The Karmapa at a news conference in Calcutta. Picture by Pabitra Das

Calcutta, Sept. 16: Almost three years after he escaped from China-controlled Tibet, the 17th Karmapa, Orgyen Trinley Dorje, still yearns for going back to Rumtek in Sikkim and hopes the Indian government would remove the hurdles that block his return.

On his first visit to the city to attend the birthday celebrations of the founder of the Mahabodhi Society tomorrow, the Karmapa, who is staying near the Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh, explained why it was not possible for him to go back to the headquarters of his sect at the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre.

“Certain preparations need to be done before I can go back there. An immediate return is not possible, firstly because of Sikkim’s border with China and secondly my presence there will be a very important occasion, historically and spiritually. The timing of my arrival has to be fixed after all these are made,” said the head of the Karma Kagyu sect.

On the temporary “ban” imposed by the Indian government on his return to Sikkim, the Karmapa said: “Whatever be the hurdles, they will be cleared soon. Though there is no timetable fixed, I believe I will be there within two years. The people of Sikkim, which is an integral part of India, want me to be there.”

The Karmapa said the owner of a house or temple does not feel cautious or tensed when he is at home. “But in my case, some obstacles are there, which according to Dharma, is a temporary problem.”

On his return to Tibet, he said: “I came to India through Nepal after fleeing from Lhasa. I faced a lot of hardships on the way. I will not go back unless there is a compelling reason. Yes, if there is freedom of speech and movement, then I could go.”

The Karmapa said the Dalai Lama’s “compassionate wisdom” prevailed over Tibet, despite the Chinese control. “Six million Tibetans follow him. The Chinese government is now trying to follow the middle path and, sooner or later, it will adopt it,” he said.

He, however, added that he had no direct communication with Lhasa after coming to India.

Asked why he was placed under “house arrest” and the reasons for his tight security, the Karmapa said: “In this world, if somebody becomes well-known he is compelled to be under some sort of house arrest. As for the security, the Indian government was kind enough to accept me as its guest and I am just being treated very well,” he added.

On a more serious note, the Karmapa said today’s world had become “unpredictable”. “Sometimes, even a good friend becomes your enemy. Anything could happen.” He appealed to all countries to support his efforts at getting his teacher and two aides, who were recently held in Tibet by the Chinese authorities, released.

On the controversy over the inventory at Rumtek Monastery, in which the Calcutta High Court had to intervene, the Karmapa said he was a guest of India and he could not “contradict the laws of the country.” Two years ago the court had ordered an inventorisation of the riches belonging to the monastery. The Karmapa leaves for Delhi on Wednesday.