Military does not share related philosophy

Thank you for the article describing the U.S. Marine Corps’ effort to teach soldiers mindful meditation [“Marines test calming techniques to help them cope with stress,” News, Jan. 20]. I strongly believe in the value of mindful meditation for all people.

How ironic, however, that it is being taught in the name of the Buddha, at least in part to help soldiers be more effective combatants — to more effectively kill human beings. I wonder what Buddha would think about mindful meditation being taught soldiers for this purpose. I pray this irony will spur us all to seek more actively peaceful solutions to the world’s conflicts.

--Eric Leberg, Burien