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By: Carrole Mc’Quirre
Why is MP Juchen Konchok opposing the Dalai Lama’s middle way approach to Tibet’s issue. The Dalai Lama has spoken countless times he does not want independence but genuine autonomy for Tibet which is called the middle way approach. Yet you have MP Juchen Konchok and the conference people talking about full Rangzen or full independence. They are breaking their spiritual samaya (damstik) with the Dalai lama by opposing his views directly. They are opposing the Dalai Lama. When you oppose the Dalai Lama whether politically or spiritually within the Tibetan diaspora, you are asking for problems including segregation, ostracization and perhaps losing your standing within the community. People who continue with the Protector Dorje Shugden practice are treated with malice, hatred, segregation and violence because it is seen not as religious freedom but opposing the Dalai Lama. Now the Rangzen activists are said to be allegedly even more ‘dangerous’ within the spectrum of groups that conflict with the Dalai Lama’s views. I guess the Rangzen people will have to tolerate the label of opposing Dalai Lama when your views are different as the Dorje Shugden people have for decades. They will suffer the same verbal and perhaps physical attacks for having a view different than the Dalai Lama’s just like the Shugden people. They will be labelled the agents of the Chinese because within the Tibetan communities, this is the best way to brow-beat people into submission or to create segregation for a person or group. Whether you are an agent of China or not does not matter. That label is powerful as the CTA uses this on the groups that do not fall in line with their ‘democratic’ rule. This is how it works within the Tibetan communities under the CTA.
There are around 140 people, mostly Tibetans, who gathered in Paris recently for the Fourth International Rangzen Conference. As noble as the objective may seem, the question is, how effective would the conference be? What impact could these 140 plus people have created? The truth is this, these people are only speaking among themselves, telling each other what they have already known. There are no press, journalists or media of international calibre who can further spread their message globally. So how was this conference effective?
The idea of Rangzen (full independence for Tibet) directly opposes the Middle-way approach which the Dalai Lama has been advocating for decades, so whatever that opposes the Dalai Lama will be crushed by the Dalai Lama immediately, so who would listen to what these 140 people have to say? They are only talking among themselves for self-serving purpose and would accomplish nothing else.
It is also shocking that there are actually some members of parliament from the Tibetan government in exile (Central Tibetan Administration or CTA) Dharamasala present in the conference, so this is evidence that the CTA is actually opposing the Dalai Lama behind his back. To quote MP Juchen Konchok “Rangzen conference like this are individual initiative and this is not an effort to oppose His Holiness the Dalai Lama but revival of Tibetan independence”. This statement may sound polite, but if this is not opposing the Dalai Lama, then what is it? The Dalai Lama clearly says he wants the Middle-way and not full independence for Tibet (Rangzen), and the Middle-way Approach is even boldly stated on CTA’s website, so what is Juchen Konchok and other representatives of CTA attending and even giving speeches in this Rangzen conference, showing their support?
The Dalai Lama says very clearly, we want Middle-way, and yet they all are having a big ‘momo party’ about independence (Rangzen). Their meeting is meant to destabilize the Dalai Lama’s work and it is dangerous, and it creates disharmony within Tibetans. When you oppose the Dalai Lama within the Tibetan communities, no matter right or wrong, you are perhaps inviting trouble. It is not democratic in Tibet’s ‘Shangrila’ at all. For the sake of receiving US billions of dollars in aid from the United States alone to the Tibetan government in exile or now known as Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), they have to keep up appearances of a fledgling democracy to continue this free aid. This meeting in Paris, France of all places, spells trouble and sees its conference goers as a direct opposition to the powerful Dalai Lama and his policies.
Lhagyari Namgyal Dolkar, another attendee of the three day conference in France to oppose the Dalai Lama’s middle-way. More Tibetans are speaking against the Dalai Lama’s all powerful directives.
MP Monlam Tharchin who is the representative for the Bon sect in Parliament in CTA also attended this conference giving his support for full independence (Rangzen) which opposes the Dalai Lama’s middle-way policy for Tibet. Why is Monlam Tharchin suddenly countering the middle-way in which the Dalai Lama has spoken countless times in recent years to many world leaders?
Progressive MP Tenpa Yarphel (standing) who has vehemently defended Lukar Jam in the past is known to be progressive, modern and very in feel with the pulse of modern times. Known for fearlessly speaking out against wrong policies and downtrodden, is also in the Paris conference speaking against the Dalai Lama’s views in this matter. Does this undermine the Dalai Lama’s work towards autonomy?
Former MP Tethong Wangpo is a long term activist for full independence of Tibet. It has been 60 years since the ‘lost’ of Tibet. Will independence happen during the lifetime of hopeful Wangpo who has attended the meeting which is in direct opposition of the Dalai Lama’s clear instructions to work towards the middle-way or autonomy. Will this type of opposition to the Dalai Lama serve the Tibetans well?
