By Kishalay Bhattacharjee
Sikkim, June 21 – Followers of the Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism feel the controversy surrounding the Karmapa issue and the Rumtek monastery in Sikkim may have something to do with Indo-China relations.
The Buddhist Rumtek monastery in Sikkim has been in the eye of a controversy for almost a decade now. In the absence of their spiritual head or Karmapa, factions are warring for control of the opulent monastery.
Ugyen Thinley Dorji fled China in 2000 and was recognised as the 17th Karmapa by the Dalai Lama, the head of the Tibetan government-in-exile in 1992.
But the Government of India hasn’t allowed him to enter the Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim, the traditional seat of Karmapa Lama.
Meanwhile, Shamarpa Rimpoche, one of the highest Lamas of the Kagyu sect, considers the Karmapa a Chinese plant and had asked for an inventory of the religious objects in the monastery – ostensibly to ensure the safety of the precious wealth at Rumtek.
Wait continues
But other followers of the Kagyu sect feel that India’s China policy may be dictating the indecision on the Karmapa issue.
“It baffles me why the Indian government is taking so long to decide the matter. Since the Karmapa came to India, the government has given him refuge. We thought it was a matter of time and a decision would be taken. However till date, nothing has happened. We feel the government is treading cautiously mainly not to antagonize the Chinese government,” said Karma Chungyalpa.
Monks at the monastery continue with their daily rituals but say they want to see the issue resolved as soon as possible.
“If a family is without the parents, you know how it feels. We are waiting for our Guru to come and take over,” said Omje Bai Karma, Chant Master, Rumtek Monastery.
The politics and intrigue surrounding Rumtek oscillates between the Indian government allowing the Karmapa to enter Sikkim or the followers of the Kagyu sect settle once and for all the rightful claimant to Rumtek.
Until then the monastery will continue to be a religious institution without a head.
