By: Ringzin Tsomo
For the last 60 years, the Tibetan Government-in-Exile has exploited, abused, marginalised and persecuted their people. For the first time in six decades, since the Tibetans first entered a life in exile, we are seeing more and more examples of ordinary Tibetans speaking up against this exploitation. In years gone past, Tibetans would never have dared to voice their objections to the leadership. To do so would have been tantamount to treason, and seen as a betrayal and ultimate disloyalty to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan cause (whatever that may be).
60 years of exploitation however, have led to a growing number of people willing to express their frustrations. As the younger generation of Tibetans become more exposed to different ways of thinking, and experience different cultures and styles of government, they are starting to see that the way their own leadership operates is not in the best interests of their people. This is because they now have something to compare the Tibetan leadership against, for example the democratic governments of America and Switzerland.
Below we have compiled for you some examples of the ways in which ordinary Tibetans have expressed their dissatisfaction with the current state of Tibetan society, and the different concerns that they have voiced. It is a cross-section and sampling of their concerns, their methods and the challenges they face in voicing their opinions.
Should people living in a free and democratic society like India (where the majority of Tibetans reside) fear speaking up against their leadership? Should they hesitate and think twice about the repercussions of voicing their own opinions, which they are perfectly entitled to do? What kind of democracy fosters such a culture of fear?
Unless the Tibetan leadership has a major shift in their attitude, they should be very concerned about losing the loyalty of their people. Everyone has a limit and everyone’s patience can only go so far and as the examples below show, maybe 60 years of manipulating their people is starting to become more than many can bear.
1. Tenzin Sherab Mimicking Professor Samdhong Rinpoche
Samdhong Rinpoche was the first “voted” Prime Minister of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile. In his position as a Prime Minister for 10 years, he was responsible for enforcing His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s ban against Dorje Shugden. This resulted in the widespread persecution of Dorje Shugden practitioners, monks and nuns by the Tibetan leadership.
This video with the mimicry of Samdhong Rinpoche demonstrates the enduring lack of respect from the public towards the Tibetan leadership and in particular its former Prime Minister. Just a decade ago, such a video would have been unthinkable as people would have been too afraid of being labelled “anti-Dalai Lama”. Nowadays, their frustration with their leadership outweighs any fear they may have about being labelled “anti-Dalai Lama”.
This video is a clear sign that people are growing braver, and gaining the courage to express their thoughts and feelings. They are becoming less afraid of the negative repercussions of speaking up against the CTA. More and more people will speak up against the corrupt and unfair conduct of the CTA and its members.
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Below are some comments accompanying the video above, as well as other YouTube videos related to the Tibetan leadership in exile. See the types of things ordinary refugee Tibetans say about their leadership. This is the product of 60 years of manipulating, lying to, coercing and exploiting their people. The Tibetan leadership should understand and realise that if they continue with their current methods of governance, such comments and such YouTube videos will become more frequent, and the embarrassing moments will only increase. And sadly, for the Tibetan leadership, there does not appear to be signs of change on the horizon.
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2. Congressman Rohrabacher’s Letter
Congressman Dana Rohrabacher of the United States in this letter is openly saying that the Tibetan government-in-exile (also known as the Central Tibetan Admnistration or CTA) has received so much financial aid from the American government. Yet the Tibetan leadership are not acting in a democratic manner. Why are the funds not being distributed for the welfare of the Tibetan people? How much more assistance should the United States direct towards such a profoundly corrupt and mismanaged regime, using taxes from the American people? Congressman Rohrabacher’s letter shows that even American sponsors are receiving reports of mismanagement of funds and corruption at the highest levels of the CTA. Unless the Tibetan people speak up against the corruption in their leadership, they may see a decline in global financial support for their cause.
Read more: http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/the-controversy/the-ghost-of-tibetan-democracy/
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3. Lukar Jam Atsok’s Manifesto
Lukar Jam Atsok is very progressive, far-reaching in his thinking and very fair. That is why he will never be accepted and elected into the position of Sikyong, because he’s running on a platform of views that are different and diverge from the CTA’s and especially His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s views. Even his views of and proposed teatment of Dorje Shugden practitioners greatly differs from the Tibetan political establishment. In his electoral campaign, Lukar Jam had proposed a better, more comprehensive policy towards Shugden practitioners, having recognised that they all cannot be tarred with the same brush, and viewed as one homogenous group.
Having said that, the consensus in the Tibetan community is that he has made waves with his progressive and encompassing religious views. His manifesto and what he wishes to accomplish as a Tibetan leader is refreshing and unlike the current leadership, prioritises the welfare and future of the Tibetan people.
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4. New York Times Article: Mudslinging Trumps the ‘Middle Way’ in Tibetan Exiles’ Election
For anyone to have a different opinion from the Dalai Lama, they will be considered extremely disrespectful and will usually even be labelled a traitor. Those in power in the CTA will condemn and even remove ‘disloyal’ individuals from participating in what is supposed to be a “democratic” election. Although politicians like Lukar Jam Atsok were ultimately unsuccessful in their campaigns because the CTA cannot run fair elections in a democratic manner, one good thing that has come from politicians like Lukar Jam running for Sikyong is that more Tibetans are beginning to speak up against the unfairness of their leaders. For example, Ms Dhardon Sharling and Ms Dicki Chhoyang have been powerful voices in speaking up against the current leadership and the way the elections have been conducted.
