Digital Journal Publishes Tsem Rinpoche’s Advice Against Self Immolation
For most people, probably the first time they ever saw someone driven to self-immolation to defend their beliefs was during the Viet Nam War.
Venerable Thich Quang Duc. Click on image to enlarge.
Back then, a Buddhist monk by the name of Venerable Thich Quang Duc calmly entered meditation as he burned to death. He was protesting the persecution of Buddhists in his country Viet Nam, and when Americans saw it, they were totally shocked by the sight. It later helped to compel the American government to withdraw their support for the Vietnamese government of the time.
Over the years, this method of protest has been adopted by the Tibetans but unfortunately, with much less success. In the case of Venerable Duc, it only took one monk to trouble the American President’s conscience – upon seeing the photo of Venerable Duc self-immolating, President John F. Kennedy remarked that,
“…no news picture in history has generated so much emotion around the world as that one.”
Yet with the Tibetans, 152 have taken their own lives and still the international community remains unmoved. To me, this is extremely sad. Buddhists are taught that one of our core precepts is to refrain from killing, no matter how big or small the life. If you remember the movie Kundun, one of the famous scenes was that of Tibetans picking out worms from the soil as they constructed the Dalai Lama’s movie theatre in Tibet. So I would have expected Tibetans, who are Buddhist by culture and birth, to abide by this very strongly. The fact so many Tibetans can overlook one of their cardinal percepts leads me to think a couple of things:
- No one educated them that the self-immolations are not gaining the desired effect. They have somehow become misinformed (whether deliberately or not) into thinking the world will one day react once enough self-immolations occur.
- There is a dilution in the importance the new generation places on their Buddhist culture and values. They are giving up centuries-held culturally-ingrained precepts, in favour of short-term political goals.
Yet, none of this confuses me as much as why the Tibetan leadership have remained absolutely silent over the matter. How can any leadership with a conscience allow their people to keep taking their own lives, and not say or do anything to stop it? Does it not hurt them to see so many of their own people dying in this manner? Do they not feel any guilt for failing to make political progress so much so that Tibetans feel self-immolations are such a necessity?
It also disappoints me to know that His Holiness the Dalai Lama has had to witness this 152 times, and the Tibetan leadership STILL remains silent. How many more people have to die before the Tibetan leaders say enough is enough, and they speak up to stop it all? After all, the Central Tibetan Administration have been VERY creative in the way they have suppressed Dorje Shugden people. Do not get me wrong, I am not asking for potential self-immolators to be hurt or segregated like how Dorje Shugden people are. I would never wish that on anybody. However, there are many ways in which the Tibetan leadership can discourage self-immolations (which Tsem Rinpoche previously outlined in his article about Reuters here). So how come the Tibetan leaders are not doing anything to deter potential self-immolators?
In fact instead of stopping them, the leadership encourages them by praising them, celebrating them, lauding their so-called ‘feats’, building memorials to them… I am sorry and I mean no disrespect but personally, I would have put the funds spent on building memorials and lighting butterlamps towards building schools, training good teachers, constructing hospitals, getting the best medical equipment and so on. Why not focus on how we can improve the lives of the living instead of encouraging people to essentially commit suicide? How illogical that the Tibetan leadership always chooses the latter option.
In the bigger picture, no one understands the pain and desperation of the self-immolators better than Dorje Shugden people who have to go through it with double intensity. First, like other Tibetans, Dorje Shugden practitioners who are Tibetan also feel the pain of not being in their homeland. On top of that, unlike other Tibetans, they also suffer a second source of pain and loss of dignity because they are kicked out and segregated from the Tibetan exiled community due to their Dorje Shugden practice.
H.E. Tsem Rinpoche has issued a statement about the self-immolations and it was published on Reuters. (Source: https://www.reuters.com/brandfeatures/venture-capital/article?id=29962)
Wishing to prevent more unnecessary deaths and suffering, Tsem Rinpoche issued a statement about the self-immolations, and how the Tibetan leadership’s silence over this is unusual given they have spent 22 years suppressing Shugden practitioners. It was first published by Reuters and now Digital Journal, a Canadian-based Internet news service, has published it too. Originally established in 1998 as a technology and gadget magazine, over time they have evolved to become a global online hub for citizen journalism. These days, they publish both professional contributions and user-submitted content. Of course, all user-submitted content has to be approved by them so if the news somehow risks their journalistic integrity or reputation, Digital Journal is not going to publish it.
So that is the situation we find ourselves in – Tsem Rinpoche had good intentions to make such a statement, and Digital Journal allowed for the statement to be published, feeling it would somehow interest or benefit their readers. And yet, despite all of this, Tsem Rinpoche’s statements have now been used to attack Tsem Rinpoche himself. Since the publication of the first piece on Reuters, the attacks have intensified, with signs they are being coordinated. They have come from all quarters, ranging from anonymous pro-Tibet accounts all the way up to notable personalities like Prof Robert Thurman. My question is, why would anyone want to attack a person for trying to save lives by advising others that self-harm and suicide via self-immolation is not the correct solution?
Attached here are just some examples of how Prof Robert Thurman harasses and degrades Tsem Rinpoche and his students. If there is really no ban, then what are all his tweets about?
I always find it a little strange because if there is no ban on Dorje Shugden like the Tibetan leadership claims, then why are all of their supporters reacting so strongly to Tsem Rinpoche’s statements? Some of them spend hours criticising Tsem Rinpoche for his practice of Dorje Shugden, or denigrating and deriding my teacher for his opinions. Surely, ban or no ban, it is up to Tsem Rinpoche to issue whatever statements he wishes, and to choose whatever practice he wants to rely on. The fact people act like there is a ban whilst simultaneously claiming there is none, actually reflects poor communication from the leadership.
So I am sorry but I am going to have to say this, and it is not a truth that is very pleasant — it all boils down to poor leadership.
- It was poor leadership that led to the split of the Gelug community over the Dorje Shugden issue.
- Poor leadership resulted in the Jonangpas being denied parliamentary representation, even though they are an officially-recognised religious denomination in Tibet.
- Poor leadership led to the split of the Karma Kagyu community over the Karmapa issue.
- Poor leadership resulted in the many scandals we have seen plaguing the Tibetan leadership as of late, ranging from accusations of sexual assault all the way up to money laundering and embezzlement.
- Similarly, it is now poor leadership that has led Tibetans to feel they lack the opportunity and outlet to express their frustrations, therefore resorting to self-immolations.
I thank Digital Journal for publishing the statement and I hope in doing so, someone reads Tsem Rinpoche’s words and is dissuaded from taking their own life. I also thank Digital Journal for shining a light on the misgovernance and poor leadership that has potentially irrevocably damaged what is actually a very beautiful community which has produced and nurtured incredible great masters that benefit the world. I hope that as time passes, more Tibetans are dissuaded from this horrific act, and the Tibetan leadership starts to act in the interests of their people, by dissuading them from self-immolating and giving them other options for speaking up.
Pastor Jean Ai
Source: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/3692767. Click on image to read the original article.
Addendum
Central Tibetan Administration’s Website
Below is a screenshot of Tibet.net, which is the Tibetan leadership’s website. In it, they have a section with “information” about Dorje Shugden which is designed to promote hatred, negativity and direct vulgarities towards Shugden practitioners. What kind of democratic leadership has a section like this on their site targeting a religious group? Imagine the uproar there would be if the American or Canadian, or any other democratic government had sections like this on their site for the public!
The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) website which has a section on Dorje Shugden. What kind of democratic government has sections on their website which target a religious group? Click to enlarge.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Website
This is a screenshot of DalaiLama.com which is the official website of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. When this section exists on His Holiness’ website, it actually emboldens Tibetans to discriminate against and segregate Shugden practitioners. This section is basically the Dalai Lama’s ‘endorsement’ of such behaviour; when anti-Shugden individuals see this, they think it is okay to segregate against the practice “because the Dalai Lama said so”. I don’t think the Dalai Lama would agree with this but the webmaster and shadow writers behind his website should not put this type of anti-Dorje Shugden section which subscribes to discrimination against a group because of religion. In the 21st century, this is not fitting of a great spiritual leader like His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Do not discriminate tolerate; is the way to go.
If the Dorje Shugden ban is just advice and not a ban, then why is a section like this necessary on any website?
His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s website which has a section on Dorje Shugden. This section emboldens Tibetans to discriminate against Shugden practitioners because it is the Dalai Lama’s endorsement of such behaviour.
Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile’s Resolution Stating Government Employees Should Not Rely on Dorje Shugden
In 1996, the Tibetan leadership passed a resolution stating that all departments (and ergo their employees) should not rely on Dorje Shugden (point 8). The resolution also stated that individuals who do engage in its worship will harm the Dalai Lama’s life and the so-called Tibetan cause. That being the case, how will anyone within the Tibetan settlements and government be able to openly engage in Dorje Shugden practice after that, if their worship has been widely labelled as anti-Dalai Lama, anti-CTA and treasonous? To openly practice after that will leave them open to criticism, vulgarities, harassment and discrimination, as Dorje Shugden practitioners have been for the last 20 years. So they will be left with three options: to give up the practice (which many will not do), to practice secretly, or to give up their jobs.
A screenshot of tibet.net, showing the 1996 resolution which proclaimed that departments under the Tibetan leadership should not propitiate Dorje Shugden and that doing so will harm the Dalai Lama’s life.
Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile’s Resolution Naming Dorje Shugden Practitioners as Criminals in History
This is a screenshot of tibet.net, the Central Tibetan Administration’s official website, which shows the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile’s unanimous resolution dated 17 March 2014 naming Dorje Shugden practitioners as criminals in history (point 3, paragraph 2).
VIDEO: Dalai Lama bans Dorje Shugden practice
and expels monks
His Holiness the Dalai Lama was recorded in Drepung Monastery in 2008 clearly stating that those who refused to give up their Dorje Shugden practice should be expelled from the monasteries. His Holiness even said that if people found it difficult to fulfill this instruction, that they should say that the Dalai Lama told them to expel Dorje Shugden practitioners.
My question is this: if giving up Dorje Shugden practice is just advice, and it is up to us who we wish to rely on, then why are there such heavy repercussions for people who choose to keep the practice? As a result of His Holiness saying this, thousands of Shugden monks were expelled from the monasteries, and were forced to set up their own monasteries where they would be able to continue their Dorje Shugden practice.
VIDEO: Gaden Monastery Attacked
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.
Disclaimer: This video belongs to a third party. Permission was granted for us to upload here. This video is not being used for any commercial purposes, it is being used for educational purposes only.
VIDEO: Dorje Shugden practitioner rejected
from Gaden Shartse Monastery Guest House
A Dorje Shugden practitioner enquiring about room rates at the Gaden Shartse Monastery Guest House in Majnu-ka-tilla, Delhi was rejected by the hotel staff and asked to leave.
VIDEO: France 24 reports on the Dorje Shugden issue
France 24 is a reputable news network based in France, known for their objective reporting style. They covered the Dorje Shugden issue extensively, surely a reflection of the seriousness of the issue for them to devote so much airtime to it. In their video, France 24 captured on film the discrimination against a Dorje Shugden monk.
VIDEO: Al Jazeera reports on the Dorje Shugden issue
Based in the Middle East, Al Jazeera was formed in response to the heavy influence of Western culture on the media. They are known to cover controversial topics that other news agencies may be reluctant to cover, and provide hard-hitting, objective coverage of current affairs.
Evidence of the Ban
Over the years, my students have collected evidence of the ban against Dorje Shugden. Personally, I find it quite disappointing and sad that they have been able to collect so much evidence because it just goes to show how widespread and pervasive this ban has become. As you can see below, notices banning Dorje Shugden practitioners can be found just about anywhere in the Tibetan settlements. Whether a Dorje Shugden person is trying to access healthcare or enter a restaurant, or try to buy something from a shop, they are banned everywhere and refused service. How is this just ‘advice’ when the repercussions of practising Dorje Shugden are so violent inside the Tibetan communities and settlements?
For more interesting information:
- Reuters publishes my thoughts on Tibetan self-immolation
- Reuters covers international Dorje Shugden conference 2018
- Milestone International Dorje Shugden Conference 2018 | 2018全球雄登代表大会开创历史新篇章 | ས་ཚིགས་འཛམ་གླིང་རྒྱལ་ཡོངས་རྡོ་རྗེ་ཤུགས་ལྡན་ལྷན་ཚོགས ༢༠༡༨།
- Huffington Post: When Machiavelli Dons Tibetan Robes
- Huffington Post: Shugden Acolytes Decry Ostracism Within Buddhist Ranks
- Huffington Post: Three Times as Many Buddhists as Communists in China: Dalai Lama’s Tibet Wish May Require Rapprochement with Former Adversaries
- Dorje Shugden – The Protector of Our Time
- Dorje Shugden: Our Personal Stories
- Dear Dalai Lama, please read this
- Dear Dalai Lama, With Folded Hands
- Why so rude?
- 700 Meet A Buddha (七百人幸睹佛现)
- Great Masters Speak about Tsem Rinpoche
- Dorje Shugden Retreat: A powerful practice to fulfill wishes
- Dorje Shugden People Do Not Go to the Three Lower Realms
- Why Accepting Dorje Shugden Is Good for Tibetan Democracy
- Why can’t the Dalai Lama ‘bind’ Dorje Shugden?
- H.E. Tsem Rinpoche’s first live streaming!
- The Dorje Shugden category on my blog
- Manjushri Nagarakshasa comes to KFR!
- They were not wrong
- Can Tibetan Lamas Make Mistakes?
- My plea to His Holiness the Dalai Lama
- My plea to His Holiness (Tibetan) | ངའི་༧གོང་ས་མཆོག་ལ་སྙན་ཞུ་ཞུ་རྒྱུར།
- The Fourteenth Dalai Lama & Dorje Shugden | ༧གོང་ས་ཆེན་པོ་སྐུ་འཕྲེང་བཅུ་བཞི་པ་མཆོག་དང་རྡོ་རྗེ་ཤུགས་ལྡན། | 十四世达赖尊者与多杰雄登
- The Fifth Dalai Lama & Dorje Shugden | ༧གོང་ས་ལྔ་པ་ཆེན་པོ་དང་རྡོ་རྗེ་ཤུགས་ལྡན། | 第五世达赖尊者与多杰雄登
- Dorje Shugden: My side of the story
- Should there be a separate autonomous Dorje Shugden state? Part 1
- Should there be a separate autonomous Dorje Shugden state? Part 2
- To Sum It Up
- The Buddhist Divide – An Unholy Campaign against Religious Freedom
- Tibetan Leadership’s New Anti-Shugden Video
- Updated: Dorje Shugden Teaching Videos
- The Dalai Lama Speaks Clearly About the Dorje Shugden Ban
- Nechung – The Retiring Devil of Tibet
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
Over the years, self-immolations where the method of protest has been adopted by the Tibetans 152 times yet to abolished. There many ways in which the Tibetan leadership can discourage self-immolations yet nothing much is done . Tsem Rinpoche had spoken out about the self-immolations to prevent more unnecessary deaths and suffering. The pain and desperation of the self-immolator been felt by many so as the Dorje Shugden people who have to go through having suffered and segregated from the Tibetans exiled community due to their Dorje Shugden practice.
Thank you Digital Journal for publishing the statement regarding self for shining a light on the mis-governance.
If the concern is about Tibetan culture preservation, maybe incorporating Tibetan language to their school curriculum is effective for that purpose. Another way is by documenting both the tangible and intangible cultural tradition, building and maintaining libraries about Tibetan literature etc.
👍👍👍
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
While the CTA is glorifying the act of self-immolation, no one has really stepped out and questioned why does the CTA encourage people to kill themselves? Tsem Rinpoche is the first one who shows his concern about this behaviour and gives a very logical explanation of why self-immolation should stop immediately. No one should sacrifice their lives to achieve their goals.
It is very disturbing to see the CTA is praising the self-immolators, they even build monuments for them. And the next thing the CTA does is to take the photos of these 152 victims to tour around the world to earn the sympathy for donations. They are using people’s lives to make money for themselves. If self-immolation is going to work, the Tibet cause would have been a success.
The CTA claims they are Buddhists, but they allow their people to take their own lives and be reborn in the three lower realms? So in reality, the CTA is using the ancient wisdom to make money for themselves! The CTA doesn’t put in the effort to give the right information to its people but instead, they capitalise on their ignorance. Perhaps the CTA does not want Tibet cause to succeed anyway, remaining status quo gives them more comfort and convenience than to have their country back and run it independently.
