The International Buddhist Conference of Dorje Shugden Buddhists To Spread Peace And Unity
Dorje Shugden Buddhists recently gathered in Kathmandu, Nepal to speak about restoration of unity and glory amongst Tibetan Buddhism. During this time many resolutions were passed by the end of the conference.
Kathmandu, Nepal – February 28, 2018 /MarketersMedia/ —
Beginning the 4th of January and over three days, Tibetan Buddhist practitioners of the Gelugpa lineage, scholars, luminaries and representatives from Gelugpa monasteries and organizations from the three regions of old Tibet and twenty countries, gathered in Kathmandu, Nepal. In what was a milestone gathering of modern-day Gelugpa Buddhists, they were there to discuss the preservation and restoration to its former spiritual grandeur, the pure lineage of Je Tsongkhapa, regarded as the second Buddha by contemporary Buddhist masters of his time.
The International Buddhist Conference of Dorje Shugden Followers was deemed necessary and timely by the organisers and participants especially given a series of unfortunate events that have introduced chaos and confusion into the 600-year Buddhist lineage. While Tibetan Buddhism has been entwined with statecraft since the 17th century with the advent of Gaden Phodrang or the institution of the Dalai Lamas as both god and king of the Tibetan people, the religion has been increasingly used as a tool in the political manoeuvring of those with vested interest in the Tibet issue. Amongst the more debased strategy has been the ‘outlawing’ of certain Buddhist practices associated with groups targeted for disenfranchisement. At risk is the integrity of the Gelugpa teachings which has historically been hailed as one of the most prominent and effective amongst the main Tibetan Buddhist schools of thought.
As importantly, the conference also focused on the restoration of unity and harmony amongst Tibetan Buddhist adherents around the world, and in synchronicity with the glory of all Tibetan Buddhist schools.
The organizing of the ground-breaking conference was spearheaded by Mrs. Basundhara Shrestha of by The Nepal National Dorje Shugden Society and the event was officiated by ministers from the Nepali Government, including Minister of Defence the Honourable Mr. Bhimsen Das Pradhan, and the former Minister of Finance Mr. Shanker Prasad Koirala. Instrumental in the managing of the event were Nyanang Phelgyeling Gumba Pariwar Nepal, Dagom Ladrang of Nepal, Segyud Monastery, Manjushree Buddhadharma Society, Dagom Foundation and Gangchen Ladrang.
Passionate discussions were facilitated by Venerable Lama Thubten Phurbu Rinpoche and Venerable Geshe Tenzin Paljor, who guided the talks with a view towards greater unity and harmony within the community.
Representing the notable Gelugpa lama, H.E. the 25th Tsem Tulku Rinpoche was his assistant, Ooi Beng Kooi, of Kechara House in Malaysia. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche is an outspoken critic of the politicisation of the Tibetan Buddhist faith and is well-known for his work that promotes spiritual practice that transcends regions, sects, lineages, nationalities, race, and more. Ooi reiterated that despite its appellation, Tibetan Buddhism is no longer exclusive to one nation of people and therefore rules governing its practice must accordingly be sensitive to a broader spectrum of issues such as different cultures and traditions as well as the laws of the land that global practitioners of the ancient religion must abide by.
Historically Tibetan Buddhism came under a feudalistic and theocratic government of Tibet which clearly can no longer apply in modern democracies, and it would be a grievous error for the old system to attempt to impose itself on Tibetan Buddhists of today.
A number of resolutions were passed at the end of the third day of the conference. Most notable was an agreement by participants to carry on the practices of the Gelugpa Buddhist tradition in obedience of the respective laws of the land where the practitioners are citizens, and not to the dictates of a independent spiritual government as arguably, has been the case with Tibetan Buddhism.
In line with this, the conference resolved to have a Dorje Shugden Day where all the adherents of Je Dechen Nyingpo (Pabongkha Rinpoche) and Dorje Shugden from around the world celebrate with meritorious activities such as incense offering, pujas (prayers), and thanksgiving. This auspicious and important celebration, on par with the Monlam Chenmo, will be publicized to the world.
To this end, His Holiness Kyabje Trisur Lungrig Namgyal, the 101st Ganden Throneholder and the most senior living Gelugpa monk, declared August 24 as Dorje Shugden Day.
With the goal of ensuring the continued growth and spread of the lineage of Je Tsongkhapa, the conference also resolved that a Buddhist conference should be organised for all Dorje Shugden practitioners bi-annually with the aim of unity and mutual support and regardless of gender, skin colour, age or status in life.
Contact Info:
Name: MK Chow
Email: media@kechara.com
Organization: Kechara House
Address: No. 7, Jalan PJU 1/3G, SunwayMas Commercial Centre, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, MALAYSIA
Phone: +60172474418
For more information, please visit http://www.tsemrinpoche.com/
Source: MarketersMedia
Release ID: 306916
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