Tibetan MP Tenpa Yarphel Speaks Up Against Nechung | 西藏流亡政府人民议会议员丹巴雅培发表反对乃琼护法的谈话
Tenpa Yarphel Speaks Up Against Nechung
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/TenpaYarphelSpeaksUp.mp4
Nechung Dorje Dragden. Nechung is a powerful negative spirit who did his best to obstruct the transmission of Buddhism from India to Tibet. He was subdued by the Indian master Padmasambhava. Considered to be an unenlightened being, many old monks attest that Nechung’s prophecies often come out incorrect.
Dear friends around the world,
I would like to share with all of you an interesting development within Tibetan politics which could have positive ramifications in how they treat religious differences, segregation and bias in Tibetan society. Until now the treatment of people with varying religious practices has been poor to say the least. A member of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, also known as the Central Tibetan Administration gave a short speech in which he raised his sincere concerns about the government’s continued reliance on advice given by Nechung through the State Oracle. This minister of the government is Venerable Tenpa Yarphel, one of the two representatives of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. Since His Holiness the Dalai Lama heavily relies on advice from Nechung, as does the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, Tenpa Yarphel is in direct conflict of this. Since Tibetans in exile are democratic in name only, the ultimate decisions always come from the Dalai Lama in spite of his ‘retirement’ from politics. Nechung has been used by the Tibetan government through a succession of oracles for hundreds of years and Tenpa Yarphel with his logical speech is ‘threatening’ to overturn this tradition and indirectly saying the Dalai Lama is wrong in encouraging the use of Nechung for all state decisions as well as religious matters.
For hundreds of years, the Nechung oracle has been consulted on matters of state. Many are now questioning this reliance, given that Tibetan society is supposed to be based on the principles of democracy and the advice given by the oracle does not support this, but instead creates division and segregation in Tibetan society. In the past Nechung has given advice to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Tibetan ministers to ban Dorje Shugden and that the practice should not be allowed to exist. Many Tibetans are now saying this is wrong because whatever religion a Tibetan practises should be up to them. All Tibetans should be given respect and equal opportunities, and this includes religious freedom. Added to this is the fact that a lot of Nechung’s advice turns out to be wrong, and the language Nechung speaks is unintelligible to almost all Tibetans. His pronouncements must be interpreted by one or two monks who are supposed to understand his language but there is no verification of this.
Because of Nechung, Dorje Shugden practitioners are not allowed to attend any secular or spiritual gatherings with the Dalai Lama, enroll into Tibetan schools, use Tibetan hospitals, work in the Tibetan exiled government and even dine at certain Tibetan restaurants. As a Tibetan, regardless of religion, they should be allowed to attend the Dalai Lama’s secular talks without prejudice, enroll in schools, use hospitals and so on. What type of government restricts one segment of their own society to attend secular gatherings concerning their country due to religious bias? This is happening in Tibetan society today. In the past in America, African Americans were segregated in this way due to racial bias and prejudice. This is happening now with the Rohingya conflict in Myanmar. In Tibetan society, Dorje Shugden practitioners are not allowed to participate in mainstream Tibetan government, attend monasteries, be treated in hospitals, learn in schools and go to the Dalai Lama’s talks. Not being able to attend the Dalai Lama’s religious ceremonies is fine, but all Tibetans inclusive of Dorje Shugden practitioners should be allowed to attend the Dalai Lama’s secular talks as he is Tibet’s defacto leader. But they are not allowed to, even though they are Tibetans because of their religion.
I have included a video for you to watch of the speech by Parliamentarian Tenpa Yarphel who is very outspoken. He represents thousands of Tibetans who are against the use of Nechung by the government because of the schism and division Nechung’s advice has created. As it is in Tibetan, I have included the transcript of the video in English so you can understand what he says. Here are some points to bear in mind:
Gods, demons, and spirits
The Nechung oracle is famous within Tibetan society for his pronouncement labelling the Dharma protector Dorje Shugden a demon or a spirit. Within the speech given by Tenpa Yarphel he mentions this labelling as creating division and disharmony within Tibetan society. While practitioners consider Dorje Shugden to be a god, an emanation of Manjushri, the Buddha of wisdom, Nechung labels Dorje Shugden a demon or spirit, creating a rift and giving rise to segregation. The segregation against Dorje Shugden practitioners based on Nechung’s advice has kept thousands of Tibetans away from mainstream Tibetan society. Based on Nechung’s advice the Tibetan government has disallowed Dorje Shugden practitioners from participating in any governance of the Tibetans, to use facilities such as hospitals and even attend Tibetan schools. They have become pariahs.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama often consults Nechung before making firm decisions. Here you see Nechung in trance of the oracle and speaking to the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama often invites or allows Nechung to take trance and speak during many initiations, ceremonies, rituals and gatherings. Many Tibetans are not happy with this and Parliamentarian Tenpa Yarphel spoke up about this. Tibetans are asking why after 60 years of being in exile and listening to hundreds of pronouncements and advice from Nechung, there is no progress in the Tibetan situation with China. People are losing confidence in Nechung and questioning why the Tibetan government always consults Nechung before making decisions when it is not having any effect. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has mentioned clearly that Nechung advised him to ask Dorje Shugden practice to be removed. Many senior monks say Nechung, being a lesser spirit, was jealous of the faith people had in Dorje Shugden. Nechung said that the practice of Dorje Shugden was slowing down the return of the Tibetans to Tibet as Dorje Shugden was conflicting with Pelden Hlamo and Nechung himself. Many scholar monks in Gaden Monastery said this is impossible. Let us just, for argument’s sake, suppose Dorje Shugden is obstructing. How can he override a powerful being like Pelden Hlamo? It does not make sense. But Nechung told the Dalai Lama that Dorje Shugden should be banned.
False prophecies
Within Tibetan society it is well known that Nechung has given many false prophecies. These include a false prophecy leading to His Holiness the 13th Dalai Lama Thubten Gyatso fleeing to China to escape the British Invasion of Tibet in 1903 led by Colonel Younghusband; the death of the 13th Dalai Lama after being given wrong medication as prescribed by the Nechung oracle; and a false prophecy stating that the 14th Dalai Lama should remain in Tibet in 1959, while it was actually Dorje Shugden who gave the advice to leave Tibet into safety in India. This was recounted clearly by Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, the root teacher of the Dalai Lama and there are many monks who attest to this. In his biography, His Holiness the 6th Dalai Lama Tsangyang Gyatso even made it clear that we cannot rely on Nechung’s prophecies or advice. Yet the 6th Dalai Lama’s instruction regarding reliance on Nechung has been disregarded today during the 14th Dalai Lama’s reign. There must be a reason why the 6th Dalai Lama forbade Nechung’s advice.
Nechung’s language
When Nechung gives pronouncements in trance of his oracle, he is unintelligible. He does not speak in colloquial Tibetan or any clear language for the majority of the population. What he says needs to be interpreted by another monk and only a few monks can understand Nechung’s language which does lead to a lot of mistakes as there is no check and balance. The ability to understand Nechung remains a mystery. No one knows how the other monks know what Nechung is saying or even where they learned to understand Nechung. This was brought up by Parliamentarian Tenpa Yarphel during his speech.
People are now seriously questioning the advice given by the Nechung oracle
The Central Tibetan Administration is supposed to be a democracy
The Tibetan constitution is based on and enshrines democratic principles, and this includes the freedom to practise whatever religion you choose and not be discriminated against because of this. Due to Nechung’s pronouncement that Dorje Shugden is a demon or spirit, the Central Tibetan Administration instituted policies discriminating against Dorje Shugden practitioners, which is against their constitution. This has led to a divide within Tibetan society, including segregation and suffering. In fact within official Tibetan policy now, they have included a new clause stating that if you are a Dorje Shugden practitioner you may not work for or have any position within the Tibetan Government-in-Exile. Since Nechung said Dorje Shugden is a negative spirit and his followers must give up the practice or be banned from Tibetan society, all those who follow Dorje Shugden are instantly segregated. This is what has been happening since 1996.
Nechung in full trance. No other government in the world consults a spirit that takes trance of an oracle and then asks advice for the sake of the country. If the advice brought results then that would be fine, but much of what Nechung predicts does not come true.
The Tibetan language has many nuances
When people read literal translations of the Tibetan language, it may be difficult for a new reader to understand what is really being said. This is because there are a lot of prevailing issues the reader may not be aware of. It is also because of the various different levels of honour and meaning within the language itself. Therefore it is necessary to have some form of explanation for the precise meaning to be ascertained. It is important that what is being said in Tibetan is interpreted in English correctly, inclusive of all of the nuances, tones and also the indirect meanings alluded to. Tibetans often do not like to speak directly or offensively, so Tibetans speak indirectly, in a roundabout way, or in third person terms. Tibetans do not like direct confrontation which leads to a loss of face.
Venerable Tenpa Yarphel, minister of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile and representative of the Kagyu schools
Please do keep all these points in mind when watching the video and reading the transcript. It will help you understand the true gravity of what Tenpa Yarphel is saying about Nechung and the Tibetan government. His speech is truly landmark. Never before has someone spoken in this open and direct manner in regards to the government’s reliance on Nechung. This is especially true because Nechung’s authority to give advice comes from the Dalai Lama saying so. Within Tibetan society no one dares to criticise the Dalai Lama but here Tenpa Yarphel addresses what is wrong with Tibetan society at the moment, by criticising the government’s continued reliance on the advice given by Nechung. By Tenpa Yarphel attacking Nechung and the institution of giving advice to the Tibetan government, he is skillfully saying that he does not agree with the current Dalai Lama’s use of Nechung, as much of the advice Nechung has given has turned out to be wrong. There are many Tibetans like Tenpa Yarphel who disagree with many of the Dalai Lama’s policies and the Tibetan government’s enforcement of these policies and many are gradually starting to speak out as they want a true democracy.
Prime Minister Lobsang Sangay about to consult with Nechung regarding state affairs. You can see other government ministers behind him. Tibetans are now saying that if Nechung was effective, they would have Tibet back by now. Instead they are asking why they are not using logic to figure out the many issues concerning Tibet. Back in 1904 Nechung had advised a 600-member strong army of Tibetan soldiers to fight the British Younghusband Expedition encroaching on Tibetan territory. Nechung had given them amulets and predicted a stunning defeat of the British. Quite the opposite happened and many were killed and they lost the battle with the British. Parliamentarian Tenpa Yarphel brings up this point in the meeting as this is a well-known story.
What is even more remarkable is that Tenpa Yarphel skillfully brings up the issue of the segregation of Dorje Shugden practitioners without directly speaking about Dorje Shugden. Instead he goes to the source and through this explains that in order for Tibetan society to once again be united, the Central Tibetan Administration should stop taking advice from Nechung. Only in this way will there be an end to segregation and religious discrimination within Tibetan society and also for all Tibetans to be united as one. Tenpa Yarphel stresses that Nechung is always saying this deity is a god, or that one is a spirit, or another one is a demon, so people become very confused. When he accuses the deity of a certain sect or group of followers to be a spirit, he obviously segregates these people from mainstream Tibetan society, since the deity is supposed to be evil according to Nechung. Instead of dividing Tibetans, Nechung should advise all Tibetans to be united and tolerant of each other even if your religious belief systems are different and not ban any religion. But he does not. Tenpa Yarphel is saying all Tibetans should be united regardless of their religion and that the Tibetan government should stop consulting Nechung as his advice has not been proven to create unity.
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama consults with Nechung again, just like he has done hundreds of times before. Whatever Nechung advises regarding religion and politics, the Dalai Lama will heed strongly to the advice of this spirit. His Holiness the Dalai Lama said in his talks that Tibetan Buddhism follows the Buddha and its rich tradition is being degraded by worship of spirits such as Dorje Shugden. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso of England wrote a letter to His Holiness the Dalai Lama asking if the Dalai Lama stops propitiating spirits like Nechung, then we can go further to stop our worship of Dorje Shugden. Both sides should be the same. Until then the Dalai Lama encourages people to respect and propitiate Nechung because at most gatherings in India, he will have Nechung take trance and always take centre stage during teachings. Also the Tibetan government-in-exile supports the Nechung oracle and the monastery and its many monks financially. Furthermore, with Nechung, the Dalai Lama has two other oracles (Tenma and Tsangpa) who also take trance to speak, dance and accept offerings during many of the Dharma talks with His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Tenpa Yarphel is certainly brave, ambitious and caring of the unity within Tibetan society. He stressed many times during parliamentary meetings that all Tibetans need harmony, and basically need to get along with each other regardless of their differences and that Nechung is preventing this. Being of the younger generation of Tibetan politicians he is aware and alert to the changes of modern society. He wishes Tibetan politics and policies would mature to the point they are befitting of the 21st century in that it is open, tolerant, fair, equal in its treatment of citizens and no prejudice of anyone’s religion. He is indeed courageous and brave and many support him and respect him. This is not something easy for me to talk about here, but it needs to be said. Forgive me if I offend anyone as this is not my intention. I simply wish that the negative rhetoric against Dorje Shugden practitioners will stop because it is inhumane.
I respectfully beg and humbly request His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama to embrace all Tibetans even if we practise Dorje Shugden. This practice has been with us in Tibet till now for 400 years starting from the Sakya School of Buddhism. One word from His Holiness the Dalai Lama to accept all of us will be enough for Tibetans who practise Dorje Shugden and those that do not to become united and harmonious again, just like before the ban against Dorje Shugden. I wish His Holiness the Dalai Lama to reconsider as you have all the power to make this democratic change in tolerance for all religions within Tibetan society. I thank you. May His Holiness the Dalai Lama always be well and live very much longer.
Tsem Rinpoche
Tenpa Yarphel Speaks Up
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/TenpaYarphel.mp4
Transcript
As said by Kagyu Member of Parliament Tenpa Yarphel:1
I have something to add relating to the previous question about the Department of Religion and Culture. Many people have voiced their opinions (both good and bad opinions) about the Nechung Oracle. Even in meetings, they always talk about Nechung and all that. So I would also like to share my opinion on this.
I know that our government is involved in both religion and politics. In the past, the Minister of Religion and Culture has said that our religion is based on following what Nechung says when he takes trance. Nechung says all types of things. Even today, the “supporters” (inferring fake supporters or those who want to look politically correct) make many statements to this effect. Buddha Shakyamuni gave 84,000 teachings but Nechung taking trance is never mentioned anywhere in them, nor by the Seventeen Great Panditas of Nalanda Monastery (the teachings of all four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism stem from Nalanda Monastery). So, this (following Nechung’s advice while in trance) is not real Dharma. If you say that this is our religion (getting advice from Nechung), then it is wrong. Following Nechung in trance is a mistake (the Dalai Lama always invites Nechung to all his events, gatherings, and teachings. Here Tenpa Yarphel is alluding to this but does so in a way that is not offensive).
Those who support the Middle Way pretend to have faith in the Dharma and the Dharma Protectors, and they say we have to offer them (Nechung) everything. But this does not make any sense to me. If you support the Middle Way, you don’t have to believe in Gods or Protectors, much less the Dharma. These type of people pretend to have faith in the Protectors. They act as though if they don’t exist, we cannot get food, we cannot get drinks, but they are actually the ones creating conflict in Tibetan society and the public must know about this (this infers Nechung and supporters are creating schism in Tibetan society).
We are quite involved in Dharma. I know quite well what is written in Dharma. You make gods and demons (referring to Nechung) take trance and after that you make decisions. But this is not real dharma and His Holiness the Dalai Lama has said this before.
Fortunately, the Minister of Religion and Culture said today that discussions on the topic of Nechung are happening again and again in parliament meetings. I don’t remember exactly what he said but if it is not necessary to do this, then we better not do it. He said something along the lines that if we do not consult Nechung and listen to him then it is good! It is totally unnecessary, it always creates conflict. Within our society, the issue of (referring to Nechung telling the Dalai Lama that Dorje Shugden is a demon) gods and demons still exists. What has happened in the Tibetan community within the past 50 years? Everything is upside down. People say this is a god, this is a demon… This conflict has destroyed our unity (we are not united as we are segregated by our religion and this means Tibetans cannot achieve anything). If we can end this conflict, I truly rejoice.
The Minister of Religion and Culture has said that the public has been bombarding them with complaints and difficult questions (regarding the situation of the Tibetan government relying on Nechung and the problems this has caused) and that they should not be doing this. But if we don’t ask them, who should we ask? (the Tibetan public are not happy with Nechung giving instructions to the Central Tibetan Administration and the Dalai Lama because his instructions do not have a positive effect). The Department of Religion and Culture is the one who pays their salaries. They are the ones who increased their salaries. The Minister of Religion and Culture is saying that without this, it’s not okay. But there is nothing to be grateful about. What is there to be grateful for? We have to discuss this. Where is it written in the Buddha’s teachings that the Nechung Oracle must take trance?
When Nechung takes trance (Tenpa Yarphel makes choking sounds), he makes choking sounds (as though his neck is being strangled with rope). No one understands what Nechung is saying. Who can understand Nechung? How did the person who understands Nechung learn how to do so? Did he know from birth? (Nechung talks unintelligibly. Here Tenpel Yarphel is mocking Nechung, saying even the language he uses to communicate in trance is confusing in itself. What is eventually understood of what he says just serves to create more conflict). By Nechung saying that a deity is a god, is a demon, or a spirit, he has segregated the Tibetans (for example, Nechung said that Dorje Shugden is a spirit and some people gave up the practice but others did not. This divided the Tibetans).
We are in the 21st Century but we are lagging behind the times. I want to make it clear that this is not pure Dharma. The Department of Religion and Culture is not doing what they should, and doing what they should not. That’s what I’d like to say (referring to his point that the Tibetan Department of Religion and Culture should stop consulting Nechung).
Footnote:
1. The Tibetan language can be difficult to understand due to the propensity not to say things directly, or that it refers to issues the reader may not understand. In order to clarify points made within the speech, short commentaries have been added in brackets in the above text to elucidate what Tenpa Yarphel was saying.
Addendum
Translation of Nechung Monastery’s Response
Within a couple of days of Tenpa Yarphel’s comments in Parliament about not continuing to rely on Nechung’s advice, Nechung Monastery released a knee-jerk letter condemning him. The letter itself reiterates and highlights many of the points raised earlier. The translation of the letter is provided below.
A response from Nechung Monastery in regards to Ven. Tenpa Yarphel’s comments about the flaws of listening to Nechung. Click to enlarge.
- More and more Tibetans are beginning to realise that continuing to rely on Nechung is not good for the Tibetan people on a democratic level and for Tibetan unity. Many people approached the monastery for answers relating to Tenpa Yarphel’s comments because they too felt the same way about the government’s continued reliance on Nechung. If people did not feel the same way, then they would not have done anything. This goes to show there are sections of Tibetan society that want equality, they stand up for what is not right.
- Nechung Monastery did not provide a logical response to Tenpa Yarphel’s comments but brushed him off by saying that people need to believe that Nechung is a well-known Dharma protector and that people should believe in what His Holiness the Dalai Lama says without explanation. But this goes against Buddhist practice. The Buddha taught us to use spiritual logic, but the monastery offers no such logical explanation.
- Why would Nechung Monastery release such an illogical statement if they were not threatened by what Tenpa Yarphel and large sections of the Tibetan people are feeling? They are paid by the Central Tibetan Administration and rely on the government for financial gain. The monastery falls under the Department of Religion and Culture, that pays them a salary. Are they worried about their livelihood? Or what will happen to their paycheque and influence if they are no longer employed by the Tibetan government? Could this be the real reason why they would release such an illogical letter?
- Why is Nechung Monastery even commenting on parliamentary proceedings when they are not politicians. Tenpa Yarphel as a monk and politician can comment on religious matters such as the over reliance of the government on deities. Nechung Monastery however are not politicians. So there is no reason for them to comment on the proceedings unless the conclusion drawn about their paycheques being affected is true.
This statement did nothing for Nechung Monastery but instead highlights what many Tibetans are feeling. Rather than give a real and well thought out response, their statement does not clear up any of the points Tenpa Yarphel actually raised. Since none of these points were addressed, what could the reason be for such a response? It is not clear at all and as such raises more questions as to the true motive of the monastery and the Nechung oracle’s involvement with the Central Tibetan Administration.
Translation of Nechung Monastery’s letter:
Dear people who have immovable samaya, hope and rely on the Great Dharma King Nechung,
Everybody knows that Kagyu Tenpa Yarphel, member of parliament, brought his personal thoughts and personal disease against the great Dharma King, Nechung. He talked like an insane person and exaggerated and made people worry. Many people arrived at Nechung Monastery and asked for an explanation about the statements. But this monastery is not going to give any answers. Because, “if a blind man can see anything” (Tibetan proverb) the topic is beyond dispute already. It is clear that the palm of the hand cannot cover the sun light and Nechung is a well-known dharma protector. So to have wrong view and slander or blame this protector, it shows one’s own bad character and nothing else. In particular, the great incarnation of Avalokiteshwara, His Holiness the Dalai Lama says “Under the sky, I am very much familiar with Nechung and Nechung is very familiar with me.” He always says this in his own words. There is nothing to say further except this. To those who have faith in this great Dharma King, they should have undisturbed minds, never lose their belief, just like before and always respect the wishes of His Holiness.
From Nechung Monastery on Sep, 22nd, 2017
The Tibetans in exile
The main Tibetan settlement in India is in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh. Click to enlarge.
After His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama left Tibet in 1959, followed by around 150,000 Tibetans in later years, they were given safe refuge in India. The then-Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and the Indian people showed their gracious generosity and kindness in allowing the Tibetans to settle in Buxa, the first Tibetan refugee camp. From there the Tibetans were distributed amongst 24 allocated settlements throughout India. These settlements were leased to the Tibetans for a period of 99 years.
One of these settlements is called Dharamsala in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. This is where His Holiness the Dalai Lama established his palace and where the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, now more commonly referred to as the Central Tibetan Administration, established its parliament and headquarters. This governing body is made up of three institutions that are supposed to uphold the Tibetan constitution which is based on “democratic” principles, including the Judiciary, the Legislature, and the Kashag (or Executive committee). In reality however, even though it was supposed to be set up in this way, the Dalai Lama is still in command and has the final word in political matters because he is still revered as the god-king of Tibet.
It was February 1960 that His Holiness the Dalai Lama outlined the introduction of democracy within the Tibetan exiled community. 13 elected officials swore their oaths to uphold these principles on September 2nd, 1960, and included one representative each from the four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism. This day is now celebrated throughout the Tibetan exiled community as “Tibetan Democracy Day”. Although Democracy Day is celebrated there is definitely no democracy within the Tibetan exiled community as of yet.
Dharamsala itself has become a popular tourist destination as well as being the hub of Tibetan exiled life. Out of the roughly 150,000 Tibetans that left Tibet, about 95,000 live within the 24 Tibetan settlements. About 20,000 of these live in or around Dharamsala, making it the most populous area for those of Tibetan descent outside of the Tibet Autonomous Region. Tibetans in Dharamsala now outnumber the Indian population significantly and are the majority in the area.
The current headquarters of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, otherwise known as the Central Tibetan Administration is located in Dharamsala.
Dharamsala has become one of the main Tibetan settlements in India. Here we see a street with local shops and a temple in the background.
A view of one of the many streets in Dharamsala, where His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration are based.
The Tibetan settlement of Dharamsala sprawls over the lush countryside.
Nechung
Nechung is the name given to a Dharma protector propitiated by the Central Tibetan Administration. This Dharma protector’s name is actually Pehar Gyalpo. He has his origins in Zahor, ancient Persia from where he travelled to Tibet. There, during Buddhism’s transmission to Tibet he opposed the spread of the religion creating many obstacles for the great masters. He was subdued and bound by oath by Padmasambhava, an Indian tantric master of great renown who had travelled to Tibet to subdue the interfering beings who blocked the spread of Buddhism. Nechung was forced to swear, under threat, to protect Buddhism and Buddhist practitioners. Padmasambhava also bound and subdued other local spirits and deities, putting them under the control of Nechung, and installed him in the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet, Samye Monastery.
Nechung Monastery in Dharamsala
Over time, Nechung’s main minister Dorje Dragden began to communicate with the Tibetan government through the medium of an oracle, and over time the Nechung oracle became regarded as the State Oracle of Tibet since he took trance to advise the government. However, many people today believe that it is not Nechung that takes trance within the oracle when consulted by the Central Tibetan Administration. Instead they say it is malicious spirit named Nyatrul, who arose specifically to destroy the Tibetan government. In a previous life, he was falsely linked to an assassination attempt on the 13th Dalai Lama’s life. He was killed brutally by the Tibetan government and as he was dying, he swore to reincarnate as someone who would destroy the Tibetan government. Many believe that the pronouncements made by the Nechung oracles since then are false because they stem from Nyatrul rather than Nechung.
Kyabje Zong Rinpoche said that the real Nechung deity is a benevolent being and is helpful but many high lamas and Tibetans do not believe that it is Nechung that takes trance in the oracle. This stems from the heavy negative karma of the Tibetan government. Instead it is none other than Nyatrul who advises the Tibetan government. Nyatrul is said to be hell-bent on destroying Tibetan unity by posing as Nechung and giving false advice to the government. In this way they will continue to make decisions that will bring them failure. To many Tibetans, including Tenpa Yarphel, this seems to be the case because after 60 years the Tibetans still cannot return back to Tibet.
In 1959, Bhutan and Nepal were both small kingdoms that had a very small population, yet their rulers were strong and their government was precise in protecting them from invasion. It seems that the Bhutanese and Nepali leaders at the time worked for the welfare of their people and were therefore able to keep their sovereignty until today. The question here is why wasn’t Tibet with all their gods and protectors, and lamas, able to protect their country and alleged sovereignty? After all, whose fault was it that Tibet was lost? Whose fault was it that they did not have a modern army, a good communications infrastructure, diplomatic relations with powerful countries around the world or schools educating the Tibetan populace on modern thought and exposure to world politics? Whose fault was it that Tibet was backward and the people lived in serfdom? So when the Chinese came, the Tibetan government easily handed everything over. Why didn’t China take over Bhutan and Nepal, as it would have meant more land, resources and people to join China? We can see clearly here that the Tibetan government in Tibet failed its own people, just like it is similarly failing its people now to secure some sort of peaceful resolution between Tibet and China. The Tibetan leaders, it seems, are interested in garnering western support for financial gains. Instead of trying to please western governments, they should stop criticising China and reach out and make friends with China for the sake of the six million Tibetans inside and outside of Tibet. Since Tibet is in China, it only makes sense to make friends with China and not antagonise China.
According to Tenpa Yarphel, Nechung is a strong contributing factor to this because the Tibetans are not taking responsibility for their government, but relying on the inaccurate prophecies of the Nechung oracle, which is not unifying the Tibetan people but segregating them. Hopefully, Tenpa Yarphel’s courage and lone voice will bring some wisdom to the Tibetan leadership and unite all Tibetans regardless of religion. That of course includes Dorje Shugden people who have been badly segregated, biased against and spat upon due to Nechung’s condemnations. Nechung has condemned Dorje Shugden people to a life of suffering due to segregation. Dorje Shugden people are Tibetans too and love their country just as much as any other Tibetan.
Let us hope that Venerable Tenpa Yarphel and many more like him will continue to speak up so that the beautiful Tibetans outside of Tibet will unite with the Tibetans inside Tibet, and preserve their unique and beautiful culture, language and religion. Tenpa Yarphel is really a forerunner for the truest form of democracy.
Nechung Monastery in Dharamsala. This whole monastery with around 100 monks are sponsored by the Tibetan Government-in-Exile for their expenditure. Their function is to engage in pujas to Nechung to please him every day and as a place where Nechung can be consulted. It houses the shrine and room where the oracle takes trance of this spirit. Remember, Nechung is known as a spirit and not an enlightened being. Yet there is a whole monastery dedicated to him, sponsored under the Dalai Lama’s instructions by the Tibetan Government-in-Exile. Tibetans are complaining why is this so? So many poor Tibetans need help, why is Nechung Monastery funded and why is the Nechung oracle paid to advise the Tibetan government?
Tenpa Yarphel
Venerable Tenpa Yarphel is a member of the 16th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile and one of the two representatives of the Kagyu schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The 16th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile’s term began in 2016 and will last until 2021.
西藏流亡政府人民议会议员丹巴雅培发表反对乃琼护法的谈话
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/TenpaYarphelSpeaksUp.mp4
致世界各地的朋友们：
我想跟你们分享藏人政界一个值得关注的进展，因为这个进展或会对西藏流亡政府在处理流亡藏人社群中的宗教差异、宗教隔离及宗教偏见的问题上形成正面的结果。截至目前，拥有相异宗教信仰的流亡藏人所获得的待遇，至少可以说是较差的。西藏流亡政府（或称“藏人行政中央”）人民议会的一位议员，也是流亡政府的一位部长——尊敬的丹巴雅培（藏传佛教噶举派两位代表的其中一位）发表谈话，表示自己非常关注流亡政府长久不断依赖乃琼护法透过神谕给出的谕言之现象。由于达赖尊者非常倚赖乃琼护法的谕言，西藏流亡亦是如此，丹巴雅培也因此直接涉身其中。虽说达赖尊者已经从政事中“隐退”，但最后的决定权往往都会交回尊者手中，故此，西藏流亡政府的民主，实际上是名存实亡。上百年来，西藏政府透过世代相传的神谕向乃琼护法请示大小事务。丹巴雅培富逻辑的谈话已经对这上百年的传统构成具颠覆性的威胁，更是间接地表示达赖尊者倚赖乃琼护法谕言，为西藏及宗教相关事务做决定的做法是不可取的。
上百年来，乃穷护法的神谕一直都为西藏政事给予谕言。如今，许多人开始质疑这种做法，因为乃琼护法神谕所给的谕言不但无法满足现今藏人社会对民主作为原则的诉求，还在藏人社群中制造隔阂。此外，遵照乃琼护法所谓的谕言行事更是在藏人社群中导致分裂与隔离。过去，乃琼护法曾向达赖尊者及西藏流亡政府部长建言禁止多杰雄登护法，并且表示多杰雄登护法的修持法门也不应该存在。现如今，许多藏人对此表示反对，因为不管一个藏人信仰什么宗教，那都是他的自由。每个藏人都应该获得尊重及同等的机会，其中就包括宗教信仰的自由。除了以上所述之外，乃琼护法的许多谕言往往原来都是错的，他说的话，是近乎所有藏人都无法理解。他的话，必须经过一位或两位理应听懂其语风的僧人来诠释，但他们是否听懂却无人能核实。多杰雄登的修持者因为乃琼护法的缘故而不被允许出席达赖尊者的世俗和佛事聚会、不被允许入读藏族学校、不被允许享用藏族医院设施、不被允许在西藏流亡政府中任职，甚至不被允许在一些藏族餐厅用餐。不管哪个藏人信仰哪个宗教，他们都应该在没有任何偏见的笼罩下获准出席达赖尊者的世俗讲座、入读藏族学校、享用医院设施等拥有相等权利。什么样的政府会基于宗教偏见而禁止社会的一部分人出席关乎国家大事的世俗聚会？如此荒唐之事，如今正在流亡藏人社会中上演。过去，美国也曾基于种族偏见而隔离美国非裔；如今，缅甸的罗兴亚人也正面对相同的命运。在流亡藏人社会里，多杰雄登修持者不能成为流亡政府的一份子、不能到寺院去、不能到医院接受治疗、不能在藏族学校学习，以及不能出席达赖尊者的讲座。不能出席达赖尊者的佛事活动是尚可以接受的，但所有藏人，包括多杰雄登修持者在内，理应都有权利出席达赖尊者的世俗讲座，因为尊者是藏人的事实上的领袖。然而，多杰雄登修持者却因为他们的宗教信仰而被禁止参与尊者的讲座，纵使他们都是藏人。
我在这里附上了丹巴雅培议员大胆做出评论的视频。他代表着成千上万反对西藏流亡政府听取乃琼护法谕言的藏人，只因乃琼护法的谕言制造了分裂和争议。由于丹巴雅培以藏语发表谈话，因此我也在这里附上中英译文的文稿，好让你能了解其中的内容。你需要牢记以下几个要点：
佛、魔、鬼怪
乃琼护法神谕标签佛教护法多杰雄登为魔或鬼怪的谕言是藏族社群间家喻户晓的事。在丹巴雅培所发表的谈话中，他提及这样的标签已经在藏人社群间引起分歧和矛盾。分歧和隔阂的产生源自多杰雄登修持者一方面将他视作智慧佛文殊菩萨的化身，而另边厢，乃琼护法却标签多杰雄登为魔或鬼怪。因乃琼护法谕言而引起的隔阂已经导致成千上万名藏人在主流社会中丧失容身之处。问题的根源也是因为西藏流亡政府以乃琼护法的谕言为根据，禁止多杰雄登修持者在任何政府部门任职，并且禁止他们享用如医院的设施，甚至禁止他们入读藏族学校。多杰雄登修持者竟然成了贱民。
达赖尊者经常在做最后决定前请示乃琼护法。此图显示乃琼护法降神到神谕身上与达赖尊者说话。达赖尊者也经常在许多灌顶仪式、法会及聚会上邀请乃琼护法降神或允许他降神。
许多藏人对此不满，丹巴雅培议员就此不满发表谈话。藏人质疑为何六十年流亡在外，加上听从了乃琼护法无数的谕言和建言后，他们的西藏事业依然无法取得进展。人们开始对乃琼护法失去信心并且质问西藏流亡政府为何凡事都要先听取乃琼护法的建言才做决定，因为很明显地，乃琼的建言没有起任何效果。达赖尊者曾清楚地表示乃琼护法指示他剔除多杰雄登护法的修持法门。许多资深的僧人都说：比起多杰雄登护法，乃琼护法是较小的邪灵。他嫉妒人们对多杰雄登护法充满信心。乃琼表示多杰雄登的修持将拖慢藏人返回西藏的脚步，因为多杰雄登护法跟吉祥天母护法及他本身有矛盾。甘丹寺的学者僧侣都表示这是不可能的事。为了探讨这个说法，我们退一步假设多杰雄登真的阻碍西藏事业，那么他是怎么“制伏”威力如此强大的吉祥天母来达到这个目的呢？这种说法一点都不合理，但乃穷护法还是向达赖尊者建言多杰雄登应该被禁止。
错误的预言
在藏人社群间，乃琼护法曾多次给予错误的预言是人尽皆知的事。其中一个事迹便是1903年英国入侵西藏期间第十三世达赖尊者逃亡中国。另一次则是乃琼护法神谕开错药方导致第十三世达赖尊者服用后不幸逝世。后在第十四世达赖尊者的时代，乃穷护法再次于1959年给了错误的预言，表示达赖尊者应该留守西藏。实际上指示尊者如何逃离西藏、安全抵达印度的，是多杰雄登护法。达赖尊者的根本上师——嘉杰赤江仁波切曾清楚地叙述这段往事，许多僧人也可为此事作证。在第六世达赖尊者的传记中，他曾明确说明我们不得听取乃琼护法的预言或建言，然而今日在第十四世达赖尊者当政的时候，人们将第六世达赖尊者关于不得听取乃琼护法的指示置之不顾。六世达赖禁止人们听取乃琼护法的建言必定事出有因。
乃琼护法的语风
人们难以理解乃琼护法在降神到其神谕身上时所说出的谕言。他说的不是西藏的口语，也不是大多数藏人所能理解的清晰语风。他说出的谕言还必须经过另一位僧人的诠释，而懂得乃琼护法语风的僧侣只有几人。由于无人能核实某一位或某几位僧人对乃琼护法谕言的诠释，其中若错漏百出也是情理之中的事。理解乃琼护法语风的能力始终是一个迷。没有人知道另一位僧人是怎么学会理解乃琼护法的语风，也更不可能知道他是从哪里学会掌握这个能力。丹巴雅培议员在其谈话中提及这一点。
现如今，人们开始郑重地质疑乃琼神谕的建言。
藏人行政中央名存实亡的民主
《流亡藏人宪法》以民主为根基，更视民主为神圣不可侵犯之原则，而民主就包括不管人们选择信仰哪个宗教都不会受到歧视的宗教自由。然而，藏人行政中央（或我们熟知的“西藏流亡政府”）却基于乃琼护法表示多杰雄登为魔或鬼怪的谕言而实施歧视多杰雄登修持者之政策，这无疑是违背了宪法。不仅如此，该政策也使藏人社会出现分裂及隔阂，人们因此受苦更不在话下。如今，在藏人行政中央所实施的政策中，他们加入一个新条款，写明若某人是多杰雄登修持者，他便不得在流亡政府的任何一处任职。既然乃琼护法说多杰雄登护法是邪灵，其修持者被迫放弃该修持，否则就会面对从藏人主流社会中被驱逐的下场，于是继续多杰雄登修持法门的人即刻被隔离。这样的不公自1996年上演至今。
正在降神中的乃琼护法。这个世界并无其他国家会像西藏流亡政府那样，听取一个降神在神谕身上的神灵的建言来治理国家。若所给的建言能带来益处尚好，但乃琼的预言往往都是错误的。
西藏语文细微差别甚多之特性
当人们在阅读藏文为原文的译文时，若阅读者对西藏语文甚至文化并不熟悉，那么在理解其文字真正含义上或会感觉困难。这是因为阅读者没有意识到许多要点。另一个原因为西藏语文本身有着各种不同层度的尊称和含义。因此，为了弄清某些字眼精准的含义，做一些解释是一种必要。用英语（或汉语）正确地诠释藏语的表达，其中包括所有的细微差别、语气，以及间接、隐射的含义。藏人一般不喜说话直接或与人在言语上起冲突，因此他们都会以迂回、婉转或以第三人称的方式说话。藏人不喜会引起丢面子局面的直接对质。
尊敬的丹巴雅培，西藏流亡政府的议员及噶举派代表。
请在观看视频及阅读文稿时仍记住这里的几个要点。它们将有助于你理解丹巴雅培针对乃琼护法及西藏流亡政府所发表的谈话的重要性。他发表的谈话是个重要的里程碑，因为从来没有人如此公开、直接地针对西藏政府倚赖乃琼护法的传统发表看法。前所未见此种举动，原因也是可想而知的，因为一直以来达赖尊者都准许乃琼护法宣说谕言。在藏人社会中，无人敢批评达赖尊者，但丹巴雅培敢于指出流亡政府不断听取乃琼护法的谕言的做法给藏人社会构成了哪些问题。丹巴雅培一方面对乃穷护法，以及流亡政府听取其谕言之制度发出反对的声音；另一方面也巧妙地表明自己不认同现任达赖尊者倚赖乃穷护法的立场，以及乃琼护法的建言到头来都是错误的。许多藏人像丹巴雅培一样不认同达赖尊者及流亡政府所实施的政策，他们都逐渐发声，只因他们一心追求真正的民主。
流亡政府司政洛桑森格准备向乃琼护法请示政事。在他身后的是其他政府官员。如今藏人开始议论，表示若乃琼真的能带给我们利益，那么西藏的主权早就交回到我们手上了。藏人们质问为何流亡藏人领导不以逻辑探讨政事。1904年，乃琼曾建言六百名壮士组成的藏族军队全力抵抗英国荣赫鹏远征西藏的入侵。开战前乃琼给士兵们护身符并预言他们将旗开得胜，但恰恰相反的情况却发生了。藏族士兵死伤惨重，他们被英方打败了。丹巴雅培在会议中提及这段历史，因为这段往事人尽皆知。
更值得一提的是，丹巴雅培巧妙地在不直接谈及多杰雄登护法的情况下，提出其修持者遭到藏人社群隔离的问题。相反地，他深入虎穴，直接说中问题的要害——若希望藏人社会再度团结一致，藏人行政中央应该停止听取乃琼护法的谕言。唯有这样才能终止藏人社会中的隔阂与宗教歧视，进而达成团结一致的愿望。丹巴雅培强调乃琼护法经常说某神是善类，或某个神是鬼怪，另一个是魔，人们也因此被搞得混淆不清。当乃琼护法控诉某个宗派或一组修行人的神灵为魔，很显然地，这将导致被指控的这组人受到主流社会的隔离。乃琼护法应该劝导所有藏人团结一致，即使存在宗教信仰上的差异，人与人之间还是要互相体谅，而不是禁止另一个宗教，但乃琼护法并没有这么做。丹巴雅培表示所有藏人应该团结起来，不管每个人的宗教信仰是什么。再者，西藏政府也应该停止听取乃琼护法的谕言，因为他的建言都已被证实不具建设性反而还带来藏人的分裂。
第十四世达赖尊者如常地向乃琼护法请示问题。不管乃琼给的建言是与宗教或政事相关，尊者都会遵照这个神灵的话行事。在禁止多杰雄登护法这一事上，尊者曾说藏传佛教追随佛陀释迦牟尼的教诲。佛教的丰富传统正被邪灵崇拜的行为——如崇拜多杰雄登邪灵那样——所侵蚀。身处英国的格西格桑嘉措给达赖尊者写了一封信，信中他问达赖尊者是否已经停止崇拜如乃琼那样的神灵。若已停止，那么我们也会跟着停止崇拜多杰雄登。双方都应该统一行动。截至今日，达赖尊者依然鼓励人们尊重并供奉乃琼护法，因为在大多位于印度的聚会上，尊者会请乃琼降神，甚至让乃琼在开示的场合上成为关注的焦点。此外，西藏流亡政府也会支援乃琼神谕及乃琼寺，寺中还有不少的僧侣，开销可说是不小。除了乃琼，达赖尊者还有其他两位神谕——丹玛和藏巴。这两位神谕也在达赖尊者的多场佛法开示上降神说谕言、跳仪式舞和接受供养。
丹巴雅培无疑是一个勇者，他满腔理想，关心藏人社会的团结一致。他曾多次在议会会议上强调藏人最需要的是和谐共处、异中求同，唯乃琼护法从中作梗。作为年轻一代的藏族政治人物，他意识并察觉到现代社会的改变。他期待藏人政治和政策更趋成熟，拥护21世纪的公开，具包容性，公平，平等的价值、不带任何宗教歧视的态度来对待每一个子民。他的确是个勇敢的人，许多藏人都爱戴他。说这些话会让我不太舒服，但说这些话是一种必要。若我冒犯到任何一个人，请原谅我，这不是我的目的。我纯粹希望伤害多杰雄登修持者的各种诡辩能画上句点，因为这很不人道。
我恭敬、谦卑地祈求第十四世达赖尊者拥护每一个藏人，即使我们信仰多杰雄登。这个修持法门始于萨迦派，自四百年前就一直都存在在我们西藏人之中。达赖尊者的一句包容之语，就足以让信仰多杰雄登的人及非信众团结一致，回到过去未有禁令前的和谐状态。我衷心希望达赖尊者能为这件事重新考虑，因为您拥有做出这一大民主跨越的力量，在藏人社会中落实各个宗教信仰间的相互包容。我感谢您。祈愿达赖尊者长时吉祥、健康长寿。
詹杜固仁波切
丹巴雅培勇于发声
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文本
噶举派国会议员丹巴雅培说：1
对于较早前关于宗教和文化部的问题，我想做出一些补充。许多人都针对乃琼发表了自己的看法（好、坏看法）。即使在会议当中，他们也时常讨论乃琼等。所以我也想针对这点分享我的看法。
我知道我们的政府管理宗教和政治事务。过去，宗教和文化部长曾说我们的宗教乃是根据乃琼降神时所给的指示。乃琼说过各种课题。即便到今天，那些“支持者”（意指假支持者或那些想要显示政治立场正确的人）依然针对此发表许多言论。佛陀讲授了八万四千种教法，但乃琼降神时却从未提起，也未曾提及那烂陀寺（西藏佛教四大派系的教法都源自那烂陀寺）的17位大班智达。可见，这（乃琼降神时的指示）并非真正的佛法。若你说这是我们的宗教（接受乃琼的意见），那就是错误的。跟从乃琼降神的指示是一个错误（达赖尊者时常邀请乃琼出席他的活动、聚会和开示。丹巴雅培以一种不那么冒犯的方式如此暗示）。
那些支持中间道路者假装对佛法和护法虔诚，他们说我们必须把一切都供养他们（乃琼）。然而，对我而言，这毫不合理。如果你支持中间道路，你无需相信神或护法，更别说佛法。这类人假装对护法虔诚。他们的行为显得他们仿佛不存在，我们无法获得食物，无法获得饮料，但实际上他们就是在西藏社会制造争端的人，群众必须知道这一点（指乃琼和其支持者在西藏社会制造争端）。
我们都常接触佛法。我相当清楚佛法的内容。你让神和魔（指乃琼）降神，然后再做决定。但这不是真正的佛法，达赖尊者曾经这么说过。
幸运的是，宗教与文化部长今天提到，国会一次又一次地提出有关乃琼的课题。我无法清楚记得他所说的内容，但如果没有必要这么做，那我们最好还是不要做。他的大意是，如果我们不咨询和听从乃琼的指示，那是好事！这完全没有必要，时常构成争端。在我们的社会当中，关于神和魔的问题（指乃琼告诉达赖尊者多杰雄登为魔一事）依然存在。西藏社群过去50年来发生了什么事？乱象丛生。有人说这是神，这是魔……这类争端对我们的团结构成破坏（宗教分歧导致我们无法团结，这意味着藏人什么都做不到）。如果我们能终止这场争端，我会衷心随喜。
宗教和文化部长说，群众对他们做出大量投诉和质疑（针对西藏政府依赖乃琼和随之而来的问题），而他们不应该这么做。然而，如果我们不问他们，我们又该问谁？（西藏群众对乃琼给藏人行政中央和达赖尊者指示感到不悦，因为他的指示并不带来正面成果）。宗教和文化部付给他们薪水，调升他们的薪水。宗教与文化部现在说若没有这个，那是不行的。但这并不值得感谢。要感谢些什么？我们必须讨论这些。佛陀教诲中的哪一个部分写着乃琼必须降神？
乃琼降神时（丹巴雅培发出哽噎的声音），他发出哽噎的声音（仿佛脖子被绳子勒住）。没有人听得懂乃琼在说些什么。谁听得懂乃琼？那个听得懂乃琼的人如何学会这么做？他生下来就会吗？（乃琼说话含糊不清。丹巴雅培嘲讽乃琼，说即便是他降神时使用的语言都让人混淆。而最终即使搞清楚了他所说的，也只会引起更多争端）。乃琼说某个神祗是神、魔或邪灵，已经引起藏人的分裂（譬如，乃琼说多杰雄登为邪灵，有些人因此放弃这个修持，而另一些人继续修持。这已经分裂了藏人。）
我们已经身处21世纪，但我们依然远远落后。我想清楚说明，这不是纯正的佛法。宗教和文化部没有做自己该做的事，反而去做那些不该做的事。这是我想要说的（指西藏宗教和文化部应该停止咨询乃琼一事）。
注：
1. 由于藏文表达方式往往不够直接，所以读者不易理解，或这也可以是一些读者不太了解的课题。为了让读者更清楚明白丹巴雅培的演讲内容，特在括号中加入一些简短的解释。
附录
乃琼寺的回应（译文）
在丹巴雅培于议会中发表停止听取乃琼护法建言之言论的几天后，乃琼寺反射性地写了一封谴责他。该信重申并强调好一些先前提出的要点。以下为乃琼寺发布的信函的译文。
- 越来越多藏人开始发现继续听取乃琼护法的建言，从民主角度乃至藏人的团结都无益处。他们对丹巴雅培的言论深以为然，继而开始向乃琼寺讨个说法。如果人们不认同其言论，他们也不会有什么举动。这无疑证明了藏人社会的一部分人诉求平等，他们不平则鸣。
- 乃琼寺并未对丹巴雅培的言论做出合理的解释，反而一味强调人们应该深信乃琼是非常有名的佛教护法，也应该深信达赖尊者的话。这有违佛教做法，因为佛陀教导我们要以逻辑做论证，但乃琼寺明显未做合理解释。
- 若不是丹巴雅培及大部分藏人的看法威胁了乃琼寺，他们为何要发布如此充满谬论的声明呢？乃琼寺的维持依赖西藏流亡政府，他们的资金也源自政府，如此的举动不禁让人怀疑他们是不是在害怕丢了自己的饭碗呢？又或者他们担忧遭西藏流亡政府“解雇”后工资与影响力将付之东流？这会不会是他们发布充满谬论的信函的真正原因呢？
该信并没有给乃琼寺起任何正面的作用反而凸显了许多藏人的无奈。他们未经认真思考的声明并未厘清丹巴雅培提出的任何一项要点。如此荒谬的回应还能是基于什么理由呢？他们的回应模糊不清，使得人们对乃琼寺及乃琼神谕与西藏流亡政府之间的连带关系背后的动机有更多的猜疑。
附加译文
致那些对乃琼大法王有着不可动摇的三昧耶、寄望和依止的人们：
大家都知道噶举丹巴雅培国会议员发表和散播了反对乃琼大法王的个人看法和个人疾病。他像个疯子般夸张的言论，引发群众的忧虑。许多人前来乃琼寺针对那些言论寻求解释。但本寺将不会给予任何答复，因为“如果一个瞎子能视物”（西藏谚语），这个课题已经不容争议。只手显然无法遮天，而乃琼早已是一位著名的护法。因此，对这位护法持有邪见，并加以诽谤或责怪，除了显示一个人本身品性恶劣之外，再没有其他。尤其是伟大的观音菩萨化身达赖尊者曾说过：“普天之下，我对乃琼十分熟悉，乃琼也十分熟悉我。”他时常这么说。除了这个，再也无需多说什么。那些虔诚相信这位大法王的人们都应该像以往一样，拥有不动摇的心，不失去信念，也时常遵照尊者的心愿。
乃琼寺启，2017年9月22日
流亡藏人
1959年第十四世达赖尊者离开西藏后，大约十五万藏人陆陆续续在接下去几年的时间内追随尊者到印度。时任印度总理贾瓦哈拉尔·尼赫鲁及印度子民对前来印度的藏人展现出无比的慷慨和仁慈，不但给予他们庇护，也允许藏人在一个名为“巴萨”的地方驻扎。这个地方成了藏人的首个难民营，然后从这里，他们再被指派到散落在印度各地的二十四个定居点。印度政府将这二十四个定居点租借给流亡藏人，时限为99年。
位于印度喜马偕尔邦的“达兰萨拉”就是二十四个定居点的其中一处。达赖尊者及其流亡政府（现称作“藏人行政中央”）驻扎于此。达兰萨拉除了建有达赖尊者的行宫，流亡政府的议会和总部都坐落在此地。西藏流亡政府由最高法院、西藏人民议会以及内阁（噶厦）所组成。其存在宗旨即为捍卫以民主为根本的《流亡藏人宪章》。然而，实际情况是，在政事上，达赖尊者依然手握做最后定夺的大权，即使理论上流亡政府经已落实民主制。这是因为达赖尊者仍被藏人尊奉为西藏的国王。
1960年2月，达赖尊者向流亡藏人概述民主制度。1960年9月2日，十三位获选官员宣誓将捍卫民主原则。这十三位官员包括藏传佛教四大宗派的各别四位代表。如今，流亡藏人都将这一天视为“西藏民主日”。虽然流亡藏人庆祝西藏民主日，但流亡藏人并尚未享有民主。
今日的达兰萨拉一个著名的旅游景点，也是流亡藏人生活的中心地点。在粗略估计的十五万出逃西藏的流亡藏人当中，约有九万五千人住在二十四个定居点；约两万人住在达兰萨拉之内或毗邻处——达兰萨拉是流亡藏人后裔最喜爱的地方。目前居住在达兰萨拉的藏人人数远远超过当地人口，在这一区域占大多数。
西藏流亡政府（或称“藏人行政中央”）的总部就坐落在达兰萨拉。
达兰萨拉成了流亡藏人在印度的主要定居点。从这照片我们看到街道边有藏人经营的店铺，后面还有一座寺庙。
达兰萨拉多个街道的其中一个街景。这里是达赖尊者和藏人行政中央的驻扎地。
整个郁郁葱葱的郊野都是达兰萨拉的藏人定居点。
乃琼护法
“乃琼”，是西藏流亡政府（或称“藏人行政中央”）所供奉的一位佛教护法神之名。这位佛教护法神的本名为“白哈尔王”。他源自古波斯一个叫“扎霍”的地方，后前往藏地。在佛法传入西藏的初期，白哈尔王力阻佛法在藏地的弘扬，为前去藏地弘法的佛教大师制造无数障碍。最后，著名的印度密续大师——莲花生大士跋涉到藏地，成功将白哈尔王及其他阻碍圣法在藏地弘扬的众生降伏。遭降伏后，他被迫立下护持圣法及佛教行者的誓言。除了乃琼之外，莲花生大士也降伏了其他当地神灵，并将他们列入乃琼的管制。最后，莲花生大士将乃琼安奉在藏地首座佛教寺院——桑耶寺中。
位于达兰萨拉的乃琼寺。
随着时间的推移，乃琼的主要大臣——多杰扎登开始透过神谕向噶厦政府（西藏政府）建言。自乃琼神谕降神给噶厦政府建言开始，久而久之，乃琼神谕便成了噶厦的御用神谕。然而，今时今日也有许多人相信降神到神谕身上、给噶厦政府建言的并非乃琼护法。人们相信降神的是一个名为“聂珠”、一心希望摧毁噶厦政府的邪灵。其渊源追溯至第十三世达赖尊者的时代。聂珠前世遭诬陷企图杀害第十三世达赖尊者，于是噶厦政府对他痛下毒手，残忍地将他杀死。死前聂珠发下毒誓必会投生来摧毁噶厦政府。许多人相信乃琼神谕的谕言是错误的，因为那些谕言来自聂珠而非乃琼。
嘉杰宋仁波切曾说，真正的乃琼是充满善意且是擅于帮助人的护法神。然而许多高僧和藏人都认为，降神在乃琼神谕身上的不是乃琼护法。问题的根结在于西藏政府的深重恶业。给西藏政府建言的正是聂珠。部分人相信聂珠决心破坏藏人的团结，于是他假冒乃穷护法，给西藏政府错误的建议。那么，西藏政府就会继续做出错误的决定，直到最终唯有面对失败。这一说法似乎引起许多藏人（包括丹巴雅培）的共鸣，因为六十年过去了，藏人依然无法返回故乡。
1959年期间，不丹及尼泊尔都是拥有少数人口的小国，但这两国却能守住自己的疆土，抵挡外来势力的入侵。从中我们看出不丹及尼泊尔的领袖自那时起就致力保障其子民的福祉，于是也就成功捍卫国家主权直至今日。值得反思的是：为什么当时西藏所有的神明、护法神及高僧喇嘛没能力保卫疆土及捍卫所谓的主权？归根结底，失去西藏的主权是谁该负上责任？当时的西藏没有一支现代化的强大军队、没有良善的通讯设备、没有跟世界其他大国建立外交，也没有建立学校教育藏人与时并进的思想和国际政治的知识，这些都是谁的错？西藏当时的落后及农奴制度的沿用，这又是谁的错？正因为如此，面对中国的挑战，西藏政府束手无策地将一切拱手相让。为什么中国不打不丹及尼泊尔的主意呢？因为有了不丹及尼泊尔也就意味着拥有更多的土地、资源和人力。事实证明，当时的西藏政府治国不力，现在也如此，因为截至目前西藏政府依然无法与中国达成和平协议。反之，目前的流亡藏人领袖似乎更致力于靠拢西方势力，为的就是换取金钱利益。与其向西方国家政府献媚，西藏政府应该停止抨击中国。他们更应该为了在西藏境内境外的六百万名藏族同胞的福祉而跟中国交好。既然西藏处于中国境内，跟中国交好而非交恶是更为合理的。
据丹巴雅培所言，乃琼护法是致使这种种问题的最主要因素，因为藏人对自己国家的政事不闻不问、不负责任，反而一味听取乃琼神谕的错误预言，导致藏人之间出现隔阂及分裂。我们希望丹巴雅培的勇敢发言和单薄的声音能给流亡藏人领袖带来启发，并且将所有藏人团结起来，不管大家的宗教信仰是什么。这当然就少不了因为乃琼护法的贬低而面对严重歧视、隔离和仇恨的多杰雄登修持者。乃琼护法对多杰雄登护法的贬低不仅将多杰雄登修持者推下痛苦的深渊，更使他们遭受隔离。多杰雄登修持者也是藏人，他们也爱自己的国家，跟其他藏人没有不一样。
我们期待尊敬的丹巴雅培及其他像他这样的人会继续勇敢发声，好让身处西藏境外的美丽藏人能跟身处西藏境内的藏人团员，并携手保存藏族独特、丰富的文化、语言和宗教。丹巴雅培是落实真正之民主的先驱者。
这是位于达兰萨拉的乃琼寺。整座寺院大约有一百名僧人。这一百名僧人的开销由西藏流亡政府支付。这些僧人负责进行乃琼护法的法会并且每日负责供奉他。这座寺院也是人们向乃琼请示问题的地方。此外，乃琼寺建有佛龛和房间，这些都供神谕降神这位神灵。别忘了，众所周知，乃琼是一个灵，非出世间神灵。但是人们竟为他盖建一整座寺院，西藏流亡政府更是在达赖尊者的指示下支付寺院的开销。藏人们对此表示抗议和不解，因为有那么贫穷的藏人需要帮助，为何是乃琼寺获得资助？为何乃琼神谕受雇于西藏政府，给西藏政府建言？
