The opinion piece below was sent to dorjeshugden.com for publication. We accept submissions from the public, please send in your articles to ds@dorjeshugden.com.

By: Ashok Rao

For the past few decades, Nepal has graciously accepted Tibetan refugees into their country, allowing thousands of them to pass through to India for almost 50 years, and giving thousands of Tibetans a home in Nepal for nearly 60. To this day for example, the atmosphere in tourist sites like Boudhanath Stupa is predominantly Tibetan and not Nepali. It is Tibetan stores that abound in the popular tourist areas where millions of dollars are traded every year.

Despite so much kindness being extended to them, ungrateful Tibetans still make trouble for Nepal by protesting against China, resulting in a deterioration in China-Nepal relations each time they do so. However, what the Tibetans are forgetting, to their own detriment, is that Nepal is a country that is serious about its international relations and they are not afraid to show it.

Instead of being grateful for Nepal’s generosity, the Tibetans often create trouble for Nepal by holding riots and protests, jeopardizing Nepal’s relationship with China.

So it made perfect sense when in 2005, the Nepali authorities closed down two offices related to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetans — the Office of the Dalai Lama’s Representative and the Tibetan Refugee Welfare Office — which were being used as halfway houses for Tibetans crossing over to India.

Nepal has also taken the unusual step of banning Tibetan activists from protesting within its borders, to ensure cordial relations between Nepal and China, who considers Tibetans in-exile to be dangerous separatists intent on destabilizing the Tibet Autonomous Region. The Nepali government’s decision matches their adherence and agreement to the One China policy, which asserts that Tibet is an inherent part of China.

Adak, a Tibetan activist, was taken into custody by Nepali policemen after he posted a picture of himself with a Tibetan flag on Facebook.

More recently, Nepal showed just how serious they are about this policy when they took Adak, a Tibetan activist, into custody after he posted a picture of himself holding a Tibetan flag in front of Kathmandu’s Boudhanath Stupa.

The truth is, Tibetans living in Nepal have enjoyed a whole host of kindnesses and freedoms — they have been granted Nepali citizenship, own swathes of land, run million-dollar businesses, own large homes and properties, have the freedom to travel in and out of Nepal as they wish, and have religious freedom. Yet, they just do not seem to care about the country that has given them so much; instead of holding the Nepali flag, Tibetans continue to fly the Tibetan flag, a symbol of Tibetan independence, in order to provoke the Chinese leadership and harm their host country Nepal’s relationship with China. By right, having been in Nepal for nearly 60 years already, Tibetans should not only salute, respect and hold up the Nepali flag, but it is time that they pay tribute to the country which gave them freedom. Tibetans not holding up the Nepali flag is a clear indication of the lack of respect and appreciation that they have for their host country. The same may be said for Tibetans wherever else they are flying their flag. It is well known in the world that all refugees from countries that have been lost, that are struggling, that are in a crisis – when the people migrate, they take on the flag of their new country and display it with pride. So why are the Tibetans exceptions?

A few Tibetans protesting in Nepal, carrying the Tibetan flag has achieved nothing in 60 years. The only thing they have done is break Nepali law because they carry these flags and hold their protests without a permit. In countries where these protests are held, the protestors need to carry a permit but again, Tibetans have somehow given themselves the exception to the rule by not applying for permits and breaking the law. It is also very well known that the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), who are the Tibetan leadership based in Dharamsala, encourages their people to protest and as a reward, they receive incentives such as speedier visa application processes to migrate to Western countries. So hundreds of Tibetans have protested not because they believe in what they are doing, but because they have been bribed by the CTA. There are other times when Tibetans have not joined the protests and they have been fined for their absence. This is a fact that Tibetans themselves speak about.

It is also widely known that Tibetans in India and Nepal, except for a small minority, have lost hope for gaining independence for Tibet due to the abject failures of their Tibetan leadership in Dharamsala. According to the CTA’s own census, there are approximately 95,000 Tibetans in India and Nepal combined. So why is it that when there are protests, only 50 to 100 people show up? This dismal number proves what has been said about the loss of hope and interest amongst the Tibetans themselves.

So why are Tibetans so ungrateful? If they really want to continue living peacefully in Nepal and enjoying all the benefits that they receive, they had better respect and follow the law as any citizen of any country should. It is the law in Nepal that Tibet protests are banned. It is the law in Nepal that Tibet belongs to China, under the One China Policy. Right or wrong, that is the law in Nepal.

So the Nepali government are well within their authority to detain Adak for breaking the law by flying the Tibetan flag as a symbol of protest. Clearly, overzealous activism for the so-called Tibetan cause will no longer be tolerated as Nepal continues to grow increasingly closer to China for the sake of its people. It is time for the Tibetans to wake up and realize the futility of fighting against China, especially within Nepal’s sovereign borders.

Tibetan Activist Detained for Nine Days in Nepal After Tibetan Flag Facebook Photo

Click to enlarge. (Source: http://www.thetibetpost.com/en/news/exile/6092-tibetan-activist-detained-for-nine-days-in-nepal-after-tibetan-flag-facebook-photo)

The opinion piece below was sent to dorjeshugden.com for publication. We accept submissions from the public, please send in your articles to ds@dorjeshugden.com.
 

By: Alexis Trabuio

Recent years have seen an increase in China’s global influence more than ever before and it has become apparent that China is now the world’s foremost superpower, exceeding even the United States of America. Knowing this, it would be foolhardy for countries in the region not to be part of this growth; logically, opposing China will simply bring about more loss than gain.

Friendship with the Chinese now signals prosperity, growth, profit and wealth. That kind of economic uptick is usually accompanied by an expansion in all areas of life, from infrastructure, housing and medical advancements to education and even protection from China’s military might. With that kind of potential, it is little wonder that so many countries are scrambling to get on China’s good side.

So interested are they in forging positive relationships with China, that some of these countries have even banned His Holiness the Dalai Lama from entering their borders, as Mongolia did in 2016. Furthermore, the Central Tibetan Administration’s bungling and blunders have offended many nations and they are fast losing the support of their allies.

Hence it is not surprising to see Nepal and even India taking the necessary steps to create a closer relationship with China, and distancing themselves from the “troublesome” Tibetan leadership. Some such recent events include:

• India banning Tibetans from holding rallies for Tibetan Uprising Day on March 10^th in Delhi this year. This annual event commemorates the 1959 Tibetan uprising in Lhasa, and is a deeply significant event on the annual calendar of all Tibetans. Now that Tibetans are banned from commemorating the event with anti-China protests in Delhi, the capital and decision-making heart of India, it sends a strong signal to the world that India has changed its priorities. It is a clear indication that the Indian government is doing what they need to quickly mend their relationship with China for the sake of their future and the welfare of their 1.2 billion citizens. India is putting Indians first.
• A memo was circulated under the direction of India’s Foreign Secretary, Vijay Gokhale, discouraging Indian officials from attending the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA’s) events. The CTA are the Tibetan leadership in exile who are based in Dharamsala, and the memo is most definitely not in their favor. It is another major indication that India is starting to disassociate itself from the Tibetans in exile who have historically disrupted sensitive Sino-Indian ties. That is to say, officials in the higher echelons of the Indian government are recognizing there is no benefit to supporting the CTA, and they are starting to make it official with the issuance of memos.
• This memo explains the sudden change of venue for the CTA’s “Thank You India 2018” events. At the Indian government’s instruction, the CTA relocated from the high-profile Thyagaraj Sports Complex in Delhi to low-key Dharamsala. Clearly the Indian government do not want to be seen supporting the CTA by any measure, whether directly or indirectly such as by giving them permits, security clearances, etc. to host a major event in India’s capital city. In this embarrassing move for the CTA, India affirmed they are leaning towards saying “Yes!” to China and “No, thank you!” to the Tibetans.
• India is now seen to be treading more carefully with China on the Doklam border issue as they realize tackling China head-on is a fruitless endeavor and, in fact, nothing good can be gained from such a conflict. Not only would it cause an economic downturn in both countries, but precious lives would be lost on both sides and wars hardly have a history of resolving deeper issues. Despite India clearly indicating that they are adopting a conciliatory approach with China, the CTA keep rubbing salt into the wound with the self-aggrandizing Sikyong Lobsang Sangay constantly urging India to go against the Chinese. Thankfully India, with its long history of sophisticated diplomacy, is smart and treading carefully – up until this day, Prime Minister Modi has never met the Dalai Lama in an official capacity, being careful not to jeopardize India’s relationship with China.

Indian Prime Minister Modi has taken great care not to be seen with the Dalai Lama in an official capacity

• In 2005, Nepali authorities closed two important Tibetan offices in Kathmandu that were associated with the Dalai Lama. This should have been a huge wake-up call for the Tibetans but the CTA did not take the hint. Nepal closed the Office of the Dalai Lama’s Representative and the Tibetan Refugee Welfare Office, signaling a decline in regional support for the Tibetans and marking the beginning of the end of Nepal as a traditional Tibetan stronghold.
• Nepal has had enough with Tibetans thriving on their tourist industry, enjoying a good livelihood and earning millions but giving nothing back to help Nepal. Instead, Tibetan funds are only channelled towards Tibetan causes and the building of their golden monasteries. Nepal’s resentment reached new heights when a close associate of the Dalai Lama was caught money laundering from funds which were supposed to be used in rebuilding Nepal after the tragic earthquake in 2015.
• Nepal’s resentment has further escalated thanks to the Dalai Lama’s remarks about Buddha being Indian, which was deemed to be extremely insensitive and tactless. Thousands of Nepalis took to social media networks to express their disappointment and disgust at the Tibetan spiritual leader and the resulting uproar has sealed the fate of Tibetans as being the least popular of the country’s immigrant population.
• Another sign of the Tibetan community’s lowered standing in Nepal was the banning of all Tibetan Uprising Day activities, including protests and public gatherings. This is unsurprising given that previous years’ protests have caused chaos and violence, and bearing in mind Nepal’s increasingly close relationship with China.
• Most recently, China has revived its plans to establish itself in Lumbini through redevelopment efforts worth up to US$3 billion, including an international airport, railway facilities and a seminary-cum-monastery. As the Asian giant develops the birthplace of the Buddha, the fast-fading influence of the Dalai Lama on the Buddhist community will be further reduced and the CTA will no longer have a spokesperson to garner influence for the Tibetan cause.

