The young 10th Zhabdrung Rinpoche
The opinion piece below was sent to dorjeshugden.com for publication. We accept submissions from the public, please send in your articles to [email protected].
By: Solaray Kusco
High in the foothills of the Himalayas, from their base in Dharamsala, North India, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA; Tibetan leadership in exile) has spent the last 60 years in a coordinated campaign to vilify and isolate China. It is becoming increasingly clear however, that their efforts have been in vain because the world today watches China’s rapid and ongoing transformation from a provincial backwater that was easy to malign for her Communist past, into a world superpower with sophisticated politics and great economic vigor.
As part of their campaign against China, the CTA has always promoted themselves and pre-1959 Tibet as some kind of idyllic Shangri-la. Thanks to canny marketing, for decades Tibet supporters were swept away by romantic notions of a land of snows filled with grand old lamas full of wisdom, and free from the shackles of capitalism, materialism and politics. While there is some element of truth to this, and many lamas were indeed great beings, pre-1959 Tibet was in fact a generally feudalistic society with deeply entrenched ideas about rank and servitude. If you were born a serf, it was because of your karma and you were bound to serve whoever was wealthier than you until your karma was exhausted. Unlike other more meritocratic societies, there was very little opportunity for upwards social mobility.
This form of ‘governance’ has been relocated into the Tibetan diaspora, where the nobility and aristocrats of pre-1959 Tibet continue to rule life in exile, and names such as ‘Aukatsang‘ and ‘Gyari’ fill the ranks of the leadership. One person still sits at the top, dictating all decisions and policies that the government, a mouthpiece for democracy, enforces on his behalf.
The Tibetans were able to do this in pre-1959 Tibet, as well as in exile, because of the global reputation of Vajrayana Buddhism and, more importantly, that of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Few in the world have achieved the universal rank and reputation of the Dalai Lama and until recently, he has enjoyed a warm welcome all over the world. Lauded as a paragon of compassion and all-knowing wisdom, the Dalai Lama and, by default, the CTA have had near-carte blanche to do as they pleased for the last 60 years. Political rivals, for example, could be disposed of as they pleased; in pre-1959 Tibet, this might have been through the use of poison or assassins but in the exiled community, it has taken on the more elegant, though no less violent, form of labelling someone a Chinese spy to upset the Tibetan people and “sic ‘em” on one another.
One other nation close to Tibet that has benefited from similar tropes is Bhutan, another Vajrayana Buddhist nation that continues to enjoy a very positive response globally. While most aspects of Bhutan are very admirable, including their carbon-negative status as well as emphasis on happiness and peace instead of materialism, there exists a side of Bhutan that not many know about.
Going back to the beginning
Modern-day Bhutan was founded by His Holiness Zhabdrung Rinpoche Ngawang Namgyal, an attained being who unified many warring fiefdoms into one kingdom. Not only was he an astute military strategist and shrewd statesman but he was also an accomplished meditator and a patron of arts, culture and Buddhism. As the secular leader of Bhutan, he sought to create a Bhutanese cultural identity that was distinctly different from the Tibetan one. He implemented a unique judicial and legal system in the country, splitting control of Bhutan between a religious leader (Je Khenpo) and a secular one (Druk Desai). It is a system of governance that persists until today, albeit in a modified form. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal was also militarily-minded and established many dzongs (fortress monasteries) throughout Bhutan, including the strategically-located Simtokha Dzong close to Thimphu, the capital city. This allowed him to control traffic between Paro Valley in the west and Trongsa Valley in the east.
As a religious leader, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal was open-minded and although his personal Drukpa Kagyu practice prevailed to become the state-sponsored faith, he allowed the Nyingmapas to continue undisturbed with their worship. He even hosted Jesuits in his court, unlike Tibet, which continued to remain closed off to foreigners and visitors for many more centuries.
This 252-year-old statue of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal Rinpoche was acquired by The Asiatic Society in Kolkata in 1865. (Souce: dnaindia.com)
Due to his activities and deeds, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal’s image can be seen painted on walls in temples and homes all over the country. It is said that every Bhutanese home in the country has a statue of this great lama who did so much to bring Bhutan together, and give them the tools to grow and prosper for many more centuries.
One might think that such an illustrious lama would come back in his next life with no impediments for the continuance of his great works. Unfortunately, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal’s successors did not fare as well as their predecessor.
After his passing, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal’s subsequent incarnations returned as multiple emanations. Some say that the recognition of a body, speech and mind emanation of the Zhabdrung line was an intentional move on the part of the secular Bhutanese leadership, who conspired to recognize more than one reincarnation so that power could not be consolidated into one individual. And in addition to the recognition of more than one reincarnation, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal’s reincarnations also appear to have developed a habit of dying at a young age.
A summarized list of the demise of the Zhabdrung lineage goes as follows:
Click to enlarge
Rumors abound of the Bhutanese leadership’s role in all of these deaths; sources speak of a prophecy that foretells the demise of the Bhutanese monarchy should the Zhabdrung mind emanation ever be allowed to come of age, and gain all the resources that comes with a full and proper recognition.
This would certainly be a very good reason for the Bhutanese leaders to suppress the Zhabdrung incarnations and it appears that they have been successful with at least the body incarnation lineage which died out in the mid-18th century. The speech and mind emanations, on the other hand, continued well into the 20th century.
The Zhabdrung lineage in the 21st century
The 10th Zhabdrung Rinpoche
Today, the 10th Zhabdrung mind emanation, Zhabdrung Rinpoche Jigdrel Ngawang Namgyal (Pema Namgyal), is rumored to reside in Kalimpong, away from the potential tumultuousness of a relationship with the country his previous incarnation established. That is not to say the 10th Zhabdrung Rinpoche has not tried to establish a relationship; the fact he attempted to do so actually led to a very eventful early life for the young reincarnation.
The 10th Zhabdrung Rinpoche was born in 2003, two months before the 9th Zhabdrung Rinpoche passed away. Within Vajrayana Buddhism, this is not an unusual occurrence. For example, Guru Deva Rinpoche is known to have emanated in a similar way, ejecting his consciousness into his son before he passed away.
Under the guidance and recognition of the 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley, the young boy was recognized as the 10th Zhabdrung, the declaration taking place in Bodhgaya in 2004. The boy was just one year and four months old at the time. He and his supporters were subsequently invited to Bhutan to face Bhutan’s reincarnation committee, set up by the government to validate all tulku recognitions. Tulkus who are not recognized by this body may not promote themselves as reincarnations and are subject to a variety of institutionalized consequences. Supporters of such unapproved claimants also face harsh punishments.
Thus the 10th Zhabdrung Rinpoche travelled to Bhutan accompanied by his parents as well as the oracle who had recognized him. Upon their arrival in Thimphu, the oracle was promptly thrown in jail while the boy and his parents were held in a secret location. The 10th Zhabdrung Rinpoche was then declared to be a fake and, instead of being released, he and his parents were put under house arrest. Their current whereabouts remain unknown; the last reports about them are in 2014, when they were said to have still been under house arrest. Nothing was published about their release, and reports about the 10th Zhabdrung Rinpoche residing in Kalimpong remain unconfirmed.
Similarities with China
It would be remiss if we failed to see how the 10th Zhabdrung Rinpoche Jigdrel Ngawang Namgyal’s situation closely mirrors that of China and the 11th Panchen Lama.
A relatively benign example is the fact the 10th Zhabdrung Rinpoche is rumored to have three emanations – a body, speech and mind incarnation. The same can be said of the 11th Panchen Lama – there is the Dalai Lama-recognized candidate and the China-backed Panchen Lama, whom the Dalai Lama has just confirmed is the “official Panchen Lama”.
Another example of the similarities is China’s “living Buddhas” list which is a record of all state-recognized tulkus throughout China and Tibet. Those who do not make it onto the list are subjected to greater levels of scrutiny and monitoring; in Bhutan, it appears that those who fail to meet the standards of the reincarnation committee face harsher consequences than mere scrutiny and monitoring.
(Left to right) The Panchen Lama candidate chosen by the Dalai Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and the Panchen Lama candidate recognised by China, Gyaincain Norbu.
Just like China, the Bhutanese leadership claim that this committee was set up to prevent abuse of the tulku system by charlatans but lamas like the 10th Zhabdrung Rinpoche, who is recognized by his followers but not by the committee, would argue that the committee and its lists are open to abuse, and can be employed to shut out potential political rivals or threats to the system.
Similarly, in the case of the candidates for the 11th Panchen Lama, when the Dalai Lama’s candidate was recognized and announced, the young boy disappeared just a few days later. The Tibetan leadership claim that the child has been under house arrest for the last 22 years. In the case of Bhutan, the 10th Zhabdrung Rinpoche was placed under house arrest upon his arrival in Bhutan from India 13 years ago, and his current whereabouts also remain unknown or otherwise unconfirmed.
And just like China, whose leadership has a reputation for making swift work of political rivals, it would appear that the Bhutanese leadership are also quick to dispatch of any potential threats to their position and power, the sudden and early demise of many Zhabdrung emanations being evidence of this. As Dr. Dhurba Rizal notes in his book The Royal Semi-Authoritarian Democracy of Bhutan, the Zhabdrung incarnations have “continued to appear and have to be dealt with poisonings, pushing off rooftops, and strangulations“, leading to subsequent incarnations taking rebirth further and further East, away from Bhutan.
Double standards from the CTA
What is intended here is not an indictment of Bhutan’s practices and policies but rather an examination of the CTA’s double standards, hypocrisy and obvious political machinations for their own benefit.
Ironically, everything that the CTA has accused China of, and could accuse Bhutan of, they are guilty of themselves. For example, China has a list of officially-recognized tulkus and Bhutan has their reincarnation committee. The Tibetan government have the exact same thing in the form of the Dalai Lama. Any reincarnations who do not meet with his approval are shunned and segregated by the community.
So while the CTA has been very vocal about China’s perceived foibles and attempts at regulating religious practices, they have on the other hand been silent on Bhutan’s actions. The CTA does not hesitate to claim that China is an authoritarian regime, yet they say nothing when witnessing similar practices in Bhutan. So why is it the CTA feels entitled to comment on one situation and not on the other? The answer lies, as always, in the CTA’s self-interests.
- It’s harder to criticize someone with a good global reputation. Bhutan has a better standing internationally while China does not. It is easier for the CTA to vilify China when everyone already dislikes China’s Communist background. It’s much harder for the CTA to vilify Bhutan when the world lauds Bhutan for approaching globalization without losing Bhutanese culture, tradition and flair. If the CTA were to criticize Bhutan for anything, it would only make them look like petty, jealous, playground rivals and the Tibetan leadership risks a public relations backlash.
- Relations between the Bhutanese and Tibetans are only just improving, and they have to make amends. After decades of attempts at destabilizing Bhutan, including an assassination attempt on the King in the 1970s, the CTA do not want to jeopardize their already-fragile relationship with Bhutan, who may be a potential ally in a world where the CTA are rapidly losing friends. In the Himalayan region especially, the CTA have few friendly faces to turn to – Bangladesh and Pakistan have no interest in them, Nepal has turned towards China and India is on her way to doing the same. All that remains is Bhutan, the last Vajrayana holdout that the CTA can hope for.
