A letter of appreciation from Karmapa

April 7, 2017

Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, shares the following letter of appreciation.

A full transcript follows:

Dear dharma friends

I am deeply touched by your kindness.

I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation to all of the monasteries, centres and institutions around the world for your prayers and pujas for my longevity.

I have received thousands of messages from students and other well-wishers, and I thank each and every one of you.

As the Karmapa, every decision I take is motivated by the wish to benefit our lineage and all sentient beings. At this moment in the history of our lineage, I have great confidence that this union will help preserve and protect the Karma Kagyu tradition.

I am looking forward to seeing you, to meditating with you, to practicing with you, whether it is at the forthcoming ceremonies to mark the third anniversary of His Holiness Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche’s Parinirvana; the European and South East Asia teaching tours, various meditation courses and public engagements; or indeed the annual Kagyu Monlam in Bodhgaya.

I am also looking forward, for our lineage, to the auspicious arrival of His Holiness the 15th Shamar Rinpoche.

I ask all of you, as all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas encourage, to continue to focus on spiritual practice – which is the heart of our lineage – a practice of loving kindness and compassion.

With prayers and appreciation

Thaye Dorje