Your Excellency,

I am deeply shocked by the terrorist attacks that took place involving four apparently hijacked aircrafts and the immense devastation these caused. It is a terrible tragedy that so many innocent lives have been lost and it seems unbelievable that anyone would choose to target the World Trade  Centre in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. We are deeply saddened. On behalf of the Tibetan people I would like to convey our  deepest condolences and solidarity with the American people during this  painful time. Our prayers go out to the many who have lost their lives,  those who have been injured and the many more who have been traumatized by  this senseless act of violence. I am attending a special prayer for the  United States and its people at our main temple today.

I am confident that the United States as a great and powerful nation will be able to overcome this present tragedy. The American people have shown  their resilience, courage and determination when faced with such difficult  and sad situations.

It may seem presumptous on my part, but I personally believe we need to think seriously whether a violent reaction is the right thing to do and in the greater interest of the nation and the people in the long run. I  believe violence will only increase the cycle of violence. But how do we  deal with hatred and anger which are often the root causes of such  senseless violence? This is a very difficult question, especially when it  concerns a nation and we have certain fixed conceptions of how to deal with  such attacks. I am sure you will make the right decision.

With my prayers and good wishes,

Yours sincerely,

The Dalai Lama