Words of Advice to the Dhagpo Sangha by HH17 Karmapa, Thaye Dorje given in Kalimpong, March 1999 I am happy with

the link that is being established with Dhagpo Kagyu Ling. I would like today to give you some practical advice. First of all it is essential for everyone to develop a peaceful outlook. A serene outlook allows one to spread harmony around oneself. Buddha's teachings demonstrate the necessity of helping other beings, of showing them the path of pacification. To be capable of doing this, it is indispensable to be at peace oneself. In order to achieve pacification of the mind, it is necessary to develop love and compassion : this is what permits an authentic serenity. Love is the wish to establish all beings in happiness and compassion is the wish to liberate them from suffering. We have the fortune of possessing all the conditions needed to achieve this end : a precious human existence, free and well endowed. We are free from all the circumstances that prevent us from fulfilling our intentions and we possess all those that are favourable. We are endowed with the eight freedoms and the ten attainments which permit us to undertake the journey. We are therefore capable of progressing on the path. We cannot let such an opportunity slip. That means that we must accumulate merit, positive actions and avoid every harmful action. It is essential not to commit the slightest negative action. A negative action means an action which harms others : we must equally guard against negative thoughts. At the same time we should strive to perform actions that are positive and beneficial towards others, however insignificant they may appear to us. These teachings are intended to be put into practice : simply knowing them is not sufficient. For that we must be mindful of them, then strive to perform them and to do so continually. These few instructions are the essence of the practice. If we strive to perform them, we are sure to be on the right track. These few pieces of advice are a summary of the teaching, I ask you to keep them in mind during your practice.