Tibetan Spiritual Leader's Visit Sparks Political Controversy in Nepal

Kathmandu. The arrival of Tibetan-origin Buddhist spiritual leader Jhonang Gyaltsab Rinpoche in Nepal has created a stir. Various political parties have criticized the Nepal government for providing high security and hospitality to the Rinpoche, who arrived in Nepal on Magh 15.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy in Nepal has also expressed concern over this matter through diplomatic channels with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, there has been no reaction from the Nepal government so far.

The spiritual leader Rinpoche, who came to Nepal at the invitation of the Dolpo Society, is scheduled to participate in a discourse lasting 10 days starting from Magh 18. The society stated that his stay in Nepal might be extended if the discourse cannot be completed within that period.

A representative from the Dolpo Society told Ratopati, 'The discourse is ongoing. It's fine if it concludes in 10 days as scheduled; otherwise, the time might be extended.' He added that the spiritual leader Rinpoche will return only after completing the discourse.

The representative stated that the media has amplified the controversy surrounding the spiritual leader Rinpoche's visit. He said, 'This has appeared as a dispute because the media has written various things. It is not new for a guru to come and give a discourse, but the media has made it controversial.'

It can be understood from the reactions of various parties that the spiritual leader Rinpoche's visit to Nepal is not as natural and normal as the Dolpo Society claims. Senior leader Jhalanath Khanal of the Communist Party of Nepal and Vice-Chairman Ram Bahadur Thapa 'Badal' of CPN-UML have opposed the visit of spiritual leader Rinpoche.

Both leaders, participating in separate programs on Wednesday, characterized the spiritual leader Rinpoche's visit as an 'anti-China activity.'

Senior CPN leader Khanal claimed that the spiritual leader Rinpoche's visit is not merely a normal religious activity but a diplomatically sensitive issue. He commented that such activities happening under the government's protection are a direct assault on Nepal's established 'One China Policy,' stating that this has pushed Nepal-China relations to their weakest state in history.

Khanal further stated that this issue is not limited to diplomatic relations but poses a risk of creating further political crises in the country.

On the other hand, in a press conference organized at the UML party office, the party's Vice-Chairman Thapa accused the government of welcoming and providing state honor to a representative of the Dalai Lama, who is considered anti-China, at the airport.

Thapa said, 'The Chinese have been provoked by that incident and have given two options—either take action against the anti-China elements and expel them while apologizing, or be prepared to face the consequences if that is not done.'

Accusing the government of protecting anti-China elements, UML Vice-Chairman Thapa opined that the Chinese are dissatisfied with this incident.

Spiritual leader Jhonang Gyaltsab Rinpoche, born in Tibet in 1970, is named Tulku Chhoki Nangpa Rinpoche. The Rinpoche began residing in India since 1993. He studied at the Ganden Gumpha University in India and received discourses and empowerments from the Dalai Lama.

Rinpoche teaches at the Jhonang Gumpha University and the Kalachakra Meditation Center in Shimla and Dharamshala, India, and has given discourses in countries including Europe, South America, and Taiwan. It is in this context that he has come to Nepal.

The arrival of spiritual leader Rinpoche in Nepal is viewed significantly at a time when there are suspicions of Tibetan involvement in the Genzi movement. After the appointment of the Prime Minister following the Genzi movement, the Dalai Lama had congratulated Sushila Karki. The Dalai Lama had never congratulated any Prime Minister of Nepal in this manner before. The visit of Rinpoche, who is considered the closest and most trusted associate of the Dalai Lama, has agitated Nepali politics.