dorjeshugden.com
About Dorje Shugden => General Discussion => Topic started by: vajratruth on April 13, 2017, 08:38:24 PM
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I have always respected the Ven.Geshe Kelsang Gyatso although I do not quite comprehend some of The New Kadampa Tradition's (NKT) sudden switches in beliefs. For instance, today the NKT does not hesitate to tell you that the entire oracle tradition is bunkum just like the believe the Lama Tradition to be. And yet we see that Geshe la did in fact consult the oracle of Dorje Shugden in the past.
The following is extracted from an older post submitted by a prolific writer and contributor to DorjeShugden.com/forum, 'TK Rinpoche' who has written informedly about a number of Buddhist subjects.
From TK:
Geshe-la did give special treatment to his oracle uncle. Geshe-la invited his uncle the oracle several times to UK. In fact his oracle uncle took trance of Dulzin for over three hours and GAVE INITIATION OF AVALOKITESVARA to the students there (NKT) one one occasion. That is how much the power of the oracle was revered before in NKT. Many trances were taken and Geshe-la privately consulted Dorje Shugden on many issues re himself, his deceased mother, the organization on the whole. So there is nothing weird about the whole oracle practice. Some of the greats like Pabongka, Trijang and Zong Rinpoches consulted oracles their whole lives and taught lojong/realized lojong also in their mindstreams. So part of what they do is great and part is weird? I don’t think so. We accept what we don’t understand about our lamas and refrain from labelling would be better conduct.
It was a rare occasion, when Dulzin took trance and gave initiation in Geshe-la’s centre. The Oracle Uncle was very respected, was given a seat of honour in the pujas there, many students came to receive his blessings when he was not in trance also. This all stopped when Geshe-la and his uncle has a huge fall out and NEVER SPOKE AGAIN UNTIL THE ORACLE’S DEATH A FEW YEARS BACK. So Geshe-la had a personal fall out with his Oracle Uncle and it all came to an end. Yes policies change and Geshe-la changes his mind. But it also means he can make mistakes (sorry). Geshe-la’s policies are GOOD FOR NKT AND THEIR MEMBERS, but his policies should not be seen as overview rule of thumb for all Tibetan Traditions around the world and their centres for example tulkus and oracles. NKT doesn’t ‘accept’ does not mean it is weird, wrong, or not applicable in thousands of other places. I have had EXCELLET EXPERIENCES WITH ORACLES AND TULKUS IN MY LIFETIME AS SCORES OF MY FRIENDS also. And we love lojong, lam rim, and it’s practices as these are our main practices always.
Geshe-la very much agreed with oracles and their usage, until his personal fallout with his uncle. That is a fact. Then his policies with oracles in NKT changed. But we don’t have to change our ‘policies’ regarding them and no one should berate us for it also. No one has the right.
Geshe-la / NKT received huge negative media and backlash because of the ‘1st wave’ of protests organized by Geshe-la against the Dalai Lama. Some of his key supporters felt the backlash, spoke up and some left. Geshe-la realized it was a mistake to protest so openly saying it is from him. He made a mistake. His policies changed. Next time around, it was the WSS with him supporting them from behind and ‘not’ NKT that organized the huge wave of protests. Don’t get me wrong, I feel Geshe-la is courageous. I prayed for him and his long life. I still do. My point is policies he makes can be changed according to student’s aptitude, place, time and also mistakes. THAT IS OK. But just because NKT’s policies do not give a ’special bus seat’ to oracles and tulkus does not mean their policies are correct for everyone. Or these institutions should be ‘disparaged’, ‘ridiculed’ or spoken against in the thousands of other places they have positive effects and benefits. Also for hundreds of years in some cases. Geshe-la can make mistakes, but it does not mean he is not a authentic practitioner of sutra/tantra and very qualified to teach. He is very qualified. But his personal disagreemants with oracles does not set the plateau for everyone. Nor should his students comment negatively to non-NKT students who accept oracles and tulkus.
The backlash against Geshe-la/NKT was huge, but the protests brought attention to our cause onto the world stage. It gave a voice to where none would be heard. How compassionate of Geshe-la and courageous. How devoted and strong of his students that participated. I respect them very much on the whole as well as many dorje shugden lamas, centres and students around the world. With folded hands to Geshe-la and NKT deeply.
Dromo Geshes ( a great tulku on his ‘3rd’ incarnation hasn’t ‘messed’ up yet) always had great oracles in his monasteries. His last oracle Lhakpa Dondrub) passed away a few years back. Dromo Geshe had special chapel, thrones and places in his monasteries for his dorje shugden oracles. The last one was a layman also!
