Recently there was a great deal of media attention given to the fact that (possibly) the next Dalai Lama has renounced Buddhism, an insult to the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT).  This news quickly travelled countless media circuits and gained a great deal of attention.  As often is the case in mainstream media, the truth was not as interesting as they had hoped, so they decided to embellish just a little to make a better story.  More media propaganda for the masses.

Osel Hita Torres was previously known as Lama Osel but currently prefers simply Osel.  At a young age, Osel was recognized as a possible reincarnation of the founder for the FPMT, Lama Thubten Yeshe.  He has recently come of University age and is currently completing his studies in Madrid, studying film.  While it is true that Osel has renounced Buddhism, the tone of most media articles embellished the truth too much.  I am among those that embellished, am I am greatly sorry for not doing the proper research before writing.  In my original article, I made the claim that Osel has renounced Buddhism, and I made insinuations that Osel was upset at his treatment by the Buddhists.  While the first part of my article is true, it is the insinuations that are false.

Lucky for me, Osel and other Buddhist followers didn't seem to take things too personally.  Instead, I received a comment by M. Puente pointing me to Osel's response of this media circus.  After reading the response, following with some interesting blog entries, and finishing with an article in Babylon Magazine about Osel (Start on page 56), I think I have a much better understanding of what truly went on.

While Osel has renounced Buddhism, it seems like he is taking a more Agnostic approach to the religion.  It is safe to say that the teaching of Buddha has penetrated Osel's soul and will not likely go anywhere any time soon.  He has chosen his path and is being fully encouraged by the FPMT to pursue what he feels is necessary.  His goal was originally to preach to the West, and now it seems he has chosen a unique path to do so.

His love of film is currently taking up the majority of his time, or so it seems.  He has no hard words to say about the FPMT, in fact his letter is a testament to his wisdom, even at his young age.  The Buddhist monks have taught him well, which I am sure will translate into a successful future for him regardless of whether he teaches Buddhism or simply kindness.  I salute you, Osel, and hope that I will not continue to contribute to the media circus that may have caused some discomfort.

Osel's letter can be found on the FPMT website under the teachers section.  It is copied in full below:

Dear Friends, 

It is important to have a good experience of what life is. I have been really lucky to be able to experience both western and eastern cultures and I am so grateful to everyone who has helped me in both cultures.  In combination, being in India and the West has been a rich experience that I’ve been privileged to absorb from both sides. 

There were times in India when it was hard to accept the destiny. Being treated differently, and feeling apart. But that experience was really good and I so appreciate it. 

However, certain media find ways to sensationalize and exaggerate an unusual story. So I hope that what appears in news print is not read and taken too literally. Don't believe everything that is written!

Experience shows that however hard one tries in interviews to sincerely and honestly convey key information, the printed result can tend towards sensationalism to get the most attention. 

FPMT is doing a great job and Lama Zopa is an immensely special person - very inspiring and a great yogi.

Personally, my job is to find new ways in which to discover the true nature of our being. There is no separation between myself and FPMT - we are all working together in so many aspects and terrains. Humanity is our office. Besides, I don’t really qualify very much in Buddhist studies, because I didn’t finish them, so working together is the clue. 

So I’m trying to find a different way for this future generation. One of the ways is through music, movies and audio-visual techniques. In a movie you can condense so many different stories. You can put in music, you can put in different situations and messages. Even just the sunset can be enough to give you peace to find a moment of meditation in yourself. There are so many different millions of possibilities in movies. 

And not just movies, but documentaries actually going somewhere and interviewing people who may have reached a level on their path where they are at peace with themselves, and so much more....!!! 

That’s kind of what I’m planning to do. But it is one thing is to plan and another for things to actually happen. So we’re back to mental projections. But for now, that’s what I am hoping to do. 

Big Love 

Osel