1) What makes you think just because you walk around Gaden, Shar Gaden to look for yourself and see no problems? That is terribly short sighted and naive? Did you expect problems to happen in plain sight by yourself?

The persons that commit these acts do so without impunity because they know that the monks themselves would ever fight back? They do so under the cover of darkness out of sight of anyone who can report who they are? or where they are from disappearing into the ether….That is the point.

Also there is immense respect for the lifelong friendships / relationships with each other that bind the monks in Gaden and Shar Gaden (even though they do not mix / practice together doesn’t mean they don’t hold each other dear in their thoughts and prayers).

2) Knowing the ban on DS practitioners not mixing with the other 99% of the Tibetan population? (what gives you the right to mix with Shar Gaden and have a meal with a DS Monk? Aren’t you breaking HHDL edict on the DS situation? Are you switching camps or finding a some semblance of tolerance/ acceptance for DS practitioners?)

3) I have mentioned briefly that some of us appreciate Western practitioners bringing these issues to a global audience because that brings the impetus for change to happen.

I have seen first hand the power of human voice on issues of Apartheid, Nuclear Free, SA Independence, Ireland Independence…all of which started with a small groundswell of voices to be heard on a global stage…before any gains were made.

4) If you need to ascertain exactly what dharma supports their actions? or HHDL actions do some research and check out the vows of a monk and what that entails?

You and others have mentioned on comment threads that it is just HHDL bashing for their own ends.

I appreciate that some of DS practitioners are using not very respectful language and so are HHDL supporters without looking into the issues with any accountability of all the issues involved.

Like using a candle to light the way in a dark tunnel instead of using the rays of an inexhaustible LED light? IMHO. If HHDL is acting as a man as some point out? _/I\_ fine but then you would have to ask what are the rules of being a monk and what that entails? Is HHDL following those rules or is he not?

From my observations, I have to say he is and he isn’t because the DS controversy will not be over until HHDL is crystal clear in all his advices and evidences for the ban. To this date and best of my knowledge he still is not and hence impact on everyone continues to this day.

I don’t appreciate practitioners creating negative karma / instigating violence in the name of HHDL. I don’t appreciate negative language in the name of pro DS practitioners. Both is not good however you can skillfully express your opinions without creating negative karma.

Why is it important to stand up for rights of religious freedom or human rights?

Not to do so will create an environment to create an untouchable class of Buddhist practitioners that also legitimises a culture of persecution in Tibetan communities for a long time? Why should this continue without any action to curb or stop this from the POV your government officials / spiritual head which HHDL is?

In the modern world our leaders are one or the other never both because absolute power can only lead to corruption absolute.

JK

In truth they separated from the majority of Gaden Shartse to create their own monastery. Now when I was at Gaden, Shar Gaden monks freely go anywhere in the tibetan settlement with no hassles or persecution.

I rejoice at the success of Shar Gaden and for the success of their newest Geshes. This is true Dharma practice. The monks here are doing what Shugden practitioners should do, succeed in Dharma, instead of what these western Shugden practitioners do, protesting against HHDL.

When HHDL visits Gaden, do you see the Shar Gaden monks protest??? No. They continue with their Dharma studies. When I was at Gaden, I even went into Shar Gaden and a monk there invited me to dinner. That is a true example of showing the world Shugden is a real Dharma protector. Not the example of the western Shugden monks who give Buddhism a bad name in the mind of the general public.

The western Shugden monks should follow the example of Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche and the Shar Gaden monks. Not say one word against HHDL, and even have pictures of HHDL and show him respect, yet practice the practices that their root gurus have given them.

SG is growing in the face of many obstacles, I like to think of these Geshes as being crafted under immense pressure to become diamonds for future dharma growth…

Gaden Shartse grew from nothing post 1959…Shar Gaden is no different today and IMHO will grow stronger from the collective efforts of all sincere DS practitioners wherever they may be.

JH