Mr. Lukar Jam who was a past candidate for President (Sikyong) of Central Tibetan Administration has advocated full freedom with no compromise for Tibetans. He composed a poem as a tribute to Elliot Sperling which was seen as an affront to the Dalai Lama allegedly wishing Elliot Sperling would live longer instead of the Dalai Lama. The Tibetan diaspora instantly retaliated with all forms of defamation against Lukar Jam on social media leading to his car in Dharamsala being smashed and him being thrown out of a restaurant in Dharamsala
Attendees of the Fourth International Rangzen Conference in Paris
Source: http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=39445&article=Fourth+International+Rangzen+Conference+kicks+off+in+Paris
English
Indonesia
Tibetan
Tsering Lhakpa-ByLakuppe
August 22, 2017
I follow His Holiness Dalai Lama all the way! If His Holiness says middle way and not rangzen, then we must follow. If we go against the His Holiness we break our spiritual connection we call damstik in Tibetan. Damstik is spiritual samaya and if you break with your lama you go to vajra hell. Rangzen people are wrong to ask for Indpendence of tibet because Dalai Lama wants autonomy. Rangzen people must be Chinese agents for making problems in Tibetan communities.
Dolma Tsering
August 22, 2017
Professor Samdhong Rinpoche is a great follower of Dalai Lama. He visited Canada a few years back where we live and I had a chance to meet him.
Professor Samdhong says the full Independence activists (rangzen) are more dangerous than Shugden people. I believe he is right. Professor’s speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXlQUTrDHl8
The Tibetan youth outside of India are starting to think that Rangzen activists are paid agents of the Chinese to disturb Tibetan peace.
Rinchen
August 22, 2017
Lhagyari Namgyal Dolkar has Indian passport. Why she work in CTA which represents the refugees. She is not a Tibetan refugee now because she gave up her yellow passport to become Indian. She is Indian now. But CTA government of Tibetans don’t allow normal Tibetan people to get Indian passport. The Minster Topgyal Tsering of CTA said so that he will block all Tibetans to get Indian passports. You can see here what he say http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/tibetan-leadership-sabotages-indian-citizenship/
Why Lhagyari Namgyal Dolkar against Dalai Lama for joining rangzen group?
Lhasang from Switzerland
August 22, 2017
Lhagyari Namgyal Dolkar is against Dalai Lama. I am very sad for her.
Rinchen Wangyal
August 22, 2017
Everyone who participated this conference may think they are doing a service for our country of Tibet but in fact they are not.
1. They are going against Dalai Lama’s middle way of autonomy.
2. Outsiders will see Tibetans as divided.
3. They undermine Dalai Lama’s appeal to the international governments on help to have talks with China on autonomy.
4. China’s government will be happy to see we are not united.
5. People in the international arena will think not all Tibetans follow Dalai Lama and even if we have talks with the Chinese people will think not all Tibetans will agree to the talks as we are divided.
Why are you all doing this. I don’t like to coming to this website but in this case, it is telling the truth. Are you all Chinese agents?
Dhardon Darling
August 22, 2017
Dear Dhardon Sharling, are you going to do something about this situation and the rangzen people going against the Dalai Lama or too ‘busy’ with Sikyong these days?
Tsering Drolkar
August 22, 2017
We young Tibetans have to get sweaters from Ludhiana and then travel all over Indian cities in cold weather time on the streets to sell sweaters to earn a living. the work is hard and small profit. We suffer so much. You Tibetan government people all go on holiday to Paris to enjoy hotel, good food adn just talk about rangzen? You crazy?? or traitors?. Dalai Lama is against rangzen and you are against Dalai Lama who is our holiness?
Long live Dalai Lama!
Shugden is dhogyal
August 22, 2017
Dhogyal people always say something like lie. Stop talking
Wangyal TCV-Dharamsala
August 22, 2017
Why is MP Juchen Konchok attending a meeting that is against Dalai Lama’s views for umay lam? Dalai Lama is a god and can never be wrong. Shame on you to be against our holiness.
Tenzin Palljor
August 22, 2017
Lukar Jam is secret practice of Dorje Shguden. All Tibetans in India know this truthh. Don’t suport him.
Acharya Ngawang Samten Chophel
August 22, 2017
It is a very complex issue concerning Tibet’s independence. But to make it simpler for the ordinary layman, the Tibetan government in exile should do their up most best to win China’s friendship. I have friends in the CTA and we know the US government has given hundreds of millions in money, grants and assistance to the the Tibetan government in the last 60 years of exile. Very little has trickled down to the common Tibetans. The Tibetan government people do not want to lose the aid so they sacrifice their country for money. How is that? Very simple. If you wish to negotiate with China regarding Tibet, why are you running to the west at every opportunity. Why criticize the Chinese government? For 60 years China’s ruling government has been criticized by Tibetans in exile and it makes no dent. It makes zero difference in fact worsen the situation. Does that not mean there needs to be a change of strategy? Tibetan leaders including the Dalai Lama should stop criticizing China completely and reach out to make friends. Your gods, oracles, protectors, saviours, high lamas, CTA, magic and mysteries cannot get your country back. It was your fault in the first place for losing it. So it’s time to be polite to China and be friends. Make the first step. Why? Because China’s might and power is growing and Tibet is a lost cause otherwise.
