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About Dorje Shugden => General Discussion => Topic started by: WisdomBeing on April 20, 2012, 03:35:13 AM
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Can China really be the Patron of Global Buddhism? This statement seems to be a contradiction in terms. The current Chinese regime is well known for its anti-religious stance. Especially with its clamp down on the Falun gong movement and of course the perennial Tibetan problem. Is China really changing?
American journalist and author Elizabeth Pond highlights these issues here and is skeptical of China’s motivation. How can there be a World Buddhist Conference without one of the international icons of Buddhism – HH the Dalai Lama? What do you think China is planning in its championing Buddhism?
I certainly hope that by China promoting the Panchen Lama, Dorje Shugden will naturally move into mainstream Buddhism in China.. especially if China promotes Tashi Lhunpo and other DS monasteries with their huge statues of Dorje Shugden. Isn’t that possibility exciting?
http://www.worldpolicy.org/blog/2012/04/19/china-patron-global-buddhism (http://www.worldpolicy.org/blog/2012/04/19/china-patron-global-buddhism)
China: The Patron of Global Buddhism?
April 19, 2012 - 12:05pm | admin
By Elizabeth Pond
China is making its strongest bid yet to establish a reputation as the patron of global Buddhism. It will follow up its third World Buddhist Forum in Hong Kong (April 25-28) by sponsoring an international peace conference in the Gautama Buddha's Lumbini birthplace in Nepal (April 28-30).
Beijing faces a formidable hurdle, however, in explaining to international Buddhists why more than 30 young Tibetan monks and nuns have set themselves on fire in the past year to protest Chinese rule.
Back in the old days, it was easier for Chinese Communists to deal with the opiate of the people. Founding father Mao Zedong could simply outlaw religion during and after the Cultural Revolution and jail or kill adherents at will.
In the post-Mao era of globalization, things are more complicated. The party had no qualms about repressing the new Falun Gong movement in the 1990s and banning it altogether in 1999. Today's China wants to exercise soft as well as hard power, though, and it sees an opportunity in the estimated 350 million Buddhists worldwide. Half or more of this number live in China and provide a critical mass to attract others.
Domestically, the Beijing government has become tolerant and even appreciative of Buddhist temples' social charity and the current boom in Chinese religious tourism. It rehabilitated Buddhism in 2006, dropping its earlier suspicion of the religion as an ideological rival and for the first time describing it as a peaceful "ancient Chinese religion." Buddhism quickly came to enjoy pride of place among the five religions that are formally registered and allowed to preach, on the condition that the recognized Buddhist, Taoist, Catholic, Protestant, and Muslim elders respectively accept government influence in naming their top officials.
In 2006 the first World Buddhist Forum—and indeed China's first international religious conference of any kind since Communist rule was established in 1949—opened in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou. The second followed three years later in Wuxi and, in outreach beyond the People's Republic, in Taiwan. This year's third Forum will stress the familiar themes of peace and harmony, mount the first public showing of what have been identified as relics of the Gautama Buddha's skull excavated in eastern China two years ago—and once again showcase the controversial Chinese-appointed Panchen Lama, the holder of the second-highest rank in Tibetan Buddhism.
The highest-rank 14th Dalai Lama, revered by Mahayana Buddhists and global admirers as a religious leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was not invited to any of the three Forums. Nor is he invited to join the peace conference in the UNESCO and World Heritage town of Lumbini, 500 miles southeast of his exile headquarters in Dharamsala, India. He fled the Dalai Lama's Potala Palace as a young man in 1959, a decade after military conquest by the People's Liberation Army ended four decades of Tibetan independence. The Chinese have never allowed him to visit Tibet or China since then, despite his express wish to do so, and despite his insistence that what he seeks for his countrymen is real autonomy rather than independence from China.
The other notable absentee from the Lumbini conference will be the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon. The organizers had originally listed him as a co-chairman of one session along with Prachanda. This most famous leader of the Nepalese Maoist guerrillas who helped dethrone the Nepali king in the mid-2000s is China's partner in hosting the conference and also in the $3 billion Chinese-funded project to develop Lumbini for mass tourism. Nepali Buddhists and representatives of the 20,000 Tibetan Buddhists living in exile in Nepal appealed to Ban not to endorse the Lumbini meeting by his presence, and Ban's press office now says that he does not plan to travel to Nepal this April. Various Buddhist spokesmen in Nepal are also objecting to what they fear will be the Chinese commercialization of Lumbini—so far to no avail.
Participants in the Lumbini conference will have no opportunity for a side trip 500 miles to the northeast across the Annapurna range to visit the majestic Potala Palace in Tibet. The Chinese would prefer not to give monks and nuns in Lhasa any occasion for further protests, and they would prefer not to let foreign Buddhists see the increased presence of Han Chinese living in Tibet, the strong deployment of security forces, or the continued resistance to them by what is now the third Tibetan generation after the Chinese re-conquest of Tibet.
Chinese authorities similarly discourage Tibetan pilgrimages to Buddhist holy sites in India and punish any attempts by those who do get travel permits to make contact with the Dalai Lama or his followers. In January, several hundred Tibetans who visited India and heard the Dalai Lama speak there were arrested when they returned home. Moreover, the Chinese have recently sealed their south Himalayan borders much more effectively than in the past, in large part by compelling tiny Nepal in 2011 to drop its earlier ambiguous stance and impose harsher control measures on Tibetan residents and refugees. Fewer than a thousand Tibetan escapees a year now manage to slip over the borders with India and Nepal.
Those potential Tibetan pilgrims too will be missing at the Buddhist conference in Lumbini.
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Although China has allowed and relaxed the rules on religious practices over the last few decades, the Chinese government continues to control how religion is practised in China. We can observe how China manipulated religion for its political or economic aims! An example is requiring the major religions’ elders to accept government influence in naming their top officials as seen in the Chinese-appointed Panchen Lama. Another example is the increased restrictions of travels by pilgrims and entry at Chinese borders with India and Nepal.
China may appear to be a local or global patron of Buddhism through its involvement in World Buddhist Conferences and the development of Lumbini. However the support is merely for political or economic reasons. Hence many are not really in favour of its patronages.
