The opinion piece below was sent to dorjeshugden.com for publication. We accept submissions from the public, please send in your articles to [email protected].
By: Shashi Kei
KATHMANDU – The Dorje Shugden ban that the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA; Tibetan leadership in Dharamsala) imposed under the direction of the Dalai Lama is now in its 22nd year. In that time, countless damage has been done to the reputation of Tibetan Buddhism, the unity of the Tibetan community and most unfortunate of all, the significance of monastic vows and the Guru-disciple relationship that lies at the heart of Tibetan Buddhism.
Today, the once illustrious lineage founded by Je Tsongkhapa is badly divided with the three great pillars of the Gelug lineage splintered. Under duress, countless ordained monks have been forced to break solemn vows and, as the CTA forced its wedge into the Tibetan community inside and outside Tibet, disciples betrayed their holy teachers, good friends became strangers and families broke apart.
Those who were steadfast in the face of the CTA’s oppression were accused of a litany of sins and crimes, including being a cult of demon worshippers working with the Chinese leadership to undermine the Dalai Lama and sabotage the Tibetan people’s efforts to regain their homeland. In the 22 years since the CTA imposed the religious ban, not a single credible shred of evidence has been produced to support the CTA’s spurious claims. And yet, the religious ban persisted and Dorje Shugden people around the world continue to be discriminated against.
For a long time, many Dorje Shugden practitioners have taken a passive stance in the face of these persecutions, preferring to focus on their practice than take affirmative actions in response to the ban. Some wrote letters to plead with the Tibetan leadership. Some peacefully protested which got the attention of global media. DorjeShugden.com was established to counter the false propaganda that the CTA disseminated, which commonly distorted very important doctrinal issues to support the CTA’s untruths. It became a lighthouse that held ground in the middle of an unholy storm that the CTA plunged Tibetan Buddhism into, all the time looking out for signs that the noble men and women would come together to save their holy lineage.
Finally, it happened! In 2018, from 4th to 6th January, Gelugpa faithfuls from all over the world descended on the Yak And Yeti Hotel (Kathmandu, Nepal). They were there to attend what was one of the biggest gatherings of sons and daughters of Je Tsongkhapa who have been loyal to their teachers and persevered with their practice of Dorje Shugden. The International Buddhist Conference of Dorje Shugden Followers was built on previous meetings and efforts of Shugden people over the years, since the onset of the CTA’s ban.
Present were representatives from the six divisions and three regions of Tibet, key people in global Shugden institutions as well as executive delegates from France, Italy, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Mongolia, India, Nepal, Singapore and Malaysia.
Notable attendees include Nepal’s Minister of Defense, the Hon. Mr. Bhimsen Das Pradhan; the former Minister of Finance, the Hon. Shanker Prasad Koirala; Ven. Lama Thubten Phurbu; H.E. Kundeling Rinpoche; Ven. Gameng Kuten; Ven. Dechen Tulku; the acting Abbot of Phelgyeling Monastery, Geshe Losang Palden; the Hon. Basundhara Shrestha (Acha Lhakpa) of the Nepal National Dorje Shugden Society; erudite scholars such as Ven. Geshe Tenzin Peljor, Ven. Geshe Konchok Gyaltsen and Ven. Geshe Jangchup Gyaltsen; the changtso (assistant) of H.E. Tsem Rinpoche B.K. Ooi; and champions of the Dorje Shugden movement like Ven. Tashi Tadchen of the European Dorje Shugden Society and over 200 loyal Gelugpa Buddhist practitioners.
Dorje Shugden monasteries around the world sent representatives including Phelgyeling Monastery, Segyu Monastery, Shar Ganden Monastery, Serpom Monastery, Mongolia’s Amarbayasgalant Monastery, as well as several monasteries established by the previous Domo Geshe Rinpoche – Dhun Gon Samten Choeling in Darjeeling, Tashi Choeling in Kurseong, Enchey House in Gangtok, Domo Dungkar in Tibet, Gaden Choeling in Phedong, and Ghanjong Namgyal in the USA.
This propitious event was also attended by delegates from the Chatring Dorje Shugden Society, the North America Gelug Buddhist Association (NAGBA), Kechara House of Malaysia, Tibétain Gyeden Tensung Society France, the International Tibetan Shugden Community from the USA, Shota Losum Shugden Community of the Tibet Autonomous Region, the Canadian Gelugpa Society, and many other distinguished guests and speakers.
Over the three auspicious days in January 2018, attendees were given a number of opportunities to speak their minds and share their experiences of the CTA’s discrimination. Notably absent were discussions surrounding regional and factional issues and it was clear that the delegates were firm in their resolve to address issues that have arisen as a result of the CTA’s suppression of the people’s rights to their religion, and also problems that emerged due to the CTA’s meddling in spiritual matters in which they have neither the basis nor the authority to interfere.
The conference primarily focused on a number of key issues, namely:
- A renewal of commitment to preserve the pure Gelugpa lineage which includes the practice of Dorje Shugden;
- A pledging of commitment and resources to address the Shugden issue and to focus on building the base for the restoration of Tibetan unity as well as harmony amongst Tibetan Buddhist adherents around the world;
- To map the way forward to restore the lineage of Je Tsongkhapa to its former spiritual grandeur in synchronicity with the glory of all Tibetan Buddhist schools;
- To elect a suitable day to commemorate the practice of Dorje Shugden which will signify the triumph of the pure Gelugpa lineage and the forfeiture of the CTA’s ignoble efforts to destroy the lineage;
- To close ranks amongst all who have suffered the CTA’s oppression and have remained loyal to their vows.
