Around 300 Buddhist priests from Japan, China and South Korea gathered Wednesday at Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto for a joint sermon and prayer for world peace.

Dressed in traditional clothing, around 100 priests from each country took part in the event, with a priest representing each country giving a 20-minute sermon.

The ceremony was part of a two-day event sponsored by an organization of Japanese, Chinese and South Korean priests.

The organization, consisting of 40 Buddhist groups, was founded in 1995 and holds joint events each year. It was Japan's second time as host.

South Korea's Bub-Jang, chairman of the Chogye Order, read out a message of peace. He said that although wars caused by ideological differences seem to have declined, there are now more wars caused by conflicting interests.

"The world today has turned its back on the teachings of the Buddha," he said. "All over the world, gunshots continue to (be heard)."

Bub-Jang said priests need to work harder for peace, including calling on governments and political leaders to refrain from war.