THE LAMA AND THE FSB
It is still entirely unclear why one of the leaders of the Buddhist community of Tuva is being deported from Russia
Portal-credo.ru, 9 October 2015
The Buddhist lama Shivalkha Rinpoche is being deported from Russia at the insistence of the FSB. Rinpoche has regularly traveled to Russia since 2004 and he has lived in the republic of Tuva since 2008. In late September, the Tuva directorate of the FSB delivered to Lobsan Gele (this is the secular name of the lama) notification of the undesirability of his residing in Russia. Along with Rinpoche, his aide, Lobsan Tsering, also was expelled from the country. Why is still completely unclear.
Shivalkha Rinpoche is being expelled on the basis of article 25.10 of the law "On procedure of exit from the Russian federation and entry into the Russian federation." According to it, the decision "on the undesirability of residence of a foreign citizen in the RF" may be made in the event that he "creates a real threat to the defense capability or security of the state, or to social order, or to the health of the population," as well as "in order to protect the foundations of the constitutional structure, morality, or rights and legal interests of other persons." To which of these points the lama's case refers is still unclear. Rinpoche himself, as well as his lawyer, are still refusing to comment, at least until the first court hearing, which will occur on 12 October. The local FSB directorate is also silent, as is the press service of the head of the republic.
A few days ago the chairperson of the Tuva republican public cultural foundation Enerel [Compassion], Aneta Oorzhak, met with the director of the republican directorate of the FSB. She said that the decision regarding the deportation of the lama was not made at the local level.
"It was explained to me that this decision was not made in Tuva. Sholban Valerievich [Karaool, the head of the republic of Tuva] also is concerned about this question and therefore he invited for a conversation the director of the FSB and me, as the director of a public organization in which The Very Reverend Shivalkha Rinpoche is a teacher. I understood that the problem was not initiated by local authorities. The Very Reverend Shivalkha Rinpoche has done very much for Tuva. This must be recognized. In 11 years of work he has presented the philosophy of Buddhism for believers. He has done much in regard to educational work so that people would know their religion. Now an appeal to the president has been written from Tuva and many other provinces. It is a joint open appeal from people who are suffering and in pain. We will pray that the decision about the teacher will be rescinded," Anneta Oorzhak explained after the meeting.
Alla Mongush, one of the leaders of the local Buddhist organization Kunpenchetso, spoke about the lama himself and about his work in Russia: "He arrived in Russia the first time in 2004 and he has lived in Tuva since 2008. We, his disciples, gather two times a year for traditional lectures. The lama explains Buddhist philosophy for us. This is called teaching, but in the lexicon of secular people this is called lectures.
--I understand that he was the most famous lama in Tuva.
--To date, he is the only continuously resident lama and master in Tuva. Of course, we have new young fellows, lamas, who studied both in India and in Ulan-Ude and Mongolia, but they do not have such a high degree of education. Shivalkha Rinpoche has the title of "geshe,"—that is doctor of Buddhist philosophy. And the very name Shivalkha Rinpoche means "reborn again," and "precious reincarnation." In his past life he was a native of Transbaikal and then he left for Tibet to study. In this life he has again returned to Russia. That is how he is extraordinary. He is always engaged in something and he travels to various regions at the request of his disciples.
--And what happened? What is the reason for the FSB request for his deportation?
--We absolutely do not know any reasons besides this paper which was given to him on 23 September. We, his disciples, do not see any reasons. We hope that everything will be resolved in court. Therefore we are waiting for the review on 12 October. There have not even been suggested explanations on the part of the FSB directorate. And his lawyer has received nothing other than the agenda for 12 October. We now want to show solidarity and to show by means of signatures that he is needed not only by Tuva and not only by the Buddhist region. He is needed by all of Russia. Supreme teachers, they are valuable, they are needed, they are not conducting some narrow, secret activity. All of his activity is open.
--Does someone think that he is conducting some secret activity?
--I do not know. We simply cannot understand the reason. Because this article, which is cited, does not explain the real cause. Therefore we hope that the court session will somehow cast light on it. The article to which the FSB refers has only general formulas. In the notification there was no description of specific actions; only this article. I think that the lawyer will pose all the questions in the court session.
--I understand that until recently Rinpoche had a permit for residence and he could have applied for citizenship.
--At first there was permission. Then he received a permit for residence, yes.
--In which year?
--In 2012.
--That is, he could now have applied for citizenship?
--Yes. We applied for citizenship last year. And now they have answered us simply by taking away the permit for residence.
Alla Mongush explained this in an interview with Radio Liberty.
Shivalkha Rinpoche came to Tuva at the invitation of three Buddhist organizations, with the support of the head of the republic. In 2006 he created the republican foundation Enerel. In 2009 he created the religious organization Kunpenchetso, and in 2014 he opened a meditation center on the shore of lake Chagytai. The general title of the lama's teaching is "Kind-hearted treasure for development of love and compassion." The collection of signatures for cancelling the FSB decision has been going on now in twelve regions and the petition on the website change.org, with an appeal to Putin, has gathered a little less than 2500 signatures. (tr. by PDS, posted 11 October 2015).
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