A candlelight vigil to mark the 25th Anniversary of the Tiananmen Square protests
By Solomon Lang
June 4, 2014 marked the 25th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre.
For those who are too young, don’t know or don’t remember, on this day twenty five years ago, student-led demonstrations in Beijing, China calling for freedom of the press, freedom of speech, workers’ rights and government accountability were forcibly suppressed by hardline Chinese leaders who ordered the military to enforce martial law in the country’s capital.
It is estimated that at the height of the protests, about a million people assembled in Tiananmen Square. Hundreds were left dead in the aftermath. Many more were arrested. A mass hunger strike took place.
Twenty five years on, world statesman, Tibetan Buddhist icon and Nobel Peace Prize winner His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has issued a strong message to Beijing, stating the following:
Today, as our Chinese brothers and sisters commemorate the 25th anniversary of the June 4, 1989 event in Tiananmen Square in Beijing, I offer my prayers for those who died for freedom, democracy and human rights. These values are the foundation of a free and dynamic society. …They are also the source of true peace and stability.
The Dalai Lama’s official statement. Click on image to enlarge
The same statement was posted on the Dalai Lama’s official website. Click on image to enlarge
On the surface, all seems well and in order, with the Dalai Lama offering his prayers to the “Chinese brothers and sisters” who died defending the principles of freedom, democracy and human rights. Yet, the Dalai Lama himself continues to turn a blind eye when it comes to the aftermath of his self-initiated ban of Dorje Shugden. China viewed religion as poison and detrimental for the Tibetan people and must be eradicated. It didn’t matter millions in Tibet believed religion was useful and beneficial. China did not want dialogue, discussions or debates. What it wanted it did. If you protested you were punished. Now the Tibetan leadership is doing the same. It doesn’t matter that millions believe Dorje Shugden is a beneficial practice for the last 350 years. There is no dialogue, discussion, or appeals but Dorje Shugden must be eradicated and if you protest you are to be punished. Punished by being called a traitor of Tibet, ostracizing, all your basic rights removed, expelled from your government sponsored jobs, schools, expelled from monasteries and accused of taking Chinese government money to create schism within the Tibetan communities. It does not occur to the Tibetan leadership what they are doing to Dorje Shugden practitioners is what China did to the Tibetan religion in 1959. What is important to remember is whether you believe in a religious practice is beneficial or not, you have no right to speak against it, institute a ban or destroy it. Government and leaders should never interfere in religion, never take sides or create schism. Leave it to the individual. Church and state should be separate. The Tibetan leadership is being a hypocrite by destroying the religious rights of millions of Dorje Shugden practitioners around the world. Tibetan leadership’s gross ban and religious rights violations against Dorje Shugden practitioners parallels exactly what they accuse China has done in Tibet. It’s time to wake up and remove the ban. The Tibetan leadership must see its own harmful actions now already. It is dividing their Tibetans, creating chaos and bringing down the prestige of Tibetan Buddhism around the world.
The Tibetan leadership exiled to Dharamsala North India have been demoted from Tibetan Exile Government to now Central Tibetan Administration or CTA. They are disallowed to call themselves an Exiled Government by the Indian Government due to all the problems they have created on the Indian democratic soil. That was the proverbial slap on the face for CTA. You hear no results, news or updates on the six million Tibetans and their autonomy let alone independence. The CTA’s dismal failure in securing any autonomy for Tibet for the last 55 years since losing their country in 1959 and coming into exile is blatantly loud and clear. Their blundering escapades and feeble attempts to discredit the Chinese Government can be likened to trying to damage the Great Wall by throwing eggs at it. CTA now must cover their failures by focusing on Dorje Shugden issues. They want to rally the exiled Tibetans in India numbering 150,000 to focus away from their failure to secure Tibetan autonomy to the Dorje Shugden issue. They even attempted to blame their failure to secure independence on Tibetans worshipping Dorje Shugden! What self respecting government is going to interfere in banning any religious forms of worship if they call themselves democratic? Now we can see why the Tibetan Government in 1959 lost their country to the so-called invaders. The Tibetan Government was ineffective then, as it is today in exile.
Given that democracy, human rights and the right to freedom of religion are clearly defined and equally applicable to all world leaders and governments, it appears that the proverbial pot is calling the kettle black, especially when viewed from a macro perspective over the course of the past 50-odd years.