- They have nothing to gain. It is not necessary for the CTA to hold Bhutan to the same standards that they attempt to impose on China because they have nothing to gain in doing so. Hence, when they criticize China for getting involved in religious matters, it is not because the CTA is trying to defend any real principle or standard, for example that an atheist government should not be involved in religion. They criticize China purely because they have something to gain from doing so – it helps the Tibetans to continue looking like victims, thus making them appear to be deserving recipients of more free financial aid.
Conclusion
The ban on Dorje Shugden had many unintended consequences, one of which was the discovery and highlighting of many controversies within Vajrayana Buddhism. Because the discrimination against Dorje Shugden was at total odds with the world’s general view of Buddhism being tolerant and compassionate, this led people to investigate what else Vajrayana Buddhists have been doing which may not fit Buddhist stereotypes.
Hence everyone was able to witness the conflict within the Karma Kagyus due to the issue of the three Karmapas, caused by the CTA. They were also treated to a display of forceful conversions of Drukpa Kagyu monasteries, which the CTA stood by silently and watched. And everyone saw how the Jonangpas were discriminated within the Tibetan Parliament by being refused equal representation.
And of course, everyone has seen the ongoing decades-long persecution of Dorje Shugden practitioners. When the CTA first banned the practice 20 years ago, one of the justifications they gave for the ban was the alleged link between Shugden practitioners and the Chinese leadership. According to the CTA, Shugden practitioners are bad, bad, bad because they are connected to the Chinese leadership who act in an authoritarian manner.
Yet, right at the CTA’s doorstep is the Bhutanese leadership acting in a similarly authoritarian manner but the CTA remains silent over this. Again, this is not an indictment of the way Bhutan chooses to operate. Every sovereign nation has a right to choose their form of governance; that is, Bhutan has a choice in how they wish to operate, and so does China.
But the fact is that every nation has events in their history that they are not proud of. For Bhutan, this may be their treatment of the incarnations of the Zhabdrung lineage. For China, it may be the way in which intellectuals were treated during the Cultural Revolution. For the US, it may be their involvement with issues like Guantanamo Bay which they have not been held accountable for, or the continued racism against African-Americans. Similarly, the 2.3 million people in the American prison system (as of 2017) would also argue that their government has acted in an authoritarian manner with regards to their incarceration.
What is clear is that the CTA’s choice of who they condemn is not based on any particular consistent principle, but on where they stand to gain the most. They do not condemn the US for their war crimes because the American government gives them US$17mil every year; they do not condemn Bhutan for their treatment of the 10th Zhabdrung Rinpoche because Bhutan may potentially be their last ally. But they DO condemn China because pitting themselves as the David against a super-powered Goliath has been a lucrative move for the last 60 years. But with China’s ascent to political and economic supremacy, how much longer can the CTA draw from this seemingly-unending well of money before it runs dry?
Addendum
News of the 10th Zhabdrung Jigdrel Ngawang Namgyal’s unwarranted house arrest even made headlines on the Buddhist Channel website. Click on the image below to read more.
Click to enlarge. (Source: http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=40,3674,0,0,1,0#.WyK4w1Uzayp)
Sources:
- The Royal Semi-Authoritarian Democracy of Bhutan by Dr. Dhurba Rizal (July 2015; Lexington Books)
- http://www.bhutandnc.com/bhutantoday%20-May.htm
- http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=40,3674,0,0,1,0
- http://www.vijayvaani.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?aid=2831
- http://www.ipajournal.com/2012/09/26/is-new-shabdrung-threat-to-bhutanese-royals/
- http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=42,1818,0,0,1,0#.Wt1z3dNubhM
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Tibetan
CTA will lose
June 12, 2018
Since 2014 no word on the young 10th Zhabdrung incarnation in Bhutan. Bhutan portrays themselves as a democracy and Buddhist, but their government’s actions are not Buddhist at all.
If a Zhabdrung returns to Bhutan and sits on a throne according to the prophecy of Bhutan, then the monarchy of Bhutan will fall. That is why they don’t allow Zhabdrung incarnations to ‘exist’ freely for many incarnations now. Many of them were poisoned at a young age or pushed off building.
People accuse China of arresting Panchen. But look what Bhutan is doing and something has to be said.
Anonymous
June 15, 2018
Tsultrim Choephel
June 16, 2018
Shamdrey this article and website have the lama face but you can putting picture like this ? 👎
CTA will lose
June 12, 2018
Since 2014 no word on the young 10th Zhabdrung incarnation in Bhutan. Bhutan portrays themselves as a democracy and Buddhist, but their government’s actions are not Buddhist at all.
If a Zhabdrung returns to Bhutan and sits on a throne according to the prophecy of Bhutan, then the monarchy of Bhutan will fall. That is why they don’t allow Zhabdrung incarnations to ‘exist’ freely for many incarnations now. Many of them were poisoned at a young age or pushed off building.
People accuse China of arresting Panchen. But look what Bhutan is doing and something has to be said.
Why does Bhutan not release Zhabdrung Rinpoche the 10th? Why is nothing heard of him since 2014. How come the Bhutanese people stay quiet. Zhabdrung is the reincarnation of the founding father of their nation.
Why is such a young boy under house arrest in Bhutan?
