I am chanting a lot of Daimoku for those who died at the hands of terrorists at the
World Trade Center in New York, at the Pentagon in Washington and in the airplane
that crashed in Pennsylvania. Moreover, I chant with utter sadness for the families left
behind.
Terrorism threatens the entire world.
I believe this war is different from wars of the past. This war, said to be a "holy war,"
is a war full of hatred and retaliation.
There can be no peace in the world with a religion that totally denies the rights and
beliefs of others, and justifies as righteous the killing of anyone whose opinion and
belief is different from their own. Such a religion can not even save one person, let
alone achieve peace in the world. This is because all of us in the world come from
different cultures, have different lifestyles and different ways of thinking. A
closed-minded, xenophobic religion is intolerant of these differences. Religions which
are dogmatic and full of hatred, such as the religion of the terrorists, are "low"
teachings and are savage and unsuitable for this world. Through their doctrine they can
not learn the true value of life. Neither can they, through their doctrine, realize that life
is eternal.
The true teaching of the Lotus Sutra expounds that one must accept and respect all life
in the universe for the inherent Buddha nature that is present in all things. If you
correctly practice and understand this true teaching, then you can not hate, [it is not in
you]. The Law will permeate your life and will dissolve any thoughts or desire for
retaliation. This is how peace is achieved.
Don't be influenced by the thinking and determination of others, or by the currents of
society and your country. You must conduct yourself and live your life according to
the true, original Law of the Lotus Sutra. Eventually, everyone must wake up to the
true Law.
World Trade Center in New York, at the Pentagon in Washington and in the airplane
that crashed in Pennsylvania. Moreover, I chant with utter sadness for the families left
behind.
Terrorism threatens the entire world.
I believe this war is different from wars of the past. This war, said to be a "holy war,"
is a war full of hatred and retaliation.
There can be no peace in the world with a religion that totally denies the rights and
beliefs of others, and justifies as righteous the killing of anyone whose opinion and
belief is different from their own. Such a religion can not even save one person, let
alone achieve peace in the world. This is because all of us in the world come from
different cultures, have different lifestyles and different ways of thinking. A
closed-minded, xenophobic religion is intolerant of these differences. Religions which
are dogmatic and full of hatred, such as the religion of the terrorists, are "low"
teachings and are savage and unsuitable for this world. Through their doctrine they can
not learn the true value of life. Neither can they, through their doctrine, realize that life
is eternal.
The true teaching of the Lotus Sutra expounds that one must accept and respect all life
in the universe for the inherent Buddha nature that is present in all things. If you
correctly practice and understand this true teaching, then you can not hate, [it is not in
you]. The Law will permeate your life and will dissolve any thoughts or desire for
retaliation. This is how peace is achieved.
Don't be influenced by the thinking and determination of others, or by the currents of
society and your country. You must conduct yourself and live your life according to
the true, original Law of the Lotus Sutra. Eventually, everyone must wake up to the
true Law.
| ADDRESSING TERRORISM: THE BUDDHIST PERSPECTIVE September 15, 2001 SBy Reverend Raido Hirota |
| Translated and edited by Udumbara Foundaiton volunteers |
| The World Trade Towers |
| This is NOT an official site of the Nichiren Shoshu Shoshin-kai |
