By: Solaray Kusco

MP Lhagyari Namgyal Dolkar, who was filmed publicly attacking an American-Chinese tourist

In the latest shocking incident to take place in Dharamsala, the member of parliament (MP) Lhagyari Namgyal Dolkar has been filmed violently attacking an American-Chinese tourist, a Ms. Wen Qi Zhu. MP Lhagyari ignored Ms. Zhu’s protestations that she is a student of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, continuing to attack her with her fists after a disagreement arose between the two women on the topic of Tibet’s history.

MP Lhagyari has been in the news quite a lot recently, and never for good reasons. She was seen in August 2017 attending an all-expenses paid rangzen conference in Paris, where she enjoyed nice hotels, cafes and sightseeing whilst gathering with other Tibetan rangzen activists to discuss strategies for a fully independent Tibet. Their meeting was in total opposition to the Dalai Lama’s umaylam approach (meaningful autonomy) which, as everyone knows, the Dalai Lama has strongly advocated for many years.

MP Lhagyari Namgyal Dolkar seen here publicly accosting Ms. Zhu, who was protesting an exhibition about Tibetan history. Ms. Zhu is a student of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and had just come from an audience with His Holiness.

Clearly however, MP Lhagyari has no respect for the Dalai Lama, his advice and his decisions. Her attending the conference put her squarely in the company of the rangzen people whom ex-Prime Minister Samdhong Rinpoche has previously said are the most dangerous in Tibetan society.

So in these shocking images and video above, as first reported by Phayul, MP Lhagyari can be seen attacking a Chinese student of the Dalai Lama. The lady, a Chinese-born American citizen by the name of Wen Qi Zhu, had just had an audience with His Holiness when she was attacked. Ms. Zhu also happens to be a sponsor of the Tibetan leadership, having made financial contributions to the recent teachings given by His Holiness. Despite these facts being made evident to MP Lhagyari, she continued to attack Ms. Zhu. Surely anyone including Ms. Zhu, would have been shocked to attend Dalai Lama’s teachings on forgiveness, tolerance and love towards all beings including enemies and their Chinese brothers and sisters. Then when she walks out, she encounters displays by MP Lhagyari that she disagrees with and MP Lhagyari became violent. Does MP Lhagyari represent the Dalai Lama’s exiled government correctly? The Dalai Lama preaches tolerance but his MP Lhagyari enacts violence on the streets outside his temple where the teachings were just given. People who disagree with exiled government of Tibet hear one thing from the Dalai Lama and experience the opposite from his government members. 

Ms. Zhu, circled in red, seen here at an audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama after receiving teachings from him. MP Lhagyari attacked a student and sponsor of the Dalai Lama.

Questions have been raised about MP Lhagyari’s conduct, as she appears to be against anything the Dalai Lama supports. Not only does she advocate rangzen and gather with people who are against the Dalai Lama’s meaningful autonomy, but now she has also been caught on film attacking supporters and students of the Dalai Lama. Her behavior has been widely condemned as embarrassing of the Tibetan leadership and there are now calls for her resignation.

These are the facts:

• Regardless of whatever Ms. Zhu said, and whether MP Lhagyari agreed with it, her behavior was most unbecoming as a member of parliament and representative of the Dalai Lama’s government. Is this the version of democracy that the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA; Tibetan leadership) espouses, one characterized by intolerance and violence?
• Whatever the disagreement between the two ladies, Ms. Zhu was in India which is a democratic nation. Hence she was well within her rights to protest the exhibition. Likewise, if MP Lhagyari was going to establish an exhibition like that, she should have been prepared for opposition and learned how to deal with it properly. Even if Ms. Zhu did not agree with her, MP Lhagyari as a government official should have remained courteous and polite to someone who is a tourist and guest of India.
• The Tibetan leadership are therefore immature, ill-informed and ill-equipped to deal with dissenting views. If anyone does not agree with the beliefs, their method of dealing with them is arrogant violence.

The brawl was witnessed by many people, who filmed the incident. Rather than helping, they gawked at the sight of their member of parliament attacking a tourist. The news is circulating on Tibetan social media now, with people making fun of MP Lhagyari’s questionable and embarrassing behavior.

• For the Tibetan leaders, democratic principles are only applicable when it suits them. When they want to promote their own ideas, or when it will impress potential sponsors to give them money, then they will roll out the red carpet to show how democratic they are. But when other people have their own, different beliefs, they are not allowed to have them and in that case, there is no democracy. This has been experienced by many in the Tibetan settlements who have seen their freedom of speech stifled and freedom of movement restricted over the years.
• MP Lhagyari’s inability to control her emotions, and to get proper authorities like the police to deal with incidents like these, makes her a poor candidate for any leadership position.
• If this is the type of person who occupies a seat in parliament, as someone with so much latent violence in their character, it is therefore extremely conceivable that the CTA is very capable of organizing the same type of violence against anyone else who does not agree with their views. An example of this are Dorje Shugden practitioners who have been rioted against, stabbed, murdered and segregated against.
• The CTA have so many policies that divide and segregate their own people on the basis of religion. Now they are getting some of their own karma back, why are they upset?

It remains to be seen how China will react to this latest incident but China may just bring up this incident as yet another reason to deny dialogue with the Tibetan leadership. After all, why open dialogue with a group of people who so violently and physically attack Chinese-born individuals?

A composite image featuring the details page of Ms. Zhu’s passport, indicating she is an American citizen born in China.

As for MP Lhagyari herself, she is now in a no-win situation. She is a very bad representative of the Tibetan government-in-exile. As a member of parliament of the Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamsala, she should understand and know how to deal politely with people against her views and not retaliate in violence with any member of the public. She can easily ask for the police which are nearby to intervene. The police stations are very nearby. MP Lhagyari and some Tibetans expressed shock that even in the Dalai Lama’s headquarters of Dharamsala, someone ‘dare’ opposes their view of Tibetan history. This shows pure arrogance and ignorance which is reflective of the Tibetan leaders in Dharamsala located in Himachel Pradesh state of North India. The American-Chinese national was not happy that Tibetans paint all Chinese in the wrong light and indeed not all Chinese agreed with the policy and events in Tibet. MP Lhagyari would not hear of this. No one is allowed to question, doubt or be in opposition of MP Lhagyari’s views which represents her exiled government’s views. If they do, violence breaks out as you see here. This is the Tibetan government-in-exile’s version of democracy. It is no wonder after 60 years of being ‘refugees’ they still cannot make any headway with China regarding Tibet. Who stays refugees for 60 years anyway unless staying a ‘refugee’ brings in free sympathy money from ignorant foreigners?

