Sweden no longer accepts the Tibetan Identity Certificate, also known as the Yellow Book, as a valid travel document.
The opinion piece below was sent to dorjeshugden.com for publication. We accept submissions from the public, please send in your articles to [email protected].
By: Ashok Rao
In a move that is beginning to be mirrored by many others, Sweden announced in June 2016 that it no longer accepts the Tibetan Yellow Book as a valid travel document. This document, officially known as an Identity Certificate (IC), issued by the government of India, classifies its holder as both a Tibetan refugee and a protectorate of India. It is this document that Tibetans travelling abroad use to entreat foreign countries to allow them to enter. This move by Sweden has sent reverberations throughout the Tibetan community in exile and indicates a global shift within international politics.
With a population of over 100 Tibetan refugees living in the country, Sweden has become weary of refugees, especially due to the situation in Europe and the Middle East which has seen a marked increase in the number of those seeking refuge in more developed countries. For this reason Sweden issued an official announcement that it would no longer accept the IC travel document in its processes allowing Tibetans to enter its borders. Tibetans wishing to enter Sweden will have to bear the identity documentation of an actual nation, like India or China. This means that Sweden no longer wants Tibetans to enter their country as Tibetans and as refugees; in effect, Sweden no longer recognizes the existence of a status such as “Tibetan refugee”.
An infographic used to announce that Sweden no longer accepts the Yellow Book as a valid form of identification that can be used during the visa application process.
One would assume that Sweden somehow would not have the right to turn down the Tibetan IC as a valid travel document, but in actuality this is not the case. Legally speaking, the Yellow Book has little weight outside of India’s borders and it is the discretion of any country whether they wish to accept it as a valid form of identification. The fact that Sweden can reject the Yellow Book harks back to the fact that India itself does not have a clear policy when it comes to refugees. India is not a signatory of the Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, or the Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees, all of which are international programmes that protect the rights of refugees, including their freedom to travel.
Since India does not belong to any of the above, the IC granted to Tibetans in exile does not have weight outside of its own borders, and legally does not need to be recognized as refugee travel documents. In this case, Sweden has simply exercised its legal rights to stop accepting the Tibetan IC as a valid travel document. Hence, no other nation state has challenged Sweden over its actions because they have no legal basis to do so. Certainly, aside from protesting Sweden’s actions, the Tibetan leadership can do very little to protect their people’s ability to visit Sweden.
The fact is that Sweden and other countries that have so far allowed Tibetans to enter their borders have done so out of kindness, and not legal obligation. Now, however, it seems the tide is turning, and many countries no longer want someone who identifies as ‘Tibetan’ within their borders. Tibetans can still enter their countries, just not as Tibetan ‘citizens’ or refugees. But this begs the question, why is it that they have implemented this change now?
One could argue that Sweden is simply reacting to events in Europe, with an increased number of those seeking refuge coming from all over the world. The number of refugees means resources allocated to the refugees are being stretched thin, and there is a strain on relationships between the host countries’ citizens and their newly-arrived guests. When Sweden’s actions are examined on a global scale however, it is quite clear that there is a political shift away from supporting Tibetans. This is evident by the number of countries who are surely but steadily distancing themselves from the Tibetans and their leadership, in favor of aligning themselves with China. It is a global trend that looks bleak for the Tibetan leadership indeed.
On the one hand there is this political distancing from the Tibetans and their leadership and on the other hand, many ordinary Tibetans, Tibetan Buddhists or Tibet enthusiasts from all around the world are waking up to the fact that the Tibetan leadership have done nothing but take advantage of their position and mismanaged their people. From the ban on Dorje Shugden, the unequal treatment of the Jonangpas, or their silence over forced conversions in the Kagyu school, the leadership have magnificently displayed their inability to govern and their blunderous mistakes. As their true colours are laid bare, they can do nothing but hide behind the skirts of their previous saviour, India.
However, India as the government who issues the Tibetan IC remains strangely silent on these issues. They have also done nothing to strengthen or legitimize the status of the Tibetans as legal refugees in the eyes of other nation states. Instead, India has offered them the choice to become full citizens of India if they give up their Tibetan identity. With so much apathy towards the Tibetans’ ability to travel, and even growing hostility towards their presence, one can only wonder as to the fate Tibetans will face in the years to come.
Sweden Does Not Accept India’s Tibetan Travel Document ‘IC’
Article describing Sweden no longer accepting the Tibetan IC on Tibetan Journal. Click to enlarge.
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Namdol
July 29, 2017
It has again shown the incapability of CTA. After almost 60 years of begging for donation from other countries, they failed to bring their people to a level that is worth protection from other countries. Now with Sweden stopping the recognition of “Tibetan Refugee” travel document, it would only mean that more and more Tibetans in Exile will convert into India, and eventually they will lose their Tibetan identity.
If CTA accuse China for killing the Tibetan identity, CTA is also guilty of it. After almost 60 years of exile, they too are killing the Tibetan identity, by a series of mismanagement and thus “forcing” or “encouraging” the Tibetans in exile to convert to India.
