2018 International Buddhist Conference of Dorje Shugden Followers

Posted on January 31, 2018 in Features, News · 1,555 Views · 133 Comments

The guests of honor who officiated, facilitated and organized the conference, including Venerable Lama Thubten Phurbu and Venerable Geshe Tenzin Paljor.

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: Shashi Kei

KATHMANDU – The Dorje Shugden ban that the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA; Tibetan leadership in Dharamsala) imposed under the direction of the Dalai Lama is now in its 22nd year. In that time, countless damage has been done to the reputation of Tibetan Buddhism, the unity of the Tibetan community and most unfortunate of all, the significance of monastic vows and the Guru-disciple relationship that lies at the heart of Tibetan Buddhism.

Today, the once illustrious lineage founded by Je Tsongkhapa is badly divided with the three great pillars of the Gelug lineage splintered. Under duress, countless ordained monks have been forced to break solemn vows and, as the CTA forced its wedge into the Tibetan community inside and outside Tibet, disciples betrayed their holy teachers, good friends became strangers and families broke apart.

Some of the attendees gather for a group photo at the start of the conference. Click to enlarge.

Those who were steadfast in the face of the CTA’s oppression were accused of a litany of sins and crimes, including being a cult of demon worshippers working with the Chinese leadership to undermine the Dalai Lama and sabotage the Tibetan people’s efforts to regain their homeland. In the 22 years since the CTA imposed the religious ban, not a single credible shred of evidence has been produced to support the CTA’s spurious claims. And yet, the religious ban persisted and Dorje Shugden people around the world continue to be discriminated against.

For a long time, many Dorje Shugden practitioners have taken a passive stance in the face of these persecutions, preferring to focus on their practice than take affirmative actions in response to the ban. Some wrote letters to plead with the Tibetan leadership. Some peacefully protested which got the attention of global media. DorjeShugden.com was established to counter the false propaganda that the CTA disseminated, which commonly distorted very important doctrinal issues to support the CTA’s untruths. It became a lighthouse that held ground in the middle of an unholy storm that the CTA plunged Tibetan Buddhism into, all the time looking out for signs that the noble men and women would come together to save their holy lineage.

Some of the esteemed delegates, including Geshe Jangchup Gyaltsen, Geshe Lobsang Namgyal, Venerable Gameng Kuten, Lithang Gen Gyatso, Geshe Sopa and Gen Choedrak. Click to enlarge.

Finally, it happened! In 2018, from 4th to 6th January, Gelugpa faithfuls from all over the world descended on the Yak And Yeti Hotel (Kathmandu, Nepal). They were there to attend what was one of the biggest gatherings of sons and daughters of Je Tsongkhapa who have been loyal to their teachers and persevered with their practice of Dorje Shugden. The International Buddhist Conference of Dorje Shugden Followers was built on previous meetings and efforts of Shugden people over the years, since the onset of the CTA’s ban.

Present were representatives from the six divisions and three regions of Tibet, key people in global Shugden institutions as well as executive delegates from France, Italy, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Mongolia, India, Nepal, Singapore and Malaysia.

Nepal’s Minister of Defense the Honorable Mr. Bhimsen Das Pradhan officiates the opening of the conference alongside Venerable Lama Thubten Phurbu. Click to enlarge.

Notable attendees include Nepal’s Minister of Defense, the Hon. Mr. Bhimsen Das Pradhan; the former Minister of Finance, the Hon. Shanker Prasad Koirala; Ven. Lama Thubten Phurbu; H.E. Kundeling Rinpoche; Ven. Gameng Kuten; Ven. Dechen Tulku; the acting Abbot of Phelgyeling Monastery, Geshe Losang Palden; the Hon. Basundhara Shrestha (Acha Lhakpa) of the Nepal National Dorje Shugden Society; erudite scholars such as Ven. Geshe Tenzin Peljor, Ven. Geshe Konchok Gyaltsen and Ven. Geshe Jangchup Gyaltsen; the changtso (assistant) of H.E. Tsem Rinpoche B.K. Ooi; and champions of the Dorje Shugden movement like Ven. Tashi Tadchen of the European Dorje Shugden Society and over 200 loyal Gelugpa Buddhist practitioners.

Dorje Shugden monasteries around the world sent representatives including Phelgyeling Monastery, Segyu Monastery, Shar Ganden Monastery, Serpom Monastery, Mongolia’s Amarbayasgalant Monastery, as well as several monasteries established by the previous Domo Geshe Rinpoche – Dhun Gon Samten Choeling in Darjeeling, Tashi Choeling in Kurseong, Enchey House in Gangtok, Domo Dungkar in Tibet, Gaden Choeling in Phedong, and Ghanjong Namgyal in the USA.

Delegates who traveled from Tibet to attend the conference. Click to enlarge.

This propitious event was also attended by delegates from the Chatring Dorje Shugden Society, the North America Gelug Buddhist Association (NAGBA), Kechara House of Malaysia, Tibétain Gyeden Tensung Society France, the International Tibetan Shugden Community from the USA, Shota Losum Shugden Community of the Tibet Autonomous Region, the Canadian Gelugpa Society, and many other distinguished guests and speakers.

Over the three auspicious days in January 2018, attendees were given a number of opportunities to speak their minds and share their experiences of the CTA’s discrimination. Notably absent were discussions surrounding regional and factional issues and it was clear that the delegates were firm in their resolve to address issues that have arisen as a result of the CTA’s suppression of the people’s rights to their religion, and also problems that emerged due to the CTA’s meddling in spiritual matters in which they have neither the basis nor the authority to interfere.

The conference primarily focused on a number of key issues, namely:

A renewal of commitment to preserve the pure Gelugpa lineage which includes the practice of Dorje Shugden;
A pledging of commitment and resources to address the Shugden issue and to focus on building the base for the restoration of Tibetan unity as well as harmony amongst Tibetan Buddhist adherents around the world;
To map the way forward to restore the lineage of Je Tsongkhapa to its former spiritual grandeur in synchronicity with the glory of all Tibetan Buddhist schools;
To elect a suitable day to commemorate the practice of Dorje Shugden which will signify the triumph of the pure Gelugpa lineage and the forfeiture of the CTA’s ignoble efforts to destroy the lineage;
To close ranks amongst all who have suffered the CTA’s oppression and have remained loyal to their vows.

The Nepali Defence Minister pledged to uphold freedom of religion in Nepal which was an important and welcome note. All delegates also agreed that it was vitally important to create even greater awareness of the CTA’s ongoing offenses that impede on the constitutional rights of Shugden practitioners around the globe. On the final day of the event, a number of resolutions were agreed on (which you can read below, or download in its original Tibetan here).

In summary, it was a successful event which history will come to recognize as the turning point in the unfortunate Dorje Shugden controversy. The most significant difference that this conference has made is that it has given a platform for those loyal to the true Gelugpa lineage to get organized, to combine their efforts and resources, and to focus on the common issues, all of which come together to pave the way for the future of Je Tsongkhapa’s tradition.

Ironically, up until now, there has never been a single Dorje Shugden organization because Dorje Shugden has always been simply a religious practice that is inseparable from traditional Gelugpa practices. But the Tibetan leadership demonized the practitioners of this holy and ancient lineage as members of an extreme splinter group. It appears that this gave Shugden practitioners around the world the idea to formalize their association under a common banner which stands not only for the practice of Dorje Shugden, but for the Gelugpa lineage as a whole.

Resolutions from the First International Buddhist Conference of Dorje Shugden Followers

Countless aeons ago he already attained the four bodies,
He is every Buddha’s only father, Manjushri.

He is the source of all sentient beings’ happiness,
With the determination to protect and preserve the Buddha’s heart teaching.

With countless emanations, the protector of the Buddha’s teachings,
The enlightened, unbound King Dorje Shugden.

His activities are limitless and marked by the four types of unfathomable qualities,
too wonderful to comprehend.

Whatever you wish for, is easily realised,
Due to the powerful King Dorje Shugden.

Point 1:

The 14th Dalai Lama has consistently degraded our lamas and protector. He has also stated that he will banish the lineage of Je Pabongka Dechen Nyingpo from Tibetan Buddhism. Basically, according to the 14th Dalai Lama, you should break your samaya with your lamas, give up the practice and follow his “advice”. If you do not obey the 14th Dalai Lama’s advice and continue to practice the lineage of your gurus and Dorje Shugden, you will not have a spiritual relationship or connection with him at all. Therefore, you will definitely suffer and face many difficulties. And when you die and take a negative rebirth in the three lower realms, you should not call out to him.

In addition, people who are devoted to him cannot have relationships with Dorje Shugden practitioners. There are millions of Dorje Shugden practitioners in and out of Tibet, and because of this, teachers and students, parents and children, couples, friends and cousins have turned against each other and have suffered from forced separation. For over 40 years we have made requests, directly and indirectly, because we all are Tibetan brothers and sisters and have the same flesh, blood and bones. Even if you want to wash this away, you cannot. So, we have repeatedly pleaded not to be treated harshly and segregated. However, our appeals have fallen on deaf ears and our human rights and religious freedoms have been ignored. Furthermore, earlier this year, Lobsang Sangay branded the Chinese people and followers of Dorje Shugden as “enemies of Tibetans”. Even the 14th Dalai Lama agreed with Lobsang Sangay’s statements. [Tibetan proverb: Since your parents who lived in your home town have passed away, if your home town still exists or not, it does not really matter to you anymore.] We continue to practice on our own without relying on them. We decide our own path. We respect the laws and rules of the country where we live, and we should preserve, protect and spread the lineage of our father guru with great devotion. As such, we disagree with the secular and religious leader, the 14th Dalai Lama. He said that our lineage gurus and our protector practice are wrong and that if we follow the protector practice from our lineage guru, we will take rebirth in the three lower realms. Beings with a mind cannot bear such hard words, and they are even unbearable to the land, the mountains, and the rivers. So, they have caused us much pain and suffering and continue to talk negatively about us, but they have no right to condemn our practice.

Point 2:

We walk on our own path and we practice our own lineage, so if anyone attacks our lamas and protectors, all of us Dorje Shugden followers from different countries should get together to defend and even fight back. Not only this, but we should also oppose two-faced people who still practice Dorje Shugden but in front of the Dalai Lama want to be in his good books. All our Tibetan brothers and sisters, male and female, old and young should be respected and be treated equally, and we have never discriminated or harmed anyone.

Point 3:

In other religions, it is common to have a special day dedicated to a deity. Similarly, Kyabje Trisur Lungrig Namgyal has declared August 24 as Dorje Shugden Day. This is because when you add the date (24th) with the number of the month (8th) you get 32. This is the number of deities in Guhyasamaja’s mandala and also Dorje Shugden’s mandala. Therefore this date is extremely auspicious. Therefore, all the followers of Je Dechen Nyingpo and Dorje Shugden people everywhere should celebrate this auspicious day with meritorious activities such as incense offering, pujas etc. Everyone should be aware that this is a very auspicious and important day for us.

Point 4:

Once every two years, a Buddhist conference should be organised for all Dorje Shugden followers. This is so that Shugdenpas from all over the world can unite and support each other regardless of gender, skin colour, age or status in life. The most important thing is to ensure the continued growth and spread of the lineage of Je Tsongkhapa, and it is our responsibility to preserve, protect and spread such a pure lineage. Please bear that in mind.

