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The opinion piece below was sent to dorjeshugden.com for publication. We accept submissions from the public, please send in your articles to [email protected].
By: Jangchup Wangmo
On July 14, 2017, the Tibetan Prime Minister Sikyong Lobsang Sangay visited the Central University of Tibetan Studies (CUTS) in Varanasi, India. Varanasi is known throughout the world to be an intellectual powerhouse; many of India’s political and philosophical greats spent time there studying or teaching.
For many students, this visit has become memorable and regardless of who you ask, it is mostly for the wrong reasons. The Sikyong’s visit to the university was marked by two incidents. The first was news that a 20-year-old CUTS student, Tenzin Choeying, had attempted to self-immolate. Saying that it was for the Tibetan cause, he also made it a point to state it was not the Prime Minister’s fault and that he was doing a good job. This statement however, has drawn doubt and ire from many quarters of the Tibetan community, who question why he even felt the need to utter a statement like that. If someone is doing a good job, if there is no possibility of them being blamed for it, then there would be no reason to bring it up at all. Sadly, the Tibetan community lost another brother when Choeyingla finally succumbed to his injuries six days later, with 90% burns all over his body.
This young man asked three questions of the Sikyong. It was a very brave move considering students at the Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) School in Dharamsala had previously suffered an interrogation session after they questioned their Prime Minister too. Or perhaps being young and not an adult protects him to a certain degree, since Tibetan adults who have spoken their minds have frequently found themselves on the receiving end of violent repercussions for doing so.
The second incident that has been said to have marred Sikyongla’s visit is when students had an opportunity to question their Prime Minister. One young man in particular, stepped up to the podium and asked the Prime Minister some tough but fair questions. This is not the first time the Sikyong has had to field such questions from the youth. In 2014, while visiting the Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) in Dharamsala, teenagers questioned the Sikyong’s policies and actions towards Dorje Shugden worship.
Instead of being rewarded for fair and open-minded thinking, the TCV students were hauled up in front of the authorities and interrogated as to why they had questioned the Sikyong in such a manner. Imagine if the leader of any other democratic nation did that to their children, and the kind of uproar that would ensue. Imagine the uproar that would ensue if former US President Barack Obama arranged for students to be interrogated each time they asked him difficult questions at town hall meetings. In a real democratic country, bullying and intimidating the youth would never be accepted. Yet, under the Tibetan regime, this is commonplace to the point it takes place without question.
How the Tibetan leadership trains their people to treat freedom of speech. Instead of respecting the rights of Dorje Shugden protesters to campaign against the ban, the Tibetan leadership tries to keep them out of sight with large black banners. Whether or not you agree with the practice is not the point. The point here is that if the Tibetan leadership was really a democratic government, they would encourage all forms of free speech, regardless of whether the content is flattering for them or if the views do not match theirs.
This latest incident at CUTS however, proves that when exposed to more and different sources of information, Tibetan youths are just as capable as any other nation’s youths in arriving at logical conclusions and asking the right questions. They just need to be given a chance to learn about everything and anything without repercussions, and not be penalized each time they want to explore other avenues of thought or viewpoints, as their elders so often experience. For Tibetan adults like Lukar Jam and Jamyang Norbu, they know all too well the price a Tibetan pays for speaking their mind, and for speaking the truth, especially if that truth has not been sanctioned by the leadership. Vandalized property, being run out of the settlements, being dangerously labelled as anti-Dalai Lama and anti-Tibet, and having a smear campaign launched against you is just a start.
Translation
That student says that “I have many questions but I am going to ask my three main questions to Sikyong. With great respect, my first question is to Sikyong that a few years ago, I think I heard from Radio Free Asia that you said, “I went to all the [Tibetan] settlements, to all the universities but I’ve never been to Varanasi [University].” So, today you are here. Are you complete now?
My second question is that it seems like you [Sikyong] are interested in external territories more than internal territories. You go abroad to many places for Tibet’s projects and therefore you are like Samdhong Rinpoche, and that is affecting and harming our internal territory. So what I wanted to tell you is, a few months ago, there was a meeting between the Parliament and the Sikyong and many other members about the serious topic of Tibet. All the members and you yourself are chosen by the public.
The public has hopes in and believes all of you to be good members of parliament. That is why the public voted for you and put you all in this position. So the public were watching that meeting but in the meeting, members of Parliament were so disrespectful to each other. Some were sleeping while others were speaking. Some people just walked away. Even you walked away during meeting and I saw that in the video. That’s what I found is very disrespectful to others as well as to the public, who support you to be their leader.
Third, in brief, you previously said that you will invite His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the Potala Palace. Now you have four years left [to the end of your term]. When will you invite His Holiness to the Potala Palace? Do you have any plans for this?”
For those who are familiar with the Tibetan language, they will immediately recognize the humor present in the young man’s style of questioning the Sikyong. While he is using very honorific words and phrases to address the Prime Minister, his questions themselves are very direct and tough, to the point of almost being rude. But because the young man makes light of his three questions in order to lift the mood, he is able to continue asking them although viewers can see clearly that the man behind him is uncomfortable. So while the boy’s words are polite, his questions are quite tough and embarrassing for the Tibetan Prime Minister.
The fact that the Sikyong may be embarrassed by such questions from a young man points to an issue which is endemic within Tibetan society – the leaders in this so-called democracy are not used to being questioned or held accountable for their actions.
But the fact that the Sikyong might be embarrassed by these questions is reflective of a much larger problem in Tibetan society. It is almost as though he is embarrassed because he is not used to being asked such difficult questions, and he does not know quite what to make of it. In actuality, as the leader of a so-called democracy, he should be embarrassed that he is not used to being held accountable! It means that he has not been leading his people well, because the culture of speaking up and being engaged in the political process has not yet filtered through the community after 60 years in exile. That being said, as the leader of a so-called democracy, his people do have every right to hold him accountable and ask him to explain the government’s behavior. Why should members of the public like this young man not be allowed to hold their leaders accountable? As the boy himself says, it was the public who voted the Sikyong and his cohorts into power, and so the public should be able to hold them accountable for their actions too.
The future of the Tibetan people, and the welfare of the community depends on open-thinking individuals like this brave young gentleman. When the stalwarts of the Tibetan political establishment are gone, who will stand at the helm of the community, to lead and guide everybody? It is time that the Tibetan leadership start nurturing people like this man, and harness his clearly analytical thinking towards the benefit of the Tibetan people. So instead of penalizing the youth for their curiosity and open minds, adults like the Prime Minister should actually nurture and foster this curiosity. Curiosity leads to innovation; innovation leads to initiative, and initiative leads to activities which will help to preserve, protect and promote Tibetan culture, religion and history long after the Prime Minister is no longer in power.
As more Tibetans in Tibet take their lives in an attempt to pressure dialogue between the Tibetan exiled leadership and the Chinese, leaders like Sikyong Lobsang Sangay continue to be relaxed and refuse to do whatever it takes to get these discussions started. In the meantime, more Tibetans will continue to die, thanks to the Sikyong’s lack of creativity and innovation when it comes to initiating the dialogue. (Credit: www.tibettruth.com)
And if the Prime Minister does not find this logic appealing, then consider this – what kind of older, supposedly Harvard educated man, is intimidated by the questions of teenagers? What kind of adult needs to bully a child? From where we stand, to be intimidated by children does not speak well of one’s own qualities and intellectual abilities. It in fact suggests a huge amount of hidden insecurities when a person can be so easily unsettled by the questions of teenagers. Why does the Tibetan Prime Minister want to be surrounded by Yes Men who do not challenge him to improve the welfare of the people? It is sad indeed when the Tibetan Prime Minister so deathly afraid of questions, that he has to intimidate his own people into not asking anything. So instead of learning, instead of forcing oneself to think about the welfare of the community, the Sikyong would rather suppress all forms of free speech and thought, so he can experience the final years of office in comfort, ease and complacency, as he has been doing.
Sikyong Lobsang Sangayla, it is time to start being accountable to your people and letting them get involved in the democratic process without backbites, harassment and violent repercussions. It is time you started respecting your people’s intellect and stop stamping down on their ability to form incisive, analytical questions about your leadership and works. Just because many of them do not ask it, does not mean that many of them are not thinking it. After some time, when they cannot say what they truly feel, the pressure inside will build up until people start to think that they have no choice but to resort to drastic, extreme actions. Just like Choeyingla, the 20-year old who felt that no one was hearing his voice and his suffering, and he needed to do the biggest thing he can – give up his life – to get your attention. In his last moments, this young man did not think about his mother or father; he chose to dedicate his last words to talking about you. Sikyongla, it really is time to get your head out of the sand and realize Tibetans are not going to stay silent about you and your lackeys anymore.
Addendum
Zasep Tulku Rinpoche’s autobiography ‘A Tulku’s Journey from Tibet to Canada’, published in 2016, provides historical evidence and irrefutable proof that the Central Tibetan Administration is falsifying the facts when it comes to the practice of the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden.
The autobiography of Zasep Tulku Rinpoche, a high lama of the Gelug lineage, provides accurate historical accounts of the Dorje Shugden practice. Click to enlarge.
The back cover of the book, click to enlarge.
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Historical accounts show that prior to the politicization of the Dorje Shugden practice by the Central Tibetan Administration, this popular deity was relied upon by Dharma practitioners to help in their spiritual practice. Contrary to detractors’ claims about Dorje Shugden being ‘anti-Dharma’, this Dharma Protector practice was traditionally deemed to be suitable to be practiced alongside the Highest Yoga Tantras.
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Zasep Rinpoche and his family were able to escape to safety prior to the events of 1959 through the clairvoyance and prophetic advice of Dorje Shugden through one of his oracles, Lama Gelong Chojor Gyamtso.
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Oracles of the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden were known for the accuracy of their prophecies due to Dorje Shugden being a fully enlightened deity with perfect clairvoyance. As stated clearly by Zasep Rinpoche in his autobiography ‘A Tulku’s Journey from Tibet to Canada’, Dorje Shugden warned the Tibetans of the impending loss of their homeland but his advice was mostly ignored by the Tibetan government.
The Tibetan government chose to consult the worldly state protector Nechung, and Nechung advised that the Dalai Lama should remain in Tibet where he would be safe. This was mistaken advice, as historical events would later show. Fortunately for Tibetan Buddhists all around the world, Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang had great faith in Dorje Shugden and consulted the protector for advice on the Dalai Lama’s safety. Dorje Shugden via the Panglung Oracle urgently adviced the Dalai Lama to leave for India immediately and gave the exact escape route. In saving the Dalai Lama from certain harm, Dorje Shugden prevented the destruction of Tibetan Buddhism and preserved the future of the Tibetan culture and people.
Zasep Rinpoche’s account of events concur with monastic records that it was indeed Dorje Shugden who saved the Dalai Lama instead of Nechung, contrary to the claims of the Tibetan leadership.
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Dorje Shugden’s practice was first established within the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism. The Sakya Throneholders regarded this Dharma Protector as an enlightened being and Dorje Shugden, together with Dorje Setrab and Tsiu Marpo formed the triune of Sakya Protectors known as Gyalpo Sum. Today, Sakya practitioners claim that Dorje Shugden was never widely practiced by their lineage but history proves otherwise. The undeniable fact is that before the CTA’s religious ban, Dorje Shugden was practiced first by the Sakyas and was later transmitted to the Gelug school where it was practiced by the majority of the Gelugpas.
