dorjeshugden.com
About Dorje Shugden => General Discussion => Topic started by: Ensapa on January 11, 2012, 03:42:58 AM
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I just realized that if it was not for the Dalai Lama there is no way we would ever gain exposure to Tibetan Buddhism, and there will be no way that we would even have heard of Dorje Shugden or made any connection with him. So why are we hating Dalai Lama for the ban? I know it is painful to see the effects but without him Dorje Shugden's practice cannot spread as well. It is also because of the ban that many curious people investigated Dorje Shugden and many of them took up his practice. I know because I am one.
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I practice Dorje Shugden. At the begining i feel sad why HHDL Ban our protector. And I read all the infomation from the website. I also notice a lot of the Monk ( who practice Dorje Shugden ) , they are not hate HHDL, they just dont understand why he Ban !
In their heart still have a deep respect to HHDL .
Yes may be we dont understand . But we can see , and learn from the monk ! We practice Buddhism, we dont practice hates ! Always put all the problem as our guru !
When we go thru it always we can understand !!
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I just realized that if it was not for the Dalai Lama there is no way we would ever gain exposure to Tibetan Buddhism, and there will be no way that we would even have heard of Dorje Shugden or made any connection with him. So why are we hating Dalai Lama for the ban? I know it is painful to see the effects but without him Dorje Shugden's practice cannot spread as well. It is also because of the ban that many curious people investigated Dorje Shugden and many of them took up his practice. I know because I am one.
What you say is true but people are not exposed to that. All they see is a spiritual and temporal leader being extremely unfair to his own people. They see people being ostracized, they see monks being beaten and the horrendous strife that occur as a result of the ban. If you hear the cries and tears of the old helpless monks who have no place in their own society, it is really hard not to feel angry.
I like this forum and website because it allows us to examine the ban and its result impartially and presents a view in which hate is not an option but understanding and doing something as a result of this understanding. I just love that. I also believe many of people within the Tibetan community suffering from the ban is reading and watching every news. They find solace and peace with the views presented here.
Anyway, it is in line with the true spirit of Buddhism to love and not hate.
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I just realized that if it was not for the Dalai Lama there is no way we would ever gain exposure to Tibetan Buddhism, and there will be no way that we would even have heard of Dorje Shugden or made any connection with him. So why are we hating Dalai Lama for the ban? I know it is painful to see the effects but without him Dorje Shugden's practice cannot spread as well. It is also because of the ban that many curious people investigated Dorje Shugden and many of them took up his practice. I know because I am one.
What you say is true but people are not exposed to that. All they see is a spiritual and temporal leader being extremely unfair to his own people. They see people being ostracized, they see monks being beaten and the horrendous strife that occur as a result of the ban. If you hear the cries and tears of the old helpless monks who have no place in their own society, it is really hard not to feel angry.
I like this forum and website because it allows us to examine the ban and its result impartially and presents a view in which hate is not an option but understanding and doing something as a result of this understanding. I just love that. I also believe many of people within the Tibetan community suffering from the ban is reading and watching every news. They find solace and peace with the views presented here.
Anyway, it is in line with the true spirit of Buddhism to love and not hate.
To add, it also gives, like you say, an outlet for much needed information to "counter" the negative and often baseless and sometimes downright ridiculous comments or accusations against Dorje Shugden. This website is an incredible tool, an epitome of the wheel of Dharma where it is a source of information, education and insight which is non biased and based on the truth backed up with facts. Kudos to the website for giving us such hope and from the activity and benefits it has evidently provided, I know this is the right path or way!
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The Dalai Lama is the ultimate poster boy for Tibetan Buddhism to the world and on top of that he is a Nobel Peace Prize winner. He has made Buddhism famous and spread the Dharma worldwide. Weherever he goes, there is a huge following. We should be thankful for what he has done and still doing.
With the ban that the Dalai Lama has imposed, he has invoked the curiosity of others to find out more about Dorje Shugden and its practices. No doubt there were a lot of pain involved for the practitioners and the monks where they have to choose and swear in on lineage practices passed down to them. In fact, the ban has made the practitioners stronger and more determined to spread Dorje Shugden far and wide.
Sooner or later we will understand why he is doing what he is doing. We should be patient and continue to practice compassion for all. After all, the Dalai Lama is Chenrezig and he can't be wrong.
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We must never have anger towards Avalokiteshvara, the Dalai Lama he was the main person who made Buddhism famous in the world. Who else can command so much attention and a following?
Another reason is if we hate the Dalai Lama we are shutting our door towards enlightenment! How can Buddha be enlightened if he even dislike one person in the universe? It is very cliche' but what does not kill you will make you stronger. I do have faith one day the Dorje Shugden practitioner and the non practitioner wil one day join hands again
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As a Dorje Shugden practitioner, I do not hate HHDL but have deep respect and admiration for him. Without HHDL banning and creating such a huge controversy of Dorje Shugden, I would not have the privilege to know who is Dorje Shugden. It is from the website that I learn and know the truth. I feel that the reason why some hated HHDL is because they do not understand or was misinformed of the real issue.
HHDL is revered around the world for his compassion and forgiveness. He even forgave the Chinese who have killed many Tibetans and destroyed so many Tibetan temples, so how can we hate him?
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I practice Dorje Shugden. At the begining i feel sad why HHDL Ban our protector. And I read all the infomation from the website. I also notice a lot of the Monk ( who practice Dorje Shugden ) , they are not hate HHDL, they just dont understand why he Ban !
In their heart still have a deep respect to HHDL .
Yes may be we dont understand . But we can see , and learn from the monk ! We practice Buddhism, we dont practice hates ! Always put all the problem as our guru !
When we go thru it always we can understand !!
You are right vegeing, the DS monks do not hate the Dalai Lama, they just dont understand why the ban has to be in place. I was told by one of my friends that there are even Dalai Lama pictures on the altars of the monks in Shar Gaden, that shows that these monks still respect the Dalai Lama and they have no hatred or whatsoever towards the DL.
I pray and dedicate all the merits that the ban would be lifted very soon so that these sincere monks would be able to practice freely and without discrimination and much suffering. After all, the DS monks only want to practise what their gurus have passed on to them, they are not into any politics.
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Yes, indeed it is very sad to hear the sufferings of the monks because of the ban.
As such, please remind ourselves that, we are practicing Dorje Shugden at the expense of the monk's suffering, and if the sufferings is inevitable at this stage, we should do our best to spread the teachings so that their sufferings do not go in vain.
At the same time, we need to tirelessly do what is necessary to lift the ban soon!!
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We as a Buddhist, if we are a real Buddhist, we understand karma. We understand cause and effect.
We know how to practice compassion. We practice skillful means.
In this case, if we hate the Dalai Lama, we create more negative karma that leads to more conflicts and suffering. If we accpet it with an open heart and using a skillful-means-way to deal with it, we don't create bad karma. We create a cause to make peace and show to the world that Dorje Shugden or the practitioner of Dorje Shugden is not evil but good and compassion!
If we hold on the hatred, we will never create peace. With hatred(no peace in our mind), how could we create the cause to lift the ban? (lifting the ban is a peace action)
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I have always like HHDL, it was because of him, I found Tibetan Buddhism, I found my Guru. People relate him to Buddhism, he alone has planted so many Dharma seeds all around the world. I am also aware of the DS controversy, but it did not make me hate him. I still think he is a very compassionate person. The I found this website, so much information is made available to me and it reaffirms to me that HHDL is extremely compassionate.
He is willing to sacrifice his personal reputation to spread Dharma in China, to billions of people. What he has achieved is far more than the 'harm' he created.
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I have always like HHDL, it was because of him, I found Tibetan Buddhism, I found my Guru. People relate him to Buddhism, he alone has planted so many Dharma seeds all around the world. I am also aware of the DS controversy, but it did not make me hate him. I still think he is a very compassionate person. The I found this website, so much information is made available to me and it reaffirms to me that HHDL is extremely compassionate.
He is willing to sacrifice his personal reputation to spread Dharma in China, to billions of people. What he has achieved is far more than the 'harm' he created.
It is not just his reputation but the negative karma incurred from having monks mistreated because of the ban is all absorbed by the Dalai Lama. And if what HHDL did was done with malicious intent, the amount of negative karma from that would show by now. So many statues were destroyed in his name and so many holy and senior monks were kicked out from the monasteries in his name as well. If nothing is coming to him it does mean something dosent it?
When Dorje Shugden took trance he did ask everyone to serve the Dalai Lama. Do we go against our Dharma protector because we got too emotional? I dont think we should. I choose to follow my protectors advice to still love, respect and serve the Dalai Lama while doing the protector's practice.
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I was told that in Shar Gaden there are many pictures of His Holiness throughout the monastery.
Most won't be able to explain why the Dalai Lama implemented the ban, but one thing is for sure, nobody holds on to the grudge and all have deep respect for His Holiness, he is Chenrezig after all! And he must have a pretty good reason for the ban!
I do find it extremely relevant that we find picture of His Holiness in Shar Gaden.
In fact, it makes me cry of joy.
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I just realized that if it was not for the Dalai Lama there is no way we would ever gain exposure to Tibetan Buddhism, and there will be no way that we would even have heard of Dorje Shugden or made any connection with him. So why are we hating Dalai Lama for the ban? I know it is painful to see the effects but without him Dorje Shugden's practice cannot spread as well. It is also because of the ban that many curious people investigated Dorje Shugden and many of them took up his practice. I know because I am one.
Dear Ensapa,
I think that what you say may be true for some, but not everyone. The Dalai Lama is not the head of any tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. I met Buddhism through my kind root Guru Geshe Kelsang Gyatso and have never even read a book by the Dalai Lama, so he's not important from my point of view. In fact, the only connection in which I heard about the Dalai Lama was first in 1996, a couple of years after I met Dharma when my then Teacher told me about the ban on Dorje Shugden! I was incredulous that someone could go against their Guru and their lineage. It's still really hard to believe it's happening.
Everything I learned about Dorje Shugden came from my Guru and his teachings.
I don't hate the Dalai Lama, he's simply wrong and misguided. I feel sorry for him that he has created the karma of causing a schism in the Sangha. But then, conversely we must be very careful not to go to the other extreme of simply believing whatever he says because of his title and reputation.
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I was told that in Shar Gaden there are many pictures of His Holiness throughout the monastery.
Most won't be able to explain why the Dalai Lama implemented the ban, but one thing is for sure, nobody holds on to the grudge and all have deep respect for His Holiness, he is Chenrezig after all! And he must have a pretty good reason for the ban!
I do find it extremely relevant that we find picture of His Holiness in Shar Gaden.
In fact, it makes me cry of joy.
Ive not seen one photo of him so far in Shar Gaden only the picture of the previous Panchen Lama not the Dalai lama.
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Ive not seen one photo of him so far in Shar Gaden only the picture of the previous Panchen Lama not the Dalai lama.
This is a picture taken of the altar at Trijang Ladrang in Shar Gaden. It has a picture of the young Dalai Lama on the top left corner. Also there are pictures of other lineage gurus.
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This is in Trijang Ladrang I doubt the main hall would have any of him. :)
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There seems to be a continuous campaign going on by pro-Dalai Lama Shugden supporters to brand those who are critical of the dalai lama as people who are filled with hate. The people I have met who were at the demonstrations all were insisting on the fact that they were all asked to have a compassionate motivation before and during the demonstrations and to not get angry. I have met quite a few people in the NKT and other Shugden traditions, I believe the vast majority of them, if not all, understand that anger is a root delusion and sincerely wish to be free from anger, but also believe that in some cases strong language must be used to be heard.
Whether others like this or not, or whether this approach is skillful or wields results or not , time will tell. But it is quite unfair to keep implying that those who criticize the dalai lama do so out of hate or anger.
Vajra
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There seems to be a continuous campaign going on by pro-Dalai Lama Shugden supporters to brand those who are critical of the dalai lama as people who are filled with hate. The people I have met who were at the demonstrations all were insisting on the fact that they were all asked to have a compassionate motivation before and during the demonstrations and to not get angry. I have met quite a few people in the NKT and other Shugden traditions, I believe the vast majority of them, if not all, understand that anger is a root delusion and sincerely wish to be free from anger, but also believe that in some cases strong language must be used to be heard.
Whether others like this or not, or whether this approach is skillful or wields results or not , time will tell. But it is quite unfair to keep implying that those who criticize the dalai lama do so out of hate or anger.
Vajra
What I really dont understand is this: Dorje Shugden himself told all of his practitioners to respect the Dalai Lama during trance. And these people are going against the Dalai Lama, but pray to Shugden. Why pray to Shugden when you dont even follow his advice/vision/intention?
I totally do not understand.
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"Those people" follow the advice of their Spiritual Guide and not of an oracle who is not their Spiritual Guide.
Vajra
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What I really dont understand is this: Dorje Shugden himself told all of his practitioners to respect the Dalai Lama during trance.
