Comments on: Validity of Oracles

By: Camillia

Camillia — Tue, 23 May 2017 05:20:20 +0000

The personal fallout between NKT and Choyang Duldzin Kuten, who is also Geshe-la’s uncle lend strength to the already unduly perception towards renowned Lamas and the authenticity of the lineage. It is very similar to how Dalai Lama suddenly came to ban Dorje Shugden. If a high Lama who had been relying on the divinity of the Oracle or a particular Deity could suddenly stop doing so, and imposed a change of policy on his followers, it is a clear sign to EVERYONE that high Lamas act out of their whim and fancy. How can a deity or an oracle who were deemed as beneficial and divine suddenly became otherwise? Are there other practice or teachings of other deities or divine beings whom will be later on be denounced?

While we do not understand why high Lamas act the way they are, it is better that we hold true to our lineage and our Guru, to never breaks the Samaya with our Guru as it is the basis of our attainment. And we shall always refrain ourselves from getting involved in the politics of things if we are serious in our spiritual practice. Politics and religion do not mix.

By: Dahram

Dahram — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 07:40:52 +0000

The fall out between the uncle and nephew is a family matter. But it was not kept in the family. But when so many have relationships with both uncle and nephew, it affected many.

People would like to understand what happened for perhaps closure.

By: Damchen

Damchen — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 07:34:40 +0000

Geshe Kelsang did have a fall out with his Uncle Kuten Lama. As Geshe Kelsang had a fallout with Lama Yeshe many decades ago and hence they split although Lama Yeshe is the one who invited Geshe Kelsang originally.

The fallout was concerning Geshe Kelsang openly criticizing the Dalai Lama which Kuten Lama did not agree.

Kuten Lama advised Geshe Kelsang to respect Dalai Lama or it can incur much negative press for NKT. Geshe Kelsang didn’t agree.

Kuten Lama was extremely upset and did not want to speak to Geshe Kelsang anymore nor travel to England. Hence they never spoke again nor wrote. This was Kuten Lama’s own account.

By: GR

GR — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 07:32:42 +0000

Speaking to a few people who were close to Geshe Kelsang at these times, they have said that it was Geshe-las students who invited Kuten Lama over to England, just as they did with a few other Lamas. I heard a story about some people talking in the Kitchen at Manjushri Centre, saying that maybe they should ask Kuten Lama to teach on relying upon a Spiritual Guide, one of the Nuns turned around and said that maybe they should ask their spiritual guide. The person who told me this said that people were getting quite into asking Kuten Lama about things and not relying upon their spritual guide.
Also my understanding is that the sittuation for Kuten Lama in india was getting increasingly dangerous due to his association with Geshe Kelsang, hence the fact that his ties with the NKT were cut, and this is probably why the story back at the tibetan settlements is that Geshe Kelsang and Kuten Lama had a fall out.

By: kurava

kurava — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 08:19:01 +0000

IE’s sharing on NKT’s policies in respect of oracle certainly helps to clear the air. Another reason could be as GKG has made a complete break from the Tibetan Buddhist establishments, when GKG passes on there might not be any available support from Tibetan monasteries to ensure pure practice of oracle is being carried out in NKT. Thus to avoid abuse, it’s best to rely totally on the precious texts composed by the venerable GKG.

A friend from NKT had shared that GKG even instructed his close students not bother to look for his next incarnation when he passed on as the Tulku system is alien to the Western Buddhists. Apparently, GKG told his students that it’s best to leave it to his next incarnation to find his own way back to the Buddhist community and prove himself based on his own spiritual attainments.

By: IE

IE — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:10:37 +0000

I found the following NKT Guide, which I understand is the last advise from Geshe-la being printed and published until now:

“16§2. To prevent Dharma being used for political aims or worldly achievement, no NKT-IKBU Dharma Centre shall follow any tradition of recognising and relying upon oracles, or follow any system of divination.”

My understanding is:

1. It is clear and evident that oracles and so forth have also been used for politics and worldly achievements. This is a fact.

2. Such situation has contributed for Dharma practice to degenerate in those cases.

3. The Guide’s aim is to prevent the Dharma practice in NKT’s Dharma Centres to degenerate by using oracles and so forth for such purposes.

Therefore, I think Geshe-la’s advise is correct. It is NOT mistaken.

Moreover:

4. In this degenerated times, in particular in the West, our predominant tendency is to pursue worldly attainments only… therefore, any practical advise that helps us to prevent our Dharma practice to degenerate is indispensable, essential or absolutely necessary.

Therefore, I think Geshe-la’s advise is indispensable for his disciples.

Other matters such as clairvoyance, miracle powers, wisdom and commitments beings, oracles, etc. are covered in Geshe-la’s Dharma books.

My guess is that oracles might be valid but the point in Geshe-la’s advise is to address what is best for his disciples’ Dharma practice at this point in time.

Finally, how the relationship with his uncle evolved… perhaps they are the only ones that know what actually happened and would remain a family matter, between them. I respect this.

I hope these comments contribute to meaningful debates that increase our faith in our Guru and Three Jewels.

Best regards,

By: TK

TK — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 11:40:11 +0000

Dear Admin,

THAT WAS SUPER FAST!! I JUST POSTED AROUND HALF HOUR AGO. YOU GUYS ARE REALLY ALERT.

I’M HUMBLED YOU PUT MY WRITE UP HERE. I HOPE IT CAN BENEFIT MANY.