| PAGE ONE Fall, 2001 Issue: Spirit & Crisis EDITOR'S NOTE BUDDHASCOPE DHARMATALK FOUNDOBJECTS GUESTCOLUMN QUOTES POETRY READING ROOM REVIEWS CONTACT US SITE INDEX SUBSCRIBE |
IN THE DAYS AFTER the terrorist suicide attacks of September 11, the e-mails started flowing across the world. Many spiritual leaders wrote, released or posted letters about the terrible attacks, which then began circulating like wildfire through e-mail. Anyone hooked into the spiritually linked-up wired world no doubt received copies -- and copies of copies of copies -- of some of the e-mails below from such figures as the Dalai Lama and Doris "Granny D" Haddock.
Hundred Mountain offers these excerpts from some of the e-mails going around, for those who may not have received them, for the historical record, and for those who may like to recall some of the wisdom, comfort and guidance offered by spiritual figures to a traumatized and disturbed world audience.
Excerpt from Open Letter by Bhante Gunaratana, president of the Bhavana Society, read at an interfaith gathering at American University in Washington, D.C., Sept. 16, 2001. For the full text, go to: bhavanasociety.org
AT THIS MOST PAINFUL MOMENT in American history we want to send our heart-felt compassion and metta to the grief-stricken families and friends who either have lost their loved ones or were injured by this tragedy. We must practice metta and wish that this kind of atrocity never be committed against any human being. We believe that all those who are engaged in these kinds of inhuman acts are themselves experiencing enormous amounts of suffering. They are so ignorant that they do not know that violent actions will never help them to reduce their own suffering. Being unable to reduce their own suffering they inflict suffering on others.
We request that all of our friends and members of Buddhist communities send their loving-friendly thoughts of healing to all who suffer the loss of their friends and relatives and to all who suffer bodily and psychological pain.
With loving-friendly thoughts,
Bhante Gunaratana
President, Bhavana Society
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 aircraft 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 its 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
PAGE 2: Mipham Rinpoche and "Granny D"