The Tibetan leadership cannot seem to make up their minds about their stance towards China. On one hand, they say that the Chinese leadership are the root of all their problems. On the other hand, they say a “One China” policy can help their cause. Yet it was this same policy that is supposed to be the root of all their problems. The Tibetan leadership’s incredible double standards extends to the point they will say anything just to ensure they stay on their donor’s good side (in this case Donald Trump), even if it means undermining what the Tibetan people have struggled for, for 60 years.
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: Solaray Kusco
Few communities in the world are as closely associated with the words ‘refugee’ and ‘human rights’ as the Tibetans. Their struggle over the last 60 years has seen them become the ultimate example of what it means to be a highly visible, well-publicised refugee community. Thanks to the power of celebrity supporters like Richard Gere and Adam Yauch of the Beastie Boys, those who are not familiar with Buddhism, or who have no idea where Tibet is, will still have some inkling about the so-called Tibetan plight.
The Tibetan leadership travels around the world begging various foreign governments for funds, while they parade His Holiness the Dalai Lama to various sponsored events to charm people into donating to the Tibetan leadership. But where do all of these funds go and what are they used for? The Tibetan settlements are full of ornate temples and richly-decorated altars, while the Tibetan people beg the world for donations when their livelihoods are destroyed, as in the case of the fire at the Lal Qilla Tibetan sweater market.
But while the outside world has one view of the Tibetans, those who know the real story see a very different picture. Because while the average Tibetan may be struggling for their everyday needs, in reality their leadership is not. And while there were many positives to Tibetan society, for example the activities of the great monasteries, there are also many terrible and uncomfortable truths.
One such ugly truth is that pre-1959 Tibet was a class-driven society. Outside of the monasteries, people were divided into nobles and peasants, and the nobles wielded far greater power than the average Tibetan could ever dream of. Theirs was a life of wealth and leisure, reinforced by a manipulated interpretation of the Buddha’s teachings on karma. That is, if you were born a peasant, it was your karma and thus your lot in life and how others treat you should be accepted. This class system has carried over into post-1959 Tibetan society, and today it is played out in India in the foothills of the Himalayas.
High up in Dharamsala, the Tibetan leadership continue to exist in a kind of privileged world that few, if any, outsiders ever get to see. The rules that are imposed on their people do not apply to them and as a result, 60 years of unchecked behavior has resulted in a Tibetan society with more divisions, inequalities and double standards than ever before.
[1] Passport Issue
The recent passport debacle is one such example of this inequality. To travel around the world, Tibetans have a yellow refugee book (Tibetan: deb serpo) issued to them by the Indian government. Upon arriving at their destination, this book informs immigration that the bearer is a Tibetan refugee and protectorate of India. It has however, become increasingly difficult to travel on the yellow book as fewer countries are willing to accept it as a legitimate travel document. Accepting it as a legal document is indirect recognition of the existence of a separate Tibetan nation, and hence more countries are unwilling to accept it due to the risk of upsetting China.
Therefore, because of the travel limitations associated with the yellow book, Tibetans have been pushing to receive Indian passports to expand their ability to travel. And they were successful in their campaign. Recently, it was announced that Tibetans born between January 1950 and July 1987 will be eligible for an Indian passport but they will have to meet certain requirements. These include moving out from the Tibetan settlements and giving up one’s Tibetan refugee papers. The Indian government’s reason for the requirements was very simple – according to the Indian Constitution, those who bear an Indian passport are not allowed to have dual citizenship. Hence, carrying a yellow refugee book to identify oneself as Tibetan, whilst simultaneously carrying an Indian passport is a breach of the Indian Constitution. To hold an Indian passport also means the bearer becomes an Indian citizen, thereby making it illegal and illogical for them to stay in the refugee-only Tibetan settlements.
There was an uproar as a result of this announcement. People who agreed with the requirements were accused of being anti-Tibetan and too eager to give up their Tibetan identity (whatever that may be). The Indian government was accused of being unfair…this despite India giving a home to the Tibetans for 60 years! The irony is that this uproar has not been directed at the Tibetan leadership when the majority of them are either foreign citizens or carry two passports. The Tibetan leaders themselves have remained silent on this issue, afraid to draw attention to their illegal activities. Of course they would be embarrassed that while they have the freedom to travel (due to possessing more than one passport), their fellow Tibetan man continues to struggle to travel on the yellow book or is faced with accusations of being a traitor when they bear an Indian passport.
