Karmapa’s message for India’s 70th Independence Day

August 12, 2016

On the occasion of India’s 70th Independence Day, Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, shares the following message.

Dear Dharma friends,

India’s 70th Independence Day is an auspicious moment in the story of this great nation. The 15th August 2016 is an invitation to recall the past with appreciation, and to look forward with hope. On this day, we remember that it is due to the sacrifices made by those before us that we are able to look to the future.

Since I was 11 years old, when I left my beloved birthplace in Tibet, India has been my home. Like a mother’s embrace, India has provided me with warmth, safety and love. It is because of her hospitality that, as Karmapa, I have been able to pursue my spiritual activities here and overseas for so many years.

Freedom is a precious gift. India offered my predecessor, His Holiness the 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, the gift of religious freedom. I continue to enjoy and appreciate this freedom from India, as do so many other fellow Tibetans, alongside India’s citizens.

Therefore, on Independence Day, may we recall the past with great appreciation in our hearts. May the nation of India and all of her 1.2 billion children be blessed. And may all of those around the world who value freedom of religion, speech and other democratic values celebrate this auspicious occasion.

Let us use this day to to sow seeds of loving kindness for our future, so that tomorrow’s generation may also look forward with hope.

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