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Contrary to the CTA’s claims that Dorje Shugden’s practice is sectarian, Zasep Rinpoche’s autobiography shows how practitioners of all four schools of Tibetan Buddhism lived and practiced together in harmony, especially during the early years of exile in India. It was only when the CTA launched a virulent smear campaign against Dorje Shugden that the general public began to label Dorje Shugden a sectarian practice. In truth, Dorje Shugden’s practice is no more sectarian than the practices of other Dharma Protectors such as Mahakala Bernagchen, Achi Chokyi Drolma or Dorje Legpa, who protect the Karma Kagyu, Drikung Kagyu and Nyingma schools respectively.
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By the 1980s, the Tibetan government had failed to fulfil multiple promises to return the Tibetan people to their homeland. A scapegoat was needed and they made one out of an ancient Buddhist practice, pinning the loss of Tibet and the failure of the Tibetan cause on Dorje Shugden. In his autobiography, Zasep Rinpoche is of the same opinion, stating that “…the [Dorje Shugden] controversy was orchestrated by the Tibetan Central Administration…”
The Tibetan leadership effectively sanctioned witch-hunts on Dorje Shugden practitioners and persecuted them using government instruments, declaring that simply by being a Shugden worshipper, one was effectively an enemy of the Tibetan nation.
As a result of the hatred against Dorje Shugden practitioners instigated by the Tibetan leadership, virtually all Shugden Buddhists had to fear for their lives, or at least for their safety.
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Dorje Shugden’s beneficial practice has continued to thrive due to the courage and commitment of high lamas such as Zasep Tulku Rinpoche.
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For centuries, Dorje Shugden has been practiced alongside the highest practices of the Gelug and Sakya lineages. Zasep Tulku Rinpoche’s list of transmission is an indication that the highest scholars viewed the Protector as an enlightened being compatible with their yidam practices.
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Elibuchen
July 29, 2017
Its very good to see the Tibetan youth asking questions, Tibetan youths are also thinking and making attempts to understand much more.
Nothing that the CTA and Lobsang Sangay is doing is bringing much hope to the Tibetans in exile. So why not consider heading back to China?
I am happy to know many Tibetan youth are starting to think more in the age of the internet, and all the information available to them. The CTA looks like it needs a rehaul and more democracy within it jurisdiction.
SabrinaS
July 29, 2017
It is great to see the Tibetan youth having the courage to put the Sikyong in his place with questions on his ability to rule. With more youths being exposed through social media, I think that we will see the growing trend of youth speaking up for their rights and good governance. It is amazing that a Harvard graduate like Sikyong, would be fearful of facing tough questions. Makes one wonder the quality of his degree. And I really feel sad and sorry for Tenzin Choeying who’s last words were to protect such a weak leader of their people. It is obvious Tenzin Choeying felt hopeless at his situation within the Tibetans in exile, looking forward to the day of returning to Tibet. With the current elected leaders, this day seem to becoming a “Myth”.
Buckle up Sikyong Lobsang Sangay. Lead your people with compassion and equality. You have already finished a term and now start on another term as Prime Minister/President, nothing had been accomplished other than more costly and wasteful expenditure of monies that should go towards the welfare of your people. The Dalai Lama is no where near the Potala Palace and more countries are shunning him to be politically correct with China who’s sponsorship or partnership offers ludicrous sums. The people in exile will soon loose their identities as they get absorbed into their resident countries and dreams of returning to Tibet will just remain a dream. Don’t give cause for your people to question your actions by being good Leader with sincerity and humbleness.
Sonam Topgyal
July 30, 2017
This man is show the real sincere to our Dalai Lama to ask Sikyongla this questions. He is the real Tibetan who think to ask these such things because it is good n correct to ask. Before coming our way is not so useful anymore n we must do the work like adults, not like children. Our people have a big struggle for our Tibet dream n we must have the brave to fight for it. If we are not brave to ask this questions then how we can be brave for our struggle?
Thank you for share this video with us n please forgive my English.
christine victor
July 30, 2017
It is sad to read this article actually, that another young man who are brave to ask their Sikyong such simples questions might get penalize by their leaders. If Sikyong could think on benefit their peoples, he would not be afraid of the questions, he would not felt the questions were to embarrass him.
He is the one holding on absolute power to bring welfare to his own people, this position and power that he is holding now, did he bring any improvement to the community ? Tibetan in exile, sad to say are still remaining as a refugee status up to today. While his people are trap in India, he is happily having wealth and power and travel to here and there to get more donations using the status of refugee. How long he wanted to exploit his people more. How long can Tibetans being silent by violence from their leaders?
Nick Campbell
August 2, 2017
This is unbelievable! How can the Tibetan students ever have freedom of speech IF they are always being suppressed and question? Does not sound like a democratic government to me at all.
This boy is definitely smart, skilful and brave to ask such embarrassing questions in a “polite” way to the so called Prime Minister or is it President? Gosh so confusing they cannot even stick to one temporary “status”. Talk about having huge egos and attachments.
I just hope that this boy will not get into trouble for his questions. And you know what it means… these young educated youth are in the know and they can see right through their “fake” government, and they still have hope, that is why they are still polite. I think if they really give up on their government, they would have “protest” but they still respect their government so they still hope that is why he actually said that they “voted” for the sikyong and his ministers because they believed and trust they will be good members of parliament. But I think they are wising up that their so call democratic exile gov is not what it seems, they are not for their people.
Well, I hope to see more students speak up and start a NEW revolution of truth and true democracy where EVERYONE is EQUAL. It always starts with one person who is brave enough to question the corrupt system. Bravo to this Tibetan boy… may there be more people like him.
vajra-NMD
August 8, 2017
Now-days must Thanks to social media, and the Tibetan youths are reading more and studying more online. World is keep changing and now-days the young generations are not just listen to their government blindly.
Allways wish Dorje Shugden ban is ASAP.
Tenzin K
August 8, 2017
This young man show hope for the future of Tibetan. How a democratic country move to another level is by challenging for improvement. He is brave enough but at the same time I’m worried for his safety as we all know how the Tibetan leadership work and how violent they can be if they are being challenged.
Franky speak I don’t think Sikyong should be embarrassed but just answer humbly. If wrong then just apologies. No one is perfect. I have seen so many leaders apologies and the leaders gain deep respect from their people. What make him embarrassed is his ego and this is how the exile can never move forward or able to achieve anything.
I like the questions from this young man and you can see the youth are observing the elders and dare to point out that they disagree. This is the way to improve. The older generation may just follow what being said by the leaders and obviously we can see the outcome of where the exile is now. But if this young one not given the opportunity and not being polish then we already know where the exile is heading to.
I just hope nothing happen to the young man and from this many more young people dare to stand up and speak for their right.
bambi
August 8, 2017
It’s good to see that younger generation is asking the intelligent questions. This should be the way to grow. For the government to hear the voices of their people, their concerns and their opinions. Suppressing their speech and actions will only bring more confusion and chaos, as what is clearly seen here.
Can’t imagine the leader of the parliament walked out of a meeting and can’t even control the people. And they are so called government leaders who are supposed to help their people. Sounds to me like they are more concerned about their own needs than others. He forgot that its their own people who put them there. So the young man is correct, very disrespectful. I guess mannerism is not one of the subject they taught him at Harvard Uni.
Young man, I sincerely hope the CTA will not put you and your family into any trouble for saying what you think and questioned. I believe in the future, Tibetans need more people like you to guide and steer in the right direction. At least move forward instead of backwards like what is happening now.
Pema
August 8, 2017
Good for this young person to speak up, even when he knows that the government he is under, is punishing people who speak out and ask uncomfortable questions. It is a shame that the CTA, who is so much helped by many people all over the world, does not conform to democratic rules but instead punishes their very own people. We don’t know if there was any repercussion to this young boy, yet we know for sure what happens to Dorje Shugden practitioners and to politicians like Lukar Jam.
I hope that Sikyong and his government does end such dictatorship but acts for the benefit of all Tibetans.
Geraldine Sarie
August 8, 2017
I think the CTA should listen to the voice from public. People now are more exposed to advance technologies and knowledge. This young Tibetan do showing humankind and send messages to all people of the problems that Tibet in exile is currently suffering. CTA should listen, contemplate and find solution, not interrogate them like criminal. To them, they witness all these and it changes their mindsets that in Tibet life is dreadful, threatening and unintelligible which end up sacrifice themselves. Why this happen?
It’s because they don’t have FREEDOM in EVERYTHING! Tibetan loves Tibet because Tibet is their mother land and it is painful to see own country in exile due to unorganized management.
Dondrup Shugden
August 8, 2017
In a way, I am inspired by the Tibetans who are speaking up to question the Sikong even though all seem to be futile.
Lukar Jam, who is futuristic and will do his best to assist Tibetans generally took to politics to unseat Lobsang Sangay with no good results and consequences of being punished by vandalism and threats on his life and that of his family.
Tibetans specifically the young, immortalised themselves to gain attention even in the presence of Lobsang Sangay and yet their death were futile.
A new method is being used now, like what this article shows, pointed sharp questions on non-accountability of their leaders especially Lobsang Sangay who seem to be interested of events externally rather than internally.
The disrespectful conduct of the members of Parliament while in session including Lobsang Sangay. This is of course a disgrace to the people who elected the parliament members.
Pointedly, if Lobsang Sangay do not care for the people who elected him then this young man asked if he will also conveniently forget his promise to invite the Dalai Lama back to Potala Palace.
Worst of all, for Lobsang Sangay to be embarrassed to be asked such democratic questions shows that there is no democracy in CTA but just a band of bullies holding onto unaccountability. Shame!!!!!
However, for the Tibetans who have spoken out in questions to the Sikyong, may they have the perseverance to continue doing so in order for a better governance for the people.
samayakeeper
August 8, 2017
It would be interesting to hear what Lobsang Sangay replied and to know if there was a ‘post-meeting’ with the young man. My opinion is similar to this writer that in a democratic-led government voices from the people should not be stifled. Most times criticism helps the said person/party to hear what others think, and to improve on matters that were highlighted. But alas, this is not tolerated with the leadership of CTA, who for decades control their subjects’ voices. Let’s see if the CTA removes all articles pertaining to this article.
Belinda Mae
August 8, 2017
When more and more younger generation like this boy learn and ask questions directed to the Prime Minister, then perhaps the government will do something to improve the situation of the Tibetans in exiled. Like the famous Malala Yousafzai said education is a powerful tool to cut our ignorance. Since now the current situation is not getting any better, then the hope will be on the younger generations. Hopefully these younger generations people will not behave and act like the current government or else it is back to square one.
Richard LakTam
August 8, 2017
Now the Tibetan younger generation that live in India, are not like the older generation anymore. They will ask question, they will not sit there and wait for “miracle” to happen. And this Lobsang Sangay who is still living in his dreamland, still thinking that his way of running a “government” can actually cover line of what he’s been doing. Previously we didn’t know, now, through this student Tenzin Choeying, we know that this Sikyong, so called “leader” can walk away during a Parliament meeting. Losang Sangay, this world is not as big as you thought it was anymore. Whatever you do, people know. I have said this before in my previous comments, I don’t mind saying this one more time, “Lobsang Sangay, if you still don’t wake up, CTA is gonna say bye-bye.”. I don’t know whether he still have time now or not, but looking at the situation now, CTA is definitely gonna say bye-bye. It’s only the matter of time.
Tianni
August 8, 2017
Many things has been changed but CTA Leadership still remain unchanged. They made empty promises, gave fake hopes, and in between more than 120 Tibetans burning themselves on fire. Lobsang Sangay as head of the CTA couldn’t even resume the negotiation talks with the Chinese government after so many years. We always see him travel around the world and this really bothering me why he needs to do so. My view is Lobsang is more involved in making his own name in history rather than Tibetan cause.
Alexander Rein
August 8, 2017
The world has changed, it is no longer like the olden days when the leaders said something, or promise something, the citizen will believe it fully and trust that the government will fulfill what they said. The younger generation nowadays are well exposed and thanks to the internet, we see, we read and we learn what’s happening around the world, and when they find out the things someone said is not happening, they will go question them to find out the answer.
I really respect the courage of this young man, he is smart, and he is brave to express his opinion, honestly, I felt that if CTA really want to go back Tibet, they will need people like this young man, direct, smart and brave but without selfish agenda, instead of suppress them, CTA should actually encourage them and support them because they are the next generation that will bring Tibet to another level. But too bad, CTA choose otherwise, it seems that CTA is not interested to grow their country, they only interested with their hidden agenda.
Vajra10
August 8, 2017
I’m proud of this young hero who stand up and spoke for himself and his fellow friends and family members. Lobsang sangay should really take things seriously and start picking up to be a better leader NOW! Before it’s too late, when Tibet break into pieces and the spirit of fighting for freedom is out.
Hope this young hero will be safe after this and be someone productive and beneficial to his people and the world.
Wisdommind
August 8, 2017
Kudos to the tibetan youth who speak up and ask question to Lobsang sangye ( Tibetan exile Prime Minister). I wish to see more young tibetan generation speak up and find drmocracy for tibetan. CTA should stop bullying and imtidating young tibetan ,simple reason they are the hope future for tibet to fright independent. Not like the current exile tibetan government has fell badly and even subpress those who speaking the truth , they are total not freedom and receive life treatrening after speaking up by CTA.
Brian Little
August 14, 2017
I think during this day and age, Tibetan Exile Government will be in deeper scrutiny due to the availability of informations all over the internet. What this young Tibetan man asked is just one clear example that there are many who have doubts in the Tibetan leadership. Maybe the older generations who have not much access to information or shall I say blind faith to the Dalai Lama but what I can see from here, there are certainly growing doubts against the Sikyong himself too. I just wonder what will happen to the young man, will he be held for more questioning.
Camillia
August 23, 2017
To be fair, the three questions are not tough questions. They are direct questions, and if the leader is competent, he/she will be able to answer with ease and grace. Especially question 3, it is almost as good as a campaign question where the leader can make use of to share the plans and impress the crowd.
Well, unfortunately, we have Sikyongla. Who, may possess a Havard certificate, but is obviously not used to candid dialog, leave alone open discussion with the public. Since these 3 simple questions pose a challenge to him, as the Prime Minister, it shows his level of competent.
Is this an eye opener to the Tibetan commuity in exile and to the larger Tibetans community around the world? How many times must the Prime Minister be embarrased before he buckles up? Or before actions be taken to do something about it by the Tibetan people?
Doreen Park
August 30, 2017
When a student asked the Tibetan Prime Minister three questions during his recent visit to the Central University of Tibet in Varanasi, the first thing that came to mind was that this was like a breath of fresh air. Moreover, as the youth reminded the Sikyong,it was the people that had voted him into power, so please can he then explain to the people issues that concern them?
In fact, this brings to the forefront the question of accountability of the Sikyong and Members of Parliament, who have been elected by the people. It is time this is highlighted and not swept under the carpet.
What is also of equally great importance is that such freedom of speech should not be quashed. It should not be that every voice among the budding intellectuals of the Tibetan community be stifled. They represent the future leaders of Tibet and on them depends Tibet’s future.It’s high time the Sikyong and his cabinet members stop being selfish, but think instead of the future of their people.
Pema Norbu
September 15, 2017
You can see a clear video of His Holiness the Dalai Lama asking the monasteries to expel monks that practice Dorje Shugden. Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTgYWidYw3U
Sarah West
September 28, 2017
Sikyongla be fair to the young man. If you are not guilty why should you be embrassed by his questions? You are a Harvard law graduate why can’t you handle these 3 simple questions by this youth? In real democracy you ought to be accountable for your own administration. And Sikyongla, if you have your people at heart, nurture your youths. Don’t intimidate them.
Tsering Gonkatsang
September 30, 2017
Member of Parliament Tenpa Yarphel is a hero. He is speaking up for free speech and freedom of expression. He is exercising his rights, he is standing up for logical democracy which is the only way forward and not having to contact spirits like Nechung via oracles to make decisions that impact people’s lives. But look how people speak about him in the comments, so rude and nasty. It really represents the Dalai Lama badly as they are supporting Dalai Lama beings so rude: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if2dFMKIr_8
They say we need to believe in Nechung and follow what he says. But in 2009 Nechung said the Dalai Lama would go back to Tibet and that everyone would be happy. A monk from Nechung Monastery is the one that told everyone about this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8. But Nechung was wrong. It has been eight years and this has not happened. The Dalai Lama did not return to Tibet. Nechung being consulted by Tibetan government in exile is backwards. No governments do this in the civilized world.
When people like Tenpa Yarphel speak up and are real patriots of the Tibetan people, they are attacked by other people. In fact people even protest like this man who shaves his hair: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30NL4hG8oA. People like these are actually protesting against Tenpa Yarphel’s democratic rights and freedom of speech. Tibetans by criticizing Tenpa Yarphel shows they are far from democracy. Besides many of the other Kagyu leaders such as Drigung Chetsang Rinpoche, Drukchen Rinpoche, Karmapa Thaye Dorje all did not say anything against Tenpa Yarphel that represents the Kagyus.
Dalai Lama had said that is his minister of cabinet in the government. Even though it is clear that Nechung is unreliable and a spirit, the Dalai Lama continues to rely heavily on Nechung and other oracles who take trance of spirits. He invites Nechung to all his events and allow him to take trance in centre stage always. In fact the Dalai Lama even calls the oracles to his own private bedroom: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x62ocw1.
These practices show how Tibetan government is run.
Lovett
October 14, 2017
Within the Tibetan communities in India, there is no free speech and how Tibetans insult each other and would even insult foreigners by calling them Chinese agents just because you speak up and this is suppose to silence you. All of this began with the Tibetan CTA. Nonetheless, there are a handful of Tibetans who had enough and they dare to speak the truth and in this case, Tenpa Yarphel speaks against Nechung and veiled statements about the Shugden ban – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuKOjcpLH8A
And then there are people who would oppose his view by shaving his head. Very silly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30NL4hG8oA
Lhakpa
October 17, 2017
Chokyong Nechung is wrong! Nechung in this video said that Dalai Lama is going back to China and that was five years ago? What happened? Why are we even listening to him ever again. He always make mistakes. 😱
🌎 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8
Lobsang Sangay
October 17, 2017
Let’s face it… there is NO REAL FREEDOM of SPEECH for us Tibetans living under the ruling of the CTA and Dalai Lama. The Tibetan communities in India all sufer this fate and we live in lies and deception of a FAKE DEMOCRACY.
Just watch how Tibetans insult and backstab each other and would even dare insult people they do not know, calling them Chinese dogs/Chinese spies is the only thing they can say and the label they give you the moment you dare to speak up. This is done to shut you up and to indicate to other Tibetans to attack you because they make you sound like you are a traitor and this is how they get all to turn against you. This is how the Tibetan CTA deals with people they feel threatened. All because of power and position.
However, there are a few brave Tibetans who basically had enough of their deception and begin to speak up, to tell the truth. A good example is Tenpa Yarphel who bravely stood up and talked about Nechung and the inconsistency and FAILED prophesies… also the ridiculous heavy reliance on him for everything. Where on earth do you ever see any government relying on “mystical Gods” to help them make state decisions? Even if they did, they would not dare tell anyone because this is 2017 not the medieval times. Just watch – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuKOjcpLH8A
Then you have the small-minded, sheep like followers, shaving their hair – like WOW big deal, to protest against Tenpa Yarphel. Lololol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30NL4hG8oA
Jamyang
October 18, 2017
Question to Tibetan exile government, Central Tibetan Administration – CTA: Hey this Geshe Dorje interprets Nechung’s prophecy saying the Dalai Lama will go back to Tibet five years ago, but look, Dalai Lama still cannot go back. Watch… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8
Not only that, there is still NO sign of even creating a good relationship for a chance to go back! So we are all stuck and still nowhere near going back to Tibet. So why on earth are we still listening to this spirit Nechung who always makes mistakes and give wrong prophecies? Nechung even killed the 13th Dalai Lama by giving him the wrong medicine. So WHY are we still listening to him for? Why are we Buddhist following what a spirit says? If we can follow Nechung spirit so why condemn Dogyal? This is weird and wrong!
Pema Schneider
October 19, 2017
Lobsang Sangay at the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Tibetan Settlement Office in Dharamsala: https://youtu.be/eInTi-E9na8
Losang Sangay said recently (October, 2017) in Dharamsala that Tibetans have two enemies: the outer and inner enemy. The outer enemy is the Chinese government and Dorje Shugden people. The inner enemy is the people who speak against about our Tibetan affairs like regional differences and religious differences. (He didn’t say this directly but he means people like Tenpa Yarphel who spoke up in the Parliament) He said out of the two enemies, the worse one is the inner enemy.
Now the Tibetans have started a new Facebook page specifically against Tenpa Yarphel. Tibetans are protesting against him: http://bit.ly/2ysowTH
And there is a video of Tibetans with Tenpa Yarphel’s name on the paper against him and asking him to resign: http://bit.ly/2zAH2af
Matteo
October 19, 2017
His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a a dedicated advocate for the principles of democracy. In September this year, Tibetans in India celebrated the 57th anniversary of the establishment of the democratic path in the running of the Tibetan people’s political system. Sadly, it’s all lip service.
Look at the recent incident of MP Tenpa Yarphel speaking up. Tenpa Yarphel has the right to speak and express his opinion, especially because he is a representative of the people, a Member of Parliament. He was criticized for issuing irresponsible statements, watch this video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuKOjcpLH8A
What is absurd is that there are people protesting against his opinion, and shaving their hair in protest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30NL4hG8oA
Tenpa Yarphel was accused of being sectarian, but the reality is that because of Nechung’s advice, Dorje Shugden practitioners were segregated, discriminated and ostracized from the Tibetan community in general all around the world. This MP is perhaps tired of seeing the separation and found the courage to speak up for the unity of the Tibetan people in exile.
Lukar Jam supporter
October 19, 2017
Nechung oracle is not reliable. Many times his predictions wrong.
He didn’t help when british invaded tibet in 1904. he gave wrong medicine to 13th dalai lama which caused His holiness’s death. he said in the past Tibetans going back to Tibet soon. In 2009, this Geshe Dorje read out what Nechung oracle said. How many years passed, negotiation talk never resume after Lobsang Sangay become Sikyong. That is why now Kagyu Member of Parliament Tenpa Yarphel speaking up about Nechung because so many problems caused.
Why we still believe Nechung? Watch this short video, see how confident this Geshe was explaining, but it never came true:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8
Tashi, Delhi
October 20, 2017
What is the CTA for a club? Going around pretending to be a democracy and only because of HH Dalai Lama they can make some foreign people believe it but it seems that karma is coming back.
The CTA is suppressing their own people and having a good life with the money originally meant for the Tibetan people. On top, their elections are a farce!
Listen here to Tenpa Yarphel who questions about the reliance of the Tibetan Government to Nechung, an oracle, which is understandable already but on top Nechung’s predictions seem to create more problems than anything else. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuKOjcpLH8A
What happens to Tenpa Yarphel now that he speaks up? Tibetans have started a Facebook page against Tenpa Yarphel and protest against him: http://bit.ly/2ysowTH. They even ask Tenpa Yarphel to resign: http://bit.ly/2zAH2af
So much for the “Democracy” in the Tibetan Government!!
ashrao
October 29, 2017
Unfortunately, the dream of Tibetan democracy is nothing but that. Look at this brave Tenpa Yarphel speaking up against the spirit Nechung (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuKOjcpLH8A). He brings up a good point, the Tibetans rely more on a spirit than they do on democratic principles and their own intelligence and care for their own people.
But these Tibetans themselves are so enamored with the spirit that they protest against Tenpa Yarphel, lame protests, but protests nonetheless, like this man who cut off his hair (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30NL4hG8oA). I really don’t understand how this is a protest, but each to their own I guess.
Personally, I don’t really think much of the Tibetans who follow their lame government. I’ve seen first-hand just how much the average Tibetan suffers under their current leadership and this just goes to show that their government is ineffective and schismatic. But one thing about this whole situation is somewhat promising, there is a silver lining, and that is the point was raised by a Tibetan MP within their parliament. He wouldn’t have done so if other people in the Tibetan community did not feel the same way. It is time for Tibetan to free themselves of a superstitious, money-grabbing, self-serving, and impotent government.
Dawa Lhamo
October 29, 2017
Tibetan government are useless, they rely on Nechung https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuKOjcpLH8A
Any you know what, their supporters even cut their hair off because they don’t agree with MP. This guy funny. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30NL4hG8oA
What this going to change?
ashrao
October 29, 2017
The Tibetan government keep relying on Nechung for everything, though all his predictions and advice cause more damage than harm. Is it even wise to follow his advice, I mean he was wrong about His Holiness the Dalai Lama returning to Tibet in five years https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8
That was in 2009, we are now in 2017, which was 8 years ago. Is his advice really trust worthy? I wonder why the Tibetan government even continue to listen to him. Perhaps they get something out of it?
Tashi Gonkatsang
October 29, 2017
This ashrao posted this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8
What he said is true. I couldn’t believe it at first, because I never heard my parents or relatives tell much such things before. But when I asked my uncle who is a monk, he told me it is true. He said that Nechung gave bad advice and has continued to give bad advice. My uncle said that even many of the monks and high lamas don’t even believe in anything Nechung says. Better to say no rather than listening to his advice from now on. My parents were shocked. They used to go and see Nechung oracle when they were in India, but luckily I was able to move them to the USA. Now we better off. I can’t believe that the government still listen to the Nechung.
Hi I'm Lobsang Sangye I'm a liar
October 29, 2017
It’s quite refreshing to have someone from the parliament speaking up and raising questions about the unjustness that’s been happening within its own “government”. Tenpa Yarphel is extremely brave to speak up like that, Tibetans HAVE TO WATCH IT! 👍
1. Tibetan shaves off his hair in protest against MP Tenpa Yarphel 2017 Sept
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30NL4hG8oA
2. Tibetan Parliament member representing Kagyu School Ven. Tenpa Yarphel speaks against Nechung
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if2dFMKIr_8
Then of course, we have some intelligent individuals such as Geshe Dorje himself, who just wants attention, talks big but does nothing else 🙄 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8
TseringD, Delhi
October 29, 2017
I m think Nechung is one of d best when I m watch to dis video By Geshe Dorjee la but now I m think is not d truth n he is lie to Tibet people we are not back to Tibet yet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8 Chithue Tenpa Yarphel la tq for talk about truth of Nechung . I m watch to this video many time la https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if2dFMKIr_8 n after I hear you talk I m not belief to Nechung
ZUMA 👎
Why CTA Why
October 30, 2017
Watch Geshe Dorje who😏 interprets Nechung’s prophecies! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8
After the Nechung oracle takes trance, his answers are interpreted and explained by Geshe Dorje, a Buddhist master from Nechung Monastery.
The video from 2009 proves that Nechung is wrong again! Why rely on Nechung when all his prophecies are wrong?? Someone with a hidden agenda maybe?!!
Michaela Smith
October 30, 2017
Only the CTA relies on the Nechung & made the spirit who gave so many false advice so much privileges
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8
Namdrol
October 30, 2017
MP Tenpa Yarphel is very brave to questioned the validity and accuracy of the spirit Nechung who the Dalai Lama always consulted, apparently Nechung has been giving highly inaccurate prophecies, but people still keep using him because Dalai Lama keeps using him and nobody dare to say otherwise, although Nechung is full of mistake, no wonder Tibetans did not get back their country even after 60 years: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuKOjcpLH8A
Look at this guy’s way of protest against MP Tenpa Yarphel and you know why the Tibetans will never get back their country:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30NL4hG8oA
Amber Sonam
October 30, 2017
Bravo to MP Tenpa Yarphel for speaking up so bravely! CTA has a lot of dodgy business going on even it’s own MP cannot keep quiet anymore. Watch what is being said here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if2dFMKIr_8
Yet, those in denial continue to support the corruptions within the CTA by shaving off his hair in protest against MP Tenpa Yarphel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30NL4hG8oA
He is also supported by Geshe Dorje himself who is riding on the Nechung issue giving no concrete proof as usual https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8
Michaela Smith
October 30, 2017
I would like to share with you about this courageous Tibetan parliament MP who is speaking up against Nechung. He received a lot of backlash due to his bravery, but I hope it won’t deter him to speak up in the future. There are many people who actually agree with him
1. Tibetan Parliament member representing Kagyu School, speak up about Nechung
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if2dFMKIr_8
2. Tibetan shaves off his hair in protest against MP Tenpa Yarphel 2017 Sept
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30NL4hG8oA
Tenzin Ngawang
November 17, 2017
Less people criticize China because they show unity and progress
https://youtu.be/Na3lcejmqZ4
Many people shun the CTA because they engage in constant bickering
Ngodup Tsering
November 18, 2017
What is really happening in Dharamsala
Ngodup Tsering
November 18, 2017
WHAT HAPPENED WITH SANGYE AND SHARLING
Lhakpa Dhendup
August 11, 2018
What will the all the people around the world and in Tibet do now? Dalai Lama says he is happy that Tibet is a part of China and should remain a part of China. So many Tibetans self-immolated for Tibet to be independent and now Dalai Lama did a 360 degree turn and says he wants to go back to Tibet and China and Tibet should be a part of China. So unbelievable. So many are angry and disappointed.
Dalai Lama should set things right
August 12, 2018
Dear Dalai Lama,
Since you started the cruel ban against the 350 year Dorje Shugden practice, how has it benefit your Tibetan society and Buddhism in the world? Things have become worse and most educated Tibetans can see this. They don’t speak out not because they don’t see your ban as wrong, but you instill fear in them and not respect. It is like fear of a dictator. I am sorry to say so. Everyone is divided. There is no harmony. Before your ban there was more harmony and unity.
By enacting the ban, you split the monasteries, split so many families, split regions in Tibet apart, split your disciples from you, split your own gurus from you, split Tibetan Buddhism apart. You have created so much disharmony.
It is not democratic what you have done to ban a religion within your community. You always talk of tolerance and acceptance and democracy and yet you do not accept and tolerate something different from your beliefs. When people practice Dorje Shugden you ostracize them, ban them from seeing you, ban them from using Tibetan facilities. You know you have done that. There are videos that capture your speech and prove this point. You even had people expelled from monasteries just because they practice Dorje Shugden. Some of the monks you expelled have been in the monastery for over 40 years. Many older monks shed tears because of this.
Many young educated Tibetans lost confidence in you as they saw the damage the Dorje Shugden ban created and they lose hope. Many have become free thinkers. They reject what you have done. So many people in the west left Buddhism because of the confusion you created with this ban against Dorje Shugden which is immoral.
You could of had millions of people who practice Dorje Shugden to support, love and follow you, but you scared them away. They are hurt and very disappointed. They loved you and respected you deeply before the ban. It has been 60 years and you have failed to get Tibet back. Your biggest failure is not getting Tibet back after 57 years in exile. Now you are begging China to allow you to return to Tibet to the disappointment of thousands of people who fought for a free Tibet believing in you. So many self-immolated for a free Tibet and now you want Tibet to be a part of China with no referendum from Tibetans. Just like a dictator, you decide on your own. It was your government and you that lost Tibet in the first place. Your policies and style of doing things do not benefit Tibet and Buddhism. You have been the sole ruler of Tibet your whole life and you still have not gotten our country of Tibet back for us. Our families and us are separated. Yet you create more pain by creating a ban to further divide people. Please have compassion.
No other Buddhist leader has banned or condemned any religion except for you. It looks very bad. You are a Nobel laureate and this is not fitting of a laureate. You should unite people and not separate them by religious differences.
You said Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi did not do right to the Rohingya people in Myanmar due to religious differences, but you are doing the same thing to the Shugden Buddhists within your own society. There is a parallel in this. You separate the Shugden Buddhists from the others in Tibetan society.
You have lost so many people who would have loved and supported you. You have lost so much support around the world. The Shugden Buddhists who love you number in the millions. When you are fast losing support from governments and private people, it will not do you well to lose more.
After you are passed away in the future, the rift you created between the Dorje Shugden and non-Dorje Shugden people will remain for a while and that will be your legacy. Disharmony. You will be remembered for this. Not as a hero but a disharmony creator.
Dorje Shugden will spread and further grow, but you will be no more as you are a human. No one wishes you bad and in fact we hope you have a long and healthy life, but we have lost so much hope and have so much despair because of you. All the hundreds of Dorje Shugden lamas, tulkus and geshes are maturing and there are hundreds of Dorje Shugden monasteries in Tibet who will not give up Dorje Shugden. You have made a mistake. These hundreds of teachers and teachers to be will spread Dorje Shugden further in the future.
The gurus that gave us Dorje Shugden as a spiritual practice and you have called these holy gurus wrong and they are mistaken in giving us Dorje Shugden. How can you insult our gurus whom we respect so much? If they can be wrong, then you can be wrong. Then all gurus can be wrong. So no one needs to listen to any guru? You have created this trend. It is not healthy. Your own gurus practiced Dorje Shugden their whole lives. Your own gurus were exemplary and highly learned.
Dalai Lama you have created so much pain with this ban against so many people due to religion. You are ageing fast. Are you going to do anything about it or stay stubborn, hard and un-moving. You show a smile and preach peace and harmony wherever you go. But will you do the same to your own people? Please rectify the wrong you have done. Please before it is too late. You can create harmony again or you can pass away in the future with this legacy of peace. May you live long and think carefully and admit what was a mistake in having this unethical ban against Dorje Shugden religion.
Ayana
August 16, 2018
Why doesn’t the United States and its allies end Refugee Status for the useless Tibetans? They have been refugees for 60 years now and don’t tell me they still cannot get their lives back in order?
Tibetans really know how to put on a good show and use people, take their money and do nothing in return.
Ojas
August 17, 2018
Supreme Court of India JUSTICE Mr. MARKANDEY KATJU (RETD) writes that Tibet is much better under the Chinese than it was under the lamas who only wanted to make the populace slaves. It was feudal and it will never return to the backwardness again.