News Coverage

PHAYUL

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Source: http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=36491&article=Dalai+Lama+begins+9+day+UK+tour 

YAHOO NEWS UK

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Source: https://uk.news.yahoo.com/dalai-lama-face-protesters-during-175158271.html#zcri71l 

CAMBRIDGE NEWS

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Source: http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Loud-disruptive-protest-planned-Dalai-Lama-comes/story-27794716-detail/story.html 

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Source: http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Hundreds-protest-Dalai-Lama-visit-Cambridge/story-27809326-detail/story.html 

OXFORD MAIL

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Source: http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/13719501.Dalai_Lama_speaks_about_refugee_crisis_at_Magdalen_College/ 

RT UK

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Source: http://www.rt.com/uk/315561-dalai-lama-protest-cambridge/ 

ITV

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Source: http://www.itv.com/news/anglia/update/2015-09-16/dalai-lama-greeted-with-jeers-as-well-as-cheers/ 

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Source: http://www.itv.com/news/anglia/update/2015-09-16/dalai-lama-greeted-by-rival-protests-in-cambridge/ 

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Source: http://www.itv.com/news/anglia/update/2015-09-16/protest-expected-during-dalai-lamas-visit/ 

RINF

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Source: http://rinf.com/alt-news/breaking-news/dalai-lamas-uk-visit-met-buddhist-sect-protests/  

Video Coverage of the England Demonstrations

Protests against the Dalai Lama’s religious prosecution

From BBC

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Radio coverage on the protest against the Dalai Lama

From BBC

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News coverage on Shugden practitioner’s protest against the Dalai Lama’s religious ban

From Heart News East

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News coverage on the recent demonstration by Shugden practitioners in Cambridge

From ITV

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Shugden practitioners asks for religious freedom in recent demonstration in England

From ISC

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Internations Shugden Community protests against the Dalai Lama’s religious ban in England

From ISC

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Photos of the England Demonstrations

Cambridge

When it comes to the Dorje Shugden conflict, few names have become more synonymous with the struggle for the Tibetan people to regain their rights to practice their beliefs than Adar Tsering. A familiar Tibetan face at the protests organized by the International Shugden Community, he has done much to bring world attention to the woes of Shugden worshippers and the fight against an unjust religious ban.

Adar Tsering is the General Secretary of the North America Gelug Buddhist Association (NAGBA), which consists of Tibetan monks and laypersons who are concerned about the erosion of the purity of Je Tsongkapa’s lineage which the Dorje Shugden practice became a casualty of. It is a position that Adar Tsering has had considerable experience in, having held similar positions in Dorje Shugden Societies in North India and Nepal, where persecution of Shugden followers is rife.

In his post as General Secretary of NAGBA, Adar Tsering has labored for the cause, not only through participation in the peaceful demonstrations against the Dalai Lama’s ban on Dorje Shugden, but also via NAGBA initiatives such as Tibetan Public Talk (TPT) which aims to educate Americans, Tibetans as well as the world public about the gross breach of human rights that the Central Tibetan Administration has hidden from the world.

The Dorje Shugden ban has created much suffering and perhaps Adar Tsering’s tireless drive is borne out of a desire to relieve others of adversities that the CTA-sponsored conflict has inflicted upon him personally. Previously a monk of Sera Mey’s Pomra Khangtsen, which was forced to become what is now Serpom Monastery, Adar Tsering is familiar with what Dorje Shugden monks have to endure.

Despite having left the sangha community, he could not escape the long shadows of the CTA’s persecution and propaganda campaigns against Shugden practitioners, and became the victim of a broken family torn apart by split loyalties. Adar Tsering is also a constant target for death threats and abuse by anti-Dorje Shugden groups, even appearing on the CTA’s hit list, but remains unfazed in his mission to end the unholy conflict.

DorjeShugden.com recently had the pleasure of speaking with Adar Tsering to get his views.

DorjeShugden.com has been closely following the protests organised by our fellow Shugdenpas to bring our readers this compilation of news, pictures and videos. Please do visit this post over the next few days as we continue to update this article with new photos and videos. If you have more pictures or information to share, please email us at ds@dorjeshugden.com.

News Coverage

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Source: http://www.ocregister.com/articles/tibetan-669824-cake-dalai.html

MORNING STAR

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Source: http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/a-3fa3-Buddhist-sect-to-protest-at-US-visit-by-Dalai-Lama#.VcHQPfkiq01

THE GUARDIAN

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Source: http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jul/04/readers-editor-buddhism-organised-lobbying-dalai-lama

LOS ANGELES TIMES

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Source: http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-dalai-lama-80th-birthday-anaheim-20150705-story.html

THE SUN DAILY

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Source: http://www.thesundaily.my/news/1480129

UPI

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Source: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2015/07/05/Dalai-Lama-celebrating-80th-birthday-at-Southern-California-summit/5591436136201/

LOS ANGELES TIMES

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Source: http://www.latimes.com/local/orangecounty/la-me-dalai-lama-birthday-20150706-story.html/

THE MALAY MAIL ONLINE

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Source: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/world/article/nobel-tributes-dalai-lamas-80th-birthday-bash

NBC LOS ANGELES

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Source: http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Dalai-Lama-Celebrates-80th-Birthday-in-Irvine-311798791.html

VOICE OF OC

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Source: http://voiceofoc.org/2015/07/dalai-lama-brings-message-of-kindness-to-anaheim/

CBS LOS ANGELES

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Source: http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2015/07/06/dalai-lama-visits-uc-irvine-as-part-of-80th-birthday-celebration/

INQUISITR

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Source: http://www.inquisitr.com/2231194/dalai-lamas-80th-birthday-prompts-a-three-day-celebration-amid-protests/#teIaZUFHFYAAcgA2.99

THINK PROGRESS

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Source: http://thinkprogress.org/world/2015/07/06/3677075/dalai-lama-birthday-celebration/

BANGKOK POST

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Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/vdo/world/619892/followers-of-buddhist-faction-protest-dalai-lama-new-york-visit

NEW YORK POST

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Source: http://nypost.com/2015/07/11/dalai-lama-celebrates-80th-birthday-by-meditating-in-nyc/

BIG NEWS NETWORK

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Source: http://www.bignewsnetwork.com/index.php/sid/234688419

Video Coverage of the USA Demonstrations

Followers of Buddhist Faction Protest Dalai Lama’s New York Visit

From Reuters

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Dalai Lama at UC Irvine – International Shugden Community Demonstration

From International Shugden Community

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California ISC Demonstration Day 1

From International Shugden Community

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ISC Protest in Irvine, California 6 July 2015

From Shugden Library

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ISC Protest at Bren Events Center, Irvine CA

From Shugden Library

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Photos of the USA Demonstrations

The International Shugden Community (ISC) brought their message of religious freedom and their struggle for the release of the Dorje Shugden ban to Australia, following His Holiness the Dalai Lama as he travelled from Sydney to Brisbane in June 2015.

DorjeShugden.com has been closely following the protests organised by our fellow Shugdenpas to bring our readers this compilation of news, pictures and videos. Please do visit this post over the next few days as we continue to update this article with new photos and videos. If you have more pictures or information to share, please email us at ds@dorjeshugden.com.

News Coverage

RADIO AUSTRALIA

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Source: http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2015-06-04/dalai-lama-arrives-in-sydney-for-australian-tour/1455126

THE GUARDIAN

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Source: http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/jun/04/protestors-call-on-dalai-lama-to-end-persecution-of-shugden-buddhists

MATICHON ONLINE

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Source: http://www.matichon.co.th/news_detail.php?newsid=143347734

THE AGE

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Source: http://www.theage.com.au/comment/dalai-lama-must-answer-tough-questions-on-shugden-buddhists-20150607-ghikgz.html

THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

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Source: http://www.smh.com.au/comment/dalai-lama-must-answer-tough-questions-on-shugden-buddhists-20150607-ghikgz.html

9 NEWS

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Source: http://www.9news.com.au/national/2015/06/08/03/33/dalai-lama-to-speak-in-blue-mountains

DAILY MAIL

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Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3115350/I-appreciate-freedom-speech-Dalai-Lama-s-calm-response-protesters-chanting-spoke-thousands-Blue-Mountains-school.html

SKY NEWS

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Source: http://www.skynews.com.au/news/national/2015/06/08/dalai-lama-urges-a-compassionate-future.html

ABC NEWS

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Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-06-11/shugden-buddhists-protest-tibetan-dalai-lama-on-brisbane-visit/6537490

SBS NEWS

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Source: http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2015/06/10/shugden-buddhists-protest-over-dalai-lama-persecution

THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

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Source: http://www.smh.com.au/national/education/dalai-lama-supports-ethics-classes-in-nsw-schools-20150609-ghj7uh.html

BRISBANE TIMES

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Source: http://media.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/qld-news/dalai-lama-creates-religious-hatred-6605477.html

ABC NEWS

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Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-06-11/who-are-the-shugden-buddhists/6539968

NEWS.COM.AU

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Source: http://www.news.com.au/national/queensland/brisbane-protest-calls-on-dalai-lama-to-end-persecution-against-shugden-buddhists/story-fnii5v6w-1227391856524

9 NEWS

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Source: http://www.9news.com.au/national/2015/06/12/15/47/treat-all-as-brothers-sisters-dalai-lama

METRO TV NEWS

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Source: http://news.metrotvnews.com/abc/read/2015/06/12/1458372/kunjungi-brisbane-dalai-lama-kritik-pembunuhan-atas-nama-agama

UCA NEWS

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Source: http://www.ucanews.com/news/in-brisbane-dalai-lama-leads-multi-faith-congregation-in-prayer/73772

ABC NEWS

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Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-06-12/compassion-the-answer-to-all-the-worlds-problems-dalai-lama/6542940

HERALD SUN

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Source: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/opinion/the-dalai-lama-great-guy-but-why-all-the-fuss/story-fni0ffsx-1227395322305

THE COURIER MAIL

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Source: http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/honorary-queenslama-decries-pro-shugden-protests-down-under/story-fnn8dlfs-1227395394120

Dalai Lama Visits Brisbane

From Ten Eyewitness News

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Photos of the Australian Demonstrations

Sydney

Brisbane

Yet, however dark and dim the future may appear to be, a sliver of hope will always persevere like that silver lining in every cloud. As such, perhaps it is time to look at the Dorje Shugden controversy in a slightly different light – one that, while acknowledging the difficulties of Shugden Buddhists, also recognizes the benefits that the ban has brought. As tangible changes are strongly felt and visibly witnessed all over the world, and as the secret practice of Dorje Shugden becomes the new “household name” of Tibetan Buddhism, we begin to see that all this is, regardless of motivation, very much thanks to the Dalai Lama.

The Purpose of Dorje Shugden

The coming of Lama Tsongkapa was foretold by Buddha Shakyamuni, who declared that this emanation of Manjushri would revitalize and spread the Buddhist teachings at a future time of degeneration. When Lama Tsongkapa appeared in 14th century, it was also then that the basis of, and “strategy” behind the manifestation of Dorje Shugden as the uncommon protector of Lama Tsongkapa’s doctrine was initiated by the dharma protector Nechung.

Nechung appeared as a dove that transformed into a young boy dressed in white, and requested Duldzin Drakpa Gyeltsen to arise as an uncommon Protector to safeguard Nagarjuna’s Middle View as perfectly taught by Lama Tsongkapa. Having great love and reverence for his teacher, Duldzin Drakpa Gyeltsen agreed. One can therefore conclude that Dorje Shugden has a crucial role to play in the growth of Dharma during this age of kaliyuga.

Lord Duldzin’s Story

Duldzin Drakpa Gyeltsen is commonly known as one of the eight main disciples of Lama Tsongkapa, and less commonly known to be the closest and most senior of Lama Tsongkapa’s disciples. Both Lama Tsongkapa and Duldzin Drakpa Gyeltsen had a close relationship that spanned many prior lifetimes (e.g. as Mahasiddha Birupa and Dombi Heruka), and both have been acknowledged as emanations of Manjushri who incarnated in the same place to set the perfect example of the correct relationship between Guru and disciple.

Duldzin Drakpa Gyeltsen

Among Duldzin Drakpa Gyeltsen’s greatest deeds was the construction of Ganden Monastery, which would become the first Gelugpa monastery ever built and a stronghold of Lama Tsongkapa’s teachings. For this reason, many regard Duldzin Drakpa Gyeltsen as the “co-founder” of the Gelugpa lineage because it was only through his work that Lama Tsongkapa’s teachings have remained alive and flourishing today, via the living dharma institution of Ganden Monastery, as well as Sera and Drepung. Thus, even during his lifetime, Duldzin Drakpa Gyeltsen had already begun to fulfill his promise to protect the perfect teachings of Lama Tsongkapa.

After Lama Tsongkapa entered clear light, Duldzin Drakpa Gyeltsen was the first to be offered the throne of Lama Tsongkapa, but he declined, preferring to continue his work to protect and grow the perfect teachings of his Guru. Thus, Gyaltsab Je ascended Lama Tsongkapa’s throne in his stead, and went on to become the first Ganden Tripa, while Duldzin Drakpa Gyeltsen went into retreat, dedicating the remainder of his life to pure Dharma practice.

Duldzin Drakpa Gyeltsen later returned as Panchen Sonam Drakpa and, a few lifetimes later, as Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen who ultimately fulfilled the promise to arise as the uncommon protector, Dorje Shugden.

Fast Forward… The Degeneration

Today, over 300 years after Dorje Shugden arose, we can observe and experience the degeneration of Dharma, thus “confirming” Nechung’s prediction and reinforcing the urgent need for Dorje Shugden as the Protector of Lama Tsongkapa’s precious lineage. Despite Dharma masters successfully escaping Tibet for India and other parts of the world, bringing Buddha’s teachings with them, many never-before-seen problems are plaguing Tibetan Buddhism, amongst them the two Karmapa controversy, multiple opposing recognitions of Tulkus, and schism arising in the Gelugpa lineage as a result of the Dorje Shugden controversy.

This degeneration can also be seen in the Tibetan leadership, from the bravery and loyalty of the pre-exile Kashag (Tibetan Parliament) members such as Prime Ministers Lukhangwa and Lobsang Tashi, compared to the new leaders of the Tibetans-in-exile such as Penpa Tsering and Samdhong Rinpoche, who knowingly or unknowingly display incompetence and a severe lack of foresight in their public addresses, being more concerned to protect their position rather than the welfare of the Tibetan people.

From left to right: Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, the 14th Dalai Lama, and the Speaker of Parliament Penpa Tsering.

The Ban and Its Effects

The Dalai Lama began to discourage the practice of Dorje Shugden in the 1970s. However, as Protector practice is one that is traditionally held sacred and secret, many continued to propitiate Dorje Shugden until the Dalai Lama toughened his stance in the 1990s, making official pronouncements against Dorje Shugden’s practice and banning Shugden Buddhists from attending his teachings.

This culminated with forced signature campaigns and swearing-out ceremonies in 2008, when the Gelugpa monastic community was singled out and asked to sign declarations renouncing, or rather denouncing, their practice of Dorje Shugden, and to swear oaths against Dorje Shugden’s practice. Monks who did not do so were automatically deemed to be Dorje Shugden practitioners, and were expelled from their monasteries with the Dalai Lama’s encouragement and blessings.

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This marked the beginning of the plague of violence, discrimination and suppression in the world of Tibetan Buddhism as Dorje Shugden practitioners experienced damage to property and person. Vandalism of Dorje Shugden monasteries, temples, and images of lineage masters like Kyabje Pabongkha Rinpoche and Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche was rampant. Homes and shops of Shugden practitioners were ransacked and burnt. Monks and lay practitioners were indiscriminately attacked, physically and psychologically.

Even attained senior lamas like Kyabje Gangchen Rinpoche, Kyabje Zemey Rinpoche and Ven. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso were not spared the humiliation and attacks. For instance, Gen Chonzey-la, an elderly and respectable monk who is the main administrator of Trijang Ladrang in Ganden Monastery was attacked in the wee hours of the morning by five knife-wielding men, and sustained many cuts, bruises and a swollen eye as a result.

Gen Chonzey sustained severe injuries after being attacked for his practice of Dorje Shugden

Discriminatory signs against Dorje Shugden practitioners within the Tibetan community

Thus, the ban has caused great schism within the monastic community, widespread destruction of Buddha images, and tremendous disrespect to great Lamas whose only “crime” was to practice a centuries-old enlightened dharma protector that the Dalai Lama dislikes.

Further reading

1. CTA creates violence again
2. Tibetan leadership publishes hit list
3. Nuns acting in the most unsightly ways

So, how did the ban help, if at all?

Dorje Shugden Practitioners Have United

Despite the great suffering, many Dorje Shugden practitioners accepted the pain as a practice of Tonglen and persevered. Weathering the storm, the most ardent and sincere of practitioners with unshakable faith arose.

Thanks to the Dalai Lama, the ban gave Dorje Shugden practitioners, who historically practiced individually and independently, a strong cause to unite and stand together to fight for their religious rights, and to show their devotion to their lineage masters.

As a result, the International Shugden Community (ISC) was born, with the mission of lifting the ban by creating awareness of the suffering of Shugden Buddhists, through peaceful demonstrations and mass media exposure worldwide. The ISC has successfully organized a series of peaceful demonstrations since 2014 in Europe, USA and Canada, AND united Shugden Buddhists from the West and East, giving powerful credence to their cause.

When Yongyal Rinpoche was detained, immigration was quoted as saying: “His visa was revoked. We do not know the politics behind it. We have only done our duty…” (Click to enlarge)

The world’s media, from traditional platforms to social media, has picked up the message of the peaceful demonstrations and this, in turn, hampers the intensity of the discrimination and suppression of Shugden Buddhists. For example, the detention and deportation of Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche from India received immediate attention and action internationally, reflecting poorly on the Central Tibetan Administration as well as the Indian authorities. Such embarrassment will definitely give cause for all parties to think twice before acting blatantly against Shugden practitioners in future.

The unity of Dorje Shugden practitioners has also sparked a movement within Tibetan Buddhist communities worldwide, far beyond the imagination of the Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamsala, and the world has since embraced this movement. Whether from a pro-Dorje Shugden, anti-Dalai Lama or human rights angle, “Shugden Fever” caught on and has brought Dharma to the next level.

Peaceful demonstrations: Calling upon the Dalai Lama to give religious freedom

The Next Level: Butter from Milk

When the going gets tough, a higher level of practice arises when practitioners put the Dharma they have learnt into action. In the words of an erudite Tibetan lama:

When milk is shaken, you get 100% pure butter and some watery leftovers.

The ban on Dorje Shugden certainly shook things up within the Tibetan Buddhist community, and has created a distinct separation between those who chose Bodhicitta over anger, Guru Devotion over politicking, knowledge over ignorance. Thanks to the Dalai Lama, the name of Dorje Shugden is now synonymous with the pure Gelugpa lineage of Lama Tsongkapa and the monasteries that uphold this tradition (the butter) as opposed to the travesty of “fair weather” practitioners who sacrificed the pure Dharma on the altar of politics (the watery leftovers).

Democracy in Tibet… Finally

Another positive side-effect of the Dorje Shugden ban is the creation of a higher level of awareness of religious rights and freedoms, particularly in the Tibetan community.

In the not-so-distant past, it was almost unheard of for Tibetans (and Tibetan Buddhists) to voice opinions that clash with those of their God King. “Victims” of the Dalai Lama’s policies would direct their discontent towards the Tibetan administration, but make a conscious effort to steer clear of blaming the Dalai Lama himself, even when there was evidence to substantiate their dissatisfaction, or clear contradictions in the Dalai Lama’s speech, teachings and actions.

The untouchable status of the Dalai Lama had in fact begun with his political role during the time of the 5th Dalai Lama. In 1661, two missionaries, Johannes Gruber and Albert Dorville, recorded that conflicting experiences of the Dalai Lama were already in existence then. Some experienced the Dalai Lama as “a powerful and compassionate leader” while others saw him as “a devilish God-the-father who puts to death such as refuse to adore him.”

The tyranny of the Dalai Lama further expanded beyond the borders of Tibet when he was implicated in a conspiracy to assassinate the 18-year-old King of Bhutan in the 1970s. However, instead of targeting the God King, the Dalai Lama’s brother, Gyalo Dondrup and Lhading, his personal representative in Bhutan, were named by the Bhutanese authorities as the principal agents of the conspiracy.

However, thanks to the Dalai Lama, the Dorje Shugden ban has opened the doors to the unthinkable: the first inklings of democracy in Tibet. For the first time ever, Tibetans are standing up to protest, not against the Dalai Lama per se but to defend their fundamental human rights for religious freedom, after being suppressed and abused beyond human tolerance.

• As a direct result of the Dalai Lama’s ban on Dorje Shugden, the Dorje Shugden Devotee’s Charitable & Religious Society was formed in Delhi in 1996, to create awareness of the sufferings caused by the Dorje Shugden ban, and to petition against it.
• In 2011, the North America Geluk Buddhist Association (NAGBA) was formed with the sole objective of preserving the pure lineage of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, which includes the practice of Dorje Shugden.
• NAGBA also initiated the Tibetan Public Talk series of videos in 2012, to further create awareness of the sufferings caused by the ban, and to provide a platform for learned Geshes, Rinpoches and lamas to refute the Dalai Lama’s reasons for the ban based on scriptural evidence.
• Through the International Shugden Community, Tibetans worldwide have been empowered to take a stand for their rights, lineage and practice, and in 2014 staged a series of worldwide peaceful demonstrations against the Dalai Lama’s religious ban.

These efforts in various parts of the world, by different communities sharing a common vision, created a new level of understanding of the power of egalitarianism. Those suppressed and discriminated against started a powerful democratic movement of the Tibetan people, by the Tibetan people, and for the Tibetan people: a revolution within Tibetan history, all thanks to the Dalai Lama.

Dorje Shugden Goes Mainstream

One of the Dalai Lama’s greatest achievements is spreading Lord Buddha’s teachings to the world at a rate and in a scale previously unfathomable. After 55 years of turning the Wheel of Dharma, millions have received initiations and learned the Buddhist doctrine. Consciously or subconsciously, the Dalai Lama is also doing the same for Dorje Shugden’s practice, through all the hype surrounding the Shugden controversy.

The Dalai Lama has certainly brought Vajrayana Buddhism to the world

The combined efforts of the International Shugden Community, Dorje Shugden monasteries, great Shugden lamas such as Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche, Kyabje Gangchen Rinpoche, Kyabje Gonsar Rinpoche and Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche, and DorjeShugden.com have promoted the Buddhadharma in the form of Dorje Shugden to millions worldwide via mass media channels. For instance:

• The very visible and audible demonstrations have been a magnet for world media attention.
• This media interest is fueled by detailed and up-to-date information on DorjeShugden.com.
• Last but not least, the Dorje Shugden sangha who remain steadfast to their Gurus and Protector are a living testament that supports the information conveyed at the demonstrations and on websites.

As a result, Dorje Shugden is fast becoming a household name beyond traditional Buddhist circles, and with each mention of his name, the imprints of a Buddha are planted in the mindstreams of individuals. None of this would have happened if not for the Dalai Lama.

Likewise, Dorje Shugden’s name is being spread far and wide

A sample of international media coverage of the Dorje Shugden ban (Click to enlarge)

The Re-Turning of the Wheel of Dharma

Based on the principle of cause and effect, the difficulties that Dorje Shugden practitioners have endured over the years and their devotion to the lineage Gurus have created the causes for powerful Dorje Shugden Dharma masters to arise and turn the wheel of Dharma once again. Most recently, in September 2014, Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche gave the life entrustment of Dorje Shugden (sogtae) to over 700 people in Mongolia.

Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche gave teachings to huge audiences in Mongolia

Additionally, the Dorje Shugden controversy has forced practitioners to study and gain a deeper understanding of the Dharma, which in turn develops a greater appreciation of Lama Tsongkapa’s precious doctrine. Thanks to the Dalai Lama, the Dorje Shugden ban has been a catalyst for practitioners to gain unsurpassed wisdom, unshakeable Guru devotion and abundant merits for the survival and furtherance of Dorje Shugden’s practice.

Today, the name “Dorje Shugden” itself heralds the coming of pure Dharma. Looking at the benefits that have arisen from the ban, perhaps, just perhaps, the ban can even be viewed as one of Dorje Shugden’s enlightened activities, one that allows him to correct the degeneration of Lama Tsongkapa’s lineage and protect this precious doctrine for future generations, just as he swore to do many centuries ago as Duldzin Drakpa Gyeltsen. And, as ironic as it may sound, all this is thanks to the Dalai Lama.

References

• http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/news/press-release-tibetan-democracy-day/
• http://www.shugdensociety.info/home.html
• http://kadampa.org/
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Kadampa_Tradition
• http://internationalshugdencommunity.com/
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Tibet
• http://www.westernshugdensociety.org/photos/tibetan-assassinate-bhutan-king/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9YJmhbaX70
• http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/news/trijang-rinpoche-in-mongolia-2014/
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guru-shishya_tradition

News Coverage

COPENHAGEN POST

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Source: http://cphpost.dk/news/demonstrations-in-copenhagen-against-hypocrite-dalai-lama.12585.html 

EIN NEWS

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Source: https://www.einnews.com/pr_news/249249474/meeting-tibetans-and-buddhists-from-trondheim-to-copenhagen 

POLITIKEN

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Source: http://politiken.dk/indland/ECE2541706/demonstrant-han-har-stor-karisma-men-han-er-hensynsloes-i-sin-magt/  

Photos of the Copenhagen Demonstrations

Video Coverage of the Copenhagen Demonstrations

Stop Lying Dalai Lama !!!! Copenhagen, Denmark.

From DSTF

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Demonstration in Copenhagen against Dalai Lama’s religious discrimination to Shugden Buddhists

From DorjeShugden.com

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Asking Dalai Lama For Religious Freedom – Demo in Copenhagen

From DorjeShugden.com

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Dalai Lama Please Stop Discriminating Against Shugden Buddhists

From DorjeShugden.com

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ISC NEWS: Shame on you Dalai Lama!

From ISC News

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In December 2014, DorjeShugden.com had the opportunity to chat with the International Shugden Community’s (ISC) spokesperson, Kelsang Rabten. In this exclusive 3-part interview, Kelsang Rabten shares his thoughts on the progress the ISC has made in their efforts to bring down the ban on Dorje Shugden’s practice, and some of the challenges they have faced.

Kelsang Rabten and ISC obviously prefer to be doing something else other than the protests, but their compassion for the many Tibetans and non-Tibetans who suffer discrimination due to this Shugden ban has inspired them to speak up. The protests are huge logistical challenges, expensive and takes up much time, not to mention bearing much varied and uncomfortable weather conditions, travelling and basically having to speak up for something that no one else wishes to speak up for or even perhaps dared. ISC has a tremendous challenge of protesting against someone like the Dalai Lama, that many in the world think cannot be creating this religious discrimination. Protesting against a popular public figure that has the aura of holiness and sanctity is indeed not going to curry friends or put ISC in a favorable light. Yet Kelsang Rabten and the hundreds of ISC people continue to overcome enormous challenges to protest. They get nothing in return. No one is paying them. No perks or benefits of any kind but in fact ignored and even spat upon at times and insulted. So why do they continue? Because there is a ban. There is religious discrimination against Shugden practitioners within the Tibetan communities and practitioners around the world. They can see this and now more are seeing the truth. The ISC gets nothing for this but are peaceful and selfless activists for the ban against Shugden to stop. ISC wishes to see the pure lineage of Lama Tsongkapa and Trijang Rinpoche not trampled upon. Their reward is to release millions of Shugden practitioners who did not have a voice or choice from discrimination. No one should be discriminated against due to their religious orientation.

ISC’s approach may be direct and perhaps even offend some people but please realize, they have asked for dialogue for years with the Dalai Lama with no success. They have repeatedly asked for peaceful and positive dialogue to resolve this issue. But neither His Holiness the Dalai Lama nor his people have consented to dialogue. Even if they don’t consent to dialogue with ISC, dialogue with Tibetan Shugden leaders would be a good start, but nothing of the sort has happened. Exasperated, ISC has decided to invest enormous time and personal resources to protest peacefully to ask the Dalai Lama for dialogue and stop the discrimination. The Dalai Lama ironically and ISC are not deriving any benefits from the protests, but it must be done because the Dalai Lama must understand his talks against Shugden have hurt millions of people. The protests are not helping the Dalai Lama he must understand, but bringing his attention to something he perhaps does not wish to address. Dalai Lama may not think there is a ban and that he is only giving ‘advice’ against Shugden, but his words against Shugden are even more powerful than a ban. His ‘simple’ advice against Shugden carries heavy negative ramifications. Why should he ‘advise’ against Shugden which has been practised by millions for four hundred years? All lamas who practised Shugden have been wrong and only the Dalai Lama is right on this issue? Very illogical to say the least.

We were able to catch up with Kelsang Rabten who was extremely busy with the protests and we are grateful for his time to answer some of our questions. We at www.dorjeshugden.com appreciate anyone with courage enough to stand up and speak up for those without a voice. Whether we agree with the protests against the Dalai Lama or not is another issue. If we don’t agree with the protests, then suggest another way that will be effective to get the Dalai Lama’s attention to stop this ban? The protests are a result of exasperation as mentioned earlier. Kelsang Rabten and ISC as with any other genuine Dharma practitioners would rather use their time to study, meditate, teach, engage in retreats or do Dharma work that benefit the society. They have to take invaluable time away to protest due to their compassion. They are spat upon, hated and criticized heavily for speaking up against a ban. They are not against the Dalai Lama nor wish him ill, but simply to let him know this ban must stop. For this courage we all give them our deepest respects. If the Dalai Lama is going to create a ban that even affects citizens in democratic countries, then he has to expect that many will not go along with it and will speak up. People in these countries have grown up in the atmosphere of freedom and democracy and religious discrimination will not go down well with them. The Dalai Lama needs the support of the West, but he must understand that there is a price to pay for this support which is democracy and a democratic way of doing things. Autocracy is out. Religious discrimination is also a big no.

We thank Kelsang Rabten and all the compassionate people in ISC who speak up and protest peacefully. For our pure lineage to survive, your sincere deeds have made you heroes. We will overcome and we will end the ban. Thank you.

Admin

An Exclusive Interview with Kelsang Rabten – Part 2

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An Exclusive Interview with Kelsang Rabten – Part 3

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On 7-8 February 2015, a group of 700 Shugden practitioners from both the International Shugden Community and Tibetan Shugden practitioners gathered in front of St Jakobshalle in Basel, Switzerland to protest against H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama’s ban against the deity Dorje Shugden.

DorjeShugden.com has been closely following the protests organised by our fellow Shugdenpas to bring our readers this compilation of news, pictures and videos. Please do visit this post over the next few days as we continue to update this article with new photos and videos. If you have more pictures or information to share, please email us at ds@dorjeshugden.com.

Admin

News Coverage

PRESS PORTAL

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Source: http://www.presseportal.ch/de/pm/100057433/100768185/protests-in-basel-calling-on-dalai-lama-to-end-his-hypocrisy-and-religious-persecution-photo?langid=2

SWISSINFO.CH

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Source: http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/dalai-lama-examines-religion-and-draws-protest/41260886?rss=true

TAGES WOCHE

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Source: http://www.tageswoche.ch/de/2015_06/basel/680101/
 

TELEBASEL

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Source: http://www.telebasel.ch/de/tv-archiv/&id=367723451&search=&datefrom=&dateto=&group=

24 HEURES

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Source: http://www.24heures.ch/suisse/dalai-lama-assiste-ceremonie-ble/story/16752532#clicked0.4984782640822232

BZ BASEL

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Source: http://www.bzbasel.ch/basel/basel-stadt/herr-morin-kommt-der-besuch-des-dalai-lama-ungelegen-128805767

MSN NACHTRICHTEN

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Source: http://www.msn.com/de-ch/nachrichten/other/dalai-lama-in-basel-kinder-sollen-ethik-lernen-nicht-religion/ar-AA95MF4

BADISCHE ZEITUNG

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Source: http://www.badische-zeitung.de/basel/vortraege-und-protest–99979447.html

NEUE BURCHER BEITUNG

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Source: http://www.nzz.ch/schweiz/dalai-lama-hoer-auf-zu-luegen-1.18477740

20 MINUTEN

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Source: http://www.20min.ch/schweiz/basel/story/So-logiert-der-Dalai-Lama-am-Wochenende-in-Basel-29217778

TIO

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Source: http://www.tio.ch/News/Svizzera/Attualita/1017484/500-buddhisti-manifestano-contro-il-Dalai-Lama

BLICK

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Source: http://www.blick.ch/news/schweiz/dalai-lama-in-basel-kinder-sollen-ethik-lernen-nicht-religion-id3465302.html

DER BUND

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Source: http://www.derbund.ch/panorama/vermischtes/Auch-Kinder-ohne-Religion-sollen-Ethik-lernen/story/11042687

LE MATIN

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Source: http://www.lematin.ch/suisse/Le-dalailama-en-visite-a-Ble/story/16752532

