Prayers for Peace in Each Country
The sun continued to shine down on Fuji Sanctuary as the ceremony resumed with its second major program, Prayer for the Peace of Each Country in Each National Language. This program, which has taken place in various forms all over the world, honors each nation and region on the planet, connecting the prayerful thoughts of participants with the people in each country and region, so that all of humanity may elevate our consciousness and live in peace as soon as possible.
Accompanied by the quiet stirrings of an orchestral score composed by Mr. Kenichi Yamamoto, the MC announced: “The prayer energy of each one of us has the power to connect the hearts of humanity, transcending national borders, surpassing differences in ethnicity, and crossing the boundary between the material and the spiritual. We would like to begin the peace prayers for each country, which sends our energy of peace and harmony resonating out to the universe.”
With a clash of cymbals, the music grew rhythmic and more powerful, filled with a solemn energy, as flag bearers proceeded into the Prayer Field, carrying the colorful flags of 193 nations and an Earth flag representing all other regions. Participants applauded their striking procession as they assembled at the front of the stage, a beautiful array of colors waving together in the breeze, representing the world united as one.
The flags were then carried behind the stage to be presented one by one during the prayers for peace. With the sound of a bell, participants joined in reciting the universal prayer May peace prevail on Earth. Then, each country’s name was announced as its flag was presented at center stage, and participants prayed May peace be in (name of country) in the country’s official language(s). From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, participants prayed for peace in 193 nations. Lastly, the Earth flag was presented, and participants prayed, May peace be in all the other regions of the world. May peace prevail on Earth, and the prayers closed with the sound of the bell.