Author Topic: Lobsang Sangay - the new Kalon Tripa  (Read 13174 times)

WisdomBeing

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Lobsang Sangay - the new Kalon Tripa
« on: August 08, 2011, 11:00:46 AM »
Today at 9 minutes and 9 seconds after 9 am, at Tsuglakhang temple, Lobsang Sangay was sworn in as the new Kalon Tripa (prime minister) of the Tibetan government-in-exile, before Ngawang Phelgyal, the chief justice commissioner and in front of the Dalai Lama at McLeodganj.

There seems to be much optimism about this new appointment of this relatively young 43 year old but i just spoke to a Tibetan yesterday who said that Lobsang Sangay does not really have power.. everything is still in the Dalai Lama's hands. Perhaps this may be true, but eventually, the Dalai Lama will leave us. Then what do you think will happen to the Tibetan government in exile?
Kate Walker - a wannabe wisdom Being

DharmaSpace

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Re: Lobsang Sangay - the new Kalon Tripa
« Reply #1 on: August 08, 2011, 03:55:50 PM »
A new era has begun, the Kalon Tripa is a lay person and there is no other authority higher than him. Unlike the old days whereby the Dalai Lama still called the shots. I do hope he benefits his people I got nothing against the Tibetans.

Does anyone know if he has an email i'd like to write to him asking him to lift the Dorje Shugden ban.


DHARMSALA, India — A Harvard-trained legal scholar was sworn in Monday as new head of the Tibetan government-in-exile, taking over from the Dalai Lama as leader of his people's fight for freedom.

The Dalai Lama, 76, announced in March he would be giving up his political role as leader of the Tibetan exile movement, though he would remain the spiritual leader for Tibetan Buddhists.

Lobsang Sangay, who was elected in April by tens of thousands of Tibetans in exile, was surrounded by hundreds of Buddhist monks and nuns as well as the Dalai Lama as he took the oath of office in the northern Indian city of Dharmsala, where the exile administration is based.

Sangay has vowed to follow the Dalai Lama's approach of seeking increased autonomy for Tibet within China. China refuses to recognize Sangay's authority.

"We will continue the Middle Way policy. We are also willing to negotiate with the Chinese government any time, anywhere," Sangay told a huge crowd that gathered for the ceremony at the Tsuglakhang temple.

Sangay said he would work to fulfill the vision of the Dalai Lama to create a truly secular democratic society.

"Tibetan leadership is far from fizzling out. ... We are here to stay," Sangay said.

Scores of Tibetans playing traditional musical instruments and hundreds of children, men and women cheered as the Dalai Lama accompanied the new leader to the temple for the brief ceremony. Later, the crowds applauded as the Dalai Lama hugged and blessed the new leader after the ceremony.

Sangay's election as the Kalon Tripa, or prime minister, marks many firsts. He was born in the eastern Indian town of Darjeeling and has never visited Tibet. He is also the first secular leader to take over the political leadership of the Tibetan community.

The Dalai Lama, the 14th in a line of men said to be the living incarnation of Chenrezig, a Buddhist god of compassion, says he needed to resign as political leader because he feared chaos would erupt after his eventual death, when the Chinese government and Buddhist monks are certain to argue over the identity of his successor.

"Now, that danger is no longer there," he said in an earlier interview with The Associated Press.

The Dalai Lama fled into exile in northern India in 1959. The Indian government allowed him to establish the Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharmsala, setting up schools, hospitals and housing for the hundreds of thousands of Tibetans who fled China over the past five decades.

The Dalai Lama, one of the world's best known leaders, and worshipped as a near-deity by most Tibetans, has said he will continue to advocate for the Tibetan people and will allow the exile government's envoys to act in his name.

China, which has vilified him for decades as a separatist troublemaker but dislikes the exile government even more, is also forcing him to remain involved. Chinese leaders have said they will only hold negotiations – which have gone on for nine fruitless rounds already – with his representatives.

WisdomBeing

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Re: Lobsang Sangay - the new Kalon Tripa
« Reply #2 on: August 08, 2011, 05:08:54 PM »
INAUGURAL SPEECH OF KALON TRIPA DR. LOBSANG SANGAY
Dharamsala, India
8th August 2011

My fellow Tibetans:
 
Today on this auspicious day when Guru Rinpoche, the great Indian yogi who spread Buddhism in Tibet, was born, and in the presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, our most revered leader, I accept, with deep humility, the post of the Kalon Tripa.
 
We invoke the spirit and call on the Gods and Goddesses of Tibet to watch over and guide us. My profound gratitude goes out to the overwhelming support of brave men and women in exile, and the enduring solidarity and support of our brave brothers and sisters in occupied Tibet. We are motivated by their support and sustained by their prayers.
 
Blessed spiritually by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and authorized politically to continue the extended historical legitimacy of the great institution of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, I am here not as a result of my personal achievement but as a result of the hard work and sacrifices made by elder generations in Tibet and in exile. Today, I pledge to carry on and build upon this great legacy of our elders. I pledge to you, my fellow Tibetans, to strengthen and sustain our movement until freedom is restored in Tibet, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama returns to our homeland.
 
Over one century ago, in 1910, His Holiness the 13th Dalai Lama, took one last glance at the Potala Palace before leaving his homeland and promised to his people: “I shall return.” Our ancestors at the time did not have modern education and sophistication, but with dedication and unity they work tirelessly to make the return of His Holiness the 13th Dalai Lama possible. His Holiness returned to Lhasa in early 1913 and reaffirmed Tibet’s independence from China.
 
Almost half a century later, the same pledge to return was poignantly repeated by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama as he departed Lhasa on the fateful night of March, 17, 1959.
 
Today, the responsibility to help ensure the return of His Holiness is with our generation of Tibetans who have modern education and sophistication. But do we have dedication, unity and commitment to make tireless effort like our ancestors? If we do, we will prevail. If we don't, we fail.
 
No doubt, our task is of Himalayan proportion. But we take inspiration from thousands of other brave Tibetans who, throughout our history, have given up their lives and devoted their hearts to Tibet. We have been tragically separated by force, not by choice, and, we will reach the mountaintop of freedom to reunite Tibetans on both sides of Himalayas.
 
I promise to work to fulfill the vision of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama to create a truly secular democratic society. This year's dynamic Tibetan election demonstrated to the world our commitment to genuine democracy and the universal principle of human freedom. Our democratic election reveals that Tibetan unity is built upon and sustained by universal democratic principles that transcend region, sect, gender, and generations.
 
The results of this election should send a clear message to the hardliners in the Chinese government that Tibetan leadership is far from fizzling out – we are democracy that will only grow stronger in years ahead. And we are here to stay.
 
Let me be very clear: our struggle is not against the Chinese people, nor is it against China as a country. Our struggle is against hard-line policies of the Chinese regime in Tibet. Our struggle is against those who would deny freedom, justice, dignity, and the very identity of Tibetan People. Chinese authorities and our Chinese friends alike must realize that grievances of Tibetan people are many and genuine.
 
Today, my fellow Tibetans, I reaffirm in the oath and aspiration forged by our forefathers – a treaty signed more then a millennia ago by Tibet and China that pledged a great epoch when “Tibetans shall be happy in the land of Tibet and Chinese in the land of China”.
 
In 1950, when the Chinese Army first came to Tibet, they promised “Socialist Paradise” for Tibetans. Some Tibetans helped build roads to Tibet from China and were paid in Silver coins for their labor. During that time, the Chinese soldiers were very polite and treated our ancestors kindly.
 
However, once the roads were built, tanks encircled strategic urban areas, lorries headed straight to the mineral-rich mountains and pristine forests: and Chinese workers arrived to exploit and mine billions of dollars of gold, copper, and uranium. Overnight, it seemed, something had changed. The polite Chinese soldiers changed and became overbearing, aggressive, and violent. They used their guns. Battles erupted. Death and destruction ensued.
 
The great epoch of happiness was put into peril. And since that time, I fear, Tibetans have become second class citizens in their own homeland.
 
The ongoing political repression, cultural assimilation, economic marginalization and environmental destruction in occupied Tibet is unacceptable. The construction of new Railway Line brings each day more heavy equipment to exploit mineral resources and more Chinese migrants to demographically dominate Tibet and dilute our rich culture and identity. Today's empirical facts are startling: around seventy percent of the private sector is owned or run by Chinese, and more than fifty percent of public sector jobs of the local Communist Party cadre are also held by the Chinese. Meanwhile, nearly forty percent of our Tibetan brothers and sisters who have worked hard and earned university and high school degrees are unemployed. These statistics are made worse, as we all know, by Chinese officials who treat Tibet as their personal inheritance, and act as feudal lords.
 
But three years ago, in 2008, Tibetans men and women, young and old, nomads and farmers, monks and nuns, all rose up against the Chinese rule in Tibet - from Dromo to Dhartsedo, Ngari to Ngaba, from Lhasa to Lithang, from Kongpo to Kumbum. They spoke out against Chinese oppression and mistreatment and the universal slogan was: we want His Holiness the Dalai Lama return to Tibet. Let me be clear: the Tibetan Administration does not encourage protest in part because we cannot forget the harsh response Chinese authorities hand down in the face of free and peaceful expression. However, it is our sacred duty to support and to be the voice for our voiceless and courageous compatriots.
 
After sixty years of misrule, Tibet is no Socialist Paradise that Chinese officials promised. There is no “Socialism” in Tibet, but rather Colonialism. Tibet is not the “Paradise” that it could be: today, it is a tragedy because of the Chinese occupation. Chinese government ought to know it. Recently, many Chinese leaders have visited Lhasa to observe sixty years of “peaceful liberation”. The reality is that the anniversary was observed under undeclared martial law with troops holding automatic machine guns, marching in the streets of Lhasa, sharp shooters positioned on rooftops, tourists banned from visiting Tibet entirely. Bejing’s rule in Tibet is clearly unjust and untenable.
 
Despite the tragedy in Tibet, we want the world to know, especially Chinese friends, that we remain firmly committed to non-violence. We do not view China as a nation and Chinese as a people with malice but with respect. Guided by the wisdom of our forefathers and foremothers, we will continue the Middle-Way policy, which seeks genuine autonomy for Tibet within the People's Republic of China. This, my fellow Tibetans, is a win-win proposition for both the Tibetans and the Chinese. We believe in a peaceful resolution for Tibet, which means a peaceful process and peaceful dialogue. We are also willing to negotiate with the Chinese government anytime, anywhere.
 
Let's not forget: China aspires to be a superpower. It is the fastest growing major economy in the world and is backed by the largest army in the world. Sadly, however, China's moral power is lacking behind. Moral power cannot be bought in the market or forced with military might. It has to be earned. As long as Tibetans are repressed, there will be resistance, and waning respect for China. Finding a lasting solution to the Tibet question will go a long way toward restoring China’s positive image in the minds and hearts of people around the world, as well as towards protecting its territorial integrity and sovereignty. The Chinese people in China and the Greater Chinese diasporic community have a key role to play in helping China overcome this moral deficiency.
 
I have sixteen years record of reaching out to hundreds of Chinese students and have organized conferences on Tibet between Chinese and Tibetan scholars at Harvard University. We will continue to reach out to the Chinese people to build mutual understanding and trust. I would like to extent our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the United States, Europe, international community and Tibet Support Groups for their enduring support. We appeal to them to continue to stand with us for justice, freedom, dignity, and equality, and to persuade Beijing to resolve the issue of Tibet peacefully. A lasting solution to the situation in Tibet will be one of the most defining stories of the 21st century for it will reaffirm faith in humanity’s capacity to build peace, non-violence and universal freedom. This would be a victory not only for the Tibetan people, but for all the marginalized people around the world.
 
A just and speedy resolution of the issue of Tibet is in the interest of all Asia. For thousands of years, the Tibetan people served as responsible guardian of the environment of the world's highest and largest plateau that is the source of ten major rivers that contribute to the livelihood of more than 2 billion human beings. China's damming of rivers that originate from Tibet will undermine the livelihood of millions of people downstream in Asia. It is for this reason, millions of people in Asia have a vested interest in seeing that the Tibetan people are restored to their traditional role of being the responsible guardian of the environment of the Tibetan Plateau. This transcends politics. It touches upon the wellbeing and welfare of Asia.
 
We remain eternally grateful to the people and the government of India for offering the Tibetan people refuge and for allowing us to remain as guests for the past five decades. For those of us who live here, India is our second home. The Tibetan Administration will uphold and continue to honor the special relationship between the Tibetan and the Indian people. Our debt to the Indian government and its people is already enormous. But our work together continues. We humbly appeal for your continued support and kind consideration to treat Tibet as one of the core issues between India and China.
 
For the next five years, with unity, innovation and self-reliance as our guiding principles, the Tibetan Administration will strengthen the freedom movement, and sustain it for another fifty years, if need be. I urge Tibetans inside and outside to support the Lhakar Movement to be proud of and assert Tibetanness - to show solidarity, to embrace unity, and to keep alive the Tibetan spirit - for together, I know we will foster a dynamic environment and strengthen Tibetan institutions and communities around the world.
 
Education will be our number one priority. As His Holiness the Dalai Lama has taught us, sharing knowledge is “a way to achieve immortality”. It is the beacon that will light the future of Tibet. We will strive to reach 10,000 professionals among 150,000 in exile and appeal to Tibetans inside Tibet to reach 100,000 in the next two decades.
 
We will also continue to professionalize the Tibetan Administration and ensure greater access and transparency through the integration of technology and social networking tools. To this end, in the months ahead we will establish a Tibet Policy Institute that will serve as an intellectual platform to envision, develop, and execute policies that will strengthen Tibet. We will also establish Sister Shichaks (settlements) to strengthen solidarity between Tibetans in India and the West and introduce Tibet Corps, a movement that will invite skills and know-how of Tibetans within and abroad to serve Tibet, and create employment for youth and build sustainable shichaks (settlements).
 
Along with all other Tibetans, I am profoundly grateful to Professor Samdhong Rinpoche for his leadership over the past decade. And I thank him and the able members of his cabinet for their heartwarming hospitality and productive support during this smooth transition of administrations. Going forward, I will abide by the Charter and Supreme Justice Commission, and extend my full co-operation and partnership to the honorable speakers and gentlemen and women of the fifteenth parliament, and lead our very capable and dedicated civil servants in the fulfillment of this pledge.
 
In conclusion, it is important to remember that the devolution of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s political power is not at all solely to me as the Kalon Tripa, but to all Tibetans. His Holiness’ trust and belief in the people and our 50 years of consolidation of democratic institutions now will be challenged to survive and thrive independently, without his political involvement. So this is a test for each of us. It is a test, for the leadership in the judiciary, for the parliament and for the executive branch to live up to His Holiness’ expectations and to work as an effective and united entity. This is our challenge and our opportunity.
 
I speak with particular urgency to the younger generations of Tibetans. We need your support, your energy, and your talent to stand tall and march forward to freedom. Let us never forget: during our lifetime, our freedom struggle will meet the fate of justice or defeat. Tibet will either appear or disappear from the map of the world. Tibetans, as a people, will be alive or become a museum piece. Tibetan perseverance and pride, wit and will, courage and commitment, will be truly tested.
 
This is no time for simply criticism and cynicism. This is a time for courage, and a time for conviction. Above all, it is time for confidence in the belief that we are Tibetans and we can do it. The time has come for the younger generation to take a greater leadership role in both internal and international forums. Remember: if we do not, no one will.
 
Of this, we can be certain too, my fellow Tibetans: like the successful return of His Holiness the 13th Dalai Lama to Tibet, the opportunity will arise and our day will come. Like our dedicated and united ancestors, if we are not united and prepared to accept the challenges together, we will fail. Unity is paramount and it simply cannot be compromised; it is the bedrock of our movement. Any failure to attain unity will solely be our fault. We should do our utmost not to disappoint the majority of compatriots in Tibet who have put their faith in us, and who will be closely watching every step we take from today onward. However, thankfully we take comfort in the knowledge that His Holiness the Dalai Lama, our most revered leader, is very much in our midst to offer his wisdom.
 
During my first audience as the Kalon Tripa elect earlier this year, I was reminded by His Holiness the Dalai Lama that I was sitting on the same spot when I first met him nearly two decade ago, in 1992. His Holiness told me that my term as the Kalon Tripa will be good and I am committed to making his words come true. However, my two hands alone are not nearly enough. I request you to lend me your 12 million hands in realizing the words of the present Dalai Lama on the fateful night of March 17, 1959 that “he shall return” to Tibet.
 
For my brothers and sisters in Tibet, I say to you with confidence today: we will meet soon. Though I have never been allowed to set foot in Tibet, Tibet is in my heart each and every day. I am proud to be born a Tibetan and I will be proud to die as one. While I live, I am determined to fight for our freedom. My late father, like many of our parents, could not return to Tibet. But this, my fellow Tibetans, will not be the story of all Tibetans. Together, we will ensure the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet, reunite our people, and restore freedom in Tibet.
 
Today, we are in the holy land of India, where the Lord Shakyamuni attained Buddhahood. Next we will meet in the holy land of Tibet, where Buddhism is the heart and soul of six million Tibetans. We are always ready to embark on this epic journey from Dharamsala, the abode of Dharma, to Lhasa, the abode of Gods. From the town where His Holiness the Dalai Lama lives, to the city where he belongs.
 
This is our aspiration. This is our struggle. This is our dream. And with unity, innovation, and self-reliance as the guiding principles of six million Tibetans, victory will be ours. Long Live His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
 
Bod Gyalo.
Kate Walker - a wannabe wisdom Being

thaimonk

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Re: Lobsang Sangay - the new Kalon Tripa
« Reply #3 on: August 09, 2011, 01:58:34 AM »
It all looks good on print, but nothing much can be accomplished. If the Dalai Lama couldn't do it, what could the new Prime Minister do?

triesa

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Re: Lobsang Sangay - the new Kalon Tripa
« Reply #4 on: August 09, 2011, 06:30:56 AM »
It all looks good on print, but nothing much can be accomplished. If the Dalai Lama couldn't do it, what could the new Prime Minister do?

Can't agree more to that!


WisdomBeing

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Re: Lobsang Sangay - the new Kalon Tripa
« Reply #5 on: August 09, 2011, 10:25:24 AM »
just to share some photographs of the new Kalon Tripa prior to the swearing ceremony which were posted at http://www.tibet.net/en/index.php?id=2515.&articletype=flash&rmenuid=morenews&amps&tab=1#TabbedPanels1.

Nechung has not helped Tibet all these years, yet Kalon Tripa has to follow tradition and pay his respects there. When will the government realise that Nechung isn't going to help? Perhaps since Nechung isn't helping, they should look to an enlightened Protector who will - the Protector who guided the 14th Dalai Lama to safety from Tibet in 1959 - Dorje Shugden.

Caption for the first picture is: Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay accompanied by Kadrung, head of Kashag Secretariat, on the way to Nechung
Monastery prior to taking part in the swearing in ceremony in Dharamsala, on 8 August 2011.

Caption for the second picture: Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay prostrates during his visit to Nechung Monastery prior to taking part the swearing in ceremony in Dharamsala, on 8 August 2011.

Kate Walker - a wannabe wisdom Being

Big Uncle

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Re: Lobsang Sangay - the new Kalon Tripa
« Reply #6 on: August 09, 2011, 11:14:06 AM »

Does anyone know if he has an email i'd like to write to him asking him to lift the Dorje Shugden ban.



This is certainly an interesting transition but what do you expect this young man to do if he is emailed? If he openly defy the wishes of the Dalai Lama right now, he will taken from office or perhaps worse, assassinated. So, this young man fearful of his life would just ignore such requests. He is also keeping quiet and mum about the ban. Perhaps, he will do something about it when he gains more power or when the 'inevitable' happens.

beggar

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Re: Lobsang Sangay - the new Kalon Tripa
« Reply #7 on: August 12, 2011, 06:36:48 PM »
As far as spiritual matters goes, the Dalai Lama still has full control. He is still their spiritual leader. Raising the question of Dorje Shugden to the new Kalon Tripa as progressive as he may be, wouldn't have any effect as the last say is still with the DL.

What might be interesting is how he might perhaps have a better policy on how the ban is upheld. I.e. perhaps welfare can still be improved for DS practitioners, or the witchhunts be less vicious and bloody. Surely a new Prime Minister with a new slate will want to have a good humans rights' record, and do whatever he can to improve on this account, since this is the TGIE's worst failing at the moment?

It could also be good news. Lobsang Sangye seems to be progressive and modern. Hopefully attention will be turned towards new policies in other more mundane, worldly matters like education, welfare, the Tibet freedom issue etc. etc. If the Tibetan people like this more modern (and hopefully more logical) approach, they may go further and further away from the policies of old - relying on faulty oracles (or spirits), upholding bans on deities, denying their own people of welfare over a silly religious squabble... Whatever the Dalai Lama had to say about the ban on dorje Shugden will look more and more ridiculous, more illogical, and eventually, we hope, be pushed away from their minds completely as they focus on larger, "more important" issues. We can hope. 

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Re: Lobsang Sangay - the new Kalon Tripa
« Reply #8 on: August 13, 2011, 01:18:43 PM »
As far as spiritual matters goes, the Dalai Lama still has full control. He is still their spiritual leader. Raising the question of Dorje Shugden to the new Kalon Tripa as progressive as he may be, wouldn't have any effect as the last say is still with the DL.

What might be interesting is how he might perhaps have a better policy on how the ban is upheld. I.e. perhaps welfare can still be improved for DS practitioners, or the witchhunts be less vicious and bloody. Surely a new Prime Minister with a new slate will want to have a good humans rights' record, and do whatever he can to improve on this account, since this is the TGIE's worst failing at the moment?

It could also be good news. Lobsang Sangye seems to be progressive and modern. Hopefully attention will be turned towards new policies in other more mundane, worldly matters like education, welfare, the Tibet freedom issue etc. etc. If the Tibetan people like this more modern (and hopefully more logical) approach, they may go further and further away from the policies of old - relying on faulty oracles (or spirits), upholding bans on deities, denying their own people of welfare over a silly religious squabble... Whatever the Dalai Lama had to say about the ban on dorje Shugden will look more and more ridiculous, more illogical, and eventually, we hope, be pushed away from their minds completely as they focus on larger, "more important" issues. We can hope. 

Thank you beggar.
Indeed, many things can be done without having to contradict The Dalai Lama.
For example, the ostracism against Dorje Shugden's practitioners can be lifted without stating a lift of the ban, in very basic things such as not allowing groceries to not allow practitioners to shop, etc...

WisdomBeing

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Re: Lobsang Sangay - the new Kalon Tripa
« Reply #9 on: August 13, 2011, 03:53:34 PM »
That's true. The TGIE could just stop persecuting Shugden practitioners at their discretion. They could grant travel papers etc and as news travels so easily and quickly around the refugee community, once the rules start being relaxed, people would soon take the cue and stop being over enthusiastic re the ban. Unfortunately though, it could be that the ban is a nice reason for people to use as a scapegoat for their general dissatisfaction with life as a landless Tibetan-in-exile.. who would they blame and take their frustration out on, if not Dorje Shugden?

Lobsang Sangay is a secular man and i hope he will not continue to sacrifice DS on the altar of political expediency.
Kate Walker - a wannabe wisdom Being

DharmaSpace

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Re: Lobsang Sangay - the new Kalon Tripa
« Reply #10 on: August 14, 2011, 08:09:59 AM »
Tibetans are torn by this Dorje Shugden issue. So if Lobsang Sangay reunites the Tibetans by removing the ban that would be something. At least thats a start the Tibetans would then now be working towards one goal. There is less bias on the Bon which is not even related to Buddhist teachings, not that I am promoting any discrimination towards the Bon faith.

If Lobsang Sangay removes the ban he will have the support of the the Gelug lama that are currently ostractised, and these lamas have huge influence on the international arena, Lama Gangchen Rinpoche for his peace movement, NKT is even many countries of the world, Dromtug Rinpoche who operates in the Chinese speaking countries. Surely this will have more impact than a divided Tibet!

"Free Dorje Shugden, Unite Tibet"




beggar

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Re: Lobsang Sangay - the new Kalon Tripa
« Reply #11 on: August 17, 2011, 03:11:39 PM »

If Lobsang Sangay removes the ban he will have the support of the the Gelug lama that are currently ostractised, and these lamas have huge influence on the international arena, Lama Gangchen Rinpoche for his peace movement, NKT is even many countries of the world, Dromtug Rinpoche who operates in the Chinese speaking countries. Surely this will have more impact than a divided Tibet!

"Free Dorje Shugden, Unite Tibet"


I like your passion! This is a very good way of looking at it. I like this view very much, thanks Dharma Space.

Yes, the Tibetan community and people would have so much to gain with the support of these HUGE Tibetan Buddhist organisations throughout the world. Actually, what lamas like Geshe Kelsang Gyatso and Lama Gangchen are doing for the world carries on very much from the legacy of Dalai Lama. They have lost out so much support from the world by ostracising them, based only on a single practice!

Then again, the tibetan legacy is growing hugely in the world. It is ironic that there is so much fear that they are losing their culture and community while in exile, when actually the greatest thing they have - which is Buddhism - is spreading like wildfire throughout the world. What better way to preserve their culture and heritage than by it going all over the world?!

Perhaps the "splitting away" of Lamas like GKG and Lama Gangchen prepares the next stage of growth and expansion throughout the world. For while one old world dies away, a bigger new one takes its place and picks up right where the Dalai Lama has left off. I like to stay positive and think, there are only great things to look forward to.

thaimonk

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Re: Lobsang Sangay - the new Kalon Tripa
« Reply #12 on: August 24, 2011, 12:51:09 PM »
Dr Lobsang Sangay is uneducated in Buddhism as far as I know. He is also a lay person. He should not have much to say regarding Dharma or create problems within the Dharma.

Seperation of Church and State is so much better in these times.  I would guess he cannot have much knowledge to say yay or nay to any practices in Buddhism, lamas, sects, or to the Sangha. Certainly he cannot have much to say to the Sangha, Gaden, Sera, Drepung or any monasteries.

He has been so far quiet on any religious issues particularly Dorje Shugden. Whatever he says on Dorje Shugden (if negative) will have to be a political move to please the Tibetan govt. But then again, once he starts down that road, will be a dangerous road for him. Why, if he gets quesitoned, he knows very little Dharma to justify the continuance of the ban except  to say HHDL said so. That would make him look like a puppet wouldn't it?

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Re: Lobsang Sangay - the new Kalon Tripa
« Reply #13 on: August 25, 2011, 04:02:10 AM »
Dr Lobsang Sangay is uneducated in Buddhism as far as I know. He is also a lay person. He should not have much to say regarding Dharma or create problems within the Dharma.

Seperation of Church and State is so much better in these times.  I would guess he cannot have much knowledge to say yay or nay to any practices in Buddhism, lamas, sects, or to the Sangha. Certainly he cannot have much to say to the Sangha, Gaden, Sera, Drepung or any monasteries.

He has been so far quiet on any religious issues particularly Dorje Shugden. Whatever he says on Dorje Shugden (if negative) will have to be a political move to please the Tibetan govt. But then again, once he starts down that road, will be a dangerous road for him. Why, if he gets quesitoned, he knows very little Dharma to justify the continuance of the ban except  to say HHDL said so. That would make him look like a puppet wouldn't it?

Dear Thaimonk,

I am sure that is what many people are expecting from Dr Lobsang Sangay, that is to be just a puppet. I believe that his Western education would be a plus because he would be more biased towards upholding secular power and the separation of church and state. Also, for him to prove himself, he has to move away from the great shadow of the Dalai Lama or rather the rumors of him being just a mere puppet. However, I don't think he will do this immediately.

Like all newly elected leaders, he would need to consolidate his position and power within the administration before he can make any bold moves. Meanwhile, he would be diplomatic by not raising sensitive issues like the ban. Once, he has real power, he might dispense off with older archaic rules and bans like that of the Dalai Lama. However, knowing the fanatical Tibetan people, he might be too afraid to even think in this direction. He might just walk the thin line and avoid enforcing and removing the ban altogether for fear of reprisal from the populace.

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Re: Lobsang Sangay - the new Kalon Tripa
« Reply #14 on: August 28, 2011, 10:23:24 AM »
For all we know Dr. Lobsang Sangay is a Dorje Shugden practitioner too... how do we know these days who is and who isn't? Take Samdhong Rinpoche as the perfect example of a huge misjudge which many of us did. Little did we know he was just following His Gurus orders and to top it off  he is Dorje Shugden himself.

I really do empathise someone like Lobsang Sangay, squashed between being a Tibetan Govt puppet and doing his duty as a Prime Minister of Tibetans in exile. Hope he summons the courage and wisdom to do the right thing for his people and not mess around with religious issues. Follow examples of other good PM's / leaders. Make the best of whatever that is left and make good relationships with all leaders esp China.