Creating Peace: International Day of Non-Violence

Today, October 2nd, is the International Day of Non-Violence. The date was chosen because it is Mahatma Gandhi's birthday (1869 - 1948). This observation was established last year by the United Nations General Assembly. Gandhi's non-violent methods of civil action greatly helped his nation and inspired many generations of people. His influence is still felt and his legacy continues to inspire. One of my favorite Gandhi quotes, simply states:

"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony."

Just as man can create conflict, man can create peace. Sometimes we feel so overwhelmed, as the problem seems so large, we think "What can I do to create a peaceful world?" To that, I say:

Peace on Earth, begins with Peace within yourself.

Just like Gandhi's quote, this other quote reminds us that the first step to peace is within ourselves. We cannot contribute to peace externally, if we cannot first find peace within.

The Peace Abbey

This past Sunday, I attended the annual Peace Abbey event with the Boston Vegetarian Society. The Peace Abbey is a very unique place, located in Sherborn, MA, about 30 minutes west of Boston. I urge you to read more about it at http://www.peaceabbey.org/abbey/about.htm and to please consider making a donation, as they are in financial crisis and it would be nothing short of a tragedy if they were unable to continue their work, especially on their beautiful grounds, out in the country.

With many beautiful works of art (paintings, photographs, sculptures), especially busts of famous people who've worked on behalf of peace and justice, including Mother Theresa, Robert Kennedy and John F. Kennedy and more, it is such a peaceful and calming place to spend time. Both inside their two buildings and outside on the grounds, you see beautiful plaques, prayers and dedications, such as their beautiful Gandhi statue and their life size sculpture of Emily the Cow (which was dedicated back in June 2005). You can also go into their prayer room and see many spiritual books and pictures and quietly reflect. Outside on the grounds, you can meet some of their rescued animals, including Lilly the pony, who most certainly looks like a unicorn (sans horn) or their two sheep, two goats and their pig and cow.

It is truly a maginficent place, which has been visited by the likes of Mother Theresa, Rosa Parks, Muhammad Ali, Thich Nhat Hanh and Senator Ted Kennedy, just to name a few.

During our event on Sunday, we enjoyed a talk by Will Tuttle, author of "The World Peace Diet". Originally from Concord, MA, Will has been travelling the country since the early 1970s and lived for a period in Korea, where he was trained as a Dharma Master in the Zen tradition. He has a PhD from the University of California (Berkley) and has taught college courses in creativity, humanities, mythology, and philosophy in the US and abroad. He is a columnist for Veg News magazine (of which I am a faithful subscriber) and he is an accomplished musician and a published writer. Before and after his lecture, he played two pieces of original music he composed, on the grand piano and the sound was magnificent. He is truly a gifted, talented, dynamic human being and I was very inspired by him. To learn more, to order his book "The World Peace Diet" or to order his CD or to see his wife's amazing artwork (available for purchase too), go to http://www.willtuttle.com/.

Consider a visit to the Peace Abbey! Guests are always welcome. It might just change the way you see things......