Buddhist Dharma Event becomes Politics

 To members of Central Tibetan Administration and Tibetan friends,

Tashi Delek! How are you?

Last week, I am in Delhi for the Global Buddhist Congregation 2011, arrange by Asoka Mission and very venerable Lama Lobzang. It is very good to meet so many Buddhist people coming from all countries in this congregation. I congratulate to Lama Lozang and his committee to make such a big event for Buddhist people.

But I think this kind of events is not so fair and not so truthful. You say the congregation is for all Buddhist peoples but of course Dorje Shugden people cannot go to the congregation. It is same like this always. Why is it like this? Dorje Shugden Lamas and their Buddhist centers are very big in the world. They have so many centers. They are doing very good things for Buddhist practice. They are also studying Lamrim and the holy teachings of Buddha. I think they have many things to share. They have many networking contacts and big international sponsorship. They can help Buddhism so much.. but they cannot come because of Shugden issue. Why you invite Christians, Jain people, Hindu people and Muslim to your talks and prayers, but Shugden people cannot go?

Dalai Lama writes very beautiful message on www.dalailama.com . He says: “Today, in a new millennium, our world requires us to accept the oneness of humanity. Many of our world’s problems and conflicts arise because we have lost sight of the basic humanity that binds us all together as a human family.” So nice message. His Holiness always give good teaching on peace and kindness. But if we talk about “oneness of humanity” and “human family” isn’t it Dorje Shugden people also in this family? We cannot tell people we are Buddhist but we push away some people. This is not part of the Buddhist teachings about compassion.

If we want to be real Buddhists and kind, then we must love everybody and help everybody, even we don’t like them, even our enemies. If you think they are bad or wrong, then why not you help them to connect with Dalai lama and all the lamas so they can learn more dharma and become good. You should not keep them away and say they cannot attend dharma. I think even Buddha will not turn them away. This is dharma logic.

Everyday during Global Buddhist Congregation, many good venerable lamas and scholars talk about Buddhist peaceful method and Buddhism is very good to bring more peace for modern world and modern people. But this is not true! We know Buddhist people have discrimination and bias against Dorje Shugden people. Even our own Tibetan people attack and push down other Tibetans and Buddhists because of religion. So this is not correct if we want to hold big Buddhist events but we don’t include all the Buddhists.

At Global Buddhist Congregation, you want to create a new international Buddhist group. But how can you do this if you don’t involve all the Buddhists and you on purpose push away some people? This will not be a real and fair Buddhist group. I am very sad our Buddhist Dharma event also become politics.

Then, the whole world will look at the Tibetan Buddhist society and think why they have so small minds, why do they treat their own people like this? All world countries will ask why Tibetan people do not improve their society but always focus on small things like religion things like this. Even there is politics in the most important thing they have.. that is Buddhism.

Please do not be angry with me. I do not disrespect you. I respect His Holiness so much. I love him so much. But I also wish we can have more justice and more expression and freedom for all religion. This is what Buddhism teaches and the whole world respect Buddhist people because we are kind people. Let us show everyone that this is true. Please invite all Buddhist group next time and don’t tell to people they cannot come for teachings and Dharma gatherings if they are Dorje Shugden practitioners. Dorje Shugden people are also human just like us. They also need Dharma and they love Dharma.

Please I hope my letter does not cause offence. I wish you good luck and long life always. Many tashi delek to you.

(YOUR NAME)