Karma
June 12, 2018
This current 10th Zhabdrung and family were enticed back to Bhutan. In Bhutan they have a tulku recognition dept in the govt. Without the seal of this dept, no tulkus can be accepted or official in Bhutan (similar to China). They asked the family to go back to receive official recognition. When the family with Zhabdrung went back, he and his family were arrested and disappeared. No one knows where the current Zhabdrung and family are. Since 2014 it is heard he is still under house arrest in Bhutan. The 10th Zhabdrung was recognzied by Karmapa Ogyen Trinley before returning to Bhutan and disappearing.
Carole McQuirre
June 12, 2018
If you want to size up Bhutan then it’s quite easy. They use government heavy handed-ness to silence opponents combined with spiritual propaganda to control their population. Most of their population live out of the city and just simple farmers. Easy to convince. Although many speak English in the cities, their mindset is very much their government and spiritual authority cannot be wrong. Their government and spiritual authority are always right. Partly they believe this out of ignorance and partly because they are afraid of their government. Most Bhutanese are very argumentative but most of their thinking is not very broad but very narrow as they are not exposed. That is what you called feudal society in the 21st century. Very much like the Tibetan government in exile in Dharamsala.
Bhutan is very beautiful physically.
Gis
June 12, 2018
I thought Bhutan is a democratic country? Why ban Zhabdrung Rinpoche from entering the country? why would a country afraid of a Buddhist Lama? Weird…i thought Bhutan is a very nice country with good rulers and people, but after reading this post i was totally shocked this actually happen in Bhutan…hhmmm…😱
Anonymous
June 13, 2018
It is partly true ! About the incarnations being assisted in the past ! But this home arrest is something i can’t believe ! HOAX!😧
this page always have many things to talk about Bhutan, trying to create some kind of bad image 💔 little knowledge is dangerous
Tsultrim Choephel
June 16, 2018
ARe u say all this is the liar story ? 😂 pls think clear and mind it
http://www.bhutandnc.com/bhutantoday%20-May.htm
http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=40,3674,0,0,1,0
http://www.vijayvaani.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?aid=2831
http://www.ipajournal.com/2012/09/26/is-new-shabdrung-threat-to-bhutanese-royals/
http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=42,1818,0,0,1,0#.Wt1z3dNubhM
Anonymous
June 22, 2018
True ! Why would someone even write something like this. This heart breaking☹️
Anonymous
June 14, 2018
Little Knowledge is dangerous…
So is this article
Anonymous
June 15, 2018
Well Idk where the info came from but the 10th zhubdrung is at thimphu location unknown but my friends went for his chawang
It’s better to listen to a bhutanese about it’s own country
AJ
July 2, 2018
Constitutional monarchy, with the final say of the king
Anonymous
June 13, 2018
J
June 13, 2018
Information provided here is wrong. What is the name of second king? Don’t say Bhutanese are not exposed. Fuckshit.
Sharling Dhardonite
June 13, 2018
The information here IS VERY ACCURATE. I taught in Bhutan for 15 years. I have studied Bhutanese history which is not very long and not very well known while I was there.
Congratulations for a wonderful article telling the truth.
Make it simple, WHERE IS 10TH SHABDRUNG RINPOCHE NOW?
Tenzin Paljor
June 13, 2018
Dear Bhutan,
You’ve had the 10th Zhabdrung Rinpoche under house arrest since 2004?
Where is the 10th Zhabdrung Rinpoche now?
Anonymous
June 14, 2018
Your giving wrong information. Rinpoche is peacefully leaving at Paro Bhutan. He is not under house arrest or missing. Please don’t give wrong information your creating disharmony in our country. If you know then write if not don’t
Dorjee zangmo
June 21, 2018
Last time Rinpoche is leaving here in Thimphu la….But i dont know where is leaving right now la
Dorjee Lhamo
June 29, 2018
So Rinpoche is living in Paro or Thimpu ? U bhutanese yourself confused among yourself…LMAO..😅
Peljor
June 13, 2018
Ex-Prime Minister Samdhong Rinpoche caught sleeping in a meeting
The representative of the Dalai Lama and former prime minister of the Tibetan government in-exile Samdhong Rinpoche during an important meeting having a nice sleep. The Tibetan government in-exile are run by people like this who have no control over their body and manners. They only stay awake in the meeting if there is FREE aid money coming their way to line their pockets. Shameful how Samdong Rinpoche is sleeping in the middle of a meeting and he represents the Tibetan government in-exile. This is why after 60 years Tibetan leaders have failed to get Tibet back but blame others for their failures. Shame!
http://video.dorjeshugden.com/comment-videos/comment-1528941530.mp4
Tsultrim Choephel
June 16, 2018
Tshering gyeltshen
June 14, 2018
This is totally bullshit…current zhabdrung is in Paro Bhutan…CTA is trying to defame Bhutan…They lost thier country to China,even then they didn’t get freedom…so they try to make lie without knowing Bhutan…Dorjisungden is also vanished from last centuries…
Phuntsho
June 17, 2018
Tshering gyeltshen is rigth. I agree with you. The tibetan leader in CTA is jealous of Bhutan because we have a country.They always try to make trouble problems in our country since they loose their country. This why Bhutan never allow their Dalai lama to enter our country. Will make trouble not buddhism. No tibetans in Punakha where my family live.
AJ
July 2, 2018
prove it. Let him and his family return back. Any photographs
Tenzin Paljor
June 14, 2018
Where is His Holiness the 10th Zhabdrung Rinpoche? Why will Bhutan not release him from house arrest since 2004?
Why do they keep his location secret? Where is he?
