George-

I commemorated September 11th by going to the Washington Cathedral along with thousands of other people. I was fortunate enough to get a seat in the gallery right above and next to the speakers, and to greet the Dali Lama as he entered.

The place was completely full and peaceful and beautiful. The Dalai Lama spoke some wonderful words -- none of which were covered by the local media until two days later. There was also no mention in the article - or elsewhere that I saw - that he had met Colin Powell and the President the day before. I find that very curious. Anyone have any possible explanations for this? Perhaps something related to China? But why should the media back off from reporting the news? I wonder if a letter to the Post might be in order.

Here are a few of the summarized remarks that stood out from the Dali Lama:

"Do not be depressed by past events. It happened--we cannot change it. Use it as an opportunity for compassion and forgiveness...Tragic events come from negative emotions of hatred and jealousy and greed. Look at your own greed -- cultivate contentment versus attachment in our daily lives -- not just in the Cathedral...There is great potential here."

With best wishes for peace and contentment,

Phyllis Koch-Sheras (electronic mail, September 13, 2003)

Editor's Note: Watch video at http://media.cathedral.org/dalai.wmv

On September 11th, "President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura, began the day's commemorations at St. John's Episcopal Church in Lafayette Square, across from the White House, where FBI director Robert S. Mueller III and Secretary of State Colin L. Powell read the lessons for the service of remembrance. "We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over the present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places," Mueller read from Ephesians 6:12-18. Powell followed with a reading from Matthew 6:25-34: "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious about itself."" (Episcopal News Service, September 15, 2003)