When the 16th Karmapa entered clear light, no one could have suspected how controversial the recognition of the 17th incarnation would become. Yet even as late as April 2011, the issue of who is the real Karmapa has split the Karma Kagyus in two. Here, the supporters of one Karmapa, Thaye Dorje, write to show their support for who they believe to be the genuine incarnation.
This is an eye-opener, another problem Dharamsala has created because they are not doing their job well. They should not interfere with the Karmapa issue, Dorje Shugden practice, etc. It is good that the Karmapa Thaye Dorje’s camp explain what happened.The Karma Kagyu has suffered great setbacks and tremendous loss of face due to this issue. It is sad because it was created by the Tibetan government. The Tibetan government shold withdraw their backing of any Karmapa and apologize to the Karma Kagyu Sect for their interference and let the Karma Kagyu settle it among themselves. Similarly, the Tibetan government should withdraw all their negative statements and ban on Dorje Shugden and apologize to the Gelug Sect.
Create peace, harmony and unity among Dharma practitioners would be a good legacy for Tibetan govt to leave behind as their days are nearing an end.
from Mana, taken from http://www.dorjeshugden.com/forum/index.php?topic=1051.60
Click on the pictures below to expand the letter for closer reading.
(Source: http://www.karmapa-issue.org/letters/letter_dalai_lama_english_resized.pdf)
Scott Lee
April 27, 2014
Very sad to hear that Karma Kagyu sec has suffered greatly due to the interference from CTA. I’m shocking to read the letter wrote by Dharma Chakra Center of Rumtek, expressing their story and frustration, to the point that they are worrying Karma Kagyu lineage might cease to exist. I strongly support the urged in this article by dorjeshugden.com to “Tibetan government should withdraw their backing of any Karmapa and apologize to the Karma Kagyu Sect for their interference and let the Karma Kagyu settle it among themselves”. CTA has no right to interfere!
We need to support Karma Kagyu and let the whole world know that what CTA has done to the Karmapa!
Houston Heart
May 18, 2014
I have great respect for the 16th Karmapa since I was a child and was able to see him and sit with him and felt a calm that I feel has made me who I am today. Many true Buddhist teachers I feel this with.
I read on issues. separation, controversy, and so much injected speculation that I clearly see people do not understand that they create much of the conflict themselves, not the core of the Kagyu.
I respect Thaye, he gives me the same feeling. I respect both Karmapa, when the teach the dharma as it is meant to be. I am a true Buddhist. I am not going to have conflict, negative emotion, caused by division. This is not what Siddhartha, the Buddha of the Shakya people, Shakyamuni taught us. He laid out foundations for various people to follow, individuals needing a different approach. This does not mean separation of schools, secs, and Buddhists.
The 16th Karmapa had a wish for Buddhism to spread west. To grow again in the east despite conflicts. Not for division and debate. One you have negative views on it, became angered, you are not following dharma. You created a new attachment for yourself.
We use reflection and images to weed through our ego. yet don’t hold on to tradition and forms not beneficial to the dharma. Both sides have teachers who warned about this. Including Shamar. Certain tradition will not benefit westerners.
We have Rinpoche’s who are no longer with us. It does affect both sides. I have seen it in the yes of both sides. That despite conflict, still love the others and will always have compassion for them.
If you want to become an enlightened being. Start with evaluating truly deep. Then letting go. While you allow the conflict, and remain conflicted, and view either negatively, you will not come closer. Be compassionate on both levels and sides. Which requires true understanding.