Nechung, the Chief State Oracle of Tibet
Nechung, the Chief State Oracle, Nechung Monastery and Deyang Monastery have a very special connection and great significance in the Culture and History of Tibet. It is important to realize the entire scope of the relationship between these institutions and protective entities.
Nechung refers to the Dharma Protector and the Chief Tibetan Oracle, as well as the Monastery.
This Nechung Protector is related to the emanations of the Five Wisdom Buddha Families and their corresponding principles of Body, Speech, Mind, Qualities and Activities.
Pehar, the King of Activity is often considered to be the Chief of these five Nechung Protectors.
The Nechung Oracle, Dorje Drakden, is the Emissary of the Five Kings, primarily an emanation of the King of Speech.
He is the actual presence that speaks through the Nechung Medium.
His manifestation is similar to a wise elder and has a wrathful persona of an ancient Lord.
He speaks in poetic verse, and in symbolic actions.
When in trance, the Medium is dressed in the ceremonial garb of ancient times. He is consulted only by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Ministers of State, and high Lamas with questions on important issues.
In the 8th century AD, during the time of the King Tritsong Deutsan and the early founding of Buddhism in Tibet, the Indian Buddhist Master, Guru Padmasambhava appointed Pehar to be Chief Protector of Buddhism and Tibet. Since then, there have been a succession of monks who have served as the Medium for the State Oracle.
A large number of Tibetans have lived in exile since Tibet’s full occupation in 1959 by Communist China.
At that time, it was based on the advice and assistance of the Oracle that H.H. the Dalai Lama, His family and Tutors accomplished a safe passage out of Tibet into India.
Reliant upon the help of the Nechung Oracle, many Tibetans, and great lamas were able to escape, providing the impetus to support H.H. the Dalai Lama’s reestablishing the Tibetan Culture, Religion and Government in Exile.
The Oracle offers protection and Healing of the Earth and all Sentient beings. There are many instances of how the Nechung Oracle manifests his powers in the physical world.
