Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, 23 October 2014 – In a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Canada, His Holiness the Dalai Lama expressed his shock at the senseless acts of violence that took place in Ottawa yesterday, including an attack on the Parliament, resulting in the loss of life and injury.

While on a three-day visit to Vancouver, B.C., His Holiness expressed his deep sense of sadness and solidarity with the people of Canada and offered prayers, especially for the families who had lost loved ones and those who were injured.

While he condemned such senseless acts of violence, His Holiness expressed his belief that these were symptoms of a larger, dangerous situation that needs to be met with wisdom and far-sightedness.