I would like many things in the world to be better, but I am only one person – what can one person do?

So when we talk about individual aspirations – individuals are all related to other individuals. Therefore, an individual’s actions and aspirations are connected to many others, so one individual’s small aspiration can also change and impact the whole world in a very big way. That person or that individual is not only independent, but is related to everything else. The aspiration and responsibility can also have a big effect on a whole community or the whole world.

Therefore, each individual becomes very important. Each individual has power and influence. We think of the Buddha as having super-powers, being a super-hero, that everything will be done by Buddhas and bodhisattvas. Each one of us has that capacity.

HH, 17^th Karmapa
Ogyen Trinley Dorje

People often speak about karma as if it is inevitable – is that the case?

Whatever we do, we need to do it with positive intention and aspiration, understanding the kind of results we want, then properly taking responsibility. Then with this responsibility and positive intention, we take action, and the results will come. That is karma.

It is that the results come from the intentions and aspirations we have, taking the responsibility, putting those things into action. That is karma.

HH, 17^th Karmapa
Ogyen Trinley Dorje

Karma seems difficult to understand – what exactly is it?

Sometimes when karma is described or explained, it can seem very complicated and quite difficult to understand. Sometimes it is even said beyond our conception, indescribable, impossible to explain. I feel that karma need not be that way, it need not be so complicated and confusing. It can be very simple.

When I first landed in Frankfurt, I saw lots of trees, lots of green, and this green was kind of fresh, healthy, shiny. It is not the same in India, there are trees, but trees are dusty, unclean, and unhealthy. So I found Frankfurt green and especially nice.

Therefore, when I came, when any new person comes, we come to know, no one has to explain that someone has cared for this greenery and trees. Without explaining we can see what kind of people live in this place. That is the karma.

HH, 17^th Karmapa
Ogyen Trinley Dorje