Tokyo, August 30 – As a part of Global mass fasting and prayer events held around the world on the same day, Tibetans and Japanese gathered at Gokokuji, a Buddhist Temple in the heart of Tokyo city on the day. Liaison Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama organized the religious event. Mr Lhakpa Tshoko, Representative of the Office, in his opening remarks thanked the gathering for their participation and expressed appreciation to Gokokuji Temple for supporting the religious and peaceful event.
He said the fasting and prayer was held around the world by Tibetans and their supporters for those killed in Tibet after March 10 incident, and to pray for early settlement of Tibetan issue peacefully, and also to purify the atmosphere of mistrust and frustration generated after brutal crackdown in Tibet. He further added that the religious event reconfirmed their commitment to non-violence and hoped it would generate a compassionate mind in the Chinese leadership to review their Tibet policy.
Ven Okamoto Eisho, Chief priest of the Gokokuji Temple also spoke on the occasion, he said he firmly believed in the non-violent ideals of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and that this step would definitely help generate good atmosphere of peace and compassion around the world. He expressed happiness that so many people had come for the peaceful event.
The religious event started from 7 am in the morning and concluded at 7 pm in the evening. Though some 200 people participated in the event, 33 people stayed throughout for 12 hours. Some people out of their hectic schedule, managed to come and sit for an hour to show their solidarity. Some people had come all the way from Kyushu and other neighboring prefectures for the event.
Tibetan prayers, Dolma, Guru Soldeb, Gyalwai Soldeb, Palden Lhamo and Nechung prayers, Mani and Guru mantras were recited. Tibetan and Japanese version of Hangya shigyo (Sherab Nyingpo) was also recited.
All the Tibetan prayers have Japanese reading and meaning written on the text, this was made possible by Gokokuji Temple. This way all the Japanese participants could go along reciting the Tibetan prayers with the Tibetans. The prayers and mantras were recited throughout the sittings.
Report prepared by Tibet House, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, JAPAN
