Something funny to share with everyone.
The Gaden Phodrang (now known as Central Tibetan Administration) banned the reincarnations (recognition) of the Shamarpa since the 10th Shamarpa, Mipam Chödrup Gyamtso (1742–1793). The 10th Shamarpa was the stepbrother of the 6th Panchen Lama, Lobsang Palden Yeshe (1738–1780). There was a dispute over his claim to his stepbrother's material inheritance led to an armed conflict in which the Shamarpa conspired with the Nepalese Gurkha army in 1788.
Together with other disputes between the Gelug and Kagyu schools, the Shamarpa had to live in exile from Tibet. In addition, a legal ban was imposed by the Gaden Phodrang on further Shamarpa incarnations. This ban remained in place until after the 14th Dalai Lama lost power in Tibet during the 1950s. Just like Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen, the Tibetan government banned his recognition and confiscated all his properties as he was seen as a threat to the Dalai Lama's role. It is a very common practice for the Tibetan government to ban a reincarnation when they feel threatened. There is no democracy whatsoever even until today.
It was later revealed that the Karmapa had recognized reincarnations of the Shamarpa secretly during the intervening period although there was a ban. The 16th Karmapa was a good friend of the 3rd Trijang Rinpoche and also friendly with the 14th Dalai Lama. Rumours had it that the 16th Karmapa spoke to the 14th Dalai Lama and had the ban lifted for the Sharmapa's recognition, which the Dalai Lama agreed.
The funny thing was, after the ban was lifted and the Sharmapa was again recognised, the 14th Sharma Rinpoche immediately caused trouble for the Dalai Lama / CTA! The Sharmapa took the controversial case of the 17th Karmapa to the Dalai Lama and requested him to withdraw his recognition of the Karmapa Ogyen Trinley (a candidate recognised by Tai Situ), creating troubles for the Dalai Lama / CTA just like how the 10th Sharmapa did. The Dalai Lama must really regret to have lifted the ban
The 14th Shamar Rinpoche, Tai Situ Rinpoche, Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, and Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche agreed to form a council of regents to take joint responsibility for the spiritual affairs of the Karma Kagyu lineage, alternating as the regent for the Karmapa every three years, after the death of the 16th Karmapa. This regency was, however, dissolved in 1984 having only functioned for three years after the 16th Karmapa's death due to a breach of agreement among them.
Traditionally, the Karmapa has always been the one who recognises the Shamar Rinpoche and vice versa, just like how the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama recognises each other. This has been the tradition for the lineage for decades. However, Tai Situ decided to recognise his own Karmapa. Hence the split of the regency and the Karmapa controversy.
The Sharmapa is seen as a trouble maker for the Dalai Lama and CTA because he dare to speak the truth and stand for what is right. He respected the Dalai Lama but he is not afraid to speak his mind politely. Now that the 15th Sharmapa is born under the Karmapa Thaye Dorje (the candidate recognised by the 14th Sharma Rinpoche) family and the Karmapa Thaye Dorje ignored the Dalai Lama in the recent Kagyu Monlam event in Bodhgaya, we shall see the revival of the Karma Kagyu power against the Dalai Lama's (aka Ganden Phodrang aka CTA) rule.
No matter how much the eight world dharma seems to be in control, the truth (the dharma) will always prevail over them. This is another sign of the falling of CTA for sure!