On this commemorative Bodhi day of Lord Buddha,
the supreme Buddhist leaders of 41 countries who are following Lord Buddha’s aspirations
assembled at the Royal Grand Hall of Buddhism, the sacred place for all Buddhists in the world.

In the morning of December 8, 2014, the splendid procession solemnly started.
Under the clear blue sky, the sun was shining brightly as if to celebrate the enlightenment of Lord Buddha.
The supreme Buddhist leaders of 41 countries and the ambassadors and consuls general from 22 countries to Japan
proceeded to the Main Hall under colorful canopies as paper lotus petals were scattered and floated in the air.

Procession heading for the Main Hall after going through the Main Gate.

Under the clear blue sky without any cloud, the Approach was shining white and colorful monks’ robes looked brighter
in the morning sun, which set the perfect stage for the impressive procession.

Under the flawless blue sky,
the graceful procession of the supreme Buddhist leaders and ambassadors makes a beautiful line
and the voices of chanting nenbutsu sound in the wide precincts.

Walking up the long stairs to the Main Hall.

Procession going straight on the red carpet.

Procession making a long line from the Main Gate to the Main Hall.

Paper lotus petals floating in the wind glitter in the morning light.

To the Main Hall step by step.

In the sacred place of Buddhism, surrounded by the 8 mountains forming the shape of a lotus flower,
a grand procession is being performed.

Royal Family members and national leaders of the world, including H.M. the King and H.E. the Prime Minister of Kooki, Uganda,
waiting for the arrival of the procession on the wide veranda of the Main Hall.

The Main Hall
Magnificent altar in front of the Golden Shrine.

Stupa-shaped board to pay respect to the late H.M. Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia, Supreme Royal Father of World Buddhism,
Supreme Honorary President of Buddhist Summit and of Nenbutsushu Buddhist Sect of Japan.

Stupa-shaped board to pay respect to the late H.H. Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, Supreme Patriarch of Thailand,
Supreme Holiness of World Buddhism and Supreme Advisor to Buddhist Summit.

After the sound of the Grand Bell struck 3 times echoed throughout the precincts,
the hall was filled with silence and the Grand Memorial Service started.

Nenbutsu chanted together by the officiating monk, attending monks, and attendees echoes in the hall.

Hyobyaku, the declaration
The intent and purpose of the Grand Memorial Service on the International Bodhi Day,
being loudly read out by Most Ven. Dr. Shinkai Kori, the officiating monk of the ceremony.

The supreme Buddhist leaders of 41 countries praying for peace, overcoming the differences among various sects and traditions.

Honorable guests from various countries in the world listening to the Hyobyaku.

Representatives of 41 countries, Royal Families, Heads of State,
and the ambassadors and consuls general from 22 countries to Japan offering flowers.

UGANDA
H.M. King Apollo Sansa Kabumbuli II of Kooki

NEPAL
H.E. Prakash Man Singh, Deputy Prime Minister

BHUTAN
H.R.H. Princess Dechan Wangmo Wangchuck

UNITED NATIONS
H.E. Dr. Doudou Ndoye Diène, United Nations Human Rights Commissioner

CAMBODIA
H.E. Min Khin, Minister of Cults and Religions

MYANMAR
H.E. U Soe Win, Minister of Religious Affairs

Chanting sutras
Uniting as one by offering prayers of gratitude to Lord Buddha and overcoming differences among various sects and traditions.
T.H. Tep Vong and Bour Kry, Great Supreme Patriarchs of Cambodia, representing Theravada Buddhism.

H.E. Khamba Lama Gabju Choijamts Demberel of Mongolia, representing Vajrayana Buddhism.

H.S. Somdet Phra Wannarat, Member of the Supreme Sangha Council of Thailand, expressed his heartfelt gratitude
for the Grand Memorial Service for the late H.H. Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, Supreme Patriarch of Thailand.

Mr. Kazuhiko Hishimura, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Nenbutsushu Buddhist Sect of Japan,
who also served as the chief of the organizing committee for the Grand Memorial Service,
deeply thanked for the attendance of the supreme Buddhist leaders of 41 countries, Royal Family members,
national leaders and the ambassadors and consuls general from 22 countries to Japan.

Commemorative Photo Session
In commemoration of the Sixth Buddhist Summit Grand Memorial Service on the International Bodhi Day.