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Teachings
of the Gyalwa Karmapa The subject of this afternoon's teaching of Thaye Dorje, the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, was on The Six Paramitas, the six qualities which lead to enlightenment. We hereby present some excerpts from his teaching. In the beginning we need to develop aspiration for an enlightened mind. Then we put into practice the six enlightened qualities. This training provides us with the means to help all beings, and to attain the enlightened state. Generosity is an attitude of giving, based on a totally altruistic state of mind. Ethical behaviour means abandoning all kinds of unwholesome actions which are at the root of all suffering. Those who wish to reach the state of Buddhahood need favorable conditions, which can be realized only through the practice of pure ethics. Patience is the capacity to accept all kinds of hardships, to not give in to agitation when faced with difficulties, and to not loose courage. Perseverance is explained as the enthusiasm to practice virtue. With the help of enthusiastic perseverance, the practitioner will overcome laziness, and develop all other virtues with joy. Meditative concentration is a state of mind which abides in tranquility, not distracted by emotional perturbations. Wisdom is more than general education and knowledge. It is the understanding of all phenomena as being without an origin, without cessation, without inherent existence. It is the realisation of emptiness. Through the development of wisdom and means, which are the first five paramitas, the practitioner will attain Buddhahood. These six paramitas are interdependent. We need to bring forth all of them. In this way, the meditator may attain enlightenment and accomplish the benefit of all sentient beings. Today we are fortunate to have the capacities to train in the six paramitas. I encourage all of you to do it with great vigour, concluded Gyalwa Karmapa. Carpooling
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