Buddhist sect protests Dalai Lama visit

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To many, the Dalai Lama is a spiritual leader and an advocate for world peace.

Members of the International Shugden Community would beg to differ.

The Community, a sect of Buddhism that is known for its non-traditional practices, was highly critical of the Dalai Lama during a protest at his speech at The Forum in Inglewood. Members claim that he is exercising his political power for religious persecution.

"The Dalai Lama is basically saying that the prayer of Dorje Shugden harms his life", said International Shugden Community Spokesman Len Foley. "How could he possibly say that…?"

The dispute over Dorje Shugden goes back to the 17th century, but has recently made waves on the international scene as protests have sprung up. 

The Tibetan spiritual leader has also made waves due to a controversial visit with President Obama. Chinese officials believe that the leader is trying to subjugate its rule in Tibet, which it controls, and that he should not be entertained by Americans. The United States has responded by saying that it does not recognize Tibet as a sovereign country anyway, and thus the monk is simply recognized as a spiritual leader. 

For the Shugden Community, simply informing the world of their plight is their main goal. According to the leaders of the International Shugden Community, progress has been made, but there is still much work to do.

"Right now in India there are placards in restaurants that say if you are a Shugden practitioner, you are not allowed service," said Foley. "It's when you're imposing your belief on other people, that's religious discrimination."