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By: Karma Rigzin
On 5th November 1981, His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa passed away. No one could have anticipated the controversy that would ensue in the coming decades. The recognition of his reincarnation, the 17th Karmapa, has since become one of the most controversial topics to rock the Tibetan community and thanks to the meddling of the Tibetan government, it remains an issue that drives a wedge between practitioners of the Karma Kagyu tradition.
At the heart of the controversy are the four Regents of the Karma Kagyu lineage – His Eminence Shamar Rinpoche, Tai Situ Rinpoche, Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche and Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche – as well as the three Karmapa candidates, each with their own claim to the throne. They are:
Karmapa Claimant #1: Dawa Sangpo Dorje
Dawa Sangpo Dorje
Dawa Sangpo Dorje was born on 30th May 1977 in Mangan, North Sikkim, leading to his colloquial name ‘the Sikkimese Karmapa’. At 41 years old, he is the oldest claimant to the 17th Karmapa’s throne and the first to be recognized.
Born into a very poor family, Dawa Sangpo Dorje had always felt out of place. As a child he would make proclamations of owning Rumtek Monastery, which is the Indian seat of the Karmapas.
Lachung Rinpoche first examined Dawa Sangpo Dorje at around five or six years old. He told Dawa Sangpo Dorje’s father to bring the child to Rumtek Monastery without telling him where they were going, in order to test the child. While at Rumtek, the child recognized the monastery despite his parents telling him that it was another monastery.
Around 1983, Dawa Sangpo Dorje was eventually brought before Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, one of the four Regents of the Karma Kagyu tradition. The young boy was able to point out the 16th Karmapa’s sleeping quarters without hesitation. Later, he was asked to select the personal belongings of the 16th Karmapa. Shown six items, he was able to select four of them correctly. Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche then asked the parents to return in a few months as he was busy with pujas for the 16th Karmapa, and he also had to confer with the other three Regents. He adviced that Dawa Sangpo Dorje would need to be enrolled into the traditional course of Buddhist studies, and that the boy should be brought to him at Rumtek later on. However, Dawa Sangpo Dorje’s parents failed to do so.
Around 1989, the child was taken by some elderly Tibetans to study at Sakya Monastery in Darjeeling. Dawa Sangpo Dorje recalls that he was at a monastery in Lumbini, Nepal in 1992 when he heard about the demise of Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche in a tragic car accident at Siliguri, Bengal in India. Since Kongtrul Rinpoche was the only one who knew about his recognition, the recognition process for Dawa Sangpo Dorje did not proceed thereafter. Till that year, he was the only claimant to the throne of the Karmapas.
Karmapa Claimant #2: Trinley Thaye Dorje
Trinley Thaye Dorje
The second claimant to the 17th Karmapa’s throne, Trinley Thaye Dorje, was born on 6th May 1983 in Lhasa, Tibet. He is the son of the 3rd Mipham Rinpoche of Junyung Monastery, an important incarnate lama of the Nyingma school and his mother is Dechen Wangmo, the daughter of a noble family that descends from King Gesar of Ling. At one and a half years old, the boy is said to have started telling people that he was the Karmapa.
In 1988, His Eminence Shamar Rinpoche secretly travelled to Lhasa to investigate whether Thaye Dorje was the reincarnation of the Karmapa, due to a prophetic dream of the boy by Sakya Chogye Trichen Rinpoche. In March 1994, Thaye Dorje along with his family escaped from Tibet to India via Nepal. Later that same year, Shamar Rinpoche formally recognized and enthroned Thaye Dorje as the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa at the Karmapa International Buddhist Institute in New Delhi, India amidst turmoil.
After his enthronement, Thaye Dorje embarked on his traditional monastic training, receiving teachings and transmissions in Buddhist philosophy and practice. His teachers included the 14th Shamar Rinpoche, Professor Sempa Dorje and Khenpo Chödrak Tenphel. Consequently, in December 2003, Shamar Rinpoche enthroned Thaye Dorje as Vidhyadhara (Knowledge Holder) at the Karmapa International Buddhist Institute, thus formally establishing him as a lineage master.
Complementing his traditional Buddhist studies, Thaye Dorje also received a modern education from English and Australian tutors. From Professor Harrison Pemberton of Washington and Lee University (USA), he received an intensive introduction into Western philosophy. He currently resides in Kalimpong, India where he continues the traditional education required for a holder of the Karmapa title.
On 17th May 2006, the Karmapa Charitable Trust officially appointed Thaye Dorje as the heir to the 16th Karmapa’s estate. Since the Trust is the legal and administrative guardian of the estate, Thaye Dorje can legally reside in Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim. However, the resident monks currently in physical control of Rumtek Monastery oppose Thaye Dorje as they support the 3rd Karmapa claimant, Ogyen Trinley. Since legal proceedings between supporters of the two claimants have not reached a final conclusion, Thaye Dorje’s residence remains in Kalimpong for the time being.
On 25th March 2017, Thaye Dorje returned his monastic vows and married Sangyumla Rinchen Yangzom and, as of May 2018, the couple are expecting a child.
Karmapa Claimant #3: Ogyen Trinley Dorje
Ogyen Trinley Dorje
Ogyen Trinley Dorje, who is the 3rd Karmapa claimant, was born on 26th June 1985 to primarily nomadic parents in Lhatok Township, Chamdo County in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Given the birth name Apo Gaga, it is said that early on in his childhood, he announced to family members that he was the Karmapa.
When he was seven years old, he was identified and recognized as the 17th Karmapa by a search party led by Tai Situ Rinpoche. Tai Situ Rinpoche claimed to be following instructions that supposedly had been left to him by the previous Karmapa, in a prophetic letter that had been hidden in a ghau amulet box.
Ogyen Trinley was formally enthroned at Tsurphu Monastery, the monastic seat of the Karmapas in Tibet. Recognition also came from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and the Chinese government, via an official sanction from the State Council of the People’s Republic of China which declared him to be “a living Buddha”.
This was the first time China’s Communist government officially confirmed a tulku. Just a year later, at the United Nations Human Rights Conference in Vienna, the Chinese government announced that they planned for Ogyen Trinley to undergo his monastic training in Tsurphu Monastery, to prepare him for his future role as the successor of the Dalai Lama.
However, at the age of 14, Ogyen Trinley escaped to India via Nepal and on 5th January 2000, he finally arrived at the Tibetan exiled leadership’s headquarters in Dharamsala, North India. Ogyen Trinley said that he left China because he was unable to obtain the teachings he needed to complete his studies and to realize his full spiritual authority and potential. Today, he primarily resides at Gyuto Monastery in Sidhbari, near Dharamsala.
The Karmapa and His Regents
Left to right: Milarepa, Marpa and Gampopa
The Kagyu tradition, literally “Oral Lineage”, is regarded as one of the main schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Founded by Marpa, Milarepa and Gampopa, known as “Mar-Mi-Dag Sum“, the central teaching of the Kagyu tradition is the doctrine of Mahamudra or “the Great Seal”. Over the years however, due to the proliferation of the teachings down the line of a number of important teachers, the early Kagyu tradition eventually gave rise to a number of independent sub-sects.
The principal Kagyu lineages that exist today as organized schools are the Drikung Kagyu, Drukpa Kagyu and Karma Kagyu sub-sects, amongst others. Each school has its own head. In the case of the Karma Kagyus for example, their school was founded by one of Gampopa’s main disciples Dusum Khyenpa, the 1st Karmapa Lama (1110–1193). Hence, the head of the Karma Kagyu school today is the Karmapa.
Within the Karma Kagyu tradition, the spiritual authority of the Karmapa is supported by the Four Karma Kagyu Regents. The first and senior-most regent is the Shamarpa, whose previous lives were responsible for the recognition and training of most of the Karmapa incarnations..Thus, the Shamarpa is traditionally charged with searching for and recognizing the Karmapa’s incarnations.
Next in rank is the Tai Situpa and while his incarnation line has been responsible for recognizing some previous incarnations of the Karmapa, especially when the Shamarpa was not available, he is not the main lama traditionally entrusted with this responsibility. Then, next in rank are Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche and Goshi Gyaltsab Rinpoche as the third and fourth regents respectively.
Recognizing the Karmapas
The Karmapa line of incarnations is unique in that the Karmapas are known to be self-identifying. Before a Karmapa passes away, he will compose prophetic letters that reveal the identity and location of his next incarnation, as well as the parents’ names. These letters are hidden and only revealed when the Karma Kagyu regents assemble a task force to search for the new incarnation. The letters are then opened in the presence of all four regents. Therefore, when Tai Situpa claimed that he was in possession of the 16th Karmapa’s prophetic letter, it attracted the attention of the Shamarpa, who requested to examine the letter and have it tested to verify its authenticity.
However, Tai Situpa refused and the letter was never shown to the Shamarpa nor was it ever tested. And despite the fact he has never been singularly responsible for identifying the Karmapa’s incarnations, Tai Situpa nevertheless used this unauthenticated letter as the basis to recognize his own claimant, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, for the 17th Karmapa’s throne.
Meanwhile, based on his own sources, the Shamarpa recognized his own claimant, Trinley Thaye Dorje, for the 17th Karmapa’s throne.
This two-way situation has been further complicated by the existence of a third claimant, Dawa Sangpo Dorje, who was recognized by Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche. However, since Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche passed away before Dawa Sangpo Dorje could be formally recognized, he has not received much support for his claim to be the 17th Karmapa.
The Meddling of the Tibetan Government in Exile
Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche
The existence of multiple Karmapa claimants was always going to cause divisions within the Karma Kagyu community, but things escalated after the involvement of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Throughout history, the Dalai Lamas (who are Gelug) have never been involved in the recognition process of the Karmapas. It has always been a matter left to the Karma Kagyus, who identify and enthrone their own lineage head without input from or the participation of the Dalai Lama.
Once in exile, and with three claimants to the throne, things came to a head when the Dalai Lama gave his endorsement to one of the candidates. It was the politically-minded Tai Situpa who got the Dalai Lama to endorse his candidate, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, although theoretically the endorsement should not matter and traditionally, it never has. However, the endorsement swung popular opinion in the Tibetan exile community in favor of Ogyen Trinley Dorje.
After all, to most people unaware of the details of the Karmapa recognition process, whomever the Dalai Lama endorses must be the correct one, mustn’t it?
And so, the Dalai Lama’s endorsement became extremely problematic because it emboldened Tai Situpa’s supporters to become vocal in favor of their claimant, and violent against Shamar Rinpoche and his candidate Thaye Dorje. When Shamar Rinpoche approached the Dalai Lama to withdraw his endorsement, hoping that it would abate the violence stemming from Tai Situpa’s followers, the Dalai Lama claimed he could not retract his endorsement because it had already been given.
As a result, during Trinley Thaye Dorje’s enthronement, a group of monks stormed Rumtek Monastery. Throwing rocks and bricks, their aim was to disrupt the ceremony and oust monks who were supportive of the Shamarpa and Thaye Dorje.
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In the end, the police had to be called in to quell the violence. This violence took place despite the fact the legal guardians of the Karmapa’s trust had declared Thaye Dorje as their heir and he had every legal right to be on the premises.
In response to this incident, the Shamarpa alerted the Indian authorities to the fact Tai Situpa had organized a riot against Rumtek. With his strong ties to the Indian government, the Shamarpa managed to get Tai Situpa barred from entering India for five years.
Tai Situ Rinpoche
The only reason why Tai Situpa was able to instigate so much conflict is because he received the backing and endorsement of the Dalai Lama. In the Tibetan community, it is common knowledge that once a person receives the Dalai Lama’s support, everything they do is somehow approved. No matter how intolerable they become, or how divisive, violent or vulgar, because the Dalai Lama said they are okay, all of their actions become okay.
That is why Tai Situpa did not fear any repercussions for organizing the riot, because the Dalai Lama supports his candidate. That is why the anti-Dorje Shugden community do not fear any repercussions for the segregation, violence and vulgarities that they direct at Shugden practitioners, because the Dalai Lama encourages their anti-Shugden view. That is why Jonangpas have to go on hunger strike to win equal representation in the Tibetan parliament, because they have not won the Dalai Lama’s support and therefore have to fight in this manner.
Thus, in this way, the interference of the Tibetan leadership has led the Karma Kagyu world to become polarized between the two claimants to the Karmapa’s throne. Trapped in a tit-for-tat battle spanning decades, the Karma Kagyu school to this day is unable to resolve the opposing claims to the Karmapa’s throne. Tai Situpa exploited the Dalai Lama’s rank and popularity to lend credibility to his candidate, regardless of the fact the Dalai Lama is an outsider with no spiritual authority in Karma Kagyu matters.
There is no historical precedence of any Dalai Lama being involved in the recognition and enthronement of Karmapas, but this has not stopped the 14th Dalai Lama’s involvement. So it has actually reinforced the division within the Karma Kagyu school. The Dalai Lama and the Tibetan leadership promotes and invites Ogyen Trinley, and appears in photos and at events with him, all the while ignoring the other two claimants. This behavior sends a clear message for everyone to see who the Dalai Lama approves of and who he does not, and therefore who they should support.
The Real Reason the CTA is Dividing the Karma Kagyus
Perhaps the in-fighting within the Karma Kagyu school is actually desirable for the Tibetan leadership as it creates a diversion from the real problems plaguing Tibetan society – because everyone is fighting over who the ‘right’ Karmapa is, they are too distracted to question the Tibetan leadership over their many scandals and their failure to progress in any of their political goals.
Or perhaps the in-fighting is designed to ensure that the Dalai Lama remains unchallenged in his position and popularity, and that no other spiritual leader has a fanbase that can rival that of the Dalai Lama’s. With three claimants to the throne, each vying to wrest control of the Karma Kagyu lineage, there will be no one single Karmapa who can harness the support of the millions of Karma Kagyu practitioners worldwide, a possibility that the Tibetan leadership might find threatening to the Dalai Lama’s status.
After all, this is a story in which the Dalai Lama’s name appears far more than it should. Why is one of Tibet’s highest authorities consistently interfering in the religious affairs of another sect?
Karma Kagyu refuge tree
But could anyone have predicted that one of Tibet’s greatest treasures, the Karma Kagyu lineage, would one day find itself at this impasse? It was the 5th Karmapa Deshin Shegpa himself who saw this coming. Famous for a series of prophecies concerning his own future lives, the 5th Karmapa wrote,
“In the successive line of Karmapas, during the latter part of the 16th Karmapa’s life, and at the beginning of the 17th, the emanation of one who has broken Vajrayana vows, a lama who has the name of “Natha” will appear at this seat of Karma Gon.
By the effect and power of that wrong wish, the Karma Kagyu Lineage/Doctrine (will be) nearly destroyed at that time.
At that time, someone who has made wishes in the past, an emanation of Guru Padmasambhava’s mind/heart will appear from the west.
He has a circular line of moles on his chest and a wrathful temperament.
From his mouth come wrathful words, or the mantra of the wrathful deities.
He has a dark complexion and two eyes bulging, or prominently shaped.
That one (he) will defeat the emanation of the one who has violated the Vajrayana vows.
Through that person, the region of Tibet will be protected for some time, during which there will be some happiness like having a glimpse of the sun.”
Source: The Karmapa Prophecies by Sylvia Wong
This is understood to mean that the Karmapa’s 17th incarnation would have tremendous obstacles but this would eventually come to pass, and the incarnation would later emerge as the most powerful and beneficial Karmapa in spreading the Dharma far and wide. The 5th Karmapa’s predictions, however, ended with the 17th Karmapa, an indication that this current incarnation will be the last to bear the Karmapa name.
Predictions notwithstanding, was it really necessary for the Tibetan leadership to get involved and cause so much strife and division over the last two decades? Given the Dalai Lama’s recent comments about the Panchen Lama, it is possible that all three claimants may be genuine emanations of the Karmapa but the fact remains that it was never within the Tibetan leadership’s purview to interfere in the matter. And now that they have caused the damage, they continue to remain silent and do nothing to resolve it, choosing instead to add fuel to the fire and to watch the damaging results of their actions unfold.
It would be in the Tibetan leadership’s best interests to resolve the Karmapa situation, given that they can currently count the number of supporters they have on one hand. The Dalai Lama’s recent announcement regarding the Panchen Lama is one possible method; perhaps the Tibetan leadership might like to apply the same statement to the Karmapa claimants, and the Dalai Lama can start inviting them to his events and appearing in photos with them too. It is an idea that would certainly win whole swathes of Karma Kagyu practitioners back onto the Tibetan leadership’s side.
Regardless of whatever method the Tibetan leadership chooses, one thing is clear – at a time when vast changes are taking place in the world’s geopolitical landscape and the Tibetan leadership’s friends are in short supply, they are going to need all the supporters they can get.
Karmapa claimant seeks Ogyen Trinley tests
Click to enlarge (Source: https://www.thestatesman.com/cities/karmapa-claimant-seeks-ogyen-trinley-tests-1502619916.html)
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Yeshi Dorje
May 11, 2018
The Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) in Dharamsala refusing to accept Tibetan RCs (Registration Certificates) is yet another example of interference by the Central Tibetan Administration. Tibetans need this document to apply for an Indian passport. The CTA does not want to lose its grip on Tibetan refugees, as fewer refugees under their control means less foreign aid. That translates to less money that they can line their own pockets with.
This is not the first time that the CTA has created problems for Tibetans who wish to apply for Indian citizenship. Last July, the CTA ordered all its departments to stop issuing NOC (No Objection Certificates) to Tibetans applying for Indian passports, effectively sabotaging India’s goodwill of offering citizenship to eligible Tibetans. Perhaps that is a reason why many Tibetans are leaving their settlements in India, some of them even returning to Tibet! The CTA’s days as a ‘government’ are numbered, as more and more Tibetans apply for Indian citizenship or leave the CTA’s influence in India altogether.
Khampa Bhu
May 14, 2018
The Dalai Lama Fears that He Might be Expelled from India!
The situation in India is not getting better for the Tibetan government in-exile or the Dalai Lama. Since India is getting closer to China, this trend will not slow down. Whether it is the current Prime Minister Modi, or the next Prime Minister of India making efforts to get close to China, it does not matter because the momentum has started. It benefits both India and China tremendously to be friendly and on good terms with each other. The parasite-like Tibetans leeching off India brings no benefit whatsoever to India and India realizes this sad fact finally. The Dalai Lama and his team in the Tibetan government in-exile have created so many problems externally for India and internally within the Tibetan communities, enough is enough. Tibetans like to use India to irk China. They have done that for decades and now it’s over. The Tibetans have been put in their place. The Indian government has been snubbing the Dalai Lama this year. The Dalai Lama and his cohorts have created tremendous problems, segregation, hatred, and violence towards thousands of Dorje Shugden practitioners, now that karma is coming back. Too bad. The Tibetan leadership is losing support from India, in fact, Modi purposely humiliated the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama and cohorts have less power to create so much schism and trouble now. If you read this article carefully, the Dalai Lama himself has expressed concerns he might be kicked out of India. It has reached this level that the Dalai Lama is unsure of his footing in India now. Too bad.