#1: Misguided Policies from the Ruling Elite
The Tiananmen Square massacre by the Chinese government was a result of plain intolerance for any form of dissent against the ruling government and its leaders, even at the cost of human rights and freedom of speech. It is the same China which invaded Tibet in the 1950s, and vandalized, destroyed and looted most of Tibet’s more than six thousand Buddhist monasteries with the belief that Buddhism was harmful to the Tibetan society and the cause of its degeneration and, thus, had to be stamped out.
It is the same China which dismantled the monastic estates and introduced secular education, erasing centuries-old Buddhist traditions and Tibetan cultural norms in the interest of unity for the motherland. It is the same China which till today refuses to accept Tibetan autonomy, what more Tibetan independence.
The Tibetans thusly consider China their greatest enemy, not only for invading their country and causing so much suffering to Tibetans within and outside Tibet, but also for suppressing their rights to uphold a belief system which has been in practice for millennia.
Unfortunately for him, the Dalai Lama has taken the same high-handed view with regard to the practice of Dorje Shugden as China did with Buddhism in Tibet. Believing Dorje Shugden to be an unenlightened spirit, harmful to the cause of Tibetan independence and to his own lifespan, the Dalai Lama single-handedly declared and enforced a ban on the practice of this popular Buddhist deity, thus beginning the destruction of a spiritual tradition which has been in place for hundreds of years, to the dismay of the great majority of the Tibetan populace.
It is the same Dalai Lama who quoted Dorje Shugden to be a sectarian practice, and thus the need for it to be eradicated (to the extent of declaring in Switzerland, circa 1998, that he does not want Dorje Shugden’s name to remain in this world) in the interest of unity between the different schools of Tibetan Buddhism. It is the same Dalai Lama who, directly and indirectly, has encouraged his government and people to enforce the ban through whatever means necessary, including violence, discrimination, and ostracism against an entire section of the Tibetan public.
It is important for all Tibetans and the world in general to see clearly that the Dalai Lama is doing the same to Dorje Shugden practitioners in particular and Tibetan society in general as what China did to Tibet. The Dorje Shugden ban has created misery, broken up families, distanced friends secular and spiritual, encouraged violence, even death. Surely this cannot be the objective of the ban.
#2: Refugees From An Unfair Government
China’s invasion of Tibet led to an exodus of Tibetans refugees and monks to India, amongst them the Dalai Lama himself. For instance, Drepung was one of the most celebrated monasteries in Lhasa, Tibet with well over ten thousand monks before the Chinese invasion. In March 1959, Chinese troops tasked with quelling the Tibetan uprising moved aggressively against the monastery. A mere few hundred monks escaped to India.
Many monks were willing to make the perilous journey across the Himalayan mountains in the hope of rebuilding their society in India, and thus upholding the Tibetan Buddhist practices that China was so insistent on eradicating. The first monastic study center and refugee camp was set up in Buxa Fort, on the grounds of the jungle-bound former prison camp, before the monks moved to their new locations at Bylakuppe and Mundgod in the state of Karnataka in 1971.
Buxa Fort refugee camp monks
Ironically, the suffering experienced by the monks following China’s invasion of Tibet is now being relived, as a result of the Dalai Lama’s ban on Dorje Shugden. Since then, Dorje Shugden monks and lay practitioners have been deprived of access to health care, education, jobs and basic necessities. They have also been the subject of physical violence, and tormented mentally and emotionally at the behest of the Dalai Lama and his government, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).
Dorje Shugden monks have even been deprived of access to spiritual teachings and monastic facilities, ultimately culminating in their expulsion from the monasteries, the only home they have ever known. As a result, Shar Gaden and Serpom monasteries had to be established as a refuge for monks who were cast out from their original monasteries (Gaden Shartse monastery in the case of Shar Gaden Monastery and Sera Mey monastery in the case of Serpom Monastery) after refusing to place their spiritual beliefs on the altar of political sacrifice.
