Voice of Tibet Radio (Norway)
The transcribe of Voice of Tibet Radio on November 23, 2007
Broadcaster: This is Norway Voice of Tibet. We offer prostration to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the great protector, Nobel Laureate, and supreme leader of religion and politics of six millions Tibetans living in and outside Tibet, and extend Tashi Dele greeting to six millions Tibetan living in and outside Tibet.
Broadcaster: We were explained that no one would participate in the Winter Debating Session and the Examination of Gelug Tradition with Dholgyal (Dorje Shugden) followers. Our reporter Sonam Yangzom, based in South India, is going to explain you in detail about the news.
Yangzom: On November 22, 2007, Gen Lobsang Choedhar, the disciplinarian of Sera-Jay monastery known as Khenyeng Dratsang, and Gen. Thupten Choepal, the monk of Tsangpa house, convened a press conference. The campaign of collecting signature declaring that they never attend together with Dholgyal followers the Winter Debating Session, Gelug Examination and Great Prayer Festival was initiated on 17 of this very month. We were explained that three thousands monks from Sera-Jay monastery have consented to the signature campaign.
Disciplinarian: The gist of the signature collection is: we never take part in Gelug examination with Dholgyal followers; we never take part in Winter Debating Session with Dholgyal followers; and we never take part in Great Prayer festival with Dholgyal followers. Because, the abbots have convened in Sera Lachi in 1998. Tri Rinpoche was also present. It was already taken a decision in their present. The gist of that (the decision) is: we will relinquish relationship with those who didn't give up the worship of Dholgyal. An example was cited: there will be separation of water and separation of province. (it implies segregation in Tibetan saying) And differentiating between mouth and its beard. (Suggesting discrimination and segregation). We cut off the relationship completely. It was already resolved at that time. Even thought the decision was taken, no one was able to execute the decision up to now. As this is required to be executed, we took up the initiative. Probably, afraid of Dholgyal followers, no one could stand up. There is nothing to be afraid. The process of signature is a human right. They always voice that they need human rights and right of speech, and that they need religious freedom. The signature campaign conducted by our own monks is personal right. We do not act against law. We do not act against the constitution of the country. To appeal for signature collection is not against the constitution of the nation. Therefore, by this reason, I have decided to collect signature.
Broadcaster: Gen Thupten Choepel said that this very signature collection is not something newly created. This aims to execute the decisions taken by the abbots of Gelugpa tradition, and to achieve a part of instructions and intention of H.H. the Dalai Lama.
Choepel: The main point in our actual initiative: we say we will execute the resolutions passed regarding Dholgyal in Sera Lachi in 1998. It is the main point of the movement. This is not something new. If a problem arises from it, I will tell you where the problem comes from. This comes from the resolution passed on January 1, 1998. Apart from that, there is no other problem. Here is the instruction by the Dalai Lama. In the page number 4 (referring to his press release), reads: ...we aim to achieve a part of instructions relating to that by the Dalai Lama. In terms of religion and politics, it is shocking... There are many internal and external diseases which is detrimental to our religion and politics. This is a urgent matter, as the heard disease is most serious among the diseases. I think it becomes urgent in terms of Tibet cause and so on. The Dalai Lama......
