Shall We Hate The Jews and Those Different Than Us?
(By Tsem Rinpoche, Pastor David and Pastor Niral)
The Jewish people have been persecuted throughout recorded history, from their beginnings in the Middle East, through Europe during the Middle Ages, the Holocaust of the World Wars and into the modern era due to their race and religion. This persecution of a community has been sustained due to religious discrimination. We wanted to provide all of you with just a quick overview of what the Jewish people have been through. We hope you can learn from this, and understand the atrocities that religious persecution can lead to.
It is not only the Jewish people that have been persecuted. Many other people of various backgrounds have also been persecuted throughout history. They have been hated for being who they are or for something that cannot be changed. In this article we are highlighting the persecution faced by the Jews, however the Jewish people here are actually representative of all people persecuted because of their race, culture, religion, economic status or views. This article has been written to highlight how during the time of persecution, many thought it was right. It was only later on that people realised this was wrong. In hindsight, the persecution of any human being is wrong, especially when based on differences in race, culture, religion, economic status or views. May this article contribute to the understanding that people of all nations, backgrounds and religions should be accepted. May we all be able to live together in peace and harmony.
For those who have suffered persecution like the Jews, and in fact many other people too numerous to mention, we offer our humblest and profoundest condolences. It is our wish to share with people this particular example of persecution in order to highlight the causes and conditions of all forms of discrimination. With such knowledge, may we sow the seeds of peace, harmony and religious plurality so such terrible discrimination will never occur again.
Pastor David Lai and Pastor Niral Patel
Introduction
Most of us around the world have heard the word ‘Jew’ and we may know a little about the religion or may even have family or friends who are Jewish. But how many of us really know what being Jewish means? The term ‘Jewish’ is applied to an ethno-religious group of people that practise Judaism. This means that it encompasses both an ethnicity (belonging to a particular social group that has common cultural traditions) and a religion at the same time.
The menorah or nine-branched candelabrum, which is lit during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. At the centre is the Star of David, a symbol associated with the Jewish faith.
The Jewish people trace their ancestry, either through blood or religion (in the case of those who have converted to Judaism) back to the Israelite tribes of the ancient Kingdom of Israel and the Kingdom of Judah. The word ‘Jew’ itself traces back to the Hebrew word ‘Yehudim’, which was a term used to describe a member of the tribe of Judah or the Kingdom of Judah.
Judaism is a monotheistic religion meaning that they believe in one supreme God. Their central religious text is known as the Torah, although they have many other texts that supplement the Torah. Among these are the Midrash and the Talmud. The Jewish religion plays an important part of everyday life, permeating every aspect of living. They have strong beliefs and practices that ensure a good life by following the commands of God as expounded in their religious texts. Judaism is one of the largest Abrahamic religions (meaning that they can be traced back to the ancient figure Abraham) in the world today, together with Christianity and Islam.
Jews
The Jewish people trace back their ethno-religious origins to patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and the matriarchs Sarah, Rebecca, Leah and Rachel. According to Jewish narrative, these figures lived in Canaan, what is now known as the Middle East, and it was Jacob who moved his family to Ancient Egypt. According to the scriptures, the descendants of these figures eventually became enslaved by the Egyptian population. It was the prophet Moses, who having previously been raised as a prince, led the Jewish people out of bondage in Egypt, releasing 10 plagues sent by God in the process and parting the Red Sea for his people to cross. On the other side of the Red Sea, on Mount Sinai, he received the Ten Commandments on two stone tablets, which have become central to the Judaic faith.
After wandering for 40 years they arrived at the land promised to them by God. They settled there, founding the United Kingdom of Israel and Judah, until they split apart. The Kingdom of Israel was eventually conquered by the Assyrian Empire, while the Kingdom of Judah was later conquered by the Seleucid Empire. Since that time there have been waves of Jews migrating all over the world, especially to the Germanic and Spanish regions of Europe.
In the modern era, Jews can be found all over the world and cannot be identified by race, only by their ethno-religious practices, which they have maintained even in the most distant parts of the world. The largest populations of Jews can be found in Israel (the world’s only Jewish state), the United States of America and all throughout Europe. However, there are lesser-known communities all over the world
Ashkenazim and Sephardim
A group of Ashkenazic Jews in Jerusalem, circa 1885. Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images
The majority of the Jewish population around the world descend from two distinct groups coming from Europe. The first is known as the Ashkenazim, or Germanic Jews. Ashkenaz is the old Hebrew word for Germany; as such this group stems from Central and Eastern Europe. The Jews have lived in this part of the world since the time of the Holy Roman Empire and it was during the Middle Ages that the population in this region grew. Towards the end of the Middle Ages the Ashkenazi population began to shift further east, to countries that are now known as Poland, Lithuania, Ukraine and Belarus. The Ashkenazim made great contributions to European society, including in areas such as art, music, science and philosophy. During the Nazi genocide of Jews during World War II, commonly called the Holocaust, the Ashkenazi population was severely decimated. This horrendous mass killing is said to have effected almost every Ashkenazi Jewish family living in these areas of Europe. This is the largest group of Jewish people around the world today.
The Sephardim on the other hand come from the Iberian Peninsula (modern day Spain, Portugal and a small part of France). The word Sephardim comes from the Hebrew word Sepharad, which was a location in the Hebrew scriptures that became identified with Spain. To this day Sepharad refers to Spain in Modern Hebrew. They are known to have established strong communities in the peninsula from 1000 CE. During the late 15th Century, this community was brought to an end, with the enforcement of the Spanish Inquisition, discussed below. This led to a huge migration internally within Spain and externally, drastic mass conversions of Jews to Christianity and the brutal killing of those that did not conform to the decree. Today Sephardim refers to a person, of any ethnic background, who practices the customs and traditions that evolved in this community. In a broader sense of the term, the word Sephardim can also be used to describe all Jewish groups not belonging to Ashkenazi descent. It was these two groups of Jewish people that travelled and prospered in the United States of America where they have strong communities, keeping the Judaic religion alive and well, despite millennia of persecution.
Kaifeng Jews
The Kaifeng Jews have completely integrated into Chinese culture. Photo taken circa 1902 CE.
This community of Jewish people live in Kaifeng, Henan Province in China. Though they have integrated into Chinese society, they still preserve their socio-religious Judaic heritage. It is believed that this community has existed in China from the Northern Song Dynasty (960 – 1127 CE), although some scholars suggest they lived in Kaifeng from a much earlier date. They most likely arrived in China along the Silk Road trading route from either Persia or India. Some even claim that they are one of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel who had travelled eastward from the ancient city of Babylon. Despite this, no one can be certain of the exact date that the Jewish people arrived in China. They built their first synagogue (Jewish temple) in Kaifeng in 1163 CE. Though there are other Jewish communities in China, the Jews of Kaifeng remain the most well-known.
It is popularly believed that they spoke a New Persian dialect at first and made a living in producing cotton fabrics. During this time, China was only just introducing cotton products due to a silk shortage, brought on by an increasing population. Given their specialty in producing cotton fabrics and the increase in demand, the Kaifeng Jews were mostly like prosperous in the surrounding areas. In 1489, descendants of the Jews that arrived in Kaifeng inscribed the words of the Northern Song Dynasty Emperor that established their community onto a stone tablet that was placed in the courtyard of their synagogue. The inscription read:
“You have come to China. Honour and observe the customs of your ancestors.”
This inscription, now housed in the Municipal Museum of Kaifeng, also listed 17 clans that had settled in Kaifeng. However at a later period this dwindled to only eight clans. Subsequently the Jews in Kaifeng became known as ‘The Eight Clans with the Seven Surnames’ since the surname “Li” covered two distinct clans. From that time, the Kaifeng Jews were completely integrated into Chinese culture while maintaining their Jewish heritage.
The synagogue was destroyed during heavy flooding in the area and then rebuilt it 1653 by a Kaifeng Jew named Chao Ying Chen. He also replaced the holy Torah scrolls in the synagogue after they were destroyed in the floods. Over time the synagogue came into disrepair, most likely due to isolation from other strong Jewish communities.
In 1957, 700 inhabitants of Kaifeng still acknowledged their Jewish descent. Over the years, due to intermarriage with local Chinese and Muslims in the area, the community of practicing Jews dwindled. In recent times, with the establishment of the State of Israel some of the existing Kaifeng Jews have migrated to live there.
Indian Jews
Jewish communities in India are the 4th largest population of Asian Jews after Israel, Asian Russia and Iran. These communities have not faced the level of persecution that other communities around the world have. In fact due to the religious pluralism prevalent in India, the Jewish population have lived in relative peace and harmony, allowing the adherence to their faith without much opposition.
Knesset Eliyahoo synagogue in Mumbai, India is the city’s second oldest Sephardic temple.
The most notable of these communities include: the Cochin Jews; the Chennai Jews of Sephardim origin; the Bene Israel of Karachi who fled to Mumbai after the partition of India in 1947, fearing religious persecution in Pakistan; Iraqi Jews who settled in and around Kolkata; the Bnei Menashe who are converts from the Mizo and Kuki tribes in the Manipur and Mizoram areas; and the Bene Ephraim who are also known as the Telegu Jews.