From the International Buddhist Conference of Dorje Shugden Followers Committee.

Images from This Auspicious Occasion

Delegates take the opportunity to catch up before the conference begins. Click to enlarge.

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Nepal’s former Minister of Finance, the Hon. Mr. Shanker Prasad Koirala, offering a khata to Buddha to officiate the opening ceremony. Click to enlarge.

The acting abbot of Phelgyeling, Venerable Lobsang Palden, greets Nepal’s Minister of Defense, the Honorable Mr. Bhimsen Das Pradhan with a khata. Click to enlarge

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The guests of honor gather for a group photo. Click to enlarge.

His Eminence Kundeling Rinpoche makes his opening remarks. Click to enlarge.

Kundeling Rinpoche translates for Venerable Lama Thubten Phurbu. Click to enlarge.

Ms Basundhara Shrestha (or Acha Lhakpa) has been extremely supportive of Dorje Shugden practitioners, especially those residing in Nepal. Click to enlarge.

Gen Jampa of Shar Gaden Monastery. Click to enlarge

Sonam Thundup Sherpa (center) who represents His Eminence Domo Geshe Rinpoche’s monasteries, and Tashi Tadchen (right), who represents His Holiness the 101st Gaden Tripa, listening to the speeches. Click to enlarge.

His Eminence Kundeling Rinpoche translates the speeches into English. Click to enlarge.

In the front row are Gelong Tara (left), who spoke passionately about Nepal’s role in the future of the lineage, as well as Gen Jamyang (right) who represents His Eminence Gangchen Rinpoche and Gangchen Ladrang. Click to enlarge

Close Dharma brothers Geshe Tenzin Paljor and Geshe Konchok Gyaltsen. Click to enlarge.

Delegates taking turns to greet Geshe Konchok Gyaltsen and Geshe Chonzey Tengye. Click to enlarge.

Honored guests at dinner in Phelgyeling Monastery at the end of the first day of the conference. Click to enlarge.

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Venerable Lama Thubten Phurbu. Click to enlarge.

Lithang Gen Gyatso. Click to enlarge.

Sonam Gyaltsen of the North America Gelug Buddhist Association (NAGBA). Click to enlarge.

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Acting Abbot of Phelgyeling Monastery Venerable Lobsang Palden (left) with Geshe Tenzin from Serpom Monastery (center) and a monk from Phelgyeling Monastery. Click to enlarge.

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Venerable Lama Thubten Phurbu (left) and Geshe Tenzin Paljor (right) lead everyone in prayers to commemorate the lives lost over the duration of the ban. Click to enlarge.

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His Eminence Kundeling Rinpoche presenting a token of appreciation to Chatreng Yeshe, the first President of the Delhi Dorje Shugden Society. Looking on are Geshe Chonzey Tengye (background) and Acha Lhakpa (left). Click to enlarge.

Happy faces rejoicing in the outcome of the meeting. Click to enlarge.

(Seated) His Eminence Kundeling Rinpoche, Venerable Lama Thubten Phurbu and Geshe Tenzin Paljor. Standing behind them is Geshe Chonzey Tengye. Click to enlarge.

Geshe Tenzin Paljor and Venerable Lama Thubten Phurbu, who organized and facilitated the conference with great Dharma spirit. Everyone is hugely appreciative of their efforts to unite Dorje Shugden practitioners from all over the world. Click to enlarge.

Venerable Gameng Kuten, Geshe Chonzey Tengye, Chatreng Yeshe and His Eminence Kundeling Rinpoche. Click to enlarge.

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Media Coverage of This Auspicious Occasion

The news of the conference was covered in the Economic National Daily newspaper of Nepal. Click to enlarge.

Click to enlarge (Source: https://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/international-buddhist-conference-commences/)

Click to enlarge (Source: https://kathmandutribune.com/international-buddha-dhamma-conference-kicks-off-today/)

Click to enlarge (Source: http://www.sailungonline.com/news-details/5523/2018-01-25)

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133 total comments on this postSubmit yours

Jorge Mundo

February 1, 2018

It looks like this Spanish site has been following up on the Dorje Shugden issue, and been especially interested in the recent Dorje Shugden Conference to extract this article and translate it. Anyone can see that it was an endeavour worth translating about because the event hosted a substantial amount of High Lamas, Geshes, monks and ordinary practitioners who came from around the world to take part in this gathering.

From the turnout at the conference, one can see that there are many followers of Dorje Shugden unlike what Dharamsala has been saying about Shugden practitioners. It is obvious that Dorje Shugden is not a minor practice and from the attendance, it is one that is widespread all over the world.

So it’s good news with this article being translated because I hope it reaches out even more and lets the world know that there are many practitioners of Dorje Shugden and that it is an authentic practice and one that benefits countless people around the world.

Arrancó la Conferencia Budista Internacional de Seguidores de Dorje Shugden
· Por Shashi Kei
By Redacción
KATMANDÚ -Entre el 4 y el 6 de enero pasado tuvo lugar la Conferencia Budista Internacional de seguidores de Dorje Shugden, que viene padeciendo, desde hace veintidós años, la prohibición y persecución de su culto por parte del llamado “gobierno tibetano en exilio” (GTE) , ilegal y que no cuenta con reconocimiento de ningún país del mundo, y que mantiene su sede en Dharamsala establecida bajo la dirección del Dalai Lama. El Dalai Lama trata de destruir ésta práctica religiosa, lo que ha provocado irreparables daños tanto a la reputación del budismo tibetano como a la unidad de la comunidad tibetana y, lo más desafortunado de todo, al propio significado de los votos monásticos y la relación gurú-discípulo que se encuentra en el corazón del budismo tibetano.
Hoy en día, el otrora ilustre linaje fundado por Je Tsongkhapa está fatalmente dividido con sus tres grandes pilares del linaje Gelug totalmente astillados. Bajo coacción, innumerables monjes ordenados se han visto obligados a romper sus votos solemnes y, cuando el GTE forzó con su cuña sobre la comunidad tibetana así como también fuera del Tíbet, ocurrieron cosas terribles, como que la mayor parte de los discípulos terminaron por renunciar o traicionar a sus santos maestros, los buenos amigos se volvieron extraños y las familias se separaron.
Muchos seguidores tibetanos fueron firmes ante la opresión del GTE cuando fueron acusados de una retahíla de pecados y crímenes infames, muchos de ellos poco creíbles, como los que les acusaban de practicar el culto a los adoradores de demonios, conspiración para socavar el poder del Dalai Lama o de sabotaje a los esfuerzos del pueblo tibetano para recuperar su patria. En los 22 años transcurridos desde que el GTE impuso la prohibición religiosa, no se ha producido ni una sola evidencia para respaldar las tesis del GTE contra los seguidores del culto Dorje Shugden. Y, sin embargo, la prohibición religiosa persiste y los seguidores de este culto en todo el mundo continúan siendo discriminados o perseguidos.
Durante mucho tiempo, una buena parte de los practicantes de Dorje Shugden han adoptado una postura pasiva frente a estas persecuciones, prefiriendo centrarse en su práctica que tomar acciones afirmativas en respuesta a la prohibición. Algunos escribieron cartas para defender al liderazgo tibetano. Muchos otros protestaron pacíficamente, lo cual llamó la atención de algunos medios de comunicación. Se creó una página web, DorjeShugden.com, que se estableció para contrarrestar la propaganda falsa difundida por el GTE contra los creyentes. La tesis defendida por el GTE distorsiona cuestiones doctrinales muy importantes. Esta web, que se ha apoyado en hombres y mujeres nobles que se han estado uniendo en torno a la defensa de su linaje sagrado y sus creencias, se convirtió en un faro que se ha mantenido firme en medio de una tormenta impía e inacabable en la que el GTE hundió al budismo tibetano, muy tolerante hasta ese momento. Se han intentado buscar caminos de comprensión y convergencia con escaso fruto aún.
¡Pero finalmente ha ocurrido algo maravilloso! Entre el 4 y e 6 de enero, fieles Gelugpa de todo el mundo se dieron cita en el Hotel Yak And Yeti, de Katmandú, en Nepal. Se reunieron para asistir a lo que fue una de las mayores reuniones de hijos e hijas de Je Tsongkhapa, leales a sus maestros, y que han contribuido a preservar con su práctica de Dorje Shugden. La Conferencia Budista Internacional de Seguidores de Dorje Shugden se ha desarrollado en torno a reuniones y mesas redondas y ha pilotado sobre los esfuerzos de sus seguidores a lo largo de los últimos años desde el inicio de la prohibición del GTE, una prueba inalterable de firmeza y lealtad que ha quedado patente en la Conferencia Internacional.
La Conferencia contó además con parte activa de la práctica totalidad de los actores implicados o afectados. Así, estuvieron presentes los representantes de las seis divisiones y tres regiones del Tíbet, personalidades clave en las instituciones globales de Shugden, así como delegados ejecutivos de Francia, Italia, Suiza, el Reino Unido, Estados Unidos de América, Mongolia, India, Nepal, Singapur y Malasia.
Entre algunos de los asistentes notables cabe señalar la presencia del Ministro de Defensa de Nepal, Excmo. Sr. Bhimsen Das Pradhan; el ex Ministro de Finanzas, Honorable Shanker Prasad Koirala; el venerable lama Thubten Phurbu; H.E. Kundeling Rinpoche; el venerable Gameng Kuten; el venerable Dechen Tulku; el abad interino del monasterio de Phelgyeling, Gueshe Losang Palden; el venerable Basundhara Shrestha (Acha Lhakpa) de la Sociedad Nacional de Doryhe Shugden de Nepal; eruditos como el venerable Geshe Tenzin Peljor, el venerable Geshe Konchok Gyaltsen y el venerable Geshe Jangchup Gyaltsen; el changtso (asistente) de H.E. Tsem Rinpoche B.K. Ooi; los luchadores del movimiento Dorje Shugden como el venerable Tashi Tadchen de la sociedad Dorje Shugden Europea y más de 200 practicantes budistas Gelugpa.
Por su parte, los monasterios de Dorje Shugden de todo el mundo enviaron representantes de los diversos centros, entre los que destacan el Monasterio de Phelgyeling, el Monasterio de Segyu, el Monasterio de Shar Ganden, el Monasterio de Serpom, el Monasterio Amarbayasgalant de Mongolia, así como de varios monasterios establecidos por el anterior Domo Geshe Rinpoche (Dhun Gon Samten Choeling) en Darjeeling, Tashi Choeling en Kurseong, Enchey House en Gangtok, Domo Dungkar en el Tíbet, Gaden Choeling en Phedong y Ghanjong Namgyal en los Estados Unidos.
A este evento propicio también asistieron delegados de la Chatring Dorje Shugden Society, la Asociación Budista Gelug de Norteamérica (NAGBA), la Casa Kechara de Malasia, la Sociedad Tibet Gyeden Tensung de Francia, la Comunidad Shibeden Internacional Tibetana de los EE. UU., la Comunidad Shota Losum Shugden de la Región Autónoma del Tíbet, la Sociedad Gelugpa Canadiense y muchos otros distinguidos invitados y oradores.
Durante los prometedores tres días de enero de 2018, los asistentes tuvieron oportunidad para expresar sus opiniones y compartir sus experiencias sobre la discriminación del GTE, aunque no se discutió en torno a cuestiones regionales y de facciones, y quedó claro que los delegados se mostraron firmes en su resolución de abordar cuestiones surgidas como resultado de la supresión de los derechos de las personas a su religión por parte del GTE. Sí hubo alusiones, sin embargo, a los problemas que suscita el hecho de que el GTE se entrometa en los asuntos espirituales en los que no tienen la base ni la autoridad para interferir, según las conclusiones a las que llegaron los participantes.
La conferencia se centró principalmente en una serie de cuestiones clave, entre las que sobresalieron, a modo de resumen, las siguientes:
> Renovar el compromiso de preservar el linaje puro Gelugpa, que incluye la práctica de Dorje Shugden.
> Se estableció una promesa de compromiso y recursos para abordar el problema de Shugden y para centrarse en construir la base para la restauración de la unidad tibetana, así como la armonía que debe reinar entre los creyentes adheridos al budismo tibetano en todo el mundo.
> Se trazó un mapa del camino a seguir para restaurar el linaje de Je Tsongkhapa a su antigua grandeza espiritual en sincronía con la gloria de todas las escuelas budistas tibetanas.
> Se ha señalado un día apropiado para conmemorar la práctica de Dorje Shugden, con el significado del triunfo del linaje Gelugpa puro, destacándose como lucha frente a los innobles esfuerzos de el GTE para destruir dicho linaje.
> Se propuso de común acuerdo cerrar filas en torno a todos los que se han mantenido fieles a sus votos y han sufrido la opresión de GTE.
http://www.elmundofinanciero.com/noticia/73600/exterior/arranco-la-conferencia-budista-internacional-de-seguidores-de-dorje-shugden.html

