Beijing Eyes Tibetan Buddhist Resurgence

[Big Uncle]

This is a very interesting article because it shows that the Han Chinese are slowly turning more and more towards Buddhism. Many are disillusioned by the materialism of rapid economic growth and are seeking spirituality for answers. Therefore, this is indeed good news as there would be many who would discover Dorje Shugden in the process and develop greater faith in the 3 Jewels because of Dorje Shugden. I would imagine from there, many more would develop a deeper interest in Buddhism and its teachings. The Dorje Shugden ban along with great teachers like the Panchen Lama and later other Dorje Shugden High Lamas that would be accessible in China. They have placed themselves in the position to benefit millions in China.

Beijing Eyes Tibetan Buddhist Resurgence
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/08/beijing-tibetan-buddhist_n_1080890.html?utm_hp_ref=buddhism
First Posted: 11/ 8/2011 10:22 am Updated: 01/ 8/2012 4:12 am
By Calum MacLeod
USA Today

SERTHAR, China (RNS) Breathless but beaming, Sheng Zisu sounds confident after five months in a maze-like Buddhist encampment high on the eastern Tibetan plateau, nearly 400 miles from the nearest city.

"Look around. They could never find me here," Sheng, 27, said of parents so anxious about their only child's turn to Tibetan Buddhism that they have threatened to kidnap her.

Sheng is far from her home -- and from the bars where she used to drink and the ex-boyfriends she says cheated on her. She is here with 2,000 other Han Chinese at the Larung Gar Buddhist Institute in Serthar, Sichuan province, the rain-soaked mountainous region of southwest China.

The province is far from the central government in Beijing, and is also a traditional gateway to Tibet, where China's Communist Party has suppressed Buddhists, sometimes brutally, for decades.

Holy chants and red-robed devotees spill down hillsides blanketed by red wooden cabins, where monks, nuns and disciples spend hours in meditation. More than 2 miles above sea level, Larung Gar is among the largest Tibetan Buddhist academies in the world, with about 10,000 mostly Tibetan students.

The academy and its rising number of converts from China's dominant ethnic group, the Han Chinese, reflect a remarkable and quiet recovery for Buddhist teachings here. Along with a building boom of new or expanded Buddhist monasteries and teaching facilities in the Ganzi Tibetan autonomous prefecture, it amounts to a reversal of some of the damage from Chairman Mao Zedong's Cultural Revolution.

Mao's efforts to strip China of capitalism and religion resulted in the destruction of hundreds of Buddhist temples and the deaths of thousands of monks. Just a decade ago, the institute survived a crackdown in which Chinese officials ordered the partial destruction of its buildings.

Mao's vision has given way to a more capitalistic and seemingly more tolerant version of communism. But Buddhism's broadening popularity here is stoking tension between Buddhist monks who demand religious freedom and their longtime foe: Communist Party leadership 1,500 miles away.

In Ganzi and neighboring Aba Prefecture, 10 Tibetans -- monks, former monks and one nun -- have set themselves on fire since March, mostly in recent weeks. At least five have died from their protests for religious liberty, exile groups and China's state media Xinhua say.

Through acts of defiance -- from self-immolations to the destruction of Communist propaganda signs -- Ganzi Tibetans are showing resentment toward their Chinese overlords and loyalty to their exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.

Talks between the two sides in recent years have gone nowhere. The Dalai Lama, the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism, blames the recent deaths on Chinese officials' "ruthless policy, illogical policy." Beijing accuses "the Dalai Lama clique" of fanning the flames of protest.

"These self-immolations are caused by being oppressed and denied religious rights," said Dukthen Kyi, a researcher at the Tibetan Center for Human Rights and Democracy in Dharamsala, India.

In Ganzi, many people welcome the growing number of Chinese students but complain their own freedoms will be restricted as long as the Dalai Lama remains in India, his home since 1959.

"I am proud so many Han Chinese come to Serthar to study, as it will help relations between the Han and Tibetan peoples," said Tashi Dengzhu, a yak and sheep herder who lives south of Serthar.

But, "we want the Dalai Lama, our leader, to come home," said Dengzhu, 55. "I know it will be very difficult."

Chinese visitors frequently describe Tibetan Buddhism as purer than the Buddhism sporadically practiced by more than 100 million Chinese in cities and towns teeming with temptation. Just how many Han Chinese have converted to Tibetan Buddhism is a sensitive and unanswered question in China.

"Ethnic Han who wish to study Tibetan Buddhism in Tibetan areas are often denied permission for long-term study there," according to a U.S. State Department report on religious freedom, released in September.

"Tibetan Buddhism is more attractive than other religions because many Chinese think it's mysterious," suggests Xu Jun, an analyst at Sichuan University's Center for Tibetan Studies.

One reason: The faith offers psychological comfort amid China's rapid social and economic changes, Xu said. The pursuit of material wealth drives most of China, but businessman Ye Liping has opted out.

"I earned $25,000 a year, and I had a happy family, that's what all the world wants," recalled Ye, 40, from Guangzhou in steamy south China. Two years ago, Ye gave up everything -- his marketing job, apartment, car, wife and child -- for the monastic hardships of life at Larung Gar.

"I sometimes wonder what my daughter looks like now," Ye said, "but I have no regrets."

Han Chinese students have risen from 1,000 when she arrived seven years ago to over 2,000 today, said Yuan Yi, a shaven-headed nun from southeast Fujian province. But the senior Tibetan lama they follow, Khenpo So Dargye, refused to discuss the Chinese student body he heads.

Such caution reflects the academy's troubled past and ongoing vulnerability. Founded in what was an uninhabited Larung valley in 1980, the institute became so popular it attracted a large-scale government assault in 2001. Hundreds of homes were demolished and thousands of residents evicted, according to exile groups.

But don't expect Han converts to soften Beijing's hardline Tibet policy, cautioned Thubten Samphel, spokesman for the Tibetan government-in-exile. Their numbers are dwarfed by China's 1.3 billion population, and their motives are apolitical, he said.

"Through Buddhism, Chinese students will come to a better understanding of the values of Tibetan culture, and realize there is no innate sense of anti-Chineseness in Tibetan culture," Samphel said. "We hope and pray that the same attitude and understanding will be shown by the Chinese Communist Party."

(Calum MacLeod writes for USA Today. Sunny Yang Contributed to this report.)

[WisdomBeing]

As China gets more immersed in materialism, people will begin to find lack of satisfaction and peace of mind. As such, I would imagine that the trend towards Buddhism would naturally increase over time. Buddhism in China has historically fought for its position over Confucianism and Taoism. Buddhism came to China around 1st Century A.D. via the Silk Road and gained popularity via its acceptance by the Chinese Han Emperors. This led to the building of the first temple in China, called the White Horse Temple (Baima) http://www.sacred-destinations.com/china/white-horse-temple.htm in Luoyang, Henan Province, by Emperor Mingdi in A.D. 68.

Buddhism in China has increased and waned over time, “In China, in A.D. 842, the Tang Emperor Wuzong began to persecute foreign religions. Some 4,600 Buddhist monasteries were annihilated, priceless works of art were destroyed, and about 260,000 monks and nuns were forced to return to lay life. History repeated itself with the Chinese Communist Party's attempt to suppress Buddhism—most visibly in Tibet. According to the International Campaign for Tibet, since 1949 more than 6,000 Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, nunneries, and temples have been destroyed and at least 500,000 Tibetans have died from imprisonment, torture, famine, and war. But today Buddhism in China, like the lotus flower that emerges from mud, is resurfacing. With more than 100 million practitioners, it's one of the country's fastest growing religions.” - Perry Garfinkel, National Geographic, December 2005 http://ebookbrowse.com/buddha-rising-national-geographic-2005-pdf-d33767866

Since 1950s when Tibet was assimilated into China, Tibetan Buddhism was treated with caution by the Chinese communist party. Tibetan Buddhism was seen as synonymous with the Dalai Lama and to ensure a stable co-existence with Tibetans in the absence of the Dalai Lama, there was a strong clampdown on Tibetan monasteries. However, 50 years later, the government appears to be softening in its stance. Recently, China funded a dictionary on Tibetan Buddhism (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/forum/index.php?topic=2719.0) and also there has been interest in commercializing Buddhist sites when they looked into an IPO on a Buddhist mountain (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/forum/index.php?topic=2510.msg33931#msg33931)

China has also been funding the monasteries to make sure they have good infrastructure and of course, happy monastics will ensure civil stability, which is what China wants in the end. I’m not into politics of China vs Tibet etc but for me, the bottom line is that China is supportive of Dorje Shugden – most probably because of the Dalai Lama’s ban on this practice, which is why the Dalai Lama instituted it in the first place. May Dorje Shugden’s practice grow within China and without.

[jessicajameson]

It's really hopeful to read about how there is a resurgence of lay people seeking to become ordained in China. This is especially so when in other Buddhist countries, like Thailand, the monasteries are experiencing a decline in ordained monks and nuns.

This is a little contrary to what WisdomBeing says though, in that as China gets more immersed in materialism, people will more likely get sucked into the trappings of material delusions, rather than to shun away from it.

The majority of pre-Chinese invaded Tibetans experienced such hardships outside the walls of the monastery that becoming a monk was a better option.

I do feel that the Chinese gov, especially officials who are of power and influence, do put their fair share of effort into reconstructing monasteries and temples - but majority of Chinese people are not spiritually-inclined.

Having said that though, it is highly encouraging that both (Tibetan) Chinese men and women are doning on the robes and studying the Buddha Dharma

[Ensapa]

Up to this point, it is very clear that China is facing a situation caused by the cultural revolution: that their citizens are decaying from an ethical side. Most of them care only about money. Most of the Chinese people have lost their path in life and has ignored and forgotten what humanity is. It is also this that would drive some people to seek spirituality as their lives would feel empty at this point, and Tibetan Buddhism would give them answers that Chinese Buddhism cannot give them. Now imagine if most of the current monasteries in Tibet now are Gelug, and they are all Dorje Shugden practitioners..it would mean that Dorje Shugden's practice would spread all over China like wildfire as Dorje Shugden can give them the answers they seek and the solace.

[vajratruth]

China has also been funding the monasteries to make sure they have good infrastructure and of course, happy monastics will ensure civil stability, which is what China wants in the end. I’m not into politics of China vs Tibet etc but for me, the bottom line is that China is supportive of Dorje Shugden – most probably because of the Dalai Lama’s ban on this practice, which is why the Dalai Lama instituted it in the first place. May Dorje Shugden’s practice grow within China and without.

Whatever the initial motivations of the Chinese were, it is extremely good to see Buddhism growing via Chinese initiatives, and along with it the Dorje Shugden practice. It would also appear to me that there seems to be less emphasis on sects and therefore the traditional coupling of religion and politics is also absent. I'm particularly glad to hear about Han Chinese getting immersing themselves in Tibetan Buddhism and this can only foster greater understanding between the Chinese and Tibetans though common appreciation of the Dharma and the practice of tolerance and acceptance that go along with it. We call it Tibetan Buddhism but in fact the Dharma belongs to everyone.

Tibetans may have reasons to gripe about their loss of freedom to practice their religion previously but increasingly this seems to be a thing of the past. China's embrace of "Tibetan Buddhism" is clearly evident in them having recognized and preserved the traditions of the Panchen Lama and the Karmapa. I am quite certain that China will ultimately push to enthrone the 15th Dalai Lama at the right time. In fact China has already claimed that having possession of the Golden Urn gives them the ultimate right to recognize and enthrone the next spiritual leader of Buddhism based on the Tibetan tradition. When that happens, the transition of the status as guardians of Tibetan Buddhism would effective pass from Tibetan into Chinese hands.

The question is, where does that put the CTA, once the Dalai Lama passes into clear light. The one commodity of value that Tibetans have been associated with is Tibetan Buddhism and because they have been more focussed on political maneuvers than spiritual growth, they seem to have lost that grasp on Buddhist value. The Dorje Shugden ban has for sure been a great catalyst for the tremendous spread of the Dharma. Tibet's "loss" is the the world's gain.

[vajrastorm]

Though 2000 Han Chinese taking to Tibetan Buddhism seems infinitely small in comparison to 100 million Chinese in cities and towns practicing a 'watered-down' form of Buddhism as they frenetically pursue material wealth, yet it is heartening to note that there is this number of Chinese who have found psychological and spiritual comfort in what Tibetan Buddhism,as a pure form of Buddhism, has to offer.

Also heartening to note is that the Chinese government has adopted a more tolerant attitude towards Buddhism in general and Tibetan Buddhism in particular. There has been increased funding ,by the Chinese, of the restructuring and reconstruction of Tibetan Monasteries.

However,there seems to be traces of a lingering 'hostility' towards Tibetan Buddhism because of its association with the Dalai Lama. In this respect, Dorje Shugden, would be the most suitable catalyst to skillfully trigger official Chinese interest, and dispel whatever lingering hostility there may be, towards Tibetan Buddhism through the spread of His practice. As HH Dalai Lama has displayed overt hostility toward Dorje Shugden via his banning of Shugden practice, this should raise Chinese interest in Shugden and through Shugden, Chinese interest in Tibetan Buddhism would be fanned.   

[Ensapa]

Though 2000 Han Chinese taking to Tibetan Buddhism seems infinitely small in comparison to 100 million Chinese in cities and towns practicing a 'watered-down' form of Buddhism as they frenetically pursue material wealth, yet it is heartening to note that there is this number of Chinese who have found psychological and spiritual comfort in what Tibetan Buddhism,as a pure form of Buddhism, has to offer.

Also heartening to note is that the Chinese government has adopted a more tolerant attitude towards Buddhism in general and Tibetan Buddhism in particular. There has been increased funding ,by the Chinese, of the restructuring and reconstruction of Tibetan Monasteries.

However,there seems to be traces of a lingering 'hostility' towards Tibetan Buddhism because of its association with the Dalai Lama. In this respect, Dorje Shugden, would be the most suitable catalyst to skillfully trigger official Chinese interest, and dispel whatever lingering hostility there may be, towards Tibetan Buddhism through the spread of His practice. As HH Dalai Lama has displayed overt hostility toward Dorje Shugden via his banning of Shugden practice, this should raise Chinese interest in Shugden and through Shugden, Chinese interest in Tibetan Buddhism would be fanned.   

I wouldnt say that the Buddhism that the han chinese practice is considered watered down -- perhaps it is due to the aftereffects of the cultural revolution that has caused a complete void in the spiritual aspect of the han chinese, especially under communist rule. Time is needed before the han Chinese can redevelop their native Buddhism to reach the standards and levels of those in neighboring countries such as taiwan and singapore. many chinese are unable to understand why the Dalai Lama, as a monk, is dipping his hand into politics and trying to rip China apart. They already understand that monks are not supposed to be in politics and they should promote harmony. Dorje Shugden is the dream Dharma protector the Chinese can have: he grants protection and wealth, both inside and outside and he will be the most suitable Dharma protector of our time.

[brian]

This will mean one thing, Dorje Shugden practise can grow here in China. Especially with the population there is ever so huge and growing. It is going to be the best avenue for Dorje Shugden to grow there and i forsee Dorje Shugden can achieve global 'stardom' recognition in a very soon foreseeable future. This is ever so exciting and hopefully by then the ban can finally be lifted by CTA.

Do a favour to your own people CTA, lift the ban and stop harrassing your own people because they do not follow your ban order. Since Dalai Lama is no longer the political leader in CTA, why keep the ban? Do something favourable to your own people and make it happen, make them feel happy and set them free rather than keeping them caged. Then you are doing yourself a favour.

[Galen]

As more and more Han Chinese learn more and follow Tibetan Biddhism, there will be more and more people who will get to know about Dorje Shugden. Dorje Shugden is a Dharma Protector that is practiced widely in Tibet before the Dalai Lama imposed the ban of it's practice. However, the Chinese government does not support the Dalai Lama is heavily promoting the practice of Dorje Shugden. This can be seen literally as they are rebuilding Dorje Shugden monasteries all over China.

The Chinese citizens will follow what their Government supports. When they see that the Government is going that direction, they would too as they feel that they need more than chasing money.With China rising rapidly in economic powers, the citizens are hungry for solace and Buddhism being part of the Chinese culture and practiced by the Chinese Emperors centuries ago, it is the logical choice. Tibetan Buddhism being the school of Buddhism with no breakage in the lineage from Buddha himself, it seems to be the right choice for them to follow.

This is good news that more and more Chinese are opting for Tibetan Buddhism.

[DharmaSpace]

Governments and regimes around the world they have always targeted the intelligentsia, the people who can think and formulate ideas and opinions by themselves. As these governments and regimes cannot reach into peoples' mind or seek to control it, as if people are strong enough they may even exhibit to be following a particular view, but deep inside they are actually working against the very government who are trying to subdue or oppress them.

At the height of the cold war the East German intelligence forced people to turn against one another, hence everyone had to be mindful on their toes, if you were not then one late night someone might knock on your door and it isn't father christmas! So the mind and hearts are the battleground, and has always been the battlefield for spirituality vs worldly. There is no better or bigger field of this war than the hearts and minds of the Chinese Han in China, though India has a bigger growth in population than China, but China as predicted by many lamas in the past will be a super nation in the future surpassing the US.

Battlefield China here we come! China has very reason to be wary, even more waried of insurgencies that have spilled into arms, as the origin of that insurgency was an idea and a thought. Ideas and thoughts are a real threat to having absolute control over the minds and thoughts of the people in China. China will be watching closely.

[dsiluvu]

This will mean one thing, Dorje Shugden practise can grow here in China. Especially with the population there is ever so huge and growing. It is going to be the best avenue for Dorje Shugden to grow there and i forsee Dorje Shugden can achieve global 'stardom' recognition in a very soon foreseeable future. This is ever so exciting and hopefully by then the ban can finally be lifted by CTA.

Do a favour to your own people CTA, lift the ban and stop harrassing your own people because they do not follow your ban order. Since Dalai Lama is no longer the political leader in CTA, why keep the ban? Do something favourable to your own people and make it happen, make them feel happy and set them free rather than keeping them caged. Then you are doing yourself a favour.

Exactly my thoughts!
CTA had better just lift the ban and help some of your own people now before it is too late! With or without the ban you're just as good a being dissolved once HHDL passes and once all the high attained Shugden Lamas come to their prime age, it would your great lost. We can already see this happening as H.H. Trijang Rinpoche has started touring and teaching. 

Dorje Shugden practice will definitely be able to flourish here as we see more and more positive signs of China becoming more and more supportive of Tibetan Buddhism. Ler's not forget the Panchen Lama chosen by the Chinese is also growing up real fast and at soon we will see more of him. He would be the bridge between China's hard materialism and spirituality and also I think the one to help preserved the Tibetan culture and values as it integrates with the Chinese.

China Exclusive: Panchen Lama gives blessing to Tibetans
English.news.cn   2012-08-13 16:22:50                  
XIGAZE, Tibet, Aug. 13 (Xinhua) -- The 11th Panchen Lama Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu, a Tibetan Buddhism spiritual leader, blessed thousands of followers by conducting a head-touching in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region last week.

The Panchen Lama performed the ritual at Dechen Kelsang Potrang, his residence in the city of Xigaze, on Aug. 6 and 7.

Tashi, 81, came from Rinbung County and waited in line for four hours before meeting the lama.

After the Panchen Lama touched Tashi's head to give the blessing, Tashi could not hide his excitement.

"To see the Panchen Lama in person and receive his blessing made me so happy," Tashi said.

More than 13,000 people were blessed by the Buddhist leader, who has blessed over a million people since 1995, according to Salung Phunla, vice chairman of the Tibet Autonomous Regional Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

Many people had to wait like Tashi, moving slowly in a line that only continued to grow as the days dragged on.

Worshippers walked towards the Panchen Lama with their hands clasped and heads down, allowing the lama to perform the ritual.

"I am 71 years old. I was afraid that I would never meet the lama in person. Today, it is like a dream coming true for me," said Tobygye, who arrived at the site early in the morning.

The Panchen Lama previously visited the Tibet's regional capital of Lhasa in July, during which time he visited the revered Jokhang Temple, paid homage to Buddha statues and led a prayer service. He also visited the Tibet Buddhist Theological Institute, Tibetan homes and welfare institutions to meet with monks, common Tibetans and people with special needs, such as senior citizens and orphans.

In 1995, at the age of six, the 11th Panchen Lama was chosen as the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Erdeni in Jokhang through the traditional method of drawing lots from a golden urn.

He is now vice president of the Buddhist Association of China and a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the country's top political advisory body.

Source: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2012-08/13/c_131782326.htm

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[Ensapa]

That's such an awesome picture of the Panchen Lama! Who says there is religious prosecution in China? I have heard that the Panchen Lama is trained traditionally as he always has been in accordance with tradition and has even gone through a 3 year retreat. He also has to go through the Geshe examinations and he has passed the test. To me, that is a qualified Dharma teacher and that is being trained in accordance with what Tsongkhapa has recommended. If Gangchen Rinpoche and the 101 Ganden Trisur has visited him and exchanged blessings with him, it is a sign that he is the real Panchen Lama. China does have Emperor Qianlong's Golden Urn, which is probably blessed by his Guru, Chakya Rolpa Dorje himself so in other words, China CAN choose their own Lamas....well not the officials themselves anyway, but other High Lamas who are in China. So what has CTA got to say to this?

[Dondrup Shugden]

By now 2015, I think that the Chinese Government is actually in the process of regaining ownership of Buddhism as a culture of Chinese heritage.

Many new and modern temples have been build and also many old ones are restored.

With the change of policies by the Chinese government, the people have progressed with affluence and materialistic gains.  When the time comes that the stomachs are not longer hungry and the body is in good form, people look for spirituality.  So I think in a way the Han Chinese in reviving buddhism seem like a natural course.

[kelly]

As we read some of the latest post by DS.com China now start to sponsor more Lama to go abroad to teach so they are encouraging religion freedom they are more open to religion is actually a very good sign because like what Ensapa said the Chinese people really need religion because they have forgotten what humanity is all about, they are too materialistic. May DS teaching spread to more people in China.

[Dondrup Shugden]

Hi Kelly, read the latest post on DS.com on how China thinks that worshipping Dorje Shugden does not create problems but the Ban does.

Very interesting, please read.