Karmapa’s message on the Brazil dam disaster

January 28, 2019

In the wake of the Brumadinho dam disaster in Brazil, Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, shares the following message:

Dear dharma friends

As I write, more than 300 people are still missing after the Brumadinho dam collapse in Brazil over the weekend. Already, it has been confirmed that 58 people have lost their lives.

In the midst of such a disaster, where families are frantic with worry for the wellbeing of their loved ones, it is difficult to know what to say. This dam burst has broken the hearts of a whole community and country.

This tragic reminder of impermanence brings to mind the importance of using every moment with wisdom and compassion, and to appreciate our loved ones with all our hearts. Everything is constantly in flux, and we must not take our own precious human lives, or anyone else’s, for granted.

With compassion

Thaye Dorje
His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa