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The Unreliability of the Nechung Oracle

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9 years ago

January 19, 2016

Dorje Metok

Top image caption: Nechung Dorje Drayangling Monastery is not far from Drepung Monastery in Tibet

The Nechung oracle is the state oracle of Tibet. The governing council of Tibet and the Dalai Lama consult him on all matters of state. Usually, it is the chief minister of the Dharma Protector Pehar by the name of Dorje Drakden who takes possession of the oracle and acts as the mouthpiece for Pehar.

The Horpas, an ethnic group that lived east of the Kokonor Lake, originally worshiped Pehar. According to oral tradition, this deity was one of the many deities and powerful spirits that challenged Guru Padmasambhava when he first came to Tibet. Consequently, he was subjugated and sworn to protect the Dharma. According to another source, a Bön (indigenous shamanistic tradition of Tibet) general by the name of Tara Lugong brought back the worship of this deity when he seized a meditational center near Kanchow of the Bhata Hor, a tribe of Uighurs, towards the end of the 8th century CE.

A thangka representation of Nechung Pehar

Pehar was the protector of Samye Monastery and also a protector of the Dharma in general. During the time of the Fifth Dalai Lama (1642-1682), the worship of Pehar first moved from Samye to Tse Gungtang and then to the present site of Nechung Monastery. At Tse Gungtang, Pehar was believed to have started a fire at a monastery. This angered a powerful high lama there who, using his meditational powers, captured Pehar in a box and threw him in a river.

This box floated westwards into the vicinity of Drepung Monastery, where an abbot requested an attendant to retrieve it. While the attendant was carrying the box back to the monastery, he opened the box out of curiosity. Pehar, in the form of a bird, escaped and perched upon a nearby tree before disappearing. It was around this tree that a chapel was later built to Pehar. The Fifth Dalai Lama expanded this chapel which later became known as Nechung Monastery. Then, he installed the Nechung oracle as the state oracle of Tibet.

In spite of holding the respected position of state oracle, the Nechung oracle over the centuries has been beset with numerous controversies. Hence, many high lamas both in the past and today refuse to consult the Nechung oracle even on the smallest of matters as this oracle has been proven to give inaccurate pronouncements and prophecies over the years.

During the time of the Fifth Dalai Lama

A statue of Dorje Shugden riding on a horse that was believed to have been made by the Fifth Dalai Lama

It is generally believed that the current Dorje Shugden ban was substantiated by a long-standing feud that extends back to the time of the Fifth Dalai Lama, who had initially blamed the calamities befalling Lhasa at the time on the spirit of the deceased lama, Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen.

The Fifth Dalai Lama commissioned Nyingma lamas to perform powerful fire pujas to eradicate the ‘spirit’, Dorje Shugden. However, the pujas were ineffective as Dorje Shugden was of the same indestructible nature as Yamantaka. The Dalai Lama realized this and composed a praise to Dorje Shugden, built the shrine Trode Khangsar and crafted statues according to the vision he had of Dorje Shugden. According to the elder monks of Gaden Phelgyeling Monastery, the Fifth Dalai Lama was the one who appointed Dorje Shugden to be the protector of their monastery as well. Thus, whatever issues that might have existed between Dorje Shugden and the Fifth Dalai Lama were resolved. Since then, many Dalai Lama incarnations have arisen with no issues with Dorje Shugden.

During the time of the 13th Dalai Lama

It is believed that issues with Dorje Shugden resurfaced during the time of the 13th Dalai Lama but historical records reveal the truth of the matter – that he merely reshuffled state approval of deities. At that time, Tibetan society was rife with the worship of innumerable deities and oracles. Charlatans had taken advantage of the situation, posing as oracles of make-believe deities and cheating people of money and offerings.

To curb the situation, the 13th Dalai Lama outlawed the worship of a number of such deities and oracles. On the other hand, the Dalai Lama continued to approve of the state oracles of Nechung and Gadong, Dorje Shugden from Trode Khangsar, Tsangpa (believed to be the peaceful aspect of Setrab) and the Tenma oracle from Drepung.

The embalmed holy remains of Domo Geshe Rinpoche Ngawang Kelsang (1866-1936) – the only known image of him

There was a high-ranking police officer for British India by the name of Legden. He was a Sherpa (of Tibetan ethnicity) from Darjeeling, and had maintained special relations with the 13th Dalai Lama. He often traveled to Tibet and was bestowed a high rank by the Dalai Lama for being the founder of the first Tibetan police regiment in Lhasa. On one occasion, he was requested to investigate a money-forgery racket by the Dalai Lama and was successful in arresting several Nepalese men in Calcutta who were involved in this racket. He was also awarded medals of honor by the British government in London for his service in India.

His memoirs include a personal letter from the 13th Dalai Lama thanking him for his service to Tibet, and several gifts including a walking stick. The Dalai Lama also gave him some special sacred items which were to be sent to a modern temple of Dorje Shugden as well as a Guru Rinpoche temple, both founded by Domo Geshe Rinpoche.

The above are some noteworthy anecdotes that confirm the 13th Dalai Lama had actually approved of the worship of Dorje Shugden, contrary to what is disseminated today.

Younghusband British invasion and the demise of the 13th Dalai Lama

The Nechung oracle is infamously linked to the defeat of the Tibetans at the hands of the British expedition in 1904. Prior to this, the Tibetans had taken measures to curb the growing influence of the British in the Sikkim area. On the advice of the Nechung oracle, the Tibetans forcibly occupied a mountain within the influence of the British. The Nechung oracle said that the magical powers emanating from the mountain would fend off the advance of the British troops into Tibet. Needless to say, the British forces recaptured the mountain fairly easily with a feeble resistance from the Tibetans.

Then in 1904, the Younghusband Expeditionary Force began to advance into Central Tibet after a failed negotiation attempt. Colonel Francis Younghusband led the British troops into the Tibetan heartland. The Nechung oracle was invoked and proclaimed that the British army would reach Central Tibet and predicted that the Tibetan army would be victorious. The British did arrive in Lhasa but, unlike Nechung’s prophecy, easily defeated the poorly equipped Tibetans. The Dalai Lama fled the country along with the Nechung oracle. Upon his return when the had British departed, the Nechung oracle was dismissed from his position as the state oracle.

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Expedition leader Col Younghusband (centre) with Captain Hayman (right) and other officers in Tibet in 1903

When the 13th Dalai Lama fell ill, the Nechung oracle was traditionally invoked to advice on the best course of action to heal the Dalai Lama. Towards the end of the 13th Dalai Lama’s days, the Nechung oracle was summoned whereupon he prescribed a certain herbal remedy and prepared the medicine in a cup of water himself.

Witnesses said that the 13th Dalai Lama refused to drink the concoction but the Nechung oracle insisted and literally poured the tonic down the Dalai Lama’s throat. The Dalai Lama’s condition deteriorated after that and he soon lost consciousness and never said another word. It was said that the Dalai Lama was prescribed the wrong medicine for his condition and that was what killed the Dalai Lama.

It is widely believed that, since the time of the 13th Dalai Lama until today, the Nechung oracle has been under the influence of an evil spirit instead of Nechung/Pehar, thus causing much mischief and problems for the Tibetan peoples such as the untimely death of the 13th Dalai Lama. Some believe that a tulku of Nyarong who had become a raging spirit is entering the Nechung oracle. Another source claims that the Nechung oracle is taking trance of a previously deposed oracle. Whatever it is, rumors and controversy have been shadowing the Nechung Oracle ever since, not to mention glaringly wrong predictions and prophecies.

The 14th Dalai Lama’s escape from Tibet

The biography of the 14th Dalai Lama states that, during the tumultuous period of 1959, it was Nechung via his oracle who told the Dalai Lama that it was time to escape from Tibet. However, according to letters and documents from Changtso Lobsang Yeshe, it was in fact a message from Dorje Shugden that prompted the Dalai Lama to begin his flight to India. After the Chinese forces fired two cannon shots at the Potala Palace, Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche had requested Rato Chowar Rinpoche and Kensur Ngawang Dakpa of Sera Mey Monastery to consult the Panglung Oracle about the imminent threat to Tibet.

Changtso Lobsang Yeshe became the main intermediary between Kensur Ngawang Dakpa and Dorje Shugden via the 6th Panglung Oracle because the Chinese were observing Kensur Ngawang Dakpa rather tightly. Thus, it was Changtso Lobsang Yeshe who ended up representing Kensur Ngawang Dakpa at a private audience on this pressing matter with the Protector Dorje Shugden on 10th March 1959 via the 6th Panglung Oracle.

During that period, a sinister Chinese plot to have the Dalai Lama and many other religious leaders arrested and harmed was uncovered. And it was at this crucial juncture that Dorje Shugden gave specific advice for the Dalai Lama to leave Tibet without further delay. Dorje Shugden also specified the exact time and day of departure, the escape route, and also gave further instructions on what to do to ensure a successful escape. Conversely, the Nechung oracle had adviced the Dalai Lama to remain in Tibet.

Thus, the 14th Dalai Lama’s life and the spread of Tibetan Buddhism in the world is attributed to Dorje Shugden and not the Nechung oracle.

