This offering to Gesar as a protector was written by Jamgön Mipham Gyatso (1846-1912). It was transmitted to the Dorje Kasung by His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche after the Vidyadhara’s parinirvana. Subsequently, Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche chose Gesar as a protector for Dechen Chöling and Dorje Denma Ling.
Lord Great Lion: An epithet of King Gesar of Ling.
three roots: The three roots are the three special sources of refuge in the vajrayana—guru, yidam, and dharmapala.
powerful Norbu Dradul: An epithet of King Gesar of Ling.
dharmapala, drala, and werma retinue: In Sanskrit, dharma means “truth,” “teachings,” or “things as they are,” and pala means “protector.” Therefore, dharmapala means “protector of the truth.” Dharmapalas protect us from deceptions and sidetracks on the path, detecting and clearing away obstacles to full awakening. Dralas are an embodiment of the Shambhala principles of wakefulness, bravery, and gentleness. Sometimes they are depicted wearing the armor of a warrior, riding a horse, and holding weapons or pennants. They are variously considered as local protectors or as embodiments of natural awake energy in the world. Wermas are very similar to dralas.
amrita and torma: Amrita is blessed liquor; torma is food. In particular, torma is a sculpture made out of tsampa (roasted barley flour) and molded butter, used as a shrine offering, a feast offering substance, or as a representation of deities. There are traditional designs for each of the many types of torma.
supreme and ordinary siddhis: Siddhis are manifestations of yogic achievement, ordinary or supreme. Ordinary siddhis involve different kinds of mastery over the phenomenal world; the supreme siddhi is enlightenment.
OM MAHASIMHA-MANIRAJA-SAPARIVARA IDAM BALIM TE KHAHI: This mantra means “OM Great Lion, Jewel King, together with your retinue, eat this torma.”