Karmapa’s Losar message 2022

March 2, 2022

On the occasion of Losar and the dawn of the Year of the Male Water Tiger, Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, shares the following message for all of his students.

Life is precious indeed, yet no matter how precious it may be, if we try to grasp it, it will slip out of our grasp like water. Therefore, with the support of the Buddha Dharma, may we learn to enjoy life by swimming in this infinite stream – not necessarily by swimming faster or slower, but by letting the water of life float and carry us, so that we can let go of control over life.

These past years have shown us how turbulent life can be. The answer for why this is the case could be that we have tried to fight against the current of life. So, may we try to swim with it, compassionately and wisely, not for an absolute cause but simply for the enjoyment of having been born as a particular pattern of the water in this lifetime.

In this way, no matter how turbulent life gets, we are aware of and somewhat awake to the truth that turbulence must flow away, for life is only like water.

I have a feeling that at the dawn of this new year we get, yet again, a chance to witness what life is all about. Therefore, it is my fervent wish for you to take some time to either pray or meditate on life with the help of the Buddha Dharma.

I wish you longevity without the burden of having to live long.
I wish you happiness without having to force a smile.
I wish you peace without silencing loving activities.

A transcript of the English message follows:

Wish-Fulfilling Wheel, grant us your auspiciousness, the might of merit, and the cultivation of longevity and wisdom. You are the natural expression of the Buddhas’ all-accomplishing vision.

Many great Beings have displayed the deed of Parinirvana on occasion – more so, in recent times.

Kindly remember that the activity of great Beings is infinite and therefore difficult to measure or understand. For example, we witness the great Masters taking birth, falling sick, and passing away. We should not forget that these phenomena are merely manifestations of our minds. Kindly remember that when we participate in longevity practices, recite long-life prayers, and offer commemorations, we do so mainly to accumulate merit for ourselves.

At the dawn of 2022, the Year of Male Water Tiger in the lunar calendar, I offer my sincere aspiration for you to effortlessly accomplish your spiritual activities, without any difficulties.

With prayers,
Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje