On May 20, 2007 the Byakko Shinko Kai (White Light Spiritual Organization), with the support of the World Peace Prayer Society (WPPS) and the Goi Peace Foundation, held its Third Annual Symphony of Peace Prayers at the Fuji Sanctuary (located at the foot of Mt. Fuji) in Japan. The event gathered together more than 10,000 Japanese participants and hundreds of leaders and representatives from different faiths from over 80 countries. From the Philippines, at least two were sent to represent us: Mr. Mario “Toots” Fungo, Peacemakers’ Circle member and satellite representative of Byakko and WPPS; and Ms. Norma Correa, a young member of Byakko Phils. Shin Jin Program.
In conjunction with this event, the Byakko Phils.—in cooperation with The Peacemakers’ Circle—organized a connecting activity at the Peacemakers’ Interfaith Dialogue Center in Quezon City to synchronize and synergize with the major event happening in Japan on the same day. From 10:00 am up to noon time an intimate group of Peacemakers’ friends and members of the Byakko Phils. Shin Jin Program gathered for meditation and prayers for world peace.
Starting off with a viewing of some scenes from the previous celebration of the Symphony of World Peace Prayers, the group was oriented and was given some idea how the event looked like as it would have unfolded in Japan at that very same day and time. This was followed by the World Peace Prayer Ceremony wherein the prayers “May Peace Prevail on Earth”, and its Filipino version “Kapayapaan Nawa sa Daigdig”, were offered as the names of each nation were read by each participant around the circle. At the center of the circle was the globe around which mini-flags of each of the nations were spread. The simple ceremony was concluded with silent meditation and individual prayers.
This was followed by a short sharing of insights and reflections on the experience and how each one felt about the activity. One participant shared that she could actually feel the peaceful energies that connect the group with the energies of the thousands of people in Japan.
The group then proceeded with writing mandalas with affirmations for world peace, followed by performing of the Divinity-In movement prayers for the self and for humanity. The celebration ended with a sharing of simple snacks sponsored by one of the members of Byakko-ShinJin Phils.
Simultaneous with this gathering, other connecting activities in the Philippines were also held at the Center for Migrant Youth in Quezon City (led by Fr. Ben Villote and Bro. Eli Andrade); Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (SFIC) – Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation Commission (JPICC) -- led by Sr. Vida Cordero, SFIC; Kalinaw URI Cooperation Circle in Cebu (led by Sr. Sandra Clemente, RSCJ); and the Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters in Cebu (led by Sr. Stella Parmisano, SSPS).
After the usual lunch meeting, Mr. Toots facilitated the Mandala workshop while the rest of the core group practised the Divinity Ins with the resident instructor, Ms. Norma. She sought to refine the Divinity In performance of the Shinjins and giving special attention to the Kokyoho JinRuiSokuKamiNari In.
