Monday, January 31, 2011

Rogue Politician Prem Kumar Dhumal Shames India in Eyes of the World

Even as the central government of India moved quickly to contain the damage brought about by renegade Himachal Pradesh chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal's unilateral shakedown of the Karmapa -- national police are now seizing records of the state police -- the wild-eyed politician was demonstrating his personal disdain for Indian democracy. India's Daily News Agency led with the following story this morning:

"While central agencies, including the enforcement directorate (ED) and the income-tax authorities, have taken over investigations into the alleged illegal collection of foreign currency by the 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje, a tug of war has begun between the Centre and the Himachal government over the question of giving asylum to him.

Himachal chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said the Centre did not care to ask the state before “making him settle down in Himachal Pradesh."

“It is now the Centre’s responsibility if the Karmapa is indulging in any anti-national activities, the chief minister said. Whether he is a Chinese spy or not, it is for the Union home ministry to ascertain. The state would not let any illegal activities carry on,” Dhumal said.

He said the US and the Chinese currency recovered from the monastery was in a particular series which clearly indicated that it was not an offering.

A spokesperson of the monastery claimed that for the past eight years they had been informing the Centre about the donations and offerings made by devotees. “But there has been no word from the Centre on the manner the money should be accounted for,” he added.

Meanwhile, an ED team seized records from the state police regarding the foreign cash recovery from the premises of the Karmapa.

The income-tax authorities and intelligence agencies joined the Himachal Police in investigation of the Karmapa case.

The police also carried out a search at the residence of Gompa Shering, Karmapa’s private secretary. According to sources, the police recovered $4,275 and small amounts in Euro and Canadian dollars."

Dhumal, who is often photographed crudely gesticulating in the presence of legitimate world leaders, such as His Holiness the Dalai Lama, typically likes to portray himself to a certain envious, poorly-educated,  rural element of his Northern Indian constituency as someone who "lays down the law to Tibetans." However, with his latest blast, he now positions himself as someone squarely against not only His Holiness the Karmapa, but India's central government.

Meanwhile, as the story unfolds, investigators in California are taking a hard look at holdings the Himachal Pradesh politician may have in the United States, and word is -- they are in fluent communication with the central government Prem Kumar Dhumal now offends.


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Seeking Asylum for the Seventeenth Karmapa


This past Friday, armed police entered the monastic residence of the twenty-six year old Seventeenth  Gyalwa Karmapa, conducted a warrantless search of his person and premises, and seized all of the currency they could find -- reportedly an amount greater than three-quarters of a million dollars. After calling for the media, officers made a show of removing the currency in a tin trunk, amid sarcastic comments and laughter.

Almost simultaneously, the Karmapa's confidential medical records -- held in government custody -- were found to be mysteriously missing.  

Immediately thereafter, members of Karmapa's family, his staff, and their family members were rounded up, and their homes searched. Karmapa's own sister was subjected to hours of hostile interrogation. Two staff members were arrested. More currency was seized.

A series of press releases and statements were issued by the Himachal Pradesh state government to the effect that Karmapa was potentially a "Chinese agent," and that he was "deliberately misleading" investigators. Himachal Pradesh's Chief Minister -- the equivalent of a state governor -- claimed that the matter threatened the "internal security of the state." After public opinion was well and truly inflamed, an official statement was issued explaining that the Karmapa's twenty-four man security detachment had been withdrawn, and his personal security was now provided by a single, lowly police constable.

The Seventeenth Karmapa is now under house arrest. He is not now, nor has he been for several months, free to leave India and perform the duties of his religious office. 

The current training materials for United States Asylum Officers identify seven areas that the officer must examine when making the discretionary grant of asylum in the name of the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, or the Attorney General. These seven areas devolve into a three part decision chain:
  • Does the applicant meet the statutory definition of refugee?
  • Is the applicant subject to any mandatory bar?
  • If the applicant meets the statutory definition of refugee, and there is no mandatory bar, should discretion be exercised?
The seven areas considered are:
  • Basic definition of "refugee."
  • Determining country or nationality or, if stateless, country of last habitual residence.
  • If the applicant is unable or unwilling to return.
  • If the applicant is unable or unwilling to avail oneself of protection.
  • Persecution, with special emphasis on whether the harm involved amounts to persecution.
  • Identifying the persecutor.
  • Eligibility based on past persecution.
There are also other important factors to be considered, such as the fundamental "well-founded fear" standard of eligibility based on fear of future persecution, motives of the persecutor, the five protected characteristics in the refugee definition, the burden of proof and standards of evidence, and mandatory reasons to deny asylum.

The Seventeenth Karmapa is a stateless political refugee from Tibet. He is unable to return to Tibet because of a well-founded fear of persecution arising from his internationally publicized escape from Chinese Communist religious oppression. There are no means of protection available to him should he return to Tibet. 

His country of first asylum, and his habitual residence since escaping Tibet, is India. 

However, since being granted asylum in India, he has been subjected to a progressively escalating campaign resulting in the events described above. 
  • His movements are strictly controlled. 
  • He has been repeatedly denied requests to practice his religion by meeting with Dalai Lama, or returning to his predecessor's seat at Rumtek.
  • He has been repeatedly denied requests to perform the functions of his office as the Karmapa by traveling to his followers in foreign countries. 
  • He has been publicly branded a "threat" by members of the host government. 
  • His basic human rights have been violated. 
  • He has been subjected to discrimination and harassment. 
  • Members of his family and entourage have been subjected to arrest and/or detention by virtue of their association with him.
  • He has been subjected to economic harm.
  • He has been subjected to psychological harm.
If the Karmapa attempts to avail himself of legal protection, given the vagaries of Indian law as applied to stateless persons, it is likely that the above acts of persecution would not be curtailed; rather, since they are being perpetrated by agents of the state, it is more likely than not such acts would intensify.

Indeed, there is a well-founded fear that these acts will continue, and escalate even more, regardless of any attempts the Karmapa may or may not take to protect himself, his family members, and his staff.

The Karmapa is an apolitical religious leader of world stature, with many thousands of followers. He leads an exemplary life. There is no mandatory bar to the exercise of discretionary asylum in his case.

The central government of India has found itself unwilling or unable to protect the Karmapa from the acts of persecution he has experienced, and must be deemed complicit in such acts. Facts supporting this claim of complicity are extreme measures undertaken by Indian national security agencies, such as forced medical examinations to "prove his age" -- when he was but a mere boy -- and repeated interrogations without benefit of legal protection.

The disgraceful violation of a Tibetan Buddhist monastery by armed thugs, acting to oppress the legitimate aspirations of His Holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa under color of authority, shocks the conscience of all freedom-loving people throughout the world.

The persecution of the Karmapa must end, and he must be afforded a place of safety.

If this cannot be accomplished by prior means, it most certainly can be accomplished by other means.

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BREAKING: Thousands Rally to Protect Karmapa

Protesting the Himachal Pradesh state government's campaign against the Karmapa, and corrupt shakedown of an important Buddhist monastery, thousands of people have taken to the streets in Dharmasala, Bodhgaya, and elsewhere. For the second night, a candle light vigil in support of the Karmapa has overwhelmed police efforts to contain the crowds. Because of this, police were unable to continue preventing worship at the Gyuto Monastery's main temple.


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Indian Police: Karmapa "Knowingly Hiding Some Facts"

The Himachal Pradesh state government's campaign against the Karmapa, and shakedown of a major Buddhist institution continues unabated at this hour. The Times of India moved the following story Sunday evening. Typically, this sets up the following week's morning headlines:
DHARAMSALA: Believing that the Tibetan religious leader, the Karmapa, is not telling the complete truth, the Himachal Pradesh Police have decided to interrogate him again. An investigating official said Sunday that the Karmapa was intentionally hiding facts.

Denying all allegations, the Karmapa had said the money seized during the raids on his monastery was given by his devotees and he had not done anything to harm India's interests.

A police team, led by Una's additional superintendent of police KG Kapoor, arrived at the Gyuto Tantric University and Monastery near here to question the Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, about the nearly Rs 70 million worth of unaccounted foreign and Indian currency recovered from his premises. He was quizzed Friday as well.

"He is knowingly hiding some facts by showing feigned ignorance about the foreign currency and other cash," IGP P L Thakur said.

"Quite possibily, he will be interrogated again in the next few days," he said, adding that "even some more staff of the monastery would be grilled".

Another police official said the Karmapa sidestepped some of questions relating to financial dealings.

"The staff (earlier interrogated) admitted that the entire financial dealings were in the knowledge of the Karmapa," he said.

The Karmapa's sister and other close aides were also being questioned, officials said.

Police believe the money was meant for some "illegal" land deal in Dharamsala in Kangra district with the involvement of the Karmapa's aide Rubgi Chosang, also known as Shakti Lama. He is now in police custody.

Kapoor said a volley of questions was asked to the Karmapa and he denied all allegations. He said the money recovered was the money given by the devotees.

"But we are not happy with his replies and he is likely to be questioned again," he added.

Soon after the Karmapa was questioned, a spokesperson for the Tibetan religious leader denied allegations against him, stressing he was not a Chinese agent.

"The Karmapa has not done anything wrong to undermine and harm the interests of India," Karma Topden, the spokesperson, told reporters.

"The Karmapa has got offerings from all over the world. The cash was donated money. There is no 'hawala' link to money," he said.

On his China links, Topden clarified: "His very escape from Tibet and arrival in India clearly shows Tibetan people are being suppressed by the Chinese."

He also cited reasons for the Karmapa's escape from Tibet, which included the Chinese putting pressure on him to go against Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, and also completing his spiritual studies.

Naresh Thakur, the Karmapa's counsel, told reporters here that the central government has already been informed about the offerings the monastery is getting from the devotees, including the foreigners.

"The monastery authorities have even sought permission from the state to buy land near the monastery," he added.

A string of government agencies is involved in the investigation into the seized currency, particularly the 1.1 million (Rs 7 million) in Chinese currency and over $600,000.

In a related development, Dharamsala businessman and hotelier K.P. Bhardwaj and D.K. Dhar, manager of the Corporation Bank in Ambala in Haryana, were Sunday brought for interrogation to Una, 100 km from the Karmapa's monastery.

"Bhardwaj was arrested last (Saturday) evening as an unaccounted Rs.1 crore was seized from two of his men on Jan 25 at Mehatpur in Una district," Thakur said.

Bhardwaj had claimed that the Rs 1 crore recovered from the men was a payment made by the Karmapa's trust to buy the land.

It was after the seizure of this Rs 1 crore that the Karmapa's monastery was raided.

Dhar, the Corporation Bank manager, was also arrested Saturday night for allegedly facilitating a transaction of Rs 1 crore to Bhardwaj, said Superintendent of Police Santosh Patiyal.

The Karmapa is the spiritual head of the Karma Kagyu school, one of the four sects of Buddhism. He is considered the third most important Tibetan religious head after the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama.

The Karmapa fled Tibet and sought refuge in India in January 2000. Ever since, he has mostly lived in the monastery in Sidhbari near Dharamsala - the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile.

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Weekly Tibetan Astrology: January 31 - February 6, 2011


Note: Thursday marks the Lunar New Year of the Female Iron Rabbit, celebrated as such in China, Taiwan, Viet-Nam, and elsewhere. Please note that Tibetan New Year, or Losar will be celebrated on March 5, 2011. According to the Tibetan calendar, this week begins the twelfth or final month of the Year of the Iron Tiger.

Nevertheless, many Tibetan centers are offering some sort of New Year observances this week. Apart from that, the 22nd Annual Nyingma Monlam Chenmo, in Bodhgaya, commences on Thursday, and continues to the 12th.

If you are interested in what the Iron Rabbit foretells, you may consult our Extended Astrology for the New Year 2011. Generally speaking, this should be a good year all around, and we of course wish you all the best.

January 31, 2011 - Chinese 28th, M-T-K 28th. Pig, Gin, Red 7. Conflict indicated on the international stage. Regardless, begin New Year preparations in earnest. This is the time to obtain orchids, flowering branches, and red decorations. Let yourself be in a festive mood. A good day for long life practices.

February 1, 2011 - Chinese 29th, M-T-K 29th. Mouse, Zin, White 8. Good day to be with friends, but beware of accidents or injuries. Do not let yourself become tired out or overwhelmed.

February 2, 2011 - Chinese 30th, M-T-K 30th. Ox, Zon, Red 9. If you haven't done so already, clean the house, and then joyously mark New Year's Eve.

February 3, 2011 - Chinese 1st day of 1st month, M-T-K 1st day of 12th month. Tiger, Li, White 1. Chinese Lunar New Year. The Year of the Iron Rabbit begins today. May it be auspicious. Today noted as baden, so do not raise flags. Today is zin phung. A good day to stay home.

February 4, 2011 - Chinese 2nd, M-T-K 2nd. Rabbit, Khon, Black 2. An auspicious day, particularly for families and couples. If there are children about, be sure to include them in happy activities. An excellent "ladies day" as well.  A very good "first day out" for the New Year.

February 5, 2011 - Chinese 3rd, M-T-K 2nd. Dragon, Dwa, Blue 3. Note duplicated day in Tibetan practice. An auspicious day of excellent energies.

February 6, 2011 - Chinese 4th, M-T-K 3rd. Snake, Khen, Green 4. A favorable day of helpful energies. Rapid actions will meet with success.


Naga observations for the twelfth month. The best offering days are the 10th and 16th lunar.  Offerings possible on 2nd, 3rd, 7th, 12th, 19th. Don't make offerings on the 1st, 8th, 13th, 15th, 18th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 24th, 25th, 27th, or 28th.

Consult our extended discussion of 2010-2011 Iron Tiger astrology by clicking here. Consult our extended discussion of 2011-2012 Iron Rabbit astrology by clicking here.

Published every Monday at 00:01 香港時間 but written in advance and auto-posted. See our Introduction to Daily Tibetan Astrology for background information. If you know the symbolic animal of your birth year, you can get information about your positive and negative days by clicking here. If you don't know the symbolic animal of your birth year, you can obtain that information by clicking here. For specific information about the astrology of 2010-2011 Iron Tiger Year, inclusive of elements, earth spirits, and so forth, please consult our extended discussion by clicking here.  Click here for Hong Kong Observatory conversion tables. Weekly Tibetan Astrology copyright (c) 2011. All rights reserved.




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Sunday, January 30, 2011

Sorting Out the Karmapa's Cash

Indian state police carry cash from Gyuto Monastery

"Benami" and "hawalah" are two terms prominently featured in Indian press accounts of the now-infamous raid on Gyuto Monastery, and apart from utterly ridiculous notions of Chinese involvement, form the real basis of suspicions raised against the twenty-six year old Gyalwa Karmapa, and his administration.

Because these terms are unfamiliar to most Western readers -- and because the most frequently asked question in connection with this entire matter is "Why is this happening?" -- we thought we would invest a few pixels in explanation.

