His Holiness saddened by the loss of life and destruction by torrential rain in Japan

 

His Holiness the Dalai Lama presenting a white Tibetan scarf to Japan’s then main opposition Liberal Democratic Party President Shinzo Abe at a seminar in Tokyo, on 13 November 2012. Image: AP/Itsuo Inouye

DHARAMSALA, July 10: The Tibetan spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has expressed his sadness at the loss of life and magnitude of destruction caused by torrential rain in Japan.

Concerned about the victims of the unprecedented and extensive flooding that has taken place in Western Japan in recent days, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has written to the Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, reports the dalaima.com

“I am writing to express my sadness over the loss of life, devastation of property and hardship caused to so many,” the Dalai Lama wrote in his missive to the Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe.

“I appreciate the efficient steps that are being taken to seek out and rescue those affected and provide relief. I pray for the success of the measures being taken,” the Dalai Lama added.

The Tibetan Nobel Laureate has said in the report that he deeply appreciates the interest and enthusiasm that people from all walks of life have shown in his efforts to encourage cultivation of fundamental values such as compassion and religious harmony during his several visits to the country over the years.

“Today, I want to express my concern for all those facing distress as a result of this severe natural disaster,” the Dalai Lama said in the missive and concluded by saying “I would like to recommend that recitation of the ‘Heart Sutra’ would be of benefit at this sad time.”

According to media reports, at least 141 people are now known to have died in floods and landslides triggered by torrential rain in western Japan,  the highest death toll caused by rainfall in the country over the last three decades. About two million people have been evacuated from the region after rivers burst their banks.

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