Message to President George W.
Bush
from His Holiness The Dalai Lama
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
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