03/07/2026
Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, shares this message after the earthquake in Venezuela:
Dear Dharma friends,
It is with deep sadness that I have been following the tragic consequences of the devastating earthquake that struck Venezuela. So many lives have been lost, many more people have been injured, and countless families have seen their homes and livelihoods destroyed. Even now, many remain missing while rescue teams continue their tireless efforts in the hope of finding survivors.
To witness such suffering is truly heartbreaking. When disasters of this magnitude occur, we are reminded once again of the fragility of our human existence. The pain experienced by those who have lost loved ones, who have been separated from their families, or who have lost everything upon which they depended is almost beyond words.
This tragedy is also one among many natural calamities that have affected different parts of the world in recent times. Faced with such a constant stream of suffering, it is only natural to feel discouraged or even helpless. As Dharma practitioners, we may sometimes wonder whether our practice has any real strength when we are unable to prevent such immense suffering.
At such times, it is important to remember the true purpose of the Buddha’s teachings. The Dharma was never intended to eliminate impermanence or prevent change. Rather, it teaches us how to understand and embrace the ever-changing nature of life with wisdom and compassion. Liberation is not found by escaping change, but by accepting reality as it is.
Such acceptance does not make us indifferent to suffering. On the contrary, when we recognise the shared vulnerability of all beings, our compassion naturally deepens. We respond not with despair, but with kindness, courage and the sincere wish to bring whatever benefit we can.
For some, that compassion may take the form of offering practical assistance to those in need. For others, it may be expressed through prayer, meditation and the dedication of merit. Most often, it is both. Whatever our circumstances allow, every genuine act of compassion has value when it is motivated by the wish to relieve the suffering of others.
I therefore encourage all of you to keep the people of Venezuela in your hearts and prayers. If you are able, please support the relief efforts in whatever way you can. I also especially encourage you to recite the six-syllable mantra of Chenrezig, Om Mani Padme Hum, and dedicate its merit to those who have lost their lives, to those who are grieving, to those who have been injured or displaced, and to everyone working tirelessly in the rescue and recovery efforts.
When we practise in this way, we do not need to believe that we have all the answers or that we alone can remove the suffering of the world. We simply do our best to cultivate wisdom and compassion within ourselves. A calm and compassionate mind naturally becomes a source of courage and reassurance for others, and in this way our own practice can become a condition for benefit, even amidst the greatest hardship.
I extend my heartfelt prayers to all those who have lost their lives in this disaster, to their families and loved ones, to those who have been injured or displaced, and to everyone involved in the rescue and recovery efforts.
May those who have passed away find a favourable rebirth swiftly. May those who mourn find comfort and strength. May all those affected by this tragedy receive the support they need to rebuild their lives. And may wisdom, compassion and loving kindness continue to arise in all our hearts for the benefit of all beings.
With prayers,
Thaye Dorje
His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa
www.karmapa.org/on-the-earthquake-in-venezuela/
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