The Dalai Lama Speaks Clearly About the Dorje Shugden Ban

Dec 26, 2022 | Views: 25,308

Since 1996, Dorje Shugden practitioners have been suppressed, marginalised and ostracised as a result of their faith, practice and refusal to give up Dorje Shugden as their Dharma Protector. The ban was formalised and made official with the passing of three resolutions in the Tibetan Parliament which stated clearly the Tibetan leadership’s reasons for discouraging and banning the practice.

As a result, over the last 19 years, thousands of signs, memos and notifications have been disseminated throughout the Tibetan settlements banning Dorje Shugden practitioners. Some of these memos and signs even go so far as to identify Shugden practitioners so that violence may be directed against them.

Despite such overwhelming evidence that there is a ban on Dorje Shugden practice, many supporters of the Tibetan leadership continue to insist that there is no ban. Their insistence contradicts videos like this where His Holiness the Dalai Lama declares that monks who refuse to give up their practice of Dorje Shugden should be expelled from their monasteries.

Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/HHDLBansDorjeShugden.mp4

At the time this video above was filmed in Drepung Monastery in 2008, His Holiness the Dalai Lama was still the spiritual and secular leader of Tibet. Speaking in such a capacity, he was directing the monasteries to expel and make homeless hundreds of monks who continued to rely on Dorje Shugden. His Holiness is very clear in this video; if people do not give up the practice, by the order of the Dalai Lama, they should be expelled from their monasteries.

The video also shows that throughout the years, His Holiness has been inconsistent in his speeches about how to treat Dorje Shugden practitioners. In some speeches, His Holiness calls for an outright expulsion of monks from the monastery because there is a ban on the practice. In other speeches, His Holiness says it is just encouragement to give up the practice.

If it’s just advice and encouragement, then it implies there is choice whether people want to keep the practice or not. Since there is a choice, there is no need for His Holiness to keep advising against Dorje Shugden again and again; after expressing his advice, His Holiness should leave the choice up to everyone.

And if it’s just advice, and there is no ban on Dorje Shugden, why do the monks need to be expelled from the monasteries? Why are they not allowed to stay with their teachers and friends whom they have lived and practised with for hundreds of years, without any problem?

If there is no ban on Dorje Shugden, and it is just encouragement, does this mean that the monasteries are free to invite the expelled monks back into the fold since they (the monastic administration) are therefore not necessarily bound by the Tibetan leadership’s advice?

Despite the inconsistencies in His Holiness’ speeches, the overall theme is clear – give up Dorje Shugden’s practice. This is not the first time that His Holiness has made clear his feelings regarding Dorje Shugden and the practice. In another video filmed for Swiss TV, His Holiness the Dalai Lama says that his teachers were wrong for practising and propagating the practice of Dorje Shugden.

Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/HHDLGurusWrong.mp4

Dorje Shugden has been a Dharma Protector for 400 years, relied upon by countless attained masters, for example His Holiness Trijang Rinpoche and His Holiness Ling Rinpoche, both of whom were the Dalai Lama’s tutors.

Although hundreds, if not thousands, of attained lamas have taught about Dorje Shugden’s enlightened nature, His Holiness the Dalai Lama in this video is saying that all of these great masters are wrong in their knowledge, and only the Dalai Lama is correct in the matter.

Is it possible that 400 years’ worth of attained beings could be wrong on this matter but faultless in all other ways? How can erudite scholars and eminent teachers who are qualified to lead people to Buddhahood, be correct on everything else and be wrong about Dorje Shugden? Is His Holiness really saying that 400 years of Buddhist masters were engaged in and propagating spirit worship? That his own teachers were involved in spirit worship and even he himself, the Dalai Lama, was engaged in spirit worship for over 30 years?

How can such masters who are regarded as Buddhas with full clairvoyance be correct on everything else, and be wrong about Dorje Shugden? And how can ONLY His Holiness the Dalai Lama be correct about Dorje Shugden, and all of these other masters are wrong? Surely if they could be wrong in this, then His Holiness too could also manifest mistakes in some things, for example the ban on Dorje Shugden.

We should examine His Holiness’ declaration that his gurus are wrong according to the 50 Stanzas of Guru Devotion, the seminal text on guru devotion composed by the great Indian pandit Ashvagosha:

24. (A disciple) having great sense should obey the words of his Guru joyfully and with enthusiasm. If you lack the knowledge or ability (to do what he says), explain in (polite) words why you cannot (comply).

Just because His Holiness the Dalai Lama disagrees with the practice of Dorje Shugden and does not wish to continue with the practice himself, other people should not be obliged or required to comply with his decision.

For thousands of people His Holiness advises to give up the practice of Dorje Shugden, these people have received direct instructions from their own teachers to rely on Dorje Shugden. It is not right or ethical for any teacher to override the instructions of another teacher; it is not right or ethical for His Holiness to override the instructions other people have received from their teachers.

16. (If from a lack of awareness you have shown disrespect) to your Guru, reverently present an offering to him and seek his forgiveness. Then in the future such harms and plagues will not befall you.

In saying that his teachers are wrong, His Holiness the Dalai Lama opens the possibility that other teachings that his tutors Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche and Kyabje Ling Rinpoche gave to him are also incorrect. In that case, what is right and what is wrong that His Holiness the Dalai Lama is teaching everyone today? Perhaps some of the other teachings that His Holiness the Dalai Lama transmits to his students today, which he received from Trijang Rinpoche and Ling Rinpoche, are also mistaken.

His Holiness Ling Rinpoche (left throne) and His Holiness Trijang Rinpoche (right throne) were the two tutors of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

If we create the view that our teacher is wrong, then we also open up the doors for our gurus to be wrong in many other things. If that is the case, the whole basis for guru devotion is gone because what other things can our teachers also be wrong in?

Guru devotion and never disparaging our teachers is not a fanatical or archaic practice that should be done away with. As you study Buddhism further, there are deeper reasons for this and it is very important to practise this especially within the tantric practices which is the highest vehicle to Buddhahood. We should not be selective and choose based on our personal convenience what the ancient masters have written clearly that we should and should not do.

According to the guidelines composed by the Indian pandit Ashvagosha for sutric and tantric practitioners, we should never disparage, criticise or say our guru is wrong. By His Holiness the Dalai Lama clearly saying that all previous gurus are wrong and he is correct, the Dalai Lama is breaking an ancient, yet still relevant, Buddhist tantric code of never showing disrespect to our gurus. This code includes never saying our guru is wrong. When we say our guru is wrong as His Holiness the Dalai Lama here says about Trijang Rinpoche, then he decreases everyone’s faith in Trijang Rinpoche.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama also makes everyone decrease their faith in him. It makes people wonder, if other teachers can be wrong, then His Holiness the Dalai Lama can also manifest being wrong too. And if His Holiness the Dalai Lama can also manifest being wrong too then due to this manifestation, we can say that his view of Dorje Shugden’s practice is also wrong.

15. Therefore, exert yourself wholeheartedly never to belittle your Tantric Master who makes no display of his great wisdom and virtues.

The pandit and erudite master Ashvagosha here says we should never belittle our Tantric Master. His Holiness Trijang Rinpoche, one of the Dalai Lama’s tutors, has conferred countless initiations of the four classes of tantra to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. It is therefore without a doubt that His Holiness Trijang Rinpoche is His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s Tantric Master.

Here, His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche (left), one of the tutors of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, confers one of countless tantric initiations on the Dalai Lama (right). Trijang Rinpoche is therefore undoubtedly the Dalai Lama’s tantric master.

Dorje Shugden was the heart Protector of His Holiness Trijang Rinpoche throughout his life, and Trijang Rinpoche diligently practised and relied upon Dorje Shugden. Trijang Rinpoche composed an extremely comprehensive volume about Dorje Shugden, covering everything about Dorje Shugden, his background, nature and practice. And Trijang Rinpoche, the teacher of teachers, also advised and instructed his thousands of disciples (inclusive of erudite masters, tulkus, geshes and students) to practise Dorje Shugden.

So if His Holiness the Dalai Lama is saying his gurus are wrong, as can clearly be seen in the video above, would that not constitute belittling his Tantric Master, which His Holiness the Dalai Lama is manifesting? How then can His Holiness the Dalai Lama say something like this about his teacher, yet still expect us to respect his decisions regarding Dorje Shugden?

To this day, Dorje Shugden practitioners continue to be abused, belittled, ostracised and violently discriminated against. They are denied the treatment at clinics and hospitals in the Tibetan settlements, barred from shops and restaurants, and forbidden from holding any position in the Tibetan civil service. Their children are blacklisted and bullied at school. Shugden practitioners are shunned by their family and relatives; in the community, they are treated as pariahs.

Contrast this to, for example, an immigrant in the United States or United Kingdom. Once naturalised as a citizen, they are treated exactly the same as people born in the USA or UK. They are afforded the same rights and viewed as American or British; they are not viewed nor treated as immigrants. Their children are not viewed as immigrants or outsiders, and can ascend to the highest offices of the land, even becoming President of the United States or Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

The volume of text composed by His Holiness Trijang Rinpoche, titled “Music Delighting the Ocean of Protectors”. It is an extremely comprehensive text on Dorje Shugden’s nature, history, background and rituals, and contains everything you need to know about Dorje Shugden practice from A to Z.

The Tibetan leadership wants Dorje Shugden practitioners to respect the Dalai Lama. They want Tibetan society to be united, and for Dorje Shugden practitioners to join in protests, events and activities in support of the Tibetan cause. But the same leadership that expects Dorje Shugden practitioners to be loyal to the Dalai Lama and Tibet, are the same leadership who actively discriminate against Shugden practitioners. They institutionalise the discrimination and abuse of Dorje Shugden practitioners by enshrining it within their own Tibetan constitution.

And when Dorje Shugden practitioners supposedly receive support from China, the Tibetan community complain and accuse them of being traitors. But it was their ostracisation and marginalisation that drove Shugden practitioners in that direction to begin with! It was the Tibetan leadership’s discrimination that isolated Dorje Shugden worshipers, and prevented them from assimilating with Tibetan society, and supposedly pushed Dorje Shugden practitioners in the direction of alleged Chinese support! Ironically, China being an atheist government fully gives religious freedom and supports the practice of Dorje Shugden, saying it is a private affair.

Considering all of this, Shugden practitioners have very little incentive to give up their Dharma Protector practice. If the Tibetan leadership want Shugden practitioners to fully assimilate into Tibetan society, and to comply with everything the Tibetan leadership expects of the Tibetans, then the leadership must view Dorje Shugden practitioners as Tibetans with full-fledged rights, regardless of their faith or beliefs. They must grant the same rights and privileges to Shugden practitioners that all other Tibetans receive, whether they are Tibetan Buddhist, Bön practitioners, Jonangpas or Tibetan Muslims.

Despite videos like these where His Holiness is insistent that there is a ban on Dorje Shugden, there are people who continue to insist there is no ban. For something as significant as a ban on religious practice that removes people’s freedoms, everyone should be clear on it. The mixed reaction towards the ban on Dorje Shugden reflects the Tibetan leadership’s intent to confuse their people and to send out inconsistent messages. These messages are inconsistent because the ban is illogical and as the reasons given for the ban are broken down, then the advice and reasons to give up the practice of course have to change from time to time.

The issue is not whether there is a ban or not. The real issue is whether people have the religious freedom to select whatever faith they wish. People’s faiths should be a personal matter and choice, and not one that is selected, dictated or governed by the state. From these videos, it is very clear to see that there is a ban on the practice of Dorje Shugden started by the Tibetan leadership, and it is not something that has been dreamt up and made up by the four million practitioners all over the world.

So in Tibetan society, the expectation for you to respect the leadership and the Dalai Lama is the same regardless of whether you are a Shugden practitioner or not. But there are different rules of law and treatment depending on your faith and religion – if you do not practise Shugden, you are accepted and receive all the “benefits” of being an accepted member of Tibetan society. I am not saying I do not like the Dalai Lama, which I do, but democratically-speaking, the citizens of the country are allowed to have opinions about their leaders. Democratically, they may or may not like their leaders, and they have every right to express their opinions. However, the leaders of every country must still respect their citizens equally and remain impartial. So a person may not like the Dalai Lama, a person may not agree with him, but His Holiness the Dalai Lama still has to like them. He still has to respect them because he is a leader and as a leader, he cannot be biased. In every democratic country, you can see millions of citizens who criticise their leaders or are not in agreement with their policies, but the leaders must still be impartial and must still treat those citizens equally with the citizens who do agree with their policies.

But this is not the case in Tibetan society. In Tibetan society, if you practise Dorje Shugden, you are not treated equally. If you practise Dorje Shugden, you must still support the Tibetan cause. You must still respect the leadership even though the leadership are the ones isolating you because of your choice of faith. So where is the incentive for Dorje Shugden practitioners to assimilate into Tibetan society? How do we assimilate when the Tibetan leadership does not allow it due to our religious choice of practising Dorje Shugden? I would like to again reiterate, leaders must care about and treat all of their citizens equally regardless of race, gender and religion but all citizens do not necessarily have to agree with everything their leaders say. That treatment of a leader to its citizens equally without having the citizens necessarily agreeing with the leadership is a mark of democracy, human rights and fair leadership. In other words in any democratic nation, the leaders must respect and treat all citizens equally regardless if the citizens agree with all policies and beliefs of the leadership. Should this not apply to Tibetan society also?

I am sorry if my words towards His Holiness the Dalai Lama is strong and seems disrespectful as I do not mean it to be. Please remember we have suffered the Dorje Shugden ban and segregation nearly for two decades now. We really would like the peaceful resolution to the ban against Dorje Shugden practitioners to manifest very soon.

Humbly and apologetically,

Tsem Rinpoche
Together with Pastor Khong Jean Ai

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72 Responses to The Dalai Lama Speaks Clearly About the Dorje Shugden Ban

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Samfoonheei on Apr 15, 2020 at 2:45 pm

Living in multi-country like Malaysia, we are fortunate where we have religious freedom. We pray to what we want, there is no discrimination among citizen. But not in the case, living in India or Tibetan where religious freedom is restricted. Because of the Dorje Shugden ban , many practitioners and non-practitioners throughout in India or else where around the world had suffered in the hand of the Tibetan leadership. There is enough evidence showing that there is a ban on Dorje Shugden practice where Tibetans were treated badly, insulted, discriminated, denied services to hospitals, schools and so forth. Yet the Tibetan leadership insisted there is no ban. Its heart breaking to read or hear about the sufferings ,they have suffered for too many years. Spreading lies and hatred about Dorje Shugden has indeed cause misunderstandings among the so called practitioners at that time.
Its time for H H Dalai Lama to lift the ban for the sake of a better harmonious world. May Dalai Lama able to negotiate with the Chinese authority regarding the Dorje Shugden controversy and for his safe return to Tibet one day.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.

- Ali on Jan 5, 2023 at 2:45 pm
  
  The NKT in Europe have created much of this problem. Failure in this blog to address this shows a lack of comprehension regarding the abuse festering in that community. Sectarian, divisive and distinctly cultic. Address the NKT. I have had extensive experience within the NKT. It is not good. Dorjee Shugden practice is used as a tool to create fear and then indoctrination against HHDL. This is the problem.
  
Yee Yin on Mar 23, 2019 at 7:55 pm

Before learning about Tibetan Buddhism, I am not aware of Dorje Shugden and the Dorje Shugden ban. When I started my learning, I have people coming to me to tell me about how bad Dorje Shugden practice is because the Dalai Lama said so. I was curious and found a lot of information about Dorje Shugden on Tsem Rinpoche’s website. I must say I am so glad so much information is available for us to look at this controversy with a logical mind.

Many people suffer from the ban, Dorje Shugden followers regardless if they are Tibetans or not, they are discriminated against. They are segregated from the so-called ‘mainstream’, the Dalai Lama group. For me, I actually gain a lot from the ban. I don’t mean to say the ban is very beneficial or it is good, but there are lessons I have learnt from the ban.

If there was no ban, I would never be able to really learn about what Guru Devotion is why is it so important. It also made me realise things are not always easy, it teaches us to value what we have and not to give up no matter how hard or difficult the situation might be. Our Guru’s promise to us is enlightenment, it is priceless and extremely precious. Hence, we should never abandon our teacher or give up the practice he gives us. I hope the ban can be lifted very soon so everyone can focus on Dharma practice and not the politics surrounding Dorje Shugden controversy.

Pastor Shin Tan on Dec 10, 2018 at 12:49 pm

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

Tsem Rinpoche on Nov 26, 2018 at 12:51 pm

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

Tsem Rinpoche on Nov 23, 2018 at 8:44 am

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

Pastor Adeline Woon on Sep 20, 2018 at 3:27 am

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

Beatrix Ooi on Aug 10, 2018 at 6:13 am

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

Pastor Adeline Woon on Aug 5, 2018 at 2:23 am

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

Pastor Shin Tan on Aug 1, 2018 at 12:29 am

This elderly & innocent monk in India was brutally attacked, find out why. Shocking – https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=163953

Made in Japan on Jul 31, 2018 at 4:40 am

“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

Pastor Adeline Woon on Jul 29, 2018 at 5:47 pm

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

Pastor Adeline Woon on Jul 25, 2018 at 7:24 am

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

Pastor Adeline Woon on Jul 25, 2018 at 5:34 am

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

Joy Kam on Jul 21, 2018 at 2:17 pm

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.

Joy Kam on Jun 28, 2018 at 3:37 am

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.

Samfoonheei on May 22, 2018 at 6:49 pm

Is very heart breaking to read about the way the practitioners been treated and sufferings felt by the Tibetan people who lack religious freedom to practise how and what they want. The unfairness, discrimination and so forth since the ban on Dorje Shugden instituted by the Tibetan Leadership (CTA). Despite there is enough evidence showing that there is a ban on Dorje Shugden practice yet many supporters of the Tibetan leadership continue to insist that there is no ban. If there is no ban, why is H.H Dalai Lama imposing rules on Dorje Shugden’s practitioners. Dorje Shugden practitioners are denied medical care, education, services, employment and so forth. Its really sad, they have suffered for too many years, the ban should end for the better furture.
May H.H. the Dalai Lama please lift the ban on Dorje Shugden.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.

Pastor Adeline Woon on Apr 17, 2018 at 3:32 am

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-1523906946.mp4

wan wai meng on Mar 10, 2018 at 12:10 am

The Dorje Shugden ban has caused so much upheaval amongst Tibetan community and the spiritual community at large. So much so it reeks of the McCarthy communist witch hunts, in the US. Buddhist do not need to be police for the dharma, karma is already watching us closely.

Pastor Han Nee on Mar 4, 2018 at 11:44 am

There is clear evidence re the ban on Dorje Shugden practice, such as the video here, where the Dalai Lama speaks clearly on the expulsion of monks from the monasteries if they do not give up the practice by His Order. Despite his inconsistency over this, saying at other times, there is no violence, the fact is he has spoken clearly about his stance in this video. Recently he said again that we can practice Dorje Shugden, but did not maintain this statement afterwards.

Furthermore in another video, we see him saying that his Gurus are wrong , implying that he is the only one that is right re Shugden.His being right is understandable if he always consistently maintains what he says.By speaking against his revered teachers,isn’t he contravening what has been set out so clearly in “The 50 Stanzas on Guru Devotion by Ashvagosha”?

If his teachers are wrong, then whatever he teaches that comes from his teachers, like Kyabje Ling Rinpoche and Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, are invalid . Yet he continues to spread and propagate those teachings, and they are powerful teachings as they come from powerful authentic sources!

May both sides sit down soon and peacefully and quickly negotiate a harmonious solution to end this needless conflict and unnecessary suffering. Without this, it is difficult to see how the conflict can end , and conducive conditions arise thereon for the Dalai Lama to be able to negotiate with the Chinese government for his visit to China and return to his homeland of Tibet, thus fulfilling his dream.

Pastor Adeline Woon on Mar 2, 2018 at 7:15 am

Isn’t this just lovely?! Look at these cute Tibetan kids singing praises to Dorje Shugden during Losar celebration in Tibet! Great blessings to all – Click to watch! ???

https://video.tsemtulku.com/chat-videos/chat-1519938132.mp4

Pastor Shin Tan on Mar 2, 2018 at 5:09 am

https://video.tsemtulku.com/videouploads/comment-1519934791.mp4

Will the CTA (Tibetan govt in exile) and their supporters in East and West say voodoo is evil and cannot be practiced too? Will they advise against Voodoo and say its a demon’s practice and people who practice are bad too? Truth be told, no one has the right to say anything about anyone’s religion. Listen to what this man says in the short snagged clip because he speaks well and with the truth.

- Pastor Shin Tan on Mar 2, 2018 at 5:10 am
  
  Watch the rest of the video on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0_syJQBteA
  
Anne Ong on Feb 21, 2018 at 9:56 pm

The evident of the ban from HH the 14th Dalai Lama is in the video and there is no longer the question of whether there is a ban. With all the respect, I think that His Holiness should respect our religious freedom and rights and eliminate the ban on Dorje Shugden practise.
I sincerely wish from the bottom of my heart that this ban stops as soon as possible and no further harm is done. May H.H. the Dalai Lama give us religious freedom and free the Dorje Shugden practitioners all over the world.?

Valentina Suhendra on Oct 23, 2017 at 1:04 am

Great message every Tibetan especially must read!

MartinC on Feb 9, 2017 at 8:20 am

The Tibetan leadership’s smear campaign against Dorje Shugden has been going on for 20years now but instead of succeeding, there are signs that the public have seen through the Tibetan leadership’s ploy to wipe out the practice and are not beginning to embrace the Protector practice instead. One example is this very good comment left by Suzy on Tsem Rinpoche’s YouTube channel-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl-4lIwxph4&t=11s

Tsem Rinpoche on Sep 15, 2016 at 1:25 am

Trode Khangsar Chapel in Lhasa, Tibet

Over 400 years ago a great and learned lama Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was famed in Mongolia, Tibet, Nepal and China for being very saintly and compassionate. He resided in his residence (Zimkhang Gongma Ladrang) in Drepung Monastery. His root guru was H.H. the Omniscient 4th Panchen Lama and his close dharma brother was the 5th Dalai Lama.

The 5th Dalai Lama and Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen had a very close and dharmic relationship and often went to receive teachings together from the 4th Panchen Lama. They were close in age. They both became very learned and well known. During this time, the Dalai Lama was enthroned as a Dharma King of Tibet. But more people went to see Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen for teachings, initiations and divinations. This made the attendants of the 5th Dalai Lama feel threatened that Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s fame might usurp the power of the 5th Dalai Lama. So they had a khata forced down his throat. At that moment, Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen dissolved his psychic winds and generated the wish to be a great guardian of Buddha and Tsongkapa’s teachings. As his consciousness dissolved, he entered ‘bardo’ as a dharma protector of the highest order (jikten depey sungma). Many signs were seen throughout Lhasa at this time and the earth was said to have shaken in Lhasa. This event was already predicted to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s previous incarnation when he was one of the 8 main disciples of Lord Tsongkapa the Supreme Master and he served Tsongkapa directly by building Gaden Monastery.

When the 5th Dalai Lama heard what his scheming and power-hungry attendants had done, he was very distressed. He was very sorry Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was murdered and dishonored as he was a great dharma master. The 5th Dalai Lama composed an apology to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen. In Lhasa, tens of thousands gathered for the cremation of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s holy body. During the cremation, the 5th Dalai Lama’s apology was read out at which flames spontaneously arose from the body of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen commencing the cremation. From the body, during cremation, a powerful whirlwind of smoke tunneled into the sky for all to see as this was an indication Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s consciousness has arisen as the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden. The Dharma Protector Setrap immediately recognized this new protector Dorje Shugden and ‘enthroned’ him as a powerful Dharma Protector in the realm of the Buddhas. From this, Setrap and Dorje Shugden are closely connected and very close working hand in hand always. After the cremation, the great 5th Dalai Lama built a Dorje Shugden chapel on the spot the cremation took place and named it Trode Khangsar. The 5th Dalai Lama commissioned the statue of Dorje Shugden in this chapel and had monks installed in the chapel to do continuous propitiations to Dorje Shugden. Trode Khangsar Chapel was a commemoration to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen who was wronged and also a celebration of his consciousness arising as the World Peace Peace Protector Dorje Shugden.

This Trode Khangsar Chapel still exists now in Lhasa where many make pilgrimages there. It is in good condition and was recently renovated. It is over 400 years old and a testimony to the respect the Great 5th Dalai Lama had to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen who arose as Dorje Shugden.

I have visited this holy chapel in Lhasa years back. I’ve never heard of it till I was in Lhasa and by chance, I was told about it which I was happy to visit. I could not find the place but strangely a bunch of pilgrims from Amdo told me they would show me how to get there in Lhasa.

This short video is a short clip of this holy Trode Khangsar Chapel in Lhasa today commemorating Dorje Shugden, built by the great 5th Dalai Lama. The great 5th Dalai Lama even composed a prayer to Dorje Shugden which is still available today and we can recite to invoke the blessings, protection, and assistance of World Peace Protector Dorje Shugden.

Tsem Rinpoche

Read more: Trode Khangsar – A 400-year-old Dorje Shugden Chapel in Lhasa
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/dorje-shugden/trode-khangsar-%E2%80%93-a-400-year-old-dorje-shugden-chapel-in-lhasa.html

Short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTybDwTeLAM

__________________________________

The 5th Dalai Lama’s Prayer to Dorje Shugden

HUM
Though unmoving from the sphere of primordial spontaneity,
With wrathful turbulent power, swifter than lightning,
Endowed with heroic courage to judge good and bad,
I invite you with faith, please come to this place!

Robes of a monk, crown adorned with rhinoceros leather hat,
Right hand holds ornate club, left holds a human heart,
Riding various mounts such as nagas and garudas,
Who subdues the mamos of the charnel grounds, praise to you!

Samaya substances, offerings and torma, outer, inner and secret,
Favourite visual offerings and various objects are arranged.
Although, previously, my wishes were a bit dense,
Do not stop your powerful apparitions, I reveal and confess!

Now respectfully praising with body, speech, and mind,
For us, the masters, disciples, benefactors and entourages,
Provide the good and avert the bad!
Bring increase like the waxing moon in spiritual and temporal realms!

Moreover, swiftly accomplishing all wishes,
According to our prayers, bestow the supreme effortlessly!
And like the jewel that bestows all wishes,
Always protect us with the Three Jewels!

From: http://www.dorjeshugden.org/practice/the-5th-dalai-lamas-prayer-to-dorje-shugden

Tibetan prayer from: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/dorje-shugden/the-14th-dalai-lamas-prayer-to-dorje-shugden.html

freon on Jan 20, 2016 at 10:21 pm

Clearly there is a ban on Dorje Shugden. If no ban, why does H.H Dalai Lama have to impose rules on Dorje Shugden’s practitioners are not allowed to attend His Holiness talk.

It is very clear that H.H Dalai Lama is contradict on what he have said.

Anyway, no matter how much they trying to clarify no ban or to cover it. It is best to have dialog with both party. To determine what have to be done. After all, this ban have no benefit but bring more hatred and confusion. H.H Dalai Lama always emphasize on peace talk. Hopefully this time, he can resolve this issue with peace talk.

Beatrix Ooi on Jan 19, 2016 at 7:00 pm

The ban on Dorje Shugden practise has been going on for too long now and even in the 21st century where we are supposed to be more advanced and civilised. On top of that, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) has claimed to be democratic but does violating peoples’ religious freedom sound democratic to you? They have taken the ban to another step where Dorje Shugden practitioners are not allowed to enter schools, offices, and even hospitals that are government operated. This shows that their religious preferences is more important that those peoples’ lives and education. What kind of leader is that supposed to be?

With all the respect, I think that His Holiness should respect our religious freedom and rights and eliminate the ban on Dorje Shugden practise. His Holiness is not everyone’s guru, therefore He does not have the right or authority to override our gurus and stop us from propitiating Dorje Shugden. When we take refuge, we take refuge in our Guru first, Buddha, Dharma then Sangha. Our Guru is the one who gives us the Buddhadharma and teachings, therefore He is “higher” than the Buddha in this case. With this alone, it has said a lot about guru devotion and keeping our samaya clean. When our guru has given us a certain teachings or initiation, we should continue with the practise until the day we die, no other gurus have the authority to override the instructions. Guru devotion or keeping the samaya clean is one of the most important elements in having a successful spiritual practise/ journey. So when His Holiness is forcing the people to abandon the practise, indirectly He is “encouraging” people to not keep their promises.

His Holiness is a great Lama, although our religious preferences may differ but I still respect Him very very much. I hope the ban on the Dorje Shugden practise will be lifted very swiftly and smoothly so that all the discrimination, segregation and sufferings may stop.

Lama Konchok Shempeh on Jan 16, 2016 at 10:14 am

yes, you are right Tsem Tulku Rinpoche. Because of my practice of Setrap and Dorje Shugden and following exactly the Dharma Protector’s wishes I lost my apartment, my job, and my sanity by being placed back on medications that made me emotionally unstable. It is all because I did what the Dharma Protector asked of me to the word and never listened to the people who were there to threaten or harass me. That is why I look at the situation I am in and still say that it is better to practice Dorje Shugden then to give way to these people who are causing the problems and discriminating for whatever reason because I cannot find another reason for it other than my practice and following Tsem Tulku Rinpoche and continuing to do so to this day and being treated like this. That is why I side with Tsem Tulku Rinpoche and wish to share in his karma of practicing Dorje Shugden based on the abuse he has received and that I must be receiving too because I have followed his advice and it is how I met my Dharma Protector who said unless I wanted to walk to do exactly as he said and I still agree to this day. I believe that since Tsem Tulku Rinpoche is suffering because of it it is not an excuse and it is valid to not only say that the treatment of such practioners is unjust but also to promote the practice based on these principles too, as to support Tsem Tulku Rinpoche as well as others. That is why I take the stance that because Rinpoche has suffered because of it, so haven’t I and for that reason we must support him and not only that do our part by following his teaching and doing our practice as well. It comes to the point where there is nothing else you can do.

Edwin Tan on Jan 15, 2016 at 12:57 pm

Dear Rinpoche,

Thank u for taking the time to write about this issue and highlight the inconsistencies in HH Dalai Lama’s speeches over the few years, and the ill treatment of the Tibetan Government in exile.

The ban and the persecution of Dorje Shugden practitioners are apparent, even in countries outside Tibet / India. I have on many occasions spoken to friends in Singapore and Malaysia about my practice of Dorje Shugden and afterwards kept me at arm’s length. The more open minded friends will have discussions and debates with me and we will talk over it calmly and peacefully to understand the situation. I believe this should be the case to a more compassionate and peaceful future.

Talks open up more avenues, open the mind and can allow practitioners and non-practitioners of Dorje Shugden to understand one another. Yet sadly, this is not happening between the government and his people.

Guru Devotion stands out very clearly in this article for me.. especially when HHDL stated his teachers were wrong about Dorje Shugden’s practice. When His Holiness said that, it indirectly posted doubts about students who followed their teachers for years on the practice. Why create doubts yet have students follow guru devotion?

