New Monastery for Dorje Shugden Tulkus, Geshes, Masters, monks and practitoners!

[mountains]

Perhaps a Monastery should be built for all Rinpoches, Tulkus, Geshes and Monks somewhere outside of India/Nepal/Tibet, that can house them who have been expelled from their respective Monasteries. In time this Monastery would grow in number. It would be powerful as there are so many Dorje Shugden followers within their ranks. And in this Monastery, they just need an authentic oracle that can take trance of Dorje Shugden and they would be set. Imagine a Monastery that houses all the Masters and Monks that practice Dorje Shugden. They can teach, establish other centres, offer empowerments, practice, print publications in freedom and in peace without the interference of the Tibetan Government in Exile. Without getting into politics of Tibet and China. Simply practicing and preserving a pure lineage. H.H. Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche can be invited to offer Dorje Shugden empowerments  as a yearly event at this Monastery!!!!!!!!! Can we make this dream come true??It seems likely that Dorje Shugden's practice will be evaporated from Tibet but become large in China and the world. Just like in the past when Buddhism disappeared from India, it's birthplace and took root in the nearby Asian countries. In the end, where Dorje Shugden's practice abides doesnt matter, as long as it exists to benefit many. 

Let's share this idea around and pray to make it happen. At least there is a central Monastery of the Lineage of Gelug that includes Dorje Shugden as their central protector. Kyabje Pabongka said that Dorje Shugden should be the central dharma Protector of the Gelug Lineage in the new world order of degenerate kaliyuga. Post reply
 

[beggar]

Dear amazing mountains,
my heart exploded when i read your incredible message - YES YES YES!
Isn't this what all this surrealistic display of the past 11 years, cumulating now in South India, leads to?

It's funny - i come from Europe, from a Christian family. Nobody i know has anything against Christianity, and nobody i know takes the pope seriously, or has any fear of bad karma pointing out his ludicrous politics. That's because everybody knows the history of the Vatican - that it's existence is entirely dedicated to consolidate power; everybody knows the story of the crusades, inquisition, colonialism, and so forth. In short, how we have raped, pillaged and plundered the earth in the name of Jesus. Everybody i know knows that religion and politics are completely incompatible. Many a progressive, independently thinking priest has been excommunicated by the Catholic church; it has become somewhat of a compliment and they are not ostracized by society. In fact, one of the most outspoken critics and author of many books, Hans Kueng, is a highly respected speaker at many inter-religious conventions etc., and has NOT been ex-communicated.
 
"In the late 1960s Küng became the first major Roman Catholic theologian after the late 19th century Old Catholic Church schism to reject the doctrine of papal infallibility, in particular in his book Infallible? An Inquiry (1971). Consequently, on December 18, 1979, he was stripped of his license to teach as a Roman Catholic theologian but carried on teaching as a tenured professor of ecumenical theology at the University of Tübingen until his retirement (Emeritierung) in 1996. To this day he remains a persistent critic of papal authority, which he claims is man-made (and thus reversible) rather than instituted by God. He was not excommunicated and remains a Roman Catholic priest."

Shame on us! Shame on me! Why do i still feel like a heretic when my mind tosses and turns night and day thinking similar thoughts to these expressed by Mountains? Wasn't one of my strong reasons to take refuge in the Buddha Dharma Sangha some 20 years ago the open-minded clarity, the logic, the experiential, non-dogmatic approach? And the non-uptightness i saw in teachers and students?... Where has it all gone? Where has all this nightmarish swamp that surrounds us from all sides come from? The answer is: not from nowhere, and neither did it appear suddenly. It is just that the 'infallibilty principle' and power games and information politics surrounding it have kept the masses in the dark for so long, and even those with insight were scared of seeing what they saw, and of the consequences should they talk about it.

In the end, what are we afraid of really? Yes, so much precious work of our Lamas can be destroyed by being branded as traitors, but perhaps truly the time has come to contemplate Mountains suggestion with all its implications. After all, of whom is our precious lineage made in recent generations? If we mention the greatest masters with direct relationship with Dorje Shugden -
       
       Kyabjes
       Dakpo Dorje Chang
       Pabongkha Dorje Chang
       Trijang Dorje Chang
       Zong Dorje Chang

and all those trained by them. These are indisputably the most influential and important realized masters of the Gelug tradition. To say it once and for all - to disparage them is to wipe out the Gelugpa lineage, snap - just like that.

