By: Mathews Lopes
Hi, my name is Mathews Lopes, and I come to you today to share with you some of my amazing experiences at this weekend’s past Buddha’s Birthday celebration and Peace Day event.
Let me take you back from the beginning. Well to start off this amazing experience I was initially incredibly nervous because I didn’t know what to expect. But upon my arrival at the statue, I knew at once what kind of time I was going to have. When I got out of the car and approached the statute of Budda, I was engulfed with the feeling of peace right away, and I felt a special connection. I was overcome with a sense of responsibility, and compassion right then and there as well. I truly felt like I belonged, and then after hearing the back story about the statue I was truly impressed even more than I already was, which is truly saying something. To sum it all up, the statue just gave me that feeling of peace and tranquility, and it was one of the most beautiful statues that I’ve ever seen in all my life, along with the amazing experience of the event.
Let me now bring you to my first time walking the path of the peace garden. First off let me start off with the symbols, seeing all the symbols of religions incorporated into the garden was truly mesmerizing. Walking the path, I felt so calm and relaxed, and it made me feel grateful and truly blessed. Also walking the path, I saw the opportunity of improving it and helping my community by making it a place where people can find happiness and peace. It would also be for future generations, so that they can have a place like this. Walking this amazing path just brought me to a different place and gave and still gives me high hopes for the future, and I can’t wait to get started on this goal that I already have envisioned.
Moving on, I honestly didn’t know what to expect, I’m not familiar with the Buddhist religion and culture, but the way that the community at the peace garden treated my father and I, it truly blew me away. Everyone’s kindness and acceptance showed me that there are amazing people in this world. Experiencing their culture was amazing, seeing the monk’s prayer of peace was simply amazing to say the least as well. The food was great as well, it was a little too spicy for my dad, but I quite frankly enjoyed it. It made me feel as if I was truly part of something greater and something spiritual. Moving on, seeing that gentlemen get a lifetime community service award reminds me that there are people on this planet that truly care, and are selfless, and that I aspire to be like one day. There really isn’t a limit on the number of words I can put into this article to show and express my gratitude for this event, I’m just so thankful that I was able to be a part of this amazing and truly life changing event/ experience.
I am only 17 years old, but in my lifetime, I have never lived in a time without war. From Afghanistan and Iraq to what is happening right now with Russia and Ukraine. So, my hope is to contribute my time to making this peace garden a place for all races, all faiths, and anyone who wants to come to this place to see that there can be a place on this planet without hate, without judgement. A place where a simple path can clear your head, and for a moment make them smile. That’s my goal, and as the director of this project it is my job and mission to see it through until the end. I look forward to seeing what my team and I can contribute to and seeing just what a group full of intelligent minds can come up with.
By Mathews Lopes
The Asha Project 