SOME NEWS

A Karma Kagyu International Conference took place on March 16 and 17, 2001 in Kathmandu, Nepal, with Khempo Tchödrak Rinpoche and Nyendo Rinpoche chairing the meeting. Many lamas, monks and lay people from 23 countries, representing more than 500 centres and monasteries around the world, attended the meeting.

Various group discussions were held, and participants in general had the opportunity to get to know each other in a warm and friendly atmosphere, which will foster a closer relationship within the Kagyupa community.

In the course of the two-day meeting, agreement was reached and action taken on the following points:

The International Karma Kagyu Organization (IKKO) was formed, with its headquarters in New Delhi, India. The Organization will be in charge of coordinating the dissemination of information among the various Karma Kagyu centers as well as of coordinating decisions regarding the whole school. Under the authority of H.H. Shamar Rinpoche, the IKKO will act in the name of all centers and monasteries forming its membership.

The delegates reaffirmed the independence of the Karma Kagyu lineage and their opposition to any external interference in the internal affairs of the lineage. An open letter on this subject is to be addressed to H.H. the Dalai Lama.

In the matter of the recognition of the 17^th Karmapa, a request was presented to H.H. Shamar Rinpoche for him to continue in his efforts to have the alleged "prediction letter" of Situ Rinpoche submitted to an independent and official test of authenticity.

Participants in the conference expressed their unanimous and sincere gratitude to H.H. Shamar Rinpoche for his untiring efforts - past and present - in preserving the authenticity of the Karma Kagyu school. A request was submitted to Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche to pass on the authentic transmission of the Karma Kagyu Lineage to His Holiness The Gyalwa Karmapa, Trinlay Thaye Dorje, as well as to devotees in general.