On May 20, 2014, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA; the Tibetan leadership) published a list titled, “List of *Dolgyal followers who protested against His Holiness the Dalai Lama in US and Europe” onto their official website. The list comprises of 20 Tibetans who protested against the Dalai Lama in Europe and the USA. There are many more Tibetans who they have not listed yet.
Click image to enlarge. Taken from http://tibet.net/2014/05/list-of-dolgyal-followers-who-protested-against-his-holiness-the-dalai-lama-in-us-and-europe/
What is the purpose of publishing such a list which does not describe the people’s crime? In fact, if you read the article and its title, there is only one thing that the Tibetan leadership finds these people guilty for – the ‘crime’ of protesting against the Dalai Lama. As far as the CTA is concerned, any opinion that does not agree with theirs or the Dalai Lama’s is an act of treason punishable by ostracization and perhaps violence, no matter how justified or logical the opinion is.
Any reasonable person will now question what kind of leadership publishes the names and addresses of peaceful protesters on their website, for the mere act of speaking up against the leadership who implemented an unjust and undemocratic ban on religious freedoms. Among the leaders who published such lists are dictators like Mao, Stalin and Hitler. Their lists were routinely denounced by the free and democratic world. Is this what the Tibetan leadership wants to be known for?
The ridiculous publication of this list has not escaped the world’s attention. Even the Dalai Lama’s followers question the Tibetan leadership’s logic in publishing such a list. People like Thierry Dodin (who recently gave an interview against Dorje Shugden practice) and Jamyang Khedrup have said that such a list and further publications of ‘wanted’ photos is a very bad move. Thierry Dodin even says that publishing such a list like this is “exactly what the Chinese would have done”.
Thierry Dodin and Jamyang Khedrup are of the opinion the Central Tibetan Administration made a huge political and public relations mistake in publishing this hit list
Not only does this list reflect badly on the Tibetan leadership, but Jamyang Khedrup rightly points out that lists like these are very demotivating. What is the point of protesting for Tibet, when the Tibetan leadership incites violence against their own society? It makes the Tibetan cause, which focuses on non-violence, lose its credibility. It makes Tibetans and the Dalai Lama’s supporters want to STOP spending so much time on the Dorje Shugden issue when, over and over again, their own leadership sabotages their efforts to look calm and rational.
It is clear that the Tibetan leadership’s tactic is to alarm their people into becoming violent against these 20 Dorje Shugden practitioners. They have essentially created a hit list of who they feel are the most wanted Tibetans in their society. After all, there can only be one reason why they would publish the address of one of the protesters. Why would they feel it is necessary to pinpoint his / her location, if they do not want to direct some kind of action to be taken against them?
Note that the list comprises ONLY of Tibetans and does not include Westerners and non-Tibetans. This is interesting because many Westerners helped to organise the protests, and to raise awareness about the Dorje Shugden issue. Again, it is clear to see what the Tibetan leadership’s intent is – to direct violence at their own people, because directing violence against Westerners is futile and illegal, since Westerners have their democratic governments to protect them. To direct violence against Westerners would be an obvious public relations nightmare, but to direct violence against their own people is acceptable; such is the very basic thinking of the Tibetan leadership.
As Da Tshering notes in the picture below, the Tibetan leadership have a history of removing articles from their website after realising how inappropriate the articles are. Therefore after our article here on DorjeShugden.com is published, it is likely that the Tibetan leadership will remove this list from their website because they realise it is a big political and public relations mistake. It actually shows their true intention of wanting to silence any opposition to their rule.
Da Tshering notes that articles do have a habit of disappearing from the Central Tibetan Administration’s website
But will it matter to the Tibetan leadership that they are forced to take off the list? Probably not, because they know that Tibetans all around the world will already have downloaded the list. Thus if any harm happens to the people on this list, we will hold the Tibetan leadership directly responsible. This is not the first time the Tibetan leadership have incited and directed violence against Dorje Shugden practitioners. For example, during the Dalai Lama’s teachings in Sera, Tibetans were provoked into attacking Trijang Rinpoche’s assistant Gen Chonze. Before that, the Tibetan leadership in the Mundgod settlements incited riots against the Dokhang Khamtsen monks.
