His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet is coming to Santa Barbara on April 24 for two sold-out talks. On Wednesday night, April 15, in advance of this historic event, Buddhist scholar Dr. Robert Thurman spoke at UCSB’s Campbell Hall in conversation with author Pico Iyer. The topic of their discussion, and the name of Dr. Thurman’s latest book, was Why the Dalai Lama Matters: His Act of Truth as the Solution for China, Tibet, and the World.
Thurman teaches at Columbia, and is one of the foremost scholars of Tibetan Buddhism in the world. He was the first westerner ordained as a Buddhist monk by His Holiness, and was his translator before leaving the monastery for America.
Thurman was instrumental in raising awareness and funds for UCSB’s endowed chair in Tibetan Studies, only one of two in the nation. He worked to have the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the Dalai Lama, and has written, translated, studied, and taught as much Tibetan Buddhism as any scholar alive.
He’s also an over-the-top, unapologetic fan of the Dalai Lama.
“How could you not love him?” Thurman implored his audience, pointing to a photograph of His Holiness. Iyer told a story of the Dalai Lama spending the day at a school in an unknown corner of Japan rather than meeting with dignitaries or the media. When the Dalai Lama later spoke to a crowd of thousands, his talk was filled with references to what he had just heard and learned from a young schoolgirl.
The Dalai Lama
- When: Friday, April 24, 2009, 2 p.m.
- Where: UCSB Events Ctr., Ocean Rd. and El Colegio Rd., UCSB Campus, CA
- Cost: $40 - $188
- Age limit: Not available
“A Buddha,” Thurman explained, “is a being who considers other beings equal to themselves. A Buddha experiences the experiences of others as if they are his or her own. It’s like how a mother identifies with her child and knows almost from the inside what her child is feeling. A Buddha does that with everybody — the poor guy!”
“The Dalai Lama doesn’t think in terms of self and other,” Iyer added. “He never sees the world as us against them, only as us.”
Iyer has known His Holiness for 40 years. He shared a story about when the Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. “The day after he received the prize he called me. ‘I’ve won all this money,’ he said. ‘What should I do with it?’" In the end, he gave the money away, to help Mother Teresa, Africa, the Costa Rican Peace Institute, the Foundation for Universal Responsibility, and a school for lepers.
This is why Thurman knows, and much of the world knows, that the Dalai Lama matters. There’s something true and profound going on here: a lesson for the world, and an example of what is possible. There is a right and noble way to live not based on dogma and belief, but on wisdom, insight, and love.
Related Links
This story was originally attributed to the wrong writer. It was written by John Luca.
Double-clicking on any word or phrase in this story will open a reference window with definitions and links to other reference material.

Print friendly
E-mail story
Tip Us Off
iPod friendly
Comments
Bookmark This

Previous Month


Comments
Discussion Guidelines
For all the good the Dalai Lama has brought to the world, why does the Dalai Lama have such trouble with his own Tibetan people?
I have read that the Dalai Lama's own government in exile only hires people with his own religious belief system. In America, I don't believe that would be tolerated.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorje_Shugd...
Other buddhist groups don't always share Thurman's rosy outlook. It would be interesting to hear Thurman's ideas on the Dalai Lama's political career vs. his religious career.
Readers say: Thumbs Up: 1 of 1 • Thumbs Down: 0 of 1
Hot_Potato (anonymous profile)
April 17, 2009 at 1:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I met the Dalai Lama here in SB years ago . Rather than praise him and question him on life etc... I told him I don't have time and continued to run down to the surf for a couple of waves before sunset. He was very surprised to say the least! Funny how people flock to see him and ask for help and answers about life and spirituality when he was just a speed bump to me. He later said that watching my friends and I surf was the closest thing to peace and harmony he had seen in a long time and was completely stoked and wished people could appreciate such pure and simple things rather than struggle to fill their pockets with artificial happiness at the cost of others. I'd love to get him out in the water!
Readers say: Thumbs Up: 0 of 0 • Thumbs Down: 0 of 0
nocomply (anonymous profile)
April 17, 2009 at 2:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am a Tibetan and I don't want west to restore Dalai Lama God king system in Tibet. The reason we lost Tibet to China so easily was because of this reincarnation system. While China invaded Tibet, Dalai Lama and those aristocrats were having Tea party. Can you imagine that??? While Chinese were taking over Lhasa, Dalai Lama and his administration were asking ORACLE. Can you believe that???? My Tibetan people were totally blinded by religion. The worst is that so called "Tibetan Buddhism" is not Buddhism at all. It is Hindu Yogism. Those reincarnation is totally Hindu's stuff.(I am sure Robert Thurman knows that) If Buddha were alive today, he would have gotten so mad for this. Anyway, back to the business.
Dalai Lama and Democracy will never go together, because Democracy means nobody is above the law. And Dalai lama is above the law, I mean he is God for those religious fanatics. He even suppressed others who don't shared his religion philosophy(Check the link above by those shugden worshipers) My last word, Power corrupt everybody, even the Dalai Lama. He now becomes very tyrannical. His public face is always smiling but when he goes back to Dharamsala, his face change 180 degree. Please check the youtube.
I
Readers say: Thumbs Up: 0 of 0 • Thumbs Down: 0 of 0
tsering (anonymous profile)
April 17, 2009 at 7:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sorry, I forgot to clarify something. I am a young Tibetan, and I don't practice religion but believe in Democracy. I am not a Chinese spy(Stop accusing me for that). I love Tibet. I am very much hoping that Tibet will be free from China one day and free from those religious fanatics and aristocrats.
Readers say: Thumbs Up: 0 of 0 • Thumbs Down: 0 of 0
tsering (anonymous profile)
April 17, 2009 at 7:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Tsering, Kyakpa So. It is interesting that you had to preemptively suggest that "You were not a Chinese spy". I find it interesting that you talk about "tyrannical" Dalai Lama with only basis being Shugden issue. Look at the Shugden issue. Here is what the Dalai Lama has said -- Shugden worship is not aligned with Buddhist teachings and that he has realised that it was wrong. As such he is ceasing any Shugden rituals in his teachings. He discourages his students from following Shugden. He also said that if one was to continue with Shugdgen practice then stop seeking Dalai Lama as a teacher. What is so tyrannical about this?
As another young Tibetan, I am not suggesting you are a Chinese spy, I am challenging you as being a real Tibetans. Bodrig yin na, bod kyae nang nga nyi kae cha shae go. Kyaktsar!
To me, the Dalai Lama matters for he provides a way for find a new way of achieving the World Peace. He has often said that the 20th century was a century of war, let us envision the 21st century as one of dialogue -- where we can solve the world's problem through dialogues. In showing that he can walk the talk.. he has provided "maximum solution" through the "Middle Way" solution.
Time is running out for China to truly become a member of the international community. The Dalai Lama is the solution.
Hot Potato/Tsering, interesting that your IP addresses are identical. Good try. Shugden is a cult. Get over it. Do not seek endorsement from the Dalai Lama.
The practise is based on fear, coercion and greed. It is contrary to the Buddhist teaching. It speaks volume on the Dalai Lama's reformist courage.
Gyame Kyakpa So
Readers say: Thumbs Up: 0 of 1 • Thumbs Down: 1 of 1
Gyame_Kyaktsar (anonymous profile)
April 17, 2009 at 9:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I just want to let our readers know that in spite of Gyame_Kyaktsar's assertions, there is no way to determine an Independent.com user's IP address as all the registrations require distinct email addresses and IP addresses are not represented in Independent.com user email forms.
--WebAdmin
webadmin (Indy Staff)
April 17, 2009 at 10:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnHaTlI1p...
The above link is a one minute twenty-seven second account about a meeting with the Dali Lama. Enjoy.
Readers say: Thumbs Up: 0 of 0 • Thumbs Down: 0 of 0
sixdolphins (anonymous profile)
April 18, 2009 at 4:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow! Gyame Kyakpa So! You really showed how Dalai Lama's follower's attitude is. In your first comment, you said "Tsering eat shhht" in Tibetan. Your registration name "Gyame Kyakp So" means Chinese eat shttt.
You see what I am talking about. My Tibetan people are totally blind by religion. My fellow Tibetan and Dalai lama want religious freedom from China but they don't want give religious freedom to other Tibetans. Dalai Lama and his follower want to keep religious freedom for themselves.
Secondly, whatever you said about the IP is not true. You are totally computer illiterate.
thirdly, I don't believe in any religion. I think either Shugden or Dalailamaden are both practing Yogism, not Buddha's philosophy.
I think lots of people including Tibetan are forgetting about the Democracy they are enjoying in USA. Please do not keep Democracy for yourself only, democracy is for everybody.
BTW, whatever your name is, please do not take it personal. We are discussing the issue here not doing personal attack here.
I do respect Dalai Lama but I think Dalai Lama is doing the wrong thing. Also, i think Dalai lama should walk the walk, not only talk the talk on the stage only.
Dalai Lama got used to the stage. He only talks monologue. Please request Dalai Lama to learn from Gandhi. It is time to take action. Not a single moment the Dalai Lama ever join the protest in front of Chinese embassy or any place. YOU SEE THE PROBLEM. Dalai Lama wants to be a BUDDHA STATUE only. We definitely need a new leader who can lead Tibetans.
Readers say: Thumbs Up: 0 of 0 • Thumbs Down: 0 of 0
tsering (anonymous profile)
April 18, 2009 at 12:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Neither Robert Thurman nor Pico Iyer can possibly be considered reliable when it comes to discussion of the Dalai Lama. Their latest books both display a truly sickening infatuation with the man and amount to little more than sycophantic hero-worship that absolutely does not behoove their reputations as scholars.
