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: Ringzin Tsomo
DHARAMSALA – The past few months have been awash with news about Lobsang Sangay and Penpa Tsering’s catfight dragged into the public eye. While the Tibetan public’s attention has been captured by this, another underlying problem continues to brew and seethe, that most have become distracted from and few continue to pay attention to.
Before this latest scandal erupted, and through it all, His Holiness the Dalai Lama repeatedly stated that he is for the Middle Way Approach, also known as umaylam or meaningful autonomy. It is the Dalai Lama’s belief that this is the best route for all Tibetans and their future. However, this statement has clearly fallen onto many deaf ears as prominent rangzen (independence) activists continue to fight for full independence for Tibet.
While no one denies that it is a person’s right to support whatever they like, what cannot be ignored is the fact these people are directly opposing something the Dalai Lama has said very clearly will be for the betterment of all Tibetans. And despite His Holiness’ clear and unchanging views on the matter, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA; Tibetan leadership in Dharamsala) do nothing about the festering rangzen group. In fact, Sikyong Lobsang Sangay has even been filmed saying the Dalai Lama’s umaylam has failed. If umaylam does not work, what is the alternative but rangzen? Could it be that Sangay is a closet rangzen supporter and has been lying to the people about his umaylam supporting all this while?
Or watch on server | download video (right click & save file)
In view of all of this, the author would like to draw attention to a few salient points:
- The rangzen group is clearly and overtly against the Dalai Lama’s Middle Way Approach or umaylam. This policy is about something fundamental (Tibet’s freedom versus autonomy under China) and it affects every single Tibetan now and in the future, for generations to come.
- By comparison, the Dorje Shugden issue affects far fewer people than “rangzen versus umaylam”. The Dorje Shugden practice only concerns Gelugpas, and not all Tibetans are Gelug. However, rangzen fighters are opposing the Dalai Lama on a topic that affects all Tibetans, whether they are Gelug, Sakya, Kagyu and Nyingma.
- The rangzen issue has been allowed to develop and rangzen supporters have been allowed unfettered access to the Tibetan community to gain support for their political views. Western rangzen supporters flood the Internet pushing for their view, and drawing support from the Tibetan community in exile who live in foreign countries. All of this is supported by the Tibetan leadership’s silence on the matter.
- Logically speaking therefore, the behavior of rangzen individuals has the potential to jeopardize the Dalai Lama’s plans with China which concerns the wellbeing and future of six million Tibetans. Yet, the CTA stays silent on the matter of rangzen individuals gathering support amongst Tibetans to oppose the Dalai Lama’s Middle Way policy. No wonder Samdhong Rinpoche, the former Tibetan prime minister, came to the astute observation that rangzen supporters are more dangerous than Dorje Shugden practitioners, as you can see in this video below.
- The CTA are clearly imposing double standards on their people. For example, it has been claimed that Dorje Shugden practice shortens the Dalai Lama’s life. That false accusation became part of the basis for the ban on the practice; the CTA said they had to safeguard the Dalai Lama’s long life by banning the practice. On the other hand, the Dalai Lama has stated that all Tibetans should work towards umaylam, not rangzen. The Dalai Lama said that if people do not support umaylam, there is no reason for him to live to 113 years old. So by that logic, it would mean that by keeping the fight for rangzen alive, the rangzen group are shortening the Dalai Lama’s life too, by directly opposing the Dalai Lama’s wishes.
- This therefore begs the question – how come it is OK for rangzen people to shorten the Dalai Lama’s life by opposing his views on umaylam, but when people falsely accuse Dorje Shugden people of doing the same thing by refusing to give up the practice, the CTA must take action against them? No one is asking for the Dalai Lama’s life to be shortened and in fact, everyone wishes him long life. The point here is, how come the CTA stays silent and does not act against rangzen supporters who are clearly opposing the Dalai Lama’s views and clearly displeasing him, but they will impose a violent ban on Dorje Shugden practitioners? And how come Lobsang Sangay can say umaylam has failed but he is still allowed to lead the exiled government? Can the leader of the Tibetan people, who is now the Dalai Lama’s special envoy, be allowed to so obviously oppose his boss’ views? Does Sangay represent the best interests of the Tibetan people, if he thinks what the Dalai Lama has said is the best for all Tibetan people will not work?
