Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey. We call upon him respectfully, and the leaders of other nations where Dorje Shugden practitioners may be found, to speak up against the defamatory statements being made by the Central Tibetan Administration
On March 17, 2014 the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA; Tibetan leadership based in Dharamsala) published a resolution on the Dorje Shugden ban (http://tibet.net/dolgyal-shugden/). It, amongst other things, labelled Dorje Shugden practitioners as “criminals in history”. Such a blanket statement is problematic when compared against the socio-economic and geopolitical demographic of 4 million Dorje Shugden practitioners who come from all over the world.
The resolution does not make any distinction between Tibetan and non-Tibetan practitioners of Dorje Shugden. It would therefore appear that the CTA have knowingly labelled citizens of other nations as “criminals”, when their only ‘crime’ is the fact they have their own religious beliefs and respectfully refuse to adhere to the Dalai Lama’s edicts. The CTA has overstepped the boundaries and are perhaps a bit arrogant for labelling citizens of other countries “criminals” for practicing Shugden.
Nothing that Dorje Shugden practitioners have done all over the world is against the laws of their land. Their protests have been permitted by the police and no violence has been directed at supporters of the ban.
Whatever the CTA has done however, up until now with regards to the Dorje Shugden ban has been illegal and undemocratic. Withholding medical treatment on the basis of a person’s faith is unethical, inhumane and not to mention illegal. Encouraging children to bully young Dorje Shugden practitioners is unethical. Lying about the state of our lamas in the way Penpa Tsering has done is defamatory.
We at DorjeShugden.com therefore support Diane Cadman’s call to Governor Chris Christie to protest against this defamatory statement against American citizens. We also call upon the federal governments of free nations to observe the statements by the CTA. We also request that the governments of other nations follow suit – wherever Dorje Shugden practitioners reside (for example the United Kingdom and Switzerland), we request these governments to protest against this statement by the CTA. Such a statement is an affront to the sovereignty of these nations who are duty-bound to protect their citizens against smear campaigns waged by foreign administrations.
Click to enlarge the image. To sign the petition, please click here: http://www.askthem.io/nj/questions/5468f6ea9d29c91cbd00000b?share=false
Gov. Christie should demand that the CTA desist, with immediate effect, all of their vague, fear-mongering language which makes false claims regarding the motivation of Dorje Shugden practitioners. For example, the CTA has yet to prove that Dorje Shugden practitioners have received any kind of ‘monetary gain’ as a result of protesting against the ban on Dorje Shugden. Yet in this resolution, they state clearly that Dorje Shugden practitioners protest because they receive “monetary and material incentives” from the Chinese government.
Furthermore, the Tibetan government has never explained with any real logic what “grave harm” has been caused to the faith of Tibet. Whose faith are they referring to, and how can the Tibetan leadership expect anyone to retain faith in their administration after more than 50 years of false promises and hopes for independence? The so-called loss of the Tibetan nation has nothing to do with religion, gods, God or deities. It has everything to do with the selfish mismanagement of the Tibetan Government that handled China wrongly in the 1950s resulting in them ‘losing’ their country. No one is to blame for the ‘loss’ of their country except their own government. That leads us to logically conclude that in the last 55 years, the CTA has failed miserably in acquiring Tibet ‘back’ or even nearing the goals of autonomy. Tibet is part of China and whose doing is this? Of course the CTA who signed their nation away.
The resolution in fact also contradicts many of the CTA’s recent statements against Dorje Shugden practitioners. On such glaring contradiction relates to the first two clauses of the resolution which recognises previous discussions on Dorje Shugden, as well as previous actions taken against Shugden practitioners:
(1) Reaffirms to carefully follow up the series of resolutions unanimously passed by the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile on this issue in 1996, 1997 and 2008.
(2) Recognises and resolves to collectively disseminate to all people the actual issue as per the resolution/section (B) of article 5 passed during the Conference of the Heads, Abbots, Lamas/Trulkus and Representatives of the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism and Bon religion in 2009. It states: “Worshipping the worldly gods, particularly spirits for protection, contravenes the principle of following the three refuge in Buddhism. The conference unequivocally proclaims that any individuals or organisation propitiating Dolgyal, would not be affiliated to any Tibetan religious school.”
The CTA has recently taken to insisting that no ban has ever been enshrined in their halls of legislation. However this resolution recognises that on at least three separate occasions, effort has been taken to guard against the supposed danger arising from the worship of Dorje Shugden. As the CTA themselves note, the CTA took proactive steps “to lead the ignorant to righteous path” when it “unanimously passed resolutions on 6 June 1996, 17 September 1997 and 15 March 2008.” Despite this resolution clearly stating that Dorje Shugden practitioners are not welcomed, the CTA’s spokespeople seem quite happy to tell the world’s media that there is no such thing as ban on Dorje Shugden practice. Why pass resolutions when there is no ban? Of course there has been a ban and, at times, violent segregation.
Thus it seems that whilst the CTA is very adept at passing grandiose resolutions, their command of the English language is selective at best, and their logic quite lacking. This lack of logic is most apparent when, in this resolution, the CTA says this issue has nothing to do with religious freedom. In fact, this issue has everything to do with religious freedom. When a government passes four resolutions, each one reaffirming actions taken against a certain religious belief, practice or faith, THAT makes the issue about religious freedom.
It has been 55 years since the diaspora of the Tibetan peoples all over the world. Since that time, many have become citizens of various nations around the world. Tibetans can be found in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Taiwan, Switzerland, France, Canada and of course India and Nepal. This resolution however, ignores the fact that Dorje Shugden practitioners may not necessarily come under the jurisdiction of the Tibetan leadership and overrides the sovereign rights of these governments. To add, many practitioners of Shugden are not even Tibetan. So stop calling people who practice Dorje Shugden as criminals.
We thank Ms. Diane Cadman for bringing attention to this issue and call upon the governments of these various nations, wherever Dorje Shugden practitioners may reside, to exert due influence on the Tibetan administration for the defamatory statements that have been brought against their citizens.
To sign the petition, please click here: http://www.askthem.io/nj/questions/5468f6ea9d29c91cbd00000b?share=false
Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile’s Resolution Concerning Dolgyal – 17 March 2014
Click to enlarge the image.
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Kelsang Chodon
November 21, 2014
Dear webmaster and team, this is really a logical and great article. It is also a call to action. We all have to sign a petition. In the free countries of the world such as the United States, CTA’s accusations are illegal. To simply call a group of people criminals due to their religious orientation. In this day and age, a so called Government (CTA) can do such a thing shows clearly why China does not wish to negotiate with CTA.
Diane Cadman, good job!!
James B
November 21, 2014
Diane Cadman did a really good job to bring this up to her state governor. We should do this in every state in the USA.
Diane Cadman
November 21, 2014
I wish to sincerely thank DS.com for writing this powerfully clear article. There was no judge, nor jury involved when that resolution was passed — only the Dalai Lama and CTA making up the rules. I think it is high time the CTA are held accountable here. If they wish to play political games then let’s get some other politicians involved who will side with their own citizens.
I am also curious what is meant by ‘Dolgyal followers and other’ — Who are these ‘others’ that have been branded ‘criminals’? Perhaps our family and friends who support our efforts in support of religious freedom for Shugden Buddhist?
Thank you DS.com for including this petition to question the Dalai Lama and his government’s resolution. I personally think a formal apology is needed here from both the Dalai Lama and the CTA for this outrageous insult they call a resolution.
Kim Hyun Jae
November 22, 2014
I have just signed my petition to support the above. We as Dorje Shugden’s practitioners are harmless, peaceful and responsible citizens of our country. I will NOT tolerate anyone who will label me as “criminals in history”, not even the Dalai Lama. Please, I appeal to all DS practitioners to sign on the above petition link there to show your support and bring the BAN down soonest.
We have endured enough suffering and anxiety through this ban. What more do you want from us but to freely practice DS without being discriminated against?
Devid Moktan
November 22, 2014
An appeal for help and support!
Being a Lama (monk) blessed by the sanctity of Lumbini, I am determined to fulfil my responsibility towards the Buddha. It is my great fortune to have been born in the land where Shakyamuni Buddha born and played. I think it is my responsibility to drive this body to the world’s tallest peak and from there spread the message that Buddha was born in this land. It obviously makes us (Buddhist brother) sad when the land of Buddha is dragged into controversy. To remove this false impression, I have made up my mind to light the lamp near the Everest. And I am determined to remove the darkness of illusion
Manjushri
November 22, 2014
I think it is absurd to call all Shugden practitioners criminals.. Is H.H Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche a criminal? Are people who only voice their rights to practise what their heart desires criminals? So what about those so called Dalai Lama devotees who attacked Gen Chonzey… or those who forced to seize Domo Geshe’s Gaden Choling Monastery through violence… aren’t those more of a criminal act than anything?
It is rather insulting to call Shugdenpas political tools; as if we do not have any intelligence to think for ourselves or see beyond the ban and continue with our practise. Also, we were not “employed” to “slander” His Holiness. We used our own judgement to go for protests and speak our minds, to fight for what we need and want. There is no employment, so do not insult our ability to think and act for ourselves.
