Wednesday, March 16, 2011

And finally, Japan ...


Not cherry blossoms, but Lucas County redbuds photographed in April of 2006.

What can you say about Japan --- the earthquake, the tsunami, nuclear disaster? Nothing I've come up with works. But Thich Nhat Hanh --- a major light in the world by my book --- expressed it eloquently. And the thought extends to victims of any disaster, natural or man-made.

Dear friends in Japan,

As we contemplate the great number of people who have died in this tragedy, we may feel very strongly that we ourselves, in some part or manner, also have died.

The pain of one part of humankind is the pain of the whole of humankind. And the human species and the planet Earth are one body. What happens to one part of the body happens to the whole body.

An event such as this reminds us of the impermanent nature of our lives. It helps us remember that what's most important is to love each other, to be there for each other, and to treasure each moment we have that we are alive. This is the best that we can do for those who have died: we can live in such a way that they continue, beautifully, in us.

Here in France and at our practice centers all over the world, our brothers and sisters will continue to chant for you, sending you the energy of peace, healing and protection. Our prayers are with you.

Thich Nhat Hanh

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