Of course we should respect every living being, so Dorje Shugden's advice completely accords with lamrim, but where did Dorje Shugden say we should regard the Dalai Lama as Avalokiteshvara, as many Tibetan Buddhists seem to do? Many high Lamas of the Gelugpa and Sakya traditions have said that Dorje Shugden is Avalokiteshvara - which reliable source is saying that the Dalai Lama is?
In reality, the idea that the Dalai Lama is Avalokiteshvara comes from the 5th Dalai Lama building the Potala Palace to further his own religious and political status. People naturally assumed that if the Dalai Lama was living in the Potala palace, then he must be Avalokiteshvara. This is all clearly explained in A Great Deception
Regardless of whether or not the Dalai Lama is a Buddha, if someone in a high position within a Buddhist tradition shows a bad example or gives spiritually damaging advice, or gives advice or shows and example not in keeping with the teachings, it's not wrong to point this out, especially when that example and actions have the potential to cause the degeneration of Buddha's teachings in this world.
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from http://dorjeshugdentruth.wordpress.com/ (http://dorjeshugdentruth.wordpress.com/)
Many people regard the Dalai Lama as the living embodiment of Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Compassion, but as Geshe Kelsang Gyatso said in an interview in Tricycle magazine in 1998:
"If he is an incarnation of Avalokiteshvara why he is causing so many people suffering? Why is he causing the spiritual life of so many people to be destroyed? Now there is big confusion. Since His Holiness the Dalai Lama removed Shugden statues from Gelugpa monasteries and temples and claimed that Shugden is a worldly, harmful spirit, people throughout the Buddhist world have begun to have doubts about the general dharma of the Gelugpa tradition, and in particular the dharma of Je Pabongka and Trijang Rinpoche. Now you can see the belief pervading everywhere that these lamas and their tradition are invalid and impure. How can His Holiness the Dalai Lama do this, unless he thinks that the dharma taught by Trijang Rinpoche is not the real dharma? What he is doing now is putting great effort to destroy the Dharma taught by his own spiritual guide. This is a very horrible example, because every Buddhist practitioner believes that relying on the spiritual guide is the root of the path and the very essence of the practice. He is showing that the lama or spiritual guide doesn’t matter. How can Avalokiteshvara do this?"
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Hate? Who's hating anyone in this forum? :) This is a hate-free forum which is what I love about.
People hate HHDL for many reasons...which have already been shared by other forum participants.
Guess what? The problem is not HHDL. When HHDL passes on (with no disrespect intended) these people will most probably have another target to vent their frustrations, anger, disappointments, hatred at. It never ends for people who have decided to go down this path. Forgive me if I am over generalizing. There's always exceptions and I will be very happy to be proven wrong.
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"Those people" follow the advice of their Spiritual Guide and not of an oracle who is not their Spiritual Guide.
Vajra
That is so funny and ridiculous. How can you say I want to practice Dorje Shugden but dont want to carry out his instructions and will? The other question is, why would the spiritual guide not listen to the Dharmapala that he trusts? That is contradictory. Why would people want to do something like this? If they do this then what is the use of reciting Dorje Shugden's prayers on one hand, and using his name to justify rallies and demonstrations on the other?
If I really love my Dharma protector, i would find out all about him and the carry out his vision and goals, and definitely will not use his name to do negative things.
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The Spiritual Guide will always be more important for sincere Dharma practitioners than an oracle. Reliance on the Spiritual Guide is the root of the path, source of all Dharma realizations. Reliance on an oracle is not mentioned in the Lamrim as the root of the path.
Vajra
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PS I know many people who see their living Spiritual Guide as being the great king Dorje Shugden himself. So for them there is no need to look further for advice on their spiritual path etc.. For them there is no need (they don't feel the need) for oracles. If others want to rely on oracles, even to the point of putting the oracle above their Spiritual Guide that is their own free choice. But I just want to point out that there is no mention of reliance on oracles in the Lamrim and a lot of mention on reliance on the Guru.
Vajra
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Ensapa, I don't call your views ridiculous. I thought it was the policy of this website to promote and value harmony, calling views that differ from your own ridiculous, is that in line with that policy ?
Even if we don't agree we can still be civilized about it and have the humility that in the end , only a Buddha will know exactly what is going on. When we become an enlightened being then we will know for sure what was happening in this DL-DS situation. Until then we can follow who we want, our Spiritual Guide, an oracle, the two..
And I feel it is maybe a bit unfair that you tell me that I or people who have a different view on the dalai lama as yours, do not want to follow the instructions and will of Dorje Shugden.
vajra
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I agree.
I think it is healthy to have some mixed views on much of this. The group of people running this website all have the same views, and that is fine, but it is not the only view. Please allow for others to express their views without always trying to infer that those who do not have your view are ignorant or do not understand the Dharma.
Thank you. You may find that if you allow for other views, we can all learn a bit more.
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"Those people" follow the advice of their Spiritual Guide and not of an oracle who is not their Spiritual Guide.
Vajra
That is so funny and ridiculous. How can you say I want to practice Dorje Shugden but dont want to carry out his instructions and will? The other question is, why would the spiritual guide not listen to the Dharmapala that he trusts? That is contradictory. Why would people want to do something like this? If they do this then what is the use of reciting Dorje Shugden's prayers on one hand, and using his name to justify rallies and demonstrations on the other?
If I really love my Dharma protector, i would find out all about him and the carry out his vision and goals, and definitely will not use his name to do negative things.
As said practitoners rely primarily on the advise of their spiritual guide, If your centre and Guru doesnt reconmend reliance on Oracles as part of what you are instructed to practice then the only advise you are going to follow is that of your spiritual guide. Geshe Kelsang asked many of his students to go and voice concerns to the Dalai lama so they did just that, Specifically he said protesting against the Dalai lama is loving him and asking him to correct his mistakes rather then seeking to harm him, If we all sat around being pushed around by the wishes of HHDL and his admin respecting his advise then Dorje shugdens lineage would have already vanished by now.
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The ban is a pain.
The suffering and tears,
The split of families,
The split of monasteries,
The destruction of holy images,
The appartheid within the Tibetan community,
The monks abandoned by their students (!),
And even when blood is boiling over the issue on this very forum.
It all just feels like a big open wound that does not heal fast enough.
I hope it all serves the purpose of a major purification, sets up the mind and motivation of the Kadampa's, and gives them (us) the strength, courage, knowledge and HARMONY for the times ahead after His Holiness enters clear light.
On Guru devotion and oracles, I would say this:
It is unfortunate to say it, but there are some students that listen much more carefully to the oracle than to their Guru.
Is this correct? I can't think of any way this would be correct; but for some it is necessary to see the oracle so as to awaken them.
I have witnessed this myself.
Between traditions that do not rely on oracles and traditions that still rely on oracles, I don't think there is even a need to debate over them; because I agree with Vajra Light, the reliance on the Guru is more important than the reliance on an oracle. Not that the Guru is more important than the oracle, but the development and strengthening of the "reliance" on the Guru IS more important.
Having said this, I must also say that I have never seen the oracle contradicting my Guru neither.
The instructions from the great Dorje Shugden himself, or from the enlightened beings of His entourage do match with what my Guru has been teaching for many years already:
1. Not to loose faith in HHDL,
2. To work hard at creating the causes for the ban to be lifted,
3. The ban will dissipate if we stick to the above two points,
4. The practice of Dorje Shugden will grow further and main stream,
5. And it will help many, many, many people.
Thus, as far as I am concerned, I am accepting that I do not fully understand the actions of the Dalai Lama, and I believe that His Holiness knows better than me.
His Holiness is not my Guru, but I follow the instruction from my Guru to not imply anything negative over the Dalai Lama's actions.
Obviously my Guru also knows better, or else why would I have engaged in a Guru-disciple relationship with Him in the first place.
We do not all share the same Guru on this forum, and there may be Kadampa's here that receive different instructions.
I am not trying to compare what one Guru says and what the other say and find contradictions, then conclude this or that. No.
The instructions given by a Guru (that I am not engaged with) to his students are not meant for me, they are not even meant for me to contemplate upon, for I may simply not have the tools even to start doing that.
Yet, when we all follow our Guru's instruction with intelligence and discernement, when we get together as Shugdenpa's, eventually, we will find that there is no need to argue.
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Thank you Hope Rainbow on your post, I totally agree with you.
I'm grateful towards HHDL for taking on all the 'blame' for imposing the ban on Dorje Shugden practise, for without this, i would not have gotten to know Dorje Shugden and its practice.
It is due to the kindness of HHDL that Dorje Shugden practitioners have grown worldwide.
I've also read that 'despite both HHDL and Dorje Shugden may seem to be on on odd ends, they are actually working hand in hand to bring Dharma to the masses'. Would DS practice have gained so much publicity if not for the ban?? Think again!
Never once has Dorje Shugden asked anyone to hate or disrespect HHDL and He knows and can see what all of us can't. So who are we to hate HHDL?? To me, it doesn't make sense.
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Dear HR,
What you have posted here is absolutely brilliant. I could not have penned it any clearer or concise. I am in total agreement.
Sometimes we need to concentrate and just look at what is in front of us, and not look beyond as it is often unclear. I trust what my guru says and never has he ever told me to disrespect HHDL in anyway. Whatever any other person says is literally beyond my comprehension or judgement.
I fold my hand and thank HHDL for "taking the wrap" for the bigger picture. That is how I see it! :P
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Hate is not an emotion anyone should harbor, whether Buddhist or any other faith.
Many have "hate" towards HHDL on this Ban issue because of the sufferings seen since the ban. However, if we are to be true to ourselves and agree that hatred is a destructive emotion to have, then we should not harbor such. Consequently, when we debate on this topic we should also not express in ways that indicate personal "attacks".
This website, although to some seems one-sided, we do welcome other opinions. And in the exchange of different views we should have the conversation respectful at all times. This would be in line with the policy of this website.
More importantly this website, which with time has become the website of most information on this subject, has benefitted many. The subject matter of the Ban is rich with information here. People can read, learn and make their own opinions and decisions. No matter what views we have, we should at all times express in gentle and respectful ways.
Personally have I not had "hate" towards the Dalai Lama? Yes, I must confess. But reading this website has brought me to a balance view. At the end of it all, the Ban must be lifted and all of us on this Forum and website can play a part. One of us cannot, but all of us together can create an impact which will contribute greatly to this Ban being lifted...and I pray soon. We cannot let anymore people suffer.
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As said practitoners rely primarily on the advise of their spiritual guide, If your centre and Guru doesnt reconmend reliance on Oracles as part of what you are instructed to practice then the only advise you are going to follow is that of your spiritual guide. Geshe Kelsang asked many of his students to go and voice concerns to the Dalai lama so they did just that, Specifically he said protesting against the Dalai lama is loving him and asking him to correct his mistakes rather then seeking to harm him, If we all sat around being pushed around by the wishes of HHDL and his admin respecting his advise then Dorje shugdens lineage would have already vanished by now.
Ah I see. I did not know about that part of the story. So the protests were done out of compassion to bring it to HHDL's attention. I did forgot about the Guru part, that the Guru will always override the protector. But to me, the campaigns do sound a little bit too aggressive to their cause. I guess there is always two sides of a story. we all learn something new each day. So in a way, they are also trying to work to lift the ban but in a more aggressive method i guess.
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As said practitoners rely primarily on the advise of their spiritual guide, If your centre and Guru doesnt reconmend reliance on Oracles as part of what you are instructed to practice then the only advise you are going to follow is that of your spiritual guide. Geshe Kelsang asked many of his students to go and voice concerns to the Dalai lama so they did just that, Specifically he said protesting against the Dalai lama is loving him and asking him to correct his mistakes rather then seeking to harm him, If we all sat around being pushed around by the wishes of HHDL and his admin respecting his advise then Dorje shugdens lineage would have already vanished by now.
Ah I see. I did not know about that part of the story. So the protests were done out of compassion to bring it to HHDL's attention. I did forgot about the Guru part, that the Guru will always override the protector. But to me, the campaigns do sound a little bit too aggressive to their cause. I guess there is always two sides of a story. we all learn something new each day. So in a way, they are also trying to work to lift the ban but in a more aggressive method i guess.
There are always two sides to a campaign Direct and Indirect action, The example of womens sufrage at the begining of the 20th century caused more attention through using two methods they are a means to an end.
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Yes, there are always different views to any one issue. Still, I feel we should make better use of this forum to create causes for the ban to be lifted soonest, so that the sufferings of all the victims of the ban will be ended and Dorje Shugden will arise and claim his role as THE Dharma Protector of this degenerate age.