It is also funny how they say “Worshipping the worldly gods, particularly spirits for protection, contravenes the principle of following the three refuge in Buddhism” – does the CTA and His Holiness not worship Nechung, and seek his advice through the State Oracle? Nechung is unenlightened too hence a worldly god, so are the CTA speaking for themselves here too?
They referred that there is a small group of Shugden practitioners… I beg to differ that 4 million worldwide and growing is not a small group.This group also consists of non Tibetans who probably have more important things to worry about than to disrupt and “create discord within the Tibetan community”. If the community and the government in exile was strong in the first place, Tibet would not be ‘lost’ to China, and they would have more unity as Tibetans as a whole. The government would have held the forte to gain back independence but obviously they have failed miserably with no one to blame but themselves.
Gaz
November 23, 2014
I just read about this online and it elicited was a true WTF reaction.
“However, the Tibetan government-in-exile and supporters of the Dalai Lama say that he had not banned any practice and that Buddhism does not allow for such restrictions.” (http://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/chandigarh/exiled-tibetans-launch-online-petition-urging-rome-to-ensure-security-of-dalai-lama/article1-1289037.aspx) – I’m sorry, did they not read the four resolutions passed with actions being taken against Dorje Shugden practitioners? Shoddy journalism at its best, the writer ought to take up a post with the Daily Mail.
Vincent Tan
November 23, 2014
My understanding of criminal mean person had done something wrong whereby against the law. Dorje Shugden practitioners have not been done anything against the law but very pittyful that attacked or life threatening by others very often. I think all people know who should be criminals. I support and have just signed the petition.
Eli
November 23, 2014
Congressman Rohrabacher is no stranger to the antics and tricks done by CTA. http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/news/press-release-rep-rohrabacher-concerned-about-censorship-in-tibetan-service-of-radio-free-asia/
The American should not tolerate this kind of nonsense from the CTA, being the biggest democracy in the world.
Icy
November 24, 2014
Can anyone imagine calling followers of Protestantism criminals? This is exactly what is happening to Shugden followers who are criminalised by the CTA. It is the duty of every nation to protect thier citizens instead of criminalising them. What kind of governance is CTA? CTA better not undermine the power and might of disgruntled and discriminated citizens of foreign nations. CTA will have the judgement day.
RonyKhan
November 24, 2014
Criminal is a person who has committed an unlawful act punishable by the state.
1) If the CTA claims there is no Ban, never has been one, then Tibetans or non-Tibetans who practice Dorje Shugden has never committed any unlawful acts, why label them criminals ?
2) As proven time and again in this website, there is a definite Ban on the practice of Dorje Shugden. A Ban issued by CTA and HHDL to stop this practice. In the case of non-Tibetans who are Shugden practitioners, the laws of the CTA is not applicable to them. What law have they broke ? Why label them criminals too?
It totally makes no sense as to why the CTA needs to make such statements and declarations. It reflects very poorly on them !
Joo Won
November 24, 2014
This resolution shows:
* Some in CTA do not have any respect of religious freedom or basic human rights, which are the fundamental of a modern and civilized society.
* Some in CTA so lack of international perspective, seeing Dorje Shugden practice as a Tibetan issue, affecting Tibetan only; does not realize the fact that they are more 4 MILLION DS practitioners all over the world, coming from different countries like United States, United Kingdom, Singapore, Denmark, China, Taiwan and etc.
* Thus current CTA lack of ability and capacity to lead Tibetan to have a better tomorrow as a government.
* Therefore, CTA is failed in leading Tibetan, as a responsible and mature government, as a unity trying to catch up or at least suit the 21 century which emphasizes on basic human rights, religious freedom and etc.
Marianne
November 24, 2014
Daine Cadman’s action is very powerful because it is logical and completely strikes at a point defamation. The lack of professionalism and non-thorough research before making accussations will land the CTA into more trouble.
I do not rejoice for their trouble, but I do rejoice for the strength that Dorje Shugden practitioners are gaining to shed light to the injustice of the Dorje Shugden ban.
If all Dorje Shugden worldwide work in harmony to lift the ban, we will stand stronger and our work will all be swifter. This will also force the CTA and their people to think twice before acting in manners that will harm the Dharma.
Thank you DS.com for sharing this information!
samayakeeper
November 25, 2014
Just because people practice what they believe in, what their ancestors also believed in and practiced during their time, and what their lamas practice, the CTA labelled them as “criminals in history.” In labeling so it proves that the Dalai Lama enforces the ban on the practice of Dorje Shugden and CTA carried out the dirty work. This unjust ban and ridiculous labeling is not confined to Tibetans but also dragging other citizens of the world into this absurd ban, all because one man, the Dalai Lama, said so. The government of the US and other countries cannot keep quiet any longer. If no voices are heard then the CTA would get bolder and bolder resulting in the suffering of more people globally.
kelly
November 26, 2014
what crime do the the DS practitioner bring to the world they are practicing the holy teaching of Lord Buddha in fact with the increase of practitioner then it bring the world more peace why use religion to create controversy religion is holy is to teach mankind to be kind and love, this is so wrong to brand the Ds practitioner as criminal.
