Tibetans Buddhist Sect Claims Dalai Lama Discrimination

Editor's note: Although this article is rather one sided, supporting only the position held by the Dorje Shugden practitioners, we are giving it space because we believe that all sides on an issue deserve to be heard. However, we suggest that you visit http://www.tibet.com/dholgyal/CTA-book/chapter-1.html for the official Tibetan Buddhist take on this issue.

This Saturday, 600 Buddhistswill protest against the Dalai Lama claiming a campaign of religious intolerance and immoral discrimination against the Buddhist community who practice the protective deity Dorje Shugden. This Western Shugden Society organized demonstration hopes to expose what they categorize as abuse of the Dalai Lama's dual political and religious status, by which all Tibetan-exiles must take a public oath to abandon this spiritual practice as well as association with anyone who practices this 400 year old Buddhist Deity, in order to receive a state issued identity card. Without this identity card it is difficult and sometimes impossible to purchase food in many stores, receive medical treatment, and obtain travel documents. The protests is scheduled to take place Saturday, July 19th and promises to be colorful and lively event, with passionate Tibetan and English changt and bright placards spotting the crowd.

Through utilizing the free press unavailable in the Tibetan Exile communities, Tibetan and western Buddhists have come together in Madison during the Dalai Lama's week of teaching to speak out against this discrimination and persecution.

Kelsang Pema, Western Buddhist nun and spokesperson for the Western Shugden Society (WSS) will be available on sight for interviews and questions and in an unprecedented act, DVDs of first-hand testimonial's of Tibetans and westerners around the world speaking out about their victimization at the hands of this celebrity monk, the Dalai Lama, will be available.

"The Dalai Lama will come to Madison and talk about peace and compassion, but he is not practicing what he is teaching. In India, thousands of innocent monks have been expelled from their monasteries, supporters denied food and travel visas, families are being ostracized from their communities and countless Shugden Temples and statues destroyed.

We need to demonstrate because none of the other methods we have tried have succeeded in bringing about a meaningful discussion with him. Our only aim is to have this ban lifted so that millions of innocent people can continue with their spiritual life in peace and harmony."

For Further Information visit www.westernshugdensociety.org.

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