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   From: peter.terpstra7@gmail.com   
      
    Buddhist Leaders Respond To Violence Against Muslims In Myanmar   
      
   Posted: 12/10/2012 2:10 pm EST  |  Updated: 12/14/2012 1:07 pm EST   
      
   Editor's note: Below is a letter, provided to The Huffington Post by Jack   
   Kornfield, convener of the Western Buddhist Teachers Council,   
   and co-written and signed by some of the world's foremost Buddhist leaders to   
   express their concern about the violence against Rohingya   
   Muslims in Myanmar.   
      
   To Our Brother and Sister Buddhists in Myanmar,   
      
   As world Buddhist leaders we send our lovingkindess and concern for the   
   difficulties the people of Myanmar are faced with at this time.   
   While it is a time of great positive change in Myanmar we are concerned about   
   the growing ethnic violence and the targeting of Muslims   
   in Rakhine 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   
   Myanmar 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 Myanmar 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   
      
   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 H H 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.   
      
   http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/10/buddhist-leaders-respon   
   -to-violence-against-muslims-in-myanmar_n_2272336.html?utm_hp_ref=buddhism   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)