Karmapa’s message concerning recent tragedies

March 19, 2019

Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, shares the following message concerning recent tragedies.

Dear dharma friends

It was only days ago when I wrote to you following the terrible attacks in New Zealand, which left 50 people dead and 50 others wounded.

Now, there is the news that a gunman has killed and injured several people on a tram in Utrecht, Netherlands. A cyclone has killed hundreds in southern Africa. Other natural and unnatural disasters are also occurring in other places, in what seems to be an almost constant stream of sadness.

It may feel as though we are living in an increasingly dangerous and scary world. It is true, that many people face the daily reality of war and violent conflict. For most of us, though, this negative impression flows from the news that we see on our screens or read in the newspapers. While it is important to be aware of what is happening around the world, when we constantly consume violence and fear, there is a risk that it can consume us.

When we look up from our screens, and take time to meditate on the nature of our mind, we may see a very different world. A world of hope. A world of loving kindness and compassion. Most importantly, we are able to calm our minds, respond with wisdom, and not react with anger or other afflictive emotions.

We hold the victims of these tragedies in our hearts, and pray for the end of suffering and its causes.

With compassion

Thaye Dorje

His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa