His Holiness the 17th Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje is accepted as the legitimate Karmapa by Buddhist practitioners throughout South East Asia.
By: Ashok Rao
Introduction
Over the course of recent years His Holiness the 17th Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje has traveled through South East Asia on extensive teaching tours, visiting Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines on a number of occasions. Despite not having been recognized by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama nor the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) as the legitimate reincarnation of the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, his activities in this region clearly show that Buddhist practitioners accept him as the unmistaken and rightful heir to the position of Karmapa.
The Karmapa Controversy
Following the passing of the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, a great master who told practitioners they would need to rely on Dorje Shugden in the future, the search for his reincarnation caused a split within the tradition due to the machinations of the CTA in an attempt to exert control over the Karma Kagyu lineage. Tai Situ Rinpoche, one of the Four Regents of the Karma Kagyu, approached the Dalai Lama and the CTA to endorse his candidate of Karmapa Urgyen Trinley Dorje. The CTA found this too good of an opportunity to let pass, and so promptly recognized and endorsed this candidate. In endorsing a candidate who would subsequently be beholden to them in thanks for his recognition, this was clearly an attempt on their part to gain control of the Karma Kagyu lineage, which has historically been at odds with the Tibetan leadership since the time of the Great 5th Dalai Lama. As a matter concerning the Karma Kagyu, rather than the Gelug lineage of which the CTA is largely composed of, both the Dalai Lama and the CTA had no spiritual authority to endorse such a recognition.
Traditionally, Tai Situ Rinpoche is not the primary Regent responsible for the recognition or enthronement of the Karmapas. Rather, the Regent with the authority to do so has been Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche, who in fact recognized and enthroned Trinley Thaye Dorje as the 17th Karmapa. When the issue of two Karmapas arose, instead of stepping in to mediate between both sides of the divide, the CTA clearly endorsed Karmapa Urgyen Trinley Dorje, thereby exacerbating the situation within the Karma Kagyu tradition. Despite being shunned by the CTA, Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje persevered in his studies and now teaches thousands all over the world, spreading the holy Karma Kagyu lineage. His wildly popular teaching tours across South East Asia are testament to the fact that Buddhist practitioners there are not fazed by the CTA’s decision to endorse the other Karmapa Urgyen Trinley Dorje.
The Philippines 2012
The Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje giving Dorje Sempa (Vajrasattva) empowerment in Manila.
The Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje giving a lecture at a packed-out auditorium at the De La Salle University in Manila.
Arriving to bestow the Menla (Medicine Buddha), Dorje Sempa (Vajrasattva) and Amitabha empowerments. Karmapa’s events in South East Asia have seen a steady increase in attendance, with more people following the Karma Kagyu tradition thanks to the Karmapa’s efforts in spreading the Dharma.
Singapore 2012
His Holiness Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje giving a talk entitled ‘Living a Meaningful Life in the Contemporary Age’ in Singapore.
The talk was held at the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum’s convention hall.
The talk was attended by hundreds of Tibetan Buddhist practitioners from all over South East Asia and the world.
The Karmapa arriving to perform a Smoke Offering Puja and an Amitabha Jangchog Puja, a service performed for the deceased. Not fazed by the CTA endorsing another Karmapa, South East Asians flock to the Karmapa’s activities.
The Karmapa making offerings to the Buddhas on behalf of the deceased and all sentient beings.
Taiwan 2014
His Holiness Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje presiding over a Kagyu Monlam in Taipei, Taiwan. Extensive offerings were made to the Karmapa for his long life during the ceremony. The Karmapa also bestowed a blessing to the 500-strong crowd.
During the teaching tour, the Karmapa bestowed Refuge, the Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara and Dharmapala Mahakala Bernakchen empowerments. He also performed a Red Chenrezig Puja. This form of Chenrezig is said to grant the accomplishments of peace, increase, subjugation and wrath.
Taiwan 2016
His Holiness Karmapa at the Karma Kagyu Monastery, dedicated to the preservation of the Karma Kagyu Dharma in Taiwan. Support for Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje is so strong, that such monasteries can be built and maintained despite not being endorsed by the CTA who themselves have no authority over the spiritual lives of others.
The Karmapa is not only accepted by those of the Karma Kagyu lineage but also by the Sangha of other traditions as well. Here we see him visiting a Mahayana temple in Taiwan.