"Benami," or "benami land," refers to a violation of the Benami Transactions Act of 1988, which prohibits what we in the West would call "straw man" purchases of land, i.e. purchases by one party for the actual benefit of another. In investigating such allegations, and to prove violations, Indian prosecutors examine six elements:
  1. the source from which the purchase money came; 
  2. the nature and possession of the property, after the purchase; 
  3. motive, if any, for giving the transaction a benami colour; 
  4. the position of the parties and the relationship, if any, between the claimant and the alleged benamidar; 
  5. the custody of the title deeds after the sale, and 
  6. the conduct of the parties concerned in dealing with the property after the sale. 
In the Karmapa's case, there are a series of three, hotly contested attempts to purchase land. All three attempts have met with significant state government interference. It should be noted that Himachal Pradesh is considered a wealthy state, with one of the highest per capita incomes in all of India. Land is at a premium, and many political figures are prominently involved in real estate speculation. 

In the most recent incident -- which precipitated the raid on Gyuto Monastery -- it is alleged that one of the Karmapa's representatives was attempting to purchase land in Dharamsala from a local hotelier, upon which to build a monastery. 

Two other individuals were allegedly carrying a sum of money from New Delhi in support of this transaction. According to the police, they were stopped at a checkpoint, the money was discovered in their car, and when questioned, they gave the name of the Karmapa's representative. On the basis of this, they were arrested, the representative was arrested, and the monastery was raided.

This set in motion a series of events that seem to have been planned well in advance. The Karmapa was isolated and interrogated, and he was placed under virtual house arrest. Members of his family, and his staff were immediately and systematically brought in, and state police patrols secured the monastery grounds.

During the course and scope of the raid, and subsequent raids at the homes of Karmapa's relatives and representatives, approximately three quarters of a million dollars (U.S.) were discovered in the currencies of various nations. This led to allegations that the monastery was engaging in "hawalah" transactions. 

In the sense intended in this case, "hawalah" -- the term is derived from the Arabic -- refers to a type of underground currency transfer mechanism very similar in character to Chinese underground banking. 

For the sake of explanation, let us establish that there are four parties to such transactions: two "bankers," and two "customers." Let us call them Banker A, Banker B, Customer C, and Customer D.

Now, let us establish that Customer C wishes to send $100,000 hard cash to Customer D, but wishes to avoid any record of the transaction.

In such event, Customer C approaches Banker A, and pays him $100,000 in cash. Banker A then contacts Banker B, and instructs Banker B to pay out $100,000 in cash to Customer D. 

Naturally, Banker A and B receive a fee for their services, and they meet at intervals, perhaps once a year or so, to settle up accounts between themselves. Both Banker A and Banker B are required to keep stores of various currencies to accomplish their purposes.

In the Karmapa's case -- and because hawalah methods are prevalent in India -- the allegation is that Gyuto Monastery was operating one end of such a scheme; hence, their possession of large amounts of various currencies.

This particular allegation ignores the reality that the Kagyu Monlam has only recently concluded, and that it was attended by devotees from countries all over the world. For example: American devotees made donations in American currency. Tibetan devotees made donations in Chinese currency. Everyone present made cash donations according to their means -- a commonly and thoroughly understood practice. Once these donations were collected, the currencies were counted and bundled in preparation for eventual deposit in a bank.

What is extraordinarily troubling is, of course, the hostile and inflammatory rhetoric of Indian government officials at the state level. In particular, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal -- the equivalent of state governor -- has seemingly gone out of his way to place a negative spin on the episode. He is in fact quoted as saying, "It's a serious issue and even a threat to the internal security of the state."

By the second day of the affair, central government officials were on their way to Himachal Pradesh to sort the matter out. As an important Tibetan political refugee, the Karmapa comes under the authority of the central government -- the Home and External Affairs Ministries -- and it would seem that Himachal Pradesh jumped the gun in that regard.

State police officer carries a cash counting 
machine into monastery for the camera.

Why they jumped the gun, and why they pursued the matter with such speed, vengeance, and show business -- they made a great show of seconding cash counting machines from local banks, and issued a continual stream of wild allegations -- has yet to be determined. 

Although Himachal Pradesh has a reputation as one of the least-corrupt states, the concept of corruption is relative.

Let those who now persecute the Karmapa clearly understand that the world is watching, and the pendulum swings both ways.

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Karmapa Office Issues Strongly Worded Press Release

Following is a press release just issued by the Office of the Karmapa, regarding recent events in India:

"We would like to categorically state that the allegations being levelled against the Karmapa and his administration are grossly speculative and without foundation in the truth. Everyone who knows the history of our lineage, our struggle and His Holiness' life is very surprised by the allegations.

We categorically deny having any link whatsoever with any arm of the Chinese Government whatsoever. The Karmapa has a deep affection for the people of this great country of India where he has been practicing his faith for years. We have had a long and positive working relationship with the democratic Government of India that has always demonstrated great tolerance of cultural expression and diverse beliefs.

We have followers in a large number of countries who have placed their trust and faith in us and, through their individual donations, enable the sect to undertake substantial programmes of public service that have benefited many thousands in India and abroad.

Monasteries across the world receive offerings from devotees in various forms - there is nothing surprising, new or irregular in this. A representative of HH the Dalai Lama's office underlined this yesterday. The cash in question under the current investigation by the police is offerings received for charitable purposes from local and international disciples from many different countries wishing to support His Holiness' various charitable activities. Any suggestion that these offerings were to be used for illegal purposes in libelous.

At this point, about the Chinese currency we can say that his Holiness has a large following of Tibetans from Tibet who make donations in Chinese currency. The fact is that His Holiness the Karmapa has millions of followers around the world, who hold him in the highest esteem and reverence. All our dealings across the world are honest and completely transparent-anything else would be contrary to the Buddhist principals that we live by.

Because the Gyalwang Karmapa resides in temporary quarters in Dharamsala, his Office of Administration has been seeking to build a monastery as a permanent residence for His Holiness. This project is clearly subject to Indian government approval. The Gyalwang Karmapa's office has kept the relevant Indian government agencies fully informed of its recent plans to purchase suitable land. The potential site was evaluated and cleared by the appropriate governmental offices. The negotiations to purchase the land are still in progress, have been reported to the Indian authorities, and are completely above board.

I can confirm that Shakti Lama was taken into custody yesterday but we are confident of his release very shortly, as soon as we provide the law with the answers they are looking for. I can also confirm that HH the Karmapa has made himself fully available for questioning by the officers concerned.

We will supply as much information as available, as regularly as possible but would also like to state that our first priority is to cooperate fully with the investigations underway.

Issued by Karmapa Office of Administration
29.1.2011
Dharamsala, HP


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BREAKING: Karmapa Denies Indian Police Allegations


Following is the most extensive account of the Karmapa's current situation in India:

Saturday 29th January, 2011 (IANS)
Even as raids on his monastery and close aides continued for the third day Saturday, the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, said there was no China link to his activities and that the foreign currency seized was from disciples from all over the world.

Despite the recovery of huge amounts of foreign and Indian currency from the Gyuto Tantric University and Monastery premises and from his close aides in the last three days, the Karmapa's office defended him.

A string of central government agencies got into the picture Saturday to get to the bottom of the recovery of unaccounted foreign and Indian currency worth nearly Rs.70 million (Rs.7 crore).

Aided by officials of the income tax department, enforcement directorate and intelligence bureau, the Himachal Pradesh police continued their raids on the premises of the Karmapa and his close aides at the monastery located at Sidhbari, 10 km from here.

The monastery is close to the Army base at Yol Cantt.

The Karmapa himself was questioned by state police officials and other central government agencies.