Tsamduk
May 15, 2018
More and more Tibetans are expressing their dissatisfaction with the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). This even extends to accusing them of ruling without legal precedence. This is a serious matter as their management of funds, administrative procedures, and even their governing constitution are all flawed. From the simple of choice of words used for the translation of a title, the CTA have exposed the way in which they run their “nationless government” in an egotistical and self-serving manner. The CTA simply do things based on their personal agendas and needs, using the title of democracy as a cover.
Clearly, there is no system of governance for what the CTA do and how they spend the money they gain from people sympathetic to the Tibetan plight, aid from their host and donors from around the world. Since law is at the core of any administration, their underhanded tactic of finding loopholes and bending the rules to suit their individual needs has failed the Tibetan people. As an ex-Senior Fellow of Harvard Law School and a self-proclaimed expert in international human rights law, Sangay deters people’s faith in the integrity of a leader and the legal system, instead of upholding the cause of justice. After the public apology during his swearing in ceremony in 2016 and his firm pledge not to repeat his misconduct, it looks like Sangay is at it again.
Jing Jing
May 23, 2018
I respect all Kamapas and trust and believe in them will bring Dharma and benefits to their people if they are all real tulku and reincarnation of the 16th Karmapa. I truly do not want to see the down fall of the lineage is due to the involvement of the 3rd party such as CTA nor HHDL. Tibetan outside of Tibet which is now part of China, should unite and work something out of your lives since you are those who considered the fortunate one what left China for better spiritual path. But if your life in India has no purpose of increasing the spiritual value nor future of your next generation then you defeated the effort of leaving your mother land Tibet and settled down in India.
What else can you do when the community only left like 80000 people? Would you like your life to be controlled and used like a money trees for your own leaders continuously? If Tibetans is unite and truly dedicated to your spiritual path, have faith and strong samaya to your lamas. Do not practice schism, do not create split and do not create troubles to your lamas. It’s time to stop being selfish and degenerate your practice.
Tenzin K`
May 23, 2018
It’s sad to see how religious being use to gain control, manipulation, diversion and many more negative act. In the case of Karma Kagyus it’s obvious that the intervene from Dalai Lama in recognizing the Karmapa is purposely to create separation and gain control over the other lineages since the head is recognise by him. If not why get involve in other’s lineages tradition which it never happen before? Have Dalai Lama ever thought of if other lineages head were to do the same on him? Will Dalai Lama be OK with it?
Samayakeeper
May 23, 2018
Instead of planning and aiding the Tibetans living in exile in India from money donated by sponsors from all over the world, the CTA instead meddle in spiritual affairs of the different sects of Tibetan Buddhism. Not to be left out is also the persecution and attempt to destroy the practice of Dorje Shugden. These planned moves are nothing short of political, to create confusion and unrest among the Tibetans so that the precious seat of the Dalai Lama remains safe, because in the eyes of the Tibetan lay community and foreigners, the Dalai Lama is considered the God king of Tibetans. Are these moves the sole work by the CTA alone?
bambi
May 23, 2018
Gelug lineage already so many probs with Dorje Shugden issues yet CTA have to mess around other lineages probs.Why can’t they mind their own business.Hey tibetans don’t turn your head at other issues.Look at what CTA do instead.Swindling millions for their own use,corrupted & hopeless.Cant even handle tibetan affairs yet poke nose & making so many ppl confused & unhappy.Very BAD negative karma for CTA.Dorje Shugden ppl already discriminated because of what they practice.If you are so into politics then stay in it & leave religion out of it.A political party shd never be involved in religious issue.If not why do we need spiritual head.To be involved in politics?Unbelievably hopeless CTA.
Dondrup Shugden
May 23, 2018
It is already a challenge for most “lay” people to follow the virtuous path of Buddhism and it is definitely not necessary to create further confusion and disharmony in the different traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.
It is not known that the HHDL nor CTA should be part of the recognition of the Karmapa and such interference further creates division and disharmony in Karma Kagyu sect.
As long as the Lama is beneficial to sentient beings in the propagation of the Dharma, such a Lama should be revered.
So does 3 karmapas make a difference. It does as this disparity will create disharmony and confusion for all. Also will weaken the status of the Karma Kagyu tradition.
Geraldine Sarie
May 23, 2018
From creating havoc in Dorje Shugden’s practicing now come to Karma Kagyu. Whatever CTA created problems there’s NEVER be a solution. The reasons behind this Devil are destroy, ruin, power and control.
On the other hand, it’s sad to see the breaking of the lineage if there too much controversial involved without practicing on Spiritual way.
👎👎👎
PeaceMaker
May 23, 2018
Agreed with Bambi : Gelug lineage already so many probs with Dorje Shugden issues yet CTA have to mess around other lineages probs.Why can’t they mind their own business.
Thank to let me know about the histories of Karmapa.
Belinda Mae
May 23, 2018
Is CTA too free? Nothing to do? Why do they have to get themselves involve in religion? Why not leave the monks, nuns and monasteries alone? They have more bigger issue to settle than to add more oil to the fire which is happening to the Kagyu lineage. The problem is everything recognized by Dalai Lama is genuine and authentic while if it is recognized by another Lama will raise doubts. When is this going to end?
Vajra10
May 23, 2018
I hope H.H Dalai Lama realize how his words and actions can affect people and it’s powerful.
I make prostrations and humbly request H.H Dalai Lama to reconsider every move of his.
Richard TamLak
May 23, 2018
Tibetan Leadership just can’t take their hands off but to disturb the religion sect. One government should concentrate in helping their country, relief their people from economy suffering, make their life better, instead of making the Tibetan’s life miserable. Can you tell me, by meddling the Karmapas, banning Dorje Shugden practice, making two Panchen Lama, keep quiet on self immolation issue, discriminating people who questioning Tibetan Leadership, practicing Dorje Shugden, don’t support Dalai Lama, this is called aiding, helping, supporting their people? This is called destroying instead of building. Tibetans, what are u guys waiting for? Change the Sikyong if this one is not fit to be.
Pema
May 23, 2018
The problems created by the Central Tibetan Administration just grow day by day! Instead of assisting the Tibetans, they constantly add to it. Shocking what happened to this lineage of Karma Kagyu.
When will the CTA stop to use the Tibetans and stop adding to their problems??
Tenzin Sangye
May 23, 2018
Tibetan Central Government stop using politic to segegate Karma Kagyu lineage. With all the respect to Karmapa follower, respect and accept each others will get the blessing from real Karmapa blessing to carry forward the holy lineage. Don’t fright with each other. Otherwise Tibetan sociaty will not harmony and peace ffrom exile.
Taianni
May 23, 2018
Instead of unite the Tibetans in order they will be strong to move forward to achieve what they need, Tibetan leadership prefer to promote a community based on division and segregation in order to benefit themselves. Obviously when the HH Dalai Lama endorsement of the 17th Karmapa was created division among the Karmapas. Same as what he did to Dorje Shugden Practice. And yet they go around the world to claim they are democracy…..
Aritis Rock
May 23, 2018
CTA’s scandal is just too much, no matter what they do to create distraction, it will never cover their scandals. CTA is suppose to take care the benefit of their people, but instead of taking care of the Tibetans, they only take care of their pocket and destroying their people, so very sad to see this, a few people’s greed can bring the whole country down and created so much suffering to so many people, and all these caused by the greed of just a few person. The day when CTA still around, all these scandal will never stop, they will just continue to stir up more and more, first Gelug, now Karmapas, then next?
Eli Buchen
May 24, 2018
The Dalai Lama and CTA should bring peace and reconciliation to the Karma Kagyu sect and unifying them all. Like the Panchen Lama, only one Karma Kagyu can be the official one.
Anonymous
May 25, 2018
Sherabz
June 7, 2018
India tightening its grip on the Dalai Lama and Tibetans
The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed Himachal police to tighten its grip on Tibetans meeting His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Those Tibetans without paperwork showing individual identity and establishing legal credentials of their arrival in India will be turned away from seeing the religious leader. Undocumented Tibetans have been arriving in India, usually from Nepal, where they are aided by the Tibetan communities there. India seems to clamping down of Tibetan activity, from cancelling Thank You India events in Delhi and now restricting Tibetans from seeing the Dalai Lama. What else with the Indian government do next?
Thinley Woeser
June 8, 2018
Things are going to be very different for Tibetans in India from now on as Sino-Indian relations get warmer by the day. India has vowed to firmly adhere to the one-China policy and ensure Tibet-related issues are handled ‘properly’. This means India will tighten her grip on all Tibetan-related activities. So, the trouble-making Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) better watch themselves and not create further problems that may antagonise China. This is something India will no longer tolerate.
Peljor
June 14, 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
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)
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.
Tsewang
July 26, 2018
Tai Situpa’s Karmapa candidate’s escape to USA and continued stay in USA is a huge embarrassment to the Dalai Lama and Tibetan government in exile. The Karmapa said he is very sad with his situation in his recent video (youtu.be/AdI4DMRFkm4?hid).
Dalai Lama wants Tibet to be part of China
August 7, 2018
Dalai Lama says returning to China is better for Tibetans-What do rangzen (Tibet Independence fighters) people fighting for Tibet’s freedom do now??? Have we wasted our time?
Suddenly the Dalai Lama keeps insisting he wants to be a part of China. How about all the tens of millions of dollars in money and so much time and resource poured into the Free Tibet movement for 57 years in exile. Is that all wasted? Is that all down the drain? How can the Dalai Lama turn around on us like that?
If Dalai Lama returns to Tibet/China, then he is telling the world China is good for Tibetans and we Tibetans want to be a part of China. Is that correct? So Dalai Lama is telling the world that Tibet is a part of China? After so many years of saying we want independence and our country was eaten and now Dalai Lama is sending what message to the world?
