Nowadays, Esoteric Buddhism has spread to all corners of the world. It seems as if everybody considers it fashionable to learn the esoteric dharma. Now then, what, after all, is Esoteric Buddhism? Does the aspect of the Buddha-dharma called Esoteric Buddhism actually exist in this world? Some people will surely say, “It is something which spread around Tibet, was handed down from Tibet, and is part of the history of Buddhism. How can you say that it does not exist?” If someone says this, we think that we can retort, “Esoteric Buddhism did not only spread around Tibet and was not only handed down from Tibet. Eastern Esoteric Buddhism spread around Japan and was handed down from Japan. Tang Dynasty Esoteric Buddhism spread around China in ancient times and was handed down from ancient times in China.” We would like to point out that just because something has spread around and has been handed down, this does not mean that it is valid. We must look at its substance. What is its original nature? Is it true or is it false? Take, for example, the Great Perfection of transforming into the rainbow body as part of the Supreme Yoga, the Five Groups of Inner Esoteric Initiation, etc., which are explained in the ten classic esoteric texts. One can now find books which introduce such dharma in libraries and book stores. However, can it be said that these books truly represent Esoteric Buddhism? Do they truly contain the esoteric dharma? People say that the Gatuo Temple has produced thousands of Great Lamas who are able to transform into the rainbow body. Why is it, then, that up until the present time nobody has seen even one of them transform into the rainbow body? It is for these reasons that we ask what, after all, is Esoteric Buddhism? This question is especially relevant in our present time when there are so many Rinpoches who are constantly talking about initiating people and transmitting to them great dharma. Today, a certain Rinpoche arrives and the media gives him enormous coverage. Tomorrow another Rinpoche arrives and this too creates quite a stir. It is worthwhile for all of us to ponder what is really behind all of this! Can it be said that they are true Rinpoches?
The above described conditions reminded us of why Master Tsongkhapa of the Gelupa Sect set out to restore strict observance of the precepts and discipline. Formerly, Master Padmasambhava, Master Marpa, Master Selfless Mother and others transmitted the true and correct esoteric dharma of the Tathagata. However, due to the passage of a considerable period of time wherein there were omissions and mistakes in the transmission of the dharma from one generation to the next, the original dharma changed. Therefore, what has been passed down is quite different from the original quality of the Buddha-dharma! Simply put, after the passage of a long period of time, the original Buddha-dharma deteriorated. Although many years have passed since Master Tsongkhapa corrected the disciplinary rules, isn’t it still worthwhile for us to deeply reflect upon the correct practice of these disciplinary rules?
In order to make clear to all the original qualities of Esoteric Buddhism, our group spent a great deal of time collecting a great deal of material, reading books on Buddhist history, interviewing numerous people of great virtue and consulting all kinds of other relevant sources of information. Finally, we found the answer to the question of whether or not true Esoteric Buddhism exists in today’s world.
There are two aspects pointing to the non-existence of true Esoteric Buddhism. First, there are those who are successors of certain lineages within Esoteric Buddhism, but the dharma passed down to them omits the original qualities of the esoteric dharma. Even some Rinpoches and Dharma Teachers listed in this book fall into this category. They, like others, do not possess the skills, state of realization, and the power to conduct Inner Esoteric Initiations which they must possess according to the dharma of Esoteric Buddhism.
The second aspect illustrates a terrible development. That is, there are Buddhists who only have a superficial knowledge of the Buddha-dharma yet falsely claim to be Rinpoches. They are charlatans. Almost all esoteric Buddhist circles around the world today are filled with these two types of people. These are aspects which point to the non-existence of true Esoteric Buddhism in the world today.
With respect to the existence of Esoteric Buddhism, we are referring to the fact that the true esoteric dharma does indeed still remain on this planet. There are successors within Esoteric Buddhism who have indeed completely inherited the true dharma of Master Padmasambhava, Master Marpa and others! Yet there is a problem of great concern. Out of ten thousand Rinpoches, it is difficult to find even one of these people. Additionally, they do not care about fame or gain. Furthermore, in this Dharma Ending Age we live in, living beings do not have the good fortune to come into contact with the true esoteric dharma since these true successors live in seclusion. Even if one were to discover their names, one would still be unable to meet them.
Our group is quite fortunate. We finally found Elder Monk Dorje Losang who is a true Holy One on the level of a Dharma King. We can only use one sentence to summarize his accomplishments: We have seen that he possesses the original, true and correct esoteric dharma handed down by Master Padmasambhava and Master Marpa! Unfortunately, he does not make himself freely available to people of the world. His Master, who is even more famous, is nevertheless even harder to meet. This is truly unfortunate for living beings and is a cause of great concern.
The Elder Monk said, “This situation has been brought about by the collective karma of living beings! I met the 17th Karmapa Ugyen Trinley Dorje. Basically, I just remained silent at the time. He walked to my side and had a picture taken with me. I did not have any expression on my face. He looked me over a few times. Although I did not directly look at him, I know that he is very kind and compassionate and that he deeply cares about the liberation of living beings. However, what can a humble monk such as myself do? Everything is a matter of cause and effect. The Buddha’s Tripitaka explained such things a long time ago. I think everybody knows – we are living in the Dharma Ending Age. Although the 17th Karmapa and I were together a long time, during the entire process I only said the following few sentences: ‘You should find the teachings of Great Dharma King Yangwo Yisinubu and Ah Wang Nuo Bu Pa Mu. That is all. Wobamei!’ ”
The records contained in this book are entirely true. We went through many twists and turns and performed many difficult tasks before we were able to succeed in making this book public to the world. During this time period, it just so happened that the Holy Elder Monk Dorje Losang Dharma King turned ninety years old. Only after various Rinpoches and Lamas who came to celebrate his birthday devoutly entreated him to publish this book, did the Elder Dharma King approve of this material being used for internal reference purposes only. However, in order that living beings may understand the original nature of the truly great dharma of Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism, after careful consideration, a few Rinpoches decided to distribute this book to the general public.
What is recorded in this book are the true deeds of Elder Dharma King Dorje Losang and the states of realization he attained through cultivation. Before introducing the Dharma King, we wanted to explain the different levels of the Tibetan Esoteric Buddha-dharma and the differences between various positions and titles. Therefore, as an introductory part of this book, we have cited the titles and spiritual rankings of some Dharma Kings and Rinpoches of Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism. Since this book focuses upon introducing the spiritual achievements of Elder Dharma King Dorje Losang, we have only slightly mentioned other Rinpoches and will not provide any detailed descriptions of them.
As soon as we mention the words Great Dharma King, Elder Dharma King, or anything related to Dharma King, many cultivators will say, “Dharma King? I have met a few of them. I am very knowledgeable about this. So-and-so and so-and-so are Dharma Kings. Dharma King so-and-so even performed an initiation for me.” Anyone who thinks in this way is quite mistaken. Such way of thinking is far off the mark. The person we will now describe to you is not a Dharma King of a certain sect with whom you may already be familiar. Rather, he is Elder Dharma King Dorje Losang – an amazing, eminent Master who has attained the position of a true Dharma King. We can tell everybody clearly and unequivocally that those who are so-called Dharma Kings, those who have an undeserved reputation as a Dharma King, can definitely not match his high state of realization. Those who are Great Rinpoches or Rinpoches cannot even be mentioned in the same breath with him. To compare him with those Chinese monks or great monks of Exoteric Buddhism is like comparing an elementary school student with a university professor! Elder Dharma King Dorje Losang was evaluated by the National Teacher and Eminent Monk Evaluation Committee within the World Buddhism Correct Dharma Association and has been universally acknowledged as a present day international Dharma King at the fourth dharma wheel level. Those who have attained the status of Dharma King at the fourth dharma wheel level generally include the following few individuals: Dorje Losang, Panchen [Lama], Dalai [Lama], Karmapa, Chiming Trison Detsen, Dudjom, and Dilgo Khyentse. Those who have attained the state of realization of a Dharma King at the fifth dharma wheel level have been Shakyamuni [Buddha], Master Padmasambhava, Master Marpa, Master Tsongkhapa, Master Selfless Mother, Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, etc. Now, let us have a brief look who, generally speaking, can truly be called a Holy Dharma King or Rinpoche within Esoteric Buddhism.
As a result of the propagation of the Buddha-dharma in this earthly realm, there has arisen several dozen different sects. These sects reflect the differences in the innate capacities of people and are of varying levels, yet they were all formed to liberate living beings. This shows the wonderful and adaptable nature of the dharma taught by the Buddhas. The esoteric dharma taught in this world is a high and deep Buddha-dharma. As for the esoteric dharma, Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism can be called the perfect path. Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism is especially broad and profound. Multitudes of people deeply respect Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism and acclaim it as the acme of perfection! Other schools cannot compare with Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism with respect to the amount of practitioners who have attained liberation and whose accomplishments can be seen in this very lifetime.
The great Masters of Esoteric Buddhism are called by the special name Dharma King and they are the highest leaders. Next in rank are Great Rinpoches, Geshes, Khenpos, Great Dharma Teachers, etc. This is the sequence of positions. Hence, the most highly virtuous are laurelled with the titles of Yisinubu, Dabanzhida, Dadedengba, Khutuktu, Rinpoche, Ningboche, and Zhugu. We will now list some of these great masters. The order of the names listed does not indicate their respective rankings. As for ancient Dharma Kings, there was Master Padmasambhava [8th century], Master Marpa [1012-1097], Master Selfless Mother, Master Milarepa [1052-1135], Master Gampopa [1079-1153], Great Dharma King Dusongchienba [Dusum Chenpa 1110-1193], Master Tsonkhapa [1357-1419], Sachiengongganingbo [Sanchan Gunga Nyingpo 1092-1158], etc. As for the present age, there is Master Pobangge [Pabongka Rinpoche 1878-1941], Master Chiming Trison Detsen, Lcanskya Khutuktu [Lozang Chockyi, 1st Pachen Lama 1567-1662], Master Zongsa-jiangyang-chinzhe-wangbo [Jamyang Khyentze Wangpo 1820-1892], Master Jianggong-nawangleiba [Jamgon Kontrul 1811-1899], Master Nawangluozhenxuenbien [Ngagwang Lozang Gyatso, the 5th Dalai Lama 1617-1682], Master Chiujiluozhuo, the 10th Panchen Master [Lama 1937-1989], Dudjur Rinpoche [Dudjom RInpoche 1904-1987], Dilgo Khyentse [1910-1991], Great Dharma King Yangwo Yisinubu, Female Dharma King Ah Wang Nuo Bu Pa Mu, Elder Dharma King Dorje Losang, etc. All of those who possess undeserved influence and undeserved reputations and who lack the state of realization of a true Dharma King will not be listed in this book. All of the above listed Masters are Dharma Kings which means that they are the highest leader of a sect.
Now then, which people are Great Rinpoches? Riguwenbo Rinpoche, Gongga Rinpoche, Nuola Rinpoche, Dongben Rinpoche, Langzhao Rinpoche, Jiangba Geshe, Ah Wang Khenpo, Gamapubafajian Rinpoche, Gama dege jiangtsuo xila Rinpoche, Gamadundzengzhuoga Rinpoche, Kangchin Rinpoche, Jianggongkangtse Rinpoche, Ningchang Rinpoche, Chijiang Rinpoche, Galu [Kalu] Rinpoche, Yangdzongdawa Rinpoche (female), Gamayangdzong Rinpoche (female), Ahkounamo Rinpoche (female), Sangbaluozhu Rinpoche, Yangwo Henggong Yisi Rinpoche, Luosanggadannuobu Rinpoche, Dadzanzhuoma Rinpoche (female), Gesang Rinpoche, Rezhen Rinpoche, Renchinchangjue Rinpoche, Gadu Rinpoche, Mozha Rinpoche, Pabalagelielangjie, Ahjia Khutuktu, Luosang Zhenzhu Geshe, Yanlong Rinpoche who is the true reincarnation of Jinmei pengtsuo, Yangwo Jinba Rinpoche (female), Jinmei-pengtsuo Rinpoche who is the Master who taught the Dalai Lama the Hevajra Tantra, Beiruo Rinpoche, Zhujing