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February 9th, 2015

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Demonstrations are expected on Tuesday ahead of the Dalai Lama's arrival at City Hall, and then on Wednesday and Thursday outside the Bella Center in Copenhagen where the spiritual leader is teaching a two-day seminar on meditation and inner peace.

The demos are being organised by the Buddhist sect International Shugden Community, which has for nearly two decades contended that the Dalai Lama is a "hypocrite" who preaches about peace but at the same time breeds intolerance in Tibet.

The group's discontent with the leader dates back to a schism within Buddhism that dates back to the 16th century, and it is contended that the issue is often overshadowed by political issues related to China's occupation of Tibet.

At atmosphere of intolerance
"He talks about peace and freedom to his Western audience, but has created an atmosphere of intolerance, segregated along lines of religious belief [in the East]," Tim Larcombe, a spokesperson for the International Shugden Community, told the Copenhagen Post.

"[You are] treated as a social pariah and outcast in society if you don't follow his word. He makes people sign a public oath [against their religion]. If you don't, you don't get a public number."

Not having a public number in Tibet, contends Larcombe, means no hospital treatment, travel nor education.

The suffering of millions
The Dalai Lama, continues Larcombe, has fooled many people in the West, and he remains hopeful the demonstrations will draw attention to their cause.

"It's inconvenient to think about as we have to change our view of the Dalai Lama," he said.

"No-one's reputation is more important than the suffering of a million people. Don't be fooled by the religious aspect, this is a human rights issue."

The demonstrations outside City Hall will take place on Tuesday from 12 to 3pm, and then at Bella Center Metro station on Wednesday from 12 to 4pm and on Thursday from 8:30 to 4pm.

Given the protesters are Buddhists, the demonstrations are expected to be peaceful.