The Dalai Lama's Letter to the President of the United States

[Guest guest]

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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