Trijang Rinpoche blessed, consecrated, oversaw the training of Choyang Dulzin Kuten (Geshe-la’s Uncle) and then authorized him as genuine when training completed. Zong Rinpoche consulted the oracle for most important issues until his last days and lived next door to the oracle in Gaden. Zong Rinpoche had a special oracle house and temple (Trokhang Dechen Chok) built for Dorje Shugden in Gaden. It has a special throne for the oracle to sit on in order to take trance right at the centre of the main shrine. This place exists today still. All of Gaden Shartse’s abbots, ex abbots, tulkus, Geshes, and sangha would have yearly audience on the Tibetan 1st month and 3rd day of New Year’s (losar). The whole sangha would be blessed by both Shugden and then Setrap entering Choyang Dulzin Kuten in the main prayer hall of Shartse. Yes the whole sangha. Also countless lamas, representatives from Gaden Jangtze, Drepung and laity would jam the prayer hall yearly in Shartse for their blessings and pronouncements. Gaden Jangtse’s administrators would ask questions of Shugden during trance for the welfare of the whole Gaden Jangtze institution. The same in Sera boompra khangtsen with their Shugden oracle, where Kache Marpo takes trance. All has stopped because of the ban.
Both Gaden and Sera oracles were put into retreat for more than five years intense, examined, blessed and authorized by His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang in the end. The current oracle of Gaden is a student of the previoius Zong Rinpoche, and Zong Rinpoche mentioned years ago that he would be an oracle. So if Geshe-la does not find them fitting for NKT, or his students find it weird, Gaden, Sera and Drepung did not. To each his own.
Many Geshes, teachers, Lamas consult the Gameng Choyang Kuten in US and Sera Oracle (authorized by Trijang Rinpoche, and this oracle’s father was also an oracle of Shugden) residing in Taiwan. They derive many benefits again and again. All of Shar Gaden Monastery invited the Gameng Choyang Kuten for their grand opening and had Dulzin peaceful/wrathful both take trance, bless the premises, answer questions and give prophecies to their successful survival.
When Geshe-la passes away (very sorry to mention this), what happens to his incarnation? If recognized? Not recognized is fine also. But Geshe-la recognized his own mother’s incarnation and makes sure she grows up to practice dharma again. No special seats, but why recognize her at all then. Just recognizing her is saying alot already.
Thai bus company will not give a special seat to the oracle on their buses but will give to monks, and that is true. But only to their monks. They do not recognize monks of the Tibetan Tradition. They do not feel it is a valid monkhood. So in Thailand, monks of the Tibetan tradition gets no discounts, no special seating (airplanes, taxis,etc), no religious priviledges their own monks receive. So their example is not applicable here at all.
Believing, propitiating or trusting oracles and tulkus DOES NOT MEAN THAT IS THE MAIN FOCUS OR PRACTICE EVER. The main practice would be all the teachings on MIND TRANSFORMATION coupled with annurtara tantra of generation and completion stages for sure. That is the real protection from everything in samsara. But along the way, why not alittle help from our friends via the oracle.
TK
(no offence/disrespect intended to Geshe-la in anyway or the vast institution of NKT-may they last thousands of years. If it was another situation, I could take refuge in Geshe-la as my guru also.)
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Hello Vajratruth
What I heard about four years ago was that Geshe la feared his students would see "Tulkus" as higher beings then himself.
He also feared that his students would see "Oracles" trances in some ways as coming from a "higher authority" then himself.
I also have nothing against the Ven. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso nor the NKT.
I received my Dorje Shugden initiation from the NKT.
I do not hold it against Geshe la for wanting to be in total control of his students and organization.
It is in fact his teachings, his temples, his organization and his students after all.
But I must say that I do hold in general "Tulkus" as higher beings.
That why they are called "Tulku" and not "Geshe".
I heard that he "was" in total control of everyone and everything in the NKT.
That all their teachings became his teachings only and no one else's.
Have you ever heard of any Tulku or even non NKT Lama as guest speakers at the NKT today?
"NO".
Not even H.H. Trijang Rinpoche.
This is why I did not join the NKT.
I got some bad vibes but if his students want Geshe la as their Lama that's their business not mine.
Hope this helps Vajratruth
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Clearly something very dirty is happening within the NKT.
Their “International Shugden Community” suddenly and unexpectedly stopped protesting against the crimes of the evil dalie and was dissolved, and shortly thereafter they created an “International Shugden Buddhist Community”, specialized in smearing Shugden lamas other than Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.
Probably rotten NKT bureaucrats are desperately looking for their own corporate survival in a world without Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, and are in a rush to do so as publicly as possible while Geshe-la is still alive, in order to give a semblance of Geshe-la's authority to their own crooked behavior.
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But I must say that I do hold in general "Tulkus" as higher beings.
That why they are called "Tulku" and not "Geshe".
This argument is ridiculous. Je Tsongkhapa and his main disciples including Gyeltsapje, Khedrupje, and Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen were all “geshes” (Sansk. kalyanamitra, “beneficial friends”), but none of them was what is socially known as a “tulku”.
The idea that such a social “tulku” is in any way superior to a beneficial friend who gives correct teachings flies in the face of Buddha's teachings, according to which one should rely on the teaching rather than on the personality of the teacher.
Buddhism, including Mahayana and Vajrayana, reached its peak in India with great teachers such as Nagarjuna, Buddhapalita, Chandrakirti, Asanga, Vasubandhu, Shantideva, and so forth, none of whom were social “tulkus”, but all of whom were erudite geshes, or beneficial friends.
The Tibetan social idea of “tulku” has often more to do with feudal Tibetan society and the need to preserve the integrity of the rich estates of prosperous lamas, than with the accomplishments on the Buddhist path of their proclaimed reincarnations.
For instance, now corporate NKT is in a conundrum, because they will not be able to justify a reincarnation for Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, and they lack an equally gifted successor, which is why they pin their survival hopes on smearing other Shugden teachers they see as competitors.
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In a nutshell, Buddhism is not about who is the “higher being”, but about which teachings are more beneficial.
Concern with who is the “higher being” is only and strictly the concern of criminals who want to justify their crimes, which are seen as “justified” just because they were perpetrated in the name of such “higher being”.
That's where the idea of “higher being” comes from. That's where the idea of the Abrahamic “God” comes from. That's where the idea of the evil dalie as “Chenrezig” comes from. The dirty concoction of power greedy criminals.
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To add to this discussion:
According to a paragraph entry in Wikiwand on Tulkus, in the 2009 documentary film "Tulku", Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche states the tulku system may not work in present day:
"And now, I personally think that to hold that culture, institutionalized Tulku. That culture is dying; it’s not going to work anymore. And even if it… And if it doesn’t work, I think it’s almost for the better because this tulku, it’s going to… If the Tibetans are not careful, this Tulku system is going to ruin Buddhism. At the end of the day Buddhism is more important [than] Tulku system, who cares about Tulku... [and] what happens to them."
As with all things, it cuts many ways. Many people develop (initial) faith because of the Tulku system. On the flip side, as Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche says, paying too much attention to the Tulku system and disregarding the Dharma would ruin Buddhism.
Ice cream comes in many flavors so I suppose it is up to the karma of the believers and the skill of the Tulkus who will determine if the time is right to do away with it. For the serious Vajrayana practitioner, nothing beats checking out your guru first.
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Dorje Shugden followers can be found in two groups.
The first camp is the one lead by His Holiness Trijang Rinpoche and his Tulkus, Geshes and Lamas.
They believe in Tulkus and Oracles (Kutens).
The second camp is the one lead by the New Kadampa Tradition.
They do not believe in Oracles and Tulkus.
They believe in their leader and his teachings alone.
These two groups operate at an arms distance from each other.
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I wouldn't discount that there's a lesson in every "odd" move by highly attained teachers. In this case, we need to ponder this fact:
The head of the Gelug tradition is the Ganden Tripa which is a a position that any monk can attain through a process of meritocracy. The position alternates between the senior-most retired abbots of Gyume and Gyuto or the Upper and Lower Tantric Colleges.
This is in contrast with the heads of other traditions are basically either specific Tulkus or, in the case of Sakya, members of a specific clan.
How do you explain this in the context of NKT vs. Kyabje Trijang Choktrul Rinpoche? Must we pick one vs. the other?
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Hi Ringo Starr
The Trijang Rinpoche group are along the traditional Tibetan Buddhist lineage.
The NKT now appear to be polar opposite sides to Trijang Rinpoche.
The thought that Trijang Rinpoche, Gangchen Rinpoche, Gonsar Rinpoche, Zasep Rinpoche, Tsem Rinpoche are all not welcome to teach at the NKT is disturbing.
This is why I was told not to chose the NKT but I should go with Zasep Rinpoche.
I have numerous books by Geshe Kelsang and find his teaching to be wonderful.
I also understand that he is teaching "Guru Devotion" by the manner of his relationship to his students.
He is the head of the NKT which he has built up into a world wide organization.
He is their Lama and the founder of the NKT.
Geshe Kelsang has the right to chose the study program for his student's.
That program is the Geshe Kelsang program with no outside teaching by any other Lama.
Geshe Kelsang has taken his students in a new organizational direction away from "Traditional" Tibetan
Buddhist structure.
He has that right and I feel it is not my place to judge Geshe Kelsang.
I have taken teachings and empowerments from the NKT and will continue to do so if I wish to in the future.
The NKT have their style of Vajrayana and His Holiness Trijang Rinpoche and his followers have their style.
If you don't like the NKT style of Vajrayana then you are free not to practice it.
If you don't like the Trijang Rinpoche style of Vajrayana then you are also free not to practice it.
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I have a question for you. Where in the Sutras and Tantras does it encourage students to rely upon Tulkus and Oracles and does it say they are objects of refuge?
I'm just interested to know if there's any scriptural basis for these practices or are they just Tibetan cultural additions?
Thanks.
