Even if you weren’t close enough to the beach to see the luminarias, if you traveled along Alki tonight, you probably saw the TV trucks there to cover a vigil for the survivors and victims of the Japan earthquake/tsunami: “Our Hearts Send Hope.” Dozens of people gathered along a stretch of the beach east of the Bathhouse; the three-hour event, announced via Facebook, is scheduled to wrap up shortly. (added) Our video is more notable for the sound than the sights – a lone drumbeat; the steady waves:

Here is the text of one handout from a vigil participant, one of several on a piece of paper headed HOPE, with the “O” replaced by the red circle (sun) of the Japanese flag:

Thay’s Prayer for Japan
Sending love and compassion to the people of Japan

Dear friends in Japan,

As we contemplate the great number of people who have died in this tragedy, we may feel very strongly that we ourselves, in some part or manner, also have died.

The pain of one part of humankind is the pain of the whole of humankind. And the human species and the planet Earth are one body. What happens to one part of the body happens to the whole body.

An event such as this reminds us of the impermanent nature of our lives. It helps us remember that what’s most important is to love each other, to be there for each other, and to treasure each moment we have that we are alive. This is the best we can do for those who have died; we can live in such a way that they continue, beautifully, in us.

Here in Seattle and at our (faith) centers all over the world, our brothers and sisters will continue to chant (pray) for you, sending you the energy of peace, healing and protection. Our prayers are with you.

Thich Nhat Hanh

ADDED 12:50 AM: Two photos by David Rosen of SlickPix Photography: