Replying to LO27248 --
John Dicus (LO27248) wrote that he wants to hear our voices. I can speak,
but I also want to share and work of off the Dalai Lama's message to
President Bush: The Dalai Lama's letter to the President of the United
States of America
Your Excellency,
I am deeply shocked by the terrorist attacks that took place involving
four apparently hijacked aircrafts and the immense devastation these
caused. It is a terrible tragedy that so many innocent lives have been
lost and it seems unbelievable that anyone would choose to target the
World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington D.C. We
are deeply saddened. On behalf of the Tibetan people I would like to
convey our deepest condolence and solidarity with the American people
during this painful time. Our prayers go out to the many who have lost
their lives, those who have been injured and the many more who have been
traumatized by this senseless act of violence. I am attending a special
prayer for the United States and it's people at our main temple today.
I am confident that the United States as a great and powerful nation will
be able to overcome this present tragedy. The American people have shown
their resilience, courage and determination when faced with such difficult
and sad situation.
It may seem presumptuous on my part, but I personally believe we need to
think seriously whether a violent action is the right thing to do and in
the greater interest of the nation and people in the long run. I believe
violence will only increase the cycle of violence. But how do we deal with
hatred and anger, which are often the root causes of such senseless
violence? This is a very difficult question, especially when it concerns a
nation and we have certain fixed conceptions of how to deal with such
attacks. I am sure that you will make the right decision.
With my prayers and good wishes
The Dalai Lama
September 12, 2001
Dharamsala, India
Last December someone posted an obituary for Don Michaels, who wrote about
the need for our leadership to acknowledge that they are not sure of what
to do.
"You know that you do not know; you know that there is no
honest way to put a number on something; you do not understand your
situation well enough to be in control of it."
I seriously want to strike back at whoever did this; but I also think
violence is the expected response, and not the right one, either.
We need to act such that our children can look back and honor our actions,
and not reap a bitter harvest because of what we do -- or don't do --
while our anger runs so strongly within us.
Dennis Presser
mailto:wotihnisa@hotmail.com
In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, in the experts there
are few.
Shunryu Suzuki
--"Dennis Presser" <wotihnisa@hotmail.com>
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