…& for those friends in NYC

Subject: [bspg-sbu] 60th Anniversry Atomic Bombings, Interfaith Gathering

On Friday, August 5, from 6:30 pm to 9:30pm, The New York Buddhist
Church and the Riverside Church will co-sponsor an Interfaith Peace
Gathering. This year makes the 60th Anniversary of the atomic
bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. As violence and wars continue in
the world, it is important to stress peace and harmony, that there
be no more Hiroshimas, no more Nagasakis, and no more war-related
tragedies.

The first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, on August 6,
1945 at 8:15am, which is equivalent to August 5, at 7:15pm Eastern
Daylight Savings Time. The statue of Shinran Shonin, the founder of
Jodoshinshu Buddhism, survived the atomic bomb in Hiroshima and was
sent to The New York Buddhist Church in 1955. It has stood there
since as a symbol for world peace.

We will begin the event from 6:30pm at The New York Buddhist Church
where the statue stands, including ringing of a gong at 7:15 pm on
August 5 to pay respect for those who were killed by the atomic
bombings, as well as those who lost their lives in all wars. It will
be followed by a Silent Peace Walk with a meditation gong, up
Riverside Drive ( or Riverside Park) to the Riverside Church.

The peace ceremony at the main chapel of the Riverside Church from
8pm will include Buddhist chants, interfaith prayer and meditation,
music, spoken messages and a keynote address. Participants will fold
a thousand origami cranes as a symbol of our wish for a peaceful
world. Photos of Hiroshima and Nagasaki will also be displayed at
the Riverside Church.

We may have a candle ceremony and various performances at Riverside
Park (in front of General Grant’s Memorial across the street from
the Riverside Church) from 10pm – 11:30pm.

We hope that many people will join us for our prayer and meditation
for a peaceful world. May all living beings – humans, animals and
all creatures – be happy, well and peaceful. May we all practice
love and compassion, free from anger, hatred and revenge. May peace
prevail in our mindful hearts, may peace prevail on earth.

Locations:
New York Buddhist Church: 332 Riverside Drive @ W. 105th Street, NYC
The Riverside Church: Riverside Drive at 122nd Street, NYC 10027

Information: 212-678-0305 Rev. T. K. Nakagaki