Konchok Tsewang
August 22, 2017
In 1959, Nepal and Bhutan’s population was less than Tibet’s. Both these countries are smaller in size than Tibet. They were both not internationally well known. How come China did not eat them up and take over? Because their governments at the time was effective for keeping the independence. The government of Tibet in 1959 was lazy, greedy, uneducated, unexposed and severely corrupt coupled with arrogance and that is why they were easily taken over. The government in exile now in Dharamsala is exactly the same now as back then in 1959 and that is why it has been 60 years and they still cannot get Tibet back.
The Tibetans will never get their country back because their government is inept.
David Copperfield the 9th
August 22, 2017
You know why I signed in as David Copperfield? Because it will take nothing short of MAGIC at the rate you are going now to get Tibet back from China!
Tibetan leaders better be nice to China and stop criticizing them and stop sucking up to the west for more money for themselves because you are selling your country and your own people.
Maritsa
August 23, 2017
Hahahahaha who are they talking to hahahahahaha in English we call that preaching to the choir. It’s like someone trying to convince the Pope that it’s good to be a Catholic.
Useless conference and another excuse to spend public money and donations to go to holiday in Paris. Why do all of these meetings always happen in NEW YORK, PARIS, LONDON, BRUSSELS, GERMANY, SWITZERLAND? So many glamorous cities and places. How come not in INDIA???
Syrah
August 23, 2017
Genuine question, why are the Tibetan leaders ALWAYS traveling? Like literally ALWAYS traveling to the point the Dalai Lama’s been told he has to stop cause he’s exhausted so there’s no Botswana for him? Is it some kindda nomadic thing or are they looking to Trump’s Mar El Largo visits for inspiration? Because I swear we get more news about them visiting different countries than announcements about actual work and accomplishments. This conference sounded like a total waste of time, what’d they do? Give speeches to each other about how great their ideas are? Jesus take a video, it’ll last longer. It’s just like those Pharma reps always getting sent for “team building” or “sales” retreats when everyone knows it’s just an excuse to use corporate funds to pay for a nice beach holiday.
Michaela Smith
August 24, 2017
I would like to add as well:
- For Lobsang Sangay to initially praise the self-immolation victims and therefore encouraged more to die for Free Tibet cause is against the Dalai Lama’s middle way wishes
- For Lobsang Sangay to condemn China and continuously to contradict himself between supporting the Dalai Lama’s middle way effort and saying bad things about China at every occasion are also against the Dalai Lama’s middle way wishes.
Dondrup Shugden
August 25, 2017
Another big event of an international conference to work on Tibetan’s Rangzen is a total comic played out to fool the poor Tibetans who may be impressed.
It does not need an important place to meet to discuss something that for the last 60 years had not made even one step forward.
Everyone in the conference oppose the Dalai Lama’s wish of the middle way. Politically that is treason and spiritually it is breaking samaya with the highest ranking Tibetan Monk in the world. What is the term for that?
Therefore only one question, what is next after all the noise?
When Dorje Shugden worshippers do not give up their practice, they do so in private and quietly to avoid punishment and abuse, but this group flaunt their rebellious opinions against the Dalai Lama in public.
Once again, CTA and these freedom fighters, what is next for you? Planning another international conference of BIG talk?
Elibuchen
August 26, 2017
Whether CTA sticks Umaylam or Rangzen, it does not matter one bit. They have not created the causes for freedom.
What they have done to create the causes, to be shackled and oppressed.
1. Oppression of Dorje Shugden practices leading to many Gelug people, giving up or living in much difficult circumstances. Split amongst the community of Sangha.
2. Oppression of Dorje Shugden practices leading to the Sakya tradition to abandon the practices altogether.
3. Recognizing the two Karmapas, of course Karmapa can be more than one at the same time, but the way they have done it, creates split and confusion. Trying to recognize their own line of reincarnate lamas as done in the Gelug tradition.
Well they can try as much as they but if China, does not want to talk to them its just hot air. Why would China talk to CTA or Tibetans they have moral authority and let their own people burn for them?
Camillia
August 29, 2017
It is shocking to see the CTA going against Dalai Lama’s instruction. But nothing is happening to them. Usually, when people go against the Dalai Lama, they will be dealt with, by Dalai Lama’s hardcore supporters with defamation, etc.
Sentiment aside, will a voice opposing the Dalai Lama within the Tibetans in exile serve any purpose other than further fracturing the small and poor community.
bambi
August 29, 2017
If in the beginning, everyone listen to what HHDL said, why not now? Kinda hypocritical right? People can choose to segregate and ostracize Dorje Shugden practitioners because HHDL said so. Yet when He wants middle way approach, people choose to go against it and come up with their own approach.
To talk about independence, why need to go so far? You mean they can’t talk about it in India itself? Tibetans in exile said that its very hard to apply to go overseas, but how come these people can do so, easily?
What the article said is true, what are these people trying to prove? They are just going back and forth with nothing conclusive. If they are trying to let the world know what they are trying to achieve, I don’t think it will work if there is no coverage on the event. So, at the end of the day, the main question is what were they trying to achieve.
I am also wondering why the other members of CTA or Lobsang Sangay himself, not saying anything about this meeting? I am actually surprised! Unless, they don’t know (which I doubt it), they encouraged it or they can’t control their own people anymore. Maybe this new group is trying to prove that they can do something without CTA and also better at it. Well, the good thing about this meeting is that, more people are speaking up and fighting for something they believe in instead of always being suppressed by CTA.
Tenzin K
August 29, 2017
This seems like a group of people that had lack of trust in HH the Dalai Lama. Wonder how they get the funding for such a luxury meeting.
Dorje Shugden practitioners have not harm anyone but have been unreasonably suppressed and discriminate by CTA for the practice but how about this group of people that openly going against HH direction and show a division within the Tibetan? What is CTA going to say and do?
I really want to see where actually this meeting will lead to and what is the strategy to make this realise.
vajra-NMD
August 29, 2017
Whether it is Rangzen or Umaylam, Tibetans have wasted 60 years of their life and time to get their country back.
The best time whereby China and CTA were negotiating was during the first Olympics games, that the Chinese held. Still the CTA botched it up and produce no results to speak of.
Lets see how the Tibetans is going to move ahead with their Rangzen, they also do not have help from a leader like the Dalai Lama, a very tricky road ahead for the Tibetans.
Geraldine Sarie
August 29, 2017
I just wonder why head of CTA Lobsang Sangay didn’t say anything about this conference? It’s obviously this group of people are opposing HHDL and Lobsang Sangay is supporting them from behind? When accusation arises, apparently these people were to be blamed and the person who conducted it be easily run free from allegation. Furthermore, who fund these 140 people to Paris for the conference? Where does the fund come from? What was the purposed of having their Rangzen Conference in Paris, to seek more fund or shopping spree?
samayakeeper
August 29, 2017
Why did Lobsang Sangay allow some of the CTA members of parliment to attend this event? Why didn’t Lobsang Sangay take action against these traitors? Maybe Lobsang Sangay allowed them to attend because he wanted to test water to see if the Dalai Lama is ‘okay’ with it? And then wage another such but full scale event with all the CTA members of parliament attending to show he has influence and power over everyone including the Dalai Lama. Could it be because of this reason he allows those members of parliament to attend the event and then spend some time holidaying as perks? Another scenario may be those are disgruntled members of parliament who wanted to leave CTA because they are getting less of the millions of dollars the other CTA officials, who are better apple polisher, are getting. The rift in CTA is getting obvious, the inside fighting over power, control and money.
Belinda Mae
August 29, 2017
First and foremost, why is the conference held in Paris? Any particular reason? Is this how the CTA wants to finish their money funded by other countries? Why can’t they have it in Dharamsala? What is the middle way approach about? There are so many doubts here. All I cansay is that, this is not a effective and productive conference.
Aritis Rock
August 29, 2017
Since the first day, CTA already harping on this opportunity of the Ban imposed to Dorje Shugden practice and used it to dig more money from various countries, it is political body that made a religious practice a controversial issue, it was CTA who took all the planning and actions to slam on Dorje Shugden issue.
It is already so many years of this ban is going on, so many people has suffered from this ban, so many families has broken apart from this ban, so many people lost their life from this ban, and yet, CTA still keep saying Dorje Shugden is the devil that is breaking Tibetan up, it is so clear that who is the one playing this game and controlling over everything? It is CTA.
CTA who keep breaking the families, harming the Tibetans and stopping the unity of Tibet, CTA is the one that betrayed Dalai Lama and destroying his work and his name, Dalai Lama spent his whole life spreading peace and harmony but CTA ruined it. But luckily many people realized this and I’m glad that the countries who are supporting CTA is pulling out and stop pumping money to them, then they will not use these money to create further harm towards Dorje Shugden practitioners and the Tibetans.
Brian Little
August 29, 2017
Could that signal there is a split within the cabinet itself?? Sikyong could have just said something but opted to keep quiet. Why would CTA wants to be seen as going against what His Holiness The Dalai Lama’s middle way approach towards Rangzen? I wonder why this talk was held in Paris while not other countries or even back in India? Is this supposed to be even behind private (well, certain degree) because of the poor turnout of press rep.
Pema
August 29, 2017
There are so many difficulties which Tibetans have to deal with. So now they don’t know if they should follow what the Dalai Lama said – Autonomy within Tibet! So why are there so many having a holiday in France and having controversial discussions?
