Today the Ithaca Journal published an interesting letter about the recent visit of the Dalai Lama to Ithaca: the Journal's "excessive" coverage of it, and its failure to promote good religious choices by its readers. It reads, in full:
The inches of newspaper space spent on the Dalai Lama and Tibetan Buddhism these last two weeks was [sic] excessive. I question whether the Pope would have received the same uncritical journalism should he ever come to Ithaca [sic]. Certainly the Billy Graham crusade in Binghamton last spring didn't receive coverage at all, although many in Ithaca were involved.
It was disheartening to "Christian" minister sharing the same platform as the Dalai [sic]. The truth is that Christianity and Buddhism are not compatible. They are poles apart. At the very least it is illogical to consider Buddhism. If you're a Christian and you die but find out Buddhism was true, then you have another chance to be enlightened in the next life. But if you're a Buddhist and you die but find out you needed to submit to Jesus Christ you don't get another chance.
So, Ithacans (and Buddhists everywhere), don't blow it! Jesus trumps Buddha big-time with a hard-line stance. Bet with your head, not your heart! You gotta know when to hold 'em!
It is interesting to see the vagaries of logic. Personally, we admire the application of passion put to it here.
The comic, Don Novello, made a good living writing fake letters like this as Lazlo Toth in the 1980's. Check out his books to see what we mean.
We would love to see the Dalai Lama's reaction to this letter. They say he has a good sense of humor. We wouldn't mind seeing the Pope's, as well.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
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