Author Topic: China news mentioning Dorje Shugden  (Read 8759 times)

Mana

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China news mentioning Dorje Shugden
« on: February 16, 2011, 11:16:45 PM »
Dalai Cilque's 'democratic' lies

2010-06-07 16:47:00|by: |From: People's Daily

The Dalai clique has always trumpeted themselves as a "democratic" group.

When the 14th Dalai Lama was asked about the "next Dalai Lama" on May 13th, he said that was up to the Tibetan People. He claimed that there was a "democratic election" in the Tibetan Government in Exile. At the same time, the only "party" in the Dalai clique, the "Tibet Democratic Party", established by the notorious "Tibetan Youth Congress", announced a list of candidates for the 2011 election of its chief secretary. The "Tibet Democratic Party" also claimed that the election campaign fund would be raised by a "lucky draw", and the fund would be used for candidates to give speeches in every "Tibetans in exile" community.

When studying the "democratic election" in the Dalai clique, it was not hard to find that this "government" was "gold and jade on the outside, but rot and decay on the inside".

The real democratic governments were unreligious governments with equal voters. However, though claimed to be democratic, the "Tibetan Government in Exile" was a "government" that mires religion with politics. The "charter" of the Dalai Clique regulated that the Dalai Lama was the political and religious leader of the "Tibetan Government in Exile". Therefore, the "Tibetan Government in Exile" was manipulated by Dalai himself.

There were three major systems in the "Tibetan Government in Exile". They were "The Dalai Secretariat", "The former Tibetan local government" and "The Tibetan People's Assembly". "The Dalai Secretariat" was not only an important organization in support of the 14th Dalai Lama's political standing and international status, but also the core policy-making agency of the government in exile.

The chief secretary elected by the "democratic election" was just a puppet of the Dalai Lama. Jiangyang Nuobu, a Tibetan expert, once criticized: "The 'chief secretary' never freely expressed himself like other democratically elected leaders. He only made announcement after guessing the Dalai Lama's idea. Samdhong Rinpoche admitted himself that he executed the Dalai Lama's idea." Moreover, in the system of the "Tibetan Government in Exile", the "Tibetan monks in exile" enjoyed a privilege. Monks could vote twice in the election, as a result, the monks who supported the Dalai Lama controlled the key departments of the "Tibetan Government in Exile".

No democratic government would identify with witch-hunting and political assassination; however, these means were commonly seen in the Dalai Clique. Of all the witch-hunting and political assassinations that the Dalai Clique played, the witch-hunting of Dorje Shugden was just an example of international impact. The Dalai Clique resorted to every conceivable means to attack their political opponents. For example, a scholar who resided in Japan once criticized the Dalai Lama in his piece of work, and he was immediately revenged by pouring inks and spitting at his face. His daughter, who worked in the "Tibetan Government in Exile", was then kept as a hostage.

The foundation of any democratically elected government was mass voters with high passion of political participation and democratic consciousness. According to the Dalai Lama, his followers had lived in a "free world" for 50 years. Normally, his followers would be nurtured to be democratic, however, the Dalai Clique never taught his followers any kind of democratic consciousness.

Gaina Zishang, a Tibetan in exile, described that many Tibetans in exile did not understand democracy. If you told a Tibetan in exile to vote, he would ask, "Who would the Dalai Lama want me to vote for?" Samdhong also admitted that the Tibetans in exile accepted the so-called "democratic" regime only because of their great piety towards the Dalai Lama.

The voting rate was an important index for measuring whether a government was a democratically elected one or not. As for the "Tibetan Government in Exile", the voting rate was very low. In their 2006 election, the voting rate was only 26.8%. Considering the fact that a monk could have two votes, the actual voting rate would be even lower.

The year of 2011 was an election year for the Dalai Clique, however, based on the information available now, the voting rate would not be any higher. The "Tibet Democratic Party" had ambitiously chosen three candidates for the chief secretary election, and 45 candidates for the parliament election. However, one candidate for the chief secretary quitted the election, and only 21 out of 45 candidates agreed to run the parliament election. This bleak situation indicated that the 2011 election of the Dalai Clique would end in a catastrophe. In addition, the low voting rate showed that the Dalai Clique was everything but democratic, and it didn't enjoy a popular support among the Tibetans in exile.

Vajraprotector

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Re: China news mentioning Dorje Shugden
« Reply #1 on: February 17, 2011, 02:46:57 AM »
Thank you for sharing this article Mana.

I think the Tibetans are not politically mature for democracy, in which their devotion to His Holiness the Dalai Lama is that of one to a spiritual head/ God-like being, and not a head of state. If someone were to challenge Dalai Lama to be the head of state, I am sure they will be punished for treason, or murdered, or end up a laughing stock for the Tibetans hanging around water coolers.

