Praying man

I'm sure some militant atheists will have objected to this.

Nice picture, it's good to see people sparing a thought for the dead.

Well there definitely are rabid, "militant" atheists; I've know many, who might attack this image. However, on behalf on non-militant atheists, may I say that I find it inspirational.

A touching/sad photo.

"A touching/sad photo."

Beat me to it, forinagai.

Good photo of someone in thought about the loss of people to homes, businesses to you name it. Religion or not he is doing his thing!!!

I can’t see what good he is doing but then I am not Japanese and don’t believe in here after type things. But I am sure that for those that do believe in such things it means a lot, and I wouldn’t feel I have the right to judge him or them.

Lovely photo and expresses the feelings of many. surely.

I agree with others, very nice photo.

And those monks and shinto priests right now perform an important role in giving support, spiritual guidance, etc.

Myself being agnostic but I can see how they can help.

I am not a 'believer' but I do believe in respecting others and respect the fact they believe in a higher being. It's a pity that a certain other poster doesn't have a similar respect of others.

A very good photo that just captures one human's feelings of loss. Pointless speculating about the rest of this monk's situation. The photo is powerful enough.

I am against all forms or religion, but if it can comfort some at this time then it is fine.

Nice picture. I'd rather have someone pray for me than spew unhelpful negativity. I may not be the deeply religious type, but I do believe that there are such things as miracles and karma in life. 罰 ("bachi") does happen, so beware.

forinagai, agreed!

I'm pretty negative about religion on the whole, but hey, he's hurting no one. He isn't threatening anyone with hell in the afterlife, he isn't collecting huge 'voluntary' donations without which the dearly departed will be forced to wander eternity as unquiet souls, he isn't urging violence against those who tread a different path.

So let him get on with his quiet prayer. If he's providing even a little bit of comfort to those who lost loved ones in the earthquake/tsunami, more power to him.

Carry on, young monk.

Agree with others. If this monk and other religious types can offer help and support through what they do, then all the best to them.

I have great respect for people like this who are doing selfless acts to help others.

If the action by the monk offers some form of relief and comfort to the believers, then why not? If you are one of the non-believers or are simply individuals of other religions, then just leave it at that. Why be negative about it?

czykent - Agree with you totally. Perhaps those people who choose to voice their negativity feel they are being clever or it makes them feel superior in some way? I don't really know....just a couple of ideas.

Perhaps after praying, this man, as that is what he is before he is a monk, or Japanese or 'whatever', got his hands mucky. Got shifting, helping, feeding people in need. Everything we do is a 'leap of faith' a 'commitment' to that which we want to believe, like 'knowing' the sun will rise tomorrow. Don't attack a flicker of life caught by a camera, you can contextualize the moment, but not, in this case, the man.

Buddhism is more a way of life, a philosophy than a 'religion'.

YongYang - That is a very nice way to put it... 'Don't attack a flicker of life caught by a camera, you can contextualize the moment, but not, in this case, the man.'

Little sad that people do choose to attack.

Yeah, I hear that argument about how Buddhism not being a religion a lot. It certainly has all the trappings of a religion. I guess it depends on how you define religion. A way of life? Hmmm...quite a lot of latitude in how this life can be led judging from those who claim to be Buddhists.

In the end, we all may or may not believe in "a religion", but I sure hope that most people out there believe in at least showing a sense of decency and respect and giving people at least a fair shake before knowing much about them.

eventhough i am not budhist or shintoist, it is still a poignant photo a time for reflection

Very touching. Thank you JT for giving us a beautiful photo to see. Much better than other news sites today.

If I was stuck in the Tohoku/Fukushima situation, I'd be more than pleased to see a monk or shinto practioner...helps clear the heart and mind.

very nice unlike shouganai attitude of many locals.

I've read that the grass sandals are worn during a 100 days pilgrimage series of meditative walks; and it's been suggested that prayer at its core is conversation with God as with a friend; in the face of such devastation and loss of breath, there can be great comfort in talking with Someone you trust, and in giving time and energy to meditation of compassion and hope.... it's ok; let him be;

A magnificent photograph.

A very simple picture.

Really only word other word for me describes this: Moving

For the tsunami and quakes, we have known many people were dead and missing so far. That means more wandering souls over this region based on the religion's concepts and believes so that Monks and other priests visit these areas on their wills to have prayers for these lost souls - they were dead suddenly without their relatives' presence and cares. In the picture JT post ... it is just one moment ... there are 60 second for one minute, 60 minutes for an hours, and 24 hours for a day, 7 days for a week, and 30 days or more for a month. If you are living in a cozy family, please respect other people, no matter their religions are. Thanks JT, people are moving forward.

Think this is quite a good photo .

I am a Christian but I am moved by this picture and action of this man...