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Many nations, companies and individuals have supported super powers for political and economical reasons for generations. Prior to the rapid rise of China, America was the world super power. Did many of us not make friends and compromised on our social policies for political and economical security and, in some cases, gains? There is no right or wrong in the scenario. This is what happens and has been happening for decades…for centuries. I used to questions and get most upset with this phenomenon. However, with the teachings of my Guru I slowly learn to develop a new outlook that this is the way of samsara and we need to take a step at a time to change it. Change occurs in our view and not so much the situation itself.
So much has visibly changed within the world that we know. From the most basic human needs of food, clothing and shelter: We have progressed (although in reality, many view that we are regressing) from consuming the fruits of nature in the quantities and seasons that are bestowed accordingly by the earth to consuming processed and manufactured products that “out-smarted” the ecosystem. We dressed in natural fibers granted by the lands to wearing synthetics. We used to call the earth our home but, today, we limit the space of our home to the four walls of several hundred square-meters in mid air (for cases of apartment blocks above first floor).
Which scenario is bad or good? There is no strict answer to this. We are just going through the natural occurrence of impermanence as taught by Lord Buddha and all our precious Dharma masters. This is not to say “give up and surrender to the extermination of pure Dharma practice”. Instead, it is to focus our energy from fighting the inevitable event of China’s growing influence to optimizing from external conditions to achieve the ultimate and pure goal of developing Boddhicitta in as many people as possible whereby all sentient beings will be benefited.
Therefore, is China a suitable patron for Buddhism? Will the economical and political agendas get in the way? Which religious set up has not been plagued by this “curse”? From the Vatican to Makkah, I would say very few, if not none. Additionally, has Buddhism been so very purely and well practiced by the masses prior this consideration? I am sure we believe the answer is, in general, “not really” at the very least. Thus, I believe that in considering if China can or should be the patron of Buddhism, we should look at various current states and available options.
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The leaders of China are not stupid. They know the benefits of promoting Buddhism especially in today's climate of materialism. As more and more people in China prosper, they will need spirituality that will balance the prevalent air of materialism so people live a balanced life. When there's more happier and richer citizens, the bigwigs have an easier job with a bigger pay check.
Therefore, it is actually not surprising that China is slowly embracing religion which is contrary towards the ideology of the Chinese. Heck! Even materialism is antithetic towards the Chinese ideology. However, the good thing is that the Chinese are willing to experiment so I think they are dabbling in religion now. They are looking at Buddhism because it is closer to home, makes more sense and have a pacifying influence on the people.
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What has been shared in the article and on various postings here it is really a no brainer!
The simple fact is, throughout history, we as a society has looked up towards an ideal or at least parts of one to incorporate into our own existing ideals. In that there is always "someone" at the top or in the forefront that we choose to emulate or keep up with.
In this day an age, it is the risen dragon, China that is leading the pack. Not only through business and trade but also through it's rich cultural heritage which can be seen in almost every country on this planet. The culture which is so strong in its identity it almost has a life of its own in a host country. Almost no compromise in its existence...
Something to be proud of for Chinese and certainly something to be admired if not emulated as a society. So, will China be the patron of Global Buddhism, I think very much so... it is after all a very ingrained part of Chinese culture and is just a natural reemergence for China. Long buried after the cultural revolution!
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Putting all politics, borders, geography aside, I'd like to bring everyone's attention to the spiritual side of things. Strange but true, if you study the scriptures properly, besides the birth, enlightenment, death and turning of the wheel of Law of the Buddha, the other Bodhisattvas' sacred sites are found in mainland China!
Lord Manjushri resides in Five Peaked Mountain, Wutaishan in Shanxi, Lord Ksitigarbha resides in Jiuhua Mountain, Lord Samantabhadra resides in Er-mei Mountain and the Lord of Compassion resides in Putuo Mountain down south. Of course there's always disputes of the real Potala being in Lhasa but nonetheless Lhasa is part of China now.
My point is that these Bodhisattvas are known to have manifested in these sacred abodes which are geographically situated within China itself. Wouldn't this be a clear sign of how China can be a receptacle of the Buddha's teachings to be preserved there and from this land of the Dragon spread further into other parts of the globe?
There have been so much said about the political powers of China and its potential, since the Mahayana teachings of Buddhism is deep rooted in China it gives so much more reasons for China to be a patron of Buddhism, not chosen by the Buddhas to do so but by some karmic affinity.
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China is definitely moving towards that direction of becoming a patron for Global Buddhism. No doubt that they banned all religion during the Cultural Revolution and also some sects which are a threat to the national security of their country. but, it has since relaxed and I think this is because they see the importance of religion in the lives of the people and religion does affect the mind set of people. With the decades of suppressing the people of religious practice, their nation has become a nation who chase for external wealth and has become some what materialistic and with no feeling. They are now trying to change that mindset.
With people practicing religion underground before this, they can now freely practice. This is seen as a freedom given by the government to the people. And people like it.
However, China is bringing Buddhism into the country again in a cultural way simply because it part of their culture all this while. All the sacred monasteries are all in China. What better way to promote that! And the Dalai Lama being their threat to national security, why not get the nation to go against him.
Like it or not, China is pumping in a lot of money to rebuild monasteries which they destroyed previously in all provinces, including those in Tibet. So, religion is flourishing in China.
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China rules almost everything for decades. Their strong culture has not weaken and it is no surprise that even the Chinese would like to claim Buddhism as their very religion. They have their own version of twitter, facebook, and youtube; so what now? Their own version of Buddhism? Just what they needed most I think. With such strong karma affinity with Buddhism over the thousands of years, it will not only benefit the people who are materialized and power gaining spirit. Dorje Shugden practice will be the most suitable vessel for their spiritual practice. It is true that many relate Buddhism to the Chinese such as Chenrizeg or Kuan Yin, so why not Dorje Shugden? Even if the Chinese claim Buddhism as their own, it will make dharma grow and from there it will sprout to other parts of the world.
It is true what harry nephew said, the most holy and precious site can be found in China. With Panchen Lama as an introduction into the Chinese world, it marks a whole new era of Buddhism in China. It is great to see that they brought spiritualism to the new generation of people.