Jazz China
November 29, 2014
Simply ridiculers. As time passes by I read up more and understand more about how this controversy started. Everything started with jealousy and the greed after power for last hundreds of years of the spiritual leaders and CTA. They themselves are the true criminal since they killed Tulku Drakpa Gylsen. They destroyed everything that has to do with Tulku Drakpa Gylshen and Dorje Shugden. They covered up everything as if no one ever knew about what they have done. Now they called the practitioners CRIMINAL?? On what base?? on what reason?? Dorje Shugden practice had been spread to all over world. These people has nothing to do with whatever CTA wanted to achieve. Ashamed to blamed the failure of the country to the innocent people who just wanted to practice Dharma, who has no knowledge about politics and not even interested about what CTA wanted to do for their own people. I feel very very sad and angry because Dorjeh Shugden has been assisting the CTA and the DDLM for generation after generation yet what He gets? by looking at how CTA presenting themselves, I have no doubt why the country had lost to China. After 55 years, they still having the same attitude and have no regret and contemplate on their faults but continue to blame others for ridiculers reasons. Shame Shame to represent the people of Tibet…
Padma Dondrup
November 30, 2014
It is unbelievable that Dr. Sangay, a Harvard graduate, the prime minister of the Tibetan government in exile would allow these resolutions to be passed! Is he really that ignorant? These resolutions are outright defamatory! CTA owes the Dorje Shugden followers an apology! The ban on Dorje Shugden has already caused grave harm and damage to Dorje Shugden followers. What more damage do CTA and Dalai Lama want for Dorje Shugden followers? Governments around the world must step in to stop the arrogance of CTA who is infringing on the human rights, religious freedom and sovereignty of other countries where Dorje Shugden followers reside.
I have signed the petition to Chris Christie. Thank You Diane Cadman for your initiative.
Danny Short
December 3, 2014
The Central Tibetan Administration has no country to administrate yet they are so arrogantly bold to label practitioners of Dorje Shugden as criminals, even suggesting that citizens of other nations as so. They can’t even handle their own internal affairs yet wanting to meddle in others. The CTA should clean up their own backyard of all the trash. They are a bunch of looney bins.
Anonymous
December 5, 2014
http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/28/politics/christie-pig-ban/
Pema
December 9, 2014
Luckily European Countries are democratic and we can choose our religion. Would be interesting to ask what the government of Germany or the European Parlament thinks about European citizens being called criminals only on the basis which religion they practice.
There is something completely wrong with the CTA.
This ban must stop!
Thank you for the petition. Please everybody sign it.
SabrinaS
July 19, 2016
CTA certainly is loosing its plot. How dare they apply and impose their own questionable standards on the citizens of other countries? Such audacity! Anyway they are the stooge of their major sponsor and live a misguided dream of impunity, but one day this will come crashing down when they realise their sponsor no longer think CTA is of any use.
CTA should starting living a policy of human rights and religious freedom and not wait for the day they will be answerable to the justice department of human rights violation in the Hague. Nothing is permanent and as such sponsorships & donations will not be permanent. Nor the tolerance of their host country India, to their refugee status. They should lift the ban on Dorje Shugden to stop the illegal segregation and persecution of the practitioners. Buddha Shakyamuni had taught that Karma will come back to bite.
Sierra
September 29, 2016
The CTA do tend to go overboard thinking that they are the only and greatest authority on Earth. So sad. Recently, there was an article about Penpa Tsering in America. He’s now the Representative of Office of Tibet, Washington, DC. And, he came out and made a statement that is really arrogant and stupid. Follow the link below and listen for yourself, if you understand Tibetan. There are good and politically correct parts, and there are also the not so good, oppressive part.
https://www.facebook.com/anilobsangkyabjom/videos/1137865016294034/
Among the not so good part, is that if they can get a lot of support from their own people, then they can also stand against #DorjeShugden and the practitioners. He also wishes to mobilize #Tibetans in North America to challenge and go against the Dorje Shugden practitioners in North America.
Sad that even at this stage they are still so very anti, after what the Dalai Lama said. So, what’s the point of going against the Dorje Shugden practitioners now that the Dalai Lama has come out and say the Dorje Shugden cannot harm him and by inference, cannot harm the Tibetan cause?
Dalai Lama should set things right
August 13, 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.