Karma Gurung

February 1, 2018

Very encouraging news. 👍

This is long overdue and its nice to see Tibetans coming together for a noble cause. I have to say that it would have been perfect if the ISC had been there as well but then again, its better to have people who want to continue to fight.

One of the declarations from the Conference is for all Dorje Shugden people to stand together against the CTA’s bullying. This is most important because there are more Dorje Shugden worshippers than the population of Tibetans in exile. And even then, not all Tibetan people support the CTA’s discrimination.

What the CTA fears most is for a lot of people to know the bad things they are doing. Everyone must do their part to spread the word, spread links and stories on DS.com and to their their contacts in the media and government.

22 years of CTA bullying is too long already.

Down with CTA Regime

February 2, 2018

The Tibetan ‘government’ aka CTA is a regime in every sense of the word. And their dirty corrupt tricks are coming to be revealed. Too bad. They will have their downfall soon.

I use to respect ISC/Kadampa people for fighting the ban but when the lying Reuters news came out on them taking Chinese money, they backed down and disappeared. It was not true, but but backing down, they ‘made’ it true. ISC are cowards. There were a few Kelsangs from ISC who were outspoken against the Shugden ban but overnight they ran back to their underground hideaways. They have no courage and they are afraid. They use to criticize and coerce other Dorje Shugden groups to stand up to CTA regime and when you didn’t they would call them a coward. Look who’s the coward now.

Too bad for ISC.

ཀརྨ་འཕྲིན་ལས།

February 3, 2018

This is a great news for me and others who practice protector Dorje Shugden. We can’t stop to practice Dorje Shugden, we protect and promote it all around the world. Thank you for publishing such a great news. Tashi Delek

ByLakuppe man

February 3, 2018

I was working for CTA in Dharamsala a few years back. I quit as they are very corrupt and not fair and promote position based on favoritism. Many in CTA do not believe in Dalai Lama but just pretend to respect him or be criticized. After they increase the ban against Dorje Shugden I decided to quit. There are many CTA people who secretly still practice Dorje Shugden and do not agree with Dalai Lama’s ban against this special protector.

christine victor

February 3, 2018

This is a great news instead! For those people who always mislead by the CTA that we are cult, will get to know that we are not cult, and, there are many Dorje Shugden practitioners all over the world.

For the 1st time, Dorje Shugden practitioners have walked out from the “dark” to show to the world how wrong the accusation have been

More rejoice news is 23rd August is the date to celebrate Dorje Shugden. I will remember and celebrate it.

Rejoice !

Pema

February 4, 2018

Great news! The Dorje Shugden practice is very beneficial – why would anyone practice it and organise an international conference if it would not be so.

When does the CTA finally give religious freedom to the Tibetans and everyone else? Is the CTA well known for being spiritual? So why do they impose on others their view of religion? This is not democratic at all! So stop calling yourself a democracy CTA!

Instead of protecting the Tibetans, the CTA and the Sikyong take the sad and painful self-immolations, speak about it far and wide and ask for money! No that is not the role of a democratic government! To make money out of the tragic fate of their citizens – because their government does nothing for them!

Good to see this conference! Hope to see the Dorje Shugden practice and meetings grow more and more!

Joo Won

February 5, 2018

This is such a great news 👍 and a successful event which history will come to recognize this as the turning point in the Dorje Shugden controversy.

This might be the first conference but Dorje Shugden people will not keep silence anymore to any unjust policies and actions from the part of CTA.💪💪💪

Doreen Park

February 6, 2018

It is only fitting that after 22 years of suffering in relative silence, devoted Shugden practitioners and devout followers of the pure Tsongkhapa Lineage should come together with one voice to create a platform for unity and harmony for all practitioners of the pure Gelug Lineage(which includes the Dorje Shugden practice)and practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism and for moving forward to preserve and spread the Dharma of the pure Tsongkhapa Lineage.

It is heartening and most moving to see such massive representation from around the world of Shugden practitioners.What a way to go to support religious freedom, peace and unity by initiating this conference and resolving to have a similar international conference biennially!

bambi

February 6, 2018

Good news!Very good initiative to bring Dorje Shugden people together & have clear objectives.Already a lot of unwanted politics in religion & I don’t think we need anymore of that.Whether the ban is lifted or not, this conference should continue to create more awareness & spread the lineage of Je Tsonkapa.And becoz Dorje Shugden is a dhamma protector,we also should heavily promote him for the lineage to grow.

Samayakeeper

February 6, 2018

This conference is most welcomed by all Shugdenpas, it motivates and brings followers and practitioners of Dorje Shugden together. It gives hope to those who have been badly affected by the unjust ban that they are not alone in the struggle to end the ban. It reinforces everyone’s faith and encourages all to come together to peacefully defend the right to religious freedom and human rights.

Tenzin K

February 6, 2018

Great news! This conference unite all Shugdenpas and give hope to the people that suffered from the unreasonable ban by Tibetan leadership for 22 years.

We need to preserve Je Tsongkhapa lineage and give support to many Shugden practitioners to continue their practices to keep their samaya. Thanks to the hard work of the organizer and also to the attendees. Hope to see more of this gathering.

Belinda Mae

February 6, 2018

This is such a good news for Dorje Shugden practitioners 👍👍👍👏👏👏. Dorje Shugden practitioners from all corners of the world including Lamas and representative of Lamas were also at the meeting. Such meeting is good so that all Dorje Shugden practitioners will be in contact and in the same track and everyone gets to speak up their opinions and suggestions to better the lives of the Dorje Shugden practitioners. I hope they will continue to hold this kind of meeting once a year or once every 2 years to update and discuss on any issues that arises.

Geraldine Sarie

February 6, 2018

Rejoice for Dorje Shugden’s devotees. It is awesome as many people are exposing into practicing Dorje Shugden owing to this conference. I think this is encourageable to have such wonderful event for many people to understand the issue of Dorje Shugden and getting close to this Dharma protector. 👍

Brian little

February 6, 2018

Certainly a great start to 2018 and this has been wanting isn’t it but never too late. This conference for Shugdenpas would definitely make greater impact in years to come and hopefully there will be more participations and impact in years to come! Now we have a Dorje Shugden day. Yay!

Richard TamLak

February 6, 2018

Wow! This indeed is a good news! Feel so please and happy to see so many high lamas and practitioners around the world participate in the conference. This again proved to CTA that the ban on Dorje Shugden is wrong and illogical. It’s another big slap on CTA’s face. Hopefully conference like this to be held yearly and more and more to come. And hope that more and more practitioners to participate in the future conference. 🙏🙏

Vajra10

February 6, 2018

Rejoice! Rejoice! Rejoice! 🌎🌼

Thank you for everyone’s hard work and make this conference happened. May more fruitful event be held and benefit many people by sharing Buddha Dharma.

Tenzin Sangye

February 6, 2018

Auspicious year of 2018 start for Dorje Shugden practitioner having International conference at Nepal. What a rejoice new to hear. I am exiciting having Dorje Shugden day to celebrate.May all bring peace and harmony for dharma to grow.

Jing Jing

February 7, 2018

What a great news of the year. It gave me so much of faith in Dorje Shugden practitioners seeing them working together to fight the ban and vowed to continue to spread DS lineage. Knowing that we are not alone at all feel so great. It’s like recharged again.

Thank you so much for sharing. This will really make many DS practitioners, especially those practicing in the dark due to certain condition, we all can go to sleep happily from now on. Dorje Shugden lineage will not die, but go stronger everyday because He is a powerful Dharma protector who’s no other than Manjushri that will benefit and protect us through our spiritual path.

Together we are one and strong.

Dondrup Shugden

February 7, 2018

United and onward, Shugdenpas will march to preserve our lineage and blessings from our root Gurus.

Rejoice at this international conference of Dorje Shugden devotees.

Karma

February 7, 2018

Again we can see that all the claims against Dorje Shugden is wrong. So many high lamas and their representatives come together to strengthen the bond between all the Dorje Shugden practitioners.

Dorje Shugden is the supreme Buddha of Wisdom Manjushri! Nobody can deny this!

Tenzin Dharpo

February 11, 2018

The Indian police has issued a circular for Tibetan refugees who are Indian voters or Indian citizens to surrender their Tibetan refugees registration certificates (RCs). Dawa Rinchen, Tibetan settlement officer at McLeodganj, said that the matter was to be dealt by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).

There are around 1,400 Tibetan voters registered in Kangra district, many of them have exercised their voting rights in the state assembly elections without surrendering their RCs.

The Tibetan and Indian authorities are in a fix over this issue as the Tibetan authorities say that they don’t have any data of such Tibetans while the Indian authorities have passed the responsibility to Tibetan authorities stating that they had not asked anyone to apply for Indian citizenship or voting cards.

The CTA has already asked the Tibetans that they cannot take the benefits of being a refugee if they are holding Indian citizenship. There are also guidelines that such Tibetans have to leave the settlements. However, it remains to be seen if such rules will affect the CTA officials, such as Dhardon Sharling, Dolma Gyari, and Lhagyari Namgyal Dolkar who hold Indian passports.

