Karmapa’s message for Vesak 2025

May 12, 2025

Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, gives the following message on the occasion of Vesak, 2025.

A transcript of the message follows.

Dear Dharma friends,

Today marks the day of Vesak, the anniversary of the birth, enlightenment and Parinirvana of Buddha Shakyamuni, and the most sacred day for Buddhists of all schools.

This day is an opportunity to reflect not only on the life and path of the historical Buddha but also on the path that we ourselves are on.

It’s important for us to understand that Prince Siddhartha did not become a Buddha through some kind of magic. He became a Buddha through dedicated practice, by developing tremendous courage, wisdom and compassion; and this is why we remember his life example today.

All of us have Buddha nature, and to realise this potential we need to follow in his footsteps and dedicate our lives to practice whole-heartedly.

This is the path that Buddha set out for us, and this path lies within all of us.

So, dear Dharma friends, let us use this day to reflect on the life of an extraordinary being, and on his message to us that we, too, are capable of becoming extraordinary beings, with the ability to inspire countless others.

With prayers,

Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa