Impressions from Participants
Following the 2022 Symphony of Peace Prayers, many people around the world who took part in the online ceremony sent us their impressions and messages. We are pleased to share some of these with our readers.
The beauty and the grandiosity of the Symphony of Peace Prayers and the Fuji Declaration’s 7th anniversary celebration has deeply touched us, and we have been enlightened by the deep meaning, sense and spirit of the whole message you have created, offered and shared. The whole field of existence has been nourished by such grand and extraordinary dedication and expression of love for the wholeness, unity, uniqueness and radiating brightness of the life which every living being is. There are no words to express my personal gratitude to you and to the radiant spirit of life expressed by Yuka, Maki and Rika Saionji. The whole broadcast infused a rare and strong sense of an enlightened vision of humanity, of a deep sense, respect and awareness of life, of hope and of vital consciousness in this present delicate moment of human history and evolution. This is really so unique, rare and precious. I am truly honored to share this spirit with you all.
Anna Bacchia, with Roman Calzaferri and Team Consciousness Institute (Switzerland)
I hope you are all doing well after the SOPP and the wonderful program this year again. I loved the prayers, and especially the message from Duane Elgin. He is such a gentle man, really special. Yuka Saionji’s opened heart at the end of the ceremony conveyed what I think we all feel in these days of great shifting on the planet and the world, which really makes our hearts ache. I cried with her, as I imagine many of us did. I feel, each year, an even more profound feeling of gratitude and amazement to be on the same path as the Saionjis and our whole Byakko family. The video was stunning in beauty and brought us into a space that we dearly hope and wish everyone will come to enjoy freely—a day sooner, as Goi Sensei always said!
Nicole Cressiot (France)
What a beautiful SOPP presentation! It was definitely heart-opening and filled with compassion. Thank you to all who created it and brought it out into the world. Thank you also for everything in English too; that really is a blessing for me and all who have this language. Infinite love and deepest gratitude.
Jenny Funston (Australia)
The message from the Buddhist priest from Hiroshima touched me deeply, especially when the situation in Ukraine and this region is difficult and unstable.
Jacek Kozłowski (Poland)
I thought that [this year’s ceremony] was the best one yet. What made it for me was the selection of religious leaders and what they had to say. Also, the contributions of Ervin Laszlo and the Saionji family were short and to the point. I also liked the way the prayers for the countries were divided into continents with inspiring images. [It was] incredibly powerful, and [there were] many messages there for us to take out into the world when we interact with people.
Mark Menezes (United Kingdom)
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God (Gospel of Matthew 5:9). Let us pray unceasingly for peace and become artisans of peace. The SOPP is a pathway that can help us experience the power of prayer for peace.
Muhindo Mapendo Kasongo Pascal (Democratic Republic of Congo)
The SOPP was so beautiful. In the moment we are praying together it feels like everything is possible. It was wonderful to see the history of the SOPP and the Fuji Declaration, and to see the videos of the leaders. Infinite love and gratitude.
Andrea Solana (Argentina)
Thank you very much for giving me an opportunity to join with you all in the 18th annual Symphony of Peace Prayers. It really inspires me and all of us to unite and move ahead collectively in the task of building a prosperous and peaceful world.
Suman L. Shrestha (Nepal)
Thank you so much for the wonderful SOPP ceremony broadcast from Fuji Sanctuary! The precious messages from the prayer leaders and guests, especially the message from Mr. Elgin, resonated deeply with me. The words of Yuka, Maki, and Rika Saionji were also very moving. I loved seeing the beautiful images of each continent, and how the flag ceremony was performed at various places in Fuji Sanctuary—it was very impressive! I felt that I miss Fuji Sanctuary and Mount Fuji so much, and hope to return there soon. At the same time, I had the feeling that I was already there, and my heart and prayers flew to Fuji Sanctuary, and it seemed that I was once again sending out prayers to the world from there. The Saionji sisters and all the staff at Fuji Sanctuary worked so hard to make the SOPP a great success. I thank you all for your hard work, and hope you are immersed in the joy of your great achievement!
Sonoko Tanaka (Italy)
Thank you for the efforts of the staff who created the beautiful SOPP 2022! I strongly felt the unity with all participants!
Nao Valente (USA)