The NJ Peace Garden was established in 2017 by the Somerset County Cultural Diversity Coalition in cooperation with Rotary District 7510, Interfaith community leaders and various community organizations. The committee was inspired by Rotary’s 2013 theme “Peace Through Service”.
With recent environmental problems and Covid-19 related issues, our committee thought we need to grow a better world and connect with and become caretakers of Earth. From the Peace Garden grew the various youth caretaker groups, that in turn grew into a socially and environmentally conscious community. In 2018, The Garden became a designated International Peace Pole site, a part of The Global Peace Pole Project founded by Masahisa Goi from Japan. In 2019, Franklin Township was designated as an “International City of Peace”.
After World War II and the dropping of the atomic bomb, Masahisa’s life took on new meaning and he began to share his philosophy for a better world. He created the peace pole as standing prayer for peace with the words, “May Peace Prevail on Earth.” His philosophy became popular and grew in Japan. When he died in 1983, his adopted daughter took the initiative internationally, and it became The Global Peace Pole Project.
The Somerset County Cultural Diversity Coalition in cooperation with Interfaith communities, Lions and Rotary International has been holding an Annual International Day of Peace celebration in September and a celebration of messenger of peace on Buddha’s birthday in middle of May at the NJ Buddhist Vihara, 4299 Rt 27 in Princeton. The NJ Peace Garden has been visited by Tibetan and Nepalese monks, Interfaith Community leaders, Native American leaders, community leaders and elected officials.
A newly updated NJ Peace Garden with the 13 different Interfaith symbols and golden rules from 13 different faith groups will be dedicated on September 24 at the New Jersey Buddhist Vihara, 4299 Rt 27, Princeton during our 15th Annual International Day of Peace Celebration.
May the new Interfaith Peace Garden bring the peace to our community and around world. Please join us for our programming on September 24, 2022, at 12 pm as we grow a better World and learn to become caretakers of Earth and keepers of Peace together. Free International lunch and refreshments will be provided.
The Asha Project 