Lord Manjushri resides in Five Peaked Mountain, Wutaishan in Shanxi, Lord Ksitigarbha resides in Jiuhua Mountain, Lord Samantabhadra resides in Er-mei Mountain and the Lord of Compassion resides in Putuo Mountain down south. Of course there's always disputes of the real Potala being in Lhasa but nonetheless Lhasa is part of China now.
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China the patron of Global Buddhism?? What will it look like when the Dalai Lama will not be invited?? China is promoting the Buddhism in their own way by saying they promote religious freedom but on the other hand they have done many harm to Tibetans and their religious freedom, abducted the reincarnation of Panchen Lama authenticated by Dalai Lama and install their own Panchen Lama. So I get the feeling that China is trying to make them as the centre of all Buddhist practitioners. But at the same time I believe it is also great in the sense that Dorje Shugden's practice is flourishing through this way. Many more will be exposed to Dorje Shugden and I can see in the long run benefits many. In this way, I am happy that Dorje Shugden's practice can be spreaded to many more people when they come to China.
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I believe that China is actually doing a better job than the CTA. Unlike CTA, they did not appoint puppet abbots who ruin the monastery rather than helping them just because they want someone that is on their political side. The days where China appoints government sanctioned abbots is long gone now as they realize the moral decay of their society as a result of such actions.
Now, let us talk about the abducted Panchen Lama. While Trijang Rinpoche is getting death threats and prevented from completed his geshe studies due to his devotion in Dorje Shugden, the Chinese appointed one is now a fully qualified Lama at 25-26 years old. What if the abducted version is still a strong DS practitioner in this life, is there a place for him in Ganden, Sera and Drepung even if he goes back to the side of the CTA?
I dont see an abduction. I merely see that the CTA created the cause for the Panchen Lama to not return by their side and help secure the next Dalai Lama. Perhaps HHDL wants the Panchen Lama to stay in China as he can benefit more people there, thus he created the karmic force for him to return to CTA? Or perhaps, CTA is a sinking ship that HHDL intends to sacrifice so that more Tibetans can be truly happy?
With that said, China is allowing the building of various Buddhist monuments and even created a large and ornate Buddhist hall and even holding Buddhist conferences. They are also conducting the restoration of the various TIbetan monasteries that they destroyed out of misguided views. What is CTA doing NOW at this present moment for the Dharma? In that aspect, China is better than the CTA by a mile.
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China is a super-power, a worldly super-power. How can we expect China to administrate and lead Asia if the leaders meditate in caves and don't get their hands "dirty"? It is sad to say, but in samsara, most often we are to choose between 2 evils and then act. At the scale of a country like China, one must be pragmatic.
China will be a patron for Buddhism, China is a patron for Buddhism. It does not mean that the whole of China is a sincere practitionner, it does not mean that the motivation of the leaders of china are not bias neither. But if it means that sincere practitioners find in China the conducive conditions to practice Buddhism, then it is wonderful!
Only practitioners, true practitioners, can spread Buddhism.
Patrons may be practitioners, may not be, they are only patrons.
It is now up to the many that have the opportunity to practice to spread Buddhism, to create the cause for spirituality to go global.
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5 of the Chinese UNESCO world heritage sites are Buddhist: Mount Wutai, the Longmen Grottoes, the Potala Palace in Lhasa, the Mogao Caves and the Yunggang Grottoes. There are 13,000 temples, over 200,000 Buddhist monks and nuns, and 34 Buddhist schools and colleges in China.
The Chinese Communist Party has shown tolerance, if not direct support, for the growth of Buddhism over the last few decades despite the tension related to Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism. I believe as the CCP sought to use it to achieve strategic and domestic objectives, the growth of Buddhism in China is definite. Party leaders have openly supported the development of Buddhism over the years with their public appearances alongside temple abbots. Local authorities have been promoting the restoration and building of temples.
China is increasingly popular as destination for international pilgrimage tourism, especially for Japanese and Korean who want to visit the Buddhist historical sites from which the religion was introduced to their countries.
In relation to the topic of World Buddhist Forum, Vice President Xi Jinping, then Party Secretary of Zhejiang province helped organise the first World Buddhist Forum in 2006. The second World Buddhist Forum in 2009 held its concluding ceremony in Taiwan, and now the third one is in Hong Kong. Taiwan is the headquarters of some large global Buddhist organisations while academic studies and research of Buddhism in Hong Kong have thrived over the past 10 years. The theme of “peace and harmony” is not only for the World Buddhist Forum, but crucial for China’s foreign affairs and “internal” relations. Buddhism is seen as key to bridge the two sides of the straits between the Taiwanese and the Mainland Chinese.
The Tzu Chi Merit Society, a global Buddhist charity organisation based in Taiwan has received support from governments in China. The foundation finally received authorisation from the central government to set up a branch in Beijing in the immediate aftermath of its rapid effort to provide relief to Sichuan after the 512 quake of 2008. Tzu Chi has now established branches in other cities.
High-profile visit of Master Hsingyun, the founder of the Buddha Light Mountain who was originally from mainland China, excited CCP as there was hope that he could influence Taiwanese Buddhists to their side.
Various municipality and county level Buddhist associations also have their own charities. These Buddhist organisations help to reduce the impact of social inequalities that are generating much discontent, hence the growth of these organisations will be encouraged.
Of course things may not seem as bright when it comes to Tibetan Buddhism for now with news of self-immolation, but it is obvious that China is way ahead preparing for post-Dalai Lama phase, trying to have somewhat control in the Tibetan Buddhism scene.
China's Panchen Lama, Gyaincain Norbu is a rising star since he was "showcased" in the first World Buddhist Forum, establishing himself as the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists in China with the help of CCP. He is the Vice President of the Buddhist Association of China (the official supervisory organ of Buddhism in the People's Republic of China) and a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).
Apart from its own Panchen Lama, Beijing is said to connect with the Karma Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism, as it has considerable influence in large areas of Tibet and the mountainous Indo-Himalayan border belt.
China may not promote Buddhism in it's true essence with the intention to propogate Buddhadharma, but I believe the factors above are key for China to become the patron of Global Buddhism.
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Putting all politics, borders, geography aside, I'd like to bring everyone's attention to the spiritual side of things. Strange but true, if you study the scriptures properly, besides the birth, enlightenment, death and turning of the wheel of Law of the Buddha, the other Bodhisattvas' sacred sites are found in mainland China!
Lord Manjushri resides in Five Peaked Mountain, Wutaishan in Shanxi, Lord Ksitigarbha resides in Jiuhua Mountain, Lord Samantabhadra resides in Er-mei Mountain and the Lord of Compassion resides in Putuo Mountain down south. Of course there's always disputes of the real Potala being in Lhasa but nonetheless Lhasa is part of China now.
My point is that these Bodhisattvas are known to have manifested in these sacred abodes which are geographically situated within China itself. Wouldn't this be a clear sign of how China can be a receptacle of the Buddha's teachings to be preserved there and from this land of the Dragon spread further into other parts of the globe?
There have been so much said about the political powers of China and its potential, since the Mahayana teachings of Buddhism is deep rooted in China it gives so much more reasons for China to be a patron of Buddhism, not chosen by the Buddhas to do so but by some karmic affinity.
This is indeed true... I never did see it from this point which makes it very exciting! With such deep roots into the culture and history of China, it is only a matter of time before it "returns" to the risen dragon. THE most appropriate patron for global Buddhism indeed.
It is no coincidence that such sacred sites are located in China and why... look at China now... a booming economy with resources and clout to support such a renaissance for Buddhism, a truly global Buddhism. Surely the Buddhas in their clairvoyance know this and have planted the seeds at the appropriate areas!
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Putting all politics, borders, geography aside, I'd like to bring everyone's attention to the spiritual side of things. Strange but true, if you study the scriptures properly, besides the birth, enlightenment, death and turning of the wheel of Law of the Buddha, the other Bodhisattvas' sacred sites are found in mainland China!
Lord Manjushri resides in Five Peaked Mountain, Wutaishan in Shanxi, Lord Ksitigarbha resides in Jiuhua Mountain, Lord Samantabhadra resides in Er-mei Mountain and the Lord of Compassion resides in Putuo Mountain down south. Of course there's always disputes of the real Potala being in Lhasa but nonetheless Lhasa is part of China now.
My point is that these Bodhisattvas are known to have manifested in these sacred abodes which are geographically situated within China itself. Wouldn't this be a clear sign of how China can be a receptacle of the Buddha's teachings to be preserved there and from this land of the Dragon spread further into other parts of the globe?
There have been so much said about the political powers of China and its potential, since the Mahayana teachings of Buddhism is deep rooted in China it gives so much more reasons for China to be a patron of Buddhism, not chosen by the Buddhas to do so but by some karmic affinity.
This is indeed true... I never did see it from this point which makes it very exciting! With such deep roots into the culture and history of China, it is only a matter of time before it "returns" to the risen dragon. THE most appropriate patron for global Buddhism indeed.
It is no coincidence that such sacred sites are located in China and why... look at China now... a booming economy with resources and clout to support such a renaissance for Buddhism, a truly global Buddhism. Surely the Buddhas in their clairvoyance know this and have planted the seeds at the appropriate areas!
I like what has been said here by Harry Nephew and Hope Rainbow. It is very clear that Buddhism is long entrenched in Chinese Culture and Psyche. Hence, as China progresses down the road of economic prosperity, it will need spirituality very badly to counter the negative effects of materialism. I think it is very wise that the Chinese are looking into it right now.
I think they have realized this and recognizing and promoting home-groomed religious leaders like the Panchen Lama. On top of that, it will be easier for the Chinese to embrace Buddhism as its people get wealthier and more educated and the very fact that it is closer to Chinese culture than other faiths. All makes for a very exciting spiritual future for China.
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I wish very much China to be the patron of Global Buddhism, like HarryNephew has said, Buddhism has had a deep root affinity in China many thousand of years ago.
As everyone is aware that China is on its way to be the next super power in the world, China had a fanastic GDP for 2011, a 9.2% growth from the year before. With this, China will go through the cycle like any other developing nations, there would always be a side effect of growing materialism, greed, attachments, jealousy, hatred and ignorance among the "Young Rich" population. That is exactly why some kind of spirituality must be in place now.
I am not at all surprised that China would not invite HHDL to this peace conference held in Lumbini. China and HHDL are at opposite poles, probably HHDL has seen this coming, and smart enough to put the DS ban in place. As anything that HHDL dislikes or discourages, China would just love to make it even more happening.
Imagine if China can play a leading role as a patron in global buddhism, and when the Panchen Lama that China hand picked, spreading Dorje Shugden practice to the whole population, and eventually influencing the world, like America has been before when she was the super power, many people would be able to have the fortune to be connected with Dorje Shugden, the uncommon protector of this kaliyuga age.
Yes, I am thinking totally on a spiritual platform, whether the officials in the Chinese government may have a different motivation now, it doesn't really matter as nothing is permanent. Things will change and most important of all is that China wants to take the lead as being an active patron of Global Buddhism. I see this all as a very good sign.
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Nothing is permanent, the Chinese Government may have locked China away from the world for 50 years but look at it now. It is the world's 2nd largest economy next to US. Do we see changes in China? No one will doubt that there are changes beyond belief in China.
Will China overtake US as the world super power? Maybe not and maybe yes. In all aspects of what China had been doing for the past 30 years towards a CHANGE had been criticized and condemned. But China had shown results and excelled.
I hope that China will be the patron of Global Buddhism and with such a successful and strong patron, may buddhism spread in 10 directions.
If China is truly against the Dalai Lama, may China support the growth and practice of Dorje Shugden.
I am not into politics nor how governments should conduct themselves, rather I hope for the skillful means whereby China will lead the world to Buddhism.
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China is undoubtedly going to be the next big economic power on the world’s stage. Although they have been clamping down on various monasteries in the Tibetan region, I do think that that is more politically motivated rather than being against Buddhism per se. The Chinese government is simply safeguarding the stability of its huge country, which is understandable.