Below is the New York Times coverage of the electoral campaigns. Please take note that the New York Times is a reputable media outlet, and not tabloid or sensationalist in nature. Their coverage of the electoral campaigns asks some hard questions of the Tibetan leadership, and highlights the petty way in which the elections were coming up. Is such pettiness the mark of a mature democracy? Certainly not.
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5. An Open Letter to the Sikyong
This is an open letter to the Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, Kashag (the Tibetan Parliament), and Election Commissioner of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in Dharamsala, India by 27 long-time Tibet supporters living all over the world. These powerful individuals state very strongly and clearly how they recognise and object to the CTA’s undemocratic practices that are many and serious.
They point out that the electoral rules constrain the Tibetan people’s right to free speech, and that the leadership’s behaviour is inconsistent with their own claims of being a democracy. The ruling by the Election Commission after the preliminary ballots was a breach of the Tibetan community’s human rights. The Tibetan leaderhip’s behaviour throughout the Sikyong elections shows clearly their double standards and behind-the-scenes manipulations to achieve their goals – that is, to maintain the status quo in the government by preventing new, different voices from participating in the political process. They indicate that if the Tibetan leadership is not held accountable to anyone and it continues to behave in this way, they are in danger of losing their own people’s trust. There is even a danger of the Tibetan leadership acting AGAINST their people’s best interests. Thus more and more people are beginning to see the corruption and lies behind the CTA.
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6. Tibetan Youths Question Sikyong Lobsang Sangay on Dorje Shugden
During a question and answer with the Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, Tibetan youths spoke up against the ban on Dorje Shugden. Several students pointed out how much the Dorje Shugden issue has divided the Tibetan people and exposed the lies of the Central Tibetan Administration. One student for instance asks the Prime Minister directly about the nature of the accusations expressed during the protests against the ban on Dorje Shugden.
As you can see, Lobsang Sangay purposely avoided some questions. His displeasure at being questioned was obvious; his mood and face visibly darkened when the students questioned him. If he was so confident about the ban on Dorje Shugden, and there is a logical basis for the ban, he would have been able to answer their questions confidently instead of showing displeasure to young Tibetans who dare to think and speak up.
It has been reported that after the session, the youths were called away for questioning and their loyalties to the Tibetan leadership were put under scrutiny. What kind of leader treats the youths of his nation in this way? How does it nurture leadership skills and abilities in the Tibetan community, and encourage Tibetan youths to engage in the political process when their very own leader bullies and intimates them into silence?
Read more: http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/features/tibetan-youths-question-dorje-shugden-ban/
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Below are some of the comments that accompany the video on YouTube. The Prime Minister’s reaction towards the student was noticed by many.
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7. Kalon Dicki Chhoyang’s Resignation
In March 2016, Minister for the Department of Information and International Relations for the Central Tibetan Administration, Dicki Chhoyang, abruptly resigned from her post after serving for four and half years and quitting a few months before her term ended. She initially stated that she was resigning because of collective interest and the significant challenges that lie ahead for Tibet, but she later gave further insights into her resignation in a later statement. These included mentions that the range of issues debated during the Sikyong election has been disappointing with their irrelevance to the current situation in Tibet and the political movement.
Ms Chhoyang also highlighted some personal character traits which she considered important for a Sikyong candidate. According to Tibet Sun, her statement is a clear criticism of Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, and elaborates on why he is not the right person to be elected to the post of Sikyong. Before her official statement, many Tibetans were restless over the incident and resorted to social media requesting Ms Chhoyang to open up about her resignation before the final election. They left comments speculating over serious problems in the Parliament, as well as the poor leadership of Lobsang Sangay that caused her resignation.
Isn’t it interesting that a minister of the current sitting Parliament would feel it is necessary for her to resign from her position in order to speak freely? What has been happening behind the scenes in the Tibetan Parliament where current sitting ministers cannot speak their minds freely? Is it because they are expected to ‘tow the party line’ if they are sitting Ministers and dissent or divergent views are not allowed?
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Above is the video recorded by Ms Dicki Chhoyang relating to her reasons for resigning from the Tibetan Government in Exile and below are just a sample of the comments to the video. Her resignation has generated a lot of interest and conversation in the Tibetan community.
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8. Monks in the 15th Tibetan Parliament Criticize the Shugden Ban
In March 2015, during a session of the 15th Tibetan Parliament, a parliamentarian who is also a monk commented that the Parliament should discuss problems and solutions, especially those which are happening “right under the Dalai Lama’s nose”, for example the misuse of government property, corruption and murders by certain member of the Tibetan Parliament.
He also pointed out that the Parliament have not fulfilled many things the Dalai Lama has said and wished for, and that the Dalai Lama’s name has been used for personal gain. One of the examples he brought up was the ban on Dorje Shugden, which the current Dalai Lama told everybody that he did not start the ban and that it came from the 5th Dalai Lama. People who are familiar with Tibetan culture will understand that the parliamentarian was implying that many problems have arisen in the Tibetan communities as a result of “the Dalai Lama’s wishes”. This is a clear example that even a parliamentarian is now speaking up about the failure of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile (TPiE), the unicameral and highest legislative organ of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).
Something must be happening in the Parliament where parliamentarians are now doing what was previously unthinkable – holding His Holiness the Dalai Lama responsible for the problems faced by Tibetan society. What is lacking in the leadership that those involved are now so frustrated, that they will even call into question the logic of following His Holiness’ instructions?
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9. Penpa Tsering Resigns
Penpa Tsering has been a strong advocate of the Dorje Shugden ban and his stance has never changed. In 2015, during a parliamentary session, Penpa Tsering walked out abruptly after he was accused of murder and he was unable to refute the charges. Instead of standing his ground and insisting his innocence, he stormed out of the meeting like a petulant diva, leaving everyone stunned that a grown man would act in this manner. No one even attempted to hold him back.
The real issue is, why does someone have to be afraid over things that they did not do? If you did not do it, stand your ground and say you did not do it. Why do you have to QUIT to prove you are innocent? What kind of Tibetan leader behaves in such an immature manner, like a child who has just been admonished and is now sulking over their treatment?
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10. The Leadership are Silent on Self-Immolations
The first self-immolation in Tibetan society in the modern era took place in Delhi, India on April 27, 1998, when Thupten Ngodrup set himself on fire and later passed away.
Those who self-immolate are desperate. They are desperate and frustrated, and have to express themselves in such an extreme way because they think that it is the only way to grab the attention of the media. However, instead of working to show his people that the leadership are capable of achieving their goals without the people having to resort to such extreme measures, the ex-Prime Minister Samdhong Rinpoche was quoted as saying, “We should support all those that have sacrificed their life for the Tibetan cause.”
Scores of young Tibetans have killed themselves and yet their leadership remains silent and ineffective
What kind of leadership supports the death of their people? What kind of leadership calls for their people to behave in this manner, and even encourages them to commit suicide? Every life is precious and no one should be killing themselves. If being alive does not solve the issue, how is being dead going to help? In fact, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has remained relatively silent over the issue of self-immolations; instead of asking his people to stop (which they would), His Holiness has said very little about resolving the issue.
While the Tibetan leadership remain silent over the increasing death toll, they continue to promote and incite harm against Dorje Shugden practitioners, creating a huge division within the Tibetan community. Why does the leadership direct resources towards persecuting people’s religion, instead of directing resources towards the resolution of the Tibetan issue so that no more Tibetan youths have to sacrifice their lives?
Or watch on server | download video (right click & save file)
Or watch on server | download video (right click & save file)
Or watch on server | download video (right click & save file)
Below is the list of all Tibetans who have self-immolated in the name of the Tibetan cause (whatever that may be). The Tibetan leadership have done little to stop this list from growing and in some cases, have even encouraged the self-immolations. Without a drastic change in their attitude towards the continuing suicide of their people, and without efforts to pacify their people’s frustrations over the lack of political progress, it is inevitable that this list will only grow longer.
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For more information: http://www.savetibet.org/resources/fact-sheets/self-immolations-by-tibetans/
11. Nyingtam Rap Song
This rap below titled ‘Nyingtam’ was produced to highlight how the Dorje Shugden ban has affected millions of peoples’ lives, splitting families, friends and monasteries apart. Dorje Shugden practitioners, even those who live in exile, are heavily discriminated against and they do not even have the slightest religious freedom and rights to follow their own faith.
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The song therefore is a way for Tibetans in exile to express their frustrations with the problems created by the Tibetan leadership which has affected Tibetan lives for the last 60 years. The Dorje Shugden ban has been going on for too long and it is the time now to resolve the issue and bring all Tibetans together so that they can live in peace and unity.
English translation
Shame!
It’s a real shame!
All of you are the ones engaged in shameful acts
It is all of you who are causing the innocent to suffer
All of you are the ones engaged in lies, deception and slanderTibetans
Listen up carefully
It would have been really difficult without Trijang Rinpoche and Shugden’s involvement
For the Dalai Lama to arrive safely in India from Tibet
Just leave aside Dalai Lama, his name would not even exist today without themHow did the Dalai Lama get all the knowledge he endows?
It was Trijang Rinpoche who offered him the Ocean of knowledge and the world knows itI clearly remember eating steamed buns at the TCV School (Tibetan Children’s Village)
Stop thinking immaturely and stop talking nonsense
It was Trijang Rinpoche who founded the TCV School
Even the national anthem you chant is composed by our Lama (Trijang Rinpoche)
Ungrateful people, all of you should be ashamedLook at your work
Two Karmapas
Two Panchen Lamas
Issues arising from viciously mixing religion and politics
The Chushi Gangdruk(Tibetan guerrilla fighters) issue
The Dorje Shugden issue
If I were to really start talking about the issues, it would impossible to cover all of themDonkey Penpa Tsering, don’t belittle and make careless remarks.
The vicious mixing of religion and politics is not what you should teach the students
Don’t slander and belittle the lineage holders of the Gelugpas
You who are engaged in murderous and bloody acts, you will be going to hell for sure.
You don’t even show the slightest result of Dharma learning
But you sure have a BIG MOUTH!!!It’s the Dalai Lama who separated the Tibetan people
It’s the Dalai Lama who divided the monasteries
It’s the Dalai Lama who divided families
It’s the Dalai Lama who split friends apartBefore 1996, we friends and relatives lived together harmoniously
After 1996, we got completely divided
This unnecessary issue
Is created by the Dalai Lama
It disrupted all six million Tibetans
Just like you stir a pot of noodles (thukpa)
All the unity was destroyed
Forget about consensus and unanimous resolutionsIt really saddens me
And I shed tears of blood
But what can we do?
Until our flesh is worn down to the bone, we will fight for truth and justiceUs vajra brothers and sisters
The only thing we think about is Dharma
Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul
Is our supreme guide
And we proudly state thatAll of you are the ones engaged in shameful acts
It is all of you who are causing the innocent to suffer
All of you are the ones engaged in lies, deception and slanderIt’s the Dalai Lama who separated the Tibetan people
It’s the Dalai Lama who divided the monasteries
It’s the Dalai Lama who divided families
It’s the Dalai Lama who split friends apart
12. The Jonangpas Protest
The Jonang sect, a school that has been suppressed since the time of the 5th Dalai Lama is also speaking up now. The Jonang sect is a Buddhist school which can trace its origins back to the 12th century. After being suppressed and persecuted for 400 years, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama finally recognised the Jonang as a major sect of Buddhism in September 2011.
But five years after they were recognised as a legitimate school of Buddhism, the Jonangpas still have no representative in the Tibetan Parliament. The Jonang monks were protesting outside the Tibetan Parliament, requesting to be treated equally like the other Buddhist sects, all of whom have representatives in the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. Protests by the Jonangpas against the unfair and undemocratic methods of the CTA have even escalated into violence.
In September 2015, monks and nuns protested in front of the Tibetan Parlament for equal representation. The monks protested by hunger strike and a fight was even recorded on camera. It seems that more and more groups of people are becoming increasingly frustrated with the unfair treatment of the Tibetan Parliament against their communities.
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13. Phayul Comments
The content on Phayul.com, a popular website that publishes news and opinions about Tibet and Tibetans in exile, reflects how Tibetans are speaking up and expressing their frustrations about the failure of the CTA, especially in relations to the recent Sikyong election. Their frustrations range from Lukar Jam being unfairly removed from participating in the final election, as well as criticism of the Sikyong candidates and the electoral process.
Some Tibetans have boycotted the election and refused to vote, one of which includes the former Sikyong candidate Lukar Jam himself. The first directly elected Prime Minister of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, Samdhong Rinpoche himself has also refused to vote.
The 2016 Sikyong elections have been a total shambles, with accusations of corruption and manipulation of the voting process by the very body responsible for overseeing the elections. There have been parliamentarians resigning so they can speak freely, and candidates and former Prime Ministers refusing to vote. Why is the Tibetan leadership which has just 88,000 voting constituents, so incapable of running an election that is free from scandal and corruption?
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14. Andrew Korybko
Andrew Korybko is a political analyst, journalist and a regular contributor to several online journals, as well as a member of the expert council for the Institute of Strategic Studies and Predictions at the People’s Friendship University of Russia. He specializes in Russian affairs and geopolitics, specifically the US strategy in Eurasia. His other areas of focus include tactics of regime change, colour revolutions and unconventional warfare used across the world.
In this video you will hear that Andrew Korybko giving a very incisive commentary on the biased report by Reuters titled “China co-opts a Buddhist sect in global effort to smear Dalai Lama”, published on Dec 21, 2015.
Andrew Korybko talks about Reuters’ anti-China fail. In the report, they tried implicating Beijing for supporting the supposedly anti-Dalai Lama Buddhist group, the ISC (International Shugden Community). In reality however, they actually raised awareness about the autocratic sectarianism of the Tibetan leadership. Andrew pointed out that the entire Reuters report is misinformation and that Reuters will write whatever suits their agenda – that is, anything pro-Dalai Lama is good and anything that opposes the Dalai Lama is bad, even if it is other Buddhists and even if they are Tibetans. This is exactly what is happening to Shugden practitioners and the Tibetan people at large.
He points out how the article is condescending to the reader. It shows how desperate Reuters and their sources are, feeding them stories to manufacture any kind of anti-Chinese, pro-Dalai Lama message no matter the consequences for those involved. Any good journalist who is impartial and makes the effort to investigate will easily sniff out the sectarianism within the Tibetan leadership, where those in power will control the Tibetans and use their loyalty to the Dalai Lama against them, just so they can stay in power. Few Tibetans have the resources and capability to conduct such investigations, having been raised to have full and unwavering trust in their leadership. This is why the Tibetan Leadership has been able to get away with exploiting their people for over 60 years. However, no matter how they try to hide and twist the truth, the truth will prevail. Now it looks like more and more people are identifying the cracks behind the lies and speaking out against it.
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15. Tibetan Youths’ Blogs
As technology results in more people being exposed to newer and different information and ways of thinking, we are seeing more people speaking up against anything that is unjust and in this case, it is the Tibetan leadership.
The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) is well-known for their corruption, double standards and hypocrisy. The older generation of Tibetans have been living under the extreme suppression of their leadership and they did not dare to speak up because there would be repercussions. Plus, being a newly exiled community meant they did not have many options in terms of alternative forms of employment, alternative places of education, as well as migration and travel. If they were persecuted as being against the leadership, life would become extremely difficult for them.
Fortunately, thanks to the advancement of the internet and technology, Tibetan youths today are more outspoken and educated, and they are not afraid to speak up against the “opponents”. This is a very good sign and trend because Tibetans have been suffering for the longest time. Now they have the knowledge, resources and exposure necessary to protect their human rights and individual freedoms.
Below is just a sample of intelligent, incisive Tibetan blogs providing an analysis into the behaviour of their leadership. Such publications would not have been tolerated by the establishment just ten years ago but today, the people’s frustrations with their leadership have pushed them to speak up. And more and more people will continue to speak up in this manner, and such articles will become more commonplace if the Tibetan leadership do not change their method of governance.
