Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche continues to smile although India detained him for 20.5 hours and subsequently deported him, thanks to the CTA’s manipulation of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.
On 15th January 2015, His Holiness Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche was detained whilst entering India. He was due to give teachings in Serpom Monastery, South India just a few days later. Upon arrival at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bangalore however, it was discovered that Yongyal Rinpoche’s valid 10-year visa had been cancelled with no explanation. It is strongly believed that the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) engineered the cancellation of Yongyal Rinpoche’s visa, and his subsequent detainment and deportation.
It is indeed shocking and disappointing that the CTA continues to disrespect Article 25 of the Indian constitution which guarantees freedom of religion. For the hundreds of monks who had travelled to Serpom in preparation to receive teachings from Yongyal Rinpoche, their religious freedom to develop their learning, knowledge and faith were denied with this manipulation of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. For more information about this incident, as well as more photographs, please visit http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/news/cta-manipulated-yongyal-rinpoche-to-be-detained/
Below are two news articles covering the incident, which highlights the schism that has been caused to the Tibetan community as a result of the ban on Dorje Shugden. You may also click on the images to enlarge them, to read the full articles.
‘Pro-China’ Tibetan lama is deported from Bengaluru
By Rakesh Prakash, Bangalore Mirror Bureau | Jan 16, 2015, 04.00 AM IST
On orders from the Centre, the leader of Shugden practitioners, Yongyal Rinpoche, was refused entry into the country due to ‘visa issues’
India has refused entry to Yongyal Rinpoche, a Tibetan spiritual master and leader of Shugden practitioners who has been listed as a teacher for many American-Buddhist centres. He was detained by immigration officials at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru on Wednesday night and deported to Hong Kong.
Though the reason given by officials for refusal-of-entry was “visa-related problems” there are a lot of questions being asked by Rinpoche’s followers, as his deportation comes at a time when China is appealing to western nations including America to recognise the sensitivity of the Tibet issue and not to provide room for any anti-China activities.
“We really do not know what message India wants to send by refusing entry to Rinpoche. He was coming to Karnataka to teach,” one of his followers told Bangalore Mirror.
Click the image to enlarge. Source: http://www.bangaloremirror.com/bangalore/cover-story/Pro-China-Tibetan-lama-is-deported-from-Bengaluru/articleshow/45904018.cms?
Rinpoche, who is the abbot of Serpom monastery in the state, is one of the Tibetan spiritual leaders who has been cast out of the mainstream Tibetan exile community in India, headed by Dalai Lama for two primary reasons: One, Rinpoche and his followers continue to worship the protector deity Dorje Shugden; Two, he has been reportedly befriended by Chinese authorities.
Rinpoche landed in KIA along with a few of his associates after travelling from Los Angeles, via Taipei and Hong Kong, and was supposed to go by road to Bylakuppe. Rinpoche, who is recognised as the fourth reincarnation of his lineage, is currently based out of the US and he is also the founder of the Lamrim International Dharma Center in California. He is a respected spiritual teacher in Australia, Taiwan and Singapore.
A lot of Shugden followers had gathered at KIA to welcome the spiritual master. One of his followers said: “We were shocked when the others came out of the airport while our leader did not. On inquiry we were told that his travel papers had been declared invalid and that he cannot be given entry. He should not have had any problems in immigration as we were told that he has been given a 10-year visa. His associates told us that they were allowed to board the flight to India after their visas were checked and approved.”
When contacted, immigration officials refused to comment. Sources in immigration, however, said: “His visa was apparently revoked. We do not know the politics behind it; we have only done our duty. The politics and diplomatic moves behind his deportation can only be answered by Delhi [referring to Ministry of External Affairs]. He [Rinpoche] was told to take the 1.30 am flight to Hong Kong.”
The deportation not only dampened the spirit of his disciples here but also left many Shugden followers crestfallen across the world.
While some tweeted to Karnataka Home minister K J George requesting his intervention even as Rinpoche continued to be detained at the airport many called it an “embarrassing matter” for India.
Schism in exiled Tibetan community comes to fore
Bangalore Mirror Bureau | Jan 17, 2015, 04.00 AM IST
War of words after Yongyal Rinpoche denied entry
The rivalry and split in the Tibetan exile community has come to the fore after Tibetan spiritual master of Shugden practitioners, Yongyal Rinpoche, was sent back from the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) on Wednesday for ‘visa-related’ issues.
