“May we not engage in jealousy, rivalry/competitive mind, bullying and harassing each other, and may we all help and benefit each other.”–17th Karmapa (Losar speech 2024)
Today (10th February), is the first day of the Tibetan New Lunar Year 2151, Losar and also the Chinese New year. I shared some photos of the Chinese New Year celebrations yesterday and today, in Chinatown Bangkok, an event that also marked 49 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China, see reel here.
17th Karmapa’s New Year (Losar) message: a call to not entertain jealousy, competitive mind and bullying of others
For the Tibetan New Year (Losar) the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa shared a brief New Year’s video message, via the official FB page for the Karmapa, Tsurphu Labrang. The message was accompanied by an announcement that Tsurphu Labrang:
As I have not seen any English translation provided with the video message, I provide a brief and general summary of the key points in it here for those who are interested.
The 17th Karmapa began by wishing everyone an abundant and auspicious New Year. During Losar, he explained that in the world, we generally wish for well-being and no conflict, in particular, on this first Tibetan month, he wished that all beings have happiness and well-being more than himself and repay their kindness. In particular, he wished long-life to the 14th Dalai Lama and that his aspirations may be accomplished. Also, that the four main Tibetan Buddhist lineages, such as the Gyalwang Jonang head may again accomplish his activities in Tibet, and that all the sangha of the lineages in Tibetan Buddhism also accomplish their wishes and well-being for a long time, and that all the holders of the teachings have long and stable lives and well-being.
Generally, during Losar we have a tradition of getting new clothes, and making various types of new food. Also, we take whatever well-being and fortune we had in the old year and move forward into the new year with confidence and hopes these may continue in this new time period, with new vigor and courage, and see it as a new opportunity. As with these hopes, I think it is very important that we also aspire to work together in harmony and unity, helping each other out mutually. If we do that, then all the Tibetan ‘family’ will be able to accomplish whatever wishes they have, and I hope that all us Tibetan accomplish all our wishes in that way.
Also, the Karmapa specifically requested that we not engage in jealousy, competitive mind, bullying and harassing each other, and may we all help and benefit each other. The Karmapa added that he thought it was also very important that we offer love and protection to each other and that all Tibetans have the courage and will-power to fulfil their aims and wishes, including the 14th Dalai Lama’s wish to return to Tibet.
[Author’s note: This message seems very timely indeed when the Karma Kagyu have been plagued with so many obstacles, a candidate vying for the name and position, and people trying to actively (and passively) harm the 17th Karmapa (even assassination attempts as a boy and young man) and probably using tantric rituals too. I personally think he has also been deeply effected by such jealousy and rivalry by teachers in the other lineages, threatened by his age, handsome looks and progressive and unique ways of teaching and doing research on the Buddha Dharma making them look rather out-dated, irrelevant, and unoriginal in many aspects, the conservative old guard no doubt wrongly saw him as a hindrance to their vested interests rather than a help.]
Apo Gaga (17th Karmapa)’s footprint in rock as a 7 year old boy before he was recognised
Also, yesterday the Layjang bulletin, the official publication of the 17th Karmapa, published some information in Tibetan with a photo, regarding a footprint that the 17th Karmapa left in rock while he was in Tibet when he was only 7 years old and before he was recognised as the Karmapa! As if we needed any more proof of the remarkable and amazing mental and physical powers of the Karmapa, here is another one to inspire devotion and awe.
Music? With beautiful lyrics and images about birth and life of Apo Gaga (the boy), Karmapa Khyenno song by Dawa Tsona and this 2024 Tibetan Losar gala of songs and performances aired on Tibetan Kangba TV. May Tibetans find freedom, harmony and peace in Tibet and exile and may the Tibetans and Chinese (as in Thailand) form friendships and harmony based on trust, good will and love for each other so that all Tibetans in Tibet, and in exile, may live free of bullying, oppression, censorship, authoritarianism in Tibet, whether that be from Tibetans or Chinese.
Translated and compiled by Adele Tomlin, 10th February 2024.
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