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
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
“If the Dalai Lama, if His Holiness the Dalai Lama can be harmed by Dorje Shugden, then we might as well not practice Buddhism anymore. If His Holiness the Dalai Lama can have his life shortened by a so-called evil spirit, any evil spirit, then can he be Avalokiteshvara? So on one hand you say, we say, I say, everybody says, he is Avalokiteshvara; on the other hand you’re saying that he can be harmed by an evil spirit… Which one is it? Can he be harmed by an evil spirit or is he Avalokiteshvara? Do you think Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri, Vajrapani, Tara all take refuge in something else to protect themselves from Dorje Shugden? How illogical is that? How illogical of people to say His Holiness the Dalai Lama can be harmed by an evil spirit, any evil spirit or “Dorje Shugden” evil spirit. How is that possible?” – Tsem Tulku Rinpoche
Photo: His Holiness the Dalai Lama, young Tsem Tulku Rinpoche and Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s tutor Kensur Rinpoche Jampa Yeshe
This elderly & innocent monk in India was brutally attacked, find out why. Shocking – https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=163953
DON’T MISS THIS! FANTASTIC NEW GREAT STUFF! High quality videos redressing the misinformation about Dorje Shugden practice and people and the current sad Tibetan situation and why they are losing ground in the world. Powerful and truthful – CLEAR VIDEOS – https://bit.ly/2LJbo35
Listening to the chanting of sacred words, melodies, mantras, sutras and prayers has a very powerful healing effect on our outer and inner environments. It clears the chakras, spiritual toxins, the paths where our ‘chi’ travels within our bodies for health as well as for clearing the mind. It is soothing and relaxing but at the same time invigorates us with positive energy. The sacred sounds invite positive beings to inhabit our environment, expels negative beings and brings the sound of growth to the land, animals, water and plants. Sacred chants bless all living beings on our land as well as inanimate objects. Do download and play while in traffic to relax, when you are about to sleep, during meditation, during stress or just anytime. Great to play for animals and children. Share with friends the blessing of a full Dorje Shugden puja performed at Kechara Forest Retreat by our puja department for the benefit of others. Tsem Rinpoche
Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbzgskLKxT8&t=5821s
Amazing post!!!!!
Dear friends, For months we have been working on this BEAUTIFUL and meaningful mural in Kathmandu, Nepal. Please click here to enjoy the many stunning pictures of this mural: https://bit.ly/2LgOj8J
Tsem Rinpoche
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.
How can a nun curse someone they do not even know and wish the person to die quickly and be born in hell? What kind of nun is this? Shocking! What more she’s cursing a Buddhist teacher and a monk?! Is this the face of Bhutanese Buddhist?
This is so shameful for her as a nun, her teacher, her monastery, her country and her King. A sangha should not behave in such a manner. A Sangha should carry enlightened Buddha’s teachings of compassion and wisdom to benefit all sentient beings.
A Sangha is not supposed to promote hatred and certainly should not be cursing or wishing another person to die. That wish itself is already breaking one of the vows.
A Sangha is one of the 3 Jewels, an object of refuge. They should not behave like an uncivilized person with so much hate. This is how bad the Tibetan Leadership has spread their lies and hate about Dorje Shugden and Shugden Buddhist practitioners.
Its great news that Digital Journal and Reuters for publishing the statement of H.E. Tsem Rinpoche on self-immolations. As to spread awareness of unnecessary lost of lives and discourage self-immolations as a form of protest by some Tibetans. This method of protest has not been successful by looking at those past history. Many of the initial self-immolations were carried out by monks, but there is a growing number of laypeople, including nomads and farmers, have since taken part. Its really sad loosing a life in such a manner. The Chinese government has recently stated that those inciting or abetting self-immolations should be charged with intentional murder . More than hundreds of monks have taken their own lives up yo date and still the international community remains unmoved.. Hopefully H.E Tsem Rinpoche’s plead against Self Immolation which is been heighted in social medias and by this Digital Journal can be read and heard by many across the globe . Self Immolation has to be stop somehow. Every one should be given the rights, freedom to choose and practise any religion they want. The choice is theirs and not the government . May all discrimination, segretation stop and may all live harmonious .
Thank you Rinpoche for speaking up and gave some good advices , understanding to those people , monks and others.
Thanks Pastor Elena Khong Jean Ai, Digital Journal and Reuters .
I thank His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche the 25th for having so much courage and determination to speak up about issues that are harmful and hurtful to many others. One being the Dorje Shudgen issue and the other is the this senseless immolations by Tibetans. If the immolations makes a difference in the Tibetan struggle yes perhaps one can consider doing so, but it has not make one bit of difference to the lives of the Tibetans in Tibet at all. I would also like to add that Tsem Rinpoche, does not need to get his feet into such a potentially charged issue, and like Rinpoche’s previous foray in speaking up about Dorje Shugden, when he highlighted that the immolations should be replaced by other more beneficial forms of actions. As a Buddhist, if one weighs the actions, immolation could potentially benefit the political standing and the Tibetan state, for me something worldly in nature and the effects of that if it benefits is short term and may or may not benefit this life, if one does actions that is in the nature of buddhist and not suicide that potentially has benefits as outlined by Pastor Jean Ai, that benefits for sure this and many other lifetimes and potentially be a spark for someone to achieve enlightenment.
A true democracy allows everyone the freedom to exercise their human rights, including the freedom to practise any religion they want. In democratic countries, the government does not interfere with this right. Neither are democratic governments prejudiced against their citizens’ choice of religious belief. They do not force people to stop their religious practice or pass legislation criminalising people because of their religion.
The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), the Tibetan leadership who are based in Dharamsala are the exception. They are the only so-called ‘democratic’ leadership that puts a stranglehold on its people, persecuting them for their religious beliefs. They deny the rights of Dorje Shugden practitioners for simply practicing their religion as they have done for the past 400 years. Dorje Shugden practitioners are ostracised from their own community, denied medical care, education or even employment in government offices. The CTA definitely does not live up to the right to be called a democratic administration, especially when in it inflicts suppression of people’s freedom and disrespects basic human rights.