Carole McQuirre
July 29, 2017
Many more nations besides Sweden will reject the Tibetans from India because they have lost respect for the leaders of the Tibetans in exile. When countries support Tibetan leadership in India (CTA), what do they get? What benefits arise? Nothing? No one can keep supporting something with zero benefits. Tibetan leadership is like a spoiled child that is lazy to earn his own living. The spoiled child just want everything for free. After 60 years in exile the Tibetan leadership is no closer to getting Tibetan autonomy from China or a free Tibet.
Tibetan leadership is not very intelligent because they want dialogue with China yet, they keep degrading China to western media always. They say what the western media wants to hear about China in order to get money from western governments. A free hand-out. But in the long run, they only get money and sold their country because the more they make friends with western governments the angrier China becomes. The Tibetans should make friends with China since Tibet is under China.
Making friends with western governments for the last 60 years of exile has gotten the Tibetans nowhere. More and more Tibetans from India are moving to western countries and their children are slowly losing their culture and language. Too bad.
Tara
July 30, 2017
If I am not mistaken this is the first country in Western Europe to deny the Yellow Book. Before Sweden took a stand, it was only Eastern European and African nations who denied entry to the Dalai Lama and Tibetans. Once one Western European country feels it is acceptable to deny the Tibetans refugee status, it will open the floodgates for many, many more to follow suit. They will all think, “Well if Sweden can, why can’t I?”
I am not rejoicing or happy that the Tibetan people will have to suffer because of their leadership who will learn the hard way that they’ve antagonised the whole world, but it does serve them and their arrogance right.
Ngawang Tsering
July 30, 2017
Tara – that is called white privilege, thinking Western Europe influences the world. Get your head out of your colonial mindset. Countries can decide for themselves what kind of friend China will be to them, and if it is worth giving up a Free Tibet for this.
Tenzin K
July 30, 2017
Situation could have change if CTA really work it out purely to benefit their people. Look at how China passport is getting stronger in the world but it goes the other way round for the yellow book. People no longer buy in or rather support Tibetan cause not because that the cause has no value but rather the political leader that heading the cause that doesn’t show or give the confident to world for them to stand for them. We see and heard more negative act from the Tibetan leadership particularly to their own Tibetan people more than what they have done to improve the situation for their people.
The world only recognise HH the Dalai Lama for Tibet but not the political leader that govern the exile. Why so? Don’t forget HH has retired from political and why the exile leaders didn’t do anything just like how HH did to gain support. Obviously the Tibetan leaders has never done anything to gain the confidence from the world but just milking the HH the Dalai Lama for funding around the world. That’s not right at a policital leader!
We will just see more countries rejecting the yellow book and situation will be much harder for CTA.
Suzan
July 30, 2017
It does not come as a surprise that Sweden is rejecting Tibetans refugees. She has many social issues with refugees in her country and is clamping down on refugees as a whole.
sunita
July 30, 2017
Globally local governments are adopting the “protectionism” approach to most of their policies, be it for economic or immigration issues. This “selfish” approach is definitely a trend and with this degenerating values in humankind it will only further deteriorate.
One hundred Tibetans currently living in Sweden will not be able to create any significant influence for its community to have a say in government policies relating to themselves. So it’s no surprise that the Swedish government do not recognise the Tibetan Yellow Book as a valid identification for Tibetans to travel into their country.
Can CTA do anything about this for its people ? It is certainly their responsibility to negotiate better terms for its people.
Sweden issued this “do not recognise Tibetans Yellow Book IC” since 2016 and nothing has changed since then – clearly CTA has no influence to do anything to help improve the situation. Sigh !
ET
July 30, 2017
It is indeed a double whammy for Tibetans after US removed their support for Tibetans and now Europe is declining and not recognising Tibet as a Official country.
Giving the Tibetans a hard time to gain entry.. forcing them to either become Chinese or Indian and assimilating into the country and culture.. I won’t exactly say it is a wrong move or a waste.. since many other nationalities had been able to preserve their culture even though their national ity had change.
Of course it is quite upsetting to lose Tibet as a nation.. but I believe culture and religion will be preserved. And of course.. CTA should wake up and not be corrupted any more and guide the people to true leadership!
Elibuchen
July 30, 2017
More than half a century of fumbling around surely is enough right for the CTA. They have not done much to help their own people in exile. And the Tibetans who have gone to the West and thrived, succeeded did it under their own ingenuity, CTA did not help that much at all.
Sweden will not be the last country, to no accept CTA’s Yellow book, China is squeezing the life of CTA, and because CTA does not have the moral high ground only a matter of time before it capitulates. I think heading back to China is good initiative for Tibetans who are still in India.
christine victor
July 30, 2017
A question, how long more Tibetan in exile would like to remain their status as refugees? What have the Tibetan leaders in exile did to protect their citizen or they are just enjoying to be a refugee?