(Photo: Baby Shabdrung the 10th and his father Tashi Dawa)
Tenzin Paljor
June 14, 2018
This is His Holiness the 9th Shabdrung Rinpoche who was allegedly poisoned by the Bhutanese royal agents. They are afraid if he returns and stays in Bhutan, then the people will follow him and the government/monarchy will lose power.
“Rumors abound of the Bhutanese leadership’s role in all of these deaths; sources speak of a prophecy that foretells the demise of the Bhutanese monarchy should the Zhabdrung mind emanation ever be allowed to come of age, and gain all the resources that comes with a full and proper recognition.”
They have the 10th Zhabdrung Rinpoche under house arrest since 2004. 😒
Carollee McQuirre
June 14, 2018
Why does Bhutan arrest a young child since 2004 and keep his whereabouts secret till now? Where is the 10th Zhabdrung Rinpoche?
How come the whole world and Amnesty and Human Rights organizations does not say anything?
Tenzin Paljor
June 14, 2018
Look at this post as it says clearly that Zhabdrung Rinpoche the 10th is under house arrest in Bhutan: http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=40,3674,0,0,1,0#.WyK4w1Uzayp
Anonymous
June 15, 2018
Anonymous
June 16, 2018
Ok personally feel it is not true as Bhutanese do respect Zhabdrung. Ders nothing to do with ruling and Zhabdrung. If I m not wrong.
Anonymous
June 16, 2018
fake story😱😂
Tsultrim Choephel
June 16, 2018
ARe u say all this is the liar story ? 😂 pls think clear n mind it
http://www.bhutandnc.com/bhutantoday%20-May.htm
http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=40,3674,0,0,1,0
http://www.vijayvaani.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?aid=2831
http://www.ipajournal.com/2012/09/26/is-new-shabdrung-threat-to-bhutanese-royals/
http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=42,1818,0,0,1,0#.Wt1z3dNubhM
ds
June 16, 2018
fake story😱😂..i am from bhutan and im staying thimphu….i know activities anout my city…..seeems its writtn by japa
Tsultrim Choephel
June 16, 2018
ཧཧཧཧཧཧཧཧ u are know all happening in Thimphu ? Every house u are go to check ? 😂 pls don’t tell liar story like this , all Tibetan r know abt this truth story . Before 9 th Zhabdrung Trul r scare of Bhutan n he staying in Delhi My friend r going to see him for get the jinlap . Where 10 th??? U are liar my fren
Thinley
June 17, 2018
This is real story and we Bhhtan people is shame. we hide the true story becoz scare of we govermnet in Bhhtan.☹️😱💔
Anonymous
June 23, 2018
Why don’t you just stop barking on social media like stray pooch… if you dont belive that truelku is well and soundly residing in bhutan, why dont you come with all the evidences and search for truelku rather than woofing here…Go and get the life…you folks even can’t get your country back and you people are already in thug life don’t try to decimate happiness country…first get have proper country to live in then mind others business.
Chowang
June 16, 2018
Oki let see the fact
Tsultrim Choephel
June 16, 2018
http://www.bhutandnc.com/bhutantoday%20-May.htm
http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=40,3674,0,0,1,0
http://www.vijayvaani.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?aid=2831
http://www.ipajournal.com/2012/09/26/is-new-shabdrung-threat-to-bhutanese-royals/
http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=42,1818,0,0,1,0#.Wt1z3dNubhM
Tsultrim Choephel
June 16, 2018
This r share on the WeChat 🙏 lama la chab su chio gyen dun la chab su chio
CTA will lose
June 17, 2018
Wherever Tibetan people go, they make religious problems and sectarian divides. They create political problems and eventually people do not like them.
It’s been 60 years and they still cannot get their country back. Why?|
Why did they lose their country in the first place? Why do people have to help Tibet get their country back? It is not anyone’s responsibility to help Tibet.
Paul F.
June 29, 2018
I agree with u. I have a few Tibetan friends living in my community here in the west of US. They told me they hate their government and leaders, they are in exile for 6 decades and they blame it on the corruption of their leaders. I do not know about Dalai Lama, but my friends told me the leaders of the government is here for self gain that’s for sure and Tibetans in exile hates their own government. Personally i do not like monks to self immolate and I do agree with a few outspoken Lama like Tsem Tulku who is brave to speak up to protect the people. Tibet going independent or not is none of my business but standing on human right perspective, sacrificing lives to gain independence is stupidity.
Elibuchen
June 18, 2018
Hope to see more of the 10th Zhabdrung Rinpoche, in our kaliyuga times, every Rinpoche and senior monks are important for the preservation of the Buddha dharma sill no word about his whereabouts seem certain.
Trust CTA to take care of themselves above everyone else. I think Bhutanese can take on the concepts of constitutional monarchy, let the Zhabdrung Rinpoche win the elections, then Monarchy will still have a place in Bhutans’ future. Lets not make the Zhabdrung Rinpoche into another Oliver Cromwell…. not good.
Lekshey Tsomo
June 19, 2018
Why Dzongsar Kyentse Rinpoche behave this way? Why he don’t act like proper monk? If all Dharma teachers act like this will it be acceptable . How can like this: http://video.dorjeshugden.com/comment-videos/comment-1529433975.mp4
Tenzin Paljor
June 26, 2018
Why is the Bhutanese lama Dzongsar Kyentse Rinpoche always acting and dressing in ways a monk should not? Is this correct?
