David Loy is a professor of philosophy and religion in the faculty of international studies at Bunkyo University in Chigasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture. He is American, and proud to be so. He is also a practicing Zen Buddhist.
Like everyone, his initial reaction to the U.S. attacks was total shock. Listening to the various reactions in the media, he realized the need for a Buddhist viewpoint. E-mail provided the opportunity to share this around. In the U.S., the mainstream media have encouraged people to rally behind whatever the president wants to do, but this time the Internet has provided other ways for people to communicate. "I sent it off to some 200 people, with many forwarding it to friends and colleagues. I have received French, German and Russian translations, and it is available online in several places."