peace Archives

There are places where the air feels asked to remember. Hiroshima is one of them, and the Children’s Peace Monument holds that weight without raising its voice.

In the image, a group of children gathers beneath the pale arching structure, their heads inclined in a single shared gesture. Behind them, panels filled with bright drawings and handwritten messages line the walkway—colorful, almost tender, as if the simplest materials are the only honest way to speak about what can’t be fixed. The trees are thick and green, the sky mild. The day looks ordinary, which is part of what makes it difficult.

Nothing shows the horrors of war more than children bowing and singing. The contrast is sharp: young bodies practicing reverence for lives interrupted long before they had the chance to become unremarkable. The song, imagined or heard, isn’t a performance. It feels like a small, steady insistence that peace is not a concept but an action repeated, taught, and carried forward.

What stays with me is the quiet choreography of it all: backpacks set down, a hush moving through a crowd, adults standing to the side as witnesses. The monument doesn’t let grief end the story, and it doesn’t let hope pretend the past is clean. It simply stands there, asking us to look at what war takes first—and what peace must protect every day.

Living in New York City

One of the most fulfilling aspects of living in New York City is the fact that we are exposed to so many different cultures on a daily basis. For those open to it, the city provides ample opportunities to experience the richness and wisdom from other cultures. Recently, I was given an amulet by a Hare Krishnas monk. I’d seen these men walking around the city countless times, but never actually spoke with one of them. Until now. This is what I learned:

The Goddess Guanyin

Imagine training for and then running a grueling marathon only to turn back at the finish line to help the other runners who are struggling on their way. This is essentially what the goddess Guanyin does as a bodhisattva, or enlightened being. Guanyin (alternate transliterations are: Guan Yin Kuan-yin), is also known as a Goddess of Mercy. Once she has reached enlightenment, she remains to help others who are struggling on their path.

Kai Guang – A Consecrated Object

The amulets, or any consecrated object, are described as “Kai Guang.” Literally meaning “opening of light”, this Chinese term indicates that a religious official has performed a ritual requesting a certain deity to occupy the object. The term is used in several religious traditions throughout Asia, including Buddhism and Taoism.

The amulet’s intent is to offer peace and light to the recipient, much as Guanyin represents to her followers. Living in New York, it’s easy to get bogged down in hectic city life. Receiving this unexpected spiritual gift in the middle of my restless life seemed to be a sign of luck, instilling in me a sense of spiritual clarity and peace.

Scam or Not – Accept it for the Peace it Offers

While some view the free amulets as a scam, a monetary solicitation from the followers of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness, I like to think of this as a “glass half-full” opportunity. To dispel any fears of donating, a truly spirtual monks who offer these religious tokens will not ask for anything in return, as they are intended to be a true gift. I suggest giving them as much as you feel is right – from a single dollar bill to the $50 the less spiritual request!

The amulet is infused with the spirit of one who has been helped across the finish line, achieved enlightenment and has chosen to return to help those who are struggling. Walking away from this experience, I realized I have received the gifts of peace and light, regardless of how little or how much I paid for the amulet. In turn, I also can promote this cycle by coming back from the triumphs I have experienced and helping other to achieve the same.

My Story of the “fake Monks” of NYC

Ran into a Buddhist monk on the street today ~ #peace. This is often a little strange and comes off as a scam but… The Hare Krishnas of NYC are rooted in a beautiful religion but its hard to tell if this gracious touch by the divine is actually a nice gesture or an attempt to get a quick buck. I like to look at this as a“glass half-full” type of situation and see it as a sign of luck and spiritual clarity.

To ease your fears about donating – technically the teachings of the religion do not allow the monks to ask for anything in return after giving you a bracelet or medallion. However, if you are worried about Karmic balance I suggest giving them a dollar (or the $50 they ask… lol).

Info explaining “Namas Guanyin Bodhisattva” and the “Kai Guang Amulet”.

Guanyin = Enlightened being (goddess) of compassion

Bodhisattva = Enlightened being (a god)

Kai Guang = Chinese term for consecration of a statue of a deity. (in this application an Amulet)

Sources:

http://www.iskcon.org/

http://mindandwork.com/guan-yin-kwan-yin-goddess-of-love-mercy-amulet/

peace

Nothing shoes the horrors of war more than Children bowing and singing at the Children’s Peace Monument at Hiroshima

Kai Guang Amulet – Namas Guanyin Bodhisattva