丹巴雅培
尊敬的丹巴雅培是西藏流亡政府第十六届人民议会之议员，也是藏传佛教噶举派两位代表的其中一位。第十六届人民议会议员的任期为2016年至2021年。
Updated July 30, 2018
The Tibetan leadership’s connection with Nechung spans centuries. This study, by Christopher Paul Bell titled “Nechung – The Ritual History and Institutionalization of A Tibetan Buddhist Protector Deity“, chronicles the relationship between the Dalai Lamas and Nechung, and how Nechung’s practice become state-sanctioned during the time of the Fifth Dalai Lama.
It was the Fifth Dalai Lama’s government which endorsed, renovated and improved Nechung Monastery, as well as expanded Nechung’s ritual cycle, thus setting the course for the Tibetan government to come to heavily rely on his prophecies. To read the PDF document, click here.
For more interesting information:
- Nechung – The Retiring Devil of Tibet
- The Spirit Nyatrul: Magic, Mischief and Misery
- The Buddhist Divide – An Unholy Campaign against Religious Freedom
- Dorje Shugden: My side of the story | 多杰雄登：我这方面的说法
- Should there be a separate autonomous Dorje Shugden state? Part 1
- Should there be a separate autonomous Dorje Shugden state? Part 2
- To Sum It Up
- They want to kill me
- Dorje Shugden Retreat: A powerful practice to fulfill wishes
- Dorje Shugden Category
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Wow …great having someone like MP Tenpa Yarphel to speak up against Nechung openly for the Tibetan unity and harmony. For the sixty years Nechung has been proven that his predictions through the oracle has been wrong. Such as gaving wrong advice to HH the Dalai Lama to remain in Tibet while Dorje Shugden told HH the Dalai Lama to flee Tibet. Dorje Shugden’s advice was accurate and did saved HH the Dalai Lama’s life during the Chinese invasion . MP Tenpa Yarphel, bravely speak up his mind with logic in Parliament. We definitely need more people like Tenpa Yarphel to speak up for the truth . Religion and politics should never be mixed. The CTA knew all this while Nechung is wrong in prediction yet they just ignored and making Nechung a scapegoat , creating disharmony among the Tibetans.
Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor David for this sharing.
Tibetan government’s member of parliament Tenpa Yarphel speaks again! This time, he says it’s time to stop discriminating against Dorje Shugden people. Please click here for more details: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=191497
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videouploads/comment-1553623764.mp4
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videouploads/comment-1553623813.mp4
Mantras are sacred verbalized words that invoke the protection and blessings of the deity to whom the mantra is ascribed. Mantras are also the manifestations of Buddhas in the form of ‘sounds’, hence the various mantras of Dorje Shugden contain the essence of the Protector.
Dorje Shugden’s main mantra 多杰雄登主要咒语
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA SOHA
Dorje Shugden’s mantra for peace 平和咒语
For gaining attainments through the energy of Peaceful Shugden, peace of environment and mind, harmony in one’s abode and dwelling area, and calming of disasters
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA SHANTI SIDDHI HUNG
Dorje Shugden’s mantra for health 福寿安康咒语
For long life, increasing life, healing of disease and protection from diseases
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA AYU SIDDHI HUNG
Dorje Shugden’s mantra for increase 增长咒语
For gaining great merits and increase of all necessary needs, both material and spiritual
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA PUNYE SIDDHI HUNG
Dorje Shugden’s mantra for control 控制咒语
Of worldly deities, negative people and nagas and for influencing friends towards the positive
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA WASHAM KURU HO
Dorje Shugden’s mantra to grant protection 庇护咒语
Visualize that you are in the Protector’s mandala, fully protected from outside interferences. Recite when in danger or for dangerous situations, for protection while travelling or when residing in dangerous/hostile places
OM BENZA WIKI BITANA RAKYA RAKYA HUNG
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videouploads/comment-1544345059.mp4
Dear friends,
Tibet has produced many powerful meditations, rituals and guidelines to help us gain spiritual protection, gain wisdom and higher states of consciousness. In general Tibet has produced many powerful methods for the growth of our spiritual evolution. Dorje Shugden is an angel, a saint, a powerful spiritual protector-warrior who originated 350 years ago when a highly awakened Tibetan Lama fulfilled his vows to become a special being to grant protection, wisdom, material needs, safety when travelling (normal and astral travel) and spiritual awakening. Both the Great 5th Dalai Lama and the current His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama composed short yet effective prayers to invoke upon the power and blessings of this special saint and protector. One can recite either one of the prayers that you feel suits you, anytime or even daily. When you feel a special need for help, you can recite either prayer anytime. When you are feeling down, afraid or just need a blessing, you can recite them. After reciting either invocation, it is good to chant the mantra of Dorje Shugden: Om Benza Wiki Bitana Soha.
You do not have to be a Buddhist or practitioner of any religion to invoke upon the blessings and protection of this special enlightened and awakened angel Dorje Shugden. He helps all without discrimination or bias as he is filled with compassion and love. Divinity has no boundaries, they help all who call upon them.
Enclosed are the prayers in English, Chinese and Tibetan.
May you be safe, protected and blessed.
Tsem Rinpoche
More on the Great 5th Dalai Lama and Dorje Shugden – https://bit.ly/2w7KHv6
More on H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama and Dorje Shugden – https://bit.ly/2QdaL4n
Chapel (Trode Khangsar) built by the Great 5th Dalai Lama dedicated to Dorje Shugden in Lhasa – https://bit.ly/2zBTd8M
—
亲爱的朋友们，
西藏产生了许多有助于我们得到精神庇佑、取得智慧和更高层次之觉悟的强大禅修法、仪式和教诲。总括来说，西藏产生了许多有助于我们在修行上取得提升的强有力方法。多杰雄登是一个天使，一位圣人和一名护法战士。他的崛起始于350年前，当一位高度觉悟的西藏高僧履行本身的承诺，化身为特别的护法，赐予我们守护、智慧、物质需要、出入平安（平日外游和神游时）和灵修上的觉醒。任何人都可以随时随地在任何时候念诵适合自己的祈愿文。当你需要特别的帮助时，你可以随时念诵任何一篇祈愿文。当你感到沮丧、恐惧或仅是需要加持时，你也可以持诵这些祈愿文。在念诵任何祈请文后，你应该接着念诵多杰雄登的心咒：嗡 班杂 维格 毗札那 娑哈 Om Benza Wiki Bitana Soha。
要祈请多杰雄登这位特殊、觉悟和觉醒的天使赐予加持和庇佑，你无需是佛教徒或任何宗教的修行者。他总是没有分别或偏见，充满慈悲和慈爱地帮助一切众生。神圣是没有界限的，圣者会帮助有求于他的任何人。
以下附上英文、中文和藏文的祈愿文。
愿你平安，常受庇护和加持。
尊贵的詹杜固仁波切
更多关于第五世达赖尊者和多杰雄登护法的内容 — https://bit.ly/2zsC3tG
更多关于第十四世达赖尊者和多杰雄登护法的内容 — https://bit.ly/2r4aaDN
第五世达赖尊者为多杰雄登护法在拉萨建造的护法殿（布旦康萨）— https://bit.ly/2zBTd8M
Divination (‘mo’) Text by Dorje Shugden
This is an important divination (‘mo’) text composed by Dorje Shugden himself. Dorje Shugden took trance of the Choyang Dulzin oracle lama, the senior oracle of Gaden Shartse Monastery, and instantly on the spot composed this text within two hours.
The divination text contains information on how to use dice to do divination for the future and is known to be highly accurate. When practitioners use this text, they will be in direct contact with Dorje Shugden to get answers to questions about the future. It is for those who have good samaya with Dorje Shugden and are free of the eight worldly dharmas to be of benefit to others in divining the future.
Tsem Rinpoche
DS-MO-choyang.pdf
Be blessed with these rare videos featuring explanation and advice about Dorje Shugden practice by His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche in his own voice. The teaching was requested by Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, one of the earliest masters who taught Tibetan Buddhism in the West.
Video 1: H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche Explains Dorje Shugden Initiation and Benefits (With English Subtitles)
Kyabje Zong Rinpoche was an erudite scholar, ritual master and practitioner of the highest degree from Tibet. At the request of Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, one of the pioneers who taught Tibetan Buddhism in America, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche gives clear explanation and advice about the life-entrustment initiation of Dorje Shugden and how to go about the practice and get the maximum benefits in this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzFMvlxAqtc&feature=youtu.be
Video 2: H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche speaks on the History and Lineage of Dorje Shugden (With English Subtitles)
In this video, an erudite scholar, ritual master and practitioner of the highest degree from Tibet, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche talks about the incarnation lineage of Dorje Shugden and how the practice arose, with examples of Dorje Shugden’s previous lives that reveal his powerful spiritual attainments and contributions. This very rare teaching was given at the request of Kyabje Zong Rinpoche’s student, Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, one of the pioneers who taught Buddhism in the West to many disciples since the 1970s.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIzKSJgK618&feature=youtu.be
For more information: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/great-lamas-masters/kyabje-zong-rinpoches-advice-on-dorje-shugdens-practice.html
For the first time available, Dorje Shugden and his entourage of 32 asssistants of his mandala.
Dorje Shugden is a powerful protector deity who is also an emanation of Manjushri, a wisdom bestowing Buddha. Therefore, he has great ability to help us to progress further on the spiritual path. He does this by helping us to overcome obstacles and problems for the modern individual.
Due to his enlightened nature, Dorje Shugden is able to manifest 32 deities and within the same abode resides Setrap and Kache Marpo:-
1. 5 Dorje Shugden families or emanations. They consists of the following:-
– Dulzin Dorje Shugden, which performs activities to eliminate inner and outer obstacles.
– Shize, which performs activities to pacify all illnesses and disease.
– Gyenze, which performs activities to increase all desirable material and spiritual wealth.
– Wangze, which performs activities to control difficult people and circumstances.
– Trakze, which performs activities to wrathfully eliminate all insurmountable obstacles and life-threatening situations.
2. 9 Mothers. They represent protection of the five senses and developing control of the four elements. These are all attributes that signify their ability to assist tantric practitioners with their higher meditations.
3. 8 Guiding Monks. They represent the Eight Great Bodhisattvas (Avalokitesvara, Manjushri, Vajrapani, Samantabhadra, Maitreya, Kshitigarbha, Akashagarbha, Sarva-nivarana-viskambini) and they bring about the growth of the Dharma, through the Sangha, Dharma practitioners and Dharma establishments.
4. 10 Youthful & Wrathful Attendants. They represent the ten wrathful attendants to avert inner and outer obstacles. They are beings who are from Mongolia, China, Kashmir, India, Bengali, etc.
5. Setrap. He is a senior Dharma Protector from India and an emanation of Amitabha Buddha. He had enthroned Dorje Shugden as an authentic Dharma Protector. Therefore, he also resides within the same mandala of Dorje Shugden.
6. Kache Marpo. He is not an emanation of Dorje Shugden but he is still an enlightened Dharma Protector in his own right. He was originally known as Tsiu Marpo of Samye Monastery. However, he has placed himself under the service of Dorje Shugden as his chief minister, performing many activities in order to protect and benefit practitioners. Therefore, he stands guard at the main entrance of Dorje Shugden’s mandala. He often takes trance of qualified mediums to speak.
7. Namkar Barzin. He is the reincarnation of an old Mongolian monk and when he passed away in Phari area of Tibet, his spirit was placed as a powerful assistant of Dorje Shugden. He guards and protects buildings and great institutions especially those that benefit others. He rides on a mythical Gyaling animal that resembles a goat but with scales.
These sacred images are available on *Vajrasecrets. They are made of high quality alloy and are one of a kind. They are based on the lineage of His Holiness Panchen Rinpoche’s monastery, Tashilhunpo in Shigatse, Tibet. In fact, the iconography of these statues are based on detailed photographs taken by H. E. Tsem Rinpoche during a trip to Tashilhunpo’s protector chapel. These are based exactly as the 10th Panchen Lama’s personal collection.
Dorje Shugden mandala: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=131570
Dorje Shugden’s benefit and practice: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=62422
Dorje Shugden’s origins: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=106424
Dorje Shugden chapel in His Holiness Panchen Rinpoche’s Tashilhunpo Monastery in Tibet: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=68698
*Stand not included
His Holiness the 10th Panchen Lama
Tibetans commonly refer to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and His Holiness 10th Panchen Lama as the “sun and moon” of Tibetan Buddhism. They are the center of Tibetan Buddhist civilization, which draws to its sphere of influence millions of non-Tibetan practitioners. The Panchen Lama’s incarnation line began with the 16th abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, Lobsang Chokyi Gyeltsen (1570 – 1662). He was bestowed the title of Panchen Lama by His Holiness the 5th Dalai Lama after being declared as an emanation of Amitabha.
After being given the title, his three previous incarnations were posthumously also bestowed the title, making Lobsang Chokyi Gyeltsen the 4th Panchen Lama. He became a teacher to many Tibetans, Bhutanese and Mongolian religious figures, including His Holiness the 4th and 5th Dalai Lamas, and the 1st Jetsun Dampa of Mongolia. A prolific author, Chokyi Gyeltsen is credited with over a hundred compositions, including a number of commentaries and ritual texts that remain central in the Gelukpa tradition today. Along with his role as a teacher of the Dharma, the Panchen Lamas are usually responsible for the recognition of the rebirths of the Dalai Lamas, and vice versa.
The 10th Panchen Lama, Lobsang Trinley Lhundrub Chokyi Gyeltsen (19 February 1938 – 28 January 1989) continued both the spiritual and political roles of his predecessors. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, his contemporary, was even heard to say and echo the Panchen Lama’s own words that the Dalai Lama would safeguard Tibet from the outside while the Panchen Lama would safeguard Tibet from the inside, as he never left Tibet after the political troubles of 1959. He was truly loved by the Tibetans, all the way until his passing. When he taught, thousands of people would attend, not only from his own Gelug lineage, but masters and practitioners from all traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.
At his sprawling monastery of Tashi Lhunpo, he has a special chapel specifically dedicated to Dorje Shugden, where prayers and rituals are performed on a daily basis. In his great omniscience the Panchen Lama held Dorje Shugden as the principal Dharma protector of the monastery. He also personally propitiated Dorje Shugden among other Dharma protectors, and even wrote extensive prayers and rituals to Dorje Shugden. These rituals and prayers are contained within his ‘sung bum’ or collected works, which are provided here. As such a great lama, with an erudite and clear understanding of the Buddhist scriptures, a teacher to millions in both Tibet and China, from an established incarnation line and an emanation of the Buddha Amitabha, he could not be mistaken about his practice of Dorje Shugden.
His Holiness 10th Panchen Lama is known for his composition of commentaries and practice texts that are still in use by contemporary Buddhist practitioners both in Tibet and across the world. One of these is a powerful ritual composition propitiating the compassionate Dorje Shugden.
Upon the request by Acharya Lobsang Jangchub to compose a shorter version of the prayer (sadhana) for the exhortation of activities of Dorje Shugden, Panchen Lama immediately composed an abbreviate form of Dorje Shugden’s Kangsol. This text is entitled “Manjunatha’s (Tsongkapa) Lineage protector Dorje Shugden and five forms wrathful propitiations and confessional prayers and fulfilment of activities rites” or “Melodious sound of Accomplishment of the Four Activities” for short. Once the prayers were completed, he had signs and strong feelings that Dorje Shugden has been working hard to protect the Buddhadharma in general and the lineage of Lama Tsongkhapa specifically.
Mirroring the abilities of one of his earlier incarnations, Khedrub Je, a disciple of Lama Tsongkhapa and master of both sutra and tantra, the Panchen Lama used his compositional skill and poetic prowess to create a masterful sadhana. Worthy of note is a praise in which the first letter of each verse is a Tibetan vowel. Such compositions are rarely seen, and have historically only been used when propitiating senior Dharma protectors such as Palden Lhamo and Kalarupa.
The Panchen Lama also stated that while composing the Dorje Shugden sadhana (prayers) he was filled with a sense of happiness and bliss. He ends the composition with not only his official title but his ordination name, Tenzin Trinley Jigme Choje Wangchuk, endorsing the validity of his work. He composed the sadhana in his own Tashi Lhunpo monastery while in the Hall of Clear Light and Bliss.
See the Panchen Lama’s writings and download: https://bit.ly/2KIfeXb
This elderly & innocent monk in India was brutally attacked, find out why. Shocking – https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=163953
“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
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
Sakya tradition’s thangka of Dorje Shugden sitting on a throne within his palace with his four emanations and high Sakya Lamas nearby. Tsem Rinpoche
Antique Pelden Lhamo thangka with sacred Dorje Shugden at the bottom right. Can see Tsongkapa and Guru Rinpoche on the top also. Beautiful and holy.
This video condensed and made simple the history of the Dorje Shugden ban and the sufferings Dorje Shugden people experienced and continue to experience for 20 years. The video also laid out and reveal the truth and facts that Dorje Shugden was the Protector who advised His Holiness the Dalai Lama to flee to India and hence His Holiness’ life is saved. There is no religious freedom for the Dorje Shugden people worldwide because of the Dorje Shugden ban executed by the Central Tibetan Administration. We are, until today being discriminated and persecuted for simply practising our choice of religion and this is the truth.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gis2vaURT40
MP Tenpa Yarphel is indeed brave and breaks with the tradition of not speaking up in Tibetan Parliament but following the advice of those higher up. His opinions voiced in Parliament speaks volumes of just how people within the Tibetan communities are feeling towards the Nechung oracle and his influence over politics. Why is it that the Parliamentarians are not making sound and logical decisions for themselves but relying on Nechung instead. This doesn’t look good for the politicians and for a supposed democracy and this is what the Tenpa Yarphel is speaking up about.
The fact that Nechung is consulted in this day and age is something to wonder about, especially since it occurs in a supposed democratic government. But what is more scary is that his advice really ends up being more detrimental than helpful. In fact many of his prophecies that have turned out false, cause more pain and suffering. This is not something that other democratic governments around the world would even think of doing. If the Tibetan government is really democratic, they should stop this practice. But if they want to continue doing this, they really shouldn’t call themselves a democracy.
It is rare and encouraging to have someone speaking up against the unjustness of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). As ‘democratic’ as the CTA like to portray they are, it is well-known that if some individuals were to talk against them, the CTA will make sure they learn their lesson. Mr Lukar Jam is a very clear example of the consequences Tibetans have to face when they go against the very same government who signed the agreement and was ready give themselves away to China. How ironic is that. ?
How will people think if countries like America and Canada were to behave and rule their countries like how the CTA run their “government”? That is not a democratic government body at all! I must say that this article is a masterpiece, it gives a better insight into how the CTA actually operate. Which democratic country on earth consults spirits for answers in relations to the welfare of their country? What does that say about the leaders of the country?
The power that Nechung exerts through the Tibetan Government in Exile shows that democracy is only a word on paper but not applied within the CTA. Where else could a state oracle take decisions? On top, these decisions are not even helpful but instead have negative results for Tibet!
It is very good that MP Tenpa Yarphel speaks up and points out what is wrong with relying on Nechung and his prophecies. The Tibetans need to be united instead of the discrimination and hardship that Dorje Shugden practitioners have to bear.
The CTA should stop discriminating against someone’s religion and harm Dorje Shugden practitioners in every possible way from health to education to work and daily necessities. It is a huge struggle being a Dorje Shugden practitioners but the worst is being segregated from society, not being allowed to meet friends and family which does not practice the same religion or who are working for the Tibetan Administration in Exile. The harm for Dorje Shugden practitioners is unending and it has no basis and no benefits for anyone!
I hope that more will speak up and that decisions will be taken based on democratic rules such as equality, liberty of speech and religious freedom to name some. Thank you Tenpa Yarphel to speak up and point out that Nechung’s advices are not understandable for most people and do not have the results that are expected. In this way how does not make sense to listen to those advices?
Thank you for sharing this important message.
Imagine after 60 years of being exiled and listening to hundreds of pronouncements and advice from Nechung, there is no progress.
Why?
a) Because many Tibetans believe that Nyatrul is posing as Nechung and taking trance in
the current Nechung oracle. This is the result of the Tibetan Leadership’s heavy
negative karma.
b) The language Nechung (Nyatrul) speaks is unintelligible to almost all Tibetans. His
pronouncements must be interpreted by one or two monks who are supposed to
understand his language, but there is no verification of this.
c) No religious freedom.
Conclusion: Why bother to get an advice from a spirit?
Practice democracy by uniting Tibetan with no barrier in religion.
A good example, Venerable Tenpa Yarphel has showed deep concern for the Tibetan welfare by reasoning the truth rather than keeping quiet.
? Applause and thank you Venerable Tenpa Yarphel
Thank you Rinpoche and team for this article
Its great that younger Tibetan politicians are starting to speak their mind and stand up for the principles of democracy. In fact, it’s about time that the younger generation of Tibetans speak up to protect their country and community from the corruption, power games and feudal ways of thinking of those who currently hold power.
Of course it’s ridiculous for a democratic govt to take the advice of a spirit against the wishes of the public. What’s more when that spirit has been wrong and harmful on so many occasions. So why doesn’t anyone have the guts to say anything except Tenpa Yarphel?
Tibetans around the world especially those who have been exposed to true democracy in the west should really speak to their government representatives and make a motion for this silly reliance on Nechung to be stopped. A democracy must listen to the wishes of its people, and stop being controlled by a few in power at the top of the food chain, and worse, by a spirit.
We may think that as an MP, they have the right to question the government/rulling body, as well as voicing public opinion as he/her is a representative of the people. Apparently, many people approached the monastery for answers relating to Tenpa Yarphel’s comments as they began to question the continued reliance on Nechung.
However, instead of being praised for speaking up, Tenpa Yarphel was widely criticised, even by some very high profile Tibetan figures as some thought that he went overboard questioning the Tibetan tradition of having State Oracles. Some even told off the MP and reminded him to bear in mind that he must put effort to unite the Tibetan people and the Tibetan cause. How ironic that Nechung is one of the contributing causes for the Dorje Shugden ban, that created and continue to create discrimination, ostracisation, incrimination and persecution of Dorje Shugden practitioners.
Whether or not to continue relying on Nechung is an issue for Tibetans to discuss, but for sure, the Shugden ban is clearly against an individual’s human right to religious freedom.
A famous Tibetan political activist, Jamyang Norbu spoke about the Shugden controversy and said: “Of course, people must be allowed their beliefs no matter how ridiculous or wrong we may perceive them. I believe people have the right to worship Shugden or any other deity they want, while the Dalai Lama as a spiritual leader certainly has the right to object to this on theological grounds and ask people to refrain from such practises. But that is not the problem. The trouble is that the Tibetan government has been inducted to implement the Dalai Lama’s proscription of Shugden worship.”
The ban must stop, producing and distributing literature and videos demonising Shugden worshippers must stop, and the lack of effort to discourage or condemn attacks on Shugden groups must also stop. I’m glad that more and more Tibetans are speaking up, directly and indirectly about the divide that was created because of the Dorje Shugden ban.
Nowadays when people speak about Nechung, they are NOT referring to the real Nechung deity who is a benevolent being and is helpful according to Kyabje Zong Rinpoche. Many high lamas and Tibetans believe that Nyatrul is taking trance in the current Nechung oracle. This is the result of the Tibetan Leadership’s heavy negative karma.
Nyatrul is said to be insistent on destroying Tibetan unity by posing as Nechung and giving wrong advice to the Tibetan Leadership. One can imagine to continue listening to Nyatrul will result in the Tibetan Leadership continue to make decisions that will bring them failure.
The Tibetan Leadership is very fortunate to have Tenpa Yarphel to speak up on the flaws to rely on the Nechung oracle. There are just too many false advices given among which is the most important one, for the Dalai Lama and the Tibetans to return to Tibet. By now, it should be obvious that it is a wrong prophecy because after 60 years the Tibetans still cannot return back to Tibet.
In addition, relying on an oracle for state matters is not a practise of a democratic government which includes religious freedom and human rights. Forcing people who do not believe in Nechung to listen to him and allowing him to decide their future is a breach of religious freedom and human rights – the freedom to practise any religion and the rights to choose one’s religion or belief.
By speaking up bravely, MP Tenpa Yarphel brought the flaws of the Tibetan Leadership into the limelight with the hope that more and more people will come forward to make change within the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). Until that is done, the Tibetans will continue to suffer from wrong advices with no hope for improvement.
Finally, a Tibetan politician who dares stand up for the RIGHT way to govern the Tibetan people. By relying on Nechung’s prophecy and advice on state affairs is operating on blind faith and this is NOT OK.
How can one make state matters decisions without a true understanding of the prophecy and language presented? Not to mention these predictions has been repeatedly inaccurate and has not had positive evidence towards Tibet. How can the Central Tibetan Government allow their people to suffer based on wrong or misinterpreted advice? The well-being of their people’s lives is in their hands. It is really quite unbelievable and sad.
Thank you, MP Tenpa Yarphel for speaking up. If your actions continue to have an impact, it will benefit many many people.
It is very refreshing to see this. I am quite surprised that Tenpa Yarphel dares to speak up against Nechung because we know that when he does this he is indirectly insulting the CTA and H.H. The Dalai Lama. Who is the one supporting Nechung and Nechung’s Monastery and paying the oracle’s bills?
What Tenpa Yarphel ask and said is valid questions and if you ask me, it should have been asked like a long time ago like in the previous life because didn’t Nechung prescribed the wrong medicine which resulted to the death of the 13th Dalai Lama?
It seems that Yarphel must have had many months of talks and meetings with his people to determined that these statements about Nechung were brought up. It shows that there is a lot of injustice in the Tibetan Administration and people are sick and tired of it. Tired of their fake hypocrisy, claiming to be a democratic administration but everyone knows it is not. In reality, where on earth have we ever heard that a government would use a “spirit”, Oracle or Gods to actually figure out how and make decisions for the whole nation? It is simply unheard of and it would be laughed at. So why is the CTA insisting on having Nechung like as if he was another MP?
I hope more and more people will speak up against the prejudice, bigotry, corrupt, hypocrisy that’s been practised in the Tibetan Government for centuries and even though this news does not mention anything about Dorje Shugden… it speaks volumes about the leaders behind the ban, the segregation, disharmony, and disunity of Tibetans. There is no need for Dorje Shugden to do anything… Nechung seems to be helping or plotting for the Tibetans fail. Don’t blame it on Dorje Shugden… he was the “good guy” who saved His Holiness the Dalai Lama and brought him safely to India.
To have MP Tenpa Yarphel to speak up and challenge the oracle system and how the Tibetan government in exile world is really something big. In democracy country, to speak your mind and your stand on certain policies of the country and challenge the status quo, is quite normal but not in Parliament of Tibetan government in exile. This shows the maturity of it’s democracy. Another thing is also telling how the oracle and oracle system; HH Dalai Lama were used by CTA to gain control over the Tibetans. They are neither have trust in the oracle and neither show respect HH Dalai Lama; all are for the convenience to gain power.
Tenpa Yarphel is truly a representatives of the Tibetan people, as he has speaks out the facts and give logical explanation of the reality & situation that is happening in the Tibetan society. He is a key witness in this long battle of what is causing the disharmony and segregration of the Tibetan sociery on their religion & human rights. (Demoncracy). He has brave himself to speak out the truth.
Thanks Rinpoche and the blog team for sharing on this topic. Thanks MP Tenpa Yarphel for speaking up!
There are so many things in Tibetan govern system that do not make sense, the consultation to Nechung is one of the illogical thing when they claim that they are democratic government. And really, they are the one and only government relying on non-human to make decision. Well, maybe we should respect their “culture” but I don’t understand why the wrong prophecies didn’t shaken their trust on Nechung. I wonder why Dalai Lama as an emanation of Chenrezig couldn’t judge Nechung’s decisions.
If Nechung’s prophecies could be wrong, his advise of banning Dorje Shugden practice could be wrong too. I hope the Tibetan government govern their people in logic way and make sure everyone enjoys equal freedom and right instead of letting not-so-reliable protector making wrong decisions.
Thank you.
尊贵的丹巴雅培勇于在藏人行政中央发表批评CTA和乃琼护法时时出差错，误判，误人子弟，种种数出乃琼严重出错误的记戴。而且导致藏人团结分裂。尊贵的丹巴雅培勇的发表是让世人鼓舞的。他的一小步是让西藏人民走出世界的一大步。如今世界大同，中国的开放和掘起，一带一路的思维，走向世界和平的前端。全世界的人都看到了，达赖尊者也看到了吧? 但时过60年了，为何西藏流亡人民还不能回到自己的国度呢? 虽然我们是局外人，可以不管，但身为世界各地的多杰雄登护法修持者，看到的是个个修持者都吉祥如意，和平相处，团结一致。谓西藏人民和流亡政府为多杰雄登护法起争议，多杰雄登修持者严重被排挤和欺压。侵犯了人权，宗教自由，真让世人看不过去。为了维护宗喀巴传承和多杰雄登护法修持者，我们呼吁达赖尊者尽快解放多杰雄登护法修持禁令，让西藏人民可安全回归国度，团结一致，还有人权，宗教自由。这可不是达赖尊者常在世界各地提倡的吗?
I think Tenpa Yarphel sets a good precedence because he dares to challenge the status quo by questioning the establishment of the State Oracle of Nechung. This has tremendous consequence because it allows other seemingly infallible policies and edicts to be questioned as well. For many democratic countries, this is the norm but not within Tibetan society where the Dalai Lama’s establishment including the state oracle that was established by his previous incarnation is an infallible institution that was never questioned before.
Nevertheless, this impenetrable wall is cracking and this is the first of a series of major cracks that would see release the waters of truth. What Tenpa Yarphel spoke about is common knowledge to a lot of people but it was all hush-hush. In the past, such talk would be virtually suicide especially amongst the who’s who. Therefore, he must have rallied a lot of support to back him up and that he would even dare enough to mentioned these within the Tibetan parliament itself.
Needless to say, Tenpa Yarphel is really talking about the Dalai Lama’s policies and not really Nechung himself. However, that’s too direct and doing this would land him in greater trouble. Furthermore, he has made some links to the Shugden issue without mentioning it directly. But this is really a good start and may the issue one day is brought up and an real resolution is passed.
Thank you Tenpa Yarphel for so bravely voicing out your thoughts about the negative effects and even harm that the continued faith and trust by the Tibetan Government in Nechung’s prophesies have done to the Tibetans causing more disharmony and schism than peace and unity. What Tenpa Yarphel says is so logically correct. The continued reliance of The Tibetan Leadership Nechung’s often false prophesies and advice is most unreasonable and even dangerous.
The Tibetan Government may be about the only democratic government that relies on an oracle for advice both in state matters and in affairs of religion like in the case of Shugden! In any case , as a government that practices democracy, why is it interfering in the right and freedom of the Tibetans to engage in a religious practice of their choice?
For six decades nothing has been achieved by the Tibetan government for its people by
following Nechung’s advice. So ,as is pointed out by Mr Tenpa Yarphel, why continue to follow?
I once heard a friend commented that CTA is the only “government” in this world to blame a Buddhist deity for their own failure. from this article one would would see why it is so. I must add to my friend comment that (CTA is also the only “government” in the world that relied on a Buddhist deity/ oracle for major decision making !!!) not difficult to understand as why they do not make any progress after 50 years or more in exile.
now one of their own parliamentarian decided to speak out against it.
MP Tenpa Yarphel is most brave to speak up and voice his concern for the benefit of all Tibetans. As a monk, he is educated and respected by his community and what he said is plainly true for all to see. After so many decades of being in exiled with not even a slight progress in getting their country back, most Tibetans are beginning the doubt the effectiveness of the reliant on Nechung by their ruling government.
It is so obvious to everyone that the CTA is just making Nechung a scapegoat in their ploy in creating schism among the Tibetans. Why would a government want to split up its citizens based on their religious belief?
MP Tenpa Yarphel is very brave to voice out his opinions. I think he is for Tibetans to unite otherwise he would have kept quiet about the issues. Admit the mistake, change to improve, otherwise the situation will stay the same or becoming worst.
It is a fact that no democratic government in the world seek advice from spirit for their decisions. There are many countries that have developed and doing well without spirit consultation. On the other hand what CTA leadership has achieved all these years with all the advices from Nechung? ?
It is very brave for MP Tenpa Yarphel to speak up against Nechung openly for the Tibetan unity and harmony. I can feel that he is really care and concern for Tibetans to be united and can live together in harmony. ???
What he has said makes a lot of sense. His concerns on the Tibetan government’s continued reliance on advice given by Nechung through the State Oracle is valid. Regardless of Nechung is a spirit or deity, how would a “government” can be so superstitious to rely on the advices of Nechung to dictate how they should rule and care for the people instead of putting real effort to look into social, economy and the overall political factors to rule it’s country and unite it’s people?
How could CTA follow the advice from Nechung during trance to segregate Dorje Shugden practitioners. A democratic government should not interfere it’s people religions and mix religions into politics and segregate some of it’s people just because of their religious belief. It is definitely not democratic at all.
I sincerely hope the CTA will really listen to voices from their people to unite their people and lift the Dorje Shugden ban. I wish Mr Tenpa Yarphel every success in his effort to unite his people and be safe. ???
I am all for spirituality. But spirituality and politics should never mix as these 2 are poles apart. As a government that professes to practice democracy, I fail to understand why CTA needs to rely on an oracle for its executive decisions. Worse still is how inaccurate the state oracle has been on many occasions.
I applaud Tibetan MP Tenpa Yarphel for courageously speaking out on behalf of the many who can’t because from what I read, those who have a difference of opinions from CTA will be ostracised and deemed Chinese spies, anti-Dalai Lama. Some would be physically threatened or harmed. I thank MP Tenpa Yarphel for taking such a bold step as this will help the world understand the reality of the Tibetan cause better.
Nechung has been proven over the past sixty years that his predictions through the oracle has been wrong. Nechung gave wrong advice to HH the Dalai Lama to remain in Tibet while Dorje Shugden told HH the Dalai Lama to flee Tibet. Dorje Shugden’s advice was accurate and saved HH the Dalai Lama’s life since then. The thing the puzzles me is HH the Dalai Lama has kept Nechung as the State Oracle of the CTA and invoked in all state affairs yet neither of his predictions came through. While this was going on, Dorje Shugden, for the last 400 years has continued to assist and help those who are destitute yet he was banned by the CTA. It is time for all Tibetans to wake up, listen to the illogical reasons behind the ban on Dorje Shugden. Even more so now when an elective Tibetan MP Tenpa Yarphel spoke up against Nechung recorded live in the Parliment.
The Tibetan leadership can say whatever they want. The fact remains is that they are the only “democracy” in the world that relies on oracles.
On top of that, depending on who they are speaking to, they’ll either highlight or downplay their reliance on oracles. If it’s to Tibetans, they’ll highlight their reliance so they emotionally manipulate the Tibetans into doing things i.e. “Nechung said so therefore you must do it this way or that way”.
To the West, they’ll downplay their reliance i.e. “We are a modern democracy, we don’t rely on such superstitious things”.
Look, whether or not they want to rely on oracles, that’s up to them. If they want to be a different kind of so-called “democracy” relying on oracles, that’s up to them. But to me at least, it’s just a sign that the leadership is ungrateful. They will use Nechung when it suits them, and ignore him when it suits them. And then they say they are proud of their culture? No, their culture and their religion is just another scheme designed to make themselves unique and attractive enough for people to donate money to.
So I can see why Tenpa Yarphel speaks up in frustration. Which one is it, CTA? Are you a unique autocracy relying on spirits, or a false democracy relying on spirits?
After 60 Years consulting Nechung over state matters by relying prophecies given is bringing Tibet nowhere near to independence. No wonder someone from the member of their parliament like MP Tenpa Yarphel is starting to have doubt over Nechung, looking at the given prophecies. And one of the most shocking one is the ban of Dorje Shugden, a practice which have a legacy of 400 years and has been one of the important practice in the school of Gelug.
Since the ban of Dorje Shugden in 1996, it has since became a political issue whereby Tibetans have to make a choice whether continue to practice or to follow CTA by giving up. And naturally, this is the main course of separation of families, friends and monasteries.
MP Tenpa Yarphel, is very brave to speak up his mind with logic and his point were clear for the betterment of Tibetan society in exile. Which government will actually supports disharmony and disunity among their countrymen as part of their plan to progress as one.
First of all, I would like to thank MP Tenpa Yarphel for bravely speaking up against Nechung. I would like to view this incident not so much from the point of view of Nechung or God or deity, but view it from the point of the overall structure of Tibetan Administration.
I feel what Tenpa is saying, though it seems like targetting Nechug or a deity, is Tibetan leadership should take the religion equation out of the Tibetan administration. CTA claimed that they are practicing democracy of the western world (may be this claim will get donations for Tibetans leadership much more easily), and if this is the case, the important decisions about the countries should be decided by the cabinet, not by Nechung or other deity. Many times, the decisions are still made by HH Dalai Lama and Nechung, which is not what a democratic country should practice.
I do hope that Tenpa is OK. There are many times where Tibetans voice up and they are being harassed, segregated, discriminated and bullied. And I hope more and more Tibetans are brave enough to voice up for the benefit of Tibetans.
看了仁波切的这篇帖子，我對丹巴雅培所發表的談話，有一種痛快的感覺。雄登护法禁令這些年，敢於大膽發表對藏流亡政府的正面對峙和評論的人不多。丹巴雅培的話語直接且一針見血，雖然他對乃琼护法在言語上看似有點粗俗，但是基本上他所說的，並沒有錯。
近年來乃瓊护法所示現的含混不清和不凖确，确實讓許多藏人對祂失去了信心。所以丹巴雅培的指責並非沒有根据的。而且乃瓊寺針對其言論的回應，在我個人的看法來看，也极之幼稚，这是不成熟的舉動。
丹巴雅培的言論似乎代表了新一代藏人的心聲，我相信這樣的言論將會更多，衷心希望現有的流亡政府多多省思其對藏民的作用和功能，不要一味欺壓與之信仰相异的群體。
How does Nechung show that his advice is something to follow, when he doesn’t exude compassion and kindness in his actions and prophecies?
“Nechung said Dorje Shugden is a negative spirit and his followers must give up the practice or be banned from Tibetan society”
This is in no way compassionate or reflective of how a true Buddhist should be. If Nechung was so powerful, he would have seen that his advice of banning Dorje Shugden would create so much suffering for others, why did Nechung still go ahead to advice this? It is opposite of compassion, and having the CTA rely on his prophecies is scary! How can one rely one prophecies stemming from an un-compassionate nature? No wonder there has been no progress since Tibetans went into exile!
MP Tenpa Yarphel is extremely sharp and courageous to speak his mind, and have logical opinions and conclusions at the Parliamentary meet. His points are salient, and more need to be like him to speak up.
Nechung monastery’s reply to what MP Tenpa Yarphel shows that they have no concrete argument/proof to clarify otherwise. If not, why would they continue to ask people to just believe, have strong faith, and not question when there are evidently, strong points raised that needs attending to? The Gelug school is based on debate to strengthen faith and knowledge, and it looks like MP Tenpa Yarphel has clearly won this.
After 60 years of consulting the Nechung Oracle, either the prophecy does not fulfil or sometimes it is wrong of course people will start to question. And it took the Tibetans 60 years to finally realise that and be brave enough to question CTA. Tibetans people are not encouraged to ask or to voice out what they think, logic is nothing they are familiar with, they do what they are told. But as the Tibetan are more exposed to the world outside, getting more information from all around the world, they finally realise CTA is full of deception and that consulting Oracle for a country’s future is ridiculous!
I believe there are many Tibetans who doubts what CTA is doing but dare not say it out loud. Tibetan MP Tenpa Yarphel’s speech might encourage more Tibetans to speak up. Tibetans have to realise CTA works for them, they are CTA’s boss. CTA have to listen to what the people want and take care of Tibetan’s welfare. Choose a leader who has the best interest of the Tibetans, not for him or herself.
We definitely need more people like Tenpa Yarphel that is vocal and speak up for the truth. To me, relying on a spirit for the directions on ruling a country is very backward, we do not see any of the advanced countries in the world would consult spirit for the ruling of their country. We do not see Trump or Xi consult a spirit in front of their nation, and the president was being told off by the spirit in front of his people, what a joke? but this happened to their Sikyong.
Religion and politics should not be mixed. Obviously for the past 60 years, CTA’s strategy has failed his people. Or are there really genuine strategies to get their country back? It seems more like CTA is using the Dalai Lama’s influence, their so-called patriotic people and the ban on Dorje Shugden for their ulterior motives, that ultimately only benefit the very few top ranked in CTA, for example the sikyong.
There were so many cases happened in the past that Nechung gave wrong prophecy and CTA knew that. There are no other reasons CTA have to rely on spirit to cover their laziness, selfishness and most importantly, from the karmic point of view, there are destroying themselves by mistreating their spiritual leader the 14th Dalai Lama for their self needs. Democracy is freedom of speech, freedom of religion and freedom for whatever the nation wants to do without breaking the law. The sad truth is the tibetans who are suffering still support such corrupted government and follow blindly what they were told to do. Time to wake up, Tibetans.
This is something which always amaze me with the Tibetans…. Nechung / Nyatrul has been making false prophecies for a while now and the Tibetans know this very well. Why do they still rely on his prophecies? Isn’t there a saying “once bitten, twice shy”
CTA need to have more outspoken speakers representing them, I am sure there are more Tenpa Yarphel around but they are suppressed or they rather don’t talk/ care. It is so vital for CTA to succeeed to actually have more logic in their parliament. The world is watching. Is time to change.
I love Dalai Lama, I love Tsem Rinpoche, I love Dorje Shugden~ Peace~
Thank you for sharing this article. It exposed a lot of what have been going on within the Tibetan government in exile in India since 1959. It gives the reader a better idea of the situation and the extent of the role played by Nechung in the decision making of CTA. I believe the Tibetan MP Tenpa Yarphel has exposed the truth of how CTA has been managing the so called “country” in India. After reading the article, I felt for the Tibetan who have made the choice to follow the Dalai Lama. Due to the negligence of CTA in running their community well, the lives of the Tibetan there have not advanced.
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for sharing this article with us. This is very interesting because someone in the parliament of CTA actually stood up and disagrees skillfully and indirectly with H.H Dalai lama. Nechung oracle had always been a prominent figure in the Tibetan Government and in Tibetan Buddhism. The oracel had been giving prophesies and advises on secular and spiritual matters. H.H Dalai lama had been consulting the oracle even on important matters such as state affairs. However, this system does not suit in modern day. People had learn to depend on themselves on decision making more than a spiritual entity.
On the other hand, the oracle had been giving false prophesies and wrong advice which eventually contributed to the death of the 13th Dalai Lama. The Tibetan Government should really reconsider about taking advice from a spiritual being which proved to be inaccurate from time to time. They should be more responsible in decision making and not rely so much on the oracle. Not taking any responsibility and putting the fate of their country and people into the hands of an entity that you cant even see. It is just not logical and irresponsible.
Humbly,
Chris
We should fulfil the will of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for an autonomous Tibetan state.
Dear friends,
This meme is powerful. Who you hang around with and the types of attitude they have is who you will be influenced by many times and who you will become in the future. Look at your friends and the people that always surround you to know who you will become.
Tsem Rinpoche
Recently Beng Kooi and Martin on behalf of myself and Kechara was lucky to have audience with His Holiness Gaden Trisur Rinpoche Jetsun Lungrik Namgyal of Gaden Shartse Monastery. He lives in around Paris, France. His Holiness is 91 years old and very healthy and alert. He was the 101st throne holder for Tsongkapa and was the head of the Gelugpa school of Buddhism and was very successful during his tenure. He is a strong practitioner of both Sutra and Tantra of Je Tsongkapa’s tradition and a master of all Buddhist knowledge. He holds steadfast to his protector Dorje Shugden very strongly. So we can see even the highest throneholders who are masters of Sutra and Tantra also practices Dorje Shugden knowing the benefits.
Beng Kooi and Martin brought photo albums of Kechara Forest Retreat/Kechara and updates on Kechara and our works. His Holiness was very pleased to listen and offered some gifts back.
This is a beautiful picture and the great blessings bestowed on us from His Holiness Gaden Trisur Rinpoche Jetsun Lungrik Namgyal.
Humbly,
Tsem Rinpoche
Tenpa Yarphel is very brave and skilful to voice his opinion on Nechung. He will definitely face a lot of strong opposition from the Dalai Lama’s follows and CTA. Hopefully with him speaking up, they are move to follow him to speak up.
Tibetan need to wake up and speak up… Evidence has shown that many prophecies made by Nechung has not materialised and in fact caused damage and disharmony by segregating and discriminating those who practice Dorje Shugden amount the Tibetan. Tibet is the only country in this world that I know of that rely on an oracle to made a decision in parliament. The sad part is CTA still follow Nechung advice even after six decades of unreliable divination and prophecies.
Personally, I think religion can never be mix politic.
Hope more and more Tibetans speak out their mind like the Tibetan MP Venerable Tenpa Yarphel. It is a democratic world and everyone should have freedom in their religion and beliefs. Tibetan society is supposed to be based on the principles of democracy but unfortunately, the advice given by the oracle has instead created division and segregation. It is really sad to know that in this democratic world, DS practitioners in Tibet are not allowed to attend any spiritual gatherings with the Dalai Lama, enroll into Tibetan schools, use Tibetan hospitals, work in the Tibetan exiled government and even dine at certain Tibetan restaurants. We should sign a petition to STOP this discrimination.
It is good news that Tibetan MP Venerable Tenpa Yarphel speaks up against Nechung. Why would a democratic country listen to an oracle to seek advise for the country governance and administration? It just puzzled me. If Nechung is right, why isn’t the country and people progressing but divided further with the Dorje Shugden ban? What more Nechung is an not enlightened dharma protector. It was proven that so many Nechung’s prophecies was wrong but none would question and CTA would still follow the wrong advice. The CTA leaders continue to segregate, discriminate and remove all the human rights against Dorje Shugden practitioners such as education, medical, religion and etc. This is so illegal.
In this age, we should be able to think and fight for our rights. I hope more people like Venerable Tenpa Yarphel will speak up against the unfair Tibetan leadership towards their people. Everyone should be treated equally and especially for a Buddhism country.
感激噶举派国会议员丹巴雅培勇敢的说出了他对乃琼的看法、说完之后却又被那些不讲理的藏人给批评是中国间谍了！被鄙视了！所有的人都要服从乃琼吗？难道错也要麻木的服从吗？如果当时是听乃琼的，达赖尊者就应该是留在西藏，不会离开西藏逃难到印度。大家试想一下，如果达赖尊者留下的话会是什么样结果呢？藏人也因为乃琼的一句话把多杰雄登修行者给隔离和遗弃。一个国家已经分裂还要再分，这是什么道理？流亡政府就只服从却没有检查和分析对错！这样的政治怎么能够治国安民？不满的人应该多说话，这样才叫民主呀！
People out at Tibet and India are still practicing Dorje Shugden, even people people within still practice Dorje Shugden. The concern is “Is there anyone that is confronting anyy negative consequences?” The sacred practice of Dorje Shugden has been passed down for more than. 400 years and it’s a common and main practice of Tibetan Buddhist. It’s illogical and irrational to stop without any solid reason.
RESULT SPEAK LOUNDER! ?️
I am glad tibetan like Venerable Tenpa Yarphel speech up against Nechung. Is time for tibet exile gorvernment to reliaze Nechung has brought so many trouble for tibet. Why CTA still get advice who always make mistake and unclear message. It is ok for CTA just follow mistaken advice and blame Nechung at the end which tibetan don’t want take responsibility. This article has spoke most of the point not reliance for wordly protector message. It sad people still blindly follow advice without checking and cause segregate between tibetan community. In this case ban on Dorje Shugden practice. Tibet leader must stop all this and focus their energy more democracy and bring hormony in their community. Stop criticize Dorje Shugden practice specially follow worldy protactor like Nechung advice.
It is really good that there’s people like Tenpa Yarphel who speaks up about this issue. It’s like a big slap to the CTA and the Tibetan in exile, which creates a question in their head, why the CTA and H.H Dalai Lama still want to consult Nechung, since he is not an enlightened protector and made so many mistakes in the past?
A good leader of a country is viewed how well he leads the country, unite the people, democratic, develop the country, so that everyone in the country live in harmony. Not how well he consult an oracle, yet an unenlightened protector, listen fully to him and segregate his people, discriminate his people practice and believe, label them, and separate them into groups and categories. I really hope they (the CTA and Tibetan in exile) will realize this one day.??
It takes a lot of courage for MP Tenpa Yarphel to speak up against the reliance of Nechung in the CTA. His statement brings me to the attention of there is also a growing resentment within the CTA camp on the staunch practice of seeking advice from an ineffective oracle. I really feel for Tenpa Yarphel and wonder what will CTA do to him after seeing this video and statement made. Most likely he will be branded as spy and paid by China to do this like all the sort of abuse Rinpoche would normally get from all sorts of Tibetan named accounts. This is just another blow to CTA in which many would agree with me that CTA has done nothing much for the people in exile or at least do something to mend back relation with China to have a possibility of animosity as always been advocated by The Dalai Lama.
丹巴雅培的言论是为人民的利益而言，丹巴雅培是在表达许多西藏人的失望，我相信很多西藏人已厌倦了60年的“难民”身份，更厌倦了乃瓊護法的错误预言，但没人像丹巴雅培那么勇敢的发言。
印度政府向西藏人提供60年一切的机会，但西藏流亡政府没有给他们的人民和印度带来好的成绩，所以60年后印度人民开始抗议在印度的西藏人，而丹巴雅培是代表了60年成为“难民”之后非常绝望的声音。这篇文章也显示了西藏政府是如何运作，所以希望有更多像丹巴雅培的西藏人，争取藏人的幸福。
It’s really courageous and brave of Venerable Tenpa Yarphel speaks up against of CTA management. In fact, religion shouldn’t involved with politics. In this case, this is the proof of two things complicate. Involving of spirits to help obtain good management or fortune it out of logic. Politics only believe in practical and logics.
How would ever Tibet be free if CTA only relied on trance and not speak on their people welfare?
Venerable Tenpa Yarphel showed great courage to voice up and pointed out that if the Tibetan Government-in-Exile is really practice democracy, basically no one will be discriminated and segregated regardless of ethnic group, gender, religious and etc. The people should work together for the growth of the state instead of just listened or seek advice from Nechung and ultimate decisions are still come from HH the Dalai Lama in spite of his retirement from politics.
Miraculously， Tibetan community continues to believe the Nechung although they have experienced the false prophecies given by Nechung with the possible reason that no one can fully understand the language that Nechung speaks.
Hope there are more people like Ven. Tenpa Yarphel stand firm and continue to speak up for truth just to benefit and bring no harm to the people.
Why does Dalai Lama and Lobsang Sangye still want to consult Nechung for advice when he is already giving wrong advice? Can’t they see or realize that the advice that Nechung gave did not show any result or progress in their livelihood. Tibetans have to really start thinking for themselves and think logically and not follow blindly what people say. Nechung himself is a spirit and calling Dorje Shugden a spirit is bad. He is also bad for creating this segregation amongst the Tibetans.
Great Dharma King Nechung? Gave wrong information and while taking trance, and even the translator of Nechung don’t even know what ” He ” said. And also – gave false prophecy leading to His Holiness the 13th Dalai Lama Thubten Gyatso fleeing to China to escape the British Invasion of Tibet in 1903 led by Colonel Younghusband; the death of the 13th Dalai Lama after being given wrong medication.
Sad to heard these.
It’s very good to have people like MP Tenpa Yarphel to speak up and question the rest of the members. What I still can’t get is why does HHDL and his people still take advice from an unenlightened protector? And to make mistakes again and again show how unreliable Nechung can be. After 50+ years and loss of Tibet, what is really going to happen to the future of the Tibetans in exile if they continue to consult a spirit who is leading them nowhere?
Surely the CTA can think and strategize their moves without an oracle? Well, they are very good in thinking ways to discriminate, segregate and ostracize Dorje Shugden practitioners, so why don’t they think harder for other matters? The Tibetans need to be united for common goals.
It takes gall for MP Tenpa Yarphel to speak up against the reliance of Nechung in the CTA because the Tibetan Department of Religion and Culture is under the administration of the CTA. What he said is frank and he has the right to his opinions but I wonder how well did Lobsang Sangye and the rest of his cronies take it. Would they label Tenpa Yarphel a traitor and a China paid spy? CTA sure did condemn many Tibetans, lay people and ordained sangha members, as such when these Tibetans refused to give up on Dorje Shugden. The CTA, since its inception almost 60 years ago, is one of the weakest and worst governments in the world even though they rely on a god or gods. Else they would not have lost Tibet. Sure, CTA can blame everything on karma but they did not want to admit it is their negative karma that brought about the loss of their country. The negative karma brought about from mismanaging money sponsored by kind benefactors for the welfare of the Tibetan people living outside of Tibet.
What Venerable Tenpa Yarphel as the minister of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile voice up is totally valid and it’s good to point out the what is not working and bringing damages to the Tibetan. His comments is not plucking from the sky in fact everyone able to witness what had Nechung advised, the result causes disunity and disharmony.
No government will tolerate separation within their country. With Nechung saying Dorje Shugden is a spirit and supported with the Tibetan leadership action to materialise the separation is causing a huge damages not only to their people but directly to their cause bring their people back to Tibet. Logically how would a government negotiate for freedom (middle way) with their people being disunity and disharmony? CTA should use logic to govern and put their people interest as their top priority. This is what being practice by all leaders.
Not only the member of the Parliament has the right to voice up on this matter but even the people of Tibet has every right to question because it causing harm to them. From this situation it’s way way too far for CTA to be able to negotiate for their freedom. What they need to do is to bring unity and confident not only from their people but also the eye from the world.
It is great to see more Tibetans speaking up against the CTA ruling and the discriminations, indeed Nechung is not any small protector who has no power, hundreds of years ago Nechung was subdued by Padmasambhava and he has been protecting the Doctrine of Padmasambhava, and even to the arising of Dorje Shugden is also due to the effort of Nechung, so from this, we can see that Nechung is one of the great Protector even though he is not enlightened, but for his contributions to today’s Dharma is undeniable.
But from the recent years, Nechung seems to be making mistakes after mistakes, have you think about why is that so? If Nechung has no certain level of attainment, he would not succeeded the legacy of Dorje Shugden, and if Dalai Lama is not Avalokitesvhara, then how can he come back lifetime after lifetime to contribute to the growth of the Dharma? But how come now they manifested in such situation, I definitely believe there is a reason behind and with the level of my mind, I would not understand why is that, despite with these controversial issues, my faith to Dalai Lama has never reduced.
If you said DS practitioners cannot attend Dalai Lama’s Dharma talk, ok, I can still understand, but if being a DS practitioners, we cannot attend public talk, Tibetan’s events, going to schools, hospitals, hotels, etc, this really doesn’t make sense, whether they are DS practitioners or not, they are still Tibetans, they are Tibet’s citizens, how can such unfair treatment to their own people and CTA is claiming that DS is splitting the Tibetans apart, now what I see is CTA are the ones splitting the Tibetans with such treatments towards DS practitioners.
Thank you Venerable Tenpa Yarphel for speaking up, now can see that more and more Tibetans speaking up and compared to the in the olden eras, internet today is very convenient and many younger Tibetans are exposed to all types of informations and they are intelligent enough to question any doubts they have. Wish more people will speak up against these discriminations.
Venerable Tenpa Yarphel is indeed brave and skillful to voice his strong opinion on Nechung as he is surely will get strong opposition from the Dalai Lama’s followers. However, it takes only one to make a stand and hopefully more will follow.
History has shown that the advise given by Nechung over years has not been accurate which results in very negative consequences BUT the CTA still relies on him to make decisions in parliament. In this day and age, we have not heard of any country in this world which uses an oracle to make decisions for their country except for the CTA. Any democratic government will use the power of their votes to move any motion in Parliament (after debates and discussion) so that their voice is heard. That is what a voted MP should be doing for their people who put them into power.
The wave of change is coming when more people are learned and more information is readily available.
感谢仁波切的教诲与分享
护法神谕降神仪式是延续多年与十分殊胜的，护法降神的时候，在接受或做供养的形式，都会因是否是”证悟“的护法而有形式上的不同，大家可以观看多杰雄登，金甲衣，喀切玛波等等的护法降神仪式与乃琼护法的降神仪式来做一个参考， 护法降神能够给予我们许多劝谏，加持等，同时会跳金刚舞等来去除我们许多的障碍与恶业，那么倘若一个护法降神了那么多年，都不能够帮助到任何的进步与带来和平，那么是否这当中有那一个点地方出了问题？
60年过去了，现在我们看到的西藏流亡政府的民主，实际上确实是名存实亡了，《流亡藏人宪法》以民主为根基，可是依然有着“排挤多杰雄登护法修持者”的现象出现，那么所为的“民主”是不包括宗教自由吗？无论今天是那一个传承与派系的佛教，佛陀的教诲是大爱与包容的，不会因为您是….”什么“而不渡你，佛法哪有见而不渡的教诲。
祈愿仁波切与尊者长寿健康，常转法轮
合十
Jerry
Venerable Tenpa Yarphel, a minister of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile (Central Tibetan Administration) gave a short speech, showed his sincere concerns about the government’s continued reliance on advice given by Nechung through the State Oracle. This is a great break through because none is dare to talk about this in public as this is indirectly saying Dalai Lama is wrong relying Nechung for all states and religious decisions.
As time passed, it proves that there were many wrong decisions given by Nechung. The Tibetan society based on the principles of democracy but Nechung doesn’t support this by creating segregation. The worst inaccurate prophecy was Nechung advised 14th Dalai Lama to remove Dorje Shugden practice because Dorje Shugden was conflicting with Pelden Hlamo and Nechung himself, causing slowing down the return of the Tibetans to Tibet. Nechung said Dorje Shugden should be banned.
All these wrong prophecies and decisions had brought so much segregation and sufferings to Tibetan people. Why Nechung as a protector made such decisions to worsen the welfare and unity of the Tibetan? Why the language spoken by Nechung not capable of being understood? It seems like Tibetan government takes no responsibility on every actions relying on the inaccurate prophecies of Nechung.
Tibetans are tired of the CTA with their corrupted and selfish policies that caused divide, segregation, double standard among people. The CTA is clearly losing support from its own people. Tibetan people, who care about their nation, please stand up and step forward. People with brave and pure heart like Venerable Tenpa Yarphel are needed to reform a better Tibetan Leadership. Time has come to unite the Tibetan people. Tibetan people deserve peace and harmony.
谢谢仁波切的分享。
尊敬的丹巴雅培勇于在藏人行政中央发表关于乃琼护法的看法是非常让大家感到振奋的事情。 那么多年来， 藏人行政中央一直都根据乃琼护法的指示来为他们做任何大小决定， 包括多杰雄登禁令。 然而在那么多年来， 乃琼护法所给的指示都在我们的眼中看起来是非常荒谬的。 比如在1959年的时候， 乃琼护法的指示是达赖喇嘛应该留在西藏， 而多杰雄登的指示则是立刻离开西藏， 达赖喇嘛才成功逃离西藏。 第十三世达赖喇嘛的离世据说也是因为乃琼护法给予错误的指示而导致。
再说， 乃琼护法所说的语言是没有人懂的， 只有两位“翻译”听得懂， 那么我们又如何确定这些语言是不是真的有人懂呢？ 是谁在教授这个语言呢？
总总这些原因都让大家对乃琼护法失去信心。 这相信也是尊敬的丹巴雅培勇于在西藏行政中央发言的原因。 而且在这之前相信很多藏人都对乃琼护法有质疑， 只是基于藏人行政中央过去的作风—《不接受别人的意见， 把有异议的人都称为“间谍”》， 而不敢发言。
这是一个很好的开头， 我也相信未来会有更多真正爱护西藏难民的人会勇于发表他们的看法， 为了藏人西藏中央的各种乱象发言。
谢谢
The two minute footage is taken from the documentary “The Oracle – Keeper of Wisdom” The footage mentioned that Nechung is one of the influencers in the Dalai Lama’s decision making although it has been proven again and again that Nechung’s predictions are inaccurate. Although the Dalai Lama also mentioned that he uses common sense and divination before making important decisions, why maintain an oracle that often give inaccurate predictions?
https://video.tsemtulku.com/chat-videos/chat-1507847758.mp4
Great message every Tibetan especially must read!
Nechung was a being subdued by Padmasambhava, yet Dorje Shugden manifested from Tulku Dragpa Gyeltsen, who was a high lama of many lifetimes.
When in trance, the the pronunciations of Dorje Shugden are expertly translated by trained monks, and even the Qing Emperors had a good word to say about Dorje Shugden oracle and premonitions. It was clear also that, His Holiness Trijang Rinpoche relied on Dorje Shugden to advice His Holiness the Dalai lama to feel for India for his life when China in 59 had some machinations on the Dalai Lama. The same I cannot say about Nechung as the protector.
One interesting also about this article highlighted, is that why should Nechung’s advice from a dharmapala bring about more disunity amongst Tibetans and spiritual practitioners? That is not the role or function of a dharma protector. A dharma protector helps, protects sentient beings, and guides them not to create more negative karma.
Nechung is known as unenlightened protector, and yet the Tibetan Government in exile (CTA) are still depends on Nechung on most of the matter to be decide. I wonder it is they are trying to push the responsible to Nechung so that the CTA are not going to be questions by their people on the failure they did and they could conveniently push the responsible to Nechung.
The act CTA Ban a enlighten Protector who are emanation of Manjushri and heavily depends on the spirit that Padmasambava had subdued. What is the CTA up to?
Further the there are only 1 or 2 monks who are able to understand what Nechung speak. What if the CTA have bad intention to use Nechung as scapegoat, and purposely translate wrong on what Nechung speak to further bring benefit to CTA? Then everyone out of fear, would have to obey on what have Nechung speak. It is so correct on what Venerable Tenpa Yarphel said about Nechung language. Who can be sure what is exactly talk by Nechung and determine what Nechung said is correct through translation?
I fully agreed on Venerable Tenpa Yarphel that Buddhist teaching do not teach us to rely on oracle to make decision. Buddhism taught us about Karma. When we know we have karma, it is our own responsible to take charge. And not blame everything to God, in this case Nechung.
Venerable Tenpa Yarphel is absolutely right on the ban of Dorje Shugden. One of the reason Dorje Shugden have to be ban is because Nechung said so and said that Dorje Shugden is a demon. I wonder how an unenlightened protector could differentiate the protector is enlighten or not.