Annual Tibetan Uprising Day protests have historically caused chaos and even violence in Nepal

These are just some of the more recent incidents in which both India and Nepal have had to tolerate the Tibetans, who are exploiting both the East and West for their own gains – having gathered sympathy from the West who pump in millions of dollars in aid to the Tibetan exiled community, the Tibetans are simultaneously taking advantage of India and Nepal’s goodwill too. Not only do they fail to pay any taxes on these donations or contribute to the countries’ social welfare improvements, but Tibetans also berate and abuse their kind hosts for exhibiting a willingness to grow close to China.

Neither country should be faulted for wanting to have closer ties with the Chinese. They are entitled to have close ties with whomever they want, especially since it will help their respective nations to progress. Who does not want their country’s economy and citizens’ lives improved? Why should Nepal or India feel guilty for wanting to boost their economy and raise their people’s standards of living? The West is often quick to point the finger and judge, yet they do exactly the same; on the one hand, the West accuses China of human rights violations but on the other hand, their own human rights records are hardly spotless. All the while, they extend a hypocritical hand of friendship towards the Tibetans in exile and in the end, we hear of countries like Switzerland, which has the biggest population of Tibetan refugees in the West, aligning themselves with the One China policy. In fact, Switzerland outright rejected the applications of 300 Tibetan asylum seekers, telling them to return to the China-controlled Tibet Autonomous Region.

President Xi Jinping and Doris Leuthard, a member of the Swiss Federal Council.

As the inevitability of more countries aligning themselves with China draws closer, the fate of the CTA is bleak as they begin to lose their appeal all over the world and with their own people. Let’s face it — after 60 years in exile, what have the CTA achieved for the betterment of their people? All they have done is to fatten up the pockets of those in power. The CTA have shown time and again that they only operate according to their own rules, instead of abiding by the laws of their host country.

The sudden unjust termination of Penpa Tsering, the CTA’s former North American Representative, and the victimization of former Sikyong-candidate Lukar Jam shows just what the Tibetan leadership are capable of. If they can do this to high-profile, highly visible politicians, imagine what they have been doing to the average Tibetan refugee who has no power or authority, for instance Dorje Shugden practitioners who have suffered over 20 years of abuse, violence and discrimination at the hands of their own leadership.

It is clear that Tibetans will be much better off being friendly with China than hoping against hope that their sorry excuse for a leadership will finally get their act together and lead them to greener pastures. This leads to the million-dollar question: where do Tibetan people, especially those in exile, stand in their quest for a free Tibet? It seems like they are in limbo with no clear path, especially for those who cannot afford to migrate to the West. This is probably why the wisest thing for the CTA to do is to stop provoking China and to seriously start finding ways to gain China’s trust, if they wish to survive for another six decades and not end up in limbo — stateless people who are not citizens of either Tibet, China, India or Nepal. Those who remain in doubt should really read what Jayadeva Ranade, the President of the Centre for China Analysis and Strategy, has written in the Sunday Guardian below.

Click to enlarge. (Source: http://www.sundayguardianlive.com/news/13054-china-rises-nepal-eyes-lumbini)

The guests of honor who officiated, facilitated and organized the conference, including Venerable Lama Thubten Phurbu and Venerable Geshe Tenzin Paljor.

The opinion piece below was sent to dorjeshugden.com for publication. We accept submissions from the public, please send in your articles to ds@dorjeshugden.com.

By: Shashi Kei

KATHMANDU – The Dorje Shugden ban that the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA; Tibetan leadership in Dharamsala) imposed under the direction of the Dalai Lama is now in its 22nd year. In that time, countless damage has been done to the reputation of Tibetan Buddhism, the unity of the Tibetan community and most unfortunate of all, the significance of monastic vows and the Guru-disciple relationship that lies at the heart of Tibetan Buddhism.

Today, the once illustrious lineage founded by Je Tsongkhapa is badly divided with the three great pillars of the Gelug lineage splintered. Under duress, countless ordained monks have been forced to break solemn vows and, as the CTA forced its wedge into the Tibetan community inside and outside Tibet, disciples betrayed their holy teachers, good friends became strangers and families broke apart.

Some of the attendees gather for a group photo at the start of the conference. Click to enlarge.

Those who were steadfast in the face of the CTA’s oppression were accused of a litany of sins and crimes, including being a cult of demon worshippers working with the Chinese leadership to undermine the Dalai Lama and sabotage the Tibetan people’s efforts to regain their homeland. In the 22 years since the CTA imposed the religious ban, not a single credible shred of evidence has been produced to support the CTA’s spurious claims. And yet, the religious ban persisted and Dorje Shugden people around the world continue to be discriminated against.

For a long time, many Dorje Shugden practitioners have taken a passive stance in the face of these persecutions, preferring to focus on their practice than take affirmative actions in response to the ban. Some wrote letters to plead with the Tibetan leadership. Some peacefully protested which got the attention of global media. DorjeShugden.com was established to counter the false propaganda that the CTA disseminated, which commonly distorted very important doctrinal issues to support the CTA’s untruths. It became a lighthouse that held ground in the middle of an unholy storm that the CTA plunged Tibetan Buddhism into, all the time looking out for signs that the noble men and women would come together to save their holy lineage.

Some of the esteemed delegates, including Geshe Jangchup Gyaltsen, Geshe Lobsang Namgyal, Venerable Gameng Kuten, Lithang Gen Gyatso, Geshe Sopa and Gen Choedrak. Click to enlarge.

Finally, it happened! In 2018, from 4th to 6th January, Gelugpa faithfuls from all over the world descended on the Yak And Yeti Hotel (Kathmandu, Nepal). They were there to attend what was one of the biggest gatherings of sons and daughters of Je Tsongkhapa who have been loyal to their teachers and persevered with their practice of Dorje Shugden. The International Buddhist Conference of Dorje Shugden Followers was built on previous meetings and efforts of Shugden people over the years, since the onset of the CTA’s ban.

Present were representatives from the six divisions and three regions of Tibet, key people in global Shugden institutions as well as executive delegates from France, Italy, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Mongolia, India, Nepal, Singapore and Malaysia.

Nepal’s Minister of Defense the Honorable Mr. Bhimsen Das Pradhan officiates the opening of the conference alongside Venerable Lama Thubten Phurbu. Click to enlarge.

Notable attendees include Nepal’s Minister of Defense, the Hon. Mr. Bhimsen Das Pradhan; the former Minister of Finance, the Hon. Shanker Prasad Koirala; Ven. Lama Thubten Phurbu; H.E. Kundeling Rinpoche; Ven. Gameng Kuten; Ven. Dechen Tulku; the acting Abbot of Phelgyeling Monastery, Geshe Losang Palden; the Hon. Basundhara Shrestha (Acha Lhakpa) of the Nepal National Dorje Shugden Society; erudite scholars such as Ven. Geshe Tenzin Peljor, Ven. Geshe Konchok Gyaltsen and Ven. Geshe Jangchup Gyaltsen; the changtso (assistant) of H.E. Tsem Rinpoche B.K. Ooi; and champions of the Dorje Shugden movement like Ven. Tashi Tadchen of the European Dorje Shugden Society and over 200 loyal Gelugpa Buddhist practitioners.

Dorje Shugden monasteries around the world sent representatives including Phelgyeling Monastery, Segyu Monastery, Shar Ganden Monastery, Serpom Monastery, Mongolia’s Amarbayasgalant Monastery, as well as several monasteries established by the previous Domo Geshe Rinpoche – Dhun Gon Samten Choeling in Darjeeling, Tashi Choeling in Kurseong, Enchey House in Gangtok, Domo Dungkar in Tibet, Gaden Choeling in Phedong, and Ghanjong Namgyal in the USA.

Delegates who traveled from Tibet to attend the conference. Click to enlarge.

This propitious event was also attended by delegates from the Chatring Dorje Shugden Society, the North America Gelug Buddhist Association (NAGBA), Kechara House of Malaysia, Tibétain Gyeden Tensung Society France, the International Tibetan Shugden Community from the USA, Shota Losum Shugden Community of the Tibet Autonomous Region, the Canadian Gelugpa Society, and many other distinguished guests and speakers.

Over the three auspicious days in January 2018, attendees were given a number of opportunities to speak their minds and share their experiences of the CTA’s discrimination. Notably absent were discussions surrounding regional and factional issues and it was clear that the delegates were firm in their resolve to address issues that have arisen as a result of the CTA’s suppression of the people’s rights to their religion, and also problems that emerged due to the CTA’s meddling in spiritual matters in which they have neither the basis nor the authority to interfere.

The conference primarily focused on a number of key issues, namely:

• A renewal of commitment to preserve the pure Gelugpa lineage which includes the practice of Dorje Shugden;
• A pledging of commitment and resources to address the Shugden issue and to focus on building the base for the restoration of Tibetan unity as well as harmony amongst Tibetan Buddhist adherents around the world;
• To map the way forward to restore the lineage of Je Tsongkhapa to its former spiritual grandeur in synchronicity with the glory of all Tibetan Buddhist schools;
• To elect a suitable day to commemorate the practice of Dorje Shugden which will signify the triumph of the pure Gelugpa lineage and the forfeiture of the CTA’s ignoble efforts to destroy the lineage;
• To close ranks amongst all who have suffered the CTA’s oppression and have remained loyal to their vows.

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

The Nepali Defence Minister pledged to uphold freedom of religion in Nepal which was an important and welcome note. All delegates also agreed that it was vitally important to create even greater awareness of the CTA’s ongoing offenses that impede on the constitutional rights of Shugden practitioners around the globe. On the final day of the event, a number of resolutions were agreed on (which you can read below, or download in its original Tibetan here).