The Cochin Jews settled in the Kingdom of Cochin, in what is now part of the state of Kerala. They are also sometimes referred to as the Malabar Jews. Following the Spanish Inquisition, some Sephardic Jewish families travelled to Cochin and established their community there, developing a distinct dialect known as Judeo-Malayalam and came to be known as Paradesi Jews, or ‘Foreign Jews’. Late in the 19th century some Iraqi Jews, hearing of the strong community of Cochin Jews, immigrated there to join their community. After the establishment of the State of Israel, the majority of Cochin Jews immigrated there. Most Cochin Jew synagogues have since fallen into disrepair or have been sold. The Paradesi synagogue located in Kochi, Kerala, still retains a strong congregation and has also become a tourist site in recent years.
Black Jews
Members of Beta Israel holding the Torah in 1973
The term ‘black Jews’ covers a diverse group of Jews from African or African-American heritage. One of the many communities of Jewish people that stem from Africa are known as the Beta Israel or Ethiopian Jews. This group of people lived mainly in the Kingdom of Axum and the Ethiopian Empire.
This group established the Kingdom of Beta Israel following a revolt against Emperor Ezana of Axum, who was crowned in 325 CE. The Emperor had declared Christianity the state religion and expected all his citizens to convert. Their capital city was named Gondar and their first king was Phineas, who was a descendant of a Jewish High Priest named Zadok. The Jewish High Priest was the religious leader of all Jewish peoples and belonged to one of the Jewish priestly families. The tradition of having a High Priest ended in 2nd century BCE.
In the early 17th century, Emperor Susenyos I of the Ethiopian Empire, invaded the lands of the Beta Israel and began a campaign to eradicate Jewish practice, through forced baptism to Christianity, burning of Jewish books and the ban on all Jewish practice. Despite this, the community still flourished, being employed by the succeeding emperors as carpenters, masons and craftsman. During the Zemene Mesafint, a period of history during which the Ethiopian Empire crumbled, the Beta Israel lost their position in society, often being exploited by local rulers.
Following World War II, many Beta Israel have since immigrated to Israel, after the country declared that they were recognised as Jewish according to Israeli law in 1977 and therefore eligible for citizenship. When civil war broke out in Ethiopia, the Israeli government began a series of covert military operations to rescue many of the Beta Israel population from the struggle. These took place between 1980 and early 1901. Since that time many of those that remained in Ethiopia have since migrated as well. As of 2008, there was an estimated 119,000 citizens of Ethiopian descent living in Israel.
There are other communities of Jews living in the African Subcontinent. These include the Jews that live in the Maghreb region and those that live in South Africa. Another group of black Jews include those of African-American descent, belonging to various American Jewish denominations.
A Long History of Persecution
Jewish communities around the world have had to suffer terrible persecution throughout history. This persecution of Jews is not based on race but on religion, which is also ingrained in their societal practices. The most well-known cases of this persecution occurred in Europe and the Middle East. From the Seleucid Empire, when the Kingdom of Judea fell, through to the highly anti-Semitic Middle Ages in Europe and the Holocaust of the World Wars, Jews have suffered greatly due to their religious beliefs. Below is a brief overview of one such period of persecution, other than the Holocaust.
Under the brutal Nazi regime from Germany, over 6 million Jews were persecuted, imprisoned and mercilessly killed in the Holocaust
Spanish Inquisition
One of the most horrific examples of Jewish persecution occurred during the Spanish Inquisition of the 15th century. It stemmed from what was officially known as the ‘Tribunal of the Holy Office of the Inquisition’, which was established in 1480 CE by the Spanish monarchs Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile.
A painting of Spanish Jews kneeling and pleading before King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, in the presence of the grand inquisitor Tomás de Torquemada who argues for their expulsion from Spain
An earlier Inquisition was originally created by Pope Lucius III to combat various heretical movements in the south of France during the 12th century. An Inquisition is basically the formation of groups of tribunals within the Catholic Church in order to counter heretical movements. Inquisitors were friars (mendicants) mostly appointed from within the Dominican order to head the tribunals. Following the Protestant Reformation and the Catholic Counter-Reformation in the late Middle Ages, the Inquisition had expanded to include various European countries. This expansion culminated in the Spanish and Portuguese Inquisitions, which eventually spread to various colonies in Asia, Africa and the Americas.
In Spain, the Inquisition was primarily set up to consolidate Christian orthodoxy, especially amongst those who had converted from Judaism and Islam. The Inquisition intensified after the Spanish royal decrees of 1492 and 1502 that demanded Jews and Muslims to convert to Christianity or leave Spain. Spain at that time had just been unified after the surrender of the last Muslim stronghold in the city-state of Granada to the new Christian monarchy. Muslim Spain was called Al-Andalus and was a prosperous period during which the Jews were tolerated as they were considered ‘al-dhimma’ or non-Muslims under the protection of the Islamic state. Hence, southern Spain became a safe haven for Jews emigrating from other countries that persecuted them.
Under Christian rule, Alonso de Hojeda, a Dominican friar from Seville had approached and convinced Queen Isabella of the existence of Andalusian ‘conversos’ (Jewish converts) that were secretly practicing their faith during her stay in Seville between 1477 and 1478. In a report by Pedro González de Mendoza, Archbishop of Seville, and another by the Segovian Dominican Tomás de Torquemada, Alonso de Hojeda’s claims were confirmed. In 1480, a plot to overthrow the government of Seville in an armed revolt led by Don Diego de Susona, who is a wealthy merchant ‘converso’ was uncovered and quickly suppressed.
Hence in 1478, the Spanish monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella requested a papal decree to establish an Inquisition in Spain in response to the ‘conversos’ returning to the practice of Judaism. In response, Pope Sixtus IV granted a decree to allow the Spanish monarchs to appoint their own inquisitors. In 1483, Ferdinand and Isabella established a state council to administer the Inquisition with the Dominican Friar Tomás de Torquemada acting as its president.
At that time, Pope Sixtus IV protested the activities of the Inquisition in Aragon and its treatment of the convicted. The monarchs threatened to separate from the Church and the Inquisition when the pope wanted to investigate these abuses. In order to appease the enraged Spanish monarchs, Torquemada was given the title of Inquisitor-General by the pope and the Inquisition continued in earnest. The pope could have done more to address the gross abuses inherent within the Spanish Inquisition but didn’t want to lose his control of Spain. Hence, the pope quickly caved in to the demands of the Spanish monarchs. Without any further objections from the pope, the Spanish Inquisition would go on to become the largest and deadliest inquisition in medieval Europe, inflicting inhuman torture and death on thousands.
A depiction of an Inquisition torture chamber. From Mémoires Historiques (1716).
Subsequently, Torquemada quickly established procedures for the Inquisition. A new court was announced with a thirty-day grace period for confessions of ‘conversos’ who relapsed back to the Jewish faith and the gathering of accusations by neighbours. Those who still practiced Judaism despite the ban are called crypto-Jews, meaning that they were Jewish but publically adhered to another faith. Evidence that was used in court to identify a ‘converso’ who relapsed back to Judaism included the absence of smoke from chimneys on Saturdays, which was a sign the family might secretly be observing the Jewish Sabbath; buying of huge amounts of vegetables before Passover; or even the purchase of meat from a converted butcher. The Inquisition employed physical torture in order to extract confessions. Crypto-Jews were allowed to confess and engage in penance, although those who relapsed again were horrifically burned at the stake.
In 1484, Pope Innocent VIII received news of abuses and allowed appeals to be channeled to Rome. In response King Ferdinand decreed in December 1484 and again in 1509, the death and confiscation of the estates of anyone who attempted to make an appeal without royal permission. The Inquisition became the only institution that held authority across all of the Iberian Peninsula and it was a useful tool for the Christian monarchy to persecute the Jews and increase the royal coffers.
If a ‘converso’ was deemed guilty, the condemned had to undergo a ceremony known as ‘autos-da-fé’, which literally meant ‘an act of faith’. The ceremony was meant to ‘celebrate’ the return of the condemned to the Church (in lighter cases), or as a punishment if the condemned was branded an impenitent heretic. The ‘autos-da-fé’ could be either a private or a public spectacle. It could last up to a whole day and involved a Catholic Mass, prayer, a public procession of those found guilty, and a reading of their sentences.
Painting by Francisco Rizi depicting the auto-da-fé held in Plaza Mayor, Madrid in 1680. Click to enlarge.
According to surviving records, the Spanish Inquisition charged an estimated 150,000 people with crimes and roughly 3,000 were executed or burnt on the stake. The arrival of the ‘Age of Enlightenment’ in Spain marked the decline of the Inquisition. The Enlightenment was an intellectual movement, which swept through Europe in the 18th century, sparked by a range of new ideas centred on reason as the primary source of authority and legitimacy, as well as a slew of scientific discoveries.
