The Dalai Lama’s clarification
concerning his position
with respect to the ‘Karmapas’ controversy

His Holiness the Dalai Lama granted an audience with a limited delegation of the FBT (Fédération du Bouddhisme Tibétain) on Sunday 24th September 2000 at 1pm in His Holiness’ private apartment at Lerab Ling, France, with the assistance of Mathieu Ricard as translator. Amongst those present at this audience were Tenzin Geshe (his private secretary) and Kutsang Yuthok (the Dalai Lama’s representative for France, Benelux and Spain, and for the FBT committee members.)

The following passage is an extract from the written account of this audience.

"(...) Now comes the important question for which we all seek clarification from His Holiness - that of the presence of two reincarnations of the Karmapa; in particular the internal organisation and running of the FBT is conditioned by this matter.

His Holiness replies that this matter has two aspects : the first being the practice of Buddhism, which is not brought into question by any of the centres whatsoever; the second concerning the recognition of a reincarnation, where each person has the freedom of their individual choice.

Consequently it is the duty of the FBT to accommodate all the centres and practitioners of Buddhism."

Certain factions of the media attempt to impose a message implying that the Dalai Lama accepts only one Karmapa.

The clarification made on 24th September 2000 contrasts radically with this position and constitutes a call to order for those who are still tempted to use the Dalai Lama’s image to affirm one Karmapa’s authenticity to the detriment of another.

We are delighted that the position of the Dalai Lama and the position developed by Dhagpo Kagyu Ling and its related centres are in complete agreement : namely in respecting the choice of spiritual master that each individual wishes to follow.