In summary, it was a successful event which history will come to recognize as the turning point in the unfortunate Dorje Shugden controversy. The most significant difference that this conference has made is that it has given a platform for those loyal to the true Gelugpa lineage to get organized, to combine their efforts and resources, and to focus on the common issues, all of which come together to pave the way for the future of Je Tsongkhapa’s tradition.

Ironically, up until now, there has never been a single Dorje Shugden organization because Dorje Shugden has always been simply a religious practice that is inseparable from traditional Gelugpa practices. But the Tibetan leadership demonized the practitioners of this holy and ancient lineage as members of an extreme splinter group. It appears that this gave Shugden practitioners around the world the idea to formalize their association under a common banner which stands not only for the practice of Dorje Shugden, but for the Gelugpa lineage as a whole.

Resolutions from the First International Buddhist Conference of Dorje Shugden Followers

Countless aeons ago he already attained the four bodies,
He is every Buddha’s only father, Manjushri.

He is the source of all sentient beings’ happiness,
With the determination to protect and preserve the Buddha’s heart teaching.

With countless emanations, the protector of the Buddha’s teachings,
The enlightened, unbound King Dorje Shugden.

His activities are limitless and marked by the four types of unfathomable qualities,
too wonderful to comprehend.

Whatever you wish for, is easily realised,
Due to the powerful King Dorje Shugden.

 

Point 1:

The 14th Dalai Lama has consistently degraded our lamas and protector. He has also stated that he will banish the lineage of Je Pabongka Dechen Nyingpo from Tibetan Buddhism. Basically, according to the 14th Dalai Lama, you should break your samaya with your lamas, give up the practice and follow his “advice”. If you do not obey the 14th Dalai Lama’s advice and continue to practice the lineage of your gurus and Dorje Shugden, you will not have a spiritual relationship or connection with him at all. Therefore, you will definitely suffer and face many difficulties. And when you die and take a negative rebirth in the three lower realms, you should not call out to him.

In addition, people who are devoted to him cannot have relationships with Dorje Shugden practitioners. There are millions of Dorje Shugden practitioners in and out of Tibet, and because of this, teachers and students, parents and children, couples, friends and cousins have turned against each other and have suffered from forced separation. For over 40 years we have made requests, directly and indirectly, because we all are Tibetan brothers and sisters and have the same flesh, blood and bones. Even if you want to wash this away, you cannot. So, we have repeatedly pleaded not to be treated harshly and segregated. However, our appeals have fallen on deaf ears and our human rights and religious freedoms have been ignored. Furthermore, earlier this year, Lobsang Sangay branded the Chinese people and followers of Dorje Shugden as “enemies of Tibetans”. Even the 14th Dalai Lama agreed with Lobsang Sangay’s statements. [Tibetan proverb: Since your parents who lived in your home town have passed away, if your home town still exists or not, it does not really matter to you anymore.] We continue to practice on our own without relying on them. We decide our own path. We respect the laws and rules of the country where we live, and we should preserve, protect and spread the lineage of our father guru with great devotion. As such, we disagree with the secular and religious leader, the 14th Dalai Lama. He said that our lineage gurus and our protector practice are wrong and that if we follow the protector practice from our lineage guru, we will take rebirth in the three lower realms. Beings with a mind cannot bear such hard words, and they are even unbearable to the land, the mountains, and the rivers. So, they have caused us much pain and suffering and continue to talk negatively about us, but they have no right to condemn our practice.

 

Point 2:

We walk on our own path and we practice our own lineage, so if anyone attacks our lamas and protectors, all of us Dorje Shugden followers from different countries should get together to defend and even fight back. Not only this, but we should also oppose two-faced people who still practice Dorje Shugden but in front of the Dalai Lama want to be in his good books. All our Tibetan brothers and sisters, male and female, old and young should be respected and be treated equally, and we have never discriminated or harmed anyone.

 

Point 3:

In other religions, it is common to have a special day dedicated to a deity. Similarly, Kyabje Trisur Lungrig Namgyal has declared August 24 as Dorje Shugden Day. This is because when you add the date (24th) with the number of the month (8th) you get 32. This is the number of deities in Guhyasamaja’s mandala and also Dorje Shugden’s mandala. Therefore this date is extremely auspicious. Therefore, all the followers of Je Dechen Nyingpo and Dorje Shugden people everywhere should celebrate this auspicious day with meritorious activities such as incense offering, pujas etc. Everyone should be aware that this is a very auspicious and important day for us.

 

Point 4:

Once every two years, a Buddhist conference should be organised for all Dorje Shugden followers. This is so that Shugdenpas from all over the world can unite and support each other regardless of gender, skin colour, age or status in life. The most important thing is to ensure the continued growth and spread of the lineage of Je Tsongkhapa, and it is our responsibility to preserve, protect and spread such a pure lineage. Please bear that in mind.

From the International Buddhist Conference of Dorje Shugden Followers Committee.

Images from This Auspicious Occasion

Delegates take the opportunity to catch up before the conference begins. Click to enlarge.

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Nepal’s former Minister of Finance, the Hon. Mr. Shanker Prasad Koirala, offering a khata to Buddha to officiate the opening ceremony. Click to enlarge.

The acting abbot of Phelgyeling, Venerable Lobsang Palden, greets Nepal’s Minister of Defense, the Honorable Mr. Bhimsen Das Pradhan with a khata. Click to enlarge

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The guests of honor gather for a group photo. Click to enlarge.

His Eminence Kundeling Rinpoche makes his opening remarks. Click to enlarge.

Kundeling Rinpoche translates for Venerable Lama Thubten Phurbu. Click to enlarge.

Ms Basundhara Shrestha (or Acha Lhakpa) has been extremely supportive of Dorje Shugden practitioners, especially those residing in Nepal. Click to enlarge.

Gen Jampa of Shar Gaden Monastery. Click to enlarge

Sonam Thundup Sherpa (center) who represents His Eminence Domo Geshe Rinpoche’s monasteries, and Tashi Tadchen (right), who represents His Holiness the 101st Gaden Tripa, listening to the speeches. Click to enlarge.

His Eminence Kundeling Rinpoche translates the speeches into English. Click to enlarge.

In the front row are Gelong Tara (left), who spoke passionately about Nepal’s role in the future of the lineage, as well as Gen Jamyang (right) who represents His Eminence Gangchen Rinpoche and Gangchen Ladrang. Click to enlarge

Close Dharma brothers Geshe Tenzin Paljor and Geshe Konchok Gyaltsen. Click to enlarge.

Delegates taking turns to greet Geshe Konchok Gyaltsen and Geshe Chonzey Tengye. Click to enlarge.

Honored guests at dinner in Phelgyeling Monastery at the end of the first day of the conference. Click to enlarge.

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Venerable Lama Thubten Phurbu. Click to enlarge.

Lithang Gen Gyatso. Click to enlarge.

Sonam Gyaltsen of the North America Gelug Buddhist Association (NAGBA). Click to enlarge.

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Acting Abbot of Phelgyeling Monastery Venerable Lobsang Palden (left) with Geshe Tenzin from Serpom Monastery (center) and a monk from Phelgyeling Monastery. Click to enlarge.

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Venerable Lama Thubten Phurbu (left) and Geshe Tenzin Paljor (right) lead everyone in prayers to commemorate the lives lost over the duration of the ban. Click to enlarge.

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His Eminence Kundeling Rinpoche presenting a token of appreciation to Chatreng Yeshe, the first President of the Delhi Dorje Shugden Society. Looking on are Geshe Chonzey Tengye (background) and Acha Lhakpa (left). Click to enlarge.

Happy faces rejoicing in the outcome of the meeting. Click to enlarge.

(Seated) His Eminence Kundeling Rinpoche, Venerable Lama Thubten Phurbu and Geshe Tenzin Paljor. Standing behind them is Geshe Chonzey Tengye. Click to enlarge.

Geshe Tenzin Paljor and Venerable Lama Thubten Phurbu, who organized and facilitated the conference with great Dharma spirit. Everyone is hugely appreciative of their efforts to unite Dorje Shugden practitioners from all over the world. Click to enlarge.

Venerable Gameng Kuten, Geshe Chonzey Tengye, Chatreng Yeshe and His Eminence Kundeling Rinpoche. Click to enlarge.

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Media Coverage of This Auspicious Occasion

The news of the conference was covered in the Economic National Daily newspaper of Nepal. Click to enlarge.

The news of the conference was covered in the Economic National Daily newspaper of Nepal. Click to enlarge.

The news of the conference was covered in the Economic National Daily newspaper of Nepal. Click to enlarge.

The news of the conference was covered in the Economic National Daily newspaper of Nepal. Click to enlarge.

