The World Peace Prayer Society is a nonprofit, non-sectarian, member-supported organization dedicated to spreading the message and prayer May Peace Prevail on Earth all over the world. It was founded in Japan by Masahisa Goi in 1955, and in 1988 the world headquarters moved to New York. In 1990 the Society was accepted as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in affiliation with the Department of Public Information of the United Nations.

The Society has offices in Tokyo, Munich, Santiago and San Francisco, as well as headquarters at the beautiful World Peace Sanctuary in Wassaic, New York, home of the Annual World Peace Festival. Volunteer Peace Representatives in many countries organize activities such as Peace Pole plantings and World Peace Prayer Ceremonies.

The World Peace Prayer Society was founded in 1955 by Masahisa Goi (1916-1980). Mr. Goi grew up with a great fondness for the arts, and he was a gifted poet, writer and singer. Above all, however, he dedicated his life to humanity.

The devastation caused by the Second World War affected Mr. Goi in a profound way. He searched for ways to respond to the desperate cry for peace, not only in Japan but around the world. He prayed and asked for guidance so that he might be of service for the betterment of humanity. Through steadfast commitment and faith, Mr. Goi attained much insight into the spiritual nature of humankind and he discovered the universality of the prayer May Peace Prevail on Earth.

Mr. Goi came to understand that words, thoughts and actions are alive: that they radiate vibration and energy. He realized that the thoughts and actions of each and every individual influence the destiny of humanity as well as that of plants, animals, and all creation on earth.

This was the beginning of the World Peace Prayer Society -- a genuine peace movement to spread the message and prayer May Peace Prevail on Earth. Mr. Goi believed that as more and more people are touched by this prayer and begin to live and act in the spirit of this message, a great transformation would take place in global consciousness, bringing about peace and harmony in our personal lives as well as in the world at large.

Mr. Goi was also the founder of The Byakko Shinko Kai, an association based on his spiritual teachings for the development of mind, body, and spirit. He wrote more than 50 books on spiritual development and is respected in Japan as a great master in his field.

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The World Peace Prayer Society is a Participating Organization of the Culture of Peace Initiative