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videouploads/comment-1523903366.mp4
Self-immolation is a harmful way to deliver a message. Why would the leadership and His Holiness the Dalai Lama allow such harmful action? It is an irony to see His Holiness keeping silence, for His Holiness is a monk, therefore naturally follows Buddhist practices that is against any action that leads to self-harm (or harming of others). Thankfully, His Eminence the 25th Tsem Rinpoche voices out and educates the people to understand this is not right. I hope the Tibetans would listen to H.E. Tsem Rinpoche and stop harming themselves.
I would like to thank Digital Journal for publishing Tsem Rinpoche’s Advice Against Self Immolation.
Even a third party has realized the importance of human life and published the news and why can’t CTA realize that its people are suffering and to the certain extent some of them choose to self-immolation as a form of protest.
CTA has plenty of ways to create the discrimination on Shugden practitioner, but they have no time to take care of the country affair and the funniest part is they keep denying that there is no ban on Dorje Shugden practice but why both websites DalaiLama.com stated His Holiness Dalai Lama actually emboldens Tibetans to discriminate against and segregate Shugden practitioners. This section is basically the Dalai Lama’s ‘endorsement’ of such behaviour and Tibet.net unanimous resolution dated 17 March 2014 naming Dorje Shugden practitioners as criminals in history (point 3, paragraph 2).
Well, CTA can deny anything but the truth will always be there.
I sincerely hope that, HHDL and CTA allow freedom of religion
Thank you Digital Journal published Tsem Tulku Rinpoche ‘s statement on self-immolation should not be encouraged. Life is precious. As a Buddhist, we are aware how precious human life is ,just like the blind turtle need to touch the ring on the waving ocean. Instead we are sad the the self -immolation action did not attract the international community action, all remain silent. Even heart break is Tibetan leadership even encouraged this action and attack Rinpoche who want to save lives. We really wish that right message can pass down to people and such actions no more happened.
Thank you.
Digital Journal, thank you for publishing Tsem Rinpoche’s re-affirmation of his call to all Tibetans to desist from Self-Immolation as a Form of Protest. As Rinpoche has so clearly and compassionately put it, self-immolation is a violation of a basic tenet of Buddhism – to refrain from Killing.
It is sad that the 152 who have self-immolated(who include monks and nuns), have strayed so far as to forget this basic tenet and committed such a gross act of transgression. It is even sadder that they were not aware that their acts of self-immolation were in vain.The world has not been moved to step forward to help realise their purpose and desire – their free Tibet Cause.However, as Rinpoche also points out, what is most amazing is that the Tibetan Leadership has remained silent over these self-immolations. That they can remain unmoved by their own people taking their own lives for a cause, which they themselves are suppose to have worked on BUT have failed to do so and advance in any way!
Tibetans urgently need to be educated about how wrong it is to take their own lives and for a grossly mistaken hope that self-immolation will advance their dream of an independent and free Tibet.Self-immolations must be stopped! The Tibetan Leadership, whom Tibetans still trust, must not abdicate this responsibilility to tell and advise them that they must STOP!
Just imagine Robert Thurman, the Professor of the Chair of Tsongkhapa at Columbia University , telling Sock Wan to abandon her devotion to her Guru! Just unbelievable that he can make such derogatory remarks and vile aspersions on our most compassionate Guru, Tsem Rinpoche, and Kechara! I wonder when he will realise that he is the deluded one, for only a deluded mind can be so negative! For why else would any thinking person attack another for trying to stop further self-immolations and save lives? I tremble to think that he is using his authority of an academician of a renowned university to spread such gross malevolent unsubstantiated views and lies!
Thank you Reuters and Digital Journal for publishing the statement by HE Tsem Tulku Rinpoche against self immolation , resulting in the loss of 152 lives. It is indeed sad that Buddhists are supposed to refrain from killing are taking their own lives, and then glorified as heroes by putting up monuments. It”s also sad that the CTA is not being active at putting a stop to this or discouraging it, as not only is this act ineffective in achieving their goals, but it is an unnecessary and violent loss of life, only creating more sadness and grief, to family, friends and those watching such an act. Thank you Rinpoche for speaking up about about this, and out of your true compassion and kindness to prevent more unnecessary suffering.
I am however, rather disappointed that Mr. Robert Thurman had used this to attack Rinpoche in a totally uncalled for manner. I am very disappointed because I was lead to believe that as a teacher and practitioner of Lama Tsongkapas teachings, Mr. Thurman should practice what he preaches, otherwise his words will hold no water. Would you trust a person who shares the teachings of Buddhism and yet behaves otherwise?
I pray that self immolations does come to an end and may all the conflicts be resolved peacefully.
Deep appreciation to Digital Journal to publish H.E The 25th Tsem Rinpoche stand on self-immolation. It is saddening to see Tibetan sacrifices their life by setting themselves ablaze to protest, and yet none of Tibetan leadership speaking up and take action to stop this act, instead they focus on other Dorje Shugden ban and magnify on it as if it is serious issue that is destroying Tibetan community and Tibetan Buddhism.
The CTA divert everyone attention to Dorje Shugden ban, and yet they never resolve the issue to self-immolation, is the CTA only care about how put down Dorje Shugden practitioner, and ignoring the humanity of precious life of those self immolator. It is even appaling that the community attacked Tsem Rinpoche for speaking about the truth against the Self- immolation, and why are they not asking and requesting CTA and His Holiness to tell the Tibetan to stop this inhuman act of Self-immolation.
And what Robert Thurman wrote about Tsem Rinpoche just show that he does not practice Buddhism and what he preached. If He is His Holiness Dalai Lama student, why does he contradict the teaching given by Dalai Lama about compassion, kindness and peace? Could you still trust such person who preached Buddhism, and yet doing action contradict to what he wrote. Is it still inspiration to learn the essence of Buddhism from such hypocrite?
