Sikh Temple victims remembered at Hindu Temple vigil
PEWAUKEE -- In the wake of Sunday's shooting at the Sikh Temple in Oak Creek, The Hindu Temple of Wisconsin held a prayer vigil on Thursday, August 9th to remember the six killed and pray for the three critically wounded when 40-year-old Wade Michael Page entered the temple and opened fire.
The mood inside Thursday night's vigil at the Hindu Temple of Wisconsin was somber, yet uplifting as people remembered the victims and most importantly, the values and morals they upheld.
Hundreds of Hindu devotees and community members of various faiths packed the Hindu Temple of Wisconsin. Although the Hindu religion is quite different from the Sikh faith, some core beliefs are very similar.
"We all feel very sentimental and very emotional and very strong and bond together. We are a very peace-loving people. We like harmony,"
Through spiritual song and humble prayer, those inside the Hindu Temple reflected and prayed for those impacted by Sunday's shooting. The gunman took six lives and affected far more.
"Everyone wants to just brighten the life of the family members -- the ones who lost their friends, family members, brothers, sons, moms. How it hurts. Maybe that candle may brighten the life of the ones who have lost something,"
The lighting of a special candle for the victims had a deep significance.
"All the souls that have departed will attain heaven and then have a reincarnation in a very much better life,"
Hindu priests offered mantras, speaking of hope that many devotees feel should be echoed throughout the world.
"I just want people to love other people and let them live peacefully,"
The hope of one attending the vigil was to spread knowledge, understanding and unification.
"We need to rebound more strong, build more courage and more education,"
Personal donations and this week’s collections from the Hindu Temple cafeteria will be donated to the Sikh Temple in Oak Creek.
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