During the City Council's inauguration ceremony Monday at Faneuil Hall, the cosmos was beckoned to protect Boston.
With their bright-yellow robes and stubbly scalps, three Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhists beat hand-held drums outside and chanted for peace everywhere. It was the first step of the seventh annual Walk For a New Spring, a 40-day endeavor for members of the Leverett-based Peace Pagoda.
City Councilor Chuck Turner addressed the group, telling them that all elected officials should be working for peace. "Without peace, we can't have prosperity," he said.
These practitioners of a Japanese sect of Buddhism place faith in the peace-generating power of journeys. They will walk to more than 35 communities on the way to Washington, talking to community leaders and conducting vigils in areas of public concern over violence.
Joined by such groups as Dorchester People for Peace, Veterans for Peace, and a Boston-based rap group, their march on Monday included stops at BU's nascent Biosafety Level-4 Lab and the South Bay Correctional Facility.
After their trek around the city, the walkers adjourned to the Vietnamese American Community Center in Dorchester for a potluck dinner of tofu, fish, rice, and salad.
During the meal, Sister Claire stood and asked everyone to meditate on Joseph Clarke, 23, of Dorchester, who was shot to death last Sunday. Then, the Buddhists clasped their hands, bowed slightly, and offered their chant.
Namu-myoho-renge-kyo. Namu-myoho-renge-kyo. Namu-myoho-renge-kyo.
For Clementina Chery, whose son was killed around the corner 15 years ago, the prayers were appreciated.
"We have to embrace," said Chery, president and chief executive officer of the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute. "It doesn't matter what religion you are, peace has no sides."
MARC LAROCQUE
