Kashag Rebukes Senior Lama's Remark Against Dalai Lama's Virtual Teachings

Kashag Rebukes Senior Lama’s Remark Against Dalai Lama’s Virtual Teachings

In the recent uproar over a remark by a senior Tibetan lama against His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s virtual teachings, Kashag, the cabinet of Central Tibetan Administration, issued a statement condemning the remark. The senior lama accused the virtual teachings being carried out by Tibetan spiritual masters as a sign of degrading religious values.

Tulku Ugen Topgyal, a former member of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile has accused that Buddhist spiritual leaders opting to virtual teachings is a sign of beginning to degrade the religious values. In the statement which is doing around on the social media, he protested against His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s upcoming two-day Avalokiteshvara Empowerment (chenresig wang) to be conferred online.

While it has created a huge controversy in the Tibetan community, Kalon Ven. Yuthok Karma Gelek, Department of Religion and Culture, Central Tibetan Administration published a statement on the matter. However, his statement which was not clearly condemning Tulku Topgyal’s remark, created added to the controversy and many Tibetans started campaigning on the social media for his resignation.

Dr. Lobsang Sangay led Kashag of Central Tibetan Administration on Wednesday issued a statement rebuking the senior lama’s statement. The statement expresses the cabinet’s disappointment over the remark against His Holiness the Dalai Lama and it further adds that it sees the action completely wrong.

With the spread of the Coronavirus, the world has come to stand still. People across the world has been advised to remain inside their homes and the transports have stopped with the most of countries imposing lock downs. During such time of crisis, devotees reach for their spiritual gurus. On request of followers across the world, His Holiness the Dalai Lama carried out virtual teachings in order to be able to help the devotees spiritually when they needed the most.

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2 responses to “Kashag Rebukes Senior Lama’s Remark Against Dalai Lama’s Virtual Teachings”

  1. Wendy S. King Avatar

    Topgyal Rimpoche has been opposing the Dharamsala government for years and years. It’s an old story. He is a traditionalist, and the government is trying to work with the situation they have got to work with now. Topgyal Rimpoche has been opposing His Holiness also for years and years, which is good for His Holiness, so he doesn’t get a swelled head. Its a friendly tussle. As long as people understand that the empowerment can only be conferred in person, they can still listen to the teachings. It’s okay. But if they don’t understand that, then it does become a problem of degeneration. So simple. Just make sure they understand. For those of us who have already received an “in person” blessing and transmission, years ago, it is nice for us to renew and refresh our practice an deepen our understanding. Tibetan Buddhism is not a “yes-man” situation. Tibetan Buddhism and the government value debate, controversy, and opposition. Every government and leadership needs to value those who are not ‘yes-men”. Just witness the necessity to oppose the Trumpster in America. Don’t kiss ass! Question and mention the down-sides! Bring them to notice and public discussion. Fear not! This is healthy! But one should watch out for narrow-minded jealousy and malice of heart in oneself.

  2. Abdullah can Avatar
    Abdullah can

    Dalai Lama Vs Orgyen Tobygal Kung-Fu !

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