Left to right: Kungo Palden-la (in Tibetan dress; the devoted attendant of H.H. Trijang Rinpoche), H.E. Kensur Lati Rinpoche (background), H.E. Zemey Rinpoche, H.H. Zong Rinpoche, H.E. Kensur Rinpoche Lobsang Denpa (second from right) and H.E. Kensur Jampa Yeshe (far right). Despite the immense scholarship and attainments of these senior practitioners, if they were alive today, none of them would be allowed back to Gaden Monastery for the sole reason that they all practiced Dorje Shugden. Yes, as ridiculous as it sounds, these senior practitioners of such great repute would never be allowed to ‘redeem’ themselves in the hallowed halls of Gaden. Also in the picture is a young H.H. Pabongka Chocktrul Rinpoche.
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: Kay Beswick
One of the main points of contention against Dorje Shugden is that engaging in his practice leads us to the three lower realms. His practitioners are frequently accused of engaging in spirit worship, a big no-no in the Buddhist tradition. It is said that engaging in spirit worship results in taking rebirth as an animal, hungry ghost or in the hell realms.
Notwithstanding the lack of logic in that statement, let us for a moment assume that it is accurate to claim that Dorje Shugden practice sends us to the three lower realms. That being the case, since this is our last human rebirth before we are reborn in the lower realms, would it not behoove a supposedly Buddhist government like the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA; the Tibetan leadership) to allow us the opportunity to redeem ourselves by engaging in religious activities that they deem real? If the Tibetan leadership, who are based in Dharamsala, had so much conviction in their claim that Shugden practitioners will go to the three lower realms, it should actually motivate them to try even harder to ‘save’ Dorje Shugden practitioners by giving them even more opportunities to engage in religious activities that they approve of. Yet, through the machinations of the ban, all of those opportunities are denied to Dorje Shugden devotees.
Do these supporters of the Tibetan leadership, seen here outside one of the Dalai Lama’s talks on compassion and tolerance, look like they are serious about helping or saving Dorje Shugden practitioners? Do they look as though they would ever be tolerant, let alone accepting, of Dorje Shugden devotees? This is the type of behavior that the Tibetan leadership encourages.
A simple comparison can be made with the Christian faith to see why the technique of segregation will not work in the Tibetan leadership’s favor. For people who are not Christian, do the Christians ban these non-believers from their churches? Or do they invite them in, hoping to find an opportunity to convert them to Christianity? And should they fail to convert someone to Christianity, do Christians give up or do they keep trying again? Do Jehovah’s Witnesses, for example, stop at the first door that closes in their face or do they keep knocking and knocking until someone finally answers in a positive manner?
Using this very simple comparison, you can see why the Dorje Shugden ban does not make sense and ultimately, will fail. Failure to convince Shugden practitioners to swear out of their practice should in fact compel the CTA to try and get even closer to Dorje Shugden practitioners, to try and find a way to convince them to swear out. Instead, unlike the faithful Christians, the Tibetan leadership opts to ostracize Dorje Shugden practitioners, enacting mass discrimination against them. Dorje Shugden practitioners are not given the chance to redeem themselves by becoming born-again Buddhists, because they are marginalized in mainstream society and not brought back into the fold.
People are forced to swear out of Dorje Shugden’s practice, and read out oaths stating they disassociate from Shugden devotees. Look at the oath that the Tibetan leadership forces their people to swear – they promise not to share material goods with them. This shows that the Tibetan leadership has no interest in redeeming Shugden practitioners, and are resolute in not initiating dialogue with them. But if Dorje Shugden is “just” spirit worship, why swear on a high lama and Buddha Palden Lhamo’s name that you will never engage in the practice? That lowers the lama and Buddha down to such a lowly, mundane level.
Dorje Shugden practitioners are banned from shops and restaurants, as well as clinics and monasteries. They are not welcomed to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s palace which has a large sign on the gate saying Dorje Shugden devotees will not be granted an audience with him. Dorje Shugden practitioners are driven out from their communities in riots incited by the Tibetan leadership. They are also banned from holding government jobs, positions or offices, and are barred from public talks given by the Dalai Lama, whether secular or religious.
That they are banned from the Dalai Lama’s talks gives rise to a very interesting question. For the last 20 years, the Tibetan leadership has repeatedly asserted that Dorje Shugden is a spirit, that this is an urgent issue and that people should not associate with such practitioners. Yet, despite the supposed dangers and so-called urgency of the situation, the CTA actually does very little to resolve this. For example, even if Shugden practitioners do not share the same religious beliefs as the Tibetan leadership, do they not deserve a chance to receive teachings and blessings from the Dalai Lama?
The sign on the gate of the Dalai Lama’s palace in Dharamsala, stating that Dorje Shugden practitioners are not welcome to contact the palace to seek an audience with His Holiness. As a religious leader, His Holiness should be open and accepting to all. After all, everyone else is welcome to the palace whether or not they are Buddhist. How come only Dorje Shugden practitioners are singled out for such discriminatory treatment?
The CTA says that the Dalai Lama is Chenrezig, the Buddha of Compassion. If that is true, then if Dorje Shugden worshipers are allowed to meet the Dalai Lama, this would give them the opportunity to redeem themselves because a meeting with Chenrezig would be blessing for them not to take rebirth in somewhere horrible.
The CTA believes that the Dalai Lama’s teachings can change lives. How come Dorje Shugden people are not allowed to receive these teachings, to be given a chance to redeem themselves and change their own lives?
So in fact, instead of being barred from the Dalai Lama’s talks, Dorje Shugden practitioners actually should be given priority at His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s events since the Tibetan leadership claims that the question of their faith has to be resolved very urgently.
If the Tibetan leadership were serious about resolving the Shugden issue, and actually compassionate and Buddhist like they claim, they would not put terms and conditions like this on volunteer registration forms for the Dalai Lama’s talks. How come only Dorje Shugden practitioners are not allowed to serve the Dalai Lama, while members of any other faith are welcomed? This type of behaviour also contravenes the religious freedom laws of Switzerland where the talk was held.
Hence, when everyone else is allowed to attend His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s teachings on the pretext of a blessing, it is troubling that Dorje Shugden practitioners are not given the same opportunity. Even people who say they are not religious are allowed to see the Dalai Lama, while Dorje Shugden people do not even get that far. And while Shugden devotees say we are Buddhist and are therefore more similar in faith to the Buddhist Dalai Lama (as compared to atheists), yet we are not allowed inside the teaching halls to receive Buddhist teachings.
So how come Dorje Shugden practitioners who, by virtue of their practices are supposedly condemned to a lower rebirth, are not given the same opportunity? Surely as wayward Buddhists, they are in more dire need of redemption compared to anyone else who says they are Buddhist. Would it not be smarter to allow them into the Dalai Lama’s teachings and events, and try to assimilate them back into the general population to “save” them? The fact is, it is convenient to take people’s money to build temples and monasteries but it is not convenient to let them use those same temples and monasteries to seek salvation.
The sign leading to Serpom Monastery, which relies on Dorje Shugden, is regularly defaced by supporters of the Tibetan leadership. Serpom was set up because monks from Pomra Khangtsen (fraternity house) in Sera Mey Monastery were expelled for refusing to give up their practice. This was the result of the Tibetan leadership’s decree that Shugden lamas like His Eminence Gangchen Rinpoche would not be allowed back into the monastery, even though he sponsored part of Sera’s reconstruction.
It is easy to use a Dorje Shugden devotee’s donations to fund your projects, but less convenient to let them use it when they need help and redemption. It is a well-established fact that massive contributions from Shugden lamas helped to reestablish the Tibetans in exile. Millions upon millions of dollars came from lamas like His Holiness Trijang Rinpoche, His Eminence Guru Deva Rinpoche and His Eminence Gangchen Rinpoche whose donations were used to build monasteries, clinics, hospitals and schools in the Tibetan settlements.
So it is sad that instead of trying to save their people from so-called demon worship, the Tibetan leadership chooses to abandon them altogether. The fact is, the CTA has no interest in “saving” anyone. The current state of their so-called Tibetan cause is evidence of this; that is, after 60 years, the CTA is still reliant on handouts from foreign governments and private donors. If the Tibetan leadership were really interested in saving anyone, they would try to initiate dialogue with Dorje Shugden devotees over and over again. Instead, what we see is them avoiding Shugden practitioners, violently discriminating against them and making consistent attempts to segregate them from mainstream Tibetan activities.
The violent discrimination is all too real for elderly monks like Gen Chonze of Trijang Ladrang (household) in Shar Gaden Monastery, who was attacked and stabbed with a knife for refusing to give up his practice.
The message is clear – contrary to their claims, the Tibetan leadership do not want to help Dorje Shugden people, has never intended to help Shugden devotees and they never will. And their actions alone on this speaks volumes about their real motivation for the future of Tibet and the Tibetan people, which is that they have never existed for the benefit of the Tibetans but have always acted in their own best interests and always will do. Thus, it may also be concluded that the CTA have never had any intention of running their leadership according to Buddhist principles. To put faith in such a leadership with no results to speak of in 60 years would surely be the most foolhardy proposition.
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Carol McQuirre
July 10, 2017
For Dorje Shugden practitioners there is no redemption. There is no forgiveness. There is no compassion. They don’t deserve respect or love or equal treatment. They should all just go to hell.
Tenzin Sangay
July 10, 2017
Dorje shugden Ban? Seriously?
His Holiness gave the right to choose. Tibetans can follow anything they want. And they do actually. So stop spreading lies and stop showing those old pics again and again. Don’t you have any better things to do? Or you might have any hidden agenda by using Dorje Shugden name but actually not knowing what he preaches.
Tashi Pema
July 11, 2017
Of course, the Tibetan Leadership is unwilling to help us. If possible they would kill us all if the world was not watching them as so-called Buddhist, and refugee and well the noble all compassionate Dalai Lama’s people. But in reality, it is all opposite of who they claim to be.
We are lucky we are living in India and we have some kind of security and laws to protect us and allow us to continue living as free people. If we were in Tibet and completely under their ruling, we would all be doomed. I am sure there would have been bloodshed. Yes, we are indeed lucky because we are in democratic India. This temporary government of ours is really just temporary for the people… it is just created to fill their own pockets, it is not for the people. Never has been.
sierra
July 11, 2017
There is no ban. There is only”follow what I say and all will be well, otherwise…..”
Sounds like a line from”Godfather”. Make you an offer you cannot refuse!!!!
Yes, Ms Beswick, there is no intention on their part to salvage the souls of the Dorje Shugden practitioners. There is only politics and rule by division and fear. That’s why Shugdenpas must toe the line or be ex-communicated. It’s power play.
Puntsok
July 12, 2017
Tenzin Sangay – people are allowed to choose? Really? Tell that to the Serpom monks in Bylakuppe and Shar Gaden monks in Mundgod. By the way, since you mentioned it, what actually does DOrje Shugden preach? What is the hidden agenda behind using Dorje Shugden name? Please don’t tell me it’s paid by China, that is so lame. I am ashamed of Tibetans who really has nothing to say but just spew hate speech.
Yeshe Drolma
July 12, 2017
Tashi Pema I agree with you. It is not about living in India, or even living in Tibet. The fact is that the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), the so-called central Tibetan leadership doesn’t even do a good job in India with 120,000 people, dare we entrust them to lead the millions in Tibet?
Besides, it’s been more than 60 years, and leaders like Lobsang Sangay has never visited Tibet, what does he have in common with the Tibetans in Tibet besides language? He was born in Darjeeling and educated in Delhi and USA. At least Lukar Jam knows what living in the real Tibet is all about, unfortunately dirty politics do not allow him to be elected. ”
I think it is best for Tibetans to become Indian citizens, at least there is a better chance to survive with the Indian government who has been a host for Tibetans in exile for more so many decades, or for those who can, to go overseas while there is still an opportunity.
Stop being a pawn to the CTA to gain sympathetic aid and funds that only go to pay for their foreign passports or money for their relatives and families overseas, because they are too good to stay in India.
Jay Anderson
July 14, 2017
This article rings many bells that the CTA is indeed very selfish who rules her “country” only for political interests. And I believe that is one of the reason they lost their homeland and unable to get ANYTHING back for so many decades.
I wonder what’s there left for Tibetans for the upcoming decades if CTA continues to break their people apart.
And maybe in the near future, there’s no new Tibetans in CTA citizenship anymore as there’s not much benefits being a “citizen” that rule by undemocratic, unkind party.
I wonder CTA learns anything from what HH Dalai Lama preaches…
Manjushri
July 14, 2017
“I vow never to share or experience any religious or material goods with them” – ha. An oath, that..contradicts itself! How can that be an oath, when the very grounds that the oath is taken on has been hugely contributed towards by Dorje Shugden practitioners and lamas? Isn’t that sharing the sponsorship raised by Dorje Shugden devotees? Or perhaps it is made to sound ridiculous so that there is no basis to it! Actually, thanks for sharing your views, Kay. If really there is no where else to go but directly to hell for Shugden practitioners, then wouldn’t it make more sense for CTA to reach out to all the Shugden practitioners repeatedly, and bring them to their side, so that they can gain more support and resources? Why marginalise them further, when there is an opportunity to turn Shugden practitioners around? And if that is the case, and they don’t care about Shugden practitioners and can’t change them, then why continue creating new materials to further speak bad about Shugden, since all those who have given up on Shugden practice have already given up and need no further materials to convince them to?
The CTA so easily gives up on their own kind (even if they have differing views), I am sure its very easy for them to give up on other Tibetans too, when it becomes inconvenient to them.
Winnie MB
July 15, 2017
It is clearly a discrimination and segregation act by CTA. Why can’t Dorje Shugden practitioners be accepted or redeem themselves? If it is true that Dorje Shugden is a devil and whoever practise it will eventually go to 3 lower realms then the more we should help Dorje Shugden practitioners. Isn’t this part of Buddhism practise to be compassion and to help and benefit others. But instead what we hear and see is the further ban and discrimination by CTA on Dorje Shugden practitioners in various forms. It also clearly show that CTA has no intention in running the country based on Buddhist principles and values. CTA will continue to ban Dorje Shugden practise for their political agenda.
Amber Sonam
July 15, 2017
Another powerful yet impactful article with sound logic to expose the stupidity of the Tibetan Leadership aka CTA who is now clearly seen by many are using the Dorje Shugden controversy solely for political agendas. I think only CTA alone not knowing their stupidity are being exposed and no one really cares about their bullshit but people who are either as stupid as they are.
The CTA has proven to be evil and couldn’t care less for their people. Their people are baits used to mooch more money from naive westerners. They are a bunch of selfish idiots who should really pay for the consequences.
I look forward to the dismissal of the CTA and all Tibetans become Chinese or citizens of other countries very soon.
Dondrup Shugden
July 15, 2017
There are many reasons why the CTA do not find it necessary to redeem Dorje Shugden practitioners and I name but a few as follows:
1) CTA who represents the Dalai Lama, who speaks of compassion, love, care for sentient beings, being an emanation of Chenrizig, do not believe in the tenets of Buddhism that is preached by the Dalai Lama.
To this point, I wonder why the Dalai Lama permits CTA to contradict His teachings. Sorry to say, could it be what Dalai Lama teaches is for the masses and He holds a different standard for those who execute His orders.
2) If CTA take action to remove the illegal ban, then who can they blame for their inefficiency in governing to achieve fulfilment of the Tibetan dream of recovering Tibet from China?
This controversy hides a lot of unquestioned ineptness of CTA.
3) After 20 years of illegal ban and for CTA to change course to accept the worship of Dorje Shugden is a huge slap in the face. If that is to happen how is CTA to answer to their donors and sponsors.
4) Facts show that CTA intends to create disharmony with the motto of destroy and construct to their benefit.
