Regarding the practice of Dorje Shugden (Dolgyal), Shantideva Center follows the instructions from the FPMT and his Holiness the Dalai Lama that this practice not be done by their students.

FPMT policy is:

Dorje Shugden is a spirit or mundane Dharma protector that some believe is a fully enlightened being. He has become a rallying cry for some who wish to return Tibet to a theocracy (His Holiness the Dalai Lama wants democracy) with one school or sect as the official “church.” No FPMT center does this practice and all fully Support His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s wish that this practice not be done.

The office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama has published the following:

He [His Holiness the Dalai Lama] has stated that, as a Buddhist leader with a special concern for the Tibetan people, it is his responsibility to speak out against the damaging consequences of this kind of spirit worship. Whether or not his advice is heeded, His Holiness has made clear, is a matter for the individual. However, since he personally feels strongly about how negative this practice is, he has requested those who continue to propitiate Dolgyal not to attend his formal religious teachings, which traditionally require the establishment of a teacher-disciple relationship.

In accordance with the wisdom and compassion of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Shantideva Center requests that our students not engage in the practice of Shugden and that those who do perform this practice not attend center events. Shantideva Center teachers and staff should not attend teachings by teachers who are known Shugden practitioners.

For further advice on Shugden from Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, please click here.

For the full statements from the office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, please click here.