Finally, on July 15, 1834, the Spanish Inquisition was formally abolished by a Royal Decree signed by Regent Maria Christina of the Two Sicilies, Ferdinand VII’s liberal widow, with the approval of the President of the Cabinet Francisco Martínez de la Rosa. With centuries of torture, bloodshed and death at the stake, the Inquisition had decimated the Jewish population in Spain. For those who could not leave Spain, they were either forced to abandon the spiritual traditions of their forefathers, go underground with their Jewish practices, or end up losing their lives. Unfortunately, the Inquisition was brutally efficient in uprooting those who kept to their old Jewish ways. Hence, the Spanish Inquisition brought about an exodus of Jews that identified themselves as Sephardim or the Jews of Spain. Thus the 400 year history of persecution against Jews by religious authorities on the Iberian Peninsula came to an end with the royal decree.
Comparison Between the Jews and Dorje Shugden Practitioners
Here is a brief list of how Jews have been persecuted and discriminated against. Studying these methods, we have also drawn a comparison to the discrimination against Dorje Shugden practitioners. While not nearly at the same level of persecution that was faced by the Jewish populace in Europe, the methods of religious discrimination do have very striking similarities. Through this we hope to highlight the fact that religious persecution in whatever form it takes is wrong. Instead we should focus on harmony and peace within all cultures and across all religions.
| The Jewish People | Dorje Shugden Practitioners |
| Jews were forcibly expelled from the country or converted to Christianity by royal decree in 15th Century Spain during the reign of King Ferdinand II of Aragorn and Queen Isabella I of Castile. ‘Conversos’ or converts who were found to have reverted back to Judaism were tried under a tribunal formed by what is known as the Spanish Inquisition. Converts found to have repeated offences were burnt at the stake. The Spanish Inquisition was known to be one of the worst persecutions of the Jews in Europe prior to the modern era and the Holocaust. | Dorje Shugden practitioners were forced to give up the practice of Dorje Shugden, especially in monasteries situated in Tibetan settlements of South India. Monks had to swear out from the practice or face expulsion in the late 1990s. A large group of Dorje Shugden monks from Pomra Khangtsen of Sera Mey Monastery were eventually expelled and had to establish Serpom Monastery in 2008, in order to continue practising their faith. Being forced to establish their own monastery represents the fact that religious discrimination existed, otherwise there would have been no need to set up their own monastery. Another group of Dorje Shugden practitioners from Dokhang Khangtsen of Gaden Shartse Monastery were expelled in 2008 and they formed Shar Gaden Monastery. Contrary to what some people say, the very existence of these two monasteries does not represent religious freedom. In fact the Tibetan leadership continues to enforce a policy of the ‘purity’ of Buddhism that led to these monks being forcibly expelled from their main monasteries. In actuality, these two monasteries are living proof of the existence of the ban. |
| Jews were demonised in Nazi Germany’s anti-Semitic propaganda between 1933 and 1945 in order to indoctrinate hatred and encourage discrimination. Prior to the Nazis, the Jews were already disliked by various indigenous ethnic groups in Europe due to a variety of reasons but mainly due to envy and discontentment. This was because many Jewish people were considerably wealthier and held prominent positions in society. Hence, Nazi propaganda sought to fan discrimination and hatred by popularising the view that the Jews became wealthy through the exploitation of the Aryan race. This was done in order to gather the people’s support for their ruthless pogroms (organised massacres) to exterminate the Jews. | Dorje Shugden practitioners, lamas and in particular, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso are demonised in anti-Shugden rhetoric on the internet. The basis of the entire Dorje Shugden issue stems from the fact that Dorje Shugden is wrongly viewed to be a powerful and malevolent spirit or demon. Hence, lamas and practitioners are demonised to be spirit worshipers. This inevitably evokes hatred and discrimination, especially amongst lay Tibetans or misinformed foreign Buddhist practitioners. Both of these groups may not know enough about the issue, so may simply follow common perceptions surrounding the issue. This was done to gather popular support for the implementation of the Dorje Shugden ban across the world. As a result, Dorje Shugden practitioners across the world have been shunned within their own Buddhist communities due to such propaganda. |
| Jewish businesses in Nazi Germany were boycotted through Nazi propaganda posters while German businesses had signs that prohibited Jews from entering or being served. This was done in the earlier stages as part of Nazi propaganda in order to incite popular hatred and discrimination against the Jews. Later, when the Nazis began to intensify their attempts to exterminate the Jews, there was little resistance although most Germans at that time were aware of what was happening. | Dorje Shugden practitioners are not allowed in monasteries, shops, schools, clinics, hospitals and other CTA (Central Tibetan Administration) institutions in India. This can clearly be seen in many signs that prohibit practitioners from entering these institutions and is part of the CTA’s Dorje Shugden ban that has instigated hatred and discrimination against the ordinary Dorje Shugden practitioner. Due to this atmosphere of discrimination there is little resistance from foreign Buddhists who also adopt this discrimination against Dorje Shugden practitioners. |
| The discrimination and persecution of Jews was institutionalised and sanctioned under the rule of Nazi Germany. Hence, the breadth and scale of the pogroms were extensive and included effort put into covering up the atrocities. Much of what is now known of the suffering faced by the Jews was only made known after the fall of Nazi Germany. | The discrimination and persecution of Dorje Shugden practitioners was institutionalised and sanctioned under the CTA’s mandate within the Tibetan communities in India. Hence, few people outside the Tibetan communities would fully understand the problems and issues faced by Tibetan Dorje Shugden practitioners. They are mostly silenced by lynch mobs and death threats. To watch videos on the persecution of Dorje Shugden practitioners, click here. |
| Jews were driven from their homes and had to flee Germany to other parts of Europe in order to escape the atrocities inflicted on them by the Nazi SS soldiers. Many Jews attempted to escape death by fleeing across Europe but ruthless Nazi SS soldiers hunted them down. It was due to the success of Nazi propaganda that even locals in other European countries would collaborate with the Nazis to reveal fugitive Jews. | Dorje Shugden practitioners were driven from their homes due to lynch mobs, stoning and death threats because the identities of Dorje Shugden practitioners was made publicly known by the Tibetan leadership. In addition, personal information of practitioners is made available to incite hatred and violence against Dorje Shugden practitioners. Many practitioners, especially prominent Dorje Shugden Lamas like Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche and so forth, received death threats and had their ladrangs or homes stoned by the public. |
| Jews were segregated from German society and placed in one of several concentration camps situated away from ordinary society, where they faced terrible conditions and many millions were killed. Despite many denials, the ordinary Germans knew what was happening but did nothing to resist this systematic genocide. This bears testament to the success of the Nazi propaganda against the Jews. | Dorje Shugden monasteries like Shar Gaden and Serpom were formed because monks were expelled from their mother monasteries. In addition to that, a wall was built between Shar Gaden, the Dorje Shugden monastery and Gaden Monastery, the original monastery, in order to segregate those who practise Dorje Shugden. There are people who are aware of the existence of these monasteries and claim that there never was a Dorje Shugden ban. They do not realise that these monks have friends and family they can never meet due to the ban. In fact, the very reason for the existence of these monasteries bears testament to the existence of the Dorje Shugden ban. |
| Hitler indoctrinated the German public with the philosophy of the ‘pure Aryan race’ that encouraged segregation and persecution of what they considered ‘impure races’ like the Jews. Just because the masses adhered to this view in Germany does not make it a morally correct one. This propaganda allowed the Nazis to come to power and inflict unspeakable horrors on the Jews. The same propaganda was used to legitimise the genocidal pogroms against the Jews. | The Tibetan leadership (the CTA) proclaimed Dorje Shugden to be a spirit and encouraged the public not to worship him. Just because many adhere to this view does not make it a correct view. The CTA are adhering to the ideal of a ‘pure Buddhist’ which leads to the persecution of those who do not confirm. This ideal seems strikingly similar to the Nazi idea of the ‘pure Aryan race’. This wrong view counters the traditional teachings by lineage lamas like Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche, Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche and Kyabje Zong Rinpoche. These highly attained lamas all said he is an emanation of Manjushri and his practice has tremendous benefit for practitioners. |
| The basis of the 15th Century Spanish Inquisition of the Jews is based on the ruling of the Catholic Church. However, the torture and persecution of the Jews is actually antithetical to the teachings of Jesus Christ, which include love, compassion and acceptance. It is because the Inquisition was sanctioned by the church that the people of the 15th Century readily accepted the horrors of torture and the execution of the Jews. | The basis of the Dorje Shugden ban rests on the view that Dorje Shugden is a spirit and that it is antithetical to Buddhist refuge. However, the segregation, discrimination and persecution of Dorje Shugden practitioners contradicts the Buddha’s teachings on compassion, selflessness and the acceptance of all. Hence, it is strange that when Buddhist centres organise initiations and teachings, Dorje Shugden practitioners are not allowed to come or participate when the centres accept people of other faiths. Doesn’t this contradict the teachings of the Buddha on compassion, acceptance and love for all beings? |
(Left) Poster for The Eternal Jew, a Nazi propaganda film demonizing Jews. (Right) A picture demonizing Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, simply because he practises Dorje Shugden.
Nazi German cartoons like this one served to indoctrinate the public that the rich Jews were exploiting the Aryan (German) race.
(Left) A sign from Nazi Germany prohibiting entry and proclaiming that “Jews are not served here” and (Right) a sign prohibiting Dorje Shugden practitioners from entering Sera Monastery, South India
These German youths and a SS Soldier had their picture taken next to the town’s anti-Jewish sign. The sign reads, ‘Juden sind in Behringersdorf nicht erwünscht,’ meaning ‘Jews not welcomed in Behringersdorf’. This was a small town near Nuremberg.
During World Way II, millions of Jews were forced to leave their homes. Many were sent to concentration camps and ultimately their deaths but some managed to escape this fate and tell the world of the atrocities they faced due to religious persecution. Today, those who practise Dorje Shugden are forced to leave their homes due to growing pressure and threats of violence due to their religious beliefs.
(Left) Concentration camp where Jews were segregated from society in deplorable conditions and killed for being Jewish. (Right) Wall segregating Shar Gaden Monastery that practises Dorje Shugden, from Gaden Monastery that does not practise.
(Left) Adolf Hitler indoctrinating a crowd of Germans towards his pure Aryan Race philosophy. (Right) A crowd of Tibetans at a public event held by the Central Tibetan Administration. Simply because we are told something and many adhere to it, does not make it a morally correct ideal, especially when it includes persecuting others for their religious beliefs.
The Spanish Inquisition’s persecution of Jews went against the teachings of Jesus and the Central Tibetan Administration’s discrimination against Dorje Shugden practitioners goes against the teachings of the Buddha. Both religious figures taught love, compassion and acceptance towards all.
Dorje Shugden monks from Pomra Khangtsen of Sera Mey Monastery were expelled and had to establish Serpom Monastery in 2008. This monastery is a living testament of the Dorje Shugden ban.
Guru Deva Rinpoche was a high lama and a great patron of the Dalai Lama; his two tutors, Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche and Kyabje Ling Rinpoche; and the three great Gelug monasteries of Gaden, Sera and Drepung. His ladrang and home in India were stoned and his life was threatened. Just as the Jews fled Nazi Germany, Guru Deva Rinpoche had to flee India and returned to Mongolia. This was due to the fact he was a Dorje Shugden practitioner.
Monks from Shar Gaden Monastery in South India are unable to meet relatives and friends that do not practice Dorje Shugden for fear of retaliation from others in the Tibetan community.
The persecution of the Jews throughout history and that of Dorje Shugden practitioners are worlds apart. Both of these are from cultures and spiritual traditions that have virtually no connection whatsoever and yet, they share many similar traits. This is not because there is a link between the Jews and Dorje Shugden practitioners but the attitude in which ignorance, bigotry and discrimination have taken shape against people throughout history. In the case of Nazi Germany, they were defeated by the Allied Forces in 1945 due to the cracking of the Enigma Code that allowed Allied Forces the ability to intercept Nazi messages and the location of their armies. As for Dorje Shugden practitioners, they are still struggling with the ban and the prevalent discrimination from the Buddhist community at large. Their only defence is the truth and it is hoped that with articles such as this one, that enough light will be shed upon this issue. As more and more people realise the truth, the world may be able to put an end to all forms of religious persecution, including the Dorje Shugden ban and the discrimination against practitioners.
The methods of persecution against a group of people remain as timeless as shown above, leading to physical and mental harm. It is always about a ‘pure race’, ‘pure religion’ ‘pure doctrine’, ‘pure philosophy’ or ‘pure politics.’ In their search for purity, people use this as an excuse to highlight or espouse their hatred, greed, jealousy, or whatever human failings that they have. So people will be jealous or be biased against a group of people simply because they are different. That is the real basis for any type of persecution. Therefore persecution is in the name of something pure, but actually comes from the human failings of what we have mentioned.
Living in a modern age, we need to address our human failings and come to terms with people who are different, or those who practice a religion different that ours. When we come to terms with this, persecution will end as we will never use this difference as an excuse to hurt anyone again. With respect to the Jews, we use this example to highlight that everybody in history has been persecuted in one way or another due to human failings. No matter the race, religion or culture a person is from, they should not be persecuted because of this. From the many examples throughout history and what is occurring in the present, we should strive our hardest to live in peace and harmony with each other. Now is the time to give peace a change, and love each other.
Disclaimer: In writing this article we mean no offence to the various Jewish communities around the world. We simply wanted to highlight the level of persecution against Jews and compare this same type of persecution towards Dorje Shugden practitioners, simply based on religious practice. All people around the world should be able to live without the fear of persecution. No one should be persecuted, and so this article may have highlighted the plight of the Jewish people but it is representative of the plight of all people who have been persecuted, in an attempt to educate people against the dangers of discrimination.
Videos of Persecution Against Dorje Shugden Practitioners
Gaden Monastery Attacked
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/GadenMonasteryAttacked.mp4
Since the inception of the Dorje Shugden ban 20 years ago, the CTA (Central Tibetan Administration) continues to organize a hateful campaign against Dorje Shugden practitioners. In doing so, the Tibetan leadership has gone against the very core teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on compassion and tolerance and thereby, misled the world over the nature of their activities. The Tibetan leadership pursues huge sponsorship and financial aid from the West in order to run its operations but they actually channel these funds towards campaigns that suppresses religious freedom within the Tibetan communities through various means to instigate violent suppression against Dorje Shugden practitioners.
This video footage shows clearly how Dorje Shugden practitioners have lived their lives in fear for the last 20 years due to the ban on Dorje Shugden. Although the Tibetan leadership and supporters have continued to use various violent and underhanded means to segregate and discriminate Dorje Shugden practitioners, the practitioners themselves have not fought back. Instead, they continue to uphold their peaceful reliance on their Dorje Shugden lineage lamas and especially the practices and teachings they have received in relations to the protector deity. The main part of the video was filmed in 2000 and it shows 3,000 lay and ordained Tibetans heading towards Gaden Shartse Monastery in South India in order to riot against a group of Dorje Shugden practitioners.
Dendu’s Story
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/DenduStory.mp4
The discrimination against Dorje Shugden practitioners is not only faced by those living in the Tibetan settlements in India or in Tibet itself, but also by those living in other countries. In this video interview we meet 18 year old Dendu, who was born in Tibet and went to live in the United States when he was 11.
Dendu and his family continue to face discrimination and violence due to the fact they practice Dorje Shugden, despite the fact that the United States constitution guarantees religious freedom, worship and practice. In this interview, he bravely speaks up about the persecution that he and his family have had to face.
Conflict in the Tibetan Community
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/ConflictTibetanCommunity.mp4
This interview highlights the conflict and rift caused by the persecution and discrimination of Dorje Shugden practitioners. It was filmed on August 25th, 2014 at a protest organised by the International Shugden Community and Tibetan Buddhist practitioners opposed to the treatment they have received. Here we see a young woman who talks about the difficulties her family has had to face simply because of their religious practice.
Tibetan Public Talk – Interview with Ama Tsekye
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/TibetanPublicTalkAmaTsekye.mp4
Dorje Shugden practitioners from all walks of life have suffered discrimination and even physical violence due to their religious beliefs. In this interview we meet Ama Tsekye, an elderly woman who has been persecuted due to her practice of Dorje Shugden. She faced difficulties arranging the funeral of her late husband and is now estranged with her own children because of her religious views. This was due to the intolerance and hatred directed at Dorje Shugden practitioners by those who do not believe in religious freedom within the Tibetan community.
Tibetan Public Talk – The True Facts – Part 1
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/TibetanPublicTalkTheTrueFactsPart1.mp4
In this video, Tibetan Dorje Shugden practitioners give an account of the suppression and discrimination they had to endure because of the ban on Dorje Shugden which was enforced by the Tibetan leadership on the Tibetan community.
Tibetan Public Talk – The True Facts – Part 2
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/TibetanPublicTalkTheTrueFactsPart2.mp4
In this video, Tibetan Dorje Shugden practitioners give an account of the suppression and discrimination they had to endure because of the ban on Dorje Shugden which was enforced by the Tibetan leadership on the Tibetan community.
Disclaimer: These videos belong to a third party(s). Permission was granted for us to upload here. These video are not being used for any commercial purposes, it is being used for educational purposes only.
For more interesting information:
- The Secrets of Ukraine’s Shameful Holocaust of Bullets
- The Lady Who Rescued 2,500 Infants, Irena Sendler
- The Buddhist Divide: An Unholy Campaign Agaist Religious Freedom
- Karma Kagyu’s Lodreu Rabsel Rinpoche asks the Dalai Lama for Religious Freedom
- Is This True Religious Freedom?
- Tibetan refugee youth speaking up
- When Reuters becomes a tool of oppression
- Badge of Shame
- Markham makes it illegal to ban Dorje Shugden
- The Dalai Lama Speaks Clearly About the Dorje Shugden Ban
- Dear Dalai Lama, please read this
- Updated: Dorje Shugden Teaching Videos
- Why so rude?
- My plea to His Holiness the Dalai Lama
- Dorje Shugden: My side of the story
- To Sum It Up
Please support us so that we can continue to bring you more Dharma:
If you are in the United States, please note that your offerings and contributions are tax deductible. ~ the tsemrinpoche.com blog team
I would like to congratulate you on your accuracy and compassion. I am a Jew, and am now very curious about the differences between your and “normal” Buddhist beliefs.
