by The Chronicles
February 2, 2006
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The Current Situation (TCS), as it was known, grew into a bitter dispute that seemed unresolvable, and over the course of the next three years, generated a flurry of letters and official statements, several of which are presented on this page.
In late November 1988, rumors began to circulate that the Vajra Regent Osel Tendzin was sick with AIDS and that he may have infected a sangha member with HIV. Regardless of your point of view on the issues, the turmoil that followed was excruciating and heartbreaking.
Many sangha members called for the Regent to step down, and many others expressed their support of the Regent's continued leadership.
The Current Situation (TCS), as it was known, grew into a bitter dispute that seemed unresolvable, and over the course of the next three years, generated a flurry of letters and official statements, several of which are presented on this page. Most of these letters and documents were widely circulated at the time. But the last three—Karl Springer's letter to Khyentse Rinpoche in July 1991, and Khyentse Rinpoche's letters in reply to Karl Springer and Patrick Sweeney a few weeks later—have only recently come to light and are presented here for the first time in a public format.
Khyentse Rinpoche died just seven weeks after these letters were sent. Before his death, he left copies with one of his students for safekeeping and said that they might be useful someday. Last summer (2005) these letters made their way to North America, where they passed through several hands before finding their way to the Chronicles.
***
December 29, 1988
Statement to the Vajra Regent Osel Tendzin
from the Vajradhatu Board of Directors
Statement to the Vajra Regent Osel Tendzin
by Vajradhatu Board of Directors: David I. Rome, Loppon Lodro Dorje (Eric Holm), Jeremy J. Hayward W.O.G.S., Kenneth H. Green O.G.S., John W. Roper O.G.S., Charles G. Leif O.G.S., Samuel Bercholz O.G.S., Michael A. Root, Mitchell M. Levy, Kasung Dapon James J. Gimian, Kasung Dapon Martin Janowitz
December 29, 1988
VAJRADHATU
Buddhist Church of Canada
L’Eglise Buddhiste de Canada
Board of Directors:
Vidyadhara the Venerable Chogyam Trungpa, President
Vajra Regent Osel Tendzin, Executive Vice President
David I. Rome, Executive Secretary
Lodro Dorje Holm, Head of Practice and Study
Samuel Bercholz, James M. Gimian, Kenneth H. Green, Jeremy J. Hayward, Martin Janowitz, Mitchell M. Levy, Charles G. Lief, Michael A. Root, John W. Roper, Karl G. Springer, Ronald C. Stubbert
Vajradhatu U.S.A.
1345 Spruce Street
Boulder, Colorado 80302
Vajradhatu Europe
Zwetschenweg 23
3550 Marburg Germany
Major Centers
Karma Dzong
1084 Tower Road
Halifax
Nova Scotia B3H 2Y5
Gampo Abbey
Pleasant Bay
Nova Scotia B0E 2P0
Dharmadhatus
Edmonton, Alb.
Montreal, P.Q.
Nelson, B.C.
Ottowa, Ont.
Vancouver, B.C.
An Ontario Non-Profit Corporation
STATEMENT TO THE VAJRA REGENT OSEL TENDZIN
The three jewels, gurus of the lineage, herukas, dakinis, dharmapalas, lokapalas, guide us, inspire us.
Sir, at this time the future of our sangha and the continuation of the Vidyadhara's teachings are in great danger because of your actions.
You have engaged in unprotected sexual activity after knowing you had HIV disease and AIDS illness, with individuals whom you did not inform of your condition.
You have used your position as Vajra Regent in order to induce others to fulfill your sexual desires.
Also, you have in our view engaged in the three main symptoms of corruption described in the Court Vision:
"The first is pleasure-seeking, love of luxury and sexual indulgence; the second is love of power and indulgence in the abuse of one's subordinates; the third is infatuation with one's charisma and intelligence."
These violations have become the source of great pain, confusion, and loss of heart in our sangha. You have lost the trust and confidence of your colleagues, the Directors of Vajradhatu and the Nalanda Foundation, and of a large number of students of the Vidyadhara. Even now, your attempt to continue in power is causing further pain and divisiveness in our world. By all these transgressions, you have clearly violated your oath as Director of the First Class of Vajradhatu.
Therefore, as Directors of Vajradhatu and the Nalanda Foundation and as Ministers of the Realm empowered by the Vidyadhara and bound by our oaths to him - and also as your vajra brothers, fellow students and friends - we find it necessary to clearly censure all these violations - both to yourself and to the sangha. We find that for the spiritual welfare and psychological well-being of our communities, in order not to encourage factions and divisions in the sangha, and to provide the best opportunity for the continuation of the Vidyadhara's teachings it would be best for you to voluntarily withdraw yourself at this time from all activities of leadership, teaching and administration in the spheres of Vajradhatu, the Nalanda Foundation and the Kingdom of Shambhala.
Acknowledging our appreciation for your generosity and great service in the past, to the dharma and to the sangha, we make this statement with sadness.
We pledge our continuing support for your personal welfare and that of your family.
With humility and deep devotion to the dharma and the Great Eastern Sun vision, for the sake of all beings, this statement has been composed and agreed to at Dorje Dzong, Halifax, on the 29th day of December, 1988.
(Signatures)
David I. Rome
Loppon Lodro Dorje (Eric Holm)
Jeremy J. Hayward W.O.G.S.
Kenneth H. Green O.G.S.
John W. Roper O.G.S.
Charles G. Leif O.G.S.
Samuel Bercholz O.G.S.
Michael A. Root
Mitchell M. Levy
Kasung Dapon James J. Gimian
Kasung Dapon Martin Janowitz
This letter from the Board, which asks VROT to step down, is the first official document of the turmoil. Because the board operated by consensus, and because individual members had very different points of view about what action to take, this letter was a hard-won compromise. Although its existence and intent were widely known in the community at the time, the letter itself was never made public.
***
January 17, 1989
Letter to the Sangha
from the Vajra Regent ösel Tendzin
Letter to the Vajradhatu Board of Directors
by The Vajra Regent Osel Tendzin
January 17, 1989
THE KALAPA HOUSE
17 January 1989
Dear Members of the Noble Sangha:
I am delighted to be able to write to you to express my appreciation for your courage and devotion. The way you have handled yourselves during this difficult time is a mark of the power of the teachings and of your own intelligence. Although many obstacles may still cloud our vision, they are all temporary. I have great confidence that the strength of our practice will enable us to cut through any and all of these.
During this upheaval I have never lost faith in my guru, and I have relied solely on his blessings to be able to act properly. Although the faults of myself and others are the cause of this apparent confusion, this situation has provided a means for purifying whatever negative karma has been accumulated. As Lord Buddha said, there is no fault so grievous that it cannot be purified, and as the Vidyadhara Trungpa, Rinpoche himself said, “Whatever occurs in the confused mind is regarded as the path; everything is workable. It is a fearless proclamation, the lion’s roar.”
At present there are individuals in the sangha who would like me to remove myself from the sphere of Vajradhatu and Nalanda Foundation. If I were to do such a thing it would violate the oath I took with my guru, and it would also violate my heart. I intend to continue in my activities with humble dedication to fulfilling the Vidyadhara’s wishes.
As to my current plans, I have decided to return to retreat to continue my practice. There have been various indications that if I do so my health will improve. My fundamental conviction is that in working with disease, dharma is the best medicine. Many students have requested that I grant the Abhiseka of Vajrayogini and lead the Vajradhatu Seminary as scheduled. Whether I do so will depend on my health. The main point now is for everyone to practice without complications so that we can fulfill our goals.
I have always considered all of you my friends, my dharma brothers and sisters. I have great affection and love for you and nothing but sincere wishes for your long life, prosperity, and success on the path. I would like to reaffirm my commitment to working with you in upholding the command of the victorious ones and in particular of the glorious piercing light of sanity, the Vidyadhara, Chogyam Trungpa, Rinpoche. Please stay well and practice with a hard and soft mind.
All my love to you.
With blessings,
The Vajra Regent Osel Tendzin
A few weeks later, the Regent sends this message to the sangha. In it he says that there are individuals in the sangha who would like him to remove himself from office, but there is no reference to the Board’s statement. He says that doing so would “violate the oath I took with my guru, and it would also violate my heart.”
***
October 17, 1989
Letter to the Sangha
from His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
Letter to the Entire Adhatu Sangha
by Ven. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
October 17, 1989
TO THE ENTIRE ADHATU SANGHA
I have recently learned that the conflicts occurring within the Vajradhatu Sangha have still not been resolved. This has caused me great concern and I am very much unhappy that these problems continue.
As I have communicated to you earlier, it is my deep conviction that the Vajra Regent Osel Tendzin was carefully appointed by Trungpa Rinpoche and was confirmed by His Holiness Karmapa. It is my feeling that all students having had a connection with Trungpa Rinpoche should respect his appointment and in this way follow Trungpa Rinpoche’s instructions.
If they follow the Regent’s instructions that is good, since in doing so that is serving Trungpa Rinpoche. Trungpa Rinpoche appointed the Regent knowing his capacities and seeing completely his capabilities to continue his lineage. Those who are experiencing difficulties following the Regent now should realize that it is necessary to do so in order to follow Trungpa Rinpoche’s instructions.
