| ID | 168113 |
| Title Proper | Karmapa story |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Arya, Shailender |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | The Karmapa heads the 900 years old Karma Kagyu sect, popularly called the Black Hat sect of the Tibetan Buddhism. He has significant following in India, particularly in Sikkim, as also in Bhutan, China and the West. He is the only high-ranking Tibetan Lama formally recognised both by Dalai Lama and the Chinese. The article outlines the importance of Karmapa in the current political and spiritual hierarchy of Tibetans, the recent controversies surrounding him, and the causes for his reluctance to return to India. This needs to be viewed in light of the recent changes in Chinese policy under Xi Jinping wherein China is making substantial efforts to become the new benefactor of Buddhism, manipulating affiliations and successions all along the Sino-Indian border. China now terms Buddhism an ‘ancient Chinese religion’. Beijing has spent billions to revive the birthplace of Buddha, besides holding World Buddhist Forums since 2006. The role of Karmapa in countering the ‘Sinification’ of Buddhism cannot be overstated. Karmapa is an essential figure in the smooth succession of Dalai Lama and a very strong contender for a political successor of Dalai Lama, with implications on the Tibetan movement. Under these circumstances, it is imperative to get Karmapa back to India from United States (US) and seek his assistance in promoting Tibetan unity and be the next leader of Tibetan movement until the next incarnation of Dalai Lama attains adulthood. The article concludes that a Karmapa seat in exile in US shall be India’s loss, besides exposing him to Chinese stratagems. India, with its soft-power credentials, cannot lose the spiritual plot over the Himalayas to China. |
| `In' analytical Note | USI Journal Vol. 149, No.616; Apr-Jun 2019: p.275-283 |
| Journal Source | USI Journal 2019-06 149, 616 |
| Key Words | Karmapa Story |