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Source: http://www.sikyong2016.com/paradox-of-10-accomplishments-of-sikyong-lobsang-sangay
16. RTYC NY / NJ Issue
There are two views or approaches regarding the Tibetans wish to return to their homeland. The first view is the full independence view (or rangzen), which His Holiness the Dalai Lama used to promote. The view espouses that Tibet should be its own fully independent nation. The second view is the Middle Way Approach (or umaylam), which His Holiness the Dalai Lama now supports and promotes as the right approach. The view espouses that Tibet should have meaningful autonomy.
In the last two years, there have been increasing clashes between those who support the rangzen view and those who prefer umaylam. In March 2015 in New York, Tibetans protesting for their cause erupted into a fight. The New York Police Department had to step in and intervene before it escalated into further violence. Since that time, relations between the two groups have been uneasy. The umaylam people have accused the rangzen group of being anti-Dalai Lama because they do not support His Holiness’ preferred choice of umaylam.
1000 people attended the meeting in support of the rangzen view
In early 2016, the umaylam group (who support His Holiness the Dalai Lama) had a meeting which 300 people attended. Since they support the Dalai Lama’s approach, they have a very good relationship with Kukey Yiktsang (the Private Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama). Later, the rangzen group (who are against His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s umaylam) also had a meeting. A total of 1000 people showed up, and the President of the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) from their Dharamsala headquarters flew in to speak with them.
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In the video below, there is a man speaking during the rangzen meeting. The man in the video is saying that they are all Tibetans and just because they fight for rangzen, the umaylam people despise them and tried to sabotage their meetings. No matter what it is, people who support rangzen are also Tibetans. The man requests His Holiness the Dalai Lama to inform supporters of umaylam that supporters of rangzen are not malicious, and asks them not to create division and problems.
First of all, the disparity in numbers between the umaylam and rangzen groups show that there is overwhelming support for the rangzen view. In the past, it would have been unthinkable for only 300 people support the Dalai Lama’s view, while 1000 people support a different view. Furthermore, the testimony of the man in the video shows that people who do not support the Dalai Lama’s view are not allowed to host their activities freely. Why prevent rangzen people from meeting and speaking, when they have freedom of speech? Why despise rangzen people, just because their views do not agree with His Holiness’? Are people not allowed to disagree with His Holiness the Dalai Lama? Does everyone have to agree with His Holiness the Dalai Lama? Is this how the Tibetan leadership encourages democracy?
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17. Screenshots of Tibetans’ comments
Below are some screenshots of comments from various websites of Tibetans speaking up and even questioning the leadership of the Central Tibetan Government (CTA).
This is a very significant trend as it shows that Tibetans now are more exposed and educated. They are not afraid to speak up and they will not tolerate the Tibetan leadership’s political manipulation. They should not be afraid to stand up for their rights because no one has the authority to sabotage their religious freedom. We are now living in the modern era, where everyone is moving forward and working towards a more harmonious future. This kind of archiac, medieval and petty administration should stop now or Tibetans will never unite as one.
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Source: http://www.jamyangnorbu.com/blog/2015/10/02/lukar-jam-prisoner-of-conscience/
18. Samdhong Rinpoche
The ex-prime minister of the Central Tibetan Administration, Samdhong Rinpoche is unhappy and does not want to vote. Even their own ex-prime minister is turning against them, then followed by their very own gods. We can see how corrupted and disorganised the leadership is.
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English
Indonesia
Tibetan
Tselha (Canada)
April 12, 2016
Losang Sangye and Penpa Tsering’s motivation for being in their positions is for self gain. Therefore whatever they do will not benefit the Tibetan public. All Tibetans know this.
Yeshe Sangmo
April 12, 2016
His Holinness Dalia Lama never wrong.
Lovett
April 13, 2016
@Yeshe Sangmo
The Dalai Lama is never wrong but Lobsang Sangye, Penpa Tsering and many others in the CTA can be wrong… very wrong. There’s so much problems in the TIbetan govt but they do little to make things right again. The are many wrongs but the biggest is the ban on Dorje Shugden. So much evidence on this website and many other places but they can still go around destroying people’s spirituality and personal lives. How can you or any Tibetan let this go on…
Olivia
April 13, 2016
The Central Tibetan Administration has been known for their corruption and not just that, they oppress their own people and use them for their own political gains. Tibetans were not able to or allowed to or not dare to speak up against the corruption of the leadership, well the reason is quite obvious isn’t it? See how they have been treating Dorje Shugden practitioners, I am not surprised that fewer Tibetans dare to speak up.
We are in a different era now, most of the people are going overseas for studies/ works including the Tibetans, causing them to be more exposed to ACTUAL ‘democratic’ countries. Automatically, they will make comparison of other governments and their own Tibetan leadership.
I believe that this is a good sign, we must not be afraid to speak up for our rights, or else we are allowing others to take advantage on us. This does not apply only to the Tibetans of course, it applies to everyone around the world, even in our daily lives. I hope more and more Tibetans will speak up, not to create disharmony but to right the wrongs.
Aloysius Bong
April 13, 2016
This is encouraging, the Tibetans have learnt that this is no longer an ancient feudal society of their forefathers. They should not fear their god-king but to scrutinize his and his government’s decisions and actions carefully. One of the biggest debacles of Tibetan history made by the Dalai Lama and his government is banning the practice of Dorje Shugden. The original intention is to unite all Tibetans of all sects, instead it created more factions and separations among the Tibetan society. This will definitely go down the history as the worst mistake made by the Dalai Lama – to try to destroy a lineage and to set a very bad example of going against his gurus’ instruction, which is the basis of the whole Tibetan Buddhism.
