Karmapa on hope

June 14, 2016

Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, gave the following statement in the aftermath of the Paris attacks. It was reposted on Karmapa’s Facebook account in the light of the Orlando shootings.

It is very sad to witness how destructive we human beings can be. At this time, it is particularly important to remember that we are also capable of great courage and compassion. On this tragic day, I offer my prayers to the victims, the perpetrators, and all those directly and indirectly harmed.

We need to find a way to use this moment to develop awareness and understanding, so that we may live our lives without fear. We need to find a way to use this moment to stand up to fear and panic, and not to succumb to it. We need to find a way to use this moment to develop compassion, and to show others that it is the lack of awareness, wisdom and compassion, manifesting as emotions, that is the real thing that we need to stand up to.

I pray that we all find a way to use this moment to respond with loving kindness, to stand up with hope in our hearts, and remember that human beings are also capable of great courage and compassion. I would like to ask all of those directly and indirectly affected by this tragedy to join in this aspiration.