I hope, CTA, instead of bully their own people, they should really deal with the real issues that they are facing, before too late
Tenzin Peljor
July 30, 2017
By siding with the Dalai Lama and Tibetans, what does anyone get? Of course Sweden will not side with Tibetans. Better to side with China.
SabrinaS
July 31, 2017
It seems that one country after another is denying entry visa for the Tibetans In Exile using the IC issued by Indian Government. It shows that the support and kindness towards these refugees are diminishing and no longer welcomed as refugees. Well, I do agree that 60 years is too long a time to remain in refugee status. What have their leaders accomplished thus far? Nothing much other than to spend tremendous amount of sponsored monies on propaganda materials against China and later against the ancient authentic practice of Dorje Shugden, monies that were meant for the welfare of their people to lift them out of the refugee status. The leaders themselves live in luxury whilst their people constantly faced uncertainty in livelihood. Now with the turn of event where countries are rejecting their status, the people are in a very sad position where they will be confined to the settlements in host countries. Of course, unless they accept citizenship of countries offered which will then mean they are no longer Tibetans. Such a sad state of situation brought on by the failures of their government, the CTA. The Dalai Lama had promoted the idea of autonomy rule in Tibet under the Chinese Governance and yet the Prime Minister, Sikyong Lobsang Sangay and his ministers defied His Holiness’ wish with covert Anti-Chinese campaigns. Now they miss their chance or advantage in negotiation as China has grown to a powerful leader in the world platform now. How will Sikyong continue, I wonder? Will he have the courage to change by working with the Chinese towards a better Tibetan In Exiles’ future or will he just continue to lead in self serving policies that sells their people out? One thing for sure, using Dorje Shugden as cover up or divert the attention away from their failures is no longer effective as their people are wiser with more available facts on the internet.
Doreen Park
August 1, 2017
Sweden’s rejection of Tibetan refugees is understandable, though I sympathize greatly with a trusting community of Tibetan refugees in India which had looked towards their leadership to resolve their ‘status’(refuge or citizen) situation in India as well as to gain freedom of Tibet from China for them so that they could return home. The Tibetan leadership has done nothing with regard to the 2 vital issues. Instead it has embroiled their fellow Tibetans in exile in internal schismatic disputes by ostracising groups like the Shugden practitioners and others.
Sweden has grown tired and wary of refugees, as it faces a continuous stream of refugees from around the world as a result of wars and unrest in many parts. Furthermore, having officially recognised Tibet as part of China, it would upset diplomatic and political relationships with China if they were to allow Tibetan refugees into their country.
Hence , all fingers point to the Tibetan leadership for not doing their job and for letting down their fellow Tibetans in exile.
Ida Russo
August 3, 2017
Tibetans always make trouble wherever they live. They will not live quietly and appreciate the bigger economic goals of their host country. Many countries have a economic need to be friends with China as the cold war with China is thawing out. But Tibetans will never understand this. The needs of the 6 million Tibetans to them outweigh the needs of the rest of the 7 billion persons on this planet.
Dharmaholder
August 15, 2017
I’m not surprised to learn that Sweden has rejected the travel documents of Tibetan refugees. Sweden, like some countries in Europe, is experiencing refugee problems from the Middle East and other parts of the world. The Tibetan refugees in India may have to decide sooner than expected whether to become Indian citizens or go back to Tibet and become Chinese nationals. I think it is not a bad option to return to the land of their ancestors. They will be able to reunite with relatives and friends and will not feel that they are foreigners. If they migrate to other countries, they will have to deal with problems normally faced by refugees. I wish them all the best.
Geraldine Sarie
August 17, 2017
If CTA could take up their responsibilities on their people welfare and resource, many damages can be resolved. All this while, CTA depended on HHDL for their funds and of course many countries leaders would respect His Holiness as a compassionate spiritual leader of Buddhism. Out of compassion, CTA took much advantage of the power to control their people lives including their choices on spiritual path.
Much disgrace dreadful insurrection among monasteries where being notified, as many would have thought Tibet was the place supposed to be sacred and holy. Other than that, discrimination and separation of monasteries due to different practices had caused so, so much sufferings and pain to devotees. Yet CTA never take any action to protect their people lives and securities. Thus, CTA negligence breaks many hearts. Therefore, is not surprising Tibetan got rejection from European countries.
Pema Norbu
September 15, 2017
This clear video below is His Holiness the Dalai Lama asking the monasteries to expel monks that practice Dorje Shugden. Click here to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTgYWidYw3U
Kunsang from Switzerland
September 30, 2017
Very sad the only REAL leader the Tibetans produced in the last 60 years is Dalai Lama. There hasn’t been another leader that had done anything for them. The Dalai Lama is 82 and how many more years can he ‘lead’ his people in exile and never getting his country back?
Dalai Lama’s policy for Tibet in making friends with western powers and criticizing China is not working out. How do we know? It has been 60 years since Tibetans have been refugees and they still remain ‘refugees’ depending on handouts and free aid and free money. Pathetic.
