BLIA Attended Interfaith Prayers for World Peace

Religious groups in Christchurch, New Zealand rang the bell and prayed for world peace, expecting an early end to suffering as the whole world raised the alarm about the endless civil wars in the Middle East as well as the intensified refugee flows.

On 11 October, the Christchurch Interfaith Society (CIS) hold the Prayer for World Peace in Hagley Park. Together with around 30 Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA), FGS South Island Venerable Juexi, BLIA South Island NZ president See Shen Lee, vice presidents Louisa Kuo and James Low attended the event. Over 60 followers from various religions including the Catholic Church, Christianity, Sikhism, Baha'I, Judaism were present. It happened to be a Sunday, with many families and visitors coming to enjoy the sunshine in the park, and joining in the prayer for world peace while taking a break.

This year the host unit invited councillor Phil Clearwater to lead people to the peace bell ringing and the open ceremony. Mr Clearwater recited the peace declaration by late former South African President Nelson Mandela, through which the public felt the value and importance of peace. Venerable Jue Xi and other BLIA members recited Prayer for World Peace by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. The recitation was touching, and it reminded people to cherish the present welfare and serenity.

Mr. Clearwater stated in the interview that the public should learn to spread love and joy, and reduce hatred and anger. The two World Wars are more than enough to make the public understand and value the importance of peace. The meaning of participation in the prayer is to bring brightness and harmony to the world. He also expected the event to continue and to see more of Christchurch religious groups and representatives present.

The president of CIS Dianne remarked that although we come from different backgrounds and races, the common goal is to achieve world peace. Through the peace prayer the public saw the value of it and were moved.

A participant from last year said that the event had gathered various religions for peace prayer, manifesting the unity and diversity of religions. She also added that the first thing is to respect and accept others. It is something that worth sharing with the public.

After the event, the organiser invited the public to ring the peace bell, hoping to spread the peaceful wish to the world. The prayer expressed various religions’ wish for lasting world peace, and has also strengthened the interaction and friendship among religions.