We should all be well versed in the history of how Dorje Shugden arose as the enlightened Protector to protect and spread Je Tsongkapa's teachings , in the undeniable proof and evidence that he is an Enlightened Dharma Protector - a Buddha), and in what Trijang Rinpoche wrote about Dorje Shugden in 'Music Delighting the Ocean of Protectors'. i also think that Shugden practitioners should be well-informed and learned about Je Tsongkapa's teachings which Dorje Shugden arose to protect. The Jewel of Tsongkapa's teachings is his Lamrim Chenmo. This great masterpiece which contains the 84000 teachings of Lord Buddha in the form of the Graded Path to Enlightenment(actually a commentary on the seminal work of Atisha - Lamp of the Path to Enlightenment) has all of the Sutra and the Tantra teachings of Lord Buddha. The great Pabongka Rinpoche has brought us the Lamrim in the form that is most appropriate for our times in his 'Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand'.
Only when we are equipped with knowledge can we then help spread the Dharma of Je Tsongkapa and the practice of Dorje Shugden and thus create causes for the ban to be lifted soon.
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I believe that when people are educated enough about DS and what he really is, they can easily decide for themselves what is right and what is wrong, and why does the ban not make sense in the first place.
I feel that other lineages should know about why DS should not be banned as well, that DS will not harm them because DS is a Buddha, that there is no basis on the myth that DS harms his practitioners or those who will come in contact with DS. Other lineages like the nyigmas especially are very fearful of DS and they need to know there is nothing to be afraid of, unless they have not been sincere in their practice, but even then they have their own protectors and vows as well, so there is no reason at all to be against DS in the first place.
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There are always two sides to a campaign Direct and Indirect action.
The example of womens sufrage at the begining of the 20th century caused more attention through using two methods they are a means to an end.
Indeed.
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Yes, I do agree that Guru devotion is of the utmost important. However, within the practice of Guru devotion, I am sure that no real Guru would encourage his disciples to speak badly about another Lama or engage in actions regarding another Lama that would confuse or hurt his students.
I understand your point that people protesting against the Dalai Lama are not filled with hate, but you should also consider that those actions and the things that are said against the Dalai Lama (e.g. calling him a liar right outside his teachings) can create a lot of confusion and hurt in his students. Do we want to create any of those kinds of feelings between any student and his teacher? Sure, there are many students of the Dalai Lama who are not good practitioners, but there are also many who ARE sincere, and we risk creating confusion or hurt in them. Is that our intention?
It is not to say that we keep quiet and don't talk about it at all. Yes, we can point out what is not right, but present it in a logical manner, with debate, information, knowledge and simultaneously present the benefits and good points of Dorje Shugden to balance the argument, so that it is not just all about what Dalai Lama is doing wrong. Sometimes we can prove someone is "wrong" by proving why the other side is correct and good. It doesn't always just have to be about protesting against the Dalai Lama and pointing out all the things that are wrong about him.
I have had the privilege to meet some monks in monasteries throughout India, including monks in Trijang Ladrang. They speak often about how they do not have any bad feelings towards the Dalai Lama, but are just saddened by the and simply do not understand why he is doing this. For many, many of these monks, Lamas are their Gurus AND the Dalai Lama is also their Guru. It is not so straightforward for them to just "point out" what the Dalai Lama is doing wrong because, as in the teachings of Guru Devotion, we do not disparage or denounce our teacher, his teachings or his actions. Do you think it would be encouraging or helpful for them to further hear other students (supposedly from the same "side" as them) who are publically demonstrating against the Dalai Lama, openly calling him a liar and saying repeatedly how "wrong" he is? How does it give hope, strength or encouragements to these monks when the Dalai Lama is also their Guru who they hold very very highly in their own practices?
Further, it is important to first even consider what makes us qualified to be able to point out what one Lama is doing wrong. What basis do we have? Have we even studied as long as these Lamas? taking vows? Held them for as long as these Lamas? Why should people listen to our analysis, observations and criticisms about a Lama's actions? I am not being sarcastic or belligerent - I sincerely request everyone to think twice about what it is that makes us qualified to criticise or comment on the actions of someone who is higher than us. Even if it is not by spiritual attainments (which we cannot perceive yet at our level), then even by secular standards - i.e. these Lamas are recognised by other highly recognised and respected Lamas as incarnations and/or attained beings; they are teachers to thousands more than we are; they have devoted their lives to work and practice in a field for far longer than we have.
Once we begin to question one Lama, then we can start questioning the actions of all other Lamas. If the Dalai Lama is "wrong" because of this and this and this, then Karmapa is also wrong for having so much money, Kalu Rinpoche is also wrong for his supposed substance abuse, Gangchen Rinpoche is wrong for having a beard, this and that Lama is wrong for having a female assistant etc. Then, where does it stop?
Share information about the situation, yes. Present arguments by logic and by Dharma. Present the other side of the story - which is to educate people about the true nature of Dorje Shugden and his practice. Respect others enough by giving them as much information and education as we can to allow them to make the informed decision for themselves as to whether the Dalai Lama is all that people have been accusing him, directly or indirectly, with or without strong language. Simply using strong language and all that - whatever our motivation, and I'm sure that for many, it is with a pure and heartfelt motivation - can have the effect of creating even further confusion, distance and hurt in fellow Dharma practitioners who see the Dalai Lama as their Guru and still respect and love him greatly. Whether we agree with them or not, we should be aware of how our actions can have this adverse effect.
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"Those people" follow the advice of their Spiritual Guide and not of an oracle who is not their Spiritual Guide.
Vajra
That is so funny and ridiculous.
Ensapa (and all): a reminder to please respect others' views and opinions on the forums. It is fine if you don't agree with everyone, but please do not make personal judgements, pass personal comments about their posts or resort to sarcasms like this.
Thank you.
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Yes, I do agree that Guru devotion is of the utmost important. However, within the practice of Guru devotion, I am sure that no real Guru would encourage his disciples to speak badly about another Lama or engage in actions regarding another Lama that would confuse or hurt his students.
I understand your point that people protesting against the Dalai Lama are not filled with hate, but you should also consider that those actions and the things that are said against the Dalai Lama (e.g. calling him a liar right outside his teachings) can create a lot of confusion and hurt in his students. Do we want to create any of those kinds of feelings between any student and his teacher? Sure, there are many students of the Dalai Lama who are not good practitioners, but there are also many who ARE sincere, and we risk creating confusion or hurt in them. Is that our intention?
No it was/is NOT our intention, as you would know if you had clearly read the post where Geshe-la explained his reasons to openly voice our concerns on the DL's stance on the Dorje Shugden issue. (Unless you choose not to believe this) And you are free to feel or believe that Geshe Kelsang Gyatso is not a real Guru as you just pointed out, but then again would this also not go against the policies of this website ?? It is becoming clear to me that those who follow this big picture idea can speak freely and criticize other Lama's but those who doubt the DL may not do so.
PS Personally I don't really mind what people think, everyone is free to think what they want, it's just the inconsistencies on the whole harmony policy that I find odd.
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No it was/is NOT our intention, as you would know if you had clearly read the post where Geshe-la explained his reasons to openly voice our concerns on the DL's stance on the Dorje Shugden issue. (Unless you choose not to believe this) And you are free to feel or believe that Geshe Kelsang Gyatso is not a real Guru as you just pointed out, but then again would this also not go against the policies of this website ?? It is becoming clear to me that those who follow this big picture idea can speak freely and criticize other Lama's but those who doubt the DL may not do so.
PS Personally I don't really mind what people think, everyone is free to think what they want, it's just the inconsistencies on the whole harmony policy that I find odd.
Sometimes our actions have some effects that we did not intend for them to have.
I consider Geshe Kelsang Gyatso as a great lama, and the Dalai Lama also.
My own Guru has great reverence for both, and that means something to me.
Eventually, the reality is not as simple as one side pro-Shugden, the other anti-Shugden or one side pro-Dalai Lama and the other anti-Dalai Lama, or to complicate the matter, on side pro-Shugden but anti-Dalai Lama and the other pro-Shugden but also pro-Dalai Lama...
(where does this end?)
When some do resort to very direct methods, such as demonstrating in the streets with slogans asking the Dalai Lama to stop lying, then they should also take reponsibility to clarify with the same strength that the intentions are not to put down the Dalai Lama, but to voice concern and expose the truth about the ban and about Dorje Shugden.
We can't throw a bolster in the mud to attract attention and then not use the attention we have to go all the way.
By all the way I mean to make it clear that it is not a campaign against the Dalai Lama, but a campaign to correct the perception created in the minds of many as to who Dorje Shugden is and as to what his intentions are, a campaign that is requesting for the Dalai Lama to lift the ban. A campaign that has for objectif to create harmony and is done with respect towards the Sangha (thus including His Holiness), not diffamation.
The point of the demonstration, I believe, was not to put the Dalai Lama down.
Yet, there are many who come across images of the demonstrations and who do not understand that, and some will develop doubts, doubts in the Dalai Lama, doubt in monkhood also, even doubts in Buddhism.
This needs, I think, to be corrected; and, I think, it would be much better if it was corrected by those that created the mis-conception.
I say this with deep respect for the great lamas, with deep respect for Geshe Kelsang Gyatso and deep respect for His Holiness also. I have a Guru too, and one thing I have learned, is that there is more than meet the eyes when we receive instructions from our Guru.
I'll be very blunt here, but I think it is too easy to throw the bolster in the mud and then use Guru devotion to justify our act. If our Guru has asked us to throw the bolster in the mud in the first place, maybe there was more to His intention, and how we deal with the created situation afterwards may very well be the real practice, not the throwing itself.
This is not a critic to Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, no, I would not dare to even let my mind think anything ill about Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, not to mention my speech.
And I do not believe that the post by Beggar was directed at Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.
So, yes, there can be different methods, some appearing more peaceful than others, but let's take responsibility for the consequences of our actions. I think this is a real Dharma practice.
I also think we should remember that patience is a virtue and also not forget that the result we want to achive is not to put Lamas down or create doubts in people's minds, but restore and propitiate Nagarjuna's view. Let's not get distracted.
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Further, it is important to first even consider what makes us qualified to be able to point out what one Lama is doing wrong. What basis do we have? Have we even studied as long as these Lamas? taking vows? Held them for as long as these Lamas? Why should people listen to our analysis, observations and criticisms about a Lama's actions? I am not being sarcastic or belligerent - I sincerely request everyone to think twice about what it is that makes us qualified to criticise or comment on the actions of someone who is higher than us.
I am not qualified, but many of the Lamas that I have faith in have said directly that the actions of the Dalai Lama are wrong. Many Lamas also have protested. I have many pictures of the protests here in India that occured before the protests in the West.
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I am not qualified, but many of the Lamas that I have faith in have said directly that the actions of the Dalai Lama are wrong. Many Lamas also have protested. I have many pictures of the protests here in India that occured before the protests in the West.
And I praise the selflessness of the Dalai Lama to take this upon himself.
My words are written with wet eyes.
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I am not qualified, but many of the Lamas that I have faith in have said directly that the actions of the Dalai Lama are wrong. Many Lamas also have protested. I have many pictures of the protests here in India that occured before the protests in the West.
And I praise the selflessness of the Dalai Lama to take this upon himself.
My words are written with wet eyes.
And I praise the selflessness of the brave monks who took all of the abuse upon themselves in order to send the Dalai Lama a message that his actions were harming people.
These monks derserve my respect first and foremost.
That being said, I have never heard a Lama or monk say they 'hate' the Dalai Lama. I have never even heard the slight trace of anger in their voice when talking about the Dalai Lama....but I have heard some say that his actions are wrong.
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I am not qualified, but many of the Lamas that I have faith in have said directly that the actions of the Dalai Lama are wrong. Many Lamas also have protested. I have many pictures of the protests here in India that occured before the protests in the West.
And I praise the selflessness of the Dalai Lama to take this upon himself.
My words are written with wet eyes.
And I praise the selflessness of the brave monks who took all of the abuse upon themselves in order to send the Dalai Lama a message that his actions were harming people.
These monks derserve my respect first and foremost.
That being said, I have never heard a Lama or monk say they 'hate' the Dalai Lama. I have never even heard the slight trace of anger in their voice when talking about the Dalai Lama....but I have heard some say that his actions are wrong.
No doubt that there are a group of monks who went out to the streets to protest. I think the protest is not that they hate HHDL, it is more of them protesting the actions of HHDL. They are suffering because they could not practice the instructions from their guru, their family break up as a result of this and they have to separate from their fellow monks. Also a lot of the monks in the monasteries in India just so not understand why HHDL is taking such drastic actions when DS has helped him so much. Some also think that the truth will be revealed soon and there must be a reason why HHDL is doing this.
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I am not qualified, but many of the Lamas that I have faith in have said directly that the actions of the Dalai Lama are wrong. Many Lamas also have protested. I have many pictures of the protests here in India that occured before the protests in the West.
And I praise the selflessness of the Dalai Lama to take this upon himself.
My words are written with wet eyes.
And I praise the selflessness of the brave monks who took all of the abuse upon themselves in order to send the Dalai Lama a message that his actions were harming people.