50 years gone, it creates more conflict within Tibetan Refugees. More confuse and serious violation of human rights. And ironically, this human rights violation happened within own Tibetan refugees community. I thanks Venerable Tenpa Yarphel for being so wisdom and clear on what is happening in Tibetan refugees camp and asking to stop the conflict by lifting the ban. So that the harmony can be restore. The letter from Nechung Monastery is obviously a personal attacked to Venerable Tenpa Yarphel It shows so much anger in this letter.
Either Nechung or Nyatrul take trance in oracle, the Tibetan Government should not rely heavily on oracles to make decision for them.
I thanks Venerable Tenpa Yarphel for speaking up with courage. I hope that the Tibetan sincerely see that Venerable care for them, thus he have spoke up to protect them .
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this news . Finally some one really speak up truthfully
With folded hand,
Freon
This comment by Jamyang Thupten -attached- calling Ven. Tenpa Yarphel degrading names is typical of Tibetans.
Tibetan government in exile has a unspoken policy to alienate, brow beat and even threaten members of their refugee community who do not agree with their policies. The enact the ‘herd effect’. They know most of the Tibetan refugees will follow what they say blindly, so if they designate a negative label on one of their members, they know the Tibetans will follow suit and continue what they started while they sit back and watch and act innocent. Tibetan govt in exile likes to look innocent as it’s easier to collect foreign aid to live on even after 60 years of being refugees.
1. They hire and pay Tibetans and foreigners to go on social media campaigns to smear individual reputations. Also to ‘show’ the public that they people they are targeting do not have support of the public. This is a common practice pre-social media days where they use word of mouth of public denouncements.
2. They immediately label or call a person a Chinese spy, informant and paid by the Chinese. To be labelled anything to do with Mainland China can land you in big trouble within Tibetan refugee communities that can lead to violence.
3. They brow beat you and embarrass you and segregate you until you conform.
Tenpa Yarphel is a member of Tibetan parliament, now he is called a Chinese informant and paid some more. This is what the Tibetan government in exile has done to Dorje Shugden practitioners to segregate them to force them to give up their religious practice.
Tibetan govt in exile allows no freedom of genuine speech, religious worship or freedom of government.
The Indians in India are catching up to the slimy mechanics of the Tibetan govt in exile and starting to speak up. More Indians will speak up in the future. Because Tibetan refugees are not refugees but label themselves that to get all the privileges and benefits from the charitable countries as well as preserving their special status in India. Indians are getting tired of all this. This article from India is the signs and loud hints of people getting tired of the Tibetan government in exile and how they herd their ignorant populace- https://www.tibetsun.com/news/2017/10/05/tibetans-in-arunachal-pradesh-face-wrath-of-locals
There seems to be sufficient evidence to prove to the world that the many prophecies made by Nechung has not materialised and in fact has caused damage to the cause for freedom for Tibet and it’s people. Six decades of unreliable divinations and prophecies must be sufficient to wake anyone up to this fact. So MP Thenpo Yharpel is not wrong to bring this up. He cares for Tibet and the people and hence dared to speak up. Fortunately brave and wise people like him still exists – gives some relief to know there’s still hope !! Many more should follow his lead and speak up. Otherwise the whole nation will soon disappear under the leadership of CTA !!
Politics mixed with religion is always not my cup of coffee. I pray and hope that the Dalai Lama and Tibetan government is aware of Nechung’s oracle advice is right or wrong. And hope Dalai Lama would lift the ban ASAP before things gets worse. Thank you Rinpoche and blog team for sharing this article ?
These is the begining ,now one brave and courage MP Tenpo Yarphel speaks up against Nechung, He spoke openly in regards to the government’s reliance on Nechung. Its seem that the Nechung Oracle has given inaccurate prophecies on a few occasions.
examples..medicines prescribed to the 13th Dalai Lama that ended in his passing and the disastrous advice to attack the British army, which caused more than 600 Tibetan deaths.These incorrect predictions have led to tremendous damage to the Tibetan cause.
To this day,it was still consulted even with proven records of inaccurate predictions.
MP Tenpo spoken the truth and will inspired more and more people to speak up .
The ban of Dorje Shugden is therefore unnecessary and illogical .
Politics should not mixed with religion anywhere the world. Once mixed it will lead to misunderstanding and cause more harm than harmony Religion can influence law, however, they should be separate entities.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing….interesting read
Wish that H.H. the Dalai Lama, the Buddha of Compassion, will end the ban and suffering of so many people.
Venerable Tenpa Yarphel is a voice of reason speaking up in a sea of confusion . Speaking up against Nechung, he rightly questions the continued reliance of the Tibetan government on Nechung for the following reasons :
1) Nechung has proven to be most unreliable, having given many false prophecies and advice, with dire consequences. He labelled Dorje Shugden as a spirit, and with that he caused thousands of Tibetans practicing Shugden (a practice given to them by their root Gurus) to be segregated and marginalised from mainstream society. It is most undemocratic for Nechung to go counter to the spirit of freedom of religion , a hallmark of democracy.
2)Nechung speaks in an “unintelligible” language. The few monks who claim to be able to understand and cipher what he says cannot be checked and verified for their authenticity.
There should never be a mixing of state matters and religion by the Tibetan Government. Basing important decisions with such far reaching effects, like banning the practice of Dorje Shugden on Nechung’s advice , is most improper of any government .
Yes, people like the Venerable Tenpa Yarphel are brave as they stand for the truth and speak the truth with reason and logic. Their voices must not be quelled in the interest of democracy and for the sake of the future of Tibet and Tibetans .
I cannot believe how anyone can place their trust and belief in something that is clearly fallible, and for a long time too. This must stop. It’s better to review the whole situation and make corrections before it is really too late.
Parliamentarian Tenpa Yarphel has certainly striked a positive note in the Tibetan Parliament. He was clever not to use the taboo word to oppose the segregation in the Tibetan society. There could be other parliament members in the CTA who also share the same sentiment as Tenpa Yarphel but dare not speak out for fear of repercussion. I hope Tenpa Yarphel will set a precedence to many others in the Tibetan Parliament to voice out their concern to argus well a motion and set free Dorje Shugden in the true spirit of democracy.
Politics and religion are like oil and water which cannot mix. Playing with politics and religion spell deep trouble and conflict. This is the 21st century is time Tibetans learn to separate this impending issue quickly and professionally for a progressive and harmonious society.
Affairs of the state and that of the national religious order should never to mixed. It is often experienced that when the political leaders are weak or unable to achieve any success in their manifesto, they would turn to religious affairs to create confusion and most of all to create disharmony and disunity. This method of governance is called “Divide and Rule”. Extremely dangerous method for the people.
CTA has definitely created “Divide and rule” among the Tibetans over the issue of propitiation of Dorje Shugden.
If the Ban on Dorje Shugden which is creating so much disharmony and discrimination among Tibetans, why is it not appropriate for MP Tenpa Yarpel to speak up and question against Nechung?
It is alarming to note how the reply was given to Tenpa Yarphel by the Nechung Monastery and it is very obvious that CTA will never rule with democracy of which the constitution is all about.
The constitution was drafted in 1960 under the hands of the Dalai Lama, how can the Dalai Lama permit Nechung to rule against freedom of religion within the constitution.
I have always believed that the Lama especially one of such high level and status as the Dalai Lama, controls the protectors like Nechung and not the other way around.
Interesting article but not logical in accordance to the Dharma which is based on debate of clear and right views.
I am a Dorje Shugden practitioner as given by my Guru, HE the 25th Tsem Rinpoche. Rinpoche has been very skillfully brining information and awareness to all about the Dorje Shugden ban and its ill effects on all, not just to Shugden practitioners.
This article opens up the long and unending debate of mixing religion and politics. The Tibetan situation is made more complicated as the so-called government in exile is technically can be non recogniseable in the eyes of other legitimate government where they have a proper tri-cameral system in place (judiciary, legislative and executive branches).
I believe that the CTA issue will prolong and the solution will not be insight within the medium term.
However, as Dharma practitioners, we must clear any misconceptions or misunderstandings that people may have on Dorje Shugden and explain clearly to everyone on the ban.
May there be compassion in all and may a peaceful solution be found soonest for all to reconcile as One Tibet.
Humbly yours
Lum Kok Luen
Mixing politics and religion is always a slippery slope and more often than not brings more detriment and harm. Yet sadly history has shown that time and time again the temptation of greed and power tend to blind certain people entrusted with authority, to the bigger picture of overall harm. And the case with Tibet is but another repeat of such sad history.
It is clear that such unfortunate situation can be done away if CTA truly properly implement democratic governance (instead of just paying lip-service to get financial gains). The essence of a genuine modern democratic government is the existence of a check and balance with;
(i) the majority rule being endorsed and limited by the supreme law of the constitution, which protects the rights of individuals
(ii) tyranny whether by minority over the majority OR by the majority against minorities, is barred and not acceptable.
At the end of the day, to make official state related decisions and put the decisive power on an unelected and not constitutionally endorsed party (deity/oracle) obviously contradict claims of being a democratic government. More so when such prophecies/decisions result in disharmony, schism, oppression, discrimination or harm to the people. Not to mention the lack of executive/government accountability to blame each of their failures on gods or deities.
However, it might not be as clear cut with the Tibetans’ case. Given the culture and mindset of Tibetans, some might even argue that religion has and always will be weaved into overall Tibetans’ way of life and to discount religion totally would be the idealistic and patronising approach from those who don’t really take into account the nuances of Tibetan culture and mindset.
Reference to the mention in the Tibetan charter/constitution that “His Holiness the Dalai Lama has offered a democratic system to Tibetans, in order that the Tibetan People in-Exile be able to preserve their ancient traditions of spiritual and temporal life, unique to the Tibetans” has been used to argue that there is still “Tibetan democracy” with some localisation of democratic principles (which some other democratic countries/governments have done).
However, such line of thought is but another attempt at distorting the facts. As much as “His Holiness the Dalai lama has offered a democratic system to Tibetans, in order that the Tibetan People in-Exile be able to preserve their ancient traditions of spiritual and temporal life, unique to the Tibetans” , it is also clear in the Tibetan charter that the Tibetan democratic system is to be “based on the principles of peace and non-violence, aimed at providing political, social and economic rights as well as the attainment of justice and equality for all Tibetan people”
By the same logic,
(i) even if arguably the consultation with oracles or any religious rituals is not constitutionally wrong according to Tibetan charter, it still has to be the case where fundamentally the end decision by the government does not (A) disrupt peace and harmony within Tibetans (B) infringe on any constitutional rights (C) impedes on justice and equality for all Tibetan people.
(ii) thus, any such prophecies which create tremendous schism, disharmony, harm and confusion within the Tibetans ought to be discarded in accordance with the spirit of the Tibetan charter.
Based on examining both possible scenarios, it is clear that the issues lie deeper than Nechung prophecies or any consultation of religious deity. The real issue is CTA’s questionable and obviously problematic manner of arbitrary governance. On that note, the fact that (i) more and more are speaking up and publicly taking CTA to task and (ii) decrease in disapproval, public censure or blatant negative repercussion for publicly questioning CTA is an encouraging sign towards addressing the root cause.
After all, with more and more demanding accountability, CTA will not be able to continue and get away with all of CTA’s lies and deceptions which are detrimental to Tibetans including the Dorje Shugden ban.
Thank you Rinpoche for this informative piece.
As a Shugden practitioner, I feel its a positive development for Tibetan politics and also a major crack in the dam that is the Shugden ban. Although I am not Tibetan but I have been following the latest development in the Shugden issue mainly through Rinpoche’s articles and other online sources. Rinpoche has been tireless in his explanation about the ban and its implications that many of his students are pretty well versed about it. It is through knowledge and awareness that Rinpoche is fighting this ban.
Although Tenpa Yarphel did not specifically talk about the Shugden issue but his euphemism about spirits and disharmony is pretty obvious to the average Tibetans. He is pretty direct of his opposition of Nechung and indirectly the Dalai Lama’s policies and specifically the Shugden issue. The fact, that opposition has been brought up in Tibetan parliament and by a Kagyu monk makes it a powerful and irreversible development. This statement I feel will start a precedence for more to speak up. It will not be immediate but it will definitely happen.
I believe the Shugden ban has been nothing but trouble for all Tibetans, regardless of being Shugden practitioners or followers of the Dalai Lama. The ban had placed a huge chasm in Tibetan society and many people are at wits end dealing with it. The ban really has no place in this day and age and the Tibetans eventually just want the segregation to end. That is why this statement by Tenpa Yarphel is really welcomed and may it usher more liberal minded Tibetan ministers who would speak their mind and for the people and end this dreaded ban on Dorje Shugden
What MP Tenpa Yarphel raised on a statutory level is very valid and should be given proper answer by the Head of State. Key question like why a “democratic state” rely on prophecy from Nechung Oracle takes trance need to be answered clearly. The fact that the prophecy had been erroneous must NOT be dismissed because the prophecy promotes segregation among the Tibetans, and known to have a long track record of harmful effect towards several Dalai Lamas.
Since the language spoken by the Oracle during trance can only be understood by a couple of monks, yet no one really know how these monks learn the language; it is highly questionable for the prophecy to be continued used as the source of state instruction. This reminds me of the story we are so familiar with: “The Emperor’s New Clothes.”
Allowing state affair to be based on prophecy of a deity, regardless who, undermine the teaching of Buddha.
Buddha Dharma teaches us, human, to use logical think, understand the teaching and apply spirituality in our day-to-day life. The teaching is suitable for people of all level, from peasants to kings. We have seen successful Buddhist rulers from the past (e.g. Emperor Ashoka, Emperor Kangxi) who applied Buddha Dharma and led the kingdom into great prosperity where Buddhism shine and grow.
Now, if the leaders are not practising Buddha Dharma but rely on prophecy from oracle taking trance, does that not mean that Buddhism is a religion of unreliable superstitions? What more when this unreliable superstitions brought about a lot of segregation and discrimination while instigating schism among the people, e.g. towards the Dorje Shugden people?
In the secular world of democracy, religion and politics do not mix and are mutually exclusive. When you mix religion with politics, it is nothing but a potent mix of a time bomb.
In this case, if Nechung’s language is not intelligible to many, if not all of the lay Tibetans, and his prophecies are open to misinterpretation and used as a tool of control. This can be seen as using the oracle to create a dictatorship. This is becoming a concern which is probably why Tibetan MP Tenpa Yarphel felt that he had to speak up.
So, something has to be done so that the reputation of the Tibetans’ move for democracy is not seen to be spurious. Tibetan MP Tenpa Yarphel is indeed a very brave man to speak up. But, I guess, it is out of his love for his country, culture and future.
The representative of the Kagyu order of Buddhism MP Tenpa Yarphel has spoken up against Nechung. Nechung is very much promoted by Dalai Lama and therefore Tenpa speaking up would be indirectly ‘attacking’ the Dalai Lama’s choice of protectors. No one can comment, criticize the choices of protectors or any decisions by the Dalai Lama. This is an unspoken rule. This might not bode well in a undemocratic society such as the Tibetans.
Tibetans are not democratic and are ruled by a God King (HH Dalai Lama). No opposition is allowed to his rule.I lived in Dharamsala for a few years and all the power in the Tibetan government in exile is with the Dalai Lama. No doubt about that. Even now in Dalai Lama’s retirement, he is still the power behind the government.There are Tibetans calling for Tenpa Yarphel’s resignation simply because he spoke his mind. He committed no crime. But speaking against anything by the Dalai Lama is a crime in this case Dalai Lama’s choice of relying on Nechung for all advice and decisions. Unwritten as it may be, it is the case. Many Tibetans are tired of Nechung and his interferences within Tibetan govt and happy Tenpa has spoken up. Tenpa wants the Tibetan govt. to make decisions without gods, oracles and Nechung as he finds them disruptive, archaic and backwards.
No govt in the world relies on oracles for decisions. He would like everyone to move into the 21st Century as he puts it. Reasonable thinking.He feels Nechung has created tremendous schism and the confusion arising from all this must stop. People must take responsibility for the government decisions and not oracles and gods he says. ?There are three Karmapa candidates with backing for each of them by the various supporters. One candidate Ogyen Trinley has spoken up in a nice ‘slap on the hand’ against Tenpel manner. He better becareful and not ruin his name to get into politics. The other two candidates (Thaye Dorje and the one in Sikkim) are silent.
The other Kagyu Lineage heads such as Drigung Chetang Rinpoche and Drigung Chungstang who are heads of the Drigung Kagyu sects are both silent. The head of the Drukchen Kagyu Sect which is Drukchen Rinpoche is also silent.So majority of the Kagyus are silent about the strong speech in Tibetan parliament given by PM Tenpa Yarphel. Remember he represents the Kagyus so the other Kagyu spiritual leaders being silent can mean they condone what he has said or not interested in Tibetan govt affairs. It will be interesting to see how this pans out. Will democracy rule the day or back to serfdom and Monarchy rule as it has been since the 5th Dalai Lama till now. Let’s see if MP Tenpa Yarphel’s strong voice for democracy will be heard and heeded. ?Please take note: None of the Kagyu sects or their Kagyu spiritual heads use or propitiate Nechung for anything in the past and also now. They have their own protectors.Photos:
Druckchen Rinpoche-head of Drukpa Kagyu sect
Drigung Chetsang Rinpoche and Drigung Chungtsang Rinpoche-heads of Drigung Kagyu sect.
Karmapa Thaye Dorje-the other candidate for the seat in Rumtek and head of Karma Kagyu sect.