The Butterfly Effect, coined by Edward Lorenz, is derived from the theoretical example of a hurricane’s formation being contingent on whether or not a distant butterfly had flapped its wings. In theory, the butterfly effect occurs when a small change at one place has a significant impact on another condition.  In it’s rough form, the Muslim denigration titled, ‘Innocence of Muslims,’ serves as a primary example of Mr. Lorenz’s theory.

Throughout the years of American history, many have chosen to blame others for our own words and deeds, as if our own perpetuity can be so easily absolved.  Still, the very name of ‘religion’ itself has been scourged and skewered by Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Monks and many others alike. The following summary is a brief reflection on intolerance and killing performed in the name of religion:

    1.  Buddhist Murders in Burma
    2.  Thuggee Murders
    3.  Mountain Meadows Massacre
    4.  The Inquisitions
    5.  Salem Witch Hunts
    6.  Roman Persecutions
    7.  Aztec Human Sacrifice
    8.  Islamic Jihads
    9.  The Crusades

In looking at our own human history, it is clear each of us can either be a fulcrum for good or a fulcrum for evil; that each of us, can at times, be not only the master of our destiny, but the master of another as well. Individually, each of us holds a key of love and a key of hate.

U.S. law enforcement claimed a Mr. Nakoula Basseley Nakoula is behind the anti-Muslim film being blamed for mob attacks in Egypt, Libya and Yemen. While the pathetic and ill-conceived movie ‘Innocence of Muslims’ was filmed during August of 2011, I am pretty positive that neither Nakoula Basseley Nakoula, the film’s actors nor Ambassador Christopher Stevens and embassy staff knew just how tradgically impactful the film would become. I find it ironic that Mr. Stevens’ who’s spent much of his adult life fighting bigotry, would ultimately be propelled toward death by a bigot in his own country. In the end, those who stormed American Embassies and killed Ambassador Stevens probably never saw the film.

As a Buddhist, we must continue to remember “Ahimsa,” meaning do no harm. Live in love and generosity. Do not respond to bigotry by hate. Rather reach deep into your hearts, find the refreshing waters of love and find another way.  We as a nation cannot control the actions of every bigot who must for some unknown reason find it necessary to spew forth their filth unto the world. But it is important to note that such actions, even how our own personal actions, can have such far-reaching consequences.

By Muslim standards, in some irrational way, Mohammed may have been redeemed. From a personal perspective, a producer will probably be sued or returned to prison, the actors vilified and the families of all embassy staff will mourn. Still it is our humanity that cries from the depth of pain.  It is we, “… the poor in spirit” who will suffer.” It’s us, who once again have to force Christ to say, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.”