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Kasungship
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The motto of the Dorje Kasung is “Victory over War.” In this case, “war” represents our self-deceptions, our struggle with the three poisons identified by the Buddha: passion, aggression, and ignorance. Dharma protector practices help us expose and disarm self-deception for ourselves and for others, and turn them into the path of wakefulness.
Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche created the Dorje Kasung in 1974 as the “Vajra Guards”, to provide service and protection to HH Karmapa XVI during his first visit to North America. In his 1975 Letter to the Vajra Guards, Trungpa Rinpoche pointed out that the need for protection arises because the truth of enlightenment is ultimately a threat to the confusion of ego.
"Dorje' - means "indestructible" (primordially self-existing, not created). 'Ka' - means "sacred word", or "command", pointing to the nature of things, the Buddha's teachings, which is taken as instruction on how to be, rather then as a philosophy. 'Sung' - means "protection", following through with the Buddha's word, rather then being swayed, and retreating back into cocoon ego habits.
Path
Dorje Kasung practices include extending our mindfulness, awareness, and unconditional confidence to others and the space around us, to promote gentleness, fearlessness, and wisdom.
The Dorje Kasung path is to care for the safety and wellbeing of others, to encourage basic human goodness and confidence, and to support everyone’s path of connecting with their inherent, fundamental sanity and nature. Throughout history, it was always the tradition to hold a container, in which the Dharma can be transmitted, practiced and experienced.
We recognize that any position of responsibility can be misused for personal gain and to harm others, - or it can be used to help and benefit others. All positions of care for others come with the responsibility and accountability to genuinely hold to the Bodhisattva Warrior principles of compassion in action, we hold dear.
While the teachings are perfect, - manifesting that wisdom in our actions and interactions, and waking to our habitual tendencies is an ongoing path. We acknowledge that this path can come with potholes and rocks, - and that occasional harm has occurred.
This requires us to work with each other and with our entire being, with attention, compassion, humor and discipline. We recognize this as a path of waking up for all, a central element of creating a more sane and compassionate society, thus we commit to supporting each other on that path.
Dorje Kasung training continues to be honed and expanded to incorporates awareness disciplines that help us recognize and work with the challenges that come with any position of power and care for others.
Manifestation
As part of their practice, Dorje Kasung Protection Team volunteers may wear uniforms. In our non-theistic tradition uniforms communicate:
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Delight in the disciplines of egolessness and simplicity, a reminder of commitment;
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We are present and available to help;
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Connection and loyalty to Basic Goodness of All, the inherent, pre-doubt fundamental wisdom, gentleness and fearlessness that is part of our human nature.
Action
A Dorje Kasung Protection Team volunteer may greet you at your Practice Centre's entrance, welcoming and orienting all visitors, and maintaining a warm, safe, and dignified practice container.
They look out for the safety of the building, and are present to relate with any emergencies that might occur.
When a Shambhala Centre hosts visiting teachers, the Dorje Kasung volunteers are present to assist with transportation, service and safety for those teachers and their staff.
When Vajrayana teachings are transmitted qualified Dorje Kasung volunteers protect the appropriate dharma container.
The Dorje Kasung hold many sacred traditions, that can energize and uplift the environment, cheer-up a gathering, and inspire unconditional confidence.
They may also provide serves at large gatherings, out-door events and at Land-Centers.
In the past, Kasung have worked together with local or state public safety officials on major visits, such as of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, His Holiness the Karmapa and Dilgo Kyentse Rinpoche, other major lineage holders, and UN Secretary General U--Thant.
Recent Developments
Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche took on the leadership of the Dorje Kasung following Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche’s passing in 1987. When he moved to Nepal and formed his designated teaching mandala there, he dissolved all organisational positions he previously empowered. The statement that was sent on his behalf in April of 2022 announced:
“By command of the Makkyi Rabjam, we hereby convey that the entire current chain of command of the Dorje Kasung – from local squads through regiments, regions, and the Dorje Kasung General Staff itself – is dissolved, effective immediately. All posts, oaths related to posts, orders, and operational promotions are likewise dissolved.
Substantive officer and NCO ranks remain in effect, as do Lifetime and Trident Oaths, practice authorizations, uniform regulations, drill, and all other established Kasung forms and protocols.”
Therefor, Dorje Kasung practices, forms, protocols, and commitments are alive, while new communication structures are arising to support Kasung practice, connection, and its service manifestation. Many Kasung recognize the importance of Kasung practice as part of their personal path, as well as the need for these transmissions to manifest and serve our communities and world, no matter in which Dharma Mandala one may study and practice.