The fallacy of Karmapa's Chinese links

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The assumption that the Karmapa will create a China-friendly chain of monasteries in the Himalayas by using Himachal Pradesh as a staging point for anti-India campaigns is a fallacy.

The monasteries which dot the Himalayan region from Arunachal to Sikkim, West Bengal, Uttaranchal to Himachal Pradesh & Ladakh belong to different sects of the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism. There is no homogeneity as each of the four schools have their own spiritual leader and are not dependent on each other. However, all schools by and large owe allegiance to the Dalai Lama, the supreme spiritual and temporal head of Tibet.

To take the analysis a little further: Arunachal, our eastern most border state has a large Buddhist following belonging mostly to the Geluk sect (known widely as the "Yellow Hat Sect"). The Geluk sect is headed by the Ganden Tri Rinpoche who is elected to this position. (The Dalai Lama is a member of the Geluk sect but is not the Head of the Geluk sect).

Arunachalis have time and again protested China's claim to their land as part of China's territory and protested the Chinese claims vociferously, even as the mandarins in South Block have made meek diplomatic noises but have not told the Chinese to lay off in no uncertain terms.

The next important state, Sikkim, has been a part of India since 1975. The Karmapa lineage's relations with the Sikkimese people date back to the time of the 12th Karmapa, Changchub Dorji (1703-1732) when the two Karma Kagyu monasteries of Ralang in South Sikkim and Phodang in North Sikkim were established. The Old Rumtek monastery was established thereafter. The Karmapa has overwhelming support here but the people have been peacefully and patiently waiting for over 10 years for the Karmapa's return to Rumtek. Scores of representations have been made to all manner of constitutional authorities.

Finally, on 26th September, 2010 a spontaneous, peaceful rally was attended by tens of thousands in the capital city of Gangtok. Accompanied by mantra-chanting monks, the rally reverberated with lilting and soulful tune of ritual musical instruments and the robust sound of the kettledrums. Perhaps the sound has still not reached the ears of our fate deciders in New Delhi. Yet, no anti-India slogans have been raised and Sikkim continues to be one of the most peaceful states in India.

In the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, there are monasteries belonging to the Drukpa Kagyu, Nyingma, Sakya, and the Karma Kagyu schools. While Darjeeling may be seeking statehood separate from the State of West Bengal, they are not seeking separation from India.

While other monasteries in Uttarachanchal, Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh may profess the Tibetan Vajrayana tradition, they are not exactly hotbeds of anti-India elements. They are a peace-loving, compassionate lot, proud to be part of this vast nation called India.

To those in the security establishment who perceive a larger conspiracy and a China-sponsored hand in the Karmapa's activities, as a proud Indian, who belongs to the border State of Sikkim, I would say: please apply your minds to protecting India in other ways. We are not gullible enough to promote or appreciate your fantasies borne out of paranoia. Indians in the Himalayan region are not treacherous beings and to see them as willing allies in an effort to destabilize India is simply preposterous. The Karmapa is not running the local office of the Chinese security establishment.

The Karmapa lineage is 900 years old this year. The 17th Karmapa, Ugyen Trinlay Dorji, is a shining beacon and hope for the present age. Let us not trash his character and destroy our own moral fibre. If we do that, we are no better than the people who attempted to destroy the Tibetan nation and her people and committed untold misery.

The sooner our security agencies recognize the fallacy in the assumption that the Karmapa is an agent of our adversary, the better for our country.

source:http://ibnlive.in.com/blogs/thinlaytopgay/2914/62196/the-fallacy-of-karmapas-chinese-links.html