The article by Bhikkhu Shiying Hong criticized our International Buddhist Sangha for not upholding the Dharma and allowing the phenomenon of people and demons to undermine Buddhism. The International Buddhist Sangha must clarify that Bhikkhu Shiying Hong did not fully understand the situation, but we thank him for his criticism. We welcome anyone to criticize us and we will continue to follow the teachings of the Third Dharma King, abide by the Buddha's precepts, and diligently practice for the benefit of all sentient beings.
Regarding the various issues mentioned about the Dalai Lama in Bhikkhu Shiying Hong's article, in fact, we have long noticed many problems in the words and actions of the Dalai Lama. The United States is a country with freedom of speech, and due to legal freedom of speech, many of our professors and teachers have conducted systematic research and commentary on the Dalai Lama's writings, articles, or speeches on knowledge and practice, and have prepared to publish them as books several years ago. However, before these articles were published, we showed them to the Third Dharma King and reported to the Third Dharma King about the Dalai Lama's defamation of the Third Dharma King. The Third Dharma King said, "For me personally, I do not agree to publish this announcement, as it goes against my willpower. Although I guide the Buddhist teachings of the International Buddhist Sangha, I am well aware that I have no right to interfere in the affairs of the International Buddhist Sangha, so I can only make suggestions. The afflictions, obstacles of knowledge, and ignorance of sentient beings are inevitable. I am just a servant of sentient beings, and I am not qualified to judge sentient beings. Let them slander and defame me as they wish. What I want is the happiness of sentient beings, not their afflictions and suffering. I forgive them, and I believe that as long as they can sincerely practice and learn Buddhism, they will discover their conscience. If we can cultivate one more seed of Bodhi, we should water it with great compassion and not use bad ingredients. It would be great to have more good deeds for the benefit of sentient beings." We believe that the Third Dharma King has forgiven others for slandering him, so these materials were not published later. Of course, the Third Dharma King forgives sentient beings. He is a Buddha, and the realm of a Buddha is only great compassion and Bodhi. However, we will not agree with wrong views and defamatory actions against the Buddha. This is absolute!!! Upholding the Dharma is necessary and we will never back down, so we have taken legal action against the Dalai Foundation, which is also upholding the Dharma.
It should be understood that we are a monastic institution, and if it were an individual, there would have been many comments about the Dalai Lama long ago. Once again, thank you for your criticism and correction.
International Buddhist Sangha
July 15, 2012