We, Japanese Buddhist monks are now put to the test. We cannot help expressing our deep sadness and protest against China's military actions in Tibet that deprive Tibetans from religious freedom. As religionists and Buddhist, we cannot overlook Tibetan monks and people's suffer any more. The most important thing is that Tibetans preserve their religious tradition of Tibetan Buddhism (Lamaism) by Tibetan people's free intention. You might wonder what monks throughout Japan are doing. Each sect and religious organization in Japan have devoted their energies to the restoration of Buddhist temples related to their temples in various parts of China after the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and China. I myself was also involved in the restoration of Buddhist temples in China. However, it was not possible to exchange with Buddhist temples in China without the approval of Beijing (government) and actually we had no freedom. Most monks across Japan know th! is and think that this might be unchanged even in the future. We also know that Beijing (government) feels unpleasant when Japanese Buddhist organizations exchange with the Dalai Lama. I think that religious freedom is the most important issue. However, Japanese Buddhists have not expressed anything in 3 weeks or more after the Tibetan case broke out. If Chinese Buddhism association is our important friend, why do we tell nothing to it? Is it good without doing? Tibet that has accumulated its history as a Buddhism country with the leadership of the Dalai Lama is about to disappear. To save them, we should give the voice from grass roots as religionists and Buddhists. However, if we do, Chinese Buddhists concerned may protest the religious sect I belong to and I may be scolded by it. So, it does not mean that I request you to act together with me. But, I ask you who are Buddhist monks and supporters to think voluntarily with this case as a start. Some of you as Buddhist monk! s may plan to visit the temples related to your temples during the Bei jing Olympics 2008. Under such circumstances, what will you talk with them? If you are not able to say your opinion to your Chinese counterparts in a resolute attitude, what can we preach to our supporters and followers in Japan? This might be the last chance for us as religionists and Buddhists.
Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World －Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
Somewhere over the rainbow Way up high
And the dreams that you dreamed of once in a lullaby
Somewhere over the rainbow Blue birds fly
And the dreams that you dreamed of Dreams really do come true
Some day I'll wish upon a star Wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where troubles melts like lemondrops High above the chimney tops that's where you'll find me
Somewhere over the rainbow Blue birds fly
And the dreams that you dare to, Why, oh why can't I?
Well I see trees of green and red roses too I watch them bloom for me and you And I think to myself ・・・What a wonderful world !・・・
Well I see skies of blue, and I see clouds of white and the brightness of day
I like the dark And I think to myself ・・・What a wonderful world !"・・・
The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky are also on the faces of people passing by I see friends shakin' hands singin' "How do you do?" They're really saying "I...I love you"
I hear babies cry and I watch them grow They'll learn much more than We'll know And I think to myself "What a wonderful world !"
Someday I'll wish upon a star, wake up where the clouds are far behind me Where troubles melts like lemondrops High above the chimney tops that's where you'll find me
Oh, Somewhere over the rainbow way up high
And the dreams that you dare to, Why, oh why can't I?
