In this new video clip from the 17th Karmapa explains the crucial difference between respect, faith/belief and devotion ( Fifty Verses on the Guru: Day 11, 2025) It is in the original Tibetan (and specially translated/created English subtitles by me (Adele Tomlin)).
The 17th Karmapa considers the most important thing with respect for a teacher or guru, is a deep feeling of belief and confidence in their qualities. So we can show respect to people in the way we call them. The Karmapa playfully speaks about how traditionally in Tibet people were also given respect with titles and names like Gen-la (elder) and father (Pa-la) and mother (Ama-la) and even call women beautiful, whether they are or not. However, these days, the 17th Karmapa joked we need to be careful because some might take offence if we think they look old. Also, if we use the word beautiful for every woman we meet to flatter them, and make them happy, it becomes meaningless.
The point being respect and belief if genuine are based on an inner feeling and one does not do or say things for worldly reasons such as making them happy or things easier for them and us. With a teacher, such actions of respect with speech and body are natural expressions that “pour out” and manifest from the great power of having genuine faith/confidence in a teacher.
The 17th Karmapa explains that this is something we can know and see. Although some people are faking respect and devotion in their external appearances, inside there is nothing, and so it is meaningless. However, if a person genuinely has great belief, respect then devotion will naturally express itself in actions of body and speech.
Thus, devotion is greater and more than faith/belief, because devotion is the actions of body and speech that pour out due to the sheer power of a person’s faith. It is more than feeling delight in one’s mind at having faith/belief in a teacher.
For the full transcript and summary of the Day 11, 2025 teaching, see here.
Video transcribed, translated and created by Adele Tomlin, 6th June 2025.