Please tell me where I can find accurate information. Many thanks — Polly Goldberg
Very details about the history of the Jews here. I’m very surprise to see Jews in China or India, which they are Kaifeng Jews and India Jews, also the Black Jews.
Forced conversions of Muslims and Jews happened during during 1492 and 1502 in Spain. They were demanded to convert to Christianity or leave Spain . I feel sad for them to have to leave their country because of own religion. Wars are suffering, but if people can focus on the integration of foreign and local cultures, it does enriched the local history and become an inseparable part. Its about acceptance and respecting also.
The public videos that Rinpoche shares at the end of article are good resources to understand how the local Tibetan really thought about Dorje Shugden’s practice. They are all just ordinary person, devout men and women. They should not harm by anyone.
When we take off our label, we are all the same, religion, race, nationalities, are all just merely labels, why want to inflict more pain to others as we all already have a lot of sufferings in our life, if we want a harmonious and peaceful life, then the more we should be kind and help each other, in every countries, every states, we can develop an ideal living community. Any form of discriminations should not be allowed and should not even exist.
The Jews prosecutions issues has been around for many decades, the people who started it, the people who executed it, people who rejoiced and people who suffered from these prosecutions has died many decades ago too, so what have they gained? What is the benefit of doing all these? Why do we want to create a temporary ‘satisfaction’ but ended up creating more negative karma for longer period of sufferings?
உலகப் போரின் போது ஜெருசலத்திலிருந்து யூதர்கள் விரட்டியடிக்கப்பட்டனர். அவர்கள் தங்கள் சமயத்தையும், வழிபாட்டு முறைகளையும் பின்பற்ற முடியாமல் நாட்டைவிட்டே விரட்டியடிக்கப்பட்டனர்.
அதேபோல் திபெத்தில் டோர்ஜே ஷுக்டேனை வழிபடுபவர்களுக்கு அன்றைய திபெத்திய தலைமைத்துவத்தின் ஆதரவாளர்கள் பலவித இன்னல்களைக் கொடுத்தனர். ஆனால் டோர்ஜே ஷுக்னேனை வழிபடுபவர்கள் இவர்களை எதிர்க்கவில்லை.
இது போன்ற பிரச்சனைகள் பல நாடுகளில் இன்னும் உள்ளன. நாம் எல்லோரும் மனிதர்கள். தெய்வ வழிபாடுகள் மற்றும் வாழ்கைமுறைகள் என்பது அவரவர் வாழும் இடத்தில் தொன்றுதொட்டு வந்ததாகும்.
இனம், சமயம், மொழி இவற்றால் மட்டும் மாறுபட்ட மனிதன் உலகத்தில் எங்கு வாழ்ந்தாலும் மனிதன் மனிதன்தான்.
பிறக்கும்போதே இறப்பையும் நிர்னயிக்கப்பட்ட மனிதன், பிறப்புக்கும் இறப்புக்கும் இடையில் ஏன் இப்படி மாறுகிறான். ஏன் மனிதன் மட்டும் எல்லா உயிர்களையும் நேசித்து, இயற்கையையும் நேசித்து வாழாமல் இருக்கிறான்?
Even in name only I will never give up dorje shugden again!
I would be only taking advantage of you were I to pretend not to follow dorje shugden so why when I can practice dorje shugden would I need to trick you that I’m practicing something else?
That would be more harmful then me practicing dorje shugden don’t you think…?
Or is it that you don’t care as long as I am not practicing dorje shugden?
Because that would be entirely illogical.
You would only be shooting yourself in the foot.
And that is not my intention.
So understand that we need to come together and stop discriminating against us for our dorje shugden practice when it is only harming yourself.
I know though that no one would be able to defeat me much less anyone who truly has dorje shugden on their side!
Because the only way is to get them to give up their practice and I refuse!
I refuse.
So hopefully we can learn to live in harmony and not have you try to make us give up our dorje shugden practice through all of these shenanigans!
Thank you!
And have a nice day.
Okay y’all I’m back to practicing vajrayogini.
Never mind about dorje shugden im fine without it.
Peace!
No I’m back at it again
Both sides are wrong
All I can do is plant the seeds
Whatever will be will be
But how can both sides be wrong and right?
It seems like it is the devil
God always wins
I put my trust in him
And let the chips fall where they may
I don’t have to support it or not but I don’t need to talk down about it either.
I think this fulfills my obligation.
Can I call it good for now?
Thnx yall
Hello
No more argument from me…
In going just to do Vajrayogini from now on.
Thank you for letting me quit dorje shugden. Like I have always said I thought it was a strap never dorje shugden that I was worshipping.
I’ve got the bodhichitta do don’t worry about it anyway I don’t need to practice.
Sara mangalam!
May goodness prevail
Correction..
I thought it was setrap
Thank you, Rinpoche and the blog team to share about the history of the Jews and their similarity with Dorje Shugden practitioners at this age. Discrimination and segregation have been used throughout the past as a tool to oppress a smaller group of people whom the larger group of people deemed unworthy or wrong.
It has happened to all societies and all cultural backgrounds just at a different level. However, that does not mean it is okay, and we should accept it. It is not okay for another group of people to cause suffering to another group of people.
On top of that, the people who are discriminating Dorje Shugden practitioners are mostly Buddhist. Lord Buddha’s teaching teaches us to be patient, kind, and tolerant. They are clearly not practising the teachings, and they are destroying the Buddha’s teaching by behaving barbarically and unreasonably.
For those who are interested in the history of the Jews around the world, you can read about the Jewish community in Malaysia in the following article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Jews_in_Malaysia
The persecution of any group based on race or religion should be condemned. There should be laws in every country to protect basic human rights such as the right to worship. This article highlights the sufferings of two groups of people, the Jews in various parts of the world, and the Dorje Shugden practitioners within the Tibetan community in India. Such terrible acts of aggression should not be allowed to happen again. In a world where everything is interdependent, the atrocities committed will result in a lot of suffering later for the individuals involved. For Buddhists this is negative karma (the law of cause and effect) which will ripen either in this life or in future lives unless it is purified. I share the sentiment of the authors of this article and pray that all the inhabitants of this world be able to live in peace and harmony, free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
Over the years many people of various informal settlements have been persecuted. Persecution is serious, targeted mistreatment of an individual because of who they are, or what they do, what they believe, or what people think they are, do, or believe. The Jewish were often criticized and persecuted throughout in Europe. They were subjected to progressively harsher persecution due to their race and religion. Reading the comparison to the discrimination against Dorje Shugden practitioners are quite similar traits to the Jewish even though they are world a parts. May everyone have religious freedom to choose and be respected by others. No one has the right to discriminate others due to their beliefs and faith.
May all forms of religious persecution and discrimination which include the Dorje Shugden ban against practitioners be lifted soon.
Thank you Pastor David and Pastor Niral for this article.
Thank you so much for this article. By reading this article, i get to know that the term ‘Jewish’ is applied to an ethno-religious group of people that practise Judaism. This means that it encompasses both an ethnicity and a religion at the same time.
The majority of the Jewish people around the world descend from two distinct groups coming from Europe. In fact due to the religious pluralism prevalent in India, the Jewish population have lived in relative peace and harmony, allowing the adherence to their faith without much opposition. Thank you.
Mantras are sacred verbalized words that invoke the protection and blessings of the deity to whom the mantra is ascribed. Mantras are also the manifestations of Buddhas in the form of ‘sounds’, hence the various mantras of Dorje Shugden contain the essence of the Protector.
Dorje Shugden’s main mantra 多杰雄登主要咒语
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA SOHA
Dorje Shugden’s mantra for peace 平和咒语
For gaining attainments through the energy of Peaceful Shugden, peace of environment and mind, harmony in one’s abode and dwelling area, and calming of disasters
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA SHANTI SIDDHI HUNG
Dorje Shugden’s mantra for health 福寿安康咒语
For long life, increasing life, healing of disease and protection from diseases
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA AYU SIDDHI HUNG
Dorje Shugden’s mantra for increase 增长咒语
For gaining great merits and increase of all necessary needs, both material and spiritual
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA PUNYE SIDDHI HUNG
Dorje Shugden’s mantra for control 控制咒语
Of worldly deities, negative people and nagas and for influencing friends towards the positive
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA WASHAM KURU HO
Dorje Shugden’s mantra to grant protection 庇护咒语
Visualize that you are in the Protector’s mandala, fully protected from outside interferences. Recite when in danger or for dangerous situations, for protection while travelling or when residing in dangerous/hostile places
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA RAKYA RAKYA HUNG
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videouploads/comment-1544345059.mp4
Dear friends,
Tibet has produced many powerful meditations, rituals and guidelines to help us gain spiritual protection, gain wisdom and higher states of consciousness. In general Tibet has produced many powerful methods for the growth of our spiritual evolution. Dorje Shugden is an angel, a saint, a powerful spiritual protector-warrior who originated 350 years ago when a highly awakened Tibetan Lama fulfilled his vows to become a special being to grant protection, wisdom, material needs, safety when travelling (normal and astral travel) and spiritual awakening. Both the Great 5th Dalai Lama and the current His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama composed short yet effective prayers to invoke upon the power and blessings of this special saint and protector. One can recite either one of the prayers that you feel suits you, anytime or even daily. When you feel a special need for help, you can recite either prayer anytime. When you are feeling down, afraid or just need a blessing, you can recite them. After reciting either invocation, it is good to chant the mantra of Dorje Shugden: Om Benza Wiki Bitana Soha.
