2nd Annual Interfaith Heroes Month No. 25: Masahisa Goi

MASAHISA GOI

(1916-1980) 

“May peace prevail on earth.”

    That simple prayer has been “planted” in many languages on more than 200,000 “Peace Poles” around the world. It is a prayer that bridges religious and linguistic divisions, bringing people together in a common expression of prayer and hope for peace. The visionary behind the World Peace Prayer was the Japanese philosopher and spiritual leader Masahisa Goi.
    As a child Goi was very frail, so to deal with his poor health he began to explore the disciplines of yoga, spiritual healing and the martial arts. He engaged in long periods of meditation. During World War II he worked in a factory, but outside of his work he organized various cultural events including a choir. The war was a traumatic spiritual experience for him, and he began to yearn desperately for peace, not only for Japan but for the world.

    Goi founded Byakko Shinko Kai, an organization to promote spiritual practices dedicated to world peace. He studied teachings of various religions including the Chinese philosopher Lao Tsu and the Bible. Through his books and lectures he encouraged people to seek inner peace as well as world peace.
    In a long journey of prayer in which he asked to be of service to humanity, he believed the prayer — “May peace prevail on earth” — was given to him. He believed if people put their efforts into this prayer for peace it would help to unite humanity. In 1955, he founded the Movement of Prayer for World Peace, which eventually became the World Peace Prayer Society. It was intentionally established as a movement to transcend all religious, social, ethnic and political barriers through the promotion of the prayer.
    “Peace Poles” were designed to be inscribed with the prayer in various languages. These poles would then be set into the ground as constant reminders and witnesses to the hope for peace. Peace Poles have been planted in every country, in ordinary places such as houses of worship and homes and in places of special conflict. Many religious leaders have planted Peace Poles including Pope John Paul II, Mother Teresa and the Dalai Lama.

    Masahisa Goi’s simple prayer has become an inspiration to millions of people around the world who have never heard his name but have shared his passion and hope.

CARE TO READ MORE?

    Visit the World Peace Prayer Society’s main Web page.
    Learn more about Peace Poles.
    Visit a U.S. site for Peace Poles.

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    (Originally published at http://www.ReadTheSpirit.com/)