The chief lama of Kalmykia, who opposed the war in Ukraine, turned into a "foreign agent" and was removed from his post. The Ministry of Justice of Russia updated the list of "foreign agents" on January 27. The chief lama of Kalmykia, Telo Tulku Rinpoche (Erdni-Basan Ombadykov), who was "wrathed" by the Russian authorities for his peace-loving attitude, resigned and was recognized as a "foreign agent", the national portal "Adyrna" reported with reference to the Kalmyk Central Khurul portal.
According to Azattyk, Thelo Tulku Rinpoche has been the chief lama of Kalmykia since the 1990s. He is the official representative of the leader of Tibetan Buddhism, the Dalai Lama, in Mongolia and the CIS countries. Last October, he condemned the war in Ukraine and supported the actions of the Ukrainian side. The religious leader was the first religious person in Russia to publicly criticize the war.
- In the last two days, many people have expressed concern and sympathy after seeing that I was included in the list of foreign agents. I am sincerely grateful that they've appreciated me and my work.
I wish the people of Kalmak and all followers of Buddhism unyielding strength in these difficult times, compassion and love based on Buddhist teachings. I call for courage, perseverance and loyalty to resist violence... "Keep the Buddha's patience and teaching in your heart, the bottom line of truth will win." "I am always with the Kalmyk people," said the Chief Lama.
