The following are David Rome’s notes from a meeting with VCTR on February 23, 1986 at Karme-Choling, Vermont
DR: I would like to ask about after your death–not because I think you are going to die soon, but because at our privy council meeting in Halifax, we didn’t seem to have a common understanding about how things should be. I studied the spiritual will you drafted with Sara Levy in 1984 and prepared some questions based on that. That document was sent to the Vajra Regent (VROT) and myself, but nothing more has been done. May I ask?
V: Yes.
DR: Will is in two parts–“if Shambhala is fully realized” and “if Shambhala is not fully realized.” Are we right to assume that fully realized means full manifestation, as you have planned?
V: Yes.
DR: So at this point it is not yet fully realized, right?
V: Yes.
DR: In that part of the will (i.e. not yet realized), there is no mention at all of the kingdom of Shambhala. How should we carry on with the Shambhala vision in this situation, at the time of your death?
V: People should still shoot (for it)…try to establish and work for realization sooner or later.
DR: Would Sawang (Osel Rangdrol Mukpo) necessarily still become Sakyong in that case?
V: Yes.
DR: When, and who would empower him?
V: I will empower him sooner or later.
DR: You have done that already in any case. So, he could simply proclaim himself?
V: Yes.
DR: After your death, where should the sense of command, ultimate authority reside? Should it be with Katham Sikyong (Osel Tendzin)? Privy Council? Sawang? Or Sakyong Wangmo?
V: Sawang or Sakyong Wangmo.
DR: Even if you were to die tomorrow?
V: Yes.
DR: So, the Vajra Regent’s power would remain pretty much the same as it is now?
V: I think so.
DR: Should your privy council continue?
V: Yes.
DR: How would important officials be appointed?
V: Consult with Sawang.
DR: If any of us feel that the Sawang is doing something wrong, making a mistake or acting in the wrong style, what approach should we take?
V: Advisory.
DR: If the Vajra Regent misbehaves, if he tries to seize power, how should we deal with him?
V: He should be dismantled.
DR: How?
V: Say he has not learned enough lessons.
DR: Should we remove him from his position or just hold him down?
V: Hold down.
DR: Do you think this sort of problem could actually happen?
V: It might.
DR: But you still basically trust the Regent?
V: Yes.
DR: What can we do to help prevent future problems?
V: Watch closely.
DR: Who would appoint the next dharma heir? Would Vajra Regent select?
V: I think so.
DR: Next Dorje Loppon? Also the Regent?
V: Yes.
DR: Next K3?
V: General consensus.
DR: Ministers?
V: Privy council.
DR: As K3, should I report directly to Sawang, or act in my own authority as if you were still there?
V: Directly to Sawang.
DR: Last point mentioned in the will is the national assembly. Is national assembly outgrowth of dekyong council?
V: Yes.
DR: At the point where we are dealing with very large numbers of people, could representatives be selected by vote?
V: Fine.
DR: So the people should have an opportunity to express themselves?
V: Yes.
DR: So the committee approach described in Court Vision would still apply for a transitional time following your death?
V: Yes.
DR: What should we do with this will?
V: Clear up any confusion.
DR: It seems pretty clear, if we just add some points from what we have just discussed.
V: Fine.
DR: Shall I share this conversation with Privy Council now?
V: Would be good.
DR: How long are you going to live?
V: Quite awhile.
[Transcribed from notes and typed by David I. Rome 3/3/86]