Does this make Buddhism look bad? Why is it allowed
Pharo resident
June 20, 2018
We people in Bhutan canot question our govenment because if we do, many serious problems will come to our family from them. This is secret to world, but all Bhutanese knwo. ☹️
Ngawang
June 20, 2018
Tibetan leadership should go question and protest to Bhutanese government also, why the 10th Zhabdrung Rinpoche was being held house arrest? Since Tibet leaders protest against China hiding the young 11th Panchen Lama recognised by His Holiness Dalai Lama.
Why leave 10th Zhabdrung Rinmpoche alone when they are so concern about human rights and religious freedom.
Joo Won
June 20, 2018
All countries which are not open to the outside world like Tibet government in exile or Bhutan are not free, and going to do something like this — acting as they like, people’s opinion and views are basically ignored. China and many countries used to be like this, after they open their door to the outside world, things slowly change to be better.
Anonymous
June 21, 2018
As we talk abut sovereign countries that have governments and represented at world bodies like the United Nations, World Trade Organisation, International Monetary Fund etc etc, we can include a powerful nation like China and a peace loving nation like Bhutan.
But CTA??? Come on it is not even a legal entity and stand for causes that are obsolete and of past history. Not applicable in the 21st Century.
However, having watched the bad deeds that CTA have created in meddling and bad mouthing other countries and the chaotic division among Tibetans over the ban on DorjeShugden, they are admirable in a most undesirable manner.
The world is now waking up and checking on the activities of CTA and the result is the waning popularity of the Dalai Lama. The scandals of the CTA leaders really do not help the standing of CTA.
Time to change CTA, clean up your own backyard by first be humble and acknowledge the big error on the Ban on Dorje Shugden and have the ban lifted for unity and harmony among your own people.
Anonymous
June 21, 2018
Don’t spread false information…as you said Zhabdrung returns as multiple emanations: body, speech and mind. So we have one of the emanation living with us and he is no other than our great fourth “King Jigme Singye Wangchuk “
Sonam
June 21, 2018
what I don’t like about this page is… they criticize government so badly and to point out to others please see that four fingers are pointing back at yourself. I respect this page creator but I don’t beleive the lamas of dorji shruden have anything to do with this page. I heard many great lamas are dorji shrugden followers and I can never imagine any lama defaming other peoples and government for fun😥 please don’t spread bad news and bad things it’s like creating problems between governments and you know in the end peoples who are innocent suffers and I don’t beleive any religion will allow such sufferings like war. We Buddhist are very superstitious and believer and respect each individual and each religion for their believes except in killing. So please post good things about your gurus and let us get blessed instead.
About the current lama you said it’s in house arrest is still healthy and alive and studying and blessing peoples in particular Bhutan’s place called Paro. I don’t know how you got recent pictures of lama and posting it as house arrest. Please change this pages activities into advertising lamas blessing ceremony and share with us the news of your great lama and get us blessed. I hope one day Tibetans gets their country back and meanwhile thank each country who are keeping Tibetans in their country and letting them work and are happy especially Bhutan and India. Tibetans are usually the bearer of great gurus and I respect their origins cos we Bhutanese are blessed everyday and they taught our great grandfathers well and who inreturn taught us well. I hope one day all peoples no matter what their religions and caste is all come together and be happy always and fighting for global warming instead of nonsense issues and religions differences. Everyone beleive in one god and that god always wants us to be good human being and respect other religions not defame them.
Jing Jing
July 3, 2018
I understand your concern. Especially Bhutan today is very well known in the world as a country that preserve their people happiness well. Very sad to read about this article. But we cannot deny the truth of of what happening to the 10th Zhabdrung Rinpoche in Bhutan. The 10th Zhabdrung Rinpoche is the father of Bhutan. I wish he’s all good and living in Bhutan and well taking care of. But why is that no one in Bhutan question where is the 10th Zhabdrung Rinpoche now? Since you wish to have blessings from him, don’t you want to make sure he’s all good and not being house arrested as what this article said? Has anyone seen Rinpoche in real life lately and make sure he’s good. Can anyone post Rinpoche’s picture so that we all can feel in peace?
Anonymous
June 23, 2018
Sonam
June 23, 2018
Hey Author! This is too much on your part. You cannot write against the country, people and King if you are true and bonafide citizen of Bhutan. But I believe, you are one of the Ngolops, not Ngalops. Lol….
Whatever, we have peace and tranquility in our country till date.
Dechen
June 24, 2018
May Buddhism prevail throughout and enlightened every sentient being. May the hate for each other come to and end and bless them. May only the truth be shared since I know nothing about this post but I have great wish to get blessing from our very own zhabdrung Rinpoche. May dharma be uplifted and reach far and wide.
Tibetans out of Bhutan
June 27, 2018
How come Dalai lama Holiness not allowed in Bhutan? He never visit Bhutan. Why? Why he is not welcomed? What is Bhutan afraid of? 👎
bambi
June 27, 2018
CTA really a piece of crap.Cant do anything right always being condemn for their action.I guess CTA love the attention for being useless & a hypocrite.Always talk bad of China when China do so much for TAR so beautiful now & many tourist go visit.If CTA still tibet I don’t think it will be like now.TAR flourishing so well now China do good for Tibetans.If CTA continue make enemy with China they will never get anything.Many country already make friends with China not opposite.If indeed bhutan is clean & not guilty then what happen to 10th Zhabdrung Rinpoche?How come the last news when the family go see the govt.Why Zhabdrung Rinpoche incarnation not recognised & so many short life.Whats happening really.
