Japanese monk urges Buddhists across the world to gather in Taxila for peace prayers

A Japanese Buddhist monk has urged Buddhists worldwide to gather at Pakistan’s ancient Dharmarajika Stupa in Taxila to pray for global peace, saying that Buddha’s message of compassion and non-violence should once again spread from the historic centre of Gandhara amid growing international conflict.

Speaking after offering prayers at the nearly 2,000-year-old Buddhist monument, 76-year-old Junsei Terasawa said that humanity was facing increasing violence and uncertainty, making Buddha’s teachings more relevant than ever.

“The message of peace was raised from Taxila and flourished across the globe, and today, when the world is once again facing conflict and uncertainty, that message must rise again from this sacred land,” he told local journalists.

Terasawa made the appeal during a month-long pilgrimage across Pakistan, where he visited major Buddhist heritage sites in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the archaeological remains of the Swat Valley. At each site, he offered prayers and reflected on the legacy of Buddha’s teachings.

Describing Dharmarajika as one of the Buddhist world’s most sacred sites, Terasawa pointed out that the ancient stupa remained a powerful symbol of peace. Archaeologists have previously discovered relics there that are traditionally associated with Gautama Buddha.

The monk also highlighted historical links between the ancient Gandhara civilisation and Japan, stressing that the region played a central role in shaping the religious and philosophical traditions that later spread across East Asia.

He added that Gandhara’s distinctive Buddhist sculptures and artistic traditions influenced depictions of the Buddha that are still found in Japan today.

Terasawa has spent decades promoting peace through non-violent action and interfaith dialogue. His humanitarian work has taken him to conflict-affected regions including Iraq, Chechnya and Ukraine, where he has organised peace marches, led prayer gatherings and advocated reconciliation.

He said that his efforts have consistently focused on fostering understanding between people of different faiths and cultures, preserving Buddhist heritage and promoting a world free from the threat of nuclear weapons.