Saturday, January 16, 2010

Sectarianism in Bodh Gaya


The Dalai Lama recently gave teachings in Bodh Gaya, the place of Buddha Shakyamuni's enlightenment. As reported by Tibetan Sun, the only people who were not welcome were Shugden practitioners. It's very sad that at the place where Lord Buddha demonstrated the attainment of enlightenment for the happiness of all living beings, the Dalai Lama should instead demonstrate his attainment of sectarian bias and choose to deny the Dharma to the students of his Root Guru Trijang Rinpoche.

During the teachings, the Dalai Lama took the opportunity, as he often does these days, to justify his ban of Dorje Shugden practice. The report in the Tibet Post erroneously refers to him as 'the head of the Gelugpa sect' which he is not. This position is held by the Ganden Tripa (Ganden Throneholder).

The Dalai Lama is reported as saying:

"actually it [Dolgyal worship] is unrelated to religion, because in the Buddha's commentaries and teachings, except for the worship of Dharma protectors like Mahakala, the worship of deities is not mentioned. It is wrong to venerate house and mountain deities more than Buddha."
Dorje Shugden practitioners venerate him as a Buddha (which he is, being an emanation of Manjushri Je Tsongkhapa) but they do not venerate him more than Buddha Shakyamuni. This is an attempt by the Dalai Lama to claim that Shugden practitioners are not Buddhist. In this way, by spreading untruths and distortions, he hopes to remove Shugden practitioners from the Buddhist community.


Another report from the Voice of Tibet website said (translated from Tibetan by the Dorje Shugden Society):

Broadcaster: During his teaching in Bodh Gaya, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the jewel of all, said to have received permission and support from his two tutors to give up his worship of Dholgyal (Dorje Shugden). In this regard, our reporter Pasang Dhonden explains:

Pasang: Before His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the supreme leader of Tibetan politics and religion, granted ordination of Bikshus and empowerment of Avalokiteshvara in the morning to devotees from twenty thousand to thirty thousand, he gave instruction and introduction on Dorje Shugden. At that time he explained clearly on the distorted information among the public:

Dalai Lama: Some are saying that the Dalai Lama has changed his mind after the demise of his two tutors. When they were alive, I explained everything to them about my investigating and renouncing the worship of Dholgyal. They agreed. Ling Rinpoche said it was very good and had been very clean. Ling had no connection at all. Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche said that there was no mistake in my way of investigating, and that it must have a purpose and reason. When I renounced the worship comfortably, I informed my two tutors. They agreed and I was granted permission and support. [there is a report] that I have changed my mind after the two tutors passed away. The reality is what I have just said.

When people in Tibet are aware of my ban on worshipping Dholgyal, some are saying that that this is not the intention of the Dalai Lama; the Dalai Lama imposed a ban in order to appease Nyingma and that this is politics. It is not true. My intention is pure. Therefore, I have to explain that the decision I took with pure intention is being distorted.

Be it in China or in Taiwan. Similarly in China, a section of Dholgyal followers are seem to be adopting many methods and efforts these days. In particular, Chinese government found the ban imposed by the Dalai Lama as necessity, and she provides an especial support to Dholgyal followers. Monasteries in Tibet which gave up the worship meanwhile are encouraged not to give it up, but to worship. It is little bit conflicting. It became a political issue. Therefore I thought to explain clearly to you, Chinese Dharma friends here.

Whether it be in it in India, or in Tibet, majority, however, believes my explanation through exhaustive investigation. The public’s stand is wonderful. Thank you! As for the monks of [Gelukpa] monastic establishment, you are very good. It is different matter for few; they remain mischievous. It is different matter. Majority found reason in my statement, and listened and appreciated it. Thank you!

Whether you worship a deity, a demon, or an evil spirit, or whatever you worship, it is in your hand. It is freedom. Nothing is there. However, if you worship without knowing the matter, I have a responsibility to tell you that this is the matter. Therefore I am telling you. It is up to you to think whether you want to listen or not, after I said. I have known many things. It is my mistake if I don’t tell you what I knew. If you don’t listen after I said, it is your loss.

