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].
What is the measure of a ‘good’ religion? If there is one, surely it must be based on whether the practice of a certain belief makes us better human beings. We need to ask – Does our religious belief encourage us to harm others? Does the advice and guidance from a religious figure lead us to harbor more hatred for other sentient beings? Does the practice of our spiritual path lead us to condemn, belittle, disparage and even threaten to kill others just because he/she practices a belief that is different from ours? If we answer in the affirmative, then we must ask why our practice brings out the worst in us.
The mystique surrounding Tibetan Buddhism is such that this religion is viewed with a combination of admiration, awe and at times suspicion by both practitioners and observers. Despite scandals that have hit the religion since it was brought to the West – from fraudulent teachers to financial unaccountability, and even accusations of sexual misconduct – none of these have irreversibly tarnished the shine of Tibetan Buddhism. But in the landscape of today’s Tibetan Buddhism, it appears that crimes are being committed that go beyond just the breaking of spiritual vows, but involve threatening the lives of others, all in the name of religion. Surely, this cannot be what the Buddha taught.
Under what circumstances should a Buddhist be allowed to criticize and even wish death upon others just because they have a different faith? The answer should clearly be ‘Never’. However, this is precisely what we see being practiced, all in the name of the Dalai Lama.
There are many online groups in existence today, set up with the specific intention of undermining, degrading and sabotaging practitioners of a faith which they disagree with, even though they have neither the right nor the locus to disagree with the beliefs of others. But we see this perversion in social media sites like ‘We Need To Talk About Shugden’ (WNTTAS) that have only one purpose – To abuse Dorje Shugden practitioners online and undertake smear campaigns and poison letters with the purpose of destroying the religion of others. How can this be considered decent human behaviour let alone a religious exercise, if the focus of the practice is the destruction of others because they are different?
For some unexplainable reason, WNTTAS like other supporters of the Dalai Lama have sanctioned themselves as the authority on everyone’s spiritual practice, and if the deity you practice is not ‘approved’, you will face grave consequences such as death.
But online platforms are not the only place these haters operate. They are brazen in their hatred because they have the support of the Dalai Lama’s government. The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), which is in fact the source of all conflict that surrounds the Dorje Shugden issue, sows hatred deep in the hearts of otherwise peace-loving people. The CTA tells the Tibetan people that Shugden is the enemy and abuse against Shugden practitioners is encouraged and lauded as nationalistic fervor.
Young Tibetans on a quest for Religious Freedom are heavily criticized and abused online for their religious belief.
It is a well-known fact that Dorje Shugden practitioners have been the victims of unreasonable accusations; one such accusation is that they are spies under the payroll of China. Although these accusations have no element of truth to them, they nevertheless have taken root in the larger Tibetan psyche, to the detriment of innocent Shugden practitioners. In recent peaceful demonstrations for religious freedom held by the International Shugden Community (ISC), a large number of Tibetans openly displayed their hatred of Dorje Shugden practitioners, mockingly ‘waving’ and ‘handing out’ money to the protestors, a rude gesture insinuating that Shugden people are paid to protest against the Dalai Lama by China.
While ISC freedom-seekers protest for religious freedom and the lifting of the Dalai Lama’s ban against Dorje Shugden, Tibetan women mock their efforts and add insult to injury by handing out money, insinuating that they are taking bribes from China to oppose the Dalai Lama.
We saw this same absurd childish behaviour and harmful accusations years ago in Radio City in 2008. At that time, Dalai Lama adherents assaulted Shugden practitioners, and cursed and spat at them. And we see it again now, years later. With Tibetans fighting Tibetans and Buddhists fighting Buddhists, any decent government or political group would have taken steps to mitigate the conflict. What good is a government if they can’t or won’t solve the conflicts affecting their citizenry? What kind of government encourages their people to maintain ill feelings towards others because of their religion?
Vulgar behaviour, is this what the Dalai Lama’s supporters stand for?
This ‘model’ display of parenting occured immediately after attending the Dalai Lama’s teachings
Getting rough, anti-Shugden practitioners attempt to cause a stir but were stopped by the local police.
However, such behavior is not isolated to online harassment and vulgar displays towards those campaigning for religious freedom for Dorje Shugden practitioners. The sobering truth is that it has also escalated into violent attacks against these unfortunate victims of religious discrimination. In October 2014, a Tibetan man was physically assaulted by armed men just because he was wearing a pendant that depicted an image of Dorje Shugden.
Kunchok Thargay was stabbed by his attackers in Lhasa, Tibet because he was wearing a Dorje Shugden pendant.
It is time for the world to address this situation that is affecting millions of Shugden practitioners. Intolerance and discrimination has no place in modern society. No one should be allowed to step on another individual’s rights and beliefs. It is no longer just about Dorje Shugden, but about human rights, freedom of religion, and compassion for our fellow man.
Disclaimer: This article was submitted by a third party author and does not necessarily reflect the official opinion of DorjeShugden.com. We accept submissions from the public, please send in your articles to [email protected].
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Sunitta
September 27, 2015
On what basis do these people think they have the right to harm other people ? If they are also Buddha’s disciples they should know that if they cannot do good the least they should do is not to harm any sentient beings !
Eli Buchen
October 3, 2015
Violence has never been a Buddhist tenet or something Buddha Shakyamuni encouraged amongst his followers, so it can only be logically surmised that the anti Dorje Shudgen who attack dorje shudgen lamas and people are not Buddhist in nature.
Rinchen
October 15, 2015
It is just so horrible that anyone will be treating another human being in this manner. It is not right and never should be done to another being.
No being should receive treatment like that, why is it right to be degrading a Dorje Shugden practitioner like that? Thank you DS.com for pointing this out to people. But many of us know that this is not the only few cases where open statements like that are out to ask others to harm DS practitioners.
Many instances, DS practitioners are being harmed as well. Even the older practitioners. As Asians, we are taught to respect our elders always, how is it correct to be bashing up an elderly and proclaiming to be H.H Dalai Lama’s follower?
H.H always promoted peace and love. Is that really peace and love? Are the actions of what they are doing showing compassion to another soul?
What these people are doing are not even ways that the Buddha has taught. They should not be even allowed to be calling themselves as Buddhists as their actions do not show that.
John M. Casper
November 28, 2015
If we look at our history, mankind has always killed in the name of god and religion. So why do we still hold on to our belief in god and religion? Have you not watched a movie scene in which the “killer” ask for blessing from his/her gods or goes to his/her temple to pray before going out to kill someone.
For the longest time I thought Buddhism is different, that it is exempted from this hypocrisy. Well, I guess not. I guess no religion is beyond corruption by the people who uphold it.
When I read about the situation surrounding the Dorje Shugden ban and this civil conflict within the Tibetan community, it makes me lose hope in all religion of the world.
Sabrina
December 7, 2015
Its is plain that Anti Shugden followers of Dalai Lama does not practise the Dharma at all. Where does it say in the scriptures that it is right to attack others solely for their beliefs? Are they above karma that they are able to act with impunity or do they believe that Dalai Lama is able to save them? Even Buddha Shakyamuni can’t save anyone from hell, unless they have the merits. Merits certainly can’t be gained from causing harm and suffering to others.
Besides, why do they think Dorje Shugden to be the devil? Are they saying that Dalai Lama’s predecessors are wrong (starting from the 5th Dalai Lama who recognised that Dorje Shugden as being an enlightened Protector, to the 13th Dalai Lama). Even the 14th Dalai Lama had practised DS and was saved from the hands of the Chinese communist on instruction by DS. If DS was colluding with the Chinese, then he would have guided the 14th Dalai Lama into their hands instead of to safety in India.
I guess those anti DS people are just lazy to understand and stand to gain much from being on the Dalai Lama’s side. As it is, Buddhism will be degenerated with these type of practitioners. Sad indeed!
paolo
January 7, 2016
When we physically attack and hurt others, no matters what excuses we gave, we are Wrong!