Also, the hype or importance on Kalon Tripa election versus the parliamentary elections shows that the Tibetans do not really understand the concept parliament, focusing again on the Kalon Tripa as the "next person in charge" after the Dalai Lama.

Having said that, the parliament is not totally useless. In March 2004, the Tibetan Parliament, at the initiative of some parliamentarians, passed a private member’s resolution to review the Middle Way Approach if no positive Chinese response was received by March 2005. In September of the same year, the March 2004 resolution was voided by another group of parliamentarians introduced a resolution. The system of the parliament is in place and can be functional, but the mindset of the people who are not ready is the key.

Also, it is true that no democratic government would identify with witch-hunting and this is still happening with the Dorje Shugden issue. I am sure this issue would not be brought to the parliament to be debated as it is again an 'instruction' from the Dalai Lama which must be followed or it would be "bad karma".

Perhaps the democratic system can only function after the passing of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, which His Holiness has put in place so that the Tibetans won't be "lost" after he left.

Big Uncle

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Re: China news mentioning Dorje Shugden
« Reply #2 on: February 17, 2011, 04:18:04 AM »
Well, the Chinese state-controlled media are always on the look out for news on how bad the TGIE is running. Fortunate for them, there are many faults to pick on and the whole governmental system is archaic with just superficial appearance of democracy. The perfect example of this archaic system is the witch hunt of Shugden practitioners. Notice this, the Chinese media does not show any partiality towards Shugdenpas and has merely used it as a news-worthy pawn to further their own nationalistic cause towards bringing the TGIE down.

Well, I think that the Chinese don't really have to do much considering the bad publicity it is already receiving and the way they run the government. A mere label of democracy will do little to save the whole institution from crashing. What more, when the Dalai Lama truly retires or passes on, it will spell doom for its medieval witch hunts and segregations. If they truly want to save themselves and have a glimmer of hope for Tibet independence, it would be to go secular with their runnings and downplay the witch hunt. Stop giving the Chinese more news that justifies their occupation of Tibet. Show them that you can be as efficient and modern as the Chinese state...while preserving Buddhadharma and not suppressing it (ie Shugden practitioners) The TGIE even accept Bon (indigenous religion of Tibet) as an authentic lineage and practice! Why not Dorje Shugden practice? Time for a paradigm shift...

Helena

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Re: China news mentioning Dorje Shugden
« Reply #3 on: February 17, 2011, 07:34:08 AM »
Good points, Big Uncle.

China will use whatever as news-worthy pawns to make their message/points against the Dalai Lama heard, read, loud and clear.

Impartiality towards Shugdenpas may be the order of the day as long as it suits the Chinese's Bigger Picture. This is the nature of samsara and impermanence. No surprise here.

Hence, we do what we must do and can do to optimize our true mission and that is to bring Dharma to everyone via Dorje Shugden.

As long as Dorje Shugden is welcomed by China, then the doors will open for everything related to Dorje Shugden - from there, Dharma can be planted, grow and even flourish.

Love your term  - "Time for a paradigm shift"  :)

Helena

WisdomBeing

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Re: China news mentioning Dorje Shugden
« Reply #4 on: February 17, 2011, 08:39:36 AM »
Big Uncle and Helena - you're absolutely right about the Chinese media. Unfortunately for the TGIE, they don't realise that they are opening themselves for criticism with their lack of understanding about democracy.

The infamous yellow/red stick referendum carried out by the TGIE is one of the biggest mockeries of democracy. TGIE claimed that they practice democracy by letting the monks vote (for forum readers new to this, the monks were asked to pick the yellow stick if they were against Shugden practice or to choose the red stick if they wanted to continue Shugden practice). However, the vote was a public referendum, where there was tremendous pressure to vote against Shugden practice. This vote which was conducted under intimidation contradicts the vinaya and also caused schism in the Sangha. (Please see this article 'Dalai Lama’s Referendum Contradicts Vinaya' for a deeper analysis into this issue http://dorjeshugden.com/wp/?p=2197)

The TGIE is really making things easy for those who oppose them to criticise them. They should propitiate the great Wisdom Buddha Dorje Shugden to help them!
« Last Edit: February 17, 2011, 08:46:45 AM by DSFriend »
Kate Walker - a wannabe wisdom Being

beggar

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Re: China news mentioning Dorje Shugden
« Reply #5 on: February 18, 2011, 04:16:10 PM »
It is interesting how much is observed about the dependency of the TGIE on the Dalai Lama and how democracy is decided by only a very few in their so-called government. People may say that the Chinese are biased, or trying to brainwash their own people with propaganda, but this news article does highlight a lot of things that are in fact true - the witchhunting of Dorje Shugden practitioners for one.

This begs the question: what will happen to this government once the Dalai Lama has passed? And he has even hinted that there may not be another incarnation after this one (or if there is, it will be announced by the Chinese, not by the TGIE)... how will "democracy" be played out then and who will listen to the TGIE? It is clear that the Tibetans' allegiance is to the Dalai Lama because of their incredible faith and devotion to him as a spiritual leader - I am curious to know how much the average Tibetan really respects the TGIE, if at all. And how will they view this govt once the Dalai Lama passes?

DSFriend

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Re: China news mentioning Dorje Shugden
« Reply #6 on: February 18, 2011, 07:19:07 PM »
I simply cannot imagine how TGIE can operate as a democratic government successfully  :
1) TGIE has been operating by implementing the instructions of the Dalai Lama this whole time as the supreme god-head. How will they go about making decisions without a spiritual head telling them what to do.

2) What can TGIE do for the Tibetans? To them, the saviour is Dalai Lama. When the Dalai Lama is no longer around with Tibet still under the ruling of China, how will they have faith towards TGIE to save them, to save Tibet.

3) So much animosity has been generated towards China. If China recognize and announce the new Dalai Lama, will the people have faith.

Tibet is slipping away by the day...

beggar

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Re: China news mentioning Dorje Shugden
« Reply #7 on: February 21, 2011, 04:49:34 PM »
I simply cannot imagine how TGIE can operate as a democratic government successfully  :
1) TGIE has been operating by implementing the instructions of the Dalai Lama this whole time as the supreme god-head. How will they go about making decisions without a spiritual head telling them what to do.

I can't say much about the Dalai Lama - I do have faith in him. What is very disappointing is to see how his government (and therefore the people who are supposed to be closest to him) carry out his instructions with so little compassion or wisdom. Is that how they reflect their spiritual and political leader? It is political suicide.

Something helpful to look at in this neverending debate about Dalai Lama, TGIE etc:
Consider the results of each. Yes, there have been things we do not agree with, but the Dalai Lama has, without a doubt, played a prominent role in making Buddhism what it is in the world today, and bringing these teachings to all 10 directions. Even many of the greatest teachers we have all over the world today, began to teach in the West by the Dalai Lama's instructions and kindness.

What results do the TGIE have?

enough said!

DSFriend

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Re: China news mentioning Dorje Shugden
« Reply #8 on: February 22, 2011, 01:27:42 PM »

Perhaps the democratic system can only function after the passing of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, which His Holiness has put in place so that the Tibetans won't be "lost" after he left.

If it's left to the democratic system, logically,... there is a high chance the ban will be lifted. It will be extremely difficult to impose the ban with a democratic system and international pressure.

Vajraprotector

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Re: China news mentioning Dorje Shugden
« Reply #9 on: February 23, 2011, 03:37:57 PM »
A news to share re the Dalai lama and democracy. His Holiness does plan for Tibet to move on, but unfortunately the majority of the people are still not ready and looks like the TGIE is not doing much about carrying out this part of His Holiness' wishes for a better future of Tibet. Perhaps they are too busy with the witch hunt  ;D

What I find amazing is that knowing His Holiness' wishes to have the Tibetans more prepared for democracy and new head of state when Dalai Lama leaves, Samdhong Rinpoche brushes of the younger generation who wants a change (the future of Tibetan people) and said these people represent less than 10% of the voters. Looks like it's still the same old TGIE we know  8)

"His Holiness believes that the Tibetans have become lazy under the old political system," said Samdhong Rinpoche, wearing a saffron-colored monk’s habit and Birkenstock sandals. Candidates for the ministerial offices were previously suggested to parliament by the Dalai Lama, and from 2001 on, from the prime minister. That has been the extent of Tibetan democracy.

Two minds about Dalai Lama's departure

The Dalai Lama now wants that to end. Sitting in a plain office set up for the Tibet Initiative in Berlin, Samdhong Rinpoche explained, "he wants the Tibetan people to be more active in forming their government." He and the Dalai Lama are already old, over 70. But the Dalai Lama's plans for democracy are posing a "dilemma" for him and his people, he admitted.

No matter how popular the Dalai Lama is internationally, the Tibetans still have very little power. Hollywood stars line up for photo ops with the charismatic Nobel laureate and heads of states give him one award after the other for his spiritual leadership. The Dalai Lama is Tibet's face and thus its problem as well.

"When the Dalai Lama leaves his office, who knows how it will change our diplomatic relations," Samdhong Rinpoche said quietly and pensively. Politicians from the West will more than likely not want to be seen with representatives of the exile Tibetan government for fear of provoking China.