After the incident was reported in Bangalore Mirror, a war of words has broken out between his supporters and other Tibetan exiles in India, including those in the large settlement of Tibetans in Bylakuppe in Karnataka.
Followers and supporters of Rinpoche believe the Tibetan government in exile, Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) is responsible for denying him entry to India.
The war of words following the report has not just been limited to India, but has spilled out across the world through social media platforms. “CTA should be happy with this as they caused it, but their happiness will turn to embarrassment,” was one of the scores of tweets by Mondoloni, a supporter from France, on Friday.
Tom Fine, another Rinpoche supporter, had this to say, “Serious ‘Acts of Desperation’ by the Central Tibetan Administration. Personally I am doubling my efforts to combat the scourge of the CTA.”
Click the image to enlarge. Source: http://www.bangaloremirror.com/bangalore/others/Schism-in-exiled-Tibetan-community-comes-to-fore/articleshow/45916478.cms?
Chris Chapman, from UK, commented, “What a shame that India’s principles of democracy, particularly of religious freedom, have been seriously compromised by pressure from the Dalai Lama and his Central Tibetan Administration in not allowing an innocent and respected Buddhist teacher into the country. It’s disappointing to see the Indian authorities being so easily led by the deceptive force of the exiled Tibetan leadership. I’d like to see even one piece of evidence that this Lama is political and has any connection with China. Sad times.”
But the opposition to Rinpoche has been as strident from supporters of the Dalai Lama who doubt Rinpoche’s credentials and accuse him of being a Chinese stooge.
“Shugden is not an integral part of Buddhism at all. Study and research well. His holiness did not BAN to practice this spirit. He only advises not to. Please be clear,” says a comment in support of the Dalai Lama.
While Kelly from France says, “India took the right decision by refusing him to land on Indian soil. These people receive money secretly from China and disrupt the peace of society. Religion taught us to train our minds from falling into negatives and not to kill or murder. Buddhism originated in India and Lord Buddha is the main teacher and founder of Buddhism. But these worshippers consider that (ghost) spirit are more important than Buddha. What a pity!”
An open letter from Ven. Dechen Tulku
His Excellency Naraendra Modi
Prime Minister of Inida
South Block
Raisian Hill,
New Delhi – 110011, India
January 17, 2015
Your Excellency,
On January 15, 2015, His Holiness Yongyal Rinpoche was travelling to India, where he was scheduled to give teachings in Serpom Monastery, South India. Yongyal Rinpoche had the proper documents and permits necessary to travel to the Tibetan settlement. However on arrival at Kempagowda International Airport in Bengaluru, Yongyal Rinpoche discovered his visa had been invalidated for no good reason. He was denied entry into India, detained for many hours and then deported to Hong Kong.
We have strong reason to believe Yongyal Rinpoche’s visa was invalidated due to manipulations by the Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamsala, H.P. If it does turn out to be true, it deeply disturbs us that such manipulations of the Indian judicial system are possible. Because of Mahatma Gandhi’s struggles, India is an independent nation today. Her government and ministers have a duty to protect this independence and should not take orders or suggestions from other governing bodies like the Central Tibetan Administration.
Denying Yongyal Rinpoche’s entry to India, thanks to Dharamsala’s input, was a terrible decision because:
- It makes India and her government look unreliable and backwards when her ministers will ban people or take away their travel documents because of their faith and religion
- It makes India look weak to onlookers and other governments. For example, Dharamsala has now learned that with a big enough incentive, the Indian government can be encouraged to think in one way or another
- It harms the country’s reputation with locals and foreigners. Yongyal Rinpoche’s teachings had been planned many months in advance and hundreds of people had made arrangements to travel to India to receive these teachings. These people would have booked hotel rooms, gone to eat in restaurants and spent their money in the local communities on offerings and souvenirs. Thanks to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, the local Indian community have been deprived of this income. Tourists will also return to their home countries and let everyone know about the bad, disappointing experience they had in India
This incident with our Guru Yongyal Rinpoche also disturbs us because it means anyone living in India cannot rely on the law to protect them. Tibetans have been in India since 1959, when we were granted the right to live and conduct our activities. Amongst these first Tibetan refugees were Dorje Shugden practitioners who have never broken Indian law or shown any disrespect to the Indian government. We have always cooperated with the Indian authorities.
We have also always relied on the Indian judicial system to protect us. As guests of India, we follow the laws of the Indian government. This includes Article 25 of the Indian constitution which guarantees religious freedom. Yongyal Rinpoche’s detainment and deportation was obvious discrimination against Dorje Shugden practitioners who, in this instance, were denied our religious freedoms to learn from this great Guru who poses no threat.
On closer examination, there was no valid reason to prevent Yongyal Rinpoche’s entry into India. Gurus like Yongyal Rinpoche do not pose any threat to Indian security. They lived in India for many years without any problems, until they were forced to leave due to pressures from Dharamsala against their religious faith. These Gurus have not shown any history of violence or law-breaking activities. Furthermore, the Indian intelligence service had months to investigate the background behind these teachings which were publically announced. If indeed it was found that Yongyal Rinpoche posed a threat (which he does not), security for the teachings could have been arranged instead of deporting the Guru and creating such a bad reputation for India.
This incident has created a lot of unnecessary debate and damaged India’s reputation as a democratic system, which traditionally values tolerance, progress and modernity. In the interest of upholding these principles, and in the interest of religious freedom, we humbly request you investigate and intervene in this matter.
With respect,
Dechen Tulku
གུས་འདབ་བདེ་ཆེན་སྤྲུལ་མིང་ནས་
ཕུལ་
English
Indonesia
Tibetan
kelly
January 17, 2015
How come a highly attain lama cannot teach cannot benefits others that is really sad to know that, there is a lot of discrimination happen in the CTA community because of the ban, is such a bad karma for people who ban this holy teaching. We as a practitioner should help to stop the ban because everyone of us want to have peace and happiness.
Ringo Starr
January 17, 2015
It smells like discrimination (again).
Ringo Starr
January 17, 2015
It looks like hypocrisy (again).
Ringo Starr
January 17, 2015
It feels like politics (again).
Ringo Starr
January 17, 2015
It sounds like disrespect (again).
Ringo Starr
January 17, 2015
It tastes like sour grapes (again).
Johnny
January 17, 2015
Do you see anyone from the CTA trying to assist Rinpoche out of this? Or are they quiet? Why are they quiet when a senior and elderly great teacher is detained they don’t assist. This is in CTA’s own backyard. Because they are the cause of it. This will turn around on CTA and become a very big embarrassing episode for their wrongdoings again. CTA is well known for poisoning and silencing their own people when they speak up. They are known to cause trouble for their own people when they don’t fall in line. CTA are not democratic in any sense of the word but tyrannical. Their fall will be soon as karma is ripening.
paolorossi4444
January 17, 2015
How possible that such a democratic country like India example for the world of religious tollerance, even if the 10 year visa was expired doesn’t permit a saintly figure like Yonghiel Dorje Chan very well known all over the world for His Pure Religious Attainments and well known as abbot of the Serpom Monastery near Bangalore isn’t granted a temporary permit of entrance in India for the period of the teachings He is scheduled to give.?
Yonghiel Dorje Chan devotee
[email protected]
Cheryl
January 17, 2015
Very disappointed as India has taking site and political the issues. I have always high respect to India as it is the land of where Buddha and Buddhism originated. A high lama who is sincere and plan to gave precious Dharma and teaching was deported by India despite holding a valid visa??? I just cannot comprehend why India government would act in such manner. Where is religious freedom? Where is human rights? Democratic?
Such a bad karma!
Jamyang Alexandre
January 17, 2015
this is such a disgrace to Buddhism as a whole, a humble and pure monk who wish to teach Dharma to his Student detained and given illogical excuse, whats more baffling is the Bangalore Mirror reported there are Orders from the Centre to have Yongyal Rinpoche refused entry!! Who is this “centre” , it smells like CTA!!!! They are on loosing end and now using dirty tactics!
Kelsang Phagpa
January 17, 2015
Sectarian Shugden followers, On what basis – do you accuse HHDL and the CTA for this incident in Blore? You are so much full of hatred that your abilities to reasoning has stopped. Your comment don’t even make sense except spewing more hatred. But then, maybe people like you feed yourselves on such hate and negative emotions. Btw, dö-GAY teachings are not the Buddha’s teachings you stupid.