Losang Sangye is a big degree holder and his degree is not worth the paper it’s printed on. He can do nothing and has done nothing except become ‘close’ friend with Sharling Dhardon. Their ‘closeness’ is the talk of all Dharamsala.
Losang Sangye and any ‘leader’ will not have real power but simply the puppets of the all powerful god king Dalai Lama who is the real power behind the throne.
Tokyo Dalai Lama watcher
September 30, 2017
If it was not for Buddhism, no one would listen to the Dalai Lama!! The Dalai Lama gives the Kalacakra, gives self help speeches, sermons, prayers, rituals and wears the maroon dress to vast crowds. The maroon dress he wears is really a good marketing method although it is not meant to be. All these Buddhist events is what gathers the crowd to Dalai Lama. If you look at the Dalai Lama himself, besides being a smiley, shrewd and intelligent person, what does he have to attract people? Removing all from him that is Buddhist, what does the Dalai Lama have that is different than any other groups or deposed leaders that the world does not listen to. Dalai Lama owes all this to Buddhism. Therefore he should make harmony within the Buddhist community. How he is segregating certain sects with his rhetoric is dangerous. He is expelling people here clearly due to only a difference in religion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTgYWidYw3U&t=6s I was personally shocked to see this. I have met some Tibetan government leaders in Tokyo and privately they told me, they were also shocked that the Dalai Lama would say this and none of them dare advise him otherwise. They felt after Dalai Lama’s expulsion of people and in such a angry manner, it will not bode well in the future within Tibetan Buddhism which is the basis of his power. You can see in the video how angry the Dalai Lama seems to be. The Tibetan government persons in Japan also mentioned that the Dalai Lama listened to his oracle Nechung’s advice to ban this sect within Buddhism. Dalai Lama relies heavily on this Nechung god taking trance (oracle) for all his moves. Nechung is even summoned in the Dalai Lama’s private quarters to give prophecies:- http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x62ocw1
It bewilders his followers why Dalai Lama relies so heavily on Nechung when he is suppose to be an avatar of a god Avalokita himself. Nechung is invited to most of his public events to do his dance and prophecies. Many Tibetans such as MP Tenpa Yarphel are not happy and speaking up finally: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIP-vLuTnpw and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dB_ISn6eY0Y&t=1688s . The over-reliance on Nechung demeans the Dalai Lama they feel and makes their government backwards. No modern governments consult gods and oracles for every move and if they do, they should not show this publicly. This is not a case of transparency but the Dalai Lama has not trained good advisers skilled in world politics by his side obviously to advise him and uses a god instead. Till now Nechung after 60 years has not proven correct. Nechung has not secured Tibet back. It was in fact in 2012 that Nechung told his monk Dorje Dalai Lama will go back to Tibet very soon, but it has not happened. Dorje is so ecstatic of this Nechung prophecy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8 . The prophecy proved to be wrong again by Nechung unfortunately for Dorje and the rest of the hopefuls.
Losang Sangay is too busy with Sharling Dhardon and this is well known among the Tibetans. Without the Dalai Lama backing him up or promoting him, he is nothing and no one will listen to him. That is why everyone in the ‘Tibetan government’ are careful not to offend or displease the Dalai Lama who is the real power behind the throne. If you displease the king, you will be removed from the limelight and that means no more access to money, perks and foreigners who will give you money. Losang Sangay has made zero progress with talks with China since he ‘took office’. Whatever office that is. This shows his priority is not the Tibetans inside and outside of Tibet but to fill his own pockets before the King passes. Basically milk the cow while he can. Sad but that is the situation.
I posted this ‘pictograph’ here of Sharling and Lobsang floating on the internet when you google. Interesting. I guess the Tibetans are not happy with Lobsang Sangay and Sharling who is really outspoken to her own detriment.
Tsering Gonkatsang
September 30, 2017
Member of Parliament Tenpa Yarphel is a hero. He is speaking up for free speech and freedom of expression. He is exercising his rights, he is standing up for logical democracy which is the only way forward and not having to contact spirits like Nechung via oracles to make decisions that impact people’s lives. But look how people speak about him in the comments, so rude and nasty. It really represents the Dalai Lama badly as they are supporting Dalai Lama beings so rude: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if2dFMKIr_8
They say we need to believe in Nechung and follow what he says. But in 2009 Nechung said the Dalai Lama would go back to Tibet and that everyone would be happy. A monk from Nechung Monastery is the one that told everyone about this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8. But Nechung was wrong. It has been eight years and this has not happened. The Dalai Lama did not return to Tibet. Nechung being consulted by Tibetan government in exile is backwards. No governments do this in the civilized world.
When people like Tenpa Yarphel speak up and are real patriots of the Tibetan people, they are attacked by other people. In fact people even protest like this man who shaves his hair: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30NL4hG8oA. People like these are actually protesting against Tenpa Yarphel’s democratic rights and freedom of speech. Tibetans by criticizing Tenpa Yarphel shows they are far from democracy. Besides many of the other Kagyu leaders such as Drigung Chetsang Rinpoche, Drukchen Rinpoche, Karmapa Thaye Dorje all did not say anything against Tenpa Yarphel that represents the Kagyus.
Dalai Lama had said that is his minister of cabinet in the government. Even though it is clear that Nechung is unreliable and a spirit, the Dalai Lama continues to rely heavily on Nechung and other oracles who take trance of spirits. He invites Nechung to all his events and allow him to take trance in centre stage always. In fact the Dalai Lama even calls the oracles to his own private bedroom: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x62ocw1.
These practices show how Tibetan government is run.
Lovett
October 14, 2017
Within the Tibetan communities in India, there is no free speech and how Tibetans insult each other and would even insult foreigners by calling them Chinese agents just because you speak up and this is suppose to silence you. All of this began with the Tibetan CTA. Nonetheless, there are a handful of Tibetans who had enough and they dare to speak the truth and in this case, Tenpa Yarphel speaks against Nechung and veiled statements about the Shugden ban – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuKOjcpLH8A
And then there are people who would oppose his view by shaving his head. Very silly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30NL4hG8oA
Lhakpa
October 17, 2017
Chokyong Nechung is wrong! Nechung in this video said that Dalai Lama is going back to China and that was five years ago? What happened? Why are we even listening to him ever again. He always make mistakes. 😱
🌎 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8
Lobsang Sangay
October 17, 2017
Let’s face it… there is NO REAL FREEDOM of SPEECH for us Tibetans living under the ruling of the CTA and Dalai Lama. The Tibetan communities in India all sufer this fate and we live in lies and deception of a FAKE DEMOCRACY.
Just watch how Tibetans insult and backstab each other and would even dare insult people they do not know, calling them Chinese dogs/Chinese spies is the only thing they can say and the label they give you the moment you dare to speak up. This is done to shut you up and to indicate to other Tibetans to attack you because they make you sound like you are a traitor and this is how they get all to turn against you. This is how the Tibetan CTA deals with people they feel threatened. All because of power and position.
However, there are a few brave Tibetans who basically had enough of their deception and begin to speak up, to tell the truth. A good example is Tenpa Yarphel who bravely stood up and talked about Nechung and the inconsistency and FAILED prophesies… also the ridiculous heavy reliance on him for everything. Where on earth do you ever see any government relying on “mystical Gods” to help them make state decisions? Even if they did, they would not dare tell anyone because this is 2017 not the medieval times. Just watch – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuKOjcpLH8A
Then you have the small-minded, sheep like followers, shaving their hair – like WOW big deal, to protest against Tenpa Yarphel. Lololol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30NL4hG8oA
Jamyang
October 17, 2017
Question to Tibetan exile government, Central Tibetan Administration – CTA: Hey this Geshe Dorje interprets Nechung’s prophecy saying the Dalai Lama will go back to Tibet five years ago, but look, Dalai Lama still cannot go back. Watch… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8
Not only that, there is still NO sign of even creating a good relationship for a chance to go back! So we are all stuck and still nowhere near going back to Tibet. So why on earth are we still listening to this spirit Nechung who always makes mistakes and give wrong prophecies? Nechung even killed the 13th Dalai Lama by giving him the wrong medicine. So WHY are we still listening to him for? Why are we Buddhist following what a spirit says? If we can follow Nechung spirit so why condemn Dogyal? This is weird and wrong!
Pema Schneider
October 19, 2017
Lobsang Sangay at Golden Jubilee Celebration of the Tibetan Settlement Office, Dharamsala: https://youtu.be/eInTi-E9na8
Losang Sangay said recently (October, 2017) in Dharamsala that Tibetans have two enemies: the outer and inner enemy. The outer enemy is the Chinese government and Dorje Shugden people. The inner enemy is the people who speak against about our Tibetan affairs like regional differences and religious differences. (He didn’t say this directly but he means people like Tenpa Yarphel who spoke up in the Parliament) He said out of the two enemies, the worse one is the inner enemy.
Now the Tibetans have started a new Facebook page specifically against Tenpa Yarphel. Tibetans are protesting against him: http://bit.ly/2ysowTH
And there is a video of Tibetans with Tenpa Yarphel’s name on the paper against him and asking him to resign: http://bit.ly/2zAH2af
Matteo
October 19, 2017
His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a a dedicated advocate for the principles of democracy. In September this year, Tibetans in India celebrates the 57th anniversary of the establishment of the democratic path in the running of the Tibetan people’s political system. Sadly, it’s all lip service.
Look at the recent incident of MP Tenpa Yarphel speaking up. Tenpa Yarphel has the right to speak and express his opinion, especially because he is a representative of the people, a Member of Parliament. I don’t understand why he was criticized for issuing irresponsible statements, watch this video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuKOjcpLH8A
What is absurd is that there are even people protesting against his opinion, and shaving their hair in protest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30NL4hG8oA
Tenpa Yarphel was accused of being sectarian, but the reality is that because of Nechung’s advice, Dorje Shugden practitioners were segregated, discriminated and ostracized from the Tibetan community in general all around the world. This MP is perhaps tired of seeing the separation and finally found the courage to speak up for the unity of the Tibetan people in exile.
