Address by the Shajin Lama of Kalmykia Telo Tulku Rinpoche

I have learned that on January 27, 2023, the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation entered my name into the register of foreign agents. In the situation that has arisen, I consider it advisable to transfer all the powers associated with the post of Shajin Lama of the Republic of Kalmykia to the current abbot of the Centralized Religious Organization Kalmyk Central Buddhist Monastery “Geden Sheddup Choy Korling,” Geshe Tenzin Choydak (Mutul Ovyanov), and to the administrator Gelong Yonten Lodoy (Sergei Kirishov). Henceforth I ask the monastic community of the Kalmyk Central Buddhist Monastery “Geden Sheddup Choy Korling” to make a decision on choosing, from among the fully ordained monks, a candidate for the post of Shajin Lama who, under the current conditions, will be able to most effectively carry out work for the benefit of the Republic of Kalmykia. The monks of Kalmykia, who keep their vows in purity, are a matter of our pride and our greatest achievement. I am convinced that the candidate they put forward will bring great benefit to the further development of the pure form of Buddhism in the Republic of Kalmykia. Over the past two days, many people have expressed concern and sympathy in connection with the entry of my name into the register of foreign agents. I am sincerely grateful to them for their participation and their high appraisal of my work. To the people of Kalmykia and to all followers of Buddhism in these difficult times, I wish that they preserve courage, endurance, and commitment to the ideals of compassion, love, and nonviolence, on which the Teaching of the Buddha that we profess is founded. Just as our root guru His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who found himself in exile in his youth, addressed his people, so I too call upon you: “Keep patience and the Teaching of the Buddha in your hearts, and the truth will prevail.” In my thoughts, deeds, and prayers, I remain wholly with the Kalmyk people and the Buddhists of all Russia, to whose service I have devoted my life. Telo Tulku Rinpoche, Shajin Lama of the Republic of Kalmykia