Shared by: Fr. Tom Orians, SA
For over 25 years people of many denominations and faiths have traveled to the Chuang Yen Monastery located in Kent, NY, on January 1, to pray for world peace. The prayer time is sponsored annually by the Buddhist Association of the United States.
This year, Fr. Jim Gardiner, SA was one of many speakers at the celebration and time of prayer. Accompanying Fr. Jim was Fr. Tom Orians, SA who had been invited in previous years to provide a prayer on behalf of the Friars of the Atonement.
Participants included Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi – President of the Buddhist Association of the U.S., Fr. Frank Breen MM and Sisters Leonore and Genie from Maryknoll, Rev. Dr. Hans Hallundback – a UN NGO representative, Lama Lhadrum -Tilbeten Palpung Thubten Choling Monastery of Wappinger Falls, Rabbi Eytan Hammerman of the Temple Gates of Prayer, Rev. Dr. T Kenjitsu Nakagak – Representing Japanese Buddhist, Ven Zin Xing – the Dharma Seal Monastery, Leonard Galit- Baha’I, and Brother Freeman Su & John Cheng – Tzu Chi Foundation.
Each presenter offered a prayer or a reflection based upon their religious traditions and those in attendance were led into the spirit of prayer for world peace.
Fr. Tom indicated that “it has been an honor to join in this celebration annually and to learn from our many interreligious traditions and join in prayer for a world filled with peace.”
The day concluded with a guided meditation led by Ven Bhikku Bodhi and was followed by a shared meal in the Monastery Dining Room.