Tibetan Tantric buddhism Dharma

Dorje Shugden

Dorje Shugden

Dorje Shugden is a Sambhogakaya figure practiced as a protector by certain Gelug sects. Most sects treat him as a hostile deity, a demon.

Dorje Shugden

Central Entity:

  • Dorje Shugden (also known as Dolgyal Shugden)

Description

  • A controversial figure in Tibetan Buddhism, considered a protective deity by some and a harmful spirit by others.

Properties

  • Origin: Emerged in the 17th century within the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism.
  • Depiction: Often portrayed as a wrathful deity with three faces and six arms.

Relationships

  • Followers: Primarily supported by some sections of the Gelug school, particularly the rival lineage of the powerful lay patron of the Fifth Dalai Lama, the Panchen Lama.
  • Opponents: The current Dalai Lama, the 14th, and the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) officially consider Dorje Shugden a harmful spirit and discourage its worship.

Controversies:

  • Accused of being involved in the assassination of the 13th Dalai Lama, a claim highly contested by supporters.
  • Seen by the CTA as an obstacle to Tibetan unity and a tool used by the Chinese government to undermine the Dalai Lama’s authority.

Additional Information:

  • The worship of Dorje Shugden remains a divisive issue within Tibetan Buddhism, with strong opinions on both sides.
  • The Dalai Lama has repeatedly emphasized the importance of religious tolerance and discouraged any actions that could harm interfaith harmony.

It is important to note that the information presented here is based on various sources and perspectives, and the portrayal of Dorje Shugden can vary significantly depending on the source.