It was during this visit to Taiwan in 2016 that the Dalai Lama and the CTA’s supporters tried to block Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje’s teaching schedule. This raised a number of questions in the minds of practitioners about why this was happening. Subsequently, Lodreu Rabsel Rinpoche, who served as the General Secretary to the Karmapa in the past, composed an open letter to the Dalai Lama and the CTA, addressing the various points of harassment, intimidation and discrimination faced by those who support the Dharma works of Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje.
Practitioners welcoming the Karmapa in earnest celebration to the Taipei Expo Park to lead prayers and give blessings.
The Karmapa bathing the Buddha, after which he led the King of Aspiration Prayers for the living and deceased following the recent natural disasters in Taiwan. Sangha from other Tibetan Buddhist lineages and even other traditions attended the event.
The Karmapa blessing one of the hundreds of Buddhist practitioners who came to receive his blessings as the head of the Karma Kagyu lineage. The event was streamed live over the internet with over 10,000 people watching from all over the world.
Malaysia 2016
The Karmapa arriving to the teaching venue in Malaysia. From the sheer number of attendees, who even spilled out of the teaching venue, it is clear that the Karmapa’s popularity amongst practitioners in South East Asia is growing, regardless of the CTA’s opinion of him.
Hundreds of practitioners gathered to receive the Dharma from the Karmapa.
Practitioners queued for hours to receive various empowerments and blessings from the Karmapa.
The holy Sangha participating in teachings and prayers.
The Karmapa taught and bestowed empowerments to huge crowds throughout his visit, highlighting his popularity in the region.
The Karmapa greeted by Venerable Datuk Kirinde Dhammaratana Nayaka Maha Thero, Chief Monk of Buddhist Maha Vihara in Kuala Lumpur.
The Karmapa together with the Chief Monk of Buddhist Maha Vihara (saffron robes), other members of the Sangha and Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai (purple shirt), a prominent politician in Malaysia, gathered to celebrate Wesak Day.
The Karmapa leading the Wesak Day parade in the heart of Malaysia’s capital city.
Conclusion
Despite the Dalai Lama and the CTA’s continued support and endorsement of Karmapa Urgyen Trinley Dorje, it is quite clear that Karma Kagyu practitioners across the South East Asian region choose Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje as the legitimate Karmapa. Buddhist practitioners in South East Asia do not welcome the CTA’s interference in the matter of recognizing Karmapa Urgyen Trinley Dorje, evident by the support and reverence paid to Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje.
Neither does this interference have significant impact in South East Asia, where the Karmapa Thaye Dorje is wildly popular, and where the majority of countries have little or no ties at all with the CTA in Dharamsala. This puts the Karmapa’s popularity squarely out of the reach of the CTA; the South East Asia governments cannot be swayed or manipulated by the goodwill that the Dalai Lama has globally, which the Tibetan leadership often uses to guilt people into doing what they (the leadership) want. In fact, South East Asia has strong trading and economic links with China, a government which the CTA maligns. Even if such countries did have links with the CTA, they would not risk the ire of China, given its position of economic partner.
In South East Asia, practitioners focus on their religious journey rather than embroil themselves with Tibetan politics. Therefore the CTA’s machinations to control the Karma Kagyu tradition have been countered with a strong resistance against the political involvement in the religious lives of practitioners the world over, just as they have been countered by the continued and vocal adherence to the practice of Dorje Shugden by those within their own Gelug tradition.
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Anonymous
June 1, 2016
Dharamsala’s Tibetan govt in exile (CTA) is really losing more and more sway. The whole of Southeast Asia does not support them and obviously does not regard Dalai Lama’s decisions as the ultimate and error free. The Dalai Lama did not support the Thaye Dorje choice of Karmapa, yet his influence is getting bigger. It is obvious from here, the Dalai Lama is losing control. Sharmapa Rinpoche tells the truth here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFxphAVnRFo
Sharmane
June 1, 2016
Thank you Ashok Rao for sharing this beautiful article and truth about how the CTA’s dirty politics has no impact over the 17th Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje. I rejoice in seeing all these beautiful pictures of the Karmapa Trinley Dorje.