Surrender RCs if registered as Indian voters, Tibetans told
Shri Puri | TNN | Updated: Feb 11, 2018, 10:02 IST
DHARAMSHALA: Tibetan refugees, who are now Indian voters, have been directed by the police headquarters to surrender their registration certificates (RCs). The certificate is the primary identity document for Tibetans living in India. While it gives them foreign status, voter ID proves their Indian identity.
Superintendent of police (SP) Santosh Patial told TOI that a circular in this regard had been issued as it was mandatory that if a Tibetan had availed Indian citizenship and voting rights he was supposed to submit his RC.
“A circular in this regard has been issued across Tibetan settlements in Kangra district,” he said, adding that directions were issued earlier this week.
Dawa Rinchen, Tibetan settlement officer at McLeodganj, said they had received the letter from the police department and other settlements as well, but the matter was to be dealt by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).
“We have received the letter and it has been forwarded to the home and security department of the CTA. It is not in our purview,” he said.
The RCs would be submitted to the foreigner registration office (FRO). The SP office has sent the circulars to Tibetan settlements in McLeodganj, Bir Tibetan Society, Nangchen division, Dege division and Tashi Jong Tibetan camp, falling under Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.
It was said that the issue of Tibetan refugees holding electoral card without surrendering their RCs was raised by the principal secretary, ministry of home affairs, through official channels to the Himachal government.
According to well placed sources, there are around 1,400 Tibetan voters registered in Kangra district but many of them have exercised their voting rights in the state assembly elections without surrendering their RCs.
The Tibetan and Indian authorities are in a fix over this issue. Tibetan authorities say that they don’t have any data of such Tibetans and it is the electoral office that could reveal the name of Tibetans, who voted in the assembly polls, on the other hand the Indian authorities have passed the responsibility to Tibetan authorities stating that they had not asked anyone to apply for Indian citizenship or voting cards.
“The CTA has already asked the Tibetans that they cannot take the benefits of being a refugee if they are holding Indian citizenship. There are also guidelines that such Tibetans have to leave the settlements,” said a source.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/surrender-rcs-if-registered-as-indian-voters-tibetans-told/articleshow/62867870.cms

Tashi Dolma

February 13, 2018

Tibet Autonomous Region Public Security Department issued a report on organized crime, that contains information about activities that violate the existing law and regulations. The CPC Central Committee and State Council will act to control these criminal activities to ensure social harmony and stability, and that the people live and work in peace and happiness. CPC called the ‘Middle Way’ as a narrow nationalistic idea and is trying to control any activities related to supporting the Dalai Lama.

Notice of the Tibet Autonomous Region Public Security Department on Reporting Leads on Crimes and violations by Underworld forces
Tibet Daily | 2018/02/10 | 19:18
Underworld forces are a malignant cancer of healthy economic and social development, they are chronic disease that is loathed by the people, and must be resolutely combated in accordance with law. Based on the spirit of the “Notice on Carrying out a Special Crackdown on Clearing Away Organized Crime and Eliminating Vice” issued to the entire nation January 11, 2018 by the CPC Central Committee and State Council, so as thoroughly advance the special crackdown on clearing away organized crime and eliminating vice, to ensure that the people live and work in peace and happiness, to ensure social harmony and stability, and to bring about long-term national stability, the broad masses of the people are asked to enthusiastically report leads on cases of violations or crimes by underworld forces. Notice on matters related to reporting is hereby given as follows;
I. Content of Reports
(1) Underworld forces that threaten political security, especially to regime security and institutional security, as well as those penetrating into the political sphere.
(2) Underworld forces interconnected with the Dalai clique, accepting remote control or command, or participating in separatist and disruptive activities.
(3) Underworld forces with temples as patrons; using religion to control, to confuse, to incite, or coerce the masses to resist the Party and government; or interfering in basic-level administrative, judicial, educational or other affairs.
(4) Underworld forces with close relations and interconnections to all kinds of illegal organization, instilling the masses with reactionary idea and narrow nationalistic ideas such as the ‘Middle Way’ and ‘protecting the “mother tongue”.
(5) Underworld forces holding themselves out as so-called ‘spokespersons’ for the masses, under banners such as economics, the people’s livelihood, environmental protection, folk customs and culture, that are in fact the ‘spokespersons’ of the Dalai clique and hostile foreign [non-mainland] forces.
(6) Underworld forces illegally soliciting donations, fund-raising, giving out fines, taking compulsory collection from the people, or seizing opportunities for unjust enrichment, and providing funds to the Dalai clique.
(7) Underworld forces such as black village officials with a grip on basic-level political power, monopolies on local economic resources, and misappropriating collective property.
(8) Underworld forces using of illegal means such as fraud, bribery, threats, and violence, to manipulate, disrupt, or undermine basic-level general elections.
(9) Underworld forces such as ‘village tyrants, that exploit religion or family forces to cross the countryside, play the tyrants, or bully and suppress the common people.
(10) Underworld forces that exploit religion or family forces to illegally meddle and intervene in conflicts and dispute among the people such as over boundaries, pastures, caterpillar fungus, and debts, to act as ‘underground law enforcement teams’ meddling and intervening in the basic-level administration and judiciary.
(11) Underworld forces stirring up trouble in land acquisition, leases, demolitions, engineering projects, and the like, so as to obtain unlawful benefits.
(12) Underworld forces such as all types of ‘Sand Boss’, ‘Car Boss’ , or ‘Road Boss’ that interfere with engineering and construction in industries or fields such as architectural engineering, transport, and mining, by strong arm projects, maliciously bid, illegally occupy land, excessively mine, seize resources, monopolize or compel sales, block roads to take tolls, or compelling hire of equipment and personnel.
(13) Underworld forces such as ‘Market Bosses”, “Industry Bosses”, “Produce Bosses”, and “Meat Bosses” that dominate markets, force sales, or accept protection money, in venues such as commercial trade markets, wholesale markets, bus stations, train stations, airports, and tourist destinations.
(14) Underworld forces manipulating or operating illegal and criminal activities such as ‘porn, gambling, and drugs’.
(15) Underworld forces using any kind of method of high interest lending such as “routine loans” or “campus loans’ or using violence to collect debts.
(16) Underworld forces meddling in civil disputes, serving as ‘underground law enforcement teams’.
(17) Underworld forces organizing the employment of online ‘paid trolls [or commenters]‘ to threaten, intimidate, berate, defame, make trouble.
(18) Underworld forces through connect online through means such as establishing Wechat groups, online forums, or other means, and that carry out illegal or criminal activities offline.
(19) Underworld forces that engage in unlawful or criminal activities such as illegal fundraising and operations, grabbing and holding economic interests, seriously harming the order fair competition and the environment of economic development.
(20) Personnel of State organs exploiting their position to facilitate, harbor,or abet, crimes by underworld forces, serving as their ‘protective umbrella’
(21) Forced trading, extortion and blackmail, provocation [picking quarels], gathering crowds to fight, unlawful detention, intentional destruction of property, organizing prostitution, forcing prostitution, setting up casinos, and other types of crime involving vice.
(22) Other leads as to crimes involving organized crime and vice.
II. Channels for reporting
(1) Field Reports: Tibet Public Security Bureau Criminal Investigation Team. Organized Crime Investigation Branch, No. 35 Lin Ju Road, Lhasa Chengguan District, Tibet Autonomous Region.
Reports may also be made directly to municipal or regional public security bureaus, of criminal forensics squads.
(2) Telephone Reports: Call the Tibet Autonomous Region Public Security Organ Public Reporting Number: 0891-12389. Note: Select the relevant public security organ for reporting based on the telephone voice prompts.
Clearing away organized crime and eliminating vice is a people’s war, and must rely on the public’s active participation. The masses’ are welcome to actively report and uncover leads on violations and crimes involving underworld forces, and to resolutely struggle against underworld forces’ illegal conduct. The public security organs are to lawfully protect the personal information and security of groups that provide leads. The legal responsibility of reporters will be pursued in accordance with law where reporting is malicious or framing others. Where the subjects of reports carry out revenge, they are to be given severe and heavy punishments in accordance with law.
Public Security Department for the Tibet Autonomous Region
2018/2/7
http://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_1993471

Devano

February 25, 2018

An article published in 1997 in the Spanish magazine “Mas Alla” stated that Ling Rinpoche practiced Dorje Shugden. The magazine covers spiritual and metaphysical issues around the world, and doesn’t have anything to do with Tibetan Buddhism. So in that way, it has no reason to be biased in and to write articles in support of or against Dorje Shugden.

The magazine was also issued in 1997, before the height of the ban, at a time when no one was compelled to hide the truth. So we can be sure that the reporting on this matter is therefore neutral and unedited and objective.

It’s a fact that both the tutors of the 14th Dalai Lama (Kyabje Ling Rinpoche and Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche) practiced Dorje Shugden, which was confirmed by the research conducted by the reporter JC Deus from Mas Alla. Deus clearly interviewed the right people and since the truth will always prevail, it is not surprising that an independent researcher like him with no links to Tibetan Buddhism so easily discovered and reported that Ling Rinpoche does Dorje Shugden practice. Remember that Deus was just doing his duty as a reporter, and reporting it as a neutral historical fact, not with any agenda in mind.

This is clear proof and it contradicts the false information the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) propagates that Ling Rinpoche does not practise Dorje Shugden. Lies like these will always be found out and exposed. This has been proven with the CTA who continue to make a fool out of themselves, losing trust among the Tibetans and supporters around the world.

This is PART 1, the first part of my 4-part comment. It shows the first three pages (pg 28-29) and the cover of the Mas Alla magazine, which published this report about Dorje Shugden.

Devano

February 25, 2018

This is PART 2, the second part of my 4-part comment. It shows the next three pages (pg 30-32) of the Mas Alla magazine, which published this report about Dorje Shugden.

Devano

February 25, 2018

This is PART 3, the third part of my 4-part comment. It shows the next three pages (pg 33-35) of the Mas Alla magazine, which published this report about Dorje Shugden. Please take SPECIAL NOTE to see page 33. The part where it mentions Ling Rinpoche practices Dorje Shugden has been highlighted for your reference.

Devano

February 25, 2018

This is PART 4, the final part of my 4-part comment. It shows the last two pages (pg 36-37) of the Mas Alla magazine, which published this report about Dorje Shugden.

Golog Jigme

February 27, 2018

Mr. Mila Rangzen says the head of the Tibetan exiled govt is a sexual predator

Since 2011, Lobsang Sangay’s tenure as the President of the Central Tibetan Administration has been mired with various scandals and failures, such as the election scandal and the US$1.5 million loan scandal. The 17% unemployment rate among the Tibetans in exile has also forced some Tibetans to become spies, betraying their host country India. Now, in more shocking news from Mila Rangzen, who has been proven to have access to a lot of insider news, Lobsang Sangay has been revealed to be a sexual predator who does not hesitate to risk the Dalai Lama’s reputation to satisfy his lust. More women and people are speaking up about this. This is really breaking news. These women deserve a platform to express the pain and humiliation and be open to heal.

Mila Rangzen has, on numerous occasions, shared extremely accurate and reliable news for the benefit of the Tibetan community. He has never failed us with the accuracy of the news and they have all proven to be true. Mila seems to not be afraid to tell the truth.

All the victims of the sexual predator Lobsang Sangay should not keep quiet anymore and must expose him once and for all. He should be punished for his actions and asked to step down from his position now! The victims should be empowered by this and speak up and point the finger at Lobsang Sangay if this is true. Do not stay in the dark and hide your shame because Lobsang Sangay is destroying the reputation of the Dalai Lama.

President Sangay and the sexual assault on Ms Leslie Butterfield
February 21, 2018
Just as you, the reader, I am also very concerned about the direction that LS is taking the Tibetan community towards. Just as Trump he is catering to his base of fanatic Khampa sanjor ex-monk supporters leading to disharmony and divisiveness. Let me start in 2011 during the Kalachakra in Washington DC. – During the Kalachakra from July 6-16th, LS also visited as is normal for him to bask in the glory of His Holiness. An intern, Leslie Butterfield, at the ICT was assigned to him to assist him in his meetings and moving around DC. Ms. Butterfield was in her early 20s then and a very attractive young woman who supported His Holiness and the Tibetan cause with her whole heart and being. She is known to have been a very active participant in numerous activities to further the cause of Tibet and spread the work of compassion of His Holiness.
It was the night of July 11th that LS physically assaulted her in his hotel room. The next day she reported this to Mary Beth Markey, the then President of ICT. There were others in the office who were also made aware of the incident of the previous night. Ms. Butterfield was convinced by Marybeth and others in the ICT not to file charges against LS using the name of HH as an emotional blackmail. That she would be sullying the name of His Holiness if she was to file a complaint. She was pressured into not filing a complaint which makes people at ICT complicit in a cover-up. With so many women coming out with sexual abuse charges it may be time for Ms. Butterfield to come out too.
She is now married with a child. Maura Mohinyan comes to mind as someone capable of convincing her to come forward. Maura as I know her has in-depth knowledge of LS dealings.
During his last visit to NY and DC along with Kaydor, he had a meeting with the Tibet Fund regarding the $1.5 mil loan. He is pressurizing TF to write off the loan before the parliament session begins in March so as to prove his point that it was a grant and not a loan even though existing documents show the money as a loan which I have written in depth. During the meeting, he emotionally blackmailed the TF saying that he was going to ask HH for the money so that it is paid back to the TF just to prove that it was not a loan even though paying it back means it was a loan. He explicitly asked the TF “if they were comfortable taking money from HH”. There are ongoing talks between TF and OoT, DC on his behalf about this money.
His exact words are in the minutes of the meeting at the TF which shall be released here in the next article as it pertains to the interest of the Tibetan people and political corruption. It is common knowledge in India that HH is very disappointed, to say the least, with LS and the way he is using his office for personal glorification. The only audience he got was in Gaya after months of trying to see HH. He has no shame and had the audacity to ask HH to mediate and solve the loan issue. HH’s response is one of pin-drop silence.
There are numerous allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of power in Dharamshala but all will not come out openly for fear of retribution as you and I know how the law works in India. A spark/catalyst is much needed if these women are to get justice and it is where my role begins.
https://thetibetstar.com/2018/02/21/president-sangay-and-the-sexual-assault-on-ms-leslie-butterfield/

Rangzen

February 27, 2018

President Sangay launches attacks on Mila Rangzen
February 28, 2018
Like a true citizen of Tibet, I have been critical of powers that be including LS as the president of CTA on policy, conduct, nepotism, regionalism, transparency, and accountability and the price I am paying is his personal attacks on me using his stooges today. What triggered the attacks is this informative piece https://thetibetstar.com/2018/02/21/president-sangay-and-the-sexual-assault-on-ms-leslie-butterfield/ I wasn’t surprised because I was expecting it from a touchy vindictive man like him.
However, it’s encouraging to be noticed and I will continue to speak up for our people and for our cause stronger than ever. Rights and responsibilities are not properties that belong only to the President, ministers and the parliamentarians. It also belongs to us –the people. Anyone who implies otherwise is either a fool or a threat to democracy and freedom around the world.
The details of the attacks will be released in the next article.
Till then stay strong and be determined to pay any price and when necessary make them pay a heavy price too for treading on a king cobra taking care of rats that are destroying our crops.
This too shall pass!
https://thetibetstar.com/2018/02/28/president-sangay-launches-attacks-on-mila-rangzen/

Peter

February 27, 2018

Tibetan govt in exile is corrupt, liars, segregationalists, greedy, bigots and this is what they do when Dalai Lama is alive. After Dalai Lama is no more, the whole Tibetan govt in exile will just collapse overnight.

They lost their country in 1959 because they are too corrupt to keep it. For the last 60 years they cannot get their country back. Tibetan govt is a failure whether in Tibet or in exile.👎

Tsering

March 3, 2018

Comic drawn by Tendor, a prominent Free Tibet activist.

Manjushri

March 4, 2018

This gives Dorje Shugden practitioners like me so much hope and joy! Many years I have been practising alone, but reading this, seeing our spiritual leaders get together to bring forth the lineage of Je Tsongkapa to the world gives me so much joy! I hope this can continue. I hope that Dorje Shugden practise will live for many years to come and get more popular because everyone really needs it! Dorje Shugden has helped me over and over again very compassionately over the years of my life.

I am happy the conference went well. I would love to go for the next one, where ever it may be! The pictures brought me so much happiness! Everyone looks well, and I am glad. May all the lineage lamas spread the teachings far and wide and may Dorje Shugden reach millions more.

Sar Lang

March 5, 2018

Lhatse Lobsang, the President of Utsang Yargay Tsokpa, warns the elected leaders including the Sikyong Lobsang Sangye/Tibetan leaders and members of the parliament of his self-immolation in protest if they don’t resolve the termination issue in the coming March parliamentary sessions. Tibetans in India are so unhappy with their Tibetan government in exile in North India, they wish to self-immolate in protest. This would spell big disaster for the corrupt Tibetan government in exile in India.

Utsang monk warrior warns President Sangay of self-immolation
March 4, 2018 | Mila Rangzen
It is no secret His Holiness the Dalai Lama was disappointed with the 2016 Sikyong election that was marked by Khampa negative regionalism that caused disharmony and division in our small community that is surviving on handouts from Indian and foreign individuals, NGOs, and governments for the past six decades.
Actually, it was the 18,000 Utsang people who voted for Khampa Lobsang Sangay that made him win but in return Khampa fanatics, to say thank you, gifted gang intimidation, criminal threats, insults, death threats and violence to the Utsang people.
As if this was not bad enough, President Sangay poured gasoline on the house on fire by terminating former speaker Penpa Tsering whose mother is Utsang from the post of Representative at Washington DC on November 6, 2017, without any valid reasons.
Lhatse Lobsang, the President of Utsang Yargay Tsokpa, warns the elected leaders including the Sikyong and members of the parliament of his self-immolation in protest if they don’t resolve the termination issue in the coming March parliamentary sessions.
https://thetibetstar.com/2018/03/04/utsang-monk-warrior-warns-president-sangay-of-self%E2%80%8B-immolation/

Gangchenpa

March 9, 2018

The Nepalese officials have again turned down permission for Tibetan refugees to commemorate the Tibetan uprising day in order to protect its alliance with the Chinese Communist Party, which has proven to be more beneficial to Nepal as compared to supporting the Tibetan refugees.

The Nepal Chief District Officer issued a written notice in 2005 to the Representative of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Refugees Welfare Office (TRWO) in Kathmandu to suspend both offices, ending a 45 years partnership to care for some 2,500 Tibetan refugees who would transit in Nepal from Tibet. This move was a lesson to the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) for not addressing the tensions between the Tibetans and Nepalese, as well as not contributing back to Nepal for as long as they have been there. The fact that the Tibetan refugees continue to protest on March 10 is a perfect example in which they will jeopardise the relationship between Nepal and China, who is now the top assistance providers to Nepal. The Tibetan refugees are forever taking, and never reciprocating the favour has proven to be an ineffective way of dealing with the Nepalese as they feel they are taken for granted always.

Nepal to ban March 10 Tibetan uprising day events
Thursday, March 08, 2018 19:49 | By Tenzin Dharpo
DHARAMSHALA, Mar. 8: The Tibetan refugee community in Nepal will not be allowed to commemorate the anniversary of the Tibetan Uprising day due this Saturday, after Nepalese officials turned down the permission to hold any “protests” or “public gathering” by Tibetans on the day.
An official notice sent out by the Central Tibetan Administration’s ‘Tibetan Refugee Welfare Office’ in Kathmandu on Wednesday, appealed to Tibetans in Nepal to refrain from organizing protests or public gatherings on the day and instead pray from their homes.
The notice stated that the Nepalese officials have turned down permission to commemorate the Tibetan uprising day this year as well like the previous years in the near past and that refugee Tibetans should abide by the laws of the land.
The official appeal is most likely, in anticipation to avoid any violent interruption by Nepalese police towards Tibetan refugees, as were seen after 2008 when the tension was at its height following alliance between Beijing and Kathmandu. Over 200 peaceful Tibetan protesters were arrested on 10th March 2008 and over 1,100 Tibetans arrested prior to the Beijing Olympics for holding demonstrations the same year.
Tibetan refugees have been subjected to clampdown by Nepalese police over the years on this day, which marks the uprising of the Tibetan people in Tibet in 1959 against the colonial Chinese rule.
Nepal, a tiny Himalayan nation wedged between occupied Tibet and India was once a sanctuary for Tibetan refugees. Until the late eighties, the Nepalese government issued RC (Registration certificate) to Tibetans who came from Tibet as well as their children. A “gentlemen’s agreement” to continue allowing Tibetan refugees to cross over into India was struck between the government of Nepal and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in 1989 following the Kathmandu government refusal to give refugee status to Tibetans.
However, that agreement has since been pushed aside after Nepal started receiving a lucrative patronage from China. The influx of Tibetan refugees has been severely restricted with the once average of 2000 immigrants a year dropping to a lowly 200 since 2008 Uprising in Tibet. In an extreme case of heavy handedness, 18 Tibetans including some children in 2003, and 3 Tibetans in 2010 were detained by Nepalese police and handed over to Chinese authorities in Tibet.
Nepal which is home to more than 20,000 Tibetans who either came across the border or were born to settlers, are finding it hard to sustain a free and normal existence. The Nepalese government’s treatment of the Tibetan refugees has taken a turn for the worse in the last few years with China pumping in cheap interest loans and relaxed FDR (Foreign Direct Investment) schemes in exchange for its will to be imposed. China’s FDR in Nepal has shot to $128 million in 2015 up from $24 million in 2014 besides perks such as a fleet of Mercedes SUVs.
http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=40222

ashrao

March 9, 2018

Indian and Chinese foreign ministries have both made statements thawing relations between the two Asian giants. Determined to improve ties between the countries, the Indian government is taking steps to ensure nothing jeopardizes their efforts. First, they told their officials to distance themselves from the Tibetans, and then the planned #ThankyouIndia2018 events were moved from New Delhi (India’s political capital) to the out of the way Dharamsala.

Now, even Chinese ministers are hoping for improved relations, bringing stability to the volatile region. The Chinese dragon and the Indian elephant need to dance in order to become stronger said the Chinese Foreign Minister.

Will this be the end of India’s support of the Tibetans? What will they do next?

China’s foreign minister suggests ‘Chinese dragon’ and ‘Indian elephant’ should dance, not fight

NEW DELHI — A pair of statements from the Chinese and Indian foreign ministries this week appeared to show an opening in relations between Asia’s most powerful rivals, long competitors on trade and territory.

“The Chinese ‘dragon’ and the Indian ‘elephant’ must not fight each other, but dance with each other,” Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in Beijing on Thursday. If the two countries joined hands, he said, “one plus one will equal not only two, but also eleven,” referring to how powerful they would be together.