Appreciate Digital Journal who is another big media network to write an article about Rinpoche’s comments on self immolation. It is not acceptable that Tibetan Leadership is not taking any action to stop the suffering on their people. 152 cases and still does not dawn on them of their people’s request. Thank you Rinpoche for your work in standing up for the Dorje Shugden practitioners and enduring all the attacks from various sources.
With this article and hopefully many more to come, more people would stand up against self immolation and unfairness imposed by Tibetan Leadership. The government can’t just stay numb but instead quickly engage in peaceful dialog to resolve this matter.
Thank you Digital Journal for publishing Tsem Rinpoche’s advice against self Immolation. It is extremely sad that 152 had taken their own lives to protest their plight in vain. Precious human lives should not be sacrified and is sacrilegiously wrong to commit sucide in protest. By publishing Rinpoche’s advice is to help in bringing benefiical information to the mass to deter future self-immolators. I hope more medias will follow suit.
It is outrageously weird and shocking to see Professor Robert Thurman attacking Rinpoche. Is this his way of representing his alama mater? He ought to be ashamed of himself. Thank Buddha I am not his student fortunately. As usual he often echoes the Dalai Lama in saying there is no ban in Dorje Shugden practice when evidence and reality have proven otherwise.
Thank you Digital Journal for publishing the statements of His Eminence the 25th Tsem Tulku Rinpoche to cease from self-immolation within Tibetan community as a form of protest. 152 of precious human lives were lost in self-immolation are sufficient to prove that self-immolation is not an effective method to influence the Tibetan leadership in improving the way they run and manage their Tibetan in exile community as the split of Gelug community because of the Dorje Shugden conflict and the split of the Karma Kagyu community because of the Karmapa issue are yet to be resolved as of now. No other self-immolation should be continued on within the Tibetan community as the scarification of human life and the injustice regulations set by CTA against the Dorje Shugden practitioners are obviously two different matters.
The poor leadership of CTA and failure to cultivate unity, peace and harmony among all Tibetans has even caused a well-known professor, Robert Thurman to misuse his popularity and status of being close to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama when he had downgraded a caring and kind Lama, His Eminence the 25th Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, for his own personal agenda. A sincere Buddhist and spiritual practitioner will not attack on anyone negatively but practise the Dharma according to Buddha’s teachings 100% without any prejudice, bias, hatred and schism.
May all the conflicts within the Tibetan community will be ended peacefully to restore the unity and harmony for all Tibetans, and the history of Tibetan self-immolation will not be continued but ceased immediately.
Humbly with folded hands,
kin hoe
I am happy to see another media highlighting H.E Tsem Rinpoche’s plead against Self Immolation, as I personally do not believe this is a wise act. I believe that by staying alive and doing something for the cause might result in a greater chance of success then taking one’s own life for the cause.
What took me by surprise in this article is the conversation that Robert Thurman had with Ms Sock Wan. Based on the LAMRIN (Liberation in the Palm of your Hand by H.E Pabongka Rinpoche) refering to page232 – I would regard Robert Thurman as “Bad Company”. As described in the LAMRIN
“”Bad Company”don’t wear coarse sacking, they don’t have horns on their heads; “bad company” means people who make you do something nonvirtuous out of a feigned concern for your welfare, or who prevent you from doing something virtuous. The LAMRIN advised to ignore such people, no matter who they may be. Regard them as terrifying, as if they were mad elephants, tigers or leopards, and avoid them””
Robert Thurman “advised” Ms Sock Wan to give up her Guru ! Robert Thurman asked her Not to listen to her Guru’s teachings !! Robert Thurman called this blog which has 11.7 million views a fake website !! His Twitter conversation with Ms Sock Wan is certainly NOT FAKE !!
I felt really disappointed and sad and also upset to read his comments. I feel worried now for all the students who read his books or attended his classes on Buddhists studies. His words to Ms Sock Wan had no wisdom and compassion – how can he guide any being to Enlightment ??
I say this with no malice and I really hope he will reflect on his wrongdoings and apply all the Buddha’s teachings in his practice to benefit others and not otherwise. With folded hands.
Look at what a controversy can result in ….. people who believed in the controversy (in this case Dorje Shugden and the practice ) they can go all out to judge, harass, defame, discriminate, disparage and also encourage others to follow suit. They are so convinced they are right that they allowed their ego to rule and left no room for wisdom and compassion.
Similarly with the controversy of the Karmapas. Those who fell for the controversy believed they were right and fell into the samsaric trap of fulfilling their self cherishing ego and lead them to have wrong thoughts, wrong speech and wrong actions.
It is so scary because many of these people are labelled as Buddhist scholars, High Lamas and political leaders/heads and revered by many. Alas ! This proves IGNORANCE is truly a deadly poison !!
I have to thank these news platform like Digital Journal and Reuters for publishing the statement of H.E. Tsem Rinpoche on self-immolations. This is for not only helping to spread the message of Rinpoche on self-immolations but they have also helped in saving more lives from engaging in taking their own lives.
No matter what religion you are in, whatever reasons behind it, as mentioned by Rinpoche, self-immolations is an act of self-harm, it hurts not only the person who engages in the act but their family and friends as well. It surely hurts so many who see this act of self harm, but why a learned Tibetan Buddhism academician and Buddhist, Mr Thurman not able to see this act is actually not in line with non-killing percept? Unless Mr. Thurman is commenting with motivation to further the Tibet cause by sacrificing another person’s precious life, as Tibetan leaders are doing where they keep silence about this self harm all the time, after over 150 people have sacrificed themselves; and expecting more to take their own lives.
To attack in such a way on Twitter, Mr Thurman has automatically disqualified himself as a scholar in Tibetan Buddhism who should know better about non-killing percept and all lives are precious, guru devotion, acceptance and compassion.
