In the wake of the events of September
11, a number of Buddhist teachers and practitioners have
offered thoughts and prayers for guidance during this time.
Teacher Responses
|
Best Web site Anthologies
| Suggested
Readings
Letter from Joan Halifax Roshi
Dear Friends,
This is a
time when I urge us to step back and to step forward at
the same time: stepping back to stabilize our hearts and
minds, stepping forward to actualize strategies of peace.
I have received
many emails from around the world urging the "the wounded
giant" of the United States to not perpetuate violence.
All of us here at Upaya pray that this might be so.
I also urge us to prepare for the best and worst of outcomes,
by not being in denial about the truth of how fragile our
situation is and also the possibility of using this tragedy
as a way to realize our interconnectedness and not enter
into actions that lead to further suffering and destruction.
I hope that
each of our homes and communities can prepare for the best
and worst outcomes, by being a spiritual and physical refuge
for any being who needs sustenance of any kind. I hope that
we will reach out to those who "are in power"
and ask them to consider the deeper causes of this suffering
and to nourish nonviolence in the world through their wise
considerations and actions of compassion.
Please do
whatever you can to strengthen your own compassion and equanimity,
to let your silence and stillness, and your voice and your
actions reflect the deep wisdom that is at the heart of
all beings.
Prajna Paramita,
Joan Halifax
Roshi
Upaya Zen Center, Santa Fe, New Mexico
