Is the wind shifting with His Holiness's speech?

[dsnowlion]

Still no sight or sound of President Lobsang Sangay in this 3-day teaching by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala. Hmmm wonder where he is? And HHDL is amazingly healthy and vibrant looking. No signs of him slowing down at 84.

In this teaching His Holiness fantastically stresses on the message of love and compassion. Saying that all of those religious traditions also conveys the same message of tolerance, patience, contentment, and self-discipline etc >>> Does this include Dorje Shugden practitioners?
 
His Holiness also admitted that the need for different religious traditions in someway is necessary because of the existing different circumstances and conditions that humans live in which has nurtured and characterised different interests and nature of the beings. >>> Your Holiness do you mean like Dorje Shugden practice?

His Holiness mentioned that even Buddha himself implored the same in view that within Buddhisms also exists the different school of thoughts meant for the followers of different pre mental dispositions. >>> Oh is His Holiness inferring on Dorje Shugden practitioners? Buddha took upon himself to teach all his followers without any bias. >>> True, hence there shouldn't be any bias towards Shugdenpas, right? Can they attend this 3 day non-tantric Dharma teaching on the Four Noble Truths?

Is His Holiness slowly changing his tune and message that all (including DS people) should be accepted and loved? Seems like the wind is shifting.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama begins three-day teachings for Asian Buddhists in Dharamshala

Dharamshala: His Holiness the Dalai Lama begins three-day teachings in Dharmashala on the Four Noble Truths and their Sixteen Characteristics, the Thirty-Seven Factors of Enlightenment as well as Nagarjuna’s “Commentary on Bodhichitta as requested by a group from Asia at Tsuglagkhang, Main Temple.

His Holiness on his arrival warmly greeted the devotees gathered at the courtyard as he proceeded towards his seat on the throne while ‘Heart Sutra’ was being chanted until it subsided once His Holiness settled down on the throne.

His Holiness in his preliminary remarks illustrated that Buddhism in the South East Asian country has somewhat become a traditional religion as he acknowledged the keenness and interests of the devotees who have been coming to attend the teachings for some time now. His Holiness then thanked the organisers and began deliberating on the discourse of dharma.

To the followers and practitioners of Buddhism, His Holiness asserted that the world constitutes of many different religious traditions and each religious tradition differ from each other in their philosophical views, however, His Holiness noted that the comprehensive array of all the religious traditions are connected by a single overarching message which His Holiness said was the message of love and compassion. Similarly, all of those religious traditions also conveys the same message of tolerance, patience, contentment, and self-discipline etc said His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

His Holiness further asserted that love should be promoted as the very power of love and affection has helped nurtured and sustained the living beings on earth when the world first came into being.

“For the survival of us human beings, of course, love and affection are very important as we were nurtured and raised by the same love and care from our mothers”, said His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Then there are different philosophical views noted His Holiness, behind those who obligates the need for love and compassion, however, their pursuit remains the same which is to enhance and empower love and compassion.

Having said that, His Holiness also admitted that the need for different religious traditions in someway is necessary because of the existing different circumstances and conditions that humans live in which has nurtured and characterised different interests and nature of the beings. His Holiness mentioned that even Buddha himself implored the same in view that within Buddhisms also exists the different school of thoughts meant for the followers of different pre mental dispositions. Buddha took upon himself to teach all his followers without any bias.

Speaking on different religious traditions preaching the message of love and compassion, His Holiness acknowledged and admitted that practitioners of Christianity so far have been the most engaged and proactive ones when it comes to serving the welfare of humanity. His Holiness commented that the different religious traditions are like different medicines needed to treat different illnesses therefore, there is no such thing as the best religion. To the practitioners of different religions, His Holiness advised to promote religious harmony as opposed to simply promoting the religion.

The first day of His Holiness’s teaching was attended by more than 5000 devotees from 67 countries. Beginning tomorrow, His Holiness will accord detail teachings on Four Noble Truths and their Sixteen Characteristics, the Thirty-Seven Factors of Enlightenment as well as Nagarjuna’s “Commentary on Bodhichitta. The translation of the teaching is available in English and other European and Asian languages. The three-day teachings will conclude on 6 September 2019.

Source: https://tibet.net/2019/09/his-holiness-the-dalai-lama-begins-three-day-teachings-in-dharamshala/

[Tracy]

Still no sight or sound of President Lobsang Sangay in this 3-day teaching by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala. Hmmm wonder where he is? And HHDL is amazingly healthy and vibrant looking. No signs of him slowing down at 84.

In this teaching His Holiness fantastically stresses on the message of love and compassion. Saying that all of those religious traditions also conveys the same message of tolerance, patience, contentment, and self-discipline etc >>> Does this include Dorje Shugden practitioners?
 