Kate
January 18, 2015
I am saddened by this news. But a friend of mine told me that an another Tibetan Lama from China has brought a large group of Chinese delegation to receive Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche at the airport. This has fueled the suspicion of the Indian Security Agencies and therefore the incident of deportation has happened. I am not sure about the name of that Lama who brought the delegation.
Bond
January 19, 2015
Yet another very disturbing case mastermind by none other than the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in their continuous effort to stop the growth of the Protector Dorje Shugden practice. This time they have also involved & instigated many innocent souls (India Ministry of External Affair) in helping them (CTA) to execute the plot. Denying or stopping the spread of the holy dharma carries with it very heavy negative karma, those involve should be vey wary of it as our karma follow us wherever we go even after death.
As seen in the cover picture of this article, Venerable Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche has never displayed a bit of disappointment nor displease with the incident, as if he already knew that such mishap will only bring bigger benefit in the long run. Not long after the news breakout, Venerable Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche has became the headline of India media “Bangalore Mirror”. Instantly drawing more attention & interest to the issue of the illegal ban on Dorje Shugden practice worldwide. See link:- http://www.dorjeshugden.com/wp-content/gallery/photos-submit/ps-dvap5l6i08.jpg
Ironically as it may seem to be, the CTA who has issued the illegal ban is also promoting it !
Long live Dorje Shugden….
Tenzin Malgyur
January 20, 2015
Such a shame to read of CTA playing a role in instigating the deportation and inconveniences to an old monk whose sole purpose is to spread the Buddha’s teachings. It really baffles me though, that India, being home to the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation and the most populous democracy in the world, could be influenced to make this drastic move.
This is clear proof that Shugden believers are not paid by and associated with China as accused by CTA to create more hatred; and gain support from the exile tibetan community. If Shugdenpas are really associated with China, then the Indian external minister will organise a great welcome party to H.E Yongyal Rinpoche as Indian official always do when Chinese official arrived in India.
From this incident, I hope more eyes would be opened to more false accusations made by the CTA.
Eli Buchen
January 25, 2015
Initiations and teachings will carry on from this most powerful and holy monk, and due to india’s compliance with this trickery from CTA, then India loses tourist dollars and people spending money in India.
It is amazing that india’s top ministers can be fooled by CTA. om mani padme hum.
Tara
January 28, 2015
Tibetan political propaganda really has gone too far.
samayakeeper
February 3, 2015
The Indian immigration should have given immediate explanation and not let so many people who turned up at the airport to receive His Holiness Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche to pass through immigration wait and wait. This is how Indian immigration officers act, taking their own sweet time and walking around strutting in their uniform trying to show off that they are in charge. I have had bad experiences with the immigration officers in Delhi and Bangalore on some of my visits there.
Bentley-tinnes
February 3, 2015
Certain quarters are obviously trying hard to pull wool over people’s eyes. However much though their attempts, an intelligent person can see that the simple innocent, pure, respectable high lama only wanted to teach the Dharma and give initiations and oral transmission. What harm can this old Venerable monk do?
The quarters that are trying hard to smear the good name of the lama are nervous of losing their so-called power to dominate for obvious reasons. Hence they are grasping, clutching hopelessly, helplessly to the edge of a slippery cliff that will eventually see their falling into the quicksand below – into oblivion!!
(This is not meant to be a curse. It is figuratively speaking).
May the teachings of Dharma, the gift of initiations and oral transmissions of Venerable Yongyal Rinpoche prevail!
SabrinaS
July 31, 2016
What a blatant abuse of the rights of entry and rights for freedom in religious practise. CTA may be the instigator but then Indian government went along with it and actually deported His Holiness Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche. This reflects very badly on India as it means that its officials are easily manipulated to disrespect their own country’s law. Of course, I guess we could give them the benefit of the doubt and think its the CTA threatening with the force of their big sponsor, the US. Wonder if US would actually be used by the CTA if they had known that their name is being thrown about and being sullied.
Whatever it may be, its a dastardly act without valid reason that had violated the laws and created confusion for the many followers and students of His Holiness Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche. And CTA keeps saying the ban is an advice. If it’s an advice, why then the many subterfuge and persecution?
