The Dalai Lama is speaking on Monday and Tuesday at the Beacon Theater, but his arrival has been met with loud protests outside the theater.
Protesters on Broadway between 74th and 75th chanted “False Dalai Lama. Stop Lying!”
They’re upset because they say the Dalai Lama has banned contact with a Tibetan spirit called Dorje Shugden. The Global Post has more:
“The protesters belong to a group called the International Shugden Community, or ISC. They contend that the Dalai Lama has banned their religious practice, resulting in intolerance against them…
The ISC members worship a spirit in the Tibetan pantheon known as Dorje Shugden. Both sides agree that Shugden is powerful, but there is disagreement over whether he is an enlightened deity or a kind of spirit. The Dalai Lama has said worshipping Shugden results in divisions within the Tibetan community — and is actually harmful to his own health. He has advised Buddhists not to associate with this spirit.”
The Dalai Lama’s supporters told us that the anti-Dalai Lama protestors were in bed with China. But one protester we spoke with said it has nothing to do with China. In fact, he had come all the way from Australia to protest, and it cost so much money to come to New York that “I could be on the beach right now if I wanted to.”
The line to get tickets, meanwhile, stretched around the block.
Dalai Lama supporters.
Only in New York.
At least we can be proud that both sides can express their views here without the very real fear of retribution they would face at home.
Well said!
Are we sure they’re not protesting the Allman Brothers?
Maybe Dalai Lama warming up for them!
I’ll miss the Allman Brothers.
HH the Dalai Lama has been to the Beacon numerous times in the past and there was never any protests like this before. This is a new twist. I live half a block away from the Beacon and always thought the Allman Bros. concerts were the noisiest and most disruptive event at the Beacon. But not this time. And the protests went on from about 7am till about 5pm with screaming and very loud drumming. People who live on West End Ave. could hear it. I also believe that many of these protesters, perhaps not all, are bought and paid for courtesy of the Chinese govt. In fact, no one in China would ever be able to hold a protest like this. God (or Buddha) Bless America!
This is a discrace. If these protesters are not US citizens then they are outside agitators and they should be hauled off to the pokey double quick.
Good on them I say. No one should be exempt from scrutiny just because of their reputation. I think if you dig a little beneath the surface you can see that the Dalai Lama isn’t quite what we’re led to believe
The Beacon Theater is right across the street from our apartment. And yes, starting yesterday, a very well organized, seemingly well-financed group of protesters has been standing outside the Beacon theater protesting the Dalai Lama. They have drums, cowbells, posters, and – get this – security guards.
The thing is, their beef just doesn’t make any sense. If they’re so worked up about this Dorje Shugen spirit, why don’t they just create a breakaway group and go worship the guy/God? Why fly to NYC to protest the Dalai Lama?
My husband went out this morning to run an errand, and he spoke to one of them. Kind of unbelievably, the guy said “yeah, some people accuse us of being financed by the Chinese government.” Also they’re mostly all Westerners. Are they just mercenary protesters? Well paid for a job well done?
Hi Lisa,
Doesn’t seem fair that they should have to separate from their friends and families to be able to practise a simple prayer that is centuries old. This is what has been imposed. Also if they mention they are a practitioner they are attacked physically. There is lots to this issue that needs investigating.
Also they are definately not paid by the chinese, think China has better things to do than this!
…and no one has said “Hello Dalai”
Very funny, thanks for the laugh although I concede this is not an amusing subject. I wonder if, upon their arrival home, they hear, “it’s so nice….” Ok enough now.
I did. And the noise is unbearable.
I know nothing of their issues against the Dalai Lama.
Is it somehow related to those protesters / supporters of Falun Gong / Falun Dafa?
Just to clarify…none of us were paid by the Chinese. We are law abiding citizens and visitors from around the globe exercising our right to free speech. The Dalai Lama has instituted a unilateral ban on the Dorje Shugden practice which has caused a tremendous schism in the Tibetan Buddhist community. They have placed placards/signs on hospitals and stores in the exiled communities of Tibet stating the any Dorje Shugden practitioner will be denied entry. The are ostracized from their families and denied housing. They are also not allowed entry into the Dalai Lama’s teachings nor am I. He is a dictator of the worst kind. He is hiding behind the facade of peace and compassion, yet his abuse of power continues.
Firstly, may I thank the good people of New York for accommodating our protest so graciously.
I’m a Shugden practitioner and was at the protests. Not paid for by the Chinese I hasten to add! I protest because the Dalai Lama has imposed a religious ban which he has no right to ban in this democratic age. It is an abomintion to religious freedom and human rights. It has caused massive suffering to Shugden practitioners who are now shunned by their society who feel compelled to follow the Dalai Lamas ban. As well as this we are constantly experiencing defamation about what is our heartfelt Buddhist practice.
If you would like to know more there is plenty of info here;
https://arebuddhistsracist.com (Written by an independent UK journalist)
and here
https://internationalshugdencom
Drima xxx