As China moves forward economically, I think they will recognise that Buddhism is a good philosophy for its people to balance the materialism that is prevalent and which if unchecked, can make for a dog-eat-dog society, rather than the harmonious society which I believe the Chinese government is striving for.
Buddhism exists in so many forms – and has been in China for centuries. It is not a new religion. As others have mentioned, there are Buddhist holy places in China. Also, technically - although I hate labels - as Tibet is now part of China, Tibetan Buddhism is now Chinese Buddhism. Adding to the Chinese Mahayana base, it does make sense for China to become a patron of global Buddhism. I just hope that they can achieve this sans the political issues, which again I think will be easier with - sorry to say - HH the Dalai Lama’s passing (may he live long). While that transition happens, Dorje Shugden’s practice can help many people in China to discover spirituality within their scope of economic materialism - for now.
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Another thing that I would like to add is to not judge china by its past. It might have made several mistakes along the way, especially pertaining to the cultural revolution whom they themselves have admitted and realized that it is a mistake and have been spending the last few years repairing that mistake by repairing temples everywhere (probably as tourist attractions, but thats besides the point) and allowing Buddhism to flourish.
in the recent years they have done a lot of improvements for Buddhism and all of these is very encouraging, so to speak. I think it is about time that we judge china by their current standards. The next generation of Chinese leaders are growing up among people who have severe moral decay and are unable to react or act in a morally proper manner to things around them due to lack of spirituality.
This kind of creates a void that needs to be filled with spirituality since this was created by China itself with the cultural revolution that created the causes for such moral decay to happen. But since they are repairing temples around, and there are many other Buddhist institutions in China that are really still thriving, we can see that they actually have a better track record than what the CTA has been claiming.
China, being a nation that has faced so many civil wars, disasters and rebellions in the past, is always paranoid of losing their vassal states or their land. When the tibetans are trying so hard to separate tibet from china, it might provoke a chain reaction of stability in the country. So for tibet you wouldnt mind if the entire country of china descends into chaos? utter selfishness...i think thats why HHDL isnt too keen on getting Tibet back.
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Wow, this thread of comments and points of view is so charged up with rich thoughts and passionate discussion. It is so inspiring to read the openness that is clearly driven by the motivation to have Dorje Shugden practice flourish.
I especially agree with what WisdomBeing and Ensapa said about China’s intention to safeguard stability during these tender moments of political, economical and social boom. We cannot blatantly conclude that running such a gigantic nation is a simple task. Instead, we should respect the challenge of government to constantly keep a balance between political, economical and social interests. Additionally, we should also individualise our view of the China phenomenon, i.e. look at the Chinese nation as individuals who are no different from you and me: a father, mother, sister, brother, son, daughter etc. Once we develop this view, we will truly rejoice in the fact that these precious human lives have the chance to be blessed by the Dharma.
Thus, as China works to be a patron of Buddhism, we should contribute our part by praying that this journey would be one that is progressive and beneficial. We should and must effectively contribute by having constructive Dharma knowledge and discussions like this available to fellow Chinese Dharma practitioners. Fellow Chinese Dharma practitioners are hungry for reliable information and teachings. Thus, like any spiritual seeker, they should be welcomed to learn and not feel judged.
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I like what has been said here by Harry Nephew and Hope Rainbow. It is very clear that Buddhism is long entrenched in Chinese Culture and Psyche. Hence, as China progresses down the road of economic prosperity, it will need spirituality very badly to counter the negative effects of materialism. I think it is very wise that the Chinese are looking into it right now.
I think they have realized this and recognizing and promoting home-groomed religious leaders like the Panchen Lama. On top of that, it will be easier for the Chinese to embrace Buddhism as its people get wealthier and more educated and the very fact that it is closer to Chinese culture than other faiths. All makes for a very exciting spiritual future for China.
History shows that every time there is an economical growth, governments promote religion, if only for sake of stability. In turn, religious leaders have used this to make spirituality grow, and sometimes this has received harsh critics too.
This time is no different than other times of history, there is a balance between the only two types of beings there can be: enlightened and sentient.
And for as long as the sentient cannot align to the enlightened, then the enlightened will have to align to the sentient so as to be effective in helping them.
Everyone who has a close relationship with a Guru would have seen this in action at a personal level.
It is the same dynamic that is applied here at a national level.
China is a historical ground for Buddhism, and the history is still in the making for it has every possible asset to become a leading country not only economically, but also spiritually.
So yes indeed, China as a patron of Global Buddhism, even with Amnesty International reports, even with the arrests, etc... because this is samsara, because China is not populated by billions of enlightened beings.
The fact is this: the best way for China to create causes to not be in Amnesty International reports in the future is to embrace spirituality, and for China, it would have to be Buddhism, even more, it would have to be the Vajrayana Buddhism of Atisha, of Nagarjuna, of Lama Tsongkhapa, of Dorje Shugden!
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China is reinstating Buddhism again after they ban all religion during the Cultural Revolution. I guess the leaders realized that their people are heading toward materialism and introducing Buddhism back is a good way to bring some spirituality to the people. However, I feel China is promoting Buddhism in their own way as they do not practice religious freedom. HHDL was not invited to the three forums nor was he invited to join in the peace conference in Lumbini. Even though the leaders are bias, at least the people can practice Buddhism openly. With the China's Panchen Lama, establishing himself as the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists in China and as China is against HHDL; they will support and encourage Dorje Shugden’s practice.
Even though they are not promoting Buddhism in the correct way and heading towards being the patron of Global Buddhism, I think it is a good sign as Dorje Shugden practice will create a big impact in China.
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It is widely believed that Buddhism was introduced to China during the Han period.After the introduction, Mahayana Buddhism, the most prominent branch of Buddhism in China .The influence of Buddhism grew to such an extent that vast amounts of financial and human resources were expended on the creation and establishment of impressive works of art and elaborate temples.This growing interest in Buddhism helped to inspire newways of depicting dieties,new types of architectural spaces in which to develop them.
The great motherland China recognized also the importance of Dorje Shugden worship for the flourishing of the pure Buddhist doctrine and heading towards being the patron of Global Buddhism.
