Dear ZP ( and anyone reading),
As your post addressed both HD and everyone reading, I have taken the liberty to reply.
Firstly, THANK YOU - for taking the time to explain and offer to shed some light. Truly appreciate it. Especially on the other threads about Lucy and GKG. Your information has been helpful in assisting others to understand more. At the same time, you maintained that you could be wrong. So, that is very useful to anyone new reading in order for them not to take your words as FACTS. More than anything else, it encourages the readers to think for themselves. So, I truly appreciate that.
I think it is clear to see how the threads have moved and how the tone of discussion has also changed in these threads. we only need to read the previous posts to see how it all came about. In any case, as you would recall, I did express how much anger has been eating inside TC and that he is not in a peaceful state at all.
Hence, in this respect, I would like to point out that his anger pains him the most and bothers him the most because the mere mention of HHDL in a positive way or anyone who seemingly does not hold the same feelings as him towards HHDL would be deemed as un-informed, or insincere practitioners, or traitors, or fakes and even digital avatars or what not. Again, this is what comes across to me as a reader. I dare say that I am not the only one which is why I think there were so many posts pleading for some calmness and civility from all.
As you seem to have more detailed information about TC, I assume you must be friends or have known him much longer than me, for sure. For you to speak up in defence of your friend is a good thing, and you have done so without those angry/ugly words. So, that does help a great deal.
Now, I may not have been betrayed or lied to by a Lama, but that does not mean that I or anyone else have experience betrayal and lies from others. If I could, I would say that it matters not the title or person doing the betrayal, but the fact that you have been victimized and hurt. In some instances, it could be a lot worse than a lama - it could be your own best friend, sibling, spouse, etc.
Here, I am not trying to justify who is hurt more or less. What I am trying to say is that we have all been hurt before. But the way we deal with our hurt, injuries, pain and suffering is what separates us from the state of "hanging on" to "moving on".
For most, I would think that it is precisely why we study the Dharma in the first place. It is more than just an academic or scholarly pursuit - it is to heal ourselves. Once we heal ourselves, we can go on to heal others.
So, I would say that the Dharma teaches us to deal with all our pain and suffering. It is precisely why we committed ourselves to the Three Jewels. And I believe (though I could be wrong) that this is what Thai Monk as trying to say although his language may not come across as 'compassionately' as you might like or what TC might like.
In any case, some of TC's own language may not be at all what other readers might like as well. And mine included. It is much harder to convey concern and care in here when we can't see the faces of the people we are communicating with. Sometimes an innocent little tease might be misunderstood completely. So, yes, it takes a lot more skill to communicate in here.
Personally, I was more concerned with the fact that TC had so much anger in him and that anger may blind him against others who do not share his views and feelings about certain subjects.
I was more concerned about how he is really feeling actually. Because after we log off here, we can go to sleep and we go on with our daily lives, but I would not know if TC is still brewing.
We study the Dharma to end suffering and not to cause more suffering, nor do we want to see more suffering. I think that is very clear to all of us here. Sadly, some of us have suffered more than others in our desire to hold onto our DS practice. Yes, that is very very sad indeed. But I do not for a minute think that anyone does not care about it or thinks it is a joke. Otherwise, we would not be here.
How would you know that anyone else have not suffered at all or are not contributing in any way or form, at their own discretion and in their own way? Just because they are not publicising it here or anywhere does not mean that they are not doing anything. For all you know, some people may have suffered much more and yet, they still hold no anger and hatred.
Thai Monk has been distributing brochures and speaking to people about donating more to Shar Gaden as we have seen in the other thread posted by TS. TK posts many valuable lessons, points and issues for us to learn more. HD always posts very good insightful points of views, so does WB/Kate. In the past, I think even TC, CC, Trinley K, Mohani, A Friend and many others have also shared a lot in this space.
Here, I am just giving examples of many people - both new and old - who have contributed in their own ways. Who knows what more each has contributed and helped beyond this site and Forum. So, please do not judge and be so suspicious about everyone.
And please do not get upset if I did not mention your name as examples for those who have been contributing. I am sure there are many more, or else this site cannot be as valuable as it is since its conception in 2007. This is the reason why we are still here and more will be coming. This site/Forum, as with any cause, or Dharma Center, or NGO in the world, can only grow bigger and better with the help of everyone involved. And that is all of us.
For those who have more information and knowledge, they can share so much more. For those who can quote from scriptures and texts, they can put facts into knowledge and experience to help others. For those who are trying to be healed or are in need of healing, please do allow the healing process to take place.
I'd like to think that there are no enemies in here but friends.
Now, I am sorry that I cannot sprout and quote from scriptures, but I'd like to think that my Guru has taught me well in how to care more about others and show that care in the things I say and do. Granted, I don't always do it well and right, but I am always going to be doing my best to uphold what he teaches me with everyone I meet.
In any case, I'll always remember the 8 Verses of Thought Transformation and hold it close to my heart. We win when we no longer hold any ill feelings and have no negativities eating us up inside. We win when we let go and become happier people.
To anyone I have offended in here, I do sincerely apologise. It is not my intention. I will learn to express myself much better.
Have a beautiful day, everyone. I wish you all (especially TC) much happiness and peace.
Thank you again.