Everyone is aware that Vajradhatu is quite well-known for its grandness and for how well organized it is. Among the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism it is one of the biggest and most highly regarded organizations and it has taken great Bodhisattva activities to create this. You should all realize that because of your own problems you may be damaging the Sangha that Trungpa Rinpoche created.
As for officials of Vajradhatu who were appointed by Trungpa Rinpoche the purpose of this was so that you would take responsibility for his teachings to flourish. Following the leadership of the Regent as you were instructed to by Trungpa Rinpoche will be only the way to sustain Vajradhatu.
To help all of you, Trungpa Rinpoche put each of his centers under the care of different protectors and Dharmapalas. By going against that which benefits the centers, obstacles and difficulties may be encountered.
I am giving this advice not because of my partiality but simply because this is the only way to benefit and continue the Sangha and because of my deep commitment to Trungpa Rinpoche which you all know very well.
You are constantly in my thoughts and you should all continue to do the practices I have advised in order to overcome present obstacles.
With Blessings:
H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
Writing to the community at the request of the Regent and Karl Springer, His Holiness says, “Those who are experiencing difficulties following the Regent now should realize that it is necessary to do so …”. This unequivocal message was met with simultaneous rejoicing and despair, and provoked the Board of Directors to send its own delegation to meet with Khyentse Rinpoche, Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, and other prominent Kagyu and Nyingma teachers in Asia.
***
November 28, 1989
Letter to the Sangha
from the Vajra Regent ösel Tendzin
Letter to Vajradhatu Board of Directors
by Vajra Regent Osel Tendzin
November 28, 1989
VAJRADHATU
An Association of Buddhist Meditation Centers
28 November 1989
Dear Vajradhatu Sangha Member:
It was in January that I last addressed all of you. At that time, I informed you of my plans for retreat and requested everybody to continue with the practice and study of the dharma as given to us by the Vidyadhara, Chogyam Trungpa, Rinpoche. It has been a turbulent year. In some sense, the turbulence has expressed the naked and raw quality of our emotions, and at the same time has, in my mind, provided deeper access to understanding fully our own commitment. Some of this has been extremely embarrassing. However, as we have been taught, shedding the fortification of ego is not only embarrassing but painful.
Now it appears to me that it is time for all of us to take some definite steps to go forward, personally and as a sangha. It is time for us to re-examine as thoroughly as we can our practice and our place in this life. We all have a particular seat. We all have our innate worth. However, only the dharma can bring about that kind of equanimity and understanding.
Fortunately, the Vidyadhara was ruthless in working with his own students in this respect: he did not hand people solutions, did not provide baby food to grownups, and was constantly warning all of us of the dangers of spiritual materialism, self-made gurus, and spiritual trips. In this way he created Vajradhatu to carry on the authentic dharma which is not based on ego and the deceptions of mara. He let every one of us live out our karma in the context of a larger vision and a larger world. For that we should be eternally grateful.
How shall we now proceed to fulfill the Vidyadhara’s wishes and to fulfill our own lives? First of all, I feel that it is necessary for all of us to abandon ill will and negativity toward each other. Sometimes thoughts become so vivid that they stick in the mind like real entities. And as we might have experienced in our practice, no matter what we do, it is hard to dissolve them. Even if we practice all the different techniques, sometimes we still cling to negative feelings and emotions. Therefore, I feel we must practice as Milarepa did when encountering the demons in his cave. After trying all the techniques he could think of, he finally embraced the demons and said, “All rights, let’s play together.”
Please understand that I am not advocating some kind of love and light approach to the strong or bitter feelings we might have. I am not advocating lip service as practice. We must do this – for our own happiness and for the teachings to continue. There is no other way. If we carry with us even the slightest suspicion which could produce hatred, then we will find ourselves living in the hell realm, when our intention is to practice the dharma.
As for myself, I hold no grudges toward anyone, nor do I wish to see anyone suffer because of anything I may do or have done. At the same time, it is supremely important that all of us understand clearly the reality of cause and effect, so that we can impartially contemplate how situations such as this occur, and how they can be boycotted, as Rinpoche used to say. Panic brings about fear, fear brings about frozen space. Frozen space brings about the appearance of ego. It was my feeling a year ago and it is my feeling now that if we would not have panicked, but actually stuck together as a family, as a sangha, we could have boycotted the tremendous upheaval that occurred, and at the same time made great progress in our understanding. Since this process of ego is continually going on, we undoubtedly will have a chance to work on this again. However, we might as well start fresh right now.
I have been working on my health, with the help of the guru’s blessing and the blessings of the late Very Venerable Kalu, Rinpoche and of course His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse, Rinpoche, and also Trogawa, Rinpoche. Sometimes I feel great, sometimes not so good. Even so, I feel it is time once again for me to take up active leadership of Vajradhatu and the Nalanda Foundation, and depending on my health, give the various teachings that are necessary for people to progress along the path. Therefore, I would like to announce my intention to grant the Vajrayogini Abisheka in late May at Karme Choling, and to preside over the 1990 Vajradhatu Seminary at Rocky Mountain Dharma Center. Everyone will be kept informed with regard to the technicalities such as application forms, etc. Those are the teaching commitments that I would like to make at this time. I will stay on retreat until then.
Finally, I would like to make it completely clear as to my understanding of lineage and especially what was given to me as sacred trust by the Vidyadhara. As I have said, all of us have a place in this mandala, and none is higher or worth more or lower or worth less than any other. Nevertheless, in order for karma to ripen, in order for the dharma to bear fruit, there must be one lineage holder in whom resides the spiritual and temporal authority to say “Yes” or “No”. That karma has fallen to me. The samaya of my relationship to my own duty for me is beyond good and bad, success and failure. And having been warned over and over again by the Vidyadhara about the dangers of democracy, I must reiterate the nature of this command. At the same time, everyone is invited into the boiling pot of chaos which is our world. Everybody is appreciated for who they are. So the real middle way is neither authoritarian nor democratic, but simple the natural hierarchy based on the blessings of the Buddha and the Victorious Lineage.
In conclusion, I would like to wish everybody excellent health, wonderful dharma experiences, and worldly success of all kinds. Keep smiling.
With Blessings,
Vajra Regent Osel Tendzin
These Regent reflects: “It was my feeling a year ago and it is my feeling now that if we would not have panicked, but actually stuck together as a family…we could have boycotted the tremendous upheaval that occurred…” He then goes on to announce his “intention to grant the Vajrayogini Abhisheka….and to preside over the 1990 Vajradhatu Seminary.”
***
February 15, 1990
Letter to the Sangha
from His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
Letter to the Sangha
by Ven. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
February 15, 1990
Ven. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
15/2/90
To the Sangha,
I have received many letters expressing the concerns of your community. Since I could not reply to everyone individually, I would like to convey here the fruit of my reflection.
I feel strongly that it is very important that the Vajra Regent do a strict retreat, starting with this New Year of the Horse, and at least for the duration of this year.
I suggest also that everyone close to Trungpa Rinpoche – such as representatives of the Regent, Lady Diana, the Board of Directors, the Sanyums, the Sawang (if his studies allow him to come), as well as old and new students who wish to attend – gather on the occasion of the anniversary of Trungpa Rinpoche’s parinirvana and perform together the Mahamudra sadhana for seven days. At the end of this period of intense practice and supplication, a meeting should be held with all the participants. By all means, out of this meeting, a constructive solution must be found to resolve the current conflicts.
Mutual understanding, loving-kindness, and harmony among the brothers and sisters who constitute your sangha is vital in order for everyone to progress in their practice and to preserve the work Trungpa Rinpoche accomplished in the course of many years for the benefit of beings.
I shall keep everyone in my prayers,
With all my best wishes and greetings for the coming Horse Year,
Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
After receiving further information about the conflict, His Holiness suggests very strongly that the Vajra Regent go into strict retreat. He also implores the sangha to gather together to practice the Sadhana of Mahamudra for seven days. He goes on to say, “By all means, out of this meeting, a constructive solution must be found to resolve the current conflicts.” This gathering never occurred.
***
August 26, 1990
Statement to the Sangha
from His Eminence Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche
Statement of His Eminence Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche to the Vajradhatu Sangha
by His Eminence Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche
August 26, 1990
KARME-CHOLING
Barnet, Vermont 05821 802-633-2384
Founded by the Vidyadhara, the Venerable Chogyam Trungpa, Rinpoche
STATEMENT OF HIS EMINENCE JAMGON KONGTRUL RINPOCHE TO THE VAJRADHATU SANGHA
Sunday, 26 August, 1990
First I would like to acknowledge the twentieth anniversary of the arrival of the Venerable Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche in North America and the founding of Karme-Choling. It is good for us to appreciate this today.
The Vajra Regent Osel Tendzin passed away last night. I would like to express my sorrow, and I send my thoughts to Lady Rich and the family of the Regent. The Vajra Regent received the lineage transmission from Trungpa Rinpoche, and he accomplished a great deal over many years in teaching dharma for the benefit of others. His exertion and accomplishment are worthy of respect and appreciation. Please let us join in a short period of meditation for the Vajra Regent.
I feel very sorry about the difficulties that the Vajradhatu sangha has been going through. His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and I met recently in France and talked about this. His Holiness and the Kagyu lineage holders are concerned about the future of Vajradhatu. Trungpa Rinpoche put a great effort into establishing the whole mandala; this must not be wasted. It is important that the sangha have clear direction in the future for the continuity of Trungpa Rinpoche’s teaching.
His Holiness and the Kagyu lineage holders are all in agreement that the Sawang Osel Rangtrol Mukpo should become the lineage holder of Vajradhatu. This is in keeping with the intention of Trungpa Rinpoche, who acknowledged the Sawang as head of the Shambhala lineage and wished him to take on such responsibility.
I communicated this to the Vajra Regent before my visit to see him in the hospital in California. The Regent acknowledged this and expressed his full support and blessings for the Sawang to become the leader of Vajradhatu.
In keeping with his father’s wish, the Sawang will continue his studies with His Holiness; he will also start to become more involved in teaching and administration for Vajradhatu. His Holiness and the Kagyu lineage holders will do our best to guide and help him with these responsibilities.
We feel strongly that this is the best way for Trungpa Rinpoche’s teaching to continue. We hope this will bring all of the Vajradhatu sangha together. We request that everyone support this, in order that the great work of Trungpa Rinpoche may flourish.
His Eminence expresses his sorrow at the Regent’s death the previous day. He goes on to say, “It is important that the sangha have clear direction in the future for the continuity of Trungpa Rinpoche’s teaching. His Holiness and the Kagyu lineage holders are all in agreement that the Sawang ösel Rangtrol Mukpo should become the lineage holder of Vajradhatu.”
***
August 26, 1990
Statement to the Sangha
from His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
Statement of His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche to the Vajradhatu Sangha
by His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
August 26, 1990
KARME-CHOLING
Barnet, Vermont 05821 802-633-2384
Founded by the Vidyadhara, the Venerable Chogyam Trungpa, Rinpoche
I was very sad to hear of the death of the Vajra Regent and would like to express my deep condolences to the whole Vajradhatu sangha. I am saying prayers and conducting ceremonies for him. It is of great concern to me that the important work begun by Trungpa Rinpoche should continue and develop in the best possible way. As Trunga Rinpoche’s eldest son, the Sawang knows very well how best to accomplish the wishes of his father, and I feel that in the present circumstances he should take on spiritual and administrative responsibility for the sangha founded by Trungpa Rinpoche.
My prayers are always with you all for the continued flourishing of the Vajradhatu community.
His Holiness expresses his deep condolences to the sangha on the death of the Vajra Regent. He says, “It is of great concern to me that the important work begun by Trungpa Rinpoche should continue and develop in the best possible way. As Trungpa Rinpoche’s eldest son, the Sawang knows very well how best to accomplish the wishes of his father…..”
***
July 29, 1991
Letter to His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
from Karl Springer
Letter to His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
by Karl Springer
July 29, 1991
His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
c/o Her Majesty Ashi Kusang
Dechen Choling Palace
Thimpu, Bhutan
29 July 1991
Your Holiness:
I hope this letter finds you in good health and excellent circumstances. I have heard from Chansur Ngodrup that Your Holiness is once again in retreat at Samtsen Choten and I remember it as a truly delightful place. It has been nine months since I last wrote to you and this time has been a difficult one in terms of my health. I am recovering very slowly and will enter hospital this week for an operation that may prove very helpful. I have spent this time in a sort of semi-retreat, spending virtually all of my time at home, seeing only a few close friends. My health has not permitted anything else. Fortunately my illness is not life-threatening, just painful, so through the Guru’s blessing I anticipate a full recovery.
Of course I have had no involvement at all in any kind of politics or struggle during this time which has been very beneficial for my health and my state of mind. I feel much more settled and simple than at any time before and my mind feels much clearer. I have given considerable thought and contemplation to everything that has occurred in my life and, in particular, during the past few years and this has led me to want to communicate once again with Your Holiness. First I would like to express my most heartfelt and sincere gratitude to you for your incredibly kind and wise activity in relation to all of Trungpa Rinpoche’s students, including myself. We can never repay your generosity.
I would like to inform you of some understandings that I now have regarding the recent years of difficulty, and request your blessings for the journey ahead. I have realized, quite strongly, that I and some other students will simply not be able to continue to relate to Vajradhatu in the same way we have in the past. The first reason for this is that having spent a great deal of time with Trungpa Rinpoche I know with certainty that the way Vajradhatu is now existing is very definitely not what he wanted. I completely understand why Your Holiness gave the direction you did and I will never question this or object to it in any way. However I can not be part of Vajradhatu as it is now, since this would be for me going against my understanding of my Guru’s instructions which I can never do. I know Your Holiness will understand this.
