Japanese Buddhist Protests the Suppression in Tibet

Japanese Buddhist leader(Engyoji Temple)
protested the suppression in Tibet.
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Now the real values of we Japanese Buddhists are being tested.

We are in deep sorrow of the Chinese violent suppression in Tibet depriving Tibetans of their religious freedom and can't help but express our strong protest against it.

We can no longer overlook the pain of the Buddhist monks and other Tibetans as religious persons and Buddhists.

Tibetans keep up religious traditions by their own free will. It is an important basis.

You may wonder what Buddhist monks in Japan are doing and thinking.

After the resumption of diplomatic ties with China, religious denominations and ommunities of Japanese Buddhists had dedicated to the restoration of temples which we have connections all over China.

I myself had also gotten involved with the restoration of Chinese temples.

But we had to be monitored by Beijing to contact with Chinese temples.
We felt we had little freedom.

Most monks know it will continue.

And it is also well known that Beijing feels annoyed by our contacts with Dalai Lama.

I think the problem of religious freedom is absolutely serious.

Since the affair in Tibet, three weeks have passed.
But the Buddhists in Japan have not taken any kind of action.

Why do we say nothing and do nothing if Chinese Buddhists are valued friends to us?

Tibet with a history as a Buddhist country centered around Dalai Lama is disappearing.

We must take part in grassroots activities as religious persons or Buddhists.

But our denomination will be protested by Chinese Buddhists and I will probably be rebuked.

I am not saying you should act with us.

I hope resident priests and supporters of Buddhist temples take this opportunity to think what we have to do.

I think some priests are scheduled to go and worship at Chinese temples for the Olympics.

In this circumstance what are you going to preach in China?

What can we preach to our supporters if we can't stand firmly against Chinese suppression as religious persons?

This may be the last chance for us to be religious persons or
Buddhists.

Shosyazan Engyoji Temple Shitujichou;Ohki Genjo