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Newsgroups: alt.religion.buddhism.tibetan, talk.politics.tibet, uk.religion.buddhist, talk.religion.buddhism
From: madhy...@mail.rmplc.co.uk (Geshe Kelsang Gyatso)
Date: 1997/11/18
Subject: Re: Dorje Shugden Buddha and Dharma Protector
A Reply to Fred Little by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Fred Little writes: I thought that I already replied to this when I said in my letter: 'I heard >>>1. As a child, I was taught that: "If you want to get some peaches, you >have to shake the tree." I am honored that you, or a designee writing in >your name, has chosen to respond to me directly and will now take the >opportunity to ask the question directly: has the NKT ever received >funding from the People's Republic of China or from any entity which >receives a substantive portion of its funding from the PRC or an agent of >the PRC? that many Tibetan people believe that the NKT receives funding from the PRC. We have until now ignored this allegation because we thought that it was just a misunderstanding.' This clearly indicates that the NKT does not and never has received any money or support of any kind from the PRC or any related association. The NKT has no connection with any Chinese political organization. I can say this with 100% certainty. >>>2. I also note that you have, at least thus far in our correspondence, I do not support either of the designated Panchen Lamas, whether the one >foregone the opportunity to make *any* affirmative statement about either >candidate for the Panchen Lama. Perhaps this reticence on your part has led >many reasonable individuals to draw inferences which are not entirely to >your liking. If that is the case, it is a simple matter to correct. chosen by the Chinese or the one chosen by the Dalai Lama. I remain neutral. This is an example of the problems caused by the mixing of politics and religion. >3. Under the doctrine of religious freedom, the Dalai Lama is free to I agree, this is also my view. Of course the Dalai Lama is free to believe >regard Shugden in any light he cares to and to make any remarks he wishes. >Individuals within his tradition who disagree with his position are free to >form their own associations and worship in the way they wish to worship if >they disagree with his teaching. This is religious freedom. whatever he wants, and his supporters are entitled to their beliefs. But they have no right to interfere with others' freedom to worship in the way they choose. The Dalai Lama and his government in exile are implementing a ban on the practice of Dorje Shugden. He is using his political power to force Tibetan people to stop this centuries old religious practice. There have been many incidents, such as removing and destroying statues, signature campaigns, and so forth, while those who worship Dorje Shugden have been told they can no longer hold official positions. This has caused a great deal of dissent and suffering in the exiled Tibetan community which is now divided. This is not religious freedom and is against basic human rights. Although the Dalai Lama is free to say whatever he likes about Dorje >>>4. Conversely, I do advocate the separation of Church and State in any Yes, I believe that the separation of Dharma and politics in a reconstituted >reconstituted Tibet, as does the Dalai Lama. Do you support the separation >of Church and State in any reconstituted Tibet? Tibet is of the utmost importance. I appreciate that you also agree with this. This mixing of religion and politics causes so many problems, I understand this very clearly. The problem surrounding the worship of Dorje Shugden is due to mixing of religion and politics. The Dorje Shugden issue is a religious issue, but the Dalai Lama is using his political power to try to destroy this practice. This is the source of the problem. I clearly understand that although the Dalai Lama may say he supports a separation of Church and State, the reality is far different. Otherwise why is he still holding on to both these positions, that of religious leader and political leader of the Tibetan community in exile? The issue of the reincarnation of the Panchen Lama is in reality a religious >>>6. Is it possible that these death threats have to do with a perception I have never even thought these things, not even in my dreams. My view has >that you and other Shugden-pa seek to re-establish a theocracy in Tibet, >and if allowed to do so, would severely resrict the religious freedom of >other lineages of Indo-Tibetan Buddhism? I am sure that, if this is not >your view or intention, it would reassure many to hear you say so. always been that Dharma and politics should be kept separate. It is incorrect to say that I received threats to my life for this reason, I have received threats to my life because I do not follow the Dalai Lama. This may sound strange to you, but in Tibetan society, if someone disagrees with the views or wishes of the Dalai Lama, he or she may be beaten, lose their position and even killed. You must Sign in before you can post messages.
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