What I Would Say to Thich Nhat Hanh: A Response to His Essay

First of all, I would say "thank you" for that powerful image of yourself sitting quietly at a table or in a tent with Osama Bin Laden, listening to him deeply and trying to understand what led him to such acts of violence. This process you describe, of deep listening as a way to lucidity, compassion, and mutual understanding is a process that barely exists in our political system, but should—of course—be part of diplomacy, negotiation, coalition building, education, and political interaction. In America, politicians are known for making speeches, not for listening.

I would also say that this insight, this Buddhist wisdom, that you embody and express so well has something to offer the political process. The world is desperate for moral leadership but what leadership can be trusted? A recent appeal from eight Nobel Peace Prize Laureates offers the good idea of a UN-sponsored summit on terrorism. Perhaps religious leaders also have an opportunity at this moment to take a leadership role on the world stage and call for action. In particular, I am suggesting that Buddhist leaders have a particular opportunity and, therefore, a unique responsibility to enter the fray with their startling wisdom and radical compassion.

Imagine an invitation from Thich Naht Hanh, the Dalai Lama, and Daisaku Ikeda to Osama Bin Laden and, perhaps, a few advisors of his choosing extended to Osama Bin Laden to come to a place, a quiet place, and be heard. This might be Plum Village or it might be a remote temple in Japan. It would not be about "capture," "extradition," or "judgement." It would not even be about "bringing him to justice." It would simply be an offer to listen and establish dialogue. Then, at a later date, an interpretation of what was heard could be shared with a group of Christian, Jewish, and Islamic leaders. Or with government representatives.

Sadly, the current climate makes it difficult for Christians, Jews, and Muslims to talk with a sense of common humanity. Hindus, as well, stand in an uncomfortable place as result of the history of Indian Independence which led to the violent deaths of many Muslims. Buddhists are, somehow, removed from this tension. While there are millions of Buddhists in the West, they do not represent Western culture. While they have a stake in the world, they do not have a strong stake in the Middle East. The compassionate distance of Buddhist leaders is a rare asset that could and should be brought to bear on the present crisis.

Why is it important that Buddhists do anything? The simple answer is that the world is driven by action, not silence. Americans, especially, are eager to act. Their resourcefulness is part of what built America. One might say that Americans can do anything, with the exception of doing nothing. This profound human need to act only intensifies in the face of violence or threats. The stillness of September 11 could not last long. The vacuum will always be filled, either with destructive action or constructive action. For this reason, it is not enough to chant, meditate, and imagine peace, while all of those things may enhance the strength of individuals and communities. People need leaders who are willing to act in a big way so that they may act through them, live through them, and attain large visions embodied by their leaders. In the absence of spiritual and moral leaders, bloodthirsty political leaders will do. But they will not, in the long-term, achieve the peace that people want and need.

The wisdom of engaged Buddhism recognizes the importance of social engagement. What is so critical, however, is that leaders of engaged Buddhist communities come together in dramatic action and offer a way out to those outside the Buddhist community. Compassionate listening could be the start of that way out. But this could only happen if Buddhist leaders of great stature were willing to step onto the world stage and offer this bizarre idea to the world.

There is no question that all religious leaders have a role to play in this crisis. For most, the challenge will be that of comforting the people who rely on them for guidance and hope. For some, the work will include grief counseling and funeral services. For others, the energy will reach outward to educate communities about the world. Buddhists can do all of these things too and offer one another crucial support and encouragement. But beyond this, there is still a unique role for Buddhists to play in the present crisis.

What I would say to Thich Naht Hanh if he would listen to me is, "Please step onto the world stage with your radical ideas, even more than you already have done. Invite a few others whose spiritual power and social influence is as great or greater than yours to join you. Act with vigor and confidence. Be larger than life itself. Do not let this moment of opportunity pass. If you would listen to Osama Bin Laden, why not teach the world to listen?"