I was very upset when I heard about the disaster in Japan. Maybe I was just very sensitive that day, but it seemed like I truly felt the collective pain of the Japanese people. I cried so much after the 2004 tsunami, the Ondoy flooding, but maybe because of the double (now triple, with the nuclear crisis) disasters, I was beside myself. This was one of those times where I really felt one with the world. Here's a note written by Thicht Nahat Hahn.
"Dear friends in Japan,
As we contemplate the great number of people who have died in this tragedy, we may feel very strongly that we ourselves, in some part or manner, also have died.
The pain of one part of humankind is the pain of the whole of humankind. And the human species and the planet Earth are one body. What happens to one part of the body happens to the whole body.
An event such as this reminds us of the impermanent nature of our lives. It helps us remember that what's most important is to love each other, to be there for each other, and to treasure each moment we have that we are alive. This is the best that we can do for those who have died: we can live in such a way that they continue, beautifully, in us.
Here in France and at our practice centers all over the world, our brothers and sisters will continue to chant for you, sending you the energy of peace, healing and protection. Our prayers are with you."
Thich Nhat Hanh
