Announcement to Karma Kagyu Buddhist Centers in Asia, Europe, and the Americas from the Council of His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa

Council of His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa

May 17th 2006.

Being entrusted with the legal and administrative responsibilities of His Holiness the late 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, the trustees of the Karmapa Charitable Trust (KCT) have officially designated His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa the legal heir of his illustrious predecessor. As His Holiness has matured and received the teachings and transmissions of the Karma Kagyu lineage, he has successfully embarked on spreading the Dharma throughout the world. Today even at a relatively young age, he has earned the reverence of people of faith and the respect of public officials.

Established according to previous directives of The KCT trustees and operating under the spiritual leadership of His Holiness, the Council of His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa has begun to assist and advise the 17thKarmapa. especially regarding the Administrative Office of the Rumtek Monastery, seat of His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa. The Judicial proceedings in India will soon draw to a conclusion, and every step along the legal way has favourably indicated that the KCT, and thus His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, will soon assume legal control of the monastery.

View Announcement Letter (pdf)

His Holiness and the Council bear no animosity or disrespect for His Holiness Urgyen Trinley Rinpoche and his genuine followers. The Council, however, wishes it to be known that any one who was involved in the takeover of the monastery, directly or indirectly, should send an apology letter to His Holiness the 17th Karmapa or else be prevented from seeing the holy relics and attending future religious ceremonies at the monastery.

Until peace and religious functions have been properly restored at the Rumtek Monastery, the administrative work of the 17th Karmapa and the International Karma Kagyu Headquarters, founded by His Holiness the 16th Karmapa, will temporarily operate from Kalimpong, India.

Next week, the Supreme Court will issue official documents outlining today's verdict. At that time, the IKKBO will make these documents available to the public through its websites.

Council of His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa

Bajuratna Koti, 11th mile, Kalimpong

West Bengal, India 734301