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Does it really matter if one is a Geshe or Tulku? All are teachers of Buddha's lineage and aim is for enlightenment. Tell me if this is wrong. If what is being said about NKT is true, then I will have to say it's very political and it is nothing different from what happened when Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen got killed by 5th Dalai Lama's followers. Tulkus or Geshes, it doesn't really matter as long as the teachings are of Buddha's teachings for the benefit of sentient beings.
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Some tulkus are said to zoom through their geshe studies unnaturally rapidly with the ease of remembering the knowledge from prior realisations and scholarship in previous lives.
Some geshes are exemplary and occasionally their merit leads to their recognition in their next life?
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Thank you TK for sharing your thoughts. There are a lot of disagreement in the Tibetan Buddhists lately, with NKT's open letter and all. I think one of the most important message from TK is that NKT does change policies during the years, and what they disagree does not mean EVERYONE must comply with what they say.
There was a recent incident that one of the NKT students openly called others as liar because the other believed in the current Trijang Rinpoche. It is very arrogant to call others as liar just because others do not conform to their own views.
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1) Is NKT being racist by attacking high Tibetan rinpoches, Tibetan Buddhism, Vajrayana? Many NKT/NKT teachers are not Asian...why are they afraid?
2) Sweetened, diluted and sanitised for the sensitive Western masses: the NKT have no more scary yidams, no more oracle trances, start to use juice and dried fruit instead of alcohol and meat...
3) Ignorance is bliss: NKT laypersons, monks, nuns are headed to enlightenment directly...do not mix or you might get confused...the world is confusing and the path is not supposed to be a cakewalk...not is the earth flat.
4) Sometimes NKT call Geshe Kelsang a Rinpoche... that confuses me, and I ask where is the monastery? The origins of the Manjusri centre lie with Lama Yeshe (incarnated and recognised as Lama Osel Hita), Lama Zopa and there were links with Geshe Rabten and many other highest Gelugpa lamas, both sides of the ban on Dorje Shugden.
These are all just superficial statements that sum up the things that in ignorance I have noticed lately. I am compelled to share this with your discussion in the hope that the NKT may cherish all sentient beings better, regardless of Guru, yidams, lineage, oracle, race, language, cultural difference etc. May NKT teachers in the fullness of time also seek more teachings from the masters of the lineage and succeed in their geshe studies at the monastic universities - I am not joking, I really mean it for the immense good that it could do, just imagine how good it could be. Let's pray for the NKT to work out how to efficiently get the teachings/scholarship/integrated.
Particularly, may we all come to realise wisdom in our lives and always stay in refuge with the Bodhisattva vows. Love and peace.
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Thank you TK for sharing your thoughts. There are a lot of disagreement in the Tibetan Buddhists lately, with NKT's open letter and all. I think one of the most important message from TK is that NKT does change policies during the years, and what they disagree does not mean EVERYONE must comply with what they say.
There was a recent incident that one of the NKT students openly called others as liar because the other believed in the current Trijang Rinpoche. It is very arrogant to call others as liar just because others do not conform to their own views.
Kris,
NKT is not the authority on what is authentic and what is not and therefore there is no basis or authority for NKT to declare what works and what doesn't. The Gelugpa tradition with its 'lama policies' and 'oracles' that the NKT denounce today is 600 years old. In fact the tradition goes back even further. The NKT however only began in the 70's and is only approximately 40 years old. In fact the advent of what is today known as the 'NKT' was not without some conflict.
The NKT may be big but since when is size of a centre a measure of spirituality and attainment? The NKT is still a fledgling by comparison to the Gelugpa lineage and system and therefore has no business condemning an established institution. If members of the NKT accuses the Lama system to be vulnerable to abuse and corruption, I will be interested to see how free of fault the NKT is after Geshe-la enters clear light which I hope is not soon at all.
What is even more juvenile and idiotic is the way the likes of Pagpa wades into the controversy and sees it fit to comment on Kyabje Trijang Choktrul Rinpoche. Trijang Rinpoche at least has never been accused of having committed any immoral act. Whether he is falsely accused or not, Pagpa is the subject of some unsavoury accusations online. Same with some senior NKT teachers. This does not make the NKT bad as a whole. What makes the NKT look bad are people like Pagpa and Rabten undermining the reputation of someone else's teacher who has nothing to do with the NKT whatsoever.
Trijang Choktrul Rinpoche taking on a consort and having child does not mean he is automatically disqualified as a high practitioner of the dharma. It is one thing to be strict on precepts (assuming the Kelsangs all keep theirs perfectly) and it is another matter if a high practitioner engages in what seems like an act that breaks the precept but he or she has in fact eradicated all afflictions of the mind and there is no desire in his actions. Trijang Choktrul Rinpoche is by no means an ordinary practitioner and we already know that if a Bodhisattva can practice having accomplished Bodhicitta, then he may employ skilful means to achieve certain objectives although his actions may appear to those who see with mundane eyes as unwholesome actions. By the NKT's reasoning, we can write off the 10th Panchen Lama, Serkong Dorjechang, Padmasambhava and many others because these illustrious lamas also had consorts and children. But look at their results.