Why does the Dalai Lama feel the need to keep justifying his sectarian position unless he doesn't feel confident that everyone has heard and accepted the message? In essence, Bodh Gaya has been a non-sectarian place for all Buddhists, but the Dalai Lama is playing politics and is taking advantage of this to give very emotional driven, divisive speeches to further the separation of Dorje Shugden followers.

Bodh Gaya's religious sites are in the care of the Mahabodhi Society of India. If you object to the Dalai Lama's sectarian speech and would like to make your disagreement known to the Society, they can be contacted at the following addresses:

13 comments:

Thom said...

A look at the Dalai Lama's ridiculous Indian heart16:35, January 22, 2010
According to reports January 16, 2010, during the opening ceremony of the International Buddhist Conference in Gujarat State, India, the Dalai Lama remarked that due to the fact that he was from purely Tibetan parents, he was Tibetan in appearance, but an Indian in spirituality. Thus, his comments and ideas originate from Indian traditions.

Last year, The 14th Dalai Lama kissed the ground to win the heart of India in addition to his intensive lobbying around the world, pleading to visit various national leaders.

He referred to himself as a "son of India" as early as last March. The Dalai Lama expressed that he would call himself a "son of India" on a news conference in New Delhi March 31, 2009. When it was published by various newspapers, his secretary hurried to interpret it. However, based on the reports from VOA April 15, Indian Bhupendra Kumar Modi told reporters that the Dalai Lama mentioned before that he was by nature an Indian, and would try to obtain Indian nationality if the conditions were right. Later, the Dalai Lama's remarks and actions bore out Modi's words.

The Dalai Lama pleases his Indian masters not only by showing his willingness to be a "son of India," but also by effacing the originality of the Tibetan culture. The Dalai Lama uses such words to dwarf the rich Tibetan culture with distinctive local characteristics. He could not be more subservient.

In fact, another reason why the Dalai Lama calls himself a "son of India" is that he intends to deny his Chinese citizenship.

The Dalai Lama might have forgotten many historical facts when saying so. For example, Chinese Buddhism played a very important role in the formation and development of Tibetan Buddhism, and the Sakyamuni statue in the Jokhang Temple was taken to Tibet by Princess Wencheng in Tang Dynasty. In addition, during the Yuan Dynasty, the Chinese government established a special department to handle Tibet-related military and political affairs and put Tibet under the control of the central government. Of course, he also forgot that in the Qing Dynasty, the Dalai Lama's reincarnation and enthronement had to be confirmed by the central government. For instance, the 7th Dalai Lama was conferred the title by Emperor Kangxi in 1719 and the 8th Dalai Lama was confirmed by an official dispatched by Emperor Qianlong in 1762.

The more absurd thing is that the Dalai Lama often considers himself a "son of India" and India's cultural guru, but he also keeps on claiming that he represents "the interests of all Tibetans." People cannot help but ask that since the Dalai Lama deems himself an Indian rather than Chinese, then why is he entitled to represent the voice of the Tibetan people? Furthermore, will a guy who betrayed southern Tibet to India really care about the well-being of the Tibetan people? As a Living Buddha of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism who calls for "protecting Tibetan culture" all the time, the Dalai Lama claims that "Tibetan Buddhism originated from India." He also claims that the Tibetan language derived from India and he is a "son of India," will such a guy really want to protect Tibetan culture?

Thom said...

His Holiness Gaden Trisur Rinpoche Defects!!!


The term of office for the current Gaden Tripa has finished. He has successfully finished his term. He has the title now of His Holiness Gaden Trisur Rinpoche Jetsun Lunrig Namgyal. He primarily resides in France although he has a ladrang in Gaden Shartse, Nepal and Yangthing, Tibet.


Gaden Tripa-Gaden throne holder
Gaden Trisur-Gaden's ex-throne holder Emeritus

Gaden Trisur Rinpoche belongs to the Dokhang Khangtsen house of Gaden Shartse Monastery formerly. He studied and recieved his geshe degree in Gaden Shartse. Later he became Gaden Tripa.

Gaden Trisur Rinpoche has never journeyed to Gaden Shartse Monastery to swear in or take a oath that he gives up Dorje Shugden. In a stunning turn around, he has officially left Gaden Shartse Monastery and joined SHAR GADEN MONASTERY similar with other elite lamas such as Trijang Rinpoche and Dromo Geshe Rinpoche recently.

Gaden Trisur's household (ladrang) all together with HH Gaden Trisur Rinpoche have joined Shar Gaden Monastery.

It is a stunning and 'shocking' move as Gaden Trisur Rinpoche is a very high ranking Lama within the Gelug Heirachy.

Gaden Trisur's assistant was sent to speak with the current Gaden Shartse Abbot that he is leaving Shartse Monastery and joining Shar Gaden. It is exactly what happened to Trijang Rinpoche and his ladrang in Gaden.

So two big ladrangs from Shartse has left and joined Shar Gaden.

Gaden Trisur's throne that is in Shartse will remain in Shartse just like Trijang Rinpoche's throne although he has left Shartse Monastery completely.

HH Gaden Trisur Rinpoche was the student of the previous Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang.


This eventful move will embarrass the Tibetan Government in exile and also 'teach' them a lesson. That not everyone is afraid of them and there are high ranking lamas who will stand up for what they believe. With time, more and more monks will defect to Shar Gaden Monastery because they remain loyal to their lineage, lamas, and practices.

In Sera, Gaden, Drepung, Tashilungpo, Gyuto and Gyurme Monasteries take a fake oath as they put it to temporarily quiet down the Tibetan Government and their unjust/undemocratic persecution of Dorje Shugden devotees.
They stand up in front of the congregation(if they don't, then expulsion from the Monastery) and read the words that 'swear' they abandon Dorje Shugden and will not be associated with Dorje Shugden followers in any manner. The monks say they just read the words and do not feel anything from their heart. It is pure persecution. Many monks dare not say or speak out against the Tibetan government, but they are in that opinion. With Gaden Trisur's recent move, it will give strength to many who are persecuted up till today.


Three photos of HH Gaden Trisur Rinpoche Jetsun Lungrik Namgyal click below:

http://www.dorjeshugden.com/ forum/index.php?topic=567.0

Thom said...

The Western Shugden Society is a Confederation of Wisdom Buddha Dorje Shugden Community Practitioners.

We have organised ourselves to respond to the persecution of Shugden practitioners orchestrated by the Dalai Lama. Through our activities we hope to accomplish four aims:
To liberate millions of innocent practitioners of the Buddhist Deity Dorje Shugden and their families from suffering
To restore peace and harmony between Shugden and non-Shugden pracitioners
To re-establish the common spiritual activities of Shugden and non-Shugden practitioners
To free Buddhism from political pollution
The Western Shugden Society is a Confederation within the International Coalition of Practitioners of the Enlightened Deity Dorje Shugden.

Thom said...

I love the nature here as it so pure and colorful.
The Beauty of the Snow Capped Red Mountains of Vajaryoginni, appear to my eyes.
Just as the Pacific roars against the Coastal Cliffs.
Resounding Melodious Drums
Soar on the waves.
Arousing thunder filled
all there is to hear with my ears.

Quietude fills the Ice
Snow makes it nice

Love is all we need
Love is all we are talking about here.

The Big 8 only breed hate and we all know that this is wrong.
So listen to the Protector and love all that is around.
Is this not what we all want?

Thom said...

A flag and a lie sent the innocents to die for the Dalia Lama during his tenure with the CIA.
He proceeded appropriately with the Lions of the Snow Lands Banner and waved as a flag and has been lying ever since.
He has no country, he has no flag, he no longer can lie in daylight to the innocents.
Only with a well lite stage can he sing to the chorus. No press conference to address reality. Only poor Nechung being led around like a Yak with a ring in it's nose. Forced to say whatever the TGIE wants him to say. Never a real message, only the muffled cry of the Oracles inside, who wishes he were somewhere else to fill his rice bowl.
The Wise Lamas will take heed and abandon this fruitless quest of this Dalia Lama.
How many does the new labrangs now total the monks who stayed or crossed over to the loving embrace of freedom loving monks. Practicing the Precepts of Lord Buddha.
What Lama, monk, nun or Buddhist Practioners ever could or would deny the most basics of human needs, food, medicine, clothing and shelter from an unfortunate. No one!
Not One Buddhist Practioner can claim to ever have denied another sentient being. No one, not ever, until this poor escuse for a human, let alone a supposed Buddhist Practioners known as the Dalia Lama.
Only he can claim to be a King all by himself.
Even the little children know that it is best to be kind. Watch little children and learn. This is how Buddhist Practioner should be, as little children filled with love. Not spoiled little brats like the Dalia Lama.He is no Practioner. He denies others, plain and simple.

Thom said...

Dear everyone,

We should write to HH Gaden Trisur Rinpoche and offer our deepest respects and thanks for his courageous act.

Lamas of his calibre usually like to stay within Tibetan Policies because they are doing well. Sorry to say.

Gaden Trisur Rinpoche has no qualms about himself, but his concern is for the growth of Tsongkapa's doctrine. Incredible practitioner. This shows that his learning is put into practice. How great during this time of kali-yuga and politics.

My faith and respect in HH Gaden Trisur Rinpoche went up a thousand notches.

I fold my hands and thank HH Gaden Trisur Rinpoche so much for showing us dharma practice is alive and well.


tk

Thom said...

ADDITIONAL CONFIRMATION: Tuesday Jan 26,2010

Half hour ago, a phone call was made to HH Trisur Rinpoche's personal assistant to confirm their entry into Shar Gaden.
Trisur Rinpoche's personal assistant replied a firm YES.

His Holiness Gaden Trisur Rinpoche Jetsun Lungrik Namgyal who was the 101st Throne Holder of Tsongkapa HAS OFFICIALLY ENTERED SHAR GADEN MONASTERY and left Gaden Shartse Monastery! He openly practices Dorje Shugden now!

He gives us so much strength, hope and inspiration. We thank HH Trisur Rinpoche from the bottom of our hearts. With tears streaming down my face as I type this to everyone here.

HH Trisur Rinpoche's assistant said that he went to meet Gaden Shartse's current abbot and told the abbot that their province in Tibet, their lamas, their lineage, their monasteries in Tibet all practice Dorje Shugden and that they would not be able to give up the practice.

HH Trisur Rinpoche CANNOT GIVE UP THE PRACTICE OF DORJE SHUGDEN. HH TRISUR RINPOCHE COMPLETED HIS 7 YEAR TERM OF OFFICE AS GADEN TRIPA (HEAD OF GELUG) AND NOW THAT HE IS A TRISUR, he will resign from Gaden Shartse Monastery and join Shar Gaden Monastery.

HH Trisur Rinpoche had to wait this long until the term of office as Gaden Tripa completed to MAKE THIS MOVE BECAUSE IF HE HAD MADE THIS MOVE EARLIER, THE DALAI LAMA WOULD HAVE REMOVED HIM FROM OFFICE. And that would not be good for the Gelug on the whole. NOW THAT HE HAS FINISHED HIS TERM, HE CAN DO WHAT HE LIKES. NO ONE CAN TOUCH HIM, DISTURB HIM OR DISGRACE HIS POSITION. INCREDIBLE PLANNING. THIS WAS RELAYED BY HIS PERSONAL ASSISTANT!

HH Gaden Trisur Rinpoche is residing in France currently but there are rumours he might visit Shar Gaden this year. Let's hope HH Trisur Rinpoche makes a historical visit to Shar Gaden. That would make a further huge statement.

The Tibetan Govt has been silent. No comments so far whatsoever.

The abbot of Gaden Shartse had nothing to say unsurprisingly. The new abbot of Gaden is said to have no strength and will power. The new abbot is VERY FRIGHTENED of Dalai Lama and Tibetan Govt.


see more:

http://www.dorjeshugden.com/ forum/index.php?topic=567.0

Thom said...