Some of the older monks were hence chased out of Tibet by China’s actions, only to be chased out of the Tibetan settlements in India again by the Dalai Lama’s actions, having to start over from scratch again without sponsors, assets and all. It is a shame that the Dalai Lama, despite having experienced the consequences of Chinese occupation, is repeating the mistakes of history. Thus, Shar Gaden and Serpom are to Dorje Shugden practitioners what Buxa was to the original refugees from Tibet – a symbol of hope for a brighter future where they will no longer be persecuted for their religion, culture or traditions.
Click on image to enlarge
No.8: Only Shugden practitioners are to be subjected to discrimination. Should one not give up the practice of Shugden, the CTA will give no assistance.
#3: Freedom Of Speech For All… Almost
The Chinese government have been the subject of a series of Tibetan protests against China’s occupation of Tibet, with increasing frequency in recent times. As reported in the video below, this has culminated with many young Tibetan monks immolating themselves in hopes of attracting international attention to the Tibetan cause and embarrassing China into granting self-autonomy to Tibet at the cost of their own lives. With the death toll rising, the Tibetan Prime Minister, Dr. Lobsang Sangay, clearly articulates that the Tibetans only wish to have their basic freedoms and rights, just like the citizens of any other country, and are protesting to that effect.
Video: China’s Suppression on Tibet
Or watch on server | download video (right click & save file)
Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the Dalai Lama himself is also the subject of a series of peaceful demonstrations by Dorje Shugden practitioners, led by various Dorje Shugden organizations including the International Shugden Community (ISC) and the North America Gelug Buddhist Association (NAGBA), to appeal to the Dalai Lama to abolish the Dorje Shugden ban which he established on false premises. Organized on both sides of the Atlantic, these peaceful demonstrations have since attracted international media attention to the standoff between the Dalai Lama and the Dorje Shugden community and we are hopeful that our collective efforts will soon bear fruit.
Video: Buddhist Conflict in South Broad Street
The video below shows clear parallels between the Dalai Lama-Dorje Shugden problem and the Sino-Tibetan conflict.
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Video: Tibetan Public Talk Part 4
The motivation and rationale for the ISC demonstrations is explained clearly in the series of interviews below.
Or watch on server | download video (right click & save file)
Given that the Dalai Lama and CTA support the self-immolations in Tibet in protest of what they believe to be the mistaken acts of a ruling government, why then do they take such offence to the demonstrations organized against them by the ISC and other Dorje Shugden organizations? Surely, freedom of speech applies to everyone, especially in a democratic nation.
Furthermore, in the past 50 years, there have been several (albeit failed) peace talks between the Chinese and Tibetan governments. Conversely, the Dalai Lama has refused all appeals and requests for dialogue with Dorje Shugden practitioners since the ban started in the 1970′s. If the Dalai Lama hopes for China to take heed of the self-immolations and to relent their policies for what was once Tibet, he must accord the same consideration to Dorje Shugden practitioners.
#4: The Government Is Always Right. Or Is It?
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines HYPOCRISY as a feigning to be what one is not, or to believe what one does not; especially the false assumption of an appearance of virtue or religion. And it describes the origin of HYPOCRISY as from Greek “hypokrisis” (act of playing a part on the stage).
In the videos below, the Dalai Lama can be seen vehemently encouraging action to be taken against Dorje Shugden practitioners. Using his political power and general popularity, it is he who is on a mission to destroy a centuries-old religious tradition, breaking up Tibetan society in the process. What legitimacy has the Dalai Lama now to call for greater freedom, democracy and human rights in China, saying these values are the foundation of a free and dynamic society?
Video: Dalai Lama Encourages Expulsion of Monks
[Click here to read the transcript]
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Video: Speeches on the Ban of the Gelugpa Protector Dorje Shugden
[Click here to read the transcript]
Or watch on server | download video (right click & save file)
It is ironic that the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, an honor the Dalai Lama earned on the basis of his unswerving commitment to peaceful protest against the Chinese occupation of Tibet, is inflicting similar harm, pain, suffering and even chaos within his own Tibetan community with the ban on Dorje Shugden. It is totally incompatible for a Nobel Peace Prize winner to say one thing and do another; neither is it befitting of an icon for Tibetan Buddhism.
