I’ve read about people who cured being sick or gained a lot of wealth by practicing Dharma – is that the purpose of Dharma?

Some people think that all the problems in their life can be solved by the Dharma. For example, if you are sick, then if you practice Dharma, that will cure you. If you have economic (financial) problems, you practice Dharma and all your economic problems will be solved. Things like this, many people have expectations like this.

The purpose of practice of Dharma is not to solve these kinds of life problems. It is difficult for the Dharma to solve these kinds of problems. I feel that the purpose of the practice of Dharma is to get rid of and solve the most basic problems of life, to address the most important problems of life.

Many people, even if we are healthy, even if we have good financial conditions, even if we are successful, that does not satisfy us or fulfill us. We can still feel lonely, empty, or unhappy.

It is these kinds of problems or sicknesses of the mind, these things can be solved by practice of the Dharma.

His Holiness, 17^th Gyalwang Karmapa

Ogyen Trinley Dorje

Mahamudra Teaching, Nurburing, Germany