How Nechung misled the 14th Dalai Lama

In 1970, the 14th Dalai Lama was still practicing Dorje Shugden, exactly as he had been taught by His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche. It was also widely known that the Dalai Lama had his personal monastery, Namgyal Monastery, perform monthly pujas to Dorje Shugden.

However, around the time when the Dalai Lama was about to receive Dorje Shugden sogtae or life-entrustment initiation from Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, the state oracle took trance and misled him away from the practice with negative counsel about Dorje Shugden. Therefore, it is clear that the Dorje Shugden ban did not start from a vision or meditative realization but was influenced by an external source.

In the 70s before the ban, the Dalai Lama’s private Namgyal Monastery was doing monthly Dorje Shugden pujas

The Dalai Lama had two extraordinary gurus, Kyabje Ling Rinpoche and Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche. Of the two tutors, Kyabje Ling Rinpoche was the ‘father’ and Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche was the ‘mother’. Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche not only gave teachings on the Lamrim and other Dharma topics to the Dalai Lama but also taught everything else he knew from table manners to the proper etiquette expected of a high lama.

In fact, the Dalai Lama has received the most tantric transmissions and Lamrim teachings from Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche. Even Kyabje Ling Rinpoche received the Lamrim teachings from Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche. Thus, whenever the Dalai Lama gives lamrim teachings, he should recite the prayer to solicit the blessings of the lineage masters beforehand, according to tradition. However, due to the Dorje Shugden controversy, Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche and Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche have been omitted from the list of lineage masters. This is a travesty of tradition and lineage – these two great masters are major lineage holders of the Gelugpa tradition and omitting them would mean that the lineage is broken.

Pisu Jola’s Book

Pisu Jola was an educated lay Tibetan man. He sponsored the Dorje Shugden statue in the great prayer hall of Gaden Tsokchen, which was consecrated by the Dalai Lama, the two tutors – Kyabje Ling Rinpoche and Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and other high lamas. However, when the ban on Dorje Shugden began, the Dalai Lama decreed that the statue was to be removed. Thus, the Gaden oracle had the statue placed in his own temple instead.

When Pisu Jola found out about this, he was very disturbed and pleaded with the religious affairs office not to carry out the plan. At that time, Nyingma Lama Kamtrul was the person in charge. Pisu Jola pleaded with him not to do so. He said,

I do not have a very long time to live. I do not want to die in such great disappointment…

In other words, he was very respectful. But the lama responded by admonishing the old man saying,

You stupid old man! If you are afraid of your death, you should listen to the Dalai Lama.

Disheartened by the state of affairs, Pisu Jola decided to write a small but powerful book about the Dorje Shugden issue. Guru Deva Rinpoche sponsored the publication of Pisu Jola’s book. The Central Tibetan Administration were very unhappy when the book began circulating, as it contained many true stories that they wished to suppress. So desperate were they, that the CTA even offered a reward for each copy of Pisu Jola book that was handed over to them!

The Nechung Oracle in full regalia as he takes trance of Dorje Drakden who acts as a mouthpiece for Nechung

So what is all the fuss about? Well, one of the stories in Pisu Jola’s book is the famous story of the circumstances surrounding Kyabje Ling Rinpoche’s passing. When Kyabje Ling Rinpoche was seriously ill, Ling Ladrang (household), Changtzos (assistants) and the Abbot of Sera Mey Monastery at that time requested for an emergency trance with the Nechung oracle in order to consult the Dharma Protector Nechung for a way to heal Ling Rinpoche’s illness.

The paper containing the questions pertaining to Ling Rinpoche’s health was presented to Nechung in trance, who took it, crumpled it into a ball and put it under his buttocks. Nechung then proclaimed that if Ling Rinpoche’s condition improved in three days time, there would be no harm to Ling Rinpoche’s life. Nechung further commented,

Obstacles from the big is put on the head of the small.

This was interpreted to mean that the Dalai Lama’s obstacles (‘big’) were being suffered by Ling Rinpoche (‘small’). This statement got the old Ling Ladrang Changtzo worked up. “How can the Guru be considered the ‘small’ and the student the ‘big’?” the Changtso said.

The Ling Ladrang Changtzo grabbed Nechung in trance by his clothes and scolded Nechung to his face saying,

Every day we offer you liquor, tea and pray to you. And in difficult times like these, you say such things and never help!!!

Nechung left the body of the oracle and never took trance in the presence of the Changtzo again.

The Great Return to Tibet

The Dalai Lama with the Indian beggar girl who claimed to be the incarnation of a Hindu goddess

In more recent times, an Indian beggar girl traveled to Dharamsala a few years ago claiming to be an incarnation of the Hindu goddess Sambhavi. Her parents demanded a private audience with the Dalai Lama, claiming that the girl had a special message for him. In ‘trance’, she warned him of health concerns and also gave a prediction that Tibetans would return to Tibet in 2012. The incident was covered by the news channel Al-Jazeera and French Channel 5. To verify the girl’s claims, the Nechung oracle was invoked and the Dharma Protector concurred with the girl’s predictions. However, the year 2012 came and went and nothing happened.

