On August 18th, 2000 there will be an International Karma Kagyu meeting-taking place in Dharamsala, India. This is to inform you that 22 high Karma Kagyu Rinpoches, 19 Karma Kagyu Khenpos (abbots), 85 Karma Kagyu retreat masters, over 2000 Karma Kagyu monks and nuns from 35 monasteries and 300 Karma Kagyu centers will not be participating in this "international" meeting. The above-listed Rinpoches, Khenpos, retreat masters, monastic and centers all unanimously support Trinlay Thaye Dorje as the 17th Karmapa and respect Shamarpa as the leader of the Karma Kagyu Lineage next in authority to the Karmapa.

This is not an unofficial, rebellious group. In fact we are committed to preserving and protecting the 900 year-old tradition and identity of the lineage - a tradition which has been independent of any authority outside the lineage.

We ask that in all references to the upcoming meeting in Dharamsala that you mention, in the interest of accurate reporting, the vast number of Rinpoches, Khenpos, monks, nuns and practitioners who are not participating.

Attached please find the list of names and signatures of 22 Rinpoches and highly teaches of the Karma Kagyu traditions that support Karmapa Thaye Dorje and will not be attending the upcoming meeting. All of these Rinpoches and teachers are living outside of China-controlled Tibet.

Reincarnated Rinpoches and Highly Respected Teachers of the Karma Kagyu

Senior and Junior Khenpos of the Karma Kagyu

TO H.H. SHAMARPA, SUPREME HOLDER OF THE KARMA KAGYU LINEAGE

We, the undersigned, approach you with respect to express our heartfelt appreciation for your efforts in establishing the true reincarnation of the Karmapa and to request that you transmit the teachings, empowerment etc. Of the Golden Kagyu Lineage to him.

You have attained Buddha, the enlightened state, many eons ago and you have continued to accomplish the welfare of sentient beings manifesting in different ways. Your kindness in leading others to liberation from Samsara is invaluable, even to fill the world with precious substances cannot equal that kindness. We pray that your life-span may equal that of Buddha Amitabha, you who have conquered unfavorable conditions detrimental to the well-being of others.

In particular, we want to express our gratitude for you recognizing and enthroning the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, Trinley Thaye Dorje. Also, we are immensely grateful for your continuing efforts in transmitting the Dharmas of the Karma Kagyu Lineage.

We, the disciples of the late Karmapa Rangjung Rigpa'i Dorje, have been able to meet with and receive teachings from his reincarnation because of your efforts.

Also, we are convinced that those who, in the present, have taken the wrong path wikk cme to realize this and enter your fold.

H.H. the 16th Karmapa empowered you as the holder of the Karma Kagyu Lineage, writing, "I empower the Shamarpa as the holder of the Karma Kagyu Doctrine". You have upheld this status according to its principles and we request you to continue to do so, so that the Karma Kagyu Lineage will spread to all corners of the world. We, in this life and in all our rebirths, without the slightest hesitation resolve to accomplish your instructions.

We, request that you take complete charge of Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje as to imparting transmissions of teachings and empowerment, procedures of rituals, general education in language and so on etc.

We thus pray that your aspirations to bring about the happiness of all sentient beings are accomplished.

We the undersigned who have firm devotion and respect for the Karmapa and Shamarpa pray that we will remain under your protection.

Reincarnated Rinpoches and Highly Respected Teachers of the Karma Kagyu outside of China-controlled Tibet who support Karmapa Thaye Dorje and the independence of the Karma Kagyu Tradition.

* These Rinpoches are very powerful in the Himalayas and other countries and represent many monasteries and thousands of disciples in that region.