(9 December, 2011) In the light of the recent media reports, Karmapa’s Office of Administration wishes to reassure His Holiness the Karmapa’s disciples in India and around the world and the concerned public that as of today we have received no court orders. The matter remains under judicial consideration and we cannot therefore comment further at this stage.
Since the outset of the investigations, His Holiness’ office of administration has been co-operating fully with the investigating agencies. We had provided them with full documents and details regarding the case. During this entire process, His Holiness the Karmapa was never at any point called or examined by the investigating agency. His Holiness has no involvement, direct or indirect, in the financial administration or managing the day-to-day affairs of the office or trust.
The cash seized earlier this year came from donations offered by disciples from around the world who come to see His Holiness and pay their respects to him, often leaving behind cash donations. This cash is managed by the Karmapa Office of Administration. That office has been actively seeking permission under the Foreign Currency Regulation Act (FCRA), and their application is still pending before the Government of India.
The Karmapa reincarnation lineage has a 900-year history of engaging in a vast range of spiritual activities, from teaching Dharma to rigorous meditation to composing philosophical texts. The Tsurphu Labrang, known now as the Karmapa Office of Administration, has existed for hundreds of years to allow the Karmapas to devote their time and energy to their role as spiritual leaders. It manages all the worldly affairs of the Karmapa, including handling the donations and administering the finances. In this way, the Karmapa has been left free to fulfill his solemn duties as spiritual guide to millions of followers and leader of a worldwide Buddhist order.
Contact details: Press Spokesperson Karma Chungyalpa (91) 9736696066
