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Nalandabodhi Statement about the Tragedy
in New York and Washington, D.C.
 The
Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche has asked all Nalandabodhi centers, in
the United States and worldwide, to observe Friday, September 14,
2001 as a day of mourning for those who died in the tragic events
in New York and Washington, D.C. Nalandabodhi sangha members may
also wish to make prayers and aspirations for the injured and commemorate
those firemen, policemen and others who risked their lives to mitigate
the horrendous suffering of those events. Joining with those in
the United States, the European Union and others throughout the
world showing their solidarity in enduring this tragedy, the members
of the Nalandabodhi sangha in the United States, Europe and Asia
are asked to meet Friday in group practice to meditate, and make
prayers and aspirations for all who have been harmed through these
horrific deeds.
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The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche and Khenchen Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche atop the World Trade Center in 1995. |
Most of the Nalandabodhi sangha live in the United States, yet no matter where we live we are at a loss for words to describe the shock and sadness resulting from
yesterday's tragic and senseless attacks in New York and Washington DC. Nalandabodhi, and its centers and members worldwide, join with the bereaved families and a stunned world in mourning
this catastrophic event. We feel very keenly the great loss of precious life, which occurred so suddenly yesterday. Our hearts go out to the family
members, loved ones, friends and communities of these victims. We grieve for your irreparable loss, and we offer our constant prayers for those who died.
It is difficult even to contemplate the extent of this devastation on the lives of individuals, families and nations. The intense suffering caused by these acts
of aggression may continue to pervade the hearts and minds of those who lost loved ones, as well as those who bore, and continue to bear witness to
these horrifying acts, for years and generations to come. Given the stark reality of such pain, we are terribly challenged to respond with compassion and clarity. It is a precarious moment for all hearts.
A nameless few motivated by hatred and ignorance have committed extreme acts of aggression against the United States, which have thrust us
into a "horrible nightmare in our country." As human beings, we must always remember that within our nature is also the power to awaken from this
nightmare. According to the tradition of the Buddha, compassion and wisdom are inseparable; this inseparability is who we fundamentally are—the actuality of our nature.
At this sad moment, we make aspiration prayers of healing and of awakening. In contemplating our future—this next moment, our next thought or emotion—and all that grows out of that, may we aspire to live meaningfully
and harmoniously. May the sheer nature of this suffering bring with it a deeper sensitivity to all the sufferings of this world. May suffering itself come to an end. Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche said:
Tragedy is strong—Dharma is stronger.
"Supplicate the buddhas and bodhisattvas of the ten directions
Pray that all sentient beings be happy." This is our ultimate prayer.
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