Flares of war light up the sky,
worries pervade
Forced into exile to seek refuge,
people lose their liberty.
As air missiles and bombers descend and land
Ruined are our lives, property and environment.
No one wins or loses in the gamble over war,
A fool is he who plays with fire, inviting problems onto himself
Here's a message to the powers that be throughout nations:
Everything ends when both sides die.

People were most scared when the great flood washed over the world. Christianity says that the great flood drowned out people because they worshipped pagan idols. Is it really because they worshipped pagan idols? If they drowned because they worshipped pagan idols, should they be burned at the stake for worshipping real idols?

Think about it, everyone! Someone who worships pagan idols may just be plain stupid and does not do people any harm. Our worst fear ought to be war, where explosions light up the sky! If there were no war in the Middle East now, no one will feel much. Once it started, everyone panicked and is worried. Explosions of war light up the sky, worries pervade. Why are they worried? It is because they are forced into exile to seek refuge, people lose their liberty. Without freedom, people's lives are in danger.

As air missiles and bombers descend and land. In this conflict, several thousand fleets of aircrafts fly out at a time, like crows. Whether humans or animals, they meet their death when cannons hit.

Ruined are our lives, property and environment. Military warfare destroys people's lives and damages their property to some degree. Determining the result of war is like gambling. Some people insist on wrecking the good life they lead. No one wins or loses in the gamble of war. War is like a gamble; no one wins or loses for sure. Losers win and winners lose. Each side tries to injure the opponent's people and property.

A fool is he who plays with fire, inviting problems onto himself. In the end, one still has to face one's consequences personally. For instance, Japan was so powerful when it attacked China, but it was eventually punished. That is why there really is no victory or loss, winner or loser in a war. Here's a message to the powers that be throughout nations. Looking at this, I want to tell the power-holders of various nations: Everything ends when both sides die. When are you winning and when are you losing? In time, everyone dies from chemical warfare, atom bombs, hydrogen bombs, death rays--there will be no more problems!

How rare it is for us to be gathered here talking about the Buddhadharma in times of war, especially when, just a few months ago, I was in the hospital for an illness from which I have not fully recovered. Though I am still weak, it is okay because all of you have come here to study the Buddhadharma out of sincerity, especially on a day when many people are watching football on TV.

People who have come here to study the Buddhadharma have some in-depth understanding of Buddhism. For this reason, though I am not fully recovered, I am willing to keep in contact with you. If no problems or special situations come up, I would like to study the Buddhadharma with you every Sunday. Do I really understand the Buddhadharma? It is not for sure, but we may use our collective wisdom to delve into the truths of Buddhism. It is crucial that Buddhism is not always under the shade of superstition. Cause and effect, a truth, must be a Buddhist belief; do not believe in the silly and the ridiculous, in principles that are not ultimate. We must speak the truth. This being 1991, my first topic will be "thoughts on New Years". My second topic will be "education can save the world and bring about peace." These are "thoughts on the explosive conflicts in the Middle East." Although what I tell you are really very simple ideas, they are helpful to our studying truths.

There is still a little bit of time, anyone with questions may ask. I'll respond to those that I can. For questions that I cannot answer, please go and ask someone else about them.

Q: What is Hussein?
A: A follower of the heavenly demon!

Q: What is the cause of this war?
A: The reincarnation of asuras. They always want to commit murder and arson!

Q: Every time the United States participates in a war, there are anti-war protests. What is the Master's view on anti-war demonstrations?
A: Anti-war demonstrations are just another form of war. People who are in the war now are those who used to be anti-war! Q: Many students are nervous that they will be drafted to the battlefront. What should students do to help this situation?

A: Students should study well and not bother with this business. This is not something they can take care of! This country is trying to administer justice with its military prowess, but there are anti-war sentiments internally. The nation is engaged in war without and within. This war has created yet another war. The anti-war demonstrators are creating yet another war.

Q: What is the relationship between the United States and this war?
A: It claims that it is administering justice, but it is just afraid of losing its economic gain. If it were not for selfishness, its military forces would be victorious everywhere they went and not be defeated.

Q: Is this a world crisis? A: Pretty much!

Q: Then everyone will be finished!
A: That is a consequence living beings face!

Q: Citizens of a country ought to be patriotic, so have the pilots who were directed to bomb our enemy in this war on the Middle East committed an offense? If so, what kind of attitude should they have?
A: Even the international tribunals could not resolve this case! Since this is such a significant issue, I as one regular citizen cannot solve it. This involves the rights of nations, individuals, and world leaders. I cannot resolve this issue.