Dharma Teachings

The Sole Means of Pacifying Samsara

by His Eminence Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche.

In this world of ever-intensifying unrest, hostility and violence, myriad peace-promoting groups have emerged from amongst the concerned sections of society the world over. Although these commendable efforts will certainly yield some positive results, particularly by raising the general consciousness about the dire implications of continuing the negative trend, the sole means of pacifying samsara os for all sentient beings to attain the full liberation of Buddhahood.

The intermediate step is for all those who are already on the Path to strive with diligence to live strictly in accordance with the true meaning of the Buddhadharma - to develop the enlightened attitude of compassion and loving-kindness towards all sentient beings, the Bodhicitta; to respect and revere all the Buddhist traditions alike since the teachings are all those of our common master, Lord Shakyamuni Buddha, while focusing one's devotional attitude and practice in the Kagyu Order, as it is the primary responsibility of the disciples of His Holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa; and to channel one's altruistic ideals by actively praying for peace in the world.

There exists in some circles an erroneous notion that Buddhism is an Eastern religion i.e. comprising of the beliefs and cultural trappings of certain ethnic communities if the Eastern hemisphere. In particular, the system of Buddhism which was transmitted from India to Tibet and flourished there is sometimes mistakenly labeled 'lamaism'. This type of discrimination is pointless and potentiates disagreement between religious groups and individuals which defeats the purpose of spiritual discipline.

The essence of the Buddhist Path is the transformation of mind,
Which obviously is not governed by the outward symbols employed by each tradition. The Dharma can permeate all cultures, but culture cannot permeate the Dharma. The essence of all the Buddha's teachings is one and the same, and if disciples practice with this view, then the fruit of the Path will definitely be realized.

H.E. Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche
Dharmachakra Centre
Rumtek, Sikkim,
India.