Dalai Lama's Letter to President Bush: The day after September 11, 2001

Here's a heart felt letter from the Dalai Lama to President Bush on the day after September 11, 2001. I remembered this being passed around 5 years ago and decided to dig it up from my e-mail archives. It's especially poignant knowing what actions President Bush and his administration has taken since then.

** MESSAGE FROM THE DALAI LAMA***

September 12, 2001

His Excellency Mr. George W. Bush
The President
The White House
Washington, DC 20500
USA

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 Centre in New York 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 anddetermination when faced with such difficult and sad situations.

It may seem presumptous on my part, but I personally believe we need to think seriously whether a violent reaction is the right thing to do and in the greater interest of the nation and the 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 you will make the right decision.

With my prayers and good wishes,

Yours sincerely,

The Dalai Lama