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His Holiness Begins Annual Spring Teachings in Sarnath Today, March 9, 2011
The 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, inaugurated the first day of a four day spring teaching today. His Holiness is currently on an annual springtime visit to his senior tutor's monastery, the Vajra Vidya Institute, in Sarnath, outside of Varanasi. This is a special time when he receives private initiations and teachings from Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, a highly respected Karma Kagyu master, who was appointed as his senior tutor by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
This is the second year in a row that the Gyalwang Karmapa has given seasonal teachings to an audience of local Tibetan, Indian, and international students at the Vajra Vidya Institute. His students worldwide look forward to what has become an annual event in this highly auspicious place, where the Lord Buddha taught the Dharma for the first time after his enlightenment.
Nearly six hundred people gathered to listen to His Holiness including three high reincarnate lamas; Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, and Gyatso Rinpoche. Thousands more watched all over the world, via a live webcast with translation into English, Hindi and six other languages. Emphasizing Lord Buddha's most basic teachings--never to harm others--His Holiness' discourse centered on generating empathy for all human beings.
For press inquiries, please contact:
Deki Chungyalpa
koapress@gmail.com
(91) 8894502910
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His Holiness Karmapa to travel to Varanasi: Expresses Gratitude to the Indian Government, February 23, 2011
Karmapa Office of Administration is deeply grateful to the Indian government for its confidence in His Holiness the Karmapa. Most specifically, we thank the government for kindly approving His Holiness’ travel plans to Varanasi, via Bodhgaya, for his winter retreat and spring teaching of 2011.
His Holiness the Karmapa also expressed his own personal gratitude. “Varanasi is the site of the very first Dharma teaching by Lord Buddha, and also an ancient cradle of Sanskrit culture and learning,” His Holiness said. “This makes it a particularly sacred place for Buddhists. As a follower of Buddha’s teachings and of the Kagyu lineage that springs directly from the sacred ground of India, I feel that such opportunities to visit these sites give great meaning to my life. I am very much looking forward to sharing the Dharma with Dharma friends in Varanasi.”
During his stay in Varanasi, His Holiness the Karmapa is scheduled to confer four days of Dharma teachings, which will be webcast live from March 9 – 12. He will also participate in several other religious ceremonies during his stay.
The annual spring teachings will be held at Vajra Vidya Institute in Sarnath, UP, and made available live over the Internet. In consideration of His Holiness the Karmapa’s wide international audience, the Dharma talks will be translated into English, Hindi, German, Chinese, Spanish and Polish. The webcast will be available at http://www.karmapa-teachings.org.
The Karmapa Office of Administration also wishes to thank the Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in New Delhi for all their support.
Spokespersons for the Karmapa Office of Administration
Karma Topden
Former Indian Ambassador and Former MP
Adviser to Karmapa Office of Administration
Deki Chungyalpa
Adviser to Karmapa Office of Administration
(91) 8894502910
koapress@gmail.com
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Statement from Karmapa's Office of Administration, February 19, 2011
In regard to recent coverage based on unnamed sources that portions of the hard drives seized by police contain indecipherable Chinese code, the Karmapa Office of Administration flatly denies that its computers have any sections intentionally restricted by Chinese code. As part of the investigation, the Office gave full scans of the hard drives in our office, as well as one laptop. Separately, four laptops were seized from the private home of one Office staff member. All Office computers were purchased in India. They have no special encryption and no Chinese code. Only one computer is used for correspondence in Chinese with disciples from various Chinese-speaking countries. Access to that computer was protected by the standard user name and password used in all Windows 7 computers, and requires no special coding.
His Holiness the Karmapa is a highly venerated Tibetan Buddhist world spiritual leader with a lifetime-long commitment to protecting and preserving Tibetan culture and religion. He has the full support of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and the Tibetan people, as well as the Himalayan Buddhists. Allegations that he is an agent for the Chinese Government are based on fabrication, not fact.
Spokespersons for the Karmapa Office of Administration
Karma Topden,
Former Indian Ambassador and Former MP
Adviser to Karmapa Office of Administration
Deki Chungyalpa
Adviser to Karmapa Office of Administration
(91) 8894502910
koapress@gmail.com
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Statement from Karmapa's Office of Administration, February 14, 2011
His Holiness the Dalai Lama spoke to reporters again on Sunday,
repeating his consistent message of confidence in His Holiness the Karmapa. In what is his fourth public statement of support, His Holiness the Dalai Lama affirmed that the money seized was unsolicited donations. "A lot of money comes from devotees from across the world, including China and the money was not recorded properly," His Holiness the Dalai Lama is reported to have said during a visit to Ajmer.
The Prime Minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile, Professor Samdhong Rinpoche, also kindly paid a cordial visit yesterday to His Holiness the Karmapa at his temporary residence located on the grounds of Gyuto Monastery.
Regarding the ongoing purchase of land by the Karmae Garchen Trust, we wish to reiterate that this was in no way a benami land deal. The land in question was being purchased in the Trust's own name, and with full knowledge of the Indian government. On December 3, 2010, the Trust had received a no-objection certificate from the Town and Country Planning Department of the Himachal Pradesh government, indicating preliminary state government approval to proceed with the plans to purchase the land.
Since his arrival in India in 2000, His Holiness the Karmapa has been kindly hosted in a temporary residence in Dharamsala at Gyuto Monastery, which belongs to a different Tibetan Buddhist sect. The Karmae Garchen Trust was seeking to purchase the land in its own name
for the purpose of building a permanent residence and monastery for His Holiness.
Spokespersons
Karma Topden
Former Indian Ambassador to Mongolia,
Former Member of Parliament
Adviser to Karmapa Office of Administration
Deki Chungyalpa
Adviser to Karmapa Office of Administration
koapress@gmail.com
(91) 8894 502 910
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Member of Italian Foreign Affairs Committee Expresses Solidarity and Office Denies Baseless Claim that China SIM Cards Found, February 7, 2011
The Karmapa Office of Administration gratefully acknowledges the overwhelming support for His Holiness the Karmapa from well-wishers all across India and from around the world. Today, Matteo Mecacci, a member of the Italian Parliament, paid a personal visit to His Holiness the Karmapa at his residence in Dharamsala. While expressing faith and respect for the Indian judicial process, the Italian MP—who serves on the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Italian Chamber of Deputies—also expressed his solidarity with His Holiness the Karmapa during this trying period. He requested spiritual solidarity in return from His Holiness.
We were also pleased to see some fair and balanced coverage in the media over the weekend. However, we again completely deny the libelous press reports claiming that Chinese SIM cards were found on our premises. This constitutes libel and outright defamation of character. No SIM cards were taken. No SIM cards are listed on the seizure memos issued by the police themselves. Inspector Ramesh Rama of the Kangra police—who was one of the officers conducting the police raids—today confirmed what our Office already knew. He stated that the Kangra police knew nothing of such SIM cards and were as puzzled as we are by the reports that such SIM cards had been seized.
The charge of espionage is a matter with grave consequences. His Holiness the Karmapa is a highly revered spiritual leader of a Buddhist order with millions of devotees worldwide. He has the unwavering confidence and support of His Holiness the Dalai Lama as well as the entire Tibetan Government-in-exile. By repeating such unfounded claims without even bothering to check facts or seek comment, the media printing such fabrications is engaging in blatant character assassination. The Karmapa Office of Administration has issued letters to the editors of the relevant publications seeking an immediate retraction and apology.
Spokespersons
Karma Topden
Former Indian Ambassador to Mongolia,
Former Member of Parliament
Adviser to Karmapa Office of Administration
Deki Chungyalpa
Adviser to Karmapa Office of Administration
koapress@gmail.com
(91) 8894 502 910
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Statement from Karmapa's Office of Administration, February 6, 2011
The Karmapa Office of Administration welcomes the Central Government's expression of confidence in His Holiness the Karmapa. Union Minister Virbhadra Singh travelled to the state from Delhi and made several clear statements of support for His Holiness the Karmapa and the Tibetan community as a whole. Addressing a press conference, Union Minister Singh charged the Himachal Pradesh state government with maligning His Holiness the Karmapa. He further urged regularizing land purchase rules to grant Tibetans certain rights to own land in Himachal Pradesh, in which Dharamsala is located. Union Minister Singh is a member of the Cabinet of the Indian Government and a five-time former chief minister of the state of Himachal Pradesh.
However, we are disappointed to note that some press are continuing to report major inaccuracies and outright fabrications. We reiterate in the strongest possible terms that reports, such as the one published most recently by Times of India, that Chinese SIM cards were seized from the monastery is pure fiction. No SIM cards were taken, as can be confirmed by the seizure list prepared (FIR No23/11, dated 26/1/2011 by the police). The repeated assertion of this outright lie constitutes baseless slander, and defames the character of one of the most revered figures in Tibetan Buddhism. The fact that such fictitious reports are published without contacting the accused party's spokespersons for comments indicates that these members of the press are are not objective reporters. We welcome the press to contact us to check their facts or seek comment, and call on the press to rise to the standards of responsible journalism.
Spokespersons
Karma Topden
Former Indian Ambassador to Mongolia,
Former Member of Parliament
Adviser to Karmapa Office of Administration
Deki Chungyalpa
Adviser to Karmapa Office of Administration
koapress@gmail.com
(91) 8894 502 910
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Statement on Rabgay Chosang's Transfer into Judicial Custody and Trust's Land Purchase, February 5, 2011
The Karmapa Office of Administration announces that the state government's application to retain Rabgay Choesang in police custody was rejected, and Office staff member Rabgay Choesang aka Shakti Lama has now been transferred into judicial custody. We are aware that a thorough investigation is needed to arrive at the truth. We remain confident that the Indian justice system will arrive at that truth and dispel all the wild speculations that are now circulating. We will continue to cooperate fully with the investigation, and we look forward to having our monk home soon.
The Karmapa Office of Administration would also like to take this opportunity to underscore that the ongoing purchase of land by the Karmae Garchen Trust is and has been in full compliance with Indian law. It is in no way a benami land transaction. The land was being purchased by the Karmae Garchen Trust in its own name, in a transaction that had been duly disclosed to the Kangra District Collector's office. As per requirements, the Trust submitted a letter of support from the Tibetan Government in Exile's Department of Religion and Culture as well as an an application for an essentiality certificate. The DC's office issued a no-objection certificate. As such, the Trust had been granted all preliminary approvals required in order to proceed to the next step in acquiring the land.
Not only had this effort to purchase land to build a residence and monastery for His Holiness the Karmapa been reported to and approved by the appropriate government authorities; we further discussed such plans openly with the press, as reported in the Hindustan Times in October, 2010 and the Tribune as early as March, 2006.
Spokespersons for the Karmapa Office of Administration
Karma Topden,
Former Indian Ambassador and Former MP
Adviser to Karmapa Office of Administration
Deki Chungyalpa
Adviser to Karmapa Office of Administration
(91) 8894502910
koapress@gmail.com
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Karmapa Office of Administration Denies Reports His Holiness the Karmapa is Linked to Chinese Governments, February 4, 2011
The Karmapa Office of Administration firmly denies the published allegations that His Holiness the Karmapa has rallied in support of the communist Chinese government whose oppression he fled 11 years ago. We repeat that the preposterous claim that His Holiness is a Chinese spy or agent is a complete fabrication, utterly baseless and reckless slander.
The Karmapa Office of Administration appeals to the press to cease its character assassination of His Holiness the Karmapa, one of the most revered figures in Tibetan Buddhism, and a spiritual leader to Buddhists worldwide.
The Karmapa Office of Administration respectfully requests the press to refrain from publishing further uncorroborated and unfounded charges. It offers below the phone number and email address of its spokesperson, and beseeches the press to seek confirmation or denial from its spokesperson, in accord with the standards of responsible journalism.
Spokespersons
Karma Topden
Former Indian Ambassador to Mongolia,
Former Member of Parliament
Adviser to Karmapa Office of Administration
Deki Chungyalpa
Adviser to Karmapa Office of Administration
koapress@gmail.com
(91) 8894 502 910
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Karmapa's Office of Administration Responds to Media Reports Regarding Various Baseless Allegations, February 3, 2011
The Karmapa Office of Administration adamantly denies the baseless fabrications touted by some media claiming that His Holiness the Karmapa is a Chinese spy or agent. Specifically, reports have circulated recently claiming that His Holiness the Karmapa has acquired lands along the Sino-Indian border. We state categorically that His Holiness owns no such property whatsoever, nor does the Karmapa Office of Administration. Additionally, some reports cite an unnamed source claiming that the Enforcement Directorate seized Chinese SIM cards and possess records of conversations between His Holiness the Karmapa and Chinese government officials. Such inaccurate reports constitute fiction masquerading as journalism and slander one of the most highly revered figures in Tibetan Buddhism. Therefore, the Karmapa Office of Administration respectfully requests these media sources to cease and desist its defamation of character of His Holiness the Karmapa.
We reiterate that the presence of Chinese Yuan among the 20-plus other currencies found by police has been put forward by some media stories as indicative of spy activity. In response to this preposterous claim, we wish to point out that the currency used in Tibet is the Chinese Yuan, and therefore Tibetans from Tibet often make donations in Yuan, as do Buddhists from mainland China. We further stress that the donations in Yuan formed less than 10% of the total cash amount. The notes came in multiple denominations, ranging from one-Yuan notes upward, clearly reflecting their origin as donation from multiple individual sources. Some of the Yuan were new notes bundled together, reflecting a practice among Chinese and other cultures of offering only new currency notes to high abbots or spiritual leaders. Furthermore, disciples from Chinese cultures often visit India in groups, pool their offerings and make a single collective donation. The Karmapa Office of administration maintains records of all visitors who receive private audience with His Holiness the Karmapa, and these lists record numerous groups of individuals visiting together from Tibet as well as from mainland China.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama has publicly expressed his confidence in His Holiness the Karmapa. The Tibetan government itself unequivocally demonstrated its support of His Holiness the Karmapa, who is the revered head of a 900-year old order within Tibetan Buddhism. Members of groups across Tibetan society have voiced unwavering support for His Holiness the Karmapa. His Holiness himself stated yesterday in public that he had faith in the Indian rule of law and that the truth will prevail in time. He emphasized that India is a second homeland to Tibetans.
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His Holiness the Karmapa address his devotees, February 2, 2011
His Holiness the Karmapa addressed a huge gathering of supporters this afternoon, acknowledging the difficult situation and stating that he trusts that the matter will be cleared in time. His Holiness further contrasted the rule of law in India to the system of communist China, calling India a second homeland for Tibetans. In a show of solidarity with His Holiness, the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of the Tibetan government-in-exile, Dolma Gyari and seven other members of the Tibetan government shared the stage with His Holiness while he spoke.
The comments marked the first time that His Holiness the Karmapa has spoken publicly since the investigation began. His Holiness was speaking at the behest of several thousand Tibetan supporters who had staged a march from the residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in McLeod Ganj to His Holiness the Karmapa’s residence in the Kangra valley, a march of several hours. Shops were closed in McLeod Ganj, as virtually the entire Tibetan town joined the 20-km march to support His Holiness the Karmapa. The organizers of the march, leaders of the Free Tibet movement, specified that it was not a protest, explaining that they were not opposing anyone, but merely showing their unequivocal confidence and trust in His Holiness the Karmapa.
