http://www.phayul.com/news/discuss/view.aspx?id=8738 Seriously concerned Location: Italy Subject: Why SCIENTOLOGY?"
Jan 08 2005 01:39 AM

Scientology?! What on earth has it got to do with Tibetans?! It is honourable that the Tibetan Govt in exile (like it had already done in the Gujurat quake almost 3 yrs back) is showing support and gratitude to the Indian Govt and its people by helping out in massive emergencies like this. I am a strong believer of the need for co-operation between all cultures, people and religions and especially when helping out, everybody should come together under one big flag of humanity and compassion.

Nevertheless Tibetan people are still very much represented by the religious sphere and the buddhist monk community. It has already a solid image by itself. Yet I was shocked to read on 'Times of Tibet' web article that the Tibetan monks from Bylakuppe, supported by HH Dalai Lama, have joined forces with the Church of Scientology 'sect' (that's what I believe them to be) to go to Chennai and help out with relief work in the Tsunami disaster. Since the article warmly suggested to go and check out the Scientology website for detailed information I logged into it to discover a huge picture of Tibetan monks posing for a souvenir shot behind the SCIENTOLOGY banner. We have heard of many people/groups using the Tsunami disaster to cash in on fame and the like. Well, the Scientology lot are making a very good PR job flaunting Tibetan monks pictures among their volunteer workers. Tibetan Buddhism historically does not practice proseritism, but have these monks ever stopped to think what the Church of Scientology is doing daily with their skillfull, unsuspectable ways, leading many people to be literally subdued by their power... certainly they don't have anything to give for the Free Tibet struggle, but believe me they have much to gain by associating with the image of peace loving monks and the Dalai Lama. Such mistakes should strongly be avoided, for the respect of all Tibetans. If Tibetans need to join a 'relief action party' why not considering the Auroville community nearby Pondicherry. After all they have a long standing history of support and co-operation with the Tibetan Govt, by providing regular vocational training for young Tibetans in many innovative agricultural subjects in a vibrant international environment. Auroville is also dedicating their first International Culture Pavillion to Tibet. You can learn more from www.auroville.org

Go Back