ASIA PACIFIC
DORJE SHUGDEN SOCIETY | | Print | |
New Delhi, India In March 1996, H.H. the Dalai Lama’s public announcement of the ban on Dorje Shugden and subsequent disassociation with Dorje Shugden devotees triggered an unprecedented discord in the Tibetan community. This was the starting point of a massive, worldwide campaign conducted by the exiled Tibetan government against this Protector and all those who practiced him. The announcement by His Holiness was immediately followed by the exile government taking this issue as a most important policy, which was implemented by calling for signature campaigns in the monasteries and communities worshipping this deity. In such a desperate situation the creation of this organization became indispensable, and it is the aim of this organization to help many thousands of people from becoming victims of discrimination, injustice, and deprivation of their basic human rights. Readers' Comments
All the profound religious practices related to this deity have been bestowed upon practitioners, along with the precious transmissions of all aspects of the Buddha's teachings by great masters, such as His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang, one of the two great tutors of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, to whose kindness all Tibetans of our time are immeasurably indebted. In order that these masters' valuable contributions to the Dharma and sentient beings may not be misjudged, distorted, or erased, it was agreed by the devotees of Dorje Shugden in India, Nepal, and abroad, to establish this society. This organization has no financial, political, or sectarian objectives of any kind; instead, it is their innermost sincere wish to maintain a wholesome and harmonious relationship with all beings, with all religions, and in particular with all fellow Buddhists, regardless of their traditions. Since its founding, the organization has presented appeals to His Holiness and the offices concerned, requesting consideration for their situation, and seeking permission to continue their prayers and devotions as in the past generations and centuries. This organization has also requested audiences with His Holiness, in the hope of a dialogue on this issue. However, to everybody's great disappointment, such requests were turned down. His Holiness continued his antagonism towards the deity and has expanded the campaign against Dorje Shugden worldwide. In almost all the public teachings of His Holiness in the East and the West he raised this point and vehemently blamed the deity and its adherents. Thousands of Tibetans, against their own will, are banned from attending his teachings and initiations on the ground of lacking "pure samaya" (spiritual bonds), while non-Buddhists and atheists are most welcome. This organization, with the deepest respect to all masters of the past and the present, shares full sympathy with all those courageous monks and people, who have unbelievably become a victim of injustice and discrimination. It is the hope of this organization that this ban be lifted so all may have the freedom to practice this deity.
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