Tokyo: The Noto peninsula, northwestern part of Japan, was hit with an earthquake of 7.6 magnitudes on New Year’s Day bringing huge destruction and loss of lives in the region. Many lost their houses and properties and are living in shelters. Tibet House Japan and the Tibetan Community in Japan held a prayer gathering in Tokyo for the victims of the recent earthquake and for the early recovery from the disaster.
Representative Dr. Tsewang Gyalpo Arya lamented the natural disaster and expressed the Tibetan people’s sympathy and prayers for the victims and solidarity with the Japanese community. He informed the gathering of the prayers His Holiness the Dalai Lama offered for the victims with the Sangha members and the pilgrims at Bodhgaya, India.
He read the message His Holiness the Dalai Lama has sent to the Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan expressing sympathy and condolences to the families and others affected by the calamity. The letter was delivered to the Prime Minister’s office through the office of the Japan Parliamentary Support Group for Tibet. He also informed the gathering of the condolence message from India’s International Buddhist Confederation (IBC).
The prayer gathering composed of Tibetans, Japanese, and Chinese was led by Rev. Geshe Sonam Gyaltsan Gonta of the Potala College. The prayer includes hymns to Jetsun Dolma, Heart Sutra, Zangchoe Monlam, and mantra recitations.
Japanese participants thanked the Tibet House and the Tibetan Community for their sympathy and solidarity. They expressed a great sense of respect and appreciation to hear His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s message and His prayers for the victims of the earthquake disaster.
-Report filed by the Office of Tibet, Japan