OUR QUESTION
Why is someone a traitor when they hold an Indian passport, but the Tibetan Prime Minister Sikyong Lobsang Sangay is not a traitor for having American citizenship? Just because they are in office does not mean that the Tibetan leadership are exempt from the law. It does not mean that they automatically deserve greater freedom of movement and greater freedom of travel as compared to their countrymen and women. At a time when everyone is struggling, it is even more important for the leaders to practise humility and not put themselves higher than everyone else. They are in this struggle with their people.
Why do they not work to lift the yellow book’s travel limitations for their entire community? If they were really serious about providing the best opportunities for their people, they should not allow anyone to be bullied and harassed, and made to feel guilty for taking on an Indian passport. The Tibetan leadership should issue a statement to absolve Indian passport holders of any accusations of being anti-Tibetan. But the problem is if they were to say something, they risk being questioned about their own travel documents and it will come to light just how much benefits and privileges they receive, while the rest of the Tibetan community continue to struggle.
[2] Dorje Shugden
Some of the biggest double standards exhibited by the Tibetan leadership have been related to the Dorje Shugden issue. The practice was banned in 1996 and since that time, while the Tibetan leadership preaches democracy and freedom, their actions towards Shugden practitioners have been anything but.
Over the last 20 years, the Tibetan leadership have made every effort to stamp out the practice, from demonizing it as spirit worship to stigmatizing Dorje Shugden practitioners as anti-Dalai Lama. They have directed riots against Dorje Shugden devotees, expelled them from monasteries, bullied their children out of schools, withheld medical treatment, and even refused travel documents to newly-arrived Tibetan refugees who are hoping to leave Nepal and travel to India.
The Tibetan leadership have taken every opportunity to talk about, degrade and demonize the practice. In 2014 for example, His Holiness the Dalai Lama devoted 27 minutes of his teaching while he was in Sera Monastery to speak against Dorje Shugden. That is just one example and many other lamas have done the same. The point is, those many hundreds of hours that they devoted to this type of talk could have been spent giving actual Dharma teachings. And not only did Dharamsala encourage them to speak in this way, but the Tibetan leaders have also spent money on anti-Shugden websites, anti-Shugden documentaries, and anti-Shugden publications and books.
OUR QUESTION
Is this the behavior of a supposedly Buddhist government, to waste sponsors’ money on anti-anything projects when the same funds could be channelled instead towards the welfare of the Tibetan community by building more schools and hospitals? What about using the money to invite and pay for good Indian doctors to treat the older, sick monks? Tuberculosis, diabetes and high blood pressure are rampant amongst the older generation of monks. The Tibetan leadership, who claims to be Buddhist, should address this and stop focusing on withholding treatment from Dorje Shugden practitioners. They should stop using funds given by well-meaning sponsors, to bully Shugden practitioners into giving up the practice.
On the one hand, the Tibetan leadership portrays themselves to be a suffering, downtrodden leadership being bullied by a greater power. On the other hand, with the money that they raise from pretending to be a downtrodden leadership, they waste these funds to suppress and ostracize a group of people. How can they claim to be bullied, when all along they have been the ones doing the bullying?
[3] Is China Friend or Foe?
One of the Tibetan leadership’s most glaring double standards concerns their relationship with China, which is surprising considering the fact Dharamsala blames all of their troubles and obstacles on the Chinese leadership.
In 2016, after months of promoting an inaccurate Reuters article which tried to link Dorje Shugden’s practice to China, Dharamsala followed up by releasing their own anti-Shugden video. In the video, the Tibetan Prime Minister Sikyong Lobsang Sangay and Dhardon Sharling alleged that Dorje Shugden practitioners are funded by the Chinese leadership. Note that although they did not provide any proof to substantiate their claims, they were adamant that there is a link. It was thus implied very strongly that Dorje Shugden practitioners are traitors because they have Chinese connections.
So you can imagine everyone’s surprise when just one day after the Tibetan leadership released this video, the department headed by Dhardon Sharling announced a workshop had been organized to teach Tibetans how to befriend the Chinese. In the space of 24 hours, they were now encouraging people to make Chinese connections when literally just the day before, anyone with these connections was a traitor.