Compare this to some others who are celibate either by choice or circumstance and the only thing we see them do is criticise others. Unless Kelsang Pagpa and Kelsang Rabten can show proof that they have achieved Bodhisattva levels of practice, then it would be better for them if they just shut up about something which is not their business.
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It seems people do not understand the motives of the NKT, so here is a great article from 2010 that deals with oracle, tulku, inviting other teachers etc..
from https://newkadampatruth.wordpress.com/ (https://newkadampatruth.wordpress.com/)
Kind regards
Vajra
What is the relationship between the NKT and Tibetan Dorje Shugden practitioners?
August 3, 2010
Our relationship is one of mutual support, mutual respect and love. We are all disciples of Lama Tsongkhapa, we follow in the spiritual lineage of Gelugpa instructions passed down through the great Lamas Je Phabongkhapa and Trijang Dorjechang, and we do this with the help of our Dharma Protector, Dorje Shugden. NKT students have joined Tibetan monks and Tibetan lay people in the Western Shugden Society demonstrations requesting the Dalai Lama to give freedom to Dorje Shugden practitioners. Geshe Kelsang and a number of NKT students have also supported the new Gelugpa monasteries, Shar Gaden and Serpom Norling, not just morally but with generous financial aid. Shar Gaden acknowledge his courage on behalf of all Dorje Shugdan practitioners and his help in bringing these new monasteries into existence.
Inviting other teachers?
NKT individuals naturally have the freedom to go to other teachings given by other Lamas at different institutions if they wish. Representatives of the NKT, such as teachers and managers, are not however permitted to invite Lamas from different traditions to teach.
Recently, a visiting Tibetan Lama and Dorje Shugden practitioner, who is currently in the States to help highlight the situation with the Dalai Lama’s ban on Dorje Shugden practice, was invited by some NKT teachers to teach at a branch of one of the NKT centers. They were then requested not to do this because, as Geshe Kelsang has said, “We are different traditions.” Over the years, the NKT has consistently resisted inviting Tibetan teachers, including fellow Dorje Shugden practitioners, to teach at NKT centers and this is now in the Internal Rules. This article will help to explain why.
Different traditions
That we are different traditions is evident in several ways. For one thing, it is unlikely that the three NKT study programmes will ever be adopted at the Gelugpa monasteries in India (even though many Tibetans who speak English greatly admire Geshe Kelsang’s commentaries), or that Western NKT teachers, lay or ordained would ever be invited to teach Dharma at Gelugpa monasteries or centers. This is all well and good, as we are different traditions; we are a Western tradition, within Western culture for Western practitioners, and they are a Tibetan tradition, within Tibetan culture, teaching largely in a monastic context.
Here in the West, the majority of practitioners are lay and live in vastly different cultural circumstances from those found in Tibet and India. What works for Tibetans does not easily translate for Westerners and the presentation of the teachings, which has been carefully designed for Westerners, differs widely from the Geshe program taught in the monasteries. As it says in the Internal Rules:
15§1. The Education Programme of all NKT-IKBU Dharma Centres shall consist only of the three New Kadampa Tradition Study Programmes: the General Programme, Foundation Programme, and Teacher Training Programme.
15§2. These programmes form the very core of the NKT-IKBU, and are what distinguishes the New Kadampa Tradition from other traditions.
Other teachers from other traditions can of course be realized beings and qualified to teach holy Dharma in general. The NKT has never said that it has a monopoly on Dharma — that would be going directly against our understanding that Buddhas appear in different forms to help diverse living beings. But, logically enough, only those trained in the NKT study programmes are qualified to teach those programmes.
Geshe Kelsang has taken into account that most Westerners lead very busy and full lives and so the Dharma he presents has become more and more immediately practical. The circumstances are different to the monasteries, where the Geshe program takes twenty years to complete and is intellectually rigorous, involving huge amounts of memorization and formal debate. Some of the monks then go onto do retreats. This system has produced many qualified practitioners, including our own lineage Gurus! But the average Western Buddhist does not have the time or the inclination to complete a 20 year Geshe degree – only one has managed to do this. The NKT study programmes differ from the Geshe program in their very practical emphasis on Lamrim, Lojong and Mahamudra and the emphasis on meditation and retreat. And it is true to say that Geshe Kelsang has conveyed the priceless Ganden oral lineage in a clear, unique and precious way to his Western disciples, for which they are very grateful.
In the NKT the teachings emphasize how to integrate the practices into daily life with family, jobs, etc. Many of the sadhanas have become shorter, with more time for meditation. As it says in the Internal Rules:
16§1. All NKT-IKBU Dharma Centres shall follow the same tradition regarding rituals, retreats, pujas, and granting and receiving empowerments.
