Stellungnahme der World Fellowship of Buddhists
Joint Press Statement on the Iraqi War
World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB)
World Fellowship of Buddhist Youth (WFBY)
HEADQUARTERS:Bangkok, ThailandMarch 21, 2003
On December of 2002, the World Fellowship of Buddhists and World Fellowship of Buddhist Youth gathered at Shah Alam, Selangor D.E., Malaysia to hold the biennial General Conference. The theme of the conference was "Wisdom and Compassion: The Way Forward". The distinguished guest of honor was the Prime Minister of Malaysia YAB Dato Seri Dr. Mahathir Bin Mohamad who has been calling for Pea-ce and NOT War when it comes to dealing with international political differences.
There have always been conflicts and wars in the world; this is much due to the various types of defile-ments in the human minds. If religious values are sincerely practiced, the worldly cycles ofhatred and violence can be reduced or even be eradicated. One of the key pillar of our practice is Wisdom, and culti-vating loving-kindness and compassion helps us to achieve wisdom.
Much of today's conflicts are driven by ego, jealousy and hatred. This have resulted in violent acts perpe-tuated under the name of race, religion and nationalism. Today, we starkly see the demise of humanitarian concern by the United States and its Allies through their unilateral declaration of war on Iraq. Though we cannot agree with the actions of Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait, (giving rise to the first Gulf War in 1991) we are deeply troubled by the further exacerbation of hostilities in the Gulf.
Looking deeply into Buddhist scriptures, we reflect on an incident involving the son of a King, named Vidudabha. For some reason, he was personally outraged and deeply insulted by the Sakyans. He vowed that when he succeeds as king, he would attack and punish them to appease the anger. Vidudabha was so consumed in anger that when he became a king, he gathered an army to fulfill his vow.
Marching against the Sakyans, he was successful in the campaign. On his return from the war front howe-ver, Vidudabha and his encamped army on the banks of Acirawati river was swept away to their deaths when the river swelled.
Upon hearing the incident, the Buddha remarked: "The man who gathers flowers (of sense satisfaction), whose mind is entangled, death carries off as a great flood sweeps away a sleeping village" [Dhammapada, Verse 47]
For Buddhists, we see that our actions determine our future, and for whatever seeds that are sowed, we reap the fruit. War - no matter how it is justified - wrecks countries and inflicts tremendous pain and suf-fering to all, especially the sick, old and children. War disrupts social and economic stability. All of which is against the fundamental teachings of the Buddha.
As Buddhists we cannot agree nor support the actions of United States and its Allies on Iraq. We hope to see resumption of referendum on Iraq at the United Nations.
In the strongest possible expression, we appeal to the leadership of the United States and its Allies to have compassion and see the wisdom of ending the war as soon as possible. We implore the resumption of the United Nation's Resolution 1441 on Iraq.
The Buddha has set the example for leadership by excelling in loving kindness and virtues. The actions of such leaders would bring harmony, peace and goodwill to all. By the example of the Buddha, our prayers and love is with all in the gulf and sufferers on both sides alike.
For the sake of mankind, we call each and everyone, live and let live.
Goh Seng Chai, PJK
Exco Member, World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB)
Cum President, WFB Selangor Regional Centre, Malaysia Loka Ng Sai Kai
Advisor, World Fellowship of Buddhist Youth (WFBY)
Cum President, Upakara Kalyana Mitta Buddhist Association, Malaysia
His Holiness the Dalai Lama's views on war and Iraq conflict
The following is the English translation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's views on war and Iraq conflict shared with Buddhist devotees and others on the first day of the Great Prayer Festival
11 March 2003, in Dharamsala
The Iraq issue is becoming very critical now. War, or the kind of organized fighting, is something that came with the development of human civilization. It seems to have become part and parcel of human history or human temperament. At the same time, the world is changing dramatically. We have seen that we cannot solve human problems by fighting. Problems resulting from differences in opinion must be resolved through the gradual process of dialogue. Undoubtedly, wars produce victors and losers; but only temporarily. Victory or defeat resulting from wars cannot be long-lasting. Secondly, our world has become so interdependent that the defeat of one country must impact the rest of the word, or cause all of us to suffer losses either directly or indirectly.
Today, the world is so small and so interdependent that the concept of war has become anachronistic, an outmoded approach. As a rule, we always talk about reform and changes. Among the old traditions, there are many aspects that are either ill-suited to our present reality or are counterproductive due to their shortsightedness. These, we have consigned to the dustbin of history. War too should be relegated to the dustbin of history.
Unfortunately, although we are in the 21st century, we still have not been able to get rid of the habit of our older generations. I am talking about the belief or confidence that we can solve our problems with arms. It is because of this notion that the world continues to be dogged by all kinds of problems.
But what can we do? What can we do when big powers have already made up their minds? All we can do is to pray for a gradual end to the tradition of wars. Of course, the militaristic tradition may not end easily. But, let us think of this. If there were bloodshed, people in positions of power, or those who are responsible, will find safe places; they will escape the consequent hardship. They will find safety for themselves, one way or the other. But what about the poor people, the defenseless people, the children, the old and infirm. They are the ones who will have to bear the brunt of devastation. When weapons are fired, the result will be death and destruction. Weapons will not discriminate between the innocent and guilty. A missile, once fired, will show no respect to the innocent, poor, defenseless, or those worthy of compassion. Therefore, the real losers will be the poor and defenseless, ones who are completely innocent, and those who lead a hand-to-mouth existence.
On the positive side, we now have people volunteer medical care, aid, and other humanitarian assistance in war-torn regions. This is a heart-winning development of the modern age.
Okay, now, let us pray that there be no war at all, if possible. However, if a war does break out, let us pray that there be a minimum bloodshed and hardship. I don't know whether our prayers will be of any practical help. But this is all we can do for the moment.
Translated and issued by:
The Department of Information and International Relations
Central Tibetan Administration
Dharamsala INDIA
Dalai Lama betet fuer die irakische Bevoelkerung
Dharmsala (AFP) - Mit einem Gebet fuer die irakische Bevoelkerung hat sich das geistige Oberhaupt der Tibeter, der Dalai Lama, gegen die Kriegsplaene der USA ausgesprochen. Eine Zerstoerung Iraks wuerde zahlreiche Menschen und Nationen in Mitleidenschaft ziehen, warnte der hoechste Vertreter des Buddhismus am Dienstag vor tausenden Glaeubigen in seinem Tempel im nordindischen Dharmsala. Vor allem Arme, Kinder, Frauen, Alte und Kranke waeren betroffen. Krieg sei ein "veraltetes Konzept", fuegte der im indischen Exil lebende Dalai Lama hinzu. Eine Militaeraktion stelle allenfalls eine "kurzsichtige" Loesung dar - "auf lange Sicht wird es keinen Sieger geben". Fuer den Fall eines Angriffs auf Irak rief der Dalai Lama die internationale Gemeinschaft auf, den Opfern zu helfen und den Wiederaufbau des Landes zu unterstuetzen.
© AFP 11124503
Offener Brief Thich Nhat Hanh´s
und der Kloster-Gemeinschaft von Plum Village an die amerikanische Regierung
Gemeinsam mit allen meinen Freunden und Schuelern aus fuenf Kontinenten moechte ich die Regierung der Vereinigten Staaten Amerikas in respektvoller Ehrerbietung bitten, keinen Krieg mit dem Irak zu beginnen.
Der Krieg wuerde nicht nur dem Volk des Irak, sondern ebenso den U.S.A. und Menschen ueberall auf der Welt Zerstoerung bringen.
Denken Sie nur an Ihre eigenen vergangenen Erfahrungen mit Kriegen, und Sie werden die immense Verwuestung erkennen, die der Krieg fuer alle kriegfuehrenden Parteien mit sich bringt:
- Kostbare Menschenleben werden ausgeloescht;
- Die Natur, die Umwelt werden zerstoert;
- Diplomatische Beziehungen zerbrechen und auch
- der Frieden zwischen den Voelkern der Welt geht verloren.Bitte machen Sie von Ihrer menschlichen Kraft und Faehigkeit zum Verstehen Gebrauch und denken Sie im Licht der vergangenen Umstaende ueber die gegenwaertige Situation nach, damit die Voelker der Vereinigten Staaten eine derartige Zerstoerung und Verwuestung nicht erleben muessen, und die Menschen ueberall auf der Welt Schutz und Sicherheit geniessen koennen.
