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In post World War II Japan, Masahisa Goi coined a phrase that best translates to five English words – “May peace prevail on earth.”
The World Peace Prayer Society has based the ideology of their organization around that phrase. On September 19, 2009 their vision will be shared with community members during the “Call to Peace” ceremony at the World Peace Sanctuary in Wassaic.
Founded by Goi in 1955 the World Peace Prayer Society has been holding events focused around this ideal for over 20 years. Initially, the ceremony started as Goi’s desire to see his slogan on buildings, pillars and carved in stone.
After Goi’s passing in 1983, his daughter, Masami Saionji began organizing gatherings in the United States. Locally, the World Peace Prayer Society hosts the “Call to Peace” ceremony on an annual basis.
According to Ann Marie Williams, Executive Assistant at the World Peace Prayer Society, the five-word slogan alongside the locality of the event endorses community and congregation amongst neighbors.
The celebration will feature a Native American ceremony, individual honors to each state in America, and a flag ceremony featuring flags from every country in the world to symbolize unity amongst nations. These events will all be focused on the nuances and subtleties of the organization’s mission.
“The seedling to our mission, and why we feel it works, is that peace starts within,” said Williams. “There is effectiveness once the consciousness of humanity makes the shift and we can’t do that unless everyone is on board. The ceremonies are interactive for that reason.”
The “Call to Peace” ceremony can be experienced by community members of all ages. Alongside discussion, rituals, and silent prayer, the festival will feature family-friendly activities like instructional calligraphy booths, food vendors, a petting zoo, and musical entertainment.
Among the musical acts attending are the Byakko Choir from Japan, the Peace is Possible Chorus from Litchfield, Conn., and Pawling composer and pianist Chris Farrell who wrote the music for the festival’s anthem.
“The idea behind it is that they energy of the prayer would be heard around the world as opposed to being focused on an individual face or group,” said Farrell. “It is to embrace the concept of the prayer as a call to peace.”
Williams is hopeful that coupling activities with intellectual discussion will facilitate a peaceful community-oriented state of mind.
“…Being in the moment, feeling the joy, and making the difference when you can. I know I’m coining someone’s phrase ‘think global and act local,’” She said
Cindy Snow of Eastern Province Photographic Society has been given a booth at the gathering for the past five years. She takes donations from guests in support of art scholarships that her organization administers.
From her visits to the “Call to Peace” ceremony over the past half-decade, she has a newly adopted existential perspective.
“I think we’re all in the same boat,” said Snow. “If we all keep sharing the oars, we can get there a lot faster… if everyone keeps paddling, we’ll get there.”
Williams explains that the subject matter associated with the organization’s defining phrase might seem dense or overwhelming to some. However she is confident that her organization’s ideology is easily adoptable.
“We tend to over-intellectualize and our message is as simple as the act that it represents,” said Williams
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