His Holiness also admitted that the need for different religious traditions in someway is necessary because of the existing different circumstances and conditions that humans live in which has nurtured and characterised different interests and nature of the beings. >>> Your Holiness do you mean like Dorje Shugden practice?

His Holiness mentioned that even Buddha himself implored the same in view that within Buddhisms also exists the different school of thoughts meant for the followers of different pre mental dispositions. >>> Oh is His Holiness inferring on Dorje Shugden practitioners? Buddha took upon himself to teach all his followers without any bias. >>> True, hence there shouldn't be any bias towards Shugdenpas, right? Can they attend this 3 day non-tantric Dharma teaching on the Four Noble Truths?

Is His Holiness slowly changing his tune and message that all (including DS people) should be accepted and loved? Seems like the wind is shifting.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama begins three-day teachings for Asian Buddhists in Dharamshala

Dharamshala: His Holiness the Dalai Lama begins three-day teachings in Dharmashala on the Four Noble Truths and their Sixteen Characteristics, the Thirty-Seven Factors of Enlightenment as well as Nagarjuna’s “Commentary on Bodhichitta as requested by a group from Asia at Tsuglagkhang, Main Temple.

His Holiness on his arrival warmly greeted the devotees gathered at the courtyard as he proceeded towards his seat on the throne while ‘Heart Sutra’ was being chanted until it subsided once His Holiness settled down on the throne.

His Holiness in his preliminary remarks illustrated that Buddhism in the South East Asian country has somewhat become a traditional religion as he acknowledged the keenness and interests of the devotees who have been coming to attend the teachings for some time now. His Holiness then thanked the organisers and began deliberating on the discourse of dharma.

To the followers and practitioners of Buddhism, His Holiness asserted that the world constitutes of many different religious traditions and each religious tradition differ from each other in their philosophical views, however, His Holiness noted that the comprehensive array of all the religious traditions are connected by a single overarching message which His Holiness said was the message of love and compassion. Similarly, all of those religious traditions also conveys the same message of tolerance, patience, contentment, and self-discipline etc said His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

His Holiness further asserted that love should be promoted as the very power of love and affection has helped nurtured and sustained the living beings on earth when the world first came into being.

“For the survival of us human beings, of course, love and affection are very important as we were nurtured and raised by the same love and care from our mothers”, said His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Then there are different philosophical views noted His Holiness, behind those who obligates the need for love and compassion, however, their pursuit remains the same which is to enhance and empower love and compassion.

Having said that, His Holiness also admitted that the need for different religious traditions in someway is necessary because of the existing different circumstances and conditions that humans live in which has nurtured and characterised different interests and nature of the beings. His Holiness mentioned that even Buddha himself implored the same in view that within Buddhisms also exists the different school of thoughts meant for the followers of different pre mental dispositions. Buddha took upon himself to teach all his followers without any bias.

Speaking on different religious traditions preaching the message of love and compassion, His Holiness acknowledged and admitted that practitioners of Christianity so far have been the most engaged and proactive ones when it comes to serving the welfare of humanity. His Holiness commented that the different religious traditions are like different medicines needed to treat different illnesses therefore, there is no such thing as the best religion. To the practitioners of different religions, His Holiness advised to promote religious harmony as opposed to simply promoting the religion.

The first day of His Holiness’s teaching was attended by more than 5000 devotees from 67 countries. Beginning tomorrow, His Holiness will accord detail teachings on Four Noble Truths and their Sixteen Characteristics, the Thirty-Seven Factors of Enlightenment as well as Nagarjuna’s “Commentary on Bodhichitta. The translation of the teaching is available in English and other European and Asian languages. The three-day teachings will conclude on 6 September 2019.

Source: https://tibet.net/2019/09/his-holiness-the-dalai-lama-begins-three-day-teachings-in-dharamshala/

His Holiness the Dalai Lama has changed his tune on a few things lately.

1. Panchen Lama
The Dalai Lama is now saying the Chinese Panchen Lama is legitimate. He used the example of a high lama in Tibet who has several emanations after he passed away. He said The Chinese Panchen Lama has received teachings from very qualified teacher and he is doing a good job.

2. Dorje Shugden
He has made a few statements to say it is ok for people who still wants to practice Dorje Shugden. He has also hinted that we should allow people to believe what they want and be accepting of the differences.

3. China
He said China has done a good job in Tibet. Tibetans in Tibet are more prosperous and Tibetans overseas should consider going back to Tibet.

Perhaps the Dalai Lama just wants to go back to Tibet to retire?

[dsnowlion]

On the September 6th, yesterday, was the last day of HH the Dalai Lama's three-day teachings in Dharamshala and surprisingly, just when we thought he is no longer talking about Dorje Shugden, he brought it up again! 

