Karmapa’s message on Las Vegas shooting

October 3, 2017

Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, gives this message following the mass shooting in Las Vegas.

Dear Dharma friends,

I was saddened to learn about the Las Vegas mass shooting, which has led to at least 59 people losing their lives, and more than 500 injured.

Yesterday was the United Nations International Day of Nonviolence. And, in the face of such violent scenes, it may seem like a futile or even failing task to continue to tread a nonviolent path.

Nevertheless, we continue on our path. Following the footsteps of Buddha, Gandhi and other great beings who have led the nonviolent way, we continue to believe in the gentle power of nonviolence – no matter how hard it may feel in times like this.

I pray that we can all find the courage to respond to violence with compassion, with wisdom, and with nonviolence. In this way, we will all be helping to reduce suffering in our world, and serve all those who follow us.

Please join me in praying for the victims and all those affected by the Las Vegas incident.

With compassion

Thaye Dorje

His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa