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: Tsering Samten
Dear Sir,
I am writing to you as well as some international media with the hope that you will bring attention to my plight as a Dorje Shukden worshipper.
As you know March 10 is an important date to the Tibetan people because it is supposed to be the day when we commemorate our struggle to regain our freedom. I was excited and hopeful when the President of the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) Tenzing Jigme announced the ‘Chalo Delhi’ program which started yesterday March 10, 2019. In his announcement posted in Phayul.com Tenzing Jigme had stated, “Tibet is in a critical state and at this moment in history, it is imperative for us to come together united in our stand for our nation and our people”. What the TYC President said is true and today after 60 years of efforts and struggle it appears that the force behind our struggle for freedom is fading.
The President of the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), Tenzing Jigme.
So I wrote to the TYC asking if my friends and me who are all Tibetans can participate in the ‘Chalo Delhi’ programs. I had to ask because within the Tibetan community I am like a pariah due to a religion I practice. For generations my family worshipped a dharmapala called Dorje Shukden who until the 1990s was an important practice in the gelugpa. It may shock many people to know that within the Tibetan community controlled by the Dalai Lama and his Central Tibetan Administration, we are told what we can believe in and what we cannot. And they can change their mind anytime if it serves them politically. If the Dalai Lama and CTA forbids your religion and you continue in your faith, you will be regarded as a criminal. And so it was important to get express permission from the TYC and if we turned up for an official TYC and CTA events without permission, we can get into very deep trouble.
The CTA is not a democracy that allows religious freedom although religious freedom is guaranteed by our democratic constitution. If you practice a religion that the CTA does not like, you will get into trouble, you are segregated and persecuted and regarded as a criminal. Even family, neighbours and colleagues are not allowed to be friendly with us because they too will get into trouble. We Shukdenpas have suffered this for over 20 years. Without having any voice of our own we have kept a low profile and continued to live and practice our religion and not cause trouble.
At the same time, in the last 20 years we have seen the Tibetan struggle go from something tangible to become something more like a fantasy. And so when the TYC President Tenzing Jigme called for unity, my friends and me answered the call. But to my shock, my enquiry was ignored and it seems I am not even deserving of an answer.
What saddens me is to realise that the TYC, just like the CTA, is not sincere about its call for Tibetan unity. It is not sincere about fighting for the freedom of all Tibetan people. It shows to me that even if somehow the CTA regains our homeland, there are many of us who will continue to live like outcasts and untouchables. Is that the freedom that Tibetans are fighting for? Is that the freedom that our Tibetan democracy promises? Is that the kind of freedom friends of Tibet have supported for 60 years? If yes, then it is not different to having the Chinese as masters. As painful as it is for me to say that, it is a truth. In a truly free community it would not be important what colour your skin is, what race you belong to, what religion you practice, what sex you belong to and what caste you belong to and what opinions you have. The very fact that there are such discriminations is proof that a society is not free.
It is wrong to say that a person is only Tibetan if he fits into a mould that the Dalai Lama and Tibetan leaders decide, if he fits a description, if he is willing to forfeit his own freedom of choice and his human rights and only then will he be accepted by the CTA and TYC and be regarded as worthy. That is like the attitude of Hitler’s Nazis who did not regard everyone to be worthy of being alive and treated as human beings. To them these certain people must fit a Nordic description and have blue eyes and blond hair and only then are they worthy to be regarded as the master race. The rest like the Jewish people should be exterminated. In principle, how the CTA and TYC regard Shukdenpas is the same. If I am a free person I should not need anyone’s permission to practice my faith and I should not need anyone’s permission to express my wish for a free Tibet and I should not live in fear simply because I do not meet someone else’s description of what is a worthy human.
Even more saddening is to see the very low turnout worldwide of Tibetans and supporters during the TYC’s Chalo Delhi. It is shocking and disappointing to see that the TYC would rather fail in its fight than to be fair to all Tibetans and regard Shukdenpas as human beings.
In my opinion, the TYC and CTA have failed the acid test of how sincere they are about uniting all Tibetans and upholding Tibetan rights under a constitution. If we are not free of the prejudices and persecutions of our own leaders, then Tibetan freedom is already lost with or without regaining our homeland.
Sincerely,
Tsering Samten
Content of my letter to TYC President, Tenzing Jigme
Dear Tenzing la,
I read with interest news about your ‘Chalo Delhi’ program recently reported in Phayul.com. And I wanted to personally thank you for your efforts since you took office in the TYC.
I have seen your good works over the years and I am a supporter of your vision. This is due to my believe that today, more than ever Tibet needs good leaders who are brave, progressive, far-sighted and fair.
Frankly it has been very difficult to see our present state of affairs and the hopelessness that seems to be trapped in many Tibetan hearts. However, I started to have hope again after observing your efforts. I was encouraged when I read about your interview of May 9 2016, posted on the TYC website. In the interview with the Tibet Sun you made this profound declaration
“The first clause of TYC aims and objectives is to follow the guidance of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. I believe that should be the aim or principle of every Tibetan. Our fourth clause is to seek independence for Tibet, which is our right. I don’t think we need to give up seeking our right. Since the inception of the Middle-Way Approach in 1980 until now, over the last forty years we did not have any issues. TYC’s charter was formed in 1970. Both political stands have co-existed in the past without any problems. More importantly, what I really think needs to happen in our exile diaspora is that we need to comprehend ongoing discussions in our political discourse, and pay attention to elements that seem to be intruding into our society and our communities to divide us vis-a-vis Rangzen vs MW or Regionalism or Sectarianism”. (https://www.tibetanyouth
congress.org/2016/05/tyc-president-interview-wt-tibet-sun/)
Tenzing la, you courageously made a stand for the Tibetan people, and the countless number who have given their lives to defend the cause over the decades. If we compromise enough and lower ourselves enough, I am sure we, the Tibetan people may be allowed back on our motherland. But I wonder if there is any point to this if we do not regain the soul of Tibet. This can only be secured if Tibet is free and the Tibetan people live as independent people without any political overlords. Otherwise, every Tibetan becomes merely a reminder of how we pledged away our birthright.
I thank you for your far sightedness and your strength of commitment to say that. It cannot be easy for you to make that stance publicly because there are strong forces that want us to forget our struggle for Tibetan independence. But at the same time, you are careful to preserve what is precious to all Tibetans which is our reverence for His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. This too is important to note.
In essence, what you stated was that it is not impossible and contradictory to love and revere His Holiness the Dalai Lama and at the same time hang on to the basic rights and freedoms that all human beings are entitled to. Freedom to choose is our right bestowed upon us as human beings and protected by the Tibetan Constitution.
I understood your meaning, which was to say that exercising our rights as human beings does not mean we reject His Holiness the Dalai Lama. I agree with you wholeheartedly Tenzing la.
I also note your recent statement in Phayul.com when you announced the ‘Chalo Delhi’ program, that it is also time to introspect on “the movement, our policies and foster unity among ourselves when China is trying to destroy it even in exile”. And that the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) should encourage and include people with different opinions and ideologies in discussions.
As you have said many times, there are elements that seek to divide us. As it is, we are already a very small community facing a very powerful enemy. Apart from Rangzen vs MW, and divisions based in regionalism, one very harmful issue that has divided us is the worship of Gyalchen Shukden, as I am sure you are aware.
I am one victim of such a division. I come from a family of Gyalchen Shukden worshippers. We have worshipped this protector for many generations just as we have loved and respected His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Just like seeking independence does not mean we are against His Holiness the Dalai Lama, neither does being a believer of Gyalchen Shukden mean we oppose the Dalai Lama.
But today our family is broken because of this issue. But regardless of what sect or region we belong to or what protector we worship, we are all Tibetan people and we all love our country. The time is not for us to look at what separates us but what unites us. Our internal divisions have weakened us and it is very clear to see Tibetans fighting Tibetans instead of uniting against a common enemy. As you said, Tibet is in a critical state now and if our struggle for independence becomes merely a memory, then those who seek to divide us would have won.
You, honourable Tenzing la, are a fighter for freedom and independence. Does the freedom you fight for include our freedom to exercise all our basic human rights including our right to a religion of our choice? In a truly free and democratic society, no one should be punished for having different opinions and ideologies and religion. This is the foundation of being free.
I am asking because as a Tibetan I would like to see our nation free and independent again. And so I would like to join your ‘Chalo Delhi’ program. In the past, the CTA has said that people who worship Gyalchen Shukden cannot join anything organised by them. Like this, we as a nation of people will become weaker and weaker and so I disagree with the CTA’s stand on this. I do not see how I can only be regarded as a Tibetan only if I reject our fight for independence, only if I come from a specific region or belong to a certain sect and follow a certain religion the CTA say I can worship. If that is the case, then we already lost what we are fighting for.
The ‘Chalo Delphi’ program is under the TYC of which you are the President. I am hopeful of the changes you stand for. Accordingly I seek your commitment to foster genuine Tibetan unity that cuts across political preference, region and religion. Please Tenzing la, please break what has kept the Tibetan people apart and unite us again.
I eagerly await your confirmation that the ‘Chalo Delhi’ program and all TYC programs are for all Tibetan people regardless of region or sect or religion. It would be my great honour to stand with you in your fight for all Tibetan people.
Yours in hope and trust,
Tsering Samten
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Ngawang
March 17, 2019
I wish to fight for Tibetan freedom, but I am a Dorje Shugden follower. If in exile I don’t have freedom to practice Shugden and segregated, if we get a free Tibet, will you do the same to me in Tibet? Will Tibet be segregated like we are in exile India now? All Shugden people are banned from mainstream Tibetan life. I am a 2nd generation Tibetan living in Delhi and our community is heavily segregated because of this. If Shugden people are segregated and banned in Tibet like in India, what type of democracy is that? Dalai Lama said I have the freedom to practice Shugden, but I cannot join his secular talks, then that is not freedom but conditional leadership. Almost like blackmail to quit Shugden. I don’t wish to join in his religious talks but secular events which I am not allowed to as a Tibetan and he is our leader politically. A section of Tibetans cannot join Dalai Lama’s secular talks due to discrimination against their religion. That is wrong. Leaders have to be fair and not look at my religion. If like that now with segregation based on religion, how to fight for the freedom of a segregated Tibet? 💔
Ngawang
Generic Guy
March 17, 2019
“Tibet is in a critical state and at this moment in history, it is imperative for us to come together united in our stand for our nation and our people”.
Whilst I agree with this statement, how can the Tibetan Government in Exile preach such a message but continue to treat Shugden practitioners like national outcasts? Is there no shame in the blatant hypocrisy of battling against the Chinese influence over Tibet, whilst at the same time denying their citizens basic human rights (such as medical care) simply because of their religious practice. If unity is the essence of a harmonious nation and only with harmony can Tibet fight for their freedom, perhaps the Tibetan Government in Exile should stop pushing for the segregation of Shugden practitioners. They are Tibetan too and they also want to unite for their country to prosper.
On another note, H.H Trijang Rinpoche, the tutor of the Dalai Lama and one of the most influential lamas of the 20th century, was a Shugden practitioner. How could he misidentify Dorje Shugden? It doesn’t make sense. It is clear that Trijang Rinpoche had trust in Dorje Shugden as an enlightened Dharma Protector. To deny this and try to argue is akin to saying Trijang Rinpoche was misguided and taught thousands of students a harmful practice. Yet his students prospered and grew mountains of spirituality and developed attainments, such as seen in H.H Zong Rinpoche. Saying that a harmful practice could bring about those results is not logical.
Tracy
March 17, 2019
I am not a Tibetan, but I can feel how sad and frustrated Tsering Samten is. From what he wrote, he seems to be a person who loves the Dalai Lama and Tibet a lot. He strongly believes in the Tibet cause and he wants to contribute to make the cause a successful one. Unfortunately, due to the Dorje Shugden ban, his basic right as the Tibetan in exile was taken away, he is like the untouchable even though he has not done anything wrong.
CTA claims to be a democratic government, people have the religious freedom to choose what they want to believe and practice. But this is not true, Tsering Samten is segregated in his own community, he was not allowed to attend the secular talk of the Dalai Lama, he kind gesture of offering his service to fight in the Tibet cause was completely ignored simply because he is a Dorje Shugden follower.
To make the Tibet cause successful, there must be unity in the Tibetan community. At the moment, due to various conflicts, the Tibetans are split into different fractions, each group have their own ideology. If CTA continues to allow segregation in the Tibetan community, the Tibet cause will never be successful. Tibetans are losing their faith in CTA and CTA should feel alarmed. If CTA doesn’t resolve the conflicts in the Tibetan community, there will be even fewer Tibetans participating in the uprising anniversary event in the future.
Dorje S
March 27, 2019
Many Tibetans went into exile because of the Dalai Lama, they trusted him, they believe that as long as they are with the Dalai Lama, they can practice their religion freely. When the ban started, many are heart broken. They didn’t know how to choose. The person they trusted most in protecting their religious belief is exactly the person who asked them to give up on their practice which they tried so hard to preserve. The Dorje Shugden followers suddenly become unwelcome strangers to the Tibetan society, They have become the enemy of their own friends and family in a foreign land just because of the Dorje Shugden ban. Now they can’t even fight for the Tibet cause. How sad
Mistrust
March 17, 2019
How disheartening it is to be betrayed by someone you trust and look up to. It is very clear that there is no hope for rangzen because the CTA & TYC are only interested in their own benefits. The people’s trust & respect for the CTA & all bodies affiliated with them are fading for sure. 60 years of lies are finally being exposed, the Tibetan people are finally seeing the truth!
Thaimonk
March 17, 2019
Tibetan leadership does so much to divide their own people even BEFORE they have their country back in India and Nepal. Once they get their country back, if they do, they will segregate more people based on religion and other social constructs. Tibetans in Tibet are overall very backwards and very primitive in thinking. They are always very violent when dealing with each other. They will definite segregate each other and there will be many civil wars. 💔👎
Wandue
March 17, 2019
The Chinese government can close monastery anytime and stop practice of religion anytime. No warning and no reason given. If you fight back they send in the army. When they want to kill a religion, they go in and burn religious books and pull down Buddha statues.
But now the Dalai Lama the same. Exact same. Anytime he can tell you that cannot worship to this deity or that deity anymore. Anytime he can say your teacher is not real and you must hate your teacher like the Chinese make monks swear at their own lamas and Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama. If you don’t listen, people from Tibet Youth Group will come to your house and burn your altar, people push into monastery and drag Dorje Shugden statues outside and destroy and throw away. Also Dalai Lama don’t have to give reason and explain why suddenly cannot pray to your god.
Both Dalai Lam and Chinese Communist same. But Tibetan in Tibetan are better because if you don’t given trouble you can earn living and save for future. Tibetan in control by Dalai Lama have no benefit, no future and also suffer same discrimination.
Both same. For Chinese government if your pray to Dalai Lama they will now allow your to practice your religion. For the Dalai Lama if you don’t worship the Dalai Lama and listen every words he say he also don’t allow you to practice your religion. Same bad smell bit different name.
tibetanpen
March 18, 2019
I will believe this article only if Tsem Rinpoche,Trijang Rinpoche,Pabongka Rinpoche, Gangchen Rinpoche and other Shugden lamas themselves raise the Tibetan Flag in their own hand and show it to world that although they are a practitioner they also care for Tibetan struggle.
This will send a positive message to all the Tibetans that you only care for your religion right and not in political benefit.
(Edited at request of author email)
Wandue
March 18, 2019
Here you go again. A monk is only a good monk if he supports Tibet cause? You mean he cannot be a good monk if he supports humanity regardless of nationality? Idiot.
tibetanpen
March 19, 2019
Idiot? hahaaa
The very problem of the shugdenpa is that they think that they are getting the total religious freedom under the chinese regime. When the reality is way more different.
The more you become Anti-Dalailama and Anti-CTA, the more Tibetan people will reject this spirit worship.
The more you sing for chinese Government, the more Tibetan People and other nationals will understand your objectives.
The more you spread lies under the different names about tibetan issues repeatedly, the more people will run away from your negative mindset.
In reality, you guys are the one who is making this shugden issue more worst than before.
And as for the monk we are talking about, don’t ever forget that he is also a Tibetan and the knowledge that he posses is all because of the kindness of His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama. And he cant even lift a Tibetan Flag because he is a shugden worshipper?
Not all the Tibetans are Gelugpa and not all the Tibetans hate Shugden. It is just other has nothing to do with this. And simply not all those who doesnt worship shugden automatically becomes anti shugden. That is a poor mindset if you have been believing that.
But all the Tibetans even Bonpos, Tibetan Muslims, Tibetan Christian, Tibetan non believer, raise and support the Tibetan issue because to them Tibetan culture, Tibetan Language, Tibetan Buddhist knowledge are the true source of their identity and they will do anything to protect it. And it applies same to the Shugden worshipper too. So who is the real idiot?
I am Bodpa
March 18, 2019
The Tibetan Shugdenpa fight for their religion rights is closely connected to Tibetan cause because they want to be part of Tibetan cause but the Sikyong and Kashag stop them, segregate them and hate them. Tibetan Shugdenpa want harmony and unity within the Tibetan society in India. This is exactly what Tibetan cause is about. Eventually, we all (Shugdenpa or not Shugdenpa) want to fulfil Dalai Lama’s dream to return Tibet or at least we can stay united together, stop attacking our own people. This is Tibetan cause.
Politics is useless. See what Sikyong and Kashag do? More and more money and sex scandal. Forget about politics. Talking about unity is more important. Stop targeting Shugdenpa, stop segregating them, hating them.
tibetanpen
March 19, 2019
You dont need anyone’s permission to raise the Tibetan cause. Not from kashag, not from sikyong.
Just raise it. You are a Tibetan first, shugdenpa later. And if you are confused between that then don’t be Tibetan, but you cant do that.
I have never seen any shugdenpa raising Tibetan flag for tibetan cause. I challenge all the Shugdenpa to raise the Tibetan flag. I challenge you all if you all have the guts to raise the picture of shugden idol with Tibetan Flag. Did this ever happen or will happen?
Anonymous
March 23, 2019
Wandue
March 19, 2019
Dear tibetanpen,
I think you totally missed the point or you are being tricky.
The point you should firstly state is whether the writer of the letter Tsering Samten la is entitled to his love for his country, is he entitled to his freedom, is he entitled to practice his rights, and is he entitled to his nationality and identity? Is he entitled to be a human being REGARDLESS OF HIS RELIGION?
This is the first question YOU must answer.
If you answer that he is not simply because he is a Shugdenpa, then everything else you say and do is simply distraction from the fact that the Dalai Lama and CTA practice discriminatory practice and that you support such bad practices. You must first confirm that the Dalai Lama and CTA should NOT discriminate against and stop anyone from wanting to fight for Tibetan’s freedom regardless of when they are Nyingma, Kagyu, Geluk, Bonpo or no religion.
It a real democracy, your opinion is merely an opinion. It is not your right to impose your opinion on others and force them to prove their loyalty to you. If everyone force has a right to force their opinion to you, can I ask you to please burn the Chinese flag in front of the Chinese embassy where you are, take a pic and post here to prove that you are a true Tibetan loyalist?
All your talk seems clever but it actually proves the discrimination. You said nobody needs the CTA’s permission to raise the Tibetan flag. Can you also say that because the CTA is a real democracy, no one needs the CTA’s permission to practice their religion? If that is true, then how come the CTA has his site to condemn Shigdenpas? https://tibet.net/important-issues/dolgyal-shugden/
How come the CTA do not pick on other religions apart from Shugden? It is wrong for this to happen in a truly free country isn’t it?
If you are genuine, first state here whether the CTA has a right to deny anyone their freedom be it freedom of speech or freedom of vote or freedom of religion. Refusing to do so only means you don’t really believe in freedom.
Also why not give your real identity and be a TRUE PATRIOT of Tibetan freedom fight? What are you hiding???
Namgyal Bhodgyallo
March 18, 2019
tibetanpen, the “Tibetan struggle” is over, 5 years ago, me and all my friends attended the protests. 2 of of my friends were arrested by Delhi police.
But this year, none os us attended. There was no reason to. 3 of my friends have gotten permit to return to Tibet. 4 other friends are applying Chinese embassy in Delhi to go back.
No one wants to stay in India anymore. My relatives in Tibet make more money than me. They have good jobs and are happy.
If the “Tibetan struggle” is to improve the lives of Tibetan people, then it is not a struggle for our people in Tibet but the struggle should focus on the kashag. The kalons are doing nothing but making their pockets rich. Sikyong can’t even speak Tibetan properly, what “Tibetan struggle” are you talking about?
Tibetans in exile should take the “Tibetan struggle” to reform our own government first. If the Tibetan government is ineffective as they are now, you can forget about gaining independence.
Losar Hero
March 18, 2019
Tibetanpen, there is a difference between Tibetan cause and CTA cause. CTA cause is just to cause problem and keep everything the same so they can continue to be in power and collect donations. The CTA cause is NOT the Tibetan cause. CTA actions do not benefit any Tibetan people at all.
Jushri
March 18, 2019
The ban against Shugden practitioners by CTA is a fatal mistake that is making Tibet Cause a lost cause because:
1) Anyone can see that it is an outright violation of the basic human right of freedom of worship. (Article 18 of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights) Who would want to support leadership that violates its own citizen’s rights?
2) Given the 2 Karmapa, 2 Domo Geshe Rinpoches
and 2 Panchen Lamas issues, the unstable Tibetans are divided according to their following. The Shugden ban effectively creates even more division and disunity among the already splintered Tibetans. Anyone would know that the key to any country’s independence is unity. With CTA’s brand of unity, no wonder they are still squatting in Dharamsala for the last 60 years.
Tsering Drolhma
March 26, 2019
Tibetan government in exile is not democratic and fully corrupt. That is why they cannot get their country back till now after 60 years. Pathetic.👎
Tsering
March 28, 2019
Tibetans should separate the issue of Religious freedom with the fighting of Tibet’s independent. They are not the same because one is a religious issue and the other is a political issue. They should not be mixed together because it will create a very messy situation as the nature of both the issue is different.
The Tibetan government is a religious and political government because their leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama is both a monk and a leader of a country. It is never a good idea to combine both issues together because everything will get mixed up and a simple straight forward problem will be blown out of proportion as both religion and politics both are a sensitive area on their own.
Just like the Dorje Shugden ban. It is a very small issue if everyone just treats it as a religious issue. However, the Tibetan government chose to make it a political issue as well and that is why the ban is so huge now that affects everyone including those who are not even in the same religion. This is how CTA distracts the public from focusing on the real problem.
Anonymous
March 31, 2019
Anonymous
April 3, 2019
Anonymous
April 6, 2019
tenzin
April 16, 2019
Pathetic CTA and pawns! No wonder ‘fighting’ for tibet can never achieve any result. Segregation and discrimination will never unite tibetans. Even something as simple as rangzen or mw can’t be resolved. Some want this and some want that. No direction on how to accomplish something. But of course cta will do anything in its power to continue segregating tibetans else how are they gonna get more ‘donations’!! Conspiracy and sabotage are cta’s main motto!! Ban all those who defy them.
Geraldine Sarie
April 17, 2019
The Tibetans are living a life way back to centuries and need to thanks to their government in exile for not providing any good accommodations and educations to them. Therefore, can’t blame them because their Tibetan government only pining fiercely on fortunes more than their people basic needs and welfare. So, failing all the way for CTA.
samayakeeper
April 17, 2019
There won’t be unity among the Tibetans as long as the Dalai Lama is against the practice of Dorje Shugden, of which the CTA enforces a decree against it. Therefore, Tibetans can kiss goodbye of returning to their homeland and live as they were before they left Tibet. Even if they could, most of the younger generation had already migrated to other countries outside of India, found jobs, married and settled down there.
Belinda Mae
April 17, 2019
Such a truly inspiring Tibetan who is not afraid to write what he feels is right and beneficial for him and the Tibetan people. There should be more Tibetans like Tsering Samten who voice out what their heart trully feels and do what is right for their future.
Richard Tamlak
April 17, 2019
I must say it’s with great courage that this guy speak out his mind and stand for his rights and religious freedom. What he said is absolutely correct! As a leadership, CTA doesn’t unite their people, on the other hand, they discriminate and segregate those who disagree with them and The Dalai Lama. A very good example is Shugden practitioners. How can a government use religion as an excuse to segregate and discriminate their people? That’s not what a government and leadership does. Continue like that, there will be more and more Tibetans lose faith on their leadership. Already started to see now. What is the purpose for a government and a leadership to stay where there’s already lost faith and support from their people? It might as well dismiss the so called “government”
Brian
April 17, 2019
When you allow people to practice shamanism but ban Dorje Shugden. It tells you that you really have a problem.
Dorje S
May 2, 2019
This is a good point. We don’t even have to argue about the enlightened nature of Dorje Shugden. If the CTA allows shamanism but ban Dorje Shugden, then regardless of what, they are already playing double standard.
Vaja10
April 17, 2019
Tibetans in exiled wil hardly able to return back to Tibet, if the leaders do not put all self-benefiting matters aside.
Tianni
April 17, 2019
How can unity happen when a monastery has to split into two groups due to the ban of Dorje Shugden practice. Obviously this is creating hatred among the Tibetans and this weakens the unity of Tibetans. Moreover can you accept a ‘government’ blame their failures on a superstition. Over 20 years of the the ban of Dorje Shugden already prove that the ban has brought no benefits to Tibetan and anyone but all the suffering. The ban has to be lifted for a better Tibet.
Bennie
April 17, 2019
If tibetan refugee act stupid, fear to talk to CTA, tibet would not have freedom. Important is tibetan need to speak up what they ready want. CTA is currupted, paid for people to talk stupid thing. So sad and pathetic.
Mountains
April 27, 2019
1st Time Dalai Lama Finally Admits His Illness Was Serious
In the past it is customary to cover up the Dalai Lama’s illnesses. It could be to not worry his flock. It could also be to not show the world he is just another vulnerable human being. Or it could be he does not want to disappoint people to show he is not a god? Whatever the reasons, the Dalai Lama and regime are well known for covering up his serious illnesses. In the past few years he had cancer of the prostate and that was covered up till the press dug it up. Now with this new video just out April 2019, Dalai Lama admits he was recently very ill. It was serious.
Unfortunately the Tibetan cause will die with the Dalai Lama when he passes. He did nothing to groom up a new leader as he is a dictator. A ruler for life. He has been in power for over 60 years. He will never groom up another person to replace him because he is touted as a god.
http://video.dorjeshugden.com/comment-videos/comment-1556343635.mp4
Ngawang Jigme
May 31, 2019
Unlike 5 years ago, Tibetan leader Lobsang Sangay is not invited to Prime Minister Modi’s swearing-in ceremony this time. It is clear that PM Modi of India snubs the Tibetan leadership once again in favour of deeper ties with China. The Tibetan leadership finds itself increasingly isolated as nobody wants to offend China by lending any support to the ungrateful Tibetans.
A Little Bird
July 6, 2019
Guess what!!! I heard from a grapevine that some Sakya monks in Nepal are visiting Dorje Shugden related websites. Hahaha!! The Tibetan leaders have no control at all and can’t stop them. More and more will do the same and soon people will know the truths to stop believing in CTA’s lies. Whatever CTA says, the people will doubt. No more control! No more power!😂😆😂
Tara
August 2, 2019
In general, Tibetan has been split between those in China and India. In India, the Tibetan is taken care of by the CTA and which also suppose to work out for them to return to Tibet. Hence, CTA should unite the Tibetan in India to build a strong community to support their cause. But unfortunately, CTA works the other way round. Instead of respecting their people’s right of choice, CTA takes away their religious freedom by imposing a ban on their spiritual practice and even intervene into other lineages and recognized another leader which not going through their lineage procedure. Tibetan is a refugee in India which need support and to be harmony and united. Sadly their leaders are not acting together and further separate them and create more suffering for their people.
Frankly speaking, how Dorje Shugden’s practice can affect the Tibetan cause and since it has been ban until today, what is the benefit for the Tibetan? What is the result? Tibetan in-exile able to return home? If no then why still ban this practice? Why prolong the suffering of their Tibetan people?
Chodag
September 1, 2019
This is ridiculous. Just because I practice Dorje Shugden and I’m not Tibetan suddenly. How can this make sense and CTA should be on top of this to stop all this nonsense. CTA should able to weigh what is important for Tibetan at this time which is unity. What is Dorje Shugden going to do with Tibetan freedom? Tibetan freedom is under the CTA to have a dialogue with the Chinese. This is totally political and nothing spiritual. Why CTA let all this mixed up and don’t even correct it? What is CTA has been doing? not taking care of the Tibetan and no result in bringing Tibetan and Dalai Lama to return to Tibet.
CTA still exist? or is just an empty entity? who is managing and taking care of the Tibetan refugees in India now?
Drolma
October 1, 2019
The meeting of the North and South Korean leaders is indeed a very historical one. Korea became two countries due to the difference in political stance. They have not had any dialogue or meeting for many years. But now, they finally met up.
Dorje Shugden ban was imposed 20 years ago due to the difference in religious belief. The pro-Shugden and anti-Shugden people don’t talk to each other. Even though pro-Shugden people have expressed many times for a dialogue with anti-Shugden people but the request was not taken seriously.
If North and South Korean leaders can meet up to talk about their differences and perhaps try to find a common ground so both can become amicable, why not the anti and pro-Shugden people? Peace and unity is very important if the Tibetan leaders want the free Tibet movement to be a success. I hope this will happen soon.
Tracy
October 1, 2019
If the North and South Korean leaders can meet up to have a dialogue, why not the CTA and Dorje Shugden followers? After all, Shugden or non-Shugden believers, they are all Tibetans. It is time to put what Buddha Shakyamuni’s teaching in practice, be tolerant and respectful to people who are different from us.
Until today, the Tibetan leadership still has not solved any of the major disputes within the Tibetan community. In fact, they are the one who created them. For examples, Dorje Shugden ban and the two Karmapa disputes. None of the two Karmapas is allowed to go back to Karmapa’s monastery in Rumtek. Not only that, it confuses the followers as well, they don’t know which one to follow.
Dorje Shugden ban has destroyed many families, broken the relationships between friends and teachers and students. There is no benefit from imposing the ban, it causes disunity and disharmony within the Tibetan community. Disunity and disharmony are the real reason why free Tibet movement is not successful after so many years.
John
October 8, 2019
There is no democracy in Tibetan as claimed by the Tibetan leadership. How can the Tibetan leadership impose a ban on a religious practice that not harming anyone? Why Tibetan has no religious freedom? Then how can Dalai Lama keep preaching compassion and having a dialogue to resolve the issue but it doesn’t happen with the Shugden issue? Look at the impact of the injustice ban, just because you are Dorje Shugden practitioners you are accepted by all people around the world. The worst-case here, when you are Shugden practitioners you are not even Tibetan anymore. This is how bad it can be.
The bottom line here is that Tibetan has no democracy and whatever Dalai Lama advice and teaching is not applicable for Tibetan leadership.
Chodag
October 21, 2019
You can practice anything in your spiritual practice as long as Dalai Lama and CTA have no objection. Else even it’s not harmful, never harm anyone, bot Dalai Lama and CTA will clamp you down and make your life miserable.
There is no democracy and no religious freedom with Dalai Lama and CTA. There is no rules or guideline you can follow but just their preferences. This is what makes Tibetan fall and until today you will not able to see them succeed in anything.
Dennis
October 22, 2019
The CTA is using religion as a political too to avoid taking up the responsibility. They have failed to fulfil their promise to bring the Tibetans back to Tibet and to free Tibet. In order to distract people from scrutinising them, the CTA put the blame on Dorje Shugden.
In addition, the CTA is also using Dorje Shugden to split the Tibetans, to create disharmony in China. Unfortunately, Dorje Shugden is used as a scapegoat to achieve the political agenda of the CTA. Dorje Shugden followers become the victims of the whole episode. It is so unfair that Dorje Shugden followers are not given the same rights as other Tibetans.