July 4 2022
Exhibition organized by the Kyoto Buddhist Museum
ABSOLUTE PEACE
Japan inside the Trunk - War, Peace and Buddhism
NAGASAKI BEYOND
August 1945. At the end of a long and grueling war, atomic bombs fell on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, in one of the most atrocious massacres in the history of humanity. The areas affected by the nuclear explosions transformed into hell on earth. Many lost their loved ones in those dreadful days.
A tragic experience that, fortunately, was not repeated: after the conclusion of World War II, no conflict has seen the usage of nuclear weapons - although the plague of war has never gone extinct. In the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine, the possible usage of nuclear weaponry has been suggested..
The IT revolution of the 21th century has effectively brought the whole world closer together: humanity, however, has not become one. On the contrary, rifts and conflicts have only deepened, as the conflict recently erupted in Europe proves to a painfully clear degree..
We have thus decided that this exhibition should be held at such a time. An exhibition centered around the photo of two brothers, taken in Nagasaki shortly after the atomic bomb. We believe that this photo alone carries an importance equal to a World Heritage, and we wish to convey to all of you its message of truth and love.
More than anything, we wish to let you experience the deep changes undergone by photographer Joe O’Donnell during his mission in Japan: he arrived brimming with hostility towards the “enemy”, yet through encounters with the locals, visits to the sites struck by the bombs and, ultimately, the encounter with the two brothers in Nagasaki, he gradually had a fundamental change of heart.
“The differences between friend and enemy are nothing but mirages and illusions”
We believe that these words point to a fundamental truth, which is also shared by the teachings of the Buddha.
Buddhism preaches the discovery of true human freedom. In a world where “common sense”, political propaganda and religion limit our thoughts and values, Buddha teaches us how to be free from such constraints and discover our humanity and the invaluable importance of life.
Joe O’Donnell’s discovery, the tenuous, non-existent difference between friend and enemy, can be one of the most important points to consider when discussing war and peace.
According to Buddhism, we may find both saints or enlightened ones and demons or devils among human beings. Once the Buddha realized this possibility, they perceived the dangers and horrors it purports: human beings can become both saints and devils.
We hope that this photo exhibition, that the photo of the young boy carrying his little brother may remain forever in your heart, together with the message that any difference between “friend” and “enemy” is nothing but an illusion, a fantasy.
War does not bring us anything fruitful: victory and triumph are nothing but mirages, what remains are only resentment and scars in the hearts of the children. A chain of suffering that binds our future.
Joe O’Donnell leaves us the following words:
“They say that history repeats, but I believe that there is a history that should not be repeated.”
The earnest desire for absolute peace. From the past to the present, from the present to the future, in every direction: ABSOLUTE PEACE is something we should all seek. This is the time for our values to evolve, and I deeply believe this evolution is possible for all of us.
Let us leave behind all illusions and mirages, to seek true freedom, discover the essence of humanity and realize a world of peace.
This edition of the exhibition ABSOLUTE PEACE “NAGASAKI BEYOND” Japan inside the Trunk - War, Peace and Buddhism has been possible thanks to the aid and support of the Rimini Cartoon Club, the cultural association Issho-ni San Marino Giappone and many other friends and collaborators, to whom we offer our most heartfelt gratitude..
Arigatou gozaimasu.
Seijun Nagamatsu
Director - Kyoto Buddhist Museum
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