In fact, having connections with China has always been a conveniently selective affair. If the Tibetan in question is the Dalai Lama, a non-Gelug practitioner or a favorite of the political establishment, then a relationship with the Chinese leadership is not a problem. For anyone else however, this relationship or the potential of a relationship will be used to demonize and ostracize them from everyone else.
Amchok Rinpoche (seated with glasses) in a recent photo taken in Tibet. He has clearly been unaffected by his defection back to Tibet. How come there were no calls for him as a traitor? Surely as the Dalai Lama’s personal biographer, he would be most effective in his job by being next to the Dalai Lama. The Tibetan leadership must be very embarrassed by his defection, because they have not issued statements announcing that he betrayed the Dalai Lama and labelling him a traitor.
Take, for example, Amchok Rinpoche, the Dalai Lama’s personal biographer. He defected, left Dharamsala and returned to Tibet and upon his arrival, he immediately received Chinese citizenship. The speed at which he received his travel documents and citizenship is proof positive that he had Chinese connections before he left India but no mention is ever made of this and the whole Tibetan leadership stays silent.
Simultaneously, other lamas like the late Akong Rinpoche are actually based in China but no criticism are ever directed their way despite their very obvious Chinese connections. It is impossible to believe that Akong Rinpoche could have been based in Chengdu, China for so many years and not receive one single cent from a Chinese citizen. Even His Holiness the Dalai Lama receives money from the Chinese leadership! Yet he is never criticized for being funded by them. We are not asking for these teachers to be criticized for their Chinese connections, but rather questioning the Tibetan leadership’s double standards in applying their policies when it comes to different individuals.
OUR QUESTION
So which one is it? Is it evil to receive money from the Chinese leadership or not? If it is evil for Dorje Shugden practitioners to allegedly receive funding, then it is also evil for anyone else including Amchok Rinpoche, Akong Rinpoche and even His Holiness the Dalai Lama. But how come Dorje Shugden practitioners are targeted for so-called Chinese links, when other people who have very obvious links are not targeted in the same way?
How can the Tibetan people trust a leadership who has no clear stance, view or strategy on how to accomplish their political goals? On something so fundamental as a relationship with China, the Prime Minister and his sidekick cannot decide what is good and what is bad. It is little wonder that the Tibetan leadership have failed to initiate dialogue with China, when they themselves are unclear about their own relationship with China. You cannot spend decades calling the Chinese leadership every derogatory name under the sun, then organize a workshop teaching Tibetans how to befriend the Chinese and expect those methods to be successful.
[4] The Tale of Two Karmapas
Within Tibetan Buddhism, there are four major traditions – the Gelugs, the Kagyus, Nyingmas and Sakyas. Due to interference from the Tibetan leadership, each school is now facing a very divisive set of issues. The Gelugs have to deal with the Dorje Shugden issue, while the Sakyas are dealing with the change of succession process for their throneholder. A branch of the Kagyus, known as the Drukpa Kagyus, are dealing with the illegal takeover of their monasteries while Karma Kagyus are dealing with the conflict because they have two throneholders (known as the Karmapa).
Urgyen Trinley, one of the two Karmapa candidates, and the person endorsed by the Tibetan leadership. Their endorsement of him as the real Karmapa is out of the ordinary and not keeping with the Karma Kagyu tradition of recognizing their own candidates. The CTA’s interference in the matter has led to the Karma Kagyu sect being deeply divided.
The search and recognition of the new Karmapa incarnation has always been conducted by the regents of the Karma Kagyu lineage – the Tai Situ, the Sharmapa, Jamgon Kongtrul and Gyaltsab Rinpoche. After Dharamsala interfered with the recognition of the 17th Karmapa, which you can read about here, it resulted in the identification of two candidates. Since that time, the Karma Kagyu lineage has been split into two, with one half supporting Urgyen Trinley (Dharamsala’s choice) and the other supporting Thaye Dorje (the choice of the Sharmapa, who has historically been the person most directly involved in the process).