Bitte betrachten Sie eingehend die Verflechtungen zwischen den U.S.A. und allen anderen Nationen der Welt. Sie werden erkennen, dass Krieg an einem Ort zu Krieg an vielen Orten und dass Zerstoerung einer Seite letztlich zur Zerstoerung aller Seiten fuehren wird.
Wir bitten die U.S.A., in Eintracht mit der Staatengemeinschaft zu handeln und von der kollektiven Weisheit der Entscheidungsgremien dieser Gemeinschaft Gebrauch zu machen.
Bitte helfen Sie mit, die Vereinten Nationen als friedenserhaltende Organisation zu staerken, denn das ist die Hoffnung der Welt.
Bitte versuchen Sie Schaden oder Zerstoerung an der Autoritaet oder auch der Rolle der Vereinten Nationen zu vermeiden. Unterstuetzen Sie die UN aus ganzem Herzen, indem Sie auf ihre Empfehlungen hoeren.
Bitte sehen Sie die U.S.A. als aktives Mitglied der Vereinten Nationen und suchen Sie die Zusammenarbeit mit dieser uebergeordneten Organisation in einer internationalen Staatengemeinschaft. Damit wuerden Sie die Sicherheit und das Wohlergehen fuer das Volk der U.S.A und fuer alle Menschen in der Welt staerken. Die Vereinten Nationen setzen sich aus vielen Staaten zusammen; dadurch haben sie die Kapazitaet, konstruktive Bedingungen fuer den Dialog zu schaffen und aufrecht zu erhalten und so Frieden und Sicherheit fuer alle Nationen der Welt zu ermoeglichen.
Bitte demonstrieren Sie die grosse Staerke und Weisheit der U.S.A., indem Sie der Welt beweisen, dass es moeglich ist, Konflikte ohne die anhaltende Zerstoerung und Verwuestung, die der Krieg mit sich bringt, zu loesen. Wir alle waeren Ihnen dafuer ueberaus dankbar.
Thich Nhat Hanh und die internationale Gemeinschaft fuer Achtsames Leben (International Community of Mindful Living) Plum Village, France
16 February, 2003
(Autorisierte Uebersetzung)
War on Iraq
An Interview with Thich Nhat Hanh
by Cesare Medail
IL CORRIERRE DELLA SERA, March 17, 2003
Q: As an attack on Iraq seems imminent, what would you say to the government leaders during one of the most dramatic moments in American history?
Thich Nhat Hahn:I would ask them not to start a war that would harm not only Iraqis but all of us. Who strikes another hits himself. To the governors, then, I would say that to act without the approval and support of the United Nations would greatly generate evil. If America goes ahead by herself, she will destroy the UN's authority, and we will lose the only instrument we have to maintain peace in the world, the Security Council.
The US has to listen to the collective wisdom of the UN as if this were the sangha (the first community of the Buddha's disciples) of all nations. America is part of that sangha. To destroy its prestige would be a terrible thing. The White House should instead honor it, asking for a meeting between the American and Iraqi governments in the presence of other nations able to share their wisdom."
It seems, following his words, that the UN's collapse would be as disastrous as a war. During a tea break the master reflected on the non-violence trainings that are practiced in his village. Working for peace begins with small day-to-day conflicts.
At any level the most skillful means to overcoming disharmony is deep and compassionate listening of the other's words. This helps to understand the other's suffering and to communicate. To a government I would say, listen to yourself and to what other countries say, in order to share your own suffering and to understand theirs. It is a practice. Here at Plum Village, for example, we do not speak of inner peace only, but we practice deep and lovely listening.
It is a practice of reconciliation to train oneself in, thanks to breathing meditation. Sometimes couples (husband - wife or parents - children) try to reconcile on the spot, even rushing to the telephone booth to call the other side of the world.
Bush lives among fear and is too busy to practice breathing meditation, and he can do so much harm. He needs advisors capable of activating compassion, but he seems instead to be surrounded by belligerent people. The American spiritual leaders should work for Bush to bring people near him animated by a deep sense of peace. The same citizens can do something like my disciples are trying to do: after September 11th I sent an appeal to non-violence and I fasted for ten days to highlight its spiritual and non political aspect and many Americans joined us. In the US there are many people with a compassionate consciousness and Bush should listen to them. They are not fighting him; they are only trying to help him.
