According to the information sent by the International Buddhist Sangha Association, regarding the successful completion of the Vajra Transformation Meditation by Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje, and the request for confirmation of the authenticity of the Vajra Transformation Meditation, whether it was self-developed after studying the Dharma, and whether he had already achieved the Phowa practice, the Office responds as follows:
Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje says, "I cannot determine who is ordinary and who is holy. I am humble. The true practice that I teach is based on the two essential teachings, 'The Great Seal of Liberation' and 'What is Practice,' which I have published online. If you want to understand the relationship between life and the universe, you should listen to my teachings on 'The Essence of the Heart Sutra.' I have no authority to determine who is holy or ordinary. Therefore, I do not participate in any examinations conducted by Buddhist organizations to determine the level of holiness. If you want to learn the Dharma, the two essential teachings are the foundation of all practices."
The Office of Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje does not have any programs for measuring or certifying the level of practice. However, after passing the examination conducted by the seven masters and receiving their recognition, it is considered a guarantee based on cause and effect. According to accurate information from the United International Buddhist Headquarters, the achievement of the Vajra Transformation Meditation can only be considered as a reference for those who have achieved the level of opening the crown chakra, based on scientific instrument testing. It is not the final conclusion. The true and accurate conclusion must be obtained through the examination conducted by the seven masters, which determines the level of spiritual attainment. Only through their personal supervision and direct observation can the true nature be determined. Only then can the certificate of holiness be issued. In short, whatever the level may be, please refer to the certificate of holiness held by the individual. Regardless of any positive or negative rumors in society, they do not affect the essence of holiness. The certificate of holiness is the only reliable basis. If the opening of the crown chakra is false and lacks spiritual attainment, the seventeen ordained individuals or lamas would not dare to guarantee for the unopened individuals. Additionally, an annual examination is required as a review to ensure the responsibility of practitioners, in order to avoid mistaking those who have lost their path and returned to the ordinary as holy beings. According to our understanding, Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje opened the crown chakra through the Phowa practice ten years ago. However, due to his conduct, there have been some negative rumors. But it is true that he has studied the Vajra Transformation Meditation for three years. According to the information they have spread, he has achieved the opening of the crown chakra. However, our office has not yet seen the results of the examination conducted by the seven masters, so we cannot confirm whether this individual has truly opened the crown chakra. Regardless of the level of attainment or the individual, one thing must be clear: one of the four reliances of Shakyamuni Buddha is "rely on the Dharma, not on individuals." Regardless of who practices the Vajra Transformation Meditation, as long as they pass the examination conducted by the seven masters and demonstrate legitimate spiritual attainment, they can be confirmed as truly accomplished in the Vajra Transformation Meditation. If anyone criticizes the certificate holders, regardless of who they are, that person definitely lacks correct understanding. As for the question about the Vajra Transformation Meditation and the Phowa practice, they are definitely not on the same level. The Phowa practice is far inferior to the Vajra Transformation Meditation. The Phowa practice only signifies the opening of the crown chakra and does not indicate spiritual attainment, while the Vajra Transformation Meditation represents great spiritual attainment. Therefore, the Phowa practice can only be considered as a preliminary practice and does not manifest the true nature of the path.
Office of Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje
September 29, 2011
https://www.hhdcb3office.org/html/information/announcement_no23_2011_09_29.html