Do some Dalai Lama research

There is a decent amount that has been written concerning the Lama’s involvement with the CIA. I would, despite the above posters closing comment, really encourage those interested in the issue to seek the information out and draw their own conclusions based on it. Concerning the religious persecution of Dorje Shugden followers, it has been argued on the other side of the issue that the condemnation of the Lama was a political calculation targeted at what he perceives to be a sectarian faction within the Tibetan community. It is not in question that the declaration was made, so either way, it does not speak highly of the Lamas views on religious freedom within the community he leads. Using religion to target political enemies does not stike me as a particularly holy action.

Most importantly, I do not in the above response see a repudiation of the poverty and slavery that the Tibetan people where subject to under the rule of the Lamas. Even if you argue that torture and execution were not common practices, it is hard to justify the existence of caste system that condemns the underclass’s, which in this case made up the majority of the population, to lives of serfdom, slavery, and misery, while the ruling religious and aristocratic classes prosper.

Also, in conclusion, I would like to make it clear once again that my criticism of the Dali Lama is in no way meant as support of the current Chinese government, or its past actions. It is instead meant to dispel some of the uncritical praise that is directed towards the Lama, and to suggest that oppressive rule should be opposed no matter what form it takes, be it communistic or theocratic.

I agree with the writer's encouragement to do a personal investigation, especially if you are foolish enough to accept the misleading charges provided. It would be as unwise to do this as to place faith in His Holiness without question. The assertion that execution and torture were common is a gross exaggeration of rarely occuring punishments that were outlawed by the 5th Dalai Lama, 8 generations ago. The claims of religious persecution by Dorje Shugden followers are also suspect due to their own malicious actions and hate mongering which is believed to be supported by the Chinese Government. Their message often accords with the Communist Party policies and accusations with regard to the Dalai Lama. As to the matter of CIA association by His Holiness, the facts are very unclear. No evidence has ever been produced to show that HIs Holiness ever directly accepted or disbursed CIA monies to fund insurgent actions against China. I don't believe he has ever been publicly questioned on the matter and is not in the habit of addressing speculatory rumors. It is however public knowledge that his brother, who often disagreed with the non-violent diplomacy of His Holiness and others did in fact recieve money from the CIA intended to fund subversive actions. It is not uncommon however for a leader to be saddled with responsibility for the actions of his followers whether or not he agreed to or supported them. As the writer advocates, Investigate for yourself. His Holiness would likewise encourage it as he often does even when giving religious instruction. He always tells his students, or admirers as the case may be, not to accept his words blindly without personal experience and knowledge. This establishes that his motive is based on compassion and not deception. I am not so sure about the writer who seems to encourage research but does not really expect anyone to actually do it.