If I had the chance to meet Saddam Hussein I would repeat to him the same words. I met with Islamic communities in America and I spoke with them in a new way, to understand their fears and their hopes. This is the only way to peace."
KOREA TIMES, 17.3.2003:
Vietnamese Buddhist Monk Warns Against War in Iraq
By Lee Yong-sung, Staff Reporter
"If the United States begins another war, they also will bring war into their country." Thich Nhat Hann, renowned Vietnamese Buddhist monk and spiritual leader, calmly warned of the danger of war at a news conference yesterday.The 75-year-old recalled the Vietnam War, in which about 50,000 U.S. soldiers died. Although Thich said that he is far from being political, his message of peace at the conference was relevant to two hottest international issues of a war in Iraq and the North Korean nuclear crisis.
"South Korea should make sure it will never start a war against the North, and help them solve their problems peacefully as brothers." Thich said. As a Buddhist leader, he also emphasized the importance of meditation as the solution for any conflict. "One should rule their mind first to bring peace in their relationships with others."
Internationally, Thich Nhat Hanh's name is a symbol of peace and harmony throughout the world, and his teachings give insights to modern society. To promote the idea of living in peace and harmony worldwide, Thich Nhat Hanh has spent his life fostering "engaged Buddhism". He is at the forefront of Vietnam´s peaceful opposition movement.
Thich Nhat Hanh's first book was "The Living Buddha Sings of Peace", but his reputation grew among local readers through "Anger", which has sold more than 700,000 volumes so far. This book introduces spirituality and philosophy suited to modern life and provides a path to inner peace.
Thich Nhat Hanh's ideas have brought peace to thousands of individuals living in the tiring, materialistic chaos of modern civilization.
A unique facet of Thich Nhat Hanh's Buddhism is its emphasis on transcendental love and the acceptance of all religions. He believes it is possible to dissolve the barriers between religious groups through internal discipline. During his visit, Thich Nhat Hanh will emphasize the possibility of living in peace and harmony through the various lectures and events scheduled until April 3. For further information, call (02) 326-0026.
Zwei prominente Dharma-Lehrer Taiwans (Chan-Meister Sheng Yen und Meisterin Cheng Yen) fordern Ende des Krieges und sagen dem irakischen Volk materielle Hilfe zu:
Two Buddhist masters call for quick end to war
The China Post, March 24, 2003
TAIPEI, Taiwan - Two Buddhist masters called for a quick end to the hostilities in Iraq and prayed for peace yesterday. The Reverend Sheng Yen (picture, left), founder of the Dharma Drum Mountain Cultural and Educational Foundation, said the Buddhists denounced the war and wish the current hostilities in Iraq will come to an end as soon as possible.
"Let us pray for an early end to the war so that damage and casualities would be kept to the minimum," he told a mass-initiation ceremony at the Nunchan Temple in suburban Taipei. Altogether 1,000 novices were initiated.
Sheng Yen said Taiwan should extend relief to Iraq as soon as the war comes to an end. The Reverend Cheng Yen, foundr of the Tzu Chi Foundation, said she is opposed to war and violence in any form in an open letter to millions of her followers around the world.
Cheng Yen said she was heartbroken while watching the scenes of war on television over the past two days. She noted violence can never resolve the problems of mankind and urged all her followers to pray with her for an early end to the war on Iraq.
Her foundation has donated US$100,000 in cash for relief of war refugees in Jordan.gto its Jordan chapter to help refugees from war-stricken Iraq. Two containers of relief materials, including blankets, medicines and canned foods, will be shipped to Jordan before the end of this month.
Buddhist activist "feels sorry for Bush"
Democrat and Chronicle, March 21, 2003Rochester, New York - Sulak Sivaraksa, a Buddhist author, activist and teacher from Thailand, twice nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, brought his message of "simple magic" - social engagement, respect for nature and a "culture of peace" - to an audience of hundreds Thursday night at the Visual Studies Workshop.
"Meditation, by itself, is not enough," he said, referring to the Buddhist practice of deep reflection. "Nonviolence does not mean nonaction."
The conflict in Iraq and the specter of terrorism, said Sivaraksa, are best solved by "forgiveness, love, compassion" and the Buddhist practice of resolution, or problem-solving by peaceful consensus.