Because the Tibetan leadership has made an obvious choice in their preferred Karmapa candidate, their decision has been used to discriminate against Thaye Dorje. He has been called the false Karmapa by Urgyen Trinley’s supporters, who use the fact Dharamsala supports their candidate as proof that Urgyen Trinley is the real and authentic Karmapa. And because Dharamsala allowed this issue to escalate, and because they did not say anything to appease either side, violence descended upon Rumtek Monastery, the historical seat of the Karma Kagyus. The Indian police had to step in to quell the violence and the courts ruled that neither Karmapa is allowed to take up residence or be enthroned in Rumtek. It is a ruling which stands to this day, and armed Indian police still continue to patrol the monastic grounds to prevent any further sectarian violence.
OUR QUESTION
Is the Tibetan leadership a secular government or a spiritual one? If they are secular, then why did they get involved with a spiritual matter like the head of the Karma Kagyus? Once they got involved and divisions were created thanks to their interference, they should not have remained silent when violence erupted in Rumtek. They should have spoken up immediately and firmly requested their people to stop fighting and to respect one another.
The other Karmapa candidate, Thaye Dorje who, although has not been endorsed by the Tibetan leadership, was recognized and educated by the Sharmapa, a Karma Kagyu lama who has historically been the closest and most involved with the recognition of any Karmapa incarnations.
And if they are spiritual, why did they create schism instead of respect the Karma Kagyu’s traditions and systems? If they are a spiritual leadership, they should have immediately stopped showing their support for one Karmapa candidate, thereby degrading the other side’s choice. The fact is that the Tibetan leadership are unclear what they are; if they are secular, they have not been governing their people to maintain peace and prevent violence and if they are spiritual, they have been creating schism amongst the various traditions which is contrary to truly spiritual behaviour. Being vague and having double standards suits them because when they have created the schism and division, everyone will be too busy discussing and focusing on that to question Dharamsala about their goals, methods and motivation.
[5] Tibetan Democracy is a Farce
Ultimately, nothing the Tibetan leadership says can be trusted. They label themselves a Buddhist government, yet they create schism, disharmony and worst still, violence in their community. They label themselves a democracy, yet they destroy all the hallmarks of a democracy. With the Tibetan settlements, there is:
- no freedom of speech. Newspapers like Mangtso who publish views that do not align with or support the leadership’s views are violently harassed into shutting down.
- no freedom of religion. Dorje Shugden practitioners are not allowed to practise their faith without some kind of violent consequence, like being chased out of their homes with rocks, being stabbed in the early hours of the morning, having their monasteries rioted against and even murdered.
- no freedom of thought. Even school children who dare to ask questions of the Tibetan leadership are pulled aside after the event, to be interrogated and reprimanded for daring to question the Prime Minister.
- no freedom of movement. The ordinary Tibetan struggles to get paperwork to allow him to travel freely, while the leadership hold dual citizenship or two sets of travelling papers, breaking the law but never face any kind of repercussion for this.
- what is essentially a one-party system with no independent candidates. Within Tibetan society, it is also guaranteed that anyone who challenges the status quo will have their reputations and livelihoods destroyed. In the 2016 Sikyong elections, the independent candidate Lukar Jam was frozen out of the second round of voting. Midway through the election, the Election Commission (the body responsible for maintaining a fair election) changed the rules in order to exclude him. Subsequently, Lukar Jam was accused of being anti-Dalai Lama and has had his property vandalized. Even groups who are legally entitled to Parliamentary representation, like the Jonangpas, are denied it when the Parliament takes a vote against their inclusion in the Tibetan Parliament in Exile.
Given such living conditions, and in any other circumstance, the Tibetan leadership would be called dictatorial or authoritarian. However, because they are THE Tibetan refugee community and THE Dalai Lama is a part of them, no one thinks to look at them in such a way. And Tibetan leadership are happy to make use of the Dalai Lama’s reputation to divert the attention and hide their own inadequacies, to line their own pockets and continue exploiting the accepting nature of the Tibetan people who have, over centuries, been beaten down into submission to never think or dare to question those in charge.
Conclusion
What the Tibetan leadership have been slow to realize is that 60 years ago, they set their people on the path to division, disharmony and failure. They did this by encouraging different groups to split, therefore weakening the people’s power by making them disagree on any topics that they might otherwise find common ground on. While this ‘divide and conquer’ tactic was enforced to solidify the leadership’s position, the overall result is an ineffectual leadership governing a community so used to disagreeing with one another, that they have made little real progress in any issues since 1959.
How much longer can the Tibetan Prime Minister Sikyong Lobsang Sangay keep up his pretence of supporting the Dalai Lama when in reality, his actions are contrary to the Dalai Lama’s teachings on unity and harmony among the Tibetan people?
A casual observer will easily conclude that the Tibetan leadership’s karma is coming back to them by splits being created everywhere. On the topic that affects the most Tibetans – that is, their political causes – there is total destabilization and disagreement now. The entire community is split between rangzen (full independence) and the Dalai Lama’s umaylam (meaningful autonomy), meaning even on the Tibetan community’s largest and most fundamental issue, they have no consensus.
Without a consensus, how will they ever move forwards to initiate dialogue with China when they do not even know what they want? Consider the Chinese leadership and their united stance on Tibet, and compare that to the Tibetans who all bear different opinions. While the Chinese are firm and every official sings the same tune, the Tibetans flip-flop on everything. They are only ever firm about destroying their opponents.
And that is precisely why the CTA will never get anywhere. It is time that the CTA realize that they have more pressing challenges brought about by external sources than compared to internal ones, and they should stop making further problems amongst their own people. They should stop looking outside to blame others for their failures because in doing so, their real problems are never addressed and resolved. Hence, 60 years after the first Tibetans entered exile, the community has made almost no headway in their so-called struggle.
But it is not too late. Parts of the world continue to be enamored by His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s charm, and are still somewhat willing to be seduced by his self-effacing, disarming nature. So it is definitely not too late for the Tibetan leadership to stop enforcing double standards and hypocrisy with their people, and work to undo the damage of the last 60 years. Do this while they still have the Dalai Lama’s reputation to rely on for fundraising because once that is gone, they can kiss goodbye any chance of a productive and effective leadership.
English
Indonesia
Tibetan
shugmiden
July 21, 2017
Finally, you have accepted that shugden followers have been accepting money from china. And you have reasoned out that it’s not bad at all because Dalai Lama does that too?? HaHa!! So, according to your reasons you have agreed that shugden people accept money from china, build shugden monastery with shiny statues and all luxury facilities. And then continue protest against Dalai Lama and make a threat to his life resulting in more tension and problems within Tibetans and at the same time more and more cash flow from china.
You have opened my eyes. I now understand why they accept it.
Pasang
July 21, 2017
To shugmiden,
You better read the article again. It is well written and very good journalism. But unfortunately you have understood it wrongly. It is giving you scenarios and not saying Shugden people take China money. Read it carefully.
Thinley
July 21, 2017
Shugmiden, maybe you need shugden so you understand better. Writer of the article is not saying shugdenpas take money from china. You should know that our Tibetan leaders always make rules for Tibetans but themselves don’t follow. Rules and standards change according to what is convenient at that time. Today rangzen. Tomorrow umeylam. Who doesn’t follow is automatically bad.
Why is our Sikyong holding American passport? He should be proud he is bodpa. He should only have yellow book, same like us. If tibetans support his American passport, then all Tibetans also can have other passport. Don’t say we cannot apply Indian passport because we are against Tibet. We are not. But if Sikyong can do, we can also.
All are politics games. Tibetan people should be more smart, vote for Lukar last time not Losang Sangey. Maybe Tibetan people will have better life if Lukar in charge
Monlam
July 21, 2017
@Shugmiden
The article talks about Tibetan leaders taking Chinese money. Do you know of any Shugden Tibetan leaders? Please point him out to all of us because there is none because of the ban by Dhasar. Also when the article talk about Shugdenpas, it is just to explain a point. It did not say Shugden people take money. Why would China pay Shugden people? We do not protest against Dalai Lama. Please tell us where was there a recent protest?
What you say shows you didn’t read the article very well and you want to sound like you know so much. Please don’t embarrass us Tibetans with international people who come here to read.
Kelsang
July 22, 2017
Celebrities like Richard Gere may have a good heart wanting to help the Tibetans in exile, but I feel he should stop associating his name with CTA. If they want to help, it is better not to go through CTA and find other ways. CTA is feudal and corrupted. If Richard Gere wants to help, he should take on the CTA and challenge them, and may be with a new leadership, there is hope for Tibetans in Exile.
Richard Gere is now heading the campaign to pledge USA not to cut funding to CTA. But the main concern is, HOW IS THE MONEY USED BY CTA? Even if USA gives millions every year, if CTA abuses the money and didn’t put to good use, then what is the point of having the money? It only makes things worse for the Tibetan in Exile,. Therefore I said, Richard Gere should focus his energy to solve the CTA leadership issue, and make CTA an administration of trushworthy.
Like what is mentioned in this article, there are just so many double standards of CTA. The root problem of Tibetan in exile is not the cutting of fundings from USA. The root problem is the CTA, and this needs to be resolved NOW.
Reality Bites
July 22, 2017
1. Lobsang Sangay is a genius hero for having obtained an American passport. He is looked up to for this, Tibetan hero.
2. Because they can.
3. Both?
4. Because two is better than one, especially if both are spreading Dharma.
5. Which country in the world has real democracy?
Reality Bites
July 22, 2017
All the points made in the article are just a plain reflection of group karma, nothing more, nothing less. So unless this changes, for example via the large body of knowledge that’s available on this website and others which could enlighten the players in this movie, or via a big change in the political environment, then we would expect more of the same.
christine victor
July 23, 2017
The Tibetan leaders who carry a passport of other countries, by constitution of the country, they are no longer Tibetan. These leaders are not transparent in guiding their own Tibetan refugees, they are trying to confuse their own people by using other issues such as Dorje Shugden’s issues to blind or numb their own peoples. While, those people who they said practice Dorje Shugden is a traitors, but, they are still nationality of Tibetan, various these leaders who hold Indian’s passport, they are not Tibetans. In this scenario, to even hold a post as a Sikyong and rules Tibetan is consider biggest liar.
The Tibetan refugees are struggle with their daily life, same as the Indian who live nearby to the refugees settlement, instead of using the fund they get from various countries and helps their peoples and even communities around them, they spent it over to spread hatred, separated hundreds of house hold, so that the Tibetan refugees in exile continue to be naïve and support these leadership.
I am in fact surprise that the Tibetan seem “teaching” their refugee how to befriend to China. I thought all this while, they have hate China and propagated that the China is the one causing them lost their home and being bullied. While, I think maybe they have to received Chinese funding’s soon seeing some western countries have openly reject further donation to them. Gosh, seem they are training to be more professional beggars, just thinking to get fund from all over the world.
In the point of religion, sad to say, some followers who said to be practice in Tibetan Buddhism have even blindly follow the decision of the CTA , such as Dorje Shugden’s and Karmapa ‘s case. In this point, if we are a sincere Buddhist practitioner, we should check it out the reasons why there is a ban and how can 2 karmapas appear. Who are we listen to? The politic personnel in exile or our own Guru. I think once have to start thinking about it.
Camillia
July 28, 2017
This is a painful eye opener, to see leaders twist and turn like snake and get caught doing it. Now laying bare for all to see. Shame on them. This article is well written with supporting facts and scenario to lay plain the facts and damage done by this Sikyong Lobsang Sangay guy. I am just surprised by is he is still being called “Tibetan Prime Minister”? His action of creating schism, spreading false accusation and inciting hatred at such a big scale are felonies in many countries, even in the United States. I hope we will see his crimes exposed and trial in the near future.
Dadak
July 28, 2017
Dear friend please forgive my ignorant brother shugmiden . I don’t agree to the Dolgyal practice but also I don’t agree to our kashag and chitthue . How are they act is not for our people benefit and this one I see because now we are coming to nearly 60yr in the exile . Every year during Losar Sikyongla promise that he will work harder for Tibet but more he is travelling to outer country and not stay in Dhasa to fix our problems in the settlement .
Unlike my brother shugmiden I am not blind to my Tibetan people problem . Our leader must care more for our people and stop cheating to Dalai Lama and stop blaming to everyone. If our community is fail it is not because of Dolgyalpa who is only a few people it is to our so call tsoksos and makpons.
Elibuchen
July 29, 2017
Time is running out for the CTA, they seem at loss with no real strategy to engage with the Chinese and the Rest of the World. Some of the ministers do things one way, and another does something that undermines the first.
Usually in the past when a nation or groups of people are bullied, discriminated and hurt, the rest of the free world will come to its rescue but not this time.
If anti Dorje Shugden people had any proof of Dorje Shugden people taking money, it will be all over phayul and social , but till to date nothing and zero.
Kamar Ladakh
August 2, 2017
I just have one question to our dearest Dhardon and Sikyong….
HOW COME YOU GUYS ARE ALLOWED TO HOLD 2 DIFFERENT TRAVEL DOCUMENTS BUT TIBETAN’S IN EXILE ARE MADE TO FEEL LIKE THEY ARE TRAITORS IF THEY DO? WHO IS THE REAL TRAITOR HERE?
My second, third, fourth and more questions to CTA is…
IS THE CTA SET UP FOR THE PEOPLE OR FOR THEIR OWN AGENDAS AND POCKET?
IF FOR THE PEOPLE THEN WHY DO THEY NOT PROTECT THE PEOPLE?
LIKE SHUGDEN PEOPLE ARE STILL PEOPLE AND TIBETANS TOO, SO WHAT HAPPENED HERE?
WHERE IS THE DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT WHICH YOU CLAIM YOU ARE?
WHY DO YOU NOT SAY ANYTHING TO DISCOURAGE SELF IMMOLATION?
WHY DO YOU ALLOW THE YOUTH TO DIE WHILE YOU KEEP ON FAILING TO FULFILL YOU PROMISES?
WHAT DO YOU PLAN TO ACHIEVE BY THE END OF THE YEAR? NOT MANY MONTHS LEFT.
So hope CTA Dhardon and Sikyong can answer these question politely and don’t come threatening our lives — this is called FREEDOM OF SPEECH & in case you forget… this is what Democracy feels like.
Tashi Delek!
Dondrup Shugden
August 9, 2017
@Kamar Ladakh. I am inspired by your questions as they stand out to me that you have deep care for the Tibetan people unlike CTA who will talk about issues like democracy, Tibetan rangzen, Dalai Lama’s umaylam, Dorje Shugden ban and so forth.
I doubt you will ever get any answers even when this website is public and I do hope that more people will truly understand how ineffective CTA have been and until their greed for “lining” their pockets and fulfilling their personal needs are overcome, CTA will only speak to suite themselves for further gains.
Words are cheap, the price of suffering by Tibetans are high especially those discriminated for either their choice of Indian passport or Dorje Shugden propitiation.
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
Lovett
September 24, 2017
I think the Dorje Shugden ban hurts all Tibetans especially for the antiShugden ppl because it makes them look bad and especially in the Tibetan CTA who relies on Western sponsorship in order to survive. For CTA to survive in the future, it has to drop the DS ban!
Tsering Gonkatsang
September 26, 2017
Everybody knows that Sharling Dhardon is very good friends with Sikyong Lobsang Sangay. They have a friendship that is very strong, and helps them get through the tough situations in they both face. In fact some people might even call their friendship a distraction from their work in the Tibetan government.
Qing
September 26, 2017
With China growing economic clout is sure to foil any Rangzen independence movement and Middleway Umaylam self autonomy rhetoric. Why would China have dialogue with TIbetan CTA when they treat their own fellow Tibetans Shugden people like this. Time to rethink the Dorje Shugden ban!
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.
Doreen Park
October 10, 2017
The double standards practiced by CTA, are such as discouraging ordinary Tibetans from holding Indian passports, branding them traitors,while they themselves in all likelihood are holding American passports(and Indian Passports as well , which is illegal), or creating the myth that Shugden practitioners are Chinese spies being funded by the Chinese and the next minute holding workshops on how to be friends with the Chinese, talking about efforts, like holding forums, to promote unity and in the same breath segregating and ostracising Shugden practitioners.
The sum total of this is that they have eroded the respect and trust that people would accord a government of integrity. How can they now move forward with confidence that they are representing a people to negotiate with the Chinese government for Tibet’s future?
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 Golden Jubilee Celebration of Tibetan Settlement Office, 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 written 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 celebrates 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 even people protesting against his opinion, shaving their hair in protest and putting it up on Youtube: 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 sick of seeing the separation and found the courage to speak up for the unity of the Tibetan people in exile. Do you agree?
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 after so many wrong predictions? 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 “Democratic” 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 👎
ILOVECTA
October 29, 2017
I love reading about CTA! Because they are always lost and incapable!
I love the logical questions given to CTA. Blame China, Dorje Shugden practitioners and others for your greediness.
I love when CTA read the articles here and feel no sense of regret nor embarrassment. Because they are too selfish. And always spending time learning how to con more money.
I love the fact that CTA can’t handle anything within their small little refugee group! Sell more sweaters, Tibetans!
I love knowing CTA is neither secular nor spiritual as they are always incompetent. Have fun deteriorating.
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 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 K
October 30, 2017
The corruption of Tibetan leadership truly revealed and their miss management of sponsored money on producing material just to suppress Dorje Shugden practitioners which is also their own Tibetan should really be question. One hand they shout for Tibetan freedom on the other hand they discriminate with violent on their own Tibetan just because of their spiritual practice, this is obviously violating religious freedom and human rights. This is hypocrite.
The Real Lobsang Sangay
October 31, 2017
I am the real Lobsang Sangay. What nonsense are u all talking about here??? I don’t care whether you are the Dogyal practitioners, whether you are the real Sakya throneholder, whether you want to be Indian citizen, all these are nonsense! I only care about money from other country goes in to my pocket or not! You guys can continue talking nonsense here, time is running out! One day when CTA dismissed, I will carry all the money with me and enjoy in the US!
The Real Lobsang Sangay
October 31, 2017
Sorry. Typo. I mean the real Kagyu throneholder. Anyway, I don’t even care whether you are Sakya, Kagyu or whatever. I don’t care about Buddhism!
Cry To Antichina
October 31, 2017
While the Chinese are firm and every official sings the same tune, the Tibetans flip-flop on everything. They are only ever firm about destroying their opponents.
I find this statement rather interesting.. Tibetan leadership are firm in destroying their opponents, but what have they done beside just talking? CTA is so useless that even to fight with the opponent, they only know to spread untrue rumours to bring down China, if just keep talking can bring down a country, there won’t be war in the history. 60 years they have been using the same method, never change, I think their only firm is just talking but no action. They are quite consistent in this. 👍👍👍
Tenpa
October 31, 2017
We can see how Tibetan leadership keep creating division among Tibetan. Look at how they sperate the Karmapas by electing another throne holder that doesn’t folow the Karmapa tradition or system. As a secular government with what right Tibetan leadership can do so?
Why creating divisions instead of unity among Tibetan to hold strong on their freedom cause?
How would the world look at Tibetan leadership with their schism and suppressing their own people?
Where is democracy by the Tibetan leadership?
Yonden
October 31, 2017
CTA times up. No freedom in CTA, if talk bad CTA will come look for you. Lobsang Sangay can have two passport but we Tibet people cannot switch to India or other country.
samayakeeper
October 31, 2017
For decades CTA is a diseased-ridden entity and the infection is getting worse. The main cause is greed, greedy for personal wealth and power at the expense of ordinary poor Tibetans. Lobsang Sangay and his corrupt ministers are capitalists, living off hapless Tibetans in India.
Geraldine Sarie
October 31, 2017
The motives of CTA is power and money. Their mind thinking is to benefit themselves. Sad to see the corruption of this government caused so much objections from their people as well as other countries that had tirelessly help them. 😟
Lobsang Sangay CTA
October 31, 2017
Do you think i care of my Tibetan people? I love Money more than everything…!!!
Belinda Mae
October 31, 2017
I guess why all this double standards of Dharamsala is because when things get out of the way for CTA, they will try to find ways to make it difficult for their people. Well, whatever bad things that the CTA did will come back to them one day. Their own Tibetan peopl are loosing their trust in CTA who did nothing for the welfare the people while the CTA are using the donated funds to do unnecessary things. They have all the 3 poisons in them which shows clearly in their action towards their people.
Richard LakTam
October 31, 2017
When CTA wants something for their own, they have their one thousand and one reasons. And when they don’t want, they also have their one thousand and one reason. And that creates the double standards. CTA doesn’t want Tibetan to leave them, so that they can continue holding using the refugees to get money from other countries. Of course, money doesn’t help the refugees, all go in to Lobsang Sangay’s pocket. And, he’s rich, of course he doesn’t want to be in Dharamsala. So that when anything happens to CTA, he can be the first one run and hide in the US.
This shows how selfish CTA is. They create all these double standards is for their own cause. CTA never think of their own people, and of course, don’t even need to talk about DEMOCRACY with CTA. CTA never have democracy. If they practice DEMOCRACY, they wouldn’t have banned Dorje Shugden illogically. They wouldn’t have discriminate Lukar Jem, thety wouldn’t have disapprove any Tibetan that apply for Indian citizenship. Actually, what does CTA know? NOTHING!