Country: Philippines
City:
Organizer
Uniharmony Partners Manila (UPM)
Location
Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple
Amid suffering, ill-treatment, fear, adversity, suspension of classes for some learning institutions, and
even the cancellation of an event prepared three months before supposedly for February 7, Uniharmony
Partners Manila (UPM) members offered Interfaith Prayers of Safety from the Wuhan Coronavirus
epidemic. The Head Abbess Venerable Miao Jing of the Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple, Dharma Brother
Erwin Choa, president of the Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA), Dharma Sister Luisa So,
deputy secretary of Guang Ming College, Patrick Tanunliong, friends of the FGSMT and the UPM members
were together in this particular afternoon. All dedicated a prayer "seeking compassion and blessings so
that many will have the courage and wisdom to confront the outbreak with calmness and fortitude…"
Invited Catholics, followers of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Muslim, and Indigenous People prayed in
their respective faith tradition.
Here is an excerpt of a prayer our Buddhist friends shared that day:
"Oh great, compassionate Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, as cities become sealed off, and events are
suspended, we are in dire need of the spirit of your alleviating suffering. Let us care and help one another
and not be struck with panic. Let us support and encourage one another to strengthen our faith. May the
momentary isolation become retreats for self-introspection. May the momentary inconvenience become
mindful practices of self-improvement. This is the moment when unity is most crucial; let us trust the
government to resolve the crisis. Let us thank the medical professionals for treating the disease. No matter
how difficult the situation, as long as there are compassion and wisdom, when we all practice the Three
Acts of Goodness: Do good deeds, speak good words, and think good thoughts, if we all protect the
environment and have respect for all lives, we shall be able to turn peril into safety. We pray for your
blessings. Please help the survivors be delivered from suffering and recover their good health; Please help
the deceased be reborn in Buddhaland, and rest well in peace. May this world be free from the turmoil of
outbreaks. May every one of us be safe and well. Oh great, compassionate Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva,
please accept my sincerest prayer!
Then there was a presentation of interfaith activities, messages from interfaith leaders and ringing of the
bell, and then the sharing of the token of appreciation. Yes, amid the challenges we are facing as global
citizens, religious belief allows people to better cope with adverse life events.