Lukar Jam supporter
October 19, 2017
Nechung oracle is not reliable. Many times his predictions wrong.
He didn’t help when british invaded tibet in 1904. he gave wrong medicine to 13th dalai lama which caused His holiness’s death. he said in the past Tibetans going back to Tibet. In 2009, this Geshe Dorje read out what Nechung oracle said. How many years passed, negotiation talk never resume after Lobsang Sangay become Sikyong. That is why now Kagyu Member of Parliament Tenpa Yarphel speaking up about Nechung.
Why we still believe Nechung? Watch this short clip, see how confident this Geshe was explaining, but it never came true:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8
Tashi, Delhi
October 20, 2017
What is the CTA for a club? Going around pretending to be a democracy and only because of HH Dalai Lama they can make some foreign people believe it but it seems that karma is coming back.
The CTA is suppressing their own people and having a good life with the money originally meant for the Tibetan people. On top, their elections are a farce!
Listen here to Tenpa Yarphel who questions about the reliance of the Tibetan Government to Nechung, an oracle, which is understandable already but on top Nechung’s predictions seem to create more problems than anything else. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuKOjcpLH8A
What happens to Tenpa Yarphel now that he speaks up? Tibetans have started a Facebook page against Tenpa Yarphel and protest against him: http://bit.ly/2ysowTH. They even ask Tenpa Yarphel to resign: http://bit.ly/2zAH2af
So much for the “Democracy” in the Tibetan Government!!
ashrao
October 29, 2017
Unfortunately, the dream of Tibetan democracy is nothing but that. Look at this brave Tenpa Yarphel speaking up against the spirit Nechung (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuKOjcpLH8A). He brings up a good point, the Tibetans rely more on a spirit than they do on democratic principles and their own intelligence and care for their own people.
But these Tibetans themselves are so enamored with the spirit that they protest against Tenpa Yarphel, lame protests, but protests nonetheless, like this man who cut off his hair (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30NL4hG8oA). I really don’t understand how this is a protest, but each to their own I guess.
Personally, I don’t really think much of the Tibetans who follow their lame government. I’ve seen first-hand just how much the average Tibetan suffers under their current leadership and this just goes to show that their government is ineffective and schismatic. But one thing about this whole situation is somewhat promising, there is a silver lining, and that is the point was raised by a Tibetan MP within their parliament. He wouldn’t have done so if other people in the Tibetan community did not feel the same way. It is time for Tibetan to free themselves of a superstitious, money-grabbing, self-serving, and impotent government.
Dawa Lhamo
October 29, 2017
Tibetan government are useless, they rely on Nechung https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuKOjcpLH8A
Any you know what, their supporters even cut their hair off because they don’t agree with MP. This guy funny. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30NL4hG8oA
What this going to change?
ashrao
October 29, 2017
The Tibetan government keep relying on Nechung for everything, though all his predictions and advice cause more damage than harm. Is it even wise to follow his advice, I mean he was wrong about His Holiness the Dalai Lama returning to Tibet in five years https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8
That was in 2009, we are now in 2017, which was 8 years ago. Is his advice really trust worthy? I wonder why the Tibetan government even continue to listen to him. Perhaps they get something out of it?
Tashi Gonkatsang
October 29, 2017
This ashrao posted this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8
What he said is true. I couldn’t believe it at first, because I never heard my parents or relatives tell much such things before. But when I asked my uncle who is a monk, he told me it is true. He said that Nechung gave bad advice and has continued to give bad advice. My uncle said that even many of the monks and high lamas don’t even believe in anything Nechung says. Better to say no rather than listening to his advice from now on. My parents were shocked. They used to go and see Nechung oracle when they were in India, but luckily I was able to move them to the USA. Now we better off. I can’t believe that the government still listen to the Nechung.
Hi I'm Lobsang Sangye I'm a liar
October 29, 2017
It’s quite refreshing to have someone from the parliament speaking up and raising questions about the unjustness that’s been happening within its own “government”. Tenpa Yarphel is extremely brave to speak up like that, Tibetans HAVE TO WATCH IT! 👍
1. Tibetan shaves off his hair in protest against MP Tenpa Yarphel 2017 Sept
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30NL4hG8oA
2. Tibetan Parliament member representing Kagyu School Ven. Tenpa Yarphel speaks against Nechung
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if2dFMKIr_8
Then of course, we have some intelligent individuals such as Geshe Dorje himself, who just wants attention, talks big but does nothing else 🙄 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8
TseringD, Delhi
October 29, 2017
I m think Nechung is one of d best when I m watch to dis video By Geshe Dorjee la but now I m think is not d truth n he is lie to Tibet people we are not back to Tibet yet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8 Chithue Tenpa Yarphel la tq for talk about truth of Nechung . I m watch to this video many time la https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if2dFMKIr_8 n after I hear you talk I m not belief to Nechung
ZUMA 👎
Why CTA Why
October 30, 2017
Watch when Geshe Dorje interprets Nechung’s prophecies! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8
After the Nechung oracle takes trance, his answers are interpreted and explained by Geshe Dorje, a Buddhist master from Nechung Monastery.
The video from 2009 proves that Nechung is wrong again! Why rely on Nechung when all his prophecies are wrong?? Someone with a hidden agenda maybe?!!
Michaela Smith
October 30, 2017
Only the CTA relies on the Nechung and made the spirit who gave so many false advice so much privileges
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8
Namdrol
October 30, 2017
MP Tenpa Yarphel is very brave to questioned the validity and accuracy of the spirit Nechung who the Dalai Lama always consulted, apparently Nechung has been giving highly inaccurate prophecies, but people still keep using him because Dalai Lama keeps using him and nobody dare to say otherwise, although Nechung is full of mistake, no wonder Tibetans did not get back their country even after 60 years: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuKOjcpLH8A
Look at this guy’s way of protest against MP Tenpa Yarphel and you know why the Tibetans will never get back their country:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30NL4hG8oA
Amber Sonam
October 30, 2017
Bravo to MP Tenpa Yarphel for speaking up so bravely! CTA has a lot of dodgy business going on even it’s own MP cannot keep quiet anymore. Watch what is being said here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if2dFMKIr_8
Yet, those in denial continue to support the corruptions within the CTA by shaving off his hair in protest against MP Tenpa Yarphel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30NL4hG8oA
He is also supported by Geshe Dorje himself who is riding on the Nechung issue giving no concrete proof as usual https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8
Michaela Smith
October 30, 2017
I would like to share with you about this courageous Tibetan parliament MP who is speaking up against Nechung. He received a lot of backlash due to his bravery, but I hope it won’t deter him to speak up in the future. There are many people who actually agree with him
1. Tibetan Parliament member representing Kagyu School, speak up about Nechung
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if2dFMKIr_8
2. Tibetan shaves off his hair in protest against MP Tenpa Yarphel 2017 Sept
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30NL4hG8oA
Tenzin Ngawang
November 17, 2017
China displays their power and discipline when receiving President Trump
https://youtu.be/Na3lcejmqZ4
The CTA has nothing to show but conflict and disarray
Ngodup Tsering
November 18, 2017
What happened between Dhardon Sharling and Lobsang Sangay?
Nima Sangpo
March 6, 2018
An increasing number of countries in the world are choosing to align themselves with China and establish good relationships, with the latest being the Central American country of Panama. With the promise of Chinese business, investments and infrastructure projects, world leaders will not be hesitant when it comes to starting positive relationships with China. The choice is obvious when the benefits are so many.
Nima Sangpo
March 27, 2018
In Nepal, the former Prime Minister of Nepal Sher Bahadur Deuba may soon be ousted as party chief and one of the reasons being cited is his sharing of the stage with Lobsang Sangay i.e. he supports the CTA and Tibetans. This follows the recent example of India, whose Foreign Secretary issued a directive stating all Indian officials should not attend CTA-hosted events in conjunction with their “Thank You India” campaign. After the Dalai Lama’s most recent trip to Mongolia, the backlash against the Mongolian President was so strong, he was forced to ban the Dalai Lama from Mongolia.
Never mind China sanctioning them, or expressing displeasure on an international level. What these politicians are facing even domestically are internal sanctions for expressing support for the CTA. The message is clear and that is, it is bad news to be seen with the CTA.
If politicians are being discouraged on all levels from supporting the CTA, it is only a matter of time before the Tibetans find themselves on the very lonely, losing end of their fight against China.
Sonam
April 4, 2018
It pays to make good relations with China. After the Dalai Lama cancelled his visit to Botswana, China responded immediately with encouraging news that bilateral relations with Botswana will progress.
There is no way to deny China’s economic prowess, and many countries, including India, the host of the exiled Tibetans for the past 60 years know that it is not worth to risk bilateral ties with China for the Tibetan cause. After snubbing the Tibetan leadership and cancellation of key Tibetan events in Delhi recently, India receive the quid pro quo from China of signed commercial deals worth nearly $2.36 billion. Mongolia, who has banned the Dalai Lama from entering the country is now welcomed to carry out cross-border trade with China’s Bohai Commodity Exchange to help Mongolian agricultural products enter the Chinese market. Switzerland was the top recipient of Chinese investment in 2017 with a combined value of US$44.6bn, who since 2015 has automatically reassigned the nationality of Tibetan refugees as Chinese nationals in their residence permits.
More and more countries have jumped on the bandwagon to reject the Tibetan leadership, including Australia, Bhutan, The Czech Republic, Italy, Norway, Sweden, with the Central American country of Panama being the latest addition, and the list is expected to grow. Why would any country want to risk their economic prosperity for a lost cause like that of the Tibetan cause?