These rituals are in many ways far simpler (and shorter) than those in the monasteries. If we examine the life stories of those who grew up in the monasteries, they are utterly admirable, yet utterly unrepeatable for most people in the West. Shar Gaden and Serpom Norling however can recreate these conditions for Tibetan monastic practice in accordance with the changing needs of their own students. Other lay Lamas in the Tibetan tradition can also provide the conditions their own disciples might need.
Books
Even Geshe Kelsang’s detractors acknowledge that his books (which are the basis of the three study programmes) are written by an erudite Buddhist scholar, and no one has found mistakes or inaccuracies in any of them. Geshe Kelsang has not omitted or added anything to the meaning of Lama Tsongkhapa’s teachings. It is clear that Geshe Kelsang is an accomplished Yogi with great personal experience, and through his own experience and wisdom has found ways to help students access the profoundest aspects of Buddha’s teachings as elucidated by Je Tsongkhapa in a swift, achievable, and step-by-step way. His textbooks reveal in astonishing clarity and detail all the stages and practices necessary; a complete road map to attain the enlightened state of Buddhahood. What more can we ask? Our job as NKT practitioners is to put these perfect and detailed instructions into practice every day of our lives.
Language
Within the NKT, all the books, teachings and practices at the centers are given in the language of their country. This means that to engage in the study and practice of Buddhism, people do not have to learn the Tibetan language. Within the NKT Study Programmes, there are no linguistic barriers to the study of Buddhadharma.
Monks, nuns, lay men, lay women
Related to this, the moment Geshe Kelsang arrived in the West he set about training and empowering Westerners to teach Buddhism, based on their own sincere spiritual progress, so that they could teach people in their own languages and cultures. He said he wanted four types of teacher — monks, nuns, lay men, and lay women. Geshe Kelsang has ‘democratized’ Buddhism here in the West by appointing teachers in this way and has said repeatedly that one’s Spiritual Guide can be a monk, nun, lay woman or lay man. This is a vast departure from Tibetan ways. Geshe Kelsang also shows no discrimination based on race or sexual orientation, setting the tradition apart from the Tibetan hegemony of the FPMT and other Tibetan Buddhist centres and the 14th Dalai Lama’s condemnation of homosexuality.
No Tulku system
While to some, the practices of recognizing Tulkus and using oracles for divination may seem interesting and exotic, they are well outside Western cultural norms. With respect to the Tibetan Lama mentioned earlier, one NKT branch teacher recently told a relatively new student that “This Rinpoche is even higher than Geshe-la as he is a reincarnate Lama.” This reveals the danger of the Shangri-la syndrome, naively idealizing foreign cultures and grandiose titles as magically perfect and naturally superior to ours. The Tulku system is one of inherited power where reincarnate Lamas (almost always Tibetan boys, even these days) are discovered at a very early age and then groomed for their privileged status and authority. This system creates an unbreakable glass ceiling for Western practitioners. What is the place for lay Gelugpas in the Tulku system? What is the place for women, ordained or lay? This system worked in Tibet on many occasions, but it can and has also been misused by those with a bad motivation for worldly purposes.
The NKT has decided to elect its leaders instead. Indeed, not just one but two women have been appointed to the highest positions in the organization for a period of at least the next four years. This utter breaking with the Gelugpa monastic tradition makes perfect sense in a Western democracy but would not be appropriate for Shar Gaden, for example, which is a Gelugpa monastery. Nuns in the highest position in a Tibetan monastery would be as much of a cultural hurdle there as relying upon the Tulku system would be to the NKT. It is also worth noting that Geshe Kelsang has not tried to interfere with how Shar Gaden or Serpom Norling are organized, even when his involvement was requested. He has never tried to interfere with any other Buddhist Center in the West either.
No teachers in the NKT have been recognized as a Tulku, most teach without fanfare or recognition. Inviting Tibetan Tulkus and Lamas to teach at NKT centers can undermine the teachers’ credibility simply because Western teachers appear more run of the mill and “like us” than an exotic Rinpoche.
No oracles or divination
The Internal Rules state:
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.
This is not saying that these systems are always misused or that they never work or should not be used by others. Within our lineage our own great Tibetan Lamas sometimes relied upon oracles and divination. Even Geshe Kelsang himself used divination to find the rebirth of his mother, as explained in the book Introduction to Buddhism. Early on in the NKT years, the oracle of Dorje Shugden came to a few NKT centers and Dorje Shugden composed a beautiful and inspiring long-life prayer for Geshe Kelsang. However, it is true that on occasion this system has been used in the service of political power and still remains open to abuse. Not to mention that an oracle’s possession can present a large cultural barrier to the average Westerner, seeming alien or superstitious. Acceptance of the validity of divinations and oracles, while firmly established within Tibetan culture, is outside of our own.
Ordination within the NKT
At the present time the NKT-IKBU has about 700 ordained people around the world. The way of granting ordination was designed by Geshe Kelsang following the ancient Kadampa tradition. It is very simple and very practical. A great deal has been explained about this on our website and blog.
Independent Buddhist Tradition
The Internal Rules state:
§3 The New Kadampa Tradition shall always be an entirely independent Buddhist tradition and the NKT-IKBU shall have no political affiliations.
Geshe Kelsang has worked hard for the last 30 years to create a modern tradition of Je Tsongkhapa’s Buddhism, one that can be transplanted into any country in the world because it is divested of Tibetan politics and culture. This has not been easy as it has challenged the Tibetan status quo, and over the years even some NKT students have sometimes questioned whether we really need to let go of the Tibetan language, customs and connections with the Tibetan establishment.
However, Geshe Kelsang has a far-reaching, compassionate vision and, as a direct result of his wisdom, skill and courage, hundreds of thousands of people (and millions of people potentially) who would never have met these Buddhist teachings now have access to them and are now practicing Je Tsongkhapa’s clear and powerful Buddha Dharma through the NKT every day. Many Western people in the NKT are making spiritual progress without abandoning their own Western lifestyles, by practicing in their own cultural milieu, and by transforming their own 21st century environments. They are able to do this without having to waste a great deal of precious time figuring out which Tibetan cultural customs and institutions are necessary for their practice and which on the contrary can get in the way of actual inner transformation.
A bridge between east and west, a bridge to the future
This article has outlined some of what has Geshe Kelsang removed and what he has kept. His epic achievement has been in transplanting Kadampa Buddhism from the snowy mountains of Tibet into an entirely alien Western soil so that it becomes a natural part of the landscape of our societies. This is a true bridge. NKT students need to know the nature of this achievement if they are to feel confident about protecting this legacy rather than defensive or out on a limb, or feeling the need to supplement their tradition by inviting other teachers. If we do begin to invite Tibetan Lamas to give teachings at our Centers — teachings that will naturally have subtle and not-so-subtle differences and even contradictions to the three study programmes — what does that say to others about the completeness and effectiveness of our own tradition? And what or whose teachings and path will we then follow?
So, NKT students are encouraged to keep our enthusiasm and respect for all traditions of Buddhism while relishing studying, practicing and realizing our own.
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The NKT has decided to elect its leaders instead. Indeed, not just one but two women have been appointed to the highest positions in the organization for a period of at least the next four years. This utter breaking with the Gelugpa monastic tradition makes perfect sense in a Western democracy but would not be appropriate for Shar Gaden, for example, which is a Gelugpa monastery. Nuns in the highest position in a Tibetan monastery would be as much of a cultural hurdle there as relying upon the Tulku system would be to the NKT. It is also worth noting that Geshe Kelsang has not tried to interfere with how Shar Gaden or Serpom Norling are organized, even when his involvement was requested. He has never tried to interfere with any other Buddhist Center in the West either.
No teachers in the NKT have been recognized as a Tulku, most teach without fanfare or recognition. Inviting Tibetan Tulkus and Lamas to teach at NKT centers can undermine the teachers’ credibility simply because Western teachers appear more run of the mill and “like us” than an exotic Rinpoche.
Note that this is perfectly in line with the meritocratic and democratic way that the Ganden Tripa is picked to be the spiritual leader of all Gelugpas. However culturally and ignorantly, many believe His Holiness Dalai Lama to be the spiritual leader of the Gelugpas.
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The NKT has decided to elect its leaders instead. Indeed, not just one but two women have been appointed to the highest positions in the organization for a period of at least the next four years. This utter breaking with the Gelugpa monastic tradition makes perfect sense in a Western democracy but would not be appropriate for Shar Gaden, for example, which is a Gelugpa monastery. Nuns in the highest position in a Tibetan monastery would be as much of a cultural hurdle there as relying upon the Tulku system would be to the NKT. It is also worth noting that Geshe Kelsang has not tried to interfere with how Shar Gaden or Serpom Norling are organized, even when his involvement was requested. He has never tried to interfere with any other Buddhist Center in the West either.
No teachers in the NKT have been recognized as a Tulku, most teach without fanfare or recognition. Inviting Tibetan Tulkus and Lamas to teach at NKT centers can undermine the teachers’ credibility simply because Western teachers appear more run of the mill and “like us” than an exotic Rinpoche.
Note that this is perfectly in line with the meritocratic and democratic way that the Ganden Tripa is picked to be the spiritual leader of all Gelugpas. However culturally and ignorantly, many believe His Holiness Dalai Lama to be the spiritual leader of the Gelugpas.
If not by definition, then by the sheer exercise of power the Dalai Lama IS the leader of the Geluk and all Tibetan Budhism. Fact. Academic to say he is not, Ringo Star. The most recent and 103rd GT just passed away after only a few months instead of usual 7 yrs of serving the Budhadharma. Clearly, if his election is based on meritocracy then Geluk meritocracy is short sighted.
I think the NKT electing their leader is a good thing today. That way the leader can also be unelected if he is not a good and proper leader. You cannot un-tulku someone who you already regard as a Buddha emanation without losing credibility.
This don't mean tulku is wrong. Just mean that people today don't have karma to see and enjoy a Buddha in nirmangaya form. Actually, also not in sambokagaya and dharmagaya.
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If not by definition, then by the sheer exercise of power the Dalai Lama IS the leader of the Geluk and all Tibetan Budhism. Fact. Academic to say he is not, Ringo Star. The most recent and 103rd GT just passed away after only a few months instead of usual 7 yrs of serving the Budhadharma. Clearly, if his election is based on meritocracy then Geluk meritocracy is short sighted.
I am just pointing out a simple truth - that the Ganden Tripa is the head of the Gelug tradition and the method he is appointed is meritocratic and democratic. Proof me that I am wrong.
And what has living for a few months after being appointed Ganden Tripa got to do with anything? How is it short sighted? Is a Ganden Tripa supposed to serve the entire 7 years to prove that he is attained? Being elected to the throne of Ganden Tripa itself I would think is good enough to generate faith amongst practitioners.
So I repeat, the NKT system of electing a leader is consistent with the way the Ganden Tripa is appointed.
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This don't mean tulku is wrong. Just mean that people today don't have karma to see and enjoy a Buddha in nirmangaya form. Actually, also not in sambokagaya and dharmagaya.
Dear Zeba Minor,
Yes it is the karma of the subject that determines if the subject can "see" a Buddha in nirmanakaya form. However, Buddhas in nirmanakaya form are everywhere, not only in the aspect of a Tulku. Nirmanakaya Buddhas are not exclusive to Tulkus. They can be in the aspect of animals too such as dogs.
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If not by definition, then by the sheer exercise of power the Dalai Lama IS the leader of the Geluk and all Tibetan Budhism.
Ridiculous. It is widely known that many Gelugpas and Tibetan Buddhists could not care less about the evil dalie's “leadership”.
The most recent and 103rd GT just passed away after only a few months instead of usual 7 yrs of serving the Budhadharma. Clearly, if his election is based on meritocracy then Geluk meritocracy is short sighted.
You can find the meaning of “meritocracy” in a dictionary. Then try to compare it with the meaning of “life expectancy forecast”. Just in case you find any difference please let us know.
Just mean that people today don't have karma to see and enjoy a Buddha in nirmangaya form.
You are confounding nirmanakaya with supreme nirmanakaya.
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Thank you all for the very sound discussions on this topic. What has the most impact on me is that NKT was founded by Geshe Kelsang within the Western sphere of disciples who have very different traditional and cultural values as the original Gelug tradition from Tibet. As such this organisation is called the New Kadampa Tradition (NKT) which will mean policies will change to suit its students and devotees.
However, having read Geshe Kelsang's books and teachings, they do not differ much from the traditional teachings of Je Tsongkapa and Protector Dorje Shugden. There are many schools of Buddhist traditions, and they differ quite substantially in tradition but the doctrine is the same noble truths of original Buddhism by Shakymuni Buddha.
Traditions and styles will change and it is for us to choose what best suit us. Personally I like the original style of "Tulkus" and "Oracles" which to my humble view give much grandeur to the tradition. That is for now.
Essence and tenets of Buddhism should not change but methods should to suit this ever changing world order and its inhabitants.
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I agreed that “My point is policies he makes can be changed according to student’s aptitude, place, time and also mistakes”. I always believe that a decision make by a high lama is for the benefit of students even students think was a mistake. A high lama will not harm his students. Whatever he is doing is for the benefit of the students’ enlightenment and not other things else. We do not have their level of wisdom to see the things. We need to trust them. You may read the story of Chögyam Trungpa and his crazy wisdom. My point is focus on his teaching instead to judge the lama. Also our mind is not so stable, therefore if we listen to too many teachers’ teaching , it may confuse us, in this regards, I don’t think is wrong to follow only one lama’s teaching.
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The difference between Geshe Kelsang Gyatso and other Shugden lamas, when it comes to oracles and tulkus, is not about beliefs, but about policies.
Nothing new here, because differing policies as regards tulkus and oracles within Tibetan Buddhism are probably as old as tulkus and oracles themselves.
Now, in the same way that Geshe Kelsang Gyatso does not interfere with other lamas' policies, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso's own policies are hardly anyone else's business.
However, as currently discussed on another thread in this forum, NKT, as opposed to Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, seems to have chosen a new, different, interfering path, gratuitously smearing other Shugden lamas and their policies, which is obviously none of their job.
Therefore, while NKT's official beliefs about oracles and tulkus are irrelevant, their newly found divisive, un-Buddhistic attitude turns the previously admirable institution into into a rogue, despicable bunch worthless even a thread in this forum.