Michaela Smith
April 13, 2016
Dear Ringzin Tsomo
Thank you for highlighting various incidences and coverage surrounding Tibetans in exile and their mismanagement. It is sad really. Now I understand the reason why Tibetan government prior to the Chinese occupation in 1959 did not open themselves and make friends with other countries (maybe their land would still be intact if they have done so). The reason they refused to open up must be because they wanted to retain controls over their people and did not want the people to speak up.
Now in exile, they have very little controls over information that are being disseminated to their people. Tibetans can easily compare about the happenings in other countries and compare it to their own leadership. Because of this reason, they can now speak up and point out what makes them unhappy. It does not look good at all for CTA.
Michaela
Rinchen
April 13, 2016
It is very evident that Lobsang Sangay and Penpa Tsering are all in for the positions only for their own benefits. How would any government ministers be in the position that they are at yet do nothing to help and benefit their citizen? What these two have done is just to create more diversion between the Tibetans. Without unity, it is impossible for them to achieve anything. With that said, how can any Tibetans be treated differently or being on a hit list just because they do not agree with what their government has said. If this is what the so called freedom that they have, it is all just nonsense.
I am very happy that more and more Tibetans are now speaking up and not afraid of the CTA. The CTA has oppressed them long enough and people internationally should know what is going on and not just blindly listen to the one sided story that CTA has composed for them.
Ashok Rao
April 13, 2016
Finally the Tibetans are speaking up. After so many years of living in limbo, between their Tibetan Administration and the Indian government, facing so many hardships in spite of the fact they live in a country founded on the ideals of democracy and harmony, the younger generation have come to realise that they have their own rights.
They have the right to demand better representation, the right to have equal rights with Indians, the right to demand a fair and democratic electoral process, free and protected from the greed and corruption that is so embedded within their Administration for so long.
The behaviour of their so-called ‘politicians’ has gone too far during the recent elections. They are now seen for what they are, and despite this are still in power. There is much to be done on the social level for Tibetans but some reason, up until now the Tibetans have been afraid to speak out or against their leadership. Brothers and sisters, the majority of you live in India, you should demand the same freedoms as the rest in India receive. These rights are yours.
Amber Sonam
April 13, 2016
Thank you for such an informative post with so many important evidence. Coming from the Tibetans themselves, these evidence bring weight to the credibility of how the CTA works and have been working in the past decade. One cannot imagine how much harm the CTA has caused and continue to cause if they keep on functioning in such corruptive and disruptive way.
The speaking up of Tibetans bring hope for a better governance in the near future. It is an important step forward for necessary change to be made for the betterment of the Tibetan people. There are so much sufferings for the Tibetans in China, many of which are tortured physically and mentally. For Tibetans in exile, there is still no proper education system which means their future is not guaranteed.
These are some pressing issues that the CTA should be looking into and do something about instead of banning the Dorje Shugden ban and add onto the already suffering the Tibetans have.
Dharmacrazy
April 13, 2016
I believe that many people held their tongues for the sake of His Holiness the Dalai Lama who has done so much to benefit others with the pure Dharma. Hence, during his reign, many may tolerate the inefficiency of his administration. However, so many years after the political retirement of His Holiness, the Tibetan Leaders did not only fail to improve their secular responsibilities, they behave like they are going all out to “milk the cow while they still can”. The corruption as displayed in the recent Tibetan election is an evident show of arrogance that they think nobody can do anything to them.
Coupled with the growing popularity of China as a political, economical and social partner, the mismanagement of the CTA is the needed perfect excuse for governments, leaders, organizations and celebrities to end relations with His Holiness and his affiliates.
The Tibetan youths are exposed, educated and connected. They can see that the CTA is endangering the Tibet cause, culture and community. With international media and social media leading the way, these youth are gaining confidence and courage to speak up.
It is through this transparency that governments can be cleaned up and Tibet could stand a chance to exist beyond the lifetime of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
I hope that Tibetans will continue to have their voice heard and ultimately free themselves from the true demons of Tibet: Penpa Tsering and Sikyong Lobsang Sangya.
Pema
April 13, 2016
The Tibetan people have been very devoted to H.H. the Dalai Lama, their spiritual and secular leader.
Now, with all what has happened over the 60 past years, finally people dare to speak up and express their feelings. From the mimicry to the exposure through Congressman Rohrabacher, Lukar Jam Atsok attempt for the elections and Kalon Dicki Chhoyang quitting before time. The many comments posted and much much more.
This is good to see and gives hope that the conditions of the Tibetan people will change as the people will not accept and speak up.
Thank you for this well researched article.
May the ban on Dorje Shugden end swiftly and all Tibetans live in suitable conditions.
Dev
April 13, 2016
It shows that how corrupt CTA is. the people who are speaking out its because its enough of the dirty politics. Now is the time for all the Tibetan TO SPEAK UP against Tibetan leadership. how petty and narrow minded they are , even in 21st century they ban people practices. Its one of the region is people are too afraid to come in front to say anything of CTA??. its hope people around the world come forward help felt the bad and stay together in a harmony …
Tashi Choezom
April 13, 2016
It takes a lot of bravery to speak against our leaders after years n years of brainwashing. From the time we are born to our TCV time, everyone is telling to us that Dalai Lama is our only god n we must follow everything he says , whether right or wrong that we see. That old way of thinking is not for us anymore. I want to say this to all of my brothers n sisters who have spoken n give their voices to fight Dharamsala corruption, I salute to you n thank you for your true, REAL service to our people. You have done more than our ‘ leaders’ because you open our minds n eyes to the real possibilities for freedom RANGZEN
Yangchen
April 13, 2016
More and more Tibetans and injis are expressing their concerns and frustrations about how the Central Tibetan Administration operates, which causes a plethora of issues, not to even mention derailing from the most important issue of all- when do the Tibetans and His Holiness the Dalai Lama (ever) go back to Tibet? There has been no major progress in the Sino-Tibetan talk.
