Karmapa MeditationThe Meditation of the Gyalwa Karmapa
The Gyalwa Karmapa (Black Hat Lama) is the title of the head of a specific school within Tibetan Buddhism. He is the highest lama or buddha of the Karma Kagyu school, one of the four central traditional schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Currently, there is the 17th Karmapa, the 17th head of the school.
The Karmapa Meditation dates back to the 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje. He lived from 1924 to 1981 and left the Western world and Tibetan Buddhist centers a meditation that is especially helpful and intended for daily practice.
The Diamond Way
The Karmapa Meditation is referred to as the Diamond Way, and the associated centers are accordingly known as Diamond Way centers. They are oriented toward the Buddhism of the Karma Kagyu lineage and are explicitly intended for people from Western cultures who wish to live the Buddhist teachings for themselves. In teaching the meditation and the associated texts, the focus was on fostering a deeper understanding for people who are native to and socialized in the Western world.
Diamond Way centers are run exclusively by lay people, and Buddhist teachings are passed on by trained lay people.
Merging with the qualities of the Karmapa should lead to peace within oneself and to be able to use and implement one's own positive resources in everyday life.
The four basic exercises
The basis of Karmapa Meditation is initially four classical basic exercises (ngöndro). They have been tried and tested for more than a thousand years and are based on experience and the traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. These exercises serve as the foundation for all further meditations, including Karmapa Meditation.
The exercises are based on specific meditation texts and aim to reflect on values that play a central role in daily life. These values include, above all, the ability to empathize, taking responsibility, living a life of generosity, and being rooted in steadfastness.
Meditation on the Teacher
The Karmapa Meditation is also called "meditation on the teacher." The teacher is understood as enlightened, and the meditation serves to share in the enlightened qualities. The personal experiences gained during each meditation should be transferred into one's daily life and allowed to have an impact there.
The Karmapa Meditation is the main meditation practiced at all Diamond Way centers. To prepare for the meditation, one first observes one's own breath and practices deep, even breathing. During the actual meditation, one must deliberately visualize the teacher, the 16th Karmapa, and mentally connect with him. This is not about the teacher himself, but rather about his enlightened qualities. The meditator tunes into these qualities with the goal of recognizing them within themselves and, as a result, applying and implementing them in everyday life.
The implementation
Karmapa Meditation is offered at all Diamond Way centers. Those new to Tibetan Buddhism are well advised to attend an introductory talk, which is usually offered at all centers. The center teachers also offer courses and meditation events where the Karmapa Meditation can be learned and practiced.
The Karmapa Meditation is expressly intended and suitable for people who are actively engaged in life. Even if you haven't yet had a deeper insight into Tibetan Buddhism, this form of meditation is suitable for you. It is aimed at beginners and advanced meditators alike and emphasizes practicality and direct experience. Integration into daily life and personal routine is considered essential. Meditation is a process that is part of one's personal journey and is intended to provide strength and energy for daily challenges.
Image © rixie / 123rf.com