Isn’t this creating more bad karma as in the 50 stanzas.. it is clearly written that we should follow the advice of our teachers and if we don’t or doubt, we need to seek clarifications, otherwise the karma that follows will be hugely negative?

I do hope peace can prevail among practitioners and non-practitioners of Dorje Shugden’s so all can live with all in perfect harmony without discrimination.

Thank you.

Datuk May on Jan 11, 2016 at 10:47 pm

The ban itself is a violation of human rights in the 21st century but to add further injustice to this violation, is the inconsistency of what the Dalai Lama says and acts.

Many leaders will speak the words of their listeners but I am sure that with this very clear explanations and indications in this blog post, there will be no doubt in the minds of any logical person that the Dalai Lama imposed the Ban and His officers of CTA executed all the appropriate punishments at their own whims and fancy.

Being in Malaysia, we have freedom of religion but yet when I tell others that I worship Dorje Shugden, I am frowned upon.

The Dalai Lama is an international well known Tibetan monk and His influence spreads all over.

Buddhism is about alleviating sufferings, WHY does the Dalai Lama feels the right to inflict sufferings. I would then question where is compassion, the most important aspect of Buddhism.

I find no equation to this Ban and inflicting sufferings as to the tenets of Buddhism and as such to me this Ban is not only a violation of freedom of religion but totally out of context.

Geleck Gyaltsen on Jan 10, 2016 at 7:54 pm

First of all Shugden is not a protector, but a destroyer.People here had never listened fully and clearly about his holiness reason to give up this practice.Only thing the fault finders need to heard from his holiness is “give up this practice” and never listened the rest regarding how he experimented dolgyal as destroyer and not a protecter. Since most of you are speaking in general view and doesn’t fully understand the concept of ‘compassion’ in real Buddhist sense. His holiness has only compassion for those subjects of evil practitioners and he don’t want them to suffer.

A Buddhist story ” A hunter once being so many times pleaded by a sage to not kill the deer and verbal discussions continues with hunter blantant giving fool answers one after the another( which sounds almost true if some another fool heard his answers) when the hunter was about to kill the deer, sage killed him with his power.The sage killed him because he doesn’t only have the compassion for the deer but to that hunter also because he can foresee that hunters taking many more lives in future and his sins and sufferings because of his bad ‘karma’ keeps on increasing, so the sage don’t want that to happen ”

People here also don’t know that political system and religious institutions (faith is above all) works totally different. His holiness has every right to say to his followers, whether to choose him or the destroyer.It is his monastry with his subjects and it is that simple if you don’t trust him, then why stay with him and all his followers. Shugden followers were free to build monasteries on their own and practice!!! so they did, then why fuss about secular rights unless Chinese are paying this political party a hefty sum to turmoil our society ( I have every proof you need if you ask from me )

People here say Tibetans physically abuse Shugden or dolgyal followers, i am from Bylakuppe the largest Tibetan Settlement in India and I never personally interfere in there interest and neither do I have heard or his holiness followers will do something like that. They are the one who beat up our representative and his family in midst of night. ”

On February 4, 1997, the principal of the Buddhist School of Dialectics, Geshe Lobsang Gyatso was murdered in Dharmasala, along with two of his students.[4] Kay notes “The subsequent investigation by the Indian police linked the murders to the Dorje Shugden faction of the exiled Tibetan community.”[5]

In June 2007, the Times stated that Interpol had issued a Red notice to China for extraditing two of the alleged killers, Lobsang Chodak and Tenzin Chozin.[6]

Robert Thurman notes that the alleged killers had their origin within China as well.[7]

Relation to Shugden practitioners

Prithvi Raj (PR), Chief Police of Kangra District said: “We have identified two of the murderers, and we have clear indications that the murderers are directly linked to the Dorje Shugden association and directly connecting these murderers with the case. But so far we have not been able to arrest them. One is called Tenzin Chozin, the other is called Lobsang Chodrak. Before the murder, the principal received threatening letters from the Shugden association.”

All I can say is that don’t be fooled by Shugden followers they are meant for disturbing Tibetans cause for independence and truth will be revealed when Tibet get its freedom and so does their tie ends with Chinese. Please people think how can Shugden followers can go abroad without help from Tibetan government regarding documents and passport related issues if Tibetan government is restricted them or otherwise you will know from where they can get VISA, if you people are smart enough.

- Pastor Shin on Jan 14, 2016 at 9:46 pm
  
  Dear Geleck Gyaltsen,
  Thank you for sharing your thoughts here and taking your time to explain your experience.
  
  1. His Holiness did not receive the sogtae (life entrustment) so he doesn’t break his vows or commitment when he stop the practice. Many monks and lay people have received this commitment from their teachers (including from His Holiness’ tutor, Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche himself) and there is no way to ‘give back’ the practice, even if they wanted to in order to ‘follow the advice of His Holiness’. It is also not right for His Holiness to override the instructions other people have received from their teachers. They respect His Holiness, but they also cannot disrespect the instructions from their teachers.
  
  Dorje Shugden has not destroyed anything in my life nor people whom I knew are practising Dorje Shugden. In fact, through the years I have seen how Dorje Shugden saved many people’s lives, guided many to progress on the spiritual path, and had never asked anything from us except for us to improve our mind and our practice. One example of his advice to us is published here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/the-farm-of-your-mind.html
  
  2. If like what you said, His Holiness has the right to say to his subjects/followers, so he should only impose the ban among those WHO CHOOSE TO FOLLOW HIM, or among those who wants to be his subjects/followers. Why does a Malaysian (and people of other nationalities, or living in other countries) like me have to suffer what His Holiness wish to impose on his subjects/ followers? Perhaps it should be announced that ONLY the followers of the Dalai Lama cannot practice Dorje Shugden and others have the freedom to do so, and not be given unfair treatment if they do so.
  
  3. Let’s just use this as an example to illustrated. For example, let’s say the Tibetan public said that if you believe in Rangzen, then you are against His Holiness and you have to build your own hospital, your own school, your own settlement and camp, which you can. Then will you still ask “why fuss about secular rights”? Just because someone disagree with what was imposed doesn’t mean they have to be persecuted and disciminated of their rights as a member of the society. That is not the way of a democratic society, which CTA claims to be.
  
  4. You have never heard of people physically abusing Shugden or Dolgyal followers, doesn’t mean they didn’t happen. Even in Malaysia, there are groups who publicly made announcement and encourage others to discriminate Dorje Shugden practitioners. Many foreign media have reported with proof how Dorje Shugden practitioners are discriminated and harmed around the world. You can see plenty of these videos on YouTube.
  
  5. Shugden followers are not interested in disturbing Tibetans cause for independence. They are interested in not being discriminated and persecuted by their own (Tibetan) people. Already being a refugee in foreign lands is hard, it is worse when your own people put you down. By the way, Samdhong Rinpoche has said that “Tibetans advocating independence or calling for genuine democracy in exile society were more dangerous than the Chinese Communists.” So perhaps, the CTA should really focus on the “cause for independence” and come to a conclusion, having dialogue with the supporters of Rangzen and Umaylam, instead of distracting the Tibetans in Exile with issues like Shugden practice, to cover up the real issue of not being able to unite the Tibetans and make progress in the matter of Tibetan independence.
  
  - Tsem Rinpoche on Jan 14, 2016 at 10:58 pm
    
    I like the discussion between Geleck Gyaltsen and Pastor Shin. Polite, civilized and just sharing. Our thoughts can be different, but we still need to respect each other.
    
Chris Chong on Jan 9, 2016 at 11:56 pm

I truly hope that the people of Dalai Lama can meet up with Dorje Shugden poeple to discuss a way to reconcile this issue peacefully and without any violence.

This ban itself is illogical on so many ways and it is not doing any good except creating segregation, discrimination, violence and unhappiness. Innocent people are harmed and treated unfairly for no reason. This has to stop. Religion is suppose to promote peace, unity and happiness. The ban is creating just the opposite.

Chris

Julia Tan on Jan 9, 2016 at 1:28 am

I am very grateful that H.E.The 25th Tsem Tulku Rinpoche speaks about this issue again.

Dorje Shugden is a Tibetan Protector; arise to protect Lama Tsongkhapa Lineage since the 5th Dalai Lama time. Everybody happily practicing Dorje Shugden and depend on him to clear obstacles for their spiritual practice. There were no political issues, no controversy and whatsoever to pratice Dorje Shugden. From the 5th Dalai Lama until the recent H.H. The 14th Dalai Lama himself was one of the practioners just like all of us.

Sadly, the ban started by H.H. The Dalai Lama himself. He cut off is relationship with his Guru and Dorje Shugden, acusing Dorje Shugden is a demon and it’s harmful to practice, harmful His life if practiced, which is totally ILOGICAL. Next He abused His power as a spitritual head of Tibet to expell monks that refused to abandon Dorje Shugden practice, hence many monks became homeless.

I respect and solute to those who continue to hold their vows and samaya with their gurus. They are the Heros who believe in Buddha’s teachings depite all the sufferings and discrimation they need to face. Many gave up due to discrimination among the community. They are forced to drop the practice so that can be retreated equally in the hopital when they are sick and their children are allowed to go to school.

Here, our kids go to school without looking at their race and religion

H.H. The 14th Dalai Lama, please lift the ban to END sufferings, END discrimation, END controvecy, REbuild Tibet is just at your finger tips. You have a choice to be kind to all the Dorje Dhugden practitioners.

laudnon on Jan 7, 2016 at 9:02 pm

Reddit’s Buddhism page bans support of the New Kadampa Tradition:
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/americanbuddhist/2016/01/reddit-buddhism-page-bans-support-of-the-new-kadampa-tradition.html

Tsem Rinpoche on Jan 7, 2016 at 5:03 am

Thank you for having the strength, courage and genuine care to stand up and speak peacefully for what you believe in. No one should ever suffer, be segregated, assaulted, hurt, degraded, belittled, cursed, hated and biased for their religious beliefs. No one should advise anyone against any religious belief. If we want to find people who hate a certain religion, we can find plenty. If we want to find people who like a certain religion or form of spirituality, there will be plenty. In the end who is right and wrong? Which religion is right or wrong. All or some or none? Therefore it is more logical to respect all religions, all faiths and all forms of spirituality. In history many have exploited religion for selfish purposes and many have not. As long as I have not, that is all that matters. I cannot and will not speak for others of my faith and what their motive is, but I know my motive. No one and no leader and no religious leader should ever hurt, segregate or speak against another religion. Time for peace. Time for harmony. Time for respect. Time to look beyond mine/your religion and be kind. Be kind to everyone. Never put anyone down because of their religion.

Humbly,

Tsem Rinpoche.

P.S. I wish very much the people from His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s views/side and people from the side of Dorje Shugden practitioners meet very soon. May they meet in peace, with kindness in the hearts and good motivation to solve this issue once and for all. We have to solve this through peaceful dialogue. I never protested against His Holiness Dalai Lama nor spoke harshly against his views ever. I have always respected his and everyone’s views. We all have to live on this earth together. You will not accept my way of spirituality and I will not accept your’s and that is okay. But we must respect each other’s spiritual faith and NEVER criticize or advise against it. We must respect also what we don’t accept. Everyone has their way. Advising against another’s religion/faith/spirituality creates so much disharmony. No more disharmony. It’s been 19 years since the ban against Dorje Shugden started. It must end please. We have so many things to argue about in this world, let’s make one less conflict. I wish this conflict to end peacefully soon. I wish His Holiness the Dalai Lama and supporters can open channels of communication and solve this issue soon. Peaceful dialogue please and soon. Thank you.

Jace Chong on Jan 5, 2016 at 2:53 pm

Thanks Rinpoche and Pastor Jean Ai for a clear and informative article on the issue of Dalai Lama and Dorje Shugden’s ban.

The article pin points many illogical facts of the ban, that it makes the main practice of Guru Devotion in Tibetan Buddhism questionable to the point that an incarnation of Dalai Lama can wipe it all, and he can define what’s right and what’s wrong in Buddhism.

I do not think so too. I believe in Guru Devotion leads practitioner to enlightenment as many historical facts told us so. Since Dalai Lama is not the root Guru to all Tibetans or Tibetan Buddhist or Buddhist practitioners, he should accept otherwise.

This issue has put a lot of people in sufferings by being suppressed, marginalised and ostracised as a result of their faith, this has no reason to continue anymore. May Dalai Lama lift this illogical Dorje Shugden’s ban, to restore peace and harmony in Tibetan community as well as the world.

Thanks Rinpoche for sharing this.

Frederick Law on Jan 5, 2016 at 9:42 am

For 20 years Dorje Shugden practitioners had become target of discrimination, hate campaign and being attacked on regular basis, even to the extend being bodily harmed by no Pro-Dalai lama practitioners.
in 1996 His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama imposes ban on Dorje Shugden practitioners, to the extent of His speech directing monasteries to expel Dorje Shugden monks who continue Dorje Shugden practice. In the video we can see the inconsistency of His Holiness speech, no definitive stance on Dorje Shugden issue. At one event His Holiness mentioned that it is up to the people choice whether to follow his advice or not in practicing Dorje Shugden.

And since it is a choice, why does the Tibetan Leadership taking it out of proportion and impose ban, segregation, putting up name of Dorje Shugden practitioner and criminalizing them, being publish in hit list and attacked? What harm has Dorje Shugden practitioner done to His Holiness, or the Tibetan Community?

Dorje Shugden has never harm Tibet nor His Holiness. Lies after lies has been thrown at Dorje Shugden practitioners, the Tibetan Leadership twisting and turning facts, covering lies after lies after being expose, and exhorted to link politically that Dorje Shugden practitioners is in cahoots with China. If one is to research into Dorje Shugden issue, you will see why the Tibetan Leadership is not trust-able.

Nicholas Yu on Jan 4, 2016 at 10:26 pm

The evident of the ban from HH the 14th Dalai Lama is in the video and there is no longer the question of whether there is a ban. From the ban it has created so much suffering for so many people not only within the Tibetan community but the segregation and discrimination through out the world. Anyone who is practicing Dorje Shugden will face harmful threat , unfair treatment by the Tibetan leaders, discrimination, segregation and so on.

The entire ban is non-spiritual act and it does not show any benefit for spiritual reasoning. It only show clearly that the action of banning Dorje Sugden practice is not in line with the 50 Stanzas Of Guru Devotion by Avagosha. The entire act is disparaging our Guru and this is already the biggest No No in our spiritual practice. How can we gain attainment by disrespecting our Guru and how can we gain attainment by saying our Guru is wrong and what we learn is from our Guru… it doesn’t make sense at all.

This is the issue when spiritual becoming part of political agenda and the spiritual aspect have been neglected. I respect HH the 14th Dalai Lama but I will not agree with the ban as we see more suffering. There is nothing right or wrong about spiritual belief but what matter is showing respect for others preferences. If the Tibetan leaders want freedom first respect freedom and give freedom for your own people. No point keep asking for freedom but in the other hand discriminating your own people belief.

Pastor Han Nee on Jan 4, 2016 at 9:29 pm

There is no doubt whatsoever that The Dalai Lama has imposed a ban on the practice of Shugden. In the video, he clearly instructs that monks who refuse to obey and give up their practice of Shugden should be expelled. The Dalai Lama further says that he will never revoke the ban. It will be like the Cultural Revolution.

What is most distressing to note is that even though there is clear and undeniable evidence in the second video that violence is being inflicted on Dokhang Khangsten monks in the midst of their peaceful prayers , violence by a mob organised by a representative of the Dalai Lama (with rocks and bricks being hurled at these poor monks), yet the Dalai Lama says, ” Nobody harming. I think rumour.From this side(there is) no record of violence”!

The unkindest and most distorted comment made against Dokhang Khangsten monks was to put the cart before the horse, by saying that they had gone and set up their own Shugden monastery in wilful defiance of the Dalai Lama, when it was their being expelled from their monastery and their being violently persecuted that forced them to set up their own Shugden monastery.

The pain and suffering caused by the ban is against the basic Buddhist principles of compassion. May the ban be lifted and may all be free to practice Shugden or whatever religion they choose.

Uncle Eddie on Jan 4, 2016 at 8:00 pm

By alledging that all his previous gurus are wrong and that he is correct to impose such an “unethical Ban” against Dorje Shugden, it is definetely sure that His Holiness, The Dalai Lama, knows that he is breaking an ancient, yet still relevant, Buddhist tantric code of never showing disrespect to all his Gurus. Not only this, as has been clearly pointed out by Rinpoche, that would also be constituting to be belittling his Tantric masters too! As a product of an unbroken lineage extending back to the historical Buddha, his more than than 40 over years as a spiritual teacher and a brillant scholar, his words, thinking and experiences have gone far beyond his academics. Rooted in a life, tried and tested, everyone knows he lives a life dedicated to peace, altruism, and compassion.
His Holiness should practice what he preaches and practices! Yet, why didn’t he speak up, or, please on our bended knees, we beg His Holiness, The Dalai Lama to extend us a peaceful solution to release this ban against Dorje Shugden soon for the benefit of all the suffering beings. Om Mani Padme Hung.

Vinnie Tan on Jan 4, 2016 at 3:08 pm

Through the videos, it shows clearly all the evidence that shows that there is a ban towards Dorje Shudgen practice, and practitioners are being ostracised due to the choice of practice.

Like what Rinpoche has written above, it is true that the countries that have a firm stance in their people’s hearts are the countries that treat their citizens all the same be it if they like their government or not, the government will treat them equally as their are their people. If the government does not treat and care for their citizens, then who will care for them? What is the point to “belong” to a community that does not give them the basic needs like security?

How can a government support a protest/mob to be hurting people of their own countries more so in the case monks. The people of religious figure. One area that the Tibetans are proud of is their culture and the religion of “Tibetan Buddhism”, with their government asking the Tibetans to harm/hurt the monks, what does this show the external community? It just shows that they do not care for what they claim to care about. The government only cares for the fame and authority that they receive as being the ministers of the “country”.

What is even more intolerable is that they impose a fine on the citizens that do not join the protest/mob. If this is also considered as religious freedom or being democratic, I no longer know what is considered as democracy or being communist.

The CTA judge and say that the Chinese government is communist and controlling. However, based on evidence, they are too doing the same thing. They are not democratic at all. They give no freedom of religion, they are splitting their own people by differentiating the kind of religious practice they are able to do. This is not what a government should be doing, they should be uniting all Tibetans so that they will one day be able to get their country once again. Proving that they are able to take care of the community like they wish to portray now.

It is just so sad to see all these evidence that there is indeed a ban on Dorje Shugden practice, yet so many Tibetans do not understand it and still say that it is a choice. Only if they are able to understand what is going on and not be trapped in their own thinking that what they do of threats and vulgarities is alright and is correct because they are supporting what their government is saying.

Tempa on Jan 4, 2016 at 1:56 pm

Ah! But why is Dorje Shugden such a ‘threat,’ to the establishments & or is it possibly in-competition with “occult” (hidden)practitioners of Lucifer, the global elites.
New World Order, One World Government, One World Religion (Luciferian) was officially ushered-in in Sept, 2015 at Blood -Moon via the pope of Vatican of Rome, the seat of global powers.

“No one will enter the New World Order unless he or she will make a pledge to worship Lucifer. No one will enter the New Age unless he will take a LUCIFERIAN Initiation.” (David Spangler, Director of Planetary Initiative, United Nations)

Tsem Rinpoche on Jan 4, 2016 at 8:03 am

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama composed this prayer to Dorje Shugden. His Holiness has full clairvoyance and knowledge of the nature of the deity he composed the prayer to when he was younger and when he is older as it is the same mind stream. So not logical His Holiness can make a mistake? If he can make mistakes about deities, then the mistakes cannot be limited to time span: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=61029

- Tempa on Jan 4, 2016 at 9:12 pm
  
  Tsem Rinpoche La, Regardless of one’s status in life we cannot avoid a law in Universe, “what goes around, comes around” or Karma, meaning what one does to others,will come back to you, sooner or later, UN-avoidable, for HH the 14th Dalai Lama. Just as Tibetan Monks practice & invoke good things for all sentient beings, others (?), practice completely the opposites, for control & power, It’s been in their culture & traditions for generations. The “ban” on Dorje Shugden is “logical” via ‘powers-that-be’ because it totally conflicts with their practice or belief, in Luciferian worship. But, the Rabbit hole goes much,much deeper for those inquisitive & open-mind to see.
  
  http://beforeitsnews.com/paranormal/2015/09/hes-naming-names-satanic-priest-for-bohemian-grove-blows-whistle-on-white-house-video-let-the-truth-ring-out-2496040.html
  
Chris Chong on Jan 4, 2016 at 3:37 am

How could an advice can escalate into violence, discrimination and even segregation? The so called “advice” on Dorje Shugden practice is obviously a ban. This ban had struck the Tibetan community hard, especially the ordained community. Dorje Shugden practitioners are being treated unwell and harshly. The video of the monastery being attacked by fellow monks and tibetan is the perfect evidence of how bad the ban had effected the community. How can someone even think of violently harming a monk who is peaceful and wish to serve all sentient beings? That makes no sense at all.