Click to enlarge (Source: https://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/international-buddhist-conference-commences/)

Click to enlarge (Source: https://kathmandutribune.com/international-buddha-dhamma-conference-kicks-off-today/)

Click to enlarge (Source: http://www.sailungonline.com/news-details/5523/2018-01-25)

Shashi Kei द्वारा लिखित

बुद्धधर्मिहरुका लागि दर्शन गर्नै पर्ने यहाँ चार तिर्थस्थल हरु छन् । त्यो मध्धे एउटा बुद्धको जन्मस्थान लुम्बिनी पर्दछ रा लुम्बिनी अहिले नेपाल भित्र पर्छ।  सन् २४५ बि.सी. मा सम्राट अशोकाले त्यहाँ खम्बा उठाउँनका साथै शिलालेख गरि त्यो स्थललाई बुद्ध को जन्मस्थान पुष्ठी गरिको थियो। आज यो स्मारक योउनिस्को को विश्व बिरासत लाई अशोका को खम्बा भनि प्रसिद्ध रूपमा चिनिन्छ।

बुद्ध को जन्मस्थान लुम्बिनी हो भनि हरेक नेपाली ले गर्व गर्ने कुरा हो। नेपालीहरुले बुद्ध जयन्ति २१ मै मा मनायिने गर्दछ र यो एक पवित्र परम्परा हो जुन हिमालिय राष्टले मनाईन्छ। संसार भरका हजारौ मानिस हरु यो पवित्र उत्सव मनाउन लुम्बिनी आउने गर्दा छ।

तर 14 औं दलाई लामा को अनुसार यह सबै बकवास हो । राजधानी टीवी मा हालै जारी भको फुटेज, जसमा तिब्बती आध्यात्मिक नेता ले यस ऐतिहासिक तथ्य यसरि खारिज गरिदियो कि जसले नेपाललाई धेरै निराश र विचलित पारेको छ। यो झुठा विवरणले नेपाललाई साह्रै चिढाएको छ जहा नेपालले दयालु भई 60 बर्ष भन्दा बढि सम्म तिब्बती शरणार्थी समुदायलाई अाफ्नो देशमा स्थान दिएको छ।

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यहा दलाई लामाले होस नपुर्याई बोलेको होकि अथवा केहि ध्यान नपुर्याई दिएको उनको बयान, धेरै कारणले अपमानजनक र हानिकारक छ।

1. नेपालले आफ्नै संघर्ष भएता पनि ३० हजार देखि ४० हजार सम्म तिब्बतीहरुलाई शरणार्थी को रुप मा उद्दार गरिएको छ। यो संङ्ख्या तिब्बतेनहरु को तेस्रो समूह हो र नेपाल भरि करिब १२ ओटा तिब्बतेन शरणार्थीको क्याम्प हरु छन् । सन् १९८९ अघि नेपाल छिरेका तिब्बतेनहरु लाई देशको आर्थिक तथा सामाजिक एकीकरण बाट धेरै लाभ प्राप्त भएको छ। धेरै तिब्बतेनहरुले कारोबार गरे र कसैले पसल तथा रेस्टुरेन्ट खोले र प्रत्येक वर्ष आउने पर्यटक हरुको त्यहा भिड देख्न पाईन्छ। नेपालमा उनीहरुले आफ्नो तिब्बतेन गुम्बा हरु पुन: स्थापना गर्न सक्षम थिए र त्यसैले तिब्बतेन को पहिचान र परम्परा को अस्तित्व रहनु मा नेपाल को ठुलो योगदान रहेको छ भन्दा गलत नहोला । तर अझै, तिब्बती नेतृत्वले नेपालको आमुल्य गौरवको श्रोत लाई बरखास्त गर्दै गुण तिरी रहेको छ।

सन् 1959 मा चीन-नेपाल सिमानाको माध्यमबाट पहिलो पटक निर्वासित प्रवेश गरेदेखि नेपालका तिब्बती शरणार्थीहरूले आफ्नैलागि धेरै राम्रो काम गरेका छन्। नेपालका गरिब स्थानहरूमा पनि उनिहरूका घर तथा गुम्बाहरू सुनका छानाले सजिएको र बाहिर जति राम्रा हुन्थे, भित्रपनि उत्तिकै सजिएको हुन्थो। नेपालमा  2015 मा गएको भूकम्प पछि, तिब्बती मन्दिरहरू प्राय: पहिले पुनर्निर्माण गरियो र  विश्वभरबाट प्राप्त भएका दानहरूको लागि धेरै धेरै धन्यवाद दिन चाहान्छै। यसबाहेक नेपाली जनताहरूले बढी स्थायी आश्रय प्राप्त गर्नुअघि केहि महिना सम्म त बाहिर सडकमा संघर्षका साथ जिवन जिउनु पर्यो। त्यो बेला दलाई लामाको केहि संमुहले भूकम्प पीडितहरुको नाममा दान रकम संकलनक गरे तर ति पैसा सबै उनिहरु अाफै राखे।

2. दलाई लामा का बयान नेपाली अर्थव्यवस्था को लागि धेरै हानिकारक हो। आध्यात्मिक पर्यटन नेपाल मा सबैभन्दा ठूलो उद्योगों हो। र यो विदेशी मुद्रा र राजस्वको एक महत्वपूर्ण स्रोत अनि लुम्बिनि जस्तै पवित्र स्थलहरु मा कुनै संदेह छैन। तिब्बती शरणार्थिहरु आफैले पनि नेपाली पर्यटक उद्योग मा निर्भर र भरोसा राख्नुको साथै ग्राहकहरुलाई विभिन्न व्यवसायमा आकर्षित गर्न सकिन्छ। त्यसकारण जब दलाई लामा ले यस प्रकारका आधारहीन बयान दिएपछी, यसले नेपालको आध्यात्मिक पर्यटनको विश्वसनीयतालाई कमजोर बनाउँछ। संसारमा धेरै व्यक्तिले दलाई लामा लाई बौद्ध धर्म र बौद्ध धर्मका सबै अधिकारहरूको प्रमुख मानिन्छ, त्यसैले उहाँ यस बारेमा सही हुनुपर्छ। अन्ततः यदि दलाई लामा ले भनेको अनुसार हो भने नेपालले बुद्ध नेपालमा जन्मेको हो भनि दाबी एक धोखाधडी बयान हुन्छ र नेपाल लाई ठुलो नोकसान पुग्नेछ।
3. वास्तवमा, दलाई लामा र उनको सरकार, केन्द्रीय तिब्बत प्रशासन (सीटीए जो धर्मशालामा आधारित छ) नेपाल को भलाइ मा कम रुचि देखाइएको छ। नेपालमा हालै गएको भूकम्पको क्रममा सीटीएले दुख व्यक्त गरेको एउटा सरल बयान जारी गर्नका साथ उद्धार र राहत का लागि नेपाललाई 20 लाख रुपैयाँ (कम्तीमा 32,000 अमेरिकी डलर बराबरको) प्रस्ताव गरे र नेपाललाई प्रार्थना गर्ने प्रतिज्ञा गरे। यो अनगिन्ती लाखौंको तुलनामा एक बिन्दु हो ।  सीटीएले वार्षिक रूपमा सरकारी अनुदान, सार्वजनिक सहायता र दान प्राप्त गर्दछ। वास्तवमा, सीटीए यो दान को प्रस्ताव गरिरहेको बेला, दलाई लामाका सहयोगीहरु को केही पीडितहरूले भूकम्पको लागि उठाउन नेपाल भूकम्पको प्रयोग गरे, तर  पैसा भुक्तानी गर्न असफल भए। तिनीहरूका बैंक खाता अस्थायी रूपमा रोकेको थियो। तिब्बत सरकारले आफ्नो साथीहरूबाट के प्राप्त गर्न चाहान्छ भनि यो स्पष्ट रूपमा देखाउँछ र अन्य राष्ट्रका मानिसहरूलाई कसरी योगदान गर्नु पर्छ भन्ने कुरामा अधिक चासो गर्दैन।

केही तिब्बती पसलहरू विश्व प्रसिद्ध बौद्धनाथ को वरपर छन्। हजारौं पर्यटकहरू हरेक दिन यो युनेस्को विश्व विरासत स्थल भ्रमणमा आउने गर्दछन र त्यहाँ धेरै धनी तिब्बती व्यवसायहरू बाट खरीदारी गर्दै उनिहरूलाई सहायता गर्छन। तिब्बती शरणार्थि हरुको विरुद्धमा हाल साल तनाव बढेको छ, जसले सबै भन्दा राम्रो व्यापारका स्थलहरु लिएर स्थानीय नेपालीहरूको गरिखाने ठाउ कब्जा गरिएको र अरू नेपालीले बेच्ने दाम भन्दा कम मुल्यमा बेचेको आरोप लागेको थियो।

4. दलाई लामाको बयानले बुद्धको जन्म देशको दावीमा भारत र नेपाल बीचको लामो समयसम्मको वादबिवाद लाई शासन गर्दछ। दलाई लामाको लागि यो मुद्दा उठाउन र पुरानो चोटहरू पुन: खोल्नको लागि यो पूर्णतया अनावश्यक थियो। विशेषगरि जब आध्यात्मिक नेता दुवै भारत र नेपाल दुवैको कृतज्ञताको उहालाई ऋण छ। यो विशेषगरी एउटा कूटनीतिकता को साह्रै कमजोर क्रिया हो भनि जनाऊछ । जब चीनले खुल्लमखुल्ला नेपाल संग व्यापार र महत्वपूर्ण बुनियादी ढांचे को निर्माण गरिरहेको छ। यस तरिकाले नेपाललाई रिस उठाएमा अझ नेपाल चीन सँग नजिकीन पुग्नेछ, जसबाट नेपालले व्यापार सम्बन्धी सम्बन्धहरू खोलेर धेरै लाभ उठाउन सक्नेछन्। अन्ततः नेपालका आधा शताब्दीको योगदान र सहयोग पछि पनि तिब्बतका मानिसहरू अविश्वसनीय र अपमानजनक छन् भने स्पष्ट रूपमा देखाउँछ।

निष्कर्ष

नेपाली राष्ट्र उदास हुनु एकदम जायज छ। दलाई लामा एक प्रमुख राजनेता र बुद्धि र दया संघको एक वरिष्ठ धार्मिक व्यक्ति भएको हुनाले आफ्नो शब्दहरु को शक्ति देखि सजग हुनु पर्ने हो । उहाँ संसारको सबैभन्दा आकर्षक व्यक्तिहरू मध्ये एक हुनुहुन्छ र, सहि वा गलत रूपमा, एक विश्वसनीय व्यक्ति हो। सबैले देखेका छन् कि दलाई लामाले सदीयो पुरानो परम्परा दोर्जे शुग्देनको अभ्यासलाई नष्ट गर्न कुनै प्रमाण वा व्याख्या प्रस्तुत नगरी राक्षस उपासनाको घोषणा गरियो । र अब, उस्तै उपेक्षा नेपालीहरूलाई पनि देखाउदै छन्।

किन तिब्बती नेतृत्वले नेपाल राष्ट्रलाई यो पीडा दिएको भनि केहि औचित्य छैन । दलाई लामाको बिरोधमा नेपाली जनताको क्रोध उचित छ। नेपालीहरू तिब्बती शरणार्थीहरूका लागि धेरै उदार र सहनशील भए। कम से कम कि तिब्बत नेतृत्वले नेपालको इतिहास र संस्कृति को सम्मान गर्नु पर्ने थियो।

हरेक वर्ष नेपालमा तिब्बती शरणार्थीहरूले चिनियाँ सरकारको विरुद्ध विरोध प्रदर्शन गर्छन र नेपाल प्रहरीको अाफ्नै काम छोडि उनिहरूलाई पहरा दिन बाध्य पार्छन। यी विरोधले चीनसँग नेपाल को सम्बन्धमा नकारात्मक असर पारेको छ। के अब तिब्बती शरणार्थि हरुले अाफ्नो नेपाली समुदाय माथी यसरी अाभार व्यक्त गर्ने ? छिमेकी देश को अर्थव्यवस्था र अन्य राष्ट्रहरूसँग को सम्बन्धलाई प्रभावित गरेर? या अाफ्नो स्थानीय जनताले प्राप्त गर्नु पर्ने सहायतालाई नष्ट गरी?

