The arrival of the Kudung (mortal remains) of the 14th Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche was scheduled to take place on the 14th of July in Kathmandu Nepal, following a month long trip in Germany and India. It seems, however, that the Nepalese government has retracted a ‘no objection’ permission letter that was issued some time ago. The retraction would mean that it would no longer be permitted to move the mortal remains of the 14th Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche from India to Nepal to allow his disciples in Nepal to be able to receive a final blessing.
The connection of the Kunzig Shamar Rinpoches to Nepal is very significant. In the 15th century the 4th Shamarpa Chokyi Drakpa founded a monastery at Swayambhunath which was later restored by both the 10th and 14th Shamarpas. That monastery is presided over to this day by the Shamarpa. The 8th Shamarpa Palchen Chokyi Dondrup was born in Nepal at Yelambhu in the 17th century. The 8th Shamarpa is revered for having restored many of the great stupas of Nepal. The 10th Shamarpa Chodrup Gyatso in the 18th century was also a prominent spiritual leader in Nepal. When he passed away in Nepal, in 1792, even the Nepalese royal family themselves came to pay their respects. The present 14th Shamarpa Mipham Chokyi Lodro, with the wish to maintain this important bond, has devoted a significant amount of his life for the benefit of Nepal and it’s citizens. Not only as a prominent spiritual teacher but also restoring many important buddhist sites and building locations such as the Shar Minub monastery. Finally, he has made the request that his remains be brought back to Nepal where his reliquary stupa will be kept.
We respectfully ask the Nepalese government to please consider the great benefits that would result in allowing Shamar Rinpoches final resting place to be in Kathmandu, Nepal. The Karma Kagyu school is not involved in politics, tibetan or otherwise. It is an independent, international, spiritual organization, whose sole purpose is preserving the legacy of the Buddha with a special emphasis on meditative practices. Many of its followers are from Nepal, the historical birthplace of the Buddha Shakyamuni, as well as many other nations across the world . The late 14th Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche has never been, himself, involved in any politics. He has always stressed to his followers the importance of not mixing politics with their spiritual practice.
As we have seen since the death of our precious teacher Shamar Rinpoche (see attached video links) in both Germany and India there have not been any incidence of protests or problems. This opportunity to pay our last respects has been a time of deep sorrow and mourning which is meant as a final opportunity to receive Rinpoche’s blessing. We assure you upon the arrival of the Kudung we will conduct ourselves with the utmost respect and discretion.
This retraction would deny Nepalis, some of whom are of little means, to receive a final blessing from their teacher, as well as international disciples who have already booked their travel arrangements. We humbly ask the Nepalese government and the entire world to respect the last wishes of the Great 14th Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche and allow his final resting place to be permitted without any obstructions at the noble Shar Minub Monastery in the sacred Kathmandu valley a place which was so esteemed and adored by the great Shamarpa.
We greatly appreciate your compassionate understanding in this difficult and sad time.
With all our respect
The devoted disciples of the 14th Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche
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