“We usually hold public audiences on Wednesdays and Saturdays,” said His Holiness the Karmapa. “Today, so many people have gathered to show their love, sincere intentions and support, and I want to especially thank you and express my heartfelt gratitude. We are now facing such a situation, which has arisen due to misunderstandings and mistakes, that it has even caused concern to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
“India has become a second homeland to Tibetans. We all have taken refuge and settled here. India, in contrast to communist China, is a free country, a democratic country that is based on the rule of law. Therefore I trust that things will improve and the truth will become clear in time. So please be at ease. There is no need to worry.
“You have all borne hardship to come here under this hot sun, and I thank you for that too. It seems there are too many people here today to receive you individually. You can see me from there and I can see you, so perhaps there is no need to give individual blessings.”
Along with the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Dolma Gyari, sharing the stage in a show of their support for His Holiness the Karmapa were the following members of the Parliament of the Tibetan government-in-exile: Geshe Monlam Tharsi, Sonam Damdul, Sherab Tharchin, Tsering Youdon, Nawang Lhamo and Dawa Tsering.
His Holiness was confident and serene at all times while speaking. Since the investigation began, His Holiness has continued to receive visitors and participate in a major annual ritual cycle taking place, while also offering his full cooperation to the investigation.
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Karmapa's Office of Administration Responds to Media Reports Regarding Various Baseless Allegations, February 1, 2011
We would like to categorically state again that the allegations being levelled against His Holiness the Karmapa and his administration are grossly speculative and without any foundation in the truth whatsoever.
We can confirm that under 5 Crores (USD 1 million) was taken by the authorities from the Monastery. This sum represents unsolicited donations that have been made by the followers of His Holiness the Karmapa from around the world to enable the substantial social and spiritual programmes of the Karma Kagyu order. Our administration has sought to acquire clearance since 2002 to deposit cash donations under the Foreign Currencies Regulation Act of India. Until the necessary permissions are granted, the Monastery diligently recorded and stored the currency on its own premises. We are currently in the process of providing this evidence to the authorities.
As for the Chinese currency, we would like to stress that His Holiness the Karmapa has a large and devoted following of Tibetans from Tibet and of Buddhists from the Chinese mainland who make offerings in the Yuan. The Yuan found constitutes less than 10% of the cash in question, which included currency from over 20 countries. Moreover, the Yuan seized by police include notes ranging from 1 Yuan to larger denominations, clearly indicating that they come from multiple, individual sources.
It is also important to underscore that the Karmapa Office of Administration was formed to allow the Karmapas to devote their time and energy to their roles as spiritual leaders. The Office manages all the worldly affairs of His Holiness the Karmapa, including handling the donations and administering the finances. In this way, His Holiness the Karmapa is left free to fulfil his solemn duties as spiritual guide to a large, respected Buddhist order.
We are glad to notice that the media and public no longer pays credence to the allegations that His Holiness the Karmapa maintains links with arms of the Chinese Government to counteract the Free Tibet Movement and associated causes. His Holiness the Dalai Lama furnished the final word on this issue when he underlined that this allegation was absolutely false, that he knew His Holiness the Karmapa to be an exceptionally devout and spiritual man and that our order would be exonerated of all allegations and charges by this any kind of investigation or probe. His Holiness the Karmapa is very grateful for the refuge given to him by the people and Government of India, and has nothing but the best interests at heart for the country that is the home of his faith and that has allowed him to practice his faith freely for many years.
Regarding allegations of improper land deals, His Holiness the Karmapa has been hosted in a temporary residence in Dharamsala since 2000. As the premises belong to another Tibetan Buddhist order, the Karmae Garchen Trust has sought to purchase land and build a new residence and monastery since 2007. When the Trust identified suitable land in 2010, it informed the office of the District Collector of Dharamsala and sought their approval to proceed with the purchase. The application was accompanied by a strong letter of support from the Central Tibetan Administration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The trust obtained 'no-objection certificate' from the Town and Country Planning Department of the Himachal Pradesh Government, indicating state government approval to proceed with the plans for purchase.
Mr. Ashutosh and Mr. Sanjay, the two men arrested for carrying INR 1 Crore, were acting on behalf of the seller of this land. The money they were carrying was partial payment for this land that had received all necessary preliminary approvals from relevant Government Departments. The seller of the land had insisted on payment in cash. Acquiring capital assets through cash payments is perfectly legal in India. The order had received this cash in the form of donations primarily at the yearend puja in Bodh Gaya, Bihar.
Finally, we would like to thank the many thousands of individuals across the world who have come out to express their solidarity with His Holiness the Karmapa and our order through peaceful candlelight vigils, sympathetic messages on the web, and their prayers.
We will continue to supply as much information as is available and as regularly as possible. However, our first priority remains to cooperate fully with the investigations underway.
For press inquiries:
Spokespersons
Karma Topden
Former Indian Ambassador to Mongolia,
Former Member of Parliament
Adviser to Karmapa Office of Administration
Deki Chungyalpa
Adviser to Karmapa Office of Administration
koapress@gmail.com
(91) 8894 502 910
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Karmapa's Office of Administration Responds to Media Reports Regarding Various Baseless Allegations, January 29, 2011
We would like to categorically state that the allegations being levelled against the Karmapa and his administration are grossly speculative and without foundation in the truth. Everyone who knows the history of our lineage, our struggle and His Holiness' life is very surprised by the allegations.
We categorically deny having any link whatsoever with any arm of the Chinese Government. The Karmapa has a deep affection for the people of this great country of India where he has been practicing his faith for years. We have had a long and positive working relationship with the democratic Government of India that has always demonstrated great tolerance of cultural expression and diverse beliefs.
We have followers in a large number of countries who have placed their trust and faith in us and, through their individual donations, enabled the sect to undertake substantial programmes of public service that have benefitted many thousands in India and abroad.
Monasteries across the world accept offerings from devotees in various forms-there is nothing surprising, new or irregular in this. . A representative of HH the Dalai Lama's office underlined this yesterday. The cash in question under the current investigation by the police is offerings received for charitable purposes from local and international disciples from many different countries wishing to support His Holiness' various charitable activities. Any suggestion that these offerings were to be used for illegal purposes is libellous.
At this point, about the Chinese currency we can say that his Holiness has a large following of Tibetans from Tibet who make donations in Chinese currency. The fact is that His Holiness the Karmapa has millions of followers around the world, who hold him in the highest esteem and reverence. All our dealings across the world are honest and completely transparent-anything else would be contrary to the Buddhist principals that we live by.
Because the Gyalwang Karmapa resides in temporary quarters in Dharamsala, his Office of Administration has been seeking to build a monastery as a permanent residence for His Holiness. This project is clearly subject to Indian government approval. The Gyalwang Karmapa's office has kept the relevant Indian government agencies fully informed of its recent plans to purchase suitable land. The potential site was evaluated and cleared by the appropriate governmental offices. The negotiations to purchase the land are still in progress, have been reported to the Indian authorities, and are completely above board.
I can confirm that Shakti Lama was taken into custody yesterday but we are confident of his release very shortly, as soon as we provide the law with the answers they are looking for. I can also confirm that HH the Karmapa has made himself fully available for questioning by the officers concerned.
We will supply as much information as available, as regularly as possible but would also like to state that our first priority is to cooperate fully with the investigations underway.
Issued by Karmapa Office of Administration
29.1.2011
Dharamsala, HP
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Karmapa's Office of Administration Responds to Media Reports Regarding Various Baseless Allegations, January 28, 2011
Our lineage and His Holiness the Karmapa enjoy the love, trust and faith of millions across the world. We have a rich history of public service made possible through financial dealings that are entirely transparent. We will certainly answer all questions that the press and the public have, but for now we respectfully request you to allow us to concentrate on complying fully with the investigation that is underway.
Karma Chungyalpa
Dy. General Secretary and Spokesperson,
Karmapa Office of Administration
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