tibetan Buddhism
known popularly as Vajrayana,
the role of Dharma Protectors are
given both high credibility and
credence as a form of practice
that is able to protect you on
your journey to enlightenment.
It is clearly stated in the writings
of Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche
that Dorje Shugden is a unique
protector ascended to guard the
teachings of Lama Tsongkhapa
specifically on Nagarjuna’s
development of the philosophy
of the Prajnaparamita Sutra or the
Perfection of Wisdom Sutra as
interpreted by Lama Tsongkhapa.
The Perfection of Wisdom Sutra
contains the Buddha’s most
After the Buddha’s passing,
Arya Nagarjuna became
one of the main pioneers of
Mahayana Buddhism in India.
He is considered one of the
most important Indian scholars
after the time of the Buddha.
From Nagarjuna, the lineage
of teachings on wisdom or the
profound view of emptiness
descended based upon the
Perfection of Wisdom Sutra
that was recovered from the
mystical land of the nagas.
Before Nagarjuna’s birth, there
were numerous predictions of