17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje’s Monastery Raided

UPDATE: We have received plenty of emails objecting to the source that suggested “other Tibetan factions” may be “fanning” the story. This is entirely unsubstantiated and pure speculation. There is no reason for us to believe this is true and we regret including the quote that suggested otherwise.

Indian police raided the monastery of Ogyen Trinley Dorje, 17th Karmapa, on Friday, seizing large amounts of cash—donations from followers that have been saved over the years.  According to one source, “the Indian media has been incredibly irresponsible, suggesting that the Karmapa is a Chinese spy, etc.  These stories are probably being fanned by other Tibetan factions.”

We are keeping an eye on the situation and ask that anyone with any particular insight into what’s going on share their knowledge here or to email info@tricycle.com.

Thank you,

Monty McKeever

via the independent,

The exiled Tibetan Buddhist community is in turmoil at the questioning of one of its most important religious leaders by Indian police after large sums of Chinese currency were found at his monastery, forcing him to deny claims he is an “agent of Beijing”.

Police in northern India interviewed Ugyen Thinley Dorje, the 17th Karmapa and Tibetan Buddhism’s third most important figure, after approximately £480,000 of cash in two dozen denominations was found at his Gyuto monastery in Dharamsala.

Police have arrested a number of the Karmapa’s aides and are currently investigating what they believe may be an illegal attempted land purchase.

The Karmapa told police the money was donated by supporters. “All our dealings across the world are honest and completely transparent – anything else would be contrary to the Buddhist principles that we live by,” his office said.

Read the complete piece here.

Other News stories:

Karmapa Office refutes “speculative allegations” (Phayul)

Karmapa questioned, denies “all allegations” (Phayul)

Candle light vigil in support of 17th Karmapa held in Gangtok (Voice Of Sikkim)

China Denies Spy Rumors Amid Probe of Tibetan Spiritual Figure (voanews)

No conclusion drawn on Karmapa issue: Chidambaram (Sify)