Mahasiddha Pabongkha Rimpoche (1878-1941) :

Mahasiddha Pabongkha Rinpoche has a long history and during his time the Dharma increased greatly in Tibet. He was actually Heruka Demchok. He was born in north central Tibet and as a boy entered Gyolrang house of Sera Mey. At first he was very poor and not famous. He studied hard to be a Geshe, meditated and gave empowerments. Pabongkha studied with Jaba Sonpo Rinpoche who was a complete lineage holder, especially of the teachings of Ranchi Lama. One night, he dreamt of a person giving him a pot of milk and requesting him to drink it completely. This symbolized that the complete teachings would be transferred to him.

Later on, a monk came to see him. This monk explained that there were a lot of philosophies in Tibet but not much teaching on Lam Rim. The monk offered to be his patron so that he could go and teach.

At one time while returning from the south of Tibet, Pabongkha Rinpoche met many people, requesting Lam Rim teaching. He taught in Lhasa and he went every where in Tibet and many people became his students. Of course this caused some jealously at times. He propagated Tsong Khapa's Dharma with much enthusiasm and stated that these teachings were the best.

Finally the monk who was Pabongkha Rinpoche patron returned and thanked him. He told him to rest, while he was away at the Five Mountains of Manjusri in China. At this period no one asked him to teach Lam Rim. Three years later, this monk returned and requested him to teach Tantra. After this many people requested Tantra teachings. Now, Pabongkha, contemplated these events and realised that this monk was Dorje Shugden.

Pabongkha went to see his guru Tapo Dorje Chang. His spiritual master was very special. He was born in Na Sur Tapo where his monastery was located. He had a long line of incarnations numbering four or five. The first Tapo Kha-cho Uncho while meditating, saw Tara, Chenrezig and they gave enpowerments to him. Tapo Dorje Chang also traveled to the pure lands. Yidams give him initiations such as "Cittamani Tara". He also held the thirteen deity initiation called "Da-pan Na-ja soon".

Mahasiddha Pabongkha asked Mahasiddha Tapo Dorje Chang, his guru, to go to Tusita. In Tusita, the Mahasiddha Tapo Dorje Chang had met Tsong Khapa. At that time Tapo Dorje Chang had requested teaching from Tsong Khapa. Tsong Khapa lifted the cloth that covered the front of the golden throne he was sitting on. From under the golden throne came the five forms of Dorje Shugden. Dorje Shugden gave to Mahasiddha Tapo Dorje Chang Tempay Gyaltsen complete instructions and the Mahasiddha returned to Tibet with this texts. Tapo Dorje Chang gave Pabongkha not only the initiation and lineage of Dorje Shugden, but also all his lineages that he held. When Tapo Dorje Chang was young, he had many visions of Lhasa and he went to Drepung monastery. Later in his life he became a sage and remained in Tapo meditating. One time Pabongkha was going to Kham and he wanted to visit the guru. Tapo Dorje Chang told him to visit on his return. But he went before so he could visit twice. Tapo Dorje Chang told him "I told you after your trip to Kham. Anyway, now many dakinis are requesting me to come". Pabongkha knew what this meant and requested him to live longer. He asked what should I do. Pabongkha said to meditate non self-existance on the events. So he went to Kham and Tapo Dorje Chang passed away (he entered emptiness).

Pabongkha Rinpoche spread the Dorje Shugden practice and had many famous and wise students beginning in 1920's. He was particularly famed for his pristine elaboration of the Lam Rim. Pabongkha Rinpoche wrote many books. These texts provide explanations on sadhanas, chanting, how to make tormas and myriad other subjects. Among these texts, is a Dorje Shugden practice which includes the empowerment which is still used to this day.

An excerpt of one of the praises to Dorje Shugden, Je Pabongka says:

The aggregates, elements, sources and limbs of Lama Losang Tubwang Dorje Chang

Appear in the aspect of the five lineages of Dorje Shugden and their retinues

Realising that in reality I am practising the yoga of the thirty-two deities of the body mandala,

I offer this practice to you, O five lineages of Dorje Shugden;

Please accept it with delight.