(By Tsem Rinpoche and Pastor David Lai) Shakyashri Bhadra, who is known to the Tibetans as Kache Panchen (Mahapandita of Kashimir), was one of the last great Kashmiri masters to have arrived in Tibet from India during the transmission of Buddhism into the Himalayan country. Regarded as one of the previous incarnations of Dorje Shugden, his arrival in Tibet marked the end of a great age of Buddhism in India and the dawn of a new age in Tibet. Although less well-known than his predecessors, his impact and contribution to the survival and growth of Buddhism was immense. This illustrious master was born in Dasobhara, Kashmir in 1127 CE and he had a brother by the name of Buddhacandra. When he was 10 years old, he began studying Sanskrit grammar under the tutelage of the Brahman Laksmidhara. At the age of 23, he received his novice monastic vows and the name ‘Subhadra’ from Sukha Sri Bhadradeva. When he turned 30, he made his way to the ancient city of Magadha where he received instructions and tantric initiations from many notable teachers of the day such as Santakaragupta, Dasabala and Dhavaraka. He practised Tantra intensely and beheld stunning and pure visions […]