Geshela, my teacher, and the Dalai Lama shared one teacher in common that I know of.. Trijang Rinpoche, fled Tibet at the same time and age. The Dalai Lama decided to ban the Dorje Shugden Wisdom Buddha Protector practice based on an oracle reading due to some violence exacted by some who practice it that occured in the past and some fear that this Wisdom Deity practice was evil and would cause harm. Everything that I’ve learned from the profound teachings on the nature of reality points to a lack of wisdom in that decision.
About his Ban
The ban on the practice, glorifies unification with the Dalai Lama and created animosity towards those who weren’t loyal. I do this practice and there isn’t anything in it pointing to ill will of any kind, nothing dangerous being cultivated in the practice. So it makes me think, was this a self-serving political move or was it really in wisdom?
Another personal reveal here; a Sangha brother went to Trijang Rinpoche to ask about this ban on the Dorje Shugden practice. Trijang Rinpoche immediately knew why he was there, and told him the practice was good and that he was disappointed in the Dalai Lama.
Demonstrations of Opposition
There were key turning points in our lineage; a call to action to show support for the Tibetans and those closely tied to the Dorje Shugden practice, monks and nuns. Our Sangha in the West has protested and spoken out about the Dalai Lama. The book : GreatDeception explains he is likely a puppet, not a true rebirth of the 14th Dalai Lama. Anyone who is raised as a monk and steeped in Dharma can teach Dharma and will likely have profound speaking capabilities as well as realizations. Everyone feels compassion when they meditate on it.. Given the political role that the Dalai Lama holds with all his fame and glory, I imagine is a hard hand to tame so many expectations. Self-absorption is always something to contend with.
Being in Integrity Philosophically?
It’s clear to me the Dalai Lama’s understanding of the Dharma teachings is ungrounded just by the duality of calling this practice good or evil. I can explain philosophically that he is reiterating duality, posing as a teacher of non-duality; and creating polarity instead of illuminating the wisdom of the true nature of existence.
I’m serious about my ethics and path in how I support others’ growth and conscious embodiment. May we all gain from critical thinking and focus on inner paths and practices.