President of the Buddhist Association of the U.S., Ven. Bhikkhu
Bodhi, calls for world peace and harmony
KENT – The Buddhist Association of the U.S. welcomed over 350 people
to their annual Interfaith Prayer for World Peace on Sunday as their Town
of Kent retreat.
The president of the Buddhist Association of the United States, Bhikkhu
Bodhi, urged those in attendance to pray for world peace. “Visualize
the earth filled with light as well as the dove of love and peace,”
he said. “That ball of light will descent upon the earth enveloping
the planet bringing justice, peace and love.”
He said the effort should be universal. “Everyone must work together
to establish peace throughout the world.”
Bodhi had a New Year’s wish. “May all people of our planet
be happy, well and free from suffering, violence and fear. May we all
live together in harmony and have mutual respect for each other. May 2017
become a year that undergoes a decisive moment towards peace and disarmament
world-wide.”
Kent Town Supervisor Maureen Fleming said the Buddhist Association is
known for its “neighborliness” and said the annual event is
her favorite. “There is nothing more peaceful and meaningful than
the annual Interfaith Prayer for World Peace in Putnam County.”
Members of all faiths – Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Buddhist and
Muslim – attended the prayer service on New Year’s Day.