"It's not 100% clear if monks in the Nyingma tradition are allowed to have consorts, some writings say 'yes', but it's not clear. So, if a monk practices Gelug and Nyingma, how can we be sure which set of rules he is following?"
Tromo Geshe Rinpoche was born into a Nyingma family and I assume H.H.Dagom Rinpoche took birth in a Mahayanna Buddhist family.
I think the Dharma is doing a makeover. Some are checking everything in prayers and verse to make certain the translation are accurate and not tainted. It seems reformation have happened before and are happening again. We are in the midst of changing time. We are in the middle of merging the East and the West. Unprecedented within history and we've only been at it here in the West for little more than a hundred years, depending on your perspective. Look at Avatar and think of all the mythology exhibited in there.
Imagine the possibilities of consciousness manifest with the Enlightened Mind.
The possibilties exist because we are free to express ourselves and explore the infinite with tools that are in abundance. We have laws and they protect the Dharma for all to find the truth for themselves and it has nothing to do with some Old Man running around calling people Communist, as though it were a bad thing.
What kind of man takes his lineage and trashes it to it's foundation. Maybe Hitler, he thought it better to destroy all of Germany and it's people than to admit defeat and become one of the World's most evil men to ever have been born.

A God King by definition means some kind of Supreme and he actually believes that he is a God and a King.
Which means he is the anti freedom agent, a subversive element preaching totalitarianism and he steals titles like Napoleon stole crowns.
Like dominoes, his status is failing and now begins to fall one by one until it is done. One by one the true Lamas will stand their ground and shout down this abborration of a man.
He preaches harm, this why we fight him. No other way but to take him down.
Wake up and turn the wheel

Thom said...

Yes there is terrible injustice, yes we need to keep alive our sense of outrage and compassion.
The more powerful our compassion
can become for all involved, both the oppressed and the present oppressors, the better for us.

That's the real spiritual practice.

While acting with our best love and wisdom we've got to remember the nature of samsara, how it's extremely tragic in every most painful way possible.
All sentient beings actually want to escape it. The only way to do that eventually comes down to seeing its lack of true existence.
It's like a bad dream!
But we can wake up and wake others up too.

Thom said...

Keep up all the good work
while also remembering to give yourself peace of mind by contemplating that mere 'dream-like' nature of things.

Thom said...

I love Dorje Shugden and I love his hat.
We did not have much to go on in 1956 and I was eight, except for a Smokey The Bear,Teddy Bear.
A Forest Ranger with a hat just like the Protectors,he carried a shovel and said, “Only you can prevent Forest Fires.

I loved that Bear very much.
He taught me to love the Forest,
he wore a hat that had authority.
Smokey taught me to put out fires,
Like the one we fight today.

This immense flame scorches the earth,
The Dharma proceeds unhindered,
by insignificant attempts to put it out,
Is immeasurably insignificant.

As a fire sweeps through the underbrush to clear out the old,
new seeds and sprouts emmerge with new blooms.
So too the dharma starts anew with each one of us,
renewing ourselves within the purifying blaze,
that burns brightly within each and everyone of us.
I loved Smokey The Bear!
He was always there.
I love the Protector!
He is always here.

Anonymous said...

HHDL can not exclude non-Tibetan Shugdens. Mongolia is represented @ Bodh Gaya. Many Mongolian Gelugpas continue the practice. Whatever Shugden may be those who continue his practice are still Buddhists and Shakyamuni Buddha is still their teacher. This decision is 100 times worse than the ban itself.

Anonymous said...

I still wonder: how does he dare, how does he dare, but who does he think he is to mistreat in such way 3 centuries of Gelugpa Masters? To mistreat in such way his own Teacher, a divine being such as Trijang Dorjechang?

Only somebody very sick dares such things. Zong Rinpoche and Dagom Rinpoche were right, the Dalai Lama is sick. I cannot find any other explanation.