'During initial questioning, he told us that he had no idea about the foreign currency and other cash. But we are investigating the matter,' a senior police official told IANS.

The Karmapa's sister and other close aides were also being questioned, police officials said.

The residence of Gompo Tsering, secretary of the Karmapa, who was recalled from Dehradun Saturday, was also raided Saturday.

'Foreign currency worth Rs.400,000 was recovered from his (Tsering's) house during the search,' additional director general of police S.R. Mardi told IANS.

Tsering avoided the waiting media Saturday, saying: 'I have the right to silence.'

The most baffling part of the total seizure from the monastery is the 1.1 million (Rs.7 mn) of Chinese currency and over 600,000 US Dollars.

Senior police officials said that the Chinese Yuan was 'neatly packed in bundles' and did not seem like money offered by visiting devotees.

The presence of Chinese Yuan had brought the controversy about the Karmapa's alleged links to China to the fore again. He had arrived mysteriously from his monastery near Lhasa in Tibet region January 2000.

But the Dalai Lama, the spiritual head of Tibetans, defended the Karmapa.

Talking to reporters in Bangalore, the Dalai Lama denied that there could be a Chinese link to the activities of the Karmapa.

But he added that the foreign and Indian currency should have been deposited in a bank and not kept in cash at the monastery.

Possession of so much foreign currency could put the Karmapa, who is a refugee in India, and his aides in trouble under the Foreign Exchange Maintenance Act (FEMA).

The agencies also raided a local businessman K.P. Bhardwaj, who had claimed that the Rs.10 million (Rs.1 crore) recovered from two of his men was a payment made by the Karmapa's trust to buy land near here.

As searches continued for the third day in offices located in the monastery premises, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said the state is following protocol procedures since the Karmapa came under the purview of the central home and external affairs ministries.

'We have apprised the central government on the development. They are on the job and investigating the case. We are following protocol,' Dhumal told reporters.

He said he would raise the issue with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi Feb 1. 'It's a serious issue and even a threat to the internal security of the state,' Dhumal said.

With the developments of the last three days bringing his office into a major cash controversy, the Karmapa, who is the 17th reincarnation of the Karma Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism and the third highest ranked monk after the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama, missed the Saturday morning prayers and his public audience later.

He had been confined to his rooms on the top floor of the monastery even though the authorities are not officially saying that he is under house arrest.

'The foreign currency is from 25 different countries and includes large amounts of US dollars, Chinese Yuan, Hong Kong dollars, Taiwanese and other currencies,' Himachal Pradesh Director General of Police D.S. Manhas said.

The Karmapa's office, in a statement said, they were 'complying fully with the investigation'.

The raids on the Karmapa's monastery were conducted after the police arrested two people at Mehatpur in Una district Jan 25 night and seized unaccounted Rs.1 crore from them.

Police believe the money was meant for some 'illegal' land deal in Dharamsala in Kangra district with the involvement of Karmapa's aide Rubgi Chosang, also known as Shakti Lama. He is now in police custody and is being interrogated.

In a statement issued here Saturday evening, a spokesman of the Karmapa said: 'The cash in question, under current investigation by the police is offerings received for charitable purposes from local and international disciples from many different countries wishing to support His Holiness Karmapa's various charitable activities.'

The statement denied any China-link to any activities of the Karmapa or his office.

'At this point, we can say that His Holiness Karmapa has a large following of Tibetans from Tibet, who make donations in Chinese currency,' the statement said.

The spokesman said that the Karmapa had cooperated with the investigating teams and made himself available to any kind of questioning.

'Monasteries across the world receive offerings from devotees in various forms, there is nothing surprising, new or irregular in this.'

With allegations of the Karmapa's office being involved in an 'illegal' land deal near Dharmasala, the statement said: 'Because the Karmapa resides in temporary quarters in Dharamsala, his office of administration has been seeking to build a monastery as a permanent residence for His Holiness.

'This project is clearly subject to Indian government's approval. The Gyalwang Karmapa's office has kept the relevant Indian government agencies fully informed of its recent plans to purchase suitable land.'

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BREAKING: Police Take Karmapa for Questioning

 
The following story, and variations on the following story, ran in Indian media on January 29, 2011 at 14:35 IST

"Dharamshala: Indian security agencies have completed a round of questioning in Dharamshala of Tibetan leader Karmapa for his alleged Chinese links.

A team of Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and Intelligence Bureau (IB) has also been sent from Delhi for a possible second round.

The police in Dharmshala have arrested Karmapa's second accountant as well.

The police have taken him to another monastery where raids are taking place right now.

Authorities are probing a suspected plan of the Tibetan leader to buy land and establish China-friendly institutions across the Himalayan region.

Karmapa's accountant was held with Rs. 8.5 crore in cash meant to buy a 5-acre plot in in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.

India believes that the Karmapa was planning to use this money to set up a new monastery that would be China-friendly, and would work on influencing others in the area to follow a similar bent.

NDTV spoke to the Deputy General secretary of Karmapa in Dharmshala, who said they have nothing to hide and are cooperating with investigative agencies.

Officials say this was the Karmapa's third attempt to buy land in Kangra. Earlier attempts in 2007 and 2008 were stalled after the RBI and Enforcement Directorate got involved in studying the source of funds."


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Saturday, January 29, 2011

Karmapa's Office Responds to Indian Police Raid


On 28 January 2011, the Karmapa's Office of Administration issued the following official statement -- under obvious duress -- in response to the unprecedented Indian police shakedowns, and resulting wild speculation in the Indian media:

"Our lineage and His Holiness the Karmapa enjoy the love, trust and faith of millions across the world.  We have a rich history of public service made possible through financial dealings that are entirely transparent.  We will certainly answer all questions that the press and the public have, but for now we respectfully request you to allow us to concentrate on complying fully with the investigation that is underway.

Karma Chungyalpa
Deputy General Secretary and Spokesperson,
Karmapa Office of Administration"


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Friday, January 28, 2011

BREAKING: Indian Police, Media Fuel Karmapa Raid Story

Lead story in The Telegraph (Calcutta) today. Above, is the photo that ran with the story. Note the inflamed rhetoric, quoting official sources, and the potentially life-threatening information regarding the Karmapa's security arrangements:

Dharamshala/Shimla, Jan. 27: Himachal Pradesh police today raided the 17th Karmapa’s home in Dharamshala and claimed to have seized six suitcases containing unexplained cash in Indian and foreign currencies that could amount to crores.

Karmapa Ugyen Trinley Dorje, now 25, is the spiritual head of the Karma Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism and has been in Dharamshala since his headline-making escape to India in January 2000, aged 14.

Sources said the government had increasingly curbed the movements of the “Boy Karmapa” over the past few years under suspicion that Beijing had stage-managed his “escape” so he could keep an eye on the Dalai Lama’s activities.

Today’s raids on the Gyuto Tantric Monastic University, where the Karmapa lives, followed yesterday’s seizure of Rs 1.25 crore in Una town from a vehicle that was allegedly carrying some monks to Dharamshala.

“The monastery was raided around 1.30pm. Three currency-counting machines from three local banks have been pressed into service. The counting is still on. The police so far have counted Rs 5 lakh in Indian currency and a huge amount of foreign currency,” Kangra superintendent of police Diljeet Singh Thakur said.

Sources later said some 4,000 Euros had been counted and that the Indian currency could run up to more than Rs 10 crore. The police are trying to ascertain the source of the cash and also whether the money seized yesterday belonged to the Karmapa.

A close aide of the Karmapa, Rabjaychojan alias Shakti Lama, has been arrested and questioned about the source of the money. Some of the money is in the currencies of China, Japan, America, Britain, Australia and Thailand, police said.

