[Buddha-l] World Buddhist Leaders' Letter to Burma

[Jo]

[Posted by Joanna K.]

http://www.irrawaddy.org/archives/20919             12/11/12       

International Buddhist leaders have written a letter to the Burmese people
urging tolerance and compassion in the wake of bloody communal violence in
western Burma:

To our brother and sister Buddhists in Burma,
As world Buddhist leaders we send our loving kindness and concern for the
difficulties the people of Burma are faced with at this time. While it is a
time of great positive change in Burma we are concerned about the growing
ethnic violence and the targeting of Muslims in Rakhine (Arakan) State and
the violence against Muslims and others across the country. The Burmese are
a noble people, and Burmese Buddhists carry a long and profound history of
upholding the Dharma.
We wish to reaffirm to the world and to support you in practicing the most
fundamental Buddhist principles of non-harming, mutual respect and
compassion.
These fundamental principles taught by the Buddha are at the core of
Buddhist practice:
Buddhist teaching is based on the precepts of refraining from killing and
causing harm.
. Buddhist teaching is based on compassion and mutual care.
. Buddhist teaching offers respect to all, regardless of class, caste, race
or creed.
We are with you for courageously standing up for these Buddhist principles
even when others would demonize or harm Muslims or other ethnic groups. It
is only through mutual respect, harmony and tolerance that Burma can become
a modern great nation benefiting all her people and a shining example to the
world.
Whether you are a Sayadaw or young monk or nun, or whether you are a lay
Buddhist, please, speak out, stand up, reaffirm these Buddhist truths, and
support all in Burma with the compassion, dignity and respect offered by the
Buddha.
We stand with you in the Dharma,

Ven. Thich Nhat Hanh
Nobel Peace Prize Nominee. Vietnam

Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi
President Buddhist Global Relief
(World's foremost translator of the Pali Canon) Sri Lanka / USA

Dr. A T Ariyaratne
Founder Nationwide Sarvodaya Movement
Gandhi Peace Prize Laureate Sri Lanka

Ven. Chao Khun Raja Sumedhajahn
Elder, Ajahn Chah Monastaries
Wat Ratanavan, Thailand

Ven. Phra Paisal Visalo
Chair Buddhika Network Buddhism and Society -Thailand

Ven. Arija Rinpoche VIII
Abbot Tibetan Mongolian Cultural Center-Mongolia / USA

Ven. Shodo Harada Roshi.
Abbot Sogenji Rinzai Zen Monastery-Japan

Achariya Professor J Simmer Brown
Chairperson Buddhist Studies
Naropa Buddhist University-USA

Ven. Ajahn Amaro Mahathera
Abbot Amaravati Vihara-England

Ven. Hozan A Senauke
International Network of Engaged Buddhists-Worldwide

Younge Khachab Rinpoche VII.
Abbot Younge Drodul Ling-Canada

Ven. Sr. Thich Nu Chan Kong
President Plum Village Zen temples-France / Vietnam

Dr. Jack Kornfield Vipassana Achariya
Convener Western Buddhist Teachers Council-USA

Lama Surya Das
Dzogchen Foundation International
Vajrayana Tibet / USA

Ven. Zoketsu N. Fischer Soto Roshi
Fmr. Abbot largest Zen community In the West-USA / Japan

Tulku Sherdor Rinpoche
Director BI. Wisdom Institute-Canada

HH the XIV Dalai Lama*
Nobel Laureate Tibet/India

*Though not able to be reached in time to sign this letter HH the Dalai Lama
has publicly and repeatedly stated his concern about the Rohingya Muslims in
Myanmar. He urges everyone to continue to practice non-violence and retain
the religious harmony that is central to our ancient and revered culture.