He arrived in Rochester on Wednesday, just hours before the Iraq war began.
"I felt sorry for the administration and the president in particular," said Sivaraksa, who for his social activism was three times imprisoned and twice exiled. "This is supposed to be a democratic country, and (Bush) never listened to his own people."
The lecture was sponsored by the Rochester Zen Center (www.rzc.org).
By YINGZHEN ZHANG, The Harvard Crimson Staff Writer, March 18, 2003Der sozialengagierte Buddhist Prof. Sulak Sivaraksa aus Thailand sprach an der Harvard Universität über die buddhistische Haltung zur Politik der USA.
A Buddhist's Diagnosis of the World
More than specific rights, Sulak says he believes that "the government must have moral legitimacy." In other words, the Thai government must look to its cultural roots and prioritize the interests of its people.
"I'm against multiculturalism dominated by American consumerism, or what I call the 'Coca-Cola-and-jean syndrome,'" says Sulak.
But he says that being true to Thai roots is not equivalent to turning away from technological and economic progress. According to Sulak, "as long as the support is there, the transparency is there, the accountability is there and the compassion is there," legitimacy in government actions will follow.
"The word 'development' is an imperialistic term; the more we are American, the more we are 'developed,'" says Sulak. He points to the gas pipeline being laid throughout Thailand as an example of an investment that, in the name of "development," is really just generating paybacks to high governmental officials and a company linked to U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney.
"Villages 700 to 800 years old will be uprooted," Sulak says. "Most people don't even know what's going on, and the government does not care. This is just sad."
And yet, he says that he is optimistic about social changes already underway and believes that activists like himself can make a difference.
"I hope to empower the people-already half a million Thai people have gotten together to form a non-violent assembly, and the government has to listen," says Sulak.
And Sulak says that instances of government abuse are not exclusive to developing countries. He also lists the U.S. government, corporations and mainstream media as offenders and accuses the upper class of committing what he calls "structural violence."
"If I have too much and you have too little, and still I suck off your money, that's structural violence," says Sulak. "It is when the big corporations release workers by the thousands but still pay the top CEOs millions in bonuses."
But his most timely criticism goes to President Bush's policies on Iraq. He says that Bush has a vested interest in a war against Iraq.
"He obviously collaborates with big defense corporations, and he doesn't listen to anyone," Sulak says. "This does not look like a democracy to me."
Sulak drew parallels between Bush and top Thai government officials, and accused both of neglecting the interests of the people.
"Our president stole the election, just like yours, and our prime minister recognizes the oppressive Burmese government because he only wants to build five-star hotels and sell his satellites," says Sulak. "He doesn't care about the Burmese people."
He also challenges the realistic amount of press freedom in mainstream media in the U.S.
"Noam Chomsky is a very good man and he says true things about America, but you don't hear him," says Sulak. "Critics of America are silenced by mainstream media."
Bringing Buddhists into the Real World
In contrast to the current U.S. attitude toward Iraq and terrorism, Sulak encourages an alternative approach inspired by his Buddhist ideals.
"The response to the 9-11 tragedy should be more compassionate-not just 'an eye for an eye,'" Sulak says. "If you look at those countries, they have nothing." He says that a fundamental change in is in order if the U.S. hopes to curb terrorism.
"The biggest enemy is within-from the Buddhist point of view, they are fear, anger and insecurity," Sulak says. He says he hopes that people will try to "see everyone as friends and should have compassion for Bush, too."
This kind of socially engaged Buddhism, in which the Buddhist ideals of compassion and justice are not only internalized but also actively extended to the outside world-is a movement Sulak has strongly and consistently supported. He says that although Buddhism's increasing popularity among Westerners is an encouraging sign, Bud-dhists should not limit themselves to personal fulfillment.
"What do they do once they become Buddhists? They become calm and find peace by meditating. But they are often the upper middle class, and they don't realize that by being calm and peaceful, they are not questioning their lifestyle-or the fact that they unknowingly exploit the poor," he says.
Sulak says his dual role as both a Buddhist and an activist reconcile naturally. "One day of serving is better than one hundred days of exploiting," he says. For now, Sulak says he hopes that he has more right views than when he was young and less traveling in store for the future.