नेपालीहरू पहिले नै धेरै उदास भएका हुनाले तिब्बत नेतृत्वले भविष्यमा नेपाललाई अझ बढी संवेदनशीलता सँग व्यवहार गर्नु पर्दछ। तिब्बत नेतृत्वले अन्य अरू समूहहरूको विपरीत अपमानजनक गरेको छ भने नेपाल सरकारले यस विषयमा पुनर्वितरणमा गर्न सक्दछ। उदाहरणका लागि, सीटीए अथवा तिब्बत नेतृत्वले अब हिमालय क्षेत्रमा आफ्नो अर्को बलियो सहयोगी गुमाउन सक्छ। चीनले पहिले नै नेपाललाई मित्रताको हात लम्ब्याई रहेको छ र अब दलाई लामाको यो बयानको कारणले नेपाली र नेपाल सरकारलाई तिब्बती सँगको सम्बन्ध राख्नाले केहि फाइदा छैन भन्ने देखाउ छ। केवल नतिजा अधिक दु: ख, अपमान र हिंसा हुनेछ।

यसको विपरीत, चिनसँगको सम्बन्धले राष्ट्रको लागि वित्तीय र व्यापारिक फाइदाहरू, साथै पूर्वाधार सुधार र आर्थिक विकासको परिणाम पाउँछ। सीटीए पनि तिब्बती शरणार्थियों को उपस्थिति सम्झन मा विफल रहेको छ जहा तिब्बती शरणार्थि नेपाल सरकार को निरंतर संरक्षण मा पूरै निर्भर छ। उनीहरूको समर्थन छैनभने, तिब्बतीलाई कुनै पनि दिन देश छोड्न अनुरोध गर्न सकिन्छ। सिटिए कति लामो समय सम्म अरूको दयामा निर्भर रहन सक्छ, जबकि उनीहरूले अरूलाई रिस र अपमान गर्छ? CTA कति सम्म यस तरिकामा बाँच्न सक्छ? यस्तै हो भने ‘धेरै लामो सम्म सक्दैन।

नेपालीहरूको प्रतिक्रिया

बुद्ध भारतमा जन्मिएको हो, नेपाल मा होइन भन्ने दलाई लामाको बयानमा नेपालीहरूले यस प्रकारको प्रतिक्रिया दिदैछन। तपाईंले देख्न सक्नु हुन्छ, नेपालीहरू धेरै उदास भएका छन् र आधिकारिक समाचार च्यानलहरूमा र साथ-साथै सोशल मिडिया को अनलाईन प्लेटफार्म मार्फत नेपालीहरू दुखी भएका कुरा व्यक्त गरिरहेको छ। दलाई लामाको बयानका भिडियोहरू प्रचलित गरि व्यापक रूपमा शेयर गर्दैछन्। तल नेपालीहरूको प्रतिक्रियाको थुप्रै उदाहरणहरू देख्न सक्नु हुन्छ। यस देशका शान्तिपूर्ण नागरिकहरू, हाल तिब्बत को नेतृत्व र दलाई लामाको विरुद्धमा उत्रेका छन्।

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सबै प्रतिक्रियाहरू

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The opinion piece above was sent to dorjeshugden.com for publication. We accept submissions from the public, please send in your articles to ds@dorjeshugden.com.

The opinion piece below was sent to dorjeshugden.com for publication. We accept submissions from the public, please send in your articles to ds@dorjeshugden.com.

By: Shashi Kei

There are four places of pilgrimage that are considered a must-visit for all Buddhist practitioners of all traditions. One of these places is the Buddha’s birthplace in Lumbini in present-day Nepal. In 245 BC, Emperor Ashoka confirmed the location of Buddha’s birth by erecting a pillar with inscriptions attesting to this; today, this monument is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famously known as the Ashoka Pillar.

The Buddha’s birthplace being in Lumbini is something that the Nepali people are fiercely proud of. They celebrate Buddha Jayanti (the birth anniversary of the historic Buddha) on May 21st every year and it is a hallowed tradition regarded as sacred by this Himalayan nation. Thousands from all over the world fly to Lumbini to join in the festivities.

But all of this is mere nonsense according to the 14th Dalai Lama. In recently-released footage on Rajdhani TV, the Tibetan spiritual leader dismissed this historic fact in a manner that was very demeaning to Nepal. The dismissal was all the more galling considering Nepal has been very kind to the Tibetan people, having hosted a huge Tibetan refugee community for over 60 years.

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

This is a point the Dalai Lama appears to have missed or does not care too much about, and his statement is very disrespectful and harmful for a number of reasons:

1. Nepal, despite struggling with its own issues, has shown so much generosity to Tibetans by hosting some 30,000 to 40,000 refugees. This amounts to roughly a third of the Tibetan diaspora, and they are housed in 12 Tibetan refugee camps throughout Nepal. Tibetans who arrived in Nepal before 1989 benefited tremendously from the country’s economic and social integration. Many Tibetans opened businesses, shops and restaurants that are patronized by hordes of tourists who visit Nepal every year. In Nepal, they were also able to re-establish their Tibetan monasteries. Hence it would not be mistaken to say that Nepal contributed greatly to the survival of the Tibetan identity and tradition. And yet, this is how the Tibetan leadership repays them, by dismissing one of their beloved beliefs and sources of national pride.

Since they first entered exile through the China-Nepal border in 1959, Tibetan refugees in Nepal have done extremely well for themselves. Amidst aging Nepali homes rise large golden-roofed temples which are as richly decorated inside as they are outside. After the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, the Tibetan temples were often the first to be rebuilt, thanks to donations from all over the world. Meanwhile the Nepali people continued to languish outdoors in the elements for months, before receiving more permanent shelter. It was also during this time that some of the Dalai Lama’s associates were found to have been raising money on the pretext of donating to earthquake victims, but keeping the money for themselves instead.

2. The Dalai Lama’s statement is very harmful to the Nepali economy. Spiritual tourism is one of the largest industries in Nepal, and it is an important source of foreign exchange and revenue, drawn no doubt by sacred sites like Lumbini. The Tibetan refugees themselves also rely on the Nepali tourist industry to draw customers to their various businesses. Therefore when the Dalai Lama makes baseless statements like this, it undermines the credibility of Nepal’s spiritual tourism. Many people in the world assume that the Dalai Lama is the head of the Buddhist religion and the supreme authority of all matters Buddhist, and therefore he must be correct about this. In the end, it is Nepal that will lose out because the assumption is, if the Dalai Lama himself said so, then Nepal’s claim to be the Buddha’s birth country must be a fraudulent statement.
3. In fact, the Dalai Lama and his government, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA which is based in Dharamsala) has shown little interest in the well-being of the Nepalis. Even during the recent earthquakes which devastated Nepal, the CTA merely issued a simple statement expressing sorrow, offered 20 lakh rupees (equivalent to less than USD 32,000) towards Nepali rescue and relief efforts, and promised to pray for Nepal. This is a pittance compared to the countless millions that the CTA receives annually in government grants, public aid and donations. In fact, while the CTA was offering this pittance, some of the Dalai Lama’s associates used the Nepal earthquake to raise funds for the victims, but failed to disburse the money to anyone. Their bank accounts were later frozen on charges of money laundering. It shows clearly that the Tibetan government is only interested in what it can gain from its friends and does not bother much with how it can contribute to the people of other nations.

Some of the Tibetan shops surrounding the world-famous Boudhanath Stupa. Thousands of tourists visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site every day, and patronize the many wealthy Tibetan businesses there. Tensions have been rising in recent years against Tibetan refugees, who are accused of taking the best business spots and pricing out the local Nepalis.

4. The Dalai Lama’s statement reignites a long-standing spat between India and Nepal over the right to claim to be the Buddha’s birth country. It was completely unnecessary for the Dalai Lama to raise this issue and reopen old wounds, especially when the spiritual leader owes a debt of gratitude to both India and Nepal. It also shows very poor diplomacy skills especially at a time when China is openly wooing Nepal with trade and the construction of important infrastructure. Angering the Nepalis in this way will only push them further into the arms of China, from whom they can benefit greatly by opening trade relationships. Ultimately, it shows that the Tibetan people are ungrateful and disrespectful even after half a century of contributions and support from Nepal.

Conclusion

The Nepali nation has every right to be upset. The Dalai Lama being an elder statesman and a senior religious figure synonymous with wisdom and kindness must be fully aware of the power of his words. He is one of the most visible personalities in the world and, rightly or wrongly, a trusted public figure. Everyone has seen how the Dalai Lama has destroyed centuries-old spiritual traditions like the Dorje Shugden practice by simply declaring it to be demon worship, without furnishing any proof or explanations. Now, the same disregard is shown to the Nepali people.

There cannot be any justification why the Tibetan leadership would inflict this blow on the nation of Nepal. The anger of the Nepali people towards the Dalai Lama’s statement is justified. They have been very generous and tolerant towards the Tibetan refugees; the least that the Tibetan leadership could do is respect their history and culture.

Every year, Tibetan refugees in Nepal launch protests against the Chinese government, forcing the Nepali police to allocate already-strained resources into policing them. These protests have a negative impact on Nepal’s relationship with China. Is this how Tibetan refugees show gratitude to their Nepali hosts, by adversely affecting their host country’s economy and relationship with other nations, and their ability to provide for their own local people?

It would behoove the Tibetan leadership to practice greater sensitivity towards the Nepalis in the future as the people are already very upset. Unlike the many other groups that the Tibetan leadership has insulted and maligned, there is much that the Nepali government can do in retaliation. For example, the CTA may now lose another one of their strong allies in the Himalayan region. China is already extending a hand of friendship to Nepal and now, due to the Dalai Lama’s statement, the Nepali government has just been reminded that cultivating a relationship with the Tibetans will not benefit their country or people. The only result will be more grief, insults and violence.

In contrast, a relationship with the Chinese will result in financial and trade benefits for the nation, as well as infrastructure improvements and economic growth. The CTA also fails to recall that the presence of Tibetan refugees in the country is totally reliant on the Nepali government’s continued patronage; without their support, the Tibetans could be asked to leave any day. How much longer can the CTA rely on the kindness of others, while they simultaneously insult and anger them? How much longer can the CTA survive in this way? At the rate they are going, the obvious answer is ‘not much longer’.

The Nepali Reaction

This is how the Nepalis are responding to the Dalai Lama’s statement that Buddha was born in India, and not Nepal. The Nepalis, as you can see, are extremely upset and are making their unhappiness known in official news channels as well as online on social media platforms. Videos of the Dalai Lama’s statement are also circulating and being shared widely. You can see below the numerous examples of the Nepalis’ reaction, and the strength of feeling that the normally peaceful people of this nation currently have against the Tibetan leadership and the Dalai Lama himself.

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All Reactions

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The opinion piece below was sent to dorjeshugden.com for publication. We accept submissions from the public, please send in your articles to ds@dorjeshugden.com.

By: Tsering Bruckman

In an unprecedented move back in 2005, the Nepali authorities shut down two key offices associated with the Dalai Lama in the country’s capital city, Kathmandu. It was a decision that the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA; Tibetan leadership) did not expect and it came as a shock to them. When both the Office of the Dalai Lama’s Representative and the Tibetan Refugee Welfare Office were closed, it caused a huge setback for Tibetans trying to cross over to India. Both offices had been informally used as reception centers for Tibetan refugees arriving from Tibet, but neither had been sanctioned to operate. For many years, Nepali authorities had closed one eye to their activities, allowing them to continue until finally, they received some impetus to shut down the operations. It was a decision that presented a hindrance for the CTA, who had already been making futile attempts to maintain a presence in a country that does not recognize their authority.

Ex-Prime Minister of Nepal, Sher Bahadur Deuba, reiterated Nepal’s pro-China stance in November 2016. It is clear that Nepal has not changed its stance towards the Tibetans over the years.

Although the reason cited was that both offices had not registered their activities under Nepali law, it was obvious to everyone that Nepal’s real reason for their closure was a desire for a closer relationship with China. To many people in Nepal, the decision was a no-brainer. For a country of Nepal’s size and limited economic prospects, it was logical for them to align with their gigantic neighbor, who would be able to offer them opportunities and the potential to better their country. China would be able to invest in infrastructure, creating jobs for local Nepalis, and a closer relationship would invariably encourage Chinese tourists to visit Nepal, thus creating an influx of much-needed foreign currency. By comparison, a better relationship with the CTA would not result in anything anywhere near as beneficial or attractive for the Nepalis.

For over 60 years now, Tibetan refugees have streamed into Nepal as they leave the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Some go on to India and the many Tibetan settlements there, but many remain in Nepal. For those who stayed in Nepal, the majority of them made use of the country’s thriving tourist industry to create a livelihood for themselves but being undocumented and refugees, they never paid taxes. Instead, they retained every penny they earned and channeled these towards their own personal projects and large Buddhist monasteries where even more financial assistance could be received from faithful pilgrims making copious offerings. This was something that many local Nepalis were very upset about and in fact, 11 years later, their complaints would be proven valid when a close associate of the Dalai Lama was caught up in a money laundering scandal. Phakchok Rinpoche was accused of using the 2015 Nepal earthquake to raise funds for victims, but never actually transferring the funds to them. It resulted in the Nepali authorities seizing NPR15 crores (approx. US$1.4mil) from his bank accounts.

So the government had to do something to address rising tensions between the Tibetans and Nepalis, with local Nepalis accusing the Tibetans of taking advantage and not giving anything back to the country. The decision they made was to close the Tibetan Refugee Welfare Office in Kathmandu, which previously furnished new refugees with paperwork to stay in Nepal or go to India. Since then, Nepal has also tightened its borders and as a result, without Nepal as a way-station, there has been a dramatic decline in the number of new arrivals from Tibet. Tibetans wishing to enter into exile have been forced to leave Tibet via another country.

Because the Nepali government recognizes that Tibet is a part of China, the country has in general taken an increasingly hardline approach towards Tibetan refugees. The authorities have clamped down on Tibetans protesting against China, or any other form of anti-China activity on its sovereign soil; annual March 10 independence protests for example, have had to take place without permits and have been met with a heavy police presence. In short, because Nepal (like many other countries) wants to be friends with China, it does not bode well for the Tibetan leadership. And Nepal is not alone in their desire to form a closer relationship with China. Theirs is part of a growing trend, mirrored by countries all over the world, who now consider it bad to be seen with the Tibetan leadership in light of China’s growing economic and political power.

It is clear that the Tibetan leadership are being rejected on political and economic grounds, and at the same time many ordinary Tibetans are now also rejecting the leadership for taking advantage of their people for financial gain and nothing more. From anger over the leadership blocking Tibetans from becoming Indian citizens, double standards, allegations of murder, corruption and financial mismanagement, forced conversions with the Kagyu tradition or the divisive and at times violent ban on Dorje Shugden, the Tibetan leadership are now being rejected by their own people. As their influence wanes due to their ineffectiveness, how long will it be before the Tibetan leadership falls into irrelevance?

Nepal closes Dalai Lama’s office in Kathmandu

Click to read the full report. (Source: http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=8923)

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More than three months have passed since the catastrophic earthquake hit Nepal, killing more than 9,000 people, and causing tremendous suffering and pain. While the international community galvanized help and support within hours of the first earthquake, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), who claims to have lofty ideals of governing 6 million Tibetans, did next to nothing for their own in Nepal at such dire time.

The CTA offered words of sympathy and a paltry sum of 20 lakh (approx. USD 32,000), a clear indication of their capabilities as a ‘government’. At the same time, many other more sincere and caring Tibetan individuals and private groups took matters into their own hands to extend help and support to the victims of Nepal’s worst earthquake in history.

As one of the poorest countries in the world, it comes as no surprise that many Nepalese have lost their homes, which were poorly constructed without any proper architectural or engineering advice. With so many people suffering, the Lama Gangchen Help in Action, a charitable organization founded by H.E. Lama Gangchen Rinpoche, sprung into action, collecting relief funds and dispatching much-needed help.

By May 2015, Lama Gangchen Help in Action raised a total of 93,000 euros (approximately USD 101,000) as relief funds for Nepal

The financial aid collected was properly disbursed to provide food and clean water for the victims, as well as tents and zinc sheets to create temporary shelters. Many people from the rural areas of Nepal suffered greatly and it was difficult for relief supplies to be transported to these remote places due to poor road and travel conditions. However, Lama Gangchen Help in Action along with the monks and administrators of Serpom Monastery braved the difficult journey to ensure that relief supplies reached these victims.

These compassionate monks did not stop at just providing supplies, but understanding the importance of education for the younger generation of Nepalese, they also built temporary classrooms and even provided books and stationery so that the children could continue their studies.

We at DorjeShugden.com would like to thank H.E. Lama Gangchen Rinpoche for His ever compassionate foresight, actions and deeds that heal the world both physically and spiritually. We are glad to share this news with the world and we rejoice at the charitable works done by so many Dorje Shugden practitioners during this critical moment for Nepal.

May the sufferings of the people of Nepal come to an end, and may their country heal swiftly.

[Note: For more news, updates and information about Lama Gangchen Help In Action, visit https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lama-Gangchen-Help-in-Action/138101242923797?fref=ts]

Help Lama Gangchen Help in Action Non-Profit Organization by donating, or sharing with others about their good work.

Donations can be made at this website: http://www.helpinaction.net/en/emergency-fund-for-the-earthquake-in-nepal%E2%80%A8/ (credit card and PayPal accepted). Please spread the news!

Pictures of Lama Gangchen Help in Action and Serpom Monastery Aiding the Nepal Earthquake Victims

Many building structures suffered great damage

Getting to the remote areas of Nepal to send supplies was no easy task as most of the already bad infrastructure was made worst after the earthquake. Finding rocks to temporarily patch up the road for the lorry or jeep to drive pass occurs on almost every road these monks have to travel.

Arriving to the remote villages with relief items.

Handing out supplies to the earthquake victims.

Kind and compassionate monks make the long and risky journey to the outskirts of Nepal even when aftershocks of the earthquake was still felt in the country.

Receiving zinc sheets to make temporary shelters.

Many victims of Nepal’s earthquake receive help from Lama Gangchen Help in Action and Serpom Monastery

Monks from Serpom Monastery travelled to Nepal to lend a helping hand

Temporary classrooms were constructed for the children to continue their studies

Young children receiving books and stationary to continue their studies.

Food supplies for the rural areas

Much needed zinc sheets are donated to the victims. Most will have to live in makeshift shelters as their homes have either collapsed or are unsafe.