If we look at our Dharmapala's lineage since the existence of the Gelug we have -

       Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen
       Panchen Sonam Drakpa
       Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen

who are indisputably most highly realized and influential Gelug masters, most intimately connected to Je Tsongkhapa and his teachings and tradition.

How fortunate and enviable we are in truth!

I feel like dropping whatever i do and go to work at the factory to sponsor bricks for this new monastery, i really do. Like this my old bones would have done something with a bright future instead of sitting here, shivering in the shadows of dark centuries...

All ideas of how and where such a vision could manifest - please bring them on!!

yours, beggar

[Bodpa Lhakpa]

Can be a good idea when there is only one Budhism school exist.

[a friend]

Dearest Beggar and Mountains,

May be there is no need to go and build right away one monastery. There are places where misplaced, expelled, persecuted monks of our lineage could go. I don't imagine Gonsar Rinpoche refusing anybody in Switzerland, for instance. May be even Geshe Kelsang Gyatso would take them in if they requested. In Tibet itself there are places where the pure practice is blooming.

One problem is that borders are more and more closed nowadays and one way or another, Dharamsala will try to oppose the movement of these people out of India.

Besides, Tibetans are still very much attached to their traditions, and their "mother monastery" is something very important to them. Would they all go to a single place regardless of their monastery of origin? I'm sure many wouldn't.

I think these things are going to be solved but not in the immediate future, or rather, yes, starting right now but gradually. There is hope, but the shape of the future is uncertain. Uncertain doesn't mean bad, just unknown.


Now, is there something that can be done to help the Southern India monks right now? Like try to convince the Indian government that it should not allow actions that directly go against the Indian constitution? This would help a lot, but still, the power of the press bewitched by HHDL is another great obstacle. What do you think?

[beggar]

Zawa Tulku feels the same, and provides very interesting details pertaining to the legal aspect of this whole shuffle which, according to Indian law, is clearly illegal.
i found this on Sumati Arya's website -

IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR POLITICS AND DHARMA TO WORK TOGETHER

We would like to thank everyone who has shown support for the Dorje Shugden practice to become free from politics. In this way we may carry Lama Tsongkhapa's teachings so that many people may continue to deepen their understanding. And as a result, all living beings would benefit. But for us to continue the pure work of this lineage, we need to continue to pursue the goal of separating Dharma practice from politics.
  We also wish for the Dorje Shugden Society and its supporters to continue to work without obstacles, as they formulate many good ideas to deal with this issue. May the meetings of Dorje Shugden supporters throughout the world be successful.
  Now we can build a new monastery. If we are waiting for the Dalai Lama and the Government of Tibet in Exile to change their mind, we are wasting time. Since 1996, they keep saying that maybe something will change, and we keep hoping they well ease up. For more than 10 years now, we are hoping for different news, for the ban to be lifted, to give us the freedom to practice. So we lost 10 years waiting for them to change.
  If we let more years go by, we are losing time as our practice continues to be in danger. We have lost some great Masters and individual teachers. Also, we have had many problems with reincarnate Lamas.. Not to mention the problems created within the monasteries, causing a schism both among the various monasteries, and within each monastery. Now is the time to recognize this situation clearly. This is our fault, we do not need to wait for them to change their mind; we do not need permission to practice Dharma freely. As long as we wait for them to change their mind, we will not achieve our goal to practice Je Tsongkhapa's lineage purely, and to rely on  Dorje Shugden the way our Masters taught us.
  It is impossible for politics and Dharma to work together. In Dharma we would carry a pure lineage, but politics is a very different path, mixed with worldly goals. Therefore, we must develop a new system, build a new monastery. Our lineage Lamas and root Gurus support us on this decision. Thus we could build a monastery that would work in the exact same manner as our current monasteries, with halls for study, debate, meditation practice, and with retreat facilities; but most importantly it would be a place to receive Dharma teachings.
We would manage all the affairs of the monastery. For instance, all the process with reincarnate Lamas would be free from politics. The new relationships between Guru and students would not be tainted with politcal goals. Also, if new members came from Tibet, they would arrive into an environment that dedicates itself solely to Dharma, without dealing with political issues. This monastery would remain from generation to generation so that teachers may continue to pass on this wisdom lineage to new students, both ordained and lay. If we set this up, it would be good for the new monks and other practitioners to study and continue to train purely.
In the past, when great masters such as Pabongka Rinpoche and Trijang Dorjechang would give a teaching, the students would engage their mind only in Dharma practice. Now, for young practitioners, with this situation caused by the Dalai Lama, more and more people are confused by his political remarks. Dharma teachings become dirty as they are getting mixed with politics. Therefore, it would be good for everyone if we separated. It would also be beneficial for those who follow the Dalai Lama, since they would not be hindered by this confusing situation of having Dharma mixed with politics. This separation would be good for them and for us, for everyone.
We do not need to discuss this issue again and again, generation after generation. Now is the time to change this situation. We can create a new monastery, which would be registered with the Government of India. In this way, our practice may continue to grow without obstacles. However, if the Tibetan government in exile brings up this issue again, trying to suppress our religious freedom, we could use legal means to stand on our ground.. We would have a stronger presence as a legal entity. This would give us stronger proof and power to pacify the situation. In short, we could use legal means without being mixed with politics. If we had trouble like this again, we could appeal to the Indian Government and the United Nations. Thus, others can say whatever they want about Dorje Shugden practice, but if they try to oppress our practice, then we would be prepared to deal with this in a legal manner.
Since, we are touching up on the importance of legal protection. Take note that what the Dalai Lama is doing is unconstitutional, he is violating our rights to practice religion freely.. According to the Tibetan law, the Indian law, and the International law, we have a right to religious freedom. Below, we quote these constitutions.
GOVERNMENT OF TIBET IN EXILE - Constitution
Adopted by the Assembly of Tibetan People's Deputies: 14 June 1991 }
{ Official Title: Charter of the Tibetans In-Exile }
http://www.tibet.com/Govt/charter.html
 
Originally we found the constitution in the website of the ICL (International Constitutional Law - (http://servat.unibe.ch/icl/t100000_.html) --which could also be useful to explore, as a reference for understanding the mechanism of international law. But to drive our point here, below are the paragraphs relating to our issue at hand.
 
Chapter II - Article 10 - Religious Freedom .
All religious denominations are equal before the law. Every Tibetan shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. These religious rights include the freedom to manifest one's belief, to receive initiation into religious traditions, practice with matters relating to religious commitment, such as preaching and worship of any religion, either alone or in community with others.
 
The following article is particularly important as it relates to the law of India ("local law of the host country") and the international law established by the United Nations.
 Chapter I - Article 6 - Recognition of International and Local Law -
All laws, ordinances, regulations, administrative and executive orders of the Tibetan Administration in-exile shall endeavor to conform to the generally accepted principles of international law as specified by the United Nations, and in particular comply with the local laws of the host countries.
  GOVERNMENT OF INDIA -  Constitution
Adopted on: 26 Jan 1950
http://www.unesco..org/most/rr2nat.htm
Also, we looked up what the government of India states about freedom of religion. The UNESCO has some helpful links, this was found under "Countries with Constitutional Provisions Related to Religious Rights". The paragraphs pertaining to religious freedom are articles 15, 25 and 26, as stated below. In addition, we quote the preamble as it talks about liberty--freedom of faith.
Preamble 
WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens: 
JUSTICE, social, economic and political; 
LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; 
EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation; 
IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION.
Article 15 Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth 
(1) The State shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them. 
(2) No citizen shall, on ground only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them, be subject to any disability, liability, restriction or condition with regard to - 
(a) access to shops, public restaurants, hotels and places of public entertainment; or 
(b) the use of wells, tanks, bathing ghats, roads and places of public resort maintained whole or partly out of State funds or dedicated to the use of general public.
Article 25 Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion 
(1) Subject to public order, morality and health and to the other provisions of this Part, all persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practice and propagate religion. 
(2) Nothing in this article shall affect the operation of any existing law or prevent the State from making any law - 
(a) regulating or restricting any economic, financial, political or other secular activity which may be associated with religious practice; 
(b) providing for social welfare and reform or the throwing open of Hindu religious institutions of a public character to all classes and sections of Hindus. 
Explanation I: The wearing and carrying of kirpans shall be deemed to be included in the profession of the Sikh religion. 
Explanation II: In sub-Clause (b) of clause (2), the reference to Hindus shall be construed as including a reference to persons professing the Sikh, Jaina or Buddhist religion, and the reference to Hindu religious institutions shall be construed accordingly.
Article 26 Freedom to manage religious affairs 
Subject to public order, morality and health, every religious denomination or any section thereof shall have the right - 
(a) to establish and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes; 
(b) to manage its own affairs in matters of religion; 
(c) to own and acquire movable and immovable property; and 
(d) to administer such property in accordance with law.
UNITED NATIONS  - International Law
{ Official Title: Universal Declaration of Human Rights }
Adopted and proclaimed by General Assembly [of the United Nations] resolution 217 A (III) of 10 December 1948
http://www.un.org/Overview/rights.html
 
Article 18.
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.
In short, as can be seen by these relevant constitutions, the Dalai Lama is indeed breaking the law. If we create a new monastery, as a legal entity, we would be legally protected. In particular, we could call upon the Government of India and the United Nations to enforce the law, so that no one may impinge upon our right to engage in any religious practice freely.
As a separate note, we did some research on what it means to pass a referendum, since the Dalai Lama spoke of it recently, and we mentioned it in previous correspondence. According to the constitution of the Government of India in Exile, Article 56 is quoted below. The Assembly presents it, and the people vote, as follows:
Article 56 Referendum
His Holiness the Dalai Lama may, in pursuant to clause (a) of Article 55 of this Charter, on any legislation, bill or proposal passed and presented to H.H. the Dalai Lama by the Tibetan Assembly, call a for referendum. Such referendum shall become law if a majority vote by the Tibetan people is obtained and His Holiness the Dalai Lama assents to its enactment within 14 working days from the election result.
We quote this, so that we may be better informed. For instance, here we can see that if the majority voted to not speak of this issue again, then it would become law. However, due to previous propaganda, the Dalai Lama has done a quite a job in influencing the public opinion in a negative manner towards this issue. Thus, we might as well forget about the referendum, and move forward with the decision to separate now.
It cannot be emphasized strongly enough, if we stop wasting time, and separate once and for all, then we can also give future generations the freedom to practice Dharma without politics. The confusion created by politicians that we see at this time, would not be an issue at all. Thus future practitioners would enjoy the purity of Je Tsongkhapa's lineage, free from politics.
Another project to consider would be to document all the teachings on Dorje Shugden, so that all the texts and historical records would be gathered into a book. This can be helpful as proof of its pure lineage, as well as a way to maintain the records of the issue that has arisen in the last 20 years. For instance, the documentation of how the issue evolved from 1996 until now can show the letters and descriptions of what happened. In this manner, we may keep a historical book for the future.
It is as if the prayers of future lineage holders have ripened this obstacle for us. So that we make the effort to keep the lineage purely by creating a new monastery, with a system that protects the purity of Je Tsongkhapa's Dharma. May we carry this lineage forward, free from the worldly concerns of politics.
Finally, we all pray together for our negativity and the obstacles to practice Je Tsongkhapa's lineage to be purified, so that there may be benefit for all living beings. Also if some part of these suggestions do not bring benefit, then please forget about them. However, a note to every practitioner that would benefit from any of these ideas, please contact the Dorje Shugden Society directly to let them know of your support.
Zawa Tulku Rinpoche
16/01/2008

[gyalpo]

The Dalai Lama declares war on Shugden and his adherents

Since his visit to the Settlement of Mundgod this year, beginning on January 2nd, the Tibetan God-King, the 14th Dalai Lama, has donned his battle gear ready for a head-on confrontation with the Deity Dorje Shugden and his followers. Curiously, the scenario bears a striking resemblance to the Indian Puranic Tale of the Asura King Hiranyakashyipu and his drive to destroy the Deity Vishnu and his adherents – the ideal believer exemplified by his very own son Prahalad. The Tibetan Leader too, is ready with his lieutenants to weed out the final remnants of the adherents of the Tibetan Deity Dorje Shugden, from amongst the hapless Tibetans who he should – precisely speaking – protect and cherish with tolerance, if he is to be considered the undisputed spiritual and political Head of all Tibetans.

The urgency with which the Tibetan Leader ad his comrade-in-arms, the Prime Minister Samdhong Rinpoche, are pressing upon Monastic Authorities of the Three Great Seats, is evident from the speeches this month. ‘It is time to make a clear-cut decision’, says Samdhong. ‘Today, with strong emotion, I request all you Abbots, Lamas and monks who are present here : If I have the opportunity to visit here later, I hope it is clear that we don’t need to mention the name of Dholgyal, even in discussions’.  Skilfully ‘passing the buck’ to the Authorities, he reminds them of the resolutions they had passed, to ‘separate the moustache from the mouth’. ‘The Tibetan Government in Exile does not order you to meet this end, nor does the Dalai Lama. I remind you of what resolutions you…have passed, what rules you made and what discussion you have conducted’.

The Dalai Lama, in his oft-repeated addresses, has implied that Tibetans at large, both within the Refugee Settlements and inside China’s Tibet itself, are largely well principled and good natured, strictly abiding by his decree, his ban on Dorje Shugden. It is only a fringe of extremist followers of the evil Spirit Dholgyal (Dorje Shugden) who are supposed to be the epitome of all wickedness, if one were to believe the Dalai Lama. The Tibetan Prime Minister, Samdhong Rinpoche, now the ‘Holy Crusader’ for the God-King, is charged with one of the most important missions. He must dig the earth and scale the skies to find Shugden adherents in hiding. The reason he cites for doing so are that they are the most dangerous elements within Tibetan society. They are anarchists, politically motivated, the cause of disputes between Indians and Tibetans, the ultimate weapons for the Chinese against his Leader, and the worst obstruction to ‘the Tibetan Cause’.

Moreover, the Leader and his ‘Lieutenant’ have never, from the very beginning, forced anybody to abandon the worship and the spiritual practice of Dolgyal. According to them, this was unanimously decided by the Tibetan people, their Parliament, Regional Organisations and Monastic Institutions within India and Nepal, as well as some Tibetan Buddhist Organisations in Western Countries. In their understanding, they assert that Shugden followers lurking in the nooks and crannies of Tibetan society, are contaminating the Utopian community. But if, as the Dalai Lama says, the majority of Tibetans have become clean from the pollution of Shugden, then with his newly built force, rejuvenated, he should have been able to make enormous headway in achieving the ‘Tibetan Cause’, for a start!

Buddhist Teachings state that all experiences of happiness and suffering are a result of one’s own doings, and not the punishments or rewards of a Supreme Being. Yet the Dalai Lama, as a Buddhist of international repute, says to the Tibetans at large and to a fringe of zealous Western devotees, that all Tibetan woes originate from China and Shugden adherents. Furthermore, Buddha is said to have defeated the anathema of all evil - the equivalent of the Devil, the Devaputra Mara - on the night of his Enlightenment, through the force of his meditation on Loving Kindness. The Dalai Lama intends defeating Shugden – his Satan – on the contrary, by engaging in exorcisms, sanctioning the followers, ex-communicating them from the Tibetan Monasteries and unleashing his fanatical followers  to manhandle the adherents of the Deity.

All appearances, good or bad, Demon or Deity, pure or impure, are but reflections of the Mind and its states. All conventional phenomena only appear as truly existent – dependent on causes and conditions – but they do not exist inherently. So say the Sutras. For the Dalai Lama, Samdhong and party, the appearance of Shugden – even though a formless invisible Deity – is an inherently existing ‘bogey-man’, scaring them all out of their pyjamas! The Tantras, finally, teach the most profound method of transformation, the metamorphosis of the degenerate sphere of existence (Environment) and all its inhabitants (Living Beings) into the nature of the Deity and its Mandala. This sublime technique teaches the transformation of all that is impure, negative, evil and poisonous, into the nature of Enlightenment : all worldly Gods and evil Spirits are perceived in the nature of the Deity (Istadeva, skrt.) and offerings are made to them. The Dalai Lama, on the contrary, remodels Shugden into ‘the axis of all evil’ and pours indignation on him and all his hapless followers. Therefore it is of primary importance to understand here that the very Teachings and their purity (that the Dalai Lama and Samdhong swear by incessantly) are being destroyed by none other than themselves.

Politically speaking, from the very beginning, both have been amateurish politicians. We may ask ourselves where did they receive their education in political science? Can there ever be a juxtaposition between theocracy and democracy, or even a mix of the two? If so, we need to know what country is the exemplary model? Would it be Iran? This also brings forth the question of what could be the reason for the existence of a Theocracy within the world’s largest Democracy, with a secular constitution? Is the V.V.I.P. status and first category security provided for the Tibetan Leader  allowing him unobstructed freedom to do as he likes? The very existence of an alien government on Indian soil, with its high-profile use of politics and suppressive policies, could only be overlooked because of the influential international clout of the Dalai Lama.

The point here is this: people within the corridors of power in New Delhi, may have seen the hidden ‘agenda’ behind the escapades of the Tibetan Leader. But there are some misconceived notions and  assumptions that need clarification here. Prior to 1959, the Dalai Lama has never been ‘undisputed Leader of all Tibetans’ in the past. An unbiased study of History confirms this. He was not the Head of all Buddhist Traditions, nor was he Supreme Head of all the Gelugpas, following the tradition of Tsong Khapa. In the prevailing political climate prior to the 1960s, and thereon, fostered by the Cold War era and the Sino-Indian War in 1962, there was necessarily a sudden rise in the stature and prominence of the Dalai Lama which may not have been anticipated by the unsuspecting Indian Authorities. The ‘Tibetan Cause’ or its struggle for ‘Freedom’ gained dizzying heights because of the presentation of Tibet as ‘eternal Shangri-la’, an apocryphal Utopia! This myth also needs a Superman or a benevolent God of the Tibetans. And this is the beloved Dalai Lama – result of the myths because, as we know today, he loves us not!

Again, to claim that the Dalai Lama is undisputed political Head of all Tibetans, is preposterous. The majority of Tibetans live within China’s Tibet and the Exile community barely constitutes one fourth of this population.  If it is presumed that those within Tibet would love to be under the benevolent leadership of the God-King, but the brute force and suppressive policies of the Chinese make it impossible for them to speak their minds, then this could be said to be the same predicament as the Shugden followers are experiencing. However, according to an independent survey of a section of Tibetans in the T.A.R., by a National Geographic team, although some claimed not wanting to live under the Chinese rule but in the same breath they asserted that the Dalai Lama’s rule could never be an option.

In any case, the Dalai Lama should set an example, like Mahatma Gandhi or Martin Luther King, and be in the forefront of the ‘Tibetan struggle’, which he isn’t. He firstly stands for Independence and then makes a volta face ;  he claims to create a democratic society but functions as an autocrat. Besides, regardless of his political ‘gaffes’, the sole reason why he is seen as the enduring figure of political leadership is obvious – the spiritual aura means that he is a Tibetan Messiah or the equivalent of the God Rama, the Avatar born to redeem Tibetans from China’s clutches! Well, the Chinese have just decided that the remote control of his and all other Avatars, will be handled by them. What can he do, except hop from one Western country to another, making claims to the Press about four different possibilities for selecting his own successor – unheard-of in all the annals of History of the Dalai Lamas – or even claiming to come back as a female! Now, in all good spirits, if we want to sound politically ‘correct’ and suggest that the Chinese are making ‘evil designs’ to dabble in religious matters, we have to say also that the Dalai Lama is no Saint either, in these matters. He has not only invented pseudo incarnates by the dozen, but has also contributed to the creation of duplicates such as the well known cases of Karmapas and Panchens.

Spiritually speaking, the Dalai Lama himself entertains Oracles  of various deities who, strictly speaking, may also fit into his definition of ‘Spirits’. All his spiritual or political decisions are made in consultation with the Oracle of the Spirit of Nechung. The Oracle of this spirit, according to him, gave him the warning of apocalyptic times to come, should the worship of Shugden continue. From his own speeches and from the written material he has circulated, it is clear that regardless of the presence of his two Enlightened sagely Tutors in the past, he went forth on an investigation spree to discover all the superstitious beliefs and bad talk against the Deity Dorje Shugden, amongst non-Gelugpa antagonists to Shugden. All this ‘gossip’ and myth suddenly became ‘Tibetan History’. The famed savant Phabongkha Rinpoche, Master to both the two Tutors and to Gelugpas at large, suddenly became a ‘biased exclusivist’ with ‘sectarian’ stains of hatred against non-Gelugpas, delirious when able to destroy the sacred images of Padmasambhava (founder of the Nyingmapa Tradition).

When speaking of the superiority of the role of a Guru, the Dalai Lama and his Tibet fans painstakingly tell the World how the Fifth Dalai Lama was never subservient to the Chinese Emperor who hosted him. Their argument is that the Emperor became his disciple and, as in Mahayana Buddhist lore, the Guru is always supreme. Yet today’s Dalai Lama – a sovereign without a kingdom – knows more than his Gurus. The Dalai Lama discovered after ‘twenty years of painstaking research’ that Shugden was ‘bad’ and Phabongkha ‘sectarian’. We presume that his Gurus will have said : ‘Thankyou, Your Holiness, for proving that we are all stagnated and old fashioned imbeciles. How very wonderful! We do hope that you are successful in your mission to make acolytes smarter than their Masters – then all Gurus and Teachers can have a holiday!’

To teach and to expect that all Tibetans will follow him in all his spiritual and political dictates, leaving no room for query, like sheep and goats, is what the Dalai Lama intends. His Gurus  and all Lineage Masters (Parampara Guru, skrt.) were wrong – he alone is 100% right. Do all these unwarranted actions of the Dalai Lama show him to be the altruistic, democratic, peace-loving and tolerant Leader of the masses? To enforce his ban on the Tibetans, the Dalai Lama and his Administration have engaged in ‘loyalty’ campaigns, ex-communication of Shugden followers, and sanctions – encouraging mass apartheid against them. It is well known that people from within Dharamsala – the base of the Tibetan Leadership – were forced to oblige. His ‘spiritual’ aura and his own position as Guru, is being dangled over the heads of Tibetans like the ‘sword of Damocles’. If  they do speak out their minds, they become accused of being ‘Chinese agents’ and if they are brave enough to continue they will become pariahs within Tibetan society, outcasts and enemies of the ‘Tibetan Cause’ and the Dalai Lama.

This is not the first tirade – but definitely the widest known – of the Dalai Lama in waging war against his own people – the very same Tibetans that he should be lovingly accommodating regardless of their beliefs. With his life-long adversaries, the Chinese, he shrewdly delivers his diplomatic love/hate statements, but towards the very Tibetans who forsook everything to follow his leadership (like the Chushi Gangtuk Guerilla Party), he has declared outright war. When Tibetans, tired of his double standards and politicking, looked for fresh pastures elsewhere, he instigated other Tibetans to subject them to humiliations. Prior to 1997, whether seeking an alternative leadership to his own, or citizenship in India, or merely travelling to Taiwan (R.O.C.), any Tibetan attempting such was immediately branded a traitor and enemy of the Dalai Lama. Today, the Dalai Lama’s own Representative and ex-bodyguard, Phurbu Sithar, claiming persecution at the hands of Shugden followers, has obtained political asylum in America, with the help of false documents.

Today, the tirades against Shugden followers stemming from within Mundgod, are mainly about their suspected or imagined connections with the Chinese. The crux is this : should they persist with Shugden practice, then it is clear that they are Chinese spies and agents, polluters of the saintly Tibetan community (supposedly an angelic society before Dorje Shugden came into its midst). If they are under the divine government of the Dalai Lama, they must cease with Shugden now, or suffer the consequences. Even if it looks as if the majority of the Tibetans are with the Dalai Lama in his campaigns, does that mean that the minority (Shugden followers) should be made sacrificial sheep to appease an unsophisticated majority? Is ‘Majority at all costs’ the definition of Democracy?

Is the Dalai Lama indirectly delivering a ‘salvo’ to the Chinese – in his ‘do or die’ campaign – by telling the Tibetan masses in the Settlements that Shugden stalwarts are on the payroll of the Chinese, that they make odd bed-fellows, that they are very fond of each other etc.etc. If the Lama was shrewd enough, he could have caught the attention of the Chinese and made some progress in his so-called ‘negotiations’. By the way, how do Shugden stalwarts become traitors to their country? Lama Gangchen is an Italian citizen and worked with the U.N.O. and many other religious organisations, besides heading progress and welfare schemes in Tibet. Gonsar Rinpoche is an erudite Lama of integrity – a Swiss citizen – known for his pure conduct, kind nature and respect for the Dalai Lama. I was born an Indian, will die as one, and love my country and the Chinese, the land of origin of my foster father. I do not see any contradiction in this – our adversaries may see it otherwise. We are given to understand that the Dalai Lama is a man of Peace and Dialogue and his approach to China has been one of reconciliation and compromise. Why, then, are he and Samdhong indiscriminately engaging in ‘China bashing’ and ‘China phobia’ at this stage? Is this what they mean by their ‘Middle Path’?. I’m afraid I find it difficult to understand the juvenile tendencies of these two comedians!

