Have you been following events in Iraq, particularly Najaf? I have, and have been moved deeply by the words and deeds of Grand Ayatollah Sistani. His return to the country turned off the Najaf meat grinder, not simply by his presence, but by his direct action. He saved untold suffering, ensured hundreds of Shi’a civilians and American soldiers would live to be old men and women and gave the world a real example of how Islam is a religion of peace, knowledge and understanding. And, being trigger-happy myself, I sent him an e-mail.
I think it’s important to recognize people that are working to improve the world through peaceful means, as well as support them in their efforts. So I sent the Grand Ayatollah an e-mail thanking him and the Marjaiya for publicly disavowing themselves of violence. Not just on my behalf, but on behalf of a grateful world.
Not more than 48 hours later I received a hand-written reply that had been scanned and e-mailed. I was stunned. First, this man is too busy to concern himself with the likes of me. Second, although he knows I am a Buddhist, he was reverent and wished me well. No proselytizing. No admonition to examine my faith. Just his thanks and wishes that all beings find the right path.
As I say, I am not a Muslim. My knowledge of Holy Qu’ran is not deep. But I do get the sense that Holy Qu’ran encourages peace and discourages suffering. And that prophet Muhammed through Allah understood that the real enemy of spiritual people (be they Jew, Christian, Muslim or Buddhist) is ignorance. As long as we live in fear or distrust of our brothers and sisters, no matter their creed, our spirits can never walk freely.
The Grand Ayatollah, I think, understands this. And his note to me, while perhaps not making me less ignorant, has drawn my heart closer to my Shi’a brothers and sisters. I say here, and publicly, that Grand Ayatollah Sistani is a holy man. As a Buddhist, I believe he is walking the Eightfold Path described by Sakyamuni Buddha. To Muslims I say this man is truly a follower of prophet Muhammed and Holy Qu’ran.
Included in my e-mail to the Grand Ayatollah was a favorite quote of mine by An Wang:
We must not contradict, but instruct him that contradicts us; for a madman is not cured by another running mad also.
If any of my Muslim brothers or sisters sees an error in my statements, please instruct me. And I encourage all Muslims to listen to the words of the Grand Ayatollah, and ask themselves if the path of violence so many of their brothers and sisters in Islam have chosen is more “instruction” or “contradiction.” And ask themselves if the Jews of Israel and the Christians of America are the real enemy, or is perhaps the greatest enemy today the ignorance of spirituality; ignorance most recently displayed by the Chinese in their treatment of the Tibetan people and practitioners of Falun Gong?
Don’t listen to the anger and frustration. It is temptation. Americans love peace. Israelis love peace. Sometimes our leaders have trouble remembering they are the cart and not the ox. But things change. You can be assured that Americans will not tolerate an Iraq where Muslims are not allowed to worship as they please. Someday the bullets will stop, the Americans will leave and the imams will call the faithful to prayer. This did not happen in Tibet. So, look at the world, and let us, as brothers and sisters in spirit, try to instruct those that contradict the idea that there is more to life than mere physical reality.
Again, my deepest gratitude and heartfelt best wishes to Grand Ayatollah Sistani. My he find shelter in Allah, Islam and Holy Qu’ran from the flame of ignorance now burning so brightly in Iraq. May he be kept safe from harm; and may all my brothers and sisters that seek peace through peaceful means.
May all beings be free from suffering. And in these times, especially in Iraq. Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammasambuddhassa.