Prayers for Peace in the World and End of Wars - Current Events

Mindful prayer inner peace Thich Nhat Hanh Zen
Helping the Hungry in Gaza: A Buddhist Global Relief response

The Buddha teaches that compassion, like suffering, does not pick sides. He extends his compassion impartially to all, and he bids us to follow his example. In this instance and in all cases where hatred, greed, and delusion direct most persons’ responses, his followers are urged to do what they can to ease the hurt, feed the hungry, and care for the sick and injured, no matter who they are.

The Buddha stressed that one can find peace and end animosity only by putting winning and losing aside. It is our fervent wish, as engaged Buddhists, that all the warring parties will realize this truth, lay down their weapons, and work for peace. Choosing otherwise will not only increase suffering in the short term but assure that the seeds of this conflict will mature and erupt again and again in the future. To choose the path of nonviolence, starting with a complete ceasefire, is to open the possibility for a resolution of this decades-long conflict.

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War is out-dated – non-violence is the only way. We need to develop a sense of the oneness of humanity by considering other human beings as brothers and sisters...
I pray that peace is swiftly restored in Ukraine.
-- His Holiness the Dalai Lama message of hope for dialogue

When I was in India, people from the Ukraine would come to visit me regularly. I was particularly impressed by their love for peace. They were eagerly seeking how to calm their minds and live compassionately and peacefully without harming others. I consider all these people to be my friends.
I was very saddened and shocked to hear the news today of the conflict in Ukraine. The difficulties and suffering that the people of Ukraine are now facing is unimaginable. My thoughts and prayers are with them at this time.
I ask everyone to join with me in praying for all those involved in this conflict, that this terrible situation may be resolved swiftly, and that peace and harmony may be restored.
- His Holiness the Karmapa (https://kagyuoffice.org/ )
Link to Thich Nhat Hanh's verse on peace written during the Vietnam War:
https://mailchi.mp/dfde2f61a21b/marchnews


"Despite the many challenges that we are facing today, I feel optimistic that with a growing appreciation of how interconnected we all are in the oneness of humanity, we can all work to lead more meaningful lives and create a better world.

As human beings we share a common wish to be happy and free from pain. We are social animals who depend on others to survive. Therefore, as I often say, we should work for the benefit of others. If we cannot help them, we should at least make sure we do no harm. I have found that helping others is the best way of ensuring happiness and calm for ourselves.

I also firmly believe that we can find peace in the world only when we find peace within. Every human being has the potential to cultivate inner peace, and by so doing to contribute to the peace of our global community.

We must try to cultivate compassion and inner peace, regardless of our nationality or religion, we can contribute to the well-being and happiness of all mankind. If the last century was the century of violence, it is our responsibility to make this century the century of dialogue.

- His Holiness the Dalai Lama