Even earlier in 1986, the Nechung oracle offered another prediction concerning the Tibetan cause. The oracle pronounced that in the Year of the Dragon, something extraordinary would happen; the Tibetans in exile and abroad would reunite and that this day was very near. At that time, a Geshe was visiting Lhasa and people would come up and ask him, “Are you from abroad?” When he said yes, they asked further, “Did you know that our state oracle has given this prediction?” And they showed him a slip of paper that had the prediction written on it. On another occasion, the state oracle said,

I will send 100 million divine soldiers to China

Come 1987, the Year of the Dragon, the Tibetans organized an uprising against the Chinese, optimistic that Nechung’s prediction would come true. However, the Chinese police swiftly crushed the uprising and no divine soldiers came to assistant. In fact, Nechung would make further (and similar) predictions about the Year of the Ox (1997) and the Year of the Pig (1995) but with no success. The Tibetan situation remained the same.

Conclusion

It is clear from these anecdotes that Nechung has a track record of making unreliable, inaccurate and plain-out wrong pronouncements and prophecies. These incorrect predictions have created tremendous trouble for the Dalai Lama and for the cause of Tibet. Yet, it is puzzling to note that despite all the problems that arose due to the reliance on the state oracle, the Nechung oracle is still very much revered and consulted to this day.

Generally, many high lamas still have high regard for the Dharma Protector Nechung, and some believe that the being entering the Nechung oracle’s body is not necessarily Nechung himself. In fact, some say that a powerful malignant spirit of someone who had been murdered by the CTA has been entering the state oracle, and intentionally making incorrect pronouncements – karma coming back for the Tibetan leadership. Whatever it is, there is a general belief that the trance of the Nechung oracle is not and has not been pure. In all likelihood, Nechung’s pronouncement against Dorje Shugden is yet another fake prophecy designed to create more harm in Tibetan society. Very plausible considering that all the Dorje Shugden ban has achieved is to create suffering, misery and heartache for all involved.

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26 Comments

Harold Musetescu

January 19, 2016 at 10:36 am

Yes the Nechung Oracle is corrupt. Also the other two state Oracles have be silenced. The Gadong Oracle (2nd highest) never spoke in trance from 1986 until his death in 2015. The Lamo Tsangpa Oracle (3rd highest) died in 2003 and none of his sons have be chosen by the Tsangpa as a worthy vessel. The eldest son actual works as the Dalai Lama’s personal photographer. The former 4th State Oracle was the Tengyeling Tsiu Marpo Oracle. This Oracle lineage was destroyed as was Tengyeling Monastery by the 13th Dalai Lama.
I wonder what has silenced the Gadong and the Lamo Tsangpa Oracles? I wonder what they would have said in trance about the Dalai Lama and Dorje Shugden?
Could they have been silenced by dark black magic from the Dalai Lama?
The only oracle that speaks today is the Dalai Lama’s puppet oracle the Nechung.

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Soloman Lang

January 23, 2016 at 3:32 am

As they say, the proof (or not) is in the pudding! Thank you for the eye opening article Dorje Shugden . com

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Manjushri

January 23, 2016 at 6:46 am

This clearly shows that the state oracle does not have pure samaya to allow the intended deity to enter him. As claimed, the being entering the state oracle is not Nechung himself so how can one trust the oracle, who doesn’t even have the purity to control what can enter him or not. If that is the case then it is very dangerous for Tibetan and its administration to rely on his prophecies, as the oracle is not trained, and untrustworthy.

If it is Nechung entering the oracle, it shows that he is not enlightened because his prophecies are inaccurate and shows that he does not have the ability to advice or predict anything using limitless clairvoyance like an enlightened protector is able to such as Dorje Shugden.

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Anne Marie

January 23, 2016 at 8:01 am

For a Buddhist nation who claims to be Buddhist they sure are a lot of bunch of crazy superstitious folks and what government would rely on a spirit to help make national decisions? That is probably why they lost Tibet in the first place. So why talk about Dorje Shugden practice being a “spirit” worship when they themselves are doing it themselves? This just tells us that the whole reasons we’re told about Dorje Shugden being a spirit worship and bla bla is all just another CTA scam to get so they can continue suppressing their own people which is really horrible and disgusting.

Also if the high lamas are highly attained will they not know if it was a bad spirit that takes trance and pretends he is Nechung and hence gives all the harmful wrong answers to the Dalai Lama? If Dalai Lama is an attained being, how come he can’t see through that? Unless Nechung is purposely giving wrong answers to look bad himself so that he can also push Dorje Shugden controversy issue more, hence working hand in hand with the Dalai Lama and Dorje Shugden to spread the lineage? He is after all the one who requested for Dorje Shugden to appear.

Well that’s just my crazy thoughts… maybe it is, maybe it is not. But one thing is for sure, I think it’s high time the ban is lifted and the suffering and pain and disunity amongst Tibetans stop because this is what causing Tibetan culture to be destroyed… the disunity and segregation due to the illogical, unethical religious ban… never ever in the history of Buddhism has such discrimination appear amongst Buddhist until now.

What global disgrace to the entire Tibetan Buddhist society and administration and to Tibetans. The world is probably just laughing at everything that’s happening with this Tibetan exile admin, especially China as this all gives them even a better rap that confirms Tibetans are really barbaric, uneducated and totally incapable of even handling themselves, let alone their own country and in fact they inflict pain and tear each other a part. Who would want Tibet to be returned to the Tibetan exile administration seeing all this, how unethical, disorganised, hypocritical they are? What a huge joke, might as well close down the admin already. Don’t need China or anyone to create any havoc, they are doing a great job themselves really. What nation or govt relies on spirit to call the shots for major decision and fail so many times yet still continues… and it was not Dorje Shugden. Wish they will wake up and smell the coffee soon before it is way way too late when Dalai Lama goes into clear light, sorry to say, everything will just crumble if they carry on this way. Seriously stop the segregation, discrimination and this ridiculous ban on your people already.

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Christine

January 23, 2016 at 11:41 pm

I am quite shock on this article despite having known that Nechung have been Tibet’s government state oracle for long time. Nevertheless, Nechung position as oracle has long been dismiss by the Dalai Lama, and, CTA still consult Nechung for further advise. Whereas the emanation of own Lineage Guru is being cast out by them. What an insult.
Upon reading this article, the more i know, the more i think the ban on Dorje Shugden is a politic plot. Not so much on really concern on the welfare on Tibetan.
This ban is totally misleading to create disharmony among Buddhist.
Chaos..

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SabrinaS

January 26, 2016 at 8:00 am

Its a wonder that His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama who is said to be the same mindstream as Chenrenzig, still utilizes Nechung Oracle for state affairs when there are so much history of wrong predictions from as far back as the 5th Dalai Lama. Nechung had been demoted by the 5th Dalai Lama and yet why is the 14th Dalai Lama relying so heavily on him?
It was Nechung who came to Duldzin Drakpa Gyeltsen and asked for his promise to protect Lama Tsongkapa’s perfect teaching of Nagarjuna’s Middle View. So it does not make sense for real Nechung to sabotage Dorje Shudgen as a rightful Protector.
Why have not His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and his government investigated into the true nature of current Nechung and his oracle? All Nechung had predicted seem to be towards bringing down Tibetan Buddhism and creating so much suffering. Should be interesting!

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Sarah

January 28, 2016 at 9:06 am

It has been predicted that Nechung will retire soon as protector of the Dharma in general and Dorje Shugden will arise as the Protector of Lama Tsongkhapa’s tradition. So it is possible that all the events that have taken place were to pave the way for the replacement of Nechung who has served His Holiness well. May the ban be removed very soon and Dorje Shugden be given his rightful place as the Peace Protector of our times.

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Eli Buchen

January 31, 2016 at 2:09 am

From Dorje Shudgen’s track record there are no instances of having Dorje Shudgen dismissed or instances of wrong advice.

For Nechung to always make mistakes in his predictions is a major cause for concern, it could be many things from a sign that he is paving the way for Dorje Shugden to the fact that perhaps it is not Nechung that is entering the oracle.

As Nechung has come a long way serving His Holiness the Dalai Lama, so he has collected vast amounts of merits that propels him ever closer to enlightenment.

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Eli Buchen

January 31, 2016 at 2:11 am

Despite, all the services Dorje Shugden have rendered to so many Tibetans in the past, still many Tibetan choose to ignore the wealth of evidence that Dorje Shugden is a Wisdom Buddha, and Nechung was clearly a spirit king, that was subdued by Guru Rinpoche.

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We Need To Talk About Shugden Today

February 4, 2016 at 5:57 pm

This is a mighty informative page here: https://www.facebook.com/weneedtotalkaboutshugdentoday/

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Michaela Smith

April 23, 2016 at 2:39 am

Dear DS.com

Thank you for the article. There are many interesting information in this article. One is the spirit possessing Nechung oracle may not be Nechung himself. I believe there are many indications and signs to check whether the spirit possessing the oracle is Nechung or not. Why nobody realize this? Dalai Lama as the emanation of Chenrezig would definitely be able to identify whether it is Nechung or not who possess the Oracle.