My second difficulty has to do with the situation concerning the Vajra Regent’s main student and lineage successor. When I saw Your Holiness in France you and H.E. Jamgon Kongtrul asked me to convey your decisions to the Regent and ask his agreement. Immediately after the Regent’s death it was announced by His Eminence that the Regent had fully agreed to The Sawang assuming the leadership of Vajradhatu. This was not entirely true and was very misleading for those hundreds of students who were very devoted to the Regent. The message that I brought back from France included your decision about the Sawang leading Vajradhatu in the future but it also included a number of other points among which were: that the Regent remained the leader of Vajradhatu while he was still alive and all his decisions should be respected and: that the Regent had been instructed by Trungpa Rinpoche to choose his own dharma heir and lineage successor and he retained the right to do so.
It was only based on these conditions that The Regent expressed his agreement to the decision regarding the Sawang. As Your Holiness already knew The Regent had indeed selected his dharma heir, Mr. Patrick Sweeney, and sent him to receive Your Holiness’ blessings at the very retreat place in which you are now. After The Regent’s passing we had hoped that all of the students would be told all of these facts but this has not happened. I can only tell you that this is very difficult and painful for me and for many students who were close to The Regent and who knew these facts anyway. It seems to me absolutely necessary that these facts be told so that the deepest wishes of both Trungpa Rinpoche and his Regent may be fulfilled. Trungpa Rinpoche told me personally many times that it was of greatest importance to him that he could transmit lineage to his Regent and that his Regent must do the same. This was actually a vital part of his teaching, the very core of his brilliance in bringing vajrayana to the west. Following this understanding The Regent did, in fact, establish his own dharma heir and this is of great importance to me and others here.
In addition I also discussed this with the Regent shortly before his death and he told me that it was deeply important to him that he had been able to empower a dharma heir and of great importance that Your Holiness and His Eminence recognized his prerogative to do so. He intended for his own dharma heir to carry on his teachings regardless of who ran Vajradhatu. Given all of these factors I hope and trust that you will understand why I feel that Trungpa Rinpoche’s students must at least be told these facts; what actually took place. I also trust that you will understand why I and some others here can not be part of Vajradhatu. We feel totally compelled to follow our understanding of the deepest instructions of our two main teachers, The Vidyadhara and the Vajra Regent and to work together with The Regents successor and the small sangha which shares this common samaya.
Of course it should be clearly understood that I am not questioning The Sawang’s leadership of Vajradhatu at all only saying that we must be free to conduct ourselves independent of Vajradhatu at this point. We simply can not do otherwise. It is, of course, completely important to us that we have Your Holiness’ blessing to carry on with our spiritual journey and to work for the benefit of all beings in this way which is the only way we can possibly proceed.
I would like to thank Your Holiness with all my heart for your help in all of this and request, once again, that you allow us the great privilege of receiving your blessings once again in North America. This is now everyone’s deepest wish. Mr. Sweeney, Lady Rich and I will continue to work together with other students here to fulfill the wishes of our teachers. We supplicate Your Holiness assistance in clearing away any and all obstacles to these aspirations.
May your health prosper and may your lotus feet remain steadfast in this world for the benefit of all beings. Please think of me with kindness.
With deep devotion and longing,
Karl G. Springer
In this letter, written almost a year after the Regent’s death, Karl expresses the difficulties that he and others have experienced since the Vajra Regent’s death. In particular, Karl points out that while the Regent had agreed to the decision that the Sawang would assume leadership of Vajradhatu, he did so under certain conditions. One of these conditions was that the Regent retained the right to choose his own dharma heir and lineage successor “regardless of who ran Vajradhatu.”
***
August 10, 1991
Letter to Karl Springer
From His Holiness Khyentse Rinpoche
Letter to Karl Springer
by Dilgo Khyentse
August 10, 1991
10 August 1991
Into the hand of Karl, who is of unequalled faith and love, [1]
I received your letter, in which you have given me the news that, there, you are doing well and virtue is increasing. I am delighted to know this. Here, I too am well, practicing in retreat wherein virtue increases, and making offerings celebrating the end of the retreat.
The matter at hand
During this period in which the Sawang is studying and training, Kongtrul Rinpoche and I have not appointed any Regent, Vajracharya, Acharya, and so on. Both the supreme Trungpa Rinpoche and his Regent, who has passed away, placed great faith, trust, and hope in me, in dependence upon which I have accepted the responsibility of offering you this counsel: it is important to practice the inconceivably profound instructions that you received from the supreme Trungpa Rinpoche, without squandering them; to propagate [such instructions] to others, and [to avail yourselves of] the methods that prevent harmony among the dharma centers from diminishing and permit all to come about for the best; therefore, act accordingly. I have written about this to Patrick as well in a letter sent separately.
