His Holiness the Dalai Lama encourages Japanese to move on with hope and courage[Friday, 29 April 2011, 4:45 p.m.]

His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking at a special prayer service to mourn those killed in the last month’s devastating earthquake and tsunami, at Gokokuji Temple in Tokyo, on 29 April 2011

Tokyo: His
Holiness said that he was deeply saddened that Japan was struck with
three cataclysmic natural disasters one after another – earthquake,
tsunami and threat from the damaged nuclear plant. “Japan being a
Buddhist country, images of the Buddhist monasteries and the Japanese
friends came before him and he felt sad,” he said.Mr
Lhakpa Tsohko, Representative at Liaison Office of His Holiness the
Dalai Lama for Japan & East Asia, made a brief introductory
statement on behalf of the organisers at the prayer service.In
his public address, His Holiness said that as soon as he heard about
the disaster in Japan, he felt a great urge to be with the people to
console and share their grief, and that he was very happy to get this
opportunity to attend this mass prayer for the people who had lost
their lives and those who had lost their dear ones, and those who are
displaced. He advised the Japanese people to look forward and not to
lose hope. “I am sure you people can do it, you have done this in the
past after World War II. Disasters and difficult times teach us many
valuable lesson, we need to reflect on these.” His Holiness said.“I
am happy to have this opportunity to be with the people here and share
their sorrow and pray for those who have lost their precious lives,”
His Holiness said.“But the tragedy has happened and there is no
use worrying about it. Just as Japan has overcome the tragedy of World
War II, I’m quite sure the people of Japan can overcome this tragedy
and move forward to rebuild what has been lost in this disaster. You
should not lose heart, you need to face the reality with
determination,” His Holiness said.His
Holiness`s words were received by many in tears and joy. Many were seen
with folded hands in deep prayers. Many made prostration and many were
seen with Khata, Tibetan scarves.His
Holiness along with the Tibetan monks recited prayers including Sherab
Nyingpo (Heart sutra). Later the Japanese monks and the general public
recited the Japanese version of the Heart Sutra, (Hangyashingyo).Ven.
Okamoto, Chief Abbot of the Gokokuji Temple expressed his happiness
over being able to pray for the victims of the recent disaster with His
Holiness. He thanked His Holiness for taking time out to share the
grief and sorrow of the people here. Chief Abbot of Tsurumi Sotoshu
Temple Ven. Eigawa also thanked His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his
prayers and encouragement.Ven. Hayashi of Japanese Buddhist
Association in his concluding remarks thanked His Holiness for his time
and said that each time His Holiness visits Japan, people here are
greatly inspired and energised. “Prayers have profound effect and
energy; we are greatly honoured to have His Holiness the Dalai Lama
preside over this 49th day of Buddhist formal mourning period. The fact
that so many people have gathered will be a great inspiration to the
people in the affected regions in particular and the Japanese public in
general,” he said.North-Eastern part of Japan was hit by an
earthquake of 9.0 Magnitude on 11 March, followed by a strong tsunami
which brought great destruction to the lives and properties in the
region. In the aftermath of the tragedy, nuclear radiation problem is
still disturbing Japan. As of now more than 14,000 people have died,
more than 13,000 are still missing and many are displaced.

Japanese Buddhist monks and general public gather for the special prayer service to be presided over by His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Gokokuji Temple in Tokyo, on 29 April 2011

His Holiness the Dalai Lama paying obeisance at a special prayer service to mourn those killed in the last month’s devastating earthquake and tsunami, at Gokokuji Temple in Tokyo, on 29 April 2011

His Holiness the Dalai Lama offering prayers at a special prayer service to mourn those killed in the last month’s devastating earthquake and tsunami, at Gokokuji Temple in Tokyo, on 29 April 2011

-Report filed by Tsewang Gyalpo Arya of Office of Tibet, Japan