Isn’t this a shame? Since when do refugees travel to Paris for a weekend?
In this time of crisis, where the Dalai Lama is not welcomed anymore to many countries and Tibetans are rejected from many countries, is this the right direction?
Tibetans suffer, they self-immolate and 140 people gather in Paris. One is pain and one is pleasure – isn’t it? Why are these people not supporting the Tibetans in China? Why are they having fun while the majority of Tibetans does not have such a privilege?
It is time to use the many donations that the CTA received and still receives for the Tibetans – for who the money was meant for in the first place!
Richard LakTam
August 29, 2017
Lobsang Sangay is playing dirty now, LOL. I thought they (Tibetan) listen to every single word The Dalai Lama said? But why this round didn’t? So, people practice Dorje Shugden is wrong, but member of Parliament went all the way to Paris to discuss about independent and go against The Dalai Lama’s middle way is correct? Lobsang Sangay allow that? Is it like that? Or…. Maybe Dalai Lama actually want it? He doesn’t want to be the one that say it this time, it is because he has already said he wanted the middle way, on the other hand, there’s actually another team who’s “fighting for independent” to show the west that they are doing their job, hope that the west will continue pumping them money. All these are just my assumption. But if Lobsang Sangay is again keeping quiet on this, that obviously shows that he’s playing dirty. LOL.
Tenzin Sangye
August 29, 2017
Interesting to get know about rangzen conference. Perhap people are attending this conference may be are the real people who wanted tibet inderpendance without other motive. Since tibet leadership and his exile goverment has claim that China are objection are supress them so much and not allow tibet inderpendance. If that attitude of blaming China is not change and unfriendly with China. With respect of Holiness the middle way to find inderpencence proposal with not work negotiate with China.
Vajra10
August 29, 2017
People seem to like gradually gaining back their empathy and consciousness..now they seem to do something better by themselves instead of waiting their body, CTA to take action and help all of them for a better living.
Jing Jing
August 29, 2017
Why CTA keep setting a goal that they cannot achieve. In what ground they can achieve rangzen? CTA against China today? Everyone in CTA holding foreign country passport but shout for Rangzen? Everyone in CTA keep taking the funds or donation from all over the world which is for helping the Tibetan to rebuild their community but into their own pockets, yet wanted Rangzen? It does not make sense at all.
150 people set themselves your self-immolation because CTA shouted for Rangzen! It’s so clear that this is a trick, to generate more personal income for CTA. Income will stop when CTA starts making friend with China. Hence even the whole world know that going middle way is the only logical way and hope to go but they insisted for Rangzen. It’s time but Tibetan to think deeper.
SabrinaS
September 3, 2017
After reading some comments earlier, I find it funny that the table has been turned for some of the people attending this Rangzen conference. The Dalai Lama’s followers had been labelling the Shugden practitioners as Chinese agents, just because in continuing their protector practices, they are seen as against the Dalai Lama. As China was their no. 1 enemy, any association with China will automatically be made the enemy agents, inviting hatred, discrimination, segregation, etc. So when CTA label Shugden practitioners as Chinese agents, these practitioners had been targeted for hate activities. Now those attending this Rangzen conference are labelled as Chinese agents by the commentators, even CTA officials who attended. Its obvious that anyone against Dalai Lama’s wishes is to be labelled as a Chinese agent. Weird association!
This article shows two glaring points to me. The first being that CTA officials attended this Rangzen conference publicly even though supposedly on private capacity, shows very clearly that CTA is very much against the Dalai Lama’s wish for ‘Autonomy’ or middle way approach. If CTA stands with the Dalai Lama, would any officials dare attend anything opposing? Especially when CTA has the history of coming down harshly on detractors.
Second point being that CTA no longer sees the Dalai Lama as of much further use when they could disrespect his wishes so openly. With world leaders turning away from the Dalai Lama and refusing to meet him, CTA now no longer has a famous pawn to be used for their sponsorship campaign. Of course, CTA still uses the Dalai Lama as their excuse to control the common people, given that their loyalties are still very much with the Dalai Lama as their spiritual leader. Its scary the extent CTA will go to in using people and circumstances to fulfil their greediness, be it power or materialism.
This Rangzen conference is of no utter use except for the 140 attendees to have that “feel good” effect and to enjoy their “holiday”. Who in the world will support them, given that it is so much more ludicrous to support China for trade and political gain?
The Tibetans should really wake up to the reality that Dorje Shugden practitioners are never their enemies for wanting to have the freedom to practice their religious rights. The enemy is those that kept them in refugee status for their own gain.
Anonymous
September 6, 2017
Damtshe otherwise known as integrity is important…gradually it seems that tibetain sare losing their faith in their own head …there will be a communal issue sooner or later…therse sdays there is a news in social.media tibetains are now accepted anywhere in the world and the vary reason is being shown by various MP who is not interested in autonomous demand against china….
niranjan
September 7, 2017
i fully support dali lama because he is a great leader knows a day we cannot find this type of leader in the world …absolutely he loved tibet than his life …i respct dali lama …wish u all the best ..i pray god ..u will be sucess very soon
Lobsang Tsundue
September 10, 2017
What I find interesting is Tethong Wangpo. He is a rich ex MP of the Tibetan government in exile. During his tenure he was able to meet many foreigners who help him to immigrate to Switzerland where he set up a few companies and he is very well to do in finances now. As a MP he got good connections to benefit himself it seems. We know that as a Tibetan living in Switzerland. Good for him I guess. But the issue is he attending this meeting as shown him to be against the Dalai Lama. Rangzen people are dangerous because they break the unity of Tibetans and they oppose the Dalai Lama’s middle way. How dare he oppose the Dalai Lama. He is brave. Rangzen people are considered worse than Dorje Shugden people according to ex PM Samdhong Rinpoche. In Tibetan society, there is no freedom, no religious freedom, no democracy and no free will. If you are seen to oppose the Dalai Lama, you will be segregated from other Tibetans. You will be shunned.
Now Mr. Tethong and his rangzen group will know how Dorje Shugden people feel being segregated and hated just because of their choice of religion. NO religious freedom. NO democracy within the Tibetan exiled government in Dharamsala. NO freedom for Tibetans living in Tibetan communities throughout the world because you will be shunned and whispered about if you dare oppose the God King of Tibet and his government.
Wangchuk
September 10, 2017
Tibetans are not aligned on this at all: Middle Way or Rangzen? Personally there is no right or wrong, and only time can tell which is a better approach. In either case, I don’t see any progress in either approach. Right now, both are equally failing.
Is there any hope for Tibetans in exile?
Dan Bear
September 10, 2017
When it come to the Dalai Lama and the CTA I am a big sceptic.
The CTA politicians we have all known are always so careful not to be seen to be opposing the Dalai Lama’s stance on anything and here they are, gathering for a rangzen event. I did wonder if it is possible that these CTA members of parliament attended the conference with permission or even under instructions from the top echelons of Tibetan hierarchy?
Can it be possible that the Dalai Lama and Lobsang Sangay are secretly fanning the flames of rangzen for a number of reasons?
(i) Complete independence is actually their real political objective but can’t openly say it as they have committed to umaylam in public. So some like Juchen Konchok and Monlam Tharchin are being used to make sure the rangzen idea is kept alive;
(ii) the CTA wants to keep the rangzen movement alive because as long as there is a tangible rangzen vs umalylam polarity, the Tibetan people will have something to fight over and be too disunited to take the Tibetan leadership to task for its failures;
(iii) As long as there are still strong murmurings of rangzen, the Chinese government will not agree to dialogue and that’s precisely what the CTA wants – to remain in exile to milk the Tibetan Cause cow till its dry. Being refugees have been very lucrative to some people in the Tibetan leadership so why would they give it up?
Having said all that, it may also be that the Dalai Lama’s influence is waning and after over 50 years of promises the Tibetan people are fed up. Just look at the articles in this site and you can see that the Tibetan cause has lost relevance and the Tibetans are being increasingly rejected by the world as the Tibetan people continue to tear itself apart over a number of issues all of which reek of the CTA’s manipulation. Even sites like Tibet Sun and Phayul are publishing views that are not totally complimentary to the CTA. You wouldn’t have seen this few years ago.
It does seem like the beginning of a sad end for the CTA.
Free Tibet Tenzin
September 12, 2017
How come these people and some is from Kashag in Dharamsala join the meeting on Rangzen in France which is against His Holiness Dalai Lama’s middle way?
Rangzen people really is enemy of Tibetan people and Dalai Lama.
Also they can all fly to France and enjoy while the common Tibetans in India have to sell sweaters on the dusty streets of Indian cities.
Wangpo Tethong
September 13, 2017
Dear Webmaster
I write to you regarding the opinion piece „Tibetan MP Juchen Konchok and friends oppose the Dalai Lama’s Middle Way.“ You published an article that contains a lot of wrong information regarding my lecture at the Paris Conference and I want you to delete my image and all passages referring to my person.
My longtime friend Tenzin Tsundue la asked me to participate in this gathering. I offered him to do a presentation at the conference. He and the conference organizers were informed well in advance that I have my own and well-publicized political positions that differ from theirs (see below) and also do not intend to be part of their group.
My topic was „Chinese Population Transfer to Tibet“. I was very happy to do this presentation about dramatic demographic challenges and new campaign opportunities. My presentation took place in the context of an international panel on the first day of the gathering and I am very glad for the very intensive interaction with our friends from Inner Mongolia and Eastern Turkestan who face similar issues. The second part of the conference was an internal meeting of the Rangzen Alliance that I did not attend.
