Rival Thaye Dorje is less fettered, having had opportunities to give teachings abroad, and appears set to spend the next few years studying in Kalimpong. Both have their eye on the Karmapa's exile seat at Rumtek Monastery in the Himalayan Indian state of Sikkim. Both have many supporters. A solution to the controversy appears to lie in the hands of the Dalai Lama. The question is what he means by his recent statement that the issue can be amicably resolved.
Some observers are confused.
Careful study of Tibetan history shows a trail of conflict and broken promises between the line of Dalai Lamas and Karmapas. Such conflict pains to this day. The Dalai Lama, a religious leader but also a politician, sees a close alliance with the leader of the Karma Kagyu sect as crucial in his bid for unity - a unity he sees as so vital as he tries to find a negotiated settlement to the Tibetan issue that might allow him and his people to return home. As a religious leader, he knows there are questions of truth over the recognition of Urgyen Trinley. As a politician, he know Urgyen Trinley can more easily be used as a tool in his drive for unity.