Latter From The Dalai Lama To The President

[Swanspirit]

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 at tending 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


Love and Light
Swannie

[Danustouch]

I love the Dalai Lama, soooooo much. Even more for this. Thank you for posting it, Swan.

[Illuminatus]

Originally posted by Danustouch
I love the Dalai Lama, soooooo much. Even more for this. Thank you for posting it, Swan.

Anyone else notice that he's emailing Bush from India, where he is exiled. Guy can't even run his OWN damn country, I'm sure Shrubby's going to listen to him. If the Dalai Lama ruled the US how long do you think it would take for the Chinese to barge in and start running the show? Pacificsts are great role models, but poor leaders.

I KNOW WHAT YOU'RE ABOUT TO SAY. Ghandi. Yes, he's the exception. You can name ONE effective pacificst leader. Good for you, here is your cookie. Now, can you name TWO?

- Ill

[Kaylara]

The reason why he can't run his own country is because he would be killed if he returned there. The World does not recognize that tibet is a separate country. I personally do appreciate the letter, and think that he expressed his feelings on the subject well.

Kaylara

[Danustouch]

Martin Luther King, Illuminatus.

Now...as for whether or not the President will listen to him....I do hope he at LEAST takes it into consideration. The US has a large bhuddist population, and many more who are NOT bhuddist, respect the man. Including me. I do not agree that we should take a passive role in this endeavor. But...perhaps the Dalai Lama's letter can at least make us think twice, before acting, and go about what we have to do, with the least amount of ill-intent in mind. Besides, it also serves as a reminder to us, to try not to hate an entire cultural group, simply because of it's fringe radicals. Furthermore, I am thankful that the Dalai Lama CARED enough to Mail President Bush during this thing, especially since the US has continually refused to get involved in his plight. And it seems to me, that the most important thing about his letter, was his saying he stands behind us, and that he is praying for us. And that he is keeping us in his thoughts, and in his heart.

Despite the fact that he may not be the best POLITICAL leader of all time..he is a great philosophical one. And his messages ring out in Love.

[Illuminatus]

Originally posted by Danustouch
Martin Luther King, Illuminatus.

Doh!!! You got me!

But consider this: The Dhali Lama's letter didn't change your position. From what you implied, you still advocate retaliation. You are the left-leaning wiccan, let's try to keep this in mind. Now, how much effect will it have on the Republican from Texas??!!

- Ill

[talamh]

Even right now and understanding the full implications of the situation, some things are more important than the opinions of George W. Bush. History shows that might and power are temporary illusions.

Will Bush listen? no.

Should the words be said? Yes.
bb talamh

[Illuminatus]

Originally posted by talamh anEiac
Even right now and understanding the full implications of the situation, some things are more important than the opinions of George W. Bush. History shows that might and power are temporary illusions.

Will Bush listen? no.

Should the words be said? Yes.
bb talamh

I don't think Bush understands the full implications of ANYTHING. And why should he, since he's got staff to do that for him.

[Myst]

Love is paradoxically both the cause and solution of every conflict.

Love cannot heal all wounds.

More great words....

And, regarding the Dalai Lama's letter... whether he's a leader of any sort or not his feelings were heartfelt and true to his feelings... but not necessarily true to anyone else's feelings... including the people who actually really do have some say in this...

words to ponder, at any rate.

[gunner]

the big reason he "can't run his own country" is because a bunch of chinese soldiers came in with guns and took it from him and he had to run for his life.

[Illuminatus]

Originally posted by gunner
the big reason he "can't run his own country" is because a bunch of chinese soldiers came in with guns and took it from him and he had to run for his life.

No. The reason he can't run his own country is because he and all of his followers are PACIFISTS. That's why he had to run for his life. If he had a spine, he'd have a nation. Jeez. It's like this quote on someone else's sig who posts here.. "Pacifists have rights, just not for long".. I think it might be in Daniel's sig?

- Ill

[Danustouch]

another effective passifist leader- Jesus Christ??

Henry David Thoreau????????

[EasternPriest]

The Dalai Lama was/is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, not the political leader,

[fjaril]

The Dalai Lama has a spine, possibly stiffer than many of ours. He has stuck with him beliefs, despite the fact that this meant exile from his home. That takes more "spine" than does having another person push a button and causing more suffering in the name of revenge or justice. I believe it was Ghandi that stated something along the lines of... An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.

[Myst]

Originally posted by Illuminatus
"Pacifists have rights, just not for long".. I think it might be in Daniel's sig?


Rick's, actually, I think.

Jesus? Hm donno if he was an effective leader. But then I might have different criteria. Don't know about Thoreau.