By Patrick Robinson and David Rosen

Approximately 70 people gathered on Alki Beach Saturday night, March, 19 not to raise money but instead to "raise hope" for the victims of the Japanese earthquake, tsunami and ongoing nuclear reactor disaster.

The event, coordinated through a Facebook page stated "Take time to touch the water that connects our worlds.

The tragic earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan on March 11, 2011, brought with it a feeling of grief and fear into the hearts of the world. Let us come together to show our outpouring of support and love for the nation of Japan at this Saturday's vigil on Alki Beach in Seattle, WA. ".

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 Han

All photos by David Rosen of SlickPix Photography