Statements by Tibetan teachers following the recent Earthquake in Tibet

HH Dalai Lama

“As I mentioned briefly soon after I heard the news, I was deeply saddened by the effects of the devastating earthquake in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (Tibetan: Kyigudo) of Qinghai Province which resulted in the tragic loss of many lives, a great number of injured and severe loss of property. Because of the physical distance between us, at present I am unable to comfort those directly affected, but I would like them to know I am praying for them.

I commend the monastic community, young people and many other individuals from nearby areas for their good neighbourly support and assistance to the families of those who have lost everything. May your exemplary compassion continue to grow. This kind of voluntary work in the service of others really puts the bodhisattva aspiration into practice.

I also applaud the Chinese authorities for visiting the affected areas, especially Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, who has not only personally offered comfort to the affected communities, but has also overseen the relief work. I am very appreciative too that the media have been free to report on the tragedy and its aftermath. In 2008, when a similar earthquake struck Sichuan, Chinese central and local government leaders and auxiliary authorities took great pains to provide relief, allow free access to the media, as well as clearing the way for international relief agencies to provide assistance as required. I applauded these positive moves then and appeal for such ease of access on this occasion too.

The Tibetan community in exile would like to offer whatever support and assistance it can towards the relief work. We hope to be able to do this through the proper and appropriate channels as soon as possible.

When Sichuan was rocked by an earthquake two years ago, I wished to visit the affected areas to pray and comfort the people there, but I was unable to do so. However, when Taiwan was struck by a typhoon last year, I was able to visit the affected families and pray with them for those who had perished in that disaster. In providing some solace to the people concerned, I was happy to be able to do something useful.

This time the location of the earthquake, Kyigudo (Chinese: Yushu), lies in Qinghai Province, which happens to be where both the late Panchen Lama and I were born. To fulfill the wishes of many of the people there, I am eager to go there myself to offer them comfort.

In conclusion, I appeal to governments, international aid organisations and other agencies to extend whatever assistance they can to enable the families of those devastated by this tragedy to rebuild their lives. At the same time, I also call on the survivors of this catastrophe to recognise what has happened as the workings of karma and to transform this adversity into something positive, keeping their hopes up and meeting setbacks with courage as they struggle to restore what they have lost. Once again, I pray for those who have lost their lives as well as for the well being of those who have survived.”

The 17th Karmapa

“The large earthquake in Yushu County, Xinghai Province, has caused great loss of life and injured many people. To date the death toll has risen above 1000 and the number of those severely injured has also risen above 1000. In total, more than 10,000 people have been injured. When I heard this tragic news, I was very saddened at the loss, and began immediately to offer prayers for those who have been affected by this incident, both those who have lost their lives and the survivors. May those who have died be freed from the bardo state of terror and suffering of such an unexpected death, and be reborn in the pure lands or a higher realm. May the survivors who have undergone the suffering of loss of relatives and friends and the trauma of losing their homes be comforted and find relief. May they receive the emergency help they need as soon as possible, and be able to rebuild their lives. I will pray ceaselessly for this.

I request the monasteries of the different schools and devotees, near and far, to offer the following prayers: the Guru Rinpoche Prayers Barchey Lamsel, Sampa Lhundrub and Sampa Nyurdrub; the Wangdu Soldeb composed by Mipham Rinpoche; recitation of the mantras of Chenresig and Heyagriva; recitation of the saddhanas of the Medicine Buddha, Amitabha Buddha and Akshobhya Buddha; night-long recitation of The Twenty-One Praises of Tara.

In addition, I would ask everyone to contribute, directly or indirectly, to the relief work. I have instructed the Karmapa Foundation in America to donate $200,000 for immediate aid for the victims of this disaster and to help with the task of rebuilding. I have called on all Buddhists and compassionate people to pray sincerely for the victims of this earthquake, and to do their best, according to each one’s capacity, to become involved or sponsor different kinds of relief activity so that it will be effective.

Death and impermanence is an integral part of life. When this kind of disaster strikes, may the power of the natural goodness within all of us provide physical and mental comfort and the courage to start anew.

When you are happy, dedicate that happiness to all beings, so that happiness may pervade the sky. When you suffer, you are bearing the suffering of all beings. May the ocean of suffering become dry completely.

Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche

"There are many disasters caused by the four elements—earthquakes, wildfires, strong winds, and turbulent seas— and they also bring disease and illness. In such a time, we need to be careful and practice the Dharma as much as we can.

Jyekundo in Tibet is a small and sparsely populated area, but it is a place where there are many Tibetan people, and there are also many monasteries. At Thrangu Monastery in Jyekundo, many of the lamas and monks—both those abroad and those on site—have put in tremendous efforts for many years. These efforts have not just been in terms of external things; they have also put effort into spiritual practice. In terms of study and contemplation, a monastic college for the study of texts and philosophy was founded. It gradually grew and there formed a body of students and scholars, who are the foundation of the teachings. A primary school to provide basic education for young students had also been built.

In terms of meditation, a retreat center for the practice of the Six Yogas of Naropa was built where monks engaged in practice. Another retreat center for the practice of the deities who purify the lower realms, Sarvavid Vairochana and Protector Akshobhya, had been restored and retreatants were doing the practices of those deities.

A Mahakala retreat center was built during the time of Karmapa Thekchok Dorje (1798-1868) and contained a statue of Mahakala. Here, daily practices had been held for many generations. In addition, there was a large new temple where daily services were held.

Now there has been the terrible earthquake in Jyekundo, Qinghai, and these structures have all been ruined. Additionally, many monks have passed away in the earthquake. This is a great tragedy and a great obstacle. Please think of this and make good prayers on the behalf of all those who passed away. If you gather merit by helping with the relief and restoration, it will be helpful for the world in general and in particular prevent the Dharma from disappearing. It is important that the lineage of teaching and practice not wane: Without a lineage of teaching and practice, the Dharma would perish.
Sometimes people might think that temples and monasteries are not all that important. However, there are both transient sentient beings and the lasting external environment. With sentient beings, there might be many for a while, including great scholars and meditators. Great lamas might appear. There may be many members of the Sangha, but just as water flows downstream, fifty, sixty, seventy, or eighty years later they will all pass away and a new generation will come. When this happens, even if there were a strong lineage of Dharma in the previous generation, we do not really know whether that lineage would continue in the next.

The way that the lineage can continue from generation to generation is to have a good, stable outer environment. When there is the external environment of a monastery with a shrine, retreat center, and monastic college, then due to that place, the Sangha, great lamas, and great meditators might pass away but the continuity of their activity will remain present there.

This is why restoring monasteries is crucial. If the monasteries fall into ruins, the environment declines as well and the inhabitants gradually disappear. Buddhism would not be able to remain long in this world. But if a monastery continues to exist, the great lamas and masters can perform vast activity for the Dharma during their entire lives. A group of students will gather; the lamas will teach the students; and they will practice. Thus gradually the students will spend the first part of their lives studying and practicing the Dharma and the latter part upholding, protecting, and spreading Buddhism. When that generation comes to its end, a new generation can continue that work, upholding, protecting, and spreading the teachings, which can thus remain. This is why temples and the Sangha are so very important.

If sponsors can make contributions and help in either large or small ways, that would be wonderful. We spend this life gathering wealth and possessions, and sometimes this can be meaningful, but sometimes there is the danger that this might become the grounds for conflict and dispute. For that reason, I ask all the faithful benefactors to help in any way you can.”

Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche

“I am devastated to hear the news of the earthquake that has struck the Jyekundo area. This part of Tibet is our ancestral homeland; it is in this region that the Dorje Dradül meditated and studied. I myself have spent time in Jyekundo and the surrounding areas. The area is extremely beautiful, and it has become a cultural and economic center in Eastern Tibet. Tibet has gone through many difficult times recently; however, the people have a tenacious spirit, and their fervent belief in the Buddhadharma has provided them solace and strength.

I am moved that you have decided to gather and practice and pray for the victims. Needless to say, the reconstruction of an already poor area will be a massive undertaking. This will not only take the support of China, but also international relief. In this light, I'm happy that Shambhala has contributed to this effort. Please recollect the preciousness of life, and remember as Shambhalians not to be overwhelmed but to be brave.
I send you love, warmth, and blessings from my retreat,
The Sakyong, Jampal Trinley Dradül”

Khenpo Khartar Rinpoche

“Last night (April 9) Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche was at KTD teaching on the life story of Atisha, he started the evening talking about the devastation at Thrangu Monastery. He told us that everything had been destroyed except the main temple and that so many monks had died.

Then he went on to say that 245 years ago there was also a major earthquake at Thrangu Monastery, and at that time, also all the buildings except the main Gompa were destroyed. That earthquake happened in autumn, and that was the time when two of the principal Tulkus of Thrangu Monastery, Traleg Rinpoche and Tulku Lodro Nyima, usually took turns going into town to get grain from the harvest for the monastery for the upcoming winter. (Thrangu Rinpoche was at Tsurphu Monastery at this time) Although this time it was Traleg Rinpoche's turn to go, he decided instead to send Tulku Lodro Nyima. Then a few days later in a casual conversation Traleg Rinoche asked his attendant: "Which is better, one person dying, or 100 people?" the attendant said "only one person is better than one hundred people, of course" A day or so later Rinpoche had a big puja performed in the main shine hall, but he did not go, he stayed in his quarters. During that puja a major earthquake happened, and as the main shrine hall survived the earth quake the lamas there survived. Tulku Lodro Nyima and his party had arrived at a hilltop on the other side of a valley, overlooking the monastery. when the earthquake struck. But Traleg Rinpoche was in his quarters and did not survive it.

Because of this destruction, monks went to Tsurphu to ask His Holiness, it was the 13th Karmapa at that time, if they should move Thrangu monastery to a safer area. His Holiness said no, the lineage has been maintained at that spot for a long time, and the main temple is still standing. Because of this His Holiness named it "Victorious from the Obstacles of the Four Elements". He further stated there would be great Dharma from Thrangu Monastery and not to move it. It seems the same thing happened during this earthqauke the main temple is still standing although there is some damage.

Then Khenpo Rinpoche talked about how in his lifetime Thrangu Monastery has been destroyed twice. The first time during the revolutions and then again this time, but he said that this time was even worse than during the revolution. He said that although he is old, with help from his friends and students it will be rebuilt.

Khenpo Karthar has since stated that he would really like it if Thrangu Monastery could be rebuilt in the next few years so that he can see it in this lifetime.”

Reports on the damage and relief efforts. Note: In some cases the photographs show graphic destruction, injury and death.

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/04/earthquake_in_yushu_china.html
http://blog.163.com/qhhlzx_007/blog/static/443803201031513017215/
http://blog.163.com/qhhlzx_007/blog/static/443803201031513017215/
http://chronicleproject.com/stories_187.html
http://www.elephantjournal.com/2010/04/monks-and-laypersons-work-to-recover-from-earthquake/
http://www.impactlab.com/2010/04/16/earthquake-in-tibet-amazing-photo-gallery/
http://www.thranguemergency.org/