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Gaden monks to swear out (Part 1)

382 views · Published 9 March 2018 · 15:01 · Indexed 20 October 2026

Channel: Tsem Rinpoche · 2018 · Nonprofits & Activism

Between 2008 and 2009, the monks of Gaden Shartse Monastery had to make a choice – whether to stop their practice of Dorje Shugden or continue with the practice as was taught to them by their lamas. As seen in the video above, lay officials from the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) delivered a teaching about the supposed harms associated with the practice. After the lecture, monks both young and old, and even senior Geshes, were asked to queue in line and swear in front of a thangka of Setrap that they would no longer engage in the propitiation of Dorje Shugden.

This whole situation is ironic and disconcerting on many levels, the main of which is that Setrap has such a close and brotherly bond with Dorje Shugden.

On another level, the lecture was given by lay officials, even though there were senior monks and geshes in the audience, who would have had a far better understanding of the situation. This shows the CTA’s lack of respect for the learned sangha members that were present. Ignorant of Dorje Shugden’s intimate connection to Setrap, and that they reside in the same mandala, the CTA officials nevertheless forced monks to make the oath. It is clear that these monks did not swear out due to religious reasons, but were pressured to do so due to political machinations. It really is sad that political manipulation could have led to such an event, which would never have occurred due to religious reasons, given the history and connection between Setrap and Dorje Shugden.

Read more: http://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/great-lamas-masters/dalai-lama-blesses-setrap-chapel-in-gaden-monastery.html

Gaden monks to swear out (Part 1)

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