His Holiness the Dalai Lama
His Holiness the Dalai Lama has published a message regarding the pandemic in Time Magazine. In his message, published on April 14, he said that the planet has no barriers and, in the Buddhist view, the entire world is interdependent. He stated that the pandemic serves as a warning that only a co-ordinated global response will meet the magnitude of its challenges.
His Holiness said that the pandemic has shown that what happens to one individual can quickly impact on every other. Moreover, he emphasised that compassionate action, such as observing social distancing, has the potential to help many and that we should all take responsibility where we can. He pointed out that no-one is free from suffering and that we should reach out to those who do not have the support of a home or family.
He acknowledged this is a time of great fear, but emphasised that “emotional disarmament”, the human capacity to use our minds to overcome anger, panic and greed, will help us to see things clearly, without the confusion these negative emotions cause. He also stated that he believes in the principle of impermanence and that the virus will eventually pass.
His Holiness the Karmapa
Similar sentiments were expressed by His Holiness the Kamapa, in a Facebook message on April 14. He advised it is crucial not to surrender to mental anguish during the pandemic and that “We can use this crisis to improve ourselves and learn something new”. He continued, saying that it is crucially important [that] all of us on the earth must work together to face and overcome this crisis”.
The website of His Holiness the Dalai Lama reported on March 31 that he had written to Prime Minister Modi appreciating the strict measures needed to meet the challenges posed by the pandemic. He thanked him for setting up the emergency fund PM CARES and sent a donation from the Dalai Lama Trust. He acknowledged the tremendous hardship many are facing with loss of livelihood and no stable income and hoped the fund will provide them with the assistance they urgently need.
His Holiness the Kamapa also made donations. Phayul reported that under his direction donations were made by the Tsurphu Labrang and Kun Kyong Charitable Trust, also the Kagyu Monlam Trust. The donations went to PM CARES and the State Governments of Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh and Bihar.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama said he has been praying for everyone but that prayer is not enough, “[…] we all have a responsibility to exercise compassion and help”.
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