How will India feel after hosting the Dalai Lama for so many years? – This one minute video shows the Dalai Lama August 2018 saying he feels Tibet should be a part of China! -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xLKINuIrtE
Dalai Lama wants Tibet to be part of China
August 8, 2018
Dalai Lama says returning to China is better for Tibetans-What do rangzen (Tibet Independence fighters) people fighting for Tibet’s freedom do now??? Have we wasted our time?
Suddenly the Dalai Lama keeps insisting he wants to be a part of China. How about all the tens of millions of dollars in money and so much time and resource poured into the Free Tibet movement for 57 years in exile. Is that all wasted? Is that all down the drain? How can the Dalai Lama turn around on us like that?
If Dalai Lama returns to Tibet/China, then he is telling the world China is good for Tibetans and we Tibetans want to be a part of China. Is that correct? So Dalai Lama is telling the world that Tibet is a part of China? After so many years of saying we want independence and our country was eaten and now Dalai Lama is sending what message to the world?
How will India feel after hosting the Dalai Lama for so many years? – This one minute video shows the Dalai Lama August 2018 saying he feels Tibet should be a part of China!
http://video.dorjeshugden.com/comment-videos/comment-1533732491.mp4
Yoezer
August 8, 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.
Jampa Lhundup
August 8, 2018
The Nikkei Asian Review is a highly reputable news platform. They are not tabloid in any sense of the word. What they publish is reputable and thoroughly reliable. They mention clearly in an article published August 7, 2018 that the Dalai Lama has a terminal illness. The Prime Minister of India knowing this is now conciliatory towards China. He understands that the Dalai Lama cannot be used as a pawn in irritating China any further. Negotiations are progressing that after the passing of Dalai Lama, his government in-exile will close. The end.
Ayana
August 9, 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.
Drolma
August 9, 2018
There are so many dramas in the Tibetan Buddhist community, how to focus on learning Dharma if there are ongoing conflicts like this? How to preserve and uphold the pure lineages? When religion is mixed with politic, it becomes very ugly.
Within the Gelug school, there are at least 2 separate groups, the Dorje Shugden followers, and the Dalai Lama followers. Then in Kagyu school, there is a group that supports the Karmapa recognised by Tai Situ, a group supports the Karmapa recognised by Sharmapa and another group supports the Karmapa recognised by Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche. From the political standpoint, there is a group supports Rangzen and another group supports the Middle Way approach. Everyone has their own priority, they are distracted from monitoring what the CTA really is doing. This is what the CTA wants, they don’t want Tibetans to unite, they want to split Tibetans into groups so the Tibet cause would never succeed.
The CTA doesn’t want the Tibet cause to succeed because as long as there is a cause to fight, there is a reason for them to ask money from the west. These monies eventually go into their own pockets. The CTA doesn’t care about the welfare of the Tibetans in exile, they care about their own interest. The CTA cannot be trusted.
Lhakpa Dhendup
August 10, 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.
Ojas
August 14, 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.
Vardaniya
August 20, 2018
The cracks in Tibetan society are starting to show, and it is now coming to the attention of local Indians who have all but identified the Tibetan leadership as the source of the divisions. According to this author, disunity amongst the Tibetans is now creating problems for Indian law enforcement agencies, and this disunity may culminate in young Tibetans holding silent grudges against their host country. It is incredible that after six decades of generosity from India, Indians are now facing the very real possibility Tibetans can be ungrateful towards India. The Tibetan leadership totally failed to impart positive values upon their exiled community, like gratitude for those kindest to them and the need to repay these kindnesses with real, tangible results. It’s also very unlikely that the Tibetan leadership will now start to do this, after six decades of failing to do so. Indians need to realise this, and see that there is no benefit for their nation to align themselves with the Tibetan leadership, and there never will be.
Maya
August 24, 2018
Although the Dalai Lama has offered an apology, the Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) still expressed their disappointment over his controversial comment on Nehru, the Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC). Dalai Lama called Nehru self-centred.
The Congress said Dalai Lama being a foreigner should shun and refrain from interfering in the internal as well as external affairs of India.
Alex
August 30, 2018
There is nothing ever comes out good for the CTA. Wherever they go, they leave with destruction, They are so power hungry that wherever they go got get their hands on, they will destroy it.
This is just one of the classic examples of how CTA rule their people. They are so afraid of being overpowered by some other lamas or leader that they have to keep everyone in check all the time. Instead of upgrading their influence and power, they use all their effort and energy into dividing their people and conquer them. When the people are in small groups, it is harder for them to form 1 big and powerful leader to overthrow the current government.
Aside from Karma Kagyu, CTA has been causing problems with other sects of Buddhism as well. They have been causing problems for Gelug, Jonangpas, and Sakyas too. They are able to do so by using the name of the Dalai Lama. Traditionally, the Dalai Lama does not have the power over the other sects of Tibetan Buddhism. Each of the sects has their own leader but because of the fame and power, the Dalai Lama can cause problems when he decided to step in to give a word or endorses anyone.
