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Teachings of the Gyalwa Karmapa on the Four Noble
Truths In the presence of 1100 people the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa gave teachings on the Four Noble Truths, after having received the ritual offerings of a universal mandala and the symbolic offerings of enlightened Body, Speech, Mind, Qualities and Activities. In the morning, the sangha accumulated the mantra Karmapa Kyenno thereby preparing themselves spirtually for the arrival of Karmapa. The teachings on the Four Noble Truths explain the functioning of samsara and the path to enlightenment. Why are they called truths? From the point of view of those who are realized, all manifestations are not due to external factors like God, time, the self; nor do they appear without a cause. Whatever manifests is the fruit of interdependent causes and conditions. This is the functioning of reality. In order to cure a disease, one has to diagnose the condition, so said Maitreya. In the same way, if we wish to heal our suffering, we need to know exactly what it is and to understand its causes. Disturbing emotions are obscuring states of mind that agitate, hence turning our minds away from a state of fundamental well being and calm. All beings in samsara are linked to a physical body, which is a result of their disturbed emotions and confusion. Inevitably this karmic body has to undergo changes and experience physical pain. We can't trust our happiness and pleasures, as they are ephemeral and are bound to eventually disappear. We are fortunate enough though, with help from the instructions, to have an opportunity to understand the causes of suffering. The logical consequence is that we must do our best to turn away from unwholesome actions, and to free our minds from emotions and obscurations. Speech given by Droupla Roland Carpooling
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