How could HH the 14th DL followers using dharma’s name to hurt, and even threaten to kill others? These are not Buddhist practitioners, they sound more like terrorist to me, to certain extent, these people have some similarities with ISIS, who cannot tolerate others who have differences in religion and believes. These people should be reported to police and authorities, they should be lock up in prison.
Michaela Smith
May 8, 2016
Dear DS.com
Thank you for publishing this opinion piece. After many years of contemplating, I still do not understand how someone can be penalised based on their religious faith. But I think instead of thinking about why, it will be more effective if we just work to bring awareness of the ban on Dorje Shugden practice. For this reason, DS.com is a very effective platform for those who would like to raise a particular issue to do so by submitting their opinion piece.
Thus, I hope everyone will support this website either via donation or by submitting valid new information
Michaela
Dharmacrazy
May 9, 2016
The license to kill has certainly been abused by a group of people. However, a good question would be who issued this license? In the article it is clearly stated that Tibetans who are refugees and unexposed and uneducated would not have the courage or ability to carry out this violent campaign without the direction and encouragement of a bigger force.
The Tibetan leadership instigated this entire ban and ensured its execution. They issued the license to kill. They made it OK to kill. Not only did they start a homicide of Tibetans by Tibetans, they are fueling and renewing the enthusiasm with renewed efforts from publication of a hit list to praising those who take hard actions against Dorje Shugden practitioners and passing various decrees, resolutions and regulations in relation to anti-Shugden campaign.
The CTA should be called to take responsibility by world organizations like United Nations. The public an also play a part by prompting those in power to do the right thing too.
Ashok Rao
May 9, 2016
In a world in which there is so much violence, people are turning brothers against brothers, sisters against sisters in the name of religion. And the sad thing is it is not even differing religions, but the same religion which is the holy Buddhadharma. This is sad state of affairs, the lineage masters and Buddhas who expounded the Dharma must be weaping for those of us in Samsara. We truly are in the Kaliyuga.
Any sort of violence is wrong, practice Ahimsa like the great Muni taught us we should be!
Daniel
May 9, 2016
This is the animosity and hatred that the CTA has been inciting for 20 years. But it has backfired miserably because instead of destroying the Dorje Shugden practice, pro-Dalai Lama people show to the world how antagonistic and boorish they are, and mostly, how unkind and unpractised they are.
But this behaviour is precisely what the CTA has encouraged and asked of its people as acts of patriotism. It is said, if you are a Shugden practitioner, you can do nothing right in the eyes of the Dalai Lama. Even if you have used an entire lifetime serving the people and even if you’re a good monk who has kept all your vows and served the Buddha dharma perfectly, you are still regarded as evil simply by virtue of your Protector practice. On the other hand, so long as you are prepared to hate Dorje Shugden and his practitioners, you are the perfect Tibetan who is loyal and pious, in the eyes of the Dalai Lama.
Go figure!
Lovett
May 9, 2016
Tibetans in general are not very educated and they have very simple view of the world. Unfortunately, their devotion to the Dalai Lama is often misconstrued into justifying violent tendencies in their support of the Dalai Lama’s agenda. This is really unfortunate because it shows how little they comprehend of the teachings that the Dalai Lama and the rest of the lamas propagate and how their actions reflect badly on the Dalai Lama and Tibetan Buddhism in general. No Tibetans so far with a few exceptions like Lukar Jam have thought about the welfair of the entire TIbetan community. This is just too bad. No wonder there’s no head way with their dialogue with China.
Shelly
May 9, 2016
So barbaric… and right before attending a teaching by H.H. the Dalai Lama? How interesting and what a great inspiration we should all follow. Inside the hall, we preach love, peace, compassion, acceptance, religious tolerance… but on the outside we’re violent and vulgar. How does this reflect on His Holinee? How doe this show the world that Buddhism is a peaceful religion that practices what they preach? If I was not a Buddhist and I see this, I would be immediately turned off from ever being a Buddhist. And to think, these are the very people who say they want peace and condemn other’s human rights. What about Shugdenpas human right?
Antonio Buffon
May 9, 2016
The Dorje Shugden issue and ban brings no benefit and the longer it is in place, the more ugliness we see.
Firstly, monks were asked to choose between their loyalty to His Holiness the Dalai Lama or the instructions/oath to their teacher. Those who did not comply were kicked out of the monastery.
Then, we see discrimination and abuse against Shugden practitioners that were lauded as nationalistic fervor. Some shopowners decided that Shugden practitioners do not deserve to be served and signs were put up. Shugden practitioners are discriminated by and avoided by their own people in their own community.
Later on, practitioners conducted peaceful demonstrations with hope to resolve this issue or at least push for a dialogue, however, they were faced with hatred, vulgarities, and being called traitors and ‘Chinese spies’. More violent attacks towards Shugden practitioners were reported – old monk attacked at his home, attempts to take over monasteries of Shugden practitioners and more.
Why would the Tibetan leadership that is associated with the emanation of the Buddha of Compassion, allow this religious discrimination and intolerance to continue? As the ethnic group of people who brought teachings of Tibetan Buddhism to the world, why would they not solve the conflicts affecting mainly Tibetans, as well as Tibetan Buddhists around the world?
Tashi Choezom
May 9, 2016
My people behave liek very tax-free they have no law . Even in United States they are behave like no law n even above Obama . Inji all thinking that Tibetan people are kind n peaceful but this is not true . When you see them shout like in first picture with spit coming from mouth n face twist from violent n anger, that is really what they are like. Always talking about kill this , go to hell, die, murder this is wht they are interest in. Dorjee Shugden . com you are doing the good job to tell the truth
Olivia
May 9, 2016
It’s incredible that the leaders of the country could set such a bad example to their own people and people around the world, the Central Tibetan Administration are barbarians, they talk like one and they act like one. It’s sad to see that so many Tibetans suffer tremendously under their leadership.
And they call themselves ‘democratic’? No way man, they should really search up the word and understand its meaning.
Aloysius Bong
May 11, 2016
Anybody who thinks Tibetans are beings from Shangri-la should read this article and face the reality, some of them can’t even carry themselves as good human beings, let alone Buddhists. The very 1st of the five basic precepts of Buddhism is “No Killing”, but these people, given a chance, will have no qualms to kill Dorje Shugden practitioners who do nothing to disturb them. This is what the Tibetan leadership did to the people, instead of nurturing its own Tibetan people into Buddhism which Tibet is world famous for, the leadership groomed their people to become terrorists. Shame.
Pema
May 11, 2016
Reading this article, the comments and looking at the pictures, makes me rethink of Tibet and its leadership.
Indeed, many outside people would drawn to place the leadership of Tibet as good as it is so closely related to the Dalai Lama. Well, the pictures and comments above clearly manifest another truth.
The beauty and kindness of Tibetan Buddhism and many high masters has nothing to do with the crimes done in the name of Tibet and the Dalai Lama. It is a human right to follow any religion you choose and you can meet with your family and friends and live your life in peace, no matter what religion you practice.
The very fact what happens as stated above makes it clear that these people don’t practice Buddhism or don’t follow what Buddha has taught.
My honest wish is that Buddhism and the Tibetan people are united again peacefully and free. May the ban on Dorje Shugden come down for the benefit of all beings and for the growth of Buddha Dharma.
Amber Sonam
May 16, 2016
It is amazing how a supposed to be democratic leadership openly supports such violence and brutality. Instead of concentrating on the Tibetans’ welfare, the CTA happily segregate the already small amount of Tibetans in exile. In addition, the CTA also create conflicts between those in exile and those in overseas. The damage has been done, and it becomes worst. The CTA fan hatred, disharmony, greed etc. thus destroying the hard work of His Holiness directly.
Lobsang Chodak
June 4, 2016
@John M. Casper – sorry to hear you’re discouraged but perhaps it may help to not have expectations. Without expectations, you don’t run the risk of being disappointed. When people come to Buddhism (or any faith), they come as damaged goods, not as perfect enlightened beings who are without flaws. So it’s not Buddhism that is hypocritical but people, and you’ll find this is true anywhere in the world, regardless of the faith in questions.
Camilia
June 6, 2016
After reading this article, I feel very disheartened by the human nature that the anti-Shugden group of people display. It is definitely not human nature because there is no love, no kindness, no mercy. The anti-Shugden people are harsh, cruel, ruthless and merciless. Yet they are lauded as nationalistic fervor. Violent attacks on Shugden practitioners are encouraged.
The Shugden practitioners are marginalized, insulted, discriminated against, denied medical help & education opportunity, and violently attacked. They do not have a voice nor identity under the Dharamsala governance. They are denied basic human rights and being isolated in the society.
Please be a voice for them because they do not have a voice. Please help them lift the ban on Dorje Shugden so that they no longer suffer. Please let the world know about the ugly truth of Dharamsala unfair and illogical policy. Please let more people be aware of the plight of the Shugden people.
Suhaila
June 18, 2016
It is very sad after reading the article. I believe that every single religion in this world / land is to teach people to be a better person, build a better community and practice loving, kindness and compassion. Surprisingly the community whom claimed to be Buddhist and the followers of H.H Dalai Lama are now continuously marginalizing the Shudgen practitioners. The discrimination, segregation and the threat to kill are totally unacceptable. They have totally gone out of the proportion and should be condemned.
May the Dorje Shugden Ban be lifted soon. May the freedom of religion becomes reality and release the Tibetan people from suffering.
Sierra
June 22, 2016
Reading this article reminds me of an interview I once watch of a ex-CIA agent being interviewed. She said that no one ever thought they were on the wrong side or the ‘bad guy’ side. They all believed that they were right.
Here, the Dalai Lama’s followers are thinking that they are right. They cannot or will not see the harm it brings to use such threatening behavior. The CTA are being so very samsaric in their approach that the Buddhist roots are in hiding and they feel that these means justify their ends.
The Dalai Lama is not saying anything to the contrary, so the followers continue to think that they are right. It will be very difficult to get the Dalai Lama’s followers out of this loop as the best way out may be to draw their attention back to the basics of Buddhism – back to the basic lay vows :-
1. Not intentionally killing
2. Not stealing
3. Not lying
4. No sexual misconduct
5. No intoxicants
No. one already states ‘no intentional killing’, need I say more.
But the the best line is the last line ‘:-
” No one should be allowed to step on another individual’s rights and beliefs. It is no longer just about Dorje Shugden, but about human rights, freedom of religion, and compassion for our fellow man.”
Sherabz
July 18, 2016
Feel sad to see the vulgar actions showed by the anti-Shugden people. Someone was seriously injured just because he was wearing a Dorje Shugden pendant.
No one should suffer. No one deserves suffering. We have to understand that there is always a cause, a reason behind everything. Not to follow the crowd in doing wrong things or having wrong views.
Sierra
September 17, 2016
No religion teaches violence, killings, says Dalai Lama
July 14, 2016 Posted in News From Other Sites
http://tibet.net/2016/07/no-religion-teaches-violence-killings-says-dalai-lama/
The title is self-explanatory. And, yet the Dalai Lama’s followers are committing violence in his name. So, is the Dalai Lama lying or are his followers so stupid as to bring shame to Buddhism and the Dalai Lama? Are they so brazen that they think they live in isolation of the world?
It’s time they start being more aware of the world and and the implications of what they do in relation to the Dalai Lama’s image cultivated by the Dalai Lama himself.
celia
January 29, 2018
Ultimately true Buddhist practitioners would not in the first place condemn another person’s religious belief, be it from the same religion or not (but more so when it’s within the same religion)
After all, Buddha gave 84,000 ways to enlightenment. Thus, especially with such prophecies from highly attained erudite masters, all the more reason for people to abstain from harmful discriminatory and schismatic actions.
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.