Tibet Office London's statement on Dolgyal
(Office of Tibet | London | June 7, 1996)
Statement on the issue of propitiating Dolgyal by His Holiness the Dalai Lama's Representative Mrs Kesang Y Takla
His Holiness has not forced anyone to stop pursuing this practice. Instead he has emphasized that people are free to make their own choice. There are rumours also of religious persecution by the Tibetan Government-in-Exile. These are totally baseless allegations and we would be happy to invite anyone to visit any exile Tibetan community and ascertain the truth for himself or herself.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama recently explained to the Tibetan people the place of certain spiritual practices in the context of Tibetan history. It seems that a number of foreigners may have misunderstood what His Holiness said. This misunderstanding has resulted in certain differences of opinion. Therefore, it is necessary to provide the following brief clarification.
His Holiness always believes that different religions exist to fulfill the unique needs of different peoples and that all religions have the potential to contribute greatly to the human community. This is why His Holiness has tried his utmost to promote interfaith dialogues and understanding between all religions. Furthermore, since all the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism are vehicles for achieving ultimate happiness, His Holiness not only respects and practices all of them himself, but also encourages the Tibetan people to do so. His Holiness is also an admirer of democracy and has worked hard through a series of initiatives to encourage our Tibetan Administration to function along demoractic lines.
His Holiness has advised specific religions to maintain the purity of their traditions, without letting them become mixed with other influences. If this contradicts the notion of religious freedom, then we must say that the advice regarding taking refuge in the Three Jewels - the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha - which cautions us against taking refuge in other gods or goddesses, also goes against the fundamental right of religious freedom.
The current issue is related to the history and well-being of the Tibetan people. Its cause goes back to the seventeenth century and is related to the Fifth Dalai Lama, who was very broad-minded and followed the practices of all four traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. Unfortunately, this earned the displeasure of those who advocated a more sectarian approach. It is in this context that the Fifth Dalai Lama did not get on well with Dolgyal. Dolgyal, in turn, began harming the cause of Tibet. It is precisely for this reason that the Thirteenth Dalai Lama placed restraints on the propitiation of Dolgyal.
Dolgyal conflicts with Tibet's two protector-deities (Nechung and Palden Lhamo) as well as the protector-deity of the Gelugpa tradition, Pledge-holding Dharmaraja (Damchen Choegyal). The inclination of this spirit is to harm rather than benefit, the cause of Tibet.
Most reputed, highly-realized lamas of the Gelug school have also discouraged the propitiation of Dolgyal. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has the responsibility to provide guidance in matters relating to Tibet and the welfare of its people as well as the Gelug tradition.
There was a time when His Holiness too propitiated Dolgyal. Based on his experience at that time, he conducted a series of investigations over many years which led to clear spiritual indications that propitiating Dolgyal brings more harm than good. His Holiness reported these, and instances relating to them, to his tutor Trijang Rinpoche, who also propitiated Dolgyal. Trijang Rinpoche gave His Holiness his unequivocal approval.
Finally, in 1978, His Holiness made a public statement on this matter to the Tibetan people. But some individuals thought that his statement did not reflect His Holiness' own true feelings. Therefore, during this year's spring teaching, His Holiness had to issue a clarification, based on his experience over the years during which time the facts have become even clearer. His Holiness the Dalai Lama's principal wish is to advise the Three Great Seats of the Gelugpa tradition (Gaden, Drepung and Sera), the Lower and Upper Tantric Monasteries, and all the members of those monasteries that they should not propitiate Dolgyal, since to do so brings more harm than good.
Rumours abound that as a result of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's statement discouraging the propitiation of Dolgyal, homes in Tibetan settlements have been broken into and the thangkas and statues of Dolgyal have been burned or hurled into rivers. We have investigated all reports and found the rumours to be baseless. Moreover, such coercive measures would not at all accord with what His Holiness said. His Holiness will express his strong disapproval should such incidents ever occur.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama's statement on the issue of propitiating Dolgyal complies with views expressed in valid texts. It does no conflict with his lineage Lama's thoughts or their approach to spiritual practice. His Holiness has not forced anyone to stop pursuing this practice. Instead he has emphasized that people are free to make their own choice. There are rumours also of religious persecution by the Tibetan Government-in-Exile. These are totally baseless allegations and we would be happy to invite anyone to visit any exile Tibetan community and ascertain the truth for himself or herself.
Finally, we would like to assure you that His Holiness the Dalai Lama's statement was made in the spirit of peace and in full consideration of the welfare of the Tibetan people and other practitioners.
Friends of Tibet (INDIA),
PO Box 16674, Bombay 400050
www.friendsoftibet.org