These monks derserve my respect first and foremost.
That being said, I have never heard a Lama or monk say they 'hate' the Dalai Lama. I have never even heard the slight trace of anger in their voice when talking about the Dalai Lama....but I have heard some say that his actions are wrong.
Losang Tenpa, thank you for highlighting this.
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And I praise the selflessness of the brave monks who took all of the abuse upon themselves in order to send the Dalai Lama a message that his actions were harming people.
These monks derserve my respect first and foremost.
That being said, I have never heard a Lama or monk say they 'hate' the Dalai Lama. I have never even heard the slight trace of anger in their voice when talking about the Dalai Lama....but I have heard some say that his actions are wrong.
If that is what they mean and do, then yes it is good and they deserve praise. You dont have to say that you hate something outright to actually mean that you hate it, it ca be in the form of implications and actions. But if they show any other action other than the protests that show that they are having contempt against the Dalai Lama, then it is not sincere or honest. But in any case, the outcome of the protests were a positive one where there was more awareness drawn to the Dorje Shugden issue, a hidden side where the Tibetan NGOs around the world do not want anyone to know about and it is swept under the carpet silently.
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Personally I agree that there is no point to hate or even disrespect the Dalai Lama. It is because of the ban that he has imposed on Dorje Shugden that has made Tibetan Buddhism grow, and it even allowed us to know who is Dorje Shugden the protector of our time.
We can see that many Dorje Shugden Lamas still have a lot of respect towards the Dalai Lama. They even follow the Dalai Lama's instructions, saying if they do worship Dorje Shugden, they do not put Dalai Lama's picture in their centres. Through this we can tell the type of respect they have for the Dalai Lama. They have followed almost every instruction that the Dalai Lama has given.
If we noticed, the Dorje Shugden Lamas has never said anything bad about the Dalai Lama. Instead, they teach their students to respect the Dalai Lama. The only thing is that they do not understand the need for the ban. But, they trust what the Dalai Lama is doing and they follow with folded hands.
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Many people I know whoa re Dorje Shugden practitioners, read His Holiness books, watch his videos etc. I have also heard monks who have left Gaden and Sera and joined Serpom and Shar Gaden are having pictures of the Dalai Lama still on their altars. The Dalai Lama has once again shown his skilful means in 'promoting' Dorje Shugden' , without the Ban would Dorje Shugden be so well known now, would the lamas, monks and students of the Gelug have put in so much to debunk the ban, at the same time learning new skills and methods suited for beings of this age.
May His Holiness never leave the beings in samsara.
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It's true that if HHDL had not escaped from Tibet, Buddhism of the Tibetan lineages would not have spread as far as it had, so many monasteries and dharma centers would not have been founded outside of Tibet, many people would not have found Buddhism on such a large scale. But it's also true that all these were not possible if Dorje Shugden had not advised, showed and assisted HHDL and his entourage to escape Tibet, and not forgetting role played by Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, other high lamas, the bodyguards, cooks, doctors etc.
I am grateful to HHDL, Dorje Shugden, Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and all people who escaped Tibet and to those who chose to reincarnate around the globe.
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I do Vajrasattva for the Dalai Lama almost every day. I do not hate him, but he is not why I am practicing Dorje Shugden; I never really noticed the Dalai Lama's opinion on most things, to be honest, as I started off as a Kagyu.
I have to say, I like protector practices, and the first Buddha I connected with was Amitaba; I read a Tibetan Buddhist book, but it was the book of the dead. So I am offering this perspective because most people who do the Shugden practice are Gelugpas this life, though Sakyas used to do it as well as one of the Kagyu schools (Drukpa?).
I used to do the Mahakala practice with the Kagyus and the Vajrakilia practice with the Nyingmas. I still respect these protectors and say their mantras from time to time, but honestly, I just have a strong connection with Dorje Shugden.
Maybe he is becoming a general protector? I don't know.
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I believe that when people are educated enough about DS and what he really is, they can easily decide for themselves what is right and what is wrong, and why does the ban not make sense in the first place.
I feel that other lineages should know about why DS should not be banned as well, that DS will not harm them because DS is a Buddha, that there is no basis on the myth that DS harms his practitioners or those who will come in contact with DS. Other lineages like the nyigmas especially are very fearful of DS and they need to know there is nothing to be afraid of, unless they have not been sincere in their practice, but even then they have their own protectors and vows as well, so there is no reason at all to be against DS in the first place.
I've never met a Nyingma that was fearful of Dorje Shugden; I have met Nyingmas whose root guru, Penor Rinpoche, told his followers not to uphold the Shugden ban.
All the Nyingmas I have ever met rely on Padmasambava, so I have noticed them not to be afraid of really anything except being trapped in samsara.
Most actual followers of Dorje Shugden also do not harbor hate, but rather learn to act skillfully, which does involve right speech; right speech can be to tell a political leader that what he is doing is wrong. Even if the person might think that a teacher is a Buddha, if they are manifesting wrong activity, then we say so.
In Europe, there used to be a lot of people saying that we have to say this prayer or not that prayer----
how convenient for a political leader to frighten everyone into saying he is Chenrezig--- so if you go against the politcal leader then you go against the Buddha of Compassion? Could we enter the modern era on this please?
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It's true that if HHDL had not escaped from Tibet, Buddhism of the Tibetan lineages would not have spread as far as it had, so many monasteries and dharma centers would not have been founded outside of Tibet, many people would not have found Buddhism on such a large scale. But it's also true that all these were not possible if Dorje Shugden had not advised, showed and assisted HHDL and his entourage to escape Tibet, and not forgetting role played by Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, other high lamas, the bodyguards, cooks, doctors etc.
I am grateful to HHDL, Dorje Shugden, Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and all people who escaped Tibet and to those who chose to reincarnate around the globe.
If we read this article “UNCOVERED TRUTH: Evidence of how Dorje Shugden was actually behind the Dalai Lama’s escape out of Tibet to India in 1959”, http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/the-controversy/uncovered-truth-evidence-of-how-dorje-shugden-was-actually-behind-the-dalai-lamas-escape-out-of-tibet-to-india-in-1959/ (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/the-controversy/uncovered-truth-evidence-of-how-dorje-shugden-was-actually-behind-the-dalai-lamas-escape-out-of-tibet-to-india-in-1959/) we can see all the evident that Dorje Shugden was actually behind the Dalai Lama’s escape out of Tibet in 1959.
Without Dorje Shugden, there will be no Tibetan Buddhism and we will not able to practice Tibetan Buddhism.
I respect HH Dalai Lama for who he is as the Tibetan Buddhsim leader and do not hate him. Though he is Chenrezig and do not understand why he has the ban, I still more pro on the saying that the ban is for a bigger picture and continue practicing Dorje Shugden that is passed down by my lama.
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I totally believe that there is abigger picture/purpose behind the ban of Dorje Shugden practice and am against people who instigate hating the Dalai Lama for his action. After coming to know about Dorje Shugden from this website and other information I can find online, I'm very drawn towards wanting to start this practice as well. I've always been a big fan of the Dalai Lama because he's just so famous and his presence is so overwhelming to everyone who has come close to catching a glimpse of him. It is actually because of the Dalai Lama that I first become attracted to Tibetan Buddhism and it is also ironically through my interest in Dalai Lama that I got to know about protector Dorje Shugden. So whatever it is I just can't seems to hate one or the other even though on the surface they seemingly clash as Dalai Lama banned Dorje Shugden practice. It's kind of a surreal harmony and dependent co-existence between the two.
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I totally believe that there is abigger picture/purpose behind the ban of Dorje Shugden practice and am against people who instigate hating the Dalai Lama for his action. After coming to know about Dorje Shugden from this website and other information I can find online, I'm very drawn towards wanting to start this practice as well. I've always been a big fan of the Dalai Lama because he's just so famous and his presence is so overwhelming to everyone who has come close to catching a glimpse of him. It is actually because of the Dalai Lama that I first become attracted to Tibetan Buddhism and it is also ironically through my interest in Dalai Lama that I got to know about protector Dorje Shugden. So whatever it is I just can't seems to hate one or the other even though on the surface they seemingly clash as Dalai Lama banned Dorje Shugden practice. It's kind of a surreal harmony and dependent co-existence between the two.
The Dalai Lama is Chenrizig and definitely he has his reasons to impose the ban on Dorje Shugden. Only us the lay people would not understand it. No doubt that the ban has cause a lot of pain and heart ache for all Tibetans and non-Tibetans, if there is a bigger picture, definitely the benefits would be far greater than the sorrows that we are facing now.
As we can see and hear of late, the Dalai Lama is softening his stance on the ban. It may be a sign that the ban is starting to be lifted. Let's hope so.
I am sure that it hurts the Dalai Lama a lot when he banned the Dorje Shugden practice. But with the bigger picture in mind, he has to do it. For me, Dorje Shugden is widely practiced in China and is growing fast. For this reason only, I think the ban works for the spread of Dorje Shugden practice.
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As a practitioner one does not hate the Dalai Lama. Someone need to do this and it happens to be HHDL. I am sure he is using his skillful means to spread the teachings and practice of Dorje Shugden. Humans normally will do what is prohibited. They take it as a challenge. Therefore there are so many practitioners around the world practicing Dorje Shugden. And in Buddhism we are taught to be compassion to every sentient beings and not hatred.
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I totally believe that there is abigger picture/purpose behind the ban of Dorje Shugden practice and am against people who instigate hating the Dalai Lama for his action. After coming to know about Dorje Shugden from this website and other information I can find online, I'm very drawn towards wanting to start this practice as well. I've always been a big fan of the Dalai Lama because he's just so famous and his presence is so overwhelming to everyone who has come close to catching a glimpse of him. It is actually because of the Dalai Lama that I first become attracted to Tibetan Buddhism and it is also ironically through my interest in Dalai Lama that I got to know about protector Dorje Shugden.
Dear gbds3jewels, I fully support you to start Dorje Shugden practice as soon as possible. I also started with Dorje Shugden practice when my friend told me about Dorje Shugden is a demon and I come to know more details about Dorje Shugden from this website. To me, if all the previous Dalai Lamas and high lama such as Pabongka Rinpoche, Trijang Rinpoche, Gangchen Rinpoche were practicing this protector and they would NOT BE WRONG! All lineage Gurus of Gelug will not be wrong!
Through starting the practices, I am advancing further in my spiritual journey. I met with my Guru and I learn more on Lama Tsongkapa practice too. I do hope I would get to learn, practice and realize the supreme teaching on Lama Tsongkapa on emptiness and get to enlightenment since Dorje Shugden is the supreme “Uncommon Protector” who sworn to protect Lama Tsongkapa’s teachings, ultimately the teaching of emptiness by Manjushri.
I pray that you will advance further in your spiritual journey too from practicing Dorje Shugden practice! 8)
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Hate is a word in my opinion not associated with Buddhism. I may have very little knowledge of Buddhism compared to most on this forum but both DorjeShugden and the DalaiLama are emanation of Buddhas. So in that aspect they cannot contradict and one cannot be more powerful and one more superior to the other. How can one Buddha criticize another Buddha. I think if we truly believe in Buddha we should also accept the fact that contradiction does not exist.
The core fundamental practice of Buddhism to my understanding is about motivation behind ones own action. If I practice DS and asked/forced to stop, it is still a conscious choice I have to make and I should examine for myself which course of action to take. If I continue and suffer because of it I should rejoice in my suffering as I keep my vows and commitment to my practice. If I choose to abundant the practice also because to keep my vows and commitment to the Dalai Lama, then I should do so. One should not persecute the other or judge the other. One thing I know for certain is we normal human beings have no wisdom and real penetrative insight to truly discern between truth and delusion within samsara. But we can be true to ourselves and make the right decisions base on the awareness we have at a particular time. Buddhism is not about changing the world but changing ourselves. So why judge and criticize what the Dalai Lama is doing? Let's just present the facts and people can determine for themselves whether they want to practice Dorje Shugden.
As many have also commented, the ban has only seems to increase the popularly of this practice and not the other way. So perhaps all the hardship and suffering having to be endured by the monks who continued to be firm in their DS practice throughout the ban period is to absorb the negative karma so that the practice would spread.
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I totally agree with what Ensapa has stated here, if it wasn't for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Dorje Shugden issue wouldn't have gained so much exposure. And what's more is that it's actually these media platforms that are making Dorje Shugden famous, not famous to fulfill secular needs but to grab more attention from people all over the world. I have been practising Dorje Shugden for years now, I have not received anything negative but only benefits from the King. There's no way I will believe the fact that Lord Dorje Shugden is an evil spirit because I only believe in what I have seen and experienced with my own eyes. Believe it or not, His Holiness is doing us, the practitioners a favour skillfully (sorry for lack of better words). I have faith in the Buddha Dharma and His Holiness the Dalai Lama, I believe that what He is doing now serves a better and greater purpose.