Karmapa’s message for Gandhi Jayanti

October 2, 2017

Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, shares this message on the anniversary of Gandhi Ji’s birth:

Dear dharma friends,

Those who truly understand real wealth are able to effortlessly experience great peace for themselves and set an example for others.

I feel that Gandhi Ji is one of those individuals. He cherished everything – both material and nonmaterial phenomena – with respect, kindness and moderation.

Whether it was observing his religious practice, conducting an everyday conversation, or eating a meal – all were carried out with these qualities. When he practiced, he practiced; when he conversed he did just that; and when he ate he did nothing else. Although such acts of simplicity hardly seem noteworthy, Gandhi Ji touched millions of hearts and still does so, long after his departure.

Why? Because we can see that everything he did was not for power, fame or fortune, but with respect, kindness and moderation. This is real wealth. This is Inner Wealth.

Gandhi Ji’s rich example helped to found one of the greatest nations on Earth. We too must now utilise our Inner Wealth to learn from such examples, and strive to apply them in our own lives. Like millions out there, I too wish to celebrate and honour this way of life.

Tremendous amounts of merit will be generated when remembering great beings like Gandhi Ji. Please join me.

With compassion,
Thaye Dorje
His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa