To pray for quick recovery of the wounded, for Buddha to take in those deceased in the Persian Gulf war, and for a healthy, prosper and peaceful world, Hsi-Fang Temple in San Diego, California, held a Special Prayer Service for the World Peace on April 6, 2003.

The San Diego Buddhist Association and Hsi-Fang Temple are community based services that serving the Greater San Diego Community for approximately 15 years. The members of Hsi-Fang Temple come from many different nationalities and ethic groups with a strong sense of spirituality and compassion, a place to keep the Dharma in their heart.

Venerable Master Hsing Yun of the Fo Guang Shan instructed their worldwide temples, associations and followers to give humanitarian and material support and always be compassionate and caring to those suffering from the war. He states that only through mutual respect and understanding, we can proper together, through loving each other, we can live together. 

The Morning Prayer Service started at 10:00 am, with the chanting of the Amitabha Sutra, which is the Buddha of infinite light and infinite life. The main Buddha Hall filled with Devotees and guests of approximately 200 people including the family members of the Armed Forces. At 11:00 am, the service started with the Incense Offering, there was a Flower Offering by Capt. Jessie Tate, Capt. Dave Starky, who represented Admiral Betancourt, General Gallenetti respectively. After the Flower Offering, the two U.S. Navy Officers gave messages of the appreciation from Armed Forces and their family for the support and this Special Prayer Service, he also stated that as his understand, the Buddhism is promoting peace, as well as the Armed Forces. He wished all of the service personals return home soon and safe, he also wished that the Iraqi people will relief from suffering and get freedom soon. Then a goodwill card with all the attendee signatures was presented to the Armed Forces. The chanting of the Prajna Paramita Hrdaya Sutra (Heart Sutra) was followed after the card presentation. 

Venerable Man-Guei, the Executive Director of Hsi-Fang Temple, San Diego Buddhist Association prayed for peace and harmony for the mankind, along with a hope that all of the mankind could live in peace and treat each other with compassion.

After Light Offering, Lt. Col. Cindy H. Rosen of Miramar Marine Corp Air Station also spoke of support and appreciation for the His- Fang Temple, as well as commenting on portion of the Heart Sutra that she found particularly interesting.

San Diego KGTV Channel 10 provided news coverage and interviewed Lt. Col. Rosen on the event.

Albert Cummings, the Dharma follower who is the father has three sons served in Armed Forces, expressed the appreciation to Hsi-Fang Temple for this special service.