Karmapa’s letter for KIBI about Losar celebration

Dear members of the Karmapa International Buddhist Institute,

This Tibetan New Year (2020) I will not celebrate Losar with entertainment. You, dharma friends, may also do well to not celebrate that way, apart from taking part in the auspicious rituals.

In general, due to bad habits, people may feel bored or aggrieved when encouraged to practice dharma instead of celebrating events. We may also misunderstand this as advice to only practice dharma when there is bad news, and that when there is good news one may stop it.  I strongly suggest that these instructions not be taken that way. We should practice the supreme dharma regardless of circumstances – happy or unhappy – and practice it without falling into the eight worldly preoccupations, such as wishing for fame in this life. If we can practice dharma joyfully, and with the inspiration to achieve the goal of Samyaksambuddha, complete enlightenment, such dharma practice will not lead to suffering. It will surely lead towards nirvana, freedom from suffering. Therefore, may you all put your efforts into practicing dharma as I have explained it.

I, Thaye Dorje, the bearer of the Karmapa title, wrote and signed this on February 12, 2020.