Statement for students and teachers concerned about current affairs

February 3, 2017

Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, gives the following statement for students and teachers concerned about current affairs:

 For every leader and every government, every decision is a difficult one. As citizens, this is something that we may keep in mind.

Once a decision is made, we may – with this understanding, genuine respect, and with no emotion – request leaders to find solutions, to find a middle way, so that the decision finds a path without extremes.

More importantly, we should practice mindfulness and observe how situations change in every moment. We are unable to stop these changes because change is the nature of life. Therefore, it is important to meditate regularly on realizing, understanding and accepting this impermanence.

This practice, and the realization that flows from it, will lead to compassion and wisdom. This will help us to navigate whatever seemingly good or bad situations arise, and they will all become positive and beneficial. This kind of approach will not fix problems, but it will help us gain something invaluable from every encounter.

A glass may break, for breaking is in its nature. Once broken, it can’t be unbroken. But if the broken shards are arranged together as a crystal mosaic, a wonderful treasure is created. With a clear, wise and compassionate mind, every challenge may work in this way.