Rev. Dr. T. Kenjitsu Nakagaki, president of the Buddhist Council of New York (BCNY), invites Buddhist group or groups to pen a support letter to Muslim Americans in your area or area mosques. Feel free to refer to the BCNY version below for your statement. BCNY is an association of Buddhist temples and organizations whose mission is to foster dialogue, cooperation and unity within the Buddhist community in the New York City area. Rev. Nakagaki and others are also leading an initiative to recognize Vesak as a federal holiday. Please contact info@buddhistcouncilny.org if you have additional questions or comments.

North American Buddhist Alliance invites Buddhist regional networks and groups to share initiatives and projects with one another and with us. NABA remains a repository and facilitator of various interests, support, and communication.
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February 15, 2017

Dear Muslim Brothers and Sisters,

As-Salamu Alaykum!

We have been fortunate to live for many years in an atmosphere of tolerance and mutual respect for all religions. Today the climate appears to be shifting as clouds of intolerance, discrimination, and fear rise in many parts of the United States. As Buddhist teachers and practitioners, and members of the Buddhist Council of New York, we are deeply troubled by the recent acts of violence and discrimination against members of the Islam faith and people of color.

Across our religious traditions we share the common wisdom that hatred only begets further hatred and suffering. Our nation and our world depend on taking care of each other, irrespective of different faiths and views.

The new Administration has already attempted to block new immigrants from Muslim majority countries despite their devastating situation at home and it threatens to create a Muslim registry. We want to assure you that we will resist policies and actions that discriminate against Muslims or people of any faith. You are our brothers and sisters. We stand with you, open-handed and open-hearted.

“Hatred is never appeased by hatred in this world. By non-hatred alone is hatred appeased. This is an eternal law.”
(from Buddhist Sutra, Dhammapada, Verse 5)

In Peace,
Members and Friends of the Buddhist Council of New York

(signed by)
The Rev. Dr. T. Kenjitsu Nakagaki: President, Buddhist Council of New York.
Roshi Pat Enkyo O’Hara: Abbot, Village Zendo.
Sylvie Sun: Board Member, Buddhist Global Relief.
The Ven. Ocean-of-Wisdom Sakya: Abbot, Middle-Way Meditation Centers & the Middle-Way Peace Order.
The Rev. Joan Hogetsu Hoeberichts: Abbot, Heart Circle Sangha.
James A. Lynch: Official Representative, New York Branch of Rissho Kosei Kai.
Manu Won Jin Garcia-Guillén: Dharma-Teacher-in-training, Chogye International Zen Center of New York.
Sensei Ron Hogen Green: Zen Center of New York City/Fire Lotus Temple.
Linda Hoju Strauss: Board Member, Heart Circle Sangha.
Sri Mata Lalitambika Devi: Mahakailasa Ashram.
The Rev. Jody Hojin Kimmel: Zen Mountain Monastery.
The Rev. Tenku Ruff: Soto Zen Priest, NYC.
David Listen: Life Mentor.
Malik J.M. Walker: Resident Monk, Myrtle Avenue Zen Fellowship.
Ken Kessel, JDPSN: Chogye International Zen Center of New York, Kwan Um School of Zen.
Regina Valdez: Community Outreach Coordinator, Buddhist Global Relief.
The Rev. Merle Kodo Boyd: Lincroft Zen Sangha, Lincroft NJ.
Heather Harlan Nakagaki: Corresponding Secretary, Buddhist Council of New York.
John Holland: Bodhisattva Teacher, Chogye International Zen Center of New York.
Irene Woodard: Senior Teacher, Sky Lake Shambhala Meditation and Retreat Center.
The Rev. Doyeon Park: Minister, Won Buddhism of Manhattan.
The Rev. Compassion Christopher: MPO Middle-way Peace Order.
The Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi: President, Buddhist Association of the United States.
The Ven. Refa Shi: Abbot, Buddhist Peaceful Enlightenment.
Zen Master Wu Kwang Richard Shrobe: The Chogye International Zen Center of New York (The Kwan Um School of Zen).
The Ven. Doam Sunim: Abbot, Chogyesa Korean Zen Temple of New York.
The Ven. Chung Ohun Lee: Head Minister, Won Buddhism of Manhattan.
Bhante Suddhaso: Co-Director, Buddhist Insights.
The Ven. Haejin Sunim: Abbot, Taego Zen Center.
The Rev. Geoffrey Shugen Arnold: Abbot, Zen Mountain Monastery and Zen Center of NYC.
Ganden Thurman: Executive Director, Tibet House US.
Roshi Janet Jiryu Abels: Still Mind Zendo.
Sensei Gregory Hosho Abels: Still Mind Zendo.
Masayoshi Iimura: Rissho Kosei-Kai Buddhist Center of New York
Robert Kolodny: Coordinator, NY Buddhist Climate Action Network.
Leslie Joren Wagner: The Interdependence Project.
Lorna Ishin Mason, Mountains and Rivers Order, Fire Lotus Temple.
Khenpo Pema Wangdak: Executive Director, Vikramasila Foundation and Palden Sakya Centers.
Michele Laporte, Senior Teacher, Shambhala Meditation Center of NY; Profound Treasury Book Club of NY.
The Rev. Daiken Nelson: Pamsula Zen Center, NYC.
The Ven. Ashin Nayaka: Vice President, Buddhist Council of New York.
The Rev. Robert Kaku Gunn: Hoshi, Village Zendo.
Kimberly Brown: Executive Director, The Independence Project.
The Rev. Seth Zuiho Segall: White Plains Zen.