Karmapa’s Prayer for Manchester

May 23, 2017

Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, shares the following prayer in the wake of last night’s attack in Manchester, United Kingdom.

A full transcript of the letter follows:

A Prayer for Manchester

The moment I heard the sad news from Manchester, I offered my prayers for everyone affected, and I continue to pray.

I can’t imagine the confusion and sense of loss that all those involved must be experiencing. All I can offer is my heart, and to try and share my limited understanding of life, according to Buddha’s teachings.

In life, there is no absolute end, loss or death. Life simply flows in a series of pulses, according to causes and conditions.

In today’s world, it is easy to be consumed by abstract ideas of absolute loss and absolute gain. So, when ‘life happens,’ we are naturally confused and disturbed.

While we may feel that we have absolutely lost our loved ones, the truth is, this is not the case, and we need not burden ourselves with such heavy hearts. Their physical presence may be no more, but that does not mean that they are no more. The physical form will come and go.

Their memory, what they represent and mean to us, will always be present in us, in the way that we carry ourselves in life. It is now up to us to honour them and all that they stood for.

Because they are us, and we are them. We go with each other, inseparable.

May we take a little time to meditate on the fact that, in absolute terms, there are no real losses.

Though it is natural for us to experience sadness for our loved ones, let us not overburden ourselves with sorrow.

Equally, may we find a path to forgive all those who are driven by strong afflictive emotions, and who live with great pain.

For all those affected:

We are praying for you.

I am praying for you.

Thaye Dorje
His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa