It is sad HH Dalai Lama has this special section to speak against Shugden on his official website. Bad image. Bad politics. Negative information that is unnecessary on a Nobel winner's offical site. Imagine any other leader that leaves a special section on their official websites speaking negatively about any spiritual practice. It just does not look good in this day and age. Perhaps the people behind the Dalai Lama's website (formerly known as TGIE) have the wrong attitude and that is why they still cannot win any autonomy for their lost country. The whole mindset of Tibetans/Govt must change. However they have been operating does not work obviously.
Especially sad that these articles and statements are coming from a person who has been a winner of the noble peace prize and globally recognised as someone who fights for freedom, peace, human rights. In this case, I am more inclined to think this is the work of the CTA (for it is said that the dalai lama himself doesn't use technology much). Why would any loving, democratic leader (spiritual or political) exclude anyone from his fold? It does not make any sense that any one of any faith, background, culture, or race are permitted to the Dalai Lama's teachings and public events, but not shugden practitioners. This is neither democratic nor fair, and certainly reflects very badly upon the Dalai Lama as a leader. Would people take him seriously, if they knew this is the kind of policy he endorses among his own community?
There's a letter on this point in the letters section of the website, which brings this up directly to the CTA. Many good points there, including how detrimental public articles like this are for both the secular and spiritual divisions of the Tibetan exiled community. I've repasted the letter below for your reference too. If you're moved by this, please also do your part to print out the letter, sign it and send it in to the CTA. All the relevant addresses are on this thread:
http://www.dorjeshugden.com/forum/index.php?topic=155.0 http://www.dorjeshugden.com/spread-the-word/write-a-letter/make-a-difference-letter-8/ Dear CTA
Over the last 50 years, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has almost singlehandedly made Buddhism grow throughout the world. He has been the face of Buddhism as well as the Tibetan struggle for Independence. He epitomizes harmony and world peace, and is recognized for this with the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize.
I would like to ask the CTA why such a Grand Buddhist Master has a page of hatred on his website against those who practice the Wisdom Buddha Dorje Shugden. And nobody in the CTA has presence of mind to see that this is detrimental to the worldwide reputation of His Holiness and Tibet. What would people think – that His Holiness the Dalai Lama who champions interfaith harmony, would ask Buddhist to turn on fellow Buddhist? Isn’t that hypocritical?? How can His Holiness the Dalai Lama who promotes love, compassion, justice, and forgiveness also promote hatred, division, and condemnation? Does the CTA see that this webpage which criticizes Dorje Shugden contradictory to the political and spiritual interests of the CTA and His Holiness?
Political because even though the Dalai Lama has retired as the political head of the then Tibetan-Government-in-Exile, His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the most publicly recognized representative of Tibetan autonomy if not independence. Even though Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay is now the elected head of the CTA, I am sorry to say, majority of people still think of His Holiness as the Head of Tibet. What would people think of His Holiness as someone who orders Tibetans to not share material and other resources with Dorje Shugden practitioners? To not serve them? To not grant travel papers to them? Isn’t that illogical?
On a spiritual level, His Holiness is a holy monk with vows and the supreme example of Guru Disciple relationship. What will people think of Buddhism and the Guru Disciple relationship if His Holiness can say his Gurus are wrong? New or nascent Buddhists will be confused by this situation and could be put off learning more about Buddhism. The image of Buddhism given by the anti-Dorje Shugden webpage on His Holiness’ website is so negative and contrary to real Buddhism that I believe that the CTA should ensure that the page is removed as soon as possible before more negative impact is made to the impression of Buddhism, His Holiness and Tibet in general.
Sincerely,
(YOUR NAME)
