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Buddhism

Religion and philosophy that developed from the teachings of the Buddha Gautama (or Gotama), who lived as early as the 6th century BC. Spreading from India to Central and Southeast Asia, China, Korea, and Japan; Buddhism has played a central role in the spiritual, cultural, and social life of the Eastern world and during the 20th century has spread to the West.

Mahayana

A liberal and theistic branch of Buddhism comprising sects chiefly in Tibet, China, and Japan, recognizing a large body of scripture in addition to the Pali canon, and teaching social concern and universal salvation.

As Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Buddha, sat under the bodhi tree near starvation, seeking enlightenment, he heard some singing: the words he heard are said to be something like this:

If you tune the strings of a harp too tight The sound will not be right.

If the strings are too slack as they play, A beautiful sound will not be made.

Neither too tight nor too limp shall be the strings, If the player is to be worthy of kings.

The tension must be tuned by the ear To fill the soul of all who hear.

When he heard these words, a light turned on in his mind. He realized that the first part of his life, where he dwelt in luxury, was likened unto a string too loose. The second part of his life, where he sought nirvana through starvation and austerity, was as a string too tight.

He now saw a Middle Way that was just right.

Words from the Dalai Lama

The following letter was sent to George W. Bush by the Dalai Lama following the catastrophe.

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The Dalai Lama's Letter To The President Of The United States Of America

Your Excellency,

I am deeply shocked by the terrorist attacks that took place involving four apparently hijacked aircrafts and the immense devastation these caused. It is a terrible tragedy that so many innocent lives have been lost and it seems unbelievable that anyone would choose to target the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington D.C. We are deeply saddened. On behalf of the Tibetan people I would like to convey our deepest condolence and solidarity with the American people during this painful time. Our prayers go out to the many who have lost their lives, those who have been injured and the many more who have been traumatized by this senseless act of violence. I am attending a special prayer for the United States and its people at our main temple today.

I am confident that the United States as a great and powerful nation will be able to overcome this present tragedy. The American people have shown their resilience, courage and determination when faced with such difficult and sad situation.

It may seem presumptuous on my part, but I personally believe we need to think seriously whether a violent action is the right thing to do and in the greater interest of the nation and people in the long run. I believe violence will only increase the cycle of violence. But how do we deal with hatred and anger, which are often the root causes of such senseless violence? This is a very difficult question, especially when it concerns a nation and we have certain fixed conceptions of how to deal with such attacks. I am sure that you will make the right decision.

With my prayers and good wishes

- The Dalai Lama
September 12, 2001 - Dharamsala, India