The Nepali Defence Minister pledged to uphold freedom of religion in Nepal which was an important and welcome note. All delegates also agreed that it was vitally important to create even greater awareness of the CTA’s ongoing offenses that impede on the constitutional rights of Shugden practitioners around the globe. On the final day of the event, a number of resolutions were agreed on (which you can read below, or download in its original Tibetan here).
In summary, it was a successful event which history will come to recognize as the turning point in the unfortunate Dorje Shugden controversy. The most significant difference that this conference has made is that it has given a platform for those loyal to the true Gelugpa lineage to get organized, to combine their efforts and resources, and to focus on the common issues, all of which come together to pave the way for the future of Je Tsongkhapa’s tradition.
Ironically, up until now, there has never been a single Dorje Shugden organization because Dorje Shugden has always been simply a religious practice that is inseparable from traditional Gelugpa practices. But the Tibetan leadership demonized the practitioners of this holy and ancient lineage as members of an extreme splinter group. It appears that this gave Shugden practitioners around the world the idea to formalize their association under a common banner which stands not only for the practice of Dorje Shugden, but for the Gelugpa lineage as a whole.
Resolutions from the First International Buddhist Conference of Dorje Shugden Followers
Countless aeons ago he already attained the four bodies,
He is every Buddha’s only father, Manjushri.He is the source of all sentient beings’ happiness,
With the determination to protect and preserve the Buddha’s heart teaching.With countless emanations, the protector of the Buddha’s teachings,
The enlightened, unbound King Dorje Shugden.His activities are limitless and marked by the four types of unfathomable qualities,
too wonderful to comprehend.Whatever you wish for, is easily realised,
Due to the powerful King Dorje Shugden.
Point 1:
The 14th Dalai Lama has consistently degraded our lamas and protector. He has also stated that he will banish the lineage of Je Pabongka Dechen Nyingpo from Tibetan Buddhism. Basically, according to the 14th Dalai Lama, you should break your samaya with your lamas, give up the practice and follow his “advice”. If you do not obey the 14th Dalai Lama’s advice and continue to practice the lineage of your gurus and Dorje Shugden, you will not have a spiritual relationship or connection with him at all. Therefore, you will definitely suffer and face many difficulties. And when you die and take a negative rebirth in the three lower realms, you should not call out to him.
In addition, people who are devoted to him cannot have relationships with Dorje Shugden practitioners. There are millions of Dorje Shugden practitioners in and out of Tibet, and because of this, teachers and students, parents and children, couples, friends and cousins have turned against each other and have suffered from forced separation. For over 40 years we have made requests, directly and indirectly, because we all are Tibetan brothers and sisters and have the same flesh, blood and bones. Even if you want to wash this away, you cannot. So, we have repeatedly pleaded not to be treated harshly and segregated. However, our appeals have fallen on deaf ears and our human rights and religious freedoms have been ignored. Furthermore, earlier this year, Lobsang Sangay branded the Chinese people and followers of Dorje Shugden as “enemies of Tibetans”. Even the 14th Dalai Lama agreed with Lobsang Sangay’s statements. [Tibetan proverb: Since your parents who lived in your home town have passed away, if your home town still exists or not, it does not really matter to you anymore.] We continue to practice on our own without relying on them. We decide our own path. We respect the laws and rules of the country where we live, and we should preserve, protect and spread the lineage of our father guru with great devotion. As such, we disagree with the secular and religious leader, the 14th Dalai Lama. He said that our lineage gurus and our protector practice are wrong and that if we follow the protector practice from our lineage guru, we will take rebirth in the three lower realms. Beings with a mind cannot bear such hard words, and they are even unbearable to the land, the mountains, and the rivers. So, they have caused us much pain and suffering and continue to talk negatively about us, but they have no right to condemn our practice.
Point 2:
We walk on our own path and we practice our own lineage, so if anyone attacks our lamas and protectors, all of us Dorje Shugden followers from different countries should get together to defend and even fight back. Not only this, but we should also oppose two-faced people who still practice Dorje Shugden but in front of the Dalai Lama want to be in his good books. All our Tibetan brothers and sisters, male and female, old and young should be respected and be treated equally, and we have never discriminated or harmed anyone.
Point 3:
In other religions, it is common to have a special day dedicated to a deity. Similarly, Kyabje Trisur Lungrig Namgyal has declared August 24 as Dorje Shugden Day. This is because when you add the date (24th) with the number of the month (8th) you get 32. This is the number of deities in Guhyasamaja’s mandala and also Dorje Shugden’s mandala. Therefore this date is extremely auspicious. Therefore, all the followers of Je Dechen Nyingpo and Dorje Shugden people everywhere should celebrate this auspicious day with meritorious activities such as incense offering, pujas etc. Everyone should be aware that this is a very auspicious and important day for us.
Point 4:
Once every two years, a Buddhist conference should be organised for all Dorje Shugden followers. This is so that Shugdenpas from all over the world can unite and support each other regardless of gender, skin colour, age or status in life. The most important thing is to ensure the continued growth and spread of the lineage of Je Tsongkhapa, and it is our responsibility to preserve, protect and spread such a pure lineage. Please bear that in mind.
From the International Buddhist Conference of Dorje Shugden Followers Committee.
