The Kindness of the Dalai Lama (1961 – 1992)
A summary and reference guide to some of the publicly disclosed communications from and to His Holiness the Dalai Lama regarding the discovery and recognition of the Karmapa.

In Tibet: Confirmation by the Dalai Lama

Initial Communication with preliminary confirmation: (June 9, 1992)
Since His Holiness the Dalai Lama was in Brazil when the 17th Karmapa was found in Tibet, information was faxed to His Holiness in Brazil, whose office issued a provisional statment that His Holiness had confirmed the identity of the 17th Karmapa based on evidence of the search party.

In Tibet: Confirmation by the Dalai Lama
Reference: The Kindness of the Dalai Lama

Objection Letter (June 17, 1992)
After the discovery of His Holiness the 17th Karmapa and provisional confirmation by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in June of 1992, Shamar Rinpoche announced his opposition to the manner of recognition of the 17th Karmapa and that he would not accept the Sacred Testament of the 16th Karmapa. In the referenced letter, Shamar Rinpoche announced that his demands were “suspended,” but he continued to voice his objections when he met with the Dalai Lama on June 29, 1992. The Dalai Lama issued his official confirmation after considering Shamar Ripoche’s objection.

Reference: The Kindness of the Dalai Lama

Finald confirmation: The Buktham Rinpoche (June 30, 1992)
His Holiness the Dalai Lama issued the Buktham Rinpoche, the formal seal of approval and confirmation recognizing His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa.

In Tibet: Confirmation by the Dalai Lama
Reference: The Kindness of the Dalai Lama

Brief Advice of the Dalai Lama (June 30, 1992)
“In Tibetan, there is a proverb that says where there is great Dharma, there is immense Mara, and so there has been a little disharmony and some difficult situations, but these do not have great importance.” Remarks by His Holiness the Dalai Lama upon the occasion of his official confirmation of the 17th Karmapa.

Reference: The Kindness of the Dalai Lama

Special Official Notification (July 23, 1992)
The Office of the Dalai Lama released a special nofication concluding: “Thus, His Holiness the Dalai Lama granted his final seal of approval and recognition to the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa. not randomly or hastily for any reason, but after satisfying himself by means of hearing a series of reports from all those concerned; studying and paying due consideration to the overall matter; and reconfirming the final indications with exclusive traditional examinations.”

In Tibet: Confirmation by the Dalai Lama
Reference: The Kindness of the Dalai Lama