The worldwide media broadcast of Cho Seung-Hui’s footages have received much condemnation. Currently in Hong Kong, I saw them in the news and felt quite disturbed and chilly. Amongst all the materials media brought to audiences, not many of them are positive or bring about hope except more fears and pains.
I have read something quite hopeful even at this most difficult times. It was in the memorial service held for the victims of the Virginia Tech,
in which, following President Bush’s speech, four
students representing religious groups made speeches.
The following is one of them, just would like to share here:
Julie Still
President of Living Buddhism club at Virginia Tech
“I am with the Buddhist community. In the aftermath of the terrible
events yesterday, I extend my deepest condolences to all those families who
have lost their loved ones. From the bottom of my heart, I pray for the
victims, and I pray that all of us, especially their families, find inner
strength, understanding, and compassion leading to healing.
It is impossible not to be outraged at the senseless loss of so many
lives. The number of total deaths is utterly horrific; every person lost
was irreplaceable and immensely precious — a much-loved sister, father,
son, mother, teacher and friend. The message of all religious teachings is
the sacredness and preciousness of life. In the most terrible manner
imaginable, we have been reminded of the immense value of human life.
Like you, I have been receiving and sending numerous e-mails and
phone calls connecting with friends and family. The emotional stress we all
under is overwhelming. However, the Dalai Lama has said, “It is under the
greatest adversity that there exists the greatest potential for doing good.”
Now is our opportunity as a community to unite. We must connect
with each other just as we are reconnecting with family and friends.
In the words of poet, Jennifer Edwards:
The beauty of life is, while we cannot undo what is done, we can see it,
understand it, learn from it and change.
So that every new moment is spent not in regret, guilt, fear or anger, but
in wisdom, understanding and love.
Each action we take can embrace or alienate. In the words of
Daisaku Ikeda, a well-known Buddhist leader,
“When great evil occurs, great good follows. But great good does not come
about on its own. Courage is always required to accomplish great good. Now
is the time for us to demonstrate the courage of nonviolence, the courage to
engage in dialogue, the courage to listen to what we don’t want to hear, the
courage to control our desire for revenge and follow reason.”
I am convinced that we were born into this world with an inherent
good nature and together, we must restore our faith in humanity. I believe
that from this tragedy, this courage is the greatest and most enduring way
to honor the memory of our loved ones.
Let’s take a moment to reflect.
(ten second pause)
Thank you. “
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四海为家 from far south to far north 