Announcement to all temples, associations, societies, foundations, Dharma centers, and Dharma points of the International Buddhist Sangha Association:
The office of the International Buddhist Sangha Association received today the "511 Activity Notice (Press Conference)" forwarded by Mr. Zhang Jinshui from Taiwan. The International Buddhist Sangha Association was not aware of this matter! However, it must be said that whether it is the International Buddhist Sangha Association in Taiwan or the Dharma masters or venerables in various parts of the world, or members within or outside the organization, they have the autonomy to hold press conferences, but it must be in accordance with the legal regulations of the country or region. Please note that the International Buddhist Sangha Association does not endorse any false or unethical words or actions, regardless of the target individuals or institutions.
We have seen in the invitation letter for the event that the Dalai Lama's Tibet Religious Foundation is either "everywhere" or "deceptive" in Taiwan. The Association believes that this should not be the case. Although the Dalai Lama's Tibet Religious Foundation has spread rumors online about the "deceptive methods of the Yiyun Gao Group," disregarding the facts and losing the morality of a Buddhist disciple, defaming and slandering the Third Dharma King Palden Dorje Group, our International Buddhist Sangha Association and its institutions and members around the world are engaged in the study and practice of Buddhism, nurturing moral practitioners as Buddhist disciples. The Dalai Lama's Tibet Religious Foundation has defamed our Third Dharma King Palden Dorje Group, but we cannot label them as "deceptive." Please note that such non-definitive language does not represent the moral behavior of the International Buddhist Sangha Association. Whether there is deception or not, and who is deceiving, that is a conclusion that can only be reached through a court investigation of the facts.
Please do not misunderstand and think that Master Yiyun Gao is being sued in Shenzhen or Hong Kong. That is not the case; it is persecution by the Shenzhen Public Security Bureau. Master Yiyun Gao, whether residing in China, Hong Kong, or the United States, has never been sued by anyone or any organization in court in his entire life, not even once! However, some of Master Yiyun Gao's students have been sued, such as Huang Xiaosui and others.
This announcement is hereby made.
International Buddhist Sangha Association
May 8, 2012