Have you ever heard of the Peace Bell? The monument was born in Hiroshima, Japan, and represents the desire for a more humane and peaceful world. Made from ammunition collected in conflict zones, the metal bell symbolizes the transformation of violence into peace, reconstruction and hope.
Today, there are only three original bells: the first in Hiroshima, in memory of the bombings that decimated the city in 1945. Another at the headquarters of the United Nations (UN), and finally, in the interior of São Paulo.
No, you didn’t read that wrong: one of the Bells of Peace is in São Paulo, about two hours from the capital. Find out how such a precious object ended up in São Paulo and how you can meet it in person!
Why is the Peace Bell in the interior of São Paulo?
The Peace Bell is located in Tapiraí, 135 kilometers from the city of São Paulo. The authentic object came here on the initiative of the city’s mayor, who contacted the mayor of Hiroshima, Japan, directly and asked for the bell to be donated to the municipality. The request was supported by the World Peace Bell Association, which verified the authenticity of the instrument.
Tapiraí thus received one of the three original Peace Bells in the world. The monument was cast and consecrated in Japan, and after crossing the seven seas, it was given a new home in the Ecological Sanctuary of Primordial Buddhism.
Its inauguration took place in 2015 and was attended by Nichikai Yamauchi, the 25th Supreme Pontiff of Buddhism. Thousands of people attended the celebration, which consolidated Tapiraí as a reference in cultural and religious tourism in the interior of São Paulo.
Get to know the Ecological Sanctuary of Primordial Buddhism
São Paulo’s Peace Bell couldn’t be anywhere else but the Ecological Sanctuary. Located in an Atlantic Forest reserve, the site is a haven of nature, peace and tranquillity, offering open-air services, meditation workshops, peace walks and other activities.
The Primordial Buddhism Ecological Sanctuary is located on Estrada Fernando Domingues, km 4, in Tapiraí. The place holds open services from Monday to Friday at 7am and 7pm, Saturdays at 8am and 7pm, and Sundays and public holidays at 8am. More information here!
