The letter of H.H. the Dalai Lama to the President of theUnited States of America:
Your Excellency,
I am deeply shocked by the terrorist attacks thattook place involving four apparently hijacked aircrafts and theimmense devastation these caused. It is a terrible tragedy that somany innocent lives have been lost and it seems unbelievable thatanyone would choose to target the World Trade Center in New York Cityand the Pentagon in Washington D.C. We are deeplysaddened.
On behalf of the Tibetan people I would like toconvey our deepest condolence and solidarity with the American peopleduring this painful time. Our prayers go out to the many who havelost their lives, those who have been injured and the many more whohave been traumatized by this senseless act of violence. I am attending a special prayer for the United States and it's people at ourmain temple today.
I am confident that the United States as a greatand 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 sadsituation.
It may seem presumptuous on my part, but Ipersonally believe we need to think seriously whether a violentaction is the right thing to do and in the greater interest of thenation and people in the long run.
I believe violence will only increase the cycle ofviolence.
But how do we deal with hatred and anger, whichare often the root causes of such senseless violence?
This is a very difficult question, especially whenit concerns a nation and we have certain fixed conceptions of how todeal with such attacks.
I am sure that you will make the rightdecision.
With my prayers and good wishes,
The Dalai Lama
September 12, 2001
Dharamsala, India