Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche’s Attendant, Pawo Choyning Dorji said the only reason Rinpoche reacted was because a Chinese travel agency’s brochure, which had Rinpoche’s picture, was trying to swindle people.
“The brochure says Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche is doing a very special Drupchen in Bumthang and people can be part of this Drupchen if they want, for Nu 200,000 for five days,” Pawo said.
Drupchen is a religious ceremony supposed to be held at Kurje Lhakhang in Bumthang, this year.
In response to the brochure, Rinpoche had said some of the Bhutanese tour operators have not only deceived tourists but also used his photo for business promotion.
Rinpoche had posted his reaction on his official Facebook page.
“Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche is well aware of which travel agencies are doing that and which travel agent owner is part of this,” said the Attendant, adding there are many Chinese individuals working with Bhutanese travel agencies.
Pawo said some of the Bhutanese tour operators have been deceiving tourists by claiming huge amount and that this kind of deception has been happening for a few years now.
“Two years ago, one travel agency came to Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche and requested if he could please give a special teaching to his group of Chinese tourist.”
The travel agency apparently told them Rinpoche’s students were coming from far away in China and they are devoted to Buddhism and Rinpoche and all they wanted was to receive teachings from Rinpoche.
“We agreed to give teaching even though Rinpoche was busy. But, we found out the travel agency was charging this group Nu 10 M for the teaching, the teaching Rinpoche gives for free for every person who comes to him and request for this teachings.”
According to Tourism Council of Bhutan’s officials, TCB can only be involved if a tourist lodges a formal complaint with the TCB.
