Dalai Lama’s envoy recognised by Russia as ‘foreign agent’ resigns as Supreme Lama of Russia’s Kalmykia

Dalai Lama’s envoy to Russia, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and Mongolia Telo Tulku Rinpoche (Erdne Ombadykow) has stepped down as Supreme Lama of Russia’s Kalmykia after being labeled as a “foreign agent”, the Central Khurul (monastery) of Kalmykia said in a statement.

“I have learnt that on 27 January 2023 the Russian Justice Ministry added my name to the list of foreign agents. In this situation, I believe it’s expedient to hand over all my passport of the Supreme Lama of Kalmykia,” Ombadykow noted.

He encouraged the Kalmyk people and all Russia’s Buddhists to stay strong, persevering, and committed to values of compassion, love, and non-violence which Buddha’s teachings promote.

“In my thoughts, deeds, and prayers, I am fully with the Kalmyk people and Buddhists of Russia. I dedicated my life to serving them,” he wrote.

Dalai Lama’s envoy to Russia was recognised as a “foreign agent” on 27 January. The Justice Ministry explained its decision by noting that Ombadykow “spoke against the Special Military Operation, openly supported Ukraine, is a US citizen, and lives outside of Russia”.

In October, Telo Tulku Rinpoche described the war as a “terrible suffering” and expressed sympathy for the Ukrainian people. “The Ukrainian side is of course right. They defend their country, their lands, their truth, their Constitution, and their people. It is very difficult to say and accept that Russia is correct. It is very hard to say, I cannot do that,” he told a YouTube channel.