The Dalai Lama’s statement to Gen Chonzey of Trijang Ladrang in 1998 when asked to remove the ban on Dorje Shugden
Dalai Lama, the issue is not whether China thinks that Buddhism is good or bad; or whether you think Dorje Shugden is good or bad. Please leave that to the tens of millions of practitioners, students, monks and lamas to figure out for themselves, in their own time, using their own knowledge and wisdom, and through their own spiritual paths. The real issue is for Tibetans in particular and the world in general to have the complete freedom to learn, experience and practice the dharma and whatever else they might choose to without interference from those who “think” they know better.
The ban must obviously come down.
Transcript: Dalai Lama Encourages Expulsion of Monks
Dalai Lama: “I used to worship Shugden. The spirit was very fond of me. However I realised it was a mistake. So I stopped. Recently monasteries have fearlessly expelled Shugden monks where needed. I fully support their actions. I praise them. If monasteries find taking action hard, tell them the Dalai Lama is responsible for this. “
A key moment in the history of Tibetan Buddhism and the beginning of a separation which could exclude 4 million Tibetans practising this religion.
(monks in a monastery)
Monk: “Aren’t you ashamed to bring us such troubles? Get them to go. Get rid of them”
A few weeks after the Dalai Lama’s speech, Shugden monks could no longer enter monasteries. They were to regroup themselves away from the monasteries. Henceforth they would be regarded as rebels, traitors who turned their backs on their master.
(A family in prayers)
For May and their family, Shugden remains their protector. Her family have been worshipping the deity for generations. Because they have defied the rules of the Dalai Lama, they have been ostracised from the community.
“They have made separate rules for us. They said that no one is supposed to talk to us. And no one is supposed to have any contact with us.”
“If he is really Buddha, if he’s really God, he would not create so much problem. He won’t give us so much trouble. If he is the Buddha he would not give any problem to any human being.”
“Dalai Lama is being unfair and selfish. He is doing his own wish.”
The decision to ban the worship of Shugden was taken here, in Dharamshala. Since 1960 there are 40 MPs working here to decide over the affairs of Tibetans and the refugees living here. This is the heart of Tibetan democracy.
Tsultrim Tenzin, MP Tibetan Government in Exile: “If there is some opposition then there will be argument, but there’s no opposition. We do not have any doubt about Dalai Lama’s decisions, we do not think he is a human being. He is a superhuman being, he is a God. He is Avalokiteshvara. He has no interests of himself. He always thinks of others. Everybody is happy. Our system is everybody happy because there is democratic, fully democratic, everybody can experience whatever he likes.”
Transcript: Speeches on the Ban of Gelugpa Protector Dorje Shugden
This movie contains speeches of the Dalai Lama and the current minister (at the time of the video) of the Government of Tibet in Exile, Samdhong.
Their speeches show evidence regarding the ban on Dorje Shugden practice.
This discloses their emphasis on segregation, as well as the division of the monasteries and the Tibetan community in exile.
This also presents how the Dalai Lama is disturbing the harmony of the Tibetans in exile.
The speeches show that the ban is created by the Dalai Lama, not by the monasteries.
This proves that the Dalai Lama and his government enforce the ban, and control the actions taken by the monasteries in India which is also having a negative effect on communities in Tibet and around the world.
Dalai Lama: “Today in the presence of the staff members of our government, and our people, my topic is on the Protector. But this is not a meeting about our freedom-struggle policy. Today we meet here for a very specific reason, I think only we are meeting regarding this subject, I think other people in the world are not meeting about this topic. I mentioned before at the last Kalachakra festival when we gathered. We are all gathering here: Lamas, Geshes and Dharma friends. I tell you this issue is very important and you must enforce what I say. Otherwise if you think: “something like this is the Dalai Lama’s responsibility not mine, I don’t care as long as I receive offerings”. Then that way of thinking is wrong. Understood? And in the same way you can explain this issue to the people in Tibet if you have any relatives left over there. Such as Dakyap, Markham, Chamdo and Denma-Khampa to all these regions, you must inform them very well, this is your responsibility to explain to those in Tibet. Understood? Otherwise here I am saying something and you show me a very respectful attitude, but in reality you don’t focus on explaining the ban to others, then it’s very disappointing for me. Understood? “
Dalai Lama: “Many of you understand the reason and stopped practicing. But a few of you seem to not have heard my advice, and pretend that you don’t know anything about it. And maybe you feel it is not serious and that it will be okay afterwards. Also you may think that the Dalai Lama in exile cannot do much about this, some of you think this way.