When His Holiness gave up his temporal rule few years ago, the Tibetans scattered all around the world became even more divided. Further division caused by enforcing the Dorje Shugden ban, sectarianism (recently this can be seen with the Jonangpas being denied their representative in the parliament), regionalism, and one’s choice of belief (of Rangzen or Umaylam) etc. led to more disunity in the already small community. This require a strong government or administration that is united and focus on achieving common goals. That failed too with the resignations of 2 Kalons and ex-Prime Minister turning against the administrations by refusing to vote.
Tibetans already lost Tibet in the past. Now, the leadership is creating the causes for Tibetans to have more disharmony and for the Tibetans to break up even more in exile. Even the injis have to speak up and ‘threatened’ to stop financial support. Even that didn’t work, until the gods (oracles) have to step in and His Holiness had to publicly made negative comments and asked Lobsang Sangay and Penpa Tsering to not receive him at the airport when he returned. Shamday!
Amrita Kaur
April 13, 2016
I see Tibetan people unhappy, frustrated and splitting a part more and more. I see Tibetan people are starting to say they are not taking any more bullshit from their so called government. I see Tibetan people who are young, modern, educated and more expose, becoming more vocal and speaking out more about what they don’t like.
It is time the CTA and with much respect His Holiness listen to the people before there is really no more Tibetans left to who will listen and follow. There is only so much crap people can take and tolerate and the educated ones, they will no longer stay quiet to the injustice.
I really like the rap song because it is so true!
“It would have been really difficult without Trijang Rinpoche and Shugden’s involvement
For the Dalai Lama to arrive safely in India from Tibet
Just leave aside Dalai Lama, his name would not even exist today without them
How did the Dalai Lama get all the knowledge he endows?
It was Trijang Rinpoche who offered him the Ocean of knowledge and the world knows it”
I hope His Holiness the Dalai Lama out of His great compassion. would say or do something to stop all this disunity espcially when His time is short. Why leave your people in so much disharmony and chaos? Wouldn’t it be better to see Tibetans united despite whatever the differences is, be is religious or not, but everyone united instead of tearing each other a part? Hope His Holiness sees this post!
Lovett
May 10, 2016
I can see that Tibetans really had it with their current leaders and they want real democracy. The Tibetans want to see some sort of progress with the dialogue with China and not be put on hold indefinitely. I think they feel that the current leaders are not doing what is necessary to start fresh talks with China. Whatever on-going discussion has not bear any fruit and is definitely not working out. Unfortunately as well, it has become more and more blatant the corruption going on within the leadership ranks.
Camilia
May 25, 2016
I believe the dissatisfaction of Tibetans showcased here is nothing but just the tip of an iceberg, buried under the fear of Dalai Lama and being ostracized by CTA. It is not difficult to imagine why the condemn towards CTA; CTA is a government that direct resources towards persecuting people’s religion, instead of directing resources towards the resolution of the Tibetan issue. Majority of Tibetan in exile community live in poor conditions, youth has to search for jobs in bigger cities in India with limited qualification.
It is very crucial for the world to sniff out the sectarianism within the Tibetan leadership, where those in power will control the Tibetans and use their loyalty to the Dalai Lama against them, just so they can stay in power. This is a pure evil political play in the expense of Tibetans as well as billions of dollars of donations from Dalai Lama supporter worldwide.
Sierra
May 31, 2016
What struck me most was the silence of the leadership on the self-immolations of monks. To me, that shakes the very core of what Buddhism is – respect life, any life.
What floored me was that the ex-Prime Minister Samdhong Rinpoche was quoted as saying, “We should support all those that have sacrificed their life for the Tibetan cause.” How can they expect others to lay their lives on the line whilst they conveniently ignore their own incompetence to alleviate a desperate situation and achieve their goals to free Tibet.
And, so many young Tibetans in exile voicing their opinions, loudly at that. They are maturing politically. They are becoming aware and strong. May they continue to grow for their future. They have to show the lies, the division of their own people by their own government. That is their human rights.
May they find their back to their heritage of Vajrayana and the teachings of the Buddha for wisdom and compassion.
Elibuchen
June 1, 2016
It is heartening to see Tibetans young and old, wanting to know whats going on with their community and people. It shows the maturity of the people and nation as whole in their viewpoints and understanding of the challenges they are facing as an exile community.
Ultimately many of the issues that sprouted out from the Tibetan in exile community, the solution perhaps could come from the Tibetans itself. Well we can only hope, that more Tibetans will rise up and bring harmony to their people and community once more.
Lolo
June 8, 2016
It is obvious that with now the border less world of information whatever the CTA has been hiding the truths, lying to its people and kept it a secret about the reality of Dorje Shudgen has now surfaced.
One can understand the frustration of the of the Tibetan youths after being kept hibernated for so many years and with this emerging trend of ” I do not trust you anymore” they are moving and inching closer in achieving their aim of decimating the badly run CTA government.
For too many years many has kept quiet and has witness this shameful act of turning a supposedly democratically run government into a house of shame and shambles.