His Holiness mentioned that critical thinking and reasoning are the bedrocks in the pursuit of Buddhist teachings. He said that the Buddha himself encouraged this analytical attitude and advocated reason over blind faith.
“As disciples, you should critically analyse the teachings of the teacher,” His Holiness said, asking the devotees to acknowledge that even the most highly realised teachers commit mistakes, sometimes due to a higher purpose or else. You are absolutely correct Your Holiness, which means, you too can make mistakes for a HIGHER PURPOSE?

HH goes on to praise Pabongkha Rinpoche as a highly realised teacher, the supreme holder of the Lamrim (Stages of the Path) and Lo Jong (Mind Training) traditions BUT he made a mistake with Dorje Shugden apparently. HH said, “What really concerns me is the sectarianism and divisiveness associated with this practice.”  What sectarianism and divisiveness? Only sectarianism and division was when Your Holiness announced that Dorje Shugden is bad and people should stop of monks thrown out!?! What ever happened to acceptance, tolerance, mutual respect and living in harmony with one another despite the differences in faith? It went out the window when it comes to Shugdenpas, right?

HH went on to say, “The Great Fifth Dalai Lama had described Dolgyal as a perfidious spirit who rose out of distorted prayers. In the declaration in his autobiography, the Great Fifth Dalai Lama wrote:
“Because of the clever manipulations of Lak Ahgyal of Gekhasa,
the false reincarnation of Tulku Sonam Geleg Palzang (Tulku Dakpa Gyaltsen) was successful (in being recognised as the reincarnation).

But because of distorted prayers, he became a perfidious spirit and brought serious harm to sentient beings.”

This is the latest update on HH stance against Dorje Shugden but it has toned down tremendously compared to the past. The fact that he mentioned that even highly attained masters can make a mistake sure opens up the door for himself to be analysed and criticised too and an obvious sign that there is much to do for Dorje Shugden practitioners all around the world to spread Dorje Shugden even more and to clear up all misconceptions.

Critical thinking and inquiry are the bedrocks of Buddhist practice: His Holiness the Dalai Lama concludes dharma discourse

Dharamshala: A three-day discourse on the Four Noble Truths and their Sixteen Characteristics, the Thirty-Seven Factors of Enlightenment, Nagarjuna’s ‘Commentary on Bodhichitta’ and Je Tsongkhapa’s Three Principal Aspects of Path concluded today in the premises of Tsuglagkhang, attended by almost 7000 devotees.

The devotees from over 38 Asian countries had collectively requested the teaching from the Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Thousands flew across the continent to receive the instructions in person.
Having explained the fundamental teachings of Buddha, including the Four Noble Truths, the texts of Nagarjuna and Je Tsongkhapa, His Holiness mainly emphasised that critical thinking and reasoning are the bedrocks in the pursuit of Buddhist teachings.

He observed that the Buddha himself encouraged this analytical attitude and advocated reason over blind faith.
“As disciples, you should critically analyse the teachings of the teacher,” His Holiness said, asking the devotees to acknowledge that even the most highly realised teachers commit mistakes, sometimes due to a higher purpose or else.

“Quite frankly, Phabongkha Rinpoche was a highly realised who had disciples such as Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche and Khangsar Dorje Chang.” Phabongkha Rinpoche was a renowned Gelug master of 20th century whom His Holiness had described as the supreme holder of the Lamrim (Stages of the Path) and Lo Jong (Mind Training) traditions.

“But, with regard to Dolgyal he seems to have made mistakes,” His Holiness said regrettably. “What really concerns me is the sectarianism and divisiveness associated with this practice.”

“The Great Fifth Dalai Lama had described Dolgyal as a perfidious spirit who rose out of distorted prayers. In the declaration in his autobiography, the Great Fifth Dalai Lama wrote:
“Because of the clever manipulations of Lak Ahgyal of Gekhasa,
the false reincarnation of Tulku Sonam Geleg Palzang (Tulku Dakpa Gyaltsen) was successful (in being recognised as the reincarnation).

But because of distorted prayers, he became a perfidious spirit and brought serious harm to sentient beings.”

A Buddhist leader who is trusted by millions of devotees, His Holiness said he feels a moral responsibility to advise his followers against the Dolgyal practice. And in so doing he is following the example of his distinguished predecessors, especially the Great Fifth and the Thirteenth Dalai Lamas.

“But whether or not the advice is heeded is up to the individuals,” said the Fourteenth Dalai Lama. 

Source: https://tibet.net/2019/09/critical-thinking-and-inquiry-are-the-bedrocks-of-buddhist-practice-his-holiness-the-dalai-lama-concludes-dharma-discourse/

[Harold Musetescu]

What I have heard is that the Dalai Lama must publicly accept Dorje Shugden or the Chinese will never allow him to return.

All this are but small steps and not the "Great Leap" that is required from him.

He can always blame the Nechung Oracle and the Lamo Tsangpa Oracle for giving him false or fake trances.