Dalai Lama: “I began this ban to continue the Fifth Dalai Lama’s legacy, I started this by myself and I have to continue, and carry it to the end. Understood? Some of you are not serious, but this is wrong. You, staff members, pretend not to hear anything, and you let time go by. You think it is better that we don’t take action against people. When we have met each other, you showed a pleasant attitude, and said to me “I am clean and not practicing anymore,” but actually this is deceitful. This is likely to continue to happen. In Sera Je monastery some students voluntarily took responsibility and are working on enforcing the ban. This is very good. You should take this as an example, and support each other. This is very important.”
Dalai Lama: “Once I mentioned at Drepung, while I was teaching on the Lamrim’s Great Scope, about the ban to practice. During that time there were many abbots from all monasteries attending the teachings. Kelsang Yeshi, you were there, do you remember? The abbots from the monasteries of Sera, Dreping, Ganden, as well as the tantric colleges of Gyuto and Gyume were there. Totally there were about fifteen representatives there. SO they came to see me, crying, and promised me strongly to follow my request. But in reality, they didn’t do anything, so now the end result is not that good.”
Samdhong Rinpoche: “The situation of Dhogyal [Dorje Shugden] has become very particular in our Gelug sect, therefore the Gelugpas must pay attention to this. Even if His Holiness hadn’t been clear in his speech, he already mentioned this topic very clearly many times recently and in the past years — as a father gives advice to this son. On this topic, we have to take some clear action. Otherwise, if we don’t act because we think that this ban is going to create a lot of different problems in our society, and fearing segregation within our society — then I think this is wrong. But the important thing here is that if we do not implement this ban as advised, but rather we fall into doubts about our capacity and judgements and if we fail to fulfill and support the wishes and advice of His Holiness, then I think this would be very sad for us. So I have no doubt that you are not going to forget this request, but keep it in mind.”
Samdhong Rinpoche: “The abbots, disciplinary leaders, and administrators of the monasteries, are facing this problem. And they are patiently going through this ban enforcement. And I know each one of you who works hard for this ban, and I appreciate this very much. I am happy that you voluntarily support and take action. This is very good. Some of you are trying to be tactful about this enforcement, and you may think that any action will disturb the harmony of this society. Some of you may have a reason to stay calm and tactful, I can’t comment on this. But those who act clearly and seriously, we are always rejoicing on your actions. Whatever you need to have from our government in exile, we are ready to provide any kind of support. I wanted to explain these things.”
Disclaimer: The views on China, its policy and its treatment against Tibet and Tibetans were that of the author, it does not necessarily represent the views of this website.
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Icy
June 6, 2014
What the Dalai Lama and CTA do is indeed “pot calling kettle black” in their oppression and ostracising of Shugden practitioners. They delight at and are only good in throwing eggs at the Great Wall. They have no self-conscience and do not believe in karma but encourage Tibetans to self-immolate and making them martyrs.
Their hypocrisy is utterly appalling. What right does the Dalai Lama has to call upon China to turn into a mainstream democracy when their own democratic governance is a faux but an import of the theocratic rule from ancient Tibet? How can he cast a religious apartheid on his own countrymen and make them suffer emotionally and physically? This religious discrimination has also spread to other nations where there are millions of Shugden practitioners since the Gelug tradition is a mainstream practice worldwide.
What had happened to the compassion of the Dalai Lama who is Chenrezig? The values of human rights which the Dalai Lama so strongly advocates on the world platform simply cannot correlate to what he is implementing at home. The ban has to be revoked NOW! Millions of people cannot go on suffering for 18 long years because of one man, the Dalai Lama.
grandmapele
June 6, 2014
There is an obvious parallel between the Dalai Lama/CTA ‘s Shugden ban actions and China’s actions in Tiananmen Square incident of 1989. Is the Dalai Lama acting like China- doing as it pleases or is it a call by the Dalai Lama for Shugden practitioners to rally. Is he saying to ‘stand up for your belief’. Is he also weeding out those who are not devoted to the real centuries old teaching?