Evidence is the existence of 2 Karmapas, disruption to the Sakya succession plans from a life long position to a changing 3 year term.
Another effort to disrupt unity and the next time would be a puppet placed to head the Sakya tradition, by no other authority then CTA.
Conclusion:
The list of outstanding lineage masters can never be wrong and they never went to the lower realm but have reincarnated to continue their works.
As a Dorje Shugden practitioner, we believe in tolerance to what is happening to us, accept discrimination but what will never be killed is we will continue with perseverance and rigour with our practice, as the truth can never be destroyed.
sushil
July 16, 2017
Dear Tenzin Sangay
You are indeed very naive to take the words that there is no ban on the Dorje Shugden practice. Please read the following sharing (many more) on the experiences which Dorje Shugden practitioners faced and still facing until today
http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/features/serpom-monastery-almost-three-years-later/
http://www.dorjeshugden.com/spread-the-word/write-a-letter/make-a-difference-letter-26/
When you sit on the other side of the fence, and not being prosecuted daily, it is easy for you ignore other’s sufferings. You should go find out for yourself the actual truth on how Dorje Shugden practitioners have to struggle to survive the discrimination imposed on them.
Sherabz
July 16, 2017
This precious photo of great master reminds us to have right diligence in practicing dharma in order to achieve attainments and liberated from the suffering. Everyone has Buddha potential and when someone is being barred/not allow to receive Buddhist teachings is definitely not the right teaching from the Buddha.
As what we can see now many of the great masters passed and have returned in perfect human form and continue in spreading the dharma. If practice Dorje Shugden practitioners will go 3 lower realms, then the great masters those who have returned in perfect human form and some of them are officially recognised by HH the 14th Dalai Lama are considered as incorrect recognitions.
A big question mark here to us to think deeper.
Camillia
July 20, 2017
It is illogical if we try to examine the behaviour of the CTA and Dharamsala on the DS issue from a spiritual point of view. Firstly, banning another faith is not Buddhist values. Forcing DS practitioners to denounce their practice, swear against it or faced violent repercussion is not Buddhism. In fact, it is against Buddha’s and Dalai Lama’s teaching of acceptance, compassion and harmony.
Secondly, closing the door on DS practitioner by restricting from attending Dalai Lama’s teaching and other monastic activities is very un-Buddhist. Buddha in his time, actively seek out the manslaughter Angulimala to help him repent and save with him from from hell. Similarly, Dalai Lama had gladly befriended religion terrorist (ref: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/dalai-lama-muslim-terrorism-islam-no-such-thing-as-video-watch-speech-a7317001.html), this act shows the power of compassionate loving towards all sentient beings. This leave no doubt that the act to shut out DS practitioners instead of embracing them is totally against Buddha’s and Dalai Lama’s teaching.
But, if we try to imagine for one moment that the actions of CTA and Dharamsala are purely out of calculated political move to create an issue so that the leadership’s mis-governance can be passed over; then it makes sense. In hindsight, this strategy seemed simple; first, identity an issue out of nothing that matters to a group of people significant enough to hoard headlines. Then, make sure the distortion of issue cannot be easily refuted unless one who possess a logical mind really read up and understand, make a decision. Even with this, not many who finally understand will really bother to voice up and say something.
So voila! Here we have it, an issue for CTA and Dharamsala to manipulate the public into neglecting the bigger picture. DS protector practice is reduced to a political tool by CTA & Dharamsala for the passed 20 years so that the already failing governance since 1990s became secondary. Twenty years is a long time and more than sufficient for a few people to prepare their coffer for a lavish retirement. Twenty years is also a long time for damages done on DS practice, the life of the practitioners, as well as on Buddhism as a faith.
J. Shri
July 20, 2017
Well written and very logical article. I do agree that those in the “right group” should help save those in the “wrong group”, to save their souls from damnation. However, I don’t see this happening with CTA. Why? Simple. Why would CTA allow Shugdenpas redeem themselves and leave them with NO scapegoat to blame for their failure to regain Tibet?
CTA should really wake up and realise how their administration is failing so miserably. The recent move by the US government to withdraw aid to Tibetans should be a good indicator to CTA how well they have been performing and how international leaders perceive them.
Geraldine Sarie
July 21, 2017
The act of CTA on discrimination Dorje Shugden’s practitioners, are far too beyond and I think it’s impossible for them to regain back because
1). CTA making FALSE promises to their people more than 50 years ago that they will return to their mother land.
2). CTA have made a very bad choice. They pick religious as SCAPEGOAT of their failure in leadership. Besides, lay people were forced and being paid to attack monasteries and DS devotees. Many were constrained from their worships due to life threatening.
3). Separation of religious choice and freedom have caused many pain and hurt to faithful devotees until much lives been taken away such as the act of SELF-IMMOLATION. The numbers have been increasingly.
Above all these, are evidence of CTA’s greed, selfish and ignorance that have caused much sufferings, agony, tortured and heart-broken. How would Dorje Shugden devotees redeem back when their integrity had been harassed?
Elibuchen
July 22, 2017
My teacher have said before, if we are on the wrong track in terms of spiritual practices then we should be getting more dharma and instructions. Not ostracized, discriminated or made pariahs of. These are not the acts of an enlightened government.
What CTA have done, resonates with what the Rohingya people faced. If CTA was still in its own country they could have persecuted the Dorje Shugden people similar to how the Myanmar government treated the Rohingya. They want to push the Dorje Shugden people all way and if they can push them off the sheer cliff. There is no respite or avenue for Dorje Shugden practitioners to rejoin the the wider Tibetan community or any form of spiritual reconciliation with other Tibetan Buddhist practitioners or organisations.
May Mal
July 29, 2017
It is a shame on what CTA has done on Dorje Shugden practitioners. It is not at all the teaching of Buddha. This is what happen when politic invades religion…it leaves only power, greed n dirty agenda!!
Pema Norbu
September 15, 2017
See this clear video of His Holiness the Dalai Lama asking the monasteries to expel monks that practice Dorje Shugden. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTgYWidYw3U
thubten
September 16, 2017
These so called higher spiritual authorities are just the same as the rest of us. Driven by hate, politics and de-compassion. so much for the much touted notion of bodichitta – or the idea of an independent Tibetan state.😇
Qing
September 26, 2017
With China growing economic clout is sure to foil any Rangzen independence movement and Middleway Umaylam self autonomy rhetoric. Why would China have dialogue with TIbetan CTA when they treat their own fellow Tibetans Shugden people like this. Time to rethink the Dorje Shugden ban!
Tsering Gonkatsang
September 30, 2017
Member of Parliament Tenpa Yarphel is a hero. He is speaking up for free speech and freedom of expression. He is exercising his rights, he is standing up for logical democracy which is the only way forward and not having to contact spirits like Nechung via oracles to make decisions that impact people’s lives. But look how people speak about him in the comments, so rude and nasty. It really represents the Dalai Lama badly as they are supporting Dalai Lama beings so rude: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if2dFMKIr_8
They say we need to believe in Nechung and follow what he says. But in 2009 Nechung said the Dalai Lama would go back to Tibet and that everyone would be happy. A monk from Nechung Monastery is the one that told everyone about this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8. But Nechung was wrong. It has been eight years and this has not happened. The Dalai Lama did not return to Tibet. Nechung being consulted by Tibetan government in exile is backwards. No governments do this in the civilized world.
When people like Tenpa Yarphel speak up and are real patriots of the Tibetan people, they are attacked by other people. In fact people even protest like this man who shaves his hair: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30NL4hG8oA. People like these are actually protesting against Tenpa Yarphel’s democratic rights and freedom of speech. Tibetans by criticizing Tenpa Yarphel shows they are far from democracy. Besides many of the other Kagyu leaders such as Drigung Chetsang Rinpoche, Drukchen Rinpoche, Karmapa Thaye Dorje all did not say anything against Tenpa Yarphel that represents the Kagyus.
Dalai Lama had said that is his minister of cabinet in the government. Even though it is clear that Nechung is unreliable and a spirit, the Dalai Lama continues to rely heavily on Nechung and other oracles who take trance of spirits. He invites Nechung to all his events and allow him to take trance in centre stage always. In fact the Dalai Lama even calls the oracles to his own private bedroom: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x62ocw1.
These practices show how Tibetan government is run.
Lovett
October 14, 2017
Within the Tibetan communities in India, there is no free speech and how Tibetans insult each other and would even insult foreigners by calling them Chinese agents just because you speak up and this is suppose to silence you. All of this began with the Tibetan CTA. Nonetheless, there are a handful of Tibetans who had enough and they dare to speak the truth and in this case, Tenpa Yarphel speaks against Nechung and veiled statements about the Shugden ban – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuKOjcpLH8A
And then there are people who would oppose his view by shaving his head. Very silly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30NL4hG8oA
Pema Schneider
October 19, 2017
Lobsang Sangay at the Golden Jubilee Celebration of the Tibetan Settlement Office, Dharamsala: https://youtu.be/eInTi-E9na8
Losang Sangay said recently (October, 2017) in Dharamsala that Tibetans have two enemies: the outer and inner enemy. The outer enemy is the Chinese government and Dorje Shugden people. The inner enemy is the people who speak against about our Tibetan affairs like regional differences and religious differences. (He didn’t say this directly but he means people like Tenpa Yarphel who spoke up in the Parliament) He said out of the two enemies, the worse one is the inner enemy.
Now the Tibetans have started a new Facebook page specifically against Tenpa Yarphel. Tibetans are protesting against him: http://bit.ly/2ysowTH
And there is a video of Tibetans with Tenpa Yarphel’s name on the paper against him and asking him to resign: http://bit.ly/2zAH2af
Tashi, Delhi
October 20, 2017
What is the CTA for a club? Going around pretending to be a democracy and only because of HH Dalai Lama they can make some foreign people believe it but it seems that karma is coming back.
The CTA is suppressing their own people and having a good life with the money originally meant for the Tibetan people. On top, their elections are a farce!
Listen here to Tenpa Yarphel who questions about the reliance of the Tibetan Government to Nechung, an oracle, which is understandable already but on top Nechung’s predictions seem to create more problems than anything else. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuKOjcpLH8A
What happens to Tenpa Yarphel now that he speaks up? Tibetans have started a Facebook page against Tenpa Yarphel and protest against him: http://bit.ly/2ysowTH. They even ask Tenpa Yarphel to resign: http://bit.ly/2zAH2af
So much for the “Democracy” in the Tibetan Government!!
ashrao
October 29, 2017
Unfortunately, the dream of Tibetan democracy is nothing but that. Look at this brave Tenpa Yarphel speaking up against the spirit Nechung (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuKOjcpLH8A). He brings up a good point, the Tibetans rely more on a spirit than they do on democratic principles and their own intelligence and care for their own people.
But these Tibetans themselves are so enamored with the spirit that they protest against Tenpa Yarphel, lame protests, but protests nonetheless, like this man who cut off his hair (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30NL4hG8oA). I really don’t understand how this is a protest, but each to their own I guess.
Personally, I don’t really think much of the Tibetans who follow their lame government. I’ve seen first-hand just how much the average Tibetan suffers under their current leadership and this just goes to show that their government is ineffective and schismatic. But one thing about this whole situation is somewhat promising, there is a silver lining, and that is the point was raised by a Tibetan MP within their parliament. He wouldn’t have done so if other people in the Tibetan community did not feel the same way. It is time for Tibetan to free themselves of a superstitious, money-grabbing, self-serving, and impotent government.
Dawa Lhamo
October 29, 2017
Tibetan government are useless, they rely on Nechung https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuKOjcpLH8A
Any you know what, their supporters even cut their hair off because they don’t agree with MP. This guy funny. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30NL4hG8oA
What this going to change?
ashrao
October 29, 2017
The Tibetan government keep relying on Nechung for everything, though all his predictions and advice cause more damage than harm. Is it even wise to follow his advice, I mean he was wrong about His Holiness the Dalai Lama returning to Tibet in five years https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8
That was in 2009, we are now in 2017, which was 8 years ago. Is his advice really trust worthy? I wonder why the Tibetan government even continue to listen to him. Perhaps they get something out of it?
Tashi Gonkatsang
October 29, 2017
This ashrao posted this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8
What he said is true. I couldn’t believe it at first, because I never heard my parents or relatives tell much such things before. But when I asked my uncle who is a monk, he told me it is true. He said that Nechung gave bad advice and has continued to give bad advice. My uncle said that even many of the monks and high lamas don’t even believe in anything Nechung says. Better to say no rather than listening to his advice from now on. My parents were shocked. They used to go and see Nechung oracle when they were in India, but luckily I was able to move them to the USA. Now we better off. I can’t believe that the government still listen to the Nechung.
TseringD, Delhi
October 29, 2017
Nechung is ZUMA 👎 before I m think he is one of d best when I m watch dis video By Geshe Dorjee la but now I m think is not d truth n he is lie to Tibet people we r not back to Tibet yt https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8 Chithue Tenpa Yarphel la tq for talk about truth of Nechung . I m watch to this video many time la https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if2dFMKIr_8 n after I hear you talk I m not belief to Nechung
Why CTA Why
October 30, 2017
Watch Geshe Dorje who interprets Nechung’s prophecies! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8
After the Nechung oracle takes trance, his answers are interpreted and explained by Geshe Dorje, a Buddhist master from Nechung Monastery.
This video is from 2009 and proves that Nechung is wrong again! Why rely on Nechung when all his prophecies are wrong?? Someone with a hidden agenda maybe?!!
Tenzin Ngawang
November 17, 2017
China knows how welcome President Trump… on the other hand, what happened with the CTA
https://youtu.be/Na3lcejmqZ4
What a shame that Sharling is busy massaging Lobsang Sangay when their biggest sponsor is coming hehe
Ngodup Tsering
November 18, 2017
WHAT DIRTY THINGS HAPPENED WITHIN THE CTA
Anonymous
March 29, 2018
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 16, 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.
Yoezer
August 19, 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.
Vardaniya
August 24, 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
March 6, 2019
I have heard and read much news about how the Dorje Shugden followers are being discriminated and segregated by their own government and people. The Dorje Shugden ban has created so many sufferings and disharmony not just in the Tibetan community but in the worldwide Buddhist community. Most people are ignorant of who Dorje Shugden is but because the Dalai Lama said Dorje Shugden is not good so everybody listens to him.
Dorje Shugden ban was imposed by the CTA as a cover-up of their failure to fulfill their promise of bringing the Tibetans back to Tibet. After 60 years, the Tibetans are still struggling which is not acceptable. Therefore, the CTA has to put the blame on someone as they do not want to be responsible for it. So they make up some stories and blame Dorje Shugden for sabotaging their cause.
When the CTA imposes the ban, they segregate the Dorje Shugden followers, causing them to be outcasted by their own people. Monks in the monasteries become enemies because some continue to practice Dorje Shugden. Many monks are expelled from the monasteries. Lives of Dorje Shugden followers are threatened, some Dorje Shugden lamas were murdered by the anti-Dorje Shugden group. Families and friends don’t talk to each other anymore because of the ban. 20 years of suffering is enough, more people should be informed of the truth and CTA has to lift the ban, they have created too much negative karma.
Drolma
October 11, 2019
While the CTA is complaining about China not respecting human rights, what human right did the CTA give to Dorje Shugden followers? The CTA segregates Dorje Shugden followers and encourages Tibetans to go against them. Businesses are allowed to put up signs to forbid Dorje Shugden followers to frequent the places. This is pure discrimination.
Why does the CTA and the Tibetans think India should help them? Didn’t India help them enough? It has been 60 years since the Tibetans take refuge in India, it is a long time. Did the Tibetans do anything for India to show their appreciation? Not really.
The Tibetans have created so much problems in India but they did not seem to realise that. They even dare to ask India for more support and help. This is very ungrateful of the Tibetans.