Dalai Lama should set things right
August 13, 2018
Dear Dalai Lama,
Since you started the cruel ban against the 350 year Dorje Shugden practice, how has it benefit your Tibetan society and Buddhism in the world? Things have become worse and most educated Tibetans can see this. They don’t speak out not because they don’t see your ban as wrong, but you instill fear in them and not respect. It is like fear of a dictator. I am sorry to say so. Everyone is divided. There is no harmony. Before your ban there was more harmony and unity.
By enacting the ban, you split the monasteries, split so many families, split regions in Tibet apart, split your disciples from you, split your own gurus from you, split Tibetan Buddhism apart. You have created so much disharmony.
It is not democratic what you have done to ban a religion within your community. You always talk of tolerance and acceptance and democracy and yet you do not accept and tolerate something different from your beliefs. When people practice Dorje Shugden you ostracize them, ban them from seeing you, ban them from using Tibetan facilities. You know you have done that. There are videos that capture your speech and prove this point. You even had people expelled from monasteries just because they practice Dorje Shugden. Some of the monks you expelled have been in the monastery for over 40 years. Many older monks shed tears because of this.
Many young educated Tibetans lost confidence in you as they saw the damage the Dorje Shugden ban created and they lose hope. Many have become free thinkers. They reject what you have done. So many people in the west left Buddhism because of the confusion you created with this ban against Dorje Shugden which is immoral.
You could of had millions of people who practice Dorje Shugden to support, love and follow you, but you scared them away. They are hurt and very disappointed. They loved you and respected you deeply before the ban. It has been 60 years and you have failed to get Tibet back. Your biggest failure is not getting Tibet back after 57 years in exile. Now you are begging China to allow you to return to Tibet to the disappointment of thousands of people who fought for a free Tibet believing in you. So many self-immolated for a free Tibet and now you want Tibet to be a part of China with no referendum from Tibetans. Just like a dictator, you decide on your own. It was your government and you that lost Tibet in the first place. Your policies and style of doing things do not benefit Tibet and Buddhism. You have been the sole ruler of Tibet your whole life and you still have not gotten our country of Tibet back for us. Our families and us are separated. Yet you create more pain by creating a ban to further divide people. Please have compassion.
No other Buddhist leader has banned or condemned any religion except for you. It looks very bad. You are a Nobel laureate and this is not fitting of a laureate. You should unite people and not separate them by religious differences.
You said Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi did not do right to the Rohingya people in Myanmar due to religious differences, but you are doing the same thing to the Shugden Buddhists within your own society. There is a parallel in this. You separate the Shugden Buddhists from the others in Tibetan society.
You have lost so many people who would have loved and supported you. You have lost so much support around the world. The Shugden Buddhists who love you number in the millions. When you are fast losing support from governments and private people, it will not do you well to lose more.
After you are passed away in the future, the rift you created between the Dorje Shugden and non-Dorje Shugden people will remain for a while and that will be your legacy. Disharmony. You will be remembered for this. Not as a hero but a disharmony creator.
Dorje Shugden will spread and further grow, but you will be no more as you are a human. No one wishes you bad and in fact we hope you have a long and healthy life, but we have lost so much hope and have so much despair because of you. All the hundreds of Dorje Shugden lamas, tulkus and geshes are maturing and there are hundreds of Dorje Shugden monasteries in Tibet who will not give up Dorje Shugden. You have made a mistake. These hundreds of teachers and teachers to be will spread Dorje Shugden further in the future.
The gurus that gave us Dorje Shugden as a spiritual practice and you have called these holy gurus wrong and they are mistaken in giving us Dorje Shugden. How can you insult our gurus whom we respect so much? If they can be wrong, then you can be wrong. Then all gurus can be wrong. So no one needs to listen to any guru? You have created this trend. It is not healthy. Your own gurus practiced Dorje Shugden their whole lives. Your own gurus were exemplary and highly learned.
Dalai Lama you have created so much pain with this ban against so many people due to religion. You are ageing fast. Are you going to do anything about it or stay stubborn, hard and un-moving. You show a smile and preach peace and harmony wherever you go. But will you do the same to your own people? Please rectify the wrong you have done. Please before it is too late. You can create harmony again or you can pass away in the future with this legacy of peace. May you live long and think carefully and admit what was a mistake in having this unethical ban against Dorje Shugden religion.