Nonduality Salon (/\) 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
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