Thanks to MP Lhagyari’s actions, the CTA or exiled Tibetan government is now a laughing stock of the world. The Tibetan leadership has to learn to accept that the world is not going to agree with them on everything anymore. After 60 years of playing the refugee card to gain sympathy, while living the high life in India and immigrating all over the world, there is very little sympathy left for them. MP Lhagyari should resign and or apologize if she wishes to be dignified and represent the Tibetan government-in-exile as civilized and educated. 

The Original Article

Click to enlarge. (Source: http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=39600)

English Translation of His Holiness the 11th Panchen Lama’s Speech

Buddhist Doctrines as the Essence of “Science of the Mind”and Purity in the Precepts as the Foundation for Preservation of the Dharma Speech for the 3rd World Buddhist Forum on 26 April, 2012
By Panchen Erdeni Qoigyijabu

“Cultivating our compassionate heart,
We vow to remove deluded view from human mind.
Embodying the ancient Noble Path,
We venerate Gautama Buddha!”

It is my honour to take part in the inauguration of the 3rd World Buddhist Forum. At this memorable moment, let me extend to all learnt members of the Sangha, officials, scholars and guests, my best wishes.

The topic of my speech today is “Buddhist Doctrines as the essence of ‘science of the mind’, and purity in the precepts as the foundation for preservation of the Dharma.”

The virtuous Buddha compassionately and skillfully opened the door to the Dharma, pointing out for us the way to choose between wholesome and unwholesome acts. Aiming at both getting self enlightenment and enlightening others, Buddhism has prospered for thousand years, and is now an important component of the world religion.

For the sake of liberating all suffering beings from the existence laden with the Five Aggregates, our great teacher, Shakyamuni — the only light in the three Realms, handed down the Tripitaka of Sutra, Vinaya, and Abhidharma, and the Threefold Training of ethical conduct (śīla), concentration (samādhi), and wisdom (prajñā) with a systematic framework entailing right view, profound practice, and skilful action. These have been treasured by people throughout time and places.

Since the prosperity of Dharma in ancient India, many learnt Buddhists have established monasteries and institutes at various countries for different races, promoting Buddhism like rainbows appearing all over the world. Significant contributions to the development of human societies, ethics, and cultural education have been made.

However, it is a contemporary trend to put “materialistic technology” ahead of the “science of the mind”. Increasing greediness in people’s hearts has unbalanced the eco systems, contaminated the environments, caused natural disasters, spread epidemics, induced wars, and hence endangering all sentient beings now and in future. While people are searching for the remedy, “science of the mind” stands out as a path leading to harmony of the nature, peace in world, concordance in societies and affection in families.

Dharma advocates altruistic care for all beings, purification of body, speech and mind, salvation for all sentient beings, and the achievement of the two supra-mundane states. We can see that, with right view, profound practice, and skillful action, Dharma embraces profuse intellectual, cultural, devotional, and compassionate contents. Buddhist Doctrines are the essence of the “science of the mind”, which can benefit spiritual growth, cultivate morality, dissolve human conflicts and mental sufferings, and bring global peace. Shantideva Bodhisattva once said,

“As the sole medicine for the sufferings
And the source of all happiness,
May the teachings, with support and respect,
Continue to exist endlessly in the world.”

Therefore, the promotion of Dharma is a very important issue for the contemporary world.

As we all know, for the preservation of Dharma to benefit all beings, the building of huge and splendid monasteries is not sufficient. A healthy Buddhist community with sufficient number of ordained students is the key. It is also paramount to closely observe ethical conduct as stipulated by Nagarjuna Bodhisattva,

“With a nature of good qualities, keep your vows unbroken,
Not debased, not corrupted, and free of stain.
Just as the earth’s the base for all that’s still or moves,
On discipline, it’s said, is founded all that’s good.”

This would ensure proper conformity with the Dharma as well as the laws, and would earn trust and respect from other people.
Inheriting and developing Dharma is the upmost mission for all Buddhists. We should use antique monasteries and influential institutes as our base for training up various teaching personnel and members of the Sangha, providing them with healthy environments to practice Perfections, such that their good inner potentials may generate the power necessary for promulgating the Dharma. This would in turn advance the “science of the mind” for the betterment of human nature.

We should also work towards an organic synergy of “science of the mind” and “materialistic technology”, as it would be contributive to global peace, social harmony, and cultural development.

Lastly, I wish to pray for the long lasting preservation of the Dharma on Earth, and wellbeing for everyone. Tashi Delek!

Transcript of His Holiness the 11th Panchen Lama’s Speech in Chinese

佛法理论是 “内心科学”之精髓，戒行清净是佛法住世之根基——
班禅额尔德尼确吉杰布在第三届世界佛教论坛上的演讲
2012年4月26日

以持悲悯心，断除一切见，
示行正士法，敬礼乔达摩。

值此良辰吉日——第三届世界佛教论坛开幕之际_，我以参加此次盛会深感荣幸，并向各位高僧大德、领导、学者及与会嘉宾致以吉祥的问候！

今天我演讲的主题是：“佛法理论是“内心科学”之精髓，戒行清净是佛法住世之根基”。
恩德兼具之佛陀善巧开示了佛法之门，以大慈爱之心向诸化机指明了善举之功德和恶行之过患的取舍之道。以修成自觉觉他为果位的佛法珍宝传承兴盛了几千年，现已成为世界宗教的重要组成部分。

我们伟大的导师，三界唯一之明灯——释迦牟尼佛于一切众生，尤其在五浊炽盛的时代对难以教化的未净娑婆世界之众生，以无缘大悲之心为解脱众生而阐明的经论律三藏之教法和戒定慧三学之证法的佛法珍宝，具备清净的见、修、行体系架构。对此，古今中外诸多志士仁人不仅给予了高度重视和极高的评价，且对其充满了敬仰和随喜之心。
自佛法在圣域天竺兴盛以来，降生了诸多护持教法的贤者，由于他们的恩德，在不同国家和民族，不同地域和时代，建立了讲闻三藏经典和修习三学之道的法苑或寺院及修行学院，故而佛法如虹斯彰、遍诸大千。对于人类的社会进步、道德优化和文化教育的提升发挥了显著的作用。

但是，当今世界注重“外物科技”，忽视“内心科学”。由于贪欲不断膨胀、 “三毒”侵蚀人心，从而恶缘泛起，生态失衡、环境恶化、灾害频仍、疾病蔓延、战乱不止，严重危害着有情众生的今生来世。对此，贤达智者们都在努力探寻着世界和平安定之道，而实现自然和美、世界和平、社会和谐、家庭和睦的唯一途径是“内心科学”的完美建立。

佛法是主张利益众生，净治三门之一切杂染，追求自他众生之解脱、遍知两果位的无上宗义。具足见、修、行清净的释尊佛法饱含深邃的理论、深厚的文化、深笃的信仰、深广的慈爱，可谓博大精深。佛理是“内心科学”的精髓，是提升人类精神境界、优化人们道德品性、化解人类矛盾纠纷、消除人们内心苦痛的一盘甘露；也是推动世界和平、持续发展的一剂良方。正如寂天菩萨所示：

“愿除苦良药，一切安乐源，
教法伴利敬，长久住世间。”

因此，对于当今世界来说，佛法的弘扬是极为重要的。

众所周知，要使佛法长久住世、造福众生，仅仅依靠修建规模宏大、富丽堂皇的庙宇殿堂是远远不够的，我们佛教四众弟子具备圆满的教、证功德，且具有相当数量的优秀学僧，乃是弘扬佛法的关键。佛法之本增上戒学乃解脱道之核心，恪守戒律为修行佛法之根基，我们释迦弟子应以戒为师、依律而行，使自己的修学、思维和行持符合佛法的典律。

就如龙树菩萨所云：

“仁者于戒勿破羸，莫杂莫染当净修
佛说戒为众德本，如情非情依止地”。

这样，则不仅符合佛法，而且符合自己所在国的法制，也能得到当地群众的信任和尊重。

承续、弘传佛法是我们全体佛教徒们义不容辞的崇高使命。为此，我们应以世界各地具有悠久历史的古刹和具有影响力的寺院及佛学院作为基地，大力培养能够继承、护持和弘扬佛法的各类教职人员和戒行清净的僧伽团体，为他们创造健康良好的内外修行环境，使他们自觉抵制物欲风气的负面影响，梵行清净，功德递增，以提升个人内心佛法之力推进整个佛法的全面发展。故而以佛法的发展，更好的完善人类的“内心科学”。

我们应将“内心科学”与“外物科技”的发展有机地结合起来，为实现世界和平，社会和谐，时代进步，文明发展，努力贡献力量。

最后我祈愿佛法长久住世，高僧大德寿高业丰，国泰民安，众生幸福。扎西德勒！

This short video sums up 20 years worth of information about the unethical Shugden ban and the discrimination, fear and coercion faced by Shugden Buddhists on a daily basis, especially those who are brave enough to stand up, speak and fight for their Religious Freedom.

Through sharing this video, you are helping millions of Shugden Buddhists worldwide by creating awareness of their sufferings and helping them regain their rights to freedom of religion and freedom of choice. On their behalf, we at DorjeShugden.com thank you.

For more evidence of the ban and the suffering it has caused: http://www.dorjeshugden.com/press/proof-of-discrimination/

Lama Thubten Yeshe, the founder of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT) who relied on Dorje Shugden for the growth of his organisation

By: René Muller

In 1984, at the age of 49, Lama Yeshe passed into clear light. His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche (1905-1984 CE) was the lama who performed his last rites and cremation. Zong Rinpoche was no ordinary lama but a highly realized Gelugpa lama and a disciple of His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, the junior tutor of the 14th Dalai Lama. He is renowned for being a sharp analyst and a powerful master of philosophical debate, as well as a great tantric practitioner. He was also the Abbot of Ganden Shartse monastery. Known as an emanation of Heruka, Zong Rinpoche was one of the most erudite mahasiddha masters of our time.

His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche was the guru of many great erudite masters of the Gelug School. In this picture, Zong Rinpoche is seated with eminent and highly realized students. From left to right: Kyabje Kensur Lati Rinpoche, Sokpa Kensur Rinpoche, (His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche), Kari Kensur Rinpoche, Gyuto Kensur Rinpoche and His Eminence Sharpa Choeje Rinpoche Jetsun Lobsang Nyima. All these highly erudite masters of sutra and tantra are from Gaden Shartse Monastery.

To have Zong Rinpoche journey to perform the entire cremation ceremony for Lama Yeshe is a big deal and great honour. It goes to show how close of a relationship Lama Yeshe had with Zong Rinpoche, and his clean samaya with his guru. In actuality someone like Lama Yeshe did not need pujas or prayers performed for his fortunate rebirth as he was highly attained and can control both his death and rebirth. Instead the pujas were performed more so for the students, in order to collect tremendous amounts of merit, to ensure that they will be able to reconnect again with their Lama in his next incarnation. The illustrious Zong Rinpoche was called upon to do this to help ensure that FPMT’s students will be able to find and recognise their Lama’s new incarnation so that he can continue turning the wheel of dharma in FPMT. As we all know Zong Rinpoche was a Dorje Shugden practitioner and we also know that Lama Yeshe was a devoted and loyal student of Zong Rinpoche. We are also aware of the fact that Lama Yeshe relied tremendously on Dorje Shugden till the very end. Therefore it is very unbecoming of Lama Zopa and FPMT to be so easily swayed to give up their guru and the Dorje Shugden practice he so compassionately bestowed in order to be seen as politically correct. It would seem that FPMT no longer has guru devotion towards their founding lama, nor gratitude for the kindness shown to them by Zong Rinpoche, during such a crucial time for their entire organisation. To disregard this on top of discriminating Dorje Shugden practitioners simply to be seen as politically correct, make FPMT look rather hypocritical.  

Brief Bio on Lama Yeshe

In 1935 Lama Thubten Yeshe was born in the town of Tölung Dechen in Tibet. Even from a very young age Lama Yeshe was attracted to the Dharma and whenever a monk would visit his home, he would always beg to leave with the monk and join the monastery. At the age of six, Lama Yeshe joined Sera Je Monastery in Lhasa, Tibet and at the age of eight, Lama Yeshe was ordained as a novice monk by Venerable Purchog Jampa Rinpoche. Then at age 28, Lama Yeshe was fully ordained as a monk and received his ordination from Kyabje Ling Dorje Chang. While in Sera Je Monastery, Lama Yeshe received the teachings of both sutra and tantra from a long line of erudite masters such as Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, Kyabje Ling Rinpoche, Drag-ri Dorje-chang Rinpoche, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, Lhatzün Dorje-chang Rinpoche and many other highly attained Lamas. Lama Yeshe’s spiritual development was also guided by Geshe Thubten Wangchug Rinpoche, Geshe Lhundrub Sopa Rinpoche, Geshe Rabten and Geshe Ngawang Gedun. It was when Lama Yeshe was in India that his teacher, Geshe Rabten entrusted him to care for a younger monk; Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpocheand this marked the beginning of a very strong relationship in which the two would work together to bring Buddhism to the west. Lama Yeshe together with his close disciple Lama Zopa, left India in 1967 and made their way up to Nepal. Within a very short span of time, two years, Lama Yeshe established Kopan Monastery, in Kathmandu. This is how it all began and from where Lama Yeshe started spreading Buddhism among the westerners who visited Nepal. They first began with an annual ‘One-Month Meditation Course’ held in Kopan.

Kopan Monastery, in Kathmandu.

Seeing that there was a demand from their western students, both Lamas decided to open a sister centre to be used for retreats. In 1972, Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa along with a few of their western students, bought an old colonial house on a hill in Himachal Pradesh, and started Tushita Retreat Centre. It was later renamed Tushita Meditation Centre. By 1974, both Lamas started their annual teaching tours to the West. Due to Lama Yeshe’s unconventional style of teaching, he became very popular and relatable to westerners and as a result he attracted many new spiritual seekers. This created a worldwide network of Buddhist centres and from here grew the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT). Today FPMT is one of the largest network of Tibetan Buddhist Dharma centres in the world. It is a known fact that Lama Yeshestrongly relied on Dorje Shugden throughout his entire journey and especially for FPMT’s growth and success. Lama Zopa said that Lama Yeshe would never begin a Kopan course without a puja to propitiate the blessings of his Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden.  

Lama Yeshe’s Passing

Everyone who knew Lama Yeshe knew that “he had a bad heart.” Yet it was only in November last year that they realized there was a serious danger to his life. A letter signed by three of his close students written on November 12th from Kopan Monastery in Nepal and addressed to all FPMT centre directors reported that the observations of both Lumbum Rinpoche of Swayambhu, Nepal, and Lama Zopa Rinpoche indicated that “Lama will pass away within a year unless he takes time to do a long serious retreat and unless disharmony and division cease.” And Lama had agreed to accept a full long-life puja at Kopan at New Year— the very day he eventually passed away. From: http://www.lamayeshe.com/article/tribute-lama-yeshe-1935-1984

Quote: “unless disharmony and division cease.” This goes to show that highly realised Lamas can control their body, however it is the lack of merits from the side of the students that causes them to ‘leave’ their bodies, manifesting sickness and death. It seems that the students of FPMT were not in harmony and within themselves created factions. This seems to be the very same culture FPMT members bring forth in discriminating Dorje Shugden practitioners. Now we have an understanding as to the kind of people that are behind FPMT. In 1986 Ösel Hita Torres was recognised as Tenzin Ösel Rinpoche. He was the 5th son of one of Lama Yeshe’s students; María Torres and Francisco Hita. He was only a little over a year old when His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama confirmed Lama Zopa’s observations that Tenzin Ösel was indeed the unmistaken reincarnation of Lama Yeshe.  

Lama Yeshe and Zong Rinpoche

The great devotion Lama Yeshe had for H.H. Kyabje Zong Dorje Chang can be seen in this picture. Lama Yeshe on the right, Lama Zopa on the left, and of course in the centre is the illustrious Kyabje Zong Dorje Chang.

The closeness and great devotion Lama Yeshe had for his root Guru Zong Rinpoche is remarkable and admirable. Lama Yeshe was the first lama to invite the great Zong Rinpoche to the West. Zong Rinpoche turned the wheel of Dharma for so many of Lama Yeshe’s students. Vast explanations, commentaries, oral transmissions, initiations, ritual instructions, and of course Dorje Shugden life-entrustments were conferred to many of Lama Yeshe’s students. Hence some of them would also be considered Zong Rinpoche’s students. Zong Rinpoche is the lineage lama of so many great and current tulkus and geshes who are teaching around the world. The lineage that Lama Yeshe practiced is exactly that of Zong Rinpoche. Lama Yeshe kept his guru samaya to Zong Rinpoche fully intact till the day he passed into clear light. Lama Yeshe also kept all the practices passed on to him by Zong Rinpoche and this includes Dorje Shugden practice. Lama Yeshe was a Dorje Shugden practitioner till the very end. He is the perfect example of a humble and loyal student and also a sublime teacher to his own students.

Lama Yeshe was a Dorje Shugden practitioner till the very end. In this picture Lama Yeshe (far right) and Lama Zopa (second from the right) engage in a puja in front of a Dorje Shugden thangka. Lama Yeshe’s faith in Dorje Shugden is undeniable.

It is indeed a great pity to witness such admirable guru devotion exemplified by Lama Yeshe towards his Guru, Zong Rinpoche, not being emulated by his students. On top of that Lama Zopa discarded the practice of Dorje Shugden, the very Protector that helped FPMT grow and the very Protector that his guru Lama Yeshe held close to his heart. Below are extracted details of how Zong Rinpoche patiently and compassionately gave His time to advise FPMT on what they should do during the passing of their great teacher Lama Yeshe. From reading this, you’ll be able to grasp the amount of care and work Zong Rinpoche did for Lama Yeshe and FPMT.

• Throughout the entire period of Lama Yeshe’s illness, Lama Zopa was in communication via phone with Kyabje Zong Rinpoche in Switzerland as to when and how to act for Lama Yeshe’s benefit.
• As the days passed, Lama Yeshe’s paralysis seemed to improve. However, his overall condition was weakening. Zong Rinpoche was consulted about whether or not Lama Yeshe should return to hospital. He advised that, no, Lama Yeshe should stay at home for the time being, and that he himself would come to see Lama Yeshe soon.
• Zong Rinpoche arrived from Switzerland on February 20th and stayed with Lama Yeshe for three days. He performed many pujas and gave Lama Yeshe some initiations. By the 26th, however, three days after Zong Rinpoche had left, Lama Yeshe worsened.
• During the night, Rinpoche left the room to make phone calls. One was to request Zong Rinpoche again to come to California from Switzerland, this time to oversee the cremation of Lama’s body. Later, when he heard that he would come, he smiled and said, ‘It will be good for the students.’
• After the talk, an all-day Heruka puja and self-initiation started. John Jackson and others, with the supervision of Zong Rinpoche, began work on the stupa in which Lama Yeshe’s body would be burned. The site chosen was a clearing on a ridge, five minutes’ walk up from the gompa, which had a spectacular view of miles of forest and the smell of the unseen ocean beyond.
• They worked all day and into the night, mixing concrete, laying bricks, chopping wood. There were no precise measurements to go by, but Zong Rinpoche knew what he wanted and would say when things were not right.
• The Yamantaka fire puja commenced. The mountain of offerings slowly diminished as the ingredients were handed to Zong Rinpoche who in turn handed them to Chuck Thomas and others who offered them to the fire. The puja lasted three hours. Throughout, a deep stillness, a composure, a sense of the unexpressed grief, pervaded, and the only sound to be heard above the chanting was the blazing of the powerful fire.
• By Friday, many people had left. In the afternoon Zong Rinpoche gave a Heruka Vajrasattva initiation and talked briefly. He, like the other lamas, stressed harmony. ‘We are all very good relatives.’ he said. ‘Loving each other is the most important thing.’
• Kyabje Zong Rinpoche was bade farewell — for what would be the last time — at the airport on Saturday, when he returned to Switzerland. That night Lama Zopa invited people to Lama’s house for a Lama Chöpa puja. The room was packed. The ocean pounded just outside the windows. It was good to be there in that house that Lama Yeshe had loved. The puja, sung in English, was intense and heartfelt. It was seven days since Lama Yeshe’s death.
• Lama Yeshe’s relics, once consecrated by Zong Rinpoche in Switzerland, were divided up and sent to each of the centres, where they were received with great respect and ritual — ‘as if you were receiving Lama himself,’ Rinpoche had advised.

Here are a few questions we would like to ask FPMT based on the fact that they claim Dorje Shugden is a demon, and that anyone who practices Dorje Shugden is considered wrong, tainted and invalid. We have provided some answers based on logical analysis of the the situation based on their own logic that Dorje Shugden practice is indeed wrong.  

Questions & Answers

1) Zong Rinpoche was a Dorje Shugden practitioner. Would a puja performed by Zong Rinpoche be effective since he was a Dorje Shugden practitioner? Answer: Zong Rinpoche was well recognised to be a high lama with clear attainments. A famous story that has been told many times is how Zong Rinpoche performed a Dorje Shugden repelling puja to stop the bombardment of Gaden monastery by the Chinese army. As the story goes, the monasteries were being shelled by Chinese cannons and there were still quite a few old and sick monks inside who had not escaped and were in great peril under the Chinese attack. Zong Rinpoche was seen retreating into his chambers to perform the repelling puja during which many eye witnesses saw lights emitting form his chambers and hit the Chinese encampment causing a minor earthquake and damage to the cannons. This delayed the bombardment long enough for the remaining monks in the monastery to leave safely. This clearly illustrates the power and effectiveness of Zong Rinpoche’s pujas. Such power and omniscience as shown by Zong Rinpoche cannot be rendered void by the decree of any government. To suggest this is to say that the power of a secular government is more potent than the power of the Buddhas. 2) FPMT performed a traditional cremation for Lama Yeshe, even inviting the great Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, who oversaw every detail. The purpose of this was to generate great merit and create the causes for the Lama to return and continue the lineage and his works. Since this is the case, why did FPMT stop propitiating Dorje Shugden, who was Lama Yeshe’s Dharma protector and a practice he relied on? Why do they insist the practice is invalid? Is FPMT being selective in promoting lineages that are politically correct? Answer: Lama Yeshe’s incarnation has returned as Lama Ösel, but FPMT forbids the Dorje Shugden practice. Perhaps the reason why Lama Ösel has not manifested as a great teacher that we know him to be, is due to the lack of merits on the side of FMPT, most obviously caused by their students breaking their commitments to Lama Yeshe. Lama Yeshe’s main protector whom Lama Yeshe and FPMT relied on, has now been banned in order to remain politically correct, as it is ‘very important to support His Holiness and to fulfil His Holiness’ wishes’. This is a blatant disregard of the guru by students who have received the empowerment or commitment to practice Dorje Shugden. A student cannot stop a practice given unless they have received the permission from the teacher who initially gave the practice and commitment. Failing to do so, the students break their commitments or samaya. As Lama Yeshe has entered clear light, none of the students who have received the practice of Dorje Shugden can stop doing this practice, without breaking their commitments. Once we have made a Dharma connection with a teacher, we cannot give up this relationship unless the teacher himself has consented. This would mean that FPMT is causing the students to break their commitments or samaya with Lama Yeshe by stopping the students from practising Dorje Shugden, in order for FPMT to be seen as an organisation that supports the Dalai Lama. 3) Since Zong Rinpoche is considered tainted due to his practice of Dorje Shugden, shouldn’t FPMT redo the entire funeral for Lama Yeshe, as it was performed by a Dorje Shugden practitioner? Answer: If we believe that a high lama can be tainted due to his practice of Dorje Shugden, then we are undermining the wisdom of high lamas who can differentiate between a Buddha and a demon. If we believe that Zong Rinpoche and other lamas are tainted due to the practice of Dorje Shugden, then definitely FPMT should redo the entire funeral for Lama Yeshe. This is because it would mean that Zong Rinpoche’s prayers, pujas and rituals for Lama Yeshe would be tainted and invalid. It would mean it has no effect as Zong Rinpoche would have broken his refuge vows, seeing that he is considered a demon worshipper. In light of this, there would be no validity in recognising the current incarnation of Lama Yeshe – Lama Ösel – as lest we forget, Lama Yeshe himself was a Shugden practitioner and his last rites were performed by a Shugden lama. However, as Zong Rinpoche and most of the esteemed lamas of the Gelugpa lineage are students of Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, it would be difficult to find a lama who is not tainted. If we go along this line of reason and logic, it would mean 90% of Gelug Lamas today would all be tainted, therefore there is no reason to follow any Lama as all their practices and attainments become invalid. 4) The reincarnation of Lama Yeshe has returned in the form of Lama Ösel. Lama Ösel was recognised by Dorje Shugden in trance of an oracle and also the Dalai Lama. Why would the Dalai Lama recognise someone also confirmed by Dorje Shugden, if Dorje Shugden was not an enlightened being? Answer: The fact that Lama Yeshe‘s reincarnation has returned is in itself proof that Dorje Shugden is not a demon as he is maligned to be. Lama Yeshe was a very well-known Dorje Shugden practitioner who propitiated the Protector till his last breath, and whose funeral rites were performed by Zong Rinpoche, another well-known Shugden lama. If the lies about Dorje Shugden are correct, then Lama Yeshe would not be able to take rebirth as a human and should instead have gone to the lower realms for worshipping a demon and corrupting the Dharma. It is as if we are saying that a demon worshipper can take rebirth as a tulku and be recognised by the Dalai Lama who is Avalokiteshvara. This is entirely illogical. To say that would be akin to saying that the laws of karma failed and an evil spirit somehow deceived the Dalai Lama into being recognised as a tulku. However the Dalai Lama is an emanation of Avalokiteshvara and correctly identified Lama Ösel as the reincarnated mind of Lama Yeshe just as Dorje Shugden did. It is saying that an emanation of a Buddha and a supposed demon in trance of an oracle can reach the same conclusion concerning the recognition of a returning tulku. 5) Those against the practice of Dorje Shugden claim that those who propitiate him are demon worshippers and subsequently go to hell. In that case why even conduct rituals for Lama Yeshe, since he was a Dorje Shugden practitioner and therefore would automatically be going to hell? Answer: If we believe that Dorje Shugden worshippers go to hell, then there is no need to conduct rituals, especially for the return of the incarnation as that particular incarnation would actually be born in a hell realm. However, His Holiness the Dalai Lama confirmed Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s observations that Lama Ösel was the unmistaken reincarnation of FPMT’s founder, Lama Yeshe, so do Dorje Shugden practitioners go to hell, or did the Dalai Lama make a mistake in recognising the wrong person as the incarnation? Logically speaking, as His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s attainments are unmistaken, it is clear that Dorje Shugden practitioners DO NOT go to hell. 6) Lama Ösel is the reincarnation of Lama Yeshe’s mindstream. But Lama Yeshe died as a Shugden practitioner. According to FPMT’s criticisms of Shugden practitioners, Lama Yeshe shouldn’t have been reborn in human form. He should have taken rebirth in the three lower realms. So who is Lama Ösel? Is he the real Lama Yeshe? If he is the real Lama Yeshe, then FPMT shouldn’t be supporting Lama Ösel because Lama Ösel is of the same mindstream as Lama Yeshe, who practiced Dorje Shugden. Answer: If Dorje Shugden is evil then Lama Yeshe worshipped evil. Against all odds, if this practitioner of an demon managed to reincarnate as a tulku, then Lama Ösel is the reincarnation of a worshipper of a demon. If that is correct then FPMT is associating themselves with a demon worshipper who could destroy the works of the FPMT. If the FPMT truly believed that Dorje Shugden was a demon or malicious spirit, they would make all efforts to protect the students of FPMT from Lama Ösel instead of encouraging Lama Ösel to take a bigger role in the organization. FMPT’s actions show that they themselves do not believe the lies told about Dorje Shugden but have decided to behave like they do for reasons which are not spiritual. 7) Why does FMPT continue and propagate practices that were taught by Dorje Shugden practitioners (Lama Yeshe and the lineage gurus), when they are against Dorje Shugden and label it as wrong? If their lineage lamas were wrong about Dorje Shugden doesn’t this also call into question the validity of all their current practices too? Answer: According to the teachings, especially when it comes to tantric Buddhist practices, the most important feature is a genuine, unbroken and pure lineage stemming back to the originating deity of the practice. In the Buddhist path all teachings are necessarily based on refuge in the Three Jewels, this includes not going for refuge to unenlightened beings. As those who oppose Dorje Shugden’s practice claim, he is not an enlightened being but an unenlightened demon. Therefore, those who engage in and propagate his practice have taken refuge in an unenlightened being, and are no longer classed as Buddhist. Any Buddhist practices these people have held are logically negated. Lama Yeshe and the lineage gurus of the FPMT, are according to this logic not Buddhist and their practices are circumspect. These are the very same practices that FPMT preserves, promotes and engages in. By their own logic the very validity of these practices are negated since they trace the lineage through Dorje Shugden practitioners. Following a logical course, from their own standpoint, FPMT shouldn’t be practicing any practices received via Lama Yeshe as he was a staunch Dorje Shugden practitioner. Given this very logical conclusion, they continue their practice, despite stating Dorje Shugden is a demon and so undermining their entire organisation (since it was founded by Lama Yeshe, a Dorje Shugden practitioner) and its corpus of teachings. 8) Why keep hosting www.lamayeshe.com when it seeks to preserve and promote the collected works of Lama Yeshe, who was a tainted demon worshipping monk? Answer: By right FPMT should shut down lamayeshe.com since Lama Yeshe was a Dorje Shugden practitioner, hence considered wrong and tainted. This means that all his teachings are wrong and therefore FPMT would be spreading tainted and mistaken teachings. 9) Why does Lama Zopa continue to teach what he received from Lama Yeshe, or teachings similar to what is presented on www.lamayeshe.com, since these teachings are tainted and therefore flawed? Answer: Lama Zopa should not continue to teach what he received from Lama Yeshe since it is all considered tainted and flawed. When Lama Zopa continues to teach what was taught by Lama Yeshe, this goes to show he either has double standards and is a hypocrite or is pretending to support the ban on Dorje Shugden yet secretly still believes and practices Dorje Shugden. 10) Why does FPMT still have pictures of Kyabje Zong Rinpoche on their website when he is a Dorje Shugden practitioner? Shouldn’t they disassociate from all Shugden practitioners? Answer: By right FPMT should take down the pictures of Zong Rinpoche who to them is considered wrong as he was a Dorje Shugden practitioner, teacher, master. They should disassociate with Zong Rinpoche entirely just like how they disassociate themselves with Shugden practitioners today. By right they should remove all pictures and information on Zong Rinpoche. 11) The entire FPMT was founded by Lama Yeshe. Therefore the organisation was founded by a Dorje Shugden practitioner. What are the implications of this for FPMT given the fact that they are currently against the practice of Dorje Shugden?Answer: Since the FPMT was founded by a Dorje Shugden practitioner, using their own viewpoint which is against Dorje Shugden practitioners, they should actually close down their entire organisation and all of its centres as it is tainted. In fact its whole existence is due to a Dorje Shugden practitioner so according to their viewpoint should be completely wrong and bad. If you follow the logic that anything to do with Dorje Shugden is bad, then FPMT should close down, and those people currently involved should start a NEW organisation. This organisation with brand new centres, should be ‘clean’ and have nothing to do with Dorje Shugden’s practice or practitioners in any way, shape or form. Please watch the video below for the full documented event of Lama Yeshe’s cremation ceremony conducted by the erudite master Kyabje Zong Rinpoche. See the amount of kindness, great compassion, care, and detail Kyabje Zong Rinpoche gave to FPMT.

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Pictures from the Archive of Lama Yeshe’s Cremation Ceremony

Extracted from http://www.lamayeshe.com/gallery/1984-cremation-lama

A photo of Lama Yeshe in Delhi shortly before he was brought to America for treatment for his heart condition. Photo by Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

A photo of Zong Rinpoche and Lama Yeshe shortly before Lama’s death, California, 1984. Photo by Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

Zong Rinpoche during a cycle of pujas that were done for Lama Yeshe before the formal cremation, Vajrapani Institute, California, 1984. Photo by Ricardo de Aratanha.

A cycle of pujas were done for Lama Yeshe before the formal cremation, Vajrapani Institute, California, 1984. Photo by Ricardo de Aratanha.

Zong Rinpoche during a cycle of pujas that were done for Lama Yeshe before the formal cremation, Vajrapani Institute, California, 1984. Photo by Ricardo de Aratanha.

A cycle of pujas were done for Lama Yeshe before the formal cremation, Vajrapani Institute, California, 1984. Photo includes Geshe Sopa, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Geshe Gyeltsen, Geshe Thinley, and Geshe Lobsang Gyatso. Photo by Ricardo de Aratanha.

A cycle of pujas were done for Lama Yeshe before the formal cremation, Vajrapani Institute, California, 1984. Photo by Ricardo de Aratanha.

Zong Rinpoche carefully inspects the measurements for the hearth and where the stupa for Lama Yeshe’s cremation is to be built.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche leading the procession to the cremation of Lama Yeshe at Vajrapani Institute, California in March of 1984. Photo by Ricardo de Aratanha.

Zong Rinpoche arrives at the cremation of Lama Yeshe at Vajrapani Institute, California in March of 1984. Photo by Ricardo de Aratanha.

Cremation of Lama Yeshe at Vajrapani Institute, California in March of 1984. Photo by Ricardo de Aratanha.

Lama Yeshe’s body is placed in the cremation stupa. Cremation of Lama Yeshe at Vajrapani Institute, California in March of 1984. Photo by Ricardo de Aratanha.

Geshe Lobsang Gyatso with Zong Rinpoche at the cremation of Lama Yeshe at Vajrapani Institute, California in March of 1984. Photo by Ricardo de Aratanha.

Zong Rinpoche attended to by Geshe Gyeltsen at the cremation of Lama Yeshe at Vajrapani Institute, California in March of 1984. Photo by Ricardo de Aratanha.

Zong Rinpoche about to begin the funeral puja for Lama Yeshe. Zong Rinpoche at the cremation of Lama Yeshe at Vajrapani Institute, California in March of 1984. Photo by Ricardo de Aratanha.

Flaming skull of Lama Yeshe. Cremation of Lama Yeshe at Vajrapani Institute, California in March of 1984. Photo by Ricardo de Aratanha.

Relics of Lama Yeshe in a box after the cremation at Vajrapani Institute, California in March of 1984. Photo by Ricardo de Aratanha.

An Exclusive Interview with Geshe Sopa Part 2

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Venerable Geshe Lobsang Sopa is an incredible monk with a reputation of being sincere, fiercely devoted to his Gurus and extremely principled. All who come into contact with him describe Geshe-la as being direct, even brutally honest, but tremendously kind. And it is this kindness and loyalty to the Gelugpa lineage that drives Geshe Sopa to get involved in the efforts to end the Dorje Shugden conflict.

Geshe Sopa is no stranger to the persecution that so many Shugden practitioners have suffered. He has not been able to see his family for over 18 years since the onset of the Shugden ban, one that caused many other families to separate due to the split loyalties that were forced onto the entire Tibetan community; and has suffered discrimination and threats of violence for his efforts to create awareness of the suffering that Shugden practitioners have to endure. Recently, Geshe Sopa’s name and likeness were even listed in a hit list of Dorje Shugden practitioners published by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).

Today, Geshe Sopa is a Resident Teacher of Trijang Buddhist Institute (TBI) where he has been based since 2004, the advisor to the North America Gelug Buddhist Association (NAGBA) and an outspoken advocate of Tibetan Public Talk (TPT), a NAGBA initative. Geshe Sopa was also one of the monks who tirelessly rebuilt Ganden Shartse Monastery in South India after the Tibetan exodus of 1959.

It is when you hear Geshe Sopa speak about Ganden Shartse Monastery that you again see the ugliness and damage the Dorje Shugden ban has caused. Till this day, Geshe-la expresses his wish to return to Ganden Shartse – the home which he built, grew up in and where he received his education – and to be reunited with his Dharma brothers and friends. He hopes to see the reunification of Ganden Shartse and Shar Ganden monasteries before the end of his life.

Very rarely can one find a monk who is so humble and yet has quietly accomplished such virtuous works from building monasteries to serving the highest of lamas. Thus, it was a great privilege for DorjeShugden.com to speak with Geshe-la to get his views about the Dorje Shugden conflict.

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.

In Tibetan Buddhism, names like His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang, Geshe Rabten, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and Lama Yeshe are legendary, illustrious and almost illusive. Hence it would take a practitioner of exceptional merits to have met, and to have received teachings and empowerments from such high lamas. Claudio Cipullo is one such practitioner and deservedly so.

Claudio Cipullo began his practice of Buddhism during its renaissance in the West and he was amongst the fortunate first group of Westerners to have received teachings from lamas who were pioneers of Tibetan Buddhism outside Tibet’s borders. Others in the group include famous personalities such as Professor Robert Thurman and Stephen Batchelor.

He is one of the rare few people who have personally studied under His Holiness the Dalai Lama (for whom Claudio also did translation work), Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang (from whom Claudio received certain tantric empowerments and personal advice), Lama Yeshe (who was Claudio’s root guru), Kyabje Zong Rinpoche (who was Claudio’s preceptor and who ordained Claudio into the Tibetan Buddhist Sangha), Lama Zopa (whom Claudio translated for and assisted), Kyabje Gangchen Rinpoche and many others. Claudio was also one of the founders and directors of Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa, and a founding member of Kopan Monastery.

In over 40 years of unbroken practice, Claudio has received many important empowerments and instructions, including the initiation of Dorje Shugden from Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang (which Claudio received alongside Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Piero Cerri). Behind a certain humility that Claudio wears with ease is a highly realized Vajrayana practitioner. Today, Claudio Cipullo is a close student of Kyabje Gangchen Rinpoche and also serves as a tutor in Gangchen Rinpoche’s Albagnano Healing Meditation Centre in Italy.

With over four decades of exposure to high lamas and key events in Tibetan Buddhism, Claudio’s experience provides important insights into the Dorje Shugden controversy. It is interesting and noteworthy that with the onset of the Dorje Shugden ban, a practitioner of Claudio Cipullo’s caliber chose to continue with his Dorje Shugden practice and was happy to forego the status and recognition he had earned with Lama Zopa and the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT). Had Claudio chosen to remain with the FPMT at the cost of his vows to Lama Yeshe, Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang and his Dorje Shugden practice, Claudio would no doubt be holding a lofty position within the FPMT network today. Therefore it was an honor and a pleasure for DorjeShugden.com to speak with Claudio Cipullo regarding his views on the Dorje Shugden conflict.

The Dalai Lama is the winner of many global awards, in recognition of his works to promote peace and harmony in the world.

However, how real is the image of the peace-loving spiritual leader of Tibet? Have we all been fooled by the Dalai Lama’s public persona, overlooking his dark secrets hidden behind closed doors?

Watch the video to learn more.

Ven. Kelsang Ananda is a devoted and loyal student of the Dharma in Je Tsongkapa’s tradition. After studying and practicing the Dharma for some years, he was ordained in the year 2000 by one of the most renowned Gelugpa Masters of the modern era.

By the strength of his sincere practice, Ven. Kelsang Ananda developed tremendous faith in Dorje Shugden and was aghast at how the Tibetan leadership was disparaging an enlightened deity and in the process tearing the unity of Gelugpa Buddhists apart. He decided that as a Dharma practitioner and as an individual who values the rights of all people, he had to personally lend his support to the on-going initiatives to alleviate the anguish of the people as the result of a grave injustice.

Recently, DorjeShugden.com had the opportunity to sit for a while with Ven. Kelsang Ananda and to hear his views about the Dorje Shugden ban and the sufferings of many as the result of this ban. Ven. Kelsang Ananda speaks passionately and yet with a calm logic, explaining why he thinks the ongoing protests against the Dalai Lama are crucial and effective and ultimately unavoidable. It is, to Ven. Kelsang Ananda, the only remaining way to appeal to the Tibetan leadership to listen.

This is an insightful interview with a sincere Dharma practitioner and a teacher of the Buddhadharma who tells us why the protests go way beyond just the interests of Western Buddhists protecting their rights – they are also an act of compassion for those who have no voice against their oppressors.

On the 16th of April 2015, Samdhong Rinpoche gave a talk on Mind Training and Compassion Applied to Everyday Life and that was followed by a discussion with Rev. Dr. James A. Kowalski at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City.

Samdhong Rinpoche was the first ‘elected’ Kalon Tripa or Prime Minister of the Tibetan Government in Exile (TGiE that’s now known as the Central Tibetan Administration or CTA). He was in office from the year 2001 to 2011 and was widely held to be responsible for carrying out the instructions of the Dalai Lama / Tibetan leadership especially those on the persecution of Dorje Shugden practitioners.

Despite having held office for 10 years and having been the representative of the high profile Dalai Lama, Samdhong Rinpoche was not well received and the turnout was abysmal with half the hall being empty. This incident shows clearly that in the absence of the Dalai Lama, Tibetan official, even senior ones like Samdhong Rinppche, are unable to command the attention and respect of the world public. How then would the Tibetans fare after the Dalai Lama passes and they are represented by a government that no one likes or respects? This is the uncertain future created for Tibetans by over 50 years of irresponsible government that did not learn to start on its own feet.

During the Qustions & Answers part of the event itself, a polite and well-dressed man stood up to ask a valid question about the persecution of Shugden practitioners. As can be seen from the video above, the man was neither rude or menacing but instead asked a fair question which had perplexed many around the world. Instead of getting an answer, the man was threatened with arrest and was then forcibly removed from the hall. This is characteristic of how the CTA does things and no one is allowed to have opinions that defer from theirs. Anything different is regarded as dissension is quickly shut down.

This is highly unusual considering the fact that this took place in the democratic country of American and also the fact that the man did not exhibit any hostility towards the speaker. However, even the Americans had to comply with the conditions of their guest. What this does show is how unwilling the CTA has been in providing sound reasons for their religious ban and has infringed on the rights of many Shugden Buddhists. It also shows that the CTA, contrary to much of their claims, are not open to dialogue even on such serious issues as this. It is not symbolic of a democratic government that treasures the opinions and rights of its citizens. It was a huge embarrassment for Samdhong Rinpoche because it is apparent that he had no intention to answer the question posed and the questioner was threatened with arrest. If Samdhong Rinpoche had any respect for democracy, he would have spoken up at this point to say that he wished to address the man’s question. However, it was painfully obvious that he chose to remain silent and allowed the man to be escorted out.

In any democratic country like America, people are allowed to pose any question to a leader or ex-leader of that country for the sake of public knowledge on relevant issues. However, this is clearly not the case for this event as the man was escorted out before he was even allowed to finish what he had to say. This is clearly the policy of the CTA especially in the exiled Tibetan communities in India where opposition towards the Dorje Shugden ban is never tolerated and the voice of freedom is gagged.

Perhaps, the man was over-passionate with his point at the end of the video but he didn’t get a chance to fully express himself before he was whisked away. It does also show that those who protest the Dalai Lama are forced to do so as that seems to be the only way to air their grievances with the Tibetan leadership. As all can see, the man was harmless and kept a safe and respectable distance from Samdhong Rinpoche and so clearly he posed no threats. Therefore, the video leaves a lingering message that the ban on Dorje Shugden is still very much enforced and that it leaves no room for discussion or dialogue. In the end, the incident reflects very badly on the speaker, Samdhong Rinpoche and the CTA because he does not exemplify what he was there to talk about, which is compassion.

Press Release

Click on the image below to read the full press release regarding the protests at the talk.

Click image to enlarge. Retrieved from http://www.einnews.com/pr_news/260734008/new-york-protest-for-religious-freedom-staged-during-visit-of-former-tibetan-exile-prime-minister-samdhong