The Karmapa was said to be inside the monastery during the raids but there was no word from him or any of his aides on the search or the seizures.

Two men, Asutosh and Sanjay, were arrested after yesterday’s seizure of cash, which sources said had been drawn from a private-sector bank in Delhi.

Dorje has been under the security agencies’ scanner since his arrival in India. He lives in Sidhbari, 10km from the Dalai Lama’s residence. The Centre has confined the Karmapa’s movements within 15km of his home for sometime, and does not allow him to visit the Dalai Lama too frequently.

“On July 25, 2009, the Karmapa was given only 30 minutes to meet the Dalai Lama. Earlier, three consecutive requests from him to see the spiritual leader were turned down,” a source close to the Dalai Lama said.

Since July 2008, the Centre has refused to let the Karmapa visit other monasteries in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir that are located close to the China border.

Dorje has also been banned from travelling abroad. He had toured the US in 2008, when he visited New York and San Francisco in an attempt to raise his international profile. He is keen to visit America again but the government has not budged.

The Karmapa’s Z-plus security cover was withdrawn a couple of months ago; so he is now guarded by a single police constable instead of 24 security personnel. Till 2006, he was always escorted by a group of four aides but that was stopped after the security agencies objected.

A month ago, when the Karmapa began building a multi-crore religious structure on a 75-acre site in Kotla, 42km from Dharamshala, the income tax department and security agencies questioned the source of funding. The foreign ministry later ordered the construction stopped.

Followers of the Karma Kagyu sect, one of the four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism, are believed to be the richest among Tibetans. The Karmapa’s followers often controversially project him as the successor to the Dalai Lama, who heads the Gelug sect.

The Karmapa’s official seat is the Rumtek monastery in Sikkim, but Dorje cannot go there because of the emergence of a rival Karmapa.

If the government keeps refusing to allow him to travel abroad, Dorje will likely have to spend the rest of his life in Sidhbari, sources said."

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BREAKING: Police Raid Karmapa's Monastery, Arrest Aide


Dharamsala, Jan 27 (IANS) Himachal Pradesh Police Thursday raided the monastery of 17th Karmapa, Ugyen Trinley Dorjee, the third most important Tibetan spiritual leader, here and arrested his close aide, a top police officer said.

The arrest was made in connection with the seizure of unaccounted money from two people Wednesday night. Police believe the money was meant for some 'illegal' land deal in Dharamsala in Kangra district with the involvement of Karmapa's aide Rubgi Chosang.


'The raid on Karmapa's monastery was conducted following seizure of Rs.1 crore  [around USD $200,000] from two people last (Wednesday) night,' Director General of Police D.S. Manhas told reporters.


Sanyog and Ashutosh, both belonging to this town, were arrested in Una district, bordering Punjab.


He said it seemed that the money was brought to the state for making payments for some land deal by the monastery officials.


Police suspect that the cash was drawn from two private banks in New Delhi a few days ago.


Inspector General P.L. Thakur said a substantial amount of foreign currency was also seized from the offices in Karmapa's monastery.


He added that the Karmapa would be questioned if needed.


The Karmapa is the spiritual head of the Karma Kagyu school, one of the four sects of Buddhism. He is considered the third most important Tibetan religious head after the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama.


The Karmapa fled Tibet and sought refuge in India in January 2000. Ever since, he has mostly lived in the Gyuto Tantric monastery in Sidhbari near Dharamsala - the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile."


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Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Self Liberation Through Seeing With Naked Awareness

Self Liberation Through Seeing With Naked Awareness
Padmasambhava

1.

Here is contained "Self-Liberation through Seeing with Naked Awareness," this being a Direct Introduction to the State of Intrinsic Awareness, From "The Profound Teaching of Self-Liberation in the Primordial State of the Peaceful and Wrathful Deities."


2.

Homage to the Trikaya and to the Deities who represent the inherent luminous clarity of intrinsic awareness.


3.

Herein I shall teach "Self-Liberation through Seeing with Naked Awareness," which is a direct introduction to intrinsic awareness From "The Profound Teaching of Self-Liberation in the Primordial State of the Peaceful and Wrathful Deities."

Truly, this introduction to your own intrinsic awareness should be contemplated well, O fortunate sons of a noble family!

SAMAYA! Gya! Gya! Gya!


4.

Emaho!
It is the single (nature of) mind, which encompasses all of Samsara and Nirvana.
Even though its inherent nature has existed from the very beginning, you have not recognized it;
Even though its clarity and presence has been uninterrupted, you have not yet encountered its face.
Even though its arising has nowhere been obstructed, still you have not comprehended it.
Therefore, this (direct introduction) is for the purpose of bringing you to self-recognition.
Everything that is expounded by the Victorious Ones (Buddhas) of the three times
in the eighty-four thousand Gateways to the Dharma.
Is incomprehensible (unless you understand intrinsic awareness).
Indeed, the Victorious Ones do not teach anything other than the understanding of this.
Even though there exist unlimited numbers of scriptures, equal in their extent to the sky,
yet with respect to the real meaning, there are three statements that will introduce you to your own intrinsic awareness.
This introduction to the manifest Primordial State of the Victorious One
is disclosed by the following method for entering into the practice where there exists no antecedent or subsequent practices.


5.

Kye-ho!
O my fortunate sons listen!
Even though that which is usually called "mind" is widely esteemed and much discussed,
still it is not understood or it is wrongly understood or it is understood in a one-sided manner only.
Since it is not understood correctly just as it is in itself,
there come into existence inconceivable numbers of philosophical ideas and assertions.
Furthermore, since ordinary individuals do not understand it,
they do not recognize their own nature,
and so they continue to wander among the six destinies (of rebirth) within the three worlds and thus experience suffering.
Therefore, not understanding your own mind is a very grievous fault.
Even though the Sravakas and the Pratyekabuddhas wish to understand it in terms of the Anatman doctrine,
still they do not understand it as it is in itself.
Also there exist others who, being attached to their own personal ideas and interpretations,
Become fettered by these attachments and so do not perceive the Clear Light.
The Sravakas and the Pratyekabuddhas are (mentally) obscured by their attachments to subject and object.
The Madhyamikas are (mentally) obscured by their attachments to the extremes of the Two Truths.
The practitioners of the Kriya Tantra and the Yoga Tantra are (mentally) obscured by their attachments to seva-sadhana practice.
The practitioners of the Maha-yoga and the Anuyoga are (mentally) obscured by their attachments to Space and Awareness.
And with respect to the real meaning of non-duality, since they divide these (Space and Awareness) into two, they fall into deviation.
If these two do not become one without any duality, you will certainly not attain Buddhahood.
In terms of your own mind, as is the case with everyone, Samsara and Nirvana are inseparable.
Nonetheless, because you persist in accepting and enduring attachments and aversions, you will continue to wander in Samsara.
Therefore, your active dharmas and your inactive ones both should be abandoned.
However, since self-liberation through seeing nakedly by means of intrinsic awareness is here revealed to you,
You should understand that all dharmas can be perfected and completed in the great total Self-Liberation.
And therefore, whatever (practice you do) can be brought to perfection within the Great Perfection.
SAMAYA! Gya! Gya! Gya!


6.

As for this sparkling awareness, which is called "mind,"
Even though one says that it exists, it does not actually exist.
(On the other hand) as a source, it is the origin of the diversity of all the bliss of Nirvana and all of the sorrow of Samsara.
And as for its being something desirable; it is cherished alike in the Eleven Vehicles.
With respect to its having a name, the various names that are applied to it are inconceivable (in their numbers).
Some call it "the nature of the mind" or "mind itself."
Some Tirthikas call it by the name Atman or "the Self."
The Sravakas call it the doctrine of Anatman or "the absence of a self."
The Chittamatrins call it by the name Chitta or "the Mind."
Some call it the Prajnaparamita or "the Perfection of Wisdom."
Some call it the name Tathagata-garbha or "the embryo of Buddhahood."
Some call it by the name Mahamudra or "the Great Symbol."
Some call it by the name "the Unique Sphere."
Some call it by the name Dharmadhatu or "the dimension of Reality."
Some call it by the name Alaya or "the basis of everything."
And some simply call it by the name "ordinary awareness."


7.

Now, when you are introduced (to your own intrinsic awareness), the method for entering into it involves three considerations:
Thoughts in the past are clear and empty and leave no traces behind.
Thoughts in the future are fresh and unconditioned by anything.
And in the present moment, when (your mind) remains in its own condition without constructing anything,
awareness, at that moment, in itself is quite ordinary.
And when you look into yourself in this way nakedly (without any discursive thoughts),
Since there is only this pure observing, there will be found a lucid clarity without anyone being there who is the observer;
only a naked manifest awareness is present.
(This awareness) is empty and immaculately pure, not being created by anything whatsoever.
It is authentic and unadulterated, without any duality of clarity and emptiness.
It is not permanent and yet it is not created by anything.
However, it is not a mere nothingness or something annihilated because it is lucid and present.
It does not exist as a single entity because it is present and clear in terms of being many.
(On the other hand) it is not created as a multiplicity of things because it is inseparable and of a single flavor.
This inherent self-awareness does not derive from anything outside itself.
This is the real introduction to the actual condition of things.


8.

Within this (intrinsic awareness), the Trikaya (Triple Bodies) are inseparable and fully present as one.
Since it is empty and not created anywhere whatsoever, it is The Dharmakaya (Dharma-Body).
Since its luminous clarity represents the inherent transparent radiance of emptiness, it is the Sambhogakaya (Reward-Body / Utility-Body).
Since its arising is nowhere obstructed or interrupted, it is the Nirmanakaya.
These three (the Trikaya) being complete and fully present as one are its very essence.


9.

When you are introduced in this way through this exceedingly powerful method for entering into the practice,
(You discover directly) that your own immediate self-awareness is just this (and nothing else),
and that it has an inherent self-clarity, which is entirely unfabricated.
How can you then speak of not understanding the nature of the mind?
Moreover, since you are meditating without finding anything there to meditate upon,
how can you say that your meditation does not go well?
Since your own manifest intrinsic awareness is just this,
how can you say that you cannot find your own mind?
The mind is just that which is thinking:
And yet, although you have searched (for the thinker), how can you say that you do not find him?
With respect to this, nowhere does there exist the one who is the cause of (mental) activity.
And yet, since activity exists, how can you say that such activity does not arise?
Since merely allowing (thoughts) to settle into their own condition, without trying to modify them in any way, is sufficient,
How can you say that you are not able to remain in a calm state?
Since allowing (thoughts) to be just as they are, with out trying to do anything about them, is sufficient,
How can you say that you are not able to do anything with regard to them?
Since clarity, awareness, and emptiness are inseparable and are spontaneously self-perfected,
how can you say that nothing is accomplished by your practice?
Since (intrinsic awareness) is self-originated and spontaneously self-perfected without any antecedent causes or conditions,
How can you say that you are not able to accomplish anything by your efforts?
Since the arising of discursive thoughts and their being liberated occur simultaneously,
how can you say that you are unable to apply an antidote?
Since your own immediate awareness is just this,
how can you say that you do not know anything with regard to it?


10.

It is certain that the nature of the mind is empty and without any foundation whatsoever.
Your own mind is insubstantial like the empty sky.
You should look at your own mind to see whether it is like that or not.
Being without any view that decisively decides that it is empty,
It is certain that self-originated primal awareness has been clear (and luminous) from the very beginning,
Like the heart of the sun, which is itself self-originated.
You should look at your own mind to see whether it is like that or not.
It is certain that this primal awareness or gnosis, which is one's intrinsic awareness, is unceasing,
like the main channel of a river that flows unceasingly.
You should look at your own mind to see whether it is like that or not.
It is certain that the diversity of movements (arising in the mind) are not apprehend-able by memories,
they are like insubstantial breezes that move through the atmosphere.
You should look at your own mind to see whether it is like that or not.
It is certain that whatever appearances occur, all of them are self-manifested,
like the images in a mirror being self-manifestations that simply appear.
You should look at your own mind to see whether it is like that or not.
It is certain that all of the diverse characteristics of things are liberated into their own condition,
Like clouds in the atmosphere that are self-originated and self-liberated.
You should look at your own mind to see whether it is like that or not.


11.

There exist no phenomena other than what arises from the mind.
Other than the meditation that occurs, where is the one who is meditating?
There exist no phenomena other than what arises from the mind.
Other than the behavior that occurs, where is the one who is behaving?
There exist no phenomena other than what arises from the mind.
Other than the samaya vow that occurs, where is the one who is guarding it?
There exist no phenomena other than what arises from the mind.
Other than the fruition that occurs, where is the one who is realizing (the fruit)?
You should look at your own mind, observing it again and again.


12.

When you look upward into the space of the sky outside yourself,
If there are no thoughts occurring that are emanations being projected,
And when you look inward at your own mind inside yourself,
If there exists no projectionist who projects thoughts by thinking them,
Then your own subtle mind will become lucidly clear without anything being projected.
Since the Clear Light of your own intrinsic awareness is empty, it is the Dharmakaya;
and this is like the sun rising in a cloudless illuminated sky.
Even though this light cannot be said to possess a particular shape or form, nevertheless, it can be fully known.
The meaning of this, whether or not it is understood, is especially significant.


13.

This self-originated Clear Light, which from the very beginning was in no way produced by something antecedent to it,
is the child of awareness, and yet it is itself without any parents--amazing!
This self-originated primordial awareness has not been created by anything--amazing!
It does not experience birth nor does there exist a cause for its death--amazing!
Although it is evidently visible, yet there is no one there who sees it--amazing!
Although it has wandered throughout Samsara, it has come to no harm--amazing!
Even though it has seen Buddhahood itself, it has not come to any benefit from this--amazing!
Even though it exists in everyone everywhere, yet it has gone unrecognized--amazing!
Nonetheless you hope to attain some other fruit than this elsewhere--amazing!
Even though it exists within yourself (and nowhere else), yet you seek for it elsewhere--amazing!


14.

How wonderful!
This immediate intrinsic awareness is insubstantial and lucidly clear:
Just this is the highest pinnacle of all views.
It is all encompassing, free of everything, and without any conceptions whatsoever:
Just this is the highest pinnacle among all meditations.
It is unfabricated and inexpressible in worldly terms:
Just this is the highest pinnacle among all courses of conduct.
Without being sought after, it is spontaneously self-perfected from the very beginning:
Just this is the highest pinnacle among all fruits.


15.

Here is the teaching of the four great vehicles that are without error:
(First) there is the great vehicle of the unmistaken view.
Since this immediate awareness is lucidly clear,
and this lucid clarity is without error or mistake, it is called "a vehicle."
(Second) there is the great vehicle of the unmistaken meditation.
Since this immediate awareness is that which possesses clarity,
and this lucid clarity is without error or mistake, it is called "a vehicle."
(Third) there is the great vehicle of the unmistaken conduct.
Since this immediate primal awareness is that which possesses clarity,
and this lucid clarity is without error or mistake, it is called "a vehicle".
(Fourth) there is the great vehicle of the unmistaken fruit.
Since this immediate awareness is lucidly clear,
and this lucid clarity is without error or mistake, it is called "a vehicle."