Lhakpa Dhendup
August 11, 2018
What will the all the people around the world and in Tibet do now? Dalai Lama says he is happy that Tibet is a part of China and should remain a part of China. So many Tibetans self-immolated for Tibet to be independent and now Dalai Lama did a 360 degree turn and says he wants to go back to Tibet and China and Tibet should be a part of China. So unbelievable. So many are angry and disappointed.
Dalai Lama should set things right
August 12, 2018
Dear Dalai Lama,
Since you started the cruel ban against the 350 year Dorje Shugden practice, how has it benefit your Tibetan society and Buddhism in the world? Things have become worse and most educated Tibetans can see this. They don’t speak out not because they don’t see your ban as wrong, but you instill fear in them and not respect. It is like fear of a dictator. I am sorry to say so. Everyone is divided. There is no harmony. Before your ban there was more harmony and unity.
By enacting the ban, you split the monasteries, split so many families, split regions in Tibet apart, split your disciples from you, split your own gurus from you, split Tibetan Buddhism apart. You have created so much disharmony.
It is not democratic what you have done to ban a religion within your community. You always talk of tolerance and acceptance and democracy and yet you do not accept and tolerate something different from your beliefs. When people practice Dorje Shugden you ostracize them, ban them from seeing you, ban them from using Tibetan facilities. You know you have done that. There are videos that capture your speech and prove this point. You even had people expelled from monasteries just because they practice Dorje Shugden. Some of the monks you expelled have been in the monastery for over 40 years. Many older monks shed tears because of this.
Many young educated Tibetans lost confidence in you as they saw the damage the Dorje Shugden ban created and they lose hope. Many have become free thinkers. They reject what you have done. So many people in the west left Buddhism because of the confusion you created with this ban against Dorje Shugden which is immoral.
You could of had millions of people who practice Dorje Shugden to support, love and follow you, but you scared them away. They are hurt and very disappointed. They loved you and respected you deeply before the ban. It has been 60 years and you have failed to get Tibet back. Your biggest failure is not getting Tibet back after 57 years in exile. Now you are begging China to allow you to return to Tibet to the disappointment of thousands of people who fought for a free Tibet believing in you. So many self-immolated for a free Tibet and now you want Tibet to be a part of China with no referendum from Tibetans. Just like a dictator, you decide on your own. It was your government and you that lost Tibet in the first place. Your policies and style of doing things do not benefit Tibet and Buddhism. You have been the sole ruler of Tibet your whole life and you still have not gotten our country of Tibet back for us. Our families and us are separated. Yet you create more pain by creating a ban to further divide people. Please have compassion.
No other Buddhist leader has banned or condemned any religion except for you. It looks very bad. You are a Nobel laureate and this is not fitting of a laureate. You should unite people and not separate them by religious differences.
You said Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi did not do right to the Rohingya people in Myanmar due to religious differences, but you are doing the same thing to the Shugden Buddhists within your own society. There is a parallel in this. You separate the Shugden Buddhists from the others in Tibetan society.
You have lost so many people who would have loved and supported you. You have lost so much support around the world. The Shugden Buddhists who love you number in the millions. When you are fast losing support from governments and private people, it will not do you well to lose more.
After you are passed away in the future, the rift you created between the Dorje Shugden and non-Dorje Shugden people will remain for a while and that will be your legacy. Disharmony. You will be remembered for this. Not as a hero but a disharmony creator.
Dorje Shugden will spread and further grow, but you will be no more as you are a human. No one wishes you bad and in fact we hope you have a long and healthy life, but we have lost so much hope and have so much despair because of you. All the hundreds of Dorje Shugden lamas, tulkus and geshes are maturing and there are hundreds of Dorje Shugden monasteries in Tibet who will not give up Dorje Shugden. You have made a mistake. These hundreds of teachers and teachers to be will spread Dorje Shugden further in the future.
The gurus that gave us Dorje Shugden as a spiritual practice and you have called these holy gurus wrong and they are mistaken in giving us Dorje Shugden. How can you insult our gurus whom we respect so much? If they can be wrong, then you can be wrong. Then all gurus can be wrong. So no one needs to listen to any guru? You have created this trend. It is not healthy. Your own gurus practiced Dorje Shugden their whole lives. Your own gurus were exemplary and highly learned.
Dalai Lama you have created so much pain with this ban against so many people due to religion. You are ageing fast. Are you going to do anything about it or stay stubborn, hard and un-moving. You show a smile and preach peace and harmony wherever you go. But will you do the same to your own people? Please rectify the wrong you have done. Please before it is too late. You can create harmony again or you can pass away in the future with this legacy of peace. May you live long and think carefully and admit what was a mistake in having this unethical ban against Dorje Shugden religion.
Ayana
August 16, 2018
Why doesn’t the United States and its allies end Refugee Status for the useless Tibetans? They have been refugees for 60 years now and don’t tell me they still cannot get their lives back in order?
Tibetans really know how to put on a good show and use people, take their money and do nothing in return.
Ojas
August 17, 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.