It is clear to see that the way they think has influenced their population. For example, this picture was published on May 22, 2014 on Facebook with the individual’s personal details, birthday and supposed ‘interests’:
Click image to enlarge
The picture however is not specific about his crime. Instead, it implies that his belief is related to the crime they accuse him of – that he is a Dorje Shugden practitioner and because of this, he is a killer. Where is the proof that he has committed the crime? Note the comments on the side where a Tibetan again resorts to vulgarities, but the other two commenters see this picture for what it really is. It is nothing more than a witch-hunt focused on Dorje Shugden practitioners. This image follows on from previously published images implying death, or at least great harm, will come to other Dorje Shugden practitioners.
An image of Adar Tsering, a prominent Dorje Shugden practitioner, was superimposed onto a gravestone, implying that his beliefs and his actions to protect them are offensive, and harm, if not death, will befall him. This was sent to Adar Tsering along with many other death threats
Until the Tibetan leadership learns that violence is not the solution to this undemocratic ban (which they themselves implemented!), Dorje Shugden practitioners will continue to speak up. Such lists only prove that the Tibetan leadership is undemocratic, is outdated in their thinking and does encourage their population to be vulgar and violent. Such lists just goes to show why it is more important than ever that the Tibetan leadership realises they cannot continue to be undemocratic in a time when the rest of the world no longer thinks this way. Thus if the Tibetan leadership wishes to exist in a world that no longer thinks dictatorships are a good form of administration or governance, they will soon find themselves quickly losing global support for their cause for Tibet. When that day comes and no one pays any more attention to their protests, they will only have themselves to blame.
The Tibetan leadership’s witch-hunts, infringement of religious freedoms and their attempts to incite violence against those who would stand up for Dorje Shugden practice and freedom, shows clearly their archaic and illegal control of their people. Religious freedom must be instituted immediately. The undemocratic ban against Dorje Shugden must be dissolved immediately and the witch-hunts against people who peacefully protest against the leadership must discontinue. When all requests to the Tibetan leadership for dialogue regarding the Dorje Shugden issue are ignored for the last 15 years, then why is it wrong to peacefully protest against the Tibetan leadership?
*Dolgyal is the CTA’s derogatory way of referring to Dorje Shugden
Read more about the CTA’s hit list on Shugden practitioners
Update – 1st June 2014
The CTA’s hit list grows, adding 14 more Dorje Shugden practitioners to their original 20-person target list. The question is, is this the end or will the CTA continue to add more names to their list, until the world can no longer ignore the obvious lack of religious freedoms, and intentional targeting and discrimination of Shugden practitioners?
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George Harlin
May 23, 2014
I agree. Why does the CTA not place any pictures of the Westerners who protested who were in the hundreds? There are the outspoken Westerners they could ‘target’. So why don’t they. Why target only Tibetans? Is it because they cannot get away with bullying, violence and threats to non-Tibetans? If this is the case, it shows clearly how the Tibetan leadership terrorize and bully with threat of violence their own people.
People in the FREE WORLD can practice any form of religious worship they choose. Why are the Tibetans not allowed this basic human right? Why does the Tibetan leadership target people on their official website with addresses and all those Tibetans that protest? Do they want Pro-Dalai Lama Tibetans to go and threaten them into submission. Why does the CTA find it wrong to peacefully protest?
Thomas Jones
May 23, 2014
Of course the Tibetans may not protest against the Dalai Lama because he is a god. A leader. Without mistakes. Faultless. Perfect. Their dear leader.
And the Dalai Lama and CTA goes along with whatever is on their official website. It doesn’t matter what happens to their reputation because they need to cover their mistake (Shugden ban) at all costs. Otherwise the Dalai Lama would never allow the CTA to place the pictures of 20 persons for the mob to attack. Lynch mob. Why does the CTA under the Dalai Lama encourage others to see who the Tibetan protestors are?
The world has to see the truth now. Everyone has to wake up now. We must stop supporting the CTA to teach them they are wrong. CTA must stop their fear tactics and inciting violence against those who don’t agree with their policies especially religious discrimination.
Jangchup Choeden
May 23, 2014
The abbots of the large monasteries must fall in line with the Tibetan leadership or else they will be removed from their prestigious positions which rakes in plenty in monetary benefits.
When the abbots travel, open their mouths or speak to sponsors, money just rolls into their personal treasuries. So being disgraced from their positions would mean a huge financial loss. Sad but true for some of the abbots.
Geshe Tashi Tsering SERA JEY MONASTERY
May 23, 2014
If we go against His Holiness the Dalai Lama we will go to three lower realms. He is wisdom. CTA will take our Geshe Degree away if we go against. We must always agree.
