Dorje Shugden Controversy - Pt. 1

http://aboutwss.org/ebook Dorje Shugden is a manifestation of the Wisdom Buddha Manjushri, and he functions as a Dharma Protector. Practitioners request his help to develop and sustain love, compassion and wisdom in their hearts and in the world. Prayers to Dorje Shugden have been made for over 400 years by many of the most esteemed Buddhist teachers, including the Dalai Lama's own Root Gurus.

For political reasons, in 1996 the Dalai Lama announced an official ban on Dorje Shugden practice to the Tibet in exile monasteries. He intensified this ban in 2008 and has since required all Tibetans worldwide -- including Tibetan refugees living in free countries -- to sign a personal declaration forsaking Dorje Shugden practice and promising not to associate spiritually, materially, financially or socially with anyone who does not make this promise.

Monks, nuns, men, women and children who refuse the oath have been expelled from schools and monasteries, lost their government jobs, are forbidden to enter certain stores, cannot get travel papers, and risk assault to their home, person and loved ones.

Buddhists who rely upon Dorje Shugden routinely encounter overt hostility, contempt and discrimination, even in the West. By edict of the Dalai Lama, their heart practice has been outlawed, their deity slandered as evil, their Spiritual Guides dismissed as wrong, and all who dare to speak out are inevitably accused of being "not Buddhist," traitors to the Tibetan cause, Chinese collaborators and even murderers.

The Dalai Lama's illegal ban (contravening the UN Declaration of Human Rights and the Indian Constitution) has created unprecedented division and disharmony in the Buddhist world. Many thousands of people who have experienced this harassment can testify to this.

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