H.H Dalai Lama had mentioned that his guru and all the high lama that practice Dorje Shugden is wrong. How is that possible? If they are wrong, all the other high lamas could be wrong and that include the Dalai Lama himself. How can he condemn all the other high lamas and even his own Gurus?

I sincerely hope that the Dalai Lama will remove the ban on Dorje Shugden. It had cause tremendous suffering on lots of harmless and peaceful people who only want good for the world.

Chris

veritas on Jan 4, 2016 at 3:22 am

Buddhists preach karma, until they are forced to face their own, and at that point, if the ripening happens to be ugly, they do as everyone else does: blame others instead of looking inside at the “monstrous demon of self-cherishing”.

If we truly believed in our own cherished teachings, we would be applying them to ourselves in every second of this crisis. Instead, we further the deadly game of blame and dissension, and try to win followers to ”our side”. What could be more ignorant? The incomparable Arya Nagarjuna said: “he who takes a stand falls.”

Where are the Three Jewels in all of this? Most non-Tibetan Tibetan Buddhists I know got involved in the teachings because they were genuinely inspired by the Three Jewels and the teachings on wisdom and bodhicitta as embodied in exceptionally attained and beautifully behaved masters entirely worthy of emulation and devotion.

This crisis has forced people to dig deep, to research and expose the flagrant and ongoing inconsistencies in the toxic and non-Dharmic rhetoric pervading this issue. Would the Buddha recognize the application of any of his teachings in the endless back and forth? How did the Buddha effect social change in his time?

As far as I am aware, he did it through the teaching of the Eightfold Noble Path, which we have gotten far far away from. Over the centuries, wonderful traditions evolved in the form of the Mahayana and the Vajrayana, in response to the cool remove of the non-Mahayana Arhat’s status that appeared to distance itself, dispassionately, from pressing social issues that called upon us to act in the here and now. In this regard I admire the social action to which large numbers of Christians commit themselves through acts of alarming self-sacrifice, love and generosity, rarely evidenced in contemporary Buddhist circles to a comparable degree. I truly admire HE Tsem Rinpoche’s commitment to and emphasis on such social action.

But as soon as the bodhicitta-inspired traditions got divorced from the foundational teaching of the eightfold noble path and became motivated by power, they ceased to be Buddhist, just as the authentic Jesus teachings withered amidst gargantuan and insidious Vatican power politics. (Let’s hear it for Pope Francis, who rejects all the trappings of the power thirsty; and who is authentically, personally an embodiment of Christic love and compassion especially toward the marginalized, instead of waving his hand from comfortable distance).

Many of those blogging on the protector crisis know little or nothing about Tibetan history. If they knew, they would run screaming to the hills and the honeymoon with Tibetan Buddhism would be over. Only those with access to the truth while also being fully attained would be in a position to correctly transmit the authentic, precious, liberative teachings. Those who do know the history and prevent others from knowing, or do not now make the necessary adjustments that past mistakes highlighted, are truly unconscionable in their dissimulation and rewriting of history.

The question such bloggers should be asking, since they are mostly uninterested in the practice of the Buddha’s Four Foundations of Mindfulness, is why? Why does each side hold its perspective? What are the specific reasons given? What is being protected? What is being eliminated? What is being created? What destroyed? Can we even know any of that? If not, then who do we trust when the ones we sought refuge from appear not to get along, and require us to take their side, and our better judgment tells us that taking sides is not an option, particularly when it involves “attained masters?”

What would Buddha say? Does anyone even care what Buddha would say? Or has the Lama supplanted the Buddha? When does the Lama supplant the Buddha? How does that work? If the Lama is higher than the Buddha as an object of refuge, if the Protector is held as higher than Buddha as an object of refuge, then is it Buddha Dharma that is being practiced? How do we know that? How is that established?

The foundation is missing and we wonder why there’s a crisis in contemporary Tibetan Buddhism. The traditions that the Tibetans have worked so hard to maintain will be destroyed from within, not from without.

Thinking, spiritually astute, compassionate people don’t like to be bullied into having faith in crazy-making beliefs, no matter how exalted. Such people know that certainty in any form, though providing much inspiration and a blissy feeling of endlessly being on top of the world, is a precursor to the inevitable uncertainty required for actual personal spiritual evolution and growth. Devotion is not the same as allegiance. Make no mistake.

As one rabbi said: beliefs are for those who have no faith.

The Buddha’s primary object of devotion was the truth, which he found nowhere in the prevailing and competing beliefs and dogmas of his time. He had plenty of teachers he had remarkable devotion to, but none displaced his fundamental and uncompromising search for the truth. Our devotion to a Lama should not preclude our devotion to the truth at whatever level we are able to access it via our direct experience. If our devotion to a Lama does preclude our commitment to the truth, expect to be endlessly embattled internally, as creating spin after spin, trying to convince ourself and seek validation from others, win people for our team, will always move us away from the hard inner work required for true freedom.

If devotion to a Lama requires subordinating our commitment to the truth or to taking the Lama’s or other disciples’ “side”, we need to keep looking for a worthy object of our precious devotion. Otherwise, we are perpetually breaking our basic Buddhist vow of not lying (to ourself and others).

- Paul on Jan 20, 2016 at 11:13 am
  
  Thank you so very much Veritas. My head was going up and down, reading through these blogs and comments, thinking over what to type, until your message cut right through it all like a true diamond. I can sleep gently now.
  
- Pastor Han Nee on May 26, 2016 at 9:08 am
  
  Thank you Veritas for elucidating here so very clearly how as Buddhists, we must adhere unwaveringly to the Truth as Lord Buddha taught over 2500 years ago in all our actions of body, speech and mind. Yes, devotion to the truth, as Lord Buddha taught, must be preserved and shared and spread to all. Tsem Rinpoche, in all his teachings, has never deviated, even for a single instant, from presenting this truth. In all his actions, he is the embodiment of this devotion to the truth – his integrity in consistently holding his vows, a universal compassion for all beings –humans and non-humans, tolerance , giving, patience, wisdom.
  This ban on the practice of Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden is needless and unethical. It is a ban imposed by a spiritual leader, HH the Dalai Lama, on a practice, which had helped 400 years’ of highly attained teachers, especially in clearing obstacles to their spreading of the BuddhaDharma. Furthermore, this was a practice, which the Dalai Lama himself had practised(and even composed a prayer for) and then declared a mistake!.
  Every Buddhist is committed to work for the removal of suffering and the causes of suffering of not only themselves ,but others. There are millions of Shugden practitioners and thousands of great teachers, who are Buddhists and practicing the Dharma, with the help of this divine Protector, and committed to the spread and growth of Dharma. All, especially those living in India and under the Tibetan leadership in exile, have suffered greatly from the forced segregation and persecution of Shugden practitioners, following the Shugden ban. Shugden teachers have been defamed and abused atrociously online and on the ground. Teachers, whose sole purpose is to spread the BuddhaDharma and guide their students in their Dharma practice to achieve liberation from suffering and ultimate peace and Enlightenment, now find their names tarnished; and this threatens their essential role of spreading the Dharma and guiding their students.
  (For a clear understanding about the essential role of a Guru and the importance of Guru Devotion for a Dharma, practitioner, please take a look at this article : “A Review of Gurus for Hire Enlightenment for Sale “ at . https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/students-friends/gurus-for-hire-enlightenment-for-sale%E2%80%93-a-review.html If you can, do read the book itself. Thank you.)
  These teachers or Lamas were given the practice of Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden by their Root Gurus and they cannot break their commitment at all cost, because it means breaking samaya or the clean bond with their Root Guru. This samaya or clean bond with one’s Root Guru is what makes the unbroken transmission of Buddha’s teachings from Teacher to Student work. That is why, Tibetan Buddhism , through its lineages, is able to keep intact all of Buddha’s teachings (at its ‘provisional’ and ‘ultimate’ level.).
  To understand why a Dharma Protector is important in ‘protecting’ the Dharma practitioner and helping countless people clear their obstacles, do have a look at this article http://www.dorjeshugden.org/overview/what-is-a-dharma-protector
  
  Thank you once more Veritas. May you be well and happy always.
  
JP on Jan 4, 2016 at 1:45 am

Below are 2 statements that stood out for me and make a lot of sense.

1) “The issue is not whether there is a ban or not. The real issue is whether people have the religious freedom to select whatever faith they wish. People’s faiths should be a personal matter and choice, and not one that is selected, dictated or governed by the state.”

2) “In Tibetan society, if you practise Dorje Shugden, you are not treated equally. If you practise Dorje Shugden, you must still support the Tibetan cause. You must still respect the leadership even though the leadership are the ones isolating you because of your choice of faith. So where is the incentive for Dorje Shugden practitioners to assimilate into Tibetan society? How do we assimilate when the Tibetan leadership does not allow it due to our religious choice of practising Dorje Shugden?”

The first point is a right that we all should have because religion is a personal choice. The government should never intervene and treat their people differently based on their religious choice. Imagine if the US removed all rights to medical, education and food for those who are not Christians because the church states that other religions are satanic worship and are detrimental to the well being of the people. If this sounds wrong on all levels, then it is the same for banning Dorje Shugden.

The second point highlights how illogical the Tibetan government. The government is so concerned about sectarianism amongst their people but ironically, they are the ones who are creating disharmony and segregating their own people.

So based on the above 2 points, it is clear that the Tibetan government carrying out the ban instilled by the Dalai Lama by ostracizing their own people, are not concerned of their people’s welfare but more for their own personal agendas. This is because getting the Dalai Lama’s approval and acceptance has many benefits that will help them achieve their personal agendas.

Sarah on Jan 3, 2016 at 10:01 pm

In the 21st century, there is no place for discrimination against any individual or group with regard to the right to worship. For Shugden practitioners who have been discriminated against, the suffering is very real. The onus is on the Tibetan authorities to relieve the suffering of their own people by compassionately ending this unkind and unlawful ban which has lasted for almost 20 years!. I hope this will happen very soon. No one should live in fear of discrimination on grounds of religion.

