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Mr Bowe wrote:-"Yes Namkhai Norbu is a celebrated Tibetan Lama of the Nyingma tradition, of all Tibet's schools of Buddhism, it shares some (stress) concepts and practices with Tibet's Native religion, Bon....."The book in question, while writen by a most learned and respected Tibetan lama must be read in the knowledge that he is comng from a Buddhist perspective and is disadvantaged in terms of the extent or depth of knowledge regarding the history and practices of the Bon tradition. This may explain his comments about the so-called 'Northern Treasure School' , which in fact does not exist and is not recognized by the Bon community. In another work by Norbu he refers to Bonpos as having black tongues from repetition of mantras. Clearly this is strange assertion, which I raised with emiment Bon scholars and practitioners, all of whom assured me this was utter nonsense. There may be areas of genuine scholoarly insight by Norbu and I am not denying his understanding of the basic principles of Bon, however there are questions to be asked."The quotation is taken directly from Mr Bowe's posting and all the many spelling mistakes are his.When we look at the known facts about Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and Jeffrey Bowe it is most curious that Mr Bowe should make such a comment.Chögyal Namkhai Norbu: We have listed below links to further information regarding this highly respected teacher. In brief he was recognised as a Tulku (reincarnate lama) at the age of two. That led to years of intense training and study in Tibet. In 1960 he moved to Italy and between 1964 and 1992 he was Professor of Tibetan and Mongolian Language and Literature at the Oriental Institute of the University of Naples. His biography says that "While residing in Italy, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu primarily focused his research on the ancient history of Tibet, thoroughly investigating the autochthonous Bon tradition."Jeffrey Bowe: We know little about Mr Bowe other than his claim to have been "researching" Tibetan culture for approximately twenty years. Unfortunately what has been seen of Mr Bowe's research, such as his recent claims regarding Angelica sinensis and Tibetan medicine, suggest that his research techniques leave something to be desired and that his claims based on his research are somewhat economical with the truth. Mr Bowe has been asked repeatedly for some evidence to support his claims but no such information has been forthcoming.In view of that how can we be expected to believe Mr Bowe's claim that:-"This may explain his comments about the so-called 'Northern Treasure School' , which in fact does not exist"Or is this yet another example of Mr Bowe's arrogance and rudeness?We leave you to decide.References:Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Biography
Wikipedia ArticleAngelica sinensis and Tibetan medicine
In various blogs Mr Bowe hides behind a number of noms de plume. A brief examination of those names may be useful in attempting to explore Mr Bowe's character.On one of his blogs, which has now disappeared, he used the name The Zhiji. This refers to an account of the life of Tönpa Shenrab who was the founder of the Bön Religion. The translation of Zhiji is Glorious.In another of his blogs 'A Critical Enquiry of 'Padma Gonpo Rinpoche' he uses the name Buadhach. This is an Irish name that can be translated as Victory or Triumph.In a Forum he would now appear to be using the name Vaidya. That is a Sanskrit word and can be translated as "Versed in science; learned; a doctor" or "one who knows"Clearly Mr Bowe has an extraordinarily high opinion of himself. That may well explain why in the A Critical Enquiry of 'Padma Gonpo Rinpoche' he writes:-"For those who are curious as to why I have invested time and effort into examining and exposing the claims made by 'Padma Gonpo'. Simple, I care about Tibet and its people. Moreover, I happen to believe that Bon, the native religion of Tibet, is worthy of my concern, and that it's fundamentally wrong for anyone to abuse, exploit, distort, or misrepresent what is a highly profound and ancient tradition. I like to consider that my motivation for such action, is based upon principles of respect and understanding, values which have informed my wider work, in support of Tibet, since 1988. Since then I have actively campaigned against human rights abuses, and written widely on the issue of Tibet, challenging a range of injustices, which are forced upon the Tibetan people."It is good to know that an 18,000 year old religion is "worthy" of Mr Bowe's concern. Unfortunately it would appear that most Tibetans in the UK would prefer it if Mr Bowe focused his unique talents elsewhere and left them alone. The only record of Mr Bowe "challenging a range of injustices" was his being listed as an expert witness at an Immigration Tribunal Appeal and not bothering to appear at the actual hearing. A rather odd manner in which to challenge that particular injustice.Need we say more?
On Sunday, 25 May 2008 Mr Bowe posted an article on his supposed 'Tibetan Way' blog entitled Response to Mr Chris Farmer.In it he wrote."I value free speech and dissent and welcome an open debate on the issues being questionned. Furthermore I will willingly give every consideration to amending or withdrawing material, which you may perceive as being objectionable, as is my editorial right."That article has now disappeared from his blog but can still be seen in the Rick Ross Forum.
Leaving aside his spelling that statement would be laudable were it not for his subsequent actions.Mr Bowe, while continuing to post vitriolic articles in his blogs demanding answers to his spurious allegations, has removed all comments from his victims but left comments from his acolytes; has reconfigured his blogs so that no further comments can be posted; has removed and / or edited his own articles in a blatant attempt to rewrite history.Mr Bowe's understanding of the phrase 'free speech' appears to be that only comments that support his perverted view of the world are to be allowed. Anything that questions or disagrees with his views is not allowed. A position that would suggest that he is far more in sympathy with the behaviour of the Chinese government than with the Tibetan people he claims to support.
References:
Rick Ross Forum
