Item: Worldly Protector (Buddhist) - Dorje Shugden

Dorje Shugden (English: the Vajra Possessing Strength): worldly protector or wisdom deity of the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism. (See the Dorje Shugden Main Page.

Dark red in colour with one face and two hands he holds in the right a curved sword with a vajra handle. In the left hand is a human heart with a mongoose perched on the left forearm and a vajra hook leaning against the shoulder. He is very fierce with three red glaring eyes and a gaping mouth with the canine teeth exposed. Richly attired in monastic robes, silk brocades, and a yellow riding hat of Chinese origin, he is completely surrounded by orange flames. The mount is a mythical Tibetan snow lion, white with a green-blue mane, fierce in appearance with a snarling face - gazing up at Dorje Shugden as an expression of respect.

At the top center is the primordial buddha Vajradhara, blue, with one face and two hands holding a vajra and bell. At the left is a Gelugpa lama wearing monastic robes and a yellow pandita hat. At the right is Green Tara with one face and two hands, holding a lotus in the left. At the bottom center are three skullcups arranged with offerings of nectar, the five senses and blood.

Dorje Shugden is believed by some to be an avowed protector. In his former human birth he is though be some to have been the Gelugpa Lama Dragpa Gyaltsen of Drepung Monastery and a contemporary of the Great Fifth Dalai Lama.

Jeff Watt 6-1998 [updated 10-2019]