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I especially agree with what WisdomBeing and Ensapa said about China’s intention to safeguard stability during these tender moments of political, economical and social boom. We cannot blatantly conclude that running such a gigantic nation is a simple task. Instead, we should respect the challenge of government to constantly keep a balance between political, economical and social interests.
What shugdenprotect says here makes a lot of sense. China has come a long way and is currently ranked second economically in the world. Which country has advanced as fast as China and still keep the country together regardless of the imperfections? Which country is free of flaws anyway?
Look at the number 1 country, USA. The Americans go around the world creating wars in the name of peace, poor health care programs for the citizens, huge financial scams, racism and so on. But why is it that people don't criticise the USA as harshly? This is because the one with the most money rules. It's part of samsara and it's the blatant truth.
Looking at the rate that China grows, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to predict that she will be the number 1 country in the world very soon. As such, the rest of the world will follow the number 1 country's language, culture, cuisine and religion. It's already happening now. Look at how popular Chinese language has become as a second language to learn?
As vajraprotector stated, "5 of the Chinese UNESCO world heritage sites are Buddhist: Mount Wutai, the Longmen Grottoes, the Potala Palace in Lhasa, the Mogao Caves and the Yunggang Grottoes. There are 13,000 temples, over 200,000 Buddhist monks and nuns, and 34 Buddhist schools and colleges in China.", it is clear that Buddhism has been deep rooted in the Chinese culture for many centuries. It is inevitable that China will be the Patron of Global Buddhism whether we like it or not.
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Here is an interesting thing to think about: even now after the cultural revolution, of all the many religions in the world, why does China choose Buddhism to promote? China is a huge nation and they have obviously many people to be part of the approval process. Why not Christianity? or even their native Taoism as a means to provide spiritual happiness to China?
Also, why did the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties chose a Tibetan Lama as their teachers and the national spiritual master instead of choosing a Chinese buddhist monk as one, or a taoist priest as one? Of the many spiritual practitioners that is readily available in China, why did they chose a Tibetan lama to guide them spiritually instead? Perhaps they know something we dont.
The lineage in China has ended with the 6th patriarch Hui Neng, and he has not appointed any lineage holder after him which is why without the blessings of a lineage holder there isnt much growth in terms of spiritually advanced practitioners with attainments that can benefit and transform the minds of countless people after the 6th patriarch's departure.
The cultural revolution has further weakened Chinese Buddhism since, and they do need some time to revive, perhaps even having their lineage restarted from Tibet. If that happens, Buddhism in China including the existing Chinese system will grow far and wide and its practitioners would be able to acquire attainments and results from their Dharma practice as opposed to the current situation.
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In my personal opinion, there is nothing that China, or any world power, does which is not for political and economic reasons. We cannot deny that through political and economic reasons, people have gained on the social aspect. People gain when there is economic growth, and such growth can flourish when there is political stability. So, it is like the chicken and the egg situation and more. It is difficult to say one must happen before the other, they are just all intertwined. On the flip side, there have also been much human suffering arising from political agendas, example wars.
Back to this big question of China being a Patron of Global Buddhism.... Without being a "traitor" I would say personally, it is a good thing for China to support Buddhism for whatever underlying intention. Politically, by allowing Buddhism, China will look tolerant and religious friendly which will perhaps dampen the media blows on monks and nuns self-immolation incidences. Economically, developing Lumbini will be good. Even religion has to move with the times if we want to attract the modern people. As much as history is important it does not mean that it should live in the conditions of the past. Modernization can take place but still maintain the precious history. This is what makes culture.
On the point of culture, I have personally come to understand after meeting many people in Beijing, that Tibetan Buddhism is very much liked in Beijing especially among the newly affluent society. They like the rich culture and history. There is a cross of embracing Buddhism as a culture and presenting the religion as a means of rich culture to nurture and create the foundation for peace. They do not seem to put the religious message upfront and directly but more they emphasize the aspect of art, culture, history and the peace of this combination. I found this to be quite an interesting twist and effective.
There will always be a taste of suppression when it comes to religion and China, which may not be such a bad thing since uncontrolled religion, or any subject matter per se, is anarchy which can be disruptive and destructive. And I would like to emphasize that such anarchy is caused by humans and not the principles of any religion. So having control may be a good thing especially when peace is the eventual outcome and purpose.
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Why not ?
Buddhism has a very long history in China. The first historical Buddhist monk went to Narlanda University dated back to the Tang Dynasty. When he returned home with the precious sutras, he was given a hero's reception. This showed how much the Tang Emperor valued the religion. With the Emperor and the people practising Buddhism, the Tang Dynasty became a supreme power during that era ; its power spread from the Middle East to Japan.
Just like Asoka the Great, when a strong ruler tempered his reign with religious wisdom, more benefit arose. China during the Tang Dynasty also helped spread Buddhism far and wide.
Buddhism is deeply ingrained with Chinese culture and education. Even at the peak of the Cultural Revolution, Premier Chou Eng Lai gave strict instruction not to destroy certain Buddhist temples.
Now that China has reached economic stability, the politicians see the wisdom of spreading moral values through religion. . . . and what better choice than Buddhism , which is already an integral part of Chinese culture ? As China is a world's super power now, definitely China will be the Patron of Global Buddhism.
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Most important of all, only Buddhism can heal the wounds that have been caused by the cultural revolution as only Buddhism is fluid enough to adapt to the various cultures and dispositions of the people in China and also the world. Buddhism does not take a destructive approach when it reaches another country or force the people there to adopt Buddhism by abandoning their own culture, it assimilates into it.
China has a long history with Buddhism and much of its philosophy has absorbed seamlessly into Chinese culture as well as with taoism and confucianism thus Buddhism still has a very strong hook and impression left deep inside China's culture, however that seed needs the correct conditions and times to grow. This is where Dorje Shugden comes into play as he has the powers and abilities to help.
As Chinese Buddhism is still recovering, Tibetan Buddhism is strong enough to lend a had due to the it having the lineage intact as well as a powerful protector such as Dorje Shugden to help and assist with Dharma related issues as well as repair the conscience and moralities of the Chinese so that they will once again be able to grow not just materially but spiritually as well.
