Monks Protest the Dali Lama in NYC

In the West, Tibetan spiritual leader the Dali Lama, is generally regarded as a religious symbol of peace. Last Thursday, however, His Holiness was subject to a large, non-violent demonstration organized by the Western Shugden Society. As the Dali Lama spoke at Manhattan's Radio City Music Hall, the Western Shugden Society organized several hundred monks to protest His Holiness' support of a particular document. The Dali Lama has encouraged Tibetan monks to sign a document that disavows a daily prayer to the deity Dorje Shugden. The prayer is an affirmation of health and peace, according to the Western Shugden Society. Many within the Society believe that the document could be used as an identity card to track dissidents.

Though the event was largely non-violent, many protesters began spitting and throwing bottles. Between 35 and 40 police officers, including six on horseback, were called in to quell the crowed. Western Shugden Society media representative Shelly Tanner stated that the Dali Lama does not have the right to speak for the Buddhist community. Tanner also claimed that the controversy has split the Buddhist community, and that Tibetans are "quite confused" about supporting the Dali Lama. Previous rallys, said Tanner, had low attendance because many Tibetans 'were scared" of persecution.

The Western Shugden Society has protested the Dali Lama's appearances in Great Britain, Germany, Philadelphia, and Madison.

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