Why is it that as soon as the Dalai Lama is mentioned all critical thought and enquiring intelligence appears to evaporate - even from the otherwise doubtlessly brilliant minds of academics such as these? Are we so desperate to believe in this Father Christmas, pop-spirituality figure that we're prepared to give up thinking? Whatever admiration one may have for the man, we must not act like teenage pop music fans!
If Thurman or Iyer were to speak, or - far worse - write, about any other political or religious leader in such terms they'd be roundly ridiculed, and rightly! So should they be here.
The Dalai Lama is not God, and it is quite clear that there are as many questions to be asked and oppositions raised to his policies as there are of any leader. For goodness, boys - grow up!
Readers say: Thumbs Up: 1 of 1 • Thumbs Down: 0 of 1
questioner (anonymous profile)
April 18, 2009 at 6:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The questioner is absolutely right and I totally agree with you.
Robert Thurman knows Buddhism through Tibetan Buddhism so basically speaking he doesn't understand Buddha's philosophy. His view toward Buddhism is through Hindu Yogism. I read his book about Tibetan Buddhism and I think he is like most of the Tibetans cannot distinguish the fact and the myth. Most of the Tibetan have problem mixing historical fact and fairy tale. They think Dalai Lama is reincarnation of ......Buddha...compassion... What is that??? The truth is that Dalai Lama is just a king, spoon-feeded by his aristocrat family. My parents in Tibet were uneducated and those aristocrats and Rinpocheys fooled them to beleive Dalai Lama is God. Still, my parents believe Dalai Lama is God, but I want to stop it now so that my next generation will be free from religion.
Lots of people go to ask Dalai Lama about Happiness. And I think they got the right person to ask because Dalai Lama never suffered of hunger a day, he sure knows only about happiness.
If Dalai Lama were God, we won't be suffering outside Tibet.
Readers say: Thumbs Up: 0 of 0 • Thumbs Down: 0 of 0
tsering (anonymous profile)
April 18, 2009 at 8:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Please have a look here !
http://www.lamashree.org/dalailama_13_mo...
Readers say: Thumbs Up: 0 of 0 • Thumbs Down: 0 of 0
roberth (anonymous profile)
April 19, 2009 at 8:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Geoge Bush created the lies about WMD, most supporters forgot what they thought at the time. They believed the lies, supported Bush based on their blind belief. Why so many people failed to detect lies? Because there exist many special types of lies that are quite different from conventional lies as normal people can understand: Bush seemed to believe his own lies. That made him more deceptive. Today, even a lot of people against him still believe Bush is a good person.
Dalai Lama is THE most successful pretender in the history with the same pattern that makes Bush very deceptive: Dalai Lama seems to believe his own words without compare to his own deeds. He has a lot of blind believers like Richard Geer, Tutu, etc. Those people are considered to be good people. It created even more blind believers fighting for "good cause" of Tibet issue.
Internet makes both truths and lies spread quickly. There are much less chances to win with lies. So the traditional propaganda strategy is not so successful as before. That's why Dalai lama still can not win.
IMO, Dalai Lama is the biggest problem instead of solution to Tibet issue. People who believe Dalai lama, please check what he said against what he did. He has many faces with very complicated personality. The image that most ordinary western people as well as Hollywood movie stars believe is just one of his face.
International pressure based on lies created more government supporters within China. There was a wave of Anti-Tibet-Independent demonstrations organized by oversea Chinese all over the western countries. Western media failed to report the events proportionally because most Western journalist have the same image about Dalai Lama as Richard Geer. Media misled the public again just like they did about WMD
People, wake up! In 21 century with google, You can easily check the facts and stories from different sides instead of subjectively interpreting what you see based on existing belief. Please put truth above your personal belief. Those who look like "Good person" are more destructive than Saddam or Bin Laden.
A couple of links for your reference:
http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?c...
http://www.moonofalabama.org/2008/03/tib...
http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?c...
Readers say: Thumbs Up: 0 of 0 • Thumbs Down: 0 of 0
forth (anonymous profile)
April 19, 2009 at 10:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The truth lies between. BTW, Dalai lama cannot compare with those Communist Chinese leaders. Communist Chinese are the champion of lying.(Everybody knows that, no need to explain) So don't believe anything from Commie. One thing is always true for me; Tibet was never part of China and Tibet will never part of China. One day Tibet has to be freed.
Free Tibet from China and Free Tibet from God king and aristocrats.
Readers say: Thumbs Up: 0 of 0 • Thumbs Down: 0 of 0
tsering (anonymous profile)
April 20, 2009 at 5:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is my last comments.
The reason I said our Buddhism (Tibetan Buddhim) is not following Buddha's philosophy instead following Hindu Yogism was because BUDDHA WAS TOTALLY AGAINST WORSHIPING IDOLS OR DEITY. HE WAS AGAINST GOD AND CASTE SYSTEM which is another word of reincarnation syste.
If anybody wants to learn Buddhism, please first understand Buddha's philosophy but following those meaningless Prayers and deity. We Tibetan pray for our kings, queens....lamas... and artistocrat family.... can't name everything here. Check out our statues at our home.
I hope someone will put our Tibetan Buddhist right in the track of Buddha's philosphy. Obviously, Dalai Lama couldn't do it because he is the product of it. and he could not give up his POLITICAL POWER.
At last, thank you for the independent site and the internet so that we can spread out our own message.
Thank you.
Readers say: Thumbs Up: 0 of 0 • Thumbs Down: 0 of 0
tsering (anonymous profile)
April 20, 2009 at 5:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This absurd description of this man given by Bobbie Thurman, is absolutely absurd.
This DL has excommunicated the only Diety within the Mahayanna Pathenon for which he is accused of Murdering to seize power of Tibet over 350 years ago.
The DL Lineage was as cruel as any Medievalist Society anywhere and continued to be so until the PRC liberated over 95% of the Serfs and Slaves from the Barbaric Aristocrats that slammed the Peasants harder than most Westerner can imagine. His was a Medieval Theocratic Dictatorial Potentate, which used mutilation as as punhisment to control the masses. The PRC has done more than anyone else for the mass of Tibetans.
Readers say: Thumbs Up: 0 of 0 • Thumbs Down: 0 of 0
thomcanada (anonymous profile)
April 21, 2009 at 11:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The Dalia Lama has been brokering and inciting hate within the Tibetan Colonies by molesting Dorje Shugden Practioners, to mask his failed policies to regain a toe hold in China_Tibet.’
The similarities between the Dalia Lama’s Administration and Adolph Hitler’s reign of terror over the world do not go unnoticed to some of us for the methodolgy that this Dalia Lama has chosen to embrace to defend his indefenseable position as an ordained monk.
If he were an actual elected representative of an acutal nation, he would not be a monk and he would then be entitled to voice his Unothodox treatment of Dorje Shugden Practioners.
Hence, the reason the Kundenling Rinpoche filed a lawsuit against the Dalia Lama and Samdong in the New Delhi High Courts for violating others Religious Freedom. It falls under the ‘Bill Of Rights’ and the US Constitution and of course the Indian Constitution.
Which is why the New Delhi High Courts did not summarily dismiss the writ as frivilious. It is not a question of Free Tibet or the Spiritual Stability of this Dalia Lama, nor is it about China’s Terriotorial Perogative to claim Tibetan Territory as it own.
It is about one man that does not have the authority to step on other people opinion about how they choose to believe or worship.
It is about what position any American or People who believe in defending the position that we either all have the same rights and are protected by our laws, or we are not protected, and anyone person can decide for others what they can and cannot do or believe.
"Shri Dorje Shugden _Supreme Protector of the Dharma"
Readers say: Thumbs Up: 0 of 0 • Thumbs Down: 0 of 0
thomcanada (anonymous profile)
April 21, 2009 at 11:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Tibetan warriors did fight for over a decade as guerrillas (with a low level of support from CIA until betrayed by Henry Kissinger and President Richard Nixon), against the Dalai Lama's instructions, but admittedly with his admiration for their bravery.
Does Thurman really believe this version of events? There is evidence that the Dalai Lama himself was on the CIA payroll in the 1960's, to a tune of $186,000 per annum. From the Wikipedia article on the 14th Dalai Lama:
In October 1998, The Dalai Lama's administration acknowledged that it received $1.7 million a year in the 1960s from the U.S. Government through the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and also trained a resistance movement in Colorado (USA).
Yes! all monks and Lamas have their own private armies. Thou shalt not kill! Dl and Thurman are in another realm entirely with their obsession to control others. Bob Thurman is a lying traitor to the Precepts of Buddhism and the United States Constitution. He stomps all over the Bill Of Rights like a rooting pig in a pen.
Readers say: Thumbs Up: 0 of 0 • Thumbs Down: 0 of 0
thomcanada (anonymous profile)
April 21, 2009 at 12:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Jigme Norbu recently rode a Van for 900 miles to protest the charges against him for rape and theft during the 1999 Kalachakra, are a matter of record within the Monroe and Terre Haute County Courts. He dreams of the day when Tibetan Aristocrats can rape and steal at will, as his forebears did in Free Tibet until the PRC liberated 95% of the down-trodden population of Serfs and Slaves from their servitude in Bondage to the Holy High Dalia Lama Lineage for over 350 years.
Bob Thurman is a Intellectual Imbecile Incapable of logic or compassion and certainly has lost his ability of discriminating Wisdom. Once he declared Dorje Shugden Monks to be as Taliaban. What kind of Idiot would say this to an international press corp?
Readers say: Thumbs Up: 0 of 0 • Thumbs Down: 0 of 0
thomcanada (anonymous profile)
April 21, 2009 at 12:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Funds to pay this army were funnelled through the Dalai Lama and his organization, which received US$1.7 million a year, later reduced to $1.2 million. (Of this, the Dalai Lama himself was paid $186,000 a year. But no one has ever suggested that he pocketed it. The money was used to operate his exiled government's offices in Geneva and New York.) The last year in which the stipend was paid out was 1974. By then, of course, U.S. policy had changed to one of embracing China, not antagonizing it.
According to Thurman, the guerrillas fought ‘against the Dalai Lama's instructions’; yet the Dalai Lama's administration received the funds to pay for the army from the CIA, with the Dalai Lama himself being paid. No one can claim that the Dalai Lama didn't know what was going on, or that it was against his instructions.
From an interview with the Dalai Lama with the New York Times in 1993:
Q: In Tibet, from the late 1950's until the early 1970's, one of your brothers was involved in leading a guerrilla movement against the Chinese. In fact, the guerrillas were supported by the C.I.A. How did you feel about that?
A: I'm always against violence. But the Tibetan guerrillas were very dedicated people. They were willing to sacrifice their own lives for the Tibetan nation. And they found a way to receive help from the C.I.A. Now, the C.I.A.'s motivation for helping was entirely political. They did not help out of genuine sympathy, not out of support for a just cause. That was not very healthy.
The Dalai Lama says “they found a way to receive help from the CIA” as if the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Administration knew nothing about it; but they were on the payroll! The Dalai Lama is being disingenuous, as is Thurman in misrepresenting events. The aim is to maintain the Dalai Lama's public image as someone who does not agree with armed struggle, which is obviously wrong.
Things become even more nefarious when the Mongoose Canine letter states:
The problem of your government splitting the Tibetan guerilla fighters in Mustang. In fact, they were originally organised by your government with the help of the CIA. In 1969, as a consequence of Nixon’s policy with China, you provoked a fight among the Tibetan guerillas over their weapons. This fight finally destroyed them.
What then are we to make of Thurman's statement:
But overall, in spite of massive oppression, Tibetans have maintained the non-violence the Dalai Lama has asked of them. The greatness of this achievement cannot be overstated (page 74)
Readers say: Thumbs Up: 0 of 0 • Thumbs Down: 0 of 0
thomcanada (anonymous profile)
April 21, 2009 at 12:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Michael Parenti is an American political scientist, historian and media critic whose article Friendly Feudalism: The Tibet Myth explains the excesses of Tibet as a feudal society. The view that Tibet was some kind of Shangri-la filled with happy, non-violent practising Buddhists is a complete myth.
As for 'eschewing violence from the beginning', there was almost a riot in New York in July 2008 when a large group of Tibetans who had just been to a teaching by the Dalai Lama surrounded a much smaller group of Western Shugden Society protestors to spit, jeer and throw things. The protestors had to be evacuated by New York Police for their own safety. There have also been many other instances of violence against Dorje Shugden practitioners, some of which are itemized on the Dorje Shugden Controversy article in Wikipedia.
Again, there are many more points in this chapter that merit comment, but we will finish on something positive -- the Dalai Lama's concluding statement from his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech:
I pray for all of us, oppressor and friend, that together we succeed in building a better world through human understanding and love, and that in doing so we may reduce the pain and suffering of all sentient beings. Thank you. (page 95)
Readers say: Thumbs Up: 0 of 0 • Thumbs Down: 0 of 0
thomcanada (anonymous profile)
April 21, 2009 at 12:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Tibetan Youth Council immitates the Nazi SS
To the executive members of Dorje Shugden Society of Delhi:
Recently, the 39th General Meeting of the governing body of the Tibetan Youth Congress was held in Kulu Manali, Himachal Pradesh, from July 1 to 5 of 2008. Ninety-two members from 45 local enclaves of India, Nepal, Bhutan, Taiwan and so on took part in this meeting. We have thoroughly discussed the principally related political agendas.
In the 2nd resolution of Agenda no 5, the governing body has resolved to send a letter to the effect that the Tibetan Youth Congress reject and single pointedly protest Dholgyal followers -- so called Dorje Shugden Devotees Charitable and Religious Society -- for taking His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Kalon Tripa Samdhong Rinpoche to the court on the baseless allegations.
During the time our brothers in Tibet, sacrificing one's life, engage in tremendous campaign of saving Tibet and protest against China, to our sadness, you have reversed the black and white, and accomplished the necessities of the Chinese government by protesting and criticizing when the Dalai Lama travels to the foreign country. Not only that but we, the head and locals of the Tibetan Youth Congress, do not accept that you have sued them with the baseless allegations, regardless of the kindness of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Kalon Tripa and Himachal government. Furthermore, this governing body will show the clear expression of our single-pointed protest.
In future we will remind you not to mistake friend and enemy, and to know the manner of maintaining Buddhadharma and living beings, as well as to know the purpose and benefit of the instructions given to the Tibetan public by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
39th General Meeting of the Governing Body of the Tibetan Youth Congress
Readers say: Thumbs Up: 0 of 0 • Thumbs Down: 0 of 0
thomcanada (anonymous profile)
April 21, 2009 at 12:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Red Guards of Tibetan Buddhism
Resolutions by the Tibetan Youth Congress
This article shows how (at least certain elements of) the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) have taken it upon themselves to be the mouthpiece of the Dalai Lama and the TGIE and to pursue a witch hunt against Shugden practitioners. Here are a few examples:
Tibetan Youth Congress Enforces Dalai Lama's Ban on Dorje Shugden
Human Rights Violations of Dorje Shugden Practitioners
Background, history, analysis and stories about the Dalai Lama and Dorje Shugden
It is worth noting that the Dalai Lama's younger sister Jetsun Pema was one of the founders of the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC). His youngest brother, Ngari Rinpoche, was the second president of the TYC. Ngari Rinpoche's wife Rinchen Khando Choegyal served as the president of Tibetan Women's Association (which has also harassed Shugden practitioners).
(1) Agenda of Meeting of the TYC
The local and central TYC will perform pujas for the Dalai Lama. When the Dalai Lama pays a visit to a local group, the local TYC must take care of the Dalai Lama's well-being and be very cautious of the followers of Dholgyal (Shugden).
Without any shame, the followers of Dholgyal are accomplishing the wishes of the Chinese government by directly protesting against His Holiness the Dalai Lama and so on. What a challenge for the Tibetan Youth Congress to carry!
Resolution
On the basis of our firm stance and resolution in 1996, over thirty thousand members of the TYC will take an oath and give their signature, to be witnessed by the Three Jewels, never to share religious and material resources with the followers of Dholgyal. Under the decree of the Tibetan Youth Congress, the local TYC must take oaths and give their signatures on the above matter.
Recently Dholgyal followers, the so-called Dorje Shugden Devotees Religious and Charitable Society, have brought legal action against the Dalai Lama and the Kalon Tripa, leveling baseless accusations against them. The TYC will single-pointedly protest against this. Our general body will send a letter that will reject and protest [the writ petition by Dorje Shugden Society].
Readers say: Thumbs Up: 0 of 0 • Thumbs Down: 0 of 0
thomcanada (anonymous profile)
April 21, 2009 at 12:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
For three days, 2009 March 6 - 8, the leaders of Four Tibetan
Traditions and Bon Tradition, Highly Lamas, Abbots, Tulkus, and
representatives, gathered in the assembly hall of Thekchen Choeling,
Dharamshala, for the 10th Religious Meeting, where the adopted
resolutions:
Agenda:
5]
As per the gistof the intention of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, International Genden council,
and the resolutions of Three Great Seats regarding the evil spirit Dholgyal
(Shugden), monasteries including the Three Great Seats are heading toward positive
direction, cherishing it ones interest. However [we] will discuss what is the
best to carry out concerning the activity on the whole and the impairment
imposed by Dholgya adherents to Tibetan religion and politics, as well as their
various actions of defamation carried out against His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Resolution:
A) For the sake of Tibetan religion and politics, His Holiness the Dalai
Lama, the overall head of all Buddhist Traditions on this earth, has given
admonition not to worship the spirit Dholgyal. For the leaders who are High
Lamas, Abbots, Tulkus, representatives, extend fully support on 10th
meeting. Furthermore, through this meeting, they appreciates and praise the monks
of Gelugpa monasteries for picking the vote-stick accorded the Vinaya and completely
relinquishing the religious and material ties with Dholgyal worshippers.
B)
If you take refugee in the worldly god and ghost, particularly the
evil spirit, it contradicts the taking-refugee which is the gateway to
Buddhism. As such, this religious committee will make clear that Dholgyal
worshippers, be it a private or organization, will not be accepted in any sect
of Tibet .
C)
Tibetan Buddhist Sects will examine and file in chronological order
the bans imposed on the nature, function and cause of Dholgyal by highly beings
of Tibetan Traditions for last 370 years and the detrimental to Tibetan
religio-politics as the result of worshipping the evil spirit Dholgyal. This is
published through various channels such as Internet and foreign languages, and
educates Tibetans and foreigners with explanation rich with many reasons.
Readers say: Thumbs Up: 0 of 0 • Thumbs Down: 0 of 0
thomcanada (anonymous profile)
April 21, 2009 at 12:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Everybody loves the now 73-year-old Dalai Lama, and in particular have done so since 1998 when Martin Scorsese brought his autobiography called 'Kundun' into our cinemas. From Richard Gere through to Brad Pitt, from Patti Smith through to Peter Maffay, from Dolly Buster to Robbie Williams: everyone worships the non-stop world jet-setting spiritual leader of the Tibetans. When the Dalai Lama came to Switzerland three years ago, during his eight day visit 30,000 people went onto a pilgrimage to the Zurich stadium to see him. And as is clear with the idolization of the Dalai Lama, whom even people who are not normally fond of personality cults, call 'His Holiness', the same is true for Tibet. There is a common agreement that, before the Chinese marched in, this mountainous region was a paradise of meditating monks and happy farmers living in the midst of splendid mountain scenery -- and that it would be again if it were not for the evil occupiers.
The reality is that until fifty years ago Tibet was a clerical-feudal tyranny. The truth is that a lot of the widespread common knowledge about the country is just wishful thinking. There are also dark sides to the biography of the Dalai Lama, and a lot of obscure stuff is mixed in with the esoteric Lamaism Schwärmerei (excessive sentimentality). However, since there is only little journalism on site, it is not easy to find the truth within the jungle of exile Tibetan and Chinese propaganda.
In the Dalai Lama's autobiography, however, it sounds like paradise when he mentally travels back to the Tibet of his youth: "No one needs to make too much of an effort in order to earn his living. Existence happens on its own and everything works wonderfully." Accordingly, during his reign, he did not make any effort to reform the country, apart from stopping the legal heritage of tax debts. The fact that political decisions are based upon oracles and astrology is no problem for him, who normally pretends to be democratic and progressive. Even though in his 'five point peace plan' he demands 'respect for the democratic freedoms of the Tibetan people', he himself has not tried until today, not even within the exile communities, to be democratically legitimized. Self-evidently he pretends to be the wholistic leader of the Tibetans, even though, strictly speaking, he is not even the spiritual representative of the whole of Tibet. He is merely the head of the Gelugpa order, the so called Yellow Hats, whose claim for leadership he has been trying to pursue for decades. These contradictions are also true for his ecological engagement. On the one hand, he demands to transform Tibet into a kind of natural reserve park and uses every opportunity to demand more ecological thinking in accordance with Mother Nature. On the other hand, from the first days of his exile onwards, at his seat in Dharamsala, the litter keeps being piled up simply on a large waste dump.
Readers say: Thumbs Up: 0 of 0 • Thumbs Down: 0 of 0
thomcanada (anonymous profile)
April 21, 2009 at 12:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
While the Dalai Lama and his entourage went into exile to Dharamsala in India, the Cultural Revolution raged in Tibet. Between 1966 and 1976, thousands of monasteries and cultural monuments were destroyed. Switzerland was the first European country which, in 1961, accepted Tibetan refugees and offered them accommodation and work in Rikon. In 1967, the monastic Tibet Institute was opened. The information from the Dalai Lama and Tibet supporters is often not credible with regards to the Chinese occupancy. Very often it is not mentioned that in the meantime approximately half of the monasteries have been restored and are running again. Also, since the mid-nineties, you can no longer claim that there is a ban on the monastic system. If the Dalai Lama is asked about these things he replies that the monasteries have only been rebuilt for the sake of tourists; thus the Chinese are said to have no interest in maintaining the traditional culture but to re-install it as exotic backdrop and in this way it is being doomed even more. One limitation however has been enforced, undoubtedly against the will of the Dalai Lama: no more children can enter the monasteries. Also in his autobiography, 'His Holiness' claims that, due to resettlement programmes, the Chinese proportion of the population overrides the Tibetans. According to the disputed census in 2000, the proportion of Chinese people within the Tibetan Autonomous Region is 6.1%, with the highest proportion, 17%, being in Lhasa. Again and again the claim has been spread that 1.2 million Tibetans had become victims of Chinese terror, in other words a full fifth of the population. Official statements from Dharamsala even sometimes say that all of these have been Tibetan prisoners who were victims of torture or executions, and very often Chinese concentration camps are mentioned. Without doubt, China is far away from regular constitutional affairs; however the charge of systematic, lethal torture of thousands -- as indicated by the term 'concentration camp' -- is hardly plausible.