I believe at this point onwards, the Chinese government is aware of this and this they have "created" their own Panchen Lama to lead the Tibetans spiritually first, then the rest of China. Under these circumstances, perhaps Panchen Lama would make sure that the tibetans no longer suffer, or that the Dalai Lama will return but no long pursue the Tibetan cause but rather focus on human rights and the Dharma.
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It is no surprise that the China will be the future Patron of Global Buddhism once again. Let us not forget and look back at history that Buddhism first reached China from India roughly 2,000 years ago, during the Han Dynasty. Then Buddhism from China slowly came down and spread all over Asia starting with Japan.
Buddhism in China: Major Schools
Four of the schools of Mahayana Buddhism that emerged in China:
In 402 CE the monk and teacher Hui-yuan (336-416) established the White Lotus Society at Mount Lushan in southeast China. This was the beginning of the Pure Land school of Buddhism. Pure Land eventually would become popular throughout large parts of Asia. Today it is the dominant form of Buddhism in Japan.
About the year 500, an Indian sage named Bodhidharma (ca. 470-543) arrived in China. At the Shaolin Monastery in what is now Henan Province, Bodhidharma founded the Ch'an school of Buddhism, better known in the West by its Japanese name, Zen.
Now this is an interesting part as Bodhidharma is also believed to be incarnation lineage of Manjushri and Dorje Shugden which we can see on page 19 onwards in Music Delighting an Ocean of Protectors written by Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang.
Tiantai emerged as a distinctive school through the teachings of Zhiyi (also spelled Chih-i, 538-597). Along with being a major school in its own right, Tiantai's emphasis on the Lotus Sutra influenced other schools of Buddhism.
Huayan (or Hua-Yen; Kegon in Japan) took shape under the guidance of its first three patriarchs: Tu-shun (557-640), Chih-yen (602-668) and Fa-tsang (or Fazang, 643-712). A large part of the teachings of this school were absorbed into Ch'an (Zen) during the T'ang Dynasty.
In a way this seems to have all been predicted of what is to becoming.
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China > Buddhism > Manjushri > Dorje Shugden... the connection and affinity is amazing!
Besides all the rich history and heritage of the how the roots of Buddhism began in China, we can also trace back historically, the Emperors of China especially of the Qing dynasty have promoted Tibetan Buddhism for the purpose of national unity and harmony. To that end, the Emperors established and cultivated a close relationship with Tibet, especially with the Dalai Lamas, Panchen Lamas and the Changkya Lamas (Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche’s previous incarnations) from the Gelugpa sect.
The Tibetans believe the emperors of China are emanations of Manjushri and it is no surprise that Dorje Shugden incarnated as the legendary Emperor Kangxi. It also continues to be a strong belief among the Tibetans that their own leader – the Dalai Lama – is an emanation of Chenrezig.
http://dorjeshugden.com/wp/?p=12715 (http://dorjeshugden.com/wp/?p=12715)
All the more I would rejoice if and when China become the fore front in bringing or reviving Buddhism back again and back to the world. I suppose at that time whatever "ban" there is would probably vanish in to thin air. Hence if Tibet was smart they should take heed and work with China not against if really cared about their people in China and wanted better welfare for them.
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Came across this article, it is old news 2.5 years back, but I am impressed. China is not only promoting Buddhism via highlighting Panchen Lama, they actually have laws and have been supporting monks financially! Do have a read below.
Tibetan Buddhists entitled to enjoy preferential policies by law
www.chinaview.cn (http://www.chinaview.cn)
BEIJING, Dec. 28 (Xinhuanet) -- Tenbei Nyicho, a 70-year-old Tibetan, has lived in the Tar Monastery for 50 years. Whenever talking about medical insurance, he always says: "Good."
Earlier this year, he was covered by the national cooperative medical service and is now offered a monthly living subsidy of 200 yuan (about 30 U.S. dollars) by the government.
"At the beginning of my religious life in the monastery, I lived on the food sent by my home. I was often afraid to starve for food shortage. Now, I don't have to worry about such a terrible thing any more. Moreover, I can get my medical bills reimbursed as well," Tenbei said, adding, "What tremendous changes have taken place in my life!"
The Tar Monastery in Huangzhong County is one of the major Tibetan lamaseries in northwest China's Qinghai Province, which has six of China's ten Tibetan autonomous prefectures.
The province, the home to 600 lamaseries and 40,000 Tibetan Buddhist monks and nuns, formulated the Regulations on Religious Affairs and the Ordinance of the Tibetan Buddhist Affairs, respectively, earlier this year.
The ordinance stipulates that governments at all levels shall include construction of infrastructure in the sites for Tibetan Buddhist events such as water, electricity, and roads, into the overall plan for urban and rural development.
Meanwhile, it also specifies that Tibetan Buddhist clerical staffs are entitled to enjoy the rights related to their religion and to social insurance as well.
"The legislation of the ordinance protects legal religious activities and enables Buddhist believers to enjoy the same preferential policies as ordinary people," said Zhang Jipei, a leading official of the Committee of Foreign Affairs Concerning Ethnic Overseas Chinese of the Qinghai Provincial People's Congress.
"In the past, monks were neither like workers nor farmers, who could have their medical charges reimbursed. We seemed to be marginalized. Before turning to religion, we had a source of income from farmland. After becoming monks, however, we even were afraid to go to hospital because we could not afford medicines," said Gyaincain Ngaten, executive deputy director of the Tar Monastery Management Committee.
"Monasteries have now been in the best period of their development. Policies are being perfected and the policy governing the freedom of religious belief has been implemented to the letter," Gyaincain added.
All monks including lamas in the Tar Monastery have been covered by the new rural cooperative medical care system.
Now, all monks have been covered by the new rural cooperative medical care system. They have to pay 20 yuan (2.9 U.S dollars) only monthly per person and can have 60 percent of their medical expenses reimbursed.
