The news of the earthquake, the loss of life and destruction in Nepal and the damage to the Great Stupa and monasteries amidst so much devastation has been very disheartnening to me and to all of us. I extend my deepest condolences and sympathy to the monastics and to the people of Nepal. We pray and invoke the kindness of Three Jewels as we write.
Even though the compassion, wisdom and power of the Buddhas are indiscriminate for all and at all times, it does make a significant difference in the effectiveness of prayer according to our own karmic connections and aspirations.
The people of Tibet and the Himalayan region have a special bond with Padmasambhava, who, through his kindness, first established the Buddha’s teachings in Tibet. At this very critical moment I advise all to pray wholeheartedly to Padmasambhava whose kindness is more swift than other Buddhas. Read the “Sampa Lhundrubma” and “Barche Lamsel” prayers. I believe this certainly will pacify naturally all the malevolent and obstructing forces.
We pray, fervently, for the deceased for their freedom from the fears of lower birth and the state in between. May they obtain a life of leisure and opportunity. May they traverse the stages and path to enlightenment and in the end achieve state of Buddhahood. May all who are harmed, physically or mentally, quickly be freed from their pain and suffering and have a long and meaningful life.
Thank you.
A number of Sakya monateries plus the International Buddhist academy (Sakya College in Katmandu) plus many other sites are known to have been badly affected, some left in ruins.
The Sakya Thubten Ling will be sending a donation to His Holiness to be applied to help the people of Nepal. If you wish to add your contribution to our donation, you can hand it in at the Centre marked “Earthquake Appeal (in a gift aid envelope, if appropriate) or you can donate online through our sister charity the Tibetan Sakya Trust, founded by the Venerable Khenpo Lekshey on
www.tibetan-sakya-trust.org