You do not have to be a Buddhist or practitioner of any religion to invoke upon the blessings and protection of this special enlightened and awakened angel Dorje Shugden. He helps all without discrimination or bias as he is filled with compassion and love. Divinity has no boundaries, they help all who call upon them.
Enclosed are the prayers in English, Chinese and Tibetan.
May you be safe, protected and blessed.
Tsem Rinpoche
More on the Great 5th Dalai Lama and Dorje Shugden – https://bit.ly/2w7KHv6
More on H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama and Dorje Shugden – https://bit.ly/2QdaL4n
Chapel (Trode Khangsar) built by the Great 5th Dalai Lama dedicated to Dorje Shugden in Lhasa – https://bit.ly/2zBTd8M
—
亲爱的朋友们，
西藏产生了许多有助于我们得到精神庇佑、取得智慧和更高层次之觉悟的强大禅修法、仪式和教诲。总括来说，西藏产生了许多有助于我们在修行上取得提升的强有力方法。多杰雄登是一个天使，一位圣人和一名护法战士。他的崛起始于350年前，当一位高度觉悟的西藏高僧履行本身的承诺，化身为特别的护法，赐予我们守护、智慧、物质需要、出入平安（平日外游和神游时）和灵修上的觉醒。任何人都可以随时随地在任何时候念诵适合自己的祈愿文。当你需要特别的帮助时，你可以随时念诵任何一篇祈愿文。当你感到沮丧、恐惧或仅是需要加持时，你也可以持诵这些祈愿文。在念诵任何祈请文后，你应该接着念诵多杰雄登的心咒：嗡 班杂 维格 毗札那 娑哈 Om Benza Wiki Bitana Soha。
要祈请多杰雄登这位特殊、觉悟和觉醒的天使赐予加持和庇佑，你无需是佛教徒或任何宗教的修行者。他总是没有分别或偏见，充满慈悲和慈爱地帮助一切众生。神圣是没有界限的，圣者会帮助有求于他的任何人。
以下附上英文、中文和藏文的祈愿文。
愿你平安，常受庇护和加持。
尊贵的詹杜固仁波切
更多关于第五世达赖尊者和多杰雄登护法的内容 — https://bit.ly/2zsC3tG
更多关于第十四世达赖尊者和多杰雄登护法的内容 — https://bit.ly/2r4aaDN
第五世达赖尊者为多杰雄登护法在拉萨建造的护法殿（布旦康萨）— https://bit.ly/2zBTd8M
Divination (‘mo’) Text by Dorje Shugden
This is an important divination (‘mo’) text composed by Dorje Shugden himself. Dorje Shugden took trance of the Choyang Dulzin oracle lama, the senior oracle of Gaden Shartse Monastery, and instantly on the spot composed this text within two hours.
The divination text contains information on how to use dice to do divination for the future and is known to be highly accurate. When practitioners use this text, they will be in direct contact with Dorje Shugden to get answers to questions about the future. It is for those who have good samaya with Dorje Shugden and are free of the eight worldly dharmas to be of benefit to others in divining the future.
Tsem Rinpoche
DS-MO-choyang.pdf
Be blessed with these rare videos featuring explanation and advice about Dorje Shugden practice by His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche in his own voice. The teaching was requested by Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, one of the earliest masters who taught Tibetan Buddhism in the West.
Video 1: H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche Explains Dorje Shugden Initiation and Benefits (With English Subtitles)
Kyabje Zong Rinpoche was an erudite scholar, ritual master and practitioner of the highest degree from Tibet. At the request of Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, one of the pioneers who taught Tibetan Buddhism in America, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche gives clear explanation and advice about the life-entrustment initiation of Dorje Shugden and how to go about the practice and get the maximum benefits in this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzFMvlxAqtc&feature=youtu.be
Video 2: H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche speaks on the History and Lineage of Dorje Shugden (With English Subtitles)
In this video, an erudite scholar, ritual master and practitioner of the highest degree from Tibet, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche talks about the incarnation lineage of Dorje Shugden and how the practice arose, with examples of Dorje Shugden’s previous lives that reveal his powerful spiritual attainments and contributions. This very rare teaching was given at the request of Kyabje Zong Rinpoche’s student, Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, one of the pioneers who taught Buddhism in the West to many disciples since the 1970s.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIzKSJgK618&feature=youtu.be
For more information: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/great-lamas-masters/kyabje-zong-rinpoches-advice-on-dorje-shugdens-practice.html
His Holiness the 10th Panchen Lama
Tibetans commonly refer to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and His Holiness 10th Panchen Lama as the “sun and moon” of Tibetan Buddhism. They are the center of Tibetan Buddhist civilization, which draws to its sphere of influence millions of non-Tibetan practitioners. The Panchen Lama’s incarnation line began with the 16th abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, Lobsang Chokyi Gyeltsen (1570 – 1662). He was bestowed the title of Panchen Lama by His Holiness the 5th Dalai Lama after being declared as an emanation of Amitabha.
After being given the title, his three previous incarnations were posthumously also bestowed the title, making Lobsang Chokyi Gyeltsen the 4th Panchen Lama. He became a teacher to many Tibetans, Bhutanese and Mongolian religious figures, including His Holiness the 4th and 5th Dalai Lamas, and the 1st Jetsun Dampa of Mongolia. A prolific author, Chokyi Gyeltsen is credited with over a hundred compositions, including a number of commentaries and ritual texts that remain central in the Gelukpa tradition today. Along with his role as a teacher of the Dharma, the Panchen Lamas are usually responsible for the recognition of the rebirths of the Dalai Lamas, and vice versa.
The 10th Panchen Lama, Lobsang Trinley Lhundrub Chokyi Gyeltsen (19 February 1938 – 28 January 1989) continued both the spiritual and political roles of his predecessors. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, his contemporary, was even heard to say and echo the Panchen Lama’s own words that the Dalai Lama would safeguard Tibet from the outside while the Panchen Lama would safeguard Tibet from the inside, as he never left Tibet after the political troubles of 1959. He was truly loved by the Tibetans, all the way until his passing. When he taught, thousands of people would attend, not only from his own Gelug lineage, but masters and practitioners from all traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.
At his sprawling monastery of Tashi Lhunpo, he has a special chapel specifically dedicated to Dorje Shugden, where prayers and rituals are performed on a daily basis. In his great omniscience the Panchen Lama held Dorje Shugden as the principal Dharma protector of the monastery. He also personally propitiated Dorje Shugden among other Dharma protectors, and even wrote extensive prayers and rituals to Dorje Shugden. These rituals and prayers are contained within his ‘sung bum’ or collected works, which are provided here. As such a great lama, with an erudite and clear understanding of the Buddhist scriptures, a teacher to millions in both Tibet and China, from an established incarnation line and an emanation of the Buddha Amitabha, he could not be mistaken about his practice of Dorje Shugden.
His Holiness 10th Panchen Lama is known for his composition of commentaries and practice texts that are still in use by contemporary Buddhist practitioners both in Tibet and across the world. One of these is a powerful ritual composition propitiating the compassionate Dorje Shugden.
Upon the request by Acharya Lobsang Jangchub to compose a shorter version of the prayer (sadhana) for the exhortation of activities of Dorje Shugden, Panchen Lama immediately composed an abbreviate form of Dorje Shugden’s Kangsol. This text is entitled “Manjunatha’s (Tsongkapa) Lineage protector Dorje Shugden and five forms wrathful propitiations and confessional prayers and fulfilment of activities rites” or “Melodious sound of Accomplishment of the Four Activities” for short. Once the prayers were completed, he had signs and strong feelings that Dorje Shugden has been working hard to protect the Buddhadharma in general and the lineage of Lama Tsongkhapa specifically.
Mirroring the abilities of one of his earlier incarnations, Khedrub Je, a disciple of Lama Tsongkhapa and master of both sutra and tantra, the Panchen Lama used his compositional skill and poetic prowess to create a masterful sadhana. Worthy of note is a praise in which the first letter of each verse is a Tibetan vowel. Such compositions are rarely seen, and have historically only been used when propitiating senior Dharma protectors such as Palden Lhamo and Kalarupa.
The Panchen Lama also stated that while composing the Dorje Shugden sadhana (prayers) he was filled with a sense of happiness and bliss. He ends the composition with not only his official title but his ordination name, Tenzin Trinley Jigme Choje Wangchuk, endorsing the validity of his work. He composed the sadhana in his own Tashi Lhunpo monastery while in the Hall of Clear Light and Bliss.
See the Panchen Lama’s writings and download: https://bit.ly/2KIfeXb
For the first time available, Dorje Shugden and his entourage of 32 asssistants of his mandala.
Dorje Shugden is a powerful protector deity who is also an emanation of Manjushri, a wisdom bestowing Buddha. Therefore, he has great ability to help us to progress further on the spiritual path. He does this by helping us to overcome obstacles and problems for the modern individual.
Due to his enlightened nature, Dorje Shugden is able to manifest 32 deities and within the same abode resides Setrap and Kache Marpo:-
1. 5 Dorje Shugden families or emanations. They consists of the following:-
– Dulzin Dorje Shugden, which performs activities to eliminate inner and outer obstacles.
– Shize, which performs activities to pacify all illnesses and disease.
– Gyenze, which performs activities to increase all desirable material and spiritual wealth.
– Wangze, which performs activities to control difficult people and circumstances.
– Trakze, which performs activities to wrathfully eliminate all insurmountable obstacles and life-threatening situations.
2. 9 Mothers. They represent protection of the five senses and developing control of the four elements. These are all attributes that signify their ability to assist tantric practitioners with their higher meditations.
3. 8 Guiding Monks. They represent the Eight Great Bodhisattvas (Avalokitesvara, Manjushri, Vajrapani, Samantabhadra, Maitreya, Kshitigarbha, Akashagarbha, Sarva-nivarana-viskambini) and they bring about the growth of the Dharma, through the Sangha, Dharma practitioners and Dharma establishments.
4. 10 Youthful & Wrathful Attendants. They represent the ten wrathful attendants to avert inner and outer obstacles. They are beings who are from Mongolia, China, Kashmir, India, Bengali, etc.
5. Setrap. He is a senior Dharma Protector from India and an emanation of Amitabha Buddha. He had enthroned Dorje Shugden as an authentic Dharma Protector. Therefore, he also resides within the same mandala of Dorje Shugden.
6. Kache Marpo. He is not an emanation of Dorje Shugden but he is still an enlightened Dharma Protector in his own right. He was originally known as Tsiu Marpo of Samye Monastery. However, he has placed himself under the service of Dorje Shugden as his chief minister, performing many activities in order to protect and benefit practitioners. Therefore, he stands guard at the main entrance of Dorje Shugden’s mandala. He often takes trance of qualified mediums to speak.
7. Namkar Barzin. He is the reincarnation of an old Mongolian monk and when he passed away in Phari area of Tibet, his spirit was placed as a powerful assistant of Dorje Shugden. He guards and protects buildings and great institutions especially those that benefit others. He rides on a mythical Gyaling animal that resembles a goat but with scales.
These sacred images are available on *Vajrasecrets. They are made of high quality alloy and are one of a kind. They are based on the lineage of His Holiness Panchen Rinpoche’s monastery, Tashilhunpo in Shigatse, Tibet. In fact, the iconography of these statues are based on detailed photographs taken by H. E. Tsem Rinpoche during a trip to Tashilhunpo’s protector chapel. These are based exactly as the 10th Panchen Lama’s personal collection.
Dorje Shugden mandala: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=131570
Dorje Shugden’s benefit and practice: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=62422
Dorje Shugden’s origins: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=106424
Dorje Shugden chapel in His Holiness Panchen Rinpoche’s Tashilhunpo Monastery in Tibet: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=68698
*Stand not included
Sakya tradition’s thangka of Dorje Shugden sitting on a throne within his palace with his four emanations and high Sakya Lamas nearby. Tsem Rinpoche
Antique Pelden Lhamo thangka with sacred Dorje Shugden at the bottom right. Can see Tsongkapa and Guru Rinpoche on the top also. Beautiful and holy.
In this video, a nice couple is being targeted and attacked just because they are pagan faith. They are Wiccan and the nice lady is a practising elemental witch, but they are being perceived to be bad people and hurting children, although none of that is true and they are being attacked for their faith. This is also another example of what Dorje Shugden people go through especially in Dharamsala, India because the Tibetan Leadership has put a notice on their official site stating that Shugden practitioners are bad and demon worshippers which is completely untrue. Hence, daily Shugden practitioners are being persecuted and if you are not there in Dharamsala, you get online abuse like what H.E. Tsem Rinpoche receives daily as well as myself and other Kecharians who are openly practising what our Guru gave us.
Is this kind of discrimination and violence acceptable in this day and age when there is religious freedom? Why are these people allowed to do this crime? Why is the Tibetan Leadership acting like a dictatorship and attacking others of a different faith? They do it indirectly and encourage this hatred because they do nothing, say nothing and have a page talking against Shugden on their official website. That is a clear indication there is a ban and discrimination against Shugden people.
https://video.tsemtulku.com/chat-videos/chat-1516798075.mp4
In this video is a police officer being discriminated for his Wiccan religion and he is going to sue the state because he was told it was mandatory for him to attend a Christian gathering. There is supposed to be freedom of religion, so why is it okay for a group of people to force other people to join, pray and believe their religion? And what gives them the authority to tell people what to believe or not to believe in? This is a dictatorship type of leadership, not a democratic one at all. And this is exactly the same question I would like to ask the Tibetan Leadership and those who come on our social media wall to abuse us and call us names and vulgarities because we practice Dorje Shugden. Watch what the guy says in the video.
https://video.tsemtulku.com/chat-videos/chat-1516798026.mp4
I’ve just attached a video here on a lady reading about “the Persecution of Women in Witchcraft”. It is stated that in the early 16th century there was a mass execution of witchcraft. In the year 1515 in Geneva Switzerland, they burned 500 witches at the stake.In 1526, 1000 witches in Italy were executed. In 1571 witch hunt spreads across France.In total it is estimated from 1500 – 1600, there were 50 – 80,000 suspected witches executed.
Religious persecution in any way is wrong, look at how many lives were taken because people decide to discriminate on others and persecute them just because they do not follow your belief system. This is exactly what Dorje Shugden practitioners are facing today as well when the Tibetan leadership keeps on harping and silently encouraging their people to discriminate and ostracised Shugden practitioners which we can see from all the above online abuse. Is this okay in this 21st century, is this what H.H. the Dalai Lama advocates – religious tolerance? I think not.
https://video.tsemtulku.com/chat-videos/chat-1516797992.mp4
Everyone has rights to practise what they like. Those who practise witchcraft has their rights to practise but they are not allowed to voice out their concerns, fearing to be treated differently just like most Dorje Shugden people.
https://video.tsemtulku.com/chat-videos/chat-1516798931.mp4
Taken away the rights to purchase items for witchcraft is the same as burning the witch for practising their religion. It is just a manifestation of different types of witch hunt and banning the sale of certain items is the same as stopping them from practising a certain ritual that is the same as taking their rights away. This scenario is the same as what Dorje Shugden people face also.
https://video.tsemtulku.com/chat-videos/chat-1516798088.mp4
This is another proof of discrimination that is similar to Dorje Shugden people. The witchcraft people do not get to purchase their religious practise items online because there is no law that protects their rights on what they can purchase and what not they cannot.
https://video.tsemtulku.com/chat-videos/chat-1516797979.mp4
Despite the founding fathers’ effort to give Americans religious freedom, the Wiccans and Pagans are denied their right, such as to have Chaplains to perform ceremonies, receiving books and materials and so on in prison. It is not fair and this is the kind of discrimination Dorje Shugden practitioners faces. Tibetans in exile are supposed to be ruled under democracy, but they are denied their rights of religious freedom. This is not fair.
https://video.tsemtulku.com/chat-videos/chat-1516797960.mp4
This is another example of religious discrimination. Wicca was accused to be related to Satan, which is not true. Wiccans are being rejected from being able to participate in the governmental system as they are not a member of the mainstream Judeo-Christian religion.Similarly, Dorje Shugden is accused to be a demon/ evil spirit, and that Shugden practitioners are not allowed to participate in the system – they cannot work in governmental jobs, they are denied travel documents, they are not denied medical treatment, and the members of the public are advised to not be associated with them.
https://video.tsemtulku.com/chat-videos/chat-1516797909.mp4
This video shows how Christians in Nigeria face enormous persecution, similar to what Dorje Shugden people are facing.Just like what Bishop Mike Moses said in the video, they are being persecuted “in your own country, your own community”, and that’s worse than being persecuted by others.
https://video.tsemtulku.com/chat-videos/chat-1516797726.mp4
Pagan man talks about freedom of religion choices
Religious freedom should be applicable to all including Pagan practitioners and atheists
https://video.tsemtulku.com/chat-videos/chat-1516796937.mp4
This man’s dilemma is similar to what Dorje Shugden practitioners are experiencing. Even if the Dalai Lama has discouraged Dorje Shugden practice, those who choose to retain their practice should still have the right to do so without being penalized, without being discriminated, abused, attacked and harassed day in day out. Religious Freedom is every human’s right and should be respected, when the Tibetan Leadership stay silent when Shugden practitioners are being attacked, it is clear they condone it. So how can Tibetan Leadership claim to be democratic when they are not and how can they point the finger and blame others for human rights abuse when they do so themselves with their very own people? Illogical, injustice and unacceptable in this day and age!
Oklahoma Pagan suffer Discrimination
A lady witch suffers discrimination after being found out that she is a witch.