As you are presently unwell, it is important that your own practice continue without fail. It is exceptionally important principally to foster freedom from any ground for controversy, a peaceful environment, and harmonious consensus within the dharma centers. In the fulfillment of the intentions of Trungpa Rinpoche and the Regent, were the practice of profound instructions to be sustained within an atmosphere of harmony free from contention and turbulence, there would be nothing to surpass that. There would, by contrast, be neither purpose nor benefit in newly appointing a regent of the Regent, instituting a holder of his lineage, dividing the dharma centers into two sections, and so on. Therefore, it is important that, beginning now, any and all allegations concerning this be set aside completely.
In response to the circumstances you have described in your letter, I would remind you that both previously and subsequently I have offered you advice in order that an excellent collection of benefit and happiness may come about, both provisionally and finally. Therefore, the meaning of that should be understood by all, and I will not forget to pray to the Three Jewels on your behalf.
Dilgo Khyentse
Satsam Choten in Paro, Bhutan
First day of the seventh Tibetan month
_______________
Note:
1. A literal translation of a lovely way of saying, “Dear Karl.”
His Holiness’ replies comes quickly. “There would … be neither purpose nor benefit in newly appointing a regent of the Regent, instituting a holder of his lineage, dividing the dharma centers into two sections and so on. Therefore, it is important that, beginning now, any and all allegations concerning this be set aside completely.” His Holiness died in September 1991, just seven weeks after this letter was sent.
***
August 10, 1991
Letter to Patrick Sweeney
From His Holiness Khyentse Rinpoche
Letter to Patrick Sweeney
by Dilgo Khyentse
August 10, 1991
10 August 1991
Into the hand of Patrick, who is of unequalled faith and love, [2]
I am delighted to know that, there, you are doing well and virtue is increasing. Here, I too am well, practicing in retreat wherein virtue increases, and making offerings celebrating the end of the retreat.
The matter at hand
During this period in which the Sawang is studying and training, Kongtrul Rinpoche and I have not appointed any Regent, Vajracharya, Acharya, and so on. Both the supreme Trungpa Rinpoche and his Regent, who has passed away, placed great faith, trust, and hope in me, in dependence upon which I have accepted the responsibility of offering you this counsel: as I advised you previously in Bodhgaya, it is important that you practice the inconceivably profound instructions given by the supreme Trungpa Rinpoche, without squandering them, in common with the other students, and in a harmonious manner, as well as [to avail yourselves of] the methods that prevent the former tradition from diminishing and foster the expansion of the dharma centers along a path of excellence; therefore, act accordingly. There would, by contrast, be neither purpose nor benefit in newly appointing a regent of the Regent, or instituting a holder of the lineage of his tradition. Therefore, it is important that, beginning now, any and all allegations concerning this be set aside completely.
Both previously and subsequently I have offered you advice in order that an excellent collection of benefit and happiness may come about, both provisionally and finally. Therefore, the meaning of that should be understood by all.
Dilgo Khyentse
Satsam Choten in Paro, Bhutan
First day of the seventh Tibetan month
_______________
Note:
2. A literal translation of a lovely way of saying, “Dear Patrick."
His Holiness’ letter to Patrick, dated the same day, conveys what is essentially the same message. “There would … be neither purpose nor benefit in newly appointing a regent of the Regent or instituting a holder of his tradition. Therefore, it is important that, beginning now, any and all allegations concerning this be set aside completely.”
***
December 22, 1988
Kalu Rinpoche’s talk to the LA Dharmadhatu
https://media.s3bubble.com/embed/aprogressive/id/Ffar28632#
Kalu Rinpoche talk to the L.A. Dharmadhatu
Transcribed from the tape by Tara Carreon
[Translator] Good evening members of the sangha, friends. On behalf of the Dharmadhatu of Los Angeles, and Vajradhatu, I’d like to welcome everyone this evening, and particularly to express our gratitude to The Learned, Very Venerable Kalu Rinpoche for The Extraordinary Gift of his Presence with us here this evening. The Venerable Kalu Rinpoche, as I’m sure most of you know, is The Senior Meditation Master of the Kagyu Lineage, One Of The Greatest Yogis and Practitioners, Masters Of The Profound Path Of The Kagyu Lineage That The World Has Ever Known. Rinpoche Is Renowned For His Retreat Practice And Accomplishment, For His Wisdom, And For His Compassion. And It’s Quite Extraordinary That We Have The Auspicious Coincidence of The Embodiment Of Compassion With Us At A Time That It Is Most Appropriate For Us. So we’re very grateful to Rinpoche for being here and very grateful to auspicious coincidence for his being here, and we welcome you Rinpoche and request you to address us….