- Extrapolating from that, the CTA have previously said that Dorje Shugden practitioners are banned from the Dalai Lama’s talks because they have broken samaya (guru-disciple relationship) by refusing to follow the Dalai Lama’s instructions to give up the practice. Therefore they cannot receive teachings from the Dalai Lama because of this broken samaya. If that is the case, how come rangzen people who break samaya with the Dalai Lama by going against his umaylam instructions, can attend His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s religious talks even after having broken samaya with him? And how come they can attend his secular talks even though they oppose him secularly and politically? Dorje Shugden people, at the very least, should be allowed to attend the secular talks, since they are only an issue religiously-speaking, and their practice has nothing to do with politics governing all Tibetans. Logically speaking, the samaya infraction by rangzen activists against the Dalai Lama is much bigger than the infraction by Shugden practitioners, since the rangzen issue affects all Tibetans (while the Shugden one affects some Tibetans).
- The CTA has previously enforced the removal and segregation of Dorje Shugden people from the general Tibetan community so they do not ‘infect’ other Tibetans with their practice and religious views. That being that case, how come rangzen people are allowed to stay in the settlements and talk, and continue to sow bad thoughts into people’s minds? What they are doing by encouraging rangzen is encouraging people to oppose the Dalai Lama! If the Dalai Lama supports umaylam, and this group are encouraging rangzen and people to oppose the Dalai Lama, should they not be separated too, just like how Shugden practitioners were separated from everyone else?
As ridiculous as it sounds, this is precisely the type of double standards that the CTA practices. It is important to note that it is not that we want division or for anyone to be separated. Rangzen or umaylam, Dorje Shugden or non-Dorje Shugden – as long as a person is Tibetan or identifies as Tibetan, they should all have equal rights and should be afforded equal representation under and by the Tibetan leadership.
This author is merely pointing out the archaic thinking that the CTA has. Policies are applied without thought or care, as and when it suits them, with no regard for the betterment of the entire community. The CTA has demonstrated no real long-term planning for their people, as exemplified by their community who continues to languish in exile and oftentimes, and sadly, their “betterment” is misused as a smokescreen for the CTA’s real motive – to divide and conquer their own people, and treat them as pawns in a political chess game they have been losing since 1959.
Unless the CTA stops engaging in childish manipulations, and swiftly implements equality throughout the settlements, there is little hope they will ever accomplish anything. And for that, the community should hunker down because with the way things are going, the next 50 years looks to be nothing more than a long and weary journey to nowhere.
Gian Strauss
January 2, 2018
Rangzen people who seeks complete independence for Tibet only talk. If you ask them for concrete solutions on how to achieve this they just talk, talk and talk. No concrete solutions that are viable whatsoever. I use to be involved in the Rangzen movement in Switzerland with Tibetans but dropped out. The CTA is corrupt and does not serve their people and rangzen people just talk and drink and talk and do nothing. 😖
Tsering
January 2, 2018
We are support to Dalai Lama until umaylam . Dalai Lama are sell our future to Chinese dog . Khampa Sengge has forgot his home from to support to umaylam . Bhoe rangzen
Li Wen
January 2, 2018
The Tibetan government are really embarrassing the Tibetan people. First their two top leaders Sangay and Samdhong are fighting about who is where and cannot get their stories straight. Now we find out that Sangay doesn’t even support umaylam and he thinks it has failed. How come the Dalai Lama always chooses such useless idiots to lead their exiled society? Compare their example to someone like Xi. You may not agree with China government policies but definitely their people are more capable than Sangay and Samdhong. In 60 years, they accomplished more for China than Sangay and Samdhong has done since 1959.
L Lhundup
January 3, 2018
Every time Lobsang Sangay hoists the Snow Lion flag which has been adopted as a symbol of the Tibetan independence movement or rangzen, he is messaging to all Tibetans, in no uncertain terms, that he is against His Holiness Dalai Lama’s Middle Way approach or umaylam. No doubt about that. Hence Ringzin Tsomo is right by questioning the double standards of the CTA and Lobsang Sangay when it comes to following the words of His Holiness, whatever it may be.
The CTA is just playing games with the Tibetans minds, dividing instead of uniting them, all in the name of staying in power. This way, they have never and will never achieved anything. Perhaps His Holiness understands this well and is using whatever goodwill His Holiness has left remaining with China to repair the relationship.
Read this article to see how Lobsang Sangay and Dhardon Sharling twists and turns:
“Earlier, thewire.in reported Jul 9 that amid the ongoing stand-off in Doklam, the image of the head of the Tibetan ‘government in exile’ paying respects to the Tibetan flag on Indian territory could be seen as ‘political activity’, something Delhi has discouraged in the past.
It also said Mr Sonam Norbu Dagpo, spokesperson of the CTA had earlier twice confirmed to it that this was the first time the independent Tibet flag had been unfurled by Sangay at that important location. He was further cited as saying the hoisting of the national flag had “political and personal significance” for Sangay.”
“Referring to a picture that accompanied an earlier Tibet.net news report, Sharling has said: “The Tibetan national flag seen in the pictures was not hoisted by President Dr Sangay. It belongs to a Tibetan settled in Pangong lake and according to him, the flag is up there since Dec 10, 1989. President Dr Sangay happened to walk past the house and upon seeing the flag, paid respect.”
http://www.tibetanreview.net/exile-tibetan-leader-denies-hoisting-flag-near-pangong-tso-border-in-ladakh/
L Lhundup
January 3, 2018
An example of a flag used by the Free Tibet movement
L Lhundup
January 3, 2018
Anti-Dalai Lama morons disrupting an international football match between China and Germany in Germany.
What do they hope to achieve with this stunt?
It is like unfurling a FREE KASHMIR flag at a test match between India and Pakistan.
christine victor
January 4, 2018
If Lobsang Sangay is sincere in supporting H.H Dalai Lama, in any points questioned in this post should be carry out sincerely. Like Execute ban towards Rangzen people who opposed openly to H.H Dalai Lama. But, this is never happened. The only reason i can think of is, the CTA itself is supporting the Rangzen view.
Amber Sonam
January 4, 2018
Truth to be told – the CTA is a hypocrite, manipulative and sneaker group of people, especially the Sikyong. He can do anything and not bound by any rules and regulations he laid out for others, such as Dorje Shugden people. He banned Dorje Shugden people from attending His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s talks because they choose to be devoted to their root guru and honour their integrity. Obviously, the Sikyong has none of these good qualities, so when he goes against His Holiness’ Middle Way, he didn’t ban himself from seeing His Holiness. He is just a cunning opportunist who take full advantage of his power and position for the money he can garner from the international aid. He needed that to sustain his friendship with Dhardon Sharling too!
Amber Sonam
January 4, 2018
Truth to be told – the CTA is a hypocrite, manipulative and sneaker group of people, especially the Sikyong. He can do anything and not bound by any rules and regulations he laid out for others, such as Dorje Shugden people. He banned Dorje Shugden people from attending His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s talks because they choose to be devoted to their root guru and honour their integrity. Obviously, the Sikyong has none of these good qualities, so when he goes against His Holiness’ Middle Way, he didn’t ban himself from seeing His Holiness. He is just a cunning opportunist who take full advantage of his power and position for the money he can garner from the international aid. He needed that to sustain his friendship with Dhardon Sharling too!
Sara West
January 6, 2018
Dorje Shugden versus Rangzen – which is more potently dangerous? It is apparent CTA practise double standards in their administration and choose to ignore one over the other. More often than not, CTA hook wink their folks to achieve their objective. My heart goes to the Tibetans in exile. I hope they can see the shortcomings of CTA and decide on their next course of action for their future. 😱
James P
January 6, 2018
Ringzin is right to point out that it is indeed very double standard. I am not suggesting CTA to mistreat rangzen people, but why mistreat Dorje Shugden people?
In a democratic governance, it is perfectly acceptable to have different views, and they should not be discriminated. Just like rangzen poeple are entitled to their views and should not be discriminated.
It is time to stop discriminating Dorje Shugden people.
Pema Drolma
January 6, 2018
So why is the CTA okay with the Rangzen people going again the Dalai Lama? Why is Dr. Lobsang Sangay not saying anything and in fact he goes around provoking the Tibet vs China issues and creating more friction for His Holiness! How come? Why is the Sikyong NOT support His Holiness’s view? The mouth says he does but the action all come out the opposite.
It makes me question whether he is really for the Dalai Lama and for Tibet or maybe he is the Chinese spy no one suspected who keeps on sabotaging everything His Holiness does? Something to think about. Our enemies can be closer than we think!
Dondrup Shugden
January 7, 2018
When leaders like Lobsang Sangay lies and cheats and creates confusion, the Tibetans suffers.
CTA has used the Dorje Shugden ban and now the failure of umaylam (Middle way advocated by the Dalai Lama) to push for rangzen (independence from China) which for anyone in their right mind knows can never be realised.
Besides religious, political confusion, CTA is also creating inhouse fighting creating further distraction and confusion.
I plead Tibetans to stay focused to make the Dalai Lama’s dream to return to China be fulfilled as the Dalai Lama is already over 80 years of age.
May the Dalai Lama live long to return to China.
Pema
January 7, 2018
It is such a farce what Sangay speaks there! Instead of supporting the Dalai Lama, he colludes with Rangzen people who have for sure failed!
What is going on in this CTA?
When does the CTA finally wake up and does something FOR the Tibetans and not against!
Sangay has done NOTHING for Umaylam and now he even dares to speak like that! Shame!
What a bunch of lousy…… Only create problems but want to show off as head of what…. well nothing as the country is lost long time ago because of such political failures!
Ngodup Tsering
January 8, 2018
One should wonder why Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche had to deny his four-day visit to China after such visit was confirmed by Dr. Lobsang Sangay and now by a former Indian intelligence officer. If Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche had the best intention to promote the Dalai Lama’s middle way, then why he needs to deny this visit? After all the Sino-Tibetan relationship has been stagnant since 2011, the fact that Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche was able to secure a meeting with Chinese government officials should have been a great success for him, instead of becoming another source of controversy.
Brian Little
January 9, 2018
Whether Tibetans want Rangzen or Umaylam does not really influence China. In my opinion, the ball is not in CTA’s court to choose whether they would want full independence or not. In reality, the only way they can hope for is China granting an autonomy but then again China won’t give full autonomy and might not even want to ‘do business’. Why should they be bothered if CTA wants full independence or not. In reality, the exiled govt is a failure and won’t have anything to fight for. They won’t be able to prevent Tibetans who want to return to Tibet or subsequently just take up Indian citizenship👿.
Thamchod Nyingma
January 9, 2018
China’s economic prowess is not to be underestimated. Leaders from various countries seek economic collaborations with China, who has been contributing to the world’s economic growth, especially in the past decade. The Indian Intelligence Bureau’s (IB) report highlighted the lack of opportunities in India for growth and advancement as the causes for Tibetan youth to willingly betray their host India and work as spies for China. Tibetan youth clearly have difficulties to survive in India as CTA failed to create sufficient jobs for the Tibetans in exile. This is a reality and we will see more and more trend like this and eventually Tibetans seeking improvement in their quality of life and intellectual advancement will leave India and ‘return’ to China.
bambi
January 9, 2018
Hypocrites! That’s what the CTA is. Next 50 years? Forget it. The last 50 years passed and nothing happened. What a pity to see many of the Tibetans still in the dark. Their no good CTA does nothing but divide their people spiritually and politically. Since they can’t control the whole bunch why not control a smaller one.When it comes to Dorje Shugden most people are DL supporters. When it comes to umaylam or rangzen the people suddenly turn their heads going against DL. Led by an incompetent ‘govt’ and this is what you get. They just set their own rules as they go along never thinking of the consequences. Nothing is achieved. 50 years gone just like that. Let’s be real rangzen will never happen. With umaylam still a small chance.
Tenzin K
January 9, 2018
Dalai Lama want to achieve Umaylam and all Tibetan should support this. Rangzen is going against Dalai Lama and why CTA didn’t take any action. Look like CTA is supporting Rangen too.
Jing Jing
January 9, 2018
Rangzen people seems dangerous to CTA but HHDL and CTA dare not go against them because CTA doesn’t want to look bad of being not democratic at all. Secondly, CTA cannot afford to segregate Rangzen people as there will be not many left to be in Tibetan exile.
CTA always reacted double standard any how. At the end of the day, the decision will come from China, not from HHDL nor Rangzen people. But the show may continue because China still wanted to look good and hoping to change their reputation to the world for a better.
Life of Tibetan in China is getting better now. People are allowed to own their land. Tourism is booming in Tibet and villages can make money out of that. Most of the young generation are educated, study in university and succeed in their career. When the country is stable, why do anyone want to fight again?
Zopa
January 9, 2018
CTA baselessly accuse Dorje Shugden practitioner as anti-Dalai Lama where non of Shugden have ever hurt Dalai Lama and anyone. Rangzen is jeopardizing Dalai Lama and Tibetan wishes to return to Tibet. Why CTA didn’t do anything? Rangzen bring huge damages in Tibetan politic and make Tibetan unable to go back their homeland but CTA keep quite. Something is not right? Is CTA still supporting Dalai Lama?
Anonymous
January 9, 2018
Lobsang Sangay and the CTA are traitors to Dalai Lama and Tibetan people. They must be voted out of office. CTA enforce whatever laws over Tibetans as long as there is money to be made for themselves. For example, their push for rangzen is so they can continue asking money from sympathisers. The sympathisers should ask CTA, “What happened to the money we gave over the decades? Why is there no progress?”
To the sponsors: Stop sympathising with and stop giving money to the CTA.
To Tibetans: Vote out Lobsang Sangay and his current ministers in the CTA
DS survivor
January 9, 2018
CTA survived themselves from funds of other countries and don’t do much to benefit Tibet. To have full independence under CTA leadership is a no-no. CTA lack of responsibilities had lost many Tibetan’s trust and the community. For the Tibetans younger generations, majority will support to have umaylam due to freedom of choice, financial aids and support for their future. Some choose rangzen as from their promises or wishes from their ancestor or great grandparents that had gone through their sufferings.
It will be very high chances for Tibet to have umaylam under China. Tibetans will received many benefits and most of all, their freedom of choice.
Belinda Mae
January 9, 2018
The Tibetans got 2 choices. One us umaylam and the other is rangzen. I know some of them may be loyal and truthful to their country, so they choose rangzen. But to be honest, it is better to choose umaylam because by looking the current situation, rangzen will not happen. Choosing umaylam means middle way approach and it is a win win situation. Tibetans get to go back to Tibet but Tibet will be under China. I guess they have no choice but to follow through. Why is rangzen people allowed to stay in the Tibetan communities is because of the double standard of the CTA. Forever setting rules and regulations for their own benefit and comfort.
Richard TamLak
January 9, 2018
Of course the Rangzen people won’t be caught, it is because the Prime Minister is one of them! Just like, Lobsang Sangay took all the money that supported by the west and put in his pocket, he won’t stand up and say corruption is wrong! And of course, The Great Dalai Lama does what he always likes to do, bring up a topic and never close it. For example Dorje Shugden is spirit, Buddha born in Lumbini is nonsense, and yet, this time he didn’t say Rangzen is wrong. So, being smart Tibetan, since Dalai Lama didn’t say it’s wrong, then why Rangzen is wrong? The Dalai Lama didn’t say! 😆😍😆
Tenzin Sangye
January 9, 2018
Deep down for tibetan heart is still want rangzen for tibet. Regarding what Holiness has propose it does to bring any different either to umaylam or rangze. China won’t not be accept because many year of accusing and put the brame of China to cover by failure of CTA reconnecting with China again. What CTA care is how to get money and get sympethy from the international . It ready don’t care want their tibetan refugee suffer. This is the karma of many century of curruption in the tibetan gornvement.
Arrie Robtson
January 9, 2018
CTA has been hypocrite since the first day when they gave all the promises that they will return to Tibet, because returning to Tibet is never in their priority, they only wanted to use the refugee status to grab as much money as possible. That’s why I have no surprise they are going against Dalai Lama wish to work for their very own benefits.
Lobsang Sangye and the CTA has not just betrayed Dalai Lama, they have betrayed the whole Tibetans, because they are being used by the CTA to gain money and all these monies never spent on the Tibetans, it is only for themselves, if not, where does these millions of dollars goes to?
Tianni
January 9, 2018
Rangzen may be the best for Tibetan. However looking at the current situation that China is more and more powerful and i don’t think they event want to entertain the umaylan. To unite the tibetan especially in this critical times, it should not have 2 groups i.e. rangzen or umalyan. To be strong, all tibetan should focus at one way or find the 3rd solution. It is enough to suffer for more than 60 years, all tibetan should unite as one and find way to have betterment for the entire community.
No more issue to segregate the tibetan such like using religion attack the Dorje Shugden practitioners which so far they bring no harm to the tibetan but this has affected the unity of Tibetan. Unity and harmony should be first when you need to do something big.
Ngodup Tsering
January 9, 2018
Samdhong Rinpoche’s November visit to China is brought up again in this article because it may have implication to India’s politics. At the moment, it is not clear yet as to what transpired during Samdhong Rinpoche’s 4-day visit to China and how the development may impact the progress of Tibetan cause or India-China relations. The confusion and curiosity related to this visit were increased a notch recently after Samdhong Rinpoche denied that this visit even occurred. It is very likely that the public may speculate further about Samdhong Rinpoche’s real intention behind the visit and why he was hiding it, and the speculation could run wild and impose a new risk to the Tibetan cause and India China relations. Therefore, it is best for Samdhong Rinpoche to clarify this matter once and for all.
Sierra
January 10, 2018
It’s just politics. Why should they be concerned in karma? Doubt if they even believe in it. And, there’s a saying “there’s no honor among thieves”. They’ll take the side most convenient and expedient to further their samsaric wants and needs.
ivy
January 11, 2018
Karma is ther whether one believes it or not. It is the bad karma of the Tibetans manifesting in all these trouble and schism for them. They are divided and controlled. Also, they are exiled twice over. With so much problems, how can they lead a happy life? Even if they are not Dorje Shugden practitioners and do not have to fear for their lives or livelihood, they are stressed and anxious about being on the right and good footings with the CTA. What a sad life they are leading.
Dekyi Wangmo
January 13, 2018
Instead of creating employment opportunities, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) nurtured a culture where Tibetans expect handouts and foreign aids to get by. As a result, they created a new generation of Tibetan refugees who are volatile and vulnerable, and always depend on others to help them out of circumstances. Now, Tibetan refugees in India do not even hesitate to compromise the security of their host country, India, who has been so kind to them, in exchange for monetary gain.
Torture
January 17, 2018
This is such a torture to see what the CTA does to the Tibetans! Not only have the Tibetans lost their country for so long already, being in exile and not knowing where to go after the kind 99 years in India, the Tibetan Government in exile has only created problems for the Tibetans.
Instead of giving them the means to live their life independently and making a living, they kept them small as refugees for 60 years already.
Instead of making a good connection with the Chinese Government, they only insulted them although the conditions have drastically improved since the Chinese took over in Tibet.
Instead of helping their Tibetans, they have supported the self-immolations and burned candles instead of stopping these unnecessary and unhelpful actions!
Instead of focussing to bringing peace to the Tibetans in Tibet and in the Tibetan communities all over the world, they have incited hate against Dorje Shugden practitioners and insulted everyone who had any connection to China!
What is the CTA up to? Why are they fighting the Dorje Shugden people for so long instead of doing their work and improving the life of the Tibetans??
Everyone should be aware of this CTA!! Shame on you!!
Yodon chela
January 18, 2018
China has been liberal towards Buddhist practitioners including those who are practicing Shugden deity. In fact, there are 250 million Buddhists in China currently, almost three times more than communist party members. On the contrary, the Tibetan leadership in exile continues to discriminate against Shugden practitioners and politicizes the Shugden controversy to their benefit instead of promoting harmony among Buddhist practitioners. How ironic that the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) continuously criticizes China for their human rights issue, and yet the CTA fails to respect even the most basic human rights of other people, freedom of religion.
celia
January 21, 2018
It is logically summarised in the article that by keeping the fight for rangzen alive, the rangzen group are shortening the Dalai Lama’s life too, by directly opposing the Dalai Lama’s wishes.
Then why is it that CTA has actively persecuted Dorje Shugden practitioners on the (unsubstantiated) basis that such practice shortens the Dalai Lama’s life yet doesn’t take any actions against Rangzen people who are also shortening’s Dalai Lama’s life? Why doesn’t the CTA come down hard on Rangzen people as strong as Dorje Shugden people to safeguard the Dalai Lama’s long life by banning the practice, if CTA was truly all about protecting the Dalai Lama’s long life?
Not only did CTA kept silent when Rangzen supporters organized a conference in Paris, France against the Dalai Lama’s explicit statement that umaylam is the best for all Tibetans, but also allowed its people to attend and support such event. http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/news/tibetan-mp-juchen-konchok-and-friends-oppose-the-dalai-lamas-middle-way/
The only interest CTA is serving is clearly only their own.
Tenzin Tsomo
January 22, 2018
Lobsang Sangay’s dismissal of Penpa Tsering with various accusations backfired, contrary to Lobsang Sangay’s expectation. Now, Tibetans are protesting and expressing their loss of trust in his leadership. Lobsang Sangay has to clarify a lot of things to the public, including the USD1.5 million loan with Tibet Fund. Tibetans are now beginning to see Lobsang Sangay’s true colours and are speaking up against him now.
Pema Wangchuk
January 24, 2018
His Holiness the Dalai Lama is again, expressing his wish to visit China. This is not the first time His Holiness mentioned about visiting or returning to China. In fact, His Holiness made a strong statement in November 2017 that he “would return to Tibet at once, if China agrees”. Could this be another sign from the Tibetan leadership that rapprochement with China is happening soon?
Doreen Park
January 25, 2018
This is basically posing questions on the grounds of equal rights of all Tibetans , which is supposed to be enshrined in the constitution of the Tibetans in Exile. If Rangzen people are opposing the Dalai Lama for his umaylam or middle way instruction for Tibet in China, then why hasn’t any action been taken against them?
Even the Dalai Lama has said that those who do not support his umaylam instruction do not give him a reason to live up to 113. Furthermore, we see that even Lobsang Sangay has said that Umaylam has failed. With this form of insidious opposition of a fundamental issue which affects the future of all TIbetans, and which Samdhong Rinpoche has said is even more dangerous than the issue of Shugden practitioners, why then are all the Rangzen supporters allowed to move around freely and even allowed to attend the Dalai Lama’s talks and initiations. Aren’t they a threat to the safety of the Dalai Lama?
celia
January 26, 2018
It is in the interest of CTA to keep Tibetans as refugees/poor so that CTA can manipulate the financial aids thus CTA allows for the perpetuation of things which can jeopardise any furtherance of the Tibetan cause, such as CTA’s deliberate silence about the disruptions caused by rangzen, self-immolations and even CTA’s intentional antagonization of China despite half-hearted effort to engage China for negotiations etc.
Pasang Tashi
January 29, 2018
Dorje Shugden practitioners have been victims of unfounded blame for more than half a decade, with news reports initiated by the Tibetan leadership, alerting the public that Shugden fundamentalist groups posed huge security threat to His Holiness the Dalai Lama as they were covertly backed up by China. The reality is that terrorists are out to harm His Holiness, with two bombs found amid His Holiness’ tight security, thanks to the intensive combing operation by Indian police. The Central Tibetan Administration should stop spreading lies that Shugden practitioners or more absurdly, Shugden practice imperil the life of the Dalai Lama, and pay more attention to real threats such as this.
Tenzin Choejor
January 30, 2018
In a letter by the Dalai Lama’s translator, Thupten Jinpa, he had said that The Dalai Lama Trust was “slowly getting caught in unnecessary distractions”. Here is an excerpt from the letter:
“For someone who have [sic] had the honor and good fortune to serve His Holiness for over three decades, it had been painful to see how His Holiness’ name and legacy was slowly getting caught in unnecessary distractions (Albany-based NXIVM) and discordant messages (of rich and celebrity orientation). Especially, for the Trust, which is effectively His Holiness’ principal charitable foundation for the outside world, the last two years’ record has been, to put it mildly, quite embarrassing. The Trust has alienated most of its inter-organizational relationships, almost destroyed its infrastructure of the Tibetan graduate scholarship program with a majority of the independent reviewers resigning, and failed to support those international organizations that were actively inspired by His Holiness’ vision for the world and were undertaking high profile initiatives furthering His Holiness’ vision. Most sadly, the Trust has unfortunately acquired a reputation of being authoritarian, confrontational, petty, and uncaring, characteristics so far removed from His Holiness’ personal ethics. In particular, for those organizations and individuals who had been the recipients of grants from the Trust, frankly, the behavior of the Trust can be best characterized as that of bullying. If ever, some of the email communications from the Trust during this period were to come to light within the public domain, it would be a source of embarrassment for everyone connected with the Trust.”
The Dalai Lama’s office had also called for investigations and the eventual of any wrong doings by the organisation.
http://www.tibetanjournal.com/index.php/2018/01/30/daily-mails-article-dalai-lama-one-short-attempt-sensationalism/
Ngawang C.
February 6, 2018
Great article. So true that the behavior of rangzen individuals has the potential to jeopardize the Dalai Lama’s plans with China which concerns the wellbeing and future of six million Tibetans; and Dorje Shugden people practice Dorje Shugden and do no harm to Dalai Lama and hurt no single Tibetan, why Dorje Shugden people being discriminated and segregated, and demonise and labelled as Chinese spies?
So double standard.
Tenzin Dharpo
February 12, 2018
The Indian police has issued a circular for Tibetan refugees who are Indian voters or Indian citizens to surrender their Tibetan refugees registration certificates (RCs). Dawa Rinchen, Tibetan settlement officer at McLeodganj, said that the matter was to be dealt by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).
There are around 1,400 Tibetan voters registered in Kangra district, many of them have exercised their voting rights in the state assembly elections without surrendering their RCs.