Cynthia Ng on Jan 3, 2016 at 8:06 pm

谢谢仁波切用心良苦的再一次写下非常有资讯性关于多杰雄登的禁令事件，博文里所提到的重点已经说的非常清晰，多杰雄登禁令是人为的，禁令使越来越多的修持者面临困难和痛苦,这一个让成千上万的人处在着的惨痛禁令是可以解除的。

在视屏中的证据清楚的看到至尊的达赖喇嘛是在撒谎和容许禁令事件发生，这不是一个建议停止多杰雄登的持修法门而是一个命令。这一个命令/ 不公平的禁令，让太多的小孩不能上学，他们也被视为贱民，禁止雄登持修者进入杂货店购买食品和其他必需品，他们也禁止到医院寻求医疗，被逼和家人朋友隔离，那是公平对待吗？？？

400百年来被那么多的高僧大德，僧人所信仰是绝对不可能有错。很多高僧还是生生世世转世回来娑婆世界度众生，那已经足够证明多杰雄登护法是佛不是魔，很多事实已经被歪曲了，黑白颠倒了。一位赋有神通力的高僧不可能看不出这是一为佛或魔，这样是有明显的失误，如那是一个失误的话，多杰雄登的禁令也是一个失误。

这是命令非常扑朔迷离，只有至尊的达赖喇嘛是正确的，他所有的老师都是错误的，这不符合逻辑和不能被理解。

21世纪的现在所有宗教提倡宗教以及信仰的自由，这一个禁令导致失去了尊重，导致言语和肢体暴力。我们应该最起码，紧急制止从禁令导致人权的歧视，抑制和破坏多杰雄登持修者。

多杰雄登持修者不要再活在恐惧与沉默中，一起来恳求尊贵的达赖喇嘛尽快把禁令解除还大家一个宗教自由以及修持。

KB Thapa on Jan 3, 2016 at 7:44 pm

This is 100% Proof what other Evidence people want. If the Holiness can say in public throw them out from monasteries what that means to .. If DS practitioners out from monasteries where they should go , they have no country and Tibetan community will not allow them stay near them.. Where is compassion and kindness they have been preaching all the time..

Dorje Shugden practitioners are feeling immense sorrow at this time. They have hurt no one. They have done nothing wrong. They are not interested in politics. They are peaceful Buddhist practitioners, lay and ordained, dedicated to helping all living beings find a deep inner peace and happiness.

They have no wish to harm the Dalai Lama at all. All they want is the freedom to continue practicing the compassion, love and wisdom of the Buddhist tradition of Je Tsongkhapa and to rely upon Dorje Shugden as the Wisdom Buddha Protector of that tradition. They want to do this while remaining regular and even valued members of their society, without segregation or persecution. I Hope Holiness re consider his decision and allow people have religious freedom…

Joy on Jan 3, 2016 at 7:22 pm

I hope this post will shed more light to the world what is truly going on with Tibetans. Tibetans are literally “killing” Tibetans in this way, through this ban. What I mean by “killing” is the Dorje Shugden ban, the discrimination, the stigmatization, the division, and disharmony, being ostracised, condemned, cursed, shunned, kicked out from their home/monasteries and some even violently abused.

This is a huge known fact otherwise why publish list of Tibetans names and pictures and even their home addresses? What kind of democratic government would incite this kind of targeted hate/violence towards their own Tibetans? Yet they accuse Dorje Shuugden Tibetans as traitor and for going to China? Well there sure is more freedom of religion in China then there is given by the Tibetan leaders here.

It is high time the Tibetan leaders take some responsibility instead of always saying Dorje Shugden Tibetans are backed by China or whatever without evidence to their claims. They need to own up that they are the one who started all this segregation in the first place. Before the Dalai Lama announced the ban, everything was peaceful, and everyone was friendly and harmonious, like how a real Buddhist nation should be. Now not only are they ripping Tibetans apart causing disunity, they are also shaming Buddhism as a whole because as a Buddhist nation, they are sure not acting very Buddhist which bring the world to question everything the Dalai Lama has preached? WHY is it NOT APPLIED? Where is the compassion, religious tolerance, interconnectedness, compassion, understanding and peaceful dialogue for Shugden people? Why can the Dalai Lama teach all this yet do not apply it on to Shugden people? Why such huge double standards?

Yes it is true in any democratic leadership, no matter what the leaders must be fair, treat everyone equally and respect all despite race, creed nor religious differences. It is very obvious that the Tibetan leaders are not democratic and contradicts their own democratic constitution.

What puzzles me the most is that the Tibetan leadership wishes for all Tibetans to unite and stand firm against their so called enemy “China” but yet they throw in this bad against their own people, cause disunity and allow China to use this ban against them! It is so ironic and so ridiculous, it makes one wonder… is this the level of intelligence the Tibetan leadership are made of and we’re dealing with? The smart move would be to declare religious freedom and lift the ban on Dorje Shugden (like what China just did). Now with China declairing religious freedom and right to all citizens, it makes the Tibetan leaders look like their the ones who is breaching human rights which they totally are from this injustice, unethical ban! And isn’t this considered illegal in democratic mother India where the Tibetans are under?

May the ban on Dorje Shugden be lifted soon, may every single human being on this planet have their human right and freedom of choice in their religious beliefs and everyone be treated FAIRLY. Hence this issue is everyone’s business because it is breaks our human rights!

As what Martin Luther King once said…

- Tsem Rinpoche on Jan 3, 2016 at 9:29 pm
  
  Dear Joy, Very nice pictures. This extra step in finding these spiritual pictures really added to your comments and enhanced my reading of your thoughts. Thank you. Tsem Rinpoche
  
Pastor Tat Ming on Jan 3, 2016 at 6:49 pm

It is very clear and beyond any doubt, from the evidences and explanations provided in this article that there is a ban on Dorje Shugden.

It is not an advice to stop the Dorje Shugden practice but an order, a directive from His Holiness Dalai Lama(DL) Himself. His Holiness could not provide any valid and logical reasons for this ban todate. DL is totally acting against His teachers, the established lineage practices and the fundamental practices of Buddhism which advocates compassion, equality and acceptance of all beings. DL totally contravene the guru devotional practices that is fundamental to one’s attainments in the tantric path. DL does not give recognise the religious freedom and human rights as accorded to all Tibetans in exile by their Constitution.

The damage done due to the ban is far-reaching. Any imaginable word to describe sufferings arising from the ban had been used. For two decades, Dorje Shugden followers are suffering all over the effects of the ban. Tibetan Buddhism’s image is greatly tarnished. Instead of spreading the incomparable Dharma teachings, the ban has caused so much confusion among its followers and potential Tibetan Buddhists. Many of the so-called pro-Dalai Lama followers had acted in negative ways so unbecoming of a Tibetan Buddhist let alone a decent human being when they attacked ignorantly the Dorje Shugden practices, Dorje Shugden Lamas and followers. Tibetans risk losing their rich and beautiful culture in the future if they allowed this ignorant group to have their negative ways.

Much time, resources and opportunities had been wasted in the efforts to enforce the ban and the efforts by Dorje Shugden followers to lift the ban for the last two decades. So many positive things to develop and improve the lives of the Tibetans in exile and the spread of the incomparable Tsongkhapa and Dorje Shugden teachings could have been accomplished if not for the ban!

Tibetans had lost Tibet. To add salt to their wounds, Tibetans had further lost the freedom of religious practice and human rights due to the ban. Tibetans had also lost the harmony among themselves. There is now a great divide between the Tibetan communites.

If DL is the embassador of peace, a Nobel Laureate, an emanation of Buddha of Compassion, a monk, why is DL so persistent in enforcing the ban on Dorje Shugden knowing very well that all His actions are illogical and not acceptable at all?

The 400-year and precious practices of Dorje Shugden could be destroyed if not for the faithful followers of Dorje Shugden who uphold and protect it at the cost of their lives.

What is bewildering is only DL is right and all His teachers are wrong. Everything else, the established lineage practices, the Constitutional rights of Tibetans, etc are wrong! This defies logic and comprehension.

How could this ban be continued in this age because DL said Dorje Shugden practices should be banned? We are now living in the 21st century, where many countries are advocating democracy. But DL’s is totally undemocratic! One person alone (against so many Tibetans) forcefully decided the destiny of the Tibetans!

At the end of the day, Tibetans had to take personal responsibilities of their lives. This human life is precious and rare. It is even rarer to have found Dorje Shugden practices. Are Tibetans willing to forgo this golden opportunity to practise Dorje Shugden? In this kaliyuga age, Dorje Shugden has specially manifested out of His compassion to help sentient beings to liberate themselves from sufferings and eventual enlightenment.

Only DL knows precisely why he had initiated the ban on Dorje Shugden. And the world awaits the lifting of the ban on Dorje Shugden as it has caused nothing but harm to others.

Please lift the ban on Dorje Shugden immediately, His Holiness Dalai Lama.

Pastor Tat Ming

Edward Ooi on Jan 3, 2016 at 6:16 pm

Not only did the Dalai Lama himself not follow the practice given to him by his Gurus but he even went as far as banning the practice. If the Dalai Lama does not like Dorje Shugden or believes that Dorje Shugden is a spirit, It is up to The Dalai Lama himself whether he wants to practice it or not, but is it actually okay to ban all the Tibetans from practicing Dorje Shugden? There is no way that in the 400 years of history, the highly attained Lamas who practiced Dorje Shugden that not a single one of them realized that Dorje Shugden is a spirit. High lamas are known for their powers like clairvoyance would have realized it a long time ago, but why didn’t anyone one of them speak up? Is it because Dorje Shugden is actually not a spirit but a real enlightened Dharma Protector?

How is this an advice to the Tibetans? If it is an advice, there shouldn’t be anyone being dispelled from their monastery, being thrown with rocks and bricks. What about the innocent children who are just born into a Dorje Shugden practitioner’s family? Should they deserve not being able to go to school just because their parents are Dorje Shugden practitioners? The sick are not allowed to go to the hospital, then where are they supposed to go? If Buddhism is truly about being loving, caring and compassionate to all sentient beings, then what about them? Aren’t they sentient beings too?

Why did the Dalai Lama deny that no one was hurt when asked by the reporter yet he allows His students to be aggressive and violent towards Dorje Shugden practitioners. The reporter told the Dalai Lama that he has seen that there were violence towards the Dorje Shugden practitioners yet the Dalai Lama said that they are just rumors? Why is he being all caring and compassionate to everyone but when it come to Dorje Shugden practitioners, He becomes a total opposite person.

I would conclude that the Dalai Lama is wrong, since he said that his guru and other high lamas who practiced Dorje Shugden were wrong.

Sofi on Jan 3, 2016 at 4:48 pm

After reading this blog post, I went on to read the comments posted and as I read Jason King’s comments, I was like “Oh Wow! He has my thoughts especially the Crazy Wisdom part.” I too, had been wondering if the confusion created by HHDL was due to the hidden wisdom. Even so, hasn’t the suffering gone on for too long? As Rinpoche says, respect and equal treatment should be given to all Tibetan Buddhists irregardless of their private practises. A big country like China can respect religious freedom, then why can’t HHDL and his government?
Thank you Rinpoche for your continuous hard work and compassion to disseminate the truth. I rejoice for those who does not have a voice to stand up to the discrimination and pray for those who indulge in their ignorance by hurling their abuse and threats at you. May HHDL hear our plea and manifest his true nature of compassion to start a dialogue or to immediately lift the ban.

Pastor Antoinette Kass on Jan 3, 2016 at 4:38 pm

The ban on Dorje Shugden is very clear. An advice is very different. You don’t loose your home and your basic human rights through an advice. This ban is since 19 years already and I myself was shocked when I first heart about it. I could not associate the Dalai Lama with what is happening to the Dorje Shugden practitioners.

The video in 2000 is really scary and it is for me hard to understand how my religious practice given to me by my spiritual guide can create such a response. I cannot imagine the pain and persecution the Dorje Shugden practitioners had and have to go through.

To openly say that my own teacher is wrong equals like saying I myself can be wrong. As explained in the very detailed and clear article, especially in Tibetan Buddhism with the 50 Stanzas of Guru Devotion, the teacher / student relationship is the most important. To go against your Guru and say he is wrong shows that there is something completely untrue and against all Buddhist practice.

I wish from the depth of my heart that this ban stops as soon as possible and no further harm is done. May H.H. the Dalai Lama give us religious freedom and free the Dorje Shugden practitioners all over the world.

With folded hands,
Pastor Antoinette Kass

Wan Wai Meng on Jan 3, 2016 at 3:46 pm

Thank you Rinpoche for giving us more things to think about and also recall that this ban and problem within the Tibetan community had a cause and had a start. It wasn’t something creating by Dorje Shugden people and practitioners, it was kickstarted by the 14th Dalai Lama.

20 years on on social media, Dorje Shugden people who were not the initiator of this spiritual disharmony and division amongst Tibetans and others, most would like to think and comment it is the Dorje Shugden community who started it all. CTA and Dalai Lama may it is all semantics, there is no ban, but there is certainly something out of the ordinary abound.

Monks do not leave their mother monastery just because of trivial matters, everytime leave the monastery for even a short time they do need to update and let their teacher and administrators know. It is no trivial matter, as monks who have spent their entire life leaves the monastery, there have no other support from their families due to them being ordained and such, they have cut all families ties, so if they leave the monastery it is quite a struggle, I have met an old blind monk who insisted in continuing on Dorje Shugden practice, he was abandoned by all his students, he developed blindness due to lack of care. Hence places like Serpom and Shar Gaden arose to take care of those monks who did not have a home. Still nothing happened due to the non-existent ban?

If Dorje Shugden lamas and organisations did get help from the China, it is not because they are greedy and ignorant, but by being surrounded by hostile forces within their own community, If there are parties who want to help them, who are they to refuse such assistance. Things got so bad that ex Sera Monks got help from HH Penor Rinpoche, a high lama of Nyingma, who is a buddha, can a Buddha be mistaken and help terrorists to do more terror on others?

If CTA and the Dalai Lama wants united Tibetans, please start healing the rift due to the dorje Shugden ban. Tibetans who are not split anymore, who knows what they can achieve with one heart and mind.

- wooishen on Jan 3, 2016 at 8:15 pm
  
  HHDL and CTA where is the human right???
  i didn’t any big pic n big plan????
  
Li Kheng on Jan 3, 2016 at 12:17 pm

The actions of HH the 14th Dalai Lama is captured on video. Everyone and anyone can witness for themselves what the Dalai Lama said about the Dorje Shugden ban. In law, this is considered evidence. How is it possible that people still believe without doubt that His Holiness is a n icon of peace, equanimity, compassion or wisdom if such a ruthless ban is applied by him.

Even if he made a mistake in establishing the ban, he could immediately change his statement or add “please do not cause harm to those who chose to practice Dorje Shugden” when he sees disharmony erupt amongst his people. Despite the many pictures of suffering, the Dalai Lama has done nothing to diffuse the situation. In fact, he is adding fuel to the fire.

The Tibetans have already lost so much, the last thing they need is a cold war within a community they belong to. Something simply does not make sense in all this controversy.

As we may never be able to understand the “play of the divine” as many practitioners often refer to this controversy, we should at the very least, urgently put a stop to the discrimination, suppression and breach of human right resulting from the ban on Dorje Shugden.

Please join in this quest to give a voice to those who are silenced by fear.

Pastor Henry Ooi on Jan 3, 2016 at 11:48 am

This unjust and undemocratic ban on the practice of Dorje Shugden is going on for too long, bringing increasing hardship and suffering to Dorje Shugden practitioners.

Never mind the adult practitioners, but what about innocent young children who knew nothing about the practice?
Who are they included in the unfair ban that they cannot attend school? Treated as pariahs by their peers?
Barred from entering groceries to buy food and other necessities?
Turned away from hospitals when they seek medical help?

Is this the so called democratic governing of Tibetans by the Tibetan Government in Exile (now called Central Tibetan Administration – CTA)? To me, it seems that the CTA has gone back in time, back to the 5th Century Middle Ages, while most of the rest of the world are moving ahead with modern time.

At the time of making the videos I could see the Dalai Lama being in excellent health. I did not see the Dalai Lama’s eyesight and hearing were failing him. Thus I cannot understand how the Dalai Lama could not have possibly heard of the physical harm inflicted on Dorje Shugden practitioners. I wonder why the denial.

I do not see the practice of Guru Devotion. There is no Compassion, Loving Kindness, Do No Harm, Tolerance, Peace, Patience being practiced by the CTA that the Dalai Lama speak of in his dharma talks.

Why dedicate the merit amassed at the end of each puja to all sentient beings but not to Dorje Shugden practitioners.

If the CTA want respect they should win over the hearts of its people, but not through segregation and harm. Respect and faith cannot be had through a ban leading to verbal and physical violence, nor through denying human rights and religious freedom. The CTA should plead to the Dalai Lama to end the ban so they can restore the faith and respect of the people. Build on what is left of the Tibetan government in exile. They now have no country, why lose its people.

Maybe the Dalai Lama has a bigger picture but the current pictures that I am seeing now do not augur well for the Dalai Lama. I respect the Dalai Lama like I respect all spiritual masters and religious heads. But my spiritual guru is His Eminence the 25th Tsem Rinpoche. I am a Malaysian and I obey the laws of my country, Malaysia, that allow religious freedom. I do not have to abide to what the Dalai Lama enforces on Tibetans. But I cannot sit by and not lend a voice to these unfortunate Tibetans who did nothing wrong legally except doing Dorje Shugden practice, a practice given to them by their gurus. This is practicing Guru Devotion.

The ban on a ‘spirit’, as claimed by the Dalai Lama and the CTA, is so small compared to the suffering of so many people. Why let the more suffer?

- wooishen on Jan 3, 2016 at 2:02 pm
  
  well said… Pastor……
  
  - Pastor Henry Ooi on Jan 3, 2016 at 5:11 pm
    
    Thank you, wooishen. What is your opinion 🙂
    
    - wooishen on Jan 3, 2016 at 8:09 pm
      
      Dear Pastor,
      
      i feel very sad how HHDL and CTA towards DS practitioners…
      
      For them not just a ban…
      
      Please just read what they mention…at CTA website….
      
      http://tibet.net/dolgyal-shugden/
      
      So sorry HHDL and CTA… u r separating the religion ……
      
Valentina Suhendra on Jan 3, 2016 at 11:14 am

Dear Rinpoche and Pastor Khong Jean Ai

Thank you for this powerful post. I have been observing

Sometimes in life, we do need to speak up and defend our belief. I respect my Guru H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche the 25th very much for doing so. My Guru follows his Guru’s advice to practice the enlightened protector Dorje Shugden. In the time of peace or conflict regarding this deity, Rinpoche’s faith and determination in following his Guru’s advice never falter. I trust I have chosen the right Guru.

H.H. Dalai Lama the 14th has implemented the ban and encouraged others to discriminate against Dorje Shugden practitioners. What do they do wrong. They practice their faith quietly and not harming anyone. So why on earth they have to hide, be denied services in public places, have their family and friends severe relation to them. It does not make sense to me.

Where I come from – Indonesia – a very lovely country with diverse, we respect each other’s religion. I can declare that I am a Buddhist and a Dorje Shugden practitioners openly. I think my track record with Kechara Indonesia have shown that I have worked harmoniously and respect other religion very much. I have been treated very well too by my friends, colleagues and acquaintances. I hope CTA and Dalai Lama can learn from a free country like Indonesia.

Valentina

Jason king on Jan 3, 2016 at 10:09 am

Dear Tsem Tulku Rinpoche. You are not wrong to point out the inconsistencies in His Holiness approach towards the Dorje Shugden practitioners. He is the leader of his ‘country’ and has to protect all his ‘citizens’. So it seems His Holiness is in a quandary. He advocates a ‘ban’ on religious grounds and because of that his ‘subjects’ are under tremendous persecution by his followers both in the religious and secular segment of society. As His Holiness is person who is deemed to be a practising compassion I find it difficult to come to terms with the buddhism he teaches as it goes against the tenets of dharma that I learned.

I hope that your message will be brought to His Holiness attention and His Holiness will be awaken from a j’udgement lapse’ since 1996. I have placed the expression of a lapse of judgement as I am not qualified or dared to criticise His Holiness as some where along my time line of studies, I came across Chugyam Trungpas book citing buddhist crazy wisdom.

Crazy wisdom or not, there is no compassion in persecution, ostracism etc. My heart bleeds each time I see or hear nastiness being hurled at Rinpoche or you dedicated team of students, let alone all those helpless Tibetan Dorje Shugden practitioners.

I have copied your link and emailed it to a radio station and I m hoping the presenter who is a very well liked fair individual who makes very cogent discussions on literally many worldly matters will read and do something to help the persecuted practitioners

- Tsem Rinpoche on Jan 3, 2016 at 10:26 am
  
  Dear Jason King, Thank you for your thoughts. I was happy to read about it. It is not easy to blog something of this nature, but I feel it has to be done for the benefit of many that suffer so much due to this ban. I thank you for sending this blog post to your radio station. I hope they read it too and bring it to the attention of many. Only when many know about what is happening can the segregation stop. Thank you so much. Tsem Rinpoche

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The Dalai Lama Speaks Clearly About the Dorje Shugden Ban

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