The Dalai Lama has been extremely kind to bring Tibetan Buddhism and Dharma teachings out to the world. Because of the Dalai Lama, millions now know of the peaceful methods of Buddhism, which is what the Dalai Lama represents.

However, over the last 10 years or so, there have been drastic changes within Tibetan Buddhist communities which do not reflect these teachings of peace. Since the ban on Dorje Shugden, Tibetan people within the exiled communities in India and Nepal are divided and facing disharmony. This is all being blamed on the Protector Deity Dorje Shugden. But is he really such a bad guy?

Attached is a very clear and detailed forum post written by someone who calls himself TK, a passionate and very learned Buddhist on the DorjeShugden.com forum. This forum welcomes many discussions about this Dharma Protector, studying the many issues that have come out from the ban as well as providing more information and shared experiences about this practice.

We invite you to read this particular post, where TK proves very clearly why Dorje Shugden is not as bad as we think and that, in fact, he is working together with the Dalai Lama for the growth of Dharma. May this article bring you a much deeper understanding of the issues and the practice, and may it work to relieve many who have been suffering because of the ban.

Yours in Dharma,
DorjeShugden.com
DorjeShugden.net
XiongDeng.net

Part 1: An Article

Extracted from http://www.dorjeshugden.com/forum/index.php?topic=599.0

May 14, 1995 – Tsangpa Oracle Prophesy I

Prophesy (kha.lung) through the Tsangpa Oracle requested by the Private Office of the Dalai Lama, Prophesies of the Tibetan Government Oracles, published by the Department of Religion and Culture of the Tibetan Administration of the Dalai Lama, Dharamsala, 1996, p. 13.

“It is important that Tibetans should observe their commitments (dam.tsig) which is their obligation. Particularly, the issue of Gyalchen [Dorje Shugden] is a bad omen. In this direction, we, the formless, are aware that it does not harbor good. This should definitely be stopped (mtshams.’jog) in the region of Tibet. With respect to the issue of the unity of religion and politics [of Tibet] and the Ganden Potang government in particular, Gyalchen [Dorje Shugden] cannot demonstrate even a grain of benefit. He can never bring happiness for Tibet [or Tibetan people?].

June 14, 1995- Tsangpa Oracle Prophesy II

Prophesy (kha.lung) through the Tsangpa Oracle requested by the Cabinet of the exile government: Prophesies of the Tibetan Government Oracles, pp. 14-17.

“An important current issue is that if you continue to go through the motions of government service as if it were punishment instead of serving the Ganden Potang government with total loyalty it is possible that this may pose a serious threat to the well being of Gyalwa Tenzin Gyatso [the Dalai Lama]. A grave issue has arisen concerning the administration of the Ganden Potang. One thing that I, the Tsangpa Dhungthoed Chan, have to say about this explicitly is that [Tibetan] worship of deities has now reached a critical stage. It is extremely sad that Gyalchen [Dorje Shugden] the Chinese spirit is being worshiped.

Even though [Gyalchen] angers Gyalwa Tenzin Gyatso [the Dalai Lama], there are those who worship him [Dorje Shugden] and who revere him in secret. Not only are there such worshipers in Tibet, there is deep reverence for him even among government employees. This is very harmful. That he is of great harm has already been said by Dorje Dragden [Nechung].

In this regard there is a popular perception that there is acrimony between Dorje Dragden [Nechung] and Gyalchen [Dorje Shugden]. That can never be true. For the success of Buddhism and the Ganden Potang government, Dorje Dragden continues to extend to me complete support and since I too am to pursue this path completely, that if the Cabinet and the People’s Deputies [Assembly] do not strictly decide this issue and adhere to it, even though Buddhism may spread and even though the causes for the speedy freedom for Tibet may have begun [to grow], Gyalchen [Dorje Shugden] is sowing dissension [among Tibetans] by employing Chinese spirits and [furthermore] taking advantage of being a formless entity to vocalize and spread misinformation and thereby supporting China. This is a grave matter. Interesting to note here is that the Buddhists who rely on Dorje Shugden strongly favor Tibetan independence. Thus, it is difficult to reconcile that they would be working for the Chinese who are so adamantly against Tibetan independence. It is almost as if someone were trying on purpose to divide the Tibetan people along these lines, zeroing in on the deepest karmic weakness of the Ganden Potang government brought forward into the twentieth century. One has only to ask, in whose interest would such a division be?

We recommend rituals toward the well being of Gyalwa Rinpoche [the Dalai Lama]. Nevertheless, it is our serious concern that there needs to be strict adherence to the wishes of His Holiness and internal unity. Whether it be the People’s Deputies or an ordinary Tibetan, it is unacceptable for anyone to engage in partisan politics.

Of the honest guidelines stipulated by [His Holiness] in this regard, the most important is that regarding the worship of deities. If the common Tibetans and the government employees in particular do not heed those guidelines, there will be great loss for all.”

When in 1995 someone claims that the seeds of freedom for Tibet are flourishing when the Chinese have vowed to wipe out even the name of the Dalai Lama from history seems a blatant contradiction. In fact, this sounds so absurd that one must conclude something else entirely must be going on here. I think it is that the demonization of the Dalai Lama by the Chinese which started in 1995 is passed right on to Dorje Shugden. Perhaps he is strong enough to carry such a heavy burden.

Who is to say which would be a greater loss to the tradition of Buddhism, a Dalai Lama shouldering the blame for the loss of Tibet, no doubt unjustly, or Dorje Shugden and the split banning him has caused within Buddhism? All we know for certain is that the demonization of Dorje Shugden split the Tibetan community. It drove underground many genuine Buddhist practitioners and their practices, leaving in the larger public view mostly those who know how to play their political card correctly.

Another interesting point about this “prophesy” is the claim that acrimony between Nechung and Dorje Shugden is impossible. This is a statement from an ultimate and exclusively religious point of view also held by Buddhists who rely on Dorje Shugden. Clearly there is a danger to the Ganden Potang government of the Dalai Lama. The Chinese have been working hard to destroy it for the last fifty years.

Blaming Dorje Shugden for the actions of the Chinese makes the issue a political one. Dorje Shugden is — even for the government protector through this oracle — a matter of politics. The issue the oracle points out, it is about the [deposed] Tibetan government, that is, the institution of the Dalai Lama. It is political, especially when it concerns the Chinese.

In one trance ceremony of Tsering Chenga, the female oracle tells that Dorje Shugden prevented her from raising the Tibetan flag on the Potala in Lhasa. Some of the prophesies of these oracles are published by the exile government’s Department of Religion and Culture, 1996: gzung.bsten bod.skyong lha.srung khag.gi rdo.rje bka’.lung bzhug.so // implying that Dorje Shugden works for the Chinese.

1995- Exorcism Rituals Against Dorje Shugden

Most government rituals are performed by Namgyal Monastery, special to the Dalai Lama and Tibetan government. In the course of the ban, other monasteries were also asked by the government to perform anti-Dorje Shugden rituals, often without the participating monks knowing specifically who had ordered them. They performed massive exorcism rituals against Dorje Shugden. For some, the Dalai Lama is present. It is said that for thirteen days after the Tibetan new year celebrated in spring 1996, the government did rituals against Dorje Shugden.

Part 2: A response to the article from “TK” on the DorjeShugden.com forum

This forum post has been extracted from this forum thread: http://www.dorjeshugden.com/forum/index.php?topic=599.0

Dear everyone,

This extracted article above is very powerful. I will share my thoughts and comments on the article above. It is what I have believed also for the last decade and a half. It concurs with the prophesy from Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche in the late 70′s which is that, in the future, it may look like the Dalai Lama is at odds with Dorje Shugden, but in actuality they are helping each other to make the Buddha Dharma grow in the world.

1. Dorje Shugden acts in the Bodhisattva manner accepting criticism, hate campaigns and the ‘destruction’ of his practice. He does this because it serves a bigger purpose for the overall survival of Buddhism in the world for the future. Why? It is easier to resurrect or perform a “Lazarus” on Dorje Shugden in the future when the smoke clears, than it would be for the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama is a man and controlled by media, opinions, people, circumstances and etc. But Dorje Shugden is a formless entity that can “rise” above all of that very quickly when the time is right.

2. Whenever Dorje Shugden takes trance in any of the oracles, he never criticizes the Dalai Lama. In fact, he is known for telling the audience to always withhold criticism towards Dalai Lama. He does not have to say this; he could say nothing about the Dalai Lama and just keep quiet. Dorje Shugden is well known for not answering questions that have little meaning, or that are insignificant or unacceptable to the listener. When questions are presented to him through the oracle, he often bypasses questions which should not be answered at that time or which have no meaning.

3. With all the destruction happening against him, he never comments, speaks against nor gives advice towards undharmic actions. This is because the situation can all be fully reversed in a short time when the time is right.

4. Temporarily, Dorje Shugden will accept the claim that he is the cause for the loss of Tibet, or the cause for why Tibetan cannot be regained… but in the end truth will arise. Dorje Shugden will reveal the true “plot” which Trijang Rinpoche had already hinted at in the late 1970′s. (I fold my hands to Trijang Rinpoche and prostrate my full body to Him. I offer my head as a stepping block for his feet. I truly have confidence in this great being.)

5. Dorje Shugden is strong enough to carry such a burden. Dorje Shugden practitioners are resilient enough to not abandon his practice during this crisis. Both Dorje Shugden and his true followers will not abandon each other no matter what is said and done temporarily at this time. Both can carry the burden. I personally do not dislike or hate the Dalai Lama but have confidence in him and my own sacred Protector Dorje Shugden. I choose to believe and take refuge in Trijang Rinpoche’s prophecy. The other two options of hating Dalai Lama and /or abandoning Dorje Shugden are not open to me, nor would I choose any of the two options.

6. Why would Dalai Lama act, talk and promote so many contradictory actions that makes himself look unstable? …. Unless it is all being done on purpose. I believe that truly. He is not stupid.

