His Excellency Mr. George W. Bush The President
The White House
Washington, DC 20500 USA
September 12, 2001
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 and determination when faced with such difficult and sad
situations.
It may seem presumptuous 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
"In our struggle for
freedom, truth is the only weapon we possess." His
Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama