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Letter from Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche to His Excellency Ban Ki-Moon
The Sakyong would like members of the Shambhala community know that in
his view it would be appropriate for prayers and practices to be offered in
a spirit of encouraging a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Burma
(Myanmar). It would also be appropriate for individuals to join in vigils,
meditations, petitions or other non-violent manifestations aimed at
generating international protection for the sangha in Burma (Myanmar). He
requests that this be done in a spirit, not of taking sides, but of acting
in line with the impartial aspiration for peace expressed in his appeal to
the United Nations.
With every best wish,
Richard
Richard Reoch
President
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His Excellency
Ban Ki-moon
Secretary General
The United Nations
New York
26 September 2007
Your Excellency,
I have the honour to address you on behalf of The Sakyong,
Jamgön Mipham Rinpoche, head of the Shambhala Buddhist lineage an ancient
tradition whose aspiration is to create enlightened society on earth. The
royal seat of Shambhala is held by a successive line of Sakyongs (literally
"Earth Protectors") devoted to the protection, well-being and spiritual care
of our world.
Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, together with the global community of
Buddhist practitioners, has followed, with deepening concern the events
unfolding in Myanmar (Burma). This concern is shared by people of all faiths
around the world, and by more and more governments. The threat and use of
violence against unarmed monastics and civilians in that country has led the
Security Council of the United Nations to focus its attention on these
worsening developments. Already there are reports of violent attacks that
have resulted in serious injuries and possible fatalities.
At the same time, we understand that the sangha of monks in
Myanmar (Burma) has maintained its deep commitment to non-violence.
Monastics have urged the civilian population not to resort to violence if
provoked. They have repeatedly stated that, as followers of the Buddhist
path, they are determined to address the deep social issues in their country
using peaceful means.
It is imperative, not only for the well-being and stability of
that nation, but also for the world as a whole, that the international
community make every effort to restrain the forces of violence and take all
appropriate measures to uphold the internationally recognized rights to
peaceful assembly, freedom of expression and the exercise of human
conscience.
In making this appeal, the Sakyong wishes to make clear that the
issue facing humanity is not a question of taking sides in a country's
internal dispute. It is a question of how we, as people everywhere, learn to
resolve our differences and disputes. We stand at a crossroads in history:
we can either choose the nightmare of violence or take upon ourselves the
challenge of peace. It is vital that the world's primary international
forum, the United Nations, give a clear signal that the way forward for
humanity and our planet must be the choice of peace.
The Sakyong prays, as the leader of a global Buddhist community,
that the wisdom and compassion that are inherent in all humanity, will
enable you, as the foremost peacekeeper of the world, to guide the community
of nations towards a patient, just, and sane resolution of the current
crisis.
In the hope that we may walk together on the path that leads to
the cessation of all suffering, I remain yours, sincerely and respectfully,
Richard Reoch
President of Shambhala
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