Buddhist Leaders Respond To Violence Against Muslims In Myanmar

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.