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International Day of Peace 2015

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On Saturday, May 9, members of Soshimsa Zen Center traveled through weather that was misty and just a bit chilly to the 2015 International Peace Day Celebration at the New Jersey Buddhist Society Vihara and Meditation Center in Princeton, which was established in 2003.

The event was sponsored by a host of civic and faith organizations including, but not limited to, the Rotary Clubs of Branchburg and Plainsboro, the Somerset County Cultural Diversity Coalition, and Friends Of Nepal New Jersey (FONNJ).

As the event began, the attendees were welcomed; there was a moment of silence for the victims of the recent earthquake in Nepal, followed by brief proclamations from local political authorities.

Sunims Myong-Ahn and Duhk-Song led the attendees in a walking meditation along an asphalt path through the shady, wooded grounds, circling an imposing 28-foot statue of the Buddha in samadhi meditation posture.

As the weather gradually turned clear and semi-tropical, there were peace songs by the serene voice of singer-songwriter Ingrid Heldt, a guided meditation by the Art of Living Foundation Group, then orations and prayers by representatives of many faiths and peace alliances, including both sunims, and finally the World Flag Ceremony.

A generous luncheon, featuring a wide selection of sumptuous Nepalese dishes, was graciously provided. Many compliments were freely offered acclaiming its deliciousness.


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