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
https://t.co/NUQNZrhgYz
Aquí estaremos en vivo desde las 4pm. Para oírte, para acompañarte, para escuchar tus denuncias y necesidades en estas horas difíciles para Venezuela.
Si quieres ver la transmisión o participar, entra al LIVE y en el chat verás resaltado en amarillo el link para acceder a nuestro estudio, para que salgas al aire y lo digas con tu propia voz.
https://t.co/05ZFluox7g
@jcbarreiro Juan porfa envíale a @carlaangola, el nro de teléfono (con whatsapp) de alguien que esté allí en el Edificio oasis beach, para que lo puedan ayudar ya y con precisión, saludos y gracias!
@DelmiroDeBarrio Delmiro porfa envíale a @carlaangola, el nro de teléfono (con whatsapp) de alguien que esté allí en el Edificio El Jurel, para que lo puedan ayudar ya y con precisión, saludos.
@FabiiTorres14@FabiiTorres14 Hola Fabi sabes de alguien que esté allí en APP27 y tenga un teléfono dónde se le pueda llamar? CarlaAngola esta pidiendo esta info para enviar ayuda! Mucho amor, fuerza para todos allí ❤️ @carlaangola
Acabo de hablar con un rescatista peruano, Charlie gold.
Insiste que ningún rescatista se va a mover a menos que todos los reportes se centralicen en la sede del sistema de Naciones Unidas en el estadio de béisbol de La Guaira.
Allí de acuerdo al mapeo digital, se centralizan las prioridades y es cuando envían a los rescatistas.
Dos buenas noticias:
Los rescatistas internacionales se preparan para trabajar en la zona 0 por 8 o 10 días. Es decir. Que no se dejan llevar por la premisa de que solo en las primeras 72 horas es cuando encuentran vida, NO!, la esperanza de vida se mantiene todos esos días después de la tragedia.
La segunda:
Él observó el mapa ayer y pudo constatar que 90% de las zonas en emergencia ya han sido revisadas o tienen a especialistas trabajando en búsqueda de sobrevivientes.
Muchas veces nos dijeron que no había señales de vida, pero la madre de Lucas ha mantenido la fe, y nosotros también.
Durante varios días hemos estado trabajando con menos de un 0.01 % de probabilidades.
Pero vamos a seguir. Para Dios no hay nada imposible.
@eduardomenoni Hola está chica reporta desde hace días su flia está viva aún no ha ido nadie de rescate! Yorlis León solo tiene cuenta de ig. Última actualización hace 4h de que siguen vivos. Porfa por si tú puedes repostear y mencionar a los equipos de rescate graciasss
https://t.co/TWNHoIyeDf
@rtvenoticias Don Antonio usted que ha cruzado el Atlántico, si que lleva muy en alto su Apellido Diosdado, y no como otro que está a pocos Kilómetros bien sentado mandando a frenar cualquier ayuda. Gracias España!
@USForeignAssist A family is reported still alive under the rubble; there is no machinery available to remove it.
Location: Bloque 3 La Paez. Catia La Mar 1162, La Guaira
https://t.co/XCevMkCjIe
A family member reported this on their Instagram account. Please go ASAP! Thank You