The Tibetan and Indian authorities are in a fix over this issue as the Tibetan authorities say that they don’t have any data of such Tibetans while the Indian authorities have passed the responsibility to Tibetan authorities stating that they had not asked anyone to apply for Indian citizenship or voting cards.
The CTA has already asked the Tibetans that they cannot take the benefits of being a refugee if they are holding Indian citizenship. There are also guidelines that such Tibetans have to leave the settlements. However, it remains to be seen if such rules will affect the CTA officials, such as Dhardon Sharling, Dolma Gyari, and Lhagyari Namgyal Dolkar who hold Indian passports.
Tashi Dolma
February 13, 2018
Tibet Autonomous Region Public Security Department issued a report on organized crime, that contains information about activities that violate the existing law and regulations. The CPC Central Committee and State Council will act to control these criminal activities to ensure social harmony and stability, and that the people live and work in peace and happiness. CPC called the ‘Middle Way’ as a narrow nationalistic idea and is trying to control any activities related to supporting the Dalai Lama.
Devano
February 25, 2018
An article published in 1997 in the Spanish magazine “Mas Alla” stated that Ling Rinpoche practiced Dorje Shugden. The magazine covers spiritual and metaphysical issues around the world, and doesn’t have anything to do with Tibetan Buddhism. So in that way, it has no reason to be biased in and to write articles in support of or against Dorje Shugden.
The magazine was also issued in 1997, before the height of the ban, at a time when no one was compelled to hide the truth. So we can be sure that the reporting on this matter is therefore neutral and unedited and objective.
It’s a fact that both the tutors of the 14th Dalai Lama (Kyabje Ling Rinpoche and Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche) practiced Dorje Shugden, which was confirmed by the research conducted by the reporter JC Deus from Mas Alla. Deus clearly interviewed the right people and since the truth will always prevail, it is not surprising that an independent researcher like him with no links to Tibetan Buddhism so easily discovered and reported that Ling Rinpoche does Dorje Shugden practice. Remember that Deus was just doing his duty as a reporter, and reporting it as a neutral historical fact, not with any agenda in mind.
This is clear proof and it contradicts the false information the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) propagates that Ling Rinpoche does not practise Dorje Shugden. Lies like these will always be found out and exposed. This has been proven with the CTA who continue to make a fool out of themselves, losing trust among the Tibetans and supporters around the world.
This is PART 1, the first part of my 4-part comment. It shows the first three pages (pg 28-29) and the cover of the Mas Alla magazine, which published this report about Dorje Shugden.
Devano
February 25, 2018
This is PART 2, the second part of my 4-part comment. It shows the next three pages (pg 30-32) of the Mas Alla magazine, which published this report about Dorje Shugden.
Devano
February 25, 2018
This is PART 3, the third part of my 4-part comment. It shows the next three pages (pg 33-35) of the Mas Alla magazine, which published this report about Dorje Shugden. Please take SPECIAL NOTE to see page 33. The part where it mentions Ling Rinpoche practices Dorje Shugden has been highlighted for your reference.
Devano
February 25, 2018
This is PART 4, the final part of my 4-part comment. It shows the last two pages (pg 36-37) of the Mas Alla magazine, which published this report about Dorje Shugden.
Golog Jigme
February 27, 2018
Mr. Mila Rangzen says the head of the Tibetan exiled govt is a sexual predator
Since 2011, Lobsang Sangay’s tenure as the President of the Central Tibetan Administration has been mired with various scandals and failures, such as the election scandal and the US$1.5 million loan scandal. The 17% unemployment rate among the Tibetans in exile has also forced some Tibetans to become spies, betraying their host country India. Now, in more shocking news from Mila Rangzen, who has been proven to have access to a lot of insider news, Lobsang Sangay has been revealed to be a sexual predator who does not hesitate to risk the Dalai Lama’s reputation to satisfy his lust. More women and people are speaking up about this. This is really breaking news. These women deserve a platform to express the pain and humiliation and be open to heal.
Mila Rangzen has, on numerous occasions, shared extremely accurate and reliable news for the benefit of the Tibetan community. He has never failed us with the accuracy of the news and they have all proven to be true. Mila seems to not be afraid to tell the truth.
All the victims of the sexual predator Lobsang Sangay should not keep quiet anymore and must expose him once and for all. He should be punished for his actions and asked to step down from his position now! The victims should be empowered by this and speak up and point the finger at Lobsang Sangay if this is true. Do not stay in the dark and hide your shame because Lobsang Sangay is destroying the reputation of the Dalai Lama.
Rangzen
February 27, 2018