Letters and Statements

Press Release.

On the 16^th- 17^th of March 2001, an International Karma Kagyu Conference was held in Kathmandu, Nepal. The monks’ community of the Karmapa had called the conference, which was chaired by Khenpo Chodrag Rinpoche and Nyendo Rinpoche.The main topics discussed were the preservation of the Karma Kagyu Tradition and the issue concerning the incarnation of the 17^th Gyalwa Karmapa. The meeting at length discussed the deep involvement of the Dalai Lama in the Karmapa controversy and his interference had been a catalyst in splitting the Karma Kagyu School. The roles of individuals like Situ Rinpoche, Thrangu Rinpoche, Bokar Rinpoche and Gyaltsab Rinpoche in tarnishing the pure Karma Kagyu Lineage and going against the wishes of the late 16^th Gyalwa Karmapa was also not ignored.

During this two day conference, group discussions were held among the participants from twenty-three countries representing over five hundred centres and monasteries all over the world. In a final conclusion to these discussions following resolution was unanimously agreed upon.

1. "An International Karma Kagyu Organization (in short: IKKO) is herewith established with a central headquarters to be in New Delhi, India. This organization is to represent and to act on behalf of all representatives of this conference and their respective organizations. The headquarters is to be financed by regular contributions from centers and monasteries worldwide."

2. "IKKO is requested to write an open letter to H. H. the Dalai Lama under observation of the following points:"

a) "The independence of the Karma Kagyu school is to be emphasized. Any external interference into the internal affairs of the Karma Kagyu school is rejected. The issue of H. H. the Karmapa’s recognition and enthronement is purely an internal matter of the Karma Kagyu school."

b) "Referring to the letter sent by H. H. the Dalai Lama’s private office to H.H. Shamar Rimpoche dated July 14, 2000, the members reject the Dalai Lama’s declaration to be an authority in charge of the recognition of the Karmapa reincarnation."

3. ‘It is resolved to request Shamar Rimpoche to continue his efforts to have the so-called "prediction letter" regarding the 17^th Karmapa’s incarnation presented by Situ Rinpoche be subjected to an independent, forensic examination. This examination must be conducted in a way that is acceptable to both parties of the dispute. At the same time this issue should be addressed legally through the courts in India.’

4. "The members of the Conference decides to express their unanimous sincere gratitude and support for H.H. Shamar Rimpoche for all his past and present activities regarding the preservation of the authentic Karma Kagyu school. It is resolved to request H.H. Kunzig Shamar Rimpoche to give the authentic transmission of the Karma Kagyu Lineage to His Holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa, Trinlay Thaye Dorje and also to the devotees at large. H.H. Shamar Rimpoche is kindly requested be available for a number of days to give initiation, transmission and teachings."

Yeshey Jungney

(Secretary, IKKC)