September 11th marks the anniversary of the tragic events in New York and Washington in 2001. Nearly 3000 people were killed in the attacks, causing huge suffering and loss, still felt to this day. In the face of violence, where is there hope?
When we look into the events on that day, behind the smoke and destruction, we see numerous acts of compassion. Emergency services, volunteers, people of all backgrounds stretching out their hands and hearts to help each other. The human heart, Bodhicitta, is the most precious of all. While Buddhas are helpful in life, the compassionate heart is even more precious than a Buddha. In the human heart, we see limitless hope.
September 11th also marks the anniversary of when Mohandas Gandhi started the modern nonviolent movement. On this day in 1906, Satyagraha, the force of love or truth which flows from nonviolence, was born. This compassionate movement inspired Martin Luther King Jr, and countless others, to follow a nonviolent path. This compassionate movement lifted up the preciousness of the human heart, and the hope that flows from kindness. As Gandhi said “Non-violence, which is the quality of the heart, cannot come by an appeal to the brain”.
On this day, I appeal to your hearts, remember those who suffer. On this day, I appeal to your hearts, let compassion flow.
Gautama Buddha said “Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace”.
On this day, I appeal to your precious human hearts, may you share words that bring peace to all sentient beings.