Q: I'm finding it really difficult to relax and clear my head of negative thoughts, it's really getting me down and I really want to overcome it and be able to relax, be happy and enjoy life.  Do you have any advice that may help me to learn how to do so?

H.H. Karmapa: Take things gradually and practise Shine – calm abiding meditation.

Q: When someone hurts you, and keeps hurting you, how do you keep holding onto feelings of compassion?

H.H. Karmapa: Examine why do we get hurt? First of all without any guide, use logical understanding to find a cause.  Very often, if one does it very logically we will find the cause is our own ego clinging.

Q: I want to ask how to deal with strong desire in daily life, when it comes really rapidly?

H.H. Karmapa: If one follows the Buddhist path – the method is as always prevention.  Before it happens we do a pre-emptive strike.  Before it happens we can already imagine the whole scenario, we can have an inner film, and then we will find the answer.  Once it has happened – there is nothing to do.  In the four noble truths, The truth of Suffering is there to be understood – but nothing more.  

What else can one do?  If you are already caught by a disease, what else is there for one to do?  Nothing – except to take it positively and try and understand the cause.

Q: What do you think about people selling Buddhist teachings,  for example $50 per hour over the telephone?

A: I think it is happening in different places.  You can get it on TV and over the telephone. Normally the teachings are not there to be sold, but it depends on circumstances.  If it’s for beneficial purposes like to help the sick or old, or for a pilgrimage, then that’s OK but generally the teachings are not to be sold.