ROMANDIE

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Source: http://www.romandie.com/news/Dalai-lama-il-faut-enseigner-aux-enfants-des-valeurs-ethiques_RP/563484.rom

CORRIERE DEL TICINO

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Source: http://www.cdt.ch/svizzera/cronaca/124760/il-dalai-lama-a-basilea.html

CORRIERE DEL TICINO

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Source: http://www.rsi.ch/news/svizzera/I-valori-etici-prima-di-tutto-3732967.html

SCHWEIZER RADIO UND FERNSEHEN

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Source: http://www.srf.ch/news/regional/basel-baselland/dalai-lama-in-basel-nicht-nur-herzlich-empfangen

Photos of the Basel Demonstrations

Video Coverage of the Basel Demonstrations

Shugden Practitioners Protest for Rights to Religious Freedom

From Telebasel News

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Over 700 ISC Members and Tibetans Protest Against The Dalai Lama’s illegal Ban on Dorje Shugden

From DSTF

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Interview With Lobsang Tenzin in Basel, Switzerland, Feb 7th 2015

From DSTF

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ISC NEWS: Where does the division come from?

From ISC News

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Dalai Lama can try to hide us but he can’t silence us

From ISC News

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New York City was the final destination in the Dalai Lama’s recent USA tour, where he was scheduled to give a 3-day teaching. Once again, the Dalai Lama had to face both Western and Tibetan Shugden practitioners, who were peacefully demonstrating for religious freedom at the various locations where the Dalai Lama was scheduled to appear.

• 2nd November 2014: Manhattan Center
• 3rd and 4th November 2014: Beacon Theater

DorjeShugden.com has been closely following the protests organised by our fellow Shugdenpas to bring our readers this compilation of news, pictures and videos. If you have more pictures or information to share, please email us at ds@dorjeshugden.com.

Admin

News Coverage

THE EXAMINER

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Source: http://www.examiner.com/article/the-dalai-lama-accused-of-discrimination

BLOOMBERG NYC

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Source: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-11-02/nyc-protesters-say-dalai-lama-rejects-their-buddhist-sect.html

CBS NYC

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Source: http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/11/04/buddhist-group-protests-dalai-lamas-nyc-visit/

HUFFINGTON POST

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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/04/dalai-lama-new-york_n_6097362.html?ir=Religion

THE TECH

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Source: http://tech.mit.edu/V134/N52/dalailama.html

SOUTH COAST TODAY

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Source: http://www.southcoasttoday.com/article/20141106/Opinion/141109502

Photos of the NYC Demonstrations

Video Coverage of the New York City Demonstrations

Proud to be Shugden

From ISC News

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The Dalai Lama’s Religious Intolerance Spreads to the US

From ISC News

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One Flag: Buddhism

From ISC News

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Protest against the Dalai Lama at Beacon Theatre, NYC

From ISC News

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Following on the heels of protests in Princeton, New Jersey, devoted Shugden practitioners comprised of local Tibetans and the International Shugden Community followed the Dalai Lama to demonstrate at his upcoming teachings in Boston, in hope that he would heed their plea for religious freedom.

• 30th October 2014: Wang Centre for Performing Arts
• 31st October 2014: Boston Marriott Copley
• 01st November 2014: TD Gardens

DorjeShugden.com has been closely following the protests organised by our fellow Shugdenpas to bring our readers this compilation of news, pictures and videos. If you have more pictures or information to share, please email us at ds@dorjeshugden.com.

Admin

News Coverage

GLOBAL POST

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Source: http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/asia-pacific/141030/why-demonstrators-trolling-dalai-lama-us-tour

KOUW.ORG

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Source: http://kuow.org/post/breakaway-buddhists-take-aim-dalai-lama

MY FOX BOSTON

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Source: http://www.myfoxboston.com/story/27172951/dalai-lama-speaking-at-boston-hotel-and-mit

WASHINGTON TIMES

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Source: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/oct/31/dalai-lama-speaking-at-boston-hotel-and-mit/

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD

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Source: http://www.pressherald.com/2014/11/01/protests-greet-dalai-lama-at-events-in-massachusetts/

PRI – BBC World

Radio report on PRI – BBC on the demonstration held in front of the Wang Theatre

Photos of the Boston Demonstrations

Video Coverage of the Boston Demonstrations

Dalai Lama’s Arrival Raises Controversy in Boston

From Boston Herald

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Boston Stands for Religious Freedom

From ISC News

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ISC protests in Boston: We will not be silenced

From ISC News

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Protest against the Dalai Lama and Robert Thurman. Boston, U.S.A Oct 31st 2014

From Dorje Shugden Tibetan Followers

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Shugden practitioners demonstrate at TD Garden, Boston

From Dorje Shugden Tibetan Followers

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Protest during Dalai Lama’s teachings at Wang Theatre, Boston

From Dorje Shugden Tibetan Followers

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