Rinpoche, Kangsa Rinpoche, Ganzhuerwa Rinpoche, Hsiama Rinpoche, Taihsidu Rinpoche, Jiacha Rinpoche, Chuanggu Rinpoche, Hsi Jao Ken Teng Rinpoche, Hengsheng Rinpoche, Hengsinchiatso Rinpoche, Ningmajiatsuo Rinpoche, Dzongsa-jiangyang-chinzhe Rinpoche, Jiangyang-chinzhe-yihsi Rinpoche, Bodiwentu Rinpoche, Dachin Rinpoche, Ludingkan Rinpoche, Kanbuahbei Rinpoche, Tinglienuobu Rinpoche, Tachien Rinpoche, Jiahsituku Rinpoche, Sajiatsuijin Rinpoche, Tianga Rinpoche, Gawang Rinpoche, Dzongnan-jiachu Rinpoche, Jiedzunbo Rinpoche (female), Tali Rinpoche, Beiluchinzhe Rinpoche, Anyang Rinpoche, Jiga Rinpoche, Suopa Rinpoche, Tianjin Rinpoche, Zhigongjianggongchedzan Rinpoche, Minglintsuichin Rinpoche, Boka Rinpoche, Badou Rinpoche, Tuduo Rinpoche, Dechinnaozhu Rinpoche, Baimagesang Rinpoche, Luosangjiatsuo Rinpoche, Chingpingjiangtsuo Rinpoche, etc.
All of these Rinpoches belong to subsects within the four major sects of Esoteric Buddhism. Thus, they can only be called Great Rinpoches or Rinpoches of these subsects. There are those who call four certain people, one of them being Taihsidu, as the Four Great Dharma Sons. For example, Beinuo Rinpoche of the Nyingma Sect and leader of the White Jade Sect is not the leader of the entire Nyingma Sect because the White Jade Sect is only one of the six great temples. How terrible it would be if the leaders of the other five great temples were all called Dharma Kings! Therefore, Beinuo Rinpoche is only the leader of the White Jade Sect. He can only be classified as a Dharma King of a subsect and his status is only that of a Great Rinpoche. Worldly people often mislabel other people. Since they do not understand the principles of the dharma they indiscreetly heap laurels on these leaders of subsects by calling them Great Dharma Kings.They should be called Subsect Dharma Kings. We therefore absolutely must not mix up the positions of Great Rinpoche and Great Dharma King. Also, small Rinpoches cannot be compared to Great Rinpoches.
The above mentioned Rinpoches are part of the various lineages within Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism. The depth of their states of realization vary considerably. Actually, there are many Dharma Teachers in the areas inhabited by Chinese people who possess the qualifications of a Rinpoche. It is simply that due to the constraints of tradition, they have not been verified as Rinpoches. This would include Dharma Teacher Hui Neng, Dharma Teacher Han Shan, Jinanghsi Madzu, Hunan Shitou, Dharma Teacher Hsuandzang, Dharma Teacher Kueiji, Precept Teacher Daohsuan, Dharma Teacher Daokuei, National Teacher Wuda, Master Yinguang, Dharma Teacher Hsuyun, Dharma Teacher Fadzun, Dharma Teacher Judzan, Dharma Teacher Taihsu, Dharma Teacher Nenghai, etc. These people are all great practitioners who meet the status of a Rinpoche.
Those in the modern age who can be called eminent monks or nuns or people of high virtue yet who do not have the title of Rinpoche include Dharma Teacher Bianneng, Dharma Teacher Zhengguo, Dharma Teacher Tsihang, Dharma Teacher Huiming, Dharma Teacher Mingyang, Dharma Teacher Zhenchan, Dharma Teacher Chingding, Dharma Teacher Miaoshan, Dharma Teacher Guangchin, Dharma Teacher Wuming, Dharma Teacher Haolin, Dharma Teacher Longgen, Dharma Teacher Yinshun, Dharma Teacher Yonghsing, Dharma Teacher Rueijin, Dharma Teacher Jinming, Dharma Teacher Haolin, Dharma Teacher Longlian, Dharma Teacher Dayeou, Dharma Teacher Weiren, Layman Ou-Yang Jing Wu, Layman Yuan Hua-Hsien, Layman Wang Zhi-Ping, Layman Zhao Pu-Chu, Layman Huang Huei-Bang, etc. All of these people are incarnations of Arahants or Bodhisattvas.