Readers say: Thumbs Up: 0 of 0 • Thumbs Down: 0 of 0
thomcanada (anonymous profile)
April 21, 2009 at 12:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Towards the end of the 1980s there were again riots in Tibet, and in December 1989 the Dalai Lama received the Nobel Peace Price. About one year before that he became friends with the Japanese Shoko Asahara, who ran a 'spiritual community' with several thousand followers near Tokyo. According to the researches of the publisher Colin Goldner, Ashara visited with the Dalai Lama several times in 1988. This community with their 'appreciated aims and activities' (said the Dalai Lama) was 'Aum', one of the most dangerous and totalitarian cults ever, which performed the Tokyo subway poison attacks in March 1995. The Japanese authorities had been patient with the megalomaniac Guru, despite all warnings, possibly due to the protecting hands of the Dalai Lama. When the Centres after the Sarin attack were finally searched, there were deposits of chemical and other weapons which could have killed millions of people at once. The Dalai Lama however could not even find one single word of regret. Even as late as Summer 1995, when at the Peace University in Berlin, he stated that he would recognize Asahara as a 'friend, even though not necessarily an unmistaken one'.
Also the so-called 'Shugden affair' gives rise to doubts about the much-praised wisdom of the Dalai Lama. In Summer 1996, upon the advice of his state oracle, he banned the worship of the protector Deity Dorje Shugden for his people. A number of abbots and monks protested against this ban. They accused the Dalai Lama of violating religious freedom, who reacted to this insubordination by systematic searches of houses and monasteries in the exile community. Shugden statues were destroyed and renitent monks bashed and beaten. Supporter committees even claimed that the Shugden movement was hand in glove with China.
Readers say: Thumbs Up: 0 of 0 • Thumbs Down: 0 of 0
thomcanada (anonymous profile)
April 21, 2009 at 12:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Generally, the riots before the Olympic Games were presented by the Western media in a way that they fitted into the image of 'peace-loving Tibetans'’ -- either any violence was supposedly coming from the side of the Chinese, or, if not, claims were made to the effect that Tibetan protesters had only acted in self-defence. Footage documentation and reports from eye-witnesses however give evidence of how monks armed with iron bars and bats went marauding through the historic quarter of town. Buses and cars were pushed over and set on fire, and Chinese shops and houses were pillaged. Molotov cocktails were even thrown into kindergartens, schools and hospitals. The Dalai Lama later claimed that the monks had been Chinese soldiers in disguise. This is because, by definition, Tibetans are non-violent. Around the world, demonstrations of solidarity took place.
[The rest is about the Dalai Lama’s right-wing tendencies and the stories about the liaisons between Tibetans and the Nazis and how the Tibetan regent wrote a letter to 'King Hitler'. The final paragraph is on the question why it is that the Dalai Lama is so popular in the West in spite of all the facts mentioned; and the main conclusion is that it is because Westerners are so naive.]
Readers say: Thumbs Up: 0 of 0 • Thumbs Down: 0 of 0
thomcanada (anonymous profile)
April 21, 2009 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
No one here can convince me otherwise that this Dalia lama has overstepped his ground by attacking Dorje Shugden Practioners not only now, but for the last 350 years.
No one can tell me that this once simple monk that flew coach and spoke sincerly about the environment has not become insane or ill with all the adoration that the Hollywood have led him down the Garden Path of Narcisscism.
Quite simply, I think I was sold a Bill Of Goods, spoiled Goods at that and that is squarely on my shoulders for being so naive for so long. I did not know the true history about his man. Now that I do, I will defend my own belief in the rights of others and do what I can to make this revelation as apparent as possible to all concerned. I will not relent until this Dalia Lama recants and admits his mistake of harming others,me and my family.
Aside from this. It is in the hands of the Courts to decide whether the charges have any merit. I think they must or they would have thrown it out already.
Dalia Lama broke the law and the law will decide what is at stake.
Ever hear of Charlie Wilson? In America, even a few silly people in unusual circumstances can make a difference, if they believe in what they are doing.
So, I can only hope that we all do what we can and unpleasant as it might be to see beyond the picture frame to the actual object of concern and decide if one person can control others beliefs legally.
I think the outcome is clear. It is the same reason we can sit here and say what we want within the bounds of civility, without worrying about people dragging you out into the streets and beating you for your words and beliefs. This is why I have forwarded this issue of Hate Mongering to the attention of “The Southern Poverty Law Center” a new kind of Tibet Watch on hate mongering. It is against the law in the United States to commit hate crimes and President Obama takes these hate issues very seriously and committed to bring those who violate the law to Justice.
It’s about Western Freedom in the very least. I cannot answer to the mess in regard to the the Tibetan Indian Colonies Ideas of democracy. Apparently it’s only a show as the Refugees choose to worship and push their God King as a Representative of Democratic Ideals is sad and is misguided to say the least.
Sooner or later, we Americans will come to realize the akwardness of admiring a God King is as out of date and the reason we threw out King George in our War of Independence.
No Kings or God Kings are allowed here.
The Courts Will Decide Next September in New Delhi! Until then, we will assert our position and defend our Rights Anytime and Anywhere.
Got a problem with that?
Too Bad!
Readers say: Thumbs Up: 0 of 0 • Thumbs Down: 0 of 0
thomcanada (anonymous profile)
April 21, 2009 at 4:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Post a comment