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Translation of the original text in Tibetan

Lettre de Dharamsala le 30 Mars 1994 Department of Information and International Relations

Kashag´s statement on the reincarnation of Gyalwa Karmapa

Kyabje Tai Situ Rinpoche and Kyabje Gyaltsab Rinpoche visited Dharamsala specifically to inform His Holiness the Dalai Lama about the reincarnation of the XVI. Gyalwa Karmapa Rigpal Dorjee. They had an audience with His Holiness during which they explained how Tai Situ Rinpoche got the late Karmapa´s letter and the discovery of a boy born in the Wood-Bull year to Karma Thondup Tashi and Loga in a nomadic village near the Lathok Karlek monastery in Tibet, corresponding to the directions in the letter. The Rinpoches supplicated to His Holiness for his approval of this boy as the reincarnation of the Gyalwa Karmapa. On June 30, 1992, the 30th of the fourth month in the Tibetan Water-Monkey year, His Holiness the Dalai Lama gave his approval letter. Detailed statements on this have been released by the Department of Religion & Culture as well as by the Department of Information & International Relations.

However, recently on account of a lack of understanding of the real issue, doubts have been created among a section of officials and the public. Similarly, distorted reportings have appeared in the Indian press saying that His Holiness the Dalai Lama has withdrawn his approval to the reincarnation of the Gyalwa Karmapa. This has created unnecessary doubts and uneasiness in the community. If the public does not understand the issue clearly and is misled by rumours it would undermine our unity. It could also provide an opportunity to current Chinese activities and policy of destroying the unity in the Tibetan society.

Thus, to reiterate: His Holiness the Dalai Lama has clearly given his approval to the young reincarnation who is presently in Tsurphu. This fact should be understood clearly by the general public so that there is peace and stability in our community at this current critical period.

Sd. Tenzin Namgyal Tethong Chairman of the Kashag

Dharamsala, March 30, 1994.