Tsering
June 27, 2018
CTA always look for their benefits and this double standard obviously CTA is looking forward for Bhutan to be their ally. CTA will not condemn any other countries that doesn’t bring any benefits to them. This is different for China where after 60 years CTA doesn’t put effort to be independent and self sustain but just keep stacking China hoping with this it will turn situation around. CTA should stop all these and take action on how to take care the Tibetan and be more sustainable.
Geraldine Sarie
June 27, 2018
According to philosophy, when there kindness intake, there should be a reward. However, the kindness of CTA wasn’t pleased by Bhutan. Look, Bhutan is an independent country, so therefore their government definite will not be easily trick or cheated. Tactics and trick of CTA are already painted on the wall. I think CTA is best stay their butt away from creating problem to Bhutan and let them live in peace.
Samayakeeper
June 27, 2018
If only humans learn to live and coexist among its own kind and with animals, all indifferences whether political and religious would continue. This would be near impossible as desires overrule everything and everyone. Thus suffering continues and affects humans on earth regardless of color, race and creed.
Tianni
June 27, 2018
Leadership in the political framework requires a focus on the long-term good of a country, above and ahead of any personal short-term gains. Therefore as long as the political leaders are focus on their personal gain, the peoples of the country will be suffering. 60 years was enough for everyone to know/realize the CTA leadership. Tibetan in India still a refugee and still suffering. Wake up ! CTA, don’t take religion such as ban Dorje Shugden practice as your excuse of your failure.Your priority is focus on how to help your peoples to have less suffering.
Tenzin Sangye
June 27, 2018
Just like other great Lama to find the correct incarnation facing so many obstacle.10th Zhabdrung Rinpoche incarnation is another example. If Bhutan is truly blessed by this great lama. May his incarnation and lineageto be save and continue turn the wheel of dharma benifit others. Don’t let it to misuse become politic issue using religion to segegate Bhutanese. Tibetan refugee in exile is one of living example as victim from their leadership. Don’t repeat it again.
Pema
June 27, 2018
I don’t get it… This CTA is making trouble since the ages but they still find people who listen to them. 😤😤
When will they finally respect democratic rules??
When will they stop creating damage wherever they go??
The CTA is really disqualified completely! Such a bad example of governing and spreading their toxic influence!
Vajra10
June 27, 2018
Why choose to create more problems when there are so much left unsolved..
Dorji Damdu
June 28, 2018
The Dalai Lama has emerged as the biggest talking point during informal Sino-Indian bilateral talks during 2018, such as the Wuhan Summit. This is all due to concerns related to the Dalai Lama’s health. China wants the Dalai Lama to travel to Tibet, knowing that it would most probably be a one-way ticket. India on the other hand initiated the talks, shunning the Dalai Lama and kowtowed to China’s rising power. Their aim was to strike a deal to resolve border issues.
Sonam Wangchuk
June 28, 2018
The Central Tibetan Administration may be delighted to read the Daily O’s claim that His Holiness the Dalai Lama was the main subject of discussion during the recent informal summit in Wuhan between Prime Minister Modi of India and President Xi of China. However, it is said that the discussion was prompted by the Dalai Lama’s ailing health, and that China and India entered into discussion to avoid a sequel to the 73-day stand-off between two countries. Perhaps the dialogue between His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s representatives and Beijing may finally resume since Prime Minister Modi and President Xi are being brought into the picture.
Yangdon Dhondup
June 29, 2018
Here is another article that gives a bleak assessment of the situation regarding the Dalai Lama and of the Tibetan cause. It mentions clearly how Tibet is losing out to China and why. It also explains why Lobsang Sangay is feebly respected by the Tibetan diaspora. The articles does not foretell good news for the Tibetan diaspora, in fact it does not even give a possible outcome for what is going to happen to them. It shows how the Dalai Lama is losing influence over world leaders from countries like the Netherlands to the United States. Such articles are becoming increasingly common because they reflect the situation for the Tibetans in-exile and their leaders.
Tsering Drolhma
July 8, 2018
UNRULY TIBETANS FIGHTING AT DALAI LAMA BIRTHDAY PARTY AGAIN
July 2018-NYC- Tibetans fighting at some birthday celebratory event for His Holiness the Dalai Lama. They set up a throne in the back, place Dalai Lama’s picture, and they fight, push, shout, scream at each other right in front of the throne of Dalai Lama and it’s filmed. That is the level of the Tibetans overall. Tibetans are not gentle, Buddhist, peace-loving, tolerant people as they portray to the world. They are rough, rude, hateful, vengeful, violent, regionalistic, narrow minded and will create trouble wherever they go. Very feudal. They always resort to vulgar words and violence. There are some moderate Tibetans, but on the whole they are very violent people who do not practice Buddhism. The average Tibetan know nothing of Buddhism and do not practice. Buddhism is just a meal ticket for them to get to another country. Their support of Dalai Lama is blind and only to be politically correct and they never practice what he teaches. Disgraceful to see a group of violent Tibetans fighting at a Dalai Lama birthday event. Shameful.☹️
Tibetans are not welcomed wherever they go. Bhutanese kicked them out. Nepal hates Tibetans. India has no more use for the ‘refugee’ Tibetans and their temples made of gold. After 60 years they cannot get their own country back. What a bunch of losers and useless government people they have.
http://video.dorjeshugden.com/comment-videos/comment-1531033672.mp4
Tsering Drolhma
July 14, 2018
The letter:
It is about the incident that happened at His Holiness’s birthday celebration in NYC recently July 6, 2018. Some members of Tibetan woman association approached to Parliamentarian Tenpa Yarphel during the ceremony and complained that his comments regarding Nechung was disrespect to the protector and His Holiness. They also said him that he made many Tibetan people sad with his comments. And told him not to do that again in the future. Then Dhondup Tseten stood up and shamelessly touched those women. That incident almost made the ceremony stopped. To keep maintaining the relationship between Tibetan Woman Association and Tibetan Parliament Representative, TWA are asking for a apology letter from Dhondup Tseten for touching their members.
(It is so sad that in the fake democracy of the Tibetan leadership in Dharamsala you cannot say anything against a leader or criticize. Too bad)
Brian McDonough
July 8, 2018
Also, why is this guy Je khenpo of Bhutan so terribly FAT? Buddhists are supposed to eliminate desire. This guy can’t even eliminate his third dessert. His own body is an embarrassment to Buddhism. His own reveals his lie.
Carolle McAquire
July 11, 2018
Dalai Lama for debate, discussion to reconcile opposing viewpoints
The Dalai Lama always says we should have honest face to face discussion so misunderstandings are resolved especially on religious issues. Why does the Dalai Lama refuse to meet the Dorje Shugden followers who number in the hundreds of thousands to resolve the Dorje Shugden issue. Many letters have been submitted to request audience since 1996 and he and his office does not reply. Dalai Lama’s spirit of open debate and resolutions is not across the board. Too bad. Carolle McAquire
http://www.uniindia.com/dalai-lama-for-debate-discussion-to-reconcile-opposing-viewpoints/states/news/1285325.html
Bonnie Fider
July 11, 2018
WHY DOES RICHARD GERE AND DALAI LAMA SUPPORT SOGYAL THE DISGUSTING ABUSER?
As long as you are friends with the Dalai Lama, your actions are excusable, no matter how horrendous they may be. Even something as heinous as sexual abuse of over 60 women can be overlooked when the perpetrator is friends with the Dalai Lama namely Sogyal Rinpoche. Why rush to join the chorus of Hollywood voices condemning Harvey Weinstein’s criminality, but remain silent against Sogyal’s exploitation and abuse of women? Richard Gere was vocal in condemning against all the abuses and attacks against women by Harvey Weinstein. But silent on Sogyal Rinpoche. BBC has a full length documentary on Sogyal’s abuses as you can view here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWhIivvmMnk. Yet Richard Gere can take photos with the disgusting and abusive Sogyal. Is it because one group of women are worth protecting and the other are not? If it is not for that reason, then it can only be because Sogyal is the Dalai Lama’s friend. The Dalai Lama’s condemnation against Sogyal is very light and it’s disappointing. I guess since Dalai Lama supported Sogyal so much, he can’t be seen as wrong in doing so. Politics is sad.
Sherab Wangmo
July 12, 2018
TENMA VERY ANGRY WITH SIKYONG LOBSANG SANGYE AND PENPA TSERING
Tenma deity takes trance of her oracle in Nechung Monastery in Dharamsala, North India. The deity is highly displeased and angry at Sikyong Lobsang Sangye and Penpa Tsering. She is scolding them by waving her arms at them and throwing rice at them. You can see Penpa Tsering shielding himself. These two has always been corrupt and extremely self-serving. Naturally the oracles of the Dalai Lama take trance and are very angry.
http://video.dorjeshugden.com/comment-videos/comment-1531344206.mp4
Suresh Ratna
July 12, 2018
SUMAA has been consistent in their efforts to evict Tibetans from Arunachal Pradesh as the Tibetans are known to exploit benefits given to locals. The Central Tibetan Administration, especially their so-called ‘president’ Lobsang Sangay, made the situation worse by rubbing salt in the wound, making a statement that Chief Minister Pema Khandu is an ardent follower of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and a lifelong friend of the Tibetan people. This was right after Khandu announced the adoption of the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy in Arunachal Pradesh.
Tibetan refugees create a lot of problems for the locals no matter where they are, especially in Arunachal Pradesh. They take the locals’ land and resources without giving anything in return, making the locals furious to the extent that they are now demanding a written undertaking from the Tibetan refugees not to claim Indian citizenship and STC/PRC in Arunachal Pradesh. It is time to impeach Sangay for a better leader to guide and take care of the Tibetans in India before the wrath of locals evict Tibetans from the state or even the country for good.
Christie Donald
July 14, 2018
Hollywood is one of the most influential groups of people who have promoted the mysticism of Buddhist Tantra to the world. Together with the media, they have packaged Tibetan Buddhism and Tibetan lamas into a fantasy Utopia, filled with God-like beings who are able to lead people along the quick path to enlightenment.
This propaganda has been widely exploited by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) to garner support, especially financial aid, for the so-called Tibetan Cause and the Tibetan struggle against Chinese rule. Little does the West, including Richard Gere and the so-called Buddhist Professor Robert Thurman, know that efforts from China to improve the infrastructure and standard of living for the Tibetans in China have created opportunities for Tibetans to grow and be successful. This is something that is rarely seen in exile under the governance of the CTA.
This false image that has been promoted for the past 60 years or so is now slowly fading away as more and more victims come forward, exposing the sexual abuse they have suffered under the hands of Tibetan lamas like Sogyal Rinpoche. The root of the problem is clear, people are greedy and lazy while wanting quick success and attention. Since they get these from the Tibetan lamas like Sogyal, they are willing to accept the exploitation. This is further driven by fear that they would no longer be seen as the privileged ones in the inner circle if they do not clutch at their lamas and be seen showing tremendous devotion to their gurus. With only a superficial knowledge of Buddhism, this cult-like group of Hollywood stars and American politicians like Richard Gere continue to generate respect and love for their skewed version of the “Dharma”, while real Buddhist masters are relegated to the side lines.