Unity Walk on Embassy Row

WASHINGTON, D.C.—On Sept. 8, the SGI-USA Washington, D.C., Buddhist Center opened its doors to the community as part of the Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington’s annual Unity Walk.

The Unity Walk, which began in 2005, invites participants of all ages and backgrounds to walk to different houses of worship and spiritual centers in the Embassy Row neighborhood to learn about their faith traditions.

At the SGI-USA center, brief presentations on SGI Nichiren Buddhism and its philosophy and history were given throughout the day. Participants also learned about and chanted Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and had an opportunity to ask any questions they had. Informal small group dialogues were also hosted for participants waiting for the next session.

Among the various questions asked were: How does Nichiren Buddhism differ from other forms of Buddhism? Can I be Christian and Buddhist? How do people begin their practice? For most, it was their first time visiting a Buddhist center.

SGI-USA member Penny Parker, who supported the event, said, “I was profoundly moved by participants’ delighted smiles as they exited each session after learning about the hope-filled teachings and practice carried out by SGI members worldwide.”