Tenzin K
June 6, 2014
I totally agree that Dalai Lama just acting like the Chinese invading Tibet and belief that Buddhism was harmful to the Tibetan society and the cause of its degeneration. It’s almost exactly how Dalai Lama believing Dorje Shugden to be unenlightened spirit, harmful to the cause of Tibetan independence and to his own lifespan. Both actions created so much suffering and damage to people, to the practitioners and their family.
Lobsang Sangey says that the Tibetan just wants basic freedom just like anyone in Australia but why this never comes to their mind for the Shugden practitioners? Hypocrite!
The voice of Free Tibet is gone and no one will listen as why free Tibet to encourage more suffering for their own people, their own community?
One of the anila mentioned that Dalai Lama is the first who stop the custom of following or relying upon your spiritual guide! That makes sense that if his Guru practices Lord Shugden and gives the students to practice but how can the student ban the practice? Obviously you are showing disrespect and how one gain attainment from there?
So many statement from the Dalai Lama direct instruction to expel the Shugden practitioners, threaten the Shugden practitioners but still denying when being question……the world should know the “TRUTH” of the ban and together push down the ban for religion freedom! for human right! for the practitioners that have been suffered so long
kris
June 6, 2014
Thank you Solomon for such brilliant article. You have said what was on my mind for so long, and I will definitely use your words to share out on my Facebook and other social media so that more people will know about this issue.
If CTA really wants to show the world they deserve a country, they should start behaving like a grown up and be fair to all citizens. The prime minister Lobsang Sangyal despite graduate from Harvard, failed to impart any bit of democracy knowledge to his colleagues and still treat their citizen as in the 1950s.
If you don’t like what the Chinese government did to you in 1959, then why should you do the same to Dorje Shugden practitioners? Is this how Buddhists behave? Is this Buddhist teachings? Is this the level of practice/attainments of HH Dalai Lama’s students?
I must also mention that special thanks and credits must be given to ISC for staging the peaceful protests. It brought tears to my eye to hear that many of the protestors have been protesting since 1996, and still tirelessly stand up for the rights to religious freedom.
Shirley
June 7, 2014
If we do not know about the ban, this letter sounds like a very good advice. However, when we know about the ban, to me, this letter is so hypocrite.
Previously I feel sympathize to the Tibetan people who want to have their freedom. However, when I know what CTA has been doing to their own people, how CTA has been causing harm to Dorje Shugden practitioners and even high lamas, I do not think CTA is democracy or even qualified to form a government. They are not even qualified to be called as “Buddhists” as they are not practicing the core Buddhism values of compassion and peace.
They are all hypocrites.
I sincerely request His Holiness Dalai Lama and CTA will lift the ban and be fair to all their people. Be democratic and do not cause any more harm to the Dorje Shugden practitioners. With folded hand.
Dharmacrazy79
June 7, 2014
It is quite a jerk to the mind to make such close comparisons between H.H the 14th Dalai Lama and China. Making this realization more unpleasant and difficult to receive is the truth and accuracy in the comparison made.
Yes, today’s Dorje Shugden practitioners are like the Tibetan refugees back in 1959
However, I am glad that the Dorje Shugden camp is persevering and displaying a better example of Dharma in action than the pro-Dalai Lama group. For example:
1) Peaceful demonstration vs. physical and mental attacks on Dorje Shugden practitioners.
2) The gracious acceptance of the Dalai Lama’s decision by establishing Serpom and Shar Ganden Monastery to home the expelled monks vs. the drastic the expulsion of sangha members who simply wish to continue a practice bestwoed upon them by their Gurus.
As people get more intelligent with easy access to information through the internet, they will be able to decide for themselves who is “at fault”.
It is urgent that this ban is lifted to reflect that mankind has progressed. How is it possible that 50 years later and humanity has not learnt from past mistakes, especially one as significant as the Tiananmen Square massacre?! This makes me feel ever so grateful for those who devote themselves to keep the Dharma whole and intact for us…our salvation from the samsara our minds created.
I pray strongly for the ban to be lifted, not only for the benefit of the growth of Dharma but for the progress of humanity as a whole.
Daniel. Bear
June 7, 2014
That is an astute observation Soloman Lang. The Dalai Lama and his gang posing as a democratic government certainly seem to indicate that the Tiananmen Protests were noble steps taken in the right direction. Similarly, the Dalai Lama had little to say when Tibetans took to the streets to protest (even violently) the Chinese Government in 2008, and even less when 126 Tibetans self-immolated in desperation. But the same does not apply when Shugden worshippers took to the streets in peaceful protest of an unjustified religious ban.
