The concept of “evil” in Buddhism and specifically in the context of Dorje Shugden

Here is an interesting essay by Georges Dreyfus from 2011 about the concept of “evil” in Buddhism, specifically in Tibetan Buddhism. Dreyfus examines in this essay among others the concept of “evil” in the context of the deity Dorje Shugden / Dolgyal. The essay highlights also the classes and functions of Dharma protectors, and the traditional role of Shugden in the Gelug school.

I think it is an important essay to get a better understanding about these tricky issues:

The Predicament of Evil: The Case of Dorje Shukden by Georges Dreyfus

Header image: Mahakala

2Comments

Add yours

1

carol on September 1, 2015 at 9:25 am
Reply

Another “intellectual” essay….just go for refuge to the Buddha’s….something Dalai Lama followers never seem to mention. . . isn’t that the most useful thing to do? instead of writing these long, to be honest, quite tedious “explanations” of how “evil” and dangerous Dorje Shugden is….Go for Refuge, ask the Buddha’s for guidance…..after all they are enlightened beings and we can’t give helpful explanations as our minds are full of delusions…..No doubt this will provoke yet another long essay about where I’m going wrong….I shall just smile and generate compassion for you…
- 2
  
  tenpel on September 1, 2015 at 4:35 pm
  Reply
  
  Obviously you don’t like an accurate and interesting account that can serve as a basis for a deeper understanding and that empowers one to cut through misconceptions.
  
  Buddhist practice is not as simple as to focus on one single ritual or practice like taking refuge. Refuge serves as a basis to practice Dharma and to transform the mind but it is not sufficient as a single practice. It seems you didn’t understand the content of this essay and its enlightening character (in the sense of European enlightenment). The more you use information to dispel misconceptions, doubts, wrong views and the three main afflictions (ignorance, hate and attachment), the more beneficial the information becomes for you. Being biased and to ask to replace complex topics by focusing on a single devotional practice and avoiding critical thinking is unlikely the intention of the Buddha. He didn’t teach what you say “Go for Refuge, ask the Buddha’s for guidance …” He asked to let the Vinaya and Dharma be your refuge and to unfold the eightfold noble path in your mindstream. How can the Buddhas be your guide anyway? Can they teach you, are you in contact with them?
  
  The Buddhas or wisdom can manifest in countless forms, if you increase and use your own wisdom well you can learn from anybody any context, including a child or animal or nature.
  
  You postulate extremes: only the Buddhas know, we don’t know hence we should not think but asked for their guidance. I guess you learned this self-deprication mode in the NKT.
  
  Doubts are not necessarily “bad”, they can be very useful and thereby also “good”, because they show you where you are and where you have no confidence or a lack of wisdom/understanding. Only Buddhas and fools don’t have doubts as a Tibetan saying goes.
  
  Between compassion and pity that looks down on others as the “poor you” – pity that feels higher and elevated – is quite of a difference.

	Stardust on Whitewashing, Dishonesty &…
	tenpel on Whitewashing, Dishonesty &…
	anonymous on Whitewashing, Dishonesty &…
	Alan J.W. on Whitewashing, Dishonesty &…
	tenpel on Karmapa Agrees to Multimillion…
	anonymous on Whitewashing, Dishonesty &…
	Tim on Whitewashing, Dishonesty &…
	Stardust on Karmapa Agrees to Multimillion…

Rate this:

Share this:

Like this:

Related