16 March 2011
Dear members and devotees,
Many of us are painfully aware about the twin disasters that struck Japan on 11 March 2011, namely the massive earthquake registering 9.0 on the Richter Scale, and the ensuing Tsunami that obliterated many settlements in Northeastern Honshu.
As of today, the exact death toll and the extent of losses are yet unascertained. The Japanese authorities and public, aided by some foreign helpers, are frantically sifting through debris in the hope of miraculously finding survivors; and also, to undertake the grim prospect of identifying the dead. Millions of people are reported to have lost their homes, and are now facing cold weather without clean water and electricity supply.
Our hearts go out to all the victims of this disaster! We pray for their strength and resolve in facing this calamity. We also pray for the deceased and wish for their well-being in the after-life.
We also applaud the dedication and tenacity of the rescuers and volunteers who are helping victims cope with the disaster. May the workers be successful in carrying out their respective tasks, and be free from harm and danger.
We will be offering our prayers to the victims, and to all beings in need at Nalanda Centre every night at 8.00pm, starting today until Wesak in May. We invite devotees to come and join us whenever possible to strengthen our devotional fervor. We also request you to spare some kind thoughts everyday at home or at work for the suffering beings everywhere, and make it a habit to always aspire that, “May all beings be free from suffering!”
May all beings find peace. Sotthi.
With metta,
Nalanda Buddhist Society