Bad apples has to be taken out otherwise it would turned the good ones rotten and I hope now that the Tibetan youths are speaking up more and act soon to regain respect as a good Buddhist would do in propagating truth.
Sierra
September 12, 2016
As the younger generation learn to navigate modern network of communications and dissemination of information, the learn more of what the CTA has been doing that is grossly unjust and not the the benefits of the Tibetans in exile and the cause of the Tibetans.
Before, CTA could blind the older generations due to the ignorance of this generation of Tibetans in exile. That is why knowledge is very important.
I wonder, though whether the CTA will come up with something to muzzle these youths? I wouldn’t be surprised if they do as that’s what dictators do.
Belinda Mae
April 22, 2017
It is good that the Tibetans are speaking up for themselves. Every single citizen has their own rights to voice out the their opinions. They have to fight for their own right and what they deserve. I feel that the younger generation are more brave in voicing out their opinions while the older generation are not so brave to voice out their opinions and would rather follow what was instructed to them.
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 13, 2018
Dear Dalai Lama,
Since you started the cruel ban against the 350 year Dorje Shugden practice, how has it benefit your Tibetan society and Buddhism in the world? Things have become worse and most educated Tibetans can see this. They don’t speak out not because they don’t see your ban as wrong, but you instill fear in them and not respect. It is like fear of a dictator. I am sorry to say so. Everyone is divided. There is no harmony. Before your ban there was more harmony and unity.
By enacting the ban, you split the monasteries, split so many families, split regions in Tibet apart, split your disciples from you, split your own gurus from you, split Tibetan Buddhism apart. You have created so much disharmony.
It is not democratic what you have done to ban a religion within your community. You always talk of tolerance and acceptance and democracy and yet you do not accept and tolerate something different from your beliefs. When people practice Dorje Shugden you ostracize them, ban them from seeing you, ban them from using Tibetan facilities. You know you have done that. There are videos that capture your speech and prove this point. You even had people expelled from monasteries just because they practice Dorje Shugden. Some of the monks you expelled have been in the monastery for over 40 years. Many older monks shed tears because of this.
Many young educated Tibetans lost confidence in you as they saw the damage the Dorje Shugden ban created and they lose hope. Many have become free thinkers. They reject what you have done. So many people in the west left Buddhism because of the confusion you created with this ban against Dorje Shugden which is immoral.
You could of had millions of people who practice Dorje Shugden to support, love and follow you, but you scared them away. They are hurt and very disappointed. They loved you and respected you deeply before the ban. It has been 60 years and you have failed to get Tibet back. Your biggest failure is not getting Tibet back after 57 years in exile. Now you are begging China to allow you to return to Tibet to the disappointment of thousands of people who fought for a free Tibet believing in you. So many self-immolated for a free Tibet and now you want Tibet to be a part of China with no referendum from Tibetans. Just like a dictator, you decide on your own. It was your government and you that lost Tibet in the first place. Your policies and style of doing things do not benefit Tibet and Buddhism. You have been the sole ruler of Tibet your whole life and you still have not gotten our country of Tibet back for us. Our families and us are separated. Yet you create more pain by creating a ban to further divide people. Please have compassion.
No other Buddhist leader has banned or condemned any religion except for you. It looks very bad. You are a Nobel laureate and this is not fitting of a laureate. You should unite people and not separate them by religious differences.
You said Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi did not do right to the Rohingya people in Myanmar due to religious differences, but you are doing the same thing to the Shugden Buddhists within your own society. There is a parallel in this. You separate the Shugden Buddhists from the others in Tibetan society.
You have lost so many people who would have loved and supported you. You have lost so much support around the world. The Shugden Buddhists who love you number in the millions. When you are fast losing support from governments and private people, it will not do you well to lose more.
After you are passed away in the future, the rift you created between the Dorje Shugden and non-Dorje Shugden people will remain for a while and that will be your legacy. Disharmony. You will be remembered for this. Not as a hero but a disharmony creator.
Dorje Shugden will spread and further grow, but you will be no more as you are a human. No one wishes you bad and in fact we hope you have a long and healthy life, but we have lost so much hope and have so much despair because of you. All the hundreds of Dorje Shugden lamas, tulkus and geshes are maturing and there are hundreds of Dorje Shugden monasteries in Tibet who will not give up Dorje Shugden. You have made a mistake. These hundreds of teachers and teachers to be will spread Dorje Shugden further in the future.
The gurus that gave us Dorje Shugden as a spiritual practice and you have called these holy gurus wrong and they are mistaken in giving us Dorje Shugden. How can you insult our gurus whom we respect so much? If they can be wrong, then you can be wrong. Then all gurus can be wrong. So no one needs to listen to any guru? You have created this trend. It is not healthy. Your own gurus practiced Dorje Shugden their whole lives. Your own gurus were exemplary and highly learned.
Dalai Lama you have created so much pain with this ban against so many people due to religion. You are ageing fast. Are you going to do anything about it or stay stubborn, hard and un-moving. You show a smile and preach peace and harmony wherever you go. But will you do the same to your own people? Please rectify the wrong you have done. Please before it is too late. You can create harmony again or you can pass away in the future with this legacy of peace. May you live long and think carefully and admit what was a mistake in having this unethical ban against Dorje Shugden religion.
Tracy
December 9, 2019
The Tibetans have risked so much to escape Tibet and arrived in India hoping they will have a better future here. The CTA is supposed to take care of them but they allow fights among the Tibetans. It is sad to see Tibetans are being abused and attacked by their own people.