"I'm not young anymore, and I believe that flying business class is wrong because it fattens the airlines, but you can't move in those economy seats," he says, compacting his frame to a rigid seating position to demonstrate his point, his eyes sparkling with a playfulness that defies his age. But he says he does look forward to flying home to Bangkok for the summer to celebrate his 70th birthday, which he says will be a small family affair.
And looking around at his temporary residence provided by the Yenching Institute, he smiles contentedly at the prospect of jetting to yet another destination tomorrow.
"Places have secondary importance to me-having so many friends in so many countries is the most important thing," he says, sweeping his arm vaguely outward. "Soon, I will leave this country, too, to be reborn elsewhere."
Richard Gere: "Bushs Kriegspläne sind wie ein böser Traum"
Auch bei den Internationalen Filmfestspielen in Berlin wird über den Irak-Konflikt gesprochen. So empfindet etwa Hollywoodstar Richard Gere die Kriegsvorbereitungen von US-Präsident George W. Bush als völlig surreal. "Bushs Kriegspläne sind wie ein bizarrer, böser Traum", sagte der Schauspieler.
"Es scheint überhaupt keine Grundlage für sein Verhalten zu geben. Ich habe das Gefühl, dass hier etwas Geheimes vor sich geht, das eines Tages herauskommen wird", meinte Gere.
"Ich frage mich, woher diese sehr persönliche Feindschaft zwischen George Bush und Saddam Hussein kommt", sagte der bekennende Buddhist Gere. "Es ist wie die Geschichte von Käpt'n Ahab und dem Wal in "Moby Dick"." Bush erinnere ihn in seiner unglaublichen Besessenheit an Ahab, der unbedingt den weißen Wal töten will. "Nein" sei richtige Position Deutschlands Nein zu einem Irak-Krieg bezeichnete Gere als absolut richtige Position. "Wir müssen sagen "Halt", hier gibt es keinen Grund für einen Krieg. Im Moment bedroht Hussein niemanden, es wäre anders, wenn er uns mit einem geladenen Gewehr in der Hand gegenüber stünde", so Gere.
Das amerikanische Volk steht nach Geres Einschätzung nicht hinter Bush. "Wenn die USA ohne die Unterstützung der Vereinten Nationen in den Irak einmarschierten, geschähe das völlig ohne Unterstützung der amerikanischen Bevölkerung."
Friedensaktionen buddhistischer Mönche in Boston
Monks spread message of peace
By Carol Britton Meyer, The Hingham Journal, March 20, 2003
Boston, MA - A group of Buddhist monks with shaved heads, dressed in eye-catching saffron-yellow robes, couldn't help but attract attention as they passed through Weymouth, Hingham, Cohasset, and Scituate Friday after attending an anti-war rally in Boston, beating drums as they chanted ancient verses of peace.
Hingham and other South Shore residents were invited to join the second annual non-denominational Peace Walk across the state. The "Walk for a New Spring, Wake Up Peace!" began at the Peace Pagoda in Leverett, Mass., Feb. 16 and ends at the Statehouse in Boston March 21. The event runs from the final days of winter through the first day of Spring in hopes that wishes for peace that lie in the hearts of many will come together during these challenging times. The purpose of the walk is to make a connection between perpetual wars and how they affect daily life.
The day was sunny - perfect for a long walk, but Brother Tow-Bee of the Leverett order said weather, although a comfort issue, is not a factor in deciding whether or not to walk. "We are committed to walking in any weather," he said. "The walk is a prayer. We don't know what effect it has, but we're praying for peace." Brother Tow-Bee said Americans will never find peace "if we have our children killing other people's children."
Following the walk, monks, a nun, and members of the community shared the experiences they've had during their own individual searches for peace in the Old Ship Church Parish House on Main Street. The event, sponsored by the South Shore Peace Forum, was attended by residents from a number of South Shore communities, including Hingham and Weymouth.
"Whatever happens in the next few weeks and months, there's still a journey to be walked to a different kind of world where peace is the rule rather than the exception," said Old ShipChurch Minister Kenneth Read-Brown. Those in attendance joined the monks and nun in chanting the ancient verses.
Brother Katoh delivered a moving message of peace. "We include everyone in our events, even those who support the war so we can share our thoughts," he said. "That's how we can begin making peace.