To my dismay, Buddhism has turned to a war on self-glory (thinking that he knows more) versus humbleness. It’s very sad to see the exchanged msgs between Prof.Robert Thurman and Sock Wan. Robert Thurman even further claimed that Rinpoche’s website is a fake one. Being a writer, a professor and for some one of his calibre, shouldn’t he has known Buddhism better but why turned it into disaster? Shouldn’t he has more tolerance towards others and to be honest, it’s a serious matter to even claimed that H.E. the 25th Tsem Rinpoche’s website is a fake one! His Emininece has taught many many many teachings other than Dorje Shugden practice. Rinpoche has repeatedly emphasised the importance of understanding Dharma correctly, on how and what to practice and Rinpoche even goes beyond the norm to by training those fortunate and close students directly so that they can be the better version of them. I am one of His Eminence online fans and I follow H.E. ‘s blog or teachings through social media like FB, Twitter closely and I found no faults of His teachings. I might not be the best example but at least I am being honest that I have benefitted from His teachings somehow.
Defending one’s believes is admirable but is self-immolation the solution? I don’t think so. There have been more than 150 self-immolations and the Tibetan government-in-exile (CTA) is still nowhere close to its goals. How many more lives need to be lost to this cause before CTA does something?
I am really shocked to see someone of Robert Thurman’s standing sending such hateful tweets inciting students to go against their own teacher and defaming a Buddhist monk. As someone who is the expert in Tibetan Buddhism, he would know the importance of relying on a teacher and the consequences of breaking one’s Samaya with his/her teacher.
I find it really strange that someone as highly educated like Prof Thurman would make false statements about Kechara and Rinpoche as he has not even taken the time to visit and objectively research to see what we are all about. We study the Lamrim, 50 Stanzas of Guru Devotion and more here. These are Buddhist texts and am not sure where he got his info from about us only studying Rinpoche’s online posts.
It’s ironic to see how Tibetan leadership can keep silent toward their own people sacrificing their lives. Their silent is directly showing their encouragement on such action which it doesn’t make sense as the leader for their people.
Looking at how Prof Robert Thurman attacking Tsem Rinpoche for promoting to stop self-immolation is another weird scenario/situation. What is so wrong for a human to ask another human not to hurt themselves? Why is Prof Robert Thurman being so rude and defensive which by right he should also encourage the Tibetan to stop hurting themselves if he’s really truly compassionate towards Tibetan people. If he’s a real supporter’s of His Holiness the Dalai Lama isn’t that he should up hold His Holiness teaching and preaching which is encouraging for peace and non-violence. But his action is totally opposite.
Whether you are spiritual, for humanity sake we should not encourage anyone to hurt themselves especially in this situation everyone should voice up to stop self-immolation and find a non-violent way to fight for your rights.
Truly grateful for Digital Journal for publishing this article to support non-violent towards oneself and may more people around the world able to read this and together we voice up for the stop of self-immolation.
It is good news that H.E. Tsem Rinpoche‘s message gets distributed more and more. I believe that many people feel bad about the Tibetans self-immolating but nobody is stopping them. Now everyone can read from Rinpoche that it is even against Buddhist vows and therefore absolutely not accepted by Buddhism. This shows even clearer that the CTA, the Central Tibetan Administration must do something to stop their people from killing themselves.
Yet, we read so much about scandals and trips around the world from the CTA but nothing is done to prevent the Tibetans to stop them hurting themselves. This is very wrong and is not what the Tibetans deserve from their government. The CTA should stand up for the Tibetans and protect them. This is their first priority! I hope that they will do their best to stop the self-immolations and provide the Tibetans with better opportunities and a better life.
It is tremendously sad that people criticize H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche for speaking up. Instead of following Buddhist rules, people such as Bob Thurman openly critizise and put down Rinpoche because of his Dorje Shugden practice. This speaks volumes about what is going on in the Tibetan society and Tibetan Buddhism. So many insults and lies against H.E. Tsem Rinpoche and Kechara, only because we practice the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden. This is a shame for everyone who calls himself a Buddhist, let alone Prof. Bob Thurman. It is time for everyone to practice Dharma.
Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor Khong Jean Ai for sharing this on self-immolation.
Special thanks to Digital Journal and Reuter for publishing article to create more awareness so that more people will look into stopping the unnecessary sacrificing of self-immolation that has caused so many people losing their lives!
Buddhism is about compassion and wisdom. It is sad to see that Tibetan leadership who is supposed to follow Buddhism are not stopping their people for killing their own selves. They are using their people for the sake of their political gain. There are more peaceful way to get to their political goals rather than “encouraging” their own people to taking their own lives.
I agreed with Carmen that H.E. Tsem Rinpoche is very brave to speak up on self-immolation even though Rinpoche may get “attack” verbally or physically from having different opinions from the Tibetan leadership ie CTA just like the tweets from well-known Buddhism scholar/writer Robert Thurman. I am very disappointed to see how he has tweeted to my friends and calling my Guru & my friend cult. Buddhism is to walk the path and practice. Not just talk nicely with all the Buddhist jargons or show to how nice when one is in front of public while on the other hand is not following the Buddhist way and harming others. When the time comes, the true nature / behaviour will surface to show if one really practice Buddhism or just a Buddhist by name.
Tsem Rinpoche has been getting a lot of attention from overseas media such as Huffington Post, Reuters and now, Digital Journal, for his stance on religious freedom and recently, his appeal for Tibetans to NOT self-immolate as a form of protest. There are always peaceful and non-violent methods that are more effective.
Uma Thurman’s father, Prof Robert Thurman of Columbia University has been attacking Tsem Rinpoche for promoting religious freedom and the end of religious apartheid in the Tibetan Buddhism. It’s unbelievable that a professor from such a prestigious institution can harrass a monk online and continue to be righteous about it. I’m even more surprised that Columbia University even allows one of their faculty members to continue promoting such hatred and negativity.
As women in the US are standing up against harrassment of all sorts in the #timesup and #metoo campaign, it’s about time that people wake up to stop supporting the discrimination of any religion and become mindless pawns of a corrupt group of politicians who paint themselves as victims and ambassadors of peace. In this case, I’m highlighting the Tibetan leadership and their supporters.
Thank you for this, and thank you to Digital Journal for a press release that voices for a call to action that is urgent because it has involved many lives, and will continue to involve more lives if nothing is done.
Tsem Rinpoche is extremely brave, for logically speaking up on subjects that many avoid, or have been silenced to. His plight for Dorje Shugden practitioners to gain religious equality has been a source of strength to the many who have been shunned and silenced, and now his words on self-immolation is sending waves of support and encouragement to those who have been affected by this.
My question to the Central Tibetan Administration is that if their believe and conviction to “Free Tibet” was of such significance and importance to them, how come they’re not the ones wanting to/proposing to self-immolate (note: not that I am for self-immolation and the act, its just a question for their consideration), and yet can stand on the sideline to watch their own brothers and sisters do so and do nothing about that? And If knowing that self-immolating does not bring any significant result, as it has not with the tragic loss of 152 lives, then why encourage this act? Why not come up with another solution or proposal that does not involve sacrificing precious human lives, for the sake of their people? Out of compassion and love for their people, they should better themselves to do more. They are Buddhists too, and knowing that there is huge negative karma in committing suicide, why do nothing to stop it, and watch it happen?
Robert Thurman – many people respect you, but your tweets does not reflect your stature as a Professor. You clearly know that the 50 stanzas of Guru Devotion is a root practice in Vajrayana Buddhism, and you are doing the exact opposite, separating student and teacher. I am surprised at this! Will the Dalai Lama Agree with this? https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/dorje-shugden/will-the-dalai-lama-agree-with-this.html
I have heard of Robert Thurman and read of his closeness to the 14th Dalai Lama and supposed to be a learned person of the Buddhist Dharma in particular Tibetan Buddhism.
Robert Thurman’s comments on H.E. the 25th Tsem Rinpoche is testament to his lack of ability NOT to criticise for the purpose of his being disagreeable to being compassionate in Rinpoche’s statement to stop self immolation.
If Robert Thurman is as Buddhist as he seem to be portrayed then he should not be attacking Rinpoche personally but rather be complimentary to Rinpoche’s appeal to stop self immolation. An appeal out of compassion.
I regret to have to say this, but Thurman’s tweets about Rinpoche is uncalled for and without basis.
Thank you Rinpoche for pointing out on how self-immolation can be resolved. Good job to Digital Journal for publishing Rinpoche’s thoughts and letting the public know there is hope in stopping self-immolation.? I sincerely pray that Tibetans will stop self immolation, and the Tibetan leadership in exile to issue statements to discourage self immolation. What Robert Thurman has tweeted about Tsem Rinpoche is really very annoying. What a nasty, mean and obnoxious old man this Thurman is. He should shut up. ??. Thank youPastor Jean Ai and blog team for this write up!?
I am sorry to say this, but I am very disgusted what Robert Thurman has tweeted about Tsem Rinpoche. Who is Robert Thurman to say others as fake? Just because Robert is close to HH Dalai Lama, he is now an authority or something? After writing so many books, and being so close to HH Dalai Lama, he choose to discriminate and spread hatred instead of practicing kindness and acceptance? Is that the kind of Buddhism he received from HH Dalai Lama?
How can Tibetan leadership be so selfish to want of their people to self immolate for their personal gain? I sincerely pray that Tibetans will stop self immolation, and the Tibetan leadership in exile to issue statements to discourage self immolation.
This is my first time to this blog. After Thurman tweeted about Tsem Rinpoche, it got me curious to google and landed me here. After checking out the very unpleasant tweets from Bob Thurman, I will not read or purchase any more of his books. All that love, compassion and tolerance he preaches in his books is just for business and he does not practice himself. How can he tweet such ugly messages to people. He has no right to tell anyone what their practice is. People want to pray to Buddha, demon, god, hell or whatever is NONE OF THURMAN’S BUSINESS!
He is suppose to be close to the Dalai Lama. He teaches/lectures in Buddhism and yet he is rude, nasty, extremely childish and obnoxious. After decades of practicing Buddhism and he behaves like this. If we didn’t know Buddhism better we would lose faith in Buddhism seeing it gives no results. He being close to the Dalai Lama and he behaves like this? Makes me lose trust in Dalai Lama although I know it’s not Dalai Lama’s fault.
What a nasty, mean and obnoxious old man this Thurman is. He should shut up.
I hope that more publicity would be made by other media on this matter, “Self Immolation”, now that Reuters and Digital Journal have published it.
I maintain what I commented below:
“What good would that be, and what could be done, when that person who believed in their cause and who had so much faith for what they wanted to achieve when they are dead?”
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/current-affairs/reuters-publishes-my-thoughts-on-tibetan-self-immolation.html
Pastor Henry Ooi on Mar 9, 2018 at 11:10 pm
I absolutely agree with Rinpoche that no matter what the reasons are, no one should give up their life for whatever cause they believe in and are fighting for. What good would there be, and what could be done, when that person who believed in their cause and who had so much faith for what they wanted to achieve when they are dead? If every fighter had to sacrifice their precious life then who is left to champion the cause they believed in?
I don’t see our hear any of the CTA people self immolating since they are the leaders of the Tibetans in exile, and they believe and want so much for a Free Tibet. I’m not insinuating that the CTA or anyone should but I’m just saying out loud.