Although one might be tempted to say that these ridiculous affairs happening under Indian jurisdiction, call for Indian Authorities to say something to the Dalai Lama and his Ministers, I believe that it is also time that China herself says something to the same effect, if not directly to the God-King, at least to the Indian Authorities concerned. The Tibetan Shugden followers here in India – including the Dalai Lama and his party - could all be considered overseas Chinese. It is only a matter of time before those Tibetans who talk of ‘genuine autonomy’ will accept themselves as being part of the Chinese family, regardless of how long they engage in politicking. If Nationalist Tibetans feel that violent confrontation with the Chinese is their chosen path, then this is their own volition. The Dalai Lama and his brigadiers are dilly-dallying between the two. When they claim to have chosen a peaceful approach, they are definitely taking people for a ride. When it comes to a struggle for Independence, there are many of the Tibetan youth who believe in the ‘do or die’ formula, so the Dalai Lama is not on the forefront, but well hidden behind his multifarious camouflages. The Dalai Lama and his henchmen only believe in targeting and waging a war internally amongst Tibetans in Exile. He has made it obvious that the objective is to exterminate Shugden and followers.

The sacred task and agenda of the Dalai Lama, if completed successfully amongst the Tibetans in Exile, may eventually give him the clout to be able to implement it in Tibet. The reason for the urgency is well known – the Tibetan Cause and the Dalai Lama’s well-being. The ‘Tibetan Cause’ is a political agenda and it is said that the Dalai Lama has attempted to implant that in Tibet through his agents, for years. It would be naïve to assume that the recent drive is only meant for those Tibetans coming under the jurisdiction of the Exiled Government, so that they may all live purely and happily ever after!

Recently, the mad rush that has come into the Dalai Lama’s and Samdhong Rinpoche’s statements, seems to have been prompted by a warning issued from the External Affairs Ministry of India. Probably flabbergasted by the Indian intervention, they brought out a new trick from their hats. There is talk now of a referendum amongst Tibetans. The Dalai Lama was heard to say that ‘if 60% of people amongst the Tibetans prefer Shugden, then we have nothing more to say’. But we know that through his manifold deceptions he has brought 75% of Tibetans under his wing. This should be the last time that the Dalai Lama and Samdhong, two ‘desperadoes’, try to hoodwink democratic India’s Authorities!

Kundeling Rimpoche,
Mysore, 12.01.’08

[Alexis]

Dear Beggar,

I would like to add a small distinction to this discussion concerning how 'IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR POLITICS AND DHARMA TO WORK TOGETHER'.

Remember Trijang Dorjechang worked tirelessly for the Ganden Podrang. Did he mix Dharma and politics? Did he engage in 'politics' at all? When the Lineage Lamas tell us not to mix our practice with politics, they mean it in a broader sense. They mean not mixing Dharma with the eight worldly concerns (fame, wealth, comfort, praise, etc.) which are the roots of politics as we know it.

So let us understand the Lineage Lamas's advice properly and shoot the right bird (if I may say so).

'IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR POLITICS AND DHARMA TO WORK TOGETHER' means a lot more than just 'political politics'. It includes temple politics, lama politics, student relations politics as well as concern for fame, wealth, comfort, praise, etc. Our practice should not be mixed with these. Any body that's been around for some time in Dharma centers has probably 'witnessed all the bickering, bashing, broken bonds, bruised egos, Bodhisattvas and boogie-men; the whole dreamed-up drama that goes on and on' as one lama put it.

The advice of not mixing Dharma with politics also includes these as well as 'political politics' because they are all packed with the eight worldly concerns.

We should not forget this when we say ''IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR POLITICS AND DHARMA TO WORK TOGETHER'

Just my two cents' worth..........

[richard]

Dear Begger,
ABOUT: "IT IS IMPOSSIPLE FOR POLITICS AND DHARMA TO WORK TOGETHER"
This verse has many different meaning per ones capacity of understanding and sure these degenerate time it is very hard to distinction like this matter, as myself poor and simple practitioner, i think this is the right and very benefit subjects for these days.
what do you think my dear?   

[beggar]

Dear Gusto,
i'm sure the meanings of not mixing Dharma and politics are infinite...
and so are the tricks of the eight worldy concerns...
May our aspiration and efforts to become and remain free of them be infinite too!
For me, Alexis' commentary is plentiful and sufficient.
yours, beggar

[Dondrup Shugden]

Just came across this post written 7 years ago in 2008. It makes me tear that it is not happening yet.

Let us do this and make it happen.