Karma and September 11

Responding to the September 11 tragedy

• Staying actively engaged with tangible support
• Transforming the mind through tonglen and Chenrezig practice
• Taking refuge to generate compassion for the terrorists

Q&A on 9-11 attacks 01 (download)

Views on the United States invasion of Afghanistan

• Questioning political decisions and their consequences
• Recognizing the difficulties politicians face

Q&A on 9-11 attacks 02 (download)

The role of karma

• Experiencing group and personal karma
• Thinking about what type of karma led people to harm others
• Karma as mental intention and our own contribution that brings harms to others

Q&A on 9-11 attacks 03 (download)

Rebirths of the victims of tragedy

• Conditions that determine our future lives
• Dying with a kind heart
• Benefits of the Dharma practice

Q&A on 9-11 attacks 04 (download)

Explaining the September 11 attacks to children

• Supporting children to express their feelings
• Generating compassion for everyone involved in the tragedy
• Questioning how we treat violence as entertainment

Q&A on 9-11 attacks 05 (download)

Karma and our environmental conditions

• The environment as a result of our past actions and current thoughts
• How the mind mistakenly views violence as happiness
• Responding as Buddhists to prevent violence

Q&A on 9-11 attacks 06 (download)

Counteracting vengeance

• Strengthening Jewish/Muslim dialogue in the US
• Benefits of interreligious faith services
• Volunteering and promoting educational forums to reduce prejudice

Q&A on 9-11 attacks 07 (download)

Discomfort with parodies of September 11

• Recognizing how violent cartoons aren’t funny
• The need for humor and sensitivity
• Using humor to reduce fear and anxiety

Q&A on 9-11 attacks 08 (download)

Destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas

• Destruction as loss for all
• Buddhists as examples in resolving conflicts

Q&A on 9-11 attacks 09 (download)