Panchen Lama sungbum
Dear friends around the world,
I am delighted to present you with another precious text, His Holiness the 10th Panchen Lama’s sungbum (or collected works). Historically, the Panchen Lama was second only to the Dalai Lama in spiritual authority within the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. In fact, spiritually the Panchen Lama is on par with the Dalai Lama.
The 10th Panchen Lama was believed to be the emanation of Buddha Amitabha. He was a great patron of Tibetan language, arts, culture, history, religion, scriptures, ancient texts, traditions and a scholar of Buddhism himself. When he gave public discourses, hundreds of thousands would attend.
Contained within this sungbum is prayers to Dorje Shugden, titled Manjunatha’s (Tsongkapa) Lineage protector Dorje Shugden and five forms wrathful propitiations and confessional prayers and fulfilment of activities rites. This text is also known as Melodious sound of Accomplishment of the Four Activities. It was composed at the request of Acharya Lobsang Jangchub and contains the abbreviated form of Dorje Shugden’s Kangsol.
Upon completing this prayer text, the 10th Panchen Lama personally saw auspicious signs and had strong feelings that Dorje Shugden has been working hard to protect the Buddha Dharma in general and especially the lineage of Lama Tsongkhapa. The Panchen Lama signed off this composition with both his official name and his ordination name to endorse the validity of this piece of work. Until today, this prayer text is used in Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, the Panchen Lama’s traditional seat.
His Holiness the 10th Panchen Lama was dedicated to Dorje Shugden till the end of his life. A lama of his caliber, attainments, authority and learning certainly can be relied upon to compose special texts, such as this precious prayer to Dorje Shugden.
The text is shared here with all of you. You can print this precious text and put it on your altar as the representation of Buddha’s speech. You can also print out to offer your teacher or friends. May all beings come under the care, protection and blessings of Dorje Shugden in this and future lives. May you be blessed by this powerful composition by His Holiness Panchen Lama propitiating the compassionate Dorje Shugden.
