With 'Buddha Rising' in the US Who Controls their Public Image?

What do we really know about Tibetan Buddhist Leaders? Western media has glossed over or hidden facts of Chinese government involvement in appointing high Lamas. Media bias has also blocked information about a sectarian rivalry with the same violence perpetrated by the Chinese Government.

Staunton, VA (PRWEB) March 12, 2006 -- “According to a 2004 study more than 25 million Americans believe that Buddhist teachings have had an important influence on their spirituality.” 1 How much do we know about its most visible leaders, the Tibetan lamas who have brought this ancient faith to our shores? We place much faith in their honesty and integrity, but do they deserve it? Buddhists in general, have cultivated a peaceful image, spread by films like Seven Years in Tibet and by hundreds of media reports sympathetic to the Dalai Lama. But what if there is a previously unknown side to Tibetan lamas?

A well-documented and shocking tale of sectarian rivalry and violence has emerged as a case study of how a collision of religion and geopolitics threatens the very integrity of Tibetans’ ancient faith. “Buddha’s Not Smiling: Uncovering Corruption at the Heart of Tibetan Buddhism Today”, by author Erik Curren exposes the corruption of some of the most prominent Tibetan lamas. Curren states, that “Unlike some religions, Buddhism has always taught people to make up their own minds, and not rely on blind faith. I’ve written this book with the intention of disseminating information that has been hidden from the West.” Though Curren, who holds a Ph.D. in English, is a student of one of the main lamas involved in the controversy he delivers a fair, and unbiased account.

Curren’s tale has been little told outside of Asia. When a famous reincarnate lama, called the Karmapa, died his chief aides sought to select his successor. A rivalry developed as these lamas split into two opposing groups, each nominating its own candidate. To break the deadlock, one faction called on powerful outsiders to support its candidate. One of these was the Chinese government, which seeks to cement political control over Tibetans, by approving choices for high Tibetan lamas. The other outsider was China’s archrival for control of Tibet, the Dalai Lama himself. He gave his official support to the Chinese candidate, even though in past tradition no Dalai Lama has ever appointed the Karmapa.

For more information contact Mari Selby, Director of Selby ink.
“Buddha’s Not Smiling: Uncovering Corruption at the Heart of Tibetan Buddhism Today” ISBN: 0-9772253-0-5, www.Alayapress.com

1. “Buddha Rising” by Perry Garfinkel, 12/05 article in National Geographic Magazine

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