Brother Katoh is impressed by the positive response the order has received during its many walks for peace, which take place all over the world. Some have even given the group the peace sign. Still, he sensed a great deal of anger in the eyes of "desperate families" in response to the state of the economy, which has resulted in closed-up factories and long lines at soup kitchens in some parts of the country.
"The President and his Administration want us to believe war is inevitable. That's their idea and we don't buy it," he said. "If we accept that, we know the consequences. We have to believe in divine intervention, and for that we need everyone's prayers."
One woman expressed anger that those opposing the war are not being heard by President Bush. "Despite this life-affirming chant, I feel a lot of hatred toward the President and the Administration," she said. "He's hell-bent on destroying everything, us included."
Still, Read-Brown urged peace proponents to foster a sense of compassion for the President and those around him. "That's not the same thing as support, but we are living on the same planet," he said. "We can make a turning. It's not that we live in Utopia, but we must seize this opportunity to pray and speak out."
Brother Katoh said it's not enough just to prevent a war with Iraq. "We must have a clear vision for the future. What country do we want the United States of America to be?" he asked. "We're the most wealthy, powerful nation. If we're peaceful, we can create a peaceful world."
Shirley Brown of the South Shore Peace Forum found the event "inspiring." "I've been in the valley of desperation and it's wonderful to experience something so uplifting," she said. While opposing an attack on Iraq, some expressed strong support for the troops and the desire to see them return home soon.
The monks belong to the Leverett Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist religious order, founded at the end of World War II. The order is distinct in that the ordained do not seek personal salvation or enlightenment but rather the removal of all weapons from the earth.
The monks, who collected thread, yarn, and fabric piece donations along the way, consider themselves a thread binding communities together. Some children made contributions, and one woman offered a small piece of her wedding dress. A fabric will be woven from those materials at a future date and presented at the Statehouse in the hope that it will be displayed there.
The monks and their supporters oppose a war with Iraq as well as racial discrimination and suppression of domestic civil rights. Their hope is for an awakening of a new vision of peace and justice and restoration of trust and genuine sharing globally.
Auf der Suche nach Hoffnung
Brief von Soka Gakkai International (SGI) Präsident Ikeda (Japan) vom 26. Januar 2003 an die UN.
Daisaku Ikeda
Heute verlangen die Bürgerinnen und Bürger überall auf der Welt von ihren politischen Führern Entscheidungen, die die Sache des Friedens voranbringen. Nach dem Ende des Kalten Krieges sind sie nun tief besorgt darüber, dass sich unsere Welt blindlings auf einen neuen und noch verhängnisvolleren Abgrund des Konflikts zu bewegt - einem Zusammenstoß, der von kulturellen und religiösen Unterschieden herrührt.
Sie sind irritiert über das groteske Ungleichgewicht zwischen unserer Zerstörungsmacht einerseits und unserem ethischen Unvermögen zu Mitgefühl und Selbstbeherrschung auf der anderen Seite. Es schaudert sie beim Anblick von Millionen-Dollar-schweren Missiles, die über die Köpfe von Menschen hinwegdonnern, die mit einem oder zwei Dollar pro Tag auskommen müssen. Sie spüren, dass solch eine Welt in eine gefährliche Schieflage geraten ist.
Ich glaube jedoch fest daran, dass ein Zusammenstoß der Kulturen nicht unvermeidlich ist. Ich glaube, dass die Menschen ungeheure und noch ungenutzte Ressourcen besitzen - dazu gehört die Fähigkeit, eine kreative und dynamische Harmonie aus der oft verwirrenden Vielfalt unserer Welt herzustellen.
Der Schlüssel dafür ist eine neue Ethik der Koexistenz, die eine Wertschätzung unserer tiefen Verbundenheit miteinander fördert, eine Sensibilität gegenüber der Tatsache, dass alles, was einem einzigen Mitglied der Menschenfamilie zustößt, auch Auswirkungen auf uns alle hat. Dies wiederum verlangt von uns allen, dass wir uns wieder auf einzelne Menschen konzentrieren - dass wir ein Paradigma und Leitlinien festlegen, die eine "normale Lebensgröße" haben.