The Dalai Lama shows himself to be the consummate politician by seizing on a sore point to remind the world of China’s ‘brutalities’ as he has often accuses the Chinese of but how does this help the Tibetans in their relationship with China? Such a move can only augment the Chinese government’s suspicion of the Dalai Lama and that will not serve the people’s efforts to find peaceful resolution with China.
It is also absurd for the Dalai Lama to call on the Chinese to embrace democracy when the Dalai Lama’s own government is treating their own democratic constitution as a farce. Furthermore, the Dalai Lama’s Prime Minister Lobsang Sangay declared on the world stage in Washington 2013, that the CTA was not seeking democracy in Tibet but will agree to communist rule. Seems very inconsistent.
Nevertheless if anyone wonders why the Dalai Lama is called a wolf under sheep’s clothing, this is why. Blatant and obscene hypocrisy on display and a move that can only lead to deterioration of Sino-Tibetan relationship.
digitaldrift
June 14, 2014
But what you are not saying is very much about the Chinese state sanctioning of Shugden, and the deliberately decisive stance it is taking in all of this to continue to undermine the Tibetan people and attempt to marginalise the Dalai Lama’s undoubted and ongoing deep influence within Tibet itself.
You appear to tread a naive path accusing DL of intolerance, whilst it is the schism engineered and inflamed by Chinese state actions and support that is ultimately behind your own naive posturings about religious freedom.
The Shugden practitioners may be allowed to practice and be supported and encouraged in their growth in China, but what price that religious freedom – they cannot talk about civil rights, protest or Tianenmen Square in their own country… sadly – pawns in another Great Game.. do not underestimate the dark dealings and underhandedness that goes on by the great political powers…
Solomon Lang
June 16, 2014
Dear “digitaldrift”, in my honest opinion, it is the illogical and poorly substantiated move by H.H. the Dalai Lama to ban Dorje Shugden which has given China the golden opportunity to gain the upper hand with regards to the issue of religious freedom.
The Dalai Lama created the opportunity and China took it. It started with the Dalai Lama, not China.
Furthermore, time has and will prove that if indeed Dorje Shugden is harmful, as the Dalai Lama says it is, then its practice would decline, not increase as it has in the last decade.
Manisha Kudo
June 27, 2014
The more I examine the Dalai Lama’s words and conduct, the more I see the political charade that he plays to gain control over the world.He supports the Tibetans in their protest against China but is himself behaving like a dictator against the Shugden practitioners. How insanely farcical!
Kelly
July 2, 2014
The DS ban do bring a lot of hat to the Tibetan because it depart them to two different groups is very sad if a country the people cannot unite and they also create a lot violence act among the Tibetan this is really silly . If the protector is not a Buddha how can it be possible for all these high lama to practices for so many hundreds years, this is really ridiculous.
bond
September 1, 2014
Religions & politics cannot mix, no government & leaders should interfere in religion matters, take sides or create schism. It is every individual & citizen of the world rights & freedom to choose or practice what they belief and have faith in.
It is very sad that China had invaded Tibet in the 1950s, vandalised, destroyed the Buddhist traditions & culture of the Tibetan people in the interest of unity for the motherland. These days the pro Dalai Lama people & the CTA are just doing the same to Dorje Shugden practitioners & the Tibetan society as what china did to Tibet, creating chaos, broken up families, distanced friends secular & spiritual, violence & even harms in the interest of unity between the different schools of Tibetan Buddhism. In fact, it is just a selfish act of a very irresponsible government who is trying to cover up their failure & incapability in securing autonomy for Tibet for the last 55 years by distraction, bringing the focus & blame on Dorje Shugden being an obstacle to the Tibetan cause & even a threat to the Dalai Lama’s life.
With the recent rising of many young Tibetan monks immolating themselves to protest against China’s occupation of Tibet, how much longer Dorje Shugden practitioners need to endure the misery, separation, unfair treatment & physical harms before the CTA realise what they are doing will never bring any unity of the Tibetan community. Hence, the very reason why the ban has to be lifted in order for the real Tibetan caused to be realised.