Images from This Auspicious Occasion
Karma bhu
April 27, 2018
Did His Holiness the Dalai Lama recognize the wrong Karmapa?
The Karmapas and Sharmapas are spiritually inseparable. Both are fellow holders of the 900-year-old Karma Kagyu lineage, a spiritual tradition that predates the lineage of the Dalai Lamas by over 200 years. They are also responsible for the recognition of each other’s reincarnations. However, in 1992, Tai Situ recognized a Karmapa candidate different from the candidate chosen by the Sharmapa. He effectively overrode centuries of tradition amongst the four Karma Kagyu regents. Tai Situ went ahead and enthroned his own candidate without the Sharmapa’s approval, and received the Dalai Lama’s approval. Therefore, the Dalai Lama may have endorsed the wrong Karmapa.
Due to the Dalai Lama’s endorsement, the Tibetan leadership in Dharamsala acknowledged Tai Situ’s candidate, Ogyen Trinley, as the 17th Karmapa, hosting him at the Gelug lineage’s Gyuto Tantric monastery. They even side-lined the Sharmapa’s candidate, Thaye Dorje. The world’s media were also misled to believe that “the Dalai Lama’s Karmapa” is the sole and legitimate candidate for the position. Until today, thanks to the Tibetan leadership, there is no end in sight to the rift that the Karmapa issue caused within the Karma Kagyu tradition. This long-standing feud occurred because of the Tibetan leadership’s political interference in spiritual matters.
http://video.dorjeshugden.com/comment-videos/comment-1524833812.mp4
Tsering Wangyal
April 27, 2018
The beginning of the end for Tibetan leadership in India.
The Dalai Lama and Tibetan govt in-exile better be on the alert now. For years they have met politicians, organizations and private individuals while talking negatively about China and painted an ugly picture of China wherever they went to get sympathetic votes and more free aid in dollars. It didn’t work, as the whole world wants to be China’s friend now, even the Indians. Tibet was no Shangrila and the reason they even lost their country back in 1959 was due to their own ineffective and corrupt leadership. It’s their own fault. For the last 60 years living Tax free in India they have still not secured their country back. It shows their lack of abilities and ineptness. Now Prime Minister Modi has landed in China to meet the powerful President Xi. One of the agendas to be discussed is the Dalai Lama and the Tibetans in India. Definitely China will work something out with Modi against the freeloading Tibetan refugees. High time too. Many Indians on social media have called for the Dalai Lama and Tibetans to return home as they have overstayed their welcome in India. Why should India stick their necks out any further for the useless Tibetans? That is how the Indians have rightly complained.
Now with Modi getting closer to China and President Xi, this spells doomsday for the Dalai Lama and the Tibetans. For years the Tibetans have been meddling in Indian politics and insulting China and now the day of reckoning is near. The Tibetan govt in-exile are corrupt, useless, self-serving, schismatic and hateful. For years they have spoken against Dorje Shugden practitioners, segregating them and inciting violence against them in India. Now their karma has returned. The Tibetan govt in-exile likes to call Dorje Shugden pracitioners ‘Chinese spies’ and the funny thing is now the Dalai Lama is nearly begging China to return to Tibet/China. Who is the Chinese spy now?
Now the Dalai Lama and his exiled govt better keep quiet about China and be humble. They better remain silent on the unjust treatment of Dorje Shugden people and ‘allow’ religious freedom. They are losing power and losing support fast. Now the time has come they will have to swallow their own bitter pills they so happily doled out to others previously. Tibetan govt leaders better keep quiet and be humble now. The Tibetan govt in-exile should not have segregated Dorje Shugden people. Now Dorje Shugden people should go and become friends with China and return to Tibet to live also. The Dalai Lama wants to return to Tibet so bad but China does not want him. Too bad. India does not want him either. Too bad. Should have been friends with Dorje Shugden people in order to have more support in the hundreds of thousands. They should not have made trouble. Too bad the Tibetan leadership is so corrupt. So narrow minded, they trampled on their own people’s religious rights. Now we will see who wins. The Tibetan leadership or Dorje Shugden. I have a feeling Dorje Shugden will win.
Palden
April 27, 2018
His Holiness on Why a Woman Should Be Very Attractive to Be a Candidate for the 15th Dalai Lama
How come a spiritual leader is commenting on the value of women based on their looks? This is not funny, not intelligent and not politically correct. It is wrong. It is debasing and makes people lose respect for a monk such as Dalai Lama for talking about human beings in this manner.
http://video.dorjeshugden.com/comment-videos/comment-1524861358.mp4
Tsering Kyi
April 29, 2018
Breaking news!
Well, all the people who was saying China-backed Panchen Lama is fake sure look ridiculous now. They attacked all the Tibetans and supporters who respected the China-backed Panchen Lama calling them all types of dirty and foul names in person and on social media. Calling them China stooges and China paid vulgar names for believing in the China-backed Panchen Lama. Now who looks so ridiculous? Now the Dalai Lama says the China-backed Panchen Lama is good and has a good teacher. If he has a good teacher it means he is turning into a good teacher himself. So he is qualified to teach. The end.
Dalai Lama says the China-backed Panchen Lama is an emanation of the previous Panchen Lama because high lamas can incarnate back as several lamas at the same time. So the Panchen Lama recognized by the Dalai Lama and the China-backed Panchen Lama are both good and both are incarnations of the previous Panchen Lama. How the tables have turned. Now all the people who criticized China-backed Panchen Lama can keep quiet and remember how ridiculous they look now. Listen to what the Dalai Lama says now as of April 2018 about the China-backed Panchen Rinpoche http://video.dorjeshugden.com/videos/11PanchenLamaIsAlive.mp4
The Panchen Lama recognized by Dalai Lama is alive and well also according to Dalai Lama himself.
Sona
May 4, 2018
Is it time to save the sinking ship that is the Tibetan cause? But wait a minute, the ship has already been sunk for the likes of Mr Ugyen Gyalpo.
Gone are the days when Tibet’s independence was possible, yet Tibetans like Mr Gyalpo are still living in a fantasy, asking the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) to go against the Dalai Lama’s goal of meaningful autonomy for Tibet, and advocate full independence instead. On top of that, he wants India to help Tibet gain its independence, disregarding how these actions would jeopardize India’s relationship with China.
This is the same kind of illogical, self-centred, wishful thinking that caused the Tibetans to lose their country to China by signing the 17-Point Agreement in 1951. Why ask someone to fight for a lost cause? Perhaps Mr Gyalpo was on holiday and did not catch the latest media flurry about the Dalai Lama stating that he is happy for Tibet to be in China. The CTA President Lobsang Sangay even urged Tibetans to make the Dalai Lama’s dream of returning to Tibet come true.
It is time for My Gyalpo and other pro-independence activists to seriously wake up from their self-imposed slumber and plan what they can actually do if and when the Dalai Lama gets the green light to go back to Tibet. Do they want to support the Dalai Lama, their spiritual leader? Or will they betray and abandon him?
UTsang Kunga
May 5, 2018
In March 2018, Tibetan protestors gathered near the Tibetan parliament, seeking to impeach Lobsang Sangay because his actions are unjust and akin to those of a dictator. Protestors also questioned his sudden termination of Penpa Tsering, the former Representative of the Office of Tibet in Washington, DC, who was his arch-rival during the 2016 Tibetan election.
But this is not all, Lobsang Sangay’s CV includes a long list of deceitful actions, such as hiding the loan trail of $1.5-million taken by his office from Tibet Fund to purchase a building to house the Office of Tibet in DC. He even ordered the Auditor General to remove any mention of the loan in various financial reports. Lobsang Sangay is also alleged to have sexually assaulted an intern of the International Campaign for Tibet advocacy group. Even before he became the Sikyong (the president of the Central Tibetan Administration), scandals surrounding his actions were rampant. Four years after buying a house near Boston, his US$227,000 mortgage disappeared overnight, one week before he became the president of the CTA. It is no wonder that Tibetans like Pelgyamo express their dissatisfaction by posting sarcastic comments on Lobsang Sangay’s Instagram page.
Yeshi Dorje
May 11, 2018
The Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) in Dharamsala refusing to accept Tibetan RCs (Registration Certificates) is yet another example of interference by the Central Tibetan Administration. Tibetans need this document to apply for an Indian passport. The CTA does not want to lose its grip on Tibetan refugees, as fewer refugees under their control means less foreign aid. That translates to less money that they can line their own pockets with.
This is not the first time that the CTA has created problems for Tibetans who wish to apply for Indian citizenship. Last July, the CTA ordered all its departments to stop issuing NOC (No Objection Certificates) to Tibetans applying for Indian passports, effectively sabotaging India’s goodwill of offering citizenship to eligible Tibetans. Perhaps that is a reason why many Tibetans are leaving their settlements in India, some of them even returning to Tibet! The CTA’s days as a ‘government’ are numbered, as more and more Tibetans apply for Indian citizenship or leave the CTA’s influence in India altogether.
Khampa Bhu
May 14, 2018
The Dalai Lama Fears that He Might be Expelled from India!
The situation in India is not getting better for the Tibetan government in-exile or the Dalai Lama. Since India is getting closer to China, this trend will not slow down. Whether it is the current Prime Minister Modi, or the next Prime Minister of India making efforts to get close to China, it does not matter because the momentum has started. It benefits both India and China tremendously to be friendly and on good terms with each other. The parasite-like Tibetans leeching off India brings no benefit whatsoever to India and India realizes this sad fact finally. The Dalai Lama and his team in the Tibetan government in-exile have created so many problems externally for India and internally within the Tibetan communities, enough is enough. Tibetans like to use India to irk China. They have done that for decades and now it’s over. The Tibetans have been put in their place. The Indian government has been snubbing the Dalai Lama this year. The Dalai Lama and his cohorts have created tremendous problems, segregation, hatred, and violence towards thousands of Dorje Shugden practitioners, now that karma is coming back. Too bad. The Tibetan leadership is losing support from India, in fact, Modi purposely humiliated the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama and cohorts have less power to create so much schism and trouble now. If you read this article carefully, the Dalai Lama himself has expressed concerns he might be kicked out of India. It has reached this level that the Dalai Lama is unsure of his footing in India now. Too bad.
Tsamduk
May 15, 2018
More and more Tibetans are expressing their dissatisfaction with the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). This even extends to accusing them of ruling without legal precedence. This is a serious matter as their management of funds, administrative procedures, and even their governing constitution are all flawed. From the simple of choice of words used for the translation of a title, the CTA have exposed the way in which they run their “nationless government” in an egotistical and self-serving manner. The CTA simply do things based on their personal agendas and needs, using the title of democracy as a cover.
