WASHINGTON – In January 2002, as a journalist with Radio Free Asia’s (RFA) Tibetan service, Karma Zurkhang embarked on an assignment that would take him on an unexpected journey, one that ultimately led a special gift into the private chapel of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
His initial mission was to cover a potential conflict between India and Pakistan. Karma had volunteered to go to Pakistan for RFA, but upon arrival, the conflict subsided. He spent about a week exploring, visiting ancient Buddhist sites like Takshashila, museums, and universities. Then, RFA asked if he could get a visa for a brief trip to Afghanistan. As an American journalist, Karma was able to join a group of international journalists on a special flight.
“I spent about a week in Afghanistan, primarily in the capital area, Kabul, gathering stories through conversations with my taxi driver and making connections with foreign office officials,” Karma recounts. With only one weekly flight for journalists and his funds dwindling, he missed his scheduled departure. Karma’s driver suggested a daring alternative: a road trip through the Khyber Pass to the border crossing into Pakistan. “It was a full day’s journey, and while some might have considered it dangerous, I saw it as a small adventure,” he chuckles. The car broke down along the way, requiring a new taxi, but he eventually made it to the Pakistan border.
Karma spent some days exploring Peshawar and Islamabad.To head back, he had to go to Lahore. There was an option of taking a flight, but he chose a long drive from Islamabad to Lahore with his taxi driver. In Lahore, he visited the Wagah border and the Lahore Museum. “The museum, a treasure trove of Buddhist artifacts, held something truly special: a rare black stone statue of the fasting Buddha, one of the earliest depictions of Lord Buddha in the Gandhara art style. It was a humble yet powerful piece, unlike the typically opulent Buddhist art,” says Karma. The caretaker suggested that he could buy a replica. Delighted, Karma purchased one, immediately thinking it would be a perfect gift for His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
A Gift Finds Its Place
That winter, during a private visit to India to see relatives, Karma brought the statue with him. He approached the Dalai Lama’s private office and gave the statue to be presented to His Holiness. Karma was later told that the Dalai Lama was very pleased with the gift. Over a year later, Karma even acquired books about the statue and had those presented to him as well. Karma learned the statue had found a special place in his private chapel. For years, it remained unseen by the public, as the Dalai Lama’s private chapel is not publicly accessible.
Then came COVID-19. The pandemic prevented the Dalai Lama from holding in-person teachings, necessitating a shift to online sessions. This is when people began to see him teaching from his private chapel, and there, clearly visible behind him, was the black statue. It sparked widespread curiosity: “What is that statue?”
“Though I wasn’t there to witness the initial buzz, word gradually spread that it was a statue from Pakistan,” says Karma. “Soon, the Dalai Lama’s office and a nearby monastery began producing postcards featuring the statue for distribution. It brought me immense joy to see how well-received this humble gift had become. Slowly, people began to realize I was the one who had presented it. Many have since told me, “Karma, that is your good karma!”
“I am profoundly happy about this entire experience. I’m thankful to Radio Free Asia, for without that assignment, none of this would have happened. This experience has also deepened my already immense respect for His Holiness. In a world where Buddhist art is often grand and gilded, this ancient black statue of the fasting Buddha, simple yet profound, has become a cherished jewel to him. That, in itself, is a testament to his wisdom and humility. And for you to come to me to hear this story, Poonam? That’s good karma too!”
Poonam Sharma
Poonam is a multi-media journalist, and Founder of Global Strat View. She managed of India America Today (IAT) for seven years, and launched its print edition in 2019 with IAT's Founder and Editor, the late Tejinder Singh.
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