Free The Karmapa
THE ROARING LION
The Roaring Lions Public Bulletin
In response to a recent announcement published on April 23, 2010 by Lama Phuntsok; the Director of Information and Communications of the Tsurpu Labrang, we would like to offer the following information to our readers.
Lama Phuntsok stated in the announcement that the Tsurpu Labrang is grateful for India offering her hospitality to His Holiness. We also agree that the Indian Government has done a great service to the Karmapa by granting Him and many other Tibetans asylum in India. Due to this asylum, many people have benefited from the Karmapa’s compassionate wisdom and will continue to do so regardless of the success or failure of our petition.
This is not a question of gratitude or the lack there of. Contrary to what was stated in the Tsurpu Labrang announcement, there are no false accusations in our petition. We are not “casting aspersion” or claiming anything that hasn’t already been said in various press articles. It is a well known fact that the Karmapa’s free movement has been restricted on many occasions. If the Indian authorities aren't restricting the Karmapas freedom of movement, then who is?
Many statements by His Holiness are not in agreement with Lama Phuntsok’s annoucement. The quotes from His Holiness (provided below and on this website) seem to contradict Lama Phuntsok's announcement entirely. Read them yourselves and make your own judgment. These quotes are taken from public record through various news articles over the last ten years. If the Karmapa is indeed “categorically deny[ing] these unfounded accusations,” we respectfully request to hear from His Holiness directly. If He is truly in agreement with the announcement by Lama Phuntsok, we will submit to His direction. Otherwise, our intention to bring awareness of His Holiness the Karmapa to the world will remain firm.
Over 3,300 people have signed the petition to free the Karmapa and their plea for His rights should not be buried in further confusion. The act of publicly disparaging our efforts by the Tsurpu Labrang is dissappointing. We are Buddhists who believe in the law of interdependence as well as the values of honesty, compassion and wisdom. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has stated in numerous teachings that just because we are Buddhist and must apply tolerance and patience in challenging situations, it is a mistake to allow others to limit our personal human rights. In an age where personal human rights are valued the freedom of movement is essential. Those who revere the Karmapa actively aspire to see his rights protected.
Shakyamuni Buddha taught it is unwise to be swayed by doctrine alone, that we must investigate the teachings of the Dharma for ourselves. We invite those who are interested in this situation to investigate and decide for yourselves if there is value in supporting our plea for the Karmapa’s unrestricted freedom. In freedom, His Holiness can travel and spread his message of peace - all over the world. We do not seek conflict or afflictive emotions. We are merely creating the space for a change that is long over due. In fact, our path is the path of liberation. We pray that our combined efforts will be supportive and beneficial to all sentient beings.
For the benefit of all beings, may we all be free.
In response to a recent announcement published on April 23, 2010 by Lama Phuntsok; the Director of Information and Communications of the Tsurpu Labrang, we would like to offer the following information to our readers.
Lama Phuntsok stated in the announcement that the Tsurpu Labrang is grateful for India offering her hospitality to His Holiness. We also agree that the Indian Government has done a great service to the Karmapa by granting Him and many other Tibetans asylum in India. Due to this asylum, many people have benefited from the Karmapa’s compassionate wisdom and will continue to do so regardless of the success or failure of our petition.
This is not a question of gratitude or the lack there of. Contrary to what was stated in the Tsurpu Labrang announcement, there are no false accusations in our petition. We are not “casting aspersion” or claiming anything that hasn’t already been said in various press articles. It is a well known fact that the Karmapa’s free movement has been restricted on many occasions. If the Indian authorities aren't restricting the Karmapas freedom of movement, then who is?
Many statements by His Holiness are not in agreement with Lama Phuntsok’s annoucement. The quotes from His Holiness (provided below and on this website) seem to contradict Lama Phuntsok's announcement entirely. Read them yourselves and make your own judgment. These quotes are taken from public record through various news articles over the last ten years. If the Karmapa is indeed “categorically deny[ing] these unfounded accusations,” we respectfully request to hear from His Holiness directly. If He is truly in agreement with the announcement by Lama Phuntsok, we will submit to His direction. Otherwise, our intention to bring awareness of His Holiness the Karmapa to the world will remain firm.
Over 3,300 people have signed the petition to free the Karmapa and their plea for His rights should not be buried in further confusion. The act of publicly disparaging our efforts by the Tsurpu Labrang is dissappointing. We are Buddhists who believe in the law of interdependence as well as the values of honesty, compassion and wisdom. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has stated in numerous teachings that just because we are Buddhist and must apply tolerance and patience in challenging situations, it is a mistake to allow others to limit our personal human rights. In an age where personal human rights are valued the freedom of movement is essential. Those who revere the Karmapa actively aspire to see his rights protected.
Shakyamuni Buddha taught it is unwise to be swayed by doctrine alone, that we must investigate the teachings of the Dharma for ourselves. We invite those who are interested in this situation to investigate and decide for yourselves if there is value in supporting our plea for the Karmapa’s unrestricted freedom. In freedom, His Holiness can travel and spread his message of peace - all over the world. We do not seek conflict or afflictive emotions. We are merely creating the space for a change that is long over due. In fact, our path is the path of liberation. We pray that our combined efforts will be supportive and beneficial to all sentient beings.
For the benefit of all beings, may we all be free.
THE ROARING LIONS NEWS
April 24, 2010
April 24, 2010
The Times (India) - March 12, 2009
(excerpts)…”When he first arrived, Indian intelligence thought he was a spy. He needed an escort to pray and exercised by walking around the roof of his new monastery. "Personally speaking, it didn't meet my expectations," he said. "Sometimes I feel a little bit like a prisoner. Like under house arrest."
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article5891043.ece
Reuters India- March 2, 2009
(excerpts)…His followers say he is forbidden from talking about politics by the Indian government. But the Karmapa sees a growing role as an advocate for Tibetan rights.
"We are under a huge power, under the suppression of a huge power and the suppression is so extreme that sometimes we have no right, liberty to breathe in and out," the Karmapa said, referring to China.
"Tibetan society today is a democracy, so each individual has rights and reasons to say what he feels and thinks. It is not compulsory for someone to follow what someone has said."
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/66156.cms
NEWSWEEK - Feb 21, 2009
(excerpts)…”He has condemned violence, including the Tibetan riots against Chinese rule in Lhasa last April that killed dozens of ethnic Chinese. But he says he understands the "sheer frustration, the sheer sense of suffocation" of Tibetans scattered in exile or forced to live under Chinese rule.”
"For any living being," he said, "when you feel the force of being cornered time and again, more and more, the time comes when you have nothing else left except to explode."
http://www.newsweek.com/id/185796/page/1
McClatchy Newspapers- Feb 17, 2009
(excerpts)…Even eight years after the more popular Karmapa's arrival, security agents still hover, barring journalists from bringing cameras, tape recorders or electronic devices to interviews.
The Karmapa said he'd like to play a bigger role in easing tensions between Tibetans and Han Chinese but doesn't quite know how to do so.
"If I get a chance, I want to do this. I'm not sure I'll get this chance. It's difficult, as you see, to connect with the outside world," he said, signaling to the security presence.
… The Karmapa has been given a significantly looser leash by Indian security, winning a chance to visit with U.S. followers last summer in New York, Boulder, Colo., and Seattle, a trip he called "wonderful" and adding, "I found some freedom."
http://www.newsobserver.com/1573/story/1307970.html
TIME- May 29, 2008
(excerpts)…”In a pre-trip video, he described his religious goals but also expressed the hope that "by connecting with a powerful country such as the United States ... my own abilities to bring peace to the world ... will be enhanced." He says he'd like to spend two months a year in the U.S.
His religious plans are adventurous, too. He wants to be a "21st century religious leader," reaching beyond those of his faith. "My work is not going to be conducted only among other Buddhists," he said, "but to help everyone."
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1810314,00.html
NEWSWEEK- July 7-14, 2008 issue
(excerpts)…”On the eve of his 23rd birthday, the monk spoke to Newsweek's Sudip Mazumda r about his recent trip to America, the global pro-Tibet protests and boycotting the upcoming Beijing Olympics. Excerpts:
MAZUMDAR : How has your recent trip to the United States changed your perspectives on the world?
THE KARMAPA: It was a big change for me, because I had only seen pictures of America. Now I have seen America in real life, and I was amazed. The Western world is so different from the Eastern world. I feel that I can learn so much from the Western world.”
http://www.newsweek.com/id/143672
The Times of India- May 18, 2008
(excerpts)…”The government of India gave you permission to travel abroad after eight years. Aren't you disappointed by such a long wait?
No. For me, it's ok. When I was recognized as the reincarnation of the 16th Karmapa, I was just eight and from that time I have been living a very traditional, closed life in a monastery. For me, it's ok. I am quite used to living in a cage (smiles).”
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Deep_Focus/Tibetans_deserve_care_just_like_the_quake_victims/articleshow/3049857.cms
Shambhala Sunspace- September 2008
(excerpts)…”When I interviewed you last year in New Delhi for the Shambhala Sun's sister publication, Buddhadharma, you talked about the evolution taking place in your life from your previous secular identity to becoming the Karmapa. How has this visit to the West changed your understanding of what it means to be the Karmapa?
The 17th Karmapa: I think my appreciation for what it means to be the Karmapa has deepened since I have come to the United States. Previously, I had met Westerners in India and Tibet, but it's different to come here and see with my own eyes that there are thousands of people who are looking to me with hope. I have the sense that I have to stretch my arms out even further than I have stretched them before, that I have to widen my perspective even more than it had been before, keeping in mind all of the people throughout the world who have faith and hope toward the Karmapa. I'm encouraged to think in an even vaster way about all the people who live in different places and have different habits, and try to benefit them in accordance with their specific situations.”
http://www.shambhalasun.com/sunspace/?p=5099
"PRISONER OF DHARAMSALA" 2001
(excerpts)…”Clearly the Karmapa, confined to the Gyuto Ramoche Monastery at Sidburi, 6 km downhill from Dharamsala, is getting restless. Under the Foreigners Act, India has put restrictions on his movements since his appearance in McLeodganj, the Dalai Lama's headquarters 10 km uphill from Dharamsala. Even visits by Hollywood stars like Richard Gere and Pierce Brosnan or Bollywood actors like Suresh Oberoi are not enough to make the Karmapa satisfied with his stay at Gyuto.
He is permitted to drive within a 10 km radius when invited to attend religious functions and conferences. He gives public darshan at the temple in the Gyuto monastery on specific days but is barred from meeting the media. Photographs are also out for security reasons. Even during an audience with special devotees there is little scope to meet journalists.”
http://www.karmapa.org.nz/articles/2001/saksena.html
The Observer- April 29, 2001
(excerpts)…”But it also plunged the boy lama into a political chess game. Shortly after greeting the Dalai Lama for the first time, with blistered feet and cracked cheeks, the Karmapa found himself more or less locked up in a monastery near Dharmasala, the scruffy hill station in northern India which is home to the Tibetan government in exile.
'I sometimes wondered who had taken my freedom away,' he said. 'It wasn't that much different from my previous state in Tibet, where I was constantly watched.' The Indian security guards who lived downstairs rarely allowed him out.
…The Karmapa has made it clear he wants to travel to his sect's principal monastery, Rumtek, in Sikkim. But so far the Indian government has prevented him from going. China has never accepted Sikkim as part of India, and it seems officials fear his presence there would further offend Beijing.”
http://www.kagyuoffice.org/karmapa.reference.media.observer.010429.html
The Times of India-Nov 5, 2002
(excerpts)…”NEW DELHI : For the past three years, Ugyen Trinley Dorje, the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, has lived in limbo. Ever since his daring flight from Tibet, he has been waiting in the wings to take up his spiritual duties as head of the Tibetan Buddhist Karma Kagyu sect through formal enthronement at his predecessor's monastery in Rumtek, Sikkim.
Now, the 18-year-old's spirit seems to be flagging.
""I have faced some trying times. It has been quite disheartening,'' he said, during a rare visit to Delhi.
Although he cushions his candor by wishing for the ""confidence and support of the government and people of India'', the strain of living under constant surveillance is palpable.
The unkindest cut for him, however, have been the Indian government's suspicions of his being an agent of the Chinese government.
""To the best of my ability, I have made clarifications. I cannot think of answers to every new point that is raised except for what is the truth. Because the Chinese authorities ended up with egg on their face, they are trying to make it appear as if they had a hand in my escape. This has confused the Indian government,'' says the Karmapa.
…Like other Tibetans who hold India in great reverence as the land of the Buddha, the Karmapa speaks of a ""great longing'' for the ""land of democracy and spirituality'' as being a source of strength during his difficult journey to India. Today, he is not so sure. ""Unfortunately, my confidence in India's spirituality is shaken,'' he says
…Then, last month, the Karmapa attended the Mind and Life conference, a dialogue between Buddhism and modern science, at the Dalai Lama's invitation in Dharamsala. ""It was a great exposure. I would like to study science seriously in future,'' he said about the experience."
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/27395909.cms
The Times of India-July 8, 2003
(excerpts)…”SHIMLA: Ugyen Trinley Dorjee, the 17th Karmapa of the Kagyu order of Tibetan Buddhism on Tuesday said that Rumtek monastery in Sikkim is his permanent seat and he should be there.
Talking to Times News Network, he said that Dharamsala was not his official seat and he could not stay there forever. "The Indian government should allow me to go to Rumtek, in fact, it should help me go there, where my permanent seat is in the monastery", he added.
He said that he had been living in Dharamsala for the last three years, ever since he crossed over and came to India, but he had not been given permission to move out by the Indian government. Even the permission to visit Shimla was given after three years, he added.”
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/66156.cms
MEDIA - (excerpts, links included for full article)
See announcement from Tsurpu Labrang
www.kagyuoffice.org
www.kagyuoffice.org
Global Petition; Free The Karmapa
-THE CRYING WALL-
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