The Dalai Lama should have kept quiet and let the sects to solve their problem on their own because they have their own leaders. Then everything will be solved according to the rules and regulations within their sect which will make sure that everyone follows and there will be peace in those sects.
Lobsang Dhondup
September 16, 2018
It is bewildering that His Holiness the Dalai Lama mentioned that he had known of sexual abuse by Buddhist teachers since the 1990s, yet nothing was done to reprimand these Buddhist teachers. After all, such abuses inflict substantial damage to the reputation of Tibetan Buddhism as a whole as compared to smaller issues like Dorje Shugden.
The Central Tibetan Administration was fervent in executing the Dorje Shugden ban, launching a documentary film, books, expelling monks, splitting monasteries and denying access to hospitals, clinics, schools, retail shops and so forth down to even publishing a hit list of Shugden activists in order to encourage violence and lynch mob. Yet, the damage done to Tibetan Buddhism by these lamas seems to be ignored and hushed. Why is the Central Tibetan Administration not doing more to warn the public about these sex offenders like posting a warning list on their website?
Tashi Wangchuk
September 16, 2018
His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the Tibetan spiritual leader revered by millions of Buddhists around the world should ensure that the Tibetan spiritual leaders do more to denounce sexual misconduct and abuse of Buddhist teachers as there are far-reaching repercussions and negative impact on Tibetan Buddhism.
While His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been consistent in reminding practitioners about not practising Dorje Shugden in lieu of the social and religious problems associated with it, despite the unsubstantiated claims or justifications, the indolence of the Central Tibetan Administration in taking action to pacify the public disgust against the misconduct of these Buddhist teachers is severely lacking and appalling. The bias in dealing with these issues related to religious matter has again proven the political nature and conspiracy behind the ban on Dorje Shugden.
Tashi Wangdi
September 20, 2018
When compared to the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in Dharamsala that does not take any responsibility for their people like any proper government normally would, China is radically different and liberal for allowing sex abuse victims to express themselves on social media, despite its heavy censorship of the Internet.
For people like Luo Xixi, whose online postings on sex abuse has garnered millions of views on Chinese social media, said that the government is gradually opening up to the #MeToo movement, a hashtag catch-phrase movement that encourages and empowers sex abuse victims to stand up against sex abuse. In China, those who are convicted of sexual abuse are severely dealt with by the law and laid off from work. The Central Tibetan Administration should take heed of how such cases are dealt with in China and not allow sex abuse perpetrators, especially Tibetan lamas to continue committing their crimes unchecked and without consequence.
Thupten Lungrig
September 20, 2018
His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s speeches create headlines nowadays not because they bring wisdom and enlightening thoughts, but rather unpleasant feelings and disapprovals. From the sexist quip in 2015, his gaffe on Nehru, and his recent comment about Europe that caused him to be labelled as White Supremacist, there is now one more to add onto the list. In order to be congenial and consistent with the image of a Nobel Peace Laureate, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been issuing statements, especially about Islam, such as redefining Jihad as an interior struggle.
More and more people are expressing their doubt, with some even directly pointing out the mistakes in the Dalai Lama’s speech. This pattern of speech of strong statements that ends up in denial or apology seems consistent with his advice concerning the practice of Dorje Shugden. With the reasons behind the ban shifted so much over time, perhaps there really was never any validity behind the ban at all.
Gold Germany
September 28, 2018
Transcript: Dalai Lama is a Racist Nazi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_J_we4rp34
Dalai Lama is a piece of shit and a disgusting scumbag. It is, it is insane this cunt comes to Europe and tells us that we should not accept more refugees. Is he fucking retarded? It is amazing, like you don’t expect from people like, like those to be Nazis and to support all the right. It’s just insane a spiritual leader is a fucking Nazi dude. Europe needs more refugees, way more than we already have. Do you understand? And this degenerate says that we should send refugees back to where they came from and that we should help the countries of the refugees. His suggestions are, it’s obvious, like obviously we should help the countries of the, of the refugees, of their origin, but we should not send anyone back. We need more refugees in Europe and we should not deport anyone. We should give money to the refugees so they can stay in Europe and live here. What this Dalai Lama is suggesting is very inhumane, that’s all what I wanted to say. Hopefully in future we will get more migrants in Europe. Hopefully we can help more people. Let’s hope, let’s hope for the better.
Ngawang Norbu
October 1, 2018
The issue of Indian resentment towards the Tibetan refugees living on Indian soil is nothing new. The Tibetans have built comfortable lives for themselves in India and enjoy many privileges including exemption from paying tax. All of this is done without Tibetans showing genuine concern for the less fortunate in their host country.
The story below, which took place over 24 years ago, is a reflection of how fragile the Tibetan situation is in India. When a Tibetan murdered an Indian following a dispute, chaos ensued, and the Dalai Lama had to consider moving out of Dharamsala. Tensions between the Indian and Tibetan community have not normalised and remain high in the area even until today.