Forgive bin Laden? Dalai Lama's surprising view
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The Dalai Lama teaches detachment as part of releasing oneself from suffering, and takes such a line on compassion that he won't swat mosquitoes supping on his blood.
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But Wednesday, speaking on"Secular Ethics, Human Values and Society," to an audience of 3,000 at University of Southern California, he offered a possible understanding of why the USA assassinated Osama bin Laden.
While Buddhist understanding, and most Western religions, counsel compassion, even forgiveness for the evildoer, "Forgiveness doesn't mean forget what happened."
According to the Los Angeles Times coverage, he also said it is sometimes necessary to take countermeasures against evil.
But most religions teach that forgiveness follows repentance, an avowed turn to the righteous path. Repentance doesn't obviate punishment in a just legal system on earth, but it leaves to God the final judgment.
Rev. James Martin at America's blog In All Things, takes the Catholic view:
I am glad he has left the world. And I pray that his departure may lead to peace. But as a Christian, I am asked to pray for him and, at some point, forgive him. And that command comes to us from Jesus, a man who was beaten, tortured and killed. That command comes from a man who knows a great deal about suffering. It also comes from God..
There's no hint of repentance in bin Laden's life, however. So, does he merit forgiveness on earth or in heaven in your faith or philosophy?
See photos of: Dalai Lama
