By Tenzin Dharpo
DHARAMSHALA, September 22: The Tibetan leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama has said that the followers of a controversial deity protesting him outside venues of his talks must do more research into the issue.
In an interview to BBC news agency’s Clive Myrie, has said that the followers of the deity, which the Tibetan leader himself worshiped in the past, must not let themselves be driven by anger that clouds their judgment.
He also suggested that anyone wishing to know the reality should visit South India where almost 2000 monks with their monasteries on land provided for Tibetan refugees are living and worshiping the deity peacefully.
He also spoke on the same issue in response to a question from a woman from the audience at his talk on Sep 19 at the O2 arena. “I suppose you are asking about the Shugden question, a controversy that has been going on for nearly 400 years. However, it’s only come to prominence in the last 80 years or so. In my own case, while I propitiated this spirit, I had no religious freedom. I only gained that freedom once I understood its nature and background and stopped that practice.
“You have no religious freedom when you worship this spirit. It is very much sectarian.
“Since then it’s been my duty to make this clear to others. If you want to pay attention to what I have to say, that’s up to you”. The audience then ruptured into a thunderous applause
The Tibetan leader also met around 700 Tibetans living in England and Northern Europe at the O2 arena on Saturday advising the congregation not to get angered by the demonstrations and protests against him by the supporters and practitioners of Dholgyal. “If you can, you must speak with them and tell them the actual facts and information”.
His Holiness had a day full of hectic commitments on Sunday meeting and lunch with the Hinduja brothers and Lady Mohini Kent Noon at London’s Carlton Terrace. He gave a talk to about 100 Indian politician and businessmen there. He also went to the London Coliseum and spoke at the ‘India Ahimsa Day’ delivering his message of peace in the 21st century.