On Friday, India foreign ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed that stronger ties “are a factor of stability amid today’s global uncertainties” at a meeting at Xiamen in September 2017.

“We are willing to work with the Chinese side to develop our relations based on commonalities, while dealing with differences on the basis of mutual respect and sensitivity to each other’s interests, concerns and aspirations,” Kumar said at a news conference in New Delhi.

Relations between the two countries have been fraught in recent months, as tensions escalated over border issues and Tibet, a semiautonomous region of China. But the statements could suggest willingness to cooperate.

“I don’t think it’s a fundamental shift in the relationship,” said Shashank Joshi, senior research fellow of the Royal United Services Institute.

“We are still looking at broad strategic competition between China and India, which stretches over the Himalayas and into the Indian Ocean. The statement doesn’t mean India is any less concerned on the Belt and Road initiative or the China-Pakistan economic corridor, but India does not want those disagreements to undermine relations,” he said, referring to China’s flagship program to increase connectivity in central, west and south Asia. New Delhi has refused to back the initiative, raising concerns it could directly link its two bordering strategic foes — China and Pakistan.

Earlier this week, Indian Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharam said in parliament that both countries had redeployed troops at Doklam, the contested site of an intense standoff between the two countries last year.

“The strength of both sides have been reduced,” she said, adding that the Chinese army had started the construction of sentry posts, helipads and trenches in the area.

The statements came after unconfirmed reports in Indian media this week that senior government officials were asked not to attend events to mark the Dalai Lama’s 60th year in exile from China. Events for the Buddhist leader — whom China considers a dangerous separatist — were moved from New Delhi to the Himalayan city of Dharamsala, headquarters of the Tibetan government-in-exile.

“India and China recognize that they can’t afford to let these disagreements erupt into open conflict,” Joshi said. “Diffusing Tibet issue for now is one for India to signal that’s what it wants to do.”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/chinas-foreign-minister-suggests-chinese-dragon-and-indian-elephant-should-dance-not-fight/2018/03/09/b27f81ac-2397-11e8-a589-763893265565_story.html

sonkel

March 10, 2018

The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) should really learn from Nepal. Aligning with Chinese policy is necessary if you wish for growth and economic stability. The Dalai Lama was recently quoted to say, “We want to stay with China. We want more development.”

Nepal has developed so much since collaborating with China, with China now contributing to around 58 percent of foreign direct investment (FDI) commitments received by Nepal. China has promised that areas of mutual cooperation with Nepal would be expanded in the days to come.

‘Nepal committed to One-China Policy’
Published: March 08, 2018 1:01 pm | RASTRIYA SAMACHAR SAMITI
Kathmandu, March 7
Defence Minister Ishwor Pokhrel said Nepal was committed to One-China Policy.
Minister Pokhrel said this during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Yu Hong at the former’s office in Singha Durbar. He also said the relations between the armies of the two countries could also be expanded.
Minister Pokhrel assured the Chinese ambassador that all agreements between the governments of the two countries would be implemented. He also hoped that the Chinese government would continue to provide support for infrastructure development in the country.
According to spokesperson for the defence ministry Rishiraj Rajbhandari, Ambassador Hong congratulated the minister and expressed belief that China’s friendly relations with Nepal would be further enhanced during the government led by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
Areas of mutual cooperation would be expanded in the days to come, said the Chinese ambassador. The meeting was also attended by Defence Secretary Binod KC, senior Nepali Army officials and officials from the foreign ministry.
https://thehimalayantimes.com/kathmandu/nepal-committed-one-china-policy/

Jampel Senge

March 10, 2018

Not only was the thankyouindia2018 forced to move back to McLeodganj, the Tibetans are warned to keep the event low key! BJP leadership, including L K Advani and Shanta Kumar, and former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh had been invited for the event in Delhi but none of them replied to the invitation. Apart from the change of venue now, new invitation list has to be prepared. It is clear that the Indian government is distancing itself from the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and they will do what is necessary to mend their ties with China.

Post-venue shift from Delhi, Tibetans to keep event low key in McLeodganj

Shri Puri| TNN | Updated: Mar 7, 2018, 11:08 IST
DHARAMSHALA: The event cancellation in Delhi has forced a change of plans in the Tibetan administration and the shifting of venue to McLeodganj. The ‘Thank You India’ event, which was aimed to mark 60 years in-exile of the Dalai Lama, will now be organized in the hill town on March 31.
The venue was shifted to Dharamshala after the foreign secretary wrote a note to the cabinet secretary on February 22, asking government functionaries and senior leaders to skip the Tibetan event in view of “sensitive time” for India and China relations.
On Tuesday, Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) president Lobsang Sangay reached here from Delhi via early morning flight but avoided the media. ‘Thank You India’ programme was the brain child of CTA. Beginning March 31 at Rajghat in New Delhi with an inter-faith meeting, this year-long event was to end on December 10, 2018.
Confirming that the event has been shifted to Dharamshala, Tibetan department of information and international relations secretary Dhardon Sharling told TOI, “We do not know the reason, but we have received information that the event has been shifted to Dharamshala from Delhi. This is a minor change, but is being interpreted wrongly. There are no differences between the Indian government and the Tibetan leadership.”
The Tibetan administration is now in talks with the HPCA to organise its event at the cricket stadium, confirmed HPCA spokesman Sanjay Sharma.
The Dalai Lama’s office, too, maintained a distance on this issue, with the Tibetan leader’s private secretary Tenzin Takla saying the CTA was managing the event. “We have not received any invitation yet. The Tibetan administration is dealing with all this, not the Dalai Lama’s office,” he said.
Sources revealed that top BJP leadership, including L K Advani and Shanta Kumar, had been invited for the event in Delhi. Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh was also among those invited. However, confirmation had not come in from anyone. Now, after the change in venue, the Tibetan government is preparing a new list of invitees for the event, they added.
Asked about China’s pressure on India on this issue, CTA official spokesperson Sonam Dagpo said relations between the two neighbouring countries were important for the world, particularly for South Asian countries. “We don’t feel that the Indian government was under pressure from China,” he said. “We don’t feel this would have any kind of impact the Tibetan movement,” Dagpo added.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/post-venue-shift-from-delhi-tibetans-to-keep-event-low-key-in-mcleodganj/articleshow/63193258.cms

SonamT

March 10, 2018

It is very clear by now that the Indian Government does not want the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA)’s thank you. No matter how the CTA orchestrates the propaganda campaign to please India, it is very clear that the Indian Government had enough of the Tibetans and are making effort to distance itself from the CTA. Although India will continue to support His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his spiritual works, the distinctions between His Holiness and the CTA is made very clear. Looking at the trend, we may be able to speculate that the Indian Government’s plan for the next few years is to end decades of support to the CTA and its people, eventually clearing all Tibetan refugees from India.

Why Tibetans Shouldn’t Be Offended by India’s Snub to Dalai Lama
THUBTEN SAMPHEL | 12H 00M AGO
When you thank a person for his or her hospitality or a favour done or courtesy shown to you, that person’s usual and expected response is “You are most welcome.”
In the lead-up to a major year-long Thank You India event to commemorate 60 years in exile and to take place across India and organised by the Central Tibetan Administration, the government of India’s response seems to be “We don’t want your thank you.”
As reported, the cabinet secretary of the union government issued a circular advising central and state leaders and officials not to attend any ‘Thank You, India’ event. The Central Tibetan Administration was advised to move the highlight of the event from New Delhi to Dharamsala.
India’s Diplomatic Tip-Toeing Should Not Distract the Tibetan Refugees
This is the trending topic among Tibetans on social media. Tibetans have expressed their disappointment, suspecting a shift in the attitude of the government of India to the Tibetan cause.
But they shouldn’t be disappointed, and there is no shift in the Indian government’s policy to the issue of Tibet.
In fact, India’s diplomatic tip-toeing around the issue of Tibet should not distract the Tibetan refugees from the Indian government’s massive, consistent and unstinting support to them. With India’s support and under the Dalai Lama’s guidance, the Tibetan refugees have been able to establish a productive and cohesive community serviced by schools, settlements, hospitals, clinics, old people’s homes, monasteries and higher learning centres, all centrally or autonomously supervised by the Central Tibetan Administration.
More importantly, India’s tolerance and hospitality has given space to Tibetan refugees to re-energise and revitalise the institutions, values and disciplines of Tibet’s Buddhist heritage. This ability to re-establish Tibet’s cultural and spiritual heritage in India has attracted students and scholars from areas which once came within the ambit of Tibet’s Buddhist civilisation. The Dalai Lama’s tireless travel and his message of peace and compassion have drawn new students and scholars to India from across the world.
Some scholars call the ability of Tibetan refugees to plant the roots of cultural Tibet in India “one of the miracles of the twentieth century.”
What the next generation of Tibetans does with this gift given to them by the Dalai Lama and India will test the mettle on which depends the continued survival of Tibet outside of the plateau.
As for the government of India’s policy to Tibet is concerned, that was settled in 1954. That year, India and China signed the Panchsheel agreement in which India recognised Tibet as an autonomous part of the People’s Republic of China.
Against this historical background, how the government of India will continue to view the exile community will depend on the Tibetan refugees themselves. How they conduct themselves, how they use the enormous freedom granted to them, and how they use the same energy to strengthen their cultural and community cohesion will shape the central government’s view.
As for the Indian public, there is a groundswell of sympathy and support generated by the Dalai Lama. This support and sympathy should never be squandered.
(Thubten Samphel is the director of the Tibet Policy Institute, a research centre of the Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamshala. The opinions expressed are the author’s own. The Quint neither endorses nor is responsible for the same.)
https://www.thequint.com/voices/opinion/why-tibetans-shouldnt-be-upset-by-india-snub-to-dalai-lama

Lelkyi Tsho

March 13, 2018

Although both China and India are seen as giants, India has been seen submitting to China more and more. The relocation of “Thank You India” event from Delhi to Dharamsala and Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha’s note to Indian officials to not attend the event because it is a “very sensitive time” for bilateral relations with China both clearly show that India is bending backwards to please China. And they are definitely not going to entertain Lobsang Sangay anymore because the Tibet issue is no longer a trump card for India.

Lobsang Sangay said not long ago that an official usually wants to do something big in their last term of office so that people will remember them. In this case, he will forever be remembered for his incapability and his focus on building closer ties with young women, such as Dhardon Sharling, instead of significant diplomatic ties. He has done a lot of big things in his last term as the President of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) but none of these shows any leadership characteristics whatsoever. These include:

1) The sacking of Penpa Tsering to evade the Tibet Fund loan scandal of US$1.5 million. He even tried to push the loan on to His Holiness the Dalai Lama to settle on his behalf.

2) Allowing a downsized, low-key #thankyouindia2018 event to celebrate 60 years of exile, something which Dhardon Sharling, the Secretary of Department of Information and International Relations, claimed to have no idea as to why the events were shifted.

3) Allowing fake monk Tenzin Dhonden to use His Holiness’ fame to conduct dubious activities including being involved in a cult and sex scandals.

4) Losing India’s half-century worth of support towards the CTA and its people for his ungrateful attitude. Instead, he focused on filling up his own pockets instead of thinking of the welfare of the Tibetans in exile.

Lobsang Sangay’s intention to take on the role as the President of the CTA is clear and his best ‘achievements’ definitely outshine his predecessors as inept failures.

No need to thank India — just grow up a little
By Lobsang Wangyal | MCLEOD GANJ, India, 13 March 2018
While the Doklam issue was heating up in June 2017, the Indian media was kept busy, and that in turn kept the public busy. I also had many discussions over this issue. I remember one with two young Indian men who were saying that India is not the same 1962 India, that it has changed and become powerful. They boasted that in case of a war India could take on China easily. So I followed that thought to its logical conclusion, saying “sure, there should be a war between India and China, then we will know for sure who is more powerful.” When it came to walking the talk, the two retreated from their strong position and changed their tone, now making it seem that I was promoting war, and was against India.
The Doklam stand-off resulted from an attempt by China to extend a road into an area claimed by both China and Bhutan. I was expecting that India would stand up for itself and launch a “surgical strike”, putting an end to the confrontation. But after a military face-off and many diplomatic engagements, going on for close to three months, it all fizzled out without coming to a military conflict, as India and China agreed to withdraw their armies. (In the meantime, Indians learned what Doklam means in Tibetan — Path of the Nomads.)
China contains India
China’s road extension is a cause of concern for India because it would shorten the distance for the Chinese army to reach India’s strategically vulnerable ‘Chicken’s Neck’ area — the Siliguri Corridor, a narrow stretch of land located in the Indian state of West Bengal that connects India’s northeastern states to the rest of India.
After the situation cooled off, reports started to emerge that China had built military facilities in the very same area. But the Government of India said that the status quo at the site of last year’s face-off still held. It dismissed reports of any Chinese activities in the area.
In the competition for global player China has succeeded in containing India through diplomacy, economically, strategically, as well as outright bullying. China takes a contrary position to India wherever possible, and blocks India’s rightful places in UN councils. It is well known that China has invested heavily in the neighbouring countries of India. India’s neighbouring countries have more Chinese influence than Indian. China flexes its muscles without resistance in places such as the South China Sea, Doklam, and Aksai Chin. It complains whenever possible about anything perceived to be “anti-China”. It goes even to the extreme that due to China’s influence, Pakistan politicians have suggested that Mandarin be taught in the schools.
So China has always created problems for India, yet somehow India seems to feel that China is its friend, and that China will benefit and support India — will give business, recognition, and support. So far nothing of this has happened — in fact, the opposite.
India submits to China
Tibet is India’s best card against China, and India plays it but in a very confusing way. By volunteering the statement that Tibet is part of China, without even any pressure from China to do so, India has wasted this trump card, and received nothing in return. Yet the boundary issues have not been solved, and China doesn’t allow India to take its position on the global stage. China has made sure that all India’s neighbours are closer to it than to India.
India seems to be submitting to China more all the time. What is India trying to achieve by this? The latest sign of submission is India’s objection to the “Thank You India” event planned in Delhi by the Central Tibetan Administration. A series of events were to follow throughout the year. First the Government of India asked its officials not to attend it, and then apparently India objected to holding the opening event in Delhi at all.
Perhaps Sangay received a dressing-down from officials of MEA, when he interrupted his schedule to hurry to Delhi after India’s objection to the event. It is unclear if he was summoned by MEA or he went voluntarily to do some damage control.
This whole incident only shows a weak India, losing the contest of superiority with China, and lowering India’s image on the global stage. And on the flip side of the coin, it showed that the Government of India is not in favour of Sangay’s moves.
Why “Thank You India” now?
In 2009, Tibetans had their “Thank You India”, a sort of “Golden Jubilee”, when Tibetans marked 50 years of life in exile. The Dalai Lama, then as both the political and spiritual leader, in his “Thank You India” address said, “Overall India has given us the greatest moral and material support. Looking back over the past 50 years, we feel confident that we made the right choice when we sought refuge in India.”
Was that “Thank you” not enough? Did India ask for more? I am lost why are we doing it again. 50 years is a milestone — to do it again 10 years later seems gratuitous.
Also there is the expense. The Tibetan administration is asking for funds for their museum project. All the money that would go for (well, be wasted on) these “Thank you” events could be used for the museum project. Although, the effectiveness of this project is debatable: Whether a museum on the premises of CTA, at some distance from McLeod Ganj where most of the tourists are, would get near as many visitors as the current conveniently-located site. This is altogether another matter for discussion.
Grow up a little
One domino effect of Sangay’s superfluous actions is that now the CTA had to indefinitely postpone the World Parliamentarian’s Convention on Tibet, which had been planned to be held at the end of April in Delhi.
The Government of India has clearly signalled that they are not in favour of Sangay’s moves. The exile Cabinet led by Sangay needs to do a retrospection and learn from this experience — that some press coverage and flowery Facebook posts for a little hype don’t help anything. CTA is the hope and heart of six million Tibetans. We need to see some maturity in it.
Didn’t Sangay himself say not long ago, that an official always wants to do something big in their last term of office that people will remember him by?
https://www.tibetsun.com/opinions/2018/03/13/no-need-to-thank-india-just-grow-up-a-little-bit

Khampa Warrior

March 13, 2018

India has lost significant support from Nepal, especially since Nepal’s devastating earthquake in 2015 when China gave the country funds for aid and rebuilding infrastructure. It is now losing its grip more and more, such as in its internet monopoly, now threatened by alternatives from China. China is making inroads into Nepal aggressively. India, which originally thought of China as a friend, can only sit by and watch China exert its influence and power further, such as improving telecommunications and building railway extensions from the border with Nepal and Yadong across Sikkim, to Kathmandu and Lumbini.

Nepal and India have historically enjoyed good ties and strong trade relations and if India does not take advantage of this fast-closing window of opportunity, China will be successful in wooing Nepal. Kathmandu already signed trade and transit agreements with Beijing in March 2016. This gave Nepal an alternative route for its trade and supplies. As China builds a stronghold in Nepal, it will continue achieving its strategic objective of eliminating Indian influence and curbing the Tibetan refugee population.

China rises in Nepal, eyes Lumbini
By JAYADEVA RANADE | NEW DELHI | 11 March, 2018
Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Oli
China’s strategic objectives include eliminating Indian influence and curbing the Tibetan refugee population.
Consequent to the expansion of Chinese influence, the delicate balance in India’s relations are now under strain and at a crucial juncture. With a new government in Kathmandu, the Prime Ministers of Nepal and India will meet to exchange views and review relations. After Prachanda broke tradition and travelled to Beijing, instead of India, on his first visit abroad as Prime Minister, the symbolism of this gesture has diminished and it is possible that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may ignore precedence to emphasise the importance of India-Nepal ties and travel to Kathmandu first. Nevertheless, it is imperative that India makes a candid, clear-eyed assessment of the extent of Chinese influence there and state of India-Nepal ties.
Shaping the background is China’s unmistakable imprimatur. Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Oli’s critical reference to India came in the midst of the political crisis in the Maldives and coincided with China’s unprovoked warnings to India against acting unilaterally in the Maldives. Just a few days ago the Pakistan Prime Minister paid a two-day visit to Kathmandu, becoming the first high level foreign leader to meet Prime Minister Oli. The visit was covered in the Chinese media. There is now no room for missteps. India should avoid accepting the sanguine argument that India and Nepal are tied by geography. Modern construction technology has unshackled the constraints of geography as amply evidenced by the transport infrastructure built by China in the inhospitable, high altitude Himalayan region.
China’s interest in Nepal is long term. It has designated Nepal a “friend”, induced it to join Chinese President Xi Jinping’s flagship “Belt and Road Initiative” and offered it financial and other assistance in addition to holding out the prospect of a security arrangement. China’s strategic objectives include eliminating Indian influence and curbing the Tibetan refugee population. Mao Zedong’s well known observation, that Tibet is the palm of the hand, while Ladakh, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh are its fingers, remains relevant with attendant implications for India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Following Nepal’s distinct pro-Beijing tilt ever since Prachanda’s appointment as Prime Minister, China has cultivated the full spectrum of political parties and spread its influence among Nepal’s politicians, army, academia, media and businessmen. During the visit of Chinese PLA General Chen Bingde in March 2011, a section of Nepal’s media suggested that he be conferred the rank of honorary general of the Nepal Army—an honour thus far reserved for the Indian Army chief. Echoes of this were evident in Oli’s remarks on 22 February 2018, which pointedly excluded reference to the recruitment of Gorkhas by the British Army and ignored that over 125,000 Nepalis have direct links to the Indian Army.
China has meanwhile acquired long-term leverage in Nepal through ZTE and Huawei, both Chinese telecom companies intimately associated with China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Huawei set up mobile telephone networks in Kathmandu and other cities, while ZTE upgraded Nepal Telecom’s nationwide mobile phone capacity. Earlier this month, Nepal agreed to enable use of China’s internet.
The network of 35 China Study Centres (CSC) strategically sited in southern Nepal along India’s border, ostensibly to popularise the Chinese language, also disseminate anti-India propaganda and reinforce traditional Chinese diplomacy. China’s propaganda offensive includes the China Radio International’s local FM radio station in Kathmandu and Nepal-China Mutual Cooperation Society (NCMCS), funded by the Chinese embassy in Nepal.
The game changer is, however, the Qinghai-Lhasa railway capable of carrying an estimated 7 million tonnes of cargo a year, augmented by an all-weather road network. Discussions to extend the railway, which has reached Zhangmu on the border with Nepal and Yadong across Sikkim, to Kathmandu and thence to Lumbini—barely 30 kilometres across the border from India—are fairly advanced. China’s new dual-use transportation network provides alternate routes to landlocked Nepal.
To create a belt of Chinese influence along Nepal’s border with Tibet, China agreed last year to provide annual subsidies totalling US$1.6 million for education, health, basic amenities and roads to residents of 15 border districts in northern Nepal. Twelve of these districts are densely populated by Himali people of Tibetan origin. Early this month the Nepal government instructed all government officials to learn Mandarin!
China’s specific strategic focus has also been on establishing a presence in Buddha’s birthplace of Lumbini. Chinese government-sponsored NGOs have unveiled plans estimated variously at between US$1 billion and US$3 billion for the redevelopment of Lumbini, including an airport and seminary-cum-monastery. Prominent Nepal politicians have been appointed office-bearers of Chinese NGOs. The international airport and railway in Lumbini will mean the long-term presence of Chinese military personnel, who will construct, operate and maintain them. The seminary has the potential to destabilise India’s vulnerable Indo-Tibetan Himalayan Border Belt. China’s plans to make Lumbini a China-dominated hub for the “Buddhist tourism circuit” of Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, Sarnath etc., will marginalise Indian businessmen and tour operators. It could lead to the “illegal” settlement of Chinese who will inevitably migrate to the Northeast.
India needs to quickly and effectively counter this expansion of Chinese influence and power and especially prevent Chinese dominance of Lumbini. Options are available, but the window of opportunity is fast closing.
Jayadeva Ranade is a former Additional Secretary in the Cabinet Secretariat, Government of India and is presently President of the Centre for China Analysis and Strategy.
http://www.sundayguardianlive.com/news/13054-china-rises-nepal-eyes-lumbini

Tamang

March 13, 2018

Dalai rejects invite
PTI and Our Special Correspondent Mar 13, 2018 00:00 IST
New Delhi: The Dalai Lama will not attend the Indian Science Congress, which opens in Manipur later this week, a conference organiser said on Monday.
The monk was one of several Nobel laureates invited as chief guests, and the organisers had earlier told The Telegraph the monk had confirmed his participation. His latest decision comes after the cancellation of an event here where he was expected.
The event, planned at Rajghat, was meant to mark his 60th year in exile in India, but was moved to Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh following a government communiqué distancing officialdom from the commemoration.
Tibetan expatriates scaled down or cancelled several other events that had been planned to mark the occasion.
Achyuta Samanta, general president of the Indian Science Congress Association, said the monk had expressed inability to attend the event. “We were also told that he had visited Manipur two months ago.”
The government has side-stepped questions on its directive to officials about shunning the Tibetan celebrations. It has officially maintained that there’s been no change in India’s position on the Dalai Lama.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/report-indian-officials-told-to-avoid-tibetan-exile-events/2018/03/02/eb3eacde-1e01-11e8-98f5-ceecfa8741b6_story.html?utm_term=.096e8585e2d3

Athar Migmar

March 15, 2018

By hosting the Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi when India-Pakistan ties are at an all-time low, Nepali Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli is telling the world that he is not afraid of India, especially after landmark trade and transit agreements were signed with China. This seems to go well with the general sentiments of the Nepali people, as Oli’s pro-China stance is wildly popular among his core constituencies.

As mentioned in the article, New Delhi must learn to accept China’s presence in the region and to work with it. As China works on building trilateral cooperation with Nepal and India, the Tibetans will have no standing. Recently, the report that the Indian government had asked senior leaders and officials not to attend events that would mark the Tibetans’ 60 years in exile, as well as the cancellation of 2 events in Delhi, are clear signs that everyone is trying to please China. The Tibetans have no more sympathizers who will continue to support them as it risks jeopardising relations with China.

Is This the End of India’s Influence Over Nepal?
As India loses its clout, the Nepali prime minister asserts his country’s independent identity.
By Biswas Baral | March 14, 2018
KATHMANDU — There is now little doubt that India has lost strategic space to China in Nepal. Some reckon the era of “special relations” between India and Nepal is nearly over as China makes steady inroads. There has been a truly breathtaking rise in Chinese influence and a corresponding fall in Indian sway in this country of nearly 30 million. The main catalyst for the sea change? The 2015-16 India-inspired blockade of the India-Nepal border, imposed, in part, owing to India’s displeasure over the new constitution Nepal had just promulgated.
As if to rub salt into India’s wounds Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli last week hosted Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, who in the process became the first foreign head of government to visit Nepal after Oli assumed office for the second time on February 15. In the words of one geopolitical commentator, Abbasi’s visit was ill-timed. With India-Pakistan ties at an all-time low, asks this commentator, “What other purpose will it [the Pakistan prime minister’s Nepal visit] serve save for antagonizing India?”
But that is not how most Nepalis see it. Oli knows that the more he tries to assert Nepal’s independent identity by distancing himself from India, the greater his popularity will be. Following the 2015-16 blockade. which brought great hardship to common people, the public pressure for closer ties with China has been steadily building, along with the demand that Nepal diversify its relations away from India, heretofore its predominant business partner. This is where Pakistan enters the picture.
By hosting his Pakistani counterpart, Oli — who crested the popularity wave as a valiant blockade-time prime minister — wanted to give a clear message that he doesn’t care what the Indians think of him. After all, his China tilt is wildly popular among his core constituencies. Moreover, the common perception is that Nepal is these days not as reliant on India as it has historically been, especially after the landmark trade and transit agreements signed with China in the wake of the blockade.
Too Little Too Late
It is true that Oli has also sought to mend his frayed ties with New Delhi following his election as prime minister. Indian Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj visited Kathmandu on February 1 after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi got a clear signal from Oli that he was ready to forget past bitterness and start anew. Earlier, when Modi called Oli to congratulate him on his re-election and invited him to visit India, Oli not only accepted the invite; he replied that he was as keen to welcome Modi to Janakpur and Muktinath, the two holy sites in Nepal Modi has long wanted to visit. The inclusion of Madhesi parties in the Oli government is expected to further ease bilateral ties. Concerns over Madhesi representation were at the core of India’s concerns over the 2015 Nepali Constitution.
There has, moreover, been progress in negotiations on the revision of old Nepal-India treaties that many Nepalis consider unequal. According to recent news reports, India is now ready to discuss regulating the open border, and even considering allowing Nepal to import arms from third countries. India had otherwise treated these issues as non-negotiable. These negotiations may again come to a naught. Nonetheless, Nepali interlocutors in these dialogues sense a definite shift in India’s stand.
But current efforts to revive India-Nepal relations may be a case of too little, too late. Oli knows that for his political longevity he cannot afford an openly hostile India. But at this late stage in his political career, those close to him say, all he cares about is leaving behind a strong legacy as a statesman. With his health failing, Oli knows time is not on his side.
He seems determined to be remembered as the Nepali leader who dared to dream of a future for Nepal independently of India. But not just that. Above all, he wants to be remembered as someone who took concrete steps to turn that old Nepali dream intoa reality. This is why even before assuming office after winning recent elections, he had vowed to expedite connectivity projects with China. To show he is serious he has newly empowered the Prime Minster’s Office to personally oversee their progress.
SAARC Attack
There are other ways Oli can help China’s cause. During Abbasi’s Nepal visit, the two prime ministers agreed on reviving the moribund South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). India has in recent times made a concerted effort to isolate Pakistan, which is why the SAARC summit planned for 2016 in Islamabad had to be postponed indefinably. Abbasi came to Kathmandu to ask for Oli’s support for a prompt holding of the summit — and on Pakistani soil. Abbasi also in a roundabout way suggested that Nepal could mediate talks between India and Pakistan.
India will not be pleased. The last time Nepal and Pakistan were seriously talking was on the eve of the 2014 SAARC summit in Kathmandu. Back then, the two countries had agreed to make China a full SAARC member, which had earned them the great ire of India. India has traditionally not taken kindly to any suggestion for third-party mediation on Kashmir, for example, or for China to play a greater role in SAARC.
India nonetheless may have no option but to accept the writing on the wall. Rather than browbeat its neighbors into following its diktat, as it tried to do with the blockade — or so most Nepalis felt — New Delhi must learn to accept China’s presence in the region and to work with it. China has always supported the idea of trilateral cooperation with Nepal and India, for example with a connecting rail link via Nepal. But India has resisted the suggestion tooth and nail.
This is not to imply that closer relations with China are unquestionably in Nepal’s interest. The political systems of the two countries are polar opposites. There is also little people-to-people engagement, even though cross-border tourism and business exchanges are growing apace. Geography too makes India Nepal’s natural development partner. It would thus be unwise to write the obituary of Indian primacy in Nepal, as some have done of late.
But the Modi government would do well to learn from its mistakes. These days in Nepal, there is no shortage of advice for India on how it can mend its errant ways, or forever lose even its reduced clout. The consensus is that only through open and unconditional engagement with small countries in the region like Nepal and Bhutan can India have a peaceful neighborhood that is conducive to its continued economic rise.
Biswas Baral is the editor of The Annapurna Express, published from Kathmandu. Follow him on Twitter: @biswasktm
https://thediplomat.com/2018/03/is-this-the-end-of-nepals-special-relationship-with-india/

ashrao

March 15, 2018

Tibetans in India go home!! Go back to Tibet! Tibetans in India go home!! Go back to Tibet! Tibetans in India go home!! Go back to Tibet! Tibetans in India go home!! Go back to Tibet! Tibetans in India go home!! Go back to Tibet!Tibetans in India go home!! Go back to Tibet! Tibetans in India go home!! Go back to Tibet! Tibetans in India go home!! Go back to Tibet! Tibetans in India go home!! Go back to Tibet! Tibetans in India go home!! Go back to Tibet!Tibetans in India go home!! Go back to Tibet! Tibetans in India go home!! Go back to Tibet! Tibetans in India go home!! Go back to Tibet! Tibetans in India go home!! Go back to Tibet! Tibetans in India go home!! Go back to Tibet!

Phuntsok Palden

March 15, 2018

Look at these real tweets, Indians are not happy with Tibetans, questioning why India must support the Dalai Lama.

Phuntsok Palden

March 15, 2018

More tweets of Indians talking about the Dalai Lama.

Phuntsok Palden

March 15, 2018

More tweets of Indians not happy with the Tibetans. One even asks the Tibetans to go back to China.

Phuntsok Palden

March 15, 2018

Indians saying Dalai Lama is anti-India and pro-China.

Phuntsok Palden

March 15, 2018

Clearly the Indians are of the opinion that Dalai Lama’s pro-China stance is hurting Indians.

Phuntsok Palden

March 15, 2018

See this tweet by Savita, this may be what many Indians are thinking right now.

WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT SHUGDEN

March 15, 2018

For years the Tibetan government in-exile has been suppressing Dorje Shugden practitioners and punishing them for practising by barring them from Tibetan hospitals, schools and communal gatherings. They have been severely segregated and pressed down and made into pariahs of society. They did this to scapegoat Shugden as the cause for them to fail in their job in getting Tibet back from China after 60 years in exile. Now the tables have turned. India is starting to change its stance toward the Dalai Lama and Tibetan leadership. The Indian government is starting to make friends with China and that means distancing themselves from the useless Tibetans. Too bad.

Now the Tibetan leadership will know what it feels like to be abandoned, abused and segregated like they did for years to Dorje Shugden practitioners. Without Indian support the Tibetan government will have less power to abuse Shugden practitioners within their communities. Finally the tables have turned against the Tibetan leadership. Now it’s time for them to humble down and shut up! They better not make further trouble. They could have had hundreds of thousands of Dorje Shugden practitioners supporting the Tibetan leadership but you alienated them with your segregation and inhumane policies of segregation and now you have less and less support. Too bad. Dorje Shugden people could have supported you all but you lost it. Too bad.

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2018 International Buddhist Conference of Dorje Shugden Followers

By: Shashi Kei

Resolutions from the First International Buddhist Conference of Dorje Shugden Followers

Point 1:

Point 2:

Point 3:

Point 4:

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Kensur Rinpoche Lobsang Phende to Give Chakrasamvara Initiation and Commentary in April 2023

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Der Dalai Lama Gibt Zu Dass Er Sich In Bezug Auf Dorje Shugden Geirrt Hat

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2018 International Buddhist Conference of Dorje Shugden Followers

By: Shashi Kei

Resolutions from the First International Buddhist Conference of Dorje Shugden Followers

Point 1:

Point 2:

Point 3:

Point 4:

Images from This Auspicious Occasion

Media Coverage of This Auspicious Occasion

Share this article

Latest from this Category

Kensur Rinpoche Lobsang Phende to Give Chakrasamvara Initiation and Commentary in April 2023

Grand Prayer Festival to celebrate 25 years of the Dorje Shugden Society

Der Dalai Lama Gibt Zu Dass Er Sich In Bezug Auf Dorje Shugden Geirrt Hat

Share this article

Appreciation Letters

Popular Today

News in Pictures

On the Forums

Sign up for our mailing list.

Dorje ShugdenThe Illustrated Story

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Contemplate This

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Dorje Shugden
The Illustrated Story