Ocean of Suffering

The ocean of suffering is immense, but if you turn around, you can see the land. The seed of suffering in you may be strong, but don't wait until you have no more suffering before allowing yourself to be happy... When you have suffered, you know how to appreciate the elements of paradise that are present. - Thich Nhat Hanh

Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama offered prayers for those who lost their lives in the tsunami unleashed by the massive earthquake in Japan and offered his sympathies and condolences to their families.

In a condolence message to Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan, the Nobel laureate has expressed his shock and sadness.

In a message to the Japanese people, he said: 'It would be very good if Japanese Buddhists are to recite 'Heart Sutra' on this occasion. Such recitation may not only be helpful for those who have lost their precious lives, but may also help prevent further disasters in the future.'

The 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, who is currently touring Sarnath near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh for his annual spring teaching, also participated in special prayers for the victims.

'The Karmapa led a special puja on behalf of the earthquake victims at the Vajra Vidya Institute in Sarnath Friday evening,' spokesperson for the Karmapa's office Deki Chungyalpa told IANS.

The 8.9-magnitude earthquake Friday afternoon set off huge tsunami waves, some as high as 10 meters, that rushed ashore for several kilometers along the northeastern coast, sweeping everything in their path - buildings, cars, ships and people. Thousands were missing and the bodies of over 400 people have been recovered so far.

I hope the living are safe
I hope the missing are found
I hope the dead are at peace

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