Tibetan leadership organizes violence

A poster in Sera Monastery clearly bans Dorje Shugden practitioners from entering their premises. Religious freedom is conspicuously absent here.

For the last 18 years, the Tibetan leadership has orchestrated and sustained a violent campaign against Dorje Shugden practitioners. Contrary to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s teachings on compassion and acceptance, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) have continued to deceive the world at large over their activities. On the one hand the CTA courts Western donors, raising vast amounts of sponsorship to fund their administration. With the other hand, the CTA suppresses religious freedoms within their communities, by encouraging their people to react violently against Dorje Shugden practitioners.

After the recent Dorje Shugden protests which followed His Holiness throughout the United States, many anti-Shugden supporters have since gone on the record stating that they do not know what the protests are about because the Tibetan leadership have never banned the practice of Dorje Shugden. They claim that religious freedom is well and alive within the Tibetan communities. We at DorjeShugden.com very much beg to differ, for we have heard of many events and witnessed too many occasions when Dorje Shugden practitioners have been physically and emotionally abused and discriminated against because of their beliefs.

A recently published video caught our attention as it captures perfectly how Dorje Shugden practitioners have lived in fear for the last 18 years. Where the Tibetan leadership and their supporters have consistently and violently discriminated against Dorje Shugden practitioners, the practitioners have not retaliated in any way whatsoever. Instead, they have continued with their peaceful, unwavering reliance on their lineage masters and the Dharma teachings they have received. Filmed in 2000, the video shows 3,000 lay and ordained Tibetans descending upon Gaden Shartse Monastery in South India to riot against a particular group of monks’ practice of Dorje Shugden.

Their targeted group was the 600 monks of Dokhang Khangtsen. A khangtsen is a kind of fraternity house established within a monastery, to make the administrative duties of the monastery more efficient. This particular khangtsen of Gaden Shartse Monastery took care of monks from the Dokhang region in Tibet, and one of their main practices was Dorje Shugden.

Some of the monks of Dokhang Khangtsen standing in their compound. In the background you can see the gate leading into the khangtsen’s compound. Just beyond the gate was where the riot took place, and where Indian police had to stand guard to protect the monks.

The organisers of such a violent riot were none other than the local Tibetan representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who incited the Tibetan villagers to take part. As they hide behind a mask of democracy and civility, it is sad their agenda against Dorje Shugden had led the Tibetan leadership to divide an otherwise peaceful community in such a way that in-fighting between monks is now commonplace, and lay people feel it their right to disrespect those who are ordained. Furthermore, the Tibetan leadership claims ignorance of such events, stating they have never implemented a ban. Their double-edged words however, continue to incite the Tibetan people to react in such a violent manner and this was noted by none other than Time Magazine when they wrote,

The problem is that in Tibet most people shun those whom they think the Dalai Lama wants them to shun.

- TIME Magazine (July 18, 2008)

If the Dalai Lama really was a man of peace and non-violence, would he not ask his followers to stop their violent actions toward Shugden practitioners? Would he not ask his own people to stop causing bloodshed against their own brothers and sisters? Instead of asking his followers to stop the religious persecution of Shugden practitioners, the Dalai Lama says,

There will be no change in my stand. I will never revoke the ban. You are right. It will be like the Cultural Revolution. If those who do not accept the ban do not listen to my words, the situation will grow worse for them. You sit and watch. It will grow only worse for them.

- The 14th Dalai Lama to Gen Chonze of Trijang Labrang (Gaden Shartse Monastery, South India, January 1999)

Note that these words were spoken by the Dalai Lama to the same Gen Chonze who was recently attacked at Trijang Labrang by five masked men in the early hours of December 27, 2013. A gentle monk who has served both the previous and current Trijang Rinpoches, Gen Chonze had humbly requested the Dalai Lama to lift the ban. He felt that it was creating an atmosphere in the monastery similar to that in Tibet during the Cultural Revolution – that is, a feeling of being oppressed by a greater power through the institutionalized enforcement of an unjust ruling.

How do you view these strong words by the Dalai Lama, spoken to a 69 year old monk who had done nothing but practised the Dharma for his entire life? Would you not consider this a threat for further action to be taken against you, if you object to or do not comply with the ban? It is the first time ever in the history of Buddhism that a Buddhist nation has instigated and carried out such violent actions against their own people. From all angles, this ban by the Tibetan leadership has violated and broken every human rights law and code of ethics possible.

The uncanny coincidence of such harsh words being spoken to Gen Chonze, and the recent attack on his person, also gives us pause to consider the motives behind the attack. Is it possible that being such a prominent member of the monastic community, that Gen Chonze has further knowledge of the ban, its background and its origins? After all, the Dalai Lama felt Gen Chonze important enough to speak such significant words to him. It t would not surprise us that Gen Chonze knows much more information with the potential to publicly embarrass the Dalai Lama.

Below we present to you further evidence of a huge contradiction by the CTA claiming there is “no ban”, “no violence” and “no one has been hurt”. We ask every reader, researcher and investigator to look carefully at this video and decide for your own self whether or not there is a ban:

What you need to know

• The riot took place on September 10, 2000 in front of Dokhang Khangtsen, Gaden Shartse Monastery (in South India).
• Approximately 3,000 monks, nuns and lay Tibetans were involved. The monks and nuns came from the surrounding local monasteries, namely Gaden Jangtse Monastery, Drepung Gomang Monastery, and the local nunneries.
• The organizers brought stones and bricks, and even arranged for an ambulance from the local hospital, anticipating provoked casualties.
• The protest was organized by the local representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He said he had received a directive from Dharamsala (the base of the Tibetan leadership, located in North India) to protest against Dholgyal (their derogatory name for Dorje Shugden).
• Fully ordained monks from Gaden Jangtse and Drepung Gomang Monasteries, and nuns from the local nunneries, were seen throwing rocks and bricks at the monks inside the prayer hall (at 2:58, 3:16 and 3:38 in the video above).
• Lay Tibetan women issued the most vulgar, degrading insult possible in Tibetan society – they flapped their aprons, cursing the monks as is the traditional manner in which a Tibetan woman would do so (at 1:37 in the video above).

At 1:37 in the video, the married women flap their aprons at the Shugden monks to curse them and send them bad luck.

• The Indian police stood guard with riot shields and batons to protect the Dokhang Khangtsen monks (at 3:56 in the video above), who were inside their prayer hall peacefully doing Dorje Shugden prayers (at 4:23 in the video above). The police kept the rioters back, because they threatened to burn down the prayer hall should they gain access into the compound.
• In their frenzy, the mob assaulted the police who ended up firing two warning shots into the air and spraying teargas to disperse the crowd.
• As a result of events, a 48-hour curfew was imposed on the local Tibetan settlements.

In the face of such overwhelming evidence, it would be simply ludicrous to claim that there is no ban and that Dorje Shugden practitioners are not subjected to ongoing violent physical and emotional attacks by non-Shugden practitioners. It is also equally ludicrous that so many signs can escape the attention of the Tibetan leadership who continue to claim ignorance of such a ban. We invite you to review the evidence below, to judge for yourself whether there exists a ban and a consistent, sustained attack on religious freedoms within the Tibetan community against Dorje Shugden practitioners.

It is a rule and unspoken law that no one in the Tibetan communities may protest or disagree with any of the Dalai Lama’s policies. You may not protest or ask for change for that is tantamount to treason because there is no democracy within CTA. Tibetan scholars, masters and teachers have requested the Tibetan leadership to have dialogue regarding the ban as well as removing its unconstitutional bias, but there have been no replies whatsoever. To the West the Tibetan leadership portrays themselves as fair, just and open to dialogue, but that is just for financial support that they must appear that way. In reality as you can see in the video, any dissension is violently put down. Remember, this video was taken in Gaden Monastery (South India), perpetrated by Tibetans against Dorje Shugden-practicing Tibetans. Tibetans and many Westerners have taken the protests to Western countries (for example, most recently in Washington, D.C.) and the protests will continue. Dorje Shugden practitioners will achieve freedom to practice and equality.

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ID Cards and Registration Forms Issued by Various Tibetan Authorities and Monasteries

Below each image is a translation of the Tibetan text. The fact these ID cards, registration forms and signs exist prove that there is a ban which is enforced and there is no religious freedom within the Tibetan communities. If there was no ban, then such ID cards, forms and signs would not be necessary.

Sera Mey and Sera Jey Monastery

Location: Bylakuppe, South India
Number of monks: Over 3,000
Website: http://serameymonastery.org/ and http://www.serajeymonastery.org/

Sera Thekchenling Lachi Cultural Society. I, voluntarily took Oath and promised NOT to propitiate Dorjee Shugden and NOT to have any associate with the followers of Shugden. We do here by certify the holder of this identity card is bonafide monk of this Monastic University, all assistance and every consideration offered to the bearer would be most appreciated.
Approved by Jey Abbot
Issued by Administrator
Approved by Mey Abbot

Sera Mey Monastery’s Library

Location: Bylakuppe, South India
Number of monks: Over 1,500
Website: http://serameymonastery.org/

MOST IMPORTANT AND PERSISTENT ANNOUNCEMENT. Only those who have already sworn and taken oath (of not sharing spiritual and material relationship with Shugden devotees) are welcomed in any department under this administration. Sera Mey Library (August 31, 2008)

Drepung Loseling Monastery’s Clinic

Location: Karnataka, South India
Number of monks: Over 2,500
Website: http://www.loselingmonastery.org/

IMPORTANT NOTICE. The devotees of Shugden and those who have contact with Shugden worshipers, whoever you are, please remember not to come here in Loseling dispensary. The Administrative office of Loseling Dispensary

Gaden Shartse (Gashar) Monastery

Location: Mundgod, South India
Number of monks: Over 1,000
Website: http://www.gadenshartse.net/

To the honorable aristocrat, the leader of the people,
Those who affiliated here have been voluntarily taking up the words and intention of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and they have no connection with Dholgyal (Dorje Shugden). As this is the fact, we appreciate if you could kindly extend support to felicitate his wishes.
The signature that he has no connection with Dholgyal……….
The signature of Geshe Dakpa Samdup, the abbot of Gashar Norling monastery
Date Month, Year,
With the abbot’s signature and his letter head.

Gaden Shartse (Gashar) Monastery

Location: Mundgod, South India
Number of monks: Over 1,000
Website: http://www.gadenshartse.net/

To the head of Tibetan settlement, Tibetan government in exile,
The name of the student ……….
Freedom Book No……….
Refugee Certificate No……….
For the preliminary certificate which enable him to travel abroad, he has the Yellow Book and refugee certificate, and he has no connection with Dholgyal (Shugden). As such, we humbly request Regional Tibetan office, Kashag (Tibetan Cabinet) and Delhi bureau office to kindly issue the supporting letters in order to get the certificates relating to traveling abroad as soon as possible.
Gashar Norling Monastery

Gaden Jangtse Monastery

Location: Mundgod, South India
Number of monks: Over 1,500
Website: http://www.gadenjangtse.com/

Before issuing the Identity Card the resident monk has to fill up the necessary Forms and to sign stating that I am Not a Practitioner of Dorjee Shugden. If resident monk who does not agree to sign the form, The Monastery will not issue Identity Card to him what-so-ever.

The Institute of Buddhist Mahayana Sutra and Tantra

Location: Karnataka, South India

From the Institute of Buddhist Mahayana Sutra and Tantra: I swear on the name of His Holiness and glorious Maxor Gyalmo (Protectress Palden Lhamo) to never venerate and worship Dolgyal and to never have any relation on material and other levels with those who worship Dolgyal.
******
I, who is called …(name)…, vow that from now on, forever, at any time, that I will never venerate and worship Dolgyal. And regarding the type of people who venerate and worship Dolgyal, I vow never to share or experience any religious or material goods with them. In the name of the three jewels I express the clean oath of promising to do that.

Local Tibetan Settlement (Lama Camp No. 5)

Location: Bylakuppe, South India
Population: Over 1,700

For administrative purposes, the Tibetan refugees were settled in numerically-named camps (e.g. Camp No 1, Camp No 2). Imagine living surrounded by an entire population who has sworn an oath to actively discriminate against your religious beliefs.

All the people of Mundgod Tibetan Village No 5 never practice Dogyal and have taken the oath. My name ………. from now, from my side, never worship Dogyal, am taking this oath generally in front of the Three Jewels and especially Mahakali.
Wednesday afternoon 19 March 2008
At 3 o’clock

Signs From Around the World Banning Shugden Practitioners

At a shop in Mundgod, South India (the location of Gaden Shartse and Gaden Jangtse Monastery), a sign on the window clearly states that Dorje Shugden practitioners are denied service. This is reminiscent of America before the civil rights movement and is certainly not the sign of a successful democracy.

Dorje Shugden practitioners are excluded from a Gelug monastery in Sarnath, North India.

A close-up of the sign outside the monastery in Sarnath, North India.

At the Drepung Loseling clinic in Karnataka, South India, Dorje Shugden practitioners are not allowed to receive / access medical treatment. Aside from being un-Buddhist through its lack of compassion, this sign is a clear contradiction of the Hippocratic Oath all doctors take to provide medical treatment freely and ethically.

In the Tibetan communities, any and every opportunity is taken to remind Dorje Shugden practitioners that they are not welcome.

When the Dalai Lama was due to give teachings throughout Southeast Asia, the organizers saw it fit to discriminate against Dorje Shugden practitioners using the event registration form. What kind of impression would this give to those new to Buddhism, and unaware of the Shugden issue? A positive one of the faith, or confusion over how religious discrimination can coexist alongside teachings on compassion?

I hereby declare and categorically state that I am not a Dorje Shugden practitioner and am not in circumstances associated or affiliated in whatever manner with such practice and/or organization.

A sign at a temple in Singapore stating “In accordance with the wishes of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, we in ………. under the guidance of ………. DO NOT ENGAGE IN THE WORSHIP AND PRACTICE OF DORJE SHUGDEN. We do not support the propitiation of this spirit and also encourage all practitioners to abide by this instruction.” The temple is very clear about who issued the instructions for the ban.