As part of his recent 20-day visit to various European countries, H.H. the 14^th Dalai Lama spent two days in Germany. From 13 to 14 September 2017, the Dalai Lama gave public talks and engaged in dialogues with various groups in Frankfurt. A significant number of Dorje Shugden practitioners and supporters, comprising of mostly Tibetans, demonstrated peacefully on the first day, calling for the Dalai Lama to bring an end to the illogical ban on Dorje Shugden’s practice.

Interestingly, the Dalai Lama kick-started his public talk titled “Global Ethics-Shared Values”, organised by the Frankfurt Tibet House at Jahrhunderthalle, by emphasizing that “too much emphasis on secondary level of differences including religious faith” was the cause for a lot of problems in the world today and ultimately, “on fundamental level, we are all same human being”.

The Dalai Lama giving his talk on “Global Ethics-Shared Values” at the Jahrhunderthalle in Frankfurt, Germany

Keeping this in mind, one can say that to peacefully seek the end of an undemocratic religious ban would give effect to what the Dalai Lama has preached. What better way to apply the setting aside of secondary differences than to do away with the unwarranted Dorje Shugden ban which has clearly segregated Tibetans and caused a lot of hardship, pain as well as suffering to many Dorje Shugden practitioners, Tibetans and non-Tibetans alike?

Despite the rain, there was a significant turnout at the peaceful demonstrations in Frankfurt, calling for the end of the undemocratic Dorje Shugden ban.

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.
 

Photos of the Frankfurt Demonstrations

Video Coverage of the Frankfurt Demonstrations

Tibetans Against Dalai Lama Lying

Part 1

Tibetans Against Dalai Lama Lying

Part 2

Tibetans Against Dalai Lama Lying

Part 3

From the Europe Shugden Association

Part 1

From the Europe Shugden Association

Part 2

From the Europe Shugden Association

Part 3

From Dorje Shugden Tibetan Music World

Part 1

From Dorje Shugden Tibetan Music World

Part 2

By: Kay Beswick

During a trip to Ladakh, India in 2012, His Holiness the Dalai Lama was filmed making fun of various lineages, most notably the Kagyu lineage. Around the world, the Dalai Lama is known as the paragon of love, kindness and acceptance. People go to him seeking his advice on how to deal with difficult situations, and how to develop compassion and tolerance for others’ differences. It would therefore be reasonable to assume that His Holiness the Dalai Lama practices what he teaches everyone. Hence, when videos like these emerge, some are shocked to discovered that His Holiness can speak in this manner.

Translation

All of you doing sectarianism in religion, I think it’s not good. Among the monks, there is no one who said like this but among the lay people, I found some people who said this.

In the past, in Ladakh – if said in English, ‘sectarian’ – there was no sectarianism before but recently, I heard that sectarianism in religion is strongly increasing.

For this, do a gathering once a year and debate on religion or talk, then you all will know about each other and later you will not say, “I am Gelug, I am Kagyu, I am Nyingma…” And in Kagyu also, “I am Drukpa Kagyu, I am Kamsang Kagyu, I am Taklung Kagyu…” Is there Taklung Kagyu?

[Monk off-camera says, “There is Baram Kagyu.”]

I think I should bring Taklung Kagyu later. There is Baram Kagyu, isn’t it? Right?

[Joking] Actually, I want to bring all the religions together then it’s good that you all can fight with each other. [Dalai Lama laughs]

“We are Drukpa Kagyu”. Over there, there was a small banner that says what? “Young Drukpa Kagyu Association”. Drukpa, I thought it means Dragon from Bhutan country. This is useless! It’s not useful. I don’t see it is good. And they have made a flag also. Before, the Karmapa’s house had a flag. On the flag, there is a symbol of a wave. I didn’t find any meaning in that. Kamsang Kagyu also made a flag. Does this make sense?

[Dalai Lama points to a lama] Drigung Rinpoche’s Ladrang has a Buddhist flag and on the corner of the flag, there is a sun and moon and a HUNG.

[Dalai Lama addresses a lama] How is your Drukpa Kagyu flag?

[Monk replies there is a dragon on the flag]

[Joking] Okay okay, that’s good. The dragon is China’s god so better you all go to China. It’s not useful. Why are you following animals? It’s not useful. There is no meaning. HUNG is better! It’s not useful.

[A monk off-camera says something to the Dalai Lama]

Don’t talk about your visions (གཟིགས་སྣང་།), it’s better not to talk about this. Now we have to use our common sense.

Oh! This is someone’s pure vision (དག་སྣང་།), this is someone’s vision, this is someone’s prophecy. I don’t believe in all these things, do you understand? Stop it. In reality, I don’t think it’s good.

[Dalai Lama says to a Gelug monk] Do the Gelugpas have a flag?

[Monk says no] Now you have to make a Gelug flag. What’s the symbol? What about the yak’s head to hit everyone? [Dalai Lama laughs]

Some people might excuse this video as the Dalai Lama’s typical playful manner but the fact is, this was not a passing joke. It was a nearly three-minute long commentary about the decisions and traditions of the Kagyu lineage, about something relatively insignificant as a flag. For those unfamiliar with Tibetan society, they should understand that within the Tibetan communities, the Dalai Lama’s word is law. He does not have to make direct statements about something in order for people to react. Rather, the Dalai Lama only needs to make a passing comment about something not being to his liking for everyone to react negatively against it. For example, when the Dalai Lama did not like Taiwan and made remarks against them, no one was allowed to visit. Those who had connections like Serkong Tritul were accused of being spies, publicly arrested and humiliated.

That is what His Holiness did with the Dorje Shugden practice 20 years ago. In the case of the Dorje Shugden practice however, it was more than a passing remark. His Holiness has dedicated hours over the last 20 years speaking against Dorje Shugden; in one example, a 27-minute speech that he gave resulted in an attack against an elderly monk of Trijang Ladrang. It has been 20 years of systematic and institutionalised discrimination, marginalisation and suppression. Resolutions have been passed against Dorje Shugden practitioners, hit lists of practitioners have been published to direct violence against them, and signs and notices have been circulated warning against association with Dorje Shugden practitioners.

So the fact is, the Dalai Lama’s words carry a lot of weight within the Tibetan community, and in the Tibetan Buddhist community at large. His stature is such that he is able to speak with relative impunity; no one else would tolerate similar jokes if it were made by anyone else. How would the world react if Obama were to start commenting and making fun of the Islamic, Jewish, Baha’i, Hindu and pagan faiths? It would not be unreasonable for leaders and adherents of those religions to become upset; as a secular leader, Obama is expected to remain impartial and fair to all faiths and religions, and to interact with them objectively, without prejudice and free from personal opinion or bias. Hence, as a secular leader of all Tibetans, it was unbecoming of the Dalai Lama to poke fun at another faith when he is supposed to be fair to all.

Furthermore, as a Gelug leader, one has to examine how appropriate it was for the Dalai Lama, a Gelug lama, to make such remarks about other lineages other than the Gelug faith. What other leader within the Tibetan community would be able to make the same type of comments without raising the ire of other lineages, and without being accused of sectarianism? Would the Karmapa, for example, be able to make comments about Gelug activities without being criticised for it? He would immediately face accusations of sectarianism.

So in fact, videos like these are not very surprising, especially for Dorje Shugden practitioners. They simply tell us what we as Shugden practitioners have always already known – be careful when the Tibetan leadership is not happy with you. Now the real question is, what else and who else is safe from the Dalai Lama’s remarks and how long more will they be safe for? If the Dalai Lama can disparage the great Kagyu lineage, with its thousands of centres worldwide, when will it be someone else’s turn to experience the repercussions of the Dalai Lama’s displeasure? When living in such uncertain times which are dependent on the opinions of one individual alone, the Tibetan leadership in Dharamsala therefore cannot be said to be a democracy in any sense of the word.

Addendum: A Critical Meme

This is not the first time His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been shown to be critical of other faiths. On WeChat, an extremely popular instant messaging program used by Tibetans all over the world, this meme below has been circulating highlighting the Dalai Lama’s criticisms of the Kagyu lineage while simultaneously promoting the merits of the Gelug lineage.

Translation

Monasteries teaching about Milarepa is not widespread or well-known. Mahasiddhas like Milarepa hardly benefited the Dharma. Kagyus following the religious instruction of mahasiddhas, this does not have beneficial purposes for the Dharma. It is [only beneficial] for individual people. If you want to experience pure Dharma, there is nothing greater than the lineage and teachings of Je Tsongkhapa. Je Tsongkhapa’s lineage is constituted of [teachings from] the lineage and teachings of great Indian mahasiddhas.

Would such remarks be tolerated if they had been made by leaders of other Tibetan Buddhist traditions? Dorje Shugden practitioners are often accused of sectarianism by virtue of our choice to keep our practice. Yet, even as His Holiness continues to criticise other lineages, he is never labelled as sectarian. We are not asking for the Dalai Lama to be criticized, nor do we rejoice in the fact his criticisms of others are being highlighted. All we are asking is for the same standards of religious freedoms and even judgements to be applied to all. If we wish to equate sectarianism with being critical of other lineages, then whenever anyone is critical of other lineages, they should be considered sectarian too, regardless of their rank, stature, reputation or office. In reality however, it oftentimes seems like only Gelug practitioners bear the brunt of this false accusation of sectarianism, and have become hypervigilant against such accusations.

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/

News Coverage

PHAYUL

Click to enlarge

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

YAHOO NEWS UK

Click to enlarge

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

CAMBRIDGE NEWS

Click to enlarge

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

Click to enlarge

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

OXFORD MAIL

Click to enlarge

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

RT UK

Click to enlarge

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

ITV

Click to enlarge

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

Click to enlarge

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

Click to enlarge

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

RINF

Click to enlarge

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

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

Or watch on server | download video (right click & save file)

Radio coverage on the protest against the Dalai Lama

From BBC

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

Or watch on server | download video (right click & save file)

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

From Heart News East

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

Or watch on server | download video (right click & save file)

News coverage on the recent demonstration by Shugden practitioners in Cambridge

From ITV

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

Or watch on server | download video (right click & save file)

Shugden practitioners asks for religious freedom in recent demonstration in England

From ISC

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

Or watch on server | download video (right click & save file)

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

From ISC

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

Or watch on server | download video (right click & save file)

Photos of the England Demonstrations

Cambridge

An Exclusive Interview with Geshe Sopa Part 2

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

Or watch on server | download video (right click & save file)

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.

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.

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

Click to enlarge

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

MORNING STAR

Click to enlarge

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

THE GUARDIAN

Click to enlarge

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

LOS ANGELES TIMES

Click to enlarge

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

THE SUN DAILY

Click to enlarge

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

UPI

Click to enlarge

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

Click to enlarge

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

THE MALAY MAIL ONLINE

Click to enlarge

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

NBC LOS ANGELES

Click to enlarge

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

VOICE OF OC

Click to enlarge

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

CBS LOS ANGELES

Click to enlarge

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

INQUISITR

Click to enlarge

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

THINK PROGRESS

Click to enlarge

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

BANGKOK POST

Click to enlarge

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

NEW YORK POST

Click to enlarge

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

BIG NEWS NETWORK

Click to enlarge

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

Or watch on server | download video (right click & save file)

Dalai Lama at UC Irvine – International Shugden Community Demonstration

From International Shugden Community

Or watch on server | download video (right click & save file)

California ISC Demonstration Day 1

From International Shugden Community

Or watch on server | download video (right click & save file)

ISC Protest in Irvine, California 6 July 2015

From Shugden Library

Or watch on server | download video (right click & save file)

ISC Protest at Bren Events Center, Irvine CA

From Shugden Library

Or watch on server | download video (right click & save file)

Photos of the USA Demonstrations

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.

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

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

Or watch on server | download video (right click & save file)

An Exclusive Interview with Kelsang Rabten – Part 3

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

Or watch on server | download video (right click & save file)