[Kalu Rinpoche] During my last trip to North America several years ago -- this was before the passing away of Trungpa Rinpoche -- I went to Boulder where I had been asked by Vajradhatu and Dharmadhatus to perform the initiation, the empowerment, of kalachakra, both for the benefit of peace and happiness in the world, and particularly for the benefit of the students of Trungpa Rinpoche. At that particular time, Trungpa Rinpoche was quite ill. And I performed this ceremony with the thought that I should be doing something to prolong his life if it was possible; if not, then simply to do something which would please him. And at that time, I was accompanied by most of the lamas here present tonight, and the translator at that time was Ken McCloud. And everything went very excellently in Boulder at that time. And at that time I made a very strong connection with various members of the Dharmadhatu organization, and our minds became as one from that time.
At this particular point in time, I have been extremely happy to be among you once again, and to see various members of the Dharmadhatu, and most particularly the Vajra Regent Osel Tendzin. However, there seems to be some problems these days. And in spite of my great happiness at meeting all of you, and particularly the Vajra Regent once again, there are things which are making me a little sad.
The present situation is like this:
At one time there was a rabbit. And there was a great wind. And during this time, some trees were blown into the water, and made a very great sound. The rabbit became very afraid of this sound. He wasn’t used to hearing it, so he ran away. When he was running away, he ran into a couple of deer. And the deer said, “What are you running from?” And he said, “There’s something the matter here in the ocean. I’m running away from this sound ‘Jow.’” And the deer became very afraid, and they started running away with the rabbit.
Many animals gathered as the news spread that there was some terrible sound, “Jow,” which was coming from the ocean. And they all ran away. And eventually they came and met a lion. And this lion was completely fearless. And he said, “What are you running away from?” And they said, “Well, there’s this sound ‘Jow,’ at the ocean.” And he said, “I’m not afraid of this.” He had a tremendous amount of pride, and he had the rabbit lead him to the ocean where the sound had come from. And he stood up on the rocks to look over into the water to see where the sound had come from. And he made his body very, very high, and he looked down into the water, and he saw his own reflection. And he said, “Ah, this must be the particular thing that is making this particular noise. I’m very strong. I can defeat this particular enemy.” And he jumped in, and made the sound “Jow” once again, and died. And nothing came of all of his courage.
The present situation is like this. [LAUGHTER] I really feel the present situation is like this. At this particular point in time, as all of you already know, the Vajra Regent has contracted AIDS. And people worry very much about the fact that he might have passed this on to many people. As far as I’m concerned, the panic that people are feeling at this particular point is much like these animals running away from the sound “Jow, Jow, Jow.” As far as I’m concerned, there’s nothing to this particular worry.
I’ve been aware of this situation for some time now; however, I’ve heard just recently that due to the activity of Ken McCloud, and one of the people at his center, that some of the information concerning the Vajra Regent has gone into the newspapers. My own feeling about this is that we in the dharma centers, be they the Vajradhatu, Dharmadhatu, or my own centers here, all of us are working to provide beings with peace of mind as well as happiness and comfort physically. This is the reason why we have dharma centers, in order to benefit others. Now persons who have AIDS have other very serious sicknesses they are suffering physically. And this sort of publicity which is blaming others for the difficulties that a person might have, is only adding unhappiness to the person’s physical suffering. They are suffering in their minds if they follow this type of news.
In America, you have a lot of people looking over the laws of the land, and taking care of the health of the citizens of this country. You have the President, you have the Supreme Court, you have everybody from the top to the bottom. You have hundreds of thousands of police, and other persons who are taking care of people’s situations, whether people are harming one another, or are benefiting one another. As far as I’m concerned it is not the work at all of the dharma centers to examine exactly what is happening in another center’s group. I have control myself only of my own organization. And if Ken McCloud and other persons within my own organization are being harmful to others, this is something which I can put a stop to. This is something which I will put a stop to. This sort of activity of putting things into newspapers and making publicity which is harmful to other people in various ways, is something which is against the principles of our religious organization. We don’t have an organization for this sort of purpose. The purpose of our organization is to be of benefit to others.
As little as we can say, as little as we can discuss with others about this subject, the better, simply because this is a tremendous cause of distraction within our meditation practices. This is of very little benefit to the minds of anybody.
There are agencies in the American government, no doubt, that take care of people who have AIDS. And they are able to make an examination of a person. And if a person has AIDS, this is something between them and government agencies. And they should simply ask, “What do I do now?” And if they don’t have AIDS, then that’s just fine.
After receiving further information Kalu Rinpoche addressed the LA sangha in December 1988, just seven days prior to the Board letter to the Regent. Thank you to Tashi Armstrong and Suzanne Townsend for bringing this talk to our attention. It was added to the list of documents below on June 14, 2016.