"Moreover, great changes have also taken place in monasteries these years. On my first arrival at the monastery 20 years ago, monks used braziers for heating in winter and later used coal stoves. Now, household electric appliances including refrigerators, electric heaters and TV sets are in wide use here. Some monks even have computers," said Tenzin, director of the Security Office of the monastery.
An overall plan for the protection of cultural relics in the Tar Monastery began to be implemented in early December, including rebuilding and renovation of dilapidated houses. Eight million yuan has arrived to enhance security and fire control.
In addition, the government has installed 350 satellite receivers for free and equipped modern facilities for the monastery's Tibetan hospital, library and home for the aged.
"Today, we use computers in our management and we will launch our website in the near future," said Tenbei Junni, 39, director of the monastery's management office.
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Another good news for the monasteries in Tibet. I wonder if it is really to benefit the rural monasteries or is it for easier control / access to these monasteries, 8)
Road construction benefits Tibetan monasteries
2012-07-08 10:56:00|by: Sophie Zhu|From: China Tibet Online
Tibet launched an infrastructure construction project to improve the traffic conditions for remote monasteries in late June, according to China Communications News, an industry journal of transportation.
A commencement ceremony was held in Serdochen Monastery in Shigatse Prefecture on June 21, initiating an infrastructure project planning to build 260.46 kilometers highroad for 120 isolated monasteries.
This project received a total investment of 160 million yuan, covering 18 counties and 72 townships in Shigatse Prefecture, and was expected to accomplish by the end of October 30, 2012, according to the source.
The authority of Shigatse planned to invest 173 million yuan for another road project in 2013, to construct 577.2 kilometers road for 109 monasteries by the end of that year.
The road project undertaken in Shigatse Prefecture, the second largest prefecture in southwest China's Tibet, was a part of the construction campaign to improve the traffic and living quality of monasteries, as well as benefit the religious practitioners and followers.
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China is now giving more and more attention to Buddhism as they grow. It seems that they are on their way to making Buddhism their patron religion and even moreso with the ascension of Xi Jinping who is a Tibetan Buddhist himself. They have been providing the monasteries with stipends and also is restoring them. They are also enforcing rules to reduce the occurrence of fake monks around and even built a giant conference center for Buddhists and they are even promoting Tibetan monks to go on tours and stuffs. China has really progressed in terms of being a Buddhist country.
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The first irony here is that Communist China tried to wipe the religion from existence and yet it is today the champion of the Dharma. Indeed nothing is permanent. However Mao's attempt to eradicate Buddhism claiming that it was poison, is a good lesson for everyone to note. In the end, although Communist China did not totally destroy religion, they definitely prohibited its growth until new leaders realized that they desperately Dharma as the antidote to a fast evolving society with decaying values. The benefits of Buddhism is not only spiritual but actually quite practical as well. There is no doubt that Dharma will spread riding on the shoulders of the most populous and global-economically influential nation in the world.
Incidentally, as the Chinese government promote Buddhism, special interest is being paid to the preservation and spread of Tibetan Buddhism. And in that way, the Chinese also help preserve the Tibetan culture, language and heritage as these are intricately linked with the Buddhist culture.
The second irony is that conversely, the Tibetan government, long thought of as guardians of the religion, is destroying it whether knowingly or otherwise, through heavily politicizing the Dharma. It is staggering to even consider that the government of the Dalai Lama banned one of the most holy and badly needed practices during this time. I wonder if the CTA is aware of how ridiculous all this is?
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It really is only natural that China assumes such a "position" in that she has the history behind to back her. The ancient Chinese civilization is after all, one of the world's earliest. And the sheer numbers of its population makes it integral as well because it forms the very foundations and backing of being a Patron.
I do not think it mere coincidence that China is who she is now... China has always been dubbed the Sleeping Dragon for the longest time. In the era of the Buddhist Renaissance it is only natural for this Sleeping Dragon to finally rise and rear its majestic head.
Therefore on that note alone, it is important that Dorje Shugden practice "infiltrates" China as this is where global Buddhism is and will spread forth from. Hence, with all the pieces at play in this meticulous chess game that, I feel, is manifesting as the ban, has this focus in mind... the ultimate bigger picture of spreading Dorje Shugden to the world via China. And to do so the foundations have to be set and the ban seems to be doing just that. Strange how everything seems to pan out as things unfold!
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We can safely say that the Dalai Lama's ban on Dorje Shugden has triggered an influx of interest in Buddhism in China and also amongst the Chinese officials. Perhaps, in the previous generation of officials who really hated the Dalai Lama and saw him as someone who wanted to split China, practicing Dorje Shugden was a way for them to express their hate against the Dalai Lama but then the seeds that were planted then are blooming now and China is fast adopting Buddhism as an unofficial state religion. They have realized that the only way to help manage the moral decay caused by the cultural revolution is Buddhism.
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China since the Cultural Revolution had almost eradicated buddhism and other religions from their land. But as China modernizes more and more, the Chinese have observed as in the case of FoxConn in China whereby no matter the money, the people and workers are still unhappy. Though people in general have made much progress in many fields in science and life can be said much easier but people's problems and issues remain the same the past 2600 years.
So for China to start to support Buddhism and spirituality is the step in the right direction. No matter how much material the country and the people have they still need spiritual nourishment. Being the patron of Buddhism the Chinese will hope they will have some say as to the manner and methods that Buddhism will spread into China. China is truly ripe and ready for Dorje Shugden.
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China needs Buddhism, and not just any type of Buddhism but one that is strong and fast. While they have improve materialistically, but they have not improved spiritually at all due to the cultural revolution and because of this many of the Chinese have lacked morality and humanistic qualities and they have forgotten how to care for others, be altruistic and spiritual and also lack something in their lives. This is where Dorje Shugden steps in to help satisfy and quench the greed of the Chinese people and from there slowly bring them to Buddhism (or swiftly, depending on what we will see soon). And there would not be any question of Dorje Shugdens' authenticity from that point forward.
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China has never changed her stand that Tibet is part of China, so it is quite correct that China can take the patronage of Global Buddhism.
Does China have hidden political agenda to this effort? Well, personally it is not a problem as long as Buddhism is lead by a upcoming world power, the benefit to sentient beings will be tremendous.