Masahisa Goi (1916-1980) Japanese World Peace Visionary
The simple, five-word prayer: ‘May Peace Prevail on Earth’ has been inscribed on more than 200 000 Peace Poles which have been planted in many countries around the world. The prayer bridges religious and linguistic divisions, bringing people together in a common expression of hope for world peace. Peace Poles are inscribed with the prayer in various languages. These poles are set into the ground as constant reminders and witnesses to the hope for peace.
Background
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, engaging in long periods of meditation. He studied the teachings of various religions including the Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu and the Bible. During World War II he worked in a factory, but outside of his work he organized various spiritually based events. The war was a traumatic experience for him, especially the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He began to desperately yearn for peace, not only for Japan but also for the world.
World Peace Organizations
Masahisa Goi founded Byakko Shinko Kai, an organization formed to promote spirituality and spiritual practices dedicated to world peace. 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, Goi believed that the prayer ‘May Peace Prevail on Earth’ was given to him. He believed that if people put their efforts into this simple invocation for peace it would have a uniting effect for all of humanity. In 1955 he founded the Movement of Prayer for World Peace, which eventually became the current organisation, May Peace Prevail on Earth International, which is based in New York. The group was established to transcend all religious, social, ethnic and political barriers through the promotion of the prayer. A Symphony of Peace Prayers event is held annually at the Peace Sanctuary, located at Mount Fuji in Japan.
In a long journey of prayer in which he asked to be of service to humanity, Goi believed the prayer May Peace Prevail On Earth was given to him. He believed that if people put their efforts into this prayer for peace it would have a uniting effect for all humanity. In 1955 he founded the Movement of Prayer for World Peace, which eventually became The World Peace Prayer Society. The group was established 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.