Where is Lama Yeshe?

[DharmaDefender]

Well FPMT, got something to tell us? Why is the photo of a Shugden lama on your altar? Why are you taking refuge in a spirit worshipper? Why are you taking refuge in a non-Buddhist since, according to the Dalai Lama, he broke his refuge vows by relying on a spirit?

Why did you abandon your root guru for the Dalai Lama? Have things gone well for you since? Why doesnt your root gurus incarnation want to associate with you or direct your organisation? Maybe because youve gone way off course and if you didnt keep up his practices once he was gone, he knows your not going to listen to anything he says so might as well NOT lead such a hypocritical lot?

So many questions, so few answers...

In 1975, Lama Yeshe established the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (or FPMT in short). Today, it has grown to become one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist organisations in the world, with 165 Dharma centres, projects and social services. Since Lama Yeshe’s passing in 1984, his student Lama Zopa assume the position of the organisation’s spiritual director.

The above is the official history of the FPMT organisation that they make public. What many may not be aware of however, is the true story behind FPMT’s success. That is, up until the day he entered clear light, their founder Lama Yeshe strongly relied on Dorje Shugden for his organisation’s growth and success.

The ban on Dorje Shugden came about in 1996. Having entered clear light in 1984, Lama Yeshe therefore never swore out from Dorje Shugden practice, as so many other monks and lamas were forced to do. Given Lama Yeshe never gave up his Shugden practice and entered clear light as a Shugden lama, it is confusing why FPMT continues to place Lama Yeshe’s photos on their altars when they have so clearly announced their anti-Shugden stance.

What is FPMT’s real stance on the matter? Are they anti-Shugden simply for material and reputational gain resulting from their alliance with the ‘correct’ side, the Dalai Lama’s side? Or are they secretly continuing to practice Shugden, as demonstrated by their ongoing reliance on and veneration of a Shugden lama?

Continue reading... http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/features/where-is-lama-yeshe/

[lotus1]

I am puzzled. FPMT has been very firm in banning Dorje Shugden and do not let any of the centre that associate with them to practice Dorje Shugden. It is even clearly stated in their policies that “FPMT teachers and key staff should not attend teachings by teachers who are known Shugden practitioners.”

If they are so firm about that, why do they still have Lama Yeshe’s picture in their centers? Why do they still regard Lama Yeshe as their teacher since Lama Yeshe is Shugden practitioners? Are they still practicing is secretly?

http://fpmt.org/teachers/zopa/advice/shugden/

[fruven]

It is a very logical article. What's the motivation of having Dorje Shugden lama in the center while on the other hand one condemn the practice? This is just hypocrite. As the article suggested if one wants to ride oneself to be 'pure' of Shugden influence then anything, the teaching materials, the statues, thangka, and so on must be removed. However this is not the case. FPMT still relies on the teachings from their guru, Lama Yeshe, but at the same the protector practice is not good? They think their guru is right on the teachings but wrong on the practice?

[Dondrup Shugden]

Lama Yeshe has reincarnated as Lama Osel and he is around but unassociated with FPMT in a direct sense.  There is information that he would attend some events of FPMT but not living in the FPMT organisation.

The picture of Lama Yeshe at the altar and that Lama Yeshe entered clear light before any restriction and ban was imposed as such it is logical to deduce that Lama Yeshe until the end was a Shugden Lama.

Namo Guru Beh, what does that mean to the FPMT members when they denounce the worship of Dorje Shugden, does that mean that whatever FPMT stands for is not real as it is from Lama Yeshe the founder of FPMT.

Does being on the right side of the rich and famous mean to forsake your root guru, positive karma? It is incredibly unimaginable in the Gelup tradition to have broken samaya with your Gurus.

[yontenjamyang]

I think Lama Zopa has not broken his samaya. From the outside, it may seems so because of FPMT banning the Protector's practice according the Dalai Lama's wishes, but from the inside, we can't be sure. I believe, Lama Zopa has  strong Guru Devotion and the photo of Lama Yeshe in their centers proof it. Respect to the Guru form the basis of Guru Devotion. One can disagree with Guru and seek his blessing for this "disagreement" but more importantly, if the situation is such that many more will benefit, the Gurus will give their blessings. In these case, we are talking about 2 high Lamas. Hence, the workings of their minds may be beyond our comprehension.
On our side, we just need to respect all traditions and especially our Gurus.

[dondrup]

According to Buddha Vajradhara, there will be no attainment from broken samaya with one’s guru! One wonders how the FPMT practitioners will ever gain attainments from their practices? The broken samayas with Lama Yeshe was a serious transgression which if not repaired does not augur well with the future of FPMT.  How are the FPMT practitioners ever going to receive the blessings of their lineage masters for whatever practices they do in FPMT?
 
It was a huge price to pay for FPMT to want to look politically correct by supporting the ban on Dorje Shugden. FPMT practitioners had set a dangerous precedence for the future where any member of FPMT could simply act in defiance of their teachers and not be loyal and devoted to them! This will jeopardize the succession of leaders in FPMT and its future growth!
 
On the other hand, how could Lama Zopa Rinpoche abandon Dorje Shugden practice? It was Dorje Shugden who had recognised Lama Zopa Rinpoche!  Lama Zopa Rinpoche is known for his compassion for all beings and devotion to his guru Lama Yeshe.  It is not possible that he would break his samaya with Lama Yeshe! Lama Zopa Rinpoche may appear to support the ban on Dorje Shudgen, but like many other Shugden lamas, he is still practising Dorje Shugden secretly! 

[kelly]

As a Dharma practitioner we should criticise something that we are not sure high lama like Lama Zopa outwardly it seem that he has break his samaya with his guru but inwardly we do not know so is good like we do not command so much or even talk negatively about their centre be harmony with each others is what we practice if we want world peace.