Clearly, there is no system of governance for what the CTA do and how they spend the money they gain from people sympathetic to the Tibetan plight, aid from their host and donors from around the world. Since law is at the core of any administration, their underhanded tactic of finding loopholes and bending the rules to suit their individual needs has failed the Tibetan people. As an ex-Senior Fellow of Harvard Law School and a self-proclaimed expert in international human rights law, Sangay deters people’s faith in the integrity of a leader and the legal system, instead of upholding the cause of justice. After the public apology during his swearing in ceremony in 2016 and his firm pledge not to repeat his misconduct, it looks like Sangay is at it again.
Thubten Palden
June 7, 2018
India tightening its grip on the Dalai Lama and Tibetans
The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed Himachal police to tighten its grip on Tibetans meeting His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Those Tibetans without paperwork showing individual identity and establishing legal credentials of their arrival in India will be turned away from seeing the religious leader. Undocumented Tibetans have been arriving in India, usually from Nepal, where they are aided by the Tibetan communities there. India seems to clamping down of Tibetan activity, from cancelling Thank You India events in Delhi and now restricting Tibetans from seeing the Dalai Lama. What else with the Indian government do next?
Thinley Woeser
June 8, 2018
Things are going to be very different for Tibetans in India from now on as Sino-Indian relations get warmer by the day. India has vowed to firmly adhere to the one-China policy and ensure Tibet-related issues are handled ‘properly’. This means India will tighten her grip on all Tibetan-related activities. So, the trouble-making Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) better watch themselves and not create further problems that may antagonise China. This is something India will no longer tolerate.
Peljor
June 14, 2018
Ex-Prime Minister Samdhong Rinpoche caught sleeping in a meeting
The representative of the Dalai Lama and former prime minister of the Tibetan government in-exile Samdhong Rinpoche during an important meeting having a nice sleep. The Tibetan government in-exile are run by people like this who have no control over their body and manners. They only stay awake in the meeting if there is FREE aid money coming their way to line their pockets. Shameful how Samdong Rinpoche is sleeping in the middle of a meeting and he represents the Tibetan government in-exile. This is why after 60 years Tibetan leaders have failed to get Tibet back but blame others for their failures. Shame!
http://video.dorjeshugden.com/comment-videos/comment-1528941530.mp4
Tsering Drolhma
July 8, 2018
UNRULY TIBETANS FIGHTING AT DALAI LAMA BIRTHDAY PARTY AGAIN
July 2018-NYC- Tibetans fighting at some birthday celebratory event for His Holiness the Dalai Lama. They set up a throne in the back, place Dalai Lama’s picture, and they fight, push, shout, scream at each other right in front of the throne of Dalai Lama and it’s filmed. That is the level of the Tibetans overall. Tibetans are not gentle, Buddhist, peace-loving, tolerant people as they portray to the world. They are rough, rude, hateful, vengeful, violent, regionalistic, narrow minded and will create trouble wherever they go. Very feudal. They always resort to vulgar words and violence. There are some moderate Tibetans, but on the whole they are very violent people who do not practice Buddhism. The average Tibetan know nothing of Buddhism and do not practice. Buddhism is just a meal ticket for them to get to another country. Their support of Dalai Lama is blind and only to be politically correct and they never practice what he teaches. Disgraceful to see a group of violent Tibetans fighting at a Dalai Lama birthday event. Shameful.☹
Tibetans are not welcomed wherever they go. Bhutanese kicked them out. Nepal hates Tibetans. India has no more use for the ‘refugee’ Tibetans and their temples made of gold. After 60 years they cannot get their own country back. What a bunch of losers and useless government people they have.
http://video.dorjeshugden.com/comment-videos/comment-1531033672.mp4
Tsering Drolhma
July 15, 2018
The letter:
It is about the incident that happened at His Holiness’s birthday celebration in NYC recently July 6, 2018. Some members of Tibetan woman association approached to Parliamentarian Tenpa Yarphel during the ceremony and complained that his comments regarding Nechung was disrespect to the protector and His Holiness. They also said him that he made many Tibetan people sad with his comments. And told him not to do that again in the future. Then Dhondup Tseten stood up and shamelessly touched those women. That incident almost made the ceremony stopped. To keep maintaining the relationship between Tibetan Woman Association and Tibetan Parliament Representative, TWA are asking for an apology letter from Dhondup Tseten for touching their members.
(It is so sad that in the fake democracy of the Tibetan leadership in Dharamsala you cannot say anything against a leader or criticize. Too bad)
Carolle McAquire
July 11, 2018
Dalai Lama for debate, discussion to reconcile opposing viewpoints
The Dalai Lama always says we should have honest face to face discussion so misunderstandings are resolved especially on religious issues. Why does the Dalai Lama refuse to meet the Dorje Shugden followers who number in the hundreds of thousands to resolve the Dorje Shugden issue. Many letters have been submitted to request audience since 1996 and he and his office does not reply. Dalai Lama’s spirit of open debate and resolutions is not across the board. Too bad. Carolle McAquire
http://www.uniindia.com/dalai-lama-for-debate-discussion-to-reconcile-opposing-viewpoints/states/news/1285325.html
Bonnie Fider
July 12, 2018
WHY DOES RICHARD GERE AND DALAI LAMA SUPPORT SOGYAL THE DISGUSTING ABUSER?