Due to the limited length of this book and since the primary purpose of this book is to introduce the holy deeds of Elder Dharma King Dorje Losang, the above mentioned people are only some of the Dharma Kings, Rinpoches, Dharma Teachers, eminent monks and nuns and people of high virtue. They are listed as examples. We cannot list by name all of the people in these categories one by one. However, this does not mean that those who were not listed are not eminent monks or nuns or people of high virtue. Hence, please forgive us for all careless omissions.
Perhaps some Rinpoches will object to the above classifications in that they claim to have reached the position of Dharma King. We therefore asked a true Dharma King, Dorje Losang to clarify this issue. The Elder Dharma King said, “If it is true that they are Dharma Kings after all, then this problem is not difficult to solve. They should place an empty dharma bowl in front of everybody and then practice the dharma to invite the Buddhas to bestow nectar from the sky. If any of them can cause the Buddhas to bestow true nectar within one hour, I will ask Great Dharma King Yangwo Yisinubu to recognize that person’s status as a Dharma King. Seeing me here sitting on this Dharma King throne, you should not think that I am anything great. Actually, I am quite ashamed. I am just an ordinary person, on an equal footing with all other living beings. I am therefore not qualified to accept any offerings from my disciples. How can I dare claim to be a Dharma King? Whoever is a Dharma King is my Master. I should show my respect toward them. Yet there is something which I must tell you. I am referring to true Dharma Kings. If you can successfully invite the Buddhas to bestow nectar in front of me, then I, Dorje Losang, would not dare to not recognize you as being qualified to be my Master.” Elder Dharma King Dorje Losang gave this clear and correct response.
Nowadays, many so-called Dharma Kings and Great Rinpoches claim that they are metamorphic bodies of Kuan Yin Bodhisattva, Manjushri, Samantabhadra or a certain Vajra Bodhisattva in order to justify their status. Actually, such claims are totally empty since they are ordinary people claiming to be holy. They are committing a most serious offense. Such impure conduct is insulting to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. The most essential thing to consider when differentiating true Dharma Kings from false ones is the following: Can the person who claims to be a Dharma King or Great Bodhisattva place an empty bowl in front of everybody, exhibit his or her supernormal powers and cause the Buddhas to bestow true nectar from the sky? Can this person do this in front of other people so that they see all of this with their own eyes? Does the shape of the nectar bestowed show that it is not a product of the human realm? These are the tests which show whether or not the person is a Dharma King who is the incarnation of a Holy One or a Great Bodhisattva who has come to this world in response to its needs.
A great number of people in this world claim to be Dharma Kings. This one says that he is and that one says that he is. Those who claim to be Rinpoches are even more numerous. Now then, who is the most outstanding leader? To the best of my knowledge, at the present time in this earthly realm, it would be Great Dharma King Yangwo Yisinubu and Female Dharma King Ah Wang Nuo Bu Pa Mu. Based upon real verification, up to this present time, only those two possess the skills of a true Dharma King. Many highly virtuous people follow Dharma King Yangwo and are at his side. They truly saw that he has mastered both the exoteric and esoteric dharma, that he has mastered all of the Five Vidyas to an astonishing and unsurpassed degree, and that he indeed can take an empty dharma bowl and in front of everybody use his supreme supernormal powers to successfully invite the Buddhas to bestow true nectar from the sky. Female Dharma King Ah Wang Nuo Bu Pa Mu conducted a few Nectar Great Dharma Assemblies in California, USA. A number of Rinpoches saw with their own eyes the wonderful scene of the Buddhas congregating in the sky and bestowing nectar. In order to prove the true nature of this magnificent and holy sight, those Rinpoches in attendance took oaths of truth on the spot. They did this to show the true nature of the supreme esoteric dharma.
One of the Great Rinpoches in attendance said, “Great Dharma King Yangwo Yisinubu and Female Dharma King Ah Wang Nuo Bu Pa Mu possess the merit and the true skills of a Dharma King as were exhibited here today. I have yet to see anyone else in today’s world who claims to be Dharma King who also possesses such merit and skills.” The Great Rinpoche also said, “Great Dharma King Yangwo and Ah Wang Nuo Bu Pa Mu have been sacred family members from beginningless time. In this lifetime they have not yet met each other. However, the conditions for their meeting each other will soon mature. When they get together they will together exhibit Esoteric Buddhism’s great dharma of the Tathagata. It will be so wonderful. There will be no words to describe it. We Rinpoches and other practitioners very much hope that they will meet each other soon!
“On one occasion, I accompanied Elder Dharma King Dorje Losang to respectfully listen to the lecture tapes of Ah Wang Nuo Bu Pa Mu. Just at that time, Great Dharma King Yangwo Yisinubu was in front of the dharma platform. The Great Dharma King had not spoken for more than five minutes when the entire body of the Great Dharma King began to slowly emanate Buddha Light which was the same as that emanated by the Buddhas. This light blended and integrated with the body of the Great Dharma King. Virtuous practitioners who went toward the front area would be enveloped in the Dharma King’s Buddha Light. Which Dharma King can exhibit such a sacred state? After the Dharma Assembly I watched the videotape with members of the Dharma Videotape Group. It was the exact same as that which I saw live. After obtaining their approval, I respectfully accepted a copy of the entire videotape. However, Great Dharma King Yangwo is aloof from the world. Ordinary practitioners do not know his whereabouts and therefore cannot get close to him. Now the Elder Dharma King Dorje Losang can openly display such true merit.”
The Elder Dharma King of Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism is the incarnation of the Venerable Vimala-prabha and he has come to this world in response to its needs. He had the opportunity to personally receive teachings on the esoteric dharma from Great Dharma King Yangwo Yisinubu. He received the highest empowerment by way of the Buddha of Long Life bestowing nectar for him. His future spiritual accomplishments were prophesied by Vajravarahi. Thus, his state of realization and virtue is astonishingly high! Those Dharma Kings who simply speak of empty theories definitely cannot even be mentioned in the same breath with the Elder Dharma King.
The status of Dharma King Dorje Losang is amongst the highest. In his early years he stayed at the Dzongsa Temple. At that time Dilgo Khyentse, who was the Dharma King of the Red School and was also known as Shamei Zhugu, relied upon Dorje Losang to learn the Puba Inner Initiation. A Dharma King such as Dilgo Khyentse had many disciples who were Rinpoches. Yet even a Dharma King at this level was the disciple of Dorje Losang. One can imagine how high the position of the Elder Dharma King was and is. Beinuo and Jinmeipengtsuo of the modern age were successors to the Dharma King position of Dilgo Khyentse. Therefore, Elder Dharma King Dorje Losang is not an ordinary Dharma King. Of course, we are not saying here that these Rinpoches who were successors do not have any true spiritual achievements. Yet, states of realization are states of realization and dharma status is dharma status. What we mean here is that these few Rinpoches were successors. Nevertheless, this does not mean that the level of their spiritual achievement was either high or low.
All Great Rinpoches who were initiated or empowered by Elder Dharma King Dorje Losang and who were also taught the dharma by him have great supernormal powers. Many holy sights appeared at the places where the Dharma King propagated the dharma. Red and white sharira fell from his mouth, his body, the place where he sat or from the sky. Sometimes when he was teaching the dharma at the Buddhist altar, more than ten thousand sharira would fall from the sky or would well up from the ground. On one occasion, some disciples gathered together all of these sharira into a package. After they returned home and opened the package, they saw that all of the sharira had turned into hair.
After these disciples respectfully worshipped these hairs, the hairs retransformed into red and white sharira on different dates.
With respect to these occurrences, the Elder Dharma King said, “It is nothing. Successfully inviting the Buddhas to bestow true nectar from the sky is the exhibition of the true Buddha dharma. One with such ability is a Dharma King. Do not become an ignorant person. Other people say that so-and-so Rinpoche is a Dharma King. Everybody then agrees. You also follow along and call such person a Dharma King. You must understand that those without true achievement are not true Dharma Kings!”
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