Interfaith

Last Sunday, we had an unexpected visitor to St. George’s, a Buddhist monk walking to Washington, D.C. on pilgrimage for peace. He began his journey near Asheville, N.C. a few weeks ago. Kanshin Ikeda, “Ikeda-San,” is from Japan and is currently based in Dhauli, India. He had heard about St. George’s from someone in Richmond and stopped in to see if we could help him find lodging for the night. We offered him water and food and enjoyed some conversation about his mission. By God’s grace, a parishioner had a room to offer for Sunday night, and Pastor Joe joined him for a couple of miles of walking for peace on Monday. He relies on the kindness of strangers for his needs along his journey.

His message, written by the founder of his monastic order, which he wrote in calligraphy for Pastor Joe, is simple: “Civilization does not mean to have electric light or airplanes or nuclear bombs. Civilization means not killing people, not destroying things, not making war. Civilization means to hold mutual affection and to respect each other.” As he walks, he beats his drum and chants a mantra for peace. We never know who will wander into St. George’s, and what a blessing it is to offer hospitality to a stranger, “for by doing that, some have entertained angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2).