A Buddhist Prayer for Peace in the Middle East

Interfaith Vigil at Cathedral Square in Milwaukee

We wish for a future without war, when all beings are at peace with each other.

We grieve for all the beings, mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, countless children, who have been harmed in the conflict over land that all declare to be their home.

May we remember that we are all brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, children of the same origin. Nobody is separate from the source that we are all are born from.

So much harm and violence come from fear and distrust.
Let us trust each other and not be fearful.
Let our actions come from love.

May all beings be happy
May they be joyous and live in safety
Let no one deceive another nor despise any being in any state
Let none by anger or hatred wish harm to another.
Even as a mother, at the risk of her life,
Watches over and protects her only child,
So with a boundless mind should one cherish all living things
Suffusing love over the entire world
Above, below, and all around, without limit -
So let one cultivate an infinite good will toward the whole world.

May it be so.
Let us have a moment of silence.