Until now, the Chinese leaders have always held their symbolic talks with representatives of the 14th Dalai Lama. Nervously tapping his hand on the arm of his chair, Samdhong Rinpoche said, "he wants to help his people get used to a future without him, as long as he is still alive." On the one hand, Samdhong Rinpoche wants the Dalai Lama to stay, like the majority of Tibetans. On the other hand, he supports his plans for the future.

New leadership, new policy?

The change might just come easier for Tibetan voters than the monks think; the primary elections have shown that the majority is in favor of Lobsang Sangay as the next prime minister. He is not a monk and has not fled from Tibet. He teaches law at Harvard and has so far not been regarded as a political heavyweight among the Tibetan diaspora. On March 20, he will be up against former PM Tenzin N. Thethong and former foreign secretary, Tashi Wangdi.

While debates have in the past flared up with regards to the policies of the Tibetan government, this question is not playing a role in this election campaign; the "Middle Way", in which Tibet seeks more autonomy within China, is regarded as the Tibetan government’s unanimously accepted approach.

But more and more, younger generations have been calling for a change of policy. They are tired of talks going nowhere, of the systematic suppression of the Tibetan people and they are frustrated and tired of the Chinese government’s obstinacy. But Samdhong Rinpoche just shrugged, saying, "they represent less than ten percent of our voters. We will not change our policies for a small minority. If there are new policies, the 44-seat parliament will decide on them."

For Samdhong Rinpoche, this tour around the world is also his last trip as PM, now that his term is over and cannot be extended. He has decided to take his future after March 20 as it comes. If he could do what he wanted, he would go back to his home monastery in Kham, where he has not returned since 1959 and where he used to sit under the trees and meditate as a young man. He said, "they are wonderful and they are still standing."

From: http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,6447461,00.html

DSFriend

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Re: China news mentioning Dorje Shugden
« Reply #10 on: February 23, 2011, 05:04:46 PM »

"When the Dalai Lama leaves his office, who knows how it will change our diplomatic relations," Samdhong Rinpoche said quietly and pensively. Politicians from the West will more than likely not want to be seen with representatives of the exile Tibetan government for fear of provoking China.


Dear Vajraprotector
Thanks for sharing this article.

This is a valid concern...The Dalai Lama has been very skillful in bringing Tibetan Buddhism to the international world by being the icon of peace for Buddhism, and in away segregated himself fro the TGIE though he's the head. Pretty amazing! This, we must feel grateful to the Dalai Lama as whoelse could have done this for the spread of Dharma.

As far as the fate and success of TGIE when Dalai Lama is no longer around,...well,... bleak!

kurava

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Re: China news mentioning Dorje Shugden
« Reply #11 on: February 26, 2011, 02:52:23 AM »

I think the Tibetans are not politically mature for democracy, in which their devotion to His Holiness the Dalai Lama is that of one to a spiritual head/ God-like being, and not a head of state. If someone were to challenge Dalai Lama to be the head of state, I am sure they will be punished for treason, or murdered, or end up a laughing stock for the Tibetans hanging around water coolers.


I agree with V'protector.

In an ideal situation,  democracy can only happen provided -

1) the society has achieved a minimum living standard
2) the masses need to be well educated on how to exercise this powerful tool of voting right with full knowledge of the weaknesses and strengths of each contesting party who supposedly implement the policy of complete transparency.
3) separation of spiritual from secular.

Not many nations in the world that can satisfy the above criterias, not to mention TGIE.

However, if DL were to reduce his influence on TGIE by giving Tibetans the opportunity to think independently on their own, respecting individuals' freedom of spiritual practices it would be a big step towards DL's wish that Tibetans take charge of their future when he passes on.

Yes, DL has done a lot for Buddhism. H.H has brought the message of Buddhism to the world at large.

Wouldn't he be able to do a much better job in spreading the dharma if he were to let go of secular issues completely to the Government?

Isn't " letting go" one of Buddhist's most commonly heard teachings ?


Gabby Potter

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Re: China news mentioning Dorje Shugden
« Reply #12 on: April 18, 2015, 03:28:55 PM »
Look at it from the bright side, Dorje Shudgen is quite highly demanded by the China and imagine the amount of people they have in China, Dorje Shugden's practise is going to grow and spread.

Matibhadra

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Re: China news mentioning Dorje Shugden
« Reply #13 on: April 19, 2015, 04:25:29 PM »
Quote
Look at it from the bright side, Dorje Shudgen is quite highly demanded by the China and imagine the amount of people they have in China, Dorje Shugden's practise is going to grow and spread.

A witch-hunt is “bright” to you, and the witch-hunter “holy”, because you are cynical and unscrupulous enough to rejoice on the suffering of others as long as there is some propagandistic gain to your religious brand.