Uploaded: https://video.tsemtulku.com/chat-videos/chat-1516796905.mp4
This is similar to what Dorje Shugden practitioners are experiencing in Tibetan settlements. Once they are found out that they are a Dorje Shugden practitioner, they would be a target for discrimination (e.g., denied service in the public places), some even target attacked. And if you are not in Dharamsala, you will be targeted and attacked online with vulgarities and all kinds of derogatory slurs.
Messianic Jews Persecuted
In 2005, a large number of protestors crashed the Messianic Jews Christmas eve celebration and told them to go back to Gaza.
https://video.tsemtulku.com/chat-videos/chat-1516796866.mp4
Any form of discrimination is wrong and should be discouraged and stopped. How can we discriminate people base on their religion, just because we dislike their religion? This is pure prejudice and hatred, so how can this be considered good and right for those executing such persecution? And this is exactly the same mentality the Tibetan Leadership has and encourage their people to attack Shugden practitioners. This is the kind of hatred that cause division, war, and suffering. How can one religion claim to be better than the other in the name of “God”? How can this be considered compassion?
Great message every Tibetan especially must read!
Tsem Rinpoche has worked very hard and patiently over the years to provide good and accurate knowledge about Dorje Shugden. These truths are not new at all but have been overshadowed by malicious anti-Shugden propaganda over the last 2 decades. It is a welcome change to see this comment by Suzy on Rinpoche’s YouTube channel in which she expressed her realization of the Protector’s goodness. This is truly beautiful-(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl-4lIwxph4&t=11s)
Dorje Shugden people and Jewish people have experienced tremendous suffering due to a lot of persecution. No one has the right to discriminate others due to their beliefs and inclinations.
Discrimination was incorrect done on the Jewish so similarly it is incorrect when applied to Dorje Shugden people. Discrimination and persecution is not spiritual at all.
We are individual that have many things in common but also have differences in race, religion, belief and cultures. In fact, all religions that propagate peace and love shall not cast discrimination on people who have different religious beliefs. But history showed it otherwise where Jews and Dorje Shugden practitioners have been persecuted and discriminated against because of their religion. Many times human being can be easily influenced and brainwashed and followed what the majority do. In those circumstances, people did not question if the discrimination was ethically right. Therefore, it’s crucial to educate our next generation not to impose hatred and discrimination on others who are different than us. We should also teach them not to follow blindly even though the instruction comes from higher authority.
We shall not hold on to hatred, resentment and discrimination on others because of different religion practice, what more to misguide our next generation to believe all this are right. The world doesn’t need more persecution or ill-feeling, instead we shall let go of the judgment on others who are different from us, to live harmoniously and peacefully with one another, regardless of races and religion.
There are many stories and movies about the Jewish holocaust in Germany under Hitler during World War II. It was a time of great suffering and fear. Till this day, those who escape the gas chambers and death trains can neither forget nor forgive the horrors of those years.
But, time is a great healer, for those not directly involved. So, history has to remind the later generations what the holocaust was all about. And, also to remind that it was not the Jews who were the only ones persecuted.
There have been many kinds of persecutions all over this Earth of ours. We do have to have empathy, imagine it is our kins who are being persecuted. Can we feel the pain and anguish? What if it were us on the receiving end?
Discrimination and persecutions only continues a negative cycle that can only lead all down to a very negative place.So, we do have to break that cycle.
I don’t understand how the CTA can implement such cruel punishments on people who practice Dorje Shugden. We all know that cruel treatments and ostracism is a thing of the past that should not happen now in the year 2016, but yet the CTA treats anyone who practices Dorje Shugden like uncivilised creatures. As a matter of fact we are just as human as everyone else if you cut us we bleed if you hit us we feel the pain, so why discriminate us? Instead we should all live peacefully regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity.
I really hope that the CTA will that we are all humans staying on the same planet.
May everyone be able to unite peacefully as one regardless of skin colour, religion or ethnicity.
The point that blatantly stood out is the basis of the persecution and harsh discrimination on both the Jews people and Dorje Shugden practitioners are built on lies and wrong view propagated by one or a few people in position. The horrific persecution during the Spanish Inquisition of the 15th century was initiated by by the Spanish monarchs Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile. Similarly the Holocaust was started and led by Hilter who want to purify his land from the impure Jews race. Both were done in the name of falsehood in religion and race. Now looking at the Tibetan leadership who spread lies and wrong view all in the name of a fake ‘pure Buddhist’ agenda, actually contradicts the Buddha’s teachings on compassion, selflessness and the acceptance of all. I pray that Dalai Lama will stand out and lead his people to peace and harmony and end this suffering. May His Holiness be remembered for all the good deeds he had done. It is sad that Hilter is remembered for the persecution and suffering of all the Jews. May this never happen to His Holiness.
Thank you Pastor David and Pastor Niral for this article.
历史上实在太多歧视问题。 种族歧视、宗教歧视、性别歧视等等。
在这篇文章中就是关于犹太教被歧视甚至被赶走。
多杰雄登修持则现在面对的问题也与犹太教有一些相似的地方。
当然现在的社会都是提倡平等， 不应该以宗教、文化、种族来标记别人， 更不应该别人的宗教和我们不同而认为我们自己高高在上。
佛陀提倡的就是众生平等， 不应该有分别心对待众生。 其实多杰雄登禁令原本就是一个错误的禁令， 对多杰雄登修持者实施不平等的政策就已经违背了佛陀的教诲。
希望通过这篇文章很多人可以更知道历史上其他歧视世间。 也会鞭策自己不会以不同的标签来标签别人。
谢谢
What is very commonly known about the persecution of the Jewish Community was the Holocast inflicted by the Nazis lead by Hitler. This article is a real eye opener whereby Jews were persecuted as far back as the 15th century, in Spain. What is sad is that Jews persecuted because they are so devoted in their faith.
Throughout their history of persecution and discrimination, what I find amazing is how Jewish people are still so resilient and stay faithful.
The illustration of discrimination and persecution of the Jews and Dorje Shugden practitioners are so similar in many ways.
What makes the Dorje Shugden persecution worse is that it is within the same Buddhist religion and people. And it is happening in this modern time of 21st century.
Thank you so much for sharing this informative article of Jews and also how does it related with religions. I read about Jews before long time ago. They are 1 of the most intelligent breed in human kind and because of that they also got killed and hurt the most. Their different believes and culture made them unique. like wise for Dorje Shugden practitioners. why should they suffer in so much violences and harms just because they have different practice. The world belongs to all races, religions, all bloods. We don’t use religions to bully and discriminate others.
Interesting post …to know more of the Jews and those of Dorje Shugden practitioners, ….. .The Jews has many similarities to Dorje Shugden practitioners.Very sad ,there is no religious freedom,due to their religious beliefs many suffered discrimination and even physical violence.All people around the world should be able to live peacefully and harmony.without the fear of persecution. No one should be persecuted.I did not know of the history of the Jewish communities and the sufferings till i read this post.And i know more details of Dorje Shugden discrimination. Thank you Pastor Niral and Pastor David Lai for sharing this interesting post.May all forms of religious persecution will soon end.
Dear Samfoonheei,
I think most Malaysians would not know much about the Jewish persecution because it is not covered in Malaysian world history textbooks. But if you google and youtube about it, you will find plenty of information, articles and documentaries regarding this matter. Unfortunately, many Malaysians are unaware of such matters and its just too bad because knowing about this issue can broaden our mental horizon. It will also give us a comparison to know that the Dorje Shugden ban is unacceptable and can lead to huge monumental damage like what happened to the Jews.
That is how people know that other people with similar or struggles that are worse than ours have fought for it and made a breakthrough. Hence, reading and watching material and videos regarding a broad range of topics is very beneficial and helps to shape the way we think and in this day of easy access to the Internet, learning and broadening our horizon is easily done.
No matter what race we are from, in this day and age of global integration of trade, communication, cross multi national marriage among people, it is still hard to believe discrimination based upon a certain religious practice or differences exists. By now, human should have been wiser than their predecessors from what they learned and experienced in the past history but sadly discrimination or difference still happen and there is no end.
The Jewish community has now spread throughout the whole world, remained strong and completely integrated into the rest of the world. These has many similarities to Dorje Shugden practitioners, for their faith and practice has survived too in the world and remained strong. The world has no room for hate except for love, tolerance and harmony for humanity to survive in all ages.
Thank you for sharing this detailed information about Jews. Little did i know of their “legacy” which stretched so far and wide. Due to the suppression which one can relate to the suppression against Dorje Shugden practitioners are now all over the world. There should not be any form of discrimination against any faith or race just because someone is rallying against it. This world is not just lived by one kind of people but it consist a lot other ethnic group and we need one another from every angle of perspective.
Dear Pastor Niral and Pastor David
Thank you for this insightful article. Back in college, I read and watch about Jews plight and the discrimination they suffered for hundreds of years. They are smart. Although people do not like them, they manage to survive wherever they go.
Little that I know then I will become a Dorje Shugden practitioner and noted the similarities of the suffering and discrimination between Dorje Shugden practitioners and the jews.
Everyone should be able to practice the religion of their choice no matter who they are. I sincerely hope the discrimination against the Jew and Dorje Shugden practitioners will end soon.
Valentina