Just a Matter of Time…

Shugden lamas like Gangchen Rinpoche (far left), Gonsar Rinpoche (far right) and Tenzin Rabgye Rinpoche (second from right) maintain a low profile in the Tibetan Buddhist communities, but are very strong in spreading Dharma and Dorje Shugden’s practice around the world

By: TK

In the future, after the HH the Dalai Lama has passed away, there is only one direction the Dorje Shugden practice, lineage and practitioners can go: up.

Whatever the Dalai Lama has said and done ‘against’ Shugden is only temporary. He has made Shugden famous and he continues to do so by keeping the ban in place. All the superficial practitioners have dropped off, but the hardcore ones are strong and remain steadfast, and many young Tulkus and Geshes are in the making.

Even the supreme Tulkus such as Trijang Rinpoche, Pabongka Rinpoche, etc., who are laying low for now, have not renounced Dorje Shugden. It is a widely known fact that they have not forsaken the practice of Dorje Shugden, despite the huge pressures of the ban. Though these Ttulkus are young, they are old enough to think for themselves and cannot be ‘forced’ by their old attendants to either continue or give up the practice. They have chosen to continue to practice. To this day, you do not see Trijang Rinpoche noror Pabongka Rinpoche attending any events, teachings or initiations by the Dalai Lama. Their lack of attendance leaves a huge vacuum and makes a very strong statement about their firm stance to continue their practice of Dorje Shugden. Everyone within the Gelug school, as well as the Dalai Lama, knows this.

How many more Tulkus, Geshes and people have quietly opted out of any involvement with the Dalai Lama? They choose to be quiet not because they are cowards, but perhaps because they are choosing to quietly spread the practice in preparation for a time where they can come out in the open. Some have already come out in the open; others are waiting. Everyone has their own ‘tactic’ and method, and everyone has the right to choose their methods, regardless of what anyone may think. Not joining in Dalai Lama’s activities and quietly practicing shows their great courage and skillful means.

H.H. Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche has held on strongly to his practice of Dorje Shugden all his life

You also do not see lamas like Trijang Rinpoche, Pabongka Rinpoche, Yongyal Rinpoche, Gangchen Rinpoche or Gonsar Rinpoche, etc., going around protesting or ‘fighting’ against the Dalai Lama with placards or at ‘peaceful’ demonstrations. This does not mean that they are cowards or afraid. It just means they are waiting. They know it is just a matter of time before the ban becomes ineffective and ignored. That is their right and no one should criticize them for their methods. These Rinpoches and many others lamas are shouldering the responsibility of bringing Dharma to so many during this age of materialism. Their courage does not need to be shown or manifest in the form of protests or open statements about their practice. Everyone has their reasons and their individual paths to tread.

Any lamas who come into prominence in the future will never have the same speaking power as the Dalai Lama once did. If they should speak out of line, it would not serve their purpose in the long term. They would be seen as sectarian, biased or self-serving. Because of this, it is unlikely that any lama after the Dalai Lama will dare to speak against any practice, such as Dorje Shugden.

There will be no one of consequence or lasting effect to defend the ban later. No other lama can equal the standing of the Dalai Lama or command the same respect he does to be able to uphold the ban in the same way. Buddhism will take root in democratic countries and all will practice according to their democratic choice. In the future, if one Dharma centers forbids or disparages other centers or institutions for practicing, they can be presented a lawsuit for debasement, defamation or something similar. To discourage others from one Buddhist center or group because of their practice of Dorje Shugden will infringe upon democratic laws that protect the freedom of worship. It would be a serious matter to cross this line. In the future, no one will be able to stop Dorje Shugden’s practice because the law will protect Shugden practitioners.

Everyone should be patient for a little while longer. Within our lifetime, Shugden will take root all over the world. After we are gone, it will continue to grow and expand. We should be adamant about our participation in Shugden’s growth, and keep up our practice and dissemination of information on Shugden. Instead of just holding protests (which may be good for some and effective up to a certain extent), we must also disseminate information on Shugden’s history, background, nature, benefits and practice. Through logic and patience, Shugden’s practice will prevail.

This opinion piece has been extracted from the DorjeShugden.com forum. Please add to the discussions on the forum if you have further perspectives, comments and thoughts. We always welcome debate and exchange. The original thread can be viewed at http://www.dorjeshugden.com/forum/index.php?topic=1145.0