Wenn Menschen die Realitäten von anderen Menschen nahe gebracht werden, dann entstehen auf natürliche Weise Gefühle der Verbundenheit und Empathie. Genau deshalb beginnen Kriege und andere Gewaltakte immer damit, den "Feind" zu entmenschlichen. Deshalb werden die Medien in jedem Land "unser" Leid in allen Details schildern, während das anderen zugefügte Elend klein gehalten oder ignoriert wird - denn sie sind ja eine anonyme Masse, sie sind "die anderen".
Wenn wir in unserer Fantasie durch die Feindesländer reisen und im Geiste dem Leben derjenigen auf der anderen Seite des Bildschirms nachspüren, dann finden wir Menschen, die sich von uns nicht unterscheiden. Genau wie wir suchen sie die normalen Freuden der Freundschaft und Liebe, feiern das strahlende Wachstum ihrer Kinder, beten dafür, dass ihre Eltern Sicherheit und Gesundheit erfahren können.
Das ist die Wirklichkeit, das Gewebe des ganz normalen Lebens. Und dieses Gewebe wird durch Krieg, Terrorismus und jede andere Form der Gewalt zerstört - und am Ende bleibt nur graues Elend davon übrig. Denn wir reden hier über die gewaltsamen Tode von geliebten Menschen. Hinter den computerspielgleichen Darstellungen befinden sich echte Menschen - irgendjemandes Sohn oder Tochter, irgendjemandes bester Freund oder Geliebter. Die Gebäude können vielleicht wieder aufgebaut werden, doch die Wunden und Narben der Gewalt heilen niemals wirklich.
Echte Führungsqualität im 21. Jahrhundert muss sich auf das feste Versprechen gründen, alles dafür einzusetzen, um dieses wertvolle Gewebe des alltäglichen Lebens zu beschützen. Die einfachen Bürgerinnen und Bürger überall auf der Welt erheben ihre Stimme und bestehen darauf, dass alle Entscheidungen - einschließlich der politischen, militärischen und wirtschaftlichen - aufgrund dieser menschlichen Realitäten getroffen werden, die niemals aus den Augen verloren werden dürfen. Das gemeinsame Anliegen des menschlichen Glücks ist die stärkste Grundlage für menschliche Solidarität. In einer Welt, in der die gegenseitigen Verknüpfungen so intim geworden sind, kann sich Solidarität nicht einfach auf eine Gruppe oder Nation beschränken. Sie muss alle Menschen überall mit einschließen.
Das ist kein leerer Idealismus - davon bin ich fest überzeugt. Ich glaube nicht daran, dass die sehr realen Unterschiede in Bezug auf Kultur und Weltsicht uns auf unüberwindbare Weise trennen müssen.
Ein Paradigma in "normaler Lebensgröße" ist gleichzeitig in seiner Anlage ein kosmisches. Wenn wir uns wirklich auf einzelne Menschen konzentrieren, dann können wir in jeder Person sehen, wie sie einzigartige Aspekte eines ganzen Universums von menschlichen Möglichkeiten manifestiert - und sie tut es auf eine unschätzbare und unersetzliche Weise. Dasselbe kann von jeder Kultur und Tradition gesagt werden. Jede von ihnen ist eine wunderschöne "Welle", die auf den ozeanischen Tiefen unserer gemeinsamen Menschlichkeit tanzt.
Frieden entsteht nicht durch passives Abwarten. Man muss mit Energie und Konzentration dafür arbeiten. Die größte "Waffe" derjenigen, die gerne Frieden schaffen wollen, ist der Dialog - also die Weigerung, die Kraft der Sprache einfach wegzuwerfen, wo doch gerade sie uns zu Menschen macht. Dialog und Kommunikation ist - unhabhängig vom kurzfristigen Ergebnis - bereits ein Akt des Glaubens an unsere Menschlichkeit. Es ist genau dieser Glaube, den wir unermüdlich stärken und festigen müssen. Der Kampf darum, zu verstehen und verstanden zu werden, verlangt von jeder und jedem von uns, an die tiefsten Quellen unserer Menschlichkeit zurückzukehren - jenseits der Unterschiede von Geschichte, Kultur und Konfession.
Dort - und in den stillen Sehnsüchten des alltäglichen Lebens - liegen die Antworten auf die immensen Herausforderungen, denen wir nun gegenüberstehen.