16.

Here is the teaching on the four great unchanging (essential points called) "nails."
(First) there is the great nail of the unchanging view:
This immediate present awareness is lucidly clear,
because it is stable in the three times; it is called "a nail."
(Second) there is the great nail of the unchanging meditation:
This immediate present awareness is lucidly clear,
because it is stable in the three times; it is called "a nail."
(Third) there is the great nail of the unchanging conduct:
This immediate present awareness is lucidly clear,
because it is stable in the three times; it is called "a nail."
(Fourth) there is the great nail of the unchanging fruit:
This immediate present awareness is lucidly clear,
because it is stable in the three times; it is called "a nail."


17.

Then, as for the secret instruction, which teaches that the three times are one:
You should relinquish all notions of the past and abandon all precedents.
You should cut off all plans and expectations with respect to the future.
And in the present, you should not grasp (at thoughts that arise) but allow (the mind) to remain in a state like the sky.
Since there is nothing upon which to meditate (while in the primordial state), there is no need to meditate.
And since there does not exist any distraction here, you continue in this state of stable mindfulness without distraction.
In this state, which is without meditation and without any distraction, you observe everything with a naked (awareness).
Your own awareness is inherently knowing, inherently clear, and luminously brilliant.
When it arises, it is called the Bodhicitta, "the enlightened mind".
Being without any activity of meditation, it transcends all objects of knowledge.
Being without any distraction, it is the luminous clarity of the Essence itself.
Appearances, being empty in themselves, become self-liberated; clarity and emptiness (being inseparable) are the Dharmakaya.
Since it becomes evident that there is nothing to be realized by means of the path to Buddhahood,
at this time you will actually behold Vajrasattva.


18.

Then, as for the instruction for exhausting the six extremes and overthrowing them:
Even though there exist a great many different views that do not agree among themselves,
This "mind" which is your own intrinsic awareness is in fact self-originated primal awareness.
And with regard to this, the observer and the process of observing are not two different things.
When you look and observe, seeking the one who is looking and observing,
since you search for this observer and do not find him,
At that time your view is exhausted and overthrown.
Thus, even though it is the end of your view, this is the beginning with respect to yourself.
The view and the one who is viewing are not found to exist anywhere.
Without its falling excessively into emptiness and non-existence even at the beginning,
At this very moment your own present awareness becomes lucidly clear.
Just this is the view (or the way of seeing) of the Great Perfection.
Therefore understanding and not understanding are not two different things.


19.

Although there exist a great many different meditations that do not agree among themselves,
your own ordinary present awareness is directly penetrating.
The process of meditation and the one who meditates are not two different things.
When you look for the meditator who is meditating or not meditating,
since you have searched for this meditator and have not found him anywhere,
at that time your meditation is exhausted and overthrown.
Thus, even though it is the end of your meditation, this is the beginning with respect to yourself.
The meditation and the meditator are not found to exist anywhere.
Without its falling under the power of delusion, drowsiness, or agitation,
your immediate unfabricated awareness becomes lucidly clear;
and this unmodified state of even contemplation is concentration.
Therefore remaining in a calm state or not remaining in it are not two different things.


20.

Although there exist a great many different kinds of behavior, which do not agree among themselves,
your own self-originated primal awareness is the Unique Sphere.
Behavior and the one who behaves are not two (different things).
When you look for the one it is who behaves with action or without action,
Since you have searched for the one who acts and have not found him anywhere,
At that time your behavior is exhausted and overthrown.
Thus, even though it is the end of your conduct and behavior, this is the beginning with respect to yourself.
From the very beginning neither behavior nor the one who behaves have existed (as separate realities).
Without its falling under the power of errors and inherited predispositions,
your immediate awareness is an unfabricated inherent clarity.
Without accepting or rejecting anything, just letting things be as they are without trying to modify them,
such conduct or behavior alone is pure.
(Therefore) pure and impure action are not two (different things).


21.

Although there exist great many different fruits that do not agree among themselves,
the nature of the mind that is inherent awareness is (none other than) the spontaneously perfected Trikaya.
What is realized and the one who realizes it are not two (different things).
When you look for the fruit and for the one who has realized it,
since you have searched for the realizer (of the fruit) and have not found him anywhere,
at that time your fruit is exhausted and overthrown.
Thus, even though it is an end to your fruition, still this is the beginning with respect to yourself.
Both the fruition and the one who has attained the realization are found to not exist anywhere.
Without its falling under the power of attachments or aversions or of hopes and fears,
your immediate present awareness becomes spontaneously perfected inherent clarity.
Understand that within yourself the Trikaya is fully manifest.
(Therefore) this itself is the fruition of primordial Buddhahood.


22.

This intrinsic awareness is free of the eight extremes, such as Eternalism and nihilism, and the rest.
Thus we speak of the Middle Way where one does not fall into any of the extremes,
and we speak of intrinsic awareness as uninterrupted mindful presence.
Since emptiness possesses a heart that is intrinsic awareness,
therefore it is called by the name of Tathagata-garbha, that is, "the embryo or heart of Buddhahood."
If you understand the meaning of this, then that will transcend and surpass everything else.
Therefore, it is called by the name of Prajnaparamita, that is, "the Perfection of Wisdom."
Because it cannot be conceived of by the intellect and is free of all (conceptual) limitations from the very beginning,
therefore it is called by the name of Mahamudra, that is, "the Great Symbol."
Because of that, in accordance with whether it is specifically understood or not understood,
Since it is the basis of everything, of all the bliss of Nirvana and of all the sorrow of Samsara,
Therefore it is called by the name of Alaya, that is, "the foundation of everything."
Because, when it remains in its own space, it is quite ordinary and in no way exceptional,
this awareness that is present and lucidly clear
is called by the name of "ordinary awareness."
However many names may be applied to it, even though they are well conceived and fancy sounding,
With regard to its real meaning, it is just this immediate present awareness (and nothing else).


23.

To desire something other than this
Is just like having an elephant (at home), but searching for its tracks elsewhere.
Even though you may try to measure the universe with a tape measure, it will not be possible to encompass all of it.
(Similarly) if you do not understand that everything derives from the mind, it will not be possible for you to attain Buddhahood.
By not recognizing this (intrinsic awareness for what it is), you will then search for your mind somewhere outside of yourself.
If you seek for yourself elsewhere (outside of yourself), how can you ever find yourself?
For example, this is just like an idiot who, going into a crowd of many people,
And having let himself become confused because of the spectacle,
Does not recognize himself; and, even though he searches for himself everywhere,
He continually makes the error of mistaking others for himself.
(Similarly) since you do not see the natural condition of the real disposition of things,
you do not know that appearances come from mind, and so you are thrust once again into Samsara.
By not seeing that your own mind is actually the Buddha, Nirvana becomes obscured.
With respect to Samsara and Nirvana, (the difference is simply due) to ignorance or to awareness respectively.
But at this single instant (of pure awareness), there is in fact no actual difference between them (in terms of their essence).
If you come to perceive them as existing somewhere other than in your own mind, this is surely an error.
(Therefore) error and non-error are actually of a single essence (which is the nature of the mind).
Since the mind-streams of sentient beings are not made into something that is divided into two,
the unmodified uncorrected nature of the mind is liberated by its being allowed simply to remain in its own (original) natural condition.
If you are not aware that the fundamental error or delusion comes from the mind,
you will not properly understand the real meaning of the Dharmata (the nature of reality);


24.

You should look into what is self-arising and self-originated.
With respect to these appearances, in the beginning they must arise from somewhere,
In between they must remain somewhere, and at the end they must go somewhere.
Yet when you look (into this matter), it is, for example, like a crow gazing into a well.
When he flies away from the well, (his reflection) also departs from the well and does not return.
In the same way, appearances arise from the mind;
they arise from the mind and are liberated into the mind.
The nature of the mind which (has the capacity) to know everything and be aware of everything is empty and clear;
As is the case with the sky above, its emptiness and its clarity have been inseparable from the very beginning.
Self-originated primal awareness becomes manifest,
And becoming systematically established as luminous clarity, just this is the Dharmata, the nature of reality.
Even though the indication of its existence is all phenomenal existence (which manifests externally to you),
You are aware of it in your own mind, and this latter is the nature of the mind.
Since it is aware and clear, it is understood to be like the sky.
However, even though we employ the example of the sky to indicate the nature of the mind,
this is in fact only a metaphor or simile indicating things in a one-sided fashion.
The nature of the mind, as well as being empty, is also intrinsically aware; everywhere it is clear.
But the sky is without any awareness; it is empty as an inanimate corpse is empty.
Therefore, the real meaning of "mind" is not indicated by the sky.
So without distraction, simply allow the mind to remain in the state of being just as it is.


25.

Moreover, as for this diversity of appearances, which represents relative truth,
not even one of these appearances is actually created in reality, and so accordingly they disappear again.
All things, all phenomenal existence, everything within Samsara and Nirvana,
Are merely appearances (or phenomena) which are perceived by the individual's single nature of the mind.
On any particular occasion, when your own (internal) mind-stream undergoes changes,
then there will arise appearances, which you will perceive as external changes.
Therefore, everything that you see is a manifestation of mind.
And, moreover, all of the beings inhabiting the six realms of rebirth perceive everything with their own distinct karmic vision.
The Tirthikas who are outsiders see all this in terms of the dualism of Eternalism as against nihilism.
Each of the nine successive vehicles sees things in terms of its own view.
Thus, things are perceived in various different ways and may be elucidated in various different ways.
Because you grasped at these various (appearances that arise), becoming attached to them, errors have come into existence.
Yet with respect to all of these appearances of which you are aware in your mind,
Even though these appearances that you perceive do arise, if you do not grasp at them, then that is Buddhahood.


26.

Appearances are not erroneous in themselves, but because of your grasping at them, errors come into existence.
But if you know that these thoughts only grasp at things which are mind, then they will be liberated by themselves.
Everything that appears is but a manifestation of mind.
Even though the entire external inanimate universe appears to you, it is but a manifestation of mind.
Even though all of the sentient beings of the six realms appear to you they are but a manifestation of mind.
Even though the happiness of humans and the delights of the Devas in heaven appear to you, they are but manifestations of mind.
Even though the sorrows of the three evil destinies appear to you, they are but manifestations of mind.
Even though the five poisons representing ignorance and the passions appear to you, they are but manifestations of mind.
Even though intrinsic awareness, which is self-originated primal awareness, appears to you, it is but a manifestation of mind.
Even though good thoughts along the way to Nirvana appear to you, they are but manifestations of mind.
Even though obstacles due to demons and evil spirits appears to you, they are but manifestations of mind.
Even though the gods and other excellent attainments appear to you, they are but manifestations of mind.
Even though various kinds of purity appear to you, they are but manifestations of mind.
Even though (the experience) of remaining in a state of one-pointed concentration without any discursive thoughts appears to you, it is but a manifestation of mind.
Even though the colors that are the characteristics of things appear to you, they are but manifestations of mind.
Even though a state without characteristics and without conceptual elaborations appears to you, it is but a manifestation of mind.
Even though the non-duality of the one and the many appears to you, it is but a manifestation of mind.
Even though existence and non-existence, which are not created anywhere, appear to you, they are but manifestations of mind.
There exist no appearances whatsoever that can be understood as not coming from mind.


27.

Because of the unobstructed nature of the mind, there is a continuous arising of appearances.
Like the waves and the waters of the ocean, which are not two (different things),
Whatever arises is liberated into the natural state of the mind.
However many different names are applied to it in this unceasing process of naming things,
With respect to its real meaning, the mind (of the individual) does not exist other than as one.
And, moreover, this singularity is without any foundation and devoid of any root.
But, even though it is one, you cannot look for it in any particular direction.
It cannot be seen as an entity located somewhere, because it is not created or made by anything.
Nor can it be seen as just being empty, because there exists the transparent radiance of its own luminous clarity and awareness.
Nor can it be seen as diversified, because emptiness and clarity are inseparable.
Immediate self-awareness is clear and present.
Even though activities exist, there is no awareness of an agent who is the actor.
Even though they are without any inherent nature, experiences are actually experienced.
If you practice in this way, then everything will be liberated.
With respect to your own sense faculties, everything will be understood immediately without any intervening operations of the intellect.
Just as is the case with the sesame seed being the cause of the oil and the milk being the cause of butter,
But where the oil is not obtained without pressing and the butter is not obtained without churning,
So all sentient beings, even though they possess the actual essence of Buddhahood,
Will not realize Buddhahood without engaging in practice.
If he practices, then even a cowherd can realize liberation.
Even though he does not know the explanation, he can systematically establish himself in the experience of it.
(For example) when one has had the experience of actually tasting sugar in one's own mouth,
one does not need to have that taste explained by someone else.
Not understanding this (intrinsic awareness), even Panditas can fall into error.
Even though they are exceedingly learned and knowledgeable in explaining the nine vehicles,
it will only be like spreading rumors of places, which they have not seen personally.
And with respect to Buddhahood, they will not even approach it for a moment.
If you understand (intrinsic awareness), all of your merits and sins will be liberated into their own condition.
But if you do not understand it, any virtuous or vicious deeds that you commit
will accumulate as karma leading to transmigration in heavenly rebirth or to rebirth in the evil destinies respectively.
But if you understand this empty primal awareness, which is your own mind,
the consequences of merit and of sin will never come to be realized,
just as a spring cannot originate in the empty sky.
In the state of emptiness itself, the object of merit or of sin is not even created.
Therefore, your own manifest self-awareness comes to see everything nakedly.
This self-liberation through seeing with naked awareness is of such great profundity,
and, this being so; you should become intimately acquainted with self-awareness.
Profoundly sealed!


28.

How wonderful!
As for this "Self-Liberation through Seeing with Naked Awareness" which is a direct introduction to one's own intrinsic awareness,
It is for the benefit of those sentient beings belonging to the later generations of those future degenerate times
That all of my Tantras, Agamas, and Upadesas,
Though necessarily brief and concise, have been composed.
And even though I have disseminated them at the present time, yet they shall be concealed as precious treasures,
So that those whose good karma ripens in the future shall come to encounter them.
SAMAYA! Gya! Gya! Gya!

This treatise which is an introduction to one's actual intrinsic awareness or state of immediate presence
Is entitled "Self-Liberation through Seeing with Naked Awareness." It was composed by Padmasambhava, the Master from Uddiyana. Until Samsara is emptied of living beings, may this Great Work of liberating them not be abandoned!

[On the full moon day of the eight-month of the Wood-Ox year, this Terma text entitled the Rig-pa ngo-sprod gcer mthong rang-grol, belonging to the Zab-chos zhi-khro dgongs-pa rang-grol cycle of Rigdzin Karma Lingpa, was translated by Vajranatha (John Myrdhin Reynolds) in the hope that it will enlighten and benefit all beings.]

Sarva Mangalam!

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