HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA SENDS HIS CONDOLENCES TO PRESIDENT BUSH AND THE AMERICAN PEOPLE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Ngawang Phelgyal
September 12, 2001
Tenzin Kalsang Choephel —212) 213-5010
NEW YORK - On September 12, 2001, His Holiness the Dalai Lama sent a letter expressing his shock and sadness to President George Bush and the American people after hearing of the recent events in New York City and Washington, D.C. He states, "It is a terrible tragedy that so many innocent lives have been lost . . . 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 lives, those who have been injured and the many more who have been traumatized by this senseless act of violence."
His Holiness concludes His letter to the President with a poignant question: "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?"
The Prime Minister of the Tibetan Government in Exile also sent condolence letters to the President and the New York City Mayor, Rudolph Giuliani. Both Tibetan leaders conveyed their confidence that the U.S. as a great nation will overcome these recent events and the American people will show their resilience, courage and determination.
A Special Prayer Session was held yesterday at the main temple in Dharamsala, India for all the victims of the terrorist attack. His Holiness the Dalai Lama presided over the prayer session. All offices of the Tibetan Government in Exile were closed for half the day in observation.
The Office of Tibet New York is the official representative office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in Exile to the Americas. Representative Nawang Rabgyal, still grieving over the events downtown, was able to report that no Tibetans were located near the World Trade Center or the Pentagon yesterday. Tibetans who reside in New York have been visiting area hospitals to give blood as well as coordinating food donations for the rescue workers." No Tibetan Support Groups or Dharma centers in Manhattan were affected by the attack.
The Tibetan community of New York and New Jersey consists of around 2,000 Tibetans and will be holding a prayer service at 6:00pm in Union Square tomorrow, September 13, 2001. All who wish to attend are welcome.
TEXT OF HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA'S LETTER
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 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 The Dalai Lama September 12, 2001 Dharamsala, India