7. If Kache Marpo (Dorje Shugden’s main attendant) has ‘destroyed’ Lamas, people and practitioners in the past for breaking samaya or polluting the Yellow Hat teachings (Gelugpa), then why are Samdhong Rinpoche, the Kashag, Kalons, Ministers, Kunga Tara, and even the Dalai Lama himself spared? … Unless there is a much bigger soup brewing.

8. Nechung is the one who requested Duldzin Dragpa Gyeltsen to arise as a uncommon Protector to protect Nagarjuna’s view, as embodied within Lama Tsongkapa’s lineage, 350 years ago. Why would the same Nechung be speaking the opposite now when he talks and advises against Dorje Shugden?… Unless there was a larger plan between Dorje Shugden, Dalai Lama and Nechung. Seems like a hopeful fantasy? Well, to many more, the idea of a Dharma Protector or Dorje Shugden itself is a fantasy made up by the Tibetan Lamas. So which do we choose to believe?

9.If Dorje Shugden is so powerful (which he is), why doesn’t he do something to stop all this? Perhaps it is because it is not time to ‘stop’ all this yet. In fact, Dorje Shugden is putting his followers through ‘hell and back’ (excuse me) and we have to just take it. Yes we will ‘take’ it. There has to be a much bigger game plan. Dorje Shugden takes the blame and Dalai Lama works hard to make the Buddha Dharma grow while all of the next generation of elite Lamas and teachers are still young.

Those who take refuge in the Dalai Lama and Dorje Shugden will not give up on both. They are strongholds for the growth of Buddhadharma and the ‘re-arisal’ of Dorje Shugden in the near future. If the Dalai Lama is so powerful (which he is), why doesn’t he just do a binding ritual or fire puja himself and rid the planet/samsara of this horrible demented being called Jamgon Gyelway Tensung Gyelpo Dorje Shugden? And then stop spending so much time, money, heartaches, energy, resources to keep going against Dorje Shugden?! Just get rid of him once and for all. The end. Why not?

The Dalai Lama hasn’t done this because he cannot destroy a being who has actualized the complete path of Guhyasamaja in both completion and generation stages – in other words a being who is a Buddha. The Dalai Lama cannot destroy Buddha Dorje Shugden who is one with Guhyasamaja and whose 32 deities in his mandala are the same as the 32 deities in Guhyasamaja’s entourage.

So for the bigger purpose, the Dalai Lama has to put the blame of all the ills of Tibet’s misfortune onto Dorje Shugden who is strong enough to shoulder this. Dorje Shugden plays the bad guy for now. If the blame was placed on the Dalai Lama, it would spoil his reputation. This would limit him from spreading the Dharma on a global scale, which is what he is doing now. He is planting seeds of Dharma on a global scale so that they will ripen for the young Lamas as well as Dorje Shugden to take over later.

The ills of Tibet are not the Dalai Lama’s nor Dorje Shugden’s fault, but the Tibetan people’s own fault. However, for most of the world, karma is not accepted, so the blame would go to the leader of the people – which is the Dalai Lama. We cannot afford this at a time when no one else can spread Buddhism the way the Dalai Lama can.

Think through this carefully to come to terms with the pain in your heart. I do not blame you for the pain. You are not at fault. You are part of a bigger plan. I’ve had many pains in my heart that I have come to terms with and am some still working on because of this issue. We are all part of a bigger plan. This sounds clichéd, but it is true. It is easier to get through the storm with this way of thinking.

10. If the Dalai Lama loses his reputation because he is the ’cause’ for the loss of Tibet, then it would stain his reputation greatly and that would hinder his promotion of the BuddhaDharma around the world, to say the least. No other Lama of any tradition can match the skills, persona, knowledge, title and charisma of the Dalai Lama to spread Buddhism so far and wide around the world.

11. Why can’t the Tibetan Government and various Monasteries destroy Dorje Shugden through binding rituals? Because they have tried to and not been successful – Dorje Shugden has not been destroyed. This shows the power of Dorje Shugden purposely. People will keep this power in mind, remember it when they re-adopt Dorje Shugden’s practice later. This leaves a mark in people’s minds that Dorje Shugden cannot be defeated nor destroyed.

12. The Dalai Lama has given the incarnation of his teacher, Trijang Rinpoche, the special exception to practice Dorje Shugden. Why is Trijang Rinpoche allowed to practice Dorje Shugden if it harms the cause of Tibet and brings danger to the Dalai Lama’s life? Because it leaves a mark for the future, to make the point that Dorje Shugden does not hinder the cause of Tibet nor the Dalai Lama. These are small traces of hints left by the Dalai Lama for the survival of Dorje Shugden. Someone has to take the blame. That is samsara.

13. Why does Dorje Shugden himself sit on the fence?’ He says on one hand to respect and follow what the Dalai Lama says, but on the other hand, he told the Shar Gaden monks (who are ardent Dorje Shugden practitioners) that if their motivation for opening Shar Gaden was for the growth and preservation of the lineage, then it would be auspicious in the future. Doesn’t that look contradictory? C’mon, which one is it, Dorje Shugden? Clear it for us. If we were to follow what the Dalai Lama says, why open Shar Gaden and Serpom Monastery? If we were to follow what Dorje Shugden says, then why even be on this forum as he tells us to always respect the Dalai Lama?

Should we open Shar Gaden which ‘opposes’ the Dalai Lama or should we listen to the Dalai Lama and abandon Dorje Shugden’s practice? Even the great Dorje Shugden sounds contradictory.

Why does Dorje Shugden continuously take trance and give advice even to those who do not give their allegiance to the Dalai Lama while practicing Dorje Shugden? Doesn’t that damage the samaya of the individual with Dorje Shugden or with the Lama who initiated him into Dorje Shugden’s practice? Whichever way you look at it, you damage the samaya with either your guru or Protector.

The previous Zong Rinpoche, Dagom Rinpoche, Yongyal Rinpoche, Geshe Tendar, the current incarnations of Trijang Rinpoche, Zong Rinpoche and Pabongka Rinpoche, Gonsar Rinpoche, the oracle monks, Gangchen Rinpoche, Lama Yeshe, Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, etc. all took teachings from the 14th Dalai Lama, at one time or another. Let’s not forget that. If we have taken teachings from any of these Lamas, then 14th Dalai Lama is also our lineage Lama who we must respect. Isn’t this logical?

Since we say that the Dalai Lama must respect our lineage Lamas such as Pabongka, then we must also reverse the situation and respect the Dalai Lama as our lineage Lama. Either way, the system is set up for you to ‘lose’. If that is the case, there must be a MUCH BIGGER PICTURE so that current infractions with our lineage Lamas can be repaired later FOR THIS BIGGER PICTURE.

After all, with or without the current issue of Dalai Lama / Dorje Shugden, we were doing a great job collecting negative karma, breaking commitments, and generally creating the causes for our personal samsaras to remain in tact and strong on our own. Neither the Dalai Lama nor Dorje Shugden are to blame. Nor are they adding to it. We were in samsara before the Dalai Lama’s name and Shugden even ‘existed’ as we know them today.

Yes the Dalai Lama does look like he always contradicts himself. But so does Dorje Shugden. Again, this leads me to believe that they are cooking up something much bigger… or it is something that’s nearly cooked.

Yes, it is nearly cooked.

It is best to have respect for the Dalai Lama and keep up our practices towards Dorje Shugden steadily. Whatever the case, whether we go to the Dalai Lama’s ‘camp’ or we go to Dorje Shugden’s ‘camp’, we go against our lineage Lamas. So it is best to maintain equilibrium by thinking things out logically, following the law of cause and effect, and engaging in our practices to develop attainments within our continuum. With the great attainment, we win freedom totally. Then (without meaning any disrespect), we won’t need the Dalai Lama, Buddha, Dorje Shugden or anyone else. Actually, that is their original intention.

I have stated my thoughts at this time and I sincerely hope this will bring peace/understanding to the many practitioners that visit this great website. I do not wish to offend anyone with my thoughts, or to be right. It is just my attempt to think and reason things out at this time when not many other options are available. Again, I will never give up my Dorje Shugden commitments nor my commitment to the Lamas who gave me the practices. Nor will I demean and hate His Holiness the Dalai Lama. I will not hate those against Dorje Shugden, but forgive them.

Much success to all,
TK

The original forum post can be viewed at: http://www.dorjeshugden.com/forum/index.php?topic=599.0

I must tell you of this one incident involving my schnauzer Frodo. He’s the beloved of my beloved and means more to me than my family- I love him much more than my own wonderful daughter! (oh don’t worry, she knows and she understands!)

Last Thursday my dear Frodo fell ill with pancreatitis. It’s a terrible illness for doggies to have, and it’s usually fatal and causes them to have a great deal of pain. And my poor Frodo had this awful thing going on inside of him.

I didn’t know what else to do so I started reciting mantras. I’d visit the poor dear in the vets’ every day, and carry him in my lap and just stroke his head and recite whatever I know. I’m not the greatest at memorising so I did Medicine Buddha’s mantra, and also Dorje Shugden but I did more Dorje Shugden.

And do you know what, after a few days, Frodo made a recovery! The vets were all shocked because they said normally it takes dogs much longer to recover from pancreatitis, if they can recover at all.

And you what else? I’d recently just come back from a trip to Nepal and had met an oracle, and the lovely man had given me some Protector rice that he said was blessed by Dorje Shugden himself. So when Frodo first took ill, I shoved a couple of grains down his mouth every day and made sure he ate it.

And after that I took to soaking the grains in water, and letting him drink that water. It was simply the oddest thing when the vets told me Frodo wouldn’t drink any water other than the consecrated holy water that I gave him! In the end, they just gave up trying to give him water and asked me to feed him with the holy water instead.

Well, it just made me think that dogs are definitely much smarter than humans!

So my dearest Frodo is coming home tomorrow and I’m so so pleased! I can’t thank Dorje Shugden enough for his help. I feel awful because I’ve not been making a connection with him for very long but already he’s come to help someone I love. Fantastic deity really!

~ Jenn Kwok ~

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