As many as 100 Japanese and Vietnamese Buddhists attended a requiem at Nisshin Kutsu pagoda in Tokyo on March 11, commemorating the victims of the powerful earthquake and tsunamis a year ago.

Photo for illustration (Photo: Reuters)

Superior monk Yoshimizu Daiichi, who presides over the pagoda, said Japan has received consolation and financial support from many countries in the world, including Vietnam.

The monk appreciated Vietnam’s spirit of mutual assistance between the haves and the have-nots and hoped that sutra prayers in both Vietnamese and Japanese will help the dead rest in peace forever.

After the incense offering, Buddhist dignitaries and followers spent a minute of silence in commemoration of the tragic disaster’s victims.

Tam Tri, a Vietnamese nun, who is studying at Nisshin Kutsu pagoda, said over the last year Vietnamese Buddhists have travelled to the devastated areas several times to comfort and support the bereaved.

“We have passed down Buddha’s teachings of mercy and humanitarianism to the bereaved, hoping to ease their suffering,” said the nun.

Nguyen Thi Kim Thu, who has been living in Japan for 32 years, said she has tried to do as much as she can to support local residents, because Japan is considered her second homeland. Thu said she has travelled to the affected areas to distribute necessities to locals.

“I call on Vietnamese people around the globe to join hands to assist Japanese in distress to overcome this difficult time,” said Thu.

Located in Tokyo, Nisshin Kutsu pagoda is considered a Vietnamese place of worship as most Vietnamese Buddhists came to the pagoda to practice their region. It sheltered many Vietnamese people when they fled away from the quake hit areas last year.

Source: VOV