What you say is very true and very sad about the Dalai Lama and the CTA. They really have no right and authority in brown nosing their authority over the spiritual affairs of the Karma Kagyus and it is definitely without a doubt for their own political agendas. It is so sad to see Vajrayana Buddhism being perverted and twisted into worldly agendas of man, making the predictions of Lord Buddha about the degeneration and destruction of Buddhism in the hands of their own practitioners ever more real as we witness it in real time.
Well congratulations and much rejoicing to Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje perseverance and supporters who stood by him loyally and not be swayed by the Tibetan Leaderships’ poisonous influence that seems to cause destruction to people everywhere.
Ringo Starr
June 2, 2016
You can never hide the truth for it is the only thing that will prevail in the long run. Thank you DorjeShugden.com for this most important information. May the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha spread in the ten directions! _/:\_ _/:\_ _/:\_
Karma Tenzin Paljor
June 2, 2016
The majority of Kagyupas resent the Dalai Lama interfering with the choice of Karmapa. Many remain silent as the Dalai Lama is powerful and to speak against him as much back lash but this will be only for now.
Most of the Kagyupas around the world support Thaye Dorje. Tai Situpa Rinpoche is lower ranking than Sharmapa Rinpoche but Tai Situpa can push his candidate of Karmapa through the backing of Dalai Lama. We are very unhappy about this.
I do not practice Dorje Shugden, but this article here on this website is telling the truth. For this I am grateful. Karmapa Lobsang Thaye as recognized by Sharmapa Rinpoche is the correct and only Karmapa.
Camilia
June 3, 2016
HHDL’s influence over Tibetans and his followers is phenomena, and it is a known fact worldwide. His advice had never been taken lightly. And to openly back one than the other Karmapa candidate is akin to meddling in the tradition of Karma Kaygu tradition. From a secular point of view, it is not hard to dissect the advantages for HHDL and CTA to recognize and endorse a candidate of their choice. In endorsing a candidate who would subsequently be beholden to them in thanks for his recognition, it become clear of the attempt to gain control of the Karma Kagyu lineage. This act divides Karma Kagyu school into two mutually exclusive camps. Is it not creating schism amongst the sangha community? Creating schism amongst the sangha community is a heinous crime as warned by Lord Buddha.
I am glad to read that despite HHDL and the CTA’s continued support and endorsement of Karmapa Urgyen Trinley Dorje (candidate of their choice), it is quite clear that Karma Kagyu practitioners across the South East Asian region choose Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje (candidate backed by Karma Kaygu traditions) as the legitimate Karmapa. Buddhist practitioners in South East Asia really do not welcome the CTA’s interference in the matter of recognizing Karmapa, evident by the support and reverence paid to Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje.
James P
June 3, 2016
Firstly, it is really sad to see there is a split in the Karma Kagyu sect just because CTA decides to stick a hand in the Karmapa candidates.
But from what I see, some of the South East Asia countries such as Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Malaysia are accepting Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje. At least the people in South East Asia are not intimidated by CTA, which is a good thing.
Why should spiritual practice be affected by politics in the first place? Thank you for showing us your fearlessness.
There are some nice photos here: https://www.facebook.com/tokpakorlophotography/
Dan
June 3, 2016
Not only South East Asia but many countries now ban the Dalai Lama from entering. People say its due to China’s influence and that may be so but the fact remains that the Tibetan theocrat has lost so much ground that the so called Tibetan cause has become a lost cause. And yet, they are not savvy enough to change course.
Whatever it is, I got to hand it to Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje who seem to have become more and more influential despite having the deck stacked against him by the CTA. It really just goes to show that you cannot brush aside a true Karmapa and under any circumstances he will rise. As a matter of fact, the Dalai Lama’s attempt at splitting the Karma Kagyu may have been a setback at first for Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje but I think it also gave the public the opportunity to realise that he is the real Karmapa by the way he has risen and so manifestly an extraordinary being.
Lovett
June 4, 2016
I personally think this is the right incarnation of the Karmapa but I really like the fact that he has never spoken against Dorje Shugden. That is a hallmark of a true spiritual leader, which is not to use his office or his name to spread schism or bias against anyone. If he really is the Karmapa, may his activities flourish and may his previous lives predictions about Dorje Shugden come to pass quickly!
Olivia
June 5, 2016
I think it’s pretty obvious why most of the people favour Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje over the other Karmapa. Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje is respectful, never once you’ve seen him speaking up against other religions or beliefs. It’s very potent that the leader acts this way because it sets a good example to his followers that everyone has the rights to practise which ever religion they wish to, without having being segregated and ostracised.
SabrinaS
June 7, 2016
There seem to be similarities between great enlightened Gurus…their abilities to overcome the odds to become much admired Gurus and spreading the dharma. Their activities are the testament to their attainments, as with Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje who commands such huge crowd of practitioners at every event that he attended.
I would say that actually Karmapa Urgyen Trinley Dorje would be the one at a disadvantage. Although he was formally endorsed by the Dalai Lama and CTA, with the politically situation that the Dalai Lama and CTA is embroiled in, the Karmapa Urgyen Trinley Dorje will have a harder time “proving” himself. Besides the 16th Karmapa declared Dorje Shugden to be an important Protector of the future, it does not seem plausible for the 17th Karmapa to contradict his predecessor.
As Ashok Rao states correctly, “In South East Asia, practitioners focus on their religious journey rather than embroil themselves with Tibetan politics.” If all practitioners were to practice this, then the effects of CTA’s political antics will not be affect greatly.
Paolo Sebastian
June 9, 2016
We have often seen His Holiness the 17th Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje travelling around the world conducting prayers and giving dharma teachings. He has lots of followers and is very well respected. He should be the legitimate Karmapa as he was selected thru the traditional system by Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche.
Lodreu Rabsel Rinpoche has done a good job by writing a formal letter exposing various harassment, intimidation and discrimination committed by Dalai Lama and the CTA.
In fact, His Holiness the 17th Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje’s followers should write more and exposing the crimes done by Dalai Lama and the CTA. The world need to know all these, we want peace, harmony and freedom for everyone, especially for Dorje Shugden practitioners.
Anonymous
March 19, 2019
Michaela Smith
June 9, 2016
Dear Ashok Rao
Thank you for the article with beautiful pictures. I rejoice for Karmapa Trinley Dorje who seemed to have achieved success in South East Asia despite the intimidation that he received from the Dalai Lama’s camp. I think his success in South East Asia reflects the ongoing trend that the influence of the Dalai Lama has waned. South East Asia government and followers definitely do not care with the fact that Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje is not the Dalai Lama’s choice of Karmapa.
Michaela
Chris Stefano
June 17, 2016
I am a supporter of Karmapa Thaye Dorje and a student of Shamar Rinpoche.
I have friends who support the other Karmapa and bizarrely the Dalai Lama, and they are wonderful people. The biggest contrast is that they always go out of their way to say what a bad man Shamar Rinpoche was, but Shamar never told us that about them. He instructed us to focus on Dharma, and stay away from politics. Remember impermanence and the be vigilant of our minds. He taught us to have confidence in the Three Jewels and to behave in an ethical manner and then we will have no worries about the future of the lineage. I don’t have the omniscience to say who is and who is not the Karmapa. I have a connection to Shamar Rinpoche and Karmapa Thaye Dorje. I also know that many people have been inspired to practice Dharma by Urgyen Trinley and Tai Situpa. What we have seen in this modern era with increased transparency is that corrupt Tibetan politics are becoming apparent and causing the world to see that just because one wears a robe, one is not above scrutiny. But please, don’t disparage people who are honestly looking to study dharma. If they meet with a good teacher from ” the other side” it’s a precious opportunity , not to be discouraged. I was at a recent dharma event with a high Bhutanese lama giving empowerments, with pictures of the Urgyen Trinlay and The Dalaia Lama along side the beautiful Thankas. Shamar Rinpoches’ monks were part of the ceremony welcoming the Guru. As someone disparaged Shamar Rinpoche to me , I pointed to the lamas in the procession and said ” Those are his monks right there!” They were shocked. I’ve learned that the people most concerned are the people who practice the least and confuse devotion with fanaticism. They were shocked to find out I was there and I was welcome. ” I rejoice in whatever merit has been accumulated in the three times by Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of all ten directions, by Pratyeka Buddhas , by those training on the path, by Arhats beyond training and by every single being.” We should support all those who walk the buddhist path regardless of who their teachers are.
Karma Jane
June 27, 2016
Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje travels tirelessly to many countries and cities in Asia, Europe and America, giving empowerments and teachings to thousands of students from all over the world. He is also the spiritual leader for over 900 monasteries and buddhist centres worldwide. In fact, he has been travelling to Southeast Asia and to the West since he was 16.
The CTA has no say in this as they do not have a country to start with, so they cannot negotiate with leaders of other countries to stop the Karmapa. The Karma Kagyu school is an independent lineage and, according to tradition, the Karmapas have to be confirmed by Shamar Rinpoche and not by the Dalai Lama. The current situation is somewhat different compared to in Old Tibet because His Holiness is very famous and automatically is seen as the Pope of Tibetan Buddhism, although that is not the case. His Holiness is not even the Head of his own school, the Gelug.
Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje himself shows tolerance and his views on this Karmapa controversy is open. However, I must applaud Lodreu Rabsel Rinpoche for writing the open letter to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. His Holiness must be made aware of these incidents that can jeopardise the solidarity among Tibetans and Tibetan Buddhists.
From an old interview with Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje:
“Whether there are one or two groups doesn’t really matter. What matters is that people benefit, and for that it is essential that the teachings transmitted in the Kagyu tradition remain intact. In fact, there is no division. Many people talk about it, however; what matters is the Dharma as such, and the Dharma is not divided. People who don’t really understand the Dharma think there is a division; they think about institutions. For an authentic dharma practitioner, however, there is no split. For this type of person there is only the Dharma.”
Buddhism Today Vol.8, 2000
Karmapa Chenno _/|\_
Sascha
June 28, 2016
When you meet a teacher with the generosity to give dharma teachings, it doesn’t matter whether she/he is enlightened or not as long the teaching is free of eternalism and nihilism and you recognize that the teacher, because she/he is free of lastingness and non-existence, she/he is a buddha anyway.
So no matter which karmapa is giving you dharma teachings, just be aware of any karmapa is free of lastingness and non-existence or a buddha anyway and check the teachings this buddha is sharing and if there is no eternalism and nihilism then you just continue to study and practice dharma. If you find out errors, then don’t follow that.
So just keep it simple and if a teacher asks you to do harmful actions of mind, speech and body, then just don’t do it. And if a teacher is doing harmful actions, then don’t follow this teacher, who still is a buddha anyway because this being is still free of lastingness and non-existence, but learn what is to abandon because of cause end effect or karma. So always follow you secret lama that is within you anyway, because your are free of lastingness and non-existence or a so called buddha anyway.
So no matter which lineage, no matter what female or male teacher, no matter whether she/he is enlightened or not, as long the teaching is free of eternalism and nihilism, to make sure to be able to effect freedom and wellbeing due to reality is non-duality and only can be effected by wisdom and compasion, everything is fine and then also continue to study and practice dharma and help to preserve the dharma transmission of all dharma linages.
The dharmapala aspect is to preserve and protect dharma of all dharma transmissions of all dharma lineages. Just make sure the scriptures and oral transmissions are free of eternalism and nihilism. Thats all and just enjoy it, have fun with it.
I love you all and practice for you all …
Take care!
Sherabz
July 29, 2016
Determination and motivation of Karmapa Thaye Dorje are very clear i.e. to spread the dharma through South East Asia despite did not recognize by HH the 14th Dalai Lama nor the CTA. The recognition is important however if it bring no benefit to others but caused harm adversely, it is no longer the matter to have the recognition or not. In addition, Karmapa Thaye Dorje’s teachings have significant impact in South East Asia. If Karmapa Thaye Dorje is not a true Kamarpa, his dharma works may not grow as what we see now.
Tai Situ Rinpoche is not the primary Regent responsible for the recognition or enthronement of the Karmapas. However, he has intervened and bypass the proper authority to approach the Dalai Lama and the CTA to endorse his candidate of Karmapa Urgyen Trinley Dorje as the 17th Karmapa. His such action may lead more people with resistance against the political involvement in the religious.
Eli Buchen
July 31, 2016
South East Asia is a powerful economic, bloc having a sizable population in the regions of 641million based on survey done on July 31st 2016 http://www.worldometers.info/world-population/south-eastern-asia-population/
Very dense population, very young, having median age of 29.1 years old.
This is a dynamic region of the world, one of the Asian economic tigers is Singapore, hence countries in this region have developing till developed status. Being relatively young and educated they are highly connected and wired to the Net. These are not natives still living on trees and shielded from the outside world. I rejoice for the Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje who is able to bring the buddha dharma to the people in South East Asia, with so much grace, knowledge despite so many like the CTA and supporters of the other Dalai Lama talking and criticising non stop this Karmapa.
Eli Buchen
July 31, 2016
I feel so joyful to see the Karmapa’s picture of spreading the dharma. I think all the Dharmapalas will be so pleased like Dorje Shudgen, Setrap and all the enlightened pantheon of Dharma Protectors.
Can’t help but feel perhaps this is the Karmapa who might make that bridge to Dorje Shudgen for non Gelug practitioners. Dagom Rinpoche’s words about what Karmapa the 16th said, when he saw Dorje Drolo is not something I can forget easily. Dagom Rinpoche is Yamantaka, Yamantaka does not lie.
Pema
August 22, 2016
I rejoice for Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje, that despite the difficulties, he has not given up and now he teaches so many people all over South East Asia.
Buddhism is not about politics and my wish is that CTA and H.H. Dalai Lama let go of another political decision and finally release the ban on Dorje Shugden practitioners.
hi my dear sir and dharma rinpoche i m chewang lama in Nepal sir
September 28, 2016
hi my dear sir i m chewang lama i m before monk sir but now no sir before i state in sauth india new dhokhang khantsen but now i need your small help sir can you help me !!! i m chewang lama in Nepal 1year before Nepal earthquake all my home broke now i have no home sir my parents very poor sir we are need home sir please help me sir please !!! i hope you sir
Gaz
September 29, 2016
The truth will prevail and that is what the CTA and their cronies fail to understand. It has led to them wasting 6 decades on accomplishing nowt for their people. They think they can manipulate the truth but it only takes a small handful of people who take a stand and refuse to back down, for the truth to stay alive.
So who is the truth? This Karmapa is the truth. In my mind, this Karmapa is the real one. He stays out of politics, he teaches, he spreads the Dharma. He doesnt get involved with the Tibetan leadership and doesnt run around appearing in pictures with famous people like the Dalai Lama to try and legitimise his stance. He just does what he manifested and reincarnated to do.
CTA? Sorry but you lost. You had the opportunity to take this wonderful, shining star of a lama under your wing and ‘use’ him to legitimise your works. Instead you rejected him, ignored him and pushed him to the sidelines in favour of just one candidate. BIG MISTAKE.
Sierra
November 27, 2016
“In South East Asia, practitioners focus on their religious journey rather than embroil themselves with Tibetan politics. ” – This sentence sums up the attitude of the practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism in South East Asia. They go to the heart of the practice , not the frivolous politics played by humans. There is the spiritual which is why they practice, which is why they chose Tibetan Buddhism.
Therefore, they appreciate lamas like Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorjewho is committed to the dharma and continue his work to bring the dharma and benefits to the people despite all odds. He showed what it is to be a practitioner, a real practitioner.
May Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje have stable health and long life to bring benefits to more people.
Anonymous
March 19, 2019
Karmapa Chenno
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.
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.
Ojas
August 18, 2018
Supreme Court of India JUSTICE Mr. MARKANDEY KATJU (RETD) writes that Tibet is much better under the Chinese than it was under the lamas who only wanted to make the populace slaves. It was feudal and it will never return to the backwardness again.
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
July 1, 2019
The Tibetan leadership is famous for creating conflicts and tension in their own community and outside of their own community. They purposely break the Tibetan community into many small fractions. It seems like they are using the divide and conquer strategy to gain control of the Tibetan community.
Knowing that they are incapable but yet still want to hold the power so they can make personal gains, the best way to ensure no one challenges the CTA’s authority is to break the people’s power. If the Tibetan community is very strongly and closely related, they can easily change their leadership if their government is not performing.
To avoid being challenged, the CTA purposely created the 2 Panchen Lamas, 2 Karmapas issues to break the Tibetan community into different groups. Since each group has their own problems to take care of, these Tibetan communities would not pay much attention to how their leadership is doing. That is why the CTA can survive for so many years despite their poor performance.