The Kalon of Department of Religion and Culture, Central Tibetan Administration on Thursday issued an apology for his statement on Tulku Ugen Topgyal. In the unsettling controversy over the remark made by Tulku Ugen Topgyal, this is the third statement issued in the regard by Kalon, Yuthok Karma Gelek. He has apologized for his earlier statement that lacked clarity.

Tulku Ugen Topgyal, a former member of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile has accused that Buddhist spiritual leaders opting to virtual teachings is a sign of beginning to the degeneration of religious values. In the statement which is doing around on the social media, he protested against His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s upcoming two-day Avalokiteshvara Empowerment (chenresig wang) to be conferred online.

Kalon Karma Gelek in his earlier statement did not protest the Tulku’s remark against His Holiness the Dalai Lama rather he attributed it to the latter’s behaviour as a straight forward and outspoken person. This has been inferred by many Tibetans as the Kalon defending the Tulku and it has created a huge controversy. While asserted that virtual teachings are a valid means of preaching by Buddhist teachers, he did not protest the Tulku’s allegations.

As individuals as well as organizations sternly issued condemnation statements against the Tulku, many are campaigning for Kalon Karma Gelek’s resignation. Dr. Lobsang Sangay led Kashag of Central Tibetan Administration on Wednesday issued a statement rebuking the senior lama’s statement. The statement expresses the cabinet’s disappointment over the remark against His Holiness the Dalai Lama and it further adds that it sees the action completely wrong.

Today, Kalon Karma Gelek issued his statement apologizing for his earlier statement. In the statement of apology, he has explained that he has been unwell recently and he has issued the letter in a haste, leading to some unnecessary implications. In addition to that, he said that he does not have any personal closeness to the Tulku and his statement did not mean to defend the accused. He has further said that he will resign from the office if need is found.

With the spread of the Coronavirus, the world has come to stand still. People across the world has been advised to remain inside their homes and the transports have stopped with the most of countries imposing lock downs. During such time of crisis, devotees reach for their spiritual gurus. On request of followers across the world, His Holiness the Dalai Lama carried out virtual teachings in order to be able to help the devotees spiritually when they needed the most.

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