Nechung predictions have been are incorrect many times. In human world, once you lie or provide incorrect information, their credibility will go down the drain immediately. It is amazing that after many years of inaccurate prediction, CTA still take Nechung’s prediction seriously. If Nechung can be wrong about many things, then he definitely can be wrong about proclaiming that Dorje Shugden is a demon.

I do think that CTA should stop taking the advice of Nechung Oracle as the absolute truth.

Michaela

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Ashok Rao

April 23, 2016 at 6:21 am

There are a lot of proponents of the ban who label Dorje Shugden practitioners as against the Dharampala Pehar, but this cannot be further from truth. In fact it was Pehar himself who played a pivotal role for Dorje Shugden to arise. Therefore those who practice Dorje Shugden are not against Pehar at all. The question of the oracle however is different. I have heard from my own guru and seniors within the lineage that the Nechung Oracle is not taking trance of Dorje Drakden but in fact a malicious spirit as the article mentions.

It just doesn’t make sense that such a powerful being as Pehar, whom I have personally heard some Dorje Shugden gurus say is a very high level bodhisattva through his years of practice as oath-bound by his own guru Padmasambhava, would influence both His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Administration to cause such schism within the Tibetan community. This just goes to show that what is entering the Nechung may not be as beneficial as people think.

On that note however, shouldn’t the religious sphere be kept away from politics? Isn’t this the best for a civilised and truly democratic society? I accept that individuals may be inspired in their work by their spiritual practice, and this is something I applaud. But the extent to which Tibetan politics is ingrained with religious dogma should be removed. I wonder why the deities are not ‘acting’ as they should be, could it be that we are throwing all our problems onto them, without using our own intellectual and compassionate ability to solve current issues, as the Buddhas obviously teach us to do?

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Amber Sonam

April 23, 2016 at 9:23 am

For an Oracle to be reliable, it is known that he/her should be a genuine dharma practitioner, one who keep vows and have good Samaya with the Guru. There are practices and retreats to be done, a series of examinations to be passed before one become a qualified Oracle. These trainings are not necessary for an ordinary person to take trance of a spirit.

Ordinary people cannot tell whether whatever entering the Oracle is the deity they have to invoke upon, but the Guru, who trained the Oracle and other highly attained Gurus can.

The question now is whether the Dalai Lama an emanation of Avalokitesvara, a highly accomplished being we believe he is? If he is, he can identify whether the Oracle is taking trance of Pehar or Dorje Drakden. Hence to accept the Oracle’s advice or not. It is a standard practice also that a trained monk or a person proficient with the deity language will be present to make sense of the instruction or advice given. Perhaps this person the CTA currently and previously employed was not proficient in that language. But then again, this person’s translation shouldn’t be the only source for the Kashag to rely on especially when the translation matters to the nation. Surely, the Dalai Lama and all highly attained Gurus can assist in this.

If the Oracle has good Samaya with his Guru, keep his refuge and other vows intact, no spirit should be able to enter into him. If it happens, the first possibility will be what mentioned earlier; the other possibility would be the Tibetan, specifically the Kashag, has broken their Samaya with the Dalai Lama, hence, whatever advice given by the Oracle will not be accurate.

It is always a two or more ways street when it comes to Oracle’s advice. The failing of Nechung Oracle to give correct instruction can be due to the Oracle or the people he is meant to serve not to forget the capability of the deity also.

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Anoushka

April 23, 2016 at 4:06 pm

I don’t understand these Tibetan leaders. How can they use a spirit to help them make their national state decision and if this Nechung spirit is so great.. then why not allow Dorje Shugden practice?

Why do they allow themselves to believe one spirit yet ban the other? On top of that if Nechung is so good, then why did Nechung advice how to save Tibet from landing in the hands of the Chinese? Obviously from that incident, huge mistake, we can conclude that Nechung is highly unreliable. So why bother or continue praying or requesting answers from a spirit who could not save your country and as I have read, has made several more mistakes regarding His Holiness’s return to Tibet. So what is taking trance of the oracle is also in question here!

So much drama in the Tibetan leadership and politics and as if that wasn’t enough they tell the world how that they make their big decision based on the advice of a subdued evil spirit! How hypocritical of them to do this on one hand and on the other kick up a fuss and ban Dorje Shugden practice?

In today’s democratic government we talk, discuss and vote, we do not engage in oracles to tell us the future… and if it is accurate is fine, but it is not. It’s not because look at where they are at today. Stop making Dorje Shugden an issue, please clean up your own house first. Very shameful.

