English | Buddhists in the U.S. Commemorate Victims of Atlanta Spa Shootings
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Author Jogye On24-04-04 09:26 Views853 Comments0Related links
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On March 16th, Buddhists in the U.S. gathered in Antioch, California for the "May We Gather" event. This memorial event commemorates the victims of the 2021 Atlanta spa shootings in Georgia. First held in LA in 2022, this year marks the second time the event has been held. Buddhists from various parts of the Americas, including Chicago, as well as from the UK, gathered to participate. The first part, initiated with drumbeats and bells, featured chanting by monks from Thailand, Japan, China, and Laos as well as speeches on "Peace and Compassion". Ven. Hyung-jeon from Borisa Temple in Las Vegas, on behalf of Korean Buddhist temples in America, made offering of a lotus incense burner.
Following the monks' guidance, a walking procession commenced, where over 200 Buddhists from various regions honored the victims through the pilgrimage. Afterwards, participants shared vegetarian meals, expressing gratitude for gathering under the banner of Buddhism.