Tenzin K
May 24, 2014
It really shows how the Tibetan government plays violent towards the Shuden practitioners. It’s so unprofessional. Showing the list of the people disagree with the non-religious freedom practice by the Tibetan government obviously is to harm those people.
Good point of why not showing the westerner…this is because it’s so much to do to harm them and they are protected by their government unlike the Tibetan government harming their own people. It’s such an embarrassing action from the Tibetan government. If anything happen to the people in the list it’s obviously is the act from them. The Tibetan government not only lost their country but also their dignity and humanity.
No surprise that they never ever can claim back their country and whatever remain will just get smaller and smaller.
kris
May 24, 2014
I think the CTA leaders are still living in the 1950s and assume people can be easily fooled by what the government or HH Dalai Lama said without logic thinking. Or they have so much power that they become so arrogant and can practically do whatever they want. But hey, don’t forget you are fighting for freedom, but at the same time you are suppressing freedom from your own people!
It is indeed very bad that the CTA even publish the address of one of the protestors, and I agree with the author this will only incite violence against her and her family. What I don’t understand is that why is HH Dalai Lama’s government students are so hateful and revengeful. Didn’t HH Dalai Lama teach us all to be kind and compassion? Based on the actions by CTA which shows arrogance, violence, selfishness and rudeness, it shows the Dharma taught by HH Dalai Lama is not being applied by the CTA at all. If I am new to Buddhism and look at the actions of the HH Dalai Lama’s students, I will run away like hell.
CTA, please stop blaming the Dorje Shugden practitioners about the peaceful protests. Do you know why there are peaceful protests? That’s because CTA and HH Dalai Lama ignore the request for a dialogue on this matter. Ironically, HH Dalai Lama urge people to have dialogues between religions to reduce frictions.
CTA, if anything happened to the people in the list, YOU ARE DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE because you incited violence against them. And what kind of Buddhists are you that incite violence against others? I think you are indeed the Taliban of the Buddhism, sad to say.
For the people who volunteer and help in CTA to “counter” Dorje Shugden practitioners, please be rational and think. All we want is freedom to practice. Isn’t that what CTA wants as well? Why have double standards? Why fight for freedom and suppress freedoms of others? Why do you donate your money and efforts to such arrogant and selfish organisation??
Galen
May 24, 2014
Even your supporters does not support you in publishing such a wanted list. What is the purpose of it? It must be a way of inciting violence. It goes to show that the CTA has an agenda of its own and that it serves a warning to these people that they know who are the protestors. So, if anything happens to these 20 protestors, then CTA would be responsible.
They are only protesting in peace and fighting for their freedom of religion. There were no violence that sparked from the protests. Even the USA government did not stop them because it is according to the rule of the law. So, why does the CTA have such a reaction? Obviously they are guilty!
rossoneri
May 24, 2014
What is the point of this? Are they a group of who looks like going to harm someone? I don’t think so. They are only protesting to be given a right to practice what had been initiated and believe what they are practicing is not an evil spirit but an enlighten being.
So far, if i am not mistaken it is only the people who are anti-Shugden is acting violently to others.
robi-thomas
May 24, 2014
it is soo pity that cta is really blocking its own road for the wishful dialogue with communist china. if cta and its loyal people carry on like this, they are loosing the main battle or delaying the middle way policy for another 10-15 years.
ken wood
May 25, 2014
All these social-political controversies between the two factions now have come to the point of NO RETURN.
Both sides are facing each other till the dead end and I think there would be no single winner whatever the outcome would be,the big BUT unfortunately is the buddhist image in general is already and will be even more badly damaged.
It is never to late to plan for a good sensible dialogue by the end of 2014.
Remember always that All the Buddhas are watching us quarrelling on the Ultimate Nature which belongs to everyone and to everything.
Anonymous
May 25, 2014
I feel so sick of seeing all these big bully act by CTA. They can only get away by bullying their own people that’s why they can only posted those who are Tibetan. That’s no different from killing them directly by putting their lives in danger of publicizing their address in the list. If anything happen to these people in the list, the CTA will push away all the responsibilities to those anti-shugden people. this is call 借刀伤人 which means borrow a knife to hurt others. Where CTA do not have to do anything but let the anti-shugden take the place. Nothing is new to this CTA people. They can’t spend more of their time working on how to make the Tibetan’s lives better on top of that they harm their own people. Most disgusting part was they continue to make their own Tibetan suffer more despite them had lost their home and country.
Gohdi
May 25, 2014
Independant from the fact that the list has been published on the internet, the main thing we learn here is that there *IS* a list. And if there is one list could there be additional lists (more hidden)? As we know there have already been list previously. It seems that these kind of lists are one of the CTA’s favorite “tools” instead of democratic tools. What a shame for all these western people who support the CTA with a lot of money hoping to support something good.
Icy
May 27, 2014
Internationally people must realise that whatever dime they have contributed to the Tibetan cause goes to support the CTA to incite violence and intimidate fear against their own countrymen. Is this what you wish to support?
LongDorji
May 27, 2014
Dorji Shugden practitioners, it is not the way you protest for freedom. Protesting for freedom through violent means only make you a terrorist. You stupid dorji shukdhen practioners acted violent against Dalai Lama and his followers and now you are stupidly complaining that they are acting violent against you. I don’t think CTA is that illogical. Their article of wanted list will not remove eve if you assume that they will. If you want to fight for freedom, do it in a peaceful way please.
Dharmacrazy79
May 28, 2014
The primitive and uncivilized manner in which the Tibetan authorities operates will contribute to the loss of respect the world has for their cause of free Tibet. This is coupled with the advancement and greater importance China is creating in the world with the progress they are making. I only hope that the lower regards for the Tibetan authorities will NOT spill over to reduce the respect the world has for His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
This is why we should never mix religion and politics. No good has or will come out of it.
The fundamentals of Dharma is karma, rebirth, compassion and benefitting others. The way the Dalai Lama supporters are handling Dorje Shugden issues contradicts each and every fundamental. Yet, they blatantly continue such barbaric behavior believing that they can get away with it. Ignoring the fact that international attention will not tolerate such breach of human rights.
The fact that only Tibetans are targeted shows that the pro-Dalai Lama camp is very aware that what they are doing is wrong. Similarly, it reveals the cowardice of the Tibetan authorities who only bully the helpless they can impose power upon.
It is truly a pity that so little consideration is given to the hard work of His Holiness over the years. If the Tibetans want the legacy of the Dalai Lama to live on, they need to urgently review their methods.
Jacob
May 29, 2014
That is a very good point that you have stated, I like it. They did not put westerners on the list when majority are westerners whom organize and incite protest on H.H.D.L. It is an obvious fact that the CTA encourages violence against Dorje Shugden practitioners. I’m already beyond the point of disbelief how stupid the CTA can be that they only continue to make themselves look so stupid.
For them to continue to publish such information onto their website and later taking it down again repeatedly, they will continue to lose the trust of many, bringing their reputation lower. At the rate they are going free Tibet would be completely far fetched. If only more people would realize the truth and see the truth behind the lies of the CTA, that’s why I completely believe in this website that it is a huge contribution to bringing the ban down!
Why is it that till this day H.H.D.L. has refused any dialogue on Dorje Shugden? Please give Shugden Practitioners religious freedom!
samayakeeper
May 29, 2014
I hope this article catches the eyes of people and heads of state who fight for religious freedom.
The CTA uses fear inducing tactics and hooliganism against their very own kind, the end does not justify the means.
Why does the Dalai Lama allow this? The Noble Prize recipient, the man who speaks of loving compassion, peace, forgiveness, generosity, dharma…..Why? How many more innocent Tibetans must suffer, physically, mentally, financially for whatever objectives the Dalai Lama has set?
I don’t buy that some casualties of war is the norm, or collateral damage. This is not a war, this is merely allowing religious freedom to all and sundry.
Please stop and not add onto the sufferings, the sufferings that all beings are already in.
smith
May 31, 2014
there are so many contradictory statements made by CTA towards China directly and indirectly that the real Tibet issue under the Middle Way policy is automatically made useless and enormous mistrust.
Firstly CTA is blaming all Shugdan people under Chinese payroll,thus bringing Tibetan people physically and psychologically deliberately away from Chinese policy which is already totally contradictory to CTA`s Middle Way Policy.
Secondly CTA is still using Tibetan Independence National Flag officially everywhere on any official occasions.
Thirdly any common Tibetans travelling privately to Tibet is incited to be looked upon as traitors by CTA.
All these points go against the Policy of Middle Way and is no wonder that the Chinese Government mistrusts CTA right from such double standard policy.