Council of His Holiness XIV Dalai Lama

The three main reasons why His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has spoken out against the spread of Dhogyal (Shugden) :

- Such practices degenerate the vast and profound teachings of Buddhism, where our ultimate refuge is the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha. While the profound teachings of the Buddha are based on the two truths and the four noble truths. Propitiating Dhogyal (Shugden), to the degree reached by those who do this practice, degenerates the Buddhist practice turning it into a cult of spirits.

- It goes against the non-sectarian approach of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, especially within the traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. His Holiness practices teachings from the other Nyingma, Sakya and Kagyu traditions simultaneously with the Gelug tradition and invites others to do the same. However, Dhogyal (Shugden) practice is extremely sectarian.

- The spirit of Dhogyal (Shugden)it has a long history of an agnostic attitude towards the Dalai Lamas and the Tibetan government dating back to the time of the fifth Dalai Lama. Throughout that period, there was a great deal of controversy between the Gelug and Sakya traditions. In fact, the great fifth Dalai Lama and the great thirteenth Dalai Lama, as well as many other prominent lamas, have categorically expressed the harmful effects of this practice and have spoken out against the spread of Dhogyal (Shugden) .

FPMT Policy

• Those who serve or teach at FPMT centers, projects, and services do not engage in Shugden's practice.

• Students who regularly attend FPMT centers should not practice Shugden.

• FPMT teachers and key personnel should not attend teachings by teachers who are known to be Shugden practitioners.

More Information
Dolgyal (Shugden)
Shugden (Dolgyal) Tips Collection