Please share with Carrole Mc’Quirre (Who is she? I have never met or seen her?) my explanations that could have been easily checked with the organizer or me. All her conclusions and speculations with regard to me are definetly baseless.
She should first read this: http://vtje.org/en/elections/wangpo-tethong/questionnaire/
Regards
Wangpo Tethong
Jardon Namdrol
September 14, 2017
Dear respected Wangpo Tethong,
One thing that puzzles us most is that, if you do not align with the Rangzen movement and group, then why even attend their conference at all? You know very well that by attending the conference and some more giving a presentation there, whatever they topic was, it will only look like you are part of the Rangzen group and movement. You not only attended, but you even presented there, so to others they are not going to know or differentiate who among the conference attendees were actually NOT aligning with the conference’s objective, that was simply bizarre.
The Rangzen group and movement are clearly opposing the Dalai Lama’s view, the whole Tibetan community know that. To accept their invitation to attend, and even participated as one of the speakers, could only show that you are a supporter or sympathizer of the Rangzen movement. In either case, against the Dalai Lama’s advocate. This is how others will see it clearly. So I don’t know why you even bother to write in and defend yourself, perhaps you being warned, admonished and threatened by your ex-colleagues in the CTA?
J.
Tenzin Wangyal-ByLakuppe
September 14, 2017
@Wangpo Tethong,
For sure Dharamsala’s CTA contacted you and warned you about this and now you are writing in to clarify. Our Tibetan govt in exile (CTA) watches this website very carefully as the news is accurate. CTA never tolerates any opinions against them. If you have something thinking against them, they will embarrass you, segregate you and make others hate you to punish you. That is how CTA works.
The question is very simple. Why did you attend a meeting under the banner of rangzen in France? Don’t blame your friend Tenzin Tsundue who invite you to go. You can say NO to Tenzin Tsundu and not attend. You know rangzen is against the Dalai Lama’s middle way approach. You know that no Tibetans are allowed to go against the Dalai Lama as we do not have democracy and free speech in the genuine form. Dalai Lama is the king. So you should never attend a rangzen meeting. This is your mistake. Now everyone know you are against middle way of Dalai Lama. You are enemy of Tibet.
Now you know how Shugden people feel. Just because they practice Shugden they are considered AGAINST Dalai Lama. Even they are not against Dalai Lama, they are labelled as such. That is how CTA operates to force you to follow only their way. Now Rangzen people is against middle way, so you are labelled against Dalai Lama. That is how CTA works. Congratulations! Rangzen people take money from China to go against Dalai Lama.
The opinion piece here reported the rangzen meeting was posted in Phayul also. The information is exactly the same.
You are a Tibetan with a swiss passport and you should be ashamed. All Tibetans in India are still with no passport. You have money and living well in Swiss and you forget about your people. You worked in CTA and that is how you got rich. Now you forget your people in India.
You are against Dalai Lama’s middle way.
Hate Shugden
September 14, 2017
Shugden people get money from China.
Rangzen people get money from China.
Jonangpa people get money from China.
Anyone who don’t agree with Dalai Lama is against Tibet and paid by China! Dalai Lama is King of Tibet.
Hate Rangzen people
September 14, 2017
Rangzen people get money from China.
Anyone who don’t agree with Dalai Lama is against Tibet and paid by China! Dalai Lama is King of Tibet.
samayakeeper
September 14, 2017
@Wangpo Tethong,
This is exactly how Dorje Shugden people feel. They are labelled as anti Dalai Lama, falsely accused of being Chinese spies, blamed for the failure of CTA in winning back Tibet, condemned that their practice can shorten the life of the Dalai Lama, criticised and spat on. Tibetans fear being seen in the presence of Dorje Shugden practitioners lest they be called symphatizers and as seen to being against the Dalai Lama.
You are now called a symphatizer of the rangzen movement because of your presence there, just like a Tibetan seen in the presence of a Dorje Shugden practitioner. You knew very well what the event was about and organised by which group. Yet you participated.
If you had a long time friend who is a Dorje Shugden practitioner who invited you to lecture about business opportunities for Tibetans living outside India at a conference held in, say, Milan in Italy, would you attend? Of course you could, in advance, inform your long time friend of your spiritual stance but would still be happy to lecture. No? And of course, you would inform your long time friend that you would not be present in the second half of the conference where the agenda could be, say, ‘Plea to Dalai Lama to lift the ban.’
As a seasoned ex politician you are used to being called whatever by people who did not agree with you. Why are you now so concerned of the comments here? Maybe your cronies in the CTA are on your case? You don’t have to justify to the world WHY you went. The fact is YOU WENT.
We Love Tibet
September 14, 2017
We love Tibet and we want her free. But the Tibetan government in exile is segregating our people due to religion. Here in Germany today September 13, 2017 Tibetans are protesting against the Dalai Lama. Quite a few videos here: https://www.facebook.com/tenzin.trinlay?hc_ref=ARRLpe1G-46M9gSiGXdCoIyHzB8JjFqDTGTXZEWgWTT3BReqrYp_7clmDoXxv4PzhC0&fref=nf
Sonam
September 14, 2017
@Wangpo Tethong
Frankly speak its really surprise to see your justification here. What you say here is just like a new kids on the block but being a politican you should know better what you are in to. If you are not supporting Rangen why you even bothered to be there. You know well that your ‘friend’ Tenzin Tsundue which is a Rangen activist and you even offer to give speech/presentation which in the eye of public is directly supporting the movement. If you are not supporting aren’t you supposed to stay away from it be it for whatever reason.
If you are so clean why are you so worry to be seen. You mentioned that you have informed you long time friend on your poitical position which is differ from theirs but have you inform CTA about your involvement in the conference? If you did you are cleaned right? Being a politician getting criticism is a norm and if you are clean why bothered?
bambi
September 14, 2017
Dear Wangpo Tethong,
Very interesting how you need to justify yourself just to tell the ‘truth’. It’s funny how DS practitioners also tell the truth and justify that we are NOT paid by China to support DS yet we are all blamed and put into the same situation that you are in. How does it feel like to be accused of something you didn’t do? Moreover, as an ex politician, you actually get ‘offended’ or disturbed so easily? Also show that the world, Tibetans, CTA , Pro HHDL people are watching this website to remind them of how incapable they are!
Or maybe the CTA is upset with you attending the meeting so you need to justify and let them know you are not part of it? But I guess it doesn’t really matter for you because you are not in India like your other fellow Tibetans. You have a good life in Switzerland of which you got to migrate to when you made many ‘friends’ during your days serving CTA. And not to forget the current CTA members are also doing the same to get out of India!
Why even need Rangzen, umaylam or whatever it is? Most of you will never go back to Tibet even if given the chance. You have a good life with loads of money in other parts of the world and you don’t need anything from China nor India.
Dondrup Shugden
September 14, 2017
Dear Mr. Wangpo Tethong,
Whatever your stand is, it is your action that speaks volumes. The fact is that you were at a conference discussing Rangzen is definitely against the Dalai Lama’s wish of a middle way with China.
To write and justify your attendance will no way exempt you from being classified as being anti Dalai Lama.
Why do you even bother to be part of the Tibetan circle as you are already now a Swiss, do you ever intend to return to Tibet in China?
Being an ex CTA member and still being in the circle of sabotaging the Dalai Lama’s intention of the “middle way” can only mean you are still aligned with them. You must be very well respected to be giving a presentation at this conference.
Was is the gratitude for attending and making a presentation?
Drolkar Choephel
September 14, 2017
Mr Wangpo Tethong,
You are not new in politics and familiar with how CTA is operating. When you agreed to attend and be one of the speaker to the Rangoon International Conference, you should know better, your political stand on Tibet is tied together with Rangzen – you are Rangoon supporter, activist or sympathiser. After so much media reported on you spoke on the conference, with your photo published, now you wish to clarify you are actually never support Rangzen, you are a die hard supporter of Middle Way. Do you think how many will believe in you? You are not first day in politics. Would you go to the street in Germany to protest and saying His Holiness is lying and later come back and clarifying that you are actually passed by the street and was invited by a friend to join in the event, and you are innocent. And you actually love His Holiness so much and you were misled by your friend?
You either:
1) Too ignorant, never think about the consequences of turning your back to CTA and CTA will let you go scout free. But you have been long in politics and old enough to know the fact.
2) You are trying to market yourself as the Tibetan activist who fight for Tibetans, by supporting Rangzen which is supported by majority of the Tibetans. You want to be the hero of we Tibetans. But this turns out bad. You trying hard to be the hero to get international acknowledgement and good reputation as activist. However after the conference, suddenly someone came and gave warning to you, and you were enlightened that you actually can gain more from CTA, by retreating your stand as a supporter of Rangoon; thus you clarified your stand. Your clarified because you or your friends in CTA let you know about how media, and this opinion piece especially has make CTA looks bad and how have read about this.
3) You know so well what possible things would happen to you as to all who do not listen to CTA. To be labelled as “traitor” and anti-Dalai Lama is something have happened to all dissidents like Lukar Jam and Dorje Shugden people – even they never against His Holiness.
4) The price to pay to be labelled as traitor and the consequences is too high to pay, compare to your reward of marketing campaign as international activist and hero of Tibet/Tibetans. May be not many Westerners and Tibetans will know about how your stand on Tibet swayed; or how actually you are using Tibet cause and hundred thousand of Tibetans as your prey to get fame, support and probably fund to your so called activist activities or research or funding to attend any international conference around the world.
5) Truth will be revealed. We Tibetans are betrayed by Tibetan leaders like you and others in CTA, stop using China or Beijing government to cover your hypocrisy and how all you leaders gaining fame and fund. Enough is enough.