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Olivia

April 23, 2016 at 4:17 pm

Nechung or Pehar may be one of the ancient protectors but somehow he is unenlightened and therefore the eight worldly dharmas are still in him. As for the Nechung oracle, over the years I have heard a lot of things about him, I am in no place to judge because I don’t know him and have not met him, but those things I have heard about him is not really on his side.

Nechung oracle’s unreliability was quite famed as his advice almost got His Holiness the Dalai Lama killed when His Holiness was deciding whether or not to leave Tibet in 1959. Nechung’s advice to His Holiness was to stay but Dorje Shugden asked His Holiness to leave and guarded His Holiness along the way, ensured His safe arrival in India. In other words, Dorje Shugden saved His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s life. This shows how unreliable Nechung is, it could be the karma of the region but again, Nechung is unenlightened.

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Lovett

April 23, 2016 at 4:54 pm

There are so many rumors about Nechung being inaccurate and many are saying the oracle is not really taking trance of the real deity and that it is really a spirit. This is sad and it seems to be compounded karma of Tibetans and so forth that the Nechung oracle has become like this. However, it is rare that the Dorje Shugden oracles provide with inaccurate information and prophesies. They are always accurate especially if the samaya of the oracle to the lama is intact. Incredible!

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Daniel

April 23, 2016 at 5:32 pm

Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche said very clearly that Pehar/Nechung is in fact an enlightened being and as Ashok Rao said above, Nechung in fact played a crucial role in the rising of Gyalchen Dorje Shugden.

Why then, would Nechung manifest errors and even recent ones such as claiming that the Tibetan people would regain their homeland (not long after the 1959 exodus) and that Dorje Shugden must be opposed? Here are some explanations:

1. Nechung pre-empts the rise of Dorje Shugden and assist in the rise by purposely manifesting grievous errors so that people will stop relying on him and turn to Dorje Shugden. As Nebesky_Wojkowitz wrote in Demons and Oracles, according to old scriptures Dorje Shugden is to succeed Pehar as the next Chief Dharma Protector of the Tibetan people. Hence Nechung manifests all these mistakes;

2. Nechung has in fact become enlightened and the being taking trance of the Nechung oracle is something other than Nechung. Hence the fatal errors and wrong advices. This undesirable situation reflects the collective the karma of the Tibetan leadership which have committed so much wrong and evil deeds. What is disturbing is how the CTA continues to take crucial advice from the oracle that is taking trance of an unknown being.

The public should demand from the CTA why they continue to depend on this present “Nechung” who has become dangerously unreliable.

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Dharmacrazy

April 23, 2016 at 6:58 pm

I have always wondered how come the Dalai Lama and his administration would place so much faith in Nechung, an unenlightened Dharma protector. You may say that they did not take refuge in him. However, actions speak louder than words. If The Dalai Lama and CTA can put the fate of the Tibetan public in the hands of Nechung by always seeking his advise for important state matters, they take refuge in Nechung. Would this not mean they have broken their vows too?

Their immovable faith towards Nechung despite all his mistakes is also another expression of taking refuge in this worldly being.

The mistake of Nechung has the the life of the 13th Dalai Lama and also jeopardised the life of Ling Rinpoche. In fact, nechung who advised the 14th dalai lama to remain in Tibet could have caused the life of the dalai lama. Yet, CTA still endorse his advise. On top of that, remove Trijang Rinpoche from the lineage master records. If not for Trijang Rinpoche’s wisdom to seeks and “second opinion ” from Dorje Shugden, the Dalai Lama would not have left Tibet with a clear and safe passage as he carried the thanka of Dorje Shugden on his back for protection.

It is really annoying to witness the continued idiocy of the Tibetan leadership.

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Tashi Choezom

April 23, 2016 at 8:08 pm

All this story is know to us. This spirit god is the fake . He has kill 13th Dalai Lama by giving wrong medicine . He given prophecy to Tibet people we will be back in Tibet in 5 year. He is telling to Kundun which way to go but it’s wrong?? ALL LIES FROM THE SPIRIT PEHAR N HIS MASTERS IN DHASA !! Do not believe to this spirit n depend for our rangzen. Our country should be democracy not spirit worship n dictator like Mao.

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Aloysius Bong

April 23, 2016 at 10:18 pm

Nechung being wrong and erroneous is one thing, why can’t the so-called “high lamas” like Dalai Lama use their “power and clairvoyance” to see decide whether Nechung’s prophecies and advice are right or wrong? Unless they are not really attained themselves to have that ability? Think seriously.

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Pema

April 23, 2016 at 10:53 pm

So much proof that Nechung can not be relied on and that his advice is harmful to say the least. The 13. Dalai Lama even lost his life because of Nechung. The escape of the 14. Dalai Lama would not have happened according to Nechung and many more examples are known.