As long as you are friends with the Dalai Lama, your actions are excusable, no matter how horrendous they may be. Even something as heinous as sexual abuse of over 60 women can be overlooked when the perpetrator is friends with the Dalai Lama namely Sogyal Rinpoche. Why rush to join the chorus of Hollywood voices condemning Harvey Weinstein’s criminality, but remain silent against Sogyal’s exploitation and abuse of women? Richard Gere was vocal in condemning against all the abuses and attacks against women by Harvey Weinstein. But silent on Sogyal Rinpoche. BBC has a full length documentary on Sogyal’s abuses as you can view here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWhIivvmMnk. Yet Richard Gere can take photos with the disgusting and abusive Sogyal. Is it because one group of women are worth protecting and the other are not? If it is not for that reason, then it can only be because Sogyal is the Dalai Lama’s friend. The Dalai Lama’s condemnation against Sogyal is very light and it’s disappointing. I guess since Dalai Lama supported Sogyal so much, he can’t be seen as wrong in doing so. Politics is sad.
Sherab Wangmo
July 12, 2018
TENMA VERY ANGRY WITH SIKYONG LOBSANG SANGYE AND PENPA TSERING
Tenma deity takes trance of her oracle in Nechung Monastery in Dharamsala, North India. The deity is highly displeased and angry at Sikyong Lobsang Sangye and Penpa Tsering. She is scolding them by waving her arms at them and throwing rice at them. You can see Penpa Tsering shielding himself. These two has always been corrupt and extremely self-serving. Naturally the oracles of the Dalai Lama take trance and are very angry.
http://video.dorjeshugden.com/comment-videos/comment-1531344206.mp4
Suresh Ratna
July 13, 2018
SUMAA has been consistent in their efforts to evict Tibetans from Arunachal Pradesh as the Tibetans are known to exploit benefits given to locals. The Central Tibetan Administration, especially their so-called ‘president’ Lobsang Sangay, made the situation worse by rubbing salt in the wound, making a statement that Chief Minister Pema Khandu is an ardent follower of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and a lifelong friend of the Tibetan people. This was right after Khandu announced the adoption of the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy in Arunachal Pradesh.
Tibetan refugees create a lot of problems for the locals no matter where they are, especially in Arunachal Pradesh. They take the locals’ land and resources without giving anything in return, making the locals furious to the extent that they are now demanding a written undertaking from the Tibetan refugees not to claim Indian citizenship and STC/PRC in Arunachal Pradesh. It is time to impeach Sangay for a better leader to guide and take care of the Tibetans in India before the wrath of locals evict Tibetans from the state or even the country for good.
Christie Donald
July 14, 2018
Hollywood is one of the most influential groups of people who have promoted the mysticism of Buddhist Tantra to the world. Together with the media, they have packaged Tibetan Buddhism and Tibetan lamas into a fantasy Utopia, filled with God-like beings who are able to lead people along the quick path to enlightenment.
This propaganda has been widely exploited by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) to garner support, especially financial aid, for the so-called Tibetan Cause and the Tibetan struggle against Chinese rule. Little does the West, including Richard Gere and the so-called Buddhist Professor Robert Thurman, know that efforts from China to improve the infrastructure and standard of living for the Tibetans in China have created opportunities for Tibetans to grow and be successful. This is something that is rarely seen in exile under the governance of the CTA.
This false image that has been promoted for the past 60 years or so is now slowly fading away as more and more victims come forward, exposing the sexual abuse they have suffered under the hands of Tibetan lamas like Sogyal Rinpoche. The root of the problem is clear, people are greedy and lazy while wanting quick success and attention. Since they get these from the Tibetan lamas like Sogyal, they are willing to accept the exploitation. This is further driven by fear that they would no longer be seen as the privileged ones in the inner circle if they do not clutch at their lamas and be seen showing tremendous devotion to their gurus. With only a superficial knowledge of Buddhism, this cult-like group of Hollywood stars and American politicians like Richard Gere continue to generate respect and love for their skewed version of the “Dharma”, while real Buddhist masters are relegated to the side lines.
Tsewang
July 26, 2018
Tai Situpa’s Karmapa candidate’s escape to USA and continued stay in USA is a huge embarrassment to the Dalai Lama and Tibetan government in exile. The Karmapa said he is very sad with his situation in his recent video (youtu.be/AdI4DMRFkm4?hid).
Dalai Lama wants Tibet to be part of China
August 7, 2018
Dalai Lama says returning to China is better for Tibetans-What do rangzen (Tibet Independence fighters) people fighting for Tibet’s freedom do now??? Have we wasted our time?
Suddenly the Dalai Lama keeps insisting he wants to be a part of China. How about all the tens of millions of dollars in money and so much time and resource poured into the Free Tibet movement for 57 years in exile. Is that all wasted? Is that all down the drain? How can the Dalai Lama turn around on us like that?
If Dalai Lama returns to Tibet/China, then he is telling the world China is good for Tibetans and we Tibetans want to be a part of China. Is that correct? So Dalai Lama is telling the world that Tibet is a part of China? After so many years of saying we want independence and our country was eaten and now Dalai Lama is sending what message to the world?
How will India feel after hosting the Dalai Lama for so many years? – This one minute video shows the Dalai Lama August 2018 saying he feels Tibet should be a part of China! -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xLKINuIrtE
Dalai Lama wants Tibet to be part of China
August 8, 2018
Dalai Lama says returning to China is better for Tibetans-What do rangzen (Tibet Independence fighters) people fighting for Tibet’s freedom do now??? Have we wasted our time?
Suddenly the Dalai Lama keeps insisting he wants to be a part of China. How about all the tens of millions of dollars in money and so much time and resource poured into the Free Tibet movement for 57 years in exile. Is that all wasted? Is that all down the drain? How can the Dalai Lama turn around on us like that?
If Dalai Lama returns to Tibet/China, then he is telling the world China is good for Tibetans and we Tibetans want to be a part of China. Is that correct? So Dalai Lama is telling the world that Tibet is a part of China? After so many years of saying we want independence and our country was eaten and now Dalai Lama is sending what message to the world?
How will India feel after hosting the Dalai Lama for so many years? – This one minute video shows the Dalai Lama August 2018 saying he feels Tibet should be a part of China!
http://video.dorjeshugden.com/comment-videos/comment-1533732491.mp4
Yoezer
August 8, 2018
While the government of Nepal has framed a policy to tighten the noose around non-governmental organisations, they have welcomed 30 Chinese NGOs to enter the country. These NGOs will penetrate the country’s social sector at the grassroots level. This is the first time such a large number of Chinese NGOs have entered Nepal at one time. Nepal is increasingly open to Chinese influence, a sign that ties between both countries are strengthening, while India’s influence is being reduced. The time has passed for India’s monopoly to remain uninterrupted in Nepal as opportunities to engage with China are being welcomed.
Jampa Lhundup
August 8, 2018
The Nikkei Asian Review is a highly reputable news platform. They are not tabloid in any sense of the word. What they publish is reputable and thoroughly reliable. They mention clearly in an article published August 7, 2018 that the Dalai Lama has a terminal illness. The Prime Minister of India knowing this is now conciliatory towards China. He understands that the Dalai Lama cannot be used as a pawn in irritating China any further. Negotiations are progressing that after the passing of Dalai Lama, his government in-exile will close. The end.
Lhakpa Dhendup
August 11, 2018
What will the all the people around the world and in Tibet do now? Dalai Lama says he is happy that Tibet is a part of China and should remain a part of China. So many Tibetans self-immolated for Tibet to be independent and now Dalai Lama did a 360 degree turn and says he wants to go back to Tibet and China and Tibet should be a part of China. So unbelievable. So many are angry and disappointed.
Dalai Lama should set things right
August 12, 2018
Dear Dalai Lama,
Since you started the cruel ban against the 350 year Dorje Shugden practice, how has it benefit your Tibetan society and Buddhism in the world? Things have become worse and most educated Tibetans can see this. They don’t speak out not because they don’t see your ban as wrong, but you instill fear in them and not respect. It is like fear of a dictator. I am sorry to say so. Everyone is divided. There is no harmony. Before your ban there was more harmony and unity.
By enacting the ban, you split the monasteries, split so many families, split regions in Tibet apart, split your disciples from you, split your own gurus from you, split Tibetan Buddhism apart. You have created so much disharmony.
It is not democratic what you have done to ban a religion within your community. You always talk of tolerance and acceptance and democracy and yet you do not accept and tolerate something different from your beliefs. When people practice Dorje Shugden you ostracize them, ban them from seeing you, ban them from using Tibetan facilities. You know you have done that. There are videos that capture your speech and prove this point. You even had people expelled from monasteries just because they practice Dorje Shugden. Some of the monks you expelled have been in the monastery for over 40 years. Many older monks shed tears because of this.
Many young educated Tibetans lost confidence in you as they saw the damage the Dorje Shugden ban created and they lose hope. Many have become free thinkers. They reject what you have done. So many people in the west left Buddhism because of the confusion you created with this ban against Dorje Shugden which is immoral.
You could of had millions of people who practice Dorje Shugden to support, love and follow you, but you scared them away. They are hurt and very disappointed. They loved you and respected you deeply before the ban. It has been 60 years and you have failed to get Tibet back. Your biggest failure is not getting Tibet back after 57 years in exile. Now you are begging China to allow you to return to Tibet to the disappointment of thousands of people who fought for a free Tibet believing in you. So many self-immolated for a free Tibet and now you want Tibet to be a part of China with no referendum from Tibetans. Just like a dictator, you decide on your own. It was your government and you that lost Tibet in the first place. Your policies and style of doing things do not benefit Tibet and Buddhism. You have been the sole ruler of Tibet your whole life and you still have not gotten our country of Tibet back for us. Our families and us are separated. Yet you create more pain by creating a ban to further divide people. Please have compassion.
No other Buddhist leader has banned or condemned any religion except for you. It looks very bad. You are a Nobel laureate and this is not fitting of a laureate. You should unite people and not separate them by religious differences.
You said Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi did not do right to the Rohingya people in Myanmar due to religious differences, but you are doing the same thing to the Shugden Buddhists within your own society. There is a parallel in this. You separate the Shugden Buddhists from the others in Tibetan society.
You have lost so many people who would have loved and supported you. You have lost so much support around the world. The Shugden Buddhists who love you number in the millions. When you are fast losing support from governments and private people, it will not do you well to lose more.
After you are passed away in the future, the rift you created between the Dorje Shugden and non-Dorje Shugden people will remain for a while and that will be your legacy. Disharmony. You will be remembered for this. Not as a hero but a disharmony creator.
Dorje Shugden will spread and further grow, but you will be no more as you are a human. No one wishes you bad and in fact we hope you have a long and healthy life, but we have lost so much hope and have so much despair because of you. All the hundreds of Dorje Shugden lamas, tulkus and geshes are maturing and there are hundreds of Dorje Shugden monasteries in Tibet who will not give up Dorje Shugden. You have made a mistake. These hundreds of teachers and teachers to be will spread Dorje Shugden further in the future.
The gurus that gave us Dorje Shugden as a spiritual practice and you have called these holy gurus wrong and they are mistaken in giving us Dorje Shugden. How can you insult our gurus whom we respect so much? If they can be wrong, then you can be wrong. Then all gurus can be wrong. So no one needs to listen to any guru? You have created this trend. It is not healthy. Your own gurus practiced Dorje Shugden their whole lives. Your own gurus were exemplary and highly learned.
Dalai Lama you have created so much pain with this ban against so many people due to religion. You are ageing fast. Are you going to do anything about it or stay stubborn, hard and un-moving. You show a smile and preach peace and harmony wherever you go. But will you do the same to your own people? Please rectify the wrong you have done. Please before it is too late. You can create harmony again or you can pass away in the future with this legacy of peace. May you live long and think carefully and admit what was a mistake in having this unethical ban against Dorje Shugden religion.
Ayana
August 14, 2018
Why doesn’t the United States and its allies end Refugee Status for the useless Tibetans? They have been refugees for 60 years now and don’t tell me they still cannot get their lives back in order?
Tibetans really know how to put on a good show and use people, take their money and do nothing in return.
Ojas
August 15, 2018
Supreme Court of India JUSTICE Mr. MARKANDEY KATJU (RETD) writes that Tibet is much better under the Chinese than it was under the lamas who only wanted to make the populace slaves. It was feudal and it will never return to the backwardness again.
Vardaniya
August 20, 2018
The cracks in Tibetan society are starting to show, and it is now coming to the attention of local Indians who have all but identified the Tibetan leadership as the source of the divisions. According to this author, disunity amongst the Tibetans is now creating problems for Indian law enforcement agencies, and this disunity may culminate in young Tibetans holding silent grudges against their host country. It is incredible that after six decades of generosity from India, Indians are now facing the very real possibility Tibetans can be ungrateful towards India. The Tibetan leadership totally failed to impart positive values upon their exiled community, like gratitude for those kindest to them and the need to repay these kindnesses with real, tangible results. It’s also very unlikely that the Tibetan leadership will now start to do this, after six decades of failing to do so. Indians need to realise this, and see that there is no benefit for their nation to align themselves with the Tibetan leadership, and there never will be.
Maya
August 24, 2018
Although the Dalai Lama has offered an apology, the Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) still expressed their disappointment over his controversial comment on Nehru, the Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC). Dalai Lama called Nehru self-centred.
The Congress said Dalai Lama being a foreigner should shun and refrain from interfering in the internal as well as external affairs of India.
Tracy
October 19, 2018
There are many Dorje Shugden societies or associations all around the world but we rarely see them getting together or working together on a project. They seem to operate on their own. Therefore, it is quite encouraging to see them getting together at an international conference.
The conference is not only attended by the Dorje Shugden practitioners, but some Nepali government officials also attended. This is an indication that Nepali government has no issue with Dorje Shugden practice and they respect religious freedom. It will be hard for the CTA to do funny things to the Dorje Shugden practitioners in Nepal.
When different Dorje Shugden societies or associations work independently, the impact will not be great due to limited resources. But if they can put the resources together, they can do much more. For the same amount of money and effort they put in, they can reach out to more people! I hope they see this and will work together closely.
Drolma
November 25, 2018
Is Dorje Shugden really an evil spirit like what the CTA has been claiming for the past 20 years? If that is the case, whoever practices Dorje Shugden will take rebirth in hell. They imposed the ban to stop people from practicing Dorje Shugden saying he is harmful to the practitioners and he is sabotaging the Free Tibet movement.
There are a few questions the CTA should answer before they attack Dorje Shugden and Dorje Shugden followers. Since Tibetan Buddhism is famous for its rituals, how come until today there is no one who can subdue Dorje Shugden? If all the Buddhist masters, high lamas are very attained and powerful, why do they have to be afraid of Dorje Shugden? They will have the protection from the 3 Jewels, they don’t have to be afraid of anything.
If Dorje Shugden is an evil spirit, why are so many Dorje Shugden lamas keep coming back in the human form? They should have been born in hell for taking refuge in an evil spirit. The funny thing is the CTA and the Dalai Lama recognised the reincarnations of these lamas. For example, Trijang Rinpoche, Zong Rinpoche, Lati Rinpoche, Lama Yeshe and many more. If what the CTA and the Dalai Lama say about Dorje Shugden is true, does it mean they have recognised the wrong tulkus?
Anonymous
October 5, 2019
Dorje Shugden ban has caused so much problems in the Buddhist community. The CTA tells lies about Dorje Shugden. People are encouraged to be rude and violent towards Dorje Shugden practitioners. If you are a Dorje Shugden practitioners and you posted something about Dorje Shugden on your social media account, the next thing you know is insult from people you don’t know.
Real Buddhists will not be discriminative to people who have a different faith from them. Buddha Shakyamuni said we have to treat people equally and respect others. So if we follow Buddha’s teaching, we will not be rude or insult people.
From the Dorje Shugden ban we can also see that many people are not real Buddhist practitioners. It is fine if they want to follow what the Dalai Lama said. But it is not fine to segregate and insult Dorje Shugden practitioners. What really is the benefit of imposing Dorje Shugden ban? I see more disadvantages and no advantage at all. May the ban be lifted soon.