It is difficult to inderstand why the Dalai Lama still listens still to his advice. On the other hand, Dorje Shugden who saved the Dalai Lama from Tibet is banned. This is difficult to understand as H.H. the Dalai Lama is enlightened and the emanation of Avaloketeshvara.

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Sara Sha

May 15, 2016 at 9:36 pm

Why on earth does the Dalai Lama and teh CTA rely on Nechung when he has made so many mistake and even ‘killed’ the Dalai Lama before by prescribing the wrong medicine? How come Nechung can get away with all this and can also get away from predicting wrongly that Tibet would gain independence from China? These are not small mistakes, these are huge mistakes that cost hundreds of thousands of people’s hopes crushed. Yet the Dalai Lama does not say or do anything but instead still consults him for national state advices? This I find totally strange and hypocritical of the Dalai Lama and CTA. Why go around talking about Dorje Shugden being a spirit and because of this we should not worship?

To say that Dorje Shugden is sectarian is really nonsense because if you say that, then you might as well ban all the other different schools’ main specific dharma protector. Goes to show whatever excuses and reasons given by His Holiness and the CTA about Dorje Shugden is totally false and made up to cover their own failure of not fulfilling their promise to their people.

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Lhundrub S.

May 18, 2016 at 7:35 pm

Since Tibet was on its way to becoming a modern country, the business of gods and spirits possessing human mediums could not be permitted anymore. However, the two state oracles were, however, exempt from the decree.

Stories of fake oracles and rigged prophecies are not unusual in Tibetan folklore. One of the popular folk heroes of Central Tibet is Lama Methon Phangbo, a merry con-man who delights in hoodwinking the pious and gullible.

We as better educated Tibetans should be able to be critical about Tibetan beliefs, and whether or not they apply to this day and age. After so many years in exile living in foreign countries, perhaps some modern ideas may have taken root to check the authenticity of the oracle and medium. But alas, only the High Lamas are able to do so. Well, one thing’s for sure, a medium/ god who is unreliable is good as fake!

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Dharmacrazy

May 22, 2016 at 5:53 am

I understand that one of the fundamental practice of Dharma is equanimity. However, the treatment of Nechung who was known to have caused the death of the 13th Dalai Lama reveals the lack of equanimity in the Dalai Lama and his government. If the Dalai Lama is able to forgive Nechung for his mistake, why single out Dorje Shugden and come down so so so so hard on him and his practitioners?

This is not yet considering the fact the Nechung could have also caused the premature death of the 14th Dalai Lama because he advised for the Dalai Lama to remain in Tibet despite approaching threat from Chinese military advancement.

Not only is Nechung not reprimanded, banned or “advised” against, Nechung is the main advisor to the Dalai Lama and his leadership through the state oracle.

Why is this? There is no logic. and sadly, neither the Dalai Lama nor his leadership is taking time to explain or clear doubts. is this because they are not able to? As practitioners worldwide and becoming more knowledgeable and information is abundant and accessible, more are questioning the Tibetan leadership as we can see with recent events (rampant social media promotion of the video where Tseringma and Nechung oracles reprimanded Penpa Tsering and Sikyong Lobsang Sangya. Additionally, international leaders are also calling the CTA to be accountable for their actions on the recent strong suspicion of corruption in the sikyong candidacy election as well as fund mismanagement by Dana Rohrabacher and Maura Moynihan.

The CTA is losing ground should it continue with its old way. This is the time for change. May democracy truly find its way into the CTA.

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Michaela Smith

October 19, 2017 at 7:34 pm

The CTA is not capable of planting the seed of and implementing real democracy where freedom of speech, differences in opinion, and constructive feedback can be accepted. Tenpa Yarphel is being called a Chinese dog just because he said Nechung’s prophecy is inaccurate.

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J. Ushri

October 20, 2017 at 2:12 pm

I find it terribly strange that CTA who claims to be a democratic government chooses to rely on Nechung whose prophecies have been inaccurate many times. One prophecy even cost the life of 13th Dalai Lama. Even after this one fatal mistake and other subsequent mistakes, CTA still relies on Nechung. I guess it is easier to blame their failures on Nechung’s inaccurate prophecies than CTA’s incompetent administration.

Demonising Dorje Shugden is also another of CTA’s ploy to take the attention away from their failed attempts at democracy and regaining Tibet. But thankfully, more are beginning to see CTA’s strategy. If CTA is smart, they should clean up their act, do actual work to regain their country and not waste their resources trying to deceive the world with so many lame tactics like trying to link all Shugden practitioners to China or saying that Dorje Shugden is a spirit and can shorten Dalai Lama’s life. Come on, can the emanation of Chenrezig’s life be shortened by a spirit?

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